For official use only

Annual Report

2005-06

Department of Agronomy

College of Agriculture CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya,

Palampur- 176062-HP (India).

PREFACE

This is thirty second Annual Progress Report of the Department of Agronomy,

Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. Activities in the field of

teaching, Research and Extension Education for the period of July 2004-June 2005

have been described in different sections. The report is based on the matter supplied by

faculty members located at main campus, Regional Research Stations, Research Sub

Stations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Extension Centres.

The department of Agronomy receives its financial assistance through various

agencies in the form of short/long Projects. The department is having projects

financed by State Government, Govt. of India, ICAR and Private Agencies. I

thankfully acknowledge each one of them for their generous financial help.

The support and encouragement and appreciation by the Hon’ble Vice-

Chancellor, Dean, College of Agriculture, Dean, Post Graduate Studies, Director of

Research and Director of Extension Education from time to time are thankfully

acknowledged.

The help and cooperation extended by the faculty members and supporting staff

of the department at Palampur and at different Research stations and KVK’s are

thankfully acknowledged.

Dr. S.S. Rana, Dr. G.D. Sharma and Dr. M.C. Rana deserve special mention for

tremendous efforts put by them in preparation of this report. Mr. Sushil Kumar,

Senior Scale Stenographer deserves special appreciation for typing this manuscript on

the computer.

Professor and Head Deptt. of Agronomy

SALIENT ACHIEVEMENTS

• Based upon six year’s research findings under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh, rice-radish-potato cropping sequence gave highest rice equivalent yield (26102 kg/ha), greatest production efficiency, net return (Rs 90815/ha) and B: C ratio. This was followed by rice – pea - French bean (Rs 72152/ha) and rice - potato (Rs 39174/ha) sequences in terms of net return.

• Sowing of rice and wheat under zero tillage was as good as line sowing in prepared bed.

• Pea-summer squash cropping sequence was most productive and remunerative giving highest green pod pea equivalent yield (218q/ha), system productivity, net return (Rs. 183946/ha) and economic efficiency under Lahaul valley conditions. This sequence was followed by pea-pea (RC), pea-pea and pea + carrot.

• Intercropping of wheat + linseed in row ratio of either 4:4 or 6:4 produced significantly higher linseed equivalent yield and net return.

• The yields of brinjal and ladyfinger were higher by about 12 and 18% on raised beds than in flat beds.

• Tomato and capsicum were the most remunerative new cash crops under Lahaul valley conditions of HP.

• Mash variety KU-150 produced highest yield as intercrop (1.2 q/ha) followed by KU-154 (1.15 q/ha) in Paonta valley. Whereas, cowpea variety C-380 performed best as intercrop (1.74 q/ha) followed by C-475 (1.51 q/ha).

• Line sowing using 60 kg seed/ha, 5t FYM/ha and split application of N as 50% at 15 days after sowing, 25% at maximum tillering and remaining 25% at panicle initiation produced highest grain yield of rainfed upland paddy.

• In Paonta valley, a dual purpose cowpea variety C-519 evaluated for green pods and grain yield performed best at 60 cm row to row spacing over 45 cm when sown on 30th of July.

• During kharif, mash, soybean, cowpea, sesamum and maize can be sown on 30th July, 15th July, 15th July, 30th July, 15th July, respectively without significant reduction in yield under Poanta valley conditions of HP. Similarly during rabi, wheat, gram, lentil and gobhi sarson can be sown upto 30th December.

• Among the late sown varieties of wheat evaluated under Paonta valley conditions, Raj 3777 produced highest grain yield (39.6 q/ha) followed by HS 295 (36.4 q/ha). HS 295 was most consistent among all the varieties tested at different dates of sowing.

• Under late sown mid hill conditions of Kangra, Brassica carrinata variety BCRS 17 gave highest seed yield (2685 kg/ha).

• Significantly highest rice equivalent yield (7034 kg/ha) was obtained when 50% NPK (fertilizers) + 50% N (FYM) was applied to rice and 100% NPK (through fertilizers) to wheat in rice-wheat sequence. This treatment also recorded highest sustainability index based upon last 15 years results.

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• Fifty percent NPK (Inorganics) + 50% N (FYM) + micro-nutrient (T1) resulted in highest baby corn equivalent in baby corn – Chinese sarson – onion cropping sequence.

• Under Lahaul valley conditions, highest curd yield of cabbage (was obtained with the application of 100 kg N, 80 kg P205 and 30 kg K20/ha.

• Two irrigations of 5 cm each at CRI and flowering stage during 2003-04 and three irrigations of 5 cm each at CRI, flowering and dough stage during 2004-05 and 2005-06 in addition to light pre sowing irrigation resulted in significantly highest grain and straw yields of wheat with highest quantity of total water use.

• Surface drainage and ridge planting significantly increased grain yield of both Harit soya and PK-472 cultivars of soybean compared to no surface drainage.

• At Malan, in the manured plots split application of N, 50% at 15 DAS (N) and 25% N each at maximum tillering and panicle initiation stages produced highest yield of upland rice.

• Wheat cultivar HPW 249 at 40 kg N/ha produced grain yield statistically at par with the grain yield produced by HS 240, VL 876 at 60 kg N/ha and VL 876 at 90 kg N/ha also.

• In zero tilled wheat broadcasting of full NPK before first irrigation proved significantly superior over traditional method of placement of fertilizer.

• At Kangra, 50% nutrient substitution with organics i.e. with FYM or vermicompost or with the combination of both in maize not only gave grain yield statistically at par with 100% inorganic nutrients but also left residual effect on succeeding gobhi- sarson crop with yield advantage of 5-13%.

• Maize + soybean or maize + cowpea (green manuring) cropping systems with recommended fertilizer application increased the maize grain yield significantly and at the same time left a residual effect on the succeeding crop of gobhi-sarson with the yield advantage of 34 and 14 per cent, respectively over pure maize cropping system at Kangra.

• Application of 112.5 kg N along with 40 kg S/ha resulted in highest gobhi sarson yield at Kangra.

• In brinjal - pea cropping system, soil solarization in integration with pendimethalin 0.6 kg/ha + hand weeding in brinjal and direct application of pendimethalin 0.6 kg/ha + HW in pea controlled the weeds effectively and resulted in significantly higher fruit yield of both the crops.

• In transplanted rice-wheat cropping system, herbicide rotation in both the crops and 100 per cent N through fertilizer or continuous use of single herbicide in rice with 75% N through fertilizer and 25% N through Lantana and herbicide rotation in wheat gave effective control of weeds and higher grain yield of both the crops.

• In maize - wheat sequence, zero tillage in maize and conventional tillage in wheat in combination with atrazine in maize and clodinofop 60 g/ha fb 2, 4-D 1.0 kg/ha in wheat increased the grain yield of both the crops.

• Affinity (Carfentrazon + IPU) 2 kg/ha, tank mix application of IPU 1 kg + 2, 4-D 0.75 kg/ha and clodinofop 60 g/ha, 2, 4-D 1.0 kg/ha were equally effective in controlling weeds and increasing grain yield of wheat.

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• Sulfosulfuron 30 g/ha controlled the mixed weed flora effectively and increased the wheat yield significantly.

• Cyhalofop-butyl 120 g/ha at 15 days followed by 2,4-D 1.0 kg/ha at 20 days after sowing controlled the total weed flora and resulted in highest yield of direct seeded upland rice.

• Drum seeding of rice in combination with Cyhalofopbutyl 90 g/ha (20 DAS) resulted in higher grain yield by effective control of weeds over broadcast method in integration with buta chlor 1.5 kg/ha.

• At Malan, herbicide bensulfuron methyl 0.05 kg/ha at 20-25 DAT was as effective as recommended herbicide butachlor 1.5 kg/ha.

• Weeds in unweeded solid maize reduced the grain yield of maize by 61.5 per cent over best treatment of maize + soybean in integration with metolachlor 1.0 kg/ha.

• Integration of intercropping one row of soybean in between two rows in maize (1:1) with one hand weeding at 30 DAS or metalachlor 1.0 kg/ha (Pre) gave effective management of weeds in maize with additional yield of soybean.

• To get higher black gram yield, raised bed or ridge planting and management of weeds with pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha fb one hand weeding or pendimethalin 1.50 kg/ha were promising.

• In soybean, acetachlor 1.5 kg/ha (pre), haloxyfop-methyl 100 g or 125 g/ha or trifluralin 1.5 kg/ha (pre) or Quizalofop ethyl 75 g/ha (post) were equally effective in controlling weeds.

• In garlic, first 60 DAS and in okra, first 20 DAS were observed to be the critical periods of crop weed competition.

• In multilocational trials, Parthenium was controlled effectively with 2, 4-D Na salt 2.5 kg/ha, atrazine 2.5 kg/ha, glyphosate 2.0 kg/ha or metribuzine 2.0 kg/ha. 2, 4-D was economical.

• Lantana was controlled effectively with glyphosate 0.5% on 30-35 days old regenerated bushes (25-30 cm tall) under farmer’s field situations. On 60 days old bushes, it required 1.0 % solution for its complete kill. Three months old regenerated bushes could not be controlled even at higher rates.

• Newly emerged Ageratum houstonianum was controlled effectively with the application of 2, 4-D 1.0 kg/ha.

• Continuous application of butachlor in transplanted rice and Isoproturon 1.5 kg/ha in wheat for last 12 years did not leave their detectable residues in soil.

• Inoculation of Setaria with Azotobacter and Rhizobium in white clover resulted in appreciable improvement in the forage yield of Setaria – white clover forage production system.

• Planting of Setaria grass, Napier bajra hybrid and Kikuyu grass caused a significant reduction in growth traits of lantana. Setaria produced highest fodder yield (260.7 q/ha) along with more crude protein yield (3.86 q/ha).

• In wasteland, highest green (127.0 q/ha) and dry (48.26 q/ha) forages were obtained from orchard grass when sown using broad spectrum herbicide.

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The department of Agronomy was established in the year 1972 under the auspices of Agricultural Complex with a mandate of teaching at under graduate and post graduate level. The department undertakes the following activities,

1. To develop agro-techniques for various crops and cropping systems, pasture and grassland improvement and management of weeds

2. to develop farming system models and

3. to disseminate the developed technology to extension functionaries and farmers and to develop crop weather relationship.

TEACHING

The department imparts teaching in 11 core courses at U.G level to the students of agriculture, Home Science and Veterinary and Animal Sciences. In PG programme, a number of courses are offered under the following fields of specialization i) Cropping systems and Crop Production ii) Mineral nutrition and Water Management iii) Weed Science iv) Pasture and Grassland Management v) Agrometeorology. Few courses are exclusively field practicals which expose the students to all the field problems for raising successful crops. During the 3rd year, the students of B.Sc. (Ag.) are allotted an area of about 400 m2 each at the farm on which they are required to raise crops during the entire year. The students are given the profit earned by them under the auspices of “earn while you learn scheme”.

Budget of teaching scheme (in lakhs) S. No.

Scheme Salary TA Contingencies Total

i) ANP-001-16 Teaching facilities in the Deptt. of Agronomy

43.81 0.03 0.30 44.14

ii) APL-003-16 Facilities for the introduction of practical field crop production course in the curriculum of B.Sc. Agri. at COA

8.70 - 0.16 8.86

iii) AP-02-16 Grant in aid for specific research project under plan

- - 0.40 0.40

Staff Position in Teaching

The detail of staff exclusively involved in teaching has been given in Annexure I.

The department has started offering courses to under graduate as well P.G classes according to revised curriculum. The irrigation facility has been strengthened and extended to each field in the students’ farm. Electricity and potable water facilities have been provided in the new student farm building as well as in old farm store at the experimental farm of the department. Fencing of the experimental farm has been done. A crop cafeteria is being raised both during Rabi as well as kharif season for the benefit of UG and PG students.

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The detail of courses offered in UG and PG Programme in 2005-06 and being offered in 2006-07 is given in Annexure II. The detail of theses submitted and degrees completed by the students of Agronomy during 2005-06 is given here as under,

S. No. Name of the Student Admission No. Date of completion Name of the degree 1. Mr. Pankaj Chopra A-2001-40-04 Thesis submitted Ph. D. 2. Mr. Kiran Singh A-2000-40-02 -do- Ph. D. 3. Ms. Garima Puri A-2003-30-12 23.12.2005 M. Sc 4. Mr. Rupinder Singh (A-2003-30-13) 7.3.2006 M. Sc 5. Ms. Shabana Hamid (A-2003-30-14) 5.6.2006 M. Sc. 6. Mr. Sunil Sharma (A-2000-40-03) 5.9.2005 Ph. D. 7. Mr. Chaudhary Ram A-2000-40-01 15.10.2005 Ph. D.

The abstracts of theses of the students who completed degrees during the period under report are being given in Annexure III. Ms. Renu Sharma, M.Sc. student was awarded Gold Medal for the period, July 2004-June 2005.

RESEARCH

In addition to teaching, research is another responsibility of the Department of Agronomy. The research programme of the department includes working of agronomic requirements of important crops and cropping system of the state. The objectives are being achieved through experimentations under:

1. All India Coordinated Research Projects

2. Adhoc Projects funded by various agencies

3. State Financial Projects

4. Projects of the post graduate students and teaching staff

Research schemes and financial outlay (lakhs) Sr. No.

Name of the scheme Pay TA Contingency Total

1. APL-054-16 Facilities for Research in Deptt. of Agronomy.

18.64 0.01 0.03 18.64

2. APL-030-16 strengthening of research facilities in Deptt of Agronomy

6.13 - 0.28 6.41

3. ICAR-06-16 AICRP on Weed Control 14.59 0.30 5.73 20.62 4. ICAR-07-16 AICRP on Cropping

System Research 32.60 0.40 5.50 38.50

5. ICAR-31-16 AICRP on Agro-meteorology

4.50 0.19 0.60 5.29

6. Ad hoc Project (GOI) 313-16 2.78 0.12 0.22 3.12 7. APL-002-16 - - 2.02 2.02 8. Adhoc Project 367-16 1.00 0.30 1.23 2.53 9. Miscellaneous - - 1.50 1.50 10. Adhoc-GOI-372-16 1.01 0.24 0.54 1.88 11. Adhoc-Misc-706-16 - - 0.50 0.50 12. Adhoc-Misc-750-16 - - 0.50 0.50

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Scientific staff

Annexure I give the information pertaining to Scientists of the department during the year under report. The list include the staff of Agronomy discipline placed at the main campus as well as different stations and in research projects having their technical control with department of Agronomy at main campus.

The agronomic research is being conducted at the Main Campus, at Regional Research Stations and Research Sub-stations on the aspects as given below,

1. Interaction between agro-techniques and varieties of different crops. 2. Improvement/refinement of agro techniques suiting to the need of small and

marginal farming community of the state. 3. Working out of agronomic requirements of various crops and cropping

systems for sustained productivity. 4. Management of weeds in cropped and non-cropped land. 5. Development, improvement and management of natural grasslands vis-à-vis

cultivated fodder crops. The research results obtained from the experiments of the post graduate students

and teachers exclusively born on teaching have been given in this section under the following broad headings,

A) Cropping systems and crop production B) Fertility management C) Weed management D) Forage and grassland management E) Agrometeorology

A. CROPPING SYSTEMS AND CROP PRODUCTION

Identification of need based cropping systems for different agro-climatic conditions

To identify appropriate cropping systems with high productivity to suit the specific needs of the region, an experiment with six crop sequences was initiated during the year 2000. The cropping sequence rice-radish-potato gave the highest rice equivalent yield and was most remunerative (Rs 74448/ha/annum) (Table 1) during 2005-06. This was followed by rice - potato in terms of rice equivalent and net return (Rs 61667/ha). The six years mean data shown in Annexure IV-1a also indicated superiority of rice-radish-potato cropping sequence in terms of rice equivalent yield (26102 kg/ha). The rice-radish-potato cropping sequence was followed by rice – pea- French bean (20242 kg/ha) and rice-potato (14042 kg/ha). Owing to better utilization of applied resources, ‘Rice-radish-potato’ sequence recorded greater production efficiency in terms of kg/ha/day (88.2) and Rs/ha/day (307.0) (Annexure IV-1b). This was followed by ‘rice-pea-French bean’ and rice-potato sequences in terms of kg/ha/day as well as Rs/ha/day. The land use efficiency ranged between 76.1 to 91.4%. Rice-linseed-sunhemp, rice- pea- French bean and rice-radish-potato sequences occupied the land for longer duration and had higher land utilization indices than rice-wheat sequence. The economic analysis of the data also revealed superiority of

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rice-radish-potato sequence in fetching highest net return (Rs 90815/ha) than remaining sequences. The net gain owing to rice-radish-potato cropping sequence over the prevalent rice-wheat sequence was about 311 per cent higher. This was followed by rice – pea - French bean (Rs 72152/ha) and rice - potato (Rs 39174/ha) sequences. Rice-radish-potato gave highest B: C ratio of 1.73.

Table 1. Production potential and economics of high intensity crop rotations (2005-06)

Crop sequence Yield (kg/ha) Rice equivalent

yield (kg/ha)

Net returns (Rs/ha)

B:C ratio Rice Rabi I Rabi II

Grain Straw Main straw Main Straw Rice-wheat 2362 4605 3346 4971 - - 6316 19062 0.65 Rice-pea –French bean

2168 4553 4250 4583 3854 3854 16903 57239 0.97

Rice-radish-potato

2247 4523 5926 - 13177 13177 19613 74448 1.73

Rice- potato 2394 4651 13958 9583 - - 15083 61667 2.01 Rice-linseed-sunhemp

2149 4621 973 2464 - - 4626 1544 0.05

Rice-gobhi sarson

2266 4749 691 2004 - - 4025 1119 0.04

LSD (P=0.05) - - - - - - 2473 14784 0.29

Studies on the methods of stand establishment (Zero tillage) on the productivity and profitability of rice – wheat system

The findings of an experiment conducted at Malan revealed that sowing of rice and wheat under zero tillage was quite encouraging as the yields under this system were not significantly different from the yield obtained under line sowing in prepared bed (Table 2). However, wheat yield following zero tillage in rice decreased significantly as compared to line sowing in prepared bed.

Table 2. Effect of methods of establishment of rice and wheat on their yield (kg/ha)

Method of establishment Rice Wheat

2003 2004 2005 03-04 04-05 Rice Zero tillage (M1) 2097 2851 3345 1617 2326 Row seeding in prepared bed (M2) 2139 2895 3827 2050 2851 Broadcast of sprouted seeds in puddle field (M3) 2354 3250 4086 2250 2764 Drum seeding of Sprouted seeds in puddle field (M4) 2421 3389 4313 2000 2902 Transplanting (M5) 3569 3514 4842 1767 2712 CD 5% 478 499 579 256 370 Wheat Zero tillage - - - 2040 2714 Conventional - - - 2110 2871 Raised bed - - - 1660 2548 CD 5% - - - 250 226

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Identification of suitable crop sequences for dry temperate zone

The results of the experiment comprising of six double cropping and six intercropping systems conducted at Kukumseri (L&S) revealed that pea-summer squash cropping sequence was most productive and remunerative giving highest green pod pea equivalent yield (218q/ha), system productivity, net returns (Rs. 183946/ha) and economic efficiency. This sequence was followed by pea-pea (RC), pea-pea and pea + carrot. Benefit: cost ratio was significantly higher in pea + carrot (Rs.3.5) and was statistically at par with pea-summer squash (Table 3).

Table 3. Productivity and profitability of various double/intercropping crop sequences

Treatments Yield (q/ha)

Pea equivalent

(q/ha)

System productivity (q/ha/day)

Net returns (Rs./ha)

Economic efficiency

(Rs./ha/day)

B:C ratio (Rs.)

Pea-Pea 151.3-35.5 186.8 1.02 146736 804 2.8 Pea-Pea (RC) 150.8-38.2 189.0 1.04 151174 828 2.9 Pea-Buckwheat 152.4-20.5 169.5 0.93 140629 787 3.0 Pea-Buckwheat (RC) 147.9-22.3 166.5 0.91 141917 778 3.2 Pea-Summer squash 153.1-129.7 218.0 1.19 183946 981 3.3 Pea-Toria 144.8-7.3 155.8 0.85 125012 685 2.9 Potato + Pea 311.8+40.9 170.8 0.94 139457 764 3.1 Potato + Rajmash 313.6+12.7 162.4 0.89 131259 719 3.0 Potato + Frenchbean 312.8+12.4 161.4 0.88 125974 690 2.8 Pea+ Carrot 137.4+81.6 178.2 0.98 155544 852 3.5 Pea + Onion 132.8+50.2 166.3 0.91 118094 647 2.4 Pea+ Garlic 123.3+26.4 145.3 0.80 110864 607 2.7 CD(0.05) 10.8 0.06 13132 72 0.2

Evaluation of different crops after pea in dry temperate region

Six crops were sown after pea to intensify the cropping season in the dry temperate region of Himachal Pradesh. In general, (except buckwheat and toria) crops sown on July 4 recorded significantly higher yield over their respective counterpart. Highest yield was of radish followed by peas, carrot, French bean, buckwheat and toria (Table 4).

Table 4. Effect of seeding time of different crops after pea on their yield

Sowing date

Crop yield (q/ha)

Peas Buckwheat Toria French bean Carrot Radish Mean July 4 62.0 3.7 2.7 43.3 66.7 325.0 83.9 July 14 50.0 4.0 2.0 36.0 56.7 283.3 72.0 Mean 56.0 3.8 2.3 39.7 61.7 304.2 LSD (P=0.05) Crop Sowing date Interaction 7.1 5.0 10.1

Intercropping studies in linseed based crop sequence

Intercropping of wheat + linseed in row ratio of either 4:4 or 6:4 produced significantly higher linseed equivalent yield and net returns compared to intercropping of gram + linseed irrespective of row ratios or with linseed + lentil. The intercropping of gram with linseed was not found beneficial as the main crop (gram) did not come up to expectations (Table 5).

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Table 5. Yield, linseed equivalent yield (LEY) and returns of linseed based systems

Treatment Yield (kg/ha) LEY (Kg/ha)

Net returns (Rs/ha) Main crop Inter crop

Wheat + Linseed 2:2 2429 142 977 9993 Wheat + Linseed 4:4 2697 174 1153 12440 Wheat + Linseed 6:4 2587 199 1109 10641 Gram + Linseed 2:2 258 165 449 920 Gram + linseed 4:4 271 197 495 (-)333 Gram + linseed 6:4 272 219 518 (-)126 Linseed + Lentil2:2 725 73 816 6333 Linseed + lentil 4:4 812 95 864 6180 Linseed + lentil 6:4 845 112 985 8100 Linseed sole 1084 1084 1084 8234 Wheat sole 2855 - 1005 7800 Gram sole 537 - 724 2733 - 251 301 (-)3130 CD 5% 153 3139

Evaluation of rice-vegetable based cropping system under rain-fed situation using sunken-raised bed technology

A Field experiment was initiated during kharif 2005 to evaluate performance of different vegetable crops (Lady finger, brinjal and chillies) on raised beds in comparison to flat beds. Sunken beds were used for growing lowland rain-fed rice. Soil moisture content in surface layer (0-15 cm) of raised beds varied from 28.7 to 30.6 with lower values in the center of bed (Table 6a) indicating lateral seepage of floodwater into raised beds from the adjoining sunken beds. The 15-30 cm soil layer though recorded lower values (25.9 to 27.8), yet the trend was same as observed in surface layer of soil. Similarly, in 30-45 cm soil layer of raised bed the moisture content decreased with distance from the adjoining sunken beds.

Table 6a. Soil moisture content in a raised bed bounded by sunken beds

Lateral distance from sunken bed (m)

Soil moisture (%, g/g) 0-15 cm 15-30 cm 30-45 cm

0.3 30.6 27.8 34.7 0.6 29.8 27.8 33.6 0.9 29.6 26.7 32.8 1.2 29.1 26.1 32.3 1.5 29.1 25.9 32.2 1.8 28.7 26.5 32.5 2.1 28.7 26.7 32.8 2.4 29.3 27.3 33.9 2.7 30.5 27.5 34.9

The yields of brinjal and ladyfinger were higher by about 12 and 18% on raised beds than in flat beds (Table 6b). The chillies crop failed due to wilt under high rainfall situation. The average yield of rainfed lowland rice in sunken beds was 2.75 Mg/ha grains and 3.61 Mg/ha straw.

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Table 6b. Yield of brinjal and ladyfinger crops on raised and flat beds

Treatment Yield (Mg/ha) Brinjal Lady finger

Flat beds 2.6 2.2 Raised beds 2.9 2.6

Introduction and evaluation of new cash crops under dry temperate conditions

The productivity data of the crops tested at Kukumseri (L&S) on the basis of potato equivalent yield revealed that capsicum (3.96 q/ha/day) remaining statistically at par with tomato (3.93 q/ha/day) was highly productive cash crop compared to sole potato (1.91 q/ha/day) (Table 7). Of all the newly introduced crops tomato and capsicum were found to be highly remunerative new cash crops fetching significantly higher net returns of Rs 297329/ha and Rs 297112/ha and B:C ratios of Rs.5.8 and 5.6, respectively.

Table 7. Productivity and profitability of various crops in mono-cropping system

Treatments Yield (q/ha)

Potato equivalent

yield (q/ha)

Productivity (q/ha/day)

Net returns (Rs./ha)

Economic efficiency (Rs./ha/day)

B: C ratio (Rs.)

Potato 348 348 1.91 116363 638 3.0 Tomato 718 718 3.93 297329 1629 5.8 Capsicum 181 723 3.96 297112 1628 5.6 Cauliflower 321 641 3.52 260444 1427 5.3 Cabbage 415 498 2.73 183233 1004 3.8 Broccoli 139 416 2.28 143100 784 3.2 Carrot 357 428 2.35 141104 773 4.8 Onion 250 400 2.19 105628 579 2.1 Garlic 215 430 2.36 157641 864 3.7 Rajmash 33 196 1.07 78991 433 4.2 Frenchbean 30 180 0.98 50956 279 2.2 Winter wheat 28 44 0.24 7424 41 1.4 CD(0.05) - 13 0.74 6600 36 0.11

Performance of mash varieties under sole and intercropping systems of cultivation in Paonta valley

The results of an experiment at Dhaulakuan revealed that T4 (Mash, KU-154) gave highest yield of 6.66 q/ha under sole crop which was statistically superior to all treatments combinations but was at par with T3 (Mash, KU-150, 6.22 q/ha) (Table 8). The mash yields under intercrop treatments ranged from 0.63-1.2 q/ha. T7, Mash variety KU-150 produced highest yield as intercrop (1.2 q/ha) followed by KU-154 (1.15 q/ha), WVU-108 (1.09 q/ha) and UG-218(0.63 q/ha). Maize yield recorded under T1, sole crop was highest (43.33 q/ha) and found statistically superior to all other maize + mash intercropping treatments except T6 (39.25 q/ha). The data on mash equivalent yield revealed that highest yield of 9.92 q/ha was observed under T1 maize sole which was statistically at par with T8, T6 and T9 but superior to all treatments.

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Table 8. Performance of mash varieties under sole and intercropping systems

Treatments Maize yield (q/ha)

Mash yield (q/ha)

Mash equivalent

yield (q/ha)

Mash DOF DOP DOM

T1 maize sole 44.40 - 13.55 - - - T2 Cowpea-C-410 - 759 7.59 58.0 68.7 88.0 T3 Cowpea C-475 - 7.44 7.44 64.3 73.0 96.3 T4 Cowpea C-380 - 5.92 6.66 38.7 49.3 72.3 T5 mash, WVU-108 - 3.98 3.98 39.3 53.0 73.7 T6 maize + mashUG-218 39.25 0.63 9.63 50.0 60.0 78.0 T7 maize + MashKU-150 31.11 1.20 8.30 39.7 51.7 78.7 T8 maize + mash KU-154 37.78 1.15 9.77 39.0 50.3 73.7 T9 Maize + mash WVU-108 34.44 1.09 8.96 40.0 56.0 75.0 CD 5% 5.44 0.93 1.28 1.58 1.20 1.69 Maize @ Rs 550/q, mash @ Rs. 2400/q

Performance of cowpea varieties under sole and intercropping systems of cultivation in Paonta valley of HP

Cowpea variety C-410 produced highest yield of 7.59 q/ha which was statistically superior to all treatments combinations under study but was at par with T3 (C-475, 7.44 q/ha) and T5 (C-236A). The cowpea yields under intercrop treatments ranged from 1.03-1.74 q/ha. Cowpea variety C-380 performed best as intercrop (1.74 q/ha) followed by C-475 (1.51 q/ha), C-236 A (1.07 q/ha) and C-410 (1.03 q/ha). Maize yield recorded under T1, sole crop was highest (44.4 q/ha) and found statistically superior to the yield obtained under all maize + cowpea intercropping treatments. The data on cowpea equivalent yield (Table 9) revealed that highest yield of 13.55 q/ha was observed under T1 maize sole which was statistically at par with T8 (13.7 q/ha) but superior to all treatments.

