Factorial Randomized Block Design Research Articles

Effect of Different Sowing Dates and Establishment Methods on Growth, Yield and Economics of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Adaption of Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed System (FIRBS) and date of seeding are one of the important input for crop production particularly for rabi crop. Early planting through raised bed of mustard can compensate the late planting at least 10-15 days. Under this circumstance the use of raised bed planter along with timely sowing of mustard can produce higher yield. An adaptive research trail was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at farmer’s field in Jamui district to study the effect of different sowing dates and establishment methods of mustard crop. The trail was conducted in a factorial randomized block design with two method of sowing and three dates of sowing. The growth characters like plant height, leaf area index, no. of primary branches plant-1, no. of secondary branch plant-1, no. of silique plant-1, no. of seeds silique-1 were recorded. Test weight, grain and straw yield was influenced significantly due to different sowing dates and sowing methods. Higher plant height at harvest stage (160 cm), leaf area index at 60 DAS (3.3), no. of primary branches plant-1 (4.0), no. of secondary branch plant-1 (7.8), no. of silique plant-1 (292.4), no. of seeds silique-1 (9.7), test weight (3.8), grain (10.1 q ha-1) and straw yield (22.4 q ha-1) were recorded when the crop was sown on 05th November during both years. Whereas the mustard crop sown on FIRBS recorded highest growth attributes, yield components and seed yield (12.5 q ha-1) as compared to conventional method. Highest benefit cost ratio was calculated with (FIRBS) Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed system (2.0) as compared to all other treatments.

Effect of cutting age and auxin concentration on growth of pinto peanut (Arachis pintoi)

Pinto peanuts are known as versatile cover crops for soil conservation, biomulch, and ornamental plants. These plants rarely produce seeds, so they are commonly propagated vegetatively, resulting in low efficiency of seedling production and availability of cuttings. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cutting age and auxin application on the growth of pinto peanut. This experiment used a complete randomized block factorial design. The first factor was the age of the cuttings (stolons) with three levels (young, intermediate, old). Each cutting had three nodes, with young cuttings measured from the tip, intermediate cuttings measured from the fourth node, and old cuttings measured from the seventh node. The second factor was the concentration of the commercial auxin product ROOTONE F (0 ppm, 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm, 2000 ppm). The results showed that the difference in cutting age significantly affected the number of leaves (at 10 and 50 days after planting), plant length (at 10 to 50 days after planting), number of branches (at 30 to 50 days after planting), and canopy area. Differences in auxin concentration only significantly affected plant length from 10 to 30 days after planting. The interaction between cutting age and auxin concentration was significant only for the number of leaves at 10 to 20 days after planting and plant length at 50 days after planting. The highest values for the observed parameters were consistently obtained by intermediate cuttings, which are therefore recommended as planting material for ornamental peanut cuttings.

Effect of Gibberellic Acid and Zinc Sulphate on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

An experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Faculty of Agriculture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, during February-May, 2023 on cucumber. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with twenty treatment combinations and was replicated thrice. The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor H: Hybrids (TMCU-1107, TMCU-1125, TMCU-3112 and Saira-934) and Factor T: Different concentrations of GA₃+ZnSO₄ (T0 - Control (water spray), T1 -GA₃ @100ppm+ZnSO₄ @0.25%, T2 - GA₃ @200ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.50%, T3 - GA₃ @300ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.75% and T4 - GA₃ @400ppm+ZnSO₄ @1%). TMCU-1125 recorded significantly higher yield attributes of cucumber over other hybrids in parameters like vine length at 80 DAS (102.6 cm), days to 50% flowering (40), days to 1st harvest (46), number of fruits per plant (11), fruit length (18.4 cm), average fruit weight (237.5 g), average fruit yield per plant (2.6 kg) and ascorbic acid content (0.8 mg/100g). Among different treatments, GA₃ @300ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.75% resulted in significantly longer vine at 80 DAS (98.4 cm), Days to 50% flowering (43), days to 1st harvest (50), number of fruits per plant (9), fruit length (16.6 cm), average fruit weight (232.0 g), average fruit yield per plant (2.0 kg) and ascorbic acid content (0.5 mg/100g). The interaction effect of T8 (TMCU-1125 + GA₃ @300ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.75% is best suited for getting higher growth, yield, quality of cucumber.

