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Background: Salinity is one of the considerable factors which wanes crop productivity especially in arid and semi-arid realms of the world. The stress created by high soil salinity can cause osmotic stress, specific ion toxicity, nutritional imbalance, hormonal dysfunction and oxidative damage. A study was carried out to determine the effect of manganese (Mn) on growth rate index (GRI), Nodulation status, total nitrogen content, total amino acid content and total protein content of mungbean plants under salinity. Methods: Three indices were used to evaluate the effect of salt stress on development of mungbean plants (100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl). Untreated plants served as control expect. Mn was supplied to the plants in form of manganese chloride (MnCl2). The plant samples were analyzed for 65 days at every 10-day interval. Result: The results revealed that low level of salinity (100 mM NaCl) showed a significant increment in all the above observed parameters, while higher concentrations (200 mM and 300 mM) decreased the mentioned attributes. Foliar spraying with Mn (0.15%) mitigated the deleterious impacts of salinity and enhanced growth, nodulation and biochemical parameters. Thus, foliar treatment with Mn can be used in increasing the tolerance capacity of the plant and to enhance the nitrogen fixing ability of the plant under salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present investigation was effectuated to study mungbean germplasms with an objective to estimate the genetic variability parameterssuch as coefficient of variation, heritability andgenetic advance for yield and its contributing traits. Methods: The experimental material comprises of forty mungbean genotypes evaluated during Kharif-2017. An experimental study was conducted with emphasis on the selection of superior along with highly variable genotypes thatwere analyzed in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Result: The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the genotypic variations were significant for all of the traits and magnitude of variation was found high for clusters per plant followed by harvest index and seed yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for clusters per plant (96.00%, 65.48%), seed yield per plant (96.00%, 45.78%), pods per plant (93.00%, 44.81%), harvest index (86.00%, 44.42%). Thus, the present findings could be beneficial to develop superior genotypes through selection in mungbean breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Incidence of fall armyworm in maize has been reported at a severe level since 2018 resulting in low yield and in extreme cases complete failure of the crop. In view of undesirable effects of unilateral reliance on chemicals, greener avenues like intercropping needs to be explored, which promise to subside pests, as well as, provide higher income to cultivators. Methods: Field experiment was conducted during 2019-2021, consecutively for three years to investigate the consequences of intercropping with legumes viz., red gram (Cajanus cajan L.), black gram (Vigna mungo L.), green gram (Vigna radiata L. ), cowpea (Vigna unguiuculata L.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) on incidence of fall armyworm in maize and the cost economics involved. Result: Among the different intercrops studied, maize+cowpea recorded significantly lowest mean per cent infested plants (45.0 per cent) at 75 days after sowing which was statistically on par with maize+green gram (45.5 per cent). The next effective intercropping system was maize+black gram (55.7 per cent) followed by maize+red gram (58.2 per cent). Maize as a sole crop recorded the highest mean per cent infested plants (76.3 per cent) at 75 days after sowing. The system equivalent yield (SEY) of the intercropping systems under study ascertained that the maize+cowpea achieved highest SEY of 5230 kg per ha followed by maize+green gram (5160 kg per ha) followed by maize+black gram (4900 kg per ha). Upon comparison of the benefit cost ratio (BC ratio), the maize+cowpea proved to be highly profitable with BC ratio of 4.11 followed by maize+green gram (4.05) followed by maize+black gram (3.85), whereas, sole maize recorded minimum BC ratio of 2.87. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mung bean is characterized by its ability to withstand water scarcity due to its short life span, so it can be introduced into agricultural rotation systems and despite especially when there is a lack of humidity and contemporary environmental changes. Despite the importance of this crop, its productivity rate in Iraq is still low compared to global production. The dates and methods of cultivation of the mungbean crop must be determined accurately to suit the specifications of local varieties adapted to the changing environmental conditions. Methods: The field study was applied in two fields: the first in Nineveh Governorate and the second in Erbil Governorate / Republic of Iraq. Three factors included, first: two varieties of local mung bean (black and green), second: different cultivation methods (furrow and lines) and the third: planting dates (May 15, June 15 and July 15). The study was designed as a factor experiment a design (R.C.B.D) with three replicates. Result: The first variety superior significantly in the two sites with the qualities of plant height, leaf area, leaf area index, seed yield, biological yield and harvest index. From the results of the dates, we note a significant superiority of the first date number of seeds.pod-1 while the third date significantly outperformed the germination percentage for the two sites. First planting method significant superiority in most of the studied characterists and for the two research sites. Significant superiority was recorded for the interactions of research factors and their levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The per capita net availability of pulses in India has been increased from 15.5 kg per year in 2018-19 to 19.6 kg in 2021- 22. Efforts made to bridge the gap between demand and supply of pulses in the country has resulted in reducing the gap to some extent in recent years and still country is depended on import to meet the growing demand of the pulses such as pigeon pea, lentils and peas. Few studies predicted the demand and supply of pulses as a whole in the country and no studies analyzed the pulse wise demand supply gap in India. Hence, the present study was proposed to predict the demand and supply of major pulses such as chickpea (Gram/Chana), pigeon pea (Tur/Arhar), black gram (urd bean), mung bean (Green gram) and lentil (Masur) in India for a period, 2024-2030. Methods: The present study has been used the crop data on area, production and yield of major pulses including chickpea (Gram/ Chana), pigeon pea (Tur/Arhar), black gram (urd bean), mung bean (Green gram) and lentil (Masur) for a period of 29 years (1985- 2024) collected from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of India, New Delhi. Household consumption expenditure data was collected from the National Sample Survey office for 2011-12 from the Government of India. The supply projection was estimated by using linear regression model and demand projections were done by using behaviouristic approach. Result: Decadal trend in area, production and yield of pulses from 1970-2010 showed mixed trends of increase and decrease, whereas in 2010-2020, chickpea, pigeon pea, mung bean and black gram showed positive trend in area, production and yield but lentil alone showed negative trend in production. Import dependency of the pulses in the total availability has reduced to 8.92 per cent in 2021-22 from 19.42 per cent in 2009-10. Import dependency of the pulses in the total availability has reduced to 8.92 per cent in 2021-22 from 19.42 per cent in 2009-10. The availability of pulses has grown at a rate of 3.73 per cent from 2009 to 2021. Chick pea, tur, mung bean, urd bean and lentils together contributed on an average 88.7 per cent to the total pulses production and 83.73 per cent of pulses availability from 2013 to 2021. Production of these five pulses has increased to 23.04 million tonnes in 2020-21 from 17.3 million tonnes from 2013- 14. Gram is the single pulse contributed more than 40 per cent of the pulse production of the country in the above period. Demand supply projection showed a net surplus of 0.81-3.89 mt in the case of pulses and 5.64-7.63 mt in the case of gram and 0.89 to 1.91 mt in Urd and 0.68 to 1.57 mt in mung bean during 2024-2030. But in the case of pigeon pea and lentil there may be a net deficit in the range of 3-2.42 and 1.13-1.04 mt, respectively, during 2024-2030. Efforts should be made to bridge the gap in demand and supply of pigeon pea and lentil by the way of bringing new areas under pulses and developing the technologies suitable for the clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) and green gram (Vigna radiata L.) were mostly used as chemical residue indicators for testing the persistence of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides, etc. in the soil. Presently, the coir pith was used as a medium of nursery for many seeds and seedling production. This study evaluated the inhibition effects and screening of allelopathic chemicals from aqueous extracts of coir pith and composting coir pith on the black