Stick Yield Research Articles

Nutrient Requirement of Advanced Olitorius Breeding Line O-0512-6-2 for Maximum Growth and Yield

The research work was conducted at Jute Agriculture Experimental Station (JAES) Manikganj and Jute Agriculture Regional Station (JARS) Faridpur of Bangladesh. The present study aimed at determining the nutritional requirement for optimum growth and yield of an advanced olitorius breeding line of O-0512-6-2 in Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with 10 treatments having three replications during the year 2019, 2020 and 2021. The results indicated significant effect on yield and yield contributing characters over control with different fertilizer (NPKS) levels of advanced olitorius breeding line of O-0512-6-2. The highest number of plant height, base diameter, green weight with leaves and without leaves was observed by the treatment T3 (N100P10K25S20) which is statistically significant. The highest fiber yield (2.75 t ha−1) and stick yield (6.50 t ha−1) at Manikganj and highest fiber yield (2.58 t ha−1) and stick yield (6.09 t ha–1) at Faridpur was also obtained by the combined dose of N100P10K25S20 (T3) kg ha−1. Therefore, this combination N100P10K25S20 Kg ha−1 seemed to be optimum for maximum growth and yield of advanced olitorius breeding line of O-0512-6-2. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2024, 26(2): 1-6

Development of Two Tossa Jute Mutants for Higher Fiber Yield Through Mutation Breeding

The demand for jute fiber is increasing instead of synthetic fiber nowadays. Developing an early and high fiber-yielding tossa jute line is the main breeding objective of jute growing areas including Bangladesh. To fulfill that objective, the existing cultivar JRO-524 was irradiated with five (700, 800, 900, and 1000 gy) doses of gamma-ray. A total of 25 M3 plants were first selected from bulked M2 plants. Two years of replicated yield trial experiments were conducted in different locations in Bangladesh. Among them, two mutants BJM-10-1-3 and BJM-10-1-5 were selected for higher fiber and stick yield. The selected mutants BJM-10-1-3 and BJM-10-1-5 showed 4% to 6% higher yield than their parent JRO-524. The mutant line BJM-10-1-5 showed higher fiber percentage (34.04%), fiber fitness (2.65%), and fiber brightness (44.15%). These two mutants have been under participatory varietal trial (PVT) for evaluation to release a tossa jute variety. These lines will play a vital role in reducing the seed import of variety JRO-524 from India. Vol. 10, No. 3, December 2023: 259-268

Assessment of Yield and Yield Attributes of Tossa Jute as Affected by Variety and Field Duration

A study was conducted at the Jute Research Sub-Station (JRSS), Tarabo, Narayanganj in 2022 to find out the suitable varieties and field duration for tossa jute (Corcorus olitorius) harvesting for better fibre and stick yield production. The treatment was assigned of tossa jute varieties (3) viz., BJRI Tossa pat-7, Robi-1 (BJRI Tossa pat-8) and Indian variety JRO-524 and four field durations viz. 90, 100, 110, and 120 days, respectively. A factorial RCBD design with three replications was used. Results showed that varieties and field duration significantly affected plant height, base diameter, fibre yield and stick yield. The var. JRO-524 had the highest fibre yield (2.30 tha−1) than BJRI Tossa Pat-7 and Robi-1(2.10 tha−1 and 2.25 tha−1 respectively) when harvested at 90 days after sowing (DAS). On the other hand, BJRI Tossa pat-7 and Robi-1 produced significantly higher fibre yields (3.20 tha−1 and 3.55 tha−1; 3.45 tha−1 and 3.80 tha−1 respectively) and stick yields (6.15 tha−1, and 6.25 tha−1; 6.67 tha−1, and 6.84 tha−1 respectively) at harvesting 110 and 120 DAS. The results showed that var. BJRI Tossa pat-7 and BJRI Tossa pat-8 could be a better fibre yield and stick yield production when it could be harvested at 120 DAS.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2023, 26(1): 18-27

Influence of Rice Herbicides on Weed Growth and Nutrient Removal under Different Tillage in Rice–Yellow Sarson Cropping Sequence

