highlight of research accomplishment, kharif crops

RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS: KHARIF 2013
AND
RESEARCH PRIORITIES: KHARIF 2014
CSK HP KRISHI VISHVAVIDYALAYA
PALAMPUR 2014
ACHIEVEMENTS DURING KHARIF 2013
AND
RESEARCH PROGRAMMES FOCUSING KHARIF 2014

Rainfall Pattern
The state normally receives 843.5 mm average rainfall during kharif (1 June to 30
September) season. During Kharif 2013, Kangra received 1940.6 mm, Sirmaur 1392.7
mm, Mandi 1236.9 mm, Una 1187.7 mm, Hamirpur 1090.5 mm, Bilaspur 837.4 mm,
Chamba 801.6mm, Solan 800.2 mm, 633.4 mm, Shimla 581.8 mm, Kinnaur 460.5 mm
and Lahaul & Spiti 122.2 mm rainfall. The state received 778.0 mm rainfall which was
normal (±19%) during the season. The onset of monsoon took place on 14th June (11 days
early) than its normal onset of around 25th June.
All the districts during the month of June witnessed excess rainfall (above normal
by 25-804%). Sowing of Kharif crops viz., maize, paddy, fodder crops and pulses could
be completed in time. Heavy rains due to cloud burst damaged apple, apricot and almond
crops in Kinnaur district. Heavy rain with high winds damaged mango and litchi in
Kangra district and the summer vegetables were affected in almost all the districts.
During July, Una received excess ( 20 %) rainfall whereas Hamirpur, Kangra,
Kullu and Mandi received normal rainfall. The remaining districts received either
deficient (- 20 to -59 %) or scanty rainfall (- 60 to -99 %). During August, Bilaspur,
Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur and Una received either excess or normal rainfall
and remaining districts received deficient or scanty rainfall. During September, only
Kinnaur received normal rainfall and all other districts received either deficient or scanty
rainfall. The wind storms along with rains damaged standing crops viz., maize, paddy and
vegetables including tomato in Solan, Kullu, and Mandi, Kangra, Hamirpur and Chamba
districts. Heavy winds also caused premature dropping of apple in Shimla district.
Since June 1 to September 30, 2013, most of the districts experienced either
normal or excess rainfall whereas Chamba and Solan witnessed deficient and L&S scanty
rainfall. A total of 778.0 mm rainfall was received against the normal of 843.5 mm, the
corresponding value for 2012 was 705.4 mm (Table 1).
Monsoon withdrew from the state on 18th September against its normal date of
21st September. However the rains interfered with harvesting of maize crop in some areas.
Continuous rains during first fortnight of October interfered with the harvesting and the
already harvested paddy crop was also affected in some pockets in Kangra district.
________________________________________________________________________
Lecture delivered by Dr. S.P. Sharma, Director of Research, CSK H.P. Krishi
Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur in the Agricultural Officers’ Workshop on Kharif crops held
at CSKHPKV, Palampur on April 29 ,2014
Table 1. Monthly rainfall during Kharif, 2013 in Himachal Pradesh as compared to
Kharif, 2012
Month
June
Actual (mm)
2013
241.1
2012
28.8
Normal (mm)
99.3
Departure (%) from normal
2013
143
2012
-71
July
August
September
Seasonal total
221.9
213.8
311.1
246.1
311.9
290.8
68.9
150.9
142.4
778.0
705.4
843.5
-29
-31
-15
+7
-52
+6
-8
-16
 RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: KHARIF-2013
Significant research accomplishments for different ongoing programmes of the
University during Kharif-2013 are given as under:

Crop Improvement
Varieties developed and released
During the period under report, the University has developed following three
varieties of different crops, which have been recommended by the H.P. State Seed Sub
Committee for general cultivation in different agro-climatic conditions of the State:
Crop
Name of the Varieties
Paddy
HPR 2612 (Palam Basmati 1) and HPR 2720 (Palam Lal Dhan:
Improved Begmi)
Soybean
Palam Early Soya-1
Other Varietal Development Status
Maize:


