bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palynological investigations in Jasminum spp.
Authors: Ganga M , Lakshmi J , Manivannan N , Rajamani K
Published: August 2023

The present investigation was carried out at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2017-2019. The study involved nine jasmine genotypes, four falling under the commercially cultivated types and five belonging to underutilized species or ‘lesser-known species’. The study was undertaken to investigate and document the palynological parameters of jasmines which could serve as a reliable reference for future jasmine breeding programmes. The palynological investigations were carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), haemocytometry, acetocarmine test, and in vitro pollen germination. The pollen morphology analysis indicated wide variation among the species for the shape of the pollen grain, ranging from tricolpate to prolate; the exine ornamentation was reticulate in all the genotypes. Pollen output was the highest in J. rigidum (28,660 pollen/flower) and the lowest in (625 pollen/ flower) in J. sambac cv. Ramanathapuram Gundumalli. The maximum pollen germination rate and pollen tube length were recorded in J. rigidum.
Studies on bioavailability of iron from fe-fortified commercial edible mushroom Hypsizygusulmarius and standardization of its delivery system for human nutrition
Authors: Pandey Meera , Gowda N K S , Satisha G C , Azeez Shamina , Chandrashekara C , Zamil M , Roy T K
Published: August 2023

Iron is one of the most important micronutrients for human health. Iron deficient diet and defective iron absorption are among the major reasons for iron malnutrition. Mushrooms are edible fungi, which are a very good source of iron and can be easily grown on agricultural residues at-home scale, dehydrated, and stored in powder form, which can supplement the daily diet. Although mushrooms in general and oyster mushrooms, in particular, are a rich source of iron, yet, have not become a recommended diet by nutritionists due to lack of data pertaining to its bioavailability from mushrooms. Data has been generated in the present study on the in vitro bioavailability of iron from non-fortified and iron-fortified Hypsizygus ulmarius, which is a commercially grown species. This is the first report pertaining to the bioavailability of iron from iron-fortified mushrooms. A delivery system for human nutrition was also standardized in the form of Arka Mushroom Fortified Rasam Powder using iron-fortified and non-fortified mushrooms, which can be used to mitigate iron malnutrition. The data generated in this study will help in providing application techniques to use mushrooms as a dietary source of iron in everyday diet to mitigate iron deficiency.
A promising new tamarind selection-lakshamana : Linking biodiversity with livelihood
Authors: Kanupirya C , Karunakaran G , Singh P
Published: August 2023

Tamarind is a well-known commodity of Indian cuisine having medicinal and industrial uses. It is a nutritious tree crop of widespread occurrence growing on marginal lands in semi-arid and sub-humid tropical climates of India, making it highly valuable in ensuring food security for rural poor. Given the great potential of this neglected and underutilized species to address global challenges such as hunger, poverty and climate change adaptation, there is a need to revisit research and development priorities in its favor and to develop strategies together with stakeholders to increase its utilization. In the present study, a survey was undertaken in Tumkur district of Karnataka to characterize the variability available in tamarind for pod and tree characters and identify superior trees using horticultural traits. A farmer’s tamarind selection “Lakshamana” emerged from participatory breeding having significantly better traits compared to local tamarind.
Mexican creeper, Antigonon leptopus Hook. and Arn : An effective bee forage plant to conserve honey bee
Authors: Rami Reddy P V
Published: August 2023

Decline in honey bee populations has become a matter of concern and their conservation is very essential to sustain essential ecosystem services. They provide making available continuous supply of floral resources is of immense value in conserving honey bees. The effectiveness of an ornamental creeper, Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn as a sustainable bee forage plant was evaluated. It attracts four major native species of honey bees viz., Apis cerana, A. florea, A. dorsata and Tetragonula iridipennis. The wild little bee, A. florea was the most dominant forager followed by the Indian bee, A. cerana. The plant is amenable for easy multiplication through seeds as well as cuttings and meets both aesthetic and ecological needs. Using Antigonon, different studies related to honey bees like assessing species diversity, foraging behaviour, temperature driven shifts etc. can be carried out. Popularising perennial bee flora like Antigonon would help in conserving honey bees in both natural and urban habitats. Since Antigonon attracts all species of honey bees throughout the year, it could be utilized as a potential bioindicator of honey bee populations in a given environment.
Influence of potting mixture on growth and economics of stone graft of mango cv. alphonso
Authors: Lad O A , Kulkarni M M , Ragaji S G , Gavankar M S , Burondkar M M , Gokhale N B , Pawar C D , Khandekar R G , Kshirsagar P J , Desai V S
Published: August 2023

