042984   JAYAKUMAR M, RAJAVEL M, SURENDRAN U (Central Coffee Research Institute, Chikmagaluru - 577 112, Karnataka, Email: agrokumar2013@gmail.com) : Biology and phenology of predominant weed species in lowland rice ecosystems. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 78–81.

A field survey was taken up in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu state to know the dominant weed species competing in the lowland rice ecosystems to identify the major weeds and study the biology and phenology of the weed species. Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), blistering ammannia (Ammania bacciffera), false daisy (Eclipta alba) and Viper grass (Dinebra retroflexa) were found predominant in lowland and were selected for the study. The seeds of selected weeds were collected along with the inflorescence from the field pot culture and field studies. It was found that among the four lowland weeds, Echinochloa crus-galli and Eclipta alba germinated 6 days after sowing both in the pot as well as field study. Ammania bacciffera was germinated earlier in pot culture (7 days) and Dinebra retroflexa germinated earlier (7 days) in field condition. Weeds grown in field condition came to 50% flowering earlier than grown in pot culture. Total dry weight per plant at flowering was higher in Dinebra retroflexa both in field and pot culture and at maturity, it was higher with Echinochloa crusgalli. Total dry weight at maturity was 8-12 times more than at flowering for all the weeds. The numbers of seeds/plant was higher with Echinochloa crus-galli in both in pot culture and field study with 650 and 850 seeds/ plant respectively.

2 tables, 10 ref

042983   SHARMA A, AGRAWAL K K, SHARMA J K, JHA A K (Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur - 482 004, Madhya Pradesh, Email: aparnasharma701.as.com@gmail.com) : Bio-efficacy of bentazone 48 % SL as post-emergence against weeds in direct-seeded rice. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 74–7.

The experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2017 at Research Farm of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The soil of experimental site was sandy clay loam in texture, medium in organic carbon (0.62 %), available nitrogen (285 kg/ha), available phosphorus (17.45 kg/ ha) and potassium (260 kg/ha) with neutral pH (7.1). The dominant weeds associated with direct-seeded rice in the experimental field were mainly comprised of monocot (Echinochloa colona), sedge (Cyperus iria) and dicot weeds (Mollugo pentaphylla, Phylanthus niruri, Eclipta alba, Corchorus olitorius and Alternanthera philoxeroides).Experiment consisted of total ten treatments comprising of seven doses of bentazone 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600, 1800 and 2000 g/ha, 2,4-D 380 g/ha as post-emergence, hand weeding twice (20 and 40 DAS) including weedy check, were laid out in a randomized block design with 3 replications. The post-emergence application of bentazone at higher doses i.e. 1800 and 2000 g/ha was found effective in reducing the weed density of dicot weeds to a great extent.

4 tables, 13 ref

044919   GOWTHAM R, GEETHALAKSHMI V, KUMAR N, LAKSHMANAN A, BHUVANESWARI K, DHEEBAKARAN G, SENTHILRAJA K (Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore– 641 003, Tamil Nadu, Email: gowtham.acrc@gmail.com) : Drought analysis and management for Tamil Nadu: Science-stakeholder-policy linkage. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(4), 429-38.

The complex and multi-dimensional nature of droughts in Tamil Nadu state and its impact on agricultural sector and farming community requires a thorough analysis for developing short and long– term adaptation and mitigation measures with institutional arrangement and policy support. In the present investigation, drought analysis was made for Tamil Nadu state using 148 years (1871 – 2018) monthly rainfall data obtained at district scale from India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University by employing various drought indices. Larger co-efficient of variation (139 and 149 %) during the major growing seasons (Southwest and Northeast monsoon)evidenced high undependability of rainfall over Tamil Nadu. Drought Index (DI) analysis indicated a 51 per cent drought years in SWM and 48 per cent in NEM season, while Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) exhibited 43 and 48 per cent of drought years in SWM and NEM respectively, indicating occurrence of drought once in every four years. More number of Consecutive Drought years (CDY) posed serious impacts on food production and livelihoods. Drought management framework as well as input for designing drought policy for Tamil Nadu.

5 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

042982   KUMAR J S, NEDUNCHEZHIYAN J S M , MAMATHA K , DAS B , SENGUPTA S , KAMALKUMARAN P R , MITRA S , TARAFDAR J, DAMODARAN V, SINGH R S, et al (ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 017, Kerala, Email: suresh.j@icar.gov.in) : Integrated weed management in elephant foot yam. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 69–73.

An experiment was conducted to find out the most effective method of weed management in elephant foot yam. The experiment was conducted under 10 different agro-climatic conditions of India including plains, hills and islands, etc. using RBD with 8 treatments and 3 replications, during 2017 and 2018. Cyperus rotundus, Cynodon dactylon and Commelina benghalensis were the predominant weeds at most of the locations. Among different treatments, hand weeding thrice at 30, 60, 90 days after planting (DAP) recorded taller plants (80.85 cm) with more pseudo stem girth, canopy spread (97.07 cm), leaf area (5435.37 cm² ), corm yield (38.0 t/ha), and net returns ( 387253), which was at par with weed control ground cover mat mulching and application of glyphosate thrice at 30, 60 and 90 DAP. Lower weed density and biomass were recorded in treatment with weed control ground cover mat mulching, which was at par with glyphosate applied at 30, 60 and 90 DAP.

5 tables, 13 ref

044918   KAUNDAL M, KUMAR R (Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Email: rakeshkumar@ihbt.res.in) : Effect of elevated CO₂ and elevated temperature on growth and biomass accumulation in Valeriana jatamansi Jones. under different nutrient status in the western Himalaya. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(4), 419-28.

Valeriana jatamansi is an important medicinal and aromatic plant used as sedative in modern and traditional medicines butthere is dearth of literature regarding how elevated CO₂ and temperature affect on this plant. Therefore,an experiment was conducted to study the effect of elevated CO₂ (550±50 µmol mol-1) and elevated temperature (2.5±0.5 °C above ambient) and vermicompost on growth, phenology and biomass accumulation in V. jatamansi under Free Air CO₂ Enrichment (FACE) and Free Air Temperature Increment (FATI) facilities at Palampur, India, during 2013-2015. Growth parameters and biomass accumulation into different parts were observed at 4, 12 and 16 months after exposure (MAE). Plant height, total dry biomass and leaf area plant -1 increased in elevated CO₂ treatment applied with vermicompost as compared to the other treatments. Elevated CO₂ significantly enhanced leaf area (3.5- 23.5 %), leaf biomass (12.7-33.2 %), stem (15.3-15.6 %), root (3.2-72.5 %), rhizome (2.1-42.2 %) and total biomass (7.7-52.7 %), whereas elevated temperature increased aboveground biomass (15.0-45.3 %), belowground biomass (11.6-55.5 %) and total biomass (12.4-47.9 %), respectively, as compared to ambient. Phenological stages were advanced by 1.2-3.9 days under FACE and FATI as compared to ambient. The results indicate that aboveground, belowground and total biomass increased under elevated CO2 and elevated temperature as compared to ambient.

2 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

046406   ZADRAZNIK T, SUSTAR-VOZLIC J (Agronomy Dep, Ljubljana Univ, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Email: tanja.zadraznik@kis.si) : Impact of drought stress on physiological characteristics and isolation of chloroplasts in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 50-5.

Chloroplasts are involved in many cellular processes and play an important role in plant stress response. In this study, the effect of drought on different physiological characteristics and the isolation of chloroplasts from leaves of drought-stressed and control plants of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are reported. Two cultivars differing in the response to drought were analysed - Tiber and more sensitive Starozagorski čern. The results of relative water content showed that plants were under mild stress conditions after six days without watering. Negative effects of drought stress on the photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of both cultivars were observed. The yield of isolated chloroplasts in control samples of both cultivars was at least three times higher compared to drought-stressed samples. The intactness of the isolated chloroplasts was checked and used for protein isolation. The results of the study suggested that even mild drought stress strongly affected the isolation of intact chloroplasts. Still, intact chloroplasts were enriched and were suitable for downstream proteomic analysis.

4 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

042981   SINGH P K, GHARDE Y (ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur - 482 004, Madhya Pradesh, Email: drsinghpk@gmail.com) : Adoption level and impact of weed management technologies in rice and wheat: Evidence from farmers of India. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 64–8.

Weed invasions change the natural diversity and balance of ecological communities which threaten the survival of many plants and animals. Therefore, weed management is important as far as crop production is concerned. Further, impact assessment has been proven as a means of measuring the effectiveness of any agricultural technology in improving productivity, reducing the poverty and increasing the livelihood security of the farmers. Present study focuses on highlighting socio-economic status of the farmers and agencies which play significant role in dissemination of weed related information as well as effect of weed management technologies on weed intensity in rice and wheat crops. Results revealed that before adoption, some weeds like Cyperus difformis, Fimbristylis milliacea and Ludwigia parviflora were found in very high severity (>75 %) level in rice, however, after adoption of improved weed management technologies they reached to low and moderate severity (75 %) in most of their fields. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) revealed the major agencies which play important role in disseminating the weed management technologies to the farmers. Findings of study stress on sensitizing different agencies and increasing their role in dissemination of weed management solutions to the farmers.

