bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of early maturity based on per cent reduction in yield by advancing date of harvest in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: CHUNI LAL  , K HARIPRASANNA
Published: October 2023

Breeding of short duration groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties with enhanced productivity is a priority area in the semi-arid tropical regions to evade the end-season moisture deficit stress and for summer cultivation where the harvesting of groundnut coincides with the on-set of monsoon. Eighteen advanced breeding lines were evaluated during rainy and summer seasons for productive capacity and earliness in maturity by estimating the relative reduction in yield and associated traits due to advanced harvesting by 10 or 20 days over normal harvest. During rainy season the test genotypes were also compared with two popular varietiesJL 24 and HNG 10 as checks. Harvesting the genotypes 20 days ahead of normal harvest lead to considerable loss in pod and kernel yield, the reduction being larger in summer. When harvesting was advanced by 10 days the relative yield reduction was considerably lower in some of the genotypes (1-4% pod and 3-4% kernel yield reduction during rainy season), and six genotypes recorded superior yield coupled with earliness in comparison to the best check. The genotypes PBS 11029, PBS 21031, PBS 30076, PBS 11066, PBS 15004 and PBS 28008 were found early in maturity during rainy season and PBS 21031 during summer asthey registered negligible lossin yield when harvesting was advanced. The proposed concept of least reduction in yield and its component traits when harvested early coupled with high productivity may be used as a field technique forscreening large number of advanced breeding linesto identify early and high productive genotypes.
Studies on yield and economics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids andvarieties as influenced by different fertilizer levels
Authors: V P SURYAVANSHI  , S B SURYAWANSHI  , M K GHODKE
Published: October 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 2008, 2009 and 2010 on Vertisol at Oilseeds Research Station, Latur to assess the productivity and response of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrid and varieties to fertilizer inputs. Three hybrids along with two varieties were evaluated with four levels of fertilizer inputs. The result indicated that hybrids were superior over varieties. Sunflower hybrid LSFH-35, gave highestseed yield and monetary returns. The response to fertilizer was significant up to 150% RDF (90:45:45 NPK kg/ha).
Long-term effect of nutrients on castor (Ricinus communis L.) productivity, soil fertility, nutrient uptake and nutrient-use efficiency in rainfed Alfisols
Authors: P RAMESH  , I Y L N MURTHY  , CH V HARIPRIYA
Published: October 2023

A fixed-plot field experiment was conducted since 2005 to study the long-term effect of nutrients on the productivity, soil fertility, nutrient uptake and nutrient-use efficiency of castor (Ricinus communis L.) in castorsorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cropping system in rainfed Alfisols of Andhra Pradesh. Application of recommended dose offertilizers, RDF (60-40-30 kg NPK/ha) + 5 t/ha farm yard manure (FYM) recorded significantly higher yield attributes, seed (1645 kg/ha) and oil yield (817 kg/ha) of castor compared to RDF (1306 kg/ha) but was comparable with integrated use of 75 % NPK + 25 % N through FYM (1427 kg/ha). Imbalanced application of N alone or NP or 50 % NPK and control plots recorded significantly the lowest castor seed yields. At the end of six years of cropping (2011), the treatment RDF-NPK + 5 t/ha FYM significantly improved the soil organic carbon (0.38 %) and resulted in a positive balance of 42, 12.4 and 80 kg/ha of available soil N, P and K besides improving the nutrient uptake of castor (65.1, 10.63 and 33.2 kg/ha of N, P and K, respectively). Agronomic efficiency of nutrients (N, P and K) was found higher in the treatment, 75 % RDF + 25 % N through FYM. However, apparent recovery of N, P and K was highest in NPK + 5 t/ha FYM treatment.
Evaluation of insecticides for the control of serpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii Burgess) in castor
Authors: V B AKASHE  , M A GUD  , S K SHINDE  , V M TORADMAL  , J R KADAM
Published: October 2023

Field experiments were conducted with seven treatments viz., Carbaryl 50 WP @ 0.2%, Endosulfan 35 EC @ 0.05%, Triazophos 40 EC @ 0.05%, Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.018%, Fipronil 5 SC @ 0.01%, Neem seed extract @ 5% (w/v) and untreated treatment for the control ofserpentine leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii Burgess) on castor (Ricinus communis L.) cultivar DCS-9 during the rainy seasons of 2007, 2008 and 2010. Two sprays of all the treatments except untreated control were applied 30 and 45 days after sowing. The treatment with 0.018% Spinosad was the most effective in suppressing leaf miner infestation and resulted in to higher seed yield (803 kg/ha) followed by 0.05% spray of Triazophos (761 kg/ha). The economics of the treatments revealed the highest B:C ratio (1.98) by Triazophos 0.05% followed by Spinosad 0.018% (1.52), Carbaryl 0.2% (1.28), Endosulfan 0.05% (1.25) and Fipronil 0.01% (1.11). The other treatments were found relatively less effective for the control of leaf miner.
Frontline demonstration for boosting the oilseeds production in Rajasthan: A case study in Pali
Authors: M L MEENA  , DHEERAJ SINGH
Published: October 2023