Table 9. Performance of cowpea varieties under mono and intercropping systems of cultivation

Treatments Maize yield (q/ha)

Cowpea yield (q/ha)

Cowpea equivalent yield

(q/ha)

Cowpea DOF DOP DOM

T1 (Maize sole) 44.40 - 13.55 - - - T2 Cowpea C-410 - 7.59 7.59 58.0 68.7 88.0 T3 Cowpea C-475 - 7.44 7.44 64.3 73.0 96.3 T4 Cowpea C-380 - 5.92 5.92 63.3 71.3 92.3 T5 Cowpea C-236A - 7.03 7.03 43.3 51.6 100.0 T6 Maize +C-410 39.62 1.03 13.07 58.0 68.3 96.7 T7 Maize +C-475 32.22 1.51 11.29 65.0 72.7 101.7 T8 Maize +C-380 37.40 1.74 13.18 66.6 70.6 99.0 T9 Maize + C-236A 35.18 1.07 11.74 45.3 52.0 109.0 CD 5% 3.24 0.755 1.008 1.15 1.31 1.15 Maize @ Rs 550/q, mash @ Rs. 2400/q

Cultural management practices for enhancing grain yield of rainfed upland rice

The results of an experiment on rainfed upland rice (Table 10) conducted at Malan revealed that the treatment combination involving line sowing using 60 kg seed/ha, given 5t FYM/ha and split application of N as 50% 15 days after sowing, 25% at maximum tillering and remaining 25% at panicle initiation produced highest grain yield of 3.78 t/ha. In general, lower seed rates of 60-80 kg ha-1 in different treatments resulted in grain yield at par with 100 kg ha-1.

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Table 10. Effect of treatments on grain yield of rainfed upland rice

Treatment Grain yield (kg ha-1)

T1: Farmers practice of broadcast (100 kg seed ha-1) + 100%RFD* 2799 T2: Line sowing (60 kg seed ha-1) + RFD 2959 T3: Line sowing (60 kg seed ha-1) + 50 %RFD + 5 t FYM ha-1 2879 T4: Dibbling of two seeds at 20 x10 cm + 100% RFD 2554 T5: Line sowing (60 kg seed ha-1) + 5 t FYM ha-1, 50 % N 15 days after sowing + 25 % N at maximum tillering + 25 % N at panicle initiation

3783

T6: Broadcast (60 kg seed ha-1) + 50 %RFD + 5 t FYM ha-1 2785 T7: Broadcast (80 kg seed ha-1) + 50 %RFD + 5 t FYM ha-1 2922 T8: Line sowing(80 kg seed ha-1) + 50 %RFD + 5 t FYM ha-1 3197 CD 5% 400 RFD*: Recommended dose of fertilizer

Evaluation of different crop establishment methods for increasing the yield in transplanted rice

To identify suitable method(s) of establishment for increasing the yield of transplanted rice, a field experiment was conducted at Malan. Nurseries were raised at different dates to make the transplanting around 10th of July. Comparison of the new methods of rice transplanting under mid hills revealed that though the tillers and productivity increased on per hill basis in System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and Integrated Crop Management (ICM) but these attributes were significantly lower than the standard transplanting when compared on hectare basis (Table 11).

Table 11. Effect of methods of establishment on grain yield of transplanted rice

Treatments Yield (kg/ha)

S1 : Standard transplanting of 25-30 days old 2-3 seedlings per hill at 20 x 10 cm spacing 6752 S2: System of rice Intensification (SRI) i.e. transplanting of 8-10 days old 1 seedling per hill at 25 X 25 cm spacing

5500

S3: Integrated Crop Management (ICM) i.e. transplanting of 15-18 days old 1-2 seedling per hill at 20 X 20 cm spacing

6016

S4: Direct seeding of sprouted seeds with drum seeder 5623 S5: Integrated Crop Management (ICM) i.e. transplanting of 15days old 1-2 seedling per hill at 22.5 X 22.5cm spacing

5738

S6: Integrated Crop Management (ICM) i.e. transplanting of 20 days old 1-2 seedling per hill at 22.5 X 22.5cm spacing

6110

CD 5% 425

Performance of linseed varieties to different dates of sowing

Variety KL-214 (Himani) remaining at par with Nagarkot produced significantly higher seed yield of linseed (Table 12). The magnitude of increase in yield in Himani (KL-214) over Nagarkot, Baner and Binwa was 5.89, 19.73, and 67.03%, respectively. Variety KL-224 of linseed produced significantly higher oil content over other varieties. Sowing of linseed in last week of October and 2nd week of November remaining at par produced significantly higher yield over the sowing of linseed in the last week of November. The oil content increased with delay in sowing up to the last week of November.

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Table 12. Effect of varieties and date of sowing on linseed

Treatment Seed yield (kg/ha)

Net Returns (Rs./ha)

B:C ratio (Rs) Oil content (%)

Date of sowing Last week of Oct. 980 11105 1.30 37.61 Ist week of Nov. 988 11766 1.47 37.96 Last week of Nov. 729 7046 0.91 38.22 CD 5% 62 1189 0.14 0.50 Varieties KL-210 637 4911 0.60 37.99 KL-214 1065 13224 1.63 36.58 KL-224 889 9715 1.20 38.90 Nagarkot 1005 12040 1.48 38.23 CD 5% 71 1373 0.16 0.57

Performance of AVT (I) 2nd year entries to different sowing time

Sowing of linseed either in Ist week or 3rd week of October remaining at par produced significantly higher seed yield compared to later date of sowing (Table 13). The magnitude of increase in yield due to D1 and D2 sowing was 24.8 and 21.2 over the last sowing date (D3). LC 2063 & LC 54 statistically recorded the same yield. LC 54 variety recorded the highest oil content (38.97%).

Table 13. Effect of varieties and date of sowing on linseed

Seed yield (kg/ha)

Oil content (%)

Sowing time D1 694 37.36 D2 674 37.74 D4 556 37.29 CD 5% 83 - Varieties LC 2063 838 36.85 T-397 241 36.57 LC-54 846 38.97 CD 5% 83 -

Performance of linseed AVT (1) 2nd year entries to different fertility levels

LC 54 and LC 2063 remaining at par produced significantly higher yield of linseed compared to the National check T-397 (Table 14). With increase in fertility level, the seed yield of linseed increased significantly up to the highest level tested indicating that varieties under testing were responsive to fertilizer application. Highest content of oil was recorded with LC 54 variety of linseed.

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Table 14. Performance of linseed varieties to different fertility levels

Seed yield (kg/ha) Oil content (%) Varieties LC-2063 920 37.21 T-397 356 37.48 LC-54 921 39.25 CD 5% 56 - Fertility levels 50% of recommended dose 550 38.09 100% recommended dose 750 38.05 150% of recommended dose 897 37.79 CD 5% 56 -

Effect of sowing date and spacing on growth and yield of Cowpea C-519 under Paonta valley of H.P.

The dual purpose Cowpea variety C-519 produced significantly higher green pod and grain yield of 16.0 and 5.06 q/ha, respectively under S2 spacing than S1 (Table 15). Highest green pod and grain yields of cowpea, 22.13 and 5.93 q/ha, respectively were recorded under D3 (30 July) sowing date. The B: C ratio followed the similar trend.

Table 15. Effect of sowing dates and spacing on the yield and economics of cowpea C-519

Treatments Yield q/ha (Green pod)

Yield (q/ha) (Grain)

B:C ratio

Spacings S1 (45 cm) 11.67 4.00 3.19 S2 (60 cm) 16.60 5.06 4.36 CD 5% 1.54 0.289 D1 (30 June) 11.06 3.00 2.78 D2 (15 July) 11.80 4.60 3.40 D3 (30 July) 22.13 5.93 5.56 D4 (15August) 11.58 4.60 3.36 CD 5% 2.18 0.409 Green@ Rs.10/kg and dry @ Rs. 18/kg

Contingent crop planning for kharif season under paonta valley conditions

The performance of crops under different sowing dates for contingent crop planning (Table 16) revealed that,

1. Mash gave highest yield 5.55 q/ha under D2 (15 July) which was significantly superior to D1, 30 June (3.54 q/ha) and D4 15 Aug(3.47 q/ha) but at par with D3, July 30 (4.51 q/ha).

2. Soybean produced the highest yield 19.71 q/ha under D2 (15 July6) which was statistically at par with D1, June 30 (18.47 q/ha). But superior to D3, 30 July (11.11 q/ha) and D4, 15 Aug (5.9 q/ha).

3. Cowpea gave highest yield of 8.05 q/ha under D2 (15 July) which was significantly superior to the yield recorded under all other sowing dates i.e. D3, 30 July (5.97 q/ha), D4 , 15 Aug(5.55 q/ha) and D1, June 30 (5.41 q/ha).

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4. Till produced highest yield of 5.41 q/ha under D1, June 30 which was significantly superior to D4, 15 Aug (3.19 q/ha) and D2(0.55 q/ha) but at par with D3, July 30 (5.00 q/ha). There was poor germination under D2 so very low was recorded.

5. Maize yield was highest under D1 (33.33 q/ha) which was superior to D2 (30.56 q/ha), D3 (13.58 q/ha) and D4 (5.55 q/ha). The yield of maize reduced drastically after 15 July sowing date and lowest was recorded under D4.

Table 16. Contingent crop planning kharif 2005—Performance of Crops under different sowing dates

Sowing Date Crop yield (q/ha)

Mash

Soybean Cowpea Til Maize

D1 (30 June) 3.54 18.47 5.41 5.41 33.33 D2 (15 July) 5.55 19.71 8.05 0.55* 30.56 D3 (30 July) 4.51 11.11 5.97 5.00 13.88 D4 (15 Aug) 3.47 5.90 5.55 3.19 5.55 CD 5% 1.18 3.47 0.99 0.785 2.59

Performance of wheat varieties under late sown conditions in Paonta valley

V2 (Raj 3777) produced significantly highest yield of 45.0 q/ha under D1, 7th December,

which was superior to all other combinations except yield obtained under V2, D2 (Raj 3777, Dec. 14th) and V2D3 (Raj 3777, Dec 21st) treatment combinations (Table 17). Overall reduction trend in the yield of wheat was observed when sowing was delayed by one week interval during December-January under all variety. But reduction was highest under Raj 3777 (33.95%) and lowest under HS-295 (8.75%) which indicated that HS 295 was more consistent variety under late sown conditions than other varieties under trial.

Table 17. Wheat yield as effected by sowing dates and varieties at Paonta valley

Sowing dates D1

December 7 D2

December 14 D3

Decmeber 21 D4

December 28 D5

January 4 Mean

Varieties V1 (Raj 3765) 31.38 34.16 31.11 30.55 30.83 31.61 V2 (Raj 3777) 45.00 43.88 43.05 36.38 29.72 39.61 V3 (HS 295) 38.05 37.91 36.38 35.13 34.72 36.44 V4 (HPW 42) 37.22 36.11 35.00 33.33 30.27 34.38 Mean 37.91 38.02 36.38 33.85 34.38 CD 5% Varieties Sowing

dates Interaction

2.54 2.27 5.08

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Contingent crop planning for Rabi 2005-06 under Paonta valley conditions

1. Wheat variety Raj 3765 gave highest yield (37.11 q/ha) under D1 (1st Dec) which

was significantly superior to the yields obtained under D3 (30 Dec., 3055 q/ha) and D4, (15 Jan, 3.11 q/ha) but at par with D2 (34.00 q/ha). The variety gave good yield upto 30th December i.e. D3 but there after very low yield of 3.31 q/ha was harvested under D4 (15th Jan) sowing date (Table 18).

2. G. sarson (Sheetal) gave highest yield of 11.96 q/ha under D1 (1st Dec) which was

significantly superior to the yield obtained under all other sowing dates. Lowest yield of G.sarson was recorded under D4, 15 Jan (1.66 q/ha).

3. Lentil (Vipasha) produced highest yield (4.27 q/ha) under D3 (30 Dec) which was significantly superior to the yield recorded under D1 and D2 but at par with D4, Jan, 15 (3.61 q/ha).

4. Gram (HC-1) gave highest yield 5.22 q/ha) under D1 (Dec 1) which was significantly superior to the yield obtained under all other sowing dates. Lowest yield of 2.83 q/ha was recorded under D4, 15 Jan.

Table 18. Contingent crop planning Rabi 2005-06- performance of crops under different sowing dates

S owing date Crop yield (q/ha) Wheat Gram Lentil G. Sarson D1 (Ist Dec) 37.11 5.22 2.55 11.66 D2 (15th Dec) 34.00 3.66 3.11 9.00 D3 (30TH Dec) 30.55 3.44 4.27 7.66 D4 (15th Jan) 3.11 2.83 3.61 1.66 CD 5% 5.63 0.97 0.69 2.07

Effect of seed rate and spacing on growth, yield and economics of summer moong (SML-668) in Paonta valley

20 cm spacing gave the highest yield of 3.0 q/ha which was superior to the yield under 25 cm (2.38 q/ha) and 30 cm (1.73 q/ha) spacing. 30 kg/ha seed rate produced higher yield (2.68 q/ha) than 25 kg/ha (2.31 q/ha) and 20 kg/ha (2.12 q/ha).

Influence of fertilizer and row spacing on seed production of inbred lines of single cross of QPM maize hybrid (Shaktiman-2)

Days to 50% flowering and plant height at maturity were significantly affected by the inbred lines (Appendix IV-2). Similarly maturity was also delayed significantly in female parent (CML 176) when compared with male parent (CML 186). Seed yield of CML 176 inbred line was significantly higher as compared to CML 186 inbred line.

Pilot project on organic seed production of wheat

Number of ears, seed yield and vigour index of the control where crop was raised with all recommended standard cultural practices (with full NPK, seed treatment and plant protection measures without FYM) was significantly higher (Appendix IV-3). FYM and vermicompost did not differ significantly in influencing seed yield. Effect of treatment of seed with trichoderma was also not observed on seed yield.

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Produce from the different plots was stored in three types of storage material i.e. i) cloth bag, ii) cloth bag with neem leaves and iii) polylined cloth bag. Moisture content and germination of the seed were affected significantly by storage material (Appendix IV-3). Polylined cloth bags were found to be superior as compare to simple cloth bags. Significantly less moisture and more germination percentage were recorded for the seed samples taken from polylined cloth bags till the end of the experiment.

B. MINERAL NUTRITION AND WATER MANAGEMENT

Permanent plot experiment on integrated nutrient supply system in a cereal based crop sequences (Rice-wheat)

In order to study the long term effect of the conjunctive use of fertilizers and manures on system productivity and soil health, an experiment was started in Kharif , 1990. The results (Table 19) revealed that rice equivalent yield (7034 kg/ha) was significantly higher when 50% NPK (fertilizers) + 50% N (FYM) was applied to rice and 100% NPK (fertilizers) to wheat in sequence. However, recommended dose of NPK (fertilizers) to rice and wheat was statistically at par with the above mentioned fertilizer schedule in respect of rice equivalent yield in 2005-06. The mentioned fertility treatment (50% NPK (fertilizers) + 50% N (FYM) to rice and 100% NPK (fertilizers) to wheat) also recorded highest sustainability index based upon the last 15 years results (Appendix IV-4).

Table 19. Grain and straw yield (kg/ha) of paddy and wheat during 2005-06

Treatments Rice Wheat Rice equivalent

Kharif Rabi Grain Straw Grain Straw

T1 Control Control 2398 3051 1246 2137 3871 T2 50% NPK 50% NPK 2873 4024 1614 3668 4781 T3 50% NPK 100% NPK 2873 4392 2672 5103 6031 T4 75% NPK 75% NPK 3051 3965 2251 4492 5711 T5 100% NPK 100% NPK 3199 4422 2925 5159 6656 T6 50% NPK+50% FYM 100% NPK 3288 4879 3170 5544 7034 T7 75% NPK+25% FYM 75% NPK 3146 4547 2641 4659 6267 T8 50% NPK+50% WCS* 100% NPK 3039 4167 2552 5401 6055 T9 75% NPK+25% WCS* 75% NPK 2653 4173 2333 4790 5410 T10 50% NPK+50% GM 100% NPK 3205 4487 2656 5476 6343 T11 75% NPK+25% GM 75% NPK 2825 4060 2208 4440 5435 T12 Farmers’ Practice Farmers’ Practice 2618 4196 1971 4024 4946 LSD (P=0.05) 320 486 503 1137 619 WCS-Wheat cut straw; Rice grain Rs 5.50/kg; wheat grain Rs 6.50/kg.

Site Specific Nutrient Management in rice (PHB 71, hybrid rice) - wheat (HPW-89) crop sequence

To maximize yield and economic returns in rice-wheat system through site-specific nutrient management, and to enhance nutrient use efficiency through balanced fertilization and its effect on soil fertility and productivity, a field experiment was conducted at Bhadiarkhar Farm. Application of 100 kg N + 120 kg K2O along with 40 kg sulphur, 5 kg borax and 20 kg ZnSO4 gave highest rice equivalent yield (7915 kg/ha) but this was significantly higher over T2,T6 and T12 only ( Table 20).

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Table 20. Effect of integrated nutrient supply on yield (kg/ha) of rice and wheat in rice-wheat sequence (2005-2006)

Treatments Rice Wheat Rice equivalent

yield N P2O5 K2O S Borax Zinc

sulphate Grain Straw Grain Straw

T1 100 25 120 40 5 20 3665 5147 2960 6945 7055 T2 100 50 120 40 5 20 3798 5647 2448 7093 6602 T3 100 0 120 40 5 20 4681 6064 2823 5761 7915 T4 100 25 80 40 5 20 3931 5281 2482 5374 6774 T5 100 25 40 40 5 20 3931 5147 2300 4987 6565 T6 100 25 0 40 5 20 3665 4814 1947 3290 5895 T7 100 25 120 40 5 0 4265 5314 2209 6443 6794 T8 100 25 120 40 0 20 4281 5664 2402 6592 7033 T9 100 25 120 0 5 20 4215 5764 2300 5897 6849 T10 100 25 120 0 0 0 4364 5780 2300 6945 6999 T11 State recommended dose of nutrients 4215 5347 2220 4952 6757 T12 Farmers’ practice 3965 5397 1662 3803 5869 LSD (P=0.05) 567 558 656 496 1240 Rice, Rs 5.50/kg; wheat, Rs 6.30/kg

Development of organic farming package for system based (Baby corn - Chinese cabbage - onion) high value crops

Fifty percent NPK (Inorganics) + 50% N (FYM) + micro-nutrient (T1) resulted in highest baby corn equivalent (Table 21). This was followed by 1/3rd N each through FYM, Vermicompost and

Neem cake + Azospirillum + Phospho-bacteria (T6), and 50% N through FYM + Azospirillum + Rock phosphate + PSB (T5). 100% NPK (inorganics) + micro-nutrient gave highest baby corn yield. Whereas, 50% NPK (inorganics) + 50% N (FYM) + micro-nutrient recorded highest Chinese cabbage and onion yields.

Table 21. Development of organic farming package for system based [Baby corn (Early composite) -Chinese cabbage (Palamur green) - onion (Patna -red)] high value crops during 2005-2006, yield (kg/ha) of crops thereof.

Treatment Baby corn

Chinese cabbage

(Green leaves)

Onion bulb

Baby corn

equivalent yield

T1 50% NPK (inorganics) + 50% N (FYM) + micro-nutrient 1701 10488 45493 29691

T2 1/3rd N each through FYM, Vermicompost and Neem cake 992 10629 35573 24093

T3 1/3rd N each through FYM, Vermicompost and Neem cake + mulching

1346 9637 33163 22747

T4 1/3rd N each through FYM, Vermicompost and Neem cake + Agronomic practices for WC

1134 10346 31321 21967

T5 50% N through FYM + Azospirillum + Rock phosphate + PSB

1134 10488 36990 24872

T6 1/3rd N each through FYM, Vermicompost and Neem cake + Azospirillum + Phospho-bacteria

992 9637 41241 26431

T7 100% NPK (inorganics) + micro-nutrient 1772 3401 283 3614

T8 Dummy plot (T2) 921 6944 34439 21613

Babycorn, Rs. 10.0/kg; Chinese cabbage and onion, each Rs. 5.0/kg.

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Effect of split application of K in rice

The grain yield data of the field experiment conducted at Malan revealed that the different treatments did not influence the grain yield of rice. It was therefore concluded that it is possible to apply potassium in splits of 75% basal + 25% as topdressing/spray 45-50 days after transplanting. There was no advantage of increasing the dose of potassium from the existing 40 kg K2O to rice (Table 22).

Table 22. Effect of different treatments of potassium on grain yield of rice

Treatment Grain yield (kg ha-1)

40 kg K2O as basal 60.20 40 kg K2O in splits ( 75% basal + 25 % at 45-50 DAT) 65.92 60 kg K2O as in splits( 75% basal + 25 % at 45-50 DAT) 59.44 80 kg K2O as basal 59.63 80 kg K2O in splits (75% basal + 25 % 45-50 DAT) 62.96 40 kg K2O as basal 75% basal + 25 % spray 45-50DAT) 62.22 CD 5% NS

Response of cabbage to different levels of fertilizer NPK under high hills dry temperate conditions of HP

At Kukumseri, the curd yield of cabbage was significantly increased with the incremental doses of N up to 100 kg/ha (586 and 583 q/ha in 2004 and 2005, respectively) (Table 23).

Table 23. Effect of levels of NPK on curd yield of cabbage

Treatment Curd yield (q/ha) 2004 2005 N-levels (kg/ha) 0 397 425 50 501 499 100 586 583 150 555 552 CD (P=0.05) 24 21 P-levels (Kg/ha) 0 418 439 40 551 548 80 559 556 CD (P=0.05) 5 7 K-levels (Kg/ha) 0 475 496 30 528 526 60 526 522 CD 5% 7 7

An additional curd yields to the tune of 47.6 and 37.2% was obtained during the years 2004 and 2005, respectively with the application of 100 kg/ha over no N. Similarly, application of P at 80 kg/ha resulted in highest curd yield (559 & 556 q/ha). In case of K response was only up to 30 kg/ha during both the years of study (526 & 522 q/ha). Significantly highest curd yields of cabbage (724 & 713 q/ha) were obtained with N100P80K30 followed by N150P40K60 fertility levels during both years of study (The data not shown).

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Increasing water productivity of wheat through irri gation scheduling and time of sowing under water deficit conditions

A field experiment was started in Rabi 2003-04 with the objectives of determining optimum time of sowing under water deficit conditions and maximizing water productivity through adjustment of sowing time. Timely sown wheat produced highest grain yield (2.54, 3.31 & 2.13 Mg/ha) and gave highest water use efficiency (4.92, 3.71 & 5.17 kg/ mm-ha) during both the year (Table 24). There was progressive and significant increase in total water use with delay in sowing time from early sowing in October to late sowing in December.

Table 24: Effect of sowing time and irrigation schedule on grain yield and water use efficiency

Treatments Grain yield (Mg/ha)

Total water use (mm)

WUE (kg/mm ha)

03-04

04-05

05-06

03-04

04-05

05-06

03-04

04-05

05-06

Early sowing (Mid October) 2.37 3.06 1.86 530 882 414 4.47 3.46 4.50 Timely sowing (Mid November) 2.54 3.31 2.13 520 892 412 4.92 3.71 5.17 Late sowing (Mid December) 1.79 2.27 1.67 483 900 423 3.71 2.52 3.94 LSD (P=0.05) 0.17 0.07 0.13 15 7 5 0.38 0.08 0.32 Pre-sown irrigation (PSI) 1.98 2.53 1.52 461 818 353 4.29 3.09 4.32 PSI+Irrigation at CRI 2.23 2.74 1.85 508 867 395 4.40 3.17 4.68 PSI+Irrigation at CRI & floweing 2.49 3.00 2.01 564 918 438 4.40 3.28 4.59 PSI+Irrigation at CRI , floweing & dough

3.25 2.18 963 478 3.38 4.56

LSD (P=0.05) 0.17 0.08 0.14 15 8 6 NS 0.09 NS

Irrigation schedule consisting of two irrigations of 5 cm each at CRI and flowering stage during 2003-04 and three irrigations of 5 cm each at CRI, flowering and dough stage during 2004-05 and 2005-06 in addition to light pre sowing irrigation resulted in significantly highest grain and straw yields of wheat with highest quantity of total water use. Only pre- sown irrigation produced 75-85 % of wheat grain yield as compared to three irrigations (each at pre-sown, CRI and flowering) during 2003-04. While during 2004-05 and 2005-06 it produced 74-82 % and 68-74 % of wheat grain yield as compared to four irrigations (each at pre-sown, CRI, flowering & dough).

Effect of surface drainage of rainwater on the performance of recommended soybean cultivars

A field experiment was initiated during kharif 2005 to evaluate four recommended cultivars of soybeans under three systems of drainage. PK-472 recorded highest grain yield of 1.32 Mg/ha, closely followed by Shivalik (1.16 Mg/ha) (Table 25a). Surface drainage and ridge planting increased soybean grain yield by about 42 and 30%, respectively, compared to no surface drainage.

Surface drainage and ridge planting significantly increased grain yield of both Harit soya and PK-472 cultivars compared to no surface drainage (Table 25b). Shivalik cultivar of soybean did not respond to surface drainage, however its ridge planting increased grain yield significantly (37%) over no surface drainage. Under condition of no surface drainage all cultivars behaved alike. On the contrary, PK- 472 was significantly superior to remaining cultivars in respect of

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grain yield both under surface drainage and ridge planting. However, statistically similar yield was obtained with shivalik and PK-472 cultivars under ridge planting.

Table 25a. Response of different soybean cultivars to drainage conditions

Treatment Soybean yield (Mg/ha) Cultivar Harit soya 1.09 Shivalik 1.16 Bragg 0.94 PK-472 1.32 LSD (P=0.05) 0.12 Drainage Surface drainage not provided 0.91 Surface drainage provided 1.29 Ridge planting 1.18 LSD (P=0.05) 0.16

Table 25b. Interaction effects of soybean cultivars and drainage conditions on grain yield of soybean

Drainage conditions Soybean yield (Mg/ha) Harit soya Shivalik Bragg PK-472

Surface drainage not provided 0.967 0.967 0.833 0.867 Surface drainage provided 1.283 1.150 1.083 1.650 Ridge planting 1.033 1.350 0.900 1.430 LSD (P=0.05) 0.315

C. WEED MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

Farmer’s Surveillance

Yield loss due to weeds was calculated between farmer’s practice and weed free treatments. In case of maize yield loss varied from 35-50 per cent, in wheat 25-50% where as in lowland rice it was 10-15% but in upland rice it was 20-60 per cent. Extent of yield loss due to weeds varied from medium to high under all the crops in different cropping systems. Inter-culture (one) is given to different crops and the wages/day for the same varied from Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 per day. Isoproturon in wheat, butachlor in rice and atrazine in maize are also used in some pockets. Farmers who are using these chemicals regularly are fully satisfied but in new areas they are either partially satisfied and some are not satisfied.

Evaluation of soil solarization to manage weeds in brinjal-peas cropping system

The major weeds in brinjal were Echinochloa colona, Cynotis axillaries, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Aeschynomene indica, Cyperus iria, Ageratum conyzoides, Setaria glauca and others. Pendimethalin 0.6 kg + 1HW gave significantly lower total weed population and weed dry weight. This was statistically at par with hand weeding twice in influencing total weed count and total weed dry weight at 90 DAS. Soil solarization and stale seed bed resulted in significantly higher marketable fruit yield of brinjal (Table 26a) over conventional seed bed.

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Table 26a. Effect of treatments on total weed count, total weed dry weight and marketable yield of brinjal

Treatment Total weed count (No m-2)

Total weed dry weight (g m-2)

Marketable yield (q/ha)

60DAS 90DAS 60 DAS 90 DAS Solarized seed bed 9.3(90.6) 12.8(168.0) 4.3(20.0) 5.7(33.0) 13.69 Stale bed 10.6(124.3) 14.6(232.0) 4.6(23.7) 6.5(44.1) 13.59 Conventional 10.4(109.7) 13.3(178.6) 4.8(23.3) 7.5(56.4) 5.74 CD 5% NS NS NS 0.70 3.98 HW twice 10.6(117.7) 14.2(202.6) 4.7(23.4) 6.3(39.6) 11.68 Pendimethalin 1.2 kg/ha (Pre)

10.9(124.1) 13.0(171.5) 4.9(25.6) 7.1(50.9) 11.41

Pendimethalin in 0.6 kg/ha + 1HW

8.2(68.4) 11.5(135.1) 3.3(11.2) 5.5(32.3) 11.84

One HW 10.9(122.6) 15.5(262.2) 5.2(29.1) 7.3(55.2) 11.42 CD 5% 1.27 2.68 0.78 0.93 NS Values given in the parentheses are the original means.

To study the residual effects twelve treatments of brinjal (Table 51-53) were taken as main plots and two weed control method viz. hand weeding twice and pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha applied in peas were taken as sub plots. Major weeds in pea were Phalaris minor, Avena ludoviciana, Poa annua, Vicia sativa, Anagallis arvensis, Plantago lanceolata, Coronopus didymus, Stellaria media, Polygonum alatum and Alopecurous myosuriodes. Residual effect of solarization with pendimethalin 0.6 kg/ha +1HW being statistically at par with stale seed bed with pendimethalin 0.6 kg/ha+ 1HW resulted in significantly higher marketable pea pod yield (Table 26b). Hand weeding twice resulted in significantly higher pea pod yield.

