THULASI BAI VADITHE, SEVA NAYAK DHEERAVATHU, SRINIVASAN R., SRINIVAS A., KETHAVATH MADHUDEEPIKA, SRAVANTHI G., SAIDA NAIK VADITHE, BANDEPPA S. AND A. JYOTHI
ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad-500030 (Telangana), India
Department of Crop Physiology, Agricultural College, Bapatla-522101 (Andhra Pradesh), India
ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi-284003 (UP), India
ANGRAU-Agricultural Research Station, Jangameswarapuram, Palanadu-522415 (Andhra Pradesh), India
Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad-500030 (Telangana), India
Department of Microbiology, Visakha Government Degree College for Women (A)
Visakhapatnam-530020 (Andhra Pradesh), India
*(e-mail: sevanayak2005@gmail.com)
(Received : 9 September 2025; Accepted : 29 September 2025)

SUMMARY

Microorganisms are indispensable for sustainable agriculture, as they perform multiple vital functions within the soil–plant ecosystem. They influence soil fertility, crop productivity, and plant health through diverse ecological and biochemical processes. In agricultural systems, microbes act as natural fertilizers, biocontrol agents, and soil engineers, thereby maintaining the balance and productivity of agroecosystems. By facilitating nutrient cycling, decomposing organic matter, and enhancing plant resilience, microorganisms significantly reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This not only minimizes environmental pollution but also promotes eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices. Among beneficial microorganisms, Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) represent a distinct group capable of colonizing plant roots and improving overall plant performance. PGPB exert their beneficial effects through both direct and indirect mechanisms: Direct mechanisms: Biological nitrogen fixation, Phosphate solubilisation, Phytohormone production (auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins), Mobilization of essential nutrients. Indirect mechanisms: Suppression of pathogens through antibiotic production and competition, Siderophore production for iron acquisition, Induction of systemic resistance against various biotic stresses, Mitigation of abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, and heavy metal toxicity. In this review, we discuss the various direct and indirect mechanisms employed by PGPB that contribute to plant growth, soil health, and sustainable crop production.

Key words: Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB), Biological nitrogen fixation, Phosphate solubilisation Phytohormone, abiotic stress and Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF)

151-157

YOGENDER KUMAR*, SATYAWAN ARYA, SACHIN AND DEEPAK KAUSHIK
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail : yogenderkgulia@gmail.com)
(Received: 2 August 2025; Accepted: 12 September 2025)

SUMMARY

Barley being a nutri-rich and hardy crop fitted well in the North-Western Indian cropping system. Screening of the diverse germplasm and developing a definite set of traits for their evaluation became crucial to get the elite barley varieties. This study aimed to develop a regression model that fitted the dependent variable sufficiently well to account for the total variability. The study evaluated 10 quantitative traits of 71 barley genotypes under timely sown irrigated conditions during crop season 2023-24 at the Research Area, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment was planted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications. Each genotype occupied a plot size of 6.9 m². The yield was found to be explained by harvest index and biological yield per plot. Multiple regression analysis revealed 95.80% of the variability, explained by the studied quantitative traits. The stepwise regression analysis retained a total of two traits viz., harvest index and biological yield per plot, resulted in the development of two yield prediction models. Model 2 was found to be the most reliable predictor of yield in barley as it explained 95.60% of the total variability.

Key words: Barley, regression, yield traits

158-165

PUMMY KUMARI, NEERAJ KHAROR, DIBYENDU SETH, S. K. PAHUJA, SATPAL, G. S. DAHIYA, VENKATESH BHAT AND R. MADUSUDHANA
Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
AICRP on Sorghum and Small Millets, ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research [Global Center of excellence on Millets (Shree Anna)], Hyderabad-500030, India
ICAR-AICRP on Sorghum and Small Millets, Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail : pummy.hau@gmail.com)
(Received: 16 May 2025; Accepted: 27 September 2025)

