Prawal Pratap Singh Verma1, Dipender Kumar2,Sushmita Rawat1, B. Agri1, Amit Kumar2 and R.C. Padalia2
1CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Centre Purara, PO Gagrigole, Bageshwar (Uttarakhand) India. 2CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Centre, Pantnagar, Post Nagla, Udham Singh Nagar (Uttarakhand) India. Corresponding e-mail: prawalpratapsv@gmail.com
Abstract: This study, carried out at CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research Centre Purara, Bageshwar (Uttarakhand), investigated the growth and productivity of geranium crops under different NPK doses in the lower hills of Uttarakhand. Nine different NPK treatments, varying from 60:40:20 to 220:200:180 kg ha-1, were applied using a Randomised Block Design. Examined factors related to plant growth and yield, included plant height, diameter, stem count, leaf count, fresh shoot biomass per gramme of plant, and fresh herb yield per hectare. The 180:160:140 NPK level produced the highest fresh herb yield of 327.29 q ha-1, which corresponded to the highest oil yield of 163.65 kg ha-1. This study provides valuable insights into optimising NPK formulations to improve geranium crop yields, which is essential for increasing agricultural productivity in the Himalayan hills of Uttarakhand.
R.L. Bhardwaj1* and Aabha Parashar2
1College of Agriculture, Sumerpur-Pali 306 902, Agriculture University, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) India. 2Agricultural Research Sub-station, Sumerpur-Pali 306 902, Agriculture University, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) India, Corresponding e-mail: rajubhardwaj3@gmail.com
Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the optimal dosage of NPKS fertilizer and the most suitable crop geometry to enhance both productivity and bulb quality of kharif onion (Allium cepa L.). The research was laidout using a split plot design, incorporating three levels of NPKS fertilizer in the main plot and five different crop geometries in the subplot, with three replications spanning from August to November in the years 2020-21 and 2021-22. Among the various combinations tested, the widest crop geometry (15 cm x 15 cm) coupled with the application of 140 N: 80 P: 80 K: 40 S kg ha-1 dose of nutrients exhibited superior results. This combination resulted in the highest values for plant height (97.88 cm), number of leaves per plant (19), leaves’ weight per plant (74.15 g), average bulb weight (133.97 g), and harvest index (51.24). Conversely, the closest spacing (7.5 x 7.5 cm) with the highest fertilizer dose led to the maximum biological yield (125.89 t ha-1) and bulb yield (61.89 t ha-1). Notably, the spacing of 10 x 10 cm with the application of 140 N: 80 P: 80 K: 40 S kg ha-1 emerged as the optimal combination for achieving the highest marketable yield (43.62 t ha-1), gross return (? 5.23 lakhs), net return (? 4.23 lakhs), and benefit-cost ratio (4.23). Consequently, we conclude that, for maximizing the production of marketable bulbs of kharif onion, a crop geometry of 10 x 10 cm with a nutrient dose of 140 N: 80 P: 80 K: 40 S kg ha-1 is recommended. This information contributes valuable insights for optimizing onion cultivation practices, thereby enhancing both yield and economic returns.
1Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 2All India Coordinated Research Programme on Vegetable Crops, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 3Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 4Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Corresponding e-mail: arabindadhalouat@gmail.com
Abstract: During kharif 2020 and 2021, an investigation was conducted to investigate the role of plant growth regulators as foliar spray on okra seed yield and quality. The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications and eleven treatments. Foliar sprays were done at 15 and 30 DAS. Observations on various plant growth parameters, yield attributing characters, seed yield, seed storability and quality were recorded. Harvested seeds were stored in poly bags for a period of twelve months to study the storability of seeds. Results revealed that treatment with Cycocel 250 ppm recorded highest germination percentage (83.37%) followed by GA3 150 ppm (80.50%) whereas control plot recorded (73.00 %) of germination one year after storage. The rate of decrease in germination was (8.09%) with Cycocel (250 ppm) as compared to control (15.02%). The lowest increase in seed moisture content was recorded with Cycocel (250 ppm) ( 3.43%) followed by GA3 (150 ppm) as compared to control (4.98%). Up to twelve months of storage the progressive decline of Vigour Index -I and Vigour Index -II was demonstrated with Cycocel (250 ppm), GA3 (150 ppm) and NAA (200 ppm) with a decreased rate which expressed their potentiality as effective growth regulators . The electrical conductivity increased with a very decreased rate in Cycocel (250 ppm) (255.77%) followed by GA3 (150 ppm) (324.11%) and NAA (200 ppm) (384.31%) as compared to control ( 583.98%). Hence Cycocel (250 ppm) may be considered as best plant growth regulators increasing yield, seed quality and storability of okra.