The oilseed crops grown in India are groundnut, rapeseed, mustard, sesame, sunflower, safflower, niger and soybean. The oilseed crops are well-distributed over different agro-climatic regionsin India. The major growing belt of oilseeds spreads from arid to semi-arid regions, covering large areas in Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana, which contribute more than 37.9% of the total oilseed production in the country. This study was conducted in Pali district of Rajasthan during the years 2007 to 2010. The productivity of oilseeds crops continuesto be quite low due to gaps in adoption of oilseeds technologies. The yield of oilseeds can be increased by demonstrating their cultivation technologies at the farmers' fields under the supervision of scientists working in the operational area. Keeping the importance offrontline demonstrations, the KVK, CAZRI, Pali conducted demonstrations on improved agricultural technologies of oilseeds crops in farmers' fields during the year 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 and achieved the expected yields.
Character association and path analysis among yield components in castor (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: S KRISHNA CHAITANYA  , O VENKATESWARLU  , M REDDI SEKHAR  , B V BHASKARA REDDY
Published: October 2023

The analysis of the nature and magnitude of associations among 10 quantitative traits and their contribution towardsseed yield was carried out in 30 genotypes of castor (Ricinus communis L.) during the winterseason of 2009 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati. The results revealed that 1200 seed weight, oil yield/plant, effective length of main spike, oil content and number ofspikes/plant had significant positive association with seed yield/plant. Path analysis revealed that oil yield/plant, 100 seed weight, number of capsules on main spike, number of nodes upto main spike, plant height up to main spike and days to 50% flowering are the direct contributors for seed yield in castor.
Combining ability analysis for seed yield and yield components in castor (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: K K PATEL  , HARSHAL E. PATIL
Published: October 2023

The genetic analysis was done through a line x tester design involving 70 castor (Ricinus communis L.) hybrids generated by crossing 5 pistillate lines with 14 pollen parents. The combining ability analysis for yield and its components revealed that both additive and non-additive genetic variance were significantly influenced by environment. The preponderance of additive gene action was observed for the control of daysto 50 % flowering and days to 50 % maturity of main raceme as well as number of nodes up to main raceme. Non-additive gene effect was predominant for the characters, plant height and oil content. The parents SKP-8, 103745, 1379, SKP-93, TMV-5, Aruna, SH-72 and SK2-8A were good general combinersfor imparting earliness, former three as well as VP-1 were good general combiner forshort plantstature. The parents SH-72, SK 2-BA, SKP-82,JH-128, SH-41 and 48-1 were good general combiners for oil content. The estimates of gca effects suggested that parents SKP-93, SKP-82, 48-1, Aruna, SPS-35-9B,JI-77 and JH-128 were good general combinersforseed yield and several yield components viz., 100 seed weight, effective branches/plant, number of capsulesin main raceme and length of main raceme. The good specific cross combinations for yield viz., SKP-8 x TMV-5, VP-l x SKI-41 and SKP 25 x 1379 were also identified as superior hybrids for earliness, high oil content and short plant stature, respectively and may be exploited for commercial cultivation. The hybrids SKP-8 x TMV-5, SKP-25 x JH- 128 and SKP-82 x 48-1 with significant positive sca effect for seed yield could be exploited for development of hybrids and new inbred as well as pistilate lines in castor. The potence ratio of genetic variance suggested preponderance of non-additive gene effect for inheritance of the seed yield/plant, number of capsules in main raceme and number of effective branches.
Critical analysis of extension and research gap in adoption of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production technology in Dharwad district, Karnataka
Authors: A BHEEMAPPA  , R K PATIL
Published: October 2023

A research study on critical analysis of extension and research gap in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production technology among the farmers of Dharwad district was conducted during 2010-2011. The Ex-post-facto research design was employed to collect the data from 150 sample farmers cultivating groundnut crop. The focus group discussions were also conducted for the triangulation of the collected data. The results revealed the existence of technological gap in zinc application (84.5%), Rhizobium seed treatment (79.3%), control of diseases (67.4%) and gypsum application (51.9%). The major extension strategies expressed were the ensured availability of critical inputs nearby villages at the required time of field operations (100%), popularizing seed production (84.5%), implementing effective extension programmes(81.5%), and information dissemination through electronic media and extension literature (63.7%). All the farmers expressed the research priorities such as screening of suitable spreading, high yielding, collar rot resistant, drought tolerant and table purpose varieties. The suitable seed drill to take up groundnut sowing in paddy fallow land through moisture conserving, popularising green pod harvester and technology for controlling collar rot disease were the other research priorities expressed for increasing area and productivity of groundnut crop.
Impact of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) frontline demonstrations in Akola district of Maharashtra
Authors: R VENKATTAKUMAR  , M PADMAIAH  , C SARADA  , A M MAHAJAN  , M K MOON  , S N DESHMUKH
Published: October 2023

