Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth Research Articles

Optimizing Bt Cotton Yields with Canopy Management in Rainfed Environments

Cotton, the ‘White gold’ is an important commercial crop in India and central India in particular. Sustainable yield can be achieved by increasing plant density and canopy management. Hence an experiment was conducted at Cotton Research Station, Nanded, (Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, M.S., India) during kharif 2023 on medium black cotton soil in randomized block design. The field trail was conducted with three replications and seven treatments viz.,T1 : Cotton in HDPS - 90 x 30 cm (37,037 plants ha-1), T2 : HDPS + De-topping at 90 DAS, T3 : HDPS + De-topping at 75 DAS, T4 : HDPS + Pruning of monopodia at square formation stage, T5 : HDPS + Pruning of monopodia at square formation stage and de-topping at 75 DAS, T6 : HDPS + two sprays of Mepiquat chloride @ 25 g a.i. at square formation followed by 15 days and T7: HDPS + Polymulch + pruning of monopodia at square formation stage and de-topping at 75 DAS. The results showed that growing of cotton with polythene mulch along with pruning of monopodia at square formation stage and de-topping at 75 DAS treatment recorded highest plant height (109.80 cm), no. of sympodia plant-1 (16.53), leaf area (58.16 dm2 and 109.99 dm2 at 60 and 90 DAS, respectively), leaf area index at 120 DAS (0.2107), seed cotton yield (2734 kg ha-1) and GMR (` 1,87,767 ha-1) as compared to all other treatments. Seed cotton yield was increased by 48.66 per cent, significantly over HDPS planting (90 x 30 cm spacing). While treatment HDPS + pruning of monopodia at square formation stage and de-topping at 75 DAS recorded highest NMR (` 48,896 ha-1) and HDPS + de-topping at 90 DAS recorded highest B:C ratio (1.60) as compared to all other treatments respectively. Treatment HDPS + poly mulch + pruning of monopodia and de-topping recorded highest labour requirement per hectare (112.8 man days) as well as seed cotton yield per labour unit (24.24 kg). Thus, adoption of canopy management practice viz., poly mulch, monopodia pruning, de-topping or use f PGR can improve seed cotton yield with high density planting in rainfed areas where it is very low.

Characterization and classification of soils of farm, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani by using RS and GIS techniques

Characterization and classification of soils of farm, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani by using RS and GIS techniques

Assessing the Growth and Yield Metrics of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) as Affected by Foliar Nutrient Management

An experiment titled was conducted at the Agriculture Research Station, Badnapur, Maharashtra, under Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani during the kharif season of July 2018-19. The primary objective was to assess the impact of foliar nutrition on the growth, yield, and economic performance of pigeonpea. The study was designed using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten different treatments and three replications, utilizing the BDN-716 variety of Pigeonpea. The total rainfall received during crop season was 437 mm.The findings indicated that applying RDF combined with a 2% solution of DAP and Multimicronutrient at a rate of 2 ml/litre during 50% flowering resulted in the highest plant height (150 cm), number of branches (14.33), functional leaves (96.67), dry matter accumulation (143.33), pod count (73.67), pod weight per plant (52.67 g), seed yield per plant (38.67 kg/ha), 100-seed weight (14 g), and overall seed yield (1650 kg/ha). It also yielded the highest straw yield (4100 kg/ha), biological yield (5750 kg/ha), harvest index (28.69). This was followed closely by the application of RDF with 2% urea and Multimicronutrient spray at 2 ml/litre. RDF (25:50:00 NPK kg/ha) in combination with 2% DAP and multimicronutrient @ 2 ml/litre spray was found to be the best treatment for enhancing overall growth and yield of pigeonpea.

