<div>Background: Globally, grain legumes are the paramount family of agricultural crops following cereals. Generally, sequence cropping has manifested effectual in increasing farm productivity and profitability. However, sometimes herbicides administered in previous crop may be associated with phytotoxic effects that can later cause damage to the succeeding crops. The present study aimed to understand the residual effect of extreme levels of atrazine on succeeding cowpea under maize-cowpea cropping system. 
 
Methods: Field experiments were conducted during Kharif and rabi season of 2019-20 and 2020-21 in a randomized block design with eleven treatments, replicated thrice. 
 
Result: Residual effect of pre-emergence atrazine at 0.50 kg a.i. ha-1 followed by tembotrione at 120g a.i. ha-1 as post-emergence at 25 DAS recorded the lowest total weed density (4.41), total weed dry weight (9.81 g m-2) and highest weed control efficiency (39.25%) during rabi 2019-20 while during rabi 2020-21 lowest total weed density (5.03), total weed dry weight (10.68 g m-2) and highest weed control efficiency (39.65%) were noticed in pre-emergence atrazine 50% WP at 2.00 kg a.i. ha-1. Highest seed yield (788.67 and 842.33 kg ha-1) was obtained in weed free treatment.</div>

Response of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] as Succeeding Crop to Residual Effect of Extreme Levels of Atrazine Administered in Preceding Maize (Zea mays L.)

An efficient regeneration was developed using mature and immature embryos by using Maize (Zea mays L) variety &nbsp;MU 2092. Mature embryos are removed from surface sterilized seeds, slice them into halves and immature embryos are detached from seed endosperm. Both are used as explants to initiate callus on N6 medium supplemented with 2,4 D @ 4.0 mg.L-1. The induction frequency of primary calli i.e embryogenic callus was 90% in maize. The embryogenic calli on N6 medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) @ 0.5 mg.L-1 and kinetin @ 0.5 mg.L-1 was more effective in producing shoots. The culture expressed maximum plant regeneration potential with eight shoots per embryo on regeneration. Green shoots thus developed were successfully rooted within 20 days on MS media containing IBA (Indole-3-Butyric acid) 1mg L-1. Over 86 % of rooted plants grew well and produced seeds normally when transferred to green house. The important advantage of this improved method is shortening of regeneration time by providing an efficient and rapid regeneration tool for mature and immature embryos.

Plant regeneration through callus initiation from mature and&nbsp;immature embryos of maize (Zea mays L.)

<div style="text-align: justify;">In order to determine the effects of density of red root pigweed on growth and physiological parameters of corn, an experiment was conducted &nbsp;in Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University of Fasa, located in southeastern region of Fars Province in Iran. The experiment involved the effects of various densities of red root pigweed at five levels including zero, 1, 2, 4, and 8 plants in each meter of plant row on the yield and yield components of single cross 500 corn variety, carried out in the form of complete randomized blocks design in three replications under farm conditions. The results showed that the highest yield of corn was obtained under no pigweed treatment, which had no significant difference with the treatment involving the density of one pigweed plant in each meter of planting row. The lowest yield for corn was obtained when the density of pigweed was 8 plants, which had no significant statistical difference with the treatment involving 4 plants of pigweed in each meter of planting row. Among the yield components, the highest weight of 1000 grains, the number of grains in each cob, and the number of grains in each row of corn cob were obtained under the treatment involving no pigweed and the lowest values for these components were obtained under the treatment involving eight plants of pigweed in each meter of planting row, with no significant difference with the 4 plant treatment.&nbsp;</div>

Investigation of competitive reactions of red root pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) &nbsp;

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: The shading caused by maize inhibited the growth of soybean, reduced the yield of soybean under maize-soybean relay strip intercropping system. To investigate whether foliar spraying different types of plant growth regulators could improve the growth and yield of intercropped soybean. Methods: A field experiment was conducted in 2018 to evaluate the effect of foliar spraying 6BA (6-benzylaminopurine), S3307 (uniconazole) and DTA-6 (diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate), at the soybean beginning flowering stage, on the growth and yield of three soybean varieties (i.e., Nandou 25 (ND25), Gongqiu 8 (GQ8) and Guixia 3 (GX3)). Result: The leaf area index of three soybean varieties were highest in DTA-6 at 35 days after spraying (DAS) and no significant difference (p&lt;0.05) were observed among three plant growth regulators. The chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content under 6BA and DTA-6 treatments were significantly higher than CK and S3307 at 35 DAS. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (i.e., SOD (Superoxide dismutase) and CAT (Catalase) and antioxidant substances (i.e., GSH (Glutathione) were increased after spraying 6BA, S3307 and DTA-6 in three soybean varieties at 35 DAS. Independent soybean varieties, foliar spraying 6BA, S3307 and DTA-6 increased the soybean yield, pods per plant, 100-grains weight and grain per plant and the effect of DTA-6 (60 mg l -1) treatment were best than others.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Plant Growth Regulators Increase Soybean Yields by Delaying Leaf Senescence in Maize (Zea mays L.)-Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] Relay Strip Intercropping System</div>

