Punjab Agricultural University Research Articles

Comparative analysis of different Karnal bunt disease prediction models developed by machine learning techniques for Punjab conditions.

Timely prediction of pathogen is important key factor to reduce the quality and yield losses. Wheat is major crop in northern part of India. In Punjab, wheat face challenge by different diseases so the study was conducted for two locations viz. Ludhiana and Bathinda. The information regarding the occurrence of Karnal bunt in 12 consecutive crop seasons (from 2009-10 to 2020-21) in Ludhiana district and in 9 crop seasons (from 2010-11 to 2018-19) in Bathinda district, was collected from the Wheat Section of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), located in Ludhiana. The study aims to investigate the adequacy of various methods of machine learning for prediction of Karnal bunt using meteorological data for different time period viz. February, March, 15 February to 15 March and overall period obtained from Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology, PAU, Ludhiana. The most intriguing outcome is that for each period, different disease prediction models performed well. The random forest regression (RF) for February month, support vector regression (SVR) for March month, SVR and BLASSO for 15 February to 15 March period and random forest for overall period surpassed the performance than other models. The Taylor diagram was created to assess the effectiveness of intricate models by comparing various metrics such as root mean square error (RMSE), root relative square error (RRSE), correlation coefficient (r), relative mean absolute error (MAE), modified D-index, and modified NSE. It allows for a comprehensive evaluation of these models' performance.

Evaluating Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria to Improve the Productivity of Forage Pearl Millet.

India's livestock industry is grappling with a shortage of green fodder, necessitating concerted efforts to boost organized production and ensure a sufficient supply of high-quality forages, crucial for formulating nutritionally balanced, cost-effective, and rumen-healthy animal diets. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the plant growth-promoting characteristics of liquid microbial inoculants and their impact on the yield of forage pearl millet. The bacterial cultures utilized included Sphingobacterium sp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and an isolate from vegetable cowpea, subsequently identified as Burkholderia seminalis. These cultures were initially characterized for their plant growth-promoting traits at different temperature and physiological conditions. All the bacterial cultures were found promising for PGPR traits over varied temperature conditions and the optimum activity was recorded at 40°C, with tolerance to saline and drought stresses as well as wide pH and temperature ranges. A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bathinda, involving combinations of liquid microbial inoculants along with 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF). It was observed that the treatment including B. seminalis + S. maltophilia along with RDF yielded the highest green fodder and dry matter yield, In conclusion, it is evident that the utilization of these liquid microbial inoculants holds significant potential for playing a pivotal role in the integrated nutrient management of forage pearl millet, thereby contributing to heightened productivity and sustained soil health.

Comparison of Straw Mulching and Herbicide Levels for Control of Various Weed Species in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Weed management in maize is one of biggest concerns for growers. To reduce dependence on chemicals and chances of herbicide resistant weeds, and to improve soil status, thus straw mulching was added as cultural component with chemicals for improving weed management in maize. Field experiments were conducted at two locations (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, and Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur) during kharif season to find out the influence of different paddy straw mulch and herbicides for control of various weeds species in maize. The results showed that application of paddy straw mulch 6.25 t/ha effectively controlled Eleusine indica, Cynodon dactylon, Commelina benghalensis, Eragrostis tenella, Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinochloa colona, Trianthema portulacastrum, Portulaca oleracea, Phyllanthus niruri, Euphorbia hirta, Conyza stricta and Cyperus compressus over no mulching. In addition to above weed species, paddy straw mulch 9.0 t/ha also effectively reduced density of Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Acrachne racemosa, Digera arvensis, Mollugo nudicaulis, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Amaranthus viridis and Veronica agrestis and Cyperus rotundus as compared to 6.25 t/ha and no mulch treatment. Atrazine pre emergence at 1.0 kg/ha controlled Eleusine indica, Echinochloa crusgalli, Eragrostis tenella, Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinochloa colona, Trianthema portulacastrum, Mollugo nudicaulis, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Digera arvensis, Amaranthus viridis and Cyperus compressus compared to its lower dose (0.8 kg/ha) and control at all stages. Post emergence application of tembotrione reduced the density of all weed species compared to atrazine and unweeded control.

