Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University Research Articles

Effect of Iron and Zinc Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in Loamy Sand

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2022-23 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. The soil of the experimental field was loamy sand in texture, neutral to alkaline in reaction, normal with respect to salt content, low in available nitrogen and sulphur, medium in available phosphorus, potash, zinc and iron and high in manganese and copper. Nine treatment combinations comprising three levels of iron 0.0 kg Fe ha-1 (Fe0), Soil application of 20.0 kg FeSO4. 7H2O ha-1 (Fe1) and 0.5 % FeSO4. 7H2O foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAS (Days after sowing) (Fe2) and three levels of zinc 0.0 kg Zn ha-1 (Zn0), Soil application of 10.0 kg ZnSO4. 7H2O ha-1 (Zn1) and 0.5 % ZnSO4. 7H2O foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAS (Zn2) were evaluated in randomized block design with factorial concept with four replication. Mustard variety GDM 4 was used as a test crop. Significantly higher number of secondary branches plant-1 (16.59), number of siliquae plant-1 (341.4), test weight (5.18 g), seed yield (2061 kg ha-1) and stover yield (4976 kg ha-1) were recorded with soil application of 20.0 kg FeSO4. 7H2O ha-1 (Fe1) but it was at par with 0.5 % FeSO4. 7H2O foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAS. Stover yield of mustard remained at par with 0.5 % FeSO4. 7H2O foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAS. Significantly higher number of secondary branches plant-1 (16.37), number of siliquae plant-1 (340.1), seed (2001 kg ha-1) and stover yield (4961 kg ha-1) were recorded with soil application of 10.0 kg ZnSO4. 7H2O ha-1 (Zn1) but it was at par with foliar spray of 0.5 % ZnSO4. 7H2O at 30 and 45 DAS except seed yield of mustard.

Weed Management through Pre and Post-emergence Herbicides in Groundnut

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Banaskantha (North Gujarat Agro-climatic Zone of Gujarat) during June–October, 2021 to assess the effect of pre- and post-emergence herbicides on weed control in groundnut crop using Randomized Block Design with ten treatments and four replications. Among different weed management practices, two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS recorded significantly higher number of pods per plant, resulted in significantly higher pod yield and haulm yield (23.70, 1980 kg ha-1 and 3082 kg ha-1, respectively) which was found at par with interculturing and hand weeding at 15 and 30 DAS (22.90, 1892 kg ha-1 and 2950 kg ha-1, respectively), post-emergence application of sodium acifluorfen 16.5+clodinafop-propargyl 8 EC @ 165+80 g ha-1 (22.53, 1835 kg ha-1 and 2864 kg ha-1, respectively) and imazethapyr 35 WG+imazamox 35 WG @ 70 g ha-1 (21.93, 1800 kg ha-1 and 2811 kg ha-1, respectively) due to better weed control of weeds as indicated by significantly lower density of sedges, grasses, broad leaf weeds and total weeds as evidenced by correlation and regression analysis between total weed density at 60 DAS, at harvest with the pod yield. Whereas, significantly lower number of pods per plant, pod yield and haulm yield at harvest were observed under unweeded check (10.30, 846 kg ha-1 and 1333 kg ha-1, respectively) due to significantly higher density of sedges, grasses, broad leaf weeds and total weeds observed in unweeded check.

Efficiency of different incubating material for phosphate rich organic manure in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted at Centre for Research on Integrated Farming Systems, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during 2018–19 to 2020–21 to study the efficiency of differ- ent incubating material for phosphate rich organic manure (PROM) in wheat. A total of fourteen treatments such as T1 : Control, T2 : DAP @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha, T3 : Rock phosphate @ 40 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with vermicompost, T4 : Rock phosphate @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with vermicompost, T5 : Rock phosphate @ 40 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with FYM, T6 : Rock phosphate @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with FYM, T7 : Rock phosphate @ 40 kg P2 O5 /ha incu- bated with compost, T8 : Rock phosphate @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with compost, T9 : Rock phosphate @ 40 kg P2 O5/ha incubated with vegetable waste, T10 : Rock phosphate @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with vegetable waste, T11 : Rock phosphate @ 40 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with green algae, T12 : Rock phosphate @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha incu- bated with green algae, T13 : Rock phosphate @ 40 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with cow urine and T14 : Rock phosphate @ 60 kg P2 O5 /ha incubated with cow urine were evaluated based on growth parameters, yield attributes and yield. The pooled result of three years experiment indicated that phosphorus source of DAP in wheat (60 kg P2 O5 /ha) can be replaced with Udaipur rock phosphate (31% P2O5 ) @ 198 kg/ha incubated for 30 days with FYM or vermicompost or compost or vegetable waste (each of 593 kg) or cow urine (593 L) in the ratio of 1:3 ratio as basal for obtaining higher yield and net returns.

