Showing papers in "Indian Journal of Horticulture in 1999"

Heterosis and inbreeding depression in okra

Abstract: Heterosis in okra was studied in a set of 8×8 diallel crosses excluding reciprocals. The parents, F1s and F2s were grown in a randomized block design with 3 replications. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences for all the characters, indicating the presence of genetic variability among the material studied. Heterosis over better parent, standard check and inbreeding depression were calculated for fruit yield/plant, fruits/plant and days to 50% flowering. Heterosis was shown in many crosses for different characters. Four crosses (P 7 × ABY, P 7 × ANK, P 7 × PKT and PKT × ABY) showed maximum heterosis for fruit yield over the standard check, showing the importance of non-additive genes. Therefore, these can be considered as the promising crosses for their exploitation in hybrid production. Two crosses PSN × ABY and HBN × ABY had significant heterosis and inbreeding vigour in F1 and F2 generations for fruit yield/plant and fruits/plant. Such crosses have the potential to throw desirable transgressive segregants in the latter generations which may lead to evolve a high-yielding variety.

In-vitro propagation in Gerbera jamesonii Bolus

Abstract: Studies were conducted with 2 Gerbera varieties to standardize the protocol for a large-scale in-vitro multiplication. Shoot explants of SWM and Dilmaya (1.0 - 2.0 cm long) from in-vitro grown shoots were cultured in MS medium with varying concentrations of BAP. Significant interactions between varieties and media were recorded for culture weight, shoot number, size as well as weight and leaf number and size. Maximum culture growth and callus weight were recorded at 1.0 mg/litre BAP for both the varieties. For obtaining more number of shoots, supplementation with 0.5–1.0 mg/ litre BAP was found to be optimum. Significant variations were recorded for various traits between the varieties. However, Dilmaya responded better than SWM for most of the characters. The shoots were rooted in MS basal medium and planted in culture jars filled up to one-third with carriers. High mortality was recorded in carriers with sand and vermiculite, while leaf-mould and soil helped in better growth and establishment. Acclimatized plants transferred to polythene bags containing equal amount of soil:sand: farmyard manure, established better with 95–100% survival. This method, involving a simultaneous acclimatization and growth is simple, giving very high survival and better growth.

Studies on preparation and preservation of guava ready-to-serve beverage

Abstract: Recipes for commercial prepration of guava RTS beverage were evaluated. The varietal suitability and storage stability were also examined. The recipe containing 10% pulp and 11% TSS with 0.25% acidity was found most ideal. The RTS beverage prepared from Sardar (L-49) was better than that of Allahabad Safeda, Apple Colour and Sangam. Storage stability of the product was found 4 months at ambient temperature.

Genetic variation, component association and direct and indirect selections in some exotic tomato germplasm

Abstract: Genetic variability, genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability, genetic advances, component association and path-coefficient analysis were done for 9 characters in 75 exotic genotypes of tomato belonging to both determinate and indeterminate groups. Considerably high amount of phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were found for plot yield, plant height, fruit firmness, TSS and number of locules. Very high heritability estimates along with high genetic advance were observed for fruit weight, fruit length, fruit breadth and pulp thickness due to additive gene effect. Hence selection pressure particularly be applied on these characters for yield improvement in tomato. Very high and significant positive correlation coefficients were observed between plot yield and fruit weight, fruit length and fruit breadth, number of locules and pulp thickness. Fruit length showed very high positive direct effect on yield followed by fruit breadth, number of locules, plant height and fruit firmness.

