Number Of Primary Branches Plant-1 Research Articles

Variability and heritability study in some selected Brassica rapa L. genotypes

A field experiment was conducted in the research field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka, Bangladesh to study variability and heritability in Brassica rapa L. for developing short durable, high yielding varieties. The experiment had laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications and consisted of seven genotypes viz., G1 (BARI Sarisha-14), G2 (Brown Special), G3 (Yellow Special), G4 (Tori-7), G5 (BARI Sarisha-17), G6 (BARI Sarisha-15) and G7 (BARI Sarisha-6). The result revealed that G7 had the highest yield plant-1 (6.91 g) and longest duration (108.00 days) while G4 had the lowest yield plant-1 (4.12 g) and G2 had the shortest duration (79.33 days). High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation for number of secondary branches plant-1 (95.35% and 99.39%), number of siliqua plant-1 (29.52% and 30.23%), plant height (25.19% and 25.38%) and number of seeds siliqua-1 (26.76% and 27.12%) had estimated. High heritability with high genetic advance and gain had observed for days to 80% maturity (99.92%, 20.99% and 23.36 %), plant height (98.55%, 53.99% and 51.53%) and number of siliqua plant-1 (95.33%, 101.25% and 59.37%). While high heritability with low genetic advance and high genetic gain were observed for number of primary branches plant-1 (92.02%, 0.70% and 188.43%), number of secondary branches plant-1 (92.02%, 7.47% and 188.43%), length of siliqua (98.23%, 1.104% and 29.96), 1000 seed weight (84.61%, 1.23% and 32.01%) and yield plant-1 (97.41%, 2.01% and 38.47%). Days to 80% maturity, plant height and number of siliqua plant-1 showed high heritability with high genetic advance and genetic gain indicated additive gene action and selection could be useful for these traits. While high heritability with low genetic advance had observed for number of primary and secondary branches plant-1, length of siliqua, 1000 seed weight and yield plant-1 indicated non additive gene action and selection might be ineffective for these traits. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2023, 48(2): 106-118

Verim ve verimle ilgili özellikler için susamda (Sesamum indicum L.) genetik değişkenlik

Availability of genetic variability among a certain crop population and knowledge of the genetic parameters of yield and yield-related traits are the key preconditions to enhance seed yield. Therefore, sixty-four sesame genotypes consisting of fifty-nine accessions and five varieties were assessed in order to evaluate sesame genotypes for yield and yield-related traits and estimate the genetic parameters. An 8 x 8 simple lattice design was used to evaluate the experimental materials. Data were collected for the twenty traits. Analysis of variance revealed that sesame genotypes were significantly different (P<0.05) except for internode length and seed shattering-related traits. ASARC-ACC-SG-013 was the highest-yielding accession, while accession GK-012 (2) gave the highest oil content (60.09%), and the mean thousands seeds weight ranged from 2.00 g to 2.75 g, indicating the existence of elite sesame genotypes that can be considered to maximize yield, seed size, and oil content. The number of primary branches plant-1, the number of capsules on the main stem plant-1, and total capsules plant-1 all showed high coefficients of variation, demonstrating that the genotypes under study had sufficient variability for these traits. High heritability and genetic advance were obtained for traits such as plant height to the first branch (60.70%; 21.90%), capsule length (81.10%; 24.00%), primary branches plant-1 (63.10%; 36.30%), number of capsules on the main stem plant-1 (74.40%; 45.80%), and total capsules plant-1 (64.90%; 51.40%). Thus, the finding suggests a trustworthy estimate of the genetic advancement that may be anticipated through phenotypic selection for these traits.

Studies on Genetic Divergence of Parental Lines and Their F1 Progeny in Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.