gram and green gram by response index method and GCMS/ MS analysis. Methods: The coir pith and composted coir pith soaked the ratio of 1:10 for 24 hrs, filtered through Whatman No.1 filter paper. The inhibition effect tested for germination and seedling growth of black gram and green gram was sown in poly pots. The carbon: nitrogen ratio and the total organic carbon were analyzed by dry combustion method, Kjeldahl method and GCMS/MS analysis. Result: The phytotoxic substances are present in coir pith, which can be exterminated by composting the coir pith for better growth and development of seedlings. The negative response index (RI), high C: N ratio and chemical compounds like tocopherol, fucoxanthin, tetramethyl heptadeca, dichloroacetamide, tetrazole, hydroxyethyl palmitate, neocurdione and uridine derivations present in raw coir may have the phytotoxic effect and produced yellowing symptoms in young plants compared to composted coir pith. This is exterminated by composting the coir pith for better growth and development of seedlings as well as used for various agricultural and horticultural nurseries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Optimum crop growth and yield is result of interlinking of several factors. In semi- tropical soil in central plateau and hills zone are deficit in organic carbon and NPK content; therefore inadequate fertilization may leads to pure quality and also lower crop productive capacity of soil. For the maintenance of sustainable and productive production, maintaining soil health is a critical factor. Under low fertility levels, mungbean gives low seed yield. Potassium humate, nitrogen and phosphorus (RDF) application may be increase yield of mungbean in this zone. Methods: A field experiment was conducted to study, “Nodulation, yield attributes and yield of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.)] influenced by different level of potassium humate and fertility level”. The experiment was carried out in factorial randomized block design with three replications and sixteen treatment combination. Result: Result showed that total number of root nodules, effective nodules, fresh and dry weight of root nodules, leghaemoglobin, nodule index, no. of pods/plant, no. of seeds/pod, test weight, seed and straw yield were observed significantly higher with application of potassium humate @ 4.5 kg/ha. Among different fertility level, the application of 100% RDF significantly increased the total number of root nodules and effective nodules, fresh and dry weight of root nodules, leghaemoglobin, nodule index, no. of pods/plant, no. of seeds/pod and test weight, seed and straw yield. With combined application of potassium humate @ 3.0 Kg/ha + 75% RDF significantly higher no. effective nodules, dry weight of root nodules and seed yield were observed, as well as saving of 25% RDF and 1.5 kg potassium humate were also observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Among several reasons for low productivity in mungbean, various biotic and abiotic factors play a major role. Although intensive research work has been done on genetic architecture of yield and yield attributes of mungbean but limited work was done on yield attributes along with water use efficiency (WUE) and heat stress tolerance related traits. The present study is aimed to identify the genetic potential of mungbean genotypes with high yield and drought and heat stress tolerance. Methods: The F2 seed was harvested from selfed F1 population during 2017-18 from three superior crosses viz., ML 267xLGG 528, MGG 390xLM 95 and LM 95xEC 362096. These crosses were selected based on their per se performance of yield, yield attributes and WUE related traits. Genetic analysis was carried out in F2 populations of three crosses for fourteen quantitative characters to identify the number of transgressive segregants in desirable direction. Result: A good number of transgressive segregants in desirable direction were observed for plant height, number of pods per cluster, harvest index, SLA, SLW and relative injury in the cross ML 267xLGG 528: for plant height, number of branches per plant, SCMR, SLA, SLW and relative injury in the cross MGG 390xLM 95 and for plant height, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant SCMR, SLA, SLW, relative injury and seed yield in the cross LM 95xEC 362096. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: YMV disease in mungbean is one of the major disease causing heavy losses annually throughout the country. As the disease is transmitted by insect vector, management of vector is important to check the YMV disease that can minimise the losses. The present investigation was aimed to evaluate different IPM modules for management of YMV disease of mungbean. Methods: Field experiments were carried out during Rabi season of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at the Research Farm of Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station, Chiplima, Sambalpur, Odisha, India. Population of whitefly was recorded on three leaves selected from top, middle and bottom canopy of the plant. Disease severity was recorded by using 0-9 scale. Result: The IPM module i.e. seed treatment with Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 5 gm kg-1 of seed, installation of yellow sticky trap @ 50 ha-1 and spraying of Acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.3 gm l-1 of water was found as the most effective among all other modules. Pooled analysis of two years data revealed that 65.5% YMV disease control and 59.3% reduction of white fly population over control were performed by the said IPM module. A maximum increase in yield (84.8%) and highest cost benefit ratio (1.77) were also achieved with the module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salinity stress remains a chronic threat to pulses productivity in India. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play a major role which influences plant growth, nutrient uptake and contributes to ecosystem processes under salt stress. The present study aims, to demonstrate the impact of Glomus mosseae (Gm), on physio-biochemical attributes of mungbean exposed to salinity. Methods: Two highly tolerant, two moderately susceptible and two highly susceptible mungbean lines were subjected to salinity stress alone and in presence of Gm under greenhouse. Result: Results revealed that Gm alleviates the salinity stress related alterations by improving the nutrient uptake and by balancing the ratio between K:Na, which impact directly the osmoregulation of the plants. Mycorrhiza inoculation also increased the proline content (23%), water-use efficiency (38%) and activity of different antioxidant enzymes in a significant manner providing efficient protection against salinity stress. All these positive impacts of Gm were duly reflected in a significant increase in grain yield (more than 2 fold increase) in mungbean. Interestingly, salt-induced retarded growth and decline in other biochemical parameters in susceptible lines recorded remarkable recovery following Gm inoculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foliar spray of nutrients offers a best way to accelerate crop growth and boost up productivity of mungbean under irrigated conditions to meet out the demand raised by ever increasing population of our country. The study was framed to investigate physiochemical and biological properties of fermented fish waste extract (FFWE) and its effects on productivity performance in mungbean. Methods: The organic liquid FFWE was characterized for its physiochemical and biological properties in the laboratory. Field experiments were conducted during Kharif 2019 and 2020 in mungbean to study the effect of FFWE as foliar spray on growth, yield, quality and economics. Treatments consisted of foliar spray of different concentrations of FFWE (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 %) compared with 1% urea and control. The treatments were replicated four times in a randomized block design. Result: Laboratory analysis showed that fermented fish waste extract contains considerable amount of essential nutrients namely nitrogen (1.87%), phosphorus (0.49%), potassium (0.93%), calcium (0.54%), magnesium (0.26%), sulphur (0.04%), copper (3.1 ppm), zinc (38.2 ppm), manganese (4.8 ppm) and iron (118 ppm). The microbial population viz., total bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in FFWE were found to be 196±1.8, 11±0.06 and 203±0.87 (CFU/mL), respectively. Field experiments revealed that 2.0% FFWE foliar spray at flowering stage and 15 days after first spray in mungbean found to improve the plant height, (40.8 cm) dry matter production (1770 kg/ha), leaf chlorophyll (SPAD value 40.0), number of pods per plant (28.3), seeds per pod (9.9), grain yield (665 kg/ha) and grain protein (23.4%). Economics of foliar nutrition showed that foliar spray of 2.0% FFWE gave higher net return of Rs. 24057/- per ha and benefit cost ratio of 2.30. Thus, it could be concluded that foliar spray of 2.0% fermented fish waste extract could be considered as an excellent source of organic liquid manure for enhancing the productivity of mungbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Narrow genetic base and lack of exploitable variation have become a major constraint for yield improvement in greengram. Identifying genetically superior parents and breeding scheme to be adopted become