Konkan is considered as an important mango belt of India. This belt is not only famous for the production of the king of mango ‘Alphonso’ but also for the supply of quality planting material throughout the country. Soil is the basic medium used in the nursery. Availability of quality soil for nursery is getting scared and it is a need of the hour to find out lightweight, well-aerated media for reducing transport cost and mortality. Hence field experiment was carried out to find the response of mango cv. Alphonso stone grafts in the different potting mixtures. The treatment cocopeat + leaf manure + compost (1:1:2) was recorded significant increase in plant height (129.40%), girth of grafts (38.08%), highest number of shoot (1.50), number of leaf (22.70), highest absolute growth rate (0.1483 cm/day) and relative growth rate (0.0237 cm/cm/day). Whereas, maximum leaf area (617.03 cm2) was obtained in soil + leaf manure (1:1) followed by leaf manure + cocopeat (1:3) (610.17 cm2) leaf manure + cocopeat (1:3). Maximum root length (21.97 cm) and dry weight of root (7.23g) were obtained in treatment cocopeat + leaf manure + compost (1:1:1). The economics involved for different treatments showed that cocopeat + leaf manure + compost (1:1:2) was recorded with the highest B:C (1.39) followed by Soil + Cocopeat (1:1) in stone grafting. From the above investigation, it is concluded that potting mixture had a significant effect on the growth performance and economics of mango grafts. For raising mango grafts, the media containing cocopeat along with leaf manure and compost was the ideal soilless media.
Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.): An underutilized and traditionally valued tree holding remarkable potential
Authors: Jattan Minakshi , Kumari N , Kumar Raj , Kumar A , Rani B , Phogat D S , Kumar S , Kumar P
Published: August 2023

Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) commonly known as “drumstick tree” belongs to the family Moringaceae. It is now grown worldwide but its native region is India. It is a fast-growing tree that responds to low inputs and has high regeneration potential after cutting. Its nutritional value and capacity to grow economically in different soils and environmental conditions make it a wonder tree. It is highly nutritious and each part is being utilized in various forms. It is widely cultivated for its young pods, flowers, and leaves for use as traditional herbal medicine and vegetable. It is also used by indigenous people in the tropics and sub-tropics as a source of remedies. The leaves are also used as a source of fodder in many countries of the world as they can sustain green fodder availability around the year without extra efforts. Various parts of this tree are good sources of ascorbic acid, calcium, iron, protein, and antioxidant compounds. Hence, its remarkable properties help to fight nutritional deficiency, human diseases and improve the performance of livestock.
Characterization and evaluation of mountain sweet thorn (Flacourtia montana J. Grah) collections
Authors: Tripathi P C , Ganeshan S , Radhika V , Shetti D L
Published: August 2023

Mountain sweet thorn (Flacourtia montana J. Grah) is an indigenous underutilized fruit of the Western Ghats and other regions of peninsular India. It is a close relative of Governor’s plum. It is a bushy shrub or small tree with spiny trunks and branches which may grow up to 2.5 m in height. The fruits are bright dark red 1-2 cm in diameter, sweet edible, and have the potential for processing into jams and jellies. The presence of thorn is one of the major hurdles for the commercialization of this crop. Thus, seeds of the thorny plants of the Mountain sweet thorn were collected from different locations, and seedlings were planted to identify the suitable line. The plant height ranged from 425 cm (accession 0208) to 710 cm (accession​ ​0202). The plant girth ranged from 34.5 cm to 82 cm. The growth data revealed that all​ ​the accessions are vigorous, fast-growing, and have various levels of thorniness. All the​ ​accessions were found to be spreading type. Significant variability was recorded for leaf​ ​characteristics among the accessions studied. Three major clusters were observed in​ ​cluster analysis for morphological and fruiting characters consisting of 1, 8, and 9 accessions,​ ​respectively. The number of fruits ranged from 0 to 4008. The highest yield (9.46 kg/plant)​ ​was obtained in accession - 0106 followed by accession- 0201 (7.83 kg). The average​ ​fruit weight ranged from 1.51 g to 3.94 g. The highest fruit weight (3.94g) was also recorded​ ​in 0106 followed by 2.84 (0102). The total soluble solids ranged from 10 0 Brix to 15.1 0​ ​Brix. Overall, accession 0201 was found better than others with respect to yield, regular​ ​bearing, and less thorniness.
Optimization of methodology for the extraction of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity from Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) seeds
Authors: Arivalagan M , Priyanka D R , Rekha A
Published: August 2023

Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) seed is one of the rich sources of polyphenolic compounds​ ​with antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. A study was conducted to​ ​optimize the methodology for the extraction of polyphenolic compounds (total phenolic​ ​and flavonoid contents) with antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity​ ​from Jamun seed powder. The study showed that the nature of solvent and extraction​ ​conditions had a significant effect on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content​ ​(TFC), antioxidant potential, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The TPC varied between​ ​6.0 (mg/g Jamun seed powder) for the acetone extract to 119.2 (mg/g) for 80% aqueous​ ​acetone extract and TFC varied between 1.06 mg/g for the acetone to 10.81 mg/g for the​ ​80% aqueous methanol. From the study, it was apparent that an aqueous form of acetone​ ​(acetone: water 80:20, v/v) is a better solvent system for extraction of polyphenolic​ ​compounds with high antioxidant potential and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.​ ​Ultrasonication for 60 min increased the efficiency of phenolic extraction.
Effect of fungicide and essential oils amended wax coating on quality and shelf life 77-90 of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck)
Authors: Bhandari M , Bhandari N , Dhital M
Published: August 2023

