Showing papers in "Progressive horticulture in 2014"

Pomegranate Research in India – Status and future challenges

Abstract: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important fruit crop of arid and semiarid regions of world. It is believed to have originated from Iran. India is one of the leading producers of pomegranate in world. In India, it is cultivated over 1.13 lakh ha with an annual production of 7.44 lakh tonnes and productivity of 6.6 tonnes/ha during 2012–13. The export of pomegranate fruits is around 35,000 tonnes/annum. Exquisite fruit quality, enriched nutritional values, enormous medicinal values, huge demand in domestic and international market, besides extended shelf life enables it to emerge as an eminent fruit crop of recent times. The adaptability of the crop to extremes of temperature (−12 to +44°C), suitability to marginal lands with poor fertility, rocky lands with shallow depth etc., pave the way for its potential production in various ecosystems. Use of improved varieties/hybrids, quality planting material, high density planting, microirrigation system, fertigation, integrated disease and insect pest management etc. have made pomegranate cultivation, a feasible commercial venture. The paper critically reviews the current status and future challenges of pomegranate cultivation in India.

Effect of pre and post-harvest treatments of salicylic acid on quality characteristics of peach (Prunus persica L.) fruits during storage

Abstract: Salicylic acid (SA), 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, is one of the phenolic compounds produced in the plant. It has shown many important functions in the plant. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of exogenous SA treatment on physiological changes of peaches during storage. To investigate the effect of pre and post harvest application of salicylic Acid (SA) on fruit quality during storage period, the plants cv. Shan-e-Punjab were sprayed with SA at 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm as a pre-harvest treatment. Similarly, the fresh and healthy fruits of peach were immersed for 20 minutes in SA solution of different concentrations, viz., 100, 200, 500 ppm keeping the plain water treated fruits as a control. The experimental fruits were then stored in cold storage at 5±1°C and 95% relative humidity for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The rate of physiological loss of weight (PLW), loss of fruit firmness and percentage of spoilage of fruits was significantly reduced with both pre and post harvest SA treatments as compared to control. The salicylic acid also maintained the organolaptic rating of fruits during the storage period in pre as well as post harvest treatments. Total soluble solid (TSS) and titrable acidity was also affected by SA treatments. Therefore, SA has potential to maintain the post-harvest life of peach fruits, but, further investigation related to standardization of concentration and time of application needs to be investigated.

Effect of foliar sprays of bioregulators on growth and flowering in gladiolus plants raised from cormels

Abstract: An investigation was conducted for two consecutive years, 2008–09 and 2009–10 at Herbal Garden, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to study the impact of certain chemicals and plant growth regulators (Ca(NO3)2, TIBA, SA, KH2PO4, SA and BA) on induction of flowering in plants raised from cormels. Cv. Darshan was significantly superior over cv. Dhiraj in respect of vegetative parameters and earliness in flowering. Foliar sprays of SA 150 ppm and Ca(NO3)2 1% recorded maximum vegetative growth and were significantly effective in induction of early flowering in the plants raised from cormels. These treatments also recorded significantly highest flowering percentage. Control and TIBA 100 ppm took maximum number of days to flowering. Number of spikes per plant, spike length and weight, number of florets per spike and spike longevity were maximum with SA at 150 ppm.

Cashew Research in India: Achievements and Strategies

Abstract: The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.), though native of Brazil, has acclimatized well in India. Cashew was introduced to India by Portuguese travellers during 16th Century for afforestation and soil conservation purpose. In India, cashew is grown along the coastal regions mainly in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala in the West Coast and Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal in the east coast. With the establishment of All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Cashew, Its cultivation has also been extended in non-traditional areas such as Bastar region of Chhattisgarh and Kolar (Plains) region of Karnataka, Gujarat, Jharkhand and in NEH region. India is the first country in the world to exploit the international trade of cashew kernels in the early part of 20th Century. India exports 1.312 lakh tonnes of cashew kernels per annum to over 65 countries and is a leading trader for over a century. The major countries that import Indian cashew are United States of America, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Japan, France, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Russia, Germany, Canada and Greece. Globally, India's share in the cashew area and production is 20 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively. During the year 2012–13, total production of cashew in the country was 7.28 lakh tonnes from 9.82 lakh ha of land with a productivity of 772 kg/ha. The productivity is almost standstill over the few years. This needs introspection to identify the gaps and sharpen our approaches to meet the needs of future.

