DHEERAJ PANGHAAL, PANKAJ KUMAR, RAKESH KUMAR, KULDEEP SINGH AND ROHTAS KUMAR
Department of Soil Science, Department of Agronomy
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail : rakeshsheoran@hau.ac.in)
(Received : 18 April 2021; Accepted : 10 June 2021)

SUMMARY

Conventional tillage practices lead to change in soil structure by modifying soil bulk density and soil moisture content. Continuous disturbance of soil by conventional tillage makes finer and loose-setting soil structure while conservation and no-tillage methods leave the soil intact which results in a change of characteristics of the pores network. Losses of soil organic C (SOC) and deterioration in other properties exaggerated where conventional tillage was employed whereas conservation tillage improved soil quality. When conventional tillage is replaced by conservation tillage CO₂ emissions from soil is reduced. Conservation tillage is thought to take care of the soil health, plant growth and the environment. Forage crop production could be increased by adopting appropriate tillage operation. Conservation tillage has potential to break the surface compact zone in soil with reduced soil disturbance which leads to a better soil environment and crop yield with minimal impact on the environment and sustainable crop production. Macro- and micronutrients, fiber and protein contents are changed in silage by means of different tillage practices. Generally, conservation tillage has profound effects on forage yield. Zero tillage with mulch, zero tillage without mulch, ploughing, and ploughing plus harrowing had more yield than ploughing plus harrowing twice by 33.7, 30.5, 18.9 and 17.9%, respectively. Conservation tillage lead to lower methane emission in comparison to conventional tillage; on average, 0.32 kg CH₄-C ha^-1 year^-1 was oxidized with conservation tillage. Capacity building on innovative conservation tillage practices is crucial for researchers, extension workers, development practitioners and the smallholder farmers.

Key words:Soil organic carbon, conventional tillage, sustainable, forage quality

1-10

OMPRAKASH*, KAILASH CHANDRA, S. K. BAIRWA, PRERNA DOGRA AND H. S. JATAV
Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner-303329 (Jaipur)
*(e-mail : omprakash.pbg@sknau.ac.in)
(Received : 9 May 2021; Accepted : 25 June 2021)

SUMMARY

Maize (Zea Mays) plant is affected by number of foliar diseases among of them, Southern Corn Leaf Blight (SCLB) or Maydis Leaf Blight (MLB) incited by the Helminthosporium maydis anamorph: Bipolaris maydis, telomorph: Cochliobolus heterostrophus is one of the most devastating disease of maize in India as well as in the world. Three different races namely race O, T and C of helminthosporium are found responsible for causing this disease. Bipolaris has the potential to reduce the yield significantly up to 70% depending upon the susceptibility, race of pathogen and environmental conditions.Genetic architecture of maize possess the diverse source of resistance against Helminthosporium which are qualitative, quantitative and multiple disease resistance types in nature but often represents quantitative nature of resistance. A single gene, rhm, imparts a qualitative-like resistance against race O which inherits recessively with additive gene action predominantly. It is implied at the seedling stage but quantitative resistance is needed after silking stage. An additional two resistance genes have been identified in the inbred NC250 that are not allelic to rhm and this resistance is maintained in mature plants. Plenty of attempts have been made to identify the resistance source and to dissect the quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for resistance or multiple disease resistance to SLB across different maize populations. QTLs responsible for multiple disease resistance were identified of elucidated with the help of meta analysis of available studies.

Key words:Maize, Helminthosporium maydis, genetic architecture, QTL mapping, rhm allele, qualitative and quantitative resistance gene and meta analysis

11-18

KULDEEP SINGH *, MANJEET, S. K. SHARMA, S. K. THAKRAL AND KARTIK SHARMA
Department of Dryland Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004 (Haryana)
Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana- 141004 (Punjab)
*(e-mail : kuldeepvartia73@gmail.com)
(Received : 17 April 2021; Accepted : 10 June 2021)

