Net Plot Size Research Articles

Response of Various Sesame Varieties under the Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Doses

A field study to evaluate the “Response of various sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties under the influence of nitrogen and phosphorus doses’’ was carried out at Oilseeds Section, Agriculture Research Institute, Tandojam during Kharif 2013. The experiment was laid out in a three replicated randomized complete block design (RCBD) factorial, having net plot size 6 × 3 m (18 m2). The treatments comprised two varieties such as S-17 and Pr-125, and six doses of NP i.e. (No fertilizer (Control), NP @ 30 - 30 kg&middotha-1, NP @ 50 - 30 kg&middotha-1, NP @ 50 - 50 kg&middotha-1, NP @ 70 - 50 kg&middotha-1 and NP @ 70 - 70 kg&middotha-1). The analysis of variance suggested that all the doses of NP affected significantly (P < 0.05) growth and yield of sesame varieties as compared to No fertilizer (Control) treatment. In the case of fertilizer doses, NP @ 70 - 70 kg&middotha-1 produced maximum plant height (102.33 cm), branches plant-1 (18.50), capsules plant-1 (42.17), seeds capsule-1 (57.67), seed weight plant-1 (37.50 g), seed index (3.10 g) and seed yield (774.17 kg&middotha-1), whereas NP @ 70 + 50 kg&middotha-1 and NP @ 50 - 50 kg&middotha-1 ranked 2nd and 3rd in all the growth and yield traits, particularly seed yield (763.50 kg&middotha-1 and 694.50 kg&middotha-1). Among sesame varieties, S-17 resulted in maximum plant height (91.89 cm), branches plant-1 (15.11), capsules plant-1 (37.06), seeds capsule-1 (50.56), seed weight plant-1 (32.00 g), seed index (2.63 g) and seed yield (682.11 kg&middotha-1), whereas variety Pr-125 resulted in minimum traits, particularly seed yield (657.56 kg&middotha-1). In the case of interactive effects, the interaction of NP @ 70 - 70 kg&middotha-1 × variety S-17 produced maximum values, particularly seed yield (782.67), whereas minimum results were recorded in the interaction of No fertilizer (Control) × variety Pr-125. Hence results concluded that the interaction of NP @ 70 - 50 kg&middotha-1 variety S-17 was found most economical for obtaining optimum yield of sesame because of non-significant differences with NP @ 70 - 70 kg&middotha-1.

Growth and Yield of Sesame (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Sesamum indicum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) under the Influence of Planting Geometry and Irrigation Regimes

A field study to evaluate the “growth and yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under the influence of planting geometry and irrigation regimes” was carried out at Oilseeds Section, Agriculture Research Institute, Tandojam located at (25°25'60N, 68°31'60E) during Kharif 2013. The experiment was laid out in a three replicated randomized complete block design (RCBD) factorial, having net plot size 3 × 3 m (9 m2). The treatments comprised three planting geometry (30 × 20 cm, 45 × 15 cm and 60 × 10 cm) and three irrigation regimes (2 irrigations at 20 and 40 DAS, 3 irrigations at 20, 40 and 60 DAS and 4 irrigations at 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS). The analysis of variance showed that all the planting geometry and irrigation regimes significantly (P -1 (15.67), capsules plant-1 (38.00), seeds capsule-1 (51.44), seed weight plant-1 (31.89 g), seed index (2.83 g), biological yield (2301.23 kg·ha-1), seed yield (742.33 kg·ha-1) and harvest index (30.44%), followed by planting geometry of 60 × 10 cm in all the parameters. However, minimum growth and yield traits of sesame were recorded under planting geometry of 30 × 20 cm. Moreover, plant height was maximum (99.89 cm) under planting geometry of 30 × 20 cm. Among irrigation regimes, four irrigations (20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS) recorded maximum plant height (103.33 cm), branches plant-1 (16.44), capsules plant-1 (41.22), seeds capsule-1 (54.56), seed weight plant-1 (33.22 g), seed index (2.92 g), biological yield (2321.21 kg·ha-1), seed yield (748.78 kg·ha-1) and harvest index (31.00%), followed by three irrigations (20, 40 and 60 DAS) almost in all the traits. However, minimum growth and yield traits of sesame were recorded when crop was applied two irrigations (20 and 40 DAS). In case of interactive effects, the interaction of planting geometry of 45 × 15 cm × four irrigations (20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS) resulted in maximum attributes, particularly seed yield (765.00 kg·ha-1), whereas minimum traits were noted in the interaction of planting geometry of 30 × 20 cm × two irrigations (20 and 40 DAS). Furthermore, the results of four and three irrigations had non-significant differences with each other means not sharing the same letter differ significantly at 0.05 probability level. Hence, it is concluded that interaction of 45 × 15 cm planting geometry and three irrigations (20, 40 and 60 DAS) is conducive to produce maximum seed yield (kg·ha-1) of sesame.

