Maximum Plant Height Research Articles

Contrasting patterns of community-weighted mean traits and functional diversity in driving grassland productivity changes under N and P addition.

Fertilization could influence ecosystem structure and functioning through species turnover (ST) and intraspecific trait variation (ITV), especially in nutrient limited ecosystems. To quantify the relative importance of ITV and ST in driving community functional structure and productivity changes under nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) addition in semiarid grasslands. In this regard, we conducted a four-year fertilizer addition experiment in a semiarid grassland on the Loess Plateau, China. We examined how fertilization affects species-level leaf and root trait plasticity to evaluate the ability of plants to manifest different levels of traits in response to different N and P addition. Also, we assessed how ITV or ST dominated community-weighted mean (CWM) traits and functional diversity variations and evaluated their effects on grassland productivity. The results showed that the patterns of plasticity varied greatly among different plant species, and leaf and root traits showed coordinated variations following fertilization. Increasing the level of N and P increased CWM_specific leaf area (CWM_SLA), CWM_leaf N concentration (CWM_LN) and CWM_maximum plant height (CWM_Hmax) and ITV predominate these CWM traits variations. As a results, increased CWM_Hmax, CWM_LN and CWM_SLA positively influenced grassland productivity. In contrast, functional divergence decreased with increasing N and P and showed negative relationships with grassland productivity. Our results emphasized that CWM traits and functional diversity contrastingly drive changes in grassland productivity under N and P addition.

Impact of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn

An investigation was carried out at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Science, Prayagraj, (U.P.) - 211007 during the year 2022-23. The experiment was consisting of winter dawn variety of Strawberry with each comprising of ten treatments replicated thrice. Source of variables were NAA; GA3 ; BA (benzyl adenine) and combination of them with control treatment taken as eleven treatments. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design by randomizing treatments in each replication. As far as the vegetative growth, flowering, fruit yield and quality of fruit is concerned, application of different treatment of plant growth regulators significantly enhanced the Plant height, Number of leaves per plant, Petiole length, Plant spread, Days taken to first flower, Number of flowers /plant, Fruit length, Fruit width, Number of fruits/plant, Fruit set (%), Yield per plot, Total soluble solids, Total acidity, Ascorbic acid and Fruit weight at all successive stages. Maximum Plant height (24.50cm), Number of leaves per plant (20.66), Petiole length (13.83cm), Plant spread (27.16) (E-W), (26.16) (N-S) ,were recorded in successive year with T6 (GA3 100ppm)Days taken to first flower (40.00 days), Number of flowers /plant (19.33), Fruit length (61.43mm), Fruit width (38.33 mm), Number of fruits/plant (16.66), Fruit set (87.66%), Yield per plot (Kg.) (2.33 Kg) Total soluble solids (TSS) (10.17), Total acidity (%)(1.33%), Ascorbic acid (58.66 mg/ 100 g) and Fruit weight (g) (41.33 g) were recorded in successive year with T9 (BA 75ppm) and minimum vegetative growth, flowering, fruit yield and quality of fruit were observed in T0.

Performance Assessment of Scented Field Roses in Open Field Cultivation: A Case Study in Coimbatore, India

A field experiment to evaluate the performance of ten scented field roses in terms of growth and floral parameters under open field condition was carried out at Botanical Garden, Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during the year 2022-2023. Since there is a major lacuna in variety of scented field roses for cultivation in farmer’s field, the present study was undertaken to assess suitable variety for commercial cultivation under Coimbatore condition. The field experiment was carried out using Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments (Arka Sukanya, Arka Parimala, Bourbon rose type 1, Bourbon Rose type 2, Pusa Alpana, Rose Sherbet, Scent Pink, Damask rose type 1, Damask rose type 2, Andhra Red) and three replications. Results indicate a significance difference between the varieties for growth, flowering and yield characters. Experimental data revealed that the maximum plant height (68.92 cm), maximum number of shoots per plant (8.21), maximum leaves per plant (410.50), stem girth (6.28 cm), Highest chlorophyll content (58.1), Least number days for flower bud initiation (31.05), Diameter of fully opened flower (5.89 cm) and fresh flower weight (3.59 g) were seen in Bourbon rose type 1. Bourbon rose type 2 recorded maximum number of flowers per plant (41.12) and Andhra red rose recorded maximum number of petals per flower (94.89) among the evaluated varieties.