a pre-requisite for the development of elite cultivars. Thereby, blending the knowledge on gene action and combining ability plays a key role. Materials: Combining ability analysis was carried out in twenty-five crosses derived out of Line x Tester mating design using 5 lines and 5 testers. The hybrids, parents and the check variety were evaluated in a RBD with two replications and ten quantitative characters were recorded. Result: Non-additive gene action was found to be prevalent for the quantitative traits observed. Exploring the per se and gca effects, COGG13-39 and VGG18-002 were adjudged as the best parents and the crosses involving above parents will be productive for synthesizing a dynamic population with superior recombinants. Meanwhile, exploring the per se, sca and heterosis, the best specific crosses identified for seed yield/plant and pods per plant were, V2709 x GAM5 and COGG13-39 x VGG16-058. They can be further exploited to obtain transgressive segregants for higher yield, bold seeds and bruchid resistance through appropriate breeding strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maize-wheat is the predominant cropping system of dryland ecology of Jammu region, but due to their comparatively higher input requirements especially of nutrients and water under the fragile ecology of these dry lands an untenable threat has been posed to their factor productivities. Therefore, all cropping sequences that suit and sustain better on the natural resources of the dryland ecosystems for a longer period of time needs to be explored. Methods: The treatments consisted of two oilseeds i.e. mustard) and gobhi sarson and two pulse crops i.e. chickpea and field pea taken during rabi were followed by two oilseed i.e. soybean and sesame and two pulse crops i.e. green gram and black gram grown during kharif. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Result: Significantly higher chickpea equivalent yield of green gram was observed with field pea-green gram sequence (10.26 q/ha) which was at par with the chickpea - green gram and field pea - black gram system. The available nitrogen status was significantly influenced and recorded highest (166.82kg/ha) under field pea-green gram system. Further overall nutrient mining by this system was quite low as compared to other systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Green gram (Vigna radiata) also known as moong bean is an annually cultivated in East Asia, Southeast Asia and Indian subcontinent. V. radiata is very important source for the protein as in our regular diet and it proved essential amino acid such as phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, arginine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan. Methods: Here, we studied the influence of seed endophytes on germination and development under salinity stress condition. Seeds were treated with sodium hypochlorite for 30 min under shaking condition at 100 rpm for surface sterilization and treated with 70% ethanol for 2 min and followed five times rinse with autoclaved water. Surface sterilised seeds were homogenised in autoclaved water with the help of mortal-pestle. Homogenised seed solution made serial dilution and spreaded over nutrient agar for endophytic bacterial growth. Seeds were treated with bacteriocide and fungicide to make endophytes free, followed by sown for germination at 0 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM and 150 mM NaCl concentration. Result: Endophyte free seedlings were more susceptible against salt stress over normal seedlings. Therefore endophyte free seedling shoot and root biomass was 23.5% and 65.7% lower than control seedling biomass at 0mM salt respectively, while root length was 70% lower than control seedling root at 0mM salt concentration. Proline content in shoot and root observed an increase with increase of salt concentration. At 0 mM salt, proline content was 0.00782±0.00043 and 0.00648±0.00017 (µmol/mg) in root of normal and endophyte free seedling respectively, while in shoot, it was non-significant difference. Glycine betaine content found to be increasing upto 100 mM, followed by decreasing at 150 mM in both root and shoot tissue. Glycine betaine content in endophyte free and control seedling shoot was 74.2±2.5 and 96.0±2.73 (µg/200 mg) respectively at 100 mM salt concentration. This result suggests, not only heritable genomic DNA but also endophytes associated with seed are very much important for the seedling growth and development which is also finally helps to combat abiotic stress situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A systematic investigation of the induced mutagenesis in Urdbean was attempted with cultivars viz., MDU 1 and VBN (Bg) 4 to generate superior battering quality varieties. Induced mutation is proven as an applicable breeding method to build variation in plant materials. In this study, 40 Urdbean genotypes including thirty eight mutants of two promising Urdbean varieties namely MDU1 and VBN (Bg) 4 and two parental genotypes were involved for quality analysis. One of the most dangerous diseases in legumes is Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV). In legume, this virus causes enormous losses in the areas of Urdbean cultivation. The prevailing varieties are partially resistant to this virus. Hence, the paramount approach to control this disease is breeding for resistance or tolerance to this disease. There is a necessity of searching the sources of disease resistance. In this study, screening of the mutants was conducted to make out the source of resistance to this disease. Methods: The nutritional characters viz., albumin, globulin and total soluble protein along with biochemical analysis of battering quality through Arabinose estimation were analyzed to find out the quality characters of the mutants. Batter volume analysis from idli batter was conducted conducted. Scoring of disease severity was done for all the plants on 50th day on the basis of visual scoring. The disease was scored on a 1-9 arbitrary scale. For biochemical characterization for this disease estimation of total phenol content, total sugars and phytic acid was executed. Result: Based on the general performance of albumin content, globulin content, total soluble protein, arabinose content, 100 seed weight and seed yield per plant, the mutant lines viz., ACM-014-021, ACM-015-015, ACM-15-023, ACM-015-013, ACM-015-003, ACM-015-030, ACM-014-006, ACM-014-007 were recognized as the best. Hence these mutant lines could be exploited directly in the breeding programme to develop superior battering quality Urdbean varieties. Based on over all mean performance of important batter volume characters viz., initial batter volume analysis, final batter volume, improved batter volume, arabinose content and single plant yield the mutant lines ACM-15-015, ACM-015-030, ACM-015-003, ACM-015-023 were identified to be superior in terms of yield, arabinose content and batter volume. The mutant lines viz., ACM-014-021, ACM-015-025, ACM-014-006, ACM-015-022, ACM -015-023, ACM-014-019, ACM-014-007, ACM-015-017, ACM-014-003 and VBN (Bg) 4 were recognized as resistant to MYMV. These lines had higher total phenol, phytic acid content and less total sugar content in the leaves when compared with the highly susceptible mutant lines. The present study indicated that phytic acid content recorded highly significant positive correlation with total phenol. Based on the per se performance for all the characters studied viz., seed batter analysis, seed volume analysis and MYMV scoring, the mutant lines viz., ACM-014-021, ACM-015-23, ACM-015-030, were judged as the best and could be exploited directly or in breeding experiments for improving yield along with batter quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global food production is seriously threatened by salinity stress, which is becoming more severe due to human activity. For the majority of people worldwide, mungbean is a significant pulse crop and a rich source of protein and calories and hence is rightly marked as "Poor man's meat" and "rich man's vegetables". Salt stress, on the other hand, negatively affects the productivity of the mungbean since it causes decreased germination, reduced growth and development, interrupted photosynthesis, hormonal imbalance and eventually decreased yields. Consequently, developing mitigation strategies to deal with salt stress requires a greater understanding of how plants respond to salinity stress. The present review highlights the detrimental effects of salt stress and the physiological and biochemical tolerance mechanisms in mungbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, about 6.75 million ha, which is around 2.3% of the country's geographical area is salt affected of which 3.79 million ha is sodic soil. Total sodic soil area in Tamil Nadu is around 0.36 million ha, accounting for 9.5% of total sodic soil area in India. Reclamation of salt-affected soil using drainage is expensive and leaching with good quality water is uneconomical in shallow water table areas. Addition of organic amendments performs a dual role in these situations by enhancing gypsum solubility and improving soil physico-chemical characteristics. Methods: In this context a field experiment was conducted at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tiruchirappalli during summer season of 2021 and 2022 to study the reclamation