Effect of Crop Specific Blended Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A Field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022-23 at Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Kathalagere, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, to study the effect of crop specific blended fertilizers on the growth and yield of maize. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with ten treatments replicated thrice. Nutrient composition of blended fertilizer used for basal application was 16:18:11:4:1 N:P2O5:K2O:S:Zn and for top dress was 27: 0:13 N:P2O5:K2O. The treatments T1, T2, T3 consisted of application of basal blended fertilizer @ 312.5, 412.5 and 515 kg ha-1, respectively and top dress blended fertilizer @ 237.5, 312.5 and 390 kg ha-1, respectively. Basal blended fertilizer @ 412.5 kg ha-1 + top dress of urea at 30 and 45 DAS (T4), Package of practice (PoP) through straight fertilizer (T5), PoP through complex fertilizer (T6), recommended dose through Urea, DAP, MOP and ZnSO4 + top dress of nano urea @ 0.4% at 30 and 45 DAS (T7), physical blending of Urea, SSP, MOP and ZnSO4 (16:18:11:4:1 N:P:K:S:Zn) for basal and Urea and MOP (27:0:13 N:P:K) for top dress (T8), farmers' practice (T9) and absolute control (T10). Among all treatments, the application of basal blended fertilizer @ 515 kg ha-1 + Top dress of blended fertilizer @ 390 kg ha-1 recorded the maximum plant height (222.4 cm), number of leaves (10.3 plant-1), total dry matter accumulation (285.86 g plant-1), cob length (21.31 cm), cob girth (18.31 cm), number of kernels per cob (516.57) and test weight (24.22 g) at harvest as compared to PoP through straight and complex fertilizer and absolute control. The same treatment recorded significantly higher kernel and straw yield (69.51 and 89.36 q ha-1, respectively) in comparison to other treatments but it was on par with T2, T5 and T6. The treatment T3 recorded 27.8 % higher yield compared to T9. In study area the application of basal blended fertilizer @ 515 kg ha-1 + Top dress of blended fertilizer @ 390 kg ha-1 is recommended to achieve higher growth and yield of maize.

Evaluation on Genetic Variation, Correlation and Path Analysis in Zaid Maize (Zea mays L.) for Quantitative Characters

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate genetic variability parameters, correlation and path analysis in twenty-one maize genotypes for 21 quantitative traits in Zaid 2023 at Field Experimentation Centre, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Uttar Pradesh in Randomized Block Design replicated thrice. Analysis of Variance for all characters revealed that treatment differences were highly significant under study at 1% level. Genotype MZ-1917 depicted highest grain yield in the grown environment. The values of PCV were higher than GCV values for all the characters and large differences PCV between the values of PCV and GCV of characters like number of leaves per plant, leaf length, tassel length, cob length, cob girth and shelling percentage indicating that environmental factors significantly influenced the expression of these traits. All the traits studied had higher heritability, high genetic advance coupled with high heritability was observed for anthesis-silking intervals, ear height, cob weight, number of kernels per row, shank weight, 100 kernels weight, biological yield and grain yield per plant indicating the presence of large proportion of additive genetic action deciding these traits. Correlation and path coefficient analysis suggest that selection based on characters cob length, cob weight, shank weight, 100 kernels weight had positive correlation and direct effects with grain yield per plant. Therefore, it concludes that effective selection must be attempted for these traits, which would help in improvement of grain yield in maize genotypes grown during Zaid season of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Influence of Levels of Phosphorus on Yield Components and Yield of Zero Till Maize in Rice-maize (Zea mays L.) Sequence

Aims: Influence of levels of phosphorus on yield components and yield of zero till maize in rice-maize (Zea mays L.) sequence.Methodology: Field experiment was conducted during two successive years at College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad on rice-zero till maize sequence. The experiment was replicated thrice with 5 levels of P2O5 in rice and 3 levels of P2O5 in maize.Results: The direct application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 to maize recorded significantly higher value of yield components, grain and stover yield of maize over lower Phosphorus levels. The residual effect of 100% and /or 75% RDP (recommended dose of Phosphorus) applied to rice had a greater positive influence on the yield components and yield over lower phosphorus levels. The cumulative effect indicated that application of 100% RDP to both the crops and 75 % RDP to rice and 100% RDP to maize had a positive effect on maize and produced significantly greater yield components and yield over other phosphorus treatments.