Efficacy of Azotobacter and PSB on vegetative growth, flowering, yield and quality of strawberry cv. Chandler

Abstract: An experiment was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.), India, during the years 2008–09 and 2009–10 to study the efficacy of Azotobacter, PSB alone and in combination on vegetative growth, flowering, yield and quality of strawberry cv. Chandler. One year old runner of strawberry cv. Chandler were planted at the spacing of 30 x 30 cm on 8–10 cm raised beds of 60 x 60 cm accommodating four plants per bed. There were nine treatments comprising two levels each of Azotobacter and PSB (5 and 6 kg/ha) and their combinations along with one control, replicated thrice in randomized block design. Five kg of FYM was applied as a basal dose in all the treatments. The data of both the years of experiment were analysed which clearly show that combined application of Azotobacter and PSB (each at 6 kg/ha) significantly increased the plant height (19.66 and 18.92 cm, respectively), number of leaves (65.75 and 62.88, respectively), no. of crowns (7.21 and 7.13, respectively), runners (5.22 and 5.30, respectively), number of flowers (69.05 and 65.50, respectively) and fruits set (38.80 and 36.97, respectively) per plant during both the years of experimentation. Maximum duration of harvesting (70.91 and 70.90 days, respectively), minimum number of days taken to produce first flower (57.69 and 56.53 days, respectively) and fruit set (6.36 and 5.88 days, respectively) with significantly more yield (346.56 and 297.78 g/plant, respectively) were also observed in combined Azotobacter and PSB (each at 6 kg/ha) fertilized plants. As far the quality characters of berries are concerned, combined Azotobacter and PSB (each at 6 kg/ha) fertilized plants produced berries with maximum length, width, weight, volume, TSS, total sugars, ascorbic acid with minimum titratable acidity contents in comparison to other treatments under plains of Uttar Pradesh.

Effect of different potting media mixtures on growth and flowering of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora T.)

Abstract: An experiment was conducted for three consecutive years to study the suitability of different potting media for growing chrysanthemum variety ‘Punjab Anuradha’. Significant differential response was observed among the treatments with respect to growth and floral characters. The results associated with plant growth parameters indicated maximum values for plant height, plant spread, number of branches per plant, duration of flowering, flower weight, spray length and number of flowers per plant in the media containing Cocopeat + Sand + FYM+ Vermicompost; the maximum flower diameter, however, was found in T3 (Soil+ Sand+ FYM+ Vermicompost (2:1:0.5:0.5)), where soil was replaced with cocopeat in the above combination. Chemical analysis of the soil indicated that T3 (Soil+ Sand+ FYM+ Vermicompost) was found to be superior over T7 (Cocopeat + Sand + FYM+ Vermicompost) in terms of nutrient content. But with its high pH and EC, this treatment showed next best results after T7.

Quality of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) as influenced by plant spacing and levels of pruning under greenhouse.

Abstract: A study was carried out to determine the quality of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) as influenced by plant spacing and levels of pruning under greenhouse during 2011 at Sardarkurshinagar, Gujarat, and consisting 12 treatments laid out in a completely randomized block design with factorial concept. The results revealed that among three plant spacing the treatment S2 (100 cm x 50 cm) was found superior over other plant spacing with regards to quality parameters like maximum length of fruit (18.49 cm), thickness of pulp of fruit (2.31 cm), minimum diameter of seed cavity (6.14 cm), highest TSS content (10.17° B), reducing sugar (3.14 per cent), non reducing sugar (2.77 per cent) and total sugar content of fruit (5.89 per cent). Regarding effect of severity of pruning the treatment P2 (double stem pruning) was found superior in terms of quality of fruits like length of fruit (18.28 cm), TSS content (10.22° B), reducing sugar (3.04 per cent), non-reducing sugar (2.65 per cent) as well as total sugar content of fruit (5.69 per cent).

