Stover Yield Research Articles

Effect of Micronutrients and Sulphur on Growth and Yield of Sesame

A field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India during (kharif 2022) to study the effect of micronutrients and sulphur on growth and yield of sesame. The treatments consisted of two levels of zinc (10 kg/ha,5 kg/ha), two levels of boron (5 kg/ha, 2.5 kg/ha) and three levels of sulphur (30 kg/ha, 40 kg/ha, and 50 kg/ha) and one control plot was used (the micronutrients were applied through soil application). The experiment was laid out in the Randomized Block Design with ten treatments which are replicated thrice on the basis of, one year experiment. The result showed that growth parameters viz., Plant height (127.57 cm), Plant dry weight ( 17.47 g plant-1), the application of micronutrients also improve the Crop growth rate (7.94 g/m2/day), Relative growth rate (0.026 g/g/day), and the yield parameters viz., Number of capsules plant-1 (43.37) seeds pod-1 (49.40), test weight (3.40 g), stover yield (1.98 t ha-1), grain yield ( 1.103 t ha-1), Harvest index (23.01%) were recorded significantly higher with application of zinc(5 kg ha-1), boron(2.5 kg ha-1) in combination with sulphur (50 kg ha-1). Maximum highest Net return (₹ 56,226 ha-1), Gross return (₹ 86,364 ha-1), and benefit cost ratio (1.86) were also recorded with the treatment 9 i.e., zinc (5 kg ha-1), boron (2.5 kg ha-1) in combination with sulphur (50 kg ha-1).

Influence of Potassium and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi of 2022-23 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. To study the Response of potassium and spacing on the growth and yield of Mustard. The treatments consist of potassium 30,40,50 kg/ha and spacing 25 x 10 cm, 35 x 10 cm, and 45 x 10 cm. There were 9 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%) available N (163.42 kg/ha), available P (21.96 kg/ha) and available K (256.48 kg/ha). Results revealed that the significantly the higher plant height (181.74 cm), the higher plant dry weight (24.88 g/plant), the higher crop growth rate (11.6 g/m2 /day), the higher number of siliqua per plant (276), the higher seeds/siliqua (16.54), the higher oil content (44.03%), the higher seed yield (2.33 t/ha) and the higher stover yield (3.53 t/ha) were significantly influenced with the application of potassium 50 kg/ha + spacing 45 x 10 cm.

Effects of Organic Manures and Bio-Fertilizers on Soil Properties, Productivity and Nutrients Uptake of Indian Mustard

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season 2020-21 to study the effect of organic manures and bio-fertilizers on soil properties, productivity and nutrient uptake of Indian mustard at Deendayal Upadhyay Centre of Excellence for Organic Farming (DDUCE-OF), CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment comprised of eight treatments involving Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Vermicompost (VC) and Poultry Manure (PM) alone and along with bio-fertilizers (BF), an absolute control and a cow-based formulation treatment. The results revealed that the treatment 100% RDN through PM+BF produced significantly higher seed and stover yield of mustard which was at par with treatment 100% RDN through VC+BF and 100% RDN through FYM+BF as compared to other treatments. Maximum seed (29.84 q ha-1) and stover (74.75 q ha-1) yields were received under treatment 100% RDN through PM+BF which was 27.5 % and 16.7 % higher over the control, respectively. Similarly, highest total NPK uptake (116.2 kg ha-1 for total N, 19.9 kg ha-1 for total P and 83.5 kg ha-1 for total K) were recorded in the treatment 100% RDN through PM+BF. The highest soil restorative effect on soil organic carbon (0.67 %), available N (162 kg ha-1), available P (13.7 kg ha-1) and available K (280 kg ha-1) were also observed under treatment 100% RDN through PM+BF. These organic amendments such as FYM, vermicompost, poultry manures alone and along with bio-fertilizers, had significantly improved the seed and stover yields as well as uptake of nutrients by Indian mustard.

Effect of Potassium and Zinc on Yield Attributes and Economics of Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.