Entries DMR-302, DMR 306, DMR 316, DMR 322, DMR330, DMR 212, DMR
215, DMR 224, DMR 229, DMR230, DMR 265, DMR 266, DMR 273 and DMR
285 were found promising.
During kharif, 2013, twenty maize hybrid supplied by various private companies
were evaluated along with two checks PMZ-4 (Modified single cross) of
Monsanto company and a single cross hybrid, Vivek 21 of VPKAS, Almora at
five different locations of CSKHPKV ( Palampur, Sunder Nagar, Kangra, Akrot
and Bajaura ) and on the basis of overall performance, none of the entries could
statistically out yield the hybrid best check, ‘PMZ 4’ (81.76 q/ha) however, entries
NMH 589 (88.85 q/ha), IJ-8533 (88.83 q/ha), IJ7519 (88.05 q/ha), 115-08-1
(87.70 q/ha), II-8017 (85.85 q/ha), P3303 (85.75 q/ha), IM8479 (84.69 q/ha),
KH2136 (83.92 q/ha ), PG2493 (83.82 q/ha ), IM7501 (83.66 q/ha) were
statistically at par with the best check PMZ-4. Whereas, the entries NMH 589
(88.85 q/ha), IJ-8533 (88.83 q/ha), IJ7519 (88.05 q/ha), 115-08-1 (87.70 q/ha), II-
8017 (85.85 q/ha), P3303 (85.75 q/ha), IM8479 (84.69 q/ha), KH2136 (83.92
q/ha), PG2493 (83.82 q/ha ), IM7501 (83.66 q/ha) PG2419 (82.76q / ha),
NMH007(81.56 q/ha), were statistically superior to single cross hybrid check
Vivek 21 (63.32q/ha) . While rest of the entries were at par with Vivek 21 check
(Table 2).In summation, the hybrids, NMH589 (88.85 q/ha) double cross, IJ-8533
(88.83 q/ha) and IM8479 (84.69 q/ha among three way crosses whereas, KH2136
(83.92 q/ha ) and NMH007 (81.56q/ha) among modified single cross and IJ7519
(88.05 q/ha) 115-08-1 (87.70 q/ha) and II-8017 (85.85 q/ha), P3303 (85.75 q/ha),
PG2493 (83.82 q/ha ), IM7501 (83.66 q/ha) PG2419 (82.76q/ha) among single
crosses can be considered for cultivation within Himachal Pradesh.
Table 2: Mean performance of maize hybrids for seed yield (q/ha) over locations in HP
during kharif 2013
Sr.
No.
Entry/Var.
1
NMH589
1
Company
/ Overall Mean
Organisation
Nezu Veedu Seed Ltd.
88.85 [1]
IJ7519
Monsanto
88.05 [3]
P3303
Pioneer
23
85.75 [6]
KH2136
Kanchan
4
83.92 [8]
IM8479
Monsanto
5
84.69 [7]
PG2440
Plantgene
6
69.72 [19]
PMZ-4©
Monsanto
7
81.76 [12]
II-8017
Monsanto
8
85.85 [5]
PG-2488
Plantgene
9
72.53 [17]
IJ-8533
Monsanto
10
88.83 [2]
115-08-1
Kanchan
11
87.70 [4]
IM8478
Monsanto
12
75.71 [15]
LG 31.81
Bisco biosciences
13
76.33 [14]
NMH007(BOND)
Nezu Veedu Seed Ltd.
14
81.56 [13]
DKC9125
Monsanto
15
70.26 [18]
VIVEK-21© VPKAS, Almora
16
63.32 [20]
PG2419
Plantgene
17
82.76 [11]
IM7501
Monsanto
18
83.66 [10]
P3377
Pioneer
19
73.81 [16]
PG2493
Plantgene
20
83.82 [9]
CD (5%)
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

