Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Research Articles

Performance and yield stability of doubled haploid population of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) under high temperature regime.

Abstract India, the second most populated country and the largest wheat producer worldwide, is vulnerable to global warming especially heat stress. In the present investigation, the doubled haploid population derived from PBW343/IC252478 cross was characterized for various phenotypic and morpho-physiological traits and subjected to stability analysis under heat stress conditions. These lines were planted on a single location i.e., Agricultural farm of Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, India for two successive seasons 2017/2018 and, 2018/2019 under three different sowing dates (Controlled or timely, late and, very late sown conditions). Here, the location preferred for this study was because it represents a hotspot for wheat production and the major constraint for the wheat grower is inclining heat stress. The alpha lattice design was used for the current investigation with three replicates. The overall objective of this study was to identify the ideal double haploid lines for heat-stressed conditions. The results revealed that heat stress had a significant adverse impact on all considered traits contributed to overall yield losses of about 50%. Stability measurements, and genotype × environment interaction (GGE), were useful tools to determine the ideal lines for late sowing (heat stressed condition) and very late sowing condition (terminal heat stress). Therefore, in the ranking of genotypes for both mean yield and stability performance across the six environments, DH 71, DH 150, DH 64, DH 138, DH 98, DH 84, DH 62, DH 104, DH 74, DH 3, DH 104, DH 107 & DH 156 were ranked closest to ideal genotype, these were highly adapted, most stable, heat tolerant and high yielding lines indicating them as the most desirable genotypes out of 167 lines studied. Hence, the physiological traits SPAD index (Soil plant analysis development) and Canopy temperature (CT) can be used effectively to screen out the line for heat tolerance. In addition, the stable wheat genotypes identified could be used in the future wheat breeding programs.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on particle size distribution of calcareous soil

To assess the impact of organics and chemical fertilizer on particle size distribution in calcareous soil, a field experiment was conducted at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Four level of NPK fertilizer and four level of organics were taken as main plot treatment and sub-plot treatment, respectively. Soil samples were taken from 0-15 cm, processed and analyzed for its sand, silt and clay percentages. Integrated use of compost, crop residue either alone or in combination with chemical fertilizer improved the soil structure by adding organic matter. Since, soil texture is the permanent property of soil, therefore, addition of organic and inorganic fertilizer had not any effect of soil particle size distribution and the textural class of the experimental soil remains as sandy loam.

Socio-economic upliftment of farmers through model irrigated village approach in East Champaran (Bihar), India: A case study

In India, the precious freshwater resources are becoming scarcer due to the climate change effect coupled with their inappropriate planning and management at the field level. Development of water resources and sensitization of farming community/irrigators towards effective utilization of these resources is need of the hour and it is one of the most important factors in conservation and preservation water resources for future requirements. This case study has highlighted the direct and indirect benefits derived by implementation of National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) scheme in Nawada, a village of the district East Champaran in Bihar state initiated by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Piprakothi, East Champaran under Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. Two groups of farmers of the village was chosen to evaluate the benefits derived from this scheme. Under this scheme, tube-wells were developed to facilitate assured irrigation. This study revealed that the total savings of approximate Rs.10,000 ($140) per hectare to irrigate wheat crop three times in Rabi season was achieved over conventional irrigation system. This scheme has also resulted in other intangible benefits which included a reduction in pollution, an increase in the number of crops- rabi , kharif and zaid seasons and adequate time to carryout out other farm operations.

Influence of nutrient management and establishment methods on yield and economics of rice in calcareous soils of Bihar

The present investigation was carried out at Research Farm, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Pusa, Bihar during kharif 2018 on calcareous sandy loam soil. The experiment was laid-out in a split-plot design (SPD). The main-plot treatments included three crop establishment methods, viz. puddled transplanted rice (M1-TPR), wet direct-seeded rice (M2-DSR-wet) and dry direct-seeded rice (M3-DSR-dry). In sub-plots, five different nutrient management methods were T1 (100% STCR Based Dose of Fertilizer + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1), T2 (75% DF + 25% STCR based Recommended Dose of Nitrogen through Vermicompost), T3 (100% STCR based Recommended Dose of Nitrogen through Vermicompost), T4 (100% DF + 50% STCR based Recommended Dose of Nitrogen through Vermicompost) and T5 (50% DF + 25% STCR based Recommended Dose of Nitrogen through Vermicompost) were replicated thrice under each method. The results found that the plant height, yield attributing characters(number of tillers per meter square, number of panicles per meter square, filled grains per panicles and test weight) and yield recorded significantly higher values under transplanted rice with T4 (100% DF + 50% STCR based Recommended Dose of Nitrogen through Vermicompost) recording significantly higher values among different nutrient management systems. The economics of all the cultivation practices recorded higher B:C ratio (0.73) and net returns (₹ 34684 ha-1) under DSR-wet with T1 (100% STCR Based Dose of Fertilizer + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1) giving farmers an alternative method for rice production.

