Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth Research Articles

Study the rainfall variability and impact of El Nino episode on rainfall and crop productivity at Parbhani

The weekly rainfall data for 36 years (1981-2016) recorded at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani were analyzed for mean seasonal, weekly rainfall and also weekly rainfall probabilities. The mean seasonal rainfall was 796 mm, received in 38 rainy days. The seasonal rainfall indicated that there is 53% chance of receiving less than 700 mm with variable intensities and 36% chance of getting more than normal rainfall and 11% chance of seasonal rainfall, in between 700 mm to 800 mm. The mean weekly rainfall during crop season was 45.8 mm with a CV of 116%. Highest mean weekly rainfall was recorded 71.8 mm with SD (95.3) and CV (132.7%) in 30th MW. Sowing of Kharif crops should be undertaken during 24th MW to 27th MW. Significant and positive correlation between yield and rainfall was observed for Soybean, Pigeonpea, Black gram, Green gram and rice. The predictability of productivity of crops using seasonal rainfall is 10-20% variation in productivity for all the crops at the Centre. The El Nino episode was negatively influencing Southwest monsoon and annual rainfall as well as rainfall during the months of July and September. El Nino episodes exhibit more negative influence on productivity of all the crops except rice crop. Among the different categories of El Nino, weak events exerted more negative impact on productivity of short duration crops (i.e., sorghum, soybean and Black gram) as compared to moderate and strong El Nino events.

Effect of different concentrations of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations and cutting size (length and diameter) on root growth of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cuttings

The experiment was carried out during the year 2017-18 at Department of Horticulture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani on pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa. The cuttings were taken from hardwood cuttings arising on trees of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa during the month of July. Experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Designed(FRBD) with 18 treatments and 3 factors which are replicated trice and no. of cuttings per treatment are 40. Result revealed that significantly maximum number of roots, highest length of roots, rooting percentage and weight of roots was recorded with treatment D2i.e. (1.5 cm) and lowest values in D1i.e. (1 cm diameter). Significantly maximum number of roots, highest length of roots, rooting percentage and weight of roots was recorded with treatment L3i.e. (20 cm) and minimum values in L1i.e. (10 cm length) and maximum number of roots, highest length of roots, rooting percentage and weight of roots of pomegranate cutting were recorded with treatment T3i.e. (IBA 5000 ppm) and minimum values were found in T1i.e. (IBA 3000 ppm).

Residual effect of weed control methods on growth parameters of succeeding chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Crop

A field experiment was conducted in kharif and rabi season during 2018-19 and 2019-20 under irrigated condition (drip) at cotton research scheme farm, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani (M.S) to study the residual effect of weed control methods on growth parameters on succeeding chickpea crop. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatments in three replications. After harvesting of Cotton, Chickpea was sown on the same field without practicing any weed control methods in field. It revealed that weed free treatment recorded the maximum plant height (39.4 cm and 43.0 cm), mean leaf area (20.2 dm2 and 10.4 dm2) and dry weight plant-1 (19.2 g and 18.7 g). Among herbicides treatment POE pyrithiobac sodium @ 62.5 g ai/ha + quizalofopethyl @ 50 g ai/ha at 30 DAS followed by one hand weeding at 60 DAS recorded the maximum plant height (cm), mean leaf area (dm2) and dry weight plant-1 during both the years of study.

Multivariate Analysis using D2 and Principal Component Analysis in Mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] for Study of Genetic Diversity

