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Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi
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ThesisItem Open Access Studies on bacillus Enterotoxins and their Pathogenesis(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 1997) Malik Mehboob Willayat; K.G.Narayan1. Six varieties of rice collected from north, south, east and west of Ranchi city were found contaminated to an extent of 50.00, 56.25, 81.25, 87.50, 100.00 and 100.00 percent, respectively, for Sonachur, Rice King, Mansuri, Parmal, Gandevta and Bundu. 2. Percentage of sample bearing heat resistant strains (100°C, 20 minutes) was 7.29 indicating that cooked rice may not be sterile always as is presumed. 3. The biotyping of the isolates revealed that the rice was contaminated with biotypes 7(28.94%), 6( 23,68 %), 5(18,42%) and 2(13.15%). This would help to understand the epidemiology of food poisoning due to Bacillus cereus. 4. Most of the isolates from rice (65.78%) did not ferment xylose and the findings are in accordance with the European reports. 5. The field isolates varied in production of the type of enterotoxins. 45.83 percent isolates produced both emetic as well as diarrhoeal type enterotoxins compared to 33.33 and 20.80 percent producing only emetic and diarrhoeal enterotoxins, respectively. 6. Shake-Cultures incubated at 30-32°C for 5-12 hours was ideal for optimal production of diarrhoeal enterotoxin as tested by VPR and MLT. 7. Bacillus cereus metabolites viz. phospholipase C, hemolysins and the lethal toxins when separated by gel filtration and other Methods did produces VPR or MLT in Vivo but Produced strong in Vitro lecithinovitelline reaction and hemolysis.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Flyash on Growth and Nutrient Accumulation in Certain Crops and Tree Species and Its Impact on Soil Health(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 1997) Arvind Kumar; A.K.SarkarFly ash is chemically an amorphous ferro alumino silicate and is an important pollutant in the industrial areas. Bulk of the flyash generated by steel & thermal power plants are used in making bricks, road making and in cement refractory product. Fly ash contains many nutrients essential for plant growth, which could be made use of in increasing crop productivity. but the results have been inconsistent over the ears only recently some valuable information have been generated at this University, through green house experiments with soybean and rice. The present research work is an extension of these studies with field, pot culture and laboratory experiments. The objectives of the present investigation were: 1. Characterization of fly ash obtained from different sources. 2. Yield and uptake of trace metals by cereal and pulse crops grown in flyash amended soils. 3. Influence of flyash on trace metal availability in acid soils. 4. Growth parameters and trace metal content of tree species grown in flyash amended soils. The salient results obtained may be summarized: 1. Properties of flyash varied with the source. Bokaro fly ash was moderately acidic in reaction. IC and ++ exch. Ca++ were high. Flyash was rich in total macro- and micro-nutrients except nitrogen. High available P, K and s and DTPA extractable micro nutrients were found in fly aah samples. content of Pb, Ni and co in Elyash were considerably higher than that in soils. 2. Grain yield of rice, wheat and soybean was higher in 8 to 16% fly ash amended soil compared to soil alone. At recommended level of NPK, flyash favourably influenced crop yields. 3. soils amended with flyash upto 16% level increased the availability of cationic micronutrients in soil and its uptake by crop plants. 4. In onion, flyash increased plant height, total soluble salts and bulb weight at 100 t ha-1 level. Fly ash application increased available B in soil & content in onion bulbs. 5. Growth of tree species such as subabul, chalundi, Karanj, Black siris, shisham and Gamhar in soils alended with 20% flyash was superior than soil alone. Leguminous tree species performed better in this regard. 6. Absorption and translocation of trace metals differed considerably among tree species grown in flyash amended soiled among trace metals higher Ni (2 to 4 mg kg), Pb (2 to 5 mg kg-¹) and Co (6 to 14 mg kg) content in leaves of tree species is a matter of concern. Two tree species, chalundi and Karanj performed better than others at 50% flyash (w/w) level. 7. Flyash addition in acid soil had considerable residual effect as judged by crop yield and uptake of trece metals. It is concluded that: 1. Fly ash upto 16% level can be effectively utilized for increasing crop yield and availability of soil nutrients. Co-application of fertilizers and organic manures is highly beneficial. 2. Fly ash addition enriches soil trace metal availability. 3. Fly ash application at 100 t ha-1 increases plant height of onion with increase in content of boron in onion bulbs and available boron in acid soil. 4. Leguminous tree species can be successfully grown upto 20% £ly ash level. 