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Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur

The Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) was established on 12th June 1964 at Hyderabad. The University was formally inaugurated on 20th March 1965 by Late Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India. Another significant milestone was the inauguration of the building programme of the university by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi,the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India on 23rd June 1966. The University was renamed as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University on 7th November 1996 in honour and memory of an outstanding parliamentarian Acharya Nayukulu Gogineni Ranga, who rendered remarkable selfless service for the cause of farmers and is regarded as an outstanding educationist, kisan leader and freedom fighter. HISTORICAL MILESTONE Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) was established under the name of Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) on the 12th of June 1964 through the APAU Act 1963. Later, it was renamed as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University on the 7th of November, 1996 in honour and memory of the noted Parliamentarian and Kisan Leader, Acharya N. G. Ranga. At the verge of completion of Golden Jubilee Year of the ANGRAU, it has given birth to a new State Agricultural University namely Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University with the bifurcation of the state of Andhra Pradesh as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014. The ANGRAU at LAM, Guntur is serving the students and the farmers of 13 districts of new State of Andhra Pradesh with renewed interest and dedication. Genesis of ANGRAU in service of the farmers 1926: The Royal Commission emphasized the need for a strong research base for agricultural development in the country... 1949: The Radhakrishnan Commission (1949) on University Education led to the establishment of Rural Universities for the overall development of agriculture and rural life in the country... 1955: First Joint Indo-American Team studied the status and future needs of agricultural education in the country... 1960: Second Joint Indo-American Team (1960) headed by Dr. M. S. Randhawa, the then Vice-President of Indian Council of Agricultural Research recommended specifically the establishment of Farm Universities and spelt out the basic objectives of these Universities as Institutional Autonomy, inclusion of Agriculture, Veterinary / Animal Husbandry and Home Science, Integration of Teaching, Research and Extension... 1963: The Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) Act enacted... June 12th 1964: Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) was established at Hyderabad with Shri. O. Pulla Reddi, I.C.S. (Retired) was the first founder Vice-Chancellor of the University... June 1964: Re-affilitation of Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Hyderabad (estt. in 1961, affiliated to Osmania University), Agricultural College, Bapatla (estt. in 1945, affiliated to Andhra University), Sri Venkateswara Agricultural College, Tirupati and Andhra Veterinary College, Tirupati (estt. in 1961, affiliated to Sri Venkateswara University)... 20th March 1965: Formal inauguration of APAU by Late Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India... 1964-66: The report of the Second National Education Commission headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, Chairman of the University Grants Commission stressed the need for establishing at least one Agricultural University in each Indian State... 23, June 1966: Inauguration of the Administrative building of the university by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi, the then Hon`ble Prime Minister of India... July, 1966: Transfer of 41 Agricultural Research Stations, functioning under the Department of Agriculture... May, 1967: Transfer of Four Research Stations of the Animal Husbandry Department... 7th November 1996: Renaming of University as Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University in honour and memory of an outstanding parliamentarian Acharya Nayukulu Gogineni Ranga... 15th July 2005: Establishment of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU) bifurcating ANGRAU by Act 18 of 2005... 26th June 2007: Establishment of Andhra Pradesh Horticultural University (APHU) bifurcating ANGRAU by the Act 30 of 2007... 2nd June 2014 As per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014, ANGRAU is now... serving the students and the farmers of 13 districts of new State of Andhra Pradesh with renewed interest and dedication...

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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    GENETIC STUDIES IN EXTRA LARGE SEEDED KABULI CHICKPEA (Cicer arietinum L.)