Table 26b. Direct and residual effect of treatments on total weed count, total weeds dry weight and marketable yield of pea

Treatment Total weed count (No m-2) Total weed dry weight (g m-2)

yield (q/ha)

110 DAS 140 DAS 110 DAS 140 DAS Residual effects 11.1(126.6) 9.5(90.6) 5.9(35.3) 6.3(40.8) 19.16 Solarized-HW(Twice) 12.4(158.0) 9.5(90.6) 5.6(31.0) 5.8(33.9) 19.44 Solarized-Pendi 1.2 kg/ha 10.4(120.0) 8.7(76.6) 5.1(25.9) 5.6(31.6) 32.50 Solarized- Pendi 0.6 kg/ha+1HW 11.6(139.3) 9.1(84.0) 6.1(37.8) 5.9(36.0) 16.41 Solarize – one HW 11.5(137.6) 9.3(86.60) 5.4(29.4) 5.7(31.9) 19.79 Stale bed – HW (Twice) 11.3(131.3) 9.2(86.0) 5.9(34.0) 5.0(25.8) 21.54 Stale bed- Pendi 1.2 kg/ha 11.6(139.3 9.6(93.30) 5.8(34.6) 5.4(29.3) 29.75 Stale bed- Pend 0.6 kg/ha +1HW 11.3(131.3) 10.6(113.3) 6.2(38.4) 6.4(41.0) 17.43 Stale bed – one HW 12.0(150.6) 9.3(88.0) 6.5(42.4) 6.1(37.3) 13.73 Conventional- HW(twice) 10.3(108.6) 10.2(105.3) 5.2(27.3) 6.2(39.4) 20.59 Conventional –Pendi 0.6 kg/ha +1HW 12.0(150.6) 10.9(120.0) 6.2(39.0) 6.2(38.8) 26.30 Conventional – one HW 11.7(138.6) 10.3((109.3) 5.9(35.4) 5.9(35.5) 14.19 CD 5% 0.86 1.21 NS NS 5.20 Direct effects Hand weeding (twice) 9.7(95.4) 9.2(86.6) 5.6(31.4) 5.6(31.2) 22.42 Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha 13.2(175.0) 10.1(104.1) 6.0(37.0) 6.2(39.0) 19.38 CD 5% 0.65 0.40 NS 0.38 1.43 Values given in the parentheses are the original means.

23

Long term effect of continuous use of herbicides on shift in weed flora in transplanted rice-wheat rotation

Wheat

Continuous use of herbicides in both the crops or combination of continuous use of herbicide in rice and rotational use of herbicide in wheat with 75% N through fertilizer and 25% N through lantana in rice being statistically at par with combination of rotational use of herbicides in both the crops and 100% N through fertilizer in rice resulted in significantly higher grain yield of wheat by reducing total population and dry matter of weeds (Table 27a).

Transplanted rice

100% N through fertilizer significantly reduced the total population and dry matter of weeds over rotational use of herbicides (Table 27b). Farmer practice being statistically at par with combination of continuous use of same herbicide in rice at 75% N through fertilizer and 25% N through Lantana or 100% N through fertilizer in rice and rotational use of herbicide in wheat and continuous use of herbicide in rice and continuous use of herbicide in wheat with 100% N through fertilizer resulted in significantly higher grain yield of rice.

Table 27a. Long term effect of continuous use of herbicides on total weed count

Treatment Total weed count

(No m-2) Total dry weight

(g m-2) Grain yield

(qha-1) Rice Wheat 120 DAS At harvest

120 DAS At harvest

Farmer Practice Farmers practice

8.9(79.6) 7.4(54.6) 4.9(24.0) 4.0(15.2) 29.69

But.1.5 kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE(100% ferti)

IPU + 2,4-D 8.1(66.3) 6.3(40.0) 3.3(10.6) 3.5(12.2) 30.87

But.1.5 kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE(100% ferti)

Clod./IPU+2,4-D

6.4(41.0) 5.6(32.0) 1.6(1.9) 2.6(5.8) 30.97

But 1.5 kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE (75%N ferti. 25% N through Lantana

IPU + 2,4-D 7.3(53.6) 7.4(54.6) 3.5(12.1) 4.8(23.6) 39.98

But 1.5 kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE (75%N ferti. 25% N through Lantana)

Clod/IPU+2,4-D

6.6(44.0) 4.5(20.0) 2.4(5.1) 2.7(6.6) 40.24

Pretil/But*(100% Fert.) IPU +2,4-D 7.5(56.3) 5.9(34.6) 3.1(9.7) 3.0(8.6) 24.56 Pretil/But* (100% Fert.) Clod/IPU+2,4-

D 6.6(43.6) 4.8(22.6) 2.2(3.9) 2.1(3.6) 39.46

Pretil/But*(75% N ferti +25% N through Lantana)

IPU + 2,4-D 6.6(43.3) 6.5(42.0) 3.8(13.9) 4.6(20.6) 25.52

Pretil/But*(75%N ferti + 25% N through Lantana)

Clod/IPU+2,4-D

6.1(37.0) 5.0(26.6) 2.4(5.2) 2.6(6.7) 33.76

CD 5% 1.11 1.72 0.97 1.21 5.61 Values given in the parentheses are the original means. IPU, isoproturon; Clod, clodinofop.

24

Table 27b. Long term effect of treatments on total weed count, total weed dry matter and grain yield of rice

Treatment Total weed count

(No m 2) Total dry weight

(g m-2) Grain yield

(qha-1) Rice Wheat 60 DAS 90DAS 60 DAS 90 DAS Farmer Practice Farmers

practice 9.4(88.3) 6.4(41.3) 5.8(33.8) 2.4(5.2) 33.39

But.1.5 kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE(100% ferti)

IPU + 2,4-D 5.9(34.6) 6.9(46.6) 6.8(46.4) 3.2(9.7) 21.64

But.1.5 kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE(100% ferti)

Clod./IPU+2,4-D

5.4(29.3) 5.5(30.6) 5.6(30.5) 3.3(11.2) 31.78

But 1.5 kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE (75%N ferti. 25% N through Lantana

IPU + 2,4-D 5.5(32.0) 6.5(44.0) 6.6(43.7) 3.0(8.9) 32.45

But 1.5 kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE (75%N ferti. 25% N through Lantana)

Clod/IPU+2,4-D

6.1(37.3) 7.3(53.3) 7.3(53.1) 3.9(15.3) 31.52

Pretil/But*(100% Fert.) IPU +2,4-D 4.8(22.6) 6.6(45.3) 6.7(45.1) 3.1(9.4) 31.87 Pretil/But* (100% Fert.) Clod/IPU+2,4-

D 5.6(32.0) 7.4(54.6) 6.7(45.1) 3.1(9.9) 25.46

Pretil/But*(75% N ferti +25% N through Lantana)

IPU + 2,4-D 7.0(49.3) 6.1(37.3) 8.8(78.1) 2.8(7.2) 29.91

Pretil/But*(75%N ferti + 25% N through Lantana)

Clod/IPU+2,4-D

7.2(57.3) 8.2(68.0) 8.2(67.7) 5.4(32.4) 28.85

CD 5% 2.42 2.01 1.02 NS 3.35 Values given in the parentheses are the original means. IPU, isoproturon; Clod, clodinofop.

Weed dynamics in maize-wheat sequence under different planting methods

Wheat

Zero tillage in both maize and wheat and zero tillage in maize and conventional tillage in wheat being statistically at par resulted in significantly lower total weed count and total dry weight of weeds (Table 28). Zero tillage in maize and conventional tillage in wheat resulted in significantly highest grain yield of wheat as a result of effective weed control. Zero tillage in both the crops was the next best. Management of weeds with clodinofop 60 g/ha fb 2, 4-D 1.0 kg/ha was significantly superior to handweeding twice to increase grain yield of wheat.

Maize

Zero tillage in both the crops resulted in significantly higher grain yield of maize. Zero tillage in maize and conventional tillage in wheat was the next best. However, both the weed control methods were statistically at par in increasing grain yield of maize (Table 28).

25

Table 28. Effect of tillage and weed control methods on total weed count, total weed dry matter and grain yield of maize

Treatment Maize Wheat Maize Wheat Total weed count Total weed dry

matter Grain yield (q/ha)

Total weed count

Total weed dry matter

Grain yield

(kg/ha) 60 DAS

90 DAS

60 DAS

90 DAS

60 DAS

90 DAS

60 DAS 90 DAS

Planting Methods Bed Planting Bed Planting 18.2

(340.0) 25.5

(782.0) 8.9

(82.5) 9.8

(96.8) 19.35 11.7

(152.0) 11.2

(128.0) 7.8

(71.8) 9.6

(96.8) 18.98

Conventional plant

Conventional planting

20.5 (444.0)

27.9 (936.6)

9.0 (82.1)

9.5 (91.4)

18.92 11.1 (124.0)

10.5 (114.0)

8.7(77.9) 8.4(71.4) 17.59

Conventional planting

Zero tillage 18.6 (352.6)

26.2 (922.3)

9.4 (90.0)

9.1 (88.2)

18.77 7.7 (60.0)

8.8 (82.1)

3.8 (14.0)

8.8 (82.1)

14.75

Zero tillage Zero tillage 16.1 (290.3)

28.3 (1002.3)

8.5 (77.1)

10.4 (109.4)

26.45 8.5 (75.3)

6.8 (46.7)

3.8 (13.6)

6.1 (38.2)

17.72

Zero tillage Conventional 15.2 (237.3)

27.6 (941.3)

8.2 (68.1)

10.8 (117.0)

21.92 8.3 (70.0)

7.5 (56.7)

4.0 (16.1)

6.1 (40.7)

21.16

CD 5% NS NS NS NS 1.385 1.57 1.20 1.68 2.02 2.98 Weed control methods HW- HW twice 17.2

(302.6) 40.3

(1634.5) 7.7

(59.5) 10.6

(113.5) 21.15 8.8

(80.0) 10.9

(127.2) 5.3

(32.4) 8.6

(77.7) 16.29

Chemical weed control

Chemical weed control

18.3 (363.0)

13.9 (199.3)

9.9 (100.3)

9.2 (87.6)

21.25 10.1 (112.5)

7.9 (63.5)

5.9 (44.9)

7.0 (54.0)

19.79

CD 5% NS 1.92 1.38 0.97 NS 0.99 0.78 NS 1.2 3.01 Values given in the parentheses are the original means.

Studies on tank mix and sequential application of herbicides to control mixed weed flora in wheat

Significantly lower weed dry weight was obtained with clodinofop 60 g fb metsulfuron (2 days after first irrigation) (Table 29). However, this treatment was statistically at par with clodinofop fb metsulfuron, IPU fb carfentrazone, IPU fb 2, 4-D (2 days after first herbicide), clodinofop + metsulfuron and clodinofop + carfentrazone, respectively. Weeds (Phalaris minor, Avena ludoviciana, Lolium temulentum, Poa annua, Vicia sativa, Anagallis arvensis and Coronopus didymus) in unweeded check reduced the grain yield of wheat by 64.3 per cent over the best treatment of clodinofop + carfentrazone.

Table 29. Effect of tank mixed and sequential application of herbicides on total weed count, total weed dry weight and grain yield of wheat

Treatment Total weed dry weight (g m-2) Grain yield

(q/ha) 120 DAS At harvest IPU 1.5 kg/ha 2.9(8.5) 4.0(14.8) 22.3 IPU +2,4-D (0.75 + 0.5 kg/ha) 3.5(11.3) 7.2(51.2) 22.5 IPU +Metsulfuron(0.75 + 3g/ha) 5.0(24.5) 8.5(72.3) 22.2 Affinity (IPU+Carfentrazone) 2.9(9.3) 5.0(23.0) 20.1 Clodinofop+metsulfuron(60g+3g/ha) 9.6(3.2) 2.6(6.5) 28.7 Clodinofop+Carfentrazone(60g+10g/ha) 4.7(21.9) 2.6(6.3) 32.5 IPU fb 2,4-D(2DAS after 1st herbi.) 2.1(3.3) 2.3(4.3) 22.3 IPU fb metsulfuron(2DAS after 1st herbi) 2.2(4.7) 3.3(11.2) 22.5 IPU fb carfentrazone(2 DAS after 1st herbi) 2.7(6.4) 3.1(9.6) 19.1 Clodinofop fb 2,4-D(2 DAS after 1st herbi) 4.6(23.5) 3.8(13.7) 28.4 Coldinofop fb metsulfuron(2 DAS after 1st herbi) 4.2(17.5) 1.9(2.8) 25.4 Clodinofop fb carfentrazone (2 DAS after 1st herb) 4.5(19.5) 2.7(6.1) 27.2 Clodinofop 60 g/ha (35 DAS) 5.7(31.5) 4.5(19.1) 29.6 Unweeded 9.7(94.8) 10.6(111.5) 11.6 CD 5% 1.81 1.35 5.29 Values in parentheses are original means

26

Standardization of time of application of 2, 4-D, metsulfuron, carfentrazone as a sequential application with clodinofop in wheat

Sequential application of 2, 4-D at 4 and 6 days after clodinofop and metsulfuron immediately after clodinofop were quite effective in controlling weeds. All the herbicide treatments except sequential application of 2,4-D, 2 days after clodinofop, metsulfuron 6 days after clodinofop, carfentrazone 4 days after clodinofop and clodinofop alone being at par increased grain yield of wheat significantly (Appendix IV-5). Weeds (Phalaris minor, Avena leudoviciana, Vicia sativa, Anagallis arvensis, Ranunculus arvesis, Poa annua and Coronopus didymus) in unweeded check reduced the grain yield by 37% over the best treatment i.e. sequential application of 2, 4-D, 4 days after clodinofop.

Studies on efficacy of new herbicides to control broad leaf weeds in wheat

Affinity 2.0 kg/ha was significantly superior to reduce total count and total dry matter of weeds (Phalaris minor, Lolium temulentum, Avena leudoviciana and Vicia sativa) and was statistically at par with triasulfuron 20g/ha in reducing total weed population and with both the doses of IPU +2,4-D and hand weeding twice at harvest. In terms of total dry matter of weeds affinity 2.0 kg/ha was statistically at par with IPU + 2,4-D (1.0 +0.5 kg/ha) at both the stages. Affinity 2.0 kg/ha behaving statistically at par with IPU + 2,4-D (1.0 + 0.5 kg/ha), carfentrazone + IPU ( 20 g + 1.0 kg/ha) and trisulfuron 20 g/ha resulted in significantly higher grain yield of wheat over remaining treatments (Appendix IV-6).

Testing of doses of affinity to control mixed weed flora in wheat

Major weeds of the experimental field were Avena leudoviciana, Phalaris minor, Lolium temulentum, Vicia sativa and Anagallis arvensis with minor population of Cornopus didynms and Lathyrus aphaca. All the weed control treatments except affinity 2.5 kg ha-1 (35 DAS) behaving statistically alike recorded significantly higher grain yield of wheat (Appendix IV-7). Although affinity 2.5 kg ha-1(35 DAS) was effective to reduce the species wise weed count, total weed count and total dry weight significantly, but resulted in significantly lower grain yield.

Testing the efficacy of indigenous tools in managing weeds in wheat

Table 30. Effect of weeding with different hand tools on total weed count, total weed dry weight and grain yield of wheat

Treatments Total weed count

( No m-2) Total weed dry weight

( g m-2) Grain yield

(q/ha) 120 DAS At harvest 120 DAS At harvest

Khudal 7.6(58.6) 5.1(25.3) 3.7(13.6) 3.7(15.4) 25.69 Digging hoe 7.6(57.3) 5.9(34.6) 3.9(15.2) 3.9(13.6) 25.55 Khut 7.3(53.3) 5.2(26.6) 3.7(13.0) 3.1(9.6) 22.52 Khilini 7.7(60.0) 6.1(37.3) 3.7(13.0) 2.0(3.3) 37.50 Small khut 7.3(53.3) 5.3(29.3) 4.0(15.4) 2.8(9.3) 28.30 Triungala 7.7(61.3) 5.5(30.6) 3.7(13.0) 3.3(10.4) 22.90 Khunti 7.7(58.6) 5.8(34.6) 3.9(14.8) 2.5(5.6) 27.60 Unweeded 7.9(62.6) 6.2(38.6) 5.6(29.7) 5.6(31.4) 19.72 CD 5% NS NS 1.04 1.08 6.51 Values given in the parentheses are the original means.

27

At 120 days after sowing all the implements behaving statistically at par resulted in significantly lower total dry weight of weeds as compared to weedy check (Table 30). Whereas, at harvest khilini, small khut and khuti behaving statistically alike resulted in lower total weed dry weight. Managing weeds with khilini recorded significantly highest grain yield of wheat, whereas, all other implements behaved statistically at par in this respect.

Efficacy of isoproturon + 2, 4-D with different nozzles and spray volumes to control weeds in wheat

Application of IPU + 2,4-D with flat fan nozzle at 400 l/ha spray volume behaving statistically similar with floodjet nozzle at 800 l spray volume recorded significantly lower total weed density and total weed dry weight (Appendix IV-8). Floodjet nozzle at 800 l /ha spray volume being statistically at par with floodjet nozzle with 600 l/ha spray volume, flat fan nozzle at 400 l/ha spray volume and with hollow cone at 1000 l/ha spray volume resulted in significantly higher grain yield of wheat over remaining treatments by effective control of weeds.

Comparative efficacy of herbicides for controlling grass weeds in wheat

Clodinafop 0.09 kg/ha, sulfosulfuron 0.025 kg/ha, and mesosulfuron 0.015 kg/ha being at par with each other resulted in significantly lower weed dry weight and higher wheat grain yield and were comparable with weed free (Appendix IV-9).

Comparative efficacy and economics of herbicides mixtures against mixed weed flora in wheat

Tank mixture of sulfosulfuron 0.025 kg/ha & 2, 4-D 0.75 kg/ha and clodinofop 0.09 + 2, 4-D 0.75 kg/ha were comparable with weed free. Metribuzine 0.2 kg/ha + 2, 4-D 0.75 kg/ha though controlled both grass and broadleaf weeds effectively but due to its toxicity to the crop the yield was significantly reduced (Appendix IV-10).

Efficacy of mesosulfuron and iodosulfuron alone and in mixtures against weeds in wheat

Mesosulfuron 15 and 10 g/ha were equally effective in controlling grass weeds but did not have any effect on broad leaf weeds. Whereas, Iodosulfuron 3 g/ha effectively controlled broadleaf weeds but did not control grassy weeds at all. However, tank mixture of mesosulfuron 15 and Iodosulfuron 3.0 g/ha resulted in significantly lower total weed dry weight over the remaining treatments except sulfosulfuron 25 g/ha (Appendix IV-11).

Weed management in direct seeded upland rice intercropped with green manure crop by integration of seed rate, spacing and weed control methods.

Closer row spacing recorded significantly highest grain yield as compared to 30 cm spacing (Appendix IV-12). Butachlor 1.5 kg/ha and farmer’s practice behaving statistically alike recorded significantly lower weed density and dry weight. Cyhalofop-butyl 90 g/ha behaving statistically alike with butachlor 1.5 kg/ha resulted in significantly higher grain yield of rice than farmer’s practice.

Effect of date of sowing, row orientation and weed control methods on weed management in direct seeded rice

Butachlor 1.5 kg/ha fb halod recorded significantly lower total weed density and dry weight. Cyhalofop-butyl 90 g fb 2,4-D was as good as butachlor fb. halod in influencing total weed dry weight (Appendix IV-13). Early sowing recorded significantly higher grain yield of rice over delayed sowing. Row orientation did not influence the grain yield of rice significantly.

28

Control of weeds either with butachlor 1.5 kg/ha fb halod or with cyhalofop-butyl 90 g/ha fb halod gave significantly higher grain yield of rice over farmer’s practice.

Studies on weed control in drum seeded puddle rice

Major weeds of the experimental field were Echinochloa crus-galli, Cyperus iria, Cynotis axillaries, Scripus and broad leaved weeds. Drum seeding resulted in significantly higher grain yield of rice (Table 31). Cyhalofopbutyl 90 g/ha resulted in significantly higher grain yield of rice by reducing the dry matter of weeds.

Table 31. Effect of different treatments on total weed count, total dry weight and grain yield of drum seeded wet land rice

Treatment Total weed count Total dry weight Grain yield (kg/ha) 60 DAS 90 DAS 60 DAS 90 DAS

Seeding methods Drum seeding 70-80 kg/ha 9.8(97.7) 10.6(115.1) 4.8(22.9) 5.8(35.1) 28.11 Drum seeding 70-80 kg/ha+green manuring with Sesbania

8.7(76.0) 10.0(102.6) 3.8(14.6) 5.2(28.8) 26.22

Broadcasting 100 kg/ha 8.7(75.1) 9.4(89.7) 4.5(20.3) 4.7(22.4) 26.16 CD 5% 0.90 NS 0.76 NS 1.82 Weed Management Cyhalofop butyl 90 g/ha (15 DAS)

9.3(87.5) 10.6(115.5) 4.0(20.3) 4.2(20.8) 29.65

Pretilachlor + Safner 0.75 kg/ha(7DAS)

9.2(86.2) 10.7(116.0) 4.5(21.3) 5.3(28.3) 25.80

Hand weeding twice( 30 DAS & 60 DAS)

8.7(75.1) 8.7(76.0) 4.6(16.1) 4.2(37.6) 25.03

CD 5% NS 1.20 NS 1.19 2.01

Values given in the parentheses are the original means.

Studies on the effectiveness of new herbicides in transplanted rice

Table 32. Effect of treatments on weed dry weight and paddy yield

Treatments Weed dry weight (g m-2)

Grain yield (kg ha-1)

Butachlor 1.5 kg ha-1 3-5 DAT 15.0 5611 Pretilachlor 0.5 kg ha-1 3-5 DAT 11.2 5424 Pretilachlor 0.75 kg ha-1 3-5 DAT 5.38 4859 Triasulfuron 0.006 kg ha-1 5-7 DAT 15.2 5500 Triasulfuron 0.009 kg ha-1 5-7 DAT 10.9 5533 Triasulfuron 0.006 kg ha-1 12-15 DAT 15.4 5817 Triasulfuron 0.009 kg ha-1 12-15 DAT 11.5 5626 Triasulfuron + Pretilachlor 0.006 kg + 0.5 kg ha-1 5-7 DAT 14.0 5788 Triasulfuron + Pretilachlor 0.009 kg + 0.5 kg ha-1 5-7 DAT 13.3 5726 Bensulfuron-methyl 0.05 kg ha-1 20-25 DAT 14.5 6023 Bensulfuron-methyl 0.06 kg ha-1 20-25 DAT 12.8 5493 Weed free check 0.8 5764 Two hand weeding 2.0 5899 Weedy/ Unweeded 25.8 5262 CD 5% 6.5 NS

29

At Malan, Bensulfuron-methyl 0.05 kg ha-1 applied at 20-25 days after transplanting was found as effective as recommended herbicide Butachlor 1.5 kg ha-1 in reducing the dry weight of weeds and increasing the yield of transplanted rice (Table 32).

Comparative efficacy and economics of herbicides against weeds in puddle seeded rice

Cyhalofop-butyl 90 g/ha, oxyfluorfen 250 g/ha and weed free being at par recorded significantly lower weed dry weight and the higher paddy yield as compared to the other treatments (Appendix IV-14).

Integrated weed management studies in maize

Application of atrazine 1.5kg fb atrazine 0.75 kg ha-1 and atrazine 1.0 kg fb atrazine 0.75 kg ha-1 provided season long control of weeds particularly of Ageratum (Appendix IV-15). Weeds (Echinochloa colona, Commelina benghalensis, Digitaria sanguinalis, Polygonum alatum, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Cyperus iria and Ageratum conyzoides) in unweeded solid maize reduced the grain yield of maize by 40.0% over unweeded maize + soybean and by 61.5 per cent over best treatment of maize + soybean in integration with metolachlor 1.0 kg ha.

Studies on integrated effect of planting and weed control methods on weed management in blackgram

Raised seed bed recorded significantly lowest total weed count and dry matter of weeds and highest seed yield (Appendix IV-16). Ridge planting was at par with conventional methods. Weeds in unweeded check reduced the seed yield of blackgram by about 54% over best treatment, pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha + IHW (45 DAS). Hand weeding twice and alachlor 0.75 kg/ha + IHW were equally good in increasing the seed yield of black gram.

Non-chemical methods of weed control in pea

At Kukumseri, significantly higher green pod yields were obtained with sowing at 20 cm row spacing + 160 kg/ha seed rate + chemical weed control or with 20 cm row spacing + 160 kg/ha seed rate + hand weeding twice. It was concluded that chemicals could be replaced by using higher seed rate at closer spacing and controlling weeds manually (Table 33).

Table 33: Interaction effects of methods of weed control x seed rate x row spacing of green pod yield of pea (q/ha)

Seed rate (q/ha) Methods of weed control

120 160 200

Row spacing (cm) Row spacing (cm) Row spacing (cm) 20 30 20 30 20 30

A B A B A B A B A B A B Weedy 56.4 57.9 53.8 54.7 61.4 62.7 57.8 58.7 64.8 64.8 65.1 64.8 Farmers practice (HW)

76.5 75.3 72.7 72.0 89.0 90.1 85.6 85.3 84.9 84.4 80.0 81.0

HW twice 87.3 87.7 83.1 82.4 95.0 95.1 91.0 91.8 88.5 87.8 83.1 82.8 Chemical control

93.0 94.6 91.8 91.9 97.0 96.8 92.7 93.5 92.7 91.5 86.3 87.2

LSD (P=0.05)

M x RS=2.0

SR x RS

=1.7

M x SR x

RS=3.4

30

Standardization of doses of new herbicides to manage weeds in soybean (Glycine max L.)

Haloxyfop methyl 100 g/ha being statistically at par with haloxyfop methyl, 125 g ha-1, quizalofop 62.5 g ha-1, trifluralin 1.50 kg ha-1 and hand weeding twice (30& 60 DAS) caused significant reduction in total weed count and total weed dry matter accumulation and resulted in significantly higher seed yield of soybean (Appendix IV-17). Weeds (Ageratum conyzoides, Polygonum alatum, Commelina benghalensis, Echinochloa colona and Panicum dichotomiflorum) in unweeded check reduced the seed yield of soybean by 53.53 percent over the superior treatment haloxyfop methyl 100 g/ha.

Efficacy of post-emergence herbicides in controlling weeds in soybean

Quaizalofop 50 and 90 g/ha controlled the grass weed effectively but broadleaf weeds were not controlled at all. Chlorimuron 12 g/ha was effective against broadleaf weeds. Tank mixture of quaizalofop 50 g/ha and chlorimuron 9 g/ha was most effective and economical treatment in lowering total weed dry weight and increasing seed yield of soybean (Table 34).

Table 34. Effect of treatments on weed dry weight and seed yield of soybean

Treatment Dose (g/ha) Weed dry weight (gm-2) Seed yield (q/ha) Grass Broadleaf Total

Quaizalofop 40 5.9(34.7) 7.1(49.1) 9.2(83.8) 15.2 Quaizalofop 50 3.9(15.0) 6.8(45.4) 7.8(60.4) 17.8 Quaizalofop 60 2.6(5.9) 6.5(40.4) 6.8(46.3) 18.0 Chlorimuron 9 11.5(130.1) 4.1(15.4) 12.1(145.4) 15.5 Chlorimuron 12 11.1(121.4) 3.5(10.8) 11.5(132.2) 16.4 Quaizolafop+Chlorimuron 50+9 4.1(15.7) 3.8(14.6) 5.6(30.3) 21.8 Quaizolafop+Chlorimuson 50+12 4.3(17.4) 2.8(7.7) 5.1(25.2) 21.9 Pendimethalin 1500 5.6(30.4) 4.0(15.0) 6.8(45.4) 19.5 Weed free - 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 22.5 Weedy check - 11.8(138.4) 6.9(47.5) 13.7(185.9) 9.4 CD 5% 0.8 0.5 1.2 2.0

Bioefficacy of new herbicide in controlling weeds in linseed

The major weed flora of experiment was Avena fatua, Phalaris minor, Lolium temulentum, Anagallis arvensis, Coronopus and Vicia sativa. Clodinofop 80 g/ha + 2,4-D 0.5 kg/ha remaining at with clodinofop 80 g/ha produced significantly higher yield of linseed (Table 35). Increase in dose of clodinofop from 80 g onward decreased the yield significantly.

Weed management in organic potato

The dominant weed flora of the experimental field was Phalaris minor, Avena leudoviciana, Anagallis arvensis, Alopecurus myosuriodes, Lolium temulentum, Cornopus didymus and Vicia sativa. However towards maturity Bidens pilosa and Echinocoloa colona also appeared. Black sheet at both the rates of FYM recorded significantly lower total weed count and weed dry matter. But significantly higher tuber yield of potato was obtained with transparent polythene sheet along with FYM 37.5 t/ha. This was at par with FYM at 37.5 t/ha with Chromolaena mulch and black polythene sheet (Table 36).

