Zaid Season Research Articles

Evaluation of Phyto-extracts for the Management of Alternaria Leaf Blight of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsidis tetragonoloba L.) Caused by Alternaria cucumerina

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of selected phyto-extracts for the management of alternaria leaf blight of cluster bean (Cyamopsidis tetragonoloba L.) caused by Alternaria cucumerina under field conditions. Three replications of cluster bean were planted in a randomized block design at the research plot of the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. Ginger rhizome extract @ 10%, onion bulb extract @ 10%, eucalyptus leaf extract @ 10%, neem leaf extract @ 10%, garlic clove extract @ 10% and mancozeb 0.2% were applied as foliar spray. All the treatments were found significantly reduced the disease severity and increased the yield. Among all the treatments garlic clove extract @ 10% was recorded minimum disease intensity (29.63) and maximum yield (2.50 t/ha). Neem leaf extract @ 10% was recorded maximum cost benefit ratio (1: 1.80), as compared to treated mancozeb @ 0.2%(treated) and T0 control.

Efficacy of Nano-fertilizers Applications on Growth Parameters and Flowering Dynamics in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar nano-fertilizers on the growth and flowering of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) during the Zaid seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the Vegetable Research Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. A Factorial Randomized Block Design with 15 treatment combinations and three replications was employed, utilizing five major nutrients and three levels of micronutrients. The combination of 75% recommended soil applied NPK with foliar nano NPK (4 ml/L) and nano Zn and Fe (1g/4L) showed maximum improvements in growth parameters, including plant height (120.35cm), number of leaves/plant (55.38), number of nodes/plant (15.30), number of branches/plant (4.61), stem diameter (2.77cm) and minimum inter-nodal length (7.67cm) and flowering traits such as earlier first flowering (39.88 days), days to 50% flowering (44.36days) and increased flower production (22.60 flowers/plant).

Evaluation of Phyto Extracts for the Management of Alternaria Leaf Spot of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) Caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of selected phyto-extracts for the management of alternaria leaf spot on black gram caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, under field conditions. Three replications of black gram were planted in a randomized block design. At the research plot of the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. Neem leaf extract, onion bulb extract, ginger rhizome extract, garlic clove extract, ashoka leaf extract and Mancozeb were applied as foliar spray. All the treatments were found significantly reduced the disease severity and increased the yield. Among all the treatments garlic clove extract @ 10% was recorded minimum disease intensity (25.62) and maximum yield (7.45 q/ha) and cost benefit ratio (1: 2.54), as compared to treated check mancozeb @ 0.2% and untreated check control.

Zinc and Boron Foliar Application Effects on Primed Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Growth and Productivity

Mung bean is recognized for its abundant high-quality protein content. For human consumption, it is a high-quality protein source and also serves various purposes crops, its arvested residue is used for green manuring and also used for fodder purposes. The research aimed to assess the impact of foliar micronutrient application on primed mung bean (Vigna radiata). The experimental procedures were executed in the sandy loam soil prevalent in the central plain region of Punjab. The investigation was conducted during the Zaid season 2022, focusing on the (SML-1827) mung bean variety. Specifically, the research assessed the impact of foliar micronutrient applications involving zinc and boron at 15 and 45 days after sowing (DAS) on primed mung bean growth characteristics. The experimental design employed a Randomized Block Design, incorporating 11 distinct treatment combinations, each replicated thrice. The investigation revealed that foliar micronutrient treatment on primed mung bean substantially influenced growth and yield parameters. Growth indicators for mung bean exhibited a positive trend when zinc and boron were jointly applied to primed seeds with gibberellic acid, followed by a decline in the control group, which experienced typical growth conditions devoid of growth regulators and micronutrients. Specifically, the highest recorded plant height was 70.1 cm in the T9 (GA(50 mg.L-1) + ZnSO4 (0.5%) + B (1%)) treatment, while the lowest height was 58 cm in the T0 (control) treatment. Similarly, the most significant fresh weight was observed in T9 (GA(50 mg.L-1) + ZnSO4 (0.5%)+ B (1%)) treatments at 136.8 g, with the lowest weight recorded in T0 (control) treatments at 86.6g. the most significant grain yield was achieved in T9 112 g.m-2, followed by T10 (SA(150 mg.L-1)+ ZnSO4 (0.5%)+B (1%)) at 105.7 g.m-2. This study suggests micronutrients and growth regulators can be sustainable agricultural inputs to enhance soil health and productivity.

