R.G. Somkuwar1, Nilima Gobade1, A.K. Sharma1, Pradip Kakade1, P.S Gharate2 and P.S. Karande3
1ICAR- National Research Centre for Grapes, P. B. No. 3, Manjri Farm Post, Solapur Road, Pune-412307 (Maharashtra), India. 2Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413722 (Maharashtra), India. 3Department of Horticulture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani-431402 (Maharashtra), India. Corresponding e-mail: rgsgrapes@gmail.com
Abstract: Fifteen different grape varieties were evaluated for raisin making and raisin quality. The highest raisin recovery was observed in Clone 2A as compared to other varieties in this study. Amongst the different varieties, TSS ranged from 22.30 °B in AH-2-8 to Manjari Kishmish and Clone 2A with 23.60 °B TSS. The highest reducing sugar content in fresh berries and raisins was recorded in the Rieber variety. The highest protein content in fresh berries and raisin was recorded in Sundekhani and Merbein Seeded. However, the highest phenol concentration was found in Manjari Kishmish and Convert Large Black. The maximum carbohydrate was higher in Red Muscat and Athens. The variety Clone 2A was found better for higher raisin recovery and can be a potential variety in grape growing regions for raisin purposes.
S. Vishnu Shankar1,3, Ashu Chandel1, C. Nandhini2, Adit Kumar Yadav1 and Pranchal Gupta1
1Department of Basic Sciences, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan (HP), India. 2Department of Social Sciences, Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture, Erode (TN), India. 3Department of Physical Science & Information Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore (TN), India. Corresponding e-mail: s.vishnushankar55@gmail.com
Abstract: India ranks as the second-largest country in land area and garlic production globally, following China. The study attempted to investigate the price transmission of garlic between the major north Indian markets of India. Attempts were also taken to determine the extent of integration between the markets. The Granger causality test confirmed the presence of bidirectional and unidirectional relationships between markets such as Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun, and Shimla. The results showed that garlic price in Shimla mostly depend on the price in neighbouring markets. Both tests of Johansen cointegration confirmed the presence of long-run relationships among the markets. The vector error correction model revealed a positive relationship between Chandigarh - Delhi, and Chandigarh - Shimla markets. Chandigarh and Dehradun markets achieved short-term equilibrium quickly, while the Shimla market attained it more slowly. No short-run equilibrium was observed in the Delhi market. This research will help to understand the interdependencies and equilibrium dynamics among garlic markets, offering insights for market participants and policymakers.
Priyanka Kumari1,2, Thupten Tsomu2*, Anil K. Singh1, Ram Preet Singh4, Bilin Maying4 and Ampee Tasung4
1Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India. 2Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh-791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India. 3College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat-791102, Arunachal Pradesh, India. 4ICAR, NEH region, Basar 791101- Arunachal Pradesh, India. Corresponding e-mail: thupten.tsomu@rgu.ac.in
Abstract: A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of salicylic acid and kinetin on morpho-physiological, floral dynamics, and seed yield in salvia (Salvia splendens) at Banaras Hindu University Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India during 2021-22. A randomized block design (RBD) with three replications was used in the experiment. The treatments consisted of varying concentrations of salicylic acid (10 ppm, 20 ppm, 30 ppm, and 40 ppm) and kinetin (5 ppm, 10 ppm, 15 ppm, and 20 ppm) and a control of water spray only. Vegetative growth, flowering, and seed yield parameters were observed at 60 and 90 days after treatment (DAT). The ornamental value of plants was determined largely by plant growth regulators. Results showed that a 15 ppm kinetin spray enhanced plant height (75.34 cm) and plant spread (48.91 cm) at 90 DAT. Salicylic acid at 20 ppm gave the highest number of flower spikes per plant (93.33), number of flowers per plant (1746.00) and fresh weight of flowers (3.57 g). In addition, seed yield per plant (17.39 g) and test weight (2.94 g) were highest at 20 ppm salicylic acid. This study will help researchers understand how kinetin and salicylic acid affect plant growth.
M.P. Faisal1, C.N. Biju2, A.M. Sujatha1, R. Gowri1 and S.J. Ankegowda1
1ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Regional Station, Appangala, Madikeri - 571 201, India. 2ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala - Kerala - 673 012, India. Corresponding e-mail: faisal.tnau@gmail.com , mohammedfaisal@spices.res.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i01.23
Key words: Lesion area, RAPD, ISSR, SSR, Colletotrichumgloeosporioides, small cardamom
Abstract: Small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) is one of the most important spice crops in India, cultivated for its economic, culinary and medicinal values. Leaf blight incited by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a serious threat to the cultivation of cardamom in India. In the present study, an attempt was made to isolate and characterize the pathogen both morphologically and on molecular basis. Significant variations were observed in twenty isolates for conidial dimensions, the length of conidia ranged from 7.8-21.5 ?m. The width of the conidia ranged from 3.3 to 7.8 ?m. Isolate CD14 recorded the highest width of conidium (7.8 ?m) and the lowest width was observed in CD8 isolate (3.3 ?m). Variation was also observed in size and lobes, length and width of appressoria produced by the pathogen. Differential reaction of isolates to three varieties revealed that CD5, CD8 and CD7 are highly virulent based on lesion area. Molecular characterization with RAPD, SSR and ISSR primers showed that RAPD and SSR markers are not linked to any characters of pathogen but ISSR primers showed linkage to the virulence of the pathogen.
