Weeds are a major problem in wheat crop causing low productivity. Nowadays, maximum doses of herbicides are used in wheat crop production, but after some time their negative effects are visible on crop and soil. The presence of ‘sorgoleone’ allelochemical in sorghum extract reduces weed density in early growth stage and increases the quality as well as soil microbial activity. Sequential application of sorghum extract (1:3) + ready-mix of clodinafop + metsulfuron 64 g/ha as post emergence, significantly increased the microbial population in soil, and enhanced quality and production of wheat. Same treatment produced significantly higher grain yield of 4543 kg/ha and magnitude of increments were 34.87

Castor is a non-edible, drought-tolerant crop with high demand for its versatile oil. Its wider row spacing and slow initial growth offer an excellent opportunity for intercropping with short-duration legumes. However, region-specific information on suitable tillage and intercropping systems for castor in low-fertility loamy sand soils of dryland areas remains limited, particularly in terms of productivity, soil health and resource-use efficiency. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate appropriate tillage practices in combination with short-duration intercrops to optimize resource utilization and identify economically viable production systems. It was conducted for five years (2019–2023) on loamy sand soils of western Rajasthan. Split-plot design with three replications was employed to assess the effects of conventional tillage (M1) and minimum tillage (M2) (main plot treatments) in combination with different intercropping systems (S1: sole castor, S2: castor + mungbean, S3: castor + clusterbean and S4: castor + mothbean) (sub-plot treatments). On the basis of five years pooled mean, it was revealed that conventional tillage was beneficial for higher system productivity i.e. castor equivalent yield (2.75 t/ha), net returns (Rs. 79862/ha), sustainability (maximum SYI = 0.77), efficient utilization of resources with higher weed suppression. Incorporation of intercrops between two rows of castor did not significantly reduce the castor yield, but sole castor registered the highest seed yield (2.38 t/ha). Among intercrops, castor + mungbean produced additional yield of mungbean which leads to the highest castor equivalent yield (3.06 t/ha), net return (₹95,465/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (3.2). This system also showed highest resource use efficiencies (SYI 0.86, LER 1.44, IER 1.52, MAI ₹29346/ha) and weed suppression (59.9

Among all agronomical practices of crop cultivation, weed management is a necessary practice for any crop specially the chia being a newly introduced crop, it becomes necessary to study weed dynamics in the crop and find suitable weed management practice to obtain high seed yield and quality of the chia seed. A field experiment was conducted at research farm of Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Agriculture University, Jodhpur during Rabi season of 2021-22 to find out efficacy of different herbicides on chia (Salvia hispanica L.) under western Rajasthan. The treatments comprised of herbicides namely bentazon 48% SL 500 g ha-1 and 750 g ha-1 (30 DAS as post emergence (PoE), fluazifop-p-butyl 11.1% SL 100 g ha-1 and 200 g ha-1 (30 DAS PoE), sulfentrazone 39.6% SC 50 g ha-1 and 75 g ha-1 as pre emergence (PE), pendimethalin 38.7% CS 200 g ha-1 and 400 g ha-1 (PE), weed free and weedy check were laid out in randomized block design with three replications. It was found that application of bentazon 48% SL 750 g ha-1 recorded significantly higher plant height (75.18 cm), total no. of branches plant-1 (18.16) and dry matter accumulation (82.23 g m-2), seed yield (495 kg ha-1), straw yield (197 kg ha-1), biomass yield (755 kg ha-1) and harvest index (65.56). Among pre-emergence herbicides, sulfentrazone 39.6% SC 75 g ha-1 and pendimethalin 38.7% CS 400 g ha-1 were found statistically equally effective in controlling weeds in chia.