Effect of Micronutrient Seed Treatments on Nutrient Uptake by Bt Cotton in Vertisol

The present investigation was carried out during the year June 2017 to January 2018 at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India to study the effect of nutrient seed treatments on nutrient uptake, quality of Bt cotton and soil nutrient dynamics in vertisol. The field experiment was undertaken in a Randomized Block Design with nine treatments and three replications. The nutrient seed dressing treatments are absolute control, 100% NPK+Zinc Sulphate (ZnSo4), 100% NPK+Zn EDTA, 100% NPK+Borax (B), 100% NPK+Manganese Sulphate (MnSo4), 100% NPK+Sodium Molybdate (NaMo), 100% NPK+Copper Nitrate (CuNo3), 100% NPK+Ferrous Sulphate (FeSo4), 100% NPK+Fe EDTA seed application to Bt cotton. The maximum N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and Mo uptake was recorded in the treatment 100 % NPK+Zn EDTA followed by 100% NPK+Fe EDTA treatment. In case of Mo uptake, the treatment 100 % NPK+Zn EDTA was significantly superior overall treatments except treatment 100% NPK+Fe EDTA and 100% NPK+Sodium Molybdate (NaMo). The minimum N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and Mo uptake was recorded in the treatment Absolute control+100% NPK.

Investigation on the Carry-over Effects of Various Pre- and Post-emergence Herbicides Applied Alone and in Combination to Cotton on Succeeding Chickpea Crop

A field experiment was conducted in kharif and rabi season during 2018-19 and 2019-20 at cotton research scheme farm, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani (M.S) under irrigated condition (drip) and studied the effect of various pre- and post- emergence herbicide treatments used alone or in combination for weed control on cotton and subsequent chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) crop. Without using any weed control techniques, chickpea was grown on the same field after the cotton crop had been harvested. Three replications of the randomized block design were used to evaluate seven different treatments. The crop was significantly affected by all herbicide applications, with the exception of hand weeding at 30, 60, and 90 DAS. From the current study, it can be concluded that crops like chickpeas cannot be grown in a safe order after cotton because using pyrithiobac sodium 62.5 g/ha as PE + quizalopfop ethyl 50 g/ha at 60 DAS as the weed management practice in cotton had a significant impact on growth, yield, and economics.

Analyzing the synergistic impact of UAV-based technology and knapsack sprayer on weed management, yield-contributing traits, and yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for enhanced agricultural operations

Modern agriculture uses agrochemicals to boost crop yield and quality. Using knapsack sprayers, Indian farmers apply herbicides, insecticides, and other chemicals. Herbicides are applied by manually operated knapsack sprayers, which are laborious, uneven, and prone to human mistakes. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a promising agricultural spraying alternative to manual operations. Future agricultural and field scouting technology aids weed management, pest control, and automated irrigation systems. Drone herbicide spraying was compared to traditional and mechanical knapsack sprayers in this study. The study also tested knapsack (manual) and UAV herbicide pre- and post-emergence and spraying on wheat crops. Herbicide application by knapsack and drones was examined for weed control, yield-contributing characters, and wheat yield. The experiments were performed at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth's Department of Agronomy in Parbhani, Maharashtra. A randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments, including drones and knapsack sprayers for weed management in wheat crops with different herbicide application times and repeated hoeings (cultural method), was compared to absolute weed-free, where no weeds were allowed to grow in wheat by frequent weeding and weedy inspection. The experimental field measured 7.2 m x 6 m gross land area and 6.3 m x 5.6 m net land area. When winds were light, the drone was flown at 3 m to avoid herbicide droplets drifting. The study found that unweeded wheat yields dropped 38 % owing to weed insects. The pre-emergence (PE) application using a knapsack sprayer and post-emergence (POE) herbicide application via a drone synergistically resulted in the highest growth and yield for T3, attaining values of 11.02 gm/plant, an average of 284.97 grains/plant, and a per-hectare grain yield of 4256.59 kg/ha. The cultural approach of weed management (T4) reduced yield by 21.2 %; however, treatment T3 improved yield contributing characteristics and losses by just 2.8 %. UAV-based herbicide spraying is a fast and easy method that contributes to achieving sustainable development goal (SDG) 2 for Zero Hunger by promoting sustainable plant protection and crop production.

