Number Of Branches Plant-1 Research Articles

Effect of pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs, PGRs and Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Economics of Irrigated Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

Background: Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] is one of the most important cultivated legume crops with high nutritive value and agricultural importance. The productivity of blackgram is not adequate to meet the domestic demand of the growing Indian population. Consequently, there is an urgent need for enhancement of productivity through proper agronomic practices. With this background, a research experiment was conducted in a farmer’s field at Pudhupalayam, Coimbatore to investigate the effect of foliar application of PPFM, plant growth regulating compounds and nutrients on growth, yield attributes, yield and economics of irrigated blackgram. Methods: A field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications during 2019 (kharif and rabi) season. The treatments include 100% recommended dose of NPK along with foliar application of diammonium phosphate (DAP), brassinolide (Br), salicylic acid (SA) and pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) with different concentration (1%, 2%, 1 ppm, 2 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, respectively) in addition to control. PPFM and PGRs were sprayed at 30 and 45 days after the sowing of blackgram. Result: The experiment results of the two seasons study revealed that the application of 100% RDF + PPFM @ 2% recorded higher growth characters viz., plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, leaf area index and yield attributes viz., number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, pod weight (g), pod height (cm), 100 seed weight (g) and yield viz., grain yield (kg/ha), straw yield (kg/ha) and harvest index (%). As well as the same treatment recorded higher net return and B:C ratio. Correlation and regression analysis also indicated that the yield attributes had a positive impact on the grain yield with a magnitude of 1.91 and 1.67, respectively. Therefore, application of 100% RDF+2% PPFM spray can be recommended as the best technology to improve the yield and economics of blackgram.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Productivity and Economics of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L)

An experiment was carried out at College farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, in sandy loam soils during rabi 2020 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity and economics of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The treatments comprised were: T1- Control (100% RDF -80:40:40 kg NPK ha-1), T2 (25% RDN through Vermicompost + 75% RDF), T3 (25% RDN through Farm Yard Manure + 75% RDF), T4 (25% RDN through Sheep manure + 75% RDF), T5 (25% RDN through Neem cake + 75% RDF),T6 (50% RDN through Vermicompost + 50% RDF), T7 (50% RDN through FYM + 50% RDF), T8 (50% RDN through Sheep manure + 50% RDF), T9 (50% RDN through Neem cake + 50% RDF). The results indicated that application of 25% RDN through farm yard manure + 75% RDF (T3) recorded significantly higher yield attributes viz., number of branches plant-1, number of siliqua plant-1, length of siliqua, number of seed siliqua -1 which was at par with T2 (25% RDN through Vermicompost + 75% RDF). Higher values of gross returns, net returns and benefit cost (B:C) ratio were obtained with application of 25% RDN through FYM + 75% RDF (T3) as the cost of cultivation of T3 was lesser compared to other treatments.

Dicamba-Tolerant Soybean Response to 2,4-D Micro-Rates at Three Growth Stages Dicamba-Tolerant Soybean Response to 2,4-D Micro-Rates at Three Growth Stages

While dicamba and 2,4-D belong to the same herbicide group, dicamba- and 2,4-D-tolerant soybeans are not cross-resistant. A study was conducted to investigate dicamba-tolerant (DT) soybean response to 2,4-D micro-rates at three growth stages. The study used a randomized complete block design with six replications and a split-plot treatment arrangement. Main plots consisted of three 2,4-D application times [second trifoliate (V2); beginning of flowering (R1); and full flowering (R2)] and subplots consisted of six 2,4-D micro-rates (1/5; 1/10; 1/50; 1/100; 1/500; and 1/1,000 of the label recommended dose of 1,120 g ae ha-1) and a check with no herbicide applied. DT soybean injury symptoms were assessed at 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment (DAT). Yield components, grain yield and yield loss were estimated. The greatest soybean injury (59%) at 21 DAT, delay in canopy closure (16.8 d), and reduction in number of branches plant-1 (52%), pods plant-1 (38%) and 100 seed weight (16%) which ultimately resulted in yield loss (78%) was caused by 1/5 of the label recommended dose of 2,4-D (214 g ae ha-1) at R1 growth stage. Based on effective dose (ED) estimates, 8.66 g ae ha-1 2,4-D caused 0.22 Mg ha-1 (5%) yield loss in DT soybean at R1 but a 1.34- and 2.11-fold higher dose of the same herbicide was required to cause equal yield loss at R2 and V2 growth stages, respectively. Similarly, the number of branches plant-1, pods plant-1 and flowers plant-1 were more sensitive to 2,4-D at R1 than V2 and R2 growth stages with the latter being the most sensitive yield component. On the other hand, 100 seed weight was 3.1- and 4.5-fold more sensitive to 2,4-D at R2 than R1 and V2 growth stages, respectively. Overall, these results showed that DT soybean is most sensitivity to 2,4-D at R1.