A field experiment was carried out in the North Eastern Plains of Eastern Uttar Pradesh during the rabi season of 2022 at the agricultural research farm of the Department of Agronomy at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj with the objective of examining the impact of potassium and zinc on mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.] growth, yield, and economics using a randomised block design with 10 treatments, of which treatments (T1-T9) T1 – 30 kg K/ha + 5 kg Zn/ha, T2 – 30 kg K/ha + 10 kg Zn/ha, T3 – 30 kg K/ha + 15 kg Zn/ha, T4 – 40 kg K/ha + 5 kg Zn/ha, T5 – 40 kg K/ha + 10 kg Zn/ha, T6 – 40 kg K/ha + 15 kg Zn/ha, T7 – 50 kg K/ha + 5 kg Zn/ha, T8- 50 kg K/ha + 10 kg Zn/ha, T9 – 50 kg K/ha + 15 kg Zn/ha and T10 – Control with three separate replications of potassium, zinc, and different combinations of nitrogen and phosphorus. The soil in the exploratory plot had a sandy loam texture, a natural pH of 7.2, an EC of 0.26 (dS/m), a low level of organic carbon (0.48%), and available amounts of N (225 kg/ha), P (13.60 kg/ha), and K (215.4 kg/ha). The experimental findings showed that 50 kg K/ha + 15 kg Zn/ha resulted in the maximum plant height (193.45 cm), the highest plant dry weight (35.25 gm), the number of siliqua/plant (302.20), the number of seeds/siliqua (17.60), the seed yield (2685 kg/ha), and the stover yield (6143 kg/ha). The maximum gross return (136910.00 INR/ha), net return (93070.00 INR/ha), and benefit cost ratio (2.11) were recorded for the treatment 50 kg K/ha + 15 kg Zn/ha, in comparison with other treatment combinations.

Effect of Potassium and Boron on Growth, Yield and Economics of Cowpea

The treatments consist of Potassium (40, 50, 60 kg/ha) and Boron (0.6, 0.8, 1.0 kg/ha) along with control. The experiment was layout in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated thrice. Application of Potassium 60kg/ha and Boron 1.0kg/ha (treatment 9) in cowpea was recorded significantly higher Plant height (49.41cm), more number of nodules/plant (29.23), maximum plant dry weight (18.02g/plant), maximum no. of Pods/plant (15.4), seeds/pod (11.67), higher Test weight (21.83 g), Seed yield (1.26 t/ha), stover yield (3.62 t/ha), harvest index (35.29 %), higher gross returns (INR 63,000.00/ha), net return (INR 40,133.00/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.76) was obtained in the treatment 9 [Potassium 60kg/ha + Boron 1.0kg/ha].

Effect of Bio-fertilizers and Phosphorus on Growth and Yield of Toria (Brassica campestris L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2022-23 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. To study the Response of bio-fertilizers and phosphorus on growth and yield of Toria. The treatments consist of Bio-fertilizers like Azotobacter – (20g/kg seeds), PSB – (20g/kg seeds), Azotobacter – (10g/kg seeds) + PSB – (10g/kg seeds) and Phosphorus 30, 40, 50 kg/ha. There were 10 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%) available N (163.42 kg/ha), available P (21.96 kg/ha) and available K (256.48 kg/ha). Results revealed that the higher plant height (124.54 cm), higher plant dry weight (25.01 g/plant), higher number of branches 11.71), higher number of siliqua (232.53 cm), higher seeds/siliqua (20.60), higher test weight (3.92 gm), higher grain yield (20.6 q/ha) and higher stover yield (3.70 t/ha) were significantly influenced with application of Azotobacter - (10g/kg seeds) + PSB - (10g/kg seeds) + Phosphorus - 50kg/ha.

Evaluation of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids under Agro-climatic Conditions of Prayagraj, U.P., India: Experimental Investigation

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2022 at Crop Research Farm (CRF), Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (UP) to investigate the “Evaluation of Maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids under agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj, U.P”. The treatments consists of 18 hybids. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments replicated thrice. The significantly highest plant height (169.75 cm), number of leaves ( 15. 75 ), dry weight (138.35 g/plant), CGR (0.0419 g/m2/day), number of cobs/plant (2.41), cob length (19.38 cm), number of Seeds/row (19.17/row), number of rows per cob (17.45), seed yield (5.24 t/ha) stover yield (11.13 t/ha) were recorded in hybrid M-702. Hybrid M-702 fetched maximum gross return (₹ 157200.00 /ha), net return (₹ 104105.00 /ha) and B:C ratio (1.96).

