Showing papers in "Indian Journal of Horticulture in 1998"

Effect of calcium and polythene wrapping on storage life of mango

Abstract: The perforated polythene wrapping and preharvest spraying of calcium compounds particularly CaCl2 and Ca(No3)2 on storage life of fruits was evaluated in mango Amrapali. The shelf-life of fruits was enhanced as judged from the pattern of physiological loss in weight, TSS, acidity, total sugar, ascorbic acid and 13-carotene content. Perforated polythene wrapping, CaCl2 (1.5%) and Ca(No3) (1.5%) were most effective treatments over the control to enhance the storage life of fruits.

Effect of nitrogenous fertilizers and farmyard manure on yield, quality and shelf-life of Nagpur mandarin

Abstract: The effect of N viz. 0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 g/plant/year through urea and farmyard manure appplication on yield, quality and shelf-life were studied. Differential N levels were supplemented with doses of P, K and farmyard manure. The farmyard manure @ 25 kg/plant/year alone was kept as the control. Application of N significantly increased the yield of Nagpur mandarin with increasing N rates as compared to farmyard manure alone. There was no adverse effect of chemical N on physico-chemical properties of fruits. Storage of fruits for 12 days at 20–28°C; 50–70% relative humidity and for 80 days at 5°-6°C; 85–90% relative humidity revealed that there was no adverse effect of chemical N (up to 600 g/plant/year) supplemented with P, K and farmyard manure on weight loss and decay (%) in Nagpur mandarin. The shelf-life of fruits was not significantly better when fruits were grown with farmyard manure alone.

Studies on vegetative propagation in kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa Chev.)

Abstract: The experiment was conducted to standardize the methods and time of grafting and budding in kiwi propagation. The higher percentage of sprouting and bud-take was obtained with tongue grafting and chip budding performed on 30 January. These two methods performed during February also gave very good bud-take success. The maximum linear and radial growth of grafts were recorded with chip budding, followed by tongue grafting done on 30 January. In the overall performance, tongue grafting and chip budding performed during end of January to end of February was highly superior in term of bud-take and growth of grafts as compared to other methods and date of propagation. Therefore, these can be recommended for a commercial propagation of kiwi.

Mineral nutrient status of apple orchards in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract: Twenty representative apple orchards of Kotkhai tehsil of Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh were surveyed for assessing their nutritional status using soil and leaf analysis. Soil analysis showed that only 15% orchards were inadequate/low in N status and all remaining macronutrients were in optimum to high range in all the orchards. The leaf analysis showed medium to high status of all the macronutrients. The coefficient of correlation (6.23−12.98 %) and leaf nutrient (6.40−16.39 %) status were low suggesting the almost equal and similar availability of nutrients. Soil and leaf N and Mg showed significantly positive relationship with fruit yield. Correlations were also significant between soil and leaf nutrients with some fruit quality characteristics. Available nutrients reflected significantly positive relationship with their respective contents in leaves. Multiple regression equation of fruit yield on leaf nutrient status showed the sensitivity of fruit yield to leaf K status.

Effect of post-harvest treatment on shelf-life and quality of mango

Abstract: The experiment was conducted to see the efficacy of various treatments on extending the post-harvest life of fruits of mango (Mangifera indica L.) Sipia. In the fruits stored at room temperature, all the treatments showed higher ripening index values than the control. The 250 ppm GA3 treatment was most effective in delaying the ripening during storage and minimized weight loss. The bavistin (500 ppm) proved effective to reduce fruit-rot, TSS and carotenoids increased, while acidity and ascorbic acid decreased steadily with increasing duration of storage irrespective of treatments. Among all the treatments, 250 ppm GA3 and 500 ppm bavistin alone and in combination retained the highest marketable value, organoleptic rating with consumers acceptability.

