The Journal of Research ANGRAU is the University Publication (quarterly) of Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) and has been published since 1973. This journal is celebrating its 54th volume in the year 2026 and has started only online issue since 2022. The Journal is a double-blind peer-reviewed journal that seeks to encourage research in agriculture, horticulture, agricultural engineering, community science/home science and social sciences (agricultural extension and agricultural economics). The JOR ANGRAU provides a platform to publish original research work in all agricultural and allied sciences. JOR ANGRAU supports research articles which explore innovative experimental approaches and empirical studies. The Journal recognizes works across the above disciplines and therefore especially values meta-disciplinary analyses that will provide a foundation for communication across these academic fields and disciplines. The journal has a NAAS rating of 4.27 (2024) and is a UGC-CARE-approved journal. The Journal is Indexed by CAB International (CABI), AGRIS (FAO) and Indian Citation Index (ICI). Journal has a presence in Google Scholar. The Journal publishes quality research papers in Agriculture and allied sciences after meticulous double-blind peer review process. EDITORIAL BOARD
Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur
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MITIGATION PRACTICES FOR GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
Animal husbandry significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with livestock accounting for an estimated 7 to 18 percent of global anthropogenic emissions. Mitigation strategies targeting enteric methane (CH4) and management of manure are critical for lowering the environmental effect of animal production. This paper reviews current mitigation practices, including dietary strategies, feed supplements, manure management techniques, and climate smart livestock management. Emphasizing the complex interactions between these practices, this review highlights the contribution of improving Animal performance and well-being as key strategies for GHG emission reduction. It also explores the capability for synergistic approaches to limit the emissions across multiple components of the animal production system
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DIRECT SEEDED RICE: A CLIMATE-SMART AND ECONOMICALLY VIABLE SUBSTITUTE FOR PUDDLED TRANSPLANTED RICE IN GUNTUR DISTRIC
Direct seeding is becoming a key alternative transplanting in rice and has spread quickly in Andhra Pradesh, where unpredictable weather, fewer rainy days, lack of labor and higher production costs are common. This study looks at how changes in climate, such as variations in rainfall and temperature, recommend the use of Direct-seeded rice (DSR) as a farming method. DSR involves planting rice seeds directly into the field instead of growing them in water and then transplanting them. The results show that using DSR options greatly improves rice productivity and resilience, while also saving labor, water, and energy. It also helps get the next crop started 15 days earlier than the traditional puddled transplanted rice method. The study suggests that adopting DSR can help maintain food security and crop resilience even in tough weather conditions.
WEATHER-BASED REGRESSION ANALYSIS FOR PREDICTION AND VALIDATION OF GROUNDNUT LEAF MINER (APROAEREMA MODICELLA) INCIDENCE UNDER ARID ALFISOLS
A study was conducted during 2020 to 2022 under arid alfisols at the Agricultural Research Station, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh.A Regression analysis of Groundnut Leaf Miner (GLM ) moth catches with weather parameters revealed a significant positive correlation with Relative Humidity-I ( RH-I) at 5 days lag (0.55*) and 6 days lag (0.59*) and Rainfall (RF) at 8 days lag (0.51*) and negative correlation with Wind velocity (Wv) (-0.51*).The leaf damage showed significant and positive correlation with Maximum Temperature (Tmax) (0.67*), Mean Temperature (Tmean) (0.53*),Evaporation (Evp) (0.72*) at 6 days lag and negative correlation with Relative Humidity-II (RH-II)(-0.68*) and Wv(-0.5*) at 5 days lag, and RH-I (-0.5*),Rf(-0.65*) at 6 days lag. RH-II at (-0.58*) at 7 days lag and 8 days lag RH-II (-0.55*) and Sun shine hours (Ssh) ( 0.69*).No.of Live larvae/plant recorded significant positive correlation with Tmean(0.5*) and Rf(0.67*) at 9 days lag. and significant negative correlation with Rainfall (-0.5*) at 6 days lag and Wv(-0.79*) at 7 days lag and Minimum Temperature (Tmin) (-0.50*), Tmean(-0.55*) at 8 days lag and Tmax(-0.62*), Tmin(-0.65*), Tmean(-0.74*) and RH-I (-0.5*) at 9 days lag. The study showed that mean temperature was the strongest positive predictor of groundnut leafminer incidence, while higher maximum and minimum temperatures suppressed the pest. Morning humidity slightly favoured infestation, but higher afternoon humidity reduced it. These results highlight temperature and humidity as key weather drivers of leafminer outbreaks. With an R² of 0.97, the model explained most of the variation in pest incidence, though independent validation is needed to confirm its reliability.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS IN HORTI-MEDICINAL AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM UNDER ARID REGIONS OF ANDHRA PRADESH
A field experiment was conducted for evaluation of medicinal and aromatic plants in horti medicinal agroforestry system under semi-arid regions of Andhra Pradesh during kharif,2021 and 2022 at AICRPDA, Agricultural Research Station, Ananthapur. The treatments consist of four main plots (Trees) of size 72X 36 m viz., Simarouba, Custard apple, Jamun and Amla and three sub plots (Medicinal plants) of size 36 X 4 m viz., Aswagandha, Senna, Nannari and Velvet bean. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with three replications. During 2021, Amla trees, recorded an average fruit yield of 8.0 kg per tree and Jamun fruit yield was 8 kg per tree. During 2022, Amla trees recorded an average fruit yield of 9.3 kg per tree, jamun average fruit yield was 7.1 kg per tree and custard apple average fruit yield was 0.7 kg per tree. The present study findings showed that, in semi-arid regions of Andhra Pradesh, all of the tested medicinal plants performed better when grown as sole crops as compared to different tree-based intercropping systems. Sub plot treatments viz., medicinal plants intercropped in custard apple performed well (Mean leaf yield of Aswagandha was 1547 kg ha-1 , Aswagandha root dry weight was 87 kg ha-1 ; Senna leaf dry weight was 1674 kg ha-1 and velvet bean seed yield was 293 kg ha-1 )compared to other trees.
INFLUENCE OF ADJACENT AQUACULTURE ACTIVITIES ON SOIL PROPERTIES OF SANDY SOILS UNDER PADDY CULTIVATION IN GODAVARI DELTA.
Soil salinization of agricultural lands around aqua ponds due to seepage of water from ponds was studied in the year 2017-2020. The ponds selected were aqua ponds with sandy texture with and without any trench. Soil samples(50 no.) were collected from 0 meters (outer side of the pond or trench bund) up to 50meters distance from the pond and 10cm to 30 cm depth and analysed for pH, EC, Organic carbon, available Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, Sodium and TDS etc. The results indicated that pH and electrical conductivity decreased with increase in distance from the pond upto50 m distance from the pond. Available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium increased with distance from the aquapond with shrimp upto 50 m. Seepage is more in case of a pond without any trench when compared to a pond with trench. Salinization due to seepage was observed to a long distance in case of sandy soils.
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF RICE VARIETY MCM 103 IN SALINE SOILS OF WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT THROUGH FRONTLINE DEMONSTRATIONS
The study was undertaken by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Undi as a Front Line Demonstration (FLD) on rice MCM 103 variety in five locations during Kharif for two consecutive years during 2023 & 2024, to assess the performance of rice variety MCM 103 on yield and economics of rice. The higher yield i.e., 5273, 5062 kg/ha was noticed with MCM 103 rice variety compared to MTU 7029 (4959 and 4875 kg/ha) during both the years of assessment. Net returns and B:C ratio were higher with MCM 103 rice variety (Rs. 46414, 44446 and 45430/ha and 2.16, 2.35 and 2.25) when compared to farmers practice (Rs. 37480, 39105 and 38293 /ha and 1.8, 2.01 and 1.90) during 2023, 2024 and in pooled data, respectively.
