Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Research Articles

Cost Economics Study of Tomato Production under Poly House and Open Field Cultivation

The studies was performed by conducting the field experiments under polyhouse and open field at the Instructional Farm of Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Dr.Annasaheb Shinde College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri during rabi seasons of 2013-14.These experiments state that the best practice found in different environmental conditions (Polyhouse and open field cultivation.) can be adopted for maximum economic returns from tomato cultivation. Polyhouse tomato cultivation was found best alternative tomato cultivation during rabi season to obtain maximum yield, net return and benefit:cost ratio. The combitation of 0.95ETc x 125 % RD (I1x F1) recorded maximum yield (437.98 tha-1) under polyhouse cultivation and (149.98 tha-1)under open field cultivation. The maximum net income was found due to T1 (0.95ETc x 125 %RD) treatment i.e. ₹ 2,95,210/- under polyhouse cultivation and in case of open field cultivation the maximum net income was found ₹ 5,527/- and benefit:cost ratio was found 3.29 under polyhouse and 1.13 under open field cultivation.

Genetic Analysis of Calf Survivability in Gir Crossbreds

Data of Gir crossbred calves, maintained at Research cum Development Project on Cattle, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, for a period from 2005 to 2019 was collected to study effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on survivability traits of calf. The traits studied were cumulative survivability within 0 to 15 days, 0 to 30 days, 0 to 90 days, 0 to 180 days and 0 to 365 days. The least square means of cumulative survivability per cent of Gir crossbred calves at 0 to 15, 0 to 30, 0 to 90, 0 to 180 and 0 to 365 days were 83.27±2.16, 75.40±2.57, 62.29±2.99, 53.96±3.16 and 52.16±3.17, respectively. The period of birth had significant (P<0.05) effect on cumulative survivability trait at ages viz., D 0-30, D 0-90, D 0- 180 and D 0-365. Parity of dam and season of birth had non-significant effect on cumulative calf survivability traits. Significant (P<0.05) effect of calves’ sex on survivability traits was recorded at 0- 15, 0-30, 0-90, 0-180 and 0-365 days. Birth weight of calf had significant (P<0.01) effect on cumulative calf survivability at 0-15 and 0-30 days after birth. The paternal half sib method was use to estimate heritability for cumulative survivability traits the values were low in magnitude, ranged from 0.06 to 0.113. The genetic correlation between cumulative survivability traits ranges between 0.38 to 0.95. Survivability patterns of calves with different genetic groups in Gir crossbred calves showed non significant effect.

Effect of Different Nutrient Combinations on Quality of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. Var. Saccharata.)

A field experiment was conducted at Post Graduate Instructional Farm, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, India, during Rabi season 2020. The trial was laid out in Randomised Block Design with nine treatments replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental plot was clay loamy, medium in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, and high in available potassium. The sowing was done on 24 November 2020. The general recommended dose of fertiliser applied was 120:60:40 N: P2O5: K2O kg ha-1+ 10 t FYM ha-1. Application of 125% general recommended dose of fertiliser along with a foliar spray of 2% 19:19:19 NPK at 30 and 45 DAS recorded significantly higher crude protein content in cob and stover (11.12%, 5.18%), Protein Yield (1878 kg ha-1).

Bioconsortia: A Potential Ecofriendly Bio-Based Product to Enhance the Productivity of the Green Gram

The present investigations on the studies to see the effect of seed biopriming with bacterial consortia in green gram were conducted in a field experiment employing randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications during kharif season 2022-2023 at the Post Graduate Institute, research farm of the Department of Plant Pathology and Agricultural Microbiology, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. The result revealed that, among the treatment, T4 recorded the highest average plant height (65.66 cm) and average number of leaves (22.79 plant-1), average number of branches (5.23), average number of pods (30.93), average grain yield (9.18 q ha-1), average stalk yield (24.25 q ha-1) and 1000 seed weight i.e. test weight (33.78 g).