K.A. Mumithra Kamatchi1, A. Senthil1, M.K. Kalarani2, R. Swarnapriya3, S. Marimuthu4 and M. Djanaguiraman1*
1Department of Crop Physiology, TNAU, Coimbatore – 641003, India. 2Directorate of Crop Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641003, India. 3Floriculture Research Station, Thovalai – 629302, India. 4Department of Agronomy, AC & RI, Eachangkottai, Thanjavur – 631006, India. Corresponding e-mail: jani@tnau.ac.in
Abstract: Tomato is a commercially grown vegetable crop that is susceptible to drought stress, which can be improved by understanding the tolerance mechanism. This study aims to evaluate the impact of melatonin pretreatment on alleviating PEG-induced drought stress on tomato. Initially, screening was performed with different polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations (-0.1, -0.2, -0.3, and -0.4 MPa), along with a control. The seeds treated with -0.3 MPa PEG exhibited lower germination percentage, seedling growth, and vigour index, while no germination was observed at -0.4 MPa. Therefore, -0.3 Mpa was selected as the sublethal osmotic concentration to assess the effect of melatonin to alleviate the osmotic stress. The seeds treated with various melatonin concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 µM) and untreated stress control were subjected to -0.3 MPa osmotic concentration, and absolute control was maintained. Seed germination parameters viz., germination indicators, shoot and root length indicators, biomass indicators, stress indices, and germination speed, were recorded. The results showed that the germination parameters were significantly reduced in stress control; however, notable improvements were observed in melatonin pre-treated seeds. Pretreatment with 100 µM melatonin led to an increase in germination percentage (61%), germination index (150.5), vigour index (1010.1), promptness index (65), shoot length (6.28 cm), root length (7.38 cm), fresh weight (0.66 mg), dry weight (0.07 mg), shoot length stress index (86), root length stress index (112), dry matter stress index (87), rate of germination (1.5% per day), germination rate index (15.1% per day), and coefficient of the velocity of germination (20.6) under drought stress. The study evidenced that melatonin pretreatment could effectively enhance seed germination under PEG-induced drought stress in tomato, which, therefore, can be recommended for further research.
V. Shukla and N. Shaikh
Department of Microbiology, Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, Matunga, Mumbai (Maharashtra)- 400019, India. Corresponding e-mail: varshashukla@ruiacollege.edu
Abstract: Hydroponics is the method of growing plants using soil-less cultivation systems. Plant growth-promoting bacteria are the rhizosphere bacteria that help plant growth and suppress plant diseases. In this study, we have isolated PGPR from the hydroponic systems and tested the efficacy of a consortium on the growth of Trichosanthes cucumerina. Ten organisms were isolated from a pre-set hydroponic system, of which three were selected based on their plant growth-promoting abilities. The isolated strains were identified as Chryseobacterium jejuense, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans and Sphingomonas paucimobilis. These isolates produced high levels of indole-3-acetic acid as well as other plant growth-promoting factors such as cellulase, pectinase, and siderophore production. All three isolates showed biofilm formation and growth in nutrient solutions with high EC values, indicating their ability to adhere to plant root surfaces and survive in nutrient solutions to promote plant growth. A consortium of these organisms used in the deep-water hydroponic system of T. cucumerina showed a significant increase in the number of leaves and root mass compared to control plants. Since these PGPR isolates exhibited multiple traits beneficial to the host plant, it has opened new possibilities for commercial application of these isolates in the hydroponic systems.