5. monitoring of trace metals (esp. Ni & Co) in crops and tree species grown in flyash dumps is essential to avoid contamination of soil-plant-animal food chain.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Nitrogen Potassium Planofix And Karanj Cake On The Growth yield Quality of Dwarf Banana (Musa Cavendishii Lamb)(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 1997) Rana Lalloo Singh; C. SinghStudies on the effect of two levels of Nitrogen (200g, 300g), Potassium (100g, 200g), Karanj cake (500g, 1000g) and Planofix (200 ppm, 300 ppm) plant-1 were made on the growth, yield and quality of Banana cv. Cavendishi. Higher dose of Nitrogen, Potassium and Karanj cake showed better effect on growth, yield and quality of Banana on the other hand lower dose of Planofix had given better performance on above characters. The nutrients and chemicals recorded significant yield and quality of fruit either alone or in combination except the combination of karanj cake with other nutrient and chemicals. Maximum yield was recorded in case of 300 g of Nitrogen alongwith 200 ppm of Planofix with minimum yield in control. Similar trend was noted in other combinations.ThesisItem Open Access Soil Fertility and Nitrogen Economy in Legume Wheat Sequences(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 1997) Sanjay Kumar; N.K. PrasadTitle: "Soil fertility and nitrogen economy in legume-wheat sequences" With a theme to slash-down the application of nitrogen nutrient through chemical fertilizer in a crop and cropping sequence, exploitation of biological source of nitrogen, and maintaining the soil health for a sustainable crop production is a call of the day. As per 1991-92 fertilizer census, 18% short in nitrogenous fertilizers was reported. Even during 1996-97 a marked fall in (21%) production of nitrogenous fertilizers was reported in comparison to 1995-96. Hence, the present investigation was carried out to assess the contribution of legumes as a biological source of nitrogen for a stable wheat production. In the present studies, five cropping sequences, (main plot, viz: soybean-wheat, cowpea-wheat, blackgram-wheat, stylo-wheat and rice-wheat) and five nitrogen levels (sub-plot, viz: No N25, N50 N75 and N100% of the recommended dose for wheat), thus altogether twentyfive treatments were put in split plot design and replicated thrice, during 1993-94 and 1994-95. The soil of the experimental plots were Silt Loam in texture (Sand, 37.72; Silt 51.10, Clay 11.18% respectively). It was low in Organic Carbon, available N, P and medium in K with PH 6.1. The results of two years of investigation revealed that legumes in general and blackgram in particular significantly contributed towards yield and yield contributing characters in wheat. Accordingly blackgram as a preceding crop to wheat significantly produced maximum grain yield (31.32 qha") of wheat. Wheat yield obtained at 75% recommended dose of nitrogen was statistically tantamount to wheat yield received in presence of 100% Na Introduction of legumes, further enhanced the O/C (%), available N, P and K in general and blackgram in particular enriched the soil fertility in a better way over rest of the legumes. These fertility indices contributed about 95.75 to 96.84 % towards wheat yield during the respective years. The cropping sequences, comprised of legumes also harvested the maximum amount of N, P and K nutrients. Thus, soybean-wheat harvested the maximum quantity of N and P while stylo-wheat harvested the maximum quantity of K. Although, wheat grown after blackgram harvested the maximum N and P but soybean being a more proteinous component gave higher yield of nitrogen, which resulted in overall higher harvest of nitrogen by soybean-wheat sequence. Accordingly, better biomass production by stylo resulted in higher removal of K by stylo-wheat sequence. Increasing trend in N-levels also increased the nutrients removal by different cropping sequences, however, under all the situations, the interaction of cropping sequences and N-levels was not significant The balance-sheet of the fate of nutrients further revealed that under all the legumes based cropping sequences, a positive gain in nitrogen nutrients while fixation of phosphorus under all, the sequences and further gain of potassium were accounted. Though wheat after blackgram produced significantly higher yield over rest of the sequences however, in terms of wheat equivalent yield, stylo-wheat accounted for significantly maximum yield (68.59 qha ¹) due to higher biomass production, and cost of green forage yield of stylo, while application of 75% N accounted for statistically similar wheat equivalent yield (55.32 qha) to 100% N (57.20 qha"). Although, wheat after blackgram produced more protein but soybean-wheat sequence as a whole resulted in significantly higher protein harvest over rest of the sequences (718.42 Kg.ha 1), 75% of N further recorded on par protein yield to what was recorded at 100% N. Stylo-wheat