SUMMARY

Pearl millet is a major cereal crop in northwestern India. It is the most drought-tolerant cereal grown in the arid and semi-arid regions. Its grains are valued as human food while its fodder makes important livestock ration in crop–livestock farming system. The production potential of rainfed pearl millet is continued to be low as a result of frequent drought due to high variability in rainfall (amount and distribution) during the growing season, low soil fertility, low plant nutrient use, and poor socio-economic conditions of farmers, could not use high technology input. This review mainly highlighted various improved practices for increasing productivity and profitability of fodder and grain type pearl millet. It includes soil moisture conservation practices by practicing the improved planting methods, supplemental irrigation, use of improved varieties, and intercropping. Integrated use of fertilizer and use of low energy input for enhancing the crop productivity.

Key words:Moisture conservation, supplemental irrigation, intercropping, improved varieties, nutrients management, energy management and Pearl millet

19-28

ALI BOUGUERRA*, AGNÈS CORNU, NASSIM ZOUAOUI, SAMAH DJEBILI, MOHAMED EL-HADEF EL-OKKI, BRUNO MARTIN, THEOFILOS MASSOURAS, MALIKA BARKAT
Laboratory of BIOQUAL, INATAA, University of Mentouri Brothers-Constantine 1,
Ain El Bey, 25000 Constantine, Algeria
Université Clermont Auvergne, VetAgroSup, INRA, UMR Herbivores, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Exact Sciences and Natural and Life Sciences,
University of Tebessa, 12002 Tebessa, Algeria
Laboratory of Dairy Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Athens,
Ieraodos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
Laboratory of Biology and Environment, University of Mentouri Brothers – Constantine 1.
Ain El Bey, 25000 Constantine, Algeria
*(e-mail : ali.bouguerra@umc.edu.dz)
(Received : 11 May 2021; Accepted : 10 June 2021)

SUMMARY

The aim of this work was to make an inventory of the aromatic plants pastured by goats in the Aurès Mountains of Algeria and to characterize their volatile and phenolic compounds. In this context, a survey was conducted among goat farmers in this region (department of Batna). Plant volatile compounds were analyzed using HS-SPME/GC-MS and phenolic compounds using HPLC-DAD. According to the results of the survey, twenty-nine (29) aromatic plants were identified as goats’ feed. The most cited ones were Thymus algeriensis (96 %), Artemisia herba alba Asso (91 %), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (83 %), Juniperus phoenica L. (80 %), Artemisia campestris L. (80 %), and Marrubium vulgare L. (70 %). The major volatile compounds were -pinene (40 %), -thujone (38 %), trans-caryophyllene (31 %), -myrcene (29 %), camphor (27 %), and -thujone (18 %). The most abundant phenolic compounds were flavonoids (rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, apigenin, hesperidin, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin), cinnamic acid derivatives (chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid), coumarines, and benzoic acid derivatives. The present results indicate that aromatic plants from Aurès mountains of Algeria are rich in phenolic compounds and could be offered as feed for goats.

Key words:Goats, feed, aromatic plants, phenolic compounds, volatiles compounds

29-42

MAHAMAYA BANIK, NILANJAYA* AND V. K. SHARMA
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University,
Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), India
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Molecular biology, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar), India
*(e-mail : mahi.jit92@gmail.com)
(Received : 11 April 2021; Accepted : 15 June 2021)

SUMMARY

Thirty cowpea genotypes was evaluated for interaction of genotype and environment (G×E) over six different environments viz., four environment under open field irrigated condition and two under rain-out shelter, during kharif season of 2019 and 2020 at Pusa Farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar by adopting randomized block design with three replications and spacing 45×10 cm. Based on G×E interaction study the sources of variation for genotype (G), environment (E) and G×E interaction was found highly significant. In GGE biplot analysis (‘What won where’ biplot) indicated G4 (Kashikanchan) genotype was winner equally in both E₃ and E₆ environment; and genotype G3 (EC 390268) was ideal as well as highest seed yielder. For days to maturity genotype G29 was winner in both E4 and E5 followed by E₁ and E₂ and genotype G30 (Bundel Lobia-1) was found ideal genotype for days to maturity. GGE biplot graphical evaluation for seed yield per plant and days to maturity revealed E₁ was best environment followed by E₂ and E₄ for selecting stable fodder cowpea genotype adapted for the region.

