RMSI publishes the Journal “Range Management and Agroforestry” in two issues every year. The copy of the journal is freely available to annual as well as life member. The Editorial board is evaluating the suitability of the papers to be published in the journal. The papers are reviewed by at least two reviewers and based on the comments of the reviewers the Editor-in-chief/ Editorial board takes final decision for acceptance of the paper.
Effect of jackfruit peel inclusion in diets on nutrient utilization and haemato-biochemical profile of Osmanabadi goats
Lactating Osmanabadi goats (n = 12) were randomly divided into three groups: T0, T1 and T2. The control group (T0) was offered a regular concentrate mixture, whereas in the treatment groups, Jackfruit peel (JFP) was included at 10% (T1) and 20% (T2) levels in a concentrated mixture on a dry matter (DM) basis. For the nutrient utilization study, 350 g of concentrate mixture was offered in the morning and evening, and green forage (hybrid napier fodder) was given adlib throughout the day. Inclusion of JFP did not show any significant effect (p >0.05) on the intake, outgo (g/d) and digestibility (%) of nutrients (DM, OM, CP, EE and NFE). The effect of the inclusion of jackfruit peel was non-significant on the apparent absorption of Ca and P. No significant change was observed on hemoglobin (g/dl), packed cell volume (%) and serum biochemical parameters, viz., total protein, albumin, globulin (g/dl) and A:G ratio (p >0.05) due to the inclusion of JFP. Serum ALT level was not affected, whereas AST level was significantly lower in T2 (64.72 IU/L) compared to T0 (90.34 IU/L). Thus, JFP could be safely included up to 20% level in a concentrated mixture of Osmanabadi goats.
Haemato-biochemical profile, Jackfruit peel, Nutrient utilization, Osmanabadi goats
Productivity and energetics of forage pearl millet as influenced by liquid microbial inoculants
In the present study, an appraisal of liquid microbial inoculants on the productivity and energetics of forage pearl millet was carried out. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design consisting of 12 treatment combinations of liquid microbial inoculants (Azotobacter sp., Sphingobacterium sp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Burkholderia seminalis) along with a 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and replicated thrice. It was observed that treatment T9: RDF + B. seminalis + S. maltophilia showed maximum growth and yield attributing traits. An increase of 11.54% in green fodder yield and 8.94% in dry matter yield was recorded with the application of T9 over T1: RDF (control). Further, the inoculated plants were also higher in terms of energy use efficiency, energy productivity, output energy, and net energy.
Azotobacter sp.,, Burkholderia seminalis, Energetics, Pearl millet, Sphingobacterium sp, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Diverse nitrogen fertilization effects on fodder yield and quality of oat
A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-21, to assess the effect of diverse nitrogen fertilization on growth, yield and quality of fodder oat. The experiment consisted of seven treatments viz., control (no N); a recommended dose of N (RDN); 50% N through fertilizer + 50% N through FYM; 50% N through fertilizer + 50% N through vermicompost; 50% N through fertilizer + two sprays of nano-urea; two sprays of nano-urea; site-specific nitrogen management (SSNM). Results showed that diverse nitrogen fertilization brought considerable improvement in the growth, productivity and fodder quality of oats. Application of 50% RDN through fertilizer + 50% N through vermicompost produced significantly the highest green (61.1 t/ha) and dry fodder yields (10.19 t/ha), which were at par with all other treatments except two sprays of nano urea and control. The increase in green and dry fodder yield was 92.8 and 87.2% over control. Furthermore, the highest CP content (12.1%) and CP yield (1212 kg/ha) were obtained under SSNM, which was at par with all other treatments except control and two sprays of nano-urea. However, a reverse trend was observed in acid detergent fiber. The study suggested that integrated use of fertilizer and organic manure could be applied in oats to get higher fodder yield and quality.
Fodder yield, Nano-urea, Organic manure, Quality
Seasonal incidence, biology and management of fall army worm (Spodoptera frugiperda, J.E. Smith) on fodder maize
Seasonal incidence of fall army worm in maize at Dharwad indicated its occurrence both in kharif and rabiseasons. The incidence was more during the kharif season. Highest incidence of 50% was noticed during lastweek of August and second peak incidence of 30% was noticed during last week of December. Correlationbetween seasonal incidence of fall army worm and weather parameters indicated that there was a significantnegative correlation with the rainfall (-0.60**) and morning humidity (-0.50*). Biology of fall army wormindicated that it completed its total life cycle in 31-44 days on maize comprising of six larval instar stages.Among the entomo-pathogens tested against the fall army worm, Metarhizium (Nomuraea) rileyi (2 x 10 cfu/g) 8was found to be superior and it was at par with neem formulation (azadirachtin 3000 ppm) @ 5ml/l.