A field experiment was conducted under arid conditions of western Rajasthan (India) to evaluate the efficacy of pre-and post-emergence herbicides for weed management in chia (Salvia hispanica L.). The study employed a randomized block design with ten treatments, comprising of two doses each of bentazon (500 and 750 g ha-1), fluazifop-p-butyl (100 and 200 g ha-1), sulfentrazone (50 and 75 g ha-1), and pendimethalin (200 and 400 g ha-1), and weed-free control, and a weedy check. Key weed control indices viz., weed control index (WCI), weed persistence index (WPI), crop resistance index (CRI), and herbicide efficiency index (HEI), were assessed along with crop growth and yield parameters. The results revealed that sulfentrazone @ pendimethalin @ applied as pre-emergence herbicides, provided superior early-season weed control with WCI values of 85.4 and 82.7% at 30 days after sowing (DAS), respectively. Among post-emergence treatments, bentazon gave highest WCI (83.2%) at harvest and demonstrated superior CRI (9.33) and HEI (2.45), indicating strong crop safety and herbicide effectiveness. The highest seed yield (554 kg ha-1) was obtained in weed-free treatment, followed by bentazon @ 750 g ha-1 (495 kg ha-1) and sulfentrazone @ 75 g ha-1 (467 kg ha-1) treatments, showing the respective yield increases of 90.4 and 60.5% over weedy check. The study suggested that an integrated weed management approach, combing pre-emergence herbicides (sulfentrazone or pendimethalin) with post-emergence bentazon, can significantly improve weed control and productivity in chia under arid farming systems.

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Sub-Station, Nagaur, Agriculture University, Jodhpur during (kharif) 2022 to explore the effect of foliar application of nutrients to enhance growth, yield and productivity and also combating the dry spell effect during flower initiation and pod formation stage in mung bean. The elven treatments, viz, absolute control (without foliar application); foliar spray of nitrogen urea @ 1% at flowering initiation stage (FI); foliar spray of nitrogen urea @ 1% at FI and Pod formation (PF) stage; foliar spray soluble NPK (19:19:19) @ 1% at FI stage; FS soluble NPK (19:19:19) @ 1% at FI and (PF) stage; foliar spray of soluble KNO3 @ 0.5% at FI stage; foliar spray of soluble KNO3 @ 0.5% at FI and PF stage; foliar spray of borate @ 0.5 % at FI stage; foliar spray of borate @ 0.5 % at FI and PF stage; foliar spray of micronutrient 6’S element (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo, B) @ 0.5 % at FI stage and foliar spray of micronutrient 6’S element (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu, Mo, B) @ 0.5 % at FI and PF stage was laid out in randomized block design with replicated thrice. Results revealed that foliar application of micronutrient 6’s element (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo, B) at 0.5 % concentration at flower initiation and pod formation stage exhibited the highest growth and yield attributes of mungbean viz., plant height at maturity (78.0 cm), number of branches per plant (8.2), number of active nodules at flowering (24.7), number of pods per plants (61.1), number of seeds per pods (13.2) and 1000-grain weight (42.7 gm) grain yield (1.32 t/ha). This treatment also resulted in significant improvement in net returns (₹81,566/ha), B:C ratio (2.6), production efficiency (19.4 kg/ha/day) and monetary efficiency (₹1199/ha/day). However, the lowest value was observed without foliar application. It was concluded that foliar application of micronutrient 6’S element (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu, Mo, B) @ 0.5% at flower initiation and pod formation stages exhibited superior growth, yields and returns under the hot arid conditions of Rajasthan (India).

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Research Farm of Dr. B.R. Choudhary Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Agriculture University, Jodhpur with an objective of identifying suitable weed management practices in chia crop. The treatments comprised of post-emergence application (PoE) of bentazon 500 g/ha and 750 g/ha at 30 days after seeding (DAS), fluazifop–p-butyl 100 g/ha and 200 g/ha PoE at 30 DAS, pre-emergence application (PE) of sulfentrazon 50 g/ha and 75 g/ha, pendimethalin 200 g/ha and 400 g/ha PE, weed free and weedy check. A randomized block design with three replications was used. Bentazon 750 g/ha PoE recorded significantly lower total weed density, total weeds biomass, and maximum weed control efficiency (12.4, 83.4, 79.7 and 85.4 % at 30, 60, 90 and at harvest, respectively) with minimum reduction in yield due to weed competition. Among pre-emergence herbicides, sulfentrazon 75 g/ha and pendimethalin 400 g/ha were found statistically equally effective in controlling weeds in chia. It was concluded that bentazon 750 g/ha PoE can be used for managing weeds in chia.