Response of Zinc and Nano Urea on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, at the Crop Research Farm of the Naini Agriculture Institute of the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, Department of Agronomy, during the Kharif season of 2022, the field experiment titled "Response of zinc and nano urea on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)" was carried out. The results showed that the application of Zinc 30 kg/ha + Nano urea 4 ml/l considerably increased the growth parameters viz. plant height (195.01 cm), dry weight (90.62 g), number of grains per cob (476.79), cob length (21.2 cm), grain yield (4.33 t/ha), and stover yield (6.65 t/ha).

Response of Biofertilizers and Foliar Application of Zinc on Yield and Economics of Lentil (Lens culinaris, Fabaceae)

During the Rabi season of 2022, with the objective to establish the effect of biofertilizers and foliar application of zinc on growth and yield of Lens culinaris a field trial was carried out at the Crop Experimental Farm, Division of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The trial included two variables with three levels of zinc (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%) and biofertilizer (Rhizobium spp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Rhizobium spp. + Pseudomonas fluorescens). The texture of the soil is sandy loam with 7.2 pH, 0.72% organic carbon, 178.48 kg/ha of available N, 27.80 kg/ha of available P, and 233.24 kg/ha of available K. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with ten treatments and replicated three times. Zinc application and the use of biofertilizers had a big impact on the economics, yield attributes and yield. The outcome showed that treatment eight, Rhizobium spp.+ Pseudomonas fluorescens and foliar spray of zinc at 0.50% recorded maximum number of pods/plant (111.33), number of seeds per pod (2.27), seed yield (1530,94 kg/ha) and stover yield (3020.00 kg/ha). Maximum gross returns (91,856.58 INR/ha), net returns (61,406.58 INR/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (2.02). In conclusion the best combination to get maximum economics and yield attributes in Lens culinaris using the trial of fertilization performed was Rhizobium + Pseudomonas fluorescens + Zn (0.50%).

Influence of Biofertilizers and Phosphorus on Growth, Yield and Economics of Field Pea (Pisum sativum, Fabaceae)

The field experiment was conducted during Rabi season, 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The objective was to study the influence of Biofertilizers and Phosphorous application on growth and yield of field- pea (Pisum sativum L.). The results showed that treatment 9 [Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) + Rhizobium along with (70 kg/ha) Phosphorus (P2O5)] recorded significantly higher plant height (54.75 cm), more number of branches/plant (5.15), maximum plant dry weight (8.99 g/plant), maximum pod length (8.05), maximum number of pods/plant (24.97), higher number of grain/pod (7.24), maximum test weight (44.74 g), higher seed yield (16.25 q/ha), higher stover yield (37.11 q/ha) compare to other treatment. The maximum gross return (141133.00 INR/ha), maximum net return (101262.45 INR/ha) and the highest Benefit cost ratio (2.53) was also recorded in treatment 9 as compared to other treatments. Thus the best combination to get maximum growth, yield attributes and economics in field-cultivated Pea (Pisum sativum) was found [PSB + Rhizobium inoculation + 70 kg/ha (P2O5)].

Effect of Sulphur Levels on Growth and Yield of Mustard Varieties

Background: The field experiment was entitled “Effect of sulphur levels on growth and yield of Mustard varieties” was conducted during rabi 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.2), low in organic carbon (0.22 %), available N (171.48 kg/ha), available P (12.3 kg/ha) and available K (235.7 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments which are replicated thrice. The results obtained that growth parameters viz. plant height (186.80 cm), Number of branches (18.00) and dry weight (39.23 g/plant) were recorded higher with the application of Varuna T - 59 + Sulphur – 25 kg/ha. Significantly maximum Yield parameters viz. number of siliquae/plant (321.12), test weight (4.86 g), number of seeds/silique (15.60) , Seed yield (1.71t/ha) and stover yield(3.43 t /ha) were recorded superior with the application of Varuna T - 59 + Sulphur – 25 kg/ha.

