Showing papers in "Indian Journal of Horticulture in 2007"

Effect of organic manures on soil fertility, growth, physiology, yield and quality of turmeric

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of various organic manures on yield and quality parameters of turmeric and their effect on residual soil fertility. The results showed that significantly higher rhizome yield was recorded with the application of FYM @ 18 t/ha which was statistically at par with 10 t/ha poultry manure. Application of various organic sources resulted in 16–103 per cent highe rhlzome yield over control and also improved the quality parameters. Organic manuring not only produced the highest and sustainable crop yields but also improved the soil fertility and productivity.

Genetic variability and association studies for green pod yield and component horticultural traits in garden pea under high hill dry temperate conditions

Abstract: Genetic variability and association studies involving 20 diverse pea genotypes were carried out for four consecutive summers at Kukumseri (Lahaul & Spiti), a dry temperate zone of Himachal Pradesh. Highest pod yield per plant was recorded in Palam Priya followed by Kukumseri Sel. 6 and DPP 9418–06. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were of high magnitude for plant height and moderate for pods per plant and pod yield per plant. The heritability and genetic advance were high for plant height and moderate for pods per plant and pod yield per plant indicating the additive and non-additive gene action for their expression, respectively. Correlation studies reveal positive association of pod yield per plant with pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod and total soluble solids. The path analysis also revealed the highly positive direct effects through pods per plant, plant height and pod length. Therefore, these traits may be considered as the most reliable selection indices for effective improvement in green pod yield in garden pea. Palam Priya, Kukumseri Sel.6 and DPP 9481–06 were found promising for future breeding programme on the basis of their superior performance for various horticultural traits.

Effect of hot water treatment and biocontrol agent (Debaryomyces hansenii) on shelf-life of peach

Abstract: Studies were conducted to find out the effect of hot water treatment and a biocontrol agent (Debaryomyces hansenii) on shelf life and quality of peach cv. Shan-e-Punjab. The fruits were harvested at physiological mature stage and were either given hot water treatment (HWT) at 50°C for 3 minutes, and treated with D. hansenii, or HWT + D. hansenii. Fruits under control were not given any treatment. Treated fruits were air-dried, packed in 1.0% perforated HDPE film of 200 gauge and kept at ambient and cold storage conditions (5±2°C, 90–95% RH). Physiological loss in weight (PLW) and fruit decay (%) increased and the acidity decreased continuously during the storage. Maximum rotting was observed in fruits under control, whereas, remarkably very less rotting was observed in D. hansenii treated fruits at 7 days of storage under ambient conditions. In cold storage, synergistic and significant effect of both the treatments was observed even up to 35 days of storage. TSS increased upto 3 days in all the treatments, but it declined at ambient conditions afterwards. Maximum TSS and total sugars content were observed in fruits treated with HWT + D. hansenii and kept in cold storage. TSS/acid ratio increased continuously with the duration of storage. Thus, hot water treatment and biocontrol agent saved the fruits from post-harvest decay and maintained the quality of fruits for a longer period.

Effect of gibberellic acid and growing media on vegetative and floral attributes of gladiolus

Abstract: The present experiment was conducted to find out effect of GA3 and sand on growth, flowering and corm production in gladiolus cv. Nova Lux. Pre-planting soaking of corms in gibberellic acid as well as planting with or without sand dressing significantly affected the most of characters studied. In both the media, the higher levels (100 or 150 ppm) of GA3 increased the number of sprouts per corm, girth and height of plant, number and width of leaf, length and placement of florets, number of flowering spikes per mother corm, number of opened fresh florets at a time, longevity and vase-life of spike, yield of spikes, weight of daughter corm, total yield of corms and number of cormels per plant. Between two media, corms planted with sand dressing delayed corm sprouting and spike emergence, increased height and girth of plant, width and number of leaves, diameter of spike, compactness and number of fresh florets, vase-life of cut spike, weight of daughter corm and total corm yield. Planting of corms in soil only enhanced corm sprouting and spike emergence, increased the number of sprouts, flowering spikes and cormels per mother corm, placement of florets on rachis, width of full opened floret, longevity of spike and total yield of spikes per unit area.

