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Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour established on 5th August, 2010 is a basic and strategic institution supporting more than 500 researchers and educationist towards imparting education at graduate and post graduate level, conducting basic, strategic, applied and adaptive research activities, ensuring effective transfer of technologies and capacity building of farmers and extension personnel. The university has 6 colleges (5 Agriculture and 1 Horticulture) and 12 research stations spread in 3 agro-ecological zones of Bihar. The University also has 21 KVKS established in 20 of the 25 districts falling under the jurisdiction of the University. The degree programmes of the university and its colleges have been accredited by ICAR in 2015-16. The university is also an ISO 9000:2008 certified organisation with International standard operating protocols for maintaining highest standards in teaching, research, extension and training.VisionThe Bihar Agricultural University was established with the objective of improving quality of life of people of state especially famers constituting more than two third of the population. Having set ultimate goal of benefitting society at large, the university intends to achieve it by imparting word-class need based agricultural education, research, extension and public service.
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ThesisItem Open Access Synthesis, characterization and efficacy of iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) in rice and wheat rhizosphere(Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, BAU, Sabour, 2022) Satdev; Mandal, NintuIron (Fe) deficiency is appearing gradually in soils where high yielding crop varieties are cultivated in intensive cereal-cereal cropping system. FeSO4.7H2O reported to have very low fertilizer use efficiency (1-5%) owing to interaction with soil components and its higher solubility. There is need for developing intelligent Fe fertilizers or intelligent nutrient delivery system. Nanotechnology based nano Fe fertilizer seems to be promising over conventional formulation due to its higher aspect ratio coupled with increased chemical reactivity. However, studies about nano Fe fertilizer synthesis and their impact on soil plant system are rare. Hence, keeping in this thing into consideration a research work was undertaken entitled “Synthesis, characterization and efficacy of iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) in rice and wheat rhizosphere” with the objectives of (i) Synthesis (chemical, biological and nanocomposite) and characterization of iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) (ii) To evaluate the efficacy of Fe-NPs under laboratory condition (iii) To evaluate the efficacy of Fe nanoparticles in rice and wheat rhizosphere under pot experiment. This study included synthesis and characterization of three novel Fe fertilizers i.e., chemically and biologically synthesized of nano Fe and iron loaded nanoclay polymer composites (Fe-NCPC). Fe were contained 5.05%, 0.97% and 4.47% in Fe-NPs (Chem.), Fe-NPs (Bio.) Fe-NCPC, respectively. Chemical and biological synthesized nano Fe shown spherical morphology with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). While Fe-NCPC under SEM illustrated the exfoliated type structure. Average particles size of chemically and biologically synthesized nano Fe using dynamic light scattering (DLS) was measured as 35.4 nm and 25.5 nm, respectively. Functional group characteristics of chemical synthesized nano Fe was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR) peak at 669 to 472 cm-1 correspond to Fe-O stretching and vibrational adsorption, at 1630 cm-1 correspond to C=O, 2920 cm-1 asymmetric stretching of C-H and at 3220 to 3440 cm-1 was assigned to O-H stretching vibration. Functional group of biosynthesized nano Fe was at 472 cm-1 for indicate Fe oxide (Fe-O), 1630 cm-1 for carbonyl group, 1300 to 1000 cm-1 for C-O stretching might be due to covalent linkage of ether or ether groups to NPs, 3200 cm-1 to 3600 cm-1 for the organic functional group i.e. hydroxyl or –NH groups. Similarly, in Fe-NCPC shifting of -CONH2 bands from 1690 cm-1 to 1636.09 cm-1 confirmed the interactions between clay surface and polymer. X-ray diffraction of Nano Fe carries illustrated that mixed phases of Fe were present such as Hematite, Magnetite, Meghemite and Pyrite in Fe-Chem. and Fe-Bio nano Fe and Fe-NCPC. Under laboratory incubation experiment in Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents maximum DTPA-Fe (37.17 mg kg-1 and 36.55 mg kg-1) was recorded at 60 days after incubation in Fe-NCPC. Fe-NCPC was found to be most efficient Fe fertilizer in terms of controlled release pattern at the end of incubation as compared to FeSO4.7H2O followed by biological synthesized nano Fe and chemical synthesized nano Fe. Nano Fe fertilizers i.e., chemical and biological synthesized nano Fe nano and Fe-NCPC (at three levels doses of Fe 25%, 50% and 100%) along with nano synthesized (chemical and biological) Fe foliar application (40 ppm) were further investigated in comparison with 100% RDFe through FeSO4.7H2O and control in a pot culture experiment under Rice (Rajendra Mansuri) crop. RDFe 100% through nano carriers (Biosynthesized and Chemical synthesized nano Fe) and Fe-NCPC recorded significantly higher DTPA Fe content in Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents as compared to FeSO4.7H2O. While RDFe 25% through nano Fe-NCPC, Fe-NPs (Bio.) and Fe-NPs (Chem.) maintained statistically at par DTPA-Fe content as