Residual Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management in Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.) on Growth and Yield of Toria (Brassica campestris L. var. Toria) during Rabi Season in Odisha, India

A field experiment was carried out at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (OUAT), Semiliguda of Koraput district under Eastern Ghat High Land zone of Odisha in acidic soil during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18 to study the residual effect of integrated nutrient management in maize on succeeding toria crop. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications consisting of twelve treatments. The present investigation revealed that application of soil test based fertilizer with green leaf manure (cowpea), FYM @ 5 t ha-1 and biofertilizer (Azotobacter + Azospirillum + PSB @ 4 kg ha-1 each) to maize crop registered maximum residual effect thereby resulted significantly highest seed yield (6.3 q ha-1) and stover yield (11.1 q ha-1) of toria with a net monetary return of Rs. 7025 ha-1 and benefit cost ratio of 1.38.

Yield, nutrient uptake and economics of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) influenced by nutrient doses and planting geometry under new alluvial zone of West Bengal

Field experiments were conducted during 2017-19 to study the effect of different doses of nutrients and planting geometries on the performance ofIndian mustard under new alluvial zone ofWest Bengal. The field experiment was conducted in split plot design with three replications, having twenty treatment combinations of five nutrient doses in main plot and four crop geometries in subplot. Seed yield (1751 kg/ha) of Indian mustard with 75:50:50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively (125 % RDF) was at par with 60:40:40 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively i.e. 100% RDF (1674 kg/ha) and 90:60:60 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively i.e. 150 % RDF (1733 kg/ha) andsignificantly higher than 45:30:30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively i.e. 75 % RDF. Application of 90:60:60 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively registered 42.5 % more stover yield over 45:30:30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha,respectively and was significantly superior to all lower doses of nutrients. Application of 45:30:30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively resulted in higher oil content than other nutrient doses. Highest protein content obtained with the 75:50:50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively was significantly higher than 30:20:20 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively and 45:30:30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively. Highest oil and protein yield registered with application of 75:50:50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively were at par with the 60:40:40 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively and 90:60:60 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively for oil yield and 90:60:60 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively for protein yield. Economics revealed that application of 75:50:50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively gave maximum net return (` 43,250/ha) and B:C ratio of 3.01. The highest seed yield obtained with the 25 x 20 cm spacing (1644 kg/ha) was significantly higher than all other treatments of planting geometry. This treatment registered 24.2 % more seed yield over 25 x 15 cm planting geometry. Plant spacing of 25 x 20 cm registered more stover yield and showed parity with 30 x 15 cm spacing. Closer spacing (25 x 20 cm and 25 x 15 cm) resulted in significantly higher oil content over all other crop geometries. Planting geometry of 25 x 20 cm registered highest oil yield and was comparable only with 30 x 15 cm. However, highest protein yield observed with the 30 x 30 cm spacing was on par with 25 x 20 cm and 30 x 20 cm plant spacing. Plant spacing of 25 x 20 cm gave highest net return (`43,260). However, maximum benefit: cost ratio (3.51) was recorded with the plant spacing of 30 x 15 cm.

Influence of Cow Based Liquid Manures and Spacing on Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) under Natural Farming

A field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) during Kharif, 2022. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), organic carbon (0.75%), available N (269.96 kg/ha), available P (33.10 kg/ha), and available K (336 kg/ha). The treatments applied Combination of liquid organic manures Panchgavya and jeevamrut and three level of spacing were of Panchgavya (3% and 5%) and Jeevamrut (5% and 10%). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with twelve treatments each replicated thrice. Based on the objectives taken maximum plantheight (78.34 cm), number of total branches (4.76), plant dry weight (17.91 g/plant), seed yield (1.73 t/ha) and stover yield (3.45 t/ha) were recorded significantly higher in treatment combination of Panchagavya (5%) + Spacing 40 × 15 cm.number of pods per plant (22.99), number of seeds per pods (10.81) were recorded significantly higher in treatment combination of Panchagavya (3%) + Spacing 45 × 10 cm.