Assessing the Productivity and Economic Sustainability of Banana Cultivation under Diverse Colored Plastic Mulches in Western Maharashtra Region of India

Aims: Banana is a heavy feeder of the nutrients. It is therefore, essential to study the crop with respect to color plastic mulches and irrigation scheduling. In this study, the effect of various colored plastic mulches on the growth and quality parameters of banana crop along with its economic feasibility was assessed.
 Study Design: This experiment followed a Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with nine treatments (T1 to T9), each with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra for the period of one year (crop cycle of banana).
 Methodology: Different color plastic mulches in combination with varying irrigation schedule were evaluated for growth and yield of banana crop. Various growth parameters of banana crop, yield, micrometeorological parameters, water use efficiency and cost economics of banana production were evaluated for the different treatments.
 Results: The highest banana yield recorded was 84.45 tons per hectare, and this was achieved using silver-black plastic mulch in conjunction with daily drip irrigation set at 48% of the Pan Evaporation (Ep) rate, referred to as treatment T3. Treatment T3 led to 37% increase in banana yield compared to surface irrigation with 1.00 Irrigation Water to Cumulative Pan Evaporation (IW/CPE) ratio (treatment T9). The seasonal water requirement for banana cultivation with treatment T3 amounted to 1015 mm, resulting in an impressive water use efficiency of 83.18 kg ha-1 mm-1. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values exhibited a range from 0.3895 during the initial growth stage of the banana to 0.8918 at the peak growth stage.
 Conclusion: From an economic perspective, the utilization of silver-black plastic mulch emerged as the best choice among all treatments, boasting the highest benefit to cost ratio of 2.34 and yielding the maximum net income of ₹ 3, 86,286 per hectare.

Effect of Pre-harvest Sprays of Insecticides/Botanicals for Control of Pulse Beetle Infestation and Seed Weight Loss in Mung Bean during Storage

Field-cum-laboratory experiment was conducted to study the effect of pre-harvest spray of insecticides and botanicals for control of pulse beetle in mung bean at Seed Technology Research Unit, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, during kharif 2020 and summer 2021 with four treatments of pre-harvest spray of insecticides and botanicals and two genotypes of mung bean (Phule Vaibhav and BM 2003-2). The results noticed that, pulse beetle infestation and seed weight loss differed significantly due to pre- harvest spray of insecticides. The lowest number of pulse beetle infestation (%) and seed weight loss (%) were recorded in treatment Emamectine Benzoate@ 0.3 ml/L followed by Neemazal 10000 ppm @ 4 ml/L. In case of genotypes lower number of Pulse beetle infestation and seed weight loss were recorded in Phule Vaibhav as compared BM 2003-2. Among the interaction effect significantly lowest pulse beetle infestation as well as seed weight loss was observed with pre-harvest spraying of Emamectine Benzoate@ 0.3 ml/L in Phule Vaibhav to check the infestation of pulse beetle during storage up to 270 day.

Evaluation of Different Genotypes of Quinoa (Chenopodium Quinoa Willd.) for Yield and Yield Contributing Parameters

The present investigation, "Evaluation of different genotypes of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) for yield and yield contributing parameters", was conducted to characterize the quinoa genotypes for different quantitative parameters. The experiment comprised thirteen genotypes, and accordingly, a trial was conducted. The experiment was conducted during Rabi, 2018, using Randomized Block Design with three replications under field conditions at All India Coordinated Research Network on Potential Crops, Department of Agricultural Botany, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri. Observations were recorded on five randomly selected plants in each treatment for branches per plant, inflorescence length (cm), inflorescence width (cm), seed yield/ plant (g), seed yield/plot (kg) and seed yield/ha (qtl). Among the genotypes, EC – 507749 (28.43 qtl/ha) recorded the significantly highest seed yield per hectare, which was followed by EC – 507747 (27.59 qtl/ha) & EC – 507743 (26.20 qtl/ha). The increase in seed yield per hectare was due to the increase in inflorescence length (27.06 cm), inflorescence width (22.63 cm) and branches per plant EC – 507749 (42.26).

