CURRENT HORTICULTURE

Factors affecting production of quality grapes (Vitis vinifera) for domestic and export market: a review

R G Somkuwar — 2025-06-13

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars and hybrids of V. vinifera with V. labrusca L. and V. amurensis Rupr.) belonging to Vitaceae family of
deciduous woody perennials are most widely consumed non-climacteric fruits globally. In India, table grapes are gaining popularity
due to its various attributes and availability of nutritional compounds. The grape quality refers to various attributes, including
appearance, colour, texture, flavour, and aroma. The ripening process begins at the veraison stage, marked by sugar accumulation,
berry softening, anthocyanin production, metabolism of organic acids, and build-up of flavour compounds. The present review
explores a wide range of factors that influence grape quality. The impact of cultural operations such as leaf removal, cluster thinning,
shoot pinching, use of plant growth regulators and training system are of vital importance. The effect of temperature, light, water
availability and rootstocks on grape quality are summarized.

Fruit crops of Indian semi-arid regions: significance, conservation and utilization strategies—a review

A K Singh — 2025-06-13

Today, there is a significant demand for nutrient-dense fruits to enhance nutritional and metabolic health in humans. The
production of commercial fruit crops is becoming increasingly reliant on inputs-dependent to cope with the losses caused from
biotic and abiotic stresses. The region is characterized by severe environmental constraints, making the cultivation of traditional
crops unprofitable. Currently, climatic conditions in semi-arid regions are changing, with issues like frost and low temperatures
posing challenges for cultivation of many crops. Underutilized semi-arid fruits refer as high nutritional value, medicinal properties,
and resilience in adverse soil and climatic conditions; have not received the desired attention.These semi-arid fruits offer numerous
advantages, including ease of cultivation, hardiness, and resilience to climate changes, compared to major commercially grown
crops. Technologies have been standardized for the large-scale multiplication of quality planting material of semi-arid zone fruits.
Moreover, local communities are well-informed about the nutritional and medicinal properties of these crops. However, these
lesser- known semi-arid fruits are an essential part of traditional foods, particularly in rural areas and among tribal communities.
This review provides an overview of the technologies developed on semi-arid fruit crops that can transform semi-arid ecosystems
into horticultural hubs, offering food, nutrition, and livelihood security to the residents.

Standardization of soilless media for brinjal (Solanum melongena) plug tray nursery

S S Masaye — 2025-06-13

An experiment was conducted at Polytechnic in Horticulture, ACHF, NAU, Paria (Gujarat), during winter season, 2017-20 in net
house condition. The experiment was laid out in a Complete Block Design in 16 treatments with three replications. Among difference
soilless media ratio for brinjal(Solanum melongena L.) plug tray nursery, the treatment T4 (vermicompost: cocopeat 1:1) was found
best for the maximum seed germination (88.11%), seedling survival percentage in main field (91.24%), seed vigour index (1138.12)
and highest B:C ratio (1.39). Treatment T1 (vermicompost alone) was found best for early germination (5.73 days), while treatment
T5 (vermicompost: vermiculite, 1:1) showed maximum shoot length (14.04cm), root length (9.31cm), stem girth (1.89cm) and
highest dry matter content ( 6.69g).The minimum damping off infection was found (0.03%) in treatment T3 (Vermiculite alone), T10
(vermicompost: cocopeat 1:2) and T11 (vermicompost: vermiculite 1:2). The farmers and nurserymen raising brinjal seedling in plug
tray nursery are advised to use media of vermicompost: cocopeat as 1:1 ratio for maximum germination percentage, good seedling
vigour, highest BCR and maximum survival of seedling in plug tray as well as main field.

Analysis of half-sib progenies of sapota (Manilkara zapota ) for dwarf stature and fruit quality

