Current Horticulture

Breeding for yield and quality improvement in tomato using genetic variability and modern genomic tools

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

One of the most valued horticultural crops in the world is tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), but global production continually grapples with the difficulty of improving yield without compromising fruit quality. Achieving this balance requires breeders to make full use of the wide genetic diversity present in cultivated varieties, landraces, and wild relatives. This review synthesises current knowledge on global production trends, the genetic basis of key agronomic and quality characteristics, and the central role of diversity in sustaining breeding progress. Traditional breeding approaches, such as mass selection, pedigree breeding, backcrossing, and hybrid development have long supported tomato improvement, but their impact has grown significantly with the integration of molecular tools. Advances in QTL mapping, marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, multi-omics technologies, and CRISPR-based editing now make it easier to carefully study complex traits and adjust them with greater accuracy and control. These tools also help broaden the narrow genetic base created by domestication bottlenecks, allowing beneficial alleles from wild germplasm to be reintroduced into elite lines. Looking ahead, climate-smart breeding, high-throughput phenotyping, pangenomics, and farmer-participatory approaches offer promising pathways for developing cultivars that combine high yield, superior flavour and nutrition, and resilience to environmental stresses. Sustained exploitation of genetic variability therefore remains the foundation for meeting future productivity and quality demands in tomato.

Fruit bud differentiation in grapevine: A review

R.G. Somkuwar, Rutuja Nale — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) reproductive development extends over two growing seasons (vegetative cycles) for complete formation of inflorescences and clusters, and reproductive cycle (development of a cluster). The process of induction and floral differentiation, which leads to creation of reproductive structures within dormant buds, is intricate and occurs in three distinct stages: formation of anlagen, inflorescence primordia, and flowers. This sequence of stages involves morphological, biochemical, and physiological changes, all influenced by a range of environmental and internal factors. The review describes the morphology and physiology of fruit bud differentiation, as well as discusses the main abiotic and biotic factors involved.

Micro-irrigation and fertigation in citrus (Citrus spp.): chronological advances

P. S. Shirgure — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Citrus (Citrus spp.) belongs to an evergreen tree category, requires some kind of stress , either soil water deficit stress or low
temperature stress for induction of flowering , depending upon agro-pedology of growing conditions. Soil physical properties
participate to a greater extent in regulating the success of flowering , fruit setting intensity and yield, coupled with desirable quality
traits compared to chemical properties with regard to fertilizers- and water-use-efficiency. Hence, water management via micro
irrigation and fertigation play a pivotal roles in production sustainability alongside orchard longevity. A number of studies have
established varying savings ( 25-35%) on both fertilizers and irrigation water compared to overly tilted use of basin irrigation
methods. Computation on stagewise nutrient and water application scheduling without compromising the recommended doses of
fertilizers and irrigation has further aided in developing precision citriculture with reduced water footprints and improved water
and nutrient-use-efficiency. However, carbon footprint emphasizing soil-plant-environment inclusive studies in relation to coupling
of irrigation and fertilization is still not a preferred research agenda , in addition to development of 4R ( right amount of fertilizers
at right growth stage in right form and right placement ) 4W ( right amount of water at right growth stage in right form and right
placement , depending upon zone of feeder root concentration) strategy to economise both fertilizers and water use . Initial success
on sensor-based sub-surface fertigation linking IOTs and machine learning, though has produced some encouraging results, but a
long way in waiting before such developments are computerized at farm level from operation point of view.

Advances in value addition of horticultural crops: postharvest shelf-life extension, clean-label preservation, minimally processed products, and by-product valorization

Raju Saravanan — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

India’s horticulture sector is expanding rapidly, yet substantial value is lost through postharvest deterioration and quality downgrading within fresh supply chains. This review synthesises science-based pathways for value addition in Indian horticultural crops, focusing on major fruits and vegetables such as mango, banana, tomato, and onion, as well as high-value spices. Roots and tubers are considered within the broader horticultural context. The review integrates the mechanistic basis of postharvest losses, including respiration, ripening, water loss, browning, pigment instability, microbial spoilage, and mechanical injury, with practical strategies for preservation and processing. It examines quality-retention approaches for minimally processed produce, including harvest maturity management, pre-cooling, maintaining a cold-chain, using modified atmosphere packaging, applying edible coatings, using clean-label antimicrobials, and exploring alternative sanitisation methods. Value-addition is also highlighted through fresh-cut, RTC/RTU, dehydrated, and fermented products, as well as through valorising by-products into functional ingredients and sustainable packaging materials. A matching framework aligns perishability with feasible technologies across farm-gate, FPO/MSME, and industrial scales. Key research priorities include predictive shelf-life models, matching packaging with produce, validating clean-label sanitation, developing energy-efficient cooling, and supporting by-product valorization with safety and techno-economic evidence.

