bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Novel Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hooker F.) Hybrids for Flower Quality Traits under Naturally-Ventilated Polyhouse
Authors: Aswath C , Kumar Rajiv , Rao T Manjunatha , Dhananjaya M V
Published: August 2023

The present study was carried out to evaluate performance of two gerbera hybrids IIHR 3-34 and IIHR 8-45 along with their parents and check, for flower quality traits under naturally-ventilated polyhouse in Randomized Block Design, in the years 2014-15 and 2015-16. Both the hybrids had been developed through the half-sib method of breeding with IIHR-3 and IIHR-1, respectively, as parents. Data for the two years were pooled and analyzed statistically. Significant differences were observed in the quality traits studied. In the case of both hybrids IIHR 3-34 and IIHR 8-45, most of the quantitative traits were found to be on par with the check variety, Elite. They had novel flower colour (68D as per RHS Colour Chart), Red Purple Group (IIHR 3-34) and 50A Red Group (IIHR 8-45), with double type of flowers. These are suitable for cut-flower and flower arrangement purposes. These hybrids will prove useful for developing more gerbera hybrids with novel traits.
Mango Breeding in India - Past and Future
Authors: Dinesh M R , Ravishankar K V , Sangma Donald
Published: August 2023

The mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most important tropical fruits of India in which improvement has been attempted since the early 20th Century. The species, M. indica, having originated in India, has a large diversity within the country. Extensive surveys have located several wild species of importance, many of them figuring in the IUCN Red List. Conservation and evaluation of these species, as well as the large seedling diversity, needs attention as these could be a source for important traits. Strategies of in situ, ex situ and 'onfarm' conservation should from a priority at this juncture. Hybridization has resulted in several hybrids. Widening of genetic base in polyembryonic varieties and identification of zygotic embryos through markers is the need of the hour for utilization in breeding programmes. Although several of these have not become popular, they can be very well used as pre-breeding lines. Use of molecular markers for selection will greatly reduce time taken for developing improved varieties. Strategies other than hybridization, viz., selection among open-pollinated progenies, should be adopted for identifying better recombinants, as, a large number of progenies are available in this method.
Enrichment of Genetic Linkage Maps and Mapping QTLs Specific to Seed Strength-Hardness/Softness-In Guava (Psidium guajava L.)
Authors: Padmakar B , Kanupriya C , Latha P Madhavi , Vasugi C , Dinesh M R , Sailaja D , Aswath C
Published: August 2023

The present research focuses mainly on molecular mining and morphological evaluation of guava genome within a full-sib population and, thereby, mapping of quantitative trait loci related to fruit quality traits, viz., seed strength (hardness/softness) and average fruit weight. Linkage maps were enriched for both parental lines, 'Kamsari' and 'Purple Local' using a set of 60 RAPD markers following the pseudo-testcross strategy on a panel of 94 progeny. A total of 480 scorable markers were identified, of which 131 were specific to 'kamsari' and 28 to 'Purple Local', segregating as test cross markers, and, 321 showing intercross pattern common to both. 'Kamsari' spanned a total length of 1959.1cM with average marker interval distance of 3.93cM, while 'Purple Local' spanned a length of 1537.9cM with average marker interval distance of 3.29cM, by forming 11 linkage groups. Estimated genome length observed was 93.02% and 92.77% in 'Kamsari' and 'Purple Local', respectively. Composite Interval Mapping (CIM) was computed at significance of 0.05 and LOD threshold greater than 3.0, which led to detection of one major QTL for the trait of average fruit weight, and, four QTLs for the trait of seed strength (hardness/softness). Of these, two were major and two minor QTLs. Our study provides molecular mapping information on marker-assisted selection for improvement of guava in a breeding program.
G × E Interaction and Heterosis in Elite Tomato Hybrids for Growth, Earliness and Fruit Parameters in Diverse Agro-Climatic Zones of Punjab
Authors: Garg Naveen , Jindal S K , Dhaliwal M S , Cheema D S
Published: August 2023

Six promising tomato hybrids selected from a pool of 60 F1 hybrids were evaluated for seven traits, along with the check hybrid (TH-1) at two locations falling under different agro-climatic zones of Punjab, India. G × E interaction was significant for early yield, fruit weight and total fruit yield, whereas, it was non-significant for fruit number, locule number, pericarp thickness and vine length. Overall higher mean-early-yield, fruit number, fruit weight and total yield at Ludhiana, rather than at Bathinda, may be due to higher organic carbon, available phosphorus and available potash and low electrical conductivity of the experimental soil at Ludhiana. Pooled analysis showed that hybrid TH-21 had the maximum early-yield (3.73 tha-1), fruit weight (72.7 g) and locule number (2.65), whereas, TH-23 had the highest fruit number per vine (53.7) and total fruit yield (51.2 tha-1). The magnitude of pooled standard heterosis was maximum for vine length (140.7%), followed by early yield (114.8%), total yield (88.3%), fruit number (49.7%), fruit weight (27.6%), pericarp thickness (16.4%) and locule number (-21.6%). On the basis of stability and superiority for fruit weight, fruit number, early and total yield, TH-21 was found to be the most promising hybrid, followed by TH-23.
Marker-Trait Association for Fruit Characters in Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cultivars
Authors: Padmakar B , Dinesh M R , Ravishankar K V
Published: August 2023