EFFICACY OF POST-EMERGENCE HERBICIDES ON WEED CONTROL, PRODUCTIVITY AND ECONOMICS OF SUGARCANE
A field experiment in sugarcane weed control was conducted from 2020-21 to 2022-23 in randomized block design with three replications in alluvial soils of Krishna – Godavari delta of Andhra Pradesh. Results revealed that, comparatively higher weed control efficiency was recorded with post-emergence application of tembotrione @ 125 g/ha + halosulfuran methyl @ 125 g/ha fb IC at 60 and 90 DAP. Significantly more cane yield was recorded with application of topramezone @ 40 g/ha + halosulfuron methyl @ 125 g/ha fb IC at 60 and 90 DAP (115.9 t/ha) which was however statistically at par with rest of the herbicide treatments. The quality parameters like sucrose %, CCS and purity % were not affected by the herbicide treatments. With regard to economics, higher gross returns (Rs. 3,43,296), net returns (Rs. 45,130/-) and B:C ratio (1.15) was recorded with topramezone @ 40 g/ha + halosulfuron methyl @ 125 g/ha fb IC at 60 and 90 DAP
EFFECT OF NANO FERTILIZER ON GROWTH, YIELD, NITROGEN UPTAKE AND ECONOMICS OF RICE IN ALLUVIAL SOILS OF GODAVARI ZONE OF ANDHRA PRADESH
A field trial was conducted during the Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2023–24 to evaluate the efficacy of nano urea (NU) and super nano urea (SNU) on the growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and economics of rice. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments: T1–Control (0% N; 100% P & K); T2–Recommended Fertilizer Dose (RDF) representing 100% RDN (Kharif: 90-60-60 kg NPK ha-1; Rabi: 180-90-60 kg NPK ha-1); T3–50% RDN; T4- 50% RDN + two sprays of conventional urea @1.0% at active tillering (AT) and panicle initiation (PI) stages; T5- 50% RDN + two sprays of NU @0.4% at A.T & PI; T6- 50% RDN + three sprays of NU @0.4% at A.T, PI & heading; T7- 50% RDN + two sprays of SNU @0.25% at A.T & PI; T8- 50% RDN + two sprays of SNU @0.5% at A.T & PI; T9- 50% RDN + two sprays of SNU @1.0% at A.T & PI; T10- 33% RDN + three sprays of SNU @0.5% at A.T, PI & heading; and T11- 66% RDN + one spray of SNU @0.5% at heading. The resultsrevealed that the application of 50% RDN with two foliar sprays of nano urea at the active tillering and panicle initiation stages (T8 ) proved effective in enhancing rice growth, yield attributes, grain and straw yields, economic returns and nitrogen uptake. However, this treatment performed on par to the 100% RDN (T2 ) across two consecutive seasons on alluvial soils of the Godavari zone.
INFLUENCE OF ROW SPACING, SEED MATERIAL TYPE AND PLANT DENSITY ON GOWTH AND YIELD OF SUGARCANE UNDER DUAL ROW PLANTING
Field experiment was conducted to study influence of row spacing and plant density on growth and yield of sugarcane under dual row planting in plant ratoon system at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle, during the year 2023-24. The experimental soil was sandy loam in texture. Row spacings of 150 cm, 165 cm and 180 cm were tried with sett and seedling planting under three different plant densities of 100 %, 125% and 150%. Studies on plant crop of sugarcane revealed that sugarcane yield under dual row planting of 150 cm (79.2 t ha-1) and 165 cm (77.8 t ha-1) were found to be statistically similar but significantly higher over 180 cm row spacing (71.9 t ha-1).Higher cane yield of 78.2 t ha-1 recorded with seedling planting which was found on par with sett planting (74.3 t ha-1). There is no significant difference in yield with respect to plant densities of 100 % (75.6 t ha-1) 125% (76.5 t ha-1) and 150 % (76.7 t ha-1). In ratoon crop indicated that dual row planting of 150 cm and 165 cm gave statistically on par cane yield of 67.2 t ha-1 and 64.8 t ha-1 respectively and significantly superior over cane yield at 180 cm row spacing (62.8 t ha-1). Cane yield was not influenced either due to type of planting material or plant densities in ratoon crop of sugarcane.
EFFECT OF PUDDLING PRACTICES AND CROP ESTABLISHMENT METHODS ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVA.L)
A research trial was conducted in clay loam soils at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Maruteru, Andhra Pradesh during rabi, 2022-23 to assess the effects of puddling and crop establishment methods on rice productivity.The study comprised two factors: puddling practice, viz., power tiller (M1 ), rotovator (M2 ,) and roto-puddler (M3 ) as main plot treatments and crop establishment method, viz..,drum seeding (E1 ),line planting (E2 ),machine planting (E3 ),diagonal planting (E4 ,) and Bengal planting (E5 ) as sub-plot treatments.The results showed that among the puddling practices, the use of a roto-puddler registered the highest growth parameters at harvest, such as number of tillers m-2 (401), crop dry matter (11053 kg ha-1), and yield attributes, that is, the number of panicles m-2 (371), total number of grains panicle-1 (259), grain (4697 kg ha-1), and straw yield (6098 kg ha-1). This was statistically at par with the use of a rotovator but significantly superior to that of a power tiller. Among crop establishment methods, growth parameters at harvest, that is, number of tillers m-2 (416), crop dry matter (11427 kg ha-1), and yield parameters, that is, the number of panicles m-2 (386), total number of grains panicle-1 (257), grain (4837 kg ha-1), and straw yield (6148 kg ha-1) were higher with the diagonal planting method; however, it was found statistically at par with Bengal planting and drum seeding but significantly superior over machine planting and line planting.