O.S. Warang1, N.I. Shah1 and N.J. Jadav2
1Department of Horticulture, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand 388 110, Gujarat, India. 2Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand 388 110, Gujarat, India. *E-mail: omkarwarang30@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i02.20
Key words: Round-the-year pruning, fertilizer, growth, flowering, yield, pruning time, new shoots, days taken for flowering, first picking
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to study the effect of round-the-year pruning and fertilizer doses on phalsa cv’s growth, flowering and yield parameters. Local during 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Horticulture Research Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (Factorial) with two factors, eighteen treatment combinations, and three repetitions. The first factor was pruning time (P1= 1st week of January (Control), P2= 1st week of March, P3= 1st week of May, P4= 1st week of July, P5= 1st week of September and P6= 1st week of November) and the second factor was fertilizer doses (F1= 100:50:50 g NPK/plant (Control), F2= 200:75:75 g NPK/plant, F3= 300:100:100 g NPK/plant). The results revealed that pruning in 1st week of May (P3) recorded minimum days for sprouting new shoots after pruning. Pruning in 1st week of March (P2) resulted in the maximum number of sprouted shoots per cane, length of the shoot at harvest, weight of fruit per plant, fruit yield and minimum days taken for flowering, fruit set and first picking after pruning. A fertilizer dose of 300:100:100 g NPK/plant (F3) recorded minimum days for sprouting of new shoots, maximum number of sprouted shoots per cane and length of shoot at harvest. The shortest duration for flowering, fruit set, and initial harvest was observed using a fertilizer dose of 100:50:50 g NPK per plant (Control) (F1). The application of 200:75:75 g NPK per plant (F2) was most effective for maximum fruit weight and overall yield of phalsa. Furthermore, this fertiliser dose significantly boosted phalsa yields when combined with pruning during the first week of March.
Tshering Lhamu Bhutia1,, Nima Tshering Bhutia2, Ngura Sailo3, Rampal2 and Tshering Chomu Bhutia2
1*ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok, India-737102. 2ICAR- National Research Centre for Orchids, Pakyong, East Sikkim, India-737106. 3 ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Research Centre- Shillong, India-793-009. Corresponding e-mail: tl.bhutia@icar.gov.in
Abstract: The Diplomeris hirsuta Lindl, is a rare and endangered orchid species indigenous to India. This delicate species faces numerous threats, including landslides and road expansion, which have decreased its population and placed the species at risk of extinction. However, there is hope for this species, as the paper has reported the successful ex situ conservation of D. hirsuta plants. The researchers achieved this feat by creating a simulated natural habitat that closely mimicked the conditions of the plant’s native environment. This simulated habitat provided the ideal environmental conditions necessary to sustain the plant’s growth and development, including temperature, humidity, light, and soil composition. As a result, the live plants of D. hirsuta were successfully conserved. This study’s ex situ conservation method is essential in preserving species’ survival, especially when their natural habitats are at risk or destroyed. The success of this conservation effort provides a potential model for future conservation efforts of other threatened plant species, giving hope for the protection and preservation of rare and endangered plant species worldwide.