Effect of zinc levels and moisture regimes on growth and nutrient uptake of direct seeded rice

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2017 in Split Plot Design with three replications at Crop Research Centre of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, and Bihar. The treatments consisted of four moisture regimes in main plots and four zinc levels in sub plots. The result showed that maximum dry matter production (966.27 g/m2), crop growth rate (13.05 g/m2/day), straw yield (47.07 kg/ha), total uptake of N (63.71 kg/ha), P (17.48 kg/ha)K (76.59 kg/ha)& Zn (214.61 g/ha)by crop were found to be maximum with I1 moisture regime which were significantly superior overI3and I4 but was statistically at par with I2 except total uptake of N which was significantly superior over I4 but was statistically at par with I2 and I3 but maximum WUE (33.29 kg/ha-cm)was obtained with I2 which was significantly superior over I1 and I4 but was statistically par with I3.. In context of sub plot treatments maximum dry matter production (955.32 g/m2), crop growth rate (12.91 g/m2/day), straw yield (46.42 kg/ha), WUE 33.80 kg/ha-cm), total N (65.06 kg/ha), K (75.80 kg/ha) and Zn (212.95 g/ha) uptake by crop found maximum with Z3 which were significantly superior over Z1but were statistically at par with Z2 and Z4, except total N uptake by crop which was significantly superior over Z1andZ4 but statistically at par with Z2, while maximum total P (16.11 kg/ha) uptake by crop were recorded with control plot which was significantly superior over Z3 but was statistically at par with Z2and Z4.

Quantitative assessment of roof top solar photovoltaic power: A case study from university hostel of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa

University hostels are the places where dreams of students cherish and blossom. In academic as well as extracurricular activity, there is a need of undisturbed electric supply in hostels. But, due to certain constraint, the civilian electricity supply doesn't meet the demand. In such case, alternative source, such as rooftop solar power supply plays a vital role. A case study has been done at University Boys’ Hostel of Dr. RPCAU, Pusa. In this paper, assessment of rooftop solar power availability has been done to achieve the power requirement of university boy’s hostel. Further, a layout of solar power plant has also been proposed. In this study, after designing the layout plan, a financial assessment of the project has also been done, considering recent market price. The entire planning has been carried by considering the actual space available at the roof top for installation of the solar panels. The results from this study suggest that total total power requirement in university boy’s hostel to meet the load was about 43 kWp/day. And also total cost of installation was about Rs 52 lakhs.

Effect of foliar application of nutrients on yield and economics of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) under rainfed condition

A field experiment was carried out during kharif season, 2018 at Research Farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar) to study the “Effect of foliar application of nutrients on yield and economics of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Under rainfed condition”. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eight treatments and replicated thrice. Among the different foliar application of nutrients, NPK (18:18:18) @2% spray at flower initiation (T2) recorded significantly higher gross returns (Rs 76959/ha) and net returns (Rs 47014/ha), grain yield (12.89q/ha), and straw yield (23.87 q/ha) as compared to rest of the treatments. The highest benefit: cost ratio (1.57) was recorded under foliar application of NPK (18:18:18) @2% spray at flower initiation (T2) which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments but it was found at par with Neem coated urea @2% spray at flower initiation (T3) and boron @0.25ppm spray at flower initiation followed by Neem coated urea @2% spray after 7 days of first spray (T8).

Enhancing Sugarcane Plant–Ratoon Productivity Through Bud Chip Transplanting Geometry