Evaluating the effects of nitrogen application on the agricultural performance of improved rice varieties in Marin, Sindhuli, Nepal

This study focuses the agronomic performance of two rice varieties, Ram Dhan and Sabitri Dhan, under varying nitrogen levels in central inner terai Sindhuli, Nepal, conducted from June to October 2022. The primary motivation is to understand the nuanced impacts of nitrogen application on key physiological traits and yield components without assuming statistically significant differences. The central problem addressed is to explore how different nitrogen levels interact with these traits and influence overall crop productivity. Our study hypothesizes that nitrogen application may affect agronomic parameters such as flag leaf characteristics, culm dimensions, tiller number, flowering dynamics, panicle morphology, and grain yield. The experiment utilized a factorial randomized block design with six treatments and four replications, applying nitrogen levels (100 kg/ha, 120 kg/ha, 140 kg/ha) at split doses during critical growth stages. Data collection included meticulous measurement of these traits following standard agronomic protocols. Key findings revealed that while Sabitri Dhan tended to show higher tiller numbers and panicle traits compared to Ram Dhan, Ram Dhan exhibited marginally better grain yield and harvest index. These results suggest that despite the absence of statistically significant differences, there are practical implications for rice cultivation practices in similar agro-ecological contexts. The study underscores the importance of considering non-significant results in agricultural research to refine nutrient management strategies and enhance crop productivity sustainably. Future research could further explore the nuanced interactions between nitrogen levels and rice varieties to optimize agronomic practices tailored to local conditions and improve yield stability and resilience in rice cultivation.

Combinatory effects of pineapple peel liquid organic fertilizer and rice husk charcoal on melon (Cucumis melo L.) growth and yield

The intensive use of synthetic fertilizers in melon cultivation can reduce soil organic matter and fertility, ultimately decreasing productivity. This situation necessitates the improvement of growing media to achieve production targets through the use of rice husk charcoal and liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) from pineapple peel. This study aims to determine the combinatory effects of pineapple peel LOF and rice husk charcoal media on the growth and yield of melon plants. The research employed a factorial randomized block design (RBD) with 6 treatment levels, and data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by an HSD test at the 5% significance level. The results showed an interaction between pineapple peel POC and rice husk charcoal media on the number of leaves variable. The P0M1 treatment (NPK 16:16:16 at 3 g and 50% rice husk charcoal & 50% soil) at 52 days after planting (DAP) produced the highest number of leaves, totaling 26.12. However, this increase in leaf number was not accompanied by an increase in fruit weight or brix levels. These findings open opportunities for further research to understand why the increase in leaf number did not translate to higher fruit weight or Brix levels, and to identify treatment combinations that can enhance both growth and yield.

Interactive Effect of Bio-Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Crop Growth, Quality, Productivity and Profitability of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogeae L.) in an Alfisols of Western-Ghat of Maharashtra India

ABSTRACT Precisely because of low nutrient availability and toxicities of nutrients unfertilized alfisols are unable to satisfy the nutrients requirement to meet plants demand. An investigation was carried out to assess the impact of biofertilizer inoculation (no biofertilizers, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) @ 10 kg ha−1, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) @ 10 kg ha−1, AMF+PSB @ 5 kg each ha−1 and AMF+PSB @ 10 kg each ha−1) and phosphorus levels (15, 30, 45, and 60 kg ha−1) on growth, quality, productivity and profitability of groundnut in alfisols of Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, in a factorial randomized block design during 2017–18 and 2018–19 growing seasons. It was discovered that groundnuts grew better with 60 kg phosphorus and 10 kg each AMF+PSB ha−1 and produced significantly higher pod yield (35.86 q ha−1), kernel yield (2.52 t ha−1) and harvest index (41.47%). However, inoculation and their interaction did not reach the level of significance, despite the fact that they responded favorably to the high phosphorus (60 kg ha−1) rate. Similarly, plots infused with 60 kg phosphorus ha−1 and AMF+PSB 10 kg each ha−1 significantly exhibited highest oil content (50.62%), protein content (31.93%), total nitrogen (269.71 kg ha−1), phosphorus (8.60 kg ha−1) uptake, nutrient efficiency ratio (40.79 kg kg−1), nutrient harvest index (44.11%), gross return (INR 2,44,388 ha−1), net return (INR 62,209 ha−1), and benefit: cost ratio (B:C ratio) of 1.96. In view of their intense need for nutrients, groundnuts thrived well when given an appropriate combination of inorganic and biological fertilizers.