In the present study, putative marker-trait associations were identified within a core collection of mango cultivars by simple-sequence-repeat marker based association study. A panel of 48 mango varieties which represented the core collection of the South-West region of India, were characterized at the molecular level using 31 simple sequence repeat markers. Morphological characterization included important fruit characteristics viz., fruit weight, total soluble solids (TSS), pulp content and acidity. The study on population structure revealed two sub-groups in the core collection. Association analysis, computed by General Linear Model (GLM), using TASSEL resulted in the identification of seven markers being associated with the trait titrable acidity where as one marker each of the traits fruit weight and TSS. These traitspecific markers were highly significant at p<0.05 and explained a good amount of phenotypic variation by exhibiting substantial R2 values ranging from 0.71 to 0.86 for acidity, 0.61 for TSS and 0.59 for fruit weight. This is the first report on marker-trait associations (MTA) in mango.
Standardisation of agro-techniques for flower quality parameters in ornamental sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)
Authors: Naik Kirtimala B , Nataraj S K , Kumar D P , Shadakshari Y G , Seetharamu G B , Venugopalan R , Jayaprasad K V
Published: August 2023

An experiment was carried out on standardisation of agro-techniques for flower quality parameters in ornamental sunflower during 2012-13 at GKVK, campus, College of Horticulture, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot. In three way interaction effect longest stalk length (36.33) was in the treatment combination of mulching i.e M1 (with mulch) with a spacing of S1 (60 cm x 40 cm) at the fertilizer rate F1 (40:60:40 NPK kg ha-1). Stalk girth was maximum with mulching treatment of M1 (with mulch) at a spacing of S1 (60 cm x 40 cm) with the fertilizer rate of F3 (80:90:80 NPK kg ha-1) and without mulch at the spacing of S1 (60 cm x 40 cm) with fertilizer rate of F3 (80:90:80 NPK kg ha- 1) recording 0.49 and 0.46 cm respectively. Mulching i.e M1 (with mulch) at spacing S1 (60 cm x 40 cm) with fertilizer rate if F3 (80:90:80 NPK kg ha-1) produced plants with largest flower head diameter (13.24 cm). The treatment combinations of M1 (with mulch) + S1 (60 cm x 40 cm) + F3 (80:90:80 NPK kg ha-1) 4.65 cm recorded broadest flower disc diameter. Considering the results ornamental sunflower can be grown best without mulching, at a spacing of 60 x 30 cm or 60 x 40 cm with optimum to higher fertilizer dose to give best flower quality in ornamental sunflower.
Effect of N and K Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)
Authors: Gill PP S , Kaur Sharanjit , Singh NavPrem
Published: August 2023

The effect of different combined doses of N and K fertilizers on plant growth, fruit quality and foliar elemental composition of pear cv. Patharnakh was investigated. Experimental plants were supplied with different levels of N (460, 690 and 920 g N /plant) and K (600, 900, 1200 and 1500 g K2O/plant) in the form of Urea and Muriate of Potash (MOP) fertilizers. From the results, it was found that nitrogen application increased number of fruits/plant, trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), shoot length and leaf N content, whereas, K application improved fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), and leaf K content. Fruits harvested from T4 (460 g N:1500 g K2O /plant) treatment recorded maximum firmness. Plants under T9 (920 g N: 600 g K2O /plant) treatment showed the maximum increase in shoot length, and TCSA, whereas, T6 (690 g N : 900 g K2O /plant) resulted in maximum fruit yield. Leaf N and K concentrations improved with applications of the respective fertilizer.
Changes in chemical constituents and overall acceptability of bael-guava nectar and crush during storage
Authors: Rohila Harsha , Gehlot Rakesh , Siddiqui S , Rekha Rekha
Published: August 2023

The bael-guava nectar and crush were analyzed for changes in chemical composition at monthly interval for three months storage period. There was a slight increase in total soluble solids of both the beverage blends. Total and reducing sugars, acidity and browning increased significantly, while ascorbic acid and total phenols decreased significantly during three months storage in both the blended beverages. Though, the overall acceptability of bael-guava beverages decreased significantly with the advancement in storage period, their overall rating remained above the acceptable level even after three months storage.
Low cost potato warehouse facility for Karnataka: A success story
Authors: Ali Shahid , Kumar B B , Swamy C M Kalleshwara , Kadian M S , Ramakrishna B V , Singh Brajesh
Published: August 2023

Karnataka is one of the important potato growing states in peninsular India. Potato is mainly cultivated in Hassan, Belgaum, Chikkaballapur, Chickmagalur, Kolar, Bangalore Rural and Dharwad districts. It is grown as rain-fed kharif crop in Hassan, Belgaum, Chickmagalur and Dharwad districts and as rabi crop in Chickmagalur, Chikkaballapur, Kolar and Bangalore Rural districts under protective irrigation. Due to non-availability of quality planting material to Karnataka farmers, potato productivity is limited. Seed imported from North India (Punjab) is very expensive and incur about 50% of total production cost and small and marginal farmers cannot afford to procure quality seed every year as no certified seed is being produced locally. International Potato Center (CIP) has recommended an innovative low cost ware house facility as a model during 2014 and 2016 to retain farmers’ seed for subsequent planting seasons saving their seed input cost by 40%.
Impact of pruning on growth, yield and quality of mango cv. Dashehari
Authors: Singh A K , Singh C P , Bora L
Published: August 2023