Background: Seventy breeding lines of mung bean were evaluated for 20 different characters and mean values were worked for genetic diversity by Mahalanobis D2 statistic. Methods: The experiments included 70 mung bean breeding lines which were collected from Plant Breeding Unit, Agricultural Research Station, Badnapur. They were grown during Kharif 2016 at experimental research farm Badnapur of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. The data were recorded for 20 different characters on 10 randomly selected plants. The statistical analysis were done by Mahalanobis D2 statistics.Result: The results of D2 analysis indicated the presence of considerable genetic divergence among these breeding lines. In the present study, inter-cluster distances were worked out considering 20 characters and these distances ranged from 240.96 (between cluster V and cluster VII) to 1080.72 (between cluster V and cluster VIII). The inter-specific derivatives were grouped into eight clusters. The maximum inter-cluster distance was between cluster V and cluster VIII. The maximum inter-cluster distance was between cluster V and cluster VIII (1080.72), followed by cluster II and cluster III (932.25), cluster IV and cluster VIII (910.11), cluster VII and cluster VIII (738.30), cluster I and cluster VIII (732.61), cluster VI and cluster V (660.49) and cluster II and cluster VI (494.93). This suggested that there is wide genetic diversity between these clusters. Based on these studies, crosses can be made between breeding lines of these clusters to obtain desirable results either in transgressive breeding or in heterosis breeding. Cluster VIII and cluster IV showed high mean values for most of the yield contributing traits like100-seed weight, shelling %, harvest index, pod length, primary branches per plant, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, leaf width and days to shattering. So the lines from cluster IV and cluster VIII can be used for mung bean yield improvement programme.

Effect of tillage and crop residue management practices on yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under conservation agriculture

A field experiment was conducted at Experiment farm of Agronomy Department, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, during season rabi-2019, to study the effect of tillage and crop residue management practices on yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum l.) under conservation agriculture. The experimental plot was laid out in split plot design of fifteen treatment combinations replicated thrice. Where in main plot consist of three tillage practices viz., Zero tillage (T1), Reduced tillage (T2) and Conventional tillage (T3) and sub plot to five crop residue management practices viz., crop residue @ 2.5t/ha (R1), crop residue @ 5t/ha (R2), crop residue @ 2.5t/ha + consortia @ 5kg/ha (R3), crop residue @ 5t/ha + consortia @ 5kg/ha (R4) and without crop residue (R5).The study of experiment showed that reduced tillage and crop residue application @ 5t/ha + consortia @ 5kg/ha was found significantly higher grain yield. Gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were recorded highest with reduced tillage and crop residue application @ 5t/ha + consortia @ 5kg/ha. Each increment of tillage and crop residue application correspondingly improved yield as well asgross returns, net returns and B:C ratio of wheat.

Effect of biofertilizer, liquid organic manures along with inorganic fertilizers on economic yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

An experiment was conducted at Department of Horticulture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, during kharif 2019 to study the effect of biofertilizer, liquid organic manures viz., Panchagavya, Vermiwash, Jeevamrit and Cow urine on economic yield of okra in the open field condition. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with fifteen treatments replicated twice by using the variety Parbhani Kranti. The various types of liquid organic solutions prepared from plant and animal origin are effective in promotion of growth and increasing yield in okra. Different concentration of liquid organic manures like Panchagavya (500 lit/ha), Vermiwash (100 lit/ha) and Cow urine (100 lit/ha) were given at 15, 45 and 75 DAS through foliar spray and Jeevamrit (500 lit/ha) and biofertilizer like Azospirillium (2.5 lit/ha) was applied through drenching at 15, 45 and 75 DAS along with Recommended dose of fertilizers (N:P:K::100:50:50]. The observations on yield parameters were recorded during the investigation. On the basis of observations recorded, the result of the present investigation revealed that, combined application of different organic liquid manures along with recommended dose of fertilizer has significant effect on economic yield of okra as compared to RDF alone. The yield parameter like weight of fruit (14.15 g), length of fruit (12.97 cm), diameter of fruit (14.81 mm), number of fruit per plant (20.73), fruit yield per plant (293.32 g) and fruit yield per ha (162.95 q/ha) were significantly superior in the treatment T14 [RDF + Jeevamrit + Vermiwash + Panchagavya] and it was found to be significantly superior over other treatments and gives best results as compared to Control (100:50:50 N:P:K kg/ha).

Influence of different mulches and irrigation levels on water use efficiency, weed biomass and productivity of drip irrigated tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.)