Influence of Microbial Inoculants and their Consortia on Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Maize Grown on Vertisol

The present field experiment was undertaken at Wheat and Maize Research Unit, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani during Kharif season of 2022. Ten different treatment combinations were used in the experiment which included different microbial inoculants and their consortia ie Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium (Consortia -I), Azospirillum + Frateuria aurantia (Consortia-II), Azospirillum + Thiobacillus thioxidans (Consortia-III), Azospirillum + Pseudomonas strita (Consortia- ⅠⅤ ), Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium + Frateuria aurantia (Consortia-Ⅴ), Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium + Thiobacillus thioxidans (Consortia- ⅤI ), Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium + Pseudomonas strita (Consortia- ⅤII ), and control replicated thrice in RBD (Randomized Block Design). Seed treatment of maize was done with microbial inoculants consortia @ 10 ml kg -1 seed before sowing with recommended dose of fertilizers. Among all the treatments, Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium + Thiobacillus thioxidans (Consortia- ⅤII) noted significantly higher grain and stover yield of maize (8156.00 and 9836.66 kg ha -1 respectively). Furthermore, total uptake of NPK was found significantly higher (395, 99.99 and 170.65 kg ha -1) with consortia VII. Study concludes that recommended dose of fertilizers with microbial consortia helped in improving yield and nutrient content in plants and grain of maize grown in Vertisol.

Effect of organic and inorganic sources on economics of hybrid tea rose cv. Gladiator

The present investigation entitled effect of organic and inorganic sources on economics of Hybrid Tea Rose Cv. Gladiator was conducted at Department of Horticulture, Late Shri Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, M.S., India during the year 2008-2009. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments and three replications. From the data recorded it was found that the highest returns (Rs. 2.12 Lakhs) were obtained with the treatment T3 (50 % RDF +50% Vermicompost). However, the lowest returns were obtained at the treatment T1 (Control) with 0.92 lakhs. From the data of Benefit : Cost ratio, it was found that the treatment T3 (50% RDF + 50% Vermicompost) was found most beneficial among all the treatments and recorded the highest ratio (1:4.27). However, the lowest ratio (1:2.41) was recorded by the treatment T1 (Control).

Genetic diversity analysis in soybean (Glycine max L.)

Using Mahalanobis D2 Statistics, genetic diversity research was carried out on 321 different genotypes of Soybean (Glycine max L.) at All India Coordinated Research Project on Soybean, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra. Total 321 genotypes were classified into ten clusters based on D2 values. Cluster II, cluster VII, cluster VI, cluster V and cluster IX had 74, 15, 9, 3 and 2 genotypes, respectively, whereas, cluster I had the maximum genotypes of 214. One genotype was present in clusters III, IV, VIII and X. Cluster VII (1230.69) had the greatest intra-cluster distance, followed by Cluster VI (1104.13), Cluster II (604.39), Cluster I (478.57), Cluster IX (209.08) and Cluster V (96.3). D2 Values across the clusters ranged from 128.81 to 15699.76.The maximum inter-cluster distance was noticed between cluster X and cluster III (15699.76); followed by cluster X and cluster V (15568.61); cluster X and cluster VI (12020.02) and cluster X and cluster I (11083.56). Plant height (37.1%), number of pod clusters/plant (28.83%), total number of pods/plant (21.48%) and number of nods/plant (5.95%) contributed the most to diversity. Genotypes included in Cluster X & Cluster III; Cluster X & Cluster V and Cluster X & Cluster VI were identified for diverse source in the hybridization programme for identification of desirable transgressive segregants for important Agronomic traits in soybean.

Comparative studies of knapsack, boom, and drone sprayers for weed management in soybean (Glycine max L.)