Performance of black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] varieties to different sowing dates

The field investigation entitled performance of blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] varieties to different sowing dates will be conducted during Kharif season 2012-13 at experimental farm, AICRP on Water Management, MKV, Parbhani. The experiment conducted with four sowing dates in main plot viz., D1 : Onset of monsoon (20th June), D2 : 10 days after onset of monsoon (30th June), D3 : 20 days after onset of monsoon (10th July), D4 : 30 days after onset of monsoon (20th July) and three varieties in sub plot viz., V1 -TAU-1, V2 -BDU-1, V3 -TPU-4. Gross and net plot size viz., 4.5 m x 4.4 m and 3.9 m x 4.0 m, respectively. The soil was medium black, clayey in texture, alkaline in reaction and higher in total soluble salt concentration, low in nitrogen and rich in phosphorus, potassium and lime, alkaline in reaction with high base saturation. Sowing was done by dibbling method. From the result of experiment it can be concluded that, among different sowing dates in black gram, the sowing at 20 days after onset of monsoon (10th July) was found optimum for achieving higher seed yield whenever the onset of monsoon delayed. The black gram variety BDU-1 was found highly productive as compared to TAU-1 and TPU-4.

Varietal Trials and Physiological Components Determining Yield Differences among Cowpea Varieties in Semiarid Zone of Nigeria

Field trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri (11°47.840′N; 13°12.021′E; elevation 319 m asl), in Borno State in semiarid zone of Nigeria during the 2010 and 2011 rainy seasons. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the agronomic performances of some improved cowpea varieties and to identify the physiological traits associated with high grain yield in the semiarid zone of Nigeria. The trial consisted of eight treatments, which included two local varieties, namely, Kannanado White and Borno Brown and six improved varieties, namely, IT90K-277-2, IT97K-568-18, IT89KD-288, IT97K-499-35, IT98K-131-2, and IT89KD-391. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. The gross plot size was 5.0 m × 4.0 m (20 m2) while the net plot size was 3.6 m × 3.0 m (10.8 m2). The results showed that the improved varieties, namely, IT90K-277-2, IT97K-499-35, IT98K-131-2, and IT89KD-288, had significantly higher grain yield per hectare and matured earlier to escape drought in this agroecological zone. The local varieties also had significantly heavier grains, took more days to reach first and 50% flowering, and matured later than the improved varieties. Cowpea grain yield per hectare was highly positively correlated with harvest index, shell weight, soil moisture suction measurements, shelling percentage, and grain yield per plant and also significant negative correlation between cowpea grain yield per hectare and number of days to first and 50% flowering, 100-grain weight, number of days to physiological maturity, and pod development period. The results also indicated that fodder yield per hectare was highly positively correlated with photosynthetically active radiation thereby indicating that higher photosynthetically active radiation produced higher yield of fodder.

