Onion (Allium cepa L.) is highly susceptible to weed infestation because of its slow initial growth, short stature, shallow roots and lack of dense foliage. The weed problem severely influences crop growth and bulb yield. In most production systems, weed control relies on manual weeding, which is labour-intensive and costly. Therefore, the current investigation was carried out at the Agronomy Main Research Farm of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India to evaluate different herbicides application andtheir effect on weed and crop growth. The experiment was laid out under post rainy season during December to March consecutively for 2 years in randomized block design with 8 treatments and 3 replications. Application of Oxyfluorfen 23.5 % emulsifiable concentrate (EC)at 100 g a.i. ha-1 followed by a post-emergence ready mix (RM) application of quizalofop-ethyl 4 % + oxyfluorfen 6 % EC at 100 g a.i. ha-1resulted in higher weed control efficiency (WCE) (83.83 %) and herbicidal efficiency index (HEI) (18.84 %). The yield advantage was approximately 275 % over weedy check and 31 % over 3 manual weeding (p <= 0.05). The desirable yield traits like bulb equatorial diameter, polar diameter, neck thickness, percentage of bolters, doubles and different grades of (A, B and C) bulbs were significantly influenced with the above combination of herbicide over all tested herbicides and manual weeding. The residue analysis of harvested soil and crop through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed residues below the maximum residue limit (MRL). The result confirms that Oxyfluorfen 23.5 % ECat 100 g a.i. ha-1 fb Quizalofop-ethyl 4 %+ Oxyfluorfen 6 % EC (RM) at 100 g a.i. ha-1 is a suitable herbicide combination for managing broad spectrum weeds in onion.

The study was conducted collaboratively by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-CHES) and the Department of Vegetable Science at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, with the objective of enhancing yield in lablab bean (Lablab purpureus L.), an important legume vegetable. A total of 32 biparental progenies were evaluated in randomized block design with 3 replications for a comprehensive set of traits directly influencing pod and seed production. The results revealed significant variation among the progeny lines across all measured characteristics. Key growth phases, such as days to first germination (2-5 days) and days to first harvest (64-112 days), varied widely, identifying lines suitable for shorter cropping cycles. Important structural components like stem diameter, branch number and inflorescence count also showed considerable variation, indicating differences in plant architecture. Crucially, yieldrelated traits exhibited a broad range: pod number per plant (36-185), individual pod weight and seed characteristics like size and 100-seed weight (19.36-43.31 g). This directly translated to a wide spectrum of pod yield per plant, with the top-performing line, BP-12, yielding 1120.00 g. The extensive genetic variability observed confirms that the breeding process successfully generated a valuable pool of diverse genetic material. Promising lines, including BP-1, BP-12, BP-21 and BP-18, which excelled in multiple yield attributes, have been identified for further evaluation. The selection of these superior biparental progenies is expected to produce individuals with yields in the subsequent generations.

A field experiment was conducted at the Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station, Bhawanipatna, Odisha, India, to determine the best sowing time for green onion production and quality. The study used a Randomised Block Design with five sowing dates at 15-day intervals, from 15th June to 15th August, 2023 and replicated four times. The onion variety Bhima Dark Red performed best when sown on 15th August (D5), during the late kharif season. This late-sown crop showed significant improvements in growth, including taller plants (57.57 cm), more leaves per plant (7.28), longer leaves (46.38 cm), thicker leaves (0.71 cm) and superior fresh (3.49 g) and dry weight (0.36 g) of leaves. Additionally, the late-sown green onion had better phytonutrients with higher chlorophyll content (62.24 SPAD units), reducing sugar (2.50 %) and total sugar (2.96 %). Onion leaves had the highest potash (2.38 %) and sulfur (0.58 %) content. However, non-reducing sugars, ascorbic acid, soluble protein, crude protein, nitrogen and phosphorus levels were lower in these leaves. Correlation studies on bioactive components at 90 days after planting showed positive relations between chlorophyll, sugars and potash, as well as between crude protein and nitrogen. Inverse relationships appeared between sugars and protein and between chlorophyll and ascorbic acid. Principal component analysis indicated strong positive associations among photothermal units, growing degree days and ascorbic acid, suggesting that 15th August was the best sowing date for maximising nutritious leaves. These results highlight the value of green onions planted on 15th August as a rich source of phytonutrients and the importance of choosing the right sowing dates for better yield and nutrition.