Exploitation of hybrid vigour in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Abstract: To estimate the extent of heterosis, eight diverse genotypes viz. Perkins Long Green (P1), SB-5 (P2), SB-3 (P3), Parbhani Kranti (P4), Pusa Makhmali (P5), Pusa Sawani (P6), Punjab-7 (P7) and SB-8 (P8) were crossed in diallel excluding reciprocals. The 28 F1 crosses and 8 parents were evaluated. Analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences among genotypes, parents, hybrids and parents vs hybrids. This indicated large spectrum of genetic variability among the genotypes. The F1 crosses revealed wide range of heterosis over better parent for all the characters. Number of pods/plant recorded maximum heterosis (74.77%) followed by average pod weight (62.59%), branch number/plant (52.50%), height of first fruiting node (44.83%), pod yield/plant (36.66%), seed number/pod (36.59%), node number/plant (36.41%), number of node of first pod appearance (−32.09%), plant height (26.75%), internodal length (−26.11%), pod length (17.92%), days to first fruit set (−12.12%) and fruit girth (1.12%). Among the crosses, the hybrids especially P3×P7, P2×P6, P1×P2 and P1×P4 could be considered as potential hybrids for commercial exploitation.

Studies on heterosis for yield and yield attributes in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex. Poir.)

Abstract: An 8-parent half-diallel cross was evaluated with parents for heterotic manifestation of yield and yield components. Heterosis to the extent of 37.7, 28.6, 76.9, 142.9, 96.3, 48.9 and 188.7% over better parent and 52.1, 36.9, 89.6, 161.5, 109.9, 68.9 and 197.1% over mid-parent was recorded for vine length, number of primary branches, female flowers, fruits/plant, average fruit weight, flesh thickness and yield/plant respectively. Yield heterosis was the cumulative effect of heteroiss for most yield attributes. Vine length and number of branches did not contribute much towards yield. The crosses between high × low performing (gca) parents exhibited greater hybrid vigour. Eight promising hybrids were identified for developing high-yielding F1 hybrids/varieties of pumpkin with desirable fruit characters.

Effect of irrigation, nitrogen and spacing on yield of cabbage

Abstract: The response of cabbage cv Golden Acre to irrigation levels, plant spacing and graded doses of N was studied in clayey (Typic Chromustert) soil. The application of irrigation water at IW: CPE ratio 0.7 gave significantly higher yield. The yield increased with increase in the rate of N application, and 200 kg N gave significantly higher yield over 150 kg N/ha but at par with 250 kg N/ ha. The narrow spacing 30 cm × 30 cm gave significantly higher yield over 45 cm × 30 cm spacing. Highest cost: benefit ratio was observed at IW: CPE ratio of irrigation water 0.7 and 200 kg N/ha.

Changes in chemical composition of guava fruits during growth and development

Abstract: Guava fruits of Allahabad Safeda and Sardar harvested at different developmental stages were analysed for their physico-chemical, biochemical and mineral constituents. The growth of fruits followed a double sigmoid curve. Data indicated that fruit density, total acidity, skin chlorophyll, skin carotenoids, vitamin A, total pectins, crude protein, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium contents decreased; pulp pH, total tannins, dry matter and iron contents showed marginal changes, and TSS, vitamin C, sucrose, glucose and fructose contents increased during fruit maturation and ripening. The fruits of Allahabad Safeda had glucose: fructose ratio below 1 and those of Sardar above 1 during maturation and ripening. Citric acid was the major acid together with malic, tartaric, pyruvic, succinic, fumaric, oxaloacetic, x-ketoglutaric and malonic acids formed 71 – 97% of the total non-volatile acids at various ripening stages.

Studies on genetic variability for processing characters in tomato

Abstract: Thirty two genotypes were evaluated for different processing characters to study the variability with regard to processing characters in tomato. The genotypic coefficient of variation was higher for all characters except specific gravity and TSS. The characters studied have shown high heritability in broad sense of 92.10 % for yield and 100% for ascorbic acid. Highest genetic advance (96.78%) was observed for juice viscosity. Significant positive genotypic correlation (0.586) was found between pericarp thickness and juice viscosity (0.448) and between lycopene and ascorbic acid. Locule number was found to be negatively correlated with pericarp thickness. Thirty two genotypes were grouped into nine clusters based on D2 values. The magnitude of intracluster distances was comparatively less than of the intercluster distances.

