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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.
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ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC VARIABILITY AND CHARACTER ASSOCIATION STUDIES IN Aloe (Aloe barbadensis Mill.) FOR AGRO - BOTANICAL AND QUALITY TRAITS(AAU, Anand, 2004) DEORE, ABHIJIT A.; Sriram, S.Aloe (Aloe barbadensis Mill.), one of the priority medicinal plants of commercial importance in India, belongs to the family Liliaceae. Dry weight of juice and aloin content (gm/100 gm dry exudate) are important economic traits of this plant. These traits are manifestations of many contributing characters. As the work on genetics of these traits is scarce in the literature, the present investigation was undertaken. Information was generated on variability, character associations as well as direct and indirect effects of different characters on these economic parameters of Aloe. The field experiment was conducted during January-2002 to February-2003 at the experimental farm of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Project, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The experimental material (19 months old) comprised of 23 genotypes. The evaluations were made in completely randomized design. Observations were recorded on randomly selected five plants and each plant was treated as single repeat. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all 35 characters studied suggesting presence of good deal of variability in the experimental material. The characters studied were length of inflorescence, number of flowers per inflorescence, density of flowers in an inflorescence, per cent pollen fertility, number of capsules per inflorescence, number of seeds per inflorescence, number of seeds per capsule, per cent seed germination, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf thickness at the base, number of leaves per plant, weight of single leaf, weight of gel, volume of gel, dry gel content (gm/100 ml juice), fresh weight of juice, dry weight of juice, moisture per cent in juice, fresh weight of exudate, dry weight of exudate, moisture per cent in exudate, dry exudate content (gm/100 ml exudate), cold extracted gel (gm/100 ml juice), cold extracted gel (gm/100 gm gel powder), hot extracted gel (gm/100 ml juice), hot extracted gel (gm/100 gm gel powder), aloin content (gm/100 gm fresh exudate), aloin content (gm/100 gm dry exudate), aloin content (gm/100 gm fresh juice), aloin content (gm/100 gm gel powder), barbaloin content (gm/100 gm fresh exudate), barbaloin content (gm/100 gm dry exudate), barbaloin content (gm/100 gm fresh juice) and barbaloin content (gm/100 gm gel powder). Characters, length of inflorescence, number of flowers per inflorescence, density of flowers, per cent pollen fertility, number of seeds per inflorescence, per cent seed germination, weight of leaf, weight of gel, volume of gel, fresh weight of juice, dry weight of juice, fresh weight of exudate, dry weight of exudate, cold and hot extracted gel in juice, cold and hot extracted gel in powder showed predominance of genotypic variance and also showed high magnitude of broad sense heritability coupled with high genetic advance. Hence, it is concluded that experimental material possessed potential for improvement in these traits. Correlation matrix revealed that all character paired were positively and significantly correlated with each other both at genotypic and phenotypic levels but for number of flowers per inflorescence and number of leaves per plant which were negatively correlated. Characters, length of inflorescence, number of flowers per inflorescence, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf thickness at the base, weight of single leaf, weight of gel and fresh weight of juice showed their highly significant and high magnitude positive association with both the economic parameters viz., dry weight of juice and aloin content (gm/100 gm dry exudate). Hence, based on high magnitude correlation coefficient with economically important characters, it could be concluded that certain inflorescence and leaf characters could be exploited for improvement in this crop. Path analyses revealed that leaf thickness at the base and weight of gel had positive direct effect on both the economic parameters i.e. dry weight of juice and aloin content (gm/100 gm dry exudate). Other characters, length of inflorescence, number of flowers per inflorescence, leaf length, leaf breadth, weight of single leaf and fresh weight of juice had direct but negative effect on these economic traits. Though their correlation with economic traits was positive and significant, their direct and indirect effect on both the economic parameters was variable. In general, characters leaf thickness at the base and weight of gel, with high magnitude of direct effects may be helpful to select the elite genotypes for improvement in these two economic traits i.e. selection could be based on visibly assessable character leaf thickness at the base and later results could be confirmed in laboratory, testing for gel weight. Based on these analyses and mean values, eight elite genotypes viz., IC-112522, IC-112527, KM 12535, IC-112528, KM 11269, KM 12531, Bitter rayan and Sweet rayan were identified for further use in crop improvement programme.