EVALUATION OF DEFOLIANTS TO FACILITATE MECHANICAL PICKING IN RAINFED COTTON
A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2024 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal to evaluate the effect of defoliants on facilitating mechanical picking in cotton.The treatments consisted of T1 :Control, T2 :Ethrel@3000ppm,T3 :Thidiazuron@500ppm, T4 :Sodiumchlorate@0.9%, T5 :CICRDefoliant, T6 :Hydrogencyanamide @5000ppm, T7 :T2 +5%ofurea, T8 :T2 +Diuron@400 ppm, T9 :T2 +Sodiumchlorate @0.9% and T10 :T3 +Diuron@400ppm. Higher percent defoliation (95.5) at 10 days after spraying was recorded with T3 (Thidiazuron @500 ppm) and was on par withT10 (93.1) followed byT9 (89.5), T5 (86.2) and lower percent defoliation (5.3) was recorded with T1 (Control). Further, higher earliness index (75%) was recorded with T10 (Thidiazuron@500ppm+Diuron @ 400ppm) and was on par T3 (72%) followed by T4 (65%);and lower earliness index(38)was recorded with T1 (Control). It can be concluded that higher defoliation was attained with application of Thidiazuron @500 ppm+ Diuron @400ppm and also higher cotton seed yield. There was considerable correlation between defoliation at 5 DAS and 10 DAS. Further, the quality parameters were not significantly effected due to defoliants application.
CROP–WEATHER INTERACTION AND CORRELATION ANALYSIS OF SUGARCANE (SACCHARUM SPP.) YIELD IN NORTH COASTAL ZONE OF ANDHRA PRADESH
Eleven sugarcane clones were evaluated in a randomized block design over two consecutive plant crop seasons (2022–23 and 2023–24) at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle, to quantify the influence of key meteorological parameters on cane yield. Pearson’s correlation analysis of five weather variables – rainfall, number of rainy days, maximum temperature, minimum temperature and bright sunshine hours (BSSH) – revealed that rainfall, rainy days and minimum temperature were positively correlated with cane yield (r = +0.273, p < 0.05), while maximum temperature and BSSH showed significant negative correlations (r = ”0.273, p < 0.05). Among the clones, 2012A 340 recorded the highest mean yield of 123.84 t/ha, followed by 2012A 319 (123.06 t/ha), while 2013T 124 recorded the lowest (73.84 t/ha). Weather parameters during the tillering phase were most influential in determining final yield. These results demonstrate that moderate precipitation and favourable nocturnal temperatures during early crop growth are critical drivers of productivity in the north coastal zone of Andhra Pradesh, and provide a basis for developing climate-informed agronomy and clone selection strategies
PERFORMANCE OF NEW MID LATE SUGARCANE GENOTYPES UNDER DIFFERENT NITROGEN LEVELS IN NORTH COASTAL ZONE OF ANDHRA PRADESH
A field experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station farm, Anakapalle with an objective to determine ideal amount of nitrogen requirement for mid-late Sugarcane genotypes during the year 2024-25. Three new sugarcane genotypes viz.,2015A230 (CoA20325), 2015A233 (CoA20326),2015A93(CoA ) along with check variety 2009A252 (CoA14323) were tested at four nitrogen levels viz., FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + 100% recommended dose of Nitrogen (F1), FYM @ 25 t ha-1+ 125% recommended dose of Nitrogen (F2), FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + 150% recommended dose of Nitrogen (F3) and application of 100% recommended dose of Nitrogen + In situ incorporation of sunhemp sown as intercrop (F4). The recommended dose was 168 kg N ha-1. The trial was conducted in Factorial RBD with three replications. The findings of the study showed that, the genotypes 2015A233 (85.6 t ha-1) and 2015A230 (82.1 t ha-1) recorded considerably greater cane yield in comparison to the other genotype 2015A93(77.7 t ha-1) and check variety 2009A252 (79.2 t ha-1). Among the four nitrogen levels new mid late sugarcane genotypes produced superior cane yield with application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1+150% RDN (84.3 t ha-1) and 100% RDN + Sunhemp grown as intercrop and in situ incorporation (83.4 t ha-1). Application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1+100% Recommended dose of Nitrogen recorded significantly lower cane yield of 76.9 t ha-1. There was no difference in the juice quality parameters for different treatments, however 2015A233 recorded high sucrose percent of 18.8. Among nitrogen levels, application of 100% RDN + Sunhemp grown as intercrop and in situ incorporation recorded high sucrose percent of 18.1.