The Effect of Mungbeans and Skim Milk Concentration on The Nutritional and Sensory Properties of Corn Milk

The research aims to determine the effect of adding mungbean and skim milk on the physical, chemical and sensory properties of corn milk as well as the best formula to produce the best corn milk. The experimental design used was a factorial randomized block design. The factors studied were the addition of green beans consisting of three levels, namely 10, 20 and 30% and the concentration of skim milk consisting of three levels, namely 3, 9 and 15%. Three repetitions were carried out to obtain 27 experimental units. The results showed that the higher the addition of green beans, the lower the viscosity and protein content. The higher the concentration of skim milk used, the higher the total dissolved solids, the lower the water content, and the higher the fat content. Determining the best treatment using the Multiple Attribute Method. Sweet corn milk with the addition of 10% green beans and 3% skim milk was the best treatment with total dissolved solids of 11.67oBrix; viscosity 27.9 cP; moisture 86.1%; ash content 0.357%; fat content 0.643%; protein content 1.69; whitish yellow color (3.35); slightly strong corn aroma (3.28); slightly thick (3.23); delicious flavor (3.67); and favorable (3.63).

Chemical characteristics of traditional fish crackers (kemplang) heated using a microwave oven

Fish crackers (kemplang) are distinctive foods produced in Palembang, Indonesia, but their production process involves conventional frying using oil, which is very dangerous for health because it can cause heart disease and increase cholesterol levels. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the chemical characteristics of Palembang fish crackers heated using a microwave oven. A factorial randomized block design was used with two treatment factors, the addition of eggs (A) as well as the difference in water content (B). Factor A has 3 sublevels of A1 = without eggs, A2 = egg yolks, A3 = whites and yolks, while B has 2, including B1 = 7.5±1%, and B2 = 13.5±1%. The parameters observed include water, protein, fat and amino acid contents. The results showed that the water content of the crackers decreased significantly, while the protein and amino acid levels increased after heating. The reduced fat content was caused by increased oxidation due to the increased temperature. Palembang fish crackers (kemplang) with high protein and amino acids can be produced using a dough formulation with the addition of eggs and water content of 13.5±1%. Furthermore, the use of a microwave oven is a healthier alternative to conventional methods

Standardization of Spacing and Fertilizer Levels for Growth, Yield and Flower Quality of French Marigold (Tagetes patula L.)

This study investigated the standardization of spacing and fertilizer requirements for optimizing the growth and flower quality of French Marigold (Tagetes patula L.). The primary objective was to identify the most effective treatment combination for maximizing farmer profitability and yield. The experiment utilized three fertilizer levels (F1: 225:60:60 NPK kg/ha, F2: 168.75:45:45 NPK kg/ha, F3: 112.5:30:30 NPK kg/ha) and three spacing levels (S1: 30 cm x 30 cm, S2: 45 cm x 30 cm, S3: 45 cm x 45 cm) in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Results indicated that plant height increased with a decrease in spacing and an increase in fertilizer levels. The S1F1 treatment combination (30 x 30 cm spacing and 225:60:60 NPK kg/ha) exhibited higher plant height, plant spread, and the number of primary and secondary branches. Flower production was significantly influenced by a spacing of 30 x 30 cm and a fertilizer level of 225:60:60 NPK kg/ha. Higher levels of spacing and fertilizer, i.e., 45 x 45 cm spacing and a fertilizer level of 225:60:60 NPK kg/ha yielded superior results in terms of flowering duration, flower diameter, flower weight, and shelf life of the flowers on the plant.