An experiment was carried out to study the impact of pruning on growth, yield and quality of mango cv. Dashehari. Ten treatments consisted of heading back of terminal shoots at two different levels viz., M1: 10 cm & M2: 20 cm, with two level of frequency i.e., F1: annually & F2: biennially and at two different timings i.e., T1: immediately after fruit harvest (June-July) & T2: during rest period before the emergence of new growth (floral and vegetative) including control as M0F0T0 with and without Paclobutazol (PBZ), were imposed on the trees. The trial was laid out in Randomized block design replicated thrice and single tree served as treatment unit. On the basis of 6 years (2009-2014) pooled data, it was observed that the vigorous growth in terms of tree height (4.56 m), trunk circumference (43.56 cm) and tree spread (3.03 m) were observed in the trees under control (M0F0T0 without PBZ), whereas the trees which were pruned annually by heading back of 20 cm of terminal shoots during rest period before emergence of new growth along with paclabutrazol application (M2F1T2) showed less growth in terms of tree height (3.30 m) and spread (2.21 m). The annual pruning of tree by heading back of 10 cm of terminal shoots immediately after fruit harvest along with paclobutrazol application (M1F1T1) proved effective for increasing the number of fruits per tree (51.31), yield (9.09 kg/tree and 15.14 t/ha), B: C ratio (4.04), maintaining fruit quality and for having the appropriate dwarfing effect on the tree.
Research diversity in horticulture
Authors: Hanur Vageeshbabu S
Published: August 2023

‘WE’, in the Editorial Board of this JOURNAL, are continuously striving hard to raise the standards bar, by putting ‘YOU’, the readers, as our cynosure. To achieve this, we are constantly upbringing in measures and means; as somebody says ”one step forward at a time”. Content and quality remain the prime moving force. Considering this, THIS ISSUE indeed addresses a wide and diverse of subjects in the field of horticultural sciences. Articles on vegetable crops (5), fruits (4), flower crops (1), medicinal and aromatic crops (1), economic analysis (1) and techno-engineering (1), appear IN THIS ISSUE. These articles discuss topics in breeding and crop improvement (2), agronomy (or can we coin ’hortonomy’?) (3), engineering (3), nutrient management (2), post-harvest technology (1), economics (1) and biochemistry (1). THIS ISSUE, therefore, truly imbues a sense of gratification in its wider coverage and diversity.
Giant strides to reach the memorable ISSUE
Authors: Hanur Vageeshbabu S
Published: August 2023

This current ISSUE is the 25th ISSUE. This marks the silver jubilee celebrations in terms of the remarkable sojourn undertaken by The JOURNAL. Much about it in the closing remarks!
Enhancing Mango Productivity through Sustainable Resource Management
Authors: N Ganeshmurthy A , R Rupa T , N Shivananda T
Published: August 2023

Mango the “King of fruits” is the most important fruit crop in India and the area under mango is the largest among fruit crops (2,516 thousand ha) with a production of around 19.69 million tonnes. India ranks first in mango production in the world contributing 41% of the total world production of mango. Among Indian states, with a total output of 4.3 million MT, Uttar Pradesh stands first as mango producing state. (Fig.1).This is followed by Telangana (2.73 million MT), Karnataka (1.75 million MT) and Bihar (1.36 million MT). Particularly in India all stages of mango fruit are used starting from immature to over ripe stages. Mango has specific problem of alternate bearing leading many times to low yields or no yield.
Studies on feasibility of sustainable quality seed potato production technology and development of supply chain for the benefit of small and marginal potato growers of Karnataka
Authors: Ali Shahid , Kumar B B , Kalleshwara Swamy C M , Kadian M S , Ramakrishna B V
Published: August 2023

Management of aphid vectors in potato is important for the production of quality seed potato. Aphids are the major vectors of many potato viruses which transmit viral diseases limiting the seed potato production. To explore the area with aphid free/low population a weekly aphid observation was made in major potato growing areas of Chikkaballapur and Chickmagalur districts during rabiand kharif seasons to assess the build-up trends on the standing crop using aphid-leaf count and catches of yellow water pan and yellow sticky traps. Aphid population was below threshold level in the areas surveyed, however in Chickmagalur aphid build-up was erratic due to heavy rain fall followed by dry spells. Harvested potato in Chikkaballapur was treated and stored in cold storage for three months. During June, 50 per cent of the seed stock was transported to Chickmagalur area for planting in kharif season and remaining seed was used for planting in Chikkaballapur area during rabi season. In Chickmagalur, the harvested and treated seed was stored in low cost country potato store for three months and 50 per cent seed from warehouse was transported to Chikkaballapur for rabi planting and remaining seed was planted in Chickmagalur area during November thereby saving nearly 40 per cent of seed cost. Thus, the feasibility supply chain has been established making the local potato growers self-sustainable in quality seed potato production resulting in 30-40 percent seed requirement met locally produced quality seed and non-traditional areas will be brought under potato cultivation. The breeder seed was multiplied under low cost insect proof net houses during rabi season in Chikkaballapur area, harvested seed was stored in cold storage thereafter distributed among the local potato growers for planting during kharif season in Chickmagalur area.
Assessment of chilli varieties in Salem district for higher productivity
Authors: Kavitha P S , Sudha A , Srividya S
Published: August 2023

