Agronomy Agronomy I: Agronomy IIa: Agronomy IIb: Agronomy III: Agronomy IV: IV a: IV b IV c: Agronomy V: Agronomy VI: PHYSIOLOGY: Phy.

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1 D-1- Agronomy Experiments were laid out as per the technical programme approved during the AICCIP meeting held at PAU, Ludhiana for the year Following experiments were carried out by various centres during kharif Agronomy I: Agronomic requirements of promising Pre release/ recently released hirsutum / arboreum genotypes/ hybrids of cotton. Agronomy IIa: Agronomic evaluation of Bt cotton hybrid under varied crop geometries and NPK levels. Agronomy IIb: Optimization of nutrient requirement and geometry for Bt cotton. Agronomy III: Integrated Weed Management in Cotton Agronomy IV: Integrated Nutrient Management in Cotton IV a: Foliar Feeding of Micronutrients on Growth and Yield of cotton. IV b: Impact of Foliar application of KNO 3 on yield and quality of cotton. IV c: Effect of organic manure and bio-pesticides on the production of cotton Agronomy V: Crop canopy management Agronomy VI: Cotton based cropping system Effect of macro & micronutrients on fibre productivity and quality in cotton under cotton-wheat system in North zone PHYSIOLOGY: Phy. 1: Screening genotypes for abiotic stress tolerance. 1a: Screening genotypes for water stress tolerance. 1b: Screening genotypes for salinity stress tolerance. Phy. 2: Investigations on physiological efficiency in Bt cotton hybrids. Phy. 3: Studies on defoliants on physiological parameters and seed cotton yield. Phy. 4: Control of Parawilt in cotton. BIOCHEMISTRY: Bio-Chem. 1: Studies on biochemical parameters for tolerance to drought and salinity stress. Bio-Chem. 2: Biochemical evaluation of cotton genotypes for tolerance to bollworms and sap sucking pests. Bio-Chem. 3: Evaluation of cotton genotypes for seed, oil, gossypol and protein. Bio-Chem. 4: Biochemical evaluation of Bt cotton hybrids vis-a vis productivity. The trial locations were Ludhiana, Faridkot, Bhatinda, Hisar, Sriganganagar and Kanpur in North zone; Surat, Akola, Rahuri, Nanded, Indore, Khandwa, Banswara, Bharuch and Junagadh in Central zone; and Lam (Guntur), Nandyal, Dharwad, Siruguppa, Coimbatore and Srivilliputtur in South zone. The project wise findings and salient highlights of the research pertaining to North, Central and South zones are summarized below.

2 D-2- Agronomy I: Agronomic requirements of promising Pre released/ recently released arboreum hybrids. North Zone The arboreum hybrid KR-64 gave significantly higher seed cotton yield over CICR-2 at all the locations. The percentage increase in yield was 9.6, 32 and 19.5 at Faridkot, Hisar and Sriganganagar, respectively. The row spacing of 67.5 x 60 cm was found better over wider spacing at Hisar, while there was no significant improvement in seed cotton yield at Faridkot and Sriganganagar among the different spacings tested. Similarly, fertilizer dosage also showed that 100% RDF was found better at Hisar and Sriganganagar, whereas 75% RDF was optimum at Faridkot (Table 1). Table1: Effect row spacing and fertilizer levels on two arboreum hybrids under north zone Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) 1) Arboreum hybrid Faridkot Hisar Sriganganagar No. of bolls/ wt. Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) No. of bolls/ wt. Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) No. of bolls/ wt. KR CICR CD at 5% NS ) Row spacing (cm) 67.5x x x x x CD at 5% NS NS NS NS NS 3) Fertilizer Levels 75% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% NS NS NS NS The arboreum variety CISA-614 gave significantly higher seed cotton yield at only Hisar (2160 kg/ha) over HD 123 (1780 kg/ha) and was on par at other two centres. The row spacing of 67.5 x 30 cm gave significantly higher seed cotton yield over wider spacing at Hisar and Sriganganagar, whereas no significant difference in seed cotton yield was noticed at Ludhiana. Among the fertilizer doses, 75% RDF was found optimum at Ludhiana, whereas 100% RDF seems to be better at Hisar and Sriganganagar (Table 2).

3 D-3- Table 2: Effect row spacing and fertilizer levels on two arboreum varieties under North Zone Ludhiana Hisar Sriganganagar Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) No. of bolls/ wt. Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) No. of bolls/ wt. Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) No. of bolls/ wt. 1) Arboreum variety CISA HD CD at 5% NS NS NS NS NS 2) Row spacing (cm) 67.5x x x CD at 5% NS 4.28 NS NS 198 NS NS 3) Fertilizer Levels 75% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% NS NS NS 300 NS NS Central Zone The hybrid, GSHV-01/1338 gave significantly higher seed cotton yield at Surat and Junagadh, whereas CHNO-12 and KH-151 performed better at Khandwa and Banswara, respectively. The narrow spacing of 60x 30 cm at Khandwa and 90 x 45 cm at Banswara showed superiority over wider spacing. Among the nutrients levels, 100% RDF seems to be optimum at all the locations, except Khandwa where 125% RDF out yielded over the lower doses of fertilizer (Table 3). The hybrid USHB-25 gave significantly higher seed cotton yield at Rahuri and Banswara while VBCH-2231 out yielded at Nanded and Indore where as MLCH-318 gave highest seed cotton yield at Akola. Spacing of 60 x 60 cm was found superior at all the locations except Rahuri and Banswara where 90 x 120 cm and 90 x 45 cm out yielded over the rest. As regards Fertilizer levels, 100% RDF seems to be optimum at all the locations except Rahuri, where 125% RDF gave significantly higher seed cotton yield (Table 4& 5).

