Two sets of selected genotypes (terai and hill) were
evaluated to findout their response to yield and other
quantitative traits. Yield performance of the tested
entries was better at Surkhet and Khumal tar. Highly
significant genotype x environement interactions and
yield diffe-rences between entries were observed.
Narayani was found high yielding and broad genetic
based. Most of ~- _ the varieties were found
tolerant/resistant"· to moderately resistant to dis.eases
except ear rots.

Two sets of selected genotypes (terai and hill) were
evaluated to findout their response to yield and other
quantitative traits. Yield performance of the tested
entries was better at Surkhet and Khumal tar. Highly
significant genotype x environement interactions and
yield diffe-rences between entries were observed.
Narayani was found high yielding and broad genetic
based. Most of ~- _ the varieties were found
tolerant/resistant"· to moderately resistant to dis.eases
except ear rots.

Field experiment ·on hybrid maize was conducted at RARS
Parwanipur during winter 1995 and was composed of seven
Indian, thirty-four native hybrids {83 x S3) and one
standard check OPV - Rampur composite. Six Indian and
tw-er::ty-fi-ve :NMRP' s hybrids s-howed better yield
perf ormance over standard check. This yield difference
indicates that these hybrids can perform better even in
medit;.m level of inputs ' and management. NMRP' s hybrids
were 10-14 d1:1ys earlier and 3-62 -cm shorter than exotic
ones. · Inbred .dnes · (389} ·of &iffer:ent cycles (Sl--SS) '
were develoPed at NMRP, Raml>ur. ·They · poss-essed a
greater range of variations within a trait (days to
si lking: 43-62 , plant height:· 115 to 270 em, ear height:
40 to 150 em, prolificacy: 9%, number of rows/ear: 10 to
22, kernel t:ype: dent, semident and flint, kernel
colour: yellow, orange-red and white) which provides
sufficient opportunities in selecting desirable parental
lines to generate suitable hybrids.

Field experiment ·on hybrid maize was conducted at RARS
Parwanipur during winter 1995 and was composed of seven
Indian, thirty-four native hybrids {83 x S3) and one
standard check OPV - Rampur composite. Six Indian and
tw-er::ty-fi-ve :NMRP' s hybrids s-howed better yield
perf ormance over standard check. This yield difference
indicates that these hybrids can perform better even in
medit;.m level of inputs ' and management. NMRP' s hybrids
were 10-14 d1:1ys earlier and 3-62 -cm shorter than exotic
ones. · Inbred .dnes · (389} ·of &iffer:ent cycles (Sl--SS) '
were develoPed at NMRP, Raml>ur. ·They · poss-essed a
greater range of variations within a trait (days to
si lking: 43-62 , plant height:· 115 to 270 em, ear height:
40 to 150 em, prolificacy: 9%, number of rows/ear: 10 to
22, kernel t:ype: dent, semident and flint, kernel
colour: yellow, orange-red and white) which provides
sufficient opportunities in selecting desirable parental
lines to generate suitable hybrids.

Host plant resistance is an economical means of
controlling maize diseases. Maize variety Manakamana-1,
through cycles of selection for Northern leaf· blight
Helminthosporium turcicum, was found a reliable source
material for Helminthosporium turcicum. Five cycles of
recurrent selection based on Sl progeny evaluation has
shown positive changes in the mean and distribution of
population for turcicum leaf blight resistance

Host plant resistance is an economical means of
controlling maize diseases. Maize variety Manakamana-1,
through cycles of selection for Northern leaf· blight
Helminthosporium turcicum, was found a reliable source
material for Helminthosporium turcicum. Five cycles of
recurrent selection based on Sl progeny evaluation has
shown positive changes in the mean and distribution of
population for turcicum leaf blight resistance

This report summarises the findings of maize varietal

research at LARC during 1996, aimed to select high.

yielding varieties sui table for 'maize-based croppi.ng
system in the mid hills of Western-Development Region
(WDRJ> ~ . ,.
I
.Among the short season genotypes in the observation
nursery, Renuka (3098 kg/ha) and SWeta (2833 kg/ha} were
· identified superior over local check Kalipare Panhelo
(2631 kg/ha). These varieties were earlier than local
check. Of the total genotypes tested in Coordinated
Varietal Trial (CVT), Hill Pool Yellow (4021 kg/ha) ,
Narayani (3688 kg/ha) and Upha.r (3783 kg/ha) were
promising and out-yielded both the standard and local
checks. Arun-1 was the earliest (78 days) and shortest
(210 em) plant height and 102cm ear height) genotype
among the promising entries.
Of the 16 local popping maize genotypes evaluated
. including Arun-2 and Kakani Yellow as checks, none was
found superior to checks for yield. Among the local
maize LM#12 (2-307 kg/ha) produced the highest yield
followed by LM#l (2275 kg/ha) and LM#4 (1819 kg/ha).
' -..A trial for yield estimation of Ganesh-2 and ·Kakani
Yellow was conducted with a standard doko for
measurement and comparison of 80 per cent yield recovery
method of CIMMYT. The shelled grain weight of Ganesh-2
was more by 4.5 kg than Kakani Yellow. The 80 per cent
shelled grain ratio gave 2 kg more yield for both
varieties than measured by doko as dehusked ear
multiplied by 0.8 factor and shelled grain weight just
after shelling, ,were done simultaneously. The promising
genotypes will be further tested at outreach sites for
verification and feedback.

