bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Toxicity of Two Isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner from Plutella xylostella L. and Papilio demoleus L. to some Important Lepidopteran Pests of Horticultural Crops
Authors: Asokan R , . Puttaswamy
Published: August 2023

Toxicity of two isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis viz. KPx-1 and IPd-1 isolated from diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), and citrus butterfly, Papilio demoleus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), were tested against cabbage leaf webber, Crocidolomia binotalis, hairy caterpillar, Diacrisia obliqua and tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera. Among these, C. binotalis was highly susceptible (28.4 and 26.0 ng/cm2, for KPx-1 and IPd-1, respectively), while, H. armigera was the least susceptible (9.5 and 10.0 μg/ml, for KPx-1 and IPd-1, respectively).
Plant Growth Regulators in Water Stress Tolerance
Authors: Murti G S R , Upreti K K
Published: August 2023

The present review provides an insight into the relationship between plant growth regulators and water stress with emphasis on metabolic events that regulate growth regulator balance and physiological responses. Possible mechanisms by which ABA controls stomatal function and growth under stress, and interacts with proteins and important osmo-protectants, have been discussed. ABA involvement in signal transduction and root-shoot communication through its effects on gene and gene products is also included. A brief description of involvement of other growth regulators such as cytokinins, ethylene, polyamines and brasssinosteroids in water stress tolerance is also provided. Salient achievements in exploiting the potential of growth regulators in the resistance to water stress in some horticultural crops are also given. Gaps in existing information on plant growth regulator research in water stress tolerance have been summarized.
A Revised Protocol for in Vitro Propagation of Carica papaya Using Lateral Buds from Field-Grown Trees
Authors: Patil Prakash , Vastrad Neeta , Dinesh M R , Bantwal A R
Published: August 2023

A revised protocol has been developed for in vitro propogation of papaya using explants from field-grown trees. Successful establishment of papaya in vitro using lateral buds could be obtained by treating the buds with Carbendazim (0.2%) and Streptomycin (0.1%) for 24h, followed by surface sterilization with mercuric chloride (0.1%) for 3 minutes and culturing on MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.3 mg/l) and NAA (0.1 mg/l). Established buds were proliferated on modified MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.3 mg/l) and NAA (0.1 mg/l). Modified MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.3 mg/l), NAA (0.1 mg/l) and GA3 (1 mg/l) caused extensive elongation of shoots. Elongated shootlets were rooted on half-strength MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.1mg/l), NAA (0.1 mg/l) and IBA (2 mg/l). Rooted plantlets were initially hardened on a potting mixture consisting of soilrite and later on a mixture of sand, soil and FYM (1:1:1).
Breeding French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for Resistance to Rust (Uromyces phaseoli Reben Wint.)
Authors: Aghora T S , Mohan N , Somkuwar R G , Ganeshan Girija
Published: August 2023

French bean is an important legume vegetable grown for its tender, green pods for both fresh consumption and processing. Rust, caused by Uromyces phaseoli, limits successful cultivation of this crop. Popular varieties like Contender, Pant Anupama, Pusa Parvathi, Arka Komal, Arka Suvidha, etc., are susceptible to this disease. The french bean variety, Arka Bold, having resistance to rust was used in hybridization with Arka Komal, a popular bush variety with high yield and slender, long green pods but susceptible to rust. Inheritance studies indicated that resistance to rust was controlled by a single, dominant gene. Pedigree method of breeding was followed for incorporating rust resistance in to commercially cultivated varieties. Breeding lines with resistance to rust were selected to F2 generation onwards. These were advanced up to F7, wherein, a promising line, (Arka Bold x Arka Komal) 99-17-2-1-4-12-3, with resistance to rust with high pod yield and good pod quality was selected and named Arka Anoop and released for commercial cultivation.
Effect of Spacing and Corm Size on Growth, Flowering and Corm Production in Gladiolus cv. White Prosperity under Kashmir Conditions
Authors: Bhat Z A , Khan F U
Published: August 2023

A study was carried out during 2005 - 2006 at the Division of Floriculture, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, to determine the effect of corm size (4.1-4.5, 4.6-5.0 and 5.1-5.5 cm) and spacing (10 x 20, 15 x 20 and 20 x 20 cm) on growth, flowering and corm production in gladiolus cv. White Prosperity. Largersized corms (5.1-5.5 cm) with wider plant spacing (20 x 20 cm) gave the best performance. Number of days taken to spike emergence, plant height, number of leaves plant-1, spike length, number of florets spike-1 and diameter of floret were observed to be significantly better with larger-sized corms. Minimum days taken to slipping were also found to be due to larger size of the corms. Number of corms plant-1, corm weight, diameter of corm, number of cormel plant-1 and cormels weight plant-1, in terms of both quality and quantity, showed increasing trend with an increasing corm-size and spacing. Therefore, wider spacing and larger corm size may be recommended for realising better quality and higher production in gladiolus cv. White Prosperity under Kashmir conditions.
DRIS Norms for Identifying Yield-Limiting Nutrients in Sapota (Manilkara achras (Mill). Fosberg) Cv. Cricketball
Authors: Anjaneyulu K
Published: August 2023

Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) identified forty-five nutrient expressions as diagnostic norms from data colleted by surveying seventy-four sapota gardens in Karnataka and dividing the whole population into two sub-groups, namely, low and high yielding, during the year 2005-06. These expressions have shown higher variance and lower coefficient of variation found to have greater diagnostic precision, viz., N/K (0.989), Mg/N (0.264), N/Zn (0.117), Mg/K (0.258), Zn/K (8.609), S/Mg (0.666), Mg/Zn (0.031) etc. The Nutritional Balance Index indicated an overall imbalance of nutrients based on the sum of indices, irrespective of the sign. The diagnosis of nutrient imbalance through DRIS indices indicated that potassium, followed by nitrogen, was the most yieldlimiting nutrient among major nutrients and as were copper and zinc among micronutrients. In addition, five nutrient ranges were derived using mean and standard deviation as low, deficient, optimum, high and excess for each nutrient to serve as a guide for diagnostic purposes. Optimum N in the leaf ranged from 1.60 to 1.85%, P from 0.10 to 0.13%, K from 1.63 to 1.85%, Ca from 0.54 to 0.74%, Mg from 0.42 to 0.47% and S from 0.28 to 0.37%. Among micronutrients, optimum iron concentration in the leaf ranged from 113 to 161 ppm, Mn from 21-31 ppm, Zn from 14 to 17 ppm and Cu from 5 to 7 ppm for 'Criketball' variety of sapota.
Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) and French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as Influenced by Coating of Urea with Neem Oil and Graded Levels of Nitrogen
Authors: Kotur S C , Shilpashree Y P , Sheshshayee M S , Ramesh P R
Published: August 2023

In a pot-culture study, 'Arka Shrestha' tomato and 'Arka Komal' French bean were raised on red sandy-loam to compare urea coated with neem oil (2% w/w, NOCU) and prilled urea (PU) applied at 60, 80 and 100% of recommended N dose. To facilitate direct measurement of N use parameters, urea enriched with 15N (1 atom per cent excess) was used as the source of N. Compared to 'no urea' control, the application of N significantly increased dry matter production, fruit/pod yield as well as the parameters of N use. Prilled urea coated with neem oil (NOCU) was superior to PU in both the crops and produced 21% and 9% higher yield compared to the latter. Increasing the dose of N significantly increased dry matter production, yield and all parameters of N use. However, the interaction effects showed that N applied as NOCU at 80% the of recommended dose produced fruit/pod yield at par with that obtained at 100% of the recommended dose applied as PU in both crops. Corresponding fertilizer utilization achieved was 14.9% and 59.0% when 80% of N was applied as NOCU compared to 11.5% and 30.1 obtained when 100% of N was applied as PU in tomato and French bean, respectively.
Oxidative Stress and Changes in Antioxidant and Biochemical Constituents in Papaya (Carica papaya L.) under Salt Stress
Authors: Chander M Subhas , Palaniappan R
Published: August 2023

Six papaya cultivars viz., Pusa Dwarf, Surya, Solo, CO5, Tainan and Red Lady were subjected to saline water salt stress continuously for a period of six months with saline water irrigation having an EC value of 0.6, 2.0 and 4 dsm-1. Among these, Red Lady was more sensitive while Tainan resisted salt stress. Under salt stress of 4 dsm-1, yield reduced by 10% in Tainan and by 24% in Red Lady compared to unstressed controls. T.S.S. measurement showed that quality of fruits was not affected by saline irrigation in both cvs. Malondialdehyde levels estimated after six months period of stress, as thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, did not increase in Tainan in contrast to substantial increase in Red Lady under stress conditions. There was substantial increase in levels of antioxidant compounds namely, carotenoids, phenols and flavonoids in Tainan compared to Red Lady. In Tainan there were significant increases in reducing and total sugars and sucrose under conditions of stress in contrast to sharp decreases in Red Lady. Under conditions of stress, there was considerable accumulation of total and reducing sugars and sucrose, across the varieties, possibly contributing to osmotic adjustment. Association of salt stress tolerance in Tainan with soluble sugar accumulation could be used as a breeding tool for selecting salt tolerant papaya genotypes.
Effect of Dry and Wet Storage on Post Harvest Life and Flower Quality in Cut Tulip cv. Cassini
Authors: . Nelofar , Khan F U , Jhon A Q , Mir M M
Published: August 2023

Experiments were conducted during 2002-03 and 2003-04 to study the influence of storage methods and duration on post harvest quality of cut tulip cv. Cassini. Cut tulips cv. Cassini stored either dry or wet at 4°C for 0,2,4,6 and 8 days showed that days to flower opening was the lowest in those kept under wet storage for 6 and 8 days. Flower opening was better with 0.2 and 4 days of dry or wet storage whereas flowers stored dry for 8 days did not open at all. Flower size and vase life decreased with the increase in storage period. Larger flowers were obtained with dry and wet storage of 0 and 2 days whereas higher vase life was obtained with zero days of wet and dry storage and 4 and 6 days of wet storage.
Effect of Date of Harvest and Floral Preservatives on Vase Life of Cut Flowers in Tuberose (Polyanthes tuberosa L.) cv. Double
Authors: Varu D K , Barad A V
Published: August 2023