English

The results of the experiment showed use of gibberellic acid and plant spacing’s has been significantly. Highly influence on the most parameters such as height of plant, number of leaves plant-1 and number of branches plant-1 was the significant on higher amount of gibberellic acid and wider spacing’s.

Response of niger (Guizotia abyssinica) to different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional-cum-Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during Rabi seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18 to study the response of niger to different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as sulphur on growth, yield and oil content of niger. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. The treatments comprised of three NPK levels viz., F1 (20-10-10 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha-1), F2 (25-12.5- 12.5 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha-1), F3 (30-15-15 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha-1) and three S levels viz., S1 (no sulphur), S2 (10 kg S ha-1), S3 (20 kg S ha-1). Application of F3 (30-15-15 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha-1) and S3 (20 kg S ha-1) recorded maximum and significantly higher seed yield (q ha-1), oil content (%), oil yield (q ha-1) as well as growth and yield attributing parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves plant-1, number of branches plant-1, number of capitulum plant-1 and number of seeds capitulum-1 during both the years. Test weight was not influenced significantly during both the years. Interaction effects of NPK (F) and sulphur (S) were found to be not significant in respect of growth and yield attributing characters in both the years. In case of seed yield (q ha-1) and oil yield (q ha-1) interaction effect were found to be significant in both the years.The highest gross return (Rs. 23,905.00 in 2016-17 and Rs. 22,400.00 in 2017-18) and net return (Rs. 11,184.86 in 2016-17 and Rs. 9679.86 in 2017-18) were recorded by F3S3 in both the years. In case of benefit-cost ratio, the higher value (1.88 and 1.76, respectively) was recorded with F3S3 during 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur Levels on Growth and Yield of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Under Rainfed Condition of Nagaland

Background: Linseed is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the family of Linaceae, having well developed fibrous root system with several lateral roots. It has been grown since ancient times for fibre (flax) and seed, which is rich in oil. The crop has narrow leaves and alternate with shiny yellow or light brown colored seeds. The current investigation was carried out to determine the suitable level of nitrogen and sulphur and their interaction effect on growth and yield of linseed.Methods: A field study was conducted in the experimental site of SASRD, NU during the rabi season with four levels of nitrogen (0,20,40 and 60 kg ha-1) and sulphur (0,20,40 and 60 kg-1) under three replications following RBD, five random plants were tagged from each plot for field observation.Conclusion: Application of 60 kg N ha-1 resulted in highest plant height, number of branches plant-1, bolls plant-1, seed (799.87 kg ha-1) and stover yields (1619.87 kg ha-1), similarly, incorporation of 40 kg S ha-1 recorded significantly higher plant height, number of branches plant-1, bolls plant-1, seed boll-1, yield (797.54 kg ha-1) and stover yields (1557.58 kg ha-1). The combination of 60 kg N and 40 kg S recorded highest plant height, number of branches plant-1, bolls plant-1, seeds boll-1, seed weight plant-1, seed (840.72 kg ha-1) and stover yields (1713.3 kg ha-1)

Genetic Diversity Studies in MAGIC Population of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Based on Mahalanobis D2 Distance

Soybean MAGIC lines are highly variable breeding material which utilizes both recent and historic genetic recombination events. Present investigation was carried out to assess the genetic diversity present among 95 soybean MAGIC lines along with six checks for 10 different quantitative traits. All the genotypes were grouped into 16 clusters by performing Tocher’s clustering method using Mahalanobis D2 distance. Cluster I was the largest comprising of 30 genotypes followed by cluster II (23 genotypes), cluster X (15 genotypes) and cluster IX (9 genotypes). The maximum genetic distance (D2) was observed between cluster XI and XV (168.37) followed by cluster III and XV (164.3), cluster X and XV (149.64) as well as between cluster XII and cluster XVI (145.99). The cluster mean for most of the traits were high in cluster I and cluster XVI. Oil content contributed maximum (23.86%) towards total genetic diversity followed by number of pods plant-1 (18.97%), seed yield plant-1 (18.63%), 100 seed weight (11.05%) and number of branches plant-1 (10.16%) traits. The soybean MAGIC lines belong to the cluster XI (6-120) and cluster XV (6-30, 6-31, 6-5) were found to be the most divergent hence can be utilised in the recombination breeding programs to exploit maximum heterosis.