Growth and Yield of Cabbage as Influenced by Micronutrient Mixture in a Sandy Clay Loam Soil

The objective of the present study is to study the effect of various micronutrient mixtures on the growth and yield parameters of cabbage. Randomized Block Design (RBD) was used in the present study with twelve treatments and three replications. The field experiment was carried out in the farmer’s field at Boluvampatti, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) during March to June 2023. A field experiment was conducted where three different ratios of micronutrient mixtures were applied at four different levels (15 kg ha-1,20 kg ha-1, 25 kg ha -1 30 kg ha-1). The influence of the micronutrient mixture on the growth and yield parameters were investigated. The results revealed a positive and significant effect of the micronutrient mixture on the cabbage. The maximum plant height (34.1cm), Plant spread (63.9cm), no of loose leaves (22), whole plant weight (1.37kg), stem length (9.5cm), stem diameter ( 7.5 cm), root weight (28.36 g), root length (26.4) , loose leaves weight (420g), head weight (900g), yield (54 t ha -1) and Dry matter content ( 5.42 t ha -1 ) were observed in treatment t4 where ratio 1 of micronutrient was applied @ 30 kg ha-1). The results revealed positive effect of micronutrient mixture on cabbage. The yield increase over control for Ratio 1 of micronutrient mixture @ 30 kg ha-1 was 164.70% over the control followed by Ratio 3 of micronutrient mixture @ 30 kg ha-1 (147.05%).

Impact of Different Levels of NPK and Neem Cake on Soil Health under Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Var. Gomati

A field experiment was conducted during March-June (Late Zaid) 2022 at the research farm of Department Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, NAI, SHUATS, laid out in Randomized Block Design. To achieve higher growth and yield of rainy cowpea variety Gomati, it was observed that application of @ 100% NPK+ @ 100% Neem Cake has shown effective growth under Prayagraj climatic conditions but also improved significantly. physical and chemical properties of soil. This physico-chemical like Bulk density, Partical density, Pore space (%), Water Holding Capacity (%), pH, Electrical conductivity (dS m-1), Organic Carbon (%), Available Nitrogen (kg ha-1), Available Phosphorous (kg ha-1), Available Potassium (kg ha-1) were analysis. Result revealed that Soil Organic carbon content, Water holding capacity and available NPK significantly increased in after harvest of cowpea in T9, whereas Bulk density (Mg m-3), particle density (Mg m-3) and pH recorded minimum value. Therefore treatment T9 was best in terms of growth, yield and economic parameters with maximum plant height, number of branches plant-1, pods plant-1, seeds pod-1, pod yield and maximum cost benefit ratio.

Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) var. Shekhar-2

A field experiment was conducted at research farm of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (U.P.) on sandy loam soil to Assess the “Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) var. Shekhar-2” during Zaid season of 2022. The experiment consists of nine treatment combinations, comprised in randomized block design with three replications. To achieve higher growth and yield it was found application of T9 (RDF + 100% Rhizobium + 100% Biochar) has shown effective growth under Prayagraj climatic conditions. It was observed that for physical and chemical properties of soil in treatment T9 (RDF + 100% Rhizobium + 100% Biochar) were improved significantly due to the application of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Rhizobium and Biochar inputs. Bulk density (Mg m-3), Particle density (Mg m-3), Pore space (%), Water holding capacity (%), pH, Electrical conductivity (dS m-1), Organic carbon (%), Available Nitrogen (kg ha-1), Available Phosphorus (kg ha-1), Available Potassium (kg ha-1). The soil organic carbon content, Water holding capacity and available NPK significantly increased in most of the treatments after harvest of Black gram, it was observed that treatment T9 (RDF + 100% Rhizobium + 100% Biochar) was best in terms of growth, yield and economic parameters with maximum plant height, the number of branches plant-1, seeds pod-1, pod yield and maximum cost benefit ratio.

Growth Characteristics, Yield Components and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as Affected by Integrated Nutrient Management on under Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh

Field experiments were carried out at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, to investigate the influence of integrated nutrient management on wheat growth metrics, yield components, and yield during the rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23.The trial included 11 treatment combinations in a randomised block design with three replications and each treatment combination likely involves different combinations of inorganic fertilizers, organic manure, and biofertilizers. Wheat variety HD-2967 was grown with the using prescribed agronomic practices. According to investigation results the maximum plant height at maturity is 99.85 cm and 102.79 cm, the maximum number of effective tillers is 101.45 cm and 104.83, and the maximum ear length is 11.29 cm and 11.76 cm are associated with the treatment T10 [100 % NPK + S40 + Zn5 + Fe10 + Azotobacter + PSB + 5 tonne FYM] during both years of experimentation. Similarly, among the yield components and productivity parameters maximum values with regard to the number of spikelet ear-1 (22.64 and 22.95), grain ear-1 (43.11 and 46.03), 1000 grain wt. (41.17 and 42.13 gm), grain yield (48.60 and 49.93 q ha-1) and straw yield (63.15 and 67.53 q ha-1) have been observed in the treatment T10 [100 % NPK + S40 + Zn5 + Fe10 + Azotobacter + PSB + 5 tonne FYM] during both the years of the experimentation. The objective of the study to understand how different combinations of inorganic fertilizers, organic manure, and biofertilizers affect the growth and productivity of wheat, specifically the HD-2967 variety, when grown using recommended agronomic practices.

Effect of Different Levels of Foliar Spray of Water-soluble Fertilizer NPK on Growth, Yield and Quality of Curly Kale (Brassica oleracea var. Acephala)

A trial was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) during 2022 to study the “Effect of different levels of foliar spray of water-soluble fertilizer NPK on growth yield and quality of Curly Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala)”results revealed that maximum plant height, leaf area, days to germination, days to leaves picking ,number of leaves per plant, average leaves weight, yield per plot, yield per hectare, TSS and chlorophyll content were found in T6 {5% (N.P.K. 20:20:20) + 75% RDF.

Response of Vermicompost and Neem Cake on Soil Health and Yield Attributes of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) var. Pusa Naubahar

An experiment was carried out at during the Zaid season of 2021-22 at central research farm of Soil science and agriculture chemistry at different level of vermicompost and neem cake on soil health, growth and yield attributes of cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.] var. Pusa Naubahar. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatment combinations of total 27 combination consisting of three vermicompost levels (0, 50 and 100%) and neem cake (0, 50 and 100%). In soil bulk density (Mg m-3) of soil was recorded 1.18 Mg m-3, particle density (Mg m-3) of soil was recorded 2.14 Mg m-3, pH of soil after harvesting 7.56, Electrical conductivity (dS m-1) after harvesting was 0.270, Organic carbon (%) of soil after harvesting was 54.5 , available nitrogen in soil was 276.49 kg ha-1 after harvesting, available phosphorus in soil was 30.74 kg ha-1 after harvesting , available potassium in soil was 262.65 kg ha-1 after harvesting and highest was in T9 (100% NPK + 100% VC + 100% NC). It was observed that for post-harvest treatment T9 (100% NPK + 100% VC + 100% NC) was best in terms of growth, yield and economic parameters with maximum plant height 82.25 cm, number of leaves plant-1 26.19, number of branch plant-1 6.90, pods plant-1 79.50, pod yield 56.13 and maximum cost benefit ratio (C: B) of (1:2.52).

Plant Growth and Post-harvest Life of Cut Gladiolus as Influenced by Zinc Level and Corm Grade

Gladiolus is one of the most beautiful, attractive, widely cultivated and economically important flowering plants worldwide including India. The research work was carried out to investigate the effect of corm grade and soil application of zinc sulphate on growth and post-harvest parameters of gladiolus cv. Malaviya Kundan at the Horticulture Research Farm and Post-Harvest Laboratory of Department of Horticulture, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. In an experiment seven different grades of mother corm (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 cm) and zinc sulphate at three levels (15 and 30 kg/ha) along with control were used. Zinc was applied in soil at the time of field preparation. Experiment was replicated four times in Randomized Block Design. Application of ZnSO4 at 15 kg/ha was found beneficial for various growth parameters, whereas, 30 kg/ha was found beneficial for most of the post-harvest parameters. Maximum plant height and duration of flowering was achieved with ZnSO4 at 15 kg/ha, whereas, application of ZnSO4 at 30 kg/ha resulted in maximum length of the spike, total number of florets opened and total uptake of water in vase. Among the various grades, the largest corm grade, i.e. 4.0 cm was found to be the best for growth parameters. Whereas, corm grade 3.0 cm was found to be the best in respect of various post-harvest parameters. Lowest corm grade i.e. 1.0 cm failed to exhibit flower due to small size of propagule.