% increase/ decrease over checks
PMZ 4
VIVEK 21
8.67
40.32
7.69
4.88
2.64
3.58
-14.72
5.00
-11.29
8.64
7.27
-7.40
-6.64
-0.24
-14.07
-22.55
1.22
2.32
-9.72
2.52
39.06
35.42
32.53
33.75
10.11
29.12
35.58
14.55
40.29
38.50
19.57
20.55
28.81
10.96
30.70
32.12
16.57
32.38
15.48
CV (%)
9.70
Overall Mean
80.44
Figures in parenthesis indicate the rank of the hybrid as compared to best check
Rice:


On the basis of yield performance and disease resistance, the private company
hybrids namely, Arize Shift and BS10008 were observed promising and can be
recommended for Zone-1 and Zone-II of HP. Arize Shift gave 87.78 and 77 q/ha,
whereas BS10008 gave 76.36 and 72.50 q/ha yield in zone-I and zone-II,
respectively.
Among pure line varieties HPR2344 (91.0 q/ha) was observed as potential variety.
Among hybrid varieties, highest yield was recorded for HRI 152 (94.6 q/ha)
followed by Suruchi (92.2 q/ha).
Oilseeds:
Soybean:

The genotype IVT-13-20 exhibited significantly higher yield (27.98 q/ha)
followed by IVT-13-4 (25.51 q/ha) and IVT-13-31 (23.04 q/ha) as compared to
the best check VLS-59 (18.6 q/ha).
Fodder Crops:

Evaluation of private company fodder hybrids revealed that Bajra hybrid PG-3545
gave 471 q/ha of green fodder and 81.1 q/ha of dry matter yield over locations.
Hybrid gave 9.6% crude protein content and 6.6 q/ha of crude protein yield and
can be recommended for cultivation in HP.

Setaria grass variety Palam Setaria-1 (S-18) has been notified for sub-tropical
grasslands and pastures of the State. The variety is superior for green forage and
dry matter yield as compared to checks. The variety gives 500-600 q/ha of green
forage yield in 2-3 cuttings and contains 10-12% crude protein on dry matter
basis. The variety has been found resistant to cold and drought.
 Seed Production and Seed Technology
Nucleus and Breeder Seed Production

During Kharif, 2013, a total of 305 kg nucleus seed (56 kg stage I and 249 kg
stage II) of soybean was produced (Table 3).
Table 3: Nucleus seed of soybean produced (kg) by the Department of Seed Science
and Technology during Kharif 2013
Crop
Variety
Stage I
Stage II
Soybean
Hara Soya
10
64
Palam soya
20
55
Shivalik
12
80
Himso 1588
14
50
Total

56
249
A total of 16618.47 kg breeder seed of cereals, pulses, oil seeds, vegetables and
fodder crops was produced by the University during Kharif 2013 (Table 4).
Table 4: Breeder seed of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables and fodder crops
Produced (kg) during Kharif 2013.
Crop
Variety/Hybrid
Total Breeder
Seed produced
(kg)
Cereals
Maize
Bajaura Makka, Early Composite, Girija, Bajaura 952.0
popcorn, HQPM 1
Paddy
HPR 2143, HPR 1068, HPR 1156, RP 2421, Kasturi 4960.0
Basmati, VL Dhan 221, Bhrigu Dhan, Pusa 1121,
Palam Lal Dhan 1, Palam Basmati 1, Hasan Serai
Total
5912.0
Oilseeds
Soybean
Hara Soya, Palam Soya, Himso 1588, Shivalik
2351.0
Til
LTK 4
55.0
Total
2406.0
Pulses
Kulthi
HPK 4, VLG 1
188.0
Cowpea
C 475, C 519
76.0
Mash
UG 218, Kullu 4, Palampur 93, Pant U 19, PDU1, 2139.0
KU 19, Him Mash 1
Kanchan, Him 1
575.0
Rajmash
Total
2978.0
Vegetables
Chillies
Surajmukhi
0.4
Brinjal
Arka Keshav
0.07
Okra
P8
30.0
Total
30.47
Forage Crops
Maize
African Tall
5292.0
Total
5292.0
Grand total
16618.47
Seed Technology Research




