Range Management and Agroforestry

Enhancing fodder biomass and mitigating climate change in Central India’s semi-arid zones through silvipastures

2024-01-12T15:35:57+00:00

Fodder production, biomass carbon storage and the oxygen release potentials of the silvipasture system consisting of Acacia nilotica, Ficus infectoria, Morus alba and Leucaena leucocephala integrated with grass species Megathyrsus maximus and Chrysopogon fulvus along with fodder legume Stylosanthes seabrana were evaluated. Among trees/shrubs, at the age of 12 years, F. infectoria yielded (Mg ha-1) highest green fodder (5.72) followed by L. leucocephala (5.01), A. nilotica (3.93) and M. alba (2.87). Among pasture species, M. maximus yielded (Mg ha-1) the highest green fodder (31.13), followed by C. fulvus (22.10) and legume S. seabrana (4.75). The system stored 7.51 to 20.80 Mg C ha-1 in its biomass, amounting to 27.56 to 76.34 Mg ha-1of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) and besides this, the system also released 20.05 to 55.54 Mg ha-1 of oxygen under various tree/shrub+ grass/legume combinations. Thus, silvipasture systems with F. infectoria + M. maximus (fodder: 36.85 Mg/ha; carbon stock: 13.61 Mg C ha-1; oxygen released: 36.34 Mg ha-1); A. nilotica + M. maximus (fodder: 35.06 Mg ha-1; carbon stock: 18.66 Mg C ha-1; oxygen released:49.82 Mg ha-1); F. infectoria + C. fulvus (fodder: 27.82 Mg ha-1; carbon stock: 13.78 Mg C ha-1; oxygen released:36.79 Mg ha-1) and A. nilotica + C. fulvus (fodder: 26.03 Mg ha-1; carbon stock: 20.80 Mg C ha-1; oxygen released: 55.54 Mg ha-1) are ideal system for fodder as well as environmental security in degraded lands of semi-arid India.

Efficiency of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization on improving steppe rangeland in semi-arid ecology

2023-07-31T10:08:32+00:00

In this study, the effects of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization on the successful improvement of a semi-arid steppe rangeland were recorded, which was in fair condition. The study was conducted in 2017 by using a 50 kg ha-1 P2O5, and different dosages (30, 60, 90, 120 kg ha-1) of nitrogen fertilizers and observations were recorded during 2018-2019 (2 years). Dry matter yield and forage quality parameters such as crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fiber contents were recorded to evaluate the performance of rangelands. All the fertilizers significantly increased dry matter yield; it was nearly doubled when P2O5 was applied and tripled when 90 or 120 kg ha-1 nitrogen was applied. Crude protein (CP) content was also affected by the fertilizers, but the effect of nitrogen was greater on CP content, which was four times higher (33.5–129.3 kg ha-1 CP) under 120 kg ha-1 nitrogen application when compared to a control group. Phosphorus slightly affected NDF content but had no significant effect on ADF content. Nitrogen fertilization did not affect NDF content but the ADF content was slightly decreased. Results indicated both phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization increased the yield and quality of forage. Hence, semi-arid steppe rangelands, which are in fair condition, need to be fertilized using 50 kg ha-1 phosphorus and 60 to 90 kg ha-1 nitrogen to improve their performance.

Influence of Prosopis cineraria based agroforestry system on soil attributes in rainfed arid western Rajasthan

