bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Packages on Quality and Extension of Shelf-Life in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. Mill.)
Authors: Bhuvaneswari S , Singh T H , Sadhashiva A T
Published: August 2023

Tomato hybrid NS-2535 at the turning stage was packed in three different packages, namely, Corrugated Fibre Board (CFB) boxes of size 400 x 300 x 150mm, plastic crates (400 x 300 x 150mm) and polyethylene bag of size 300 x 450mm. Samples were stored at ambient conditions (Temperature: 28-30°C, RH: 55-62%). The samples were analyzed for weight loss (%), spoilage (%), biochemical qualities and shelf-life during storage. Fruits had a shelf-life of 11 days in all the packages. At the end of the storage period, tomato packed in CFB boxes and plastic crates showed less spoilage (8.7%-7.65%) and lower weight loss (5.02-5.48%). Biochemical analysis showed that lycopene (2.282 and 2.414 mg/100g, respectively), carotenoids (6.46 and 5.26 mg/100g, respectively) and ascorbic acid content (28.83 and 31.14mg/100g, respectively) were higher in tomato packed in CFB boxes and plastic crates compared to those packed in polyethylene bag. Samples packed in CFB boxes had a higher content of total sugars (2.54%) than those in other packages. From our studies it was found that storage life of tomato (hyb. NS-2535) packed in CFB boxes and plastic crates could be extended upto 11 days at ambient conditions, with less spoilage, lower weight loss and greater retention of ascorbic acid, lycopene and total sugar content.
Origin, distribution and systematics of culinary cucumber (Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis var. conomon)
Authors: Swamy K R M
Published: August 2023

The non-dessert or culinary forms of C. melo are a distinct group distributed and adapted well essentially under humid tropics of Southern India. Culinary cucumber or vegetable cucumber (Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis var. conomon) belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae, genus Cucumis, species melo, subspecies agrestis and variety conomon. In English, it is popularly called as Mangaluru cucumber, Oriental pickling melon, Japanese pickling melon, golden melon, culinary melon, Indian yellow cucumber, yellow cucumber, lemon cucumber, and so on. Although much of the information about culinary cucumber calls them cucumbers they are not cucumbers! They are actually a part of the so called “conomon” group of melons (Cucumis melo). Traditionally the conomon melons have been used in the Far East for pickling. Culinary cucumbers have a special feature that the fruits can be stored up to 8-10 months without losing their freshness. They can be stored for many weeks by hanging them from the ceiling, firmly bound by thin coconut fibre ropes. This ethnic vegetable is used for preparation of various culinary items. Even seeds are used for preparation of juice against dyspepsia. In this review article, the aspects about the family to which culinary cucumber belongs, genus Cucumis, origin and distribution of the genus Cucumis, domestication of melons (Cucumis melo), intraspecific classification of Cucumis melo, genetic diversity in melons, crossability among Cucumis species, and among Cucumis melo subspecies, origin and distribution of culinary cucumber, uses, nutritional value, medicinal properties, evaluation of germplasm, high yielding varieties, cultivation aspects, have been discussed. Understanding the evolutionary history and domestication process, increases the possibility for better exploiting the genetic diversity for cultivar development. Its storage trait can be transferred to muskmelon by adopting a suitable breeding method. The local landraces or varieties which are highly tolerant to high temperature, drought, pests and diseases in summer, can also be employed as a useful breeding material.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Himsagar
Authors: Talang H D , Dutta P , Mukhim C , Patil S
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was carried out for two years (2012-13 and 2013-14) to study the effect of integrated nutrient management comprising of biofertilizers (Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Trichoderma and Pseudomonas) conjointly with chemical fertilizers and organic manures on growth, yield and quality as well as soil chemical properties of mango cv. Himsagar at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Regional Research Station, Gayeshpur. Result revealed that treatment with half (1000:500:1000 g NPK/tree) + 50 kg FYM + Azospirillium (250 g) + 100 g potassium mobiliser (T6) recorded maximum plant height (5.79 m), girth (64.91 cm) and plant spread in east-west (5.63 m) and north-south direction (5.46 m) than the other treatments. The treatment T8 consisting of half (1000:500:1000 g NPK/tree) + 50 kg FYM + 5 kg vermicompost + 100 g potassium mobiliser recorded maximum number of fruits (230.31 / tree), fruit weight (261.48 g), yield (60.22 kg /tree) and also have a significant improvement in terms of TSS (19.66 0Brix), total sugars (16.48 %), ascorbic acid (33.56 mg/100 g pulp), â-carotene (6935 μg/100g pulp) and shelf life (9 days) at room temperature as compared to other treatments, concomitant with higher values of soil (N-198.22 kg/ha, P-58.44 kg/ha and K-326.93 kg/ha) and leaf nutrient (N- 1.77 %, P-0.67 % and K-1.08 %) contents.
Genetic divergence assessment in Kale (Brassica oleracea L var. acephala (DC.) Alef.) by using the multivariate analysis
Authors: Singh S R , Ahamed N , Kumar Dinesh , Srivatsava K K , Yousuf Sabeena , Mir Abid
Published: August 2023