Entomo-pathogens, Fall army worm, Fodder maize, Seasonal incidence
Novel multiple gynoecium genotype in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)
A novel fodder sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) genotype (EC484238) with multiple gynoecium has beenidentified at ICAR-IGFRI, Jhansi for the first time in India. The floral microscopic study of this novel genotyperevealed that female mega-gametophyte produced multiple gynoecium ranging from two to six, instead of oneas in normal sorghum genotypes with bi-feathery stigma on each ovary. These multiple ovaries succeeded toproduce viable twin or triplet seeds per spikelet per panicle. The twin and triple seed ratio ranged from 97-99%and 1-3%, respectively per panicle. This unique sorghum genotype might be a homeobox mutant which couldshed light on the genetic regulation and control mechanisms governing the development of floral structure insorghum as well as in other grasses of the Poaceae family. Multi-ovary sorghum has the obvious advantage ofthe increased number of seeds per panicle, thereby potentially increasing the seed yield. The novel genotypemight be used in future fodder sorghum breeding programmes and will have more significance for thedevelopment of dual purpose fodder sorghum.
Floral biology, Multiple gynoecium, Sorghum, Triple seed, Twin seed
Field establishment of Cenchrus grass pasture through seed pelleting
Sowing the individual seeds of grasses at proper depth and spacing is a great challenge. Low germination and high seedling mortality at an early stage is a general problem in the establishment of pasture. Spikelets (seed) of Cenchrus ciliaris were used for the formation of seed pellets viz. round shaped and cube-shaped and cloth pouch. Pelleting materials consisted of farm soil, clay and farm yard manure in a 2:1:1 ratio. The weight of one pellet ranged from 5 to 7 g which embedded 8-10 spikelets. Two sowing methods viz. dry sowing and normal sowing, were evaluated. Significant differences were observed in germination and other growth parameters for both sowing methods and types of pellets. The number of seedlings/pellet in dry sowing ranged from 2.5-4.5, while in normal sowing it ranged from 3.8-5.5. The highest plant stand per plot was recorded in cloth pouch (84.5) followed by cube-shaped pellet (75.7) and round-shaped pellet (71.1). Seedling mortality was high in the dry sowing method, irrespective of the type of pellets. Cloth pouches had an advantage over both types of pellets for plant stands, while cube-shaped pellets were found to be better when compared to round-shaped pellets.
Cenchrus ciliaris, Germination, Grassland, Pasture rejuvenation, Seed pelleting
Inheritance studies of Pyrenophora leaf spot resistance genes in oat (Avena sativa L.) crop
Oat is a hexaploid cultivated crop known for its usage as a fodder crop mainly, though being a dual purpose crop. Oats are affected by several abiotic and biotic stresses. Among them, foliar diseases like rust, leaf spot, smut, etc, are important and have threatened oat production. Pyrenophora leaf spot, which is a fungal disease that accounts for 40 to 50% yield losses in India. Keeping this in view, a study was conducted to identify the inheritance pattern of Pyrenophora leaf spot resistance genes by the previously developed F2 population involving resistant and susceptible parents. The population showed a minimum of 22% DSI and a maximum of 83% DSI. The result showed that populations derived from parents were separated into 114 resistant individuals and 26 susceptible individuals, fitting into a gene ratio of (13 resistant: 3 susceptible) which is less than a table value with non-significant deviation observed for the trait studied, indicating observed and expected distributions were not same. Further ratio indicated that inhibitory gene action was involved in governing it.
DSI, Gene postulation, Inheritance, Inhibitory action, Oat
Impact of different silvipastoral systems on understorey vegetation and soil properties
The present investigation was carried out in seven different silvipastoral systems viz. T -Cedrus deodara, T - 1 2Robinia pseudoacacia, T - Cupressus torulosa, T - Prunus armeniaca, T - Ailanthus altissima, T - mixed 3 4 5 6plantations and T - grassland (control) of Sindh range, Ganderbal Forest Division, Kashmir Province. It aimed 7to assess floristic composition of different plantations and their impact on understorey vegetation and soilnutrients. The results revealed that 12 shrub and 43 herb species were found in all these systems. Cyanodondactylon was the dominating species under grassland (control), Ailanthus altissima and Cupressus torulosaplantations. Oxalis acetosella was dominating under Cedrus deodara plantations. Lolium perenne wasdominating species under mixed stand, Robinia pseudoacacia and Prunus armeniaca plantations. Maximumavailable nitrogen was recorded in T - plantation (363.76 kg ha ), whereas the highest 2 Robinia pseudoacacia -1values for phosphorus and potassium (23.44 kg ha-1 and 312 kg ha-1 respectively) were recorded in T 5Ailanthus altissima plantation. Maximum soil organic carbon and electrical conductivity (2.14% and 0.51 dSm-1,respectively) was recorded in T - plantation. pH in different plantation types followed the 5 Ailanthus altissimatrend of T >T T T T >T T plantations.
