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ThesisItem Restricted Agronomic biofortification of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) with zinc and iron(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Vajinder Pal; Guriqbal SinghThe investigation entitled, “Agronomic biofortification of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) with zinc and iron” was conducted at the Research Farm of Pulses Section, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during Rabi 2015-16 and 2016-17. The soil of the experimental site was loamy sand in texture with normal soil reaction and electrical conductivity, low in organic carbon & available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, potassium, zinc and iron. Under the present investigation, three experiments were conducted and laid out in randomized complete block design replicated three times using the chickpea variety PBG 7. The Experiment I, II and III were sown on 7th November, 2015 during first year and 8th November, 2016 during second year. In Experiment I, six zinc application treatments and three urea foliar application treatments were studied. Experiment II had three iron foliar application treatments and three urea foliar application treatments. In Experiment III, twelve treatments consisting of zinc, iron or urea foliar application and their various combinations were studied. The recommended dose of urea @ 40.6 kg ha-1 and single superphosphate @ 125 kg ha-1 was applied at the time of sowing. The nutrients used for foliar treatments in the present study were ZnSO4.7H2O (21% Zn), FeSO4.7H2O (19% Fe) and urea (46% N). In all the experiments 375 litres of water ha-1 was used for each foliar spray. Results revealed that soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 at sowing + foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% at flowering and pod formation stages resulted in the highest growth parameters, symbiotic parameters, yield attributes, grain yield, net returns, benefit cost ratio, nutrient content and nutrient uptake. The highest concentration of zinc and iron in chickpea grain was also recorded with the soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 + foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% at flowering and pod formation stages (45.1 & 44.7 mg zinc kg-1 and 59.7 & 62.9 mg iron kg-1 in first and second year of study, respectively). In experiment II, foliar spray of FeSO4 @ 0.5% at flowering and pod formation stages resulted in the highest growth parameters, symbiotic parameters, yield attributes, grain yield, net returns, benefit cost ratio, nutrient content, nutrient uptake and the highest concentration of zinc (35.1 & 34.2 mg zinc kg-1) and iron (73.5 & 75.3 mg iron kg-1) in chickpea grain. In experiment III, foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + FeSO4 @ 0.5% + urea @ 2% (individual as well as tank mix) resulted in the highest growth parameters, symbiotic parameters, yield attributes, grain yield, net returns, benefit cost ratio, nutrient content and nutrient uptake. Tank mix application of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + FeSO4 @ 0.5% + urea @ 2% provided the second highest content of zinc (44.1 & 43.1 mg zinc kg-1) and iron (71.1 & 73.9 mg iron kg-1) in chickpea grain and was equally effective in biofortification of chickpea grain as individual application of these nutrients (45.1 & 45.0 mg zinc kg-1 and 71.4 & 74.2 mg iron kg-1). Therefore, it can be concluded that these treatments improve the nutrient content in chickpea grain and, therefore, can help in removing the micronutrient (zinc and iron) malnutrion in humans.ThesisItem Open Access Response of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) to Seed Priming and Seed Rate for Enhanced Growth and Productivity under different Planting Methods(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Jassal, Rupinder Kaur; Harmeet SinghThe present study “Response of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) to Seed Priming and Seed Rate for Enhanced Growth and Productivity under different Planting Methods” was carried out at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during 2015 and 2016. In experiment I, in vitro studies were conducted in Factorial CRB design with twelve seed priming treatments (i.e. control, water soaked, KCl – 50 ppm, KCl – 100 ppm, KNO3 – 0.5%, KNO31.0 %, KH2PO4 - 0.5%, KH2PO4 - 1.0 %, GA3 - 50 ppm, GA3 - 100 ppm, Cytokinin -50 ppm and Cytokinin 100 ppm) for two priming durations i.e. 2 and 4 hour, respectively. Results revealed that 