Key words: Fodder cowpea, rain-out shelter, seed yield, GGE biplot, GxE interaction

43-49

YOGESH KUMAR JINDAL* AND JAYANTI TOKAS
Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding
Department of Biochemistry
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail : yjindalhau@gmail.com)
(Received : 9 April 2021; Accepted : 8 June 2021)

SUMMARY

A varietal evaluation trial on Hybrid Napier Grass (Pennisetum glaucum × P. purpureum), which is grown round the year under assured irrigation conditions was conducted at 18 locations under four different agro-ecological zones viz., North-west, North-east, Central and Southern zones of India during 2016-2018. Six genotypes of Hybrid Napier Grass (TNCN 1280, BNH 14, BNH 22, PBN 351, BNH 12 and BNH 11) alongwith three national checks viz. CO 3, CO (BN) 5 and NB 21 were evaluated for assessing their fodder yield potential and quality parameters at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India. The hybrid Napier grass genotype BNH 11 gave highest GFY (1050.6 q/ha) followed by TNCN 1280 (1027.7 q/ha) in comparison to mean value of best check CO (BN) 5 at 953.9 q/ha. Similarly, genotype BNH-11 gave highest DMY (243.8 q/ha) followed by PBN 351 (240.6 q/ha) in comparison to mean value of best check CO (BN) 5 at 221.0 q/ha. The highest green fodder yield (2267.3 q/ha) pooled over three years was recorded at Urulikanchan in central zone followed by Coimbatore (1908.7 q/ha) and Vellayani (1886.4 q/ha) in the south zone of India in comparison to mean All India GFY (999.4 q/ha), whereas, the highest pooled dry matter yield (520.8 q/ha) was recorded at Urulikanchan in central zone followed by Vellayani (469.1 q/ha) and Coimbatore (383.3 q/ha) in the south zone in comparison to mean All India DMY (229.8 q/ha). Highest per day production of green fodder pooled over three years was recorded in South zone (7.98 q/ha/day) followed by North West zone (5.94 q/ha/day). Almost same trend was observed for per day production of dry matter (q/ha/day). The highest crude protein yield pooled over three years was obtained at Urulikanchan (34.3 q/ha) followed by Ludhiana (20.5 q/ha) in the Central and North west zone, respectively with a mean value at 13.3 q/ha. Highest crude protein percent pooled over three years was obtained at Ludhiana (8.5%) followed by Rahuri (8.4%) in comparison to all India mean of 7.3%. The genotype BNH 12 gave highest IVDMD% pooled over three years (54.7%) followed by BNH 11 (53.4%) in comparison to mean value of best check CO (BN) 5 at 53.3%. The genotype BNH 12 gave lowest NDF% (62.5%) followed by BNH 11 (63.4%) in comparison to mean value of best check CO (BN) 5 at 64.9%. The hybrid Napier grass genotype BNH 12 had the lowest ADF% (45.4%) in comparison to mean value of best check CO 3 at 46.3%. Data reveals that South zone gave highest green fodder and dry matter yields followed by Central zone of India thereby indicating that climatic and edaphic conditions are very suitable for hybrid Napier grass as compared to North West and North East Zone of India.

Key words:Hybrid Napier Grass, green fodder, dry matter, quality parameters

50-57

PRAFULL KUMAR*, A. K. SARAWGI, B. K. DAS DEEPAK SHARMA2 VIKASH KUMAR AND GAUTAM VISHWAKARMA
IGKV, Raipur (Chhattisgarh), India
NABTD, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai (Maharashtra), India
Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai (Maharashtra), India
*(e-mail : prafull397@gmail.com)
(Received : 24 April 2021; Accepted : 26 June 2021)

