Yield prediction model of summer groundnut based on spectral characteristics

Spectral characteristics were studied at pod development stage (75 DAS) in summer groundnut, at Pune, in western Maharashtra plain zone. A simple regression model (yield vs. vegetation index, R2= 0.94) and another multiple regression model (yield vs. B: R, G: R, NIR: R and VI, R2= 0.99) were developed to predict the yields of summer groundnut. The yield prediction model based on spectral ratios at pod development stage (75 DAS) is helpful in forecasting the yield of summer groundnut, one month in advance, in western Maharashtra plain zone.

Response of Summer Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) wilczek] to Foliar Potash Fertilization under Different Moisture Regimes

Background: Scheduling of irrigation is the major factor in producing higher yields of summer crops. Water stress during the sensitive stages will cause significant reduction in yield. Potassium (K+) is reported as an important element in reducing the ill effects of crop water stress. Foliar application of potassium increases the drought tolerance in mungbean. Keeping this in view, a field experiment was conducted to study the response of summer mungbean to foliar potassic fertilization under different moisture regimes during 2018 at SVPUAT, Meerut (U.P). Methods: It included 12 treatment combinations comprised of 2 irrigation schedules (0.6 and 0.4 IW/CPE ratio) and 6 foliar potassium treatments (1% spray of K through KNO3 and/or KCl at flowering, flowering and pod development stage including control), replicated thrice and were tested under a split-plot design. Result: The results indicated that, the growth parameters, yield and yield attributes of mungbean were significantly higher under 0.6 IW/CPE ratio as compared to 0.4. The gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were also found highest with 0.6 IW/CPE ratio. Among the foliar application of potassium treatments, the growth attributes, yield and yield attributes were significantly increased by foliar application of 1% K through KNO3/KCl at flowering and pod development stage. The foliar application of 1% K through KNO3 at flowering and pod development stage fetched significantly higher gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio, but remained on par with dual spray of 1% K through KCl. The interaction effect between irrigation regimes and potassium foliar levels was non-significant for most of the parameters.

Crop coefficient and water requirement of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Moench)

Based on the result of an experiment conducted from 1997 to 1999 during March-July, a model has been developed for relating crop coefficient of okra with time at Bangalore. The peak value of crop co-efficient was found to be 1.16 on the 9th week after sowing. On an average okra crop consumed about 547 mm of water during the growth. The mean values of crop coefficients are found to be 0.46, 1.29 and 0.66 during seedling, pod development and maturity stages respectively.

Water and heat unit requirement in different growth stages of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) at Bhopal

In this study, ET data available on Soybean crop for Bhopal during 1991-95 have been utilized. With regard to water need of the crop, the life span of soybean has been divided into five important growth stages viz., seedling up to 2 weeks after sowing (WAS), vegetative (3-8 WAS), flowering (9-10 WAS), pod development (11-13 WAS), and maturity (14-15 WAS). In this paper, consumptive use of water (ET), Water Use Efficiency (WUE), Heat Units (HU), Heat Use Efficiency (HUE) and crop coefficient (Kc) for different growth stages of the crop have been computed and discussed. The study revealed that on an average, Soybean crop consumed about 450 mm of water. The average WUE was found to be 3.23 kg /ha/mm. It was also observed that WUE does not depend only on the total amount of water consumed by the crop but also indicates the importance of its distribution during various growth stages. On an average, the crop consumed nearly 7%, 36%, 24%, 25% and 8% of water during seedling, vegetative, flowering, pod development and maturity stage respectively. The crop consumed maximum amount of water during vegetative stage. However, the average weekly ET rate was found to be highest during flowering stage (nearly 52 mm). Average heat unit requirement of soybean was found to be 1694 degree-days. Maximum heat units were required during vegetative stage (638 degree days) followed by pod development stage (358 degree days). The average HUE was found to be 0.86 kg/ha/degree days. Crop coefficient (Kc) values varied in the range 0.30 – 0.45, 0.55 – 0.90, 1.00 – 1.15, 0.85 – 0.70 and 0.55 – 0.40 during seedling, vegetative, flowering, pod development and maturity stage respectively. The crop coefficient values attained the peak during the flowering stage.

Thermal and radiation environments for assessing crop-weather relationship of soybean in eastern Madhya Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during with three sowing dates (23 June, 8 July and 23 July) with three varieties (JS 20-29, JS 20-34 and JS 97-52) kharif season of 2016 and 2017 at Jabalpur in eastern Madhya Pradesh for assessing crop weather relationship in soybean through thermal and radiation environments. The results revealed that early sown crop attained more accumulated heat units, and yield decreased with delay in sowing. The maximum and minimum temperatures during reproductive stage were positively correlated with seed yield while negatively associated with vegetative and pod development stages. Photosynthetic active radiation absorption (APAR) was maximum in June sowing in semi-determinate JS 97-52 variety at pod formation stage. Maximum leaf area index (LAI) exhibited in June sown for JS 97-52 variety during pod formation stage. Seed yield increase with increased in APAR and LAI during pod formation stage. Season length difference between normal and actual crop maturity period increased with the decrease in GDD thereby suggesting a decline in yield due to shortening of crop growing period.

