Volume Archives: Vol. 42 No 3 (December 2016)

DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE TIME AND EFFICIENT METHOD OF SEED HARVESTING FROM ANDROPOGONGAYANUS AT BENISHANGUL-GUMUZ, WESTERN ETHIOPIA

DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATE TIME AND EFFICIENT METHOD OF SEED HARVESTING FROM ANDROPOGONGAYANUS AT BENISHANGUL-GUMUZ, WESTERN ETHIOPIA
ALEMAYEHU ABEBE*, MULISA FAJI AND SOLOMON MENGISTU
1Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research,
Assosa Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 265
*(e-mail : alabe_2008@yahoo.com)
(Received : 19 October 2016; Accepted : 15 December 2016)

SUMMARY

This study was done to determine efficient method and appropriate time of harvesting seed from Andropogongayanus thereby delivering the information and knowledge to private and public forage seed producers.The study was conducted in research field of Assosa Agricultural Research Center for three consecutive years with treatment set up of factorial combinations of four harvesting methods and four harvesting times with four replications. The harvesting methods were hand plucking/mowing of ripened panicle, shaking the panicle at harvesting allowing the ripe seeds to fall in nylon net collecting bags attached to stems, sweeping of fallen seeds from the ground after previously cutting of the dry stems and mowing of panicle with half-mature seed and sweating it in a shade. Time of harvest schedule defined by number of days after peak anthesis; and the treatments were 14th, 21st, 28th and 35th days. Data were analyzed by SPSS computer software using GLM procedures. The overall mean seed yield and germinable seed yield (kg/ha) recorded in the study were 561.3 and 309.9, respectively. Highly significant (P<0.001) yield differences were recorded for germinable seed among harvesting methods and time of harvesting. The interaction of harvesting method and harvesting time was also significant (P<0.05).The most efficient method and appropriate time that maximum germinable seed yield attained was sweating on 28th day followed by mowing on 21st day; and the least germinable seed yield was attained by sweeping on 14th day. Thus, we recommend farmers and seed producers growing Andropogongayanus in Benishangul-Gumuz and in similar agro-ecologies to harvest seed by sweating on 28th day after peak anthesis..

Key words: Benishangul-Gumuz, germination, seed maturity, shattering, tropical grasses

FR 42(3) 143-148

PERENNIAL FORAGES AS A TOOL FOR SEQUESTERING ATMOSPHERIC CARBON BY BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR BETTER SOIL QUALITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY

PERENNIAL FORAGES AS A TOOL FOR SEQUESTERING ATMOSPHERIC CARBON BY BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR BETTER SOIL QUALITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
SATHIYA BAMA AND C. BABU
Department of Agronomy,
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Coimbatore (T. N.), India
*(e-mail : ksoilscience@gmail.com)
(Received : 15 October 2016; Accepted : 27 December 2016)

SUMMARY

For improving the carbon storage in agricultural soil, cropping with best mangement practices is important. Among crops, forages have great oppourtunity to fix carbon. As well as the undisturbed cultivation for long period, poses to select these crops for carbon sequestration studies.The objective of this paper is to study the impact of various nutrient sources on biomass yield and carbon sequestration potential of various perennial fodder crops. An experiment was initiated with three different perennial forage crops viz., legume fodder (Lucerne CO 1), grass fodder [Cumbu Napier hybrid grass CO(CN)4] and cereal fodder [sorghum CO(FS)29]. The nutrient requirement met through different sources viz., farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), INM and inorganics. The results showed, among the different forage crops, Cumbu Napier grass had higher carbon sequesteration potential of above ground biomass which removed 336.7 t CO2/ha than multicut fodder sorghum (148.7 t CO2/ha). The higher below ground biomass in Cumbu Napier grass removed 7.73 tCO2/ha from the atmosphere than lucerne (4.21 t CO2/ha). The soil physical properties and microbial populations were also favourable in the grass type fodder. Among the nutrient sources, the FYM favoured higher carbon fixation in the soil than poultry manure, integrated nutrient management and inorganics alone. In addition, the Cumbu napier fodder crop stored 9.2 g/kg of soil organic carbon over initial SOC status of 6.5 g/kg followed by multicut fodder sorghum accumulated (8.7 g/kg). The soil carbon stock was worked out to be 18.63 t/ha/year in Cumbu napier grass than by multicut fodder sorghum 17.62 t/ha.