T. Thakur1*, J. Kaur1, K.K. Dhatt1 and G. Nazir2
1Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India-141004. 2Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India-141004. Corresponding e-mail: tanyathakurflori@gmail.com
Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate five basal doses of silicon (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha-1 as SiO2) along with four foliar sprays at 3rd and 6th leaf stages (water spray, 1, 2 and 3% as SiO2) on floricultural traits and leaf nutrient content in gladiolus cv. White Prosperity. The synergetic effect of silicon on the vegetative growth and floricultural traits was noticed as the dose was increased under both methods of application; however, more beneficial effect was recorded under the basal method of application. Basal silicon application at 100 kg ha-1 recorded the earliest spike emergence and flowering (101.68 and 122.42 days) along with maximum plant height (103.91 cm), spike length (79.88 cm), spike weight (15.51 g), vase life (8.75 days) and silicon content (2.04%). Foliar spray at 3% resulted in early spike emergence and flowering (101.53 and 122.28 days) along with maximum plant height (99.33 cm), spike length (82.18 cm), floret size (9.73 cm), spike weight (15.51 g) and silicon content (1.88%). Despite the positive effect of the singular application of silicon, the combined application of soil and foliar method exhibited the most inductive effect on all observed parameters. Silicon application at lower rates improved Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn content in leaves and vice-versa. Hence, it was concluded that silicon fertilization at 100 kg ha-1 along with foliar spray of 3% at 3rd and 6th leaf stage in gladiolus can be considered a production technology of great importance for promoting floricultural traits and nutrient content in gladiolus.
S. Rathinavel*, R. Kavitha, A. Surendrakumar, Ravuri Saiprasanth and M. Suwathiga,
Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, India. Corresponding e-mail: rathinavelesr@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i01.25
Key words: Coconut farming, logistics, machine vision, robotics, model
Abstract: The study aimed to develop and analyze a machine vision system for real-time coconut detection to enhance robotic harvesting and collection. Images of healthy and defective coconuts, both green and brown, were captured from Coimbatore and Tirupur districts in Tamil Nadu. These images were processed using a Faster R-CNN model integrated with necessary hardware and software. The system successfully identified the class and grade of coconuts, demonstrating potential applications in robotic harvesting and grading. The model achieved 88% precision and 85% accuracy. Limitations and proposed solutions for the system’s operation are discussed with recommendations for operation-specific measures to improve future robotic developments.
1ICAR -Central Institute of Post -Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana -141004, India. 2Division of Agricultural Engineering, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India. 3ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. Corresponding e-mail: poonam@icar.gov.in
Abstract: This study shows the effect of harvesting stage and storage on the changes in weight, volume, dimensions, peel firmness, beta carotene, and color values for Dashehari and ‘Banganapalli’ cultivars. The percentage weight loss and volume loss increased with the storage period and harvesting stage and the maximum decrease was reported in the late harvested fruits of both cultivars. The color parameters (L, a, b) also increased with an increase in the storage period and harvesting stage. The size and sphericity of mangoes decreased due to shrinkage and water loss during the storage period. The maximum reduction in size and sphericity was observed in fruits harvested at the early stage. The fruit diameter, sphericity and overall acceptability were recorded maximum in the mid-stage harvested ‘Dashehari’ mangoes. The peel firmness of the fruits decreased during the storage and was observed maximum in early harvested fruits. The amount of ?-carotene content was reported highest during storage in the late harvested ‘Dashehari’ mangoes. These specific parameters could predict the ideal harvesting and storage time for mangoes.