4 D-4- Table 3: Agronomic requirements of promising pre release Hirsutum genotypes under different location of AICCIP in Central Zone. Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) Surat Junagadh Khandwa Banswara SCY BN BW SCY BN BW SCY BN BW SCY BN BW Varieties/hybrids GSHV-01/ HAG TCH G. Cot G. Cot KH Vagad Kalyan CHNO JK CD at 5% NS NS Row spacing (cm) 60 x x x x x CD at 5% Fertilizer levels (kg/ha) 75% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% NS SCY Seed cotton yield; BN Number ; BW Weight Table 4: Agronomic requirements of promising pre release hybrids on seed cotton yield at different location of AICCIP in Central Zone. Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) Akola Nanded Indore Rahuri Banswara Hybrids USHB PSCHB DCH MLCH VBCH JKHy PKV Hy NHH CD at 5% NS Row spacing (cm) 60 X X X X X X CD at 5% NS 13.27

5 D-5- Table 4 Contd. Fertilizer levels (kg/ha) 75% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% Table 5: Response of promising pre release hybrids to agronomic manipulation at different location in Central Zone under AICCIP Akola Nanded Indore Rahuri Banswara BN BW BN BW BN BW BN BW BN BW Varieties/Hybrids USHB PSCHB DCH MLCH VBCH JKHy PKV Hy NHH CD at 5% NS NS NS Row spacing (cm) 60 X X X X X X CD at 5% NS NS 2.23 NS 0.51 NS Fertilizer levels (kg/ha) 75% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% NS NS NS NS SCY - Seed cotton yield; BN - number; BW - weight The arboreum variety AKA-9703 produced numerically higher seed cotton yield at Akola and Nanded while KWA-23 and G Cot-19 out yielded at Khandwa and Bharuch, respectively.the spacing of 45 x 22.5 cm and 60 x 30 cm gave significantly higher seed cotton yield at Nanded and Khandwa, respectively but at Akola non-significant result has been observed. The 75% RDF seems to be optimum at Akola and Bharuch, whereas 100% and 125% out yielded at Nanded and Khandwa, respectively (Table 6 & 7).

6 D-6- Table 6: Agronomic requirements of promising pre release G. arboreum genotypes on seed cotton yield at different location of AICCIP in Central Zone Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) Akola Nanded Khandwa Bharuch Genotypes GAM AKA AKA AKA PA KWA Gcot CD at 5% Row spacing (cm) 45 x x x x x x CD at 5% NS Fertilizer levels (kg/ha.) 75% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% NS NS Table 7: Response of promising pre release G. arboreum genotypes - Number of bolls/ and boll weight at different location of AICCIP in Central Zone Akola Nanded Khandwa Bharuch BN BW BN BW BN BW BN BW Varieties GAM AKA AKA AKA PA KWA Gcot CD at 5% NS Row spacing (cm) 45 x x x x x x CD at 5% NS

7 D-7- Table 7 Contd. Fertilizer levels (kg/ha.) 75% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% NS NS NS NS SCY - Seed cotton yield; BN - number; BW - weight South Zone The hybrid USHB-25 gave significantly higher seed cotton yield at Coimbatore and Siruguppa. At Siruguppa, it produced highest seed cotton yield of 1475 kg/ha at spacing of 90x60 cm with the 1409 kg/ha with an optimum fertilizer level of 200:100:100 kg NPK/ha (Table 8). Table 8: Response of hybrids to row spacing and NPK levels - Seed cotton yield, number of bolls/ and boll weight at various AICCIP location of south zone Coimbatore Siruguppa SCY BN BW SCY BN BW Varieties USHB DHB PSCHB DHB DCH KWA CD at 5% NS NS Row spacing (cm) 90X X CD at 5% Fertilizers levels (kg/ha) 150:75: :100: CD at 5% NS 0.04 SCY - Seed cotton yield; BN - number; BW - weight Agronomy II a. Agronomic evaluation of Bt cotton hybrid under varied crop geometry and NPK levels North Zone I n RCH-134 Bt, the geometry of 100 x 60, 100 x 75, 67.5 x 60 and 108 x 60 cm seems to be optimum at Faridkot, Ludhiana, Hisar and Sriganganagar, respectively. As regard fertilizer levels, 100% RDF seems to be optimum at all the locations except Ludhiana where 75% RDF was found better (Table 9).

8 D-8- Table 9: Effect of spacing and fertilizer level on Bt cotton hybrid (RCH-134 Bt) Faridkot Ludhiana Seed cotton yield (kg/ ha) No. of bolls/ wt. Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) No. of bolls/ wt. Row spacing (cm) 67.5 x x x x x x x CD at 5% NS NS 11 NS Fertilizers levels (kg/ha) 75% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% NS NS NS Hisar Sriganganagar Treatment Seed cotton No. of bolls/ wt. Seed cotton No. of bolls/ s yield (kg/ ha) yield (kg/ ha) wt. Row spacing (cm) 67.5 x x x x x x x CD at 5% NS NS NS Fertilizers levels (kg/ha) 75% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% Central Zone The geometry of 90x60 cm for Khandwa and Indore, 90 x 45 cm for Nanded, Akola & Banswara, 90 x 90 cm for Rahuri and 120 x 45 cm for Surat & Junagarh was found optimum for RCH-2 Bt hybrid in Central Zone. As regards fertilizer application, 100% RDF seems to be optimum at Khandwa, Surat, Akola and Banswara, where as 125% RDF gave significantly higher seed cotton yield at Indore, Nanded, Junagargh and Rahuri (Table 10).

