Number Of Branches Plant-1 Research Articles

Morphological Assessment of Drought Stress Tolerant Soybean Genotypes in Bangladesh

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) is the most important commercial grain legume and oil seed crop which represents the most important plant source of vegetable oil and protein in the world. The water stress tolerance of the fifty soybean genotypes was evaluated in a glasshouse at the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA). The study was carried out to identify the drought tolerant soybean genotype(s) for improving yield under rainfed conditions in Bangladesh. Drought stress was induced by withholding water completely from 21 days after emergence. The water stress was continued until wilting symptom persisted on plant overnight. Water stress caused an overall reduction in some morphological and yield contributing characters such as plant hight, number of branches plant-1, internode length, pod plant-1, seeds pod-1, hundred (100) seeds weight and finally the seed yield of soybean. The studied genotypes were categorized into four groups based on their yield reduction under drought stress conditions. Five genotypes YESOY-4, PK-416, Shohag, SBM-09 and Binasoybean-6 were categorized as tolerant (<35% yield reduction), fourteen genotypes were categorized as moderately tolerant (35%-60% yield reduction), twenty five genotypes were categorized as moderately susceptible (61%-80% yield reduction) and rest six genotypes were categorized as susceptible (>80% yield reduction). These five genotypes YESOY-4, PK-416, Shohag, SBM-09 and Binasoybean-6 study further for developing drought tolerant soybean verities which may be helpful for quality oil seed production.

Combining ability and gene action analysis in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

The present research was conducted in Okra to study combining ability and gene action in a set of 28 F1s developed by crossing seven lines and four testers. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications and observations were recorded on 12 traits viz. days to 50% flowering, days to first picking, number of internodes, number of branches plant-1, fruit length at maturity and harvest, number of fruits plant-1, number of seeds fruit-1, seed index, fruit weight, yield per plant and plant height. The results revealed that two lines viz., VRO-4 and Sel-2 were excellent general combiners for most of the traits in both positive and negative direction as per desirable traits. Cross VRO-6 x Varsha Uphar recorded highly significant SCA effects for eight traits and GAO-5 x GJO-3 for yield trait. Variance due to GCA was less than SCA, and the GCA/SCA ratio was less than unity indicating preponderance of non-additive gene action for all the traits. This suggested the feasibility of exploitation of heterosis. Keywords: Gene action, Fruit yield, Okra, GCA and SCA

Residual Effect of Water Soluble Fertilizers on Productivity and Nutrients Uptake of Cowpea in Aerobic Rice-cowpea Cropping Sequence under Fertigaton

A field experiment was under taken at University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka state, India to study the residual effect of fertigation of water soluble fertilizers on productivity and nutrients uptake of cowpea under aerobic rice-cowpea cropping sequence during Kharif 2015-16 and 2016-17 with 16 treatments replicated thrice in randomized block design. Significantly higher plant height (58.47 cm), number of branches plant-1 (11.71) and total dry matter accumulation plant-1 (70.60 g) were recorded in fertigation with 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizer at 8 DI. Likely, similar treatment 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizer at 8 DI was recorded significantly higher number of pods plant-1 (16.58), pod length (16.67 cm), seeds per pod (16.10), test weight (11.93 g), seed yield (12.94 q ha-1) and haulm yield (26.17 q ha-1). While higher total uptake of N, P and K by cowpea (68.94, 14.67 and 61.39 kg N, P and K ha-1, respectively) was recorded in 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at 4 DI (T5) than all other treatments. 100% RDF through WSF at 8 DI (T8) was recorded notably higher total Ca, Mg and S uptake by cowpea (50.71, 24.71 and 12.09 kg Ca, Mg and S ha-1, respectively). Significantly higher uptake of total Fe, Zn and Cu by cowpea crop (680.23, 91.30 and 38.27 g ha-1, respectively) was recorded with 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at 8 DI (T8). Total uptake of Mn was recorded higher by cowpea was observed (181.67 g ha-1) in 100% STCR dose through water soluble fertilizers at 4 DI (T11).

Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Application at Different Levels on Performance of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) in Agroclimatic Zone-II of Himachal Pradesh, India

During the Rabi season of 2023-24, a field experiment was carried out at Agriculture Farm Chamelti, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences Solan (H.P.). The soil in the experimental field was well-drained, with medium in organic carbon and available nitrogen, but high in available phosphorus and potassium. Four nitrogen levels viz., N0- Control, N1- 15 kg ha-1 + Nano urea (2 ml L-1), N2- 20 kg ha-1, N3- 25 kg ha-1 and four levels of phosphorus viz., P0- Control, P1- 20 kg ha-1, P2- 40 kg ha-1 + Nano DAP (2 ml L-1), P3- 60 kg ha-1 and the GS-10 variety of pea was tested in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. The experimental field results showed that applying nitrogen @ 25 kg ha-1 (N3) and phosphorus @ 60 kg ha-1 (P3) produced maximum growth parameters (plant height, number of branches plant-1, number of leaves plant-1, dry matter accumulation (g plant-1), yield contributing traits (pod length, number of pods plant-1, and number of grains pod-1), and yield (grains, stover, and biological). Furthermore, it increased gross returns, net returns, and the B:C ratio when compared to other levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.

Growth and Yield of Lentil as Influenced by Zinc and Boron Management

A field experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh, during the period from November 2021 to March 2022 to evaluate the influence of micronutrients management on growth and yield of two lentil varieties viz., BARI Masur-8 (V1) and Binamasur-8 (V2) and 6 micronutrients management (no fertilizer - F1, recommended fertilizer dose (RFD) (40-90-40-55 Kg ha−1 of urea-TSP-MoP-Gypsum) with 10 Kg ha−1 ZnSO4 as basal - F2, RFD with zinc (Zn) as foliar spray - F3, RFD with Zn and boron (B) as foliar spray - F4, 50% RFD + 50% cow dung (5 t ha−1) - F5 and 50% RFD + 50% cow dung + Zn and B as foliar spray - F6). No significant effect had found for variety except 1000-seed weight but micronutrients management along with interactions significantly effects on all studied parameters of lentil. The higher 1000-seed weight (34.16 g) was recorded in BARI Masur-8. The highest plant height (37.09 cm), number of branches plant−1 (7), dry weight of root plant−1 (159.17 mg), dry weight of shoot plant−1 (3319.33 mg) and number of pods plant−1 (62) was observed at F6 treatment. The highest 1000-seed weight (31.68 g) were recorded at F2 treatment. The highest weight of nodules plant−1 (10.33 mg at 60 DAS), seed yield (2.62 t ha−1), straw yield (2.12 t ha−1) and biological yield (4.74 t ha−1) were found at F3 treatment. The highest plant height (38.45 cm), number of branches plant−1 (7), number of pods plant−1 (63), seed yield (2.91 t ha−1) and harvest index (58.65%) were recorded at V2F6 whereas the highest weight of nodules plant-1 (26 mg), straw yield (2.22 t ha−1) and biological yield (5.02 t ha−1) were found at V1F3 but the highest 1000-seed weight (34.87 g) at V1F1. The highest number of seeds pod−1 (1.83) was found at V2F1. So, two varieties showed similar performance on yield. Foliar application of Zn has the potentiality to increase seed yield. The variety Binamasur-8 with 50% RFD + 50% cow dung + Zn and B (F6) as foliar spray could bring maximum yield (2.91 t ha−1) of lentil followed by treatment F2, F3, and F4. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2024, 26(2): 34-40

Identifying the Numerical Components Affecting Soybean (Glycine max) Yield Under Waterlogging at Reproductive Stages