Standardization of seed vigour test in hybrid maize revealed that first count (after
4 days) and second count (after 7 days), seedling length (cm) and seedling dry
weight (g) were found to be the good indicators of field emergence in hybrid
maize.
Out of 10 rice varieties screened for dormancy, five varieties Kasturi, HPR-2612,
Brighu dhan, Sukara dhan 1 and Hassan Sarai showed dormancy after harvesting
and achieved germination above MSCS (above 70 %) after 61, 105, 105, 95 and
105 days of harvesting, respectively.
Genetic purity of twenty private sector maize hybrids was ascertained using SSR
markers and the fingerprinting library maintained.
Genetic purity of six rajmash varieties, viz., Baspa, Jwala, Kailash, Kanchan and
Trilok and one farmer’s variety (Bharmaur local) was established using thirty five
SSR markers. The library of their fingerprints has been developed and maintained
for future reference.
 Crop Production

Under mid hill conditions, investigation undertaken (Bhadiarkhar farm) during
2010-11 to 2012-13 revealed superiority of Maize + asparagus bean – radish –
onion cropping sequence in terms of maize grain equivalent yield (37865
kg/ha/annum, 375.8% higher over maize-wheat sequence), net return (`
203842/ha/annum), benefit - cost ratio (1.32), productivity (103.8 kg/ha/day) and
profitability (` 558.3/ha/day). The other crop sequences were also superior and
increased maize grain equivalent yield significantly over maize - wheat. However,
none of the new cropping systems were as good as maize-wheat in terms of
energy output of the main product (Table 5).
Table 5. Yield (kg/ha) and energy output (106 K cal/ha/annum) under different crop
sequences (mean of 2010-11 to 2012-13)
Crop sequence
C1
C2
Yield main product
Kharif Intercrop Rabi
(I)
Maize-wheat
2169
4650
Maize (Green cob) + 3709
62
2745
Rabi
(II)
12802
MGEY* Energy
output
7958
26522
23.8
7.0
French bean (Pole
type) - pea-Summer
squash
C3 Maize + soybean –
garlic
2233
C4 Maize (Green cob) –
Broccoli – potato
3684
C5 Maize + asparagus
bean – radish –onion
2181
C6 Maize (Green cob) +
rice
bean/mash
–
cauliflower – French
bean
3532
C7 Maize (Green cob) +
rice bean/moong –
cauliflower
–
buckwheat
4138
C8 Maize (Green cob) +
asparagus
bean
–
broccoli – radish
3292
LSD (P=0.05)
*MGEY, maize gain equivalent yield.
315
5558
-
23828
17.4
-
4511
11448
24541
12.7
133
18979
14171
37865
16.7
62
9018
3054
19523
5.6
281
8619
2399
16545
6.2
117
4706
12658
25652
3002
5.9
2.2

In baby corn - Chinese sarson- onion cropping system, integrated nutrient
management comprising of 50% NPK (through inorganic) and 50% N (through
FYM) to each crop in the sequence resulted in highest baby corn equivalent yield
and sustainability index; nearly 3.5 times higher over the management of nutrients
completely through inorganic sources for the last eight years. The nutrient
management completely through organic sources was next to INM. In the
inorganic treatment, yield of crops was substantially low, however, addition of
lime gave some yield of onion too which suffered a lot.

Based upon twenty two years research findings, 50% NPK (fertilizers) + 50% N
(FYM) to rice followed by 100% NPK (fertilizers) to wheat in sequence had the
highest average rice and wheat yields, average total yield and sustainable yield
index. This was followed by 100% NPK (fertilizers) to both rice and wheat in
sequence.