sequencedue to higher biomass production resulted in the maximum production of energy which was closely followed by the energy produced by blackgram-wheat sequence. Application of 75% N resulted in higher energy productivity than it was recorded in presence of 100% N Grain yield of wheat under all the different sequences gave a linear response to nitrogen application. The wheat yield above 75% N was found to be static. Among the sequences, blackgram-wheat accounted for better yield of wheat at each level of nitrogen. Stylo-wheat sequence was more remunerative since, it accounted for maximum net return (Rs. 12,850.00 ha) as well as maximum net return to per rupee investment (1.13). Income received at 75 and 100% N was statistically equal. Performance of wheat grown after legume under 75% nitrogen was more stable since, this accounted for more grain yield over the sequence mean with regression coefficient nearer to unity (bi 1.0) and deviation from regression line resulted to zoro (0). The stability of soil nitrogen status after the completion of two years of experimentation revealed that fertility left over by legume-wheat sequence under 75 % N was more stable. Thus, wheat after blackgram under 75% nitrogen produced maximum wheat yield but in terms of wheat equivalent yield, stylo-wheat sequence resulted in more remunerative sequence over rest of the sequences which also accounted for higher energy production and net return to per rupee investment. Blackgram-wheat sequence was more stable in terms of wheat yield and nitrogen build-up in the soil system.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Planting Pattern and Nutrient Management on Forage Production of Teosinte+Ricebean Intercropping(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 1997) Shiromani Choubey; R.K.BhagatAn experiment on "Effect of planting pattern and nutrient management on forage production of toosinte ricoboan inter cropping was conducted at oires Agricultural University Forn, Kanke, Ranchi during kherif 1994 and 1995 having three levels of nutrient management (100 % of the recommanded dose to tousinte and ricaboon, 75% of the recommanded dose to toosinto and ricebean and So of the recommended dose to teosinte and ricabuan) in main plot and six planting pattern (toosinte aolo, ricebean cole, tossinte ricaboon (1:1), tousinto + cicoboon (1:2), tosintezicabean (2:1) and tooninta + zicoboan (212) in sub-plats under split plot design with three replications. Result revealed that tooninto groun in association with ricebean in 2:1 rou ratio and fertilized with 75 % of the reco ananded dose of nutrients produced the highest groan Parago (245.70 q/ha), drynatter (41.75 q/ha) and carbohydrate (19.91 /ho) yields, which were statistically at par with the treatment receiving 100 % of the recommended dose of nutziento under samo planting pattern. Hausver, the highest crude protein yield (5.24 e/he) was found from the treatment receiving 100 % of the raco mended dose of nutrient under 2:1 rou arrangement and they were superior to rest of the interactions. The interaction offect of either 100% or 75 of the recommanded dose of nuteient undor 2:1 zou ratio of teosinte and ricobaan also produced sexinus plant population and plant height. The higher levels (75 % or 100) of nutrients when combined with 1:2 stand of teosinte and ricabeun recorded aaxious number of tillors in teosinte end were significantly superior to rest of the treatment combinations. Number of nodules, affective nodules as well as dry coight of nodules/20 cm rou langth were also significantly influenced by the interaction offect of planting pattern and nutrient management, unere solo ricobean with 75% of the recommended dose of nutrient recorded the highest number of nodule, affective nodules and dry weight of nodule/20 cm rou length. But as far as dry usight of root are concerned, uhen 100 of the recomendad dose of nutrients applied either in 2:1 or 2:2 sou ratio produced maximus dry weight of root in toosinto. Ibuover,in ricobaan either 75% or 100% of the recommanded dose of nutrients produced maximum dry weight of root under 212 rou ratio. significantly highest root langth in toosinte vas recorded uhen crop received 100% of the recommended dose of nutrients under toosinte ricobaan in 2:1 rou arrangemant. Hovaver ricebean recorded the highest root length with 75% of the recommended dose of nutriont, under sane planting pattern. The lateral root spread was found highest when toosinte ricobean arranged in 1:1 rou ratio and receiving 100% of the recommended dose of nutrients in both teosinte and recobean. Teosinte ricoboon in 2:1 zou ratie fertilized with 100% of the recommanded dose of nutrient gove maximum yield advantage with LEH value of 1.54. The interaction of teosinte soon in 1:1 zou arrangement with 75 of the recommended dase of nutrients should mininua competitive ratio value of 1.10 and 1.02 of teosinte and ricabean respectively followed by tepointe ricobaan in 2:2 zou ratio under sone level of nutri ants