Yield Related Attributes Research Articles

Metarhizium anisopliae seed priming alleviates drought-induced oxidative stress and improves growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Increasing crop resilience to drought stress through microorganisms is a sustainable approach. This study evaluated the efficacy of the endophytic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae MetA1 (MA) for improving drought tolerance of barley by analyzing various morphological, physiological, biochemical, and yield factors. Barley grains were treated with MA (1 × 108 spore/ml) and a pot experiment was conducted with three high-yielding barley genotypes: BARI Barley-10, BARI Barley-6, and BARI Barley-9 under three drought conditions: no drought (100% field capacity, FC), moderate drought (50% FC), and severe drought (25% FC). Under drought conditions, MA priming significantly enhanced shoot and root biomass, leaf characteristics, photosynthetic pigment content, and activities of various antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, glyoxalase-I, and glyoxalase-II in all barley genotypes. Furthermore, there was an observed increase in the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbate and glutathione. MA treatment also led to a significant reduction in stress markers like methylglyoxal, malondialdehyde, lipoxygenase, hydrogen peroxide, and calcium influx along with an increase in proline and potassium content in barley leaves in stressed conditions. Crop growth and yield related attributes in barley were improved, which is evidence of better physiological and biochemical changes under both stress and non-stressed conditions. As such, the study provides evidence suggesting that MA-mediated seed priming is an effective strategy for improving drought tolerance not only in barley but also possibly other crops.

Improving maize yield and drought tolerance in field conditions through activated biochar application

Amidst depleting water resources, rising crop water needs, changing climates, and soil fertility decline from inorganic modifications of soil, the need for sustainable agricultural solutions has been more pressing. The experimental work aimed to inspect the potential of organically activated biochar in improving soil physicochemical and nutrient status as well as improving biochemical and physiological processes, and optimizing yield-related attributes under optimal and deficit irrigation conditions. Biochar enhances soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, while improving plant nutrient uptake and drought resilience. The field experiment with maize crop was conducted in Hardaas Pur (32°38.37’N, 74°9.00’E), Gujrat, Pakistan. The experiment involved the use of DK-9108, DK-6321, and Sarhaab maize hybrid seeds, with five moisture levels of evapotranspiration (100% ETC, 80% ETC, 70% ETC, 60% ETC, and 50% ETC) maintained throughout the crop seasons. Furthermore, activated biochar was applied at three levels: 0 tons/ha (no biochar), 5 tons per hectare, and 10 tons per hectare. The study’s findings revealed significant improvements in soil organic matter, bulk density, nutrient profile and total porosity with biochar supplementation in soil. Maize plants grown under lower levels of ETC in biochar supplemented soil had enhanced membrane stability index (1.6 times higher) increased protein content (1.4 times higher), reduced malondialdehyde levels (0.7 times lower), improved antioxidant enzyme activity (1.3 times more SOD and POD activity, and 1.2 times more CAT activity), improved relative growth (1.05 times more) and enhanced yield parameters (26% more grain and stover yield, 16% more 1000-seed weight, 29% more total seed weight, 33% more apparent water productivity) than control. Additionally, among the two biochar application levels tested, the 5 tons/ha dose demonstrated superior efficiency compared to the 10 tons/ha biochar dose.

Effects of Different Levels of Irrigations on Yield and Yield Contributing Characters of Wheat at Bangladesh Condition

A field experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Agricultural University's Department of Soil Science research site to investigate the impact of varying irrigation regimes on the growth, yield, and yield-related attributes of the wheat cultivar BARI Gom 21 (Shatabdi). The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiments consisted of 6 treatments designated as T0 = control or no irrigation, T1 = 1/ crown root initiation (CRI), T2 = 2/CRI+ tillering, T3 = 3/ CRI+ tillering + booting, T4 = 4/ CRI+ tillering + booting + earing, T5 = 5/ CRI+ tillering + booting + earing + milking number of irrigations at different growth stages. All irrigation treatments were shallow, with a depth of 2 cm. We applied irrigation treatments five times during the crown root initiation (CRI), tillering, booting, earing, and milking. We applied all irrigation treatments in chronological order based on the numbers. Treatment T5 (5 number of irrigations) exhibited superior performance across all measured agronomic traits. It significantly outperformed other treatments in terms of the highest plant height (90.80 cm), effective tillers number hill-1 (5.20), spike length (12.40 cm), grains number spike-1 (41.03), grain yield (4.067 t ha-1), 1000-grain weight (55.11 g), straw yield (5.067 t ha-1), and yield plot-1(9.133 t ha-1). In all cases, the non-irrigated or control treatment gave the lowest result. Ultimately, the experiment suggests that five times application of irrigation showed superior results compared to other treatments for successful wheat production.