To assessthe determinants oftechnology adoption by sunflower farmers towards improved sunflower production technologies, a study was conducted in Akola district of Maharashtra. The assessment was done on a comparative basis between 60 each of farmers who participated in the frontline demonstrations (FLDs) organized by Crop Research Unit, Dr.Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola, Maharashtra (FLD farmers) and farmers who did not participate in the FLD programme but belong to the same villages wherein FLDs were organized (non-FLD farmers). The respondents were selected through multi-stage random sampling procedure. There was highly significant difference between FLD and non-FLD respondents with respect to their adoption behaviour and sunflower productivity. There wassignificant difference among non-FLD farmers with small, mediumand large size of land holdings with respect to their adoption behaviour and sunflower productivity, while there was no such difference was observed among the FLD farmers. Most of the non-FLD farmers had low to medium level of sunflower productivity, while most ofthe FLD farmers had medium to high level ofsunflower productivity. Overall, there was 11% mean seed yield increase obtained by the FLD farmers over that of non-FLD farmers with ` 2254/ha additional net returns. The personal,socio-economical, biotic and abiotic determinants ofsunflower production and perceived information needs were assessed and the strategies for improving the sunflower production scenario in the study area were suggested.
Seed and oil quality characteristics in castor (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: S K SHAH  , D K PATEL  , R M PATEL  , P S PATEL  , D U PATEL
Published: October 2023

Eighteen castor (Ricinus communis L.) genotypes (hybrids/varieties/parental lines) were studied for seed, oil quality as well as fatty acid profile. The maximum 100 seed wt (37.7 g) was observed in 48-1 genotype and the oil content (50.7%) was recorded in SKP-84 pistillate line. Hundred seed weight showed a positive correlation with kernel % (r=0.472*) and seed oil content has positive correlation with kernel oil content (r=0.664**). Industrially important oil qualities like specific gravity, colour, viscosity were also measured. The free fatty acid as oleic acid varied between 1.93 to 7.03%. Among the fatty acids, the ricinoleic acid content was ranging from 84.3 to 87.8% and the maximum was recorded in GCH-4 hybrid.
Callus induction studies in various explants in different genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: S RAGHU DEEPIKA  , N A ANSARI
Published: October 2023

The goal of this study was to develop a suitable protocol for callus induction in sesame, Sesamum indicum which can be further used for regeneration studies. The experiments were carried out using three explants viz., cotyledonary leaf, hypocotyls and primary leaf at different hormonal combinations and concentrations to study callus induction. There was significant difference in the response of explants to different hormone treatments although there is no genotypic difference with regard to explants. Results showed that callus induction was significantly influenced by explants type. Hypocotyls responded well for callus induction in most of the genotypes. The callus induction frequency was significantly reduced (36.5%) when 0.2 mg BA was used along with 0.2 mg/lNAA. Replacing this hormonal combination with 2.0mg/l BA and 0.2 mg/l NAA greatly improved the callus induction frequency (51.4%).
Effect of irrigation scheduling at critical growth stages and fertility levels on growth, yield and quality of summer sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: R B THANKI  , R M SOLANKI  , J M MODHAVADIA  , B S GOHIL  , P J PRAJAPATI
Published: October 2023

A field experiment was conducted with sesame during summer season of 2007 and 2008 on clayey soil of Cotton Research Centre, Khapat farm, Junagadh Agricultural University, Porbandar, Gujarat to find out the combined effect of irrigation at critical growth stages and fertility levels on growth, yield attributes, yields and quality of sesame. The treatments consisted 24 possible combinations of four levels of irrigation in main plot and six levels of fertility in sub-plot. The results revealed that irrigating the crop at branching, flowering, capsule and seed development stages with the application of 75:50:50 kg NP2O5K2O/ha were found significant for number of effective branches/plant, length of capsule, number of capsules/plant, number of seed/capsule, seed yield/plant, seed yield and stover yields of sesame, harvest index, 1000-seed weight, protein and oil content in seed, oil yield andnitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake. Whereas water use efficiency was maximum when the crop was irrigated at flowering and capsule development stages only.
Seed-use behaviour of castor growers in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: R VENKATTAKUMAR  , M PADMAIAH  , S V RAMANA RAO
Published: October 2023

The seed-use behaviour of castor growers in Andhra Pradesh was assessed through the response of 192 randomly selected castor growers in Mahabubnagar district of Andhra Pradesh in 2010. In order to understand the productivity potentials and profitability of castor cultivars as vital information necessary for interpreting the seed-use behaviour, secondary data pertaining to frontline demonstrations (FLDs) in castor for the period from 1997-98 to 2008-09 was analysed. Similarly, to understand the operational cost of castor cultivation (` /ha) and output price of castor (` /q) in Andhra Pradesh as support information, secondary data of FLDs in castor for the period from 1994-95 to 2007-08 were analysed. These analyses revealed that all the castor growers purchase seeds every year. Better performance of the improved cultivars over the locals was the reason for annual seed-purchase behaviour exhibited by all respondents. Peer group, input dealers, extension personnel of State Department of Agriculture (SDA) and progressive farmers were the information source for seed-purchase. Yield, seed weight and extent of seed filling were the major criteria for choosing the improved castor cultivars. Input dealers and SDA were the major sources of seed purchase. The seed source was selected based on the accessibility of the source, timely availability of seeds, credibility of the source and adequacy of information about the improved cultivars. GCH-4 and Kranthi were the major castor cultivars used by the castor growers. Susceptibility of the improved cultivars to pest and diseases, lack of guarantee about the performance of the cultivars at the time of seed purchase, lack of awareness about the new cultivars and costliness of the seeds of improved cultivars were the major constraints perceived in use of purchased seeds. Implicative strategies were suggested, based on the results of the study to improve the seed-use behaviour of castor growers in Andhra Pradesh.
Combining ability analysis for seed yield and its attributes in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss]
Authors: M PATEL  , K P PRAJAPATI  , A A KHULE  , L P PATEL
Published: October 2023