Performance of strawberry cultivars grown on different mulching materials under sub-humid subtropical plateau conditions of Eastern India

Abstract: A study was conducted to test the performance of 33 promising genotypes with different mulching materials under sub-humid subtropical plateau region of eastern India. Strawberry cultivars introduced from IARI Regional Station, Shimla were evaluated for their performance on three different mulches (black polythene, paddy straw and Deenanath grass). Irrespective of type of mulches, the cultivar Seascape recorded the maximum plant height at flower initiation stage. With respect to leaf number, the maximum number of leaves per plant at flower initiation stage was recorded in case of cv. Dil Pasand. At the end of fruiting stage, the maximum average plant height on different mulches was recorded in cultivars Missionary, Seascape and Addie. The maximum number of leaves per plant was observed in case of cv. Missionary. The average number of runners per plant varied from 0.3 (Phenomenal) to 9.4 (Addie). The earliest flower initiation stage was observed in cultivars Phenomenal, Florida and Douglas when grown on black polythene mulch. The earliest onset of peak fruit set stage was recorded in cultivars Phenomenal and Belrubi on black polythene mulches. The average of TSS on different mulches ranged from 6.78°B (Florida) to Phenomenal and No-1 (11.48°B). Irrespective of mulches, maximum average fruit weight was observed in case of Douglas (6.58 g) which was at par with that in case of Etna. On all the mulches, cultivar Etna recorded the maximum yield. On polythene mulches the yield of cv. Douglas was at par with that in case of Etna whereas on paddy straw and Deenanath grass mulches, the yield of cv. Douglas followed that of Etna.

Effect of auxin types on In vitro and ex vitro rooting and acclimatization of grapevine as influenced by substrates

Abstract: Transferring micropropagated plantlets from in vitro to in vivo conditions is a critical step because plantlets have under-developed cuticle and stomata which result in wilting due to low humidity, fungal attack and bleaching in high light intensities. The resumption of terminal growth indicates successful establishment which is a change from mixotrophy to autotrophy. The survival of Vitis vinifera cvs. 2A-Clone and Red Globe plantlets rooted in vitro was 86.66 and 83.33%, respectively and the established plants showed a well-defined root system. Plantlets rooted in vivo by auxin pulse were easier to transfer and acclimatize with a survival percentage of 96.66 and 79.92 for 2A-Clone and Red Globe, respectively but the rooting was of fibrous type with few main roots and less number of root hairs. Coco-peat in combination with sand and soil was better for quick acclimatization and establishment (97.5 and 95% survival for 2A-Clone and Red Globe respectively) of the micropropagated plantlets.

Line x tester analysis in brinjal for yield and shoot and fruit borer tolerance

Abstract: A line x tester analysis in brinjal was carried out with eight lines and three testers to estimate the combining ability effects, heterosis and nature of gene action for eight characters. The combining ability variances indicated the preponderance of additive gene action for earliness, number of fruits and fruit yield per plant, while it showed non-additive gene action for plant height, number of branches per plant, fruit weight, fruit length and fruit girth indicating the scope for heterosis breeding in crop improvement of brinjal. Lines EP 378, White brinjal, Pusa Sadabahar and Hisar Pragath adjudged for the superior performance in fruit yield per plant. Based on general combining ability effects, Kunnam, White brinjal, EP 378 and Pusa Sadabahar among lines and tester Hisar Pragath were found to be the good general combiners for fruit yield per plant. Among the hybrids, the crosses White brinjal x Annamalai, EP 378 x PLR 1 and Kunnam x Annamalai exhibited high per se performance for fruit yield per plant, and shoot and fruit borer tolerance with high standard heterosis for fruit yield per plant. The above three cross combinations also exhibited positive significant sca effects for fruit yield per plant. Their parents also showed high positive significant gca effects. Standard heterosis upto the tune of 222.77 per cent was recorded by the cross White brinjal x Annamalai for fruit yield per plant.