The current experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. In present investigation forty-three genotypes (10 lines + 3 testers + 30 F1’s) of bottle gourd were grouped into seven distinct non over lapping clusters. This suggested that the genotypes had a significant amount of variability. Additionally, it was discovered that the genotypes belonging to the same geographic area were clustered together. Thus, there was no consistent relationship between genetic divergence and geographical distribution. Number of genotypes per cluster ranged from fifteen to one. The cluster II was the largest with fifteen genotypes followed by cluster III and cluster I, cluster VII, cluster VI while, cluster IV had one genotype. The maximum intra cluster distance was recorded in cluster VII followed by cluster V and cluster III. Maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster I and V followed by that between cluster V and VI and cluster III and VI. The higher inter cluster distance indicated greater genetic divergences between the genotypes of those clusters. The inter-cluster distance was least between cluster IV and VI indicated, that the genotypes of these clusters were genetically least diverse and with almost of the same genetic architecture. Percent character contribution towards genetic divergence among the bottle gourd genotypes were maximum for fruit length followed by days to first harvest, fruit circumference, node number to first pistillate flower appearance and number of primary branches plant-1. Therefore, these traits must be included while studying genetic divergence in bottle gourd. The results suggested that crosses between selected lines/F1’s from widely separated clusters are most likely to give desirable recombinants/hybrids.

Assessment of Genetic Variability and Trait Association in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) for Yield and Attributing Traits

The present study was conducted at College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Meghalaya, India in the rabi season (November–April) of 2020–21 to study genetic variability, character association and identify high yielding Al tolerant lentil RILs genotypes suitable for Al toxicity prone acidic soils of Meghalaya. The genotypes were screened through phenotypic evaluation in the field, character association, root morphology studies and determination of root Al content. The pooled variance analysis over two locations revealed highly significant genotype×location interaction for the traits under study except days to maturity, number of primary branches plant-1 and number of seeds pod-1, whereas variance due to genotypes was highly significant for all the 10 characters except number of seeds pod-1. Among all the characters, high Hbs2 coupled with high GA percentage were observed in number of primary branches plant-1, plant height and 100 seed weight. Highly positive and highly significant correlation was observed between seed yield plant-1 with number of pods plant-1 (0.84***), biological yield plant-1 (0.79***), number of seeds pod-1 (0.47***), number of primary branches plant-1 (0.31***) and harvest index (0.31***). From the root morphology analysis, it was observed that high yielding tolerant genotypes constituted of well-established root systems under acidic soil conditions. Based on mean performance of seed yield plant-1, various attributing traits and root morphology studies the best performing genotypes were LRIL-37, LRIL-22, LRIL-96, LRIL-97, LRIL-144, LRIL-92 and LRIL-109. The identified genotypes may be used for further evaluation in multiple environments for final release and also for use in the hybridisation programme.

Effect of foliar application of varying doses of salicylic acid at different growth stages on growth, quality and nutrient uptake efficiency of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Background: The ubiquitous presence of salicylic (SA) acid in plant systems has been confirmed by many scientists. Salicylic acid is widely distributed throughout the plant and is proposed to affect a number of phyto-physiological activities. As an endogenous plant growth factor or a hormone SA has number of functions including florigenic and thermogenic role, part in plant-pathogen interaction, signal transduction, etc. Method: The present investigation was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Division of Vegetable Science, SKUAST-K, during Kharif 2020 to find out the effect of foliar spray of varying doses of salicylic acid (SA) applied at different plant growth stages on growth and quality attributes of French bean var. Shalimar French Bean-1. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with twelve treatment combinations and three replications. Result: The investigation revealed that the treatment combination T1D2 (250ppm of SA applied at plant emergence stage) recorded minimum values for days taken to 50 per cent flowering and days taken to pod formation. Moreover, the same treatment combination T1D2 also recorded maximum values for plant height, number of primary branches plant-1, number of leaves plant-1 et al., leaf area and shoot dry weight plant-1. It was further revealed that in the treatment combination T1D2 maximum values of vitamin C content, TSS, protein content, leaf chlorophyll content and pod dry matter content were also recorded, while pod anthocyanin content was maximum in the treatment combination T2D2 (250ppm of SA applied at vegetative stage). The treatment combination T1D2 also significantly enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency of the plants and resulted in lowest values for the available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, soil EC and maximum values for organic carbon as compared absolute control. than absolute control D0.