The hybrids were developed by adopting diallel mating design excluding reciprocals involving ten diverse Indian mustard genotypes during rabi 2007-08. The resultant 45 hybrids along with their parents were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design with three replications under four environments viz., timely sown at Sardarkrushinagar (E1) and Ladol (E2), and late sown at Sardarkrushinagar (E3) and Ladol (E4), during rabi 2008-09. Combining ability analysis on pooled basis, revealed importance of both additive and non-additive genetic variances for the control of various traits. However, the ratio σ2 gca/σ2 sca indicated preponderance of non-additive gene action for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, seed yield/plant and oil content, while additive gene action was preponderant for rest of the traits. The parents RK 9501, GM 1 and GM 2 were good general combiners, whereas, the crosses 'RK 9501 x GM 2', 'GM 1 x GM 3' and 'GM 3 x SKM 139' were found to be the best specific combinations for seed yield/plant and some of the important yield contributing traits. However, on the basis of per se performance, exploitable heterosis and significant sca effects for seed yield/plant and some of its important components, the above hybrids were considered to be the most promising for exploitation of heterosis.
Genetic architecture for yield and its components in castor (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: K K PATEL  , HARSHAL E PATIL
Published: October 2023

The genetic analysis was done through line x tester design involving five pistillate lines and 13 pollen parents for the development of a set of 65 hybrids in castor, Ricinus communis. The combining ability analysis for yield and its components revealed that both the components, additive and non-additive of genetic variances were significantly influenced by environment. The preponderance of additive gene action was observed for the control of days to 50% flowering and days to 50% maturity of main raceme as well as number of nodes up to main raceme. For the characters plant height and oil content, non-additive gene effect was propounded. The parents SKP-8, 103745, 1379, SKP-93, TMV-5, Aruna, SH-72 and SK2-8A were good general combiners for imparting earliness, former three as well as VP-1 were good general combiner for short plant stature, whereas later two and SKP-82, JH-128, SH-41 and48-1 were good general combiners for oil content. The estimates of gca effects suggested that parents SKP-93, SKP-82, 48-1, Aruna, SPS-35-9B, JI-77 and JH-128 were good general combiners for seed yield and at least for two important yield attributes viz., 100-seed weight, effective branches/plant, number of capsules in main raceme and length of main raceme. The good specific cross combinations for yield were SKP-8 x TMV-5, VP-l x SKI-41 and SKP 25 x 1379, also identified as superior hybrid for earliness, high oil content and short plant stature, respectively. Hence, these may be exploited for commercial cultivation. The hybrids SKP-8 x TMV-5, SKP-25 x JH-128 and SKP-82 x 48-1 depicted significant positive sca effect for seed yield, these hybrids could be exploitedfor development of hybrids and new inbred as well as pistilate lines in castor. The potence ratio of genetic variance suggested preponderance of non-additive gene effect for inheritance of the seed yield/plant, number of capsules in main raceme and number of effective branches.
Frontline demonstrations in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh : An impact analysis
Authors: M PADMAIAH  , G D S KUMAR  , C SARADA  , R K REDDY
Published: October 2023

Madhya Pradesh is one of the potential States for castor cultivation with highest productivity after Gujarat. Several technologies and crop management options have been developed by Directorate of Oilseeds Research (DOR) and All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on castor centres, that can significantly increase the yield, but adoption of these technologies by farmers has been far less than anticipated. Realizing the importance of extending these technologies for improving the yields at farmers' level, frontline demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted to show the productivity potential and profitability of improved production and protection technologies by AICRP Castor Chhindwara centre, Madhya Pradesh. The present study assessed the impact of these FLDs in enhancing the yield of castor and the socio-economic factors contributing to the adoption of improved technology by farmers. The results indicated that the mean seed yield and the additional net returns were higher in FLD farmers plots compared to non-FLD farmers. Adoption of farmer was highly correlated with socio-economic characteristics such as knowledge level, farm size and training programmes attended. The major contributing factors for adoption of improved practices were knowledge level and exposure to demonstrations.
GJG-31: A high yielding and better quality Spanish bunch type groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) variety for Gujarat state
Authors: J H VACHHANI  , K L DOBARIYA  , L L JIVANI  , V H KACHHADIA  , H G SHEKHAT
Published: October 2023

A Spanish bunch type groundnut genotype GJG-31 is a hybrid derivative of the cross GG-2 x PBS-21065. It has recorded an overall mean pod yield of 3483 kg/ha, which was higher than the check varieties viz., GG-2 (2545 kg/ha), GG-4 (2812 kg/ha), GG-6 (2965 kg/ha) and TG-26 (2887 kg/ha). Thus, this genotype expressed an overall improvement of 36.86 per cent, 24.07 per cent, 17.47 per cent and 20.64 per cent in pod yield over the check varieties GG-2, GG-4, GG-6 and TG-26, respectively. This genotype was also tested in trials of All India Coordinated Research Project i.e. Initial Varietal Trial-Spanish Bunch-I and II during summer seasons of 2008 and 2009, respectively, where the performance was better than the local check variety GG-6 (14.46%) and zonal check variety TG-26 (11.79%). However, it was comparable with check varieties viz., TAG-24, TG-37A and Dh-86. The kernel yield (2460 kg/ha) of GJG-31 was also higher than the check varieties viz., GG-2 (1822 kg/ha), GG-4 (2115 kg/ha), GG-6 (2174 kg/ha) and TG-26 (2159 kg/ha). GJG-31 recorded average 100-kernel weight of 40.77 g, average 100-pod weight of 115.3 g and average shelling out-turn of 70.62 per cent. GJG-31 was found free from peanut bud necrosis disease incidence as disease was not appeared in this variety. Due to its consistent superior performance, GJG-31 has been released for general cultivation in the summer bunch groundnut growing areas of Gujarat state.
Genetic evaluation of physiological traits affecting water use efficiency in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: PRAFULL KUMAR  , S K DHILLON  , ABHINAV SAO  , HEMATH SAHU
Published: October 2023