100 ppm GA3 treated soybean seeds for 2 hours recorded better performance under in vitro conditions and recorded significant higher Germiation Perceantage, Mean Germination Time, Germimation Time, Coffecient of Velocity, Vigour Length, Seedling Dry Weight, Root and Shoot Length as compared to other treatments. Experiment II was conducted in RCB Design with these seed priming treatments viz. control, water soaked, KCl – 50 ppm, KCl – 100 ppm, KNO3 – 0.5%, KNO31.0 %, KH2PO4 - 0.5%, KH2PO4 - 1.0 %, GA3 - 50 ppm, GA3 - 100 ppm, Cytokinin -50 ppm and Cytokinin 100 ppm. The results revealed that GA3 used at 100 ppm for seed priming recorded significantly higher plant characters viz. emergence count, plant height, dry matter accumulation, LAI and PARI. A non significant effect of different seed priming treatments was observed at all phenological stages of soybean crop. Symbiotic characters like root nodule count, root nodule dry weight and leghaemoglobin content in nodules were significantly higher in 100 ppm GA3 treated seeds. During both the years, seed yield was significantly higher with treatment 100 ppm GA3 which was statistically similar with 100 ppm cytokinin, 50 ppm GA3 and 50 ppm cytokinin. An increase of 30.6 % in seed yield was recorded with the use of 100 ppm GA3 treated seeds as compared to control or dry seeds this is due to more plant height, dry matter accumulation, LAI and yield attributing characters. N, P and K uptake by seeds and straw at harvest was recorded significantly higher with 100 ppm GA3 treated seeds which was statistically at par with 100 ppm cytokinin. A non significant effect was recorded on the quality parameters viz. protein, oil and starch content with different seed priming treatments. During both the years, gross returns, net returns and benefit cost ratio were recorded higher in treatment 100 ppm GA3 treated seeds. Experiment III was conducted in Factorial split plot design, keeping two planting methods (flat planting and bed planting) and two seed priming treatments (non-primed and 100 ppm GA3 treated seeds as primed seeds) in main plots and three seed rate (50, 62.5 and 75 kg ha-1) in sub plots. The results revealed that under bed planted method significantly higher emergence count, plant height, dry matter accumulation, LAI and PARI was recorded as compared to flat planting method. A non significant effect was observed at all phenological stages with respect to different planting methods. Bed planted crop recorded higher number of root nodule count and significantly higher root nodule dry weight and leghaemoglobin content in nodules as compared to flat planting method. Yield attributing characters viz. pods plant-1, seed pod-1 and 100 seed weight were higher in bed planted soybean crop as compared to flat planted crop. An increase of 15.6 % in seed yield was recorded under bed planted crop as compared to flat planted crop. N, P and K uptake by seeds and straw at harvest was significantly higher in bed planted crop as compared to flat planted crop. Maximum gross returns, net returns and B: C was obtained under bed planted soybean crop as compared to flat planted crop in both the two years. Primed seeds with 100 ppm GA3 recorded significant results in plant characters viz emergence count, plant height, dry matter accumulation, LAI and PARI, earliness in phenological stages, symbiotic characters, yield attributing characters and final seed yield. Primed seeds with 100 ppm GA3 recorded 23.2 % increase in pooled seed yield than non-primed seeds. N, P and K uptake by seeds and straw was also significantly higher in primed seeds as compared to non primed seeds. 100 ppm GA3 treated seeds recorded maximum gross returns, net returns and B: C as compared to non primed seeds. Seed rate of 62.5 kg ha-1 recorded higher plant growth, yield attributing characters and seed yield than 50 kg ha-1 and statistically at par results was recorded with 75 kg ha-1. Pooled seed yield was increased by 4.61 and 12.5 % with 62.5 kg ha-1 than 50 and 75 kg ha-1. Similarly, N, P and K uptake by seeds and straw was recorded significantly higher with with 62.5 kg ha-1 than 50 kg ha-1. Seed rate of 62.5 kg ha-1 recorded maximum gross returns, net returns and Benefit cost ratio than 50 and 75 kg ha-1ThesisItem Open Access Precision nutrient management in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using Nutrient Expert and GreenSeeker(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2017) Jashanjot Kaur; Hari RamThe present investigation“Precision nutrient management in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using