Effect of Sprinkler and Basin Irrigation Systems on Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Canola Crop

An experiment was conducted to assess the yield potential and Water Use Efficiency (WUE) of Canola crop grown under sprinkler and basin irrigation techniques on a clay loam soil. The experiment was designed by the Principles of Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two treatments, viz. T1 (sprinkler irrigation method) and T2 (basin irrigation method), replicated four times. Marginal quality water with Electrical Conductivity (ECw) of 1.83 dS/m and pH of 8.2 was used for irrigation. The crop yield obtained under T1 and T2 treatments were 1,407.9 and 1,123.8 kg ha-1, respectively; 20% more yield was observed under T1 treatment. In the given order of treatments (T1 and T2), the Canola crop used 3,605 and 4,453 m3 ha-1 of irrigation water, hence, 19% water saving was achieved by T1 treatment. The WUE attained under T1 and T2 treatments were 0.39 and 0.25 kg m-3 respectively; therefore, 35.8% WUE was enhanced under T1 treatment. While comparing the agronomic parameters of the crop under the two procedures, all the observed parameters (plant height, number of branches plant-1, number of pods plant-1, pod length, number of seeds pod-1 and biomass plant-1) were superior in case of T1 treatment than T2 treatment. The soil Electrical Conductivity (ECse), Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), and Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) increased, and pH decreased under both the treatments, however, the maximum increase in ECse, SAR and ESP, and maximum decrease in pH occurred under T2 treatment. Statistical analysis showed that the crop yield, irrigation water use, WUE, ECse, pH, SAR, ESP, and all the agronomic parameters differed significantly (p < 0.05) under the two treatments.

Effect of Different Levels of Compost and Nitrogen Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Broad Bean (Vicia faba l.) Under Silty Clay Soil Conditions تأثير المستويات المختلفة من الکومبوست والأسمدة النيتروجينية على نمو وإنتاج الباقلاء (Vicia faba L.) في ظروف التربة الطميية الطينية

The field experiment was conducted at Arbat location in sulaymaniyah governorate, Iraq. The main aim of this research is, to evaluate the impact of adding various levels of compost (Cattle Manure) and nitrogen (Urea) rates on Broad Bean (Vicia faba L.) yield and yield components. Experimental treatments have been organized and a factorial experiment was laid out in a complete randomized block design with three replicates. The treatments included three levels of compost, and three levels of nitrogen incorporated into the soil. The main results could be summarized as, the application of compost, nitrogen and the interactions, the vegetative growth parameters, plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, biological yield (g), pod length (cm), number of pods plant-1, average of pod weight (g), seeds weight (g pod-1), yield of seeds (Mg ha-1), total yield of pods (Mg ha-1), number of nodules plant-1 and % nitrogen, % protein in seeds of Broad Bean plant from Arbat location, were significantly increased by increasing the level of compost application from 0, 5 to 10 Mg ha-1. Also the vegetative growth parameters, broad bean yield and pods quality as well as nutritive value of broad bean were significantly increased with increasing the level of nitrogen application from 0, 100 to 150 kg ha-1.

Effect of Planting Density and Integrated Nutrient Management in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Background: Sesamum indicum L. is a tropical and subtropical plant cultivated for seed purpose, which yields about 50% high quality edible oil with 65% of the seeds being used for oil extraction and 35% for consumption purpose. The seeds have outstanding amounts of oil and consists of extensive root system that makes it very tolerant of drought.Methods: A field experiment entitled “Effect of planting density and Integrated Nutrient Management in sesame” was carried out at the Agronomy Research Farm of School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Nagaland University, Medziphema campus, during Kharif season of 2017-18. Nine treatment combinations consisting of three level of planting density i.e., T1- (20cm x 10cm), T2 (30cm x 10cm) and T3 (40cm x 10cm) along with three levels of nutrient management practices i.e., N1 (100% RDF), N2 (75% RDF + 25% FYM) and N3 (75% RDF + 25% poultry manure) were tried in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Conclusion: Among the different planting density and nutrient management practices, combined effect of 20cm x 10cm planting density with 75% RDF + 25% FYM nutrient recorded highest growth attributes viz., plant height (cm), number of leaves plant-1, number of branches plant-1 and yield attributes viz., number of capsules plant-1, seed yield (kg ha-1) and stover yield (kg ha-1). However, the highest net return (₹16687.66) and B:C ratio (1.13) was obtained from the treatment combination of 40cm x 10cm planting density along with combination of 75% RDF + 25% poultry manure. Hence, the combined application of manures with inorganic source of nutrients with reduced planting density recorded higher growth and yield attributes thereby resulting higher economic return than the application of RDF alone.