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate 41 (26 restorer and 15 maintainer) genotypes of sunflower for physiological traits affecting water use efficiency under different environments. The traits studied were canopy temperature, leaf area index, photosynthetic rate and leaf water potential. Among the four stress treatments, W1 (control) irrigating during entire grown cycle yielded the maximum value for all the parameters, except canopy temperature, followed by W4, W3 and W2 (withholding of irrigations in different growth stages). In genotypes under study, the estimates of heritability and genetic advance were observed maximum for leaf area index followed by leaf water potential indicating the predominant additive gene effects for these parameters. Hence, these traits can be improved to a considerable extent by limited selection cycles. Estimation of GCV and PCV values were higher for leaf area index as compared to other traits indicating high genetic variability for leaf area index. Pooling of physiological and genetic parameters indicated that leaf water potential and photosynthetic capacity can be adopted for breeding of suitable crop varieties for changing climatic scenario.
Water production function and optimal irrigation programme for drip irrigated castor (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: B R KUMAR  , V PRAVEEN RAO  , V RAMULU  , M UMA DEVI  , K AVIL KUMAR
Published: October 2023

Water shortage for crop production necessitates adequate knowledge of the crop water production function to make decisions on water allocation for optimum returns from castor crop under surface drip irrigation. The study was conducted in rabi 2009-10 at Agricultural college farm, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The different drip irrigation schedules at 40, 60 and 80 per cent pan evaporation replenishment levels either kept constant throughout the crop life or combinations at vegetative, flowering and development stages were compared with surface check basin at (0.8 IW/CPE ratio) irrigation. The results showed that drip irrigation at 0.6 Epan replenishment up to flowering and 0.8 Epan later on registered comparable seed yields with drip irrigation scheduled at either at 0.6 or 0.8 Epan and was significantly superior over other treatments and the best fit water production function was quadratic (R2= 0.99). The optimum quantity of water (ETc) for maximum net returns under prevailing prices (water and castor @ `10 and 30 ha/mm and kg/ha, respectively) was 381.4 ha mm with a resultant seed yield of 3611 kg/ha. The gross returns, net returns and net return/rupee invested varied from ` 72194 to 144447/ha, ` 36808 to 108018/ha and 1.040 to 3.049, respectively.
Performance of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids under West Bengal condition
Authors: A DUTTA
Published: October 2023

An experiment on the performance of various sunflower hybrids was carried out at Pulses and Oilseed Research Station (PORS), Berhampore during rabi (winter) 2013-14 under Initial Hybrid Trial (IHT) of AICRP (Sunflower) with 12 hybrids. Among the 12 hybrids, two hybrids WBSH-2021 and WBSH-2034 developed at PORS, Berhampore during winter 2012-13 were included in the trial. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design having four replications, with each sub plot size of 4.5 x 3.0 m2 . Statistical analysis of the data showed significant differences for all the parameters except days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and 100-seed weight. It was observed that WBSH-2021 registered 31%, 25% and 66% more seed yield and 30%, 29% and 70% more oil yield than the three check hybrids. Under zone-III, WBSH-2021 recorded 16%, 7% more seed yield and 11%, 15.3% more oil yield than the check hybrids DRSH-1 and KBSH-44, respectively. Based on the performance of the IHT the hybrid WBSH-2021 was promoted to Advanced Hybrid Trial (AHT) of AICRP (Sunflower).
Productivity and nutrient use of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in sequential cropping system in Vertisols
Authors: G SURESH  , S N SUDHAKARA BABU  , A AZIZ QURESHI
Published: October 2023

Field experiments were conducted on fixed plot for three consecutive years during 2009-12 onmediumVertisols at Hyderabad. The experimental site was clay soil with a soil pH and organic carbon of 7.7 and 0.51 per cent, respectively. The productivity and sustainability ofrabi sunflower was assessed under three cropping sequences in rainy(kharif) and winter (rabi)seasons viz., fallow-sunflower; sunflower-sunflower and soybean-sunflower and four nutrient management practices. The kharif crops were grown as rainfed and rabi sunflower was grown with one irrigation at sowing. The highest seed yield (1412 kg/ha) of sunflower was recorded in soybean-sunflower system followed by fallow-sunflower (1185 kg//ha) system. Continuous cropping ofsunflower resulted in lowest yield (983 kg/ha). N and P uptake of rabi sunflower succeeding either soybean or fallow was higher compared to continuous cropping. Significantly higher and comparable seed yield, stalk yield were obtained with the application of recommended dose of major nutrients in conjunction with farm yard manure (FYM).
Management of Sclerotinia rot of rapeseed-mustard through integrated pest management
Authors: ASHOK KUMAR  , S SHARMA  , A KATOCH
Published: October 2023

