043015   PUNIA S S, SONI J, MANJEET , SINGH S K , KAMBOJ P (Agronomy Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar - 125 004, Haryana, Email: Puniasatbir@gmail.com) : Management of herbicide resistant Phalaris minor in wheat. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 237–40.

Field experiment was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University during Rabi 206-17 and 2017-18 to evaluate bio-efficacy of different herbicides and their combination against cross resistant P. minor in wheat, and to study the phytotoxic effects on the crop, if any. The treatments included application preemergence herbicides pendimethalin 1500 g/ha and its mixture with metribuzin 175 g/ha alone, pendimethalin + pyroxasulfone Tank mix (TM) at 1500 + 102 g/ha alone and their sequential application with post-emergence herbicides application (PoE) of mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron ready mix (RM) 14.4 g/ha and pinoxaden 60 g/ha along with weedy check treatment. The minimum density of P. minor, weed biomass and the highest wheat grain yield was observed with pendimethalin + pyroxasulfone TM fb mesosulfuron+ iodosulfuron RM (1500 + 102 fb 14.4 g/ha). All the herbicides significantly reduced the weed biomass as compared with the control but maximum reduction in the weed biomass was achieved with pendimethalin + pyroxasulfone TM fb mesosulfuron+ iodosulfuron RM. Pinoxaden at 60 g/ha did not control Rumex dentatus and Chenopodium album. Only pre-emergence application of metribuzin, pendimethalin + metribuzin (before sowing), pinoxaden + metribuzin TM caused toxicity of up to 5 % at 10 days after treatment (DAT). The wheat recovered from toxicity by 20 DAT without any yield penalty. On-farm demonstrations of pyroxasulfone at 127.5 g/ha PE in Haryana revealed 88.3 % control of multiple herbicide resistant P. minor. Its integration with pendimethalin at 1.5 kg/ha (PE) and post-emergence herbicides at 35 DAS has improved control of P. minor to 92.1 %.

4 tables, 14 ref

043014   MEENA V, KAUSHIK M K, DOTANIYA M L, DAS H (Agronomy Dep, Rajasthan Coll of Agriculture, Udaipur - 313 001, Rajasthan, Email: vasu_maheshin84@rediffmail.com) : Assessing bio-efficacy potential of herbicide combinations for broadspectrum weed control in late-sown wheat. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 232–6.

A field experiment was conducted during 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, India with the objective to assess bio-efficacy potential of the ready-mix herbicides against complex weed flora in wheat. The experiment consisting of fifteen treatments, was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications. The results indicated significant reduction in population and growth of weeds by ready-mix application of sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (32.0 g/ha) and mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (14.4 g/ha) followed by clodinafop + metsulfuron (64.0 g/ha), pinoxaden + metsulfuron (64.0 g/ha) over other weed control treatments. However, two hand weeding (30 and 45 DAS) registered maximum decline in density and dry biomass of all the weeds. Moreover, herbicides combination sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron and mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron attributed to greater value of weed control index (WCI) with maximum reduction of weed density and dry biomass. At 60 DAS, the array of WCI ranged from 9.19 to 95.01 and 57.48 to 97.01 % for monocots and dicots, respectively and resulted into higher grain yield (34.3 and 20.5 % more), net returns (49.1 and 47.7 % more) and B-C ratio (2.34 and 2.32) over the unweeded control. The study concluded that the use of sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (32.0 g/ha) and mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (14.4 g/ha) as postemergence at 5 WAS provided efficacious control of all sorts of weeds in wheat with higher yield and net returns.

3 tables, 14 ref

043013   SONI R, MONDAL T, SONDHIA S, SAHU R P, PATEL H (Agronomy Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Coochbehar - 736 165, West Bengal, Email: mtriptesh@gmail.com) : Efficacy of pyribenzoxim herbicide in dry direct-seeded rice. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 227–31.

A study was conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh during Kharif 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the efficacy of pyribenzoxim herbicide in dry direct-seeded rice. Among the herbicidal treatments, pyribenzoxim 5 % EC 60 g/ha was the most suitable for controlling weeds, followed by oxadiargyl 80 % WP 100 g/ha, though hand weeding treatment showed lowest weed infestation and maximum grain yield (4.55 t/ha). Weed density and weed dry weight had strong negative correlation with grain yield (r = -0.982** and -0.983**, respectively). Total weed population and biomass was the lowest in manually weeded plots followed by pyribenzoxim 5 % EC 60 g/ha. The highest weed control efficiency (70.0, 86.7 and 88.3 % at 30, 45 and 60 DAS, respectively), weed control index (82.9, 85.5 and 86.4 % at 30, 45 and 60 DAS, respectively) and herbicide efficiency index (43.4 %) were found with pyribenzoxim 5% EC 60 g/ha. The pyribenzoxim 5 % EC 60 g/ha at 15 DAS was found the most remunerative with benefit-cost ratio of 2.42.

7 tables, 12 ref

043012   GURU R K S, DWIVEDI S K, KHAJANJI S N, JHA S K (Agronomy Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur - 492 012, Chhattisgarh, Email: rksatyaraj34@gmail.com) : Efficacy of herbicides in managing weeds in direct-seeded rice. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 222–6.

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2017 and 2018 at I.G.K.V, Raipur, Chhattisgarh to study the effect of existing herbicides in managing weeds in direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) and to assess their residual effect on succeeding crops. Application of bispyribac-sodium 2 % (BS) + 2,4-D sodium salt 54.3 % SP (DSS) with adjuvant (WA) (30.0 + 814.5 g/ha), BS + 2,4-DSS (WA) (25.0 + 678.75 g/ha), BS+ 2,4-DSS (30.0 + 814.5 g/ha) and BS + 2,4-DSS (WA) (20.0 + 543.0 g/ha) was at par to weed free in terms of grain yield. BS + 2,4- DSS (WA) (30.0 + 814.5 g/ha) controlled the weeds more effectively throughout the crop growth period and recorded higher weed control efficiency (97.5 % at 30 DAS and 92.4 % at 60 DAS), herbicide efficiency index (47.1 and 13.2), reduction of weed density (88.1 and 80.6 %) and weed biomass (97.5 and 92.4 %) and lower weed persistence index (0.2 and 0.4) during both the years. The phytotoxicity effect was observed with higher doses of BS + 2,4-DSS, alone and with adjuvant at 25.0 + 678.8 g/ha and 30.0 + 814.5 g/ha, however it was recovered quickly. There was no phytotoxicity and carryover effect of these herbicides tested on chickpea + linseed intercrop, grown as succeeding crop. Application of BS + 2,4-DSS (WA) (30.0 + 814.5 g/ha) recorded highest net returns ( 65444 and 76762/ha) and B:C ratio (2.2 and 2.6) during 2017 and 2018, respectively

3 tables, 18 ref

043011   NAZIR A, BHAT M A, BHAT T A, RASHID Z, MOHI-UD-DIN R, FAYAZ S, WANI S A (Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Sopore - 193 201, Jammu & Kashmir, Email: magreyaijaz357@gmail.com) : Crop establishment and weed management effect on weed parameters and rice yield under temperate zone of Kashmir. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 217–21.

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif (rainy) seasons of 2017 and 2018 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Wadura, Jammu and Kashmir. The treatments comprised of three crop establishment methods, viz. transplanting, direct seeding (DSR), System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in main plots and seven weed management practices, viz. butachlor (1500 g/ha), penoxsulam (22.5g/ha), pyrazosulfuron-ethyl + pretilachlor (15 and 600g/ha), bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor (60 and 600 g/ha), twice conoweeding/hand weeding, weed free and weedy check in subplots replicated thrice in a split plot design. The results revealed that significantly lowest weed density and weed dry weight were recorded with transplanted method as compared to SRI and DSR. Application of penoxsulam 22.5 g/ha recorded significantly the lowest weed population and weed dry matter depicting higher weed control efficiency. SRI had resulted in significantly higher yields over DSR and transplanted rice. Penoxsulam (22.5 g/ha) produced significantly higher grain and straw yields. SRI proved to be better method of crop establishment than transplanting and DSR whereas, application of penoxsulam 22.5 g/ha proved superior to other herbicide treatments used.

4 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

043010   SEKHAR L, AMEENA M, JOSE N (Agronomy Dep, Agriculture Coll, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 522, Kerala, Email: lekshmisekhar1@gmail.com) : Herbicides and herbicide combinations for management of Leptochloa chinensis in wet-seeded rice. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 211–6.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of various herbicides for the management of chinese sprangletop (Leptochloa chinensis) at Integrated Farming System Research Station, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram of Kerala Agricultural University, India during Kharif (rainy season) 2018 and 2019. Grass weeds were the most dominant weed species followed by broad-leaf weeds and sedges during both the crop seasons. The present study revealed that fenoxapropp-ethyl at 60 g/ha was the most effective herbicide against L. chinensis followed by cyhalofop-butyl at 80 g/ha. Dry matter production of L. chinensis was lower in sole application of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl at 60 g/ha and cyhalofop-butyl at 80 g/ha compared to their tank mix combination with bispyribac-sodium at 25 g/ha during both the years. Ready-mix combination of penoxsulam + cyhalofop-butyl (6 % OD) at 150 g/ha was very effective in managing the complex spectrum of weeds however, it was not effective in managing L. chinensis compared to other herbicidal treatments. Application of bispyribac-sodium alone at 25 g/ha was not effective in controlling L. chinensis resulted in lower weed control efficiency of 37 and 48 % during 2018 and 2019, respectively. Tank mix application of bispyribacsodium with fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (at 25 + 60 g/ha) or cyhalofop-butyl (at 25 + 80 g/ ha) recorded the least total dry matter production of weeds. All the tested herbicides and the herbicide combinations increased the grain yield compared to unweeded control during both the years.