<div>Background: Bio-recycling of crop residues is contemplated as an environment friendly soil enrichment and conservation practice that sustains agricultural productivity in the long run. Legume residues are privileged by the unique nitrogen fixing capacity and rhizospheric properties that enhance soil fertility, thereby reducing the need for chemical nutrient inputs. The present study was conducted to evaluate the residual effect of red gram on fodder maize cultivated as succeeding crop in the southern laterites of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India. 
 
Methods: The field experiment to assess the effect of red gram residue incorporation on the growth and yield of fodder maize was carried out in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala during June - August 2019. Fodder maize (African tall) was sown in the plots after incorporation of crop residues of red gram varieties (APK 1 and Vamban (Rg) 3) grown under different planting geometry (40 cm x 20 cm and 60 cm x 30 cm) and NPK doses (40:80:40, 30:60:30 and 20:40:20 kg NPK ha-1) and compared with the package of practices recommendation and in randomized block design (RBD) replicated thrice.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Significantly higher quantities of red gram residues were realised and incorporated in the treatments involving a planting geometry of 40 cm x 20 cm and an NPK dose of 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 in both varieties used, Vamban (Rg) 3 and APK 1 (T7 and T1).&nbsp; Nutrient contents in the residues and decomposition in T1 and T7 resulted in the maximum additions in soil, available N, P and K status and dehydrogenase activity. Evaluation of the residual effects of the legume on fodder maize revealed the significantly highest growth and yields in maize raised with chemical fertilizers as per package recommendation and, among the residue incorporated treatments, maximum plant height and fodder yields were recorded in the treatment in which residues of Vamban (Rg) 3 raised at 40 cm x 20 cm spacing and fertilised with 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1&nbsp; were incorporated, on par with variety APK 1 raised under same management practice. The green fodder yield with residue incorporation was 80-90 per cent that under chemical fertilizer managed treatment. Among the quality parameters, crude protein (9.30%) was the highest with chemical fertilizer application while carbohydrate content (66.23%) was the lowest.</div>

Residual Effects of Red Gram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] on Growth, Yield and Quality of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.)

<div>Background: Nanofertilizers are a new product containing nutrients available in Nano form scale and are mainly preferred due to their effectiveness.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: This research was conducted to assess a three-replicate randomized complete block design (RCBD) factorial experiment in Roudbar area (Kerman province, Iran) in 2018 and 2019&nbsp; to investigate the effects of Nano iron and zinc chelates on Nano iron and zinc chelates on agronomic and qualitative traits of cowpea in cover crops was investigated. Treatments included the first factor, the cropping system at five levels of cowpea and maize cropping pattern (PC: pure Cultivation, IC1: 75% maize+ 25% cowpea, IC2: 50% maize+ 50% cowpea, IC3: 25% maize+75% cowpea.) and the second factor, four levels of nano-chelate (nano iron chelate, nano zinc chelate and nano iron chelate + nano zinc chelate) and control treatments.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The highest Protein of seed (28.6%), Grain yield (2813 Kg/ha) and Harvest index (44.4%) was measured for cowpea in treatment IC3 under Zn application alone, while the lowest Protein of seed (16.9%) and Grain yield (1618&nbsp; Kg/ha) was observed in treatment CPC and Harvest index (36%) in treatment IC2 under Control. The highest Protein of seed (22.2%) in treatment IC1 under Zn application, Grain yield (12050 Kg/ha) in treatment MPC under Fe application and Harvest index (54.8%) was measured for maize in treatment MPC under Fe application, while the lowest Protein of seed (7.4%) and Grain yield (9980Kg/ha) was observed in treatment MPC Control and Harvest index (36.5%) in treatment IC1 under Control for maize. Simultaneously applying nano iron and zinc chelates increased all the quantitative and qualitative traits measured in both crops.&nbsp;</div>

Application of Iron and Zinc Nanochelates Enhances the Productivity and Nutritional Quality of Intercropping Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) and Maize (Zea mays L.)