Standardization of Technology for Development, Physico-chemical properties, Organoleptic acceptability and Storage of Value Added Kiwi Fruit Squash (Actinidia deliciosa)

A present study was conducted for the development of kiwi fruit squash (Actinidia deliciosa). The study was constituted to evaluate the effect of different treatments on the physico-chemical and organoleptic properties and prolonged storage life of kiwi fruit squash. The experiment was carried out in the Post Harvest Laboratory, Learning Integrated Livelihood Forestry, Agronomy & Rural Management, Ministry of Uttarakhand Dehradun, during the year 2022-24. The experiment was laid out in 2x2 Factorial Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. Based on the statistical analysis, the experiment shows that Bruno variety (V3) performed best in terms of physico-chemical properties viz., TSS, acidity, moisture, vitamin C, and reducing sugar, followed by the Abbott variety (V2). The study indicated that Abbott variety (V2) was most acceptable in terms of organoleptic properties viz., colour & appearance, taste & flavour, texture and overall acceptability, followed by the Hayward variety (V1). On the other hand microbial analysis of the squash shows the stored life which is up to 60 days without any microbial contamination. The squash maintained acceptability for up to 2 months when diluted with water, making it suitable as a refreshing beverage for all age groups.

Application of Coffee Grounds Organic Fertilizer on The Growth and Production of Cucumber Plants (Cucumis sativus L)

Cucumis sativus L, commonly known as cucumber, is a creeping vine plant and a member of the Cucurbitaceae family known for producing fruit-bearing vegetables. Cucumis sativus plants originate in the Asian continent, specifically in North and South Asia. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the development and yield of cucumber plants, focusing particularly on the impact of varying doses of organic fertilizer derived from liquid coffee grounds. Specifically, the study seeks to assess the effects of these treatments on plant height, time to flowering, time to harvest, and the weight of the fruit produced by cucumber plants. This study was conducted within the idyllic housing complex from March to May 2024. The research used a factorial randomized block design (RAK) with a single factor. The dosage parameters for coffee grounds fertilizer are as follows: P0 serves as the control group, P1 involves a dosage of 25 ml per plant, P2 utilizes a dosage of 50 ml per plant, and P3 applies a dosage of 75 ml per plant. The findings indicated that the various fertilizer treatments had a noteworthy impact on plant height, flowering age, harvest time, and fruit weight, suggesting a significant interaction between the two variables. Applying 75 ml of coffee grounds fertilizer per cucumber plant yields the best outcomes in promoting increased plant height, earlier flowering, shortened harvest time, and greater fruit weight in cucumber plants.

Foliar Application of Silicon Influences Crop Productivity, Dry Matter Accumulation, Water Use Efficiency, Lodging Score, and Aphid Density in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

ABSTRACT Silicon (Si) is a versatile nutrient that plays an instrumental role in mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses besides improving growth and yield of graminaceous crops. We hypothesized that application Si would significantly improve productivity and resilience of wheat. Hence, the objectives were a) to assess the impact of Si application on wheat growth, productivity, nutrient uptake, water use efficiency, and b) to determine the potentiality of Si in mitigating lodging and aphid density. Therefore, we conducted a field experiment with five levels of Si (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g Si liter−1) at three growth stages (crown root initiation, tillering, and jointing stage) using a factorial randomized block design replicated three times. The results showed that increasing Si doses positively influenced plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA), leaf area index (LAI), yield, and nutrient uptake. The highest grain and straw yield were observed with 8 g Si liter−1, followed by 6 g Si liter−1, while the control had the lowest yields. With 8 g Si liter−1, grain yield, straw yield, and Si uptake increased by 10.5%, 13.5%, and 26.3%, respectively, compared to the control. Additionally, Si application at 8 g Si liter−1 significantly reduced the density of S. avenae (aphids) by 81.4% and lodging by 75.1% compared to the control. Overall, the study demonstrated that increasing Si doses enhanced various growth and yield parameters, with 8 g Si liter−1 and 6 g Si liter−1 showing superior results. Among the growth stages, foliar application of Si during the tillering stage exhibited better performance in terms of growth, yield, and nutrient uptake in wheat. Therefore, the study concludes that Si fertilization at a rate of 8 g Si liter−1 during the tillering stage can effectively improve growth, productivity, and nutrient uptake in wheat in the southern region of Rajasthan.