A total of 87 genotypes collected from different geographical areas of Kashmir valley evaluated at one site to determinate genetic variability. Considerable diversity was found in different traits of horticultural importance. High coefficient of variation and wide range and mean differences of studied traits indicated the existence of wide genetic variability. Three principal component having eigen value more than one and cumulatively accounted for 84.85 percent of total variability of evaluated horticultural traits. The leaf weight, leaf length, leaf width, leaf yield / plant and yield (q/ha) were major contributing traits towards the first principal component. Similarly number of number of leaves/plant was impotent contributed traits toward principal component -II, whereas plant height was main contributing traits to principal component -III. The maximum inter cluster D2 value (731.04) was observed between cluster IV and cluster -I and followed by between cluster -V and cluster- I (677.29) and between cluster II and I (430.13).It indicated that genotypes belongings with these groups were genetically most divergent and may be use for hybridization to get better segregants.
Genetic diversity studies among AAB group Indian banana cultivars using ISSR markers
Authors: Ravishankar K V , Rekha A , Menon Rema , Anoopa C K , Sudeepa K , Poornima R
Published: August 2023

Banana and plantains are generally classified based on morphological characteristics namely AA, AAA, AB, AAB and ABB. Further, there are four sub-groups in AAB genomic group. Presently we analyzed diversity using ISSR markers in 18 cultivars of AAB genomic group along with two each of AA types and BB wild accessions for comparison. The results have shown that AAB cultivars form a separate group. Dendrogram analysis showed that the subgroups ‘Plantain’ ‘Silk’ and ‘Mysore’ were placed in between AA and BB type. Whereas ten cultivars of ‘Pome’ sub group of the cultivars were unique and was placed in a separate cluster. In this study using ISSR markers, we are able to identify the subgroups clearly and their genetic relationships within the AAB group. The cultivars Rasthali and Nendran were clearly separated. The Pome sub-group cultivars found to be in a group which may be based on their geographical origin.
Effect of GA3 and fungicide at colour-break stage for extension of bearing period and shelf-life in Khasi mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.)
Authors: Singh S R , Phurailatpam A K , Singh Siddhartha
Published: August 2023

The effect of GA3 of different concentrations along with fungicide was investigated on ten year old trees of Khasi mandarin to study the extension of bearing period and its post harvest shelf life the year, 2014-2015. Fruits on the tree at colour break stage were sprayed with seven concentrations of 10, 15, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 ppm of GA3 each along with the fungicide (Carbendazim 1g/L of water) and the control (no GA3 and fungicide). Among the different treatments, optimum fruit retention (237 fruits/tree) was observed in T5 (GA3@30ppm + fungicide i.e Carbendazim 1g/L of water) as compared to control (162 fruits/tree) and also extended the harvesting period for about 18.3 days in T7 (GA3@45ppm + fungicide i.e Carbendazim 1g/L of water) which is at par with T5 and T6 (18 days). Besides, imposition of GA3 and fungicide at colour break stage also minimized the physiological loss in weight, spoilage loss, shriveling and thus, extended the post harvest shelf life of the fruits of about one week as compared to control under the room temperature.
In vitro regeneration and conservation of an endangered medicinal plant sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina L.)
Authors: Gantait Subhendu S , Dutta Koushik , Majumder Jayoti
Published: August 2023

An investigation on in vitro plant regeneration of endangered medicinal plant Rauvolfia serpentina L. was carried out. The newly emerging leaves were used as explants, which were transferred to half strength MS medium along with various combinations of growth regulators for callus regeneration. The half strength MS medium fortified with 5.0 mgl-1 2,4-D and 2.0 mgl-1 NAA was found most suitable for qualitative (light green colour) and quantitative callus production (86%). The shoot regeneration (81.67 %) and elongation (5.67 cm) was highest in full MS medium supplemented with 6.0 mgl-1 BAP and 2.0 mgl- 1 GA3 and consequently, the root initiation was highest (55%) in half strength MS medium containing 3.0 mgl-1 IBA. The regenerated plantlets were preserved for nine months in good condition through repeated subculturing on full strength MS media. The callus were kept in storage by repeated sub-culturing in in vitro condition on MS medium fortified with 0.2 mgl-1 2,4-D and the preservation could be extended for nine months in its best condition. It was evident that, the regeneration capacity of callus was reduced as the time of callus storage was increased.
Manipulation of shade and plant density for enhanced production of cut-foliage in Ruscus hypophyllum L.
Authors: Singh Ranjit , Singh Parminder , Kaur Jaswinder
Published: August 2023

Cut foliage are deep green with long lasting and evergreen properties which are commonly preferred by the floral industry as accents in floral arrangements. Ruscus hypophyllum L. is one of the commercially produced cut foliage material for making good line, filler and mass material in making floral arrangements. It requires shade for growth. Experiments were conducted with the objectives to find out optimum shade levels and planting density. The rhizomes were planted in factonal randomized block design under three shade levels ( 0, 50% and 75%) and three plant spacing (30x30 cm, 30x40 cm, 30x50cm) with planting density of 18, 15, and 12 plants per m2, respectively. It was observed that different shade levels and plant spacings exhibited significant effect on plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf size and number of stems harvested per plant. The plants were recorded tallest under 75 % shade levels and 30x30 cm plant spacing (61.30cm and 54.48 cm, respectively). The number of leaves produced per plant were maximum (69.99) under 75% shade, however, number of leaves per plant were maximum under 30x30cm spacing. Among various shade levels, 75% shade level resulted in maximum number of cut stems (16.28) that was at par with 50% shade level (16.08). However, the cut stems harvested per plant were recorded maximum (16.67) under 30x30cm spacing. From the results obtained, it was concluded that Ruscus hypophyllum grown under 75% shade level with 30x30 cm spacing and planting density of 18 plants per m2, produced maximum yield of cut stems with longer stem length.
Incidence of cetonid beetles, Protaetia alboguttata (Vigors) on karonda, Carissa carandas
Authors: Kamala Jayanthi P D , Kempraj Vivek , Murthy B N S
Published: August 2023