Laboratory research was conducted to study the effect of wax amended coating on the shelf life of Citrus sinensis Osbeck during 2017-18 at Rampur, Chitwan. The experiment was conducted in single factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with nine treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of carbendazim and three essential oils viz. lemongrass, mentha and eucalyptus oil at two different concentrations of 0.1% and 0.5%, all of them infused with 10% wax emulsion. The wax treatment devoid of fungicide and essential oils served as control. The application of essential oils with wax improved shelf life and enhanced juice retention, firmness, titratable acidity, vitamin C and disease reduction. But total soluble solid was found higher in fruits treated with wax emulsion only. The highest shelf life and disease control was obtained with wax with 0.5% carbendazim but waxing with 0.5% eucalyptus oil and 0.5% lemongrass oil can be better alternatives considering their superior performance in environmental aspects, consumer preferences and quality parameters like juice retention, firmness, titratable acidity and vitamin C.
Morpho-physiological parameters associated with chlorosis resistance to iron deficiency and their effect on yield and related attributes in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Challam Clarissa , Dutt S , Sharma J , Raveendran M , Sudhakar D
Published: August 2023

The aim of the study was to assess genotypical differences over different stages for morphophysiological parameters associated with iron (Fe) deficiency and their effect on yield. The factorial pot experiment was comprised of two major factors, i) soil-Fe status of natural vertisol [Fe-sufficient and Fe-deficient soils], and ii) genotypes [CP-3443, CP- 4105, CP-3486 and CP-4069] with differential iron-induced deficiency chlorosis (IDC) response. Data were recorded and associations between different traits were estimated. Under Fe-deficient soil, tolerant genotype (CP-3443) recorded significantly higher chlorophyll content, peroxidase activity in leaves, and better yield compared to susceptible genotypes which verified usefulness as IDC tolerant potato genotypes characteristics.
Induced variability for yield and its attributing traits in cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L. ) Taub] through gamma irradiation
Authors: Lavanya H N , Mishra S , Sood M , Aghora T S , Anjanappa M , Rao V K , Reddy A B
Published: August 2023

Gamma ray is an effective mutagen which creates useful variability for crop like cluster bean where the natural variation is very meagre and creation of variability by conventional methods is cumbersome. In the present study, cluster bean cv. Pusa Navbahar was treated with different level of gamma rays from 50 Gy to 600 Gy with 50Gy interval and obtained M2 population was subjected to variability estimation for yield and its attributing traits in augmented block design. The variance between the control and the mutants was found to be significant for plant height, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant, pod length, pod width, pulp to seed ratio. For these traits, PCV ranged from 14.28 per cent (pod width) to 31.99 per cent (pulp to seed ratio) whereas, GCV ranged from 10.10 per cent (pod width) to 24.16 per cent (pulp to seed ratio). The heritability in broad sense ranged from 50 per cent (pod width) to 79.99 per cent (Plant height). Genetic advance expressed as percentage over mean ranged from 2.06 per cent (pod width) to 222.44 per cent (plant height). The traits like plant height, pod length, pod width, pulp to seed ratio showed sufficient variability due to induced mutation. All these traits showed medium to high heritability and high genetic advance hence selection for these traits will be effective.
In vitro multiplication protocol for Curcuma mangga : Studies on carbon, cytokinin source and explant size
Authors: Waman A A , Bohra P , Karthika Devi R , Pixy J
Published: August 2023

Mango ginger (Curcuma mangga Valeton & Zijp.) is an underutilized rhizomatous species that has been valued in tropical Asian countries as a source of vegetable, spice, salad, medicine, and essential oil. This species is hardy and requires less care for obtaining good yields. Rhizomes are the commonly used propagules for the species, which are also the economic part of the crop. Huge quantity of seed rhizomes is required to promote this crop in larger areas. An efficient in vitro multiplication protocol is one of the options to meet the planting material requirement. Effects of carbon source (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and concentration (1 and 3%, w/v), cytokinins (BAP and meta topolin) and concentration (1 mg/L and 2 mg/L), size of explants (one/ two/ three bud) and IBA treatment (0, 250, 500 and 1,000 mg/L) for concurrent ex vitro rooting cum hardening were studied. Results revealed that for facilitating efficient multiplication, the medium should be supplemented with glucose (3%) as a carbon source and meta topolin (1 mg/L) as cytokinin. Two-bud explant should be used for subculture as it promoted superior shoot proliferation. Concurrent ex vitro rooting cum hardening was possible even without auxin treatment. The present protocol could be useful for large-scale production of quality planting material of this underexploited tropical species.
Soil microbial community dynamics as influenced by integrated nutrient management practices in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivation
Authors: AL-Mansour Baraa , Kalaivanan D
Published: August 2023