Chilli is an important spice which is grown throughout India. Chillies are integral and the most important ingredient in many different cuisines around the world as it adds pungency, taste, flavour and color to the dishes. Chilli is grown in Kolathur block of Salem district in an area of nearly 879 ha. The farmers are mainly growing the local varieties and private hybrids in kolathur block. During the farmers and scientist conference conducted at KVK, Sandhiyur (2013), the growers opted for new varieties (high yield, lengthy fruit, good pungency, and colour retention during storage). An onfarm trial was conducted in pannavadi village of kolathur block. In this study three varieties (Lalima, LCA 625 and Kovilpatti 2) were assessed for yield, pest disease tolerance and quality parameters. LCA 625 gave an average yield of 6.2-6.8 t / ha, fruit length of 9-11 cm, good pungency and good colour retention during storage compared to other two varieties. The colour of dry chilli during storage was orange compared to Lalima with bright attractive red colour. Hence in the market Lalima fetched more price than the other two varieties. Hence, it is suggested for the Researchers that LCA 625 may be refined for marketable colour.
Mining of miRNAs using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data generated for Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)
Authors: Gupta Rekha , Gayathri M , Radhika V , Pichaimuthu M , Ravishankar K V
Published: August 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, highly conserved non-coding RNA molecules involved in theregulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. Gene expression involves post-transcriptionalgene regulation by miRNAs. miRNAs are formed from precursor RNA molecules that fold intoa stem loop secondary structure. The mature miRNA is one end of the precursor miRNA,defined by the cut from ‘Drosha’ on either the 5’ or 3’ arm. In this study, we have used abioinformatics approach to identify miRNAs in 3,361 contigs obtained from partial genomesequence data of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) sequenced by NGS technology. Using C-miiand psRNA Target tools, we identified two miRNAs and their target RNAs for which a regulatorymiRNA binding has been verified. Their targets consisted of transcription factors involved ingrowth and development, gene regulation and metabolism. Phylogenetic analysis of the newlyidentified miRNA family has been done to compare their level of conservation with respect tothe other members of the plant kingdom.
First report on incidence of inflorescence blight and pod rot (Choanephora infundibulifera) on dolichos bean (Dolichos lablab, L.) and yard long beanin (Vignaunguiculata sub sp. sesquipedalis) India
Authors: Kurian P S , Anitha P , Liji K O , Davis F
Published: August 2023

Inflorescence blight and pod rot caused by Choanephorasp. were recorded in two major vegetable crops viz.dolichos bean and yard long bean at a very high degree of severity. Usually, the disease occurs in mild proportions without causing economic loss during rainy season in Kerala (June to September) affecting vegetable crops like cowpea and bhendi. However, during the year 2016, the disease was noticed with a very high severity of more than 90 per cent on two crops grown at two different locations in Thrissur district of Kerala during October to January. None of the commonly used fungicides could control the disease. The pathogen was found to be luxuriantly growing on the inflorescences of dolichos bean and on the fruits of yard long bean. The first incidence of the disease was recorded during the last week of October, 2016. The disease spread was almost cent per cent on susceptible genotypes of dolichos bean and more than 90 per cent in variety ‘Vaijayanthi’ of yard long bean. A study was conducted exploring the pre disposing factors leading to the occurrence of the disease in epidemic proportions.Meteorological factors affecting the disease were studied and it was found that there is positive correlation of the disease severity with increasing atmospheric temperature and rainfall.Atmospheric temperature more than 30oC along with high humidity and rain fall during the preceding week are found to be the major pre disposing factors lead to the epidemic in both the crops. The pathogen was isolated and based on morphological characters, identified as Choanephora sp. Pathogenicity was proved by inoculation on healthy inflorescence stalks.Molecular characterization of the pathogen confirmed the identity as Choanephora infundibulifera. This is the first report of the pathogen on dolichos bean and yard long bean in India.
Performance evaluation of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) in the plains of Kerala
Authors: Menon S Jalaja , Shibana S N
Published: August 2023

Kerala, the spice bowl of India is popular for tropical spice crops like pepper, cardamom,nutmeg etc. Garlic, an important foreign exchange earner of India is produced mostly inthe states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. In Kerala it is grown commerciallyin two unique rain shadow pockets, Kanthalloor and Vattavada regions of Devikulamblock of Idukki district. Although garlic is grown in the high ranges of Kerala, itscultivation in plains are not evaluated so far. Generally cool season crops performs wellinplains when grown during October – March. Hence the present study was conducted toevaluate the performance of two genotypes Singapore and Mettupalayam in the plains.The two garlic genotypes were grown as pot culture during October – February in the year2016-2017, in the plains of Thrissur district, the central part of Kerala. Among the twotypes Mettupalayam was found to be recorded higher Bulb weight (14.53g) and number ofcloves per bulb (4.2), but it was less compared to that grown in high ranges (17.19g and11.9 respectively). Hence the study revealed the possibilities of garlic cultivation in theplains of Thrissur district of Kerala with some refinements in agro techniques.
Effect of sprigging density and foliar nitrogen on the growth of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers. x Cynodon transvaalensis)
Authors: Dhanasekaran D
Published: August 2023