2023-05-25T09:59:52+00:00

The experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station (SKN Agriculture University) Fatehpur-Shekhawati, Sikar (Rajasthan) during 2016-2019 to find out the distribution pattern of soil pH, EC, OC and available nutrients (N, P, K and S) under Prosopis cineraria (khejri) based agroforestry system in comparison to the sole cropping system. The results envisaged that soil pH was lower in P. cineraria-based agroforestry system (7.80) than sole cropping-based system (7.85) at 0 to 15 cm soil depth and the corresponding values were 7.99 and 8.02 at 15 to 30 cm soil depth. No significant difference was observed in electrical conductivity (EC) between the systems and cropping pattern at both the soil depths, except cropping pattern at 0 to 15 cm soil depth. Organic carbon (OC) content increased significantly in P. cineraria-based agroforestry system in comparison to the sole cropping system at both soil depths. However, the interaction between systems and crops was found significant only at 0 to 15 cm soil depth. Available nitrogen content (kg/ha) was significantly higher (97.90 and 79.55) in P. cineraria-based agroforestry system in comparison to the sole cropping system (83.09 and 58.24) at both the soil depth, respectively. Available phosphorus content (kg/ha) in soil was significantly higher (15.58 and 10.89) in P. cineraria-based agroforestry system in comparison to the sole cropping system (12.94 and 9.84) at both the soil depth. Available potassium content (kg/ha) was also found to be significantly higher in P. cineraria-based agroforestry systems (283.77 and 256.87) in comparison to sole cropping systems (271.71 and 247.80) at different soil depths, respectively. The available sulfur content was also found to be significantly higher in P. cineraria-based agroforestry system. The study indicated that P. cineraria trees improved soil conditions beneath their canopies in comparison to the sole crop.

Precision silviculture: optimization of water and nutrient scheduling for high-density tree plantation of Dalbergia sissoo

2024-07-06T11:33:14+00:00

The study was conducted by applying the principles of precision silviculture to standardize optimal water and nutrient requirements. It also evaluated effects of balanced fertilization on tree physiology and analyzed distribution of nutrients in soil sub-surface using GIS technology, specifically SURFER 7 software in high density Dalbergia sissoo tree plantation. The plantation was given spacing of 3 x 2 meters in split plot design with three levels of irrigation viz., 100% pan evaporation (PE), 125% PE and 150% PE in main plots and three levels of fertigation regimes in subplots which consisted humic acid @ 62.5 l ha-1, 150:100:100 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 and humic acid @ 62.5 l ha-1 + 75:50:50 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1. The study revealed that higher height (5.28 m), basal diameter (51.19 mm) and volume index were found in the treatment that received irrigation @ 125% PE and fertigation with the fertilizer dose of 150:100:100 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 (I2F2). I2F2 Recorded improved photosynthetic rate (7.73 m mol.m-2 s-1), transpiration rate (8.83 m mol.m-2 s-1) and stomatal conductance (0.16 m mol.m-2 s-1). Maximum available nitrogen (190 kg ha-1), phosphorus (19.2 kg ha-1) and potassium (346 kg ha-1) were recorded at 30 cm lateral distance and the corresponding values were 188, 12.80, 362 kg ha-1 at 0 to 30 cm sub-surface soil at 7 months after plantation (MAP). The SURFER maps showed that the mobility of nutrient concentration in the sub-soil surface decreased as the distance from the plant increased. A significant increase in N P and K in soil was recorded in I2F2 as compared to fertigation with humic acid 62.5 l ha-1 and irrigation level @150% PE (I1F1).

In-vitro regeneration of Sehima nervosum: an important range grass species

2023-05-01T10:08:01+00:00

Sehima nervosum (Rottler) Stapf is an apomictic, polyploid, and perennial natural range grass found inherently rich in precursors for several industrially important biomolecules. Production of nutraceuticals (prebiotics xylo-oligosaccharides) from this grass is promising. However, improvement efforts suffer due to its narrow genetic base and limited variability in germplasm collections. Biotechnological interventions promise to enhance genetic variability by inducing somaclonal variations and developing sexually reproducing lines to facilitate the release of otherwise ‘frozen’ variability. Seeds of S. nervosum cv. Bundel Saen Ghas 1 was used as an explant to develop a high-efficiency reproducible regeneration protocol in this crop. The seeds were inoculated onto MS media supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-D for callus induction. Various combinations of BAP and Kinetin were tested for shoot regeneration from calli, while combinations of NAA were tested for efficient rooting. Callus induction frequency was maximum (upto 95%) in a medium containing 3.5 mg/l 2, 4-D. The highest shoot induction (98%) was obtained when supplemented with 2.5 mg/l kinetin, while the highest root initiation (42%) was obtained with 4.5 mg/l NAA supplementation. Regenerated plantlets were transplanted to pots, where they exhibited morphologically normal growth. A high-efficiency reproducible protocol for in-vitro culture was developed in this grass. This in-vitro tissue culture protocol could help generate somaclones and genetic transformation of Sehima with genes of agronomic importance.