Effect of micronutrients and PGR on growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Variety Azad-T6

The present investigation entitled “Effect of micronutrients and PGR on growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Variety Azad-T6” was carried out during the rabi season 2018-19 and 2019-20 both the year same time at Department of Vegetable Science Kalyanpur Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology Kanpur U.P (208024) India. Experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with eleven treatments in replicated three times consist of two levels of each micronutrients and growth regulators with control i.e. T0: Control, T1: GA3 50ppm, T2: GA3 100ppm, T3: NAA 50ppm, T4: NAA 100ppm, T5: ZnSO4 0.5%, T6: ZnSO4 1%, T7: Boric acid 50ppm, T8: Boric acid 100ppm, T9: FeSO4 100ppm and T10: FeSO4 150ppm. Significantly differences were found for plant growth and yield parameters. The highest plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, number of flower cluster-1 and number of cluster plant-1 was recorded in T2: GA3 100ppm. The application of T2: GA3 100ppm was found early days to 50%flowering, days to first fruit set, no. of fruit per cluster, no. of fruit plant-1, average fruit weight (g), fruit length (cm), fruit width (cm), fruit yield plant-1 (kg), fruit yield plot-1 (kg) and fruit yield (q ha-1). Revealed that the use of GA3 concentration of 100ppm, considerably increased the vegetative growth and yield parameters and significantly increased growth and yield parameters.

EFFECT OF INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON GROWTH PARAMETERS OF MEDICINAL COLEUS (COLEUS FORSKOHLII BRIQ.)

Medicinal coleus (Coleus forskohlii Briq.) is one of the commercial Indian medicinal herb. It plays an important role in medicinal industry. The demand of tuberous roots is very high, but the productivity is very low. Therefore the integrated nutrient management could help in achieving higher growth in medicinal coleus. Thus, an experiment was conducted to know the “Effect of Integrated nutrient management on growth of medicinal coleus (Coleus forskohlii Briq.)” at Sirukalathur village, Ariyalur District - Tamilnadu during the year 2018-2020. A field experiment was consist of different combination of nutrients viz., recommended dose of fertilizers, farmyard manure, neem cake, castor cake and bio-fertilizers (Azospirillum and Azotobacter). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 10 treatments and three replications. Among these various treatments tried, plants supplied with T5 (75 % RDF + FYM @ 15 t ha-1 + Castor cake @ 2 t ha-1 + Azotobacter @10 kg ha-1) was recorded maximum growth parameters viz., plant height, number of branches plant-1, plant spread, number of leaves plant-1, leaf area plant-1, LAI, fresh and dry weight of leaves and shoots plant-1 and dry matter production

Response of sowing time and fertilization on the growth parameters and yield of field pea (Pisum sativum L.) under irrigated conditions of Punjab

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season 2017- 18 at the Campus for Research and Advanced Studies Dhablan of G.S.S.D.GS. Khalsa college Patiala with twelve treatment combinations of three sowing time D1 (2nd fortnight of October), D2 (1st fortnight of November), D3 (2nd fortnight of November) in main plots and fertilization levels F1 (25 kg ha-1 P2O5), F2 (45 kg ha-1 P2O5), F3 (25 kg ha-1 P2O5 + Rhizobium inoculation) & F4 (45 kg ha-1 P2O5 + Rhizobium inoculation) in sub plots were tested in split plot design with three replications. Plant growth parameters like emergence count (m-2), plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, number of leaves plant-1, dry weight (g) plant-1 and yield were recorded significantly superior with crop sown on D2 (1st fortnight of November) with F4 (45 kg ha-1 P2O5 + Rhizobium inoculation). D2 (1st fortnight of November) sown crop with F4 (45 kg ha-1 P2O5 + Rhizobium inoculation) produced significantly higher grain yield (q ha-1) and straw yield (q ha-1) as compared to others treatments.