Effect of different surface coating material on post-harvest physiology of Annona squamosa L. fruits under ambient and zero energy cool chamber storage

Abstract: Application of edible coating material like sago, arrowroot and waxol at 10 per cent concentration to Annona squamosa L. fruits resulted in increase in shelf-life by 5–8 days when compared to untreated fruits. The fruits treated with fine coating of sago (10% and stored in zero energy cool chamber registered gradual ripening, retained excellent fruit quality with high TSS, sugars (total and reducing), acidity and ascorbic acid even up to ninth day of storage. Therefore, identification of natural products which produces desirable coating material with necessary amendment is the appropriate technology that can be explored for improving post-harvest storage and marketing efficiency.

Studies on heterosis and combining ability for yield and resistance to early blight in tomato

Abstract: A study was conducted for estimation of heterosis and combining ability for yield and resistance to early blight in tomato. Five parents including two early blight resistant and three early blight susceptible genotypes were crossed in a half diallel fashion and the resultant 10 F1 hybrids along with their parents were evaluated for yield, its component characters and resistance to early blight. Based on the heterotic performance and magnitudes of SCA effects in desirable direction for yield and its related attributes, Feb-2 x Pusa Sheetal and Feb-2 x Pusa Gaurav were found to be the best in terms of yield potential (2.88 and 2.80 kg/plant, respectively), and also exhibited moderate resistance to early blight with a disease intensity of 32.51 and 36.29%, respectively. Further, these hybrids being determinate and early in nature, are suitable under short season conditions of Delhi and adjoining areas. The above two hybrids offering multiple advantages of yield, resistance to early blight and earliness can be recommended for commercial cultivation.

Effect of foliar application of nutrients and bio-regulators on growth, fruit set, yield and nut quality of walnut

Abstract: A trial was conducted to study the influence of foliar application of nutrients and bioregulators on growth, fruit set, yield and nut quality of walnut. Maximum tree growth, viz. tree height, trunk girth and shoot extension growth was observed with urea + Paras (0.5% + 0.6 ml/l) treatment. Highest fruit set, fruit retention and nut yield was recorded under H3BO3 + Paras (0.1% + 0.6 ml/l) treatment whereas highest nut weight and kernel weight was observed under treatment of urea + paras (0.5% + 0.6 ml/l). The highest kernel protein and kernel oil content were recorded in the treatment with urea (0.5%).

Effect of pruning on growth and bearing behaviour of mango cv. Chausa

Abstract: Under north Indian conditions, Chausa is considered as an important commercial cultivar of mango, because it is a late maturing type. The tree of Chausa attains huge stature and becomes over crowded after about 35–40 years of growth. Trees were subjected to three pruning treatments, viz. T-l (heading back up to tertiary branches), T-2 (heading back up to secondary branches) and T-3 (centre opening). After eight years of experimentation, lowest tree height (4.60 m) was recorded in trees with T-1 treatment followed by 4.90 m in T-2 treatment. Canopy spread was found at par in all the treatments. New shoots emerged on trees in T-1 and T-2 treatments, showed fast growth and attained more length. Average flowering data of eight years showed that under all the pruning treatments, enhanced flowering (44.78 - 58.40%) was noticed as compared to control (36.14%). Cumulative yield data of eight years showed that maximum fruit yield (317.50 kg) was obtained from T-2 followed by T-3 (300.45 kg plant−1), while lowest fruit yield (235.25 kg) was recorded in un-pruned trees. Effect of pruning treatments was also visible on fruit quality parameters. The highest average fruit weight (210.15 g) was recorded in fruits obtained from T-3 while lowest fruit weight was recorded in fruits obtained from control. Values of TSS were also found on higher scale in fruits from pruning treatments. Maximum TSS (25.10°Brix) was recorded in fruits obtained from T-3 while 23.20°Brix TSS was recorded in control.