Understanding mode of gene action governing green forage yield and its component traits in pearl millet

2024-01-04T06:02:49+00:00

Understanding the genetic control of forage yield and related traits can decide breeding strategies for high-biomass cultivars. In this study, generation mean analysis was used to evaluate gene effects and non-allelic interactions for forage yield and its component traits in pearl millet using two experimental crosses developed by using two high-yielding inbreds IP 18168 and IP 22419 and their six generations (P1, P2, F1, BC1, BC2 and F2) were independently evaluated during Kharif season 2022. Significant variability and the inadequacy of an additive-dominance model highlighted the role of epistasis, with additive × dominance interactions prominent for forage yield and plant height. Dominance and epistatic effects were also crucial for traits like leaf and internode number, leaf length and leaf width. These findings indicated one or two generations of selfing followed by recurrent selection in advanced generations will be useful in enhancing the frequency of genes with increasing effects on green forage yield. Our findings could be helpful in designing the forage pearl millet breeding programs in India.

Genetic diversity and response to selection for yield and component traits in selected F4 and F5 progenies of oat

2024-02-12T16:14:29+00:00

The present study was planned to record the response to selection and extent of genetic diversity in selected F4 and F5 generation progenies, which were derived from seven crosses of oats. The F4 and F5 progenies were evaluated in randomized block design over three replications during Rabi, 2019-20 and Rabi, 2020-21, respectively at the Experimental Farm of Fodder Section, CSKHPKV, Palampur. The utmost response to selection was depicted by grain yield per plant, fresh fodder yield per plant, biological yield per plant, harvest index, leaves per plant and plant height in most of the crosses. Hence, improvement through selection could be based on these traits. PCA studies revealed that the first five components accounted for more than 80% of the total variance among the progenies. Four PC in F4 and five PC in F5 generation possess eigen values > 1. The first principal component, i.e., PC1 accounted for the maximum proportion of total variability in the set of all variables, i.e., 36.97% and 30.29% in both F4 and F5 generations, respectively. The dendrogram showed that 34 genotypes of oat were grouped into three clusters in F4 generation and 33 genotypes from F5 into eight clusters. On the basis of divergence and cluster mean studies, it was suggested that maximum heterosis and good recombinants could be obtained in crosses between progenies of clusters II and III from F4 generation and clusters I, V, VII from F5 generation.

Molecular diversity analysis in lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes using SSR markers

2023-10-13T06:28:38+00:00

The present study examined the genetic diversity in 40 lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) germplasm using 30 SSR markers. Lucerne is an autotetraploid, allogamous, and heterozygous species. Out of 30 primers investigated, 24 showed polymorphism and amplified 78 alleles. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 7. The PIC values ranged from 0.25 to 0.99. The primers AW101 (0.99) and AW332 (0.99) were found to be highly informative for molecular diversity studies. The genetic dissimilarity values varied from 0.27 to 0.89. A high dissimilarity index of 0.89 was found between CO 1 and GETL 21 (0.89) and CO 2 and AWL 6 (0.89). Genotypes RBB 07-01 and LLC 9 (0.27) had the least dissimilarity index. Cluster analysis based on molecular diversity revealed two clusters. Among the two clusters, cluster II comprised a maximum of 26 germplasm, followed by cluster I with 14 germplasm. The study indicated that the diverse lucerne genotypes such as CO 1, CO 2, GETL 21 and AWL 6 could be utilized as one of the parents for developing promising diverse lucerne genotypes through a polycross breeding approach.

Morpho-metric characterization of oat genotypes (Avena sativa L.) for agricultural sustainability under changing climatic conditions

2023-04-07T07:21:11+00:00

In the present investigation, DUS (distinctness, uniformity, stability) characterization of 112 oat genotypes performed using 29 qualitative and quantitative descriptors showed a wide range of genetic diversity, with stable expression under both seasons, but main culm pithiness had no variation and all the genotypes were without pith. High variability was reported for lowest leaves, hairiness of sheaths, leaf color, flag leaf blade width and plant height. Correlation analysis revealed that 1000 seed weight was highly significant and positively associated, while plant height positively correlated with early plant growth habits, flag leaf blade length, and main culm peduncle length. The dendrogram was constructed for 112 oat genotypes and grouped these genotypes into eight clusters. The maximum genotypes were grouped into cluster 2 with 55 genotypes, and minimum numbers were found in clusters 1 and 8 with two genotypes in each cluster. The study will be helpful for breeders in deciding efficient methods and strategies for future oat improvement and selecting primary material for the hybridization program.