3 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

042980   BRAR J S, GILL K S, KAUR T, KAUR K (Agronomy Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana - 141 001, Punjab, Email: karanbirgill@pau.edu) : Appraisal of different floor management practices for weed management in ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) orchards. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 58–63.

Glyphosate was the commonly used herbicide in ber orchards in Punjab, India. This herbicide has been banned by State Government recently in the state. Therefore, there is a dire need to develop non- chemical approaches to check weeds in ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) orchard. An experiment was conducted to study the influence of different orchard floor management practices on weed biomass, fruit yield and quality of ber at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (India). Different floor management practices, viz. mulching (rice straw, white polythene, black polythene), mechanical, glyphosate and weedy check were evaluated. Weed biomass recorded at monthly intervals from November to March under all floor management practices exhibited a significant reduction in weed growth as compared to the weedy check. White polythene mulch recorded higher weed growth with reduced weed biomass as compared to black polythene mulch due to the penetration of solar radiation leading to weed emergence and disintegration of white polythene sheet. The weed biomass in inter-cultivation and herbicide treatments was increased up to January, however, with second cultivation and herbicide spray, the growth of weeds under these treatments was checked up to February and again showed an increasing trend. Although, glyphosate suppressed the weeds and mechanical weeding reduced the weed density but the resurgence of weeds resulted in comparatively higher weed biomass, while, rice straw mulch exhibited promising results, with 87.1 and 91.2 % reduction in total weed biomass during 1st and 2nd year, respectively. Application of rice straw mulch at 12.5 t/ha may help in weed management in ber orchards.

3 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

044917   PANJWANI S, KUMAR S N, AHUJA L (Amity Univ, Noida, UP, Email: nareshkumar.soora@gmail.com) : Simulation performance of selected global and regional climate models for temperature and rainfall in some locations in India. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(4), 407-18.

Global and regional climate models are reported to have inherent bias in simulating the observed climatology of a region. This bias of climate models is the major source of uncertainties in climate change impact assessments. Therefore, use of bias corrected simulated climate data is important. In this study, the bias corrected climate data for 30 years’ period (1976-2005) from selected common four GCMs and RCMs for six Indian locations are compared with the respective observed data of India Meteorological Department. The analysis indicated that the RCMs performance is much better than GCMs after bias correction for minimum and maximum temperatures. Also, RCMs performance is better than GCMs in simulating extreme temperatures. However, the selected RCMs and GCMs are found to either over estimate or under estimate the rainfall despite bias correction and also overestimated the rainfall extremes for selected Indian locations. Based on the overall performance of four models for the six locations, it was found that the GFDL_ESM2M and NORESM1-M RCMs performed comparatively better than CSIRO and IPSL models. After bias correction, the RCMs could represent the observed climatology better than the GCMs. And these RCMs viz., GFDL_ESM2M and NORESM1-M can be used individually after bias correction in the climate change assessment studies for the selected regions.

6 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

042979   ANGMO D, CHOPRA S (Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu & Kashmir-18000, Email: drsc373@rediffmail.com) : Comparative efficacy of herbicides and hand weeding to control weeds in onion. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 53–7.

Effective and efficient weed management strategies are essential to raise a successful onion crop. Therefore, to find out the economically feasible weed management practice, a field experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, during 2015-16 and 2016-17. Five herbicides namely pendimethalin1.0 kg/ha, oxyfluorfen 0.15 kg/ha, alachlor 1.0 kg/ha, butachlor 1.0 kg/ha and quizalofop-ethyl 0.05 kg/ha were applied alone or in different combinations replicated thrice in randomized block design. Data was recorded on weed density, dry matter accumulation of weeds, weed control efficiency, weed index, herbicide efficiency index and yield parameters. Pre-emergence application of oxyfluorfen 0.15 kg/ha fb one hand weeding at 40-60 days after transplanting recorded the highest weed control efficiency and the lowest values of weed density, dry matter accumulation of weeds and weed index. The pre-emergence application of oxyfluorfen 0.15 kg/ha fb post-emergence application of quizalofop-ethyl 0.05 kg/ha at 40 DAT was also found to be equally effective in controlling the weeds in onion. The yield attributing traits such as average bulb weight and total bulb yield also exhibited the same pattern. However, the highest B: C ratio was recorded with preemergence application of oxyfluorfen 0.15 kg/ha fb post-emergence application of quizalofop-ethyl 0.05 kg/ha applied 40 DAT. Hence, this treatment can be used for controlling the prevalent weed flora in onion crop under Jammu condition.

4 tables, 9 ref

044916   CHENG-ZHI C, WEN-FANG C, XIAO-SHAN Z, JIN Z, DAN X, CONGJIAN L, WAQAR K (Guizhou Univ of Finance and Economics,, Guiyang- 550 025, Email: caichengzhi@mail.gufe.edu.cn) : Yield potential of world wheat based on ARIMA model under global warming. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(4), 397-406.

As the most important food crop across the world, with continuous increase in world population and steady declining farmlands, wheat has been attracting academic attention for improving its yield or potential in the future particularly under global warming. Therefore, analyzing the yield or potential of wheat at global level relevant to greenhouse gas effect is of great significance to direct future production of wheat in the world. However up to now, there are relatively few reports on potential yield of world wheat projected using ‘time series’ approach like ARIMA (Auto-regressive Integrated Moving Average) model. Thus in this paper, the crop potential yield of world wheat during 2019 to 2028 is projected using ARIMA model based on the yields from 1961 to 2018. Our results show that during 2019 to 2028, the average yields of world wheat are projected to increase from 3569 to 4257 kg ha^-1 while top yields of world wheat from 9852 to 11246 kg ha^-1. Annual global mean temperatures are projected to increase from 15.05 to 15.31 °C. Global warming exerts positive effect on average yield of world wheat while negative effect on the top yield in 1961 to 2018 and 2028. Our study concluded that for world wheat production in 2019 to 2028, the opportunities for improving production should be mainly dependent on the advantage of highyield countries as the yield is still in low place before the turn-point of S-shaped curve in long-term trend affected partly by greenhouse gas effect.

2 illus, 9 tables, 15 ref

042978   CHOUDHARY V K (Agronomy Dep, ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur - 482 004, Madhya Pradesh, Email: ind_vc@rediffmail.com) : Land configurations and mulches influence weed suppression, productivity and economics in ginger. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 47–52.

Ginger is known to be sensitive to weed infestation, which severely influences crop productivity and ultimately to the economic returns. Therefore, in-situ resource conservation like land configurations namely broad bed and furrow (BBF), ridge and furrow (R&F) and flatbed (FB) and mulches with Imperata cylendrica (IC), pine needle (PN), double mulching of paddy straw followed by weed biomass (PS) and no mulch (NM) were assessed in ginger. Results revealed that weed density and weed dry biomass at 60 and 120 days after planting (DAP) were considerably lower with BBF followed by R&F than NM. Among mulches, the application of PN recorded lower weed density and dry biomass at 60 and 120 DAP, whereas, at second sampling, there was dramatically reduction of weed dry biomass in PS than IC. The rhizome productivity was improved with BBF (39.3-47.3 %) and PS (35.8-42.2 %) than FB and NM, respectively. BBF configured plots obtained 46.7-55.3 % higher net returns and per day returns with 27.4-34.7 % improvement in benefit to cost ratio followed by R&F than FB. Similarly, PS recorded 43.1 to 46.7 % higher net returns and per day returns with 34.3 to 40.7 % higher benefit to cost ratio over NM. Therefore, suitable land configurations and the use of available crop residues and tree leaf litter as mulch are promising resource conserving sustainable production technologies for ginger cultivation.

1 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

046404   SINGH A K, VELMURUGAN A, GUPTA D S, SINGH N P, ROY S D, BISWAS U, KUMAR R R (ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur- 208 024, Email: awnindrakumar@gmail.com) : ISSR based diversity analysis in beachpea [Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr.] accessions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 38-42.

Beachpea [Vigna marina (Berm.) Merr.] is a less-known food legume species, usually found near to sandy sea beaches. In the present study, a total of 17 ISSR primers were used to study the genetic diversity of 16 accessions of beachpea. The number of amplicons of genomic DNA ranged from 4 (UBC 818) to 110 (HB 13) among accessions and varied in size from 125 bp to 3000 bp. Amplification of genomic DNA of 16 accessions produced 861 amplicons, of which 588 were polymorphic (68.29 %) with an average of 35 polymorphic fragments per primer. Average PIC ranged from 0.01 (UBC 809) to 0.499 (UBC 811). UPGMA analysis grouped the accessions into two main clusters, I and II comprising of 12 and 4 accessions, respectively. The Jaccard similarity coefficient between different beachpea accessions ranged from 0.38 to 1.00. The higher degree of genetic variation in the accessions revealed by ISSR analysis could be useful in characterization and conservation point of view of wild Vigna species.