1Department of Food Science and Technology, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonipat, India. 1Department of Food Science and Technology, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonipat, India. 2Department of Agriculture and Environmental Science, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonipat, India. Corresponding e-mail: aojha.niftem@gmail.com
Abstract: Food sustainability and waste reduction have gained considerable importance in recent years. Despite being rich in nutrients and functional characteristics, by-products like seeds from fruits remain underutilized. The decorticated seeds and seeds flour of muskmelon and watermelon were analyzed for their physical, nutritional, functional, and thermal properties to aid in designing systems for storage, processing, and incorporation as functional ingredients in food products. Standard methods estimated the seeds’ dimensional, frictional, gravimetric, nutritional, and functional properties. The seeds’ flour was defatted to assess thermal properties using the DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry). The seeds of muskmelon and watermelon were rich in proteins (29.21 %, 29.56 %) and fats (39.07 %, 44.31 %), respectively. Both the seeds’ flour exhibited a similar range of porosity (68.8 %). The static coefficient of friction (0.78) was the highest for thermocol among all tested surfaces for both seeds. The foaming capacity (39.39 %) and oil absorption capacity (1.26 g/g) of muskmelon seeds flour were higher than watermelon seeds flour (36.36 % and 1.00 g/g, respectively). The thermal denaturation temperature of defatted watermelon seeds flour (66.4 °C) was higher than defatted muskmelon seeds flour (63.8 °C). Reports on these seeds’ properties, especially the thermal properties of seed flour, are very scarce. This research work would aid in effectively utilizing seeds and their flours as functional ingredients in the food processing industry.
Enrico C. Virrey
College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Eastern Samar State University, Salcedo, Eastern Samar, Philippines. Corresponding e-mail: enricovirrey@gmail.com
Abstract: Stem-end rot caused by Diplodia natalensis is one of the significant postharvest diseases causing setbacks in the mango industry. Essential oil shows excellent potential as an alternative method in controlling postharvest diseases, which are considered safe and biodegradable with no residual effect. Hence, the study was conducted to determine the antifungal activity of Citronella essential oil against Diplodia natalensis (Pole Evans), to identify the effective concentration of Citronella essential oil to control D. natalensis in vitro and to evaluate the potential of citronella oil as treatment against stem-end rot disease of mango fruit. Results showed that citronella oil at 30% - 80% concentration exhibits fungistatic activity. At the same time, Citronella at 90% concentration showed fungicidal activity, which was most effective, showing complete inhibition of mycelial growth in the in vitro experiment. Furthermore, a significant reduction in fruit decay and percent fruit decay was noted with the 90% concentration of Citronella essential oil compared with the control in the in vivo experiment. However, no significant differences were observed between treatments regarding the length of exposure at 90% concentration of the essential oil. These results suggest that Citronella essential oil can potentially control stem-end rot in mangoes.
Indira Devi and Harminder Singh
Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana, Punjab 141 004, India. Corresponding e-mail: indu90@pau.edu
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to broaden the range of early-ripening peach cultivars through hybridization. Low chill peach cultivars, specifically Shan-i-Punjab and Tropic Sweet, were selected as female parents and crossed with Florda Prince, Flordaglo, and Prabhat. Among the crosses, the highest fruit set (72.63%) was observed in Shan-i-Punjab x Florda Prince, while the lowest fruit set was recorded in Tropic Sweet × Flordaglo (18.87%). Despite the lower fruit set in Tropic Sweet crosses, they exhibited a significantly higher fruit retention percentage and a lower fruit drop rate than those involving the Shan-i-Punjab cultivar. Following ripening, seeds were extracted from the fruits and subjected to stratification at low temperatures until radicle emergence occurred. The stratification duration for the hybrid seedlings ranged from 76.00 days in Shan-i-Punjab × Florda Prince to 88.33 days in Tropic Sweet × Flordaglo. After sowing the seeds in the field, the highest seed germination percentage of 90.43 was recorded in Tropic Sweet × Florda Prince, which did not show a significant difference from Tropic Sweet × Flordaglo (88.94%), followed by Tropic Sweet × Prabhat (85.11%). Regarding seedling growth, Tropic Sweet × Flordaglo exhibited the maximum seedling height of 36.03 cm, while minimal variations were observed among different crosses regarding petiole length, leaf area, and internodal length.