English

Forage shortage is one of the main reason for lower meat and milk production in the country. Various forages like sorghum, millet and Guar are grown to fulfill the dietary needs of the animals in summer season. Among these fodders, sorghum is of prime importance. Different sorghum cultivars differ in growth, yield, morphology and quality attributes. This experiment was aimed to evaluate the comparative performance of different sorghum forage cultivars regarding its yield and quality attributes. The experiment was conducted at the Post Graduate Agricultural Research Station (PARS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2012. Eight forage sorghum cultivars viz. JS-2002, JS-263, MRSorghum-2011, Hegari, Pak-China-1, Sandal Bar, F-7017 and F-114 were sown in randomized complete block design with four replications having net plot size of 3m × 6m. The crop was shown on April 30, 2012. Recommended dose of fertilizer was applied. Three irrigations were applied during entire growth period of the crop. The crop was harvested when crop was at 50% heading. Sorghum cultivars differed in forage yield, dry matter yield, morphological traits and quality parameters. Maximum plant height, stem diameter, leaf weight per plant, leaf area per plant, fresh weight per plant, dry weight per plant, forage yield, dry matter yield and ash percentage were recorded in Pak-China-1 followed by F-114. Plant height, number of leaves per plant and plant population per unit area was minimum in Sandal-Bar. Crude protein and crude fiber were more in Sandal bar and F-7017 respectively as compared to other varieties.

Morphological Features, Yield Components and Genetic Relatedness of Some Wheat Genotypes Grown in Palestine

The objectives of the present study were to study the morphological characteristics, yield components, chemical compositions and genetic relatedness of six wheat Triticum spp genotypes frequently grown under rain-fed conditions at the southern highland of West-Bank, Palestine. Three local genotypes commonly known as Black-Depia, White-Depia, and White-Hetia, and three introduced ones namely Ambar, Sham-3, and Sham-5, were allocated at three different agro-ecological conditions namely Al-Arroub, Dora, and Janata using completely randomized block design, with five replications (net plot size of 25 m 2 areas per replicate). The results showed significant variations among the six wheat genotypes almost for all measured parameters (maturation and harvesting date, stem length, tillering, number of grains per spike, average spike weight, spike length, spike length with awns, weight of 100 seeds per genotypes, and total yields). Generally, local wheat genotypes presented better yield than the introduced ones. Black-Depia genotype showed the highest yield (grain plus hay) among the three examined sites therefore, it could be a promising cultivar for any further breeding program especially for drought tolerance; however, the lowest yields were obtained in Sham-5 and Sham-3 at Janata site, respectively. Regarding wheat quality parameters, no significant variations were observed for any conducted analyses, however, there were trends for higher protein contents in Sham-5 and White-Hetia genotypes. UPGMA dendrogram clustered the examined six wheat genotypes into two main clusters related to Black-Depia as an isolated genotype. The first cluster is composed of “Sham-5, White-Hetia and Sham-3 genotypes; and the second cluster consisted of White-Depia and Amber genotypes.

English

A field experiment was carried out during three consecutive years 2008 to 2009 and 2010 to 2011 at two locations; one at University research centre and another at farmers&rsquo; fields in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar district of western Uttar Pradesh, India. The objective of the study was to compare the conventional planting methods (22.5 cm) and broadcasting method of wheat sowing with drill planting method [15.0, 17.5, 20.0 cm and paired row (15:25 cm)] for grain yield and its parameters. The experiment comprised of six (15, 17.5, 20, 22.5 and 15:25 cm paired spaced rows and broad casting) treatments arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications in a net plot size of 13 &times; 8 m. The results over the years of the study revealed that, the germination were statistically at par in drill sowing at 17.5 cm apart rows and broadcasting. Better plant height was noted in drill planting with 17.5, 20 cm rows and 15:25 cm paired rows. However, number of spikelets spike-1 and number of grains spike-1 were statistically similar in drilling at 17.5, 20, and 15:25 cm paired apart rows. Similarly, 1000 grain weight was recorded in drill sowing at 20 cm and 15:25 cm paired rows. The maximum grain yield was obtained through 15:25 cm paired rows drill planting method and it was statistically at par with drill planting method where row spacing was 20 cm. Whereas, drill-planting techniques with row spacing 15 cm was inferior to broadcast method. It may be concluded that, 15:25 cm paired rows and 20 cm drill planting method is suitable for wheat sowing in sandy loam soils of irrigated areas of western Uttar Pradesh. &nbsp; Key words: Triticum aestivum L., planting methods, water productivity