comparison to FeSO4.7H2O 100%. Synthesized nano Fe carriers significantly contributed in Fe pools in Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents. Fe-NCPC as well as nano Fe carriers (Bio-chemical synthesized) significantly increased acid phosphatase (APA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALPA) activity as well as urease activity in post-harvest soils Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents. Fe-NCPC 100%, Fe-NPs (Bio.) 100% and Fe-NPs (Chem.) 100% increased grain yield (12.98% & 4.25%), (10.88% & 3.14%) and (9.54% and 2.59%) of rice under Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents compared to FeSO4.7H2O. RDFe 100%, 50% and 25% through nano Fe carriers recorded significantly higher Fe content in rice grain under Typic Haplustepts while 100% and 50% Fe through Fe-NCPC, Fe-NPs (Bio.) and NPs (Chem.) observed significantly higher Fe concentration in rice grain under Typic Ustifluvents as compare to FeSO4.7H2O. RDFe of 100% through nano Fe carriers i.e. Fe-NCPC, Fe-NPs (Bio.) and Fe-NPs (Chem.) recorded significantly enhanced Fe uptake by rice as compared to FeSO4.7H2O in post-harvest Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents. Nano Fe carriers 25% RDFe recorded statistically at par variation as compared to FeSO4.7H2O. Maximum Apparent recovery of Fe (39.16% & 31.19%) and Agronomy Efficiency (1.30 g g-1 & 1.28 g g-1) were recorded under foliar application of Fe-NPs (Bio.) (40 ppm) followed by Fe-NPs (Chem.) (40 ppm) over FeSO4.7H2O under Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents. RDFe 25% through Fe-NCPC 25% was significantly higher ARFe (13.20% & 7.88%) and Agronomy efficiency while 25% RDFe through biological and chemical synthesis Fe-NPs were statistically at par as compared to FeSO4.7H2O. Chemically and biologically synthesized nano Fe fertilizer at foliar spray was also proven to be effective in increasing grain and straw yield as well as enhanced the nutrient content plant acquisition. Synthesized nanoscale Fe carrier i.e. Fe-NPs (Chem.), Fe-NPs (Bio.) and Fe-NCPC application of at three different levels 100%, 50% and 25% as well as foliar application (40 ppm) of chemical and biological synthesized nano Fe carriers were further investigated as compared to 100% RDFe through FeSO4.7H2O and control in a pot culture experiment under wheat (HD 2967) crop in Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents. Recommend dose of Fe 100% through nano carriers recorded significantly higher DTPA Fe content in Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents. While RDFe 25% through nano Fe-NCPC, biological and chemical synthesized nano Fe carriers maintained statistically at par DTPA-Fe content as comparison to FeSO4.7H2O. Synthesized nano Fe carriers significantly contributed in Fe pools in Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents. Fe-NCPC as well as nano Fe carriers (Bio-chemical synthesized) significantly increased acid phosphatase (APA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALPA) activity in post-harvest soils Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents. Fe-NCPC 100%, Fe-NPs (Bio.) 100% and Fe-NPs (Chem.) 100% recorded more grain yield of wheat (6.47% & 6.60), (4.84% & 5.21%) and (4.49% & 4.52%) in Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents compared to FeSO4.7H2O, respectively. Soil (RDFe 100%, 50% and 25%) and foliar (40 ppm) application of nano Fe carriers recorded significantly higher Fe content and total Fe uptake by wheat crop under Typic Haplustepts while RDFe 100% and 50% through nano Fe carriers recorded significantly higher Fe content in grain as well as total Fe uptake by wheat as compared to FeSO4.7H2O under Typic Ustifluvents. Nano Fe carriers 25% RDFe were recorded statistically at par as compared to FeSO4.7H2O. Post-harvest Typic Haplustepts and Typic Ustifluvents soil, maximum Apparent Recovery of Fe (53.00% & 29.38%) and Agronomy Efficiency (1.30 g g-1 & 1.60 g g-1) were recorded under foliar application of Fe-NPs (Bio.) (40 ppm) followed by Fe-NPs (Chem.) (40 ppm) recorded ARFe (48.93% & 26.37%) and AE (1.23 g g-1 & 1.38 g g-1) over FeSO4.7H2O. RDFe 25% through Fe-NCPC 25% was significantly higher ARFe (13.83% & 7.92%) and AE (0.42 g g-1 & 0.40 g g-1) while 25% RDFe through biologically and chemically synthesized Fe-NPs recorded statistically at par variation as compared to FeSO4.7H2O. Chemically and biologically synthesized nano Fe carriers at foliar spray was also proven to be effective in increasing straw, grain yield and plant nutrition. However, Nano Fe carriers need to be evaluated in long-term cropping system under field experiments in diverse soil types and evaluation of nano Fe sources in terms of benefit: cost ratio and wide scale adaptability is requiredThesisItem Open Access Effect of tillage systems and nitrogen management on the efficacy of decomposers for in-situ crop residue management in rice- wheat cropping system(Department of Agronomy, BAU, Sabour, 2023) Chandini; Sharm, R. P.The Indo-Gangetic Plains' rice-wheat (RW) cropping system has contributed significantly to India's food security. However, because of declining soil health, increasing demand on natural resources, and new climate change issues, the sustainability of this significant cropping system is in jeopardy. Innovations in crop residue management to prevent straw burning should help farmers achieve sustainable production while reducing nutrient and water inputs and risk from climate change. The irrigated RW system's high yields have produced enormous amounts of crop wastes. Straw burning especially of rice is a