potential of ameliorants under sodic soil. The experiments were laid out in split plot design with three replications. The treatments comprised of different soil amendments in main plot and foliar nutrition in sub plot. Result: The results showed that, gypsum @ 50% GR+CSR GROMOR @ 25 kg ha-1 registered significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height (53.5 and 58.4 cm), no. of branches plant-1 (7.27 and 6.75), DMP (2791 and 2801 kg ha-1), physiological characters viz.,CGR (4.12 and 4.46 g m-2 day-1), SPAD value (27.70 and 29.96), RWC (64.10 and 56.15%) and soluble protein (74.60 and 69.72 mg g-1) at harvest. It also increased grain yield of 834 and 875 kg ha-1 with higher exchangeable Ca and Mg with lower Na content during 2021 and 2022 year of experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The key focus of crop diversification is the selection of compatible crops for increasing biodiversity, efficient use of resources and enhancing system productivity. Monocropped coconut gardens provide ample scope for crop diversification through the inclusion of several crops as intercrops. The present study was conducted to assess the feasibility of intercropping maize, finger millet, black gram and green gram in coconut garden. Methods: Field experiments were conducted during two consecutive summer seasons to assess the suitability of maize, finger millet, black gram and green gram as intercrops in coconut garden. Result: The present investigation revealed that maize (cereal) and finger millet (millet) were suitable as intercrops in coconut garden. The adaptability of the tested crops and system productivity were assessed and discussed. On the whole, the nutrient balance sheet revealed the importance of soil test based nutrient management for intercropping in coconut garden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Grain legumes are considered as an important group of food crops that can play a vital role to address national food and nutritional security and also tackle environmental challenges. They are known as the basis for an ecologically-sound, farmerfocused agricultural development effort and an important component of sustainable farming systems. Biofertilizers, being a cheap and environment friendly source of plant nutrients assume a special significance in supplying the plant nutrients under the present context of indiscriminate use and high costs of chemical fertilizers. Biofertilizers could be a good alternative to supplement the chemical fertilizers. Methods: A field experiment was carried out at Pantnagar in Mollisols during 2017-18 and 2018-19 to study the performance of Rhizobium sp. and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculation in mungbean on productivity, soil health and economics. Result: A pronounced effect of biofertilizers application in mungbean was observed on the root nodulation, yields, nutrient uptake and soil health. Co-inoculation of Rhizobium and PGPR significantly increased the nodule number, nodule dry weight, plant dry weight, grain yield, straw yield, N and P uptake in mungbean and improved soil health over the no inoculation. The study suggested that combined application of PGPR and Rhizobium sp. in mungbean is better than Rhizobium sp. alone in increasing crop yields, soil health and farmer's profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mungbean is an ancient pulse crop widely cultivated under different agro-ecological situations in India. It is the potential source of protein, essential minerals and vitamin-B (vitamin-C in sprouting grains). Pulses offer an alternative for diversification of agricultural system but poor yield renders them poor competitors of cereals, oilseeds and cash crops. So it is necessary to screen and identify phenotypically stable genotypes which could perform more or less uniformly under different conditions. The current study aimed to identify the high potential stable genotype and appropriate sowing time for mungbean cultivation in hot arid zone of Rajasthan. Methods: A field experiment was conducted with 35 mungbean genotypes over four environments created by four different dates of sowing in RBD with three replications at SKRAU, Bikaner during summer-2019 and Kharif-2019 using the model of Eberhart and Russell (1966). Result: Stability parameters revealed that genotype IC-39269 exhibited stable performance for number of seeds per pod, biological yield per plant and harvest index across the environments; whereas, IPM 02-3, MH 2-15 and RMG-344 exhibited stable performance for seed yield under favourable environment i.e. Kharif season and genotype IC 103059 for stressed environment i.e. summer season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seed related traits are important since they directly draw consumer preference. But there are only limited numbers of studies with reference to seed related traits. Hence, the present study was undertaken to study the genetic diversity and genetic relationship among seed traits in ricebean. Methods: During Rabi, 2022-23, a set of 109 ricebean germplasm with seven checks were evaluated in Augmented design II at Department of Pulses, Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Result: Morphological characterization of 109 genotypes revealed that green yellow was the predominant seed coat colour. Seed coat pattern was absent in most of the genotypes and in rest of the genotypes, speckled type was predominant. The traits viz., bulk density, seed volume and hundred seed weight exhibited high heritability with high genetic advance as per cent of mean. Seed volume, seed thickness, bulk density, seed length and seed breadth evidenced highly significant and positive association with hundred seed weight. PCA analysis revealed that the traits viz., length breadth ratio, bulk density, hundred seed weight, seed volume, seed length and seed thickness contributed to the maximum genetic variability. In addition, it also earmarked the best performing genotypes for each seed related trait. Hence, the above findings could be effectively utilized for the development of ricebean cultivars with ideal seed characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The production of pulses recorded a negative growth rate due to stagnation in expansion of pulse growing area and very slow progress in the improvement of productivity of important pulses. Therefore, there is urgent need to increase the area under pulse crops by promoting them into new areas and seasons. Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] is third most important pulse crop both in acreage and production in India and hence, identification of high yielding dual season (kharif and summer) stable blackgram genotypes is very crucial for horizontal expansion of crop, which in turn leading to increased production. The present study was thus envisaged to identify stable, high yielding dual season (kharif and summer) genotypes. Methods: Twenty-five blackgram genotypes were evaluated at three different locations during kharif and summer seasons to identify high yielding, stable and suitable for dual season. The data obtained from six environments was subjected to stability analysis as per Eberhart and Russell (1966). Result: Analysis of variance for stability revealed that variance due to genotypes, environment and environment + (genotype × environment) were highly significant for all the characters. The genotypes viz., TRCRU-136, BDU-20, BDU-18, AKU-15 and TRCRU-22 were found early maturing with wider adaptability to unfavourable environments. While, BDU-18 and LBG-465 were found stable in expression with high mean performance across the six environments for 100-seed weight. From the present study, six promising stable genotypes viz., BDU-17, TRCRU-22, BDU-18, TRCRU-339, TRCRU-18 and IC 436778 were identified for cultivation during kharif as well as summer seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek], commonly recognized as green gram, is the most significant and advanced pulse crop grown in Rajasthan. Dry root rot is one of the important diseases of mungbean caused by M. phaseolina, which is responsible for 30 to 40 per cent disease incidence with huge yield loss during seedling to mature stages. Methods: The experiments were conducted for two consecutive years during kharif 2020 and 2021 for managing the disease through organic amendments, plant extracts and bio-agents viz., Trichoderma harzianum (10 g/kg seeds), garlic extract (15%), neem cake (0.5 t/ha) and mustard cake (0.5 t/ha) alone and in combinations through seed as well as soil applications. Result: Our investigations cleared that the maximum disease reduction and highest seed yield were reported by treating the seeds with T. harzianum @10 g/kg seed + soil application of mustard cake @ 0.5 t/ha followed by seed treatment with T. harzianum @ 10 g/kg seed + soil application of neem cake @ 0.5 t/ha. In view of consumer health, present findings may be helpful for growers to get extra benefits by producing organic mungbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Green gram (Vigna radiata), the third most important pulse crop, is grown in tank-fed, command areas after the harvest of paddy. In such areas, legume trees like Delonix regia and Peltophorum pterocarpum are commonly found and tree parts often fell in watercourses and were flown to crop fields along with irrigation water. Hence, it is necessary to study