9 D-9- Table 10: Effect of spacing and fertilizer level on Bt cotton hybrid (RCH-2 Bt) Seed cotton yield kg/ha Khandwa Indore Nanded Junagarh Surat Akola Rahuri Banswara Row spacing (cm) 90x x x x X X X CD at 5% Fertilizers levels (kg/ha) 75% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% South Zone The geometry of 90x 45 cm for Lam, 90x 60 cm for Siruguppa and 90 x 90 cm for Coimbatore and Dharwad was found optimum for Bunny Bt in South zone. As regards fertilizer levels, 125% RDF gave significantly higher seed cotton yield at all the locations except at Lam where 100% RDF seems to be optimum (Table 11). Table 11: Effect of geometry and fertilizer dose on seed cotton yield in cotton cv Bunny Bt in south zone Seed cotton yield kg/ha Lam Siruguppa Coimbatore Dharwad Row spacing (cm) 90x x x x x X CD at 5% NS Fertilizers levels (kg/ha) 75% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% At Srivilliputtur, higher seed cotton yield was obtained in Bunny Bt sown at 90 x 45 cm (2122 kg/ha) followed by 90 x 60 cm (1831 kg/ha). Lower seed cotton yield of 1701 kg / ha was obtained in Bunny Bt sown at 90 x 90 cm spacing. The low yield is due to less population stand maintained in this treatment. Higher net return (Rs 41544/ha) and B:C ratio were recorded with closer spacing (90 x 45 cm). Significant increase in yield was observed in Bunny Bt

10 D-10- receiving different levels of fertilizer. Higher yield was registered in Bunny Bt receiving fertilizer at 125% RDF but it was comparable with 100% RDF. Higher monetary return was obtained under 125% RDF whereas B:C ratio was higher at 100 % RDF (Table 11 a). Table.11 a. Growth, yield attribute and seed cotton yield of Bt cotton as influenced by crop geometry and NPK levels during third year (Kharif, 2008) Treatment Sympodia / s/ DMP (g /) wt. SCY (Kg/ha) Net return (Rs/ha) B:C ratio Water productivity (kg/ ha mm) Spacing 90 x 90 cm x 60 cm x 45 cm CD at 5% NS RDF 75 % % % CD at 5% NS The three year data has indicated that Bunny Bt sown at 90 x 90 cm recorded lower seed cotton yield. Bunny Bt sown either at 90 x 45 cm or 90 x 60 cm had recorded comparable seed cotton yield. Even though progressive increase in seed cotton yield was observed due to increase in dosage of N, P, K fertilizer level, the yield level were comparable at 100% recommended level and 125% recommended level. It can be inferred that the present recommendation of 90:45:45 kg NPK/ha to Bunny Bt hybrid at Srivilliputtur will be optimum to obtain sustainable yields. Pooled analysis reveals that Closer spacing (90 x 45 cm) with 100 % RDF level is optimum to get economical yield from Bunny Bt cotton. Table 11 b. Mean seed cotton yield (kg/ha) during at Srivilliputtur Treatment Mean Spacing 90x90 cm x60 cm x45 cm CD (P=0.05) RDF levels 75% RDF % RDF % RDF CD (P=0.05) 353 NS II b: Optimization of nutrient requirement and geometry for Bt cotton. North Zone The RCH 134 Bt gave significantly higher seed cotton yield at Ludhiana and Hisar but no significant difference in seed cotton yield was observed at Sriganganagar The normal spacing shows its superiority at all the locations with 100% R.D.F (Table 12).

11 D-11- Table 12: Effect of geometry and fertilizer dose on seed cotton yield in RCH 134 Bt and its non-bt genotype under North zone conditions Ludhiana Hisar Sriganganagar Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) No. of bolls/ wt. Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) No. of bolls/ wt. Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) No. of bolls/ Hybrids RCH-134 Bt RCH-134 nonbt CD at 5% NS NS NS NS Spacing (cm) Normal % higher CD at 5% NS NS NS NS NS NS Fertilizer levels (kg/ha) 100% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS Central Zone The RCH 2 Bt gave significantly higher seed cotton yield at all the locations except Nanded where it was statistically at par with non Bt. The normal spacing seems to be optimum at all the locations. As regards level of fertilizer, 100% RDF was better at Khandwa, Surat and Akola, while 125% out yielded at Nanded and Rahuri but at Indore, 150% gave significantly higher seed cotton yield (Table 13). Table 13: Effect of geometry and fertilizer dose on seed cotton yield in RCH 2 Bt and its non Bt genotype under Central zone conditions Seed cotton yield kg/ha Khandwa Indore Nanded Surat Akola* Rahuri Hybrids RCH-2 Bt RCH-2 non Bt CD at 5% NS Spacing (cm) Normal % higher CD at 5% 169 NS NS Fertilizer levels (kg/ha) 100% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% NS *Bunny Bt was used at Akola wt.