Ampelographic Diversity Assessment of Local Grape Genotype Grown in India

Grapevine is well adapted to the agro climatic conditions of India, which makes it one of the major element of the Indian horticulture. However, there has been limited focus on assessing grapevine germplasm, and genetic resources have previously remained underutilized despite their potential for adapting to environmental changes. This study aims to evaluate the diversity of local (developed in India) grapevine accessions growing in different regions in India. A total of 20 local varieties were evaluated using 14 fruit traits previously developed by DUS. An important variability was revealed among the local varieties studied based on fruit characteristics. The most discriminant traits were bunch weight, berry diameter, bunch length, berry weight, berry shape, seed number per berry. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed three main clusters, each regrouping accessions of different named varieties. Mean values of cluster for various yield parameters revealed that cluster I possessed maximum value for yield related attributes. Maximum bunch weight was observed in Manjari Medika (270.0g) followed by Pusa Seedless (243.1 g), Arka Shyam (213.5 g) while higher 50 berry weight (201.0 g) and berry diameter (20.30 mm) in Arka Majestic genotype. Arka Majestic and Manjari Medika showed better quality traits. Our results indicate a potential of morphological diversity within the local genotypes that should be further investigated in order to understand their performance and to evaluate them in selection programs.

Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers Applications for Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum </i>L.) Production Under Irrigation in the Fogera District, Northwest Ethiopia

Small-scale tomato production under irrigation is a common practice in the Fogera area of the Amhara Region in Northwest Ethiopia. However, there were no location-specific economic optimum N and P fertilizer recommendations for tomato production in the area. Therefore, a field study was conducted in 2020 and 2021 to investigate the response of tomato to N and P fertilizer applications and determine the economic return of N and P fertilizers applications. Four levels of N (0, 46, 92, and 138 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>) and three levels of P (0, 46, and 92 kg P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> ha<sup>-1</sup>) were factorially combined and laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that tomato yield and yield-related attributes were significantly (p<0.01) affected by the main effects of N. However, the main effect of P and its interaction with N did not considerably influence the yield and yield-related parameters. The highest marketable (39.3 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) and total fruit yields (46.2 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) of tomato were recorded from the application of 138 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>. The highest net economic return of Ethiopian birr 185,538.50 with a marginal rate return of 1326.1% was recorded from the application of 138 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>. Therefore, 138 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> N can be recommended to increase the yield and economic return of tomato production in Fogera area. However, as the yield response to N followed a linear response curve, further study with higher rates of N than those considered in the present study is recommended.

Evaluation of Transplanted Aman Rice by Exploiting and Adjusting Existing Technologies

Varietal differences are a common occurrence in rice cultivation across Bangladesh. Moreover, the application of appropriate management practices (MP) is essential for optimal rice production. Against this backdrop, a study was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory (AFL) of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, during the aman season from July to December 2023. The aim was to assess the impact of different varieties and MP on the yield and other related attributes of Transplanted Aman (T. aman) rice. The study featured five rice varieties: BR11, BRRI dhan49, BRRI dhan52, BRRI dhan75, and BRRI dhan87 and two MP, namely Farmers’ Practices (FP) and Improved Practices (IP). The experimental design was a split plot, with MP as the main plots and varieties as the subplots, replicated three times. The findings indicated that both the variety of rice and the MP significantly influenced the yield and yield-related traits. Specifically, the variety BRRI dhan87 showed superior performance, yielding the highest plant height (PH) (116.87 cm), panicle length (PL) (25.33 cm), number of effective tillers (NET) hiil-1 (10.33), number of grains panicle-1 (NGP) (129.04), 1000 grain weight (TGW) (26.03 g), Biological yield (BY) (11.88 t ha-1), grain yield (GY) (5.69 t ha-1), Harvest index (HI) (47.81%). Under the MP, the IP recorded the highest NET hiil-1 (10.47), NGP (119.35), and GY (5.48 t ha-1), showing a 13.14% increase in GY over the FP. The combination of BRRI dhan87 and IP achieved the highest GY (6.31 t ha-1). The study concludes that the highest GY of T. aman rice can be achieved by cultivating BRRI dhan87 with IP, although further trials at various locations are recommended before drawing final conclusions.

