Vol. 10, Issue 8 (2021)

Author(s):
J Rakesh, M Sree Rekha and CH Sujani Rao

Abstract:
A field trial was conducted during kharif, 2019 at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla with the view to maximize the jute seed yield by manipulating certain non-monetary techniques associated with crop production like plant density and topping practices. The treatments comprised three plant densities [1.66 lakh plants ha^-1 (D₁), 2.2 lakh plants ha^-1 (D₂) and 83,333 plants ha^-1 (D₃)] and four topping practices [T₁ (No topping), T₂ (topping at 30 DAS), T₃ (topping at 45 DAS) and T₄ (topping at 60 DAS)] which were laid out in a randomized block design with factorial concept in three replications with jute variety, JRO 524 (Navin). The results revealed that highest plant height and maximum leaf area index (LAI) of jute was obtained with 2,22,222 plants ha^-1 (D₂) and with no topping practice(T₁) which was on par with 1,66,666 plants ha^-1 (D₁) and was significantly superior over other plant density of 83,333 plants ha^-1 (D₃) and topping practices i.e.T₂, T₃ and T₄. Sowing of jute with 2,22,222 plants ha^-1 (D₂) took significantly less number of days for 50% flowering compared to density of 1,66,666 plants ha^-1 (D₁₎ and 83,333 plants ha^-1 (D₃). Maximum seed yield and stalk yield of jute was obtained with 83,333 plants ha^-1 (D₃) and topping at 45 DAS (T₃).