Growth, Yield and Quality Performance of Pearl Millet (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pennisetum americanum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.)

Livestock industry of Pakistan is expanding day by day. To meet its growing demand high fodder yielding and nutritious varieties of fodder crops are needed. Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.) is an excellent choice for this purpose. In order to explore the possibility of the better yield potential varieties of pearl millet performed in a good manner under agro ecological conditions of Faisalabad during the year 2012. A field experiment was conducted at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Randomized complete block design was used with three replications; the net plot size was 1.8 m × 6 m. The experiment was comprised of nine millet varieties named Cholistani Bajra, Barani Bajra, MB-87, Sargodha Bajra 2011, 18-BY, Super Bajra-1, PARC-MS-2, 86-M-52 and FB-822. All other agronomic practices were kept normal and constant. Data on yield and yield components were recorded by standard procedure. Significant results were recorded among the varieties for forage growth and yield. The variety 86-M-52 produced maximum forage and dry matter yield because of more number of leaves (14), leaf area (3540.1 cm2) followed by Sargodha Bajra-2011. All cultivars have statistically significant differences in respect of quality characteristics. However, non-significant differences were observed among cultivars regarding ash contents. The cultivar Sargodha Bajra-2011 has the highest crude protein (10.347%) and the cultivar FB-822 has the minimum crude protein percentage (6.733%). While PARC-MS-2 has the highest crude fiber percentage (34.667%) but variety MB-87 has the minimum crude fiber (24.333%). Variety 86-M-52 proved better for getting higher forage yield followed by Sargodha Bajra-2011 than all other varieties. Sargodha Bajra-2011 is the best cultivar that performed well in respect of quality parameters under irrigated conditions of Faisalabad.

Morphological Basis for Yield Differences among Cowpea Varieties in the Sudan Savanna Zone of Nigeria

Field trials were conducted at two locations, namely the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri (11 o 47.840'N; 13 o 12.021'E; elevation 319 m asl) and Damboa (11 o 10.736'N; 12 o 47.100'E; elevation 398 m asl) on the trial site of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Borno State both in Sudan Savanna zone of Nigeria during the 2010 and 2011 rainy seasons. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the agronomic performances of some improved cowpea varieties and to identify the morphological traits associated with high grain yield in the Sudan Savanna zone of Nigeria. The trial consisted of eight treatments (cowpea varieties), which included two local varieties viz: Kannanado White and Borno Brown obtained from farmers in Damboa, Borno State and six improved varieties viz: IT90K-277-2, IT97K-568-18, IT89KD-288, IT97K-499-35, IT98K-131-2 and IT89KD-391 obtained from IITA stations in Kano and Maiduguri, Nigeria. The treatments/varieties were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times at each site. The gross plot size was 5.0 m x 4.0 m (20 m 2 ) while net plot size was 3.6 m x 3.0 m (10.8 m 2 ). The results showed that the improved varieties produced significantly higher number of branches, peduncles, and pods per plant and number of seeds per pod than the local varieties. However, the local varieties produced significantly longer branches and higher number of branches though similar to that of the improved IT89KD-288 variety. Averaged over both locations in both years (overall mean) the results showed that cowpea grain yield was positively correlated with number of pods per plant, peduncle length and number of peduncles per plant. Conversely, the results indicated that cowpea grain yield was significantly negatively correlated with branch length. From the study the improved varieties performed better than the local varieties in the Sudan Savanna zone of Borno State. Among the improved varieties, IT90K-277-2, IT97K-499-35 and IT98K-131-2 were outstanding in terms of grain yield per hectare.

