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P- ISSN: 0976-1675
E- ISSN: 2249-4538

© CARAS (Centre for Advanced Research in Agricultural Sciences)
NAAS Score: 4.56

Volume - 6 - January - February 2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 01-07
T Mubarak, F A Sheikh and S A Bangroo
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (SKUAST - Kashmir), Kulgam - 192 233, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Abstract
An estimated 2 billion people in developing word suffer from iron deficiency and around 3 million children die as a result of vitamin A deficiency. Fourteen million children suffer from clinical eye problems and increased risk of respiratory diseases and diarrhea. Making staple foods more nutritious through biofortification, a process of enriching crop plants with nutrients is new approach to control vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies. Rice, which is staple food for more than half the world’s population and billions of the poor population in the developing world, is an ideal staple crop to biofortify. This is possible through breeding approach i e exploring possibility of gene transfer for improving micronutrient density in grains and agronomical biofortification through adequate supply of mineral nutrients. Both these approaches would result in a new paradigm for improved nutrition particularly in the developing countries.

T Mubarak, F A Sheikh and S A Bangroo

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 08-14
Mushtaq A Wani, Zahid M Wani*, Shaista Nazir, N A Kirmani and M A Bhat
Division of Soil Science, SKUAST - Kashmir, Shalimar - 191 121, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India *School of Engineering, Remote Sensing and GIS Department, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand - 12120
Abstract
A study was undertaken in Baramulla district of Lesser Himalayas (Jammu and Kashmir) to map the spatial variability of DTPA extractable micronutrients and their relationship with other important soil properties. Six hundred and seventy six (676) geo-referenced surface soil samples (0.2 m) were collected using SOI (1:50,000 Scale) by random grid sampling from the district. These soil samples were analyzed for DTPA extractable micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu) and were categorized as deficient, sufficient and adequate as per the criteria followed in the soil testing laboratories. The DTPA-Zn in soils varied from 0.04 to 9.90 mg kg-I, DTPA-Cu from 0.00 to 16.15 mg kg-I, DTPA-Fe from 0.55 to 99.88 mg kg-1 and DTPA-Mn from 0.16 to 43.50 mg kg-1. None of the samples were found to be deficient in iron and copper. The relationship between micronutrient contents in soil was significant. There is a need to refine the critical level of deficiency for DTPA-Fe with reference to growing environment, certain soil characteristics and pre-defined plant parts of specific crops. Soil micronutrient maps prepared in Arc Info GIS clearly delineated the specific locales where micronutrient problem constrained crop production. Multi-micronutrient map suggested that deficiency of individual element is more prevalent as compared to that of two or three micronutrients. DTPA extractable micronutrients showed positive correlation with organic carbon and clay. The positive influence of organic carbon on micronutrient availability was maximum for DTPA-Cu. The pH and CaCO3 had negative influence on the availability of Zn, Mn and Fe. The results indicated that Zn is likely to constraint crop production, followed by Mn in the soils of Baramulla district.

Mushtaq A Wani, Zahid M Wani*, Shaista Nazir, N A Kirmani and M A Bhat

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 15-18
Fozia Shafiq Wani, Tahir Ali and Andleeb Mushtaq Khan
Division of Soil Science, S. K. University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar - 191 121, Srinagar, J & K, India
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2013 to evaluate the effect of phosphorus (P) levels and their solubilizers on maize, available soil phosphorus and microbial population in maize rhizosphere under temperate conditions of Kashmir valley. Three levels of biofertilizers (Control, PSB and VAM) in combination with four levels of inorganic phosphorus fertilizers (0, 25%, 50% and 100%) RDF laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The maximum biomass production (104 q/ha), grain yield (46.00 q/ha) were recorded in VAM + PSB + 50% RDFP which was statistically at par with PSB + 100% RDFP. Application of VAM and PSB in combination with different levels of P increased the P availability in soil. However, the maximum P availability (16.00 kg/ha) was recorded by PSB + 100% RDFP, which was statistically at par with 100% RDFP, VAM + 100% RDFP and VAM + PSB + 50% RDFP. The application of VAM and PSB in combination with different levels of P increased the P uptake over control. The maximum uptake of P (29.1 kg/ha) was recorded in the treatment combination VAM + PSB + 50% RDFP, respectively. Significantly higher vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) spore density and viable counts of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) were recorded with the co-inoculation of (VAM + PSB + 25% RDFP) over rest of the treatments.

Fozia Shafiq Wani, Tahir Ali and Andleeb Mushtaq Khan

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 19-22
Kalyani Manthri, S G Bharad and Polu Parameshwar
Department of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeet, Akola - 444 104, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
A study was conducted during 2012 to 2013 at Commercial Fruit Nursery Unit, College of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (Maharashtra) to understand the effect of pre-sowing seed treatments like water soaking, gibberellic acid, thoiurea, hot water and acid treatments on germination and subsequent seedling growth of guava cv. Sardar. The highest germination 83.79 and 80.30 percentage was recorded with GA3 (1000 ppm) and (500 ppm), respectively which were superior to other treatments. Among all treatments seedling growth was maximum with 1000 ppm GA3. However, seed treatment with concentrated H2SO4 for 5 minutes did not influence germination.

Kalyani Manthri, S G Bharad and Polu Parameshwar

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 23-26
M Ashraf Dar, J A Wani, D Ram, Tahir Ali, M A Malik and M Y Bhat*
Division of Soil Science, *Division of Fruit Science, S. K. University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar - 191 121, Srinagar, J & K, India
Abstract
An experiment was conducted in cherry orchard soil of district Baramulla to find out the micro nutrient status of cherry orchards and effect of physico-chemical characteristics on DTPA extractable micro-nutrients and for this study 20 soil samples were collected and analyzed. It was found that all the micronutrient cations viz zinc, copper, iron and manganese present in high amounts. It was further studied that pH showed negative and significant relationship with zinc, copper and iron, while as, CaCO3 exhibited similar relationship with copper and iron only. The organic carbon revealed significant and positive correlation with all the micronutrient cations under study.

M Ashraf Dar, J A Wani, D Ram, Tahir Ali, M A Malik and M Y Bhat*

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 27-29
Rajesh U Rawal, V B Kuligod, Ashwini Gudigar, M V Manjunatha and Sudheendra Saunshi
Depertment of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad - 580 005, Karnataka, India
Abstract
The field experiment was conducted on saline soils in Roogi village of Mudhol Taluk, Bagalkot district situated in the northern dry zone (Zone-III) of Karnataka, India during 2012 kharif. The experiment comprised of four salinity levels (ECe <2 dSm-1, ECe 2-4 dSm-1, ECe 4-6 dSm-1 and ECe 6-8 dSm-1) and four nitrogen levels (150 kg N ha-1, 175 kg N ha-1, 200 kg N ha-1 and 225 kg N ha-1). Application of higher doses of nitrogen resulted in increased yield. The highest yield of 8.31 t ha-1 was obtained under <2 dSm-1. Soil application of 225 kg N ha-1 recorded maximum yield (6.74 t ha-1) and it was closely followed by the 200 kg N ha-1. Grain protein content decreased with increasing soil salinity whereas starch content increased with increasing salinity. Influence of higher doses nitrogen was not observed on both starch and protein content under saline compared to non saline soil conditions.

Rajesh U Rawal, V B Kuligod, Ashwini Gudigar, M V Manjunatha and Sudheendra Saunshi

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 30-33
Loyavar Ramchander, Rakesh G and N. Shunmugavalli
Depertment of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural College and Research Institute (TNAU), Killikulam, Vallanadu - 628 252, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
The present investigation was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam during kharif and rabi 2013-2014 with the promising cultures of black gram viz VBN 4 and ACM 07002, respectively. In VBN 4, the high GCV and PCV were obtained for number of cluster per plant, number of pods per plant and seed yield per plant in the gamma ray at the dose of 300 Gy and the EMS at 30 mM in M2 and M3 generations. Similarly in ACM 07002, the maximum GCV and PCV were observed at 300 Gy for number of pods per plant and seed yield per plant, at 200 Gy for seed yield per plant in M2 generation and in M3 generation, the maximum GCV and PCV were observed at 300 Gy for number of clusters per plant and number of pods per plant. In case of EMS, at 30 mM, seed yield per plant in both M2 and M3 generation were observed. Generally high heritability and genetic advance at 200 Gy and 300 Gy in gamma ray and 20 mM and 30 mM in EMS was recorded more efficient for the polygenic traits with overall improvement in yield contributing traits.

