The effect of four nitrogen levels {0 kg N ha -1 (N 0 ), 50 kg N ha -1 (N 1 ), 100 kg N ha -1 (N 2 ) and 150 kg N ha -1 (N 3 )} two QPM hybrids {Shaktiman-2 (G 1 ) and Shaktiman-4 (G 2 )} and three levels of sulphur { 15 kg S ha -1 (S 1 ), 30 kg S ha -1 (S 2 ) and 45 kg S ha -1 (S 3 )} in quality protein maize (QPM) production for two years on an experimental field (Sandy clay loam) located at Agricultural Dryland Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. Each treatment was replicated three times in split plot design. The aim of research was to determine the influence of nitrogen and sulphur levels on yield, quality and economics of QPM hybrids under dryland condition.The significantly highest plant height, leaf area index (LAI), yield, net returns, benefit: cost ratio (B: C), lysine and tryptophan content were recorded with 150 kg N ha -1 (N 150 ) as compared to N 100 , N 50 and N 0 . On average QPM hybrids, Shaktiman-4 produced significantly taller plant (171.68cm), higher LAI (5.49), grain yield (60.54 q ha ), net return (Rs. 39825.09 ha -1 ), B: C ratio (2.26), tryptophan content (0.79%) and lysine content (3.91) than Shaktiman-2× S 15 .

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A pot experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effect of priming with salicylic acid (SA) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) on induction of drought tolerance in two contrasting wheat genotypes C-306 (relatively drought resistant) and HD-2329 (relatively drought susceptible). The seeds were pretreated with SA (0.5 mM) and H 2 O 2 (10 mM) separately as well as in combination and were subjected to water deficit condition at early seedling stage (23 days after sowing) by withholding irrigation. The decrease in moisture content (dry weight basis) as compared to control was 13.48% (0-15 cm), 11.05% (15-30 cm) and 10.19% (30-45 cm). Proline content was found to elevate along with increase in total soluble sugars and K content in leaves of treated plants during water deficit. Combined application of SA and H 2 O 2 also increased total chlorophyll and carotenoid content with reduced TBARS reflecting enhanced membrane stability during water deficit. SOD and APX activities were considerably increased along with rise in the levels of GR and CAT indicating elevated ROS scavenging mechanism. Thus, pretreatments of seeds with a combination of SA (0.5 mM) and H 2 O 2 (10 mM) increased accumulation of compatible osmolytes, elevated antioxidant response and improved photosynthetic pigments during water deficit stress.

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of different arsenic concentrations on various germination and growth parameters of wheat. For this, wheat seeds of variety HUW-234 were expose with five arsenic (AsV) concentrations viz., 50 µM, 100 µM, 150 µM, 200 µM and 250 µM, while treatment without AsV considered as control (AsV 0). Various growth parameters such as germination percentage, germination index, shoot length, root length, seedling vigour index, dry matter has been recorded at 3 days of germination. Results of study revealed that the germination percentage, germination index, Shoot length, root length, dry matter and SVI significantly reduced at the increasing the arsenic (AsV) concentrations. Results of study suggested that arsenic have harmful effects on seed germination and establishment in wheat crops which restricts plant growth and development.

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