Journal of Crop and Weed

5-9

Authors: A. GHOSH, V. J. SINGH, G. SRIHIMA, 1P. SAHOO AND S. K. CHAKRABORTI

An investigation was carried out to study the effects of application of gypsum and lime (lime sludge) to seed crop of groundnut variety TAG-24 on seed yield parameters. The study consisted of 12 treatment combination T as control, T NPK+ Gypsum @ 50 1 2 kg ha-1 (100% basal), T NPK+ Gypsum @100 kg ha-1 (100% basal), T NPK + Gypsum @150 kg ha-1 (100% basal), T NPK+ 3 4 5 Gypsum @ 50 kg ha-1 (50 % basal + 50 % top dressing), T NPK + Gypsum @ 100 kg ha-1 (50 % basal + 50 % top dressing), T 6 7 NPK + Gypsum @ 150kg ha-1 (50 % basal + 50 % top dressing), T NPK + Gypsum @ 50 kg ha-1 (75% basal + 25 top dressing), T 8 9 NPK + Gypsum @ 100 kg ha-1 (75% basal + 25 % top dressing), T NPK + Gypsum @ 150 kg ha-1 (75% basal + 25 % top 10 dressing), T NPK + Lime @ 100% LR (basal) and T NPK + Lime @ 20% LR (basal) + Gypsum 50 kg ha-1 (100% top dressing). 11 12 The crop was evaluated in term of Plant height, Number of branches, Days of first flowering, Harvesting maturity, number of pegs/plant, Number of effective pegs, Number of matured pods, Number of immature pods, pod weight, Shelling percentage, Number of seed/ pod, Weight of 100 seed (g), Pod yield/ plant (g), Pod yield/ha and Number of seed/kg. Result of the investigation revealed that the plant height, number of pods per plants, 100-pod weight, pod yield per plant, shelling percentage and 100-seed weight were significantly increased in T and T respectively.

14-18

Authors: A. K. MAITI AND S. KUNDU

Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is one of the most important and popular minor aquatic fruit crops grown in India. It is mainly grown in the tropical and sub-tropical regions as submersed plant community. It is also grown in the soft nutrient freshwater wetlands, lakes, ponds and streams. In India, it is most commonly used as edible nuts. The kernel of water chestnut contains a large amount of protein (up to 20%), starch (52%), tannins (9.4%), fat (up to 1%), sugar (3%), minerals, etc. It is most popular and aquatic fruit crop and can easily be grown in neglected and marshy areas, where the other fruit plants cannot be grown successfully. But because of faulty marketing system, the production and technological improvement has not gain momentum. Its marketing system is not organized. Nadia and 24-Parganas (North) are two districts where water chestnut is cultivated in a large scale and the study is restricted to 24-Parganas (North) district of West Bengal and data relates to the agricultural year 2011-12. The study is mainly focused on to identify the marketing channels involved in the marketing of water chestnut and to analyse the price spread of water chestnut and marketing efficiency. Farmer – Secondary Wholesaler – Retailer – Consumer is found to be more dominant as 38% of the produce of the sample area are enrooted through this channel. In Barrackpur-1block, channel-I is found to be most efficient channel (marketing efficiency-1.92) and in Rajarhat-1 block, channel-III is most efficient channel (marketing efficiency-2.01). Efficiency of marketing channels varies from block to block. Profits reaped by the traders determine the efficiency of the marketing channel.

28-33

Authors: A. SINGH, P. K. JAIN, H. L. SHARMA AND Y. SINGH

An experiment was conducted to assess the different date of planting viz; September 15 (D1), September 30 (D2) and October 15 (D3) and different sources of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The result revealed that the growth parameters and yield attributing traits were significantly influenced by different planting dates and sources of nutrients. Planting on September 15 (D1) recorded the highest plant height (254.95 cm),number of leaves per plant (33.47), fruits per plant (80.39), fruit length (6.75 cm), fruit girth (5.53 cm), mean fruit weight (124.26 g), yield per plant (10.39 kg),yield per plot (42.44 kg) and TSS (5.55 ºB) content over later date of planting. The plants treated with 50% RDF +10 t ha FYM + 5 t ha poultry manure + biofertilizer showed maximum number of leaves per plant (36.88), fruits per plant (74.69), fruit length (6.85 cm), mean fruit weight (134.33 g), yield per plant (10.77 kg), yield per plot (38.90 kg) and ascorbic acid content (40.02 mg/100g) over treatment having 100% RDF alone. Among interaction the plants planted on 15th September along with 50% RDF +10 t haFYM + 5 t haPoultry manure + biofertilizer resulted better yield and quality traits

38-43

Authors: A. SARKAR

A study was undertaken with eight maize hybrids in three different environments, characterized by having different moisture regime with different irrigation scheduling, in the experimental farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya located under terai region of West Bengal to assess the extent of genetic variability of the different hybrids and to analyse the stability performance for yield and other yield related traits. There existed substantial variation in the mean performance of all the genotypes over environments for most of the characters and for yield r under moisture regime-1 was the rich environment and the two other were poor . But for plant height, number of tassel branches, ears per plant and width of ear the g x e (linear) and pooled deviation were both significant indicating differential performance of genotypes under diverse moisture regimes environments and with varying reaction norms and they were positively and significantly correlated with the yield. Hence selection may be made for related traits under poor environments (stress) and then for yield under rich environments and under optimum conditions with emphasis on the related traits. The hybrids Deccan and 900-M-Gold had the negative phenotypic stability with high deviation from linearity while the hybrid KMH-3712 showed negative deviations from linearity with a low but positive phenotypic stability for grain yield. Ganga Safed and Pinnacle could be recommended for the rich environments as better yielding ones but none of the hybrids were found to be stable over all the environments. That moisture regime during crop growth is an important factor is thus found to be an important factor in this region for the studied genotypes as found in similar such studies.

51-61

Authors: S. MUKHARJEE, 1D. C. PRADHAN, 2S. HALDAR, 3S. K. M. RAHAMAN AND 4SOWMYASHREE B. V.

An investigation was carried out to study the Impact of micro-finance on SHG members in Burdwan district in West Bengal during 2011-12. A sample of 60 SHGs members were chosen from two villages viz. Gopal Nagar (village-1) nearer to block head quarter and the Rosui Khondo (village-2) farthest from the block head through SRSWOR method. The microfinance through SHGs helped the members in capital formation activities in livestock and poultry raring, agriculture, irrigation structure, educating their children’s, etc. The on farm employment generating has been escalated while, women participation in income generation activities are greatest impact. On an average, the SHGs members’ households earned Rs. 39327 and Rs. 26683 respectively in village-1 and village-2. The t statistics of average total income showed that members in village-1 could generate significantly higher income than village-2 as they could access the district head quarter very frequently. The Kendall’s W test showed that members from both the villages unanimously accepted that the benefits from micro-credit (SHG model) and were highly satisfied.

67-70

Authors: S. PAL AND 1D. MAZUMDAR

Groundnut is one of the major sources of edible oil in India. Around one-fourth of country’s total edible oil is produced from groundnut. This paper deals with a critical study of groundnut production of India with a non-linear approach. Different nonlinear growth models viz. Monomolecular, Logistic and Gompertz models have been employed for modeling of India’s total groundnut production during the period 1950-51 to 2011-12. The parameters of these models were estimated using Gauss- Newton algorithm. It was observed that Monomolecular and Logistic models performed better followed by Gompertz for this dataset based on various goodness of fit criteria viz. Coefficient of determination (R2), Mean absolute error (MAE), Root mean square Error (RMSE) and Mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Finally, India’s total groundnut production for 2014-15 to 2019-20 has been forecasted by using the Monomolecular and Logistic models.

80-85

Authors: N. K. TUDU, K. K. GOSWAMI AND 1N. GHOSH

The present work was done in two blocks viz., Haringhata and Hanshkhali blocks of Nadia district of West Bengal during January, 2011 to December, 2013 where “Front Line Demonstration on Black Bengal goats” of Nadia KVK, BCKV is being initiated for study on Black Bengal goat farming: an important component for integrated farming system. The goat farming is much popular amongst the ST (48.5%), followed by SC (29.5%) and General Caste (18.5%), whereas only 4.5% of goat farmers belong to OBC. 8.5% farm women keeping buck was able to earn on an average Rs. 3960.00 per year through servicing the does @ Rs. 20.00 per service. Total distribution of types of birth of Black Bengal goats were 35.82% singlet, 47.59% twins and 16.57% triplets in 1st year, 30.63% singlet, 58.38 twins and 10.98% triplets in 2nd year and 40.41% singlet, 54.58% twins and 5% triplets in 3rd year. The body weight was statistically significant (pd” 0.05) between the male and female at birth, 3 month, 6 month, 9 month and 12 months age of Black Bengal goats. Male goats were significantly (pd” 0.05) heavier than their female counterparts at all the age groups of Black Bengal goats studied viz., at birth and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age and also in all types of birth viz., singlet, twins and triplets.

90-94

Authors: N. HARI SATYANARAYANA, 1S. MUKHERJEE, 2S. ROY, BHANU PRIYA, K. K. SARKAR AND 1P. BANDHOPADHYAY

Sixty genotypes of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) were evaluated for fibre yield and its contributing characters during Kharif, 2013 for eleven characters and genotypes were grouped into seven clusters. Grouping of genotypes into different clusters was not related to their geographic origin. The genotypes from different geographic locations were grouped into one cluster while genotypes of the same geographic origin showed genetic diversity. Cluster I was the largest containing 34 genotypes followed by Cluster II (fifteen), Cluster III (four), Cluster IV, V and VI with two genotypes each and mono-genotype Cluster VII. The highest inter cluster distance was observed between Cluster VI and VII followed by Cluster VI and IV and Cluster VI and I. Fibre yield per plant (42.54%) followed by dry stick weight per plant (22.48%) and petiole length (9.21%) have contributed maximum percent of contribution towards divergence. Cluster VII which consists of a single genotype has high cluster mean values for most of the characters while Cluster VI has lowest cluster mean values for most of the characters. Based on per se performance of genetic diversity and cluster means, genotypes belonging to Cluster I, IV, VI and VII may be chosen for crossing programme for roselle crop improvement.

