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    Response of finger millet (Eleusine coracana(L.) Gaertn) to live mulch and stale seedbed
    (Department of agronomy, college of agriculture, Vellayani, 2023) Vandana Devi, V S
    The research work titled “Response of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) to live mulch and stale seedbed was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, during 2021-2023. The primary aim of the study was to assess the effect of live mulch and stale seedbed on weed control, growth and yield of finger millet. The field experiment was conducted in the model organic farm at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during summer 2022-23 (February 2023-May 2023). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with two factors in three replications. The first factor was land preparation (L), viz., normal seedbed (l1), stale seedbed with light raking (l2) and stale seedbed with flaming (l3) and the second factor was live mulches (M) viz., no mulch (m1), cowpea (m2), green gram (m3) and cluster bean (m4). The variety used in the study was PPR 2700 (Vakula). The live mulches were sown in 1:1 proportion and left in the interrow spaces as organic mulch by wheel hoe weeding at 50 per cent flowering stage (40 DAS of the mulch crop). The crop was raised as per Ad hoc POP recommendations (organic) of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU, 2017) Stale seedbed with light raking (l2) resulted in taller plants of finger millet at 20 DAS, 40 DAS and harvest. It also produced higher tiller count at 20 DAS and 60 DAS and higher DMP per plant at 20 DAS, 60 DAS and harvest. In finger millet, cowpea live mulch (m2) recorded taller plants and DMP per plant at all stages of observation. Tiller count was significant only at 20 DAS and 60 DAS and live mulching with cowpea resulted in higher tiller count at both stages The interaction effect of land preparation and live mulches revealed that, in finger millet the treatment l2m2 resulted in taller plants, higher tillers m-2 and DMP per plant at 60 DAS and harvest. Stale seedbed with flaming (l3) resulted in higher CGR and RGR at 20 DAS-40 DAS in finger millet, however, at both 40 DAS-60 DAS and 60 DAS-harvest, the highest CGR and RGR were observed in l2. Cowpea live mulch resulted in significantly higher CGR and RGR at 20 DAS- 40 DAS and LAI at 20 DAS and 40 DAS in finger millet.213 The CGR and RGR of finger millet at 20 DAS-40 DAS were also higher in l2m2. However, l2m1 showed higher CGR and RGR at 40 DAS-60 DAS and l2m4 showed higher CGR at 60 DAS- harvest. Stale seedbed with light raking resulted in higher number of fingers per ear head (12.87) and ear head weight (15.78 g) and it was comparable with l3. The treatment l2 also resulted in the highest number of productive tillers m-2 (45.3), 1000 grain weight (1.50 g), grain yield (661 kg ha-1) and harvest index (0.310). The percentage increase in grain yield in l2 compared to l1 was 17.25. The lowest weed index (20.47 %) was also observed in l2. The yield attributes of finger millet, productive tiller count (50.2 no. m-2), ear head weight (18. 62 g) and 1000 grain weight were also higher in cowpea live mulch. The grain yield of finger millet was also the highest in cowpea live mulch (717 kg ha-1). Compared to control (without mulch), the percentage yield increase due to live mulching with cowpea was 49.06. Cowpea live mulch also resulted in higher harvest index (0.321) and the lowest weed index. The treatment l2m2 resulted in higher number of productive tillers m-2 (53.3 no. m-2), ear head weight and 1000 grain weight in finger millet. It also produced significantly higher grain yield (832 kg ha-1) and harvest index (0.341) and the lowest weed index (0.00). Compared to l1m1, the yield increase observed in l2m2 was 131.8 per cent. The crude protein content and starch content of finger millet grain was the highest in l2. The quality parameters, viz., crude protein content and starch content of finger millet grain were also higher