Assessment of Genetic Parameters for Yield and Its Associated Traits in Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Greengram is India's most significant legume crop, and because there is relatively little genetic variety, increasing productivity demands increased attention in research for the development of superior cultivars. During Kharif 2020-21, an experiment was conducted to the evaluation of the genetic parameters for yield and their associated attributes for thirty-nine Mungbean genotypes. Using a Randomised Block Design (RBD), all genotypes were sown in three replications. The observations on various quantitative characters were recorded, and the genetic parameters, PCV, GCV, heritability(bs), and genetic advance, along with the analysis of variances, were estimated. According to ANOVA, almost all genotypes exhibited significant variances for all characters. The highest GCV and PCV was found to be pod length (cm), number of pods cluster-1, number of primary branches plant-1, biological yield plant-1 as well as seed yield plant-1. The heritability was recorded high for pod length (cm) followed by number of primary branches plant-1, number of pods cluster-1, days to pod initiation, number of seeds pod-1, days to 50% flowering, seed yield plant-1, biological yield plant-1, number of effective pods plant-1. The character’s days to flower initiation, total number of pods plant-1, harvest index and number of clusters plant-1 revealed medium genetic advance. High heritability(bs) coupled high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for pod length (cm), number of branches plant-1, number of pods cluster-1, days to pod initiation, number of seeds pod-1, days to 50% flowering, seed yield plant-1, biological yield plant-1 and number of effective pods plant-1.

Genetic Variability, Diversity, Heterosis and Combining Ability in Sponge Gourd [Luffa cylindrica (Roem.) L.

This experiment was conducted at Mandouri farm, Horticultural Research Station, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyala (BCKV), West Bengal, India during March, 2014 to July, 2018. The objectives of the research were to determine genetic variability, phenotypic performance and diversity for yield and 17 yield attributing traits of the 45 sponge gourd germplasm. To study the heterosis and combining ability of parental lines with half diallel analysis for earliness and yield contributing characters. PCV (phenotypic coefficient of variation) was higher than GCV (genotypic coefficient of variation) for all the traits studied. Higher PCV and GCV were recorded for traits namely number of primary branches plant-1, number of fruiting nodes on main stem, sex ratio (male/female), fruits plant-1 and fruit yield plant-1. Based on Mahalanobis’ D2 statistic, the genotypes of sponge gourd were grouped into 7 different clusters. Fruit yield plant-1, weight of fruit and number of fruiting nodes on main stem had maximum contribution towards genetic divergence. Among the parents, Patna Local, IC-336759 and IC-284795 showed high significant positive GCA effects as well as per se performance for yield and yield related attributes. Additive as well as non-additive gene action regulating the different traits. The traits under non additive gene action. The magnitude of standard heterosis was found in desirable direction for early and yield traits viz., days to first pistillate flower appearance in the cross IC284795×Patna Loca (-23.07%), for 50% flowering in the cross IC-284795×Patna Local (-18.89%), sex ratio in the cross IC-336759×Patna Local (-53.41%), for number of fruit vine-1 in the cross IC-284795×Patna Local (34.56%) and average fruit weight in the cross IC336759×Patna Local (110.09%). Promising germplasm Patna Local may be subjected for regional yield trail along with released variety with a view to develop new variety of sponge gourd. The superior hybrids can be exploited for hybridization programme.