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 GENETIC ARCHITECTURE OF GREEN FRUIT YIELD AND QUALITY CHARACTERS IN RELATION TO GMS BASED HYBRIDS IN CHILLI (Capsicum annuum var. longum (D.C.)Sendt.)(AAU, Anand, 2004) PATEL, PRAGNESH R.; Patel, J. A.The present investigation comprised of 40 F1S developed from four Gms lines and ten male parents through Line x Tester mating design in chilli (Capsicum annuum var. longum (D.C.) Sendt.) was undertaken at Main Vegetable Research Station, Gujarat Agricultural University Anand during kharif planting crop season of the year 2002-03. The experimental material (40 F1S, 4 Gms lines, 10 pollen parents and one check variety) was evaluated in complete randomized block design with three replications. The main objective of the experiment was to study heterosis, gene effects and combining ability effects for green fruit yield and various yield as well as quality characters. Analysis of variance indicated presence of considerable amount of variability among genotypes for all the fourteen characters studied. Mean squares due to parents and hybrids were significant for all the characters. Whereas, parents was. hybrids contrast comparison was significant for all the attributes except average fruit weight, suggesting the existence of differences between parents and hybrids leading to evidence for presence of heterosis for all those characters. In respect to per se performance of parents, among the Gms lines ACMS-3 and ACMS-4 and among the male inbreds ACS 97-2, ACS 2000-01. ACS 2000-02, ACS 2000-03, Punjab Gucchedar and RHRC Pendent were found to be superior for green fruit yield and most of the yield as well as quality characters. Among the hybrids. ACMS-2 x Pb. Gucchedar. ACMS-3 x Pb. Gucchedar. ACMS-3 x ACS 97-2, ACMS-4 x Arka lohit and ACMS-2 x ACS 2000-02 had high per se mean for green fruit yield. These hybrids also possessed high mean values for other important characters in respect to yield and quality. In the present investigation, significant and higher estimates of relative heterosis, hetcrobeltiosis and standard heterosis were observed for green fruit yield. The hybrids ACMS-2 x Pb. Gucchedar. ACMS-4 x ACS 2000-03, ACMS-4 x ACS 2000-01 and ACMS-3 x Pb. Gucchedar exerted greater amount of heterobelliosis and standard heterosis for yield, these hybrids also depicted larger estimates of heterosis for number of fruits per plain. These lop ranking hybrids also registered significant desirable heterosis for most of the growth and quality characters in addition to important yield contributing component characters. For number of fruits per plant, hybrid ACMS-3 x Pb. Gucchedar borne the highest fruits followed by ACMS-4 x Arka lohit and ACMS-2 X Pb. Gucchedar. likewise these hybrids also depicted the maximum values of standard heterosis and larger estimates of heterobeltiosis for the said trait. These hybrids also registered higher estimates of various heterotic effects for one or more than one yield contributing component characters. In respect to earliness, hybrids ACMS-: X ACS 2000-03. ACMS-4 x ACS 2000-03 and ACMS-1 x ACS 96-33 look the minimum days for flowering. hence these hybrid had the least estimates of standard heterosis. The estimates of components of genetic variance revealed the importance of non additive gene effect for genetic control of green fruit yield and its important component character number of fruits per plant, for all the growth attributes except plant height and for all the quality parameters. Additive gene effect was importance for fruit length and fruit diameter. Whereas, both the components of genetic variance were significant for average fruit weight. For plant height and fruit shape index none of the gene effects had significant estimates.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 A STUDY ON ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED CHILLI TECHNOLOGY IN VADODARA DISTRICT OF GUJARAT STATE(AAU, Anand, 2005) PATEL, BABUBHAI DAHYABHAI; Trivedi, M. S.Horticulture sector is a prominent sector among agriculture and allied activities as means of diversification and nature has placed India in a place of pride on horticultural development map of the world. India is second largest producer, consumer and exporter of spice and spice based byproduct. In the orient chilli popularly known as mirchi (Capsicum annum L.) is an important commercial and vegetable cum spice crop of India. The total area, production and productivity of chilli crop in India and Gujarat looks impressive but is not up to mark of its potential. The above facts would substantiate the need to find out such lacuna on the part of chilli growers. One way by which extension scientist can contribute to this task is to find out better ways and means of promoting chilli cultivation technology. There is a great scope of increasing its export by increasing its quality production through adoption of modern chilli cultivation technology. Thus, looking to the importance of factors related with adoption of chilli cultivation technology for narrowing the gap existing between actual yield to its potential yield a study entitle "A STUDY ON ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED CHILLI TECHNOLOGY IN VADODARA DISTRICT OF GUJARAT STATE" was under taken with following specific objectives. 1. To study the personal, social, economic and psychological characteristics of chilli growers. 2. To determine the extent of adoption of recommended chilli technology by chilli growers. 