1 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

044915   SINGH N P, ANAND B, RAO K V, RANJITH P C (ICAR-National Institute of Agricultural Economics & Policy Research, New Delhi, Email: naveenpsingh@gmail.com) : Spatial and temporal assessment of climate impact on agriculture in plateau region, India. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(3), 353-61.

Using large-scale district-level data, the study examined the impact of climate change on crop yields during the period 1966-2011and predictsthe likely changes in yield sacross agro-climatic zones in Plateau Region. The future projections reveal that by 2080s, cotton yield is expected to decline by 7.18 percent in Western Plateau & Hills.By the end of the century, sorghum yield is projected to decline up to 19 percent in Central Plateau & Hills and increase by 18 percent in Western Plateau & Hills. Under midterm period, rapeseed & mustard yield is likely to reduce by 3.44 percent in Western Plateau & Hills. By 2050s maize yield is expected to reduce by 3.33 percent in Central Plateau & Hills. By 2080s, wheat yield is projected to decline by 5.44, percent in SouthernPlateau & Hills. The results suggest that impact of climate change on crop yield varies across regions, hence it is pertinent to formulate adaptation strategies and farm practices suitable to the crop and location specific needs that mitigate the likely exposure of food production and livelihoods to climate variations.

8 tables, 14 ref

044914   JALOTA S K, KAUR P, KAUR J, KINGRA P K, VASHISHT B B (Soil Science Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab, Email: bharatpau@pau.edu) : Critical analysis of temporal climate change and ensuing frequency of crop yield constraining temperatures. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(3), 339-52.

Critical analysis of magnitudes andtrends of temporal changes in maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperatures as well as rainfall during three time series i.e. past (observed data, 1970-1990), present (observed data, 1989-2018) and future (bias corrected modelled data, 2021-2050) reveals that on the whole, inter–series mean of all the three climate parameters increased, and variation decreased in future time series. The magnitude of these trends varied with the model as well as scenario; was highest in RCP 8.5 scenario. Intra-series trends at annual and seasonal scales are dictated by inconsistent monthly trends. This study also adds that decline incrop yields of rice-wheat system with warming in future can be ascribed to increased frequency of days having yield constraining temperatures (above ceiling and below critically low during crop growth and reproduction stages) rather than their elevated magnitudes only as anticipated previously.

1 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

042977   PUNIA S S, MAUN V, YADAV D B, MANJEET , PUNIA T (Agronomy Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar - 125 004, Haryana, Email: puniasatbir@gmail.com) : Effectiveness of different methods for controlling Orobanche in mustard. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 43–6.

To study the efficacy of neem cake, soil drenching of metalaxyl, post-emergence application of glyphosate at very low concentrations alone and in combination with 1 % solution of (NH₄)₂SO₄ and 125 % of recommended fertility, field experiments were conducted at the villages Ganghala and Bidhwan in Bhiwani district of Haryana during Rabi seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16, respectively. Feasibility of adoption of results of studies conducted earlier on use of glyphosate 25 g/ha at 30 DAS and 50 g/ha at 55 DAS is being demonstrated by multi location field trials through farmers participatory approach in different parts of state during 2010-2016. Neem cake 400 kg/ha at sowing fb soil drenching of metalaxyl MZ 0.2 % at 25 DAS fb glyphosate at 40 g/ha at 45 DAS or neem cake 400 kg/ha fb pendimethalin (PPI) at 0.75 kg/ha fb metalaxyl 0.2 % at 25 DAS did not prove effective in minimizing density of Orobanche. Post-emergence application of glyphosate at 25 and 50 g/ha with 1 % solution of (NH₄)₂SO₄ at 30 and 55 DAS showed promise with 85- 91 % control of this weed not only in experimental fields but in large scale demonstrations on farmers’ fields.

3 tables, 10 ref

044913   MUKHERJEE J, YADAV B, SEHGAL V K, DAS D K, KRISHNAN P, DHAKAR R K (Agricultural Physics Dep, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi- 110 012, Email: joydeep.icar@gmail.com) : Radiation dimming induced modifications in radiation utilization of wheat (Triticumaestivum) crop. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(3), 332-8.

Global dimming has many environmental and climatic implications. India has also experienced a steady and continuous radiation dimming since 1960s due to increasing load of dust and aerosol in the atmosphere. Radiation interception, temperature, humidity and wind profile are altered under reduced light condition which are determining factor for crop phenology, leaf area index, biomass production, grain yield and radiation use efficiency of crops.In this experiment, three wheat cultivars (HD 2967, WR 544 and PBW 502) were grown under five solar radiation treatments i.e. R1 (no shading), R2 (20 % shading), R3 (35 % shading), R4 (50 % shading) and R5 (75 % shading) during rabi season of 2014-15 and 2015-16 at research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi to study the effect of radiation dimming on performance of selected wheat cultivars.In both the years the canopy temperature of wheat from crop vegetative stage to maturity was decreased with increase of shading level. The effect of reduced solar radiation significantly decreased the biomass production and yield.The radiation use efficiency (RUE) for biomass was increased due to shading treatments whereas the RUE for yield decreased with radiation reduction.The RUE for yield was the highest for no shading treatment (0.85 and 0.75 g MJ-1 in 2014-15 and 2015-16, respectively). Among the cultivars, the radiation use efficiency for biomass as well as yield was the highest in HD 2967 followed by WR 544 and PBW 502,respectively.

2 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

042976   CHAUDHARI D D, PATEL V J, PATEL H K, MISHRA A, PATEL B D (Anand Agricultural Univ, Anand - 388 110, Gujarat, Email: aks_soil85@aau.in) : Tillage and weed management influence on physico-chemical and biological characteristics of soil under cotton-greengram cropping system. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 37–42.

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif-Summer season of 2016-17 at research farm of AICRP-Weed Management, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat to study the effect of different tillage and weed management options on physico-chemical and biological properties of soil under cottongreen gram cropping system. The tillage and weed management treatments did not show any significant effect on various physico-chemical properties of soil after harvest of cotton and greengram except on organic carbon content and available phosphorus. The tillage did not influence the microbial population in cotton but weed management options, IC + HW at 15, 30 and 45 DAS showed significant impact on total bacterial count and dehydrogenase activity in soil. The tillage had significant effect on actinobacteria count and dehydrogenase activity in greengram while weed management options exhibited significant effect on all the microbial observations except on total PSM count. It is inferred that combination of zero tillage + residue incorporation along with IC + HW at 15, 30 and 45 DAS in cotton and zero tillage + residue incorporation along with IC + HW at 20 and 40 DAS in green gram were most suitable option for cottongreengram cropping system in Middle Gujarat condition.

5 tables, 22 ref

044912   GANDHI B K, SINGH S K, KUMAR K, VENNILA S, SRUJANA Y, ARTIKATIYAR, SINGH N P (ICAR- Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, U.P, Email: bkg0530@gmail.com) : Forecasting Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larval phenology in pigeonpea and chickpea crops using growing degree days. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(3), 320-31.

Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera is a serious insect pest of pigeonpea and chickpea crops, responsible for huge economic losses. Timely forecasting and subsequent sensible management practices of H. armigera would save the crops from economic damage. In the present study, H. armigera larval incidence data was recorded from sixteen pigeonpea and chickpea growing locations (Maharashtra, India) for three seasons (2015, 2016 and 2017). Observed accumulated GDD (from 40 SMW to 7 SMW) revealed, H. armigera completed one generation in 29 days to develop 4 generations across the locations and seasons. After accumulating 86GDD (40 SMW) and 62 GDD (43 SMW), larval ‘biofix’ (initial incidence of larvae) was started in pigeonpea and chickpea, respectively. Logistic regression model estimated accumulated GDD required by H. armigera larvae to reach ETL in pigeonpea (629 GDD) and chickpea (378 GDD), which was same as observed accumulated GDD. Statistical criteria viz., Adjusted r2, AIC and BIC projected logistic regression model as a better performer in most cases. The geographically unique models developed based on biofix and accumulated GDD in this study can be used for timely advisories and sustainable management of H. armigera in pigeonpea and chickpea crops after field validation.

7 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

042975   YADAV D B, CHAND M, KAMBOJ B R, YADAV A, PUNIA S S (CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar - 125 004, Haryana, Email: dbyadav@gmail.com) : Herbicide options for weed management in sugarcane + wheat intercropping system in Indo-Gangetic Plains. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 32–6.