Studies on correlation, path analysis and principal component analysis for yield, quality and seed parameters in forage sorghum

2025-01-21T06:21:20+00:00

Character association studies are very important for developing improved cultivars in any crop. An experiment was planned to study the correlations and path coefficients between various green and dry fodder yields affecting morphological and quality traits in forage sorghum germplasm lines. The correlation and path analysis studies were carried out on 50 germplasm lines of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Green fodder yield was found to be positively and significantly associated with plant height, leaf breadth, dry fodder yield, green fodder yield/plant/day, dry fodder yield/plant/day, crude protein yield, seedling length and seedling vigor index I. This indicated that selection based on these characters would undoubtedly enhance the fodder yield performance of forage sorghum genotypes. Path coefficient analysis showed that seed germination, green fodder yield, plant height and crude protein percent were important characteristics for the improvement of dry fodder yield in forage sorghum. The first six principal components (PCs) explained 76.28% of the total variability.

Genetic analysis for forage yield and quality characters in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

2023-05-22T05:18:42+00:00

This study was carried out to determine the combining ability of forage yield, its components and quality traits among crosses derived from nine selected cowpea parents. About 36 crosses were generated from diallel crosses, excluding reciprocals. These crosses and nine parents were evaluated for combining ability for forage yield, its components and quality traits. The results indicated that parent 85-5E was the best combiner for green fodder yield, dry matter yield, leaf length, leaf breadth, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, crude protein content and in-vitro dry matter digestibility. Similarly, parent FOS 1 proved to be the best combiner for vine length, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, crude protein content and in-vitro dry matter digestibility. The crosses involving FOS 1 x CL 398, CL 391 x C 88, FOS 1 x C 74, CL 396 x CL 391 and FOS 1 x C 88 were the best specific combiner for green fodder yield and most of its components traits. The ratio of gca/sca values was greater than unity for most of the forage and quality traits, inferring that additive gene action played an important role in their inheritance. In contrast, for traits like vine length, dry matter yield, crude protein content, and in-vitro dry matter digestibility, the above-said ratio was less than unity, indicating non-additive gene action played an important role. So, to utilize both additive and non-additive gene effects, modification of conventional breeding methods such as bi-parental breeding or reciprocal recurrent selection will be the better choice for initiating any cowpea breeding program.

Bases of resistance in maize against spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (swinhoe)

2023-04-29T12:37:44+00:00

Spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus is the most ubiquitous and key pest of maize. Once the pest enters the plant tissue, it becomes almost impossible for biological control agents and pesticides to reach the target. Hence, keeping this in view, a search for biophysical and biochemical bases of resistance in maize against C. partellus was undertaken for two consecutive years, i.e., Kharif 2018 and 2019 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut. Studies revealed that the genotypes with maximum leaf trichomes, leaf epidermal silica bodies, stem lignified vascular bundles, phenols, tannins, and with minimum sugars, proteins and chlorophyll content index had showed a negative impact on C. partellus damage parameters. Therefore, these biophysical and biochemical traits can be used as markers to identify maize genotypes with resistance to C. partellus and further these can be used in resistant breeding program.

Understanding floral biology and pollination behavior of Stylosanthes spp. to enhance improvement programs

2023-05-01T12:05:48+00:00

The significance of a range legume Stylosanthes spp. is long established in grassland ecosystems. However, its potential for the nutritional security of livestock remains underexploited. A better understanding of floral behavior will assist in its improvement through improved hybridization techniques, seed production and breeding schemes. Only limited studies have been conducted on the floral biology of Stylosanthes spp. The current study focused on floral morphology, anthesis, longevity and pollen viability of four Stylosanthes spp. viz., S. hamata, S. seabrana, S. viscosa and S. scabra. The anthesis time varied among the Stylosanthes species studied here and the maximum anthesis occurred during Indian Standard Time (IST) from 8.00 AM to 10.00 AM. The flower longevity of Stylosanthes spp., lasted for a day after the anthesis. All the species were found to be protandrous, as pollen dehiscence occurred 1 to 2 hours before anthesis. The time of the highest pollen viability (85.08 ± 2.16%) coincided with stigma receptivity. After two hours of anthesis, higher receptivity and maximum activity of stigma was observed in S. hamata compared to other Stylosanthes species. Furthermore, S. scabra showed the maximum pollen count while estimating a number of pollen per anther and flower.