Leafy amaranths (Amaranthus spp.) are promising traditional food and nutritional sources in Asia and Africa. They hold excellent value as underutilized, climate-resilient vegetable crops with versatile potential for food and nutritional security. Majority of the vegetable amaranth germplasm cultivated by Indian farmers consists of local landraces, and has not been subjected to systematic characterization. Hence, comprehensive characterization of amaranth germplasm for bioactive, antioxidant, and antinutritional factors in contrasting environments is vital for accelerating breeding of vegetable amaranth to underscore its potential in fulfilling United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) of Zero Hunger (SDG2) and Climate Action (SDG13). A diverse panel of 57 vegetable amaranth germplasm was investigated for antioxidant activity, bioactive compounds and antinutritional factors across winter (2024–2025) and summer (2025) seasons. Field experiment was laid out in randomized augmented block design with three commercial checks. Seasonal variations revealed the influence of G × E interactions on antioxidant activity, bioactive compounds and concentration of antinutrients. Clear temporal trends were recorded for antioxidant capacities (DPPH, CUPRAC, FRAP), bioactive traits and anti-nutrients (oxalates and nitrates). Genetic and multivariate analysis critically discriminated the germplasm and enabled the identification of potential parents for hybridization to exploit heterosis. Mahalanobis-D2 cluster analysis suggested IC-0647405, IC-0647419, IC-0647408, IIHR-B-AM247 and IIHR-B-AM248 as a promising source of antioxidant phytochemicals, β-carotene, protein, vitamin C and phenolics with lower content of anti-nutrients. Pusa Kiran, IC-0647419 and IHR_B_AM248_3_2 exhibited lower concentration of oxalates, while IC-0647414, IC-0647411 and IIHR-B-AM237_5_14_3 depicted lowest accumulation of nitrates. High heritability and genetic advance estimates for studied traits indicated the scope of selective breeding in improvement of vegetable amaranth. Both synergistic and antagonistic trait associations were recorded between antioxidant and antinutrient traits. Our study revealed substantial seasonal and genetic variations for antioxidant, bioactive and antinutritional traits in leafy amaranth germplasm, which is crucial for escalating crop breeding programmes. Results of genotype × environment interactions demonstrated the need of multi-environment, multi-year stability analysis for robust selection of multi-trait genotypes. The multivariate insights paved the way to breed amaranth cultivars with high nutritional quality and wider adaptability.

The existing variation in the lablab bean is limited primarily owing to its self-pollination. Hence, bi-parental mating was attempted in the F3 generation of a cross between Arka Swagat & times; S.16. A study was conducted using 32 biparental progenies (BP1), derived from a North Carolina Design II (NCD II) mating design to evaluate genetic variability, heritability and gene action for yield and related traits in lablab bean (Lablab purpureus L.) under a randomized block design with two replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among sets for key traits, including number of flowers per inflorescence, pod width, number of pods per plant, shelling percentage and pod fresh weight, indicating substantial genetic variability. The genetic analysis indicated that pod yield per plant exhibited the highest estimates for genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability (broad-sense) and genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM). Similarly, high values for these parameters were observed for the number of pods per plant and the number of flowers per inflorescence. Shelling percentage and pod width exhibited moderate to high GCV, PCV, heritability and GAM, suggesting good scope for selection. Traits such as the number of inflorescences per plant and primary branches per plant showed moderate heritability but lower GAM, indicating a limited response to selection. In contrast, the number of seeds per pod, pod fresh weight and pod dry weight were characterized by low heritability and low GAM, reflecting a greater influence of non-additive gene effects and environmental factors. Narrow-sense heritability was highest for shelling percentage, pod yield per plant, number of flowers per inflorescence, pod width and number of pods per plant, whereas moderate narrow-sense heritability was recorded for the number of primary branches per plant, seeds per pod, pod fresh weight and pod dry weight. The average degree of dominance exceeded unity for all traits, indicating the presence of partial to overdominance gene action in the inheritance of the traits studied. Overall, pod yield per plant and its major contributing traits emerged as reliable selection criteria for genetic improvement in lablab bean.