This report summarises the findings of maize varietal

research at LARC during 1996, aimed to select high.

yielding varieties sui table for 'maize-based croppi.ng
system in the mid hills of Western-Development Region
(WDRJ> ~ . ,.
I
.Among the short season genotypes in the observation
nursery, Renuka (3098 kg/ha) and SWeta (2833 kg/ha} were
· identified superior over local check Kalipare Panhelo
(2631 kg/ha). These varieties were earlier than local
check. Of the total genotypes tested in Coordinated
Varietal Trial (CVT), Hill Pool Yellow (4021 kg/ha) ,
Narayani (3688 kg/ha) and Upha.r (3783 kg/ha) were
promising and out-yielded both the standard and local
checks. Arun-1 was the earliest (78 days) and shortest
(210 em) plant height and 102cm ear height) genotype
among the promising entries.
Of the 16 local popping maize genotypes evaluated
. including Arun-2 and Kakani Yellow as checks, none was
found superior to checks for yield. Among the local
maize LM#12 (2-307 kg/ha) produced the highest yield
followed by LM#l (2275 kg/ha) and LM#4 (1819 kg/ha).
' -..A trial for yield estimation of Ganesh-2 and ·Kakani
Yellow was conducted with a standard doko for
measurement and comparison of 80 per cent yield recovery
method of CIMMYT. The shelled grain weight of Ganesh-2
was more by 4.5 kg than Kakani Yellow. The 80 per cent
shelled grain ratio gave 2 kg more yield for both
varieties than measured by doko as dehusked ear
multiplied by 0.8 factor and shelled grain weight just
after shelling, ,were done simultaneously. The promising
genotypes will be further tested at outreach sites for
verification and feedback.

Three activities , observation nursery,. coordinated
varietal trial and progeny testing trial on hill maize
research were conducted at Khumaltar in summer 1996.
Purpose of the trial ·is-to select sui table genotypes ·"for
hills. In observation nursery, 15 genotypes were
evaluated. Parbhat (7466 kg/ha) and Doti-1 {6166 kg/ha)
y.ielded higher than a local check (Khumal yellow, 5722
kg/ha). In coordinated varietal trial , among the 15
tested genotypes in 3 replications , Upahar. Hill pool
White and Manakamana-2 were top yielder (8147, 8126 and
7649 kg/ha , respectively). Similarly, in international
progeny testing trial among 22 genotypes {including 3
local checks) Khumal yellow was .. t.op yielder (5929 kg/ha)
followed by entr_y No. 139 (5498 · kg/ha). ·
In observation nursery and coordinated varietal trial
slight disease pressure was given.

Three activities , observation nursery,. coordinated
varietal trial and progeny testing trial on hill maize
research were conducted at Khumaltar in summer 1996.
Purpose of the trial ·is-to select sui table genotypes ·"for
hills. In observation nursery, 15 genotypes were
evaluated. Parbhat (7466 kg/ha) and Doti-1 {6166 kg/ha)
y.ielded higher than a local check (Khumal yellow, 5722
kg/ha). In coordinated varietal trial , among the 15
tested genotypes in 3 replications , Upahar. Hill pool
White and Manakamana-2 were top yielder (8147, 8126 and
7649 kg/ha , respectively). Similarly, in international
progeny testing trial among 22 genotypes {including 3
local checks) Khumal yellow was .. t.op yielder (5929 kg/ha)
followed by entr_y No. 139 (5498 · kg/ha). ·
In observation nursery and coordinated varietal trial
slight disease pressure was given.

Ma.i~ is one of the most iiiiPQl"taot re:&M* ~~ of
NePa.lT renked seCOftd a.ft~r ri-ce iu ~--of area.~
ha)· aild production ( 1302116 t) .with & produci:ivity of
1688 · kg/ha (MOA, 1995} • In -tbe -'ee&t'ft'll hills .this crop
stlirids number one ~1 int. It-erms of -ctfi with a
productivity of only 1641 kglltl:l. ~ ~ proble.s
associ.a.ted f.or the cultivation .af maize in the eas..tera
hills are, dise&6es (Helmi1Tt.hospol'iu tlH'-cj_~ z:ar
rot), poor soil fertility,. low yield of the· existing
ymotypes puticularly in the f~ fMtld ~ ~
harvest loss .
In order to tackle SOfie of those reBUrcfteble problems.
a total of six research activities {~dinated
Varietal Trial, Observation Nursery (splited into two),
Population Impr<)¥'ement of Pool 9A and Popil..La.tion-2.2,
Tlal tizapan-8644, BA 93-2126 # 2 and Pool-21 were
carried out at on-station during 1995/96, summer. In
addition to this some sets of minikits for low, mid and
1dgh altitude areas as per ADOs Prrisramme ·and Informal
Research kits we~e distributed in the eastern hills. A
tremendous improv~nt have been achieved in Pool 9A .
with respect to' maturity and husk cover~ It is now
I·
'
' i
. proposed for commercial release as Ganesh-1 for upper .
mid (above 1600 m) to higher hills of the Central and
Eastern Developnient region. Po!'ulA~ion 22, fi.ill ~.l .
yellow and Upahar wen~ the top y1eld1ng genotypes at, ~1~
altitude CVf". -They· produced 48, 41 and 36 pe~r·'n t
higher grain Yield than standard check Manak ·! -1
p160 kg/ha) at PA_C ' conditipn. From the populationion
lmprov~~ent, 395 .ears and 367 ell!S of. Pool n· i · .~d · ; ~- .- ~y: · . i
Populat~on-22 have been selected respectlvely. . J-:-2J . · ·~ ·
and BA-93-2136 have been maintained in bulk. Nem ~\the , '
. entry showed · better yield . p~rf6rmance o· v1!~ ~)· 
respective standard checks (Pool. 9A and BA-93 J/ · 6· at
. .....
Majuwa and Manak.amana-1 except TZMI 201 at th . tre)
._in observation nur~ery conducted at Majuwa (22Cl: )n)·and 
PAC ~1700 m).