In vitro studies revealed maximum mycelial growth inhibition (98.5%) of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum byTrichoderma koningii isolate JMA-11 followed by DMA-8 (90.4%). Extract of Vitex negundo and Melia azedarach showed 100 per cent and 98.3 per cent inhibition ofmycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum at 5% concentration followed by 96.7 per cent and 91.7 per cent growth inhibition at 2.5% concentration, respectively. At 1% concentration, 57.6 per cent growth inhibition of the pathogen was shown by Melia azedarach followed by 55.6 per cent inhibition with Vitex negundo. Fifty nine genotypes of rapeseed-mustard screened under artificial field conditions showed lack of the resistance to S. sclerotiorum. However, ten genotypes viz., NRCG-104, NRC-DR-603, HC-0213, HC-0212, HC-9603, HC-9605, BCRS-17, Pusa Swarnim, Kiran, and PBC-9221 belonging to Brassica carinata were found to be moderately susceptible. In the integrated disease management, a combination of row spacing 45 cm, 2-3 lower leaf removal at 80 and 100 days after sowing and one spray of companion (0.2%) was found to be best treatment in reducing the disease incidence of Sclerotinia rot in Brassica napus.
Integration of mustard markets in Rajasthan State of India
Authors: RICHARD KWASI BANNOR  , SAUMITRA MATHUR
Published: October 2023

The study assessed the integration between mustard market pairs in Rajasthan state of India using monthly mustard price series ofsix markets from2006-2014. The co-integration tests results indicate, Tonk and Alwar; Tonk and Dausa; Bharatpur and Alwar and Sriganganagar and Dausa are integrated in the long run at lag one. Tonk and Bharatpur and Bharatpur and Dausa are also integrated in the long run at lag two. Error correction model showed that the lowest speed of adjustment towards long run equilibrium was from Tonk to Bharatpur at rate of 43.2%. The highest speed of adjustment was 103.8%, runningBharatpur to Alwar market towards long run equilibrium. Impulse response function results shows when an unexpected positive shock is given to market price in Tonk, Sriganganagar and Bharatpur, the response thereof from other trading markets will be permanent over a period of twelve months.
Response of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to micronutrients and NPK levels on the growth, yield and nutrients uptake in coastal sandy soil
Authors: D ELAYARAJA
Published: October 2023

A pot experiment was conducted to find out the effect of NPK levels and micronutrients viz., Zn and Mn on the yield and nutrients uptake by sesame in coastal sandy soil. The experimental soil was sandy texture with pH 8.41, low in organic carbon, available N and P, medium in available K and deficient in Zn and Mn. The treatments consisted of different levels of NPK and micronutrients. The experiment was laid out in a factorial completely randomized design with three replications, using sesame variety TMV 7. The results of the study indicated that application of 150% NPK + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg/ha + MnSO4 @ 5 kg/ha recorded the highest seed and stalk yield of 52.4 and 184.7 g/pot, respectively. However, it was found to be on par with the treatment which received 125% NPK + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg/ha + MnSO4 @ 5 kg/ha and recorded the seed and stalk yield of 50.9 and 179.5 g/pot, respectively. Application of Zn and Mn along with NPK improved the uptake of micronutrients by sesame in addition to the yield and oil content.
Productivity and economic viability of winter niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.] under varying nutrient management practices
Authors: M R DESHMUKH  , ALOK JYOTISHI  , A R G RANGANATHA
Published: October 2023

Results of the field experiments conducted in Vertisols of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on irrigated niger (cv. JNC-1) during winter season for three consecutive years (2008-09 to 2010-11) revealed that application of 40 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 + 20 kg K2O/ha (recommended dose of fertilizer) along with spraying of 2% DAP twice at flowering and capitula formation stage showed higher seed (647 kg/ha); oil yield (198 kg/ha), and net monetary returns (` 7867/ha). This was at par with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) along with spraying of 2% urea twice. Application of 75% RDF along with spraying of 2% DAP twice at the same stage was comparable to 100% RDF alone with regard to productivity and economic viability. Numerically,spraying of DAP proved better than spraying of urea in respect of production and profit.
Evaluation of integrated pest management module for insect pests of castor (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: P DURAIMURUGAN  , M LAKSHMINARAYANA
Published: October 2023