in cowpea live mulch. The treatment l3m2 resulted in higher crude protein content of finger millet grain (14.27%) and higher starch content in l2m2 (82.19%). The N and P uptake by finger millet at harvest were found to be higher in l2 and K uptake in l3. Cowpea live mulch had the highest N and K uptake by finger millet. It also recorded higher P uptake but comparable with m3 and m4. The treatment l2m2 had the highest N and K uptake by finger millet at harvest stage. It also recorded higher P uptake but comparable with l3m3.214 Stale seedbed with light raking resulted in lower N and P uptake by weeds and SSB with flaming had lower K uptake by weeds at 60 DAS. Cowpea had the lowest N uptake by weeds at 60 DAS, however, lower P and K uptake by weeds were observed in green gram. Among the treatments at 60 DAS, l3m2 resulted in lower N uptake by weeds, however, l2m3 had lower P uptake and l3m1 had lower K uptake by weeds. Land preparation did not significantly influence the dehydrogenase enzyme activity at 60 DAS. However, treatment l3 resulted in the highest urease enzyme activity in soil. Land preparation did not have any significant effect on SOC and available N content in the soil at the post-harvest stage. However, l2 had the highest available P in the soil and available K in l3. Green gram resulted in the highest dehydrogenase enzyme activity in soil at 60 DAS. However, urease enzyme activity was the highest in cowpea (m2). At post-harvest stage, m2 had the highest available N and K in the soil, however, higher available P in m3. The treatment l2m2 resulted in higher dehydrogenase and urease enzymes activity in soil at 60 DAS. The treatment l1m2 resulted in significantly higher available N and SOC in the soil at post-harvest stage. The available P in the soil was the highest in l2m3. The treatment l2m2 had higher available K in the soil but comparable with l3m4. SSB with flaming had the lowest total weed density, however, l2 had the lowest total weed dry weight and the highest WCE. Among the live mulches, cowpea live mulch had the lowest total density of weeds, weed dry weight and the highest WCE at 60 DAS. The treatment l2m2 had lower total weed density at 60 DAS. However, the lowest dry weight of weeds was observed in l2m2 and l2m3. The highest WCE was observed in l2m3. Land preparation had remarkable effect on N, P and K content of live mulches at 50 per cent flowering stage. Normal seedbed (l1) resulted in higher N content of live mulches, P content in l2 and K content in l3. Significant variations were observed in the N, P and K content of live mulches at 50 per cent flowering stage. The treatment m2 showed higher N content, however, m3 showed higher P and K content. Plant height and branches per plant did not show215 variation among the mulches. The DMP showed significant variations among the live mulches and the highest DMP was observed in m2. Amongst the treatments, l1m2 recorded higher N content of live mulches, P content in l1m4 and K content in l3m3. Live mulches showed significant variations in plant height and number of branches among different land preparation methods. In cowpea, taller plants and higher branches per plant were observed in NSB, in green gram, taller plants and branches per plant were observed in SSB with flaming and in cluster bean, SSB with light raking resulted in taller plants and higher branches per plant. Among the treatments, the highest gross return (₹ 83200 ha-1), net return (₹ 29458 ha-1) and BCR (1.55) were observed in l2m2. From the results, it could be concluded that stale seedbed with light raking followed by live mulching with cowpea in 1:1 proportion (l2m2) and its incorporation at 50 per cent flowering stage using wheel hoe weeder could be recommended as a cost- effective weed management practice for better weed control, higher yield, net return and B:C ratio in finger millet. The yield increase observed in l2m2 over non stale seedbed without live mulch (l1m1) (control) was 131.8 per cent and increase in net return over l1m1 was ₹ 31800 ha-1.