Effect of Tillage, Crop Residue Management and Nutrient Levels on Energetics, Microbial Growth, Dehydrogenase Activity, Weed Parameters, Quality Parameters and Soil Physico-Chemical Properties of Maize (Zea mays L.)

The field experiment on “Effect of tillage, crop residue management and nutrient levels on energetics, microbial growth, dehydrogenase activity, weed parameters, quality parameters and soil physico-chemical properties of maize (Zea mays L.)” was conducted during rabi season of 2022-23 at Maize Research Centre, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University, Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana. The experiment comprised of 12 treatment combinations laid out in a split–plot design with three replications. The main–plot treatments included four different tillage practices:M1-Conventional tillage (Plough + Cultivator + Rotovator), M2-Residue incorporation (After 10 days of spreading the haulms, only rotovator was run), M3- Residue incorporation (After spreading the haulms, microbial consortium was sprayed and after 10 days only rotovator was run) and M4- Zero-tillage (Only microbial consortium was sprayed on the haulms). Sub–plot treatments included three nutrient levels: N1- 100% RDF (240-80-80 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1), N2: 100% RDN & P and 50% RDK (240-80-40 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1), and N3: 87.5% of RDN, 75% RDP and 75% RDK (210-60-60 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1). Results revealed that, among the tillage practices, residue incorporation (M3) had recorded significantly higher total microbial population, dehydrogenase activity and post-harvest soil available NPK of maize and lowest weed density and weed dry matter and it was on par with zero-tillage (M4) whereas all the parameters were significantly lower in conventional tillage (M1). However, Energy indices viz., energy use efficiency, specific energy, net energy, energy productivity, energy intensiveness was found to be the best in M1 -conventional tillage. Among the different nutrient levels, N1 (100% RDF) had shown significantly higher total microbial population, dehydrogenase activity and post-harvest soil available NPK of maize. Energy indices viz., energy use efficiency, specific energy, net energy and energy productivity was found to be the best in N1- 100% RDF. Whereas energy intensiveness was found to be best with N3- 87.5% of RDN, 75% RDP and 75% RDK. However, energy indices like energy use efficiency, energy productivity and energy intensiveness indicated non-significant effect of different nutrient levels. Tillage as well as nutrient levels did not exert any significant effect on moisture content and bulk density at sowing, tasselling & silking and at harvest stages. Similar results were followed with quality parameters. The interaction effect due to tillage and nutrient levels on soil microbial studies, enzymatic activity, weed parameters, quality parameters, soil physico-chemical parameters, and energy indices was found non- significant.

Heterosis Exploration in Single-Cross Inbred Line Combinations of Maize (Zea mays L.)

This study evaluates 56 crosses generated through the Line × Tester mating pattern using seeds collected during the kharif season of 2022 from the Post Graduation research Farm at Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab's Post Graduate Research Farm during the 2022 kharif season. In addition to the hybrids, fifteen parent lines and one check were grown. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications in the 2023 kharif season. Significant disparities between the entries were found by analyzing the mean squares for 11 attributes. Out of all the crosses, the hybrid BPPT1 x BML20 showed the greatest standard heterosis; BML6 x BML3 ranked second in terms of grain yield per plant. Crucially, these hybrids showed noteworthy and desired standard heterosis for other characteristics as well as grain production, suggesting that they might lead to improved overall performance. Using heterosis in maize might result in better cross combinations, meeting the increasing demand for the grain due to its bioactive qualities. The results of this study can help breeders create robust and high yielding varieties of maize, promoting sustainable agriculture and guaranteeing food security in the face of changing environmental issues. The findings of this research can guide breeders in developing high yielding and resilient maize varieties, contributing to sustainable agriculture, and ensuring food security in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Use of Selected Chemical and Biological Insecticides to Control Lepidopteran Pests of Maize Fields in Central Côte d'Ivoire