Sarmistha Sahoo1,3, Sushree Suparna Mahapatra1*, Manasranjan Rout1 and Bhagyashree Khamari2
1Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘o’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751003, India. 2College of Horticulture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Chiplima, Sambalpur, 768025, India. 3Department of Plant Pathology, School of Agriculture, GIET University, Odisha, Gunupur. Rayagada, Odisha. India. Corresponding e-mail: sushreesuparnamahapatra@soa.ac.in
Abstract: Crown rot disease in banana caused by the fungus Lasiodiplodia brasiliensis and Lasiodiplodia theobromae is one of the major post-harvest diseases causing a massive loss in the economic yield of banana. Isolates of Lasiodiplodia brasiliensis and Lasiodiplodia theobromae were isolated from infected fruits and were characterized based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. The isolates produced mustard seed-like pycnidia with conidia after 15 days after inoculation (DAI) and chlamydospore was observed after 16 DAI. The immature conidia were hyaline, aseptate, thin-walled and cylindrical to sub-ovoid in shape which became brown with central transverse septum at maturity. The isolates were sequenced and submitted in NCBI gene bank and were assigned with accession no. OQ921841 and OR764951. Further, the evolutionary relationships of the pathogen isolates were studied concerning different related genera and species of Lasiodiplodia.
R.Thiyagarajan*, S. Thambidurai and P.Kamaraj
Department of Farm Machinery & Power Engineering, Agricultural Engineering College & Research Institute, TNAU, Kumulur-621 712, Trichy District, Tamil Nadu. Corresponding e-mail: thiyagarajanmtech@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i01.04
Key words: Hydraulic ladder, coconut harvesting, orchard, spraying, hydraulic motor
Abstract: The high labor requirements and inherent risk of traditional harvesting and pruning of tall trees like coconut and mango make them difficult to harvest and prune. Mechanized machines do exist, but they are too heavy, too expensive, and unsuitable for Indian marginal farmers with small landholdings, which reduces productivity, efficiency, and worker safety. A tractor-mounted hydraulic ladder was evaluated for harvesting coconut and mango under field conditions to address these challenges. The ladder can rotate 360 degrees and covers up to four trees with simple directional control. Trees up to 12 meters tall can be harvested, pruned, and sprayed. Harvesting efficiencies of 75-81% for coconut and 76-80% for mango were recorded in field evaluations. Operational costs for coconut are Rs. 439 per hour and Rs. 530 per h for mango, and the ladder can harvest 7-9 coconut trees per hour. This system offers a feasible, low-cost solution for small and marginal farmers who struggle with the use of traditional and expensive machinery.
L.K. Akilan1*, T. Anuradha1, K.B. Soni1, Swapna Alex1 and N. Krishna Radhika2
1Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Thiruvananthapuram, India; 2ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram, India. Corresponding e-mail: akilanbiotech14@gmail.com.
Abstract: Cassava is a starchy root crop used as food, feed and for industrial purposes. Antibiotic resistance genes are used as a marker for the selection of transformed cells from non-transformed cells in genetic engineering. The optimum concentration of selective antibiotics is crucial for the effective transformation and regeneration of transformed plants. The current study aimed to determine the optimal cytotoxic concentration of hygromycin for screening both transformed and non-transformed calli. The embryogenic calli were subjected to particle bombardment using the binary vector pCAMBIA 1305.1, which included the GUS reporter gene and the hptII gene. Hygromycin was added to the callus induction and regeneration medium at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L-1 concentrations to identify the optimal selective concentration. Results indicated that 50 mg L-1 of hygromycin inhibited non-transformed calli and maintained the health of transformed calli. This concentration provided a sufficient amount of selective pressure with minimal cytotoxic effects, thus serving as the optimal level for distinguishing transformed cells in the cassava genetic transformation system.
Sheren A. Atala, Noura A. Gad El-Rab, M. EL-M. Saad and M.A. Saleh
Postharvest and Handling of Vegetable Crops Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: alinora362@yahoo.com
Abstract: This study was carried out during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, to study the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), potassium permanganate (KMnO4), silica gel, 1-MCP + silica gel and KMnO4 + silica gel compared with control treatment on physical and chemical changes which may occur during mixed load of cantaloupe fruits cv. Primal Galia type and carrot roots cv. Laguna throughout storage at 5°C and 90-95 % relative humidity for 28 days. The results indicated that all treatments were superior to control treatment in maintaining quality attributes and extending the storability of fruits and roots. However, KMnO4 + silica gel was the most effective treatment in reducing weight loss, color change, O2 consumption, CO2 and ethylene production and maintaining the firmness and total soluble solids of fruits and roots. In addition, delaying the ripening of cantaloupe fruits, reducing the increase of total carotenoid content of fruits, reducing isocoumarin accumulation and gave carrot roots without any bitterness until the end of the storage period. Also, gave an excellent appearance and did not exhibit any changes in the appearance of fruits and roots until the end of the storage period. On the other hand, control treatment gave an unsalable appearance of fruits and roots at the end of storage.