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    Productivity and nutritional quality of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) as influenced by integrated nutrient management
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2021-10-13) Rabeen Abdul Gafoor; Shalini Pillai, P
    The study entitled “Productivity and nutritional quality of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) as influenced by integrated nutrient management” was undertaken at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2019 – 2021. The main objectives were to assess the effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth, yield and nutritional quality of finger millet and to work out the economics. The field experiment carried out from January to April 2021, was laid out in randomised block design with 10 treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments comprised combinations of five levels of substitution (s1 : 100 % RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers) as inorganic; s2 : 75 % RDN (recommended dose of nitrogen) as inorganic + 25 % RDN as vermicompost; s3 : 50 % RDN as inorganic + 50 % RDN as vermicompost; s4 : 25 % RDN as inorganic + 75 % RDN as vermicompost; s5 : 100 % RDF as organic, half each as vermicompost and farmyard manure respectively on nitrogen equivalent basis) and two levels of biofertilizer (b0 : without PGPR Mix-I; b1 : with PGPR Mix-I). The finger millet variety used for the study was PPR 2700 (Vakula) and the fertilizer recommendation was 45: 22.5: 22.5 kg NPK ha-1 . The results of the study revealed that plant height and tiller count recorded with s1 and s2 were significantly higher and comparable, at 30 DAS and 60 DAS. The treatment s1 resulted in significantly higher leaf area index (LAI) at 30 DAS (0.542), 60 DAS (3.187) and at harvest (4.087), and was followed by s2. While the crop reached 50 per cent flowering stage earlier (56.33 days) in s1, it took longer to flower (60.33 days) in s5 (100% RDF as organic). The treatment s4 recorded significantly higher total dry matter production (DMP) (4270 kg ha-1 ) at harvest and remained at par with s2 (4048 kg ha-1 ). Application of PGPR Mix-I (b1) resulted in significantly taller plants with superior tiller production and LAI at 30 DAS (54.68 cm, 2.16 tillers per plant, 0.515), 60 DAS (86.03 cm, 3.31 tillers per plant, 3.039) and at harvest (93.25 cm, 4.49 tillers per plant, 3.986). Total DMP at harvest (3975 kg ha-1 ) was also superior with b1. Interaction effect was significant for LAI at harvest, with s1b1 (4.327) and s2b1 (4.237) remaining comparable. The number of productive tillers per plant, fingers per ear, grain yield per plant and grain yield ha-1 were significantly higher (2.22, 8.73, 6.18g, 1381 kg ha-1 ) in s2 (75% RDN as inorganic + 25% as vermicompost). The treatment s4, resulted in significantly higher straw yield (3693 kg ha-1 ) and was on a par with s2. Yield attributes and yield responded significantly (2.11, 8.47, 6.08 g, 1389 kg ha-1 ) to the application of PGPR Mix-I (b1). The treatment combination, s2b1 recorded significantly higher grain yield (1504 kg ha-1 ). Significantly higher harvest index was recorded with s1 (0.31) and b1 (0.30). Partial factor productivity (PFP) of nitrogen was found to be significantly higher (30.68 kg kg-1 ) in s2. While physiological efficiency of nitrogen was superior with s1 (38.01 kg kg-1 ), apparent recovery efficiency (ARE) was higher (0.66 kg kg-1 ) with s4. Application of PGPR Mix-I (b1) resulted in higher PFP (30.87 kg kg-1 ), agronomic efficiency (AE) (21.79 kg kg-1 ) and ARE (0.61 kg kg-1 ) for nitrogen. Among the interactions, PFP of nitrogen was significantly higher (33.42 kg kg-1 ) in s2b1. The treatment combination, s5b1 (100 % RDF as organic + PGPR Mix-I) recorded significantly higher AE for nitrogen (24.16 kg kg-1 ). Significantly higher uptake of nitrogen (46.23 kg ha-1 ), phosphorus (10.38 kg ha-1 ) and potassium (49.28 kg ha-1 ) were observed in s4. The treatments, s4 and s2 remained at par with respect to nitrogen uptake. Nitrogen uptake (46.38 kg ha-1 ) and phosphorus uptake (9.65 kg ha-1 ) were significantly higher with the application of PGPR Mix-I. The treatment combination, s4b1 (25% RDN as inorganic + 75% as vermicompost + PGPR Mix-I) recorded significantly higher phosphorus uptake (10.65 kg ha-1 ). It was comparable with s4b0 and followed by s2b1. Post-harvest analysis did not show any significant variation in the soil chemical properties. Energy content in grains was higher (257 Kcal 100g-1 ) in s1 and s2. Calcium content was significantly higher (331mg 100g-1 ) in s4. The content of phytate and polyphenols were superior in s1 (638.66mg 100g-1 ) and s2 (102.67mg 100g-1 ) respectively. Application of PGPR Mix-I had no significant effect on the nutritional quality of finger millet. The treatment combination s4b0 yielded significantly higher calcium in grains (331.34mg 100g-1 ) and was on a par with s4b1, s3b0, s5b1, s2b1 and s5b0. Significantly higher net returns and benefit cost ratio (BCR) were recorded with s1 (₹23079 ha-1 , 1.60) and b1 (₹12172 ha-1 , 1.27). The treatment combinations s1b1, s1b0 and s2b1 were comparable. Integrating organics with inorganics was observed to improve the nutritional quality of finger millet. Considering the yield and comparable economics, application of 75 per cent RDN as inorganic in conjunction with 25 per cent RDN as vermicompost on nitrogen equivalent basis, supplemented with PGPR Mix-I (talc based formulation at 30 kg ha-1 in three splits- basal, 15 DAS, 30 DAS) could be recommended for the cultivation of finger millet during the summer season in southern Kerala.