6 tables, 14 ref

043009   CORDEAU S, ADEUX G, DEYTIEUX V (Bourgogne Univ, Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France, Email: stephane.cordeau@inrae.fr) : Diversity is the key for successful agroecological weed management. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 204–10.

Reconciling crop productivity and biodiversity maintenance is one of the main challenges of agriculture worldwide. Weed management is recognized to be a key point for ecological intensification in agriculture because weeds can generate severe yield losses but also represent the base of agricultural trophic networks. Research in weed science has often opposed two different perceptions of weeds. Low within-field weed diversity and abundance has either been considered as a sign of efficient weed management or an erosion of the agroecosystem services provided by weeds. However, a recent study in grain-based systems in France highlighted the potential benefits of weed diversity in mitigating crop yield losses. Major yield losses may simply arise from the dominance of a few competitive species. A higher diversity of traits (characteristics) within the weed community should induce complementarity in resource use (light, water, nitrogen etc.) and alleviate weed:crop competition. Thus, weed scientists should try to confirm this relationship in different production situations (e.g. floristic contexts, pedoclimates, cropping systems) and then identify cropping systems which promote weed evenness, either from a taxonomic or functional point of view. Weeding operations should exclusively target competitive and dominant species. However, current weed control practices do not allow to target a specific species in a complex community. Therefore, future studies need to identify if weed diversity could rather be indirectly promoted by diversifying weed management tools, which ought to limit weed density/biomass. The CA-SYS platform (INRAE, Dijon, France) is a unique site in Europe to experiment biodiversity-based forms of agriculture, including a diversity of weed management strategies. The overarching objective of the CA-SYS platform is to design and test the feasibility and performances of pesticide-free agriculture which resorts to (cropped and wild) biodiversity in support of production.

3 illus, 49 ref

046417   RAJPUT R L, KASANA B S (Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Gwalior- 474 002, Email: brajrajbsk2007@rediffmail.com) : Integration of chemical and cultural methods for weed control management in soybean (Glycin max. L). Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 122-5.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season 2012 and 2013 at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidhyalaya RVSKVV, College Farm Gwalior (M.P.) to asses the suitable method for weed control in soybean. On the basis of two years pooled data results weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS significantly highest growth, yield attributes and seed yield as compared to the unweeded control and was at par with pendimethalin (750 g a.i./ha) + one hand weeding, trifluralin (1000 g a.i./ha) + one hand weeding at 20 DAS and imezathapyr(100 g a.i./ha) + one hand weeding at 40 DAS. These treatments also recorded lower weed dry biomassand higher weed control efficiency. Pendimethalin (750 g a.i./ha) + one hand weeding at 20 DAS resulted higher net return (` 63500) and B:C (2.58) ratio followed by trifluralin + one hand weeding and hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS. In addition to hand weeding twice, pre emergence herbicide Pendimethalin (750g a.i/ha) + one hand weeding at 20 DAS can be effectively used as an alternative for controlling weeds for obtaining optimum seed yield in soybean.

2 tables, 13 ref

043008   GANGAIAH B, SUBRAMANI T, SINGH S K , RATHEESH A K O, SUSHILKUMAR (Natural Resource Management Div, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Andaman and Nicobar Islands - 744 105, Email: bandlagangaiah1167@gmail.com) : Parthenium weed spread in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands of India: Lurking invasion needs attention for its eradication. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 200–3.

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) has traversed the oceans to reach Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands of India in early 21^st century, nearly half a century after its first report in Maharashtra state in 1955. Its entry might be on account of contaminated movement of food grains and other materials with Parthenium seeds from mainland through ships and airplanes. The weed has established in wastelands and community lands in some of the islands, hence there is lurking threat of its further invasion in other islands and into croplands. Public were less aware of its harmful effects due its new occurrence in the region. Competitive plant Senna tora was noticed in the islands during survey, and was recommended for Parthenium management on the road side. Physical removal was done involving people participation and was recommended for its management due to ban on using of chemicals. Bioagent Zygogramma bicolorata was not found in Andaman & Nicobar Islands in spite of its introduction in 2005 and 2006 for its biological control.

3 illus, 20 ref

043007   MOHAPATRA S, TRIPATHY S K, MOHANTY A K (Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station, Chiplima - 768 025, Odisha, Email: sanjukta.mohapatra34@gmail.com) : Weed management in sunflower through sequential application of herbicides in Western Weed management in sunflower through sequential application of herbicides in Western Odisha. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 197–9.

Field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 2014-15 and 2015- 16 to study the effect of sole and sequential application of herbicides on weed growth and productivity of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Echinochloa colona, Digitaria sanguinalis and Dactyloctenium aegyptium among grasses; Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus difformis among sedges and Cleome viscosa, Euphorbia hirta and Borreria hispida among broad-leaved weeds, were predominant throughout the cropping period. Weed competition resulted in 31.3 % yield loss in sunflower. Sequential application of oxyfluorfen 250 g/ha at 3 days after seeding (DAS) followed by (fb) quizalofop-ethyl 50 g/ha at 20 DAS resulted in the lowest weed density (41/m² ), total weed biomass (19.37 g/m² ), maximum nutrient uptake, yield (2.1 t/ ha) and benefit:cost ratio (1.82).

3 tables, 10 ref

046416   KUMAR P, SINGH K, SHARMA K D, KUMAR A, KUMAR A (Agronomy Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar- 125 004, Email: rohilaparveen@gmail.com) : Direct and residual effect of planting method and phosphorous levels on productivity and agro-meteorological indices, thermal and energy efficiencies in Mungbean– wheat cropping system. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 111-6.

Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years during kharif and rabi season of 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Research area, Department of Agronomy, CCSHAU, Hisar to evaluate the direct and residual effect of planting methods and phosphorus levels on productivity, agro-meteorological indices, thermal and energy efficiencies in mungbean– wheat cropping system. The experiment was laid out in split plot design during kharif and in split-split plot design during Rabi with five replications at same site during both the years. Main plot treatments consisted of planting methods viz. furrow irrigated raised bed (FIRB) and conventional where as sub plot consisted of three levels of phosphorus, viz., 30, 40 and 50 kg P₂O₅ /ha applied to mungbean in kharif and sub -sub treatments applied to wheat in rabi were 40, 50 and 60 kg P₂O₅ /ha. Sowing of mungbean and wheat crops on beds i.e. furrow irrigated raised bed was superior over conventional sowing in respect of productivity. In mungbean, application of 50 kg P₂O₅ /ha to mungbean significantly increased grain yield over 30 and 40 kg P₂O₅ /ha, respectively but it did not differ significantly with 40 kg P₂O₅ /ha. The residual effect of phosphorous applied to mungbean was found to be non significant on yield attributes and yield of wheat. However, direct application of phosphorous to wheat had significant effect on yield attributes and yield. The agro meteorological indices values were similar under FIRB and conventional method however, thermal and energy efficiencies were higher under FIRB planting as compared to conventional and increased with increasing levels of phosphorous.

1 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

043006   KUSHWAH S S (Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior - 474002, Madhya Pradesh, Email: shailendrakushwah91@rediffmail.com) : On farm assessment of ready mix herbicide combinations for broad-spectrum weed control in wheat. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 194–6.

Farmers led on-farm trials were conducted in Morar and Bhitarwar blocks of district Gwalior during Rabi seasons of the year 2014-15 and 2015-16 in K.V.K. adopted villages to validate, refine and popularize the technologies recommended by Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur for managing grassy and broad-leaf weeds in wheat. Application of clodinafop + metsulfuron (60 + 2 g/ha) caused significant reduction in total weed counts (28.6 and 40.8/m² ) and weed dry weight (3.5 and 4.2 g/m² ) over farmer’ s practice (2,4-D at 500 g/ha) as it reduced the population of both grassy and broad-leaved weeds and produced the highest weed control efficiency (83 and 82.6 %) over application of sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (30 + 2 g/ha) (70.87 and 76.03 %) and farmers’ practice during both the year. Recommended practice of clodinafop + metsulfuron (60 + 2 g/ha) gave significantly higher grain yield (4.10 and 4.71 t/ha) over sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (30 + 2 g/ha) and farmers practice. There were 21.42 and 22.46 and 12.18 and 9.87 % increase in grain yield over farmers’ practice respectively under clodinafop + metsulfuron (60 + 2 g/ha) and sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (30 + 2 g/ha) during the year 2014-15 and 2015-16. The highest net returns (` 51003 and 65267/ha) and B:C ratio (2.78 and 3.45) were recorded under recommended practice of clodinafop + metsulfuron (60 + 2 g/ha).

2 tables, 10 ref

043005   RASEED A, PUNIA S S, MANJEET, KUMARSEIN, PUNIA S (Agronomy Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar - 125 004, Haryana, Email: puniasatbir@gmail.com) : Management of herbicide resistant Phalaris minor through sequential application of pre- and post-emergence herbicides in wheat. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 190–3.