ABSTRACTWaterlogging is a critical abiotic stress increasing in importance due to more intense, erratic rainfall associated with climate change. Waterlogging leads to significant yield losses in sensitive crops, such as soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). Identifying soybean genotypes and traits associated with better waterlogging tolerance is of high interest. We assessed the response of six soybean genotypes, selected from a field screening of over 190 genotypes, to 10 days of waterlogging at the R1 (onset of flowering) and R4 (grain filling) stages. We evaluated yield and its components, as well as shoot and root dry weights (DW) at the end of the waterlogging treatments and at maturity, along with morphological traits such as plant branch number, stem diameter and plant height. By integrating all these traits, a waterlogging tolerance index (WTI) was calculated for each genotype to rank their sensitivity. The WTI showed variations among genotypes from 0.61 to 0.77, indicating genotypic variation in response to waterlogging. Greater reductions in root DW compared to shoot DW were observed immediately after waterlogging. By maturity, shoot DW of waterlogged plants was more severely reduced than root DW in all genotypes. Despite similar DW losses at R1 and R4 at physiological maturity, seed number per plant and 100‐seed weight responses differed between the treatments. Genotypes that performed well under control conditions suffered significant yield reductions of 70%–85% after waterlogging, mainly due to fewer fertile nodes and seeds per pod, with some also experiencing a notable decrease in 100‐seed weight. In contrast, other genotypes had milder responses, with less severe reductions in seed and pod traits. Identifying breeding soybean genotypes tolerant to waterlogging during reproductive stages that maintain the number of fertile nodes and pods per node without changes in seeds per pod could significantly mitigate yield losses from waterlogging.

Performance of Gobhi Sarson (Brassica napus L.) under Integrated Nutrient Management

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season (2023-24) at Agricultural Research Farm, School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, RIMT University Mandi Gobindgarh, to study the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) in Gobhi Sarson (Brassica napus L.). The experimental field was laid out in randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and replicated thrice. The experiment comprised of 10 treatments i.e. T1 -Control, T2 -100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) (40:20::N:P2O5 kg ha-1), T3 -125% RDF, T4 -150% RDF, T5 -50% RDF + 15 t Farm Yard Manure (FYM) ha-1, T6 -50% RDF + 20 t FYM ha-1, T7 -75% RDF + 15 t FYM ha-1, T8 -75% RDF + 20 t FYM ha-1, T9 -100% RDF + 15 t FYM ha-1 and T10 -100% RDF + 20 t FYM ha-1. The result revealed that growth parameters were significantly higher in treatment T10 -100% RDF + 20 t FYM ha-1 plant population (21.79 m-2), plant height (157.9 cm), number of branches plant-1 (17.15), chlorophyll content (55.74) and yield and yield attributes were also significantly higher in treatment T10 -100% RDF + 20 t FYM number of siliquae plant-1 (291.0), siliqua length (8.423 cm), number of seeds siliqua-1 (23.01), 1000 seed weight (3.45 g), seed yield (23.45 q ha-1), straw yield (59.04 q ha-1) and harvest index (28.80 %) were observed. From this study it may be concluded that the combination of RDF and FYM enhanced the overall growth, yield and yield attributes of Gobhi Sarson.

Association for Yield and Yield Related Traits in an RIL Population of Green Gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilezek)

Background: Green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek), a significant annual legume, is a member of the family Fabaceae, subfamily Papilionoideae, and genus Vigna. Despite its importance, large-scale cultivation of green gram faces limitations due to various biotic and abiotic constraints. To address this challenge, our research is focused on the development of green gram genotypes with broader adaptability, enhanced genetic variability, and high-yielding potential. This involves a comprehensive study of the nature and magnitude of associations among yield and related traits to facilitate more effective and sustainable production practices. Methods: The present investigation was carried out at the experimental plots of Institute of Biotechnology (IBT), College farm, College of Agriculture, Hyderabad (TS). The present experiment was conducted to determine correlation and path analysis among morphological traits and their contribution towards yield among the F6 Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) in green gram. Results: Correlation estimate revealed that number of pods cluster-1, the Number of clusters plant-1, the Number of pods plant-1, Seed yield plant-1, plant height (cm), seed weight (g), and pod length (cm) showed a maximum direct contribution to seed yield both phenotypically and genotypically. Path analysis revealed that the parameters demonstrating a significant positive direct impact include days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1 and number of clusters plant-1. The RILs for each character examined showed considerable variability. Conclusion: The green gram improvement program will benefit from a selection strategy that focuses on traits with a significant direct impact and a positive correlation with seed yield.