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    Response of finger millet (Eleusine coacana(L.) Gaertn) to organic nutrition
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture Vellayani, 2023-12-30) Challa Dinesh Kumar Reddy.; Agronomy, Finger millet, Eleusine coacana(L.) Gaertn, Organic nutrition
    The study entitled 'Response of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) to organic nutrition' was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during 2021 - 2023 with a primary objective to assess the effect of organic nutrition on the growth, yield, quality and economics of finger millet. The field experiment was conducted in the Model organic farm, Department of Organic Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani from November, 2022 to February, 2023. The statistical design followed was Randomized Block Design (RBD) with twelve treatments i.e., T1- 50 per cent nutrients through FYM + 50 per cent nutrients through vermicompost (VC), T2 - 75 per cent nutrients through FYM + panchagavya, T3 - 75 per cent nutrients through poultry manure enriched FYM + panchagavya, T4- 75 per cent nutrients through phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) enriched FYM + panchagavya, Ts - 75 per cent nutrients through neem cake - Trichoderma enriched FYM + panchagavya, T6 - 75 per cent nutrients through PGPR mix-I enriched FYM + panchagavya, T1 - 75 per cent nutrients through VC + panchagavya, Ts - 75 per cent nutrients through poultry manure enriched VC + panchagavya, T9 - 75 per cent nutrients through PSB enriched VC + panchagavya, T,o - 75 per cent nutrients through neem cake-Trichoderma enriched VC + panchagavya, T11 - 75 per cent nutrients through PGPR mix­ I enriched VC + panchagavya and T12 - Control {KAU Adhoc Organic POP, 2017) laid out in three replications. For all the treatments, a common dose of FYM@ 5 t ha-1was provided as basal. The variety used in the study was PPR 2700 (Vakula). The recommended NPK dose as per KAU Package of practices (2016) was supplied through respective organic manures on N equivalent basis as topdressings at 15 and 30 DAS. Foliar spray of 3 per cent panchagavya was done at 40 and 55 DAS. Crop nutrition in the treatment T12 was done as per KAU Organic POP, (2017) i.e., basal application of 5 t ha-1FYM, rock phosphate equivalent to 20 kg P2O5 ha-1and K2SO4 equivalent to 20 kg K2O ha·'. The results of the study revealed that organic nutrition had a significant influence on the growth, yield, quality and economics of finger millet. At 40 DAS, 60 DAS and harvest, T,o recorded taller plants (73.4, 109.2 and 113.6 cm respectively) and more number of tillers per m2 (56.0, 88.3 and 82.7 nos. respectively) and was comparable to T,1, Ts and T9. Treatment T,o recorded more number of leaves per tiller (11.0 and 12.3 leaves at crop stages 40 and 60 DAS) and higher dry matter production (7.16, 15.13 and 28.45 g hill•' at 40 DAS, 60 DAS and harvest), comparable to T11. Treatment Tio recorded higher chlorophyll content (3.744 and 3.921 mg g-1respectively at 40 and 60 DAS) and higher LAI (2.753 at 40 DAS) which were comparable to T11 and Ts. Also, Tio recorded higher CGR (8.84, 10.76 and 11.24 g m-2d-1) and RGR (0.134, 0.041 and 0.023 g g-1d-1) respectively during 20 - 40 DAS, 40 - 60 DAS and 60 DAS - harvest. CGR and RGR under Tio was comparable with T11 during the stage of 20 - 40 DAS and with Ts, T11, T9, T1 and Ts during 40 - 60 DAS and 60 DAS - harvest. Days to 50 per cent flowering was lower in Tio (52.3 days) and was comparable to T11, Ts, T9 and T1. Higher number of productive tillers per m2(76.1), number of fingers per ear head (11 nos.), ear head length (7.5 cm), ear head weight (10.77 g), grain yield (1307 kg ha·1) and straw yield (4333 kg ha-1) were recorded in Tio and was comparable to T11, Ts and T9. Higher protein content (9.0 %) in finger millet grain was recorded with Tio and it was comparable with all other treatments except T4, T2 and T12. Higher starch (61.09 %) and iron (5.81 mg per 100 g) content in grain was obtained under Ts and was comparable with Tio, T11 and T9. Available N (248.45 kg ha·1), available P (55.39 kg ha·1) were recorded to be significantly higher under T12. Available K (267.84 kg ha-1) in post-harvest soil was higher