Varietal Evaluation of Anthurium (Anthurium andraenum) under Prayagraj Agro–climatic Conditions

An investigation was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with six treatments and four replication. The variety under test was Tropical Red, Flame, Tropical Night, Esmeralda, Acropolis and Condor. The variety Tropical Red recorded maximum plant height(cm), days to first flowering, stalk length(cm), length of spathe(cm), spathe width(cm), diameter of spandix(cm), number of flower per plant and vase life, followed the variety of Condor. The variety of Esmaralda was found least flowers and the highest number of leaves. It was evident from the investigation the Cv. ‘Tropical Red’ had superior performance over all other varieties. The finding of the present investigation can be concluded that different varieties of under-test were significantly varied in their vegetative, floral, yield and post-harvest characters. Variety V1 Tropical Red variety was performed best under this treatment and variety V6 Condor performed best under this treatment. The Tropical Red was also found in the best treatment in Economics Such as Cost of cultivation of Rs 51707, gross return Rs. 115093, Net return of Rs. 63386 and BCR ratio were 2.23.

Management of bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) of brinjal using Bacillus cereus, Trichoderma harzianum and Calotropis gigantea consortia in Bangladesh

BackgroundBacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a devastating disease of brinjal in Bangladesh. The study was targeted to evaluate the bacterial wilt management ability of microbial consortia composed of isolated and identified native Bacillus cereus, Trichoderma harzianum and Calotropis gigantea for the first time in Bangladesh.ResultsTwenty bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of the brinjal plant following serial dilution method. Among the strains, HSTUB 17 showed maximum zone of inhibition (1.5 ± 0.1 cm) against R. solanacearum in the dual culture method. Molecular characterization using 16 s rRNA partial coding sequence revealed HSTUB 17 as B. cereus. Consortia composed with the identified B. cereus HSTUB 17 (108 CFU ml−1 @ 5 ml/plant), previously isolated T. harzianum (@5 mm size of four mycelial disk/plant) and aqueous leaf extracts of C. gigantea (1:1, w/v basis @ 40 ml/plant) were applied in the root zone following soil drenching method and found to reduce bacterial wilt incidence by 74.87, 66.67 and 66.67% at 30, 50 and 70 days after transplanting, respectively, in comparison with plants received only R. solanacearum (108 CFU ml−1 @ 5 ml/plant). The single application of B. cereus HSTUB 17, T. harzianum and C. gigantea also minimized wilt incidence by 21.16–37.34, 33.33 and 21.48–28.14%, respectively, on all the days of observations. The consortia of B. cereus HSTUB 17, T. harzianum and C. gigantea also resulted in maximum plant height (56.67 cm), the number of branches/plants (10.33), the number of fruits/plants (8.33) and fruit yield (25.56 ton/ha) in comparison with the plant exposed to R. solanacearum only.ConclusionThe findings of the study revealed the potentiality of consortia composed of B. cereus HSTUB 17, T. harzianum and C. gigantea for the eco-friendly management of bacterial wilt of brinjal for the first time in Bangladesh.

Enhancing the Resistance of Quinoa to Alternaria Leaf Spot through the Application of Microalgae and Organic Manure

In order to assess the impact of an eco-friendly approach on plant development and yield of the quinoa crop, a Randomized Block Design (RBD) field experiment was carried out in Central Research Farm (CRF) at Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P. during the Rabi season of 2019-2020. Alternaria are extremely difficult to control, result in significant yield losses, and lower the economic value of the crop plants in traditional production systems. Chemical fungicides including antrocol, captan, difolaton, dithane M-45, and blitox-50 provided effective control but are harmful to the environment. Other potential management strategies for Alternaria diseases include the use of bio-control agents, therapeutic plants, other plant-based products, etc. Cow dung, goat manure, and microalgae were the organic amendments employed as treatment. The Alternaria spp. that cause Quinoa leaf spot were shown to be most susceptible to the treatment T6, which contained cow dung at a rate of 6 tons per hectare, microalgae at a rate of 2.5 kilograms per hectare, and goat manure at a rate of 3 tons per hectare. The maximum plant height (cm) at 40, 80, and 120 DAS is 62.29, 90.48, and 117.31, respectively. At 120 DAS, the same treatment produced a maximum yield of (23.45 q/ha). The same treatment yielded the highest gross return, net return, and cost- benefit ratio, which were, respectively, Rs. 70350/ha, 41326/ha, and 1:1.42. Based on the results, it was determined that cow dung at 6 tons per hectare, microalgae at 2.5 kg per hectare, and goat manure at 3 tons per hectare were the most effective pesticides against Alternaria spp. of Quinoa in Prayagraj.