Evaluation of Advance Generation Breeding Lines of Bitter Gourd for Yield and Quality Traits

The present study was conducted at the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the summer season of 2021 and 2022. Plant material consisted of 49 advance breeding lines of bitter gourd including 2 checks namely Punjab-15 (local check) and Prachi (commercial check) in simple lattice design of 7x7 with two replications. Evaluation was done for different yield and quality traits. Among the test entries, range for marketable yield per plant varied from 476.61 to 2102.86 and it was highest in PAUBG-1521 (2102 g/plant) followed by PAUBG-200, PAUBG-211, PAUBG-208 and PAUBG-1514 performed better over the checks and lowest in PAUBG-222 (476.02 g/plant). Number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit weight, total soluble sugar, non-reducing sugar and momordicine content was highest in PAUBG-1521 (33.56), (14.23 cm), (61.18 g) (9.29 g/100g), (7.25 g/100g) and (50.21 mg/100g) respectively.

Impact of foliar spray of nano-Zn and nano-Cu on biochemical characteristics of guava cv. Allahabad Safeda

Foliar spraying of nanoparticles (NPs) improves the absorption of plant nutrient application compared to traditional soil–root application, and it also enhances the yield and quality of fruits. The present study aimed to evaluate the qualitative effects of foliar sprays of two concentrations of nano-zinc and nano-copper (40 ppm, 60 ppm; 20 ppm, 30 ppm respectively), in comparison to ZnSo4 (recommended by, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana) and control (foliar spray of water) on the guava crop (var. Allahabad Safeda). The experiment was conducted at Lovely Professional University Research farm, Phagwara, Jalandhar (Punjab) by applying a simple randomized block design, with ten treatments applied as T1: control, T2: nano-Zn1, T3: nano-Zn2, T4: nano-Cu1, T5: nano-Cu2, T6: nano-Zn1+ nano-Cu1, T7: nano-Zn1+ nano-Cu2, T8: nano-Zn2 + nano-Cu1, T9: nano-Zn2 + nano-Cu2, T10: ZnSO4 (PAU recommendation) in three replications. The treatments were sprayed two times, first at the flowering stage and second when the fruit reached pea size. The nutrient spray increases the concentration of nutrients in the leaves while also affecting the biochemical parameters. The performance for total soluble solids (9.89°B), total sugars (8.74%), titratable acidity (0.98%), antioxidants (7.49%), firmness (5.71kg/cm2), non-reducing sugars (3.32%), Vitamin-C (268.90mg/100g pulp), pectin content (2.13%), reducing sugars (5.46%), and TSS/acid ratio (10.06) was superior with the application of nano-Zn2 + nano-Cu2 (T9). The application of nano-micronutrients (zinc and copper) in combination is favorable for the quality of guava fruit (Allahabad Safeda).

First ever probable oats (Avena sativa) QTLs mapped on chromosome 1 and 7 for pyrenophora leaf spot resistance in India

An experiment was conducted during 2021–22 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab for the development of linkage map and identification of QTLs for pyrenophora or Helminthosporium leaf spot resistance in oats (Avena sativa L.). A total of 96 F2 plants were used which was derived from the cross EC/0007662 (resistant source) and EC/0131291 (susceptible source). Linkage map was constructed for genotypic data of 96 population lines with 24 polymorphic SSR markers using QTL cartographer. A total of 7 linkage groups (LGs) had been generated from this data. But out of 7 LGs, 5 LGs remained individually at 0 position (unlinked) i.e. belonged to different group each and LG1 and LG7 were grouped. First LG included ABAM232, ABAM493 and ABAM077 from 0 to 66.5 cM. Similarly, 7th LG had two marker position i.e. ABAM342 and ABAM425. Maximum distance between the two markers was found to be 33.4 cM (between the marker interval of ABAM232 and ABAM497. Further QTL analysis was done using cartographer with composite interval mapping to identify the QTLs associated with disease resistance by comparing the phenotypic data of F2 population for disease and genotypic data of the population. The work reported here constitutes a major step toward identification of genetic regions responsible for disease resistance. However, the utility of QTL for marker assisted selection requires that QTLs are localized in a narrow region tightly linked with associated markers. The result of the experiment can be used for marker assisted breeding to transfer such genes identified as part of our research in order to reduce disease severity and yield losses in oats.

