CURRENT HORTICULTURE

Trends and developments in vegetable research In India — a review

Sudhakar Pandey — 2024-11-26

Vegetables are an integral component of horticulture sector, praying a pivotal role in the tapestry of Indian agriculture. Their
substantial contributions extend to enhancing global food security and nutritional well-being. During 2021-22, India produced
204.84 million tonnes of vegetables, covering the area of 11.35 million hectares, with a fresh vegetable export value worth 865.24
USD millions. The AICRP on Vegetable Crops has forged a national network to test vegetable technologies in India. In the past five
decades, 587 vegetable varieties, 442 production technologies, and 42 protection technologies have been developed through AICRP.
The use of molecular markers has been proven promising in several vegetable crops, however only limited example of improvements
are available from India. Through genetic engineering several biotic and abiotic stress resistant lines are developed. The genome
editing has opened a new avenue in development of improved lines, however it is just gaining momentum in vegetable research in
India.

Effect of container size on yield and root morphology of different fruit crops

K K Srivastava — 2024-11-26

The experiment was conducted to standardize container gardening techniques for fruit crops to meet the nutritional requirement
of city dwellers at ICAR-CISH, Lucknow, during 2017-20. The maximum average plant biomass (1072 g/plant) was noted in guava
(Psidium guajava.) and minimum (423g) in pomegranate (Punica granatum.), maximum shoot biomass (1012.11g) was recorded in
plant grown in 45 cm × 45 cm and minimum (402.78g/plant) in 30 cm × 30 cm container. Destructive method was used to extract
the root mass for analysis. There was maximum root biomass (506.11g) in guava and minimum (239.86g) in pomegranate, however
root biomass was recorded significantly maximum (509.78g) in 45 cm ×45 cm. Root to shoot ratio was recorded maximum (0.63) in
Citrus lime (Citrus aurantifolia swingle). When the plant size is similar, high root to shoot biomass is preferred. The root shoot ratio
had significant correlation with stem girth and negatively correlated with fruit weight, fruit yield and root hairs diameter. Collar
diameter has significantly positive correlation with plant height, fruit weight and yield. The container size as well as growing media
(substrate) influenced plant growth, root and shoot biomass, fruit yield and root morphology remarkably.

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

G Chand — 2024-11-26

The evaluation of genotypes of guava (Psidium guajava L.) for air-layering under sub- humid southern plains of Rajasthan conditions was done during July 2015-16 at RCA, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan. The study involved a diverse set of genotypes, including 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. The results revealed significant variation among the genotypes in terms of their rooting characteristics. The genotype Lalit stood out, exhibiting the earliest root initiation, the highest percentage of rooted air-layers, the greatest survival percentage, and the highest vigour index, while number of secondary roots was highest in L- 49 and root: shoot ratio in Shweta. On the other end of the spectrum, the genotype One-Kg showed a poor response to rooting, making it less ideal for air-layering propagation under the tested conditions. Thus, genotype Lalit is particularly well-suited for propagation through air- layering under sub-humid southern Rajasthan.

Evaluation of taro (Colocasia esculenta)-based cropping system for crop diversification under rainfed upland ecosystem of eastern India

M Nedunchezhiyan — 2024-11-26

A field experiment was conducted at the Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, during 2018-2020 on alfisols under rainfed conditions to identify most productive, resource use-efficient and remunerative taro-based cropping system. The experiment consisted of seven treatments, T₁- sole taro, T₂- sole maize, T₃- sole pigeonpea, T₄- taro+maize (5:1), T₅- taro+maize (5:2), T₆- taro+pigeonpea (5:1) and T₇- taro+pigeonpea (5:2). The results revealed that the cormel equivalent yield (CEY) was greater in T1 and it was statistically on a par with T4 and T6. The LER of T4, T5, T6 and T7 were found >1. This indicated that all the above intercropping systems were biologically efficient. However, advantage of intercropping system was disappeared in T₅, T₆ and T₇, when evaluated via ATER concept. The treatment T₁ resulted in higher gross and net returns as well as B:C ratio however, it was statistically on a par with T₄ and T6. Taro can be recommended for cultivation as a sole crop under upland ecosystem of eastern India. The treatment taro+maize (5:1) (T₄) can also be recommended for cultivation under rainfed conditions of eastern India for efficient use of resources, and optimum yield and returns. The intercropping system taro+pigeonpea (5:1) (T₆) can also be considered when more emphasis was given on soil health.