An experiment was conducted at AICRP on Cashew in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, during the cropping seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 to assess the interaction between cashew varieties and planting densities under an ultra-high-density planting (UHDP) system. Three varieties viz., 'VRI-3', 'NRCC Selection-2', and 'Balabhadra' were tested at spacing of 2.5 m x 2.5 m, 3.0 m x 3.0 m, and 7.5 m x 7.5 m. The results revealed significant differences in yield and yield-related traits among cashew varieties under different plant densities. Adoption of UHDP significantly decreased trunk cross section area (36.07 cm(2)), average canopy spread (2.19 m), crown height (1.56 m), canopy volume (5.08 m(3)), total number of laterals m(-)(2) (22.29), number of flowering laterals m(-)(2) (12.60), and kernel weight (2.21 g) compared to the wider spacing of 178 plants ha(-)(1). The cultivar 'NRCC Selection-2' at 2.5 m x 2.5 m spacing achieved the highest nut yield (0.94 t ha(-)(1)), whereas 'VRI-3' at 7.5 m x 7.5 m gave the lowest (0.18 t ha(-)(1)). The cultivar 'NRCC Selection-2' exhibited superior performance across all the planting densities, attributed to its genetic potential and enhanced responsiveness to pruning.

The dependence on traditional food systems with a narrow genetic base is highly vulnerable to climate change, along with the risk of food and nutritional insecurity. Diversifying the current food systems with Nutri-dense and climate-resilient underutilized crops having a broad genetic base can help to overcome the adverse impact of climate change and issues of hunger and malnutrition as well. Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is one such underutilized crop with versatile potential that comprises vegetable type, grain type, weedy, and ornamental species. It is considered as a 3rd millennium crop owing to adaptive ability to adverse environmental conditions and marginal soils, enabled by the C4 pathway of photosynthesis, balanced nutritional and amino acid profile, and gluten-free quality. A wide range of genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity is present in the genus Amaranthus, which is still untapped and progress in enhancing their genetic gain has remained slow. We can improve past mistakes with the applications of advanced next-generation sequencing platforms, and momentum has been gained in strengthening the genomic resources and underpinning genomic profile of such underutilized crops. In this review, emphasis has been made on the current progress made with genomics-assisted breeding in understanding the genetic basis of complex traits, evolutionary dynamics, and nutritional and genetic potential of the underutilized crops (Amaranthus spp). The perspective and prospects of genetic engineering, genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9, and genomics in mainstreaming the amaranth for sustainable food production are discussed in detail with valid references for future exploitation of this underutilized vegetable crop.

Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is a major concern for chilli production, leading to substantial yield losses. As a highly destructive soil-borne pathogen, R. solanacearum poses a significant threat to hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivation worldwide. In India cultivated pepper fields, the relentless spread of R. solanacearum is exacerbated by global warming, posing a serious threat to crop productivity. The most sustainable strategy to combat bacterial wilt lies in the development of resistant pepper varieties. However, resistance to bacterial wilt is quantitatively inherited and varies depending on specific R. solanacearum isolates. Thus, this study aimed to assess the inheritance pattern of bacterial wilt resistance by analyzing an F 2 population of 157 plants along with their parental varieties, B-HP-143 and B-HP- 144. In addition, disease reactions in 100 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the F 5 population were screened to evaluate disease susceptibility. The severity and progression of bacterial wilt were quantified using the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The analysis of bacterial wilt resistance confirmed a polygenic inheritance pattern in the F 2 population. Several RILs such as, 84, 101, 106, 149, 155, 196, 210, 220, 232, 242, 283, 301, 307, 315, 324, 333, 336, 340, and 342 along with the resistant parent B-HP-143, exhibited complete resistance to bacterial wilt with no signs of infection. In contrast, B-HP-144 displayed a 70% incidence of bacterial wilt. The calculated AUDPC value for the F 2 generation was 545.54, while B-HP-143 and B-HP- 144 had values of 0.00 and 735, respectively. These results highlight B-HP-143 as a promising source of high resistance. The incorporation of resistant RILs into breeding programs can greatly enhance the development of bacterial wilt-resistant hot pepper varieties. The findings of this study provide a crucial foundation for integrating bacterial wilt resistance into elite commercial hot pepper genotypes, contributing to future crop improvement efforts.