Severe infestation of cetonid beetles, Protaetia alboguttata (Vigors) has been noticed on karonda at the experimental station of Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru during the year 2013. The mean damage on the ripe fruits was found to be 22.40+2.50% with a range of 15.00 – 30.00%. Considering the polyphagy of cetoniids, these beetles can pose direct threat to the cultivation of karonda.
Effect of biofertilizers and micronutrients on growth, leaf yield and quality of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cv. Sadhana
Authors: Mounika Y , Sivaram G Thanuja , Reddy P Sham Sundar , Ramaiah M
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2015-16 at Research Farm, College of Horticulture, Dr.Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Anantharajupeta (Andhra Pradesh), India, to study the effect of different biofertilizers and micronutrients on growth, leaf yield and quality of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cv. Sadhana. The experiment was conducted in a factorial randomized block design with biofertilizers and micronutrients. The biofertilizer treatments were seed inoculation with Azospirillum, Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB), Azospirillum + Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB) and control (without any biofertilizer), while the micronutrient treatments comprised of foliar sprays of Zinc sulphate, Copper sulphate, Ferrous sulphate each at @ 0.5% and control (without any micronutrient). The sixteen treatment combinations were replicated thrice. Among the treatments, seed inoculation with Azospirillum + PSB+ foliar spray of zinc sulphate @ 0.5% recorded maximum plant height, number of primary branches, leaf area, fresh leaf yield per plant, leaf yield per plot, leaf yield per hectare, dry matter production, protein content, ascorbic acid content and moisture content. While, the lowest days to germination and leaf chlorophyll contents were recorded with the seed inoculation of Azospirillum + PSB + foliar spray of ferrous sulphate @ 0.5%.
Seasonal influence on volatile aroma constituents of two banana cultivars (Grand Naine and Nendran) under Kerala conditions
Authors: K S Shivashankara , K C Pavithra , G A Geetha , T K Roy , Patil Prakash , Menon Rema
Published: August 2023

Banana is a tropical fruit with a pleasant flavour, widely consumed throughout the world. Volatile aroma compounds are responsible for olfactory flavor of banana. However, the development of aroma flavors is affected by the atmospheric temperatures during fruit growth period. In order to get good quality fruits in terms of aroma it is essential to understand the optimum temperature for maximum aroma production. The approach used in this study was to alter the dates of harvest to understand the optimum temperature required for maximum production of volatile compounds under Kerala conditions. The results revealed that with increased temperature volatile aroma compounds decreased in cvs. Grand Naine and Nendran. Total volatile compounds were higher in cv. Grand Naine compared to cv. Nendran. Cultivar Nendran recorded increased concentrations of esters, alcohols and decreased aldehydes, ketones, hydrocarbons and acids at high temperatures. Phenols and other constituents did not show much variation with respect to the temperature variation in both the cultivars. Among esters, Isoamyl butanoate and 3-Methylbutyl-3-methylbutyrate esters were the most abundant in both the cultivars. Ketones, especially 4-Methyl-1-penten-3-one was higher in cv. Nendran whereas esters were lower compared to cv. Grand Naine. Total area of aroma constituents in cultivars Grand Naine and Nendran were high in October followed by February with mean atmospheric temperature of 30.5ºC and 32.6ºC respectively. In case of cv. Nendran, total area of esters and alcohols were maximum at high temperature (34.5ºC) but in cv. Grand Naine, esters and alcohols decreased with high temperature. Results indicated that fruits harvested in October were better in terms of volatile aroma quantity in both the cultivars due to lower atmospheric temperature. Seasonal variations affected the two cultivars differentially in terms of percentage of groups of volatile compounds.
Fruit and vegetable exports in the post-liberalization era: The Indian experience
Authors: A Indhushree , Kuruvila Anil , Thomas Jesy , C Latha Bastine
Published: August 2023

The liberalization of agricultural trade brought about by the economic reforms of 1991, the subsequent WTO agreement and the proliferating Regional Trading Agreements have opened opportunities as well as challenges for India’s horticultural trade. This paper analyses the performance of horticultural exports from the country in terms of growth, instability, dynamics, diversification and stability with respect to commodities and markets and the constraints in terms of the Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) faced and delineates the opportunities and strategies required to be followed by the sector for a sustainable growth. The horticultural exports from the country have grown significantly in both quantity and value terms during the period from 1991 to 2016. The highest share in the exports of horticultural products from India was accounted by grapes for which the major markets were Netherlands, Russia, United Kingdom, UAE, Germany and Saudi Arabia. Among the vegetables, India accounted for about 9.4 per cent of share in world exports of onion and the main destinations were Bangladesh, Malaysia, UAE and Sri Lanka. The horticultural exports have shown increased commodity diversification as well as geographical diversification due to increased market access in developed countries. Even though the tariffs have come down there by increasing the exports, the NTMs, especially quality issues in connection with sanitary and phyto-sanitary regulations have increased in the post- liberalization era. Given the inherent potential and rising competiveness of the India’s horticultural sector, the removal of product specific constraints, especially production of commodities of international standards could definitely help in sustaining the growth of horticultural exports.
Partial root zone drying irrigation in papaya (Carica papaya L.) for enhanced water use efficiency under limited water situations
Authors: L Manjunath B , H Laxman R , K Upreti K , B Raghupati H
Published: August 2023