Studies conducted to find out the effect of date of harvesting and floral preservatives on vase life and quality of tuberose cv. Double revealed that among treatments, harvesting on 1st October (D8) was better for longer vase life, whereas, 15th August (D5) for minimum loss of water, maximum fresh weight of the spike and percentage of opened florets. Similarly, harvesting on 15th September (D7) was found better for longest floret longevity as well as loss uptake ratio. In case of floral preservatives, the treatment 500 ppm aluminum sulphate + 4% sucrose (C6) was found better for longer vase life, maximum uptake of water, lowest loss-uptake ratio and maximum fresh weight of spike, whereas, 400 ppm 8-HQS + 4% sucrose (C8) for maximum floret longevity and floret circumference as well as maximum percentage of opened and lowest percentage of neck bent florets. The treatment, 50 ppm silver nitrate + 4% sucrose (C3) exhibited lowest loss of water. In case of interaction effect, 1st October with 500 ppm aluminum sulphate + 4% sucrose (D8C6) was found superior for maximum vase life of spike, highest uptake of water and fresh weight of spike.
Effect of Various Nursery Media on Onion Seedlings Development
Authors: Singh Devi , Bahadur Vijay
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was conducted to standardize the nursery raising technique for onion at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Allahabad Agricultural Institute-Deemed University, Allahabad, during 2005-2006. The treatments comprised combinations of soil, sand, FYM and vermicompost. Altogether, 14 treatments were applied in a randomized block design with three replications. Hundred percent germination was found with a combination of soil, sand and FYM in proportions of 2:1:2&2:2:1, and, 1:1:1&2:2:1 Soil:Sand:Vermicompost. Among all the treatments, the combination of soil 2 parts, sand 1 part and FYM 2 parts, significantly influenced growth and health of seedlings and produced the maximum seedling height (11.42 cm), stem diameter (0.33 cm), root length (10.86 cm), shoot fresh weight (6.96 g), root fresh weight (3.22 g), total seedling fresh weight (10.18 g), shoot dry weight (3.95 g), root dry weight (1.53 g) and total seedling dry weight (5.48g). Highest benefit:cost ratio of 3.72 was also seen in this treatment combination.
Environmental Risks Associated with Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil, Water and Plants in Urban and Periurban Agriculture
Authors: Ganeshamurthy A N , Varalakshmi L R , Sumangala H P
Published: August 2023

The India's population living in cities and urban areas has doubled to 27.8% since Independence. Our cities face enormous challenges of environmental pollution and health related problems. City authorities have often been reluctant to accept urban and periurban agriculture because of perceived health risks. Nevertheless, in most cities the world over, periurban agriculture is practiced on a substantial scale, despite prohibitive laws and regulations. Non-degradable pollutants added to the system through anthropogenic activities like heavy metals in air, soil, water and crops bother us more than others as these tend to bio-accumulate. Throughout history, heavy metal contamination has long plagued mankind - undermining intelligence and causing debasing behaviour. Toxicity of some of the heavy metals even leads to deficiency of essential metals like Zn, Cu, etc. in both human and animals. Climate, nutritional status, genetic predisposition, type of work and exposure level influence the intensity of impact on health. Permissible levels prescribed by different organizations differ because of differences in tolerance levels of people of different origins and differences in threat perception of the people. With our current level of knowledge a permanent and foolproof method to stop entry of heavy metals into the food chain is impossible. However, methods are available to reduce intensity of the effects. Alternative land use with crops not directly consumed by human beings and animals offers a better remedy to contain heavy metal entry into food chain. India has a wide ranging set of environmental laws that lay down norms for air, water, soil, wastes, etc. Legislative frame work has been developed in the belief that a policing model is sufficient. It does not go beyond that. Regulatory mechanisms may not be effective in isolated cases but are essential drivers to augment other approaches, by putting a "cap" on the level of degradation that is socially acceptable, as well as creating space for other, cleaner and more acceptable alternatives to be "viable".
Effect of N, P & K on Fruiting, Yield and Fruit Quality in Guava cv. Pant Prabhat
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Tiwari J P , Kumar Raj
Published: August 2023

Response of various combinations of NPK on fruiting, yield and fruit quality were studied in guava cv. Pant Prabhat in a field experiment, over two years. Treatments comprised of three different levels of nitrogen (0, 75 and 150g/plant/year), phosphorus (0, 50 and 100g P2O5/plant/year) and potassium (0, 75 and 150g K2O/plant/ year) in all the possible 27 combinations. Treatments with higher nitrogen level attained maximum yield and fruiting compared to treatments with lower nitrogen levels, in combination with phosphorus and potassium. Maximum yield of 69.64, 60.72 kg/plant and 22.66, 26.35 kg/plant, and, fruit set of 73.23%, 75.07%, 34.73% and 35.65% were recorded with 150g N, 50g P2O5 and 75g K2O/plant/year in the rainy and winter seasons in both years, respectively, while treatment combinations with high potassium level recorded higher ascorbic acid and sugar content in the fruit.
Effect of Post Harvest Treatment on Biochemical Composition and Organoleptic Quality in Kagzi Lime Fruit during Storage
Authors: Bisen A , Pandey S K
Published: August 2023

The present investigation was carried out to test the efficacy of various post harvest treatments using gamma irradiation, growth retardants and coatings on quality and sensory parameters of Kagzi lime under ambient conditions. Among various treatments, pure coconut oil coating was very effective as higher TSS, acidity, vitamin C, juice content, flavour, appearance and taste were retained during storage. Pure coconut oil coated fruits maintained natural light-green colour upto 24 days of storage, which was acceptable to consumers.
Screening of Banana Hybrids for Resistance to Pratylenchus coffeae
Authors: Kavitha P S , Balamohan T N , Poornima K , Bergh I Van den , Waele D De
Published: August 2023