Floristic composition, Nutrients, Silvipastoral systems, Similarity index
Fodder and fruit production for livelihood security in agri-horticultural system: an on-farm study
On-farm field trial was conducted under rainfed conditions of Jammu region for three consecutive years withfodder crops taken as intercrops in agri-horticultural systems. Fodder crops (maize and bajra) were integratedwith Eureka lemon (Lemon) or Kinnow mandarin (Kinnow). Multipurpose trees (MPTs) were also planted onthe borders of the field. The study indicated enhanced growth of citrus along with maize and bajra asintercrops. Maize and bajra crops provided both green and dry fodder along with grain for human consumption,thus providing extra income to the farmer from same land unit. Net returns as well as B:C ratio were higherwhen bajra was intercropped either with Eureka lemon (Lemon) or Kinnow mandarin (Kinnow) as compared tomaize iintercropping. Intercropping of maize and bajra also showed remarkable effect on fruit size (length anddiameter) and fruit quality (total soluble solids, reducing sugar, total sugar and ascorbic acid). The weight andsize of K. mandarin and E. lemon fruits were more when intercropped with bajra and maize in comparison tosole fruit trees. The multipurpose trees on the border areas of the farm helped to save land and increasecropping area.
Agri-horticultural systems, Bajra, Citrus, Maize, Multipurpose trees
Role of traditional feeding practices in solving forage inadequacy issue in sub-mountainous Punjab, India
An on-farm study was conducted to record the role of traditional livestock feeding practices, particularly the roleof tree leaves in fulfilling the fodder requirement of dairy animals in 'low-input and low-output' systems of submountainous zone of Indian Punjab. Findings of the study were based on primary data of mixed farms equallyspread over different farm size groups of randomly selected district Hoshiarpur from sub-mountainous zone of Punjab state. The study highlighted that the supplementation of tree leaves in addition to cultivated fodderhelped the small and medium farmers to attain the adequacy of green fodder. During the summer season, treeleaves, on an average, improved the green forage DM availability at small farms by 128.0% (1.89 to 4.31kg/d/ACU) and at medium farms by 70.6% (2.69 to 4.59 kg/d/ACU). In the winter season, the correspondingpercentage for small and medium farms stood at 112.8 and 76.0%, respectively. The study further enunciatedthat fodder utilization/ACU on fresh basis was statistically higher in large farms, while in terms of dry matter(DM), fodder utilization was statistically at par for all selected landholding categories. Following the traditionalpractice of supplementing tree leaves with cultivated fodder (scenario 2), the proportion of farms (irrespectiveof size) with adequate fodder was recorded at 62.2% in summer season and 88.9% in winter season incomparison to 26.7 and 40.0% in hypothetical case of relying only on cultivated fodders (scenario 1).
Forage adequacy, Nutritional requirement, Sub-mountainous zone, Traditional feeding practices
Effect of feeding Moringa oleifera dried leaves on growth performance, blood biochemical status and economy of production in Barbari goats
A three-months feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding Moringa oleifera leaves asreplacement to concentrate in the ration of growing goat. Eighteen female Barbari goats of uniform age andconformation (16.65 ± 1.20 kg; 11 to 13 months) were divided randomly into three groups. The animals incontrol group (T ) were fed basal diet consisting of roughage and concentrate in equal proportion, whereas in 1treatment groups T and T the concentrate mixture was partially replaced with dried leaves at 2 3 Moringa oleifera05% and 10% levels, respectively. Significantly (P<0.01) higher average daily feed intake was recorded in T 3group compared to T and T groups. Mean daily body weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T group, 1 2 3than T and T . The biochemical parameters showed significant (P<0.01) lowering in blood cholesterol in T 2 1 3and a significant (P<0.05) elevation in total protein and globulin at the end of experiment. The cost-benefitanalysis of dietary treatment showed that it was 0.79, 0.83 and 1.02 for T , T and T , respectively. It was 1 2 3concluded that dried Moringa oleifera leaves could replace up to 10% of concentrate in growing goats withoutimpairing their performance and health status, while reducing the cost of feed.
Barbari goats, Feed efficiency, Feeing economics, Growth performance, Moringa leaf meal
Sustainable forage cropping systems for round the year green fodder supply in irrigated subtropics of Jammu
Field experiments were conducted during 2020-21 and 2021-22 to evaluate various forage-based cropping systems for irrigated conditions of Jammu. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design and replicated thrice. Results showed that multicut sorghum + maize with root slips of napier planted on field boundaries in July recorded significantly highest green forage yield which was though statistically at par with multicut sorghum + maize with root slips of Setaria planted on field boundaries in July followed by multicut sorghum + maize with stem cuttings of napier planted on field boundaries in January and multicut sorghum + maize with stem cuttings of Setaria planted on the field boundaries in January during kharif season. In rabi season, berseem + oat with root slips of napier planted on field boundaries in July was found to be significantly superior than other treatments. Multicut bajra + maize - berseem + barley with stem cuttings of napier planted on field boundaries in January recorded higher system productivity which was at par with the treatment multicut bajra + cowpea - berseem + oat with stem cuttings of napier planted on field boundaries in January.