Delineation of Selection Criterion Using Correlation and Path Analysis in Forage Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) in North Gujarat Condition

Knowledge of genetic and phenotypic association among economic traits helps plant breeders in outlying efficient breeding strategies for development of high yielding forage pearl millet variety. An experiment was conducted at the research farm of Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat to evaluate plant characteristics associated with green forage yield and its attributes in forage pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] genotypes in north Gujarat condition through correlation and path analyses during 2023. Twelve independent and 1 dependent variables were evaluated for the character association analysis of the 30 forage pearl millet genotypes. The evaluation was performed in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data collection was done from 5 randomly selected plants and this data was used for analysis using R Studio. The green forage yield per plant had positive and significant correlation with plant height, number of tiller per plant, stem thickness, leaf length, leaf width, and dry fodder yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic level. Path analysis revealed the importance of leaf width and dry fodder yield per plant by showing high and positive direct effects towards green forage yield per plant. These characters also exhibited significant and positive association with green forage yield per plant at the genotypic and phenotypic. Hence, these traits could be considered as the vital component characters for development of high yielding genotypes in forage pearl millet.

Effect of different agro-techniques on yield of Bt cotton

A field experiment was conducted during the 2 consecutive kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, to study the yield maximization of Bt cotton through agro-techniques in loamy sand. The experiment consisted of four factors viz; spacing, detopping, intercropping and sowing time with two levels in each treatment. The results of pooled data of 2 years indicated that Bt cotton sown at spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm recorded significantly higher plant height, crop growth rate as well as seed cotton (3077 kg/ha) and stalk yields (5930 kg/ha), seed cotton equivalent yield (3512 kg/ha) and oil yield (335 kg/ha). However, wider spacing of 120 cm × 60 cm produced remarkably higher number of sympodial branches per plant, relative growth rate, number of open bolls per plant, weight of seed cotton per boll and seed cotton yield per plant. Topping carried out at 75 DAS remarkably improved growth and yield attributes, seed cotton and stalk yields, seed cotton equivalent yield, oil yield. All growth and yield attributes as well as seed cotton yield were recorded significantly higher without intercrop in Bt cotton. Though intercropping of greengram (additive series) in Bt cotton produced significantly higher seed cotton equivalent yield than no intercropping in pooled mean. Advance sowing of Bt cotton in last week of May produced significantly higher seed cotton yield and seed cotton equivalent S1 T2I2 D1 [Advance sowing (Last week of May)] at plant spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm along with detopping at 75 DAS and intercropping with greengram] gave significantly higher seed cotton equivalent yield as well as net returns and B: C ratio of Bt cotton.

Assessment of Weed Management Practices on Weed Control and Productivity as Evidenced by Economics and Energetics Analysis in Groundnut

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2021 to assess the effect of various weed management practices in groundnut at Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar on loamy sand soil. Among different treatments, two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS, interculturing and hand weeding at 15 and 30 DAS, post-emergence application of sodium acifluorfen 16.5 + clodinafop-propargyl 8 EC @ 165+80 g/ha and imazethapyr 35 WG + imazamox 35 WG @ 70 g/ha have recorded lower % of category wise weed density (sedges, grasses, broad leaf weeds and total weeds) resulting in significantly higher pod and haulm yield in two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS (1980 and 3082 kg/ha, respectively) which was found at par with interculturing and hand weeding at 15 and 30 DAS (1892 and 2950 kg/ha, respectively), post-emergence application of sodium acifluorfen 16.5 + clodinafop-propargyl 8 EC @ 165+80 g/ha (1835 and 2864 kg/ha, respectively) and imazethapyr 35 WG + imazamox 35 WG @ 70 g/ha (1800 and 2811 kg/ha, respectively) as compared to unweeded check (846 and 1333 kg/ha, respectively) apart from witnessing higher gross monetary returns, net monetary returns, net energy returns, energy use efficiency, energy productivity due to effective control of grasses, sedges, broad leaf and total weeds in these treatments as compared to unweeded check.