Field experiments were conducted during 2015-17 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bengaluru, to standardize the partial root zone drying irrigation in papaya with 12 treatments in RBD design. The results indicated that better soil moisture in the root zone could be maintained under drip irrigation by shifting laterals on either side at fortnightly intervals as compared to fixed laterals with thesame amount of water. Significantly more primary roots (16.5/plant) were observed when irrigation was scheduled on one side with single emitter meeting 60% of the evaporative demand. PRD irrigation through shifting of laterals recorded significantly higher transpiration rate especially at 50% of ER (8.05 m mol m-2 s-1) as compared to the control (3.95m mol m-2 s-1). Further, the same treatment recorded significantly lower fruit cavity index (0.26) with relatively higher fruit volume (1388 cm3). Irrigating papaya only on one side with single emitter resulted in significantly higher T.S.S (13.0%). Higher water productivity (23.7 kg/m3) could be obtained by scheduling the irrigation at 40% evaporation replenishment through shifting of laterals with saving of substantial water (1285m3/ha) resulting in higher water use efficiency (237.4 kg/ha.mm).
Breeding tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses
Authors: Sadashiva A T , Hanson Peter , Krishna Reddy M , Ravishankar K V , Prasad Manoj , Prasanna H C , Madhavi Reddy K , Singh T H , Saritha R K , Hussain Zakir , Mythili J B , Shivashankara K S , Bhatt R M , Laxman R H , Tiwari R B , Sridhar V , Sowmya V , Kumar N P , Kumar Manmohan , Kaushal Ashish , Rai Amarjeet Kumar , Jatav Vinod , Bhat Lasya
Published: August 2023

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important vegetable crop cultivated in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Low productivity in India is due to occurrence of both biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses, tomato leaf curl disease, bacterial wilt, early blight and Groundnut Bud Necrosis Virus disease have become serious production constraints causing considerable yield loss in the major tomato growing areas of the country. Adoption of multiple disease resistant varieties or F1 hybrids would be the most appropriate way to address these diseases. At ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru systematic breeding strategies were employed to pyramid genes for resistance to early blight, bacterial wilt and tomato leaf curl diseases and to develop advanced breeding lines& F1 hybrids with triple disease resistance. Stable source of resistance to early blight and bi-partite begomo-virus (Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus) has been identified in Solanum habrochaites LA-1777. Validation with molecular markers linked to tomato leaf curl virus resistance revealed that LA-1777 carryTy2 and other putative resistant genes. Several high yielding dual purpose hybrids were also developed for fresh market and processing with high level of resistance to multiple diseases. Cherry tomato lines have also been bred for high TSS, total carotenoids, total phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, acidity and lycopene content. IIHR-249-1, IIHR-2101 (Solanum habrochaites LA-1777), IIHR- 2866 and IIHR-2864 recorded high values for quality parameters like total carotenoids, lycopene, vitamin C, total phenols, flavonoids and TSS. Drought tolerant root stock has been developed by an interspecific cross between S. habrochaites LA-1777 and S. lycopersicum (15 SB SB). Resistant sources have also been identified against Tuta absoluta, a serious insect pest reported from major tomato growing areas in the country in recent time. High temperature tolerant breeding lines are in pipe line.
Integrating technological solutions to identify the potential locations for rainwater harvesting interventions in ICAR-IIHR farm at Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru
Authors: A Bhanu , Ramaswwamyreddy Suresh
Published: August 2023

Water constitutes the prime requirement for existence and sustenance of all life forms. It is also the most vital component for enabling economic and social development. The quantum of rainfall and surface water availability have remained constant leading to overexploitation of ground water, declining water table levels and deterioration of water quality. ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru is wholly dependent on rains and borewell water for irrigation of experimental plots and laboratory needs apart from demand from other utilities and residential colony. There is water shortage because of reduced output from borewells, change in rainfall pattern, and, the dried up Aivarakhandapura lake. This resource scarcity has to be balanced critically with increasing water demand due to enhancement of cultivated land, more experimental activities, construction of new buildings and additional environment controlled polyhouses/ greenhouses. Devising practical solutions for management of scarce water resource is a big challenge. This paper focuses on Water Conservation and Water Balance in farm area of ICAR - IIHR (in Arkavathy basin near Hesaraghatta) with morphological and hydro-geological analyses to understand the in-situ percolation / infiltration and runoff characteristics taking into account the topographical features of the area. The study also covers the application of Penman-Monteith equation standardized by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO56-PM) simultaneously with crop coefficient approach (single crop coefficient) for estimation of values of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and crop evapotranspiration under standard conditions (ETc). A series of systematic, logical and scientific steps are adopted to arrive at validated conclusions. This paper presents the data collected from various sources and tests which are compiled and collated using advanced computer applications like AutoCAD, Arc GIS, MS Excel and Adobe Photoshop. The results obtained from these applications are used to analyze and arrive at potential locations for engineering interventions in the farm area for effective and efficient harvesting of rainwater leading to conservation and ground water recharge.
Effect of integrated nutrient management on dry herbage yield, nutrient uptake and profitability of French Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)
Authors: Mansour Baraa AL , D Kalaivanan , A Suryanarayana M , K Nair A
Published: August 2023