Impact of pre- harvest foliar spray of nutrients and agrochemicals on fruit yield and quality of ber (Zizyphus mauritiana)

Mukesh Chand Bhateshwar — 2024-11-26

A field experiment was conducted to find out the impact of pre- harvest foliar spray of nutrients and agrochemicals on fruit yield and quality parameters of ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk) during 2022-23 and 2023-24 at SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan. Among nutrients and agrochemicals, application of T₁₁ (ZnSO₄ @ 4g/L + CaCl₂ @ 2g/L + chitosan @ 1.5g/L +salicylic acid @ 1g/L) to individual plants was significantly superior to all other treatments, but it was on a par with T₉ (CaCl₂ @ 2g/L + salicylic acid @ 1g/L), T7 (ZnSo4 @ 4g/L + salicylic acid @ 1g/L) and T5 (ZnSO4 @ 4g/L + CaCl2 @ 2g/L). In treatment T11 (ZnSo4 @ 4g/L + CaCl₂ @ 2g/L + chitosan @ 1.5g/L + salicylic acid @ 1g/L), an increase in days taken to first harvesting (137.00 days), days taken to complete harvesting (57.11 days), fruit weight (18.51 g), diameter of fruits (3.59 cm), fruit yield (38.01 kg/tree), fruit yield (105.68 q/ ha), maximum TSS% (19.05 0Brix) and minimum titratable acidity (0.415 %) were recorded.

Evaluation of Trichoderma, Psedomonos and biofertisol as foliar application on quality and yield of guava (Psidium guajava)

Rahul Dongre — 2024-11-26

The experiment was designed in Randomized Block Design in four replications with seven treatments, i.e. T₁ - control (only water), T2 –Trichoderma viride 5%, T3-Trichoderma viride 10%, T4 - Pseudomonas 5%, T5 -Pseudomonas 10%, T6 -biofertisol 5% and T7 - biofertisol 10%, at Department of Horticulture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, in 8 year old guava (Psidium guajava L.) variety L 49, during 2020- 21 and 2021-22. Foliar application of Trichoderma @ 10 % was most beneficial for growth, yield and quality parameters. Trichoderma @ 10 % recorded maximum increment in shoot length, plant height, canopy height, leaf chlorophyll Index, chlorophyll content index, LAI. Foliar application of 10% Trichoderma wasalso superior in yield parameter found maximum number of flowers shoot, fruit set percentage, fruit retention percentage, fruits/shoot, fruit/splant, yield/plant, fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, fruit volume, pulp weight/fruit and pulp per cent. Total soluble solids, total sugar, and reducing sugar were recorded in Trichoderma 10% (T₇) and minimum acidity was recorded in foliar application of Pseudomonas 10% (T₅).

Effect of nano nitrogen and phosphorus on yield and quality of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana)

Somendra Meena — 2024-11-26

An experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) to find out the effects of nano nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) using factorial randomized block design with 5 replications during October 2021 to March 2022. There was maximum plant height (6.45 %, 79.17 cm), number of primary branches (14.72), secondary branches (22.09), chlorophyll contents (55.34 SPAD), fruit volume (20.63cm3), specific gravity (0.95), fruit length (3.42 cm), fruit diameter (3.16 cm), pulp thickness (12.56 mm), pulp weight (15.79 g), pulp: stone ratio (19.20), fruit setting (6.92 %), average fruit weight (18.00 g), yield/ tree (64.57 kg), ascorbic acid (vitamin-C) (65.75 mg/100g pulp), total soluble solid (15.77°Brix), total sugar (9.20 %), reducing sugar (4.83 %), non-reducing sugar (4.37 %), fruit pH (5.50), whereas minimum stone weight (0.82 g) and fruit drop (49.38 %) were recorded with application of nano nitrogen @ 2 ml/ litter water + nano phosphorus @ 2 ml/ litter water spray over the control.