12 D-12- South Zone The Bunny Bt significantly out-yielded Bunny NonBt at Coimbatore and Dharwad, whereas at Lam, it was statistically at par with non Bt. The normal spacing seems to be optimum at all the locations. The recommended dose of fertilizer (100% RDF) was better at Lam while 125% RDF out yielded at Coimbatore and Dharwad (Table 14). Table 14: Effect of geometry and fertilizer dose on seed cotton yield in cotton cv Bunny Bt in south zone Seed cotton yield kg/ha Lam Coimbatore Dharwad Hybrids Bunny Bt Bunny non Bt CD at 5% NS Spacing (cm) Normal % higher CD at 5% NS Fertilizers levels (kg/ha) 100% RDF % RDF % RDF CD at 5% NS At Nandyal, Bunny Bt recorded significantly higher seed cotton yield (2468 kg/ha) over Bunny non Bt (2005 kg/ha). A spacing of 120 x 60 cm resulted in significantly higher seed cotton yield over 90 x 45 cm. Different levels of fertilizers (@ 100, 125, & 150 RDF) did not influence seed cotton yield significantly. At Srivilliputtur, wider spacing (120 x 60 cm) recorded taller s with more number of sympodial branches/ and bolls/ (31.39) whereas higher seed cotton yield (2225 kg/ha) was recorded with closer spacing (90 x 45 cm). Similarly, the higher level of fertilizer application (125% and 150%) had enhanced the plan height. But levels of NPK had not significantly altered the monopodia number per, sympodial branches per, bolls/, boll weight and seed cotton yield. Interaction effect was not observed in all characters. Net return and B:C ratio were higher with cultivation of Bunny Bt hybrid. Closer spacing registered higher monetary return and B:C ratio. Higher monetary return was obtained under 150 % RDF level whereas 100 % RDF level gave higher B:C ratio. The first year of the experimental data indicated that Bunny Bt was superior over Bunny Non Bt hybrid. Closer spacing (90 x 45 cm) produced significantly higher kapas yield as compared to wider spacing (120 x 60 cm). The data shows that 100% RDF (120:60:60 kg NPK/ha) was sufficient to obtain economical yield.

13 D-13- Table 14a. Plant stand and Plant height of Bt cotton hybrid under different spacing and nutrient levels ( Srivilliputtur) Treatment Monop odia / Sympodia / s/ wt. SCY (Kg/ha) Net return (Rs/ha) B:C ratio Water productivity (kg/ ha mm) Hybrid Bunny Bt Non Bunny Bt CD at 5 % NS NS 4.51 NS Spacing 90 x 45cm x 60 cm CD at 5 % NS NS RDF 100 % % % CD at 5 % NS NS NS NS NS Agronomy III: Integrated Weed Management in Cotton Highest seed cotton yield was obtained under weed free condition (Rahuri and Dharwad) and lowest in control at all the locations. Among the herbicidal treatments, significantly higher seed cotton yield was obtained with 1 kg/ha pre-emergence + hand weeding at 30 & 60 DAS closely followed by kg/ha pre-emergence + Hand weeding at 30 & 60 DAS and 1 kg/ha pre-emergence kg/ha at 30 & 60 DAS at Surat. At Rahuri, highest seed cotton yield was recorded in Farmers practices (Hand weeding at 20, 40 & 60 DAS), closely followed by 1.00 kg a.i./ha pre-emergence + hand weeding at 30 & 60 DAS. At Lam, highest seed cotton yield was recorded in Farmers practices (Hand weeding at 20, 40 & 60 DAS + Interculture), closely followed by 1.00 kg a.i./ha preemergence 0.05 kg a.i./ha at 30 & 60 DAS + interculture). The application of Pendimethalin + 2 HW + 2 IC or Diuron + 2 HW + 2 IC led to significantly higher kapas yield as compared to other treatments. However, they were on par with weed free check and farmers practices at Dharwad (Table 15).

14 D-14- Table 15: Effect of Integrated Weed Management on Seed cotton yield in hirsutum cotton Seed cotton yield kg/ha Surat Rahuri Lam Dharwad Unweeded control Farmers practices (Hand weeding at 20, 40 & 60 DAS + interculturing at 45 & 90 DAS) kg a.i./ha pre-emergence + Hand weeding at 30 & 60 DAS kg a.i./ha pre-emergence + Hand weeding at 30 & 60 DAS kg a.i./ha pre-emergence + hand weeding at 30 & 60 DAS kg a.i./ha pre-emergence + Hand weeding at 30 & 60 DAS kg a.i./ha pre-emergence 0.04 kg a.i./ha at 30 & 60 DAS kg a.i./ha pre-emergence kg a.i./ha at 30 & 60 DAS kg a.i./ha pre-emergence kg a.i./ha at 30 & 60 DAS kg a.i./ha pre-emergence kg a.i./ha at 30 & 60 DAS Weed free kg a.i./ha pre-emergence + Interculture kg a.i./ha pre-emergence kg a.i./ha at 30 & 60 DAS + interculture kg a.i./ha pre-emergence kg a.i./ha at 30 & 60 DAS + interculture kg a.i./ha pre-emergence + 2 Hand weeding+ 2 IC kg a.i./ha pre-emergence + 2 Hand weeding+ 2 IC kg a.i./ha at 30 & 60 DAS +1 H W at 45 DAS kg a.i./ha pre-emergence kg a.i./ha at 30 & 60 DAS + 1 HW at 45 DAS kg a.i./ha pre-emergence kg a.i./ha at 30 & 60 DAS + 1 HW at 45 DAS kg a.i./ha pre-emergence kg a.i./ha at 30 & 60 DAS + 1 HW at 45 DAS kg a.i./ha pre-emergence kg a.i./ha at 30 & 60 DAS + 1 HW at 45 DAS CD at 5 % Agronomy IV : Integrated Nutrient Management in Cotton Agronomy IV a : Foliar Feeding of Micronutrients on Growth and Yield of Cotton Foliar Feeding of MgSO 1.0%+ZnSO 0.5% gave highest seed cotton yield at all the locations except at Akola where at par result has been observed and lowest was recorded under control (Table 16 & 17).

