Loading...
Anand Agricultural University, Anand
Anand Agricultural University (AAU) was established in 2004 at Anand with the support of the Government of Gujarat, Act No.(Guj 5 of 2004) dated April 29, 2004. Caved out of the erstwhile Gujarat Agricultural University (GAU), the dream institution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. K. M. Munshi, the AAU was set up to provide support to the farming community in three facets namely education, research and extension activities in Agriculture, Horticulture Engineering, product Processing and Home Science. At present there seven Colleges, seventeen Research Centers and six Extension Education Institute working in nine districts of Gujarat namely Ahmedabad, Anand, Dahod, Kheda, Panchmahal, Vadodara, Mahisagar, Botad and Chhotaudepur
AAU's activities have expanded to span newer commodity sectors such as soil health card, bio-diesel, medicinal plants apart from the mandatory ones like rice, maize, tobacco, vegetable crops, fruit crops, forage crops, animal breeding, nutrition and dairy products etc. the core of AAU's operating philosophy however, continues to create the partnership between the rural people and committed academic as the basic for sustainable rural development. In pursuing its various programmes AAU's overall mission is to promote sustainable growth and economic independence in rural society. AAU aims to do this through education, research and extension education. Thus, AAU works towards the empowerment of the farmers.
Browse
75 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION SCHEDULES (IW : CPE RATIO) AND MULCHES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF SUMMER GREENGRAM UNDER MIDDLE GUJARAT CONDITIONS(AAU, Anand, 2005) PANCHAL, HIRENKUMAR D; PATEL, J. J.A field experiment was conducted during summer season of the year 2003 at the College Agronomy Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand to study the, "Influence of irrigation schedules (IW : CPE ratio) and mulches on growth and yield of summer greengram under middle Gujarat conditions". The soil of the experimental field was loamy sand in texture having good drainage, low in nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and high in potash with pH 7.5. Sixteen treatment combinations consisting of four levels of irrigation schedules (IW : CPE ratio) viz.,I0- control critical growth stages. I1- 0.5 IW : CPE ratio, I2- 0.7 IW : CPE ratio and I3- 0.9 IW : CPE ratio and four mulches viz., control-no mulch (Mo), organic mulch i.e. Bajra Bhusa @ 5t ha-1(M1), black polythene sheet (M2) and silver colour sheet (M3) were tested under split plot design with four replications. The results indicated that the seed and dry fodder yield as well as most of the growth and yield attributes of summer greengram were significantly influenced due to different irrigation schedules. The results further revealed that treatment I2 (0.7 IW : CPE ratio) recorded significantly higher av. plant height at 20 and 50 DAS and at harvest, av. number of branches per plant, av. number of pods per plant, av. number of seeds per pod, av. pod length (cm) and test weight (1000- seed weight in g). Treatment I2 (0.7 IW : CPE ratio) secured the highest seed yield (1234.03 kg ha-1) and dry fodder yield (2303.47 kg ha-1) of summer greengram. The seed and dry fodder yield increase under the same treatment was to the tune of 110.86 and 34.35 per cent, respectively over treatment lo (Control- critical growth stages). Significantly the highest nitrogen uptake (49.21 kg ha-1) by seed was observed under treatment I2 (0.7 IW : CPE ratio), while same treatment recorded significantly higher phosphorus uptake (4.06 kg ha-1) and was being at par with treatment I3 (0.9 IW: CPE ratio). The consumptive use of water was increased with increase in IW : CPE ratio, whereas the water use efficiency was higher with lower IW : CPE ratio. The highest net realization (18515 Rs. ha-1) was secured under treatment I2 (0.7 IW : CPE ratio), followed by h (0.9 IW : CPE ratio) and Ii (0.5 IW : CPE ratio), while the lowest net realization (6354 Rs. ha-1) was found under treatment lo (Control- critical growth stages). The highest net ICBR (1:7.17) was secured under treatment h (0.7 IW : CPE ratio), followed by the treatments I1 (0.5 IW : CPE ratio) with net ICBR of 1: 5.68 and I3 (0.9 IW: CPE ratio) with net ICBR of 1:3.63. Among the various mulches, application of organic mulch i.e. Bajra Bhusa @ 51 ha-1 (M1) resulted in the maximum growth and yield attributes which ultimately resulted in higher seed and dry fodder yield of summer greengram. Application