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate integrated pest management (IPM) module in castor using three popular cultivars(DCH-519, DCH-177, DCS-107) and compared with farmers' practice and untreated control. IPM module comprised of mechanical control of gregarious stages of tobacco caterpillar and older larvae of semilooper, economic threshold level based application of thiodicarb 75WP @ 375 g a.i./ha against tobacco caterpillar (at 25% foliage damage), indoxacarb 15.8EC @ 75 g a.i./ha against capsule borer (at 10% capsule damage) and dimethoate 30EC @ 250 g a.i./ha against leafhopper (at 10% hopper burn damage) superior in reducing the insect pest population over farmers' practice. In the IPM module, the mean population of semilooper, tobacco caterpillar, leafhopper and capsule borer damage was 0.3 larvae/plant, 0.8 larvae/plant, 16.2 leafhoppers/3 leaves/plant and 10.3% capsule damage as against 0.6 larvae/plant, 2.3 larvae/plant, 20.7 leafhoppers/3 leaves/plant and 16.5% capsule damage in farmers' practice, respectively. IPM module found safer to its larval parasitoid, Snellenius (Microplitis) maculipennis as compared to farmers' practice. The higher mean castor seed yield (1348 kg/ha) and avoidable yield loss (67.6%) was obtained from IPM module over farmers' practice with seed yield of 1008 kg/ha and avoidable yield loss of 55.5%. Further, higher net profit of ` 26889/ha and incremental cost-benefit ratio of 1:5.95 was recorded in IPM module as compared to ` 15584/ha and 1: 3.97 under farmers' practice.
Soybean economy of India : Performance, problems and prospects
Authors: VIJAY PAUL SHARMA
Published: October 2023

Soybean crop has witnessed a phenomenal growth in production in the country during the last four decades but growth has been driven majorly by area expansion. During the last two decades, area expansion drove about 80 per cent of the increased production while yield contributed about 20 per cent to the increase in soybean production. One of the most important changes observed in the soybean acreage and production over the last three decades has been a declining share of Madhya Pradesh in area and production and increasing share of Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The demand for soybean is increasing rapidly due to higher demand from poultry feed industry and soybean based products such as soybean oil, soymilk, soy flour and soy protein. However, soybean producers face a variety of biotic, abiotic,socio-economic and policy-related constraintsthat affectsoybean production. Economic constraints were the most important constraintsfaced by soybean producers, followed by technological constraints, agro-climatic factors, institutional and post-harvest management and marketing related problems. The findings show that there exist huge yield gaps in case of soybean in the country. It was estimated that soybean productivity can be increased by about 47 per cent and production from current level of 11.64 million tonnes to about 18.6 million tonnes by bridging the gap between improved technology at farmers' field and actual farm yield in the country through improving extension services. Therefore, concerted efforts are needed to bridge soybean yield gapsthrough strengthening institutional factors including better extension services, timely availability of quality inputs and services and improved post-harvest management and marketing facilities.
Household demand and supply projections of major edible oils in Tamil Nadu State, India
Authors: G GOVINDARAJ  , S SURYAPRAKASH  , N SIVARAMANE
Published: October 2023

This paper analysed the household demand, projected the supply and assessed the domestic demand-supply gap of edible oils consumed in Tamil Nadu State, India. The primary data were collected from randomly selected 1000 sample households at Tamil Nadu collected during the year 2009-10. The growth rate, AIDS model and supply projection techniques were employed to derive appropriate conclusions. The area under groundnut and sesame crop was found declining over years in Tamil Nadu. The sunflower area was also declining, but, the yield showed increasing trend implying the production growth mainly driven by yield. Unlike other oilseed crops, the coconut production was driven by area rather than productivity. The results of demand estimation revealed that about 66% increase in demand is expected by 2020 for groundnut oil whereasthe demand forsesame, coconut and other edible oils would increase by 67%, 66% and 78%, respectively in Tamil Nadu. Among all major edible oils,sunflower oil's demand was the highest followed by groundnut, palm, sesame and coconut oil. It is projected that there will be leapfrog jump in sunflower oil demand in the coming years, mainly due to increased awareness about low-saturated fat content in this oil. The total edible oil demand would increase from 6.38 lakh tonnes to 10.75 lakh tonnes by 2020. The resultsfrom thisstudy also revealed that, the groundnut oil and sesame oilsupply available from the state sources would decline and widen the production-household demand gap. Hence, urgent policy measures have to be initiated to increase the current level of production in these crops.
Performance of sorghum and linseed intercropping system with different row proportion and planting geometry under rainfed condition
Authors: G V SHUBHA  , S A BIRADAR  , SATYANARAYNRAO  , B G KOPPALKAR  , M R GOVINDAPPA  , K AJITHKUMAR  , RAJANNA
Published: October 2023

Afield experiment was conducted atMain AgriculturalResearch Station,Raichur, Karnataka during rabiseason of 2013-14 under rainfed condition in medium black soil to study the yield performance and economics ofsorghum and linseed intercropping system with different row proportion and planting geometry. The results revealed that, among various intercropping systems, sorghum+linseed in 1:2 with 30 cm rows spacing recorded significantly highersorghum equivalent yield of 1822 kg/ha followed by chickpea+ linseed in 2:1 with 45 cm rows (1671 kg/ha) and sorghum+linseed in 1:1 with 30 cm rows (1653 kg/ha). The land equivalent ratio was significantly highest in sorghum+ linseed in 1:2 with 30 cmrows(1.70)followed by chickpea+linseed in 2:1 with 45 cmrows(1.10). Higher net returns was recorded in sorghum+linseed in 1:2 with 30 cm rows (` 34,348/ha) followed by sorghum+chickpea (2:1) 45 cm rows (` 31,211/ha) and sorghum+linseed (1:1) 30 cm rows (` 29,876/ha). However, higher B:C was recorded in sorghum+linseed (1:2) 30 cm rows (2.05).
Effect of ethrel spray on ISF induction in pistillate line of castor SKP-84
Authors: RAJIV KUMAR  , J A PATEL  , DHARMENDRA PATIDAR  , NIL PATEL  , SATISH PATEL  , SARANG SAPRE  , RAVI SHAH
Published: October 2023