SUMMARY

The present study was conducted to evaluate genetic variability, trait associations, and diversity among twenty-six single cut forage sorghum genotypes. Each genotype was grown in uniform plots, and observations were recorded on thirteen quantitative traits: plant height (PH), number of leaves per plant (NL), leaf length (LL), leaf breadth (LB), leaf-stem ratio (LSR), stem girth (SG), plant population (PP), total soluble solids (TSS), crude protein content (CP%), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), hydrocyanic acid content (HCN), green fodder yield (GFY), and dry fodder yield (DFY). Significant genotypic variability was observed for most traits, notably for GFY, DFY, and PH, indicating potential for selection. Path analysis revealed that GFY had the highest positive and direct effect on DFY, while PH also contributed significantly both directly and indirectly. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into eleven clusters, highlighting a broad genetic base and enabling the identification of divergent parents. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that five components with eigenvalues greater than one explained 76.81% of the total variability. Traits like PH, GFY, and SG were major contributors to the observed diversity. The integration of univariate and multivariate analyses facilitated the identification of superior genotypes like SPV2809, SPV2800, CSH 40F and SPH1984 with desirable traits for biomass yield and forage quality, offering valuable insights for future breeding programs aimed at enhancing sorghum for fodder use.

Key words: Sorghum, Genetic variability, Path analysis, Cluster analysis, PCA, Biomass quality

166-175

RAM P. GHIMIRE, DINESH PARIYAR, JOHN G. HAMPTON, KEITH ARMSTRONG, ADRIAN RUSSELL, KISHOR K. SHRESTHA, M. PHIL ROLSTON AND RITA AMGAIN
Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Lalitpur, Nepal
Seed Research Center, Lincoln University, New Zealand Global Oats Limited, Christchurch, New Zealand
Plant Research NZ Ltd, Canterbury, New Zealand
Foundation for Arable Research, Templeton, New Zealand
*(e-mail: ramghimire.narc@gmail.com)
(Received: 26 August 2025; Accepted: 27 September 2025)

SUMMARY

Hill pastures play a vital role in sustaining ruminant production systems in Nepal, yet adoption of improved forages remains limited. To address this, 11 cultivars of Cocksfoot grass (Dactylis glomerata L.), Hybrid ryegrass, Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) were evaluated for forage and seed yield during 2018-2020. Multi- location trials were conducted at Khumaltar, Lalitpur (mid-hill ecology) and Dhunche, Rasuwa (high- hill ecology). At Khumaltar, the Perennial ryegrass cultivar Base produced significantly higher (p<0.05) forage dry matter yield than others. At Dhunche, cultivars Base, One50, and Dhunche consistently performed better in first to third harvests and total forage yield, also showing higher plant height and tiller number. For seed yield, Asset, Winter Star II, and Dhunche were superior at Khumaltar, while Base and Winter Star II were better at Dhunche. These findings highlight the potential of selected ryegrass cultivars to enhance both forage and seed productivity under mid- and high-hill conditions. Their promotion and adoption could substantially strengthen hill pasture-based livestock systems in Nepal.

Key words: Ecological regions, genotypes, plant height, number of tillers, temporal and spatial effects, yield and yield attributes

176-183

MOHIT, BALDEV RAJ KAMBOJ, PARDEEP PHOGAT, DHARAM BIR YADAV, ANKIT SINGH AND RAJESH MOR
Department of Agronomy, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Division of Soil and Crop Management, ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal-132 001 (Haryana), India
Department of Soil Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Faculty of Agricultural Science, SGT University, Gurugram-122 505 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: pardeepphogat0617@gmail.com)
(Received: 10 September 2025; Accepted: 28 September 2025)