Field experiments were conducted at ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru during Kharif season of 2015 and 2016 with nine treatments and three replications in a randomized block design to find out the effect of integrated nutrient management on dry herbage yield, nutrient uptake and economics of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). The results revealed that the conjunctive use of inorganic fertilizer along with FYM increased the dry herbage yield and nutrient uptake of sweet basil. Application of recommended FYM (10 t/ha) along with recommended NPK (160:80:80 kg/ha) registered the highest dry herbage yield (8.43 and 3.76 t ha- 1) in the main crop and ratoon, respectively and maximum uptake of nutrient in the main crop as N (155.67 and 113.19 kg/ha), P (43.80 and 32.43 kg/ha) and K (163.33 and 116.16 kg/ha) and in ratoon (56.43 and 26.65 kg ha-1), (16.14 and 14.01 kg ha-1) and (55.65 and 39.27 kg ha-1) in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Highest B: C ratio (5.49) was obtained with application of full dose of recommended NPK fertilizer during 2015. While in 2016, the maximum B: C ratio (3.71) was recorded with application of recommended dose of NPK (160:80:80 kg/ha) + FYM (10 t/ha).
Evaluation of commercial dipping oil for production of quality raisins from Thompson Seedless grapes
Authors: Sharma Ajay Kumar , Naik Sharmistha , D Sawant S , Kadam Pratiksha , G Somkuwar R
Published: August 2023

Grape growing in India is mainly confined to tropical peninsular regions of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is estimated that approximately 95% of total grapes are produced in Maharashtra and Karnataka alone. About 71 per cent of total grape production of the country is consumed as fresh and 27 per cent is processed into raisins. Grape drying is mainly concentrated in Sangli, Solapur and Nashik districts of Maharashtra and Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts of Karnataka. Generally, after dipping of grape bunches in solution of ethyl oleate and potassium carbonate (also known as Australian dip) the grape bunches are spread on nylon mesh inside grape drying shed and within 10-15 days drying process completed. There are several commercial products/substitutes for dip treatment available in the market. However, it has been reported that effectiveness of these products is variable. Therefore, present investigation was carried out to study effectiveness of a new commercial product for raisin production from Thompson Seedless grape variety in comparison to ethyl oleate. Grape bunches of Thompson Seedless were dipped in these solutions prior to drying inside raisin drying shed. Besides, the drying bunches were also sprayed with different concentrations of these products on 3rd and 5th days of drying. Observations were recorded on drying dynamics, browning index, colour intensity, content of phenols and tannins, sensory properties and quality parameters after storage for 4 months. It was observed that the dip treatment of Thompson Seedless grapes with a solution of 18 ml commercial product and 24 g potassium carbonate per litre of water for 2 minutes and sprays of 12 ml commercial product +16 g potassium carbonate per liter water on 3rd day and 6 ml commercial product + 8 g potassium carbonate per liter water on 5th day was found better than ethyl oleate for production of good quality raisins.
Inheritance of parthenocarpy in gynoecious cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivar PPC-2
Authors: S Jat G , D Munshi A , K Behera T , C Bharadwaj
Published: August 2023

The gynoecious and parthenocarpic inbred line, Pant Parthenocarpic Cucumber-2 (PPC- 2) was crossed with Indian monoecious and non-parthenocarpic cultivar Pusa Uday to develop F1, F2, B1 and B2 to determine the inheritance of parthenocarpy.The crop was grown under insect proof net house of 40 mesh. The pistillate buds were covered using butter paper bags before anthesis to prevent out-crossing.The observations were recorded separately for the development of early parthenocarpic fruits (i.e.1-7th nodes), late parthenocarpy (8th and above nodes) and non-parthenocarpic fruits. In F1 generation, out of 40 plants screened, 2 plants produced parthenocarpic fruits at lower nodes (1-7th nodes), 37 plants produced parthenocarpic fruits at upper nodes (8th and above), whereas,only 1 plant that did not produced any fruit was considered as non-parthenocarpic. The segregation of F2 population and test crosses for parthenocarpic fruit development suggested that parthenocarpy in gynoecious and parthenocarpic cucumber line PPC-2 is under the control of incomplete dominant gene.
Eco friendly packages for freshness retention and shelf life extension of tuberose flower
Authors: S Bhuvaneswari , Sangama Sangama
Published: August 2023

