Current Horticulture

Effects of night break light sources on morphology and pigment content in standard chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

2024-08-02T10:41:28+00:00

This study investigated the effects of incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), and light-emitting diodes (LED) on morphological and pigment traits of ten Chrysanthemum morifolium varieties. Using a factorial completely randomized design with three replications, we measured plant height, leaf area index (LAI), flowering time, duration, and pigment content. LED lighting produced the tallest plants (103.35 cm), highest LAI (6.28), and largest flowers (19.58 cm). It also yielded the highest anthocyanin (1.84 mg/g) and carotenoid (96.12 mg/g) levels. Incandescent lighting induced earliest flowering (158.87 days), while LED extended flowering duration to 36.34 days. Results demonstrate significant influence of night break light sources on C. morifolium growth, flowering, and pigment synthesis, with LEDs showing the greatest overall benefit.

Validation of Downy Mildew Resistance in Cucumber Germplasm Through Artificial Screening

2025-08-18T12:08:07+00:00

The present study was conducted to validate downy mildew resistance in three promising cucumber accessions, IC527431, IC527400, and IC572024, through artificial inoculation at the greenhouse facility of ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, during 2024–25. These lines were previously identified through a multi-location trial conducted at New Delhi, Varanasi, and Bengaluru, India, from 2022–24. Three check varieties, Pusa Uday, Pusa Barkha, and Arka Veera were included to compare the performance of the selected genotypes. Thirty-five days after inoculation, the check varieties Pusa Uday (77.78% PDI) and Pusa Barkha (51.85% PDI) exhibited highly susceptible reactions. In contrast, only mild symptoms were observed on the leaves of IC572024, IC527431, and IC527400, with average Per cent Disease Index (PDI) values of 12.96, 15.74, and 29.63, respectively indicating resistant to moderately resistant responses. These germplasm lines appear promising as sources of resistance to downy mildew in cucumber and hold potential for use in the development of resistant cultivars.

Evaluation of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seed powder-based pasta- a case study

2025-09-09T11:32:21+00:00

Jackfruit seeds, comprising 10-15% of the fruit, are nutrient-rich with high protein, carbohydrate, and mineral content. Analysis of jackfruit seed flour (JSF) revealed substantial protein (13.49%) and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. The JSF, with high water and oil absorption capacities, enhanced pasta's nutritional value and texture when added in proportions of 5-20%, with 10% substitution preferred for optimal consumer satisfaction. Jackfruit seeds offer significant potential as a valuable resource in addressing food security challenges, particularly in densely populated regions. Their conversion into flour provides a sustainable solution to mitigate waste during seasonal abundance. With rich nutritional content and favourable functional properties, jackfruit seed flour enhances the nutrient profile and quality of various food products, such as pasta, while maintaining consumer acceptability. Moreover, the unique twist of roasting jackfruit seeds in sand adds a distinctive flavour and texture to dishes, contributing to culinary innovation. Embracing such natural processes not only enhances taste but also preserves essential nutrients, underscoring the importance of sustainable food practices.

Effect of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield and Quality of Beet root (Beta vulgaris subsp. Vulgaris L.)

2025-07-07T11:20:58+00:00

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of nitrogen on growth and yield of beet root (Beta vulgaris) during rabi season 2020-21 at Horticulture Farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner (Rajasthan). The experiment consisted of Twelve treatment combinations including four nitrogen levels (control, 30 kg N/ha, 60 kg N/ha and 90 kg N/ha) and three treatments of plant geometry (15 cm x 10 cm, 30 cm x 10 cm and 45 cm x 10 cm) were under taken in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The application of 60 kg nitrogen was significantly. However, 60 kg nitrogen significantly increased plant height (42.47 cm), No. of leave plant (16.53 cm leaf area, (cm²) (1.05), chlorophyll content (mg/100 g) (5.14g), yield per plot (26.16 kg), yield (261.60 q), net return (Rs/ha) 174 601.21/ha and B: C ratio (2.01).

Management of abiotic stress in grapes (Vitis vinifera) - a review

2025-09-09T10:14:04+00:00

Since viticulture is highly dependent on weather and climate, several climate change projections have been generated with the
expectation that they may worsen the distribution of grape-growing regions in the years to come. Abiotic stress factors such as
drought, salinity, temperature, hailstorm, and rainfall can restrict the growth and productivity of grapevines, as well as affect their
quality and composition. Especially during critical developmental stages such as flowering, fruit set and ripening. This paper focused on review of current knowledge available on the effects of these stressors on grapevine physiology, development, and yield as well as the strategies and techniques to mitigate them. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the management of abiotic stress in grapes and the challenges and opportunities for future research and grape growers can minimize the negative impacts of abiotic stresses.