15 D-15- Table16: Effect of foliar feeding of micro nutrients on seed cotton yield of hirsutum cotton Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) Kanpur Akola Nanded Banswara Dharwad Coimbatore Control Boron-0.1% ZnSO 4-0.5% MnSO 4-1.0% MgSO 4-1.0% MgSO 4-1.0%+ZnSO 4-0.5% FeSO 4-0.5% FeSO 4-0.5% +ZnSO 4-0.5% Urea 2% at flowering and DAP % at boll dev.stage MgSO 4-1.0%+ZnSO 4-0.5% FeSO 4-0.5% MgSO 4-1.0%+ZnSO 4-0.5% FeSO 4-0.5%+ Boron-0.1% CD at 5% 143 NS NS 120 Table17: Effect of foliar feeding of micro nutrients on hirsutum cotton Kanpur Akola Nanded Banswara Dharwad Coimbatore BN BW BN BW BN BW BN BW BN BW BN BW Control Boron-0.1% ZnSO 4-0.5% MnSO 4-1.0% MgSO 4-1.0% MgSO 4 1.0%+ZnSO 4-0.5% FeSO 4-0.5% FeSO 4-0.5% 0.5% +ZnSO Urea 2% at flowering and DAP 2% at boll dev.stage MgSO 4-1.0%+ZnSO 4-0.5%+ FeSO 4-0.5% MgSO 4-1.0%+ZnSO 4-0.5%+ FeSO 4-0.5% Boron-0.1% CD at 5% NS NS NS NS SCY - Seed cotton yield; BN - number; BW - weight

16 D-16- Agronomy IV b : Foliar application of KNO 3 to increase the yield and yield attributes of cotton North Zone Full recommended dose of MOP as basal application in Sriganganagar, and four sprays of 2% KNO 3 at Ludhiana and Kanpur gave significantly higher seed cotton yield and lowest in control at all the locations (Table 18). Table18: Effect of foliar application of KNO 3 on yield and yield attributes of cotton in North zone Sriganganagar Ludhiana Kanpur Treatment Seed cotton yield No. of bolls/ wt. Seed cotton yield No. of bolls/ wt. Seed cotton yield No. of bolls/ wt. (kg/ha) (kg/ha) (kg/ha) Control Two sprays of 2% KNO Three sprays of 2% KNO Four sprays of 2% KNO Two sprays of 3% KNO Three sprays of 3% KNO Four sprays of 3% KNO MOP in four splits Full dose of MOP at sowing CD at 5% NS NS Central Zone Three sprays of 3% KNO 3 gave significantly higher seed cotton yield at Surat, Junagarh and Banswara, whereas application of four sprays of 2% KNO 3 and four sprays of 3% KNO 3 shows its superiority at Nanded and Indore, respectively and no response was noticed at Akola (Table 19 & 20).

17 D-17- Table19: Effect of foliar application of KNO 3 on seed cotton yield under central zone. Treatment Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) Akola Nanded Indore Surat Junagadh Banswara Control Two sprays of 2% KNO Three sprays of 2% KNO Four sprays of 2% KNO Two sprays of 3% KNO Three sprays of 3% KNO Four sprays of 3% KNO MOP in four splits Full dose of MOP at sowing CD at 5% NS Table 20 : Effect of foliar application of KNO 3 in Central zone Akola Nanded Indore Surat Junagadh Banswara BN BW BN BW BN BW BN BW BN BW BN BW Control Two sprays of 2% KNO Three sprays of 2% KNO Four sprays of 2% KNO Two sprays of 3% KNO Three sprays of 3% KNO Four sprays of 3% KNO MOP in four splits Full dose of MOP at sow CD at 5% NS NS NS 6.4 NS BN - number; BW - weight South Zone Four sprays & three sprays of 3% KNO 3 gave significantly higher seed cotton yield at Dharwad and Siruguppa, respectively over control (Table 21). Table 21 : Effect of foliar application of KNO 3 on the yield of cotton Treatment Dharwad Siruguppa SCY BN BW SCY BN BW Control Two sprays of 2% KNO Three sprays of 2% KNO Four sprays of 2% KNO Two sprays of 3% KNO Three sprays of 3% KNO Four sprays of 3% KNO MOP in four splits Full dose of MOP at sowing CD at 5% 222 NS NS

18 D-18- At Srivilliputtur, pooled data (three years) analysis revealed that 3 foliar spraying of 3% KNO 3 at 60, 75, 90 DAS was sufficient to get higher yield which was comparable to the application of MOP in four splits. IV C. Effect of organic manure and biopesticides on the production of cotton The biopesticides was not effective in isolation but found good when applied in combination with recommended protection practices. The recommended dose of fertilizer recorded the highest seed cotton yield than all other treatments in which organic manure were used as a source of nutrients and lowest was recorded in control (Table 22). Table22: Effect of organic manure and biopesticides on the production of Cotton at Rahuri Treatment Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) No. of bolls/ weight Plant protection RPP PP with Biopesticides CD at 5% Organic manures 10 t/ha t/ha t/ha t/ha t/ha t/ha t/ha t/ha t/ha t/ha t/ha t/ha RDF Control CD at 5% At Nandyal, significantly higher seed cotton yield (957 kg/ha) was obtained with recommended protection measures compared to protection with biopesticides (595 kg/ha). Among different manure application, seed cotton yield recorded with 5 t/ha t/ha was superior than the control (509 kg/ha); however, it was on par with all other fertilizer treatments (861 kg/ha.) Agronomy V: Crop canopy management Effect of detopping and spacing on seed cotton yield The narrow spacing 60 x 30cm gave the highest seed cotton yield (2290 kg/ha) over wider row spacing (Table 23). Detopping at 55 DAS had a cascading effect on seed cotton yield. Detopping at 55 DAS yielded 2237 kg/ha followed by detopping at 45 DAS. Any delay or premature detopping brought about reduction in yield, but were on par with control s.