Influence of Cow Based Liquid Manures and Spraying Frequency on Growth and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) Under Natural Farming

A field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) during Kharif, 2022. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), organic carbon (0.75%), available N (269.96 kg/ha), available P (33.10 kg/ha), and available K (336 kg/ha). The treatments applied were of Panchagavya (3%), Jeevamrutha (500 lit/ha), cow urine (2500 lit/ha), and spraying schedule on every 7, 10 and 14 different days. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments each replicated thrice. Based on the objectives taken maximum plant height (88.07 cm), number of total branches (5.02), number of nodules (40.87), plant dry matter accumulation (20.66 g/plant), number of pods/plant (25.67), number of seeds/pod (11.60), seed yield (1.65 t/ha), stover yield (3.89 t/ha), biological yield (5.54 t/ha) were recorded significantly higher in treatment combination of Panchagavya spraying interval at 10 days interval.

Growth Factors for a Strawberry Crop are Affected by Microalgae and Vermicompost

A Randomized Block Design (RBD) field experiment was conducted in Central Research Farm (CRF) at Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P. during the Rabi season of 2019-2020 in pots. Growth factors for a strawberry crop are affected by microalgae and vermicompost different dose of microalgae and vermicompost on number of leaves and height per plant of strawberry at 30, 60 and 90 DAT under field condition.
 The maximum number of leaves (per plant) was recorded T9 @ Microalgae 8g + vermicompost (16, 18 and 23.50 per plant, respectively) followed by T6 @ Microalgae @ 5g/pot + Vermicompost (15.75, 20.00 and 21.50 per plant, respectively) at 30, 60 and 90 DAT, respectively. The treatment T9 @ Microalgae 8g + vermicompost recorded maximum plant height (cm) (14.80, 23.03 and 28.58 cm, respectively) followed by T8 @ Microalgae @ 7g/pot + Vermicompost (14.13, 22.23 and 26.43cm, respectively) at 30, 60 and 90 DAT, respectively. Shows significant increment in the number of leaves per plant, at different intervals and all the other treatments were non-significate among each other. And all the treatments showed significant result in comparison to control treatment.

Optimizing Nutrient Management Practices for Cauliflower in Hill Zone of West Bengal: An Integrated Approach

A set of experiments was conducted at Hill Zone of West Bengal, Kalimpong for two seasons (2019 & 2020) to standardize integrated nutrient management for optimum growth and yield of cauliflower. Different organic nutrient sources, such as farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), and vermicompost (VC), were used to partially replace the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer. The treatments we used were as follows: T1= N120 P60 K60 (RDF), T2= 75% RDF+25% N through FYM (FYM@ 6 t ha-1), T3= 75% RDF+25% N through VC (VC@ 2 t ha-1), T4= 75% RDF+25% N through (PM@ 1.25 t ha-1), T5= 75% RDF+25% N through FYM + Foliar spray of B, T6= 75% RDF+25% N through FYM + Soil application of B, T7= 75% RDF+25% N through VC + Foliar spray of B, T8= 75% RDF+25% N through VC + Soil application of B, T9= 75% RDF+25% N through PM + Foliar spray of B, T10= 75% RDF+25% N through PM + Soil application of B. The treatments were set up in a randomized block design with three replication. The treatments had a significant (P<0.05) effect on cauliflower yield and soil-available macro and micronutrients due to integrated nutrient management. The maximum plant height (45.9 cm), curd wt. plant-1 (537.2 g), stalk wt. plant-1 (227.3 g), and curd yield (162.1q ha-1) was achieved with T9 treatment i.e 75% RDF+25% N through PM + Foliar spray of B. Therefore, application of 75 percent of RDF and 1.25 t ha-1 poultry manure along with foliar spray of boron at 25 and 40 days after transplanting is recommended.

Influence of Crop Establishment Methods and Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield Attributes of Wheat

An experiment was conducted in Rabi season of 2019-20 and 2020-21; consist of six crop establishment methods viz., Conventional till wheat - residue removed, Conventional till wheat - residue incorporation at 20 days before sowing (30 cm height), Conventional till wheat - mulching (6 t ha-1), Zero till wheat without residue and Zero till wheat – residue as mulch (6 t ha-1), zero till wheat- residue retention (30 cm) was assigned to main plots and weed management practices viz., weed free (weeds were removed with the help of hand weeding during entire crop period), Weedy check, Pendimethalin (1 kg ha-1, PE) fb sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (30 + 2 g ha-1, PoE) and Pendimethalin (1 kg ha-1, PE) fb iodosulfuron + carfentrazone (2.5 + 20 g ha-1, PoE) were allocated to sub plots. Among crop establishment methods, zero tillage with residue mulching @ 6 t ha-1 and among the weed management practices, Pendimethalin (1 kg ha-1, PE) fb iodosulfuron + carfentrazone (2.5 + 20 g ha-1, PoE) recorded maximum plant height and yield attributes of wheat over rest of the treatments.

