Plant Tiller Number Research Articles

Influence of Iron and Zinc Biofortification on Growth and Yield of Drilled Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2022 and 2023 to study the effect of iron and zinc biofortification on the growth and yield of drilled rice (Oryza sativa L.) at Krushi Vigyan Kendra, Navsari Agricultural University, Dediapada, Gujarat. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with ten treatments. Based on pooled analysis, almost all the growth attributes (periodical plant height, number of tillers plant-1, leaf area, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation plant-1), yield attributes (productive tillers m-2, number of filled grains panicle-1, panicle length, weight of panicle and 1000 grain weight), grain yield (3035 kg ha-1) and straw yield (5336 kg ha-1) were recorded significantly higher under treatment T10 (soil ZnSO4 + FeSO4 each @ 25 kg ha-1 and foliar ZnSO4 + FeSO4 each @ 0.5% at 30 & 60 DAS). Based on the results, it concluded that for achieving higher growth and yield in drilled rice, the crop should be fertilized with soil ZnSO4 + FeSO4 each @ 25 kg ha-1 and foliar ZnSO4 + FeSO4 each @ 0.5% at 30 & 60 DAS along with RDF and soil ZnSO4 + FeSO4 each @ 25 kg ha-1 along with RDF.

Identification of Superior Forage Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) Inbred Lines

The experiment was conducted during kharif, (July–November, 2022) at ICAR–Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India. In this experiment, 81 forage pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) lines was evaluated for its genetic diversity and variability. For all variables examined, an analysis of variance revealed a considerable variation between lines. Leaf-to-stem ratio, first-cut and second-cut of green fodder yield, as well as dry fodder yield, all had high PCV and GCV values. For Plant height, Leaf length, Number of leaves tiller-1, Number of tillers plant-1, Stem thickness, and Regeneration ability however, moderate PCV and GCV values have been identified. Plant height, Number of leaves tiller-1, Leaf-to-stem ratio, Green fodder yield in first cut, the Green fodder in second cut, and the yield of dry fodder all showed high heritability and high genetic advance. On the basis of Mahalanobis D2 statistics for clustering, genetic diversity was examined. The Tocher method was used to grouping of genotype lines into 11 clusters. The most lines were found in cluster I (52), followed by cluster VI with 14 lines, cluster III with 6 lines, and cluster IX with 2 lines. Cluster VI has the greatest intra-cluster distance (86.59), followed by clusters I (54.11), III (52.99), and IX (52.30). Between cluster III and IX had observed greater inter-cluster distance of 594.54 followed by cluster III and X (471.67), cluster IX and XI (458.76) and cluster I and IX (410.82). Intercrossing of these clusters lines might be useful to develop better forage pearl millet hybrids.

The Psathyrostachys juncea DWARF27 gene encodes an all-trans-/9-cis-beta-carotene isomerase in the control of plant branches in Arabidopsis thaliana by strigolactones.

Strigolactones (SLs), carotenoid-derived plant hormones, govern the growth and development of both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. DWARF27 (D27), a plastid-targeted protein located at the initiation site of the core pathway in SL synthesis, plays a crucial role in regulating plant tillering (branching). In rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum), OsD27 and TaD27-B proteins modulate the number of plant tillers by participating in SL biosynthesis. Similarly, AtD27 in Arabidopsis thaliana is required for SL production and has a significant impact on phenotypic changes related to branching. At the same time, TaD27 in wheat has been confirmed as a functional orthologue of AtD27 in Arabidopsis, and both Psathyrostachys juncea and wheat belong to the Triticeae, so we speculate that PjD27 gene may also have the same function as AtD27 in Arabidopsis. In this study, we initially screened the PjD27 gene significantly associated with tillering regulation through transcriptome data analysis and subsequently validated its expression levels using qRT-PCR analysis. Furthermore, we conducted phylogenetic analysis using amino acid sequences from 41 species, including P. juncea, to identify closely related species of P. juncea. Here, we analyze the conservation of D27 protein among P. juncea, rice, wheat, and Arabidopsis and provide preliminary evidence suggesting that PjD27 protein is an orthologue of D27 protein in Arabidopsis. Through reverse genetics, we demonstrate the crucial role of PjD27 in regulating plant branching, establishing it as a functional orthologue of D27 in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, following transient expression in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), we demonstrate that the subcellular location of the PjD27 protein is consistent with the cellular location of TaD27-B in wheat. Quantitative analysis of SLs shows that PjD27 is a key gene regulating tillering (branching) by participating in SL biosynthesis. By elucidating the function of the PjD27 gene, our findings provide valuable genetic resources for new germplasm creation and improving grain yield in P. juncea.