SUMMARY

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2018 at the Regional Research Station, Uchani, Karnal under CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to evaluate the effects of various maize (Zea mays L.) establishment methods and crop residue retention on soil physicochemical properties and nutrient dynamics. The study aimed to explore sustainable alternatives to the traditional rice-wheat system in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, with a focus on conservation agriculture practices. The trial was laid out in a randomized block design with eight treatments, including zero tillage and conventional tillage methods under different sowing techniques and residue management scenarios. Soil samples collected post-harvest were analysed for bulk density, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Results revealed that while bulk density, pH and EC were not significantly influenced by establishment methods, zero tillage with residue retention notably improved soil organic carbon (0.41%) and enhanced the availability of nitrogen (129.5 kg/ha), phosphorus (17.9 kg/ha) and potassium (230.0 kg/ha). These benefits are attributed to minimal soil disturbance and improved nutrient cycling due to residue decomposition. The findings underscore the potential of conservation agriculture-particularly zero tillage with residue retention-as a sustainable strategy to enhance soil health and fertility in maize-based cropping systems in north-western India.

Key words: Conservation agriculture, zero tillage, residue retention, nutrient cycling and soil health

184-189

S. J. VAGHELA*, R. A. GAMI, K. G. KUGASHIYA AND J. N. CHAUDHARY
Centre for Millets Research, SDAU, Deesa 385 535, India
*(e-mail: sjagron@sdau.edu.in)
(Received: 9 September 2025; Accepted: xxxx)

SUMMARY

A field experiment on sorghum was conducted during kharif season of 2021, 2022 and 2023 and fenugreek during rabi season of 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 to study the effect of nutrient on yield of sorghum-fenugreek cropping sequence at Centre for Millets Research, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Deesa. The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with four replications comprising seven treatments. Sorghum under rain-fed environment of North Gujarat with following kharif sorghum-rabi fenugreek cropping sequence was applied 60 kg N/ha and 40 kg P₂O₅/ha to sorghum and 20 N/ha and 40 kg P₂O₅/ha to fenugreek crop along with 1% solution of multi-micronutrient grade IV (Fe-4.0%, Mn-1.0%, Zn-6.0%, Cu-0.5%, B-0.5%) to both the crops at 30, 45 and 60 DAS for getting higher sorghum equivalent yield and net profit. Results showed that significantly higher organic carbon (0.30 %) was recorded under treatment RDF (60 + 40 kg NP/ha). DTPA extractable Fe (3.03 ppm) and DTPA extractable Zn of soil (1.62 ppm) was observed under treatment RDF + Soil application of micronutrient as per STV while DTPA extractable Mn and DTPA extractable Cu of soil was not significantly influenced by different treatments. Fe, Mn and Zn content and uptake by fenugreek crop was not significantly influenced by different treatments. Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu uptake by plants was recorded higher under treatment RDF + Foliar spray of 1 % multi micronutrient Grade I at 30, 45 and 60 DAS). Fe, Mn and Zn content and uptake in grain was recorded significantly higher under treatment T₇ while Cu content in grain was significantly higher under treatment RDF + Foliar spray of 1 % multi micronutrient Grade IV at 30, 45 and 60 DAS while Cu uptake by grain was not significantly influenced by different treatments but highest under treatment RDF + Soil application multi micronutrient Grade V (20 kg/ha).

Key words: Micronutrient, cropping sequence, DTPA extractable, content and uptake

190-194

SHWETA, SATPAL AND NEELAM
Department of G&PB (Oilseed section and Forage section), Department of Agronomy
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail : malik.shweta54@gmail.com)
(Received: 12 August 2025; Accepted: 21 September 2025)

SUMMARY

Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss] is the predominant oilseed crop in semi-arid India, conventionally grown by repeated plowings during the rainy seasons to conserve soil moisture in fallow fields. To evaluate the effect of crop establishment methods on productivity, soil health and economics of mustard under sorghum-mustard, mung – mustard and fallow mustard cropping systems, a field experiment was conducted during 2018-19 at the agronomy Research farm area, CCS HAU, Hisar, India. The mean mustard seed yield increased 4.67 and 1.47 % compared to conventional tillage. The mean seed yield of kharif mung bean were also recorded higher by 29.79 and 48.46 % compared to conventional tillage. Fodder sorghum yields higher in case of conventional tillage. The interaction effect showed that TSGY was maximum in M- M system (3506 kg/ha) followed by S- M (2792 kg/ha) under bed planting which were additional yield from kharif season to farmer’s compared to zero yield in traditional Fallow-mustard system. The ridge planting in Mung-Mustard cropping system accrued maximum net return across the tillage.