19 D-19- Table 23: Effect of detopping and spacing on seed cotton yield of arboreum cotton at Khandwa Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) No. of bolls/ weight A) Row Spacing (cm) 60 X X CD at 5% B) Detopping No Detopping DAS DAS DAS DAS CD at 5% NS Agronomy VI :Cotton based cropping system Effect of macro & micronutrients on fibre productivity and quality in cotton under cottonwheat system at Faridkot Highest seed cotton yield was recorded under MRC 6301 Bt followed by LHH-144 and lowest in variety F The response of hybrids to fertilizer application was better than the varieties. As regards nutrient application, highest seed cotton yield was recorded with the treatment of NPKS & Zn, though it was at par with RD-NPKS but significantly higher than rest of the treatments (Table 24). Table 24: Effect of Macro & micronutrients on seed cotton yield of cotton and wheat under cotton-wheat cropping system at Faridkot Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) Cotton No. of bolls/ wt. Wheat Grain yield (kg/ha) ) Variety / Hybrids F-1861 (H) LD-694 (D) LHH 144 (HH) MRC-6301 Bt CD at 5% ) Nutrients levels (kg/ha) Control RD-NP RD-NPK RD-NPKS RD-NPKS Zn CD at 5% H= Hirsutum variety; HH= Hirsutum Hybrids & D= Desi Variety

20 D-20- Organic residue Management in cotton based cropping system ( Srivilliputtur) Integrated nutrient management adopted to summer cotton had significant effect on growth, yield attributes and seed cotton yield. An integrated approach of application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (60:30:30 kg of NPK/ha) + FYM 12.5 t/ha had significantly increased the height ( cm), monopodia/ (1.392) sympodia/ (15.19), bolls/ (13.89) and boll weight (3.04 g). As a result of higher sympodia and boll number, the seed cotton yield was also increased (1798 kg / ha) in this treatment where 100% RDF along with FYM 12.5 t/ha. The seed cotton yield received in this treatment is also on par with the seed cotton yield obtained under 100 % RDF + Azosprillum and Phosphobacteria (600 g as seed inoculation and 2000 g as soil application) and 75% RDF + bio fertilizer application. 75% RDF alone had significantly reduced all growth characters resulting in lesser seed cotton yield (1455 kg/ha). Table 25. Effect of preceding ID crops and INM Practices on yield and monetary return of cotton during summer 2008 Treatment ID crops yield Water SCY Net return B:C (kg/ha productivity (Kg/ha) (Rs/ha) ratio Grain Straw (kg/ ha mm) ID Crops Daincha Fallow Maize (stover incorporated) Maize (stover removed) Sun flower (stalk incorporated) Sun flower (stalk removed) CD at 5% INM practices 100 % RDF % RDF + Bio fertilizers % RDF % RDF + Bio fertilizers % RDF + FYM %RDF+FYM CD at 5% The results of year 2006 and 2008 indicated that the performance of summer cotton was better when cotton was grown after maize and higher seed cotton yield was obtained. Cotton grown after green manure Daincha had also recorded higher seed cotton yield during Among INM practices to cotton recommended dose of NPK application along with bio fertilizer (seed inoculation and soil application) had significantly enhanced seed cotton yield during summer 2006 and 2007 whereas 100 % RDF + FYM 12.5 t/ha had significantly increased kapas yield in summer cotton during These treatments (100% RDF + Bio fertilizer; 100 % RDF + FYM application) was on par with that received 75% RDF + Bio fertilizer application to cotton suggesting that 75% RDF application along with bio fertilizer will be sustainable level to obtain higher seed cotton yield in summer SVPR2 cotton under ID crops - summer cotton cropping system. Pooled analysis reveals that the performance of summer cotton was better when cotton was grown after maize. Application of 75% RDF along with bio

21 D-21- fertilizers was optimum for summer SVPR2 cotton grown under ID crops - summer cotton cropping system. Table 26. Mean seed cotton yield (kg/ha) during Treatment Mean ID Crops Daincha Fallow Maize (stover incorporated) Maize (stover removed) Sun flower (stalk incorporated) Sun flower (stalk removed) CD at 5% INM practices 100 % RDF % RDF + Bio fertilizers % RDF % RDF + Bio fertilizers % RDF + FYM %RDF+FYM CD at 5% Rabi rice summer cotton cropping system Rice stubbles left at 6" height and incorporated in soil had significantly increased height of cotton ( cm), monopodia (1.628/), sympodia (15.92/), bolls (14.91/), boll weight (2.91 g) as compared to height, sympodia, boll weight observed in cotton grown in soil in which rice stubbles removed. Even though no significant difference in yield was observed, similar trend was noticed where in cotton in 6'rice stubble field recorded 1878 kg of seed cotton yield per hectare as compared to 1646 kg/ha recorded under rice stubble removed. An integrated nutrient management with 100% RDF (60:30:30 kg of NPK / ha) plus 12.5 t/ha had increased height ( cm), monopodia (1.733), sympodia (16.88), bolls / (14.96) and boll weight (2.95 g) resulting in higher seed cotton yield (1877kg / ha). This yield level was on par with 100 % RDF + Azosprillum and phosphobacteria (seed inoculation and soil application) (1833 kg/ha) and 75% RDF + Azosprillum + phosphobacteria (1825 kg/ha).