WEED CONTROL EFFICACY OF TRIAFAMONE 200 SC IN TRANSPLANTED RICE
A field investigation conducted during two consecutive cropping seasons (Rabi 2017–18 and Kharif 2018–19) at the Agricultural Research Station, Jangamaheswarapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India, to evaluate the performance of Triafamone 200 SC in transplanted Rice.”Among the various herbicide treatments, Triafamone 200 SC applied at 100 g a.i. ha-¹ at 0-3 days after transplanting (DAT) recorded superior weed suppression efficiency in Rabi 2017-18 (68.64%) and in Kharif 2018-19 (60.83%) and also yielded 4967 kg ha-1 in Rabi and 5518 kg ha-1 in Kharif,with performance comparable to conventional farmer-managed two hand weeding practices, which produced 5342 kg ha-1 in Rabi and 5849 kg ha-1 in Kharif. The weed-free treatment recorded the maximum yields (5762 kg ha-1 in Rabi and 6376 kg ha-1 in Kharif), while the weedy check plots showed the lowest yields (3066 kg ha-1 in Rabi and 3825 kg ha-1 in Kharif).
ASSESSMENT OF RAINFALL FORECAST ACCURACY FOR VIZIANAGARAM DISTRICT OF NORTH COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH
The rainfall forecast and validation are important because of the socio-economic implications for the nation. An attempt was made to confirm the correctness and dependability of the spatial rainfall forecast of Vizianagaram district of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh during the year 2024 2025.The rainfall forecast provided by IMD, Pune for Vizianagaram districtwas verified with daily observed weather data obtained from the Chief Planning Office,by calculating a variety of categorical statistical measures from the elements of the contingency table on seasonal basis. Statistics were presented for Percentage correct (PC),Probability of Detection(POD), Critical Success Index (CSI), Heidke Skill Score (HSS) and Hansen Kuipers score(HKS) of the district wise forecast.Overall, rainfall accuracy was found to be successful, with moderate to high performance. The positive HSS and HKS indicated the reliability of forecast at satisfactory level.
RESISTANCE MECHANISM STUDIES IN SELECTED RICE GENOTYPES AGAINST BROWN PLANTHOPPER, NILAPARVATA LUGENS (STAL)
Twelve identified rice genotypes along with susceptible check (TN 1) and resistant check (PTB 33) were investigated for resistance against BPH during rabi 2021-22 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Maruteru, Andhra Pradesh. Preference/non-preference mechanism was assessed through honeydew excretion studies and tolerance was measured through number of days to wilt. Brown planthopper fed on these genotypes excreted significantly lower quantity of honeydew than the susceptible TN 1 (529.33 mm2). Among the genotypes, PTB 18 and HWR-21 IR 71033-121-15-B recorded minimum honeydew excreted area of 91.00 mm2 and were equivalent with the resistant check (78.67 mm2). The number of days taken by the genotypes to wilt ranged from 21.33 to 34.67 days. The susceptible check TN 1 and resistant check PTB 33 took 21.33 and 34.67 days to wilt respectively. Among the genotypes, MTU 2837-31-1-1-1 took longer (32.33 days) to wilt followed by PTB 18 which took 30.33 days.
ANTIXENOSIS AND ANTIBIOSIS EFFECTS OF SELECTED RICE CULTURES AGAINST THE BROWN PLANTHOPPER (NILAPARVATA LUGENS (STÅL))
Pot culture experiments were carried out in glasshouse at Andhra Pradesh Rice Research Institute and Regional Agricultural Research Institute, Maruteru, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh during the period 2010 to 2011 to study the antixenosis and antibiosis effects of twelve rice cultures on rice brown planthopper feeding activity along with resistant check (Ptb 33) and susceptible check (TN1). Among those, the rice cultures which recorded significantly maximum number of feeding marks were MTU 1075 (128.10), MTU IJ 206-7-4-1 (112.80), MTU PLA 99-1-3 1-2 (110.20) and resistant check, Ptb 33 (61.50) than TN1 (24.30). The rice cultures, MTU IJ 206-7-4-1 (25.60 mm2), Ptb 33 (58.80 mm2), NLR 3093 (65.60 mm2) and RGL 7002 (87.80 mm2)excreted significantly less amount of honeydew compared to the susceptible culture, TN1 (450.40 mm2) indicating that these were less preferable for BPH feeding.
