Genetic analysis in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

Genetic analysis in cashew with 12 genotypes and 14 morphological traits revealed that the genotypes showed significant variation with respect to all characters except number of primary branches. Number of perfect flowers m-2, number of nuts m-2, apple weight, nut weight and kernel weight provided a clear separation of the genotypes. Number of perfect flowers m-2 and number of nuts m-2 had high heritability indicating the reliability of these traits in selection. Number of nuts m-2 also had significant positive correlation and direct effect on yield. Apple weight showed significant negative correlation and significant negative direct effect with yield. Cluster analysis could group the accessions into four clusters. Cluster I (Sulabha, Priyanka and P-3-2) and Cluster II (Mdk-1, AKM-1 and K-22-1) were the most divergent. Members of these two clusters can be utilized for hybridization in all possible combinations to yield superior cashew hybrids

Productivity and nitrogen use efficiency of rice under conventional and organic nutrition

The current study demonstrates the influence of conventional and organic nutrient management practices on nitrogen use efficiency, growth, yield, and physiological and biochemical parameters in four rice varieties, namely, Jaiva, Ezhome 2, Jyothi and Uma. Growth parameters, grain yield per hill, and physiological and biochemical parameters were higher under conventional management for all rice varieties. Although the nitrogen use efficiency of each variety varied significantly with nutrient management practices, the variation was least in Jaiva (23.8%), which is the organic rice variety released by Kerala Agricultural University. The rice varieties Jaiva and Ezhome 2 showed consistency in the grain weight per panicle under both conventional (Jaiva- 4.57 g, Ezhome 2- 5.86 g) and organic (Jaiva, 4.24 g, Ezhome 2, 4.54 g) management. The soil nitrogen content at the tillering stage (0.66**) showed a significantly higher positive correlation with nitrogen use efficiency under organic management. The results of the study provide a better understanding of factors that can lead to a sustained yield in organic rice production in terms of nitrogen use efficiency