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Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa
In the imperial Gazetteer of India 1878, Pusa was recorded as a government estate of about 1350 acres in Darbhanba. It was acquired by East India Company for running a stud farm to supply better breed of horses mainly for the army. Frequent incidence of glanders disease (swelling of glands), mostly affecting the valuable imported bloodstock made the civil veterinary department to shift the entire stock out of Pusa. A British tobacco concern Beg Sutherland & co. got the estate on lease but it also left in 1897 abandoning the government estate of Pusa.
Lord Mayo, The Viceroy and Governor General, had been repeatedly trying to get through his proposal for setting up a directorate general of Agriculture that would take care of the soil and its productivity, formulate newer techniques of cultivation, improve the quality of seeds and livestock and also arrange for imparting agricultural education. The government of India had invited a British expert. Dr. J. A. Voelcker who had submitted as report on the development of Indian agriculture. As a follow-up action, three experts in different fields were appointed for the first time during 1885 to 1895 namely, agricultural chemist (Dr. J. W. Leafer), cryptogamic botanist (Dr. R. A. Butler) and entomologist (Dr. H. Maxwell Lefroy) with headquarters at Dehradun (U.P.) in the forest Research Institute complex.
Surprisingly, until now Pusa, which was destined to become the centre of agricultural revolution in the country, was lying as before an abandoned government estate. In 1898. Lord Curzon took over as the viceroy. A widely traveled person and an administrator, he salvaged out the earlier proposal and got London’s approval for the appointment of the inspector General of Agriculture to which the first incumbent Mr. J. Mollison (Dy. Director of Agriculture, Bombay) joined in 1901 with headquarters at Nagpur
The then government of Bengal had mooted in 1902 a proposal to the centre for setting up a model cattle farm for improving the dilapidated condition of the livestock at Pusa estate where plenty of land, water and feed would be available, and with Mr. Mollison’s support this was accepted in principle. Around Pusa, there were many British planters and also an indigo research centre Dalsing Sarai (near Pusa). Mr. Mollison’s visits to this mini British kingdom and his strong recommendations. In favour of Pusa as the most ideal place for the Bengal government project obviously caught the attention for the viceroy.
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ThesisItem Open Access Genetic diversity assessment for yield attributing and seed quality traits in aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.)(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) CHOUDHARY, DINESH; KUMAR, RAJESHThe research endeavour titled “Genetic diversity assessment for yield attributing and seed quality traits in aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.)” delved into a captivating exploration involving 20 rice genotypes thoughtfully gathered from various corners of India and the esteemed IRRI, Philippines during the enriching 2022 kharif season. With a purposeful vision, this study set out to unravel the enigma of genotype effectiveness, quantifying genetic variability, estimating the heritability quotient, unlocking the potential of genetic advancement, and embarking on a journey of understanding the intricate genetic variations within aromatic rice genotypes, especially in the context of grain yield and its allied attributes. This profound experiment unfolded at the scenic Breeder seed production Farm, Dholi in Bihar, where the meticulously designed Complete Randomized Block Design laid the foundation for an enriching scientific exploration. The tapestry of findings woven from a meticulous variance analysis was nothing short of awe-inspiring, painting a vivid picture of diversity that thrived among the genotypes across the intricate canvas of 17 studied traits. Amidst this symphony of diversity, it was Samba Mahsuri, Taraori Basmati, Jasmine, Sonasal, and Katarni that emerged as the virtuoso performers, presenting the high significant notes of grain yield. Each brush stroke of data unveiled a mesmerizing dance of traits like days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, spikelet fertility, grain width, and grain length among others. These traits revelled in their variation, donning the cloak of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, with a dash of heritability and a glint of genetic advancement to add