Essential Oil Yield and Yield Related of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L) as Affected by NPS and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates at Wondo Genet, Southern Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted on experimental field of Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center (WGARC), southern Ethiopia under supplementary irrigation in 2017- 2018 cropping season, to assess the effects of NPS and N fertilizer rates on essential oil yield and yield related traits of basil. The experiment consisted of four rates of nitrogen (0, 23, 46, and 69 kg ha-1) and four rates of NPS fertilizer (0, 50,100 and 150 kg ha-1). The treatments were arranged in factorial combination using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed that the main effects of NPS and N fertilizer rates significantly affected plant height, number of leaves plant-1 and dry stem weight plant-1. The tallest plant height (32.87 cm) and highest dry stem weight (41.86 g plant-1) were recorded from 100 kg ha-1 NPS rate. Similarly, the tallest plant (31.90 cm) and highest dry stem weight (42.78 g plant-1) were recorded from the highest (69 kg N ha-1) rate. On other hand, the interaction effects of NPS and N fertilizer rates also significantly affected number of primary branches plant-1, fresh leaf weight plant-1, fresh stem weight plant-1, fresh inflorescence weight plant-1, aboveground dry biomass and essential oil yield of basil. Significantly, the highest fresh leaf weight (319.36 g plant-1) and fresh stem weight (176.30 g plant-1) were obtained from combined application of 150 kg ha-1 NPS + 69 kg ha-1 N rates. The highest number of primary branches plant-1(12.63), dry leaf weight (43.93 g plant-1) and aboveground dry biomass (4.64-ton ha-1) were obtained from combined application of 100 kg ha-1 NPS + 69 kg ha-1 N, whereas the highest essential oil yield (30.22 kg ha-1) was due to combination of 100 kg ha-1 NPS + 46 kg ha-1 N rate and it is statistically at par with 50 kg ha-1 NPS + 46 kg ha-1 N. Therefore, combined application of 50 kg ha-1 NPS + 46 kg ha-1 N would be suggested in case of basil used for extracting essential oil.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of Urdbean (Vigna mungo L.) in Chhattisgarh plain

The present investigation carried out to study the ‘‘Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of urdbean (Vigna mungo L.) in Chhattisgarh plain ’’ at the Instructional farm, Barrister Thakur Chhedilal College of Agriculture and Research Station, Bilaspur, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (Chhattisgarh) during kharif season 2021. The investigation was spread out in a randomized block design where in nine treatment combinations in three replications. The size of gross plot of the experiment was 4.0 m × 3.0 m = 12.0 m² and net plot size 3.4 m × 2.4 m = 8.16 m² sowing was done in 16 July 2021. The different treatment combinations of the investigation are T1: Control, T2: 100 % RDF, T3: 125 % RDF, T4: Rhizobium culture, T5: PSB, T6: 100 % RDF + Rhizobium culture, T7: 100 % RDF + PSB, T8: Rhizobium culture + PSB, T9: 100 % RDF + Rhizobium culture + PSB. Experimental results revealed that growth characters viz., plant height, number of functional leaf plant-1, number of primary branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation (g plant-1), number of nodules plant-1, dry weight of nodules (mg plant-1), CGR, yield contributing characters viz., number of pods plant-1, test weight, biological, seed as well as straw yield, were significantly more with treatment T9 (100 % RDF + Rhizobium culture + PSB) which was on par with the treatments T6 (100 % RDF + Rhizobium culture) and T7 (100 % RDF + PSB).

Screening of Genetic Variability for Yield and its Components in Horse Gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam). Verdc]. Local Germplasm

A investigation was done to estimate the extent of genetic variability for seed yield and ten quantitative traits in 44 genotypes of Horse gram. For all of the traits, the analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between genotypes, indicating a high degree of variability. For all of the characters, the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was lower than the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV). Most of the traits between GCV and PCV had the smallest differences, indicating a lower predominance of environment in the expression of these characters. As a result, breeders could undertake direct selection based on phenotypic values of the traits. Seed yield plant-1, number of clusters plant-1 and number of pods plant-1 all had high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation. Protein content followed by days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, seed yield plant-1, number of pods plant-1, plant height, number of clusters plant-1, 1000 seed weight, number of primary branches plant-1 and pod length all had high estimations of heredity in the broad sense. Number of pods plant-1 had the maximum heritability (broad) coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean followed by number of clusters plant-1, days to maturity, plant height and days to 50% flowering. As a result, these characters are mostly controlled by additive gene action, and hence characters can be improved through selection.