Tuberose is one among the important commercial flower crops popular for its pleasant fragrance in domestic as well as export market. Packaging material plays an important role in retention of freshness of tuberose flowers. At present, tuberose flowers are packaged in bulk in wet gunny bags and sold in whole sale market. For retail market, polyethylene covers are largely used for packaging of tuberose flowers which is not eco friendly. Hence, an attempt is made to standardise alternate eco friendly packages which will retain freshness and extend the shelf life of tuberose flowers. Experiments were conducted by packaging loose tuberose flowers (cv. Local Single) in areca nut sheath cup, banana leaf cup and peepal leaf cup. The samples were stored in both ambient (Temp 25-26°C, RH 52%) and low temperature (Temp 10p C, RH 86%). Periodical observations on colour index, freshness index and fragrance index were done using standard procedures. Studies revealed that arecanut sheath cup was found suitable for retail packaging of tuberose with higher freshness (82.26%), fragrance (71.21%), had shelf life upto 2 days in ambient storage condition when compared to flowers packaged in banana sheath cup and peepal cup which had less freshness and fragrance index in similar storage condition. In low temperature storage also tuberose flower packaged in areca nut sheath cup had higher freshness index (87.84), colour index (79.63) and fragrance index (71.21), as compared to flowers packaged in banana sheath cup and peepal leaf cup and shelf life of 7 days.
Storage behavior of potato cultivars under ambient conditions in the Nilgiris
Authors: R Sudha , P Venkatasalam E , K Divya , Bairawa Aarti , Mhatre Priyank H
Published: August 2023

Storage behavior of different potato cultivars viz., Kufri Swarna, Kufri Girdhari, Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Neelima and Kufri Himalini was assessed for post harvest loss under ambient storage conditions of Nilgiri region. The study was carried out in three different seasons (Spring, Summer and Autumn) during 2013-2015. All the cultivars showed dormancy period of more than six weeks in all the three seasons. Cultivars varied widely in their weight loss, sprouting behavior and cooking quality. Among the varieties Kufri Girdhari found to possess good storage qualities while Kufri Swarna showed poor keeping quality in all the three seasons. All the cultivars recorded less total weight loss during autumn season. The study indicated that importance should be given to the storage behavior of the cultivars along with yield in order to have better keeping quality for regular supply of tubers for table as well as seed purpose.
Effect of plastic low tunnel and mulch type on soil temperature, growth, earliness and yield of brinjal under net-house and open field in plains of North-Western India
Authors: Dhatt Ajmer Singh , Garg Naveen , Singh Rajinder , Aujla I S
Published: August 2023

A two-year study was conducted to compare the performance of brinjal hybrid BH-2 using paddy straw mulch @ 6 t ha-1, clear plastic mulch (25 μm), black plastic mulch (25 μm), plastic low tunnel and control (bare soil) under net-house and open field at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. The maximum increase in morning and afternoon soil temperature over bare soil was observed using black plastic mulch followed by clear plastic mulch in both net-house and open field whereas paddy straw mulch reduced the soil temperature over bare soil in open field. Under net house, black and clear plastic mulch were better than other treatments and recorded maximum plant height (50.8 cm and 43.7 cm), number of leaves/plant (64.8 and 64.3), early yield (7.1 and 6.6 t ha-1), number of fruits/plant (16.1 and 14.4) and total yield (57.4 and 55.7 t ha-1), respectively. In open field, plastic low tunnel was the best treatment and recorded maximum plant height (40.4 cm), number of leaves/plant (51.2), early yield (5.9 t ha-1), number of fruits/ plant (14.6) and total yield (58.5 t ha-1). The study offers the scope of enhancing brinjal production in spring and early summer which may be highly profitable for farmers.
Screening wild and cultivated cucurbits against root knot nematode to exploit as rootstocks for grafting in cucumber
Authors: Thangamani C , Pugalendhi L , Punithaveni V
Published: August 2023

Yield of mono-cropped cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is reduced by root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita Kofoid and White). Use of resistant rootstocks in grafting may overcome the problem. Cucurbitaceous species were screened against root knot nematode to evaluate their use as rootstocks in grafting. Inoculation was with nematodes @ 2 J2·g-1 (J2 = second stage juvenile) of soil in pot culture at the 1 to 2 true leaf stage, 45 days after inoculation, plants were uprooted and observations made to calculate Root Knot Nematode Index (RKI). Cucurbita moschata, Cucumis metuliferus, Citrullus colocynthis and Cucumis callosus were resistant having a RKI-2. Cucurbita ficifolia, Cucurbita maxima, Cucumis melo sub sp. agrestis were moderately resistant with a RKI-3. Total phenols content in roots indicates plant resistance to M. incognita. Cucumis metuliferus had the highest mean total phenols content (16.98 mg·g- 1 of root) followed by Citrullus colocynthis (16.08 mg·g-1 of root) and Cucurbita moschata (15.37mg·g-1 of root). Resistant rootstocks possessed higher peroxidase and PPO activity than susceptible ones. Cucumis metuliferus had the highest value of peroxidase and PPO activity (3.83 OD·min-1·g-1 of root and 3.67 OD·min-1·g-1 of root) followed by Citrullus colocynthis (3.26 and 3.63 OD·min-1·g-1 of root), Cucumis callosus (3.02 and 2.98 OD·min-1·g-1 of root) and Cucurbita moschata (2.93 and 2.94 OD·min-1·g-1 of root). Cucumber scions, ‘Green Long’ and ‘NS 408’ had lower peroxidase and PPO activity of 0.64 and 1.42 OD·min-1·g-1 and 0.57 and 1.31 OD·min- 1·g-1 of root, respectively. Resistant and moderately resistant cucurbitaceous species may be used for further studies possibly leading to improved yield.
Effect of plant growth regulators and pinching on growth and flower yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)
Authors: Sathappan C T
Published: August 2023