common practice that depletes nutrients and seriously impairs air quality, endangering human health and safety. For their management, keeping rice residues as surface mulch in wheat crops is a smart choice. Mulching reduces weed pressure while increasing yield, water productivity, and profitability. Studies on recycling rice residue have been found to improve soil health and quality. Since rice residues are a key source of plant nutrients, regular application can reduce the management of fertiliser in the RW system. The present experiment was carried out during the kharif and rabi seasons of 2020 and 2021 using a split-split plot design with two tillage systems as main plot factors: T1: Puddled transplanted rice – conventional tillage wheat (PTR–CTW) and T2: Zero tillage direct seeded rice – zero tillage wheat (ZTDSR–ZTW); four nitrogen management strategies, N1: No Starter Dose of N (SD) + RDF, N2: SD (25 kg N/ha) + (RDF-25 kg N/ha), N3: SD (25 kg N/ha), and N4: SD (5 kg N/ha foliar spray) + RDF, were applied to the sub-plot and three decomposers-D1: Trichoderma, D2: Aspergillus, and D3: Pusa Decomposer were used as sub-subplot treatments. Findings from the study suggests that treatments T2 (ZTDSR-ZTW), N3 (SD (25 kg N/ha) + RDF), and D3 (Pusa decomposer), increased plant growth parameters individually in both the crops during both the year. Among the tillage systems, conventional PTR produced 2.78 % higher yields as compared to ZTDSR however, ZT wheat yields were 12.01 % higher over CTW. The rice equivalent grain yield was 4.7 % higher in ZTDSR–ZTW system as compared to PTR–CTW system. Application of N3 (SD (25 kg N/ha) + RDF) and D3 (Pusa decomposer) resulted in 11.5 % and 6.4 % higher rice equivalent yields over other treatments. Tillage (T1 in rice and T2 in wheat) along with N3 (SD (25 kg N/ha) + RDF) and D3 (Pusa decomposer) recorded significantly higher yield compared to other treatment combinations. Splitting of RDF nitrogen as starter dose and post crop application (N2) resulted in 1 % lower yield in rice and 5.7 % lower yield in wheat over RDF application (N1). The economic analysis in rice showed that puddle transplanting resulted in 9 % higher gross returns and 5.8 % higher net returns whereas, B:C ratio of ZTDSR were observed to be 3.39 % higher as compared to PTR. In wheat, gross returns (11.4 %), net returns (29.6 %) and B:C ratio (25.76 %) recorded significantly higher values in ZT over conventional tillage. It was also found that crop residue retention (ZTDSR–ZTW) significantly improved various soil properties and some important soil parameters added their benefit in enhancing the soil quality in T2 (ZTDSR–ZTW) such as particulate organic carbon, soil available nitrogen, beta-glucosidase and bulk density. Retention of crop residues significantly improved the soil quality index under T2 (0.87) as compared to (0.81) in T1 tillage system where the residues were incorporated. Among the decomposers Pusa Decomposer significantly improved the soil quality index as compared to Aspergillus or Trichoderma. On the basis of two years study conducted it may be concluded that Zero Tillage in rice may not positively impact the rice yields in short term however, ZT was beneficial for wheat and helped improve the system rice equivalent yields. Moreover, it was found that crop residue retention was less resource intensive as compared to residue incorporation and helped in improving the soil quality sustainably as compared to crop residue incorporation. Additional application of nitrogen as starter dose helped in increasing the crop yields in combination of application of decomposers. Splitting the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) as starter dose for residue decomposition and remaining RDF as post crop establishment negatively impacted the crop yields. Combination of appropriate tillage and nitrogen management along with application of suitable decomposers can sustainably increase the crop yields while reducing the production costs as well as improve the soil health over time.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of potassium management under different establishment methods on productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system(Department of Agronomy, BAU, Sabour, 2023) Raj, Prithvi; Sharma, R. P.The rice (Oryza sativa L.) -wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system, being the most extensive and productive system, occupies 13.5 M ha land and produces staple grain supply to millions of people in South Asia (Singh et al., 2017). Rice-wheat cropping system is a cornerstone of India’s food and nutritional securities, with 75 % contribution to the national food chain. Direct seeded rice and zero tillage wheat practices are becoming popular in this cropping system as sustainable agricultural management practices due to unavailability of water, labour scarcity and higher production cost in conventional system (PTR-CTW). Potassium is an important primary nutrient and is required for crop growth and productivity. In continuous cropping systems without application of potassium fertilizer, soil available K rapidly depletes due to higher uptake by crop as well as due to removal of crop residue. The addition of about 8.15 to 8.97 Mg ha−1 of rice straw can add K averaged 197-221 kg ha−1 year−1 (Sharma et al., 2021). Some microorganism has been reported to play a key role in the natural potassium cycle like Pseudomonas, Bacillus mucilaginosus and Bacillus edaphicus have been found to release potassium in an accessible form from potassium-bearing minerals in soils. These help to dissolve potassium from insoluble K-bearing minerals such as micas, illite, and orthoclases, by excreting organic acids which either directly dissolved rock K or chelated silicon ions to bring K into the solution. Thus, keeping in view the above consideration present study was formulated to find out the effectiveness of crop establishment, residue retention, split application of potassium and use of KSB on growth and productivity of rice crop, their residual effect on succeeding wheat crop and fertility status of soil. A field experiment was conducted during the period of 2019-2021 at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar to identify the “effect of potassium management under different establishment methods on productivity of rice-wheat cropping system”. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with three main plots i.e., M1: puddled transplanting rice (PTR) followed by conventional-till wheat (PTR/CTW), M2: PTR followed by zero-till wheat with residue (PTR/ZTW+R), M3: direct seeded rice (DSR) followed by ZTW+R (DSR/ZTW+R). Sub-plots treatments consisted K management practices i.e., K0 : Control, K1 : 40 kg K2O ha-1 Basal, K2 : 40 kg K2O ha-1 two equal splits, K3 : 60 kg K2O ha-1 Basal, K4 : 60 kg K2O ha-1 two equal splits, K5 : 80 kg K2O ha-1 Basal, K6 : 80 kg K2O ha-1 two equal splits, K7 : 60 kg K2O ha-1 Basal +KSB and K8 : 30 kg K2O ha-1 MOP+10 kg K2O ha-1 VC+KSB. Rice variety ‘Rajendra sweta’ was transplanted at spacing of 20 cm × 15 cm using seed rate of 40 kg ha-1 whereas, wheat variety ‘HD2967’ was sown 20 cm apart using a seed rate of 100 kg ha-1. The soil of the experimental plot was well drained, sandy loam in texture, almost neutral in reaction, low in OC and N while medium in P and K. Results revealed that growth parameters, yield attributing characters and grain yield were observed highest in rice under PTR followed by ZT wheat (M2) and in wheat under DSR followed by ZT wheat (M3), under crop establishment methods. In potassium management practices significantly higher number of effective tillers, numbers of grains panicle-1/earhead-1 and grain yield of rice and wheat crop were noticed in 60 kg K2O ha-1 in two equal splits (K4) as compared to recommended dose of K i.e., 40 kg K2O ha-1 and it was statistically at par with K3, K5, K6, K7 and K8. System rice equivalent yield (SREY) (kg ha-1) was significantly influenced by establishment methods, and the highest was observed about 4.4 % more in M2 as compared to M1 while, it was statistically at par with M3. SREY were significantly influenced by K management practices, SREY increased with increase in K level from 40 to 60 kg K2O ha-1. The SREY did not vary significantly between (K4), (K5) and (K6). The SREY obtained with K4 were 11.13 % more as compared to recommended dose (K1, K2), while it was statistically similar with K5, K6 and K7 treatments. Potassium uptake did not vary significantly under crop establishment methods of rice-wheat cropping system, while in potassium management practices 80 kg K2O ha-1 in two equal splits (K6) recorded significantly higher nutrient content and uptake, while it was statistically at par with K3, K4, K5 and K7. Potassium use efficiency (AEk) (%) did not vary significantly under crop establishment methods of rice-wheat cropping system, 30 kg K2O ha-1 through MOP+10 kg K2O ha-1 through VC+KSB (K8) recorded higher AEk in K management practices, while it was statistically at par with K4 and K7 treatments. In economics of rice-wheat cropping system M3 noted maximum net return (Rs. 1,11,177, 1,14,853 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.59, 1.65), during first and second years, respectively under crop establishment methods, while in potassium management practices K4 recorded maximum net return (Rs. 1,18,737, 1,20,663 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.63, 1.65), during first and second years, respectively and it was statistically at par with K3, K6 and K7 treatments. The experiment confirmed that crop establishment methods and potassium management with straw retention alleviated soil K depletion and enhanced soil K fertility, and optimum rate of K inputs enhanced their effects. Different potassium management strategies influenced soil available K mainly in the top 15 cm of soil that is suitable for plant uptake and higher crop yield. It was concluded that higher growth and yield of rice-wheat cropping system can be realized by establishing the crops as PTR followed by ZT wheat (M2) and fertilizing the crops with 60 kg K2O ha-1 in two equal splits (K4) was found better among other treatments in respect of crop productivity as well as profitability of rice-wheat cropping system.ThesisItem Open Access Response of hydrogel to different irrigation schedule on growth, water use and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)(Department of Agronomy, BAU, Sabour, 2023) Kumar, Nikhil; Haque, MizanulThe present investigation was carried out during 2018-2019 and 2019-20 in the Department of Agronomy BAC, Sabour to study the “Response of hydrogel to different irrigation schedule on growth, water use and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)”. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most important cereal crop grown in the world. It is a predominant source of nutrition and calorie intake of about two billion people constitutes about 36% of the world’s population. Globally, wheat is cultivated in an area of about 220 million hectares with a record production of 763.06 million tonnes of grain. India has the most wheat-growing area (14 percent), followed by Russia (12.43 percent), China (11.14 percent), and the United States (6.90 percent), accounting for around 45 percent of the global total. The maximum effective tillers/ m2, number of grains per tiller, 1000grain weight was recorded in T8 (two irrigations at CRI and Anthesis + hydrogel 30kg/ha) which was statistically at par with other irrigation scheduling of two and three irrigations but significantly higher over no irrigation and one irrigation applied at CRI stage. Dry matter production increased as growth progressed and the maximum value was observed at harvest. It was a function of increased plant height, tiller production, leaf area and leaf area index. The highest dry matter production was associated with two irrigations (I2) caused significant variation as compare to one and no irrigations, but was statically at par with four irrigations. The grain yield is a manifestation of yield contributing characters and therefore maximum grain yield was recorded in T7 (two irrigations at CRI + Anthesis with hydrogel 10kg/ha) and T8 (two irrigations at CRI + Anthesis with hydrogel 30ka/ha) (45.6 q/ha) which was statistically similar to T11 and T6. Higher grain yield and yield attributing characters were observed with two irrigations applied at CRI and Anthesis stage which might be due to the maintenance of adequate available soil moisture in the root zone throughout the crop growth period. Similar result was also reflected in the growth characters of the wheat crop. The present findings are in accordance with Tadayon et al., (2012). Considering all the combinations of hydrogel dose and irrigation schedules it was observing that two irrigation application at CRI and Anthesis with lower hydrogel dose application provided the optimum benefit cost ratio as compared to reduced or increased irrigation levels. The higher cost of cultivation associated with hydrogel applied treatments was due to the higher cost of hydrogel. However, the net profitability with lower irrigation and hydrogel applied treatment was mainly associated with improved soil moisture availability and higher grain yield of the crop.ThesisItem Open Access Inheritance of gynoecy, parthenocarpy and yield in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)(Department of Horticulture (Veg. Science), BAU, Sabour, 2023) Sinha, Anuradha; Verma, R. B.Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is cross-pollinated and generally monoecious in nature but gynoecious lines are also present which can be utilized efficiently for commercial F1 hybrid production. Monoecious cultivars require pollen for fruit sets which are not suitable for protected cultivation however fruits of these cultivars are highly demanded by consumers because of their crispiness and tender fruits. In the contrary, gynoecious cultivars with parthenocarpic traits do not require pollen for fertilization and thus fruit development and help in off-season production under protected conditions. Gynoecious and parthenocarpic cultivars have been used in production, but their genetic mechanism in cucumber is not well understood with conflicting reports. Also, the stability of gynoecious with parthenocarpic traits is highly influenced by environmental factors. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out at the department of horticulture (Veg. & Flori.), BAC, BAU, Sabour to study the inheritance of gynoecy, parthenocarpy and yield in cucumber during August- December 2022 inside a naturally ventilated polyhouse in randomized block design with three replications. Data were recorded from 30 plants of parent P1, parent P2 and their F1, 120 plants of F2 and 60 plants each of BC1P1 and BC1P2 from three crosses namely BRGCU-4 × BRCU-1-13, BRPCU-8 × BRCU-1-13 and BRPCU-8 × BRGCU-4 for morphological and quality parameters. Generation mean analysis exhibited additive, dominance and epistasis gene effect was important in determining the inheritance of characters under study. Sex ratio was under the control of additive gene effect and non additive gene effect whereas for trait parthenocarpy per cent and yield per plant was under the control of non-additive gene effect. Additive gene effect indicated the significance of a fixable type of gene hence selection could be beneficial in early generations for these characters however dominance gene effect indicated the predominance of non fixable type of gene thus, to enhance the performance of the trait postpones the selection to later generations by reduction of heterozygosity. The existence of epistasis may be due to the participation of different alleles in the heterozygous state. Thus, population improvement by recurrent selection may be beneficial for the enhancement of these traits in a particular cross. Inbreeding depression was non-significant for number of nodes to first female flower, days to anthesis of first female flower, sex ratio, days to first fruit harvest, number of fruits per vine, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, vine length, yield per plant and firmness in all the crosses which reflects the low reduction in the mean of F2 generation due to direct effect of homozygosity. Based on potence ratio, over dominance was noted for fruit diameter which can be exploited for getting transgressive segregants. The result of χ2 analysis of field and molecular data suggested that the gynoecy in BRGCU-4 and BRPCU-8 were controlled by a single complete dominant gene which can be transferred to horticulturally desirable varieties through backcross breeding and parthenocarpy in BRPCU-8 was under the control of single incomplete dominant gene. SSR11610, UW084119, SSR11343 and SSR13251 markers were used for the screening of gynoecious lines whereas SSR21886, SSR11858, SSR13251, SSR07248, SSR19165 and SSR01148 markers used for the screening of parthenocarpic gynoecious lines from monoecious lines and SSR21886 and SSR07248 markers used for the screening of parthenocarpic gynoecious lines from gynoecious lines. Therefore, these SSR markers are of great significance to ascertain the purity of the gynoecious and parthenocarpic line at an early stage of development.