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ThesisItem Open Access Studies on management of spot blotch [Bipolaris sorokiniana (SACC.) SHOEM.] disease of wheat(Department of Plant Pathology, BAU, Sabour, 2020) Kumari, Puja; Azad, C.S.Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important crops of India. It is mainly affected by spot blotch, leaf blight, loose smut, powdery mildew and rust in north eastern plain zone of India. Spot blotch of wheat is caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana and it is considered as one of the emerging diseases. The disease affects the crop at any stage right from beginning to maturity of crop and cause 25 to 35 per cent loss in yield. In present study, efforts were made to find out suitable management measures through various chemicals, elicitor and nanoparticles. A fungus was isolated from infected plant parts and based on cultural-morphological characteristics, identified as Bipolaris sorokiniana and pathogenicity test was proved by detached leaf technique. Under in vitro condition, Azoxystrobin 12.5 SC+ Tebuconazole 12.5 SC was highly effective and checked growth of B. sorokiniana even at 25 ppm. Tebuconazole 50 WG + Trifloxystrobin 25 WG, Propiconazole 250 EC and Tebuconazole 250 EC were also found effective as compared to control. Under field condition all the genotypes performed significantly when they were sown timely, however with delay in sowing germination per cent was in decreasing trend. Timely sown crop on 11th Nov. 2018 showed minimum disease severity in double digit scale as compared to late sown (16th Dec. 2018) and Very late sown (7th Jan. 2019). Timely sown crop on 11th Nov. 2018 showed minimum disease severity in double digit scale as compared to late sown (16th Dec. 2018) and Very late sown (7th Jan. 2019). At flowering stage of timely sown treatment there were no disease appearance. Disease incidence and per cent disease index was lowest for timely sown treatment (11th Nov. 2018) as compared to late (16th Dec. 2018) and very late (7th Jan. 2019). Delay in date of sowing of wheat crop even highly resistance variety can become susceptible for the spot blotch pathogen with the enhancement of growth stage of plant. Among elicitors highest increase in enzymatic activities, lowest No. of spot/leaves as well as severity was recorded in Chitosan at 2 mM concentration. Among nanoparticles, it was highest in Silver nanoparticles at 100 ppm concentration. Both elicitors and nanoparticles significantly increased the enzymatic activities over control. On biochemical analysis, significant increase in enzymatic activity was recorded in plants treated with elicitor 24 hour after challenge inoculation of Bipolaris sorokiniana. Highest concentration of PPO, PO and total phenol was observed at 72 hours in all the treatments of elicitors. However, after 72 hrs, there has been gradual decrease in enzymatic activity whereas among nanoparticles maximum enzymatic activity was recorded at 96 hours however, after 96 hours there has been gradual decrease.ThesisItem Open Access Economics of Production and Marketing of Jute in Katihar District of Bihar(Department of Agril. Economics, BAU, Sabour, 2020) Nayak, Subhranshu; Wadwani, Mukesh KumarIn Bihar jute is still cultivated under traditional practices and modern technologies have still not penetrated in the production process the raw jute is mostly exported to West Bengal as there is lack of jute processing mills in the state. The available literature suggests that there is huge potential of jute cultivation including its enhanced production and productivity in the state, but there is still dearth of scientific literature on this crop. In view this the present investigation was undertaken to study the cost & Return, marketing behaviour and constraints faced by the jute growers in its production and marketing farmers. The study was based on primary data, collected from a sample of 90 jute growers selected through Multi-stage Sampling Technique through Survey Method from a cluster of three villages each from two blocks namely Kadwa and Mansahi of Katihar District. The sample consisted of 32.33 per cent marginal & small farmers, 33.33 per cent semi-medium farmers, 23.33 per cent medium farmers and 11.11 per cent large farmers. The study revealed that average total cost of cultivation of jute was ₹ 57844 /ha, which was highest on large farmers (₹ 60002/ha), followed by marginal & small farmers (Rs 59094/ ha), medium farmers (₹ 57787/ha) and ₹ 55961/ha for semi-medium farmers. The