22 D-22- Table 27.Growth, yield attribute and seed cotton yield in summer cotton grown in cotton rice based cropping system (Srivilliputtur) Treatment Plant height (cm) Monop odia / Sympo dia / DMP (g / ) / wt. SCY (Kg /ha) Net return (Rs/ha) B:C ratio Water produc tivity (kg/ ha mm) Height of rice stubble left 2 stubble left stubble left stubble left Stubble removed CD at 5% 2.45 NS 0.64 NS 0.71 NS NS INM practices 100% RDF % RDF + Bio fertilizers 75% RDF % RDF + Bio fertilizers 100 % RDF FYM 75 % RDF + FYM CD at 5% 4.10 NS NS Bio fertilizer: Azosprillum + phosbacteria (Each 600 g seed inoculation g of soil application); FYM: 12.5 t / ha Leaving rice stubbles at different height and incorporating in soil had no significant influence on succeeding seed cotton yield during 2006, 2007 and An integrated nutrient approach with 75% RDF + biofertilizers seems to be sustainable practice for summer cotton with the observation made during 2007 and Pooled analysis shows that leaving rice stubbles at different height and incorporating in soil had no significant influence on succeeding cotton crop. 75% RDF + biofertilizers seems to be sustainable INM practice to summer cotton in rice cotton cropping system. Table 28. Mean seed cotton yield (kg/ha) during ( Srivilliputtur) Treatment Mean Height of rice stubble left 2 stubble left stubble left stubble left Stubble removed CD at 5% NS NS NS NS INM practices 100 % RDF % RDF + Bio fertilizers % RDF % RDF + Bio fertilizers % RDF + FYM %RDF+FYM CD at 5% NS

23 D-23- PHYSIOLOGY Surat Twenty entries / genotypes of G. hirsutum were evaluated under stress (rainfed) and normal (irrigated) condition. The height, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, RWC, biomass, boll weight, number of bolls and yield significantly reduced due to stress. Usual significant differences amongst genotypes were observed in these traits except stomatal conductance and RWC. Bihani 161, GTHV-0/35, GTHV-02/45, KH-155, GJHV-374 and CPD- 824 produced more biomass under stress and exhibited a minimum reduction in the same. Bihani 161, GJHV-374 and GTHV 0/35 performed better under stress and gave yield >90g/. Amongst different drought screening indices PHSI, DMSI and YSI showed a positive significant correlation with yield, under stress. RAHH-231, CPD-817, GSHV 152 and H 1236 showed highest susceptibility index and recorded less than average yield under stress. Five genotypes consisting of Bt hybrids and their counter non-bt hybrid with zonal check G. Cot. Hy-8 were monitored at different growth stages for physiological parameters and yield. The LAI and dry matter accumulation increased whereas RGR decreased with advancement of crop growth. The LAI significantly declined due to delayed sowing at 80 and 110 DAS. RGR and NAR were not significantly affected. The higher values of dry matter and RGR were recorded in Bt hybrids, while LAI was higher in non Bt hybrids. Delayed sowing increased seed cotton yield in Bt while reduced in non Bt hybrids. Amongst non Bt hybrids, zonal check G. Cot. Hy-8 proved its superiority in yield as well as in yield attributes (Table Phy 1). Table Phy. 1: Physiological response of Bt cotton and its non Bt variants to date of sowing weight Biomass (g/) H.I. Yield (g/) Yield (kg/ha.) Date of sowing (D) D 1 : Normal sowing D 2 : Delayed sowing % NS Hybrids (H) RCH 2Bt RCH 2NBt Bunny Bt Bunny NBt G. Cot. Hy % Seed cotton yield was significantly influenced due to defoliant application and significantly higher yield was observed with Ethrel 2000 ppm applied at 160 DAS (T 5 ). In this treatment 89.9 % seed cotton was realized with first picking compared to 70.9 in the control. All other observed characters viz. height, number of bolls, and boll weight and fibre quality parameters did not show significant difference due to defoliant application (Table Phy 2).