Background: Maize followed by pulses is the predominant cropping system in many parts of India. After harvesting sweet corn, most farmers leave their land unplanted, even though it has significant potential for growing a second crop during the rabi season. Greengram is one of the best options for farmers, as it not only increases their income but also utilizes the soil&cent;s residual nutrients and moisture. Greengram, a short-duration crop, is one of the key pulse crops in India and serves as a protein-rich food. In light of the aforementioned considerations, an experiment was conducted to evaluate whether the foliar application of micronutrients mixture to the previous kharif sweet corn crop had any residual effects on the productivity and profitability of the subsequent greengram crop. 
 
Methods: The experiment, which included ten treatments was carried out in two consecutive rabi seasons during 2022 and 2023 at the College of Agriculture, V.C. Farm, Mandya, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, was designed using a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. After sweet corn stubbles were incorporated into the soil, greengram was planted as a follow-up crop to preserve soil fertility. With the exception of absolute control, the recommended dosage of NPK fertilizers (20:50:50 kg ha-1) for greengram was common. 
 
Result: The pooled data showed that the foliar application of MM2&nbsp;(0.2%) + Humic acid @ 0.5% greatly enhanced growth parameters and yield attributes over absolute control, resulting in the highest net return (Rs. 45,203 ha-1) and benefit:cost ratio of 2.47 among the residual effect of micronutrients mixture.

Response of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) as Succeeding Crop to Residual Effect of Micronutrients Mixture Administered in Preceding Sweet corn [Zea mays (L.) Saccharata]

Background: Cereal-legume intercropping is an age-old practice in most of the countries. Among the major cereals, maize is a better choice to include in legume intercropping due to its morphology and wider row spacing. Therefore, legume intercropping in consort with proper nutrient management can enhance overall productivity of the system, further improving crop diversification, nutritional security and agriculture sustainability. Considering these aspects, the present study was performed to examine the growth and productivity of maize as influenced by precision nutrient management and cowpea intercropping.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The present study was carried out during rabi season of 2022-23 at P. G. Research Farm of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Odisha, India. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with five intercropping combinations and five nutrient management treatments. All the treatments were replicated thrice. The plot size maintained was 5.0 m x 4.8 m. In case of maize and cowpea, high yielding hybrid &lsquo;JKMH 4510&rsquo; and &lsquo;KBC 9&rsquo; variety were taken for the study, respectively. 
 
Result: The results revealed that the growth parameters were significantly affected by intercropping ratios and nutrient management treatments. Although the yield attributes of maize were differed non significantly among the intercropping treatments but were significantly influenced by the nutrient treatments. In case of grain yield of maize, the Green Seeker-based nutrient management gave highest value with cowpea intercropping ratio of 1:1 and 2:2. LER and ATER were greater than unity, which indicated that the intercropping was advantageous. However, the maximum LER and Area Time Equivalent Ratio (ATER) were obtained from C3 (M+C 1:2) with 140:70:70 kg N, P2O5, K2O/ha, respectively. The study concluded that intercropping of maize + cowpea in 1:2 row ratio with Green Seeker-based nutrient management were advantageous over pure stand of maize fertilised with conventional nutrient management.

Growth and Productivity of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Precision Nutrient Management and Intercropping Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) under Hot and Sub-humid Region of Odisha

<div>Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most versatile emerging crops having wider adaptability under varied agro-climatic conditions. Nitrogen though an expensive input is very important as it is intimately involved in the process of photosynthesis and directly reflected in the total dry matter production.&nbsp;Phosphorus is involved in a wide range of plant processes from permitting cell division to the development of a good root system and for ensuring timely and uniform ripening of the crop. Potassium plays a vital role as macronutrient in plant growth and sustainable crop production. The current study aimed to study the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on yield, quality, nutrient content and uptake on hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) under south Gujarat condition. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of the year 2019-20 to study the effect of different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on yield, quality, nutrient content and uptake by hybrid maize (Zea mays L.). In this experiment twelve treatment combinations consisting of three levels of nitrogen fertilizer, two levels of phosphorus fertilizer and two levels of potassium fertilizer were tried in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The protein content and nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium content and their uptake by seed and stover and available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium status in the soil after harvest of the crop were determined by different methods. 
 
