Agricultural Sciences University Research Articles

Characterization of Mulberry Stalk Biochar and its Impact on Soil Nutrients Release

An incubation study was conducted with graded levels of biochar to know the soil nutrients release till 120 days after incubation at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru during 2021. The experiment consisted of 4 treatments replicated five times and was laid out in a completely randomized design. The mulberry stalk biochar was characterized and recorded a pH of 8.53 and Electrical conductivity of 0.39 dS m-1. The physical properties like bulk density (0.32 Mg m-3) and maximum water holding capacity (93.14 %) were measured. Mulberry stalk biochar had 69.37 per cent of total carbon, 0.89 per cent Nitrogen, 0.22 per cent Phosphorus, 0.65 per cent Potassium and secondary nutrients like Calcium of 0.96 per cent, 0.48 per cent Magnesium and 0.18 per cent sulphur and micronutrients like Iron (493 mg kg-1), Zinc (34.59 mg kg-1), Manganese (94.1 mg kg-1), copper (20.55 mg kg-1) and boron (33.5 mg kg-1) were recorded. It was observed that with increased levels of biochar application to soil from 5 to 10 t ha-1 positively influenced the nutrient release pattern in the soil. Higher primary, secondary and micronutrients were recorded with application of biochar @ 10 t ha-1 (T3) at 60, 90 and 120 days after incubation and lower values were recorded in control treatment (T4).

Effect of different organic amendments on phosphorus dynamics of blackgram (Vigna mungo)

Legumes play a significant role in sustainable agriculture through their ability to improve soil fertility and health. With a mutual symbiotic relationship with some bacteria in soil, they can improve nitrogen (N) amount through biological N-fixation (BNF). But to maximize such functions, legumes need more phosphorus (P) as it is required for energy transformation in nodules. Besides, P also plays a significant role in root development, nutrient uptake and growth of legume crops. A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2019 at IFS unit, College of Agriculture, (University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad), Vijayapur, Karnataka to study the effect of different combination of organic sources on phosphorus dynamics of blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]. Among different treatments, the application of vermicompost + ghanajeevamrutha @ 100% RDP + Rhizobium + PSB recorded significantly higher soil available phosphorus (36.30 kg/ha) and uptake by blackgram (16.08 kg/ha). This study has demonstrated the dynamics of phosphorus through different organic sources in blackgram.

Alterations in the Nutrient Status of Soil and Enzymatic Activity of Finger Millet Cultivated Soil Accompanying to Nano Urea Application

An experiment was conducted at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, with the aim of assessing the impact of nano nitrogen on growth, yield, nutrient uptake, nitrogen use efficiency and enzymatic activity in finger millet cultivation. Among different treatments, application of 75% RDN + seed treatment with nano urea + foliar spray of nano urea at 30 and 50 DAS showed significant improvements in various growth and yield parameters of finger millet. At 90 DAS, it resulted in a remarkable increase in the number of leaves hill-1 (36.73), leaf area (982.90 cm2 hill-1) and leaf area index (3.28). The treatment also led to enhanced growth indices viz., absolute growth rate of 0.74 g day-1, a relative growth rate of 0.029 g g-1 day-1 and a crop growth rate of 24.80 g m2 day-1 during 60-90 DAS period. Significantly, it boosted the grain yield of 3,397 kg ha-1 for finger millet over control. Notably, this treatment exhibited higher NPK (86.56, 25.93 and 55.36 kg ha-1 respectively) uptake at harvest. It also demonstrated superior agronomic efficiency, internal utilization efficiency and nutrient increment efficiency of nitrogen (52.57, 39.24 and 1.40 kg kg-1 respectively). These findings underscore the potential of nano nitrogen in enhancing finger millet growth, increasing yield, optimizing nutrient uptake and improving nitrogen use efficiency in finger millet cultivation.

Rapid Multiplication of Geographical Indication (GI) Tagged Mysore Mallige (Jasminum azoricum L.) Using Single Node through In vitro Culture

Aims: The present study was undertaken to rapid multiplication of (GI) tagged Mysore Mallige (Jasminum azoricum L.) using single node through in vitro culture. Study Design: The present study follow Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bengaluru, from 2020 to 21. Methodology: Single node cutting from the young shoots of field growing plants were used as explants to conduct the experiment. The explants were sterilized and placed on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of growth regulators, namely BAP and Kinetin. Results: Among the different combinations of growth regulators, the combination of BAP 1.5 mg L-1   and Kin 1.5 mg L-1  produced maximum number of shoots from single node. Very low intensity of callus formation was observed from the cut ends of single node explants that were cultured on half strength MS medium consisting of 1.5 mg L-1 BAP + 0.0 mg L-1 Kin and 1.5 mg L-1 BAP + 1.0 mg L-1 Kin. Conclusion: The use of growth regulators such as BAP and KIN is reliable for shoot regeneration even when the field explants are used.