Control of lepidopteran larvae, the main pests in maize fields, has become necessary since the appearance and spread of Spodoptera frugiperda. The study was carried out at the Institut National Polytechnique Houphouët-Boigny in Yamoussoukro (Central Côte d’Ivoire). The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of three chemical - Viper 46 EC (Acetamiprid 16 g/l and Indoxacarb 30 g/l), K-Optimal 35 EC (Lambdacyhalothrin 15 g/l and Acetamiprid 20 g/l) and Ampligo 150 ZC (Chlorantanlipol 100 g/l and Lambdacyhalothrin 50 g/l) - and one biological insecticide Bio-Elit (Azadirachtin, Salanin, Nimbin and Melandriol) on lepidopteran larvae in maize fields using a randomized complete block design with five treatments and three repetitions. Data on insect identification, plant infestation, damage, and yield were collected. Insects’ identification was based on morphology using identification keys. Plant damage was assessed by visually estimating the plant health status (unattacked and attacked plants). Grain dry weight was used to estimate field yield. The encountered maize field insects belonged to 10 orders: Heteroptera, Hymenoptera, Homoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Dictyoptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, Dermaptera, and Lepidoptera. Five lepidopteran pest larvae have been recorded. Three of them were classified as minor pests (Eldana saccharina, Ostrinia nubilalis, and Helicoverpa zea), one as important (Sesamia calamistis), and one as a major pest (Spodoptera frugiperda). On untreated plots, more than 76% of plants were moderately to heavily attacked. However, on treated plots, plants showed isolated to moderate attacks. Insecticide sprayings controlled pest populations, reduced damage, and increased yield. The yields obtained on untreated plots (2.26±0.21 t/ha) were lower than those on treated plots (3.29±0.11 to 3.60±0.09 t/ha). The yield increase rate ranged from 45.74 to 59.63%. The best control was recorded with Ampligo (59.63%) and Bio-Elit (50.83%) compared to Viper (49.41%) and K-Optimal (45.74%). Therefore, the alternating use of synthetic or biological insecticides, which are not very toxic for humans and the environment but are effective on insect pests, increases the effectiveness of the control and provides a positive response to the problem of pest resistance while protecting the environment.

Unraveling the Genetic Framework Underlying Yield Dynamics in Maize (Zea mays L.): A Genetic Variability Perspective

Aims: The improvement in crop yield depends upon the magnitude of genetic variability available in breeding material and the extent to which the yield component traits are heritable from generation to generation.Study Design: Randomized Block Design.Place and Duration of Study: Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BU Campus, Jhansi (U.P.) between Kharif-2018 and June 2019.Methodology: During the Kharif season of 2018, a thorough field investigation was conducted at the Horticulture Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BU Campus, Jhansi (U.P.) involving a total of 30 different maize inbred lines. The findings revealed a notable genetic diversity among the maize lines, as indicated by the considerable sum of squares attributed to genotypic variations across all observed characteristics. Notably, the variation in plant height was particularly prominent, followed by traits such as biological yield per plant, seed yield per cob, seed yield per plant, number of seeds per row and harvest index in maize. The significant values of PCV and GCV observed for characteristics like plant height, number of cobs per plant, and biological yield per plant suggest a substantial level of variability, thereby highlighting the potential for enhancing these traits through selective breeding. Furthermore, the combination of high heritability and significant genetic progress in traits such as plant height, harvest index, cob ear weight, rows per plant, seed yield per cob, biological yield per plant, days to 50 per cent germination, shelling per cent, days to 50 per cent silking suggests that these traits can be improved through direct selection.

Field Efficacy of Insecticides against Fall Army Worm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) on Maize (Zea mays L.)

The field investigation was carried out during the Kharif season 2021 and 2022 in Central Research Farm (CRF), Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with twelve treatments each replicated thrice viz., Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (0.5 ml/l), Lambda cyhalothrin 2.5% EC (10 ml/l), Thiamethoxam 25 WG (10 gm/kg), Profenophos 50 EC (3ml/l), Cypermethrin 10 EC (4 ml/l), Neem oil 3% (30 ml/l), Verticillium lecani 1.15 WP (15 ml/l), Spinosad 45 SC (0.3 ml/l), Emamectin benzoate 5 SG (0.40 gm/kg), Indoxacarb 15.8 EC (1.5 ml/l), NSKE 5% (50 ml/l) and control plot. The result on Spodoptera frugiperda larval population after first and second spray in kharif 2021 and kharif 2022 evaluated that all the treatments were significantly superior over the control. Among the all treatments Emamectin benzoate 5 SG (2.24), (0.82) and (3.61), (2.33) was recorded minimum larval population of the both spray followed by, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (2.41), (1.01) and (3.82), (2.46), Indoxacarb 15.8 EC (2.53), (1.13) and (3.92), (2.55), Thiamethoxam 25 WG (2.66), (1.26) and (3.99), (2.66), Lambda cyhalothrin 2.5% EC (2.73), (1.33) and (4.06), (2.73) and Spinosad 45 SC (2.86), (1.46) and (4.12), (3.79). In this Profenophos 50 EC (2.93), (1.53) and (4.19), (2.86), Cypermethrin 10 EC (2.99), (1.59) and (4.32), (2.99), Verticillium lecani 1.15 WP (3.06), (1.66) and (4.39), (3.06), Neem oil 3% (3.13), (1.73) and (4.46), (3.13), NSKE 5% (3.19), (1.79) and (4.55), (3.24) is found to be least effective than all the treatments and is significantly superior over the control (4.99), (6.19) and (6.40), (7.19).