A field study was conducted during winter season of 2017-18 at Department of Agronomy, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar under irrigated conditions to evaluate the management of P. minor through sequential application of pre-emergence (PE) and post-emergence (PoE) herbicide in wheat crop and their phytotoxic effect on the succeeding crop. Total fifteen treatments consisting of pre-emergence (PE) use of pendimethalin 1500 g/ha, clodinafop 60 and 120 g/ha (35 DAS), sulfosulfuron 25 g/ha (35 DAS), sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron 32 g/ha (35 DAS), pinoxaden 50 g/ha (35 DAS), mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (RM) 14.4 g/ha (35 DAS), PE of pendimethalin + metribuzin (RM) 2000 g/ha, PE pendimethalin + metribuzin (RM) fb clodinafop 60 g/ha (35 DAS), PE pendimethalin + metribuzin (RM) fb sulfosulfuron 25 g/ha (35 DAS), PE pendimethalin + metribuzin (RM) fb sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron 32 g/ha(35 DAS), PE pendimethalin + metribuzin (RM) fb pinoxaden 50 g/ha (35 DAS), PE pendimethalin + metribuzin (RM) fb mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (RM) 14.4 g/ha (35 DAS), weedy check and weed free were take. The results of present study revealed that PE followed by PoE herbicides are effective for the control of resistant P. minor population. The sequential application of PE pendimethalin + metribuzin (RM) 2000 g/ha fb mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (RM) 14.4 g/ha followed by PE pendimethalin + metribuzin (RM) 2000 g/ha fb sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (RM) 32 g/ha and pinoxaden 50 g/ha were the most effective for control of resistant P. minor compared to alone PE or PoE herbicide. Grain yield and economics were also higher with these treatments.

2 tables, 15 ref

046415   DHAKA A K, KUMAR S, SINGH B, SINGH K, KUMAR A, KUMAR N (Agronomy Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar- 125 004, Email: dhakaanilkumar@yahoo.in) : Nitrogen use efficiency, economic return and yield performance of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] as influenced by nipping and fertility levels. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 105-10.

An experiment was conducted to study nitrogen use efficiency in pigeonpea at Research farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India having three nipping treatments (no nipping, nipping at just start of branching and nipping at flower initiation) and five fertility levels (control, 20 kg N + 40 kg P₂O₅ /ha, 30 kg N + 40 kg P₂O₅ /ha, 40 kg N + 40 kg P₂O₅ /ha and 20 kg N + 40 kg P₂O₅ /ha + foliar spray of 2 % N immediately after nipping) replicated thrice in split plot design during growing seasons of 2016 and 2017. Nipping at start of branching reduced the plant height, while increased primary and secondary branches, pods/plant and yield over no nipping. Significantly higher total N uptake, protein content, net return, B: C, agronomical NUE, physiologic NUE, agro-physiologic NUE, apparent recovery efficiency, utilization efficiency of N and partial N balance were improved with nipping at start of branching. Among fertility levels, 40 kg N + 40 kg P₂O₅ /ha recorded significantly higher yield attributes with 39.7 per cent higher seed yield over control. Significantly higher agronomic NUE, physiologic NUE, agro-physiological NUE, apparent recovery efficiency, utilization efficiency of N, partial N balance and NER were recorded with 20 kg/ha as compared to higher nitrogen doses.

4 tables, 12 ref

043004   KHAN N, KISHORE R, VERMA G, AHMAD A, MISHRA R, KUMAR S (Agriculture Science and Technology Coll, Dehradun - 248 011, Uttarakhand, Email: sanjaygbpuat@gmail.com) : Weed dynamics in wheat as affected by weed management practices under doon valley conditions. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 187–9.

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomic Research Station of Doon (P.G) College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Rampur (Selaqui) Dehradun, Uttarakhand during 2018-19 to study the effect of different herbicides in wheat. The experimental soil was sandy loam in texture, slightly acidic in nature with low in N, high in available P and medium in K. The results revealed that postemergence application of sulfosulfuron 25 g/ha, followed by metsulfuronmethyl 4.0 g/ha gave the highest yield of wheat which was at par with manual weeding at 30, 60 and 90 DAS. Based on the results, hand weeding at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing in wheat recorded the lowest values of weed count and biomass with the highest weed control efficiency, and also showed superiority over rest of the treatments. Among the herbicides, sulfosulfuron at 25 g/ha applied as post-emergence produced grain yield of wheat 3.49 t/ha, which increased the grain yield of wheat to the tune of 24.2, 35.8, 46.0, 49.8 and 103 % over carfentrazone, clodinafop propargyl, pendimethalin, pinoxaden and weedy check, respectively.

2 tables, 7 ref

043003   SINGH L, KUMAR S (Agriculture Dep, Mata Gujri Coll, Fatehgarh Sahib - 140 406, Punjab, Email: santoshagro.nd@gmail.com) : Effect of live mulches and herbicides on weeds and yield of direct-seeded rice under irrigated conditions. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 183–6.

A field experiment was conducted at Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab during rainy season of 2017 to study the effect of live mulches and herbicides in direct-seeded rice under irrigated condition. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. The live mulch include Sesbania rostrata, Vigna unguiculata and Sesamum indicum while weed management treatments were pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha (PE) fb bispyribac-Na 25 g/ha (PoE), bispyribac-Na 25 g/ha + carfentrazone 20 g/ha (PoE), bispyribac-Na 25 g/ha + ethoxysulfuron 18 g/ha (PoE) and pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha (PE) along with weed free and weedy checks. Results indicated that higher yield attributes and yield were recorded under live mulch with Sesbania rostrata, which was statistically at par with live mulch with Vigna unguiculata and significantly superior over live mulch with Sesamum indicum. Among herbicides, application of bispyribac-Na 25 g/ha + carfentrazone 20 g/ha being at par with bispyribacNa 25 g/ha + ethoxysulfuron 18 g/ha was significantly superior over other treatments.

3 tables, 18 ref

043002   GANGIREDDY G, SUBRAMANYAM D (Agronomy Dep, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural Univ, Tirupati - 517 502, Andhra Pradesh, Email: subbuagro37@gmail.com) : Bio-efficacy of pre-and post-emergence herbicides on weed control and yield of rainfed lowland rice. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 179–82.

A field experiment was conducted at Sri Venkateswara Agricultural College, Tirupati campus of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh, India to study the performance of sequential application of preemergence (PE) and post-emergence (PoE) herbicides for broad-spectrum weed control in rainfed lowland rice and their residual effect on succeeding greengram. The major weed flora associated with rainfed lowland rice were Cyperus rotundus L. (55 %), Digitaria sanguinalis L. Scop (12 %) and Commelina benghalensis L.(7 %) and other weeds (26 %). The lowest density and dry weight and increased growth and yield components were recorded with PE application of pendimethalin 1000 g/ha fb florpyrauxifen-benzyl 25 g/ha or halosulfuron-methyl 67.5 g/ha. The higher grain and straw yields and benefitcost ratio were obtained with PE application of pendimethalin 1000 g/ha fb florpyrauxifen-benzyl 25 g/ha or halosulfuron-methyl 67.5 g/ha. Pre-emergence application of pretilachlor, oxadiargyl and pendimethalin reduced the plant population of rice by 12.10, 5.94 and 4.46 %, respectively compared to unweeded check. Sequential application of PE and PoE herbicides applied to rainfed lowland rice did not affect the germination of greengram, however the best weed management practice in rice continuing its superiority in obtaining higher seedling vigour index and dry matter production at 15 DAS.

2 tables, 6 ref

043001   DHILLON B S, BHULLAR M S, SARAO P S (Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana - 141 004, Punjab, Email: bsdhillon@pau.edu) : Crop establishment method and planting density effects on weeds, insects and productivity of rice. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 175–8.

The effect of establishment methods and seedling density on weed dynamics, pest incidence and productivity of transplanted rice were evaluated in a field study, conducted in summer 2019 at Ludhiana, India.Three rice establishment methods [rice transplanted on puddled flat soil (PFTR), rice transplanted on unpuddled raised bed (UBTR), rice transplanted on unpuddled ridge (URTR)] in main plots, and three planting densities (20, 25, 33 seedling hills/m² ) in sub-plots were evaluated in a split-plot design. It was found that UBTR and URTR methods had higher weed biomass than PFTR at 20 and 70 days after transplanting (DAT). All three establishment methods gave similar rice grain yield. Increase in planting density from 20 to 33 seedling hills/m² reduced weed biomass at 20 and 70 DAT but at 45 DAT, all the planting densities had similar weed biomass. Likewise, there was consistent decline in rice grain yield due to reduction in planting densities but differences among consecutive planting densities were not significant. The incidence of insect-pest remained below economic threshold level under all treatments.

3 tables, 13 ref

043000   SEN S, KAUR R, DAS T K (Agronomy Div , ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi - 110 012, Delhi, Email: sumansen.agri@gmail.com) : Weed management in dry direct-seeded rice: Assessing the impacts on weeds and crop. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 169–74.