Nutrient Expert and GreenSeeker” was conducted at the Research farm, Wheat Section, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during winter (rabi) season of 2014-15 and 2015-16. Experiment I was conducted to assess different precision nutrient management practices in different varieties under different tillage systems. It was laid out in split plot design with three replications, in main plot there was combination of two tillage systems (conventional and zero tillage) and two varieties (WH 1105 and HD 2967). In sub plot there were six nutrient management practices (No N control, Nutrient Expert for Wheat, 70% N, full P, K with Nutrient Expert for Wheat + remaining N as guided by GreenSeeker, N120 before irrigations,N120 after irrigations and N Rich (N180)). Experiment II was conducted in Randomized block design with 15 treatments [Control (No nitrogen), N120, N150, N180, N60 or N84 or N120 + remaining or additional N as guided by GreenSeeker [Feekes stage 5-6 (second irrigation)] or [Feekes stage 7-8 (third irrigation)], 50% N or 70% N through Nutrient Expert (NE) + remaining N as guided by GreenSeeker [Feekes stage 5-6 (second irrigation)] or [Feekes stage 7-8 (third irrigation)] and complete N through NE] with three replications. Similar growth characters, grain yield, quality characters, phenology and nutrient content of wheat were recorded under CT and ZT options. ZT recorded 8.4 per cent higher net returns than CT. Wheat variety HD 2967 recorded better growth characters than variety WH 1105. However, variety WH 1105 recorded 1.87 per cent higher grain yield than variety HD 2967. No varietal difference was recorded in quality characters, phenology, nutrient content and economics. Application of 160-164 kg N ha-1 in three splits (60 kg N at sowing + 60 kg N at first irrigation + 44/40 kg N at second irrigation guided by Green Seeker) or application of 172/169 kg N ha-1 in in three splits (60 kg N at sowing + 60 kg N at first irrigation + 52/49 kg N at second irrigation) with Nutrient Expert and GreenSeeker at 2nd irrigation (120+52/49) recorded better growth characters as well as higher NDVI thus contributing to better wheat yield and quality than blanket application of 120 kg N/ha but similar to blanket application of 150 kg N/ha in different varieties and tillage options. Delayed application of 126/131 kg N ha-1 in four splits (40 kg N at sowing + 40 kg N at first irrigation + 40 kg N at second irrigation + 6/13 kg N at third irrigation guided by Green Seeker) or application of 129/142 N kg ha-1 (40 kg N at sowing + 40 kg N at first irrigation + 40 kg N at second irrigation + 9/22 kg N at third irrigation guided by Green Seeker) with combination of Nutrient Expert and GreenSeeker at 3rd irrigation (120+9/22) gave higher returns with N saving of 9-24 kg/ha and higher yield as well as net returns in comparison to 150 kg N/ha.ThesisItem Open Access Productivity of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) based intercropping systems as influenced by different planting patterns and nutrients levels(2017) Sekhon, Fatehjeet Singh; Thakar SinghA field experiment entitled “Productivity of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) based intercropping systems as influenced by different planting patterns and nutrients levels” was conducted at Students’ Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during kharif 2015 and 2016. The soil of the experimental site was loamy sand, normal pH and electrical conductivity, low in organic carbon and available N, medium in available P and K. Two research experiments were conducted in two separate fields. In the first experiment, three intercrops viz. cowpea fodder, maize fodder and groundnut were intercropped with pigeonpea at 50 cm × 25 cm, 75 cm × 18.8 cm and 100 cm × 12.5 cm (1+1) planting patterns and were compared with sole pigeonpea in randomized block design. Different intercrops were also grown as sole in the experiment to calculate the different intercropping indices. In the second experiment, three intercrops viz. cowpea fodder, maize fodder and groundnut were intercropped with pigeonpea at 50 cm × 25 cm and 100 cm × 12.5 cm (1+1) planting patterns were kept in main plots and three different levels of recommended dose of nutrients (NPK) applied to intercrops (0, 50 and 100 %) in the sub plots. The results showed that growth, phenology, yield and yield attributes of pigeonpea were not significantly influenced by different intercropping systems and planting patterns. Among the the different intercropping systems and planting