Marigold is one of the commercially exploited flower crop that belong to the family Asteraceae. Presently, in our country the commercial extraction of marigold carotenoids is becoming popular in many states. The production of economical yield and better quality of marigold flowers, requires proper crop management techniques. Crop regulation and flower forcing are important techniques to make the marigold production profitable. This can be done by adopting pinching and application of PGRs. Hence, an experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, in factorial randamized block design replicated thrice with 14 treatments with two F1 hybrids viz., Gold Benz tall and Maxima yellow. The experiment comprised of GA3 @ 50, 100 and 150ppm, NAA @ 50, 100 and 150ppm, MH @ 250, 500 and 750ppm, Alar @ 200, 400 and 600ppm and pinching with untreated control. The study revealed that the growth parameter like plant height, number of laterals per plant, number of leaves per plant were significantly influenced by the application of GA3 and NAA. Among the varieties, Gold Benz tall performed better for all the growth attributes but var. Maxima yellow performed better for the number of laterals per plant. The plant sprayed with of GA3 @ 150ppm registered the maximum plant height (70.44cm), number of laterals per plant (16.13), number of leaves per plant (383.76) and leaf area (113.51cm2) and control evinced the least values in the growth parameters. Application of GA3 and NAA significantly enhanced flowering when compared to control, while pinching delayed flowering. The treatment of GA3 @ 150ppm in both Gold Benz tall (30.13 and 406.21 g plant-1) and Maxima yellow (33.16 and 402.83 g plant-1 recorded maximum number of flowers per plant and flower yield respectively as compared to control. Based on the above results, it is revealed that foliar spray of GA3 @ 150 ppm was found to be superior in increasing the yield of flowers in both the varieties.
Effect of pre harvest foliar spray of growth regulators on pre and post harvest parameters in ornamental sunflower genotype M-17R
Authors: Naik Kirtimala B , Nataraj S K , Shadakshari Y G , Kumar D P , Seetharamu G K , Jayaprasad K V
Published: August 2023

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of pre harvest foliar application of growth regulators on the pre and post harvest flower quality in ornamental sunflower during the year 2012-13, at College of Horticulture, GKVK campus, UHS, Bagalkot. At 60 DAS highest plant height was with GA3 @ 150 ppm (154.73 cm) followed by GA3 @ 200 ppm (146.20 cm) and GA3 @ 250 ppm (145.53 cm). Sodium silicate @ 250 ppm (4508.77 cm2) registered maximum plant spread at 60 DAS. Foliar application of GA3 @ 150 ppm (25.00) produced highest number of leaves which was at par with Sodium silicate @ 250 ppm, GA3 @ 200 ppm and GA3 @ 250 ppm recording 24.87, 24.80 and 24.67 leaves respectively. Calcium sulphate @ 200 ppm registered highest leaf area of (4930.30 cm2) which was at par with Sodium silicate @ 250 ppm, Calcium sulphate @ 300 ppm, Chlormequat chloride @ 500 ppm, Sodium silicate @ 350 ppm, and Chlormequat chloride @ 1000 ppm with 4792.64, 4735.04, 4721.75, 4503.05 and 4430.02 cm2 respectively.
Morphophysiological characters of Dendrobium var. Yellow Splash as influenced by bioinoculants and different levels of benzyladenine
Authors: Shilpa P , Sankar Mini , Sudhadevi P K , Geetha C K , Vijayaraghavan Reshmi
Published: August 2023

Dendrobium is the most commonly grown tropical orchid species in India and Kerala. They are highly specific about their nutrient requirement. The use of bio-inoculants in crop production of ornamentals has opened up a new possibility of using them for improving the growth and yield of orchids. Hence the objective of study was to evaluate the response of Dendrobium cv. Yellow Splash to different kinds of bio-inoculants viz., AMF, Azospirillum and a microbial consortia PGPR Mix – 1 developed from KAU, along with 50, 100 and 150 ppm of benzyladenine. The experiment consisted of ten different treatments involving bio-inoculants and benzyladenine. Plant height and number of leaves were maximum in the plants inoculated with AMF along with 100 ppm benzyladenine. Treatment comprising of Azospirillum and 100 ppm benzyladenine was superior in terms of other morphological parameters like leaf breadth, leaf area and plant spread. Maximum leaf length and highest number of shoots were observed in plants inoculated with Azospirillumand 150 ppm benzyladenine. Considering the floral parameters, both quantitative and qualitative attributes were found to be superior in the treatment consisting of AMF along with 150 ppm benzyladenine. Highest root length was observed under the treatment AMF along with 100 ppm benzyladenine while number of roots and root volume were maximum in the plants inoculated with Azospirillum and 150 ppm benzyladenine. Plants inoculated with AMF and 100 ppm benzyladenine had highest chlorophyll content while highest stomatal frequency was observed under the treatment Azospirillum and 100 ppm BA. From the study it could be concluded that inoculation of Dendrobium orchids with bio-inoculants like AMF and Azospirillum can significantly improve the morphological characters of the plants which in turn influence the production of quality spikes.
Genome wide analysis of heat responsive microRNAs in banana during acquired thermo tolerance
Authors: Vidya S M , Ravishankar K V , Laxman R H
Published: August 2023