Effect of mulches on aonla (Emblica officinalis) orchard in sodic soil

Abstract: The organic and inorganic mulches were tried in aonla orchard. Mulching treatments encouraged tree growth, effectively checked the weed growth, reduced moisture evaporation and also regulated soil temperature. The cost/tree basin and hectare basis showed that black polyethylene is very expensive and also it does not incorporate any humus in the soil. Contrary to this, paddy straw is locally and easily available, showed better response followed by sugarcane trash mulching. Therefore, their use over a number of years would be helpful in improving the soil fertility.

Corm and cormeJ production in gladiolus as affected by spike removal and K application

Abstract: There was greater variation in number and weight of corms and cormels and total weight was observed among the 10 varieties. Legend produced significantly greater number of corms than any other varieties. Vickilin, White Enchantress, Chantler, Australian Fair and Pusa Suhagin were, however, on par and intermediate in number of corms/plant. The corms weight/plant was also significantly higher in Chantler, White Enchantress, Legend and Vickilin than others. During 1995–96, White Enchantress and Vickilin produced significantly higher number and weight of corms than others. The corms' weight/plant was significantly higher with increasing dose of K (200 kg K2O/ha), although the number of corms remained on par in both the doses of K. There was non significant difference in corms' number/plant among the spike removal treatments during 1994–95, but it was significant during 1995–96 when S1 treatment proved superior to others. Moreover, the corm weight/plant improved significantly in all the spike removal treatments except the control. The spike removal treatments S3 and S1 also contributed higher economic return than the control.

In-vitro clonal propagation of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk.)

Abstract: Jackfruit was successfully micropropagated using axillary buds as explant from mature tree on modified MS medium supplemented with 18 mg/litre BA in combination with 0.2 mg/litre IBA. Highest number (4–5) of usable shoots were developed after 4 subcultures on medium supplemented with 2 mg/litre BA and 0.2 mg/litre IBA. Higher concentration of BA in shoot proliferation medium produced increased number of adventitious shoots. In-vitro grown microshoots rooted in half-strength MS medium containing 1.0 mg/litre IBA with 58/7% rooting frequency. Rooted shootlets were subjected to hardening treatments and they readily established (80%) in sterilized mixture of sand, soil and farmyard manure.

Regulation of tree vigour in mango

Abstract: The experiment was conducted to study the effect of soil drenching with paclobutrazol (@ 1.5, 3.0 and 6.0g.a.i./tree and foliar application of cycocel 750, 1500 and 3000 ppm in 2 successive years for dwarfing and induction of flowering in young trees of mango Kesar. The highest dose of paclobutrazol (6.0 g.a.i./tree) was most effective in suppressing the tree growth, showing different growth contributing characters. Both paclobutrazol and cycocel increased the flowering to varying degree. Of them, drenching with paclobutrazol @ 3.0 g a.i./tree was most effective in controlling the tree vigour as well as inducing flowering and fruiting in young trees.

Studies on fruit growth and development in kinnow

Abstract: The fruit showed sigmoid curve with 3 distinct phases from 15 May to July 15; 15 August to 15 November and 29 November to 8 February. The TSS content as sugars increased while juice acid decreased during the entire period of fruit growth, whereas ascorbic acid content increased initially and decreased with the advancement of fruit maturity. Three periods of fruit drop were also observed, viz. first extensive fruit drop occurred on 15 May (29.16%), second from mid-May to mid-June (5.84%) and third between mid-September and mid-October (7.33%). The chlorophyll content of the fruit peel reduced to minimum, whereas total carotenoids showed a continuous increase as the fruit approached ripening. Thus, it can be concluded that the best harvesting time of kinow fruits falls between mid-January and first week of February under Ludhiana conditions.

Germination response to fruit positon and temperature in okra (Abelmoschus esculentum L.)

Abstract: Germination response to temperature variation (15, 25 and 35°C) and pod position was studied under controlled and field conditions in okra Arka Anamika, Pusa Makhamali, Paravani Kranthi and BO1. Germination variability and seedling growth were affected by both temperature and position of pod on the plant. The effect of pod position was more pronounced at 15°C. In Arka Anamika, seeds collected from middle node pods had maximum germination at all the 3 temperature and field conditions.