Annual fodder, Cropping system, Legumes, Perennial grasses, System productivity
Yield and nutritive value of local races of grasses and legumes to rejuvenate pastures for sustaining livestock productivity in sub-Himalayan region of India
Improved local races of 8 grasses and 5 legumes were evaluated for forage yield and nutritional characteristicsfor introduction in sub-Himalayan pastures. Forage yield was higher for Phalaris aquatic-PA in grasses and Onobrychis viciifolia-OV in legumes. Grasses had low (P<0.05) CP and more NDF, ADF and cellulose thanlegumes. Grasses had higher (P<0.05) tCHO except Trifolium pretense-TP, while legumes had higher nonstructural carbohydrates-NSC. Lignin bound carbohydrate fraction (C ) was higher in legumes except C Phleumpretense-PP and Festuca rubra-FR. Protein fraction P (NPN) was lower (P<0.05) in grasses. Grasses and Alegumes had lowest contents of rapidly degradable protein fraction (P ). Grasses and legumes differed B1(P<0.05) in gross energy and digestible energy and legumes had higher total digestible nutrients (TDN) except Bromus unioloides-BU. Truly digestible non fibrous carbohydrates (tdNFC) and tdCP of legumes were higher(P<0.05) than grasses. Legumes TR, Medicago sativa-MS and Coronilla varia-CV had higher (P<0.05)digestible DM (DDM) except Festuca arundinacea-FA (59.38) and BU (60.78%). Dry matter intake (DMI) andrelative feed value (RFV) were higher (P<0.05) for legumes. Neutral detergent fiber and cellulose werenegatively correlated (P<0.01) with TDN, energy and DDM, RFV, DMI, tdNFC and tdCP. P and moderately B1degradable protein fraction (P ) were positively correlated (P<0.01) with RDP, while lignin bound protein B2fraction (P ) was negatively associated with TDN, energy and DDM. The NSC was positively associated with CTDN, energy, DDM, RFV, DMI and tdCP. Variability in nutritional characteristics of grasses and legumes signifytheir potential to rejuvenate pastures to improve livestock production.
Himalaya, Livestock, Quality, Temperate grasses/legumes, Yield
Effect of spacing and nitrogen management on productivity and quality of fodder oat in high ranges of Kerala
A study was undertaken during winter seasons of 2021-2022 to standardize spacing and nitrogen levels to realize optimum productivity of fodder oat. Treatments were laid out in factorial RBD with 9 treatments in 3 replications. Treatments consisted of three levels, each of two factors viz., row spacing at 15, 25 and 35 cm and nitrogen levels 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1, respectively. The results revealed that wider row spacing of 35 cm recorded higher tiller count (9.22 tillers per hill), whereas higher green fodder, dry matter yields (26.58 and 5.32 t ha-1) and NPK uptake (104.81, 24.47 and 88.32 kg ha-1, respectively) was recorded in narrow row spacing of 15 cm. Nitrogen level of 120 kg N ha-1 recorded the highest GFY (27.69 t ha-1), DMY (5.54 t ha-1) chlorophyll (3.54 mg g-1) and crude protein content (12.54%). It also improved leaf area index, leaf area duration and specific leaf area. The interaction of spacing and nitrogen was significant in some parameters. Spacing of 35 cm with 120 kg N ha-1 recorded the tallest plant (111.19 cm) and a greater number of tillers (9.29 hill-1). In case of GFY and DFY spacing of 15 cm with 120 kg N ha-1 recorded the highest yields of GFY (30.14 t ha-1) and DMY (6.03 tha-1), uptake of nitrogen (120.97 kg ha-1), phosphorus (27.91 kg ha-1) and potassium (100.46 kg ha-1).
Crude protein, Fodder productivity, Nitrogen management, Planting geometry
Evaluation of maize hybrids and composites for fodder yield and ensiling quality
There are number of hybrids and composites in maize which are used for silage making by farmers. Theobjective of the present study was to find out the promising high yielding and better-quality silage cultivar. Astudy was undertaken during, Rabi 2019-20 and Kharif 2020 in randomized block design (RBD) with threereplications consisting of 13 maize hybrids and three composites. The African Tall recorded significantly higherplant height (333.39 cm), number of leaves/plant (13.83) and green fodder yield (51.92 t/ha) compared to allother hybrids and composites. While dry matter yield was higher in maize hybrids, P 3401(16.85 t/ha) followedby DMRH 1410 (15.45 t/ha). Crude protein yield (1.09 t/ha) was also higher in P 3401 followed by PMC 6 and P3396 (1.01 t/ha). The pH of silage in all maize genotypes was in acceptable range. NDF content varied from49.48 to 55.11% and 53.19 to 59.39% in green fodder and silage stage, respectively. ADF content variedbetween 24.45 to 28.55% in green fodder and 28.74 to 33.34% in silage. But difference was found nonsignificantfor both NDF and ADF in silage and green fodder. Based on this study, African Tall, P 3401 andDMRH 1410 were identified as promising maize genotypes for higher biomass yield and quality silagepreparation for ruminant animals.