Effect of planting time and spacing on growth and flower yield of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. African Yellow

Abstract: To standardise the time of planting and sppcing of African Yellow marigold a field trial was conducted with five dates of planting viz. first date of May (D1), July (D2), September (D3), November (D4) and January (D5), and four levels of spacing viz. 30 cm × 20 cm (S1), 40 cm × 20 cm (S2), 30 cm × 30 cm (S3) and 40 cm × 30 cm (S4). Among different planting dates, May planting was not found beneficial, as the plants continued vegetative growth for a longer period and the flower yield was very low. On the contrary, September planting was the best for maximising the yield, closely followed by July planting. January and November plantings hastened the appearance of flower bud. Besides, the flower yield under the two planting dates was also much better than under May planting. This investigation also revealed that with the increase in spacing, the fresh weight of individual flower and the flower yield per plant were increased. The ma×imum yield of flowers/plant was obtained with September planting at a spacing of 40 cm × 30 cm.

Effect of nitrogen on leaf mineral nutrient status, growth and fruiting in peach

Abstract: The highest leaf N was noted where maximum N was applied. However, every higher dose resulted in increasing N contents in leaves. A decreasing trend was observed in case of P and K levels with increasing doses of N. In case of mi-cronutrients, the levels of Zn and Mn indicated fairly positive correlation with the increasing levels of N. There were fluctuating results in case of Fe, B and Co. Tree height, spread, trunk circumference, flowering intensity, fruit set, fruit weight and fruit yield were found to be directly associated with the N content in leaves. Thus 450 g N and 200 g each of P2O5 and K2O/tree to 5-year-old onwards trees is recommended as it gives optimum status of nutrients in leaves. These doses are good for tree height, spread, flowering, fruit set and fruit yield.

In vitro propagation of low-chill pear cv Gola

Abstract: Mass propagation of low-chill pear cv Gola, a popular cultivar in short supply in the subtropical plains of U.P. was attempted by in vitro shoot-tip culture. Spring-collected shoot tips (0.5 cm) gave maximum proliferating aseptic cultures (60%) when surface sterilized with 0.1% HgCl2 and 10% NaOCl for 4 and 10 min respectively. Full-strength woody plant medium (WPM) was the best medium and BA 1.5 mg/litre and IBA 1.0 mg/litre were the best plant bioregulator combinations for proliferation of the subcultured shoots. The microcuttings rooted best in 1/2 MS supplemented with IBA 1.0–2.0 mg/litre. The rooted plantlets survived for 15 days in plastic pots with a mixture of sand, soil and FYM in a ratio of 1:1:1 in open room conditions at 24±2°C temperature and 16/8 hr photoperiod.

Correlation and path-coefficient studies in pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.)

Abstract: Correlation and path-coefficient studies with 16 divergent types of pointed gourd indicated that fruit weight, fruit diameter and number of primary branches/plant were positively and significantly correlated with yield/plant at genotypic and phenotypic levels. The path analysis revealed that fruit volume followed by fruit weight and fruit diameter have maximum positive direct effects on yield. The indirect effects of all the components through fruit volume were relatively high in magnitude irrespective of direction. Therefore, emphasis should be given on fruit weight followed by fruit diameter, fruit volume and number of primary branches/plant in selecting good genotype for improvement of yield in pointed gourd.

Evaluation of guava cultivars under rainfed sub-humid region of Chhotanagpur plateau

Abstract: The performance of six guava cultivars for vegetative growth, yield and physico-chemical characteristics of fruit were evaluated for their suitability under rainfed sub-humid situation of Nagpur plateau. Among the six cultivars tested, Allahabad Safeda had maximum stem girth, whereas Red Flesh, recorded maximum height. Maximum plant vigour was observed in Lucknow-49. Lucknow-49 and Allahabad Safeda were the best yielders, whereas Red Flesh the least. Individual fruit weight was maximum in Lucknow-49 and minimum in Arka Mridula. Fruit quality was good in all the varieties including Lucknow-49. Considering the overall performance, the cul-tivar Lucknow-49 is best suited for commercial cultivation in the region. However, Allahabad Safeda is the second highest yielder with quality fruits, and hence may also be considered for plantation in Chhotanagpur pleateau. Arka Mridula, containing soft seeds with fine texture and sweet pulp, may also be recommended for cultivation in this region. Cost of cultivation worked out for Lucknow-49 revealed that the grower could pay back the capital with interest at the end of fifth year of planting with some surplus cash in hand.