J. Bhatia, N. Ghai and S.K. Jindal
Department of Botany, Collage of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141004, India. Corresponding e-mail: jaya-bot@pau.edu
Abstract: The present research investigated the impact of plant growth regulators in mitigating the effects of heat stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotype LST-6 and cultivar Punjab Varkha Bahar-4. In north India, the temperature in the summer season ranges between 25-45 ?C and temperature above 28?C leads to heat stress in plants and negatively affects the reproductive stage of plants. Considering this, we subjected the plants to varying concentrations of GA3 (10, 20, 30 µg/mL) and 4-CPA (15, 45, 75 µg/mL). GA3 application took place three weeks after transplanting, while 4-CPA was administered during the anthesis stage. We recorded observations from both control and treated plants, with a 10-day gap between each spray treatment. The application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) enhanced the plants’ ability to withstand high temperatures by improving photosynthetic efficiency, as evidenced by increased chlorophyll and carotenoid levels in the leaves. The level of different biochemical constituents (total protein, starch, total soluble sugars, phenol and proline content) also increased in PGRs treated plants. Application of GA3 and 4-CPA also enhanced the membrane thermostability and reduced lipid peroxidation. The PGRs treated plants exhibited increased plant height, leaf area, pollen viability, fruit set, number of fruits per plant and fruit weight, ultimately improving yield. GA3 and 4- CPA application also increased the total soluble solids, lycopene content and titratable acidity in tomato fruits. Thus, overall improvement was observed with the application of PGRs; however, 75µg /mL 4-CPA was most effective in imparting thermo tolerance.
1University of Agricultural Sciences (GKVK), Bangalore 560065. 2ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Regional Centre, Hebbal, Bangalore 560024. 3ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Amravati Road, University P.O, Nagpur 440033. Corresponding e-mail: kskavukattu@gmail.com
Abstract: Knowledge of the spatial distribution of soil nutrients is essential for site-specific nutrient management, which forms an effective strategy in precision agriculture. As mango is one of southern Karnataka’s most important horticultural crops, the present study was conducted on 108 mango orchards under different agro-climatic zones to assess spatial nutrient variability for nutrient management. The soils of the study areas were acidic and non-saline. Nitrogen (N) deficiency was found in 84.26 percent area, whereas phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents were medium in most soils. Sulphur was sufficient, and calcium and magnesium contents varied with agro-climatic zones. The micronutrient (Zn, Fe, Mn) status was sufficient, except for copper and boron. The nutrient index for nitrogen was low, while phosphorus and potassium were low to medium. It is inferred that agro-management should include proper nitrogen fertilization, FYM, and boron throughout the growing cycle for better yield and quality.
Muhammad Munir1,2*
1Date Palm Research Center of Excellence, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. 2Frontier Agriculture, SOYL Precision Crop Production Division, Newbury, United Kingdom. Corresponding e-mail: mmunir@kfu.edu.sa
Abstract: The recycling of organic waste as a feedstock for the plant use emerges to be an eco-friendly process for the production of various fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops. Cheese-whey has very short shelf life, therefore, in the present study the wasted cheese-whey is used as organic material to observe its effect on ornamental plant. In this study, seven commercial cultivars of snapdragon (Magic Carpet, Antiquity Sunset, Day and Night, Chuckles, Illumination, Madame Butterfly, and Twilight) were planted in pots containing either (1) 1:3:1 ratio of sand, peat-based compost, and perlite substrate (control), or (2) 1:3:1 ratio of sand, peat-based compost, and perlite substrate, which was amended by adding 200 mL per pot cheese-whey. These pots were placed in a glasshouse, under ambient environment. The layout of the experiment was two-factorial completely randomized design with six replicates. All plant growth and flowering parameters were significantly (P?0.05) affected by substrates. Snapdragon cultivars grown in cheese-whey amended substrate displayed maximum plant height, number of leaf per plant, leaf area, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, specific leaf weight, and leaf area ratio. Comparing the cultivars, it was observed that the cultivar Day and Night had maximum days to flowering, plant height, number of leaf per plant, leaf area, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, specific leaf weight, and leaf area ratio. The interaction of the both factors indicated that all snapdragon cultivars had significantly promising results when grown in cheese-whey amended substrate compared to control plants.