of organic mulch i.e. Bajra Bhusa @ 51 ha-1 (M1) secured significantly the highest seed yield (1128.47 kg ha-1) and dry fodder yield (2076.39 kg ha-1). The seed and dry fodder yield increase under the same treatment was to the tune of 41.79 and 17.48 per cent respectively over treatment Mo (Control-no mulch). Treatment M1 (organic mulch) recorded significantly the highest nitrogen uptake (42.89 kg ha-1) in seed. Apart from this, it secured the highest consumptive use of water and water use efficiency. The highest value of net realization (16289 Rs. ha-1) and net ICBR 1:1.52 were observed under the same treatment. During the course of investigation, interaction effect of irrigation and mulches revealed that treatment combination of I0M2 (Control: at critical growth stage and black polythene sheet) recorded significantly lower toted weed count and dry weight of weed at harvest. For securing higher seed yield and net realization from summer greengram crop Cv. GM- 4 raised on loamy sand soils of middle Gujarat, it is advisable to apply nine irrigations, 2nd irrigation of 25 mm depth and rest of the irrigations, each of 50 mm depth to be scheduled at an IW : CPE ratio of 0.7. The first irrigation should be applied immediately after sowing, second at seven days after first irrigation and remaining irrigations at an interval of seven days with application as organic mulch i.e. Bajra Bhusa @ 5 t ha-1 (M1) for securing higher seed yield and maximum net realization over control i.e. no mulch.ThesisItem Open Access INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT IN Kharif PIGEONPEA [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] UNDER IRRIGATED CONDITION(AAU, Anand, 2004) PATEL, CHIRAGKUMAR NATVARBHAI; SADHU, A. C.A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2002 at the College Agronomy Farm, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand campus, Anand to study the "Integrated nutrient management in Kharif pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under irrigated condition". The soil of the experimental plot was loamy sand in texture having good drainage, low in nitrogen, medium in phosphorus and rich in potash with pH 7.9. Twelve treatment combinations consisting of four levels of bio-fertilizer / FYM (control, Rhizobium inoculation, Rhizobium + PSB inoculation and Rhizobium + PSB inoculation +FYM @ 10 t / ha) and three fertility levels (0 %, 50 % and 100 % recommended dose of fertilizers i.e. 25 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 / ha) were tested under factorial randomized block design with four replications. The results indicated that the growth and yield parameters as well as yield and protein content in grain were significantly affected by different bio-fertilizer / FYM levels. The treatment of Rhizobium + PSB inoculation +FYM @ 10 t / ha recorded significantly the highest plant height at harvest, no. of branches / plant, no of pods / plant, pod length and test weight. This treatment being at par with Rhizobium + PSB inoculation treatment also recorded significantly higher values of plant height at 30 DAS, no of seeds / pod, grain yield / plant and protein content in grain (23.59 %) than control and Rhizobiiim inoculation alone. Marked increase in the growth and yield attributes resulted in significantly the highest grain and straw yields (1495 kg/ha and 5186 kg/ha, respectively) under the treatment of Rhizobium + PSB inoculation +FYM @ 10 t / ha. It also recorded the highest net realization of Rs 16,413 / ha, while maximum C.B.R. of 3.35 was recorded under the treatment of Rhizobium + PSB inoculation. The results revealed that different fertility levels had marked influence on various parameters except harvest index. Each increase in fertility levels from no. fertilizer to 100 % recommended fertilizer dose (25 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 / ha) significantly increased the growth and yield attributes, yield as well as protein content in grains. Application of 100 % recommended dose of fertilizers recorded significantly the highest plant height at 30 DAS and at harvest, no. branches / plant, no of pods / plant, pod length, no of seeds / pod, test weight, grain yield / plant and this resulted in significantly the highest grain as well as straw yields (1530 kg/ha and 4529 kg/ha, respectively) under this fertility level. Significantly the highest protein content in grain (23.91 %) was also recorded under 100 % recommended fertilizer dose. This treatment also gave the highest net realization of Rs 17,462 / ha with maximum C.B.R. of 3.12. During the course of