Varietal Performance Research Articles

Unveiling the Spectacular Performance of Diverse Chrysanthemum Varieties in Flowering, Quality and Yield

A comprehensive research initiative conducted in Jhalawar 2019-20 focused on evaluating the genetic diversity and performance of various chrysanthemum varieties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability and assess the varietal performance of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) under the specific agro-climatic conditions of Jhalawar. The study sought to identify high-performing varieties and quantify key genetic traits relevant to yield and quality characteristics, with the goal of supporting selection efforts for enhanced chrysanthemum production in the region. This investigation was conducted at the Floriculture and Landscaping block of the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar, Rajasthan. The experimental work was carried out during the winter season of the year 2019-20, capitalizing on the local climate to evaluate varietal responses under Jhalawar conditions. The experiment employed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with multiple replications to ensure robust data. Different chrysanthemum varieties were planted in designated plots, and observations on traits such as flower yield, flower quality, and growth parameters were recorded periodically. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA, was performed to detect significant differences among the varieties. This analysis helped in identifying high-performing varieties suited for Jhalawar conditions and provided insights into genetic variability for potential selection and breeding programs. Ten different genotypes were carefully chosen for the study, including Marigold, Poornima Pink, Dall White, Calcutta Shantini, Karnool, Poornima Red, Dall Yellow, Poornima White, Poornima Yellow and Dundi for in-depth analysis.A randomised block design with three replications was used in the experiment. Cultivar 'Calcutta Shantini' exhibited the maximum days taken to first flower bud emergence of plant (51.50 days) and the maximum number of flowers per plant (269.90). Conversely, cv. 'Dall Yellow' showed the shortest duration to fifty percent flowering (67.64 days). Notably, cv. 'Dundi' displayed the maximum flower diameter (7.47 cm), while cv. 'Poornima Pink' had the longest flower stalk (13.09 cm). Remarkably, cv. 'Marigold' demonstrated the highest flower fresh weight (63.67 gm), dry weight (14.41 gm), and shelf life (4.67 day).

Optimizing faba bean cultivation: assessing varietal performance in spring and fall

The need to identify specialty crops in Virginia has driven interest in faba beans (Vicia faba L.), which offer potential benefits for crop rotation systems. As a cool-season crop, faba beans can be planted in both fall and spring, providing flexibility in farming schedules. A field study was conducted at Randolph Farm, the Virginia State University Research and Extension Farm, using a completely randomized factorial block design. This study examines the performance of seven faba bean varieties—Ethiopia, NEB247, Aprovecho, EN3, EN47, Windsor and EN45—across three spring (late February, late March and mid April), and three fall (late September, early October and late October) planting dates. Our results demonstrate that both variety and planting date significantly influence the yield and yield components of faba beans. Among the varieties tested, Windsor and EN47 exhibited superior traits across multiple categories, making them preferable for achieving high yields. Conversely, varieties such as EN45, Aprovecho, and NEB247 showed poor performance. Fall planting dates generally resulted in superior growth, yield, and maturity characteristics, underscoring their importance for maximizing faba bean production. We observed that faba beans planted in the fall had 58% more branches, 100% more shoot dry matter, 34% higher 100-seed weight, double the grain yields, and 8% higher harvest index compared to those planted in the spring. To further enhance faba bean production, additional studies are suggested to clarify the physiological relationships between photosynthesis rates and the sink-source dynamics. Furthermore, investigating how planting dates impact the nutrient components of faba beans will provide deeper insights into optimizing their cultivation.

Evaluating chickpea varietal performance under different levels of phosphorus application

