Showing papers in "Indian Journal of Horticulture in 1975"

Studies on Cold Storage of Mango Fruits (Mangifera 1Ndica L. Cv. Langra)

Abstract: Studies on the cold storage life (45 to 48° F and 85 to 90 per cent relative humidity) of Langra mangoes at different stages of maturity after precooling and after 2 and 4 days exposure to room temperature have shown that hard green fruits of this cultivar can be successfully stored for 35 to 45 days depending upon their stage of maturity. Precooling helped in increasing the satisfactory storage life by way of supression of intensity of respiration and prolongation of the duration of respiratory climacteric. Fruits of advanced maturity remained in good condition only for shorter duration. Even after 2 and 4 days transit period prior to cold storage the fruits of Langra can be kept in satisfactory condition for 35 to 45 days. Hard green fruits of this cultivar after removal from cold storage can be ripened to a satisfactory taste.

A Study on the Influence of Tne Structural Chemical Constituents of the Skin of Water Melon (Citrullus Lanatus Sch.) Fruit on the Incidence of Its Blossom-End-Rot and Cracking

Abstract: The quantitative make-up of the structural chemical constituents, viz. alpha-cellulose, hemi-cellulose, lignin, pectin, silica and silica-free minerals of the skin of the fully ripened fruits of ten water melon varieties was studied. The loss of this fruit due to blossom-end-rot and cracking was also recorded. The incidence of cracking was less in the fruits which deposited more structural carbohydrates and lignin in their skin. The varieties, which contained more than 15 per cent soluble minerals in their skin, showed resistance to blossom-end-rot.

The Feeder Root Distribution Pattern of Young and Old Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) Trees

Abstract: Feeder root concentration both in young and old mango trees was much higher at the zone close to the tree (60 cm) at the top 0–15 cm layer of soil. The concentration decreased with increasing distances from the tree and depths in soil. Feeder roots within the periphery (180 cm) and outside were 89.7 per cent and 10.3 per cent respectively in the young trees, while it was 90.5 per cent within the periphery (360 cm) and 9.5 per cent outside, in the case of old trees. A major portion of the feeder roots thus lie within the periphery in case of both young and old mango trees. Greater intensity of feeder roots was observed close to the trunk in the top 0–15 cm layer in the older trees in comparison with the younger ones.

Genetical Studies in Bhindi (Abelmoschus Esculentus L.) Moench)—Gene Effects and Heterosis*

Abstract: Six genetic populations (two parents, one each F1 and F2 and two back-crosses; of a cross were raised during 1970 at U. P. Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Kanpur. Gene effects, heterosis and inbreeding depression were estimated. Positive heterosis was recorded for plant height, days to flower, internode length, fruit thickness, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant. Inbreeding depression was observed in four characters. On the other hand, respect of number of nodes and fruit length F2 was found superior to F1. Dominance gene effects (h) and additive x additive (i) and additive x dominance (j) types of epistasis were found important in the expression of the characters. Duplicate type of epistasis was found more prominent than complementary one. It was suggested that search for varieties or cultures exhibiting better general combining ability should be made for entering them into the hybridisation programme.

Growth Substances and Zinc on the Development and Quality of Litchi Fruits

Abstract: Zinc and growth substances—NAA and 2,4-D, were applied on Purbi cultivar of litchi to study the effects on the development and quality of fruits. The results show that 1.0 per cent zinc was effective in enlarging the volume of fruits. Marked effect in enlarging fruit volume was observed with NAA at 10 ppm. Both zinc and growth substances were found effective in improving the internal quality of the fruits in respect of total sugars, acidity and ascorbic acid contents.

Role of the Tristeza Virus in Citrus Die-Back Complex1

Abstract: Tristeza is spread in orchards from tree to tree by 7 species of aphids. In India 6 of these—Toxoptera citricida, T. aurantii, Aphis gossypii, A. craccivora, Myzus persicae, and Macrosiphum (Dactinotus) compositae—have been established as vectors. The virus is transmitted in a non-persistent manner and is not retained by the aphids after moulting. More than one strain of the virus exists in nature. One mild strain has been observed to afford protection to Kagzi lime plants against infection by the severe strains.

Effect of Urea and Boron on the Quality of Grapes

Abstract: The combination of urea and boron at 0.5 and 0.2 per cent (U1B1) brought about a decrease in acidity increase in T. S. S. and total and reducing sugars.

Variation in Flavonoid Patterns and Species Relationships in the Genus Annona

Abstract: Leaf flavonoids of Annona squamosa, A. cherimola, A. reticulata, A. muricata and A. glabra were screened by cellulose thin-layer chromatography. Two types of flavonoid patterns were observed in different varieties of A. squamosa. The true A. squamosa has been found to be represented by only ‘Balanagar’ group of cultivars. The other group of cultivars represented by ‘Island Gem’ seem to be hybrids of A. squamosa and A. cherimola. Characteristic species specific flavonoid spots were observed only in two species i. e. A. muricata and A. glabra. However, the flavonoid patterns can be used to identify all the species. A. squamosa was found to have close affinity with A. cherimola. Hybridization seems to have occurred very freely in the species A. squamosa, A. cherimola and A. reticulata, before these species were established. A. muricata seems to have contributed one genome to tetraploid glabra.