Fodder, Maize genotypes, Nutrition, Quality silage
Yield and quality of promising fodder grass varieties under varying shade levels in Kerala
An experiment was laid out at AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, to assess the performance of different fodder grass varieties under varying shade levels. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. Treatments comprised of 3 shade levels (0, 25 and 50% shade) and five fodder varieties [bajra napier (BN) hybrid varieties Suguna, Susthira, CO-3, CO-5 and Guinea grass var. Suparna]. Among the shade levels, highest L:S ratio was recorded under open (1.53) and the highest leaf area was recorded under both 25 and 50% shade levels. Among the varieties, the highest tiller number was recorded in guinea grass var. Suparna (31.7), highest LSR in BN hybrid varieties CO-3 and CO-5 and highest leaf area in BN hybrid variety Susthira. The highest GFY (2418.7 q/ha) and DFY (604.7 q/ha) were recorded by CO-5 under open conditions. Under 25 and 50% shade levels, the highest GFY and DFY were recorded in guinea grass var. Suparna. The highest chlorophyll content was recorded in all four BN hybrid varieties under 50% shade than the other two shade levels. The interaction effect was nonsignificant on quality characteristics like crude protein and fiber contents. Among the shade levels, highest protein content was recorded under 50% shade level (11.7%). Among varieties, BN hybrid var. Suguna recorded the highest protein content (11.33%) and guinea grass var. Suparna had the lowest fiber content (23.84%). Considering the yield and quality of different BN hybrid varieties under varying shade levels, it was concluded that CO-5 is best suited for cultivation under open and Suparna for 25 and 50% shaded fields.
BN hybrid varieties, Fodder quality, Fodder yield, Guinea grass, Shade levels
Development of tractor operated front mounted grass seed harvester
In order to increase the productivity of grasslands and rangelands, grass seed collection from large fields isrequired. Manual grass seed collection is a labor and time consuming operation. A tractor operated grass seedharvester was developed keeping in view the requirements of common grasses used as feed material in Indiancontext. This grass seed harvester was made using nylon brushes arranged in specific fashion on a rotatingcylinder and a winding reel in front of rotating cylinder to collect seed from the grasses standing in the fieldswhere tractor can operate. The specific features of this machine were variable speed of rotating cylinder brush,special arrangement of brushes on the cylinder to carry the detached seed into the seed box, variable height ofoperation and front mounting of the machine on tractor. This machine was tested for seed collection in Pennisetum pedicellatum (Dinanath grass) and Cenchrus cilliaris (Anjan grass). Seed collection capacity ofthe machine was 4.24 to 7.12 kg/h in Dinanath grass during 2nd operation and 2.10 to 3.56 kg/h in Anjan grass atthe full maturity in two passes of the machine in to and fro direction. The field capacity of seed collectionoperations ranged from 0.21 to 0.47 ha/h.
Grasses, Harvester, Seed collection, Seeds, Tractor operated
Evaluating growth attributes and soil heath under long term implementation of organic farming in fodder cowpea
A study was conducted to evaluate the impact of organic and conventional production system on foddercowpea growth and soil health. This study was conducted in a farmers field of Erode, Tamil Nadu in arandomized block design with three replications. For the study, six farmers' fields involving organic (ORG)practices and one conventional (CON) production system were selected. Soil and plant samples werecollected at the time of harvest and analyzed for growth, and soil health parameters. The results revealed thatsignificant differences were found in the growth parameters of fodder cowpea among the organic andconventional production system. The analyzed chemical properties viz., soil reaction, electrical conductivity(EC), macro nutrients, and biological indicators viz., soil organic carbon (SOC), organic matter (SOM),microbial biomass carbon (MBC), culturable microbes, and yield were found to be higher in organicallymanaged soils than the conventional farming method.
Conventional farming, Cowpea, Organic farming, Soil health, Yield
Seed yield response of fodder oat varieties to row spacing and seed rate in north-west parts of India
Oat (Avena sativa L.) is an important rabi cereal fodder crop of north-west India. Recently, a number of fodderoat varieties have been released in country-wide adaptability. However, limited information on optimal rowspacing and seed rate for these fodder oat varieties in seed production system is available especially in thenorth-western parts of the country, where it is primarily grown for fodder purpose. Hence, field experimentswere conducted during winter season from 2016-17 to 2019-20 to evaluate the effects of row spacing and seedrate on growth, yield attributes and seed yield of two fodder oat varieties. When averaged across years, therewas 10.4% increase in oat seed yield with 30 cm row spacing over 20 cm row spacing. Higher oat seed yield inwide rows during all the years of the study was mainly attributed to more number of effective tillers, seed perpanicle and panicle length. The 1000-seed weight, however, remained unaffected by the row spacing. Anincrease in seed rate from 37.5 to 62.5 kg/ha resulted in a decrease in seed yield and various yield attributes.However, there was no significant interaction between row spacing and seed rate for seed yields. Inconclusion, for reaping maximum oat seed yield, the fodder oat varieties should be planted at 30 cm rowspacing and with 37.5 kg/ha seed rate.