A field experiment was conducted during June–February, 2019–20 and 2020–21 to evaluate the impact of tillage and rice herbicides on weed growth, nutrient removal by weeds and the productivity of residual yellow sarson under rice–yellow sarson cropping. Two tillage system viz. zero tillage (ZT–ZT) and conventional tillage (CT–CT) in main plot and six herbicide combinations [oxadiargyl at 90 g ha-1 followed by (fb) bispyribac-sodium at 25 g ha-1, penoxsulam+cyhalofop-butyl at 180 g ha-1, oxadiargyl at 90 g ha-1 fb penoxsulam+cyhalofop-butyl at 180 g ha-1, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl+ethoxysulfuron at 90+15 g ha-1, oxadiargyl at 90 g ha-1 fb fenoxaprop-p-ethyl+ethoxysulfuron at 90+15 g ha-1 and pendimethalin at 1000 g ha-1 fb bispyribac-sodium at 25 g ha-1] along with unweeded and weed free check were assigned in sub plot in rice. Under ZT–ZT, the nutrient removal by weeds was found to be less, while, yellow sarson removed (uptake) greater amount of nutrients besides producing better growth attributes and yield as compared to those under CT–CT. Zero tillage (ZT–ZT) recorded 37.0 and 37.3% higher seed and stick yield of yellow sarson as compared to CT–CT. The herbicides applied in rice had no carryover effect on the growth and yield of the yellow sarson. However, oxadiargyl fb fenoxaprop-p-ethyl+ethoxysulfuron and oxadiargyl fb penoxsulam+cyhalofop-butyl were found to be better to control weeds in rice (92-95% Weed control efficiency) compared to other herbicide combinations (21–91%). Hence, the ZT–ZT system with oxadiargyl at 90 g ha-1 fb fenoxaprop-p-ethyl+ethoxysulfuron at 90+15 g ha-1 and oxadiargyl at 90 g ha-1 fb penoxsulam+cyhalofop-butyl at 180 g ha-1 appeared to be the best option for managing weeds, reducing nutrient loss and obtaining higher yield of yellow sarson under rice–yellow sarson sequence.

Influence of textile effluent and chemical fertilizers on the yield of tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius)

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of textile effluent and chemical fertilizer on growth and yield of tossa jute (O-795). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated thrice with six treatments. Growth parameters, viz. plant height, base diameter, green weight, dry matter weight, fiber yield and stick yield were assessed. The highest height (3.7 m), maximum base diameter (16.17 mm), maximum green plants yield with leaves (58.65 t ha-1), maximum green plants yield without leaves (37.46 t ha-1), highest fiber yield (2.87 t ha-1 ) and highest stick yield (6.2 t ha-1) were recorded with T2(100% RDF + 0% effluent). From the economic analysis point of view, it was found that T4 (50% RDF + 50% effluent) showed higher BCR (2.73) than T2 (100% RDF + 0% effluent). Although the best growth performance was observed in T2 (100% RDF + 0% effluent), but in terms of BCR T4 (50% RDF + 50% effluent) was the best. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2022, 8(1): 15-22

Cluster analysis of Corchorus capsularis jute based on agro-morphological characters to isolate high-yielding genotypes for breeding purposes

White jute (Corchorus capsularis) is an important bast fiber producing cash crop. Its narrow genetic base due to its self-pollination nature as well as genetic incompatibility in respect of interspecific hybridization cause low morphological variability. The searching for good genotypes and their use in intraspecific hybridization is the best option to increase the yield potentiality of this crop. In this research experiment, 95 white jute genotypes including 93 accessions and two pre-released varieties (CVL-1 and BJRI Deshi Pat 9) were investigated for higher fibre yield. The experiment was laid out in an augmented design at Jute Agricultural Experiment Station, Manikgonj during 2019. Plants were harvested at 120 days age and morphological data like plant height (m), base diameter (mm), green weight with leaves (g plant-1), fiber yield (g plant-1) and stick yield (g plant-1) were recorded carefully. From the descriptive analyses of the recorded data, good fibre yields were found in A-725 (20 g plant-1) and A-2232 (16.60 g plant-1) followed by A-2224, A-248, A-07, A-675, A-2264, A-1292, A-247, A-469, A-2226, A-674, A-02, A-232, A-10, A-684 than the control varieties BJRI Deshi Pat-9 (10.80 g plant-1) and CVL-1 (9.20 g plant-1). From the hierarchical cluster analysis, the average inter-cluster distances were found higher than the average intra-cluster distances, which shows the presence of wide genetic diversity among the genotypes of different clusters than those of the same cluster. These higher fibre yielding accessions with wide genetic diversity would be used as breeding materials for varietal improvement through hybridization and selection approaches.