Weeds are the major biotic stress limiting productivity, profitability and sustainability of direct-seeded rice (DSR). Effective weed control determines the success of DSR. Therefore, a field study was undertaken to assess the impacts of potential pre- and post-emergence herbicides in sequence and integrated use of herbicides with other methods on weeds and DSR. Eleven weed control treatments comprising of six combinations of pre- and postemergence herbicides, two brown manuring, one herbicide with manual weeding, and two control (weed-free check and unweeded control) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that grassy weeds were most dominant, constituting 66.0– 91.8 % of total weed dry weight across the treatments. Unit increase in weed density (per m² ) and weed dry weight (g/m² ) could reduce rice grain yield by 14.5 and 11 kg/ha, respectively. All weed control treatments impacted weed interference, crop growth and yield significantly. Sequential applications of pendimethalin (1.0 kg/ha) as pre-emergence and ready-mixture of penoxsulam + cyhalofop-butyl (130 g/ha) at 25 days after sowing (DAS) significantly reduced weed dry weight by 87.6 % at harvest, and was superior to other treatments. This treatment increased rice grain yield (3.92 t/ha) by 378.9 % over unweeded control, gross benefit: cost (2.30) by 31.4 % over weed-free check, and gave highest overall impact index (1.27) with an economic threshold level of 9.0 weeds/m2 , and found to be the best weed control option in DSR. Likewise, brown manuring followed by application of metsulfuron-methyl 10 % + chlorimuron-ethyl 10 % (20 g/ha Almix) at 40 DAS led to 80.3 % reduction in weed dry weight, causing significant improvements in crop growth and grain yield (3.67 t/ha) with 30.3 % higher gross benefit: cost over weed-free check, and could become a profitable alternative weed control option in DSR.

3 tables, 23 ref

042999   KUNDU R, MONDAL M, GARAI S, BANERJEE H, GHOSH D , MAJUMDER A, PODDAR R (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur - 741 252, West Bengal, Email: mou.mousumi98@gmail.com) : Efficacy of herbicides on weed control, rhizospheric micro-organisms, soil properties and leaf qualities in tea plantation. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 160–8.

Field trials were conducted in Tarai region of Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India (26 °88 N latitude; 88 °32 E longitude, and 122 m above mean sea level) under natural weed infestations in tea garden during 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the efficacy of herbicides on weed flora, non-target soil organisms, leaf quality and productivity of tea (var. TV-23). The pattern of nutrient uptake and soil physicochemicals properties were also itemized. The treatments were comprised of three doses of glufosinate ammonium 13.5 % SL (0.27, 0.34, 0.45 kg/ha), glyphosate 41 % SL (1.23 kg/ha), paraquat dichloride 24 % SL (0.60 kg/ha) and weedy check within a randomized complete block design, replicated four times. The results revealed that glufosinate ammonium at 0.45 kg/ha was the most efficient against grassy and broad-leaf weeds with higher weed control efficiency (> 90 %) and total green leaf yield (3.0 t/ha and 2.96 t/ha). Herbicides did not show any phytotoxicity symptoms on the matured tea plants throughout the observation period. An initial detrimental effect on rhizospheric micro-flora (total bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes) was imposed by residual toxicity of herbicides but at later stage, no harmful effects were observed. Maximum nutrients uptake and soil available nutrients were determined under the higher dose of glufosinate ammonium. Tea leaf quality did not significantly influence by weed management practices. Based on overall performance, the glufosinate ammonium 0.45 kg/ha may be considered as the best substitute for others post-emergent herbicide against the complex weed floras in tea garden.

3 illus, 5 tables, 36 ref

042998   SATHISHKUMAR A, SRINIVASAN G, SUBRAMANIAN E, RAJESH P (Crop Management Dep, RVSAC, Thanjavur - 613 402, Tamil Nadu, Email: sathishkumar08668@gmail.com) : Intercrops and weed management effect on productivity and competition indices of cotton. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 153–9.

Field experiments were conducted during summer 2016 and winter 2016-17 at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai to study the allelopathic effect of different intercrops and tree leaf extracts in managing weeds and increasing productivity of cotton. The cotton + sorghum intercropping system registered lower weed density at 20, 40 and at 60 days after seeding (DAS) during both the seasons. Among the weed management practices, lower weed density was recorded with pre-emergence application of pendimethalin at 1.0 kg/ha at 20 DAS and with hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS at 40 and 60 DAS during studied periods. The highest cotton equivalent yield (389, 419 kg/ha), land equivalent ratio (1.52, 1.54), monetary equivalent ratio (1.18, 1.17) and system productivity (2.13, 2.39 t/ha) were recorded in cotton + sunflower intercropping system with hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS during both the years. Among the combined applications of intercropping system and tree leaf extracts, cotton + sunflower (1:1) + pre-emergence application of Mangifera indica leaf extract at 30 % + hand weeding at 40 DAS registered the maximum cotton equivalent yield (349, 374 kg/ha), land equivalent ratio (1.31, 1.34), monetary equivalent ratio (1.0, 1.02) and system productivity (1.81, 2.07 t/ha) during summer 2016 and winter 2016-17, respectively

8 tables, 223 ref

042997   SHASHIDHAR K S, JEBERSON S, PREMARADHYA M, SINGH N A K, BHUVANESWARI S (Central Agricultural Univ, Imphal - 795 004, Manipur, Email: shashiuas@gmail.com) : Weed management effect in blackgram under acidic soils of Manipur. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 147–152.

A field experiment on effect of different weed management practices in blackgram under acidic soils of Manipur was conducted at C.A.U. research farm, Andro, Imphal East of Central Agricultural University, Manipur during Kharif season 2013, 2014 and 2015. It was laid out in randomized block design with nine different weed management treatments, viz. pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha, pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1.0 kg/ha, pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + quizalofop-ethyl 75 g as post-emergence application, pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1.0 kg/ha + quizalofop-ethyl 75 g as postemergence application, pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + imazethapyr 55 g/ha, pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + hand weeding at 30 DAS, pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1.0 kg/ha + hand weeding at 30 DAS and twice hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS. Pendimethalin1.0 kg/ha with hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS recorded significant reduction in weed density, weed biomass and weed control efficiency followed by pre-emergence application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1.0 kg/ha, + hand weeding at 25 DAS. Significantly higher number of pods per plant, seed and stover yield and growth attributes like plant height and number of branches per plant were recorded under twice hand weeding followed by integrated treatment of pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1.0 kg/ha + hand weeding.

2 tables, 27 ref

042996   KAKADE S U, DESHMUKH J P, THAKARE S S, SOLANKE M S (Agronomy Dep, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola - 444 104, Maharashtra, Email: snjykakade@gmail.com) : Efficacy of pre- and post-emergence herbicides in maize. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 143–6.

A field investigation was carried out at Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during three consecutive Kharif seasons (2016-2018) to study the relative efficacy of herbicides on weed control in maize. Results revealed that, among the herbicidal treatments, atrazine 0.5 kg/ha fb tembotrione 0.120 kg/ha PoE at 20 DAS produced less weed count and weed dry matter than rest of the herbicides. Among the herbicidal treatments, maximum growth and yield attributes were recorded with treatment of atrazine 0.5 kg/ha fb tembotrione 0.120 kg/ha which was at par with atrazine 0.5 kg/ha fb 2,4-D sodium salt 0.5 kg/ha. Yield reduction varied from 12.49 % to 54.17 % in the herbicide applied plots as compared to weed free treatment. Atrazine 0.5 kg/ha fb tembotrione 0.120 kg/ha PoE 20 DAS (4.33 t/ha) and atrazine 1.0 kg/ha PE (3.89 t/ha) proved as effective as weed free treatment (4.91 t/ha) and recorded significantly higher grain yield with net monitory returns of 47832/ha and B:C ratio of 3.22.

3 tables, 16 ref

044928   PRADHAN A, CHANDRAKAR T, NAG S K, DIXIT A, MUKHERJEE S C (AICRPDA, Chattisgarh- 494 001, Email: adi19agro@gmail.com) : Crop planning based on rainfall variability for Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, India. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(4), 509-17.

Analysis of long-term rainfall data (1986-2018) of Bastar region revealed decreasing trend in total quantum of annual rainfall with varying frequency and distribution. The quantity of winter and summer rains decreased drastically during 2008-18 as compared to earlier two decades (1986-96 and 1997- 2007). SW monsoon rain of 2008-18 was more than past two decades, whereas NE monsoon rain changed much in quantity except during 1997-2007. During 1986-96, the pre-monsoon shower was received in April, but later two decades the shower was received in May, which supports for summer ploughing and dry aerobic seeding. The cropping period almost synchronized between 22-43 standard meteorological week (SMW) reaching 93.11 mm per week as maximum rainfall. As the probability of 20 mm rainfall decreased from 75 to 50 %, the crop yield got reduced by 30 %. The mid-land rice with a probability of 13.47 to 16.07 mm rain per week supported growth phase during 17-21SMW. W hereas, upland rice maturing in 90-100 days could avoid dry spells, if the rice is managed by conservation furrows at the time of sowing. The summer ploughing is preferred with more than 40 mm rain in single day during March to April for mitigating dry spells. On the other hand, preparatory tillage and sowing were performed together in support of ripening niger and horsegram under probability of 75, 50 and 25 % rain through crop planning. Maize and small millets reduced yield significantly when rainfall reached 75 % deficit, whereas 25 % deficit rain did not affect the yields.

2 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

044927   BRAR J S, GILL K S, KAUR K, KAUR G (Fruit Science Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana- 141 001, Email: jsbrar74@pau.edu) : Soil temperature and horticultural traits as influenced by mulching materials and orchard floor management practices in ber (Zizypus mauritiana Lamk.). J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(4), 501-8.