Effect of Different Organic Sources on Seed Yield of rabi Fennel (Foeniculam vulgare P. Mill.) under Organic Farming

The present study is titled “Effect of different organic sources on seed yield of rabi fennel (Foeniculam vulgare P. Mill.) under organic farming. It was carried out at Agronomy Instructional Farm of the Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat during Rabi season of the year 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2019-20. Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as fennel, is a widely recognized and essential medicinal and aromatic plant from the Apiaceae family. This study also examines the impact of organic sourcess in fennel cultivation, highlighting their potential to improve soil structure and microbial biomass. Organic sources, derived from both animal and plant sources, are considered eco-friendly alternatives with long term benefits. Results from the study indicate that for growing rabi fennel under organic farming application of 75% RDN (67.5 kg N/ha) either through castor cake or FYM at the time of sowing along with seed inoculation with Azotobacter and PSB @ 5 ml/kg seed for obtaining higher seed yield and net returns. These findings suggest the potential of organic manures to improve the growth and yield of fennel. In conclusion, this provides an extensive overview of fennel, addressing its botanical characteristics, chemical composition, pharmacological attributes, traditional uses, and agricultural practices. The experimental data highlights the positive impact of organic manures on fennel growth parameters, offering valuable insights for sustainable cultivation practices.

Effect of Organic Manures on Productivity in a Groundnut-Wheat Sequence under Organic Farming

An experiment was conducted during two consecutivekharif and rabi season from the year 2016-17 to 2018-19 for three years on to evaluate different organic sources performance on groundnut and wheat sequence under organic farming at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. The soil of experiment was loamy sand. Experiment was carried out in Large plot technique design and with eight replication for four treatments. From three years experiment result revealed that in kharif season, application of 100% nitrogen through castor cake sequring higher pod yield of groundnut and application of 75% nitrogen through castor cake for succeding wheat in rabi season for getting higher seed yield. Application of castor cake in both season sequred higher groundnut equivalent yield. Maximum gross (Rs 150300/ha) and net neturn (Rs 67922/ha) with BCR of 1.82 was obtained under Treatment T3 (100% RDN through castor cake in groundnut and 75% RDN through castor cake in succeeding wheat) under organic farming under North Gujarat Agro climatic conditions.

Nitrogen Management in Kharif Pearlmillet

An experiment was conducted during kharifseason of the years 2021 to 2023 (Three years) at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar having loamy sand soil to study the Nitrogen management in kharif pearlmillet. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design and replicated four times with seven treatments. On three years pooled results application of 80 kg N/ha being at par with 75% RDN as chemical fertilizer in addition with 25% RDN through castor cake or vermicompost or FYM recorded significantly higher plant height at 60 DAS, at harvest, length of earhead over rest of treatments. Further, it also significantly increased seed yield (1631 kg/ha) and stover yield (3754 kg/ha). Maximum net realization and benifit : cost ratio (BCR) were registered with application of 80 kg N/ha as chemical fertilizer followed by 75 % RDN as chemical fertilizer + 25 % RDN through castor cake in pooled results. Higher yield and net realization can be secured with the application of either 100% RDN (Recommended Dose of Nitrogen) i.e. 80 kg/ha through chemical fertilizer + 25 % RDN through castor cake or vermicompost (20 kg N/ha) in addtion to recommend dose of phosphourus 40 kg/ha as basal under North Gujarat Agro climatic conditions.