Crops (Field 6500 sq m, horticultural 1750 sq m and Fodder 1000 sq m) + dairy is
being evaluated for the last two and half year. In the second year, the one ha IFS
model generated farm products worth total gross revenue of ` 244275/annum. The
model gave net returns of ` 67537/annum.
 Intercropping of sorghum hybrid with 75% of recommended seed rate of cowpea
gave higher herbage yield and this treatment was at par with mixed cropping of
sorghum with 100% recommended seed rate of cowpea in terms of herbage yield.

Growing of Napier bajra hybrid under Eucalyptus plantation (198.59q/ha) could
give 66.6% of green herbage yield as compared to its plantation under open
conditions (298.01q/ha). Also nitrate content in the fodder increased with shade
and increasing levels of nitrogen application.

Soil Water and Nutrient Management

For maximum production and water use efficiency, capsicum should be irrigated
with drip at 3 day intervals with the irrigation quantity equal to 1.0 cumulative pan
evaporation of preceding three days. Soil test based recommended NPK dose
should be applied in 8 equal splits with an interval of 11 days each.

For maximum production, brinjal crop should be fertigated with recommended
doses of fertilizers at 15 day interval than weekly and bi-weekly fertigation
In a long term experiment on maize-wheat, fertilizer application as per STCR
concept proved superior to the conventional approach (General recommended
dose) in terms of yield of maize during kharif, 2013.
The STCR based fertilizer application (IPNS equation) involving use of 2.5 t and
-1
5 t ha-1 of FYM and vermicompost
for 40 q ha
t yield target
of maize during
A view of fertigation
experiment
in
kharif 2013 was significantly
capsicum
superior as compared to soil test based and general
recommended doses. The conjoint use of organic and inorganic sources also
proved superior to sole application of inorganic sources of nutrients.
Application of fertilizers as per target yield concept, in general, gave higher yields
of soybean in comparison to farmers’ practice and general recommended dose in
front line demonstrations on farmers’ fields in Hamirpur district. Likewise,
application of fertilizers as per target yield concept resulted in higher yields of
toria in comparison to farmers’ practice and general recommended dose in front
line demonstrations on farmers’ field in Una and Bilaspur districts.



 Crop Protection
Disease Management






Maize entries DMR 283, 122, PSC 788 and 791 showed combined resistant to
Erwinia stalk rot, maydis blight and banded leaf and sheath blight diseases.
Sprays of Tilt @ 0.1% were found effective against maydis leaf blight of maize
Two foliar sprays of Nativo 75 WG (trifloxystrobin 25 + Tebuconazole 50 @
0.8g/l gave excellent control of false smut of paddy.
Seed treatment with Raxil @ 1.0g/kg seed and foliar spray of Propiconazole
(0.1%) followed by seed treatment with Raxil @ 1.0g/kg seed and foliar spray of
Tebuconazole (0.1%) were highly effective in the management of foliar diseases
of urdbean.
Out of 50 soybean germplasm lines evaluated to identifying multiple disease
resistance sources; the lines JS 20-65, JS 20-87 and MAUS 26-1 were found
having multiple disease resistance against three diseases (frogeye leaf spot, pod
blight and brown spot).
Soybean line K103 was found free from frog eye leaf spot while AMS 243 and
AMS MB 5-18 were highly resistant. BAUS 40 and PS 1476 were found free




from pod blight (Ct.) Fungicide Fosetyl Aluminium 80WP against was found very
effective for the management of damping off of tomato.
For the management of diseases of cowpea, seed treatment with tebuconozole +
NSKP followed by spray of propiconazole was found very effective & gave
maximum control of root rot, anthracnose and leaf blights with maximizing the
GFY.
For the management of zonate leaf spot of sorghum seed treatment with
carbendazim @ 2 g/kg and two foliar sprays of propiconazole @ 1ml/l provided
best management with 12.9 % disease severity with maximum green fodder yield
(304.9 q/ha) as compared to control i.e. 74.4 per cent disease severity with
234.4/ha green fodder yield.
Powdery mildew of cucumber, capsicum & tomato, Alternaria blight of tomato,
Cercospora blight of capsicum, Septoria leaf spot of tomato, Phytophthora blight
of tomato and Downey mildew & collar rot of cucumber were recorded as major
diseases of polyhouse.
Etiology of root rot of capsicum and leaf spot of tomato reported for the first time
from Himachal was studied and their cause i.e. Phytophthora sp. and Stemphylium
sp. respectively were identified.
Insect-Pest Management (IPM)