Response of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) Cultivars to Different Tillage Practices Grown under Rice-wheat Cropping System

A field experiment was carried out to determine the effect of tillage on growth and yield of two wheat cultivars sown after rice at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, and Faisalabad during the winter season 2012-13. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having three replications with a net plot size of 3.0 m × 7.0 m. The experiment comprised of two wheat cultivars with four tillage treatments viz. Zero tillage, reduced tillage (only one cultivation+hand drilling), conventional method (3 cultivation followed by planking +hand drilling) and deep ploughing (one deep ploughing with chisel plough and one cultivation followed by planking+hand drilling). Maximum grain yield was obtained in Zero tillage treatment in both cultivars as compared to all other three tillage treatments. Similarly, the spike length number of tillers, number of grains spike -1, 1000- grain weight, biological yield, and harvest index were the highest in Zero tillage. Zero tillage in wheat performed well in the entire crop data parameters and showed effectively high yield in wheat.

Suppressing Impact of Avena fatua and Phlaris minor on the Growth and Yield in Wheat

4 Abstract: Weed-crop competition is a complex field of study. The extent of competition is governed by a number of factors including crop species, crop cultivar, crop density, weed species, weed density, the relative time of emergence of the crop and weed, the duration of the weed presence, the efficiency of weed control and soil and environmental factors. The greatest single cause of economic loss is, however, a reduction in yield due to weeds competing with the crop for available light, nutrients and moisture. The effect of Phalaris minor and Avena fatua on wheat was investigated at agronomic research area, College of Agriculture, Dera Ghazi Khan during 2007-2008. The experiment was laid out according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having four replications and a net plot size of 5×2.5m. Plant density of 2, 4, 6 and 8 m for -2 Phalaris minor and Avena fatua was maintained. The data collected were analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques. Maximum plant density of wheat (96.500) was observed in T 1 (control). All other parameters like total number of tillers (403.25), number of fertile tillers (400.25) and maximum plant height (86.750) was also observed in T 1 (control). Growth and yield parameters like number of spike lets/spike, number of grains/spike, 1000 grain weight, grain yield and biological yield showed significant response in the presence of Phalaris minor and Avena fatua under study. Maximum grain yield (7.0500 t/ha) was obtained in T1 (control) and T2 (6.8500 t/ha) and T6 (6.8750 t/ha), respectively. Maximum biological yield (14.875 t/ha) was obtained in T1 (control) and T2 (15.750 t/ha) and T6 (15.975 t/ha), respectively. It can be conclude from the current study that presence of weeds (Phalaris minor and Avena fatua) in wheat has remarkable adverse effect on the yield and its contributing factors. As the density increases, the crop performance is gradually declined.

Effect of Foliar Application of Silicon on Yield and Quality of Rice (Oryza Sativa L)

Abstract A field experiment was conducted at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, to investigate the effect of foliar application of silicon on yield and quality of fine rice (Oryza sativa L.). The research was designed as randomized complete block design (RCBD) having three replications and 6m x 4.5m net plot size was maintained. Foliar applications of silicon’s aqueous solution were used as treatments comprised of control, 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.00% silicon solutions. Nursery of 30 days old seedling nursery was transplanted to the plots under aerobic condition and 22.5cm hill to hill distance was maintained. Sodium silicate (20.35% Si) as the source of silicon (soluble in warm water) was used. Fertilizer inputs as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were uniformly applied at the rate of 100, 67, 67 kg ha-1 while all other agronomic practices were kept constant for all the treatments. The data from the field (yield components) as well as lab analysis (quality parameters) was recorded according to the standard procedures. Fisher’s analysis of the variance technique was used for statistical analysis and treatment’s mean differences were compared using least significant difference (LSD) test at 5% probability level. Silicon showed no significant effect on plant height, harvest index, number of kernels and opaque kernels percentage. Silicon (0.50% silicon solution) produced maximum grain diameter and grain protein while silicon @ 1.00% silicon solution resulted maximum in number of productive tillers, straw yield, spike per panicle, 1000 grain weight, paddy yield and grain starch. All others parameters have overlapping results of different silicon levels.