Impact of Black Soldier Fly Larval Frass on Growth and Yield of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)

Hermetia illucens L., commonly known as the Black Soldier Fly (BSF), has garnered global attention for its role in insect farming due to its efficient conversion of organic waste into nutrient-rich larval biomass, with frass as a primary byproduct. This study aimed to explore the potential of BSF larval frass (BSFF) as an organic fertilizer for agricultural production, especially evaluating its performance compared to vermicompost on cluster bean growth and yield under field conditions during rabi season at Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Using a completely randomized block design with eight treatments, various growth parameters such as plant height, number of branches plant-1 and dry matter production, along with yield attributes including number of clusters plant-1, number of pods cluster-1, number of pods plant-1, pod weight (g), pod yield plant-1 and yield (t ha-1) were assessed. Significant differences were observed among treatments, the highest growth and yield parameters were recorded in application of 25 % N through BSF frass + 75 % RDN (T5) and it was on par with 25 % N through vermicompost + 75 % RDN (T6), 50 % N through BSF frass + 50 % RDN (T7), 50 % N through vermicompost + 50 % RDN (T8) and RDF (T2) compared to 100 % N through BSF frass (T3), 100 % N through vermicompost (T4) and control (T1).These treatments resulted in yield increase of 35.7 % (T5), 24.7 % (T6), 23.4 % (T7), 22 %(T8) and 24.36 % (T2) respectively, compared to the control. These findings indicated that BSF larval frass holds promise as a sustainable alternative to vermicompost for enhancing cluster bean production, offering potential benefits for agricultural sustainability and organic waste management.

Effect of Boron, Zinc and Sulphur on Growth, Yield and Mineral Composition of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) in Alluvial Soil

The present study determining the effect of Boron, Zinc and Sulphur on Growth, Yield and Mineral Composition of Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) in alluvial soil. A pot experiment was conducted during kharif 2023 at Net House in Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, B.H.U, Varanasi, U.P. to study the effect of Boron, Zinc and Sulphur on growth, yield and quality of black gram (Vigna mungo L.). The experiment was laid-out in a Completely Randomized design (CRD) with eight treatments, each having three replications. Dry matter accumulation, Number of branches plant-1, test weight, grain yield kg ha-1, straw yield kg ha-1, harvest index significantly affected due to various treatments. T7 (B +Zn+ S) recorded most pronounced improvements.

Effect of Transient Waterlogging Stress on Growth, Physiology and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in Semi-Arid Region

Cowpea cultivation during rainy season is highly affected by the waterlogging stress due to unpredicted high-intensity rains. The studies on assessment of waterlogging effect on different growth stages of cowpea are necessary for planning mitigation strategies. Hence study was conducted during kharif (June to September) 2022 under factorial randomized block design (FRCBD) set up. The first factor consisted of seven waterlogging durations (3 to 15 days), and second factor was three growth stages of cowpea (15 DAE; Days after emergence, 25 DAE and at 50% flowering). The results revealed that regardless of growth stages, growth and yield attributes were drastically decreased with increased duration of waterlogging. The highest plant height (25.07 cm), number of branches plant–1 (5.33) and leaf area (205.27 cm2 plant–1), and number of pods plant–1 (4.27), pod length (15.24 cm), number of seeds pod–1 (14.27), grain (6.27 g plant–1) and haulm yield (15.62 g plant–1) were recorded with 3 days of waterlogging, whereas lowest values were reported with 15 days of waterlogging. Regarding growth stages, highest growth, and yield attributes were recorded with waterlogging during 50% flowering, followed by 25 DAE and 15 DAE. Moreover, the correlation study indicated that physiological parameters such as leaf protein content (r = 0.95) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI (r = 0.97) were positively related to grain yield. It was found that, cowpea is sensitive to high-intensity waterlogging (beyond 3–5 days) especially during the early growth stage (15 DAE).