Management of Fusarium wilt of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) using Bacillus subtilus and Bacillus cereus

Fusarium wilt of watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsumura & Nakai] is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON), is the most severe soil-borne disease under the prevailing conditions of Punjab. Present study was carried out during 2018–19 and 2019–20 at the pot house and research farm of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab to evaluate the antagonistic activity of 15 isolates of Bacillus spp. against FON. These isolates were screened by using dual culture assay and among them, Bacillus subtilus (B1) and Bacillus cereus (B3) showed maximum inhibition percentage i.e. 57.00 and 58.22, respectively. Similarly, these isolates (B1 and B3) showed maximum activity of chitinase (2.31 and 2.16 unit/ml) and glucanase (1.72 and 1.79 unit/ml). Further, Talc-based bio- formulations of B1 and B3 isolates were evaluated in pot house and research farm of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab. Amongst all the treatments, Bacillus subtilis (B1) and Bacillus cereus (B3) as seed + soil @15 g treatment showed maximum inhibition of FON. Therefore, based on our findings, Bacillus subtilis (B1) and Bacillus cereus (B3) used as seed + soil treatment was able to effectively manage the fusarium wilt in watermelon under pothouse and field conditions.

Predicting the seed cotton yield with value added medium range weather forecast data using CROPGRO-Cotton model at Bhathinda, Punjab

In order to assess the potential of the medium-range weather forecast in predicting the cotton productivity using crop simulation model, the CROPGRO-cotton model was calibrated and validated with the experimental data which was collected during kharif 2021 in an experiment that was carried out with two Bt cotton hybrid (RCH 776 and RCH 773) and one non-Bt (F2228), and sown at five dates i.e., April 25th, May 05th, May 15th, May 25th and June 04th in split-plot design with three replications at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Regional Research Station, Bathinda. The validated model was further used to assess the cotton productivity under different sowing dates using medium range weather forecast data on rainfall, maximum temperature and minimum temperature obtained for the period 2013-2021. The results showed that simulated values with medium range weather forecast were in close agreement with the simulated values for phenology and yield of cotton. The simulated cotton yield using daily medium range weather forecast data showed more or less significant efficiency to capture year-to-year as well as datewise variability in simulated cotton yield.

A bibliometric analysis of the Journal of Agrometeorology (JAM) from 2008 to 2022

A quantitative analysis of scientific articles published in the Journal of Agrometeorology (JAM) between 2008 and 2022 was conducted using a variety of scientometric indicators. Various metrics were utilized to examine aspects including yearly research output, highly referenced sources, author rankings, contributions and profiles, cooperation trends, highly contributing nations, most cited papers, commonly searched keywords and worldwide collaboration mapping. This study employs biblioshiny for analysis and only looks at data that is available in Scopus database. With an h-index (17), a g-index (21) and 3238 total citations across the study period, the journal demonstrated considerable influence. With the greatest number of research publications (n=46) and the greatest number of citations (236), Pandey V stands out among other authors. In terms of the number of papers and citations, India emerged as the leading nation, with the Punjab Agricultural University in the lead with 744 publications. Four clusters were found by co-citation network analysis, with Allen RG being the most quoted author among them. The study also highlighted the fact that Indian authors worked together the most. This analysis is important for assessing the influence of the JAM and offers insightful information about noteworthy research trends and developments in the scientific community.

Effect of Microclimate Modification on Growth and Yield of Basmati Rice under Punjab Conditions

The field experiments were conducted at the Research Farm, Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during kharif 2018. Pusa Basmati variety was transplanted on 5th July (D1) and 15th July (D2) under three spacing (25 cm x12 cm, 20 cm x 15 cm and 30 cm x 10 cm). The micrometeorological data on photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was recorded at different phenological stages. The periodic biometric observations on leaf area index were recorded. Growing degree days (GDD) were calculated at different phenological stages. The results indicate that PAR interception and leaf area index was higher under wider spacing (30 cm x 10 cm) followed by closer spacing (20 cm x 15 cm and 25 cm x 12 cm). The leaf area index was higher under wider spacing (30 cm x 10 cm) followed by closer spacing (20 cm x 15 cm and 25 cm x 12 cm). Correlation coefficients were worked out between periodic number of tillers of rice and temperature (maximum and minimum) and sunshine hours/day. In both dates of transplanting, maximum temperature showed a significant negative correlation with tiller number in most of the cases. The sunshine hours in both dates of transplanting showed a positive and significant correlation under different treatments. The first date of transplanting reported higher grain yield (30.61 q/ha) as compared to second date of transplanting (27.20 q/ha). The higher grain yield (30.57 q/ha) was recorded in basmati rice transplanted under wider spacing (30 cm x 10 cm) in comparison to closer spacing of 20 cm x 15 cm (29.25 q/ha) and 25 cm x 12 cm (26.89 q/ ha). Hence, microclimate modification through dates of transplanting and spacing is cost effective measure for increasing basmati rice yield.