Effect of Auger Size and Depth of Operation on Bulk Density, Cone Index, Germination, Root Length, Root Weight and Cob Weight for Maize Crop

Minimum tillage methods offer numerous benefits compared to conventional tillage, including reduced farm operations to establish a good seedbed. Spot tillage, in particular, has advantages such as preserving soil structure, preventing erosion, saving time and energy, and reducing input costs. For this study, the effect of different auger size (40, 50 & 70mm) which was operated by 12V DC motor at different depth of operations (80, 120 & 160mm) were determined. The different parameters were measured such as bulk density, cone index, germination percentage, root length, root weight and cob weight for maize crop (GAYMH-3) and same for traditional sowing method. The results showed that auger size (40, 50 & 70mm) and depth of operation (80, 120 & 160mm) significantly influenced bulk density as bulk density of the soil increased with depth and decrease with increase in auger size. The larger auger (70mm) resulting in lower values in bulk density due to more soil removal. However, cone index was not significantly affected by auger size (40, 50 & 70mm) and depth of operation (80, 120 & 160mm). Seed germination for maize was consistently around 90%, with no significant effects of auger size and depth of operation were observed. An auger size (70mm) was associated with shorter root lengths. Increasing depth resulted in greater root development, leading to longer roots was observed in small size augers. Larger auger size and deeper depths generally resulted in higher root weights. Cob weight increased with auger size (70mm) and deeper depths. Auger size and depth significantly impacted cob weight. Overall, results showed that auger having the size of 70mm and depth of operation at 160mm was desirable compared to other auger size in terms of lower bulk density and cone index but increased root weight and cob weight of maize crop.

Effect of Tillage, Crop Residue Management and Nutrient Levels on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field study was conducted during rabi season of 2022 at Maize Research Centre, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University, Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana. The experiment comprised of 12 treatment combinations laid out in a split–plot design with three replications. The main–plot treatments included four different tillage practices:M1-Conventional tillage (Plough + Cultivator + Rotovator), M2-Residue incorporation (After 10 days of spreading the haulms, only rotovator was run), M3- Residue incorporation (After spreading the haulms, microbial consortium was sprayed and after 10 days only rotovator was run) and M4- Zero-tillage (only microbial consortium was sprayed on the haulms). Sub–plot treatments included three nutrient levels: N1- 100% RDF (240-80-80 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1), N2: 100% RDN & P and 50% RDK (240-80-40 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1), and N3: 87.5% of RDN, 75% RDP and 75% RDK (210-60-60 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1). Results revealed that, among the tillage practices, residue incorporation (M3) had recorded significantly higher growth attributes like plant height, leaf area, dry matter production and chlorophyll content (SPAD) at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest stages and yield of maize and it was on par with zero-tillage (M4) whereas all the parameters were significantly lower in conventional tillage (M1). Among the different nutrient levels, N1(100% RDF) had shown significantly superior performance in terms of growth attributes and yield of maize and it was on par with N2 (100% RDN & P and 50% RDK) whereas N3(87.5% of RDN, 75% RDP and 75% RDK) recorded significantly lower growth attributes and yield of maize .The interaction effect due to tillage and nutrient levels on plant height, leaf area, dry matter production, chlorophyll content (SPAD) at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest and yield was non- significant.