Determining the Effect of Potassium and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

The field experiment was conducted in Crop Research Farm (CRF) in Department of Agronomy during Zaid season 2023-24 on Pearl millet crop. The treatment consisted of Potassium (30, 40 and 50 Kg/ha) and Zinc (15, 20 and 25 kg/ha) and a control. The experiment was laid out with a Randomize Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments which are replicated thrice as T1 Potassium 30 kg/ha + Zinc 15 kg/ha, T2 Potassium 30 kg/ha + Zinc 20 kg/ha, T3 Potassium 30 kg/ha + Zinc 25 kg/ha T4 Potassium 40 kg/ha + Zinc 15 kg/ha, T5 Potassium 40 kg/ha + Zinc 20 kg/ha, T6 Potassium 40 kg/ha + Zinc 25 kg/ha, T7 Potassium 50 kg/ha + Zinc 15 kg/ha, T8 Potassium 50 kg/ha + Zinc 20 kg/ha, T9 Potassium 50 kg/ha + Zinc 25 kg/ha and a T10 Control. The soil of experiment plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 6.8), low in organic carbon (0.46%), available N (225.42 kg/ha), available P2O5 (38.2 kg/ha) and available K2O (240.7 kg/ha). Application of Potassium 50 kg/ha + Zinc 25 kg/ha was recorded with the results which revealed that significantly highest growth attributes of Pearl millet at 80 DAS viz., Plant height (203.24 cm), dry weight (144.17 g), Ear head length (30.23 cm), grains/head (1848.78) and yield attributes such as Grain yield (4530.43 kg/ha), Stover yield (7246.59 kg/ha).

Study of Genetic Variability and Path Analysis for Yield in Greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)

The current study was conducted in order to estimate the genetic variability, Correlation and path analysis for yield and yield contributing traits assessed 31 genotypes of green gram during Zaid season 2023. The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 replications. Data were collected from 5 randomly selected plants from each genotype in each replication, among 13 different traits seed index had highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variance followed by number of pod per plant, while least GCV and PCV was recorded for days to maturity. High heritability was shown by plant height followed by number of seeds per pod. Seed index and harvest index had highly significant positive genotypic correlation with seed yields per plant. While days to maturity and days to 50% pod setting was recorded as highly significant negative genotypic correlation with seed yields per plant. Plant height followed by primary branches per plant, biological yield seed index and harvest index was recorded as positive direct effect on seed yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels while days to maturity followed by clusters per plant, pods per plant and pod length was recorded as negative direct effect on seed yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. All the traits showed a strong and positive association with seed yield, proving that these traits actually correlate with one another. Therefore, identifying high yielding genotypes from highly segregating populations would be made easier with the use of direct selection for these traits.

Determination of Genetic Diversity in Greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)