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) GEETHANJALI, D; SUDHARANI, M
    The present investigation entitled “Genetic studies in extra large seeded kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)” was carried at RARS, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh, India during rabi 2016-17 with an aim to evaluate 30 kabuli genotypes to assess the genetic diversity among the genotypes, to estimate the genetic parameters and to understand the relationship of various yield attributing and quality traits with yield. Evaluation of 30 chickpea genotypes for seed size revealed that among the tested extra-large seeded kabulis with more than 50 g of 100 seed weight, the genotypes viz., NBeG-833, NBeG-836, NBeG-805, RVSSG- 37, NBeG-460 and PG- 12407 showed significant superiority for seed yield compared to the best check PKV-4 under rainfed condition. Similarly, under irrigated condition, the genotypes viz., NBeG-842, NBeG-833 and NBeG-836 found to be performed well over the best check MNK-1 with respect to yield and more than 50 g of 100 seed weight too. Under both the circumstances, the entries viz., NBeG-833 and NBeG-836 were found to be promising compared to their respective best checks PKV-4 and MNK-1. Hence, these genotypes could be tested in multi locations over years to study their stability in performance and suitable genotypes may be identified and recommended for commercial cultivation in Andhra Pradesh. Thus, these genotypes might be further tested in different environments over years to study their stability and suitability, so that the best genotype could be recommended for commercial cultivation in Andhra Pradesh besides utilizing in the breeding programmes. Study of genetic variability revealed higher opportunities to improve seed yield per plant, number of pods per plant, shoot biomass, 100 seed weight, protein content, 100 grain volume, water absorption after soaking, volume expansion after soaking and cooking time for soaked seeds, as they showed high heritability coupled high genetic advance as per cent of mean. This indicated these characters are more amenable for improvement through selection as they appeared to be predominantly controlled by additive gene effects and found to be least influenced by environment. Diversity studies grouped the tested material into five distinct clusters. Promising genotypes with high per se performance and genetic divergence were NBeG 831 from cluster II, RVSSG- 37, NBeG-459, CSJK- 25, NBeG-840, PKV-4 from cluster III, KAK- 2 from cluster IV and Vihar from cluster V under rainfed condition. However, under irrigated, genotypes RVSSG- 37 from cluster II, NBeG-840, CSJK- 25, CSJK- 24, MNK- 1, NBeG-459 from cluster III, NBeG-833 from cluster IV and KAK- 2, Vihar, ICCV- 15308 from cluster V were found more divergent. Hence, these lines could be used in hybridization program to realize transgressive segregants for various characters. Correlation studies among yield and yield attributing traits revealed that under rainfed condition, seed yield exhibited positive and significant association with days to 50 per cent flowering, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, shoot biomass per plant and harvest index. Whereas, under irrigated condition, days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, shoot biomass per plant and harvest index had significant positive association with yield. Therefore, it could be inferred that selection based on these traits either in combination or alone will help in identifying lines having more yield potential. Correlation studies among quality traits revealed that under both the situations, the traits viz., seed diameter, 100 grain volume, water absorption after soaking, volume expansion after soaking, cooking time for soaked seeds and cooking time for raw seeds showed positive and significant association among themselves and with 100 seed weight. So, attention may be focused on the genotypes that had large grain but with shortest cooking time to meet the consumer demands. The study also revealed that selection for high yield should be based on shoot biomass per plant and harvest index in kabuli chickpea under both the conditions as these traits were major direct contributors to the seed yield as it was witnessed from their high direct and indirect effects as well via various other traits. From the overall investigation, it is inferred that there is a greater scope to develop high yielding kabuli chickpeas with extra- large seed type by utilizing the most divergent genotypes viz., RVSSG- 37, NBeG-459 and NBeG-840 and selecting the elite lines based on shoot biomass per plant, harvest index, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed diameter and 100 grain volume would make it possible to accomplish the objective.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    GENETIC STUDIES FOR AMENABILITY TO COMBINE HARVESTING IN CHICKPEA (Cicer arietinum L.)
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) BADABAGNI, VISHNU; JAYALAKSHMI, V
    The present investigation entitled “Genetic studies for amenability to combine harvesting in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)” was carried out during rabi, 2016-17 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh, India to identify elite high yielding chickpea genotypes amenable to machine harvesting and also to study extent of genetic variability, genetic diversity and trait associations both under rainfed and irrigated situations. Thirty chickpea genotypes were evaluated in Randomized Block design with three replications each under rainfed and irrigated (two supplemental irrigations) conditions. The variability among the genotypes is highly significant for angle of primary branch, height of the first pod , days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, SPAD Chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR), number of pods per plant, shoot biomass