Key words: Agro-ecological adaptation, sustainable agriculture, semi-arid, sorghum-mustard CS

195-199

R. P. YADAV*, SEEMA SHARMA, PRAMOD KUMAR AND VIJAY DANEVA
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Jagan Nath University, Jaipur-303 901 (Rajasthan), India Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, SKNAU, Jobner-302 018 (Rajasthan), India
ICAR- Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, Meerut-250 110 (U.P.), India
Faculty of Agriculture, Jagan Nath University, Jaipur-303 901 (Rajasthan), India
*(e-mail: raghu_mam@rediffmail.com)
(Received: 20 July 2025; Accepted: 25 September 2025)

SUMMARY

Excessive tillage and heavy dependence on chemical fertilizers contribute to soil degradation, lower crop productivity, and environmental problems in semi-arid areas. To address this, a study was conducted at the Agronomy Farm of Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (RARI), Durgapura, Jaipur, during kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024 to assess the impact of tillage, mulch and nutrient management practices on pearl millet. Treatments imposed were four tillage and mulch combinations in main plots and five nitrogen management practices (Control, 100% RDN; Recommended dose of nitrogen through Chemical, 75% RDN through Chemical and 25% RDN through FYM, 50% RDN through Chemical and 50% RDN through FYM and 100% RDN through FYM; Farm Yard Manure) in sub-plots with three replications. Conventional tillage with mustard stover mulch (3 t ha^-1) recorded significant increase in growth metrics, including dry matter accumulation (131.9 g/plant¹), crop growth rate (19.91 g/m²/day) during 30-45 DAS, net assimilation rate (1.74 g/g¹/day¹), and leaf area index (3.94 at 60 DAS). On an average, Conventional tillage with mustard stover mulch recorded significantly higher grain yield (19.37%) and stover yield (19.60%). The application of 75% RDN through chemical fertilizer and 25% through FYM proved to be most effective in enhancing growth, physiological parameters and yield, recording 62.56 and 62.27% increase in grain and stover yield, respectively.

Key words: Tillage, mulch, nitrogen, pearl millet, growth, yield

200-209

AKANKSHA RAJ, K. K. BHARDWAJ AND SATPAL
Department of Soil Science, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding (Forage Section)
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: akankshakirty09@gmail.com)
(Received : 25 July 2025; Accepted : 1 August 2025)

SUMMARY

A field experiment was carried out during kharif -2023 at Research Farm, Department of Soil Sciences, CCS HAU, Hisar (India) to assess the effect of organic and inorganic source of nutrients on growth parameters and fodder yield of sorghum. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three sorghum varieties (CSV 53F, HJ 541 and Duggi) in main plot and nutrient management treatments (T₁: Control, T₂: 100% RDF, T₃: 125% RDN + 100% RDP+ 100% RDK, T₄: FYM @ 15 t/ha, T₅: Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, T₆: 100% RDF + FYM @ 15 t/ha and T₇: 100% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha) in sub plot. For forage sorghum, the recommended dose of NPK was 75 kg N + 30 kg P₂O₅ + 30 kg K₂O per hectare. Among varieties, at flag leaf, boot and 50 percent flowering stage, maximum plant height and LAI were recorded in CSV 53F which was at par with HJ 541. The GFY of CSV 53F was 2.2 and 32.9 per cent higher over HJ 541 and Duggi (local cultivar). Among different nutrient management treatments, maximum plant height, number of leaves per plant, LAI and dry matter accumulation/ plant were recorded with the application of 100% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha (T₇) which was at par with (100% RDF) T₂, (125% RDN + 100% RDP + 100% RDK) T₃ and (100% RDF + FYM @ 15 t/ha) T₆ at flag leaf, boot and 50% flowering stage. The performance of these growth parameters was also reflected in the fodder yield (green and dry) of the single-cut forage sorghum varieties.