Effect of pruning intensity on vegetative and reproductive growth in ber (Zizyphus mauritiana)

Abstract: The studies conducted on pruning intensity on vegetative and reproductive growth in ber indicated that cultivars varied insignificantly regarding production and growth of primary, secondary and tertiary branches. The maximum production of primary branches was under 25% pruning, whereas 50% pruning produced more number of secondary and tertiary branches. The length of primary branches were highest under the control, secondary branches under 25%, whereas length of tertiary branches were highest under 50% pruning severity. Number of flower clusters, fruit set and fruit retention were highest under 50% intensity in all the cultivars. Ber Umran had highest fruit yield followed by Banarasi Karaka and Gola. Maximum fruit yield was with 50% pruning severity followed by 75% in all the cultivars.

Half-sib analysis in guava (Psidium guajava)

Abstract: The half-sib analysis was carried out in the progenies of guava variety Apple Colour to get information on variance, genotypic and phenotypic correlation, heritability and coheritability. The progenies of Apple Colour × Arka Mridula, Apple Colour × Beaumont, Apple Colour × Chittidar and Apple Colour × Allahabad Safeda were evaluated for fruit weight, fruit volume, fruit length, fruit volume, fruit breadth and TSS. The genotypic variance was less than the phenotypic variance for all characters. The genetic variability was low. The heritability was moderately high for all characters. All the characters showed positive correlation except TSS, which had high coheritability values. The study shows that by going in for selection, fruit characteristics can be improved.

Stability analysis for some quantitative characters in ridged gourd (Luffa acutangula)

Abstract: Stability parameters alongwith per se performance of 58 genotypes were worked out for 6 characters under 3 environments. Highly significant differences among the genotypes and genotype × environment interaction for all the characters were observed. Both the environment (linear) and G × E (linear) were differed significantly for all the characters when tested against pooled error. None of the genotypes showed uniform stability for all the characters. Variety CTR (Coimbatore) and LA 92 were stable for 4 characters, while LA 40, LA 61, LA 89 and GKVK showed stable performance for 3 out of 6 characters.

Effect of flowers and fruit thinning on maturity, yield and quality in peach (Prunus persica Batsch)

Abstract: Three chemicals, urea (6 and 8%), paclobutrazol (0.05 and 0.10%), dormex (0.25 and 0.50%) alongwith hand-thinning of flowers at full bloom and of fruits at the pit-hardening stage were tried. All the treatments were applied to the whole tree. Dormex significantly reduced fruit set 2 weeks after application. Fruit maturity was advanced by 5 days by hand-thinning of fruits when done at pit-hardening stage compared to the control. Although highest fruit weight was recorded from the trees treated with dormex 0.5% yet total yield was minimum under this treatment. However, the best quality fruits were obtained from hand-thinning of fruits done at the pit-hardening stage and spaced 10–15 cm apart. Total soluble solids and total sugars were found to be highest, whereas acidity was lowest under this treatment.

Effect of different levels of soil salinity on growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa)

Abstract: A greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the relative performance of onion Pusa Red, Pusa Madhvi and Pusa White Flat, on saline soils with increasing levels (0.3, 4, 8, 12 ad 16 dS/m) of electrical conductivity (ECe). Growth and bulb yield of all varieties were not affected adversely upto a salinity level of 4 dS/m. Highest salinity (16 dS/m) reduced plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaves fresh and dry weight and bulb yield by about 40–50% as compared to the control (0.3 dS/m). Reduction was of higher magnitude at early growth stages in all the varieties. Bulb maturity has been hastened by a week due to increasing levels of salinity. Onion Pusa Red performed relatively better as comapred to others.

Micrometeorology of ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) orchard grown under rainfed arid conditions

Abstract: In general, lower loss of water through leaf transpiration in ber Tikadi indicates its suitability and adaptability to arid climate. Though Gola has got higher potential to yield (recorded up to 39 kg/ tree) during good monsoon year but it has drawback of higher yield variability compared to other cultivars. The fruits of Gola require less degree days for their maturity. This could be the reason for early maturity of Gola fruits. The canopies of Gola cultivar maintains better and favourable micro-environment through higher rate of transpiration from its leaves during good rainfall year. Over all, favourable phytoclimate created inside ber orchard due to net increase in relative humidity (1 - 10%), vapour pressure (0.5 - 2.1 mb) and due to reduction in wind speed by 56 - 80 percent. This indicates the possibility of growing short-duration pulse crop to utilize the interspace moisture as well as better microclimatic conditions available within the plantation area.