Crop loss in grapes due to downy mildew infection on clusters at pre- and post bloom stages under non-epiphytotic conditions

Abstract: The study was undertaken with forty-six genotypes of bitter gourd collected from diversified areas of the country assessed under zero irrigation condition for mean, genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in respect of fourteen quantitative characters. The genotype MCC-23 recorded the highest number of primary branches per plant, fruit yield per plot and fruit weight. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation for different characters ranged from 6.375 to 37.251 and 8.373 to 38.630 respectively. The highest PCV and GCV were observed for number of female flowers per plant followed by fruit weight and number of primary branches per plant indicating the extent of variability based in these characters. High heritability coupled with greater genetic gain was observed for number of female flowers per plant followed by fruit weight, number of primary branches per plant and yield per plot indicating the additive gene action. Fruit girth showed moderate heritability with low genetic gain

Evaluation of different methods of crop regulation in guava grown under rainfed plateau conditions of eastern India

Abstract: In Allahabad Safeda guava, foliar application of NAA (200 ppm) resulted in maximum yield of winter season crop. With respect to the profitability of crop regulation through chemical spray the net profit was the maximum in case of 2,4-D (40 ppm) followed by 2,4-D (60 ppm), NAA (200 ppm) and NAA (100 ppm). In case of Lucknow-49, the maximum increase in yield of winter season crop was observed in case of foliar application of NAA (200 ppm). With respect to profitability of crop regulation, the maximum net profit per plant due to crop regulation, it was the maximum in case of NAA (200 ppm). With respect to crop regulation through hand deblossoming in guava cv. Allahabad Safeda, removal of 50% rainy season crop was at par with that in case of 100% crop removal with respect to yield of winter season crop during both the years. Profitability of crop regulation through manual removal of rainy season crop indicated maximum net profit in case of 50% removal of rainy season crop during both the years. In case of Lucknow-49, the maximum total yield was observed in case of 50% crop removal. With respect to profitability of crop regulation, the maximum net profit with sufficient yield was obtained in case of 50% crop removal.

Studies on genetic variability and scope of improvement in round melon under hot arid conditions

Abstract: Genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlation coefficients components in round melon using eighteen land races/genotypes under hot arid environment were studied in order to identify desirable genotypes for crop improvement programme. On the basis of fruit quality characters along with more number of fruits and early yield per plant, the genotype AHRM-1 (1.91 kg), KPT-3, Arka Tinda and KCM/BKP 01 were observed to be most potential. The estimates of GCV were high for fruit yield and number of fruits/plant and moderate for node to female flower appearance, fruit weight, number of seeds/fruit, plant height and number of branches/plant indicated better scope of improvement through selection. The genetic advance as percentage of mean ranged from 10.62 to 91.17. High estimates of heritability values accompanied with high genetic gain were observed for fruit yield/plant, number of fruits/plant, node to first female flower appearance, and number of seeds per fruit. A very strong positive and significant correlation was recorded between fruit yield per plant with number of fruits per plant (0.921) and vine length (0.808) indicating that effective improvement through these characters could be achieved in round melon. Negative and significant association of days to appearance of female flower and days to first harvest with number of fruits per plant which indicated that early genotypes bear more number of fruits per plant.

Studies on genetic divergence in bitter gourd (Mormordica charantia L.)

Abstract: Genetic divergence study was conducted by using 38 bitter gourd genotypes including two promising gynoecious lines for 17 characters. These genotypes were grouped into six clusters irrespective of geographic divergence, indicating no parallelism between geographic and genetic diversity. Cluster IV was very large containing 17 genotypes including some of the commercially released cultivars, while cluster IV was represented by two gynoecious lines. The maximum inter-cluster distance was obtained between cluster II and IV while minimum distance was between II and VI. Cluster IV followed by cluster III showed superiority for yield and other desirable traits, which indicate the potentiality of these diverse genotype collection for providing basic material for future breeding programmes as most of the commercially released cultivars were represented in cluster III.