The reaction of twenty-four new synthetic banana hybrids to Pratylenchus coffeae was studied under artificially inoculated pot conditions. Two banana hybrids, H-04-05 and H-04-06 were found to be resistant and ten hybrids, H-04-01, H-04-03, H-04-04, H-04-07, H-04-09, H-04-11, H-04-16, H-04-19, H-04-21 and H-04-24 were found to be tolerant to the lesion nematode, Pratylenchus coffeae and the remaining were rated as susceptible.
Effect of γ-Irradiation on Germination, Growth, Sensitivity and Survivability of Papaya cv. Kesar King
Authors: Yadav Murlee , Kushwah M S , Singh D B , Roshan R K , Pebam Nongallei
Published: August 2023

An experiment was laid out in a 4x2 factorial design, with 4 levels of γ-irradiation (0,5,10&15 Krad) and two dates of sowing (15th September and 15th October) on papaya cv. Kesar King. The results indicated that germination percentage, survival percentage and plant growth increased with the increased in γ-irradiation upto 10 Krad. Early sowing of seed (15th September) showed better germination (73%), survival (70%) and plant growth as compared to late sowing (15th October). Interaction between γ-irradiation of 10 Krad and early sowing of seed (15th September) was found superior to all the other treatment combinations to obtain optimum germination percentage, survival percentage and plant growth.
Management of Potato Nematodes:An overview
Authors: Prasad K S Krishna
Published: August 2023

Root-knot nematodes and cyst nematodes are important constraints that reduce potato yields in India. Three species of Meloidogyne cause root-knots on the crop throughout the country, of which, M. incognita is more wide-spread. Infected tubers also result in marketable-yield-loss particularly in the seed potatoes. The cyst nematodes include two species of Globodera restricted to the hilly regions of Tamil Nadu and are of quarantine importance, inhibiting seedpotato production. Potato produce from these hills is used only for consumption. The endoparasitic nature of their life cycle, deposition of eggs into a gelatinous egg mass in root knot and the female turning in to a hard cyst encompassing the eggs within them in cyst nematode makes them difficult organisms to manage. Both these nematodes exhibit physiologic variation, hence, their management is not absolute with host-resistance. Therefore, an Integrated Nematode Management (INM) is adopted in both the cases. Root-knot nematode in North India is managed using nematode-free seed tubers, crop rotation with maize or wheat and application of 1-2 kg ai /ha Carbofuran 3% G at the time of potato planting. Cyst nematode in Tamil Nadu hills is managed by crop rotation with vegetables, particularly cabbage and carrot, intercropping potato with beans or wheat, alternating nematode resistant potato variety 'Kufri Swarna' and application of 2 kg ai /ha Carbofuran 3% G at planting. A two-year adoption of INM for root-knot and a three-year INM practice for cyst nematodes gives efficient and economical production system. Potato farmers in Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu hills follow practices standardized at the Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla and it's substation in the Nilgiri hills.
Multivariate Based Marker Analysis in Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
Authors: Vijayalatha K R , Chezhiyan N
Published: August 2023

Genetic diversity of 30 accessions of turmeric was assessed at the molecular level and compared to morphological traits for degree of divergence. The pattern of clustering of quantitative data based on D2, K means and UPGMA revealed discrepancy among them. The cluster profile, based on quantitative data and RAPD markers exhibited considerable levels of congruence between them. Accessions studied for degree of divergence by RAPD profiles revealed 68.50% polymorphism for 21 primers. The highest number of fragments (10) was obtained with primer OPG 19 while OPC 18 was completely monomorphic. Primers OPB 08, OPC 20, OPE 09 and OPG 19 detected a high level of polymorphism (> 90%). Discrepancy observed at both morphological and molecular levels in the accessions emphasizes the need for specific morphological and molecular markers for discriminating these accessions.
Genetic Analysis in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Tomar Rukam S , Kulkarni G U , Kakade D K
Published: August 2023

Fifty genotypes of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) were evaluated for variability, correlation, path analysis and divergence for yield and its contributing characters. Analysis of variance showed significant variation for all the characters, indicating presence of sufficient variability in the material studied. Genotypic correlations were higher than those of their respective phenotypic correlation coefficients in majority of the cases suggesting, that, genotypic correlations were stronger, reliable and free from environmental influences. Path analysis based on genotypic association revealed that number of fruits per plant and moisture percentage was the main yieldattributing characters in fruit yield of muskmelon. Total soluble solids exhibited positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant. Thus, number of fruits per plant, moisture percentage and total soluble solids may be given more weightage for an effective selection to improve fruit yield in muskmelon. On the basis of relative magnitude of D2 values, all the genotypes were grouped in seven clusters. Maximum genetic distance was observed between clusters II and V, while clusters III and VII displayed the lowest degree of divergence. Total soluble sugars followed by total soluble solids and fruit yield per plant contributed the most towards divergence.
Cumulative and Residual Effects of Paclobutrazol on Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of 'Alphonso' Mango
Authors: Reddy Y T N , Kurian Reju M
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 1996 to 2002 at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, to study the cumulative and residual effects of paclobutrazol (PBZ) application on shoot vigour, flowering and fruit yield of seventeen years old 'Alphonso' mango trees. Foliar sprays of the chemical at 500, 1000 or 2000 ppm or soil drench at 5 or 10 g a. i. per tree was given during September for three consecutive years and the residual effects were observed for three more subsequent years. Application of PBZ as soil drench was more effective than its foliar spray and doubled fruit yield during the six years. Chemical parameters of fruits such as TSS and acidity were not affected by the treatments but average weight of a fruit was less in the case of PBZ treatments. Residual influence of this chemical, when applied as soil drench, persisted in the three years following the discontinuation of application for three consecutive years, indicating the scope for skipping the application of PBZ or tapering down its dose after three years of its continuous application. From the results of this study, application of paclobutrazol at 5 g a.i. per tree as soil drench for three consecutive years and then its discontinuation for the subsequent three years appears to be most appropriate for 'Alphonso' mango trees in the age group of about 15 to 25 years.
Standardization of NPK Requirement in Banana Cv. "Njalipoovan" (Musa AB Group) in Onattukara Soil of South Kerala
Authors: Indira M , Nair C S
Published: August 2023