Acceleration of Organic Compost Supply Using Microbial Consortium Formulation on Various Organic Wastes and their Effect on Sweet Corn

Organic waste, primarily originating from agricultural sources, remains underutilized in Indonesia, despite its substantial potential as an organic fertilizer. Consequently, it is imperative to comprehend the technology capable of efficiently decomposing organic matter and yielding high-quality compost. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a microbial consortium compris-ing Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Trichoderma sp., and Aspergillus sp. on the decomposition of organic waste derived from rice, sugarcane, corn and as well as to examine its application to sweet-corn (Zea mays var. saccharata). The study used a factorial randomized block design, featuring two primary factors, compost types and their respective doses. This design in total of nine treatments, each replicated three times, thus resulting in a sum of 27 experimental units. The treatments were RSC: Rice straw compost; SLC: Sugarcane leaves compost; CHC: Corn husk compost; D7.5: Compost dose of 7.5 t ha-1; D15: Compost dose of 15 t ha-1; D22.5: Compost dose of 22.5 t ha-1. Moreover, an essential fertilizer, NPK, was applied at a rate of 200 kg/ha. The find-ings demonstrated a substantial impact of both compost types and doses on maize growth parameters, which encompassed plant height, leaf area, chlo-rophyll contentand dry weight. These effects were observed individually, without any interactions between the two factors. Furthermore, these treat-ments exhibited a discernible influence on corn yield. The highest to lowest yields were recorded as follows: CHC (9.29 t ha-1), RSC (8.72 t ha-1), and SLC (8.00 t ha-1). Combining organic compost with chemical fertilizer effectively prevented nutrient loss through denitrification and evaporation, facilitating nutrient retention and controlled release over time.

Impact of Seed Hardening and Foliar Application of Growth Substances on Morphological Parameters of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

An experiment was carried out during summer and kharif, 2022. A Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications was used for an experiment that included seed hardening as one factor with nine levels while foliar spray of Chlorocholine Chloride @500 mg/L as another factor with two levels. Different morphological parameters were analyzed for the experiment at different time durations like 30, 50, 70, 90 DAS and at harvest. Days to initiation of flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity were significantly minimum with GA3-150 mg/L seed hardening treatment. Meanwhile, plant height, number of primary branches per plant were also found significantly higher in seed hardening with GA3-150 mg/L while all these morphological parameters were found significantly lower after application of foliar spray of CCC @500 mg/L as compared to control. Thus seed hardening with GA3-150 mg/L and foliar application of CCC @500 mg/L is suitable for enhancing the yield of groundnut.

Compatibility Analysis of Metolachlor and Pendimethalin for Weed Control in Arabica Coffee Plants