106-112

Authors: A. M. PUSTE, 1B. RAY PRAMANIK, K. JANA, S. ROY AND 2T. SUNANDA DEVI

Field study was undertaken at the University Research Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, West Bengal, India (23.5ºN, 89ºE and 9.75 m above MSL) during two consecutive summer seasons (pre-kharif) to study the effect of irrigation on the basis of soil moisture tension (SMT) and sulphur fertilization on growth, yield, consumptive use (CU) and water use efficiency (WUE) of sesame var. Rama and also to optimize the sulphur application to sesame under New Alluvial zone of West Bengal. The experiment was planned in a split-plot design keeping four levels of irrigation on the basis of SMT [I - without 0 irrigation or control, I - irrigated at 0.35 atm (atmospheric tension), I - irrigated at 0.55 atm and I - irrigated at 0.75 atm) as 1 2 3 main plot and four levels of sulphur (S - without sulphur or control, S - 20, S - 40 and S - 80 kg S ha–1] as sub plot treatments, 0 1 2 3 respectively. The experimental results revealed that vegetative growth and yield attributing characteristics of sesame were significantly influenced with irrigation at different SMT and sulphur fertilization. Among different levels of SMT, higher vegetative growth (plant height, number of branches per plant and dry matter production) were observed with irrigation at 0.35 atm. tension but maximum yield components (no. of capsules plant-1, no. of seeds capsule-1 and 1000 seed weight), seed yield, oil content and oil yield were exhibited with irrigation applied at 0.55 atm. tension. Higher values of growth characters, yield components and ultimately seed and oil yields of sesame were obtained with 40 kg S ha-1. Maximum oil content was recorded with 60 kg S ha-1, though it did not differ significantly with the former one. CU was maximum (282.50 mm) when irrigation was done maintaining at 0.35 atm. tension and it was decreased with increase in SMT level. WUE was the highest (4.16 kg ha-1 mm-1 of water use) when irrigation was given at 0.55 atm. tension. For seed yield, the response of per kg of sulphur application was found to be quadratic in nature and maximum response (7.06 kg seeds per kg of S application) at the sulphur level of 20 kg ha-1 and decreased with the increase in S level but the optimum level was found at 29.89 kg ha-1. From the study it may be concluded that irrigation at 0.55 atm. tension along with 40 kg level of S ha-1 gave the higher economic return than that of other treatments because of the favourable effect of these treatments on the growth and yield attributes and other parameters of sesame in the new alluvial zone of West Bengal.

118-123

Authors: G. SATYANARAYANA REDDY AND P. BANDYOPADHYAY

Field experiment was conducted using split-plot design during boro season of 2012-13 and 2013-14, to study the influence of different irrigation scheduling and weed management practices on growth, yield and water use efficiency of lowland transplanted rice. The experimental results revealed that among the irrigation regimes, continuous submergence of 5±2 (I1) gave the significantly higher growth and yield attributing characters resulted in maximum grain yield 6471 kg ha-1 with low water use efficiency 5.0 kg ha-1 mm-1 (pooled of 2 yrs). Continuous saturation treatment (I5) gives just 7.82% less grain yield with high water use efficiency 13.7 kg ha-1 mm-1 (pooled of 2 yrs) than the I1 treatment. Whereas among the weed management practices, weed-free check followed by W3-Pretilachlor 50% EC on 1 DAT + hand weeding on 40 DAT, W5-Hand weeding twice on 20 and 40 DAT and W4-Bispyribac sodium 10% SC on 20 DAT + hand weeding on 40 DAT gave significantly higher growth, yield attributing characters and yield with high water use efficiency.

127-133

Authors: K. P.VISHWAJITH, P. K. SAHU, B. S. DHEKALE, MD NOMAN AND P. MISHRA

Arecanut is one of the important cash crop in India by virtue of its own merits. Any enterprise which has got potentiality for employment of human resources and which can contribute in Indian economy through substantial foreign exchanges is of much importance. Keeping in mind the resource limitation scenario vis-à-vis judicious utilization of resource, in this study, an attempt has been made to identify not only the best cropping system but also the best farming system for arecanut growers in Thirthahalli, Karnataka, India. Analysis of primary information’s from 48 arecanut growers reveals that by a large arecanut based cropping system could be grouped into sole arecanut, arecanut – banana, arecanut - coco and arecanut – spices groups. Among this arecanut – spices cropping system has better monetary advantage over the others. Moreover, among the arecanut – spices combination, arecanut – pepper by far is the best one. Discriminant analysis identifies the importance of different parameters like area, labour cost, fertilizer cost etc. are the major contributing parameters in differentiating the farmers among the groups. The probability of correct classification which as high as 0.85. Among the arecanut based farming system, inclusion of poultry enterprise has raised benefit cost ratio from 2.20 (sole arecanut) to 2.72. From the study it also appears that arecanut – pepper - poultry may be good options in augmenting farm income of the arecanut growers.

139-141

Authors: A. K. PAL, K. DEBBARMA AND D. JANA

To study the methods of bulb production of tuberose cv. Prajwal, an experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Research Farm, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya during the year 2009 – 2011 with five bulb size of tuberose - Whole bulb, ½ bulb, 1/4th bulb, 1/6th bulb and 1/8th bulb. Each bulb size (treatment) was replicated four times in Randomized Block Design. Planting was done in April 2009, at a spacing of 30 cm X 30 cm. Highest number of bulbs per clump (large, medium and small) per plot was recorded in whole bulb (4.22, 9 and 30.33 nos.) followed by ½ bulb (3.44, 6.77 and 15.33 nos.) and maximum weight of bulbs per clump (large, medium, small) was produced by whole bulb (192.44, 95.33, 55.55) followed by ½ bulb (185.22, 92.50, 34.99). The maximum (Size) diameter of bulbs per clump(large, medium and small) was produced by whole bulb (4.32cm, 1.86 cm, 0.92 cm) followed by ½ bulb (4.27 cm, 1.64 cm, 0.92 cm). Dry matter percentage of bulb was highest in whole bulb (35.72%) followed by ½ bulb (35.51%). The interpretation of the analyzed data reveals that whole bulb and ½ bulb performed comparatively better than other bulb sizes in respect to good quality bulb production. Therefore along with the whole bulbs farmers can use the ½ bulb size with a portion of the disc plate intact for propagation and bulb production of Prajwal under the Gangetic plains of West Bengal.

146-148

Authors: K. C. GUPTA AND R. SAXENA

Field experiments was conducted for three consecutive kharif seasons of 2011, 2012 and 2013 at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur to study the effect of resource management in cowpea for yield maximization under rainfed conditions. Results of three years pooled data revealed that foliar application of urea either @ 1% or @ 2% and mulching @ 3 t ha-1 at 25-30 DAS of crop significantly increased yield attributes (pods plant-1, seeds pod-1 and seed index) and seed yield of cowpea. Foliar application of 2% urea recorded maximum values of yield attributes, seed yield, net returns ( ha-1) and B:C ratio. The significant increase in pods plant-1, seeds pod-1 and seed index due to foliar application of 2% urea were 7.64 and 16.34, 4.38 and 9.30 and 5.23 and 6.23 per cent respectively over normal planting and control. Further, the maximum value of pooled grain yield (9.26 q ha-1), net returns ( 21892 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.77) were recorded under foliar application of 2 % urea while the least were observed under control (5.47 q ha-1, 9299 ha-1 and 0.85).

161-166

Authors: R. K. SINGH, S. K. VERMA*, S. K. PRASAD AND 1S. B. SINGH

An experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2008-09 and 2009-10 at the Research Farm of Department of Agronomy, BHU, Varanasi. The experimental field was infested with Rumex dentatus, Chenopodium album, Melilotus spp and Lathyrus aphaca among broad leaf weed during both years of study. Post emergence application of metsulfuron-methyl 20% WG@ 4 g ha-1 + 0.2% surfactant significantly reduced broad leaf weed population and total weed dry weight with highest wheat yield over other herbicidal treatments during both years. There was no phytotoxicity symptoms on crops. Weed control efficiency and harvest index was higher under metsulfuron-methyl 20% WG, 5 g ha-1 + 0.2% surfactant during both the years. The evaluation of weed dry weight and weed control efficiency of the different treatments and the regression of yield on it revealed that reduction in grain yield could be 8.05 kg ha-1 for weed dry weight and 1% increase in the weed control efficiency increased the grain yield by 13.27 kg ha-1, respectively.

171-174

Authors: SUDHAVANI V., VIJI C. P., LAVANYA A. AND SYAMSUNDAR REDDY P.

Isothiocyanate is a crucifer specific volatile which plays an important role in plant defence as attractants and deterrents. Field Experiment was conducted at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari (Dist.) during the period from October, 2010 to January, 2011 to study the effect of sowing dates (1st October, 15th October, 1st November and 15th November) and spacings (45 x 10 cm, 45 x 20 cm and 45 x 30 cm) on the level of isothiocyanate content, its influence on the pest population and root yield of radish cv. Pusa Chetki. The study revealed that population of Lipaphis erysimi appeared in 3rd or 4th week after sowing (WAS) and increased with crop maturity. Highest aphid population was recorded in 8 WAS (16.2 aphids leaf-1) in closely planted late sown crop. Isothiocyanate concentration increased with delay in sowing and decreased with increase in spacing. Highest isothiocyanate concentration was recorded in closely spaced late sown crop (20.00 mg–100g). Highest yield was recorded in D S (closely spaced crop and 1st October sowing) (13.88 t ha-1) which had high isothiocyanate content (12.50 mg 1 1 g-100) and harboured more aphids. Even though aphid population is more in closer spacing, root yield of radish was high since more number of plants was recorded per unit area.