Influence of Phosphorus and Iron on Yield and Economics of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) on the topic “Influence of Phosphorus and Iron on Yield and Economics of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.)”, to study treatments consisting of three levels of Phosphorus viz. 20 kg, 30 kg and 50 kg/ha and three levels of Iron viz. 5, 10 and 20 kg/ha. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.28 %), available N (225 kg/ha), available P (19.50 kg/ha) and available K (92 kg/ha). There were 10 treatments each being replicated thrice and laid out in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that treatment 9 (Phosphorus at 50 kg/ha + FeSO4 at 20 kg/ha) recorded significantly number of pods/plant (113.07), number of seeds/pod (1.93), Test weight (31.20 g), seed yield (1.25 kg/ha), Stover yield (2.07 kg/ha), harvest index (37.67 %), gross returns (1,00,266.67 INR/ha), net returns (66,866.71 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.00) as compared to other treatments.

Influence of Biofertilizers and Gibberellic Acid on Growth and Yield of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid season 2023 at CRF, (Crop Research Farm), Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. The purpose of this research is to study the Influence of Biofertilizers and Gibberellic acid on growth and yield of Blackgram. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, Basic in soil reaction (pH 7.19), low in organic carbon (0.54%), available N (286.93 kg/ha), available P (21.67 kg/ha), available K (157.12 kg/ha). The treatments included PSB seed inoculation at 10 and 20g/1kg seeds, Rhizobium seed inoculation at 10 and 20g/1kg seeds and three levels of Gibberellic acid foliar application (50,100 and 150ppm) and control (20:40:20 NPK kg/ha) were used. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated thrice. As a result, Maximum plant height (36.03 cm), plant dry weight (6.72 g/plant), Crop growth rate (7.08 g/m2/day), Relative growth rate (0.056 g/g/day), Maximum Pod/plants (21.85), Seeds/pod (4.42),Seed yield (1.12 t/ha), Stover yield (2.03 t/ha) Test weight (34.89 g) and Harvest index (35.63 %) were recorded. Higher Gross returns (84179.17 Rs./ha),Net returns (57761.07 Rs./ha) and Benefit Cost Ratio (2.19) were obtained with application of (PSB 10g/1kg seeds, Rhizobium 10g/1kg seeds and Gibberellic acid at 150ppm).

Effect of Phosphorus and Naphthalene Acetic Acid on Growth and Yield of Green Gram

The field experiment entitled “Effect of Phosphorus and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) on growth and yield of Green gram” was conducted during Zaid, 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. ‘The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments which are replicated thrice with three levels of application of Phosphorus 20, 40, 60 kg/ha and three levels of application of Naphthalene acetic acid 20, 40, 60 ppm and control. The different treatments combinations are T1: Phosphorus 20 kg/ha + Naphthalene acetic acid 20 ppm, T2: Phosphorus 20 kg/ha + Naphthalene acetic acid 40 ppm, T3: Phosphorus 20 kg/ha + Naphthalene acetic acid 60 ppm, T4: Phosphorus 40 kg/ha + Naphthalene acetic acid 20 ppm, T5: Phosphorus 40 kg/ha + Naphthalene acetic acid 40 ppm, T6: Phosphorus 40 kg/ha + Naphthalene acetic acid 60 ppm, T7: Phosphorus 60 kg/ha + Naphthalene acetic acid 20 ppm, T8: Phosphorus 60 kg/ha + Naphthalene acetic acid 40 ppm, T9: Phosphorus 60 kg/ha + Naphthalene acetic acid 60 ppm, T10: RDF:20-40-20 NPK kg/ha (Control) is used’. Results revealed that higher plant height (53.30), plant dry weight (12.52 g/plant), number of branches per plant (7.60), number of nodules per plant (21.60), number of pods per plant (22.93), number of seeds per pod (6.67), seed yield (1.36 t/ha), stover yield (2.46 t/ha), gross return (₹ 97,920.00/ha), net returns (₹ 65,689.00/ha) and B: C ratio was (2.04) were obtained by the application of Phosphorus at the rate 60 kg/ha along with Naphthalene acetic acid 60 ppm in Treatment-9.