per plant, seed yield , 100 seed weight, protein content of grain under rainfed and irrigated conditions except for harvest index under irrigated condition. Elite genotypes with high per se performance, under irrigated and rainfed conditions which are amenable to combine harvest are NBeG 780, NBeG 857, NBeG 47, NBeG 863 and BG 3061. Exclusively under rainfed condition DBGV 3104 and NBeG 865 are noteworthy. Study of genetic variability revealed that height of the first pod, days to 50 per cent flowering, number of primary branches per plant and number of secondary branches per plant under both rainfed and irrigated conditions and plant height under irrigated condition exhibited high to moderate variability, high heritability and high expected genetic gain under selection suggesting that the selection for these traits will be effective for obtaining superior yielding genotypes with amenability to mechanical harvesting. Genetic divergence studies clearly distinguished 30 genotypes into five clusters under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. Promising genotypes along with high per se performance viz., NBeG 780, NBeG 857, NBeG 47, NBeG 863 and BG 3061 of cluster I in rainfed and cluster II in irrigated, GBM 2 of cluster II in rainfed and cluster I in xiv irrigated, ICCL 85213 and NBeG 865 of cluster III in rainfed, DBGV 3104 of cluster I under rainfed and GL 12021 of cluster V under both rainfed and irrigated are suggested to utilize in crossing programs to breed for high yield with amenability to combine harvesting. Correlation analysis revealed that number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, shoot biomass, harvest index and 100 seed weight exhibited positive and highly significant association with seed yield and also among themselves under rainfed as well as irrigated conditions. On the other hand, the association of height of first pod, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity were negative and significant with seed yield under both the conditions. Whereas, some deviation was observed in angle of the primary branches under irrigated condition and SCMR under rainfed condition where significant positive correlation was recorded. It is suggested that breeding for high yield should consider optimum crop growth period depending on moisture status of the soil. Major emphasis to be laid on shoot biomass and harvest index as evidenced from their high direct effects and indirect effects on seed yield with other correlated traits viz., number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and 100 seed weight. Despite significant negative correlation with seed yield, phenological traits days to flowering and days to maturity also exhibited indirect negative effects by two important traits viz., shoot biomass and harvest index. Thus in chickpea growing areas of Andhra Pradesh which are characterized by shorter growing season and where rainfall is rarely received during crop growth period, short duration varieties which mature before terminal soil moisture stress should be developed. The inter se association between traits like days to flowering and maturity, shoot biomass, harvest index and seed yield should be considered carefully in breeding programmes to breed varieties with matching duration of crop growth for rainfed areas and also to areas where facilities for supplemental irrigation are available.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDIES ON FUSARIAL WILT OF CHILLI (Capsicum annuum L.)
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) VIJAY KUMAR, V; SARADA JAYALAKSHMI DEVI, R
    The present investigation on “Studies on Fusarial Wilt of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)” was carried out in order to assess the prevalence of Fusarium wilt in major chilli growing mandals of Kurnool, Prakasam and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh, to find the variability among 19 isolates at morphological and molecular level, and to evaluate the native bio control agents against Fusarium wilt in vitro. The results obtained are summarized below: Survey conducted in three districts revealed that incidence of Fusarial wilt was more in Kurnool district (30.78 %), followed by Prakasam district (26.36 %) and least was recorded in Guntur district (19.2 %). Nineteen pathogen isolates were collected and the fungus associated with the wilt disease in chilli was isolated by tissue segment method and was identified as Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. by morphological and molecular characterization. Pathogenicity of the fungus F. solani was proved by soil inoculation and root dip inoculation methods using three week(four leaf stage) old susceptible chilli (cv. Jyothi) seedlings. Assessment for variability in morphological characters such as radial growth, colony character, pigmentation, micro and macroconidia lengths and septation was done. The length × breadth of the macroconidia usually varied between 15-37.5μm x 2.5-4μm and that of the microconidia was around 2.5-15μm x 2-3μm among the isolates. The septation of the macroconidia was 3 to 5 and the microconidia were usually aseptate or single septate, formed singly. DNA isolation was done and molecular characterization was performed by using Fusarium genus specific ITS primers Fu-1f and Fu-1r, products were in the size range of 466 bp and sequences exhibited a high level of identity for F. solani. Sequences were deposited in GenBank under accession number KX581731 to KX581749.A Phylogenetic tree inferred from ITS2 rDNA region sequences and generated from the neighbor joining (NJ) method illustrated that all the F. solani species clearly form a single distinct clade, and this result was supported by a high bootstrap value. Almost no variation was observed among the sequences of F. solani isolates, which clustered in a single group with 100% homology. Additionally, little variation existed within the ITS region