Character Association Study in Maize Hybrids Developed through Integration of Rapid Cycle Genomic Selection and Doubled Haploid Technology for Heat Stress Tolerance

Heat stress is becoming a major constraint for maize production; therefore heat stress resilience has emerged as an important aspect in maize hybrids targeted for post rainy spring season. Selection of genotypes based on high grain yield under heat stress condition is often misleading and the identification of secondary traits also associated with grain yield may help in development of heat tolerant cultivars. Hence, the present research work to study the association of traits was conducted during summer and kharif 2018 and rabi 2018-19 at Bheemarayanagudi and Raichur using 111 testcross progenies of doubled haploids derived from C1, C2 and C3 cycles of multi-parental synthetic population 1 and 2 improved through rapid cycle genomic selection for heat stress tolerance. The phenotypic correlation analysis under heat stress and optimal conditions, number of kernels per cob and cob girth exhibited the strong positive association with grain yield per plant. Further, under early spring condition number of kernels per cob, cob length, cob girth and 100 grain weight recorded the strong positive association with grain yield per plant. However, when considering across heat stress, early spring and optimal conditions, the grain yield per plant showed positive and significant strong to moderate association with the traits viz., number of kernels per cob, cob length and cob girth under all the seasons. In addition, days to 50% silking showed significant negative correlation with grain yield per plant under heat stress and optimal condition. Hence, the simultaneous selection criteria for the genotypes that exerts early silking, higher number of kernels per cob, higher cob girth and lengthy cob should be the priority of breeders to achieve higher grain yields in maize under heat stress condition as well as optimal conditions.

Assessment of Farmer Knowledge Level about Recommended Production Technology in Maize (Zea mays) Crop

The present research work was conducted in the Darbhanga and Bhagalpur district of Bihar to assess the knowledge level of farmers about recommended maize production technology. The ex-post facto research design was used. Three villages are purposefully chosen for each district and a total of 210 respondents were selected randomly. Results shown that the majority of respondents (40.5%) fall into the 40–54-year age group followed by most the respondents have educational background up to the level of senior secondary. It was observed that most the respondents have farming experience range of 9 -14 years followed by BAO (Block Agriculture Officer) is the most preferred extension exposure by the respondents, most of the respondents had the membership of panchayat. The average knowledge level of respondents is determined by knowledge test which contains question regarding different cultivation practices of maize further data from result revealed that the average knowledge level in planting time, soil and land preparation, method of sowing, seed rate and spacing, irrigation management, insect- pest management is higher in Bhagalpur respondents compare to Darbhanga district respondents. Average knowledge level in insect -pest management is low in both districts compare to other cultivation practices.

Effect of Foliar Application of Nano Urea on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.): A Review

maize requires large amounts of nutrients for appropriate growth, production and yield, it is regarded as a crop that is nutrient-exhaustive. The nutrient requirements of the maize crop can be maintained with the use of effective nutrient management techniques. Nanotechnology is gradually making its way from the experimental to the useful realms, like the development of slow-release fertilizers, conditional release of pesticides and herbicides, on the basis of nanotechnology has become critically important for promoting the development of environment friendly and sustainable agriculture. Traditional fertilisation techniques may undergo a revolution thanks to the inherent features of nanoparticles, which enable improved nutrient absorption, precision distribution and greater bioavailability. The results, as evidenced by multiple studies, indicate significant improvements in growth parameters, seed production, and overall plant health.

Effects of Nitrogen and Gibberellic acid on Growth, Yield and Economics of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.)

The experiment was conducted during the Rabi season 2022-23 at Crop Research Farm (CRF), Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (U.P.). The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design consisting of 10 treatment combinations and 3 replications. The treatments consist of 3 levels of Nitrogen (60, 80 and 100 kg/ha) and 3 levels of Gibberellic acid (25, 50 and 75 ppm). The treatment combinations are as follows, T1 – [Nitrogen (60 kg/ha) + Gibberellic acid (25ppm)], T2 – [Nitrogen (60 kg/ha) + Gibberellic acid (50ppm)], T3 – [Nitrogen (60 kg/ha) + Gibberellic acid (75ppm)], T4 – [Nitrogen (80 kg/ha) + Gibberellic acid (25ppm)], T5 – [Nitrogen (80 kg/ha) + Gibberellic acid (50ppm)], T6 – [Nitrogen (80 kg/ha) + Gibberellic acid (75ppm)], T7 – [Nitrogen (100 kg/ha) + Gibberellic acid (25ppm)], T8 – [Nitrogen (100 kg/ha) + Gibberellic acid 50ppm)], T9 – [Nitrogen 100 kg/ha) + Gibberellic acid (75ppm)] and T10 – [Control]. The results showed that treatment 9 [Nitrogen (100 kg/ha) + Gibberellic acid (75ppm)] recorded significantly higher plant height (188.83 cm), maximum number of leaves/plant (15.00), higher plant dry weight (71.29 g), maximum stem thickness (2.40 cm), higher green forage yield (43.55 t/ha) and maximum moisture content (83.45 %) compare to all other treatments. The maximum gross return (108875.00 INR/ha), net return (71914.35 INR/ha) and highest B:C ratio (1.94) was recorded in treatment 9 application of [Nitrogen (100 kg/ha) + Gibberellic acid (75ppm)] as compared to all other treatments.