Combining ability and gene action for yield improvement in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) under tropical conditions through diallel mating design

Nine morphologically distinct kenaf genotypes were hybridized to produce 36 hybrids following a half diallel mating design. The combining ability and gene action of 15 yield and yield components were assessed in hybrids and their parents across two environments. Except for the mid diameter and plant height traits, there were highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) between the environments and the interaction of genotype and environment. Additive gene effects were considerable for the inheritance of these traits, and the expression of these additive genes was heavily influenced by the environment. Significant differences were found for all studied traits for GCA except top diameter and SCA except plant height and top diameter, implying the presence of both additive and non-additive gene action for the inheritance of the concerned characters. For all features except top diameter and number of nodes, the magnitude of GCA variation was significantly higher than that of SCA variance, indicating the additive gene's predominance. The parental lines P1, P3 and P4 were outstanding general combiners for fiber yield and yield-related parameters. Considering combining ability and genetic analysis study, the crosses P1 × P4, P1 × P9, P2 × P3, P2 × P5, P4 × P6, P4 × P7, P4 × P9, P5 × P8, and P7 × P9 were found promising for their heterotic response to higher fiber yield, stick yield, seed yield and could be for future improvement in kenaf breeding programmes.

Genetic variability, character association, path coefficient analysis in Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)

Fifty germplasm lines of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) were evaluated to study the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation coefficient and path analysis for yield and yield attributes. The differences were statistically significant among the genotypes for all the characters. The genotype KIM-14 was found promising for fibre yield and yield contributing characters. The stick weight per plant recorded the highest variance at genotypic and phenotypic levels followed by plant height, days to flower initiation, days to 50% flowering, fibre yield and per cent fibre recovery and the lowest variance was for green weight and basal diameter. The higher phenotypic coefficient of variability (PCV) than genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) for all the traits revealed that the characters were highly influenced by the environment. Days to 50% flowering showed high heritability followed by days to flower initiation, fibre yield, stick weight and plant height indicates a good amount of additive genetic components, can be easily utilized for the further crop improvement programme. Stick weight and plant height maintained higher and green weight maintained lower genetic advance. The moderate to high genetic advance with higher heritability over per cent of the mean was in stick weight and plant height indicates a preponderance of additive gene action. Thus, selections should make considering these characters to develop high fibre yielding varieties of kenaf.  The value of genotypic correlation was higher than the phenotypic correlation indicates to eliminate the environmental effects for strengthening genetic association. The yield contributing characters were significantly associated with fibre yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Basal diameter (1.679) at a genotypic level and stick yield, per cent fibre recovery and days to flower initiation maintained positive phenotypic and genotypic direct effect on fibre yield per plant.  Keywords: Mean performance, variability, heritability, genetic advance, path coefficient, PCV, GCV