patterns, pigeonpea (50 cm × 25 cm) + maize fodder (1+1) was found to be significantly superior as compared to sole pigeonpea and other intercropping systems, because it recorded significantly higher pigeonpea equivalent yield and economic returns. Among different nutrient levels applied to intercrops, it was observed that with the application of full dose of nutrients to pigeonpea and 100% recommended dose to intercrops produced significantly higher pigeonpea equivalent yield and higher economic returns as compared to control and 50% of recommended dose.ThesisItem Restricted PERFORMANCE OF DIRECT SEEDED RICE (Oryza sativa L.) IN RELATION TO ESTABLISHMENT METHODS, PLANT DENSITIES AND HERBICIDES(PAU Ludhiana, 2012) Simerjeet Kaur; Surjit SinghThe investigation entitled “Performance of direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) in relation to establishment methods, plant densities and herbicides” was conducted at Students’ Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during kharif 2009 and 2010. The soil was loamy sand, normal in soil reaction & electrical conductivity, low in organic carbon &available nitrogen and medium in available phosphorus & potassium. Three experiments were sown on 6th June 2009 and 4th June 2010. Experiment I was laid out in Split Plot Design with 4 replications comprising 5 crop establishment methods {direct seeding with Zero Till Drill, Modified Drill, Conventional Drill, puddled broadcasted and puddled transplanted} in main plots and 4 weed control methods {pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 pre-em. alone and integrated with bispyribac 0.025 kg & azimsulfuron 0.02 kg ha-1 at 30 DAS/T and weed free} in sub-plots. Experiment II and III were laid out in Randomised Block Design with 3 replications. Experiment II contained 16 combinations of 4 seed rates {20 kg, 30 kg, 40 kg and 50 kg ha-1} and 4 row spacings {15, 20, 25 and 30 cm}. Experiment III comprised 16 weed control treatments of pendimethalin 0.75 kg, butachlor 1.50 kg, thiobencarb 1.50 kg, anilofos 0.375 kg, pretilachlor 0.75 kg, oxadiargyl 0.09 kg and pyrazosulfuron ethyl 0.015 kg ha-1 as pre-em. alone and integrated with bispyribac 0.025 kg ha-1 at 30 DAS; two hand weedings and unweeded control. The results revealed that growth parameters, yield attributes and grain yield did not vary significantly among establishment methods, seed rates and row spacings. The effect of establishment methods on sheath blight incidence & severity, stem borer & leaf folder damage, root density, weed population & dry matter and residues of post-emergence herbicides were non-significant. In Experiment I, the maximum grain yield (71.06 q and 62.77 q ha-1) was recorded in weedfree treatment which was at par with integrated use of pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 with bispyribac 0.025 kg or azimsulfuron 0.02 kg ha-1 during 2009 and 2010, respectively. In Experiment III, the maximum grain yield (59.96 q and 52.88 q ha-1) of direct seeded rice was recorded in two hand weedings treatment which was at par with integrated herbicidal treatments containing pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 (59.09 q and 52.10 q ha-1), butachlor 1.50 kg ha-1 (53.05 q and 51.36 q ha-1), thiobencarb 1.50 kg ha-1 (54.16 q ha-1 and 51.65 q ha-1) and oxadiargyl 0.09 kg ha-1 (54.86 q and 49.59 q ha-1) with bispyribac 0.025 kg ha-1 during 2009 and 2010, respectively. Different herbicides used were safe to soil microbial population.ThesisItem Open Access Weed control in autumn sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) based intercropping systems(PAU, 2013) Navneet Kaur; Bhullar, M.S.The investigation entitled “Weed control in autumn sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) based intercropping systems” was conducted at The Students’ Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2010-11 and 2011-12. The soil was loamy sand, normal pH and EC, low in organic carbon & available N and medium in available P & K. Experiment I consisted of 3 cropping systems {sole sugarcane, sugarcane + gobhi sarson(1:1) and sugarcane + raya(1:2)} in main plots and 6 weed control treatments {pre emergence pendimethalin 0.562 kg & 0.75 kg ha -1 , pre emergence alachlor 1.25 kg & 1.875 kg ha -1 , two hand weeding (30 and 60 DAS) and weedy check}in sub plots with 4 eplications in a split plot design. Experiment II consisted of 4 cropping systems {sole sugarcane, sugarcane + cabbage (1:1); sugarcane + peas (1:2) and sugarcane + garlic (1:3)} in the main plots and six weed control treatments {oxyfluorfen 0.176 kg & 0.234 