gross income (per ha) obtained was lowest for marginal & small farmers (₹ 74117), while it was highest for large farmers (₹ 100980) with average gross return of ₹ 85940.The return to cost ratio was estimated as 1.48. The Majority of farmers (81.1 %) sold the produce immediately after harvest. As far as choice of market is concerned 56.6 per cent of the farmers sold at their produce at farm gate, 24.4 per cent to Gulab Bagh Mandi, Purnea and 19 per cent of sold at JCI Center. The major constraints in jute production were found to be shortage of labor and cost of labor (ranked as 1st and 2nd) while high pest & disease incidence and problems of weed were 3rd and 4th important constraints. The constraints affecting marketing of jute were shortage of Government Procurement Centers (ranked 1st), no organized market ranked (2nd) and lack of remunerative prices for jute ranked (3rd) with garret score of 55.69, 51.53 and 51.27, respectively. The exploitation by middle-men involved in marketing of raw jute was ranked 4th (GS 47.54).ThesisItem Open Access Economics of tobacco production in Samastipur district of Bihar(Department of Agril. Economics, BAU, Sabour, 2020) Kumar, Ravi Shankar; Rahaman, S. M.The present study was attempted to estimate the costs and returns, resource use efficiency, constraints and underlying reasons of continuity of tobacco production in Samastipur district of Bihar. Multistage sampling technique was employed for the selection of 100 farmers from a congregation of four villages, two from Warisnagar block and two from Sarairanjan block. The study area was predominated by marginal and small farmer (49.00 %), followed by semi-medium farmer (38.00 %) and remaining 13 per cent belonged to medium and large farmer’s category. The results showed that net income of Rs. 53260 per acre was generated from tobacco cultivation. The Gross Income was Rs. 129339 per acre, comprising of Rs. 126339 form main product and Rs. 2999 from by-product. The returns to cost ratio of Sarairanjan block (1.62) was lesser then Warisnangar block (1.67), whereas, the overall returns to cost ratio was 1.70. The cost of hired labour, fertilizer, organic manure, and irrigation were the major cost items contributing 46.26, 25.04, 9.55, and 6.43 per cent to the total cost, respectively. The pest and diseases incidence, lack of skilled labour, lack of capital, lack of govt. support, heavy dependence on market intermediaries and Govt. regulations on banning of tobacco products were the some of the major constraints faced by the farmers in the study area. Higher production, secured market, and traditional knowledge of tobacco production, more remunerative than other crops and higher income in short duration were some of the major reasons of continuity of tobacco production in the study area.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of pre- and post-harvest application of methyl jasmonate on yield and quality of strawberry cv. Nabila(Department of Horticulture (Pomology), BAU, Sabour, 2020) Lalnunzawma; Karuna, KumariStrawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) is a man-made hybrid developed by crossing Fragaria chiloensis and Fragaria virginiana, which then become one of the most important soft fruits in the world. The fruit is consumed fresh and processed in many different products, making it to be in highly demand due to its rich flavour and aroma, excellent visual and quality. The fruits are not only rich in taste, but also rich in vitamins and minerals to which many people around the globe include it in their daily diet. The crop mainly grows well in temperate region with colder climate, but new technologies and improvements have made it easier and possible to be grown in tropical and subtropical regions like in Bihar as well through the introduction of day neutral cultivars grown in protected condition. Due to the short shelf life of strawberry fruits, the fruits require special treatments to enhance their post-harvest life and in maintaining their physico-chemical properties during it so as to increase their quality. Different investigations and studies have been performed in strawberry with different chemicals for their improvement in various aspects, may it be in their growth, yield and the quality of fruits. Among different methods and materials/chemicals used, methyl jasmonate has been proven to be one of the best chemicals in improving the quality of strawberry through various researches. The present investigation is focused on the treatment of strawberry with methyl jasmonate