sequences of the F. solani isolates, except for the KX581731 (Yerragondapalem) and KX581735 (Ramallakota) isolates. A total of twenty Trichoderma isolates, thirty two Pseudomonas isolates and twelve Bacillus isolates were obtained from rhizosphere samples. Potential Trichoderma sp. (T4) was identified as T. harzianum by National Fungal Culture Collection of India (NFCCI), Agharker Research Institute, Pune. Potential bacterial bio control agents were identified by molecular tools i.e., 16S rDNA specific target primers viz., fP1 and rP2 which resulted in a fragment in the size range of 1300 bp, and sequences exhibited a high level of identity for P. aeruginosa and B. cereus respectively, deposited in GenBank under accession number KX581726 to KX581730. In vitro studies, using biocontrol agents against test pathogen F. solani in dual culture techniques revealed Trichoderma isolate T4, Pseudomonas isolate P18 and Bacillus isolate B11 showed maximum inhibition of growth of F. solani by 86.15 %, 85 %and 66.94 %. Of the twenty seven treatments, there was no disease incidence in the treatments T23 (seedling application of all three potential bioagents) and also improved the growth of chilli seedlings when compared to control. Among six individual treatments with biocontrol agents either seedling treatment or soil application, fungal bioagentT. harzianum (isolate T4) showed minimum per cent disease incidence. Combined application of biocontrol agents, maximum reduction was observed in treatment T23 (seedling application of all three potential bioagents) in which there was no disease incidence. PDI was recorded coupled with vigorous growth of chilli seedlings followed by T24 (seedling and soil treatment of three potential biocontrol agents) where PDI recorded as 2.2. Statistically significant increase (12.13 mm) in the root length of chilli seedlings was observed in treatment T23 i.e., seedling application of consortium containing three potential bioagents, but in the case of shoot length,treatment T24 (seedling and soil treatment of three potential biocontrol agents) recorded highest (35.16 mm). The treatment T21 (soil application of T. harzianum + B. cereus) recorded a highest fresh weight & dry weight i.e., 68.06 g & 32.16 g respectively followed by the treatments T13 (seedling application of P. aeruginosa + soil application of B. cereus) and T14 (seedling application of B. cereus + soil application of T. harzianum) which were significantly on par with T21 indicating no significant difference. To conclude, integration of seedling and soil application involving compatible native biocontrol agents like T4, P18 and B11 resulted not only in controlling the wilt disease but also growth promotion of chilli seedlings.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    GENETIC DIVERGENCE AND ASSOCIATION STUDIES IN SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus L.)
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) MADHAVI LATHA, K; DURGA PRASAD, A.V.S.
    The present research investigation on “Genetic divergence and association studies in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)” was carried out during rabi, 2016-17 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal with 70 genotypes replicated thrice. The results of ANOVA indicated the presence of highly significant differences among the genotypes indicating the existence of genetic variability in the material studied. The traits viz., number of achenes per head and achene yield recorded higher values of GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean implying their scope for genetic improvement through simple selection strategies. The results of D2 analysis had shown maximum inter-cluster distance between clusters VI and VIII, II and VIII, III and X, III and VIII in the decreasing order of magnitude. Canonical root analysis revealed that selection of traits viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of leaves per plant, autogamy per cent, volume weight, hull content and oil content in the genotypes will result in harnessing of transgressive segregants upon hybridization. Based on the results of per se performance and divergence studies identified the genotypes DRM-342, R-45, CPI-1, NDI-16 and CMS-17B were identified as promising genotypes to be included in future crossing programmes. The correlation studies showed a positively significant association of achene yield per plant with plant height, number of leaves per plant, head diameter, 100 achene weight, volume weight, oil content and leaf area index implying these traits may be employed as selection criteria in sunflower breeding. The path analysis revealed higher positive direct effect of 100 achene weight alone on achene yield suggesting the importance of direct selection for this trait. While the traits plant height, number of leaves per plant, head diameter, volume weight, oil content and leaf area index had shown lower direct effects on achene yield with high indirect effects via 100 achene weight. Based on the results as a whole, the studies identified that the genotypes viz, DRM-342, R-45, CPI-1, NDI-16 and CMS-17B as promising for majority of the traits studied implying the scope for utilization as potential parents in future breeding programmes. The traits number of achenes per head and achene yield with higher estimates of variability parameters can be improved through simple selection strategies. Association studies through correlation and path analysis reported that the trait 100 achene weight alone showed high positive direct effect on achene yield indicating its scope of direct selection for this trait in genetic improvement of sunflower.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    PERFORMANCE OF SORGHUM HYBRIDS UNDER DIFFERENT NITROGEN LEVELS IN RICE-FALLOW CONDITIONS OF NORTH COASTAL A.P.
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) SRI SAI SIDDARTHA NAIK, B; RAMANA MURTHY, K.V.