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of integrated nutrient management practices on the microbial community dynamics of soils under sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) at ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru during the Kharif season of 2015 and 2016. There were nine treatments replicated thrice in randomized complete block design. The results indicated that integrated application of FYM (10 t/ha) + 100% recommended N through FYM + bio-fertilizer i.e., T2 recorded the highest population of heterotrophic free-living N2 fixers (40.66 and 63.33 CFU ×103/ g), phosphate solubilizing bacteria (5.6 and 6.6 CFU ×103/ g) and fungal (6.4 and 5.33 CFU ×103/ g) while T9 with the application of NPK (160:80:80 kg /ha) + FYM (10 t/ha) recorded the highest population of actinomycetes (29.93 and 44.56 CFU ×103/ g) in the soil during 2015 and 2016, respectively. Application of recommended dose of FYM (10 t/ha) in T7 resulted in a reduction in the population of heterotrophic free-living N2 fixers (26.13 and 34 CFU ×103/ g) and actinomycetes (20 and 30.5 CFU ×103/ g) whereas, the application of a recommended dose of chemical fertilizer in T8 recorded the lowest population of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (3.9 CFU ×103/ g) and fungal (3.6 and 2.5 CFU ×103/ g) during 2015 and 2016, respectively. The highest organic carbon (0.63 and 0.66 %) content in the post-harvest soil samples was recorded with the application of NPK (160:80:80 kg /ha) + FYM (10 t/ha) while, the lowest organic carbon value (0.52 and 0.53%) was recorded in T8 during 2015 and 2016, respectively. Application of recommended FYM (10 t/ha) along with recommended NPK (160:80:80 kg/ha) in T9 recorded maximum herbage yield in the main crop (41.59 and 38.31 t/ha) and ratoon (20.97 and 17.77 t/ha) during 2015 and 2016, respectively. The results obtained from this study clearly demonstrated that integrated nutrient management can maximize soil microbial community dynamics which is considered as the driving force behind regulating soil processes that support sustainable sweet basil cultivation.
Effect of spectral manipulation and seasonal variations on cut foliage production and quality of Philodendron (Philodendron ‘Xanadu’)
Authors: Nair Sujatha , Laxman R H , Sangama
Published: August 2023

Influence of spectral manipulation of light using coloured nets and seasonal variation on cut foliage yield and quality of Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ was evaluated under red, green, white and black coloured shade nets permitting light intensities ranging from 240.50 to 370μ mol m-2 s-1 (75% shade net), for two consecutive years from 2014-16, at ICARIIHR, Bengaluru. The plants grown under white shade net (75% shade) resulted in higher foliage production plant-1month-1 (14.53) and were on par with those grown under green shade net. The quality of the cut foliage in plants grown under white shade net with respect to stalk length (24.91 cm) and width of the lamina (5.19 cm) was on par with those under green and black shade nets. Coloured shade nets did not influence the vase life of the cut foliage. Developmental stages of the foliage under the different coloured nets have indicated that leaves attained the harvestable maturity stage at 29.92 days post-emergence under white shade. Cultivation of Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ under white shade resulted in maximum cut foliage yield and quality.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers from Garcinia indica and cross species amplification
Authors: Ravishankar K V , Vasudeva R , Hemanth B , Nischita P , Sthapit B R , Parthasarathy V A , Rao V R
Published: August 2023

Garcinia indica popularly known as ‘Kokum’ or Murugalu”, is a medium-sized evergreen tree found in the western-ghats of India. This tree species is highly exploited to produce anti-obesity drugs and culinary purposes. Its population is threatened by overexploitation and loss of habitat. The development of microsatellite markers would help in understanding the genetic structure and further to develop appropriate conservation strategies. In this study, using next generation sequencing platform Illumina Hiseq 2000, we have sequenced the partial genome of G. indica and identified 3725 microsatellites. Forty-eight microsatellite markers were analyzed using 30 accessions. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.718 to 0.968 with a mean value of 0.922. Allele per locus ranged from 3 to 33 per locus. The probability of identity values ranged from 0.00329 to 0.30489. Cross-species amplification SSR primers in the related species showed a moderate transferability from 12.5 % (for G. morella) to 18.7%(for G. gummigutta)
Studies on Physiological and Biochemical Changes in Relation to Seed Viability in Aged Onion Seeds
Authors: Bhanuprakash K , Yogeesha H S , Naik L B , Arun M N
Published: August 2023

Rapid loss in viability of onion seeds during seed storage is a major problem. Not much information concerning the physiological and biochemical changes is available. In the present investigations, seeds were aged artificially by exposure to 45°C+75% RH for a period of fifteen days. Samples were collected at three day intervals and physiological and biochemical changes in the aged seeds were compared to those in fresh seeds. Results revealed that ageing affected seed viability and vigour significantly and this effect was more pronounced with increase in duration of exposure to artificial ageing. Marked reduction in germination to an extent of 4,16 and 75% was noticed in three, six and nine day artificially aged (DAA) seeds, respectively, when compared to fresh seeds. Further increase in ageing duration to twelve and fifteen days resulted in total loss of germination. Increase in ageing duration decreased a amylase and dehydrogenase activities but increased peroxidase activity up to nine days of ageing. Lipid peroxidation increased consistently with increase in duration of ageing. At 15 DAA, 26.2% increase in malondialdehyde content over the control was observed. SDS PAGE protein profile and esterase zymograms of aged seeds showed alteration in banding pattern when compared to that of fresh seeds.
Response of Grape Rootstocks to Soil Moisture Stress
Authors: Satisha J , Prakash G S , Murti G S R , Upreti K K
Published: August 2023

Studies on root and shoot morphology, endogenous hormones and water use efficiency in five grape rootstocks namely Dogridge, 1613 C, Salt Creek, St. George and Vitis champinii clone (VC Clone) at three levels of moisture stress viz., no stress (100% irrigation), 50% stress (50% irrigation) and 100% stress (without irrigation) for 14 days revealed that Dogridge and Salt Creek rootstocks maintained the highest ratios of root to shoot length and root to shoot dry weight as compared to other rootstocks. Water use efficiency increased with increased soil moisture stress and was the highest in Dogridge and Salt Creek. The abscisic acid content in the leaves of Dogridge was maximum at 50% stress followed by that of Salt Creek. Similarly the cytokinin content (both t-ZR and DHZR) was minimum in Dogridge and Salt Creek at 50% stress while it was maximum in 1613 C and St.George. The root to shoot length ratio was positively correlated with ABA content under moisture stress conditions. The higher levels of abscisic acid content in Dogridge and Salt Creek under soil moisture stress suggested their better drought tolerance capacity through a reduction of stomatal conductance and increased water use efficiency.
Low Cost Strategy for Micropropagation of Lilium Asiatic Hybrid Cv. Toscana
Authors: Kaur R , Thakur Neetu , Sharma D R
Published: August 2023