Different type of mulches viz. paddy straw mulch (PSM), black polythene mulch (BPM), and white polythene mulch (W PM) were spreaded under the canopies of Indian ber (Zizypus mauritiana Lamk.) trees in second fortnight of October. The treatments of inter-cultivation (IC) and chemical weed management (CWM), and control trees were also kept for comparative analysis. The daily soil temperature recorded at 0900, 1200, 1400 and 1700 hours from October to April months during 2018-19 and 2019-20 revealed significant variations under different treatments. The respective soil temperature variation during 1st and 2nd year was minimum (9.2 and 9.9 ^oC) under PSM as compared to 16.5 ^oC in control plots throughout the investigation period. The soil temperature under PSM was higher during extreme winters whereas, it was comparatively lower during pre and post-winter season as compared to other treatments.The variations in intra-day average soil temperature during the months of October-November and again in March-April was higher than in December-February; the period of extreme winters. Significant reduction in physiological fruit drop was recorded under all the treatments with minimum fruit drop under PSM followed by BPM, while it was maximum in control trees. Likewise, fruit weight and fruit yield was also recorded highest under PSM followed by BPM treatments. The microbes in the rhizopshere of mulched trees with PSM followed by BPM exhibited highest and sustained activity from from Otober to April month under North-West Indian conditions.

6 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

044926   KADBHANE S J, MANEKAR V L (MVPS’s KBT COE, Surat, Gujarat, Email: sharad_kadbhane@rediffmail.com) : Development of agro-climatic grape yield model for Nashik region, Maharashtra, India. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(4), 494-500.

Prediction of the crop yield is need of time according to the change in climate conditions. In the present study, the Agro-Climatic Grape Yield (ACGY) model has been developed with monthly climatic parameters using multi-regression analysis approach. The developed model was statistically tested for its predictive ability. The discrepancy ratio, the standard deviation of discrepancy ratio, mean percentage error and standard deviation of mean percentage error for the model was obtained as 1.03, 0.19, 0.03 % and 0.19, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was carried out for the developed ACGY model using the parametric sensitivity method. In order to know the future grape yield using ACGY model, climate scenarios were generated under Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM2) for three emissions representative concentration pathways as RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5. According to the analysis using ACGY model, increasing yield was observed in grape up to year 2050 as compared to current yield.

4 illus, 6 tables, 29 ref

044925   BANA J K, CHOUDHARY J S, GHOGHARI P D, SHARMA H, KUMAR S, PATIL S J (Navsari Agricultural Univ, Gujarat- 396 145, Email: jugalbana@gmail.com) : Influence of weather parameters on powdery mildew of mango inflorescence in humid tropics of South Gujarat. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(4), 488-93.

The influence of environmental parameters on the development of powdery mildew caused by Oidium mangiferae Berthet on mango inflorescence was studied for seven consecutive years (2012-18) in humid tropics climatic conditions of South Gujarat. The disease incidence and severity (DIS), area under disease progress curve-AUDPC (A-value) and apparent infection rate (r-value) were recorded at panicle and fruit setting stages of the tree at weekly intervals. The correlation studies showed that incidence and severity of powdery mildew significantly negative relationship with morning relative humidity (r = -0.631; p<0.05 and r = -0.721; p<0.01) and average relative humidity (r = -0.766 and r = -0.787; p<0.01). Temperature (maximum and average) and evaporation showed positive relationship with incidence and severity of powdery mildew. Further, stepwise linear regression model indicated that average relative humidity as single predictor independent variable had the strongest relationship disease incidence and severity, which explained 59 percent disease incidence and 62 percent for disease severity variability. This forewarning model can be useful for efficient management of powdery mildew disease of mango and as well as agro advisory services to farmers.

3 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

044924   MAHDI S S, DHEKALE B S, CHOUDHURY S R, HAQUE M, GUPTA S K (Agronomy Dep, Bihar Agricultural Univ, Sabour-813 210, Bihar, Email: syedapbau@gmail.com) : Magnitude, frequency, trends of heat and cold waves in recent decades and impact assessment in wheat: the case of North Bihar, India. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(4), 477-87.

The climatological distribution of heat and cold waves of two important agro-climatic zones zone-I (North Alluvial Plain), zone-II (North East Alluvial Plain) of the middle Indo-Gangetic Basin of Bihar state of India was analyzed. W e used series of daily maximum and minimum temperature data from 1969-2015 of five stations. Results reveal that zone-I and zone-II experienced 248/184 and 275/199 average number of heat and cold events, respectively. The trend analysis exhibited almost similar results for both the zones. The zone-I experienced on an average 4.22 and 7.22 heat and cold wave days per season (hot & cold weather period), respectively. There was a non-significant increasing trend @ +0.04/ year for heat waves and significant decreasing trend for cold waves (-0.13/year). Zone-II on an average experienced 3 and 12 HW and CW events per season (hot and cold weather period), respectively. In this zone, heat waves were found to be increasing @ +0.11/year, whereas, significant decreasing trend was found for cold waves (+0.32/year). Study also revealed that, heat waves were more frequent and longer in June and May in zone-I and zone-II, respectively. Whereas, cold waves were more frequent and longer in January for both the zones. These extreme events have profound impact on wheat crop if coincides with its critical stages. However, shifting planting dates and adoption of heat tolerant varieties may help in minimizing the negative impact of these extreme events.

6 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

044923   GUPTA N, PAL R K, KOUR A, MISHRA S K (Punjab Agricultural Univ, Bathinda- 151 001, Punjab, Email: navjotgupta@pau.edu) : Thermal unit requirement of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties under south western Punjab conditions. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(4), 469-76.

Weather components have significant impact on the phenology of fruit plants. In order to study the effect of heat, photothermal and heliothermal units on phenology of grapes, an experiment was conducted during 2016 and 2017 on eleven grape varieties. The weather based indices were used for characterizing the thermal response to various phenophases of different grape varieties. Based on the thermal response the eleven varieties were classified into early, mid and late maturing categories. The fruit ripening was differed by 7-9 days for early, 4-8 days for mid and 1-3 days for late ripening groups. For early, mid and late maturing varieties the accumulated range of growing degree days was 1303-1530, 1617-1712 and 1912-1959 °C day, photothermal unit was 15971-19032, 20201-21484 and 24255- 24923 °C day. Likewise, minimum heliothermal unit was required by early ripening varieties i.e., Himrod (9973 °C days) and Madeliene Anguvine (11235 °C days) but, maximum for long duration varieties like Black Muscat (15000 days) and Angur Early (14579 °C days). Maximum and minimum heat use efficiency was recorded by variety Perlette (1.57) and Black Muscat (0.96), respectively.

5 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

046414   ARUN M N, HEBBAR S S, BHANUPRAKASH K, SENTHIVEL T, NAIR A K, PANDEY D P (ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticulture Research, Bangalore- 560 089, Email: arun_tulasi2011@yahoo.in) : Influence of seed priming and different irrigation levels on growth parameters of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 99-104.

A field study was conducted during summer season of 2012 and 2013 at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research in Bangalore, India to evaluate if priming could improve grain yield and water use efficiency of cowpea under limited water supply condition through drip system. Seed variety Arka Garima received the following priming treatments: they were soaked in GA₃ ,CaCl₂ , ammonium molybdate, KBr, MgNO₃ , ZnSO₄ solutions and water (hydropriming) for 24 hours at 15$°$C. Crop was subjected to three irrigation intervals in which the irrigation was applied at 0.9, 0.7, 0.5 Epan Replenishment of evaporation. Plant height, number of trifoliate leaves, total dry matter accumulation, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 1000 seed weight and grain and biological yield were increased by different priming treatments compared to control. Seed priming increased the LAI, RGR, CGR and NAR at all irrigation regimes. Results suggest that the use of seed priming with either GA₃ (100 ppm) or ammonium molybdate (10^-3 M) for 24 hours at low concentration can be helpful in cowpea under both optimum as well as limited water conditions.

2 tables, 28 ref

044922   KAUR N, CHHUNEJA P K, SINGH J, CHOUDHARY A, DHILLON S K (Entomology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana- 141 004, Email: pkchhuneja@pau.edu) : Effect of weather factors and nitrogen application on nectar secretion and honey production potential in sunflower. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(4), 457-68.

Sunflower is a highly important bee floral crop. The nectar secretion governs this parameter and is greatly influenced by cultivar, environmental factors and fertilizer application. Studies were conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana on sunflower hybrids (PSH 996 and PSH 1962) sown on different dates (January 31, February 10, February 20 and March 2) with three levels of nitrogen (45, 60 and 75 kg ha^-1). Delay in sowing from January 31 to March 2 caused significant reduction in nectar secretion (12.66 %) and increase in its concentration (5.38 %). The daily mean temperature had significant positive (R² = 0.52 and 0.54) while mean relative humidity had negative (R² = 0.55 and 0.37) correlation with nectar total soluble solids (TSS).Nectar secretion and its TSS increased significantly only at nitrogen dose of 60 kg ha^-1 as compared to 45 kg ha^-1.W eather parameters have more pronounced effects on TSS at 45 kg ha-1.Delay in sowing by one month resulted in reduction in honey production potential by 1.5- 1.8 kg ha^-1. In addition to this, the reduced nectar availability due to delay in sowing may negatively effect in attracting and sustaining pollinators’ populations and crop yield.

6 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

042995   RAM H, SINGH G, GUPTA N, DHALIWAL S S (Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana - 141 004, Punjab, Email: gurbrinder-coaagr@pau.edu) : Control of mixed weed flora with different herbicides in barley. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 138–42.