investigation, interaction effect of bio-fertilizer / FYM levels X fertility levels revealed that treatment combination of Rhizobium +PSB inoculation +FYM @ 10 t / ha +100 % recommended fertilizer dose (25 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 / ha) recorded the highest no.of pods / plant (147.8) and the highest grain yield (1643 kg/ha). Rhizobium +PSB inoculation +FYM @ 10 t / ha + 100 % recommended fertilizer dose also recorded the highest net realization of Rs 17490 / ha, while the maximum C.B.R. (3.12) was recorded under treatment combination Rhizobium +PSB inoculation +100 % recommended fertilizer dose (25 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 / ha). In light of the results obtained from this investigation, it is revealed that the seeds of pigeonpea should be treated with Rhizobium and Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria along with the application of 10 t FYM / ha and 100 % recommended fertilizer dose (25 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 / ha) for getting maximum yield and net profit from pigeonpea under middle Gujarat agro-climatic conditions.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF SEED RATE AND PLANTING GEOMETRY ON WEED GROWTH AND YIELD OF LATE SOWN WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.)(AAU, Anand, 2004) MACHHAR, RAMSINGBHAI G.; Tank, D. A.A field experiment was conducted at college Agronomy Farm, B A College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during Rabi season of 2002-2003 to study the effect of seed rate and planting geometry on weed growth and yield of late sown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under middle Gujarat condition. The soil of the experimental plot was loamy sand in texture, having sufficient drainage with pH 7.89. The soil status was medium in available nitrogen and phosphorus and high in available potash. Twelve treatment combination comprising two levels of seed rate (R1 -150 kg/ ha and R2 - 200 kg/ha), two planting geometries (S1 - row spacing at 22.5 cm and S2 - cross sowing at 22.5 cm) and three weed control-methods (W1 - weedy check, W2 - weed free and W3, pre- emergence application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with four replications. Results revealed that total weed count/ m2 and dry weight of weeds (g/m2) recorded lower under higher seed rate (R2 - 200 kg/ ha) whereas it was higher under lower seed rate (R1 -150 kg/ha) at 30, 45, 60 DAS and at harvest with weed control efficiency of 15.29 per cent. Total weed count/m2 and dry weight of weeds (g/m2) were significantly lower under criss cross sowing at 22.5 cm (S2) as compared to line sowing at 22.5 cm (S1) at all the growth stages. The weed control efficiency was recorded 19.89 per cent under R2 over R1 Weed control methods differed significantly in case of weed count/m2 as well as dry weight weeds (g/m2). Weed free (W2) recorded 100 per cent control of weeds at all the stages. However, weedy check showed the highest weed population and dry weight of weeds over rest of the treatments. Weed free (W2) recorded 100 per cent weed control efficiency followed by pre emergence application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha (84.55 %). Crop sown with higher seed rate of 200 kg/ ha (R2) had significantly increased growth attributes viz., plant population/m2, plant height, crop dry biomass (g/plant), leaf area (cm2/plant) over lower seed rate of 150 kg/ha (R1) at all the growth stages. Plant height and crop dry biomass were significantly greater at all the growth stages except at 60 and 75 DAS in respect to plant height and only at 45 DAS incase of crop dry biomass. However, leaf area (cm2/plant) was markedly increased under lower seed rate (150 kg/ha) at all the stages. Similarly, yield attributing characters like length of spike, number of spikelets/spike, number of grains/spike and test weight (g/1000 grains) were maximum under lower seed rate (150 kg/ha) than these recorded under higher seed rate (200 kg/ha). While a number of productive tillers/m2 and total tillers/m2 recorded maximum under higher seed rate (200 kg/ha) than these of lower seed rate (150 kg/ha) resultantly produced more grain, straw and biological yields. The reverse was true for non-productive tillers/m2. Harvest index (%) did not significantly under both rate of seed. In case of planting geometry, the periodical plant height measured at various growth stages and plant population/m2 (15 DAS) did not differ significantly. Whereas, leaf area (cm2/plant) at 45 and 75 DAS as well as crop dry biomass (g/plant) at 75 DAS showed