Effect of Organic Manure and Zinc on Growth, Yield Attributes and Economics of Maize

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 season at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to study the response of organic manure and soil application of zinc on the growth, yield attributes and economics of maize. The treatment consists of three level of zinc sulphate (2, 4 and 6 kg/ha) vermicompost (12 t/ha), poultry manure (4 t/ha) and control. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatment and replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam with pH (8.0), EC (0.56 ds/m), organic carbon (0.62%), available N (225 kg/ha), available P (38.2 kg/ha), and available K (240.7 kg/ha). The results showed that application of 50% poultry manure and 50% vermicompost along with zinc 6kg/ha recorded significantly higher plant height (208.33 cm), higher dry weight (89.90 g), number of cobs/plants (2.93), cob length (29.80 cm), number of seeds/cob (414.70). Maximum gross returns (254310.40 INR/ha), net returns (173950.40 INR/ha) and Benefit Cost (B.C) ratio (2.16).

Growth of Maize in Response To In-situ Green Manuring

A field study was conducted at College farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design consisting of eight treatments viz., T1: In-situ green manuring (GM) of Sunhemp at 45 DAS + 0 kg N ha-1 at tasseling (T) stage, T2: GM + 10 kg N ha-1 at T, T3: GM + 20 kg N ha-1 at T, T4: GM + 30 kg N ha-1 at T, T5: GM + 40 kg N ha-1 at T, T6: GM + 50 kg N ha-1 at T, T7: GM + 60 kg N ha-1 at T, T8: Farmer’s Practice (Application of RDF without green manuring) replicated thrice on clay loam soil to evaluate the effect of in-situ green manuring on the growth parameters such as plant height, leaf area, SPAD and dry matter of rabi maize and the proportion up to which it can compensate nitrogen application at tasseling stage through in-situ green manuring at 45 DAS and variable application of nitrogen split scheduled from 10 – 60 kg ha-1 at tasseling stage besides farmers practice. The results indicated that, at 30 and 60 DAS, plant height, leaf area, SPAD and dry matter content did not vary significantly as all the treatments received equal doses of recommended nitrogen @ 60 kg ha-1 at the time of sowing and 30 DAS. However, at 90 DAS and at harvest equivalent and higher plant height, leaf area, SPAD and dry matter values obtained in the treatments involving green manuring along with the variable application of nitrogen split in 30 (T4), 40 (T5), 50 (T6) and 60 (T7) kg ha-1 at tasseling stage. Furthermore, the study concludes that at tasseling stage, the crop can be compensated with in situ green manuring up to 30 kg ha-1 meeting the nitrogen needs of the crop.

Impact of Tillage and Nitrogen Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Rabi Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted in sandy loam soils of Agricultural Research Station, Karimnagar during Rabi, 2022 in a split-plot design with three replications. Main plots includes three tillage practices viz., Zero tillage, Reduced tillage and Conventional tillage and sub plots includes three nitrogen levels viz., 75 %N, 100%N and 125%N. The results revealed that, maize cultivation under conventional tillage recorded significantly higher grain yield (8324 kg ha-1) which is statistically on par with reduced tillage treatment (7775 kg ha-1). In turn reduced tillage was statistically comparable to zero-tillage treatment (7353kg ha-1). Among different nitrogen levels examined, maize sown with 125% N application achieved significantly highest grain yield (8055 kg ha-1). This yield was statistically comparable to grain yield observed with 100% N application (7896 kg ha-1). While, significantly lowest grain yield (7501 kg ha-1) was recorded with 75% N application. Significantly highest grain yield in conventional tillage which is statistically on par with reduced tillage and among nitrogen levels, highest grain yield with 125%N which is on par with 100% N may attributed to increase in crop growth parameters viz., plant height, leaf area index and higher yield attributes viz., cob length and diameter, kernel rows number. The study concludes that maize cultivation with conventional tillage or reduced tillage results in higher grain yield. Concerning different nitrogen levels, higher grain and economic yield was obtained with 100% N application.