Physiological and harvestable maturity of seeds in finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.]

2023-06-02T09:29:19+00:00

Identification of correct stage of physiological maturity (PM) and ideal stage of harvestable maturity (HM) of seeds in finger millet is important for production of quality seed. The earliest date of appearance of seed setting was considered as the first stage of harvest and subsequently eight harvests were made at weekly intervals. The seeds harvested at different intervals during two late post-rainy seasons of 2019 and 2020 were evaluated. The study revealed the seed PM at 37 DAA (days after anthesis) during the first year for the variety VL347. The next harvest at 44 DAA reduced the seed yield, vigour and storability traits significantly indicating suitable stage of HM at 40 DAA. More or less similar, the second year results also confirmed these stages of PM and HM in VL347. In case of VR936, maximum seed quality reached at harvest stage of 48 DAA, however it was non-significant at 41 DAA for most of these traits, and further the seed yield reduced significantly with later harvest at 48 DAA. These observations indicated the appropriate stage of PM at 41 DAA and possible HM at 44 DAA in VR936. Also, the predictions based on polynomial regression model (II order) more or less closely confirmed these stages of PM in VL347 and VR936. The morphological indices observed at PM and HM stages were that most of the plants and ears appeared in brown to dark-brown and the seeds in brown to copper color. The black layer depression developed at hilum region of seed that was prominently visible at PM stage. These indicators help to judge the right stage of crop harvest for quality seed production in finger millet.

Influence of bio-priming on seed quality and yield in berseem

2025-01-21T07:02:16+00:00

An experiment was conducted in berseem with nine treatments and three replications viz., T1 (Control), T2 (Hydro-priming), T3 (Rhizobium), T4 (Phosphate solubilising bacteria), T5 (Endophyte), T6 (Azotobacter), T7 (Enterobacter), T8 (Rhizobium + Phosphate solubilising bacteria), T9 (Phosphate solubilising bacteria + Azotobacter) to record its seedling vigour and crop establishment in combination with microbial inoculants. Seeds were soaked in water (hydro-priming) and microbial solution (bio-priming) for 12 hours. The results revealed that bio-priming of berseem seeds significantly impacted seed yield and quality. Seed bio-priming with Azotobacter at 2 g/kg of seeds for 12 hours recorded significantly higher values for germination percentage (97.00%), shoot length (6.02 cm) and seedling vigour index (987) when tested for initial seed quality parameters before sowing. Whereas seed bio-priming with phosphate solubilising bacteria at 2 g/kg of seeds for 12 hours (T4) had significantly increased plant growth traits such as plant height (87.23 cm), branches per plant (52.33), leaf-to-stem ratio (0.74 g), green biomass at 60 DAS (232.62 g) and same treatment (T4) also recorded maximum values for seed yield contributing traits like number of heads (4.70), number of seeds (50.20), 1000-seed weight (3.05 g), seed yield per plant (0.67 g), net plot yield (0.15 kg) and seed yield per ha (193.11 kg). The change in seed yield/ plot over control was 66.67% during Rabi season at Dharwad.

Effect of different land use types on selected soil characteristics in Erode district, Tamil Nadu

2022-10-09T12:28:38+00:00

An experiment was conducted with thirty cropping systems from six land use types (agriculture, horticulture, silviculture, pastoral, horticulture + agriculture and silviculture + horticulture) to observe the effect of various land use systems on soil properties. The results showed that land use type had a substantial impact on measured soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, electrical conductivity (EC) and soil reaction (pH). Results showed that agriculture/horticulture based land use systems had considerably higher pH (on an average: 8.30) and EC (0.93 dS m-1) values than did other land use systems. The SOM and SOC in tree-based land use systems were found to be higher than cultivated agri and horti soils. The findings indicated that periodical cultivation of land with agricultural/horticultural crops reduced the soil organic matter, available nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium while dramatically raising pH and EC. Therefore, for sustainable agricultural productivity, it is necessary to create integrated land management strategies that could aid in restoring soil fertility and limiting soil deterioration.