179-182

Authors: S. BARLA, R. R. UPASANI AND A. N. PURAN

A field experiment was conducted at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi during kharif season of 2012 and 2013 to study the efficacy of different weed control methods on weed dynamics and productivity of turmeric. The treatments comprised of integrated application of herbicides along with hoeing and straw mulch including weed free and weedy control. The results of pooled data revealed that application of metribuzin 0.7 kg ha-1 fb. by two hoeing being similar to weed free recorded reduced grassy and sedges weed at 30 DAP whereas, application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha-1 fb. two hoeing and application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha-1 fb. straw mulch 10 t ha-1 fb. one hand weeding were similar with weed free at 60 DAP. Application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha-1 fb. two hoeing similar to weed free recorded reduced total weed density and weed dry matter accumulation at 30 and 60 DAS. Application of metribuzin 0.7 kg ha-1 fb. by two hoeing recorded maximum yield (24.66 t ha-1) consequently higher gross return (616519 RS. ha-1) similar to metribuzin 0.7 kg ha-1 fb. straw mulch 10 t ha-1 fb. one HW, pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha-1 fb. two hoeing, pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha-1 fb. straw mulch 10 t ha-1 fb. one HW, atrazine 0.75 kg ha-1 fb. straw mulch 10 t ha-1 fb. one HW. Application of metribuzin 0.7 kg ha-1 fb. by two hoeing recorded 44.89 % and 134.86% higher yield than weed free and weedy check, respectively. Significantly maximum net return (504319 RS. ha-1) and B:C ratio (4.45) was recorded with application of Metribuzin 0.7 kg ha-1 fb. by two hoeing.

186-192

Authors: J. TALUKDAR, A. K. SAIKIA AND 1P. BORAH

Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) a chilli pepper formerly recognized as the worlds’s hottest chilli by Guinness book of World Records (Bosland and Baral, 2007). It is extensively grown in North Eastern region of India, predominantly in the states of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. Field surveys were carried out in Bhut Jolokia growing district of Assam (Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat). Among the diseases 10 per cent showed fungal infection, 3 per cent showed bacterial infection and 60 per cent showed viral infection. Five fungal diseases on Bhut Jolokia, Anthacnose / Fruit rot caused by Colletotrichum capsici, Die- back caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporoides, Stem rot and wilt caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Collar Rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani, leaf spot caused by Corynespora cassicola were identified. Bacterial wilt disease caused by R. solanacearum was observed on Bhut Jolokia at later stages of crop growth. The average virus disease incidence after 15-20 days after transplanting in the farmers field ranged from 8 to 78%. Four different viruses were identified based on symptomatology, transmission, host range and serological assays. These diseases were identified as Mosaic caused by Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Potato virus Y (PVY), Leaf and Stem necrosis disease caused by Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) and leaf curl disease caused by Chilli leaf curl virus (ChLCV). CMV, PVY and TSWV were easily transmitted by grafting and by sap inoculation to Bhut Jolokia . However, ChLCV is transmitted by grafting. Sap inoculation failed to produce any symptom. The presence of PVY, CMV and TSWV were confirmed using DAS-ELISA. The highest incidence of PVY (87.50 per cent) followed by CMV (75.00 per cent) and TSWV (62.50 per cent) were recorded in Golaghat district. Lowest infection was recorded at Sivasagar district for all the four viruses. However ChLCV incidence was low in the surveyed field.

198-200

Authors: Y. Y. JAMI, A. SARKAR AND C. S. MAITI

Evaluation of strawberry cultivars in the foothills of Nagaland was carried out at Horticultural Experimental Farm, SASRD, Nagaland University. Ten strawberry cultivars viz. Ofra, Fairfox, Elista, Blackmore, Doglas, Sasta, Shimla Delicious, Belrubi, Chandler and Sweet Charlie were planted early October during 2009-10 to study the performance of growth, flowering, fruiting, yield and quality attributes of fruits under shade net (50%) house. The variety Sweet Charlie showed the maximum number of flowers (35.07) and fruit set (33.73) per plant which was followed by Chandler with 34.80 and 32.93 respectively. The maximum fruit weight (7.77g) and yield (262.00g per plant) were recorded with the variety Sweet Charlie followed by Ofra with 6.97g and 207.37g and Chandler with 6.14g and 202.18g per plant respectively. The highest TSS (13.700B) content of fruit was obtained in Sweet Charlie followed by Ofra (13.620B) and Belrubi (13.000B). And the highest total sugar (7.37%), ascorbic acid (97.03mg/100g juice) and the lowest acidity (0.86%) was found in cv. Ofra under standard cultivation practices.

205-209

Authors: K. C. BHUTIA, S. BHANDARI, R. CHATTERJEE, S. O. BHUTIA AND N. GURUNG

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is an annual flowering plant, native to Iran and other parts of South West Asia, belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. It is a promising aromatic and medicinal herb found in dry temperate regions and has recently domesticated from its wild habitat. Micronutrients may play an important role, as cofactor, in activation of several enzymes such as those involved in photosynthesis. This would reflect increasing the accumulation of carbohydrates in cells. The present investigation has been carried out at HRS. Mondouri, BCKV, during 2013-2014, to find out the effect of integrated micronutrient spray on yield of black cumin. Four micronutrients namely iron, copper, zinc and boron were included in this investigation. Iron in the form of ferrous sulphate (FeSO , 7H O) @ 0.5%; copper in the form of copper sulphate (CuSO ,7H O) @ 0.2%; zinc in the 4 2 4 2 form of zinc sulphate (ZnSO , 7H O) @ 0.5%; and boron in the form of borax (Na B O ) @ 0.2%. Combination of four 4 2 2 4 7 micronutrients also included. They applied as foliar spray either once or twice. There were altogether 11 treatments including control (water spray). First and second spraying were done at 45 and 60 days after sowing. All experimental plots received a uniform dose of FYM @ 20 tonnes ha-1, 40 kg N, 40 kg P O and 45 kg K Oin the form of urea, single super phosphate and muriate 2 5 2 of potash. FYM and full dose of dose of fertilizer were applied as basal. The observations were recorded on five randomly selected plants from each plot on different growth and yield parameters. The observations regarding the plant height was recorded at 75 and 105 days after sowing (DAS). The number of primary and secondary branches was recorded at 75 DAS. Yield per hectare was calculated on plot yield basis after deducting 20% area utilized for channel, ridges etc. Data recorded on different parameters of black cumin were analyzed statistically to express the result. Among different treatments the double spray of borax 0.2% recorded maximum plant height (90.73 cm) at 105 days after sowing, maximum number of secondary branches (27.61) at 75 DAS and 1000 seed weight (3.02 g) as compared to 76.72 cm, 20.86 and 2.36 g under control. Double spray of ferrous sulphate produced maximum number of primary branches (7.20) against 6.45 number of branch under control. The plants under double spray of zinc sulphate 0.5% caused higher nodal length (7.53 cm) as compared to (5.53 cm) nodal length under control. The single spray of zinc sulphate 0.5% recorded maximum plot yield (171.09 g) and projected yield (760.44 kg ha-1) as compared to plot yield (141.93 g and 630.81 kg). The next best treatment in respect of projected yield was double spray of ferrous sulphate 0.5% and double spray of borax 0.2%.From yield maximization point of view the most effective treatment was zinc sulphate @ 0.5% as single spray followed by ferrous sulphate @ 0.5% as compared to double spray and borax @ 0.2% as single spray under alluvial plains of West Bengal for black cumin production.

217-219

Authors: L. TRIPATHY, S.K DASH, D.K DASH. AND S. MURMU

An experiment was conducted during 2011-12 and 2012-13 at All India Coordinated Research Project on Floriculture at Chiplima, Sambalpur, Odisha. Ten treatments with four pre-emergence chemicals in different concentrations were administered to spray chrysanthemum cultivar “Flirt” in three replications per treatment The data collected was pooled over for two years .The result depicted that the treatments varied significantly with respect to weed count per square meter, fresh weight of weeds and dry weight of weeds. Pendimethalin 1.00 kg a.i.ha-1was found to be most effective in controlling weed growth as compared to other treatments and Pendimethalin – 0.75 kg a.i.ha-1was at par with Pendimethalin 1.00 kg a.i.ha-1.The growth parameters like plant height, plant spread, number of sprays per plant, weight of flowers per plant, number of flowers per plant did not vary significantly with the treatments which suggest that the chemicals have no effect on the plants and can be used for controlling weeds in spray chrysanthemum.

224-227

Authors: K. CHARAN TEJA, B. DUARY AND M. K. BHOWMIK

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif (wet) season of 2013 at farmer's field of village Benuria, Sriniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal with rice variety 'Swarna' (MTU 7029) to study the effect of bensulfuron-methyl + pretilachlor and other herbicides on weed growth and productivity of wet season transplanted rice. The experiment comprising of twelve treatments was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. From the experimental findings it revealed that rice was infested with the three categories of weeds viz. grassy, broadleaved and sedges. Cynodon dactylon, among the grasses; Fimbristylis miliacea, among the sedges and Ludwigia parviflora, among the broadleaved weeds were predominant throughout the cropping period. The experimental field was dominated by broadleaved weeds. Among the herbicides application of bensulfuron-methyl 0.6%+ pretilachlor 6% at 60+600 g ha-1 at 3 DAT registered the lower number as well as dry weight of grassy, broadleaved, sedge and total weeds at 45 DAT but it was at par with bensulfuron-methyl 0.6%+ pretilachlor 6% at 90 + 900 and 120 +1200 g ha-1 at 3 DAT. Metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron-ethyl (Almix) + azimsulfuron at 4+35 g ha-1 at 15 DAT was also quite effective in controlling broad spectrum weeds. Lower values of weed density, total weed dry weight and weed index, higher values yield attributes and yield of rice, weed control efficiency, net return as well as return per rupee invested were registered with application of bensulfuron-methyl 0.6%+ pretilachlor 6% at 60 + 600 g ha-1 at 3 DAT and metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron- ethyl (Almix) + azimsulfuron at 4+35 g ha-1 at 15 DAT. The loss of grain yield of rice due to weed infestation was to the tune of 40%. Application of bensulfuron-methyl 0.6%+ pretilachlor 6% at 60+600 g ha-1 at 3 DAT or metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron- ethyl (Almix) + azimsulfuron at 4 + 35 g ha-1 at 15 DAT appeared to be the most promising for managing weeds, obtaining higher yield and net return of transplanted kharif (wet) rice in the lateritic belt of West Bengal.

3

Authors: S. S. DANA, U. K. BANDYOPADHYAY AND AMITAVA GHOSH

The study was conducted among randomly selected 4 tribal villages of Binpur block of Medinipur district of West Bengal. Data were collected through personal interview schedule, observational technique and case study method. The findings of the study revealed that the morbidity rates due to contagious ecthyma were highest but case fatality was very low. The results indicated that the major cause of mortality was diarrhoea. The age-wise morbidity and mortality rates of goats indicated that the highest mortality was recorded in kids of 0 to 3 months age group followed by young stocks and adults. The study also indicated that the indigenous medicines used against diarrhoea in kids are not effective. So, concerted educational efforts are needed to educate the farmers to avail veterinary hospital facilities to control diarrhoea in kids.