A low cost protocol for in vitro propagation of Lilium cv. Toscana has been developed through incorporation of cost-effective media components. MS medium supplemented with 0.75 mg-1 BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) and 0.5 mg-1 NAA (α-naphthalene-acetic acid) was prepared with tapioca granules, table sugar and tap water in different combinations in place of agar-agar, sucrose and distilled water, respectively. Culture medium containing all the cost effective components was found to be the best for in vitro establishment of cultures yielding 6.00 bulblets per explant and medium supplemented with tapioca granules as cost effective component was found to be the best for in vitro multiplication of bulblets giving 3.70 bulblets per in vitro formed bulblet five weeks from third subculture. Tapioca supplemented MS medium containing 1 mg-1 NAA was significantly better than all the other modified media giving 86.62% in vitro rooting, 2.86 average root number and 4.60 cm average root length. For hardening of in vitro rooted bulblets, coco peat, peat moss and coco peat in combination with peat moss were found to be at par giving 100% survival.
Pheromone Trapping Protocols for Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): Evaluation of Trap Design, Quantity and Dispenser
Authors: Kumar N K Krishna , Kumari B Krishna , Singh H S , Ranganath H R , Shivakumara B , Kalleshwaraswamy C M
Published: August 2023

Studies were conducted at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, and Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Bhubaneshwar, India, to evaluate trap design, quantity of pheromone loading and dispensers for attracting brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) using indigenously synthesized pheromone lure [synthesized by Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad], during 2003 and 2004. A water trap consisting of plastic container (20 cm dia. and 7.5 cm depth) with a facility to place the pheromone septum was designed. Pheromone load of 4 mg in both water trap and Pest Control India (PCI®) delta trap was observed to catch higher number of male moths compared to dispensers with lesser loading. When trap designs were compared, water trap with pheromone lure was observed to attract higher number of males than Pest Control India (PCI®) delta trap. Among the different pheromone dispensers tested, rubber septum was superior to plastic vial or plastic septum. Rubber septum supplied by Bio Pest Management® captured significantly higher number of moths compared to rubber and plastic septum supplied by difTerent firms. A comparison of IICT synthesized lures along with some commercially available lures indicated that Bio Pest Management® lure dispensed in rubber outperformed PCI® and IICT lures.
Management of Bacterial Wilt of Tomato Caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) Yabuuchi et al Using Biological Control Agents
Authors: Kumar A Manoj , Ganesan Girija
Published: August 2023

Biological control agents, Glomus mosseae IIHR, Bacillus subtilis IIHR-1, Pseudomonas fluorescens IIHR+3, Trichoderma harzianum IIHR P1 and T. viride IIHR P22 were evaluated against tomato wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum in pathogen-infested plots during 2003-2004. Microbial preparations were applied either as transplant root dips or root dip plus soil drench 30 days after transplanting. Per cent survivability increased with the use of all biological control agents tested. However, G. mosseae treated plants resulted in better survival (25.75 and 28.79% in root dip alone and 60 and 66.67% in root dip plus drench against untreated control 0 and 1.5% during 2003 and 2004 respectively), compared to the rest of the treatments, suggesting G. mosseae amendment to pathogen-infested soil would result in substantially higher plant survival against the untreated controls.
Effect of Drying Conditions and Embedding Materials on Post-Harvest Quantitative Parameters in China Aster (Callistephus chinensis) Flowers
Authors: Meman M A , Barad A V , Raval L J
Published: August 2023

The study was undertaken to optimize conditions for dry flower production in China aster flowers. The experiment was conducted with eight treatment combinations consisting of two drying conditions viz., room drying (C1) and sun drying (C2) and four media viz. Sand (M1), Sand:Borax (1:1) (M2), Borax (M3) and Silicagel (M4) with factorial concept in completely randomized design. Per cent weight loss and moisture loss were signiflcantly higher under sun drying and silicagel during the entire process of drying from first day to fourth day. Moisture content was higher under room drying and borax from first day to fourth day.
Studies on the Extent of Genetic Contamination in Seed Production of Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangula Roxb.)
Authors: Padmini K , Naik L B
Published: August 2023

