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Open Access
Standardisation of spacing and nutrient levels for fodder rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.)].
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Ajmal Fayique, C; KAU; Usha C, Thomas
The study entitled “Standardization of spacing and nutrient levels for fodder rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.)]” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala during Kharif 2017 to standardize the spacing and nutrient requirement of fodder rice bean and to study its impact on growth, yield and quality of the crop. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (33 confounded factorial) with three replications.The treatments consisted of three spacings (s1 - 30 cm x 10 cm, s2 - 30 cm x 20 cm and s3 - 30 cm x 30 cm), three levels of nitrogen (n0 - 0 kg ha-1, n1 - 20 kg ha-1 and n2 - 30 kg ha-1) and three levels of phosphorous (p0 - 0 kg P2O5 ha-1, p1 - 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and p2 - 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) . FYM @ 5 t ha-1 and K2O @ 30 kg ha-1 were applied uniformly to all treatments as basal. The treatment s1 resulted in the highest plant height at 30 DAS and leaf: stem ratio at harvest. Application of N @ 20 kg ha-1 registered the highest plant height and was on par with 30 kg N (n2) while leaf stem ratio was the highest at n2. Levels of P had no significant impact on growth characters. The treatment combination s2n2p1 produced the tallest plants (173.17 cm) at harvest and treatments s1n0p1 and s1n2p2 recorded the highest leaf: stem ratio (0.82) but were on par with s1n0p0, s2n0p0, s n0p2, s1n1p0, s2n0p2 and s3n0p1. At 30 DAS, s1 produced the highest LAI (2.27) while at harvest, s2 was found superior. The highest NAR was observed at s1 and was on par with s3. Closer spacing (s1) enhanced the CGR at 30 DAS and harvest. Application of 30 kg N ha-1 (n2) enhanced LAI at both stages. At 30 DAS and at harvest, higher NAR were observed at n1 and n2. At 30 DAS, n2 and p1 registered the highest chlorophyll contents. The treatment s1 n2 p1 (30 cm x 10 cm spacing + 30 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1) resulted in the highest LAI, CGR and chlorophyll content at 30 DAS. Spacing and N levels had significant impact on green fodder yield (GFY) and dry fodder yield (DFY). The highest GFY (12.95 t ha-1) and DFY (2.59 t ha-1) were produced at s1 (30 cm x 10 cm) and was on par with s2. The highest GFY (13.66 t ha-1) and DFY (2.73 t ha-1) were produced at n2 (30 kg N ha-1) and was on par with n1. The S x N x P interaction s1 n2 p1 (30 cm x 10 cm + 30 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1) recorded highest GFY (17.29 t ha-1) and DFY (3.46 t ha-1). The different spacing had no impact on crude protein (CP) but the lowest crude fibre (CF) was observed at s1. Application of 30 kg N ha-1 (n2) resulted in the highest CP content and the lowest CF content was estimated at 0 kg N ha-1. Among P levels, p2 recorded the highest CP (17.69%) and was on par with p1. The lowest CF (16.43 %) was observed at s2n0p1 (30 cm x 20 cm spacing + 20 kg P205 ha-1) and was on par with s1n0p0, s1n0p1, s1n2p0, s2n0p0, s2n0p2, s3n0p0 and s3n0p1. No variation in N uptake was observed due to treatments. Uptake of P varied with N levels only and n1 and n2 recorded the highest P uptake. Spacing and P levels influenced K uptake by the crop and the highest uptake was observed at s1 and p2 but p2 was on par with p1. The three factor interaction s1n2p1 registered the highest P and K uptake. However, it was on par with s1n1p2, s1n1p0, s2n1p1 and s3n0p2 in P uptake and with s1n2p2 in K uptake. Increasing N levels increased pH and EC of soil after the experiment. Soil available N after the experiment was the highest at s3 (on par with s2) and n2 (on par with n1). At wider spacing, application of N enhanced the availability of N in the soil after the experiment. Available P in the soil varied with S x P interaction but all treatment combinations were on par except s2p0 and s3p2. The highest soil available K was observed at n0 among N levels and at p1 among P levels. The interactions S x N, S x P and N x P significantly influenced available K in the soil. Economic analysis revealed the highest net income (₹ 35762) and BC ratio (3.22) at s1n2p1 (30 cm x 10 cm spacing + 30 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1). From the study, it can be concluded that fodder rice bean can be profitably cultivated at a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm with application of 30 kg N ha -1 in two splits at 15 and 30 DAS and basal application of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1, 5 t ha-1 of FYM and 30 kg K2O ha-1.