to the enchantment. The path coefficient analysis was akin to deciphering the very essence of the symphony, where seedling root length, seedling shoot length, and the rhythm of germination rate emerged as the maestros, directly influencing the crescendo of grain yield. The intricate interplay led by grain width elevated its importance, choreographing an intricate ballet where traits such as seedling dry weight, germination rate, vigour indices, and test weight swirled in a harmonious dance, ultimately nurturing the symphony of yield. In this intricate dance, the lead was taken by seedling root length, its direct influence paired with a mesmerizing indirect effect through other traits, crafting a tapestry of promise and potential. The elegant seedling shoot length gracefully followed suit, wielding its influence both directly and through a delightful partnership with other traits. The grand classification of genotypes into five clusters was a celestial alignment of the stars, where cluster IV reigned as the largest constellation, while clusters I, II, III, and V shone with their distinct radiance. Among these, the Cluster III showcased its brilliance in the realm of tiller traits and the elegance of grain length. The cluster I adorned itself with the jewels of seed yield and spikelet fertility, standing tall as a beacon of promise. In contrast, the fifth cluster exuded a sense of timelessness, embodying the delicate charm of flowering, maturity, and the very stature of the plants. In the tale of genetic divergence, the protagonists were none other than spikelet fertility and the passage of days to maturity, their contributions etching a legacy of significance. Amidst this narrative, seedling root length, seedling shoot length, and the tempo of germination rate emerged as the guiding stars for future breeding sagas, illuminating the path forward. The stars of promise, Samba Mahsuri and Taraori Basmati, took centre stage for their exceptional attributes, ready to script new chapters in the saga of rice breeding. As the curtain fell, clusters I and IV lingered in the spotlight, their higher cluster means in traits like spikelet fertility and days to maturity, echoing the promise of future possibilities. Thus, with grain yield as its centrepiece and other traits as supporting characters, this study danced through the intricate pathways of genetic exploration. Among these journeys, it was Cluster II that ventured farthest, uncovering the treasure trove of internal diversity. As the final chords were struck, clusters I and IV emerged as the heralds of selection potential, carrying the torch of traits like spikelet fertility and days to maturity, igniting the path for a future where aromatic rice stands as a testament to nature's diversity and human innovation.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC PARAMETER ASSESSMENT FOR YIELD AND SEED QUALITY ATTRIBUTES IN LINSEED UNDER IRRIGATED CONDITION (Linum usitatissimum L.)(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) PRIYANSHU, PRIYA; Choudhary, Vinay KumarThe present investigation entitled “Genetic parameter assessment for yield and seed quality attributes in linseed under irrigated condition (Linum usitatissimum L.)”was conducted at experimental farm of department of Seed Science and Technology, Dholi, Muzaffarpur during Rabi 2022- 2023 in Randomized Block Design with 3 replications consisting of 25 genotypes of linseed including two checks (T-397 and Kota Alsi-6). Data were analyzed for 18 quantitative and seed quality parameters in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) to obtain values for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance, correlation of different quantitative characters with seed yield and among themselves and direct and indirect effects of various yield contributing traits towards seed yield. Analysis of variance demonstrated highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits under studied. Estimation of mean performance of all the genotypes revealed that the entries Shekhar, RLC-200 and LMS-2020-I-1 showed significantly earliness in days to 50% flowering, the genotypes Shekhar and LCK-2215 exhibited significantly earlier days to maturity than the best check. Further, estimates showed that the entries Shekhar, RLC-18117, LMS-2020-I-1 and BRLS-131 showed significant superiority over check for the traits no. of primary branches per plant, no. of capsules per plant, no. of seeds per capsules and seed yield per plant. The magnitude of GCV and PCV were found high for seed yield (kg/ha,), followed by seed yield per plant (g), no. capsules per plant and no. of primary branches