Banana cv. "Njalipoovan" (Musa AB group, Syn. Ney Poovan) is one of the popular varieties cultivated in the homesteads of Kerala. This variety has high export potential due to its edible and keeping quality. Eventhough fertilizer requirement was worked out for different varieties; no attempt has been made to standardize the nutrient requirement of banana cv. "Njalippovan", especially in the loamy sand soils of Onattukara. Field experiments were conducted for two years (1998-2000) at Onattukara Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kayamkulam to study the influence of three levels each of N (100, 200 and 300 g plant-1), P2O5 (100, 200 and 300 g plant-1) and K2O (200,400 and 600 g plant-1) with one absolute control (nopoko) on growth, yield, quality and economics of cultivation. Increasing the rate of application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium improved the growth and yield. Total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars and reducing sugars increased with increasing levels of nitrogen and potassium. Fruit acidity decreased at higher rate of N and K2O. Applied phosphorus had no effect on quality of fruits. Application of N, P2O5 and K2O at 200:200:400 g plant-1 proved to be ideal for maintaining higher yield and benefit: cost ratio.
Development of Leaf Nutrient Norms and Identification of Yield-Limiting Nutrients Using DRIS in Sapota cv. Kalipatti
Authors: Savita B , Anjaneyulu K
Published: August 2023

A survey was conducted in 106 orchards growing sapota cv. Kalipatti in Raichur, Dharwad and Belgaum districts of Northern Karnataka for developing leaf nutrient norms through Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) for nutrient management. Leaf samples collected were processed and analyzed for macro-and micronutrient status and a data bank was established. The entire population was divided into two sub-groups, namely, low-and high-yielding types to derive the norms. Fifty-five nutrient expressions were chosen as diagnostic norms using DRIS, which have shown higher variance and lower coefficient of variation that are found to have greater diagnostic precision viz., N/K (1.731), N/Ca (0.928), Mg/N (0.360), Fe/N (99.89), N/Cu (0.104), N/B (0.037), Mg/Ca (0.329), Ca/B (0.040), Mg/S (1.103), Fe/Mg (278.6), Mg/Zn (0.037), Mg/B (0.013), Fe/Zn (10.39) etc. The nutritional balance index (NBI) indicated an overall imbalance of nutrients based on sum of the indices, irrespective of sign. Diagnosis of nutrient imbalance through DRIS indices indicated that potassium, boron and zinc to be the most common yield-limiting nutrients in the orchards. In addition, five nutrient ranges/standards were derived using mean and standard deviation as deficient, low, optimum, high and excess for each nutrient, to serve as a guide for diagnostics. Optimum leaf N ranged from 1.51 to 2.09%, P from 0.06 to 0.15% and K from 0.83 to 1.44%. The optimum concentration ranged from 1.36 to 2.34% for Ca, 0.54 to 0.68% for Mg and 0.48 to 0.80 for S. Among the micronutrients, optimum Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B concentrations ranged from 109 to 206 mg kg-1, 49 to 99 mg kg-1, 13.3 to 21.9 mg kg-1, 3.76 to 9.10 mg kg-1 and 34.8 to 66.8 mg kg-1, respectively, for sapota cv. Kalipatti.
Development of Shelf-Stable Brined Vegetables by Lactic Acid Fermentation
Authors: Suresh E R
Published: August 2023

Preservation of vegetables, viz., bitter gourd, carrot, capsicum, cucumber, French bean and gherkin by lactic acid fermentation was attempted. Properly prepared vegetables, packed in brine containing 2.5% equilibrated salt with additives, were allowed to undergo fermentation by their natural flora and this was compared with pure culture fermentation by Lactobacillus plantarum. Fermented vegetables had 0.5 to 1.31% lactic acid, with pH values ranging from 2.97 to 4.02, at the end of 4 weeks of fermentation at 20 ± 2°C. In general, fermentation by L. plantarum resulted in a slightly faster rate of acid production compared to that by natural flora. Mustard powder at 1% concentration was found to be useful as alternate preservative in vegetable fermentation. Fermented vegetables had acceptable quality in terms of colour, texture, flavour, taste and were microbiologically stable for six months of storage at room temperature (25 ± 8°C).
Evaluation of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Varieties and Standardization of Recipe for Nectar Preparation
Authors: Choudhary Madan Lal , Dikshit S N , Shukla Neeraj , Saxena R R
Published: August 2023

The nectar prepared from guava variety L-49 had highest ascorbic acid, pH and non-reducing sugar. The recipe with 20 per cent pulp, 0.3 per cent acidity and 17°Brix (TSS) recorded highest organoleptic score. The acidity, TSS, total and reducing sugar of nectar showed an increasing trend during the progress of storage upto five months under ambient conditions. However, these chemical constituents did not change markedly until five months of storage as compared to fresh nectar at the time of preparation.
Variability in Hip Characters in Rosa Species
Authors: Janakiram T , Debner Thomas
Published: August 2023