Stability analysis of some elite onion lines in late kharif season

Abstract: Ten promising lines of onion were evaluated for three years along with checks viz., Baswant 780, N–2–4–1, Agrifound Light Red, Agrifound Dark Red and Arka Niketan during late kharif season. Baswant 780 performed well in favourable environments for total yield and marketable yield and also had less number of leaves along with less bolters which were stable. Stability response in ALR during late kharif was unpredictable for TSS, total yield, percentage doubles and bolters. Similarly, ADR was unpredictable for plant height, number of leaves, TSS and marketable yield. N–2–4–1 was unpredictable for marketable yield and Arka Niketan for percentage bolters. All the commercial varieties, except B-780, were found to be unsuitable for late kharif season. Considering the marketable and total yield among the genotypes evaluated, genotype 671 showed stable performance for four desirable characters viz., dwarf plant height, more polar diameter of the bulb, high marketable yield and less number of bolters which was followed by genotype 571 for high marketable yield and less doubles and genotype 597 for high total yield and more polar diameter. Hence, these genotypes can be exploited in breeding programme for increasing the production of onion, particularly during late kharif season.

Studies on weed management in young peach orchards

Abstract: Three pre-emergence herbicides, viz. oxyflurofen (Goal 2E) @ 0.5,0.75,1.0 litre (a.i.) ha−1, oxadiazon (Ronstar) 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 litre (a.i.) ha−1 and metolachlor (Dual) @ 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 litre (a.i.) ha−1 were applied twice, i.e. in March and October. A uniform application of post-emergence herbicide glyphosate @ 1.5 litre (a.i.) ha−1 was made twice, i.e. in June and August, to all the experimental plots. Apart from these, manual weeding was also done at monthly intervals. The orchard was found to be manifested with 7 monocot and 23 dicots prominent weed species. All the treatments significantly reduced the weed population, dry weight of weed and nutrient depletion by weeds as compared to control (unweeded). In this respect, pre-emergence herbicide oxyflurofen @ 1.0 l (a.i.) ha−1 was found to be the most effective treatment for control of dicot weeds. Application of metolachlor @ 2.0 l (a.i.) ha−1 and oxadiazon @ 1.25 l (a.i.) ha−1 controlled both monocot and dicot weeds. The various weed control treatments had a non-significant effect on fruit yield, total soluble solids and acidity. The highest fruit weight was obtained with oxyflurofen @ 1.0 l (a.i.) ha−1 followed by oxadiazon @ 1.0 l (a.i.) ha−1 and oxyflurofen @ 0.75 l (a.i.) ha−1. However, metolachlor @ 2.0 l (a.i.) ha−1 proved to be most effective and economical treatment.

Evaluation of coconut hybrids for tender nut purpose

Abstract: Evaluation of coconut hybrids for their suitability as tender nut was undertaken. Physical, bio-chemical, organoleptic characters and mineral composition of tender coconuts of six released hybrids COD x WCT (Chandrasankara), LCT x COD (Chandralaksha), LCT x GBGD (Lakshaganga), WCT x COD (Kerasankara), WCT x GBGD (Keraganga), WCT x MYD (Kerasree) were studied with COD (Chowghat Orange Dwarf) as control. Fruits were harvested at three different stages of maturity. Quantity and quality of tender nut water and meat differed significantly among the hybrids and between the stages of maturity. The tender nuts of hybrids COD x WCT and LCT x COD weighed less but have more volume of water. TSS and pH were the maximum in the same hybrids. Total sugars, reducing sugars and amino acid contents were more in COD x WCT and LCT x COD. Minerals, such as potassium and sodium were at optimal levels in the same hybrids. Organoleptic evaluation showed that the hybrids Chandrasankara and Chandralaksha were the best for tender nut purpose as both of them ranked good for taste of water and meat at the age of 7 months during summer season.

Genetic divergence in seed characteristics of guava: A basis for parent selection in hybridization

Abstract: The efficiency of guava breeding programme for low seed content can be enhanced by choosing superior cross combination made by divergent clones. The nature and magnitude of genetic divergence was assessed for fruit weight and six seed characters using Mahalanobis D2 statistics in 68 guava accessions maintained at the National Active Germplasm Site, CISH, Lucknow. Tocher's method grouped all genotypes into five distinct clusters. Genotypes falling in clusters IV and V were highly diverse from each other. Mean fruit weight and fruit: seed weight proportion were higher in cluster I and V, respectively. Furthermore, cluster V had the minimum number of seeds fruit−1, seed weight fruit−1, 100-seed weight, number of seeds 100 g−1 fruit and seed content, and cluster I had high number of seeds fruit and seed weight fruit−1. Mean number of seeds 100 g−1 fruit and seed content was highest in cluster III whereas, cluster IV had the maximum value of 100-seed weight. Cluster analysis using Ward's method also revealed the similar group patterns with five distinct groups. Thus, for selecting desired genotypes with better seed characteristics, population can be raised by hybridizing accessions from cluster IV and I.