T. Taticharoen1,2, S. Matsumoto2, C. Chutteang3, K. Srion4, W. Abdullakasim5, and S. Abdullakasim4*
1 Programme of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand. 2Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan. 3 Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand. 4 Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand. 5 Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140 Thailand.Corresponding e-mail: fagrsds@ku.ac.th
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i02.27
Key words: Cut-flower, inflorescence, leaf area, pseudobulb, vase life, water use
Abstract: Dendrobium cut-flower producers commonly employ sprinkler systems with high water consumption. Our study aimed to identify a more water-efficient irrigation method for orchids. Specifically, we investigated the optimal timing of water application during a day in the dry season, intending to minimize water usage. The research used a 3x2x2 completely randomized factorial design, factoring in the times of the day for irrigation (dawn, morning, and evening), the type of sprinkler head (standard or large vs. mini), and the duration of irrigation (6 minutes vs. 4 minutes). The study revealed that adjusting these factors could reduce the standard water volume used by 30 to 60% without negatively affecting the orchids’ growth or flower quality. Over five months of testing various irrigation techniques, metrics such as the height of the front pseudobulb, leaf count on the front pseudobulb, total leaf number per plant, pseudobulb count, and inflorescence quality (like length, number of flowers, and vase life) remained consistent across different methods. A notable discovery was that irrigating at either dawn or evening using a standard-sized sprinkler led to higher fresh and dry leaf weights and a greater leaf area than morning irrigation. Impressively, these results were observed even when the irrigation time was reduced to just 4 minutes, a 30% reduction from typical water usage. In summary, our research suggests that during the dry season, Dendrobium orchid growers can potentially reduce irrigation water usage by 30% without sacrificing the growth or quality of their plants.
V. Dhanusri1*, H. Usha Nandhini Devi2, A. Sankari3, M. Djanaguiraman4 and V. Veeranan Arun Giridhari5
1Department of Vegetable Science, 2&5Centre for Post Harvest Technology, 3Controllerate of Examination, and 4Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 03, Tamil Nadu, India. Corresponding e-mail: dhanusrivenkat03@gmail.com
Abstract: Cucumber yield is profoundly influenced by soil moisture, with drought representing a pivotal factor. This study evaluated four cucumber lines (CBECS-37, CBECS-38, CBECS-19, and CBECS-7) within a split-plot experimental design comprising four replications. Irrigation occurred once every seven days, spanning from sowing to the flowering stage. Drought stress was imposed at two critical stages: from flower bud initiation to harvesting (withheld irrigation for 25 days) and from flowering to harvesting (withheld irrigation for 15 days). Morphological and physiological parameters, including plant height, primary branch count, days to first male and female flower appearance, total soluble solids (TSS), relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, leaf electrolyte leakage, and malondialdehyde, were assessed 15 days after drought stress. Results indicated greater membrane damage during the flower bud initiation to the harvesting stage (404.5%) compared to the flowering to the harvesting stage (304.6%). Thus, drought stress during flower bud initiation to harvesting was more critical. CBECS-7 demonstrated the highest tolerance to drought conditions, displaying superior outcomes in primary branches, plant height (20.6%), chlorophyll a (16.7%), chlorophyll b (53.4%), total chlorophyll (26.7%), and RWC (6.7%). CBECS-7 exhibited increased chlorophyll content, enhanced photosynthetic activity, robust vegetative growth, and prolific flower and fruit production. These findings establish CBECS-7 as a drought-tolerant line during flower bud initiation to harvesting. In conclusion, this study underscores the critical nature of the flower bud initiation to the harvesting stage and identifies CBECS-7 as a drought-tolerant cucumber line.
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