Chickpea, a vital legume crop, faces yield limitations due to factors like climatic conditions, nutrition deficiency in soil etc. Therefore, the knowledge of adoptive varieties to prevailing climatic conditions and enhancement yield by nutrient management is essential. The present investigation was carried out to assess the effect of varying levels of phosphorus on growth and yield of chickpea, at Agricultural Research Farm of SGRR University, Dehradun during Rabi season of 2022-23. The treatments of experiment comprise two chickpea varieties viz., PG-186 (V1) and Type 9 (V2) and five levels of phosphorus application i.e., 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg P2O5/ha which were replicated thrice in factorial randomize design. The growth and yield parameters were recorded during different crop growth stages to get the response of treatments. The recorded data shows that the variety Type 9 perform better than variety PG-186 in most of the growth and yield attributing characters. Among the phosphorus doses the application of 45 kg P2O5/ha was perform best among all other treatments. The interaction effects of variety Type 9 with 45 kg P2O5/ha (V2T4) showed maximum growth and yield attributing characters over the other treatment combinations like plant height (46.66 cm), number of branches per plant (5.67), dry matter accumulation in plant (30.67 g), 1000 seeds weight (140.00 g) and seeds yield per hectare (14.30 q/ha). Based on experimental findings it can be concluded that variety Type 9 with application of 45 kg P2O5 /ha is best among all other treatments for higher yield of chickpea at Doon valley of Uttarakhand.

Effect of Zinc-fertilizer on varietal performance of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and soybean (Glycine max) in western Kenya

Soil zinc deficiency in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a major contributor to poor crop responses to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N, P and K) fertilizer leading to low economic returns on fertilizer use. Despite being drought-tolerant crops, finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and soybean (Glycine max) yields are consistently lower than 1000 kg ha−1 in western Kenya. On-farm trials were conducted in Bungoma and Siaya Counties of western Kenya during two subsequent cropping seasons (long & short rains of 2019) to evaluate the responses of two varieties of finger millet (U15 and SEC915) and soybean (SB19 and SB134) to N, P and K after addition of Zn. Zinc was applied at 0, 1.5, and 3 kg ha−1 and N, P and K at blanket rates. Results showed that application of Zn fertilizer alongside N, P and K fertilizer significantly (p < 0.05) increased grain yields, grain Zn concentration and grain Zn uptake. The largest Zn agronomic efficiency (AEZn) was realized when Zn was applied at 1.5 kg ha−1 for both crops. Application of Zn was profitable (VCR >1) for growing finger millet and soybean in Bungoma and Siaya during long rains and short rains. We recommend applying Zn along with N, P and K fertilizer in Zn-depleted soils to increase finger millet and soybean yields.

Investigating upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) varietal performance in alternative row arrangements in Georgia

AbstractWith grower interest in skip and wide row cotton systems, varietal performance in such systems has become a major question. An experiment was conducted in 2022 and 2023 in Tifton and Midville, GA, evaluating three row arrangements (standard 91‐cm row spacing, 2 × 1 skip row, and 183‐cm row spacing or wide row) and four commercially available varieties (Stoneville [ST] 5091 Bollgard 3 Xtendflex [B3XF], Phytogen [PHY] 400 Widestrike 3 Roundup Flex Enlist [W3FE], DynaGro [DG] 3799 B3XF, and Deltapine [DP] 1840 B3XF). There were no interactions between variety and row arrangement for any response variable, indicating the best variety for standard row spacings would also be the best variety in alternative row arrangements. Plant populations were reduced 32% and 53% in 2 × 1 skip‐row and wide‐row systems, respectively, compared to standard row arrangements, which accomplishes the major goal of these systems in reducing seed cost. Boll rot and hard lock were reduced in wide row treatments only, which could benefit cotton growers in the lower Southeast. However, reductions in lint yield were associated with 2 × 1 skip row (all site years) and wide row arrangements (three out of four site‐years) compared to the grower standard. Differences among varieties were observed in plant heights, lint yield, and fiber quality, which is to be expected. These results confirm much of the work conducted on skip and wide row cotton systems and indicate that for growers in the lower Southeast to achieve maximum lint yields, standard row arrangements are superior to alternative row arrangements.

Genetic variations of bread wheat varieties for bread‐making quality traits in moisture stressed areas of Wollo, Ethiopia