having least competitive ratio value of teosinte (1.14) and ricebean (0.90). Teosinte grown in association with ricabean in 2:1 rou ratio and fertilized with 75% of the recommended dose of nutrient gove maximus not return (Rs.7,605/ha), bonafit:cost ratio (1.99), par day return (Ro.201.43/ha) and monetary advan toge (Rs.5,609/ha) and all thean economic parameters vere statistically at par with the crop receiving 100% of the recommended dose of nutrients under sabe rou arrangement (except not return) and they were significantly superior to rest of the trostount combinations. Toosinto ricobson soun in 2:1 rou ratio and fertilized with 75% of the recommended dose of nutrient resulted with significantly highest gross (74,628 R3/ha) and not (66,773 83/ha) energy output. Similarly, maximum energy use efficiency (8.56) and energy productivity (527.67 gm3/ha) were also recorded in 2:1 rou ratio receiving 75% of the recommended dose of nutrients and were statistically alike with toopinto rice bean soun in 2:1 rou ratio and fertilized with 50% of the recommended dose of nutrients, and also with toosinto rice bean count in 212 rou arrangement and receiving either 100 or 75% of the recommended dose of nutrients. Planting pattern, nutrient management and their inter actions did not show significant differences in soil pH after harvest of the crop. Combination of teosinte ricebean in 2:1 row ratio and fertilized with 100 % of the recommended dose of nutrients exhibited the highest organic carbon content (0.59%) available phosphorus (44,15 kg P205/ha) and potash (42.40 kg K20/ha) in soil after harvest of the crop. However maximum soil available nitrogen at harvest uas recorded in ricoboan solo followed by teosinte (Euchleena mexicana Schred) + rice boan (Viona umbellata (Thumb.) Ohui and Ohashi) in 2:2 rou ratio receiving 75% of the recommended dose of nutrients. The balance sheet of nutrients indicated positive balance of nitrogen and potash and negative balance in phosphorus after harvest of thThesisItem Open Access Fertility Variations in an Alfisol As Influenced By Continuous cropping and Fertilizer Use(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 1997) Mukesh Kumar; K.P.SinghThere is little doubt that achieving self-sufficiency in food grain production will continue to be the major thurst of Indian agriculture in the next two decades. But, this increased production has been offset mainly by a parallel growth in population resulting in only marginal increases in per capita availability of food grains. It is now It is now recognized that a positive inter relationship exists between fertilizer consumption and food grain production. But, sustaining soil fertility demands a more rational and balanced use of plant nutrients. In intensive agriculture, where nutrient turnover in soil-plant system is large, integrated use of organics and inorganics has shown excellent results in a wide variety of soils. Long term monitoring of soil fertility have shown a gradual decline with emergence of secondary and micro-nutrient deficiencies with unfavourable soil physical and biological environments. On the above background, it was considered pertinent to study "Fertility variations in an Alfisols as influenced by continuous cropping and fertilizer use" in Long Term Fert. Expt. of I.C.A.R. at Ranchi Centre. Soil samples from each plot were collected before sowing of wheat and after harvest of wheat (1993-94) and before sowing of wheat (1994-95) and analyzed for different soil properties and forms of nutrients in soil. Grain and straw samples of soybean and wheat crops were analysed for uptake of plant nutrients. Total uptake of N.P.K. 9 and Zn by soybean wheat sequence was highest in 100% NPK+FYM treatment. This was similar to that in 100% NPK+11me plots but significantly higher than 100% NPK plots. In N and NP plots, plant nutrient uptake values were low. Oranic manuring and liming, along with recommended levels of NPK fertilizers improved physical conditions of soil. Imbalanced use of plant nutrients N (PX) (K) resulted in decreased, geometric mean diameter and available soil moisture content in soil. Among the soil nitrogen forms, Amino-N. Serine+Threonine N and Hexose-N in soil showed higher levels in NPX+FYM plot compared to those in NPK and NPK+lime plot. Bulk of the total sulphur in soil was in organically bound form. 0.15% CaCl₂ ext. 5 in soil was highest in 100% N (S) PK+W plot followed by that in 100% NPK + FYM plot. In N and NP treated plots, water soulbe, exchangeable and IN HNO3 ext. X content were considerably lower compared to NPK, NPK+FYM and NPK+Lime plots. DTPA-Zinc in soil showed decline with lime application. NPK+FYM plots maintained higher available zinc contents in soil compared to N, NP, NPK, NPK+Lime plots.ThesisItem Open Access Induced Mutation Studies In Indian Mustard (Brassica Juncea L)(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 1997) Arun Kumar; Z.A.HaiderIndian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) is predominant in Indian