The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with three replications during the Zaid season 2023 at field experimentation centre, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Naini, Prayagraj, U.P. The aim of experimentation was to analyse genetic diversity present among green gram germplasms. Plant to plant distance was 10 cm and row to row distance was 30 cm. the data were recorded from randomly selected five plants for each genotypes for each replications for thirteen characters viz. days to 50% flowering, days to 50% pod setting, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), number of seeds per pod, seed index (g), biological yield (g), harvest index and seed yield per plant (g). From the present investigation it was concluded that among 31 genotypes of greengram on the basis of mean performance 3 genotypes were found to be superior for seed yield per plant over check variety Samrat viz., IC-76569, IC-121220 and IC-119006. On the basis of Mahalanobis’ D2 statistics 31 genotypes of greengram were grouped into five clusters. Maximum numbers of 13 genotypes were included in cluster 1 followed by cluster 2 with 7 genotypes, cluster 3 with 5 genotypes, cluster 4 with only single genotypes in each cluster. The highest intra cluster D2 value was recorded for cluster 5 (43.09) with 5 genotypes followed by cluster 2 (30.45) with 7 genotypes. The maximum inter cluster value of 153.82 was recorded between cluster 3 and cluster 5. It was also reported that the characters like seed yield per plant, biological yield, number of pods per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length and harvest index contributed about 71.13% towards total divergence alone. Therefore, selection should be done based on these characters considering the diversity and genetic variability present in greengram.

Evaluation of Different Genotypes of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) for Different Traits

The present study was conducted at the Main Experimental Station, Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj during the Zaid season of 2023. Planting material consisted of 30 genotypes of cucumber including one check namely Pusa Uday laid out in Completely Randomized Block Design with three replications. Evaluation was done for fourteen different traits viz., days to first male flower appear, days to first female flower appear, node number at which female flower appear, days to first fruit harvest, number of primary branches per plant, inter-nodal length, vine length, fruit length, fruit diameter, average fruit weight, T.S.S, number of fruit per plant, fruit yield per plant (kg), fruit yield per hectare (q). The genotypes NDCU-23-1 (143.13q) followed by NDCU-23-11 (135.90q) and NDCU-23-12 (131.53q) performed better than the check variety i.e. Pusa Uday in term of fruit yield per plant.

Influence of Foliar Feeding of NPK (19:19:19) on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cv. Kalyanpur Green

The present experiment was conducted during Zaid season of 2023-2024 at Department of vegetable science Kalyanpur, Kanpur. The trial was laid down in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and thirteen treatments viz. T1- Control Plot water spray at 25,40 and 55 DAS, T2- NPK (19:19:19:) @ 0.5% of foliar spray at 25 DAS, T3- NPK (19:19:19:) @ 0.5% of foliar spray at 40 DAS, T4- NPK (19:19:19:) @ 0.5% of foliar spray at 55 DAS, T5- NPK (19:19:19:) @ 0.5% of foliar spray at 25 & 40 DAS, T6- NPK (19:19:19:) @ 0.5% of foliar spray at 40 & 55 DAS, T7- NPK (19:19:19:) @ 0.5% of foliar spray at 25,40 & 55 DAS, T8- NPK (19:19:19:) @ 1.0% of foliar spray at 25 DAS, T9- NPK (19:19:19:) @ 1.0% of foliar spray at 40 DAS, T10- NPK (19:19:19:) @ 1.0% of foliar spray at 55 DAS, T11- NPK (19:19:19:) @ 1.0% of foliar spray at 25 & 40 DAS ,T12- NPK (19:19:9:) @ 1.0% of foliar spray at 40 & 55 DAS and T13- NPK (19:19:19:) @ 1.0% of foliar spray at 25,40 & 55 DAS. Result of study revealed that maximum vine length (400.00 cm), first fruit harvest (53.927 DAS), fruit length (23.600 cm), fruit width (4.00cm), internode length T13 (18.900 cm), number of fruits per vine (14.700), yield per plant (2.60 kg), yield per plot (23.900 kg), yield per hectare (98.200 quintal), Vitamin C (4.043 mg/100gm), TSS (3.693 %) and minimum days to first male flower (39.497 DAS), days to first female flower (39.800 DAS) and first fruit harvest (51.927) was found in treatment T13 NPK (19:19:19:) @ 1.0% of foliar spray at 25,40 & 55 DAS. Keywords: Cucumber, NPK, foliar feeding, growth, and yield.