Open Access
High density planting and seed tuber size on productivity enhancement of Lesser Yam[Dioscorea esculenta (Lour.) Burkill)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Anasooya, Sebastian; KAU; Prameela, P
The experiment was conducted during the period from May 2018 to December 2018 at Agronomy Farm, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur to study the effect of planting density and seed tuber size on productivity of lesser yam. Seed tubers of 50 g, 100 g, and 150 g were planted at spacings of 50 x 50 cm (high density planting), 75 x 50 cm (medium density planting) and 75 x 75 cm (low density planting- recommended spacing), adopting factorial RBD. The treatments consisted of nine combinations of seed tuber size and spacing. Growth characteristics like emergence percentage, number of sprouts per tuber, length of vine, number of tuber forming roots, number of leaves, leaf area, and total drymatter accumulation per plant were significantly influenced by seed tuber size. Large sized seed tubers (150 g) showed higher values for these parameters compared to that of medium or small sized tubers. In the initial growth stage of 45 days after planting (DAP), length of vine was significantly higher for large seed tubers. However by 90 DAP, all vines exhibited comparable length irrespective of seed size or spacing. Spacing significantly influenced the leaf area index (LAI) as well as number of leaves per vine, and at peak vegetative growth (135 DAP), the highest leaf count of 591 leaves per vine was noticed in 150 g tubers planted at wider spacing of 75 x 75 cm. Total dry matter accumulation per plant was not significantly influenced by spacing. Tuber forming roots could be observed even at 45 days after planting indicating early tuber initiation in lesser yam. The number of tuber forming roots increased upto 180 DAP, after which tuber bulking was noticed. Plants that emerged from large seed tubers produced more number of tuberous roots in the initial growth stage of upto 90 DAP. However at 135 DAP, plants from both 100 g and 150 g tubers were on par with respect to number of tuber forming roots. Plants at closer spacing of 50 x 50 cm produced higher number of tuber forming roots compared to wider spacing at 180 DAP. The crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) as well as net assimilation rate (NAR) were influenced by seed tuber size and spacing. Plants from larger seed tubers and closer spacing had higher CGR, RGR and NAR. Higher RGR was observed during the period from 135 to 180 DAP. Spacing had no influence on NAR at initial growth phase. However at later stages of observations, high density planting resulted in higher NAR. The highest NAR was observed at 45-90 DAP, after which a declining trend was observed. The highest tuber yield was recorded from larger seed tubers of 150 g size (1270 g/vine), followed by 100 g (1053 g/ vine) and 50g seed tubers (929 g/vine), which differed significantly from each other. Spacing also had influence on tuber yield per plant and wider spacing resulted in significantly higher yield (1217 g), compared to 75 x 50 cm (1062 g) and 50 x 50 cm (972 g) spacings. Interaction effect also could be observed and performance of 150 g seed tuber at 75 x 75 cm was superior to others. It was also clear that neither the seed tuber size nor the spacing had influence on the number of small, medium or large sized tubers per plant or the length and girth of individual tubers. The trend in tuber yield per hectare was different as the yield is a function of number of plants per unit area. The highest productivity of 44.20 t/ha was realized when 150 g seed tubers were planted at a closer spacing of 50 x 50 cm. The combination of small seed tuber and wider spacing led to lower productivity in lesser yam (17.66 t/ha).Closer spacing resulted in higher cost of cultivation, but correspondingly yield per hectare was also high. The highest net profit of 5.31 lakhs per ha was realized when 150 g seed tubers were planted at 50 x 50 cm spacing, compared to 4.70 lakhs in the case of 50 g seed tubers and 4.34 lakhs from 100 g seed tubers at 50 x 50 cm. Considering the easy availability of small seed tubers and higher net profit and B:C ratio, for realizing maximum productivity per unit area, it is advisable to go for high density planting in lesser yam with seed tubers of about 50 g or 100 g weight. This is especially important in a state like Kerala where availability of land is a major constraint in crop production.