Effect of Different Sowing Techniques and Mulches on the Growth and Yield Behavior of Spring Planted Maize (Zea Mays L.)

Abstract A field trail was carried out to evaluate the effect of different sowing techniques and mulches on the growth and yield attributes of maize. The experiment was conducted at the Agronomic Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during spring season, 2011. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having three replications with net plot size of 7.0 m × 4.5 m. Field experiment comprised of five sowing methods (S1: ridge sowing, S2: ridge sowing alternate double sided, S3: bed sowing, S4: furrow sowing and S5 flat sowing) and three mulches (M1: maize pith, M2: wheat straw, M3: rice straw) was conducted during 2011 spring season under the tropical condition. The results showed that cobs length, cob diameter, and number of grains per cob, 1000-grain weight, biological yield and grain yield were maximum under ridge sowing method (S1) following the ridge sowing alternate double sided (S2). Furrow sowing shows least response to the agronomic and yield related parameters of spring maize. Among the mulch treatments; wheat straw mulch (M2) perform better and gave higher grain yield (6.21 Mg ha-1) as compared to the rice straw mulch and maize pith. Sowing techniques and mulches showed statistically non significant results for quality parameters (starch contents, oil contents and protein contents). Interaction of all three quality parameters was also observed non significant.

Differential Growth and Development Response of Sunflower Hybrid in Contrasting Irrigation Regimes

Water is the most important factor limiting crop productivity at different growth stages of crop growth and development. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of irrigation scheduling on sunflower hybrid (Hysun-38) at vegetative versus reproductive stages during spring season 2010. The trial was laid out in randomized complete block design (factorial arrangement), replicated thrice, having net plot size of 3.5 m × 9 m. The treatments comprised of irrigation application of 75 mm each, at different growth and development stages. viz., I1 = irrigation at plant establishment, I2 = irrigation at plant establishment and irrigation at vegetative phase, I3 = irrigation at plant establishment, irrigation at button stage and irrigation at flowering, and I4 = irrigation at plant establishment, irrigation at vegetative phase, irrigation at button stage and irrigation at achene’s formation. Days taken to 50% flowering was highest in I2, where irrigation was applied at plant establishment and vegetative phase, and in I4 treatment , where irrigation was given at seedling establishment, irrigation at vegetative phase, irrigation at button stage and irrigation at achene’s formation. Leaf area index at different growth intervals was significantly affected by irrigation levels. Crop growth rate was highest for treatment I4. Plant height (PH), stem girth (SG) head diameter (HD), 1000-achene’s weight (AW) and achene’s yield (AY) were significantly affected by different irrigation levels at various growth stages. Maximum AY (2415.68 kg·ha-1) was obtained in I4 treatment while, minimum AY (1275.35 kg·ha-1) was obtained in case of those plots which were irrigated only at plant establishment stage. Sunflower productivity was affected with irrigation regime at different growth stages with the strongest responses seen at early growth stages which ultimately affected the final achene yield adversely.