Field and farmer participatory trials were conducted from 2006-07 to 2012-13 to evaluate the efficacy of herbicides alone and in combination on complex weed flora in sugarcane + wheat intercropping system. Sulfosulfuron 25 g/ha, sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (ready-mix) 32 g/ha, mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (ready-mix) 14.4 g/ha, pinoxaden 50 g/ha, pinoxaden + metsulfuron 50 + 4 g/ha, pinoxaden + 2,4-D 50 + 500 g/ha, pinoxaden fb carfentrazone 50 fb 20 g/ha gave satisfactory control of Phalaris minor. However, pinoxaden treatments were superior to other herbicides in respect of grassy weed management. For control of broad-leaf weeds, tank-mix of metsulfuron or 2,4-D with pinoxaden were found effective. Ready-mix herbicides sulfosulfuron+ metsulfuron and mesosulfuron+ iodosulfuron were also found promising against complex weed flora in sugarcane + wheat intercropping system. Clodinafop 60 g/ha, fenoxaprop 100 g/ha and carfentrazone 20 g/ha were phyto-toxic to the sugarcane. Grain yields of wheat under sulfosulfuron, sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (ready-mix), mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (ready-mix), pinoxaden alone and in combination with metsulfuron, 2,4-D or carfentrazone were as good as weed free check. Similarly the cane yields under these treatments except pinoxaden fb carfentrazone and sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (ready-mix) were at par with each other and also with weed free check. Sulfosulfuron 25 g/ha, sulfosulfuron+ metsulfuron (ready-mix) 32 g/ha, mesosulfuron+ iodosulfuron (ready-mix) 14.4 g/ha or pinoxaden 50 g/ha provided effective control (83-97 %) of weeds including Phalaris minor over the years. These treatments provided higher grain yield of wheat (4.65-4.93 t/ha) and cane yield (85.5-91.1 t/ha) of sugarcane.

4 tables, 12 ref

044911   RAI S, DUTTA T K, BEHERA R, MANDAL D K, CHATTERJEE A, GHOSH M K, KARUNAKARAN M (ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Kalyani- 741 235 - West Bengal, Email: drsaroj.rai@gmail.com) : THI and health estimates of Jersey crossbred calves reared in different housing system in the lower Gangetic plains of West Bengal. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(3), 313-9.

Housing and socialization have always played a pivotal role on overall health and welfare of the young calves. Therefore, the study was undertaken to compare the performance of the calves when kept indoors in enclosures (Treatment, T) versus semi covered houses with provision of open space (Control, C), respectively. Calves in semi covered houses (C) was found to display profound results on faecal score (P<0.01) and body weight (P<0.05). Besides, the housing temperature in the treatment sheds was significantly higher (P<0.01) during the mornings in monsoon season although humidity was reportedly higher at all seasons; monsoon (P<0.01), post monsoon (P<0.05) and winters (P<0.01), respectively. The greatest THI were recorded in the month of July (76.72) in Control group (C) and August (79.67) in Treatment group. Besides with the highest THI (74.50±0.81, P<0.01) with elevated rectal temperatures (101.22±0.15 °F, P<0.05) was recorded in the treatment (T) calves. However, a positive significant correlation of rectal temperature with THI (r=0.434; P<0.01) and respiratory rate (r=0.339; P<0.01) was observed in the experimental calves. The calves in C group had fewer incidences of respiratory illness and problems of diarrhoea when compared to the T calves. Therefore, maintaining fewer calves in semi covered houses with provision of open space was found to be beneficial on health, growth and housing environment of the calves.

1 illus, 6 tables, 29 ref

046401   YUCEL D (Field Crops Dep, Sirnak Univ, Sirnak, Turkey, Email: deryayucel01@gmail.com) : Genotypic and phenotypic variability for yield and its components in normal and late sown chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 18-24.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the important legumes widely grown for dietary proteins in semi-arid Mediterranean climatic conditions. The main goal of any breeding programs in the world is to produce high yield and better quality genotypes for farmers and commercial growers to be released as cultivars. Present research has been conducted to select more desirable characteristics that may contribute to the improvement of drought tolerant chickpea. Thirty-two chickpea genotypes along with two control varieties were evaluated in winter and late sowing conditions in 2015 and 2016, in randomized complete block design with three replications. Phenotypic coefficients of variation were found to be higher than genotypic coefficients of variation for all the traits. The highest heritability along with high genetic advance was found for hundred seed weight followed by podding day, plant height, flowering day and first pod height in normal and stress conditions. These traits can be improved by giving special attention during selection.

4 tables, 29 ref

044910   SINGH G, RATTANPAL H S, GUPTA M, SIDHU G S (Fruit Science Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana- 141 004, Punjab, Email: gurteg-hort@pau.edu) : Standardization of stage wise water requirement in drip irrigated Kinnow mandarin orchards under sub-tropical conditions. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(3), 305-12.

An experiment on drip irrigation scheduling based on pan evaporation replenishment was conducted in Kinnow orchard at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2010-2018. Year was divided into six stages (stage 1 to stage VI) including two months in each stage. First treatment included irrigation scheduling with 30 and 40 % ER, treatment two with 40 and 60 % ER, treatment three with 60 and 80% ER, alternatively during stages I to VI. However, fourth and fifth treatments had irrigation with 80 % ER and 30 % ER, respectively, in all the stages. Maximum daily open pan evaporation (9.15 mm) was recorded in May and minimum (1.19 mm) was recorded in January. The water requirement varied from 2.8 liters day-1 tree-1 in stage-I to 58.3 liters day-1 tree-1 in stage-III. Linear increase in vegetative and reproductive growth was observed with increase in irrigation water. Polynomial relationship studies indicated the increase in water quantity applied to Kinnow with increase in temperature subject to the prevailing relative humidity. Similarly, volumes of water applied increased with increased mean evaporation. The study concluded that drip irrigation scheduling with 60 to 80 % ER alternatively, starting from January to December save significant amount of water, without affecting yield and quality of Kinnow under subtropical conditions.

4 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

042974   JOSE N, ABRAHAM C T, MATHEW R, KUMARI L S (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thrissur - 680 656, Kerala, Email: nimmy.jose@kau.in) : Novel wiper device for the management of weedy rice. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 27–31.

The research programme undertaken at Rice Research Station, Moncompu, Kerala Agricultural University, for the post-emergence management of weedy rice by direct contact application (DCA) of broad-spectrum non-selective herbicides using specially designed novel hand held weed wiper device could selectively dry the panicles of weedy rice at 60-65 DAS, taking advantage of the height difference of 15-20 cm between weedy rice and cultivated rice. The study revealed that DCA can be effectively done in weedy rice infested cropped field using non-selective herbicides, viz. glufosinate ammonium, paraquat dichloride or glyphosate at 10- 15 % concentration. Weed control efficiency by this method in terms of drying of the weedy rice panicles was as high as 83 to 88 %. The device has been filed for Indian Patent at Patent Office, Chennai (Application No. 1763/CHE/2014 dated 01.04.2014). The technology can reduce the seed rain and buildup of soil seed bank of weedy rice. It is highly energy efficient, less labour intensive, and ecofriendly compared to hand weeding, cutting of weedy rice ear heads or application of large quantity of herbicides using sprayers. The device has become popular among the farming community of Kerala and transfer of technology of the device was done during 2015. The product is now marketed as ‘KAU Weed Wiper’ by M/s Raidco Ltd, for large scale manufacturing and sale to farmers

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

042973   SINGH K, SINGH S, PANNU R K (Agronomy Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar - 125 004, Haryana, Email: sam4884@gmail.com) : Temperature, pH and light effect on germination and growth behavior of grassy weeds of direct-seeded rice. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 21–6.

Environmental factors have significant implications on the biology of weeds, hence the study of biology of major weeds in a crop, could prove an ecological and economical viable tool for their management. Echinochloa glabrescens, Leptochloa chinensis, Eragrostis japonica and Dactyloctenium aegyptium are the major weeds of direct-seeded rice (DSR) and many other Kharif crops. The effect of temperature, pH and light was studied on the biology of these four weed species under laboratory conditions during the Kharif seasons of 2012 and 2013. Temperature regimes of 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 °C; pH 5.0, 7.0, 9.0 and 11.0 and light period of 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours were evaluated for their effects on germination, shoot and root growth. Conducive temperature for germination of all four-weed species was 35 °C except Dactyloctenium aegyptium, which has maximum germination at 30 °C. Similar to germination, maximum shoot and root length was recorded at 35 °C in all the weed species except E. japonica, for which 30 °C was the optimum. Seed germination was observed over a broad range of pH of all weed species; however, it was highest at pH 7.0. Echinochloa glabrescens was most sensitive to a given pH range among all the weed species. Light periods didn’t alter the process of germination, shoot and root growth. Manipulation of these factors at field level could be helpful in reducing the weed pressure in DSR by preventing their germination.

2 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

042972   SINGH R, SINGH G (Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana - 141 004, Punjab, Email: singhguriqbal@pau.edu) : Weed management in greengram: A review. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(1), 10–20.

Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek], also known as mungbean, is extensively cultivated in India and other Asian countries. Being rich in protein, its grains are an important daily dietary component. Weeds are a major limiting factor in production of greengram that lead to a drastic reduction in yield. The presence of hardy weeds and slow initial crop growth compound this problem. Different strategies incorporating non-chemical and chemical methods have been practiced for efficient weed control in greengram. Non-chemical control methods include straw mulch (12-63 % reduction in weed biomass), narrow row spacing (60-92 % reduction in weed biomass), method of sowing (1-20 % reduction in weed biomass), tillage practices (58 % reduction in weed biomass), the frequency and rate of irrigation and fertilizer application (13-23 % reduction in weed biomass), timing of hand weeding and selection of cropping system. Chemical control methods include the many herbicides with different selectivity and efficiency available for use in greengram. For efficient weed control, herbicides should be applied at the recommended rate and time in order to avoid inhibiting growth, symbiotic properties (number of nodules, dry weight of nodules, leghaemoglobin content in nodules) and grain yield in greengram crop. In this review, different weed management strategies including nonchemical and chemical weed control methods have been reviewed for their ability to control weeds in greengram. Furthermore, their influence on growth, symbiosis, yield and nutrient uptake of greengram, soil microflora and residual effect on succeeding crops have also been reviewed.