Ma.i~ is one of the most iiiiPQl"taot re:&M* ~~ of
NePa.lT renked seCOftd a.ft~r ri-ce iu ~--of area.~
ha)· aild production ( 1302116 t) .with & produci:ivity of
1688 · kg/ha (MOA, 1995} • In -tbe -'ee&t'ft'll hills .this crop
stlirids number one ~1 int. It-erms of -ctfi with a
productivity of only 1641 kglltl:l. ~ ~ proble.s
associ.a.ted f.or the cultivation .af maize in the eas..tera
hills are, dise&6es (Helmi1Tt.hospol'iu tlH'-cj_~ z:ar
rot), poor soil fertility,. low yield of the· existing
ymotypes puticularly in the f~ fMtld ~ ~
harvest loss .
In order to tackle SOfie of those reBUrcfteble problems.
a total of six research activities {~dinated
Varietal Trial, Observation Nursery (splited into two),
Population Impr<)¥'ement of Pool 9A and Popil..La.tion-2.2,
Tlal tizapan-8644, BA 93-2126 # 2 and Pool-21 were
carried out at on-station during 1995/96, summer. In
addition to this some sets of minikits for low, mid and
1dgh altitude areas as per ADOs Prrisramme ·and Informal
Research kits we~e distributed in the eastern hills. A
tremendous improv~nt have been achieved in Pool 9A .
with respect to' maturity and husk cover~ It is now
I·
'
' i
. proposed for commercial release as Ganesh-1 for upper .
mid (above 1600 m) to higher hills of the Central and
Eastern Developnient region. Po!'ulA~ion 22, fi.ill ~.l .
yellow and Upahar wen~ the top y1eld1ng genotypes at, ~1~
altitude CVf". -They· produced 48, 41 and 36 pe~r·'n t
higher grain Yield than standard check Manak ·! -1
p160 kg/ha) at PA_C ' conditipn. From the populationion
lmprov~~ent, 395 .ears and 367 ell!S of. Pool n· i · .~d · ; ~- .- ~y: · . i
Populat~on-22 have been selected respectlvely. . J-:-2J . · ·~ ·
and BA-93-2136 have been maintained in bulk. Nem ~\the , '
. entry showed · better yield . p~rf6rmance o· v1!~ ~)· 
respective standard checks (Pool. 9A and BA-93 J/ · 6· at
. .....
Majuwa and Manak.amana-1 except TZMI 201 at th . tre)
._in observation nur~ery conducted at Majuwa (22Cl: )n)·and 
PAC ~1700 m).

Field experiments were conducted at Agriculture Research
Station, Rampur (inner terai/Siwalik dun valley), Nepal
during summer and winter of 1996 to determine the
super ior babycorn genotypes from open pollinated
varieties at two level of plant densities for edible
baby ear shoot production. Five open polinated maize
varieties , RAM - 1 , RAM - 2, RAM - 3, RAM - 4 and RAM -
5 were used under the plant densities of 88888 and
130 , 000 plants/ha. in a randomized complete block design
replicated. four times. The three varieties, RAM-1, RAM-2
and RAM-3 were found superior cultivar for edible baby
ear shoot production. At higher plant densities the
levels of production was higher and off-type baby shot
percent was lower in winter compared· to summer season.
Large size edible baby ear shoot is more in summer but
medium size is higher in winter. There was no variety by
plant densities interaction. Babycorn production
economics analysis in the study revealed that it is a
cost effective farming enterprise with the benefit cost
ratio of 1.85 in summer and 2.19 in winter .

Field experiments were conducted at Agriculture Research
Station, Rampur (inner terai/Siwalik dun valley), Nepal
during summer and winter of 1996 to determine the
super ior babycorn genotypes from open pollinated
varieties at two level of plant densities for edible
baby ear shoot production. Five open polinated maize
varieties , RAM - 1 , RAM - 2, RAM - 3, RAM - 4 and RAM -
5 were used under the plant densities of 88888 and
130 , 000 plants/ha. in a randomized complete block design
replicated. four times. The three varieties, RAM-1, RAM-2
and RAM-3 were found superior cultivar for edible baby
ear shoot production. At higher plant densities the
levels of production was higher and off-type baby shot
percent was lower in winter compared· to summer season.
Large size edible baby ear shoot is more in summer but
medium size is higher in winter. There was no variety by
plant densities interaction. Babycorn production
economics analysis in the study revealed that it is a
cost effective farming enterprise with the benefit cost
ratio of 1.85 in summer and 2.19 in winter .