Key words: Carbon sequestration, Cumbu napier hybrid grass, multicut fodder sorghum, lucerne, organics, inorganics

FR 42(3) 149-157

SCREENING OF PEARL MILLET GERMPLASM AGAINST RUST CAUSED BY PUCCINIA SUBSTRIATA VAR. PENICILLARIAE

SCREENING OF PEARL MILLET GERMPLASM AGAINST RUST CAUSED BY PUCCINIA SUBSTRIATA VAR. PENICILLARIAE
ANNU*, KUSHAL RAJ, POOJA SANGWAN AND NARENDER SINGH
Department of Plant Pathology
CCS Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail : vermaannu06@gmail.com)
(Received : 21 November 2016; Accepted : 23 December 2016)

SUMMARY

Rust caused by Puccinia substriata var. penicillariae is one of the major diseases affecting both food grain and forage production in pearl millet. In order to find out economical and cost effective method to manage the disease, attempts were made to identify resistance sources against rust by screening of germplasm. The field screening involved the use of a highly susceptible line as infector row grown after every three test rows under natural epiphytotic conditions. Observations on rust severity were recorded at grain filling stage. In all, 228 entries of coordinated trials, none of the entries was free from rust severity, 10 entries showed 0.1-20 per cent rust severity, 48 entries showed 20.1-40 per cent rust severity, 80 entries showed 40.1-60 per cent rust severity, 67 entries showed 60.1-80 per cent rust severity and 23 entries showed more than 90 per cent rust severity. Amongst 276 entries of state trials, 39 entries were free from rust severity, 188 entries showed 0.1-20 per cent rust severity, 71 entries showed 20.1-40 per cent rust severity, 15 entries showed 40.1-60 per cent rust severity, two entries showed 60.1-80 per cent rust severity and none of the entries showed more than 80 per cent rust severity.

Key words: Ruse, disease, germplasm, pearlmillet

FR 42(3) 158-165

EFFECTS OF VARYING SEED RATES OF INTERCROPS ON FORGAE YIELD OF SWEET SORGHUM

EFFECTS OF VARYING SEED RATES OF INTERCROPS ON FORGAE YIELD OF SWEET SORGHUM
BRAJKISHOR PRAJAPATI* AND KEWALANAND
Department of Agronomy
Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology,
Pantnagar-263145 (Uttarakhand), India
*(e-mail : brajkishorprajapati1@gmail.com)
(Received : 13 October 2016; Accepted : 24 December 2016)

SUMMARY

The experiment was conducted at G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, U. S. Nagar, Uttarakhand, India during kharif seasons of 2013 and 2014 (sown on 10th June and 15th June) to test intercropping treatments for optimizing seed rate. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design consisting of nine treatments (sole sorghum, sole cowpea, sole ricebean, intercropping of cowpea and ricebean each with at 25, 50 and 75 per cent of recommended seed rates) with sweet sorghum. The recommended fertilizers viz., nitrogen (N) and P2O5 120 and 60 kg/ha for sole sorghum, 20 and 60 kg/ha for sole legumes and 80 and 60 kg/ha for intercropping systems, respectively, were applied. In sole sorghum 2/3 N along with all Phosphorus were applied as basal and the remaining 1/3 N top dressed at 30 DAS. In legume crops, whole nitrogen along with phosphorus was applied as basal. The findings revealed that intercropping of cowpea with 25% seed rate maintained higher green forage, dry fodder and digestible dry matter yield in sweet sorghum as well as the system productivity compared to remaining treatments, however, it was at par with sweet sorghum+cowpea (50%) intercropping treatment. Intercropping system reduced green forage, dry fodder, crude protein yield and crude protein content of cowpea and ricebean but enhanced the digestible dry matter yield. However, the digestible dry matter content of cowpea and ricebean remained unaffected.

Key words: Cowpea, sorghum, seed rate, rice bean

FR 42(3) 166-171

GENETIC VARIABILITY STUDIES FOR FORAGE YIELD AND ASSOCIATED TRAITS IN MARVEL GRASS (DICHANTHIUM SPP.)