A field experiment was conducted during 2014-15 and 2015-16 to study the efficacy of herbicides for control of diverse weeds in barley. Herbicides were sprayed alone or in combinations. The highest grain yield (5.54-6.07 t/ha) was recorded in weed-free treatment which was at par with isoproturon 750 g/ha + 2,4-D 500 g/ha and pinoxaden 40 g/ha + carfentrazone 20 g/ha. Uncontrolled weed competition caused an average 8-54 % yield reductions compared to weed-free treatment. The magnitude of net returns and the benefit-cost ratio was higher with the applications of isoproturon 750 g/ha + 2,4-D (Na salt) 500 g/ ha, pinoxaden 40 g/ha + carfentrazone 20 g/ha, isoproturon 750 g/ha + metsulfuron 4 g/ha and pinoxaden 40 g/ha followed by metsulfuron 4 g/ha and in weed-free.

3 tables, 11 ref

044921   SAXENA R, TIWARI A, MATHUR P, CHAKRAVARTY N V K (Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Email: mathurrani@rediffmail.com) : An investigation of reference evapotranspiration trends for crop water requirement estimation in Rajasthan. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(4), 449-56.

Trends in reference evapotranspiration (ETo) estimated using Penman-Monteith equation were analysed over arid, semi-arid and humid regions of northwest (NW) India during 1985–2018. The MannKendall is used to determine significance of trends. Theil-Sen’s estimator and least square linear fitting methods are adopted to find slopes of the trend lines. The results indicated a significant decrease in ETo on annual basis for most of the locations and NW India as a whole. However, the trend was not statistically significant for seasonal ETo. The significant decrease in solar radiation and wind speed nullified the impact of increased temperature and resulted in slight decrease in ETo over arid and semi-arid regions of NW India which could probably be attributed to the increased dust hazy conditions prevailing. In NW India, water is a limiting resource the decrease in ETo may help researchers in decision makers to develop water assets and utilize the irrigation systems more effectively. There was also an increasing trend in production of major crops in the study region. Further, in near future, if this decreasing ETo trend were to remain, it would help in intensification of cropping system with the existing water resource.

1 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

042994   PALIWAL A, SINGH V P, PRATAP T, SINGH S P, GURU S K, JOSHI N , SIRAZUDDIN , KUMAR A (VCSG Uttarakhand Univof Horticulture and Forestry, Ranichauri - 249 199, Uttarakhand, Email: arunima.28@rediffmail.com) : Tillage and weed control effect on weeds and wheat productivity. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 132–7.

A 3-year study was conducted to assess the impact of tillage and weed control practices on weed flora and wheat productivity. Experiments were conducted during Rabi season of 2012-13 to 2014-15 at GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, with clayloam soil. There were five crop establishment methods, viz. Transplanted rice (conventional tillage) (TPR)– wheat (conventional tillage) (CTW) (TPR-CTW), Transplanted rice (conventional tillage)– wheat (zero tillage)- Sesbania green manuring (S) (TPR-ZTW-S), Direct-seeded rice (conventional tillage)- wheat (conventional tillage)- Sesbania incorporation (S) (DSR-CTW-S), Directseeded rice (zero tillage)- wheat (zero tillage)- Sesbania brown manuring (S) (ZTR-ZTW-S) and Direct-seeded rice (zero tillage) + residue retention- wheat (zero tillage) + residue retention- Sesbania brown manuring (S) (ZTR + RZTW+R-ZTS) and three weed control methods [(weedy check, recommended herbicide (Recommended ready-mix herbicide clodinafop 15 % + MSM 1 % (60 + 4 g/ha) and integrated weed management i.e., clodinafop 15 % + MSM 1 % 60 + 4 g/ha fb manual weeding at 45 days after seeding (DAS)]. Continuous zero-till cropping system along with residue retention and brown manuring of Sesbania has resulted in the lowest total weed biomass at 60 DAS and greatly reduced the density of Phalaris minor, Medicago denticulata, Polygonum plebeium and Coronopus didymus. However, density of C. didymus, Rumex acetosella and Vicia sativa was reduced under conventionally tilled wheat. Ready mix application of clodinafop 15 % + MSM 1 % supplemented with one hand weeding at 45 DAS greatly reduced the density and biomass of weeds. The maximum wheat grain (4.5 t/ha) and straw (6.3 t/ha) yields was achieved under zero-tilled wheat with rice residue retention and Sesbania as brown manure. The integration of clodinafop 15 % + MSM 1 % with 1 HW at 45 DAS resulted in an increase in grain and straw yields by 45.5 % and 30.8 %, respectively, over weedy check. It may inferred that in wheat cultivation conventional tillage could be replaced with zero-tillage along with residue retention by growing of Sesbania and the application of 2,4-D at 30 days stage to attain sustainability of ricewheat cropping system.

1 illus, 5 tables, 35 ref

046413   ZAMORA-NATERA J F, RODRIGUEZ-MACIAS R, SALCEDO-PERE E, GARCÍA-LOPEZ P, BARRIENTOS-RAMIREZ L, VARGAS-RADILLO J, SOTO-VELASCO C, RUIZ-LÓPEZ M A (Botánica Zoología Dep, Guadalajara Univ, Jalisco, México, Email: mruiz@cucba.udg.m) : Forage potential of three wild species of genus Lupinus (Leguminosae) from Mexico. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 93-8.

The study of new legumes species in terms of yield and quality of forage under cultivation conditions is essential to improving the productivity of animal production. We evaluated the yield and nutritional quality of forage under irrigation conditions for three wild lupin species from Mexico (L. exaltatus, L. mexicanus, and L. rotundiflorus) at different stages of maturity. The experiment was conducted from November 2016 to March 2017 in Jalisco, Mexico. In general, the dry matter (DM) in all species increased with advancing maturity, but L. exaltatus presented the best production of forage 15,143 kg/ha^-1 DM, followed by L. mexicanus (9,140 kg/ha^-1 DM) on the third sampling date. The low forage yield in L. rotundiflorus was compensated by a higher average protein content (171.2 g/kg). The highest P and K content was recorded in L. rotundiflorus, whereas Ca and Mg were higher in the forage of L. mexicanus.

3 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

046412   DODDABASAWA, CHITTAPUR B M, MURTHY M M (Agriculture Coll, Yadgir- 585 287, Email: dkpatil2020@gmail.com) : On-farm evaluation of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajana L. Millsp.) - neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) agroforestry systems in the Deccan Plateau. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 87-92.

The performance of neem based agroforestry system was studied during 2016-17 under rainfed ecosystem on farmers’ fields on participatory mode in Yadagir district in the North-eastern dry zone (Zone II) of Karnataka. Grain and biomass yields and harvest index of pigeonpea did not vary significantly among the agroforestry systems. However, significantly lower grain (1192 kg ha^-1) and biomass (5563 kg ha^-1) yields of pigeonpea were recorded at 5 m distance away from the neem tree line (P=0.05) compared to the distances of 10 m ( 1450 and 6942 kg ha^-1, respectively) and 15 m (1449 and 6720 kg ha^-1, respectively) away from the tree line. Significantly higher grain yield (1520 kg ha^-1) was observed in control without any proximity of trees compared to the agroforestry systems which accounted for a mean reduction of 11 per cent in yield. Among different agroforestry systems, significantly higher tree height was recorded in bund planting (7.61 m) followed by boundary planting (7.38 m) and scattered planting (6.46 m) whereas the crown spread recorded was significantly lower in bund planting (6.27 m) followed by scattered planting (6.38 m) and boundary planting (6.68 m). There also existed non-significant difference in girth, volume and biomass of neem trees grown in different agroforestry systems. Further, the physicochemical properties of soil were found improved in agroforestry systems compared to control and the trend varied among the different agroforestry systems.

7 tables, 22 ref

046411   SEYAHJANI E A, YARNIA M, FARAHVASH F, BENAM M B K, RAHMANI H A (Agronomy and Plant Breeding Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Tabriz, Iran, Email: farahvash@iaut.ac.ir) : Influence of rhizobium, pseudomonas and mycorrhiza on some physiological traits of red beans (Phaseolus vulgaris l.) under different irrigation conditions. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 81-6.

This study was conducted to evaluate response red bean (CV. Goli) under drought stress conditions for three types of biological fertilizers in 2014 - 2015 years. A split plot experiment was conducted in Tabriz, Iran. Irrigation levels (irrigation after 70, 110 and 150 mm of evaporation from pan) were considered as main plots, and biological fertilizers Rhizobium (Rp), Mycorrhiza (My), Pseudomonas (Ps), Rp + My, Rp + Ps, Rp + My + Ps and non-inoculation (control) were considered as sub plots. Combination of Rhizobium, Mycorrhiza, and Pseudomonas at irrigation level of more than 70 mm of evaporation had the highest grain yield, RWC, CCI, stomata conductance, leaf water potential and lowest cell leakage. Triple inoculation increased grain yield in comparison to the control, or to the time they were used individually or simultaneously; it also reduced the negative effects of drought stress on the beans.

2 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

042993   SHIVRAN H, YADAV R S, SINGH S P, GODARA A S, BIJARNIYA A L, SAMOTA S R (Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural Univ, Bikaner - 334 006, Rajasthan, Email: hansrajshivran90@gmail.com) : Tillage and weed management effect on productivity of wheat in North-West Rajasthan. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 127–31.