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Table 35. Effect of different weed management treatments on yield, total weed count and dry wt. of weeds

Treatment Seed yield (kg/ha)

Weed count (No/m2)

Dry wt. (g/m2)

Oil content (%)

Handweeding twice 1344 7.50 (2.91) 18.63 39.79 Isoproturon 1.0 kg/ha (Post) 892 30.3 (5.59) 46.73 37.86 Isoproturon 1.0+0.5 kg 2,4-D (Post) 1018 27.0 (5.28) 46.03 38.91 Sulfosulfuron 10g/ha (Post) 1125 16.3 (4.15) 31.33 39.38 Sulfosulfuron 20g/ha (Post) 1207 14.0 (3.87) 29.06 39.79 Sulfosulfuron 30g/ha (Post) 1006 12.0 (3.60) 25.73 39.20 Clodinofop 60g/ha (Post) 1369 7.6 (2.94) 18.80 40.64 Clodinofop 80g/ha (Post) 1750 7.3 (2.88) 16.13 41.55 Clodinofop 100 g/ha (Post) 1463 6.3 (2.69) 13.10 41.45 Clodinofop 60g/ha + 2,4-D 0.5 kg/ha (Post)

1484 8.6 (3.10) 11.53 40.74

Clodinofop 80 g/ha + 2,4-D 0.5 kg/ha (Post)

1756 6.6 (2.76) 10.56 40.62

Weedy 656 140.3(11.88) 320.3 39.42 CD 5% 126 0.282 0.17 -

Table 36. Effect of different treatments on total weed count, total dry matter and tuber yield

Treatment Rate (t/ha)

Time of application

Total weed count (No m-2)

Total dry weight (g m-2)

Tuber yield (q ha-1)

FYM-Lantana mulch

25 Soon after planting

8.0(68.0) 8.2(68.0) 7.1(50.9) 4.2(17.2) 63.89

Fym-Chromolaena 25 -do- 3.2(40.0) 2.9(8.0) 4.6(22.8) 1.8(2.4) 63.89 FYM-Transparent polythene sheet

25 -do- 11.3(126.7) 8.9(80.0) 5.2(28.2) 3.0(8.5) 80.55

FYM-Black polythene sheet

25 -do- 6.2(37.3) 6.0(48.0) 4.2(17.4) 2.4(6.4) 72.22

FYM-Lantana 37.5 -do- 8.5(72.0) 7.5(56.0) 7.5(55.8) 3.3(10.0) 73.33 FYM-Chromolaena 37.5 -do- 6.7(46.7) 2.7(6.7) 5.9(26.6) 2.0(3.2) 83.33 FYM-transparent poly. Sheet

37.5 37.5 13.5(181.3) 7.7(60.0) 5.1(25.4) 3.0(8.8) 88.89

FYM-black poly. Sheet

37.5 -do- 6.9(46.7) 8.7(75.0) 2.9(8.5) 3.4(11.0) 83.33

CD 5% 1.67 3.34 1.74 1.05 13.90 Values in the parentheses are the means of original values.

Weed management in potato (ridge and furrow method of planting)

Significantly higher potato tuber yield was obtained when the weeds were managed with prometryne 1.0 kg ha-1 fb earthing up (Appendix IV-18). However, this treatment was statistically similar with paraquat 0.5 kg ha-1 and pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha-1. Weeds in unweeded check reduced the tuber yield of potato by 61.3 per cent over the effective treatment prometryne 1.0 kg ha-1 fb earthing up.

Testing the doses of metribuzin (Mahamaya) for the control of weeds in potato

The weeds in unweeded check reduced the tuber yields of potato by 62.2 per cent over the highest yielding treatment Mahamaya 0.5 kg/ha (Appendix IV-19). Mahamaya (metribuzin)

32

0.5 kg/ha was statistically at par with Mahamaya 0.6, 0.4 kg/ha and pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha in influencing tuber yield of potato. The higher doses i.e. 1.0 and 2.0 kg/ha of Mahamaya (metribuzin) although were effective to control weeds but reduced potato tuber yield by causing toxic effect on tuberization.

Herbicidal weed management in vegetable crops

At Kukumseri cabbage out-yielded all the other vegetable crops significantly (Appendix IV-20). This was followed by knolkhol. All the herbicidal treatments recorded significantly higher yield over hand weeding twice. Pendimethalin 1.2 kg/ha resulted in highest yield.

Crop weed competition studies in garlic

The major weeds of the experimental field were Phalaris minor, Avena leudoviciana, Lolium temulentum, Anagallis arvensis, Vicia sativa, Coronopus didymus and Plantago lanceolata. Significantly higher bulb yield (Table 37) was recorded in the plots which remained weed free up to harvest. It was concluded that first 60 DAS is the critical period of crop weed competition in garlic.

Table 37. Effect of treatments on total weed count, total weed dry matter accumulation and bulb yield of garlic

Treatment Total weed count (No m-2) Total dry matter accumulation(g m-2)

Bulb yield

(q ha-1) 120 DAS 150DAS 120 DAS 150 DAS Weed free upto 30 DAS 2.1(6.0) 1.0(0.0) 4.8(22.9) 21.5(490.4) 24.39 60 DAS 8.3(68.0) 10.7(114.6) 3.2(9.5) 18.4(341.0) 26.44 90 DAS 7.4(53.3) 9.5(89.3) 1.9(3.6) 15.5(243.2) 50.83 Upto harvest 4.2(22.0) 8.4(76.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 41.67 Weedy for upto 30 DAS 19.1(366.3) 17.9(222.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 45.28 60 DAS 1.0(0.0) 1.9(4.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 40.00 90 DAS 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 32.22 Upto harvest 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 23.5(553.2) 25.8(672.8) 2.78 CD5% 2.36 2.52 1.21 4.94 14.23 Values in the parentheses are the means of original values.

Crop weed competition studies in Okra

Significantly highest marketable yield of Okra was recorded in plots which remained weed free upto harvest (Table 38). Weeds in weedy upto harvest reduced the marketable yield of Okra by 61.1 per cent over weed free upto harvest and over 44.6, 51.7 and 49.7 per cent over weed free for first 40 DAS, 60 DAS and weedy for first 20 DAS after sowing. It indicates that first 20 days is the critical period of crop weed competition in Okra.

33

Table 38. Effect of treatments on total weed count, total weed dry matter accumulation and marketable yield of okra

Treatment Total weed count (No m-2) Total weed dry weight (g m-2) yield (q/ha) 60 DAS 100 DAS 60 DAS 100 DAS

Weed free for first 20 DAS 13.2(175.3) 15.9(254.6) 6.8(45.9) 10.0(100.3) 23.72 40 DAS 12.0(144.0) 15.3(236.0) 5.7(32.2) 8.4(69.6) 33.36 60 DAS 1.0(0.0) 15.5(240.0) 1.0(0.0) 5.8(33.4) 38.32 Upto harvest 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 47.53 Weedy for first 20 DAS 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 36.74 40 DAS 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 30.03 60 DAS 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 23.67 Upto harvest 16.5(272.0) 17.1(292.6) 9.7(94.2) 13.1(171.8) 18.48 CD 5% 0.66 0.57 0.49 0.33 5.47 Values given in the parentheses are the original means.

Management of Parthenium in different ecosystems

Wasteland Ecosystem: In wasteland ecosystem, metribuzine 0.25 and 0.5 per cent and glyphosate 0.5 and 0.75 per cent applied before flowering were as effective as manual uprooting to control the previous flush but only the residues of metribuzine were effective to control its subsequent flushes upto four months without any phytotoxic effects on grasses. Metribuzin 0.50 % was effective to reduce the population of new flush of Parthenium emerged in Feb-March. The heat stress in June killed the population of newly emerged Parthenium in all the treatments (Appendix IV-21a).

Grassland Ecosystem: The weed started emergence in November. The second flush emerged during March. Majority of new flush of plants dried due to moisture stress and high temperature during May and June. Metsulfuron methyl (MSM) at 0.005 and 0.01 per cent applied at 2-3 leaf stage in November was effective against this weed until February (Appendix IV-21b).

Biology of Lantana and Eupatorium under field conditions.

Lantana: Five cuttings at monthly interval or four cuttings at an interval of 45 days w.e.f. July are sufficient to completely exhaust the food material and kill this plant without any further regeneration (Appendix IV-22a).

Eupatorium: Four cuttings at monthly interval or three cuttings at an interval of 45 days w.e.f. Ist May are effective to exhaust the food material of Eupatorium completely (Appendix IV-22b).

Economic threshold studies of Echinochloa crusgalli, in transplanted rice and Avena leudoviciana and Phalaris minor in wheat

Echinochloa crusgalli in transplanted rice: The grain yield of paddy was significantly higher in weed free compare to all other treatments except 5 plants/m2 and 10 plants/m2. Increase in weed density beyond 20 plants/m2 decreased the crop biomass and grain yield significantly (Appendix IV-23a). Thus, 10-20 plants/m2 of Echinochloa crus-galli in transplanted paddy were considered as the threshold level.

Economic threshold studies of Avena leudoviciana in wheat: The grain yield of wheat decreased significantly with increasing weed density. Presence of 15 to 240 weeds/m2 caused 5-

34

47% reduction in grain yield of wheat compared to weed free plot (Appendix IV-23b). Thus, Avena ludoviciana density at 15 plants/m2 necessitating its control.

Economic threshold studies of Phalaris minor in wheat: The grain yield of wheat decreased significantly with every increase in weed density. Presence of 25 to 400 weeds/m2 caused 13 to 50% reduction in grain yield of wheat compared to weed free plot (Appendix IV-23c). Thus, Phalaris minor density of 25 plants/m2 in wheat could be considered as a threshold level of weed control.

Allelopathic effects of compost of Chromolaena adenophorum on rice and associated weeds.

The grain yield of paddy increased significantly with increase in level of Chromolaena compost up to 6 t/ha (Table 39). However, the differences in paddy yield were found to be statistically similar with 4 t/ha of Chromolaena compost.

Table 39. Effect of Chromolaena compost on grain yield (kg/ha) and tillering of rice

Compost (t/ha) on fresh wt. basis Grain yield (kg/ha) Number of tillers/hill Untreated control 2173.39 10.77 2 2374.16 10.90 4 2427.65 11.23 6 2643.67 11.60 8 2289.99 11.13 10. 2006.01 10.17 CD 5% 269.91 NS

Seed production potential of major weeds

The seed production potential of major rabi and kharif weeds has been enumerated in Appendix IV-24.

Weed seed dormancy studies of important weeds

The emergence percentage of seeds of weeds plants studied in plastic pots as against petridishes (when tested nine months after the harvesting of crop) has been shown in Table 40a.

Table 40a. Germination response of kharif weeds (nine months after harvest of rice crop)

Weed Germination% Plastic pots1 Petri dishes2

Echinochloa crusgalli 84.6 32.0 Echinochloa colona 70.4 8.0 Panicum dichotomiflorum 78.2 10.0 Cyperus iria 50.0 0.0

1. Means of five replications of 100 seeds each 2. Means of four replications of 50 seeds each.

Bidens pilosa (Table 40b) showed 85.0 % germination after six months, 88% germination after nine months and 90% germination after one year of storage

Table 40b. Germination response of Bidens pilosa

Weed Six months Nine months Twelve months Bidens pilosa 85.0 88.0 90.0 Means of four replication of 50 seeds each

35

Weed seed bank studies in long term experiment in rice-wheat sequence

The data on seed bank of three weed species studied in the present investigation have been shown in Appendix IV-25. In general weed seed bank of kharif grass weeds was more in 0-10 cm layer than in 10-20 cm soil layer. However, weed seed bank of broad-leaved weeds was more in 10-20 cm layer than 0-10 cm soil layer. In 0-10 cm soil layer, while the seed bank of Echinochloa and Cyperus iria was higher with 75% N through fertilizer and 25% N through Lantana over 100% N through fertilizer, the reverse trend was observed in seed bank of Aeschynomene. Herbicide rotation resulted in higher seed bank of Echinochloa, Cyperus iria and Aeschynomene over continuous use of herbicides. In 10-20 cm soil layer, substitution of 25% N through Lantana decreased the seed bank of Echinochloa and Aeschynomene. Herbicide rotation resulted in higher seed bank of Echinochloa and lower of Aeschynomene over continuous use of herbicides.

Herbicide Residue studies

a) Residue studies of isoproturon applied in wheat Bioassay method

Post harvest soil samples from the weed control experiment entitled, “Long term effect of continuous use of herbicides on shift in weed flora in transplanted rice-wheat rotation” were collected and used for the study. It was concluded that herbicides applied in wheat did not leave any residues in post harvest soil samples (Appendix IV-26).

Spectrophotometric method

Spectrophotometric analysis of post harvest soil samples indicated that isoproturon applied in different treatments in wheat did not leave any residues in post harvest.

b) Residue Studies of butachlor applied on transplanted rice

Butachlor was analysed by using UV spectrophotometer. Non detectable levels of butachlor residues were recorded in all the treatments.

Isoproturon adsorption –desorption studies in different soils

Adsorption studies

Isoproturon adsorption ranged between 80.8 to 63.4% for silty clay soil, 74.0 to 56.8% for silty loam soil and 56.0 to 46.04% for sandy soil (Appendix IV-27a). The adsorption isothems obtained fitted well with Freundlich equation when plotted on a log-log scale.

Desorption studies

Desorption was very low when the solution concentration for adsorption studies were between 5 to 15 µg g-1 level and then desorption increased with increase in amount of the herbicide adsorbed (Appendix IV-27b).When the soil samples were equilibrated at 2.5 µg ml-1 level 35.8 per cent of adsorbed isoproturon was desorbed from sandy soil where as only 26.0 and 19.6 per cent of the adsorbed isoproturon was desorbed from sandy loam and silty clay laom soils, respectively. At 5 µg ml-1 to 15 µg ml-1 there was drop in desorption rates from all the three different soils. The per cent desorption of Isoproturon from soils was in order of sandy > silty loam > silty clay loam soils. Desorption was inversely proportional to adsorption.

36

Isoproturon movement studies in soils

The distribution of herbicide in soil was 3.67, 2.56 and 0.68 µg g-1 from lower dose i.e. 1.5 kg/ha and 9.02, 5.65 and 1.59 µg g-1 from higher dose in 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm and 10-15 cm layer of soil (Appendix IV-28). It was observed that in spite of irrigation almost everyday, most of the residues remained up to 10 cm depth. Only small quantity 0.68 µg g-1 at 1.5 kg/ha dose and 1.59 µg g-1 at 3.0 kg/ha isoproturon leached down to 10-15 cm layer. However, at higher dose it leached down to 15-20 cm also.

D. FORAGE AND GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

Integrated nutrient management in forage – forage based system (Setaria- White clover)

Preliminary findings revealed that inoculation of Setaria grass (Kharif planting) with Azotobacter and Rhizobium in white clover (Rabi sowing) resulted in appreciable improvement in the forage yield of Setaria – white clover forage production system

Performance of improved grass species and Lantana management techniques for reclamation of Lantana (L. camara var aculeata) invaded support land

Lantana infested wastelands can be put into productive use with the planting of Setaria grass after chemical control lantana i.e. cutting of bushes in September and application of 1% glyphosate on regenerated growth in November. Setaria grass, Napier bajra hybrid and Kikuyu grass caused a significant reduction in plant height, number of shoots/plant and shoot biomass/plant of lantana and resulted in better weed control efficiency. Among improved grasses species Setaria produced highest fodder yield (260.7 q/ha) along with more crude protein yield (3.86 q/ha) (Table 41). Next best species w.r.t. these parameters was Napier bajra hybrid. Green panic and Kikuyu grass along with produced lower herbage yields than Setaria and Napier bajra hybrid but proved better than local grasses.

Table 41. Effect of different treatments on the fodder and crude protein yield of grasses

Treatment Green fodder (q/ha)

Dry matter (q/ha)

Crude protein (q/ha)

Wed control efficiency (%)

Grass species Setaria grass 260.7 39.6 3.86 82.35 Napier bajra hybrid 209.4 29.5 2.89 81.41 Green panic 138.6 23.3 2.34 79.39 Kikuyu grass 126.3 20.8 2.77 85.32 Local grass 90.2 16.8 1.83 78.41 CD (5%) 8.66 1.32 0.31 - Lantana management techniques Mechanical 159.8 25.0 2.67 77.25 Chemical 170.3 27.0 2.80 85.50 CD 5% 5.47 0.83 NS -

Introduction of improved grasses and legumes in wasteland

Orchard grass out-yielded fescue, with an increase of 10.5% in green forage and 10.4% in dry forage yield (Table 42a). Similarly, among the improved legumes, lucerne out-yielded the red clover. Use of broad spectrum herbicide before planting/dibbling the seed of grasses and legumes

37

was found to be quite effective and helped in survival of improved species with better control of local grasses. This was manifested in the significant higher green and dry forage production compared to dibbling after scrapping the surface of land manually.

Table 42a. Green and dry forage yield of different grasses and legumes

Significantly highest green (127.0 q/ha) and dry (48.26 q/ha) forages were obtained from orchard grass when sown with the pre plant use of broad spectrum herbicide (Table 42b). Similar type of trend was obtained from fescue which also resulted in significantly higher green and dry forage production with the use of pre plant herbicide.

Table 42b. Interaction effects of grasses and methods of planting

Grasses Green and dry forage yield (q/ha) Methods

Fescue 110.17 (41.95) 112.67 (42.81) Orchard grass 119.33 (45.35) 127.0 (48.26) CD 5% 3.3 (1.18)

Effect of cutting management on the forage and seed yield of grass legume mixture under dry temperate grassland of Lahaul & Spiti (H.P.).

Introduction of grass and legume species influenced the forage yield significantly, during all the three years (Table 43). Orchard grass + red clover + lespedeza mixture recorded 11.4, 22.0, 33.0 t/ha green and 4.2, 8.1, 10.1 t/ha dry fodder yield respectively, during 2002 to 2003. This was followed by orchard grass + lespedeza mixture yielding 10.1, 20.3, 29.1 t/ha green and 3.8, 7.6, 9.0 t/ha dry fodder respectively. Mean performance of three years revealed that seed as well as equivalent green forage yield was also higher with these treatments, recording respectively, (41.9 orchard grass, 38.4 kg red clover and 41.8 kg lespedeza seeds kg/ha and 62.3 kg orchard grass + 61.0 kg lespedeza seed/ha) while respective equivalent green forage yield was 28.0 and 26.0 t/ha. Forage from all the cuts recorded significantly higher total green and dry forage yield over rest of the cutting schedules during 2002 and 2003. Sole seed crop recorded maximum seed yield, however, crop left for seed after one cut of forage recorded maximum green forage equivalent yield.

Treatments Green forage yield (q/ha) Dry forage yield (q/ha) Grasses Fescue 111.42 42.38 Orchard grass 123.17 46.80 CD 5% 2.32 0.83 Legumes Red clover 115.75 44.03 Lucerne 118.83 45.16 CD 5% 2.32 0.82 Methods of planting Scrapping soil 114.75 43.64 Pre plant herbicide 119.83 45.54 CD 5% 2.30 0.80

38

Table 43 Effect of grass legume introduction and cutting management on total green forage yield

Treatments Total green forage (t ha-1)

2001 2002 2003 Mean Grass legume introduction T1 – T0 + Orchard Grass 6.5 16.6 21.9 15.0 T2 – T0 + Red Clover 8.0 12.1 20.1 13.4 T3 – T0 + Lespedeza 6.3 13.1 22.5 14.0 T4 – T0 + O.G. + R.C. 10.1 19.7 25.4 18.4 T5 – T0 + O.G. + Les. 8.3 20.3 29.1 19.2 T6 – T0 + O.G. + R.C. + Les. 11.4 22.0 33.0 22.1 CD (5%) 1.2 1.4 2.7 - Cutting management C1 – Sole seed crop 8.9 13.4 20.2 14.2 C2 – Seed after one forage cut 8.7 18.4 25.3 17.5 C3 – Forage from all the cuts 7.8 20.1 30.5 19.5 CD (5%) NS 1.0 1.9 - Local system vs. Improved system Local system 5.2 9.1 11.4 8.6 Improved system 8.4 17.3 25.3 17.0 CD (5%) 1.6 1.7 3.4 -

E. AGROMETEOROLOGY

Rainfall

During kharif season the onset of monsoon was on time with pre-monsoon showers started during MW 23. MW 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27 received 23.3, 40.3, 64.8, 104.7 and 116.3 mm rainfall, respectively and there was good start of Kharif season with planting of rainfed crops of maize and paddy in the region. During this season (MW 22-44) the amount of rainfall receipt was 2234.7 mm in 83 days against the normal of 1834.7 mm in 79 days, which was above normal by 21.8%. Rainfall during the month of June was 208.0 mm which was below normal by 6.2% and in July it was 715.9 mm which was 9.2% above normal. The months of July and August received near normal rainfall which not only had the beneficial effect on kharif crops with respect to water availability but also had good soil moisture build up for subsequent rabi crops.

During rabi season (MW 45-21) total rainfall received was 686.8 mm in 48 days against normal of 501.7 mm which was above normal by 36.9%. During November and December 6.0 and 54.7 mm rainfall was received. A very heavy rainfall amounting 133.0 mm rainfall was received during the month of January which was above normal by 38.1%. 257.9 mm rainfall was received in 12 days during the month of February which was above normal by 141%. This amount is highest received since the establishment of the observatory during 1973. The earlier highest record of February 1975 was 220.6 mm in 8 days. The rainfall during March was also above normal by 39% (149.7mm).

Temperature

During the entire rainy season weekly maximum temperatures was above and minimum was near normal. The maximum temperature remained between 21.5o C to 35.2oC and minimum 9.8 to 22.3o C for most of the season. There was gradual decrease of the temperature with the advancement of the season. The minimum temperature was near normal and maximum was 1 to

39

2 oC above normal. The highest maximum temperature recorded was 37oC on 22ndJune and lowest 9.5 o C on 4th November.

During early part of rabi season (MW 45 to MW 3) weekly maximum temperature remained above normal 0.0 to 4.7 o C and it suddenly rose during late November to January (MW 45-3). Intermittent warming by 1-2 oC during MW 11, 12, 15 and 17 were observed. The minimum temperature remained near normal. Maximum temperature (32.5oC) was observed on, 26-27stMay, 2005 and the lowest (0.0o C) on 28th January 2005. The last year’s highest and lowest temperature were recorded on 21st May (37 o C) and 2nd February 2005 (1.8 o C). During the current rabi season under report the warming was much less compared to last rabi season.

Wind velocity

Wind velocity varied between 4.2 to 7.7 kmph, which was below normal during most of the kharif season. The highest wind velocity observed was 11.0 kmph on 23

rd May, 2005.

Bright sunshine hours

Weekly bright sunshine hours during kharif varied between 1.3 to 11.3 hours. The highest sunshine recorded was 12.5 hours per day during 2nd June, 2005 and lowest of 0 hours on 6th and 8th July, and 10, 13 to 16th September 2005.

Pan evaporation

Weekly pan evaporation data indicated that the pan evaporation varied between 2.1 to 8.9 mm/day. The evaporation remained above normal during entire kharif season by about 2 to 4 mm. The highest evaporative demand was 11.1 mm on 22nd June and lowest of 1.0 mm on 5th August, 2005.

Length of rainy season and climatic water balance

The mean onset of monsoon occurs on June 21±10 days and withdrawal on September 21±9 days. The onset of winter rains is December 16± 29 days and withdrawal on May 27± 4 days. Total annual and seasonal rainfall is showing decreasing trend and warming is also being experienced particularly during months of March, April, May and June. This variation could influence the length of rainy season and climatic water balance of the region.

During past three decades, winter onset of rains took place November 6 in 10 percent of years, December 4 in 30 percent years, December 19 in 50% years, January 11 in 70 percent years and January 16 in 90 percent of years with mean date on December 16. The onset of winter rains has been shifted ahead by 22 days from December 6 to December 28. The onset during 1979-80 and 1997-98 was as early as October 11 and October 1, respectively.

The withdrawal during past three decades took place by May 22 in 10 percent of years, May 25 in 30 percent years, May 28 in 50% years, May 30 in 70 percent years and May 31 in 90 percent of years with mean date on May 27. The withdrawal of monsoon during decade I occurred on May 27±3 days. The length of winter rains have decreased as many as 24 days.

Annual moisture surplus and deficit

The mean annual moisture surplus in the region is 1259 mm. The overall surplus decreased by as much as 764 mm during past 20 years which makes 47.8 per cent of the total water surplus.

Seasonal moisture surplus and deficit

The mean seasonal surplus during kharif season is 1259 mm which could be harvested and stored for subsequent irrigation of rabi crops. The surplus during kharif was 1483 mm

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during first decade and decreased by 198 mm (1285mm) during second and by 506 mm (977mm) during third decade. This reduction is as much as 34.1 percent in past two decades. Moisture surplus during rabi was 115 mm during first decade which reduced to 37 mm during second decade and then to -144 mm during third decade. The cumulative deficit increased to 259 mm which is a huge amount 179.9% of water deficit value of the first decade.

Validation of the forecast

• The validation of forecast was done with the observed data recorded at Palampur. (Annexure IV-29) The rainfall forecast (Correct and usable %) was more than 88.0% correct in all season except SW monsoon with 58%. The Ratio score (%) was more than 59.0% all the seasons. The correlation coefficient was very low. The usability percentage for weekly-accumulated rainfall varied between 14-92%. The RMSE was below 36.9 except southwest monsoon season. Day wise analysis indicated that correct and usable cases varied between 67-100% on all the days over all the season. RMSE for all the days varied between 1.0-47.3. SW monsoon season (29 %) and hot season (54.2%) low rainfall amount was predicted compared to observed rainfall. Higher rainfall amount was predicted for post monsoon and winter season.

• The correct and usable cases varied between 52.5 to 79.4% in all the season for cloud cover. RMSE varied between 2.0 to 3.1 and correlation was positive and significant for all seasons. Day wise accuracy was 50-80% in all the days. The lowest accuracy was observed in day 4. Cloud amount forecast was poor in Kharif than rabi seasons. In general, lower values of cloud amount were forecasted for all season compared to observed rainfall.

• The error structure for maximum varied between 58.2 to 75.0 % and 58.1 to 74.1 in minimum temperature in all the season. The lower accuracy was obtained due to rabi season in minimum and higher in kharif in maximum. During 2005-06, 5-6 cycles of western disturbances were visited in the region which caused lower accuracy. RMSE varied between 1.9 to 3.2 in maximum and 1.8 to 3.0 in minimum temperature. The temperature predicted and observed over different seasons indicated less than 0.5 degree difference in the season. In general lower temperature values for maximum temperature and higher for minimum temperature were predicted.

• Correlation coefficient was significant for all the seasons and coefficients of determination varied between 40 to 75.0% in maximum temperature and 15 to 90% in minimum temperature in respectively. In kharif, higher maximum temperature was predicted than observed and in rabi less was predicted. Minimum temperature followed reverse trend. Day wise analysis of maximum and minimum temperature indicated increase in RMSE as days of forecast extended. The overall correct and usable cases were 52 % in maximum and 61 in minimum over all the days and season. The wind speed forecast was more than 98% true in all the season in all the days of the different seasons. Whereas, the wind direction reliability is very low.

• The predicted rainfall was 28.0% of the observed in Kharif and 80% to percent in rabi i.e. lower rainfall was predicted for the wetter and higher for the drier season. There is further need for fine-tuning the forecast.

• Fifty AAS bulletins were prepared, 70 in English and 50 in Hindi. All the English bulletins were published in university website WWW.hillagric.ernet.in and www.cropweatheoutlook.com of CRIDA (ICAR) and April onward in indianweatherwatch.org. This year was good in respect of rainfall. 38 AAS bulletins were published in Newspapers.

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• During SW monsoon season Rs. 390 -410 (50-60 kg feed) were saved due to correct cloud cover forecast in fishery.

Crop-weather relationship in wheat

Three varieties of wheat viz. HS -240, HPW-42 and HPW-147 were exposed to three different thermal and moisture regimes by sowing them in three different dates. The region visited by large number of western disturbances during the season and gave cooler and wetter condition. The crop took more number of days to complete the phenophases and also yielded better compared to previous years. It is evident that on an average second date of planting has produced higher biomass as compared to the first or third date of planting in all the varieties. Mean grain, straw and biological yield of wheat was the highest in variety HPW-147 when sown on 20th November followed by HPW-42 on the same sowing time. It was observed that HPW-147 absorbed least heat units from sowing to heading stage with least CV values, where as HS-240 absorbed highest heat units. This indicated that HPW-147 responded better up to heading stage compared to other two cultivars which have also resulted into higher grain and straw yield.

Crop weather relationship in Gobhi sarson

With delay in sowing, from October 10 to November 10, a significant and consistent decrease in yield to the tune of 10 and 16 per cent was observed. Hyola-401 gave significantly higher yield (1880kg/ha) when sown on October 10 followed by October 25. The mustard aphid did not appear during the current season due to very heavy rain shower and low temperature conditions. This pest prefers warmer and drier conditions.

Crop weather relationship in Tea

The weather variations were imposed with the help of date of pickings in tea. A total of 252 samples of green tea leaves were analyzed during the course of this investigation. High temperatures and high atmospheric evaporative demand assisted the calcium uptake whereas high humidity and high rainfall reduced it. Low temperature and high humidity reduced manganese uptake. High weekly evaporation, weekly relative humidity and accumulated rainfall depressed the uptake of zinc, copper and iron in green tea shoots.

Influence of weather on the incidence and spread of rice blast

Historical weather data for the past 22 years (1984 to 2005) for rice growing period was analysed to work out temperature, relative humidity, rainy days, cumulative daytime cloud cover, days with relative humidity ≥ 90 % and days with night temperature ≤ 20 OC. There was not much variation in maximum and minimum temperature which varied between 25.5 to 28.9 OC and 18.5 to 20.2 OC, respectively and relative humidity 65 to 87 %, respectively. These weather conditions have been reported to be conducive for the occurrence of the disease. Out of the years studied, there were years when disease appeared in severe form i.e., during 1984, 1986 and 1992 (referred as blast years) and not in significant proportion in other years. During blast years, rainfall was 1517, 1827 and 1680 mm, cloud cover was 745, 697 and 661 hours, days with RH ≥90% were 47, 12 and 27 and days with night temperature ≤ 20 o C were 54, 59 and 59 respectively were observed.

The two rice varieties viz., Himalaya 741 and HPU-2216 were exposed to two different environment by the direct sowing on 15th June and 30th June with recommended and farmer’s practice of fertility managements under disease managed and diseased condition. The results indicated that paddy sown on first date out yielded the crop sown on 30th June. The variety HPU-2216 gave significantly higher yield compared to Himalaya 741. Recommended dose of fertilizers out yielded the farmer’s dose of fertilizers. The rice blast appeared only in insignificant proportion therefore, management of disease in paddy did not prove beneficial. Disease escape

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and higher biomass accumulation due to longer life cycle in the first date of transplanting is the reason for higher production. The variety HPU-2216 attracted lesser disease compared to Himalaya 741.