Studies on Floral Biology of Jamun (Java Plum) [Syzygium Cuminii (L) Skeels]*

Abstract: The inflorescences in Java plum (Jatnun) are generally borne in the axils of leaves on 5 months to one year old branchlets. The floral buds assumed a club shaped appearance by the first week of March, and the flowering started from the last week of March and continued upto the last week of April. The trees were in full bloom during the second to third week of April and each inflorescence carried about 35 to 45 flowers. The maximum anthesis and dehiscence was recorded between 10 A.M. and 12 noon. The size of the pollen-grains in aniline oil gentian-voilet, water, aceto-carmine and methyl-green glycerine jelly was 17.88, 18.60, 16.32 and 14.34 microns respectively. A few giant sized (24.50 microns) pollen-grains were also observed. The pollen fertility was higher in the beginning of the season and it decreased as the season advanced. Twenty per cent sucrose solution gave the maximum pollen germination and tube length. The pollen could be successfully stored for 9 months at a temperature of —23°C in completely dry atmosphere. The stigma became receptive one day prior to anthesis and remained receptive upto 5 days after anthesis. The maximum receptivity was, however, observed one day after anthesis.

Comparative Study of the Chemical Constituents of Edible and Saponin Bearing Dioscorea Tubers

Abstract: Tubers of three saponin bearing species of the genus Dioscorea (D. composite/, D. deltoidea and D. floribunda) and two edible species (D. alata and D. esculenta) were analysed for certain chemical and mineral constituents, β-amylase activity was also studied. The saponin bearing species as a group are quite distinct chemically in some aspects from the two edible species studied. The amounts of total carbohydrates, crude protein and tannins was higher in the two edible species. The edible species had lower β-amylase activity. The saponin bearing species had higher phosphorus and potassium contents. This group of species showed a higher concentration of soluble amino acids. The pattern of amino acids and non volatile organic acids in the two groups of species was similar. Citric and malic acids were identified in all the species. The data on sugars gave no definite pattern of distribution to contrast the edible from the saponin bearing species.

Effect of Different Rootstocks on Vigour, Yield and Fruit Quality of Blood Red Orange (Citrus Sinensis Osbeck)*

Abstract: Investigations were conducted at Government Fruit Station, Attari (Amritsar) to study the effect of nine different rootstocks on vigour, yield and fruit quality of of Blood Red sweet orange. Jatti khatti proved to be the most invigorating root-stock and also produced maximum fruits per tree. The juice content, TSS and acidity were highest in fruits on trifoliate orange rootstock. TSS/Acid ratio was maximum in case of fruits produced on karna khatta and minimum on sour orange rootstock. The fruits raised on sour orange rootstock were found to contain the maximum amount of ascorbic acid.

Biochemical Changes Associated with Growth and Development of Pineapple Variety Kew Iv. Changes in Major Lipid Constituents

Abstract: Samples of pineapple fruit var. Kew collected at different stages of development were analysed for total lipids, phospholipids, oil content, unsaponifiables, total sterols, squalene content and for iodine and acid values. Total lipids showed an increasing trend during early stages followed by a decreasing trend. Phospholipids remained more or less constant and showed a sudden increase at maturity. The oil content showed a increasing trend at early stages followed by a very sharp decreasing trend. Total sterols showed a trough pattern during development. The unsaponifiables and acid value had a similar pattern of decrease upto 150 days followed by an increase in the ripe fruit. The iodine value increased upto 60 days followed by decreasing trend upto 150 days and then increased considerably.

Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen, Phosphate and Potash on Yield and Diosgenin Content of Dioscorea Floribunda*

Abstract: To find out the influence of different levels of nitrogen, phosphate and potash on the tuber yield and diosgenin content of D. floribunda, field experiments were conducted during 1971–72 and 1972–73. Nitrogen significantly increased the yield of tubers. This yield increase was linear upto a level of 300 kg nitrogen per hectare. There was no significant response to phosphorus and potash. There was no significant effect on the diosgenin content of the tuber due to different treatments.

Pollination Studies in Grape

Abstract: In the present investigation pollination requirement of 25 varieties of grape was studied. The varieties Banquabad, Angoor Kalan and Kabar Ravi were found to be completely self-unfruitful. Out of the remaining 22 varieties, in 12, namely, Cardinal, Perlette, Beauty Seedless, Thompson seedless, Black Prince, Loose Perlette, Early Muscat, Chohan Special, Fakhri, Kishmish Beli, Sultanina and Jaos Beli, fruit set was significantly more as a result of natural open-pollination as compared to self-pollination. In the remaining 10 varieties, namely, Foster's Seedling, Himrod, Delight, Black Muscat, Gulabi, Alamwick, Hussaini, Kishmish Charni, Jungal Khera and Mukh Chalani, the percent fruit set as a result of selfing and open-pollination did not vary significantly.