Carbon stock dynamics in soil as influenced by perennial grass-legume mixtures in southern dry zone of Karnataka

2022-12-16T16:14:54+00:00

A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Vishweshwaraiah Canal Farm, Mandya, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore from July 2020 to June 2022 to study the carbon stock dynamics in soil as influenced by different perennial grass-legume mixtures in southern dry zone of Karnataka. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design comprising of twelve treatments and replicated thrice. The data revealed that among different grass-legume mixtures, paired row system of B×N hybrid + Desmanthus (2:5) recorded considerably higher credit of soil organic carbon (0.018%) and carbon sequestration in soil (1.12 Mg ha-1) followed by paired row system of Guinea grass + Desmanthus (2:3) (0.016% and 0.99 Mg ha-1, respectively) at the end of the second year. Further, significantly higher green fodder, dry matter and crude protein yield (1802.7, 355.7 and 41.5 q ha-1 year-1, respectively), gross and net returns (Rs. 3,44,072 and 2,58,752 ha-1 year-1, respectively) as well as benefit cost ratio (4.05) were observed with paired row system of B×N hybrid + Desmanthus (2:5) cropping system on a pooled basis which was on par with paired row system of Guinea grass + Desmanthus (2:3) with respect to crude protein yield (38.3 q ha-1 year-1) and B:C ratio (3.67) as compared to other grass-legume mixtures. Considering these results, B×N hybrid paired row + Desmanthus (2:5) followed by Guinea grass paired row + Desmanthus (2:3) were found as the most promising fodder cropping systems for meeting both farmer needs and soil sustainability.

Assessment of barley and berseem for feed-forage yield, land use efficiency and profitability under varying intercropping row ratios

2022-10-14T10:28:23+00:00

An experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2020-21 to record the effect of different intercropping row ratios on feed and forage yield, land use efficiency and profitability. The experiment consisted of nine treatments viz. sole barley, sole berseem, intercropping of barley + berseem in 1:1, 2:1, 1:2, 2:2, 3:1, 1:3 and 3:3 row ratios. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The results of the study revealed that in barley, maximum grain yield (3.46 t ha-1) was recorded with sole barley, which was at par with 2:1 row ratios of barley + berseem intercropping. Intercropping of barley + berseem in 2:1 row ratio also recorded maximum dry fodder yield (6.27 t ha-1), land equivalent ratio (1.21), relative crowding coefficient (3.73), phosphorus uptake (12.34 kg ha-1), net return (Rs 45834 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (2.44). Further, in forage berseem maximum green fodder yield (49.03 t ha-1), crude protein (18.27%), TDN content (64.08%), dry matter intake (2.71%), digestible dry matter (66.41%) and relative feed quality (141.16%) were recorded with sole berseem treatment followed by 1:3 and 1:2 row ratio of intercropping.

Yield and quality of promising fodder grass varieties under varying shade levels in Kerala

2023-08-05T05:52:14+00:00

An experiment was laid out at AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, to assess the performance of different fodder grass varieties under varying shade levels. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. Treatments comprised of 3 shade levels (0, 25 and 50% shade) and five fodder varieties [bajra napier (BN) hybrid varieties Suguna, Susthira, CO-3, CO-5 and Guinea grass var. Suparna]. Among the shade levels, highest L:S ratio was recorded under open (1.53) and the highest leaf area was recorded under both 25 and 50% shade levels. Among the varieties, the highest tiller number was recorded in guinea grass var. Suparna (31.7), highest LSR in BN hybrid varieties CO-3 and CO-5 and highest leaf area in BN hybrid variety Susthira. The highest GFY (2418.7 q/ha) and DFY (604.7 q/ha) were recorded by CO-5 under open conditions. Under 25 and 50% shade levels, the highest GFY and DFY were recorded in guinea grass var. Suparna. The highest chlorophyll content was recorded in all four BN hybrid varieties under 50% shade than the other two shade levels. The interaction effect was nonsignificant on quality characteristics like crude protein and fiber contents. Among the shade levels, highest protein content was recorded under 50% shade level (11.7%). Among varieties, BN hybrid var. Suguna recorded the highest protein content (11.33%) and guinea grass var. Suparna had the lowest fiber content (23.84%). Considering the yield and quality of different BN hybrid varieties under varying shade levels, it was concluded that CO-5 is best suited for cultivation under open and Suparna for 25 and 50% shaded fields.