whether any allelopathic effect is present in these parts of trees which may affect the growth and development of green gram grown in farmland crops. Methods: Collected different tree parts viz., bark, leaf and fresh flower, a matured pod of Delonix regia and Peltophorum pterocarpum, cleaned and soaked distilled water at weight/volume ratio of 1:10 for 24 hrs. Aqueous extracts were filtered and tested for inhibition of green gram. Pot culture experiments were conducted with 10 treatments and four replications. Germination (%), shoot length (cm), root length (cm), fresh weight (mg), dry weight (mg), seedling vigour index-I and vigour index-II in green gram were recorded and the magnitude of inhibition versus simulation in bioassay was compared through response index. Result: Among the plant parts, Delonix regia flower and Peltophorum pterocarpum matured pods suppressed germination (45.00 and 60.00%), shoot length (13.87 and 13.39 cm), root length (4.27 and 10.49 cm), seedling vigour index-I (624.15 and 803.40) and seedling vigour index-II (960.75 and 948.00) respectively in green gram. This might due to presence of inhibitory chemicals in flowers of Delonix regia and matured pods of Peltophorum pterocarpum compared to other plant parts of trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the important cereal crop and its demand is increasing due to its versatile use but the productivity in India is still low. The basic requirement for improving the crop productivity is soil fertility and it is highly related with soil organic matter. Due to unavailability of organic manure and their higher cost, cheaper the organic source available at farm should be explored to meet the requirement. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at College Agronomy Farm, B.A. College of Agriculture, AAU, Anand during summerkharif seasons of years 2017 and 2018 to examine the impact of legume crop residue and nitrogen levels on maize crop. Experiment comprised of three legume crops grown in summer season viz., green gram, groundnut and cluster bean, two residue management treatments viz., residue removal and incorporation and three nitrogen levels in kharif maize viz., 100%, 75% and 50% recommended dose of nitrogen. Result: Results indicated that cluster bean-maize sequence provided the highest leaf area and leaf area index at 60 days after sowing, chlorophyll content and dry matter production at 30 and 60 days after sowing and crop growth rate for of maize crop. Incorporation of legume residues also had significant effect on plant height, dry matter production and chlorophyll content; leaf area and leaf area index at 60 days after sowing and crop growth rate and absolute growth rate of maize crop. Application of 100% RDN beneficially affected all the growth parameter and indices. Overall, summer legume cropping with their residue incorporation and higher nitrogen levels favourably impacts on various growth parameters and growth indices of maize crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Greengram Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek, is an important legume crop that serves as a low-cost source of protein. The bruchid (Callosobruchus spp.) is a serious storage pest affecting greengram and other pulse crops. Thus, a study was designed to investigate bruchid resistance (Callosobruchus chinensis) in inter sub-specific derived lines of greengram and to identify chemical compounds responsible for resistance. Methods: The experimental material comprised of 200 inter sub-specific derived lines of F9 generation of VBN (Gg) 2 (susceptible to bruchid) x Vigna radiata var. sublobata/2 (resistant to bruchid) and a susceptible check variety. The bruchid screening experiment was carried out in completely randomized design and replicated twice with 50 seeds in each replication by adopting no choice test. Out of 200 lines evaluated for bruchid screening, seed damage due to bruchid was less than 20 per cent in 11 lines, identified as resistant. However, three resistant lines viz., GGISC 124, GGISC 140 and GGISC 150 were taken for further confirmation for bruchid resistance and GC-MS analysis to discover the chemical compounds conferring resistance (Clarus SQ 8C, Perkin Elmer). Result: In confirmation screening, seed damage due to bruchid (Callosobruchus chinensis) on 30th day was less than 20 per cent in three inter sub-specific lines viz., GGISC 124, GGISC 150 (17.00%) and GGISC 140 (18.00%), whereas the susceptible check [VBN (Gg) 2] reached 100 per cent adult emergence. The three inter sub-specific lines recorded susceptibility index of 0.046 (GGISC 124), 0.047 (GGISC 140) and 0.048 (GGISC 150) and classified as resistant. The susceptible check [VBN (Gg) 2] recorded the susceptibility index of 0.085. GC-MS study was carried out in resistant lines GGISC 124, GGISC 140, GGISC 150 and susceptible check VBN (Gg) 2. The results revealed that the existence of three compounds viz., 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester; Hexadecanoic acid, 1- (hydroxymethyl)-1, 2-ethanediyl ester and Hexadecanoic acid, 2-oxiranyl methyl ester in resistant lines conferred resistance against C. chinensis in greengram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Agricultural research chiefly focuses on the ways to increase productivity of staple food crops like wheat and rice, but still there are crops where research focus is meagre like nutritionally important mungbean crop grown by marginal farmers in crop rotation systems. Mungbean is leguminous crop which is high in protein content thus it offers health benefits at cheaper rates. The present work emphasizes on finding genetic diversity in mungbean germplasm on the basis of chemical and molecular analysis for micronutrients variation (iron and zinc). The identified molecular markers having linkage with high iron and zinc concentrations in the seeds can prove helpful in expansion of biofortification programme. Methods: Fifty-one green gram genotypes viz. varieties released from CCS Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, Indian Institute of Pulse Research (IIPR), Kanpur and some advanced breeding lines were included in the study. Acid digested samples were used for determination of Fe and Zn by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Young seedlings leaves were used for isolation of genomic DNA using 2% CTAB (cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide). Result: Total of fifty-one mungbean genotypes were tested using fifty simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. Out of fifty primers screened, 16 primers generated 35 bands. Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in mungbean lines was 36.90 to 107.1 mg/kg and 14.2 to 53.8 mg/ kg respectively. The molecular studies based on SSR markers also indicates existence of ample genetic diversity at molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The yield levels in mung bean reached a plateau, which emphasizes breeding for varieties with improved productivity. The basic requirements of any breeding include the understanding of different genetic parameters of various yield related traits along with the knowledge with regards to interrelationships and cause and effect of those relations among the quantitative traits. Methods: In the present investigation, sixty germplasm lines were evaluated using augmented randomized complete block design in respect of eleven quantitative traits for three years i.e., during kharif seasons of 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 to understand the genetic architecture of different genetic parameters along with associations and their cause and effects of different traits on grain yield. Result: The pooled analysis revealed significant variability for majority of traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed in case of pods per plant, clusters per plant, plant height, test weight, seeds per pod, pods per cluster and grain yield indicating probable operation of additive gene action in inheritance of these traits. Clusters per plant and pods per plant which registered high GCV, high heritability and high genetic advance as percent of mean. The association studies revealed significant associations of pods per plant, clusters per plant, pods per cluster, branches per plant, days to maturity, pod length with grain yield per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic levels in desirable direction. Further, it was found that all these six traits which had significant association with yield also established significant magnitude of direct effects in desirable direction which contributed to the significant associations hence, can be considered simultaneously during selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Variety characterization is the foremost important step that should be done by breeders to classify a variety into distinct groups. A significant technique for locating and assessing several genotypes for the registration, protection and production of seeds of superior quality is the Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) characterization. Consequently, the current investigation aimed to use DUS descriptors to describe and assess the variance present in mungbean genotypes. Methods: One hundred forty-two mungbean genotypes were examined using 21 agro-morphological qualitative DUS descriptors in a randomized block design with two replications