SUMMARY

The present investigation was undertaken at Upland Research cum Instructional Farm, Lamker, SGCARS, IGKV, Raipur in Kharif 2018-19 with 100 germplasm accessions to evaluate the forage potential of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) in augmented randomized block design. Mean squares for analysis of variance indicated significant differences among blocks, check and test entries for crop duration, canopy length and fodder weight. The maximum canopy length was recorded in genotype GEC-5 (126cm) followed by GEC-186 (125 cm), GEC-92 (124 cm), GEC-310 (122 cm), GEC-314 (120 cm) and others. Referring to crop duration, genotype IC0476378, IC0477043, GEC-322, GEC-11, IC0477620, GEC-296, GEC-53 and GEC-352 can be considered as good for medium fertile soil and average monsoon regions in lieu of mid-durational maturity. For fodder yield, IC0476495 (1646 g/plot) was recorded as most dominating genotype referring to the breeding objective and subsequently GEC11 (1222 g), GEC92 (1112 g), IC0477620 (1042 g), GEC132 (1027 g) and IC0477556-X (990 g) also showed fair potential. To get establish general crop growth parameters in association with fodder as objective, we conclude that 95-105cm of canopy length and 105-115 DAS of crop may be opted to achieve the maximum forage potential in finger millet. We further suggest that IC0476495, GEC11, GEC92, IC0477620, GEC132, IC0477556-X, IC0476838, IC0477317, GEC274, IC0477560, IC0477591 and GEC135 shown good potential and should be revalidated in next crop season followed by incorporation in replicated trials.

Key words: Finger millet, forage potential, germplasm accessions

58-63

R. U. BHOSALE, P. P. SURANA AND V. B. SHINDE
Department of Agricultural Botany, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth,Rahuri-413 722 (M. S.), India
Grass Breeding Scheme,Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth,Rahuri-413 722 (M. S.), India
*(e-mail : vbshinde70@gmail.com)
(Received : 5 April 2021; Accepted : 24 June 2021)

SUMMARY

The study involving twenty-eight genotypes of Anjan grass with two checks were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design with two replications at Grass Breeding Scheme, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Treatment differences were found to be significant for all the characters studied. High estimates of GCV and PCV were observed for traits viz., number of tillers/plant, leaf breadth, spike length and number of spikes per plant. High estimates of heritability (b.s.%) accompanied by high estimates of genetic advance as percentage of mean were observed for the characters namely number of tillers/plant, number of leaves/tiller, leaf length, leaf breadth, spike length, number of spikes/plant, spikelets per spike and green fodder yield. The characters like plant height, number of tillers per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, spike length, spike breadth, spikelets per spike and dry matter percent showed significant positive genotypic and phenotypic correlations with green fodder yield. Leaf length exhibited high positive direct effect and significant positive genotypic correlation with green forage yield followed by leaf breadth, plant height, number of tillers per plant and spike breadth. The characters spike length, spikelets per spike and dry matter also exhibited high negative direct effects on green fodder yield, however its association with green fodder yield observed to be strong and positive. Thus indicating that emphasis should be given on these characters for green forage improvement in Anjan grass.

Key words:Cenchrus ciliaris, anjan grass, genetic variability, correlation, path coefficients, forage yield

64-68

MAKHAN MAJOKA*, V. P. S. PANGHAL AND AXAY BHUKER
Department of Vegetable Science,
Department of Seed Science & Technology
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail : makhanmajoka@gmail.com)
(Received : 5 April 2021; Accepted : 15 June 2021)

SUMMARY

The present experiment was conducted at Seed Research Area, Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana) in rainy season during 2017 and 2018 for two years. The objective of the investigation was to identify different varieties of cowpea for quality seed production in Haryana. There were total six varieties of cowpea as a treatments viz., P-263, Kashi Kanchan, Pusa Komal, Pusa Sukomal, Charodi-1 and HC-46 that were laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Among six varieties of cowpea, seed contributing attributes viz. days to early flowering (40.60 days), maximum number of pod/plant (24.08), number of seed/pod (14.03), seed yield/plant (15.98 g) and seed yield/ha (13.99 q) were recorded significantly higher in Kashi Kanchan variety which was statistically at par with P-263 and Pusa Sukomal. However, hundred seed weight was recorded maximum in P-263 (9.75 g), which was at par with Kashi Kanchan and Pusa Sukomal varieties of cowpea.