in order to improve their growth, yield and biochemical parameters, including their post-harvest life. The experiment was conducted in Horticulture Garden, Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour in Randomized Block Design with four treatments and five replications for the investigation of growth, physical, yield and biochemical parameters on the fresh fruit, and with ten treatments and three replications for the investigation of biochemical properties during the shelf life of strawberry fruits stored in room temperature. The treatment has been found to have a positive influence in many growth and yield parameters, to which it increased the values of parameters studied as compared to untreated plants. Significant effect of treatment has also been found in almost all the parameters. 0.6 mM MeJA treatment was found to be the most effective in increasing the yield of fruits. The pre- and post-harvest treatment with 0.6 mM MeJA showed the best result in maintaining parameters like TSS, total sugar, ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content during their shelf life, followed by the pre- and post-harvest treatment with 0.9 mM MeJA showing the best result in maintaining parameters like antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content in fruits during their storage period. In case of the losses in weight and decay, the pre- and post-harvest treatment of fruits with 0.9 mM MeJA was found to be the most effective in reducing the rate of losses due to disease or fungal infestation and weight loss.ThesisItem Open Access Performance of transplanted rice under modified conventional system over system of rice intensification(Department of Agronomy, BAU, Sabour, 2020) Kumar, Rahul; Ghosh, MainakThe system of rice intensification (SRI) is not being popularized among the farmers community due to its several complications. The farmers are still believed in conventional transplanted rice for their daily needs. However, there are some specific components of SRI seems to be effective in accelerating the productivity. The research was conducted at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour during kharif 2019 on transplanted rice in combination with the SRI components to identify the most favorable technique for optimum grain yield. The eight treatments were incorporated as T1 = Conventional PTR (CPTR); T2 = CPTR with 12 days seedling; T3 = CPTR with spacing of 25 cm × 25 cm; T4 = CPTR with single seedling/hill; T5 = CPTR with N-Organic:Inorganic::50:50; T6 = CPTR with Saturation water management; T7 = CPTR with weed management through mechanical rotating hoe; T8 = All component of SRI in randomized block design replicated thrice. The recommended dose of fertilizer was 120:60:40 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1 and the general spacing were maintained as 20cm × 15cm. The growth attributes like plant height, leaf area index and plant biomass were found significantly higher under SRI (T8) treatment over the CPTR and in parity with PTR using 12 days old seedlings (T2). The highest yield attributing characters like tillers m-2, panicles m-2 and grains panicle-1 were also recorded higher in SRI (T8) treatment. The grain yield) under SRI (6020 kg ha-1) was found maximum and statistically at par with T2 and significantly higher over CPTR (T1). The lowest grain yield (4413 kg ha-1) was recorded with CPTR with saturation water management. The N, P, K uptake in grain and straw was higher obtained under the SRI treatment (T8). The highest Gross Return (Rs. 122650 ha-1) was recorded under SRI, which was found statistically at par with CPTR with 12 days seedling (Rs. 116281 ha-1) and CPTR with single seedling/hill (Rs. 109330 ha-1). However, the net returns (Rs.78975 ha-1) was recorded maximum with CPTR with 12 days seedling, which was statistically at par with conventional PTR (Rs.70866 ha-1), CPTR with one seedling/hill (Rs.72024 ha-1) and CPTR with spacing of 25 cm × 25 cm (Rs. 68840 ha-1). The net return under SRI showed significantly lower than that of CPTR with 12 days seedlings and it was mainly due to the high cost of cultivation in SRI technique. The return per Rs. invested showed the real scenario of SRI technique where it was found significantly lower than most of the treatments except CPTR with organic manure (T5) and saturation water management (T6). The maximum return per Rs. invested was recorded in CPTR using 12 days old seedlings (2.12) which was found at par with conventional PTR (1.90), CPTR with one seedling/hill (1.93), and CPTR with spacing of 25 cm × 25 cm (1.85). The cost of organic manure was the main burden in SRI technique for high cost of cultivation and low return. The study suggested that though the SRI alone recorded the highest yield but the net return and return per rupee invested were obtained significantly higher in CPTR with 12 days seedling (22% and 53%) when compared to that of SRI alone. Hence it can be concluded that the CPTR with 12 days seedling treatment can be useful for higher rice productivity and economic return.