per plant. Estimates of high heritability were observed for almost all the traits except few (no. of seeds per capsules and harvest index).High heritability coupled with the high genetic advance as percent of mean were observed for seed yield kg/ha., seed yield per plant, seedling root length, no. of capsules per plant, no. of primary branches per plant and plant height indicating preponderance of additive gene action and it will be more effective in genetic improvement through of these characters. Correlation study revealed that no. of primary branches per plant, no. of capsule per plant, no. of seeds per capsules, harvest index and seedling root length were significant and positively associated with seed yield per plant whereas days to 50% flowering and days to maturity showed also significant but negatively correlated with seed yield per plant. All these traits may be used for development of high yielding genotypes along with early flowering with early maturity.Path coefficient analysis showed that the traits like no. of primary branches per plant, no. of capsules per plant, no. of seeds per capsule, harvest index and seedling root length has significant and positive direct effect on seed yield per plant whereas days to 50% flowering and days to maturity also exhibited significant but exerted negative direct effect on seed yield per plant. Thus, choosing genotypes based on these characters will aid in enhancing the potential seed yield of linseed genotypes.ThesisItem Unknown EFFECT OF SEED TREATMENT WITH NANO PARTICLES ON PLANTING VALUE AND STORABILITY PARAMETERS OF MAIZE SEED (Zea mays L.)(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) ROOPAM; Singh, Sumeet KumarMaize belongs to grass family having highest yield potential among cereals. Productivity of rabi Maize is highest in Bihar. Further increasing the productivity is needed for catering to the need of rapidly growing population and shrinking cultivable land. Quality seed is a major input determining productivity of crops. Various methods to enhance the planting value of seeds are being investigated. Use of nanoparticles in producing quality enhanced seeds with high vigour is gaining importance during these advanced agriculture era and various programs of GoI is dedicated to explore the possibilities of use of nanotechnology in agriculture. Therefore, our investigation was focused on effect of various nanoparticles; ZnO, SiO2 and TiO2 on seed quality and yield attributing traits in maize. The experiment was conducted at Dholi Kothi farm, in split-split plot design with three replications, during rabi 2022-23. Seeds were subjected to treatments with two forms of various particles (Bulk & Nano) with two types of formulations (Dry and Wet) at 5 concentrations (50, 100, 250, 500, 750 ppm) along with two controls (Untreated &Bavistin treatment). The seeds were analyzed for seed quality attributes in laboratory and were also sown in the field for studying the effect on field emergence, growth and yield attributes. The results revealed that, seeds treated with Nano-Dry formulation of ZnO@ 250 ppm, took least time for radicle emergence (68.9 hrs.), showed highest germination percentage (86.8), average seedling length (30.0cm), average seedling dry weight (0.445g), vigour index I, vigour index II, field emergence (79.9%), final plant stand establishment (73.9%), plant height (125.9cm), Cob length (14.4cm), cob girth (5.02cm), seeds per cob (197.3) and highest dehydrogenase activity (0.963A485 nm). Results of the experiments indicate that treatment with various nanoparticles may be helpful in increasing the productivity of different crops by enhancing the seed quality, which results in vigorous seed germination, higher field emergence and ultimately a better plant stand. Prominent effect on yield attributing traits was not observed in our study.ThesisItem Open Access Study of Effect of Different Agro-Chemicals on Morpho-physiological Characters of Wheat (TriticumaestivumL.) Under Terminal Heat Stress Condition(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2022) SHARWA, SAJJAN; Choudhary, Vinay KumarA research was conducted at Research field of Seed Science & Technology,TCA,Dholi, Muzaffarpur under DRPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar during Rabi 2021-22, to assess the effect of different Agro-Chemicals on morpho physiological characters of wheat variety DBW-187 (Karan Vandana) under terminal heat stress conditions. Two varieties of wheat were taken as experimental materials. The wheat variety DBW187 is a timely sown whereas wheat variety DBW107 is late sown variety and used as check. Both the