significant increase under criss cross sowing at 22.5 cm (S2). over line sowing at 22.5 cm (S1). Further, yield attributes like productive tillers/m2, total tillers/m2, length of spikes, number of spikelets/spike, number of grains/spike, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield were increased significantly under criss cross sowing (S2) over line sowing at 22.5 cm (S1). While non-productive tillers/m2 and harvest index (%) were found to be non-significant. Among the weed control-methods, there was no significant difference found in plant population/m2 (15 DAS) as well as plant height at various growth stages except at 45 DAS. Significantly the greater leaf area (cm2/plant), length of spike, number of spikelets/spike, number of grains/spike, test weight (g) and in turn more grain yield, straw yield and biological yield were recorded under weed free treatment compared to weedy check but it was closely followed by pre emergence application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha. Grain yield established positive and significant correlation (r) with most of the growth and yield attributes. While negative and significant correlation was obtained with total weed population/ m2 as well as dry weight of weeds (g/m2). Thus, the present study indicated that potential production and profit, from wheat variety GW-173V. under late sown condition, can be secured by cross sowing at 22.5 cm along with 200 kg/ha of seed rate in all three conditions i.e no weed control, weed free condition and chemical weed control (pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg /ha ). However, inorder to derive maximum yield and monetary return, crop field should be kept weed free either manual weeding or pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha.ThesisItem Open Access NITROGEN MANAGEMENT IN TRANSPLANTED SUMMER PEARLMILLET (cv. GHB-558) UNDER MIDDLE GUJARAT CONDITIONS(AAU, Anand, 2005) MAHAR, HIMANSHUKUMAR NAGAJIBHAI; TANK, D. A.A field experiment was conducted on loamy sand soil of the College Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand to study "Nitrogen management in transplanted summer pearlmillet (cv. GHB-558) imder middle Gujarat conditions" conducted during summer season of 2004. The soil of experimental plot was loamy sand in texture. The soil status was low in organic carbon and available nitrpgen, while medium in available phophorus and high in available potash with pH 7.8 and EC value 0.15 dSm-1. Twenty four treatment combinations comprising two levels of seedling inoculation (A0 - uninoculation, A1 - seedling inoculation with Azospirillum lipoferum), four levels of nitrogen (N1 - 80 kg N ha-1, N2 - lOO kg N ha-1 N3 - 120 kg N ha-1 and N4 - 140 kg N ha-1) and three levels of nitrogen splitting (M1 - 1/2 + 1/2 + 0, M2 - 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 and M3 - 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/4 each at basal, tillermg and boot leaf stages, respectively) were tried in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF SULPHUR, PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZATION AND PSB INOCULATION ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF CHICKPEA UNDER MIDDLE GUJARAT CONDITIONS(AAU, Anand, 2004) PATEL, HIRENKUMAR KANTILAL; PATEL, R. H.A field experiment was conducted at the College Agronomy Farm, B.A.College of Agriculture, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand during the rabi season of 2002-03 to study the influence of sulphur, phosphorus fertilization and PSB inoculation on growth and yield of chickpea(GC-2) under middle Gujarat conditions. The soil of experimental plot was loamy sand in texture having good drainage with 7.9 pH. The soil was low in organic matter and available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and high in potassium. The experiment comparised of combinations of three levels of sulphur application viz., So: 0 kg S ha-1, SI: 20 kg S ha-1 and S2: 40 kg S ha-1 and four phosphorus management treatments viz., PQ: No phosphorus, no PSB, Pi: PSB alone, P2 : 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 and P3 : 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 + PSB. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD-2) with four replications. One common application of 25 kg N ha-1 was given to all the treatments as starter dose. Plant population at 20 DAS was not influenced by sulphur application. The other growth attributes viz., plant height (At 25 and 50 DAS and , at harvest), number of branches plant-1, number of nodules plant-1 and dry weight of nodules significantly influenced due to application of sulphur over control. Perusal of data in general indicated that the maximum vegetative growth was achieved by application of 20 kg S ha-1. However, plant height at 25 DAS and dry weight of nodules were optimum under 40 kg S ha-1. Increased vegetative growth due to sulphur application had brought concomitant improvement in yield attributes and finally in the yield. The yield attributes viz., number of pods plant-1, grain yield plant-1, grain yield, straw yield and test weight were significantly influenced by sulphur application over control. On the contrary, variation in harvest index due to sulphur application was absent. The maximum improvement in yield attributes was achieved upto application of 20 kg S ha-1. Among the quality parameters, nitrogen, protein and sulphur content in giain were significantly influenced by sulphur application. All were improved significantly at 40 kg S ha-1. Differences in phosphorus content of grain was not observed due to sulphur application. The post harvest nutrient (available nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur) status of soil was significantly influenced by sulphur application. The highest post harvest available nitrogen and available sulphur status of soil was observed under 40 kg S ha-1. However, available phosphorus was optimum at 20 kg S ha-1. The phosphorus management treatments could not affect the plant population at 20 DAS. The tallest plant at 25 DAS was recorded under application of 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 plus PSB (P3), while number of branches plant'' and number of nodules plant'L significantly influenced due to adequate supply of phosphorus through application of P2O5 @ 25 kg ha-1 plus PSB (P3) or 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 alone (P2). However dry weight of nodules was also improved significantly by P3, P2 and Pi (PSB alone) fertilization. Profused vegetative growth due to adequate supply of phosphorus either through P2 or P3 resulted into significantly more number of pods plant-1, grain yield plant-1 and test weight and thereby more grain and straw yields and, fiulher better harvest index. The nitrogen and protein content in grain were also improved significantly by P3 fertilization. However, phosphorus and sulphur in grain were also improved significantly by P3 and P2 fertilization. Further, the post harvest nutrient status of available nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur were significantly improved due to phosphorus management treatments. The maximum available nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur were recorded with the application of phosphorus @ 25 kg ha-1 plus PSB. From the foregoing results it is pertinent that chickpea GC-2 gave highest grain yield as well as net returns when it was fertilized with 20 kg S ha-1 as well 25 kg P2O5 ha-1.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION, FYM AND SULPHUR ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF CHICKPEA (Cicer arientinum L.) UNDER MIDDLE GUJARAT CONDITIONS(AAU, Anand, 2004) PATEL, RAJNIKANT ARJANBHAI; PATEL, R. H.A field experiment was conducted at Regional !3ugarcane Research Station, Gujarat Agricultural University, Thasra during rabi season of the year 2002-03 to study the "Influence of irrigation, FYM and sulphur on growth, yield and quality of chickpea under middle Gujarat conditions". The soil of the experimental plots was sandy clay loam in texture having good drainage with 7.9 pH. The soil was low in organic matter and available nitrogen, while medium in available phosphorus and high in available potassium. The experiment comprised of two levels of irrigation viz., l0 (only pre-sowing irrigation) and I1 (Pre sowing irrigation plus irrigation at flowering stage) and FYM viz., Fo (0 tones FYM ha-1) and F1 (10 tormes FYM ha-1) in main plots and three levels of sulphur (So: 0, Sr. 20, S3: 40 kg S ha-1) in sub plots. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications. Most of the growth parameters studies during the course of investigation such as plant height, number of branches per plant, number of nodules and dry weight of nodules per plant showed significant improvement due to application of supplemental irrigation at flowering stage with pre-sowing irrigation. Perusal of these data in general indicated that the maximum vegetative growth was achieved by application of two irrigations each at pre-sowing and at flowering stage (I1). Increased vegetative growth due to irrigation application had brought concomitant improvement in yield attributes and finally in the yield. The yield attributes viz., number of pods per plant, grain yield per plant, test weight and total grain and straw yields were significantly improved by irrigation applied at pre-sowing and one supplemental irrigation at flowering stage. On the contrary, variation in harvest index due to irrigation treatment was absent. Among the quality parameters, nitrogen, protein and sulphur contents in grain were significantly enhanced under pre and post sowing irrigation treatment. The differences in post harvest available soil nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and sulphur were unaltered by irrigation schedule but post harvest available phosphorus was recorded significantly higher under the application of irrigation at pre-sowing plus irrigation at flowering stage than application of pre-sowing irrigation alone. Further, irrigation schedule at pre-sowing and post sowing (at flowering stage) tended to recorded higher moisture content at flowering (50 DAS) and pod development stage than irrigation at sowing only. Growth parameters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, number of nodules and dry weight of nodules per plant were significantly increased due to application of FYM. Profound vegetative growth due to FYM application had resulted into significantly more number of pods per plant, grain yield per plant, test weight and there by more grain and straw yields. Whereas, variation in harvest index duo to FYM was absent. The nitrogen and protein contents in grain were also improved significantly by FYM application. Whereas, sulphur content in grain remains unaffected due to FYM application. Further, the FYM application tended to increase the post harvest available soil nitrogen and phosphorus significantly. Available soil potassium and sulphur contents did not differ significantly due to FYM application. Application of FYM also found beneficial in moisture retention of soil. FYM significantly improved the soil moisture content recorded at flowering (50 DAS) and pod development stages (90 DAS). Sulphur application in chickpea had significant effect on almost all attributes studied during the course of investigation, wherein S2 (40 kg S ha-1) showed significant superiority over S1 (20 kg S ha-1) and So (0 kg S ha-1) in plant height recorded at 60 DAS, number of nodules and dry weight of nodules per plant. While, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, grain yield per plant, test weight as well as total grain and straw yields were significantly improved up to Si (20 kg S ha-1). Further application of sulphur (40 kg S ha-1) was not found beneficial in these parameters. Plant height recorded at harvest did not differ significantly due to sulphur application. Application of sulphur @ 40 kg S ha-i recorded significantly higher nitrogen, protein and sulphur contents in grain over 20 kg S ha-1 and 0 kg S ha-1. The difference in post harvest available soil nutrients like nitrogen, phosphonis and potassium was not observed due to sulphur application. While, the post harvest S content noted significantly higher under 40 and 20 kg S ha-1 over 0 kg S ha-1. Further, moisture content in soil at flowering stage (50 DAS) noted significantly highest under by 40 kg S ha-1. While, at pod development stage (90 DAS) it was remain unaffected due to sulphur treatment. From the foregoing results, it is pertinent that chickpea variety ICCC-4 gave highest yield as well as net return when it was irrigated two times (at pre sowing and flowering stage) with application of FYM @ 10 tonnes ha-1 and sulphur @ 40 kg ha-1.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION SCHEDULE BASED ON CRITICAL GROWTH STAGES AND SULPHUR APPLICATION ON GROWTH, YIELD ATTRIBUTES AND YIELD OF MUSTARD [Brassica Juncea (L.) Czern and Coss] UNDER MIDDLE GUJARAT CONDITIONS(AAU, Anand, 2005) DABHI, MANISHKUMAR KHATUBHAI; PATEL, J. J.A field experiment was conduGted during rabi season of the year 2004- 05 at the College Agronomy Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand to study the "Influence of irrigation schedule based on critical growth stages and sulphur application on growth, yield attributes and yield of Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss] under middle Gujarat conditions". The soil of the experimental plot was loamy sand in texture having good drainage, low in nitrogen, medium in available phosphorous and high in potash with pH 7.5. The treatment combinations comprised consisting of five levels of irrigation schedules viz., I1 (irrigation at branching), I2 (irrigation at branching+ flowering), I3 (irrigation