The field experiment was conducted at the research farm of AICRP on Irrigation Water Management, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani to study the influence of different mulches and irrigation levels on water use efficiency, weed biomass and productivity of drip irrigated tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) during rabi season of 2016-17 and 2017-18. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design replicated thrice with twelve treatments combination comprising of three irrigation regimes viz. irrigation level at 0.6 PE (I1), irrigation level at 0.8 PE (I2) and irrigation level at 1.0 PE (I3) in main plot and four polythene mulch treatments viz. black polythene mulch (M1), silver black polythene mulch (M2), transparent polythene mulch (M3) and control (M4) in sub plot. The results revealed that the application of drip irrigation at 0.6 PE and silver black polythene mulch recorded higher water use efficiency due to lower consumption of irrigation water. Use of silver black polythene mulch or black polythene mulch with drip irrigation at 0.6 PE inhibited weed growth throughout growing period of tomato. The treatment combination of drip irrigation level at 0.8 PE with silver black polythene mulch (I2M2) recorded higher yield attributes along with higher fruit yield of tomato over rest of the treatment combination, however it was comparable with treatment combination of irrigation level at 0.8 PE with black polythene mulch (I2M1) and irrigation level at 0.6 PE with silver black polythene mulch (I1M2).

Management of pomegranate fruit borer, Deudorix isocrate F. under Marathwada condition

The field experiment on management of pomegranate fruit borer, Deudorix isocrate conducted during Hasta bahar 2016 and 2017 on number and weight basis at the Pomology Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani (Maharashtra). The results revealed that all the treatments were superior over control in minimizing infestation of fruit borer. The lowest % fruit infestation on number and weight basis was observed in spinosad 45 SC @ 73 g a.i./ha, chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 30 g a.i./ha and flubendamide 39.35 SC which were statistically superior over other treatments. Next superior treatments were cyantraniliprole 10.26 OD @ 75 g a.i./ha and emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 11 g a.i./ha. Maximum fruit infestation was recorded in untreated control.

Tillage and crop residue management practices effect on soil physical properties under conservation agriculture in wheat

A field experiment was conducted during season rabi-2019, at Department of Agronomy, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, during season, to study the effect of tillage and crop residue management practices on soil physical properties under conservation agriculture in wheat. The experimental plot was laid out in split plot design of fifteen treatment combinations replicated thrice. Where in main plot consist of three tillage practices viz., Zero tillage (T1), Reduced tillage (T2) and Conventional tillage (T3) and sub plot to five crop residue management practices viz., crop residue @ 2.5 t/ha (R1), crop residue @ 5t/ha (R2), crop residue @ 2.5t/ha + consortia @ 5kg/ha (R3), crop residue @ 5t/ha + consortia @ 5kg/ha (R4) and without crop residue (R5). Proper tillage and crop residue application management can conserve more soil moisture and improve bulk density of soil was noted. The study of experiment revealed that reduced tillage and crop residue application @ 5t/ha + consortia @ 5kg/ha was found highest soil moisture content over the rest of treatments. In case of bulk density, the maximum improvement in soil bulk density was recorded with conventional tillage (1.20 Mg m-3) and crop residue application @ 5t/ha + consortia @ 5kg/ha (1.23 Mg m-3).

Enzyme activity and soil biological properties influenced by application of different nutrient sources in onion under vertisols of Maharashtra

Field experiment was conducted in Rabi season of 2016-17 at Research Farm of at AICRP on Integrated farming System. Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani entitled “Enzyme activity and Soil Biological Properties influenced by application of Different Nutrient sources in Onion under Vertisols of Maharashtra”. The experiment was laid out on Vertisols with eight treatment combination, replicated three times in randomized block design. The treatment consists of T1- (50% recommended NPK + 50% N through FYM + Inorganic sources of micronutrient as per soil test), T2- (Different organic sources each equivalent to 1/3 recommended N (FYM + Vermi-compost + non edible oil cake), T3- (T2 + Intercropping of trap crop), T4- (T2 + Agronomic practices for weed and pest control (No chemical, pesticide and herbicide), T5- (50% N as FYM + Bio-fertilizer for N + Rock phosphate to substitute the P requirement of crops + Phosphate solubilizing bacterial culture), T6- (T2 + bio-fertilizer containing N and P carriers), T7- (100% NPK + Secondary and micronutrient based on soil test (ZnSO4 10 kg + S 25 kg), T8- (Absolute control). The results reneged out from the experiment field stated that the maximum population of bacteria 348.33 x 107 cfu g -1 soil, fungi 20.00 x 104 cfu g-1 soil and Actinomycetes 105.33 x 105 cfu g-1 soil was recorded by treatments T6- (T2 + bio-fertilizer containing N and P carriers), than all other treatments. The dehydrogenase enzyme activity 343.33 µg TPF 24 h-1 g-1 soil and microbial biomass carbon 345.66 µg g-1 soil was recorded by treatments T1- (50% recommended NPK + 50% N through FYM + inorganic sources of micronutrient as per soil test) at harvest of onion crop. The onion yield was recorded maximum by application of treatment T6, T2 and biofertiilizers enter N and P carries.