Turf grasses have been utilized by humans to enhance their environment for more than 10centuries. Aesthetically, lawns enhance the quality of life, contribute to social harmony andcommunity pride, increase property values and compliment other landscape plants. The beautyof any garden largely depends on the greenness of the lawn. The first and foremost criteria fora well establishment and a satisfactory lawn are selection of suitable grass species and methodsof its establishment. Hence, an experiment was laid out to study the effect of different spriggingdensity and foliar nitrogen on the growth and establishment of bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylonL. Pers. x Cynodon transvaalensis) in floriculture unit of the Department of Horticulture, Facultyof Agriculture, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu during the year 2013-2015. Bermuda grasssprigs were planted in different spacing levels and foliar spray of urea with twelve treatmentcombinations comprising of different levels viz., 10 x 10 cm with 1%, 1.5% and 2%; 15 x 15 cmwith 1%, 1.5% and 2%; 20 x 20 cm with 1%, 1.5% and 2%; 25 x 25 cm with 1%, 1.5% and2%, in factorial randomized block design with three replications. From the results, it wasfound that the earliest spread and ground cover were observed in planting sprigs at closerspacing of 10 x 10 cm in combination with foliar application of nitrogen in the form of urea as2 % for two times at seven and fifteen days after planting.
Quality in Coriander leaves as influenced by growing conditions
Authors: Surya R , Geethumol T , Anitha P
Published: August 2023

A study was conducted in the plains of Kerala to investigate the performance of coriander leaffor its quality aspects in open and rain shelter conditions. The study suggested that significantlyhigher herbage and biomass yield (g/ plant) was observed from plants grown in rain shelter(9.21 and 12.78) compared to the open field (8.41 and 11.34). Among the varieties, Arka Isharecorded the highest herbage and biomass yield (10.46 and 14.13g/plant) followed by CO-1(8.97and 12.70).There was a significant higher vitamin C content (mg/100g) in open field(189.72) compared to rain shelter ( 124.55) and volatile oil ranging from 0.05-0.06 % in boththe growing conditions and were on par. Total chlorophyll content was recorded more in openfield (1.98) than in rain shelter (1.92) Among the varieties, total chlorophyll was more in CO-4(2.33). However, this need to be confirmed by further studies.
Effect of cultivars on tree growth, yield and quality attributes of apple on espalier architecture under high density planting system
Authors: Srivastava K K , Kumar Dinesh , Singh S R , Sharma O C
Published: August 2023

Annual extension growth (AEG), an indicator of tree vigor, was recorded maximum (145.63 cm) in Granny Smith and minimum (111.04cm) in Spartan, where as correlation matrix showed negative relation between trunk cross sectional area (TCSA) and AEG. Granny Smith exhibited maximum (184.09 g) fruit weight and it was minimum (128.68 g) in Spartan, the correlation matrix between fruit weight and yield efficiency exhibited significant positive correlation over the years. Yield tree-1 was maximum (29.45 kg tree-1) in Coe red Fuji and minimum (16.04 kg/tree) in Spartan. Significant and positive correlation coefficient (0.870) observed between yield and TCSA. TCSA has positive correlation with fruit weight and yield efficiency, maximum mean yield efficiency (1.11 kg/cm2) was recorded in Granny Smith. All the cultivars trained on this architecture had high chroma values (color intensity).
Effect of trichomes in cowpea on infestation by spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: AN Nasiya Beegum , Subramanian Madhu
Published: August 2023

Trichomes are the morphological features present on the surface of plants, which provide resistance to several insect pests. A pot culture experiment with 48 cowpea accessions were conducted to evaluate the effect of trichomes in cowpea on infestation by spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata. Significant variation in terms of damage to pods due to spotted pod borer was observed. The number of trichomes per unit area was significantly and negatively correlated (-0.441) with per cent damage. However, the length of trichomes on pods has no significant correlation with per cent damage.
Soft wood grafting - A novel and rapid multiplication technique in Coorg mandarin (Citrus reticulate Blanco)
Authors: Muralidhara B M , Gowda IN Doreyappa
Published: August 2023

Coorg mandarin is commercially multiplied by shield or T budding. The process of shield budding will takes eighteen to twenty months for the production of quality planting material. Hence present experiment was conducted to standardize soft wood grafting in Coorg mandarin to reduce the nursery phase for rapid multiplication of quality planting materials. In this study, two to three months old terminal shoots of Coorg mandarin were grafted on one, two, three and four months old rootstocks of Rangpur lime.The soft wood grafting on three and four months old rootstocks were recorded cent per cent graft success and higher plant survivability (98%) and minimum was noticed in one month old rootstocks. The plant height (45.77 cm), plant girth (0.60 cm), number of leaves per plant (42.9), number of side shoots per plant (5.65), root length (33.15 cm) and root spread (8.29 cm)were also found maximum on four months old root stocks followed by three month old rootstocks. Age of rootstocks have significant difference (P=0.05) for plant weight, shoot weight and root weight in both fresh and dry weight basis.The above findings revealed that, four months old rootstocks are more suitable for soft wood grafting in terms of graft success and plant traits. Soft wood grafting can be gainfully exploited for rapid multiplication of good quality planting material by reducing the nursery phase.
Correlation of trunk cross sectional area with fruit yield, quality and leaf nutrient status in plum under North West Himalayan region of India
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Srivastava K K , Singh S R
Published: August 2023