Effect of biofertilizers and micronutrients on growth andyield of garlic (Allium sativum L.) var. ‘G-282’

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted to study the “Effect of biofertilizes and micronutrients on growth and yield of garlic (Alium sativum L.) var. G-282” during Rabi season of the year 2012–13 at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar. The experiment consist of 12 treatments, viz., three bioferilizers (control, PSB, Azotobacter) in combination with four level of micronutrients (control, ZnSO4 @ 0.4%, Boric acid @ 0.2% and CuSO4 @ 0.05%) was laid out in simple RBD with three replications. The treatment T5 (PSB + ZnSO4 @ 0.4%) was recorded maximum plant height at 60 days and 130 days after sowing (48.83 cm and 77.30 cm), number of leaves/plant at 60 days and 130 days after sowing (7.5 and 14.80), leaf length (39.27 cm) and neck thickness (0.92 cm), total chlorophyll both at 60 and 90 DAS (0.43 and 0.78 mg/g) then over control. The yield characters of bulb like maximum fresh weight of bulb (34.37 g), diameter of bulb (5.49 cm), number of cloves per bulb (30.67), fresh weight of 50 cloves (86.67 g), dry weight of 50 cloves (42.50 g), yield per plot (5.15 kg plot−1) and yield of bulb per hectare (229.03 q ha−1). However, it was statistically at par T6, T9 and T1 with T5.

Effect of application of inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers on growth components and yield traits of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Abstract: There were fifteen treatments comprising of different bio-fertilizers with inorganic fertilizers (NPK). Plant height, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, days taken to 50% flowering, number of umbels per plant, number of seeds per umbel, total number of seeds per plant and seed yield per plant (g) are the important growth and yield contributing characters taken under investigation. The results indicated that vegetative growth contributing characters (plant height, number of primary and secondary branches and leaf area per plant) were influenced by combination of 100%K and 75% NP along with Azotobacter, Azospirillum and PSB. Yield contributing characters was found maximum in by combination of 100%K and 75% NP along with Azotobacter, Azospirillum and PSB were given better performance respectively over all the treatments. The best treatment was 75% NP+100%K+Azotobacter, Azospirillum and PSB than all other treatments studied in this investigation.

Influence of pre-harvest nutrients application on the physico-chemical quality and storage behaviour of guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruit cv. L-49.

Abstract: The investigation was carried out to study the influence of pre-harvest application of calcium nitrate, boric acid and zinc sulphate on the physico-chemical quality and storage behavior of guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruits cultivar L-49 at Department of Horticulture, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. Experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with ten treatments consisting of T0 control (water spray), T1 (calcium nitrate 1%), T2 (calcium nitrate 1.5%), T3 (calcium nitrate 2%), T4 (boric acid 0.2%), T5 (boric acid 0.4%), T6 (boric acid 0.6%), T7 (zinc sulphate 0.2%), T8 (zinc sulphate 0.4%) and T9 (zinc sulphate 0.6%) and all the treatment replicated thrice. In this experiment, it was observed that the fruit length, diameter and volume were maximum under zinc sulphate 0.4 per cent. The maximum weight was observed under 0.4 per cent boric acid and it was at par with zinc sulphate 0.4 per cent. The zinc sulphate 0.4 per cent significantly improves the physicochemical quality, viz., total soluble solids, acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing, non-reducing and total sugar at harvest. The physiological loss in weight after harvest was minimum under zinc sulphate at 0.4 per cent closely followed by boric acid at 0.4 per cent. Minimum degree of spoilage was also observed with the application of 0.4% zinc sulphate followed by 0.4% boric acid.