‘ABV04’ A NEW BAJRA VARIETY SUITABLE TO THE TRIBAL AREAS OF ASR DISTRICT
Frontline demonstrations on the pearl millet variety ABV-04 were conducted over two consecutive years (2023-24 and 2024-25) in the tribal regions of Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district to evaluate its performance under rainfed upland conditions. A total of 20 demonstrations covering 8 hectares were carried out to compare the yield advantage of ABV-04 over the existing local farmer practice, i.e., Pittaganti variety. The results indicated that ABV-04 consistently outperformed local landraces, recording a pooled average grain yield of 1451.3 kg ha-1, compared to 979.9 kg ha-1 from the Pittaganti variety, with a yield advantage of 47.6%. In the first year, the variety showed a 57.7% higher yield, while in the second year, the yield advantage was 37.6%, despite climatic challenges such as reduced rainfall and delayed sowing.In addition, a gap analysis based on these frontline demonstrations was carried out to assess performance and identify yield-limiting factors. The average technology gap was 1176.3 kg ha-1, indicating constraints such as poor soil fertility, erratic rainfall, and low input usage. The extension gap averaged 471.4 kg ha-1, demonstrating the effectiveness of improved practices over traditional methods. The technology index was recorded at 42.0%, suggesting moderate feasibility under field conditions and highlighting the need for enhanced adoption support.
RESPONSE OF GREENGRAM (Vigna radiata L.Wilczek) TO FOLIAR NUTRITION OF NANO UREA AND NANO DAP
A field experiment entitled was conducted during rabi 2022-23 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, ANGRAU, Lam, Andhra Pradesh, to study the response of greengram (Vigna radiata L.Wilczek) with foliar nutrition of nano urea and nano DAP.The experiment comprised of nine treatments and three replications with RBD design.The results indicated that foliar spray of nano DAP and nano urea resulted in higher grain yield (929 kg ha-1&900 kg ha-1) with yield advantage over control (water spray) 739 kg ha-1.The highest net returns and B:C ratios of Rs. 34056 /- & Rs. 31962/- and 0.92 & 0.86 were realized with foliar spray of nano DAP @1.25 ml/l and nano urea @ 2.5 ml/l at flowering initiation, respectively.
IDENTIFICATION AND ESTIMATION OF RICE SOWN AREA IN GUNTUR DISTRICT USING SENTINEL 1A SATELLITE DATA
Accurate estimation of rice-sown area is critical for informed agricultural planning, particularly in Andhra Pradesh’s complex irrigated landscapes. This study mapped rice cultivation in Guntur district using Sentinel-1A SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) data integrated with machine learning classifiers. A total of 84 ground-truth observations supported supervised classification using Random Forest (RF) and K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN). Both models overestimated rice extent, but RF showed superior performance with 94% user’s accuracy, 96% producer’s accuracy and kappa coefficient of 0.76. Overestimation by KNN was largely due to confusion with waterlogged fallow areas. Results confirm the utility of SAR and RF for precise rice area assessment and underscore the importance of localized model calibration in heterogeneous agroecosystems.
EFFECT OF PHOSPHORUS LEVELS ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF FODDER COWPEA VARIETIES UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS
The experiment was conducted during kharif, 2018-19 on red loam soils of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati. The experiment was laid in the randomized block design with factorial concept and each treatment replicated thrice. The results showed that the higher green fodder yield (21,054 kg ha-1) and dry fodder yield (3,473 kg ha-1) was obtained with MFC 08-14 variety. Significantly higher crude protein content (12.15%) was registered with APFC 10 1 variety, while the difference in crude fibre content among the varieties were found non-significant. Among the different levels of phosphorus, application of 60 kg P2 O5 /ha recorded significantly higher green fodder yield (21,590 kg/ha). Crude fibre content was not significantly influenced either by varieties or different levels of phosphorus application under rainfed conditions of Southern Zone of Andhra Pradesh.
CLIMATE SMART VARIETIES OF GROUNDNUT SUITABLE FOR SCARCE RAINFALL AGRO CLIMATIC ZONE OF ANDHRA PRADESH
A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the influence of wet and dry spells on groundnut varieties in scarce rainfall agro climatic zone under rainfed conditions for two consecutive years during kharif 2022 and 2023 at AICRPDA, Agricultural Research Station, Ananthapur of Andhra Pradesh. Among groundnut varieties tested during wet spell of 2022, Kadiri Lepakshi (2635 kg/ha) followed by TCGS 1694 (1900 kg/ha) recorded higher pod yield when compared to other varieties tested. During drought year of 2023, TCGS-1694 recorded significantly higher pod yield when compared to other tested varieties with rain water use efficiency of 4.42 kg/ha mm. TCGS-1694 proved as the top climate resilient groundnut variety for scarce rainfall agro climatic zone of Andhra Pradesh, maintaining high pod yields (1556 -1900kg ha-1), haulm yields (2,834-3,289 kg ha-1), and superior rain water use efficiency (3.80-4.42 kg ha-1mm) across wet and dry extremes. Kadiri Lepakshi proved ideal for high rainfall events (2,635 kg ha 1 pod yield), extreme while Nithya Haritha and K-9 showed consistent intermediate performance.