    A field experiment entitled “Pe rformance of Sorghum hybrids under diffe rent nitrogen levels in rice-fallow conditions of North coastal A.P.” was conducted at Agricultural College Farm, Naira in a sandy loam soil during rabi 2016-17 to identify the suitable hybrid(s) and optimum dose of nitrogen for higher growth and yield and economics of sorghum under rice-fallows of this zone. The treatments comprised combination of four sorghum hybrids viz., V1- CSH 15R, V2- CSH 16, V3- CSH 25 and V4- MLSH 296 and four nitrogen levels viz., N1- 0 kg N ha-1, N2-80 kg N ha-1, N3- 100 kg N ha-1 and N4-120 kg N ha-1 laid out in Split plot design with three replications. The results of the trial revealed that growth parameters (plant height and dry matter production) pertaining to CSH 25 (V3) were the highest while the lowest growth of rice fallow sorghum were recorded with MLSH 296 (V4). At all stages of observation, growth parameters obtained were highest with N4 (120 kg ha-1) followed by N3 (100 kg ha-1).The lowest growth was recorded with N1 (0 kg ha-1). Interaction effect revealed that plant height was highest with the hybrid CSH 16 at 120 kg N ha-1(V2N4) and for dry matter was highest with the hybrid CSH 25 at 120 kg Nha-1(V3N4). Regarding yield attributes, number of panicles m-2 was non-significant both for hybrids as well as N levels. Panicle length with CSH 16 (V2) and with the highest nitrogen level (N4) was significantly superior as compared to all the other treatments. Number of grains per panicle obtained with CSH 25 (V3) was significantly higher than all the other hybrids and lowest with CSH 15R (V1). Application of 120 kg N ha-1 (N4) recorded significantly higher number of grains per panicle but was comparable with (N3) and the highest with the combination V2N4.Test weight of hybrids did not differ and at 120 kg ha-1 (N4) was significantly superior as compared to all N levels. Grain yield of sorghum obtained with CSH 25 (V3) was significantly higher than all the other hybrids except CSH 16 (V2) and lowest was with CSH 15R (V1). Yield obtained at highest nitrogen level (N4) was significantly superior followed by N3 and N2 while lowest was obtained with N1. Stover yield obtained with CSH 15R (V1) and at the highest nitrogen level (N4) were significantly superior to all the treatments. Harvest index was highest with MLSH -296 and with 120 Kg ha-1. Nitrogen uptake by grain and stover showed that CSH 25 (V3) was higher than all other hybrids and with N levels was highest with N4. Agronomic efficiency and physiological efficiency of nitrogen was found to be superior with V3 which clearly indicated the efficiency of that particular hybrid. At harvest, soil nitrogen recorded with CSH 16 (V2 )and at N4 was significantly superior as compared to all the other the levels. Economics registered with hybrid CSH 25 and highest nitrogen level of nitrogen (N4) was significantly higher and the lowest was recorded with CSH 15R. Hence, it can be concluded sorghum can be successfully grown by choosing hybrid CSH 25 and with application of 120 kg N ha-1 for obtaining the highest yield under rice fallow conditions of North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT IN RABI SESAME FOR NORTH COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) DEEPTHI, CH; RAMANA, A.V.