kg ha -1 PRE, pendimethalin 0.562 kg & 0.75 kg ha -1 PRE, hand weeding (30 & 60 DAS in cabbage and peas;30, 60 & 100 DAS in garlic) and weedy check} in sub plots replicated thrice in a split plot design. In autumn sugarcane and Brassicaspecies intercropping systems, gobhi sarsonandraya intercrops exhibited good weed smothering potentialand reduced the weed count and dry matter accumulation than sole sugarcane; rayawas more effective than gobhi sarson. The cane yield under gobhi sarson and raya intercropped sugarcane were similar to that of sole sugarcane during both the years; cane equivalent yield, net profit and benefit cost ratio under the intercropping systems were higher than sole sugarcane. The intercropping of rayaand gobhi sarsonin autumn sugarcane increased the net returns by ` 61,469 and ` 26,738 ha -1 , respectively, than sole sugarcane. Pendimethalin 0.75 kg and alachlor 1.875 kg ha -1 recorded effective control of weeds in these intercropping systems and increased the seed yield of gobhi sarson by 43.6 & 37.3 per cent and raya by 16.1 & 14.1 per cent, respectively than weedy check and were at par with hand weeding. The increase in net returns with the use of these herbicides varied from ` 1,775 to ` 16,406 ha -1 as compared with weedy check. In autumn sugarcane and vegetables intercropping systems, peas exhibited partial weed suppressing ability while cabbage and garlic did not show any weed suppressing ability; weed population and dry matter accumulation under these intercropping systems were similar to that of sole sugarcane during both the years. The cane yield under these intercropping systems were similar to that of sole sugarcane, however, cane equivalent yield, net returns and benefit cost ratio of intercropping systems were higher than sole sugarcane. Sugarcane + garlic intercropping recorded the highest gross, net returns and benefit cost ratio. Averaged over two seasons, the intercropping of garlic increased the net returns by ` 1,36,548 ha -1 than sole cane; the corresponding figures for peas and cabbage intercropping systems were ` 73,860 and ` 61,388 ha -1 . Oxyfluorfen 0.234 kg and pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha -1 recorded effective control of weeds in these intercropping systems and were at par with hand weeding and significantly increased yield of cabbage, peas and garlic than under weedy check. The herbicides use increased net returns by ` 11,459 to ` 36,263 ha -1 as compared with weedy check. The three herbicides at the dose tested were safe to the sugarcane and the intercrops. The herbicides only temporarily reduced the population of soil microbes on the day of application; it recovered within 15 days after application. The residues of pendimethalin and oxyfluorfen in the intercrops produce were below detectable limit.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on source sink relationship for realization of higher productivity in Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)(PAU, 2013) Kaul, Amit; Deol, J.S.The present investigation entitled “Studies on source sink relationship for realization of higher productivity in Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L)”comprising of three experiments (two field and one pot experiment) were carried out at the Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during kharif seasons of 2011 and 2012. All the three experiments were laid out in split plot design with four replications. Three Bt cotton hybrids i.e. MRC 7017, MRC 7031 and RCH 314 were kept in main plots. The sub plot treatments in Experiment I consisted of 0 % (No square removal), 25 % removal (25 % squares removed for a period of month at pin head stage), 50 % removal (50 % squares removed for a period of month at pin head stage), P1 (fruits retained at first position), P2 (fruits retained at second position) and P1, 2 (fruits retained at first and second position). The Experiment II was a pot experiment comprising similar treatments as in Experiment I. The sub plot treatments in Experiment III consisted of control, detopping (removal of 5 to 7 cm apical portion of the main stem), MC application @ 300 ppm, TIBA @ 100 ppm and MH @ 250 ppm. Growth retardants and detopping treatments were applied at maximum vegetative growth stage i.e. 80 days after sowing (DAS). The hybrid MRC 7017 attained maximum plant height and higher dry matter accumulation at all the growth stages than MRC 7031 and RCH 314 during both the years. The total number of main stem internodes plant -1 , height : node, SPAD value and monopodial branches plant -1 did not