24 D-24- Table Phy 2 : Effect of defoliants on seed cotton yield Seed cotton yield (kg/ha) First picking per cent (%) Plant height (cm) No. of bolls/plant weight T 1 : Ethrel 1500 ppm at 145 DAS T 2 : Ethrel 2000 ppm at 145 DAS T 3 : Ethrel 2500 ppm at 145 DAS T 4 : Ethrel 1500 ppm at 160 DAS T 5 : Ethrel 2000 ppm at 160 DAS T 6 : Ethrel 2500 ppm at 160 DAS T 7 : Contorl % NS NS NS Khandwa Out of twenty genotypes tested for moisture stress, DHH-0761 was superior with respect to RWC (63.92%) during all stages of growth, followed by RAHH-231 (RWC 62.50%), GSHV- 152 (RWC 63.39%) and PH-1024 (61.93%). While considering yield as main parameter, DHH ( kg/ha.), RAHH-231 ( kg/ha), WGHH-411 ( kg/ha), DHH-0762 ( kg/ha) and NH-630 ( kg/ha) were better genotypes (at par with each other) over the rest. These genotypes can be promoted for further screening. In addition, DHH-0761 was the best genotype with respect to RWC and yield. There was marginal increase in seed cotton yield, when cotton was sown 15 days earlier. There were significant difference found between the Bt. and non Bt hybrids. Significantly highest yield was recorded in Ajeet-33 Bt. ( kg/ha); and other yield attributing characters, Plant height, monopodia per, sympodia per, bolls per were not influenced by sowing time on Bt. and non Bt.cotton. The minimum reddening effect was observed in JKHy-1and the maximum was found in RCH- 2 Bt. The concentration of 2500 ppm at 145 DAS and 2000 ppm at 160 DAS had significant and beneficial effect on defoliation. Nanded Twenty genotypes were evaluated for yield components and physiological parameters under rainfed and irrigated condition. The genotypes GTHV 02/45 (1452 kg/ha), NH 615 (1439 kg/ha), CPD 817 (1230 kg/ha) and NH 630 (1196 kg/ha) recorded significantly higher seed cotton yield. The lowest yield was recorded by GJHV 374 (609 kg/ha) followed by KH 155 (639 kg/ha), RAHH 231 (649 kg/ha) and GSHV 01/27 (665 kg/ha).when compared with irrigated situation, genotypes NH 615 (9.72 %) and GSHV 01/27 (9.96 %) recorded least reduction in yield, whereas KH 155 (38.75 %) recorded highest reduction in yield. The PHSI was maximum in WDHH 411 (81.29) followed by GTHV 02/45 (81.06), Bihani 161 (80.39), KH 155 (80.22) and GSHV 152 (78.05), while lowest PHSI was recorded in GTHV 0/35 (62.30) and ADB 102 (69.59).The highest DMSI was recorded by WDHH 411 (89.30) followed by ADB 102 (89.08), Bihani 161

25 D-25- (88.46), NH 615 (88.43) and GTHV 02/45 (85.96). The lowest DMSI was observed in RAHH 231 (75.57), GJHV 374 (75.89) and KH 155 (76.05).The YSI was highest in NH 615 (90.28) followed by GSHV 01/27 (90.04), CPD 824 (87.92), LRA 5166 (86.87) and GSHV 152 (85.42), whereas the least YSI was observed in KH 155 (61.25). Under normal sown condition, significantly more seed cotton yield was recorded (1070 kg/ha) than late sown condition (663 kg/ha). Similarly, the normal date of sowing was found significantly superior in respect of height, number of bolls per, boll weight, yield per, biological yield and harvest.in case of genotypes, the genotype Bunny Bt recorded (1358 kg / ha) significantly more seed cotton yield than rest of the genotypes. It was followed by Bunny non-bt (1115 kg / ha), RCH 2 Bt (789 kg/ha) and RCH 2 non Bt (575 kg/ha). The lowest yield (494 kg/ha) was recorded by NHH 44.The genotype Bunny Bt was found significantly superior over rest of the genotypes in respect of number of bolls per, boll weight, yield per and harvest index. But in case of height and biological yield per, genotype Bunny Bt was at par with Bunny non Bt and both these genotypes were significantly superior over rest of the genotypes. Lam, Guntur Significant variation was noticed in seed cotton yield per hectare under non-stress conditions compared to stress condition. The entry WGHH 411 recorded significantly higher mean seed cotton yield (3909Kg/ha) followed by DHH 0762, DHH 0761 and GSHV 152. Significantly higher seed index was recorded in the entry WGHH 411 (9.71g) and it was at par with many entries viz., LK 861, PH 1024, GSHV 2/45, KH 155, ARBH 813 and CPD 824. Significantly higher lint index was recorded under non- stress conditions as compared to stress conditions. The entry PH 1024 recorded significantly higher lint index (5.33g) followed by CPD 824, GSHV 02/45, DHH0761 and NH 630. Regarding ginning out turn (GOT) significantly higher GOT was recorded under non stress conditions as compared to stress conditions.the entry DHH 0761 recorded significantly higher GOT (37.42%) and this was at par with all the entries under test except LK 861. The entry Lakshmi recorded significantly higher mean number of bolls per (13.58). The NCS 145 Bt recorded significantly higher boll weight (4.49g) and it was on par with Mallika Bt (4.26g). Among the salinity levels, higher boll weight was recorded at 4 EC level (4.09g). Drastic reduction was noticed in boll weight from 8 EC onwards. Significantly higher mean seed cotton yield per was recorded in RCH 134 Bt (50.48g/). At 0 EC level, significantly higher seed cotton yield per was recorded in RCH 134 Bt (56.4g/) and it was on par wit RCH 2 Bt (52.69g/). At 4 EC level, RCH 134 Bt (68.13g/) at 8 EC level, RCH2 Bt (39.57g/) which was on par with MRC 7347 Bt and RCH 134 Bt and 12 EC level, MRC 7347 Bt (43.98g/) recorded significantly higher seed cotton yield which was on par with RCH 134 Bt (41.22g/). Significantly higher seed cotton yield was recorded under normal sowing (2368Kg/ha) compared to delayed sowing (2037Kg/ha). The entry Bunny Bt recorded significantly higher mean seed cotton yield (2517kg/ha) and it was at par with Bunny non Bt and RCH2 Bt. The mean harvest index was higher under normal sowing(0.378) compared to delayed sowing(0.286). The entry Bunny Bt recorded significantly high harvest index (0.440) and it was on par with RCH 2Bt (0.392). Significantly, higher 2.5% span length was recorded in the entry Bunny non Bt. In RCH2 non Bt., 2.5% span length was significantly high in normal sowing (29.74mm) compared to