Three . nit_rogen levels at 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha w~re compared with
Dhaincha. -~:J.Sesbanis scq.Jeata), Sunhelhp ( CrotoJaria Juncea) and
Cowpea (PhBseolous vulgaris) in sandy loam soils of National Maize
Research Program (NMRP) Rampur, Chitwari _~· in maize - rape seed
(Brassica junces var. toria) systems under ·bariland condition in
1996 summer seasoh·. The experiment was conducted in factorial
randomized complete design in three replicates with three levels of
N and four types of inter cropping of green manuring (GM). The
objective of the experiment was to find out the best combination of
different green manuring crops with different N level, to compare
residual · effec~s of different inter cropped.· g;reen manuring to
succeeding rape· .seed grain yield and to find out the most beneficial
combination of inorganic N with green manuring._ Soil organic matter
percentage and N percentage after harvest 9f rape seed were found
nonsignificnat. Organic matter and N were depleted after harvest of
rape seed as compared with them before planting of maize. Higher the
N dose more the depletion of N and faster the decomposition of GM
heavier the loss ,of nutrient from GM. Only for the treatment of Nat
60 kg/ha + cowpea had zero balance of N as -residual N. Soil pH
after harvest o.f rape seed was decreased·. than that of before
planting of maize. All the agronomical and yield components of maize
were found nonsignificant due to nitrogen level and inter cropping
of green manuring. Yield components and agronomical components of
. maize were not related with grain yield. Dry matter percentage and
dry matter yield of green manuring crops:,- · grain yield of maize due
to green manuring were highly significant. Residual effect of
incorporated green manuring to succeeding crop of rape seed was
explained due to significant grain yield for the crop. It was also .
found that treatments of N at 90 and 60 kg/ha + inter cropping of
dhaincha were. found nondominanted treatments. These nondominanted
treatments have marginal rate of return of 3284 percentage and 131 .
percentage, respectively. Nitrogen at 60 kg/ha + intercropping of
·dhaincha in maize-rape seed pattern of bari land was the most
feasible . technology in Siwalik dun valley of Nepal .

Three . nit_rogen levels at 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha w~re compared with
Dhaincha. -~:J.Sesbanis scq.Jeata), Sunhelhp ( CrotoJaria Juncea) and
Cowpea (PhBseolous vulgaris) in sandy loam soils of National Maize
Research Program (NMRP) Rampur, Chitwari _~· in maize - rape seed
(Brassica junces var. toria) systems under ·bariland condition in
1996 summer seasoh·. The experiment was conducted in factorial
randomized complete design in three replicates with three levels of
N and four types of inter cropping of green manuring (GM). The
objective of the experiment was to find out the best combination of
different green manuring crops with different N level, to compare
residual · effec~s of different inter cropped.· g;reen manuring to
succeeding rape· .seed grain yield and to find out the most beneficial
combination of inorganic N with green manuring._ Soil organic matter
percentage and N percentage after harvest 9f rape seed were found
nonsignificnat. Organic matter and N were depleted after harvest of
rape seed as compared with them before planting of maize. Higher the
N dose more the depletion of N and faster the decomposition of GM
heavier the loss ,of nutrient from GM. Only for the treatment of Nat
60 kg/ha + cowpea had zero balance of N as -residual N. Soil pH
after harvest o.f rape seed was decreased·. than that of before
planting of maize. All the agronomical and yield components of maize
were found nonsignificant due to nitrogen level and inter cropping
of green manuring. Yield components and agronomical components of
. maize were not related with grain yield. Dry matter percentage and
dry matter yield of green manuring crops:,- · grain yield of maize due
to green manuring were highly significant. Residual effect of
incorporated green manuring to succeeding crop of rape seed was
explained due to significant grain yield for the crop. It was also .
found that treatments of N at 90 and 60 kg/ha + inter cropping of
dhaincha were. found nondominanted treatments. These nondominanted
treatments have marginal rate of return of 3284 percentage and 131 .
percentage, respectively. Nitrogen at 60 kg/ha + intercropping of
·dhaincha in maize-rape seed pattern of bari land was the most
feasible . technology in Siwalik dun valley of Nepal .

A fi~ld study consisting of four replications and seven different
cultural method of maize-weed control practices (such as one hoeing
without pulling of weeds as .1st weeding, mulching immediately after
sowing of maize (zea mays) with rape seed (Brassica juncea vat.
toria) straw and wheat {Triticum aestivum) chaff at 10 ton/hli,
hoeing and earthing up as 1st and 2nd weeding by removing weeds,
hoeing and earthing up as practiced by farmers, hoeing twice as ls~
and 2nd weeding by removing weeds but without earthing up and hoeing
twice only without removing weeds and earthing up as 1st· and 2nd
weeding) was conducted at NMRP Rampur in sandy loam soil under
maize-rape seed system in 1996/97 with the objective of: (i) to fin~
out the responses of different cultural method of maize weed control
practices on. yield and agronomical components of maize (ii) to
study the effect of weed control practices on grain yield of maize
and rape seed and {iii) to find out economically feasible cultural
practices of ~aize wcled control. Of the agronomical and yield traits
of maize sucp as ear height, plant height, 50% silking DAS, unfilled
ears, LA!, ear number and plant population none of the parameters
were recorded statistically significant. Grain -Yield of both maize
~drape seed wer5 also recorded nonsignificant. Weed parameters .of
number of weeds/m 1 day before 1st weeding (20 DAS} was observe~
nonsignificant but the other parameters such as number of weeds/m
before top dressing (37 DAS} and DM% of weeds were observed
significant. It was visualized from t.he experiment that all the 6
cultural practices of maize weed control were comparable to farmer's
practice of maize' weed ·. control. Mulching with wheat chaff at 10
ton/ha, farmer's practice of weeding and earthing up and two hoeing
as the 1st and the 2nd weeding. wi thqut removihg weeds showed N
balance in the systeltl. SoH pH was unchanged due to treatments
effect. Organic matter perc.entage was reduced from 0.06 to 0.31 due
to maize-rape seed pattern.