EXTENSION

Front line demonstrations

Twelve frontline demonstrations conducted to popularize gobhi sarson in maize-gobhi sarson sequence over farmers’ practice revealed that the net profit owing to improved varieties over the traditional varieties used by the farmers varied between Rs. 14247 to Rs. 28715/ha/annum at different locations (Table 44a).The data on six Frontline Demonstrations conducted to popularize Mash variety T9 and gram variety Him Channa -1 revealed that the net profit due to the high yielding varieties varied between Rs. 12245 to Rs. 32550/ha/annum at different locations over the local variety (Table 44b).

Table 44a. Crop yield (kg/ha) and comparative economics of improved variety over farmers’ variety in Maize-Gobhi sarson cropping system under rainfed situations during 2005-06

S. No.

Location Farmer’s variety Improved variety Net profit (Rs/ha) over farmers’ practice Maize Gobhi

sarson Maize

(KH-101) Gobhi sarson

(HPN-1) 1. Katohar (2) 1725 450 2850 925 17673 2. Nakroh (2) 1800 363 2475 1213 22618 3. Bharmoti (2) 1750 325 2650 772 14662 4. Bhumpal (2) 2100 425 3875 1158 28715 5. Adhwani (2) 1763 370 3288 545 14247 6. Channaur (2) 2150 315 4150 765 20819

Table 44b Crop yield and net profit due to improved gram variety over farmer’s variety during 2005-06

Location Yield (kg/ha) Profit over local Mash Gram

Improved Local Improved Local

Katohar 375 175 475 190 12245 Nakroh 860 250 600 250 25193 Bharmoti 900 300 800 275 29138 Bhumpal 1020 275 875 300 32550 Adhwani 325 100 685 175 17595 Channaur 500 100 905 205 26413

In Lahaul valley 332 front line demonstrations on different aspects in various crops were laid out in about 31.4 ha area. In Command area development, IPH division Padhar, FLD’s on different crops on different aspects were laid out in 8.84 ha area. In Command area development, IPH division Indora FLD’s on different crops on different aspects were laid out in 8.6 ha area. In the IPH division Jawali demonstrations were laid out in 10.3 ha. Six Front line demonstrations were also laid out on introduction of legumes and grasses under Lahaul valley conditions of the state.

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On –Farm Trails

During the period under report 72 experiments on Cropping Systems Research were conducted on cultivators’ fields. The results emanating from these on-farm trials are discussed in the foregoing paras.

Intensification and diversification of the existing cropping system

The results in Table 45 revealed that maize-toria-wheat followed by maize-Gobhi sarson sequence gave significantly higher maize equivalent yield over maize-wheat under farming situations. However, over the existing maize-wheat cropping sequence, in terms of net return, maize-toria-wheat could excel only in farming situation I. Whereas, maize-Gobhi sarson sequence was statistically at par with maize-wheat influencing net returns in all the farming situations.

Table 45 Crop intensification under rainfed conditions in maize-based crop sequences (2005-06)

Sequence Yield (kg/ha) Maize equivalent

Gross return (Rs/ha)

Net returns (Rs/ha)

Kharif Rabi I Rabi II

Situation I, Una (average of 4 locations/replications) T1 Maize-wheat 3796 3170 - 7918 57408 33427 T2 Maize-toria-wheat 3900 996 2770 10291 70443 38403 T3 Maize-gram 3925 915 - 7953 51001 29399 T4 Maize-Gobhi sarson 3902 1452 - 9129 58101 35038 LSD (P=0.05) - - - 729 4081 4081 Situation II, Hamirpur (average of 8 locations/replications) T1 Maize-wheat 3791 2853 - 7501 54756 30775 T2 Maize-toria-wheat 3831 866 1829 8635 59254 27214 T3 Maize-gram 3848 955 8049 51832 30230 T4 Maize-Gobhi sarson 3823 1349 - 8681 55397 32334 LSD (P=0.05) - - - 412 2643 2643 Situation III, Kangra (average of 4 locations/replications) T1 Maize-wheat 2778 3186 - 6919 49229 25248 T2 Maize-toria-wheat 2870 1108 2349 9026 58663 26623 T3 Maize-gram 2715 808 - 6271 39166 17564 T4 Maize-Gobhi sarson 2894 1411 - 7973 48687 25624 LSD (P=0.05) - - - 641 3544 3544 Overall (average of 16 locations/replications) T1 Maize-wheat 3539 3016 - 7460 54037 30056 T2 Maize-toria-wheat 3608 959 2194 9146 61904 29864 T3 Maize-gram 3584 908 - 7580 48458 26856 T4 Maize-Gobhi sarson 3610 1390 - 8616 54395 31332 LSD (P=0.05) - - - 410 2498 2498

Maize Rs 5.00/kg; wheat Rs 6.50/kg; toria Rs 14.00/kg; gram Rs 22.00/kg; Gobhi sarson Rs 18.00/kg

The data in Table 46 revealed that rice-potato-potato and rice-wheat-French bean gave significantly higher paddy equivalent yield and resulted in net returns of Rs 139821 and Rs 83827/ha in farming situations I and III, respectively. These were 171.0 and 190.3% higher than the existing rice-wheat sequence in respective farming situation. However, in farming situation I, rice-potato-French bean was as good as rice-potato-potato in influencing paddy equivalent yield and net returns.

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Table 46. Crop intensification under irrigated conditions in rice based crop sequence 2005-06

Crop sequence Yield (kg/ha) Paddy equivalent (kg/ha)

Returns (Rs/ha) Kharif Rabi I Rabi II Gross Net

Situation I, Una (average of 6 locations) Rice-wheat 3569 4210 - 6221 77406 51598 Rice-onion 3560 18605 - 12862 133033 94735 Rice-Potato-French bean 3564 15496 9081 18709 192503 131792 Rice-potato-potato 3605 16303 20712 20262 207240 139821 Rice-Berseem + oats 3682 44384 - 3682 93764 68989 LSD (P=0.05) - - - 1788 16536 16536 Situation III, Kangra (average of 6 locations) Rice-wheat 2241 4262 - 7278 54685 28877 Rice-onion 2278 12274 - 13436 77324 39026 Rice-potato 2218 15035 - 14520 83235 43474 Rice-wheat-French bean 2298 4315 8222 20851 130585 83827 Rice-cabbage 2325 20359 - 15281 87558 36689 LSD (P=0.05) - - - 4221 24039 24039 Rice Rs 5.50/kg; wheat Rs 6.50/kg; onion Rs 5.00/kg; potato Rs 4.50/kg; French bean Rs 9.00/kg; cabbage Rs 3.50/kg

Table 47a Response to N, P and K (State recommended dose) on maize and wheat yields (kg/ha) in maize - wheat sequence during 2005-06

Treatment Maize Wheat Maize equivalent Grain Stover Grain Straw

Situation I, Una (average of 6 locations/replications) Control 2207 4444 1988 2253 4791 N 2502 5198 2620 3583 5908 NP 3408 6918 3475 4267 7926 NK 3185 6703 3398 4354 7602 NPK 3869 8388 4275 5091 9426 LSD (P=0.05) 262 556 308 579 425 Situation II, Hamirpur (average of 8 locations/replications) Control 2118 4514 1669 2024 4288 N 2397 5112 2072 2660 5092 NP 3287 7399 2527 3211 6572 NK 3113 7131 2324 2931 6134 NPK 3943 9158 3013 3664 7860 LSD (P=0.05) 83 437 87 133 176 Situation III, Kangra (average of 6 locations/replications) Control 1819 3408 1968 2465 4377 N 2077 3995 2422 2999 5225 NP 2747 5315 3042 3613 6702 NK 2679 5075 2686 3259 6171 NPK 3280 6567 3634 4560 8004 LSD (P=0.05) 262 842 203 358 358 Mean (average of 20 locations/replications) Control 2055 4161 1854 2225 4466 N 2333 4803 2341 3038 5376 NP 3161 6630 2966 3648 7017 NK 3004 6386 2755 3456 6586 NPK 3722 8150 3578 4361 8373 LSD (P=0.05) 113 362 150 243 213 Maize Rs 5.00/kg; wheat Rs 6.50/kg

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Response of nutrients on farmers’ field (Rainfed)

The data revealed superiority of application of recommended doses of fertilizers to both the crops in maize-wheat sequence under all the farming situations over application of N, NP and NK (Table 47a). However, when NP and NK were compared, it was found that application of NP proved better than NK, which showed the greater response to phosphorus application. The response in terms of kg of nutrients applied per kg of maize, wheat or maize equivalent was in general also greater for P2O5 followed by K2O and least for N (Table 47b).

Table 47b. Response of nutrients (kg grain/kg nutrient applied).

Nutrient Situation Maize Wheat Maize equivalent N Una 3.282 7.900 6.570

Hamirpur 3.105 5.037 4.725

Kangra 2.866 5.674 4.989

Overall 3.086 6.087 5.358

P2O5 Una 17.673 21.656 22.605

Hamirpur 19.106 14.290 18.857

Kangra 14.134 19.600 19.473

Overall 17.185 18.093 20.166 K2O Una 19.051 19.730 22.821

Hamirpur 22.873 9.214 16.647

Kangra 18.923 10.698 16.057 Overall 20.541 12.814 18.322

Agronomic management practices for sustainable production system (maize-wheat and rice-wheat)

The recommended package of practices for both the component crops in sequence and super-imposition of recommended NPK plus chemical weed control plus 10 t FYM in the sequence gave significantly higher yield of grain and straw, maize equivalent and proved more profitable than farmers’ practice as well as farmers’ practice with recommended NPK to maize and wheat in sequence under all the situations (Table 48a).

In rice-wheat cropping sequence, the recommended package of practices for both the component crops in sequence gave significantly higher yield of grain and straw, and rice equivalent than farmers’ practice as well as farmers’ practice with recommended NPK to rice and wheat in sequence under both the situations (Table 48b). The recommended package of practices also proved profitable in influencing the overall net return.

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Table 48a Effect of different agronomic practices on maize and wheat yield and economics in maize-wheat cropping sequence during 2005-06

Practice Yield (kg/ha) Maize equivalent yield (kg/ha)

Gross return (Rs/ha)

Net return (Rs/ha)

Maize Wheat Grain Stover Grain Straw

Situation I, Una (average of 4 locations) T1 Farmers’ practice 2629 5053 2521 2299 4341 32048 10852 T2 T1 + recommended NPK

in both crops 3363 6921 3189 3023 6148 45708 24066

T3 Recommended package of practices in both crops

3525 7146 3480 3698 7697 55800 31819

T4 T1 + recommended NPK plus chemical weed control plus FYM 10 t/ha

3872 8194 4274 4635 8711 63494 33493

LSD (P=0.05) 298 1013 623 601 989 6290 6290 Situation II, Hamirpur (average of 8 locations) T1 Farmers’ practice 2199 4453 1629 2157 4317 31240 10044 T2 T1 + recommended NPK

in both crops 3110 6739 2199 3097 5969 44125 22483

T3 Recommended package of practices in both crops

3616 8104 2736 3733 7173 53054 29073

T4 T1 + recommended NPK plus chemical weed control plus FYM 10 t/ha

4005 8884 3326 4523 8329 61351 31350

LSD (P=0.05) 127 401 142 202 246 1473 1473 Situation III, Kangra (average of 4 locations) T1 Farmers’ practice 1806 3274 2614 3186 5204 36321 15125 T2 T1 + recommended NPK

in both crops 2467 4653 3258 4085 6702 47264 25622

T3 Recommended package of practices in both crops

2824 4755 3595 4582 7498 52359 28378

T4 T1 + recommended NPK plus chemical weed control plus FYM 10 t/ha

3171 5638 3961 5029 8320 58423 28422

LSD (P=0.05) 375 1033 211 332 435 3785 3785 Overall (average of 16 locations) T1 Farmers’ practice 2208 4308 2098 2821 4936 35491 14295 T2 T1 + recommended NPK

in both crops 3013 6263 2711 3716 6537 47633 25991

T3 Recommended package of practices in both crops

3395 7027 3137 4213 7473 54223 30242

T4 T1 + recommended NPK plus chemical weed control plus FYM 10 t/ha

3763 7900 3722 5001 8602 62492 32491

LSD (P=0.05) 144 480 162 195 284 2061 2061 Recommended fertilizer dose: N, P2O5 & K 2O (kg/ha), Maize 90, 45 & 30; Wheat 80, 40 & 40.

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Table 48b Effect of different agronomic practices on rice and wheat yield and economics in rice-wheat cropping sequence during 2005-06

Practice Yield (kg/ha) Rice equivalent

yield (kg/ha)

Gross return (Rs/ha)

Net return (Rs/ha) Rice Wheat

Grain Straw Grain Straw Situation I, Una (average of 4 locations) T1 Farmers’ practice 2793 3602 2505 3414 5754 42075 21513 T2 T1 + recommended

NPK in both crops 3290 4142 3686 5041 7646 56277 32586

T3 Recommended package of practices in both crops

3602 4728 4057 5407 8397 61725 35317

LSD (P=0.05) 164 350 334 449 500 3412 3412 Situation III, Kangra (average of 4 locations) T1 Farmers’ practice 1789 2722 4226 5201 6783 50430 29868 T2 T1 + recommended

NPK in both crops 2102 3160 5057 6034 8078 59659 35968

T3 Recommended package of practices in both crops

2296 3105 5638 6965 8959 66311 39903

LSD (P=0.05) 140 NS 436 618 536 4065 4065 Overall (average of 8 locations) T1 Farmers’ practice 2291 3162 3366 4307 6268 46252 25690 T2 T1 + recommended

NPK in both crops 2696 3651 4371 5538 7862 57968 34277

T3 Recommended package of practices in both crops

2949 3917 4848 6186 8678 64018 37610

LSD (P=0.05) 123 388 245 388 348 2617 2617 Recommended fertilizer dose: N, P2O5 & K 2O (kg/ha) Maize 90, 40 & 40; Wheat 120, 60 & 30.

On weed management technology, 70 on-farm trials to make yield loss and assessment due to the weeds in maize, rice & wheat and to control problematic weeds like Ageratum conyzoides, Ageratum houstonianum, Parthenium hysterophorus, Lantana camara in orchards and grasslands were conducted in different panchayats.

Table 49. Effect of methods of application on grain yield of different crops in on-farm trials

Crop No. of on farm trials

Average grain yield(q/ha) Farmer Practice Spray Broadcast

with sand Wheat 7 22.8 32.4 29.4 Maize 6 24.4 36.7 34.2

Table 50. Efficacy of clodinofop to control weeds in wheat in on-farm trials (average of 6 trials)

Treatment Average grain yield Farmer Practice 21.4 IPU 1.5 kg/ha (30 DAS) 30.2 Clodinofop 60 g/ha 31.3 2,4-D 23.8

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Application of IPU + atrazine was superior to their broadcast application in wheat and maize, respectively (Table 49). However, broadcast application of both the herbicides was superior to farmer practice

All the herbicides were superior to farmer practice in controlling the weeds and increasing grain yield of wheat. Clodinofop 60 g/ha (Table 50) was found to be superior to IPU in controlling Avena leudoviciana and Lolium temulentum in farmers field. However, IPU had an edge over clodinofop to control some of the broadleaved weeds.

Table 51 .On Farm trials on weed control in different crops

Crop Number Methods of weed control Average grain yield (q/ha) % increase over FP

FP Chemical weed control

Weed free

Chemical weed control

Weed free

Wheat 8 20.4 30.2 34.9 48.0 71.1 Maize 6 24.8 36.4 39.9 46.7 60.8 Rice 4 23.8 32.8 36.1 37.8 51.7 Transplanted Puddle seeded

3 18.4 24.8 30.1 34.7 63.5

The data on On-Farm trials presented in Table 51 indicated that chemical weed control in farmers’ field could increase the grain yield of wheat, maize transplanted and direct seeded puddle rice by 48.0%, 46.7%, 37.8% and 34.7%, respectively over the farmer’s practice. Whereas, weed free treatment recorded an increase in yield of 71.1%, 60.8%, 51.7% and 63.5% over farmer’s practice in wheat, maize, rice transplanted and direct seeded, respectively.

Table 52. On Farm –trials on control of obnoxious weeds in maize, pastures and grasslands

Ecosystem Weed No. of Trials

Weed population No/m2 Farmer’s

Practice Atrazine 0.75 kg/ha broadcast with sand

Maize Ageratum conyzoides

3 680 40 Unweeded Glyphosate 1.0

kg/ha Atrazine 1.0 kg/ha at 2-3 leaf

2.4-Dna 1.0 kg/ha

Pastures and grassland

Ageratum houstonianum

2 108 Nil 10 36

Unweeded Glyphosate 1.5 kg/ha

Atrazin 1.5 kg/ha

2,4-D 1.5 kg/ha

Parthenium hysterophorus

3 320 Nil 16 20

Lantana camara Unweeded Glyphosate 0.41%

1 12 Nil - -

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On-Farm Trials to control problematic weeds (Table 52) indicated effective control of Ageratum conyzoides with atrazine 0.75 kg/ha broadcasted with sand in standing crop of maize at 2-3 leaf stage of Ageratum. Whereas, in pastures and grasslands, glyphosate 1.0 kg/ha resulted in effective control of Ageratum houstonianum. In case of Parthenium hysterophorus glyphosate 1.5 kg/ha and atrazine 1.5 kg/ha were found effective to control this weed. Lantana camara was effectively controlled with Glyphosate 0.41% in demonstrations conducted in grassland at Bairghatta.

For biological control of Parthenium hysterophorus, Zygograma bicolorata beetle was released in a pasture land and non cropped land at Bairghatta and effective control was obtained.

Training camps/Field days/kisan melas

The involvement of different teachers/scientists of the department in organizing training camps, field days, seminars and delivering lectures as a subject matter specialist has been shown in Table 53.

Table 53. Lectures delivered in specialized Farmers’ Training Programme organized in the department or outside the department, radio/TV talks and exhibitions

Scientist Training camps/Field days/Kisan melas/seminars (organized or involvement)

Lectures in trainings

Radio/TV talks Exhibitions

S.S. Rana 11 20 - - Sanjay K. Sharma 02 04 - - S.K. Sharma 03 03 - - H.L. Sharma 02 03 - - S. C. Negi 01 01 - - B.S. Mankotia 01 01 01 - J. Shekhar 01 01 01 - A.D. Bindra - 08 03 - Pawan Pathania - 22 02 - Naveen Kumar - 08 - - A.K Chaudhary 03 03 - - A.K. Manchanda 13 21 - - R.S. Rana 01 - 01 - Rajendra Prasad - - 02 - N.N. Angiras 05 07 02 06 Suresh Kumar 01 - 01 05 Neelam Sharma - - - 05 K.P. Singh - - - 01 B.L. Kapur 08 15 01 - J.P. Saini 02 04 01 -

Radio/TV talks and exhibitions

The information on number of radio/TV talks delivered and exhibitions installed by the scientists of the department is also given in Table 53.

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TRAININGS/WORKSHOPS/SYMPOSIA

The number of specialized trainings acquired and workshops/symposia attended by the

scientists of the department has been given in Table 54.

Table 54. Trainings/summer schools/workshops attended

Scientist Trainings acquired/summer schools

attended (National and International)

Workshops, symposia attended

S.S. Rana 01 03 Sanjay K. Sharma 01 02 S.K. Sharma - 02 H.L. Sharma - 02 S. C. Negi 01 02 B.S. Mankotia 01 01 J. Shekhar 01 01 A.D. Bindra - 05 Pawan Pathania - 03 Naveen Kumar - 02 A.K Chaudhary - 02 A.K. Manchanda - 01 R.K. Kataria - 02 R.S. Rana 01 05 Rajendra Prasad - 01 N.N. Angiras - 08 Suresh Kumar - 04 Neelam Sharma - 05 B.L. Kapur 02

Press notes related to the weather and crop/animal husbandry and their probable performance in relation to long- and medium range weather forecast are issued from time to time. Four days weather location specific forecast and five days district weather forecast of NCMRWF, New Delhi is used to advice farmers at least once in a week through print and AIR, Dhramsala.

HONOURS AND AWARDS

Dr. N. N. Angiras was co-opted as Vice President of Indian society of Weed Science by the executive committee of society. He has been awarded Vijay Shree and Vijay Rattan awards by India International Society New Delhi on November 25, 2005.

PUBLICATIONS

Research

Angiras N N. 2005. Weed management in specific crops. Lead paper in Annual Group Meeting of AICRP (Weed Control) held at OUAT, Bhubneshwar, May, 2005.

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Badiyala D, Bhateria S and Kumar Jatinder 2005. Studies on variety and seed rate on linseed grown under utera system of cultivation. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research 30(2):20-22.

Badiyala D, Bhateria S and Kumar S. 2005. Studies on productivity and economics of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) based intercropping system under mid hill condition of Himachal Pradesh. Journal of Indian Agriculture and Weed Science 34(3): 65-68.

Badiyala D, Kumar S and Bhateria S. 2003. Response of linseed varieties to different agronomic manipulations under mid hill conditions of Hiamchal Pradesh. Life Science Reporter 5(1&2): 10-12.

Bindra A D and Thakur V S. 2005. Legume intercropping with potato (Solanum tuberosum) based cropping system at varied fertility levels under high hills dry temperate conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 75(8): 488-9

Bindra A D. 2005. Evaluation of rajmash varieties in relation to plant population and fertility levels under dry temperate conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research 31(1): 166-69

Chadda S, Rana S S, Rameshwar and Chaudhary D R. 2006. Effect of split doses of N and K and FYM levels of the productivity of seed potato in cold desert region of H.P. Himalayas. Potato Journal 33(1&2): 99-102.

Chandel S, Chodhary A K, Chandel K S, Punam and Sharma P K 2005. Impact of tea farming industry on socio-economic status of rural women in Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research 31(2):109-116.

Choudhary A K, Punam, Sharma P K and Chandel S. 2005. Study on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Biodiversity of Hiamchal Pradesh Himalayas and its utility Tigerpaper, Oct.-Dec., 2005.

Choudhary AK, Thakur R C and Naveen Kumar 2005. Effect of integrated nutrient management on protein content and protein yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum)- rice (Oryza sativa) crop sequence in north-western Himalayas. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research 31(2): 6-14.

Choudhary, A.K., Punam and Sharma, P.K., 2005. A study on physiography and biodiversity with special reference to medicinal, aromatic and dye plants of Parvati valley of Himachal Himalayas, India. Journal of Nature Conservation 17(2): 315-323.

Gupta A, Sharma V and Pathania P. (2005). Effect of varieties, seed inoculation and P levels on growth and yield of urd bean. Himachal J. Agric. Res. 31 (2): 15-19.

Kapoor A S, Prasad Rajendra and Sood G K. 2004. Forecasting of rice blast in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Indian Phytopath. 57(4): 440-445.

Kataria R K and Sharma H L. 2006. Effect of planting methods and seed rate on growth and yield of wheat. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research 32(1):18-21.

Kataria R K and Sharma H L. 2006. Response of African tall maize (Zea mays) to nitrogen application at varying levels of plant population. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research 32(1):37-40.

Kataria R K and Sharma H L. 2006. Seed yield and quality of soybean (Glycine maxL. Morril) as influenced by row spacing and phosphorus under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research 32(1):14-17.

Kumar Deep, Angiras N N, Singh Y and Rana S S. 2005. Influence of integrated weed management practices on weed competition for nutrients in wheat. Indian Journal of Agricultural Research 39 (2): 110-115.

Kumar Jatinder and Badiyala D. 2004. Studies on the effect of seed rate, row spacing and sowing time on dry matter accumulation and nutrient uptake in soybean (Glycine max). Journal of oilseed research 21(2): 290-292.

Kumar Jatinder and Badiyala D. 2005. Growth analysis studies in soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr.). Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research 31(1): 163-65.

52

Kumar Jatinder and Badiyala D. 2005. Influence of seed rate, spacing, date of sowing and storage containers on storability of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Legume Research 28(4):309-310.

Kumar Sanjay, Shekhar J, Mankotia B S and Mishra A. 2006. Evaluation of N management practices in rice under wet temperate mid hills of HP. Research on Crops 17 (1): 63-66

Kumar Naveen and Naleeni Ramawat 2005. Weed management in shaftal (Trifolium resupinatum) under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Indian J. Weed Science 37(3&4): 244-246

Pathania R, Kaur P and Pathania P. (2006). Communication Pattern among tribal adolescents of HP. Indian Journal of Social Research 47 (2): 105-109.

Prasad R., Rana R S and Jatinder Manan 2005. Heat summation indices and wheat phenology in mid hill rainfed region of Himachal Pradesh. Journal of Agrometeorology 7 (2): 297-303.

Prasad Rajendra and Ranbir Rana (2006). A study of maximum temperature during March 2004 and its impact on rabi crops in Himachal Pradesh. Journal of Agrometeorology 8(1): 91-99.

Prasad Rajendra, Rana R S and Jatinder Manan 2005. Heat summation indices and wheat phenology in mid hill region of Himachal Pradesh. Journal of Agrometeorology 7(2): 274-278.

Kumar Rakesh and Sharma H L. 2005. Application of CERES-Rice model to develop agro-techniques for newly released varieties of rice in North Western Himalayas. Oryza 42(4):283-286.

Kumar Rakesh and Sharma H L. 2006. Performance of CERES-wheat model for yield maximization in North Western Himalayan soils. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 76(1):55-57.

Kumar Rakesh and Sharma H L. 2006.Evaluation of CERES-Rice (DSSAT) model for growth, yield ands nitrogen uptake of rice varieties in North Western Himalayas. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research 32(1):1-6.

Rana M C, Kumar Naveen and Sood B R. 2005. Effect of phosphorus levels and cutting management n forage and seed yields of improved grasses and forage legumes under dry temperate climatic conditions. Himachal Journal Agri. Research 30(2): 23-28

Rana R S, Prasad Rajendra and Kumar Suresh 2005. Reliability of Medium Range Weather Forecast in mid- hill rainfed region of Himachal Pradesh. Journal of Agrometeorology 7(2): 297-303.

Rana R S, Rana S S, Rana M C and Prasad Rajendra 2005. Influence of row spacing and fertility levels on tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn) under Sangla valley conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research 31 (1):1-6

Rana S S, Rajinder Pal, Mondal K K and Sood P 2005. Influence of seeding time of rajmash varieties intercropped with kalazira under dry temperate conditions. Indian Journal of Pulses Research 18(2): 219-221.

Rana S S, Rana R S, Kumar Naveen and Pathania P. 2005. Effect of cutting management and P levels on the productivity of red clover under dry temperate conditions of North Western Himalayas. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research 31 (2): 31-35.

Saini J P and Angiras N N. 2005. Standardization of dose of sulfosulfuron (MON 37503) in controlling weeds of rainfed wheat (Triticum aestivum) under mid- hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Indian J. Agronomy 50 (1): 41-43.

Saroch K, Bhargava M and Sharma J J 2005. Diversification of exiting rice based cropping system for sustainable productivity under irrigated conditions. Indian Journal of Agronomy 50 (2): 86-88

Sharma H L and Kumar Rakesh, 2005. Simulating phenology and yield of rice using CERES-Rice model in north western Himalayas. Indian Journal of Plant Physiology 10(3):280-282.

53

Sharma H L and Kumar Rakesh. 2006. Growth and yield of newly released cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa L.) as influenced by dates of transplanting in North Western Himalayas. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research 32(1):11-13.

Sharma H L and Kumar Rakesh, 2005. Effect of sowing dates on dry matter accumulation, growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties in North-western Himalayas. Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research 31(2):1-5.

Sharma Neelam and Ruchi, 2005. Nitrogen assimilation potential, periodic nitrate reductase activity and its relationship to grain protein in field grown rice in presence of butachlor, Vol 10, No.2.196-198. Shekhar J and Mankotia B S. 2005. Efficacy of some new herbicides in wet seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.). Indian Journal of Weed Science 37 (1&2): 58-60.

Shekhar J, Kumar Sanjay and Bindra A D. 2005. Effect of inorganics with and without organic manure on yield and yield attributes of rice. Crop Res. 30 (3): 143-145.

Sood P and Rana S S. 2005. Evaluation of some newer insecticides for the management of cabbage butterfly, Pieris brassicae L. larvae under dry temperate conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Journal of. Agricultural Research 31(1): 65-68.

Vedna Kumari, Kumar Ashok and Prasad Rajendra. 2006. Current status of rapeseed and mustard in Himachal Pradesh: Production constraints and future Strategies. Indian Farmers’ Digest 39(2): 19-22.

Symposium/conferences

Angiras N N and Kumar Suresh. 2005. Standardisation of dose and time of application of clodinofop propargryl to manage weeds in wheat. Paper presented in biennial conference of Indian Society of weed Science held at PAU Ludhiana April 5-9, 2005.

Angiras N N and Rana Rakesh. (2005). Problems of Parthenium hysterophorus L and strategies to manage in Himachal Pradesh, India. Proceedings Second International Conference on Parthenium Management held at UAS, Bangalore, December 5-7, 2005. pp. 155-159.

Angiras N N and Suresh Kumar. 2005. Studies on Efficacy of New Herbicides Alone and in Integration with Hand Weeding to Manage Weeds in Onion. Paper presented in Biennial Conference of Indian Society of Weed Science held at PAU, Ludhiana, April 5-9,2005.