CONSERVATION TILLAGE PRACTICES FOR ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY IN SUGARCANE–PADDY SYSTEM
A field study was carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station farm, Anakapalle from 2022-23 to 2024-25 for three years to study the feasibility of conservation tillage practices and its impact on crop establishment, growth of crop and weed, and productivity of Sugarcane in Sugarcane-Paddy cropping system. The trial was carried out using a strip plot design with three replications. The main plot factor comprised of conservation tillage practices and weed management techniques in sub plots. The cropping cycle of sugarcane planting in furrows with ridgemar in rice fallows + Cowpea during first year followed by Sugarcane (ratoon)+Cowpea during second year andtaking up Pulse-Green manure-Paddy with minimal tillage and sowing during the third year in addition to chemical weed control methods for effective weed management was found suitable to improve the overall productivity of Sugarcane-paddy system(217.47 t ha-1) and economically profitable instead of the normal conventional system.
TILLAGE AND NITROGEN MANAGEMENT EFFECT ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN AEROBIC RICE
A field experiment conducted at the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, during the rabi season (November-April) of 2022 and 2023 assessed the impact of tillage practices and nitrogen fertilizer schedules on energy efficiency in aerobic rice. The study employed three tillage treatments (T) and five nitrogen fertilizer schedules (N) in a strip plot design with three replications. Results revealed that Conventional tillage (T1 ) showed higher energy input, whereas zero tillage (T3 ) showed lower energy input. Higher Gross Energy Output (GEO), Net Energy Output (NEO), Energy Use Efficiency (EUE) and Energy Productivity (EP) obtained under Conventional tillage (T1 ) which is statistically comparable with minimum tillage with residue retention (T2 ) and significantly higher over zero tillage (T3 ). Zero tillage (T3 ) resulted in the highest energy intensity in physical terms (EIP). Energy Intensity in Economic terms (EIE) was not significantly influenced by tillage practices. Among nitrogen fertilizer schedules, the treatment 100% RDN + foliar spray of 2.5 ml l-1 nano urea at tillering and before panicle initiation stage (N2 ) yielded the highest energy metrics, including GEO and NEO, EUE, EP and EIP which is statistically comparable to 100% RDN (N1 ). Conventional tillage (T1 ) and 100% RDN (N1 ) treatment demonstrated superior performance across various energetics, emphasizing their effectiveness in enhancing the energetic efficiency of aerobic rice cultivation. Overall, conventional tillage and recommended nitrogen management were most effective, while conservation tillage performed on par with conventional tillage in aerobic rice.
INFLUENCE OF WEATHER PARAMETERS ON SUCROSE ACCUMULATION IN SUGARCANE (SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM L.)
The ripening of sugarcane is largely influenced by weather factors such as sunlight, temperature, and rainfall. This study evaluated ten sugarcane clones over two crop years (2023 24 and 2024–25) under the agro-climatic conditions of Andhra Pradesh, India, to assess the effect of weather parameters on sucrose accumulation. The clones were observed from October to February and data on sucrose percentage and weather elements (maximum and minimum temperature, rainfall, and bright sunshine hours (BSSH)) were collected. Correlation analysis revealed that BSSH had a strong positive correlation (r = 0.75) with mean sucrose, followed by minimum temperature (r = 0.54), while rainfall showed a negative correlation (r = –0.68). These results affirm the critical role of incident sunlight and cold weather in enhancing ripening. Clones 2022A 93, 2022A 203, and 2022A 88 demonstrated superior performance across seasons and can be considered for further line development or trait introgression breeding.