GENETIC VARIABILITY STUDIES FOR FORAGE YIELD AND ASSOCIATED TRAITS IN MARVEL GRASS (DICHANTHIUM SPP.)
V. R. GORE, P. P. SURANA AND G. C. SHINDE
Grass Breeding Scheme
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth,
Rahuri-413 722 (M. S.), India
*(e-mail : grass.mpkv@gmail.com)
(Received : 13 October 2016; Accepted : 20 December 2016)

SUMMARY

A total of 20 marvel grass genotypes were grown in randomized block design (RBD) with two replications at Grass Breeding Scheme, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, District Ahmednagar, Maharashtra during kharif season of 2015-16. Objectives of investigation were to study genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for 13 characters viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height (cm), number of tillers/tussock, stem thickness (mm), number of internodes/tiller, internode length (cm), number of leaves/tiller, leaf length (cm), leaf breadth (mm), green fodder yield (g/tussock), leaf : stem ratio, dry matter (%) and crude protein (%). Treatment differences were found to be significant for all the characters studied. Characters like number of tillers/tussock, stem thickness L : S ratio and green fodder yield showed high GCV and PCV. The estimates of genotypic as well as phenotypic coefficients of variances were the higher for leaf : stem ratio, stem thickness (mm), green forage yield and number of tillers per tussock. Maximum heritability (b.s.) was observed for leaf : stem ratio (97.10%) and minimum for dry matter (61.90%). High estimates of heritability accompanied by high estimates of genetic advance as percentage of mean were observed for characters like number of tillers/tussock, stem thickness, L : S ratio, number of leaves/tiller, leaf length, leaf breadth, crude protein (%) and green forage yield indicating that these traits are predominately governed by additive gene action and selection for these characters will be effective. The characters like days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, stem thickness, number of internodes/tiller, number of leaves/tiller, leaf length and leaf breadth, showed significant positive genotypic correlations with green forage yield. Plant height and leaf breath exhibited high positive direct and indirect effect and significant positive genotypic correlation with green forage yield. The characters viz., number of internodes, stem thickness, leaf length and number of tillers/tussock also exhibited high indirect effects. Thus, emphasis should be given on these characters for green forage improvement in the present marvel grass.

Key words: Dichanthium, marvel grass, genetic variability, correlation, path coefficients, forage yield

FR 42(3) 172-175

GENETIC DIVERGENCE IN FODDER SORGHUM (SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH)

GENETIC DIVERGENCE IN FODDER SORGHUM (SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH)
VISHWANATH MEENA*, A. K. MEHTA AND MONIKA JYOTI KHUJUR
Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics
Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishva Vidyalaya,
Jabalpur-482 004 (M. P.), India
*(e-mail : vishwanathmeeena@555gmail.com)
(Received : 18 October 2016; Accepted : 24 December 2016)

SUMMARY

Sixty-two sorghum genotypes were analyzed for genetic divergence which resulted in 10 clusters having maximum inter-cluster distance between clusters II and IX and least between clusters VI and VIII. Maximum intra-cluster distance was exhibited by cluster IX followed by cluster VII. Putative lines selected were from cluster IX (E 169, GGUB 41, GGUB 59 and ICSR 93025) for leaf : stem ratio, green fodder yield per plant, green fodder yield per plant per day, dry matter yield per plant, dry matter yield per plant per day, crude protein yield per plant, plant height and internodal length; cluster IV (E 219 and ELG 24) for green fodder yield per plant, dry matter yield per plant, crude protein yield per plant, brix’s value and plant height. These lines can be used as patents in different hybridization programmes to obtain maximum variation for further selection.

Key words: Pearl millet, hybrids, populations, farmer’s practices, sustainable yield index (SYI)

FR 42(3) 176-179

COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF HYBRIDS AND POPULATIONS UNDER DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT CONDITION FOR SUSTAINABLE PEARL MILLET PRODUCTION

COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF HYBRIDS AND POPULATIONS UNDER DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT CONDITION FOR SUSTAINABLE PEARL MILLET PRODUCTION
ANIL KUMAR
Bajra Section, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding
CCS Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail : anilbajra2009@gmail.com)
(Received : 5 October 2016; Accepted : 8 December 2016