Angiras N N. 2004. Rehabilitation of original ecosystems by management of obnoxious weeds in Himachal Pradesh. Paper presented in Seminar on obnoxious weeds organized by H.P. Agro Industries Corporation Ltd., Shimla and Punjab Chemicals and Crop Protection Ltd. Chandigarh on September 24, 2004.

Banyal D K, Bhandari J C and Kumar Naveen 2005. Integrated disease management of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum). National Symposium on Emerging Trends in Plant Disease Management, Souvenir and Abstracts 9-10, November, 2004. Indian Phytopathology 58(3): 376.

Chandel KS, Kataria R K, Gautam, A S and Pathania N K. 2006. Response of Steckling size (planting material) and spacing on seed production of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cultivar Japanese White under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Paper presented in the National Symposium on Input Use Efficiency in Horticultural Crops held at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Banglore from 9-11 August, 2006.

Chopra Pankaj and Angiras N N. 2005. Integrated effect of tillage and weed control methods on weed dynamics in maize under rain fed conditions of H.P. Paper presented in Biennial Conference of Indian Society of Weed Science held at PAU, Ludhiana April 5-9, 2005.

Kataria RK.2006. Influence of organic manures and Trichoderma on yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum) seed. Paper presented in the National Symposium on Conservation Agriculture and Environment held at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi from October 26-28, 2006.

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Kumar Suresh and Angiras N N. 2005. Bio-Efficacy of Herbicides to Control Weeds in Potato. Paper presented in Biennial Conference of Indian Society of Weed Science held at PAU Ludhiana April 5-9, 2005.

Mankotia B S, Shekhar J and Sharma PK. 2005. Effect of organic nutrition on yield, yield attributes and disease incidence in basmati rice. National Symposium on Basmati Rice Research: Current Trends and Future Prospects, 6-7 September, 2005. pp.158-159

Pathania P, Guleria J S and Kumar Surjeet 2005. Effect of seedling age and Irrigation in Rice- Wheat cropping System. Paper presented for 93rd Indian Science, Congress held at Hyderabad.

Prasad Rajendra and Rana R S.2005. Length of rainy season and climatic water balance as influenced by climate change in the sub-temperature and sub tropical mid hills of Himachal Pradesh. Presented in National Symposium on Agro physical Approaches in Disaster Mitigation, Resource Management and Environmental Protection” held at IARI New Delhi w.e.f 17-19 November, 2005. (Abstract pg 34.Technical Session: Climate Change)

Sharma H L, Sharma J J, Rana S S and Sharma Sanjay K. 2006. Site specific nutrient management for yield maximization in rice-wheat cropping system in north-western Himalaya. Paper presented in two days Workshop on Site Specific Nutrient Management for Sustainable Productivity held at PDCSR, Modipuram, Meerut June 18-19.

Sharma Neelam and Savita 2005. Isoproturon persistence in field soils under North-Western Himalayan conditions. XIII International European Weed Research Society Symposium held at Bari, Italy June 20-23, 2005. Abstr. 143.

Sharma Neelam and Savita 2005. Estimation of residues of Isoproturon in wheat plant. Biennial Conference of Indian Society of Weed Science held at PAU Ludhiana April 5-9, 2005. Extended summary pp. 307-308.

Sharma P K, Sharma H L and Mankotia B S. 2005. Utilization of locally available organic materials for improving soil fertility in mid hills of Himachal Pradesh. In Proc. National Seminar on Vermitechnology and Waste Management, 28-29 January, 2005 at Manglore University

Sharma P K, Sharma H L, and Mankotia B S. 2005. Effect of organic materials on mineral content and quality of wheat. In Proc. National Seminar on Vermitechnology and Waste Management, 28-29 January, 2005 at Manglore University.

Shekhar J and Mankotia B S and Negi S C. 2005. Effect of methods of crop establishment on crop productivity and monetary returns from rice-wheat rotation. National Seminar on Rice and Rice based Systems for Sustainable Productivity, Extended Summaries, ICAR Research Complex for Goa, 18- 19 Oct., 2005. pp. 106-107.

Sood B R, Chaudhary Ram and Kumar Naveen 2005. Effect of grass legume introduction and cutting management on the productivity of dry temperate pastures of north western Himalaya. National Symposium on Augmenting forage resources in arid and semi arid regions: Long term strategies, Nov, 19-20, 2005 Jaipur; Organized by Range Management Society of India, Jhansi

Suri V K, Choudhary A K and Chander G. 2006. Studies on VA-mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi as a potential bioferitlizers in an acid alfisol of North-Western Himalayas. Paper presented in 18th World Congress of Soil Science on July 9-15, 2006, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Books/Booklets/bulletins/Brochures/folders/chapters in books

Angiras N N. 2005. Integrated weed management in Diversified Agriculture. Lecture delivered to participants of summer school on Diversification of Agriculture, needs and implications for food security and quality of life. Organized by Department of Agricultural Economics, CSK HPKV, Palampur, June 27-July 12, 2005.

Anonymous 2006. Practical Manual Series, Published by Department of Soil Science, CSKHPKV, Palampur (Dr. Sanjay K. Sharma)

55

Bansal GL and Rana S S. 2006. Vermicompost: Agricultural Gold from Garbage. Bilingual Booklet,

Department of Plant Physiology, CSKHPKV, Palampur 24 pp. ³jaI ela baMsala evaM esa esa raNaa 2006. koMcauAa Kad: kUD,o kcaro sao ÌiYa ko ilae saaonaa iWBaaYaI puistkaÊ padp iËyaa iva&ana ivaBaagaÊ saI esa ko ihmaacala p`doSa kRiYa ivaSvaivaValayaÊ palamapur. 24 pRYz´

Chandel S, Choudhary A K, Chandel K S, Chaubey R and Sharma A. 2005. Historical perspective of rural development and post-independence period rural development schemes in India: An Overview. Agrobios 10(3):26-28.

Chaudhary D R, Kapur B L, Pathania N K and Sood Sonia 2005. Package of practices for vegetable crops. Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur (Released by Hon’ble Agricultural Minister on September 28, 2005.

Choudhary A K, Sharma P K, Menon S and Chandel S. 2005. Agro-climatic zones vis-à-vis herbal biodiversity distribution in different agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh. Agrobios. 10(4)15-18.

Negi S C, Mankotia B S and Kumar P. 2005. SASYA KRIYAYEIN. pp. 18-33, In book “HIMACHAL PRADESH MEIN GEHUN KI UNNAT KHETI” by Shyam Lal Gartan and Heera Lal Thakur

Rana R S, Prasad Rajendra and Jatinder Manan 2004. Parampragat vidithiayon se Mausam poorvanuman (Traditional ways of forecasting weather). Parvitya Khetibari, 24(3) 2004.

Sharma Neelam 2005. Chapter on Basics of Volumetric Analysis. In Manual on Laboratory Management, College of Basic Sciences, CSK HPKV, Palampur pp 40-45.

Sharma P K, Bassi K, Saroch K, Kumar R, Masand S S and Kapur O C. 2006. Raised sunken bed system for crop diversification in high rainfall hilly areas. Water Management Project, Department of Soil Science, CSKHPKV, Palampur.

Extension articles

Angiras NN. 2005. Garishamkalin sabjion mein kharpatwar niyantran kaise Karen. Samaj Dharam: August, 2005:63-67.

Anirudh Manchanda and DR Pankaj Mital (2006). Sirmour ke pahadi kashetron main Alloo ki kheti 11:3 Kheti Dunia.

Anirudh Manchanda, Pankaj Mital and Dr. H.L. Thakur (2005) “Rain water harvesting in the hills of Distt Sirmour Himachal Pradesh” 1-8 Theme 1. CD on the proceedings of the XII.

Aswani, Dr. Pankaj Mital, Dr. Anirudh Manchanda and Dr. H.L. Thakur (2005) Grishamkaleen sabjion main rog prabandh Parvatiya Khetibari (July- September): 14-17.

Bindra A D and Bassi Kahan. 2006. Lahaul ghati mein fransbean utpadan ke liye unnat takneek. Parwatiya khetiwari. 26(2): 7-8

Bindra AD and Singh Man 2006. Rabi ki mukhya faslon mein kharpatwar niyantran. Krishi Samridhi 1:9-11

Bindra AD, Kumar Suman and Chaudhary DR. 2005. Lahaul ghati mein fransbean ke safal utpadan ke liye unnat takneek. 1:47-48

Chaudhary DR, Bindra AD and Bassi Kahan. 2006. Sabjion ki sabasth podh utpadan hetu mukhya sujhab. 26(2):19

Chaudhary, D. R. and Bindra, A.D. 2005. Fasalon va sabjion ke utpadan ke liye kisano ko unnat takneet ki jankari. Himachal Kesari 24(45)1-7 Dec., 4

kpUr baI ela evaM isaMh janaa-dna 2005. ma@kI kI AiQak ]pja kosao laoM. pva-tIya KotIbaaD,I AMk jaUna 25: 1¹2.

Kumar Suman, Bindra Ajay Deep and Chaudhary D R. 2005. Sasya kriyon dwara padap/fasal rog niyantran. Krishi Samridhi 2:41-45(Sept.)

56

Mankotia B S and Sharma P K. 2005. DHAN KI KHETI KE VAIGYANIK DHANG. Parvtiya Khetibari, July-September, pp:4-6

Mankotia B S and Sharma P K. 2005. GEHUN MEIN KEETON KI ROKTHAM. GIRIRAJ SAPTAHIK 16-22 NOVEMBER, 2005

Mankotia B S and Sharma P K. 2006. ALU KI FASAL MEIN JHULSA ROG AUR PATANGO KI ROKTHAM. GIRIRAJ SAPTAHIK 14-20 JUNE, 2006

Mankotia BS, Negi S C and Sharma P K. 2006. GEHUN MEIN KHARPATVAR KA NIDAN. GIRIRAJ SAPTAHIK 4-10 January, 2006

Rana R S, Rana S S and Singh Surjit 2005. Sushak Sitoshan kashetron man kathu ki safal khati. Unat Krishi May to June:17-18. (rNabaIr isaMh raNaaÊ saurond` isaMh raNaa va saurjaIt kumaar 2005º SauYk iSataoYNa xao~aoM maoM kazu kI safla KotI. ]nnat KotI ma[-¹jaUna: 17¹18º´

Rana R S, Rana S S and Banyal D. 2005. Unche parvitiyon kashetron man rajmash ki unat kheti. Pahari Khetibari. (Improved Cultivation techniques for growing Frenchbean in high altitude region ) Pahari Kheti Bari.,2005 12(1):11-13. (rNabaIr isaMh raNaaÊ saurond` isaMh raNaa va dovaond` vainayaala 2005º }M̂cao pva-tIya xao~aoM maoM rajamaaSa kI KotI. phaD,I KotI baaD,I vaYa- 12 ³1´: 11¹13º´

Suresh Kumar and Naleeni Ramawat 2005. Gehaun Ki adhik padavar kay liya. Krishi Samridhi 1:7-9.

Sharma P K, Choudhary A K, Singh B, Punam, Chandel S and Menon S. 2005. Importance, exploration and conservation of Indian Medicinal biodiversity in changing world economic scenario: A scientific review (In Hindi). Parvatiya khetibarhi. Dec., 2005.

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Contents

SALIENT ACHIEVEMENTS ............................................................................................ 1

TEACHING ........................................................................................................................ 4

RESEARCH ........................................................................................................................ 5

A. CROPPING SYSTEMS AND CROP PRODUCTION ........................................... 6

B. MINERAL NUTRITION AND WATER MANAGEMENT ................................ 17

C. WEED MANAGEMENT RESEARCH................................................................ 21

D. FORAGE AND GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT ............................................... 36

E. AGROMETEOROLOGY ...................................................................................... 38

EXTENSION .................................................................................................................... 42

Front line demonstrations ........................................................................................... 42

On –Farm Trails .......................................................................................................... 43

Training camps/Field days/kisan melas ...................................................................... 49

Training camps/Field days/Kisan melas/seminars (organized or involvement) ......... 49

Radio/TV talks ............................................................................................................ 49

Exhibitions .................................................................................................................. 49

Radio/TV talks and exhibitions .................................................................................. 49

Trainings/workshops/Symposia .................................................................................. 50

WORKSHOPS, SYMPOSIA ATTENDED ..................................................................... 50

HONOURS AND AWARDS ........................................................................................... 50

PUBLICATIONS .............................................................................................................. 50

Research ........................................................................................................................ 50

Symposium/conferences ............................................................................................... 53

Books/Booklets/bulletins/Brochures/folders/chapters in books ................................... 54

Extension articles .......................................................................................................... 55

58

List of Tables

Table 1. Production potential and economics of high intensity crop rotations (2005-06) 7 Table 2. Effect of methods of establishment of rice and wheat on their yield (kg/ha) 7 Table 3. Productivity and profitability of various double/intercropping crop sequences 8 Table 4. Effect of seeding time of different crops after pea on their yield 8 Table 5. Yield, linseed equivalent yield (LEY) and returns of linseed based systems 9 Table 6a. Soil moisture content in a raised bed bounded by sunken beds 9 Table 6b. Yield of brinjal and ladyfinger crops on raised and flat beds 10 Table 7. Productivity and profitability of various crops in mono-cropping system 10 Table 8. Performance of mash varieties under sole and intercropping systems 11 Table 9. Performance of cowpea varieties under mono and intercropping systems of cultivation 11 Table 10. Effect of treatments on grain yield 12 Table 11. Effect of methods of establishment on grain yield of transplanted rice 12 Table 12. Effect of varieties and date of sowing on linseed 13 Table 13. Effect of varieties and date of sowing on linseed 13 Table 14. Performance of linseed varieties to different fertility levels 14 Table 15. Effect of sowing dates and spacing on the yield and economics of cowpea C-519 14 Table 16. Contingent crop planning kharif 2005—Performance of Crops under different sowing dates 15 Table 17. Wheat yield as effected by sowing dates and varieties at Paonta valley 15 Table 18. Contingent crop planning Rabi 2005-06- performance of crops under different sowing dates 16 Table 19. Grain and straw yield (kg/ha) of paddy and wheat during 2005-06 17 Table 20. Effect of integrated nutrient supply on yield (kg/ha) of rice and wheat in rice-wheat sequence (2005-

2006) 18 Table 21. Development of organic farming package for system based [Baby corn (Early composite) -Chinese

cabbage (Palamur green) - onion (Patna -red)] high value crops during 2005-2006, yield (kg/ha) of crops thereof. 18

Table 22. Effect of different treatments of potassium on grain yield of rice 19 Table 23. Effect of levels of NPK on curd yield of cabbage 19 Table 24: Effect of sowing time and irrigation schedule on grain yield and water use efficiency 20 Table 25a. Response of different soybean cultivars to drainage conditions 21 Table 25b. Interaction effects of soybean cultivars and drainage conditions on grain yield of soybean 21 Table 26a. Effect of treatments on total weed count, total weed dry weight and marketable yield of brinjal 22 Table 26b. Direct and residual effect of treatments on total weed count, total weeds dry weight and marketable yield

of pea 22 Table 27a. Long term effect of continuous use of herbicides on total weed count 23 Table 27b. Long term effect of treatments on total weed count, total weed dry matter and grain yield of rice 24 Table 28. Effect of tillage and weed control methods on total weed count, total weed dry matter and grain yield of

maize 25 Table 29. Effect of tank mixed and sequential application of herbicides on total weed count, total weed dry weight

and grain yield of wheat 25 Table 30. Effect of weeding with different hand tools on total weed count, total weed dry weight and grain yield of

wheat 26 Table 31. Effect of different treatments on total weed count, total dry weight and grain yield of drum seeded wet

land rice 28 Table 32. Effect of treatments on weed dry weight and paddy yield 28 Table 33: Interaction effects of methods of weed control x seed rate x row spacing of green pod yield of pea (q/ha)

29 Table 34. Effect of treatments on weed dry weight and seed yield of soybean 30 Table 35. Effect of different weed management treatments on yield, total weed count and dry wt. of weeds 31 Table 36. Effect of different treatments on total weed count, total dry matter and tuber yield 31 Table 37. Effect of treatments on total weed count, total weed dry matter accumulation and bulb yield of garlic 32 Table 38. Effect of treatments on total weed count, total weed dry matter accumulation and marketable yield of

Okra 33 Table 39. Effect of Chromolaena compost on grain yield (kg/ha) and tillering of rice 34 Table 40a. Germination response of kharif weeds (nine months after harvest of rice crop) 34 Table 40b. Germination response of Bidens pilosa 34 Table 41. Effect of different treatments on the fodder and crude protein yield of grasses 36 Table 42a. Green and dry forage yield of different grasses and legumes 37 Table 43 Effect of grass legume introduction and cutting management on total green forage yield 38

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Table 44a. Crop yield (kg/ha) and comparative economics of improved variety over farmers’ variety in Maize-Gobhi sarson cropping system under rainfed situations during 2005-06 42

Table 44b Crop yield and net profit due to improved gram variety over farmer’s variety during 2005-06 42 Table 45 Crop intensification under rainfed conditions in maize-based crop sequences (2005-06) 43 Table 46. Crop intensification under irrigated conditions in rice based crop sequence 2005-06 44 Table 47a Response to N, P and K (State recommended dose) on maize and wheat yields (kg/ha) in maize - wheat

sequence during 2005-06 44 Table 47b. Response of nutrients (kg grain/kg nutrient applied). 45 Table 48a Effect of different agronomic practices on maize and wheat yield and economics in Maize-wheat

cropping sequence during 2005-06 46 Table 48b Effect of different agronomic practices on rice and wheat yield and economics in rice-wheat cropping

sequence during 2005-06 47 Table 49. Effect of methods of application on grain yield of different crops in on farm trials 47 Table 50. Efficacy of clodinofop to control weeds in wheat in on farm trials (average of 6 trials) 47 Table 51. On Farm trials on weed control in different crops 48 Table 52. On Farm –trials on control of obnoxious weeds in maize, pastures and grasslands 48 Table 53. Lectures delivered in specialized Farmers’ Training Programme organized in the department or outside

the department, radio/TV talks and exhibitions 49 Table 54. Trainings/summer schools/workshops attended 50

i

Annexure I Staff Position in Teaching at the main campus S. No. Name Designation Scheme 1. Dr. K. Bassi Professor and Head ANP-1 2. Dr. H.L. Sharma Professor ANP-1 3. Dr. B.R. Sood Professor ANP-1 4. Dr. B.D. Kalia Professor Anp-1 5. Dr. M.C. Rana Assoc. Professor ANP-1 6. Dr. G.D. Sharma Assoc. Professor ANP-1 Staff position in Research at the main campus and Research Stations Sr. No. Name Designation Main campus

1. Dr. N.N. angiras Sr. Agronomist 2. Dr. J.J. Sharma Chief Scientist 3. Dr. D. Badiyala Sr. Sceintist 4. Dr. S.K. Gautam Scientist 5. Dr. Kapil Saroch Scientist 6. Dr. J.P. Saini Scientist 7. Dr. R. Prasad Scientist 8. Dr. R.S. Rana Agronomist 9. Dr. S.S. Rana -do- 10. Dr. Naveen Kumar Scientist 11. Dr. V.K. Sharma Scientist 12. Dr. Rameshwar Malkotia Asstt. Sceintist 13. Dr.(Mrs) Neelam Sharma Residue Chemist 14. Dr. R.K. Kataria Scientist 15. Dr. M.C. Rana Assoc. Professor 16. Dr. G.D. Sharma Assoc. Professor

Research stations Dhaulakuan 1. Dr. Purshotam Kumar Asstt. Scientist 2. Akrot 3. Dr. S.K. Sharma Scientist Bajaura 4. Dr. B.S. Deor ADR 5. Dr. D.R. Thakur Scientist 6. Dr. V.K. Sharma Asstt. Scientist Malan 7. Dr. J. Shekhar Sr. Scientist 8. Dr. S.C. Negi Scientist 9. Dr. B. Mankotia Asstt. Scientist Kukumseri 10. Dr. Pawan Pathania Scientist Sangla 11. Dr. K.S. Thakur ADR Kangra 12. Dr.Anil Kumar Asstt. Scientist Salooni 13. Dr. U.K. Puri Sr. Agronomist

ii

Annexure II Courses offered in UG and PG Programme during 2005-06 Sr. No.

Course No. Course Title Credit hours

Teacher

UG Programme

1. Agron-241 Crop Production(Home Science)

1+1 Dr. Naveen Kumar

2. Agron-246 Field Crop-II 2+1 Dr. G.D. Sharma 3. Agron-347 Practical Crop Production-II 0+1 Dr. M.C. Rana 4. Agron-369 Weed Management 1+1 Dr. M.C. Rana 5. Agron-361 Farming Systems and

Sustainable Agriculture 2+0 Dr. B.D. Kalia

P.G. Programme 1. Agron-503 Agronomy of vegetable crops 3+0 Dr. S.S. Rana 2. Agron-504 Medicinal and Aromatic crops 2+1 Dr. Rameshwar 3. Agron-505 Seed Production Agronomy 2+1 Dr. R.K. Kataria 4. Agron-506 Crop and seed physiology 2+1 Dr. V.K. Sharma 5. Agron-507 Systmes Research and Crop

Modeling 2+1 Dr. H.L. Sharma &

Dr. R.S. Rana 6. Agron-512 Mechanism of herbicide Action 2+1 Dr. Suresh Kumar 7. Agron-523 Management of problem soils 2+1 Dr. M.C. Rana 8. Agron-524 Organic Farming 2+1 Dr. G.D. Sharma 9. Agron-525 Dry land farming 2+1 Dr. J.P. Saini 10. Agron-541 Crop Ecology and Geography 2+0 Dr. R.S. Rana 11. Agron-591 M.Sc. seminar 1+0 Dr. H.L. Sharma 12. Agron-601 Advances in crop production 3+0 Dr. D. Badiyala 13. Agron-611 Kinetics of herbicides in plants

and soil 3+0 Dr. N.N. Angiras

14. Agron-621 Advances in Mineral Nutrition of Crop Plants

2+0 Dr. B.D. Kalia

15. Agron-623 Advances in soil plant water atmosphere relationship

3+0 Dr. Kapil Saroch

16. Agron-631 Advances in Agrostology 2+0 Dr. B.R. Sood 17. Agron-642 Vegetation and Hydrology 3+0 Dr. R. Prasad 18. Agron-691 Ph.D. Seminar 1+0 Dr. H.L. Sharma

iii

Courses being offered during 1st semester of Academic year 2006-07 Sr. No.

Course No.

Course Title Credit hours

Teacher

1. Agron-111

Principles of Agronomy 2+1 Dr. M.C. Rana

2. Agron-112

Agricultural Meteorology 1+1 Dr. Rajendra Prasad

3 Agron-234

Field Crops-I (Kharif crops including forages, cereals, oilseeds and commercial crops

2+1 Dr. G.D. Shamra

4 Agron-335

Practical Crop Production-I 0+1 Dr. M.C. Rana

5 Agron-358

Rainfed Agriculture 1+1 Dr. D. Badiyala

6 LPM-112 Fodder Production and Grass Land Management ( B. V.Sc.)

1+1 Dr.Naveen Kumar

M.Sc. Programme 1. Agron-

501 Modern Concepts in Crop Production 3+0 Dr. G.D.

Sharma 2. Agron-

502 Agronomy of Major Field Crops 4+0 Dr. B.D. Kalia

3. Agron-506

Crop and seed physiology 2+1 Dr. R.K. Kataria

4. Agron-511

Principles and Practices of Weed Management

2+1 Dr. Suresh Kumar

5. Agron-521

Principles and Practices of Water Management

2+1 Dr. M .C. Rana

6. Agron-522

Soil Fertility Management and Fertilizer Use 2+1 Dr. B.D. Kalia

7. Agron-526

Soil Conservation and Watershed Management

2+1 Dr. Kapil Saroch

8. Agron-531

Fodder and forage Crop 2+1 Dr. B.R. Sood

9. Agron-591

M. Sc. Seminar 1+0 Dr. H.L. Sharma

Ph.D. Programme 1 Agron-

612 Advances in weed crop competition 2+0 Dr. S.S. Rana

2. Agron-613

Weed Ecology 2+1 Dr. J.P. Saini

3. Agron-622

Advances in Fertilizer Use in Crop Production 2+0 Dr. H.L. Sharma

4. Agron-641

Advances in Agrometeorology 2+1 Dr. Ranbir Rana

5. Agron-691

Ph.D. Seminar 1+0 Dr. H.L. Sharma

iv

Annexure III Abstracts of Theses

Title of the thesis: Effect of cutting management on the forage and seed yield of grass

legume mixture under dry temperate grassland of Lahaul &Spiti (H.P.)

Name of the student: Chaudhary Ram Major Advisor: Dr. B.R. Sood A field experiment was conducted during (2001 to 2003) in a natural grassland at Hill Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Kukumseri of CSK HPKV, Palampur. The experiment comprised of six grass and legume introductions and three cutting management in all possible combination plus one control was conducted in randomized block design with four replications. Six grass-legume introductions comprised native pasture species (control) T0, T0 + orchard grass- T1, T0 + red clover- T2, T0 + lespedeza- T3 T0 + orchard grass + red clover- T4, T0 + orchard grass + lespedeza T5, T0 + orchard grass + red clover + lespedeza – T6 and three cutting management viz., sole seed crop-C1, seed after one cut of forage-C2 and forage from all the cuts- C3. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in reaction and medium in organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Introduction of grass and legume species influenced the forage yield significantly, during all the three years. Orchard grass + red clover + lespedeza mixture recorded 11.4, 22.0, 33.0 t/ha green and 4.2, 8.1, 10.1 t/ha dry fodder yield, respectively, during 2002-2003. This was followed by orchard grass + lespedeza mixture yielding 10.1,20.3, 29.1 t/ha green and 3.8, 7.6, 9.0 t/ha dry fodder, respectively. Mean performance of three years revealed that seed as well as equivalent green forage yield was also higher with these treatments, recording respectively, (41.9 orchard grass, 38.4 kg red clover and 41.8 kg lespedeza seed kg/ha and 62.3 kg orchard grass + 61.0 kg lespedeza seed/ha) while respective equivalent green forage yield was 28.0 and 26.0 t/ha. Forage from all the cuts recorded significantly higher total green and dry forage yield over rest of the cutting schedules during 2002 and 2003. Sole seed crop recorded maximum seed yield,, however crop left for seed after one cut of forage recorded maximum green forage equivalent yield. Sole crop of red clover and forage from all the cuts produced herbage of the best quality as indicated by high crude protein, mineral matter, low fibre content and high IVDMD ( in-vitro dry matter digestibility). Keeping in view both yield and quality, crop left for seed after one cut of forage found to be a best cutting schedule. Grass-legume introduction and cutting management schedules resulted in negative profit in the establishment year, however, local system recorded profit even in the establishment year. On the basis of two years mean performance ( 2002-2003), orchard grass + red clover + lespedeza found to record higher gross as well as net return per hectare over all the other introduction treatments. Among various cutting management treatments, seed after one cut of forage found to be a profitable schedule, recording higher net profit (Rs. 53275.ha) as well as net return per rupee investment (Rs. 3.65). Title of the thesis: Studies on mineral fertilizer economy through integrated plant

nutrient supply in rice-wheat cropping system under direct seeded lowland conditions.

Name of the student: Sunil Sharma Major Advisor: Dr. R.C. Thakur A field experiment was conducted at Bhadiarkar experimental farm of Department of Agronomy, CSK HPKV, Palampur from Kharif 2001 to rabi 2002-03. The experiment was initiated during Kharif 2001 with six treatments viz., no organic manure + 100% NPK to rice through chemical fertilizers, dhaincha green manure + 50% NPK, soybean green manure + 50% NPK, sunnhemp green manure + 50% NPK, cowpea green manure + 50% NPK and FYM @ 10 t/ha (dry weight basis) + 50% NPK. These

v

treatments were tested in randomized block design using four replications. During rabi season, each plot was split into three equal parts so as to receive either of the three fertility levels viz., 50,75 and 100% of recommended NPK to wheat crop and the treatments were tested in split plot design. The green manure crops were grown in-situ alongwith rice and were turned into the soil at the time of wet tillage at 35-40 days after sowing, whereas FYM was applied at the time of land preparation. The soil of experimental field was silty clay loam in texture, acidic in reaction, medium in organic C, available N, K and high in available P. Among different green manures, soybean added highest amount of biomass and nutrients to soil. Application of different organic manures alongwith 50% NPK to rice resulted in significant improvement in yield attributes, yield, gross and net returns and nutrient (NPK) content and uptake by rice as compared to application of 100% NPK to rice through chemical fertilizers. The results revealed that organic manures applied to rice had significant residual effect on succeeding wheat in terms of various growth parameters, yield attributes and yield, economic aspects and nutrient (NPK) contents and uptake. Application of FYM + 50% NPK to rice during kharif season resulted in highest values of all these parameters of wheat followed by soybean green manure + 50% NPK. Application of FYM + 50% NPK or in-situ green manuring with either soybean or cowpea alongwith 50% NPK to rice and only 50% of recommended NPK to wheat resulted in as much or even more average grain yield of rice-wheat cropping system as obtained with the application of recommended NPK to both rice and wheat (52.22 q/ha). Maximum net returns from rice-wheat cropping system were obtained with in-situ green manuring in rice with soybean alongwith 50% NPK to rice and recommended NPK to wheat (Rs. 26,943/ha), whereas net returns from FYM treatments were quite low. Available N, P and K and organic C content of soil increased with the application of organic manures to rice and increase in fertility level from 50 to 100% of recommended NPK to wheat. Title of the thesis: Feasibility and profitability of lavender (Lavandula

officinals) based intercropping system under wet temperate conditions of Himachal Pradesh.