Phyto-extracts for Managing Alternaria Leaf Spot on Mung Bean

The present study was investigated to evaluate the effect of selected phyto-extracts for the management of Alternaria leaf spot on mung bean caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, under field conditions. Three replications of mung bean were planted in a randomized block design. At the research plot of the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Zaid season of 2023. The effect of neem leaf extract, onion bulb extract, ginger rhizome extract, garlic bulb extract, turmeric rhizome extract and Mancozeb were compared and tested the plant height (cm), pod length (cm), disease intensity (%) and B:C ratio recorded at 45, 60 and 75 DAS interval. The effect of foliar spray of T4–garlic bulb extract @ 10% was found the best for managing Alternaria leaf spot of mung bean under field conditions as minimum disease intensity (34.4%), maximum plant height (65.4cm), pod length significantly increased (8.4cm) and highest B:C ratio (1:2.05). Followed by minimum disease intensity (35.5%), plant height (60.9cm), pod length (7.8 cm) and highest B:C ratio (1:1.97) was recorded in T1–neem leaf extract @ 10% followed by T5–turmeric rhizome extract @ 10% when compared to (Treated check) T6–Mancozeb @ 0.2% and (Untreated check) T0–control. Overall results revealed that T4–garlic bulb extract @10% is significantly effective against A. alternata (Fr.) Kessler.

Influence of Sulphur and Zinc on Yield, Yield Attributes and Economics of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.)

A Field experiment was conducted during Zaid season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy. The objective of this study is to asses the influence of sulphur and zinc on yield attritibutes of baby corn and to evaluate the economics of different treatment combinations taken. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of Sulphur viz., (15, 30 and 45 kg/ha) and 3 levels of Zinc viz., (10, 20 and 30 kg/ha) along with recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash as control (60- 60-40 kg N-P-K/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments and replication thrice. Application of Sulphur 45 kg/ha along with Zinc 30 kg/ha (Treatment 9) recorded maximum cob yield with husk (10.6 t/ha), cob yield without husk (3.91 t/ha), green fodder yield (28.43 t/ha). The aforesaid treatment also recorded maximum gross returns (1,43,144.00 INR/ha), net returns (955,19.00 INR/ha) and Benefit cost ratio (2.01).

Soil Test Crop Response on Soil Health Parameters and Yield Attributes of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) var. Kuber

The investigation was conducted on Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based Integrated Plant Nutrient System (IPNS) technology, where the fertilizer doses are customized according to the anticipated crop yield, considering the crop's nutrient requirements and the contributions from soil, fertilizers, and organic manures. The field trial took place at the Soil Science research farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, during the zaid season of 2023. The soil under experimentation had a sandy loam texture. The setup followed a randomized block design with varying levels of NPK (0%, 50%, & 100%), FYM (20, 25, & 30 t ha-1), Fe and Zn (15, 20, & 25 kg ha-1) respectively. The outcomes from the T9 treatment - [115:112:75 Kg ha-1 + 25 t ha-1 FYM + 25 kg ha-1 Fe and Zn] exhibited superior plant height, number of branches plant-1, number of leaves plants-1, number of fruits plant-1, and overall fruit yield. No significant differences were noted in the yield and growth of okra under the control conditions. The application of organic manures alone or in combination with full NPK substantially enhanced the growth and total yield parameters of okra. Among all treatments, the simultaneous application of 100% NPK, 100% FYM, and 100% Fe & Zn displayed the most remarkable influence on the growth of okra.

Effect of Nitrogen Management on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology. To determine “Effect of Nitrogen Management on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet” the result revealed that treatment 6 [25% Nitrogen through poultry manure + 75% Nitrogen through urea] recorded significantly higher plant height (183.10 cm), higher plant dry weight (64.49 g), higher ear head length (26.10 cm), maximum number of ear head/plant (2.20), higher grain yield (2.46 t/ha) and higher straw yield (6.79t/ha).

