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Response of Genotypes to Cutting Management for Seed Yield in Cenchrus ciliaris Under Hot Arid Conditions

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Abstract

Three promising genotypes (CAZRI 75, CAZRI 2178 and CAZRI 2221) of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) were evaluated for maximization of seed production by imposing different cutting management practices, i.e. uncut (control), single cut at 30 and 45 days of sowing/regeneration and at 50 % flowering during 2010–2013 under arid conditions of Thar desert. Maximum pure seed yield (PSY) of 67.6 kg/ha was produced by CAZRI 2221 in 2011, 53.5 kg/ha in 2012 and 72.0 kg/ha in 2013 with average of 64.4 kg/ha, which was 131.7 and 32.2 % higher than CAZRI 75 and CAZRI 2178, respectively. Highest PSYs were obtained from uncut crop in all the years, and average over the last 3 years showed that the PSY (86.3 kg/ha) from uncut treatment was 117.4, 283.6 and 119.0 % higher than the crops cut at 30 and 45 days and 50 % flowering, respectively. Average over the last 3 years of crop growth also showed that plant height, number of fertile tillers/meter row length, spike length, 1,000-seed weight, seeds/spike, seed weight/spike and dry matter yield were maximum with no cutting. Reduced dry matter yield was recorded in the years 2012 and 2013 when cuttings were imposed. The findings of the investigation showed that CAZRI 2221 was the best seed yielder and higher seed yields were obtained from the uncut treatment.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Directorate of Seed Research, Mau, India for providing funds for the study under Seed Technology Research (AICRP, National Seed Project-Crops).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Plant Improvement, Propagation & Pest Management, CAZRI, Jodhpur, 342003, India

    M. P. Rajora, S. S. Mahajan, R. K. Bhatt, S. K. Jindal & M. M. Roy

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  1. M. P. Rajora
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  2. S. S. Mahajan
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  3. R. K. Bhatt
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  4. S. K. Jindal
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  5. M. M. Roy
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Correspondence to M. P. Rajora.

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Rajora, M.P., Mahajan, S.S., Bhatt, R.K. et al. Response of Genotypes to Cutting Management for Seed Yield in Cenchrus ciliaris Under Hot Arid Conditions. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India, Sect. B Biol. Sci. 86, 455–462 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-014-0467-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40011-014-0467-8

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