Influence of Liquid Nano Urea Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Summer Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under South Gujarat Conditions

A field experiment was conducted during summer season for two consecutive years (2022-2023) at Navsari, Gujarat to study the effect of liquid Nano urea fertilizer on summer rice (Oryza sativa L.) under South Gujarat conditions. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and twelve treatments comprising T1: 100 % RDN (Recommended dose of nitrogen) through urea (120 kg N ha-1), T2: 75 % RDN + Seedling root dip in Nano urea at transplanting (TP) (4 ml L-1), T3: 50 % RDN + Seedling root dip in Nano urea at TP (4 ml L-1), T4: 25 % RDN + Seedling root dip in Nano urea at TP (4 ml L-1), T5: 75 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering stage (4 ml L-1), T6: 50 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering stag (4 ml L-1), T7: 25 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering stage (4 ml L-1), T8: 75 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1), T9: 50 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1), T10: 25 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1), T11: Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1) and T12: Seedling root dip in Nano urea at TP + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1). Application of 75 % RDN + Spray of Nano urea at tillering and panicle initiation stage (4 ml L-1) obtain significantly higher growth attributes viz., periodical plant height, number of tillers plant-1, dry matter accumulation plant-1, chlorophyll content and growth indices including leaf area index (LAI) at 60 and 90 DAS, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) during 30-60 DAS, 60-90 DAS, and 90 DAS-Harvest. Similarly, significantly higher grain yield was produced under treatment T8 (4435 kg ha-1) which was 3.24% higher than 100% RDN through conventional urea.

The Effect of Mannitol and Nano Urea on Terminal Heat Stress on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present investigation was conducted during Rabi season, 2022-23 & 2023-24 at the student instructional farm (SIF) of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229 (U.P.). The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications, seven treatments and wheat variety (HD 2967). The treatment was comprised of control distilled water spray, Mannitol 25, 50, 100 ppm and Nano urea 25, 50, 100 ppm respectively, which was foliar sprayed at 30 DAS. The observations have been studied on growth, bio-chemical, yield and yield attributes of wheat. Observations were recorded at 60, 90 DAS and at maturity stages for timely sowing (15 November) and late sowing (15 December). However, yield and yield parameters were taken at the time of harvesting of the crop. Foliar spray of mannitol and nano urea were performed well at 60, 90 DAS and at maturity parameters. Foliar application of nano urea with 25 ppm was recorded superior on plant height (cm), dry weight plant-1 (g), chlorophyll content in leaves (SPAD value), Catalase activity (g-1 fresh weight min-1), Peroxidase activity (mg g-1 fresh weight min-1), Super oxide dismutase activity (mg g-1 fresh weight min-1) However, yield and yield attributes viz length of spike, number of tillers plant-1, number of grains spike-1, grain yield plant-1 It is concluded from the result that foliar spray of nano urea 25 ppm was found most effective to increasing all characters and yield parameters of wheat.

Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum estivum L.) Cv. Koshan-02

The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels (0, 50, 70, 90 & 110 kg N ha-1) of Nitrogen (N) on growth, yield and yield related parameters of wheat (cv. Koshan-02) in Kabul agro-climate condition at the Agricultural Research Farm of Kabul University, during spring 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, each replication consisted of five treatments. Total treatments were (15). The size of each plot was (2mx3m=6m2). The result of our study revealed that the plots treated with highest level (110 kg N ha-1) of N fertilizers produced the highest plant height (85.97cm). maximum number of grains spike-1 (35.74), the highest dry matter (3.937t ha-1), The highest number of tillers m-2 (152.76 m-2), 1000-grain weight (48.94g), grain yield (2891.1kg/ha) large spike length (10.52), number of grains spikelet-1 (2.98), Spikelet number spike-1 (11.54), followed by T4, T3 and T2. It was concluded that all treatments have ranked regarding their efficient effects as ((T5 (110 kg N ha-1> T4 (90 kg N ha-1> T3 (70 kg N ha-1> T2 (50 kg N ha_1> TControl) for all growth, yield and yield helping attributes such as plant height, number of grains spike-1, dry matter (kg ha-1), number of tillers plant-1, 1000-grain weight(g), grain yield (kg ha-1), spike length (cm), number of grains spikelet-1, number of spikelet spike-1, spike number m-2 and number of leaves plant_1. So, for obtaining aimed and desirable yield the application of (110 kg N ha-1) is recommended under research area conditions (Agro-Climatic Condition).

Correlation and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Component Traits on Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes

The research was conducted at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center Main Station, during July–November, 2021 (Main cropping season) to study the association among traits and estimate the direct and indirect effects of various traits on grain yield of bread wheat genotypes. A total of 64 bread wheat genotypes were evaluated for 16 traits in 8×8 simple lattice design. Grain yields showed positive and highly significant at (p<0.01) genotypic and phenotypic correlation with plant height, number of seeds spike-1, head weight, yield head-1, biomass yield, hectoliter weight, test weight and harvest index. Genotypic correlation coefficients were greater for all significantly correlated with grain yield studied traits than the corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients, indicating inherent association of the characters, therefore, selection for these characters could improve grain yield. Genotypic path analysis of the direct effects revealed that days to maturity, number of spikelets spike-1, head weight, yield head-1, biomass yield, hectoliter weight, test weight and harvest index exerted direct positive effect on grain yield. Phenotypic path analysis of the direct effects showed that days to maturity, plant height, number of tillers plant-1, number of seeds spike-1, head height, yield head-1, biomass yield, test weight and harvest index had direct positive effect on grain yield. Therefore, these traits should be considered for bread wheat breeding program for yield improvement.

Effects of oilseed rape green manure on phosphorus availability of red soil and rice yield in rice-green manure rotation system.

Improving the nutrient content of red soils in southern China is a priority for efficient rice production there. To assess the effectiveness of oilseed rape as green manure for the improvement of soil phosphorus nutrient supply and rice yield in red soil areas, a long-term field plot experiment was conducted comparing two species of rape, Brassica napus (BN) and Brassica juncea (BJ). The effects of returning oilseed rape on soil phosphorus availability, phosphorus absorption, and yield of subsequent rice under rice-green manure rotation mode were analyzed, using data from the seasons of 2020 to 2021. The study found that compared with winter fallow treatment (WT) and no-tillage treatment (NT), the soil available phosphorus content of BN was increased, and that of BJ was significantly increased. The content of water-soluble inorganic phosphorus of BJ increased, and that of BN increased substantially. Compared with the WT, the soil organic matter content and soil total phosphorus content of BN significantly increased, as did the soil available potassium content of BJ, and the soil total phosphorus content of BJ was significantly increased compared with NT. The soil particulate phosphorus content of BJ and BN was significantly increased by 14.00% and 16.00%, respectively. Compared with the WT, the phosphorus activation coefficient of BJ was significantly increased by 11.41%. The rice plant tiller number under the green manure returning treatment was significantly increased by 43.16% compared with the winter fallow treatment. The green manure returning measures increased rice grain yield by promoting rice tiller numbers; BN increased rice grain yield by 9.91% and BJ by 11.68%. Based on these results, returning oilseed rape green manure could augment the phosphorus nutrients of red soil and promote phosphorus availability. Rice-oilseed rape green manure rotation could increase rice grain yield.