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of quality and yield parameters in Katarni rice derived lines under different photoperiods(Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, BAU, Sabour, 2023) Mahto, Divya; Singh, P. K.Rice is one of the major staple foods for more than 60% of the world population in general and South-East Asian people, in particular. However, very few high yielding non-basmati aromatic semi-dwarf rice varieties are available for cultivation. Katarni rice is traditional rice which is native of Bihar and extensively grown in few blocks of districts of Bhagalpur, Munger and Banka. This rice has a unique aroma with medium slender grain but it suffers from lodging problem due to weak culm and tall height (150-170 cm) which results in its low yielding (25-30 Q/ha) ability. Simultaneously, it is photosensitive with longer maturity period of 150-155 days. Hence in order to enhance its Farmers adoption a high yielding semi-dwarf and early maturing aromatic lines of Katarni is needed.To reduce the height and maturity period, a marker assisted backcrossing and forward breeding programme was initiated at Rice Section, BAU Sabour by crossing Katarni with two semi-dwarf and medium maturing rice varieties namely Rajendra Sweta, IR64 and MTU7029.Present study was undertaken to assess the genetic variability among the 54selected advanced breeding lines of Katarni along with parental checks i.e. Katarni, R. Sweta, IR64, MTU7029, Sabour Surbhit and Rajendra Suwasini at four different date of sowing in two years i.e. 2018 (DOS 1: 15-6-2018) and 2019 (DOS2: 29-5-2019, DOS3: 15-6-2019 and DOS4: 15-7-2019). In a trial conducted in Alpha Lattice (Incomplete Block Design), the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed highly significant differences for all the traits among all the genotypes studied. Grain yield per plant had positive non-significant correlation with days of 50 % flowering in all three trials except for the DOS-4. Plant height had a negative and non-significant correlation with grain yield in all the trails. The pooled analysis of Amylose content at DOS-1 and DOS-3 revealed that nine genotypes had low amylose content (24 %). The pooled analysis of ASV at DOS-1 and DOS-3 revealed that ten genotypes had ASV score between 1-2, 17 genotypes had ASV score between 2-3, 17 genotypes has ASV score between 4-5 and 10 genotypes had ASV score between 6-7. Maximum positive correlation with grain yield has been showed by number of tiller per plant in all the four trials. In DOS-1 and DOS-4, length/breadth ratio and ASV, whereas in DOS-2 and DOS-3 number of tillers per plant and 1000 grain weight showed highest direct effect on yield per plant. Trait linked SSR markers used had showed considerable polymorphism among the genotypes. The gene specific primers for heading date (Hd3A), semi-dwarf (sd1) and fragrance (badh2) also explained variation among the genotypes. Genotypes KRS-20, KRS 37, KRS-15 and KRS-16 can be exploited in breeding programme to obtain high yield genotypes as these genotypes showed high per se performance for yield per plant and number of tillers per plant under all four date of sowing.ThesisItem Open Access Studies of foliar feeding of chemicals and PGRs on quantitative, qualitative and molecular attributes of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)(Department of Horticulture (Pomology), BAU, Sabour, 2023) Pandey, Ankit Kumar; Sahay, SanjayLitchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is an important subtropical fruit crop with attractive colour, high economic and nutritional values. Bright red colour of the fruit skin and fruit quality is considered to be important quality attributes that contribute to consumer preference and market price. The fruit skin colour is desirable characters to fetch premium price by the litchi growers, but Deshi cultivar fruit colour is light red colour at maturity time. Keeping this in view, the present study entitled “Studies of foliar feeding of chemicals and PGRs on quantitative, qualitative and molecular attributes of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)” was conducted at litchi orchard of Horticultural Garden, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar (India) on Deshi variety of Litchi during the year 2020-22. Experiment was designed in randomized block design with three replications and twelve treatments including control. Pre-harvest application of potassium nitrate at 10 days after fruit setting resulted in maximum fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, aril weight, pericarp weight, seed weight and fruit yield per tree as to the control (T1). Fruit quality parameters like TSS, TSS/Acid ratio, total sugar and anthocyanin content was improved by the pre-harvest application of abscisic acid @ 150 mg/L (T10) at colour break stage as to the control (T1). The highest titratable acidity and vitamin C was obtained in control (T1) while minimum in treatment of abscisic acid @ 150 mg/L (T10) at colour break stage. Fruit colour of the litchi pericarp was observed maximum in all treatments as compared to the control (T1). Pre-harvest foliar application of potassium nitrate at 10 days