Line × tester analysis for study of combining ability of quantitative traits in tomato

Abstract: A study was undertaken to estimate the general and specific combining ability in tomato through line × tester analysis involving 12 lines (females) and 2 testers (males). The combining ability analysis revealed that the variances due to lines and crosses were significant for all the traits studied. The mean squares due to testers and lines × testers were significant for all the traits except fruit weight, plant height and days to maturty respectively. Among parents, the lines BTL-33 and BTL-11 and tester Roma proved the best general combiners for yield and its component traits. The best specific cross-combinations were BTN-46 × Roma, BTL-11 × AC-402 and BTR-49 × Roma. The best cross-combinations did not necessarily involve good general combiners as their parents. Based upon the contribution of lines, testers and their intereactions, it was evident that the variability among the crosses was mainly due to the contribution of lines only.

Genetic variability and performance of ginger genotypes under mid-hills of Meghalaya

Abstract: Twenty-one indigenous and exotic genotypes of ginger were evaluated for three consecutive years. All the 12 parameters were significantly different among genotypes. Number of leaves per clump, weight of mother rhizome and internodal distance of rhizome were found to be the most variable characters (21.3–32.9% CV). Yield was positively and significantly correlated with tillers/clump (r=0.83), internodal distance of rhizome (r=0.51 and plant height (r=0.50) and was negatively correlated with fibre content (r=−0.53). Karakai, Chekeralla, Rio-de-Janeiro, Thingpui and Khonsa Local had high rhizome curing percentage (19.1–20.4). The maximum fibre content (7.6%) was recorded in Khasi Local and lowest in Nadia. However, Tura yielded highest (266.9 q/ha) followed by Poona (250.4 q/ha) and Basar Local (248.8 q/ha).

An integrated approach for storage of mango

Abstract: The mango fruits harvested with stalks (8–10 mm) can be stored successfully up to 27 days (21 days at 12°C with 85–90% relative humidity and 6 days at ambient condition) in acceptable good condition with minimum spoilage compared with the control fruits (17 days). Though Ca infiltration delayed the ripening, maintained the firmness and reduced the spoilage during storage but the injury caused by Ca infiltration is a limiting factor. However, actual cause of injury and the mode of its manifestation need further intensive investigation.

Effect of orchard floor management practices on leaf nutrient status of plum

Abstract: The highest percentage of N was observed under herbicide treatment and mulching with hay resulted in highest leaf P, K, Ca and Mg contents. Clean cultivation treatment resulted in the lowest N content of leaf, whereas lowest P content was recorded under clean cultivation and green manuring with cowpea treatments. Intercropping with soybean resulted in the lowest K, Ca and Mg contents of the leaf.

Anatomical variation in leaf lamina of ber seedling and budded plants grown at different sodicity levels

Abstract: Pot culture experiments were conducted to study the effect of different sodicity levels on survival and anatomical changes in leaf lamina of wild jujube (seedlings) and cultivars, Banarasi Karaka, Kaithali, Umran and Gola after 18 months of establishment. Histological examination of leaf lamina showed differential response to graded levels of exchangeable sodium, resulting in either increase or decrease of the tissues. Among the budded plants, Banarasi Karaka recorded positive increase in size of vascular bundle (60.5 ESP), epidermal cell size, pallisade cell size (U.E.) at both the levels, i.e. (38.8 and 60.5 ESP). Seedlings showed marked increase in total number of xylem cell, followed by a marginal increase in pallisade cell (L.E) at 38.8 ESP. Survival of seedlings and budded plants decreased significantly with the rise in sodicity levels. Umran and Gola failed to survive at 60.5 ESP with a very poor survival in Kaithali.