MicroRNAs are a class of small regulatory RNAs in plants, which play vital roles during various abiotic and abiotic stress conditions including plant processes. In this present study, we examined the expression of miRNAs and their predicted target expression levels during heat stress in banana. Out of 235 miRNA found in Musa, 40 miRNA showed homology to heat responsive miRNAs from other plants. Further, 14 targets for miRNA were predicted that are potentially regulated by their cognate miRNAs and were monitored under three stages of stress viz, induction, induction + lethal alone using qPCR analysis. The results suggest that generally, there is a negative relationship in the expression patterns of miRNA and their predicted cognate targets - HSP70, HSP90, SAP, DNAj genes. These were highly up regulated and their respective miRNAs showed lower expression. This is the first report in banana, which demonstrated that during induction stress, various thermo-protective genes are activated at initial stages of stress to achieve thermotolerance through altered miRNA expression. The results will help in broadening our understanding acquired thermotolerance and their regulation by miRNAs in plants.
Increasing the Efficacy of GA3 Sprays in Cluster Elongation and Berry Thinning in Tas-A-Ganesh Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) in Tropical Viticulture
Authors: Shikhamany S D , Borade V Swapnil , Jeughale K Sanjay , Patil Suryakant Y
Published: August 2023

In view of the stage specificity for the efficacy of blanket sprays of GA3 for berry thinning, a field trial was laid out to achieve uniform flowering in Tas-A-Ganesh grapevines subjected to chemical defoliation prior to and hydrogen cyanamide application at fruit pruning in the double pruning and single cropping system during 2013-14 and 2014-15 fruiting seasons in growers’ vineyards around Nashik, Maharashtra by removing the un-uniformly thick canes. GA3 at different doses was sprayed two or three times to address the variation in uniform flowering, if any in cluster elongation and reducing the berry number/cluster. Cane regulation and GA3 sprays were used to achieve uniformity in bud break and flowering. Cluster compactness was derived by multiplying the number of berries/ cm length of rachis with berry diameter. Regression analysis of the variation has revealed that the cane diameter, through uniformity in bud break, influenced the uniformity in flowering which in turn influenced the cluster compactness through increased efficacy of blanket GA3 sprays in reducing the berry number/ cluster. Based on the optimum values of the contributory factors to cluster compactness, cane removal coupled with two blanket sprays of GA3 @ 30 g a.i./ha or retention of all canes coupled with three blanket sprays of GA3 @ 20 g a.i./ha was found to be ideal to obtain loose to well filled clusters. Taking together into account the effect of treatments on cluster compactness, yield and quality, retention of all canes coupled with three sprays of GA3 @ 20 g a.i./ha was considered appropriate for table grape production in Tas-A-Ganesh cv. of grapes.
Studies on factors influencing the vegetative propagation in walnut (Juglans regia L. )
Authors: Singh S R , Ahmed N , Srivastava K K , Shagoo P A
Published: August 2023

The experiment was carried out to examine the effect ofdifferent status of physiologically resting scion wood,environment and grafting time for maximum graft success in walnut. Three status of physiologically resting scion wood (apical, sub- apical and basal), were subjected to grafting on four different grafting time (15th February, 1st March, 15th March and 1st April)placed under three environmental conditions(open field,poly trench and polyhouse).Sub-apical portion of resting scion wood resulted in highest sprouting, graft success and plant growth, whereas grafting on 15th March manifested highest graft success. Poly house environmental conditions recorded maximum grafting success and plant growth. Sub apical status of scion wood with 15th March grafting under poly house conditions recorded highest sprouting, graft success and plant growth of walnut and found ideal for clonal propagation of walnut.
Nutrient management in jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) under rainfed condition
Authors: Laishram M , Ghosh S N
Published: August 2023

An investigation was taken up on eight years old seedling trees of jackfruit, planted at 10 x 10 m spacing at the Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri (Nadia, West Bengal) of the Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya with a view to know the effect of different organic manures and inorganic nutrients (N, P and K) on production, fruit quality, soil heath and foliar NPK status. Results from the three consecutive years of investigation, it was revealed that highest dose of NPK (N 500 P300 K300 g/tree/year) resulted in highest yield (76.3 kg / tree) but gave lower BCR (benefit cost ratio) of 1.13 while its lowest dose (N200P100 K100 g/tree/year) gave higher BCR of 2.00. Among the organic manures, vermicompost at 4.00 kg/tree/year produced second higher yield (56.3 kg/tree) with best quality fruits and this treatment resulted in highest BCR of 2.17. Soil NPK status and pH improved under different treatments as compared to respective initial values. Foliar NPK values were differed among the treatments although it could not be correlated to the fruit yield.
16S rRNA gene taxonomic profiling of endophytic bacteria associated with phylaenopsis roots
Authors: Girija D , Rajeevan P K , Balakrishnan Swathi , Panchami P S , Mohan Mahesh
Published: August 2023

Orchids are one of the main groups of ornamental plants commercially exploited. In the present study, we analyzed the diversity of bacterial community in Phalaenopsis root using metagenomic approach. The diversity of bacterial taxonomic category was assessed at different Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU) levels using Ribosomal Database Project (RDP) pipeline and MG-RAST. At phylum level, Proteobacteria (61.34%) was the most dominant group followed by unclassified derived from bacteria (24.74%) and Actinobacteria (12.52%). Genus level analysis revealed the abundance of Rubrobacter, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter. The study revealed that of the total species detected 50.83 per cent were unclassified, stressing the importance of metagenomics to assess the diversity of endophytes associated with orchid roots.