PA 740: High yielding, superior fibre quality Desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum) variety for South zone of India

The varietal development programme of desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum) undertaken at Cotton Research Station, Maheboob Baugh Farm, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani has resulted into development and release of desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum) variety PA 740 for South zone of India. Pedigree method of breeding was used for development of Desi cotton variety PA 740. The variety PA 740 has recorded mean seed cotton yield of 13.63 Q/ha as against 13.67 Q/ha and 13.50 Q/ha of zonal and local checks, respectively. Similarly, in ‘on farm trials’, the variety has recorded 17.81% increased seed cotton yield over check variety PA 402. The proposed variety is tolerant to Bacterial blight and Alternaria leaf spot. The variety is found tolerant to sucking pests. The test variety has recorded mean fibre length of 27.86 mm, fibre strength of 25.06 g/tex and micronaire of 5.06. Newly developed variety PA 740 had given consistent performance for seed cotton yield across South Zone under rainfed condition. The variety PA 740 has long staple length, high fibre strength and acceptable micronaire and will meet the requirement of the modern textile industries. Release of such a high yielding stable variety with desirable fibre qualities will help to improve cotton productivity and income of rainfed farmers.

Studies on effect of weather parameters on green gram (Vigna radiate L.) varieties under different sowing dates

The experiment was conducted on experimental farm at Department of Agricultural Meteorology, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, during Kharif season 2017 entitled “Influence of weather parameters on growth and yield of different genotypes of green gram (vigna radiata. L) under different sowing dates” to study the relationship between meteorological parameters and different sowing dates and its impact on yield of different genotypes green gram. The experiment was conducted in Spilt plot design with three replications. Treatments comprised of four sowing dates in main plot D1 24th MW, D2 26th MW, D3 28th MW and D4 30th MW with four varieties in sub plot viz. Vaibhav, BM-4, BM-2002-1 and BM-2003-2. The results obtained from the experiment revealed that all the biometric observations plant height, number of functional leaves, number of branches, dry matter, number of pods, pod length, number of seeds pod-1 in kharif green gram were significantly highest in D1 24th MW (16th June) followed by D2 26th MW (30th June), D3 28th (14th July) and D4 30th MW (28th July) respectively. The green gram variety BM-2003-2 was found to be highly productive as compared to Vaibhav, BM-4, and BM-2002-1.

Studies on relationship between crop growth and yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under different weather conditions

An experiment was conducted on experimental farm Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, during kharif season 2017, entitled “Studies on relationship between crop growth, yield and physical environment within the crop canopy of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under different weather conditions”. An experiment was conducted in randomize block design with six replications. Treatment under study were four sowing dates in kharif season i.e. D1 (23rd MW), D2 (25th MW), D3 (27th MW) and D4 (29th MW), and one variety AKT-64. The results found that all the biometric observations (plant height, No. of leaves, No. of branches and dry matter, days to 50% flowering and days to capsule formation, yield contributing characters such as total number of capsules plant-1, seed yield (kg/ ha-1), straw yield (kg/ ha-1) and biological yield (kg/ ha-1),) were significantly highest yield in sown in D2 (25th MW) followed by D1 (23rd MW).Sowing at D2 (25th MW) found superior over the rest of treatments with production of highest grain yield (440.8 kg /ha-1) followed by sowing in first sowing date D1 (23rd MW) (386.3 kg/ ha-1), third sowing date D3 (27th MW) (317.8 kg/ ha-1) and lowest grain yield was observed in fourth sowing D4 (29th MW) (237.2 kg/ ha-1).