Key words: Cowpea, varieties, evaluation, seed production

69-72

HIMANI PUNIA*, JAYANTI TOKAS, ANJU RANI, PERNIKA GUPTA AND SATPAL
Department of Biochemistry
Forage Section, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding
CCS Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar-125004, Haryana, India
*(e-mail : himanipunia91@gmail.com)
(Received : 16 May 2021; Accepted : 26 June 2021)

SUMMARY

Salt stress has been considered a major limiting factor to crop productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. The present study was conducted to evaluate the sorghum genotypes superior in quality and yield under saline conditions. The two factor experiment was carried out in a completely randomized block design with three replications during the kharif season 2018 and 2019. Crude protein content and IVDMD decreased significantly under different salinity levels. The higher reduction being reported in PC-5 than SSG 59-3. Crude protein yield (CPY) and digestible dry matter (DDM) was maximum in SSG 59-3 and minimum in PC-5 at 10 dSm^-1. Salt stress showed an adverse effect on yield attributes and yield, so seed yield per plant, green fodder yield (GFY), and dry matter yield (DMY), decreased under salt stress. GFY and DMY were maximum in SSG 59-3 while minimum in PC-5. Better performance was maintained by SSG 59-3 than PC-5. This, SSG 59-3 (salt-tolerant) genotype acclimated better than PC-5 (salt-sensitive) genotype by maintaining the fodder quality and yield and may be exploited in plant breeding programs aimed at developing salt-tolerant sorghum genotypes for salinity prone areas.

Key words: Crude protein, fodder yield, HCN, IVDMD, salinity and sorghum

73-78

ABDUL RAUF, BHAGAT SINGH* AND A. K. DHAKA
Department of Agronomy
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004
*(e-mail: bsdahiya@gmail.com)
(Received : 14 June 2021; Accepted : 28 June 2021)

SUMMARY

Present investigation was carried out during Rabi season of 2018-19 at Wheat Section Research Area of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications. In main plot, three cutting schedules i.e. 45 DAS, 55 DAS and 65 DAS were taken and six nitrogen schedules i.e. N₁– 1/3 basal +1/3 at first irrigation and 1/3 after cut, N₂– ½ basal + ½ at first irrigation, N₃-½ basal and ½ after cut, N₄– ¼ basal +½ at first irrigation and ¼ after cut, N₅ – ½ basal +¼ at first irrigation and ¼ after cut, N₆ – ¼ basal +¼ at first irrigation and ½ after cut as sub plot treatments. Based on the research findings, it was observed that different cutting and nitrogen schedules significantly influenced the growth, yield attributes and yield of dual-purpose wheat. Crop cut at 45 DAS for green fodder resulted in significantly higher plant height, dry matter accumulation (415.0 g), number of tillers (112.2 /mrl), number of effective tillers/mrl (102.87), grains per spike (47.61) and 1000 grain weight (42.57g) as compared to crop cut at 55 DAS and 65 DAS. Crop cut at 45 DAS for green fodder also produced maximum grain yield (61.36 q/ha) and straw yield (98.12 q/ha), which were significantly higher than cut at 55 and 65 DAS. Whereas, minimum grain yield (47.42 kg/ha) was recorded when crop cut was taken at 65 DAS for green fodder. Among different nitrogen schedule, N₃ resulted in maximum plant height (106.9 cm), dry matter accumulation, number of tillers (109.0), number of effective tillers (100.50), grain per ear head and 1000-grain weight. Similarly, maximum grain yield (56.88 q/ha) was recorded when half nitrogen dose was applied as basal and half dose of nitrogen was applied just after cut (N₃) which was significantly higher than N₂ and N₅ but it was at par with N₁, N₄ and N₆. Whereas, minimum grain yield (54.09 q/ha) was recorded with N₂ treatment. However, maximum straw yield (98.12 qha^-1) was recorded with N₁ being at par with N₃ and N₆ but significantly higher as compared with rest of the nitrogen schedule.