at branching+ flowering +siliqua development), I4 (irrigation at branching+ flowering +siliqua development + grain filling) and I5 (0.6 IW : CPE ratio) relegated to main plot, as main plot treatment. The sub plot treatments comprised of three levels of sulphur viz.. So (control). S1 (20 kg S ha-1) and S2 (40 kg S ha-1). Thus, fifteen treatment combinations were tested in split plot design with four replications. The results indicated that the seed and stover yield as well as most of the growth and yield attributes of mustard were significantly influence due to different irrigation schedules. The results further revealed that treatment I4 (irrigation at branching+ flowering +siliqua development + grain filling) recorded significantly higher av. plant height at 60, 90 DAS and at harvest, total no. of branches per plant, maturity days, total number of siliqua per plant, length of siliquae (cm), number of seeds per siliquae, seed yield per plant (g) and test weight (1000 seed weight g). Treatment I4 (irrigation at branching+ flowering +siliqua development + grain filling) recorded significantly higher seed yield (2090.08 kg ha-1) and stover yield (3729.74 kg ha-1) of mustard. The seed and stover yield increase under the same tieatment was to the tune of 27.15 and 41.23 per cent respectively over treatment I1 (irrigation at branching). The consumptive use of water was increased with increase in irrigation levels whereas, the water use efficiency and water expense efficiency were higher with decreased level of irrigations. The highest net ICBR (1: 5.52) was observed under treatment I3 (irrigation at branching+ flowering +siliqua development), followed by treatment I4 (irrigation at branching+ flowering +siliqua development + grain filling) with net ICBR of 1: 5.47. The lowest net ICBR was noticed under treatment I5 (0.6 IW : CPE ratio). Among the various levels of sulphur application of 40 kg S ha-1(S2) resulted in the maximum growth and yield attributes, yield and oil content which ultimately resulted in the highest seed yield of mustard. Application of 40 kg S ha-1(S2) secured significantly the highest seed yield (1996.06 kg ha-1). The seed yield increased under the same treatment was to the tune of 15.35 per cent over treatment So (control). Apart from this, application of 40 kg S ha-1 (82) secured the highest consumptive use of water, water expense efficiency. While, maximum water use efficiency was recorded under treatment So (control). The maximum net ICBR 1: 31.34 was obtained under treatment S1 (20 kg S ha-1). During the course of investigation, the interaction effect of irrigation schedules and sulphur application revealed that treatment combination I4S2(irrigation at branching+ flowering +siliqua development + grain filling along with the application of sulphur @ 40 kg ha-1) recorded significantly the highest plant height at 60, 90 DAS and at harvest, total no. of branches per plant, maturity days, total no. of siliqua per plant(481.50), length of siliquae (5.69 cm), no. of seeds per siliquae (14.50), seed yield per plant (22.75 g), test weight (5.75 g), seed yield (2337.96 kg ha -i),oil content (38.90 %), and uptake of sulphur(14.46 kg ha-1). . For securing higher seed yield and net realization from Mustard crop cv. G.M-2 raised on loamy sand soils of middle Gujarat, when ample facility of irrigation, it is advisable to apply four irrigations, first common irrigation is to be applied immediately after sowing and remaining four irrigations, each of 50 mm soil depth to be scheduled at four different critical growth stages viz., irrigation at branching (40 DAS), irrigation at flowering (56 DAS), irrigation at siliqua formation (70 DAS) and irrigation at grain filling (90 DAS) with application of 40 kg S ha-1. Under limited water supply, one common irrigation immediately after sowing and second irrigation should be scheduled at branching stage (40 DAS) with application of 20 kg S ha-1 which give sufficient seed yield of mustard.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF WEED MANAGEMENT AND Rhizobium INOCULATION ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.)