In rice, 55 entries were screened against leaf folder. CRMS 31 A/C B258R was reported
to be the promising line. In gram, 20 genotypes were tested against H.armigera. Least
pod damage was recorded in entry 5034.
In mash, lambda-cyhalothrin @ 0.0004% in two sprays has been found effective
against different insect-pests. Against blister beetles, Imidacloprid (ST) +
cypermethrin foliar spray, and against bean bug, triazophos resulted in maximum
reduction in their respective populations.
In rajmash, chlorpyriphos 10 G @ 2.0 kg ai./ha gave maximum control of
whitegrubs. In soybean, 37 entries were tested in IVT for resistance to major
insect-pests. The bean bug was recorded to be the major pest infesting all entries.
In cabbage, 4 modules were tested against insect-pests and diseases in Kullu valley.
Module M3 (A 2- spray schedule consisting of spraying with lambda-cyhalothrin @
0.004% (Bravo 5%) after 45 days of transplanting followed by the second spray with the
mixture of malathion (0.05%) and Dithane Z 78 @ 0.25% (Dithane 75 WP) after 15 days
of 1st spray) has been found to be the most effective in protecting the cabbage from
insect-pests and diseases. Against whitegrubs in cabbage, application of chlorpyriphos
50% + cypermethrin 5% @ 2.0 kg + 200 g ai./ha proved highly effective.
Studies undertaken at 3 sites on the integrated management of fruit borer and foliar
disease (Alternaria blight), and fruit rot diseases showed that module M3 was found to be
most effective and economical giving (Rs. 1,26,751/- net additional returns and Rs.
Rs.20.70 net returns per rupee invested. M3 consisted of use of pheromone traps (@12
traps /ha) just after transplanting the crop for monitoring the population of H. armigera
followed by 3 foliar sprays at 15 days interval initiating spraying after 40 days of
transplanting. First foliar spray was with the mixture of lambda- cyhalothrin 5EC @
0.004% and Dithane-Z 78 (Zineb) @ 0.25% followed by 2nd spray with the mixture of
Helicide (Ha NPV) 100 LE @ 0.5ml/l + Indofil M-45 (0.25%))+ Gur (0.5%)+ Tween 80
(0.05%) and 3rd spray with the mixture of lambda- cyhalothrin 5EC @ 0.8ml/l (0.004%)
and Amoximate (cymoxanil+ mancozeb)@ 0.25%. In potato, drenching with clothianidin
50 WPG @ 150 g a.i./ha in 2nd week of June was found highly effective against grubs of
B. coriacea in Shimla hills. Among biopesticides, H. indica + B. bassiana @ 4 billion
ITS + 1012 spores proved superior as compared to other biopesticides.