P C Tripathi — 2025-06-13

The evaluation of 116 half-sib progenies of sapota (Manilkara zapota Royen) var. Cricket Ball was carried out for 6 years (2017-
2022), at ICAR-IIHR,Bengaluru to develop a promising variety characterized by dwarf growth habit, high productivity, and quality
fruits. All the progenies were evaluated for growth, yield, fruit, and biochemical parameters. Correlation among different yieldcontributing
traits in half-sib progenies revealed that yield was strongly correlated with the number of fruits (r=0.945) while the
tree height showed a positive and significant correlation with tree volume (r=0.904) and tree spread (r=0.854). Regression analysis
indicated a strong positive relationship between yield and both fruit weight and the number of fruits/tree. Half-sib progenies were
grouped into seven clusters based on Euclidean distance, with the S-63 forming a separate single cluster with all desirable traits.
Among half-sibs, one half-sib line, S-63, with desirable traits has been identified, multiplied and further evaluated in a row trial
with Cricket Ball as the control for three years (2020-2022). In row trial, the progeny S-63 recorded a low tree height (1.95 m) and a
high yield (90.21 fruits/tree), compared to Cricket Ball which recorded a tree height of 2.15 m and a yield of 10 fruits per tree at the
sixth year. The average yield of S-63 was higher at 48.37 fruits per tree (5.9 kg) compared to Cricket Ball (13.67 fruits/tree; 1.4 kg).
Fruit weight of S-63 (128.57 g) was higher compared to Cricket Ball (114 g). The TSS (20.33°Brix), and acidity (0.29%) were higher
compared to Cricket Ball (19.66°Brix; 0.2%). Thus, S-63 was found to be the best performing line for yield, dwarf stature fruit and
quality fruits

Comparative study of conventional and organic farming of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) -radish (Raphanus sativus) cropping sequence

Uadal Singh — 2025-06-13

An experiment was conducted to compare performance of organic and conventional management practices in coriander
(Coriandrum sativum L.) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cropping system at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute,
Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan during 2017–18, 2018-19 and 2019–20. The conventional practices comprising integrated use
of organic amendments, nutrients through chemical fertilizers and plant-protection chemicals were compared with organic
management practices which comprised nutrient and pest management through organic amendments and practices. Experiment
consisted of 7 treatments laid out in randomized block design. Pooled analysis revealed that, safe production practices
(recommended FYM + fertilizer + plant protection with organic methods) + IIHR microbial consortium @ 12.5 kg/ha (T7)
resulted in significantly higher coriander fresh green leaves yield (94.03 q/ha) and radish root yield (237.61 q/ha). It was followed
by conventional practices (recommended FYM + fertilizer + plant protection with chemicals) + IIHR microbial consortium @
12.5 kg/ha (T4) in coriander, while T6 (FYM equivalent to 100 % N recommended for each of the crop + IIHR microbial consortium
@ 12.5 kg/ha (plant protection with organic methods) in case of radish. Return per rupee invested (4.00) and net return (₹.2.55
lakh/ha.) in the sequence were also maximum with treatment T7.

Standardization of cryopreservation in coconut (Coconut nucifera) plumule based on vitrification technique using V-cryomesh

Aparna Veluru — 2025-06-13

A technique was tried for cryopreservation of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) plumular regions based on vitrification technique using
aluminium V-cryomesh as an anchoring material. Coconut plumular regions, excised from mature zygotic embryos, were pre-cultured
in a solid Y3 medium supplemented with 0.2 M to 0.6 M sucrose. After pregrowth, explants were treated with loading solution (Y3
medium with 0.4 M sucrose + 2 M glycerol) and transferred to V-cryomesh and embedded using calcium alginate. Explants adhered
to V-cryomesh were subjected to dehydration using PVS3 (40 minutes) and transferred to cryovials for storing in liquid nitrogen.
After 48hr of liquid nitrogen treatment, material was thawed at 40ᵒC for 2 minutes and later treated with unloading solution for 30
minutes and explants were inoculated to retrieval media. The optimal protocol involved preculture of plumules for 72 hr on medium
with 0.4 M sucrose followed by PVS3 treatment for 40 minutes, rapid cooling and rewarming and treating with unloading solution
for 30 minutes. Under these conditions, 33% post thaw recovery and 7% plantlet recovery was observed. Accommodation of smaller
sized explants in large number and easy handling were the major advantages of cryomesh. The method can be useful for conservation
of valuable coconut germplasm in the form of plumules.

Evaluation of intercropping elephant-foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) with pulses for yield, economics, corm quality and soil health

G SUJA — 2025-06-13

The field experiments were conducted at ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, to assess the
feasibility of intercropping elephant-foot yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson] with various pulse crops, during
2017-19. The factorial randomized block design with three elephant-foot yam varieties (Gajendra, Sree Padma and Sree Athira),
three pulse crops [greengram, Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek. (var. Co-Gg-7), blackgram, Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper (var. Co-6), and
soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. (var. JS-95-60)], and two fertility levels. Averaging over two years, yield of elephant-foot yam
under intercropping (32.82 t/ha) was comparable to sole cropping (35.90 t/ha), with a slight decrease of 8.58%. The combination
of elephant-foot yam var. Gajendra + soybean under full fertility level resulted in higher yield (66.40 t/ha), corm equivalent yield
(66.77 t/ha), production efficiency (247.30 kg/ha/day), equivalent energy (239.91 × 103 MJ/ha), net income (₹ 10, 09, 856/ha), B:C
ratio (3.20) and added profit of ₹ 2,33,164/ha over sole cropping of elephant-foot yam var. Gajendra (46.48 t/ha, 172.45 kg/ha/ day,
167.33 × 103 MJ/ha). These intercropping systems did not adversely affect the soil chemical properties or biochemical constituents
of corms, underscoring the viability of intercropping elephant-foot yam with pulses as a sustainable practice.

Evaluation of propagation technique of Dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) on various media

Baby Laltlanhlui — 2025-06-13

A study was carried out on dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus L.) with two factor randomized block design replicated five times
at School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema, Nagaland, during 2022-23. The treatments consisted of four
types of media (sand, sand + FYM, sand + vermicompost and sand + leaf compost) and two cladode parts (upper half and lower half ).
The shoot parameters such as number of primary and secondary shoots (5.66 and 1.99), number of aereoles (30.77) and fresh weight
and dry weight of shoots (103.66 g and 0.94 g) were recorded best under sand + compost, which were statistically at par with sand
+ vermicompost. The lower cladode part resulted in better shoot parameters, viz. number of primary and secondary shoots (4.84
and 1.68), length of primary and secondary shoots (36.30 cm and 27.14 cm), number of aereoles (27.72), fresh weight and dry weight
of shoots (99.86 g and 0.80 g) over the upper cladode part. Similarly, highest number of primary and secondary roots (7.90, 29.08),
longest root length (23.36 cm) and fresh and dry weight of roots (2.04 g, 0.80 g) resulted in lower cladode cuttings. The number
of primary and secondary roots (8.29, 35.73), fresh and dry weight of roots (2.27 g, 0.94 g) were significantly more under sand +
compost. Sand medium triggered the longest root length (28.79 cm). The use of sand + compost or sand + vermicompost with lower
half cladode part can effectively enhance the growth of dragon fruit cuttings.

Optimization and storage study of value-added vinegar from guava (Psidium guajava) cultivars

Anju Kumari — 2025-06-13

Two strains of Acetobacter aceti (MTCC 2945 and MTCC 3245) were compared on the basis of variation in inoculation size (5, 10 and
15%) and incubation time (22, 48 and 72 hours) to produce vinegar from guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Hisar Surkha and Hisar Safeda
at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana. Vinegar was further value-added by ginger (Zingiber officinale L.), garlic
(Allium sativum L.), and beetroot (Beta vulgaris subsp. Vulgaris). Value-added garlic vinegar had maximum overall acceptability,
hence was further stored for 45 days and examined for its physicochemical analysis. During storage value-added garlic vinegar had
low acetic acid, ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity and alcohol content. The value-added garlic vinegar can be served as a functional
food, and can be used for preservation of food products like pickles, gherkins, sauerkraut etc.

Estimation of heterosis and combining ability for yield and yield- attributing traits in spine gourd (Momordica dioica)

Vivek Sandilya — 2025-06-13

Heterosis for quantitative characters in 31 spine gourd genotypes, including 10 parents and 21 F1s, was investigated in spine gourd
(Momordica dioica Roxb.) during 2016-2018. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among parents and hybrids
for 10 characters. Considerable coefficient of variation for various characters was observed to distinguish among various genotypes.
The cross, NDM-5 x AJSG-2, showed heterosis over mid-parent and NDM-5 x AJSG-2 over better parent for single fruit weight.
Crosses Ambika 13-5 X Chhattisgarh Kankoda-2 (69.24 q/ha), Ambika 13-6 X AJSG-2 (68.30 q/ha), RMDSG-4 x Chhattisgarh
Kankoda-2 (66.60 q/ha), NDM-5 X AJSG-2 (66.19 q/ha), RMDSG-3 X Chhattisgarh Kankoda-2 (62.89 q/ha), AJSG-1 x IK-1 (61.47
q/ha), NDM-5 X IK-1 (59.26 q/ha), Ambika 13-5 X AJSG-2 (58.15 q/ha) and RMDSG-3 X IK-1 (55.56 q/ha) can be used to get good
heterotic combination and it will be multiply through stem cuttings after fixation of heterosis in the form of asexual propagating
material, i.e. tubers. Therefore, these cross combinations could be utilized in isolation of superior parents for incorporating yieldattributing and qualitative traits in spine gourd.

Evaluation of sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) hybrids for yieldcontributing traits

Aishwarya Sharma — 2025-06-13

The study was undertaken to find the performance of 28 hybrids of sponge gourd [Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem.] through diallel mating
design excluding reciprocals at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Observations were
recorded on days to initiation of first female flower, days to 50% flowering, number of nodes at which first female flowers appear,
number of primary branches/vine, vine length at final harvesting, days to first fruit harvesting, fruit size, average fruit weight,
average fruit yield (g/plant), average fruit yield (kg/plot), total fruit yield (q/ha.). Among the hybrids, ‘VRSG-17-27 × Pusa Chikni’,
‘VRSG-17-27 × Kashi Shreya’, ‘Kashi Shreya × PSG-40’, ‘Kashi Shreya × Pusa Chikni’, ‘VRSG-17-4 × VRSG-17-27 and ‘VRSG-17-27
× PSG-40’excelled n number of nodes at which first female flower appears, days to initiation of first female flowers appear and fruit
yield. Thus, first generation hybrids can be well-utilized for exploiting hybrid vigor to achieve higher yield with improved quality.

Assessment of sensory attributes of value-added products of karonda (Carissa carandas)

Pooja Sharma — 2025-06-13

The study evaluated the sensory attributes of value-added products derived from Karonda (Carissa carandas L.) fruits focusing on
the effect of fruit type and value added-product on overall organoleptic acceptance during (2022 and 2023) at S.K.N. Agriculture
University, Jobner, Rajasthan. The Factorial Completely Randomized Design was used to analyse the data. Physiologically mature
fruits were harvested, processed and evaluated by a panel of 15 members, using a 9-point hedonic scale for sensory attributes.
The results indicated that maroon Karonda fruits consistently showed higher organoleptic acceptance scores compared to green
fruits. Among value-added products, candy showed highest overall acceptance, while chutney the lowest. Significant variations in
overall acceptance were observed, while candy made from maroon fruits showed the highest acceptance scores (8.40 and 8.47).
The preserve prepared from green fruits showed lowest (7.28 and 7.43) acceptance during both the years. The study highlights the
effect of fruit type and value-added products on sensory qualities, providing insights for optimizing karonda fruit-based products to
enhance consumer preference.

Assessment of genetic divergence in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata)

Neha — 2025-06-13

Eighteen diverse genotypes of pumpkins (Cucurbita moschata Duch expoiq.) were evaluated for phenotypical variations and
assessment of genetic diversity during the kharif season 2022 at Vegetable Research Farm, Banda University of Agriculture and
Technology, Banda, Uttar-Pradesh. Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was used for divergence, 18 genotypes
were grouped into 4 clusters using Tocher’s method. Out of the 6 clusters, cluster I was the largest, comprising 8 genotypes, followed
by cluster III, comprising 5 genotypes, cluster IV, 4 genotypes, and cluster II with 1 genotype only. Based on distances between
clusters, i.e. inter-cluster distances, maximum divergence was observed between cluster III and cluster IV. Maximum inter-cluster
D2 values between clusters indicated that genotypes included in these clusters can be used as a parent in hybridization programme
to get higher heterotic hybrids from the segregating population. The maximum intra-cluster D2 values were observed for cluster I.
Maximum intra-cluster distance indicates that genotypes are very diverse. Presence of sufficient phenotypic and genotypic diversity
showed the scope in pumpkin for further improvement.

Effect of organic and inorganic substances on plant growth and survival in khirni (Manilkara hexandra)

Santosh R Barkule — 2025-06-13

The study was carried out to find out the effect of organic and inorganics on growth and survival of khirni (Manilkara hexandra L.) at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, during 2023-2024. Among treatment combinations, seeds soaked in cow dung slurry for 24 hr showed better stem diameter (3.18 mm), seedling vigour index I (3122.55) and seedling vigour index II (107.92), survival (93.42 %) and lesser incidence of damping off (6.58 %), whereas seedling height (18.04 cm), number of leaves (9.97), leaf area (21.36 cm2), plant fresh weight (3.09 g) and plant dry weight (1.44 g) were observed best in treatment seeds soaked in GA3 300 ppm for 12 hr.

Effect of foliar application on potato yield

Rajendra Bhatt — 2025-06-13

A study was carried out to explore the response of foliar nutrients on economic yield and tuber quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum
L., cv. Kufri Surya) at GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, during rabi season of 2017-18. The experiment had eleven treatments
replicated four times. Among all treatments, based on overall performance treatment T11 (75% N of RDF as basal + 2% foliar spray of
20:20:20 water-a soluble fertilizer at 30 and 45 DAP) was found best concerning marketable yield (36.71 t/ha), dry-matter content of
tubers (20.42%), protein content in tubers (8.05%), specific gravity of tubers (1.11 g cc-1) and benefit:cost ratio (1.96). It is concluded
that foliar application of nutrients had a notable impact on both yield and quality of potato tubers.