Gene action studies in cherry tomato for yield and yield attributing traits in open and protected environment

The present study was undertaken to learn more about the the nature and magnitude of gene action for various yield and yield attributing traits in cherry tomato. Ten different lines of cherry tomato were crossed in diallel fashion (excluding reciprocals) and tested for gene action investigations in open and protected environment. Analysis of variance of the components of genetic variation and their ratios and differences revealed that the additive variance component ( ) was significant for all the traits in the individual as well as pooled data analysis, except for number of primary branches plant-1 in E2. The dominance components ( and ) showed the significant difference for all the traits except for plant height in E2. This shows the involvement of both additive and non-additive type of gene action in the inheritance of the traits. Hence, reliance should be placed on reciprocal recurrent selection and the development of superior lines with several desirable genes.

Character association and path analysis studies on seed yield and its yield attributing traits in Kharif sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The experiment was carried out to determine the character association and path analysis with 20 genotype including national check namely GT-10, TKG-22, zonal check JTS-8. The genotype was grown in (RBD) design with 3 Replication during Kharif 2020 at BTC College of Agriculture and Research station Bilaspur CG. The data were collected for nine quantitative and yield attributing traits. The correlation co-efficient analysis is the index of relationship among two variables. These have been dealing in all possible combinations for important traits at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Seed yield plant-1 was highly significant and positively correlated with plant height, followed by number of primary branches plant-1, capsules length, number of capsules plant-1, number of seed capsule-1 days to maturity at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path analysis at phenotypic level among the characters studied, plant height (cm) had the highest direct effect (0.7479) towards seed yield per plant followed by number of primary branches plant-1 (0.5868) capsule length (0.3827) no of capsule plant-1 (0.3521) number of seed capsule-1 (0.2818) days to maturity (0.289) negative direct effect were recorded for days to 50% flowering (-0.0327) 1000 seed weight (- 02147). Demonstrating the fact that there was a real and positive connection between these characters will help determine which type of character is needed for crop improvement.

Genetic variability and character association of Bangladeshi popular varieties of mustard (<i>Brassica rapa L.</i>)

A study was conducted to estimate genetic variability, correlation and direct and indirect effects of yield attributes on seed yield of fourteen Bangladeshi varieties of Brassica rapa. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded in a number of secondary branches plant-1, a number of siliqua plant-1 and a number of seeds siliqua-1 indicating the effects of additive genes in controlling the traits. Significant and positive association with seed yield plant-1 were observed in the number of primary branches plant-1, a number of seeds siliqua-1, while a negative association was found in days to maturity. The path analysis revealed that the days to first flowering, number of secondary branches plant-1 and 1000 seed weight were the main contributors to seed yield. The results suggest that days to first flowering, number of primary and secondary branches plant-1 and 1000 seed weight may be considered for selection to improve the seed yield in B. rapa.
 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 44, No. 2, 95-107, 2020

Correlation and path coefficient analysis in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

A field experiment including fifteen brinjal genotypes was conducted at Bagusala (Village) instructional farm, Paralakhemundi, Department of Horticulture, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management during the rabi season of 2019-20. The observations were recorded on both quantitative and qualitative traits. Study on correlation between several characters shows that selection for fruit yield must based on plant height, plant spread (E-W), plant spread (N-S), stem girth, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, number of fruits plant-1, fruit and shoot borer, pericarp thickness, flesh thickness, vitamin C and dry matter. In present study genotypic correlation was observed to be higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlations for all the character combinations and therfore it shows that the suppression of phenotypic expression under the influence of environmental factors. Path coefficient analysis of total fruit yield contributing attributes estimated that fruit length, showed maximum positive direct effect followed by vitamin C, pericarp thickness, number of primary branches plant-1, fruit weight, days to first flowering, TSS, stem girth and number of fruits plant-1 which indicated that these traits have to give much importance in selection programme for yield improvement in brinjal.