Under NAIP project on biopesticides, intrinsic toxicity of biopesticides and insecticides
was tested against different insect-pests. Against P. xylostella, B. brassicae and
Tetranychus sp. A minimum LC50 value was recorded in case of Melia.
In polyhouses, 13 insecticides/ biopesticides were tested against Polyphhagotarsonemus
latus (yellow mite) in capsicum. Dicofol (0.045%) was found highly effective. Against
Myzus persicae, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and acetamiprid were found superior.
During 2013, 183 samples from potato crop were analysed from six districts of Himachal
Pradesh for the occurrence of Globodera cysts. Cysts were recorded from 6 locations with
frequency of occurrence ranging from 41.13 to 100 % and with the mean population of
8.00 to 53.60 cysts/100 cc soil. Sweet pepper hybrid (Orebella) was found to be resistant
to M. incognita.
Against Varroa mite in A. mellifera colonies Datura formulation was found
highly effective at Nagrota. At Bajaura, Mahendru (plant material) also showed
promise against this mite.
Weed Management
 For the control of mixed weed flora in blackgram, imazethapyr + pendimethalin
(Pre-mix) 1000g/ha(pre emergence) behaving statistically similar with
pendimethalin 1000 g/ha(pre emergence) and weed free (hand weeding at 20 and
40 DAS) resulted in significantly higher seed yield of black gram by effective
control of weeds. The residual effects of herbicide treatments on succeeding
mustard crop were non phytotoxic.
 Pre-emergence weedicide Imazethapyre + Pendimethalin (Pre Mix) @ 1.0 kg/ha
in black gram resulted in maximum yield and minimum weeds infestation.
 Increase in dominance of different weeds viz.,
Ageratum conyzoides,
Commelina benghalensis and Brachiaria ramosa was observed in maize crop, &
Stellaria media & Oxalis latifolia in vegetable crops during the period under
report.
 Herbicide resistance / escapes in weeds of dominant cropping system was not
noticed in low and the mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. All the weeds
were effectively controlled with the recommended herbicides.
 For the control of mixed weed flora in direct seeded rice pendimethalin
1000g/ha(pre) fb Bispyribac 25g/ha (20DAS) fb manual weeding (45DAS) proved
superior most treatment as weeds in unweeded check reduced the grain yield of
direct seeded upland rice by 64.2% over the above said treatment .
 In an integrated weed management studies in turmeric, application of metribuzin
0.7 kg/ha fb straw mulch 10 t/ha fb 1 hand weeding or pendimethalin 0.7 kg/ha fb
straw mulch 10t / ha fb 1 hand weeding or atrazine 0.75 kg / ha fb straw mulch 10t
/ ha fb 1 hand weeding behaving statistically similar resulted in significantly
higher rhizome yield by effective control of weeds.
 For the control of mixed weed flora in blackgram, imazethapyr + pendimethalin
(Pre-mix) 900 g/ha(pre emergence)behaving statistically similar with
pendimethalin 1000 g/ha(pre emergence) and weed free (hand weeding at 20 and
40 DAS) resulted in significantly higher seed yield of black gram by effective
control of weeds. The residual effects of herbicide treatments on succeeding
mustard crop were non phytotoxic.
 In long term experiment on weed management in rice-wheat cropping system
reveal that continuous/rotational use of herbicides for longer period did not
developed any resistance in weeds during both Kharif and rabi season
 Biotechnology