    A field experiment entitled “Nutrient management in rabi sesame for North-Coastal Andhra Pradesh” was conducted at Agricultural College Farm, Naira, on sandy loam soils during rabi, 2016-2017. The treatments consisted of four levels of NPK viz., M1-100% RDF (40:20:20 kg NPK ha-1), M2 (75% RDF), M3 (125% RDF) and M4 (75% RDF + 25% nitrogen through vermicompost) which were assigned to main plots and four foliar nutrition treatments viz., control (F1), foliar application of 19:19:19 @ 1.0% at early budding stage (F2), foliar application of KNO3 @ 1.0% at early budding stage (F3) and foliar application of 19:19:19 @ 1.0% at early budding stage followed by 1.0% KNO3 at early capsule formation stage (F4) were assigned to sub plots. The design adopted was split-plot and each treatment replicated thrice. Significantly taller plants were noticed at all the intervals of sampling with the highest dose of NPK supplied to soil (M3). While, foliar feeding of nutrients failed to exert significant influence on plant height at 20 and 40 DAS. Foliar application of 19:19:19 @ 1.0% at early budding stage followed by 1.0% KNO3 at early capsule formation stage (F4) recorded the tallest plants at 60 DAS and at maturity. The interaction effect between soil application of varied levels of NPK and foliar feeding nutrients was not significant. At all the intervals of sampling, significantly higher drymatter accumulation was obtained with M3. Foliar feeding of nutrients did not exert any influence at 20 and 40 DAS whereas, application of 19:19:19 @ 1.0% through foliar feeding at early budding stage followed by 1.0% KNO3 at early capsule formation stage (F4) registered the highest drymatter accumulation at 60 DAS and at maturity. With regard to interaction effect, the highest drymatter accumulation at maturity was noticed with M3 at F4 which was however, on par with F2 at the same level of NPK applied to soil (M3). Soil application of the highest dose of NPK (M3) produced significantly higher number of branches plant-1 at 60 DAS and at maturity. Among the foliar feeding treatments, maximum number of branches plant-1 was recorded with F4. With regard to interaction effect between soil application of NPK and foliar feeding of nutrients, M3 at F4 recorded significantly higher values. Maximum number of leaves plant-1 and leaf area index were recorded with the highest level of NPK applied to soil (M3) whereas, foliar application of nutrients did not alter number of leaves plant-1 significantly. However, significantly higher values for leaf area index were noticed due to foliar feeding of 19:19:19 @ 1.0% at early budding stage followed by 1.0% KNO3 at early capsule formation stage (F4). Number of days to 50 % flowering and days to maturity did not alter significantly either due to soil application of varied levels of NPK or foliar feeding of nutrients or their interaction. Larger yield structure, comprised of number of capsules plant-1, capsule length, number of seeds capsule-1 and test weight were observed due to application of the highest dose of NPK applied to soil (M3), while they were found to be the lowest with the lowest level of NPK tried (M2). Application of F4 produced significantly superior yield attributes compared to rest of the foliar nutrition treatments. The interaction effect was found to be significant only for number of capsules plant-1 and the highest values were recorded with M3 at F4. Maximum seed and stalk yield were obtained with the highest dose of NPK applied to soil (M3). Among foliar feeding treatments, application of F4 recorded the highest seed and stalk yield. With regard to interaction effect, M3 at F4 recorded higher values which were however, on par with F2. Harvest index could not be altered significantly either due to soil application of varied levels of NPK or foliar feeding of nutrients while, the interaction effect between these two factors was also absent. With regard to quality parameters viz., protein content, oil content and oil yield, significantly higher values were associated with the highest level of NPK applied to soil (M3). Maximum values for quality parameters were recorded with foliar application of F4. The interaction effect between these two factors was found absent. Significantly higher uptake of N, P and K by seed and stalk were registered with application of the highest dose of NPK tried (M3). As regards foliar application, F4 recorded maximum uptake of NPK which was however, comparable with F3 and which in turn found parity with F2 in case of N uptake by seed. The interaction effect between varied levels of NPK applied to soil and foliar feeding of nutrients was not statistically measurable. The highest gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio was obtained with the highest dose of NPK supplied to soil (M3). As regards foliar nutrition, F4 recorded maximum gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio. With regard to the interaction effect, maximum gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio was observed with M3 at F4 which was however, found on par with F2 at same level of NPK supplied (M3). Overall, the results revealed that maximum seed yield, stalk yield, gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio obtained with the highest level of NPK applied to soil (M3) and supplemented with F4 which were however, found parity with F2 at the same level of NPK application to soil (M3) indicating the sufficiency of one foliar application of 19:19:19 @ 1.0% (F2) along with the highest dose of NPK (125% RDF), which is the best and the most economical nutrient management package for rabi sesame in North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF SEED INVIGORATION TREATMENTS ON FIELD PERFORMANCE AND STORABILITY OF AGED SEED OF GREENGRAM [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) LEELAVATHI, M; PADMA, V