AbstractIn Ethiopia, wheat variety development has traditionally prioritized yield and disease resistance over bread‐making quality. To address this gap, our study evaluated 22 Ethiopian bread wheat varieties across six locations during the 2015/2016 season, utilizing a randomized complete block design with three replications. Various quality traits, including 1000‐kernel weight (TKW), hectoliter weight (HLW), Perten hardness index (HI), single kernel weight (SKW), single kernel diameter (SKD), grain protein content (PC), wet gluten (WG), Zeleny value (ZV), and starch content (SC), were analyzed. Significant effects of varieties, locations, and their interactions on these traits were observed (p &lt; 0.01). Madawalabu, Danda'a, and Mekelle‐4 displayed superior TKW (&gt;40 g), while Menze and Bolo exhibited higher HLW. HI values ranged from 82.8% in Sofumar to 35.5% in Mekelle‐3, indicating diverse grain hardness. Favorable milling traits were observed with SKW values exceeding 30 mg and SKD surpassing 2.5 mm. Genotype and location influenced PC (9.5%–11.0%) and WG content (21.6%–25.2%), meeting bread‐making requirements. ZV ranged from 21.9% to 31%, and SC varied from 64% to 68%, reflecting changes in starch concentration between varieties. Varietal performance varied, with Madawalabu, Menze, and Bolo showing promise. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations among HLW, SKD, SKW, TKW, PC, WG, and ZV, and a negative correlation with SC. These insights provide a foundation for targeted breeding strategies to enhance specific attributes crucial for optimal bread quality, contributing valuable information to wheat breeding programs.

Pod Yield Stability of Best Groundnut Varieties from National Agricultural Research Stations Program in West Africa

This study aimed to evaluate different varieties of groundnut introduced from four breeding programs in West Africa for their stability and adaptability in agro-ecological zones of Niger. The study used a randomized complete block design with three replicates at three locations. Analysis of variance revealed significant variation among varieties and the effect of environment on pod yield was highly significant (P&amp;lt;0.001). GGE biplot analysis was used to identify the best varieties for each environment and assess the stability of the newly introduced varieties. The GGE biplot described all the observed variations and explained 98.42% of the total variation, indicating a strong genotype by environment interaction effect. The evaluation of varietal performance indicated that Pyr-370 and Rafeet Car thrived exceptionally well in Bengou and Magaria, respectively, while El_Tarna exhibited the highest performance at Tarna. Variety SH470P was the most stable and productive among the introduced varieties in the different environments, while ICGV86124 was stable but low yielding. On the other hand, the introduced varieties ICGV86024, ICGV-IS14857 and Pyr-370 demonstrated superior productivity, yet their performance inconsistency underscored inherent instability.

Genetic Attributes for Selection and Assessment of Yield Enhancement in Paddy (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation was conducted in the Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Kathalagere. The experiment comprised sixty-seven advanced breeding lines of paddy. The experiment was conducted in three replications with 4mx3m of plot size. The observations are recorded on days to fifty per cent flowering, Days to maturity, Plant Height(cm), Panicles per sqm, Grain yield per plot(kg) and Grain yield per hectare (Kg). The data is subjected to analysis for genetic variability and diversity parameters (Key factors of plant breeding). Higher Genetic coefficient of variability (GCV) and Phenotypic coefficient of variability (PCV) are Days to fifty per cent flowering, Days to maturity, Plant height(cm), Panicles per square meter and grain yield per plot (Kgs) should be considered at the time of selecting the genotypes/varieties/breeding lines for progressing and prospering in the yield and yield contribution towards the varietal performance. Genetic diversity studies proved that the traits viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, Days to maturity, Panicles per square meter, Plant height and Grain yield per plot are prompt traits that contributed maximum divergence to the genotypes. Some clusters are composed of superior genotypes that may contribute to the several crossing studies to improve through transgressive segregants with high genetic yield potential and early maturity.

Assessment of Nitrogen Sources and Management for Sustainable Nitrogen Use in Subtropical Conditions: A Varietal Performance Study on Rice and Weed Growth