Effect of Seeding Rates and Nitrogen Levels on Yield and Yield Components of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment to investigate the effect of seeding rates and different levels of nitrogen on yield and yield components of wheat was conducted at Research Area, College of Agriculture, Dera Ghazi Khan. An approved cultivar Fareed-2006 was sown at seeding rates of 125, 150 and 175 kg/ha with five nitrogen levels of 0, 75, 100, 125 and 150 kg N/ha. Experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement keeping seed rate in main plots and nitrogen levels in sub plots having three replications while, net plot size was 3 x 7 m . Yield components such as plant height (cm), spike length 2 (cm), number of spikelets/spike, number of grain/spike, 1000-grain weight (g), biological yield (kg/ha), grain yield (kg/ha) and harvest index were maximum at seeding rate of 150 kg/ha and minimum at seeding rate of 125kg/ha while number of tillers were maximum at seeding rate of 175 kg/ha and minimum at seeding rate of 125kg/ha. Similarly plant height, number of tillers m , spike length, number of spikelets/spike, number -2 of grain/spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield and harvest index were highest at nitrogen at 125 kg/ha and lowest at zero level of nitrogen. The interaction between seeding rates and nitrogen levels was found non significant for plant height, number of tillers m spike length, number of spikelets/spike and 1000 -2 grain weight while a significant interaction was noted for number of grain/ spike, grain yield, biological yield and harvest index and were maximum at seeding rate of 150 kg/ha with nitrogen level of 125 kg/ha.

Impact of soil moisture depletions, planting geometry and soil texture on bio economic efficiency of autumn sugarcane under arid conditions

Abstract In arid areas of central Pakistan application of 2800 and 2200 mm irrigation water in 28 and 22 irrigations on sandy loam and silty soils, respectively to autumn sugarcane through flooding is a common practice. Whether this irrigation depth and frequency is sufficient to fulfill the requirements of autumn sugarcane is not established. This study was conducted to evaluate the optimum water requirements by applying direct method of soil water measurement through gravimetric procedure. A three years field study was conducted on autumn sugarcane cv. HSF 240 at research area of MLL (Main Line Lower) Land Reclamation Research Station Chak No. 37 TDA (Thal Development Authority) Bhakkar, Pakistan on sandy loam and Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan Pakistan on silty clay soil from 2003–04 to 2005–06. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement in four replications and net plot size was 24 m 2 . The four available soil moisture depletion levels under study were ASMDL 1 (20%), ASMDL 2 (40%), ASMDL 3 (60%) and ASMDL 4 (80%) and four planting patterns G 1 (60 cm), G 2 (75 cm) spaced single row planting patterns, G 3 (30/90 cm) and G 4 (30/120 cm) spaced paired row strip planting patterns were tested. The analysis of three years pooled data showed that maximum shoot dry weight, sugar yield, water use efficiency and benefit cost ratio were recorded in the treatment interaction of ASMDL 2 (40%) × G 3 (30/90 cm) followed by ASMDL 2 (40%) × G 2 (75 cm), ASMDL 2 (40%) × G 1 (60 cm), respectively, whereas minimum in the interaction of ASMDL 4 (80%) × G 4 (30/120 cm) at both soils. Maximum sugar recovery percentage (10.87 and 10.78%) was recorded in ASMDL 4 (80%) × G 4 (30/120 cm) planting pattern and minimum values of 8.44 and 7.28% on sandy loam and silty clay soils, respectively was recorded in ASMDL 1 (20%) × G 1 (60 cm) planting pattern. It was concluded that irrigation application on the basis of direct method of soil water measurement through gravimetric procedure saved 15.56 and 10.29% irrigation water by applying 38 and 23 irrigations keeping the depth of each irrigation 54 and 74 mm on sandy loam and silty clay soils, respectively as compared with traditional method of irrigating autumn sugar cane crop through flooding under arid conditions. Therefore maximum bio economic benefits could be obtained from autumn sugarcane crop by irrigating it at 40% ASMDL and sowing in 30/90 cm spaced paired row strips in arid conditions on sandy loam and silty clay soils.

Comparative study on forage yield and quality of different oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties under agro- ecological conditions of Faisalabad, Pakistan

An experiment was conducted to compare the forage yield and quality of oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties namely: Avon, Scott, Ravi, CK-1, F-311, F-411 and PD2LV65 at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the year 2008 to 2009. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design having three replications and measuring a net plot size 1.8 × 6 m. Varieties differed significantly (P<0.05) in yield, growth and quality parameters. The variety Scott produced significantly higher green forage (71.27 t ha-1) and dry matter yield (15.67 t ha-1) than other varieties due to taller plants (159.1 cm), more number of tillers (287.5 m-2) and leaf area per plant (178.5 cm-2). It had also highest crude protein percentage (9.867%). The varieties CK-1 and Avon had highest crude fibre and total ash percentage, respectively. Keeping in view both forage yield and crude protein contents the variety Scott may be grown under the condition of Faisalabad (Pakistan). Key words: Oat, varieties, forage yield, crude protein, crude fibre.

Effect of different sowing dates on the yield and yield components of direct seeded fine rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The research was conducted to study the response of yield and yield components of direct seeded fine rice (Oryza sativa L.) to different sowing dates during 2008 at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications having net plot size of 4 x 3 m. Experiment comprised of six different sowing dates that is 31st May, 10th June, 20th June, 30th June, 10th July and 20th July. Experiment was sown in 20 cm apart rows with single row hand drill using seed rate of 75 kgha-1. Nitrogen and phosphorous were applied at the rate of 120 and 60 kgha-1respectively. Urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) were used as sources of nitrogen and phosphorus respectively. Full dose of the phosphorous and half dose of the nitrogen were applied at sowing while the remaining half dose of nitrogen was applied in two equal splits, at 20-30 days and 45-55 days after sowing (DAS). Yield components like tillers per meter square, number of kernel per panicle and 1000-kernel showed significant response to different sowing dates. The crop sown on 20th June (D3) produced the maximum number of productive tillers per meter square (328.7), kernel per panicle (94.47). 1000-kernel weight (18.82 g) and paddy yield (4468 kgha-1). The result showed that the direct seeding of super basmati on 20th June gave the best results in term of entire yield and yield components. Key words: Direct seeding, fine rice, sowing dates, yield and yield components.

Response of Rice Advance Line PB-95 to Potassium Application in Saline-sodic Soil

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of rice crop to potassium fertilization in saline-sodic soil during 2005. Soil samples were collected before transplanting of rice crop and analysed for physical and chemical properties of the soil. In this experiment five rates of K2O (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha(-1)) were applied in the presence of basal doses of N and P2O5 i.e., 110 and 90 kg ha(-1), respectively. Whole of P, K and 1/2 of N were applied at the time of rice transplanting. Twelve and halfkg ha(-1) ZnSO4 was also applied 15 days after rice transplanting. The remaining half of N was applied 30 days after rice transplanting. The system of layout was Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. The net plot size was 6x4 m. Fertilizer sources of NPK were urea, TSP and SOP, respectively. Rice salt tolerant line PB-95 was used as test crops. The data of growth parameters and yield was recorded and samples of paddy and straw were collected treatment-wise and analysed for N, P and K contents. Soil samples after harvesting the crop were also collected, processed and analysed for the changes in the extractable soil K. The results showed that increasing rates of potassium fertilizer increased the number of tillers m(-2), plant height (cm), 1000-paddy weight and paddy as well as straw yield significantly. Maximum paddy (3.24 t ha(-1)) and straw (3.92 t ha(-1)) yields were obtained in T5 (100 kg K2O ha(-1)) which was at par with T4 (75 kg K2O ha(-1)). With increasing rates of potassium fertilizer, concentration of potassium in paddy and straw increased significantly. After harvesting the crop, the extractable potassium contents of soil increased from that of the original soil. It was concluded from the results that there was an increase of 30.65% in paddy over control by applying potassium (100 kg K2O ha(-1)) in saline-sodic soil.

Design and analysis of efficacy evaluation trials

Design and analysis of efficacy evaluation trials