Fertilizer for Maximum Output and Growth of BJRI Tossa Pat-8

Fertilizing in a balanced way promotes crop quality and soil health as well as crop growth and production. This study was conducted to determine the best approach of fertilization for jute production in Bangladesh in the experimental fields under Bangladesh Jute Research Institute. A randomized block design with three replications was used to set up the experiment, which included ten fertilizer treatments. The treatments were: T1 – control (no fertilization), T2- 50:10:30:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T3- 100:10:30:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T4- 150:10:30:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T5- 100:5:30:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T6- 100:15:30:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T7- 100:10:60:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T8- 100:10:90:20 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T9- 100:10:60:10 kg N:P:K:S ha-1, T10- 100:10:90:30 kg N:P:K:S ha-1. The purpose of this study was to determine what nutrition BJRI Tossa pat-8 need for optimal growth and yield. The results indicated significant effect on yield and yield contributing characters over control with different NPK and S levels of BJRI Tossa Pat-8. The highest fibre and stick yield were obtained by the combination dose of N100 Kg ha-1 with 10:60:20 kg P:K:S ha-1. The plant height, base diameter also found highest with the same treatment of fertilizer combination. Therefore this combination (T7- 100:10:60:20 kg N: P: K: S ha-1) seemed to be optimum for good growth and high potential for BJRI Tossa Pat-8 for fibre production in Bangladesh.

Effect of Weeding and Herbicide Management on Fibre Yield and Yield Attributes of Tossa Jute

The experiment was conducted at Jute Agriculture Experimental Station (JAES), Manikganj and Jute Research Regional Station, Faridpur during 2019 to find out the effect of weeding and herbicide management on fibre yield and yield attributes of Tossa jute (Var. O-9897) cultivation. Two herbicide treatments, such as; W1 = Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (Whip Super 9 EC) and W2 = Ethoxysulfuron (Sunrice ® 150WG) were tested. There were 14 treatments. T1- T6 treatments did not include hand weeding which was done 20 days after the herbicide spray [T1 = 100% recommended doses (RD) of both W1and W2 where W2 was sprayed one day after that of W1, T 2 = 50% dose both of W1and W2 where W2 was sprayed one day after that of W1, T3 = 100% dose of both W1 and W2 where both of the herbicide mixed together and sprayed on the same day, T4 = 50% dose of both W1 and W2 where mixture of both were sprayed on the same day, T5 = only 100% dose of W1, T6 = only 100% dose of W2]. The treatments T7 - T12 included one had weeding following the application of herbicides [T7 = 100% dose both of W1 and W2 where W2 was sprayed 1 day after that of W1, T8 = 50% dose both of W1 and W2 where W2 was sprayed 1 day after of W1, T9 = 100% dose both of W1 and W2 were mixed and sprayed together on the same day, T10 = 50% dose both of W1 and W2 mixed together and sprayed same day, T11 = only 100% dose of W1, T12 = only 100% dose of W2]. The treatments T13 and T14 did not include herbicide application [T13 = Two hand weeding (20-25 and 45-50 DAS) and T14 = control with no herbicide application]. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with three replications. Results revealed that Khudesama (Echinochloa colonum) and Angulighash (Digitaria sanguinalis), Khudesama and Mutha (Cyperus rotundus) were best controlled by herbicide application. T3 gave highest fibre yield of 1.89 tha-1 when W1 and W2 sprayed at the same day with 100% RD. In case of one weeding 20 days after spray fibre yield and stick yield were differed significantly as compared to those of control at Manikganj. Treatment T7 gave highest fibre yield (3.11 t ha-1) when W2 sprayed after 1 day of W1 with 100% RD. At Faridpur, T3 gave the highest fibre yield (2.68 t ha-1) when W1 and W2 sprayed at the same day with 100% RD. Incase of one weeding 20 days after spray, T7 gave highest fiber yield (2.79 t ha-1) when W2 was sprayed 1 day after that of W1 with 100% RD.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2020, 23(1): 101-106

Analyses of variability, euclidean clustering and principal components for genetic diversity of eight Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) genotypes