From area expansion to sustainable intensification: yield gaps, structural constraints and a vision-2047 roadmap for India’s vegetable sector

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Vegetable cultivation plays a pivotal role in India’s agricultural growth, nutritional security, and rural employment generation. During 2024–25, vegetables were grown over 11.71 million ha with a production exceeding 215.68 million tonnes, contributing nearly 58% of total horticultural output. Despite this impressive expansion, productivity has increased at slower rate, with national average yields (18.42 t/ha) remaining substantially below the 25–30 t/ha levels achieved in technologically advanced systems. The widening gap between projected demand and current production trajectories underscores the urgency of yield acceleration through resource-efficient intensification. Persistent constraints, including fragmented landholdings, imbalanced nutrient application, declining soil health, climate variability, suboptimal irrigation practices, limited hybrid adoption, and significant post-harvest losses, have restricted productivity gains. Regional disparities further reflect agro-ecological limitations, infrastructure gaps, and differential technology uptake. Recent production growth has been driven more by area expansion than productivity enhancement, indicating structural inefficiencies within the system. ICAR–Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, has addressed these challenges through a systems-based approach encompassing the development of climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties, precision nutrient and water management strategies, protected cultivation technologies, integrated pest management modules, and post-harvest innovations. Emphasis on balanced fertilization, resource-use efficiency, and region-specific technology packages aims to bridge productivity gaps while enhancing sustainability. Looking ahead to Vision-2047, the roadmap prioritizes seed system strengthening, soil health restoration, climate-smart production technologies, digital advisory platforms, and resilient supply chains. A shift from area-led growth to productivity-driven, low-input, and climate-resilient intensification will be critical to ensuring nutritional security, farmer profitability, and long-term sustainability of India’s vegetable sector.

Actual water consumption index of horticultural and field crops in Iran: classification into high- and low -water consuming categories

Niaz Ali Ebrahimipak , Azadeh Sedaghat — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Water scarcity is a critical threat to agricultural sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions. Iran, receiving only 240 mm of annual
precipitation on average, faces severe and growing pressure on its water resources, with agriculture accounting for the bulk of
freshwater withdrawals. under such conditions, accurately quantifying the actual water consumption (WRa) of crops is essential
for sustainable water resource management and cropping pattern reform. This study calculated and classified the WRa for 83
field and horticulture crops across Iran, using a 10-year national dataset (2013–2023) and a mean WRa threshold of 600 mm to
distinguish high water-consuming (HWC) from low water-consuming (LWC) crops. Results showed that 44 crops were classified
as HWC and 28 as LWC. Among field crops, sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum; 3,046.8 mm), alfalfa (Medicago sativa; 1,603.9 mm)
and Paddy rice (Oryza sativa; 1,249.0) exhibited the highest WRa, while carrot (255.6 mm) and celery (269.5 mm) were the lowest.
Among horticulture crops, papaya (Carica papaya; 1,387.6 mm) and date palm (Phoenix dactylifera; 1,286.4 mm) exhibited the
highest WRa values, followed by banana (Musa acuminata; 1,217.0 mm) and Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota; 1,132.0 mm), reflecting the
exceptional evaporative demand of tropical and subtropical species cultivated in Iran’s arid regions. Although the average WRa of
HWC horticulture crops (838.1 mm) was lower than that of HWC field crops (1,086.2 mm), the greater number of HWC horticultural
species resulted in a cumulative WRa of 36,877.9 (mm, accounting for 72.3% of the total water use within the HWC category and
representing the single largest contributor to agricultural water consumption in Iran. Overall, HWC crops (44 of 83 studied)
accounted for 80.3% of total agriculture water use. These findings underscore that reforming horticultural cropping patterns,
particularly by restricting tropical and subtropical species with high evaporative demand and promoting low-WRa alternatives, is
essential for sustainable water resource management in Iran’s water-stressed agricultural sector.