Bio-Efficacy of Milastin-K (Bacillus subtilis KTSB 1015 1.5% A.S.) as a Potential Bio-Control Agent for Management of Bacterial Blight (Xanthomonas axonopodis) and Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) Diseases in Pomegranate

Field bio-efficacy study was conducted during 2018-19 for evaluation of Milastin-K (Bacillus subtilis KTSB 1015 1.5% A.S.) for control of bacterial blight (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae) and anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) on leaves, fruit and yield of pomegranate. The trial was conducted during Late Hasta Bahar at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. The trial was conducted in RBD with three replications and twelve treatments. Results compiled revealed that Milastin-K@ 2.0 ml/L each by spraying + soil drenching monthly at root zone recorded less bacterial blight disease severity (22.75 PDI each) on leaves and fruits with 61.20% and 54.16% disease control over untreated control (58.63 PDI and 49.63 PDI) respectively. Similarly, the same treatment recorded less PDI on leaves (36.81) and fruits (16.59) as compared to control (63.82 and 30.41) respectively with 43.56% and 45.45% disease control respectively for control of anthracnose disease on leaves and fruits giving 15.21 T/ha yield as compared to POP (11.71 T/ha) which is 29.88% more than POP treatment. Similarly, there was no phytotoxicity in terms of leaf chlorosis, wilting, vein clearing, leaf tip burning, leaf necrosis and leaf epinasty.

Effect of soil and foliar feeding of nutrients through organic and inorganic sources on yield and quality of sweet orange (Citrus Sinensis L. Osbeck)

A field experiment was conducted during 2014-15 at Water management farm, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani on 10 year old sweet orange orchard to assess the effect of soil and foliar feeding of nutrient application through organic and inorganic sources on yield and quality of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. osbeck). The study indicates that treatment T12 with application of NPK in 8 splits with drip irrigation + vermicompost @ 3 tonne ha-1 and biofertilizers i.e Azotobacter and PSB @ 2000 ml per ha and trichoderma @ 1 kg ha-1 + 8 spraying of Zn (0.5%), Fe (0.5%) and B (0.2%) found to be most effective to producing number of fruits, weight of fruits, and yield and fruit quality parameters like ascorbic acid, TSS, acidity and total sugar percentage.

Effect of zinc mobilizing microbial cultures and zinc levels enhancing yield and enzymatic activity in soybean grown on Vertisol

Field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2017 at Research Farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani on zinc deficient Vertisol to study the zinc solubilization potential of different microorganisms in soybean crop. The experiment consist of sixteen treatment in which four laboratory pre-evaluated zinc solubilizing microbial cultures (Control, Pseudomona strita, Bacillus megaterium, and Trichoderma viride) and four graded doses of ZnSo4 (0,10,20,30, kg ha-1) were used in the factorial randomized block design. The results emerged out indicated significant increase in yield and enzymatic activity of soybean grown soil was improved in the plots treated with pseudomon strita along with 30 kg ZnSo4 ha-1and was found as the best combination in overall improvement of yield and enzymatic activity of soybean grown soil.

Effect of chemical mutagens on growth and flowering of chrysanthemum varieties in VM1 generation