Loyavar Ramchander, Rakesh G and N. Shunmugavalli

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 34-37
G Rakesh, D Shashibhushan, T Dayakar Reddy* and M H V Bhave**
Depertment of Genetics and Plant Breeding, **Department of Statistics and Mathematics, Prof. Jaya Shankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad- 500 030, Telangana, India *Millet Scheme, Regional Agricultural Research Station (PJSTSAU), Palem, Telangana, India
Abstract
The present investigation consists of 50 bajra genotypes was studied to assess the magnitude of genetic variability, heritability in broad sense and genetic advance for yield and its contributing characters. Analysis of variance reflected appreciable variability among the all the genotypes for almost all the characters. The genotypic coefficients of variation for all the characters studied were lesser than the phenotypic coefficients of variation. Moderate GCV and PCV values were observed for plant height, panicle diameter, panicle length, productive tillers, 1000 grain weight, and fodder yield per plot. The values of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were low for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity. The other characters grain yield per plant and grain yield per plot exhibited moderate GCV high PCV. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for plant height, panicle diameter, panicle length, productive tillers, 1000-grain weight, grain yield per plant, grain yield per plot and fodder yield per plot. The High estimates of heritability coupled with low genetic advance as percent of mean as well as moderate genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for days to maturity and days to 50% flowering respectively.

G Rakesh, D Shashibhushan, T Dayakar Reddy* and M H V Bhave**

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 38-42
M Surender, K Suman, M Aparnna, S Sokka Reddy and M R Sudarshan*
Depertment of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, *Maize Research Center, Agriculture Research Institute, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030, Telangana, India
Abstract
A fingerprint of maize hybrid DHM 121 and its parental inbreds was generated with sitxty six SSR markers covering all the ten chromosomes. Out of these markers, twenty two markers were polymorphic while fourty four were monomorphic. The size of the allele in polymorphic and monomorphic state represent the original molecular character of the hybrid as well as their parental inbreds which helps in identification and distinction of hybrids and its parental inbreds from other known varieties. Furthermore, DUS characterization can serve as additional information.

M Surender, K Suman, M Aparnna, S Sokka Reddy and M R Sudarshan*

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 43-47
G Jhansi, M Surender*, Aparnna, S Sokka Reddy* and B Sunitha
Depertment of Biotechnology, Sri Indu College of Engineering and Technology, Ibrahimpatanam, Hyderabad - 501510, Telangana, India *Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030, Telangana, India
Abstract
Maize is one of the important cereal crops as far as India is concerned. Large number of hybrids have been released for cultivation in all the zones of the country by public and private sectors. Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University has released promising hybrids for Andhra Pradesh in the last few years. It is strongly felt that the hybrids and the parental lines need to be protected for the reasons of Intellectual Property Rights. Six inbreds and five hybrids have been fingerprinted with 100 SSR markers. Polymorphism has been sufficiently detected by the SSR markers. However, few markers were specific in identifying the inbreds/hybrids. The molecular IDs for the material used under the study have been developed. The variation in the expected polymorphism has been explained with the citations from already available literature. These fingerprints can be used to protect the ANGRAU developed inbreds/hybrids.

G Jhansi, M Surender*, Aparnna, S Sokka Reddy* and B Sunitha

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 48-52
Vinit Kumar, Navin Kumar, Ashish Singh, Pramod Kumar Yadav and G M Lal
Depertment of Genetic and Plant Breeding, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad - 211 007, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
This study has been conducted to determine nature and magnitude of genetic variability and association among yield and its contributing traits for development of superior varieties of black gram. Therefore, 35 diverse accessions of black gram were evaluated in a randomized complete block design for various agronomical and physiological characters during kharif 2013. Analysis of variance revealed the existence of significant differences among genotypes for all characters studied. The magnitude of PCV and GCV was moderate to high for plant height (cm), number of cluster per plant, and seed yield per plant (g). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for seed yield per plant indicating the role of additive gene in expressing these traits. Seed yield per plant showed significant and positive correlation with number of pod per plant and number of seed per pod to be considered for realizing the improvement in yield. Pattern of diversity among accessions was also estimated using Wards minimum variance dendrogram and principal Component analysis for important agro-morphological traits. Dendrogram generated four clusters viz cluster I contained 9 accessions, Cluster II contained 8 accessions, Cluster III contained 10 accessions and Cluster IV contained 8 accessions. Hence, selection based on these traits may be effectible for further crop improvement program.

Vinit Kumar, Navin Kumar, Ashish Singh, Pramod Kumar Yadav and G M Lal

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 53-59
G Sathiya Narayanan, B Sunil Kumar, M Prakash and R Anandan
Depertment Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar - 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
They study was undertaken to monitor the viability of herbal seed treated sesame seeds stored under different containers in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar. Genetically pure seeds of sesame cv. TMV 3 were obtained from the Oilseed Research Station, Thindivanam. The bulk seeds were graded for uniformity using appropriate round perforated metal sieves of sizes of 5/64" size sieve and were imposed with various pre-storage herbal extract seed hardening treatments. The treated seeds were dried under shade and in drying chamber to reach required moisture content for storage. The treated seeds along with control were stored in cloth bag and 700 gauge polythene bag under ambient condition of Annamalai nagar for a period of 12 months and were evaluated for seed quality characters viz moisture content, germination percent, speed of germination, root length, shoot length, electrical conductivity and dehydrogenase enzyme activity at bimonthly intervals. The study revealed that after twelve months storage, the sesame seeds treated with 20% chicory herbal leaf extract and stored in 700 gauge polythene bag registered higher germination percentage, seedling length, dry matter production and dehydrogenase enzyme activity and low electrical conductivity when compared to other treatments and control. This type of herbal extract pre-storage seed treatment maintained the minimum seed certification standard upto 12 months in this oil seed crop.

G Sathiya Narayanan, B Sunil Kumar, M Prakash and R Anandan

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 60-63
Chandra Mohan Meena, T H Ashok, Sujeet Kumar and M Amarnath
Depertment of Plant Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences (GKVK), Bengaluru - 560 065, Karnataka, India
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis is a gram-positive, spore forming bacterium and it produces protein crystalline inclusions called Cry proteins during the stationary phase. The Cry genes encoding for Cry proteins are mostly carried on plasmids of different sizes (4-150 Mb) but they have also been reported to found on chromosome. In this study a total of 39 Bacillus thuringiensis strains were isolated from 20 soil samples collected from different regions of Karnataka state, India. For total DNA (both plasmid and chromosomal) extraction of these isolates we modified the total DNA extraction method of and obtained a total DNA of high quality and quantity, which is suitable for subsequent PCR. In the modified method we used both lysozyme and SDS for the lysis of the bacteria cell and some steps of extraction protocol were modified to remove protein contamination. The mean amount of DNA extracted with modified method was 1013.11 ng/μl. Isolate Bt-17 was found to contain highest concentration of DNA (1851.5.5 ng/μl) while Bt-3 produced lowest DNA concentration (354.8 ng/μl). The UV spectrophotometric and gel electrophoresis analysis resulted in high A260/A280 ratio (1.88) with high intactness of DNA. Subsequent evaluations were performed by PCR using Cry gene specific primer.

Chandra Mohan Meena, T H Ashok, Sujeet Kumar and M Amarnath

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 64-67
Deepti B Sagare and I C Mohanty*
Depertment of Biotechnology, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030, Telangana, India *Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar - 751 003, Odisha, India
Abstract
Greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek), is an important pulse crop of India that suffers from many biotic and abiotic constraints. Green gram recalcitrant towards in vitro regeneration significantly hampers the possibilities of genetic improvement. Therefore it is essential to develop a rapid reproducible protocol for in vitro regeneration which is basic for genetic transformation. Efficient in vitro regeneration of green gram cv Sujata was achieved through direct organogenesis using cotyledonary node (with cotyledons) explants excised from 5 days old seedlings raised on MS medium containing 0.5 mg/l BAP. Shoot bud regeneration was achieved on B5 medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP within 2 weeks of subculture. The number of shoots per culture varied from 2.00 to 16.75 in different growth media. The elongation of shoots was obtained on B5 medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l BAP. The elongated shoots were rooted on ½ strength B5 medium within 8 days of culture. The rooted plantlets were transferred to plastic bag containing, soil:sand:FYM (1:2:1) for hardening and kept in the greenhouse with 85% relative humidity. This protocol offers a good potential for genetic improvement using gene transfer techniques.