The study titled, "Comparative Evaluation of Knapsack, Boom, and Drone Sprayers for Weed Management in Soybean (Glycine max L.)" was carried out during the Kharif season 2021-22 at an experimental farm affiliated with the Department of Agronomy, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. The primary objective was to evaluate the comparative efficacy of various sprayers in controlling weeds in soybeans and their work efficiency. The Randomized Block Design (RBD) included ten treatments of pre-emergence (PE) and post-emergence (POE) herbicides applied by knapsack, boom, and drone sprayers. Pendimethalin 30% EC @ 750 g a.i ha−1 was used for pre-emergence herbicide application, and Imazamox 35% EC + Imazethapyr 35% WG @ 70 g a.i ha−1 were used for post-emergence. These treatments were tested on soybean Monocot and Dicot weed count, weed dry weight, weed index, and weed control efficiency. The sprayers were compared for time, water, labor, herbicide, and overall work efficiency. A knapsack sprayer showed the best results for pre- and post-emergence herbicide application, with the lowest weed count, dry weight, control efficiency, and weed index. Boom and drone sprayers followed in effectiveness. Herbicide application was faster with the drone sprayer than with hand weeding, cultural practices, boom sprayer, and knapsack sprayer. Compared to knapsack and boom sprayers, the drone sprayer used less water and labour. Drone sprayers work most efficiently, followed by boom and knapsack sprayers. This study focuses on the prevalence of herbicides and their impact on non-target ecosystems. It aims to develop mitigation strategies by optimizing spraying efficiency and reducing herbicide usage during pre and post emergence. The dissemination of efficient weed management practices that reduce environmental impacts and increase the efficiency of soybean cultivation is consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 15: life on land.

Determination of Crop Coefficient of Okra Crop Using Lysimeter for Semi-arid Climatic Condition of Parbhani, Maharashtra

Water being a limited resource, its judicious and efficient uses for irrigation is important, especially in summer seasons to meet challenges of water scarcity. Summer okra is an important vegetable crop of India, which requires timely irrigation to achieve higher production. Information on crop coefficient (KC) of okra crop is vital for proper irrigation scheduling. A field experiment was conducted using weighing-type lysimeter at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, in Marathwada region (semi-arid climatic condition) of Maharashtra, India, during the summer of 2022. Crop coefficient values for okra crop ranged from 0.61 to 1.41 upto 70 days after dibbling, and then declined to 0.64. The peak value of Kc was 1.41 in the 10th week after dibbling of seeds. The mean value of Kc for initial, development, mid, and late stages were 0.64, 1.07, 1.33, and 0.86, respectively. Estimated Kc values would help in better estimation of irrigation water requirement, proper planning, and utilisation of water resources in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra state.

Determination of Crop Coefficient of Okra Crop Using Lysimeter for Semi-arid Climatic Condition of Parbhani, Maharashtra

Water being a limited resource, its judicious and efficient uses for irrigation is important, especially in summer seasons to meet challenges of water scarcity. Summer okra is an important vegetable crop of India, which requires timely irrigation to achieve higher production. Information on crop coefficient (KC) of okra crop is vital for proper irrigation scheduling. A field experiment was conducted using weighing-type lysimeter at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, in Marathwada region (semi-arid climatic condition) of Maharashtra, India, during the summer of 2022. Crop coefficient values for okra crop ranged from 0.61 to 1.41 upto 70 days after dibbling, and then declined to 0.64. The peak value of Kc was 1.41 in the 10th week after dibbling of seeds. The mean value of Kc for initial, development, mid, and late stages were 0.64, 1.07, 1.33, and 0.86, respectively. Estimated Kc values would help in better estimation of irrigation water requirement, proper planning, and utilisation of water resources in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra state.

Assessing the Impact of Combining Cotton Residue, Tillage and Nutrient Management on Rainfed Bt Cotton Growth in Marathwada Region of Maharashtra, India