A field experiment was carried out at Department of Horticulture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth Parbhani. (Maharashtra) during kharif season of the year 2017-2018. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomised Block Design with thirty treatment combinations. The treatments comprised of two factors i.e. factor A and factor B. Factor A consist of 3 varieties (V1-Raja Pandharpuri,V2- Brown and V3-Shinaton) and factor B consist of 10 levels of chemical mutagen (colchicine T1 -0.01%, T2 -0.02%, T3 -0.03%, T4 - Ethylmethanesulphonate (EMS) 0.01%, T5 -0.05%, T6 -0.1%, T7 -0.5%, T8 -1.0%, T9 -1.5%,T10 – Control) in Chrysanthemum. The different treatments to rooted cuttings of chrysanthemum varieties with colchcine and EMS had significantly influenced the vegetative and flowering characters and also create the variability. Significant reduction occurs in both colchicine and EMS treated seedlings of chrysanthemum varieties in terms of plant height, branches plant-1, plant spread, Diameter of main stem and Number of leaves plant-1 Whereas leaf area and Petiole length was increased due to the colchicines and decreased due to EMS treated population of chrysanthemum varieties over control. The higher dose of colchicine and EMS delayed the flower bud initiation, flower opening and 50% flowering.

Effect of different organic formulations on growth and yield of soybean

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season 2017 to Study the effect of organic formulations on growth, yield and soil nutrient dynamics in soybean at experimental farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. The experiment was laid out with twelve treatments replicated three times in randomized block design. The treatment consisted of T1- RDF (100% NPK through fertilizer), T2- Panchagavya only, T3 -Jeevamruth only, T4-Beejamruth only, T5-Panchgavya + Beejamruth, T6- Beejamruth + Jeevamruth, T7 - Panchgavya + Jeevamruth, T8 -RDF + Beejamruth + Panchgavya, T9 - RDF + Beejamruth + Jeevamruth, T10 - RDF+ Beejamruth + Jeevamruth+ Panchgavya, T11 - Beejamruth + Jeevamruth+ Panchgavya and T12 - 100% N through FYM. The growth and yield attribute like plant height, leaf area, number of nodules per plant, seed yield and straw yield were significantly improved by application of RDF+ Beejamruth + Jeevamruth+ Panchgavya.

Yield and quality of chrysanthemum varieties as influenced by chemical mutagens in VM1 generation

An experiment entitled “Yield and quality of chrysanthemum varieties as influenced by chemical mutagens in VM1 generation” was carried out at Department of Horticulture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth Parbhani. (Maharashtra) during kharif season of the year 2017-2018. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomised Block Design with thirty treatment combinations. The treatments comprised of two factors i.e. factor A and factor B. Factor A consist of 3 varieties (V1-Raja Pandharpuri, V2- Brown and V3-Shinaton) and factor B consist of 10 levels of chemical mutagen (colchicine T1 -0.01%, T2 -0.02%, T3 -0.03%, T4 - Ethylmethanesulphonate (EMS) 0.01%, T5 -0.05%, T6 -0.1%, T7 -0.5%, T8 -1.0%, T9 -1.5%, T10 – Control) in Chrysanthemum. The different treatments to rooted cuttings of chrysanthemum varieties with colchcine and EMS had significantly influenced the yield and quality characters and also create the variability. Significant reduction occurs in both colchicine and EMS treated seedlings of chrysanthemum varieties in terms of number of flowers plant-1, yield of flowers plant-1, number of ray florets flower-1, peduncle length, peduncle diameter, vase life of cut flowers, Whereas weight of single flower and diameter of flower was increased due to the colchicines and decreased due to EMS treated population of chrysanthemum varieties over control.

Effect on nutrient management on storage study in papaya (<em>Carica papaya</em> L.)

The experiment was conducted during 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 at Department of Horticulture, college of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications. Farm yard manure (10 kg/pit) was applied as basal dose as per recommendation. In all, ten treatment combinations involving different level of recommended dose and time of application, T1: 100% RDF through straight Fertilizer at once, T2: 80% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at monthly interval, T3: 70% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at monthly interval, T4: 60% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at monthly interval, T5: 80% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at bimonthly interval, T6: 70% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at bimonthly interval, T7: 60% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at bimonthly interval, T8: 80% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at trimonthly interval, T9: 70% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at trimonthly interval, T10: 60% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at trimonthly interval. The storage parameters like physiological loss in weight (%) was minimum and fruit firmness (kg/cm2), total sugar (%), TSS (%) and shelf life were maximum in plant treated with 80% RDF through water soluble fertilizer at monthly interval (T2).