Effect of spacing and nitrogen management on productivity and quality of fodder oat in high ranges of Kerala

2023-07-26T14:22:29+00:00

A study was undertaken during winter seasons of 2021-2022 to standardize spacing and nitrogen levels to realize optimum productivity of fodder oat. Treatments were laid out in factorial RBD with 9 treatments in 3 replications. Treatments consisted of three levels, each of two factors viz., row spacing at 15, 25 and 35 cm and nitrogen levels 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1, respectively. The results revealed that wider row spacing of 35 cm recorded higher tiller count (9.22 tillers per hill), whereas higher green fodder, dry matter yields (26.58 and 5.32 t ha-1) and NPK uptake (104.81, 24.47 and 88.32 kg ha-1, respectively) was recorded in narrow row spacing of 15 cm. Nitrogen level of 120 kg N ha-1 recorded the highest GFY (27.69 t ha-1), DMY (5.54 t ha-1) chlorophyll (3.54 mg g-1) and crude protein content (12.54%). It also improved leaf area index, leaf area duration and specific leaf area. The interaction of spacing and nitrogen was significant in some parameters. Spacing of 35 cm with 120 kg N ha-1 recorded the tallest plant (111.19 cm) and a greater number of tillers (9.29 hill-1). In case of GFY and DFY spacing of 15 cm with 120 kg N ha-1 recorded the highest yields of GFY (30.14 t ha-1) and DMY (6.03 tha-1), uptake of nitrogen (120.97 kg ha-1), phosphorus (27.91 kg ha-1) and potassium (100.46 kg ha-1).

Sustainable forage cropping systems for round the year green fodder supply in irrigated subtropics of Jammu

2024-07-06T07:28:32+00:00

Field experiments were conducted during 2020-21 and 2021-22 to evaluate various forage-based cropping systems for irrigated conditions of Jammu. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design and replicated thrice. Results showed that multicut sorghum + maize with root slips of napier planted on field boundaries in July recorded significantly highest green forage yield which was though statistically at par with multicut sorghum + maize with root slips of Setaria planted on field boundaries in July followed by multicut sorghum + maize with stem cuttings of napier planted on field boundaries in January and multicut sorghum + maize with stem cuttings of Setaria planted on the field boundaries in January during kharif season. In rabi season, berseem + oat with root slips of napier planted on field boundaries in July was found to be significantly superior than other treatments. Multicut bajra + maize - berseem + barley with stem cuttings of napier planted on field boundaries in January recorded higher system productivity which was at par with the treatment multicut bajra + cowpea - berseem + oat with stem cuttings of napier planted on field boundaries in January.

Inheritance studies of Pyrenophora leaf spot resistance genes in oat (Avena sativa L.) crop

2025-01-21T07:29:25+00:00

Oat is a hexaploid cultivated crop known for its usage as a fodder crop mainly, though being a dual purpose crop. Oats are affected by several abiotic and biotic stresses. Among them, foliar diseases like rust, leaf spot, smut, etc, are important and have threatened oat production. Pyrenophora leaf spot, which is a fungal disease that accounts for 40 to 50% yield losses in India. Keeping this in view, a study was conducted to identify the inheritance pattern of Pyrenophora leaf spot resistance genes by the previously developed F2 population involving resistant and susceptible parents. The population showed a minimum of 22% DSI and a maximum of 83% DSI. The result showed that populations derived from parents were separated into 114 resistant individuals and 26 susceptible individuals, fitting into a gene ratio of (13 resistant: 3 susceptible) which is less than a table value with non-significant deviation observed for the trait studied, indicating observed and expected distributions were not same. Further ratio indicated that inhibitory gene action was involved in governing it.