Influence of N, P, K, Rhizobium and Vermicompost on Soil Health Parameters and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) var. Samrat

An experiment was conducted on “Influence of N, P, K, Rhizobium and Vermicompost on Soil Health Parameters and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) var. Samrat”. during zaid season 2023-2024 at the central research farm, department research farm of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, The design applied was 3x3 RBD having three levels each of vermicompost and N.P.K i.e., 0, 50, and 100% respectively and three levels of rhizobium treated seed @ 0, 50, 100%. The result obtained in treatment T9 (N25P50K25 kg ha-1 + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and rhizobium @ 200g 10 kg-1) has showed a slight change in soil pH i.e., 6.79 and EC i.e., 0.208 dS m-1. The post-harvest soil samples have showed significant increase in pore space, water holding capacity and organic carbon i.e., about 49.20 %, 47.59 % and 0.49 % respectively. Whereas available N, P and K found to be 334.12 kg ha-1, 34.36 kg ha-1, and 204.28 kg ha-1 respectively. The increase in NPK (kg ha-1) was found to be significant among all treatments in green gram cultivation and soil quality improvement. The best results among all treatment combination with respect to plant height (65.76 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (44.34), number of branches plant-1 (14.58), number of grain pod-1 (14.28), number of pod plant-1 (42.11) and seed yield q ha-1 (16.67) were found in treatment combination T9 (N25P50K25 kg ha-1 + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and Rhizobium @ 200g 10 kg-1. T9 gave the highest gross return with ₹ 1,49,030 and the benefit of ₹ 29,849.13 with highest cost benefit ratio i.e., 1:1.38. vermicompost along with other combinations has showed improvement in soil health as well as in crop development and yield. Study has also revealed that the application of N, P, and K with vermicompost was an excellent source for fertilization than sole fertilizers.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulator and Crop Geometry on Growth and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

A field trial was conducted during the Zaid season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) on the Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.). The experiment was executed in a Randomized Block Design with ten treatments and replicated three times. Application of brassinolide 0.25% and plant density 35 cm x 10 cm (T2) recorded highest plant height (78.70 cm), dry weight (33.25 g/plant), number of nodules/plant (28.93), number of pods/plant (42.00), number of seeds/pod (14.00), test weight (31.89 g), seed yield (1273.70 kg/ha), stover yield (3401.50 kg/ha) and harvest index (27.24 %). however, maximum crop growth rate (8.87 g/m2/day) was recorded in GA3 0.50% + 25 cm x 15 cm (T7). Maximum gross returns (INR 89,159.00/ha), net returns (INR 56,539.00/ha), and B:C ratio (1.73) were also obtained highest in the same treatment (T2) in Green Gram crop. Therefore, application of brassinolides 0.25% and plant spacing 35 cm x 10 cm (T2) result in significant improvement in the crop production and also proven economically viable in green gram.

Performance of Different Varieties of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) in Terms of Growth, Yield and Quality under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Condition

The current study was conducted in the Zaid season of 2023–2024 at the horticulture department of the Naini Agricultural Institute Sam Higginbottom University of Agricultural Technology and Sciences in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, in order to assess the performance of various sponge gourd varieties in terms of growth, yield, and quality under the agroclimatic conditions of Prayagraj. To evaluate the varietals of sponge gourds, the experiment was set up using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 8 types and 3 replications. AVT-2/2020/SPGVAR-1, V2 (AVT-2/2020/SPGVAR-2), V3 (AVT-2/2020/SPGVAR-3), V4 (AVT-2/2020/SPGVAR-4), V5 (AVT-2/2020/SPGVAR -5), V6 (AVT-2/2020/SPGVAR -6), V7 (AVT-2/2020 / SPGVAR-7) and V8 (PUSA CHIKNI) are the varieties that make up this group. The variety AVT-2/2020/SPGVAR-5 was found to perform the best among the others in terms of growth metrics such as vine length (189.14 cm) and early maturity (55.33 days) for ripeness (the first fruit should be picked in 55.33 days), as well as yield characteristics such fruit length (28.98 cm), fruit diameter (3.70 cm), and fruit output per hectare (11.64 t/ha). The best results were also shown for the quality metrics TSS (3.14°Brix) and ascorbic acid content (10.66 mg/100g) in AVT-2/2020/SPGVAR-5.