A field experiment was carried out at SKRAU, Bikaner, Rajasthan, during Rabi seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18 to investigate the effect of tillage and weed management practices on productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in NorthWest Rajasthan. Amongst the tillage treatments, adoption of stale seedbed (SSB) using glyphosate at 2.0 kg/ha resulted in higher dry matter at harvest, effective tillers (101.77 per m.r.l.) and grain yield (4.06 t/ha), and significantly lowered the density and dry matter of weeds. Among various weed management treatments, metsulfuron 4.0 g/ha + one hand weeding (HW) at 45 DAS significantly lowered the density and dry matter of all the broad-leaf weeds, but not effective against Cyperus rotundus and Cynodon dactylon. Being at par with weed free check and also 2,4-D E + one HW, it was significantly superior to all other treatments and resulted 4.40 t/ha grain yield of wheat.

4 tables, 14 ref

042992   MUKHERJEE P K (ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur - 482 004, Madhya Pradesh, Email: pkm_agronomy@yahoo.co.in) : Endozoochorous dissemination of Rumex dentatus and its impact on wheat productivity. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 123–6.

The effectiveness of endozoochory and germination success of the weeds after passage through the animal gut are the important traits for dissemination and invasion of weeds. With this view, experiments were conducted during the Rabi season of 2017-18 and 2018-19 at ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar Campus with the objective to assess the effect of endozoochorous dissemination of weed (Rumex dentatus) on late sown wheat productivity (Variety HD 3059) while using cattle shed water for irrigation. The results revealed that late harvesting of the berseem led to the development of R. dentatus up to seeding stage. Berseem green fodder contaminated with seeds of R. dentatus was fed to the cattle and buffaloes. Application of carfentrazone at 25 days after sowing (DAS) reduced the population of existing broad-leaved weeds, however, use of cattle shed water for irrigation increased the population of R. dentatus from 35 DAS up to 17 % at 50 DAS, 134 % at 65 DAS and 186 % at 80 DAS. Whereas, the adjacent plot irrigated with normal ground water, recorded the declining trend of R. dentatus population from 35 DAS i.e. up to 15, 32 and 50 % reduction at 50, 65 and 80 DAS, respectively. Large infestation of R. dentatus due to use of cattle shed water contaminated with seeds of R. dentatus reduced wheat productivity up to 44 % (2.14 t/ha) as compared to the grain yield 3.82 t/ha obtained from the plot irrigated with normal ground water. During second year, the entire field was irrigated with normal ground water and similarly carfentrazone was used at 25 DAS. These measures reduced the population of R. dentatus and weed showed declining trend up to 30, 71 and 79 % reduction at 50, 65 and 80 DAS from 35 DAS. These results confirmed that R. dentatus has the endozoochorous mechanism of its dissemination and use of cattle shed water for irrigation may not be recommended if the berseem fodder is infested with seeds of R. dentatus.

3 illus, 4 ref

046410   SHIN D S, CHOI I D, LEE S K, PARK J Y, KIM N G, PARK C H, HAN S I, CHOI H S (Central Area Crop Science Dep, National Institute of Crop Science, Suwon- 16613, Republic of Korea, Email: choihs9587@korea.kr) : Evaluation of the fermentation properties of different soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivars. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 75-80.

The enzymatic activity (EA) and amino-type nitrogen (ATN), viscous substance (VS), organic acid (OA), free amino acid (FAA) and volatile compound (VC) content in fermented soybeans of six cultivars (Glycine max L. ‘Taekwangkong’ [TKK], ‘Daechankong’ [DCK], ‘Misokong’ [MSK], ‘Seonpungkong’ [SPK], ‘Uramkong’ [URK] and ‘Chamolkong’ [COK]) were compared. Fermentation increased the quality indices such as EA, ATN and VS in soybean and their highest content were observed in DCK. The content of major OAs decreased in the following order: lactic acid > acetic acid > fumaric acid. The essential amino acid (EAA) content was increased by fermentation and FAA production had a positive effect on the abundance of the fermentation metabolites γ-amino-n-butyric acid and ornithine. The content of the VS pyrazine differed with cultivar. Overall, soybean cultivars showed differences in the composition and fermentation properties, with raw DCK soybeans being particularly suitable for fermentation.

3 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

042991   MUKHERJEE D (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Kalyani - 741 235, West Bengal, Email: dhiman_mukherjee@yahoo.co.in) : Herbicide combinations effect on weeds and yield of wheat in North-Eastern plain. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 116–22.

A field experiment was conducted at District Seed Farm (AB Block), Kalyani under Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya during winter season of 2016-17 and 2017-18 in upland situation to evaluate the effect of various herbicides and it’s combinations against different weed species and yield of wheat under new alluvial zone. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with eleven treatments in three replications. Total weed density at 30 days after spray, was recorded minimum with halauxifen-methyl-ester + florasulam + carfentrazone 10.21 + 20 g/ha and it was at par with the metsulfuron + carfentrazone 4 + 20 g/ha and considerably better than all other control measures except weed free situation. At 30 days after spray, least total weed biomass was observed with the 2,4-D E + carfentrazone 400 + 20 g/ha and showed parity with the halauxifen + florasulam + carfentrazone 10.21 + 20 g/ha, metsulfuron + carfentrazone 4 + 20 g/ha and halauxifen-methyl ester + florasulam 12.76 g/ha and statistically better than all other treatments except weed free situation. Amongst various herbicidal treatments, total weed density at 60 days after spray, lowest with halauxifenmethyl-ester + florasulam 12.76 g/ha and was at par with most of the treatments except 2,4-D Na 500 g/ha, 2,4-D Na + carfentrazone 400 + 20 g/ha and weedy check. This treatment also registered low weed biomass. The soil microbial population was significantly affected by weed control measures at 60 days after sowing.Higher grain yield of wheat was observed in weed free (4.80 t/ha) and was at par with metsulfuron + carfentrazone 4 + 20 g/ha (4.56 t/ha), halauxifen-methyl ester + florasulam + carfentrazone 10.21 + 20 g/ha (4.44 t/ha) and 2,4-D E + carfentrazone 400 + 20 g/ha (4.40 t/ha) and significantly better than other treatments. Total nutrient uptake by crop was highest in weed free and was at par with metsulfuron + carfentrazone 4 + 20 g/ha and significantly better to other treatments. From the study. It was concluded that use of metsulfuron + carfentrazone 4 + 20 g/ha resulted in maximum wheat yield followed by halauxifenmethyl ester + florasulam + carfentrazone 10.21 + 20 g/ha.

7 tables, 12 ref

042990   TIWARI N, CHITALE S, CHOUDHARY T (Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur - 492 012, Chhattisgarh, Email: shrikantmadhukarchitale@gmail.com) : Long-term weed management effect on weed dynamics, weed shift and productivity of direct-seeded rice-chickpea cropping system. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 107–15.

A long-term experiment was conducted on Inceptisol at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh during 2010 to 2015 in direct-seeded rice (DSR)-chickpea cropping system to study the effect of continuous and rotational use of weed management practices on weed shift and productivity. No remarkable weed shift was visualized due to continuous or rotational application of combination of herbicides or manual weeding or its integration. However, appearance of Celosia argentea in unweeded plot was noticed in sixth year of DSR mainly due to its aggressive growth habit and nonsubmergence of rice field during Kharif 2015. The appearance of Celosia argentea suppressed the Alternanthera triandra. The Celosia argentea produced 8430 seeds/plant as against 1564 seeds/plant by Alternanthera triandra. Significantly higher seed yield of rice was registered under two hand weedings followed by oxadiargyl 80 g/ha fb bispyribac 25 g/ha. Seed yield of chickpea was higher under conventional tillage and continuous application of pendimethalin 1000 g/ha. Studies on weed seed bank suggested that although, there was no effect of different weed management treatments on seed bank up to 15 cm soil depth neither in DSR nor in chickpea at initial stage, but in unweeded control plot, there was perceptible variation in number of weed seeds of different annual weed species. The dominant weeds species were Celosia argentea (37.7 %), Echinochloa colona (19.6 %), Ischaemum rugosum (14.7 %) and Cyperus iria (9.8 %) over initially dominant species of Alternanthera triandra

4 illus, 9 tables, 17 ref

046409   SHINDE P, HUNJE R (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad- 580 005, Email: pavandgs@gmail.com) : Effect of seed priming on growth and seed yield in Kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 68-74.

The field experiment was carried out at Water and Land Use Management Institute (WALMI) Farm, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during 2015-16 and 2016-17 to study the effect of seed priming on growth and seed yield in kabuli chickpea varieties. The experiment was laid in split plot design with three replications constituting two kabuli chickpea varieties and nine seed priming treatments. The results of pooled data revealed that, kabuli chickpea variety BG1105 (V₁) recorded significantly higher values for all parameters over MNK-1 (V₂) while, seed priming with Sprint (Mancozeb 50 % + Carbendazim 25 % WS) @ 2 g per kg of seed (T₉ ) recorded significantly higher chlorophyll content (53.45 SPAD value/plant) at 75 DAS, plant height (48.01 cm/plant), secondary branches (23.38/plant), number of pods (44.73/plant), seed yield (33.97 g/plant and 16.59 q/ha) compared other treatments and control (T₁ ) (44.07 SPAD value/plant, 42.34 cm/plant, 17.98/plant, 32.25/plant, 19.95 g/plant, 12.09 q/ha, respectively) at harvest.

4 tables, 15 ref

042989   SARAVANANE P (Agronomy Dep, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Coll of Agriculture & Research Institute, Karaikal - 609 603, Puducherry, Email: psaravanane@rediffmail.com) : Effect of different weed management options on weed flora, rice grain yield and economics in dry direct-seeded rice. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(2), 102–6.