Studies on effects of planting dates and spacing in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

Abstract: The investigation was carried out to study the effect of different planting dates and spacing on growth and yield of African marigold cv. ‘Pusa Narangi Gainda’. The treatments comprised of four planting dates, viz., 1st September (D1), 1st October (D2), 1st November (D3) and 1st December (D4) and three plant spacings, viz., 40×20 cm (S1), 40×40 cm (S2) and 40×60 cm (S3). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with twelve treatment combinations replicated thrice. Number of primary branches per plant (16.89), plant spread (48.33 cm), flower diameter (6.89 cm), number of flowers per plant (50.10), weight of flower per plant (466.35 g), flower yield per plot (20.97 kg) and flower yield per hectare (25903.31 kg) were found to be statistically higher in 1st October planting. Among various spacings, 40×20 cm recorded significantly maximum flower yield per hectare (26483.56 kg ha−1) than 40×40 cm and 40×60 cm spacing. Other growth parameters like number of primary branches per plant (13.43), plant spread (41.13 cm), and flower diameter (6.32 cm) was found to be significantly higher in 40×60 cm. However, duration of flowering (43.25 days) was found to be significantly higher in 40×40 cm spacing which, in turn, was statistically at par with 40×60 cm spacing. Further, the interaction effect of planting dates and spacing on plant height, plant spread, number of primary branches per plant, flower diameter, number of flowers per plant, weight of flower per plant and flower yield per hectare was found to be significant.

Delaying the harvesting period of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. Rose Scented

Abstract: An experiment was conducted to stagger the harvesting period of litchi in cultivar Rose Scented. In this regard, various kinds of treatments were imposed on 25 years old full bearing litchi tress either at flower initiation or few days before harvest of fruits. KNO3 (4%) was sprayed at 1 cm size of panicle in the first week of February. However, other treatments viz. GA-(20, 40 ppm) was applied two weeks before expected date of harvest, while shading treatments were given by covering the tree with nylon nets producing 30% and 50% shades respectively, 30 days after fruit set. Shade nets 30% and 50% were most effective in delaying ripening of litchi fruits and delayed the harvest date by 5 and 8–10 days, respectively without deteriorating the fruit quality. GA3 20 and 40 ppm delayed the harvest date for 6–7 and 4 days, respectively while KNO3 (4%) could not play significant role in advancing/delaying the harvest date of litchi. Higher fruit yield and reduced fruit cracking were obtained with shade net (50%) which was remained at par with shade net (30%). Higher fruit chemical quality attributes were recorded in GA3 sprays over other treatments.

Standardization of drip irrigation and fertigation practices for commercial cultivation of hybrid cucumber under Kashmir conditions

Abstract: The experiment consisted of 16 treatment combinations with four replications. The treatments include 4 levels of irrigation, viz., 100%, 80% and 60% ET through drip and flood irrigation; and 4 levels of fertilizer application, viz., 100%, 80% and 60% recommended NPK through fertigation and 100% recommended NPK as manual application. Flood irrigation and manual fertilizer application were treated as control. Drip irrigation and fertigation recorded the significant influence on growth and yield attributes of cucumber hybrid SH-CH-1. Among irrigation levels, the maximum values for plant height (7.97 cm), number of branches per plant (4.39), number of nodes per main stem (33.4), total number of fruits per plot (347.18), fruit weight per plot (115.89 kg) and yield (1340.8 q/ha) were recorded with 80% ET through drip (I2). However, among various levels of fertigation, the treatment 80% recommended NPK through fertigation (F2) produced maximum plant height (7.89 cm), number of branches per plant (4.35), number of nodes per main stem (33.2), number of fruits per plot (355.81), total fruit weight per plot (117.63 kg) and yield (1360.9 q/ha). It was further observed that the combined effect of drip irrigation and fertigation proved significantly superior over their individual effects. The treatment combination of 80% ET through drip + 80% recommended NPK through fertigation (I2F2) produced maximum yield (1444.10 q/ha) which was found 68.1% more yield than the traditional method of irrigation and fertilizer application besides saving of 37.8% water and 20.0% fertilizers and noticed highest B/C ratio (5.99:1) with net seasonal income of Rs. 6,18,770/- as against Rs. 3,42,181/- realized per hectare under traditional methods for one cropping season.