The reddish 'fruit' of rose is commonly known as its hip. Rose hips are formed when the tip of a rose stem swells up after a flower has faded. Species roses, shrub roses, ramblers and other roses that are "close to nature" (R. gallica, R. rugosa) are the most likely to have noticeable hips. Twenty three rose species were evaluated for hip characters. Rose hips were very variable among the species. Average hip length and diameter varies between 0.5 to 2.8 cm and 0.1 to 2.7 cm, respectively. Hip shape viz., sub-globose, urn-shaped, ellipsoid and spindle-shaped were observed among the species. The range for number of hips was found to be 5 to 45 per cluster. Rosa rugosa recorded larger hip size. Majority of the species showed orange and deep red hip color. R. moyesii (blue-green foliage and bright to orange hips), R. glauca (bright scarlet hips), R. pimpinellifolia (tiny, red-black hips) with attractive hips having ornamental value can be utilized in landscaping and for garden purposes.
Thrips Species Composition on Grapes in Karnataka and Maharashtra
Authors: Ranganath H R , Krishna Kumar N K , Kumar Vikas
Published: August 2023

A survey was undertaken to document species composition of thrips on grape foliage, inflorescence and different stages of berry development such as mustard size (2 mm), sorghum size (4 mm), pea size (8 mm) and beyond pea size (> 8 mm) berries at Bijapur in Karnataka and Sangli in Maharashtra during January 2005 to January 2006. Cultivars sampled were Thomson Seedless, Sonaka, Sharad Seedless, Tas-A-Ganesh, 2A and B5 clones of Thomson seedless. Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood constituted over 90% of total thrips sampled from new flushes, inflorescence and berries in different stages during January, February, March and December 2005 at Bijapur followed by Thrips palmi Karny (1- 4.3%); Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) a hitherto unknown thrips species on grape dominated inflorescence (98.0%) on cv. Sonaka during December 2005 in the same area. Similar trend was observed in the vineyards of Sangli. Number of thrips, which was more on inflorescence declined as the berry matured. Least number of thrips was observed on berries > pea size. As recorded in Bijapur, T. hawaiiensis was dominant species on inflorescence of 2A (98.6%) and B5 (99.4%) clones of Thompson seedless. In other cultivars S. dorsalis was dominant that formed 92.8 -100% of total thrips collected. Thrips palmi constituted 0.8-1.7% of thrips collected from different parts of grape vine. Other unidentified thrips constituted 0.9-7.2%.
Importance of Micronutrients in the Changing Horticultural Scenario in India
Authors: Raja M Edward
Published: August 2023

Sustenance and well-being of humankind are linked to the stocks of essential nutrients in the bio-geosphere and the capacity for cycling and manipulation. Micronutrients play a major role in crop production due to their essentiality in plant metabolism and adverse effects that manifest due to their deficiency. Besides affecting plant growth, micronutrients also play a major role in disease resistance in cultivated crop species. A hitherto lesser-understood phenomenon is their role in determining quality and the post harvest life of harvested produce. In the Indian context, this situation has become alarming due to the widespread occurrence of micronutrient imbalance throughout the country. Though soil application of soluble forms of micronutrients has been widely practiced in the past, it calls for introspection, considering the nature of occurrence of micronutrient related maladies. Novel approaches include application of crop-specific foliar formulations of micronutrients, application of chelated forms of micronutrients and the genetic biofortification of crops. In view of the importance of micronutrients in human diet, it is felt that biofortification of horticultural crops will play a definite and major role in addressing nutritional security of the nation in the coming years.
Expression of Genetic Variability and Character Association in Raspberry (Rubus ellipticus Smith) Growing Wild in North-Western Himalayas
Authors: Singh Dinesh , Kumar K , Sharma Vikas Kumar , Singh Mohar
Published: August 2023

The present investigation was carried out in various districts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu&Kashmir and Uttarakhand States falling under north-western Himalayan region of India. As a result of sustained exploration, 170 wild raspberry genotypes were marked and studied for berry quality attributes. Variation ranged from 0.25 g-0.93 g for berry weight. Berry length varied between 6.31 mm and 14.46 mm, while, berry breadth was 7.02 mm to 15.91 mm. Variation in Total Soluble Solids (TSS) in berry ranged between 9.6oB and 18.6oB whereas, acidity in berries ranged between 1.02 and 1.72%. The range of variation was 2-4.90% for reducing sugars, 4.2° - 11.6° for non-reducing sugars and 2.4- 5.2 mg/100 g for ascorbic acid. Berry weight had significant and positive correlation with its length and its breadth. Berry length exhibited positively significant correlation with berry breadth.
Distribution of Staminate and Hermaphrodite Flowers and Fruit-Set in the Canopy of Cashew Genotypes
Authors: Sharma D
Published: August 2023

Production of staminate(S) and hermaphrodite (H) flowers was studied in the north, east, south and west sides of the cashew tree canopy from December 2003 to May 2005 at S.G. College of Agriculture and Research Station, IGKVV, Jagdalpur (C.G.). Flower production was recorded daily on selected plants throughout the main flowering season and, subsequently, yield of each plant was recorded. Results showed differences in number of flower types on different sides of the tree. However, there was consistently greater number of staminate flowers than hermaphrodite flowers during both early and late flowering . Significant variability between genotypes and sides was recorded for sex ratio (S/H). Hybrid-255 showed highest sex ratio for north, south and west sides and Vridhachalam-2 for the east side. Differences in fruit-set and nut-yield were also found between sides. Hybrid 30/1 had highest per cent fruit-set. Highest number of fruits carried to maturity was recorded in Hybrid-30/1. Distribution of yield over the tree-canopy showed that south side had significantly high nut yield, followed by west side.
Evaluation of Dolichos (Lablab purpureus L.) Germplasm for Pod Yield and Pod Related Traits
Authors: Mohan N , Aghora T S , . Devaraju
Published: August 2023