across two seasons, kharif 2021 and kharif 2022. Result: In the twenty-one DUS traits that were examined, four characters' plant growth habit, leaf shape, leaf size and seed size exhibited trimorphic variance. Three characters (plant habit, stem pubescence and pod pubescence) were found to be identical among all genotypes while fourteen characters displayed dimorphic variance. All of the mungbean genotypes displayed a significant degree of variance for all DUS characteristics. Based on the UPGMA method of clustering, the dendrogram classified all the one hundred forty-two genotypes into three major clusters. The presence of variation among the genotypes under study was demonstrated by the further classification of these primary clusters into five sub-clusters. The majority of the genotypes were found in cluster II (121 genotypes), which was followed by cluster I (18 genotypes) and cluster III (3 genotypes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulses constitute the major source of dietary protein; therefore, it has ability to fulfil required protein recommended dietary allowance for vegetarian population of India. Pulse crop attack more than 200 insect pests and inflicting heavy damages at different growth stages that lead to significant economic losses to the farmers. The studies were conducted on green gram to find out the effective control measure of different crop stages against insect pests complex in green gram. Methods: The field experiment was laid out in a randomized block design and the consist 12 treatments with seed treatment and foliar sprays of insecticides at 50 per cent flowering stages then these treatments were replicated thrice at both years 2017 and 2018. Result: The experiments concluded that the reduction of sucking pests population like thrips, jassid and whitefly and larval population of Maruca vitrata and Helicoverpa armigera was found in seed treated with imidacloprid 48 FS and spray of flubendiamide at 50 per cent flowering stage in green gram with Rs. 10,678 net profit and 1:1.42 cost-benefit ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata, cause greater damage by attacking flowers, pods in greengram plants. This study investigates the efficacy and economics of certain novel insecticides when sprayed against spotted pod borer in green gram. Methods: The experiment was conducted at Crop Research Center, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, during kharif 2019 in randomized block design with eight treatments (Emamectin benzoate, Spinosad, Chlorantroniliprole, Indoxacarb, Novaluron, Profenophos, Triazophos and control) and three replications on variety SML668. Observations were taken at three, seven and eleven days after the first and second spray and the data thus recorded were analyzed. Result: The insecticide Chlorantraniliprole 20SC @ 0.025 ml/lit has shown the highest efficacy with low per cent pod damage (7.33) and maximum grain yield (8.61 q/ha) against M. vitrata from the first day of application followed by Spinosad 45SC @ 0.25 ml/lit with pod damage of 10.67 per cent and grain yield of 5.08 q/ha. The highest cost-benefit ratio was obtained in Emamectin benzoate treatment (1:8.54), followed by chlorantraniliprole (1: 6.76). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pulses are important crop of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. Among the pulses, mungbean is an important. Despite the multifaceted importance of this crop, its production could not be stabilized in the Uttar Pradesh as well as in the country due to several biotic constraints like diseases and insect-pests leading to considerable yield losses. Among several diseases affecting mungbean, cercospora leaf spot (CLS) caused by Cercospora canescens Ellis and Martin is one of the most important fungal diseases occurring regularly in the mungbean growing areas during the warm and humid weather. Methods: Experiments were conducted during two cropping seasons i.e. Kharif 2019 and 2020 to find out an efficient management strategy for this disease. In first experiment, 9 fungicides were assessed against CLS during both the seasons. In second experiment, 200 germplasm of mungbean were evaluated for resistance against cercospora leaf spot. Result: Among nine different fungicide treatments evaluated individually and as well as in combinations, spraying Carbendazim twice after first appearance of symptoms and second at 15 days' interval, gave maximum reduction in the incidence and severity of Cercospora leaf spot i.e. 45.57% and 58.45%, respectively along with significant enhancement (53.39%) in grain yield over the unprotected crop followed by treatment with Carbendazim + Mancozeb which resulted in 35.44% and 52.65% reduction in incidence and severity respectively and 44.88% enhancement in yield. Treatment with Captan + Hexaconazole was found to be least effective to reduce the disease incidence/severity as well as to increase the crop yield. In second field experiment out of 200 mungbean genotypes evaluated against cercospora leaf spot during two consecutive crop seasons, four genotypes viz., PDM 04-123, PDM 54, EC520034-1 and EC 520022 were found to be resistant against cercospora leaf spot disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mungbean is a versatile legume crop grown in various cropping systems. Despite its adaptability, the yield is hindered by the low yielding capacity of undifferentiated varieties and their limited ability to fix nitrogen. The current study aims to identify stable genotypes through continuous cultivation in eight different environments over two years. Methods: To assess the stability for BNF and seed yield, twenty-five mungbean genotypes were measured at eight diverse agroecological conditions, represented as two different seasons during spring and summer in two consecutive years (2016 and 2017) at two locations - TCA, Dholi, Muzaffarpur and Pusa Farm, RPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. To evaluate the most stable and superior genotypes, three parameters, viz., xi, bi and S²di were calculated. Result: There is a substantial amount of variability across genotypes and environments, as shown by the pooled analysis of variance. The genotype, Pusa 11-31 had shown regression near to unity, comprised with non-significant standard deviation along with higher mean seed yield and biological nitrogen fixation indicates that this is the most stable genotypes for the above traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maize is the third most important food crop in India. Conventionally it is a furrow irrigated crop and hence, it calls for an effective on-farm management of water in field through micro irrigation. Intensive agriculture practice like continuous monocropping without following the principles of crop rotation and sequence have resulted in several ecological complications. Hence, blackgram was introduced as a succeeding crop after drip irrigated maize. The aim of the study was to examine the residual effect of drip irrigation levels and maize genotypes and their interaction on succeeding crop i.e. blackgram. Methods: During summer 2018 and 2019, maize experiment was conducted with four irrigation levels (drip irrigation at 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 ETc and furrow irrigation at 0.8 IW/CPE ratio) and four maize genotypes (NK-6240, Pinnacle, CP-818 and RCRMH-2). After maize, succeeding blackgram was taken up under rainfed condition of Dharwad during kharif 2018 and 2019. Result: Performance of blackgram was superior under residual effect of drip irrigation treatments over furrow irrigation method. Among the interactions, significantly higher yield, RWUE and net returns were recorded with residual effect of I1G4 treatment combination. However, it was on par with I1G2, I1G3, I1G1, I2G1, I2G2, I2G4, I3G2 and I3G3 treatment combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salinity stress affects crop yields worldwide. Mungbean, a popular grain legume with protein-rich seeds, is glycophytic and vulnerable to saline stress. Silicon has become a key ingredient that boosts plant enzymatic antioxidant activity and osmoprotectant synthesis, promoting stress tolerance. Methods: In chloride-dominated salinity conditions of 4 and 6 dSm-1, sodium meta-silicate administration strategies were examined in salt-affected mungbean (MH421). Two application strategies were used: foliar spraying at 50 mg/l and 100 mg/l at 30 and 45 DAS and soil addition at 50 mg/kg soil as a solution during planting. The effects of these treatments were examined at 33 and 48 DAS, three days following foliar sodium meta-silicate application. Result: Salinity stress reduced dry weight, nodule counts, gas exchange characteristics and plant water relation features, although Si treatment buffered the detrimental effect to a varied amount. Best effects were obtained with 100 ppm foliar application. Lipid peroxidation and electrolyte loss increased with salinity stress, while Si reduces these losses by scavenging free radicals. Silicon supplementation lowered Na+ and increased K+ absorption. Also, Si altered photosynthetic machinery, Na+/K+ homeostasis, osmolyte synthesis and oxidative stress in mungbean to reduce salinity stress and increase seed yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Symbiotic associations between legumes and Rhizobia are ancient and fundamental. However, the plant