Organic Methods of Weed Control in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Cultivation- Alternative to Conventional Chemical Control

The current study, named "Development of organic farming package for brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)," was carried out at the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth's Research Farm in Rahuri, District of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra (India), during the kharif seasons of 2017 and 2018. Due to weed free treatment followed by mechanical (hoeing) intercultivation and pulling of weeds at 20 days intervals from 20 to 80 days after transplanting of brinjal 2017 and 2018, monocot and dicot weed intensity, category wise weed density (grasses, broad-leaved weeds, sedges), and total dry matter of weeds were significantly at lower magnitudes and weed control efficiency was at higher magnitudes. Weed index was also significantly lower. The mechanical (hoeing) intercultivation method followed by weed-free culture resulted in significantly higher parameters for growth for brinjal.

Biochemical and Morphological Assessment of Rabi Sorghum Genotypes for Shootfly Resistance

The present investigation was conducted at Sorghum Improvement Project and Department of Biochemistry, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India during rabi 2019–20 for assessment of rabi sorghum genotypes for shootfly through biochemical perspective. Sorghum is an important food and fodder crop of dry land agriculture. The experimental material consisted of 11 sorghum genotypes viz; RSV 1628, RSV 1023, RSV 1910, RSV 2371, RSV 1945, RSV 1838, RSV 2025, RSV 1918, RSV 1988, RSV 2391, RSV 1941, three varieties viz., Phule Vasudha, Phule Revati, M-35-1, three shootfly resistant checks viz., RSV 1188, IS 18551, RSE 3 and a susceptible check i.e. DJ 6514. The experiments were conducted under pot culture and field conditions at different stages. Resistance against shootfly in sorghum was governed by the physical and chemical genes. The morphological characters like trichome density, oviposition and dead heart percentage and biochemical attributes like polyphenol oxidase, peroxidise and chlorophyll content can be used as marker traits in shootfly resistance breeding programme to broaden the genetic base and increase the levels of resistance to sorghum. The sorghum genotype RSE 3, RSV 1945, RSV 1941, RSV 1188, and RSV 2371 recorded higher polyphenol oxidase activity at 28 DAE as compared to other genotypes. So, these sorghum genotypes are good source for shootfly resistance breeding. The genotype RSE 03, RSV 1941 and RSV 1188 exhibited positive results for shootfly resistance and can be used as donor for shootfly breeding programme.

Effect of harvesting stages (H), varieties (V), foliar spray treatments (T) and their interactions on pod characteristics in soybean

The present study was carried out under the field and laboratory conditions at Post Graduate Institute Research Farm and Seed Technology Research Unit, Department of Agricultural Botany, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar (M.S.) during kharif season 2017 and 2018. Two varieties of soybean viz., V1 - KDS-726, and V2 - KDS-344 were used for the study. The foliar spray with antioxidants viz., T1- Ascorbic acid (100 ppm), T2- Salicylic acid (100 ppm), T3- Humic acid (2000 ppm), T4- Pyridoxine (100 ppm), T5- Salicylic acid (100 ppm) + Ascorbic acid (100 ppm) along with T0- Control. The crop was harvested at three harvesting stages viz., H1- at physiological maturity, H2- 5th days after physiological maturity and H3- 10th days after physiological maturity. The experiment was conducted in Split Factorial Design with three replications. The pod characteristics viz., length of pods, diameter of pods and pod wall thickness were recorded in laboratory higher length of pods (4.52 cm), diameter of pods (7.93 cm) and pod wall thickness (0.306 mm), were recorded in variety KDS-726 (V1) irrespective of foliar application of antioxidants and harvesting stages.

Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting calf survivability in Gir crossbreds

Data on survivability traits of Gir crossbred calves, maintained at RCDP on Cattle, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra was collected for a period of 15 years (2005-2019) to study effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on survivability traits of calf. Traits studied were survivability at day 0-3, 4-15, 16-30, 3-90, 91-180 and 181-365 days. To determine the effects of genetic and non-genetic factors on survivability traits, least squares analysis of variance (Harvey, 1990) was applied, considering the fixed effects like genetic group, season and period of birth, parity of dam and birth weight of calves. The least square means of survivability per cent of Gir crossbred calves at 0-3, 4-15, 16-30, 31-90, 91-180 and 181-365 days were96.17±0.80, 86.17±2.12, 89.23±2.03, 80.39±2.89, 83.41±3.02 and95.61±1.79 per cent, respectively. The significant (P<0.05) effect of period of birth was found on calf survivability trait at different ages viz. days 31-90 and days 181-365. Parity of dam had non-significant effect on calf survivability traits of the Gir crossbred calves. Significant (P<0.05) effect of season of birth on calf survivability was observed only at 0-3 days age survivability trait. Significant (P<0.05) effect of sex of calves on survivability traits was recorded at 0-3, 4-15, 16-30 and 31-90 days. In the present study, birth weight of calf had significant (P<0.01) effect on calf survivability at 0-3 days after birth. The non-significant effect was reported among the survivability patterns of calves with different genetic groups