Impact of foliar application of growth regulators on fruit splitting, yield and quality of daisy mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

The experiment was conducted during 2021 and 2022 at the Fruit Research Station, Jallowal-Lesriwal, Jalandhar (Punjab Agricultural University), Punjab to study the effect of foliar application of growth regulators on fruit splitting, yield and quality of Daisy mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco). The different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3) (10, 20 and 30 ppm), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (10, 20 and 30 ppm), ethephon (10, 20 and 30 ppm) and salicylic acid (SA) (100 and 200 ppm) along with control were applied at different developmental stages of Daisy mandarin. The results revealed that the application of salicylic acid at 100 ppm effectively mitigated the severity of fruit splitting in Daisy mandarin during both the seasons and highest fruit weight, number of fruits and maximum fruit yield were observed with foliar application of GA3 at 10 ppm. Regarding the fruit quality attributes including total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, juice and flavonoid content, exhibited superior results with the application of 10 ppm GA3 as compared to untreated plants. The results suggested that application of 10 ppm GA3 and 100 ppm salicylic was effective in enhancing fruit quality attributes and reducing the incidence of fruit splitting in Daisy mandarin.

Influence of seed rate and foliar nitrogen on productivity and profitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in green manure basmati rice (Oryza sativa) wheat cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2021–22 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to study the effect of varied seed rate and 3% foliar nitrogen application at different stages on productivity and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) green manure basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) (T) wheat cropping. The treatments consisted of T1 recommended seed rate (100 kg/ha) with 3% foliar N application at 21 25 days after sowing (DAS), T2 (45–50 DAS) and T3 (60 65 DAS); T4 (10% reduced seed rate (90 kg/ha) with 3% foliar N application at 21 25 DAS), T5 (45 50 DAS) and T6 (60–65 DAS); T7 (20% reduced seed rate (80 kg/ha) with 3% foliar N application at 21 25 DAS), T8 (45–50 DAS), T9 (60–65 DAS) and T10 (control). The treatments were laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications. Significantly higher number of tillers (390.3 grains/pike (39.3), longer spike length (11.9 cm) were obtained from treatment T9 . Similarly, higher grain yield (5.41 t/ha), net returns (99,760/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.33) were recorded with treatment (T9 ). Thus 20% reduced seed rate (80 kg/ha) with 3% foliar nitrogen application at 60 65 DAS claimed better management practices in achieving higher yield, yield attributes and net returns.

Influence of rice straw incorporation and integrated nutrient management on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake in potato (Solanum tuberosum) and onion (Allium cepa) under rice (Oryza sativa)–potato-onion cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during 2019–20 at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to study the influence of rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw incorporation and integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of potato and onion (Allium cepa L.) in direct-seeded rice (DSR)-potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)–onion cropping system. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, consisting of 4 rice residue and nutrientapplication treatments in potato in main plots and 4 nutrient application treatments in onion in subplots, replicated 4 times. Results showed that, growth and yield-attributing characters of potato increased significantly with the incorporation of rice residue and application of FYM. Tuber yield (34.0 t/ha) as well as nutrient uptake was significantly higher when rice residue was incorporated with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 50 t/ha FYM in potato. Growth and yield attributes of onion were significantly higher with the application of 100% (RDF) + 50 t/ ha FYM along with the incorporation of rice residue in preceding potato and among the nutrient application treatments in onion, 100% RDF + 50 t/ha FYM treatment was significantly superior to rest of the treatments. Significantly higher bulb yield was also obtained under these treatments. The interaction between rice residue and nutrient-management treatments in potato and nutrient-application treatments in onion was significant for bulb yield of onion, which was significantly higher with the combination of 100% RDF + 50 t/ha FYM treatment in onion when rice residue was incorporated with 100% RDF + 50 t/ha FYM in preceding potato (35.8 t/ha) than all other treatment combinations, but it was statistically at par with the application of 100% RDF alone in onion when preceding potato received the same level of nutrients. Thus, in DSR-potato–onion cropping system, 50 t FYM/ha could be saved in onion crop when previous potato crop was supplied with 100% RDF + 50 t/ha FYM along with rice– residue incorporation without any yield reduction.