Losses caused by the presence of weeds in an agricultural business are often associated with the ability of weeds as strong competitors for plants to obtain water, nutrients, sunlight, and growing space. A mixture of metolachlor and pendimethalin herbicides is expected to control important weeds of various classes in coffee plants. The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of two herbicide mixtures at different doses on weeds in coffee plantations. This research used a 4 X 4 factorial randomized block design with 2 repetitions, resulting in 32 experimental plots. The first factor was metolachlor herbicide and the second was pendimethalin herbicide, each factor consisting of 4 levels with 0.00, 0.75, 1.75 and 2.25 kg ha-1 doses. The observed parameters consisted of (1) dominance count value, (2) percentage of controlled weeds, (3) weed coverage, (4) weed population, and (5) weed dry weight. The results showed that there was a very significant effect on the combined interaction of metolachlor and pendimethalin herbicide mixtures on the percentage of controlled weeds, percentage of weed closure at 21 and 28 DAA, and weed dry weight at 28 and 42 DAA with the best dose combination at b.a. 1.50 kg ha-1 which could increase the efficiency of weed control. Meanwhile, the percentage of controlled weeds, percentage of weed cover at 14 DAA, and weed population at 28 and 42 DAA showed very significant results independently with a dose of b.a. 2.25 kg ha-1

Effect of Transient Waterlogging Stress on Growth, Physiology and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in Semi-Arid Region

Cowpea cultivation during rainy season is highly affected by the waterlogging stress due to unpredicted high-intensity rains. The studies on assessment of waterlogging effect on different growth stages of cowpea are necessary for planning mitigation strategies. Hence study was conducted during kharif (June to September) 2022 under factorial randomized block design (FRCBD) set up. The first factor consisted of seven waterlogging durations (3 to 15 days), and second factor was three growth stages of cowpea (15 DAE; Days after emergence, 25 DAE and at 50% flowering). The results revealed that regardless of growth stages, growth and yield attributes were drastically decreased with increased duration of waterlogging. The highest plant height (25.07 cm), number of branches plant–1 (5.33) and leaf area (205.27 cm2 plant–1), and number of pods plant–1 (4.27), pod length (15.24 cm), number of seeds pod–1 (14.27), grain (6.27 g plant–1) and haulm yield (15.62 g plant–1) were recorded with 3 days of waterlogging, whereas lowest values were reported with 15 days of waterlogging. Regarding growth stages, highest growth, and yield attributes were recorded with waterlogging during 50% flowering, followed by 25 DAE and 15 DAE. Moreover, the correlation study indicated that physiological parameters such as leaf protein content (r = 0.95) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI (r = 0.97) were positively related to grain yield. It was found that, cowpea is sensitive to high-intensity waterlogging (beyond 3–5 days) especially during the early growth stage (15 DAE).

PRODUCTION RESPONSE OF CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS SATIVUS L.) PLANTS DUE TO APPLICATION OF Sp-36 AND MANURE

The cucumber plant (Cucumis sativus L.) is a vegetable plant that can be consumed in fresh or processed form. Cucumber production data from 2019-2022 continues to decline. One of the factors causing the decline in cucumber production is cultivation techniques that have not been carried out properly. To increase cucumber production, it is necessary to pay attention to the availability of nutrients. The fertilizer used is SP 36 fertilizer and organic fertilizer. The aim of the research is: To determine the interaction of SP36 fertilizer and manure on the growth and production of the best cucumber plants. The research was carried out in July - August 2023. The design used was a factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK). First factor: SP-36 fertilizer dose consisting of; P1: Control, P2: 150 kg ha-1 equivalent to 60 gpetak-1, P3: 250 kg ha-1 equivalent to 100 gpetak-1, Factor II: manure consisting of: N1: Control, N2: Cow manure 10 tonha-1 is equivalent to 4 kgpetak-1, N3: 10 tonha-1 chicken manure is equivalent to 4 kgpetak-1, Based on the results obtained: The interaction of SP-36 fertilizer and manure has a very real influence on the number of leaves, fruit length, plant height, fruit diameter and fruit weight Keywords: Production, Cucumis sativus L, SP-36, Cow manure

Incidence of insect-pests in response to plant density and nutrient levels in Desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum) under rainfed condition