The Effect of Growth Retardants on Reprodutive Efficiency and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment was carried out during Kharif, 2023 at dryland farm of S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati campus of Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications and two genotypes as main factor (G1- Dharani, G2- K-6), growth retardants as sub factor. The current experiment was conducted with an objective to study the impact of growth retardants on reduction of plant stature thereby enhancing the reproductive and assimilates partitioning efficiency along with yield. This article discusses various yield and reproductive efficiency related attributes of groundnut as influenced by growth retardants. The experimental results revealed that, the T5 (PBZ @ 250 ppm at 45 DAS) reported Maximum number of pegs per plant (58.50), number of pods per plant (28.89), shelling % (70.39) and harvest index (32.52 %). Among the two genotypes studied, G1 (Dharani) demonstrated more number of flowers (73), number of pegs per plant (50), number of pods per plant (26), shelling % (69) and harvest index (32 %).

Variations in physiological and yield-related attributes of safflower (carthamus tinctorius L.) varieties grown under irrigated and rainfed environments

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a multipurpose crop and can be grown successfully under moisture-deficit environments. This study assessed the physiological attributes and yield-related traits of two safflower varieties (Dinçer and Balcı) under rainfed and irrigated environments during 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. Data relating to physiological and yield-related traits, and soil enzymes were collected. Soil attributes, nutrient acquisition, and yield-related traits were significantly altered by the interactive effect of varieties and growing environments. Higher nitrate (NO3 -) accumulation (279.92 and 300 mg N g DW) was recorded in Balcı variety than Dinçer under rainfed conditions. Higher grain yield was recorded under irrigated conditions compared to rainfed environments. Balcı variety produced 2724 and 2464 kg/ha grain yield, whereas Dinçer resulted in 2664 and 2565 kg/ha under irrigated conditions during 1st and 2nd year, respectively. Nevertheless, Balcı produced a higher yield than Dinçer under rainfed conditions. The results indicate that irrigation is crucial for safflower in arid and semi-arid regions. Similarly, Dinçer variety is advantageous under rainfed conditions, whereas the Balcı variety may be more beneficial in irrigated areas.

Genetic diversity in pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica) genotypes for fruit yield and quality traits under eastern plateau and hill region

The experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–2023 at ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Farming System Research Centre for Hill and Plateau Region, Plandu, Ranchi, Jharkhand focused on assessing the genetic diversity for fruit yield and quality parameters among 46 unique pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) genotypes. The data collected underwent thorough statistical analyses, encompassing genetic variability, analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation coefficients, path analysis, exploration of genetic divergence and biochemical characterization. The ANOVA results revealed significant variations across the selected genotypes in terms of fruit yield and quality traits. Key attributes, such as the number of fruits/plant, harvest frequency, pulp seed ratio and total phenol content, displayed significant positive correlations with total fruit yield. The noteworthy was the positive direct effect of pulp weight on total fruit yield indicated by a coefficient of 0.99. Further, this study identified total fruit yield as the primary contributor to the observed genetic diversity. Cluster analysis results in to the grouping of 46 genotypes into 12 distinct clusters based on D2 values. The study highlighted significant variability among pointed gourd genotypes, suggesting ample opportunities for selection-based improvement. Selection based on characteristics such as the number of fruits per plant, pulp weight and pulp seed ratio is expected to enhance yield potential. Identified genotypes, such as Swarna Alaukik, HAP-79, HAP-70 (for yield-related attributes) and HAP-106 (for quality traits), emerged as promising which hold potential for future breeding initiatives and are recommended for cultivation in the eastern plateau and hill region for augmenting yield potential. Cluster III and cluster XII offer diverse genetics for breeding. Crossing these clusters can create new high-yield cultivars. This strategic cultivation aims to enhance the nutritional well-being of the local population in that area.