Fodder oat, Row spacing, Seed rate, Seed yield, Tillering
Influence of detopping practices on green fodder availability, seed yield and economics of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) in central and southern plateau regions of India
The unavailability of adequate quality seeds and green fodder during the lean period together affects livestockproductivity in the country. Hence, it is necessary to assure the availability of quality seeds for sowing andgreen fodder to feed the livestock. To study this, field experiments were conducted on fodder maize at twolocations in the country. Treatments included four detopping (DT) practices viz., T : no DT, T : DT at 10 days 1 2after (DA) 50% silking, T : DT at 20 DA 50% silking and T : DT at 30 DA 50% silking. Results demonstrated that 3 4DT at 10, and 20 DA 50% silking is not advisable in fodder maize for seed production as it considerably reducedthe biomass accumulation (252.4-254.5 g/plant) and leaf relative water content (44.79-63.95%). However, no DT produced the highest growth attributes and green fodder yield followed by DT at 30 DA 50% silking whichwas at par with no DT regarding 100 seed weight (23.01 g) and seed yield (2725 kg/ha) with an additional greenfodder yield (3245 kg/ha). Thus, no DT followed by DT at 30 DA 50% silking favored the economics of foddermaize seed production (gross return, net return, and benefit-cost ratio). Regarding locations, Dharwad(Karnataka) outperformed Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) regarding growth, seed yield attributes, and the economicsof fodder maize. Therefore, DT at 30 DA 50% silking could supply additional green fodder (3245 kg/ha) with a14% compromise in the seed yield of fodder maize.
Detopping, Economics, Fodder maize, Green fodder, Seed yield
Non-chemical management of stem rot disease of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.)
Stem rot of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is considered as one of the major constraints for greenfodder and seed yield. Berseem stem rot is incited by a soil borne pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Botanicalextracts of Aegle marmelos, Melia azedarach, Murraya koenigii, neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) and organicproducts like panchagavya, compost tea and poultry manure were evaluated for the management of stem rotdisease. Botanical extracts were applied as foliar spray and seed treatment as well and organic inputs wereapplied as soil application and foliar spray. Among botanicals, application of A. marmelos showed a significantreduction in stem rot by 54.50% with 24.20% increase in green fodder yield. Among organic inputs, applicationof panchagavya significantly controlled the stem rot disease by 46.15% and enhanced the green fodder yieldby 21.30% than untreated control. Application of panchagavya followed by A. marmelos leaf extracts alongwith significant disease control also enhanced green fodder yield during both seasons. Average diseasecontrol attained by application of panchagavya and A. marmelos was 54.50 and 46.15% and enhanced greenfodder yield was 24.20 and 21.30%, respectively. The current study showed that plant extracts and organicinputs have potential for the management of stem rot of berseem.
Botanicals, Egyptian clover, Management, Organic inputs, Stem rot
Effect of date of sowing and weather factors on infestation of Atherigona soccata (Rondani) and yield parameters of forage sorghum
Ecofriendly strategies for the management of sorghum shoot fly, Atherigona soccata helps in addressing theissues related to insecticides load on forage crop. The present study was carried out to know the suitable dateof sowing on damage indices of sorghum shoot fly and green fodder yield in sorghum. The staggered sowingtechnique at a different time intervals was used, starting from 2nd fortnight of March (12th SMW) to 1st fortnight of July (27th SMW). Oviposition in terms of eggs per 10 plants and dead heart percentage was recorded to be lowin 18th SMW (1st fortnight of May) sown crop (eggs: 6.66 and dead heart: 25.46%), but it was found to be highestin 1st fortnight of July (27th SMW) sown crop (eggs: 21.95 and dead heart: 65.45%). The correlation of shoot flyinfestation in relation to weather parameters revealed that egg load and dead hearts were negatively correlatedwith maximum temperature and positively correlated with minimum temperature, relative humidity and rain fall.Green fodder yield was recorded to be highest and lowest for the crop sown on 18th SMW (409 q/ha) and 27th SMW (302 q/ha), respectively. The study indicated that 1st fortnight of May was the best time to escape from thesorghum shoot fly attack.
Atherigona soccata, Correlation, Dead heart, Green fodder yield, Oviposition, Sorghum
Variability, character association and genetic divergence studies in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (l.) Walp] genotypes
The present experiment comprised of 46 cowpea genotypes to estimate genetic variability, interrelation among13 quantitative characters and genetic divergence during Kharif 2020. High heritability coupled with highgenetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for the characters viz., seed yield per plant, number ofclusters per plant, number of pods per plant, plant height, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. Highphenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and high genetic advance as per cent of mean(GAM) were observed in seed yield per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant and plantheight. Seed yield per plant was found positively and significantly correlated with pods per plant, seeds perpod, pods per cluster, pod length and 100 seed weight. Path analysis revealed that number of seeds per pod,number of pods per plant and 100 seed weight would be selected as important characters towards seed yieldas they showed a high positive direct effect on seed yield. D2 analysis revealed that all the genotypes weregrouped into seven distinct clusters. Cluster V had the maximum intra-cluster distance. The crossing amongthe genotypes of clusters V and VII, II and V, III and VI would result in novel recombinants as they showed highinter-cluster distance. Increased contribution to the divergence was found for the characters like plant height,seed yield per plant, number of clusters per plant and days to 50% flowering. Cluster V was found to be bestperforming for agronomic characters, followed by Cluster VI and Cluster III. Cluster II was best performing fornutritional value and earliness.