3. To ascertain the relationship if any between selected characteristics of chilli growers and their adoption of recommended chilli technology. 4. To know the constraints faced by chilli growers in adoption of recommended chilli technology. 5. To seek the suggestions of chilli growers to overcome the constraints faced by them. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted in Vadodara district of Gujarat state. Out of twelve talukas, three talukas having higher land under chilli cultivation were purposively selected. 150 chilli growers from 15 village of these selected taluka were randomly selected for study purpose and considered as respondents. There response was collected through pre tested, well structured, Gujarati version, personal interview schedule. The respondents were contacted at their home or at their field. The dependent and independent variables were measured by utilizing appropriate scale and procedures adopted by other research worker with some modifications. The statistical tools used to analyze the data were: percentage, mean, standard deviation, coefficient of correlation and path coefficient.' MAJOR FINDINGS 1. More than three fifth of the chilli growers were belonged to middle age group. 2. A large majority of the chilli growers were literate and very few were illiterate. 3. Slightly more than half of the respondent had medium level of experience. 4. Overwhelming majority of the chilli growers were found untrained. 5. More than three fourth of the chilli growers had large size of family. 6. More than three fifth of the chilli growers had medium extension contact. 7. A large majority of the chilli grower had membership in an organization. 8. Slightly less than two third of the chilli growers had medium utilization of information source. 9. More than two third of the chilli growers had large size of land holding. 10. Chilli growers according to their annual income were more or less equally distributed. 11. More than two third of the respondents had farming as their main occupation. 12. Overwhelming majority of the chilli growers had cropping intensity up to 125 percent. 13. More than half of the respondents had medium level of cosmopoliteness. 14. Nearly less than two third of the chilli growers fall in group of medium economic motivation. 15. Exactly three fifth of the chilli growers had medium level of scientific orientation. 16. More than two third of the chilli growers had medium level of riskorientation. 17. More than two third of the chilli growers had medium level of knowledge regarding chilli cultivation technology. 18. More than two third of the chilli growers had medium level of adoption regarding chilli cultivation technology. 19. Out of seventeen dependent variables, eleven variables were significantly correlated with the adoption level of recommended chilli technology. Amongst the eleven variables, ten variables viz, education, training received, extension contact, social participation, source of information utilized, cosmopoliteness, economic motivation, scientific orientation, risk orientation and knowledge had positive and significant correlation with their level of adoption whereas age was negatively and significantly correlated. Rest independent variables viz, experience in chilli cultivation, size of family, size of land holding, annual income, occupation and cropping intensity failed to show any correlation with the adoption level. 20. Among the seventeen variables five variables Viz, knowledge, education, training received, extent of sources of information utilized and annual income contributed 74.90 per cent variation on extent of adoption of chilli technology by the chilli growers and training received and knowledge exerted powerful effect on it. 21. Knowledge of the chilli growers regarding chilli cultivation technology was the key variable in exerting considerable direct and substantial effect on adoption of recommended chilli cultivation technology. Risk orientation and training received were the major trait in determination of adoption level through positive indirect effect where as age of the chilli growers is only character which influenced negatively and indirectly. 22. High cost of inputs, lack of man power, irregular electric supply and lack of finance were the major constraint faced by the chilli growers in adoption of recommended chilli technology. 23. A large majority of the chilli grower's opion that efforts should be made to minimize the input cost followed by timely and sufficient electric supply should be provided to minimize the constraints they faced in adoption of recommended technology.ThesisItem Open Access HETEROSIS, CORRELATION AND PATH ANALYSIS IN BRINJAL (Solanum melongena L.)