differ significantly among the three hybrids. Hybrid MRC 7017 produced significantly higher seed cotton yield by 15.0 to 19.1 per cent than hybrid RCH 314 whereas, it was statistically at par with hybrid MRC 7031 during both the years. Higher total seed cotton yield in MRC 7017 was attributed to the maximum number of sympodial branches plant -1, total number of flowers, bolls and picked bolls plant -1. Fruiting form removal treatments had a significant influence on plant height and LAI at all the growth stages except at 60 DAS during both the years. A significant increase in plant height and LAI was bserved in 50 % square removal treatment at 90 DAS. While, at 120 DAS to maturity, P2 attained more plant height and LAI as compared to other fruiting form removal treatments. Accumulation of dry matter in vegetative parts was significantly higher in P2 while, dry matter accumulated in fruiting bodies was significantly higher in 0 and 25 % square removal treatments at 120 and 150 DAS during both the years. The treatment where 0 and 25 % squares were removed recorded higher number of flowers, total bolls and picked bolls plant -1 as compared to all other fruiting form removal treatments. The higher setting percentage in first fruit position (P1) resulted in significantly higher number of total bolls and picked bolls plant -1 than second fruit position i.e. P2 which eventually helped in producing significantly higher seed cotton yield than P2. Fruiting form removal delayed boll open initiation and 50 % boll opening by 4-11 days than 0 % square removal treatment. Boll weight in P1 improved by 5.6 to 11.8 per cent over control and all the fruiting form removal treatments helped in improving the boll weight as compared to control during both the years. Total seed cotton yield was maximum in 0 % square removal treatments as compared to all other fruiting form removal treatments. Application of MC (300 ppm), TIBA (100 ppm) and MH (250 ppm) significant reduced plant height, LAI and total dry matter accumulation than control. Detopping treatment significantly reduced plant height than control but attained more plant height than all the PGRs. Application of PGRs resulted in significantly higher dry matter allocation towards fruiting bodies and less towards the vegetative plant organs which mproved setting percentage of bolls but did not regulate the CGR and RGR during different periods of crop growth. Different PGR treatments failed to influence the number of monopodial branches plant -1 while the number of sympodial branches plant -1 was highest with application of MC @ 300 ppm followed by TIBA (100 ppm) and MH (250 ppm) but significantly higher than control. The application of MC @ 300 ppm significantly influenced the total number of flowers produced plant -1 while, rest of the PGRs did not show any significant improvement in total number of flowers plant -1 over control. Application of MC (300 ppm), TIBA (100 ppm) and MH (250 ppm) improved the total number of bolls, picked bolls plant -1 and boll weight. MC (300 ppm) increased the total seed cotton yield (22.79 and 31.62 q ha -1 in 2011 and 2012, respectively) as well as that obtained from first, second and third pick. TIBA (100 ppm) and MH (250 ppm) showed statistical similar results with MC (300 ppm) for the seed cotton yield obtained in all the pickings as well as in total seed cotton yield. Detopping failed to influence the seed cotton yield during both the years. Different quality parameters such as seed index, lint index and ginning out-turn were not significantly influenced by application of various PGR treatments.ThesisItem Restricted Productivity potential and economic viability of bed planted wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) based intercropping systems in relation to row orientation and nutrients level(PAU, 2015) Pandey, Madhulika; Singh, ThakarThe present study entitled ―Productivity potential and economic viability of bed planted wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) based intercropping systems in relation to row orientation and nutrients level‖ was carried out at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2012-13 and 2013-14. The soil of the experimental site was loamy sand in texture with normal pH and electrical conductivity, low in organic carbon, available N and K but medium in available P. In the first experiment, two direction of sowing viz. north-south and east-west were kept in main plots. Each main plot was divided into eleven sub plots to allocate the intercropping systems along with sole planting of wheat and the