Effectiveness of insecticidal sprays against grape-vine Cicadellid, Arboridia (Arborifera) vini ferata Sohi and Sandhu in the Punjab (India)

Abstract: A field experiment with seven insecticides viz. DDT and carbaryl at 0.1 and 0.15 per cent each and malathion, endosulfan, dimethoate, fenitrothion, methyl demeton at 0.025 and 0.05 per cent each was conducted for the control of grape-vine leaf-hopper during August-September 1971. The population counts of nymphs at 2, 7, 14 and 20 days after spraying showed that dimethoate and fenitrothion (0.05 per cent each) proved to be highly effective. The other effective treatments in descending order of effectiveness were endosulfan, malathion (0.05 per cent each), fenitrothion, dimethoate (0.025 per cent each) and carbaryl 0.15 per cent.

Relation of Growth and Fruiting in Lemon (Citrus Limon Burmann)

Abstract: 1. In both Columbia and Hill cultivars, four distinct growth flushes were observed, which initiated in March, May—June, July and October. There was significant variation in extention growth, leaf size, number of leaves and leaf area per shoot in different growth flushes.

Heritability and Genetic Advance for Root and Fruit Characters in Radish

Abstract: Estimates on variability, heritability and genetic advance were made in a cross between long root and small fruit developing variety Kalyanpur No. 2 and small root and long fruit developing variety sengari in radish. Variances and coefficients of variation were obtained quite high for cortex thickness and fruit length. Excepting root thickness all the characters gave high estimates of heritability. However, high values for genetic advance were recorded with cortex thickness and fruit length. It is suggested that through selection breeding improvement in root and fruit length can be effected.

Studies on Nutrition of Pineapple Iv. Effect of Source of Nitrogen and Potassium on Yield and Quality of Pineapple

Abstract: A trial was land out for finding out the best source of nitrogen and potassium on Kew variety of pineapple at Kushalnagar during the year 1969. Ammonium sulphate, Calcium ammonium nitrate and urea were the nitrogen sources and potassium chloride and potassium sulphate for potash. The data indicated that ammonium sulphate was the best source of nitrogen for increasing fruit yield and suckers and slips production. There was no difference between potassium chloride and potassium sulphate. Ammonium sulphate and potassium chloride was the best combination followed by ammonium sulphate and potassium sulphate. Calcium ammonium nitrate with potassium sulphate caused low fruit weight and less plant material production.

Effect of Short Duration Chilling on the Performance of Strawberry

Abstract: Five varieties of strawberry, namely, Albriton, Dilpasand, Fresno, Early Cambridge and Jeolikote were used for the present experiment where the runners were exposed to three weeks of chilling at 0 ± 1°C prior to planting. In the varieties Dilpasand, Early Cambridge and Jeolikote the treatment resulted in increased plant vigour particularly higher production of runners. However, the effect on flowering and fruiting was not favourable. In the varieties Albriton and Fresno chilling treatment did not have positive influence on vegetative vigour suggesting that the chilling requirement of these two varieties are higher. Experiment has indicated that chilling treatment can be used in some varieties for faster multiplication of plants and that the actual chilling requirement is to be standardised for different varieties, since interclonal differences have been observed with regard to response to chilling.

Genetic Variability and Scope of Improvement in Onion Seed Crop

Abstract: Investigations were carried out to assess genetic variability, heritability and expected genetic advance in forty onion varieties at P.A.U. Ludhiana during 1970–71. Significant differences among varietal means were observed for all the characters studied, viz., leaf length, umbel height, number of seed stalks per plant, umbel diameter, weight per umbel, 1000 seed weight and seed yield per plant. Ludhiana Local, a high yielding variety, had also higher number of seed stalks per plant and more weight per umbel, umbel diameter and 1000 seed weight. In general, a character exhibiting a wider range also showed high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variability.

Modification of Sex-Expression in Watermelon (Citrullus Vulgaris Schard.)

Abstract: The effect of five concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 ppm) of MH was studied in Citrullus vulgaris. All the concentrations of MH increased the hermaphrodite flowers but the maximum bisexual flowers were recorded in MH-250 ppm. The pollen viability of hermaphrodite flowers was very low and it was recorded that in lower concentrations few anthers were found without pollen grain. The maximum pollen germination in bisexual flowers was 45.57 percent obtained in 15 per cent sucrose solution with 0.015 per cent boric acid. The maximum fruit set in bisexual flowers was recorded 26.32 per cent while in pistillate flowers the maximum fruit set 67.73 per cent was observed in MH-100 ppm.