When growing rice, nitrogen (N) is the most vital component since it determines how much grain the crop will produce. Among the many causes of rice’s low productivity, improper nitrogen supply and inefficient nitrogen use are thought to be an important issue. In order to ensure sustainable N-management as well as to lower N-losses, it was decided to investigate how various rice cultivars react to both organic and inorganic nitrogen sources, as well as how weed infestation behavior changes with these sources in boro rice fields. Five distinct fertilizer combinations, including the control, were tested in an entirely block design that was randomized and had three replications. Each of the following sources of N: urea (prilled) at 100% of the RD (N100PU), poultry manure at 100% of the RD (N100PM), urea at 50% of the RD + poultry manure at 50% of the RD (N50PU+50PM), and urea super granule at 100% of the RD (2.7 g per 4 hills) (NUSG) were administered on BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan88, BRRI dhan92 and BRRI dhan96, respectively. It is observed that N50PU+50PM was beneficial for weed among the nitrogen sources. But comparatively less weed invasion was noticed in the NUSG treated plots next to control specially in BRRI dhan29. With the use of NUSG, all of the varieties tested in this experimentation generated greater grain yield than they did with the use of the other nitrogen sources. When treated with NUSG, BRRI dhan29 showed a rise in grain yield around 64.34% and a greater nitrogen utilization efficiency compared to control. When benefit cost ratio (BCR) is considered, both the BCR and net income were the highest for the BRRI dhan29 variety while NUSG was employed. Finally, it can be inferred that, in comparison to other sources, the combination of BRRI dhan29 with application of NUSG appeared as the promising combination in order to increase grain production while improving nitrogen use efficiency, greatest BCR and to lessen the infestation of weeds throughout the boro season.

The Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Trifolium alexandrinum Varietal Performance in the Indo-Gangetic Plains: A Comparative Yield and Economic Analysis

The importance of selecting an appropriate berseem variety and implementing effective nutrient management practices is crucial for maximizing both the production and economic potential of forage crops. This was clearly demonstrated in a field experiment conducted during the rabi seasons of 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. The experimental setup was a factorial randomized block design incorporating five berseem varieties (Mescavi, HB-1, HB-2, BL-10, and BL-42) and five integrated nutrient management practices: 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) or NM-1, 75% RDF + plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) or NM-2, 75% RDF + municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) or NM-3, 75% RDF + farmyard manure (FYM) + PGPR or NM-4, and 50% RDF + MSWC + PGPR or NM-5. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the physio-morphological responses, biomass yield, and economic efficiencies of different berseem varieties under various nutrient management practices. The experimental results highlighted the superior performance of the BL-42 variety in terms of growth and yield attributes compared to the other tested berseem varieties. Specifically, BL-42 showed an enhancement in total green fodder yield by 17.10%, 26.60%, 37.75%, and 28.04% over the varieties BL-10, HB-2, HB-1, and Mescavi, respectively. Moreover, the application of the 75% RDF + FYM + PGPR treatment (NM-4) significantly boosted the total green fodder yield by 13.08%, 14.29%, 34.48%, and 39.02% over the 75% RDF + MSWC, 100% RDF, 75% RDF + PGPR, and 50% RDF + MSWC + PGPR treatments, respectively. In terms of economic returns, BL-42 achieved a significantly higher gross return (GR) and net return (NR) of 194,989 ₹/ha and 145,142 ₹/ha, respectively, compared to the GR and NR of BL-10 (166,512 and 116,665 ₹/ha, respectively). Similarly, the nutrient management practice of 75% RDF + FYM + PGPR recorded the highest GR and NR (191,638 and 137,346 ₹/ha, respectively) compared to the 100% RDF treatment (167,593 and 120,716 ₹/ha, respectively). These findings underscore the critical role of variety selection and tailored nutrient management in optimizing both the yield and economic gains in forage crop cultivation. The significant differences in production and returns highlight the potential of targeted agronomic strategies to enhance the profitability and sustainability of forage farming.

Assessment of Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) Varietal Performance in Natural Ventilation Polyhouse Settings

An experiment entitled, "Assessment of Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) Varietal Performance in Natural Ventilation Polyhouse Settings." was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, during the year 2022-23. Ten Capsicum Varieties, Names Sweet Pepper Nemalite, Sweet Pepper Cebrail, Sweet Pepper Bungi. Capsicum Varun, Sweet Pepper Volante, Shehzadi. Alpine 8510, Alpine 8248, Capsicum Orange and Capsicum IMP were evaluated at SHUATS, Prayagraj in randomized block design with three replications during winter season 2022-23 to evaluate best performing variety in terms of growth, yield and quality. The Sweet Pepper Volante was found maximum performance with the maximum fruit weight (154.20g), Fruit length (8.83cm), Fruit yield per plant (1.47 kg), Fruit yield (17.72 q/200 sq. m.). Sweet Pepper Volante was found superior based on overall performance in term of growth, yield and quality and highest cost benefit ratio (2.79) was found for capsicum in Sweet Pepper Volante variety under naturally ventilated polyhouse condition.