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of different herbicides on complex weed flora in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)(Department of Agronomy, BAU, Sabour, 2020) Raj, Rishav; SushantA field experiment entitled “Effect of different herbicides on complex weed flora in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)” was conducted during rabi, season of 2019-20 at the Research farm, Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour, Bhagalpur. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture, medium in organic carbon (0.50 %), low in available nitrogen (192.45 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorus (22.64 kg ha-1) and medium in potassium (191.88 kg ha-1) content with neutral pH (7.5). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of fourteen weed management practices viz, T1: Pendimethalin 30 % EC @ 1000g a.i. ha-1 + Metribuzin 70 % WP @ 210 g a.i. ha- (TM) as PE, T2: Metribuzin 70 % WP @ 210 g a.i. ha-1 as PE, T3: Metribuzin (70 % WP) @ 210 g a.i. ha-1 as PoE, T4: Carfentrazone-ethyl 40 % DF @20 g a.i. ha-1 as PoE, T5: Metsulfuron-methyl 20 % WP @ 4 g a.i. ha-1 as PoE, T6: 2,4-D ethyl ester 38 % EC @ 500 g a.i. ha-1 as PoE, T7: Sulfosulfuron 75 % WG @ 25 g a.i. ha-1 as PoE, T8:Clodinafop-propargyl 15 % + Metsulfuron-methyl 1 % WP (RM) @ 60+4 g a.i. ha-1 as PoE, T9:Sulfosulfuron 75 % + Metsulfuron-methyl 5 % WG (RM) @ 30+2 g a.i. ha-1 as PoE, T10:Carfentrazone-ethyl 20% + Sulfosulfuron 25 % WG (RM) @ 20+25 g a.i. ha-1 as PoE, T11: Clodinafop-propargyl 15 % WP + Metribuzin 70 % WP (TM) @ 60+175 g a.i. ha-1 as PoE, T12: Mesosulfuron-methyl 3 % + Iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium 0.6 % WG (RM) @ 12+2.4 g a.i. ha-1 as PoE,T13: Weed free and T14: Weedy check. The wheat variety HD-2967 was grown on 23th November 2019, and harvesting was done on 5th April, 2020.The weed species which infested the experimental plot were Argemona mexicana, Solanum nigrum, Polygonum plebejum, Anagallis arvensis, Chenopodium album, Melilotus indica, Convolvulus arvensis and Vicia sativa,Phalaris minor, Cynodon dactylon, Fumaria parviflora,Cyperus rotondus, Cyprus iria, Cyprus difformis.Growth parameters viz. plant height, Number of tillers, dry matter production, as well as yield attributes, grain yield and straw yield were maximum under weed free condition (T13), followed by clodinafop-propargyl @ 60 g a.i. ha-1 + metsulfuron-methyl @ 4 g a.i. ha-1 PoE (T8) and Mesosulfuron @ 12 g a.i. ha-1 + Iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium @ 2.4 g a.i. ha-1PoE (T12).Weed free treatment has recorded significantly higher grain (4.49 t ha-1) and straw yield (5.53 t ha-1). The grain yield enhancement of 5.1 % (T8), 7.12 % (T12), 24.4 % (T9) and 43.87 % (weedy check) were observed in weed free treatment. Among the herbicide treatments, carfentrazone-ethyl @ 20 g a.i. ha-1 PoE (T4), sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron-methyl @ 30+2 g a.i. ha-1 PoE (T9) and carfentrazone-ethyl + sulfosulfuron@ 20+25 g a.i. ha-1 PoE (T10) were found phyto-toxic on wheat.Weed free (T13), followed by clodinafop-propargyl @ 60 g a.i. ha-1 + metsulfuron-methyl @ 4 g a.i. ha-1 PoE (T8) and mesosulfuron @ 12 g a.i. ha-1 + iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium @ 2.4 g a.i. ha-1 PoE (T12) were most appropriate for reducing weed population, weed dry matter production, and recorded highest weed control efficiency.Net returns was maximum (Rs.61719 ha-1) under weed free, followed by clodinafop-propargyl @ 60 g a.i. ha-1 + metsulfuron-methyl @ 4 g a.i. ha-1 PoE (T8), mesosulfuron @ 12 g a.i. ha-1 + iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium @ 2.4 g a.i. ha-1PoE (T12), sulfosulfuron @ 30 g a.i. ha-1+ metsulfuron-methyl @ 2 g a.i. ha-1 PoE (T9) and carfentrazone-ethyl @ 20 g a.i. ha-1 + sulfosulfuron @ 25 g a.i. ha-1PoE (T10). Whereas, B:C ratio (1.65) was maximum under clodinafop-propargyl @ 60 g a.i. ha-1 + metsulfuron-methyl @ 4 g a.i. ha-1 PoE (T8), followed by