Studies were conducted during 2002-2005 (Rabi season) to evaluate the extent of genetic contamination in round fruited ridge gourd (recessive) vehen grown for seed production under open field conditions. The round fruited ridge gourd was sown at 200 m, 400 m, 600 m and 800 m distance from Arlia Sumeet (long fruited) which acted as the local marker (dominant). The highest percentage of genetic contamination was recorded at a distance of 200 m from the contaminator (Arka Sumeet) (28.62% and 88.1%, respectively, in the years 2003 and 2005). It was also observed that there was a gradual reduction in contamination level with increasing distance from 28.62 to 17.44% at 600 m distance in 2003 and 88.11% at 800 m to 74.23% in 2005. The lowest percentage of contamination was recorded at the highest isolation distance (at 600 m, 17.44% in 2003 and at 800 m, 74.24% in 2005), although it is not within the prescribed maximum permissible limit of genetic contamination (1 and 2% for foundation and certified seed respectively). In the present study, in all the isolation distances studied, the level of contamination is well above the permissible minimum seed certification standards (99 and 98 % genetic purity for Foundation and Certified seed respectively). Hence, any reduction in the isolation distance from the prescribed (800 m) isolation would drastically affect the genetic purity of ridge gourd for seed production under open field conditions.
Long Term Seed Storage Studies in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Doijode S D
Published: August 2023

Muskmelon cv Arka Jeet seeds were conserved in moisture permeable, semi permeable and impermeable containers at low (5°C) and sub-zero (-20°C) temperatures for 15 years. Seed deterioration in terms of loss of viability and vigour were minimal in low temperature stored seeds. The recovery of viable seed was 86% in -20°C stored seeds after 15 years of storage. Seedlings raised from stored seeds were vigorous, healthy and free from morphological abnormalities. Storage of muskmelon seeds at sub-zero temperature (-20°C) provides effective protection to genetic and planting material.
Influence of Morphological Characters on the Yield of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) - A Statistical Approach
Authors: Mahajan P K , Thakur M
Published: August 2023

Discriminate Analysis was carried out to formulate the categorization rule for allocating the apricot tree to "High Yielder Group" and "Low Yielder Group". Factor Analysis method was also applied to extract the basic factors underlying the observed morphological characters of apricot for both the High and Low Yielder groups. The study brought out five basic factors explaining 69.35% of the total variation in the case of High Yielder population and six factors explaining 74.14% of the total variation in the case of Low Yielder population, respectively. The first factor in both the populations contains the same variables viz. stem girth, number of branches and leaf area which indicate that these variables play an appreciable/significant role in increasing the yield of apricot (21 % in the case of High Yielder and 16.33% in the case of Low Yielder population.
Statistical Modelling for Pre-Harvest Forecast:An Illustration with Rose
Authors: Shamasundaran K S , Yenugopalan R
Published: August 2023

Crop yield forecast plays a vital role in arriving at pre-harvest yield estimate of a standing crop and to identify the stage at which reliable forecasting could be made before final harvest. In this paper, an attempt has been made to apply the regression technique for prediction of yield in rose. Rose, is an important flower crop not only for internal market but is also intended for export, and since it shrivels, estimation of yield of a standing crop before its actual harvest is essential. Based on results a model was developed, which showed that information from the first two pickings of a standing crop could be used to forecast rose yield to an extent of 77% two months before final harvest. It is also suggested to have a minimum sample size of 20 % to develop such a forecast model.
Problems and Prospects of Banana Breeding in India
Authors: Kumar N
Published: August 2023

Banana breeding programme in India involves maintenance of various genetic resources of banana, of which triploids constitute the maximum share over diploids or tetraploids. RAPD studies conducted in these clones exhibit many distinct genotypes. During a hybridization programme, although many crosses were made, seed set and seed germination were relatively poor in many crosses. Male fertility in banana hybrids could be assessed by pollen output per anther; pollen viability and pollen size, which vary from cross to cross, and also from ploidy to ploidy. Ploidy levels in hybrids are estimated by phenotypic appearance (scoring technique) and confirmed either by stomatal density, size and number of chloroplast per guard cell pair or root tip mitosis. However, flow cytometry appears to be the most reliable method in many disputed cases. Generation of parthenocarpic hybrids depends largely upon selection and utilization of parents with parthenocarpic pedigree in a breeding programme. Evaluation of hybrids and parents indicated the nature of inheritance with respect to plant height and suckering habit but no definite trend could be ascribed to the traits of bunch orientation. Diploid x Diploid breeding approach has led to identification of a superior triploid hybrid, NPH 02-01, while Triploid (with AB)xDiploid approach has led to the development of a promising diploid hybrid H.212 and a triploid hybrid H.96/7 (ABB). Similarly, the Triploid x Diploid breeding programme resulted in development of many potential tetraploids that need further improvement. Innovative breeding approaches through in vitro mutation breeding and in vitro polyploidazation resulted in the development of many potentially useful variants. Breeding for resistance against biotic stresses such as Fusarium wilt and nematodes holds promise in banana, and, biochemical mechanisms for resistance in resistant genotypes/hybrids have been elucidated.
Combining Ability Studies in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Tomar Rukam S , Bhalala M K
Published: August 2023