Fifty seven pole type vegetable dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus var. typicus) germplasm lines collected from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Pondicherry were evaluated in a replicated experiment at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, for pod yield and pod -related traits during 2006-08. Significant differences were recorded for all traits studied. IIHR 177 was the earliest to flower in 43 days and pods matured in 65 days. IIHR 6 recorded maximum pod length (16.5 cm) , and, ten-pod weight was maximum in IIHR 7 (122 g). Pod width was high in IIHR 11 (4.05 cm). Number of pods per plant ranged from 10 to 91, with the maximum in IIHR 159. Maximum pod-yield was recorded in IIHR 150 and IIHR 159 (576.0 g/plant). Six different pod-colors (green, light green, purple, purple green, pink and creamy- white) were recorded. Maximum number of lines (52.63%) had green pod. The present study indicates existence of a wide range of variability for pod characters, namely, pod-maturity, pod -length, tenpod weight, number of pods per plant and pod- colour. High yielding lines with different pod types can serve as potentially useful parents in further breeding.
Studies on Yield and Yield Components of Spray Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) cv. Amal under Various Sources of Nitrogen
Authors: Gantait Subhendu S , Pal P
Published: August 2023

An investigation was undertaken to study the yield and yield components of spray-type chrysanthemum cv. Amal under variaous sources of nitrogen. The treatments considered different levels (100%, 75%, 50% or 25%) of four sources of nitrogen viz., urea, calcium ammonium nitrate, mustard cake and neem cake, alone or in combination of two or more of these. Results revealed that maximum stem length (62 cm) of cut flower and flower yield, number of flower heads (6387) and weight (4071.48 g/sqm) were mostly achiveved by application of total recommended dose of nitrogen through a combination of 25% N as neem cake + 25% N as mustard cake + 25% N as CAN + 25% as urea, and the treatment increased flower yield by 57.96% over treatment with nitrogen solely through urea. Flower size, individual flower weight, shelf and vase life of flower as well as anthocyanin content in floral tissue were higher in combined application of all oil cakes and urea and maximum under treatment combination of 50% recommended dose of nitrogen supplied through mustard cake, 25% N through neem cake and 25% N through urea. Anthocyanin content of flower tissues increased gradually upto 20 days from opening of the flower and, thereafter, declined sharply.
Effect of FYM and GA3 on Growth and Yield of Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus L.) under Terai Zone of West Bengal
Authors: Datta S , Dey A N , Maitra S
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 2003 - 04 and 2004 - 05 at the Instructional Farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, to study the effect of different levels of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50 t ha-1) and GA3 (0 and 100 ppm) on production in Sweet Flag. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Farm Yard Manure significantly affected yield and vegetative characters. GA3 also showed similar effect, except, that rhizome diameter and dry-recovery percentage were found non-significant. Interaction effect between FYM and GA3 for growth and yield parameters was found nonsignificant. Plant height, number of leaves, rhizome length, rhizome diameter and yield increased with increase in dose of FYM from 0 to 50 t ha-1 but was reverse in the case of dry recovery. Similarly, these parameters increased with application of GA3 but showed non-significant relationship, except in rhizome yield. Maximum fresh and dry rhizome yield (3013.23 kg ha-1, 1389.15 kg ha-1 respectively) was recorded with 50 t ha-1 FYM supplemented with 100 ppm GA3-, followed by application of 50 t ha-1 FYM (2879.80 and 1342.65 kg ha-1, respectively).
Studies on Correlation and Path Analysis in Mutants of Coleus (Coleus forskohlii Briq.) for Yield and forskolin Content in V2M1 Generation
Authors: Velmurugan M , Rajamani K , Paramaguru P , Gnanam R , Bapu J R Kannan
Published: August 2023

The present investigation was carried out during 2003-2007 involving terminal cuttings of coleus ecotype 'Garmai'. Genotypic correlation coefficient between yield and its components in mutants of coleus was studied, viz., plant height, number of branches plant-1, number of leaves plant-1, number of tubers plant-1, tuber length and tuber girth were found to have positive and highly significant correlation with yield. However, forskolin and essential oil content showed negative correlation with yield. Path analysis of component characters on yield of Coleus in V2M1 generation exerted positive direct effect through the characters plant height, number of leaves plant-1 and number of tubers plant-1. Similarly, direct effect was observed to be negative through number of branches plant-1 (-0.930), total amount of alkaloids (-0.066) and forskolin content (-0.026). The current investigation resulted in residual effect of 0.158 indicating the accuracy and appropriate selection of component character for crop improvement programme. Weightage must be given to component characters exhibiting positive attributes towards fresh tuber yield in Coleus. However, some traits with negative attributes are also chosen for getting improved quality, i.e., forskolin content, without much inhibition on fresh tuber yield plant-1.
Effect of Different Levels of N and P on Ratoon Crop of Banana cv. Grand Naine
Authors: Kaur Tejinder , Gill M I S , Dhaliwal H S
Published: August 2023