SUMMARY

The experiment was conducted at the research farm of Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar from 2007 to 2010. The experiment consisted of eight treatments viz., two management levels i. e. Farmers practices [No application of DAP, sub-optimal use of N @ 25-30 kg/ha, no gap filling and thinning and hardly one interculture operation] and recommended package of practices under rainfed situation [Nitrogen @ 40 kg/ha and P2O5 @ 20 kg/ha, gap filling and thinning (three weeks after sowing) and one interculture operation] along with four cultivars i. e. two hybrids (RHB 121 and GHB 558) and two populations (Pusa 383 and Raj 171). The adoption of recommended practices enhanced the productivity by 23.5 and 18.5 per cent in hybrids and populations, respectively, as compared to farmer’s practices. Among hybrids and populations; the hybrid GHB 558 (30.58 q/ha) produced significantly higher grain yield than RHB 121 hybrid (27.10 q/ha), populations Raj 171 (26.91 q/ha) and Pusa 383 (26.64 q/ha). Sustainable yield index (SYI) was quite higher in recommended package & practices (0.61) than the farmer’s practices (0.33). The SYI was comparable in the population Raj 171 (0.66), hybrid GHB 558 (0.65) and RHB 121 (0.63) but quite superior to Pusa 383 (0.49) in the recommended package of practices. In farmer’s practices, the SYI was found maximum in hybrid GHB 558 (0.42) and it was followed by Raj 121 (0.37), RHB 121 (0.30) and Pusa 383 (0.22) cultivars. The study indicated better performance of both the hybrids GHB 558 and RHB 121 than the populations Raj 171 and Pusa 383 under both the management levels

Key words: Pearl millet, hybrids, populations, farmer’s practices, sustainable yield index (SYI)

FR 42(3) 180-183

PERFORMANCE OF SINGLE CUT FORAGE SORGHUM GENOTYPES TO DIFFERENT FERTILITY LEVELS

PERFORMANCE OF SINGLE CUT FORAGE SORGHUM GENOTYPES TO DIFFERENT FERTILITY LEVELS
SATPAL, S. ARYA, PUMMY KUMARI AND S. DEVI
1, 2 & 3Forage Section,
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding
4Department of Botany and Plant Physiology
CCS Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
1(e-mail : satpal.fpj@gmail.com)
(Received : 10 November 2016; Accepted : 28 December 2016)

SUMMARY

Present study was undertaken to find out the performance of different single cut forage sorghum genotypes under different fertility levels. The field experiment was conducted at Forage Section Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana), India during Kharif season, 2015. Genotypes SPH 1752, CSH 13 and HJ 541 were sown at 50 %, 75 %, 100% and 125 % of RDF, where RDF was 80 kg N, 40 kg P2O5 and 40 kg K2O /ha . Significantly highest green fodder yield was recorded in HJ 541 (493.8 q/ha) and dry matter in SPH 1752 (115.2 q/ha) as compared to CSH 13 genotype. The maximum net returns (26262.4) and B:C ratio (1.74) was observed in genotype HJ 541. On comparison with different fertility levels, highest green fodder (516.37 q/ha) and dry matter (125.08 q/ha) were recorded under 125% RDF. The maximum net returns (Rs. 28095.9 q/ha) and B:C ratio (1.78) were observed with the application of 100% RDF followed by 125%, RDF 75% RDF. Conclusively, the genotypes, HJ 541 and SPH 1752 performed better and the application of RDF was the most suitable and economical fertilization practice.

Key words: Dry matter, Green Fodder yield, Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), Sorghum

FR 42(3) 184-188

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT ON SORGHUM FODDER YIELD AND ITS RELATED TRAITS

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT ON SORGHUM FODDER YIELD AND ITS RELATED TRAITS
A. K. DEHINWAL*, S. K. PAHUJA AND M. SHAFIQURRAHAMAN
Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding
CCS Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail : ashokdehinwalccshau@gmail.com)
(Received : 8 December 2016, Accepted : 30 December 2016)