Evaluation of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) varieties under drip irrigation system.

Abstract: An experiment was conducted to evaluate gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) varieties under Delhi conditions during 2011–12. The evaluation studies of various varieties of gladiolus under drip irrigation system revealed that the Amsterdam variety showed best performance with regard to plant height (113.11 cm), duration of flowering (19.27 days), spike length (91.57 cm) and rachis length (49.12 cm) where as Peter Pears exhibited early bud initiation (83.11 days) and days to first floret opening (102.55 days). This variety also recorded maximum floret size (10.89 cm). Number of corms per plant and weight of corms per plant were found maximum in Spic and Span (1.44 and 39.56 g), respectively. Amsterdam exhibited maximum number of cormels per plant (29.33) and weight of cormels per plant (4.35 g). Average corm diameter was recorded maximum in Peter Pears (4.41 cm) and minimum in Spic and Span (4.17 cm).

Flowering attributes of chrysanthemum varieties for loose flower production

Abstract: Chrysanthemum is one of the most important flower crops both at national and international level. In Chhattisgarh, much of the chrysanthemum flower consumption is in the form of loose flowers for various purposes. The present investigation was carried out during the year 2010–2011 at Horticulture Instructional cum Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.) comes under dry, sub-humid agro-climaticregion. The experimental field was laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications. The treatment consisted of 11 genotypes. Maximum number of flower per branch was recorded under treatment T11 (8) followed by T7 (5) while, the minimum number of flower per branch was recorded under the treatment T2 (2), T3 (2), T6 (2) and T10 (2).

Response of cultar on growth, flowering and yield behaviour of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Dashehari

Abstract: Experiment on the response of cultar on growth, flowering and yield behaviour of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Dashehari was conducted at the Horticultural Research Centre, Patharchatta, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar for a period during 2010–11. Seven levels of Cultar was applied as soil drench @15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 60 ml/tree and control (without any treatment) in September, 2010. The maximum reduction in vegetative growth parameters was recorded under cultar 60 ml/tree followed by cultar 35 ml and 30 ml/tree. The minimum duration of flowering period was recorded under cultar 60 ml/tree followed by cultar 35ml and 30 ml/tree. The maximum flowering with more hermaphrodite flowers, fruit set per panicle, fruit retention, number of fruit, fruit size and fruit yield per tree were recorded in 30 ml cultar treated trees. Therefore, Cultar 30 ml/tree should be given to obtain maximum fruit yield without affecting fruit quality.

Influence of boron and lime on growth and seed yield of snowball cauliflower (Brassica Oleracea var. botrytis L.) cv. Pusa Snowball K-1

Abstract: A field trial was conducted to study the effect of lime and boron in different combinations as soil, soil + foliar and foliar application on the growth dynamics and seed yield performance of Snowball cauliflower PSBK-1. After pooled data of both years it was found that application of lime and borax as basal @ 500 kg/ha and 5.0 kg/ha followed by foliar spray of boron @ 0.50% at 40,60,80 DAT was the best treatment for highest plant height (88.49 cm), maximum number of leaves per plant (14.69), siliqua per plant (1100.11), siliqua length (5.82 cm), seed per siliqua (19.28), seed yield per plant (24.98 g) and seed yield per hectare (6.44 q) whereas, application of lime and borax as basal @ 500 kg/ha and 5.0 kg/ha followed by foliar spray of boron @ 0.25% at 40,60,80 DAT was superior treatment for number of primary branches per plant (12.46) and also at par with different growth and seed yield attributes of cauliflower cv. Pusa Snowball K-1 in rainfed mid hill conditions of Uttarakhand.