Key words: Sorghum, organic nutrient, fertilizers, fodder yield, leaf to stem ratio and plant height

210-215

ANIL KUMAR, S. K. SHARMA, MEHAK NAGORA AND JYOTI KHATKAR
Department of Agronomy, CCS HAU, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
Department of Soil Science, CCS HAU, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: anilmoun28@gmail.com)
(Received: 7 July 2025; Accepted: 21 August 2025)

SUMMARY

A Field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2020 to evaluate the performance of pearl millet–legume intercropping under rainfed conditions. The experiment comprises 11 treatments viz., pearlmillet sole at 45 cm, mungbean sole at 45 cm, clusterbean sole at 45 cm, pearlmillet + mungbean (2:2) at 45 cm, pearlmillet + clusterbean (2:2) at 45 cm, pearlmillet + mungbean (4:4) at 45 cm, pearlmillet + clusterbean (4:4) at 45 cm, pearlmillet + mungbean (6:6) at 45 cm, pearlmillet + clusterbean (6:6) at 45 cm, pearlmillet + mungbean (8:4) at 30 cm and pearlmillet + clusterbean (8:4) at 30 cm. Under experimentation, pearlmillet (HHB 67 Improved), mungbean (MH 421) and clusterbean (HG 2-20) were laid out in randomized block design with four replications. The results showed that yield attributes viz. total tillers/plant, effective tillers/plant and ear head length and yield viz. grain and stover yield of pearl millet were recorded significantly higher in sole pearlmillet while in intercropping system pearlmillet + mungbean (8:4) at 30 cm recorded higher yield attributes and yield as compared to rest of intercropping treatments. Among all treatments, pearlmillet equivalent yield (3109 kg/ha) and economics viz. gross, net return (Rs. 41256/ha) and B:C ratio (2.61) of pearlmillet + mungbean (8:4) at 30 cm observed higher over rest of the treatments.

Key words: Pearlmillet, mungbean, clusterbean, intercropping and economic

216-221

ANIL KUMAR*, C. S. DAGAR, ANURAG AND M. L. KHICHAR
Department of Agricultural Meteorology
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: anilmeteo@gmail.com)
(Received: 19 July 2025; Accepted: 22 August 2025)

SUMMARY

The phenological development of Barley is critical for optimizing growing strategies and varietal environmental influenced under variable growing environments climatic conditions. The experiment was carried out with split plot design in 2023-24 (Rabi/winter season). A field study during the 2023–24 crop season was evaluated the impact of different growing environments (with interval of time as popularly known as “sowing dates” sown crop which influenced by different prevailing environments and weather parameters, respectively) and varieties on the phenological stages of Barley. The main aim to study the effect of weather on phenological development and photosynthetic active radiation balance in relation to leaf area index and dry matter production in Barley. Evaluated the weather relationship under different growing environments was directly influenced the growth and development in Barley. Observations revealed distinct shifts in key growth stages including emergence, crown root initiation (CRI), tillering, jointing, booting, anthesis, milking, dough, and physiological maturity. The D₁ sowing treatment recorded the longest duration to maturity (135 days), while D4 matured fastest (103 days). Among varieties, BH 902 exhibited extended durations across all phenophases, reaching physiological maturity at 120 days, whereas BH 393 matured quickest. PAR-Radiation absorption increased significantly from tillering to maturity. The highest PAR absorption was observed at the booting stage, corresponding to the maximum leaf area index (LAI). At this stage, treatment D₁ recorded the highest absorption (95%), followed by D₂ (94%), D₃ (93%), and D₄ (92%). Observational analyzed results highlight the crop’s vulnerability to wind speed, dewfall, and leaf wetness during critical phenological stages. Among the varieties, BH 902 and BH 885 showed the highest PAR absorption (94%), followed by BH 393 (93%), with BH 946 recording the lowest absorption (92%).