An experiment was conducted on potted-Anthuriums (dwarf potted varieties of Anthurium andraeanum) at Bio-Technology cum Tissue Culture Centre premises under All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Floriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar to study the effect of foliar spray of different nutrient solutions and growth regulators/bio-stimulants applied at varying frequency. The treatments include five number of nutrient solutions, viz. Liquid MS medium, macro and micronutrient mixture, NPK (19:19:19), NPK (10:20:20), and NPK (12:61:40) sprayed weekly (once and twice) along with six numbers of growth regulator solutions. The different growth regulators and bio-stimulants included Gibberellic acid (GA3), at 100 ppm and 200ppm (applied bimonthly), Benzyl Adenine (BA), at 50 ppm and 100 ppm (applied monthly) and humic acid, at 0.1% and 0.2% (applied monthly). The nutrient solutions of only NPK were sprayed at a concentration of 0.2% and supplemented by a fortnightly spray of micronutrient mixture solution of 0.2%. The result showed that spraying of macro and micronutrient mixture weekly once with GA3, at 200 ppm (applied bimonthly) resulted in the highest plant height (16.80 cm) and with humic acid 0.1% (applied monthly) produced maximum plant spread E-W direction (19.08 cm). Spraying of N:P: K (12:61:40), at 0.2% weekly once with Gibberellic acid 200 ppm (applied bimonthly) resulted in maximum plant spread (N-S direction) (20.45cm). A combination of N:P: K (12:61:40), at 0.2% weekly once with BA, at 100 ppm (applied monthly) resulted in the maximum number of suckers (5.44) and leaves (40.56). On average, application of 12:61:40, at 0.2% weekly once resulted in maximum plant spread (18.54cm, N-S) and highest number of suckers (4.67).

Group Brinjal breeding lines of the F3 population (IC0598430 X CARI 1) were evaluated to estimate variability, heritability and genetic advance for different characters. Moderate PCV and GCV values were recorded for stem diameter, fruit weight and yield per plant. At the same time, low PCV and GCV were found for plant height, days to 50 % flowering, fruit length, fruit width, fruit length breadth ratio, fruit pedicel length, fruit pedicel diameter, number of branches per plant and number of fruits per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for fruit weight and yield per plant exhibiting that the traits are controlled by additive gene action. Therefore, direct selection may be followed for improving brinjal yield by examining these characters. In the grouping of the F3 population into immune, highly resistant, resistant, moderately resistant, susceptible and highly susceptible as per the percentage of bacterial wilt disease incidence (PDI), all the lines understudy reported to be highly resistance.

The experiment involved two sets and was conducted to investigate the responses of various chilli genotypes to waterlogging in the net house of the Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar. Initially, eight chilli varieties underwent trials exposed to different durations of waterlogging. Notably, local varieties Barkote and Daringbadi exhibited exceptional resilience regarding adventitious root formation, yellowing of leaves and wilting %. These were further studied in the second experiment where the plants of local genotypes, when subjected to waterlogging for specific durations of 2 h, 4 h, 6 h and 8 h, displayed decreased growth with sudden wilting syndrome, a physiological disorder. This short exposure to waterlogging led to an oxidative burst, resulting in elevated levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) like H2O2 and O2-and intensified membrane peroxidation and production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) played a vital role in ROS defence, leading to higher antioxidant enzyme levels in Daringbadi, including catalase, peroxidase, SOD and glutathione peroxidase 66 %, 50.4 %, 35.7 % and 51.5 % higher, respectively. Glutathione reductase and ascorbic acid oxidase activities were 49.4 % and 39.2 % higher in barkote, revealing differing waterlogging resistance mechanisms in both varieties. Furthermore, the experiment showed that Barkote and Daringbadi experienced reduced yield components compared to their non-stressed counterparts. Daringbadi exhibited a more significant reduction in yield of 19.8 % than Barkote. Our study found that local chilli pepper cultivars (Daringbadi and Barkote) had a relatively tolerant ability to short-term waterlogging for less than 12 h than all the tested varieties, and Barkote excels over Daringbadi. The study suggests that chilli breeding should be considered between released and local species to expand genetic sources.