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of cotton residue incorporation with conservation tillage and integrated nutrient management practices on Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) at AICRP on Dryland Agriculture farm, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani during kharif 2021-22. Fifteen treatment combinations consisting of three tillage practices (conventional tillage, reduced tillage and zero tillage) and five integrated nutrient management practices (100% RDF (120:60:60 kg NPK ha-1), 100% RDF + cotton residue @ 3 t ha-1 + DM @ 12 kg ha-1, 75% RDF + FYM 6 t ha-1 + cotton residue @ 3 t ha-1 + DM @ 12 kg ha-1, 50% RDF + FYM 12 t ha-1 + cotton residue @ 3 t ha-1 + DM @ 12 kg ha-1 and Control) were evaluated in split plot design with three replications. The highest average growth rates (AGR) for both plant height and dry matter in the context of conventional tillage were observed during specific growth intervals: 61-90 days after sowing (DAS) for plant height (1.352 cm day-1 plant-1) and 91-120 DAS for dry matter (3.327 g day-1 plant-1). Similarly, when considering integrated nutrient management practices, the combination of 100% RDF with cotton residue at 3 t ha-1 and DM at 12 kg ha-1 showed the highest AGR for plant height (1.408 cm day-1 plant-1) during 61-90 DAS and for dry matter (3.293 g day-1 plant-1) during 91-120 DAS. Furthermore, various growth parameters such as CGR, RGR, NAR, and LAI also exhibited their maximum values under both conventional tillage and the mentioned integrated nutrient management practice.

Evaluation of Growth Rates of Bt. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Hybrid NHH-44 as Influenced by High Density Planting and Weed Management Practices under Rainfed Conditions in Marathwada Region of Maharashtra, India

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, AICRP on Integrated Farming Systems, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani (M.S.) during kharif seasons of 2020-21 on to study the “Impact of high density planting and weed management practice on growth and yield of Bt. cotton. (Gossypium hirsutum L.)” Treatment consist of Twelve treatment combinations comprising Three planting densities in main plot that is (S1-120 cm x 45 cm (18518 plants ha-1), S2- 80 cm x 60 cm (20833 plants ha-1) and S3- 90 cm x 45 cm (24691plants ha-1) and four weed management practices that is W1 - Stale seedbed technique + PoE Pyrithiobac Sodium 10% EC @ 62.5 g ha-1 + Quizolfop-ethyl 5% EC @ 50 g ha-1 + Straw mulching, W2 - Stale seed bed technique +PoE Glufosinate ammonium 13.5% SL @ 0.7 kg ha-1 + Hand weeding, W3 - Weed Free and W4 - Weedy Check.
 The mean maximum AGR for plant height were recorded under high density planting 90 cm x 45 cm. Among different growth intervals 61-90 DAS recorded maximum AGR for plant height (1.664 cm day-1 plant-1), while mean maximum AGR for dry matter (2.358 g day-1 plant-1) were recorded between 91-120 DAS under high density planting 120 cm x 45 cm. Among weed management practices, weed free treatment recorded mean maximum AGR for plant height (1.645 cm day-1 plant-1) 61-90 DAS interval, while mean maximum AGR for dry matter (2.441 g day-1 plant-1) were recorded between 91-120 DAS. The mean CGR, RGR and LAI were also maximum under weed free treatment.

Investigation on Effect of Zinc Solubilizing Microorganisms on Microbial Population in Soil of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan] on Vertisol

The present study investigated on the effect of zinc solubilizing microorganisms on microbial population in soil of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan] on vertisol. The field experiment was carried out in experimental field of department of soil science and agricultural chemistry at College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani during kharif season 2018-19 and 2019-20 in factorial randomized block design with 3 replications. The pigeonpea variety BDN-711 was used for study. The studies revealed that, at flowering, pod formation and at harvesting stage significantly the maximum value of soil bacteria were recorded in Pseudomonas striata along with 30 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 treated plots (64.00, 74.00 and 57.90 CFU x 10-7 g-1 of soil) during 2018-19; (76.11, 87.44 and 68.67 CFU x 10-7 g-1 of soil) during 2019-20, respectively. At flowering, pod formation and at harvesting stage significantly the highest fungal population was noticed in treatment receving Trichoderma viride alongwith ZnSO4 30 kg ha-1 (9.67, 8.00 and 8.33 CFU x 10-4 g-1 of soil) during 2018-19; (10.67, 9.78 and 8.89 CFU x 10-4 g-1 of soil) during 2019-20, respectively. Also, at flowering, pod formation and at harvesting stage the actinomycetes population was found to be increased with the application of different zinc solubilizing cultures which ranged from (27.28 to 32.64, 30.45 to 38.83 and 26.86 to 30.47 CFU X 10-5g-1 of soil) during 2018-19; (31.64 to 38.67, 34.67 to 43.61 and 28.36 to 34.81 CFU X 10-5g-1 of soil) during 2019-20.