under T12 which was comparable to T1, T2 and T4. Significantly higher uptake ofN (45.92 kg ha-1) and P (24.23 kg ha·1) were recorded with Tio. Higher K uptake was recorded with Tio (53.02 kg ha-1) which was comparable to T11 and Ts. The activity of dehydrogenase enzyme in the soil was found enhanced in T11(29.3 µg TPF g-1soil h"1), comparable to Tw, Ts, T9 and T7. The present study could identify four superior organic nutrition packages (Tio, Ts, T11 and T9) with respect to growth, yield and quality of finger millet in comparison with the KAU organic nutrition package (T12). Taking into account the economics of crop production, T10 and Ts could be selected as the best packages. Treatment Tio recorded higher net income ofz 63407 ha-1and B:C ratio of 1.94. Ts performed in a comparable manner recording a net income of z 60010 ha-1and B:C ratio of 1.88. Therefore, the treatments Tio (75 per cent nutrients through neem cake -Trichoderma enriched vermicompost + foliar spray of panchagavya (3 %)) and Ts (75 per cent nutrients through poultry manure enriched vermicompost + foliar spray of panchagavya (3 %)) could be recommended as productive and profitable organic nutrition packages for finger millet
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    Integrated nutrient management of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) in red sandy loam soil
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2023-05-15) Nookala Sai Aparna; Gayathri Karthikeyan, P
    An experiment entitled ‘Integrated nutrient management of finger millet (Eleusine corocana L.) in red sandy loam soil’ was conducted at Instructional Farm Ⅱ, Karuvacheri during rabi season (2021-22) with the objective of standardisation of integrated nutrient management practices for finger millet in red sandy loam soils. The design of experiment was factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments replicated thrice. Factor A consisted of two levels of farmyard manure (FYM) applied @ 5 t ha-1 (A1) and 10 t ha-1 (A2). Factor B consisted of five different levels of nutrients i.e., B1- KAU POP (NPK @ 45:22.5:22.5 kg ha-1 ), B2- NPK @ 60:30:30 kg ha-1 , B3- NPK @ 75:37.5:37.5 kg ha-1 , B4- Soil test based fertilizer recommendation (SBFR) applied @ 41:6:19 kg ha-1 NPK and B5- Control (No NPK). Statistical analysis of the results revealed that the treatments had significant effect on growth parameters, yield attributes and yield, quality parameters, available soil nutrients and nutrient uptake. Among the different nutrient levels, significantly higher values of growth parameters such as plant height (30.57, 75.60 and 96.29 cm), number of tillers hill-1 (2.39, 4.84 and 5.47) and leaf area hill-1 (303.81, 754.04 and 1503.56 cm2 ) at 25, 50 and 75 DAS respectively were recorded by the highest NPK level of 75:37.5:37.5 kg ha-1 (B3). Interaction effect was also found to be significant with respect to the above parameters with the application of higher dose of FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + NPK @ 75:37.5:37.5 kg ha-1 (A2B3) followed by the FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + NPK applied @ 60:30:30 kg ha-1 (A2B2) except for dry matter production (DMP) where these treatments were on par. Higher values with respect to number of fingers panicle-1 (7.06), grain weight panicle-1 (6.30 g) and panicle length (10.35 cm) were recorded with NPK applied at 75:37.5:37.5 kg ha-1 (B3). Application of different nutrient levels resulted in significant difference with respect to grain and straw yield. Grain yield (2.1 t ha-1 ) was significantly higher with NPK applied @ 75:37.5:37.5 kg ha-1 which was on par with the application of SBFR + NPK applied @ 60:30:30 kg ha-1 (1.98 and 2.01 t ha-1 respectively). Significantly higher straw yield (4.0 t ha-1 ) was recorded with the high dose of NPK @ 75:37.5:37.5 kg ha-1 and in case of interaction effect, the higher straw yield was noticed in A2B3 (4.0 t ha-1 ) which 114 was on par with A1B4 (3.99 t ha-1 ), A1B3 (3.99 t ha-1 ) and A2B2 (3.96 t ha-1 ). Among the quality parameters, higher value or protein content was recorded with the application of higher levels of nutrients at 75:37.5:37.5 kg ha-1 and the lowest value was observed in the control plot. Ash content was significantly high