Performance of Some Chilli (Capsicum Annum L.) Varieties in Costal Soil in Noakhali, Bangladesh

A field study was carried out at the Department of Agriculture's Research Field in Noakhali during Rabi season 2022 to evaluate the varietal performance of chilli verities: Bijli Plus (V1), Anal (1701) (V2), Vanilla (V5), Moti (V4), and Dhum (V5). Three replications of the experiment were carried out using randomized complete block design (RCBD). The highest plant height (70.43cm), leaf length (9.6cm), fruit length (8.37cm), number of fruits (74.67), number of flowers (10.88), yield (11.98 tonh-1) were measured in V1(Bijli Plus), and the highest number of branches (21), number of leaves (102.33) was counted in V2 (Anal 1701). Vanilla produced the lowest yield, whereas Bijli Plus produced the highest yield. The results indicate significant variations among varieties in the field. According to the research outcomes, the Bijli Plus is produced the maximum yield production of chilli.

Assessing the Performance of Latest Greengram Varieties under Improved production Packages in Thiruppur, Tamil Nadu, India

On Farm Testing (OFT) in Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) resistant and high yielding greengram varieties was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tirupur in farmers field during kharif 2020. Totally 15 farmers each with one acre were selected in three villages of Pongalur Block in Tirupur district of Tamil Nadu. Critical input viz., seeds of greengram varieties CO 8 and DGG 1 were distributed to the farmers and the varietal performance were assessed along with the existing variety under cultivation VBN 2. The plant physiological parameters viz., plant height, number of nodules / plant and yield attributing parameters such as number of pods / plants, number of branches/plant, Mung bean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) disease incidence (%), yield (q ha-1) and B:C ratio were recorded. The results revealed that, among the three varieties, Greengram CO 8 was recorded more number of pods (42) and minimum incidence of Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) disease incidence of 3.2 per cent resulting in the highest yield of 9.5 q ha-1 followed by DDG 1 with 34 pods/plant, MYMV disease incidence of 7.3 per cent and yield of 8.4 q ha-1 compared to the existing variety VBN 2, which recorded the lowest number of pods (31 Nos.), yield (7.6 q ha-1) with the highest MYMV disease incidence (12.5%). The highest B:C ratio was recorded in greengram variety CO 8 (2.92) which was followed by DDG 1 (2.58). It was concluded that, farmers of Tirupur district in Tamil Nadu were satisfied with cultivation of greengram CO 8 variety due to the lowest disease incidence, higher yield and Benefit Cost Ratio.

Performance of Tomato Varieties Arka Rakshak and Arka Samrat in Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse and Its Economic Returns

In Bishnupur, Manipur, tomato cultivation can generate a steady income that supports farmers' welfare and livelihood security. Most of the farmers of Bishnupur are under the category of marginal and sub-marginal farmers. Bishnupur's tomato is an important high-value crop with high yield and economic potential. Most farmers in the Bishnupur district of Manipur are growing wide varieties of tomatoes in open fields and a few in low-cost polyhouses. The seeds of two tomato varieties, Arka Rakshak and Arka Samrat, are new varieties in Manipur. A comparison of the yield potential of two tomato varieties and their economic returns, the varietal performance testing was conducted in a naturally ventilated Polyhouse of area 135 m2 at an instructional farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bishnupur district, Manipur, during 2017-18. The adopted package of practices was Seed rate – 3.5g , Spacing- 45cm x 45cm, FYM-400 kg, NPK 4:10:2.5 g/plant. The study revealed that tomato var. Arka Rakshak resulted in a yield of 367 kg with C:B ratio (1:7.8), whereas Arka Samrat could obtain 285 kg with C:B ratio (1:6), which shows that both the two varieties are suitable for polyhouse cultivation. However, the tomato variety Arka Rakshak has superior performance in every parameter than Arka Samrat.

Biomass, carbon stock, CO2 mitigation and carbon credits of coffee-based multitier cropping model in Central India.