Reducing the number of interspersed staminate flowers (ISF) in female line is an important breeding objective in castor. An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of ethrel spray on the level of ISF induction in pistilate linesin castor. Male line (SKI-215) and pistillate line (SKP-84) were grown in 4:1 ratio. Ethrel wassprayed at 0.1 per cent in pistillate line. Ethrel treated pistillate line exhibited significantly less number of the ISF in primary spikes.In addition, ethrelspray lead to reduced length of primaryspike, increased spike compactness, early induction of flowering, early spike development, stunted stigma growth and reduced plant canopy.
Effect of phyllosphere and spike mycoflora on castor gray mold incited by Amphobotrys ricini
Authors: C YAMUNA  , P KISHORE VARMA  , R D PRASAD  , K VIJAYA LAKSHMI
Published: October 2023

Gray mold of castor incited by Amphobotrys ricini is an economically important disease causing heavy losses during capsule formation stage under high humid conditions. The phyllosphere and spike mycoflora were isolated from castor and tested for their bioefficacy against gray mold under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The mycoflora isolated were identified based on morphological characters as species of Acremonium, Aspergillus, Choanephora, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Macrophomina and Penicillium. Among the mycoflora tested in vitro, highest inhibition of the test pathogen was recorded with Acremonium species. Greenhouse evaluation of phyllosphere and spike mycoflora by detached spike method has shown that inoculation of detached spikes with Penicillium spp. 24 hours prior to pathogen inoculation has significantly reduced gray mold severity compared to control.
Identification and delineation of potential castor growing areas in different Agro-eco sub regions of India
Authors: L G K NAIDU  , S DHARUMARAJAN  , M LALITHA  , R VASUNDHARA  , V RAMAMURTHY  , G P OBI REDDY  , R S SINGH  , B TAILOR  , RAMESHWAR SINGH  , U BARUAH  , M PADMAIAH  , G SURESH  , K S VARAPRASAD
Published: October 2023

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world. Castor oil is having global importance specially in chemical industry because it is the only commercial source of a hydroxylated fatty acid. Castor also hastremendousfuture potential as an industrial oilseed crop because of its high seed oil content, unique fatty acid composition, potentially high oil yields, and ability to be grown under drought and saline conditions. Soils and prevailing climatic conditions across different Agro-Eco Sub Regions (AESR) of India were assessed and matched with crop requirement criteria to identify the potential castor growing areas. Potential castor growing areas comprise favourable soil depth (deep soils) with longer Length of Growing Period (LGP). Among the traditional castor growing areas, AESR 5.2, 7.3, 8.2 and 8.3 have potential to grow castor whereas in non-traditional castor growing areas, AESR6.3, 6.2, 13.1, 15.4 and 17.1 are most potential for expanding castor cultivation. Relative yield and spread index of castor indicated that most of the potential areasidentified in different AESRsfall in zone II and III, need special attention to increase productivity and area expansion programme. Site specific management strategies like selection of suitable variety matching with LGP and proper adoption of nutrient management will overcome the limitations observed in these zones.
Use of soil test kits in assessing soil fertility of castor growing soils of semi-arid tropics
Authors: I Y L N MURTHY  , CH V HARIPRIYA  , M PADMAIAH
Published: October 2023

Resource poor farmers use semi-arid tropic soils of southern India for castor cultivation. These soils are well known for their low soil fertility thus resulting in poor castor seed yield. Conventional soil tests of laboratory will take more time. Based on these, fertiliser recommendations to the farmers is seldom delivered in time. Soil test kits (STKs) developed by Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad and Coromandal Fertilisers Ltd., Secunderabad is quiet handy in determining the physico-chemical properties on the spot and advice fertiliser recommendations to the farmers. In the present study, results obtained by using these STKs and conventional laboratory testswere compared. The parameters viz., pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and micronutrients (zinc, boron and iron) were in close agreement with that of laboratory tests. Thus, for a quick diagnosis of soil fertility status, STKs are highly useful and accordingly fertiliser recommendations can be given to farmers.
Profitability, input demand and output supply of mustard production in Bangladesh
Authors: SANZIDUR RAHMAN  , MOHAMMAD MIZANUL HAQUE KAZAL
Published: October 2023

This paper estimates profitability, input demand and output supply of mustard production at the farm-level in Bangladesh utilizing a survey data of 206 mustard farmers from two regions of Bangladesh by applying a profit function approach. Mustard production is profitable at the farm level (Benefit Cost Ratio = 1.34) with no adverse influence of farm size on yield and profitability. Mustard farmers are also responsive to changes in market prices of inputs and outputs. Mustard price is the most dominant determinant of output supply and input demand. A 1% increase in mustard price will increase output supply by 0.62% and increase demand for mechanical power, fertilizer and labour by 1.06%, 1.05% and 1.01%, respectively but will decrease seed demand by 3.96%. The fixed factors have no role except land fragmentation substantially reducing seed demand. Policy implications include price policy to improve mustard price and tenurial reform aimed at improving land fragmentation and smooth functioning of the hired labour market in order to increase production and profitability of mustard in Bangladesh.