Effect of Herbicide Combinations on Growth and Yield of Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.)

The present investigation entitled “Effect of Herbicide Combinations on Growth and Yield of Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.)” was carried out during kharif 2019 at College Farm, College of Agriculture, Badnapur, Dist.-Jalna. Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra (India). Randomized Block design was used for study comprised of ten treatments. Among treatments, weed free treatment attributed more number of leaves, maximum plant height, dry matter production and leaf area per plant followed by treatment of topramezone 33.6 % SC @ 25.2 g a.i.ha-1 + atrazine 50 % WP @ 250 g a.i. ha-1. Poor growth attributes were recorded in weedy check. Significantly maximum values of yield attributes were recorded in treatment of topramezone 33.6 % SC @ 25.2 g a.i.ha-1 + atrazine 50 % WP@ 250(g)a.i.ha-1 followed by treatment of tembotrione 42 % SC @ 105 g a.i. ha-1+ atrazine 50% WP @ 250 g a,i. ha-1. Minimum values of yield attributes were attributed in weedy check. Treatment of topramezone + atrazine @ 25.2 + 250 g a.i ha-1 as PoE (T6) found effective in limiting weed growth and recorded lower weed index, weed dry matter with higher weed control efficiency followed by tembotrione +atrazine @105 + 250 (g) a.i.ha-1as PoE (T7) at all growth stages of crop. The benefit cost ratio was highest (2.94) with application of topramezone + atrazine @25.2 + 250 g a.i ha-1 followed by tembotrione + atrazine @ 105 + 250 g a.i. ha-1 as PoE (2.81) whereas weedy check recorded significantly lower B:C ratio(1.50) over other treatments.

Response of Weed Management on Growth, Yield and Yield Attributes of Kharif maize (Zea mays L.)

The present investigation entitled “Weed management in kharif maize (Zeamays L)” was carried out during kharif 2019 at College Farm, College of Agriculture, Badnapur, Dist.- Jalna. Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhnai Maharashtra (India). Randomized Block design used for study which comprises ten treatments. Among treatments, weed free treatment attributed more number of leaves, maximum plant height, dry matter production and leaf area per plant followed by treatment of topramezone 33.6% SC @ 25.2g a.i.ha-1 + atrazine 50% WP @ 250g a.i.ha-1. Poor growth attributes were recorded in weedy check. Significantly maximum values of yield attributes were recorded in treatment of topramezone 33.6 % SC @ 25.2g a.i.ha-1 + atrazine 50% WP @ 250 (g) a.i. ha-1 followed by treatment of tembotrione 42% SC @ 105g a.i.ha-1 + atrazine 50% WP @ 250 g a,i. ha-1. Minimum values of yield attributes were attributed in weedy check. Treatment of topramezone + atrazine @ 25.2 + 250g a.i ha-1 as PoE (T6) found effective in limiting weed growth and recorded lower weed index, weed dry matter with higher weed control efficiency followed by tembotrione + atrazine @ 105 + 250(g) a.i.ha-1 as PoE (T7) at all growth stages of crop. Lower uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium by weeds were recorded in treatment of topramezone + atrazine @ 25.2+ 250g a.i.ha-1 as PoE followed by tembotrione + atrazine @ 105 +250g a.i. ha-1 as PoE. The benefit cost ratio was highest (2.94) with application of topramezone + atrazine @ 25.2 + 250g a.i ha-1 followed by tembotrione + atrazine @ 105 + 250g a.i. ha-1 as PoE (2.81) whereas weedy check recorded significantly lower B:C ratio (1.50) over other treatments.

Effect of physicochemical properties on popping characteristics of selected pearl millet varieties.