Impact Assessment of Soil and Water Conservation Measures on Carbon Sequestration: A Case Study for the Tropical Watershed Using Advanced Geospatial Techniques

A sustainable method for protecting natural resources is the adoption of recommended soil and water conservation (SWC) measures. SWC measures are well recognized for their effective soil protection and water harvesting. Unfortunately, their significance in climate change mitigation has yet to receive global attention. The present study was conducted to highlight the applicability of SWC measures for carbon management in watersheds. In this study, the impact of SWC measures on land cover, soil erosion, carbon loss, and carbon sequestration were investigated using advanced techniques of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS). The study was conducted in the Central Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV) campus watershed, located in the rainfed region of Maharashtra, India. The watershed is already treated with various scientifically planned SWC measures. Following the implementation of conservation measures in the watershed, average annual soil loss was reduced from 18.68 to 9.41 t ha−1yr−1 and carbon loss was reduced from 348.71 to 205.52 kgC ha−1yr−1. It was found that deep continuous contour trenches (DCCT) constructed on barren, forest, and horticultural land have the soil carbon sequestration rates of 0.237, 0.723, and 0.594 t C ha−1yr−1, respectively, for 0–30 cm depth of soil. Similarly, compartment bunds constructed on agricultural land have a soil carbon sequestration rate of 0.612 t C ha−1yr−1. These findings can be of great importance in the planning and management of climate-resilient watersheds.

Effect of Feeding Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) Root Powder on Quantity of Milk in Crossbred Cows

Background: Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) recommended as a galactagogue in case of lactational insufficiency. Shatavari can also help to boost the immune system, ward off infection of the udder and reproductive organs in cows. It may also be used to reduce the stress of dairy cows and increase their producing ability, resulting in the production of clean and nutritious milk. Methods: The present research work was carried out at the Research cum Development Project, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Dist- Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Twenty physically fit milking crossbred cows have been selected for the study and divided into four equal groups, five having five animals each. All the cows from treatment groups were fed as per ICAR (2013) feeding standard to meet the nutritional requirement. The experimental animals from group T1, T2, T3 and T4 were fed a diet containing shatavari root powder @ 0, 40, 80 and 120 gm/cow/day respectively for a period of 60 days. Result: At the time of milking, each cow’s daily milk output (kg) was recorded. The current study found that supplementing with shatavari root powder enhanced milk production significantly (P less than 0.05) over the control group (T1).

Identification of the race of root knot nematode by differential host test method

Root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) cause major damage to the fruit crops, vegetable crops and field crops. Infected plants showed declined symptoms and poor fruit yield also displayed stunting and yellowing symptoms. In order to choose appropriate management control techniques, nematode diagnosis and specimen identification must be accurate, quick and precise. The population of the nematode obtained from the experimental field of Post Graduate Institute, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri were assessed for their host-race status by the differential host test which relies on the combination of resistant and susceptible reactions of six differential hosts to the nematode population. Result revealed that the nematode population infected tobacco (NC 95), pepper (California Wonder), watermelon (Charleston grey), tomato (Rutgers) and unable to reproduce on cotton (Deltapine- 16) and peanut (Florunner) which indicated presence of race 2 of Meloidogyne incognita.

