Comparative Study of AMMI- and BLUP-Based Simultaneous Selection for Grain Yield and Stability of Finger Millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] Genotypes

Finger millet, an orphan crop, possesses immense potential in mitigating climate change and could offer threefold security in terms of food, fodder, and nutrition. It is mostly cultivated as a subsistence crop in the marginal areas of plains and hills. Considering the changes in climate inclusive of recurrent weather vagaries witnessed every year, it is crucial to select stable, high-yielding, area-specific, finger millet cultivars. Sixty finger millet varieties released across the country were evaluated over six consecutive rainy seasons from 2011 to 2016 at the Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram. The genotype × environment interaction (GEI) was found to be significant in the combined ANOVA. Furthermore, the Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis asserted that genotypes and the GEI effects accounted for approximately 89% of the total variation. Strong positive associations were observed in an estimated set of eleven stability parameters which were chosen to identify stable genotypes. Furthermore, Non-parametric and Parametric Simultaneous Selection indices (NP-SSI and P-SSI) were calculated utilizing AMMI-based stability parameter (ASTAB), modified AMMI stability value (MASV), and Modified AMMI Stability Index (MASI) to identify stable high yielders. Both methods had inherent difficulties in ranking genotypes for SSI. To overcome this, the initial culling [i.e., SSI with culling strategy (C-SSI)] of genotypes was introduced for stability. In the C-SSI method, the top ten genotypes were above-average yielders, while those with below-average yield were observed in NP-SSI and P-SSI methods. Similarly, the estimation of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP)-based simultaneous selections, such as harmonic mean of genotypic values (HMGV), relative performance of genotypic values (RPGV), and harmonic mean of relative performance of genotypic values (HMRPGV), revealed that none of the top ten entries had below-average yield. The study has proven that C-SSI and BLUP-based methods were equally worthy in the selection of high-yielding genotypes with stable performance. However, the C-SSI approach could be the best method to ensure that genotypes with a considerable amount of stability are selected. The multi-year trial SSI revealed that entries Indaf-9, Sri Chaitanya, PR-202, and A-404; and VL324 and VL146 were ascertained to be the most stable high-yielding genotypes among medium-to-late and early maturity groups, respectively.

Influence of tillage methods on the yield of winter rye variety Sudarushka

The results of studying the elements of the technology of cultivation of a new variety of winter rye Sudarushka are presented. The research took place in 2019, 2020 in the sub-taiga zone of the Tomsk region. The impact of soil cultivation methods as well as the impact of humic fertiliser from peat Gumostim on the yield of winter rye Sudarushka is evaluated. The soils of the experimental plot are acidic (pH 4.3) soddy-podzolic loamy sandy loam. The arable horizon has a low humus content (1.5%), a low (0.2 mg/100g) content of nitrate nitrogen, a medium content of mobile phosphorus (19.2) and exchangeable potassium (7.1) and a high (11.0 mg/100g) content of mobile aluminium. The scheme of the experiment included four variants of cultivation: ploughing of fallow lands with PlN-4-35 + cultivation KPN-4,2, sowing without packing and with packing; disking with BDMK-2,8 + cultivation KPN-4,2, sowing without packing and with packing. Treatment with humic fertilizer from peat Gumostim at a concentration of 0.001% was carried out during the growing season in the beginning phase of the leaf-tube formation. The average yield of winter rye in the variety Sudarushka during the years of research was 4.66 t/ha in the variant with disking, subsequent cultivation before sowing and further sowing with packing, which is 0.34 t/ha higher than with the traditional method of soil cultivation. The application of humic fertilizer from peat Gumostim on cold sod-podzolic soils enabled the average yield of winter rye to be 4.31 t/ha y, which is 0.39 t/ha higher than without the fertilizer.