Effect of Different Multipurpose Tree Species on Physico-chemical Properties of Loamy Sand Soil Under Rainfed Conditions

A field experiment was conducted at Agroforestry Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, during 2019-20. The soils of the experimental field was low in organic carbon (0.24 per cent), available nitrogen (143.50 kg N/ha) and DTPA extractable iron (3.18 mg/kg), medium in available phosphorus (Olsen’s P 48.90 kg P2O5/ha), available potash (180.00 kg K2O/ha), manganese (7.8 mg/kg) and zinc (0.79 mg/kg) and high in copper content (0.61 mg/kg). An experiment consisting of six years old Agroforestry tree plantation which consisted of five multipurpose tree species (MPTs) viz., Tectona grandis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Gmelina arborea, Casuriana equstifolia and Melia azadiracht were designed in CRD with four replications. The experiment consisting of 96 trees per species with a plot size of 24 m × 16 m under 4 m × 4 m tree spacing. Among the above six tree species significantly the lowest BD (1.56 Mg/m3), higher WHC (27.87 per cent) and soil porosity (38.03 per cent) was recorded under Casuarinas equisetifolia tree species. Similarly the maximum mean organic carbon (0.445 per cent), available N (165.17 kg/ha), available K2O (196.26 kg/ha) and DTPA extractable iron (4.22 mg/kg) and copper (1.05 mg/kg) content were noted under Casuarina equisetifolia tree species. Whereas, the mean maximum available P2O5 (57.92 kg/ha) was noted under Tectona grandis. The mean maximum DTPA extractable manganese (8.34 mg/kg) and zinc (0.925 mg/kg) was noted under Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Melia azadiracht tree species, respectively.

Response of grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) to irrigation schedules under sprinkler irrigation

A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the Centre for Crop Improvement, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Banaskantha, Gujarat to study the response of grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacs L.) to irrigation schedules under sprinkler irrigation system. The experiment was conducted in a randomised block design (RBD) comprised of 6 irrigation treatments, viz. I0 , Surface irrigation; I1 , Control (only pre-sowing irrigation); I2 , Sprinkler irrigation at 0.2 IW: CPE; I3 , Sprinkler irrigation at 0.4 IW: CPE; I4 ,Sprinkler irrigation at 0.6 IW: CPE; and I5 ,Sprinkler irrigation at 0.8 IW:CPE with 4 replications. The results revealed that application of irrigation at IW: CPE ratio of 0.8 had significant effect on plant height, inflorescence length (83.4 cm), grain yield (1,625 kg/ha) and straw yield (7,497 kg/ha) compared with control treatment (surface irrigation). Treatment 0.8 IW: CPE resulted in the 28.15% higher grain yield than the control. The highest water-use efficiency (WUE) (12.8 kg/ha-mm) was achieved by the treatment I1 (only pre-sowing irrigation). Consumptive use (mm) was found increased with increase in irrigation scheduling from I0 to I5 . The highest consumptive use of 179.3 mm was recorded under the treatment of 0.8 IW: CPE ratio. Irrigation at 0.8 IW: CPE ratio fetched highest net returns of `54,701/ha, with benefit: cost (B:C) ratio 3.06 during both the years in pooled analysis.

Preceding kharif crops and fertilizer influence on growth, yield and nutrient requirement of succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted during 2 consecutive rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) season each of 2020–21 and 2021–22 at C.P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat to study the effect of preceding kharif crops and fertilizer on growth, yield, economics and nutrient requirement of succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. The experiment was laid out in split plot design comprising of 4 kharif crops, viz. greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek], sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] and fodder sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] as main plots and 5 fertilizer treatments, viz. 100% RDF (120 kg N + 60 kg P2 O5 + 40 kg K2 O/ha); 75% RDF; 50% RDF; 75% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB (phosphate solubilizing bacteria); and 50% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB as sub plots with four replications. Wheat grown after kharif greengram had better growth parameters and yield attributes which was reflected in an increase in grain (4.78 t/ha) and straw (6.41 t/ha) yield of wheat. Among different fertilizer treatments, wheat fertilized with 100% RDF recorded significantly higher grain (4.60 t/ha) and straw yield (6.20 t/ha). Nutrient uptakes by grain and straw increased under wheat grown after greengram and fertilized with 100% RDF. Greengramwheat crop sequence and wheat fertilized with either 100% RDF or 75% RDF along with Azotobacter + PSB seed inoculation earned higher net realization and B:C ratio.