A fi~ld study consisting of four replications and seven different
cultural method of maize-weed control practices (such as one hoeing
without pulling of weeds as .1st weeding, mulching immediately after
sowing of maize (zea mays) with rape seed (Brassica juncea vat.
toria) straw and wheat {Triticum aestivum) chaff at 10 ton/hli,
hoeing and earthing up as 1st and 2nd weeding by removing weeds,
hoeing and earthing up as practiced by farmers, hoeing twice as ls~
and 2nd weeding by removing weeds but without earthing up and hoeing
twice only without removing weeds and earthing up as 1st· and 2nd
weeding) was conducted at NMRP Rampur in sandy loam soil under
maize-rape seed system in 1996/97 with the objective of: (i) to fin~
out the responses of different cultural method of maize weed control
practices on. yield and agronomical components of maize (ii) to
study the effect of weed control practices on grain yield of maize
and rape seed and {iii) to find out economically feasible cultural
practices of ~aize wcled control. Of the agronomical and yield traits
of maize sucp as ear height, plant height, 50% silking DAS, unfilled
ears, LA!, ear number and plant population none of the parameters
were recorded statistically significant. Grain -Yield of both maize
~drape seed wer5 also recorded nonsignificant. Weed parameters .of
number of weeds/m 1 day before 1st weeding (20 DAS} was observe~
nonsignificant but the other parameters such as number of weeds/m
before top dressing (37 DAS} and DM% of weeds were observed
significant. It was visualized from t.he experiment that all the 6
cultural practices of maize weed control were comparable to farmer's
practice of maize' weed ·. control. Mulching with wheat chaff at 10
ton/ha, farmer's practice of weeding and earthing up and two hoeing
as the 1st and the 2nd weeding. wi thqut removihg weeds showed N
balance in the systeltl. SoH pH was unchanged due to treatments
effect. Organic matter perc.entage was reduced from 0.06 to 0.31 due
to maize-rape seed pattern.

Nine hybrid maize (Zea mays) cultivars t~sted
at NMRP Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal in 1996 summer
season at two level of nitrogen @ 99 and 150
kg/ha, were found highly signific~nt for ~rain
. Yi~ld. Higher level o~ n~trogen produ~ed
, positive response for gra1n y1eld. In~eract1on
··· J . . ~ . between nitrogen X :variety for .grai:p. ·Y,ield ~as
· not 'found · si"gnificant. Pfant height~ · ··eat .·.
height, SO% silking and tasseling were also
significant among varieties but interaction
between N X ir··was found nonsignificant. None
of the yield and agronomic parameters were
related with grain yield.

Nine hybrid maize (Zea mays) cultivars t~sted
at NMRP Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal in 1996 summer
season at two level of nitrogen @ 99 and 150
kg/ha, were found highly signific~nt for ~rain
. Yi~ld. Higher level o~ n~trogen produ~ed
, positive response for gra1n y1eld. In~eract1on
··· J . . ~ . between nitrogen X :variety for .grai:p. ·Y,ield ~as
· not 'found · si"gnificant. Pfant height~ · ··eat .·.
height, SO% silking and tasseling were also
significant among varieties but interaction
between N X ir··was found nonsignificant. None
of the yield and agronomic parameters were
related with grain yield.

Response of the ·first crop (maize) to the treatments
(manure, lime and fertilizers) under study was found
non-significant. However,- from the second crop (toria)
and third crop (maize) to eighth crop· (toria) and nineth
crop (maize) a significant response to the applied
manure, lime and fertilizers was detected. But in
comparision with the first year tQ.e grain yield of maize
increased in the second year with all the treatments
under study except the control and 10 ton compost/ha,
whereas in toria the grain yield decreased with all the
treatments under study. From third year both maize and
toria have been showing a gradual decline in grain
yields during the ::;ucceeding years till eighth crop
(toria) and nineth crop (maize). The difference in
response to calcitic and dolomitic lime was found non
significant.

Response of the ·first crop (maize) to the treatments
(manure, lime and fertilizers) under study was found
non-significant. However,- from the second crop (toria)
and third crop (maize) to eighth crop· (toria) and nineth
crop (maize) a significant response to the applied
manure, lime and fertilizers was detected. But in
comparision with the first year tQ.e grain yield of maize
increased in the second year with all the treatments
under study except the control and 10 ton compost/ha,
whereas in toria the grain yield decreased with all the
treatments under study. From third year both maize and
toria have been showing a gradual decline in grain
yields during the ::;ucceeding years till eighth crop
(toria) and nineth crop (maize). The difference in
response to calcitic and dolomitic lime was found non
significant.