Pre-extension demonstration of field pea varieties in selected districts of Bale highlands, Oromiya national regional state, Ethiopia

Pre extension demonstration of improved field pea varieties was conducted in Goba, Sinana and Agarfa districts of Bale zone. The main objective of the study was to demonstrate and evaluate recently released (Weyib) variety along with standard check. The demonstration was under taken on single plot of 10mx10m area for each variety with the spacing of 30cm between rows and recommended seed rate of 75kg/ha and fertilizer rate of 100kg/ha NPS. Mini-field day involving different stakeholders was organized at each respective site. Yield data per plot was recorded and analysed using descriptive statistics, while farmers’ preference to the demonstrated varieties was identified using focused group discussion and summarized using pair wise ranking methods. The demonstration result revealed that Weyib variety performed better than the standard check (Tulu shanan variety) with an average yield of 34.47qt/ha, while that of the standard check was27.26qt/ha. Weyib variety had 17.27% yield advantage over the standard check. Thus, Weyib variety was recommended for further scaling up. Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.8(3): 267-271, December 2021

Impact of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations on Green Gram (MH-421) in Sirsa District of Haryana State

Pulses are one of the important food crops globally due to higher protein content. In India,they are also responsible for yielding large financial gains by amounting for a large part ofthe exports. Cluster frontline demonstrations on moong bean crop covering 110 ha areaunder variety MH-421 were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra at 110 locations in Sirsadistrict of Haryana state during four consecutive years viz. 2016 to 2019. The technologicalgaps were identified in existing crop production technology through farmers meetings andgroup discussions. The findings showed significant increase in the average yield ofdemonstrated plot (23.1%) over the farmer’s plot of moong bean crop. Average yield ofdemonstration plots was recorded higher by 26.90 per cent, 20.50 per cent, 20.00 per centand 25.00 per cent in years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. The extension gapwas 2.02 q/ha, 1.50 q/ha, 1.50 q/ha and 2.00 q/ha while technology gap was 2.48 q/ha,3.20 q/ha, 3.00 q/ha and 2.00 q/ha in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. Duringthese four years yield increase in demonstrations plots expressed as additional incomeover check plots accounted for Rs. 11300/ha, Rs. 900/ha, Rs. 6200/ha and Rs.14400/haduring various years.

HETEROSIS IN CHICKPEA FOR GRAIN PRODUCTIVITY IN EMBU COUNTY, KENYA

Chickpea is a major source of proteins especially in arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya. However, its average yield per hectare is low when compared to neighbouring countries. This research was carried out to determine the levels of hybrid vigour on yield in the F1 generation. To obtain the F1s, reciprocal crossing between Mwanza 2 and Chaina I was carried out with controls being the parental lines. The experimental layout was a randomized block design replicated thrice for three seasons. A spacing of 50x20cm was used in plants, while all other agronomic practices were maintained constant. Data on grain yield and biomass per plant was obtained by measuring the weight, then subjecting it to a one-way ANOVA in SAS 9.4 software. Mwanza 2 expressed the highest biomass (2.56g), while both parents attained a maximum grain yield of 1.69g per plant. Chaina I x Mwanza 2 hybrid expressed maximum means of F1s for biomass (2.31g) and grain yield (1.4g) per plant. Chaina I x Mwanza 2 hybrid recorded the highest biomass and grain yield in better parent heterosis with 14.36% and 330% respectively. Mid-parent heterosis means were also highest at 24.53% and 405.88% for biomass and grain yield respectively. Further, the heritability was maximum for biomass under Mwanza 2 x Chaina I, varying from 93.1% to 100%, while Chaina I x Mwanza 2, expressed maximum grain yield and harvest index. Better parent heterosis and mid-parent heterosis was highest in Chaina I x Mwanza 2 than its reciprocal, Mwanza 2 x Chaina I.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO DA PESCA COM REDE SERREIRA NO MUNICÍPIO DE RAPOSA-MA = CHARACTERIZATION OF FISHING WITH DRIFT GILLNET IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF RAPOSA-MA