Effects of Organic Fertilization on Growth Response of Brachiaria (Mulato II) in Lushoto, Tanzania

The smallholder livestock keepers in Tanzania, like any other country in sub-Saharan Africa, depend heavily on the natural pastures that lack quality and nutrients for livestock. Efforts to establish pasture with Bracharia grass in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa to supplement the deficiency are inevitable. This study aimed to investigate the effects of farmyard manure fertilisation on the performance of Brachiaria grass (Mullato II) at Ubiri Village, Lushoto District, Tanzania. The study used two treatments, i.e., the number of harvest and fertility improvement options, whereby Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications were used. Data was collected on plant tiller number per bunch, tiller height (m), biomass (tha-1) and leaf area indices per treatment in replications. R software version 3.5.0 was employed to analyse the gathered data sets. We compared the mean difference using the standard error of the mean. The result indicated that tiller height, number of tillers, biomass yield and leaf area index, of the hybrid Brachiaria grass had increased significantly (P<0.05) by 59, 48, 68%, and 76 %, respectively, in the second Harvest (i.e., 22 weeks). It was revealed further that manure fertilisation showed positive effects on the growth response of the grass. The study recommended that the integration of farmyard manure should be promoted in Tanzania and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, a study should be conducted to investigate the effects of farmyard manure fertilisation on the nutritional value of Brachiaria grass in the area studied

SRAP and IRAP revealed molecular characterization and genetic relationships among cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) irradiated by gamma-ray

BackgroundCowpea is a high-protein legume that can be grown in many environments. Gamma radiation can modify plant metabolism and growth. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different gamma-ray doses on cowpea yield and growth. The results showed that gamma radiation had a significant effect on cowpea yield and growth, with the highest yields and growth rates observed at lower doses. Higher doses had a negative effect on cowpea yield and growth. The study suggests that gamma radiation can be used to improve cowpea yield and growth, but that the optimal dose must be determined for each specific cultivar and environment.ResultsResults specified that gamma ray significantly affected growth characters and forage yield. Gamma-ray dose of 50 Gy in M1 and M2 generations gave the highest values for all studied characteristics compared to the control and all other irradiation doses, except the crude fiber, followed by 75 and 100 Gy doses for all characters, except number of tillers plant−1 and crude fiber. Seven combinations of SRAP produced 227 loci with an average polymorphism percentage of 85%. The allele frequency of target loci ranged between 0.29 and 0.60, and the PIC was 0.41–0.50 in range, while the GTS% of SRAP combinations ranged from 36 to 63%. The genetic similarities ranged between − 4 and 30%. Ten primers produced 450 loci with a polymorphism percentage of 88%. The allele frequency of target loci ranged between 0.28 and 0.46. The PIC was 0.40–0.50 in range, and the GTS% of IRAP primers ranged from 29 to 71%. The genetic similarities ranged from 8 to 37%.ConclusionsSRAP and IRAP analysis revealed more than two clusters of treated plants. In silico analysis showed that some SRAP primers could align with genes in cowpea and related genomes. The SRAP-F12R9 primer is unique to Phaseolus vulgaris, while the SRAP-F13R15 and SRAP-F13em1 primers align with genes on different chromosomes in cowpea cultivar Xiabao 2.

GENETIC ANALYSIS IN VARIOUS GENOTYPES OF BREAD WHEAT UNDER NORMAL AND HEAT-STRESS ENVIRONMENTS

Abiotic stresses have brought the crops to a destructive position towards yield production of crops, especially wheat. The present study was investigated to compare the relationship between normal and heat stress conditions under two different sowing dates viz. normal and late sowing dates (25th Nov and 25th Dec). The correlation coefficients varied with both sowing dates (normal and late planting). In normal planting number of grains showed a significant positive correlation with grain weight spike-1 (r = 0.618**), grain yield plant-1 (r = 0.591**), seed index (r =0 .456**), biological yield plant-1 (r = 0.540**) and harvest index (r =0 .667**). Grains spike-1 contributed significant positive correlation with grains spike-1 (r=0.094**), grain yield plant-1 (r=0.844**), biological yield plant-1 (r=0.936**), harvest index (r=0.556**), leaf area (r=0.791**), relative water content (r=0.763**), chlorophyll content (r=0.853**), cell membrane stability (r=0.828**) and stomatal conductance (r=0.292**). Grain yield plant-1 exhibited a significant positive correlation under normal planting with the number of tillers plant-1, number of spikelets spike-1, grains spike-1, and grain weight spike-1 (r=0.695**,0.207*,0.591**and 0.950**), respectively. Whereas, late planting declared grains spike-1 revelaed signficant positive correlation with grains spike-1 (r=0.094**), grain yield plant-1 (r=0.844**), biological yield plant-1 (r=0.936**), harvest index (r=0.556**), leaf area (r=0.791**),relative water content (r=0.763**), chlorophyll content (r=0.853**), cell membrane stability (r=0.828**) and stolatal conductance (r=0.292**). Under late planting, Yield showed a significant positive correlation with spike length, grains spike-1, and grain weight spike-1 (r=0.343**,0.844**, and 0.964**), respectively

Study of Genetic Variability for Yield and Yield Attributes and Bran Oil Content in Maintainer Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation was carried out during kharif, 2016 (June to October) at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jagtial, Telangana, India to study the phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability (bs), and genetic advance (GA) for yield contributing characters of 40 maintainer lines of rice. The experiment was designed in RBD replicated twice. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among rice lines for 15 quantitative traits. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) value was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), indicating a negligible environmental influence in the phenotypic expression of traits. The PCV and GCV values were highest for the grains panicle-1 and moderate for bran oil percentage, indicating that these two characteristics have a higher variability within and between populations than other characteristics. All of the characters had high heritability. The range of bran oil content in the 40 maintainer lines used to assess the range of bran oil content was from 11.87% in line B11 to 19.35% in line JMS17B.The genetic advancewas greatest for number of grains panicle-1 (87.86%) and modest for bran oil %. The high and moderate estimations of genetic advance show that traits such as the number of tillers plant-1, test weight, L/B ratio, plant height, bran oil percentage, kernal breadth, grain yield plant-1 and kernal length were selected. The genetic advance obtained from the high and moderate estimates indicate that the selection for these characters can be used to improve the yield of the crop.

BREEDING POTENTIAL OF RICE GENOTYPES IN TWO AGROCLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF SULAIMANI - KURDISTAN REGION - IRAQ

This study was aimed to investigate the genetic variability of 26 rice genotypes and evaluation at two locations in Sulaimani governorate, Gaba and Chawtan which were completely different in their environmental condition during the season of 2019. The performances of the genotypes were analyzed at both locations as well as the average of both. Simple coefficients of correlation were used to assess the grain yield components and their relationships. Path analysis was used to determine the direct and indirect effects of such components on grain yield plant-1. The genotypes were grouped based on the agro-morphological features using cluster analysis. Almost all of the traits at both locations and the average of both locations showed highly significant differences; Chawtan outperformed Gaba location for the traits no. of tillers plant-1, no. of panicle plant-1, 1000-grain weight, and plant-1 grain yield, whereas higher values were found for plant height and no. of grains panicle-1 for Gaba location. At both locations, there was a highly significant and positive association between the number of tillers and panicles in plant-1 and grain yield plant-1. The number of panicle plants-1 had the most favorable direct effects on grain yield at both locations. At both locations, the highest positive indirect effect on grain output was provided by the number of tillers plant-1 via the number of panicle plant-1. Based on the agro-morphological features, the rice genotypes were grouped into 5 clusters at both locations. At both locations, Cluster V gave better values regarding grain yield.

Correlation and Path Analysis for Yield and Yield Attributes in Maintainer Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The study was conducted during kharif season (June–October) of 2016 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Agriculture College, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Jagtial, Telangana, India. Forty (40) maintainer lines of rice (Oryza sativa L.) were grown in randomized block design replicated twice to find the relationships between the yield and its components, as well as their direct and indirect effects on the rice grain yield. Observations were recorded for yield, yield attributing characters and quality traits on five randomly selected competitive plants for each entry in each replication for 15 characters. The results revealed that the analysis of variance was significant for all the characters investigated. Grain yield was significantly correlated with its component characters like number of tillers plant-1 (0.9191**), panicle length (0.3339**), milling percentage (0.3214**) and hulling percentage (0.2873**) whereas it showed a negligible positive correlation with days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, kernel length, kernel breadth, L/B ratio, test weight, hulling percentage, and head rice recovery percentage. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of tillers plant-1 (0.9439) exerted maximum positive direct effect on plant yield followed by kernel breadth, L/B ratio, panicle length, milling percentage, days to flowering and head rice recovery percentage indicated their importance in determining the complex character and therefore should be kept in mind while practicing selection aimed at improving the grain yield.

Variability Studies and Metroglyph Analysis in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.) for Grain Yield Characters

The present investigation was conducted with 20 Foxtail millet genotypes including one check during kharif (July-October 2021) at the Crop Research Farm (CRF), Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P., India. The objectives were to study the magnitude of variability for different traits among foxtail millet genotypes and to identify diverse parents for morphological and seed quality parameters in foxtail millet. The data were recorded on 12 quantitative traits. ANOVA revealed high GCV and PCV for test weight, flag leaf length, number of tillers plant-1, grain yield plant-1, number of productive tillers plant-1, flag leaf width and peduncle length. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean (h2 b) (>60%) were recorded for test weight, number of tillers plant-1, flag leaf length, grain yield plant-1, number of productive tillers plant-1, peduncle length, flag leaf width, flag leaf area, plant height and panicle length. Days to maturity, plant height, flag leaf area, peduncle length and panicle length were positively significant concerning grain yield plant- 1. Metroglyph analysis indicated significant variations among the 20 genotypes for twelve characters. The maximum number of genotypes falls in cluster I (14) followed by cluster II (4), cluster III (1) and cluster IV (1). The genotypes recorded high grain yield plant-1 fell into cluster I. The genotypes that recorded high index scores fell into different clusters that can be crossed to have maximum variability of a good combination of characters. Thus, the use of these genotypes in a further breeding program is suggested.

Forage productivity and morphogenesis of Trachypogon vestitus as affected by phosphate fertilization levels in the Roraima’s savannas

The effects of phosphate fertilization (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg of P2O5 ha-1) on forage production and morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Trachypogon vestitus pastures were evaluated under natural field conditions in the savannas of Roraima. Phosphate fertilization positively and significantly (P<0.05) affected green dry matter (GDM) production, absolute growth rate (AGR), number of tillers plant-1, number of leaves tiller-1 (NLT), average leaf size (ALS), leaf tiller area (LTA), appearance rates (LAR), expansion (LER) and leaf senescence rates. The maximum yields of GDM, AGR, LAR, LER, NLT, LTA and ALS were obtained with the application of 109.2; 106.4; 56.1; 81.5; 97.4; 58.6 and 63.7 kg of P2O5 ha-1, respectively. The efficiency of P utilization was inversely proportional to the P doses applied.

Phosphate fertilization of Mesosetum chaseae in Roraima’s savannas

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of phosphate fertilization (0, 30, 60 and 120 kg of P2O5 ha-1) on forage production and morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Mesosetum chaseae under natural field conditions in the savannas of Roraima. Phosphate fertilization positively and significantly (P<0.05) affected green dry matter (GDM) production, absolute growth rate (AGR), number of tillers plant-1, number of leaves tiller-1 (NLT), average leaf size (ALS), leaf tiller area (LTA), appearance rates (LAR), expansion (LER) and leaf senescence rates. The maximum yields of GDM, AGR, LAR, LER, NLT, LTA and ALS were obtained with the application of 89.17; 112.7; 47.7; 51.9; 102.9; 101.8 and 94.8 kg of P2O5 ha-1, respectively. The efficiency of P utilization was inversely proportional to the P doses applied.

Agronomic performance and morphogenic and structural characteristics of Axonopus aureus pastures under phosphate fertilization levels in the Roraima’s savannas

The effect of phosphate fertilization (0, 30, 60 and 120 kg of P2O5 ha-1) on forage production and morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Axonopus aureus was evaluated under natural field conditions in the savannas of Roraima. Phosphate fertilization positively and significantly (P<0.05) affected green dry matter (GDM) production, absolute growth rate (AGR), number of tillers plant-1, number of leaves tiller-1 (NLT), average leaf size (ALS), leaf tiller area (LTA), appearance rates (LAR), expansion (LER) and leaf senescence rates. The maximum yields of GDM, AGR, LAR, LER, NLT, LTA and ALS were obtained with the application of 110.4; 108.5; 54.1; 83.5; 96.6; 59.8 and 90.6 kg of P2O5 ha-1, respectively. The efficiency of P utilization was inversely proportional to the P doses applied.

Effect of Sowing Methods and Irrigation Levels on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The field experiment was carried out at agricultural research farm of IFTM University Moradabad (U.P.), India during rabi season 2018-19 to study the effect of sowing methods and irrigation levels on wheat. Sowing method and irrigation being a major constraint to reduces the potential of wheat yield. The treatments were arranged in split plot design in three replications, sowing methods in main plots and irrigation levels in sub-plots. The experiment treatments included two sowing methods, i.e. [S1 – conventional sowing method and S2 - furrow irrigated raised bed (FIRB) system] in main plots and six irrigation levels [I0 – (control), I1 – (one irrigation at CRI stage), I2 – (two irrigation at CRI and tillering stage), I3 – (three irrigations at CRI, tillering and late jointing stage), I4 – (four irrigations at CRI, tillering, late jointing and milking stage) and I5 – (five irrigations at CRI, tillering, late jointing, milking and dough stage). Wheat crop was sown by traditional method and furrow irrigated raised beds (FIRB) method. Raised beds were accommodating 3 rows of wheat at 20 cm wide. Furrows that are in between the beds are used for irrigation. This system permits adequate saving of irrigation water. Results indicated that sowing of wheat on FIRB system surpassed the conventional method of sowing for plant height, number of tillers plant-1, dry weight (g plant-1), number of effective tillers plant-1, spike length, number of grain spike-1, 1000 grain weight, grain yield, straw yield and biological yield followed by conventional sowing method. On the other hand irrigation levels I5 - (five irrigations at CRI, tillering, late jointing, milking and doughing stage) recorded the highest values for most of growth, yield components and yield of wheat. In FIRB system beds gave the opportunity for mechanical weeding and fertilizer placement and also improved the fertilizer and water use efficiencies. The role of sowing methods and level of irrigation in plant health and growth has been investigated in crop and it seemed significantly affecting with treatment.

Evaluation of morphologically important traits of deep water rice from advanced backcross families

Local germplasm of deep water rice possesses low yield productivity. Our studies showed that grain yield in Laxmi Digha can be increased significantly through backcross program with the high yielding rice variety Binadhan-18. Advanced backcross progenies (Laxmi Digha x Binadhan-18) exhibited higher values for most of the yield and yield-related traits analyzed in comparison with the parent. Number of tillers plant-1 and filled grains panicles-1 are positively correlated to yield and those resulted in higher grain yield in backcross families. In S103, S104, S105, S106 and S111 families, yield increase ranges from 52.97 to 84.1% when compared to Laxmi Digha parent. Five families, viz., S103, S104, S105, S106 and S111, were identified through yield increase analysis as most promising genotypes for cultivar development and processes variation in special characteristics viz. aerial root number and Knee capacity. The backcross families will be used to develop a deep water rice variety and efficient source of genetic diversity for future breeding programs.