Effects of drought on morpho-physiological attributes and secondary metabolites of wheat genotypes: Growth traits, seed yield and stress tolerance indices

In parallel with rapid growth in human population, increasing deficiency of water for irrigation along with abruptly changing environmental conditions has increased the food insecurity problem which needs immediate attention to secure the future food security. This study aimed to identify the water stress tolerance and high yielding potential of newly developed wheat genotypes, based on agronomic, morphological and biochemical aspects, along with the stress tolerance indices (STI). These genotypes were developed through conventional breeding from a cross (Bhakkar x S-24) and named as BS following the names of the parental genotypes. The experiment comprised a total 20 newly developed genotypes and 2 parental genotypes. Split plot field experiment was conducted using reduced number of irrigations as water stress treatment. All studied genotypes exhibited distinct negative impacts of deficit irrigation with respect to various studied agronomic attributes but was genotype specific. There were genotype-specific variations to deficit irrigation, regarding leaf chlorophyll contents, water relations, membrane lipid peroxidation, as well as antioxidative defense mechanism. Under deficit irrigation genotypes BS3, BS4, BS8, BS9, and BS20 demonstrated superiority in growth and grain yield related attributes that was attributed to their effective performance in maintaining better water content through better osmotic adjustment, chlorophyll levels, as well as better defense against oxidative stress. Comparatively less reductions in growth and yield i.e 26.43 % and 30.56 %, 28.94 % and 28.01 %, 32.13 % and 30.07 %, 34.35 % and 31.36 %, and 24.14 % and 26.55 % were recorded in BS3, BS4, BS8, BS9, and BS20 respectively as compared with remaining genotypes. However, the opposite was true for genotypes BS7, BS13, BS15 followed by BS6 and BS7. Stress tolerance indices also showed the better tolerance of the genotype BS3, BS4, BS8, BS9 and BS20. In conclusion, breeding programs for the development of stress-tolerant wheat genotypes should also consider the physio-biochemical mechanisms alongside the agronomic traits. This holistic approach will contribute significantly for the selection of genotypes that exhibit resilience to water deficit stress with high yield potential.

Trapping the genetic variation for yield and yield related attributes in bread wheat under water deficit stress

Trapping the genetic variation for yield and yield related attributes in bread wheat under water deficit stress

Impact of Urdbean Leaf Crinkle Disease on Growth and Yield of Urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) Genotypes

Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper), also known as urdbean, stands as a significant pulse crop cultivated globally. Among the viral diseases documented in blackgram, Urdbean Leaf Crinkle Disease (ULCD) emerges as particularly devastating, leading to substantial economic losses contingent upon factors such as seasonal variations and cultivated varieties. In this study, six cultivars of urdbean (M114, M218, M338, T9, N7, and M1008) were subjected to scrutiny regarding their growth and yield-related attributes under ULCD infection. Employing a randomized block design (RBD), data pertaining to each yield-contributing factor were meticulously recorded from both healthy and infected urdbean plants and analysed using two way ANOVA. A pronounced reduction across all yield parameters was noted in virus-infected plants, manifesting in diminished plant height by 2.02-37.01%, pod size by 1.10-51.30%, seed/pod ratio by 4.41-61.46%, 100-seed weight by 2.73%-51.37%, pod number per plant by 3.72-63.86%, and number of branches per plant ranging from 0.84 to 48.43%. Upon comparative analysis of all urdbean genotypes, it can be deduced that genotypes M114, M218, and M338 exhibit lesser susceptibility to urdbean leaf crinkle disease, thereby positioning them as promising candidates for breeding programs and cultivation endeavors aimed at achieving higher yields.