subcontinent among different forms of oleiferous Brassicas due to its wider adaptability, more productivity and better tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Recent studies have shown that the productivity of Indian mustard is still far behind most of the European countries. Mustard oil, due to the presence of high amount of undesirable long chain fatty acid, like, erucic and eicosenoic acids, is characterized as inferior in quality with respect to most other vegetable oils. Linolenic acid is another undesirable fatty acid which causes taste impairment during storage and reduces shelf-life of the oil. Besides, increasing seed yield, modification in fatty acid composition and increasing oil content has recently been a major goal of oilseed breeders. Induction of mutation in Brassica species through physical or chemical mutagens have been found to contribute substantially towards widening the genetic base of variability for the characters of economic significance. In view of this, the present project was undertaken during rabi seasons of 1994-95 and 1995-96 in a randomized block design with three replications using two well adopted varieties of Indian mustard (Varuna and BR-40).The treatments consisted of 50kR, 60KR, 70KR. 80 kR, 98 kR and 100 KR of gamma rays, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1.0% and 1.2% v/v of EMS and 50 KR + 0.2% EMS, 60 kR+ 0.2% EMS, 70 KR + 0.2% EMS, 80 KR + 0.2% EMS, 90 KR + 0.2% EMS and 100 KR + 0.2% EMS of combination treatments. The study included induced variability for different yield and yield attributes in M₁ and M₂ generations. Frequency and spectrum of different chlorophyll mutations and effectiveness and efficiency of different mutagens were computed based on chlorophyll mutation. Oil content and fatty acid composition was estimated using the seeds of M₂ generation by pulsed NMR and gas liquid chromatograph, respectively. In M₁ generation there was reduction in germination, seedling growth (root and shoot length) survival and pollen fertility with the increase in dose of the mutagens used. EMS proved to have more deleterious effect than gamma rays or the combination treatments. Variety BR-40 was more sensitive to mutagens than the other variety Varuna. Differential response of the two varieties (Varuna and BR-40) to different mutagens could be observed in both the generations. Lower doses of gamma rays and higher doses of EMS and combination treatments in Varuna, higher doses of gamma rays and combination treatments and lower doses of EMS in BR-40, induced maximum variability for a number of quantitative characters in both M₁ and M₂ generations. In M₂ generation, frequency of chlorophyll mutations was more in EMS treated population of Varuna whereas in BR-40, it was more mutants in gamma irradiated isolated were: Albina, Xantha, The Viridis, Marginata, Variegated, Maculata and Sectoral. Among the chlorophyll mutants, Marginata Lower respect was more frequently observed in both the doses of mutagens were more effective and varieties. Efficient to chlorophyll mutation than the higher doses. Further that, EMS was more effective than gamma rays. Bidirectional shift in oil content and fatty acid compositions of both the varieties have beenrecorded in different mutagenic treatment. Considerable one have also been recorded which can well be used in future breeding programme.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Effect of Foliar Spray of Potassium, Calcium, Zinc And Gibberellin Acid On The Reproduction Growth Fruit-Set, Yield And Quality Of Guava (psidium Guajava L.) Cv Allahabad Safeda(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 1997) Sheoprasonna Kumar; C.SinghGuava (Psidium guajava L.), the apple of tropics, belongs to family myrtaceae, is one of the most common fruit in India. It claims to be the fourth position in area and production after mango, banana and citrus and Bihar ranks next to Uttar Pradesh. Being a native of tropical America, it is widely grown in most parts of our country. It has attained a respectable place and popularity amongst the dietary list of common people in the country. Availability of the fruits for a longer part of the year at moderate price provides a chance of fresh fruits for consumption. As it is evident that the soil of Chotanagpur is acidic and gravely in nature i.e. course textured sandy. soil, hence it has maximum leaching capacity. If nutrients are added into the soil, the absorption is delayed and scanty. In such circumstances, growth as well as production will be insufficient. In recent years variety of chemicals in solution form are directly applied as foliar spray since they are readily absorbed and utilized more efficiently. This method is more convenient, gives quicker response and permits accurate timings of the resultant effects. Moreover, soil application is enormous uneconomical, hence it can be replaced by spray application of smaller doses. In spite of all above facts the cultivators of Chotanagpur and Santhal Parganas have no