Field establishment of Cenchrus grass pasture through seed pelleting

2023-02-20T06:01:40+00:00

Sowing the individual seeds of grasses at proper depth and spacing is a great challenge. Low germination and high seedling mortality at an early stage is a general problem in the establishment of pasture. Spikelets (seed) of Cenchrus ciliaris were used for the formation of seed pellets viz. round shaped and cube-shaped and cloth pouch. Pelleting materials consisted of farm soil, clay and farm yard manure in a 2:1:1 ratio. The weight of one pellet ranged from 5 to 7 g which embedded 8-10 spikelets. Two sowing methods viz. dry sowing and normal sowing, were evaluated. Significant differences were observed in germination and other growth parameters for both sowing methods and types of pellets. The number of seedlings/pellet in dry sowing ranged from 2.5-4.5, while in normal sowing it ranged from 3.8-5.5. The highest plant stand per plot was recorded in cloth pouch (84.5) followed by cube-shaped pellet (75.7) and round-shaped pellet (71.1). Seedling mortality was high in the dry sowing method, irrespective of the type of pellets. Cloth pouches had an advantage over both types of pellets for plant stands, while cube-shaped pellets were found to be better when compared to round-shaped pellets.

Diverse nitrogen fertilization effects on fodder yield and quality of oat

2024-01-08T09:22:47+00:00

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-21, to assess the effect of diverse nitrogen fertilization on growth, yield and quality of fodder oat. The experiment consisted of seven treatments viz., control (no N); a recommended dose of N (RDN); 50% N through fertilizer + 50% N through FYM; 50% N through fertilizer + 50% N through vermicompost; 50% N through fertilizer + two sprays of nano-urea; two sprays of nano-urea; site-specific nitrogen management (SSNM). Results showed that diverse nitrogen fertilization brought considerable improvement in the growth, productivity and fodder quality of oats. Application of 50% RDN through fertilizer + 50% N through vermicompost produced significantly the highest green (61.1 t/ha) and dry fodder yields (10.19 t/ha), which were at par with all other treatments except two sprays of nano urea and control. The increase in green and dry fodder yield was 92.8 and 87.2% over control. Furthermore, the highest CP content (12.1%) and CP yield (1212 kg/ha) were obtained under SSNM, which was at par with all other treatments except control and two sprays of nano-urea. However, a reverse trend was observed in acid detergent fiber. The study suggested that integrated use of fertilizer and organic manure could be applied in oats to get higher fodder yield and quality.

Productivity and energetics of forage pearl millet as influenced by liquid microbial inoculants

2023-08-05T05:31:46+00:00

In the present study, an appraisal of liquid microbial inoculants on the productivity and energetics of forage pearl millet was carried out. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design consisting of 12 treatment combinations of liquid microbial inoculants (Azotobacter sp., Sphingobacterium sp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Burkholderia seminalis) along with a 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and replicated thrice. It was observed that treatment T9: RDF + B. seminalis + S. maltophilia showed maximum growth and yield attributing traits. An increase of 11.54% in green fodder yield and 8.94% in dry matter yield was recorded with the application of T9 over T1: RDF (control). Further, the inoculated plants were also higher in terms of energy use efficiency, energy productivity, output energy, and net energy.

Effect of jackfruit peel inclusion in diets on nutrient utilization and haemato-biochemical profile of Osmanabadi goats

2023-02-13T09:48:36+00:00

Lactating Osmanabadi goats (n = 12) were randomly divided into three groups: T0, T1 and T2. The control group (T0) was offered a regular concentrate mixture, whereas in the treatment groups, Jackfruit peel (JFP) was included at 10% (T1) and 20% (T2) levels in a concentrated mixture on a dry matter (DM) basis. For the nutrient utilization study, 350 g of concentrate mixture was offered in the morning and evening, and green forage (hybrid napier fodder) was given adlib throughout the day. Inclusion of JFP did not show any significant effect (p >0.05) on the intake, outgo (g/d) and digestibility (%) of nutrients (DM, OM, CP, EE and NFE). The effect of the inclusion of jackfruit peel was non-significant on the apparent absorption of Ca and P. No significant change was observed on hemoglobin (g/dl), packed cell volume (%) and serum biochemical parameters, viz., total protein, albumin, globulin (g/dl) and A:G ratio (p >0.05) due to the inclusion of JFP. Serum ALT level was not affected, whereas AST level was significantly lower in T2 (64.72 IU/L) compared to T0 (90.34 IU/L). Thus, JFP could be safely included up to 20% level in a concentrated mixture of Osmanabadi goats.