after fruit setting resulted in higher leaf chlorophyll at all stages as to the control (T1). The highest fruit chlorophyll was obtained in control (T1) at all stages however minimum was found in treatment of magnesium Chloride @ 2% (T9) at 10 Days after fruit setting and abscisic acid @ 150 mg/L (T10) at colour break stage. Pre-harvest foliar application of potassium nitrate at 10 days after fruit setting resulted in higher nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in leaves and in fruits at all stages as compared to the control (T1). The conclusion was pre-harvest foliar application of potassium nitrate at 10 days after fruit setting considerably improved the fruit yield as compared to the control (T1) while pre-harvest foliar application of abscisic acid @ 150 mg/L (T10) at colour break stage enhance fruit quality as compared to the control (T1). Sample of litchi fruit was collected at colour turning stage for NGS transcriptome analysis. Total RNA was isolated from pericarp tissues using the RNA kit (Promega) and further cDNA library was prepared. The total assembled base was 10.10 million by RNA sequencing Illumina platform. The average total transcript per sample was 83,362 and average protein encoding genes was 40825 with median contig length was 881 and average contig was 1212.24 per sample. The GO database was used to classify the function of the predicted litchi pericarp unigenes. Approximately 825,599 unigenes were classified into three main categories: biological process, cellular component and molecular function. Within the Biological process involved gene was 459865, in cellular component process involved gene was 146422 and in molecular function involved gene was 219312. In order to observe the role of genes involved in pericarp colouring, and analysed the genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. Eighteen genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis pathway of litchi pericarp identified. In eighteen genes common unregulated genes in flavonoid biosynthesis pathway validated through qRT-PCR technique, which are directly associated in flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in early or late stage that responsible for anthocyanin synthesis. The conclusion was pre-harvest foliar application of abscisic acid @ 150 mg/L (T10) at colour break stage and ethylene @ 500µL/L at (T11) at colour break stage found better in colouration of litchi pericarp as compared to combination of abscisic acid @150 mg/L and ethylene @ 500µl/L (T12) at colour break stage and control (T1).ThesisItem Open Access Quality Evaluation and Query Pattern Analysis of Farmers Helpline Service(Department of Extension Education, BAU, Sabour, 2023) Kumar, Shivam; Patil, ShridharThe study titled “Quality evaluation and query pattern analysis of farmers’ helpline service” was conducted during 2022-23 in Bihar State. The study aimed to measure the perceived quality of farmers' helpline services, undertake a longitudinal analysis of queries made by farmers at the farmers' helpline, and document the most frequently made queries at the farmers' helpline. The study was based on a thematic analysis of 5060 queries made by farmers during the period of the last six years (August 2016 to July 2022). Further, the service quality evaluation was done based on the telephonic interview of randomly selected 120 farmers' helpline users. The Likert-type scale with 19 statements over four factors was developed using the Likert scaling method suggested by Edwards (1957) and the iterative exploratory principal axis factor analysis. It was found that farmers' helpline service quality has four underlying factors, namely, dependability, accessibility, understandability and communication effectiveness. A large majority of farmers perceived that farmers' helpline services have above-average dependability (67.50 %), understandability (62.50 %) and communication effectiveness (72.50 %). However, 41.67 % of the farmers perceived the helpline has below-average accessibility. The longitudinal thematic analysis revealed that a large majority of farmers' queries are related to theme package of practice (30.49 %) followed by plant protection measures (24.66 %), livestock management (16.40 %), seeds and planting material availability (9.07 %), training and skill development (7.39 %), government schemes (3.99 %), nutrient management (3.46 %), admission to various degree programmes (2.96 %), weed management (2.57 %), weather forecasting (1.52 %) and sowing/planting of crops (1.11 %). Crop/livestock enterprise-related farmers query analysis revealed that 36.75 percent of queries associated with this theme were concerned with goatery. The next most frequently enquired queries were associated with mango, followed by rice, mushroom, wheat, papaya, maize, brinjal, chili and strawberry. The longitudinal analysis also revealed that the queries across all the thematic categories were mainly made during the mid-kharif and early rabi season, constituting 68.89 per cent of the total queries. This trend is found to be more distinct in the case of themes like sowing (85.71 %), weed management (81.54 %), livestock (79.16 %), seed and planting material availability (77.78 %), the package of crop cultivation practices (73.36 %), nutrient management (73.14 %) and weather advisory (70.13 %). It was also found that a large majority of queries were made during June- December, constituting more than 70 percent of total queries. Among the most frequently made 100 queries, the majority were related to theme plant protection (57 %), followed by seeds and planting material availability (14 %), the package of practices (13 %), training and skill development (5 %), livestock and poultry (3 %), crop nutrient management (3 %), government schemes (2 %) and weather forecast (1 %). Similarly, crop-wise analysis of the most frequent queries made by farmers revealed that among the most frequently made 100 queries, the highest number of queries were associated with rice (16 %), followed by mango (10 %). It was found that, after 2017-18, the number of queries received at the farmers' helpline center declined significantly. This decline may be attributed to various factors, including increased access to internet-based information sources. In addition, the database of farmers' queries generated over a period of time is not being utilized for any analytical purposes. In light of these shortcomings and emerging situations, the study recommended that efforts be made to enhance farmers' access to helpline services. Efforts must also be made towards shifting helpline services from conventional landline telephone mediums to web-based platforms. This shit will provide alternative access options and enable the development and utilization of voice and text-based query databases to implement artificial intelligence-based interactive advisory systems. Such data may also be used to identify emerging challenges and problems in agriculture and provide input for prioritizing research and extension priorities of the university and line departments.ThesisItem Open Access Application of BBCH scale for phenological studies in litchi in relation to temperature(Department of Horticulture (Fruit Science), BAU, Sabour, 2022) Aman, Ankita; Rani, RubyLitchi (Litchi Chinensis Sonn.) of the sapindaceae family is one of the important sub-tropical fruit crops of India and require very specific climate for its successful condition. The growth, flowering and yield in litchi is greatly influenced by temperature. Phenology is the study of periodical plant development events and how they are affected by environmental conditions factors mainly temperature. In fact, changes in the time of phenophases of fruit trees are of great economical importance because they have direct impact on factors influencing final fruit yield. Phenological studies in litchi are also important for planned management of orchards and alerting litchi growers against environmental vagaries. BBCH-scale (BBCH = Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) proposed by various workers has its own advantages of its simplicity and ease of use for annual, biennial and perennial plants and it also describes both the vegetative and reproductive stages of plant growth in sequential manner. Thus, an experiment was conducted to study the phenological development in litchi variety Deshi and Kasba using extended BBCH scale at experimental plot of Bihar agricultural University, Sabour that lies in indo gangetic plain of Bihar, India for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2021. The time, duration and prevailing temperature at each phenological stages of litchi were recorded as per extended BBCH scale in which 7 out of 10 principal stages were used, starting with bud development (stage 0) and ending with maturity of fruit (stage 8). Pictures of all phenophases were taken to see the morphological difference among them. Phenological development of all the stages of Deshi and Kasba was found significantly different in each year regarding their time of initiation and duration. The initiation of 1st vegetative flush started after 30-35 days in Deshi and 45-50 days in Kasba after harvest. The bud development (Stage 010) started in last week of June to first week of July in Deshi variety for 1st flush and first week of September for second flush. It was last week of July to first week of August in Kasba variety for first flush in both the year and first week of October for second flush. In variety Deshi phenological development was earlier in 2019 as Compared to 2020 and 2021 and it was delayed in 2020. Similar trend was noted in variety Kasba also. All stages of inflorescence were earlier in Deshi as compared to Kasba in each year of observation. It was also reflected that during 2020 all the mesostages was delayed in both the varieties. It was observed that prevailing temperature greatly influenced time and duration of particular phenophases in both the varieties. Positive correlation between maximum and minimum temperature with stages in both the variety was observed. Varietal difference was also observed in this regard and for stage 500, Deshi took higher temperature as compared to Kasba. However, all other stages, it was lower in Deshi as compared to Kasba. The principal stage flowering started earlier in Deshi than Kasba in all the years. But the phase duration of this stage did not vary much among the variety as it ranged from 30 to 32 days in Deshi and 28 to 33 days in Kasba during the year under study. Changes in leaf nutritional status in different phenological stages was also observed and highest Nitrogen (1.62 %) and Phosphorus content (0.27 %) was noted before beginning of stage 5 i.e. inflorescence stage and Potassium was maximum (1.25 %) at flowering stage. Similarly maximum carbohydrates (7.56 %) at stage initiation of stage 5 i.e. inflorescence stage. This study adds knowledge about year to year phenological development in relation to temperature. However, a long-term monitoring of litchi varieties for their phenophases and their relation to temperature is required to confirm the critical temperature for different phenophases and to see the phenological development in litchi with change in climate.