Open Access
Regulation of plant na/k ratio for productivity enhancement in pokkali rice
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Emily, Alias; KAU; Deepa, Thomas
Pokkali is a sustainable and unique rice farming system in coastal saline soils of Kerala. Salinity, submergence and high inherent acidity are the major issues underlying this special system of rice cultivation. In saline soils, higher Na content and the resultant high ratio between Na and other cations like K, Ca and Mg within the plant becomes detrimental for crop. Maintaining a low ratio of Na with other cations especially with K, is considered to be an yield determining and salt tolerance criterion in crops. Ameliorants containing sufficient amount of calcium inhibits the effect of soil acidity as well as soil salinity. As no response to soil application of nutrients is observed in Pokkali rice, foliar nutrition of K is expected to maintain nutritional balance within the plant. Hence the study was conducted with the objective to study the effect of the narrowing down of Na/K ratio in Pokkali rice by liming and foliar application of K. The study entitled “Regulation of plant Na/K ratio for productivity enhancement in Pokkali rice” was conducted at Rice Research Station, Vyttila. VTL8 was the variety used for the field experiment. Treatments included soil application of different levels of lime (500, 1000 kg ha-1) or dolomite (800, 1600 kg ha-1) alone and these treatments followed by foliar spray of sulphate of potash (2% SOP at 20 and 40 DAT). These treatments were compared with foliar spray of SOP alone and a control (no amelioration, no foliar spray). Various biometric observations, soil chemical characteristics and plant nutrient content were assessed during and after the field experiment. Crop duration was 137 days. Both growth and yield parameters exhibited significant variation among treatments. Number of tillers per sq. m, number of panicles per sq. m, percentage of filled grains and grain yield (2975 kg ha-1) were found to be higher for soil application of lime along with foliar spray of SOP at 20 and 40 DAT. Effect of dolomite @1600 kg ha-1 on yield was higher than the effect of lime @ 500 or 1000 kg ha-1. Foliar spray of K resulted in comparable yield to that of lime @ 1000 kg ha-1. Amelioration with dolomite @1600 kg ha-1 with or without foliar spray could significantly enhance the dry matter production and leaf area index and could result in a yield next to the best treatment. Liming influenced the plant nutrient content in Pokkali rice at various stages. Higher potassium, phosphorus and magnesium content were observed when applied with lime @1000 kg ha-1+ K (2% spray) at 20 and 40 DAT. Higher calcium content was observed in plots treated with dolomite @ 1600 kg ha-1. In acid saline soils, higher Na/K ratio is considered as the major yield limiting factor. Treatments significantly influenced the plant Na/K ratio at different stages of crop growth. Control treatment recorded highest Na/K ratio at all the stages. This indicated that amelioration and foliar spray of SOP had significant influence in reducing the plant Na/ K ratio. Correlation analysis also showed that grain yield had significant negative correlation with Na/K ratio at 90 days after transplanting. This indicates that Na/K ratio at flowering stage is most critical. Application of lime @1000 kg ha-1 or dolomite @ 1600 kg ha-1 along with SOP (2% spray) at 20 and 40 DAT could narrow down the Na/K ratio at flowering stage and thereby increase the yield significantly. A reduction in soil pH was observed in these treatments at flowering stage. In addition to the correction of soil acidity, application of lime and dolomite could improve the availability of calcium and magnesium content in soil as well as enhance their uptake by the crop. Economic returns were also found to be higher on application of lime @1000 kg ha-1 and 2% foliar spray of SOP. Hence application of lime @1000kg ha-1 and 2% foliar spray of SOP at 20 and 40 DAT can be recommended to increase the yield of Pokkali rice.
Open Access
Crop-weather relations on yield and quality of iruveli [Plectranthus vettiveroides (K.C.Jacob) N.P. Singh and B D Sharma]
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Sabika, K P; KAU; Sindhu, P V
In India, about 7500 species of medicinal plants are being used in different traditional systems of medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy, folklore etc. In medicinal plant cultivation, both yield and quality are equally important, and therefore, it is necessary to identify optimum growth factors that can ensure high yield and quality. Plectranthus vettiveroides (K. C. Jacob) N. P. Singh and B. D. Sharma (Syn. Coleus vettiveroides) is an important herbaceous medicinal plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae, where the root is the major economic part. The present study was conducted in the Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to assess the effect of variations in intensity of light, time of planting and mulching on yield and quality of Plectranthus vettiveroides known as Iruveli in Malayalam. The trial was laid out in randomized block design, replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of two growing conditions viz., open and 50 per cent shade, four dates of planting viz., May 15, June 15, July 15, and August 15 and three mulching treatments, viz., black polythene mulching, organic mulching, and no mulching. Growing condition, date of planting and mulching had significant influence on plant characters such as height, number of branches, total biomass yield and total root yield. The highest biomass yield and root yield were obtained from open condition (10382 kg/ha biomass and 1216 kg/ha root), May planting (15694 kg/ha biomass and 2508 kg/ha root) and black polythene mulching (16235 kg/ha biomass and 1786 kg/ha root). Interaction between growing conditions, date of planting and mulching was also significant with the highest biomass yield in the treatment combination of May planting under open condition with black polythene mulching (34715 kg/ha). The management methods also influenced the soil chemical properties. Available N and P were higher in 50 per cent shaded condition. Among mulching, available N and K were higher under organic mulching. Higher available N was found in July planting, whereas available P and K were higher in August planting. Among different micro climatic factors studied, soil temperature and soil moisture were significantly influenced by growing condition and mulching. Higher soil temperature was observed under open condition and