Pearl millet, commonly known as 'Bajra', is a nutrigrain, mostly used in pulverized form to make unleavened pancakes, dumplings, porridge, etc., in India. Popping, a traditional method of millet processing, is used in making ready-to-eat snacks. Pearl millet is underutilized in India. The present work aims to study the effect of the parameters of pearl millet such as variety, chemical composition, pericarp thickness, amylose content, and processing temperature on the volume expansion ratio and sensory properties of popped pearl millet. A conventional salt-popping technique was used at three different temperatures (220 °C, 240 °C, and 260 °C) for five pearl millet varieties (ABPC 4-3, AHB 1269, AHB 1666, AIMP 92901, and PPC-6). Parameters such as color, diameter, density, amylose content, pericarp thickness, and proximate composition were analyzed. Popping characteristics such as volume expansion ratio, popping yield, and sensory properties of popped grains were studied. It was observed that pericarp thickness and amylose content were positively correlated with the popping qualities of grains. AIMP 92901 offered more desirable properties such as suitable moisture content (87.5g kg-1 ), lowest equivalent diameter (2.07 mm), highest bulk density (0.84 g cm-3 ), true density (1.41 g cm-3 ), pericarp thickness (30.82 μm), and amylose content (19.75 g kg-1 ) than the other varieties that were studied. Hence, the highest popping yield (72.83%) and expansion ratio (6.15) was observed in the AIMP 92901 pearl millet variety at 260 °C. Conventional salt popping at 260 °C yielded the best popping characteristics. Pearl millet variety AIMP-92 901 developed by VNMKV (Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani), Parbhani was found to have more desirable popping characteristics (in terms of all the parameters explained in results). © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Correlation and path analysis studies in kharif sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) inbred lines

The present investigation was studied in fourteen inbred lines of kharif sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) hybrids. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications at Sorghum Research Station, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani during kharif 2021. Fifteen yield contributing traits were evaluated for correlation and path analysis studies in fourteen genotypes. In present investigation there is existence of higher genotypic correlation when compared to phenotypic correlation that indicates the presence of inherent association among the characters. Significant and positive association was observed between grain yield and its yield contributing traits like stem dry weight, relative water content, SPAD, total chlorophyll content , fodder yield and harvest index at both genotypic and phenotypic level. In this investigation path analysis revealed at both genotypic and phenotypic level for plant height, leaf dry weight, relative water content, SPAD, total chlorophyll content, grain no per panicle, fodder yield and harvest index exhibited positive direct effect on grain yield there by it would play an important role in selection criteria for improving the character grain yield. Among the fourteen genotypes studied inbred lines viz. SPV 2504, CSV 27, CSV 31, CSV 39 and PVK 1025 recorded better performance and these are considered as the superior genotypes.

Performance of IBA and NAA Concentrations for Shoots in Fig (Ficus carica L.) Cv. Dinkar

The experiment on performance of IBA and NAA concentrations for shoots in Fig (Ficus carica L.) cv. Dinkar. was carried out at Central Nursery, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth Parbhani during kharif season in year 2018-19. The objective was to find out suitable concentration of growth regulators for Shoots and success of air layer. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design in Nine treatments with three replications. The treatments were T1 (IBA-2500 ppm), T2 (IBA-5000 ppm), T3 (IBA-7500 ppm), T4 (IBA-10000 ppm), T5 (NAA-2500 ppm), T6 (NAA-5000 ppm), T7 (IBA+NAA-2500+ 2500 ppm), T8 (IBA+NAA-5000+ 5000 ppm) and T9 (Control).
 The treatment T3 (IBA 7500 ppm) also significantly influenced in regards to shoot growth parameters as it recorded minimum number of days required for first sprouting (10.10), length of shoot (6.67, 13.67 and 18.67 cm), number of leaves (6.22, 7.99 and 9.88), number of sprouts (2.87, 4.77 and 6.66), number of shoots (3.54, 5.44 and 7.33), stem girth (2.13, 3.13 and 4.28 cm), seedling height (14.67, 21.68 and 27.66 cm) at 30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting respectively. The treatment T3 (IBA 7500 ppm) also recorded the maximum success percentage (96.33%) and benefit cost ratio (1.81) after 90 days of transplanting.