component crops. In the second experiment, five intercropping systems viz. wheat+spinach, wheat+fenugreek, wheat+oats fodder, wheat+linseed and wheat+canola were kept in main plots and four levels of recommended dose of nutrients applied to intercrops (0, 50, 75 and 100%) in the sub plots. The results showed that growing of wheat on raised beds laid in east-west row orientation gave higher yield advantage, wheat equivalent yield, system productivity and economic returns as compared to north-south row orientation. Yield of intercrops was not influenced by row orientation. Among different intercropping systems, wheat + oats fodder recorded significantly higher wheat equivalent yield, system productivity, LER and the economic returns as compared to sole wheat and all other intercropping systems. This system was also most effective to achieve the best land utilization, maximum productivity, monetary as well as intercropping advantage. Wheat+spinach was the second best intercropping system which also recorded significantly higher wheat equivalent yield, system productivity and net returns as compared to sole wheat. Among different nutrient levels applied to intercrops, it was observed that for getting higher wheat equivalent yield, system productivity and economic returns from wheat based intercropping systems, there is a need to apply full dose of nutrients to wheat and 100% recommended dose of nutrients to the intercrops on area basis. Quality parameters were not significantly influenced by different intercropping systems, row orientation and levels of nutrients applied to intercrops.ThesisItem Open Access Agronomic biofortification and enhancement of productivity in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties(PAU, 2014) Pardeep Kumar; Uppa, R.S.The present study entitled, “Agronomic biofortification and enhancement of productivity in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties” was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during rabi 2011-12 and 2012-13 under timely-sown, irrigated conditions on loamy sand soil (Typic Ustochrept) testing near normal in pH, low EC, low in available N, medium in available P and K, low in available Cu and Mn. The experiment I was laid out in split-plot design with three bread wheat varieties viz. HD 2967, PBW 621 and PBW 550 in main plot in combination with nine nutrient management treatments (T1: NPK alone as control, T2: NPK + Zn (s), T3: NPK + Zn (f), T4: NPK + Zn (s) + Zn (f), T5: NPK + Fe (f), T6: NPK + Zn (s) + N50, T7: NPK + N50 + Zn (f), T8: NPK + Zn (s) + N50 + Zn (f) and T9: NPK + N50 + Fe (f) in the sub plots. In the experiment II, the three varieties were sown in the main plot as stated above. In the sub plots, seven nutrient treatments were T1: NPK (Control), T2: NPK + Mn (f), T3: NPK + Cu (f), T4: NPK + Mn (f) + Cu (f), T5: NPK + N50 + Mn (f), T6: NPK + N50 + Cu (f) and T7: NPK + N50 + Mn (f) + Cu (f). Three foliar sprays of ZnSO4. 7H2O and FeSO4. 7H2O were done for experiment I and three foliar sprays of 0.5% MnSO4. H2O and 0.1 % CuSO4. 5H2O were done for experiment II separately at mid-boot, pre-milk and dough stages and elevated dose of N as top-dressing @ 50 kg/ha at 80 DAS was applied. In the experiment I and II, among varieties, PBW 550 recorded the highest yield components and qualitative improvement in grain physico-chemical characters (except Phenol Reaction Score and β Carotene), which were significantly better than PBW 621 and HD 2967 during both years of study. In the experiment I, treatments of nutrient management improved growth and yield-attributing characters, grain and straw yield, highest N content, Zn and Fe concentration and uptake in grain, straw and crop were recorded during both years of study for treatment T8: NPK + Zn (s) + N50 + Zn (f) for which grain yield increased to (55.85, 56.63 q/ha) by (54.67, 70.94 %) from control (36.11, 33.07 q/ha). Grain Zn concentration increased by (56.47, 62.81%) from (23.64, 22.48 μg/g) of control to (36.99, 36.60 μg/g) for T8 : NPK + Zn (s) + N50 + Zn (f). Grain Fe concentration increased by (38.71, 19.33 %) from (31.31, 30.67 μg/g) in control to (43.43, 43.04 μg/g) in T8. In the experiment II, grain yield increased by (85.1, 65.21 %) from (29.25, 32.51 q/ha) in control to (54.15, 53.71 q/ha) for best treatment T7: NPK + N50 + Mn (f) + Cu (f).. Grain Mn concentration increased by (46.57, 52.32 %) from (25.62, 25.25 μg/g) control to (37.55, 38.46 μg/g) in treatment T7. Grain Cu concentration increased by (74.11, 94.65 %) from (3.40, 2.99 μg/g) in control to (5.92, 5.82 μg/g) in treatment T7.