black polythene mulching. However, higher soil moisture was under shaded condition and black polythene mulching Physiological, chemical and biochemical parameters were significantly influenced by growing condition, date of planting and mulching. Higher CGR and RGR values were observed under May planting, open condition and with black polythene mulching. Total chlorophyll content at the time of harvest was higher under shade (2.26 mg/g) and May planting (2.16mg/g). Higher essential oil content was recorded from open condition (1.77%), May planting (1.73%) and with black polythene mulch (1.81%). Combination of May planting, black polythene mulching and open condition resulted in the higher essential oil content of 2.35 %. Weed count and weed dry weights were significantly influenced by the treatments. Lower weed count and weed dry weight were observed under shade and black polythene mulching whereas higher growth was observed in open condition and no mulching. Correlation studies showed a positive correlation of total biomass, root yield and essential oil content with maximum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and soil temperature. Essential oil content had significant positive correlation with light intensity, soil temperature, and soil moisture at initial stages of growth. There was also a positive correlation between biomass yield, total root yield and essential oil content. A higher B: C ratio was obtained from May planting with black polythene mulching under open condition. Planting in August with organic mulch under shaded condition recorded lowest B: C ratio. From the experiment it can be concluded that planting on 15th May in open condition under black polythene mulch as the optimum requirement for Iruveli.
Open Access
Weed management in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) intercropped in coconut
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Ravikiran; KAU; Elizebeth Syriac, K
The investigation entitled “Weed management in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) intercropped in coconut” was undertaken during the period, 2017 - 2018 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram to standardise an eco-friendly and economic weed management strategy for upland rice intercropped in coconut. The field experiment was carried out at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram district during the period from June to October 2017. The variety used was Prathyasa (MO-21) released from Rice Research Station, Moncompu. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (factorial) with sixteen treatment combinations and three replications. The treatments consisted of two stale seedbed methods viz., stale seedbed with mechanical removal of weeds (s1) and no stale seedbed (s2) and eight weed management methods i.e., penoxsulam @ 20 g ha-1 at 10-15 days after sowing (DAS) fb hand weeding (HW) at 35-40 DAS (m1), penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m2), penoxsulam @ 30 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m3), penoxsulam @ 20 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl (MM+CE) @ 4 g ha-1 at 35-40 DAS (m4), penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb MM+CE @ 4 g ha-1 at 35-40 DAS (m5), penoxsulam @ 30 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb MM+CE @ 4 g ha-1 at 35-40 DAS (m6), HW twice at 15 and 35 DAS (m7) and weedy check (m8). Study of the weed flora of experimental area indicated the dominance of broad leaved weeds (eight spp.) followed by grasses (six spp.) and sedges (two spp.). Stale seedbed method (s1) recorded significantly lower weed density at all stages of observations (15, 30 and 60 DAS), weed dry weight at 15 and 30 DAS and higher weed control efficiency (WCE) at 30 and 60 DAS compared to no stale seedbed. Among the weed management methods, at 60 DAS, all the penoxsulam doses i.e., 20, 25 and 30 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb either HW at 35-40 DAS or MM+CE at 35-40 DAS (m 6, m4, m3, m5, m1 and m2) were on par in their effect on total weed dry weight and WCE. Stale seedbed method (s1) registered significantly higher plant height at 60 DAS, number of tillers m-2 at 30 DAS and at harvest, dry matter production at harvest and LAI at 60 DAS compared to no stale seedbed (s2). Penoxsulam at different doses fb HW treatments (m 1, m2 and m3) recorded higher plant height at 30 and 60 DAS and at harvest, number of tillers m-2 at 30 DAS, DMP at harvest and LAI at 30 DAS. None of the herbicide treated plots showed any phytotoxicity symptom on rice crop. The yield attributes viz., number of spikelets panicle-1, per cent filled grains and thousand grain weight were significantly higher for stale seedbed, compared to no stale seedbed (s2). Weed management methods also significantly improved yield attributes viz., panilces m-2, spikelets panicles-1, per cent filled grains and thousand grain weight compared to weedy check treatment. Penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m2) registered the highest values for per cent filled grains and thousand grain weight. Stale seedbed method (s1) recorded significantly higher grain yield, straw yield and lower weed index compared to no stale seedbed method (s 2). Though penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m2) registered the highest grain yield (3.23 t ha-1), it was on par with the other penoxsulam fb HW treatments viz., m1 and m3. None of the s x m interactions were found statistically significant. Regarding weed index also m2 registered the lowest value and it was significantly superior to all other weed management methods. Higher net income (₹ 27, 848/-) and B:C ratio (1.48) were obtained with stale seedbed method (s1), compared to no stale seedbed (s2). Application of penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m2) registered the highest net income (₹ 36,090/-) and B: C ratio (1.63). The s1m2 registered the highest net income (₹ 44,433/-) and B: C ratio (1.77), among the interactions. The results on soil microbial population revealed that population of fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes increased in all the herbicidal treatments compared to pre-treatment population. Activity of dehydrogenase enzyme also increased significantly in the herbicide applied plots implying the safety of the tested chemicals on soil health. Based on grain yield, weed index and economic analysis, integration of stale seedbed method with the broad spectrum herbicide penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS can be recommended as an eco-friendly and economic weed management practice in upland rice.