T12 (1.57), T9 (1.45), and T10 (1.32) and weed free (1.48). It can be concluded that application of clodinafop-propargyl @ 60 g a.i. ha-1 + metsulfuron-methyl @ 4 g a.i. ha-1 PoE can be recommended for wheat in enhancing grain yield in terms of better growth, yield attributes and achieving more net returns as well as B: C ratio apart from suppressing the weeds through higher weed control efficiency and lower weed index.ThesisItem Open Access Soil Resources Mapping of Sabour Block of Bhagalpur District, Bihar(Department of Soil Science (Agril. Chemistry), BAU, Sabour, 2020) Bagoria, Neeraj; Vimal, B. K.The present study entitled “Soil Resources Mapping of Sabour block of Bhagalpur district, Bihar” represented the soil fertility status and Land Capability Classification. Soil profiles viz. P1, P2, P3 and P4 predominantly were taxonomically observed in three orders namely, Entisols, Inceptisols and Vertisols under investigation and varied from sandy loam in Diara land to clay in Tal land. However, textural class as clay loam was found in agricultural land followed by silt loam under horticultural land. In context of soil fertility, the soil pH of the study area ranged from 6.5 to 8.53 (mean value of 7.52) and 90 per cent of the soil samples categorized under neutral range. The electrical conductivity (EC) varied from 0.10 to 0.160 dSm-1 which comes under almost non saline in nature. The calcium carbonate content in soil ranged from non- calcareous (0.5-1.0 %) to calcareous (>10 %). The range of organic carbon was observed medium (2.05), available nitrogen was low (1.09), available phosphorus was medium (2.11) and available potassium was high (2.70). However, The DTPA Iron content of the study area was very high and sufficient in Copper and Manganese content. But, Zinc deficiency was observed in all Panchayats. In this context, the availability of Copper, Iron, Manganese and Zinc were seen to be decreased with growing pH values. In context of land capability class, the study was placed under class IIIw in Tal and Diara lands which are assessed under flood and water logging during monsoon. However, agricultural land and horticultural lands put under class III followed by class IV. The present investigation helped how to trace out the actual agricultural land out of the total geographical area under RS-GIS domain that dealt the actual mapping for soil fertility status up to block and panchayat level which may be helpful for the management of agricultural land under cereals, pulses, oilseeds and vegetables crops. In view of analyzed facts, maps over soil fertility status may be also helpful towards refinement of the supply chain of the nitrogenous fertilizers.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Bio-fortification through organic and inorganic sources of Zinc & Iron on growth, yield & quality of aromatic rice(Department of Agronomy, BAU, Sabour, 2020) Bharti, Annu; Prasad, ShambhuRice is the staple food crop for more than half of the world’s population which represents a major source of minerals and proteins in developing world and supplies adequate energy in the form of calories and is a good source of thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. But, it lacks other important vitamins such as vitamin A, nutrients like iron and zinc, which are essential to human health (Stalin et al. 2011). Zinc and iron deficiencies are well documented problems in food crops, causing decreased crop yields and nutritional quality also. Deficiency of these elements may be overcomed through genetic biofortification and agronomic fortication. The agronomic fortification is cost effective having easy accessibility and gives rapid results. Through this agronomic approach, bio-fortification of rice with Zn and Fe may be possible by adding micronutrient containing fertilizers to the soil or by foliar spray of these micro-nutrients on the plants or through integration of both the methods by utilizing inorganic or inorganic sources. A field experiment entitled “Effect of Bio-fortification through organic and inorganic sources of Zinc & Iron on growth, yield & quality of aromatic rice” was conducted during kharif season of 2019 at Research Farm, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur to find out the effect of bio-fortification of Zn and Fe on growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, quality and economics of aromatic rice. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with ten treatments and replicated thrice. The results of the experiment indicated that the treatment T7 (RDF + SA of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha -1 + SA of FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha -1) recorded significantly higher values of growth and yield attributes including grain as well as straw yield over control. However, it was statistically at par with treatment T8 (RDF + 2 FS of 0.5 % ZnSO4 & 2 FS of 0.5 % FeS04 each at 25 DAT & 1 week after flowering). Growth parameters viz., Plant height , number of tillers hill-1, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation at harvest was recorded the highest in treatment T7 (108.53 cm, 16.37, 3.29 and 1001.12 g m-2, respectively) which was statistically at par with T8 (108.38 cm, 14.89, 3.28 and 927.60 g m-2 respectively ). In case of yield attributes viz., number of filled grains panicle-1 and test weight was found highest in treatment T7 (113.00 and 17.60 g respectively) which was statistically at par with T8 (107.33 and 17.05 g, respectively). Soil application of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 each @ 25 kg ha-1 along with RDF recorded significantly higher grain and straw yield of 41.30 q ha-1 and 59.05 q ha-1, respectively followed by T8 (Foliar spray of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 each @ 0.5 % at 25 DAT and 1 week after flowering along with RDF) . In quality parameters the treatments were found comparable with each other. However, highest values of hulling percentage (78.43 %), milling percentage (63.74 %), amylose content (25.13 %) and aroma score (2.51) were recorded with treatment T8 (RDF + 2 FS of 0.5 % ZnSO4 & 2 FS of 0.5 % FeS04 each at 25 DAT & 1 week after flowering) while protein content (7.82 %) was found highest with treatment T7 (RDF + SA of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha -1 + SA of FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha -1). Effect of bio-fortification through Zn and Fe on economics showed that the gross return (98250 ₹ ha-1), net return (65698 ₹ ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (2.02) were higher with treatment T7 (RDF + SA of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha -1 + SA of FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha -1) and it was found comparable with T8 (RDF + 2 FS of 0.5 % ZnSO4 & 2 FS of 0.5 % FeS04 each at 25 DAT & 1 week after flowering) in case of net return (60174 ₹ ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (1.90). For getting higher grain yield and net profit as well as better bio-fortification of aromatic rice with Zn & Fe,, soil application of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 each @ 25 kg ha-1 along with RDF may be recommended and foliar application of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 each @ 0.5 % at 25 DAT & 1 week after flowering along with RDF may be recommended as the best alternative.ThesisItem Open Access Genetic study for grain yield quality traits in maize (Zea mays L.)(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, BAU, Sabour, 2020) Rishavnandan; Rashmi, KumariThe present study was aimed to assess the general combining ability of parents and specific combining ability of their crosses for yield and yield related traits. Nine inbred lines were crossed with two testers using line × tester mating design. Nine lines, two testers and 18 experimental hybrids were evaluated alongwith two checks in this study for grain yield and protein content, besides kernel micronutrients (Phosphorous, Calcium and Iron) during kharif 2019 in a randomized block design at experimental farm of BAC, Sabour.The parents CLQRCY44 and HKI1532 were found as good general combiner for grain yield & quality traits followed by DHOLI Inbred 55 and CLO2450. Parents DHOLI Inbred 55 and CML451 were found as good general combiner for earliness. Parents CLQRCY44, CLO2450 & DHOLI 55 were found as good general combiner for quality traits like protein content, calcium content, phosphorous and iron content. Among the crosses, HKI1532 x 95IOWA (67.43q/ha), LM13 x SUWAN (65.87q/ha) and CML425 x SUWAN (63.30q/ha) were the promising crosses for grain yield. CLO2450 x SUWAN (7.77) and LM13 x SUWAN (6.77) exhibited highly significant and desirable SCA effects for grain yield. CLO2450 x 95IOWA (0.53) exhibited highly significant and desirable SCA effects for protein content. HKI1532 x 95IOWA (67.43q/ha) was the promising hybrid for grain yield and micronutrient content. Therefore, these crosses can be utilized for developing high yielding micronutrient enriched hybrid varieties in maize.