Evaluation of small-flowered varieties of chrysanthemum for calcareous belt of north Bihar

Abstract: The variety Suneel performed very well and gave significantly higher yield with maximum number of flowers per plant, flower weight and taller plants with maximum spread. Days to bud opening and half flower opening were higher than in Puja and Syamal respectively. However, Kundan took longer period in flower opening. Period of flower freshness was noted significantly higher in Jayanti but flower size of Syamal was observed to be significantly bigger followed by those of Puja and Suneel.

Effect of controlled-release fertilizers on growth, yield and fruit quality of guava cv. Sardar in Ustochrepts

Abstract: Three levels (200, 400 and 600 g/plant) each of urea, urea supergranule and neem-coated urea were applied on 3-year-old plants of guava cv. Sardar in two equal split doses (i.e. in March and September). Correlation matrix between all possible pairs of vegetative growth characters were worked out. Significant increase in vegetative growth was recorded with 600 g neem-coated urea. As regards yield, 102 fruits in the first year and 125 fruits in the second year, weighing 28.3 kg and 31.9 kg/plant respectively and yield per hectare calculated 7.8 t and 8.8 t/ha, was recorded highest with 600 g neem-coated urea which was significantly higher than with all the other treatments and the control (no fertilizer). Fruit quality was also improved with application of slow-releasing fertilizers. Total soluble solids at 14.8°Brix and 4.5% reducing sugars were recorded with 600 g neem-coated urea. Maximum ascorbic acid content (326.7 mg/100 g fruit with 600 g urea in the first year and 339.9 mg/100 g fruit) with 600 g neem-coated urea in the second year were observed with 600 g neem-coated urea compared with 258.9 and 237.1 mg/100 fruit in the control. Acidity in fruits was not affected by the different levels and sources of nitrogen. Leaf N increased to 2.11% from 1.77%, and the P and K contents also increased after the application of treatments and fixed doses of P and K.

Genetic variability and correlation studies in mango collections of South Andaman

Abstract: Fourteen collections of mango were studied for their genetic variability and correlation among various fruit characters. The genetic and phenotypic coefficients of variance, heritability, genetic advance and coefficient of correlation were estimated for 15 fruit characters which included length, breadth, peel, pulp, stone. TSS, sugars, ascorbic acid, carotenoids and overall quality. A remarkable variability was observed among collections for these characters. All the characters showed higher estimates of broad-sense heritability, whereas genetic advance was recorded very high in carotenoids, fruit weight, volume of fruit and ascorbic acid. Fruit weight, fruit length, fruit breadth, fruit pulp and overall quality were found to be effective selection indices.

Response of bell-pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to irradiance - photosynthesis, reproductive attributes and yield

Abstract: A study on photosynthesis, reproductive attributes and yield was conducted in Arka Gaurav and Arka Mohini varieties of bell-pepper under 100, 75, 50 and 25% irradiance in natural environmental conditions during summer season. The rate of PN was higher in Arka Gaurav compared with Arka Mohini under all the 4 irradiance levels. The fruit yield was more (236 g/plant in Arka Gaurav and 228 g/plant in Arka Mohini) in the plants grown under 50% irradiance. Reduction in irradiance (50%) resulted in improvement in fruit development and growth as indicated by the highest yield (28–85% more over 100% irradiance) under this treatment. The 50% irradiance having 800 - 950 μmol m−2 s−1 PAR was found to be ideal for plant growth and better yield in bell-pepper during summer season.

Efficient somaculture system and exploitation of somaclonal variation for bacterial wilt resistance in tomato

Abstract: An efficient somaculture system involving somatic callus derived from stem and leaf explants of four tomato varieties viz. BWR 1, BWR 6, PKM I and Culture 340 was evolved. MS basal medium supplemented with 2 mg/litre BAP and 1 mg/litre NAA was found to be the most efficient in generating maximum plantlets, whereas 1/2 MS fortified with 1 mg/litre NAA was found most effective in inducing maximum roots. Substantial somaclonal variations were observed in respect of major agronomic traits viz. plant height, plant spread, number of primary branches, number of fruits and fruit yield per plant at SC2 generation. This offers ample scope of selection for genetic improvement of this crop. Somaclones were simultaneously screened for bacterial wilt resistance caused by Pseudomonas solanacearum under sick-plot condition. Marked variation in resistance profile was discernible in comparison to parental base population. A few elite lines coupled with bacterial wilt resistance were selected to evolve superior wilt-resistant lines for mass cultivation in the humid tropics of Andamans.