Com o propósito de estimar a produção do peixe serra (Scomberomorus brasiliensis) e de sua fauna acompanhante, foram acompanhados desembarques de uma embarcação componente da frota serreira que atua ao longo do litoral maranhense e está sediada no município de Raposa. O controle nos desembarques caracterizou a composição e abundância dos pescados no período de janeiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2010, totalizando 17 desembarques. Um total de 27 espécies pertencentes a 16 famílias e 8 ordens, foram registradas nos desembarques. Em relação ao peso, a família Scombridae superou as demais, representando 50,02% da biomassa, seguida da Sciaenidae (21,60%) e Carangidae (11,13%). As 6 principais espécies desembarcadas, respondem por 81% do total desembarcado, destacando-se Scomberomorus brasiliensis, Cynoscion microlepidotus e Sarda sarda. Das espécies capturadas, 74,07% foram classificadas como acidentais, as espécies acessórias não ultrapassaram 14,81%, enquanto as constantes foram representadas em menos de 11,11% dos desembarques. O rendimento médio estimado das pescarias na região foi de 361 Kg/hora.AbstractTo estimate the production of Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus brasiliensis) and its by-catch were accompanied by a landing craft fleet serreira component that acts along the coast of Maranhão and is based in the Raposa. The control landings characterized the composition and abundance of fish in the period January 2009 to December 2010, a total of 17 landings. A total of 27 species belonging to 16 families and eight orders were recorded in the landings. A total of 27 species belonging to 16 families and 8 orders were recorded in the landings. Regarding weight, the family Scombridae surpassed the others, representing 50.02% of the biomass, then the Sciaenidae (21.60%) andCarangidae (11.13%). Six species account for approximately 81% of total landings, most abundant being Scomberomorus brasiliensis, Cynoscion microlepidotus and Sarda sarda. Of the species caught, 74.07% were classified as accidental, the species accessory did not exceed 14.81%, while the constants were represented in less than 11.11% of the landings. The estimated average yield of the fisheries in the region was 361 kg / hour.

Surveys of Weed Management on Flooded Rice Yields in Southern Brazil

One of the main limiting factors for high yields of flooded rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the presence of weeds, especially herbicide-resistant weeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of weed management practices adopted by flooded rice farmers in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) to grain yield. For this purpose, 324 interview surveys were administered to farmers who supplied information about the history of weed management and yields. The answers to the survey indicated that weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Echinochloa sp. were the most important weeds that occurred in flooded rice areas in RS. Advanced growth stage of weeds and inadequate environmental conditions such as air temperature and relative humidity were listed as the main reasons for the low weed control efficacy. Farmers achieved greater rice yields when adopted rice-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (9,140 kg ha−1 average yield) and herbicide site of action rotations (8,801 kg ha−1 average yield) along with tank-mixes (8,580 kg ha−1 average yield) as specific management practices for resistant weed control. The use of glyphosate with residual herbicides in tank-mix in rice spiking stage is the main factor related to greater yields. The postemergence applications and their relations with delaying of flooded rice is a factor that reduces rice yield when no spiking glyphosate applications was made. Identification of the most important weeds in terms of occurrence, as well as the knowledge of the main agronomic practices adopted by the farmers, are essential so that recommendations for integrated management practices can be adopted in an increasingly accurate and sustainable-flooded rice areas in Southern Brazil.

Profitability and productivity of drought tolerant Aus rice variety Binadhan-19 in some areas of Bangladesh

The present study was conducted in five districts namely Mymensingh, Ranpur, Pabna, Rajshahi and Chapainwabganj in Bangladesh. The objectives of the study were i) to identify the socio-economic characteristics of Aus rice growers; ii) to estimate profitability and productivity of Binadhan-19 in the study areas; and iii) to find out the major preferences and constraints for the variety cultivation. A total of 200 farmers were randomly selected (40 from each location) to collect the data with a pre-designed questionnaire. The distribution of the farmers by age showed that the mean age for Binadhan-19 cultivated farmers was 43 years. In the study areas among the farmer 86% was educated. Farmers average experience was 20 year and income were Tk. 235066 (USD 2611.84) per year. Per hectare average yield of rice was 1.37 ton. It was estimated that, to produce one kilogram of rice, total cost incurred was Tk. 14 where per kg average selling price of rice was Tk. 17. The average gross return and gross margin of rice cultivation were found Tk. 90679 (USD 1007.54)/ha and Tk. 51290 (USD 559.88)/ha, respectively. Per hectare average net return was Tk. 2459 (USD 27.32) which was found to be highest in Chapainwabganj Tk. 29739 (USD 330.43) and lowest in Rangpur Tk. 12692 (USD 141.02) district. BCR on total cost basis was found 1.37. The highest preference was for neat rice 98% and the highest constrain said by the farmer was crop destroy by animal and bird of paddy for early ripening in Binadhan-19 cultivation.