Variability and Character Association for Yield and Quantitative Traits under Late Sown Conditions in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Background: Among all the pulses, chickpea is the most important rabi crop with high acceptability and wider use in India. More availability of quality seed of improved varieties being made available to the famers is one of the most important factors contributing to better harvest of chickpea in recent years. Therefore, there is urgent need for developing high yielding varieties of chickpea employing sound and effective breeding strategies. The study of variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis for seed yield with other yield contributing characters is of immense importance to get information regarding exercising selections for genetic improvement in chickpea.Methods: A total of 40 genotypes of chickpea were undertaken for present study and these genotypes evaluated in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (SKNAU), Jaipur Rajasthan, India under late sown conditions during rabi 2019-20. The experimental unit was four row plots of 4 m long and spacing between row to row was kept to 30 cm and plant to plant was 10 cm. The genetic parameters viz., mean GCV, PCV, broad sense heritability, genetic advance (GA), correlation coefficient and path analysis were estimated.Result: Genotypes revealed significant wide genetic variation for almost all the quantitative traits. Number of pods plant-1 exhibited highest PCV and GCV. The highest broad sense heritability (h2b) was recorded for days to maturity followed by days to 50% flowering and 100-seed weight. The 100-seed weight, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1 and primary branches plant-1 had positive genotypic correlation with grain yield. Path coefficient analysis depicted that among the 9 causal (independent) traits; number of seeds pod-1, number of pods plant-1, number of primary branches plant-1, plant height from ground to first pod (cm) and days to 50% flowering had positive and directly influence on grain yield. Therefore these traits can be taken into consideration while exercising selection for grain yield in chickpea.

Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis Studies in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

The present investigation was carried out at Kalyani Simanta District Seed Farm, Kalyani, Nadia under BCKV during Pre-kharif season of 2018-19. Ten genotypes of cowpea were grown in randomized block design with three replications. The genotypes were studied for twelve characters viz, plant height at maturity, number of flower inflorescence-1, number of primary branches plant-1, leaf area, number of pods plant-1, pod weight, number of grains pod-1, pod length, biological yield plant-1, area of primary leaf, hundred grain weight and grain yield plant-1. The experimental studies revealed substantial amount of genetic variability among the genotypes under study. In general, phenotypic coefficients of variation were higher in magnitude than genotypic coefficient of variation. The characters pod yield plant-1 and plant height at maturity showed comparatively higher estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation indicating high level of variability and ample scope for effective improvement. The higher estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percentage of mean indicated additive gene action for the above characters. Correlation studies revealed strong positive association of pod yield plant-1, hundred grain weight with grain yield plant-1. The path analysis studies indicated that the characters number of pods plant-1 and days to first pod maturity bearing direct positive effect on grain yield, could be the selection criteria for genetic improvement of grain yield plant-1 in cowpea population under study. Thus, the genotypes PL-3, PL-5, Mousumi Laffa are observed as desirable among the population for future use in breeding programme, as these genotypes had good performance for the important quantitative traits.

Effect of various methods of sowing on growth parameters and biochemical traits of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal)

The present investigation entitled “Effect of various methods of sowing on growth parameters and biochemical traits of Ashwagandha. (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal).” was carried out at Research Cum Instructional Farm, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, during rabi season of 2017-2018. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The whole treatments were divided into main plot i.e. flat bed, ridge and furrow method and sub plot i.e. control, FYM @ 10 t ha-1, FYM @ 15 t ha-1, Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1, Vermicompost @ 7.5 t ha-1, Castor cake @ 1.5 t ha-1, Castor cake @ 2.5 t ha-1, RDF(NPK @ 40:60:20 kg ha-1). Ashwagandha variety GAA-1 was sown on 30th October 2017 and harvested on 05th June 2018. Observations regarding growth parameters and bio-chemical traits of ashwagandha plant. based on different sowing methods, maximum plant height (cm), number of leaves plant-1, number of primary branches plant-1, number of secondary branches plant-1, chlorophyll content (SPAD) value and protein content were recorded maximum with ridge and furrow sowing method as compared to flatbed sowing method while based on application of organic source of nutrients, maximum plant height (cm), number of leaves plant-1, number of primary branches plant-1, number of secondary branches plant-1, chlorophyll content (SPAD) value and protein content were recorded with application of FYM @ 15 t ha-1 as compared to other organic source of nutrient and their levels for ashwagandha crop. Ridge and furrow sowing method with FYM @ 15 t ha-1 gave best results in terms of all growth parameters and biochemical traits of ashwagandha.

Mitigation of Moisture Stress through Foliar Spray of Thiourea, Salicylic Acid and Homobrassinolide in Chickpea Cicer arietinum L.