Genome-Wide Association Studies of Three-Dimensional (3D) Cassava Root Crowns and Agronomic Traits Using Partially Inbred Populations

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a key industrial crop in Southeast Asia and a staple for food security in Africa, owing to its resilience and efficiency in starch production. This study aims to unravel the genetic determinants of specific cassava root crown traits, utilizing 3D modeling for yield-related attributes and root crown morphology. Phenotypic analysis of 130 partially inbred lines and their six parental lines from Thai commercial varieties revealed a range of root traits within populations showcasing robust correlations among various traits, particularly root size parameters and root weight. Genotyping-by-sequencing yielded a total of 29,361 SNP markers identified within the nuclear genome of cassava and shared across all genotypes. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) of these 136 genotypes identified 23 significant SNPs for six out of 11 root crown traits, including 3D root angle, 3D surface area, root number, 3D crown diameter, root weight, and 3D volume. We found one shared significant SNP between 3D crown diameter and root weight, and another shared SNP between root weight and 3D volume. Two closely linked SNPs were identified for 3D volume, root weight, and 3D surface area. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis for each pair of SNP markers indicated the linkage decay point at approximately 60 kb. Based on LD decay and available transcriptome data, candidate gene identification highlighted 29 genes associated with five traits, providing an understanding of the genetic basis of cassava root crown traits. Our findings offer novel insights into cassava storage root traits as well as data for marker development and candidate gene identification.

Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Bulb Yield and Yield-Related Attributes of Onion (Allium cepa L.) in Fogera Area, Northwest Ethiopia

Aim: Onion is one of the most important vegetable crops grown under irrigation in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. However, its productivity is affected by sub-optimal fertilization. The present research was conducted to investigate the response and economic returns of onion to N and P fertilizers application under irrigation.
 Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design in Factorial Arrangement with three replications.
 Place and Duration of the Study: The research was conducted in 2020 and 2021 in the Fogera area of Northwest Ethiopia.
 Methodology: Four levels of N (0, 46, 92, and 138 kg N ha-1) and three levels of P (0, 46, and 92 kg P2O5 ha-1) were factorially combined and laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications.
 Results: The results showed that the yield and yield components of onion were significantly affected by the main effects of N. However, the main effects of P and its interaction with N did not significantly influence the growth and yield of onion. The highest plant height, number of leaves per plant, bulb girth and marketable bulb yield were recorded from the application of N138 statistically at par with N92. The maximum net economic return was obtained from the application of N138.
 Conclusion: Application of 138 kg N ha-1 was the economic optimum rate for maximum bulb yield of onion in the study area. Further investigation on the response of onion to P is recommended.

Effects of pulsed Nd:YAG laser kernel irradiation on maize (Zea mays L.): Insights into germination, gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, and morphological modifications

Energy has always been the most concerned topic worldwide due to its large consumption. Among various types of energies, light has amazing characteristics and have interesting effects on living organisms. Interest is increasing in the use of laser kernel treatment as an environment friendly physical technique for better results in agronomic crops, but the work is still in progress. The present study was conducted with the aim to examine the application of range of Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) pulsed laser exposures (200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1400 J/cm2) as pre-sowing kernel treatment on seedling survival rate, leaf photosynthetic activity in relation with photosynthetic pigments and visual morphological effects at seedling to maturity stage. Results showed that the low laser exposure (200, 400 and 600 J/cm2) improved the photosynthetic activity in parallel with improvement in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids as well as morphological traits. Kernel treatments with higher laser fluences (800, 1000, 1200 and 1400 J/cm2) showed irregular responses in studied attributes examined at the individual plant level. At 800 and 1000 J/cm2 improvements were found in some plants but at higher doses clear negative impacts were recorded on studied attributes. In conclusion, the lower doses of Nd:YAG pulsed laser fluences are found beneficial for induction of improvement in maize plants for better growth but higher doses were found toxic ones. In future further studies are needed to check the impacts of low laser doses on yield related attributes under field conditions and the high doses might also be used to create variants with beneficial characteristics if possible.