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of various levels of N and P on growth and yield of banana cv. Grand Naine in first ratoon crop at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The treatments consisted of six levels of nitrogen at 150, 200 (in 4 and 5 splits), 250 (in 4 and 5 splits) and 300 g (in 5 splits) per plant as urea, phosphorus at 60 and 90 g per plant as single super phosphate. Application of N and P at the rate of 200 g N in 5 splits + 60 g P2O5 per plant to ratoon crop of banana cv. Grand Naine proved to be the best among all treatment combinations. This also resulted in maximum plant growth, early shooting and fruit maturity. In addition, the fruit yield per plant (18.9 kg) was maximum with the above mentioned treatment. Finger length increased with increase in dose of N from 150 g to 200 g per plant.
Combining Ability in African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)
Authors: Gupta Y C
Published: August 2023

A line x tester crossing programme was done using male sterile lines and a set of 11 genetically diverse pollinators as testers. F1's along with parents were evaluated during winter and summer seasons. During the seasons, for plant height and flower size, additive gene action was higher compared to non-additive gene action, while for flowering days and stalk length, non-additive and non-additive gene actions played important role during both the seasons, indicating the usefulness of hybrids in marigold cultivation. Similarly, for flower number during winter and for plant spread during summer, both additive and non-additive gene action played significant role. For other traits, gene action was inconsistent during different seasons.
Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Corm Production in Gladiolus
Authors: Baskaran V , Misra R L , Abirami K
Published: August 2023

Experiments (spraying and dipping) were carried out to study the effect of different plant growth regulators with two methods of application on gladiolus cv. Pusa Jyotsna for various parameters of corm production. Spraying TIBA at 500 ppm produced maximum number of corms. Maximum number of cormels was produced by dipping corms in kinetin at 500 ppm concentration. Corm weight was maximum by dipping with 200 ppm of GA3. Spraying GA3 at 500 ppm resulted in maximum weight of cormels per plant and maximum diameter of corms. Dipping in 500 ppm of GA3 produced maximum volume of corms. Propagation co-efficient was maximum in BA at 100 ppm as spray treatment, whereas it was minimum in the case of TIBA at 1500 ppm. This may be due to growth retardation.
Onion and Garlic Research in India
Authors: Lawande K E , Khar Anil , Mahajan V , Srinivas P S , Sankar V , Singh R P
Published: August 2023

Onion and garlic research in India has produced 45 open-pollinated and two F1 hybrids in onion and approximately 25 varieties in garlic. Red onion is used for domestic consumption and export while the white onion is used mostly for processing. Improvement in garlic has been largely through clonal selection and mutation breeding. Somaclonal variations for development of varieties have not been used till now. Research on biotechnology for crop improvement in onion and garlic in India is in a nascent stage. While research on crop production has seen tremendous improvement, research on organic production and precision farming, good agricultural practices and mechanization needs to be carried out in future. Similarly, studies on plant protection have identified researchable issues for future work. This paper gives a brief overview of onion and garlic research scenario in India and technologies needed to be developed and practiced.
Optimization of Regeneration Protocol and Agrobacterium Mediated Transformation in Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.)
Authors: Prasad H M Kallesh , Mythili J B , . Tejaswini , Anand Lalitha , Rashmi H J , Suneetha C
Published: August 2023

An efficient and reproducible regeneration protocol for carnation genotypes Arka Flame and IIHRS-1 has been developed from leaf and stem explants. Although IIHRS-1 showed slightly higher regeneration (55%) compared to Arka Flame (49.2%), there was no significant difference in their regeneration response. However, significant difference in regeneration potential was observed with leaf explant exhibiting higher regeneration potential (5.5 shoots/explant) as compared to (4.9) stem explant. Among various plant growth regulator combinations tested for regeneration, the best regeneration response and maximum regeneration potential was obtained in MS medium supplemented with NAA (0.1 mg/l) and TDZ (1.0mg /l) for both the explants and genotypes used. The medium also proved suitable for inducing elongation of regenerated shoots. Rooting of in vitro formed shootlets could be induced at greater frequency in MS medium supplemented with IAA (1.0 mg/l). Based on this protocol, transformation was carried out in genotype IIHRS-1 using leaf explants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA 4404 with binary vector pROK2 containing baculovirus chitinase gene under the control of 35S promoter with npt II serving as selectable marker. There was regeneration of putative transformants at a frequency of 28.9%. However, great difficulty was encountered in rooting of shoots. Hence a few shoots regenerated on selection medium at random were tested for transgene integration. Out of the three shoots tested for npt II amplification, two shoots tested positive. The presence of transgene was confirmed through PCR amplification of npt II gene and dot blot analysis of chitinase gene.
Analyzing Variability in Coleus forskohlii Briq. Using RAPD Markers
Authors: Kavitha C , Vadivel E , Sivasamy R , Rajamani K
Published: August 2023

Coleus forskohlii Briq. is an indigenous medicinal plant with high traditional use in India. Genetic analysis of 37 diverse C. forskohlii genotypes was performed using 25 RAPD primers, which yielded 117 bands, of which 60 (51.28%) were polymorphic providing an average of 3.75 bands per primer. There were no genotype-specific products. The number of bands per primer varied from 1 (OPZ 8&16) to 7 (OPZ 11). Similarity matrix was constructed using Jaccard's Coefficient and the data matrix of coefficient of similarity was subjected to cluster analysis using unweighted pair group methodology with arithmetic average (UPGMA). Cluster analysis resulted in grouping of 37 genotypes into two major clusters. The results indicated that RAPD could be used for genetic diversity analysis in C. forskohlii using higher number of primers as it is reliable, easy, rapid and cost-effective.