Utilization of wild germplasm for vegetable improvement a review

2025-09-09T10:27:28+00:00

About 400 species constitute the total diversity in vegetable crops across the globe. Among the diversity rich regions of the world that represent the centers of origin and /or diversity as well the regions possessing maximum diversity are the tropical American, Tropical Asian and the Mediterranean region. In the tropical Asian region, both India and China hold maximum diversity. Nearly 80 species of major vegetables, apart from several wild/undomesticated types are native to Indian region and are mentioned under “Hindustani Centre”. India has a long history of vegetable cultivation and Sanskrit equivalents are available for introduced vegetable crops indicating exchange of plant material with other countries well before the Christian Era e.g. bottle gourd and watermelon from Africa, and onion from Central Asia. Other species, having wide distribution in India are, Trichosanthes, Momordica, Coccinia and Canavalia etc. Overall, 20-25 vegetable crops are commercially important and these include both the indigenous and exotic species. Germplasm acquisition from within and outside country is the first step in germplasm management programme. A large germplasm representing a broad spectrum of genetic diversity has been introduced from other countries. Several introduced varieties have been used directly for large-scale cultivation. Many introductions in vegetable crops have also been used as parents to develop new cultivars. Germplasm of wild species of crops like brinjal (47), chilli (87), okra (82), tomato (385), water melon (18) have been introduced by NBPGR from abroad in the past few years. Besides identifying donors form cultivated form, their wild allies called CWR does have valuable genes with immense value for crop improvement and adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Utilization of CWR has enjoyed a great success in few crops like okra, tomato, potato, cucumber.

Genetic variability analysis for yield traits in sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) in arid environment

2024-11-23T12:33:18+00:00

The genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance for 12 yield and yield contributing traits were analyzed in 26 sponge gourd genotypes. The study examined genetic variability in sponge gourd genotypes, revealing significant differences across all traits. A broad range of variation was observed for key traits, including total marketable fruit yield, fruit weight, and days to first fruit harvest. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), indicating the substantial influence of environmental factors on trait expression. High heritability and genetic advance were observed for traits like fruit diameter and marketable fruit yield, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action. These findings indicate that traits such as fruit yield can be enhanced through selection, while traits with lower genetic advance may benefit from hybridization and other breeding approaches.

Response of guava (Psidium guajava) genotypes to air-layering under sub-humid southern Rajasthan

2025-09-09T10:40:27+00:00

The evaluation of the genotypes guava (Psidium guajava L.) for air layering under sub humid southern plains of Rajasthan conditions was done from 5 to 15 July 2015-16. The genotypes, L-49, Allahabad Safeda, Lalit, Red Fleshed, Pant Prabhat, Safed Jam, Arka Amulya, Arka Mridula, MPUAT S-1, MPUAT S-2, Shweta, Burfkhan, Sarbati, RCGH.-1 and One-Kg were used. Among the genotypes, early root initiation, percentage of rooted air layers, survival percentage and vigour index were maximum in Lalit, while and the number of secondary roots were highest in L- 49 and root: shoot ratio in Shweta. Poor response to rooting was observed in One-Kg.

Effect of rootstock girth and varieties of aonla (Emblica officinalis) on propagation

2025-02-11T13:15:26+00:00

Five aonla (Emblica officinalis L.), varieties and three rootstock thickness were evaluated for various aspects of propagation under hot semi arid ecosystem of western India during 2010-2013. The rootstock girth and aonla varieties significantly affected all propagation aspects, except survival per cent of budding. The increasing thickness of stock increase plant height, maximum plant height was recorded in Chakaiya (15.06m), followed by Anand 2 (15.02m), Francis (14.26m), Goma Aishwarya (13.02m) and minimum in N.A. -7 (12.55) at >1.5 cm girth of stock. The maximum plant spread in East-West was recorded in Goma Aishwarya (12.05m) followed by Franics (11.50m), Anand 2 (11.02m), Chakaiya (10.08m) and minimum in N.A. 7 (10.96m). In case of North-South maximum was noted in Anand 2 (13.50m) followed by Goma Aishwarya (13.05m), Chakaiya (12.06m), Franics (11.86m) and minimum in N.A. 7 (11.16m) . The maximum stock and scion thickness were recorded in Anand 2 (66.08 and 63.05cm), followed by Frances (62.22 and 57.33cm), in Chakaiya (52.13 and 49.08 cm) in Goma Aishwarya (50.04 and 47.11 cm) and the minimum in N.A. 7 (44.25 and 44.25 cm). The rootstock and scion growth were equal in NA-7, this variety has more budding compatibility than other.

Influence of time of planting and spacing on yield and quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa l.) in terai region of West Bengal

2025-08-14T04:17:36+00:00

The turmeric productivity in West Bengal is very low (2.5 t/ha) as compared to national productivity (4.7 t/ha) and this is mainly because of poor knowledge of the farmers about suitable production technology. The present field study was conducted to evaluate the performance of turmeric (Megha Turmeric-1) under different planting time and spacing combinations in Terai region of West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The observations were recorded for different parameters like plant height, number of leaves per plant, total rhizome weight, primary rhizome weight, primary rhizome length, primary rhizome girth, primary rhizome width, fresh rhizome yield per hectare and curcumin content. The date of planting had more effect on different parameters as compared to spacing. The highest total rhizome weight (229.4 g), primary rhizome weight (94.8 g), primary rhizome length (8.1 cm), primary rhizome girth (5.8 cm) and primary rhizome diameter (1.0 cm), fresh rhizome yield (18.6 t/ha) was recorded when planting was done on first fortnight of April. Spacing had significant role on other rhizome parameters like primary rhizome weight, primary rhizome length, girth and diameter. There was increasing trend of primary rhizome weight when spacing was increased. The highest primary rhizome weight (74.1 g) was observed when the rhizome was planted at a distance of 50×30 cm whereas in 30×30 cm spacing it was 55.0 g. However, highest fresh rhizome yield (19.2 t/ha) was observed in 30×30 cm spacing. All the morphological and yield parameters significantly varied with combined effect of time of planting and spacing. The fresh rhizome yield per hectare and curcumin content were higher in case of interaction effect than the individual effect of time of planting and spacing. The highest yield (24.3 t/ha) was obtained in first fortnight of April planting with 30×30 cm spacing. Therefore, for obtaining higher yield and high cucumin, the first fortnight of April planting at 30×30 cm spacing can be recommended as suitable production technology for turmeric (Megha Turmeric-1) in Terai region of West Bengal.

Studies on leaf traits of different stionic combinations in pear (Pyrus communis)

2025-09-24T01:51:05+00:00

The biochemical and physiological evaluation of pear (Pyrus communis) cultivars, Carmen, Concorde, Red Bartlett and Packham’s
Triumph was done on Quince A, BA 29, Quince C and Kainth rootstocks at Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India during 2018-19. The highest leaf carbohydrate and starch content were reported in plants grafted on Quince C rootstock, whereas lowest on Quince A rootstock. Maximum total sugars and phenols were found in plants of Red Bartlett grafted on Quince C rootstock and minimum on Carmen grafted on Quince A. However, Carmen grafted on Quince A rootstock had highest total leaf chlorophyll content and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, whereas minimum on Red Bartlett grafted on Quince C rootstock. The correlation studies revealed a negative correlation among plant height, total sugars and phenols.

Impact of plant growth regulators and nutrients on guava (Psidium guajava) yield in the south-eastern Rajasthan

2024-09-27T09:49:20+00:00

The experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Career Point University, Kota, during 2023-24 to examine the
influence of plant growth regulators and nutrients on fruit setting and physiochemical attributes of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv.
L-49. The plants received first dose of PGRs and nutrients at fruit setting and second at fruit development stage. Foliar application
of potassium sulphate (1.0 %) significantly reduced fruit drop (39.77%), while improved fruit setting (71.05%) and fruit retention
(60.23%). The foliar application of potassium sulphate (1.0%) increased fruit weight (142.43g), fruit length (8.71cm), fruit width
(7.89cm), fruit volume (132.77cc), TSS (11.70%), TSS: acid ratio (30.00), vitamin C (174.10), pectin (1.83 %), reducing sugar (3.80%),
non-reducing sugar (3.45%) and total sugars (7.25%) and minimum acidity (0.39%). The foliar application of potassium sulphate
(1.0%) also improved the fruiting and physiochemical characteristics of guava cv. L-49 as compared to the control.

Study on structural break analysis in Indian coconut (Cocos nucifera) production

2023-11-22T14:14:50+00:00

Coconut (Cocos Nucifera.L) is distributed across the tropical belt in Asia, East Africa, and America. The CGR and structural break
analysis were employed to examine the growth rates and multiple break period respectively. The results show the structural break
year of area, production and productivity for major states in India was found after 1996, 2005 and 2011 which showed the impact
of WTO, NHM and establishment. Based on structural break, growth rate of area, production and yield of coconut was estimated
using compound growth rate. Coconut production and productivity increased at a rapid rate in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra
Pradesh. It suggests that these states, which are India’s top producers of coconuts, have a bright future in the industry. Kerala’s
negative growth rate shows that other crops in the state are only little expanding their production areas relative to coconuts. Though
the Coconut Development Board established a Technology Mission on Coconut, yield of coconut has not significantly increased.
Therefore, it is suggested that improved coconut cultivation technology should be used.

Impact of zinc and iron, their applicability techniques, and PGRs on yield of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

2024-07-08T04:24:15+00:00

The experiment was conducted to find out the Impact of Zinc and Iron, Their Applicability Techniques, and Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.). Rajasthan Agriculture Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur. during 2020-21-2021-22. The experiment consisted of 25 treatment combinations with five levels of Fertilization (Control, Soil application of ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg/ha, Soil application of FeSO₄ @ 50 kg/ha, foliar application of ZnSO₄ @ 0.5 % and foliar application of FeSO₄ @ 0.5 %) and five levels of plant growth regulators (Control, GA₃ @ 50 ppm, GA₃ @ 100 ppm, NAA @ 25 ppm and NAA @ 50 ppm in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that integration of fertilization and plant growth regulators was more effective in increasing growth and yield of fennel. The results of the study clearly indicated that application of application of ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg/ha to the fennel significantly increased the plant height (145.32 cm), Number of primary branches per plant (7.08), Number of secondary branches per plant (15.83), Chlorophyll content (mg/g) at 75 DAS (1.82), Seed yield (kg /ha) (1666) and Stover yield (kg /ha) (2881) as compared to control. Similarly, plant growth regulators GA₃ @ 50 ppm also significantly increased the plant height (144.20 cm), Number of primary branches per plant (7.02), Number of secondary branches per plant (15.72), Chlorophyll content (mg/g) at 75 DAS (1.83), Seed yield (kg /ha) (1648) and Stover yield (kg /ha) (2867) as compared to control.

Performance evaluation of novel vibrant multi-petalous germplasms in Adenium (Adenium obesum)

2025-09-09T11:34:21+00:00

Research aiming on crop improvement has been conducted in Adenium, a popular flowering pot plant with the basic objective of novel flower morphological traits at the Advance Technology Centre of Soilless System, Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, NAU, Navsari, during 2016-2021. Hybridization was done in Adenium involving six parents where in three varieties were taken as male parents, viz., Double Sweet Heart (DSH), Vithoons White (VW), Pineapple Rose (PR) and three as female parents, viz., Arrogant(A), Mor Lok Dok (MD) and Black Dragon (BD) and their crosses were studied. Among the different crosses, NAMDDSH (MD X DSH) and NAADSH (A X DSH) appeared to have novel traits with multipetalous flower form in white and deep red flower colour respectively. These crosses were further multiplied by grafting and evaluated along with their parent varieties for stability during 2019 to 2021. NAMDDSH bearing white flowers and NAADSH with red flowers were found novel and significantly superior in terms of the flower form with 10 petals, number of flowers per cluster (8-9), flowers opened at a time on a cluster (3.6-4.4) and flower longevity (11-12.5 days). Besides NAADSH exhibited enhanced flower size (8-8.16 cm) among all the germplasms. These germplasms can be further exploited for commercial application as well as for breeding.

Effects of post-harvest treatments and packaging materials on physico chemical properties and shelf-life of guava (Psidium guajava)

2024-09-30T16:08:28+00:00

The study was undertaken to find out efficacy of different post-harvest treatments and packaging materials on improving the quality
and shelf-life of guava fruits variety Allahabad Safeda at post-harvest laboratory, Department of Horticulture, SKN College of
Agriculture, Jobner, during 2022-23 and 2023-24. The fruits were subject to dipping in tap water for 3 minutes, oxalic acid (OA)
10 mM 3 min., salicylic acid (SA) 2.0 mM 3min., calcium chloride at 1.5% 3min., with different packaging material, polythene bag
(LDPE 25 Micron), corrugated boxes, gunny bag and untreated fruits without packing. The fruits were stored at ambient storage
conditions for 12th days. Fruits were analyzed for various physico-chemical characteristics, viz., PLW, decay percentage, shelf life,
TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing, non-reducing and total sugars at an interval of 0, 4, 8 and 12 days. The results revealed that
perforated calcium chloride 1.5% with polythene bag was the most effective in reducing weight loss and decay as compared to other
treatments. Total soluble solids, reducing sugars, total sugars and ascorbic acid content were higher in fruits stored in perforated
calcium chloride with polythene bag and it was also effective in extending the shelf -life of guava fruits to 13 days. Thus, it can be
concluded that perforated calcium chloride 1.5 % with polythene bag can be recommended for extending storage period of guava
fruits.

Comparative efficacy of eoil and foliar application of zinc on Garlic (Allium sativum L.) production in sandy loam soils of Rajasthan

2024-06-01T09:11:13+00:00

An experiment was conducted to assess the impact of various levels and modes of zinc (Zn) application on garlic (Allium sativum L.)
at College of Agriculture, Jodhpur during rabi 2021-22. There were seven treatments, three soil applications of ZnSO₄ (5, 10, and 15 kg/ha), three foliar applications (FA) of ZnSO₄ (0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7%), and a control in randomized block design with three replications. Results indicated that ZnSO₄ applications significantly improved growth parameters, with the highest plant height and number of leaves observed with ZnSO₄ 15 kg (SA) and ZnSO₄ 0.7% (FA). ZnSO₄ 0.7% (FA) also recorded significantly highest values of bulb weight, neck thickness, and weight of 50 cloves. Both ZnSO₄ 15 kg (SA) and ZnSO₄ 0.7% (FA) treatments achieved the maximum bulb yield of 15.4 t/ha, compared to the control (11.5 t/ha), indicating a 33.9% increase in bulb yield. Zinc Use Efficiency was highest for ZnSO₄ 15 kg (SA) at 0.29 t/ha/kg ZnSO₄. Economic analysis revealed the highest net returns (Rs. 465,154/ha) for ZnSO₄ 0.7% (FA) and the highest B:C ratio (3.08) for ZnSO₄ 15 kg (SA). These results highlights the higher efficacy of ZnSO₄ applications, particularly with foliar, enhancing
growth, yield, quality, and economic returns of garlic in arid regions.

Response of foliar feeding of nutrients on quality attribute of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Chittidar and Allahabad Safeda.

2025-04-07T09:32:38+00:00

The experiment was carried out at the Instructional cum Research Fruit Orchard, Department of Fruit Science. K.N.K. College of Horticulture, Mandsaur during 2017-18. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) replicated three times. The treatment consist of two factor (A) varieity V₁- Chittidar, V₂- Allahabad Safeda and factor (B) nine levels of nutrients- N_o- Control, N₁-Zinc sulphate @ 0.3%, N₂- Zinc sulphate @ 0.4%,N₃- Calcium nitrate @ 1%,N₄- Calcium nitrate @ 2%,N₅ -Potassium sulphate @ 1%,N₆- Potassium sulphate @ 2%,N₇- Boron @ 0.2%,N₈- Boron @ 0.4%. Among, the variety, maximum TSS (11.59⁰Brix), non-reducing sugar (4.39%) was found in Chittidar (V₁) and the maximum, TSS/Acid ratio (36.79) , reducing sugar (5.62%) and ascorbic acid (156.84 mg/100 pulp)was recorded in Allahabad Safeda (V₂) and the minimum acidity (0.32%) was observed in Allahabad Safeda (V₂). With respect to foliar application of nutrients, the maximum, TSS (12.60⁰Brix), non-reducing sugar (4.56%) and TSS/Acid ratio (43.77) was observed in N₆ (Potassium sulphate @ 2%), the maximum reducing sugar (5.74%) ascorbic acid,(170.28mg/100 pulp) and total sugar (9.68%) was recorded in N₈ (boron@0.4%) and the minimum, acidity (0.28%) was recorded in N₂ (zinc sulphate @0.4%).