Effect of residue incorporation and INM on productivity of spring maize (<i>Zea mays</i>) in rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i>)-based cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during 2019 and 2020 at the research farm of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab to study the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on grain yield, economics, and system productivity of spring maize (Zea mays L.) under residue incorporation in a diversified cropping system. The main plot consisted of 4 treatment combinations, viz. straw removal + 100% NPK + farmyard manure (FYM) @50 t/ha; straw removal + 150% NPK; straw incorporation + 100% NPK + FYM @50 t/ha; and straw incorporation + 150% NPK, while sub-plot consisted of 3 nutrient levels (75%, 100% and 125% NPK) applied to spring maize planted in a single row and double rows on bed. The results revealed that combined application of straw incorporation + 100% NPK + FYM @50 t/ha resulted in significantly higher grain yield (80.1 and 83.6 q/ha), net returns (259.9 and 300.2 ×103 ₹/ha), benefit cost ratio (1.34 and 1.51) and system productivity (82.9 and 89.1 kg/ha/day) of spring maize and application of 125% NPK to double row on bed resulted in significantly higher grain yield (14.6%, 12.9%) and system productivity (5.4%, 4.7%) as compared to 100% NPK to single row on bed during 2019 and 2020, respectively. Residue incorporation along with INM increased grain yield, net returns, nutrient uptake and system productivity of spring maize.

Impact of Low Tunnel Heights and Irrigation Regimes on Growth Parameters of Capsicum

The cultivation of Capsicum, commonly known as sweet pepper, is a critical component of global agriculture. As the demand for high-quality peppers continues to rise, there is a growing need to explore innovative cultivation practices that enhance yield and resource efficiency. Extensive experimental work was conducted at the research farm of Soil and Water Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana from October 2008 to June 2009. This manuscript delves into the intricate interplay between low tunnel heights and irrigation regimes, seeking to unravel their collective impact on the growth parameters of capsicum. From the experiments, the data clearly revealed that plant height, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation was highest in 75 cm tunnel height followed by 90 cm and 60 cm tunnel height treatments throughout the crop season. Among all the irrigation treatments drip irrigation with 0.90 IW/CPE ratio gave the highest plant height and leaf area index than other irrigation treatments. Whereas drip irrigation with 0.75 IW/CPE ratio gave the highest dry matter accumulation than the other irrigation treatments.

Effect of Sardar Amin Granules and Bentonite Sulfur on the Productivity of Maize-based Cropping System in a Sandy-loam Soil

Maize among one of staple cereal accounting major proportion of human diet accounting 42% of worlds’ food calorie and 37% of protein intake. However, there is a need to optimize its nutrient content due to deficiencies in soil. The application of nutrient additives helps in supplementing the soil with these essential nutrients and ensures crops’ optimum growth. Purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of Sardar amin granules (SAG) and bentonite sulfur in various proportions to improve nutrient uptake by sown crops. A three-year field experiment study (2018-21) was conducted on maize based cropping systems viz. Maize-wheat, Maize-potato-onion, and Maize-potato-summer moong at research farm, department of soil science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. At the end of two-year field experiment, the results revealed numerical increase in yield of maize, wheat, onion and summer moong grown in rotation and products were recommended as additional fertilizers sources over the recommended dose of fertilizers considering the type of regional soil.

An Analysis of Demonstrations on Rapeseed in District Ferozepur of Punjab

Punjab Agricultural University Farm Advisory Service Centre, Ferozepur conducteddemonstrations on rapeseed (gobhi sarson variety GSC 7) on farmer’s fields in districtFerozepur during rabi seasons (October to March) during the years 2019-20, 2020-21,2021-22 and 2022-23 in 20.71 ha area, respectively. Punjab Agricultural Universityrecommended variety GSC 7 of gobhi sarson with improved agricultural practices indemonstration plots produced significantly higher grain yields of 22.4, 22.2, 20.1, and 21.3q ha-1 as compared to 17.2, 14.8, 15.6, and 17.8 q ha-1 in check plots during rabi 2019-20,2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. Demonstration plots recorded an averageincrease in yield of 24.5 per cent over check plots. The average extension gap, technologygap, and technology index were 5.2 q ha-1, 3.5 q ha-1, and 14.0 per cent, respectively. Ahigher average net return of Rs. 73511.3 ha-1 was obtained in demonstration plots, whichwas 30.9 per cent greater than check plots with a net return of Rs. 50768.8 ha-1.

Impact of pinching on growth, flowering and early season fruit yield of bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.