R. Swamy Sekhar1* and S. Kundu2
1Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Anantharajupeta-516105, Andhra Pradesh, India. 2Department of Fruit Science, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741252, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Corresponding e-mail: swamysekhar88@gmail.com
Abstract: The genetic diversity of acid lime was analyzed across one hundred genotypes in twelve West Bengal districts, using 22 quantitative characters for characterization. The data was statistically processed for descriptive, hierarchical cluster, discriminate, correlation and principal component analysis. Descriptive analysis revealed a prominent variation in all quantitative characters among different lime collections, with wide variations recorded in eleven quantitative characters (fruit weight, rind thickness, vesicle length, juice weight, juice volume, juice percentage, number of seeds per fruit, seed weight, seed length, seed width and non-reducing sugars). Ward’s cluster analysis divided 100 lime genotypes into 5 clusters. Canonical discriminant function revealed that the major characters responsible for such clustering were fruit weight, vesicle length, seed length and seed width. PCA resulted in 9 components with a cumulative variance of 78.40 %. The biplot clarified the relation between genotypes and variables and the fruit characters distributed in the biplot contributed a considerable role to the differentiation of acid lime genotypes.
R. Hoque1,M. Kachari2*,S. Gogoi1 and I. Sarma1
1Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India. 2CHFSR, Nalbari, Assam Agricultural University, India. Corresponding e-mail: manisha.kachari@gmail.com
Abstract: Underutilized leafy vegetables are essential for a balanced human diet, offering vital micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, but they lack national or global recognition due to limited commercial exploration. This research aimed to standardize production techniques and ensure the availability of planting material for commercial cultivation. The experiment focused on three lesser-known leafy vegetables of Assam: Masundari, Pirali paleng, and Xoru manimuni, using treatments of N1: 1 node, N2: 3 nodes, N3: 5 nodes cutting size, and H1: distilled water, H2: 25 ppm, H3: 50 ppm, H4: 75 ppm IBA concentration to assess growth performance in both nursery and main field conditions. The results indicated that 5-node cuttings treated with 75 ppm IBA, followed by 50 ppm, showed the best growth performance in terms of rooting, growth, and yield parameters with the highest benefit-cost ratio, making this treatment highly effective for large-scale propagation and commercial cultivation.
Pooja Pahal1, Indu Arora1*, Vinod Kumar Batra1, Anil Kumar2, Renu Fandan1, Ravi Gautam1 and Sudesh1
1Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, CCS HAU, Hisar-125004, Haryana. 2Department of Nematology, College of Agriculture, CCS HAU, Hisar-125004, Haryana. Corresponding e-mail: induarora1984@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i01.08
Key words: Tomato grafting, fruit quality, rootstocks, root-knot nematode
Abstract: The experiment aimed to assess grafting effects on the tomato fruit quality in root-knot nematode-infested conditions in polytunnel cultivation. Three screened resistant brinjal rootstocks against nematode were used as rootstock for tomato grafting with three different scions viz. Hisar Arun, Arka Rakshak and Pusa Rohini. Different biochemical parameters were evaluated using the ripened fruits of tomato and the grafted plants had significantly increased T.S.S. content by 9.84 to 13.5 % and ascorbic acid content by 6.03 to 23.2 %. In contrast, the acidity of tomatoes decreased by 8.6 to 18.8 % as compared to non-grafted tomato plants. Among all treatments, R19 and R20 rootstocks grafted with Arka Rakshak performed best for fruit quality characters.
Nidhi Parmar and Viraj Roghelia
Laboratory of Foods and Nutrition, P.G. Department of Home Science, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388120, Gujarat, India. Corresponding e-mail: viraj_roghelia@spuvvn.edu
Abstract: The present study focused on the development and analysis of edible film using corn starch (CS), raw banana starch (BS) and taro root starch (TS). The starch was extracted from raw material and was evaluated for bulk density, tapped density, water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, dispersibility and colour analysis. Edible films were developed from as such starch namely, (CS, TS, BS) and different blending of starches, namely CBS 40:60, CBS 50:50, CTS 40:60, and CTS 50:50, by casting method using sorbitol as a plasticizer. The developed films were analyzed for thickness, solubility, transparency, colour, tensile strength, elongation at break, Young’s modulus, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The starch analysis revealed significant variation in bulk density, tapped density, water and oil holding properties, dispersibility, and brightness, in order corn starch> raw banana starch> taro root starch. The thickness of developed edible films ranged from 0.180 mm to 0.215 mm, and solubility from 32.756 to 72.453%. Among all the developed films, CBS 50:50 film had significantly higher transparency (0.678) after corn starch film (0.908), whereas, taro root starch-based film had the lowest transparency (0.388). The blending of raw banana starch with corn starch showed better mechanical properties among the developed films. Overall, the CBS 50:50 blend demonstrated the most favourable properties for edible film and holds great potential for use in biodegradable, edible packaging solutions.