The parent Hara Madhu in E1, AMM-01-18 and AMM-02 -26 in E2 and AMM-01-18, AMM-02-26 and Hara Madhu on pooled basis exhibited positive and significant GCA effects for fruit yield per plant. Thus these three parents appeared to be good general combiners for fruit yield. Out of these parents AMM-01-18 had a good combining ability for fruit yield per plant, number of primary branches, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, moisture content, total soluble solids, acidity and total soluble sugars on pooled basis. Specific combining ability effects for fruit yield and yield attributing traits revealed significant and positive SCA effects in fourteen crosses for number of primary branches per plant, nine for fruit length, twelve for fruit girth, ten for fruits per plant, eleven for fruit weight, nine for fruit yield per plant, eleven for flesh thickness, nine for moisture content, twenty for total soluble solids, twenty for acidity and fifteen for total soluble sugars data in the desired direction in pooled analysis. However, some crosses like AMM-01-18 x AMM-02-26, Hara Madhu x RM-50 and AMM- 01-18 x DM-1 exhibited significant SCA effects for fruit yield per plant over environments along with some of the component traits in different environments.
Synergistic Use of Hypocotyl Explants and High Bap Preconditioning for Enhanced Transformation Frequency in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Hanur Vageeshbabu S , Prakash D P , Deepali B S , Asokan R , Ramachandra Y L , Mahmood Riaz , Anand Lalitha
Published: August 2023

Poor regeneration is one of the limiting factors in the development of transgenic crops since Agrobacterium as a plant pathogen can disturb the fragile in vitro conditions with wounding and infection regimes. We have tried to optimize the transformation system in two important varieties of brinjal after Agrobacterium infection to the explants. The effect of explant was studied and hypocotyls were found to be better than cotyledonary leaves. High BAP during the preconditioning period was found to further enhance the regeneration rate. Therefore, use of hypocotyls and high BAP during preconditioning can improve the regeneration of transformed cells and recovery of transformants in vegetables especially brinjal.
Integrated Management of the Yellow Mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), on Sweet Pepper Grown under Polyhouse
Authors: Reddy S G Eswara , Kumar N K Krishna
Published: August 2023

Different IPM modules were evaluated for the management of yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) on sweet pepper grown under protected cultivation at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore. Results indicated that application of module 1(spray of abamectin followed by ethion and abamectin) or module 2 (spray of abamectin followed by profenophos and abamectin) was significantly more effective (3.91-6.58 mites/ leaf) than module 3 (spray of dicofol followed by pongamia oil and neem seed kernal extract (5.79 -6.95 mites/ leaf) in the first two trials (Sept. 2002- Mar. 2003 and June - Dec.2003). IPM modules like module 4 (spray of dicofol followed by release of Amblyseius tetranychivorus and spray of Verticillium lecanii and module 5 (spray of dicofol followed by release of A. tetranychivorus and spray of pongamia oil (9.25-15.53 mites/leaf) were marginally effective during the first two trials. However, in the third trial (Mar. - Sept., 2004) all the revised modules, viz., abamectin followed by dicofol (M1), dicofol-fenazaquin (M2), fenazaquin-pongamia oil (M3) and organic module oxymetrin-neem soap (M4) were effective (2.30-3.03 mites/leaf) against the yellow mite.
Impact of Gamma Rays on Turmeric Crop (Curcuma longa L.)
Authors: Devi H Usha Nandhini , Chezhiyan N
Published: August 2023

Experiments were carried out during 2000-2003 at the Department of Spices and Plantation Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to assess the impact of gamma irradiation on days to maturity, yield and curing per cent in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with two replications. Three genotypes namely, Salem Local - G1 (CL144), Alleppy finger turmeric - G2 (CL146) and PTS 43 - G3 (CL147) were treated with seven doses of gamma rays (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 kR) along with control. The plants matured earlier and yield per plant and curing percentage improved at 2.0 kR, followed by 2.5 kR, whereas, higher doses of gamma rays had a negative effect on yield and curing percentage and these higher doses prolonged maturity. Among the genotypes used, G1 (CL144) was found to show a good response to gamma irradiation.
Effect of NPK and Zn on Growth, Flowering and Bulb Production in Tulip under Polyhouse Conditions in Kashmir
Authors: Khan F U , Jhon A Q , Khan F A , Mir M M
Published: August 2023

Healthy and uniform bulbs of tulip cv. 'Apeldoorn' were planted in two consecutive growing seasons under polyhouse conditions in FRBD design to study the effect of nutrient management on growth, flowering and bulb production in tulip in the Kashmir valley. Experimental treatments comprised of three levels of nitrogen (0,75 and 150 kg ha-1) and two levels of phosphorus (0 and 50 kg ha-1), potassium (0 and 50 kg/ha) and zinc (0 and 5 kg ha-1). Except for bulb survival, nitrogen @ 75 kg ha-1 significantly improved all the parameters. However, further increase in dose of nitrogen (150 kg ha-1) influenced only a few parameters like scape length, wrapper leaf area, vase life and bulblet weight per plant. Application of phosphorus, potassium and zinc also resulted in better growth, flower quality and bulb production. Application of different nutrients caused increased concentration of nutrients in leaf tissue, which resulted in better performance of the plant. Combined application of N, P, K and Zn @ 75, 50, 50 and 5 kg ha-1, respectively, was found to be the most suitable dose for obtaining better growth, quality flower and bulb production.
Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Maintenance of Quality in Apple
Authors: Khan F A , Rather A H , Qazi N A , Bhat M Y , Darzi M S , Beigh M A , Ahmad Imtiyaz
Published: August 2023