Effect of processing methods on cyanogenic compounds, protein, and minerals of cassava leaves

Reshma Ambali — 2024-11-26

This study investigated the effects of boiling, drying, and ensiling on linamarin content, protein content, and mineral composition of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves. The drying was found effective method for reducing linamarin content in most genotypes. Boiling had variable effects, with some genotypes showing similar or slightly lower linamarin levels compared to fresh leaves. Ensiling significantly reduced linamarin content after 7 days, with the reduction remaining stable up to 20 days, indicating its effectiveness in reducing cyanogenic compounds. However, genotypes, H 1687 and Malayan 4, showed a decrease in protein content during ensilage, suggesting potential nutritional changes. The study also observed dynamic changes in mineral composition of cassava leaves, with copper, zinc, iron, and manganese varying over time. These findings highlight the impact of different processing methods on nutritional quality of cassava leaves, emphasizing the need to consider these factors when using cassava leaves as animal feed.

Response of packaging material and storage condition on postharvest quality of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) loose flowers

Krishan Pal Singh — 2024-11-26

The study was carried out at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to study the response of packaging materials, viz. woven bag, high density polyethylene (HDPE) 51 micron , low-density polyethylene (LDPF) 25 micron, muslin cloth bag and bamboo basket (control, without packaging) and two storage conditions, i.e. ambient condition (22) and cold storage (or low temperature) condition (and 85-95% relative humidity) on keeping quality attributes of loose flowers of single petalled tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cv. Arka Prajwal. Fully developed unopened florets were harvested in early morning (before sunrise). The packaging and storage condition significantly influenced all parameters. Among all treatments, loose flowers packed in HDPE 51 micron bag and stored under cold storage recorded maximum flower diameter (8.99 mm), flower opening index (77.85%), colour (whiteness) index (89.13%) and shelf-life (6.00 day) of loose flowers under cold storage condition. On the other hand, in control treatment the above said parameters recorded were 6.98 mm, 50.00%, 54.10% and 3.50 day, respectively. Under ambient condition, maximum flower diameter (8.08 mm), flower opening index (66.00%), colour index (91.85%) and shelf-life (4.00 day) of flowers were recorded with HDPE 51 micron packaging. In control treatment, these parameters were 6.73 mm, 50.00%, 63.77% and 1.50 days, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that among packaging materials HDPE 51-micron thickness bag was found to be the best for packing of loose flowers of tuberose cv. Arka Prajwal under both ambient and cold storage conditions.

Evaluation of grafted brinjal (Solanum melongena) for doubling yield in climate resilient condition

R. Neelavathi — 2024-11-26

A field experiment on grafted brinjal Solnum meloagena L. was conducted at Agoor village, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India, during November 2020-December 2021. Turkey berry (Solanum torvum Sw.) resistant to verticillium wilt and bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum), was used as rootstock for grafting of brinjal. Seeds of Turkey berry were soaked in water for 12,24 and 36 hours and sown in 98 cavity protrays containing well decomposed cocopeat and raised beds. The germination was significantly higher when Turkey berry seeds was soaked for 36 hours and sown in protrays. After 30 days of Turkey berry sowing, brinjal seeds were sown in 98 cavity protrays. The scion from 30-35 days old brinjal was grafted on 55-60 days old rootstock, Turkey berry using grafting clips and kept under shade net. The crop duration was significantly higher in grafted brinjal compared to seedlings. The grafted brinjal was maintained up to one year. Thefruit yield was significantly higher in grafted brinjal (6.01 kg / plant and 60.6 t / ha) compared to seedlings (3.12 kg / plant and 30.14 t / ha). The gross income was significantly higher in grafted brinjal than seedlings. The net income of ₹. 5,41,300/- was recorded with benefit cost ratio of 2.51 in grafted brinjal. Shoot-borer infestation was less and easily manageable in grafted brinjal. The fruit-borer infestation (11.70%) was lower in grafted brinjal than seedlings (21.55%). There was no wilt incidence in grafted brinjal.