An experiment was conducted to study the correlation of trunk cross sectional area (TCSA) with fruit yield, quality and leaf nutrient status in plum at ICAR-Central Institute for Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir during 2013-14. The TCSA (110.45, 118.23, 123.45, 131.67, 139.25, 146.82, 152.37 and 161.26 cm2) was based on their trunk girth at 15 cm above the ground. Maximum canopy volume (23.14m3 and fruit number 128/ tree) were recorded when TCSA was highest (161.26cm2). Maximum fruit weight (58.85g) was recorded with 123.45cm2 TCSA. Fruit yield and productivity efficiency (59.47kg/ tree and 0.29kg/ cm2) were recorded with 152.37cm2 TCSA. Fruit size (47.45 x 44.12mm), pulp weight (57.54g) and pulp/stone ratio (43.92) were recorded with 123.45cm2 TCSA. Maximum TSS (19.450B), total sugar (13.98%) and reducing sugar (11.46%) were recorded with 161.26 cm2 TCSA. Non-reducing sugar (2.53%) was recorded with 118.23cm2 TCSA. Higher leaf nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content (2.38, 0.19 and 1.95%) was observed with 161.26 cm2 TCSA. A positive and significant correlation was noticed between TCSA and canopy volume (0.995), fruit number (0.992), yield (0.968), pulp/stone ratio (0.903), TSS (0.977), total sugar (0.937), reducing sugar (0.920), non-reducing sugar (0.048), leaf N (0.971), leaf P (0.977) and leaf K (0.997) value in plum variety Santa Rosa under North West Himalayan region of India.
An assessment of fruiting and polyembryony in Langsat (Lansium domesticum Corr.) from Nilgiris, India
Authors: . Kanupriya , Kumar Pushpa Chethan , Sane Anuradha
Published: August 2023

In this paper we report the fruit characteristics and seed polyembryony in langsat, Lansium parasiticum (syn. Lansium domesticum Corr.). This fruit tree belongs to the family Meliaceae in order Sapindales and is considered to be native of western South East Asia and is common in both wild and cultivated forms throughout Malaysia and Philippines where the fruits are very popular and the tree is being utilized in reforestation efforts. It is also grown in southern Thailand and Vietnam and flourishes in the Nilgiris and other humid areas of South India. In the present investigation we report the morphological and biochemical parameters of the plants and fruits obtained from State Horticultural Farm, Buliar (latitude 11.34; longitude 76.79) in Tamil Nadu, at elevation of 360 m MSL and receiving average annual rainfall of 125.14 cm. The plantation was established in the year 1900 and consists of various tropical trees like mangosteen, langsat, arecanut, coffee, silveroak, pepper, cinnamon in tier system of planting.
Evaluation of Solanum species and eggplant cultivated varieties for bacterial wilt resistance
Authors: Singh T H , Reddy DC Lakshmana , Reddy C Anand , Sadashiva A T , Pandyaraj P , Manoj Y B
Published: August 2023

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the major diseases in Solanum species including cultivated Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Bacterial wilt (BW) disease management in eggplant is difficult due to high survival rate of pathogen in soil and chemical application is not eco-friendly. The best way to avoid bacterial wilt in eggplant is using disease-resistant varieties. However, only a limited number of bacterial wilt resistant varieties are available and, there is a necessity to identify and/or develop new resistant varieties. In the current study, wild Solanum species, and eggplant cultivated varieties were evaluated against Ralstonia solanacearum, and disease incidence was recorded. The cultivated varieties IIHR-108, Pusa Purple Long and Rampur Local were identified as susceptible, whereas, IIHR-7 and CARI-1 were identified as resistant to bacterial wilt. These resistant wild and cultivated varieties can be used as a root-stock in bacterialwilt disease resistant breeding programmes.
Development of Digital Repository and Retrieval System for Rose Germplasm Management
Authors: V Radhika , . Tejaswini
Published: August 2023

Live repository of rose consisting of different genotypes and species of roses available across the globe has been established at ICAR-IIHR. All these genotypes have been characterized for 60 morphological characters for description of these varieties. Along with the live repository of plants, efforts have been made to develop digital repository of all these genotypes. The digital repository consists of description of characters, quantitative measurement for selected important characters and images for all the descriptors. A web-enabled interface has been developed for the selective retrieval of accessions with desired characters, and also for retrieval of all the information for the selected genotype. The information system will be useful across the germplasm collection centers, for the breeders and other end users by enabling them to select the appropriate germplasm andavoid duplicates.
Trends and Innovations in Value Chain Management of Tropical Fruits
Authors: Oberoi Harinder Singh , M R Dinesh
Published: August 2023