Genetic study for earliness in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.)

Abstract: Line x Tester (10x3) analysis of F1 generation in cowpea expressed highly significant differences among parents and hybrid for days to 50% flowering and days to 1st green pod picking. The cross combination Black Seeded x Pusa Komal showed maximum negative heterosis over better parent and mid parent, whereas Kala Zamala X Cowpea263 was better over standard parent for days to 50% flowering. The crosses, Ramnagar Kala x Arka Garima, Red Seeded x Arka Garima and Red Seeded x Cowpea-263 showed maximum negative heterosis over better parent, mid parent and standard parent, respectively for days to Ist green pod picking. The variance due to general combining ability and specific combining ability were highly significant denoting importance of additive and non-additive gene action for both the traits. Additive genetic variance was predominant for days to 50% flowering whereas nonadditive genetic variance governs days to Ist green pod picking. The parents NDCP-13, Kala Zamala, Red Seeded, Black Seeded, RCV-7, Cowpea-263 and Pusa Komal were good general combiners for both the traits. The crosses Sel. 2–2 x Pusa Komal, Cowpea Local x Arka Garima and Sel. 2–1 x Arka Garima were identified as best specific combiners for days to 50% flowering whereas crosses Sel. 2–2 x Pusa Komal, Cowpea Local x Arka Garima and Red Seeded x Arka Garima were good for days to Ist green pod picking.

Growth, yield and quality of sweet orange cv. Mosambi in response to INM in vertisols of central India

Abstract: A field trial was conducted on 8-year-old sweet orange orchards grown on black soils. Different treatments involved application of FYM, vermi-compost, wheat straw and green manuring with sunhemp as singly or in combination with inorganic and biofertilizers like Azotobacter and PSB including control plots. The dose of organic manures was applied on nitrogen equivalent basis. The results indicated that maximum fruit yield coupled with an adequate tree volume of sweet orange is attainable through combined use of organics plus inorganic or bio-fertilizers. Combined application of these three classes of nutrient sources has proved far superior to their sole application. Application of FYM (to supply 50% N) along with 50% dose of inorganic fertilizers showed complete supremacy with benefit: cost ratio of 4.59. Green manuring with sunhemp along with 50% dose of inorganic fertilizers was also equally effective with highest benefit: cost ratio of 6.46. While substantial improvement in fruit quality could be achieved with the sole application of organic manures specially FYM.

Influence of genotype on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of tomato

Abstract: An efficient and reproducible regeneration protocol for tomato cultivars Arka Meghali, Arka Saurabh and Arka Vikas was developed using cotyledon and hypocotyl explants. Best regeneration response for all the three genotypes was obtained on MS medium supplemented with BAP (2 mg/l) and IAA (0.1 mg/l). All the three genotypes were transformed with Agrobacterium strain LBA 4404 containing the binary vector pCambia 2301 harbouring npt II gene as selectable marker and GUS as reporter gene. The transformed shoots were selected on regeneration medium containing kanamycin (75 mg/l) and cefotaxime (500 mg/l) and subsequently rooted in the presence of kanamycin (50 mg/l). Genotypic differences in the regeneration potential as well as in regeneration of putatively transformed plants were observed. Maximum percentage of transformed plants was obtained from genotype Arka Saurabh which exhibited the least regeneration potential while the genotype Arka Meghali with maximum regeneration potential gave rise to lower percentage of transformants. However, when transformation was expressed as transformation efficiency (number of putative transformants testing positive for reporter gene over the number of putative transformants) the trend remained same for the genotype Arka Saurabh which exhibited maximum transformation efficiency of 50% with least regeneration potential, while the trend was reversed for Arka Meghali the genotype with maximum regenerating ability recording maximum transformation efficiency of 50%. The presence of transgene was confirmed through PCR amplification of npt II gene as well as GUS assay. The results of the present study suggests that there may not always be a direct relationship between regeneration potential of the genotype and its transformation frequency or efficiency and it may vary with different genotypes.