A field trial was carried out at the AICRP on Cashew, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of cashew varieties and planting densities on the physio-chemical attributes of cashew. Three cashew varieties viz., VRI-3, NRCC Selection-2 and Balabhadra were evaluated under three different planting densities (2.5 m x 2.5 m, 3.0 m x 3.0 m and 7.5 m x 7.5 m). The results revealed nonsignificant variations of physio-chemical attributes within the planting densities. The highest physio-chemical attributes of both cashew apple and kernel viz., Total Soluble Solids (TSS) (12.47 degrees Brix), TSS: acid (32.04), ascorbic acid (192.35 mg/100 g), total sugar (11.20 %), reducing sugar (9.30 %), non-reducing sugars (1.77 %), protein (20.74 %), carbohydrates (21.29 %), fat (43.89 %) and calcium (0.039 %) were observed in the normal densities (7.5 m x 7.5 m), while the highest titratable acidity (0.42 %) was recorded at the closer spacing (2.5 m x 2.5 m). Genetic factors were found to be the primary drivers of variation in the quality of cashew apples and kernels. Among the tested varieties, VRI-3 variety exhibited highest TSS (12.58 degrees Brix), total sugar (11.18 %), reducing sugar (9.25 %) and non-reducing sugars (1.78 %), but highest ascorbic acid (199.15 mg/100 g) and calcium (0.39 %) was noted in Balabhadra variety. NRCC Selection-2 demonstrated highest protein (21.25 %), carbohydrates (21.62 %) and fat (44.40 %). These findings highlight the importance of variety selection in enhancingthe quality of cashew production under ultra-high-density planting systems.

Background: Water deficit is one of the most limiting factors for plant survival as it regulates growth and development and limits plant productivity. Salicylic Acid (SA) is a signaling molecule that plays a crucial role in regulating plant responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses, including water stress. When applied exogenously, SA can stimulate the expression of stress-responsive genes and activate antioxidant defense systems, helping to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated under water stress conditions. Potassium plays a crucial role in regulating stomatal opening and closing, osmotic adjustment and enzyme activation, all of which are important processes for water stress adaptation. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at AICRP on Vegetable Crops, OUAT, Bhubaneswar to standardize the dose of salicylic acid and KNO3 application on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under water stress condition. In the present investigation growth, fruit and seed yield attributing traits of tomato for the year 2019-20 and 2020-21 was studied under randomized block design with three replications and ten treatments. Treatments include five doses of salicylic acid (10 ppm, 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 75 ppm, 100 ppm) and three doses of KNO3 (1%, 2.5%, 5%) along with one stress check treatment (drought stress by withholding irrigation) and stress-freecontrol treatment (provided flooding irrigation). Result: The maximum values of growth parameter, yield and yield attributing characters such as plant height (115.77 cm), leaf area (98.72 cm2), number of truss per plant (11.83), number of fruits/plant (23.87), total fruit yield (42.28 t ha-1), seed yield (148.84 kg ha-1), germination % (88.17), seedling length (14.93 cm), S.V I (1315.49), S.V II (185.35) were recorded with stress free check treatment (provided flooding irrigation) followed by 100 ppm salicylic acid and KNO3 5%. Maximum leaf area (98.72 cm2) was recorded with 100 ppm salicylic acid followed by T8 (5% KNO3) and stress free control.