An investigation was done to assess the genetic variability, character associations, and genetic diversity of eight jute genotypes for seven morphological traits in a randomised complete block design at Bangladesh Jute Research Institute during 15 March, 2018 to 31 December, 2019. Analyses results revealed significant differences (P<0.01) among all genotypes for studied traits indicating the presence of variability. All the lines performed better than one control (JRO-524), and the line (O-0412-9-4) provided good results for desired traits than all controls. Jute fibre yield showed the highest broad sense heritability (98.54%). The studied jute morphological traits i.e. Plant population, the plant height, green weight, dry fibre yield and dry stick yield gave high heritability along with high genotypic and phenotypic variances, genetic advances in percent of the mean, highly significant and positive correlations. It indicates the possibility of crop improvement through phenotypic selection and maximum genetic gain, simultaneously at the genotypic-phenotypic level. Clustering analysis grouped all genotypes into three distinct clusters. The cluster II showed the highest mean values for all traits followed by cluster I and III. The first two principal components with higher Eigen values (>1.0) accounted for 90.88% of the total variation in the principal component analysis. PCA and cluster analyses indicated that the advanced breeding line O-0412-9-4 made its individual cluster II with higher inter-cluster distance and higher fibre yield (3.12 t ha-1). The investigation was done to select the genotype(s) with good fibre yield and distinct features in respect of developing high yielding Tossa jute variety for cultivation in the farmers’ field. This genotype O-0412-9-4 was selected based on higher plant height, base diameter, fibre yield content. It will be developed as a high yielding variety considering its’ higher genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, significant associations for desirable characters.

Performance study on yield and yield attributes of seven white jute breeding lines at different regions of Bangladesh

The study was conducted to know the performance of growth, yield contributing parameters and yield of seven white Jute breeding line and two checks (CVL-1 and CVE-3) at five different jute research regional stations of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) during the period from March to September 2014. The experimental data was laid out in a completely randomized block design with three replications and the means were adjudged by DMRT at 5% level of probability. The performances of experimental lines were showed statistically significant variation among the studied whole growth, yield and yield attributing traits. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the treatments for fibre yield and stick yield at Rangpur plant height, base diameter, fibre and stick yield at Manikganj plant height and fibre weight at Chandina, Faridpur and plant height at Kishoreganj. It was revealed by the pooled mean performance that among the genotypes, the line C-5018 m produce the tallest plant among the lines. The Line C-5030 recorded both the highest plant population (0.241 m/ha) and base diameter (21.79 mm). The line C-5133 showed highest Green weight with leaves (43.12 t/ha) whereas C-5149 recorded the greatest Green weight without leaves (35.02 t/ha). The most important parameter is the fiber yield and the highest-fibre weight (2.83 t/ha) was recorded by the line C-5149 among the seven breeding line. The line C-5149 also recorded the highest amount of stick yield (6.01 t/ha). However, pooled mean over stations revealed that no progenies, C-5018, C-5030, C-5036, C-5044, C-5133, C-5136, C-5149 out-yielded both the check varieties CVL-1 (2.83 t/ha) and CVE-3 (2.54t/ha) whereas C-5149(2.83t/ha) shows the equivalent result as CVL-1. It was also revealed that C-5030(2.61t/ha), C-5136(2.70t/ha) and C-5149(2.83t/ha) out yielded check variety CVE-3 (2.54t/ha).
 Progressive Agriculture 31 (1): 19-25, 2020

Screening of suitable tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) mutant to increase fiber production

The present study was conducted at the research farm of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) Sub-station, Gopalganj, to find out the effective mutant for increasing fiber production of jute during March – September 2019. Mutant lines (JRO-1000-8, JRO-1000-10, JRO-700-3, JRO-1000-9) and two check varieties (JRO-524, BJRI-8) were used in this study. The experimental design was a randomized completely block with three replications. Morphological characters, plant height and base diameter were studied for the screening of jute mutants for higher yield. Results indicated that the highest plant height (3.26 m) in JRO-524 and base diameter (6.88 cm) in JRO-1000-8 found in this study. On the other hand, the highest fiber and stick yields were found in JRO-1000-9 and JRO-524, respectively. JRO-1000-8 and JRO-1000-10 mutants produced higher stick yield than JRO-1000-9 mutant. BJRI-8 variety gave inferior results compared to all mutants and check variety JRO-524 except stick yield. The highest harvest index was observed in JRO-1000-9 and BJRI-8. JRO-1000-9 mutant produced 30.24% fiber yield over BJRI-8 check variety. Positive and significant correlation was found between plant height and stick yield of jute. It may be concluded that JRO-1000-9 was found to be the best mutant for increasing fiber production of jute.