Field experiments on maize-wheat systell!. were carried out
at Lumle· Agrucltural Centre for three years (1994/95 to
1996/97) to determine the effect of low and high quality
organic materials on maize and wheat yields and soi 1
properties. In this report, only the data of maize crop
and soil properties during maize g:towirig season are
included. Significantly high maize grain yield of 1.95
t/ha was obtained only in 1995 in the mixture of low and
high quality organic materials. The ·mean grain yield of
three years (1994 to 1996) also showed the -highest grain
yield of 2.47 t/ha in the same mixt u ~e treatments. The
mean stover yields of three years (6.63 to 6.70 t/ha)
did not differ much in low quality as well as in mixture
of low and high quality treatments. Nitrogen uptake by
maize grain and stover reduced over years in all
treatments with. the . lowe~t uptake of 21.1 kg N/ha and
49.5 kg P/ha in· contTol. Mean P uptake by maize grain
in three years was the smallest (9.7 kg/ha) in control
followed by high quality organic materials (9.8 kg/ha)
whereas mean P uptake by maize stover was the highest
(24.0 kg/ha} in low quality treatment.
. '
Soil pH significantly increa$ed from 5.8 to .5.9 after 12
weeks of maize germination in all treatments in 1995 .
Aft~r 4 weeks of maize germination, mean organic carbon
increased from 3.12 to 3.52% in all treatments except
mixture treatment (3 .45%). Organic carbon further
increased from 3. 56 to 3. 62% after 6 weeks, remained low
upto 10 weeks and again increased thereafter in all the
treatments except control. Total N decreased to 0. 26 to
0.28% in all treatments except control {0.24%) after 4
weeks of germination. Total N remained almost similar
(0.25 to 0.29%} in all treatments except low quality for
6 to 8 weeks and after . that increased slowly upto 12
weeks. I:h 1994, largest ni trate-N (85 kg/ha) wru;;
obtained in high quality FYM and 52.0 to 67.7 kg/ha in·
other treatments after 2 weeks of germination and after
that slowly decreased in all treatments. In 1995 and
1996, only traces of nitrate-N was obtained in all .
treatments. But higher. mineral-N (nitrate-N and
8JIJD10nium-N} of 38 kg/ha in .1995 and 28 kgfha in 1!196 was

recorded after 12 weeks of germination in high quality
FYM and mixture treatments. Mean soi 1 pH of three years
remained constant (5.7) in all treatments, higher
organic carbon (3.5%) and exchangeable K (0.36 me/lOOg}
were recorded in low quality treatment, and total Nand
available P remained 0.30 to 0.33 and 330 to 338 ppm
respectively in all treatments. The results showed that
low quality organic materials are more effective as
compared to high quality FYM for maize yield and for
making N available at later stages of maize crop and
maintaining N fertility in maize-wheat system in Lum!e
condition.

Field experiments on maize-wheat systell!. were carried out
at Lumle· Agrucltural Centre for three years (1994/95 to
1996/97) to determine the effect of low and high quality
organic materials on maize and wheat yields and soi 1
properties. In this report, only the data of maize crop
and soil properties during maize g:towirig season are
included. Significantly high maize grain yield of 1.95
t/ha was obtained only in 1995 in the mixture of low and
high quality organic materials. The ·mean grain yield of
three years (1994 to 1996) also showed the -highest grain
yield of 2.47 t/ha in the same mixt u ~e treatments. The
mean stover yields of three years (6.63 to 6.70 t/ha)
did not differ much in low quality as well as in mixture
of low and high quality treatments. Nitrogen uptake by
maize grain and stover reduced over years in all
treatments with. the . lowe~t uptake of 21.1 kg N/ha and
49.5 kg P/ha in· contTol. Mean P uptake by maize grain
in three years was the smallest (9.7 kg/ha) in control
followed by high quality organic materials (9.8 kg/ha)
whereas mean P uptake by maize stover was the highest
(24.0 kg/ha} in low quality treatment.
. '
Soil pH significantly increa$ed from 5.8 to .5.9 after 12
weeks of maize germination in all treatments in 1995 .
Aft~r 4 weeks of maize germination, mean organic carbon
increased from 3.12 to 3.52% in all treatments except
mixture treatment (3 .45%). Organic carbon further
increased from 3. 56 to 3. 62% after 6 weeks, remained low
upto 10 weeks and again increased thereafter in all the
treatments except control. Total N decreased to 0. 26 to
0.28% in all treatments except control {0.24%) after 4
weeks of germination. Total N remained almost similar
(0.25 to 0.29%} in all treatments except low quality for
6 to 8 weeks and after . that increased slowly upto 12
weeks. I:h 1994, largest ni trate-N (85 kg/ha) wru;;
obtained in high quality FYM and 52.0 to 67.7 kg/ha in·
other treatments after 2 weeks of germination and after
that slowly decreased in all treatments. In 1995 and
1996, only traces of nitrate-N was obtained in all .
treatments. But higher. mineral-N (nitrate-N and
8JIJD10nium-N} of 38 kg/ha in .1995 and 28 kgfha in 1!196 was

recorded after 12 weeks of germination in high quality
FYM and mixture treatments. Mean soi 1 pH of three years
remained constant (5.7) in all treatments, higher
organic carbon (3.5%) and exchangeable K (0.36 me/lOOg}
were recorded in low quality treatment, and total Nand
available P remained 0.30 to 0.33 and 330 to 338 ppm
respectively in all treatments. The results showed that
low quality organic materials are more effective as
compared to high quality FYM for maize yield and for
making N available at later stages of maize crop and
maintaining N fertility in maize-wheat system in Lum!e
condition.