Open Access
Agrotechniques for enhancing root production in Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC under partial shade
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2019) Abhijith, S S; KAU; Anilkumar, A S
The study entitled “Agrotechniques for enhancing root production in Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. under partial shade” was undertaken during 2017-2019, in the Instructional farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with an objective to study the integrated effect of root endophyte fungus, planting density, source efficacy of nutrients, moisture stress and subsurface mulching on the growth, yield and quality constituents of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. under partial shade. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 12 treatments and three replications. The treatments were, T1 – Inoculation with Piriformospora indica (root endophyte) alone, T2 – T1 + Soil application of cow dung slurry (5% at monthly interval), T3 – T1 + Soil application of NPK (basal- @ 40:40:40 kg ha-1 year-1), T4 – T2 + Irrigation at 15 mm depth, T5 – T2 + Irrigation at 30 mm depth, T6 – T3 + Irrigation at 15 mm depth, T7 – T3 + Irrigation at 30 mm depth, T8 – T5 at high density planting (40 cm x 20 cm), T9 – T7 at high density planting, T10 – T8 under subsurface mulching with black polythene, T11 – T9 under subsurface mulching with black polythene and T12 – control at normal row planting (40 cm x 40 cm). Piriformospora indica was inoculated with the potting medium @ 10g fungal culture kg-1 of potting medium. Results of the experiment revealed that integrated management practices have significant effects on growth and yield attributes of D. gangeticum. The treatment T7 recorded the tallest plants at 3 and 4 months after transplanting (MAT) whereas, T9 was superior at 5, 6 and 7 MAT and at harvest. The treatment T7 registered the highest number of branches at all stages of growth. At 3 and 5 MAT, T6 recorded the highest leaf number whereas T7 was superior at 4, 6 and 7 MAT and at harvest. T5 registered the highest root number at 3 MAT but T10 was found superior at 5, 6 and 7 MAT and at harvest. At 2 MAT, T9 and at all other growth stages, T7 recorded the highest root spread. T5 at 3 MAT, T7 at 5 and 6 MAT and at harvest and T6 at 7 MAT registered the highest root volume. With respect to length of tap root, the treatments T9 at 3, 4, and 6 MAT and at harvest and T8 at 7 MAT were found superior. At 3 MAT, T5 revealed the highest girth of primary root but at 5, 6 and 7 MAT, T7 and at harvest T6 were found superior. The treatment, T7 registered the longest laterals at 5, 6 and 7 MAT and at harvest. The root fresh and dry weight showed a similar trend. The treatments T9 at 3 MAT, T6 at 5 and 7 MAT and T7 at 6 MAT and at harvest showed the highest fresh and dry root weight. The highest root yield at harvest was recorded by T8 which was on par with T9, T10 and T11. Chlorophyll content varied with different growth stages. T5 at 2 MAT, T6 at 5 MAT, T11 at 6 MAT and T9 at 4 and 7 MAT and at harvest registered the highest total chlorophyll content. Like chlorophyll content, RLWC also showed variations with respect to different growth stages. T2 at 3 and 4 MAT, T6 at 7 MAT and T7 at 5 and 6 MAT and at harvest recorded the highest values. At 5 and 7 MAT and at harvest T7, T5 and T6 respectively recorded the highest root-shoot ratio. The treatments T11 and T9 at 2 and 7 MAT and T8 at 3, 5 and 6 MAT and at harvest registered the highest leaf area index. Observations on crop growth rate showed the significance of T8 at 4 to 5 MAT, T6 at 6 to 7 MAT and T9 at 5 to 6 MAT and 7 MAT to harvest. With respect to relative growth rate, T4 at 2 to 3 MAT and T6 at 3 to 4, 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 MAT followed by T9 at 7 MAT to harvest were found superior. At 2 to 3 and 4 to 5 MAT, the treatments T11 and T10 respectively recorded the highest values for net assimilation rate. Ethanol extract of plant roots grown under control at normal row planting (40 cm x 40 cm) (T12) recorded the highest total alkaloids at harvest. Among seed parameters, only number of seeds per inflorescence was significantly influenced by the treatments at 6 MAT and it was the highest in T1. Soil moisture studies revealed the significance of T8 and T9 in enhancing soil moisture retention before and after irrigation. T4 on par with T6 registered the highest consumptive use, daily consumptive use and Kc. Crop water use efficiency was the highest for the treatment T8. T2 registered the highest field water use efficiency and water productivity. T9 recorded the highest up take of primary plant nutrients. After the experiment, organic carbon and available K status of soil were found superior in T3 and T10. Even though nursery seedlings exhibited P. indica root colonization at harvest, it was not clearly evident through microscopic investigation. Economic analysis of the system revealed the significance of T8 (₹ 47,902 ha-1) which was on par with T9 and T10 with respect to net income. The highest benefit-cost ratio was also registered by T8 which was significantly superior to all other treatments. It is concluded that high density planting of P. indica inoculated seedlings under partial shade followed by monthly application of cow dung slurry (5 %) and scheduling irrigation at 30 mm depth once in six days (T8) was found beneficial for enhancing leaf area index, root production, crop water use efficiency, net income (₹ 47,902 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (1.74).