Soil Test Crop Response on Soil Health Parameters and Yield Attributes of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) var. Kuber

The investigation was conducted on Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based Integrated Plant Nutrient System (IPNS) technology, where the fertilizer doses are customized according to the anticipated crop yield, considering the crop's nutrient requirements and the contributions from soil, fertilizers, and organic manures. The field trial took place at the Soil Science research farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, during the zaid season of 2023. The soil under experimentation had a sandy loam texture. The setup followed a randomized block design with varying levels of NPK (0%, 50%, & 100%), FYM (20, 25, & 30 t ha-1), Fe and Zn (15, 20, & 25 kg ha-1) respectively. The outcomes from the T9 treatment - [115:112:75 Kg ha-1 + 25 t ha-1 FYM + 25 kg ha-1 Fe and Zn] exhibited superior plant height, number of branches plant-1, number of leaves plants-1, number of fruits plant-1, and overall fruit yield. No significant differences were noted in the yield and growth of okra under the control conditions. The application of organic manures alone or in combination with full NPK substantially enhanced the growth and total yield parameters of okra. Among all treatments, the simultaneous application of 100% NPK, 100% FYM, and 100% Fe & Zn displayed the most remarkable influence on the growth of okra.

Influence of N, P, K, Rhizobium and Vermicompost on Soil Health Parameters and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) var. Samrat

An experiment was conducted on “Influence of N, P, K, Rhizobium and Vermicompost on Soil Health Parameters and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) var. Samrat”. during zaid season 2023-2024 at the central research farm, department research farm of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, The design applied was 3x3 RBD having three levels each of vermicompost and N.P.K i.e., 0, 50, and 100% respectively and three levels of rhizobium treated seed @ 0, 50, 100%. The result obtained in treatment T9 (N25P50K25 kg ha-1 + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and rhizobium @ 200g 10 kg-1) has showed a slight change in soil pH i.e., 6.79 and EC i.e., 0.208 dS m-1. The post-harvest soil samples have showed significant increase in pore space, water holding capacity and organic carbon i.e., about 49.20 %, 47.59 % and 0.49 % respectively. Whereas available N, P and K found to be 334.12 kg ha-1, 34.36 kg ha-1, and 204.28 kg ha-1 respectively. The increase in NPK (kg ha-1) was found to be significant among all treatments in green gram cultivation and soil quality improvement. The best results among all treatment combination with respect to plant height (65.76 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (44.34), number of branches plant-1 (14.58), number of grain pod-1 (14.28), number of pod plant-1 (42.11) and seed yield q ha-1 (16.67) were found in treatment combination T9 (N25P50K25 kg ha-1 + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and Rhizobium @ 200g 10 kg-1. T9 gave the highest gross return with ₹ 1,49,030 and the benefit of ₹ 29,849.13 with highest cost benefit ratio i.e., 1:1.38. vermicompost along with other combinations has showed improvement in soil health as well as in crop development and yield. Study has also revealed that the application of N, P, and K with vermicompost was an excellent source for fertilization than sole fertilizers.

Response of Mustard Yield (cv. BARI Sarisha-14) to Different Fertilizer Management Under Subtropical Condition