(AAU, Anand, 2004) PATEL, BHAVESHKUMAR RAMANBHAI; Jadeja, G. C.Brinjal {Solarium melongena L. 2n=24) also known as egg plant is an important vegetable crop of India. In India, brinjal occupies an area of about 0.51 million hectare with production of 8.80 million tonnes. In Gujarat, it is cultivated in 31,183 hectares giving a production of 5,43,076 tonnes. Inspite of a large number of varieties available in India, only a few are promising, and generally they are improved varieties. Though the wide genetic variability is available in this crop, it has not been utilized and exploited fully. To maintain the uniformity of fruits and to increase yield levels development of hybrid varieties as well as improved varieties having high yield with desired morphological and quality characters is also an urgent need of recent time. Keeping in view the importance of brinjal and need for its improvement, an experiment was conducted to analyze the extent of relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis among thirty-one hybrids developed from fourteen selected diverse parents. Further the developed genotypes were subjected for character association study to know the association of various agronomically important and some quality traits viz., days to flowering, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, number of fruits per plant, number of functional branches, plant height, moisture, dry matter, total soluble sugar and phenol with fruit yield per plant and also among themselves. These genotypes were grown in 7 x 7 simple lattice design with two replications. The experiment was conducted at Main Vegetable Research Station, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand during kharif- rabi 2001-2002. Out of thirty-one crosses studied, extent of relative heterosis, heterobeltosis and standard heterosis were computed using the mean values. Highest amount of relative heterosis was recorded by cross Doli-5 x AB-99-4 for average fruit weight, followed by cross KS-331 x AB-99-4 for fruit yield per plant. Study on heterobeltiosis and relative heterosis showed similar findings. In both the cases the cross Doli-5 x AB-99-33 reported the highest value for the average fruit weight followed by cross Doli-5 x AB-99-33 for average fruit length. The highest expression of standard heterosis was found for cross Doli-5 x GP-217 for number of fruits per plant followed by cross BB-71 x AB-99-33 for phenol content. Hybrid BB-71 x Green Castor long was found to be a good as it exhibited moderate, high and very high significant to highly significant values of heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for different traits studied except for moisture content. Parent BB-71 was found to be a very promising combiner as it's crosses showed significant and highly significant values for most of the traits under study, this suggests the need to exploit the present material for combining ability study to work out good breeding plan for the improvement of the present status of the crop. Correlation coefficient analysis reported that, only days to flowering was having desirable significant effect on fruit yield per plant in negative direction, whereas all the other traits exhibited non significant association. Number of functional branches showed highly significant positive correlation with number of fruits per plant and significant positive correlation with fruit length respectively. Path coefficient analysis based on genotypic correlation revealed that days to flowering is the major yield attributing trait, suggesting earliness as the highly influencing trait to be considered as very important trait for selecting high yielding genotypes. The indirect effect of number of functional branches on fruit yield via number of fruits per plant was moderate and coupled with highly significant positive correlation value, indicated the importance of selection of highly functional branched genotypes. The finding of the present investigation lead to the conclusion that the scope of improving the present status of brinjal crop through heterosis breeding is high. Earliness coupled with high functional branching habit of the plant is the desirable ideotype to be selected as per the character association study for effective results.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 LINE X TESTER ANALYSIS FOR YIELD AND QUALITY TRAITS IN RED CHILLI (Capsicum annuum var. longum (DC) Sendt.)(AAU, Anand, 2004) SHAH, KEYUR ASHWINKUMAR; Bhalala, M. K.Chilli is an important vegetable crop from Solanaceae family. Due to wide variability, it holds potential for further improvement. The present investigation on chilli comprised of 4 GMS based females, 9 males, 36 F1 hybrids and 2 check varieties S-49 and Jwala. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications at Main Vegetable Research Station, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand, during kharif-rabi 2002-2003. Heterosis, combining ability and components of genetic variance were studied for 10 characters viz. days to flower initiation, plant height, fruit length, fruit girth, fruits per plant, fruit weight, red ripe fruit yield per plant, ascorbic acid content capsaicin content and moisture content. The analysis of variance indicated significant differences among genotypes for all the characters. Several hybrids exhibited heterobelriosis and economic heterosis for red ripe fruit yield and other characters. The hybrids worth for commercial exploitation of heterosis were ACMS-3 X ACS-2000-2, ACMS-4 X RHRC Pendant, ACMS-4 X ACS-97-2, ACMS-3 X LCA-301 and ACMS-3 X RHRC Pendant. The analysis of combining ability suggested predominant role of non-additive gene action for days to flower initiation, capsaicin content and moisture content. While both additive and non-additive gene actions were observed to be important for the traits namely plant height, fruit length, fruit girth, fruits per plant, fruit weight, red ripe fruit yield per plant and ascorbic acid content. The estimates of gca effects revealed that GMS lines ACMS-3 and ACMS-4 and male parents ACS-2000-2, ACS-2000-3, RHRC Pendant and GC-1 appeared to be good general combiners for red ripe fruit yield per plant and some of the other yield attributes and quality parameters. The estimates of specific combining ability effects indicated that cross combinations ACMS-3 X LCA-301, ACMS-1 X ACS-2000-1, ACMS-4 X ACS-97-2 and ACMS-3 X ACS-2000-2 were good cross combinations for red ripe fruit yield, its major components as well as quality characters. The three hybrids ACMS-3 X ACS-2000-2, ACMS-4 X ACS-97-2 and ACMS-3 X LCA-301, which showed high per se performance, higher heterotic effects and significant sea effects could be exploited for heterosis and for developing high yielding varieties following appropriate breeding methodology.