MITIGATING SALT STRESS EFFECTS BY EXOGENOUS APPLICATION OF PROLINE AND YEAST EXTRACT ON MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND ANATOMICAL CHARACTERS OF CALENDULA PLANTS

To avoid the hazard effect of salinity on calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), two field experiments were carried out at Sahl El-Husseinieh Research Station, Al-Sharqia Governorate, Egypt during two successive winter seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 in silty clay soil to evaluate the effects of foliar spraying with yeast at 0, 4, 8 and 12 g l-1, proline at 0, 50, 75 and 100 mg l-1 and the interaction between them. The obtained results showed that foliar application of proline, yeast and their interactions led to improve and increase plant growth, floral, physiological and biochemical characters of calendula plants significantly more than those obtained by control, such as plant height, number of branches plant-1, plant fresh and dry weights, number of flowers plant-1, flowers fresh and dry weight, relative water content, carotenoid, total chlorophyll, proline content in plant leaves, as well as the activity of PPO, POX and CAT. Also, the above treatments led to improve calendula plant growth by reducing the activity of both superoxide and hydrogen peroxide and decreasing EL. Application of proline, yeast and their interactions increased the elements content of calendula plant for N, P, K, Ca and Mg %. In the contrary, they decreased Na % in the plant. Results showed that vegetative growth, floral parameters as well as anatomical characters of leaves were significantly decreased under salt stress conditions. The physiological and biochemical characters such as photosynthetic pigments content, relative water content (RWC %) and mineral elements (N, P, K, Ca and Mg %) in the leaves also significantly decreased. Whereas, Na %, proline concentration, the activity of (O-2 and H2O2) and electrolyte leakage (EL %) were increased. Moreover, available N, P and K (mg kg-1) in the soil is negatively affected by salt stress. The combined treatments of proline at 100 mg l-1 + yeast at 12 g l-1 followed by proline at 100 mg l-1 + yeast at 8 g l-1 gave the higher values of plant growth, biochemical and elemental content in plant besides improved the anatomical characters, consequently, increased the tolerance of calendula plants to salt stress under field conditions.

Effect of inorganic and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment entitled, “Effect of inorganic and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)” was conducted at PG Research Farm, Agronomy Section, R.C.S.M. College of Agriculture, Kolhapur during summer, 2019. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications and nine treatment combinations of three inorganic fertilizer levels viz., F1- 75% RDF (18.75:37.5:0 kg ha-1), F2- 100% RDF (25:50:0 kg ha-1), F3- 125% RDF (31.25:62.5:0 kg ha-1) and three bio-fertilizers levels viz., B1- Control, B2-Rhizobium spp.+ PSB (Lignite based), B3- Rhizobium spp.+ PSB (Liquid based). The application of 100% of RDF ha-1 was found at par with 125% of RDF ha-1 and significantly superior over 75% RDF ha-1 in respect of recording higher value of the growth character and yield viz., plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, plant spread plant-1 (cm), dry matter plant-1 (g), number of nodule plant-1,weight of nodule plant-1 (g), dry pod yield (q ha-1), haulm yield (q ha-1), biological yield (q ha-1), and harvest index (%). The dual seed inoculation of Rhizobium spp. + PSB (Lignite based) significantly superior over control and at par with Rhizobium spp. + PSB (Liquid based) in respect of recording higher value of growth attributes and yield viz., mean plant height (cm), plant spread (cm), number of branches, dry matter plant-1 (g), number of nodule plant-1, weight of nodule plant-1 (g), dry pod yield (q ha-1), haulm yield (q ha-1), biological yield (q ha-1) and harvest index (%).

Performance of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) varieties to different spacings on growth, yield characters and yield under mechanization

The field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, Pune, Maharashtra during kharif 2018 to study the performance of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) varieties to different spacings under mechanized conditions. Five spacings S1- 45 x 5 cm2, S2- 45 x 10 cm2, S3- 60 x 5 cm2 and S4- 60 x 10 cm2. (Under mechanized condition) and S5- 45 x 5 cm2 (under conventional condition) and three varieties V1: KDS-344 (Phule Agrani), V2- KDS-726 (Phule Sangam), V3- KDS-753 (Phule Kimaya) were tested in split plot design with three replication. The growth characters viz., plant height (cm), plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, number of functional leaves plant-1, leaf area plant-1 (dm2), number of root nodules plant-1, fresh and dry weight of root nodules plant-1 (g), days to 50 % flowering and days to maturity and dry matter plant-1 and yield attributes viz., number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, weight of pods plant-1 (g), seed yield plant-1 (g), straw yield plant-1 (g) and test weight (g) were significantly influenced at spacing 60 x 10 cm2 under mechanized condition. Among the varieties KDS-344 gave significantly superior in all growth and yield attributing characters except test weight (g). The test weight (g) was significantly highest value by variety KDS-726 (Phule Sangam).