Relationship between the Profile of Agricultural Students and their Career Aspiration about Prospects of Agripreneurship

Career aspiration refers to a long-term professional aim or goal that a person sets for themselves in their chosen career or profession. Aims: To ascertain the relationship between the profile of students and their career aspiration about prospects of agripreneurship. Study Design: Expost facto research design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was taken at four State Agricultural Universities of Gujarat. August 2023 – March 2024. Methodology: The study was conducted among the students from the agriculture faculty in four State Agricultural Universities of Gujarat which are Navsari Agricultural University, Junagadh Agricultural University, Anand Agricultural University and Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University. The respondents were M.Sc. (Agri.), Ph.D. (Agri.) and final year B.Sc. (Agri.) students from the main campus of each university. Expost facto research design was used. By simple random sampling technique, 25 students from each degree from four universities were selected. Thus, the total sample is 300. By interview method, responses were collected using an interview schedule. The relationship between the independent and dependent variable were analysed using statistical tools such as correlation and stepwise regression. Results: The variables such as age, source of information, risk taking ability, achievement orientation, leadership ability, critical thinking, self-confidence and innovativeness were significantly correlated with the level of career aspiration about prospects of agripreneurship at 1 per cent level of significance. The variables such as the source of information, achievement orientation, critical thinking, innovativeness and age were accounting influences and 41.00 per cent variation in career aspiration of the students. Conclusion: Hence, these variables should be taken care and need to improve for the change in career aspiration.

Response of Summer Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to Inorganic Fertilizers and Foliar Application of Bio-Enhancers

A field experiment on “Response of summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to inorganic fertilizers and foliar application of bio-enhancers” was carried out during summer 2022 on loamy sand soil of Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. The experiment was laid out in RBD with factorial concept with three replications. The result revealed that significantly higher plant height, Number of pods per plant, number of root nodules per plant, fresh and dry weight of root nodules, seed yield, stover yield and protein content, were recorded with 100% RDF. It also gave the higher net return and B:C ratio. Significantly higher number of pods per plant, root nodules/plant, fresh and dry weight of root nodules, seed yield and stover yield with an application of panchagavya as foliar spray @ 3% at 30 and 45 DAS. The same bio-enhancer application recorded maximum net return as well as B:C ratio.

Influence of Different Spacings under Varying Fertility Levels on Protein Content, Protein Yield and Available NPK in Soil of Summer Greengram (Vigna radiata L.)

The present study highlights the influence of different spacings under varying fertility levels on protein content, protein yield and available npk in soil of summer greengram (vigna radiata l.). Due to its importance in Indian agricultural and ability to provide vital amino acids and protein, food beans are a staple of the Indian diet. In the summer of 2020, a field experiment on loamy sand soil was conducted at the Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. Twelve treatment combinations comprising of four spacings S1 (30 × 10 cm), S2 (30 × 20 cm), S3 (45 × 10 cm) and S4 (45 × 20 cm) and three fertility levels viz., F1 (75% RDF), F2 (100% RDF) and F3 (125% RDF) were evaluated in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that significantly higher protein yield (256.10 kg/ha) under 30 × 10 cm spacing as compared to other treatments. Among the fertility levels significantly higher protein content (24.17%), protein yield (260.27 kg/ha) and Higher value of available N and P2O5 status in soil after harvest was observed in treatment (F3) 125% RDF of summer greengram. Thus, from the foregoing results of one year experiment, it can be concluded that for securing higher seed yield, stover yield, protein yield and higher available N, P2O5 in soil after harvest of summer greengram should be sown at 30 cm × 10 cm spacing and fertilized with 100% RDF (20-40-00 N-P2O5-K2O kg/ha) under loamy sand soil.

Effect of Drip Fertigation on Growth and Quality Parameters of Summer Pearlmillet under North Gujarat Agro-climatic Condition

A field experiment was conducted during the two consecutive summer seasons of 2021 and 2022 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar to asses the effect of drip fertigation on growth and quality parameters of summer pearlmillet under North Gujarat condition. There were 18 treatment combinations comprising two irrigation intervals viz., One and Two days interval; three moisture regimes viz., 100, 80 and 60% ETc in the main plot and three levels of N fertigation viz., 100, 80 and 60% RDN in sub-plot were tested in split plot design with three replications. The pooled results of irrigation interval, moisture regime and fertigation practice show that application of irrigation at alternate day under 100% ETc along with 100% RDN through drip fertigation had a significant effect on crop growth, yield and yield contributing characters and quality parameters and their values were significantly higher than other irrigation interval, drip irrigation regimes and fertigation levels. It also uptake significantly higher nitrogen and phosphorus in grain and straw of pearlmillet raised during summer season.