varieties were sown on 22nd December, 2021 in three replications using Randomized Block Design. All the Treatments (Glycine betaine (600ppm), Salicylic acid (400ppm), Ascorbic acid (10ppm), Citric acid (1.3%), Potassium chloride (1%) in singular form and combination of Glycine betaine (600ppm) with Salicylic acid(400ppm), Glycine betaine(600ppm) with ascorbic acid (10ppm), Glycine betaine (600ppm) with Citric acid(1.3%) and Glycine betaine(600ppm) were applied at reproductive stage of wheat variety DBW-187 and no treatment were given to control plot and plot with check variety (DBW 107). The study was executed on mean performance of 11 morpho physiological traits and correlation amongst all the traits including seed yield. Observations were documented for the characters viz. Days to 50% flowering, Chlorophyll content, No. of tillers per plant, Flag leaf area, Days to maturity, No. of seeds per panicle, 1000- seed weight (g), Germination percentage, Seed vigour index, Seed yield (q/ha) and Harvest index. ANOVA revealed significant differences among all the characters for all the treatments under study. The maximum range of variation were recorded for the characters like seed vigour index (1563.67-2211.33) followed by seed yield (22.13-36.83), 1000 seed weight (26.54-39.08), and chlorophyll content (25.91-38.40) whereas minimum range of variation were recorded for no. of tillers per plant (6.09-7.46). However after recording all the observations and comparing it with control and check variety it can be conclude that the effect of chemical Treatment Glycine betaine 600ppm + Salicylic acid 400ppm was found to be most effective treatment for mitigating terminal heat stress as it showed significant superiority for all the character studied over best check. Treatment combination Glycine betaine 600ppm + Salicylic acid 400ppm showed significant higher seed yield (36.43 q/ha) and other parameters like Chlorophyll content (38.40 mg/g),1000- seed weight (38.52 g), Germination percentage (95.33) and Seed vigour index (2211.33). In Days to maturity where earliness is desirable Treatment Glycine betaine (600 ppm) + Salicylic acid (400 ppm) showed earliest days to mature i.e. 105 days than other chemical treatments. In case of Benefit cost ratio this experimental research was found to be economically beneficial with an average ratio of 1.64 and Treatment T6 i.e. Glycine betaine (600 ppm) + Salicylic acid (400 ppm) gave best ratio of 1.40 thus giving maximum amount of net profit value. It can be concluded that wheat crop is significantly affected when sown in late sown conditions. To prevent the losses harvesting should be done on time. If possible wheat heat resistant cultivars should be used. Application of some chemical treatments like Glycine betaine (600 ppm) with adequate amount of fertilizer application and timely irrigation is effective in mitigating the effect of Terminal heat stress condition. Under Terminal Heat Stress Condition, Seed yield exhibited significant highest positive correlation with number of tillers per plant (0.7144) and number of Seeds per panicle (0.6006). However, Seed yield exhibited negative correlation with Days to 50% flowering (-0.7768) and Days to maturity (-0.6951).ThesisItem Open Access DEVELOPMENT OF SEED ENHANCEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR ENHANCING PLANTING VALUE OF SEEDS IN MAIZE (Zea mays L.)(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) NANDI, ASIT; Singh, Sumeet KumarMaize belongs to grass family having highest yield potential among cereals. It records third highest in production after rice and wheat among cereals in India and first in world. The continuously rising global population along with the shrinking cultivable land and climate change scenario is creating pressure for increased food production. Moreover, various abiotic stresses like heat, drought and low temperature stress affect the crop production drastically. Low temperature stress during sowing of Maize causes serious compromise with yield and seed quality traits. Hence, present investigation was carried out to develop seed enhancement technique for minimizing the yield losses due to poor emergence, stand establishment and yield and quality parameters. The experiment was conducted at Dholi Kothi Farm, TCA, Dholi in split- split plot design with 3 replications, during rabi 2021- 22. Fresh and old seed lots of two varieties viz. Shaktiman-1(SM-1) and Shaktiman-5(SM-5) were subjected to 14 treatments along with control. The treated seeds were analyzed for seed quality attributes in laboratory and were also sown in the field. The effect of variety, seed lots and treatments