A ·field experimerit · was conducted at Agriculture Rese·arch
station, Kabre to identify proper doses of compost and
mineral fertilizers under a maize millet system from
from 1994 to 1996. Results of thr~e years indicated that
higher grain and straw yield of finger millet was
optalned from treatment FYM 10 t/ha + N P1o5~o 50:40:30
· · · kg/ha respectively appl ied at the time o"f maize sowing
+ 50 kg N/ha top dressed to finger millet (1.5 t/ha}
followed by FYM 10 t/ha + 25 kg N top dressing to maize
and 25 kg N to millet (1.3 t/ha). Highest maize yield
was obtained from treatment where 10 t/ FYM/ha +
100:40:30 kg N: P05 :~0/ha was applied to maize (6.8
t/ha} followed by ioo:40:30 kg N: P2o5 : ~0/ha to ~aize
(6.7 t/ha).

A ·field experimerit · was conducted at Agriculture Rese·arch
station, Kabre to identify proper doses of compost and
mineral fertilizers under a maize millet system from
from 1994 to 1996. Results of thr~e years indicated that
higher grain and straw yield of finger millet was
optalned from treatment FYM 10 t/ha + N P1o5~o 50:40:30
· · · kg/ha respectively appl ied at the time o"f maize sowing
+ 50 kg N/ha top dressed to finger millet (1.5 t/ha}
followed by FYM 10 t/ha + 25 kg N top dressing to maize
and 25 kg N to millet (1.3 t/ha). Highest maize yield
was obtained from treatment where 10 t/ FYM/ha +
100:40:30 kg N: P05 :~0/ha was applied to maize (6.8
t/ha} followed by ioo:40:30 kg N: P2o5 : ~0/ha to ~aize
(6.7 t/ha).

A total of 17 genotypes, consisting of 3 .released
varieties, 3 pools and other promising genotypes were
screened for resistance to Rhizoctonia zeae vo<;>r. under
artificial inoculation at NMRP Rampur. The effect of
sheath inoculation for banded leaf and shea~h. blight
disease was not evident however, the effect of ear
inoculation was .distinct. ·Genotypes has been categorized
into three groups viz. susceptible to· . ·highly
susceptible,· · moderately susceptible and mod~rately
resistant on the basis of ear infection. Howerver,
further research is necessary in order to conclude the
results.

A total of 17 genotypes, consisting of 3 .released
varieties, 3 pools and other promising genotypes were
screened for resistance to Rhizoctonia zeae vo<;>r. under
artificial inoculation at NMRP Rampur. The effect of
sheath inoculation for banded leaf and shea~h. blight
disease was not evident however, the effect of ear
inoculation was .distinct. ·Genotypes has been categorized
into three groups viz. susceptible to· . ·highly
susceptible,· · moderately susceptible and mod~rately
resistant on the basis of ear infection. Howerver,
further research is necessary in order to conclude the
results.

Two species of Rhizoctonia, R. sollini f. · sp. sasaki:,
·the imperfect state of Thanatephorus cucumeris and R".
zeae, the imperfect state of waitea circinata, causing ·
ear rot diseases are prevalent in the country.
Although, ear rot disease is considered of less
importance in terai and inner terai a loss in grain
yield of to 42 % was found due to R. zeae in an
experiment conducted at Rampur, Chitwan. The ear rot
infection percent was observed to be 74% under
artificial inoculation conditions. No difference in the
number of plant stand was observed between the
inoculated and protected plots.

Two species of Rhizoctonia, R. sollini f. · sp. sasaki:,
·the imperfect state of Thanatephorus cucumeris and R".
zeae, the imperfect state of waitea circinata, causing ·
ear rot diseases are prevalent in the country.
Although, ear rot disease is considered of less
importance in terai and inner terai a loss in grain
yield of to 42 % was found due to R. zeae in an
experiment conducted at Rampur, Chitwan. The ear rot
infection percent was observed to be 74% under
artificial inoculation conditions. No difference in the
number of plant stand was observed between the
inoculated and protected plots.

Six varieties·; of ·'each rice and mS,ize ·were .eUaiua.te:~i i.n
the farmer's' :· field of three· OR sites ·of Agricultur~· .: ,·.
Research Stati.oii Rampur to· select ·superior- varieti-es·.
during 1996 suninler. Rice variety AS . 781-1 was su{>e:ddt . "'·'
to others in all the three sites due to earlin'ess, fine ·· ·
grain type, blast resistance and higher grain; yield. "It: · ·
fitted well .in sequential cropping pattern. Rice variety
RP 1017 was the second choice of the farmers from Rajhar
and Sukranagar being taller plant height and fine grain
type. Among the tested maize varieties Rampur composite
and Narayani were comparable for gtain yield while rest
of the other were low yielder. Soybean variety OCB 81-1
was superior to others due to earliness and bold grain
type. It wa.s suitable to soybean-rapeseed cropPing
system;

Six varieties·; of ·'each rice and mS,ize ·were .eUaiua.te:~i i.n
the farmer's' :· field of three· OR sites ·of Agricultur~· .: ,·.
Research Stati.oii Rampur to· select ·superior- varieti-es·.
during 1996 suninler. Rice variety AS . 781-1 was su{>e:ddt . "'·'
to others in all the three sites due to earlin'ess, fine ·· ·
grain type, blast resistance and higher grain; yield. "It: · ·
fitted well .in sequential cropping pattern. Rice variety
RP 1017 was the second choice of the farmers from Rajhar
and Sukranagar being taller plant height and fine grain
type. Among the tested maize varieties Rampur composite
and Narayani were comparable for gtain yield while rest
of the other were low yielder. Soybean variety OCB 81-1
was superior to others due to earliness and bold grain
type. It wa.s suitable to soybean-rapeseed cropPing
system;