Organic Agriculture






1.
Identification of a high yielding rice line with resistance to leaf and neck blast
resistance
A high yielding and blast resistant line RIL-4 was identified from the F10 RILs of
cross HPU2216 x Tetep. The line shows complete resistance to leaf and neck
blast. Based on its yield performance at farmer’s field and grain characteristics,
the line represents a potential substitute to blast susceptible variety RP2421.
Under organic conditions in low hills maize + mash – wheat + gram and maize +
mash – gram produced maize equivalent yield of 78.07 and 77.39 q/ha and B:C
ratio of 1.39 and 1.64 respectively. Under mid hill conditions maize + soybean-wheat + gram and maize +soybean-- gram produced maize equivalent yield of
95.50 and 87.82 q/ha/annum, and B.C. ratio of 2.06 & 2.09, respectively.
Inorganic production of paddy-wheat system produced 9.3 % higher yield over
organic production with B:C ratio of 1.43, however, B:C ratio was comparatively
higher under organic conditions i.e. 1.53.
Mash–garlic & soybean-garlic cropping systems were most remunerative with
B:C ratio of 4.84 and 4.72 respectively.
In mash-gram and mash-lentil cropping systems, organic source of nutrients
resulted in 58.5 and 36.4 percent higher mash equivalent yield over the inorganic
and integrated nutrient supply system, respectively.
In vegetable-vegetable cropping system okra+cowpea- cabbage+pea system with
wider spacing and split application of compost was the best and gave 218.09 q/ha
okra equivalent yield and B:C ratio of 1.45.
Farm Mechanization
Development and evaluation of seed drill suitable with light weight power
Weeder
 A three row seeder was fabricated in the workshop to suit with power weeder/tiller
for increasing its versatility .The three furrow opener was made from 5 mm plate.
The weight of the machine was 22.5 kg without seed. The machine (Seeder) field
performance was carried out in field condition at the university farm. The
effective field capacity was observed to be 0.10 ha/h at a forward speed of 2.0
km/h with field efficiency of 69%. The labour requirement could be saved more
than 50 % with drill.
 A seed cum ferti drill was fabricated with the overall dimension 570 X 720 X 670
mm and having weight 32 kg. The effective field capacity was observed to be 0.12
ha/h with field efficiency of 70 %.
 As based on survey done, the most labor consuming and drudgery prone activities
in apple cultivation are harvesting and pruning. Ergonomically improved ladder of
bamboo and Iron with following specification were made and provided to apple
growers in Kullu district, which they were using it for apple harvesting and other
cultivation practices.
Specifications of Developed ladder
S. No.
Parameters
Ladder
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Weight, kg
Height, mm
Distance of steps, mm
Top Platform, mm
Cost, Rs.
Bamboo
16
3150
450
340X450X20THK
1150
Iron Square
21
3000
360
380X580
1850
Geo-informatics
 Web based Applications of GIS and RS in HP Crop Diversification Project (HPCDP) and rural development have been developed under the projects
"Establishment of GIS and MIS and Monitoring System" and “Integrated
Geodatabase model for DRDA” respectively. The information generated is
available
on
the
website
in
the
following
links
http://14.139.224.135/myapp/jix/JICA_files/Page365.html
and http://14.139.224.135/myapp/index_files/DRDAKgr.htm.
 At state, district and sub-divisional level, one month advance forecast for SW
monsoon, 2013 was more consistent than two months advance forecast while the
forecast received for individual months is more accurate than the seasonal forecast
received for 2 to 3 months.
 The local knowledge (ITKS) with respect to weather information and climate
resilient practices followed by farmers of Kangra, Chamba Una and Hamirpur
were documented.
 One day Awareness Programmes on Climate, weather and farmers at Seven places
in different district were organised and Total 1189 farmers+ 61 official and civil
society members attended the programmes
 The five days forecasts on different weather parameters viz. rainfall, temperature,
cloud cover, relative humidity and weekly cumulative rainfall for districts were
validated. The reliability of rainfall forecast for Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur and
Una revealed 46.15 to 98.65% for all the districts. The total 102 AAS bulletins
were prepared in English and Hindi and published in university and
www.imd.gov.in and www.cropweatheoutlook.com of CRIDA (ICAR) websites.
 In addition to this 8198 SMS were sent in Himachal Pradesh by IFFCO Kisan
Seva Limited sent five messages per day to 6219 registered farmers under the
services.
 The field experiment on “Modelling and forecasting yield of wheat for Kangra
District of Himachal Pradesh was conducted during Rabi 2011-12 and 2012-13
revealed that early sown crop averaged over two years took 35, 25 and 24 more
days for maturity, heading and vegetative stages, respectively compared to with
sowing delayed up to December 20.
 New Recommendations
Programme Area
Variety/ Recommendation
Crop Improvement
Inclusion of Rice Hybrid (Arize Swift ) of private company in
the package of practices.
 On Going Research Projects
S. No.
Particulars
No. of Projects
Budget outlay (Rs. in lakhs)
ICAR Funded Projects
1.
AICRPs
36
1688.50
2.
Adhoc Projects
9
973.3
DBT Funded Projects
6
259.62
DST Funded Projects
8
329.89
Mini Mission- I projects
23
288.6
UGC funded projects
6
63.27
Miscellaneous Adhoc Projects
42
739.18
RKVY Projects
10
1416.83
Total
140
5759.19

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