Standardization of protocol for in vitro propagation of Rauwolfia serpentina Benth.

Abstract: The present investigation was carried out with a view to standardize an in vitro culture technique for mass propagation of an endangered medicinal plant Rauwolfia serpentina Benth. Shoot tip was used as explant for initial culture. The explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentration and combination of NAA and BA for primary shoot proliferation. The best shoot proliferation was observed in MS medium containing 0.1 mg l−1 NAA and 2.5 mg l−1 BA, where 92% of plants showed proliferation. For rooting, half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.4 mg l−1 NAA and 0.1 mg l−1 IBA showed maximum root formation (91%). After acclimatization and transplantation, 90% of the in vitro derived plants were survived in ex vitro condition.

Production of staminate flower through silver ion containing compounds in gynoecious cucumber

Abstract: A study was carried out to investigate the effect of silver nitrate (SN) and silver thiosulphate (STS) concentration, number of sprays and method of applications on induction of staminate flower in gynoecious cucumber cv. ‘Infinity’. Higher dose (400 ppm) of AgNO3 and lower dose (2mM) of STS was found better. Further, twice application over once was found more effective for influencing all the characters in desired direction. All treatments performed better when applied as foliar application than that of soil application. All treatments, irrespective of dose and methods of application, induced staminate flower in all the plants. Besides, foliar application of STS at 2mM twice (at 2–3 true leaf stage and thereafter 7 days) followed by SN at 400 ppm twice produced greatest number of staminate flowers (151.0), more number of staminate nodes (20), staminate flowers earlier (27.83 days) and upto maximum nodes (25.17) in a plant.

Effect of bio growth regulators on growth and flower yield of African marigold (tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa Narangi

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of various plant bio regulators on growth and flower yield of African marigold (tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa Narangi at Department of Horticulture, Janta P.G. College, Bakewar, Etawah (UP). Three plant bio regulators, viz., TIBA (50 and 100 ppm), MH (100 and 200 ppm) and CCC (200 and 400 ppm) were sprayed on plant 25 days after transplanting while only distilled water sprayed only was used as Control. Among the treatment CCC (400 ppm) decreased the height of plant but at the same time it significantly increased the number of flower, diameter of flowers and total yield of flowers as compared to other treatments.

Growth and flowering behavior of newly evolved hybrid of gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrida L.) under different plant spacing and corm size in mid hill areas of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract: An investigation was conducted to study the influence of corm size and plant spacing on growth, flowering and corm production in newly developed hybrid of gladiolus (Hb 1–8). Three corm sizes (3.0–3.5 cm, 3.6–4.0 cm and 4.1–4.5 cm) and three spacing (30 x 6, 30 x10 and 30 x 14 cm) were tested in randomized block design, replicated thrice. The gladiolus hybrid Hb1-8 with S3 and P3 showed better performance w.r.t. number of days taken for sprouting (13.11 days), plant height (88.23 cm), number of days taken for bud break (100.29 days), number of days taken for first floret opening (104.45 days), spike length (73.44 cm), number of corms per plant (1.69) and number of cormels (33.76).

Physiological and biochemical changes in peach fruit during cold storage

Abstract: Peach is a climacteric fruit, which undergoes through various ripening changes after ripening and has very short post-harvest life at ambient conditions. Study was conducted to enhance the storage life of peach fruits. Uniform plants of peach cv. Shan-i-Punjab were sprayed with putrescine and calcium nitrate at three concentrations each viz., 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 mmol L−1 and 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%, respectively. 10 and 20 days before harvesting and physiologically mature peach fruits were harvested from treated plants, packed in CFB boxes and stored at 0 to 1°C and 9095% RH for 40 days. Results revealed that fruits treated with putrescine @ 3 mmol L−1,putrescine @ 2 mmol L−1 and calcium nitrate @ 2%(sprayed 10 days before harvesting) registered lower average physiological loss in weight, high sensory quality, low spoilage and high total sugars at the end of storage.