Participatory Variety Selection· (PVS) on rice (early
season and normal season) and maize (spring season and
normal season) were conducted at various outreach
research (OR) sites in _research command area (RCA) of
Lumle Agricultural Research -centre (LARC) from 1990 to
1996~ The objectives of the PVS programme were to
compare and verify the performance of prom1s1ng
varieties across the farmers .' wealth classes (viz. rich,
medium and poor) under farmers' management conditions
and to provide farmers with an opportunity to select
and multiply the varieties according to their needs and
circumstances.
In PVS on early rice, the adoption level of improved
early rice varieties was only 15%, and IR-44595 (30%)
was found to be the highest adopted variety' followed by
IR-13155 (16%) and NDR-97 (~5%). The adoption of
improved early rice varieties wa5· found associated with
wealth class, soil fertility and domain where, .the
adoption was highest on rich farmers, highly fertile
soil and in mid hill areas. In PVS on normal rice for
low hill areas, the adoption level of improved normal
rice was 52%, and variety wise adoption was highest in
Aus-masul.i (61%) followed by AS-781 (57%), Rad.ha-17
(39%) and IR-8423 (34%). The adoption of improved normal
rice varieties was found highest in low hill areas with
male respondents. In PVS on normal rice for mid hill
areas, the adoption level of improved varieties was 28%,
and variety wise adoption was highest in Khumal-4· { 40%),
followed by Khumal-9 (29%) ,. Khumal-5 (25%) and Khumal-7
{22%). The adoption of improved rice varieties was
highest in highly fertile soi 1. In PVS on high hi 11
rice, the adoption level of improved varieties was 37%, _and
the adoption rate was more in Chhomrong Dhan (47%)
tha.il Palung-2 (15%). The rate of adoption was found
associated only with soil fertility status where, the
.adoption was highest on highly fert_ile soil.
In PVS on spring maize, the adoption level of improved
spring maize was 49%, and .the highest adoption was in
variety Arun-1 (52%)· followed by Arun-4 (46%) and Arun-2
(44%). The adoption was. highest with rich farmers, bari
· land with no irrigation facility and in high hi 11. areas.
Similarly in PVS on full season maize, the adoption
· level of improved maize was 57% where the rate of

adoption was highest in Manakamana-1 (75%) followed by
, Ganesh-2 (57%), Rampur-2 (50%) and Makalu-2 (41%}. The
adoption of improved maize varieties was found highest
in rich farmers, soil with higher fertility level and
with Gurung/Magar castes.

Participatory Variety Selection· (PVS) on rice (early
season and normal season) and maize (spring season and
normal season) were conducted at various outreach
research (OR) sites in _research command area (RCA) of
Lumle Agricultural Research -centre (LARC) from 1990 to
1996~ The objectives of the PVS programme were to
compare and verify the performance of prom1s1ng
varieties across the farmers .' wealth classes (viz. rich,
medium and poor) under farmers' management conditions
and to provide farmers with an opportunity to select
and multiply the varieties according to their needs and
circumstances.
In PVS on early rice, the adoption level of improved
early rice varieties was only 15%, and IR-44595 (30%)
was found to be the highest adopted variety' followed by
IR-13155 (16%) and NDR-97 (~5%). The adoption of
improved early rice varieties wa5· found associated with
wealth class, soil fertility and domain where, .the
adoption was highest on rich farmers, highly fertile
soil and in mid hill areas. In PVS on normal rice for
low hill areas, the adoption level of improved normal
rice was 52%, and variety wise adoption was highest in
Aus-masul.i (61%) followed by AS-781 (57%), Rad.ha-17
(39%) and IR-8423 (34%). The adoption of improved normal
rice varieties was found highest in low hill areas with
male respondents. In PVS on normal rice for mid hill
areas, the adoption level of improved varieties was 28%,
and variety wise adoption was highest in Khumal-4· { 40%),
followed by Khumal-9 (29%) ,. Khumal-5 (25%) and Khumal-7
{22%). The adoption of improved rice varieties was
highest in highly fertile soi 1. In PVS on high hi 11
rice, the adoption level of improved varieties was 37%, _and
the adoption rate was more in Chhomrong Dhan (47%)
tha.il Palung-2 (15%). The rate of adoption was found
associated only with soil fertility status where, the
.adoption was highest on highly fert_ile soil.
In PVS on spring maize, the adoption level of improved
spring maize was 49%, and .the highest adoption was in
variety Arun-1 (52%)· followed by Arun-4 (46%) and Arun-2
(44%). The adoption was. highest with rich farmers, bari
· land with no irrigation facility and in high hi 11. areas.
Similarly in PVS on full season maize, the adoption
· level of improved maize was 57% where the rate of

adoption was highest in Manakamana-1 (75%) followed by
, Ganesh-2 (57%), Rampur-2 (50%) and Makalu-2 (41%}. The
adoption of improved maize varieties was found highest
in rich farmers, soil with higher fertility level and
with Gurung/Magar castes.