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium requirements of kinnow in low-fertility soils of Punjab

Abstract: A field trial was conducted for two years in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab to know the major nutrient requirement of kinnow in a low fertility status soil. Response to P application as well as its interaction with other nutrients were insignificant. However, response to N and P application, and their interaction at lower levels were significant with respect to various qualitative and quantitative yield parameters. Thus in addition to N, kinnow also responds to P application.

Post-harvest losses in packaging and transportation of sapota

Abstract: The experiment was conducted to study the post-harvest losses in sapota fruits in different packages after road transportation (630 km) to the distant markets with subsequent storage. The paddy straw as cushioning in wooden crates resulted in higher losses due to rotting, physiological weight loss and over-ripening with least marketability and organoleptic qualities. Prepackaging of fruits in polyethylene bag reduced the physiological weight loss considerably. The fruits packed in polyethylene lined CFB cartons had better shelf-life and marketability with higher organoleptic values. The total post-harvest losses after transportation and storage were 10–16% irrespective of packages in which physiological weight loss was the major one.

Rootstock breeding - variations for leaf morphology in citrus rootstock hybrid progeny

Abstract: Rangpur lime and rough lemon were crossed with Troyer citrange and trifoliate orange. Hybrid seedlings were separated on the basis of dominant trifoliate leaf marker. Different types of expression of leaf morphology were observed among the progenies of different crosses and even within the seedlings of the same cross or even within the same seedling. Leaf morphology varied from completely monofoliate to completely trifoliate, but many intermediate forms were also observed, indicating non-uniform expression of trifoliate leaf character in the hybrid progeny. Some sort of incompatibility was observed between rough lemon and trifoliate orange.

Standardization of sucrose pulsing in cut roses and biochemical changes occurring during senescence

Abstract: In Super Star roses pulsing with 3% sucrose for 18 hr at 20°C significantly prolonged the vase-life, accelerated flower diameter, improved water uptake and also increased fresh and dry weight of cut flowers appreciably over the control. Estimation of TSS, RS and TFAA at harvest, on third day and at senescence in corolla tissues of cut flowers revealed that there was a sharp rise in TSS and RS content from harvest to third day and declined at senescence, while TFAA contents increased from harvest to third day till senescence, irrespective of sucrose pulsing. It was concluded that 3% sucrose pulsing for 18 hr resulted in increased TSS and RS content and decreased in TFAA content in corolla tissues over the control during flower senescence.

Effect of K on growth, yield, fruit quality and leaf nutrient status of apple Starking Delicious

Abstract: Different K levels did not influence the trunk girth and tree volume significantly, whereas yield increased significantly with increase in K levels from 400 to 700 g K2O/tree and was at par with 800 g K2O/tree. Fruit colour, TSS contents and fruit weight increased significantly with increase in K levels from 400 to 700 g K2O/tree. However, non-significant difference was observed in fruit firmness. Leaf K and Fe concentrations increased and N, P, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn and Cu concentrations decreased with increase in K levels from 400 to 1,000 g K2O/tree.

Effect of N, P and plant spacing on growth and flowering of pansy (Viola tricolor L.)

Abstract: The experiment was conducted to find out the optimum dose of N, P and suitable plant spacing to get maximum flower and capsule production. It was observed that 30 g N and 20 g P2Os/m2 to be adequate for the pansy crop, when grown on a soil of average fertility. The spacings of 30 cm × 30 cm resulted in maximum growth and flower production/plant over other spacings.