Open Access
Zinc and boron nutrition in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) for Onattukara sandy plain
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Reni Francis; KAU; Bindhu, J S
A field experiment on “Zinc and boron nutrition in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) for Onattukara sandy plain” was undertaken during 2017-19 to evaluate the effect of zinc and boron nutrition on growth, yield and quality of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in the summer rice fallows of Onattukara and to work out the economics of cultivation. The experiment was conducted during December 2018 to April 2019 in farmer’s field at Onattukara region of Alappuzha district. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 12 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments were T1 - soil application of Zn @ 5 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4 ; T2 - soil application of Zn @ 5 kg ha-1 as Zn-EDTA ; T3 - soil application of B @ 1 kg ha-1 as borax ; T4 - soil application of Zn @ 2.5 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4 + B @ 0.5 kg ha-1 as borax ; T5 - foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 days after emergence (DAE), T6 - foliar application of 0.5 per cent borax at 30, 45 and 60 DAE; T7 - foliar application of 0.25 per cent ZnSO4 + 0.25 per cent borax at 30, 45 and 60 DAE; T8 - seed treatment with ZnSO4 (250 mg kg-1); T9 - seed treatment with borax (100 mg kg-1); T10 - seed treatment with ZnSO4 (250 mg kg-1) + borax (100 mg kg-1); T11 - soil test based recommendation and T12 - control. FYM @ 2 t ha-1, N: P2O5: K2O @ 10:75:75 kg ha-1 (as basal) and lime 1.5 t ha-1 (at flowering) were applied uniformly to all treatments. The bunch type groundnut variety, CO 7 was sown at a spacing of 15 cm x 15 cm. The growth attributes of groundnut were recorded at 30, 45, 60 DAE and at harvest. Among the treatments, foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5), soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) recorded significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height, number of branches, leaf area and number of nodules per plant. At all stages of growth, soil application treatments recorded more number of nodules. The physiological parameters such as CGR, NAR, LAI, and LAD recorded during 15 to 30 and 30 to 45 DAS, also varied with Zn and B nutrition. Higher CGR values were obtained with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and was on par with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5). During 30 to 45 DAS, NAR was found to be significant and recorded higher values in all treatments except seed treatment. Leaf area index, LAI and LAD were higher with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and was comparable with ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) during 15 to 30 DAS and 30 to 45 DAS. The results revealed that yield parameters viz., number of pods per plant, 100 kernel weight and shelling percentage varied significantly with the treatments. Number of pods per plant was higher with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5) and was on par with T11, T4, T7 and T1. Shelling percentage (70.75 %) was higher with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and was on par with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5). Kernel yield was significantly higher (1523 kg ha-1) with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5) and was on par with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4). Haulm yield (3978 kg ha-1) was higher with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) and was comparable with all treatments except T9 and T10. Protein content of seed (23.2 %) was higher with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) and was on par with all treatments except T2, T9 and T12. Oil content (49.38 %) and oil yield (752.2 kg ha-1) were higher with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5) and was comparable with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4). Higher uptake of N, S and Zn were observed with T1, T4 and T5. The results on soil nutrient status after the experiment indicated that there was a build up of available N, K, B and Zn status after the experiment and the soil nutrient status of zinc and boron were higher with soil application treatments. The results revealed that soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1), soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) and foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5) recorded higher net income and benefit - cost ratio. From the present study, it can be concluded that soil application of Zn @ 5 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4 or soil application of Zn @ 2.5 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4 + B @ 0.5 kg ha-1 as borax or foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 days after emergence along with the recommended dose of FYM @ 2 t ha-1, N: P2O5: K2O @ 10:75:75 kg ha-1 (as basal) and lime 1.5 t ha-1 (at flowering) can be recommended for better growth, yield, quality and profitability of groundnut in the Onattukara sandy plain.