SUMMARY

A study was made in Sorghum bicolor with line × tester (6 females × 4 males) to estimate the fodder yield and its component traits of different hybrids and parents under different environments. For this purpose, 24 specific cross combinations were developed by using 10 diverse parents during kharif season in 2014-15. These hybrids along with 10 parents and two standard checks (SSG 59-3 and MFSH 4) were evaluated at two locations (Hisar and Karnal) with early and late sowing during kharif season in 2015-16. The analysis of variance indicated the presence of variability among hybrids and their parents. Among male parents (HJ 541 and G 46), among female parents (467A and 56A) and crosses 467A × G 46 (222.1 g) and 465A × HJ 513 (220.8 g) showed higher green fodder yield on the basis of overall mean. This hybrid was also good for plant height (141.9 cm) and leaf length (81.7 cm). Other hybrids that showed better green fodder yield were 9A × IS 2389 (193.8 g), 56A × HJ 513 (190.0 g) and 31A × HJ 513 (185.9 g). Hybrid 56A × G 46 recorded higher leaf length (86.3 cm) and was also better for green fodder yield (178.3 g) and plant height (159.4 cm).

Key words: Sorghum bicolor, environment, quantitative traits, green fodder yield

FR 42(3) 189-194

RESPONSE OF DIFFERENT FODDER SORGHUM [SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH] GENOTYPES TO THE ACCELERATING AGEING TEST

RESPONSE OF DIFFERENT FODDER SORGHUM [SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH] GENOTYPES TO THE ACCELERATING AGEING TEST
D. G. GEND, S. S. VERMA, S. K. PAHUJA AND V. B. JADHAV
Department of Seed Science & technology,
CCS Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(dnyanesh.gend@gmail.com)
(Received : 15 October 2016; Accepted : 27 December 2016)

SUMMARY

The present investigation comprised 12 fodder sorghum varieties viz., HC-136, HC-171, HC-308, HJ-513, HJ-541, Pant Chari-7, GFS-5, Pant Chari-3, PC-5, SSV-84, CSV-15 and UP Chari-2 were used in the present study. The field experiment was conducted in Research Area of Forage Section, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2012-13 and accelerating aging test was conducted in laboratory of Department of Seed Science & Technology. The maximum seedling establishment per cent was found in HJ-513, SSV-84, HC-136 and CSV-15 which showed superiority almost for all the genotypes. The standard germination per cent and accelerated ageing test were found most suitable vigour parameters for prediction of seedling establishment in field conditions in relation to abiotic stress. The above superior listed genotypes had the maximum normal seedling establishment in laboratory for abiotic stress condition and its positive correlation with seedling establishment in field.

Key words: Sorghum, fodder, emergence, accelerating ageing

FR 42(3) 195-197

CORRELATION AND PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS STUDIES IN OAT (AVENA SATIVA L.)

CORRELATION AND PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS STUDIES IN OAT (AVENA SATIVA L.)
PARBHAT KUMAR, D. S. PHOGAT AND PUMMY KUMARI
Forage Section, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding
CCS Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
(Received : 15 July 2016; Accepted : 28 October 2016)

SUMMARY

Fifty genotypes of oat were evaluated to study the character association and path coefficient during rabi 2014-15. The correlation studies revealed positive and significant correlations of seed yield/plant with 100-seed weight, number of spikelets/panicle and number of tillers/plant. Strong association of these traits revealed that the selection based on these traits would ultimately improve seed yield and it was also suggested that hybridization of genotypes possessing combination of above characters was most useful for obtaining desirable high yielding genotypes. Path coefficient analysis revealed that 100-seed weight, number of spikelets/panicle, number of tillers/plant, plant height, flag leaf length, internode length, axis length and days to maturity had positive and direct effects on seed yield/plant, while the characters viz., days to 50 per cent flowering and peduncle length showed direct negative effects. The results revealed that the traits like 100-seed weight, number of spikelets/panicle and number of tillers/plant should be given due consideration while performing selection for seed yield in segregating generations of oat.