Unravelling the dynamics of genotype and environment interactions on chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) yield-related attributes in soilless planting systems

Evaluation of genotypes to identify high-yielding and stable varieties is crucial for chilli production sustainability and food security. These analyses are essential, particularly when the breeding program aims to select lines with great adaptability and stability. Thirty chilli genotypes were evaluated for yield stability under four soilless planting systems viz; fertigation, HydroStock (commercial hydrogel), BioHydrogel (biodegradable hydrogel), and hydroponic to study the influence of genotype by environment interaction. The research used a split-plot randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two cropping cycles and five replications. The GGE biplot analysis was employed to assess the mean versus stability perspective in explaining the variation in genotypic and genotype-by-environment effects on the yield-related attributes for yield per plant, fruit number, fruit length, and width. Stability analysis denoted genotypes G26 and G30 as the most stable for yield per plant, while G16, G22, and G30 were stable for the number of fruits per plant. Among the four planting systems evaluated, HydroStock and BioHydrogel outperformed the others in yield per plant, demonstrating the highest level of informativeness or discrimination. These findings offer critical insights for future crop breeding programs and the optimization of agricultural practices.

Influence of Crop Geometry, Fruit Thinning and Nutrient Management on Yield and Yield -related Attributes of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb.)

The present experiment was carried out during 2020-21 and 2021-22 in Jorhat, Assam with the objective to optimize the planting density for maximum yield and yield related attributes. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block Design with 3 factors viz. spacing, fruit thinning and INM (Integrated nutrient management) with three replications and the data of individual years were subjected to pooled analysis. The spacing levels were D1 (2.5m x 2m), D2 (1.5m x 1m) and D3 (1mx 1m) where F1 (no thinning), F2 (Thinning up-to 1 fruits /primary vine) and F3 (Thinning up-to2 fruits/primary vine) were the fruit thinning levels. A total of 4 INM treatments were given i.e. N1 (100% RDF), N2 (50% RDF + 50% RDN through FYM), N3 (50% RDF + 50% RDN through vermicompost) and N4 (50% RDF + 25% RDN through vermicompost + 25% RDN through FYM). The treatments significantly influenced the various parameters except a few. The experiment's findings showed that thinning the fruit and increasing the spacing between them had a favorable effect on the watermelon's growth and yield-related characteristics. Additionally, integrated nutrient management and fruit thinning at level F2 enhanced the watermelon's growth, yield, and quality metrics. Among the levels, N3 (50% RDF + 50% RDN through vemicompost was found to be the best.

Genetic Evaluation of Recombinant Inbred Lines of Rice Derived from Swarna-Sub1 x AC 20431B for Yield Related Traits

Submergence is the third most important abiotic stress hugely affecting yield and productivity in rice. There are many wild varieties and landraces available which are tolerant to submergence stress. These genotypes can be utilized as donors in different breeding programs. The population derived from such germplasms are subjected to genetic evaluation for yield and yield related attributes for development of lines that are high yielding as well as tolerant to submergence. The present investigation was executed in 120 Recombinant Inbred Lines (RIL) population (F10) derived from Swarna-Sub1 x AC 20431B along with four land races and Swarna-Sub1 to elucidate the association existing between yield and yield attributing characters. Apart from this, Correlation and path analysis was also employed to study direct and indirect effect on grain yield. Observations for agro-morphological traits such as days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle length, total number of tillers, number of effective tillers per plant, number of filled grains and Spikelet fertility, test weight, grain yield per plant, biomass per plant and harvest index were recorded and analyzed for various variability parameters. Correlation and path coefficient analysis were also carried out. High heritability and genetic advance values were observed for days to 50% flowering, plant height, panicle length, total number of tillers per plant, effective tillers per plant, filled grains per panicle, spikelet fertility, test weight, grain yield and biomass per plant. Among all the characters; filled grains per panicle, biomass and harvest index per plant showed significant correlation with grain yield. Effective number of tillers per plant has the highest positive direct effect on grain yield.