Deep transcriptomic study reveals the role of cell wall biosynthesis and organization networks in the developing shell of peanut pod

Background Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) belongs to an exceptional group of legume plants, wherein the flowers are produced aerially, but the pods develop under the ground. In such a unique environment, the pod’s outer shell plays a vital role as a barrier against mechanical damage and soilborne pathogens. Recent studies have reported the uniqueness and importance of gene expression patterns that accompany peanut pods’ biogenesis. These studies focused on biogenesis and pod development during the early stages, but the late developmental stages and disease resistance aspects still have gaps. To extend this information, we analyzed the transcriptome generated from four pod developmental stages of two genotypes, Hanoch (Virginia-type) and IGC53 (Peruvian-type), which differs significantly in their pod shell characteristics and pathogen resistance. Results The transcriptome study revealed a significant reprogramming of the number and nature of differentially expressed (DE) genes during shell development. Generally, the numbers of DE genes were higher in IGC53 than in Hanoch, and the R5-R6 transition was the most dynamic in terms of transcriptomic changes. Genes related to cell wall biosynthesis, modification and transcription factors (TFs) dominated these changes therefore, we focused on their differential, temporal and spatial expression patterns. Analysis of the cellulose synthase superfamily identified specific Cellulose synthase (CesAs) and Cellulose synthase-like (Csl) genes and their coordinated interplay with other cell wall-related genes during the peanut shell development was demonstrated. TFs were also identified as being involved in the shell development process, and their pattern of expression differed in the two peanut genotypes. The shell component analysis showed that overall crude fiber, cellulose, lignin, hemicelluloses and dry matter increased with shell development, whereas K, N, protein, and ash content decreased. Genotype IGC53 contained a higher level of crude fiber, cellulose, NDF, ADF, K, ash, and dry matter percentage, while Hanoch had higher protein and nitrogen content. Conclusions The comparative transcriptome analysis identified differentially expressed genes, enriched processes, and molecular processes like cell wall biosynthesis/modifications, carbohydrate metabolic process, signaling, transcription factors, transport, stress, and lignin biosynthesis during the peanut shell development between two contrasting genotypes. TFs and other genes like chitinases were also enriched in peanut shells known for pathogen resistance against soilborne major pathogens causing pod wart disease and pod damages. This study will shed new light on the biological processes involved with underground pod development in an important legume crop.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of auxin response factors in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Auxin response factors (ARFs) are transcription factors that regulate the expression of auxin response genes, and have important functions in plant growth and development. In this study, available genome data for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) were used to identify AhARF genes. In total, 61 AhARFs and 23 AtARFs were divided into six groups (I–VI). Molecular structural analysis revealed that the protein members of AhARF contain at least two domains, the B3 domain and the Auxin-resp domain, and that some have a C-terminal dimerisation domain. Screening of the transcriptome data of 22 tissues of A. hypogaea cv. Tifrunner in a public database showed high expression levels of AhARF2 and AhARF6. AhARF6 was expressed more highly in the stem and branch than in the root and leaf of the wild species Arachis monticola (A. mon) and cultivated species H103. After treatment with exogenous auxin (NAA), the expression of AhARF6 was inhibited, and this inhibition was greater in A. mon than in H103. The transcriptome map revealed that the expression of AhARF6 was higher in the larger pods of H8107 and ZP06 than in the medium pods of H103 and small pods of A. mon. Moreover, AhARF6-5 was proven to be localised in the nucleus, consistent with the location of AtARF6. These results suggest that AhARF6 may play an important role in pod development in peanut.

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) Growth, Yield and Monetary Influence by Drip Irrigation and Mulch in Vertisols of Madhya Pradesh

Background: Farmers are facing many constraints related with pigeonpea cultivation therefore proper resources management and scientific practices can increase the production and productivity of pigeonpea. Drip and mulching can be a way to achieve the goal of more crop per drop. Methods: The field experiments were conducted during kharif season of year 2016-17 and 2017-18. The study area is located (23°16'48'' N-latitude, 77°21'36'' E-longitude) in Madhya Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in vertisols with twenty seven treatment combinations consisting of three mulching, three discharge rate (2 lph-D1, 4 lph-D2 and 8 lph-D3) and three irrigation levels viz. 60% CPE (I1), 80% CPE (I2) and 100% CPE (I3). Well treated bold seeds of pigeonpea (TJT-501) were dibbed in soil on ridge-furrow land configuration. Result: The plant height was maximum in 2 lph (175.78 cm), I2 (176.10 cm) and number of branches, number of pods per plant, seeds per pod also followed the same trend. Maximum yield was registered with D1 (16.48 q/ha) followed by D2 (14.91 q/ha) and D3 (14.46 q/ha). Irrigation level I2 (16.01 q/ha) registered 13.77% higher seed yield than I1 (14.07 q/ha). In case of discharge rate, B:C decreased as rate increased. Among irrigation level treatments, lowest value (1.26) of B:C recorded with 60% CPE whereas highest B:C (1.56) was registered with 80% CPE, which is at par with 100% CPE (1.52). It can be concluded that pigeonpea cultivation is not economical with mulch and 100% supply of irrigation during kharif. It is viable to supply irrigation as per CPE only at branching, flowering and pod development stages.