Key words:Wheat, dual purpose, nitrogen, cutting, grain yield

79-83

MANOJ KUMAR, UMMED SINGH, ISHWAR SINGH, H. P. PAREWA, J. R. VERMA, L. NETAJIT SINGH, M. M. KUMAWAT, P. R. RAIGER AND SARITA
College of Agriculture, Agriculture University, Jodhpur-342304 (Rajasthan), India
Directorate of Extension Education, Agriculture University, Jodhpur-342304 (Rajasthan), India
College of Agriculture, Sumerpur-306902, Pali (Rajasthan), India
Agricultural Research Station, Mandor-342304, Jodhpur (Rajasthan), India
*(e-mail : singhummed@yahoo.co.in)
(Received : 8 June 2021; Accepted : 28 June 2021)

SUMMARY

Efficient sources of nutrients supplying the nutrients with greater efficacy and high yielding pearl millet hybrid with nutrient responsiveness plays an important role in yield enhancement and quality improvement on pearl millet in the arid region under sandy loam soil. To find out the influence of customized fertilizers and hybrids on growth and yield of pearl millet, field experiments were carried out during kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020 at ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet, Research Farm, Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Jodhpur (Agriculture University, Jodhpur). Customized fertilizer substantially enhanced growth attributes viz., plant height (200.8 and 183.5 cm), days to panicle initiation (23.0 and 22.7 days), days to 50% flowering (46.8 and 44.7 days), days to maturity (86.7 and 83.8 days) during 2019 and 2020, respectively over control. Application of customized fertilizer recorded markedly higher grain yield (2124 and 1896 kg/ha) and straw yield (3611 and 3223 kg/ha) during 2019 and 2020 over control and straight fertilizer. Among hybrids, substantially taller plants were observed by the pearl millet hybrid ‘MPMH 17’ (192.6 cm) during 2019 and ‘RHB 173’ (171.6 cm) during 2020. The hybrid ‘RHB 173’ took a greater number of days to panicle initiation (23.8 and 23.7 days), days to 50% flowering (49.1 and 48.0 days) and days to maturity (84.3 and 82.2 days) during 2019 and 2020. Economic analysis envisages, application of customized fertilizer fetched significantly higher gross return ( 60,528 and 56,872/ha), net return ( 34,072 and 36,307/ha) and B: C ratio (2.75 and 2.49) during 2019 and 2020 over control. Likewise, markedly higher gross return ( 60,109 and 55,638/ha), net return ( 40,361 and 35,061/ha) and B: C ratio (3.02 and 2.68) was obtained by hybrid, ‘MPMH 17’ during 2019 and 2020.

Key words:Customized fertilizer, hybrids, MPMH 17, pearl millet, yield

84-88

BHANUPRAKASH N., J. S. YADAV, ANIL KUMAR, SATPAL, AKSHIT* AND SURBHI
Department of Agronomy, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar
RRS Bawal, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar
Bajra Section, Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar
Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar
College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar
*(e-mail: akshitrathore43@gmail.com)
(Received : 10 April 2021; Accepted : 25 June 2021)

SUMMARY

A field experiment was carried out at RRS, Bawal (Haryana), India to evaluate the phosphorus and zinc fertilization effect on yield and quality of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) during Kharif, 2018 with variety HJ 541, experiment was laid out in split plot design. Treatments comprised of four phosphorus levels in main plot i.e. Control, 7.5 kg P₂O₅/ha, 15 kg P₂O₅/ha and 22.5 kg P₂O₅/ha and four zinc levels in sub plot viz. Control, 0.50 % foliar spray of ZnSO₄ at 20-25 DAS, 0.75 % foliar spray of ZnSO₄ at 20-25 DAS and 25 kg ZnSO₄/ha as basal dose. It was observed that significantly higher plant height and number of tillers/meter row length were recorded with application of 22.5 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 and 25 kg @ ZnSO₄/ha at 20, 40 and 60 DAS over comtrol. Further, the green and dry fodder yield of sorghum was significantly influenced by different levels of phosphorus. Application of 22.5 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 recorded significantly higher the green and dry fodder yield over 7.5 kg P₂O₅/ha, 15 kg P₂O₅/ha and control treatments. The basal application of ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg/ha recorded significantly higher green and dry fodder yield of forage sorghum over foliar applications of ZnSO₄ @ 0.50 %, 0.75 % and control. Crude protein content of forage sorghum was improved progressively with increasing levels of phosphorus and zinc.