Influence of SA, GA3 and Pinching on Growth and Flowering in Verbena

A field experiment was conducted to find out effect of salicylic acid (SA), GA3, pinching and their interaction on the growth and flowering attributes of verbena × hybrida. Three concentration each of GA3 (100,150 and 200 ppm) and SA (100, 150 and 200 ppm) was foliar sprayed at 21 days after transplanting to run-off stage and pinching was done at 40 days with three replications set in Randomized Block Design. Pinching treatment recorded significantly maximum no. of primary branches/plant, stem diameter, fresh weight and dry weight of leaves, fresh leaf biomass, leaf area, flower longevity, fresh weight of flower, no. of spikes/plant and peduncle length. However, no. pinching treatment recorded maximum plant height, early bud initiation and early flowering. Spraying of GA3 100 ppm resulted in early bud initiation. GA3 150 ppm recorded fresh weight of leaves, fresh leaf biomass and bud cluster diameter. However, maximum plant height, leaf area, no. of spikes/plant and peduncle length was observed with GA3 at 200 ppm. Among various doses of salicylic acid, SA 100 ppm recorded maximum stem diameter. Early flowering, maximum fresh and dry weight of flower was seen with SA 150 ppm. SA 200 ppm resulted in maximum no. of primary branches/plant and flower diameter. Significant effect of interaction between pinching and plant growth chemicals (GA3 and SA) was observed in most of the growth and flowering attributes.

Studies on Integrated Nutrient Management and Growth Regulator Application on Production, Productivity, Quality and Economics of Processing Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at the Students’ Research Farm, Khalsa College, Amritsar during rabi season of 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments viz., T1 (Control), T2 (100% RDF), T3 (70% RDF + 30% FYM), T4 (70% RDF + 30% Compost), T5 (70% RDF + 30% Poultry manure), T6 (70% RDF + 30% FYM + Mepiquat chloride @ 1250 ml/ha), T7 (70% RDF + 30% Compost + Mepiquat chloride @ 1250 ml/ha), T8 (70% RDF + 30% Poultry manure + Mepiquat chloride @ 1250 ml/ha), T9 (33.3% FYM + 33.3% Compost + 33.3% Poultry manure) and T10 (25% RDF + 25% FYM + 25% Compost + 25% Poultry manure + Mepiquat chloride @ 1250 ml/ha) with three replications. The data obtained revealed that treatment T2 (100% RDF) obtained higher number of stems/hill being statistically identical with all the treatments except T10, T9 and T1. Maximum plant height, LAI and haulm DMA were recorded in T2 which was statistically at par with T3, T4 and T5 and significantly superior to the rest of the treatments. The yield attributes and yield viz., number of tubers/plant, average tuber weight, processable tuber grade and total tuber yield was recorded significantly higher in T2 than all other treatments but remained statistically at par with T6, T7 and T8. Regarding the quality parameters, all the treatments showed non-significant variation except tuber dry matter content which was found significantly higher in T1 and lower in T2. The highest gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were also obtained in treatment T2 followed by T8.

Viability and responsiveness of several varieties of brown rice to salinity stress on a seedbed

This study aims to determine the viability and responsiveness of several varieties of brown rice to salinity stress on seedbeds. The study was conducted from December 2019 to January 2020. The study used a factorial randomized block design, namely varieties and soil salinity levels. The brown rice varieties (V) tested were: Inpari 24 (V1), Pamelen (V2) and Pamera (V3), then the level of soil salinity (S), consisting of S0 = 0, S1 = 4-5 dS/m2, S2 = >5-6 dS/m2 and S3 = >6-7 dS/m2 soil, each with 3 replications. The parameters observed were maximum growth potential, germination, vigour index, plant height, root length, root volume, and salt injury score. The results showed that salinity stress significantly affected all observation parameters. Different varieties produced different responses to salinity stress for maximum growth potential, germination, and root volume parameters. The interaction between the two treatments also significantly affected all observation parameters, and the Inpari 24 variety was the most adaptive to salinity stress on the seedbed.