Evaluation of Pigeonpea-based Intercropping System for Growth, Productivity, Economics, Available Nutrient and Nutrient Uptake under Alfisols

An experiment was conducted to the evaluation of pigeonpea-based intercropping system for growth, productivity, economics, available nutrient and nutrient uptake under alfisols of Karnataka during Kharif, 2020 at ‘K’ Block, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bengaluru. The experiment had 15 treatments which were replicated thrice in Randomised Complete Block Design. Treatments consisted of sole crops pigeonpea and different intercrops mixed along with of intercrops (field bean, vegetable soybean and chia) in different row proportions of (1:2, 1:3 and 1:4).The study aimed to assess the growth, yield and economics of pigeonpea comprising planting geometry and different intercrops. The results indicated that the combined effect of paired-row pigeonpea with field bean at 120/60 cm × 30 cm (1:2) spacing recorded the highest seed yield (1770 kg/ha) and stalk yield (4026 kg/ha). Among planting geometry and intercropping systems, higher gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio (Rs. 2,60,591 ha-1, Rs. 2,19,030 ha-1 and 6.27 respectively) was recorded in T7 (paired row pigeonpea with vegetable soybean at 120/60 cm). Among planting geometry and intercropping system highest total nutrient uptake of pigeonpea was recorded in T6 (Paired row - 120/60 cm × 30 cm pigeonpea + field bean (1:2), 76.65, 12.20 and 98.36 kg/ha NPK respectively) compared to rest of intercropping treatments. In available nutrients, among planting geometry and intercropping systems highest total available nitrogen and phosphorous was recorded in T14: Sole vegetable soybean (318.62 and 107.20 kg/ha N & P respectively) and higher total available potassium was recorded in T13: Sole field bean (321.40 kg/ha K respectively), compared to other treatments. The study concludes that the paired row pigeonpea with vegetable soybean at 120/60 cm x 30 cm yield and economics of the intercropping systems.

Effect of Plant Spacing and Nutrient Levels on Growth and Yield of Red Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra)

An experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of plant spacing and nutrient levels on the growth and yield of red cabbage. This experiment involved three distinct spacing configurations (45cmx30cm, 45cmx45cm, and 45cmx60cm) and nutrient levels (75% NPK, 100% NPK, and 125% NPK). The experiment was designed as a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRCBD) and carried out at the Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, during the 2021-22 period. This study infers that spacing and nutrients promote the vegetative growth of plants. The spacing configuration of 45cm X 60cm with 125% NPK resulted in the most significant outcomes, including the highest number of leaves (28.93), maximum plant height (36.71 cm), maximum fresh weight of the head (1421.80 g) and highest head volume (1360.19 cc) which could be because of wider spacing and higher nutrient doses. Conversely, the spacing configuration of 45cm X 30cm with 75% NPK demonstrated the early head initiation (45.60 days) and the most compact head formation (0.38). The highest yield per hectare (74.43 t) was achieved with the spacing configuration of 45cmx30cm using 125% NPK which improved greater availability of nutrients and, as a result, boosted the vegetative development.

Evaluation of Mulberry Germplasm for Growth and Yield Parameters during Different Seasons

Evaluation of mulberry germplasm for growth and yield parameters was carried out during the rainy and winter seasons of 2019-2020 in the Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru-65. The experimental material for the present study comprised of Seventy-one mulberry accessions and two check varieties M5 and V1. Among Seventy-one mulberry accessions evaluated the leaf yield of different genotypes differed significantly among different seasons. Among the elite mulberry genotypes, no single genotype was superior in respect of all the traits in different seasons. However, during rainy and winter season MI-232 and MI-143 recorded highest leaf yield.