on field emergence, plant stand establishment, yield-attributing traits were studied in maize raised under low temperature conditions. The results revealed that SM-1 was significantly superior for field emergence, plant stand establishment, plant height, first count, germination percentage, radicle emergence time, seed vigour indices over SM-5. Fresh lot of seeds performed significantly superior to the aged one. All the treatments were significantly superior over control except thermal treatment and chilling followed by thermal treatment. Treatment with melatonin (50μM), CaCl2 (2.2%) and DAB + Biophos affects many yield and quality traits positively. Seed treatment with gibberellic acid (100mg/litre) followed by shade drying showed significant superiority over the control for plant stand establishment after 5 weeks (79%), plant height (188.2 cm), seed set percentage (99.3%),1000 seed weight (242.1 g),plot yield (3.10kg), first count (82%), germination (96.5%), vigour index I (2479) & vigour index II (4.2). Even the aged seed lot treated with gibberellic acid also recorded higher germination (78.7%), vigour index I (1797), vigour index II (3.51), 1000- seed weight (226.0 g), and plot yield (2.65 kg) than other treatments on fresh as well as aged lots. Hydro priming (at 20˚C for 18 hrs) was at par with the gibberellic acid treated seeds for most of the emergence, yield and quality attributing traits. Therefore, either of the above treatments may be effective in mitigating the adverse effect of low temperature stress on emergence, stand establishment, yield and quality attributes in Maize.Among all the treatments, gibberellic acid (100mg/ litre) was observed to be the best treatment for improved seed yield and quality.ThesisItem Open Access STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF SEED COATING AND FOLIAR SPRAY OF NANOFERTILIZERS ON SEED YIELD AND QUALITY PARAMETERS OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.)(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2022) JHA, RASHMI; Singh, Umesh KumarIn the present study, an experiment entitled “Study on the effect of seed coating and foliar spray of nanofertilizers on seed yield and quality parameters of maize (Zea mays L.)” was conducted at research farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi during Kharif season 2021. The experiment was laid out in RBD with ten treatments viz., T1 (control-No fertilizers applied), T2 (recommended dose of fertilizer), T3 [100% RDF + Seed coating of nano P (Phosphorus) @ 125 ml ha-1 (100% seed coating)], T4 [100% RDF + seed coating of nano Zn + Fe (Zinc + Iron) @ 125 ml ha-1 (100% seed coating)], T5 [75% RDF (100% N/K with 75% P) + Seed coating of nano P (Phosphorus) @ 125 ml ha-1 (100% seed coating)], T6 [75% RDF (100% NPK with 75% Zn/Fe) + Seed coating of nano Zn +Fe (Zinc + Iron) @ 125 ml ha-1 (100% seed coating)], T7 [100% RDF + seed coating of nano P (Phosphorus) @ 62.5 ml ha-1 + Foliar spray of nano P (Phosphorus) @ 250 ml ha-1 (50% seed coating + 50% Foliar)], T8 [100% RDF + Seed coating of nano Zn + Fe (Zinc + Iron) @ 62.5 ml ha-1 + Foliar spray of nano Zn + Fe (Zinc + Iron) @ 250 ml ha-1 (50% seed coating + 50% Foliar)], T9 [75% RDF (100% N/K with 75% P) + Seed coating of nano P (Phosphorus) @ 62.5 ml ha-1 + Foliar spray of nano P (Phosphorus) @ 250 ml ha-1 (50% seed coating + 50% Foliar)], T10 [75% RDF (100% NPK with 75% Zn/Fe) + Seed coating of nano Zn + Fe (Zinc + Iron) @ 62.5 ml ha-1 + Foliar spray of nano Zn + Fe (Zinc + Iron) @ 250 ml ha-1 (50% seed coating + 50% Foliar)] in four replications. Various yield-attributing characteristics were significantly improved by the use of nano fertilizers. Maximum field emergence and plant stand establishment was observed in treatment T8 and T9 respectively, seed yield per plot, number of cobs per plant, thousand seed weight, ear girth, number of seeds per ear & harvest index was found in T3. Maximum height of plant at 30 DAS as well as at harvest was observed in treatment T7 and T5 respectively. Earlier flowering was observed in treatment T5 for first flowering and T3 for 50% flowering. Among seed quality parameters, germination % was maximum in T8, seedling length was found to be highest in T4, similarly dry weight along with fresh weight of seedlings & both the vigor indices was observed maximum in T2, T9, T4 and T3 respectively along with minimum incidence of seed borne pathogens in the treatment T7. Treatment T8 showed the highest activity of enzymes related to antioxidant activities and seed germination viz., peroxidase activity, polyphenol oxidase activity, amylase activity and dehydrogenase activity.