The shift in the method of rice establishment from traditional manual transplanting of seedlings to direct seeding has occurred in many Asian countries including India. Weeds are the most important biotic constraint in dry direct-seeded rice (dry-DSR) production. Field experiments were carried out during 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture & Research Institute, Karaikal, and Puducherry UT, India to study the effect of different weed management options on the diverse weed flora, rice grain yield and economics in dry-DSR under unpuddled condition. The grassy weeds dominated the weed flora, with 86.12 % relative density of Echinochloa colona (L). Link. The sequential application of pendimethalin and bispyribac-sodium herbicides (1000 fb 25 g/ha) with a manual weeding in 40 days after sowing (DAS) reduced total weed density (14.4 /m² ) and biomass (37 g/m² ), resulted in better rice growth (plant height and tillers/m² ), yield parameters (panicle weight and 1000 grain weight) and higher rice grain yield (3.86 t/ha). Negative linear relationship was observed between rice grain yield and total weed biomass at 80 DAS. Uncontrolled weeds caused 68.3 % dry-DSR yield loss. Pre-emergence pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha application integrated with manual weeding with or without bispyribac-sodium application and manual weeding thrice recorded higher B: C ratio in deltaic coastal ecosystem of Karaikal, Puducherry UT.

1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

044920   KUMAR M, REDDY K S, REDDY K S (Resource Management Div, ICAR- Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad– 500059, Telangana, Email: manocrida75@gmail.com) : Regional scale cropping systems management options in Telangana using worldclim data. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(4), 439-48.

The present study evaluates the existing district-wise cropping system of Kharif and Rabi season prevailing in Telangana State of India. In kharif season, it was observed that all districts of the states are water surplus and whereas during Rabi season all districts become water deficit. In order to enhance the agricultural production and agricultural based rural economy, alternate cropping system were suggested. Due consideration was given to the existing water resource and farming practices prevailing in the respective district. Re-appropriation of area under various crops was suggested for two scenarios namely, ‘A’ and ‘B’, aimed for reduction in crop water requirement by 10 % and 20 %, respectively. In scenario ‘A’, it was suggested to reduce the area under transplanted paddy and ground nut by half and 40% respectively,in kharif season and substantial enhancement in the area under redgram. For rabi season the area under transplanted paddy could be reduced to half for scope to double the area under oilseed. The scenario ‘B’ however is feasible in 3 districts, suggests restricting the area under groundnut to comprehensive increase in pulse area. For rabi in scenario ‘B’, it is recommended to further reduce the area under oilseed, paddy and other crops allows more crop diversity including millets, sorghum and caster. The economic analysis suggested that the alternate scenario has the potential to significantly improve the benefit cost ratio apart from enhancement in water productivity.

1 illus, 6 tables, 23 ref

046408   SINGH Y P, TOMAR S P S , SINGH S (Zonal Agriculture Research, Morena- 476 001, Email: ypsinghkvk@gmail.com) : Impact of biotic stress management technologies on yield, economics and energy indices of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) grown in Central India. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 61-7.

The major biotic stresses limiting productivity of pigeon pea includes weeds and various diseases like wilt, sterility mosaic virus, blight and pests as pod-borer, pod-fly in field and bruchids in field as well as in storage. Results of on farm trials revealed significant impact of adoption of management techniques of biotic stresses on seed yield, net profit and benefit cost ratio as compared to existing practices of pigeon pea cultivation. Scientific management of weed, pod borer and wilt was increased in seed yield by 26.2, 46.1 and 12.2 %, while saving of seed by 23.6 % from bruchids compared with existing practice, respectively. Among biotic management practices, higher additional cost was observed on weed management (Rs. 2,974 ha^-1) and it was minimum on pod borer management (Rs. 798 ha^-1) compared with existing practices. Accordingly, additional maximum net returns were obtained with pod borer (Rs. 24,805 ha^-1) and minimum with wilt (Rs. 9,401 ha^-1). Interventions of biotic stresses management were significantly influenced the output, useefficiency, productivity and net gains of energy compared to existing practices. Maximum additional net energy gain was in management of weed (25,649 MJ ha^-1) followed by pod borer (13,349 MJ ha^-1), bruchid (8,390 MJ ha^-1) and wilt (5,325 MJ ha^-1). After harvest of second crop of pigeon pea, organic carbon, bulk density, infiltration rate and available N, P, K, S and Zn were significantly increased with weed and wilt management over existing practice. Management of biotic stresses by proper technologies increased the productivity of pigeon pea of three folds (2.12 to 2.33 t ha^-1) compared to its average productivity of India and also increased economic benefits and energy outcomes.

2 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

042988   SINGH S P, YADAV R S, GODARA A S, BAIRWA R C (Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural Univ, Bikaner - 334 006, Rajasthan, Email: spbhakar2010@gmail.com) : Screening of herbicides for broomrape (Orobanche) control in mustard. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 99–101.

A field study was conducted for two years during Rabi season of 2012-13 and 2013-14 on the fields of farmers’ of Jhunjhunu and Bikaner districts infested with broomrape (Orobanche) to test the efficiency of herbicides in mustard crop under AICRP on Weed Management at Agriculture Research Station, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner. The experiment comprising ten weed control treatments consisting of neem cake (200 kg/ha) + pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha, neem cake (200 kg/ha) + glyphosate 25 g/ha at 25 DAS, pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha + glyphosate 35 g/ha + 55 g/ha at 25 and 55 DAS, pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha, glyphosate 25 g/ha + 50 g/ha at 25 and 55 DAS, glyphosate 50 g/ha + 50 g/ha at 25 and 55 DAS, oxyfluorfen (200 g/ha), imazethapyr (20 g/ha), manual weeding and weedy check in a randomized block design with three replications. Among the different herbicides, application of glyphosate at 25 g/ha + 50 g/ha at 25 and 55 DAS controlled broomrape effectively with nil phytotoxicity and produced significantly the highest seed yield in mustard during both the years over all the other herbicidal treatments.

1 table, 9 ref

042987   SATHYAPRIYA K, CHINNUSAMY C (Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore - 641 003, Tamil Nadu, Email: kavikathir2000@gmail.com) : Integrated weed management in altered crop geometry of irrigated maize and residual effects on succeeding Bengal gram. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 93–8.

A field experiment was carried out at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2018-19 to study the effect of altered crop geometry without changing the total plant population with integrated weed management methods in irrigated maize (Zea mays L.) and their residual effects on succeeding Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum). Based on the results, it could be ascertained that planting pattern of 60 x 25 cm proved to be effective in reducing weed biomass and recorded significantly higher grain yield of about 6.48 t/ha which was at par with the spacing of 75 x 20 cm. Preemergence (PE) application of atrazine at 1.0 kg/ha + hand weeding or twin wheel hoe weeding at 35 DAS was at par with hand weeding twice at 20 and 35 DAS with respect to grain yield. Herbicidal methods of weed management like 2, 4-D and atrazine application did not exert any residual effect on the succeeding Bengal gram.

1 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

042986   KUSHWAH S S, KASANA B S, BHADAURIA S S (Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior - 474 002, Madhya Pradesh, Email: kasanabrajraj@gmail.com) : On-farm assessment of conservation tillage for wheat planting in rice-wheat cropping system. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 89–92.

A farmer’s participatory field experiment was conducted during two consecutive Rabi seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17 at farmer’s fields in Badkisarari village of Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh on clay loam soils to validate zero-till sowing of wheat crop in rice-wheat cropping system for realizing higher yield. Zero till sown wheat had significantly lesser weed dry biomass per unit area as compared to wheat sown in conventional and reduced tillage besides advancement of sowing by 20-25 days over conventional and reduced tillage sowing of wheat crop. The population of Phalaris minor, Avena ludoviciana, Avena fatua, Chenopodium album, Melilotus indica and Anagallis arvensis was reduced significantly under zero tillage as compared to conventional tillage. Excellent suppression in weed density and weed dry weight with higher levels of weed control efficiency and yield were obtained with zero till sown wheat. Zero tillage was also found better in terms of lesser cost of cultivation, higher net returns and B:C ratio.

3 tables, 11 ref

042985   KAUR R, KAUR C, KAUR T (Agronomy Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana - 141 004, Punjab, Email: ramandeepkaur201533@gmail.com) : Weed management through rice straw mulching and herbicide use in maize. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 82–8.

The field experiments were carried out at Ludhiana and Gurdaspur during Kharif 2017 to find out the influence of rice straw mulching and weed management treatments on weed density, weed dry matter and grain yield in maize. Use of rice straw mulch (PSM) at 9.00 and 6.25 t/ha recorded an average of 19.9 and 11.4 % higher grain yield (5.91-6.21 and 5.46-5.81 t/ha), compared with no mulching (4.82-5.31 t/ha), respectively. The results showed that there was a reduction in average grain yield of 9.80 kg/ha with every increase in dry matter accumulation of weeds by 1.0 g/m² . Post-emergence application of tembotrione (0.088 and 0.110 kg/ha) proved to be more effective than the pre-emergence application of atrazine (0.8 and 1.0 kg/ha) for controlling different weed species in maize. Both the doses of tembotrione (0.088 and 0.110 kg/ha) in combination with rice straw mulch at 9.00 t/ha displayed significantly lower weed growth and higher grain yield of maize in comparison to other treatments. The results showed that tembotrione at 0.088 kg/ha (PoE) in combination with PSM at 9.00 t/ha can be applied in maize for getting higher productivity, as this combination helps to reduce 20 % dose of herbicide.

4 illus, 1 table, 19 ref