Deepti B Sagare and I C Mohanty*

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 68-70
C Deepika, Anita Pitagi*, Latha C Naik, N Amruta and G Sarika
Depertment of Seed Science and Technology, *Department of Crop Physiology, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences (GKVK), Bengaluru - 560 065, Karnataka, India
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted during at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Navile, Shimoga during kharif 2013 and Laboratory studies were conducted in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, UAS, Bangalore. The three levels of growth regulator G0: control, G1: 100ppm GA3, G2: 120 ppm GA3. Application of 75:40:40 NPK kg ha-1 + Gibberllic acid @ 120 ppm spray at 30 DAT recorded higher plant height (32.70 cm),number of leaves plant-1 (31.3) at bud initiation stage, length of inflorescence (89.40 cm), siliqua weight plant-1 (19.4 g), siliqua length (5.09 cm), Number of seeds siliqua-1 (5.19), seed recovery percent (88.22), seed yield (174.81 kg ha-1), germination percent (89.28), seedling vigour index I and II (1750 and 422) compared to control (31.33 cm, 28.90, 83.90 cm, 17.80 g, 4.81 cm, 4.84, 80.58%, 148.4581 kg ha-1, 87%, 1617 and 400, respectively).

C Deepika, Anita Pitagi*, Latha C Naik, N Amruta and G Sarika

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 71-74
Sarita Sahu and Vijay Kumar
Depertment of Horticulture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur - 492 006, Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract
In the present study, the maximum corm yield was recorded under thiourea at 400 ppm (12.57 t ha-1) Thiourea at 400 ppm increased maximum corm yield (31.07%) over control treatment. As regards quality character of elephant foot yam, the maximum dry matter content of corms was recorded under thiourea at 400 ppm (22.51%). The maximum total sugar content was observed under thiourea at 300 and 400 ppm i e 2.37 percent. The maximum reducing sugar and non-reducing sugar content under most of the pre-planting treatments ranged from 1.20 to 1.21 percent and 1.14 to 1.16 percent, respectively. The maximum starch content was recorded under thiourea at 300 ppm (16.02%) followed by thiourea at 200 ppm (16.00%).

Sarita Sahu and Vijay Kumar

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 75-79
Vikas Yadav, Prakash Yadav*, P N Singh and Binayak Chakraborty
Depertment of Horticulture, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 560 065, Uttarakhand, India *Department of Agronomy, C. S. A. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, (U. P.), India
Abstract
This investigation was carried out during 2010 and 2011 growing seasons on seven year old “Sharbati” peach trees, grown at Horticulture Research Centre, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) to study the effect of foliar fertilization of micronutrients (B, Zn and Fe) on the plant growth, leaf nutrient status, quality and yield of low-chill peach cv. Sharbati. Boric acid (0.1%), zinc sulphate (0.5%) and ferrous sulphate (0.5%) were used as a source of boron, zinc and iron, respectively. All the plants fertilized with recommended dose of NPK. The spraying was done twice; during last week of February, i e, after petal fall stage and again at 15 days after the first spraying during both years in three replicates. The result revealed that foliar spraying of peach trees with 0.1% H3BO3 + 0.5% ZnSO4, 7H2O + 0.5% FeSO4, 7H2O was best for improvement of plant growth, quality, yield as well as plant health.

Vikas Yadav, Prakash Yadav*, P N Singh and Binayak Chakraborty

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 80-83
R A Durgude, H K Shirsath and S S Kulkarni
Depertment of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri - 413 722, District Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
The present investigation studies on wedge grafting in guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Sardar” was carried out to study the effect of time, environmental conditions and use of polythene cap on success and survival of wedge grafts of guava cv. Sardar. In present studies, the earliest (9.86 days) sprouting was observed in 15th August grafting under shade net condition with polythene cap. 15th August grafting under shade net condition with polycap recorded maximum success and survival which is 90% and 83.33%, respectively. All the growth observations recorded maximum in 15th August grafting under shade net condition with polythene cap. Grafting under shade net condition with polythene cap significantly reduced the time taken for sprouting of graft than those grafted in open field condition.

R A Durgude, H K Shirsath and S S Kulkarni

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 80-83
R A Durgude, H K Shirsath and S S Kulkarni
Depertment of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri - 413 722, District Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
The present investigation studies on wedge grafting in guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Sardar” was carried out to study the effect of time, environmental conditions and use of polythene cap on success and survival of wedge grafts of guava cv. Sardar. In present studies, the earliest (9.86 days) sprouting was observed in 15th August grafting under shade net condition with polythene cap. 15th August grafting under shade net condition with polycap recorded maximum success and survival which is 90% and 83.33%, respectively. All the growth observations recorded maximum in 15th August grafting under shade net condition with polythene cap. Grafting under shade net condition with polythene cap significantly reduced the time taken for sprouting of graft than those grafted in open field condition.

R A Durgude, H K Shirsath and S S Kulkarni

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 84-87
S V Geeta, M Shiragur, D M Renuka* and Tejashri Ontagodi
Depertment of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Kittur Rani Channmma College of Horticulture (UHS Bagalkot), Arabhavi - 591 310, Karnataka, India *College of Horticulture, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India
Abstract
The present investigations were carried to evaluate 15 gladiolus cultivars were assessed to know the nature and magnitude of genetic divergence using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The mean performance of gladiolus data were highly significant for growth, flowering, yield and corms traits studied indicating the presence of variability. The gladiolus cultivars were grouped into five clusters. Among the five clusters, cluster IV was the largest group comprising of 5 genotypes followed by cluster III of 4 genotypes and all other cluster comprises of two genotype each. Intra cluster distance was highest in cluster V (9073.333) followed by cluster IV (6151.325) and least inter cluster distance found between cluster I (307.696). The inter cluster D2 values were maximum (17722.285) between cluster IV and V. The minimum distance observed between cluster I and II (697.519). The genotypes American Beauty from cluster I, Eighth Wonder and White Prosperity from cluster III, Delhi Local and Red Majesty from cluster IV, Summer Sunshine from cluster V, respectively deserve to be to be considered as potent parents for further utilization in gladiolus improvement programme.

S V Geeta, M Shiragur, D M Renuka* and Tejashri Ontagodi

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 88-91
G Somashekar, Y P V Subbaiah and G Sandeep Kumar
Depertment of Vegetable Science, Dr. Y. S. R. Horticultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030, Andhra Pradesh, India
Abstract
An Investigation was undertaken on onion var. Agrifound Light Red to study the effect of different organics on quality of onion. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 9 treatments replicated thrice. All the quality parameters were improved significantly with the organic manures over inorganic fertilizers. The highest phosphorus (0.54%), sulphur (0.47%), total soluble solids (13.57, 13.64, 13.71, 13.79 and 13.80 °Brix), at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 30 DAS, respectively were recorded with the application of farmyard manure (50%) + vermicompost (25%) + neem cake (25%) + Azospirillum and PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 each. The lowest physiological loss of weight (1.03, 1.70, 2.48 and 3.82%), sprouting of bulbs (1.07, 2.10, 3.01 and 3.49%) and rotting of bulbs (0.45, 0.80, 1.80 and 2.27%) was recorded with farmyard manure (50%) + vermicompost (25%) + neem cake (25%) at 7, 14, 21 and 30 DAS, respectively. The highest marketable yield (98.92, 97.92, 94.87 and 92.82%) was recorded with poultry manure (50%) + vermicompost (25%) + Neem cake (25%) + Azospirillum and PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 each at 7, 14, 21 and 30 DAS, respectively which was at par with farmyard manure (50%) + vermicompost (25%) + neem cake (25%) + Azospirillum and PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 each (98.14, 97.18, 94.24 and 92.24) at 7, 14, 21 and 30 DAS, respectively.

G Somashekar, Y P V Subbaiah and G Sandeep Kumar

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 92-94
Bhukya Ravi Nayak, P K Nagre and M Mahesh
Depertment of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola - 444 104, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
The present investigation was conducted at Department of Horticulture, Horticulture Garden, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (Maharashtra), during kharif 2012-13. The experimental material comprised of 20 genotypes along with one check of brinjal and the experimental was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Variability studies revealed that highly significant differences were recorded among the varieties for all characters. Correlation and path analysis revealed that fruit length, diameter, weight influenced the fruit yield in plant with high direct effect and significant positive correlation. Therefore, fruit length, diameter, weight are an important characters which may be included in selection criteria for improvement in fruit yield per plant.

Bhukya Ravi Nayak, P K Nagre and M Mahesh

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 95-97
Saidulu Yeluguri, A Girwani and R Chandrasekhar
Depertment of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Dr. Y. S. R. Horticultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Telangana, India
Abstract
In a study conducted at Floricultural Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, during 2012-13, marigold loose flowers of cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda harvested from the plots, pre-harvest sprayed with salicylic acid @ 200 ppm, Ca (NO3)2 @ 2% and CaCl2 @ 2% along with control (water spray) were used for packaging and storage studies. The study involved the packaging of flowers in onion mesh bags and polyethylene (PE) bags of 200 gauge thickness with 0, 1, 2 and 3% ventilation and storage at ambient conditions and at 10°C. The results revealed that packaging of the flowers in PE bags with 0% ventilation resulted in minimum physiological loss in weight (PLW) of flowers with extended shelf life at both storage conditions. The flowers packaged in 0% ventilated PE bags were stored for 4.63 days under ambient conditions and for 14.04 days in cold storage at 10°C. Further, even though the packaging was found to be the dominant factor affecting the post-harvest behaviour of flowers at storage than the pre-harvest sprays in this study, the treatment pre-harvest spray with Ca (NO3)2 @ 2% stood best affecting the shelf life of flowers among all other treatments.

Saidulu Yeluguri, A Girwani and R Chandrasekhar

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 98-101
Latesh Kawde, D K Rana, V K Dubey, M G Sable and Preeti Gawde
Depertment of Entomology, Indira Gandhi Agriculture University, Raipur - 492 006, Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract
Five hundred twenty rice genotypes were screened against BPH, Nilaparvata lugens (Stal). Out of these, 5 genotypes were categorized as highly resistant, 128 as resistant, while 82 as moderately resistant and rest as moderately susceptible and susceptible to BPH. The average plant damage score of highly resistant genotypes was ranged from 0.50 to 0.91 whereas 1.00 to 2.98 in resistant and 3.01 to 5.00 in moderately resistant category. The average probing marks per seedling was ranged from 12.00 to 35.00. The genotype R1723-1413-357-1 had the highest (35.00) average probing marks followed by R1959-173-3-27-1 (31.80), R1600-1124-3-619-1 (31.20), BP10625-BB4-19-BB8 (30.80) and IR64 (30.60). The minimum average probing marks per seedling (11.30) was observed in susceptible check TN1. Significantly higher number of probing marks was found in all resistant genotypes as compared to susceptible check TN1. As regards to days required to wilt due to BPH feeding, the genotype IR78554-145-1-3-2 required the maximum days (35.80) followed by R1959-173-27-1 (35.60), IR64 (35.20) and Ganjeikalli (32.80). All the resistant genotypes had significantly higher number of days required to wilt in comparison to susceptible check TN1.

Latesh Kawde, D K Rana, V K Dubey, M G Sable and Preeti Gawde

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 102-104
Pattapu Sreelakshmi and Ambily Paul
Depertment of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thrivandrum - 695 522, Kerala, India
Abstract
Mass rearing of economically important larvae is a vital aspect in bioassay studies. The results from the current study in vitro rearing of spotted pod borer Maruca vitrata (F) on different diets revealed the efficacy of both the artificial and natural diets tested. Shelf life and palatability of the different artificial diets prepared were illustrated. Populations reared on artificial diet showed a significant reduction in larval and pupal periods but with poor fecundity when compared to populations raised on natural diets.

Pattapu Sreelakshmi and Ambily Paul

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 105-108
Sanjay Kumar Ghirtlahre, Y P S Nirala and C M Sahu
Depertment of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur - 492 012, Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract
Nephopteryx eugraphella Ragonot (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae), commonly known as sapota leaf webber, is a serious pest of sapota. Its bionomics was studied under laboratory condition in the department of Entomology during 2013-14 at College of Agriculture Raipur, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. Pre-mating and mating periods of the pest, on an average, were 1.2 ± 0.13 and 0.38 ± 0.04 days, respectively. The pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition period averaged 3.35 ± 0.24, 3.20 ± 0.24 and 1.90 ± 0.05 days, respectively. The longevity of adult male and female was 5.55 ± 0.22 and 8.30 ± 0.18 days, respectively. The female laid an average of 78.80 ± 9.07 eggs in her life span. The eggs hatched within 4.35 ± 0.34 days and the viability of eggs averaged 83.44 ± 5.15 per cent. The larval stage was completed in 17.44 ± 0.43 days. Pre-pupal, pupal stages and total life cycle of the insect lasted for 1.95 ± 0.13, 6.20 ± 0.44 and 46.20 ± 0.61 days, respectively. The larvae fed on leaves, flower buds, flowers and fruits.

Sanjay Kumar Ghirtlahre, Y P S Nirala and C M Sahu

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 109-112
Jalpa A Chudasama, A V Khanpara, M F Acharya, R K Bharodia and Nisha B Sagarka
Depertment of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh - 362 001, Gujarat, India
Abstract
A laboratory study was conducted at the JAU, Junagadh (Gujarat) during 2013-14 on the deterrent effect of different aqueous plant extracts against pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in stored seeds of soybean. The aqueous extracts of different plant materials i.e. custard apple leaves and seed (Annona squamosa), neem leaves and seed [Azadirachta indica (A. Juss)], mustard leaves and seed [Brassica juncea (L.)], mint leaves [Mentha arvensis (L.)], henna leaves [Lawsonia inermis (L.)], jatropha leaves [Jatropha curcas (L.)] and black pepper seed [Piper nigrum (L.)] against C. maculatus were tested to determine their insecticidal properties. The results revealed that all of the tested materials had deterrent and toxic effects against the pest as compared with the untreated check.

Jalpa A Chudasama, A V Khanpara, M F Acharya, R K Bharodia and Nisha B Sagarka

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 113-115
Abhilasha Sahu and R K Verma
Depertment of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur - 492 012, Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract
Forty six rice varieties were evaluated at Raipur (Chhattisgarh) under heat stress tolerance condition to assess the genetic diversity for grain yield with yield attributing traits. Genetic divergence based on Mahalanobis D2 statistic grouped the 46 rice varieties into five clusters. The cluster V contained the highest fourteen varieties while the clusters III, IV, I and II comprised 10, 10, 6 and 6 varieties, respectively. Maximum intra cluster distance was observed was observed in cluster V (3.004) followed by cluster IV (2.927) indicating hybridization involving varieties within the same clusters which may result in good cross combinations. The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster III and II (4.926) followed by cluster IV and III (4.812) indicating wider genetic diversity between varieties. For THE following characters, days to 50% flowering, plant height, effective tiller/plant, panicle length, leaf length, leaf width, total number of grains/panicle, filled grains/panicle, unfilled grains/panicle, spikelet fertility percentage, spikelet sterility percentage 100 grain weight, panicle/square meter and yield/plant, the highest mean values was found in cluster II, IV, V, II, V, I, IV , IV, IV, III, II, III, V and III respectively. The lowest mean values for the above characters was found in cluster V, I, II and IV, IV, III, III, V, II, III, II, III, II, II and II respectively.

Abhilasha Sahu and R K Verma

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 116-119
S Manikandan and K Sivasubramaniam*
Department of Seed Science and Technology, Agricultural College and Research Institute (TNAU), Madurai - 625 104, Tamil Nadu, India *College of Agricultural Technology, Theni - 625 562. Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai to evaluate the effect of drip fertigation on seed yield and economic parameters in pigeonpea seed production during 2010. The drip fertigation with 100% SRDF as WSF + 0.5% zinc sulphate found to be significantly higher seed yield (1416 kg ha-1 and 1106 kg ha-1) than 50% SRDF as WSF + 100 ppm humic acid (1010 kg ha-1 and 700 kg ha-1) in main crop and ratoon, respectively. Between main crop and ratoon, main crop recorded higher gross returns (` 106200 ha-1) as compared to ratoon crop. The net returns (` 68255 ha-1) and cost benefit ratio (5.64) were found to be significantly higher in F3FS1 compared to F1FS1in ratoon crop. Among the different treatments F3FS1 recorded significantly higher seed yield (1416 kg ha-1), net returns (` 73746 ha -1) and cost benefit ratio (3.27) when compared to others in main crop.

S Manikandan and K Sivasubramaniam*

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 120-122
Srishti Pandey, Damini Thawait and Amit Kumar Patel
Depertment of Agronomy, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur - 495 001, Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract
There were thirteen treatments which comprised single application of different post-emergence herbicides either alone or in combination and hand weeding was conducted on clayey Vertisols soil of College of Agriculture, Raipur during kharif season of 2012. Echinochloa colona among grasses, Cyperus iria among sedges and Alternanthera triandra, Eclipta alba and Phyllanthus urinaria among broad leaf weeds were dominant. Application of metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl and ethoxysulfuron alone was found most suitable for weed control without any harm to the crop. The combined application of cyhalofop-butyl or fenoxaprop-p-ethyl with metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl exhibited the appreciable lower total weed density. Hand weeding twice recorded highest weed control efficiency. Hand weeding twice recorded the highest grain yield and net return. Application of ethoxysulfuron registered the highest B:C ratio which was at par with metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl and hand weeding twice.

Srishti Pandey, Damini Thawait and Amit Kumar Patel

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 123-125
V Rudra Naik, Suma S Biradar, Arati Yadawad, S A Desai and B A Veeresha
Dr. Sanjay Rajaram Wheat Laboratory, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580005, Karnataka, India
Abstract
A field study was carried out under rainfed conditions during rabi 2012 to study the genetic variability, heritability and expected genetic advance for eight traits in 78 bread wheat genotypes. The genotypes exhibited wide range of variation for all the traits except for plant height, indicating the presence of enough genetic variability in the material under study. Genetic coefficient of variation ranged from 7.56 for protein content to 52.38 for grain yield per plot. All the traits exhibited high heritability, however very high values of heritability were observed for sedimentation value (99%), plant height (99%) and days to heading (97%). The traits sedimentation value and grain yield per plot showed high heritability and genetic coefficient of variation along with high genetic advance. Therefore, these traits could be considered as suitable selection criteria to develop high yielding genotypes with high sedimentation value. Thus, these characters may be effective as selection indices during breeding programme for improving grain yield and quality.

V Rudra Naik, Suma S Biradar, Arati Yadawad, S A Desai and B A Veeresha

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 126-130
Birendra Kumar, Ranvir Kumar* and Suman Kalyani*
Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour, Bhagalpur - 813 210, Bihar, India *Department of Agricultural Economics, B. P. S. Agricultural College, Purnea - 854 302, Bihar, India
Abstract
Field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2011 and 2012 at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bihar) to evaluate the effective and economics integrated weed management method in maize. Weed management had a positive influence on growth, yield attributes and yield of maize. Manual weeding at 15 and 30 days after sowing (DAS), zero tillage ( ZT)-glyphosate pre plant followed by atrazine+ halosulfuran (1.0 kg + 90 g a.i./ha) as post emergence, conventional tillage(CT)- atrazine + halosulfuran @ (1.5 kg + 90 g a.i/ha) as post emergence and zero tillage (ZT)- glyphosate pre plant followed by topramezone + atrazine @ (40 ml + 500 g a.i/ha) as post emergence proved equally effective in increasing most of the growth parameters, yield attributes, yield and economic advantage. The effect due to different weed management practices on grain yield of maize was significant. The maximum mean grain yield of 6.82 t/ha was recorded from the plots where two hand weeding at 15 and 30 DAS was performed and was statistically at par with the mean grain yield obtained under different weed management practices i e ZT-glyphosate pre plant followed by atrazine + halosulfuran (1.0 kg + 90 g a.i./ha) as post emergence POE (6.71 t/ha), CT- atrazine + halosulfuran @ (1.5 kg + 90 g a.i/ha) as post emergence (6.41 t/ha), ZT-glyphosate pre plant followed by topramezone + atrazine @ (40 ml + 500 g a.i/ha) as post emergence (6.36 t/ha), and the grain yield obtained under these were significantly superior to the grain yield obtained under rest of the weed management practices. Treatments CT- atrazine @ 1.5 kg a.i/ha as pre-emergence (6.14 t/ha), CT-halosulfuran @ 90 g a.i/ha as post emergence (6.26t/ha) and CT- topramezone+atrazine @ (40 ml + 500 g a.i/ha) as Post emergence (6.27 t/ha) were at par with each other. Significantly lowest mean grain yield of 5.10 t/ha was obtained from weedy check treatment. Yield advantages due to different weed management practices over weedy check were mainly attributed due to enhance yield attributing parameters as a result of lower weed population, biomass along with higher weed control efficiency. The highest net return ` 34856/ha was noted in the treatment ZT-glyphosate pre plant followed by topramezone+atrazine @ (40 ml + 500 g a.i/ha) post emergence and maximum benefit: cost ratio of 1.24 was obtained in treatment ZT-glyphosate pre plant followed by maize + black gram as intercrop and lower value of net return ` 22980/ha and benefit: cost ratio of (0.82) were recorded under treatment weedy check.

Birendra Kumar, Ranvir Kumar* and Suman Kalyani*

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 131-133
M R Khotkar, A B Bagade and A B Jadhav
Depertment of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani - 431 402, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
Combining ability studies were undertaken for yield and yield contributing characters in 24 crosses derived from 3 female parents and 8 testers. The results revealed that there were significant differences among the parents and crosses for all the characters studied. The results revealed that there were significant differences among the parents and hybrids for all the characters studied. Non additive gene effect was predominant for all characters except numbers of secondary branches per plant. The parent ICPA-2043 have been adjudged the best general combiner for grain yield, while the crosses ICPA-2043 × BWR-134, ICPA-2043 × HP-24-63, ICPA-2047 × BSMR-571, ICPA-2043 × BSMR-175, ICPA-2043 × HP-24-63 and ICPA-2047 × Phule-T-04-31 were the best specific combinations for yield and its components.

M R Khotkar, A B Bagade and A B Jadhav

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 134-137
Bhavesh Patel, P K Sharma, Mridubhashini Patanwa, Chetna Banjare and Phanindra Patel
Depertment of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur - 492 001, Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract
Present experiment was conducted to see the influence of different level of RDF on nutrient uptake by plant, available nutrient in plant and in soil in potato. Experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replication and seven treatments during 2012-2013. Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was 150:100:100 kg N: P2O5:K2O per hectare. Result revealed that treatment receiving 150% RDF of NPK (T3) recorded maximum Concentration of NPK in potato tuber (2.72, 0.56, 2.93% NPK respectively), potato haulm (1.40, 0.075, 3.19% NPK respectively), nutrient uptake by potato tuber (190.37, 39.17, 204.83 kg plot-1 NPK respectively), potato haulm (20.78, 1.08, 47.39 kg plot-1 NPK respectively), total nutrient uptake by potato plant (211.15, 40.24, 252.22 kg plot-1 NPK respectively), availability of nutrients in soil before harvesting (275, 16.75, 303 kg ha-1 NPK respectively) and after harvesting (190.85, 15.99, 241.80 kg ha-1 NPK respectively) similarly before harvesting organic carbon present in soil (0.58%) and pH (7.09) and after harvesting organic carbon (0.60%) and pH (6.89) found to be highest under T3.

Bhavesh Patel, P K Sharma, Mridubhashini Patanwa, Chetna Banjare and Phanindra Patel

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 138-140
Nasreen Sultana and A H Rajasab
Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of P/G Studies and Research in Botany, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga - 585 106, Karnataka, Karnataka, India
Abstract
Production of inoculum for ergot pathogen and the disease incidence on fodder sorghum at eight different locations of Gulbarga (Karnataka) and one location in Latur (Maharashtra) district were carried out during the year 2012. Percentage of disease incidence was estimated by examining sorghum ear heads following random row counting method. The latitude and longitude of the locations were recorded using GPS enabled Smartphone and photographs of farmer’s fields showing ergot disease symptoms were taken. Ergot disease incidence was highest in sorghum fields at Wadhona (100%), followed by moderate incidence at Hagarga (33.6%), Syed Chincholi (19.5%) and Sannur (18.2%) as compared to the lesser incidence at Jambga village (8.4%), Aland (7.5%), Basavakalyan (5%) and Aurad (3.2%). The disease was observed on fodder sorghum grown during late kharif season. The fodder sorghum was grown as mixed crop mainly with pigeon crops. Rabi grown grain sorghum crops were free from ergot disease. Ergot contaminated debris and grains of fodder sorghum along with sclerotia, microconidia and macroconidia act as source of inoculum for the subsequently sown kharif grain sorghum. Many farmers in the area practice crop rotation with pigeon pea followed by grain sorghum. Therefore the ergot infected fodder sorghum grown as mixed crop with pigeon pea acts as source of inoculum for the subsequently grown grain sorghum during kharif season.

Nasreen Sultana and A H Rajasab

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 141-144
Shreeshail Rudrapur, B L Patil and R A Yeledhalli*
Depertment of Agricultural Economics, *Department of Agri-Business Management, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad - 580 005, Karnataka, India
Abstract
A study conducted in the Malaprabha command area revealed that border strip method of irrigation was found better in terms of yield, income and water savings in cultivation of wheat. The crop yield was higher in border strip method of irrigation (28.50 q/ha) over furrow irrigation (21.63 q/ha). The net returns was also higher in border strip method of irrigation (` 20851.01/ha) over furrow (` 9551.54/ha). The highest cost of irrigation was found in furrow method of irrigation (` 2741.14/ha) compared to border strip method of irrigation (` 2051.13/ha). The highest water consumption was seen under furrow method of irrigation (11.44 ha cm) followed by border strip method of irrigation (8.41 ha cm).

Shreeshail Rudrapur, B L Patil and R A Yeledhalli*

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 145-148
R Thokchom, S Garai, G Mazumder and J K Das
Depertment of Agricultural Extension, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa Vidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia - 741 252, West Bengal, India
Abstract
The present study was conducted in Hugli district of West Bengal to highlight the adoption of System of Rice Intensification technology with its technological gap and constraints behind its adoption. Data were collected by using personal interview method during December 2012 and May 2013 from 50 rice growers of two villages of Hugli district who were following System of Rice Intensification technology. It was found from the study that average adoption index among the rice grower was 69.73 and majority (66%) was medium level adopter. It was also found that five independent variables had a significant relationship with the dependent variable i e adoption behaviour of SRI technology and these five independent variables were family size, yield in conventional method, yield of SRI approach, income from SRI method and mass media exposure. Study also demand that farmers were following as per the recommended practices. Therefore, technological gap was very low. Farmers were facing 10 problems in adoption of System of Rice Intensification technology. Unavailability of skilled labour and higher cost of the skilled labour were found most serious problems as perceived by them. They had also given suggestions to overcome these problems like involvement of family members during labour scarcity period etc.

R Thokchom, S Garai, G Mazumder and J K Das

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 149-152
G Mohan Naidu
Depertment of Statistics and Maths, S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati - 517 502, Andhra Pradesh, India
Abstract
The present study was carried out to forecast prices of maize through univariate Seasonal Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models. The secondary data pertaining to the monthly prices (`/q) of maize collected from 2000-01 to 2013-14 in Jammikunta and Warangal markets of Andhra Pradesh have been used for the study. Seasonal ARIMA (2,1,1) (2,1,1)12 model in Jammikunta whereas (2,1,2) (2,1,2)12 model in Warangal were found suitable for price forecasts of maize commodity for subsequent months. The best models were chosen based on least Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) value and highest R2 value. The performances of models were validated by comparing with actual values. Using these models, forecast values for maize prices are developed for subsequent months.

G Mohan Naidu

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 153-156
Shreeshail Rudrapur, B L Patil and R A Yeledhalli*
Depertment of Agricultural Economics, *Department of Agri-Business Management, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad - 580 005, Karnataka, India
Abstract
The present study was conducted in the Malaprabha command area as many scientific irrigation methods were implemented by the RKVY project. The required data were collected from the 35 farmers each practicing border strip method of irrigation (scientific) and furrow methods of irrigation (traditional) in the cultivation of maize. The study revealed that the adopters of scientific irrigation technology produced 14.83 percent higher income from border strip method of irrigation than furrow irrigation. The increase in the income was further decomposed into different sources of change such as adoption of scientific irrigation technology and changed input levels. The scientific irrigation technology alone could contribute 21.03 percent increase in income, while the contribution of change in input levels was found to be negative (-6.20%). Amongst the various inputs, fertilizer (-1.58%), human labour (-0.66), bullock and machine labour (-0.68%), cost of irrigation (-5.12%) and FYM (-0.23%) contributed negatively where as seed (0.75%) contributed positively to the income.

Shreeshail Rudrapur, B L Patil and R A Yeledhalli*

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 157-161
Ravi Shrey, Pallab Debnath*, Gopal Krishna Acharya and Chandresh Dhurwey
Depertment of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur – 492 006, Chhattisgarh, India School of Social Sciences (Agricultural Economics), CPGS, CAU, Umiam - 793 103, Meghalaya, India
Abstract
The present paper attempts to examine the economics of dairy farming, resource productivity, resource use efficiency and return to scale of crossbred cow milk production on small farms in Parbhani district of Marathwada region of Maharashtra state. A sample of 30 farmers was selected through multistage sampling technique from Parbhani district and data collected during November-December 2012. The total cost of maintenance of one crossbred cow per annum was worked out to ` 47167.52 of which ` 30833.13 was variable cost and ` 16333.28 was fixed cost. Whereas output- input ratio was observed as 1: 1.42. The Cobb Douglas production function approach was used to measure the resource productivity, resource use efficiency and return to scale by calculating and comparing Marginal Value Products (MVPs) and MVP to factor price. Results depicted that on small farms, only dry fodder (2.6679*) was found positively significant, However, concentrate (-2.6095*) was found negatively significant. In regard to resource use efficiency of small farm, green fodder (-2.968), concentrate (-0.049) and medicine cost (-0.0003) were excessively utilized. Human labour (8.7658) was underutilized and dry fodder (0.994) was used optimally. The result also indicates that return to scale on small farm was increasing (∑bi: 2.397).

Ravi Shrey, Pallab Debnath*, Gopal Krishna Acharya and Chandresh Dhurwey

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 162-165
Neha Lakra, A K Gauraha and K N S Banafar
Depertment of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur - 492 012, Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract
The study aims to examine the economics of maize production at different size of farms in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. The survey for this purpose was conducted in two blocks of Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. Primary data were collected from 80 farmers from four villages of two blocks through personal interview method with the help of a pre-structured schedule for the year 2013-14. The simple mean and average method was used to calculate cost of cultivation. Study revealed that, on an average cost of cultivation of maize were estimated to be ` 17476.64 per hectare which varied from ` 14441.19 per hectare at marginal farms to ` 18631.86 per hectare at medium farms, respectively. The yield realized at the farms was observed 38.30 quintals per hectare on an average and increasing trend with the increase in farm size in the cost of cultivation at the sample farms. The gross return from maize crop was observed as ` 43161.40 per hectare. The average production cost was calculated as ` 456.31 per quintal of this crop. The average net income per hectare was observed to be ` 25684.76 per hectare. The input- output ratio was observed 1:2.47. However, on the basis of cost concept the same figure was observed 1:1.68 in the maize cultivation at the sample farms in the district.

Neha Lakra, A K Gauraha and K N S Banafar

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 166-169
K Priyanka, R Joycy Dasari, C Mamatha* and N T Laxmi*
Depertment of Agricultural Economics, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur - 584 102, Karnataka, India *University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad - 560 065, Karnataka, India
Abstract
This study was carried out in Bidar district of North Karnataka during the year 2011-12 to examine variation in yield due to introduction of new technology like transplanting in redgram production. It was found that the average yield in the case of transplanted method (27.21 q/ha) was found to be relatively higher by 14.08 percent as compared to dibbled (23.38 q/ha) and 51.93 percent higher as compared to line sown methods (13.08 q/ha). The gross returns obtained by transplanted farmers (` 104661.39/ha) were found to be considerably higher by 12.04 percent than those of dibbled (` 92058.54/ha) and 52.62 percent higher than those of line sown farmers (` 49585.83/ha). Even though the cost of cultivation under transplanted method (` 37138.52/ha) was considerably higher by 8.43 percent as compared to dibbled (` 34006.78/ha) and 12.78 percent higher as compared to line sown methods (` 32393.50/ha), the net returns obtained by the transplanted farmers (` 67522.87/ha) were found to be higher by 14.03 percent than that of dibbled farmers (` 58051.76/ha) and 74.54 percent higher than that of line sown farmers (` 17192.33/ha).

K Priyanka, R Joycy Dasari, C Mamatha* and N T Laxmi*

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 170-174
Lingala Suhasini, K Vanajalatha, A S Padmavathamma and P Vekateshwar Rao
Depertment of Horticulture, Dr. Y. S. R. Horticultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030, India
Abstract
A Study was undertaken during 2013-2014 at College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, to study the sensory evaluation and microbial count of osmo-dried karonda. The osmotic dehydration of karonda was studied with two concentrations of sugar viz 60 ⁰Brix and 70 ⁰Brix syrup with three different durations of dipping times viz 6, 18 and 24 hours. After osmosis of the karonda slices in the sugar solutions these were laid on the hot air oven for dehydration. After osmotic dehydration, the products were packed in high density polyethylene bags and stored in ambient temperature for a period of 4 months. The microbiological changes and a taste panel evaluated the organoleptic quality of the products during the storage period. Minimum microbial count (2.00) was recorded for osmosis in 70 ⁰Brix syrup for 24 hours. The product of 70 ⁰Brix syrup for 18 hours when stored 4 months at room temperature secured highest score (81.97) in organoleptic evaluation.

Lingala Suhasini, K Vanajalatha, A S Padmavathamma and P Vekateshwar Rao

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 175-178
Katam Nirosha and P Irene Vethamoni
Depertment of Vegetable Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute (TNAU), Coimbatore - 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
The materials consisted by 42 F1s developed through 7 × 7 full diallel technique along with Seven parents. The data were recorded on parents and F1s for 13 quantitative traits. The highest total yield per plant was found in the parent P1 (330) followed by P6 (315.38), P2 (299.95) and P4 (293.08). The study revealed that the hybrids P1 × P4 (AE 64 (White) × AE 65 (Pink)), P2 × P4 (AE 64 (Pink) × AE 65 (Pink)) and P1 × P2 (AE 64 (White) × AE 64 (Pink)) were superior for yield per plant, phenol content, peroxidase activity and polyphenol oxidase activity.

Katam Nirosha and P Irene Vethamoni

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 179-181
Nasreen Sultana and A H Rajasab
Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of P/G Studies and Research in Botany, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga - 585 106, Karnataka, Karnataka, India
Abstract
Sclerotia were collected during December 2012 from a sorghum field near Wadhona village of Udgir taluk, Latur district, Maharashtra, India. Both the long and short sclerotia were buried in Petri plates having moist sterilized black cotton soil at 0.5 cm depth and incubated under ambient conditions with temperature ranging from 18°C to 23°C. The soil in the Petri plate was watered regularly to maintain moisture. After 23 days of incubation in moist soil, the long sclerotia germinated showing clavicipitaceous stipe and capitulum. The short sclerotia failed to germinate. The germinated stromal heads with stipes were harvested and preserved in FAA to study their histological features. Using microtome machine the longitudinal sections of stipe and capitulum were taken. An average diameter of capitula ranged from 0.1 to 0.08 mm, perithecia were of 57.4 mm -119.6µm × 43.3-80.0µm, asci 58.2-142.2µm × 2.5-3.4µm, ascospores 40.0-87.0µm × 0.4-0.6µm. The present report is the fourth one from India in the past 66 years. A few years ago it was believed that C. sorghi has disappeared from India or it is replaced by C. africana. The present communication proves its prevalence in South India and restricted to a few locations in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Nasreen Sultana and A H Rajasab

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 182-185
Chetna Banjare, Neeraj Shukla, Pravin Kumar Sharma, Mridubhashini Patanwar, Deepika Chandravanshi and Bhavesh Patel
Depertment of Horticulture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur - 492 006, Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract
The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and development of onion (Allium cepa L.) variety Agrifound Light Red during rabi season 2012-13. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and eight treatments with or without combinations of biofertilizers and organic manures with inorganic fertilizers. Results revealed that application of 100% RDF was found to be more effective and at par in increasing the vegetative growth parameters viz plant height (54.71 cm), collar thickness (6.38 cm), leaf length (37.61 cm) and leaf width (1.96 cm) observed maximum under treatment T1 (100% RDF) followed by T7 (75% RDF + VC + PSB + Azotobacter). The highest net return and B:C ratio was found in 100% RDF of ` 1,35,669.05/ha and 4.5, respectively.

Chetna Banjare, Neeraj Shukla, Pravin Kumar Sharma, Mridubhashini Patanwar, Deepika Chandravanshi and Bhavesh Patel

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 186-189
G Naga Bharani and P Sivasubramanian
Depertment of Entomology, Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture (TNAU), Manakkadavu, Pollachi - 642 103, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
Agrochemicals like imidacloprid, thiomethoxam and imidacloprid + thiomethoxam resulted in significant reduction on tomato leaf curl virus incidence and mean whitefly population followed by biopesticides Beauveria bassiana, Verticillium lecanii and Beauveria bassiana + Verticillium lecanii as compared to control treatment. Spray with the insecticides recorded higher C:B ratio by increase in fruit yield. Three sprays of imidacloprid 30.5 SC (100 ml/ha) + thiomithoxam 25 WG (75 g a.i. ha-1) was effective in reducing the incidence of tomato leaf curl virus, whitefly population and simultaneously increased the yield of tomato.

G Naga Bharani and P Sivasubramanian

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 190-192
P Sahu, G S Sahu, K C Muduli, N Mishra and A Priyadarsini
Depertment of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar - 751 013, Odisha, India
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted on French bean with seven treatments and three replications in a randomized block design during rabi season of 2013-2014 in the experimental field of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, with an objective to study the performance of Raikia (trailing type) of French bean at Bhubaneswar coastal Agro-climatic condition under different doses of plant nutrition both organics and inorganics. Application of 75% RDF + 25% vermicompost + biofertilizer (Rhizobium + PSB) in T5 was produced highest yield of 23.83 t ha-1 with benefit-cost ratio 3.11:1 followed by T3 (75% RDF + 25% vermicompost) with a yield of 20.11 t ha-1 and benefit-cost ratio 2.64:1.

P Sahu, G S Sahu, K C Muduli, N Mishra and A Priyadarsini

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 193-196
Bhavesh Patel, P K Sharma, Mridubhashini Patanwa and Phanindra Patel
Depertment of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur - 492 001, Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract
Present investigation was carried out to see the effect of different doses of nitrogenous, phosphatic and potasic (NPK: Recommended dose of fertilizer) fertilizer on yield and yield attributing character in potato cultivation. Experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replication and seven treatments. Result revealed that treatment receiving 150% recommended dose of fertilizers (T3) recorded maximum fresh weight of tuber per plant (g), dry weight of tuber per plant (g), dry matter content of tuber (%), higher grade number of tuber per plot, higher grade yield of tuber per plot (g), total number of tuber per plot, marketable tuber yield (kg/plot) and total tuber yield (q/ha) however unmarketable tuber yield (kg/plot) and inferior grade of tuber per plot recorded maximum under T7 i e without NPK fertilizer whereas, in case of harvesting index the data were differ statistically non significantly but numerically maximum HI found in T4 (85.57%) followed by T6 (84.28%) all above findings can be used in making potato production more profitable. The recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was 150:100:100 kg N: P2O5:K2O per hectare.

Bhavesh Patel, P K Sharma, Mridubhashini Patanwa and Phanindra Patel

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 197-199
M R Khotkar, A B Bagade and D G Ingole
Depertment of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani - 431 402, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
The present investigation was carried out with pigeon pea to understand the association among the yield components and their direct and indirect effects on the seed yield. The estimates of genotypic correlation coefficient in general were higher than their corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients indicating strong inherent association among the traits. The characters association studies indicated that number of pods, secondary branches per plant, plant height, primary branches per plant showed significantly positive correlation with seed yield at genotypic and phenotypic levels. The path analysis indicated that the number of pods per plant exerted the highest positive direct effect (0.853) on grain yield per plant followed by water absorption (0.80), protein content (0.69), number of secondary branches per plant (0.607), number of primary branches per plant (0.184) and time taken for cooking (0.163). Days to 50% flowering recorded highest indirect effect on the yield per plant via days to maturity (0.22), test weight (0.191), number of secondary branches per plant (0.150), number of primary branches per plant (0.102), dhal recovery (0.098) and protein content (0.048).

M R Khotkar, A B Bagade and D G Ingole

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 200-203
Madari Sirisha,V U Raut and Jayshri N Papade
Depertment of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola - 444 104, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
An experiment entitled Physico-chemical changes of wood apple squash at ambient storage was carried out during the year 2013-14 at Post Harvest Technology Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Post Graduate Institute Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The experiment was conducted in complete randomized design consisting of seven treatments and three replications with local variety of wood apple. The observations in respect of chemical analysis were recorded periodically at an interval of 20 days. From the findings, there was a gradual increase in TSS, reducing sugars and total sugars, acidity content of the wood apple squash irrespective of storage period and recipes used in experimentation. However, non-reducing sugars and ascorbic acid content of squash was found to decrease with the advancement of storage period.

Madari Sirisha,V U Raut and Jayshri N Papade

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 204-207
Katam Nirosha and P Irene Vethamoni
Depertment of Vegetable Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute (TNAU), Coimbatore - 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
The present investigation conducted 42 F1s developed through full diallel by using seven okra lines namely, P1-AE 64 (White), P2-AE 64 (Pink), P3-AE 65 (White), P4-AE 65 (Pink), P5-AE 66 (Pink), P6-AE 70 (White) and P7-AE 71 (White) in randomized block design with two replications. The parents P1 and P4 were the best general combiners as it showed desirable GCA effects in favourable direction for most of the traits. Genotypes i e P1 (82.84), P6 (69.42) and P4 (41.27) were good general combiner for yield appear to be worthy of exploitation in future breeding. It is suggested that involving these lines may be developed through multiple crossing to isolating high yielding varieties. The highest SCA effects in desirable direction observed in P2 × P4 for days to first flowering (-2.45), total fruit yield per plant (89.88), number of fruits per plant (5.98), total phenol content (0.08) and polyphenoloxidase activity (0.15), P1 × P2, P6 × P1 and P1 × P4 showed desirable SCA effects in favourable direction. The best general combiners P1, P4 and desirable cross combinations P2 × P4, P1 × P4, P1 × P2 can be further used in the breeding programme for okra crop improvement.

Katam Nirosha and P Irene Vethamoni

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 208-211
Y P S Nirala, G Chandrakar, S Sharma and Vikas Singh
Depertment of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, , Raipur - 492 012, Chhattisgarh, India
Abstract
Rice plant hoppers have been an important menace to rice in Asian countries not only because of their severe damage due to their abundance but also of their ability to transmit virus diseases of this important food plant. Field experiment was conducted at research farm of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Raipur during kharif season 2013-14. Standard design of light trap (SM-84 model) was used to collect valuable information on seasonal activity of both major pest species of paddy namely Brown plant hopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stal.) and white backed plant hopper, Sogatella furcifera (Horvath) and to find out its correlation with weather parameters. Seasonal activity indicated that the Brown plant hoppers adult catches in light trap was started from 27th SMW and remained continued up to 52nd SMW. The highest numbers of adult catches were observed during 47th SMW of November and showed significant negative correlation with morning relative humidity (r = -0.495*) at 5 percent level of significance. The highest numbers of white backed plant hopper, S. furcifera adult catches were observed during 42nd SMW of October afterwards it declined. The results of the correlation studies made on white backed plant hopper population revealed the non significant relationship with weather parameters.

Y P S Nirala, G Chandrakar, S Sharma and Vikas Singh

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 212-214
V U Raut, Madari Sirisha and Polu Parameshwar
Depertment of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola - 444 104, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
Present experiment preparation and storability studies of wood apple squash was carried out during the year 2013-14 at Post Harvest Technology Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Post Graduate Institute Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The experiment was conducted in complete randomized design consisting of seven treatments and three replications with local variety. By evaluating the wood apple squash, organoleptically, it could be observed that the squash prepared with cane sugar from local variety was found to be acceptable up to 120th days of storage in respect to sensory qualities. Further, the experimental data recorded on sensory qualities of wood apple squash, it was found that, among all the treatments, cane sugar T1 exhibited the maximum 7.2 good score on 120th days which may be rated as a superior quality or standard recipe. From the recordings the squash was contaminated by mould growth. At 60th days highest mould count was found in jaggary + honey T6 and total squash was contaminated at 120th days of storage. However, increase in microbial population mainly depends upon the environment available to the microbes and storage temperature.

V U Raut, Madari Sirisha and Polu Parameshwar

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 215-219
Bikash Sarkar, Prem Kumar Sundaram, Amitava Dey, Ujjwal Kumar, Kamal Sarma and B P Bhatt
ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Indian Council of Agricultural Resarch Parisar, P/o: Bihar Veterinary College, Patna - 800 014, Bihar, India
Abstract
Present study was carried out with the objective to document indigenous tools used by tribal farmers of Odisha and West Bengal. Survey was conducted in four villages with sample size of 25 each. The detail information about each tool was collected and informative notes were taken during meeting with the farmers at the adapted village under TSP Project operated by ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna. A total 32 tools were documented and tools like khurpa, spade, Axe, sieve, sickle, daw, silnora, kula, jhuri, Nanda and paniki were found in every household. The study also revealed that use of traditional tools was maximum in Uttar Simlabari followed by Mobarakpur, Baredeswar and Phatepur.

Bikash Sarkar, Prem Kumar Sundaram, Amitava Dey, Ujjwal Kumar, Kamal Sarma and B P Bhatt

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 220-222
N K Prabhakaran, N Sakthivel and C Nithya
Depertment of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
A field investigation was conducted during kharif 2012 and 2013, rabi 2012-13 and 2013-14 to evaluate the herbicide combination for control of complex weed flora in transplanted rice at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Farm, Coimbatore. The treatments comprised of pre emergence (PE) pretilachlor 1000 g/ha alone and 750 g/ha with either POE ethoxysulfuron 18.75 g/ha or chlorimuron + metsulfuron 4 g/ha, PE pyrazosulfuron ethyl 20 g/ha alone and with manual weeding at 45 DAT, PE admixture of pretilachlor (6%) + bensulfuron methyl (0.6%) 6.6% GR 660 g/ha alone, early post emergence (EPOE) bispyribac sodium 25 g/ha alone and with either ethoxysulfuron 18.75 g/ha (tank mix) or chlorimuron + metsulfuron 4 g/ha (tank mix) at 15 DAT, post emergence (POE) penoxulam 22.5 g/ha alone at 25 DAT and were compared with hand weeding twice at 25 and 45 DAT and unweeded control. PE pretilachlor 750 g/ha fb POE chlorimuron + metsulfuron 4 g/ha recorded lower weed density, weed dry weight with higher weed control efficiency, grain yield and economic returns. PE pretilachlor 750 g/ha fb POE chlorimuron + metsulfuron 4 g/ha for effective weed control and higher productivity and profitability in transplanted rice.

N K Prabhakaran, N Sakthivel and C Nithya

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 223-226
M M Venkatesha, N Krishnamurthy, G B Tuppad and K T Venkatesh
Depertment of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad - 580 006, Karnataka, India
Abstract
The present investigation were conducted for two Kharif seasons in the farmer field to study the effect of different vegetable intercropping systems on yield, yield parameters and economics of aerobic rice. Results revealed that the significantly higher rain yield (5470 kg ha-1) was observed in sole rice. Among the different intercropping systems, maximum grain yield (5085 kg ha-1) was recorded in rice + amaranthus intercropping systems as compared to other. However, all the growth and yield parameters like productive tillers plant-1 (30.45), panicle length (21.32 cm), panicle weight (3.62 g), test weight (20.34 g) and total dry weight (88.03 g plant-1) was observed in rice + amaranthus. With respect to REY, among the different intercrops, rice + amaranthus recorded significantly higher rice equivalent yield (18007 kg ha-1) compared to sole crop of rice (5470 kg ha-1) and rice + French bean (4716 kg ha-1). Thus, cultivation of rice + amaranthus intercropping is better for higher yield as well as income.

M M Venkatesha, N Krishnamurthy, G B Tuppad and K T Venkatesh

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 227-231
Venureddy Challa, Laxmi Kashyap, Alok Tiwari, G Venugopal*, Bharal Lal and V Bachkaiya
Depertment of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur - 492 012, Chhattisgarh, India *Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad - 500 030, Telangana, India
Abstract
A long term experiment was conducted with the objective of assessing the impact of continuous application of chemical fertilizers and manures on properties of soil, key indicators of soil quality and yield under rice - wheat cropping system. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design since 1999 on vertisols at same site and with the same randomization at Raipur in central India as one of the centers of AICRP on long term fertilizer experiment. Results showed that application of 150% NPK recorded highest yield (5065 Kg ha-1) which was on par with 100% NPK+FYM treatment (4855 Kg ha-1). The soil pH and Ec did not change but markedly changed the organic carbon, available nutrient contents of the soil and plant growth parameters. The available N, P and K were gradually depleted in all the treatments but the magnitude of depletion was less in the treatments which received N, P and K respectively. Thus, the balanced use of fertilizers continuously either alone or in combination with organic manure is necessary for sustaining soil fertility and productivity of rice crop.

Venureddy Challa, Laxmi Kashyap, Alok Tiwari, G Venugopal*, Bharal Lal and V Bachkaiya

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 232-234
Shikha Singh, M K Singh, Amritesh Kumar Singh and C S Singh
Depertment of Agronomy, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi - 834b006, Jharkhand, India
Abstract
A field experiment conducted in the Research Farm of Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi (Jharkhand) during kharif 2012-13 and 2013-14 with maize variety HQPM-1 in a randomized block design and replicated thrice, with two sources of seaweed sap namely Kappaphycus alvarzii and Gracillaria edulis at 6 concentrations (0.0, 2.5,5.0, 7.5,10.0 and 15.0%) with 100% RDF (150:60:40 kg N, P and K/ha) and 4 concentrations (0.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15%) with 50% RDF, revealed that foliar application of sea weed (Kappaphycus alvaezii and Gracillaria edulis) extracts improved the growth and yield of maize by more than 30%. Application of either 7.5% K sap or 5% G sap along with 100% RDF enhanced the grain yield by 34 and 30% respectively than application of 100% RDF alone. Similarly, application of 7.5% K sap with 100% RDF gave 38.14% more net return, 7.7% more B:C ratio and application of 5% G sap along with 100% RDF gave 35.1% more net return and 13.4% more B:C ratio than application of 100% RDF with water spray.

Shikha Singh, M K Singh, Amritesh Kumar Singh and C S Singh

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Vol : 6 - Issue : 1 ; 235-236
Sheikh Sameer Samad and G R Lavanya
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Allahabad Agricultural Institute (Deemed University), Allahabad - 211 007, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
The study is based on the induction of mutations using mungbean cv. K 851. Two mutagens viz gamma rays and sodium azide with different combinations and concentrations were tested for effectiveness. It was revealed that the higher doses of both the mutagens applied alone or in combination severely reduced the germination percentage, seedling height and plant survival in M1 generation. The combination treatments of gamma rays and sodium azide produced more physiological damage as compared to the single treatments of mutagens while low to moderate doses of mutagens were effective in inducing changes for the most the economic important traits. Maximum inhibition in seed germination percentage, plant survival percentage and seedling growth was recorded with the combination treatment of γ60 kR + SA 0.06%.

Sheikh Sameer Samad and G R Lavanya

| Published online : 27-Feb-2015