Fast neutron spectrometry and dosimetry at a specified location in a compact radiation environment is difficult due to large size of the conventional neutron spectrometers. In such situations, a small-size bare CR-39 detector can be used as a neutron detector to quantify the fast neutron fraction. In the present study, CR-39 detectors were placed very close to natural lithium and carbon targets during the proton irradiations to acquire the emission neutron spectra. The neutron spectra and the ambient dose equivalents in the forward and lateral directions with respect to the incident proton beam were estimated for both targets at incident proton energies between 8 and 20 MeV. The measured neutron spectra using CR-39 detectors could identify the quasi mono-energetic neutron features from the Li(p,n) and 13C(p,n) reactions effectively. An important observation of the present study is the identification of the fast neutron signature from the 13C(p,n) system from the discrete state de-excitations of excited 14N composite nuclei. The theoretical evaluation of the neutron spectral features and relative neutron energy distributions were performed using the FLUKA: FLUktuierende KAskade, a Monte Carlo simulation package, and the estimates agreed with the experimental results for both systems. The neutron ambient dose equivalents were also estimated from the measured spectra. These neutron fluence and dose estimates at close vicinity to the target can serve as an essential basis for shielding calculations and planning the pertinent radiation protection strategies.

Background: Extreme phenotypes carried on by transgressive segregation are, moreover, heritably stable in contrast to heterosis. It has been hypothesized that the development of extreme or "transgressive" traits in segregating hybrid populations assists in the adaptive divergence of hybrid taxa. The investigation on French bean was experimented to evaluate transgressive segregants generated in the F 2 generation for yield and related traits. Methods: The present study on French bean was conducted during rabi 2019 to 2022 to elicit data on transgressive segregants produced for yield and related traits in F 2 generation. Fertile F 1 hybrids were developed from three crosses: IC 632961 x Arka Sukomal, IC 632961 x Arka Arjun and Arka Arjun x IC 63296. Heterosis was estimated for yield and related traits in these hybrids. The F 2 progeny were evaluated in open field condition. Mean, standard deviation and percentage of transgressive segregants were estimated for quantitative traits under investigation. Result: Transgressive segregants were observed in all three crosses, with the highest number of transgressive segregants for yield traits found in the progeny of the cross IC 632961 x Arka Sukomal. The identification and isolation of such transgressive segregants indicate that the parents possess favourable alleles and genes governing the traits of interest, which can be consolidated into a single or a few genotypes through stringent selection. Superior and desirable transgressive segregants were observed for all sixteen yield and its component traits, except for leaf length, in the two cross combinations Arka Arjun x IC 632961 and IC 632961 x Arka Arjun. The highest percentage of transgressive segregation was observed for the number of inflorescences per plant (79.49%), followed by the number of pods per plant (78.46%) and pod yield per plant (75.61%) in the F 2 generation.

A field experiment was conducted at Department of Vegetable Science, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, consecutively for two years during kharif 2020 & 2021.Foliar spray of PGRs at various concentrations were given to okra crop cv.Utkal Gourav.The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications and eleven treatments viz.,GA 3 (100 ppm) (T 1 ), GA 3 (150 ppm) (T 2 ), NAA (150 ppm) (T 3 ), NAA (200 ppm) (T 4 ), Thiourea (250 ppm) (T 5 ), Thiourea (500 ppm) (T 6 ), Cycocel (200 ppm) (T 7 ), Cycocel (250 ppm) (T 8 ), Paclobutrazol (100 ppm) (T 9 ), Paclobutrazol (200 ppm) (T 10 ) and Control (T 11 ).The foliar sprays were done at 15 DAS and 30 DAS.All growth parameters significantly performed better as compared to the control.The result revealed that NAA showed higher result with respect to plant height (144.56 cm) and internodal length (8.84 cm).Cycocel 250 ppm recorded significantly better with respect to no. of nodes per plant (21.66), no. of primary branches per plant (3.48), no. of leaves (32.81), leaf area (238.40 cm 2 ), leaf chlorophyll content (1.396 mg/100 g), days to 50 % flowering (35.00).

The natLi(p,n) system is a prominent source of mono-energetic neutrons capable of delivering neutrons in a large energy band extending from the Coulomb barrier to few hundreds MeV. These mon-energetic neutrons play a pivotal role in various academic and engineering applications. Present work emphasises on the variation of the emission yields and spectral features of natLi(p,n) neutrons at two different Li-foil thicknesses (8 and 16 mg cm -2). The study indicated a proton energy dependent variation in the emission neutron yields. At higher Li target thickness with increase in the neutron yield was observed -10 times for 8 MeV whereas, -1.5 time increase was observed with 20 MeV incident protons. The spectral shape also indicated softening of neutron spectra with possible merging of high energy emission neutron peaks with lowering of the average energy for 16 mg cm -2 thick Li target.

The presence of strong G x E (genotype by environment interaction) is a major hurdle for selecting superior genotypes when genotypes are placed into new and unfamiliar production systems. Genotype or cultivar (s) with high yield potential and having less adaptability and stability to particular environment is never a suitable choice for a breeder and farmer particularly. Purposefully, four successive seasons were chosen to enumerate the phenotypic stability of 27 French bean genotypes for yield and quality traits by involving modern statistical tools like AMMI (Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction), GGE [G + (G x E)] and cluster analysis. AMMI analysis of variance witnessed magnitude of G, E and G x E was 81.94%, 11.58% and 6.48% of the total variation respectively. The IPCA I (Interaction Principal Component Axes) was contributed with 55.44%, 73.60%, 71.81%, 81.69% and 72.16% G x E variations of days to 50% flowering, pod length, number of pods per plant, average pod weight and pod yield respectively. For qualitative traits i.e., protein content (mg/100g FW), total soluble solids (%) and total phenol content (mg GAE/g FW) the involvement of IPCA I to total genotype by environment interaction variations were 89.55%, 96.07% and 66.52% respectively. The AMMI biplot revealed French bean genotypes viz., IC632961, Arka Sukomal, IIHR-PV-29, IIHR-PV-30 having low AMMI stability value and higher mean value for relevant yield and quality traits in both late kharif and rabi as two mega-environments. Multivariate analysis demonstrated significant higher contribution of pod yield associated traits towards total variations and positive correlation between them. The 27 French bean genotypes formed five groups as per Euclidean distance and the clustering revealed the nature of diversity of French bean genotypes viz., IC 632961, IIHR-B-PV-24, Arka Sukomal, Arka Arjun, Ayoka and Phalguni in response to changing environments and can be utilized in future breeding programme. The study revealed pole type French bean genotypes viz., IC 632961, Arka Sukomal and bush type French bean genotypes viz., IIHR-B-PV-29, IIHR-B-PV-30 could be promising for utilization in future breeding programmes for the concerned traits.

Background: Rice-vegetable is one of the remunerative and profitable cropping system in Odisha to be grown in kharif and rabi season respectively. From GPS based soil survey and analysis by AICRP on Micronutrient, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, it was observed that boron deficiency was widespread in soils of Odisha (8-79%) and is a major constraint in light texture sandy loam soils under vegetable production. Growing of a shallow rooted crop like rice as direct crop followed by a deep-rooted vegetable crop can utilize leached Boron efficiently from subsoil thereby benefitting both rice and vegetable. Farmers in coastal Odisha generally grow knol-khol after rice and apply B frequently to both rice and knol-khol. Boron is one of the essential micronutrients required for the normal growth of knol-khol and plays an important role in yield of quality knobs. Till now no proper method and dose of boron is standardized for long term rice based vegetable cropping system regarding whether application of small dose every year is suitable or bulk quantity once or application in alternate years. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at E bock of Central Research Station, under AICRP on Micronutrient, O.U.A.T, Bhubaneswar to standardize the dose and frequency of boron application for rice-knol khol cropping system where boron is applied to first crop and knol-khol gets residual boron. In the present investigation residual effect of different graded doses of boron and its frequency of application on growth, yield, quality, post-harvest shelf life and economics of knol-khol for the year 2018-19 was studied. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications and four different doses of boron (0.5 kg ha-1, 1.0 kg ha-1, 1.5 kg ha-1 and 2.0 kg ha-1) at three different frequencies (application of boron once, alternate year and every year) were applied. Result: The maximum values of growth attributing parameters were recorded with residual effect of boron @ 1.5 kg ha-1 in every year application. Highest yield and yield attributing characters such as diameter of knob (8.70 cm), length of knob (6.53 cm) and total knob yield (224.72 q ha-1) were recorded with residual effect of boron @ 1.5 kg ha-1 in every year application. Highest B: C ratio of (2.27) was observed with residual effect of boron applied @ 1.5 kg ha-1 in every year application.