A field experiment was conducted at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburgi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur to study the influence of foliar spray of thiourea, salicylic acid and homobrassinolide on crop growth and seed yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under moisture stress conditions in rabi 2018-19. The experiment consisted of sixteen treatment combinations (four moisture stress with four foliar sprays) which was laid out in 2 factor RBD. Among the different treatments imposed, two foliar spray of thiourea @ 1000 ppm under no moisture stress (control) during flowering (45 DAS) and seed setting 75 DAS recorded significantly higher plant height (42.0 and 49.0 cm), leaf area index (3.020 and 2.003), number of primary branches plant-1 (9.1 and 10.7), chlorophyll content (SPAD values 64.4 and 56.6), number of pods plant-1 (64.3), 100 seed weight (25.0 g), drought tolerant efficiency 100.0 %, seed yield plant-1 (18.9 g) and hectare-1 (27.2 q) compared to other treatments.

Combining ability and gene action in cucumber (<em>Cucumis sativus</em> L.)

The experimental material for the present study comprised of F1 population of twenty four crosses, developed by crossing four female parents viz., Sheetal, Shubhangi, Himangi, and Puna khira of cucumber with six male parents viz., AAUC-2, DC-2, AAUC-1, VRC-19, DARL-103 and Fansu local. The experiment was laid out with 24 F1s, 4 females 6 males and one check Konkan kakadi in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two replications during the kharif 2017.Observations were recorded on thirteen different quantitative characters The perusal of estimates of gca effects revealed that two female parents viz., sheetal (0.572), Puna khira (0.235) and two male parents Fansu local (0.596) and VRC-19 (0.376) exhibited significant positive gca effect in kharif 2017. This showed that these parents were good general combiner for the marketable yield vine-1. The best three hybrids with respect to marketable yield vine-1based on significant positive sca were viz., Sheetal x Fansu local (0.942), Shubhangi x DC-2 (0.532), Puna khira x VRC-19 (0.484). A perusal of the data indicated that the estimates of σ2SCA were higher in magnitude as compared to σ2 GCA (average) both in females and males for the traits under study viz., days to first male flower appearance, days to first female flower appearance, nodal position of first female flower, days to first picking, fruit length and diameter, average fruit weight, marketable yield vine-1, harvest duration and total soluble solids. In all the traits studied, the SCA variances were higher than GCA values, indicated the role of non-additive gene action.While lower magnitude of SCA showed additive gene action. The heritability estimates from different variance components having very high heritability obtained for number of marketable fruits vine-1 (69.02%) and number of primary branches plant-1 (94.40%).

Effect of phosphorus on growth and yield of sesame

The present study was conducted at the Research farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, during March to June 2014 to examine the effect of Phosphorus on the growth and yield of Sesame. BARI Til-3 variety was used for the study. This experiment was consisted of single factor eg. phosphorus. There were three levels of phosphorus viz. (i) P0 (0 % P), (ii) P1 (20 % P) and (iii) P2 (30 % P) and the experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six replications. Different levels of phosphorus showed significant effect on growth and yield of sesame. Individually phosphorus had significant effect on highest plant height, number of leaves plant-1, number of primary branches plant-1, number of secondary branches plant-1, number of capsule plant-1, number of seeds capsule-1, 1000 seed weight, seed yield and harvest index. The highest plant height of sesame (136.30 cm), the highest no leaves plant-1 of sesame (34.44), number of primary branches plant-1 (5.56), number of secondary branches plant-1 (7.61), number of capsule plant-1 (25.87), number of seed capsule-1 (70.47),1000 seed weight (3.54), Seed yield (1581.00 kg ha-1), Stover yield (3034.42 kg ha-1), biological yield (4615.76), harvest index (34.11%), oil content (43.92%) was recorded from P1. Again, the highest days to first flowering of sesame (31.67) was recorded from P1 (20 % P) but the highest days to maturity was (85.67) recorded from P2 (30% P). Application of P at different percentage is causing effect in growth and yield of sesame.
 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.6(2): 245-251, August 2019