Estimation of magnitude of heterosis for growth traits in onion (Allium cepa)

Kamal Mahala — 2024-11-26

The experiment was conducted to estimate the magnitude of heterosis for growth traits in onion (Allium cepa L.) for 28 F₁s crosses at SKN College of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan. These genotypes were planted in randomized block design with three replications under 3 date of sowing during rabi season,2022-23. The most heterotic crosses for growth contributing characters were RO-59 × Bhima Shakti, Pusa Shobha × Pusa Red, Bhima Shakti × Pusa Shobha RO-59 × Pusa Shobha, Kashi No. 1 × Pusa Red and RO-1 × Pusa Red. The crosses had significant heterobeltiosis for growth contributing characters RO-59 × Bhima Shakti, Bhima Shakti × Pusa Shobha, Pusa Shobha × Pusa Red RO-1 × Kashi No. 1, RO-1 × RO-59 and RO-1 × Pusa Madhavi. These crosses were considered promising for their use for growth improvement in onion.

Relationship analysis among intergeneric hybrids of Ascocentrum based on floral characters

Katare Renuka Shamrao — 2024-11-26

A study was undertaken for characterizing 30 intergeneric hybrids of Ascocentrum orchid based on floral characters and cluster analysis. The results showed that variety V25 (Mokara Syam Ascocenda Doung Porn) produced more number of spikes/plant/year (7.86), whereas, variety V11 (Vascostylis Blue Bay White) produced more number of florets/spike (40.67). Hybrid V3 (Ascocenda Kultana × Vanda Bitzs Heartthrob) had highest length (9.33 cm) and width (9.00 cm) of flower. Cluster analysis with 14 floral characters was done by classifying hybrids/varieties into 12 groups. Cluster 2 and 5 had five members, whereas, cluster 11 and 12 with only one member each. The cluster 2 and cluster 5 were less similar to each other with an inter-cluster distance 6.27,whereas highest inter-cluster distance was observed in cluster 6 and cluster 10 (41.47). Cluster 10 had high mean values for spike length (51.12 cm), flower length (7.94 cm) and width of flowers (7.50 cm). whereas cluster 6 which included V6 (Ascocenda Sirichi Fragrance) and V11 (Vascostylis Blue Bay White) had lowest internodal length with the highest value for number of florets/ spike. This cluster also observed to have low flower length and width (2.52 cm and 2.42 cm, respectively). This indicated that these varieties produce flowers in the dense bunch.

Effect of foliar application of organic liquids on yield and quality of garlic (Allium sativum)

Sowmya K — 2024-11-26

The effect of foliar application of organic liquids on growth, yield and quality of garlic (Allium sativum L.) cv. Yamuna Safed-3” was studied at Regional Horticultural Research Station, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat during rabi season (2019-20). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments, viz. Panchagavya, novel plus, Jeevamrut and cow urine at each of 1% and 2% concentration and the control (no spray). The foliar application of Panchagavya @ 2 % (T₂) gave significantly maximum plant height (55.05 and 60.61 cm at 75 and 90 DAP, respectively), whereas maximum number of leaves/plant (7.0 and 8.13 at 75 and 90 DAP, respectively) and minimum days to maturity (127.37 days) were also reported in novel plus @ 2 % (T₄). The novel plus @ 2 % (T₄) recorded significantly maximum fresh weight of bulbs (24.79 g), dry weight of bulbs (16.73 g), diameter of bulb (3.75 cm), number of cloves/ bulb (18.60), weight of clove (2.16 g), length of clove (3.48 cm) and yield of bulbs (3.97 kg/plot and 7.87 t/ha). The plants sprayed with novel plus @ 2 % (T₄) recorded higher total soluble solids (16.87 and 22.43 0Brix at 2 and 4 MAH, respectively), ascorbic acid content (20.30, 18.30 and 15.97 mg at 2, 4 and 6 MAH, respectively) with maximum storage life of 219.67 days at room temperature. However, maximum net income of ₹2,36,012/hawith a benefit: cost ratio of 3.00 was recorded in foliar spray of Novel plus @ 2 % (T₄) as compared to rest of the treatments.

Study on underground storage of potato (Solanum tuberosum) during winter in Ladakh

Skalzang Youdol — 2024-11-26

Assessment of suitable variety of marigold (Tagetes erecta) for northern dry zone condition

Chethan T — 2024-11-26

Effect of seed soaking and growing media on seedling vigour and economics of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

Radhika J. Lunagariya — 2024-11-26