1 table, 61 ref

042970   THIRUPPATHI P, SENTHIVELU M, PRABHA A C S (Silviculture Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore - 641 043, Tamil Nadu, Email: senthivelu.m@gmail.com) : Allelopathic effect of Lantana and Parthenium on germination and growth of Thespesia tree species. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 400–4.

A pot culture experiment was conducted in the nursery of Department of Silviculture, Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu during summer season (February - April) 2016, to study the allelopathic effect of Lantana camara (L.) and Parthenium hysterophorus (L.) on germination and growth of Thespesia populnea (L.) tree species under greenhouse condition. Aqueous extracts of L. camara and P. hysterophorus at four concentration levels viz. 10, 20, 30 and 40 % with absolute control (distilled water) were assigned as experimental treatments under completely randomized design and replicated thrice. Application of whole plant aqueous extract of P. hysterophorus and L. camara at 40 % concentration recorded lower seed germination of 26.7 % and 36.7 % and germination value of 3.0 and 5.2 respectively than application of aqueous extracts of the weeds at 30, 20 and 10 % concentration levels. Application of P. hysterophorus weed extract at 40 % concentration recorded higher inhibition of shoot growth, root growth, total length and dry matter production of T. populnea seedlings than its application at lower concentrations and over L. camara weed extract at all concentrations.

1 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

042969   KUMAR B N, SUBRAMANYAM D, NAGAVANI A V, UMAMAHESH V, SAGAR G K (Agronomy Dep, S.V. Agricultural Coll, Tirupati - 517 502, Andhra Pradesh, Email: subbuagro37@gmail.com) : Performance of new herbicides in groundnut and their carryover effect on fodder sorghum. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 396–9.

Field experiments were conducted during winter, 2018-19 and summer, 2019 in groundnut and fodder sorghum, respectively at S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India to know the performance of pre-emergence (pendimethalin 38.7 % CS 725 g/ha and diclosulam 84 % WDG 20 g/ha) and postemergence (haloxyfop-p-ethyl 10.5 % EC 135 g/ha and cycloxydim 20 % EC 100 g/ ha) herbicides on weed growth and yield of groundnut and their carryover effect on fodder sorghum. Significantly lower density and dry weight of weeds with higher WCE were recorded with pre-emergence application of diclosulam 20 g/ha + HW at 40 DAS and it was closely followed by pre-emergence application of diclosulam 20 g/ha fb cycloxydim 100 g/ha applied at 20 DAS in groundnut. The highest pod yield and benefit-cost ratio were registered with former weed management practice. All the herbicides tried did not show any inhibitory effect on germination, growth parameters and dry fodder yield of residual crop of fodder sorghum. Pre-emergence application of diclosulam 20 g/ ha fb cycloxydim 100 g/ha applied at 20 DAS in groundnut showed its superiority in supressing weed growth at early stages of fodder sorghum due to extended herbicidal activity of diclosulam and reduced weed seed bank.

2 tables, 9 ref

046400   FU X J, PEI J X, ZHENG Y T, GUO D D, YANG Q H, JIN H X, ZHU D H, DONG D K, XU S C (Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang- 310 021, Email: shengchun2001@163.com) : DNA fingerprinting of vegetable soybean cultivar ‘zhexian no.9’ using 101 new developed HRM-based SNP markers. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 8-17.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been proved to be powerful markers in genetic analysis due to their high abundance and polymorphism in plant genomes. The recently developed high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis method provides a novel, quick, and close-tube PCR approach to analyze SNP variations. In present study, 101 HRM-based SNP markers from 20 soybean chromosomes were developed for genotyping vegetable soybean cultivar ‘Zhexian No.9’ with ‘Williams 82’ as reference. 33.7 % of these markers were polymorphic between ‘Zhexian No.9’ and ‘Williams 82’. Polymorphic markers were found on 85 % (17 of 20) of the soybean chromosomes when comparing ‘Zhexian No.9’ and ‘Williams 82’. Finally, an array of 101 in-sequence nucleotide letters was generated as the first precise SNP fingerprint of ‘Zhexian No.9’. The described marker-developing methodology could be used in other crops with known genomic information.

4 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

042968   PRASAD M, YADAV R S, SAHARAN B (Agriculture Coll, Bikaner - 334 006, Rajasthan, Email: bhawanasaharan@gmail.com) : Impact of weed management on weed dynamics and yield of rainy (Kharif) crops. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 391–5.

Two years field study was conducted during 2010 and 2011 at research farm of SKRAU, Bikaner to evaluate the effect of different weed control measures on weed dynamics and yield in Kharif crops. Experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications comprising different treatment combinations three Kharif crops as pearl millet, cluster bean, groundnut and three weed control measures- weedy check, mechanical method (two hand weeding) and chemical methods. The major weed species observed in the experimental plots were Digera arvensis L., Tribulus terrestris L., Cenchrus biflorus L., and Euphorbia microphylla L. with respect to their mean density at 30 DAS. The results of experiment showed that among Kharif crops, pearl millet recorded maximum density of weeds at 30 DAS whereas groundnut recorded maximum density of Digera arvensis and Euphorbia macrophylla at 30 DAS and maximum dry weight of all weed species at harvest. Two hand weeding significantly reduced the weed density at 30 DAS and weed dry weight at harvest. Application of atrazine 0.5 kg/ha in pearl millet and pendimethalin at 1.0 kg/ha in cluster bean and groundnut significantly reduced density and dry weight of weeds except that of Digera arvensis, which was not significantly controlled by pendimethalin in both cluster bean and groundnut. In pearl millet, cluster bean and groundnut, two hand weeding and chemical method increased the grain and straw yield over weedy check, on pooled mean basis.

4 tables, 14 ref

044909   SINGH G, JAGLAN M S, VERMA T, KHOKHAR S (A, A, A) : Influence of prevailing weather parameters on population dynamics of spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) and its natural enemies on maize in Haryana. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(3), 295-304.

The experiment was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University Regional Research Station, Karnal to ascertain the influence of prevailing meteorological parameters on population dynamics of Chilo partellus and its natural enemies on maize during Kharif, 2017. Maximum oviposition (0.75 egg masses per plant) was recorded during 28th standard meteorological week (SMW) whereas larval population was at peak during 31st SMW (3.8 larvae per plant). Cumulative (47.5 %) and fresh plant infestation (11.5 %) were maximum during 34th and 28th SMW, respectively. Maximum egg parasitisation (6.53 %) by Trichogramma sp. and larval parasitisation (31.64 %) by Cotesia flavipes was recorded during 28th and 33rd SMW, respectively. Changes in pest population were correlated and regressed with weather parameters. Egg and larval populations of C. partellus and parasitisation by Trichogramma sp. exhibited significant positive correlation with average minimum temperature whereas C. flavipes exhibited significant negative correlation with average maximum temperature (r = -0.741) and highly significant positive correlation with evening relative humidity (r = 0.695). Plant infestation and dead heart formation were significantly correlated with average minimum temperature and non-significantly correlated with all other weather parameters. The multiple linear regression analysis explained the variability due to various weather parameters. This information can be utilised while formulating integrated management tactics against this pest.

G

042967   YADAV D B, SINGH S, SINGH R, YADAV A (CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar - 125 004, Haryana, Email: dbyadav@gmail.com) : Glyphosate use in transgenic maize: Effect on weeds and crop productivity in North-Western Indo-Gangetic plains of Haryana. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 384–90.

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2012 at Khrindwa research farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal, under the Bio-safety Research Trial Level-1 for transgenic maize hybrids to evaluate the bio-efficacy of glyphosate as post-emergence herbicide against weeds. There were 14 treatment combinations, including two transgenic hybrids of Monsanto, Hishell-NK603 and 900M Gold-NK603. Weed flora of the field included Echinochloa crus-galli, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Brachiaria reptans and Eragrostis tenella among grassy weeds, Physalis minima and Phyllanthus niruri among broadleaf weeds and Cyperus rotundus among sedges along with few other minor weeds. Use of glyphosate 900-1800 g/ha in transgenic maize hybrids Hishell-NK603 and 900M Gold-NK603, provided 98.2-99.5 % weed control efficiency, which was higher than the atrazine 750 g/ha treatments (62.1- 68.6 %); and resulted in improved grain yield of maize (7.7-8.7 t/ha) than unweeded checks (4.7-5.9 t/ha) and atrazine treatments (5.8-7.5 t/ha). At 60 DAT, minimum weed population (8.0-9.3/m2 ) was recorded in the glyphosate treatment at both the doses in transgenic maize hybrids, which was significantly lower than the atrazine treatments (19.3-21.3/m2 ) in transgenic/ conventional hybrids, as well as the nonweeded (37.3-41.3/m2 ) checks in conventional hybrids. Glyphosate 900-1800 g/ha in 900M Gold-NK603 produced maximum grain yield (8.6-8.7 t/ha) which was followed by glyphosate 900-1800 g/ha in Hishell-NK603 (7.7-7.8 t/ha). The growth, yield and yield attributes indicated superiority of 900M Gold-NK603 over Hishell-NK603, however, the differences in yield were not significant. Present study indicated the suitability of glyphosate use as post-emergence in transgenic maize hybrids Hishell-NK603 and 900M Gold-NK603. There was no phyto-toxicity of glyphosate 900-1800 g/ha on the transgenic crop.