Studies on Rainwater Harvesting and Reutilization for Protective Irrigation with Farm Pond

The research on, ‘Studies on rainwater harvesting and reutilization for protective irrigation with farm pond’ was conducted during the year 2016-17 at demonstration farm of the Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. The daily depth of water impounded in the farm pond was recorded for developing stage-storage relationship of the farm pond. For estimation of the loss of water through evaporation from farm pond, daily pan evaporation data was multiplied by pan co-efficient (0.70). The harvested water in the farm pond was utilized for applying protective irrigation to the pigeon pea crop. The experiment consisted six replications and two treatments. One protective irrigation for pigeon pea at pod development stage (T1) was applied on 30.11.2016. The treatment T2 consisted without protective irrigation to pigeon pea. The grain yield of pigeon pea was recorded plot wise.The grain yield data was analyzed using MAUSTAT software and results obtained were compared treatment wise. For economic analysis of the treatments, cost of cultivation, cost of cultural operations, fixed and operational costs of pump and accessories were calculated. These total cost was be used to determine the gross monetary returns (GMR), net monetary returns (NMR) and benefit cost ratio (B:C ratio). The area of top section and bottom section of the farm pond was 279.75 m2 and 516.82 m2 respectively. The average elevation of embankment at top was 413.130m. The average elevation of bottom of pond was 410.210m. The elevation at the bottom of outlet was 412.437m. The maximum depth of water impounded and maximum storage volume in the farm pond was 2.165m and 933.99m3 respectively. The total water evaporated through farm pond for the month of July, August, September, October, November and December 2016 was found to be 19.14 m3, 32.60m3, 25.40 m3, 35.9882m3, 29.8620m3 and 1.1965 m3 respectively. The maximum water evaporated through the farm pond was recorded in the month of October-2016. Total evaporation loss through the farm pond recorded was144.17 m3.The seepage loss through the pond for the month of July August, September, October, November and December 2016 was found to 634.88, 358.05 m3, 651.80 m3, 611.64 m3, 147.33 m3, and 37.89 m3 respectively. The maximum water seepage through the farm pond was recorded in the month of September -2016.The total seepage loss recorded through the farm pond was 2441.59 m3. The harvested water in the farm pond was utilized for irrigating the pigeon pea crop at its pod development stage. One of protective irrigation (T1) recorded significantly higher pigeon pea grain yield than treatment of without protective irrigation (T2). Due to the one protective irrigation, 27.30 per cent grain yield increased over or control was observed. The study revealed that the treatment T1 i. e. one protective irrigations at pod development stage recorded highest GMR (111302.00Rs/ha) and NMR (76302.00) as compared to control (T2) i. e. without protective irrigation. The benefit- cost ratio (2.18) is found to be higher under the treatment T1i. e. one protective irrigation pod development stage. The lowest B:C ratio (1.69) is estimated under the treatment T2 (without protective irrigation).

Effect of Hormones on Yield and Economics of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under Southern Telangana Agro-Climatic Conditions

An experiment was carried out at student farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, in sandy loam soils during rabi 2020 to study the effect of hormones on growth and yield of mustard under Southern Telangana Agro-climatic conditions. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatments. The treatments comprised were: T1-Control (RDF 60:40:40 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1), T2 (RDF + foliar spray of GA3 @ 45 ppm at flowering), T3 (RDF + foliar spray of GA3 @ 45 ppm at pod development), T4 (RDF + foliar spray of GA3 @ 45 ppm at flowering and pod development), T5 (RDF + foliar spray of humic acid @ 1.5% at flowering), T6 (RDF + foliar spray of humic acid @ 1.5% at pod development), T7 (RDF + foliar spray of humic acid @ 1.5% at flowering and pod development), T8 (RDF + foliar spray of GA3 @ 45 ppm fb humic acid @ 1.5% with 2 days interval at flowering), T9 (RDF + foliar spray of GA3 @ 45 ppm fb humic acid @ 1.5% with 2 days interval at pod development) and T10 (RDF + foliar spray of GA3 @ 45 ppm fb humic acid @ 1.5% with 2 days interval at flowering and pod development). Results indicated that, application of RDF + foliar spray of GA3 @ 45 ppm fb humic acid @ 1.5% with 2 days interval at flowering and pod development (T10) and application only at flowering (T8) gave the similar and higher yields and economic returns. As the cost of cultivation of T10 was higher than T8, BC ratio was higher for T8.