    The present investigation entitled “Effect of seed invigoration treatments on field performance and storability of aged seed of greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]” was carried out at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Jangamaheswarapuram, Guntur (field studies) and Department of Seed Science and Technology, Advanced Post Graduate Centre, Lam, Guntur (storability studies) during 2016-17. The seed of greengram cv. LGG-460 were invigorated by the hydration treatments viz., CaCl2 (2%), hydropriming, moringa leaf extract (5%), KNO3 (1.5%), hydroprimed and dry dressing with thiram (0.25%). Seed were also invigorated by dry dressing with bleaching powder (2g/kg of seed) and red chilli powder (1g/kg of seed). The invigorated seed along with the untreated seed (control) (aged and fresh seed) were used for both storability and field studies. Among the invigoration treatments hydroprimed and dry dressed with thiram exhibited the highest germination (93.7%) and field emergence (92.0%). Seed treated with red chilli powder and bleaching powder exhibited more plant height. Leaf area, number of leaves, number of branches were found to be superior in seed treated with bleaching powder, red chilli powder and hydro primed and dry dressed with thiram. However, days to 50% flowering was not influenced by the invigoration treatments. Treating of aged seed with bleaching powder, red chilli powder and hydroprimed and dry dressed with thiram increased the number of pods per plant, number of seed per plant, seed yield per plant and 100 seed weight. Shelling percent and harvest index were also high in hydroprimed and dry dressed with thiram treatment. Even during storage, among all the invigoration treatments, hydroprimed and dry dressed with thiram treatment performed well with respect to the seed quality parameters like germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight and seedling vigour index over the control. Though the hydroprimed and dry dressed with thiram treatment performed well in storage in first four months, the dry dressing treatment viz., bleaching powder and red chilli powder treatments gave good results compared to hydration treatments in maintaining germination percentage after six month of storage, where the germination percentage was on par with fresh seed. Correlation studies exhibited positive and significant association with seed yield for all parameters except germination and plant height. The present study proved that seed invigoration with bleaching powder @ 2 g/kg of seed, red chilli powder @ 1 g/ kg of seed and hydroprimed and dry dresssed with thiram @ 0.25% of seed may be suggested for improvement of field performance and storability of greengram seed.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZING BACTERIA ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF FINGER MILLET
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) SAISREE, CHALLA; VIJAYA GOPAL, A
    Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) plays an important role in dissolving both of fertilizer phosphorus (P) and bound P in the soil that is environmental friendly and sustainable. Phosphate solubilization is mainly through the reaction between organic acids excreted with phosphate binders such as Al, Fe, and Ca, or Mg to form stable organic chelates to free the bound phosphate ion. Phosphorus deficiency is widespread and phosphorus fertilizers are required to maintain crop production. Reductions in the supply of P fertilizers could severely diminish crop yields. One solution for mitigating the threat of this diminishing resource is to develop sustainable technologies to improve P use efficiently for plant uptake. Since chemical fertilizers are frequently used with finger millet crop, use of PSB, as biofertilizers would help in improving better crop stand and crop yields. Sixteen PSB isolates were isolated from finger millet rhizospheric soils of twelve villages in Andhra Pradesh. All the 16 PSB isolates were able to solubilize phosphate qualitatively and quantitatively. The PSI for 16 PSB isolates were in the range of 6.61 to 2.62 qualitatively and all 16 PSB isolates were able to solubilize phosphate quantitatively in Pikovskaya’s broth containing TCP in the range of 189.5 to 41.3 mg l-1. The isolates were purified and they were culturally, morphologically and biochemically characterized. Biochemical characterization revealed that 9 isolates were positive for Voges Proskauer’s test and motility test, 10 isolates were positive for nitrate reduction and catalase test, 11 isolates were positive for citrate utilization and oxidase test, 8 isolates were positive for starch hydrolysis and methyl red test, 6 isolates were positive for gas and acid production and 13 PSB isolates were positive for indole production. These isolates were screened in vitro for plant growth promoting attributes like phosphate solubilization, siderophore, IAA, ammonia and HCN production. Results revealed that all 16 isolates solubilized phosphorous and 87.5% isolates produced ammonia, 75% isolates produced HCN, 56% isolates produced siderophores and 81% isolates produced IAA. All the isolates were further screened in vitro for antagonistic activity against the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani and found that all isolates inhibited the fungal pathogen and highest inhibition was found with the isolate BKP2 (51.49%). The best 3 efficient PSB strains i.e., PSB1, PSB2 and PSB3 were selected by estimating the phosphorus solubilizing ability of isolates qualitatively as well as quantitatively and by determining the morphological, biochemical and plant growth promoting rhizobacterial properties of isolates. Therefore, the best 3 PSB strains were identified as Pseudomonas sp. (isolate name, BKP2) Bacillus sp. (isolate name, SSP1) and Enterobacter sp. (isolate name, SBP1). Pot culture experiment was conducted for evaluating the effect of PSB on growth and yield of finger millet. Results revealed that the highest microbial population (Bacteria, PSB, Fungi and Actinobacteria) was recorded at flowering stage compared to other growth stages while microbial population at flowering stage was more in the treatment (T5) with 75% RDP+PSB1+PSB2+PSB3. Root length (23.1 cm), no. of fingers plant-1 (10.0), phosphorus content in plant sample (0.183%), total dry matter (39.4 g plant-1) and yield parameters like grain yield (4031.9 kg ha-1) and straw yield (4691.5 kg ha-1) were recorded highest in the treatment (T5) with 75% RDP+PSB1+PSB2+PSB. The enzyme activities (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase and urease) and soil physico-chemical properties (pH, EC, available N, P, K and Organic carbon) recorded highest at various stages of crop growth in the treatment (T5) with 75% RDP+PSB1+PSB2+PSB3. The results of this study clearly shows that finger millet growth and yield can be enhanced by inoculating soil with PSB biofertilizer along with recommended dose of FYM and by varying RDF in different treatments. Further, from this study it is also concluded that, soil fertility and soil health can be improved with the inoculation of soil with PSB biofertilizer.