with SBFR which was on par with NPK applied @ 75:37.5:37.5 kg ha-1 . Interaction of higher dose of FYM along with highest nutrient dose hasresulted in higher protein content (9.48 %) which was on par with A2B2 (FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + NPK @ 60:30:30 kg ha-1 ) i.e., 9.23%. Among the different nutrient levels, highest value of organic carbon (0.71%) and available NPK (303, 84 and 289 kg ha-1 respectively) was recorded with B3 treatment. High valuesfor available N and P was recorded with higher dose of FYM (10 t ha-1 ) also. Higher values of nitrogen uptake (60 kg ha-1 ) was recorded with NPK applied @ 75:37.5:37.5 kg ha-1 (B3). Higher values of relative growth rate, crop growth rate and leaf area index were recorded with the higher dose of nutrient levels (B3) and also with integrated use of higher levels of both FYM and NPK (A2B3) during different growth stages. The highest value for grain yield and B : C ratio (2.02) was recorded with the application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 along with fertilizers applied @ 41:6:19 kg NPK ha-1 . The results obtained from the experiment revealed that different levels of FYM, nutrients and their interaction could influence the growth, yield attributes, OC and available nutrients in finger millet. The effect was reflected in grain yield and B: C ratio. Soil test based fertilizer application has reduced the fertilizer use by 8.88%, 73.34%, 15.55% (Urea, Rock phosphate and MOP) respectively over the KAU POP recommendation. The results can be used as a guide for developing soil test based integrated nutrient management practice under different soil conditions.
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    Integrated weed management in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)
    ( Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Padannakadu, 2024-04-24) Keerthana, E.; Gayathri Karthikeyan, P.
    A field experiment was conducted entitled 'Integrated weed management in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)' to standardise weed management practice in finger millet and to assess the economics during the rabi season (2023) at the Instructional Farm II, Karuvacheri, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad; with 10 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments being T1 – pre-emergence application of bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor @ 660 g ha-1 (PEM), T2 –T1 + Hand weeding (HW) at 20-25 DAS, T3 – T1 + mulching, T4 – T1 + post emergence application of bispyribac sodium @ 25 g ha-1 (POEM) at 20 DAS, T5 – POEM at 20 DAS + HW (40 DAS), T6 – mulching + POEM (20 DAS), T7 – mulching + HW (25 DAS), T8 – HW (20 and 40 DAS), T9 – mulching alone, T10 – weedy check/control. Higher value for plant height, number of tillers hill-1, leaf area index and total plant dry matter was recorded by PEM + POEM (T4) on par with PEM + mulching (T3). These treatments could also impart significant positive impact for different weed control parameters viz. weed density, weed dry weight and weed control efficiency (WCE). Highest grain yield (1333 kg ha-1) and straw yield (1926 kg ha-1) and lowest weed index was recorded by T4 on par to T3. Nitrogen uptake also recorded significant variation among the treatments. B: C ratio and net returns were comparable for T4 and T3. Pre-emergent herbicide application delayed the emergence of weeds during the initial period of crop growth and further weed emergence could be managed by the application of post emergent herbicide and mulching in T4 and T3 respectively. Even though chemical weed management delivered better results for various parameters, IWM was equally effective in managing diverse life cycles and survival strategies of weeds. Hence, pre-emergent application of bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor followed by mulching could be recommended as an effective weed management strategy for finger millet as sole dependence on herbicides may lead to excess use, resistance development etc. Hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS was also proved to be an effective weed management strategy in finger millet. However, cannot be recommended as it is not economically feasible due to high cost of labour.