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Sub-Station, Nagaur, Agriculture University, Jodhpur during (kharif) for two consecutive years (2021-2022) to evaluate the impact of foliar nutrient application on the growth, yield, productivity and also combating the dry spell effect during flower initiation and pod formation stage in mung bean. The elven treatments, viz, absolute control (without foliar application); foliar spray of nitrogen urea @ 1% at flowering initiation stage (FI); foliar spray of nitrogen urea @ 1% at FI and Pod formation (PF) stage; foliar spray soluble NPK (19:19:19) @ 1% at FI stage; FS soluble NPK (19:19:19) @ 1% at FI and (PF) stage; foliar spray of soluble KNO3 @ 0.5% at FI stage; foliar spray of soluble KNO3 @ 0.5% at FI and PF stage; foliar spray of borate @ 0.5 % at FI stage; foliar spray of borate @ 0.5 % at FI and PF stage; foliar spray of micronutrient 6’S element (Fe,Zn,Mn,Cu,Mo,B) @ 0.5 % at FI stage and foliar spray of micronutrient 6’S element (Fe,Zn, Mn, and Cu, Mo, B) @ 0.5 % at FI and PF stage was laid out in randomized block design with replicated thrice. Results revealed that foliar application of micronutrient 6’s element (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo, B) at 0.5 % concentration at flower initiation and pod formation stage exhibited the highest growth and yield attributes of mungbean viz., plant height at maturity (78.4 cm), number of branches per plant (8.3), number of active nodules at flowering (24.1), number of pods per plants (61.1), number of seeds per pods (13.6) and 1000-grain weight (43.2 gm) mean grain yield (13.9 q/ha). This treatment also resulted in significant improvement in net returns (₹72,359/ha), B:C ratio (2.25), production efficiency (20.4 kg/ha/day) and monetary efficiency (₹1064/ha/day). However, the lowest value was observed without foliar application. It was concluded that foliar application of micronutrient 6’S element (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu, Mo, B) @ 0.5% at flower initiation and pod formation stages exhibited superior growth, yields and returns under the hot arid conditions of Rajasthan (India).

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23. The field experiment was tested in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with fourteen treatments replicated thrice. Results showed that the application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + seed treatment (ST) with nano DAP and two foliar sprays of nano urea at 35 and 55 days after sowing (DAS) was found the most effective treatment with recorded highest number of tillers (431/m2), length of spike (17.03 cm), number of spikes (414 /m2), number of grains (45.24 /spike), test weight (46.32) and grain yield (4399 kg/ha) on pooled basis. However, this treatment was found statistically at par with treatments of 100 per cent RDF + 2 foliar sprays (FS) of nano urea at 35 and 55 DAS, 100% RDF + FS of nano DAP at 35 DAS, 75% RDF + ST with nano DAP and 2 foliar spray of nano urea at 35 & 55 DAS but significantly superior over other treatments.

A field experiment was conducted to optimize the application of plant growth regulators in tomato cultivation during rabi, 2021-22.The objective was to assess their effects on growth, yield attributes, fruit yield, and economics.The experiment included 10 treatments with three plant growth regulators (GA 3 , 4-CPA, and NAA), each applied at three levels (25, 50, and 75 µg mL -1 ), along with a control (water).The experimental design was a randomized block with three replications.Results indicated that GA 3 and NAA significantly enhanced plant height, the number of branches, fruit yield, and economic returns.Conversely, 4-CPA adversely affected yield and consequently economic returns.Optimal dosages for GA 3 and NAA were identified at 53.5 µg mL -1 and 63.1 µg mL -1 , respectively, using second-order polynomial regression (y=ax 2 +bx+c).This resulted in tomato yields of 29.55 and 29.69 t ha -1 , respectively.NAA treatments stood out, providing the highest net returns (Rs.4,80,447 ha -1 ) and a favourable B:C ratio of 4.26:1, making it a promising choice for tomato cultivation.

A field experiment was conducted from winter (rabi) 2013–14 to rainy season (kharif) 2015 on sandy-loam soil, to assess the comparative efficacy of different chemical herbicides and their combinations for effective weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and their residual effect on succeeding greengram [Vigna radiate (L.) R. Wilczek] crop at Instructional Farm, Sumerpur, Rajasthan. The experiment comprised 9 treatments and the herbicides were applied at 30–35 days after sowing (DAS) as prescribed. The application of sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron methyl @ 32 g/ha recorded significantly lower weed dry matter and weed index along with highest weed-control index (76.73 %). This herbicides combination also resulted in the highest grain yield of wheat (3.82 t/ha) along with highest net return and maximum benefit to cost ratio of the system in the tune of 3.4 : 1 as compared to weedy check. The herbicides failed to influence a significant increase on seed yield of succeeding greengram during kharif seasons in both years. Uncontrolled weed growth throughout the crop growth period caused an average yield reduction of 57% in wheat crop (2.5 t/ha).