Effect of nutrient and pest management on productivity and profitability of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2017 and 2018 at the Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India, to study the impact of nutrient and pest management on productivity and profitability of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.]. The experiment consisted 8 treatments of nutrient and pest management, replicated thrice in randomized block design. Pods/plant were found markedly superior in recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + multimicronutrient @ 2 ml/L at 50% flowering + indoxacarb spray at flowering + 1 systemic insecticide at 15 days after the first spray. However, 1000-seed weight (65.19 g) was significantly higher in RDF + multimicronutrient @ 2 ml/L at 50% flowering + indoxacarb spray at flowering + 1 systemic insecticide at 15 days after first spray. Grain yield (1.07 t/ha) was significantly superior under RDF + multimicronutrient @ 2 ml/L at 50% flowering + indoxacarb spray at flowering + 1 systemic insecticide at 15 days after the first spray. The stover yield (6.13 t/ha) was recorded significantly higher (17.92%) in RDF + 0.5% borax spray at 50% flowering. Harvest index was estimated significantly superior in RDF + indoxacarb spray at 50% flowering + 1 systemic insecticide (Dimethoate) at 15 days after first spray followed by RDF + multimicronutrinent @ 2 ml/L at 50% flowering + indoxacarb spray at flowering + 1 systemic insecticide at 15 days after the first spray (17.53%). Gross returns (69.3 × 103 `/ha) and net returns (69.3 × 103 `/ha) of pigeonpea were recorded significantly higher under RDF + multimicronutrient @ 2 ml/L at 50% flowering + Indoxacarb spray at flowering + 1 systemic insecticide at 15 days after the first spray, while benefit : cost ratio (3.68; 3.49) was found significantly more in RDF + 2% urea spray at 50% flowering and RDF + 0.5% ZnSO4 spray at 50% flowering than the other treatments.

Effect of irrigation schedules on productivity, quality and water use of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) under staggered sowing in Northwest India

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda (Punjab), to study the effect of irrigation schedules on different growth, yieldattributing characters, yield, quality and water use in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.] in relation to sowing time. Results revealed that, early-sown crop, i.e. 10 October, recorded the higher growth parameters, viz. plant height, dry-matter accumulation, primary branches/plants, secondary branches/plant, and yield-attributing characters, viz. siliquae/plant, seeds/siliqua, siliqua length and 1,000-seed weight of Indian mustard. The crop sown on 10 October gave the highest seed yield (1449 kg/ha) which was significantly higher than the crop sown on 25 October (1,171 kg/ha) and 10 November (643 kg/ha). Oil yield, nitrogen content and protein content were also significantly higher in 10 October sown crop. Early-sown crop, i.e. 10 October, resulted in the 21.2 and 119.5% higher water-use efficiency (7.55 kg/ha/mm) than 25 October (6.23 kg/ha mm) and 10 November (3.44 kg/ha/mm) sown crop. Application of 3 irrigations, viz. at branching, flowering and siliqua-formation stages, resulted in higher plant height, dry matter, primary and secondary branches/plant, siliquae/plant, 1,000-seed weight, stover yield and harvest index in Indian mustard. Three irrigations at branching, flowering and siliqua-formation stages resulted in significantly higher seed yield (1,658 kg/ha), oil content (42.2%), oil yield (699.7 kg) and protein content (22.3%). This treatment resulted in the 23.3% higher water-use efficiency (6.50 kg/ha/mm) than the control (5.27 kg/ha/mm).

Response of Biofertilizers and Kinetin on Growth and Yield Parameters of Summer Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

The field experiment on blackgram was carried out in summer, 2022 at the Crop Research Farm in the Department of Agronomy. The treatment consisted of three levels of biofertilizer no seed inoculation, Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (20 g/kg seeds), Rhizobium (30 g/kg seeds), three levels of kinetin (20, 30 and 40 ppm) foliar spray and a control. The experiment was set up using a Randomized Block Design with ten treatments and three replications. The variety black gold of black gram was sown in Zaid 2022. The results of the experiment revealed that foliar application of 40 ppm kinetin along with biofertilizers recorded significantly increased growth parameters viz., plant height (33.94 cm), number of branches (8.13), number of nodules per plant (36.80), plant dry weight (4.47 g/plant), crop growth rate ( 8.23 g/m2/day), relative growth rate (0.10 g/g/day). Same treatment also resulted in boosting yield and yield attributes viz., number of pods per plant (27.50), number of seeds per pod (8.07), test weight (40 g), seed yield (0.71 t/ha), stover yield (1.82 t/ha), harvesting index (28.09 %). In terms of gross returns (67450.00 INR/ha), net returns (44885.00 INR/ha), and the B:C (1.99), this treatment also demonstrated its favorable effects.