The present work was conducted in the forest-based ecosystem of Chhattisgarh in order to assess the varietal performance of coffee varieties along with silver oak in terms of growth, biomass, and carbon dynamics. Five coffee varieties were planted in silver oak shade in a randomized block design with four replications. The aim of the present investigation is to assess the economic and ecological feasibility of forest-based coffee plantations in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. Findings reflect the maximum under-storied plant height in Chandragiri Dwarf (1.85m) which was at par with CxR (1.82m) and San Ramon (1.71m). The maximum above and below-ground carbon stock (48.40 and 12.09Mgha-1, respectively), as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) mitigation (177.63 and 44.41Mgha-1, respectively) from the under-storied coffee plantation, was recorded in CxR. In the upper-storied plantation, the above and below-ground biomass of silver oak recorded the maximum carbon stock (201.24 and 50.31Mgha-1, respectively) and CO2 mitigation (738.54 and 184.63Mgha-1) in S-8 intercropped lines. The highest value of carbon credit was recorded under the coffee variety S-8 and silver oak agroecosystem. The S-8, CxR, and Chandragiri Dwarf varieties performed quite well in terms of the expected value of carbon credit.

Growth and yield performance of hybrid rice varieties under varying zinc levels

Zinc deficiency in soil is currently a widespread problem in Bangladesh that significantly reduces the yield of a variety of crops, including rice. Despite the fact that many farmers started applying zinc fertilizer, many are unaware of the right amount and application technique. For this reason, to determine the impact of variety and zinc treatment on the performance of hybrid rice, a field experiment was carried out between November 2019 and May 2020 at the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University's experimental field in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207. The experiment consisted of two factors as variety (3 types) viz., V1 – BRRI hybrid dhan2, V2 – BRRI hybrid dhan3 and V3 – BRRI hybrid dhan5 and, Zinc management (4 levels) viz., Zn0 – 0 kg ha-1 (control), Zn1 – 2 kg ha-1, Zn2 – 4 kg ha-1 and Zn3 – 6 kg ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (Factorial) with three replications. Data on different growth and yield parameter of rice were recorded and significant variation was found for different treatments. Regarding varietal performance, the maximum panicle number hill-1 (17.10), panicle length (28.03 cm), grain number panicle-1 (109.45), 1000-grain weight (26.50 g), grain yield ha-1 (6.94 t), straw yield ha-1 (8.58 t), biological yield ha-1 (15.51 t) and harvest index (44.62%) were found from the variety BRRI hybrid dhan5. Considering Zn effect, the maximum panicle number hill-1 (16.33), panicle length (27.14 cm), grain number panicle-1 (108.11), 1000-grain weight (25.38 g), grain yield ha-1 (6.81 t), straw yield ha-1 (8.34 t), biological yield ha-1 (15.15 t) and harvest index (44.88%) were found from 6 kg Zn ha-1. In the case of treatment combination of variety and zinc, the maximum panicle number hill-1 (20.17), panicle length (29.45 cm), number of grains panicle-1 (117.74), 1000-seed weight (27.43 g), grain yield (7.80 t ha-1), straw yield (9.20 t ha-1), biological yield (17.00 t ha-1) and harvest index (45.78%) were found from BRRI hybrid dhan5 along with 6 kg Zn ha-1. Therefore, the hybrid rice variety BRRI hybrid dhan5 with a Zn application of 6 kg ha-1 yielded considerably more grain than the other treatment combinations under evaluation.

Yield performance and trait correlation of BARI released sweet potato varieties studied under several districts of Bangladesh

A study was carried out in five sweet potato growing regions of Bangladesh, each characterized by suitable agro-ecologies, in order to demonstrate the most favorable varietal performance and trait correlations. A completely randomized block design with three replications was used to compare the varietal performance of BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute) released sweet potato varieties (viz. BARI Mistialu-9, BARI Mistialu-10, BARI Mistialu-12, BARI Mistialu-15 and BARI Mistialu-17). During the 2021-22 cropping season, sweet potato varieties were tested in five districts of Bangladesh, namely Gazipur, Bogura, Jamalpur, Jashore, and Chattogram. The findings revealed that the BARI Mistialu-12 variety exhibited remarkable attributes, including a high marketable storage root yield of 39.88 t/ha. Additionally, it demonstrated exceptional performance in various yield components such as vine length, average storage root weight, and dry weight of the root. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between several traits and yield, as well as yield-attributing characteristics. This correlation suggests that enhancing these traits could potentially contribute to an overall increase in the storage root yield of sweet potatoes.