(AAU, Anand, 2004) PATEL, KALPESHKUMAR CHANDUBHAI; Meisheri, T. G.A field investigation was carried out during kharif season of 2001 — 02 on sandy loam soil of College Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand campus, Anand to study the effect of weed management practices and Rhizobium inoculation on growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Ten weed management treatments comprising four pre-emergence herbicides viz., fluchloralin, pendimethalin, butachlor and metolachlor each @ 1.0 kg ha-1 and three hand weedings (at 15, 30 and 45 DAS) and weedy check combined with and without Rhizobium inoculation under factorial randomized complete block design with four replications. Seed treatment with Rhizobium was given in the morning on the day of sowing. Herbicides application was made the next day of sowing with the help of knapsack sprayer fitted with flat fan nozzle using 500 liter water per hectare. The net plot size was 12.0 m2. Minimum dry matter accumulation of weeds (70.00 kg ha-1) with higher weed control efficiency (90.70 %) was recorded under integrated method (i.e. pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg ha-1 + hand weeding at 30 DAS), which resulted in maximum pod yield (1773.50 kg ha-1). This treatment was comparable with fluchloralin applied @ 1.0 kg ha-1 coupled with hand weeding at 30 DAS. Weedy condition for the entire crop season reduced the pod yield by 29.90 - 35.95 % as compared to integrated method. Significant higher pod yield was obtained with Rhizobium inoculation than no inoculation. Yield attributes viz. number of pods plant-1, 100-pod weight and shelling per cent were influenced by integrated treatments (pendimethalin and fluchloralin @ 1.0 kg ha-1 plus hand weeding at 30 DAS). Maximum net realization (Rs. 29,047.83 ha-1) accured with cost : benefit ratio (4.13) was accured with treatment H6 (pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg ha-1 + hand weeding at 30 DAS) followed by fluchloralin alone and fluchloralin with hand weeding. In most of all the examined agronomical parameters, Rhizobium inoculation and weed control treatments have independent in their effect.ThesisItem Open Access RELATIVE EFFICIENCY OF HERBICIDES AND NON CHEMICAL MEANS ON WEED DYNAMICS AND GROWTH OF CHILLI (Capsicum annuum L.) SEEDLINGS IN NURSERY(AAU, Anand, 2005) PATEL, PIYUSHKUMAR MAGANBHAI; PATEL, R. H.A field experiment was conducted at the College Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the summer kharif season of 2003-04 to study the "Relative efficiency of herbicides and non chemical means on weed dynamics and growth of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings in nursery". The soil of the experimental plot was loamy sand in texture with organic carbon (0.61 per cent), 7.80 pH and having a good drainage. The soil was medium in available nitrogen, phosphorus and high in potassium. The chilli var. S-49 was sown by broadcast method on 17th June, 2004 with the seed rate of 10 g m-2. Twelve treatments were studied during the investigation, comprising of five soil solarization (SS) treatments, rabbing. fluchloralin and pendimethalin application as pre-emergence, stale cultivation, hand weeding and weedy check. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with four replications. Characters viz., weed count, fresh as well as dry weight of weeds, chilli seed germination, periodical plant height, number of leaves, root length, transplantable (healthy) and non transplantable (weak) seedlings, their fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll content in leaf of seedlings, nutrients status of soil before and after nursery and economics of different weed management treatments studied during the course of investigation. Soil solarization with 0.025 mm TPE for 45 days significandy increased soil temperature and thereby lowered the weed population i.e. weed chilli seedlings competition in chilli nursery. The maximum reduction in total weeds were recorded under hand weeding, rabbing and soil solarization with 0.025 mm TPE for 45 days. The lower fresh and dry weight of weeds were recorded in hand weeding, next in line was rabbing and soil solarization with 0.025 mm TPE for 45 days. These treatments also followed the same trend for weed control efficiency. Other weed management treatments although reduced the fresh and dry weight of weeds but the weed control efficiency was low for them. All soil solarization treatments increased the plant height, root length and number of leaves, number of transplantable, fresh and dry weight of chilli seedlings. Soil solarization with 0.025 mm TPE for 45 days yielded maximum content of chlorophyll in leaves of chilli seedlings. Rabbing increased the status of potassium in soil as compared to other treatments. All soil solarization, rabbing and hand weeding treatments increased the status of sulphur in soil. Soil solarization with 0.025 mm TPE for 45 DAS, rabbing and hand weeding at 20 DAS, were economically viable for the control of weeds and increased transplantable (healthy) seedlings.