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    Nutrient management in finger millet (Eleusine Coracana (L) Gaertn)
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2024-02-15) Ribin Usman, T; Syama S Menon
    The study entitled “Nutrient management in finger millet [Eleusine coracana) (L.) Gaertn.].” was undertaken at the Agronomy Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during October 2021 to February 2022. The objective of the experiment was to standardize the optimum nutrient dosage for maximum growth and yield of finger millet. The experiment was laid in randomized block design with eight treatments with replicated thrice. The plot size was 4.8 m x 4 m and transplanting were done at a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm. The treatment included different levels of nutrients which was compared with an absolute control (T1–5 t FYM ha-1 ,T2–5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1, T3-5 t FYM ha-1 + 60: 30: 30 kg NPK ha-1, T4- 5 t FYM ha-1 + 50: 25: 25 kg NPK ha-1, T5- 5 t FYM ha-1 + 40: 20: 20 kg NPK ha-1, T6- 5 t FYM ha-1 + 30: 15: 15 kg NPK ha-1, T7- 5 t FYM ha-1 + 20: 10: 10 kg NPK ha-1). The ragi variety used for the study was Hima. The results of the experiment revealed that plant height washigher in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1at 30 DAT (75.33 cm), flowering (76.63 cm) and harvest (77.90 cm) which was on par with 5 t FYM ha-1 + 60: 30: 30 kg NPK ha-1and 5 t FYM ha-1 + 50: 25: 25 kg NPK ha-1.Significantly higher leaf area index recorded highest in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1 (2.91). Higher number of fingers per panicle, weight of grains per panicle and dry mater production (at 30 DAT, flowering and harvest) also showed the same trend with significantly highest values in higher level of fertilizer dose (5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1). Significantly highest yield was recorded in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1(1523 kg ha-1) followed by 5 t FYM ha-1 + 60: 30: 30 kg NPK ha-1,. Similarly highest straw yield was also noticed in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1(2568 kg ha-1) followed by 5 t FYM ha-1 + 60: 30: 30 kg NPK ha-1, which was on par with other lower dose of fertilizers. This is due to, increased availability of the nutrients in the root zone enabled higher uptake of the nutrient and it led to a better nutrient status in plant system. On the other hand, the increased net photosynthesis and increase in mobilization of photosynthates toward the reproductive structure contributed to grain yield. Crude protein content, even though significantly different, the values are on par with different levels of fertilizer doses and recorded higher in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1, 5 t FYM ha-1 + 60: 30: 30 kg NPK ha-1 and t FYM ha-1 + 50: 25: 25 kg NPK ha-1 than absolute control. This can be due to higher nitrogen contents present in these treatments as evidenced by the higher N uptake values.Calcium content in the grain was highest in 5 t FYM ha-1(431.6 mg 100 g-1) and showed a reduced content in5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1 (419.4 mg 100 g-1). Iron and fibre content was not influenced by application of nutrients levels. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake by ragi was highest in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1 (59.58, 31.39 and 65.73 kg ha-1 respectively). It followed the same trend as that of dry matter production. The available nutrient status in the soil after the experiment in general showed a decrease due to plant utilization.P status varied significantly with treatment combination, while the changes in available N and K were not significant. Available phosphorus content was recorded highest in 5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1(75.13 kg ha-1), Highest net income (Rs. 28,355 ha-1) and BC ratio(1.43) was obtained in5 t FYM ha-1 + 90: 45: 45 kg NPK ha-1 due to maximum yield compared to other nutrient levels. From the results it can be concluded that application of FYM @5 t ha-1as basal and NPK @90: 45: 45 kg ha-1, where full dose of P and K along with half dose of N applied as basal and the remaining half of N applied 30 DAT will result in higher yield and net returns. Hence, can be recommended for the high yielding finger millet variety Hima in AEU 10 (North Central Laterite of Kerala) and multi location trials are required to arrive at a final recommendation.
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    Develpment and evaluation of protein enriched RTE extruded food products
    (Department of Processing and Food Engineering, KCAET, Tavanur, 2019) Athira, K; Rajesh, G K