The yield of mustard can be significantly enhanced by the appropriate application of fertilizers. Utilizing fertilizers effectively holds considerable promise for improving mustard yields. To evaluate the effect of fertilizers on mustard yield, a study was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory (AFL), Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, between November 2022 and February 2023. This study involved seven different fertilizers treatments: control (no fertilizer) and incremental additions of nutrients starting from nitrogen (N) alone to a full combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, Sulphur, zinc, and boron (N-P-K-S-Zn-B). The BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute) sarisha-14 variety was used as the crop under study. The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The findings suggested that, fertilizers application had a significant impact on several growth parameters and yields. The most comprehensive fertilizers mix (N-P-K-S-Zn-B) resulted in the maximum observed values for plant height (PH) (83.63 cm), number of branches plant-1 (NBP) (4.74), number of siliquae plant-1 (NSP) (63.17), and seed yield (SY) (2.19 t ha-1) and stover yields (7.27 t ha-1). This treatment also resulted in the highest biological yield (BY) (4.51 t ha-1), indicating a robust growth response. In contrast, control (no fertilizers) produced the lowest SY (0.19 t ha-1) and stover yield (0.70 t ha-1). It can be concluded that BARI sarisha-14 produced the highest yield of mustard with the recommended rate of N-P-K-S-Zn-B and farmers can cultivate this mustard variety at large scale with mentioned recommended dose of fertilizer.

Studies on Growth, Development and Establishment of Different Bael (Aegle marmelos L.) Varieties under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

The objective of the experiment was to work out the "Studies on Growth, development and establishment of different variety of Bael (Aegle marmelos L) for establishment under Prayagraj agro-climatic Condition. So, a field experiment was conducted during session 2022-2023 at, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, (SHUATS), Prayagraj (U.P). The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with 7 Variety (treatment) replicated thrice. The treatments were V1 Narendra Bael-5, V₂ Narendra Bael-6¸V3 Narendra Bael-7,V4 Narendra Bael-9¸V5 Narendra Bael-1 ,V6 Narendra Bael-11, V7 Narendra Bael-8 .V6 was found to be superior in the term of Survival Percentage (94.66%) Plant height (61.30 cm),Number of leaves plant (54.33), Number of branches plant-1 (6.66), Stem diameter (5.36 cm), Plant spread (41.46cm) (E-W) and (43.40 cm) (N-S), Chlorophyll content (50.70) The research conduct will help the farmers to select superior variety of Bael under Prayagraj agro-climatic condition.

Determining the effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur on Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

The experiment was carried out entitled “effect of interaction between nitrogen and sulphur on growth and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L.)” at the Agronomy Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.), India, during Rabi (winter) season of 2021-22. The experiments were conducted in Factorial randomized block design which comprised of 25 treatment combinations in which five levels of Nitrogen (0,40,80,120 and 160 kg N ha-1) and five levels of sulphur (0,25,35,45 and 55 kg S ha-1). The experiments were laid out in the two factors RCBD with three replications, The plant height, number of branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation, seed and stover yield increased with increasing N level of 160 kg N ha-1 which was at par with 120 kg N ha-1 and while significantly superior over rest of the levels of nitrogen. On the other hand, with increasing S levels plant height, increased significantly up to 55 kg S ha-1. However, the number of branches plant-1 and seed yield and shoot yield increased up to the highest dose of S (55 kg S ha-1). Considering the combined effect of N and S, the treatment combination (120 kg n ha-1 and 45 kg S ha-1) produced the maximum seed yield (21.32 q ha-1).

Effect of different levels of nitrogen in combination with nano urea on growth and yield of crossandra (crossandra infundibuliformis l.) cv. lakshmi

An experiment was carried out during the year 2022-2024 in the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University Tamil Nadu to find out the suitable level of nitrogen to be used in combination with nano urea to increase the growth and yield of crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis L.) cv. Lakshmi. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 14 treatments and 3 replications. Among the different treatments, the treatment T5 (100% PK + 75% N through urea + 0.4% Nano urea (3 sprays)) resulted in increased growth attributes such as plant height (85.21 cm), stem girth (7.95 cm), number of branches plant-1 (24.51), number of leaves plant-1 (99.29), plant spread in North-South and East-West direction (53.52 cm and 62.43 cm respectively), leaf area (95.41cm2 ), chlorophyll content (0.840 mg g-1 ) and dry matter production (91.53 g plant-1 ). But, the treatment T8 (100% PK + 50% N through urea + 0.4% Nano urea (3 sprays)) resulted in increased yield attributes like maximum number of spikes plant-1 (36.27),number of flowers spike-1 (39.21), flower yield plant -1 (51.03 g),flower yield plot-1 (974.76 g plot-1 ), estimated flower yield hectare-1 (32.49 q ha-1 ) The treatment control (T1) had the lowest value for all the growth and yield attributing characters. Overall, it is concluded that the application of 100% PK + 50% N through urea + 0.4% Nano urea (3 sprays) (T8) was found to be the best combination for improving the growth and yield of crossandra.