Effect of growth retardants on growth and quality of ornamental foliage plant aglaonema

Abstract: An investigation was carried out at Floriculture Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India, during rabi season of the year 2012–13 to study the effect of growth retardants on growth and quality of ornamental foliage plant aglaonema cv. Ernesto's Favourite. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design with three replications. One month old plants were transplanted in earthen pots of size 12"x12" size filled with a potting mixture containing red soil, sand and vermicompost in 2:1:1 proportion. Three growth retardants,viz., paclobutrazol (0.0625 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.185 mg, 0.25 mg), ancymidol (0.25 mg, 0.50 mg, 0.75 mg, 1.00 mg) and CCC (500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 15000 ppm, 2000 ppm) were applied as soil drenches at 30 and 60 DAT. At 150 DAT, maximum reduction in plant height (47.53 cm), canopy length (41.25 cm) and canopy width (44.63 cm) were recorded with soil drench application of paclobutrazol at 0.1825 mg/pot and paclobutrazol at 0.25 mg/pot was found to be on par. Lowest leaf area (140.66 cm2) and stem diameter (2.90 cm) were observed with paclobutrazol at 0.25 mg/pot and was on par with paclobutrazol at 0.1825 mg/pot. Highest visual plant grade (4.57), colour grade (4.60), chlorophyll-a (18.50 mg/g fresh wt) and chlorophyll-b (6.78 mg/g fresh wt) were recorded with paclobutrazol at 0.1825 mg/pot to which paclobutrazol at 0.25 mg/pot was found on par. Paclobutrazol 0.125 mg/pot was found to be on par with paclobutrazol 0.1825 mg/pot in respect of chlorophyll-a, visual plant grade and colour grade. Paclobutrazol 0.0625 mg/pot was found to be on par with paclobutrazol 0.1825 mg/pot for the parameters of visual plant grade and colour grade. There was no significant difference between the treatments for the parameter of number of leaves.

Molecular characterization of litchi germplasm by RAPD marker

Abstract: Twenty accessions of litchi were obtained from Horticultural Research Station, Patherchatta, G.B.P.U.A.T., Pantnagar and were characterized with RAPD markers. The cultivars Rose Scented, Late Large Green, Late Seedless and Early Seedless were found most promising as a parent for future breeding programme. Twenty one bands were detected from 20 accessions of litchi using 5 RAPD primers and all the primers were found to be polymorphic. These genotypes were classified into three major groups. RAPD data were analyzed by cluster analysis and UPGMA. The analysis revealed that litchi genotypes showed the existence of considerable variation among the test accessions.

Correlation and path analysis of yield and yield contributing traits in okra [Abelmoschus esculenltus (L.) Moench]

Abstract: The present investigation was subjected to evaluate fifty two okra genotypes including Pusa Sawani and VRO-6 (National check) best suited to high yield and marketable character for ten traits during Zaid season of the year 2011. Yield per plant exerted highly significant and negative association with length of internode as well as positive association with number of fruit per plant. The path coefficient analysis revealt hight of plant, number of branches per plant, number of frist fruiting node, length of fruit, width of fruit and number of fruits per plant at positive direct effect on yield per plant. The above finding indicated that an ideal plant with length of internode, number of ruit per plant, height of plant, number of fist fruiting node, length of fruit might be help in improving yield per plant in okra for formulating desire plant with high yield with superior marketable character.