Field trials were conducted at Mandore Agricultural Research Station in Jodhpur during the winter months of 2017-18 and 2018-19. This study aims to improve planting date and crop geometry to improve chia growth and yield, seed yield and oil production in arid and semi-arid environments. Over the two years of the study, chia seeds performed better in terms of number of branches, number of inflorescences, seed yield and oil yield when planted on October 15 and October 25. Seed yield per plant was higher at wider (90 cm) planting dates). Seed yield of high strains (30 cm x 45 cm and 30 cm x 35 cm) The highest seed yield was obtained when chia seeds were sown on October 15 with a plant geometry of 30 cm x 30 cm, followed by the same plant geometry with a planting date of October 25 (1083 kg/ha and 1016 kg/ha respectively). The crop takes an average of 120 days to mature for all planting dates except 25 November and 5 December. Crop geometry does not affect the number of growing days of chia seeds. It was concluded that in western Rajasthan conditions, chia seeds can be sown between 15-25 October with a 30 cm x 30 cm crop for the seeds and more oil. The results of this study will help guide and develop a suite of practices for chia seeds in India.

Investigating the potential of castor as a leading non-edible oil crop, this study focused on evaluating the heterosis of eight true inbred lines via a diallel crossing approach, resulting in the development of 28 hybrids. Through a randomized block design with three replications at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Mandor, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, during the kharif season of 2022, these hybrids and their parental lines, alongside the standard check GCH-8, were rigorously assessed. Notably, two hybrids viz., PVT-4 × MCI-8 and MP-11-17× PVT-7 demonstrated significant heterosis, showcasing 30.44% and 21.78% increased seed yield per plant, respectively, in comparison to the standard check GCH-8. This highlights the promising prospects of castor as an economically viable annual crop with high seed yield potential.

The field experiment was conducted at ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet Farm, Mandor, Jodhpur during summer season of 2015-16 in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Twenty two genotypes were evaluated under normal as well as terminal stress condition. The suitability of genotypes was identified on the basis of physiological parameters like drought tolerance index (DSI), drought tolerance efficiency (DTE), grain reduction percentage (GRP), threshing percentage (TP) and harvest index (HI) in addition to 50% flowering, productive tillers, grain yield, stove yield, days to maturity. Among different genotypes, J-2510, MIR-1252, 06555B, J-2551 and MIR 1252 produced comparatively higher grain yield under both the conditions. The lowest drought resistance index (DSI) was observed in MIR 1252, 6555B and J-2510 which indicated their better suitability under terminal stress and heat stress conditions.

Frontline demonstrations on improved practices of castor were conducted in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Sirohi districts of Rajasthan. The mean seed yield of castor ranged from 3680 to 4071 kg ha-1 under improved practices and 3000 to 3786 kg ha-1 under farmers’ practices. Among hybrids, the maximum mean seed yield of 3874 kg ha-1 was produced by DCH 519 followed by Commando, Sagar Moti, MRCA 409, DCH 177 and GCH 7 with 3786, 3588, 3393, 3363 and 3000 kg ha-1 seed yield, respectively. Under improved practices, maximum seed yield of castor was 3803 kg ha-1 in Jodhpur district followed by 3781 kg ha-1 in Jaisalmer district and 3408 kg ha-1 in Sirohi district. The overall productivity of the castor demonstrations was 3664 kg ha-1 under improved practices and 3874 kg ha-1 under hybrids which was 22.2% and 8.2% higher respectively, over farmers’ practices (2998 and 3581 kg ha-1, respectively).Key words: Farmer’s field, castor, seed yield, frontline demonstration, castor hybrids.

The injudicious use of agrochemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) has changed the soil properties (physical, chemical and biological), leading to the reduction in the native beneficial microorganisms in rhizosphere and stagnation/reduction in crop yields with grave implications on the ecosystem, human health and ground water. Looking to problem, organic farming is getting priority worldwide with the objective of safe, healthy and residue free food and long-term sustainability. To minimize the harmful effect of indiscriminate use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers (agrochemicals) and other associated environmental problems to it, enhances the application of biofertilizers and biopesticides in organic farming. Biofertilizers and biopesticides have appeared as a potential eco-friendly inputs that are supplement for crop development and plant protection in organic farming. They are an alternative of agrochemicals (Chemical fertilizers and pesticides) to improve soil fertility and control various insect, pests and disease in almost all agricultural crops. They can be used in integrated nutrient and pest management techniques. They are the living organisms that can colonize roots, increased root branching, root number and enhanced growth through direct and indirect mechanisms like phytohormones, siderophores, HCN, nitrogen fixation and macro and micronutrients solubilization mechanisms. Various microbial formulations are used to enhance certain microbial process to increase the availability of nutrients in a form which can be assimilated by plant. Adequate use of Bio-inputs (biofertilizers, biopesticides, FYM, vermicompost, etc.) is a cost effective way to enhance soil health, crop yield along with manage balance environment. This chapter reviews about biofertilizers and biopesticides, their potential role in organic farming, challenges and strategies for promotion and commercialization of biofertilizer and biopesticides.