Response of Summer Forage Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to Spacing and Seed Rate

A field experiment on “Response of summer forage cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to spacing and seed rate” was carried out during summer 2022 on loamy sand soil of Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, SardarkrushinagarDantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications. The result revealed that significantly the highest plant height was recorded under the line sowing at 30 cm. Higher numbers of branches per plant and leaf area per plant were observed under the line sowing at 45 cm. Cowpea sown at narrow row line sowing at 30 cm produced significantly the highest green forage and dry forage yield. The maximum net realization and benefit cost ratio were recoded under the line sowing at 30 cm. Seed rate of 50 kg/ha recorded significantly higher plant population and plant height. Higher number of branches per plant and leaf area per plant were recorded with seed rate of 30 kg/ha. Higher green forage and dry forage yield were recorded under seed rate of 50 kg/ha. The maximum net realization was accured with the seed rate of 50 kg/ha. The maximum benefit cost ratio was accured with the seed rate of 40 kg/ha.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Yield and Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

The study investigated the effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on the yield and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) to explore its production potential conducted during the summer season of 2020 at the College farm, College of Horticulture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Jagudan. The experiment followed a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and ten treatments which including different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3), Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and ethrel viz., T1: Control (Water spray), T2: NAA at 50 ppm, T3: NAA at 75 ppm, T4: NAA at 100 ppm, T5: GA3 at 20 ppm, T6: GA3 at 40 ppm, T7: GA3 at 60 ppm, T8: Ethrel at 100 ppm, T9: Ethrel at 200 ppm, and T10: Ethrel at 300 ppm were applied at the 2-4 true leaf stages. Treatment T10 (Ethrel @ 300 ppm) exhibited the highest number of fruits per vine (14.13), while T4 (NAA @ 100 ppm) showed the maximum number of pickings (8.59). GA3 @ 40 ppm (T6) recorded the highest fruit yield per vine (1.87 kg), Fruit yield per plot (28.29 kg) and Fruit yield per hectare (251.50 q). Additionally, Treatment T6 produced fruits with the longest length (30.34 cm) and widest diameter (3.91 cm). These findings demonstrate the potential of plant growth regulators particularly Ethrel and GA3to significantly impact on cucumber yield and quality.

Yield Maximization of Bt Cotton Through Agro-techniques

A field experiment was conducted during the two consecutive kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, to study the yield maximization of Bt cotton through agro-techniques in loamy sand. The experiment consisted of four factors viz; spacing, topping, intercropping and sowing time with two levels in each treatment. The results of pooled data of 2 years revealed that Bt cotton sown at spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm recorded significantly higher plant height, crop growth rate as well as seed cotton and stalk yields, seed cotton equivalent yield, oil yield while significantly higher number of sympodial branches per plant, relative growth rate, number of brusted bolls per plant, weight of seed cotton per boll and seed cotton yield per plant with wider spacing of 120 cm × 60 cm. Topping carried out at 75 DAS remarkably improved growth and yield attributes, seed cotton and stalk yields, seed cotton equivalent yield, oil yield. All growth and yield attributes as well as seed cotton yield were recorded significantly higher without intercrop in Bt cotton. Though intercropping of greengram (additive series) in Bt cotton produced significantly higher seed cotton equivalent yield than no intercropping in pooled mean. Advance sowing of Bt. cotton on last week of May significantly produced significantly higher seed cotton yield and seed cotton equivalent S1T2I2D1 [Advance sowing (Last week of May) at plant spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm along with topping at 75 DAS and intercropping with greengram] gave significantly higher seed cotton equivalent yield as well as net returns and B: C ratio of Bt. cotton.

Effect of Split Application of Nitrogen Levels in Summer Pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Gujarat during summer season of 2022 on loamy sand. The experiment comprised of nine treatment combinations. Significantly higher plant height, earhead/plant, length of earhead, girth of earhead, test weight, grain and straw yield as well as protein content were recorded under 120 kg N/ha and application of nitrogen at 25% as basal + 75% as top dressing. The same level of nitrogen along with split application of nitrogen provided maximum net realization value and BCR. Application of 150 kg N/ha and split application of nitrogen 40% as basal + 60% as top dressing were at par with 120 kg N/ha and 25% as basal + 75% as top dressing, respectively.