Screening of different cultivars of tuberose (Polyanthus tuberosa L.) under agroclimatic conditions of Allahabad

Abstract: Tuberose (Polyanthus tuberosa L.) is one of the most important tropical ornamental plants and cultivated for production of long lasting flowers spikes. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance and superiority among different tuberose cultivars over local variety under Allahabad agro- climatic conditions of Uttar Pradesh during the year 2007–2008. All total 5 numbers of cultivars (Local, Suvasini, Vaibhav, Prajwal and Shringar) were evaluated during the study period. All the cultivars differ in their growth, flowering and bulb production behavior depending upon the prevailing climatic conditions. Maximum plant height (130.54 cm) and maximum no. of bulb/Planted bulb (4.20) were recorded with cultivar Suvasini. Minimum days taken for 50% sprouting of bulbs (12.46) and minimum days taken for spike emergence (81.25) were recorded with cultivar Local. While maximum no. of leaves/plant (17.16), maximum spike length (93.00 cm), maximum no. of florets/spike (55.50), maximum length of florets/spike (6.35 cm), maximum duration of blooming spawn(38.00 days), maximum no. of bulblets/planted bulb (30.50), maximum net income (/ha 392850) and maximum B:C ratio (2.68) were recorded with cultivar Shringar. While maximum weight of bulbs (56.17 g) and diameter of bulbs (4.35 cm) were recorded with cultivar Prajwal. Among all five cultivars, cultivar Shringar was found best regarding maximum parameters.

Effect of spacing on growth and biomass production in bael (Aegle marmelos Correa.) under hot arid conditions

Abstract: Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa.) is a suitable tree for growing different parts of the country for fruits as well as for its medicinal uses. All plant parts are used in ayurvedic formulations. Bael saplings were planted at a distance of 1 m x 1 m, 1.5 m x 1.5 m and 2 m x 2 m under drip irrigation system to assess the plant and root growth and biomass yield. The finding of the study revealed that close planting at 1 x 1 m was suitable for better growth and high biomass production (leaves/shoot/roots) under arid conditions. However, for root growth and development the planting of saplings at 2 x 2 m spacing gave better results.

Response of lemon (citrus limon (L.) Burm.) cv. Baramasi to irrigation scheduling and mulching

Abstract: Moisture regulation is of utmost importance to get aimed fruit quality in lemon. As lemon is challenged with serious problem of fruit cracking in conjunction with poor quality so timely scheduling of irrigation and moisture conservation needs to be emphasized on priority as inadequacy of water at critical stage of fruit development adversely affects the quality and productivity of lemon. Split fruits, poor in quality are unmarketable and thus result in a great loss to the grower. To combat this serious problem in lemon during peak summer period, an experiment was laid out in randomized block design comprising of six irrigation treatments at different Available Soil Moisture Depletion (ASMD), with and without mulching at “Punjab Government Progeny Orchard & Nursery, Attari, Amritsar” during the fruiting years 2008 and 2009. Use of black polythene as mulch in combination with 20% ASMD proved most effective in reducing fruit cracking and to get superior quality of fruit during summers.

Genetic analysis of pod yield and its contributing traits in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Abstract: Genetic analysis of okra was done using parents, F1s and F2s population. Results indicated the importance of both additive and dominance component for all the traits except intermodal length in summer season and plant height in rainy season in the cross KS-410 x HRB-55. However, in the cross Varsa Upahar x Arka Anamika, the dominance component were higher in both the seasons except 100-seed weight in summer season, whereas, in case of additive component, only days to first flowering and days to 50% flowering in summer season and pod yield per plant in both the seasons recorded higher for the same cross. Average degree of dominance ranged from partial dominance to complete dominance for most of the traits during both the season and in both the crosses. Yield and yield traits showed greater magnitude of most of the estimates in the rainy season as compared to summer season. High heritability and high genetic advance were observed for all the traits except inter nodal length, number of seed per pod and plant height in both the seasons and nod at which first flower appears in rainy season for the cross KS-410 x HRB-55. However, in the case of Varsa Upahar x Arka Anamika, estimates of heritability was low in both the season. Higher genetic advance were also observed in the cross KS-410 x HRB-55 in both the seasons except inter nodal length and 100 seed weight, but in the case of Varsa Upahar x Arka Anamika, the characters like node at which first flower appears, inter nodal length and 100 seed weigh showed lower in both the seasons. The result suggests that a breeding programme which exploits additive as well as dominant gene action could be suitably utilized for further improvement of yield in okra.