Aim: The present investigation was undertaken to assess the per se performance, correlation, heritability and genetic advance of temperate genotypes of Cape-gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) under sub-tropical condition of District, Nalanda, Bihar (India). Methodology: About 4-6 leaf stage seedlings of 18 temperate genotypes of Cape-gooseberry were arranged in the field in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Each plot consisted 3.00 m x 2.00 m with spacing of 60 cm and 45 cm between and within rows, respectively. Recommended package of practices were applied to raise a good crop. The data were recorded on ten randomly selected plants for eight characters viz., plant height, number of fruit bearing branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit weight, total soluble solids and fruit yield per plant at maturity, and finally data were subjected to statistical analysis to derive valid conclusion. Results: Significant variation was observed for yield and all the yield traits studied except for plant height. High heritability was observed for fruit weight (0.85) and Total solble solids (0.87). Genetic advance was high for branches per plant (25.87), fruit yield per plant (23.21) and fruit weight (22.57). The fruit yield per plant was strongly positively associated with number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and Total soluble solids at genotypic level. Interpretation: Exhisting variability can be utilized for improvement of the crop. Number of branches per plant and number of fruits per plant are governed by additive genes. Heterosis breeding can be rewarding for the trait having high heritability coupled with low genetic advance. Strong genotypic correlation indicated that yield can be enhanced by giving due weightage to number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and total soluble solids during selection. Key words: Cape-gooseberry, Correlation, Genotypes, Genetic advance, Heritability, Yield

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The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block design assigning time of planting (Factor A), planting geometry (Factor B) with four replications to assess the effect of date of planting and planting geometry on growth and yield of Kalmegh cv. CIM Megha. The experiment was conducted at Experimental farm, Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai, Nalanda (Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour) in the year 2013-14 and 2014-15. Factor A consisted of three time of planting viz., 15th May, 01st June and 15th June and factor B consisted of two levels of spacing S1 (30 x15 cm) and S2 (30 x20 cm). Pooled data on different growth and yield characters revealed 15th June as  best time of planting of Kalmegh and proclaimed highest values for plant height (75.46 cm), Plant girth (7.69 mm), no. of secondary branches, no. of leaves per plant and total dry matter yield (31.75 q/ha) . on the other hand spacing level of  S2 (30x20 cm) also recorded highest values for plant height (68.75 cm), plant girth (7.75 mm), no. of secondary branched/plant, no. of leaves/plant and total dry matter yield (27.38 q/ha). The treatment combination of 15th June as time of planting and plant spacing of 30 x20 cm found best for planting of Kalmegh in the growing conditions of the Nalanda. It was followed by planting time 15th June and plant spacing of 30x 15 cm for higher growth and yield of Kalmegh.

Organic mulches are easily available and cheap in North Bihar region. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to find out the suitability of different types of organic mulches in tomato cultivation. Among the vegetables tomato cultivation faces challenges in producing crop without chemicals for effective weed control. Use of several kinds of mulches gives the opportunity to control weeds effectively, regulate soil temperature and also lower down evaporation from the soil. The experiment was conducted in Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jalalgarh, Purnea during 2015 and 2016. The treatments were designed by using different organic materials as mulch i.e. pea straw, dry neem leaves, paddy straw and one control without mulch. The observations were recorded on plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, days to 50% flowering, average fruit weight (gm) and total fruit yield (q/ha). The mulches were spread after twenty days of the transplanting of tomato seedlings in 10 cm thick layer. The result of the experiment indicates that organic mulches reduced soil temperature and weed infestation. All these enhanced the growth and fruit yield of tomato as well as weed control, soil moisture conservation and temperature modification resulted good crop growth with more quality fruit yield.

Organic agriculture seeks to augment ecological process that foster plant nutrition while conserving soil and water resources. Organic systems eliminate agrichemicals and reduce other external inputs to improve the environment as well as farm economics. It is a production system which favours maximum use of organic materials like crop residues, FYM, compost, green manures, oil cakes, biodynamic preparations and bio fertilizers etc. to enhance crop production, carbon sequestration and improve soil health. Organic production system is based on specific and precise standards of production which aim to achieving agro-ecosystems which are socially and ecologically sustainable. As demand for organically grown food has been growing rapidly and significant proportion of consumers believe that organic food is qualitatively better than non organic, the present study showed not only the quality of the produce but also quantitatively higher yield that touched the world record production (660 q/ha) in Nalanda Bihar.