growthpromoting endophytes other than Rhizobia are not yet fully explored for pulses productivity. The present study was aimed to isolate efficient endophytic bacteria from pulses, assess their diversity, screen their plant growth-promoting activities and to test their potential as bio inoculants for pulses. Methods: We have isolated several endophytic bacteria from pulse crops more specifically from blackgram (Vigna mungo) and greengram (Vigna radiata). After careful screening, 15 promising endophytic isolates were selected for this study. The identification of endophytic bacterial isolates was performed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolates were tested for their potential for the plant growth-promoting traits such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid production, siderophore secretion and antifungal activity. Pot culture experiments were conducted with the screened potential endophytic cultures. Result: The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that species of Enterobacter, Bacillus, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, Acromobacter, Ocrobacterium were found as endophytes in blackgram and greengram. The in vitro screening identified Bacillus pumilus (BG-E6), Pseudomonas fluorescens (BG-E5) and Bacillus licheniformis (BG-E3) from blackgram and Pseudomonas chlororaphis (GG-E2) and Bacillus thuringiensis (GG-E7) from greengram as potential plant growth-promoting endophytes. These strains showed antagonism against plant pathogenic fungi. Upon inoculation of these endophytic PGPR strains, the blackgram and greengram growth and yield got increased. Among the strains, BG-E6 recorded 14.7% increased yield in blackgram and GG-E2 accounted for a 19.5% yield increase in greengram compared to respective uninoculated control. The experimental results showed that there was a host specificity found among the endophytic bacterial cultures with pulses. The cross inoculation of endophytic strains did not perform well to enhance the growth and yield of their alternate hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inclusion of legume crops in multiple cropping systems has become crucial to increase the sustainability of agroecosystems. Short duration mung bean can be easily fitted into many cropping sequences which also turns the farming highly remunerative along with strengthening the sustainability. The current study was aimed to evaluate residual effect of nutrient management on performance of summer mung bean in a gobhi sarson - summer mung bean sequence. Methods: During the period of 2016-17 and 2017-18 different doses of chemical fertilizers (NPK), combination of FYM with chemical fertilizers and different biofertilizers alone as well as their combination were evaluated to find out their residual effect on summer mung bean grown after the gobhi sarson crop. The data on growth parameters, yield attributes viz; plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100- seed weight were collected. The seed and biological yield from different treatments was also evaluated. Result: All growth parameters, yield attributes, seed and biological yield of summer mung bean were affected significantly with chemical fertilizers, their combined application with FYM treatments as well as different biofertilizers treatments applied to preceding gobhi sarson. Growth and yield significantly improved with each incremental dose of chemical fertilizers i.e. from 0 to 50% RDF, 50 to 75% RDF, 75 to 100% RDF while 50% RDF + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 being the best treatment. The treatment with consortium showed significantly maximum yield and growth parameters followed by combined application of Azotobacter + PSB, PSB alone, Azotobacter alone and no inoculation treatments, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Black gram or urdbean is a self-pollinated short duration diploid grain legume packed with abundant nutrients and acts as a N2 fixer, fertility restorer agent by using as mulch or catch crop. But still the crop’s value is limited due to many genetic as well as biotic and abiotic factors. Keeping this in regard, the present research was undertaken by estimating parent-progeny regression and inter-generation correlation coefficient and in turn attain narrow sense heritability values for the traits so as to determine and identify desirable and probable genotypes and their further improvement by selection in consecutive generations. Methods: The present research was aimed to ascertain the extent of narrow sense heritability through parent-progeny regression and inter-generation relationships between F2 and F3 generations for 11 quantitative traits in 14 crosses using randomised complete block design in the Experimental Farm of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, CSK HPKV, Palampur (H.P.) during Kharif 2018 and 2019. Result: Regression and intergeneration analysis revealed that five crosses showed positive and significant values for days to 75% maturity, thereby meaning that plants selected in the F2 population had a significant positive association with that of F3 for this trait. Estimates of narrow sense heritability were recorded highest for biological yield and days to 75% maturity. Keeping the above parameters in consideration, it was concluded that days to 75% maturity and biological yield affirm the presence of additive variance which determined as a good transmission index of genetic potentials from parent of one generation to the progeny of other, while a high regression suggests low influence of environment along with large genetic effects. So, these can be prioritized as the prime traits and used as a reliable predictor for making effective selection and improvement of genotypes for enhancing yield in subsequent generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Micronutrients significantly impact agricultural production and are necessary for human health. Therefore, a systematic programme on identification of sources with high concentration of iron and zinc is important for overcoming the problem of micronutrient malnutrition. Therefore, present study was undertaken with the objectives (1) to find out iron and zinc concentrations and (2) to identify stable urdbean genotypes. This will be further helpful to set desirable level of iron and zinc concentrations in the upcoming urdbean varieties. Methods: The present study was conducted to evaluate 30 urdbean genotypes for variability studies of iron, zinc and protein content. The experiment was laid out in the randomized complete block design and replicated thrice at the experimental farm of Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur, Punjab (India) during spring 2019 and 2020. Result: Analysis of variance showed that effect due to genotypes was significant for iron, zinc and protein content as well Iron and Zinc content ranged from (28.75 ppm to 90.75 ppm) and (44.75 ppm to 60.0 ppm) respectively, while protein content ranged from (18.7 to 25.13%). The genotype PDU1 and OBG35 possessed high level of all three nutrients viz., Fe, Zn and protein. Fe content showed significant positive correlation with Zn content suggesting that both the nutrient can be improved simultaneously. Micronutrient dense genotypes identified can be used as donar to develop nutrient enriched varieties either through conventional breeding or by using biotechnological tool like marker assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is a self-pollinated diploid grain legume (2n=2x=22) crop and has a genome size of 560 Mb. The present study was concentrate to portray the nature and extent of genotypic variation exists among mungbean collections for a range of traits of potential agronomic and adaptive interests. Many diseases affect mungbean, causes the major constraint in the increasing production among which Powdery mildew disease caused by Erisyphe polygoni is economically significant because it reduces photosynthetic activity and physiological changes which results in 20-40 per cent reduction in yield. Some genespecific marker were analysed and found associated with powdery mildew resistance in mungbean genotypes. Methods: The present investigation was carried out to evaluate thirty-one mungbean genotypes (including four checks) collected from the different parts of India. The genotypes were sown in an incomplete augmented bock design along with four checks varieties. viz. 'Kamdev', 'OBBGG-52', 'IPM-02-14' and 'IPM-02-3'. All the mungbean genotypes were evaluated for different phenotypic traits and their tolerance to powdery mildew disease at two cropping seasons as well as at two different locations in Odisha. In this investigation, seven molecular markers viz., VrCSSTS1, VrCSSTS2, VrCSSSR3, CEDG191, MB-SSR238, CEDG166, CEDG282 were analysed. Result: SSR marker such as VrCSSSR and VrCSSTS linked with powdery mildew resistance gene were tested in different genotypes with known powdery mildew reaction and the results showed a consistent association of the marker in all the powdery mildew resistant genotypes and absent in all the powdery mildew susceptible genotypes. The results confirmed the validation of these markers with the powdery mildew resistance gene in different genetic backgrounds. Similarly, CEDG191, CEDG166, CEDG282 markers, reported to be linked to powdery mildew resistance, amplified the respective marker fragment of 100 to 300 bp in mungbean genotypes and were polymorphic. The above PCR-based and locus-specific markers could be employed for marker-assisted breeding (MAB) program as well as genotype conservation. These linked markers will boost the efficiency and precision of powdery mildew resistance breeding in mungbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulses are having a number of constraints in their production as compared to their potential in India. Green gram is an important pulse crop of the country after chickpea and pigeonpea lacks optimum fertilizer management, which leads in reduced growth and yield. The current study aimed to study the effects of different levels of potassium and zinc application on growth, yield attributes, yield and quality of green gram. Methods: The field study was conducted during Kharif 2018 at Regional Research Station, CCS HAU, Bawal on green gram cultivar MH-421. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications and treatments comprising four levels of potassium in main plots (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg K2O ha-1) and four levels of zinc in subplots (0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5 kg ZnSO4 ha-1). Result: The results indicated that growth parameters like plant height, number of branches, number of pods, number of seeds and dry matter production were released due to the application of potassium and zinc. The number of nodules, their fresh weight and quality parameters like protein content and seed index significantly increased with the application of potassium up to 20 kg K2O ha-1, but non-significant increment with zinc application. Seed and straw yield increased significantly with potassium and zinc application up to the levels of 20 kg K2O ha-1 and 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, respectively. Higher net monetary returns of Rs. 31528 ha-1 with B:C ratio (1.61) was recorded under the treatment combination K20Zn25 (20 kg K2O ha-1 along with 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1). It was concluded that higher green gram yield with better quality and more net return was achieved when potassium and zinc were applied @ 20 kg K2O ha-1 and 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intercropping maize with legumes can enhance diversity, stability, complementary sharing of resources, maintain soil fertility, productivity and livelihood of the farmers. The current study was aimed to develop the scientific knowledge of maize and pulse intercropping and their combinations in different planting structures. Methods: The field experiment consisted of seven treatments viz. sole maize, sole soybean, sole green gram and two intercropping ratios of soybean and green gram with maize at 1:1 and 1:2 row ratios and laid out in randomized block design in four replications during 2018-19 at Imphal. The intercropping, economic and competitive efficiency indices were calculated accordingly. Result: Intercropping of maize either with soybean or green gram in 1:2 ratio gave the best combination based on intercropping and economic efficiencies. Maize + soybean at 1:2 row produced the highest maize equivalent yield (82.65 q ha-1), system productivity (22.60 kg ha-1 day-1) and production efficiency (55.84 kg ha-1 day-1). Maize + green gram at 1:2 ratio had significantly higher land equivalent ratio (1.7) and land equivalent co-efficient (0.54) whereas maize + soybean at 1:2 ratio produced the highest area time equivalent ratio (1.27). Competition between the crops was higher under maize + green gram at 1:1 ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rice fallow pulse cropping system was familiarized in Tamil Nadu. There is reduction in yield due to inappropriate management of pest, disease, weed, fertilizer and nutrient management moreover cultivated as rainfed/mixed cropping system. However, succeeding crop is sown without any preparatory cultivation in the stubbles of the previous crop. It minimizes the labour and fuel cost. The present study investigated the economic analysis of drip fertigation, Organic product for rice-fallow-greengram. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Wetland farms of Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2019-21. There are thirteen treatments in randomized block design with replicated thrice which is imposed with fermented fish waste and fermented egg product applied through drip at vegetative stage and peak flowering stage. Result: The field experiment result revealed that the application drip fertigation @ 125% RDF, 100% PE with FFW (2 times) (T11) recorded higher net return ('48,958 and '33,402 during summer 2020 and Kharif 2021, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Greengram is third most important pulse crop which is widely adapted and can improve soil fertility. The genetic variability and association studies help in selection which would increase the yield potential of greengram. Methods: Two hundred stabilized lines (F9) obtained from the cross VBN (Gg) 2 and Vigna radiata var. sublobata were evaluated. The yield and yield contributing traits were recorded to evaluate genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance as % of mean and correlation among the yield and its component traits. Result: Analysis of variance exhibited significant differences among the lines for all the ten quantitative traits indicating the presence of genetic variability. The high GCV values were found for the traits viz., single plant yield (30.18) and the number of pods per plant (26.80). High heritability combined with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for the number of pods per plant (90.19, 52.43), single plant yield (89.58, 58.84), the number of pods per cluster (79.28, 22.70) and the number of clusters per plant (69.50, 30.22) which indicates additive gene effects. In the present study, the number of pods per plant had a high positive direct effect (0.919) on a single plant yield. Therefore, the selection for these characters would improve yield in greengram. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present investigation was undertaken to examine the genetic variability and relationship between traits among the 73 germplasm lines of mungbean collection of diverse nature. Genetic variability and association studies play an important role in developing a new genotype. The mungbean productivity remains low in India because of low genetic base for yield improvement, absence of variability for yield traits, poor ideotype of mungbean plant, inadequate management of the crop, weed infestation and susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses. Genetic variability is most important factor of success of any crop improvement programme. Methods: An experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with two replication at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh in high productive black cotton soils during kharif 2016 on 73 mungbean genotypes. Result: The study revealed that the mean sums of squares due to genotype were highly significant for all the morphological traits. High estimates of heritability and genetic advance were recorded for clusters per plant, no. of branches per plant, days to maturity, seed yield, days to 50% flowering; plant height and no. of pods per plant indicating the role of additive gene effects with low environmental influence for the determination of these traits and simple phenotypic selection may be effective. The results also indicated improvement through direct selection for these traits can increase directly the grain yield in mungbean. Genotype Pusa Baisakhi, HUM-16, IPM-02-03, IPM-02-19, PM-5, AKM-9904, COGG-912 and RMG-991 were found good donors for these traits in recombinant breeding programme for yield enhancement in mungbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The mungbean/green gram is one of the major grain legume crops native to the Indian subcontinent, which was found damaged extensively by the pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus during storage. Moreover, insect damage also causes chemical constituents of seeds leading to alteration in flavor, nutritive value, marketability and acceptability of the stored seeds. Therefore, present investigation was focused on evaluating bioefficacy of botanicals in the protection of green gram grains from C. maculatus and also the changes on biochemical properties during six months of storage. Methods: During the experimentation, green gram seeds were treated with selected botanicals in the form of oils, powders and their aqueous extracts and the effects on pulse beetle in terms of adult emergence and seed damage was recorded up to six months storage. Changes in biochemical constituents of the stored grains were also recorded . Result: The study revealed significantly lesser number of exit holes/100 grains (1.33 to 13.33), adult emergence (4.33 to 15.00 no.), weight loss (0.92 to 3.10%) and grain damage (1.40 to 5.40%) in neem oil @ 3.0% after one month interval. The crude protein values did not vary significantly among the treatments, but the alcoholic acidity varied between 0.30-0.94%. The uric acid content in grains was increased with insect population. Significantly lower values of free fatty acids were recorded in the standard check which was at par with all the concentrations of neem oil, Karanj oil and 3.0% mustard oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]