NALYSIS OF THE ADAPTIVE POTENTIAL OF MODERN VARIETIES FLAX-DOLGUNETS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE CENTRAL REGION OF RUSSIA

В статье представлены результаты оценки 16 сортов льна-долгунца отечественной и зарубежной селекции по урожайности волокна и основным параметрам адаптивности в условиях Центрального региона России. Погодные условия в годы проведения испытаний были различными, наиболее благоприятные условия сложились в 2018 году, гидротермический коэффициент за период вегетации составил 1,3, урожайность в среднем по опыту составила 2,02 т/га. Стрессовые условия, связанные с переувлажнением в критический период роста и развития растений льна-долгунца (ГТК в июне и июле 1,7 и 1,8 соответственно), имели место в 2017 году, урожайность в среднем по опыту – 1,03 т/га. Наиболее высокую урожайность льноволокна (1,78-1,97 т/га) в среднем за три года (2017 - 2019 гг.) показали сорта Цезарь, Синель, Добрыня (Россия), Marylin (Голландия), Белита (Республика Беларусь), Andrea и Altea (Франция). При стрессовых условиях (индекса условий среды -0,51) высокой адаптивностью обладали Цезарь (157,7%), Синель (152,9) и Добрыня (137,4). The article presents the results of evaluating 16 varieties of fiber flax of domestic and foreign selection in terms of fiber yield and the main parameters of adaptability in the conditions of the Central region of Russia. The weather conditions in the years of testing were different, the most favorable conditions developed in 2018, the hydrothermal coefficient for the growing season was 1.3, the average yield in the experiment was 2.02 c/ha. Stress conditions associated with waterlogging during the critical period of growth and development of fiber flax plants (GTC in June and July 1.7 and 1.8, respectively) took place in 2017, the average yield in experience was 1.03 c/ha. The highest yield of flax fiber (1.78-1.97 t/ha) on average over three years (2017 - 2019) was shown by the varieties Caesar, Sinel, Dobrynya (Russia), Marylin (Holland), Belita (Republic of Belarus), Andrea and Altea (France). Under stressful conditions (index of environmental conditions -0.51), Caesar (157.7%), Chenille (152.9) and Dobrynya (137.4) have high adaptability.

Breeding a Soybean Cultivar Heinong 531 with Peking-Type Cyst Nematode Resistance, Enhanced Yield and High Seed-Oil Contents

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a destructive threat to soybean production. It’s of economic importance to develop a new SCN-resistant soybean cultivar with high yield and other good agronomic traits. In this study, a yellow-seed-coated and yellow-hilum-pigmented cultivar Heinong 531 belonging to maturity group I was developed by a pedigree breeding method through a testcross between a female parental SCN-resistant soybean cultivar Pengdou 158 and a male parental line F1 (high-yield but SCN-susceptible Hefeng 55 x SCN-resistant Kangxian 12). Heinong 531 was evaluated for SCN resistance in both SCN-infested field and autoclaved soil inoculated with hatched second-stage juveniles of SCN HG Type 0. The results indicated that SCN development at all stages in Heinong 531 was suppressed and the female index was only 1.6-5.6%. Heinong 531 as well as Pengdou 158 and Kangxian 12 were identified to carry the Peking-type resistance with both rhg1-a GmSNAP18 and Rhg4 GmSHMT08 genes. In the two-year regional trials, the average yield of Heinong 531 reached 2805.0 Kg/ha and the one-year production trial demonstrated an average yield of 2751.5 Kg/ha with yield increase of over 12.0% when compared to the local cultivars. The average seed-fat (oil) contents of Heinong 531 reached up to 22.3%. The Peking-type SCN-resistant Heilong 531 cultivar with enhanced yield and high seed-oil contents was just released in China in June, 2021 with certified number of ‘Heishendou 20210004’. These good agronomic traits make Heinong 531 prospective in a wide extension to control SCN in the main soybean-producing areas of Northeast China.