Result: The result showed that quality parameter viz., crude protein content, crude protein yield, nutrient content and uptake by grain and straw of hybrid maize were increased with the increased in nitrogen (180 kg N ha-1), phosphorus (60 kg P2O5 ha-1) and potassium (30 kg K2O ha-1) level.</div>

Effect of&nbsp;Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium on Yield, Quality, Nutrient Content and Uptake on Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.)

<div>Background: Maize is referred to as the &ldquo;Queen of Cereals&rdquo; since it has highest genetic yield potential. So, Maize being a rainy season crop, suffers badly due to heavy weed infestation reducing the potential yield. Intercropping with legumes is the effective technique to control weed infestation. Therefore, this study is focused on to evaluate the legume intercropping for weed control efficiency in kharif maize (Zea mays L.) under Amritsar conditions. 
 
Methods: A field study was carried out to evaluate the effect of &ldquo;Legume intercropping for weed control efficiency in kharif maize (Zea mays L.) under Amritsar conditions&rdquo; at Student&rsquo;s Research Farm, P.G. Department of Agriculture, Khalsa College Amritsar, during Kharif season 2021-2022. The experiment consists of six treatment combination which were tested in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The treatment consisted of T1 - sole maize, T2- paired row maize, T3- maize + green gram (1:1), T4- maize + green gram (2:2), T5- maize + black gram (1:1), T6- maize + black gram (2:2) and two weed management practices i.e. weedy check and pendimethalin at 0.75 kg ha-1 (pre-emergence). 
 
Result: The results indicated that maize + green gram (1:1) intercropping system registered considerably lowest weed density of both monocot and dicot weeds at 25 DAS (58.14 m2) and 50 DAS (61.72 m2) and also significantly lower weed dry matter at 25 DAS (2.06 q ha-1), 50 DAS (4.58 q ha-1), 75 DAS (5.88 q ha-1). Maize + green gram (1:1) treatment also recorded considerably highest weed control efficiency (17.57 %) at 25 DAS and (16.38%) at 50 DAS. The highest maize grain yield (38.85 q ha-1) was achieved in maize + green gram (1:1) followed by (37.68 q ha-1) maize + black gram (1:1) and (33.41 q ha-1) maize + green gram (2:2). Maize grain equivalent yield and benefit-cost ratio significantly superior in all the intercropping systems than pure stand yield of crop. The highest maize grain equivalent yield (66.78 q ha-1) and benefits: cost ratio (3.6) was obtained in maize + green gram (2:2) followed by (3.31) maize + black gram (2:2) and (2.5) maize + green gram (1:1). Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin at 0.75 kg ha-1 gave substantially lower weed density at25 DAS (56.05 m2), 50 DAS (57.97 m2) and weed dry matter at 25 DAS (2.16 q ha-1), 50 DAS (4.03 q ha-1) and 75 DAS (5.35 q ha-1) and significantly superior weed control efficiency at 25 DAS (30.97%) and 50 DAS (27.98 %) over weedy check. Significantly higher maize grain yield (36.94 q ha-1), legumes yield (8.87 q ha-1), maize grain equivalent yield (58.45 q ha-1) and benefits: cost ratio (3.19).</div>

Response of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] as Succeeding Crop to Residual Effect of Extreme Levels of Atrazine Administered in Preceding Maize (Zea mays L.)

Plant regeneration through callus initiation from mature and immature embryos of maize (Zea mays L.)

Investigation of competitive reactions of red root pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and corn (Zea mays L.)

Plant Growth Regulators Increase Soybean Yields by Delaying Leaf Senescence in Maize (Zea mays L.)-Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] Relay Strip Intercropping System

Residual Effects of Red Gram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] on Growth, Yield and Quality of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.)

Application of Iron and Zinc Nanochelates Enhances the Productivity and Nutritional Quality of Intercropping Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) and Maize (Zea mays L.)

Response of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) as Succeeding Crop to Residual Effect of Micronutrients Mixture Administered in Preceding Sweet corn [Zea mays (L.) Saccharata]

Growth and Productivity of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Precision Nutrient Management and Intercropping Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) under Hot and Sub-humid Region of Odisha

Effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium on Yield, Quality, Nutrient Content and Uptake on Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.)

Legume Intercropping for Weed Control Efficiency in Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.) under Amritsar Conditions