FOLIAR APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENTS PROMOTES GROWTH AND YIELD-RELATED ATTRIBUTES OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) IN A SLIGHTLY SALINIZED AREA

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Micronutrients are required in trace amounts, but are importantly associated with plant growth and development. While soil salinity causes a frequent micronutrient deficiency in soil, the condition withholds plant growth, development, and eventually crop production. Since foliar application of micronutrient provides rapid nutrient absorption compared to soil amendments, it may confer straightforward mitigation of salinity stress. However, micronutrients availability to plants under saline conditions has drawn limited attention. <strong>Objective</strong>: To study the role of four micronutrients namely boron (B), zinc (Zn), chlorine (Cl), and silicon (Si) as well as their combinations as foliar application on growth, development, and yield responses of ‘okra cv. Nulok F<sub>1</sub>’ in a naturally very slightly salinized soil. <strong>Methodology:</strong> The research site belongs to Young Meghna Estuarine Flood Plain under the soil of Agro-ecological Zones (AEZ)-18. The area of EC dsm<sup>-1 </sup>2.39 is used for the cultivation of horticultural and cereal crops. The one-factor experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design with three replications and six treatments. The factor having six different micronutrients and their combinations under saline soil <em>viz</em>. T<sub>1 </sub>= control (untreated), T<sub>2</sub> = 0.2 % B as solubor<sup>®</sup>, T<sub>3</sub> = 0.2 % ZnSO<sub>4</sub>, T<sub>4</sub> = 0.2 % KCl, T<sub>5</sub> = 0.2% SiO<sub>2</sub>, and T<sub>6</sub> = 0.2% solubor<sup>®</sup> B + 0.2% ZnSO<sub>4</sub> + 0.2% SiO<sub>2</sub> + 0.2% KCl. <strong>Result</strong>: A number of foliar treatments of micronutrients substantially improved plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, depth of root, fruit length, number of fruits, single fruit weight, yield plot<sup>-1</sup>, and total yield. <strong>Implication:</strong> Among the treatments, Si, and a mixture of solubor<sup>® </sup>B, Zn, Cl, and Si significantly uphold growth and yield-related attributes of okra indicating them as suitable micronutrients for okra production in salt-affected areas. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The foliar application of Si and the mixtures of the four aforementioned micronutrients might enhance the growth and yield attributes of ‘okra cv. Nulok F<sub>1</sub>’ under salinity stress. </p>

Growth and productivity of Bt cotton (<i>Gossypium hirsutum</i>) underrow spacing and nitrogen doses

A study was carried out at the Campus for Research and Advanced Studies, Dhablan, within the Department of Agriculture at Khalsa College, Patiala, Punjab during the rainy (kharif) season of 2019. The study encompassed 3 distinct row spacing levels i.e. 40 cm, 60 cm, and 80 cm combined with 4 nitrogen application levels, viz. 25% of the recommended nitrogen dose (RDN), 50% RDN, 100% RDN (equivalent to 90 kg/ha) and an elevated 125% RDN. Results indicate that both row spacing and nitrogen levels play a noteworthy role in influencing the growth traits, yield related attributes and overall yield of Bt cotton. Specifically, a row spacing of 80 cm exhibited superior performance in terms of growth characteristics such as leaf area per plant, no. of monopodial branches per plant, and no. of sympodial branches per plant. This choice of row spacing subsequently contributed to the enhancement of yield attributing characters, including single boll weight, the number of picked bolls per plant, seed weight per boll and seed weight per plant. But row spacing of 60 cm is required to produce a higher seed cotton yield, ginning percentage, biological yield, harvest index and economic parameters. Among nitrogen levels, 125% RDN kg/ha recorded significantly higher growth, yield attributing parameters, yield, and economic parameters followed by 25% and 50% RDN kg/ha but on par with 100% RDN kg/ha. Therefore, drawing from the findings of this study, it can be deduced that the row spacing of 60 cm with 100% RDN kg/ha is required for getting higher growth and productivity of Bt cotton. These findings contributes to enhance the resource efficient practices, maximizes yield and promotes sustainability. Optimized nitrogen levels benefit both crop and soil health, reducing the impact of excess usage and insufficient nitrogen on crop while boosting productivity for long-term farm viability, all while considering the crucial aspect of row spacing.