Growth Analysis of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Hybrids as Influenced by Fertility Levels Under Mid Hills of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Department of Agronomy of CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur (H.P.) during kharif 2019 to study the growth and performance of rice hybrids under varying fertility levels. The treatments consisted of four rice varieties (three hybrids viz., Arize 6129, Arize Swift, AZ 6508 and inbred HPR 2143) which were tested under five fertility levels viz., 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 100% RDF (90:40:40), 150% RDF, 150% RDF + ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha-1 and natural farming treatment. The trial was laid out in split plot design with fertility levels in main plot and rice varieties in sub plot and was replicated thrice. Plant height and dry matter accumulation were significantly influenced by fertility levels with highest values recorded with the application of highest dose of fertilizers along with zinc while significantly lower values recorded in natural farming treatment. Significantly higher values of crop growth rate (CGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) at both the stages (between 30-60 days and 60–90 days after transplanting, DAT) were recorded with the application of 150% RDF + ZnSO 4though this treatment was at par with the application of 150% RDF alone. Significantly lowest values of both these parameters at both the stages were recorded with the natural farming treatment. Varieties also differed significantly with HPR 2143 producing significantly taller plants while Arize Swift producing shorter plants. Hybrids accumulated more dry matter as compared to inbred HPR 2143 with AZ 6508 recording significantly higher value of this parameter. Among the varieties tested AZ 6508 recorded significantly higher values of CGR, RGR and NAR at both the stages of observation indicating higher potential of this hybrid.