Name of the student: Garima Puri Major Advisor: Dr. D. Badiyala.

A field experiment on “Feasibility and profitability of lavender (Lavandula officinals) based intercropping system under wet temperate conditions of Hiamchal Pradesh” was conducted during the year 2004-05 at the Experimental Farm of CSK HPKV, Mountain Agriculture Research and Extension Station, Salooni, Chamba. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design comprising of 13 treatments with 3 replications. Among the intercropping systems, lavender grown with mash in row ratio of 1:2 resulted in significantly better growth, development, yield and quality of newly planted lavender crop. Higher nutrient (N,P and K) content in spikes of lavender were observed in lavender when grown in association with mash in the row ratio of 1:2. The minimum uptake was found in lavender + rajmash (1:3). The essential oil content (Linalool and linalyl acetate) was also recorded higher in lavender + mash 1:2. Significantly better growth parameters and higher grain and straw yield was recorded in the respective sole stands of the intercrops. Intercropping of lavender with mash 1:2 produced significantly higher lavender oil equivalent yield (43.37 L/ha) as compared to sole lavender and all other intercropping treatments. Highest gross returns of Rs. 1,19,257/ha were obtained in lavender + mash (1:2) followed by lavender + rajmash (1:1) intercropping system having the gross returns of Rs.97,185/ha and net returns of Rs. 33,500/ha. Title of the thesis: Productivity of French bean(Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as influenced By

integrated nutrient and weed management. Name of the student: Shabana Hamid Major Advisor : Dr. Pawan Pathania

vi

A field experiment on “Productivity of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as influenced by integrated nutrient and weed management” was conducted during the year 2004 and 2005 at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Agronomy, CSK HPKV, Palampur. The experiment was laid out in Split plot design with 4 levels of fertility treatments in main plot and 3 levels of weed management practices in sub-plot and relicated thrice. Among different treatment combinations 50% NPK (F) + 50% N (FYM) gave lowest mean dry matter accumulation by weeds, seasonal mean weed count, N,P and K depletion by weeds. This treatment also resulted in highest mean plant height, leaves/ plant in 2005 and mean crop dry matter, mean haulm yield, mean N and K uptake, mean gross and net returns, and was at par with 50% N (FYM) + 50% N (VC) in resulting in higher mean pods/plant, pod weight/plant, mean green pod yield and P uptake. Pendimethalin at 1.20 kg/ha and pendimethalin at 0.90 kg/ha + hand weeding recorded lower seasonal weed count, dry matter accumulation, N,P and K depletion by weeds and increased plant height, leaves/plant, crop dry weight, pods/plant, pod length, pod diameter, pod and haulm yields, N,P, and K uptake by crop, gross and net returns, and B:C ratio over hand weeding twice. 50% NPK (F) + 50% N (FYM)+ pendimethalin at 0.90 kg/ha + hand weeding recorded lower total weed dry matter accumulation, mean N,P, and K depletion by weeds and highest mean plant height, mean leaves per plant, mean crop dry weight, mean pods/plant, mean pod weight/plant, mean green pod yield (4861 kg/ha), mean haulm yield (5871 kg/ha), mean N,P, and K uptake by French bean, mean gross (Rs. 55656/ha) and mean net returns (Rs. 28261/ha). Title of the thesis: Integrated effect of planting and weed management methods on

Blackgram(Vigna mungo L. Hepper) Name of the student: Rupinder Singh Major Advisor: Dr. Suresh Kumar

To study the effect of planting and weed control methods either alone or in combination with each other, on the weed control, productivity and economics of blackgram a field experiment with 18 treatment combinations of three planting methods (ridge planting, raised seed bed and conventional method) and six weed control methods(Unweeded, pendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha, pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha + 1 HW ( 45 DAS), alachlor 1.5 kg/ha, alachlor 0.75 kg/ha + 1 HW ( 45 DAS) and hand weeding twice (25 and 45 DAS) was conducted at the Research Farm of Department of Agronomy, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur during kharif, 2004. The soil of the experiment field was silty clayloam in texture and acidic (pH 5.6) in reaction. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The blackgram variety PDU-1 was sown on July 12, 2004 and harvestd on Octoebr 10,2004. Effect of various treatments were studied on species wise and total weed count, total weed dry matter, weed control efficiency, crop growth and development, nutrient uptake by weeds and crop, yield attributes and yield of blackgram. The dominant weeds associated with blackgram were Ageratum conyzoides, Cyperus iria, Echinochloa colona, Commelina benghalensis, Polygonum alatum and Panicum dichotomiflorum. The results revealed that raised seed bed significantly reduced species wise and total weed count and total dry matter accumulation by weeds with highest weed control efficiency and thus increasing the yield and yield attributes of blackgram. Yield in raised seed bed was 13.6 and 20.5 per cent higher than ridge and conventional method of planting, rrespectively. Pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha and alachlor 0.75 kg/ha coupled with one hand weeding behaving statistically alike resulted in significantly lower species wise and total weed count and dry matter of weeds. Hand weeding twice also behaved statistically alike to these treatments in reducing the total dry matte of weeds. Pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha + 1 HW recorded maximum weed control efficiency of 95.7 per cnet. Pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha in integration with one hand weeding ( 45 DAS) being statistically similar with hand weeding twice ( 25 and 45 DAS) resulted in significantly higher seed yield ( 1701.6 kg/ha) and net returns (1.80) per rupee invested. The per cent increase in seed yield by pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha + 1 HW over unweeded check was to the tune of 35.91 per cent. Title of the thesis: Integrated effect of tillage and weed control methods on weed

Dynamics and weed management in maize (Zea mays L.)

vii

Name of the student: Pankaj Chopra Major advisor: Dr. N.N. Angiras

To study the integrated effect of tillage and weed control methods on weed dynamics, growth, productivity and economics of maize crop, a field experiment consisting of twelve treatment combinations of three tillage methods (zero tillage, conventional tillage and raised seed bed) in main plots and four weed control methods (unweeded check, acetachlor 0.75 kg/ha, acetachlor 1.25 kg/ha and atrazine 1.5 kg/ha) in sub plots was conducted at the Research Farm of Department of Agronomy, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalya, Palampur during kharif 2002 and 2003. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The soil of the experimental field was silty clay loam in texture, acidic in reaction and medium in available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium. The maize hybrid variety PSCL-3438 was sown on 11th June, during both the years. In zero tillage and raised bed sowing was done with power tiller drawn zero till maize planter and raised seed bed planter, respectively. The results revealed that raised seed bed in integration with atrazine 1.5 kg/ha (Prte.) or acetachlor 1.25 kg/ha (Pre.) being statistically at par with combination of conventional tillage and atrazine 1.5 kg/ha (Pre) controlled grasses and total weeds effectively with an average weed control efficiency of more than 82 per cent. Howerver, the Commelina benghalensis was effectively controlled with zero tillage or conventional tillage in integration with atrazine 1.5 kg/ha or acetachlor 1.25 kg/ha with average weed control efficiency of more than 72 per cent. Consequently, integration of raised seed bed or conventional tillage with atrazine 1.5 kg/ha or acetachlor 1.25 kg/ha resulted in significantly better growth, higher yield attributes nd grain yield of maize. In terms of economic parameters, while, conventional tillage in integration with atrazine 1.5 kg/ha resulted in highest average gross returns (Rs. 55652) and net returns (Rs. 47068), the highest average benefit: cost ratio (5.82) was obtained with the combination of raised seed bed with acetachlor 1.25 kg/ha. Title of thesis: Integrated weed and nutrient management studies maize +soybean-

Gobhi sarson cropping system. Name of the student: Kiran Singh Major advisor: Dr. N.N. Angiras

To study the integrated effect of weed and nutrient management methods to manage weeds in maize + soybean intercropping system and their residual effect on gobhi sarson in maize +soybean-gobhi sarson cropping system, a field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of the Department of Agronomy, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur during the year 2001-02 to 2002-03. Experiment was conducted in split plot design with three replications by keeping eight treatment combinations of two nutrient management methods (75% N through fertilizer plus 25% N through FYM), two weed management methods (farmer’s practice and metolachlor 1.0 kg/ha (pre) and two inoculation levels (no inoculation and inoculation of maize seeds with Azotobacter), in main plots and four treatment combinations of two nitrogen doses (N60 and N120/ha) and two pendimethalin doses (0.75 and 1.5 kg/ha) in subplots. The results of the study revealed that integration of 75% of recommended N through fertilizer plus 25%N through FYM with metolachlor 1.0 kg/ha (pre) and inoculation of maize with Azotobacter resulted in significantly higher grain yield of maize + soybean cropping system by effective management of weeds. The residues of this treatment in integration with recommended dose of N(120 kg/ha) and pendimethalin (1.5 kg/ha) resulted in significantly higher grain yield of gobhi sarson by effective management of weeds. Integration of 75% of recommended N (105 kg/ha) trough fertilizer plus 25% N (35 kg/ha) through FYM, metolachlor 1.0 kg/ha(pre) and Azotobacter inoculation in maize + soybean and combination of recommended dose of N (120 kg/ha) and pendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha (pre) in gobhi sarson resulted in significantly higher total productivity of maize + soybean-gobhi sarson cropping system with gross returns and net returns of Rs. 96, 938 and Rs. 70,966 during first year, and Rs. 1,10,673 and Rs. 84,711 during the second year, respectively. The higher benefit: coist ratio of Rs. 2.73 and 23.26 of the complete system during first and second year, respectively, was obtained with this combination.

viii

Appendix IV

1a. Sustainability of different crop sequences (Pooled data from 2000 to 2006)

Crop sequence 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 Average SI Rice equivalent yield (kg/ha) Rice-wheat 5068 9374 6612 8515 6234 6316 7020 0.164

Rice-pea -frenchbean 15390 21153 17231 27608 23168 16903 20242 0.473

Rice-radish-potato 23758 24296 33013 24904 31027 19613 26102 0.640

Rice- potato 17900 14504 8018 16551 12196 15083 14042 0.319

Rice-linseed-sunhemp 3799 4879 4850 5744 3886 4626 4631 0.118

Rice-gobhi sarson 3948 5448 6396 5431 5017 4025 5044 0.124

Net return (Rs/ha) Rice-wheat 14008 36362 18373 27495 17402 19062 22117 0.104

Rice-pea -frenchbean 64495 74175 42109 101914 92980 57239 72152 0.373

Rice-radish-potato 87683 67851 111991 69373 133546 74448 90815 0.481

Rice- potato 63343 30315 -2009 39833 41893 61667 39174 0.114

Rice-linseed-sunhemp 318 2315 5324 5797 -2965 1544 2055 -0.009

Rice-gobhi sarson 5840 10331 13907 7135 9139 1119 7912 0.027

SI, sustainability index

1b. Land use efficiency, production efficiency and sustainability of different crop sequences (Pooled data from 2000 to 2006)

Crop sequence Duration Land-use

efficiency (%)

Production efficiency

Rice Rabi I Rabi II Total Kg/ha/day* Rs/ha/day** Rice-wheat 105.2 172.7 277.8 76.1 25.3 79.6 Rice-pea –French bean 105.2 143.3 79.0 327.5 89.7 61.8 220.3 Rice-radish-potato 105.2 102.8 87.8 295.8 81.1 88.2 307.0 Rice- potato 105.2 141.5 246.7 67.6 56.9 158.8 Rice-linseed-sunhemp 105.2 190.0 38.4 333.6 91.4 13.9 6.2 Rice-gobhi sarson 105.2 173.5 278.7 76.3 18.1 28.4 LSD (P=0.05) * Based upon paddy equivalent yield; ** Based upon net return

ix

2. Effect of fertilizer and row spacing on seed quality of inbred lines of single cross of QPM maize hybrid

Treatments Days to

50% flowering

Plant height

Days to maturity

Seed yield (q/ha)

1000-seed weight (g)

Germination (%)

Seedling length (cm)

Vigour index

V1S1F1 71.67 2.34 123.33 30.87 219.4 88.33 10.80 958.33

V1S1F2 71.67 2.40 125.67 33.50 236.17 88.67 10.94 974.54

V1S2F1 72.33 2.34 123.00 35.48 208.9 88.67 10.85 966.18

V1S2F2 71.33 2.40 125.33 37.57 237.8 88.67 10.7 951.67

V2S1F1 65.67 1.91 114.00 15.91 269.5 86.33 10.54 913.91

V2S1F2 65.00 2.00 117.00 17.35 260.2 86.00 10.57 908.00

V2S2F1 64.33 1.94 114.00 18.84 295.9 85.67 10.60 909.00

V2S2F2 63.67 2.00 117.00 20.83 291.5 86.67 11.03 954.00

CD at 5% 3.21 0.13 2.64 5.64 31.3 NS NS NS

V1 71.75 2.37 124.33 34.35 226.1 88.58 10.88 965.92

V2 64.67 1.96 115.5 18.23 279.3 86.17 10.63 914.75

CD at 5% 1.61 0.07 1.32 2.82 15.6 NS NS NS

S1 68.50 2.16 120.00 24.41 246.3 87.33 10.93 956.25

S2 67.92 2.17 119.83 28.18 259.1 87.42 10.58 924.42

CD at 5% NS NS NS 2.82 NS NS NS NS

F1 68.50 2.13 118.58 25.27 248.5 87.25 10.42 909.58

F2 67.92 2.20 121.25 27.31 256.9 87.50 11.09 971.08

CD at 5% NS NS 1.32 NS NS NS NS NS

V1 = CML- 176; V2 = CML-186 S1 = 75 x 25 cm; S2 = 75 x 15 cm F1 = 120N + 60P + 40K; F2 = 150N + 60P + 40K

3. Effect of treatments on yield and quality of organic seed production of wheat variety HPW 184.

Treatment Ears/m2 area

Raw seed yield (kg/plot)

Graded seed yield (kg/plot)

Graded seed yield (q/ha)

Seed quality parameters Germination

(%) Vigor index

Protein Content (%)

Hectoliter Weight (g/l)

Control 305.1 7.82 7.12 35.6 97 2014.4 9.98 877.3 F1S1 285.4 6.11 5.44 27.2 96 1902.1 9.97 869.1 F1S2 289.6 6.18 5.56 27.8 96 1893.5 9.96 875.2 F2S1 281.7 5.86 5.30 26.5 95 1883.2 9.78 875.0 F2S2 283.4 5.83 5.22 25.1 95 1889.9 9.80 870.1 F3S1 265.4 4.55 4.10 20.5 96 1880.0 9.63 869.5 F3S2 273.1 4.80 4.36 21.8 96 1886.7 9.74 871.3

CD (5%) 12.63 0.86 0.48 2.78 NS 35.6 NS NS

x

3a. Moisture content (%) and germination (%) in organic wheat seed during storage at Palampur (June to December)

Treatments Moisture content (%) Germination (%) Months of storage Months of storage Initial 2 4 6 Initial 2 4 6 A) Storage material C1 11 11.8 14.5 15.3 97 94.3 86.2 82.7 C2 11 11.8 14.6 15.2 97 94.5 86.5 82.6 C3 9 9.1 9.3 9.4 97 97.0 96.8 96.5 CD 5% 1.20 1.06 1.20 2.3 NS 1.5 2.8 3.5 B) Field treatments T1 10.3 10.9 12.9 16.7 97 95.2 89.8 87.2 T2 10.3 10.9 12.8 16.8 97 95.3 89.9 87.3 T3 10.3 10.8 12.9 16.9 97 95.2 89.9 87.3 T4 10.3 10.9 12.7 16.7 97 95.4 89.8 87.4 T5 10.3 10.8 12.9 16.8 97 95.3 89.9 87.3 T6 10.3 11.0 12.9 16.7 97 95.4 90.0 87/.4 T7 10.3 11.0 13.0 16.7 97 95.4 89.9 87.3 CD 5% NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CI= Cloth bag, C2= Cloth bag with neem leaves, C3= Polylined cloth bag T1 = Control, T2 = F1S1, T3 = F1S2, T4 = F2S1, T5 = F2S2, T6 = F3S1, T7 = F3S2

4. Grain yield of paddy and wheat, rice equivalent yield and sustainability (mean 1991-92 to 2005-06)

Treatments

Grain yield (kg/ha) REY SI

Kharif Rabi Rice Wheat

T Control Control 2226 1089 3477 0.342

T2 50% NPK 50% NPK 2629 1989 4911 0.458

T3 50% NPK 100% NPK 2606 2592 5582 0.494

T4 75% NPK 75% NPK 2718 2357 5423 0.497

T5 100% NPK 100% NPK 2793 3002 6239 0.580

T6 50% NPK+50% FYM 100% NPK 3245 3242 6967 0.664

T7 75% NPK+25% FYM 75% NPK 2772 2548 5697 0.544

T8 50% NPK+50% WCS* 100% NPK 2709 2594 5687 0.535

T9 75% NPK+25% WCS* 75% NPK 2696 2244 5272 0.501

T10 50% NPK+50% GM 100% NPK 2821 2605 5810 0.526

T11 75% NPK+25% GM 75% NPK 2861 2358 5568 0.512

T12 Farmers’ Practice 2926 2172 5418 0.518

LSD (P=0.05) - - - -

xi

5. Effect of treatments on total weed count, total dry weight and grain yield of wheat

Treatments Rate (ha) Time of

application Weed count (No m-2) Total dry weight (g m-2) Grain yield

(q/ha) 120 days At harvest

120 days At harvest

Clodinofop fb 2,4-D

60 g fb0.5 kg

Immediately 6.8(46.6) 7.5(56.0) 2.4(4.8) 4.7(23.3) 29.93

Clodinofop fb 2,4-D

60 g fb0.5 kg

2 days after clodi 7.6(57.3) 5.3(28.0) 2.3(4.8) 2.2(4.0) 23.31

Clodinofop fb 2,4-D

60 g fb0.5 kg

4 days after clodi 5.5(30.6) 4.0(16.0) 1.5(1.7) 1.8(2.6) 33.50

Clodinofop fb 2,4-D

60 g fb0.5 kg

6 days after clodi. 6.3(40.0) 3.9(20.0) 2.5(5.6) 2.4(7.6) 31.34

Clodinofop fb metsulfuron

60 g fb 3 g

Immediately 6.3(40.0) 4.5(20.0) 2.5(5.3) 2.0(4.6) 30.24

Clodinofop fb metsulfuron

60 g fb 3 g

2 days after clodi 7.9(62.6) 5.1(26.6) 2.6(6.1) 2.5(5.6) 31.50

Clodinofop fb metsulfuron

60 g fb 3 g

4 days after clodi 7.2(52.0) 4.9(24.0) 1.9(2.9) 2.2(4.5) 29.45

Clodinofop fb metsulfuron

60 g fb 3 g

6 days after clodi. 6.9(48.0) 3.9(14.6) 1.6(1.9) 1.5(1.6) 22.99

Clodinofop fb Carfentrazone

60 g fb 10g

Immediately 8.0(64.0) 0.2(38.6) 3.5(11.7) 3.6(13.0) 31.55

Clodinofop fb Carfentrazone

60 g fb 10g

2 days after clodi 8.1(66.6) 7.5(57.3) 3.1(10.6) 4.7(23.4) 30.72

Clodinofop fb Carfentrazone

60 g fb 10g

4 days after clodi 9.2(84.0) 5.5(30.6) 4.0(15.7) 3.0(8.2) 22.68

Clodinofop fb Carfentrazone

60 g fb 10g

6 days after clodi. 8.8(77.3) 6.7(45.3) 3.9(16.5) 4.9(15.7) 30.24

Clodinofop 60 g 12.3(150.6) 5.9(36.0) 6.2(38.1) 3.3(10.4) 29.14 Unweeded 14.2(202.6) 8.4(73.3) 7.8(61.6) 6.6(50.6) 21.10 CD 5% 0.89 1.91 1.44 2.05 4.23 Values in parentheses are original means

6. Effect of different treatments on total weed count, total weed dry weight and grain yield of wheat

Treatment Rate (kg/ha) Total weed count

(No m-2) Total dry weight

( g m-2) Grain yield (q/ha) 120 das At harvest 120 das At harvest

2,4-D 1.0 kg 8.7(76.0) 7.4(54.6) 6.3(39.4) 4.1(16.0) 14.23 Metsulfuron 4 g 8.7(76.0) 6.8(45.3) 5.9(34.5) 3.9(14.8) 17.82 Trisulfuron 20g 6.5(42.6) 7.1(50.6) 6.0(36.0) 4.0(15.6) 21.75 Carfentrazone 15g 8..9(80.0) 8.9(78.6) 4.7(21.6) 5.1(25.8) 15.30 Carfentrazone 20g 10.0(100.6) 9.4(88.0) 6.7(45.3) 6.7(44.7) 19.67 Carfentrazone 25g 9.9(98.6) 8.3(68.0) 7.3(52.8) 5.5(30.2) 20.13 IPU 1.5 kg 8.6(74.6) 7.8(61.3) 5.8(33.0) 5.0(24.8) 21.52 Affinity 2 kg 6.0(38.0) 6.2(38.6) 3.9(14.8) 4.2(17.0) 25.69 IPU + 2,4-D 1.0 + 0.75 8.3(69.3) 7.3(53.3) 5.0(25.4) 5.1(25.2) 19.90 Carfentrazone + IPU 20 g + 1.0 kg 8.3(69.3) 8.6(74.6) 6.1(39.0) 6.5(41.4) 24.30 IPU + 2,4-D 1.0 + 0.5 kg 7.7(60.0) 7.3(54.6) 5.1(26.2) 4.7(21.6) 25.00 Weed free - 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 27.08 Hand weeding twice 7.4(54.6) 6.7(44.0) 4.6(20.8) 5.0(24.2) 15.74 Weedy check 12.0(144.0) 11.1(125.3) 10.9(118.9) 8.2(67.4) 14.12 CD 5% 1.32 1.17 1.49 0.96 5.39 Values given in the parentheses are the original means.

xii

7. Effect of different treatments on total weed count, total weed dry weight and grain yield of wheat

Treatment Rate (kg ha-1)

Time of application

Total weed count (No m-2) Total dry weight (g m-2) Grain yield

(q/ha) 120 DAS Harvest 120 DAS Harvest

Affinity 1.50 35DAS 8.3(68.0) 5.6(30.6) 4.6(20.5) 3.3(10.8) 23.48 Affinity 1.50 45 DAS 7.0(49.3) 5.2(26.6) 2.2(4.6) 3.2(9.6) 29.27 Affinity 2.0 35 DAS 6.4(41.3) 5.2(26.6) 3.1(9.2) 4.2(17.2) 27.54 Affinity 2.0 45 DAS 5.9(34.6) 5.3(28.0) 2.8(7.4) 6.1(50.4) 27.97 Affinity 2.5 35 DAS 5.8(33.3) 4.8(22.6) 5.7(32.6) 2.7(6.9) 20.58 Affinity 2.5 45 DAS 6.6(42.6) 5.4(29.3) 3.0(8.1) 3.6(13.0) 28.99 Isoproturon 1.5 35 DAS 6.6(44.0) 5.1(26.6) 4.0(15.7) 2.9(7.8) 28.41 Hand weeding twice

30 & 60 DAS 6.8(45.3) 5.5(30.6) 4.4(19.2) 4.7(21.3) 26.67

Unweeded - - 11.0(121.3) 9.0(81.3) 9.1(85.8) 7.2(51.3) 20.43 CD5% - - 0.63 - 1.51 NS 5.87 Values in the parentheses are the means of original values.

8. Effect of treatments on total weed count, total weed dry matter accumulation and grain yield of wheat

Treatment Rate (kg/ha)

Type of nozzle

Spray volume (l/ha)

Total weed count (No m-2)

Total dry weight ( g m-2)

Grain yield (q/ha) 120 DAS At

harvest 120 DAS At

harvest IPU+2,4-D 1.0+0.5 Hollow

cone 400 6.8(45.3) 5.6(32.0) 3.8(14.1) 3.5(11.8) 24.96

IPU+2,4-D 1.0+0.5 Hollow cone

600 6.6(44.0) 5.9(34.6) 4.1(16.2) 3.6(12.4) 21.14

IPU+2,4-D 1.0+0.5 Hollow cone

800 6.5(41.3) 5.6(32.0) 3.7(12.8) 3.7(13.3) 23.23

IPU+2,4-D 1.0+0.5 Hollow cone

1000 6.7(44.0) 6.1(37.3) 3.5(11.7) 4.1(16.3) 26.00

IPU+2,4-D 1.0+0.5 Flat fan 400 6.4(41.3) 5.0(25.3) 3.2(9.8) 3.1(9.4) 27.04 IPU+2,4-D 1.0+0.5 Flat fan 600 6.8(46.6) 5.8(33.3) 4.0(15.8) 3.6(12.2) 22.19 IPU+2,4-D 1.0+0.5 Flat fan 800 7.0(49.3) 5.7(32.0) 3.8(14.0) 3.3(10.1) 22.71 IPU+2,4-D 1.0+0.5 Flat fan 1000 6.7(45.3) 5.8(34.6) 3.9(14.6) 2.5(5.3) 23.75 IPU+2,4-D 1.0+0.5 Floodjet 400 6.3(40.0) 5.1(25.3) 4.2(17.0) 2.8(7.4) 23.92 IPU+2,4-D 1.0+0.5 Floodjet 600 6.5(42.6) 5.8(33.3) 4.1(16.2) 3.5(12.5) 27.39 IPU+2,4-D 1.0+0.5 Floodjet 800 6.8(46.6) 5.3(28.6) 3.5(11.8) 2.6(7.0) 29.47 IPU+2,4-D 1.0+0.5 Floodjet 1000 7.2(52.0) 5.5(30.6) 4.2(17.3) 3.2(9.3) 24.61 Hand weeding twice 6.1(37.3) 3.9(17.3) 3.6(12.6) 3.5(11.6) 24.44 Unweeded 11.3(128.0) 8.6(74.6) 7.1(50.2) 5.9(35.0) 17.68 CD 5% 0.70 1.47 0.60 0.94 4.24 Values given in the parentheses are the original means.

9. Effect of treatments on weed dry weight and wheat grain yield

Treatment Dost(g/ha) Weed dry weight(g m-2) Grain yield (kg/ha) Isoproturon 1.5 5.1(24.8) 2880 Sulfosulfuron 0.025 3.1(8.6) 2990 Clodinoflop 0.09 3.7(13.7) 3012 Pendimethalin 1.5 6.5(40.9) 2612 Mesosulfuron 0.015 5.1(24.6) 2950 Diclofop 0.75 6.8(46.5) 2517 Fenoxaprop 0.15 5.9(34.8) 2856 Metribuzin 0.2 3.6(12.4) 2715 Weed free - 1.0(0.0) 3165 Weedy check - 14.5 1664 CD 5% 1.2 136

xiii

10. Effect of treatments on weed dry weight and wheat grain yield

Treatment Dost (g/ha)

Weed dry weight (g m-2)

Grain yield (kg/ha)

Isoproturon + 2,4-D 1.0 +0.75 5.9(34.4) 2610 Isoproturon + 2,4-D 1.5 + 0.75 4.8(21.6) 2950 Sulfosulfuron+2,4-D 0.025+0.75 1.0(0.0) 3315 Clodinafop+2,4-D 0.09+0.75 3.4(10.6) 3245 Mesosulfuron + Iodosulfuron 0.012+0.0024 4.5(19.5) 2880 Pendimethalin + 2,4-D 1.5+0.75 5.0(24.3) 2475 Metribuzin + 2,4-D 0.2+0.75 3.7(12.7) 2610 Weed free - 1.0(0.0) 3260 Weedy check - 12.3(152.4) 1218 CD 5% - 0.9 206

11. Effect of treatments on weed dry weight and wheat grain yield

Treatment Dose (g/ha)

Weed dry weight (gm-2)

Grain yield (q/ha)

Grass Broadleaf Total Mesosulfuron 12.0 62.4 39.5 101.9 22.7 Mesosulfuron 15.0 15.7 44.4 60.1 24.2 Mesosulfuron 18.0 12.0 38.8 50.8 26.3 Iodosulfuron 2.4 270.0 24.8 294.8 12.8 Iodosulfuron 3.0 259.4 16.4 275.6 13.5 Mesosulfuron +Iodosulfuron

12.0+2.4 26.8 15.3 42.1 28.4

Mesosulfuron +Iodisulfuron

15.0+3.0 14.2 9.0 23.2 31.4

Isoproturon 1500 25.4 25.6 51.0 28.5 Sulfosulfuron 25 16.5 8.8 25.3 30.7 Handweedings 30&60DAS 24.7 11.5 36.2 28.2 Weedy check - 264.5 41.5 306.0 11.5 CD 5% - 8.3 8.5 10.2 2.4

12. Effect of seed rates, spacing and weed control methods on weeds and grain yield of direct seeded rice

Treatments Total weed population (No m-2)

Total weed dry weight (g m m-2)

Grain yield (q/ha)

At 60 DAS 90 DAS 60 DAS 90DAS Seed rates 100 kg/ha 9.1(86.8) 6.5(42.6) 5.3(30.3) 3.5(12.1) 16.21 75 kg/ha 8.7(79.3) 6.5(43.7) 5.7(34.9) 3.9(15.6) 15.99 CD 5% 0.73 NS NS NS NS Spacing 30 cm 8.2(69.5) 6.4(41.7) 5.1(27.6) 3.7(13.7) 15.01 20 cm 9.5(96.6) 6.4(44.6) 5.9(37.7) 3.7(13.9) 17.19 CD 5% NS NS NS NS 1.62 Weed control methods Butachlor 1.5 kg/ha 7.9(65.3) 5.9(35.6) 5.3(29.8) 3.9(14.7) 16.12 Farmer’s practice 8.8(79.3) 5.8(34.0) 5.1(27.0) 3.3(10.4) 15.93 Cyhalofop 90 g/ha 9.9(104.6) 7.7(59.3) 6.1(41.1) 4.0(16.4) 16.21 CD 5% 1.29 0.80 NS 0.49 0.26 Values in parentheses are original means

xiv

13. Effect of treatments on total weed count total dry weight of weeds and grain yield of direct seeded rice

Treatment Total weed population (No m-2)

Total weed dry weight (g m m-2)

Grain yield (q/ha)

60 DAS 90 DAS 60 DAS 90Das Date of sowing D1 June 22,05 8.3((76.2) 8.2(73.9) 3.8(15.3) 4.5(21.2) 26.15 D2 July 8, 05 10.2(110.7) 8.5(76.0) 4.3(18.8) 4.7(22.8) 4.18 CD 5% 1.25 NS NS NS 1.50 Row orientation E-W 8.4(76.2) 8.1(70.0) 3.8(15.1) 4.5(20.7) 15.45 Bi-direction 9.8(103.3) 9.2(90.0) 4.3(18.8) 5.0(25.7) 15.09 Broadcast 9.5(100.9) 7.7(64.8) 4.0(17.2) 4.3(19.6) 14.95 CD 5% NS NS NS NS NS Methods of weed control Farmer’s practice 9.7(97.8) 9.2(87.7) 4.5(17.8) 5.1(25.7) 13.88 Butachlor 1.50 kg/ha Pre fb Halod

7.8(68.6) 8.0(70.2) 3.5(12.6) 4.5(21.0) 15.94

Cyhalofop butyl 90 g/ha (15 DAS) fb 2,4-D

10.3(114.0) 7.9(66.8) 4.2(20.7) 4.3(19.3) 15.67

CD 5% 1.75 NS 0.78 0.81 1.62 Values given in the parentheses are the original means.