Correlation, D2 analysis, GCV, Path coefficient, PCV
Elucidation of molecular variability among Pyricularia grisea isolates causing blast disease in forage pearl millet
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is an important nutri-cereal for humans and a forage crop for livestock. It isthe only cereal crop that is proficient in adopting punitive climate conditions and peripheral soil. The blastdisease caused by Pyricularia grisea is a major problem in pearl millet, causing significant losses in high-yieldhybrids/varieties grown for fodder. Blast disease is a major biotic threat in the cultivation of pearl millet innorthern Madhya Pradesh, especially Gwalior, Morena, Bhind and Sheopur. In this investigation, we studiedeight isolates of P. grisea that cause pearl millet blast disease. We used RAPD and ISSR molecular markers toassess their morphology, pathogenicity and genetics. Mycelium growth was investigated maximum in isolate PGMP1, however, two isolates viz., PGMP1 and PGMP8 were found to be highly virulent. The pearl millet blastfungus population in northern Madhya Pradesh is genetically diverse. RAPD and ISSR markers reliablyexplained the relationships among the different isolates. Our results on the characterization of blast pathogenmight be advantageous in devising location-specific disease management strategies in pearl millet againstblast disease.
Genetic diversity, Molecular markers, Pathogen, Population, Variability
Genetic divergence studies of fodder yield and quality attributing characteristics in promising maize (Zea mays L.) composites
The objective of the current study was to assess the extent of genetic variation among twenty-seven maizevarieties using morpho-agronomic data based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and to measure thegenetic distance among these genotypes using hierarchical cluster analysis. Twenty-seven composites weregrown in a randomised complete block design with three replications for two years. The experimental materialwas assessed for 15 morpho-agronomic traits. Green fodder yield depends on various other traits such asplant height, number of leaves, leaf length and fodder quality traits such as crude protein, acid detergent fibreand neutral detergent fibre. This study showed a positive correlation of green fodder yield with various suchtraits. A very high positive correlation was noticed between number of leaves and ear height (0.723) andbetween crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility (0.823). However, crude protein showed a significantnegative correlation with acid detergent fibre (-0.739) and neutral detergent fibre (-0.678). Five principalcomponents had more than one eigen value, contributing 75% variability among genotypes. PC contributes 125.1% followed by PC with 19.9%, PC with 12.5%, PC with 9.7% and PC with 7.8%. The scree plot revealed 2 3 4 5that the experimental material could be divided into five clusters. The genotypes under cluster five could beused to improve green fodder yield. The minimum intra-cluster distance observed for cluster 1 was 48.008, andthe maximum inter-cluster distance observed between clusters 2 and 5 was 259.45. The different groupsobtained could be useful for deriving the inbred lines with diverse features, which could be used in variousmaize breeding programmes.
Cluster analysis, Correlation, Principal Component Analysis, Zea mays
Assessment of barley and berseem for feed-forage yield, land use efficiency and profitability under varying intercropping row ratios
An experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2020-21 to record the effect of different intercropping row ratios on feed and forage yield, land use efficiency and profitability. The experiment consisted of nine treatments viz. sole barley, sole berseem, intercropping of barley + berseem in 1:1, 2:1, 1:2, 2:2, 3:1, 1:3 and 3:3 row ratios. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The results of the study revealed that in barley, maximum grain yield (3.46 t ha-1) was recorded with sole barley, which was at par with 2:1 row ratios of barley + berseem intercropping. Intercropping of barley + berseem in 2:1 row ratio also recorded maximum dry fodder yield (6.27 t ha-1), land equivalent ratio (1.21), relative crowding coefficient (3.73), phosphorus uptake (12.34 kg ha-1), net return (Rs 45834 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (2.44). Further, in forage berseem maximum green fodder yield (49.03 t ha-1), crude protein (18.27%), TDN content (64.08%), dry matter intake (2.71%), digestible dry matter (66.41%) and relative feed quality (141.16%) were recorded with sole berseem treatment followed by 1:3 and 1:2 row ratio of intercropping.