Morpho-biochemical characterization of three elite jamun (Syzygium cumini) varieties for nutrition and livelihood security

Kanupriya Chaturvedi, Arivalagan M., M Sankaran, P.C. Tripathi — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Three farmer’s varieties of jamun (Syzygium cumini)—Patel Jumbo, Patel Samruddhi, and Patel Akal—identified from Nagadasanahalli village (Bengaluru Rural, Karnataka) were characterized morphologically and biochemically following DUS descriptors. The varieties displayed distinctiveness in fruit weight (7.1–12.65 g), pulp colour (pinkish-white to purple), total soluble solids (10.79–14.02 °Brix), acidity, and anthocyanin content. Patel Jumbo exhibited the highest fruit weight and pulp sweetness, Patel Samruddhi showed unique purple pulp with high productivity, while Patel Akal extended the fruiting season into July–August. Morphological traits including fruit shape, size, and pulp characteristics showed clear divergence among the three varieties. Biochemical profiling confirmed variation in TSS, acidity, phenolics, and anthocyanins. The results provide scientific validation for their distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) and support their suitability for PPVFRA registration. The study highlights the value of farmer-led germplasm development for climate-resilient dryland horticulture.

Optimizing sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) productivity and phytonutrient quality using photo selective shade nets under protected cultivation in Bangladesh

Abul Hasnat M Solaiman — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a high‑value vegetable crop whose productivity and quality are constrained in subtropical environments by high temperature and intense solar radiation. Photo‑selective shade nets can modify the canopy microclimate and light environment, but site‑specific recommendations for protected sweet pepper cultivation in Bangladesh remain limited. An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher‑e‑Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during October 2019–April 2020 in a two‑factor randomized complete block design with three replications. Factor A comprised three net environments: white net (CN, control net environment), green net (GN, 25% shade) and black net (BN, 40% shade). Factor B comprised three cultivars: F1 hybrid ‘Lalima’ (R), ‘Peperone Yolo Wonder’ (G) and ‘BARI Mistimorich 2’ (Y). Thirty‑day‑old seedlings were transplanted into 10 L polyethylene bags filled with a substrate mixture of soil, vermicompost, coco dust and mushroom compost in a 20:50:20:10 (v/v) ratio and placed inside walk‑in tunnels. Microclimate, growth, flowering, yield and fruit quality attributes were recorded and analyzed by analysis of variance, and treatment means were separated by LSD at P ≤ 0.05. Net environment significantly affected plant growth, flowering, yield and fruit quality. GN produced the highest plant height, leaf number and leaf area, while BN resulted in inferior growth. Flowering was earliest and most profuse under GN, particularly in ‘Lalima’. The GN × ‘Lalima’ combination recorded the highest fruit yield (34.52 t ha⁻¹). CN maintained the highest total soluble solids and vitamin C, whereas GN enhanced antioxidant activity and anthocyanin concentration. The results indicate that a moderate shade environment created by the green net improved sweet pepper performance under protected cultivation in Bangladesh.

Effect of drip irrigation and fertigation on yield, water and fertilizer-use efficiency and economics of greater yam (Dioscorea alata) in eastern India

Nedunchezhiyan Maniyam, S.K. Jata, R. Arutselvan, K. Pati — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

An experiment was conducted to see the effect of drip irrigation and fertigation on greater yam (Dioscorea alata L.) during 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in split plot design with drip irrigation levels in main plots (I₁-60% CPE, I₂-80% CPE and I₃-100% CPE) and in sub-plots fertigation levels (F₁- N- P₂O₅-K₂O 60-60-60 kg ha^-1, F₂- N- P₂O₅-K₂O 80-60-80 kg ha^-1and F₃- N- P₂O₅-K₂O 100-60-100 kg ha^-1). Check: (surface irrigation IW/CPE: 1.0; P₂O₅ 60 kg ha^-1 basal application; N-K₂O 80-80 kg ha^-1 soil application at basal (40%), 30 (30%) and 60 (30%) days after planting) and control: (surface irrigation IW/CPE: 1.0; no fertilizer) also included to compare the treatments. The treatment I₃ resulted in higher tuber yield, cost of cultivation, gross return, net return and B:C ratio, however, it was statistically on a par with I₂. Among fertigation, treatment F₃ resulted in significantly higher tuber yield, cost of cultivation, gross return, net return and B:C ratio. The interaction treatment I₃F₃ resulted in higher tuber yield, gross and net returns as well as B:C ratio and it was statistically on a par with I₂F₃ and I₃F₂. The treatment I₂F₃ resulted in higher water-use efficiency (WUE) and fertilizer-use efficiency (FUE). Hence, treatment I₂F₃ can be recommended for optimum tuber yield, higher WUE and FUE and better returns.

Optimizing NPKS dosages for better morphological and yield traits of onion (Allium cepa) in rabi season in Jharkhand

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of varying NPKS dosages on morphological characteristics, quality and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Pusa Madhavi during rabi season of 2024-2025 under agroclimatic conditions of Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Randomized block design with nine treatments with variable dosages of NPKS, replicated six times was used. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences across treatment combinations. Application of N:P:K:S @ 140:112:112:56 kg/ ha (T₅) recorded the maximum number of leaves and plant height \60 days after transplanting, number of scales/ bulb, total soluble solids and neck thickness of the bulbs at harvesting. The treatment also produced the maximum weight for ten bulbs which was found statistically at par with application of N:P:K:S @ 130:104:104:52 kg/ hectare (T₄). Moreover, highest total yield/ plot was recorded in T₄, followed by T₅, while the lowest yield was observed in T₉. The increasing levels of NPKS dosages promotes vegetative growth and bulb weight. However, T₄resulted in the highest yield/ plot with a comparatively lower fertilizer dosage than T₅, making it potentially superior for maximizing growth and productivity of onion in Jharkhand.

Influence of transplanting dates on growth dynamics and harvest period of winter greenhouse cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) in Trans-Himalayan Ladakh, India

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated the impact of various transplanting dates on growth, yield, and harvest period of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) during the winter months within a passive solar Ladakh greenhouse in trans-Himalayan Ladakh region during 2023-24 at DRDO- Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh, Ladakh. Two commercial cauliflower varieties, WS-909 and Amazing, were used with five distinct transplanting dates starting from 4 September 2023, to 14 October 2023 (2023-2024). Despite the extreme temperature fluctuations observed within the greenhouse, curd formation occurred in both varieties across all transplanting dates. The highest gross (1.15 and 0.98 kg), marketable (0.67 and 0.56 kg), and net (0.44 and 0.36 kg) curd weights for WS-909 and Amazing were recorded when transplanting took place on 4 September, 2023. A delay in planting date resulted in a corresponding decrease in gross, marketable, and net curd weights in both varieties. Additionally, increased temperatures in greenhouse contributed to a fuzziness range of 7.6% to 37.5% in harvested curds, which varied according to transplanting date and variety. The delays in transplanting were associated with reduced harvesting durations, decrease in total number of harvests, and, consequently, a decline in overall yield. It is thus suggested that cauliflower be transplanted early during first fortnight of September for optimal yield in this region. Nevertheless, late transplanting ensured availability of fresh cauliflower during peak winter months, and can be traded off with the reduced yield.

Effect of organic manure combinations on yield of chilli (Capsicum annuum) in Bundelkhand region

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study focuses on improving chilli plant growth and yield in the arid environment of the Bundelkhand region in Uttar Pradesh, India. The research was conducted at the organic research farm of Karguwan Ji Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, during the rabi season of 2019-2020. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was employed to evaluate the efficacy of eight distinct treatments: control (no manure), farm yard manure (FYM) 100% (20 t ha^-1), poultry manure (PM) 100% (2 t ha^-1), vermicompost (VM) 100% (3.33 t ha^-1), neem cake 100% (2 t ha^-1), FYM 50% (10 t ha^-1) + vermicompost 50% (1.66 t ha^-1), FYM 50% (10 t ha^-1) + PM 50% (1 ton ha^-1) and FYM 50% (10 t ha^-1) + neem cake 50% (1 t ha^-1). Applying 50% FYM (10 t ha^-1) + PM 50% (1 t ha^-1) significantly improved several plant characteristics. At 120 days after transplanting (DAT), the results showed plant height of 56.70 cm, stem diameter of 1.94 cm, 21 branches, 132 fruits per plant, fruit length of 8.63 cm, fruit diameter of 1.92 cm, average fruit weight of 1.59 g, fruit yield of 7.8 t ha^-1, and dry fruit weight of 31.57 g. Additionally, the days to first flowering decreased to 40 days. In the current agricultural scenario, where sustainable practices are increasingly crucial, this research offers valuable insights into optimizing organic manure usage to improve crop yield and contributing to farming systems' overall sustainability and resilience.

Effect of organic, integrated and conventional management on growth, yield and soil health in cassava (Manihot esculenta ) - vegetable intercropping systems

Sarika Nandan, Suja G — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

With rising population and increasing climate stress, cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) emerges as a vital food security crop, particularly in tropical areas. Although the impact of organic management on cassava has been extensively studied, little is known about its effects in intercropping systems with vegetables. In the cassava + vegetable intercropping system, the current study sought to evaluate the effects of organic, chemical, and integrated management methods on growth, yield, dry matter production, and soil physical and chemical parameters. The study was conducted at ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three vegetables, amaranthus, okra and vegetable cowpea in main plots and four management options, 100% organic, 75% organic + innovative practices, integrated and package of practices (POP) in sub plots. The results indicated that among the management options, 75% organic + innovative practices exhibited significantly higher harvest index and tuber dry matter production at 9 MAP, tuber yield, tuber dry matter% and mean tuber bulking rate. Highest tuber equivalent yield was observed in cassava-okra intercropping system under 75% organic + innovative practices. Soil organic C, available N and available Zn were significantly higher in 100% organic practices, and exchangeable Ca in 75% organic + innovative practices. Thus, organic management imparted significant effect on soil chemical properties, which was reflected in higher yields.

Study of fruit-borer Deudorix (Virachola) isocrates on pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its fluctuation through abiotic stress

Suresh Kumar Jat, Anchal Sharma, Ashok Choudhary — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The experiment was conducted to study the relation between the occurrence of mature and immature stages of Deudorix isocrates (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), pomegranate (Punica granatum) plant phenology, and changes in population due to abiotic stress at College of Horticulture & Forestry, Jhalawar during 2022-23. The population dynamics of Deudorix isocrates larvae on fruits was monitored during the kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023, under different climatic factors, such as mean temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), and rainfall (mm). The data showed that pomegranate fruit was most preferential host plant for fruits borer, serving as the prime host plant when other potential host plants were not available during certain developmental stages of the pest. The pest population reached to peak during 36^th standard meteorological week (SMW) during both years. Statistical analysis indicates a positive, but non-significant, correlation with temp (x₁ = 0.32) and negative, non-significant correlations with relative humidity (x₂ = -0.47) and rainfall (x₃= -0.35) during 2022. In contrast, during 2023, pest exhibited a negative, non-significant correlation with temperature (x₁ = -0.23), and positive, non-significant correlations with both relative humidity (x₂= 0.31) and rainfall (x₃= 0.36)

Natural greenhouse: a biologically engineered, low-cost and climate-resilient protected cultivation system based on Australian teak and black pepper in India

Rajaram Tripathi — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Protected cultivation has emerged as an important approach for enhancing crop productivity, quality, and income in Indian agriculture. However, the widespread adoption of conventional polyhouse technology remains limited due to its high capital cost, dependence on synthetic materials, recurring energy requirements, vulnerability to extreme weather events, and short functional lifespan. This paper presents a farmer-led, field-validated and biologically engineered alternative termed the “Natural Greenhouse”, developed and demonstrated at Maa Danteshwari Herbal Farms, Kondagaon, Bastar, Chhattisgarh.
The Natural Greenhouse is based on a multi-tier living architecture integrating a fast-growing nitrogen-fixing tree species, locally known as Australian Teak (Acacia spp.), with a high-yielding black pepper variety (MDBP-16). The system functions as a self-regulating protected cultivation unit, creating a favourable microclimate through canopy-mediated light diffusion, temperature moderation, moisture conservation, and continuous organic nutrient cycling. Unlike conventional polyhouses, it operates without plastic structures, artificial climate control, or external energy inputs.
At an establishment cost of approximately Rs 1.0–1.5 lakh per acre, compared to nearly Rs 40 lakh per acre for a standard polyhouse, the Natural Greenhouse remains productive for 25–30 years. Independent scientific validation by senior scientists of the ICAR–Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode and its regional centre at Madikeri, published in Spice India (April 2023), confirmed black pepper yields of 8–10 kg dry berries per vine, far exceeding the national average of 1.5–2.0 kg. In addition to annual crop income, the system generates long-term timber value, enhances soil health, and contributes to carbon sequestration. The study establishes the Natural Greenhouse as a scientifically credible, economically viable, and ecologically regenerative alternative to conventional protected cultivation, with significant potential for replication in suitable agro-climatic regions globally.

Performance evaluation of onion (Allium cepa ) genotypes for growth, yield, quality and pest incidence in Dharwad, Karnataka, India

Kushal N, A R Kurubar , T. R. Shashidhar, Vittal Mangi, Vanishree — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The performance of 50 onion (Allium cepa L.) genotypes for growth, yield, bulb quality and pest incidence evaluated during the rabi
2023-24 and 2024-25 at university of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, karnataka. Pooled analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed
significant genotypic differences for all traits in both seasons. High yielding genotypes were NHRDF Red-2 (50.89 tonnes/ha in
2024-25), NHRDF Red-4 (47.72 tonnes/ha) and Bhima Raj (46.42 tonnes/ha). Genotype Telagi-L exhibited desirable thin neck
thickness (0.52 cm), while DOGR-1771 showed high dry matter content (18.42 g). Low pest incidence was observed in NHRDF
Red-4 and NHRDF Red-2 (0.50% and 0% purple blotch, respectively) and Arakera local (0.51 thrips/plant). These findings
highlight superior genotypes for cultivation and potential use in breeding programmes in similar agroclimatic regions.

Integrated nutrient management in coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

J. M. Thumar, Pankaj Bhalerao, B. M. Tandel — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The field study was carried out, to study the “Integrated nutrient management in coriander var. GCo-3" during rabi, 2023-24 at Regional Horticultural Research Station, ASPEE College of Horticulture, NAU, Navsari, Gujarat, India. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with ten treatments and three replications consisting of viz. T₁: FYM 10 t/ha and 100 % RDF (60:30:00 kg NPK/ha), T₂: FYM 5 t/ha + 75 % RDF, T₃: FYM 10 t/ha + 50 % RDF, T₄: vermicompost 2 t/ha + 75 % RDF, T₅: vermicompost 4 t/ha + 50 % RDF, T₆: bio-compost 2 t/ha + 75 % RDF, T₇: bio-compost 4 t/ha + 50 % RDF, T₈: FYM 5 t/ha + 50 % RDF +1 % novel organic liquid nutrients T₉: vermicompost 2 t/ha + 50 % RDF + 1 % novel organic liquid nutrients and T₁₀: bio-compost 2 t/ha + 50 % RDF + 1 % novel organic liquid nutrients. The application of FYM 5 t/ha + 50 % RDF + 1 % novel organic liquid nutrients (T₈) gave maximum plant height (24.17 cm, 60.71 cm, 112.15 cm and 116.29 cm), highest number of primary branches/plant (1.90, 2.67, 4.07 and 4.27), total number of branches/plant (7.60, 9.53, 11.80 and 15.40), petiole length (21.18 cm, 18.68 cm, 13.50 cm and 8.48 cm) and leaf length (3.52 cm, 3.67 cm, 3.77 cm and 3.85 cm) 30, 60, 90 days and at harvest after sowing, respectively. Maximum number of umbels/plant (17.47), number of umbellates/umbel (5.87), number of seeds/umbellates (7.93), highest seed weight/plant (5.94 g), test weight of (000 seed weight) (14.33 g), seed yield (2002.93 kg/ha) and straw yield (2541.67 kg/ha) as well as oil yield (14.21 kg/ha) were observed under application of FYM 5 t/ha + 50 % RDF + 1 % novel organic liquid nutrients (T₈). The highest benefit:cost ratio (1.79) and maximum net realization (1,35,062 ₹/ha) were obtained under FYM 5 t/ha + 50 % RDF + 1 % novel organic liquid nutrients (T₈). Whereas, application of FYM 10 t/ha + 50 % RDF (T₃) improved soil nutrient status.