India produced about 97.35 million tons of fruits during 2017-18, of which less than 1% fruits were exported. In India, less than 5% of the total fruits produced are sold by the organized supply chain management and E-commerce companies and 3% of the total produce gets processed, indicating that more than 90% of fruits follow the traditional route of supply chain involving farmers, auctioneers, agents/intermediaries, wholesalers, sub-wholesalers, retailers, cart vendors before they reach the consumers. Post-Harvest (PH) losses occur at each stage of the supply chain and are compounded with each operation. A study on PH loss estimation has shown maximum loss of 15.88% in guava among fruits while other studies have reported much higher PH lossesin fruits. Value of tropical fruits, both in monetary terms and quality reduces during harvesting, handling, transportation from the farmer’s field, packaging, storage, retail and even at the consumer’s level. Important interventions that reduce the PH losses and improve the supply chain management are establishment of pre-cooling facilities and short term storage facilities through evaporative cooling/refrigeration mechanisms at the farm gate, primary processing and packaging provision at the farm gate or nearby collection centres, transportation of fruits in refrigerated/evaporative cooled vans with the use of alternate energy sources and provision for low temperature and high humidity storage at the retail centres. Establishment of a Postharvest management system for sorting, washing, partial drying, edible coating, if required and grading at the collection centres will help in reducing the PH losses in the supply chain and help farmers get a better value for their produce. Formation of farmer clusters or Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) provides farmers a better bargaining power because of higher volumes. Educating and bringing awareness among the farmers about the good agricultural practices (GAP), mechanization in field operations, availability of seeds for different seasons, eliminating the problem of seasonality are also important in production of quality output. Transportation of fruits, such as mango, banana and guava in vans/wagons operating through evaporative cooling/cooling mechanism using phase change material will help in improving the shelf life of such fruits. An integrated radio frequency identification (RFID) system along with the sensors for ethylene, temperature and RH monitoring is likely to help in easy tracking and traceability of the fresh produce. Establishment of primary and secondary processing facility at the farmer cluster/ FPO levels will help in transforming the farmers to primary processors.
Zinc Status in the Soils of Karnataka and Response of Horticultural Crops to Zinc Application : A Meta-analysis
Authors: A N Ganeshamurthy , S Rajendiran , D Kalaivanan , T R Rupa
Published: August 2023

Zinc is considered as the fourth important yield limiting nutrient in India, after N, P, and K. From the regular soil analysis data, Indian soils (50%) are found to be deficient in Zn and the zinc deficiency is likely to increase in future. Areas with low soil available Zn are often regions with widespread zinc deficiency in humans. Zinc malnutrition and deficiency in human is alarming and is gaining attention in recent years. Application of zinc to soil and crops is one of the simple and easiest ways to mitigate or alleviate Zn deficiency in human. Moreover Zn uptake, its translocation and yield response of various crops to applied Zn are need to be focused for finding sustainable solutions to the problem of zinc deficiency in crops and humans. In this manuscript, importance of Zn to plants and human, Zn malnutrition problems in India and global level, soil Zn status of Karnataka, various factors that responsible for Zn deficiency in the soils of Karnataka and the response of various horticultural crops to Zn application in the region is discussed. Soil maps are believed to be an important tool to delineate and manage nutrient deficient areas. It also elaborates the effective Zn management strategies to improve crop productivity and farm income.
Evaluation of Different Cultivars of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) under Humid agro Climatic conditions of Goa
Authors: S A Safeena , M Thangam , N P Singh
Published: August 2023

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) is one of the most important tropical bulbous-ornamental cultivated for production of long-lasting flowers spikes. Adaptation and acclimatization of different cultivars under humid agro-climatic conditions of Goa are to be confirmed for their better performance. The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the performance of tuberose cultivars under agro-climatic conditions of Goa during 2014- 2017. Five single and six double cultivars of tuberose were evaluated during the study period. All the cultivars differed in their growth and flowering behaviour. Among the single cultivars, evaluated, maximum number of florets per spike (47.00) was observed in Pune local whereas spike-length (75.59 cm) was maximum in Mexican Single. Among the double cultivars, evaluated, maximum plant height (52.21 cm) and maximum number of leaves per plant (59.63) were recorded with cultivar Arka Suvasini. Leaf length was significantly higher (52.93 cm) in Pearl double whereas leaf width (2.04 cm) was maximum in Calcutta Double. Days to appearance of flower spike were earlier in Arka Suvasini. Minimum days taken for opening of basal floret (84.88 days) were recorded with cultivar Arka Suvasini. Spike girth (0.68 cm), Spike fresh-weight (69.06 cm), floret stalk-length (3.6 cm), floret diameter (5.24 cm), weight of individual floret (3.49 g) and vase life (7.93 days) was significantly maximum in Cv. Arka Suvasini followed by Pearl Double. Based on the performance evaluation cv. Mexican Single among single types and cv. Arka Suvasini and Pearl Double among double types could be recommended for commercial cultivation under agro climatic conditions of Goa.
Effect of Leaf Removal on Composition of Wine Grape Varieties Grown in Semiarid Tropical Climate of India
Authors: J Satisha , R G Somkuwar
Published: August 2023

Removing leaves from cluster zone is one of the management practices followed to improve fruit composition in temperate wine grape growing countries. However, knowledge on canopy management practices to improve fruit and juice composition for quality wine making is still lacking in semiarid tropical regions of India. Due to ample sunlight availability during fruit growth in semiarid tropics, it is unclear whether the leaves have to be removed from cluster zone. In case the leaves have to be removed, the direction from which it has to be done is also important. Hence, this study was conducted to see the effect of leaf removal from two sides of canopy on fruit composition in two wine grape varieties. In Cabernet Sauvignon vines leaf removal from both east and west side of the canopyimproved fruit quality in terms of reduced pH, potassium, malic acid and increased phenolics. Nevertheless, removing leaves from eastern side was found to be better than western side, because clusters are exposed toexcess sunlight. However, in Sauvignon Blanc, leaf removal from east side improved most of the desirable fruit composition parameters, while leaf removal from west side reduced the fruit quality in terms of sugars, acids, pH, total phenols etc.
Performance Evaluation of Ferns for Cut Green and Landscape Purpose
Authors: Sankar Mini , P K Sudhadevi , C K Geetha , Kurian Roshmi , P Shilpa
Published: August 2023