Dry matter intake, Economics, Fodder yield, Fodder quality, Grain yield
Association studies for yield and yield components in lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes
An investigation was carried out to evaluate seventy lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes during rabi 202021 at SRRS, IGFRI, Dharwad to determine the character association of ten morphological traits to improve thefodder yield. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences between the genotypes for all the traitsstudied. Correlation analysis revealed that dry fodder yield, plant height, number of branches per plant weresignificantly and positively associated at genotypic as well as phenotypic level with green fodder yield. Intercorrelationstudy revealed that a positive and significant association was found among plant height, number ofbranches per plant and dry fodder yield. The leaf to stem ratio, on the other hand, was negatively associatedwith green fodder yield. The results of path analysis revealed that dry fodder yield had the highest positivedirect effect on green fodder yield, followed by plant height and number of branches per plant. While plantheight and number of branches per plant contributed indirectly via dry fodder yield for green fodder yield. Thestudy indicated that these characters would enhance the effectiveness of selection for higher fodder yield inlucerne.
Association studies, Correlation, Fodder yield, Lucerne, Path analysis
Carbon stock dynamics in soil as influenced by perennial grass-legume mixtures in southern dry zone of Karnataka
A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Vishweshwaraiah Canal Farm, Mandya, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore from July 2020 to June 2022 to study the carbon stock dynamics in soil as influenced by different perennial grass-legume mixtures in southern dry zone of Karnataka. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design comprising of twelve treatments and replicated thrice. The data revealed that among different grass-legume mixtures, paired row system of B×N hybrid + Desmanthus (2:5) recorded considerably higher credit of soil organic carbon (0.018%) and carbon sequestration in soil (1.12 Mg ha-1) followed by paired row system of Guinea grass + Desmanthus (2:3) (0.016% and 0.99 Mg ha-1, respectively) at the end of the second year. Further, significantly higher green fodder, dry matter and crude protein yield (1802.7, 355.7 and 41.5 q ha-1 year-1, respectively), gross and net returns (Rs. 3,44,072 and 2,58,752 ha-1 year-1, respectively) as well as benefit cost ratio (4.05) were observed with paired row system of B×N hybrid + Desmanthus (2:5) cropping system on a pooled basis which was on par with paired row system of Guinea grass + Desmanthus (2:3) with respect to crude protein yield (38.3 q ha-1 year-1) and B:C ratio (3.67) as compared to other grass-legume mixtures. Considering these results, B×N hybrid paired row + Desmanthus (2:5) followed by Guinea grass paired row + Desmanthus (2:3) were found as the most promising fodder cropping systems for meeting both farmer needs and soil sustainability.
Biomass yield, Carbon sequestration, Crude protein yield, Desmanthus, Economics, Grasses
Studies on combining ability and heterosis in three-way hybrids in forage pearl millet
In the present study, two A CMS lines, ICMA 03333 and ICMA 01777 were crossed with 15 different 5 viz.maintainers having high biomass during kharif 2016. The thirty male sterile F s were crossed with two high 1biomass pollinators, viz. Giant Bajra and RBC-2 during Kharif 2017 to generate three-way hybrids. A total ofsixty, three-way hybrids were evaluated in summer (Environment I) and kharif (Environment II) for agronomictraits, viz. plant height (cm), green fodder yield (kg/plot) and dry fodder yield (kg/plot) and quality traits, viz. drymatter (%), In vitro dry matter digestibility (%) and crude protein (%) during kharif 2018. Significant variabilitywas present in parents and hybrids for a majority of the traits under both environments. The pooled analysis ofvariance over environments revealed that combining ability varies with the change in environments. The lines ICMA 01777 × PB 111B and the tester Giant Bajra were identified as good general combiners for green fodderyield and its component characters as well as for quality traits, under both environments. The three-wayhybrids, viz. (ICMA01777 × PB220B) × GB, (ICMA01777 × ICMB97111) × GB, (ICMA01777 × PB111B) × GB,and (ICMA01777 × ICMB00444) × GB were found to be promising cross combinations for almost all the traitsunder study. The high SCA cross combinations also showed high heterotic effects. Additive gene action waspredominant in the inheritance of yield traits, whereas for fodder quality traits non-additive gene action waspredominant.
Combining ability, Fodder yield, Heterosis, Pearl Millet, Quality traits, Three-way forage hybrids © Range
Effect of different land use types on selected soil characteristics in Erode district, Tamil Nadu
An experiment was conducted with thirty cropping systems from six land use types (agriculture, horticulture, silviculture, pastoral, horticulture + agriculture and silviculture + horticulture) to observe the effect of various land use systems on soil properties. The results showed that land use type had a substantial impact on measured soil organic matter (SOM), soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, electrical conductivity (EC) and soil reaction (pH). Results showed that agriculture/horticulture based land use systems had considerably higher pH (on an average: 8.30) and EC (0.93 dS m-1) values than did other land use systems. The SOM and SOC in tree-based land use systems were found to be higher than cultivated agri and horti soils. The findings indicated that periodical cultivation of land with agricultural/horticultural crops reduced the soil organic matter, available nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium while dramatically raising pH and EC. Therefore, for sustainable agricultural productivity, it is necessary to create integrated land management strategies that could aid in restoring soil fertility and limiting soil deterioration.