New Germplasms for Resistant Sources against Turcicum Leaf Blight Disease in Maize (Zea mays L.)

The present studies were aimed to evaluate 490 maize entries for resistance against turcicum leaf blight (TLB) disease in randomized block design using a check at Agricultural Research Station, Karimnagar, Telangana State, India during rabi (November,2021 to Febrauary,2022) and kharif (July,2022 to October,2022). Out of 213 lines during rabi 2021?2022,16 promising entries viz.,KML-21,KML-24,KML-33,KMH-388,KMH-275,KMH-373,KMH-478,KMH-370,KMH-257,KMH-393,KMH-340,KMH-131,KMH-41,KMH-36, SAMRAT and KMH- 64 were identified as resistant ,157 lines were recorded as moderately resistant,38 lines were recorded as moderately susceptible and CM-202 entry was recorded 80.42 per cent disease index (PDI).Out of 277 lines during kharif 2022,3 lines viz.,KMH-804,KMH-751 and KML-86 were identified as resistant lines to turcicum leaf blight disease,132 lines were moderately resistant,one line CM-202 was noticed with high 81.42 per cent disease index and severely affected by turcicum leaf blight and rated as susceptible during kharif, 2022.

Seed Priming for Enhancement of Seed Quality in Quality Protein Maize (QPM) (Zea mays L.)

An investigation was carried out with HQPM-5 maize hybrid and its parental lines HKI-163 and HKI-161 seeds during rabi 2022-23 to evaluate the effect of liquid biofertilizers (Azospirillum, Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and Potassium solubilizing bacteria) on seed quality attributes in Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes. The seeds were subjected to different concentration and duration of hydropriming and biopriming (Concentration: 10,15 and 20%; Duration: 6,12,18 and 24h). The non primed seeds were used as control. HQPM-5 seeds bioprimed with combination of Azospirillum @ 20 % + Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria @ 20 % + Potassium solubilizing bacteria @ 20 % at 12h (T9) recorded higher seed quality i.e., germination, field emergence, root length, shoot length, seedling length, seedling fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, seedling dry weight, seed vigour index I & II, nitrogen and protein content and lower EC of seed leachates than the parental lines, HKI-163 and HKI-161. The overall performance of female parent was found to be better compared to the male parent.

Assessment of Integrated Pest Management Modules against Fall Army Worm and Its Economic Impact in Maize

Aim: The present study was undertaken to assess the IPM modules and their economic impact against Fall Armyworm in maize through on farm trail (OFT).Place and Duration of Study: The present study was carried out in the farmers’ fields of Bhadradri Kothagudem district of Telangana during Rabi 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22.Methodology: The main objective of on farm trail is to test and evaluate the findings of the research stations at the farmer's field and to refine and modify the technologies, if required for better adoption by farmers. The KVK, Bhadradri Kothagudem conducted on farm trail for the management of fall armyworm in maize during Rabi 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22, as part of technical programme of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhadradri Kothagudem in KVK operational area of adopted villages.Results: In technology assessment plot (On farm trail) the treatments followed were avoiding staggered sowing of maize, installation of pheromone traps @ 8-10 per acre, clean cultivation, balanced application of fertilizers, erection of bird perches @10/acre, spraying of Azadiractin (1500ppm) to repel the egg laying and need based whorl application of Emamectin benzoate @ 0.5g/l and Metarrhizium anisopliae @ 5g/l of water, if more than8 adult moths were trapped in the pheromone trap for three consecutive days. It was compared with the farmers practice plots i.e application of Carbofuran 3G granules @ 3kg/acre and indiscriminate usage of fertilizers and insecticides. The experiment was conducted in five locations. The benefit cost ratio (BC Ratio) was higher in technology assessed plots with 2.78, 2.63 and 2.75 whereas BC ratio was comparatively lower in farmers practice plots with 2.43, 2:21 and 2.25 in corresponding Rabi 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively. Conclusion: Technology assessed package proved its effectiveness among maize farmers with increased net returns, lower per cent of FAW incidence and high yield and BC ratio compared to the farmers practiceduring Rabi 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively. Hence, this on farm trial proved to be feasible for demonstration in wide scale to farming community of Bhadradri Kothagudem district.