Key words: Barley phenology, growing environments, weather-relation, phenotypic variation (phenophases), physiological maturity, BH 902, BH 393

222-230

PREETY RANI, SARITA DEVI*, SATPAL, SUKHAM MADAAN, PANKAJ, GAYATRI AND AJEEV KUMAR
Department of Botany & Plant Physiology,
Department of G&PB (Forage Section), 3Department of MBB,
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: devisaritaa@gmail.com)
(Received: 1 July 2025; Accepted: 5 September 2025)

SUMMARY

Biostimulants are natural or synthetic substances applied to plants to enhance their growth, development, and stress tolerance without providing essential nutrients. Their use in agriculture has gained significant attention as a sustainable strategy to boost crop productivity, enhance quality, and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. With growing concerns over climate change and resource limitations, biostimulants offer an eco-friendly solution to optimize crop performance and improve resilience in challenging environments. This study was conducted at the Dryland Research Farm, Forage Section, CCS HAU, Hisar, to evaluate the physiological effects of various bio-stimulants on the cowpea genotype CS-88 (Vigna unguiculata L.) under rainfed summer conditions in 2019. Specifically, the experiment aimed to assess how these bio-stimulants influenced the plant responses when applied exogenously at the flower initiation stage. The physiological parameters in cowpea plant like gaseous exchange studies chlorophyll content (SPAD units) and photochemical quantum yield showed declining trend in rainfed condition. Values ranged from control to biostimulant application in assimilation rate (23.31 – 29.73 μmol CO₂ m^-2 s^-1), transpiration rate (1.70 – 2.07 mmol H₂O m^-2 s^-1) and stomatal conductance (0.02 – 0.03 mmol H₂O m-2 s-1). Similarly, chlorophyll content (SPAD units) and photochemical quantum yield also showed the increasing trend after foliar application of different biostimulants and the values varied from (41.0 – 51.4) and (0.678 – 0.718), respectively. Soil analysis was also done to find the best response of these biostimulants.

Key words: Biostimulants, cowpea, glycine betaine, proline content and RWC

231-236

S. PARVATHY, C. R. NEERAJA AND JAISYMOL THOMAS
Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sadanandapuram, Kollam-691 531, Kerala Agricultural University (Kerala), India
Department of Statistics, Bishop Abraham Memorial College, Thuruthicad, Mallappally, Pathanamthitta (Kerala), India
*(e-mail: parvathy.sumana@kau.in)
(Received: 10 September 2025; Accepted: 27 September 2025)

SUMMARY

An on-farm trial was conducted over two consecutive years, 2023-24 and 2024-25, in Velamanoor, Kareepra and Pattazhy Panchayat of Kollam district, under the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kollam. The objective was to assess the effect of the new fodder variety ‘Susthira,’ released in 2021 by Kerala Agricultural University, on the production parameters of crossbred cattle during the summer season. During the assessment period (2023-2025), selected farmers from each panchayat were provided with 30,000 slips of the Bajra Napier fodder variety ‘Susthira’ as part of the experiment. The trial was a lactation study carried out on twelve crossbred Jersey cows in their second lactation period, divided into two groups of six animals each, for the two-year study. The treatment group was fed the Bajra Napier fodder variety ‘Susthira,’ while the control group was given the Super Napier (SN) Pak Chong-1 variety. The feeding trial lasted for 90 days. Milk yield was recorded separately for morning and evening sessions, and the total daily yield was calculated over three months, from February to April, in both years. During the assessment period, the production parameters of the treatment group (T) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the control group (C), indicating that ‘Susthira’ fodder is ideal for milch animals and contributes to improved daily milk yield and overall milk production parameters during the summer season.

Key words: Dairy cattle, green fodder, Susthira, Super Napier, production parameters, B:C ratio

237-240

THILAGAVATHI R., DINESH KUMAR R., SURESH KUMAR R. AND JAHANMOHAN K. R.
Department of Plant Pathology, Department of Agricultural Economics Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), India
District Livestock Farm, Naduvur, Thanjavur District (Tamil Nadu), India
*(e-mail: thilagavathi.r@tnau.ac.in)
(Received : 16 July 2025; Accepted : 30 July 2025)

SUMMARY

The fodder crops were found to have blast disease caused by the fungus Magnaporthe sp. at the District Livestock Farm in Naduvur, Thanjavur District, during June, 2024. The leaves of the hybrid Napier cultivars, such as CO 4, CO 5, IGFRI 6, and IGFRI 10, exhibited spindle-shaped necrotic gray lesions with distinct brown margins. Blighted leaves turn brown and dry, which can be easily observed from a distance. The middle and lower leaves of the hybrid Napier cultivars were affected by blast disease. They showed a Percent Disease Index (PDI) ranging from 18.7 to 43.6, in which the cultivar CO 4 recorded higher PDI compared to other cultivars. Under microscopic examination, the lesions clearly revealed asexual conidia that were pyriform-shaped, hyaline, two-septate (three- celled), with a hilum at the base, tapering towards the tip. Conidiophores were also observed. The liquid formulation of TNAU Bacillus subtilis strain Bbv 57 was sprayed all cultivars and monitored for blast disease. The results revealed that hybrid Napier cultivars treated with Bacillus exhibited a significantly reduced incidence of blast (PDI: 8.2 to 12.3). However, plants in the untreated control plots showed a maximum PDI of up to 62.4, especially in the hybrid Napier cultivar CO 4. Increased foliage yield in the range of 74.25 to 75.3 t/ha was observed in the treated plots compared to untreated plots which showed low yield of 39.25 to 56.0 t/ha. Therefore, blast disease on forage crops can be effectively managed through foliar application of B. subtilis.

Key words: B. subtilis, blast disease, fodder, hybrid napier and management

241-245

MAKHAN LAL, KULDEEP KUMAR AND VIKASH KUMAR
Department of Vegetable Science
CCS Haryana Agricultural University-Hisar (Haryana)
*(e-mail: makhanmajoka72@gmail.com)
(Received: 12 July 2025; Accepted: 15 September 2025)

SUMMARY

Amaranths or ‘Chaulai’ is used as a potherb and belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. It is the most common leafy vegetable grown during the summer and rainy seasons in India. This crop is suitable for crop rotations because of its short duration and more yield per unit area. Amaranth is believed to be originated in India. Amaranths (Amaranthus spp.) is an herbaceous plant or shrub that genus comprised of more than 50 species of annual or short-lived perennial plants. The present experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana) during 2023 and 2024, respectively. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with four replications to determine the most suitable variety with proper spacing to maximize per unit production. There were total two varieties viz. Pusa Kiran (Green) and Pusa Lal Chaulai (Red) and three spacing such as 20 x 10 cm, 25 x 10 cm and 30 x 10 cm, respectively were used for the present study. Among the varieties, higher average leaf yield per plant (56.39 g) and average leaf yield per hectare (228.28 q/ha) was recorded in Pusa Kiran (Green) variety. Among different spacing, maximum average leaf yield per plant (62.59 & 38.84 g), respectively were recorded in higher spacing 30×10 cm in both varieties. However, maximum average leaf yield per hectare (256.61 & 152.56 q/ha) was recorded in closer spacing 20×10 cm in both varieties Pusa Kiran (Green) and Pusa Lal Chaulai (Red), respectively.

Key words: Vegetable amaranths, spacing, variety and leaf yield

246-250