9 tables, 18 ref

044908   BAG K, BANDYOPADHYAY K K, SEHGAL V K, SARANGI A, KRISHNAN P (A, A, A) : Effect of tillage, residue and nitrogen management on radiation interception, radiation use efficiency and evapotranspiration partitioning. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(3), 285-95.

In this study, we have evaluated the effect of different tillage (conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT)), residue (with crop residue mulch (R+) and without residue (R0)) and nitrogen (60, 120 and 180 kgN ha^-1) interaction for radiation interception, radiation use efficiency (RUE), evapotranspiration (ET) partitioning and yield of wheat in a split-split plot design for 2017-18 and 2018-19. Results showed that Leaf Area Index (LAI), Leaf area duration (LAD), Total intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (TIPAR), Grain and Biomass yields were higher in R+ during both the years of study. With increasing Ndoses LAI, LAD, TIPAR, RUE, grain and biomass yields increased and extinction coefficient decreased significantly in both the years. Fraction intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (fIPAR) followed a similar trend with LAI. Seasonal ET was partitioned into soil evaporation (Ep) and crop transpiration (Tp) to take into account the productive transpiration effects on crop growth and yield. It was found that NT and residue could reduce Ep (6 % and 5.6 %) and increased Tp (2.6 % and 2.4 %) over CT and no mulch treatments, respectively. With higher N-dose, Ep decreased while Tp increased significantly. Thus besides higher nitrogen doses, NT and crop residue mulching could be a better strategy to harness higher radiation interception vis-a-vis higher crop productivity.

F

042966   DEVI S, SINGH S P, YADAV R S, RATHORE V S, SHIVRAN H R (Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural Univ, Bikaner - 334 006, Rajasthan, Email: spbhakar2010@gmail.com) : Effect of tillage, seed rate and nitrogen levels on weeds and yield of wheat. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 381–3.

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of tillage, seed rate and nitrogen levels on weed and yield of wheat at College of Agriculture, S.K. Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner during Rabi (winter) seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17. It was laid out in a split plot design with three replications with six main plots comprising three levels of tillage (conventional, minimum and zero tillage) and two levels of seed rate (100 and 125 kg/ha) and four levels of nitrogen (80, 100, 120 and 140 kg N/ha) as sub-plots and comprising a total of 24 treatment combinations. The conventional tillage significantly increased the grain, straw and biological yields of wheat over zero and minimum tillage. Conventional tillage lowered the weed density and weed biomass as compared to zero and minimum tillage systems. Seed rate of 125 kg/ha and application of 120 kg N/ha significantly increased the grain, straw and biological yields over 100 kg/ha seed rate and 80 and 100 kg N.

2 tables, 20 ref

042965   MOUNISHA J, MENON M V (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thrissur - 680 656, Kerala, Email: mounishajk47@gmail.com) : Broad-spectrum weed management in wet-seeded rice by pre-mix herbicide combinations. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 378–80.

Three pre-mix herbicide combinations at two different times of application, viz. pendimethalin + penoxsulam at 5 and 10 DAS, cyhalofop-butyl + penoxsulam and florpyrauxifen-benzyl + cyhalofop-butyl both applied at 12 and 18 DAS were evaluated along with sequential spray of cyhalofop-butyl fb chlorimuronethyl 10 % + metsulfuron-methyl 10 % at 18 and 19 DAS, bispyribac-sodium at 18 DAS, hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS and unweeded control. At 30 DAS, the lowest weed dry matter and highest weed control efficiency was obtained with application of florpyrauxifen-benzyl + cyhalofop-butyl (150 g/ha) at 12 DAS. The highest numbers of yield attributes and crop yields in rice were recorded in hand weeding followed by florpyrauxifen-benzyl + cyhalofop-butyl at 12 DAS and pendimethalin + penoxsulam (625 g/ha) at 5 DAS.

2 tables, 5 ref

044907   CHIARAWIPA R, THONGNA K, SDOODEE S (B, B) : Assessing impact of weather variability and changing climate on oil-palm yield in major growing regions of Southern Thailand. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(3), 274-84.

Oil palm yield is very responsive to weather fluctuations in the growing season. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between yield variation and climate trends in the major oil palm-growing regions, especially in Southern Thailand (Chumphon; CP, Ranong; RN, Krabi; KB, Trang; TR, Satun; ST, Phang-Nga; PN, SuratThani; SR and Nakhon Si Thammarat; NS) where oil palm has been grown in a large plantation. Monthly weather variables from 16 agricultural meteorological stations were analyzed by linear and non-linear regressions over 28 years in each major oil palm-producing region. To evaluate the trends of changes in weather parameters and yield, a statistical model was developed for estimating oil palm yield based on climatic trends during 1994-2017. The results showed that warming trends were observed at all major oil palm-growing regions. There were pieces of evidence of significant correlation in temperature trends which had the strongest values in KB (Tmax, R2=0.534**) and PN (Tmin, R2=0.670**). The highest trends of ET and RH were also markedly increased in SR (R2=0.618**). Whereas precipitation trend had slightly increasing changes in CP (R2=0.220**) and PN (R2=0.233**). In addition, the annual trends in the values of Heliothermal Index, Dryness Index and Cool Night Index were markedly increased in NS, RN and KB, respectively. Comparing climate variables and yield variations over 19 years, the study indicated that the relationships between observed yield and estimated yield had highly significant differences in CP (R2=0.468**), SR (R2=0.735***) and NS (R2=0.579***), but there was lower value in KB (R2=0.098*) than those of the other regions. Therefore, this study indicates that recent climate trends have had an implicit effect on oil palm yield in the major producing regions in Southern Thailand. This study could be a guideline to further planning for oil palm management. 

D

042963   SONDHIA S, WASEEM U (ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Madhya Pradesh - 482 004, Jabalpur, Email: shobhasondia@yahoo.com) : Residue dynamics and degradation behaviour of pyrazosulfuron-ethyl in the rice field environment. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 362–5.

Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl is used in rice fields to manage a range of annual and perennial weeds. Its long-term herbicide residue dynamics in rice ecosystem and degradation pattern is poorly characterized. Therefore, in the present study, field experiments were conducted for consecutive two years to investigate the  residue dynamics  and  degradation  of  pyrazosulfuron-ethyl  in the soil, rice plant, water and fishes in the rice field. Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl residues were found to be below the maximum residues levels (0.01 mg/kg) in the soil, rice grains, and straw. In the fishes, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl residues were in the range of 0.056- 0.013 µg/g. Half-life of pyrazosulfuron-ethyl in the soil of rice field was found to be 9.41 to 13.9 days. Results showed that pyrazosulfuronethyl at 25 g/ha application rate did not cause any environmental hazards and can be safely applied in the rice fields for management of annual and perennial weeds.

2 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

044906   CHIKKAGOUDARA K P, SINGH P, BARMAN D, POTSHANGBAM C, BHATT N, SINGH S V, LATHWAL S S (ICAR– National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal– 132 001, Email: ckprasad91@gmail.com) : Eye temperature, an indicator for stress levels in young buffalo bulls – A case study of micro-environment modification. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(3), 266-73.

The present study was undertaken with an objective to determine diurnal changes of the eye temperature of buffalo young bulls under different shelter management to determine the effect of heat stress. Twenty four buffalo bulls were randomly divided into two groups, each group comprising of 12 animals based on age (16–18 months) and body weight (Control = 301 ± 8.24 kg and Treatment = 311.45 ± 6.24 kg). The control group was housed under normal management practices followed, and the height of the shed was 10 ft. and width was 12 ft. with concrete floor. Whereas, the treatment group was housed in shed having 15 ft. height and 25 ft. width along with rubber mat as flooring and the total area provided for each animal in both the groups was 45.96 sq. feet. They were also provided with dairy fans and mist cooling in day time to ameliorate the heat stress. The thermal humidity index (THI), floor and roof temperature variation of the shed was recorded. The eye temperature of bulls was measured to evaluate the effect of different housing on the animals’ thermal status under hot dry summer conditions.Results revealed that the THI of treatment shed was significantly (P< 0.01) lower than the control at different times. The floor and roof surface temperature of the treatment shed was significantly (P<0.05) lower than the control shed. Diurnal patterns of eye temperature measured in both the groups showed increased eye temperature in control group bulls compared to treatment group. The eye temperature at 7.00 hrs was similar in both groups, whereas it was highly significant (P<0.01) at 13.00 and 19.00 hrs. The heat stress in the buffalo bulls was exhibited by increased eye temperature. Thus, the variation in the eye temperature can be effectively used as an indicator of heat stress and the dairy fans and mist cooling along with rubber mat flooring can be utilized to ameliorate the heat stress in the buffalo bulls.