Open Access
Seed invigouration for yield enhancement in grain cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. walp)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Anju B Raj; KAU; Sheeja K Raj
The study entitled “Seed invigouration for yield enhancement in grain cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.Walp)” was undertaken during 2017-2019, at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with the objectives to assess the effect of seed invigouration with zinc sulphate and borax on grain cowpea and to evaluate its effect along with Trichoderma viride on growth and yield of the crop. Research work comprised of one pot culture experiment and a field experiment which were carried out at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram. The variety used for the study was Bhagyalakshmy. Pot culture experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with thirteen treatments and three replications during Rabi 2018. The treatments comprised of six pelleting treatments viz., T1 and T2 (seeds pelleting with ZnSO4 100 and 200 mg kg-1 seed), T3 andT4 (seeds pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed) , T5 and T6 (ZnSO4 100 mg + borax 50 mg kg-1 seed and ZnSO4 200 mg + borax 100 mg kg-1 seed) and six priming treatments viz., T7 and T8 (seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent for 4 h) , T9 and T10 (seed priming with borax 0.01 per cent and 0.02 per cent for 4 h), T11 and T12 (seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 + borax 0.01 per cent for 4 h and ZnSO4 0.05 + borax 0.02 per cent for 4 h) and a control (T13). Seed pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed and seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent recorded higher germination percentage, mean daily germination, speed of germination, germination index, germination rate index, co-efficient of rate of germination, seedling vigour index I and II and lesser mean germination time and time taken for 50 per cent germination. Hence, seed pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed and seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent which showed fast, uniform synchronous emergence with high vigour index were selected as the two best seed pelleting and priming treatments for field experimentation. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications during Rabi 2018. The treatments comprised of seed pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed; seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent for 4h; seed pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed and seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent for 4h + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed and a control. Results revealed that seed invigouration had significant effect on growth parameters, physiological parameters, yield attributes, yield, protein content, nutrient uptake, post-harvest nutrient availability, disease incidence and economics. Seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h and seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed recorded higher number of branches per plant and green leaves per plant. However, seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h recorded the highest dry matter production at harvest. Leaf area index and total chlorophyll content were found to be significantly higher in seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent for 4h at both 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). During 30 to 60 DAS, crop growth rate (CGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) were the highest in seeds pelleted with borax 50 mg kg-1 seeds and during 60 DAS to harvest, seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h registered the highest CGR and RGR. Total number of nodules and effective nodules per plant were found to be significantly higher in seeds pelleted with 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed. However, the fresh and dry weight of nodules were the highest in seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. Pods per plant, pod weight per plant, pod length, pod girth, seed yield per plant, seed yield ha-1 and harvest index were the highest in seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. Among the seed pelleting treatments, seeds pelleted with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded higher seed yield. Seed priming with ZnSO4 either with 0.025 or 0.05 per cent or pelleting with borax either with 50 or 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded higher seed yield than seed priming with ZnSO4 or pelleting with borax combined with Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed. Total NPK uptake by crop was the highest in seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. However, seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed recorded the highest Zn uptake and seeds pelleted with borax 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded the highest B uptake. Results on nutrient status of soil after the experiment revealed that seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h recorded the highest organic carbon content and available N status. Seeds pelleted with borax 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded the highest available P and seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed recorded the highest available K status. Seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h recorded the highest available soil Zn status, whereas, seed pelleting with borax 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded the highest available soil B status. Seed invigouration treatments recorded significantly higher crude protein content than control and the highest crude protein content was recorded in seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. Seed invigouration treatments recorded lower incidence of anthracnose disease than the control and among the treatments, the lowest incidence was recorded in seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. The net returns and benefit cost ratio were the highest in seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. Considering the yield attributes, yield, disease incidence, and economics seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h along with recommended dose of FYM (20 t ha-1), lime (250 kg ha-1) and NPK (20:30:10 kg ha-1) could be recommended for better plant establishment and higher yield in grain cowpea.