Effect of Different Level of Potassium on the Yield of White Jute (<i>Corchorus capsularis L.</i>) Fibre in Coastal Region of Bangladesh

To examine the effect of variety and different level of potassium (K) on yield of jute, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali from May to September 2016 using three variety viz. C-2197, C-3069 and C-3473. There are four levels of K viz. 0, 35, 45 and 55 kg ha-1. The land was fertilized as per treatment specifications from muriate of potash along with recommended doses of urea, TSP, gypsum and zinc sulphate. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The variety O-3069 had significant influence on number of internodes per plant (64.20), plant diameter (21.15mm), fiber weight per plant (25.92g), fiber yield (5.18t ha-1), stick weight per plant (64.75g) and stick yield (12.94t ha-1). The highest results of plant height (3.81m) and green weight with leaf (4.04kg/10 plant) were obtain from C-3473 and green weight without leaf (3.54 kg/10 plant) were obtained from C-2197. Among the different potassium levels 55kg K ha-1 had significant influence on number of internodes per plant (70.13), plant diameter (22.60mm), green weight with leaves (4.43kg/10 plant) and green weight without leaves (3.91kg/10 plant), fiber weight per plant (27.93g), fiber yield (5.59t ha-1), stick weight per plant (69.60g) and stick yield (13.90t ha-1). The highest plant height (4.13m) were obtained from 35 kg K ha-1. The variety O-3069 with 55kg K ha-1 had significant influence on plant diameter (24.00mm), fiber weight per plant (31g), fiber yield (6.2t ha-1), stick weight per plant (77.53g) and stick yield (15.50t ha-1). The highest results of plant height (4.30m), number of internodes per plant (73), green weight with leaf (4.85kg/10 plant) and green weight without leaf (4.25kg/10 plant were obtain from C-3473 with 55kg K ha-1. The results of the present experiment showed that the C-3069 was the best among the varieties. On the other hand, 55kg k ha-1 was proved to be better than any other lower and higher levels of potassium. Therefore, it can be inferred that jute can produce the highest fibre yield from a combination of variety C-3069 with 55kg k ha-1 in field under the coastal region of Bangladesh.

Interaction Effect among the Disease Managements, Seed Treatments and Locations in O-9897 Variety on Disease Incidence, Seed Yield, Stick Yield and Fiber Yield Following Line Sowing Method in the Field

Interaction Effect among the Disease Managements, Seed Treatments and Locations in O-9897 Variety on Disease Incidence, Seed Yield, Stick Yield and Fiber Yield Following Line Sowing Method in the Field

Efficiency of BJRI Kenaf-4 Yield Under Different Fertilizer Levels

The present study was conducted to clarify the fertilizer requirement on the growth and yield of the variety Bangladesh Jute Research Institute Kenaf-4. Consequently the experiment was conducted in Jute Agriculture Experimental Station, Manikganj and Jute Research Regional Station, Kishoreganj of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute. The results indicated significant effect of different NPKS levels on Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) Kenaf-4 yield and yield contributing characters over control. The highest fibre (3.14t/ha) and stick (7.65t/ha) yield were obtained by the combination dose of N₁₀₀ Kg/ha with PKS 10-60-20 kg/ha at Kishoreganj. The plant height (3.14m), base diameter (19.47mm) also found highest with the same fertilizer treatment combination. By the same treatment produced higher fibre yield and yield contributing characters at Manikganj though that yield was slightly lower than Kishoreganj. Economic analysis suggested the best combination is N₁₀₀P₁₀K₆₀S₂₀ kg/ha. The findings of the present experiment clearly indicated a great prospect of nutrient combination of N₁₀₀P₁₀K₆₀S₂₀ kg/ha on the growth and yield of fibre production on the variety BJRI kenaf-4.