Key words:Forage sorghum, phosphorus, zinc, green fodder and dry fodder

89-94

MANINDER KAUR*, HARPREET KAUR OBEROI AND ASHLESHA
Forages, Millets and Nutrition Section,
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics
PAU, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India
*(e-mail : manindersindhu@pau.edu)
(Received : 31 May 2021; Accepted : 28 June 2021)

SUMMARY

A study was conducted during kharif season of 2020 on sandy loam soils of forage research farm of PAU, Ludhiana to study the interactive effects of different fertility levels {control, 50:10:12.5, 100:20:25 (recommended dose of fertilizers) and 150:30:37.5 kg N: P₂O₅: K₂O per ha} and five genotypes (SPV 2584, SPV 2587, SPV 2593, CSV 21F and CSV 30F) on growth, yield, quality and disease incidence of single cut forage sorghum. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), using three replications. It was revealed from the results that SPV 2584 owing to its profused tillering gave highest green fodder yield to the tune of 76.4% over the check genotype CSV 30F. The genotypes SPV 2593 and CSV 21F remained statistically at par with SPV 2584 with regards to green fodder productivity. The genotype SPV 2584 also remained superior in terms of quality of green fodder recording highest value of crude protein content (6.36%) and lowest value of hydrocyanic acid (44.7%) over other genotypes. The effect of fertility levels was found to be significant upto 100:20:25 kg NPK/ha giving 21.6 and 26.6% increase in green fodder and dry matter yield, respectively with 50 percent increase in fertility level. The quality of forage sorghum increased with increase in fertility level with corresponding increase in HCN also. The effect of fertility and genotypes on disease severity was found to be significant and highest disease reduction of anthracnose (35.1%) was recorded with application of 100:20:25 kg NPK/ha.

Key words:Growth, genotypes, fertility, sorghum, anthracnose

95-99

HARPHOOL SINGH, INDU BALA SETHI*, SURESH KUMAR, MAHESH JAJORIA, LOKESH KUMAR JAT AND NIRANJAN KUMAR BRAOD
S. K. N. Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur-303329 (Rajasthan), India
*(e-mail : indubalasethia2012@gmail.com)
(Received : 7 April 2021; Accepted : 29 June 2021)

SUMMARY

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive kharif seasons (2019 and 2020) at Agricultural Research Station, Navgaon (Alwar), S.K.N. Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur (Rajasthan), India, to study the effect of different intercrops in pearl millet (bajra). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with ten treatments and replicated thrice. The crop was sown as per the package of practices recommended for zone III-B of Rajasthan. Treatments included Bajra + mung bean (2:1), Bajra + mung bean (4:2), Bajra + black gram (2:1), Bajra + black gram (4:2), Bajra + Cluster bean (2:1), Bajra + Cluster bean (4:2) including sole bajra, mung bean, black gram and cluster bean. Among the different intercropping treatments, Bajra + mung bean (4:2) recorded significantly higher pearlmillet equivalent yield (15.69 q/ha in 2019 and 15.79 qt/ha in 2020) with higher economic efficiency. The intercropping of pearl millet + mung bean (4:2) recorded significantly higher net monetary return (Rs.15184 ha-1) than all other intercropping systems. The mean maximum benefit-cost ratio (1.87) was also recorded by pearl millet + mung bean (4:2).

Key words:Bajra, mung bean, cluster bean, black gram, intercropping, BC ratio, LER

100-104