14. Effect of treatments on weed dry weight and paddy yield.

Treatment Dost (g/ha)

Weed dry weight (g m-2)

Paddy yield (kg/ha)

Butachlor 1500 5.8 (32.4) 2715 Pendimethalin 1500 6.2 (38.7) 2664 Oxyfluorfen 250 4.7 (21.0) 3210 Pyrazosulfuron 20 4.1 (15.9) 3140 Pretilachlor 750 5.2 (25.8) 2660 Cyhalofop 90 3.4 (10.7) 3215 Fenoxaprop 150 3.7 (12.5) 2824 Weed free - 1.0 (0.0) 3162 Weedy check - 12.1 (142.8) 1486 CD 5% - 1.5 256

xv

15. Effect of treatments on total weed count, total dry matter accumulation and grain yield of maize

Treatment Dose kg/ha

Total weed count Total weed dry weight (g m-2)

Grain yield

( kg ha-1)

Maize + Soybean(1:1) unweeded 13.1(17.20 3.0(170.6) 7.3(53.0) 6.7(45.2) 3151 Maize + Soybean(1:1) Pendimethalin 1.0 18.6(348.0) 22.4(501.3) 10.8(118.8) 8.7(75.8) 4164 Maize + Soybean(1:1) Metolachlor 1.0 20.6(429.3) 24.2(596.0) 8.5(73.4) 8.1(66.6) 4900 Maize +Soybean(1:1) IHW 30 DAS 21.6(466.6) 22.2(496.0) 10.3(106.9) 8.2(70.4) 4295 Maize-mechanical weeding fb atrazine

20 DAS 1.0

15.2(232.0) 30.3(918.6) 7.4(54.4) 8.0(63.3) 4180

Maize (30 cm) Fodder + Mulch for 30 DAS fb IHW

45 DAS 20.7(429.3) 37.0(1376.0) 7.8(60.6) 9.1(83.3) 4043

Maize(30 cm) Fodder+mulch for 30 DAS fb atrazine

45 DAS 1.0

17.5(306.6) 13.4(181.3) 10.5(112.9) 7.7(59.2) 3808

Maize pendimethalin + Atrazine 0.75 0.75

21.7(470.6) 20.0(490.6) 10.5(112.1) 9.3(87.6) 3563

Maize +Atrazine fb Atrazine 1.5 fb 0.75

10.4(110.6) 10.8(116.0) 6.6(43.0) 5.4(29.8) 4121

Maize + Atrazine fb Atrazine 1.0 fb 0.75

12.4(154.6) 12.7(161.3) 7.7(60.9) 7.0(49.1) 4277

Farmer’s practice 20.8(437.3) 36.0(1302.6) 8.0(64.5) 7.5(56.4) 3450 Unweeded 15.6(244.0) 11.8(114.0) 9.8(96.2) 6.7(45.3) 1883 CD 5% 2.17 3.43 1.71 1.68 1216 Values given in the parentheses are the original means.

16. Effect of planting and weed control methods on weed count and dry matter and seed yield of blackgram

Treatment Weed count ( No.m-2)

weed dry matter (g m-2)

Seed yield (kg/ha)

Planting methods Ridge planting 15.97 (264.5) 6.64

(53.7) 1154.8

Raised bed 13.81 (200.6) 5.94 (41.8)

1361.1

Conventional 16.13 (266.6) 6.90 (56.9)

1050.2

CD5% 1.08 0.55 146.9 Weed control methods Unweeded 20.11 (404.8) 10.61

(112.3) 735.8

Pendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha (Pre.) 15.73 (249.3) 8.41 (70.8)

1140.9

Pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha (Pre.) + HW (45DAS) 12.35 (153.6) 3.07 (8.7)

1599.2

Alachlor 1.5 kg/ha (Pre) 17.90 (320.5) 9.25 (85.4)

1039.2

Alachlor 0.75 kg/ha(Pre.) + HW (45 DAS) 13.29 (178.6) 3.92 (14.6)

1224.4

Hand weeding twice (25 and 45 DAS) 12.44 (156.7) 3.71 (13.0)

1392.6

CD 5% 0.95 0.67 171.9

xvi

17. Effect of treatments on total weed count, total weed dry matter accumulation and seed yield of soybean

Treatments Dose Time of

application Total weed

count (No m-2)

Total weed dry weight (g m-2)

Yield (kg ha-1)

Acetachlor 1.0 kg Pre 19.15(369.66) 7.32(52.78) 1504 Acetachlor 1.25 kg Pre 17.26(304.33) 6.65(44.04) 1709 Acetachlor 1.5kg Pre 17.0(290.33) 5.52(29.05) 2199 Trifluralin 1.0 kg Pre 23.78(566.66) 7.01(49.49) 1602 Trifluralin 1.25 kg Pre 15.42(237.30) 6.52(41.55) 1996 Trifluralin 1.5kg Pre 21.07(443.33) 5.78(32.51) 2296 Haloxyfopmethyl 75g 15DAS 18.28(334.66) 5.90(34.51) 1822 Haloxyfopmethyl 100g 15 DAS 19.11(371.33) 4.80(22.30) 2703 Haloxyfopmethyl 125g 15 DAS 16.77(282.0) 5.23(26.48) 2685 Quizalofop-methyl 37.5g 15 DAS 20.65(425.66) 6.8(46.75) 1629 Quizalofop-methyl 50g 15 DAS 19.43(377.0) 6.08(36.22) 1793 Quizalofop-methyl 62.5g 15 DAS 16.25(264.33) 5.39(29.17) 2543 Alachlor 1.5 g Pre 22.73(518.00) 5.90(34.14) 2148 Hand weeding Twice 30 & 60 DAS 14.75(219.33) 3.15(9.04) 2274 Unweeded check - - 23.31(593.96) 8.62(73.61) 1256 CD 5% 2.85 1.22 487 Values given in the parentheses are the original means.

18. Effect of treatments on total weed count, weed dry matter and potato tuber yield

Treatment Rate

(kg/ha) Time of application

Total weed count (No m-2) Total dry matter (g m-2)

Tuber yield

(q/ha) 120 DAS 150 DAS

Paraquat 0.5 Before emergence of potato

3.4(10.7) 10.76(116.0) 2.4(5.4) 1.6(1.7) 188.89

Mulching 5cm thick

6.78(46.67) 2.94(8.00) 5.1(26.1) 1.8(2.4) 108.33

Metribuzin 0.5 Pre emergence fb earthing up 60 DAP

4.86(22.67) 9.67(93.33) 2.2(4.5) 2.1(4.1) 161.11

Pendimethalin fb earthing up

1.0 -do- 3.0(8.0) 5.08(25.33) 3.1(8.8) 2.0(4.6) 195.00

Prometryne fb earthing up

1.0 -do- 3.9(14.67) 10.89(118.67) 2.0(3.4) 1.6(1.8) 222.22

One Earthing up

Once 60 DAP 4.54(20.0) 12.04(146.67) 3.0(8.7) 2.3(4.9) 155.56

Hand weeding

Twice 60 & 90 DAP

1.0(0.0) 3.37(13.33) 1.3(0.9) 1.1(0.3) 163.89

Unweeded - - 12.40(154.67) 10.52(110.67) 8.0(64.2) 7.4(57.8) 86.11 CD 5% - - 1.72 2.49 1.23 2.06 34.77 Values in the parentheses are the means of original values.

xvii

19. Effect of treatments on total weed count, total weed dry weight and potato tuber yield

Treatments Rate

(kg ha-

1)

Time of application

Total weed count (No m-2)

Total dry weight (g m-2)

Potato tuber yield

(q/ha) 120DAS 150DAS 120DAS 150DAS

Metribuzin (Mahamaya)

0.4 Pre emergence

3.5(12.0) 2.7(6.7) 2.3(4.6) 2.0(3.1) 197.22

Metribuzin (Mahamaya)

0.5 -do- 3.0(8.0) 3.0(8.0) 2.5(5.7) 2.1(3.6) 227.78

Metribuzin (Mahamaya)

0.6 -do- 3.6(12.0) 2.7(8.0) 2.5(5.4) 2.3(4.6) 225.00

Metribuzin (Mahamaya)

1.0 -do- 3.6(12.0) 2.1(4.0) 2.7(6.5) 2.4(4.9) 147.22

Metribuzin (Mahamaya)

2.0 -do- 3.8(13.3) 3.1(9.3) 2.8(7.4) 2.1(3.8) 158.33

Pendimethalin 1.0 -do- 3.0(8.0) 2.2(4.0) 2.3(4.4) 1.8(2.5) 222.22 Metribuzin 0.5 -do- 4.9(22.8) 3.2(9.3) 2.2(4.5) 2.1(4.1) 161.11 Hand weeding Twice (60 & 90

DAP) 1.0(0.0) 1.0(0.0) 1.3(0.9) 1.1(0.2) 144.44

Unweeded - - 11.4(129.3) 8.0(62.1) 8.0(64.2) 7.4(54.5) 86.11 CD 5% - - 0.95 1.41 0.74 0.76 47.09 Values in the parentheses are the means of original values.

20. Effect of crops and weed control treatments on yield ov different vegetable crops at Kukumseri

Yield (t/ha) Vegetable crops Cabbage 24.5 Knolkhol 17.0 Broccoli 14.6 Tomato 15.8 LSD (P=0.05) 1.8 Weed control treatments HW twice 14.4 Pendimethalin 1.2 kg/ha 20.7 Pendimethalin 0.9 kg/ha 18.0 Fluchloralin 1.0 kg/ha 19.6 Fluchloralin 0.75 kg/ha 17.3 LSD (P=0.05) 0.7

xviii

21a. Effect of treatments on Parthenium population (No. / m2) in wasteland ecosystem

Treatment MAT-months after spray

Before spray

10th Nov, 2004

1 MAT 11th Dec.

2 MAT 11th Jan.

3 MAT 11th

Feb.

4 MAT 11th

March*

5 MAT 11th

April

6 MAT 11th May

7 MAT 11th

June**

Glyphosate 0.50%

15.2 (233.3)

2.19 (6.7)

1.0 (0.0)

2.5 (6.7)

10.9 (118.7)

12.4 (154.0)

15.1 (230.0)

9.8 (96.0)

Glyphosate 0.75%

9.3 (86.7)

1.0 (0.0) 1.0 (0.0)

1.0 (0.0)

11.4 (128.7)

10.8 (117.7)

10.2 (103.7)

9.3 (85.3)

Metribuzine 0.25 6.6 (44.0)

7.1 (50.0)

3.5 (16.0)

1.9 (3.0)

8.3 (69.0)

9.3 (85.3)

9.3 (85.0)

8.3 (68.3)

Metribuzine 0.50 11.9 (144.0)

8.1 (66.7)

2.5 (5.3)

1.0 (0.0)

2.2 (6.7)

4.4 (18.7)

6.9 (46.7)

5.2 (26.0)

Manual weeding by uprooting

10.3 (108.0)

5.1 (33.3)

1.0 (0.0)

1.0 (0.0)

10.8 (116.0)

14.4 (211.0)

12.7 (167.3)

9.3 (86.3)

Manual weeding by cutting

7.0 (49.3)

8.5 (73.3)

1.0 (0.0)

1.0 (0.0)

9.3 (85.7)

11.5 (134.0)

10.1 (102.7)

7.7 (58.3)

Control 9.4 (88.0)

10.2 (154.0)

13.9 (152.0)

7.8 (59.3)

15.5 (239.3)

14.7 (220.0)

12.0 (145.0)

11.4 (130.7)

CD 5% 2.75 3.14 1.90 1.59 1.98 2.82 2.57 1.54 Values given in parentheses are the means of original values * New flush, ** Heat stress

21b. Effect of treatments on Parthenium population (No/m2) in grassland ecosystem

Treatment Time after spray

Before spray

10th Nov, 2004

1 MAT 11th

Dec.

2 MAT 11th Jan.

3 MAT 11th Feb.

4 MAT 11th

March*

5 MAT 11th

April

6 MAT 11th May

7 MAT 11th

June**

MSM 0.005%

27.1 (750.0)

2.5 (6.7)

1.0 (0.0) 1.0 (0.0) 4.2 (17.3)

5.1 (25.3)

6.0 (35.0)

1.3 (2.3)

MSM 0.01%

32.3 (1050.0)

1.0 (0.0)

1.0 (0.0) 1.0 (0.0) 1.5 (1.7)

1.6 (2.3)

1.8 (3.3)

1.4 (1.3)

2,4-DEE 0.2 %

6.6 (541.7)

19.8 (391.7)

18.6 (350.0)

15.6 (248.3)

17.5 (307.7)

18.4 (343.3)

17.1 (295.0)

9.9 (98.0)

2,4-DEE 0.3 %

15.0 (223.3)

7.6 (56.7)

5.5 (30.3)

4.7 (21.7)

7.7 (58.3)

10.0 (100.0)

12.1 (147.3)

7.1 (49.3)

Atrazine 0.2%

33.4 (1116.7)

11.0 (120.0)

1.0 (0.0) 20.3 (414.0)

22.1 (495.0)

23.8 (566.7)

22.3 (499.0)

19.5 (380.0)

Atrazine 0.3%

24.4 (600.0)

5.4 (28.3)

1.0 (0.0) 12.2 (152.0)

7.2 (52.0)

7.8 (61.0)

8.9 (78.0)

7.7 (59.0)

Control 26.3 (691.7)

28.6 (821.7)

31.0 (963.3)

32.3 (1045.0)

38.0 (1448.3)

38.9 (1518.3)

27.0 (733.3)

12.8 (164.3)

CD 5% 4.19 2.20 2.28 3.41 2.95 3.07 2.66 1.91 Values given in parentheses are the means of original values * New flush, ** Heat stress

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22a. Effect of number of cuttings on dry matter production and regeneration ability of Lantana in situ

Number of cuttings Interval of cutting Total dry weight per plant of all cuttings(g)

Dry weight per plant at the time of last cut(g)

Uniform cut (control) - 108.67 10.46(108.67) 2 Six month 117.73 7.23(51.53) 3 Four month 135.67 7.37(53.67) 4 Three month 28.51 1.70(2.13) 6 Two month 23.09 1.26(0.69) 8 45 days 26.76 1.0(0.0) 10 36 days 12.31 1.0(0.0) 12 30 days 7.37 1.0(0.0) Uncut Uncut 671.67 25.92(671.67) CD 5% 44.03 0.97 In treatment 1-8 one common cut was given on Ist July, 2004 to have uniform height. Values given in the parentheses are the mean of original values.

22b.Effect of number of cuttings on dry matter production and regeneration ability of Eupatorium in situ.

Sr. No.

Number of cuttings

Interval of cutting

Total dry weight per plant of all cuttings(g)

Dry weight per plant at the time of last cut(g)

1 Uniform cut(control)

- 24.15 4.98(24.07)

2. 2 Six month 29.65 4.05(15.59) 3. 3 Four month 8.31 1.0(0.0) 4. 4 Three month 3.66 1.0(0.0) 5. 6 Two month 1.87 1.0(0.0) 6. 8 45 days 2.29 1.0(0.0) 7. 10 36 days 2.77 1.0(0.0) 8 12 30 days 1.60 1.0(0.0) 9 Uncut Uncut 37.53 6.21(37.53) CD 5% 6.57 NS In treatment 1-8 one common cut was given on Ist July, 2004 to have uniform height. Values given in the parentheses are the mean of original values.

23a Effect of different densities of Echinochloa crus-galli on its biomass & paddy biomass and yield.

Weed density (No./m2)

Weed biomass (g/m2) Crop biomass (g/m2) Grain yield (g/m2)

0 1.0(0.0) 618.96 221.04 5 10.99(120.0) 611.70 215.41 10 13.45(180.0) 604.89 208.59 20 16.30(265.0) 595.85 197.93 40 22.16(490.0) 551.78 154.07 80 29.85(890.0) 510.96 136.0 160 40.63(1650.0) 455.56 93.93 320 42.67(1820.0) 367.26 74.96 CD 5% 0.590 39.22 12.72 Values given in parentheses are the original means.

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23b. Effect of densities of Avena leudoviciana on weed biomass, crop biomass and grain yield of wheat

Treatment Weed biomass (g/m2) Crop biomass (g/m2) Grain yield (g/m2) Weed density No./m2 0 1.0(0.0) 718.06 342.11 15 7.20(50.89) 656.21 318.45 30 9.76(94.22) 552.49 283.45 60 11.35(127.78) 471.83 235.56 120 13.72(187.22) 440.35 214.11 240 16.46(269.89) 397.00 179.67 CD5% 0.55 49.08 19.84 Values given in parentheses are the original means.

23c. Effect of densities of Phalaris minor on weed mass, crop biomass and grain yield of wheat

Treatment Weed biomass (g/m2) Crop biomass (g/m2) Grain yield (g/m2) Weed density No./m2 0 1.0(0.0) 965.50 438.89 25 7.47(54.78) 802.00 382.0 50 10.31(105.33) 749.25 360.22 100 12.95(166.67) 716.50 330.22 200 13.77(188.89) 595.50 265.89 400 15.10(227.11) 505.00 221.56 CD5% 0.44 61.43 27.12 Values given in parentheses are the original means.

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24 Seed production potential of major weeds

Name of the weed Type of Ecosystem Average No. of

seeds/plant Test wt (g)

Rabi weeds. 2004-05 Lolium temulentum Non cropped 43 7.73 Lolium temulentum Wheat 34 7.57 Avena leudoviciana Non cropped 65 33.5 Avena leudoviciana Wheat 53 32.4 Phalaris minor Non cropped 32 1.98 Phalaris minor Wheat 26 1.87 Kharif,2005 Echinochloa crusgalli Non cropped 1085 1.902 Echinochloa crusgalli Rice(puddle seeded) 752 2.116 Echinochloa crusgalli Rice(Direct seeded) 821 2.40 Echinochloa crusgalli Rice(Transplanted) 1282 1.390 Echinochloa colona Non cropped 980 1.620 Echinochloa colona Rice(Direct seed puddle) 711 1.150 Echinochloa colona Rice(Direct seeded) 785 2.30 Echinochloa colona Rice(Transplanted) 1032 1.25 Echinochloa colona Maize 520 1.20 Echinochloa colona Maize + soybean 261 1.70 Echinochloa colona Mash 454 1.43 Echinochloa colona Amaranthus 564 1.85 Echinochloa colona Soybean 372 0.98 Panicum dichotomiflorum Non cropped 218 1.30 Panicum dichotomiflorum Rice(Direct Seed puddle) 170 0.98 Panicum dichotomiflorum Rice( Direct seeded) 135 1.16 Panicum dichotomiflorum Rice(Transplanted) 180 1.24 Panicum dichotomiflorum Maize 218 1.27 Panicum dichotomiflorum Maize + soybean 98 0.92 Panicum dichotomiflorum Mash 118 1.40 Panicum dichotomiflorum Amaranthus 146 1.32 Panicum dichotomiflorum Soybean 86 1.20 Digitaria sanguinalis Maize 21 1.010 Digitaria sanguinali Maize + soybean 17 0.987 Digitaria sanguinalis Mash 50 0.890 Digitaria sanguinalis Amaranthus 108 1.604 Digitaria sanguinalis Soybean 32 0.500 Polygonum alatum Non cropped 64 3.640 Polygonum alatum Maize 60 2.892 Polygonum alatum Maize + soybean 57 2.832 Polygonum alatum Mash 44 1.742 Polygonum alatum Amaranthus 347 2.210 Eleusive indica Maize 47 1.142 Eleusive indica Amaranthus 260 0.910 Eleusive indica Soybean 85 0.447 Cyperus iria Non cropped 4654 0.296 Cyperus iria Rice(Direct seeded uddle) 2219 0.370 Cyperus iria Rice(Direct seeded) 2640 0.348 Cyperus iria Rice(Transplanted) 3852 0.302 Cyperus iria Mash 2114 0.272 Cyperus iria Amaranthus 1862 0.364 Cyperus iria Soybean 860 0.316 Fimbristylis Rice(Direct seed puddle) 306 1.452 Aschynomene Non cropped 540 10.72 Aschynomene Rice(Direct seed puddle) 42 9.38 Aschynomene Rice (Transplanted) 27 9.58 Commelina benghalensis Maize 39 9.40 Commelina benghalensis Maize+soybean 33 9.38 Commelina benghalensis Soybean 15 10.0

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25. Long term effect of continuous use of herbicides in transplanted rice-wheat sequence on weed seed bank (No/kg soil) of kharif weeds (kharif 2004)

Kharif 2004 Rabi 2004-

05 0-10cm 10-20cm

Rice Wheat Echinochloa Cyperus Aeschynomene Echinochloa Cyperus Aeschynomene Farmer Practice

Farmer Practice

26.21 8.58 3.81 4.76 - 3.33

But. 1.5kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE 1.0(100% F)

IPU 1.0 + 2,4-D(Na) 0.75 kg/ha

16.20 6.68 - 2.86 - 1.43

But. 1.5kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE 1.0(100% F)

Clod 75 g/ha fb 2,4-D 0.75 kg/ha/*IPU 1.0 kg/ha+2,4-D(Na) 0.75 kg/ha

24.31 5.72 - 3.82 - 1.90

But. 1.5kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE 1.0 kg/ha (75% F +25% L))

IPU 1.0 kg/ha+2,4-D 0.75 kg./ha

17.16 7.62 0.47 2.39 - 0.96

But. 1.5kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE 1.0kg/ha (75% F +25% L))

Clod 75 g/ha fb 2,4-D 0.75 kg/ha/*IPU 1.0 kg/ha+2,4-D (Na) 0.75 kg/ha

29.56 8.11 - 1.90 - 1.43

Pretil 0.75/But* 1.5kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE 1.0 kg/ha(100% F)

IPU 1.0 kg/ha + 2,4-D(Na) 0.75 kg/ha

32.89 12.40 5.72 2.39 - 0.47

Pretil 0.75/But* 1.5kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE 1.0 kg/ha(100% F)

Clod 0.75 g/ha fb 2,4-D(Na)0.75 kg/ha/*IPU 1.0 kg/ha + 2,4-D(Na) 0.75 kg/ha

12.87 4.76 0.47 3.82 - 1.90

Pretil 0.75/But* 1.5kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE 1.0 kg/ha(75% F +25%L)

IPU 1.0 kg/ha +2,4-D(Na) 0.75 kg/ha

35.28 9.54 3.82 2.86 - 0.47

Pretil 0.75/But* 1.5kg/ha fb 2,4-DEE 1.0 kg/ha(75% F +25% L)

Clod 0.75 g/ha fb 2,4-D(Na)0.75 kg/ha/*IPU 1.0 kg/ha + 2,4-D(Na) 0.75 kg/ha

37.18 14.77 - 4.76 - 2.39

F= N through fertilizer, L= N through Lantana; *Applied during the season

xxiii

26. Effect of weed control treatments on germination, root length and shoot length of cucumber used as bioassay plant in post harvest soils

Treatment Germination

(%) Root length (cm)

Shoot length (cm)

Farmer Practice 82 9.8 13.0 Iso. 1.0 kg/ha fb 2,4-D 0.75 kg/ha 85 9.5 12.5 Iso 1.0 kg/ha/Clodinofop 75g/ha fb 2,4-D 0.75 kg/ha 86 10.1 11.8 Iso.* 1.0 kg/ha fb 2,4-D 0.75 kg/ha 89 9.7 11.8 Iso 1.0 kg/ha/ Clodinofop 75 g/ha fb 2,4-D 0.75 kg/ha 90 10.2 12.2 Iso. *1.0 kg/ha fb 2,4-D 0.75 kg/ha 82 10.6 12.5 Iso 1.0 kg/ha/ Clodinofop75 g/ha fb 2,4-D 0.75 kg/ha 83 10.8 11.9 Iso.*1.0 kg/ha fb 2,4-D 0.75 kg/ha 90 9.4 11.8 Iso 1.0 kg/ha/Clodinofop 75 g/ha fb 2,4-D 0.75 kg/ha 86 9.3 12.6 CD5% NS NS NS F= Fertilizer, L = Lantana, * = Herbicide applied during experiment

27a. Isoproturon adsorption on different soils

Soil Type Initial

concentration (µg ml-1)

Equilibrium concentration (µg

ml-1)

Isoproturon adsorbed (µg g-1 )

Isoproturon adsorbed (Percent of added amount)

Silty clay loam 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

2.5 0.48 20.20 80.8 5.0 0.92 40.80 81.6 10.0 2.19 78.10 78.6 15.0 3.67 113.3 75.3 20.0 5.96 140.4 70.2 25.0 9.15 158.5 63.4 Silt loam 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.5 0.65 18.5 74.0 5.0 1.36 36.4 72.8 10.0 2.50 75.0 75.0 15.0 5.30 97.7 65.1 20.0 8.59 114.1 57.0 25.0 10.98 140.2 56.8 Sandy loam 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.5 1.10 14.0 56.0 5.0 2.00 30.0 60.0 10.0 3.87 61.3 61.3 15.0 6.84 81.6 54.4 20.0 10.54 94.6 47.3 25.0 13.49 115.1 46.0

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27b Isoproturon desorption from different soils

Soil type Amount adsorbed Amount

Desorbed Isoproturon desorbed

(% ) Silty clay loam 0.0 0.0 0.0 20.2 3.95 19.6 40.8 6.31 15.5 78.1 9.71 12.4 113.3 20.48 18.1 140.4 40.19 28.6 158.5 65.34 41.2 Silt loam 0.00 0.00 0.00 18.5 4.82 26.0 36.4 7.68 21.0 75.0 12.35 16.5 97.7 19.09 19.5 114.1 47.82 41.9 140.2 79.42 56.6 Sandy loam 0.00 0.00 0.00 14.0 5.01 35.8 30.0 8.56 28.5 61.3 13.45 21.9 81.6 28.86 35.4 94.6 41.47 43.8 115.1 74.85 65.1

28. Soil column leaching studies of Isoproturon

Depths (cm) Amount recovered (µ g g-1)

Isoproturon (1.5 kg/ha) Isoproturon (3.0 kg/ha) 0-5.0 3.67 9.02 5.0-10.0 2.56 5.65 10.0-15.0 0.68 1.59 15.0-20.0 ND 0.10 20.0-25.0 ND ND 25.0-30.0 ND ND

xxv

29. Forecast verification for rainfall (2005-2006)

Seasons Correct &

usable % RMSE Correlation

coefficient Ratio Score (%)

H.K. Score

Forecast rain

Observed rain

Forecast rainfall %

of observed

Forecasted rainy days

Observed rainy days

June-September 2005 (SW-Monsoon)

58.3 31.5 0.49 59.0 0.27 641.0 2204.7 29.0% 48 80

October-December 2005 (Post monsoon) 100.0 3.29 -0.04 88.64 -0.09 60 30 200% 3 8

January-February 2006 (Winter season) 89.4 5.5 0.65 81.0 0.5 150 123.5 121.0% 14 9

March-May 2006 (Hot season) 88.5 14.92 0.16 67.0 0.15 175.0 323.1 54.18% 21 27

Kharif season (June -October) 69.4 28.2 0.51 54.47 0.32 646 2234.7 28% 49 83

Rabi season (November to May) 92.5 10.4 0.26 77.1 0.26 360 446.6 80.6% 42 36

Annual 2005-2006 81.0 19.3 0.39 71.0 0.29 1026 2681.3 38.3% 101 119

* Significant at 5%. Values in parenthesis are the number of rainfall events ES: Error structure