4

Authors: M. A. HASNAT, S. SARKAR, 1M. S. HOSSAIN, 2I. F. CHOWDHURY, 2M. A. MATIN

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), during kharif season of May, 2011 to September, 2011 with a view to find out the abundance of pollinators, foraging activity and yield of different varieties of okra in a Randomized Complete Block design with three replications where experimental treatments included four okra varieties (T = Metal, T = BARI Dherosh 2, T = Munmun 45, T = Sarosh 2). Major pollinators 1 2 3 4 namely Apis cerana (hymenoptera), Papilio demolius (Lepidoptera), Desmocerus californicus dimorphus (coleoptera) and Ceria dimidiatipennis (dipteral) of insect orders were found during the flowering period. Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera were the major pollinators visiting okra flowers and peak of foraging activity during 9-11 am. Among the tested varieties, Munmun45 (T ) was superior in case of yield performance by producing the highest number of fruits per plant (41) and 3 fruit yield (11.23 t ha-1) while Sarosh2 (T ) produced the lowest number of fruits per plant (29.33) resulted in lowest fruit 4 yield (6.8 t ha-1).

4

Authors: S. K. BORDOLUI, R. SADHUKHAN1 AND P. CHATTOPADHYAY

Farmers participated in their own way in selection, conservation and genetic improvement processes. It cannot be denied that any success in the persistence of these genotypes depends to a large extent on the personal motivation of the farmers who intimately know these genotypes. These are on many occasions termed as land races or folk varieties. Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB) has made many gains over the past decades. The ideal model of participatory breeding should be flexible enough to harvest benefit from collaboration between breeders and participatory farmers. Twenty-five aromatic and twenty non-aromatic genotypes were evaluated with three high yielding varieties and two hybrid varieties to determine ways to conserve these indigenous genotypes ex-situ in active participation of such experienced farmers at Gontra village, Chakdah, Nadia, West Bengal. All the genotypes were evaluated during kharif season of 2008 and 2009 in Randamised Block Design in three replications following standard agronomic practices. Seed yield among the indigenous genotypes ranged from 152g m-2 (Tulsimanjari) to 537 g m-2 (Chamarmani). Other genotypes which recorded comparatively superior performance were Sitashal (526 g m-2), Kedargouri (526 g m-2), Tilakkati (515 g m-2), Langalmuthi (513 g/m2), Dudkhas (508 g m-2), Dadshal (498 g m-2), Kalma (485 g m-2), Kanakchur (470 g m-2), Tulaipanji (471 g m-2), Chinikamini (463 g/m2), Chinigura (459 g m-2), Chinapakri (485 g m-2). The standard semi-dwarf check variety IET-4786 (Satabdi) and IET-4094 (Kshitish) recorded 602 and 608 g m-2. However, most of these folk varieties had longer days to 50% flowering which ranged from 108 days in Mohanbhog to 131days in Kalma, Langalmuthi and Jugal whereas IET-4786 had 80 days to 50% flowering only. All these genotypes were very tall and plant height ranged from 121cm in Kalijira to 170cm Suonagra. Thousand grain weight ranged from 10.4g in Badshabhog to 28g Agulha and Tilakkati. Though, these folk varieties did not have significant edge in yield advantage and duration, several genotypes were preferred by the farmers for various purposes for multiplication.

4

Authors: S. CHATTOPADHYAY, P. SANTRA, S. BEHERA AND T.K.MAITY

A field experiment was conducted on onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Sukhsagar during the Rabi seasons of 2010-11 and 2011- 12 at ‘C’ Block Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal to assess the influence of sulphur on growth, yield and quality in onion. The treatments comprised of four levels of sulphur (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg ha-1) as basal application from two sulphur sources viz. gypsum and as elemental sulphur. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Harvested onion was kept for four months in low cost storage structure and observations were recorded for physiological loss in weight and losses due to rotting and sprouting. Pooled results of two year revealed significantly highest total yield (298.81q ha-1) and marketable yield (272.13 q ha-1) with application of elemental sulphur @ 30 kg ha-1. The highest amount of pyruvic acid content in bulb (4.5μmol g-1) and minimal storage loss were also found from the same treatment. The study suggested that soil application of elemental sulphur @ 30 kg ha-1 is to be made for better yield, quality and shelf life of onion cultivar Sukhsagar under new alluvial zone of West Bengal.

4

Authors: A. KUMAR, S. MANUJA, J. SINGH AND D. R. CHAUDHARY

Under dry temperate conditions of Western Himalayas limited information is available on control of weeds in cauliflower using herbicides. Field experiment was conducted during 2010 and 2011 to develop weed management practice for cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis).The weed control strategy included pendimethalin, fluchloralin and isoproturon in different doses and combination constituting thirteen treatments. The application of pendimethalin 1.5 kg ha-1 and fluchloralin 1.0 kg ha-1 were the effective herbicides in reducing the weed density of both narrow and broadleaf weeds at all the stages of observation. However when these herbicides were applied at lower dose of 0.75 kg ha-1 and supplemented with one hand weeding at 30 days after transplanting then the weed biomass reduction was highest with weed control efficiency more than 90% compared to their higher rate application having weed control efficiency of 70-80%. Hand weeding twice at 30 and 60 days after transplanting was equally effective at later stages for reducing weed density and weed biomass in comparison with herbicides. Pendimethalin 1.5 kg ha-1 was observed to be best weed management treatment in terms of average curd weight, total curd yield and net returns. Although the next best yields are obtained when two hand weeding were practiced at 30 and 60 days after transplanting but in terms of net returns pendimethalin and fluchloralin each at 1.0 kg ha-1 as pre emergence were the second best option.

5

Authors: S. KUNDU, S. CHAKRABORTY, D. ROY, B. GHOSH AND P. DUTTA

The effect of organic nutrition in improving yield and quality of ber cv. BAU Kul-1 was studied at Horticulture Research Station, Mondouri, BCKV, West Bengal, India. The treatments were FYM (20 kg plant-1), Vermicompost (10 kg plant-1), Neem Cake (5 kg plant-1), ½ (FYM + Vermicompost), ½ (FYM + Neem cake), ½ (Vermicompost + Neem cake), 1/ (FYM + 3 Vermicompost + Neem cake) and Control i.e. RDF (N, P O K O: 150, 90, 150 g/plant/year). Sole use of vermicompost or 2 5, 2 neem cake was found to be effective in improving the soil nutrient status, soil microbial population and leaf phosphorus content as compared to other treatments. But their combination i.e. ½ (Vermicompost + Neem cake) showed more beneficial effect in increasing fruit yield and available soil phosphorus content. FYM or vermicompost and their combination i.e. ½ (FYM + Vermicompost) resulted higher leaf nitrogen and potassium content. The physico-chemical characters of ber were found to be superior with FYM alone as compared to others. The sole use of neem cake or vermicompost or their combination i.e. ½ (Vermicompost + Neem cake) were much effective in improving the soil condition, leaf phosphorus content and yield of ber plants; whereas, sole application of FYM was found to be most useful in enhancing the fruit quality of ber.

5

Authors: N. CHATTOPADHYAY, F. LALRINPUII AND U. THAPA

An investigation was carried out to study the influence of different concentration of growth regulators and chemicals on the growth and yield of garlic (local cultivar Katki). during rabi season of 2010-2011 and 2011-12. Four plant growth regulators viz. GA , NAA and thiourea (50 ppm, 100 ppm and 200ppm) along with kinetin (10 ppm, 20 ppm and 40 ppm) 3 and two chemicals viz..KNO and NaH PO @ 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 200 ppm were tested in the present investigation. 3 2 4 Maximum breadth of large clove (1.20cm), length of medium clove (1.90cm), weight of bulb(24g), yield per plot (1.68kg 2.1m-2) and projected yield (5.89t ha-1) were noticed under thiourea 100 ppm. Highest diameter of bulb (4.21cm) was associated under GA 200 ppm. Maximum length of large (2.53cm) and small clove (1.33 cm) were recorded under kinetin 3 40 ppm. Maximum cost benefit ratio (1:3.19) was noted under thiourea 100 ppm followed by NaH PO 100ppm (1: 3.00). 2 4 The most promising treatment under the alluvial tracts of West Bengal for garlic production is thiourea 100 ppm followed by NaH PO 100 ppm ,GA 200 ppm and kinetin 40 ppm.

5

Authors: A. SAHA AND M. M. ADHIKARY

The study was conducted in villages namely Chengerkuthi Khalisamari, Choto Khalisamari Jatamari of Coochbehar district of West Bengal to identify the distributional pattern of different types of rural migration and its effects on rural agriculture. The finding of the study indicates that, due to high remunerative and regularity of income the youth and middle age group are more attracted for migration, as a results of it labour crisis becomes an emerging problem of agricultural sector. These consequences results for increasing numbers of farm child labour. Less land-human ratio and high cost of cultivation repeals the rural population towards the bright street light of industrialized urban culture. Due to transformational change of occupation (from monolithic agriculture to versatile urbanized job opportunity) rural-urban type migration is most dominating. The tremendous influx of rural labour migration process radically affects the choice of cropping pattern, investment for agriculture and farm activities, labour sharing pattern of farm ecology. Level of women employment has increased on migrant households, particularly on poor households; however, work load of women has also increased.

5

Authors: S. BAIRAGI, M. K. PANDIT, P. SIDHYA, 1S. ADHIKARY AND A.V.V. KOUNDINYA

The experiment was conducted during 2012-13 and 2013-14 to study the effect of date of planting and crop geometry impacts on growth and yield of baby corn (Var. G-5414) in a split plot design with five dates of planting viz,October (D ), 1 November (D ), December (D ), January (D ) and February (D ) and three levels of plant population viz. 45 x 30 cm (S ), 2 3 4 5 1 45 x 20 cm (S ) and 45 x 10 cm (S ) with three replications. Plant height, corn yield and fodder yield were higher when 2 3 baby corn planted wider spacing of 45 x 30 cm. December sowing took the longest duration for 50% germination, which was at par with that of November sowing. Number of leaves per plant was the highest in February sowing and it did not vary with that of October sowing. Whereas, closer spacing of 45 x 10 cm resulted in shorter plant height and reduction of both corn and fodder yield. Days to 50% flowering did not vary among the spacing but this character did vary significantly across the sowing dates and the longest and shortest durations being in the December and February sowings respectively. The growth and yield parameters of baby corn were clearly indicative that they were thermo- sensitive and baby corn cobs and fodder yield are higher at closer spacing.

6

Authors: S. PRADHAN AND S. MOHARANA

A field experiment was carried out at Bhubaneswar during 2013-14. The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam in texture with 6.35 pH. Rice-rice sequence was taken for six consecutive years with seven organic nutrient management treatments in Randomized Block Design. Organic nutrient management expressed significant effect on DM (dry matter accumulation), CGR (Crop growth rate), RGR (Relative Growth Rate) crop yield and productivity. DM, CGR, RGR were highest in treatment T receiving Dhanicha+ FYM+Vermicompost in kharif 5 and FYM+Vermicompost in summer (75.99 and 75.80 g hill-1 DM). Maximum average grain yield of 4.47 and 4.26 t ha-1 were also witnessed in T during kharif and summer seasons respectively.

6

Authors: I. DAS, V. D. SHENDE, T. SETH, Y. YADAV AND A. CHATTOPADHYAY

Evaluation of thirteen pole and seven bush type advanced lines/varieties of dolichos bean was carried out in two consecutive years to study the genetic variability and character associationships among different quantitative characters with pod yield. Significant variation among eight quantitative traits irrespective of genotypes having differences in growth habit was observed. Higher estimates of PCV and GCV were observed for number of pods per plant and pod weight in pole and bush types, and pod length in bush type, indicating much scope for their improvement through selection. The characters pod weight, number of pods per plant, pod length and pod width were characterised by high heritability coupled with high genetic advance in both types. Interrelationships among component characters and pod yield revealed a significant and positive correlation with number of pods per plant at genotypic level in pole type and none of the traits in bush type. However, positive correlation with pod yield was depicted by pod length, pod width and number of seeds per pod in pole type and by number of pods per plant in bush type. Study on path coefficient analysis suggested that yield of dolichos bean could be improved through direct selection for number of pods per plant and pod weight in pole type, and number of pods per plant, pod weight and number of seeds per pod in bush type.

6

Authors: D. DUTTA, D. DUTTA MUDI AND T.L. THENTU

A field experiment was conducted during 2010 to 2012 (three years) at Gayeshpur, Nadia, West Bengal to investigate the effect of irrigation schedules and planting geometry on growth, yield and water-use efficiency (WUE) of summer baby corn (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with four irrigation levels viz. conventional method (Farmers’ practice), IW/CPE ratios of 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 in main plots and three levels of planting geometry viz. 30 × 30 cm, 45 × 20 cm and 60 × 15 cm in sub-plots. Pooled results of three years showed that significantly higher growth, yield attributes and cob yield of baby corn (1310 kg ha-1) were obtained with irrigation at IW/CPE 1.0, which was statistically at par with conventional irrigation. However, the maximum WUE of 3.91 kg ha-mm-1 was recorded with IW/CPE 0.6. While the planting geometry of 45 × 20 cm exhibited significantly higher baby corn yield, but on a par with 60 × 15 cm geometry. The highest gross return, net return and benefit-cost ratio were recorded with IW/CPE 1.0 and 45 × 20 cm planting geometry.

6

Authors: B. KUMAR, M. HAQUE, A. KALPANA AND D. NAGARJUNA

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2011 and 2012 at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, to evaluate the bioefficacy of different herbicides on weed management of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa. L.). Among weed control combinations two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS, PE Pendimethalin 30EC @ 1.0 kg ha -1 fb POE Bispyribac10SC @ 35.0 g ha-1; PE Pendimethalin 30EC @ 1.0 kg ha-1 fb POE Ethoxysulfuron 15%WDG @ 15g ha-1 were found highly effective and exhibited better weed control efficiency, economic advantage and recorded higher grain yield as well as yield attributing characters in comparison to other treatments. The maximum mean grain yield 4.72 t ha-1 was recorded in two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS and was statistically at par with PE Pendimethalin 30EC @1.0 kg ha-1 fb POE Bispyribac10 SC @ 35.0 g ha-1(4.43 t ha-1); PE Pendimethalin 30EC @1.0 Kg ha-1 fb POE Ethoxysulfuron 15%WDG @15 g ha-1(4.34 t ha-1); PE Pendimethalin 30EC @1.0 kg ha-1 fb POE 2,4-D Na salt 80%@ 0.06 kg ha -1(4.26 t ha-1) and PE Butachlor60% EC @1.5 kg ha-1 fb POE Bispyribac10 SC @ 35.0 g a.i. ha-1 (4.24 t ha-1). The highest net return of Rs. 38,108 ha-1 with B:C ratio 1.91 was recorded in PE Pendimethalin 30 EC @ 1.0 kg ha-1 + POE Bispyribac sodium 10 SC @ 35 .0 g ha -1 closely followed by two HW at 20 & 40 DAS (net return Rs. 37,864 ha-1with B:C ratio 1.57 ).

7

Authors: S. ROY, A. BHATTACHARYYA AND A. CHOWDHURY

A laboratory experiment was performed to understand the persistence behaviour of the herbicide dithiopyr in three different soils of West Bengal, India. Estimation of dithiopyr residues revealed its dissipation following first-order kinetics. The half-life (T ) values were in the range of 13.75-31.03 days for T and 21.20-41.24 days for T . The dissipation of 1/2 1 2 dithiopyr was maximum in coastal soil with the shortest T (13.75 and 21.20 days) and the higher persistence was 1/2 recorded in Gangetic alluvial soil. Formation of three metabolites of dithiopyr viz. dithiopyr monoacid, reverse monoacid and diacid were also quantified and their structures were confirmed by Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The metabolites were detected in soils at 7-30 days after application with varying rates of formation reaching maximum between 30-90 days followed by a decreasing trend. Among the metabolites, only diacid could be detected till 120 days. The degradation pathway of dithiopyr in soil involved pH induced abiotic hydrolysis of the methylthioester groups to form the monoacids and diacid which was more favourable under alkaline condition as observed in coastal soil (pH = 8.50) compared to the Terai soil (pH = 5.20) and the least in Gangetic alluvial soil (pH = 6.90).

7

Authors: M. ADNAN, A. A. SHAHID, M. ALI AND A. HAIDER

To investigate the infestation status of alien invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus a detailed survey was conducted at waste lands, edges of agricultural fields, fallow lands and waterways in 53 sites of 3 tehsils of district Sialkot , Punjab during August- October 2009-10. Maximum infestation (60%) of P. hysterophorus was found along roadsides followed at along the crop fields (56%), fallow lands (54%), waste lands (50%) and in the water channels minimum 46% infestation. In tehsil wise maximum infestation of P. hysterophorus was found in tehsil Daska (94.74%) followed by Tehsil Sialkot (92.31%) and minimum 91.67%. in tehsil Pasroor.

8

Authors: G. GADDEYYA AND P. K. RATNA KUMAR

Trianthemae portulacastrum L. (Family: Aizoaceae), commonly known as horse purslane is a troublesome weed in Indian agriculture. It is known as Hand Qooqi in Arabic, Dewasapt in Persian and Horse purslane in English. A field study was conducted at crop fields of Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh to screening of agents to control weed population by means of eco-friendly approach i.e., biological control. During field study severe infection on horse purslane was examined and the foliar disease symptoms represented as round to irregular maroon spots with dark borders. The pathogen allied with the infection of horse purslane was isolated from infected parts of the weed and the isolate was confirmed as Gibbago trianthemae Simmons. The disease severity of the isolate was examined by means of invitro study and Keywords: Biological control, Gibbago trianthemae, Trianthemae portulacastrum L. the results revealed the pathogenicity of the isolate. The findings of research suggested that the isolate, G. trianthemae is highly virulent to host weed and recommended for further studies as an effective biological control agent.

9

Authors: P. K. SARKAR AND D. ROY

Field bio-effectiveness of pre-mix formulation of cartap hydrochloride 50% SP + buprofezin 10% EC (KCB-2010) were evaluated against jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and fruit borer (Earias vittella) during 2011 and 2012 in spring-summer crop. KCB-2010 @ 600 and 750 ml ha-1 reduced okra fruit borer population to the tune of 73.07 % and 75.51 % in two seasons respectively. The treatments also provided significant reduction of jassid (59.33% and 60.87 %) and whitefly (69.46 % and 70.91%) population vis-à-vis highest yield (16.62 and 17.27 t ha-1) in comparison to 6.66 t ha-1 in untreated plots. Tested dosages were soft against natural enemies like, coccinellides, syrphids, spiders and staphylinids, with population reduction of 8.35 and 9.50%, 10.00 and 9.85%, 7.00 and 8.10% and 1.78 and 3.50%, respectively; hence can be considered as a suitable IPM compatible tool with favorable toxicological profile.

18-28

Authors: B. K. CHAKRABORTY, S. A. AZADI AND B. BORMON

Cuchia (Monopterous cuchia), a delicious, nutritious and favorite fish for Adivasi and South Asian countries people was abundant throughout the Bangladesh. At present this fish is scarcely found in the open water system. The study was conducted in Kokraduba beel surrounding two Adivasi fisher’s villages Chitolia and Shampur; district Mymensingh to collect information about ecosystem health of Kokraduba beel, habitat, food and feeding habit and reproductive biology of cuchia (M. cuchia) by interviewing Adivasi fisher’s indigenous technological knowledge (ITK). Both primary and secondary data were collected by direct interviews to the Advasi respondents, Department of Fisheries and websites. According to the ITK method of Adivasi fisher’s, total production of the Kokraduba beel was recorded 14395.0 kg and 13208.0 kg between the year 2012 and 2013 respectively. About 8.25% production was decreased from 2012 to 2013. According to (78.57-88.01)% fisher’s blocked water flow and shallow depth of the beel, expansion of agriculture and aquaculture, use of chemicals, fertilizer and pesticide, infrastructure development and fishing pressure in breeding season were main causes for destruction of natural habitats and reducing production of M. cuchia in Kokraduba beel. Three fishing methods viz. physical (by hand picking), line and traps (bair) were identified in the survey area among which traps catches relatively undersized M. cuchia. According to the ITK method, food and feeding habit, identifying characteristics of male and female, breeding behavior, fecundity and larvae development, mother care, cannibalism were identified and 64.24% Adivasi fisher’s recognized that breeding period of M. cuchia was April to mid July. Updated Adivasi’s ITK method with science based knowledge on habitat, food and feeding habit, reproductive biology, management of hatchlings, fry and fingerling production, in alternative income generating activities (AIGAs) and developed value chain; will be a new horizon to develop ecosystem health and production of M. cuchia in the Kukraduba beel through community based co-management aspect.

33-37

Authors: B. R. NAYAK, N. PANIGRAHY AND A. K. DASH

An experiment was conducted at the Regional Research Technology and Transfer Station, Chiplima, Sambalpur during 2009, 2010 and 2011 to study the response of papaya to different irrigation methods and nutrient management practices. The experiment was comprised with three irrigation methods (I - Drip irrigation, I - Basin irrigation with straw mulch and I - Basin 1 2 3 irrigation without straw mulch) in the main plots and three levels of nutrients management practices such as N - 100% inorganic 1 source ( RDF-100:80:120g of N:P O :K O plant-1 year-1), N - 100% organic source (FYM 15.0 t ha-1 + vermicompost 5.0 t ha-1 + 2 5 2 2 neemcake 0.5 t ha-1) and N -integrated nutrient management (75% inorganic source + 25% organic source) in the sub-plots with 3 four replications in a split plot design. Pooled analysis of three years’data indicated that basin irrigation with straw mulch (I ) 2 recorded highest fruit yield of 23.17 t ha 1 with water requirement of 205.43cm and water use efficiency of 112.78 kg ha-cm-1. Integrated nutrient management practice comprised of 75% inorganic source + 25% organic source (N ) recorded the highest 3 fruit yield of 22.31t ha-1. The basin irrigation with straw mulch and exploitation of integrated nutrient tactics comprised of 75% inorganic+25% organic source produced maximum papaya fruit yield of 24.32 t ha-1 due to better soil health.

43-45

Authors: K. SENGUPTA AND D. TAMANG

A field experiment was carried out in the Farm of BCKV, West Bengal (22095’N, 88050’E) during the summer season of 2010 and 2011 on sandy-loam alluvial soil (Inceptisol), neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.2) having 0.65% organic carbon, 0.08% total N, 27.54 kg ha-1 available P O and 135.15 kg ha-1 available K O, to find out the effect of foliar application of nutrients and Brassinolide on 2 5 2 yield of green gram crop. The crop was fertilized with a common dose of N-P O -K O at 20-40-40 kg ha-1 and grown with only one 2 5 2 pre-sowing irrigation. The variety Bireshwar was used for this experiment, carried out in RBD with 8 treatments and 3 replications. From the results it was found that foliar application of nutrients (urea and DAP) and Brassinolide had a significant influence on growth and yield of the crop. The growth in terms of plant height, LAI and dry matter accumulation per unit area were significantly higher in the treatments where the plants got nutrients and Brassinolide. Foliar fertilization had significant effect on the main yield component, i.e., number of pods per plant; though, other yield components were statistically at par. The highest seed yield was obtained in the treatment where the crop was sprayed with Brassinolide, 0.25 ppm at 25 DAS and 45 DAS followed by the treatments where the crop was sprayed with DAP (2% solution) at 25 and 45 DAS and Urea (2% solution) at 25 and 45 DAS.Thus, it may be concluded that foliar application of nutrients and Brassinolide had a distinct effect to increase the yield of green gram crop.

49-53

Authors: R. YADAV, D. H. DWIVEDI, GOVIND AND S. MAJI

A field experiment was carried out to assess the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of onion cv. Pusa Madhvi at Horticultural Research Farm, Department of Applied Plant Science (Horticulture), Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, U.P. India during the year 2013-14. 10 treatments [RDF as control, FYM, Vermicompost, PSB, Azotobacter, Azosprillium, and combination with nitrogen, phosphorus and potash] were applied with three replications and laid out under Randomized Block Design. The results showed that the maximum plant height (74.32 cm), bulb diameter (4.60 cm), neck thickness (1.06 cm), bulb length (4.39 cm) and number of leaves (9.88) per plant were recorded under treatment T - RDF (50%) + 10 Vermicompost (50%) at 90 (DAT). Whereas, the maximum leaf length (62.23 cm) was observed in the treatment T (Azotobacter @ 5 100%). Although, the treatment T showed the maximum bulb weight (175.67 g) but the maximum yield (283 q ha–1) and TSS 5 (12.30 0B) were recorded in T . Thus, it can be concluded that treatment T i.e. application of RDF (50%) + Vermicompost (50%) 10 10 was suitable for better growth and higher production of onion cv. Pusa Madhvi under Lucknow condition having high soil pH of 8.2.

58-61

Authors: P. PATI AND P. K. MAHAPATRA

Field experiment was conducted at the Central Research Station, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar (Odisha) during the consecutive two rabi seasons of 2010 and 2011 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on yield performance and nutrient uptake of mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss]. Experiment was laid out in a randomized block design, consisting eleven treatments viz., T - RDF (N : P O : K O @ 60 : 30 : 30 kg ha-1), T - RDF + S (40 kg ha-1), T - RDF 1 2 5 2 2 3 + B (1 kg ha-1), T - RDF + lime (0.2 LR), T - RDF + Zn-EDTA (0.5 kg ha-1 as foliar spray), T - 75% RDF, T - 75% RDF + FYM (5 t 4 5 6 7 ha-1), T - 75% RDF + FYM (5 t ha-1) + S (40 kg ha-1), T - 75% RDF + FYM (5 t ha-1) + B (1 kg ha-1), T -75% RDF + FYM (5 t ha-1) + 8 9 10 lime (0.2 LR), T - 75% RDF + FYM (5 t ha-1) + Zn-EDTA (0.5 kg ha-1as foliar spray), respectively replicated thrice. The soil was 11 loamy sand in texture with pH 5.5, low in organic carbon and nitrogen, high in phosphorus and medium in potash. The results reveal that the treatment (T ), which received 75 % RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + lime (0.2 LR) produced maximum number of effective 10 siliqua (226 plant-1), longest siliqua (4.4 cm), seeds siliqua-1(14.1), 1000 seed weight (4.35 g), highest seed and stover yield (1423 and 2759 kg ha-1), respectively. Reduction of 25% fertilizer from the recommended dose (RDF) produced minimum yield of 973 kg ha-1which was 8% less than RDF. The treatment (T ) also absorbed 72 kg N, 13 kg P, 34 kg K, 17 kg S, 124 g B, 163 g Zn and 42 kg 10 Ca ha-1. So sound agronomic and environmentally acceptable integrated nutrient management practices are essential to achieve a reduction in fertilizer derived environmental risk while increasing the net return and crop productivity through nutrient use efficiency.

66-71

Authors: A. PATHAK, A. C. MAHATA, S. SEN, 1A. MONDAL AND P. CHAKRABORTI

The biochemical action accompanying seed storability of wheat seed (cv. C306) was very much controlled through the approach of variable storing devices. The treatment outcome was prominent at later stages, accelerating a declining trend of biochemical reaction interrelated to seed quality or protecting storability. Considering diverse quality linking parameters, the inhibitory effect on waning nature provided the highest peak in PC (plastic container) followed by PP (40 micron plastic packet) where EP (earthen pot) retained uniformity mostly with the normal (brown paper packet), sometimes with PN (brown paper packet+ naphthalene ball @ 5 g kg-1 seed). The 90 days storage was the turning point for lowering the biochemical activity in normal seed, representing in Electrical conductivity and in á-amylase enzyme activity under variable imbibing stages though a significant discrepancy was observed in application of treatments. In action of peroxidase, a noticeable drop was started after 135 days of storage which was alike to total carbohydrate content. As a result, PC (plastic container) and PP (40 micron plastic packet) can be utilized for wheat seed storing to conserve the storability.

75-79

Authors: S. K. SWAIN, A. K. DASH, A. K. MOHAPATRA, D. BEHERA AND B. K. BEHERA

The small and marginal farmers in many parts of the state of Odisha still depend upon the animal energy for accomplishment of agricultural operations because of small and fragmented land holding as well as poor socio-economic status. Of late, the maintenance cost of a pair of bullocks proves to be a burden on these farmers with increase in labour cost. A study on use of animal energy for two post harvest operations such as paddy threshing and chaff cutting with rotary gear system was made to increase the annual use of the bullocks so as to reduce the owning cost of bullocks.The results on operation of thresher indicated that the average output of the thresher was 143.23 q h-1 with mean threshing efficiency of 93.12%. The mean draft was 420 N which was 6.9 % of the bodyweight of the bullocks indicating that the bullocks were underutilized as far as power utilization is concerned. The results on operation of chaff cutter through bullock operated rotary unit indicated that the mean draft requirement was 250 N varying from 275 to 216 N which was 4.1 % equivalent to the bodyweight. The average output was found to be 69.43 kg h-1. The power output was observed to be 0.207 kW. The cost of operation of the thresher and chaff cutter in rotary mode suggests that rotary unit is not economical compared to threshing and chaff cutting if operated by electrical power source but surely it will increase the utilization of animal which otherwise would have been sitting idle and can save time in threshing compared to traditional bullock treading.

88-91

Authors: M. SUMARJIT SINGH, D. NONGMAITHEM AND 1S. SHARMILA DEVI

A field experiment was conducted at Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur during 2010 and 2011 to study the effect of spacing on the growth and yield of Hedychium spicatum, a valuable medicinal plant in temperate regions. Treatments comprised of four plant spacing: 30 × 20 cm, 30 × 30 cm, 30 × 40 cm and 40 × 40cm. Results showed that values on growth of H.spicatum were found to be highest in widest spacing of 40 × 40 cm (14.16 t ha-1). Yield of the crop was higher even in 30 × 40cm spacing (13.46 t ha-1) than the closer spaced distance 30 × 20 cm and 30 × 30 cm which gave 10.39 and 12.54 t ha-1 respectively. Though the number of rhizomes per unit area in closest spacing, 30 × 20 cm (32.61) outnumbered that of rhizomes per unit area in widest spacing, 40 × 40 cm (14.33), yield was observed to be highest in 40 × 40cm spacing which may be due to highest number of tillers plant-1 (3.41) and fresh weight of rhizomes plant-1 (109.61g) compared to lowest number of tillers plant-1 (2.54) and fresh weight of rhizomes plant-1 (68.08 g) in 30 × 20 cm spacing.

98-100

Authors: A. K. MAITI AND S. DE

Mat-stick, a non-conventional perennial crop, has the potentiality to augment the income and provide gainful employment of rural mass of India. The study thus examines the income potentiality of cultivation of mat-stick in Paschim Midinipur district of West Bengal. The findings of this study clearly advocate the cultivation of this crop. Benefit-cost ratio is worked to be 1.60, which is higher than any competing crop combinations. The wage bill clearly indicates the opportunity to absorb human labour. The only limiting factor, which restricts the allocation of area under this crop, is higher cost of cultivation.

108-112

Authors: S. PRADHAN, D. K. BASTIA AND S. TRIPATHY

A field experiment was carried out at Bhubaneswar during 2008-14. The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam in texture with 6.0 pH. The values of bulk density and soil organic carbon contents in 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depth, respectively, were 1.58 and 1.66 tm-3 and 5.2 and 4.0 g kg-1. Rice-rice sequence was taken for six consecutive years with seven organic nutrient management treatments in randomized block design. Organic nutrient management exerted significant effect on soil organic carbon status and sustainable yield index. The observed soil organic carbon stock was maximum in treatment receiving dhanicha+ FYM+vermicompost (46.29 t ha-1) and highest rate of sequestration was also observed in the same treatment (4.00 t ha-1 year-1). Maximum average grain yield & (4.47 and 4.26 t ha–1) and highest SYI (Sustainable Yield Index) was witnessed in the same treatment in kharif (0.78) and summer (0.77) seasons respectively.

120-123

Authors: S. S. DANA, A. GHOSH AND 1U. K. BANDYOPADHYAY

Aquaculture of the mud crab has been practised for the past 100 years in China and for the past 30 years throughout Asia. Almost all crab aquaculture production relies on wild-caught stock, as larval rearing has not yet reached a commercially viable level for stocking into aquaculture farms. Crab meat is virtually cent per cent fat-free, rich in protein and offers no carbohydrates. According to dieticians, crab meat fits in perfectly with the new dietary guidelines, which suggest high-protein foods that are lean and either low-fat or fat free. In India aquaculture has emerged as an important farming activity transforming aquaculture from a traditional livelihood-support rural activity to a profit oriented production system. It could be able to improve the livelihood of the fishers as well as ensuring nutritional security. Keeping in view the facts the present study was designed with the following specific objectives, i.e., to study the socio-economic profile of the crab farmers, to study the present status of the crab farmers and to study the constraints encountered in crab farming. The present study was conducted in randomly selected three villages of Gosaba block in South 24-Parganas district of West Bengal as it has the highest crab farmer concentration. Three villages from the Lahiripur Gram Panchayat area of Gosaba block were selected by simple random sampling technique. A total of 120 crab farmers were listed out from the said locale and out of them, 60 crab farmer, those who are presently involved in crab farming were selected for this study. The findings of the study showed that 84% of respondents belonged to rural areas and their age varied from 17-60 years, in which majority (46.67 %) were in middle aged (26-50 years) category. Out of the total number of respondents, 70% were male and rest 30% female. Majority of the respondents were having the educational qualification up to high school level. 68.33 % respondents belonged to Scheduled Caste followed by General category and Scheduled Tribe. Majority (81.67%) of the respondents were having land access to less than 10 cottah and owned medium sized (4-8 Katha) water bodies. About 58.33 % of respondents belonged to Above Poverty Level (APL) category followed by 41.67 % Below Poverty Level (BPL) category. Most of the respondents (93.33%) preferred their fellow friends as a reliable source of information, followed by Radio (88.33%), Relatives (78.33%) and Fishery Extension Officers (FEOs) (35%). Majority of the respondents (61.67%) practised intensive crab culture technique and 83.33 % preferred the November-February duration as an ideal time for crab farming with seeds collected from the wild (68.33%) i.e. from swamps and derelict water bodies. It was conspicuous from the present study that majority of the respondents used trash Puntias sp. as supplementary feed. As far as the disease outbreak in crab farming was concerned, 35% of respondents reported that crabs suffered from ulcer on carapace and necrosis of appendages and they used lime and KMnO to get 4 rid of these diseases. Lack of crab seeds emerged as prime constraint followed by marketing problem, transport problem, credit problem and problems related to diseases.

128-131

Authors: U. KUMAR AND B. PRASAD

The present investigation was carried out to screen the 21 genotypes of garlic for plant growth, yield and yield contributing parameter under field condition for two consecutive years. Attempt has been made to assess the genetic variation for plant architecture and yield traits of garlic genotypes. Among genotypes, RAUG-4 observed as the tallest plant having maximum number of leaves, however, RAUG-5 had the ability to complete their life cycle at a shortest period and potent to produce larger size of bulb along with maximum marketable as well as total yield. The plants with medium height bearing sizeable number of leaves with a rapid growth, quickly to harvest photo radiation and accumulated photosynthates into the economic partat a better way. Besides the superior genotypes are RAUG-5 and RAUG-16, RAUG-12, RAUG-7, RAUG-15 and RAUG-4 were moderate yielder. However, the genotype RAUG-1, RAUG-2, RAUG-3, RAUG-6 RAUG-10, RAUG-14, RAUG-17 exhibited somewhat lower performance (45- 70 q ha-1) while accession RAUG-8, RAUG-9, RAUG-11, RAUG-18 RAUG-19 and RAUG-20 depicted as poor yielder

138-143

Authors: J. N. PAPADE, P. M. CHANDAN, AND A. K. SAHOO

The experiment was carried out during the year 2012-13 at Post Harvest Technology Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Post Graduate Institute Dr. PanjabraoDeshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. Fully matured and uniform sized fruits of PDKV lime and seedless lime i.e. PDKV lime (V ) and seedless lime (V ) were procured from All India Co-ordinate Research Project on Citrus, 1 2 Dr. PDKV, Akola and the squash was prepared by mixing of different amounts of lime juice and sugar as per treatments, Juice 25% + 400B Sugar + 350 ppm KMS (T ), Juice 25% + 420B Sugar + 350 ppm KMS (T ), Juice 25% + 450B Sugar + 350 ppm KMS (T ), 1 2 3 Juice 25% + 400B Sugar + 350 ppm Sodium benzoate(T ), Juice 25% + 420B Sugar + 350 ppm Sodium benzoate (T ), Juice 25% + 4 5 450B Sugar + 350 ppm Sodium benzoate (T ), Control- Juice 25% + 450B Sugar (T ). Then the squash was treated with 6 7 preservative KMS or Sodium benzoate at 350ppm concentration. The observations in respect to chemical analysis and sensory evaluation of lime squash was recorded periodically at an interval of 20 days upto 80 days and the data obtained was analyzed using FCRD design. A gradual increase in TSS, reducing sugar and total sugars content of the acid lime squash was observed on advancement of storage period irrespective to varieties and treatments used However, titratable acidity content, non-reducing sugars and ascorbic acid content of squash were found to decrease with the advancement of storage period. The acid lime squash prepared from variety seedless lime was found to be acceptable up to 60th days of storage in respect to sensory qualities whereas acid lime squash prepared from variety PDKV lime was found to be acceptable 80th days of storage period. So the treatment combination V T was concluded as the best treatment all variety and treatment combination.

152-156

Authors: K. SETHI, P. C. LENKA AND S. K. TRIPATHY

The field experiment was carried out under All India Coordinated Research Project on Cashew of OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India during 2011 and 2012 in ten years old cashew plantations to evaluate the cashew hybrids on the basis of vegetative growth and nut yield. The experiment was laid out by adopting Augmented Statistical Design with 60 hybrids, 8 parents and 3 check varieties. The analysis of results based on adjusted mean and values on vegetative growth parameters and nut yield showed significant variations. Considering the overall vegetative growth parameters as well as nut yield the present study concluded that the hybrids such as A-71, B-27, D-19, G-8 and H-6 may be promising for commercial cultivation. The study also revealed that both KBN and VTH-711/4 were identified as better male parent for hybridization programme in cashew.

161-164

Authors: D. BISWAS, A. BANERJEE AND B. BANDYOPADHYAY

Keeping in view of the growing economic importance of banana pseudostem weevil (Odoiporus longicollis Oliv.) and dearth of detailed information regarding seasonality of the pest, the present investigation has been conducted to study the incidence pattern of this pest on cv. Martaman (AAB) and Kanchkel (ABB) in farmers’ plots at different locations of Nadia district, West Bengal during 2007-08. The field investigation revealed that the pest infestation appeared and established in 8 months old plants where the planting was completed within September, 2006. The trend of incidence pattern of O. longicollis shows that it remains active throughout the year on both the cultivars. Initial infestation was 3.63% on cv. Martaman and 2.14% on cv. Kanchkel at 23rd standard week i.e. during June, 2007. The infestation has been recorded highest at 26th standard week i.e. during June, 2008 in both the cultivars but, the degree of damage has been recorded higher on cv. Martaman (17.56%) as compared to cv. Kanchkel (10.43%) indicating that cv. Kanchkel is less susceptible to O. longicollis than cv. Martaman. The results from correlation studies on the influence of meteorological parameters showed that incidence of O. longicollis was positively correlated with maximum and minimum temperature and minimum relative humidity in case of cv. Martaman whereas a positive correlation of maximum and minimum temperature of this pest on cv. Kanchkel has been recorded.

168-172

Authors: V. P. SURYAVANSHI, S. B. SURYAWANSHI AND 1K. T. JADHAV

A field experiment was conducted during 2012 and 2013 at Oilseeds Research Station, Latur (M.S.) to study the effect of different pre (PE) and post-emergence (POE) herbicides on yield and economics of sunflower in vertisols. Though the highest head diameter (17.5 and 15.9 cm), seed yield per plant (35.23 and 25.08 g), 100 seed weight (5.69 and 5.53 g) and seed yield (1710 kg ha-1) were observed in weed free situation, but these parameters were found statistically at par with the application of Pendimethalin 38.7 CS @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 (PE) + one hoeing at 30 DAS followed by hand weeding at 40 DAS and application of Pendimethalin 38.7 CS @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 (PE) + Quizalofop Ethyl 5% EC @ 37.5 g a.i. ha-1 or Propaquizofop 10% EC @ 62 g a.i. ha-1 or Fenoxoprop Ethyl 9.3% w/w@ 37.5 g a.i. ha-1 at 20 DAS (POE). The highest Net Monetary Return (‘ 38262 ha-1) and BC ratio (2.89) were recorded with the application Pendimethalin 38.7 CS @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 (PE) + Quizalofop Ethyl 5% EC @ 37.5 g a.i. ha-1 at 20 DAS (POE). Among different chemical weed control methods lowest dry weed weight (12 and 83 g/m2), Weed Index (2.1 and 0.8) and highest Weed Control Efficiency (90 and 87 %) and Crop Resistance Index (10.2) were observed with the application Pendimethalin 38.7 CS @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 (PE) + Quizalofop Ethyl 5% EC @ 37.5 g a.i. ha-1 at 20 DAS (POE). The application of Quizalofop Ethyl 5% EC @ 37.5 g a.i. ha-1 + Chlorimuron Ethyl 25 % wp @ 9 g a.i. ha-1 at 20 DAS (POE) has shown phytotoxicity effect on sunflower crop resulting stunted and reduced growth. In 0-10 scale phytotoxicity of this treatment was rated as 2-3 (20-30%).

177-180

Authors: R. K. MATHUKIA, P. V. GADHIYA AND D. M. PANARA

An experiment was conducted at Junagarh Agricultural University, Gujarat to judge the profitability and suitability of different weed management in field pea under clay soil. Experiments with 12 different treatment combination indicates that depend upon the availability of labour, profitability of rabi field pea could be achieved through 2 hand weeding and intercultural operation at 20 and 40 days after sowing. The study also reveals that application of pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg ha-1 or oxyfluorofe @ 0.18 kg ha-1 also suitable for the purpose.

190-193

Authors: L. GIRIJA DEVI, M. S. MURUGESH AND V. L. GEETHAKUMARI

An experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the year 2012 to standardize the nutrient schedule and weed management techniques for organic rice with its economic feasibility. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with four replications. The study revealed the superiority of closer spacing (15×15 cm) on grain and straw yield. The stale seed bed technique and hand weeding were at par with respect to grain yield. The grain and straw yield were the higher with one third RDN as FYM, one third as vermicompost and one third as vermicompost and one third as neem cake + 2 kg Azospirillum + 2 kg P solubilizing bacteria ha-1, and statistically at par with soil test based application (half as vermicompost and half as neem cake). Stale seed bed technique and closer spacing effectively controlled the weeds. The weed biomass was lower with FYM 1 t + green leaf manure 1 t+ dual culture of Azolla + 2 kg Azospirillum + 2 kg P solubilizing bacteria + 1 kg PGPR (mix 1) ha-1 and FYM 5 t+ 800 kg oil cakes ha-1 (half basal + half top dressing at active tillering stage). The comparison between organic and conventional methods showed significant difference at all the crop growth stages with the least weed biomass in organic over conventional.

197-199

Authors: D. K. GHOSH AND A. BANDOPADHYAY

Coconut has a long productive period hence, selection of quality materials are of utmost important for increasing the productivity in coconut garden can be increased by improving the genetic potential. An evaluation trial was done under AICRP on Palms at Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal to evaluate the performance of seven cultivars of coconut namely - Philipines Ordinary, Laccadive Ordinary, Andaman Ordinary, Laccadive Micro, S S Green, East Coast Tall, West Coast Tall and three hybrids namely COD x WCT, WCT x COD and MYD x WCT during 2004 and 2005.The materials were supplied from CPCRI and planted in 1986 spaced at 7.5 x 7.5 m. in RBD with 3 replication and 4 plants for each treatment. It was observed that the bunch production was maximum in hybrid COD x WCT (9.4 palm-1) followed by Philippines Ordinary (8.4 palm-1). The nut yield per palm was recorded maximum (105.2 palm-1) in Laccadive Micro followed by 92.6 palm-1 in COD x WCT. The copra yield was highest in COD x WCT (9.3 kg) followed by Laccadive Ordinary (9.2 kg ). The hybrid CODXWCT (Chandrasankara), Lacadive Ordinary, Lacadive Micro and Philipines Ordinary performed better than the other cultivar or hybrids in West Bengal.

204-207

Authors: P. S. SANDHU, S. S. MAHAL AND V. SARDANA

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season at the research farm of Punjab Agricultural University. Treatments consisted of two hybrids (PMH 128 and 145) and one variety RLC1 (check), three nitrogen levels (N , N , N kg ha-1) 100 125 150 and two row spacings (30 and 45 cm) evaluated in a split plot design. RLC 1 (check) registered significantly higher seed yield (17.68 q ha-1) than PMH 145 (14.70 q ha-1) and was statistically at par with PMH 128 (16.60 q ha-1). Among the three doses of nitrogen, 150 kg ha-1 of N application produced highest seed yield (17.09 q ha-1) which was statistically at par with 125 kg ha-1of N (16.74 q ha-1), however, significantly higher than 100 kg ha-1 of N (15.14 q ha-1). Among the two row spacing, seed yield was significantly higher in 30 cm 17.01 q ha-1as compared to 45 cm. Quality parameters (palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid) were found to be highest in RLC1 (check). Higher erucic acid content was observed in PMH 128 and PMH 145 as compared to RLC1 (check).

213-215

Authors: R. N. SHINDE, P. N. KARANJIKAR AND D. N. GOKHALE

The field experiment was conducted at Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Latur during kharif, 2011 to study the effect of fertilizer levels and micronutrients on growth, yield and quality of soybean. Application of 100 per cent RDF (F ) 3 recorded significantly higher growth, yield and quality contributing characters followed by application of 75 per cent RDF (F ) 2 and 50 per cent RDF (F ).Application of Zinc (M ) recorded significantly higher growth, yield, and quality contributing 1 3 characters followed by Boron (M ) and Fe (M ). Application of 100 per cent RDF produced significantly higher seed yield (2972 1 2 kg ha-1) than 50 per cent RDF (1986 kg ha-1) and 75 per cent RDF (2527 kg ha-1) and Zn application @ 10 kg ha-1 (2668 kg ha-1) produced significantly higher seed yield than Fe @ 10 kg ha-1 (2290 kg ha-1) but was found to be at par with B @ 2 kg ha-1. In case of oil yield, 100 per cent RDF (608 kg ha-1) recorded significantly higher oil yield than other treatments. In case of micronutrients Zn application @ 10 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher oil yield (556 kg ha-1) than Fe application @ 10 kg ha-1 (475kg ha-1), but it was at par with the B application @ 2 kg ha-1 (513 kg ha-1).

220-224

Authors: S. ADHIKARY, M. K. PANDIT , A. V. V. KOUNDINYA, S. BAIRAGI AND A. DAS

The experiment was conducted in lower Gangetic alluvial zone of India at district seed farm (A-B Block), Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal during autumn-winter season, 2012 and 2013. Experiment was conducted with the objectives to study the system productivity, profitability and interpretation of different intercropping systems of baby corn and vegetables. Baby corn was taken as the base crop and it was intercropped with vegetables such as tomato, chilli, brinjal and pea. Significantly highest baby corn equivalent yield (BEY) was exhibited by baby corn + pea (115 q ha-1) followed by baby corn + brinjal (110.5 q ha-1), baby corn + tomato (108.5 q ha-1) however, baby corn + chilli (91.4 q ha-1) was decreased in respect of sole baby corn (103.3 q ha-1). All the intercrop treatments recorded land equivalent ratio (LER) more than 1 and highest LER was observed for baby corn + pea (1.52) intercropping system. Highest benefit cost ratio (B:C) was observed in baby corn + pea (3.66) intercropping followed by baby corn + brinjal (2.78), baby corn + tomato (2.62) and baby corn + chilli (2.40). Highest monetary advantage index (MAI) was found for baby corn + pea (30753.4) intercropping system stating that it was the most profitable among all the intercropping treatments.In respect of relative crowding co-efficient (RCC),total K values ranged from t 2.87-13.47 suggesting yield advantage through intercropping. Positive aggressivity values of baby corn (A )were showing that baby corn dominated the vegetable intercrops.Higher CR values (4.65-10.65) than CR (0.1-0.22) pointed out the higher b v competitive ability of the baby corn for resources than vegetable intercrops. From this study it was found that baby corn based vegetable intercropping systems were productive and profitable than sole cropping of baby corn and among all the intercropping treatments baby corn + pea intercropping system was established as the most productive and profitable than other systems.

227-228

Authors: A. SASMAL

An experiment was conducted to study the insect pest population in finger millet crop and presence of beneficial insects at the Centre for Pulse Research, Berhampur, OUAT, Odisha under All India Coordinated Small Millet Improvement Project during Kharif, 2013 which included 32 number of Initial Varietal Trials entries and one local check. The results indicated that the infestation due to grasshoppers ranged from 0 to 4.6%, due to aphids ranged from 0 to 7.4% and infestation of panicles varied from 1.4% to 12.4%, and due to stem borer infestation the percentage of ‘Dead Heart’ was noted 0 to 20.1% in different entries. Among different types of naturally available beneficial fauna in ragi, the spiders and coccinellids are predominant one.

232-235

Authors: P. O. BHUTADA AND V. M. BHALE

Chickpea is one of the important and most commonly using pulse crop in the world. Just like other pulse crops, yield of chickpea, nutrient, resources may be drastically reduced by weed infestation. The objective of the study was to study the relative efficacy of herbicides and cultural practices on nutrient uptake by Chickpea and weed. The maximum nutrient uptake by chickpea was found in 2H at 15 and 30 DAS + HW at 40 DAS (T ) followed by T , T , T , and T . The uptake of highest nutrients was found in treatments 10 8 4 9 5 T followed by T , which may be due to lowest weed count. treatment T show high gross monetary return, net return and B: C ratio 10 8 10 due to best weed control high Fertilizer use efficiency.