Key words: Correlation, Avena sativa, path analysis, seed yield

FR 42(3) 198-200

PERFORMANCE OF MULTI-CUT FORAGE SORGHUM [SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH] GENOTYPES TO FERTILITY LEVELS

PERFORMANCE OF MULTI-CUT FORAGE SORGHUM [SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH] GENOTYPES TO FERTILITY LEVELS
KIRAN YADAV, ARVIND VERMA AND H. K. SUMERIYA
Department of Agronomy
Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology,
Udaipur-313 001 (Rajasthan), India
*(e-mail : kyadav.yadav110@gmail.com)
(Received : 28 June 2016; Accepted : 25 November 2016)

SUMMARY

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2015 at Udaipur, Rajasthan on sandy clay loam soil to assess the effect of fertility levels on multicut genotypes of forage sorghum. Among multicut forage genotypes, CoFS-29 proved most efficient as it gave significantly higher green (74.78 t/ha), dry (23.77 t/ha) fodder yield on the basis of the total of two cuts, net monetary returns of Rs. 66430/ha and B : C ratio 2.15. The crop fertilized with 125 per cent RDF recorded significantly higher green and the dry fodder yield on the basis of the total of two cuts over application of 50, 75 and 100 per cent RDF. The magnitudes of the increases were 35.52, 19.82 and 8.82 per cent in total green fodder, and 45.13, 18.90 and 9.63 per cent in total dry fodder yield, respectively. Application of 125 per cent RDF also fetched highest net returns (Rs. 71814/ha) as well as the maximum B : C ratio (2.23) as compared to lower fertility levels.

Key words: Fertility levels, fodder yield, multicut sorghum genotypes, net returns

FR 42(3) 201-203

ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS OF YIELD AND QUALITY ATTRIBUTES IN MAIZE

ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS OF YIELD AND QUALITY ATTRIBUTES IN MAIZE
PREETI SHARMA*, M. S. PUNIA AND M. C. KAMBOJ
Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding
CCS Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail : sharmapreeti.genetics@gmail.com)
(Received : 13 November 2016; Accepted : 25 December 2016)

SUMMARY

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the relationship among 17 quantitative traits. The 63 single cross hybrids developed from crossing nine productive maize inbred lines with seven quality protein maize inbred lines in line x tester mating design along with their parents and standard checks were evaluated through correlation studies at experimental area of CCS Haryana Agricultural University Regional Research Station, Uchani, Karnal during 2013-14. Correlation is important in estimating the relative importance of various characters on grain yield. From the association analysis, it was found that grain yield per plant showed significant positive correlation with days to 50 per cent tesselling, days to 50 per cent silking, days to maturity, plant height, ear height, cob length, cob diameter, number of grains per cob, 100-grain weight, shelling percentage and lysine content, whereas it was found significant negative with protein content and starch content. Among yield and quality characters, grain yield per plant had significant negative correlation with protein content and starch content. Protein content had significant negative correlation with tryptophan content and tryptophan was significantly positively correlated with lysine content. While oil content and lysine content exhibited positive and significant association with grain yield per plant but with tryptophan content, grain yield per plant showed positive but non-significant association. Strong positive and significant association was established between lysine content and tryptophan content. Hence, days to 50 per cent tesselling, days to 50 per cent silking, days to maturity, plant height, ear height, cob length, cob diameter, number of grains per cob, 100-grain weight, shelling percentage, oil content and lysine content, tryptophan content should be given more importance while formulating selection indices for grain yield improvement in maize.

Key words: Characters association, yield, quality, maize

FR 42(3) 204-207

SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS OF LATE RAO BAHADUR DR. RAM DHAN SINGH (1891-1977)–AN OUTSTANDING PLANT BREEDER

ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS OF YIELD AND QUALITY ATTRIBUTES IN MAIZE
I. S. PANWAR
Principal Scientist (GPB) Dr. Ram Dhan Singh Chair
Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding
CCS Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India

SUMMARY

Late Rao Bahadur Dr. Ram Dhan Singh made great impact on agriculture in the Indian Sub-continent through development of improved varieties of wheat, rice, barley and pulses. The major achievements in cereals production and productivity during green revolution period in the states of Haryana and Punjab owe to the strong foundation of crop improvement programmes laid down by late Rao Bahadur Dr. Ram Dhan Singh. He was born on May 1st, 1891 in a peasant family of village Kiloi, Distt. Rohtak (Haryana). He joined the Punjab Agricultural College, Lyallpur in 1909 with its first batch of students was awarded a Diploma of Licentiate in Agriculture (L. Ag.) in 1912. He worked with Sir Albert Howard at the Imperial Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, Bihar from 1914 to 1919. Simultaneously he completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1919 from Patna University. Thereafter, he proceeded to Cambridge University, UK and obtained his M. A. degree in Natural Sciences (Tripos) and Diploma in Agriculture.

FR 42(3) 208-209