A field experiment was conducted for three consecutive seasons on sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) plant–ratoon system (2013–2016) at Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, to study the effect of planting distance and row spacing on productivity of sugarcane planted with bud chip raised settlings by furrow-irrigated raised bed method of planting. The results revealed that growth and yield attributes, viz. leaf area index, drymatter accumulation, plant population, plant height, net assimilation rate, cane diameter and millable canes, were significantly influenced due to planting distance and row spacing. The mean higher cane yield (81.7 and 74.6 t/ha) in plant and ratoon crops was obtained at 30 cm planting distance. Though the differences between 30 and 45 cm planting distance were not significant, the higher benefit/cost ratio was obtained at 45 cm planting distance. Among row spacing, planting at 90 cm row spacing showed the highest drymatter accumulation (30.6 and 28.1 t/ha), millable canes (102,000 and 116,300/ha), net returns (Rs. 137,700 and 140,600/ha) and benefit/cost ratio (1.67 and 2.40) in plant and ratoon crops, respectively. Planting of bud chip raised settlings at 90 cm row spacing significantly increased the yield of plant and ratoon canes during all the years of experimentation as well as on mean basis. Sucrose content juice was not affected by planting distance and row spacing. Correlation studies between cane yield and sucrose content with different growth and yield parameters of sugarcane plant and ratoon crops indicated that the yield of sugarcane was significantly and positively correlated with most of the growth and yield parameters.

Mechanization planning to bridge the mechanization gap for different farm operations to meet fodder and crop production in region, Pusa, Bihar, India

The present study deals with purpose mechanization planning to bridge the mechanization gap for different farm operations for sustainable farming in Pusa region. The results obtained from survey conducted to list out the machineries available as well as gap to the farm, the mechanization planning was suggested on the available field conditions to bridge this gap. Grassland-based cattle farms are highly dynamic systems that are difficult to manage, mostly because of their sensitivity to uncontrollable environmental factors such as weather. The results obtained from the survey conducted in the cattle farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University situated in Samastipur was noticed 70 hp (~0.87 hp/ha) utilization of farm power in terms of available machinery for farm operations which was calculated lower than reported a value of power utilization as 1.5 hp/ha for successful farm operation through mechanization. Mechanization of agriculture to meet the growing demand of population, productivity of land has to be enhanced. This can be done by timely application of improved technology. For good retaining the quality as well as nutritional aspects of green fodder, it is essential to harvest fodder with taking minimum operational time. Nutritious green fodder is required to enhance the quality of milk in terms of vitamin A, D, E, and K. To enhance the productivity, to reduce seed losses and to facilitate interculturing activities, it is necessary to perform sowing operation properly. Maximum production of fodder is required to meet the fodder requirement production as well as to enhance the quality of milk. Mechanization is also essential to understand the importance of maintaining the health and to aware the different initiatives being undertaken by cattle farm farmers to protect and enhance the environment.

Effect of Integrated use of Bio-Compost and Nitrogen on Productivity and Soil Properties of Sugarcane Plant–Ratoon System in Calcareous Soil

A field experiment was conducted for three consecutive seasons on sugarcane plant–ratoon system during years 2008–2014 at crop research farm, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar to evaluate the integrated effect of bio-compost and nitrogen on productivity and soil properties in calcareous soil. The distribution of different fractions of soil nitrogen viz. exchangeable NH4 +–N, hydrolysable NH4 +–N, hexoseamine-N, amino acid-N, unidentified-N and status of total-N were determined. The significant increase in number of millable cane (NMC) and cane yield was recorded in the treatments receiving bio-compost in combination with fertilizer-N over control both in plant and ratoon crops. The highest number of NMC (90.7 × 103/ha), cane yield (74.14 t/ha) and sugar yield (7.72 t/ha) of plant was recorded in treatments receiving 50% N through bio-compost +50% N through inorganic fertilizer. The residual effect of treatment receiving 50% N through bio-compost and 50% N through inorganic fertilizer was also pronounced on NMC (83.90 × 103/ha), yield (69.70 t/ha) and sugar yield (7.42 t/ha). Further, application of 100, 125 and 150% N through bio-compost resulted in gradual decrease in yield of plant, but on the contrary, it increased by 6–7% in ratoon crop as compared to plant cane. The uptake of nutrients varied significantly. The highest sugar yield (plant and ratoon) was recorded in treatment receiving 50% N through bio-compost +50% N through inorganic fertilizer. Addition of bio-compost either alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizer-N significantly improved organic carbon and availability of nutrients (N, P, K and S) with reduction in bulk density of post-harvest soil over control. The highest organic carbon (6.2 g/kg) and N (281.6 kg/ha), P2O5 (26.3 kg/ha), K2O (129.5 kg/ha) and S (33.6 kg/ha) was recorded in treatment receiving 150% N through bio-compost. The bulk density varied from 1.33 to 1.42 g/cm3. The EC increased while pH decreased with increasing levels of bio-compost. The significant improvement in microbial population was also recorded in bio-compost treated plots. After third crop cycle of sugarcane cropping system, application of bio-compost either alone or in combination with fertilizer significantly increased all the forms of N-fraction over control. Among the various N-fractions, non-hydrolysable-N was the dominant N-fraction.