Background: Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) Br.] is the most widely grown staple food of majority of poor and small land holders in Asia and Africa. It is also consumed as feed and fodder for livestock. It is the sixth most important cereal crop in the world next to maize, rice wheat, barley and sorghum. The temperature is one of the key climatic factors and has profound effect on the growth and development of the pearl millet. It can only be managed through developing hybrid varieties which can tolerate high temperature during germination and early seedling stages.The present study aimed to identify drought tolerant genotypes of pearl millet at seedling stage. Methods: This experiment was carried out at Mandor during kharif 2018 with five selected pearl millet advanced hybrids MH 2192, MH 2224, MH 2228, MH 2354 and MH 2359 along with three checks RHB 177, MPMH 17 and 86M86 which were tested under polyethylene glycol (PEG) (5% and 10%) induced osmotic stress. Various physiological parameters were recorded 15 days after sowing and statistical analysis made using Windostat software. Result: The results revealed that shoot length, seedling dry weight, relative water content, membrane stability index and chlorophyll content decreased significantly with PEG induced water stress in all the hybrids while root length and catalase activity increased significantly under water stress. Among 5 hybrids, two hybrids viz. MH 2359 and MH 2354 performed better and found to be superior under PEG induced water stress. Thus, various drought tolerance indices may further be studied for these two hybrids and can be used in development of drought tolerant genotypes which may prove helpful for crop improvement programs of pearl millet.

The field experiment was conducted during rabi (winter) season of 2018-19 at Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Jodhpur. The soil of the experimental field was loamy sand in texture, slightly alkaline in reaction, poor in organic carbon (0.12%), low in available nitrogen (172 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (24.2 kg ha-1) but medium in available potassium (332 kg ha-1). Among 8 dates of sowing, the performance of quinoa in terms of number of branches, panicle length, test weight and seed yield were significantly better when quinoa was sown on 15th November and 25th November. Among plant geometry, seed yield per hectare was significantly higher under narrow spacing (30 cm x 30 cm and 45 cm x 30 cm) when averaged on the basis of per hectare due to higher number of plants in narrow spacing. The crop took on average 140 to mature in all the dates of sowing. The crop geometry did not influence the maturity days of quinoa. It was concluded that quinoa crop can be sown between 15th November and 25th November with plant geometry of 30 cm x 30 cm for higher seed yield in western Rajasthan. The findings of the study would be helpful in crop planning for introduction and development of package of practices of quinoa for crop diversification in the State.

Aims: Screening of pearl millet genotypes lines for high temperature and drought tolerance. Study Design: Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet, Mandor during summer 2017-18. Methodology: Fifteen genotypes (J-2290, J-2340, J-2479, J-2500, J-2503, J-2507, J-2517, J-2534, JMSB-9904, JMSB-101, JMSB-20064, JMSB-20102, JMSB-20071, JMSB-20082 and JMSB-20091) of pearl millet received from Main Pearl millet Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Jamnagar were evaluated during summer season of 2017-18 at research Farm of ACIRP on pearl millet, Mandor, Agricultural University, Jodhpur under terminal moisture stress and irrigated conditions in two sets of randomized block design with three replications. Grain yield, stover yield, Relative Water Content (RWC), harvest index, threshing percentage and chlorophyll content were recorded. Results: The suitability of the genotypes was judged in terms of grain yield, stover yield, RWC, harvest index, threshing percentage and chlorophyll content. The results showed that due to the terminal stress, the mean performance of all yield attributing characters including grain yield and chlorophyll, RWC and seed setting was reduced. The inbreds J-2479, J-2503 and J-2507 were high yielders due to high seed setting percentage under terminal stress conditions. Conclusion: The lines viz., J-2479, J-2503 and J-2507 can be used for further breeding programme to develop varieties suitable under high temperature and low moisture conditions.

Aims: To find a suitable alternate option of nutrient management in organic mungbean with standardization of dose and its mode of application. Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Jodhpur between July 2020 and October, 2020. Methodology: Treatment comprised of main plots as mode of application: M1: Soil application, M2: Foliar application and M3: Soil and foliar application and sub plots as dose of Jiwamrita: S1: Control, S2: 50 ml/l, S3: 100 ml/l and S4: 150 ml/l were replicated thrice in split plot design. FYM @ 5.0 t/ha was applied on the soil and the field of the experimental site was prepared by disking following harrowing and planking. The crop variety GM 6 was sown on 10th July, 2020 at row spacing of 30 cm with seed rate of 15 kg/ha. The plants were kept at 10 cm distance after thinning at 15 days after sowing. Jiwamrita was prepared using Palekar [1] method (Photo 1) and was kept in shade for 7 days. It was filtered before using for spray as per treatments. It was applied as soil spray at the time of sowing and 15 days after sowing as per treatments of different doses. Foliar application of Jiwamrita was done at 15 and 30 days after sowing as per treatments. Total quantity of solution containing Jiwamrita was 500 liter/ha in all the treated plots. In control plots, a quantity of 500 liter/ha was used as spray. Weeding was done manually at 15 and 30 days after sowing. Data on growth attributes, yield attributes and grain yield was recorded from net plot size of 4 m x 1.8 m and converted into hectare basis. The gross return was computed by multiplying current price of mungbean with yield. The net return was estimated by deducting cost of cultivation from gross return. The benefit-cost ratio was worked out by dividing gross return by cost of cultivation. Results: Maximum plant height of 71.5 cm was recorded with a dose of Jiwamrita @ 150 ml/liter which was at par with Jiwamrita @ 100 ml/liter. The SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) of leaves increased at 50 DAS (53.5) being maximum with Jiwamrita @ 150 ml/liter which was significantly higher over SCMR recorded with Jiwamrita @ 50 ml/liter (34.7). The significantly maximum number of pods/plant (28.7) and maximum grain yield (1314 kg/ha) was recorded due to combined application of soil and foliar application of Jiwamrita. Among doses, maximum number of pods (30.9) was recorded under Jiwamrita @ 150 ml/liter which was 30, 24 and 16 percent higher over control and Jiwamrita @ 50, 100 ml/liter. The application of Jiwamrita @ 150 ml/liter resulted in significantly higher grain yield (1221 kg/ha) which was found at par with Jiwamrita @ 100 ml/liter (1179 kg/ha) which were 17 and 13 percent higher, respectively, over control and 9 and 5.6 percent higher, respectively, over Jiwamrita @ 50 ml/liter. The maximum net return ( 65672 ha-1) was recorded with 150 ml/liter followed by 100 ml/liter ( 62686 ha-1). Conclusion: Jiwamrita is a fermented microbial culture which provides essential nutrients to plants. Its application in both soil and plant canopy were found beneficial. The study revealed that twice application of Jiwamrita in soil at the time of sowing and 15 days after sowing and twice application of Jiwamrita as foliar spray at 15 and 30 days after sowing significantly increased the growth attributes, yield attributes and yield of organic mungbean.

The field experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Mandor, during the rainy season of 2018 on sandy loam soil of low nitrogen, low phosphorus, low zinc, low iron and medium potassium content with 7.8 pH.The soil application of zinc sulphate heptahydrate @ 25 kg/ha at the time of sowing + foliar application of 0.5% solution of ferrous sulphate at 30 and 45 days after sowing recorded 9%, 40.7%, 9.5% and 6.9% higher plant height, number of tillers/plant, panicle length and panicle girth at harvest, respectively over control.The grain yield (38.9 q/ha) with soil application of zinc sulphate @ 25 kg/ha + foliar application of 0.5% ferrous sulphate solution was increased by 47% over micronutrient deficient control.This treatment also recorded a maximum net return (` 57632/ha) with a B: C ratio of 4.15. HIGHLIGHTS mThe role of micronutrients (zinc and iron) is vital for various plant growth and developmental processes.m Foliar application is readily available for plant uptake, and thus it becomes generally more effective than its soil application.m Pearl millet growth parameters and yield can be increased substantially due to soil application of zinc sulphate and foliar application of ferrous sulphate in western Rajasthan conditions.