Estimates of genetic and environment variabilty, heritability and genetic advance in cabbage

Abstract: Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance were studied in 36 genotypes having diverse origin of cabbage for 11 horticultural characterstics. The genotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 10.26 percent in core breadth to 75.41 percent in average head weight. Enviromental effects were pronounced in number of non-wrapper leaves and core breadth. High heritability values coupled with high percentage of genetic advance were recorded for average head weight, which indicated more number of additive factors for this character for which improvement is feasible through selection based on phenotypic observations.

Effect of time of planting and spacing on flower production behaviour of statice (Limonium sinuatum) cultivars

Abstract: A field trial was conducted to study the effect of time of planting and spacing on flower production behaviour of 6 cultivars of statice (Limonium sinuatum). The cultivars were Forever White, Forever Yellow, Forever Pink, Forever Blue and Forever Purple using 3 spacings 60cm × 30cm, 60cm×45cm and 60cm × 60cm and 2 plantings, i.e. November and December during 1994–95. Forever White produced maximum flowering stems (30.88) which were significantly better than those of Forever Pink (23.11) and Forever Purple (18.44) when planted in November. Plant spacing of 60cm × 45cm produced maximum stems (23.05) in December planting. Forever White took more time (104.66) days, whereas Forever Purple lesser time (87.44 days) in November and (88.33 days) in December to bolt.

Effect of orchard floor-management practices on soil physico-chemical properties of plum

Abstract: None of the orchard floor-management practices significantly affected the soil pH. Electrical conductivity and organic carbon were highest under mulching with hay treatment which was significantly different from all other orchard floor-management practices. Available N and P were highest under green manuring with cowpeas, whereas availabile soil K, exchangeable soil Ca and Mg contents were highest under hay mulch treatment. The lowest avaialble N content was recorded under clean cultivation, whereas lowest available P and K and exchangeable Mg under intercropping with soybeans and lowest exchangeable Ca content under green manuring treatment.

Relationship between fruit yield, and foliar and soil nutrient status in apple

Abstract: Seven well-managed private apple orchards located in Rajgarh area of Himachal Pradesh were selected to study the relationship between fruit yield and foliar and soil nutrient status. The fruit yield in different orchards ranged from 45.1 to 71.1 kg/ tree. The leaf N, P and K showed highly significant positive correlation with fruit yield. Of the micronutrient, foliar Zn showed a positive correlation with fruit yield. Soil P, K and Mg also showed significant positive correlation with fruit yield. However, soil Ca was negatively correlated with fruit yield. Soil micronutrients, Fe, Mu, Zn and Cu also showed significant positive relationship.

Biochemistry of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruit ripening: Changes in respiration rate, ethylene production and enzyme activity

Abstract: Guava fruit respiration followed a typical climacteric rise and maximum ethylene production preceded climacteric peak during ripening. Cellulase and s-galactosidase activity declined during ripening while that of PE and PG declined from green-to-peel colour-turning and or yellow hard stage and increased in ripe fruits. Amylase and phosphorylase activity showed marginal changes, while acid phosphatase activity decreased during ripening. Sucrose phosphate synthase, sucrose synthase and acid invertase activity decreased in general with ripening and had no definite relation with sucrose content. Glycolytic enzymes, hexokinase, PFK, PK activities remained high until green mature stage and declined in later ripening stages. Gluconeogenic enzymes, G6Pase, FBFase and PEPCK as well as ME and PEPC activity increased until peel colour turning and or yellow hard stage and declined in ripe fruit. Catalase and peroxidase activity declined during ripening. The PPO activity increased until yellow hard stage and decreased in ripe fruits. Chlorophyllase, GDH and MDH activity increased until peel colour turning and or yellow hard stage and decreased in ripe fruit. The high level of EFE activity observed at peel colour turning stage coincided with pre-climacteric rise in respiration.

Effect of fruit-based cropping models on chemical properties of soil

Abstract: The pH, electrical conductivity (ECe), gypsum requirement (GR), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) decreased, while organic carbon and cation exchange capacity (CEC) increased under various cropping models indicating that chemical properties of soil were considerably improved. Among various cropping models, guava + phalsa + ber had best ameliorative effect on chemical properties of sodic soil than others.