Evaluation of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Genotypes for Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics

The investigation was carried out at Research Farm of the Tomato Improvement Scheme, Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri during the summer season of 2020. The data exhibited significant variations in 36 tomato genotypes for different qualitative and quantitative characters. The maximum plant height (124.59cm) was recorded in the genotype RHRT-15-21.The genotypes RHRT-15-4, RHRT-15- 17, RHRT-15-19, RHRT-15-20, RHRT-15-21, RHRT-17-1, RHRT-17-2 and RHRT-17-5 were observed indeterminate plant growth habit. The maximum number of branches plant-1 observed in RHRT-15-4. Genotype RHRT-15-7 and RHRT-15-4 were found early flowering which required 30 and 31 days for 50% flowering,respectively.Number of fruits plant-1 recorded highest in RHRT-15-4 and RHRT-15-23. The maximum polar diameter of the fruit was recorded by the genotype RHRT-15-3 (6.91cm) followed by RHRT17-9, RHRT-17-4 and RHRT-15-14. The maximum equatorial diameter shown by RHRT-17-9 (5.96cm) followed by RHRT-15-23 and RHRT-15-4, respectively. The fruit yield plant-1 of tomato evaluated varied significantly among the 36 genotypes, ranging from 0.68 to 1.93 kg plant-1. The general mean value of genotypes was 1.15 Kg. The minimum fruit yield plant-1 was recorded with genotype RHRT-17-10, while maximum with genotype RHRT-15-4. The genotype RHRT-15-4 gave the highest yield of 51.57 t ha-1. The highest TSS content of fruit was recorded with the genotype RHRT-15-24. The findings of this study may provide valuable information about phenotypic characteristics of tomato genotypes for crop improvement programme, vegetable experts and vegetable growers under summer season.

Yield Prediction of Sunflower Using Regression Equation Under Changing Rainfall Situation in Scarcity Zone of Maharashtra

Present investigation entitled “Yield Prediction of sunflower using regression equation under changing rainfall situation in scarcity zone of Maharashtra.” was carried out during 2016-20 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Solapur, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri Maharashtra State (India). The experiment was conducted in split plot design with three replications. Nine treatment combinations were formed considering different cultivars viz., V1 Bhanu, V2 MSFH-17 and V3 Phule Bhaskar and sowing windows viz., (S1) 2nd fortnight of June (25th - June), (S2) - 2nd fortnight of July (27th - July), (S3) - 2nd fortnight of August (24th - August). Among the three sunflower sowing window crop sown in second fortnight of July (S2) produced significantly highest grain yield (1377.9 kg ha-1) and total monetary returns (52,154/- kg ha-1), CUM (326 mm), MUE (4.33 Kg ha-1 mm), GDD (19170 days), RUE July (1.79 g MJ-1) than other dates of sowing. Among the genotypes Phule Bhaskar produced significantly higher grain yield (1200.0 kg ha-1), total monetary returns (Rs. 44675/- ha-1), CUM (314.8 mm), MUE (4.23 Kg ha-1 mm), mean number of days to attain physiological stages (92 days), GDD (18150 days).The correlation study revealed that the wind speed had significant positive correlation at emergence phase (P1) and 3 leaf stage (P2). Tmax had significant positive influence and RH-I, RH-II and RF has significant negative influence at button phase (P3).Under changing rainfall situation sowing of Kharif sunflower contingent crop in second fortnight of July i.e. 16th July to 29th July (MW 30-31) in medium deep soil of scarcity zone of Maharashtra is recommended. Following regression equation based on weather parameters for predicting the yield (prior to 2 weeks) is recommended. Yield=- 86.802-3.860 x Tmin + 2.332 x RH-1-0.182 x RH-2 -0.076 x RF +0.370 x Epan

Effect of integrated weed management on quality seed production in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