The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of spacing and nutrients on insect-pests infestation on compact desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum) grown under rainfed condition during kharif seasons of 2019–20 to 2021–22 at the Main Cotton Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat. The experiments were carried out in factorial randomized block design with nine treatment combinations with three replicates comprised of three levels of spacing viz., 60 cm × 15 cm, 60 cm × 30 cm and 120 cm × 45 cm and three nutrient levels, viz. 120, 150 and 180 kg N/ha. The population of sucking pests viz., leafhopper, thrips, whitefly and mealy bug as well as open boll and locule damage by bollworms was recorded significantly lower in plant density at normal (recommended) spacing, 120 cm × 45 cm and vice a versa. Only the aphid population was found significantly lowest in closer spacing (60 cm × 15 cm). Amongst nitrogen levels, there was a significant difference with respect to N levels and the highest population of sucking pests as well as open and locule damage was recorded at N level of 180 kg N/ha. With respect to treatment combinations, there was no significant difference in sucking pests (aphids, thrips, whitefly and mealybugs) and open boll and locule damage amongst different treatment combinations of spacing and nitrogen levels. However, the treatment combination comprising the spacing of 120 × 45 cm and 120 kg N/ha recorded significantly lowest population of leafhopper followed by treatment combination of spacing 120 cm × 45 cm with nitrogen level of 150 kg/ha. Hence, proper interventions for leafhopper control is required when compact desi cotton was sown at closer spacing under rainfed condition.

Nitrogen and detasseling influences growth, yield and economics of male sterile baby corn (Zea mays)

A field experiment was carried-out in the winter season of 2021–22 at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, to assess the effect of detasseling times and nitrogen levels on productivity and profitability of winter baby corn (Zea mays L.). The experiment comprised three detasseling times (No detasseling [Control], immediately after tassel emergence, and 7 days after tassel emergence) and four nitrogen levels (50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N/ha). A total 12 treatment combinations were evaluated in a factorial randomized-block design, replicated thrice. The results showed that detasseling immediately after tassel emergence enhanced the dry matter accumulation, yield attributes, and husked and dehusked baby corn yield by 11.4 and 15.2%, respectively and fodder yield (23.84 t/ha), over no detasseling; however, it stood at par with detasseling 7 days after tassel emergence. Further, an application of 200 kg N/ha resulted in the highest dry matter accumulation and yield attributes, finally leading to 36.9, 38.1 and 33.1%, improvement in husked, dehusked baby corn yield and fodder yield, respectively, compared to 50 kg N/ha. Using 150 kg N/ha was at par with 200 kg N/ha both for growth and yield. The net returns and benefit-cost ratio showed the similar trend as of baby corn yields. Overall, this study suggested that detasseling immediately after tassel emergence and application of 200 kg N/ha is advantageous to augment the productivity and profitability of winter baby corn under irrigated ecosystem of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogeae L.) production, soil biological characteristics, micronutrient content in soil and plant parts, and their uptake are all influenced by phosphorus, AMF and PSB application

Field experiments during rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 were conducted to asses the groundnut production, soil biological characteristics, micronutrient content in soil and plant parts, and their uptake influenced by graded levels of phosphorus (15, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha−1), Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) application in Alfisols at Botany farm, Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli in a factorial randomized block design with twenty treatment combinations which were replicated thrice. Results indicated that higher dose of phosphours (60 kg ha−1), biofertilizers (AMF + PSB @ 10 kg ha−1 each) and their interaction was found prominent in augmenting the highest bacterial, actinomycetes, fungal populations. Further, the combined application of phosphate and the AMF and PSB strain at higher level significantly improved the enzyme activities viz., dehydrogenase, urease, alkaline and acid phosphatase, CO2 evolution and SMBC compared to lower dose of phosphorus and non-inoculated treatment was on par with application of phosphorus @ 45 kg ha−1 with dual inoculation of AMF + PSB @ 10 kg ha−1 each. However, DTPA-extractable micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) status showed significant improvement because of various treatment combinations. Similarly, the application of phosphorus @ 60 kg ha−1 exhibited the highest uptake in edible portion of crops which was resulted in significantly highest pod yield (35.86 q ha−1) of groundnut which was at par with application of phosphorus @ 45 kg ha−1 (31.96 q ha−1) indicating beneficial effect for improving as well sustaining soil health in long term aspects.