Dry mass production and distribution of nutrients in two mango rootstocks as affected by salinity

Abstract: The effect of salinization on two polyembryonic mango (Mangifera indica L.) rootstocks, i.e. Kurukkan and Olour was studied by means of growth pattern and mineral nutrients accumulation. Both genotypes could survive 2.15 dSm−1 salinity level with mild necrosis and scorch on leaves. The negative linear relationship found between fresh and dry weight of shoot and root and salt concentration. There was highly significant effect of salinity on the tissue concentration of Na+, K+, Ca++ and Cl−. Significant negative correlation was observed between shoot and root dry matter yield and sodium content in leaves in both the cultivars. Potassium concentration increased in stem and leaf of Olour with increasing salinity and it showed a declining trend in Kurukkan. Significant positive correlation was noticed between shoot dry matter yields and calcium content in all plant parts of Olour. Kurukkan tissues having significantly more Ca2+ content and less Na+ content in leaf tissues as compared to Olour at higher salt concentrations. This cultivar had significantly higher Na+ content in roots and higher contents of Cl−in root, stem and leaves. In Olour, significantly higher Na+ content was found in leaf tissues at 4.23 dSm−1 salinity.

Evaluation of pomegranate cultivars under temperate conditions of Kashmir valley

Abstract: Evaluation of ten pomegranate cultivars was for growth, floral, yield attributes and chemical characters under temperate conditions of Kashmir during 2005. The results showed significant variations on all the growth and yield parameters due to various cultivars. The highest plant height and spread was recorded in cv. Kabuli Kandhari, whereas maximum number of suckers was recorded in cv. Jyoti. Minimum days taken to first flowering was observed in cv. Local (Check) followed by Chawla. Maximum duration of flowering and days taken from first flower opening to fruitlet development was recorded in cv. Jyoti. The highest fruitset, number of fruits/plant, gross fruit yield and marketable produce was recorded in cv. Dholka. The highest fruit weight, diameter and volume was recorded maximum in cv. Bedana. High TSS and total sugars were recorded in cv. Kandhari. The highest TSS/acid ratio was recorded in cv. G-137. Cultivar Kabuli Kandhari had high ascorbic acid content followed by Bedana. The anthocyanin content was observed highest in Ganesh followed by Kabuli Kandhari.

Genetic architecture and trait relationship in bell pepper under sub-temperate conditions of North-Western Himalayas

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during 2004–2005 to generate genetic information on economic traits in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt.) to estimate genetic variation for thirteen traits including fruit yield. Trait association was also studied with correlation analysis. Significant genetic variation was observed for all the traits among twenty five diverse genotypes revealed presence of sufficient variability for these traits, which was confirmed by broad range of variability. Little or no difference of genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) in all the traits indicated that these were less influenced by environment. Estimates of PCV were high for fruit yield, fruits/plant and marketable fruits/plant, indicating the role of additive genes. High heritability alongwith high genetic advance was recorded for fruit yield/plant, indicating role of additive gene action for its inheritance. However, days to 50% flowering, days to first picking, branches/plant and harvest duration had high to moderate heritability with low genetic advance, indicating the role of non-additive genes. The genotypic correlation indicated strong inherent association among fruits/plant, marketable fruits/plant, harvest duration and average fruit weight with fruit yield/plant, which could be considered as one of the important selection criteria in improvement of fruit yield. The lines SKAU-SP-633-1, EC 464107, SKAU-SP-625-4 and SKAU-SP-601 recorded the highest yield and can be considered as a remunerative off-season crop during summer and rainy season in sub-temperate conditions of North-Western Himalayas.