Open Access
Standardization of crop establishment technique for upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) in coconut garden
(Department of Agronomy , College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Dhanu Unnikrishnan; KAU; Girija Devi, L
The study entitled “Standardization of crop establishment technique for uplandmrice (Oryza sativa L.) in coconut garden” was undertaken during 2017-2019 at College#of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala with the objectives to find out the most cost effective crop establishment technique for upland rice and to assess its impact on#growth and#yield#of rice. The research work was carried out at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram. The variety used for the trial was Harsha (PTB 55). The crop was raised as an intercrop in 55 year old coconut garden planted at a spacingnof 7.6 m x 7.6 m. The fieldmexperimentmwas laid out in RBD with 10 treatmentsNin three replications during Kharif 2018 (May to September 2018). The treatments comprised of line sowing dry seeds 60 kg ha-1 (T1), line sowing hydroprimed seeds 60 kg ha-1 (T2), broadcasting dry seeds 80 kg ha-1(T3), broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 80 kg ha-1 (T4), broadcasting dry seeds 100 kg ha-1 (T5), broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 100 kg ha-1 (T6), broadcasting pregerminated seeds 80 kgha-1 (T7), broadcasting pregerminated seeds 100 kgha-1 (T8), thomba method of planting at 15 cm × 10 cm (T9) and thomba method of planting at 20 cm × 10 cm (T10). Organic manure 5 tha-1 and NPK 90:30:45 kgha-1 were given uniformly to all treatments. The results of the study revealed that the establishment techniques had significant influence on most of the growth characters, physiological parameters, weed absolute density, weed dry weight, yield attributing characters and yield of upland rice. Broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 100 kgha-1 (T6) producedmthe highestmnumber of hills m-2 at 20 days after sowing (DAS) which was on par with broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 80 kgha-1 (T4) and line sowing hydroprimed seeds 60 kgha-1 (T2). At 40 and 60 DAS, T4 and T6 produced higher number of tillers m-2 comparedmto othermtreatments. However, broadcasting hydroprimed seeds at 80 kg ha-1 (T4) recorded significantly higher number of tillers at harvest. Broadcasting hydroprimed seeds at 100 kg ha-1 recorded the highest LAI at 40 and 60 DAS, but it was on par with T2 ,T3, T4 ,T5 and T7 at 40 DAS and comparable with T2, T4 and T5 at 60 DAS. The root shoot ratio at 50 permcent flowering, was the highestx in T4, but was on par with T2 and T6. The DMP at#harvest#was the highest inT4, which was on par with T2 and T6. Total chlorophyll content at 40 DAS was higher in T6, comparable with T1, T2 and T4, while T4 recorded higher chlorophyll content at 60 DAS on par with T2, T3, T6 and T9. The CGR during 40 to 60 DAS was higher in T4, which was on par with T6 and T9, but during 60 DAS to harvest higher CGR observed in T4 was comparable with T2. Broadcasting hydroprimed seeds at 100 kg ha-1 (T6) recorded higher RGRduring 40 to 60 DAS and was on par with T4. At harvest, T4 recorded higher RGR, on par with all treatments except T3, T7, T9 and T10. The weed#dry#weight at 30 DAS was lower in all the treatments except T1, T7 and T10, while at 60 DAS, it was found lower in T4, comparable with T2, T6, T7 and T9. The period for 50 per cent flowering was the shortest in T2 (74 days) and was followed by T4 (78 days). Broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 80 kgha-1(T4) recorded higher values for yield attributes. However, it was on par with T1, T2, T5 and T9 for number of panicles per m2, with T6 for number of filled grains per panicle, and: T3 and T6 for panicle weight. The lowest sterility percentage recorded in T4 was on par with T2, T3 and T6. Line sowing dry/hydroprimed seeds 60 kg ha-1 each (T1 and T2); broadcasting dry/hydroprimed seeds 80 or 100 kg ha-1each (T3, T5, T4 and T6); broadcasting pre germinated seeds 80 kgha-1 (T8) as well as thomba method of planting at 15 cm × 10 cm (T9) were found comparable with respect to their effect on grain yield. Straw yield was the highest in broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 100 kg ha-1 (T6) and the lowest in thomba method of planting at 20 cm × 10 cm (T10). Line sowing hydroprimed seeds 60 kg ha-1 (T2); broadcasting dry/hydroprimed seeds 80 or 100 kg ha-1 each (T3, T5, T4 and T6) and broadcasting pre germinated seeds 80 kg ha-1 (T7) were found to be economical compared to other treatments. From the results, it can be concluded that broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 80 kg ha-1 (T4) with a grain yield of 3900.7 kg ha-1 and B: C ratio of 1.72 is the cost effective crop establishment technique for upland rice in coconut garden.

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