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality of 'Red Delicious' and 'Golden Delicious' apples. Freshly harvested fruits were wiped clean and (25 μm thick) with varying number of perforations and stored in cardboard boxes at ambient temperature. 'Golden Delicious' showed higher incidence of bitter pit as compared to 'Red Delicious' apples. MAP proved effective in controlling the bitter pit disorder and in maintenance of quality. The least incidence of bitter pit in 'Golden Delicious' was recorded with T4 (30 x 2 mm perforation) and T3 (20 x 2 mm) treatment in 'Red Delicious' apples. However, MAP retained more freshness in 'Golden Delicious' than in 'Red Delicious'.
Evaluation of Spur and Colour Mutant Cultivars of Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) for their Suitablity under Mid Hill Conditions of Uttaranchal
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Gangwar M P , Dimri D C
Published: August 2023

Out of 9 apple cultivars belonging to spur and colour mutants, Red Spur exhibited the largest fruit size (6.38 cm x 7.69cm) followed by Red Chief (6.37 cm x 7.11 cm) and Vance Delicious (5.95 cm x 6.68 cm). The maximum value of average fruit weight (170.4 g) and fruit volume (193.1 ml) were observed in Red Spur. Maximum value for firmness (1.35 kg/cm2) and T.S.S. (12.50°B) were observed in Red Chief with the lowest acidity in Vance Delicious (0.23%). The highest value for total sugars (8.45%) was recorded in Vance Delicious and for reducing sugars (6.98%) in Red Chief . On the basis of these characteristics, spur type cultivars Red Chief and Red Spur, with maximum yield/tree of 27.4 kg and 24.3 kg respectively, and the colour mutant cultivar, Vance Delicious with an yield of 25.1 kg were suitable for cultivation under mid-hill conditions of Uttaranchal.
Genetic Divergence for Yield and Yield-Contributing Traits in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Sharma H R , Sharma Deepa
Published: August 2023

The cluster analysis grouped the thirty one genotypes of cucumber, collected from different sources in India, into seven clusters. The genotypes Jorji Local, Bengal 60, JJL and Derabassi Local were promising with respect to yield per plant and fruit length, while Gyn-2, Gyn-3 and Gyn-4 were superior for number of fruits per plant. However, genotypes Chakkimore local, Farukabad Local, Chamoli Local and Chamba Local were promising for average fruit weight and fruit breadth.
Colonization of Introduced Parasitoid, Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani, on the Exotic Spiralling Whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell, Infesting Ornamentals
Authors: Mani M , Krishnamoorthy A
Published: August 2023

The exotic spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell, was observed to infest several ornamentals including rose, hibiscus, poinsettia and acalypha in and around Bangalore. Efforts were made to colonize the aphelinid parasitoid, Encarsia guadeloupae Viggiani, during 2002 - 2003 on the above ornamentals infested with the spiralling whitefly. A total of five predators, namely, Axinoscymnus puttarudriahi Kapur and Munshi, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Muls., Anegleis cardoni (Weise), Mallada astur (Banks) and Cybocephalus sp. were observed on the spiralling whitefly on these ornamentals during the study but their impact on the spiralling whitefly was negligible. Inoculative releases of E. guadeloupae were made on rose (156 adults), hibiscus (179 adults), poinsettia (124 adults) and acalypha (247 adults). Encarsia guadeloupae was recovered within a month after its release with 3.43-32.94% parasitism. A steady decline in the population of spiralling whitefly was observed on these ornamentals. Encarsia guadeloupae was found to be the only parasitoid encountered throughout the study and the total parasitism steadily increased up to 96.00% on rose, 86.40% on hibiscus, 90.40% on poinsettia and 39.86% on acalypha at six months from release. Parasitism by E. guadeloupae was significant and negatively correlated with the population of spiralling whitefly on all the four ornamentals.
Biotechnology of Coconut
Authors: Parthasarathy V A , Karun Anitha , Rajesh M K
Published: August 2023

Biotechnology of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a relatively recent area compared to similar work in other crops. It started as tissue culture in the eighties, which led to the development of molecular markers in late nineties with the use of RAPDs. Since then, considerable research has been carried out and protocols for tissue culture regeneration almost perfected. Embryo culture is being very successfully applied to germplasm transfer. Molecular markers such as AFLP, SSR, etc., were used to develop QTL maps. The entire gamut of coconut biotechnology is under review in this paper.
Influence of Ethylene Inhibitors and Ethrel on Production of Protocorm Like Bodies in Orchid-Dendrobium 'Sonia'
Authors: Saiprasad G V S , Raghuveer P
Published: August 2023

To increase the efficiency of production of protocorm like bodies, ethylene inhibitors like silver nitrate, salicylic acid and cobalt chloride at three concentrations, viz., 2, 5 and 20 μM and ethrel at 0.7, 1.4 and 14.0 μM were tested, by supplementing MS basal with BAP 4.44 μM. The explant used was fractionated protocorm like bodies (plb). Ethylene and methane gases evolved by the explant in the culture container were measured at 20 and 40 days after inoculation (DAI). Among various ethylene inhibitors tested, the maximum number of plb's were produced in media containing silver nitrate (5 μM), cobalt chloride (2 μM) and salicylic acid (20 μM). All ethrel treatments produced succulent, vitrified and deformed plb's. No ethylene evolution was observed in any of the ethylene inhibitor treatments. Only in ethrel treatments was evolution of ethylene observed. Methane evolution was observed in all the ethylene inhibitor treatments. Absolute amounts of methane evolved could not be related to the observed plb production. However, when the evolution of methane was more than 1 nano mole g-1 FW h-1, poor plb production was observed.