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    INFLUENCE OF BIOFERTILIZER CONSORTIA ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF PEARL MILLET (Pennisetum glaucum L.)
    (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, 2017) LASYA MOHANA REKHA, DASARA; LAKSHMIPATHY, R
    A pot experiment was carried out to study the effect of biofertilizer consortia in combinations with recommended dose of FYM and different doses of inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of pearl millet with an objective of enhancing growth, yield and nutrient uptake in pearl millet and to improve soil health. The significantly more plant height at 50DAS, 75DAS and at the time crop harvesting was recorded in the treatment MC1 + 75% RDF + with recommended dose of FYM and least in case of treatment applied with the consortium MC1 alone. There were no significant differences in number of leaves per plant between different treatments was noticed up to 50DAS however, the highest number of leaves after 75 days of sowing was recorded in treatments T3 (MC1 + FYM) and T11 (MC1 +75% RDF + FYM). The root length (28.833 cm), root weight (3.294 g) and yield parameters like earhead length (20.733 cm), earhead weight (9.987 g), the number of seeds per earhead (1440.00), test weight (0.894 g), seed yield (4807.948 kg ha-1) and straw yield (5977.00 kg ha-1) were significantly more in treatment having biofertilizer consortium MC1 with recommended dose of FYM and 75 per cent chemical fertilizers. The maximum soil pH at flowering was recorded in treatment applied with biofertilizer consortium MC2 with 50 per cent RDF, MC2 + 75%RDF, 100% RDF and at harvesting, it was observed to be maximum in treatment having inorganic fertilizers alone whereas, higher electrical conductivity and organic carbon at flowering and harvesting were recorded in the treatment having biofertilizer consortium MC1 with recommended dose of FYM. The highest soil available N, P and K at flowering and harvesting was recorded in the treatment having biofertilizer consortium MC1 with recommended dose of FYM and 75% chemical fertilizers. The highest dehydrogenase activity at flowering and harvesting was recorded in the treatment having microbial consortium MC1 with recommended dose of FYM. Acid and alkaline phosphatase activity were observed to be maximum in the treatment having microbial consortium MC1 with recommended dose of FYM at flowering and acid phosphatase activity was observed to be maximum in the treatment having biofertilizer consortium MC1 with recommended dose of FYM and 50% chemical fertilizers, alkaline phosphatase activity significantly more in the treatment having biofertilizer consortium MC1 with recommended dose of FYM and 75% chemical fertilizers at the time of crop harvest. NPK uptake by the plants was significantly more in the treatment with MC1 + 75% RDF + FYM. The highest microbial population (Bacteria, Fungi, Actinomycetes, Azospirillum, Azotobacter and PSB) was recorded at flowering compared to other growth stages. Microbial population at flowering and harvesting was more in the treatments having bifertilizer consortium with recommended dose of FYM and chemical fertilizers as compared to application of 100 per cent RDF alone. Among the different stages of crop growth the maximum AM fungal spore count and percent root colonization were at harvesting compared to other stages. Further, the maximum AM fungal spore count and percent root colonization were recorded in the treatment which is inoculated with biofertilizer consortium MC1 along FYM and chemical fertilizers than treatment applied with chemical fertilizers at harvesting. The results of this study clearly shows that pearl millet growth and yield can be enhanced by inoculating soil with biofertilizer consortium MC1 along with recommended dose of FYM and 75 per cent RDF over only with 100 per cent RDF. Further, from this study it is also concluded that, soil fertility and health can be improved with the inoculation of soil with biofertilizer consortium along with recommended dose of FYM.