Embryo culture of coconut: the CPCRI protocol

Abstract: The field collection of embryos from mature nuts (9 months onwards), which can be easily identified for its hard eye and thick kernel, is done by means of a surface-sterilized cork borer. From the endosperm plug thus scooped out, the embryo is separated by using knife. The collected embryos are placed in distilled water. Once all the embryos are extracted, they are subjected to surface sterilization with 50% chlorine water for 20 minutes. The embryos are washed thoroughly in sterile water 4–5 times and inoculated individually into screw-cap bottles containing 2–5 ml sterile water (pH 5.7). The entire operation is to be done in surface-sterilized (absolute alcohol) inoculation hood (portable). The field-collected embryos are then transferred to Y3 solid medium within 2 months. The medium is supplemented with 30 g/l sucrose and 1 g/l charcoal for embryos of tall types and 60 g/l sucrose and 2.5 g/l charcoal for dwarf types.

Mineral nutrient status of peach orchards in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract: Twenty representative peach orchards of Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh were surveyed for assessing their nutritional status using soil and leaf analyses. Soil analysis revealed low status of available N in 95 and 55% orchards in 1992 and 1993 respectively. Leaf analysis showed low status of K in 40% orchards in 1992. All the available nutrient elements showed significant positive relationship with their respective leaf nutrient status. Correlations of available soil nutrients and leaf nutrients with fruit yield and some quality characteristics were also significant. Multiple regression equation of fruit yield on leaf nutrient status showed sensitivity of fruit yield to changes in leaf N and P status.

Variation and genetic parameters of yield and its components in pumpkin

Abstract: Twenty eight non-reciprocal F1 hybrids involving 8 parental lines of pumpkin were evaluated for yield and its components to assess the genetic variation and scope of improvement by selection. High PCV and GCV were observed for yield and number of fruits per plant. PCV was greater than GCV for all the traits. Moderate heritability (43.1%) along with moderately high genetic gain (43.96%) were recorded for yield/plant which could be improved by rigid selection in early generations. The characters like days to first flower anthesis, first female flowering node, flesh thickness, vine length and number of male flowers/plant manifested moderate to high heritability accompanied by low genetic gain. Improvement of these traits needs selection over several successive generations. The remaining characters showed low heritability and genetic advance. Which should not be relied upon for selection.

Genetic diversity in eggplant for resistance to shoot and fruit borer.

Abstract: The genetic divergence among 12 genotypes was estimated using D2 analysis by Tocher's method. Altogether, four clusters were formed. The genotype Solanum indicum appearing in cluster III was highly resistant; the genotypes Solanum gilo, Solanum incanum and Solanum anomalum in cluster 1 were resistant; Pusa Purple Cluster, Bhagyamathi, Annamalai, APAU-4, Nurki and Singhnath forming cluster IV were moderately resistant; and (Pusa Kranti and Aushey) cluster II was susceptible to Leucinodes orbonalis.

Effect of growth regulators on shoot and root formation in Dracaena

Abstract: The treatment of nodal cuttings of Dracaena sanderiana virescens and D. deremensis ‘Janet Craig’ with IBA and NAA increased shoot emergence, rooting and plant production. The treatment with NAA 250 ppm resulted in the maximum mean shoot emergence (64.17%) and establishment of plants (60.83%), irrespective of duration of treatment and varieties. Six hour duration of treatment of nodal cuttings showed maximum mean shoot emergence (45.37%), number of roots (2.67%) and establishment of plants (41.85%), irrespective of growth-regulator treatments and varieties. D. deremensis ‘Janet Craig’ showed better mean shoot emergence (41.61%), number of roots (2.58%) and establishment of plants (36.67%) in the polythene bags compared with D. sanderiana virescens.