Ferns can be used as ground covers, specimen plants and for group, background and border planting in landscape. They can also be used as fillers in bouquets and flower arrangements. Hence, the objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of different fern species and to identify the suitable species for commercial cultivation. Eleven species of ferns belonging to different genera viz., Adiantum tenerum, Asplenium nidus, Asplenium longissimum, Asplenium scolopendrium, Diaplazium acrostichoides, Nephrolepis biserrata ‘furcans’, Nephrolepis exaltata ‘chidisii’, Nephrolepis exaltata, Bostoniensis compacta, Nephrolepis cordifolia, Nephrolepis biserrata miniata and Pteris ensiformis were evaluated for growth pattern and suitability for landscape and commercial uses. Vegetative characters like eplant height and spread were highest in Asplenium nidus and a maximum number of leaves were observed in Adiantum tenerum. Based on growth pattern they were classified under tall, medium and dwarf groups Asplenium nidus and Nephrolepis biserrata miniata were grouped under the tall category. The species which come under medium category are Asplenium longissimum, Diaplazium acrostichoides, Nephrolepis biserrata ‘Furcans’, Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Chidisii’, Nephrolepis exaltata, Bostoniensis compacta, Nephrolepis cordifolia, Pteris ensiformis and Asplenium scolopendrium where as Adiantum tenerum comes under dwarf category. All species evaluated were found to be suitable for pot plants. Nephrolepis biserrata miniata, Nephrolepis biserrata furcans, Nephrolepis cordifolia, Asplenium nidus and Diaplazium acrostichoides can be recommended as houseplants. Nephrolepis biserrata-Miniata, Nephrolepis biserrata furcans and Nephrolepis cordifolia can be used as border plants in landscapes. Nephrolepis exaltata, Bostoniensis compacta, Asplenium longissimum and Pteris ensiformis were observed to be attractive in hanging baskets. Nephrolepis biserrata-Miniata, Nephrolepis exaltata chidisii, Nephrolepis exaltata, Bostoniensis compacta and Diaplazium acrostichoides are suitable for bouquets and flower arrangements.
Effect of Calcium Nitrate and Potassium Nitrate Priming on Seed Germination and Seedling Vigour of Papaya (Carica papaya L.)
Authors: S R Maneesha , S Priya Devi
Published: August 2023

The effect of seed priming with calcium nitrate Ca (NO3)2 and potassium nitrate (KNO3) on germination and seedling vigour were studied in papaya varieties. Open pollinated local (gauty) papaya seeds were soaked in Ca (NO3)2 and KNO3 solutions (10000 ppm, 15000 ppm and 20000 ppm) up to 24 hours and germination percentage and seedling characteristics were recorded. The least number of days taken for seed germination (4.33 days), the highest germination percentage (82.56 % ), the highest shoot length (14.31 cm) the highest fresh biomass (1.36 g) and dry biomass (0.174 g) were recorded in 10000 ppm   Ca(NO3)2 treatment. Further, seeds of papaya varieties viz., Arka Surya, Arka Prabhat and Madhu bindhu were treated with 5000 ppm, 10000 ppm and 15000 ppm Ca (NO3)2 and observed that Arka Prabhat seeds treated with 10000 ppm Ca (NO3)2 hadtaken the least number of days for germination (4.75 days) and also the highest shoot length (25.2 cm). The results of the experiment proved the significant effect of calcium ions over potassium ions on papaya seed germination and seedling vigour.
Characterization of Rhizoctonia solani causing Fruit rot of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) in Wayanad and in vitro Evaluation of Fungicides, Organic preparations and Bioagents for its Management
Authors: P Amrutha , Vijayaraghavan Reshmy
Published: August 2023

Strawberry, one of the most delicate, sweet and refreshing temperate fruit has grabbed the minds of several farmers and consumers all over the world. Several fungal diseases affect it. As part of the study, surveys were carried out in major strawberry growing parts of Kerala viz., Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram and Thrissur. However, rotten fruits with dark and hard encrustations were collected only from Wayanad district during 2015-16. Pathogen was isolated by following the standard protocol and Koch’s postulates were proved. Upon culturing, the fungal isolate produced white mycelia turning brown on maturation with rapid growth. The hyphae were branched at right angles and did not produce spores. The pathogen was identified as Rhizoctonia solani based on cultural and morphological characters. In vitro evaluation was carried out with 9 fungicides and carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% , cymoxanil 8% + mancozeb 64% , propineb and Bordeaux mixture at all concentrations showed cent per cent inhibition. Copper hydroxide and difenoconazole inhibited the pathogen from 54.44 to 75 per cent and 58.88 to 70.55 per cent at 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 and 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15, respectively. Copper oxychloride recorded less than 45 per cent inhibition, whereas carbendazim and potassium phosphonate were found to be least effective. Comparing the efficacy of organic preparations against Rhizoctonia, calphomil recorded highest inhibition of 55.33 to 63.88 per cent at different concentrations. Panchagavya and baking powder + vegetable oil mixture could inhibit the mycelial growth only by 23.33 to 25.50 per cent and 22.22 to 26 per cent, respectively. Whereas, neem oil was found to be least effective. Biocontrol agents were evaluated against the pathogen and Trichoderma asperellum could restrict growth of the pathogen by 66.67 per cent and Pseudomonas fluorescens by 33.33 per cent.