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth attributes, nitrogen content, nitrogen uptake and quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A field experiment was undertaken during Rabi season of 2018-19 at Research Farm, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and quality of chickpea. The experiment was taken in randomized block design with three replication assigning seven treatment combinations of inorganic fertilizers, FYM, vermicompost and bio-fertilizers. Results showed that the growth and quality of chickpea was significantly increased due to different integrated nutrient management treatments as compared to control. The maximum plant height, number of branches plant-1, nitrogen content in seed and haulm, nitrogen uptake in seed and haulm, protein content in seed and protein yield of chickpea was obtained with combined application of 75% RDF + vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1 + PSB (T7) which was superior to all other treatments except application of 100% RDF (T2) and 75% RDF + FYM 5.0 t ha-1 PSB (T6).

Comparative Study of Three Low-Tech Soilless Systems for the Cultivation of Geranium (Pelargonium zonale): A Commercial Quality Assessment

The study evaluated the feasibility of simplified hydroponics for the growth of rooted cuttings of geranium (Pelargonium zonale) for commercial purposes in local farms in Northern Italy. Tested systems included a control where soilless system on substrate (peat) (T-1), usually adopted by local farmers, was compared against an open-cycle drip system on substrate (peat) (T-2), and a Nutrient Film Technique system (T-3). For commercial features, assessed parameters included flowering degree (flowering timing, numbers of inflorescences plant−1, and number of flowers inflorescence−1), numbers of leaves plant−1, number of branches plant−1, final height of plant, and the aesthetic-commercial assessment index. Assessed parameters also included fresh and dry weight, SPAD Index, the water consumption, and the water use efficiency (WUE). The soilless systems typology significantly affected rooted cuttings growth, commercial features, and WUE. The adoption of an open-cycle drip system (T-2) resulted in a significant improvement of all the crop commercial characteristics as compared with other treatments, making plants more attractive for the market. The water consumption was higher in T-2 as compared with T-1 and T-3, but it allowed for the highest fresh weight, and therefore also the highest WUE. The results indicate that the typology of soilless system significantly enhances the commercial characteristics of geranium.

Clonal Variation in Growth Response of Populus deltoides Bartr. to Nitrogen Fertilization Under Nursery Conditions

Populus deltoides, an extensively planted poplar in Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the ten most prominent tree species grown in the State. A strapping clone x fertilizerinteraction was observed fordiameter, height and biomass. Growth response of six male clones of this species to three levels ofnitrogen (50, 75 and100 kg ha 1 ) was evaluated in nursery for two years to produce healthy and vigorous nursery stock. While application of N- fertilizer @ 75 kg ha 1 recorded maximum height, diameter, number of branches plant', numberofleaves plant', leafarea plant', internodal length and total biomass (fresh and dry) plant', the application of 100 kg N ha ' was observed to exert toxic effects and reduced the growth performance. In terms ofefficient utilization ofNitrogen fertilizer (NUE), the application of 50 kg N ha ' yield maximum biomass p er unit of N- used by the plant. The male clones have recently received a lot of attention due to the increasing cotton mince produced by female clones in Kashmir valley. In currentscenario male clones are the betterperspective to replace the female ones without compromising the economy generated by this species.

Growth and yield of blackgram as influenced by water soluble fertilizers and plant growth promoting rhizomicrobial consortia under rainfed condition in southern transition zone of Karnataka

A field experiment was carried out during Kharif-2019 at College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, to study the influence of water soluble fertilizers and liquid plant growth promoting rhizomicrobial consortia on black gram (Vigna mungo L.) under rainfed condition in Southern Transition Zone of Karnataka. Experimental design adopted was RCBD with three replications and thirteen treatments consisting of different combinations of water soluble fertilizers viz.,19:19:19 (N: P: K) and Mono potassium phosphate (0:52:34) sprayed at 30 and 45 days after sowing with or without liquid plant growth promoting rhizomicrobial consortia application along with the package of practice. The Results revealed that, foliar application of 19:19:19 (N: P: K) and Mono potassium phosphate (0:52:34) @ 1 per cent each at 30 and 45 days after sowing + PGPR along with a package of practice recorded significantly higher plant height (67.16 cm), number of branches plant-1 (10.63), number of leaves plant-1 (16.95), leaf area (5.57 dm2 plant-1), total dry matter production (15.84 g plant-1), number of pods plant-1 (25.20), pod length (7.92 cm), number of seeds pod-1 (6.53), seed yield (1167.62 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (2019.37 kg ha-1) over package of practice.