Genetic Variability and Character Association among the Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass.

Niger is a minor oil seed crop mostly cultivated in high altitude and tribal zones of India with relatively lower productivity. Development of varieties with higher yielding ability needs keen observations and scientific studies on the genetic variability and character association studies among the available germplasm or in the breeding material. The present investigation was carried out with a main objective to estimate the extent of genetic variability and character association with respect to yield and yield component traits. Thirty five genotypes of niger were collected from different niger stations and sown in rabi, 2022 in a randomized block design at Regional Agricultural Research Station, High Altitude and Tribal Zone, Chintapalle, ANGRAU. Observations were recorded on five plants in each line in each replication for plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, number of capitula plant-1, test weight (g) and seed yield plant-1 (g). Days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity and seed yield ha-1 (kg/ha) were recorded on plot basis. Analysis of heritability(bs) and genetic advance as percent of mean revealed that four characters viz., plant height, number of branches plant-1, number of capitula plant-1 and seed yield plant-1 are governed by additive gene action, which can be improved further by simple selection methods. Majority of the characters under study are having a significant positive association with seed yield ha-1which helps in indirect selection for higher yield by using these character combinations. All the characters showed significant and positive association with seed yield plant-1which helps in indirect selection of genotypes for improved yielding ability.

Effect of Organic Manures and Foliar Application on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.)

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of organic manures and foliar application of organics on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of Kalmegh at the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University to find out the suitable organic inputs and foliar organics for better growth, yield and nutrient uptake of Kalmegh. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with twelve treatments and three replications comprising of a different combination (i) basal organics viz., Farm Yard Manure, Vermicompost and Pressmud (ii) foliar spray of organics viz., Panchagavya and Fish Amino Acid and untreated control. Among the twelve treatments, the plants which received Vermicompost at 5 t ha-1 + fish amino acid at 3% expressed higher values for the growth parameters viz., plant height (69.80 cm), number of branches plant-1 (25.13), number of leaves plant-1 (140.87). Physiological parameters viz., leaf area plant-1 (6.78), total dry matter production plant-1 (15.86 g plant-1). Yield parameters viz., fresh herbage yield plant-1 (42.74 g plant-1) and dry herbage yield plant-1 (14.24 g plant-1). Nutrient uptake viz., Nitrogen (38.97 Kg ha-1), Phosphorous (6.87 Kg ha-1) and Potassium (84.23 kg ha-1).

Growth, Yield and water use efficiency of Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) as influenced by Phosphorus, Micronutrients and organics in new alluvial zone of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted to study the crop growth, yield and WUE of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) as influenced by phosphorus, micronutrients and organics in rice soils during rabi season of 2020-21 at the Teaching Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mondouri, Nadia under New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal. The experiment was carried out taking ten different nutrient management practices with three replications in randomized block design to evaluate the performance of lathyrus. The results of the experiment revealed that lathyrus plot fertilized with the recommended dose of fertilizer along with foliar application of Borax @ 0.5% recorded the highest plant height, number of branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod and 100-seed weight. Maximum seed yield (1450 kg ha-1), stover yield (2513 kg ha-1) and highest WUE (10.00 kg ha-1 mm-1) were recorded by the plot treated with RDF+ Borax @ 0.5%.With respect to quality parameters, the seed protein content was highest (31.18%) in the plot fertilized with RDF along with ammonium molybdate @ 0.1%. Therefore, it may be concluded from the results of the experiment that the combined use of RDF with Borax @ 0.5% application in grass pea is one of the best option for better production in terms of quality and quantity for cultivation in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal.