046497   JASROTIA P, JADON K S, SINGH S K, NATARAJA M V, HARISH G, DUTTA R, PADVI R D, SAVALIYA S D (ICAR- Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagadh- 362 001, Email: poonamjasrotia@gmail.com) : Development and validation of IPM modules against major sucking insect-pests of groundnut. Legum Res 2020, 43(4), 592-7.

Five different IPM modules were designed and tested for the management of insect-pests in groundnut including farmer practices during 2013 to 2016 at Junagadh, Gujarat. Data were recorded for the incidence of major sucking pests, i.e. thrips (Caliothrips indicus) and leaf hoppers (Balclutha hortensis). It was observed that synthesized IPM Modules significantly reduced insect-pest incidence on groundnut and enhanced the yield over farmers’ practices (FP). The population of thrips and leaf hoppers were recorded to be lowest in module T5 and varied from 0.46 to 1.09 thrips/plant and 0.47 to 4.0 leafhoppers/plant, respectively. The module T₅ was significantly superior to Farmer Practice during both Kharif and Rabi-summer seasons.

6 tables, 20 ref

045073   SHEHRAWAT P S, SHARMA N, ADITYA (Agriculture Coll, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ) : Impact of nursery establishment on farmers’ prosperity in peri-urban areas. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 249-53.

The present study was conducted in Hisar district of Haryana state. Data was collected from86 farmers’ selected randomly from seven villages namely, Kaimari, Mangali, Daya, Harita, Choudhariwas, Bhiwani Rohila and Rawalwas Kalan for the study. 98.83 % of respondents were aware about what is seedling followed by nursery site should be near to water source (93.02 %), nursery site should be located in the nutrient rich soil (90.69 %), seedlings should be collected from authentic source (89.53 %) and about the different age of seedling for transplanting (83.72 %). 100 % of respondents were aware about seedlings are needed of good quality stock followed by nursery location must be easily access nearby for easy transportation (95.34 %), seedlings are needed as per consumer preference (91.86 %) and seedlings are needed free from insect-pest/diseases/treated seedlings (89.53 %). 93.02 % respondents had greater perception that seedlings enhance yields of fruit/vegetables and other crops followed byavailability of nutritive produce for family and consumers (90.69 %), good quality produce andlosses of expensive seed are minimized and seedlings stock have better root systems and grow quickly (88.37 %), saving of cultivable area (87.20 %).

1 illus, 7 tables, 4 ref

046496   SANGMA C B K, THAKURIA D (ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Jharnapani- 797 106, Email: christysangma@gmail.com) : Evaluation of native Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viceae of pea plants (Pisum sativum L.) for nodulation efficiency and yield promotion in lentil crop (Lens culnaris Medik.) under acid soil. Legum Res 2020, 43(4), 586-91.

Most leguminous crops including lentil require neutral to slightly acidic range of soil pH for favourable nodulation and nitrogen fixation. The quest for acid soil compatible Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viceae strain is important for promotion of lentil crop under rice-lentil rotation in acid soil regions. In this investigation, native R. leguminosarum strains were isolated from the nodules of pea plants grown in pots using acid soil and isolated native Rhizobium strains were confirmed on CRYEMA (congo red Yeast Extract Mannitol Agar) media. Four native R. leguminosarum strains (NR1, NR2, NR3 and NR4) obtained from four acid soil types were further screened for nodulation efficiency and yield attributes of lentil crop against a reference exotic strain R. leguminosarum CK1 (ER). The results indicated that the performance of native Rhizobium strain (NR2) was the best among native isolates and performed on par with the reference strain (CK1) in acid soils of Meghalaya.

4 illus, 5 tables, 18 ref

045071   TRIPATHY S K, ITHAPE D M (Agricultural Biotechnology Dep, Agriculture Coll, OUAT) : Genotypic response to callus induction and plant regeneration in sugarcane. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 239-43.

Genetic improvement of sugarcane using conventional breeding suffers setbacks due to its large and complex genome, photosensitivity, low seed setting, longer crop duration and complex environmental influence. However, in vitro culture system can play a greater role to improve yield, quality and make the crop climatically smart using genetic transformation. Significant differences were observed between genotypes for embryogenic and organogenic callus induction response and plant regeneration capacity. In the present study, somatic embryogenic callusing response (using MS + 2mg l^-1 2,4-D) and growth of calli with minimum necrosis was significantly higher in cv.”Sabita”. Besides, the variety showed maximum regeneration potential (87.8 %) with more number of shootlets callus^-1 on MS + 2mg l^-1 BAP + 0.05mg l^-1 TDZ. MS medium supplemented with 3.0mg l^-1 of NAA revealed satisfactory rhizogenetic response (88.0 %) with formation of normal roots within 14 days. The in vitro derived plantlets were acclimatized and transferred to the field successfully.

1 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

045070   BISWAS S, JANA K , AGRAWAL R K, PUSTE A M (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal) : Effect of integrated nutrient management on green forage, dry matter and crude protein yield of oat in oat-Lathyrus intercropping system. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 233-8.

A field experiment was carried out at Central Research Farm, Gayeshpur, Bidhan Chandra KrishiViswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal during Rabi season of 2015-16 and 2016-17 to find out the effect of integrated nutrient management on green forage, dry matter and crude protein yield of oat under various oat-lathyrus intercropping system. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three (3) replications comprising 3 levels of cropping system (CS₁ - sole oat, CS₂ - intercropping of oat with lathyrus in 3:2 row ratio and CS₃ - intercropping of oat with lathyrus in 3:3 row ratio) in the main plot and 4 levels of nutrient management (N₁ - Full RDF through inorganic source, N₂ - 75 % N through urea + rest N through FYM, N₃ - 75 % N through urea + rest N through vermicompost and N₄ -75 % N through urea + rest N through mustard oilcake) in the sub plot. Pooled results explored that maximum green forage yield (118.04 q ha^-1), dry matter yield (24.69 q ha^-1) and crude protein yield (2.67 q ha^-1) of oat was obtained when 75 % N through urea + rest N through vermicompost was applied. Oat performed best under 3:3 intercropping system due to the benefit of biological nitrogen fixation showing maximum green forage yield (116.09 q ha^-1), dry matter yield (25.24 q ha^-1) and crude protein yield (2.70 q ha^-1). Fodder yield of oat and its quality were found highest in combination of 3:3 intercropping system with 75 % N through urea + rest N through vermicompost and thus can be recommended.

4 tables, 27 ref

045069   SUTAR V K, NARKHEDE W N, NAYAK S K, JADAV K T (Agronomy Dep, VNMKV, Parbhani- 431 402, Maharashtra) : Effect of land configuration, growth regulators and integrated nutrient management on yield and economics of pigeonpea. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 227-32.

The field experiment was conducted during kharif and rabi season of 2015-16 and 2016-17 on clayey soil at the farm of AICRP on Integrated Farming Systems, VNMKV, Parbhani to find out the suitable land configuration, growth regulators and integrated nutrient management .Treatment consists of twenty four treatment combinations comprising three land configurations and two foliar applications in main plot whereas, four integrated nutrient levels in sub plot. Main plot Land Configuration L₁ :Flat bed L₂ :Ridges and furrow L₃ : Broad Bed Furrow Foliar Application F₁ : Foliar application of Mepiquat chloride @ 100 ppm at 50 % flowering F₂:Foliar application of Cycocel @ 50 ppm at 50 % flowering Sub plot Integrated Nutrient Management N₁ :100 % RDF + Rhizobium + PSB N₂ :75 % RDF + 2.5 t FYM ha^-1 + Rhizobium + PSB N₃ :50 % RDF + 5 t FYM ha^-1 + Rhizobium + PSB N₄: RDN through 1/3 FYM + 1/3 Vermicompost + 1/3 Neem cake + Rhizobium + PSB. The treatments were assigned in split plot design. foliar application of Mepiquat chloride @ 100 ppm at 50 % flowering stage and application of 50 % RDF + 5 t FYM ha^-1 + Rhizobium + PSB grown on broad bed furrow obtaining higher seed and straw yields of better quality and maximum economic returns by sustaining soil fertility of pigeonpea.

2 tables, 12 ref

046495   GURSOY S, OZASLAN C, TURK Z (Agricultural Machinery and Technologies Engineering Dep, Dicle Univ, Diyarbakir, Turkey, Email: songul.gursoy@dicle.edu.tr) : Ascochyta blight and weed density affected by the rolling times and the packing force levels of land roller in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production. Legum Res 2020, 43(4), 580-5.

A field experiment was conducted to examine the impacts of the rolling times [pre-emergence and post-emergence] and the packing force levels of land roller [0 kNm^-1, 2.15 kNm^-1, 2.70 kNm^-1, 3.27 kNm^-1, 3.84 kNm^-1, 4.41 kNm^-1] on the disease severity of Ascochyta blight (AB), total weed density, dry weed biomass weight, the density of dominant weed species and grain yield per plant in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production. The effect of land rolling time on total weed density, dry weed biomass weight and grain weight per plant was not significant, but land rolling at post-emergence (61.34 %) had significantly higher disease severity of AB than that at preemergence (51.87 %). The packing force levels of land roller had a significant effect on the disease severity of AB, total weed density, dry weed biomass weight and grain yield per plant. The increased packing force of land roller increased the disease severity of AB. The dry weed biomass weight and total weed density was the highest at the 2.70 kNm^-1 of the packing force while the 3.27 kNm^-1 of the packing force resulted in the highest grain weight per plant among treatments.

3 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

045068   MANJUNATH K V, BASFORE S, SIKDER S, CHOWDHURY R S (Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari- 736 165, West Bengal) : Studies on combining ability, gene action and heterotic expression of tomato for various leaf and fruit pigments. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 219-26.

Genetical effects of eleven parents were assessed by deploying Line (7) × Tester (4) model. Choice of materials was justified with elucidation of non-significant replication mean sum of squares and significant effects due to lines, testers and hybrids. Among parents Arka Saurabh, Arka Vikas, Berika and Alisa Craig and amongst hybrids Arka Vikas × Berika considered best with insight of their per se performance and combining ability effects. Non-additive mode of inheritance was found for studied characters. Greater influence of lines concerning to total variance for leaf pigment, testers towards immature fruit pigment and for ripe fruit pigments was equally affected by lines and their interaction with tester. On heterosis components basis, Arka Saurabh × Pusa Ruby found to be supreme performing for leaf chlorophyll pigments. Similarly, Arka Alok × Patharkutchi for immature fruit chlorophyll pigments and Arka Vikas × Berika for lycopene and β-carotene content of firm ripe fruits.

6 tables, 22 ref

045067   SINCHANA J K, RAJ S K, GIRIJADEVI L (Agronomy Dep, Agriculture Coll, Thiruvananthapuram- 695 522, Kerala) : Nutrient uptake by crop and weed as influenced by the weed management practices in bush type vegetable cowpea, Vigna unguiculata sub sp. unguiculata (L.) Verdcourt. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 210-8.

Field experiment was carried out to study the effect of stale seed bed and weed management practices on nutrient uptake by weeds, nutrient uptake and green pod yield of bush type vegetable cowpea during Kharif season 2019 at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram. The experimental was conducted in randomized block design with two factors viz., factor A - seed bed preparation with two treatments and factor B -weed management practices with eight treatments in three replications. Stale seed bed recorded the lowest total weed dry weight, NPK uptake by weeds and the highest NPK uptake by crop and green pod yield. Among the weed management practices, dried banana leaf mulch @ 10 t ha^-1 fb quizalofop -p-ethyl @ 50 g ha^-1 on 25 DAS recorded the lowest total weed dry weight, NPK uptake by weeds and the highest total N and P uptake by crop and green pod yield (7589.0 kg ha^-1). Pre emergence diclosulam @ 12.5 g ha^-1 fb hand weeding at 25 DAS recorded the highest K uptake by crop. Interaction effect revealed that the stale seed bed + dried banana leaf mulch @ 10 t ha^-1 fb quizalofop -p ethyl @ 50 g ha^-1 on 25 DAS recorded the highest N and P uptake by crop, number of pods per plant, pod weight and green pod yield. The lowest weed dry weight and the lowest NPK uptake by weeds was registered in stale seed bed + pre emergence application of diclosulam @ 12.5 g ha^-1 fb hand weeding at 25 DAS.

3 tables, 27 ref

045066   THAKUR P K, PANJA P, KABIR J, DHUA R S (Post Harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal) : Studies on shelf life of sauerkraut. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 204-9.

One of the most important fermented products prepared from cabbage known as Sauerkraut. After completion of fermentation, i.e., 21 days it was subjected to potassium metabisulphite and pasteurization and stored in ambient (25-300 C) and low temperature (6-80 C) with different treatments. In sauerkraut compared to fresh cabbage, pH decreased while TSS, acidity, lactic acid and ascorbic acid increased. Subsequently on 14th day, pH of T₁ , T₂ and T₄ increased and thereafter on 21st day decreased marginally. TSS of fresh sauerkraut (7.80 Brix) increased upto 14th day in T1 (8.80 Brix). Acidity (0.87 %) of fresh sauerkraut was higher than fresh cabbage but in storage on 7^th day it decreased in all treatments except in T₄ , which increased upto 14th day (1.28 %) than decreased on 21st day (0.41 %). The pattern changes of lactic acid were similar to acidity. Ascorbic acid of KMS treatment remained higher compared to pasteurization. The scoring of T₂ and T₄ indicated that colour and texture on 21st day was good and also on 63rd day (4.00 and 5.95 respectively). Thus at low temperature irrespective of pasteurization and KMS treatments sauerkraut quality and shelf life could be increased. Among the low temperature treatments, T₄ was comparatively better than T₂ as revealed from chemical quality and sensory score.

7 tables, 24 ref

045065   MOTE K, GOKAVI N (Central Coffee Research Institute, Chikkamagaluru– 577 117, Karnataka) : Performance of hydrogel on post planting behavior of young coffee cv. CXR. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 197-203.

A field trial was conducted to know the effect of hydrogel on growth, survival and performance of young coffee seedlings (cv. CX R) under field condition. Prior to planting in the main field seedlings were exposed to the hydrogel at polybag stage and the best performed treatment seedlings were taken for planting in the main field. At polybagstage, among the different levels of hydrogel,seedlings received hydrogel 1 gm/ per polybag performed well compared to rest of the treatments. At field, observation on growth parameters showed significant difference among the different levels of hydrogel. Similarly, data on soil moisture and relative water contents (leaf) indicated that experiment plot planted with the seedlings which were pre-exposed to hydrogel 1 gram per polybag/ seedling at nursery level recorded higher soil moisture and relative water contents as compared to plots planted with normal seedlings. Further, among the different levels of hydrogel applied at main field, plants received hydrogel10 g/plant/year registered significantly higher soil moisture (20.04, 18.54 and 17.24 %) and relative water contents (77.58, 75.64 and 70.97 % ) followed by plants received hydrogel 5 g plant-1 year^-1 ( 18.38, 16.75 and 15.29 % and 74.31, 70.94 and 68.85 % ),respectively during all the month of observation. Interaction effect showed higher soil moisture and relative water contents in seedling treated with hydrogel [1 g poly bag-1 (Seedling)] with plants received hydrogel 10 g plant-1 year^-1 at main field. So it can be concluded that application of hydrogel conserved water thereby increasing the soil’s capacity for water storage, ensuring more available water, relative water content in leaves and plant growth increased under water stress condition.

2 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

046493   SAMMAURIA R, MEENA O P, YADAV M R, GUPTA K C, GUPTA A K, YADAV H L (Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Jaipur- 302 018, Email: ompmeena@rediffmail.com) : Crop diversification of predominant pearl millet based cropping system for higher productivity, resource-use efficiency and profitability in semi-arid Rajasthan. Legum Res 2020, 43(4), 568-72.

Continuous adoption of pearl millet-wheat cropping system led to reduction in productivity which put a serious threat to its sustainability in semi-arid eastern plain zone of Rajasthan, India. Crop diversification with wider choice with a variety of crops is being promoted as an alternative to profit maximization with enhanced soil fertility status. Therefore, a long term experiment was initiated to evaluate the production potential, sustainability, resource-use efficiency and economics of nine pearl millet based cropping systems. Result revealed that system productivity in terms of pearl millet equivalent yield (PMEY) was highest (30488 kg ha^-1) with groundnut-wheat-cluster bean-onion crop rotation. Moreover, groundnut-wheat-cluster bean-onion recorded the highest SYI and land use efficiency (0.65 and 73.97 %) followed by pearl millet-wheat-cluster bean-barley sequence (0.63 and 65.75 %). The groundnut-wheat-cluster bean-onion also generated highest number of man days/ha/year (405). The highest values of organic carbon were found under green grammustard-pearl millet-lentil and cluster bean-pea-pearl millet-lentil. The maximum value of available P was recorded with cluster beanmustard-green gram-garden cress followed by the groundnut-wheat-cluster bean-onion sequence. Available K decreased significantly from their initial values in all the cropping systems except groundnut-wheat-cluster bean-onion crop rotation. Among the various systems, groundnut-wheat-cluster bean-onion realized the highest net returns ( `213000 ha<sup>-1</sup>), followed by pearl millet-wheat-cluster bean-barley (`163254 ha^-1). Overall, it can be concluded that under the semi-arid agro climatic conditions of Rajasthan, groundnutwheat-cluster bean-onion, followed by pearl millet-wheat-cluster bean-barley, were more productive, sustainable, resource use efficient and remunerative than other cropping systems.

4 tables, 18 ref

045064   SAINI K S, BRAR N S, WALIA S S, SACHDEV P A (Agronomy Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana- 141 004, Punjab) : Effect of planting techniques, plant densities and different depths of sowing on production economics, water and sugar productivity of sugarbeet. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 190-6.

An experiment was conducted in Factorial RBD with three replications during rabi season, 2013-14 and 2014-15 at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to evaluate the effect of planting techniques, plant densities and depths of sowing on production economics, water productivity and sugar productivity of sugarbeet under subtropical conditions. Nine planting techniques corresponding to plant population and two sowing depths were evaluated. A monogerm SZ-35 cultivar of sugarbeet was used in the study. In flat sown treatments, row to row spacing was 50 cm, whereas it was 60 cm under ridge sowing. Under bed planting, the beds are 67.5 cm wide with 37.5 cm top of bed. Two depths of sowing i.e 2-3 cm and 4-5 cm were evaluated in the study. The depths of post sowing irrigations were kept 7.5 cm under flat sown, 6 cm under ridge sown and 5 cm under bed sown crop. All other agronomic practices were kept uniform in all treatments. Planting two rows on bed with planting density of 1.23 lakh plants ha^-1 recorded maximum production efficiency (2.98 q ha^-1day^-1and 2.58 q ha^-1 day^-1), monetary efficiency (Rs 314 ha^-1day^-1 and Rs 208 ha^-1day^-1) and sugar productivity (9.65 t ha^-1 and 8.62 t ha^-1), which was at par with planting two rows on both side of ridge with planting density of 1.23 lakh plants ha^-1 and significantly higher than rest of the treatment. Significantly higher water productivity (11.03 kg m^-3and 10.63 kg m^-3) was also recorded under same treatment. Sowing depth of 2-3 cm recorded higher production efficiency, monetary efficiency, water and sugar productivity than sowing depth of 4-5 cm in both the years, however, no significant difference was recorded between the depths of sowing. So, to realize maximum production efficiency, monetary efficiency, water productivity and sugar productivity from sugarbeet cultivation under subtropical conditions, planting sugarbeet as two rows on beds with planting density 1.23 lakh plants ha^-1 and planting depth 2-3 cm is most viable option.

1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

046492   GHOSH A (Agricultural Meteorology and Physics Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia- 741 252, Email: ghoshargha4@gmail.com) : Assessing the impact of agro-climatic factors on pod filling of grass pea. Legum Res 2020, 43(4), 563-7.

Field experiments were conducted for two successive years with grass pea (cv. ‘Prateek’) sown on nine dates at weekly interval at Instructional Farm (22°58' N, 88°31' E), Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India to investigate the impact of agroclimatic factors on pod filling of grass pea. Results showed that pod filling percentage (PFP) increased with delay in sowing dates, attaining the highest value (96.7 %) in crop sown on 30th November, beyond which it decreased gradually with further delay in sowing. Maximum and minimum temperatures, morning and afternoon soil temperatures, recorded at 5, 15 and 30 cm soil depths, morning and afternoon vapour pressure deficits at pre-flowering phase exhibited negative association and contrarily, when prevailing during reproductive and pod development phases, these parameters demonstrated positive correlation with PFP. Temperature range during reproductive phase increased with delay in sowing dates and it exhibited significant positive correlation with PFP. As demonstrated by stepwise regression analysis, Accumulated photothermal unit (APTU) prevailing at maturity phase alone accounted for 67.4 % of the total variation in PFP and together with temperature range it explained 91.3 % variation. APTU, temperature range, afternoon vapour pressure deficit and afternoon soil temperature seem to be the critical agroclimatic variables influencing the pod filling percentage significantly.

3 illus, 6 tables, 13 ref

045063   SINGH H, BANYAL S K (Fruit Science Dep, Horticulture and Forestry Univ, Neri- 177 001, Himachal Pradesh) : Effect of dormancy breaking chemicals, garlic extract and summer pruning on the cropping behaviour of low chilling peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch). J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 181-9.

The present investigation on the effect of dormancy breaking chemicals, garlic extract and summer pruning on the cropping behavior of low chilling peach was carried out in the experimental farm of Department of Fruit Science. The study was conducted on Glohaven and Royal Paradelux peach cultivars planted at a spacing of 2×2m. In the experiment, dormancy breaking chemicals comprised of 12 treatments including control were applied on 24th December and 1st January. The vegetative parameters, flowering, fruiting parameters and biochemical parameters were observed in all the treated plants and were compared to untreated control. The results of the study indicated that bud break, full bloom, yield, fruit set, retention, length, diameter, weight, TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid and sugar content were found best with treatment dormex @ 3 %.

4 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

045062   ANAND S R, MURTHY N, LINGAPPA B S (Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bengaluru- 560 065, Karnataka) : Evaluation of pre and post emergence herbicides for weed control in rice bean (Vigna umbellata) crop under rain-fed condition. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 176-80.

The experiment was conducted for three years during Kharif season 2015-2017 using pre- and post-emergent weedicides along with manual weed control methods at Main Agricultural Research Station, Hebbal, Bangalore, Karnataka. The pooled data of three years indicated that, weed free check and hand weeding twice at 3^rd and 5^th Weeks After Sowing (WAS) were found superior by recording significantly lower weed count, weed dry weight and weed control efficiency. Among the herbicides, application of pendimethalin 38.7 % CS 1.0 kg a.i. ha^-1 as Pre-emergence + one hand weeding at 5th WAS recorded lower weed count, weed dry weight and weed control efficiency followed by application of oxyfluorfen 23.5 EC 50 g a.i. ha^-1 as Pre-emergence + one hand weeding at 5 WAS. However, plant height, numbers of branches plant^-1, number of pods plant^-1 were significantly higher with weed free check which was on par with integrated weed management of application of pendimethalin 38.7 % CS 1.0 kg a.i. ha1 as Pre-emergence + hand weeding at 5^th WAS and hand weeding twice at 3rd and 5th WAS. With respect to economics, higher net returns and B:C ratio were found in application of pendimethalin 38.7 % CS 1.0 kg a.i. ha^-1as pre-emergence + hand weeding at 5th WAS followed by application of oxyfluorfen 23.5 EC 50 g a.i./ha as Pre-emergence + hand weeding at 5 WAS (2.61). None of the herbicides alone treatments were found effective in controlling all the types of weeds. Whereas, pre-emergence application followed by one hand weeding at 3rd week after sowing proved better for controlling weeds. The post emergent herbicides viz., fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (9 % EC) 50g a.i. ha^-1post- emergence (3 WAS) and quizalofop-p-ethyl (5 % EC) 50g a.i. ha^-1 post- emergence (3WAS) did not give significant result when compared to pre emergence weedicides alone.

1 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

046491   DOODHWAL K, YADAV B L, YADAV M, CHOUDHARY M (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, S.K.N. Agriculture Univ, Jobner- 303 329, Email: kiran94doodhwal@gmail.com) : Impact of sodium and iron levels on yield, nutrient content and uptake by cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). Legum Res 2020, 43(4), 558-62.

A pot experiment was conducted to see the effect of sodicity and iron levels on cowpea. Four levels of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) 10, 15, 20, 25 and iron (Fe) control, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg Fe ha^-1) were tested in completely randomized design with three replications. The results indicated that application of soil sodicity having SAR 15 recorded the maximum yield, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake and nitrogen uptake of cowpea over rest of the treatments. Application of Fe 20 kg ha^-1 recorded the maximum and significantly higher yield, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake of cowpea over rest of the treatments. Among the treatment combinations combined application of SAR 15 with Fe @ +20 FeSo₄ .7H₂O) proved superior in all these parameters over other treatments.

6 tables, 22 ref

045061   GUPTA N (SKUAST, Jammu- 181 143, J&K) : Evaluation of quality attributes of phalsa blended squash during storage. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 171-5.

A study was aimed to standardize the protocol for preparation of phalsa blended squash. The investigation was conducted at Rainfed Research Sub-Station for Sub-Tropical Fruits (RRSS), SKUAST-J, Raya, Samba, J&K, UT. Phalsa and guava pulp were blended in the ratio of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50, respectively. The processed products were stored at room temperature and subjected to chemical, microbial and sensory evaluation at an interval of one month for a period of three months. With the advancement of storage period, an increasing trend was observed in TSS, reducing and total sugar content; however; a decreasing trend was observed in titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content during the three months of storage period. In blended phalsa-guava squash, no microbial count was observed in all the treatment combinations during the three months of storage period. However, the blended squash prepared from treatment T4 (Phalsa:Guava::70:30) was adjudged the best on the basis of overall acceptability.

1 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

045060   NISSAR R, GANAI M A, HUSSAIN A (Agronomy Dep, SKUAST-Kashmir, Wadura- 193 201, J&K) : Efficacy of different nitrogen levels and herbicides on weed dynamics in basmati rice under temperate conditions of Kashmir valley. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 166-70.

A Field experiment was conducted at Mountain Research Center for Field Crops (MRCFC), Khudwani, during Kharif 2018 on silty clay loam soil to evaluate three nitrogen levels(0, 45 & 90 kg N ha^-1 )and five weed management practices. Florpyrauxifenbenzyl (Rinskor, W₁ ) @ 31.25 ml ha^-1 and penoxsulam (Granite 240 SC, W₂ ) @ 22.5 g ha^-1were applied as early post emergence herbicides at 10 days after transplanting (DAT), and pyrazosulfuron-ethyl @ 60 g ha^-1 + pretilachlor @ 300 g ha^-1 (Eros, W₃ ) as a pre-emergence herbicide at 3 DAT besides, weed free (W₄ ) and weedy check (W₅ ) were tested to ascertain the most effective nitrogen level and herbicide for control of weeds in basmati rice (Shalimar Sugandh 1). Nitrogen levels showed a non-significant effect on the weed densities however, 90 kg N ha^-1application resulted in highest weed dry matter and lowest weed index. Penoxsulam @ 22.5 g ha^-1 significantly controlled nearly all the weeds in basmati rice, followed by pyrazosulfuron-ethyl @ 60 g ha^-1 + pretilachlor @ 300 g ha^-1 and hence showed the highest weed control efficiency. Highest benefit-cost ratio (B:C)of 3.91 was realized with a combination of 90 kg N ha^-1 and penoxsulam application @ 22.5 g ha^-1.

3 tables, 15 ref

045059   MAHALANOBISH D, HORE J, ROY K (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia- 741 252, West Bengal) : Evaluation of treatment modules for managing scarring beetle, Basilepta subcostatum Jacoby infestation in banana. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 159-65.

A field experiment was conducted for the evaluation of some treatment modules against banana scarring beetle, Basilepta subcostatum Jacoby in banana cv. Martaman (Musa AAB) during 2017-2018 at the Banana Research Unit, ICAR-AICRP on Fruits, Mondouri, BCKV, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Five treatment modules comprising bioagent, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.- Criv.) Vuill. (1×109 cfu ml^-1) as soil drench application @ 1500 ml ha^-1 and as bunch spray @ 1500 ml ha^-1, chemical insecticides, chlorpyriphos 20EC @ 2000 ml ha^-1as soil drench application and acephate 75 SP @ 750 g ha^-1 along with APSA 80 (adjuvant) @ 200 ml ha^-1as bunch spray, mechanical practice of covering the bunches after insecticidal spray with 17 GSM white polypropylene bunch sleeve and untreated control were replicated four times. The experimental results revealed least number of scar per 20 cm2 leaf area and finger, least fruit injury (%), maximum number of fingers hand^-1 and hands bunch-¹ as well as maximum fruit yield (t ha^-1) in soil application of chlorpyriphos 20EC @ 2000ml ha^-1 + bunch spray with acephate 75SP @ 750g ha^-1 along with APSA 80 @ 200 ml ha^-1 followed by bunch wrapping with white polypropylene sleeve (T₁ ). Soil drenching with B. bassiana @ 1500 ml ha^-1 + bunch spray with acephate 75SP @ 750 g ha^-1 along with APSA 80 @ 200 ml ha^-1 just after first hand opening followed by bunch covering with white polypropylene sleeve and bioagent + mechanical practice module i.e. application of B. bassiana @ 1500 ml ha-1 once as soil drench and other as bunch spray just at the time of flag leaf emergence followed by bunch covering with white polypropylene sleeve were found at par with the chemical insecticides+ mechanical practice module (T₁ ) but superior to insecticidal check (T₄ ) and untreated check when compared based on afore-mentioned variables. Incremental monetary benefit due to treatment execution was maximum in soil application of chlorpyriphos 20EC @ 2000 ml ha^-1 + bunch spraying with acephate 75SP @ 750 g ha^-1 along with APSA 80 @ 200 ml ha^-1 just after first hand opening (T₄ ) and was trailed by the T₁, T₂ (bioagent + insecticide + mechanical practice module) and T₃ (bioagent + mechanical practice module). Considering environmental and human health perspective, bioagent + mechanical practice module could be a promising and economic alternative if bunch sleeves are made available at low cost.

3 tables, 21 ref

045059   MAHALANOBISH D, HORE J, ROY K (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia- 741 252, West Bengal) : Evaluation of treatment modules for managing scarring beetle, Basilepta subcostatum Jacoby infestation in banana. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 159-65.

A field experiment was conducted for the evaluation of some treatment modules against banana scarring beetle, Basilepta subcostatum Jacoby in banana cv. Martaman (Musa AAB) during 2017-2018 at the Banana Research Unit, ICAR-AICRP on Fruits, Mondouri, BCKV, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Five treatment modules comprising bioagent, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.- Criv.) Vuill. (1×109 cfu ml^-1) as soil drench application @ 1500 ml ha^-1 and as bunch spray @ 1500 ml ha^-1, chemical insecticides, chlorpyriphos 20EC @ 2000 ml ha^-1as soil drench application and acephate 75 SP @ 750 g ha^-1 along with APSA 80 (adjuvant) @ 200 ml ha^-1as bunch spray, mechanical practice of covering the bunches after insecticidal spray with 17 GSM white polypropylene bunch sleeve and untreated control were replicated four times. The experimental results revealed least number of scar per 20 cm2 leaf area and finger, least fruit injury (%), maximum number of fingers hand^-1 and hands bunch-¹ as well as maximum fruit yield (t ha^-1) in soil application of chlorpyriphos 20EC @ 2000ml ha^-1 + bunch spray with acephate 75SP @ 750g ha^-1 along with APSA 80 @ 200 ml ha^-1 followed by bunch wrapping with white polypropylene sleeve (T₁ ). Soil drenching with B. bassiana @ 1500 ml ha^-1 + bunch spray with acephate 75SP @ 750 g ha^-1 along with APSA 80 @ 200 ml ha^-1 just after first hand opening followed by bunch covering with white polypropylene sleeve and bioagent + mechanical practice module i.e. application of B. bassiana @ 1500 ml ha-1 once as soil drench and other as bunch spray just at the time of flag leaf emergence followed by bunch covering with white polypropylene sleeve were found at par with the chemical insecticides+ mechanical practice module (T₁ ) but superior to insecticidal check (T₄ ) and untreated check when compared based on afore-mentioned variables. Incremental monetary benefit due to treatment execution was maximum in soil application of chlorpyriphos 20EC @ 2000 ml ha^-1 + bunch spraying with acephate 75SP @ 750 g ha^-1 along with APSA 80 @ 200 ml ha^-1 just after first hand opening (T₄ ) and was trailed by the T₁, T₂ (bioagent + insecticide + mechanical practice module) and T₃ (bioagent + mechanical practice module). Considering environmental and human health perspective, bioagent + mechanical practice module could be a promising and economic alternative if bunch sleeves are made available at low cost.

3 tables, 21 ref

045058   RATH S, GULATI J M L (Orissa Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751 003, Odisha) : Impact of different land configuration and cultivars on growth and yield of green gram during summer season in the coastal plain of Odisha. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 155-8.

A field study on impact of land configuration, cultivar and nutrient management practices on green gram was carried out on sandy loam soil of Agronomy Main Research farm, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology during summer 2016. The result revealed that on an average sowing of green gram on flatbed land configuration was superior over raised bed with respect to all the characters except plant height, and sowing of variety PDM 139 on flat beds was significantly superior with respect to number of pod plant-1 (35) and seed yield (423.75 kg ha^-1). Nutrient management practice based on STCR equations significantly yielded more (455.29 kg ha^-1) than the other treatments. It was also associated with higher yield attributing characters.

4 tables, 13 ref

045057   HALDER S, SAHA A K, GHOSH S, HASAN M A (Fruit Science Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal) : Qualitative and quantitative characterization of off-season mango cultivars in some districts of West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 147-54.

The research work was carried out during 2015-2017 with the objective to characterize ‘off season’ mango cultivars of West Bengal based on 26 morphological characters which will help in tree improvement programme. Characterization of cultivars depending on morphological traits is the quickest and easily adoptable method for identification of cultivars at the field level which is necessary for tree improvement programme. Floral biology and leaf characteristics of different off-season mango cultivars are the key stone for determining the performance and yield of a particular variety. In case of mango hermaphrodite flower directly increase fruit set percentage. Leaf fragrance of mango is found to be directly correlated with fruit flavor. Flowering is the most important physiological phenomenon that influences the production and productivity of a mango cultivar. In West Bengal, the peak flowering period for off season mango is 2-3 weeks that resides in the month of April to June. Based on the present studies, it is concluded that Devdas is exhibiting highest flower duration (30 days) among all the other cultivars and Chine has the highest hermaphrodite flower (56.87%) followed by Sada Vastara (51.83%). The leaves of Dutta Dofala has highly strong fragrant followed by Kalo Vastara which has strong fragrance. Depending on the similarity matrix table based on 26 morphological characters, Chine Dofala is showing a significant 36% dissimilarity with Dutta Dofala. So, Chine Dofala and Dutta Dofala can be used as parents in mango hybridization proramme to have a variety with greater yield along with fruit aroma.

1 illus, 6 tables, 3 ref

045056   CHOUDHARY K, DHAKARE B B, MEENA N K (Fruit Science Dep, Horticulture & Forestry Coll, Kota- 326 023, Rajasthan) : Vegetative and quality parameters of custard apple as affected by pruning intensities and time. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 139-46.

The experiment was aimed to investigate the effect of pruning intensities on custard apple growth and quality. The eight year old custard apple trees selected. The pruning was done at 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after leaf fall and on main shoot, subsequent secondary and tertiary shoots on whole plant from top to end with different intensities i.e. tip pruning, pruning at 30 , 45, 60, 75, 90 cm and control. Among the treatments significantly maximum shoot length at last harvest (55.58 cm) was recorded in 90 cm pruning intensity at 45 days after leaf fall (D₂ P₆ ). Among the treatments significantly maximum number of flowers shoot-1 (9.12), maximum fruit set (73.5 %), average number of fruits (98.27) and fruit yield (23.75 kg tree^-1) were found in 30 cm pruning intensity at 45 days after leaf. Maximum fruit size at polar (10.04 cm) and equatorial diameter (10.32 cm), average weight of fruit (333.67 g) and minimum stony fruit per cent (7.72 %) were found in treatment combination D2 P6 . In case of quality contributing characters maximum pulp (55.68 %), minimum seed (6.34 %), and seed: pulp ratio (0.13) was found in treatment combination D₂ P₆ . As compared to other treatments higher TSS content (25.07 %) was recorded in in treatment combination D₂ P₄ .

1 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

045055   GURUNG N, BARMAN D, SARKAR S, TAMANG D (ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Station Kalimpong- 734 301, West Bengal) : Evaluation of Darjeeling mandarin on different rootstocks of citrus in Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills of West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 135-8.

An experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Regional Station, Kalimpong to evaluate the performance of Darjeeling mandarin on different rootstocks. Experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 7 treatments and 3 replications. Treatment details were T₁ - Trifoliate orange T₂ - Rough Lemon, T₃ - Rangpur Lime, T₄ - Sour Orange, T₅ - Soh Sarkar, T₆ - Carrizo Citrange, T₇ - Taiwanica. With regard to budding success, Treatments T₂ , T₃ , T₄ , T₅ , T₇ were on par at 5 % level of significance whereas lowest budding success (61.00 %) was observed in T6 (Carrizo citrange). Highest rootstock length (12.06 cm), scion length (23.01 cm), number of leaves (15.77 cm) was recorded in Rough lemon which was found to be on par with Rangpur lime at 90 DAB (Days after budding). Maximum graft diameter (1.38 cm), shoot diameter (1.14 cm), shoot length (44.01) and leaves/plant (60.12) was recorded in Rough lemon at 180 DAB (Days after budding). The rootstocks rough lemon and rangpur lime were found to show vigorous effect on Darjeeling mandarin.

1 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

046489   REZAIE M A, PASARI B, MOHAMMADI, ROKHZADI A, KARAMI E (Agronomy and Plant Breeding Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Sanandaj, Iran, Email: bpasary@yahoo.com) : Study the effect of mycorrizal fungi¸chitosan and cycocel on agronomic characteristics of rainfed Chickpea. Legum Res 2020, 43(4), 546-51.

This experiment was conducted as split-split plot in a randomized complete block design in two consecutive years (2016-2017) in rainfed conditions of Iran. The main plot consisted of mycorrhiza inoculations (uninoculation: control and inoculation) by Glomus intraradices and sub plot involved chitosan application (0, 0.5 and 1 gr/lit) and sub-subplots were foliar application of cycocel (0, 0.5 and 1 gr/lit). The results showed that the number of infertile pods was influenced by chitosan, cycocel, interactions of mycorrhiza × cycocel and chitosan × cycocel in the first year. Also in the first year, the number of fertilized pods and seed yield was also affected by the interaction of mycorrhiza × cycocel and increased by mycorrhiza × cyocel (1 gr/l) compared to the control by 23.35 and 24.05 %, respectively. The protein percentage in the second year was also significantly affected by the interaction of chitosan × cycocel.

5 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

045054   BAKSHI P, SINHA A, BASU D (Agricultural Extension Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal) : Indigenous technical knowledge in processing of date palm juice and its implications on livelihood in Nadia district of West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 130-4.

Silver date palm, Phoenix sylvestris, also known as Khejur Palm, is one of the most important sugar-producing plants in West Bengal. In West Bengal, P. sylvestris grows naturally in fallow lands, pond bank, agricultural field, and homestead, mostly in a neglected condition. The tapping of the Silver date palm is an age-old practice in rural West Bengal, and it is of considerable importance due to its contribution to the rural economy. Some Palm species can produce sap round the year, but P. sylvestris produces sap seasonally. This study was conducted in Nadia district of West Bengal to study the present status of Phoenix sylvestris plants in rural areas, to find out the Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) regarding tapping and processing of sap and to access the livelihood of plant owners and tappers. Further, the problems faced by the date palm plant owners and tappers were studied to suggest recommendations for the improvement of their livelihoods where the tapping and harvesting of sap were performed entirely by the male members. In contrast,both sexes performed planting, processing of sap, and maintenance of palms.The contribution to family income from wild date palm among different categories of farmers ranges from 9.4 – 28 percent.

5 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

046488   CHOUDHARY R, KUSHWAH S S, SHARMA R K, KACHOULI B K (Vegetable Science Dep, Horticulture Coll, Mandsaur- 458 002, Email: kushwahhort@gmail.com) : Effect of sowing dates on growth, flowering and yield of Indian bean varieties under agroclimatic conditions of Malwa Plateau in Madhya Pradesh. Legum Res 2020, 43(4), 539-45.

A field experiment was carried out at research field, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (M.P.) during kharif season, 2018-19. Twenty treatment combinations comprising of four dates of sowing (D₁ - 20^th July, D₂ - 5^th August, D₃ - 20^th August and D₄ - 5^th September) and five varieties (V₁ - Arka Vijay, V₂ - Konkan Bhushan, V₃ - Arka Visthar, V₄ - Arka Adarsh and V₅ - Arka Prasidhi) were evaluated in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The findings of the investigation revealed that among the dates of sowing, D₁ (20^th July) recorded significantly higher growth parameters, yield parameters and yield. There was highest protein content, dry matter content and fibre content in edible pods under D₁ (20^th July) and lowest with D₄ (5^th September) date of sowing. Earliest first flowering, 50 % flowering and first picking of pod was noted with D₄ (5^th September) date of sowing. Among the varieties, variety V₃ (Arka Visthar) showed superiority for growth parameters and yield parameters viz., number of spikes plant^-1(116.21), pod width (23.04 mm), weight of 10 pods (96.19 g), pod yield plant^-1 (2579.1 g), pod yield ha^-1 (339.6 q) and harvest index (39.4 %). Earliest first flowering (41.5 days) and first picking (63.7 days) was observed with V₂ (Konkan Bhushan). Highest spike length (31.49 cm) was measured with variety V₂ (Konkan Bhushan). Highest pod length (14.05 cm) and number of pods plant^-1 (340.6) were recorded with variety V₅ (Arka Prasidhi). Highest protein content (2.80 %), fibre content (1.94 %) and dry matter content (16.20 %) were obtained under the variety V₁ (Arka Vijay).

4 tables, 26 ref

045053   RANI P S, MENON M V, SINDHU P V (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thrissur- 680 656, Kerala) : Germination ecology of Sacciolepis interrupta (Willd). Stapf. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 122-9.

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of seasonal variations, seed treatments, temperature and light, and also the influence of different field condition, method of propagation and depth of seed burial on the germination, and development behavior of Sacciolepis interrupta. The weed possesses a high level of innate dormancy, and seeds were found to be dormant from September to April. The peak period of germination was found to be the 3rd and 4th weeks of June. Different seed treatments failed to break the dormancy in the off-season period, while in June, treatment with concentrated sulphuric acid resulted in highest germination percentage. Higher temperature of 38o C and continuous light for a period of 14 days resulted in highest germination percentage of 68 %. Seeds, culm cuttings and root clumps had equal regeneration capacity. Continuous submergence was found to be ideal for seed germination. The emergence from surface sown seeds in pots was >70 % and the emergence declined with increase in seeding depth. The present study, together with information on weed seed bank dynamics could be exploited for developing strategies for control and management of this weed.

3 illus, 5 tables, 28 ref

045052   KUMAR R, PUNAM, SETH M (Agronomy Dep, Forages and Grassland Management, Palampur- 176 062, Himachal Pradesh) : Productivity and profitability of legume based cropping systems grown under organic conditions in mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 117-21.

Field experiment was conducted at Model Organic Farm of Department of Organic Agriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur during kharif and rabi season of 2012-13 and 2013-14 on silty clay loam soil to study the productivity and profitability of legume based cropping systems grown under organic conditions. The cropping sequence mash – garlic resulted in higher soybean equivalent yield (SEY) and benefit: cost ratio, which was statistically at par with soybean – garlic and cowpea – garlic sequences in kharif legume – rabi vegetable based cropping system whereas in kharif vegetable – rabi legume based cropping system, okra – gram recorded higher okra equivalent yield (OEY). OEY was statistically at par with chilli – gram cropping sequence. Higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio was recorded in chilli – gram sequence.

4 tables, 6 ref

045051   DUTTA A, BHATTACHARYA P K (Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal) : Impact of seed film coating polymers on growth, yield and seed quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.). J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 113-6.

The experiment was conducted during 2016 and 2017 to study the effect of film coating polymers on growth, yield and seed quality of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety MTU 1010. Experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design with four replications. Four treatments viz.T₁ (treatment with water + Thiram), T₂ (Polymer DISCO AG SP RED L-200 + Thiram + Carboxine), T₃ (Polymer DISCO AG SP RED L-200 +Thiram+ Genious coat) and T₄ (Polymer DISCO AG SP RED L-200 + Thiram + Quick roots or Mycorriza) were compared with control T0 (no treatment). It was revealed that highest seed yield in terms of kg ha^-1 was recorded in T₄ (Polymer DISCO AG SP RED L-200 +Thiram+ Quick roots or Mycorriza) (5100.0 kg ha^-1) followed by T₃ (Polymer DISCO AG SP RED L-200 +Thiram+ Genious coat) (5054.2 kg ha^-1). Among the seed quality parameters under storage, germination percentage was highest in T₄ (93.5) but with increase of storage period germination percentage decreased significantly. Seeds treated with T₄ also recorded maximum viable seeds (98.4%), maximum seedling length (26.4 cm) and vigour index value (2467.6). Considering seed yield and seed quality parameters, T₄ (Polymer DISCO AG SP RED L-200 +Thiram+ Quick roots or Mycorriza) appears to be ideal among thetreatments for quality seed production in rice.

2 tables, 4 ref

045050   RAMULU C, REDDY P R R, NARSAIAH E (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal- 506 007, Telangana) : Effect of nitrogen levels on yield and nutrient uptake of kharif rice (Oryza sativa L.) under different establishment methods. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 106-12.

A research experiment was conducted on rice during kharif-2015,2016 and 2017 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal (Telangana) under different establishment methods (machine transplanting, conventional transplanting, drum seeding and broadcasting) with three nitrogen levels (120,160 and 200 kg ha^-1) to evaluate suitable establishment method to ensure timely planting with optimum age of seedlings with matching quantity of nitrogen requirement to rice crop to enhance grain production. The results indicated that machine transplanting found significantly higher grain yield(5345 kg ha^-1), straw yield(6305 kg ha^-1) and total N, P, K uptake of 121, 21.91, 104 kg ha^-1, respectively over other establishment methods. Among different nitrogen levels 160 kg N ha^-1 recorded significantly higher grain yield (4838 kg ha^-1), straw yield(6109 kg ha^-1) and total N, P, K uptake of 121, 20.09, 98 kg ha^-1, respectively over 120 and 200 kg N ha^-1. The grain yield, straw yield, total N, P, K and micronutrients uptake (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) were found higher by machine transplanting combined with 160 kg N ha-¹ over rest of establishment methods with nitrogen levels. The net income (Rs.64, 587) as well as B:C ratio (3.1:1) was maximum with machine transplanting closely followed by broadcasting (1:3.0).

6 illus, 9 ref

045049   BHATTACHARJEE A, SAHA T, DEBNATH S (Fruit Science Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal) : Use of leguminous cover crop and banana bio-mat mulch for quality production of guava cv. Sardar (L-49). J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 100-5.

The experiment was carried out at ICAR-AICRP on Fruits, BCKV during 2016-17 to investigate the effects of leguminous cover crop (LCC)+banana bio-mat mulch (BBM, webbed leaf sheath of banana) and black polythene mulch (BPM) on growth, yield and fruit quality of 3 years old guava plant cv. Sardar (L-49), compared with conventional practice (CP, no LCC & BBM) as control. Treatments with LCC+BBM and BPM showed significantly better plant growth, yield and fruit quality of guava over control. The plants recorded increase in height (142.74 %) and girth (122.73 %) due to LCC+BBM treatments over control, while BPM treatment recorded increase in canopy volume (494.87 %) over control. Maximum yield (26.53 kg plant-1) with an increase of 7.84 kg plant-1 over control and improvement of quality of fruit were recorded due to BPM and LCC+BBM and the effects of both the treatments were statistically at par. The estimated benefit:cost ratio was higher (3.15) due to LCC+BBM, compared to BPM(3.09). Both LCC and BBM were bio-degradable and added organic matter and nutrients to the soil, suppressed weed growth and conserved soil moisture, while the BMP was effective for weed growth suppression and moisture conservation but was non-degradable and could not add organic matter and nutrients to soil. Therefore, leguminous cover crop + banana bio-mat (webbed leaf sheath) was recommended as an eco-friendly, viable and organic mulching practice for better plant growth, yield and fruit quality of guava grown in the Gangetic Alluvial region of West Bengal.

5 tables, 31 ref

045048   UNNIKRISHNAN D, GIRIJADEVI L, RAJ S K (Agronomy Dep, Agriculture Coll, Thiruvananthapuram- 695 522, Kerala) : Influence of seed hydropriming on establishment of upland rice, Oryza sativa L. in coconut garden. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 95-9.

Hydropriming is a promising cost effective strategy that aids farmers to attain a better yield by sorting out the challenges of poor stand establishment. An experiment was conducted at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during kharif 2018 in a Randomised Block Design with ten treatments in three replications. The objective of the study was to find out the most cost-effective crop establishment technique for upland rice and to assess its impact on growth and yield of rice. The treatments comprised of line sowing dry and hydroprimed seeds @ 60 kg ha^-1, broadcasting dry, hydroprimed and pre-germinated seeds @ 80 and 100 kg ha^-1 and thomba method of planting at two different spacing (15× 10 cm and 20 × 10 cm). Broadcasting hydroprimed seeds at 80 kg ha^-1 recorded significantly maximum number of tillers (562.33) at harvest and registered high values for the yield attributes; the highest grain yield ha-¹and B:C ratio. The study revealed that broadcasting hydroprimed seeds @ 80 kg ha^-1 with a grain yield of 3900.7 kg ha^-1 and B: C ratio of 1.72 is the cost-effective crop establishment technique for upland kharif rice in coconut garden.

4 tables, 12 ref

045048   SETHI K, DASH M, TRIPATHY P (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Odisha Univ of Agriculture and Technolog, Bhubaneswar, Odisha) : Interaction between genotype and environment and its stability analysis in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.). J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 90-4.

The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of genotype × environment interaction in cashew genotypes for yield and its contributing characters, using the regression approach thereby determining stability over different years in a location. Results showed that considerable variations existed in yield within genotypes, years and genotype × year interactions. The genotype Goa-11/6 was found to be most stable over all the seven environments. The genotypes BH-85 is considered to be specifically adapted to favorable environment and genotype H-675 is considered stable for poor environments.

3 tables, 14 ref

045047   MAWLONG B, PANJA P, THAKUR P K, BHATTACHARJEE D, DHUA R S (Post Harvest Technology Dep, Bidhan Chandra KrishiViswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal) : Studies on preservation and shelf life of cut anthurium flower. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 82-9.

Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum Lind) is an internationally important cut flower for its virtue of color variation and long vase life which can contribute largely to the floriculture industry; making it the largest genus in the plant family Araceae. Cv. Tropical was collected and experiment was conducted under laboratory condition at the department of Post Harvest Technology, BCKV. Flowers were cut and they were weighed and subjected to preservative solution with freshly prepared comprising treatments [T₁ =Sucrose (2 %)+CA(200ppm), T₂ =Sucrose (2 %) +CA(200ppm)+HQS (200 ppm), T₃ =Sucrose (2 %)+CA(200ppm)+Al₂ S0₄ (200ppm), T₄ = Sucrose (2 %)+CA(200 ppm)+BA (50ppm), T₅ = Sucrose (2 %)+CA(200ppm)+HQS (200ppm)+BA(50ppm), T₆ = Sucrose (2 %)+CA(200ppm)+Al₂ S0₄ (200ppm)+BA(50ppm), T₇ =BA(50ppm) and T₈ =Distilled water] separately. All the treatments enhanced the keeping quality and vase life compare to the control ones. Among all the treatments T₄ resulted in increased uptake of water and total water loss. Increased fresh weight was maximum in T₅ load in turn extended vase life. T₂ showed maximum retention in spadix colour upto 17 days before blackening and glossiness for 19 days. Maximum vase life was observed in T₁ , T₂ and T₅ of 20 days. The lowest decrease in fresh weight was noticed with T₅ but it took maximum time. Percentage loss in weight and fresh weight loss is highest in T₁ . Blackening of spadix and blueing of spathe were start showing first in control at 8th day and in T₆ (13th day) respectively. It has been concluded that cut anthurium flower with T₅ delay the onset of flower senescence, maintained post-harvest quality and prolong the vase life compared to other treatments.

8 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

045046   SHARMA D, KUMAR V (Agricultural Economics Dep, CSKHPKV, Himachal Pradesh) : Identification and resource productivities of predominant farming systems in Himachal Pradesh, India. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 75-81.

The paper has attempted to identify the predominant farming systems along the resource productivities in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.The proposed study was constructed on the primary data collected from 160 sample households. Three stage random sampling technique was employed for selecting the sample households.The farming system derived its name from the farming component that contributed maximum share to the farm family income. Farming systems components of the district were examined for cereals, pulses, millets, oilseeds, vegetables, livestock, poultry and horticulture. Further, four predominant farming systems were identified namely, Cereals based farming system (FS-I), Vegetables based farming system (FS-II), Livestock based farming system (FS-III) and Fruits based farming system (FS-IV) by the income approach. The present study also carried out to monitor and assess the present scenario of resource productivities of different farming systems for improving the economic conditions of the farmers and to measure the contribution of specific factor in combination with other factors which were responsible for the change in the level of output. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the resource productivities and the elasticity coefficients were found highly significant in all the farming systems

7 tables, 5 ref

045045   TAPASWINI T, KUMAR N, MUKHERJEE S, MAJI A, BHATTACHARYYA P K (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep , Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal) : Association studies for yield and yield attributing traits of bread wheat, Triticum aestivum L.. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 67-74.

Forty-nine genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were screened at District farm, AB Block, B.C.K.V. situated at Kalyani in Nadia district of West Bengal during Rabi season for two years, i.e. 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 following Randomized Block Design. All the genotypes exhibited a considerable amount of variability for the parameters studied. PBW 744, UP 2940, DBW 187, HD 3219, K 1502 and WH 1201 were high yielding ones. A closer PCV & GCV was reported for all the characters except grain weight spike-1. High PCV, GCV, heritability, GA, GA % of mean was reported for the characters viz., days to heading, days to flowering, no of tillers plant-1, grain protein content and yield plant-1. The yield had a significant positive association with the number of tillers plant-1, number of grains spike-1 and test weight. The selection of genotypes may be done with the help of identified traits like the number of tillers plant-1 and test weight

6 tables, 15 ref

045044   KAUR S, SAINI M K, BAKSHI D (PAU Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur- 143 521, Punjab) : Effect of planting time, nitrogen application and planting geometries on growth and yield of citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt.) under sub-mountaineous region of Punjab. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 60-66.

A field experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur during two year crop cycles of 2013-14 and 2014-15 to find out the effect of date of planting, nitrogen application and planting geometries on the fresh herbage yield and essential oil yield of citronella under sub-mountaineous region of Punjab. The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design having three replications with three planting dates of citronella viz. September 30, October 15, October 30 in main plots, three nitrogen levels (50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) in sub-plots and three planting geometries viz. 60 ×45cm, 60×30cm, 45×45cm in sub-sub plots. The highest herbage yield and essential oil yield were recorded in October 30 which was statistically at par with October 15 and these treatments obtained higher herbage yield and essential oil yield than September 30 at each harvest during both the years of crop cycles. Also, higher fresh herbage yield and essential oil yield were recorded in crop raised with 150 kg N ha-1 which was statistically at par with 100 kg N ha-1 during each harvest of citronella. Among planting geometries, the highest fresh herbage yield and essential oil yield was observed in planting geometries of 60× 30cm, which was statistically at par with 45×45 cm and proved significantly superior to 60×45cm. Further, date of planting, nitrogen application and planting geometries did not cause significant variation in the oil concentration.

3 tables, 24 ref

045043   SENTHIVELU M, KUMARESAN D, JAYAMANI P (Pulses Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore- 641 003, Tamil Nadu) : Evolving agronomic and economically viable weed management methods for maximizing the weed control vis-à-vis the productivity of irrigated green gram (Vigna radiata L.). J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 52-9.

To evolve agronomic and economically viable weed management methods for maximum weed control efficiency vis-à-vis the higher productivity of irrigated upland greengram, field experiments were conducted during the consecutive years of kharif 2015 and 2016 at Millet Breeding Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The field experiments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated thrice with following weed control and weedy check treatments viz., T₁ -Pendimethalin 30EC @1.0kg a.i. ha^-1at 3 DAS,T₂ -Pendimethalin + Imazethapyr (ready-mix) 32EC @ 1.0kg a.i. ha^-1at 3 DAS, T₃ - T₁ + Quizalofop-ethyl 5EC @ 50g a.i. ha^-1at 15-20 DAS, T₄ - T₂ + Quizalofop-ethyl 5EC @50g a.i. ha^-1at 15-20 DAS, T₅ - T₁ + Imazethapyr 10SL @40g a.i. ha^-1at 15-20 DAS, T₆ - T₁ + Hand weeding at 30 DAS, T₇ - T₂ + Hand weeding at30 DAS, T₈ - Hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS and T₉ - Weedy check. Among the various weed control methods attempted under field experiments, the least weed count of 4.11 Nos. m^-2and weed dry weight of 36.5kg ha^-1 at harvest stage was recorded in hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS, and it was on par with the weed control methods of pendimethalin + imazethapyr (ready-mix) 32EC @ 1.0kg a.i. ha^-1at 3 DAS + hand weeding at 30 DAS followed by pendimethalin @1.0 kg ha^-1+ hand weeding at 30 DAS and significantly lesser than all the other weed control treatments.The maximum efficiency of weed control (87 %) at harvest stage and consequently the higher grain yield (1247 kg ha^-1) and gross return (` 60783 ha<sup>-1</sup>) was recorded in hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS, whereas the higher net return (` 31202 ha^-1) and benefit: cost ratio (2.13) was accounted in integrated weed control practice of pendimethalin + imazethapyr (ready-mix) @ 1.0kg a.i. ha-1 +hand weeding at 30 DAS, and it was on par with hand weeding twiceat 20 and 40 DAS, and pendimethalin @1.0kgha^-1+ hand weeding at 30 DAS. It was concluded from the two years of experimental results that, weed control methods comprising of application of either pendimethalin + imazethapyr (ready-mix) 32EC @ 1.0kg ha^-1or pendimethalin 30EC @1.0kg a.i. ha-1at 3 DAS followed by hand weeding at 30 DAS was the efficient and economically viable weed management practice for irrigated upland greengram. It was also concluded that under non-availability of labour for adopting hand weeding practice, pre-emergence application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr (ready-mix) 32EC @ 1.0kg ha^-1 at 3 DAS followed by early post-emergence application of quizalofop-ethyl 50g ha1 at 15-20 DAS could be adopted as an alternate weed control methods for maximizing the productivity of irrigated greengram.

4 tables, 17 ref

045042   SREEPRIYA S, GIRIJA T (Plant Physiology Dep, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Trissur- 680 656, Kerala) : Assessing the role of ameliorants based on physiological traits in sesame under waterlogged condition. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 46-51.

A pot culture experiment was conducted to understand physiological changes of sesame plants under waterlogging and to study the role of some foliar and seed treatments on stress mitigation. Waterlogging was imposed at 20 days after sowing fora period of 72 hr. Urea, Potassium nitrate, 1- naphthaleneacetic acid, calcium nitrate, tricyclazole and salicylic acid were given as foliar treatments whereas Pseudomonas fluorescens was applied both as foliar spray and seed priming agent. Treatments were applied 2 days before waterlogging. Waterlogging affected the plant survival due to hampered root and shoot growth. The scavenging of free radicals was affected with higher lipid peroxidation and lower enzymatic activity. Ameliorants, especially KNO₃ , salicylic acid and Psuedomonas fluorescens, were found to alleviate the inhibitory effect of stress in terms of highersurvival per cent, root and shoot growth and photosynthetic parameters. Plants applied with these treatments were found to be producing lower melondialdehide and higher catalase enzymeactivity and chlorophyll content thanuntreatedwaterlogged plants. Field evaluationrevealed 23 per cent reduction in yield per plant with 72 hr of waterlogging. Application of Pseudomonas fluorescens, KNO₃ and salicylic acid recorded 16.52, 13.73 and 7.93 per cent improvement in yield per plant compared to untreated waterlogged plants respectively

5 tables, 23 ref

045041   VERMA A, CHATRATH R, SINGH G P (ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, Haryana) : Estimates of wheat improvement in the Central Zone by REML/BLUP procedure. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 36-45.

Highly significant change in wheat production for irrigated timely sown, late sown and restricted irrigated timely sown trials had been observed during 2008-09 to 2017-18 in the Central Zone of India under multi environment trials. BLUP’s of genotypes yield were predicted by efficient factor analytic approach. Production elevated to the level of 52, 48 and 39q ha-1 for irrigated timely, late and restricted irrigated timely sown conditions, respectively. Base yield levels in year 2008-09 were 4901, 4112 and 2405 kg ha-1. Significant straight line equations depicted the 0.48, 0.65 and 1.77q yield added trials over the years.

6 illus, 6 tables, 12 ref

045040   CHATTERJEE A, CHATTOPADHYAY T, MAJI A, SEN P, ALI M N (Agricultural Biotechnology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal) : A review on conventional and molecular breeding approaches for exploring mechanisms underlying heat stress tolerance in wheat. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 24-35.

Wheat is one of the primary foods for more than 40 countries and for over 35 % of the global population. The increased temperature during reproductive phase known as heat stress has emerged as a serious problem. Constant or transitory high temperatures may affect the plant growth and development which may lead to diverse morphological, physiological and biochemical changes in plants ultimately decrease in yield. Every 1 °C rise in temperature above 28 °C during grain filling, results in yield reduction by 3-4 %. To combat, the breeding for crops with enhanced heat tolerance is of pivotal importance to ensure global food security. The understanding of the mechanisms of the heat tolerance at the reproductive stage is the prerequisite for inducing toreance in wheat in particular. During recent past, a lot of information has been generated on classical as well as molecular breeding approaches. The present review aims to summarize those published data to give an insight into the underlying mechanism of heat stress tolerance in wheat

124 ref

045039   PRAVALLIKA K, ARUNKUMAR C, VIJAYKUMAR A, BEENA R, JAYALEKSHMI V G (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) : Effect of high temperature stress on seed filling and nutritional quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.). J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 18-23.

The present study aims to disclose the impact of high temperature stress on the seed filling parameters, enzyme activity, and yield of three rice varieties. Seed filling parameters recorded at milky and dough stage revealed that high temperature stress condition increased the amount of reducing sugar, carbohydrates, starch, and flavonoids. However, amylose, seed protein, and anthocyanin showed reduction under high temperature stress condition. Activity of invertase was reduced under high temperature condition compared to control in all varieties from 15 to 30 days after 50 % flowering. Viability of the pollen was negatively influenced by high temperature (82.653 %). The average seed yield (18.733 g/plant) and spikelet fertility (74.245 %) showed a decline under high temperature.

4 illus, 5 tables, 24 ref

045038   PRASANNA P R, PANDA P, BANERJEE S, DOLUI S, BHATTACHARYA A (Agricultural Biochemistry Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal) : Antioxidative properties of cherry tomato. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 8-17.

In an effort to select the most promising line(s) out of eight advanced breeding lines of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) in terms of antioxidative properties, the content of antioxidant constituents and activity of antioxidative enzymes were analyzed from the fruit samples at ‘red ripe’ stage of harvest in an experiment conducted during November, 2018. The content of lycopene, ascorbic acid and phenol were found to range between 1.89 and 3.31 mg 100 -1g, 21.15 and 39.77 mg 100 -1g and 6.94 and 12.97 mg TE g-1, respectively whereas antioxidant activity under three different systems of assay (DPPHRAC, FRAP and LP) yielded values from 8.16-15.69 mg TE g-1, 2.06-3.82 mg TE g-1 and 7.85-55.29 ì mol MDA g-1 of fresh sample respectively. The activity of antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT and POD) varied from 2.11 to 3.28 mg ml-1 (IC50), 0.038 to 0.140 ì mol H2 O2 destroyed g-1min-1 and 0.0008 to 0.0044 ì mol guaiacol oxidized g-1min-1. The observed activity of PAL, the key enzyme in phenyl propanoid pathway, was found in the range of 33.70-43.17 ì molt-cinnamate produced g-1hr-1 in fresh harvested sample tissues. On the basis of PCA and average values of all the parameters contributing to antioxidative property, ‘Cherry round yellow’ was selected as the most promising advanced breeding line followed by ‘Cherry round red (big fruit)’, ‘2016 Cherry 4’ and ‘2016 Cherry 3’, with better scavenging of ROS and can be used as improved materials for breeding of cherry tomato in future.

4 illus, 1 table, 43 ref

045037   REKHA K S, SARASWATHI R, KUMAR M (Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Estimation of physical and cooking grain quality traits in two line hybrids of rice (Oryza sativa L.). J Crop Weed 2020, 16(2), 1-7.

In this study, a total of 40 hybrids developed from five female (TGMS) lines and eight testers raised in L x T fashion and examined for fourteen quality traits. The hybrid TNAU 95S X AC38479 recorded highest hulling, milling and head rice recovery. Out of 40 hybrids, sixteen were categorized as medium slender while TNAU 60S X Palawan and TNAU 18S X Palawan were categorized under the long slender type. Linear elongation ratio was significantly higher in five hybrids and seven hybrids expressed intermediate gelatinization temperature. Twenty-six hybrids expressed soft gel consistency and twenty-two hybrids had intermediate amylose content. This study revealed that considering both physical and cooking quality traits, the two-line hybrids namely TNAU 45S X AC38479, TNAU 45S X CB 15121, TNAU 45S X Khao do ngoi and TNAU 45S X CB 15117 had acceptable grain quality traits and these hybrids could be promoted commercially

2 tables, 14 ref

046487   VISHWAJITH K P, SAHU P K, DHEKALE B S, MISHRA P, FATIH C (Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agriculture Sciences and Technology, Kashmir-190 019, Email: bhagyashreedhekale@yahoo.com) : Decision Support System (DSS) on pulses in India. Legum Res 2020, 43(4), 530-8.

Pulses are popularly known as poor man’s meat. Pulses mainly constituted of gram, arhar, mung, urad and lentil etc. The energy content of most pulses have been found to be between 300 and 540 Kcal/100g. India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world contributing around 14.36 % of the total global production. Decision support system (DSS) has been designed and developed using a visual basic platform for major pulse crops grown in India. The main objective is to provide decision support regarding recommended water, weed, pest and diseases management, state wise varieties and nutrient management based on the soil test value to the farmer, agriculture workers, students, research workers, extension workers and others, even in absence of the experts. The system is console application, menu driven and user friendly. A sincere effort has been made with the available data to develop the decision support system to bridge the gap between the farmers and the experts using visual basic platform.

14 illus, 19 ref

046486   SHI Z Y, XU S X, LU S C, YANG M, ZHANG M G, LI Y J, WANG X G, CHEN X N (Henan Univ of Science and Technology, Luoyang- 471 003, China, Email: shizy1116@126.com) : Variation in leaf nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry in different functional groups of legumes. Legum Res 2020, 43(4), 524-9.

The legume is notable owing to their symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixing ability. Usually, higher leaf N concentration and N to phosphorus (P) ratio (N:P) in legumes than non-legumes. However, the variations of leaf N, P and N:P and their relationship had been hardly studied based on functional groups. In this study, we studied the leaf N, P and N:P and their relationship among different functional groups. The results showed that the average values of leaf N, P and N:P ratios for all legumes were 27.33 mg g^-1, 1.27 mg g^-1 and 21.94, respectively. Leaf N (36.96 mg g^-1) and P (2.15 mg g^-1) of herbaceous legumes are significantly higher than N (24.97 mg g^-1) and P (1.18 mg g^-1) in woody plants, respectively. Moreover, leaf N, P and N:P of shrub markedly higher than them in tree. Leaf N and P are always higher in deciduous than evergreen legumes. A negative correlation was found between leaf N:P and P in overall and different functional groups of legumes.

4 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

046483   KUMAR S, KUMARI V, KUMAR V (Crop Improvement Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur- 176 062, Email: vinbarpa@gmail.com) : Genetic variability and character association studies for seed yield and component characters in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] under North-western Himalayas. Legum Res 2020, 43(4), 507-11.

The present investigation was undertaken to assess the genetic variability and character associations for seed yield and component characters in 307 soybean germplasm lines. The lines were raised in augmented block design in four blocks during kharif 2014. Out of these, twenty seven promising genotypes were selected and forwarded for evaluation along with four checks in randomized block design with three replications at CSKHPKV, Palampur (H.P) during kharif 2015. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of sufficient genetic variability in the breeding material. High PCV and moderate GCV were recorded for harvest index and biological yield/plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for harvest index followed by biological yield /plant, seed yield /plant, number of pods/plant and 100-seed weight indicating the predominance of additive gene action in controlling the trait. Number of branches /plant, number of seeds /pod, biological yield/plant and harvest index exhibited significantly positive correlation with seed yield /plant both at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Two traits viz., harvest index and biological yield /plant could be considered as direct selection indices for yield improvement in soybean

3 illus, 8 tables, 27 ref

046482   YU X, JIN H, YANG Q, FU X, YUAN F (Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou- 310 021, China, Email: yuxm@zaas.ac.cn) : Genetic mapping of a soybean glabrous gene using specificlocus amplified fragment sequencing method. Legum Res 2020, 43(4), 501-6.

Trichome is a natural trait related with plant defense and seed yield, however, the genetic control of this trait has not been extensively studied in soybean. In this study, a cross was made between a soybean landrace “Aijiaomaodou” with normal pubescence and a glabrous soybean line “39002”. The segregation ratio of the F₂ population was fit to the expected value and the glabrous phenotype was controlled by a single dominant gene. Association analysis was conducted to identify candidate genes for the glabrous trait using a high-throughput sequencing technology, specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing. A total of 6,961 polymorphic specific-locus amplified fragments were analyzed and a region of 2.76 Mb at nucleotides 47,315,610-50,072,564 on chromosome 9 containing 551 candidate genes was identified. Four specific genes (Glyma09G280500, Glyma09G282600, Glyma09G259400 and Glyma09G283400) in the region appeared to be most important candidate genes that are highly related to the glabrous trait. Further studies of these genes may lead to isolation and cloning of the glabrous gene and facilitate the selection procedures in soybean breeding.

3 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref