Current Horticulture

Breeding Tomato for Processing Quality: An Integrated Perspectives

Jagesh Tiwari — 2026-09-16

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a globally important vegetable crop with significant relevance in both fresh consumption and processing industries. Despite India being one of the largest producers, the proportion of tomatoes utilized for processing remains negligible, highlighting the need for targeted breeding strategies. Processing tomatoes require a unique combination of morphological, biochemical, and molecular traits such as high total soluble solids (TSS), deep red color, high lycopene content, optimal acidity, firmness, thick pericarp, and suitability for mechanical harvesting. This review comprehensively examines key traits influencing processing quality, including fruit morphology, plant architecture, biochemical composition, and physiological attributes such as ripening behavior and stress tolerance. The genetic basis of these traits is discussed with emphasis on major genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling sugar accumulation, acidity, color, firmness, and viscosity. Advances in molecular breeding approaches, including marker-assisted selection (MAS), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, have accelerated the development of superior processing cultivars. Integration of wild germplasm, genomic tools, and multi-environment testing is essential to overcome challenges such as yield–quality trade-offs and climate stress. The review underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to develop high-yielding, stress-resilient, and industry-oriented tomato cultivars, thereby strengthening the processing sector and enhancing farmer profitability.

Enhancing nutrient-use efficiency and productivity in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) using blended fertilizers: a review

Desalegn Negasa — 2026-09-16

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a globally vital vegetable crop, yet optimizing its genetic potential for yield and quality is frequently hindered by suboptimal soil fertility management. Conventional blanket applications of straight macronutrient (NPK) fertilizers induce trace element deficiencies, accelerate soil degradation, and trigger low nutrient use efficiency (NUE). Multi-nutrient blended fertilizers incorporating primary, secondary, and micronutrients have emerged as a critical innovation to deliver a balanced nutrient profile. However, a comprehensive synthesis of their interactive mechanisms, optimal formulations, and agro-ecological performance remains fragmented. A systematic narrative review framework was executed by querying dominant digital databases (including Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) for peer-reviewed field, greenhouse, and meta-analysis studies spanning from 2000 through mid-2026. Data on tomato growth parameters, yield attributes, NUE indices, and environmental loss metrics were extracted and qualitatively synthesized. The synthesized literature reveals that tailored multi-nutrient blends systematically resolve physiological bottlenecks, expanding leaf area index by 18% to 34% over conventional inputs. By optimizing floral development, reducing fruit abortion rates via boron (B) synergies, and mitigating blossom end rot through calcium (Ca) interactions, multi-nutrient blending drives absolute marketable fruit yield increases ranging from 15% to 42%. Furthermore, balanced fertilization promotes enhanced lateral root architecture and up-regulates root nutrient transporter proteins, elevating agronomic and recovery efficiency while reducing nitrous oxide (N2O emissions and leaching. Transitioning to multi-nutrient blending technologies is a highly viable strategy to simultaneously maximize tomato productivity, improve human dietary health through trace element bio fortification, and reduce environmental footprints. Future research should prioritize long-term soil residual chemistry, nano-formulations, and targeted organo-mineral combinations.

Keywords: Solanum lycopersicum L.; Balanced nutrition; Micronutrient enrichment; Marketable yield; Nutrient uptake.

Postharvest Management and Value Addition of Ornamental Crops: Strategies for Shelf-Life Extension and Economic Enhancement

Ritu Jain — 2026-09-16

Ornamental crops constitute a high-value component of horticulture but are highly perishable, resulting in substantial postharvest losses estimated at 30–40% under conventional supply chains. These losses arise from complex interactions among physiological, biochemical, and environmental factors, including respiration, ethylene sensitivity, water imbalance, and oxidative stress. This review critically synthesizes existing literature on postharvest physiology and management of ornamental crops, highlighting key determinants of senescence and evaluating current technologies for shelf-life extension. Comparative analysis of studies indicates that no single factor governs deterioration; rather, integrated effects of carbohydrate depletion, ethylene action, and xylem blockage collectively influence vase life. Postharvest interventions such as pre-cooling, pulsing with preservative solutions, and maintenance of cold chain systems have demonstrated significant effectiveness, although their adoption remains limited by infrastructural constraints.

Value addition emerges as a complementary strategy to reduce losses and enhance profitability through conversion of flowers into dried products, essential oils, pigments, and nutraceuticals. However, lack of standardization, technical knowledge, and market linkages restricts large-scale implementation. Emerging approaches, including nanotechnology-based coatings, eco-friendly preservatives, and smart packaging systems, offer promising avenues but require further validation for commercial application.

The review identifies critical research gaps in integrated postharvest management and sustainable value addition, emphasizing the need for cost-effective, eco-friendly technologies and improved supply chain infrastructure to enhance the competitiveness of the floriculture sector.

Bougainvillea as a shield against urban air pollution: mechanism, tolerance assessment and phytoremediation

Ajai kumar Tiwari — 2026-09-16

Metropolitan cities across the globe are grappling with deteriorating outdoor air quality driven by rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and intensifying vehicular traffic. Nature-based solutions, particularly phytoremediation through strategically deployed ornamental plants, offer a sustainable, economically viable, and visually enriching pathway to counteract this challenge. The present review systematically examines the physiological and morphological mechanisms that enable ornamental plants to intercept particulate matter and metabolize gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and ground-level ozone (O₃). The Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) is critically evaluated as a screening tool for selecting robust species suitable for urban green belts. Special focus is placed on Bougainvillea, a widely cultivated tropical ornamental plant, whose distinctive leaf surface morphology, high tolerance to drought, and documented capacity for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), NO₂, and particulate matter accumulation render it an exceptional candidate for urban phytoremediation. Evidence from metropolitan case studies spanning Delhi, Mumbai, Metro Manila, and Beijing is synthesized to highlight practical successes and context-specific constraints. Considerations regarding green infrastructure design, species selection, and future research priorities are also discussed. Collectively, this review reinforces the case for embedding ornamental phytoremediation into mainstream urban planning policies.

New Nerium (Nerium oleander) varieties

Pavan Kumar P — 2026-09-16

Nerium (Nerium oleander L.) is an evergreen ornamental flowering shrub, belongs to the family Apocynaceae. This family which is commonly recognized as the dogbane family includes about 424 genera distributed in tropical and subtropical regions (Endress and Bruyns, 2000). Nerium is distributed in the Mediterranean region and subtropical Asia, is indigenous to India. The estimated area of Nerium cultivation is over 2,300 hectares with highest in southern states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala. It is a major traditional loose flower crop grown extensively for religious offerings, garland making and puja purpose. It is also widely used for beautifying landscapes in the gardens, parks, roadsides, medians, and public spaces due to its drought tolerance, low maintenance, and pollution resistance. Nerium is also known for its medicinal uses namely, antibacterial (Derwich et al., 2010) antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti- nociceptive properties (Erdemoglu et al., 2008).

There is a wide variety of nerium cultivars often differentiated on the basis of flower form (single or double). and flower colour (pink, red, white, yellow etc.). University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, has collected more than twenty-five cultivars from different parts of the country and evaluated for their morphological traits (Pavankumar and Parashuram, 2019: Saniya et al., 2023). Further, we have also initiated systematic crop improvement program to breed the novel varieties and hybrids. During February, 2026 in the 11^th State Seed Sub Committee for Horticulture Crops of Government of Karnataka, the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka has released three Nerium varieties namely, Krishna Prabha Dishanth, Krishna Prabha Ratna and Krishna Prabha Ushashri for commercial cultivation.

Response of growth regulating chemicals on branching and early canopy development in mango (Mangifera indica)

Kanchan Srivastava — 2026-09-16

An experiment was conducted to enhance early canopy formation and precocity in mango (Mangifera indica L.), involving treating of grafted saplings with PBZ, TIBA, 6-BAP and tip pinching for hastening bearing and induction of early branching for quick canopy formation. The results showed that plant height, stem girth, number leaves and primary laterals were found non-significant in mango Dashehari, however, maximum number of primary laterals (3.67) was noted in T8 (pinching 5 cm) and maximum chlorophyll ‘a’ (1.89 mg/100 g) and total chlorophyll content (2.26 mg/100 g) were recorded in T7 . Similarly in Amrapali, maximum number of leaves (61.00) and highest number of primary laterals/plant (5.00) were noticed under treatment T8 (pinching 5 cm removing shoot apex). In Chausa, highest number of leaves (56.68) and maximum number of primary laterals (5.00) were recorded in treatment T8 (pinching 5 cm) and minimum number of leaves/ plant (31.00) and number of primary laterals (2.00) was recorded in T2 (6-BAP 100 ppm) and T7 (PBZ1500 ppm) respectively.

Integrated farming system in improving production, productivity and livelihood security

Pushpendra Pratap Singh — 2026-09-16

A three-year field experiment (2021–2024) was conducted at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate Horticulture-based IFS models. Four systems including Mango + Tomato + Dairy; Papaya + Beekeeping + Aloe Vera; Pomegranate + Drumstick + Goat Farming; and Aonla + Beekeeping + Agro-forestry were assessed using a Randomized Block Design for crop productivity, economic returns, benefit–cost ratio (BCR), soil fertility, and resource-use efficiency. All IFS models significantly outperformed conventional single-enterprise systems in yield, profitability, and soil health. The Mango + Tomato + Dairy system achieved the highest Vegetable yield (34.5 t ha⁻¹), while the Papaya + Beekeeping + Aloe Vera system recorded the highest fruit yield (12.30 t ha⁻¹), net return (₹1,60,000 ha⁻¹), and BCR (2.30). Integrated systems markedly increased soil organic carbon (up to 0.91%) and improved available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium through efficient recycling of crop residues and livestock by-products. Agroforestry- and beekeeping-based systems further enhanced soil moisture retention, nutrient conservation, and system resilience. Overall, Horticulture-based IFS models offer a robust pathway for sustainable intensification, income diversification, and climate resilience for smallholder farmers.

Evaluation of seed priming effect on growth, seed yield and quality of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) under field and laboratory conditions

D. S. Patel — 2026-09-16

The cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) varieties, Gujarat Cumin-2 (GC-2) and Gujarat Cumin-4 (GC-4) were subjected to four
different priming treatments, viz. IAA (100 ppm), GA₃ (200 ppm), cytokinin (100 ppm), and KH₂PO₄ (3%), along with an untreated
control, at B. A. College of Agriculture, AAU, Anand (Gujarat). The field experiment was conducted in a randomized block design
(factorial), while laboratory evaluation was carried out using a completely randomized design (factorial). The results revealed that
the interaction between priming treatments and varieties significantly influenced growth, seed yield, and quality attributes. Variety
GC-4 was significantly superior to GC-2 in terms of field emergence and growth, whereas GC-2 exhibited significantly better seed
quality parameters under laboratory conditions. Among the priming treatments, GA₃ enhanced seed yield and growth performance
under field conditions, while KH₂PO₄ proved most effective in improving seed quality under laboratory evaluation.

Harnessing multifunctional Bacillus sp. as bioinoculant for sustainable brinjal (Solanum melongena) production

Namita Das Saha — 2026-09-16

The study evaluated the effect of an indigenous Bacillus sp. NITR-3, isolated from the aerobic rice ecosystem of ICAR-IARI, New
Delhi and was initially characterized for nitrous oxide reducing capacity and later on explored with multiple plant growth promoting
traits, on growth, yield, fruit quality and rhizosphere biological properties of two contrasting brinjal (Solanum melongena) varieties,
Pusa Uttam and Pusa Shyamla, under pot conditions. The plants received recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) supplemented
with Bacillus sp. (NITR-3) inoculation significantly increased individual fruit weight and total fruit number in both varieties
compared with RDF alone. Fruit quality response was variety dependent, with Pusa Shyamla exhibiting significantly higher total
phenolic contents following bacterial inoculation, whereas these parameters remained statistically unchanged in Pusa Uttam. The
simultaneous improvement in crop productivity, antioxidant quality and soil biological health demonstrates the multifunctional
nature of the bacterial isolate. Given its previously established nutrient solubilizing ability, phytohormone production, siderophore
production and nitrous oxide reduction capacity, Bacillus sp. NITR-3 represents a promising bioinoculant for improving yield in
brinjal. The study highlights the importance of variety specific responses to PGPR and supports the use of indigenous beneficial
microorganisms to enhance vegetable productivity while promoting sustainable soil health.

Effect of foliar micronutrient application on yield, quality and return of garlic (Allium sativum) in Western Rajasthan

Hari Dayal Choudhary — 2026-09-16

A field experiment was conducted at Dr. B.R. Choudhary Agricultural Research Station, Mandor (Jodhpur) during the Rabi seasons of 2022–23 and 2023–24 to evaluate the effect of foliar application of micronutrients on the growth and yield of garlic. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications and eight micronutrient treatments. Foliar sprays of different micronutrient concentrations were applied at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting. The results revealed that treatment T₈ (ZnSO₄ 0.5% + FeSO₄ 0.5% + Boron 0.25%) significantly improved growth parameters such as plant height (50.97 cm), number of leaves per plant (10.13) and neck thickness (10.07 mm). Yield parameters, including polar diameter of bulb (36.68 mm), equatorial diameter of bulb (41.75 mm), fresh weight of bulb (34.39 g), number of cloves per bulb (23.21), total soluble solids (39.70 °Brix) and bulb yield (57.60 q/ha), were also highest under treatment T₈. This treatment recorded the maximum net return (₹3,84,222/ha) and the most favorable benefit-cost ratio (5.71) indicating its economic superiority over other treatments.

Integrated nutrient management in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) under semi-arid region of Haryana

Sunny Shokhanda — 2026-09-16

The study was carried out at the Crop Research Centre, Kaliwas Farm, SGT University, Gurugram (Haryana) to evaluate the
influence of different combinations of inorganic fertilizers, Azotobacter, phosphate- solubilizing bacteria, and humic acid on growth,
physiology, flowering, fruit quality, and yield of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn, during winter season
of 2023–24. Eight treatment combinations, including control, RDF alone, and various biofertilizer and humic acid integrations,
were evaluated under a randomized block design with three replications. The integrated nutrient treatments significantly enhanced
plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and plant spread. The chlorophyll content improved remarkably, indicating enhanced
photosynthetic efficiency. The number of runners, days to first flowering, fruit setting percentage, and fruit/ plant, showed notable
improvement with the application of biofertilizers and humic acid. Fruit physical characteristics (length, width weight, and volume)
also improved progressively with enhanced nutrient combinations. The highest fruit yield per plant (575.50 g) and per hectare (12.11
t/ha) were obtained under T₈ (RDF 100% + Azotobacter + PSB + 2% humic acid), establishing it as the most effective INM treatment.
The overall findings suggest that integrated nutrient management that combines chemical fertilizers with biological and organic
sources enhances strawberry growth, productivity, and quality, and contributes to sustainable soil health.

Relative efficacy of cyclaniliprole against Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura on chilli (Capsicum annuum)

Lekha — 2026-09-16

Field experiments were conducted to study the efficacy of the insecticide Cyclaniliprole 10% DC at 300, 350, 400, and 450 ml ha⁻¹, along with two standard checks: Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC at 150 ml ha⁻¹ and Abamectin benzoate 5% SG at 200 g ha⁻¹, against lepidopterous insect pests infesting the chilli crop at Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, during Kharif 2020 and 2021. The chilli variety Tanaya was sown in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments and four replications. The results showed that Cyclaniliprole 10% DC was equally effective at 400- and 450-ml ha⁻¹ in controlling fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera) and tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) on the chilli crop, and was more effective than other standard treatments. The highest mean yield of chilli was recorded in the treatment of Cyclaniliprole 10% DC at 450 ml ha⁻¹, which was 15.05 t ha⁻¹ and 15.26 t ha⁻¹ during the respective years, compared to the control.

Assessment of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) varieties for yield and resistance to diseases under Tripura condition

Subhra Shil — 2026-09-16

An on- farm trial was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khowai in Khowai district of Tripura during 2021-22 and 2022-23
to study the morphological parameter, yield potential and resistance to tobacco leaf curl virus (TLCV), bacterial wilt (BW) and
early blight (EB) on four varieties of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.), viz. Arka Rakshak, Arka Samrat, Arka Abhed and
Trishul (Local check) at farmers’ fields. The observations were recorded on plant height (cm), branches/plant, days to first
harvesting, number of fruits/plant, average fruit weight (g), fruit length (cm), fruit breadth (cm), and fruit yield/ plant (kg),
yeild / ha area, economics and diseases incidence (%). The mean data of all two years were statistically analyzed. The results
revealed that maximum number of fruits/plant (40.0) was found in Arka Rakshak and the lowest ( 36.8) in local check (Trishul)
. The maximum average fruit weight (75.37 g) and fruit yield (3.03kg/ plant) was recorded in Arka Rakshak compared to other
tomato varieties. The maximum fruit yield (61.06 t/ha) was recorded in Arka Rakshak. The incidence of diseases like tobacco
leaf curl virus (0.5 %), bacterial wilt (0%) and early blight (0.97%) were also very negligible in Arka Rakshak. The maximum net
profit (Rs. 12,20,000 per ha), B:C ratio (5.5) were recorded in Arka Rakshak as compared to other varieties.

Microbial fortification of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) rhizosphere for improvement in soil health indicators

A S Cheke — 2026-09-16

The effect of application of rhizosphere microbial consortium on biological properties of soils from sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L) Osbeck) was studied through controlled pot as well as field experiment. The results revealed that growth media comprising rhizosphere soil of Ficus species was slightly acidic to neutral in pH, loaded with organic carbon and reduced level of lime. While, the Umber rhizosphere soil recorded high available N, P, K, S and micronutrients, coupled with biological properties of soils, marked by high bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes counts. Soils from three Ficus species, viz., Ficus racemosa L. Ficus religiosa L. and Ficus benghalensis L. were hybridized together in equal proportion and incubated for development of beneficial microbial consortia. This hybridized soil was observed developing significant improvements in SMBC (soil microbial biomass carbon) and SMBN (soil microbial biomass nitrogen), coupled with reduced CO₂ evolving enzymes. The developed Ficus species-based rhizosphere soil consortia with recommended doses of NPK showed significant improvements in soil quality parameters, nutrient availability index and an enhanced fruit yield with desirable fruit quality parameters.

Response of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) to different doses of boron and molybdenum on growth, yield and quality in Bundelkhand region

S Siddesh — 2026-09-16

The response of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) cv. Pant Shubra to different doses of boron and molybdenum on its
growth, yield and was conducted at, Research Farm, RLBCAU, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) during 2020-21. The treatments comprised of application of boron in the form borax @ 10 and 20 kg/ha and molybdenum in the form of ammonium molybdate @ 1 and 2 kg/ha along with RDF (100:60:80). All treatments were allotted as per Randomized Block Design (RBD). The growth parameters observed were plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, stem girth, plant spread and leaf area and yield parameters observed were the number of days to curd initiation, number of days to curd maturity, curd diameter, fresh weight of curd, yield per plot and yield per ha. Among all the treatments, T6 (Borax @ 20 94 kg/ha + A.M. 2 kg/ha + RDF) was found to be significant. Cauliflower quality components such as chlorophyll content, T8 (A.M. 2kg/ha) was found to be the best, T5 (Borax @ 20 kg/ha + A.M. 1 kg/ha + RDF) recorded the highest TSS, and T6 (Borax @ 20 kg/ha + A.M. 2 kg/ha + RDF) was significant for protein content, ascorbic acid content, and dry matter content. In grading of curds, the highest A-grade curds were observed in T6. Finally, the economics of all treatments were calculated. Among all treatments, the maximum net income and B: C ratio were observed in T6 (Borax @ 20 kg/ha + A.M. 2 kg/ha + RDF). Therefore the application of borax @ 20 kg/ha and ammonium molybdate @ 2 kg/ha along with RDF was found to be best treatment for Bundelkhand conditions of Jhansi.