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON EVALUATION OF AGROCHEMICALS AND PHYTOEXTRACTS AGAINST Cercospora nicotianae, THE CAUSE OF FROG-EYE SPOT DISEASE OF BIDI TOBACCO(AAU, Anand, 2005) CHAUDHARI, SAHDEVBHAI L.; PATEL, B. N.Investigations on various media for establishing their suitability for favourable growth and efficacy of agrochemicals and bio-pesticides including phytoextracts for their inhibitory action against Cercospora nicotianae, the cause of frog eye spot disease of bidi tobacco under in vitro conditions were carried out at Bidi Tobacco Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during 2003-04. In subsequent study, effective fungicides, insecticides, readymade bio-pesticides and acqueous leaf extracts of plant species were tested against the disease under nursery conditions. Reaction of bidi tobacco varieties/genotypes against the disease under nursery conditions was also studied Out of 7 media evaluated, carrot leaf decoction agar, fennel leaf decoction agar, coriander leaf decoction agar and sava leaf decoction agar were found to be highly favourable for good growth of C nicotianae (52.40 to 60.80 mm colony diameter). Among these, fermel leaf decoction agar, coriander leaf decoction agar and sava leaf decoction agar were established for the first time as suitable media for the growth of the fungus (52.40 to 54.80 mm colony diameter) imder laboratory condition. Carbendazim, thiophanate methyl, benomyl, mancozeb and Cosco (Carboxin 37.5 % + Thirum 37.5 %) 75 WP were most effective and completely suppressed the growth of the fungus on carrot leaf decoction agar under in vitro condition. Out of 16 insecticides, carbaryl and dichlorovos were effective and inhibitated the growth to the extent of 85.9 and 82.6 %, respectively. Among 29 plant species evaluated, acqueous leaf extract of Tecoma stans @ 25 % was most effective (76.0 % inhibition); this was followed by E. citriodora (49.0 % inhibition). Six readymade bio-pesticides viz., Econeem, Biosoft, Halt, Vanguard, Monitor-WP and Biolep were found highly effective in inhibiting the growth of C. nicotianae in vitro; the per cent inhibition ranged between 75.3 and 92.4. Results of evaluation of effective fungicides, viz., carbendazim @ 0.025 %, thiophanate methyl @ 0.07 %, mancozeb @ 0.2 %, Cosco @ 0.3 % and benomyl @ 0.025 %, leaf extracts of plant species viz., Tecoma stans and Eucalyptus citriodora, both at 25 %, insecticides carbaryl @ 0.2 % and dichlorovos @ 0.05 % and readymade biopesticides viz., Econeem @ 0.075 % and Biosofl @ 0.4 % under nursery conditions revealed that among fimgicides, carbendazim and thiophanate methyl were most effective in the management of the disease giving better yield of transplants; these fungicides gave 100 and 96.6 % control, respectively. Between two plant species, acqueous leaf extract of T. stans gave 85.0 % control of the disease and significantly more number of transplants than control. Taking into account two most important attributes in the nursery viz., per cent disease intensity and transplants, two insecticides and two readymade bio-pesticides tested were not considered as effective against the disease. Among 10 different varieties/genotypes screened none was found free from the disease under nursery conditions. The variety GTH1, however, had minimum per cent disease intensity (45.60) and the variety Anand 119 had maximum per cent disease intensity (73.67). The results of the present investigations, thus, indicated that in addition to carrot leaf decoction agar, three more media viz., fennel leaf decoction agar, coriander leaf decoction agar and sava leaf decoction agar were established as favourable for the growth of C. nicotianae under laboratory condition. Two fungicides, carbendazim and thiophanate methyl, were most effective in the management of the disease in nursery. Efficacy of acqueous leaf extract of T. starts against frog-eye spot disease in nursery was established for the first time; it was found to yield significantly more number of transplants when compared with control. Leaf extract of T. stans could be used individually as botanical pesticide in minimizing losses due to the disease in question or it could be integrated with chemical flingicide/s. If integrated, it could help in minimizing frequency of applications of chemical fungicide/s, thus reducing the cost of seedlings production. Under these circumstances, it would also minimize the danger of resistance development in C nicotianae under nursery conditions. However, detailed integrated schedule would need to be worked out before it can be advocated to the growers. Since none of the ten varieties/genotypes of bidi tobacco was resistant, it ultimately suggested that more extensive work involving very large number of genotypes is needed in order to locate resistance or tolerance to frog-eye spot disease.