SUITABILITY OF EARLY MATURING SUGARCANE GENOTYPES FOR DELAYED HARVESTING
An experiment in sugarcane was conducted during 2021-22 to 2023-24 in strip-plot design with three replications at Sugarcane Research Station, Vuyyuru. Sugarcane clones viz., 2012 V 67, 2012 V 123, 2013 V 126 and 2003 V 46 were tested for delayed harvesting. Significantly more number of tillers per hectare were recorded by check variety 2003 V 46 (1,03,085) which was statistically at par with 2012 V 67 (97,154) and 2013 V 126 (94,316) at 90, 180 and 240 days after planting. Millable canes were also significantly higher with 2003 V 46. Significantly higher yield was recorded by 2003 V 46 (105.06 t/ha) followed by 2012 V 67 (96.42 t/ha) and 2013 V 126 (91.24 t/ha). Significantly more sucrose percent was recorded with 2003 V 46 (20.15%) which was followed by 2012 V 123 (20.05%), 2012 V 67 (19.32%) and 2013 V 126 (19.18%).The variety 2003 V 46 recorded significantly more commercial cane sugar (14.5 %) which was statistically at par with 2012 V 123 (14.4%).The study clearly revealed that, the higher cane yield, per cent sucrose and commercial cane sugar were obtained with check variety 2003 V 46 over other new genotypes tested in this study.
RESPONSE OF COLOURED RICE CULTIVARS TO ZINC NUTRITION
An experiment was conducted in the Farm of agricultural college, Bapatla, during kharif, 2023 to examine the response of zinc foliar fertilisation on the growth, yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake of coloured rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was laid by using split-plot design with three replications. The main plot contained four rice cultivars: M1- Navara, M2- BPT 2858, M3- BPT-2841 and M4- Kujipatalia. In the sub-plots, ZnSO4 foliar spraying was done at various stages: S1- No zinc, S2- Application of ZnSO4 @ 0.2% at tillering stage, S3- Application of ZnSO4 @ 0.2% at tillering and panicle initiation stages and S4- Application of ZnSO4 @ 0.2% at tillering, panicle initiation and booting stages. The results indicated that the Kujipatalia variety (M4 ) produced the maximum number of tillers, dry matter accumulation, productive tillers per square meter, panicle length, total grains per panicle, grain yield (4480 kg ha-1), straw yield, harvest index, and nutrient uptake. Foliar application of ZnSO„ at 0.2% during the tillering, panicle initiation, and booting stages (S4 ) was found to be significantly superior to other treatments, except for S3 . Conversely, the Navara variety (M1 ), when not received foliar zinc application, recorded the lowest values of all the parameters of coloured rice cultivars. However, it displays Kujipatalia variety shows highest yield and yield attributes relative to the other cultivars.
IDENTIFICATION OF RESISTANT SOURCES TO WHIP SMUT OF SUGARCANE CAUSED BY SPORISORIUM SCITAMINEUM
Whip smut causing pathogen in Sugarcane has the potential to cause substantial losses to farmers. Sugarcane cultivars which are susceptible, should be replaced with resistant ones that have desirable yield attributes. Twenty four Sugarcane genotypes were selected for artificial inoculation to identify resistant genotype to smut disease. Setts dipped in smut spore suspension before planting and collected data on production of smutted whips in genotypes. Among the genotypes tested, 2016 V130 was found resistant, while 2016 V 35, 2017 V 16, 2018 V 42, 2018 V 48, 2018 V 53 and 2018 V 79 were found moderately resistant to smut pathogen.
IMPACT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF SALICYLIC ACID ON SALINITY TOLERANCE IN SORGHUM
Salinity is a major abiotic stress factor that restricts crop growth and yield, particularly in arid and semi arid regions. To mitigate the adverse effects of salinity on crop performance, a field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024 at Kakarlamoodi village. The objective was to evaluate the influence of foliar application of salicylic acid on enhancing salinity tolerance in sorghum. The study was arranged in a randomized block design with six treatments, replicated four times. Five concentrations of salicylic acid (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg L-1) along with a control were tested. Results indicated that foliar application of salicylic acid at 250 mg L-1 produced significantly higher grain yields (6300 and 6235 kg ha-1), whereas the lowest yield was observed with 50 mg L-1. Furthermore, total chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzyme activity were maximum under the 250 mg L-1 treatment, highlighting its effectiveness in improving sorghum performance under saline conditions.
EVALUATION OF ACID LIME (CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA) VARIETIES IN LATERITIC SOIL CONDITIONS OF ANDHRA PRADESH
The present study was undertaken at Agricultural Research Station, Kavali during 2022 2024 to assess the performance of three acid lime cultivars, namely Pramalini, Balaji and Petluru Selection 1 under red lateritic soil conditions. The experimental layout followed a Randomized Block Design comprising seven replications for comparative evaluation. Among the tested cultivars, Petluru Selection 1 recorded superior growth (plant height 4.47 m; plant spread 4.18 m), yield (414 fruits/plant; 15.71 kg/plant) and juice content (55.3%), along with higher consumer preference, indicating its suitability for lateritic soils of Andhra Pradesh.