Effect of Phosphorus and Salicylic Acid on the Growth and Yield of Green Gram (Phaseolus radiata L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Zaid (summer) season of 2023 at the Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments and replication thrice. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of phosphorus (30, 40 and 50 kg/ha) and 3 levels of Salicylic acid (500,750 and 1000 ppm) along with recommended doses of nitrogen and potash and a control (25-40-25 kg N-P-K/ha). Phosphorus at 50 kg/ha and Salicylic acid at 1000 ppm recorded maximum plant dry weight (9.34 g) at 45 DAS, pods per plant (25.69), seeds per pod (13.49), test weight (40.24), seed yield (13.75q/ha).

Impact of Various Levels of Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus and Biochar on Soil Physico-chemical Properties and Yield of Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) Var: Shekhar-2

At the “Central Research Farm, Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Department, SHUATS, Prayagraj”, an experiment titled "Impact of various levels of Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus and Biochar on Soil Physico-chemical Properties and Yield of Black gram(Vigna mungo L.)Var: Shekhar-2" was carried out during the Zaid season of 2023–2024. A randomized block design was used, consisting of three variables and three levels of NPK (at 0, 50, and 100% ha-1) and biochar (at 0, 50, and 100% ha-1). An excavated soil specimen from the experimental site prior to the start of study activities showed that the soil had a sandy loam texture, a neutral to alkaline reaction, and significantly higher treatment levels.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet

The field experiment was conducted during ZAID (Summer) season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy. The treatments consisting of three different organic manures Viz., FYM- 8 t/ha, Vermicompost- 2.5 t/ha, Poultry manure- 1.3 t/ha and three different liquid Organic manures viz Vermiwash - 5%, Panchagavya - 3%, Jeevamrutha- 500 l/ha. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design 10 treatments each replicated thrice. Application of Vermicompost- 2.5 t/ha + Panchagavya - 3% (Treatment 5) recorded highest plant height (71.00 cm), maximum plant dry weight (5.54 g), maximum number of tillers/ hill (6.67), length of ears (8.67 cm), number of grains/ear (295.67), test weight (3.37 g), grain yield (1.40 t/ha), straw yield (2.73 t/ha) were recorded in treatment Maximum gross return (INR 78,200.00), net return (INR 53.002.00) and B:C ratio (2.10) were also recorded in same treatment.

Effect of Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet

The field experiment was conducted during ZAID season 2023 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. In the present study, the treatments consisting three levels of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) viz., 100% RDF (60-30-30 Kg/ha), 75% RDF (45-22.5-22.5 Kg/ha) and 50% RDF (30-15-15 kg/ha) along with three different micro nutrients viz., Zinc - 0.5 kg/ha, Boron - 0.5 kg/ha and Iron - 0.5 kg/ha. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 10 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.3), low available nitrogen (278.93 kg/ha), medium available phosphorus (15.4 kg/ha) and medium available potassium (173.7 kg/ha). Results revealed that higher plant height (84.20 cm), plant dry weight (10.61 g), number of tillers/ hill (4.53), length of ears (9.20 cm), number of ears/plant (4.47), test weight (3.47 g), grain yield (1.22 t/ha), straw yield (2.80 t/ha) were recorded in treatment 8 (NPK 100% RDF+ Boron 0.5 kg/ha). Maximum gross return (INR 48,408.33), net return (INR 30,913.33) and B:C ratio (1.77) were also recorded in treatment 8 (NPK 100% RDF + Boron 0.5 kg/ha). It can be concluded that the application of NPK 100% RDF +Boron 0.5kg/ha (Treatment 8) recorded higher yield and benefit cost ratio in Foxtail millet.