3 illus, 4 tables, 39 ref

042962   KAUR N, SETHI R, BHULLAR M S (Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana - 141 004, Punjab, Email: navjyot_grewal@yahoo.com) : Weed management in non-cropped areas with pre-mix of indaziflam and glyphosate in Weed management in non-cropped areas with pre-mix of indaziflam and glyphosate in Punjab. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 358–61.

Non-cropped areas are infested with diverse weed flora including annual and perennial grasses, sedges and broad-leaf weeds. The field efficacy of pre-mix of indaziflam plus glyphosate was evaluated for effective weed management in these areas. The field experiment was conducted over two years in Ludhiana (India). Seven treatments including pre-mix formulation of indaziflam-20 + glyphosate 400-420 SC (60 + 1200, 70 + 1400 and 80 + 1600 g/ha), glyphosate (1230 and 1600 g/ha) and indaziflam (80 g/ha) along with untreated control were evaluated. Major weed species at the experimental site were Cannabis sativa, Parthenium hysterophorus, Verbesina encelioides and Xanthium strumarium. All herbicidal treatments recorded complete mortality of C. sativa and P. hysterophorus till 30 days after application (DAA) while in case of V. encelioides and X. strumarium, complete mortality was recorded till 120 DAA. Pre-mix of indaziflam plus glyphosate at 80 + 1600 g/ha had >80 % control of all weed species during both years till 60 DAA, and it was at par to its lower dose of 70 + 1400 g/ha; results with sole application of indaziflam and glyphosate were inconsistent.

4 tables, 19 ref

044905   DUPDAL R, DHAKAR R, RAO C A R, SAMUEL J, RAJU B M K, KUMAR P V, RAO V U M (ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Ballari- 583104, Email: ravi.dupdal@gmail.com) : Farmers’ perception and economic impact assessment of agromet advisory services in rainfed regions of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(3), 285-65.

All India Coordinated Research Project on Agrometeorology (AICRPAM) of ICAR has started the micro-level Agromet Advisory Service (AAS) through its 25 cooperative centers across the country. Microlevel advisory based on weather forecast is the newer dimension of the AAS in the country. Studies on economic impact of these micro-level advisories are uncommon. Therefore, the present study was conducted using the field survey to assess the farmer’s perception and economic impact of micro-level AAS in Vijayapura and Anantapur centers on pilot basis. Two groups i.e. AAS and non-AAS farmers, consisting of 40 farmers in each group were selected through multi-stage stratified random sampling technique. The probit regression model was employed to assess the factors influencing willingness to pay (W TP) for AAS. Majority of farmers (65 %) rated micro-level AAS as ‘very good’ on scale of ‘very poor’ to ‘very good’. Majority of non-AAS farmers were aware about micro-level AAS but lagged in adopting the service. It needs further detailed investigation of underlying causes of not adopting the service. Farming experience, education, land holding size and income were found to be most important factors influencing the farmer’s willingness for pay-based services. Results of economic impact revealed that there was 12 to 33 per cent increase in profit for AAS farmers as compared to non-AAS farmers.

1 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

042961   MONDAL A, MANDAL B, MONDAL R, BANERJEE S, SENGUPTA K (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur - 741 252, West Bengal, Email: mondalawindrila10@gmail.com) : Weed management in spring planted sugarcane growing under West Bengal situtions. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 346–52.

A field experiment was conducted at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India during 2017-2018 and 2018-19 to study the effect of different herbicide molecules in spring planted sugarcane. Cyperus rotundus, Cynodon dactylon and Alternanthera philoxeroides were dominant weed flora in the sugarcane field. Application of ametryn 1.0 kg/ha at 30 days after planting (DAP) followed by (fb) 2,4-D 1.0 kg/ha at 60 DAP effectively suppressed the grasses, sedges and broad-leaved weeds, improved yield attributes and registered higher cane yield (102.49 t/ha), juice recovery (52.80 %) and B:C ratio (2.90) due to better weed control efficiency (71.05 %). Next best treatments were atrazine 1.0 kg/ha at 30 DAP fb glyphosate 1.0 kg/ha at 60 DAP; and three hand weeding at 30, 60 and 90 DAP. Application of ametryn 1.0 kg/ha at 30 DAP + 2,4- D 1.0 kg/ha at 60 DAP proved to be a cost-effective option for getting higher cane yield in new alluvial zone of West Bengal.

2 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

042960   GOHIL B S, MATHUKIA R K, RUPARELIYA V V (Agronomy Dep, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh - 362 001,Gujarat, Email: bhagirathgohil23@gmail.com) : Weed seedbank dynamics: Estimation and management in groundnut. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 346–52.

Effective weed management necessitates sound knowledge of weed seedbank dynamics. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The main plots have three residue management treatments and sub-plots comprised seven weed management treatments. Results revealed that highest pod yield (1.47 t/ha) was recorded under wheat residue incorporation fb soil solarization. Among weed management, the highest pod yield (1.68 t/ha) and haulm yield (3.35 t/ha) was recorded with weed free and unweeded check registered lowest pod yield (722 kg/ha). The lowest dry weight of weeds was obtained under wheat residue incorporation fb soil solarization and weed free. Wheat residue incorporation fb soil solarization depleted correspondingly 54 (25.32 %), 10 (5.29 %) and 32 (16.16 %) seeds per core from the initial weed seedbank in 2014, 2015 and pooled results, respectively. The highest seedbank depletion was observed with weed free by depletion of 147 (68.37 %), 123 (68.20 %) and 135 (68.29 %) weed seeds per core. Pendimethalin 900 g/ha as preemergence fb IC and HW at 45 DAS depleted 129 (59.84 %), 103 (57.09 %) and 116 (58.59 %) weed seeds per core. Pendimethalin 900 g/ha as pre-emergence fb premix imazethapyr + imazamox 70 g/ha as post-emergence at 25 DAS depleted 126 (58.40 %), 101 (55.86 %) and 113 (57.24 %) weed seeds per core and suicidal germination fb killing the weed flush by subsequent tillage fb IC and HW at 45 DAS depleted 116 (53.85 %), 86 (47.64 %) and 101 (51.01 %) weed seeds per core in 2014, 2015 and pooled results, respectively as compared to the initial weed seedbank. While, unweeded check resulted in to addition of 609 (283.31 %), 695 (384.16 %) and 652 (329.41 %) weed seeds per core sample (15 cm depth and 4 cm diameter) in the soil weed seedbank in comparison to initial weed seedbank.

7 tables, 15 ref

044904   REENA, KAUR A, SINGH M, SINHA B K, KUMAR A, AHMAD S (SKUAST-Jammu, Dhiansar– 181133, Bari Brahmana, Email: bkreena12@gmail.com) : Impact of abiotic factors on population dynamics of Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel and Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) at different ecological zones in NW Plains of India. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(3), 250-7.

In India, fruit flies have been identified as one of the ten most serious problems of agriculture because of their polyphagous nature and the huge economic loss it causes to the fruits and vegetables (2.5 to 100 %). Study was carried to determine the population dynamics of fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera zonata) and establish the correlation with abiotic factors in guava and citrus fruits crops in two agro ecological zones of North W est India. Fruit flies population was recorded by installation of pheromone traps in different fruit crop ecosystems during the fruiting season of this zone. The data of trap catches of both the locations was correlated with the significantly influencing abiotic parameters. The peak fruit fly incidence varied between 31^st to 34^th standard weeks in guava ecosystem at both the locations. In citrus ecosystem, the incidence was highest during 35^th and 39^th standard weeks coinciding with the ripening of the fruits. At both the locations, trap catches of guava ecosystem were positively correlated with all the weather parameters, while under citrus ecosystem minimum temperature and rainfall showed negative correlation, but relative humidity was positively correlated. Information may be utilized in targeting suitable pest management techniques for respective zones.

4 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

042959   MAHAJAN A, KUMAR A , PUNIYA R, STANZEN L (Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu - 184 121, Email: ayasamit7740@gmail.com) : Pre- and post-emergence herbicides effect on weed dynamics, microbial population and yield of summer blackgram. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 340–5.