PLANTING DATES AFFECTS ON SEED COTTON YIELD AND CONTRIBUTED CHARACTERS OF COTTON ADVANCE LINES UNDER CHANGING CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF TANDOJAM, SINDH PAKISTAN

Cotton crop is an imperative role in Pakistan’s economy. It faces several environmental situations which check its growth and production. Climate changes bring a head new pressure for cotton cultivation in the Pakistan especially in Sindh province. The present study was carried out at Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), Tandojam in 2021. Four advance lines NIA-88, M-32, NIA-Bt. 89 and NIA-Bt.90 along with two local check varieties IUB-2013 and CRIS-121 were evaluated under two planting dates viz. 1st April and 1st May having three replicates under randomized complete block design with factorial arrangements. The data depicted that crop sown on 1st April produced more seed cotton yield (2855.5 kg ha-1) than sown on 1st May with (1674.4 kg ha-1). Comparing the average varietal performance in both sowing dates, NIA-88 produced maximum seed cotton yield (2339.2 kg ha-1) while minimum seed cotton yield (2137.2 kg ha-1) was exhibited by check variety CRIS-121. Boll retention % was maximum (44%) in advance line NIA-88. The maximum number of bolls plant-1 (42.0), sympodial branches plant-1 (26.0), ginning out turn percentage (42.0), seed index (8.1g) and staple length (29.0mm) respectively was obtained in 1st April sowing date while minimum number of bolls plant-1, sympodial branches plant-1, ginning out turn percentage, seed index and staple length (33.0), (15.0), (36.3), (6.0g) and (27.0mm) took in 1st May sown crop. Associating the average varietal performance in both sowing dates NIA-88 produced maximum number of bolls plant-1(44.0), sympodial branches plant-1 (23.0), ginning out turn percentage (40.4), seed index (9.0g) and staple length (29.0mm) respectively. The results indicated that the planting dates and genotypes influenced on seed cotton yield and associated traits in current changing climate scenario for cotton crop.

Performance of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Varieties in Foothills of Nagaland under Irrigated Condition

Background: Linseed, being a short duration crop, can be introduced in rice fallow system in order to derive more benefits. Timely and adequate amount of water to the crop in best possible way helps in optimizing agricultural production. At the same time, the need to meet increasing demand for food will require increased production per unit of water. However, the scope of linseed cultivation is very limited in Nagaland. The farmers of the region are not well-acquainted with linseed cultivation and information on varietal performance of linseeds in Nagaland condition is scanty. Methods: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and consisted of seven linseed varieties viz., JLS-95, RLC-153, LSL-93, T-397, Shekhar, Priyam and Parvati. Result: Among all the varieties, JLS-95 produced higher growth attributes viz., plant height (cm), number of leaves plant-1, number of branches plant-1, plant dry matter (g plant-1), crop growth rate (g m-2 day-1) and yield attributes viz., number of capsules plant-1, seed yield (kg ha-1) and stover yield as well was statistically superior in variety JLS-95 over the other varieties.

Evaluation of cowpea genotypes for resistance to the legume pod borer, Maruca Vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

16 cowpea varieties were screened for resistance to the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata F. under natural infestation in the field. Plants were planted in a randomized complete block design in three replicates; each plot consisted of four rows, 3m long. Spacing was 1.5m between plots and 0.75m between rows. Intra- row spacing was 0.2m.Two weeks prior to planting experimental materials, a susceptible cultivar was planted perpendicular to every range of rows within a plot to serve as a reservoir of the test insect, M.vitrata. Plants were sprayed with Monocrotophos at 200g a.i /ha once at the vegetative stage and at the onset of flower bud initiation and later during podding to control other pests apart from Maruca. Larval density, flower damage, pod damage, seed damage, pod load (a measure of the degree of successful pod production) and Index of pod evaluation (Ipe), calculated as [PL X (9-PD)], (a measure of the varietal performance of the cowpea genotypes) were used to assess resistance in cowpea varieties. Significant variations were observed in the level of resistance among the cowpea genotypes in the field. The findings show that Tvu 4578 is resistant while Tvu 1544, IT97K-499-35, IT93K452-1 and IT90K-76 show promising level of resistance. The probable factor contributing to resistance may be non- preference or host plant resistant factors.