A study to assess the “impact of pinching on the growth, flowering, and early season fruit yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.)” was conducted during the kharif season of 2022 at two locations: Punjab Agricultural University - Vegetable Research Farm in Ludhiana (L1) and Regional Research Station in Abohar (L2). The study employed a randomized block design, consisting of three replications, and encompassed nine distinct pinching treatments, which included: no pinching (T1), pinching on a main branch at 2nd node (T2), pinching on main and lateral branches at 2nd node (T3), pinching on the main branch at 4th node (T4), pinching on the main branch and lateral branches at 4th node (T5), pinching on main branch at 6th node (T6), pinching on the main branch and lateral branches at 6th node (T7), pinching on a main branch at 8th node (T8) and pinching on the main branch and lateral branches at 8th node (T9). Pinching treatment was given at the main branch and lateral branches of bottle gourd vines in each plot according to the assigned treatments. The results revealed that pinched plants on the main branch and lateral branches at 6th node (T7) remarkably increased the number of branches (7.36), female flowers (24.35), days taken to first male flower appearance (49.18) and early season fruit yield (188.89 q ha-1) whereas it reduced vine growth (383.17 cm), days taken to first female flower appearance (53.97), number of male flowers (121.69) and narrow sex ratio (5.0). According to the findings from the present study, it was observed that pinching on both the main and lateral branches at the 6th node (T7) demonstrated the most favorable growth, flowering, and early-season fruit yield of bottle gourd.

Tracking the Impact and Trends in Water Resources Research in India: A Scientometric Analysis

This study intends to analyse the research trends, growth, and collaboration patterns in the field of Water Resources in India. The source for the data collection is the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection Database. A total of 797 publications published during the period from 2016 to 2021 satisfying these search criteria were pulled out to perform further analysis. This study revealed that Water Resources Management is the most productive journal with 26 articles (3.26%), followed by Arabian Journal of Geosciences 22 (2.76%), Environmental Earth Sciences 21 (2.63%) publications got 2nd and 3rd rank respectively. the year 2020 highest number of articles 236 (29%) were published on water resources followed by the year 2019 with 149 (18.69%).The Most productive author Malik, Anurag from Punjab Agricultural University is in the top position with 16 (2.007%) published articles. 177 (22.2%) of the total publication have two authored contributions taking the first position. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay published the highest number of articles i.e., 48 (6.02%) occupy 1st rank. Department of Science & Technology India funded 6.27%of published articles in the field of Water Resources Research.USA has the highest number of collaborative research work with India. China comes second with AFI value of 8.50. The Internationalization Index of Indian Water Resources literature is 73.77.Co-operative efforts show that there are 580 scientific links created between other countries, depicting most publications collaborated with authors from more than two countries.

Impact of Long-Term Organic Manure Application on Yield, Zinc, and Copper Uptake in Maize, Peas, and Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Cropping System

To evaluate the impact of the long-term application of organic manures on yield, uptake of zinc and copper in maize, peas and summer mungbean cropping systems, a field study was conducted at the integrated farming system of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The treatment combinations were; T1: 50% N through recommended NPK + 50% N was substituted through FYM, T2: 100% N through FYM, T3: T2 + intercropping (marigold in pea, cowpea in maize), T4: T2 + agronomic practices for weed and. pest control, T5: 50% N as FYM + rock phosphate to substitute the P requirement of crops + phosphate solubilizing bacterial. cultures (PSB), T6: T2 + biofertilizer (consortium) containing N and P carriers and T7: 100% Recommended NPK through chemical fertilizers. Significant increases in the yield, micronutrient content and uptake were recorded due to the application of 50% nitrogen through farmyard manure (FYM) and 50% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (T1) followed by 100% N through FYM + biofertilizer containing. N and P, carriers (T6). The highest grain yield of maize (5.72 t ha-1), pea (16.2 t ha-1) and summer mungbean (11.6 t ha-1) were recorded in treatment T1, surpassing the 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (T7) by 13.7%, 20% and 10.4 %, respectively. The concentration of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the grains of maize, pea and summer mung bean was 38.3%, 14.1%, 29.6% and 53.4%, 22.8 % and 19.8% higher in treatment T1 as compared to treatment T7. Moreover, the concentration of copper and zinc in the grains of maize, pea and summer mung bean was 32.1%, 24.2% and 29.5 % and 21.7%, 17.6% and 11.6% higher in treatment T1, respectively, compared to treatment T7. Similarly, the increase in the uptake of Cu and Zn was observed in both grain and straw of maize, pea and summer mung bean. The study concluded that the integrated nutrient management (INM) treatment is to substitute a portion of chemical fertilizers with a more sustainable and environmentally safe organic compost in order to mitigate soil degradation, improve crop production, and protect the environment.