An investigation was carried out at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu during 2015 and 2016 to study the effect of pre- and post-emergence application of herbicides on weed dynamics, microbial population and yield of summer blackgram. Thirteen weed management treatments was comprised of imazethapyr 70 g/ha as pre and post-emergence, imazethapyr 80 g/ha as pre- and post-emergence, imazethapyr + imazamox 70 g/ha as pre- and post-emergence, imazethapyr + imazamox 80 g/ha as pre- and post-emergence, pendimethalin 1000 g/ha as pre-emergence, imazethapyr + pendimethalin 1000 g/ha as pre-emergence, two hoeings at 15 and 30 DAS, weedy check and weed free were assessed. The results revealed that a significant reduction in total weed density and total weed biomass was observed with two hoeings at 15 and 30 DAS, imazethapyr + pendimethalin 1000 g/ha as pre-emergence and imazethapyr + imazamox 80 g/ha as post-emergence. Aapplication of imazethapyr + pendimethalin 1000 g/ha as pre-emergence recorded the highest seed yield and B:C ratio. Initially, after the herbicides treatment (15 and 30 DAS) microbial counts were slightly less in pre-emergence, reaching a maximum at 30 DAS.

5 tables, 17 ref

042958   SINGH V P, SARVADAMANA A K, SINGH S P, PRATAP T (Agronomy Dep, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar - 263 145, Uttarakhand, Email: aryakumar949@gmail.com) : Bio efficacy and phyto-toxicity of dicamba 48 %SL against broad-leaved weeds in maize. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 336–9.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the bio-efficacy of dicamba 48 % SL on the associated broad-leaf weeds of maize and to assess its phyto-toxicity on the crop in GBPUA&T, Pantnagar for two consecutive years during 2016 and 2017. The results revealed that application of dicamba 48 % SL at 300 and 360 g/ ha provided superior control of broad-leaved weeds as compared to 2,4-D Amine salt 58 % SL 500 g/ha in maize. The same two treatments i.e. dicamba 48 % SL at 300 and 360 g/ha also provided a total weed control efficiency of 100 % in all the stages of crop growth. Maximum grain yield was recorded in the weed free plots to the tune of 5.45 t/ha and 5.22 t/ha in 2016 and 2017, respectively, which was at par with dicamba 48 % SL at 300, 360 and 720 g/ha and the other yield attributing characters followed the same trend in both the years. However, numerically maximum yield was obtained in weed free plots, probably due to effectiveness of dicamba only against the broad-leaf weeds but hand weeding took care of broad spectrum of weeds. It was also revealed that, there were no symptoms of phytotoxicity on maize at any doses of dicamba 48 % SL. Hence, it may be concluded that dicamba 48 % SL at 300 g/ha was found to be effective against broad-leaved weeds in maize in Pantnagar region of Uttarakhand.

1 illus, 3 tables, 7 ref

044903   HUGGI L , SHIVARAMU H S, MANJUNATAHA M H, SOUMYA D V, KUMAR P V, LUNAGARIA M M (GKVK, Bangalore, Email: lingarajhuggi@gmail.com) : Agro-climatic onset of cropping season: A tool for determining optimum date of sowing in dry zones of southern Karnataka. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(3), 240-9.

The study was conducted to analyse the rainfall pattern of dry farming zones of Southern Karnataka to arrive at proper date of sowing by considering parameters like threshold rainfall (20 mm), threshold dry day (2.5 mm) and threshold dry spell period (10 days) as a main defining parameters for decision making in sowing of major crops (finger millet, pigeonpea, groundnut, etc.). In all the three zones, the agro-climatic onset of cropping season was earlier as compared to meteorological onset (June 1st week) due to bimodal distribution of rainfall having its peaks in May and September month. In Central Dry Zone, Southern Dry Zone and Eastern Dry Zone, fourteenth June, thirteenth June and twenty third May were the agro-climatic onset dates (average of all stations in each zone), respectively. Station wise analysis of the rainfall revealed different agro-climatic onset dates. Ninth May in central dry zone, eighth May in eastern dry zone and fifth May in southern dry zone were the earliest onset dates. These variations in between zonal and station specific onset dates were due to spatio-temporal variations in rainfall. Therefore, advancements in sowing of crops based on the agro-climatic onset should be taken into account for betterment of crop production.

5 illus, 5 tables, 28 ref

042957   DESHMUKH J P, KAKADE S U, THAKARE S S, SOLANKE M S (Agronomy Dep, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola - 444 104, Maharashtra, Email: jpdagro@rediffmail.com) : Weed management in wheat by pre-emergence and pre-mix post-emergence combinations of herbicides. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 331–5.

Field investigation was carried out at Akola, Maharashtra during three consecutive Rabi season of 2016-2017, 2017-18 and 2018-19 to assess the efficacy of herbicide combinations in wheat. Treatments comprised of twelve different preemergence and pre-mix combinations of post-emergence herbicides. Results revealed that pre-mix post-emergence application (PoE) of clodinafop propargyl + metsulfuron-methyl 0.06 + 0.004 kg/ha at 35 DAS and sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron-methyl 0.03 + 0.002 kg/ha at 35 DAS gave higher weed control efficiency (90 and 80 %) and lower weed index (2.85 and 2.98 %). These proved as effective as weed free treatment and recorded significantly higher grain yield of 4.37 and 4.36 t/ha, respectively over rest of the treatments. The highest net monetory returns and B:C ratio ( 64356/ha, 3.69) were registered with application clodinafop-propargyl + metsulfuron-methyl 0.06 + 0.004 kg/ha at 35 DAS followed by sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron-methyl 0.03 + 0.002 kg/ha at 35 DAS. ( 62162/ha and 3.40).

3 tables, 17 ref

042956   DASH S, DUARY B (Institute of Agriculture (PalliSiksha Bhavana), Sriniketan - 731 236, West Bengal, Email: bduary@yahoo.co.in) : Tillage and weed management effects on productivity of wheat under dry seeded rice–wheat system on lateritic soils of West Bengal. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 326–30.

A field study was conducted during 2016-17and 2017-18 to evaluate the impact of four tillage systems, viz. zero tillage (ZT) both in rice and wheat, conventional tillage (CT) both in rice and wheat, ZT in rice – CT in wheat and CT in rice –ZT in wheat with four weed management practices (recommended herbicide, recommended herbicide + one hand weeding, weed free and weedy check) in dry seeded rice–wheat cropping system on a lateritic soil of West Bengal. Among weed management practices, application of sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron at 0.032 kg/ha at 20 DAS followed by one hand weeding at 40 DAS in wheat was found to be the most effective. The yield of wheat under ZT-ZT was found to be the highest (3.78 t/ha), which was at par with CT-ZT. Advantages in ZT-ZT were to the extent of 23.6 and 21.8 % over CT-CT in first and second year, respectively. Among weed management practices, recommended herbicide followed by one hand weeding registered higher yield (3.78 t/ha) and was comparable with the weed free treatment. The highest B:C ratio was recorded in zero tillage in wheat (ZT-ZT and CT-ZT) in combination with the sole application of recommended herbicide. The continuous ZT, especially in wheat with recommended herbicide alone was promising for higher productivity and profitability under dry-seeded rice–wheat system on lateritic soils of Eastern India.

2 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

042955   NAVEEN N E, MANJUNATHA U B, KUMAR M D, JAYAPRAKASH S M, CHAITANYA H S (Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences Univ, Shivamogga - 577 201, Karnataka, Email: naviagron@gmail.com) : Yellow-green algae (Vaucheria sp.): A new weed reported in transplanted rice from the coastal Karnataka and its management. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 322–5.

Vaucheria species from the coastal region of Karnataka were collected from a rice field during Kharif season from Kota hobli, Udupi Taluk, Coastal Karnataka. These were identified as V. sessilis (VAUCHER) DC and V.geminata (VAUCHER) DC. A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2017 and 2018 at farmer’s field Kota, Udupi taluk, Coastal Karnataka, India for the management of these algal species. Among herbicide combinations, pre-emergence application of pendimethalin at 750 g/ha at 3 DAT fb post-emergence application of penoxsulam at 22.5 g/ha at 15, 30 and 45 DAT recorded lower dry weight (6.0, 5.6 and 4.8 g/m2 respectively) with higher weed control efficiency (92.37 %). This treatment also recorded significantly higher plant height (95.18 cm), a higher number of tillers per hill (25.75), grain yield (5.33 t/ha), straw yield (6.24 t/ha) with B:C ratio (2.09-2.11).

2 tables, 11 ref

042954   HEMALATHA K, SINGH Y, KUMAR S (Agronomy Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi - 221 005, Uttar Pradesh, Email: kutikuppalahemalatha@gmail.com) : Leaf colour chart-based nitrogen and weed management impacts on weeds, yield and nutrient uptake in dry direct-seeded rice. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(4), 318–21.

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif (rainy season) 2016 and 2017 in sandy clay loam soils of experimental field at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh India to find out the effect of leaf colour chart-based nitrogen and weed management practices on nutrient uptake and yield of direct-seeded rice. Minimum weed index, nutrient content and uptake by weeds and maximum weed control efficiency, yield and nutrient content and uptake by grain and straw were observed with application of nitrogen leaf colour chart LCC < 5. Application of pyrazosulfuron 20 g/ha (PE) fb bispyribac 25 g/ha at 15-20 DAS recorded minimum weed index, nutrient content and uptake by weeds and maximum weed control efficiency, rice yield and nutrient content and uptake by rice grain and straw, which was comparable with two hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS.

3 tables, 21 ref