The experiment entitled, “Effect of integrated weed management on quality seed production in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)” was carried out during summer 2021 at All India Coordinated Research Project on Vegetable Crops, Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (Maharashtra). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. There were eleven treatments viz., T1: Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin @ 0.75 Kg a.i./ha, T2: Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin @ 0.75 Kg a.i./ha + one hand weeding 25 DAS, T3: Post emergence application of Quizalofop @ 40 g/ha 25 days after sowing, T4: Post emergence application of Quizalofop @ 40 g/ha 25 days after sowing + one hand weeding 45 DAS, T5: Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin @ 0.75 Kg a.i./ha + T3, T6: T5 + one hand weeding 45 DAS, T7:Mulching with silver black polyethylene, T8: Organic mulch, T9: Hand weeding 25 and 45 DAS, T10: Weed free check, T11: Weedy check (Control). Among all the treatments, significantly maximum seed yield per vine (35 g), seed yield per plot (700.00 g), seed yield per ha (466.65 kg) and seed vigour index II (16864.7) were found in treatment T7 - Mulching with silver black polyethylene followed by T10- Weed free check. However, the highest 1000 seed weight (27.18 g), higher speed of germination (28.95) and maximum germination percentage (90.00%), and higher seed vigour index I (2415.00) were recorded in treatment T7 - Mulching with silver black polyethylene which were at par with the treatment T10 - Weed free check. As there were no weeds in T10 - Weed free check treatment since the weeds were being removed and this treatment was kept weed free throughout the growing period of crop. The number of weeds (m-2) at 30, 60, 90 days after sowing were found lowest in T7 - Mulching with silver black polyethylene which was at par with the treatment T6 -Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha + T4.However, T11-Weedy check was found highest number of weeds per m2 at 30, 60 and 90 DAS during summer. Lowest weed index (-20.90%) recorded in T7 - Mulching with silver black polyethylene followed by treatment T6 - Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin @ 0.75 Kg a.i./ha + Post emergence application of Quizalofop-ethyl @ 40 g/ha 25 days after sowing + one hand weeding 45 DAS (3.29%). Cent per cent weed control efficiency was recorded in treatment T10 - Weed free check at 30, 60 and 90 DAS as the weeds were removed frequently and this treatment was kept weed free throughout the growing period of crop. Significantly higher weed control efficiency at 30, 60 and 90 DAS was observed in treatment T7 - Mulching with silver black polyethylene (89.73%, 86.81% and 83.72%, respectively) followed by the treatment T6 - Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin @ 0.75 Kg a.i./ha + Post emergence application of Quizalofop-ethyl @ 40 g/ha 25 days after sowing + one hand weeding 45 DAS (88.69%, 85.63% and 81.78%, respectively).

Effect of Changing Rainfall Situation on Yield of Pearl millet in Medium Deep Soil of Scarcity Zone of Maharashtra

The present invitation entitled “ Effect of changing rainfall situation on yield of pearl millet in medium deep soil of scarcity zone of Maharashtra.” was carried out during 2016-20 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Solapur, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra (India). The experiment was conducted in split plot design with three replications. Nine treatment combinations were formed considering different cultivars viz., V1(ICTP-8203), V2 Mahyco Hybrid and V3 Dhanashakti and sowing windows viz., (S1) 2nd fortnight of June (25th June), (S2) - 2nd fortnight of July (27th-July) S3 - 2nd fortnight of August (24th - August). Among the three pearl millet sowing window crop sown in second fortnight of July (S2) produced significantly higher grain yield (1518.9 kg ha-1), biomass yield (2658.1 kg ha-1), total monetary returns (Rs. 33090 ha-1),CUM(383.7 mm), (MUE) (3.95 Kg ha-1 mm), GDD (1941-20610 days) and RUE (1.19g MJ-1) than other sowing dates. Among the genotypes Dhanashakti produced significantly higher grain yield (1369.9 kg ha-1), biomass yield (2525.5 kg ha-1) and total monetary returns (Rs. 29994 ha-1) than other cultivars. Under changing rainfall situation sowing of Kharif pearl millet contingent crop variety Dhanashakti upto 02nd September (Meteorological week no. 34-35) in medium deep soil of scarcity zone of Maharashtra is recommended for more sustainability in production. Following regression equation based on weather parameters for predicting the yield (prior to 2 weeks) is recommended. ÖYield= -101.38 + (-0.21 x Tmin) + (2.49 x RH-1) + (-1.34 x RH-2) + (0.08 x RF).

Consumptive Use, Water Use Efficiency and Moisture Extraction Pattern of Summer Pearl Millet in Western Maharashtra as Influenced by Sowing Times and Irrigation Regimes

A field experiment was conducted during summer 2010 and 2011 at Water Management Project Farm, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahemadnagar, Maharashtra, India to find out appropriate sowing times and irrigation regimes for summer pearl millet. Twelve treatment combinations were investigated in this study: four with sowing times including D1 - 6th MW (5th - 11th February), D2 - 8th MW (19th - 25th February), D3 - 10th MW (5th - 11th March) and D4 - 12th MW (19th - 25th March) and the remaining three treatments were of irrigation regimes I 1 - 100 mm CPE, I 2 - 125 mm CPE and I 3 - 150 mm CPE. Irrigation water for all treatments was precisely supplied using Replouge flume. The consumptive use of water was more in 8th MW (394.2 mm) followed by 6th MW (391.0 mm) and 10th MW (382.2 mm). The consumptive use of water was more in 100 mm CPE irrigation regime (443.47 mm), followed by 125 mm (379.67 mm) and 150 mm CPE (321.0 mm) irrigation regime. Whereas, reverse trend was noticed for water use efficiency was more in 150 mm CPE (8.16 kg ha-1 mm-1) irrigation regime. The soil moisture extraction was more from middle soil moisture layer of 15-30 cm in 6th MW followed by sowing of crop in 8th, 10th and 12th MW during both the years. The soil moisture extraction from surface layer of 0-15 cm was more with 100 mm CPE irrigation regime owing to adequate moisture supply followed 125 mm CPE and 150 mm CPE irrigation regime during both the years. The sowing of summer pearl millet in 8th MW increased grain yield (30.09 q ha-1), consumptive use (394.16 mm) and net monetary returns (Rs. 25742 ha-1) while the 100 mm CPE irrigation regimes increased grain yield (29.48 q ha-1), consumptive use (443.47 mm) and net monetary returns (Rs. 23784 ha-1). Results indicated that 100 mm CPE irrigation treatment gave the highest crop yield, followed by 125 mm CPE and 150 mm CPE irrigation regimes treatments. Increasing water stress sharply decreased biomass production. Water use efficiency (WUE) was increased as inadequate water is supplied to crop (150 mm CPE irrigation regime). Results also proved that summer pearl millet sowing in 8th MW (19-25th February) and irrigating with 100 mm CPE irrigation regime treatment is a practical tool to harvest maximum crop yield, monetary benefits and water use efficiency.

Studies on Sowing Windows for Sustainable Production of Rabi Sorghum (Sorghum bicolour L.) Under Changing Climatic Condition in Scarcity Zone of Maharashtra

The field experiment was conducted at research farm, Zonal Agriculture Research Station, Solapur Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth,Rahuri for five years (2016-17 to 2020-21) in rabi on sorghum entitled as “Studies on Sowing windows for Sustainable Production of Rabi Sorghum (Sorghum bicolour L.) Under Changing Climatic Condition in Scarcity Zone of Maharashtra.” to find out most optimum meteorological week for sowing sorghum in rabi season, to study the relationship between meteorological parameters and yield by using four different sowing windows. The results were obtained from the experiment; it was found that rabi sorghum sown at MW 40 (01-07 Oct) produced maximum pooled grain yield (808.28 kg ha-1), fodder (1494.11 kg ha-1) and total monetary returns (Rs. 26633 ha-1). Among the varieties, M-35-1 was produced significantly higher grain yield (717.94 kg ha-1), fodder yield (1559.03 kg ha-1) and total monetary returns (Rs. 24968 ha-1) over the other variety. The meteorological studies showed that the mean CUM and MUE recorded by sorghum crop was 240 mm and 2.7 kg ha-1 mm. The highest CUM was recorded by S1 sown crop (282 mm) however the MUE was recorded by S3 sown crop (3.5 kg ha-1 mm). This indicated that S3 sown crop (Chitra Nakshtras) utilized moisture more efficiently than other dates of sowing. Among the variety M-35-1 recorded maximum mean CUM (266 mm) and MUE (3.1 kg ha-1 mm) than other varieties. The number of days required to attain physiological maturity and growing degree days were higher in S3 sown crop. Among the varieties it is higher in M 35-1 than Mauli and Yashoda. In case of RUE initially values were low, it increases up to 70 DAS (i.e. up to 50 percent flowering to soft dough stage) further it decreases in all most all the sowing dates.