Variations in nut yield of coconut and dry spell in different agro-climatic zones of India

Abstract: Coconut is the major perennial crop in coastal areas of India It is mainly grown under rainfed conditions in areas of high rainfall However, these plantations face summer drought situations as the rainfall distribution is restricted to only 4 to 5 months a year, leaving remaining period as dry The objective of the study is to quantify the dry spell and to deduce the influence of rainfall and dry spell on the nut yield in major coconut growing areas situated in different agro-climatic zones of India viz, western coastal area — hot sub-humid per-humid (represented by Kasaragod in Kerala and Ratnagiri in Maharashtra), Western Ghats — hot sub-humid per-humid (represented by Kidu in Karnataka); hot semi-arid (represented by Arsikere in Karnataka); and eastern coastal plains — hot sub-humid (represented by Veppankulam in Tamil Nadu and Ambajipeta in Andhra Pradesh) Variation in annual rainfall was from a maximum of 33377 mm (Kasaragod) to a minimum of 71823 mm (Arsikere) Dry spell was longer in Ratnagiri (216 days) and Arsikere (202 days), and shorter at Kidu (146 days) The annual nut yield under rainfed conditions varied from 68 (Ambajipeta) and 66 (Kasaragod) to 41 (Arisekere) and 30 (Kidu) Impact of variations in dry spell on nut yield was discernible from the study In view of the long duration (44 months) between the inflorescence initiation to nut maturation, the occurrence of dry spell in any one year would affect the yield for the subsequent three to four years It can be inferred that the longer dry spell affects the nut yield for next four years to follow with stronger impact on fourth year, irrespective of the total rainfall

Characterization of rose cultivars and species by DNA fingerprinting

Abstract: Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to analyse genetic diversity in 25 rose cultivar and 5 species. The C-TAB method gave significantly higher yields and good availability of DNA. Thirty five random decamer primers were employed for RAPD analysis, of which the 28 primers generated polymorphic bands. Out of 28 primers, 25 amplified all the rose cultivars. The size of amplified DNA fragments varied from 0.25 to 3.0 kbp. In total, 226 bands were obtained, of which 209 were polymorphic, while 17 bands monomorphic. For the genotypes tested between 1–12 bands were obtained for each primer with an average of 8.1 bands per primer. The highest polymorphic bands were generated by OBA11 and OPA10. With UPGMA cluster analysis, the 25 cultivars grouped into 3 major clusters and the five Rosa species formed a separate cluster. At further distance, Abhisarika (mutant from “Kiss of Fire”), existed separate away from all the other varieties. Pairwise similarity of rose cultivars showed high values of 0.75 and mean of 0.55. The principal component analysis resolved into 30 components. Principal components explained 38% of variability and confirmed the results of UPGMA cluster analysis. Characterization of rose cultivars and species using RAPD technique is suggested as an efficient reliable and clonic alternative to the conventional methods those are based on morphological markers.

Genetic diversity in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis)

Abstract: Genetically diverged twenty genotypes of cauliflower were grouped into five clusters. The intra-cluster value was maximum in cluster IV and minimum in cluster II. The inter-cluster distance was larger than the intra-cluster distance suggesting wider genetic diversity among the genotypes of different groups. The inter-cluster average D2 values indicated maximum distance between cluster I and IV followed by between I and III, and between I and V. Thus, the genetically diverged genotypes could be used as parents in hybridization programme for getting desirable segregants.

An efficient method for in vitro plant regeneration in carnation

Abstract: Micropropagation of carnation cv. Lipstick was tried using shoot-tip of greenhouse raised plants and nodal segment of in vitro raised shoots by culturing them on MS medium supplemented with various growth regulators. High rate of multiplication of shoot tip was recorded in the medium containing basal MS salts supplemented with 0.5 mg l−1 NAA, 1.5 mg l−1 kinetin and 0.5 mg l−1 GA3 while that of nodal segment on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l−1 NAA, 0.5 mg l−1 kinetin and 0.5 mg l−1 GA3. The best rooting of the microshoots was obtained on MS medium with 0.5 mg l−1 IBA. The rooted plantlets were transferred to the ambient condition using different substrates. Vermiculite recorded a high survival percentage of 90% while the lowest was recorded in the substrate soil. The hardened plantlets were finally planted in beds inside greenhouse.