authentic informations regarding the impact of various nutrients and growth regulators in cultivation of guava for maximum return at minimum cost. Thus, in view of the above, an endeavour was made to study the effect of K, Ca, Zn and GA3, on the reproductive growth, fruit-set, yield and quality of guava. The present investigation was carried out at the Horticulture Garden of the Department of Horticulture, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi. The experiment was laidout in Randomised Block Design with twelve treatments and it was replicated thrice. Single plant was treated as a single plot. The result of foliar spray on guava indicated that CAN+ GA, 150 ppm and CAN + GA, 200 ppm were the best treatments to get maximum yield and best quality of fruits such as physical as well as chemical alongwith organoleptic scores of fruits in comparison to control. The next treatments which showed better performance in enhancing the yield as well as quality of fruits, were CAN + GA3, 100 ppm and CAN + ZnSo4. 1.5 percent. On the basis of results obtained it may be concluded that GA3, 150 ppm become the best treatment to get maximum yield and best quality of fruits just followed by GA, 200 ppm. GA, 100 ppm and ZnSo, 1.5 percent showed very satisfactory results in respect of yield and quality of fruits and these are at par to each other. Hence on the basis of results obtained the spray of GA, 100-150 ppm and ZnSo4. 1.5 per cent may be recommended to the growers for better production of guava with best quality of fruits.ThesisItem Open Access Genotype X Environment Interaction In Brinjal(Solanum Melongena L.)(Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, 1997) Dev Kumar Das; S.S.P.VermaBrinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a popular crop and is being cultivated throughout the year, 1.e. kharif, rabi and summer seasons in the Chotanagpur region. There is also a great variation for most of the quantitative as well as qualitative plant characters in these vegetable crops. Thirty diverse brinjal cultivars including some locals and national check varieties were taken to study genotype x environmental interaction and variability under three environments of soving viz., kharif, rabi and summer during the year 1993-94, to explore the genotypic and phenotypic variability present and to screen out suitable stable brinjal cultivars over the environments. The field experiment was carried out in simple randomized complete block design with three replications for each environments and subsequently pooled analysis was done after Eberhart and Russell (1966), to study the genotype x environment interactions. Thirteen quantitative plant characters as well as percentage of mortality and fruit borer infestation (X) were also studied. The variety IIHR-253, having least mortality percentage (3.0) was considered to most resistant cultivar, while IIHR-255 with highest mortality (40.2%) was found to be most succeptible against wilt. The fruit borer infestation was lowest in Ramnagar Giant (6.19%), while the variety IIHR-295 gave the highest fruit borer infestation (24.58%) and as such they were considered as most resistant and most succeptible brinjal varieties respective ly, for fruit borer infestation. Some qualitative plant characteristics for their identification. The varietal differences were found to be significant for most of the plant characters. The vegetative plant characters was found to be more in the kharif season, while most of the fruit characters gave greater expression in the rabi season. The environmental indices also indicated rabi season to be the best. The pooled analysis revealed significant genotype x environment interactions for all characters, except for plant area. There was significant environmental differences between kharif, rabi and summer sown crops. The variety L-4 gave the highest fruit yield of 220.09 g/ha, which was an increase of 57.87 per cent over nation al check variety T-3 (139.41 g/ha). The varieties, namely, L-4, Pant Rituraj, Ramnagar Giant, IIHR-272 and IIHR-279 were found the most stable brinjal cultivars over three environments for fruit yield per plant, while, Aushay, Barsati Tohfa, IIHR-251 and Improved Muktakeshi were found to be stable with high mean for fruit yield(q/ha). On the basis of mean performance the highest performing varieties for most of the plant characters were not found to be stable. The varieties, White Round, Aushay, Improved Muktakeshi and IIHR-286 for fruit yield per plant and L-4, L-1, IIHR-253 and Neelam long for fruit yield g/ha (bi>1 and S2di=0), were predicted as better cultivars for rabi seasons. In the variability studies, few plant characters, namely, leaf area, average fruit weight, fruit width and fruit yield (q/ha) may be considered for phenotypic selection. Selections during rabi season may be more effective. Morphological differentiation between the cultivars was mostly noted for presence of spines on leaf and stem, hairy and non-hairyness of stem, fruit colour and fruit shape.