Nutrient Uptake of Maize as Influenced by Intercropping with Different Genotype of Groundnut under Temperate Kashmir Valley

A field experiment on ‘Nutrient uptake of maize as influenced by intercropping with different genotype of groundnut under temperate Kashmir valley” was conducted at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Wadura, Sopore during 2021 and 2022. The experimental soil exhibited silty clay loam characteristics with adequate drainage and normal levels of both reaction and salinity. The experimental treatments comprised of sole crops and various row proportions of maize intercropped with groundnut. The experimental design was randomized complete block design, consist nineteen treatments that were replicated three times. Treatment comprised of T1 (Sole maize, 60 cm), T2 (sole paired maize, 75-45-75 cm), T3 (Sole paired maize,90-30-90 cm), T4 (Sole groundnut TG-84), T5 (Sole groundnut TG-37-A), T6 (Sole groundnut TG-88), T7 (Sole groundnut TG-89), T8 Alternate row of maize + groundnut TG- 84 (30 + 30 cm ),T9  Paired row of maize  + groundnut TG- 84 (75-45-75 cm maize in between 25-25 cm groundnut),T10  Paired row of maize  + groundnut TG- 84 (90-30-90 cm maize in between 30-30 cm groundnut), T11 Alternate row of maize  + groundnut TG- 37-A (30 + 30 cm ) T12 Paired row of maize + groundnut TG- 37-A (75-45-75 cm maize in between 25-25 cm groundnut), T13 paired row of  maize  + Groundnut TG- 37-A (90-30-90 cm maize in between 30-30 cm groundnut), T14  Alternate rows of maize + Groundnut TG- 88 (30 + 30 cm),T15 Paired row of maize  + groundnut TG- 88 (75-45-75 cm maize in between 25-25 cm groundnut), T16 Paired row of maize + groundnut TG- 88 (90-30-90 cm maize in between 30-30 cm groundnut), T17 Alternate rows of maize + groundnut TG- 89 (30 + 30 cm), T18 Paired row of  maize + groundnut TG- 89 (75-45-75 cm maize in between 25-25 cm groundnut), T19 Paired row of maize+ groundnut TG- 89 (90-30-90 cm maize in between 30-30 cm groundnut). The two years of result revealed that intercropping increased the total N, P and K uptake and enhancing yield of both the crop. Total N, P and K uptake was recorded significantly higher with paired row of maize (75/45 cm spacing) in intercrop with groundnut variety TG-37-A as compared to sole maize. In intercrop N, P and K uptake was recorded significantly higher in sole groundnut variety TG-37-A followed by TG-84, TG-88 and TG-89.

Phenology and Climate Indices of Maize Hybrids under North Western Himalayan Region of Temperate Kashmir

In the Kharif season of 2021, a field experiment was conducted at the crop research farm of the Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the phenology of maize hybrids in relation to agrometeorological indices. The experimental design included two factors: Factor A, representing different irrigation regimes at various growth stages (I1 to I6), and Factor B, consisting of two maize hybrid varieties (Shalimar Hybrid-2 and Shalimar Hybrid-3). The irrigation treatments ranged from early vegetation stage to rainfed conditions. The experiment followed a split plot design with three replications. Results indicated that the treatment I5 (Irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 0.8) and Shalimar Hybrid-3 exhibited the highest values for key agrometeorological indices, including GDD, HTU, PTU, and HYTU. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing irrigation practices and selecting suitable maize hybrids for enhanced phenological performance.

Efficacy of Azoxystrobin 7.5% and Propiconazole 12.5% SE Against Sheath Blight in Rice

Among the fungal diseases causing significant yield loss in rice, sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn is the most important ranked the second most important disease worldwide after blast and a serious threat in rice growing areas of the world and causes more economic yield losses. The field experiment was conducted with seven treatments and replicated three times in RBD design at ARS, Gangavati to know the effect of Azoxystrobin 7.5% + Propiconazole 12.5% SE against sheath blight in rice. The variety BPT-5204 was sown in plot size of 5 X 5 m2 with all regular agronomic practices followed as per the standard package of practice of University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur. It has been found that the fungicide Azoxystrobin 7.5% + Propiconazole 12.5% SE at different doses evaluated was effective in reducing the severity of rice sheath blight and thereby increased the rice grain yield. The treatment Azoxystrobin 7.5% + Propiconazole 12.5% SE @ 625 ml/ha recorded minimum sheath blight of 13.70 and 16.11 per cent PDI with yield of 64.60 q/ha and 63.20 q/ha compared to control treatment 48.70 and 57.96 per cent PDI with grain yield of 54.10 q/ha and 52.40 q/ha during the first and second season, respectively. In the current study, along with reducing sheath blight severity, fungicide treatments minimized grain yield losses in 2 years. Field trial conducted clearly indicated that Azoxystrobin 7.5% + Propiconazole 12.5% SE @ 500 and 625 ml/ha dose can effectively control sheath blight of rice. Azoxystrobin 7.5% + Propiconazole 12.5% w/v SE @ 500 ml/ha was at par with higher dose and resulted better yield than other treatments.

Direct Plant Regeneration from Nodal Explants of Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfad.)

Aims: The present study was undertaken to develop a protocol for in vitro regeneration and multiplication of disease-free quality planting material of Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfad.). Study Design:  Completely Randomized Design (CRD) Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bengaluru, from 2020 to 21. Methodology: Nodal segments from the young shoots of field growing plants were used as explants to conduct the experiment. The explants were sterilized and placed on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of growth regulators, namely BAP, Kinetin and Gibberellic acid. Results: Among the different combinations of growth regulators, the combination of BAP 1.0 mgL-1 and GA3 3.0 mgL-1 produced maximum number of shoots (7) from nodal segments Conclusion: The use of growth regulators such as BAP and GA3 is reliable for shoot regeneration even when the field explants are used.

Enzymatic Activities in the Rhizosphere Soil as Influenced by Filterbeds and Hydrophytes in the Vertically Constructed Wetland

An experiment with different filter beds and macrophytes was carried out to study their phytoremediation capacity on the efficiency of domestic wastewater treatment through constructed wetland (CW) at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad campus, Karnataka, between November 2017 and March 2018. Twenty treatment combinations involving five types of filter beds (FB-1: gravel, FB-2: gravel-sand-gravel, FB-3: gavel-sand-brick-gravel, FB-4: gravel-sand-charcoal-gravel and FB-5: gravel-sand-(charcoal+brick)-gravel) and four macrophytes (MP-1: Typha latifolia, MP-2: Brachiaria mutica, MP-3: Canna indica and MP-4: Phragmites sp.) were evaluated for treating domestic waste water. After 120 days from the start, across treatment combinations, the plant in each column was uprooted, and the soil adhered to the root was collected in a polyethylene cover. The samples were brought to the laboratory, refrigerated, and then analysed for dehydrogenase, phosphatase, and urease activities, as well as for biofilm formation. Results revealed that the highest biofilm growth was observed on brick (1.18 and 0.05 mg g-1) had the maximum biofilm formation, followed by sand (0.68 and 0.04 mg g-1), charcoal (0.67 and 0.02 mg g-1), and gravel (0.31 and 0.01 mg g-1) at depths ranging from 0 to 5 and 5 to 15 cm, respectively. Since the CW can be implemented with flexibility, it can be used as the primary, secondary or tertiary treatment stage depending on the site and its configuration.

Revealing the Inheritance of Qualitative Traits and Identification of Transgressive Segregants for Productivity Traits in Early Segregating Generation of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merril]

The breeding effort was carried out to elucidate information on the inheritance of qualitative traits and identification of transgressive segregants for productivity traits in two crosses viz., DSb 23 x MACS 1575 (Cross 1) and DSb 23 x MACS 1460 (Cross 2) in soybean during Kharif 2020 at Botany Garden, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. The observations were recorded on nine traits viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, pods per plant, 100 seed weight, seed yield per plant, hilum colour, leaf shape and flower colour. Test for goodness of fit revealed that the traits viz., flower colour and leaf shape are controlled by a single dominant gene (3:1) and hilum colour was controlled by two genes with complementary gene action (9:7). In general, the percent of transgressive segregants obtained for yield-related traits was in a range of 7-17%. The high frequency of favorable segregants was identified for pods per plant (15.33%), 100 seed weight (13.87%) and days to maturity (16.42%) in cross 1, and high frequency of favorable segregants in cross 2 were observed for days to 50% flowering (8.95%), plant height (13.75%) and seed yield per plant (14.17%).  These segregants can be further utilized in the breeding programme to develop high-yielding varieties and morphological traits can be used as markers in molecular breeding.

Impact of Shade Nets on Tomato Output and Quality in Temperate Region of Kashmir Valley

A field trial was conducted at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, Shalimar Campus during 2020-21 to ascertain the impact of shade nets on tomato output and quality inside the protected structure. During the study, it was found that no significant difference was observed in average monthly temperature and relative humidity inside polyhouse with shade net and without shade net. Significant difference was recorded in yield and the light intensity. Highest average plant yield of (15.5 kg/plant) was found in polyhouse in which the plants were covered with shade net and lowest yield was observed (13 kg/plant) where plants were not covered with shade net inside the polyhouse during afternoon day time. It was also found that the tomatoes that were grown in shade nets showed good colour development and a glossy appearance as compared to plants grown under protected structures without shade net. No significant difference was observed in quality attributes viz. TSS, acidity and ascorbic acid by shade net. However, the higher TSS (7.1 oBrix), Acidity (0.77%) and Ascorbic acid (45.86 mg/100gm) was recorded in polyhouse without shade net as compared to polyhouse with shade net (6.7, 0.51 and 38.52) respectively. Thus, use of shade net brought improvement in yield and no significant improvement was observed in quality of tomato grown in temperate region of Kashmir valley. Also, the shade net application during winter duration of 2021-22 during evening/night hours led to increase in the temperature inside polyhouse.

Effect of Chemical Weed Management Practices on Weed Dynamics, Soil Microorganism and Nutrient Uptake in Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.)]

An investigation was carried out at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, India, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India during kharif 2021-22 to study the effect of pre and post emergent application of weedicides on seed yield, weed dynamics, microbial population and nutrient uptake by weeds in blackgram. The results revealed that, significantly lower weed density (grassy weeds, sedges and broad leaf weeds (0.71) and weed dry weight (0.71) was observed with hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS (control) followed by sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS [grassy weeds (1.08, 1.26 and 1.83) sedges (1.03, 1.57 and 1.47) and broad leaf weeds (1.72, 2.06 and 2.11 at 25, 50 DAS and at harvest respectively]. Weed control efficiency was significantly higher with sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS (89.52, 90.31 and 91.17 at 25, 50 DAS and at harvest respectively) that was on par with hand weeding. Hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS recorded significantly higher population of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes (13.82, 12.49 and 5.25 cfu x 106 g-1 soil respectively). All chemical weedicides applied either pre-emergent or post-emergent significantly reduced population of total bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes. Significantly higher nutrient uptake by weeds was recorded with weedy check (71.03, 32.00 and 56.67 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively). Where as, higher nutrient uptake by blackgram was with hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS (126.25, 28.20 and 109.30 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively). After the harvest, soil available nutrients status was higher with  hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS (141.38, 42.10 and 298.53 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively) and significantly lower nutrients were observed with weedy check (122.93, 30.17 and 220.10 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively).

Performance Evaluation of Power Operated Chaff Cutter for Selected Fodder Crops

The study was conducted to evaluate the performance of power operated chaff cutter for three types of fodder crops, viz., jowar, maize, and sorghum, under load and no-load conditions during kharif (July to October, 2022) at Farm Machinery Testing Centre (FMTC), University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka (16.2051°N,77.3303°E). The hardness of the blade was recorded to be 54 HRC, and the rate of wear of blades on a mass basis and a dimensional basis was recorded as 0.013% - 0.026% and 0.028% - 0.047% per hour, respectively. The power consumption of the chaff cutter at no load was recorded as 0.42 kWh. Similarly, the quantity of cut fodder received was measured as 621 - 623 kg h-1 and 1710 - 1816 kg h-1 for dry and wet fodder, respectively. The maximum specific energy consumption was recorded as 1123.21 - 2396.0 kg kWh-1 in dry and wet fodder, respectively. The quality of cut ranged from 0.38 - 0.42 and 0.41 - 0.43 in dry and wet fodder, respectively. The performance index of chaff cutters was recorded as 471.37 and 1006.34 for dry and wet fodder, respectively. The maximum efficiency was recorded as 96.62 - 97.87% and 97.50 - 98.10% for dry and wet fodder, respectively. The power-operated chaff cutter was operated for a long-run test (23.00 h) for cutting jowar (dry), maize, and sugarcane crops in both wet and dry conditions was done. No breakdown in the cutter head, feeding mechanism, transmission systems, body of the chaff cutter was noticed.

Studies on Chemical Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.)]

An investigation was carried out at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur during kharif 2021-22 entitled studies on chemical weed management practices on growth and yield of blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.)].  The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with nine treatments and three replications. Among all the treatments, hand weeing at 25-30 DAS, recorded significantly lower weed density, higher weed control efficiency that favoured higher growth and yield parameters. Whereas, among the chemical weed management practices, application of sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS as post emergent recorded significantly lower weed population (2.71/0.25 m2), lower weed dry weight (1.53/0.25 m2) and higher weed control efficiency (90.31 %) compared to other chemical weed management treatments. The treatment sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS as post emergent also recorded significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height (40.18 CM), number of branches (9.18),  and dry matter production at harvest (23.50 g plant-1)  and  yield components viz., number of pods plant-1 (46.69 ), number of seeds pod-1 (7.89), 100 seed weight (4.7 g), seed yield (1059 kg ha-1) compared to other treatments. Significantly higher net returns (Rs.48,406) were recorded in hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS, which was on par with application of sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25  DAS (Rs.45,066 ha-1). The higher benefit cost ratio was recorded with application of sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS (3.08) followed by hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS.

Effect of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Benzyl Adenine (BA) on Vegetative Growth and Flower Induction in Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras)

The present study was carried out during 2021 -2022 at the experimental farm of Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Chatha, Jammu and Kashmir. The trial was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications and twenty-one treatment combinations. The treatment comprised of three gladiolus varieties viz., American Beauty, White Prosperity and Red Beauty and two growth regulators with their three levels of each viz., BA (50, 75 and 100 ppm) and GA3 (100, 150 and 200 ppm), and compared with control. The influence of foliar application of plant growth regulator on vegetative growth and flower induction of three gladiolus varieties namely American Beauty, White Prosperity and Red Beauty. Growth regulators, viz., gibberellic acid (100, 150 and 200 ppm) and benzyl adenine (50, 75 and 100 ppm) were sprayed at 3 leaves and 6 leaves stage after planting of corms. The results revealed that foliar application of GA3 @ 200ppm on cv. ‘White Prosperity’ recorded maximum plant height (134.27 cm), number of leaves per plant (8.53), leaf area (74.41 cm2), minimum days to 50% spike emergence (95.00) and 50% basal floret showing colour (107.00 days). It can be concluded from the present investigation that gladiolus variety ‘White Prosperity’ performed better than other varieties in respect of all the vegetative and flowering parameters. Among interactions, foliar application of GA3 @200 ppm concentration significantly increased vegetative parameters and induced early flowering in variety White Prosperity.

Influence of Solarization on Seed Quality of Bruchid Infested and Fresh Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Seeds during Storage.

During July 2018 and April 2019, the laboratory study was conducted at the Department of Seed Science and Technology and National Seed Project, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, to investigate the influence of solarization on the seed quality of both bruchid-infested and fresh cowpea seeds (cv. IT38956-1). The findings indicated that subjecting fresh seeds to solarization in clear polyethylene packets (700 gauge) for 3 hours daily over 6 days resulted in the lowest seed moisture content (11.03%), highest germination rate (70.67%), longest mean seedling length (21.80 cm), highest mean seedling dry weight (46.10 mg), enhanced seedling vigour indices I and II (1541 and 3258), improved field emergence (68.33%), elevated TDH activity (1.43), higher protein content (19.73%), and reduced electrical conductivity of leachate (927 µS cm-1) after nine months of storage, compared to the control.

Influence of Different Culture Media on Growth and Sporulation of Colletotrichum capsici

Aim: To know the best culture media for growth and development of Colletotrichum capsici causing chilli anthracnose.
 Study Design: Twelve different culture media were selected and three replications were maintained.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnatka, which was carried out in the year 2021-2023.
 Methodology: The laboratory study was conducted to know the best nutrient media for the growth and sporulation of the pathogen. The pathogen was isolated from infected chilli fruit using tissue isolation technique and pure culture was maintained. Twelve different nutrient media were selected and tested for the growth and sporulation of the pathogen in three replications.
 Results: Among twelve media tested, Red chilli dextrose agar have promoted the maximum growth of C. capsici (90.0 mm), which was followed by carrot dextrose agar and potato carrot agar (89.50 mm). Green chilli extract agar significantly promoted minimum growth of C. capsici (33.50 mm), which was followed by red chilli extract agar (48.00 mm) and Sarbouraud’s agar (48.50 mm). The cultural characters were varied among the media.
 Conclusion: Potato dextrose agar and carrot dextrose agar media were proved to be best media for growth and sporulation of Colletotrichum capsica.