Comparative response of Bt cotton to water under drip and check-basin methods of irrigation in semi-arid conditions of Punjab

Field experiments were conducted for two years to investigate the effect of various methods of planting and irrigation water levels on yield and water use efficiency in cotton irrigated through surface drip irrigation in semi-arid region of Punjab. The treatments comprised three methods of planting under drip irrigation (lateral in each row, lateral in between pair of rows and lateral in between pair of rows but third row missing) and one check-basin method of irrigation at three levels of irrigation (0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 Etc). The pooled results revealed that drip lateral along each row, irrespective of irrigation water levels, produced significantly higher (20.2%) seed cotton yield as compared with check basin method. The increase in irrigation water level, irrespective of methods of irrigation, failed to cause any significant effect on seed cotton yield but stick yield increased significantly with increase in quantity of irrigation water. Drip irrigation with laterals along each row, irrespective of levels of irrigation water, resulted in significant increase (49%) in water use efficiency as compared to check basin method of irrigation. Water use efficiency, irrespective of method of planting, spectaculary decreased with increase in irrigation water. The results of the present study revealed that drip irrigation with lateral along each row at the lowest level of water (0.6 Etc) resulted in highest water use efficiency (22.0 kg/ha/mm) accompanied by 25% higher seed cotton yield and 18% of saving in irrigation water as compared with check basin method of irrigation.

Evaluation of sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea) genotypes for high fibre yield

Four genetically different genotypes of sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) were evaluated for fibre yield and its yield component traits for three years 2008-2009 to 2010-2011 at Sunnhemp Research Station, Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh. Significant differences among experimental genotypes were recorded for fibre yield and its attributes. High fibre yield/ha was recorded for SUIN-029 (9.06 q/ha) followed by SUIN-80 (8.94 q/ha). The highest green biomassyield (337.30 q/ha) and stick yield (52.41 q/ha) were recorded for SUIN-029. The analysis of the data for all years revealed superiority of genotype SUIN-029 for most of the fibre yield traits. This genotype can be used as donor for future breeding programme.

Effect of storage materials on seed quality and health in Jute variety O-9897

The experiments were conducted in Jute Agriculture Experimental Station (JAES) and Kishoregonj Regional Station (KRS) of BJRI during the period April 2012 to January 2013. The present study was carried out with the objective was to find out suitable storage materials for quality jute seeds and fibre production. Six different types of containers viz. tin pot, plastic pot, poly bag, gunny bag lined with polythene, cloth bag, and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) innovated poly bag were used for the present study. Seeds stored in tin pot had the best performance in respect of germination, plant height, plant/m2, base diameter, number of branch, number of pod, stick yield, fibre yield and seed yield. Health condition of seeds were also superior compared to other storage materials. The highest total disease incidence (12.84%) at KRS was recorded by using seeds of plastic pot. Lowest disease incidence (6.35%) was observed at KRS by using seeds stored in tin pot. The highest fibre yield (2.98 ton/ha), stick yield (5.91 ton/ha) and seed yield (368.44 kg/ha) were recorded by using seeds of tin pot. Quality of jute seeds can be maintained by storage in tin pot and proper moisture content (9.5%). Key words: Container, disease, seed quality.

Effect of Dithane M-45 and BAU Biofungicide on Disease Incidence and Yield of Jute Cv. CVL-1

The experiments were conducted in the field of Jute Agriculture Experimental Station (JAES), Manikgonj and Kishoregonj Regional Station (KRS), Kishoregonj of BJRI. The experiments were conducted during the period April 2012 to January 2013. Two different disease management practices viz. Dithane M-45 and BAU- Biofungicide were used for the present study. Disease management showed lowest disease incidence 1.98% and 1.87% at JAES and KRS, respectively with BAU- Biofungicide spraying and highest disease incidence 4.26% and 4.47% at JAES and KRS, respectively were recorded under control condition. The highest seed yield (588.35 kg/ha), fibre yield (4.12 ton/ha) and stick yield (9.33 ton/ha) were recorded under BAU- Biofungicide sprayed plant and lowest seed yield (378.45 kg/ha), fibre yield (2.21 ton/ha) and stick yield (5.43 ton/ha) under control treatment.