1National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Sector-81 (Knowledge City), S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali-140306, Punjab, India. 2Dr. S. S. Bhatnagar University Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology (SSBUICET), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India. 3Department of Molecular Science, BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7015, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden. Corresponding e-mail: koushik@nabi.res.in, kmazumder78@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.48
Key words: Apple, postharvest storage, controlled atmosphere storage, shelf life.
Abstract: The effects of controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on postharvest qualities of apple (Royal Delicious) were investigated. Compared to the postharvest quality of fresh apple (0 day) a significant change in the fruit qualities such as respiration rate, firmness, ripening, color, low molecular weight sugar, enzyme activity and concentrations of volatile compounds were observed during CA storage. After 90 days CA storage, apples showed a significant increase in respiration rate (58.7%), ripening index (13.9%) and reduction in firmness (35.8%) compared to fresh apples. During 90 days CA storage, the apple aroma volatile compounds showed a significant increase in their total concentrations from 151.2 µg/kg to 280.7 µg/kg compared to initial storage, followed by a remarkable decrease to 141.8µg/kg during 180 days of storage. Therefore, the study enables us to conclude that the prolonged CA storage of apples significantly reduced fruit quality.
Satoshi Mizushima*
Department of Agriculture, Fukui Prefectural Wakasa-Higashi High School, Obama, Fukui 917-0293, Japan. Corresponding e-mail: uwabamisou.mizu@gmail.com
Abstract: The suppression effect of white light-emitting diode (LED) on spindly growth observed under monochromatic light of the red LED in watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) was investigated for production in plant factory. Watercress was cultured in a growth chamber under total photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 100 ?mol?m?2?s?1 using three differential treatments; the ratio of red LED to white LED based on PPFD was 100:0 (R100W0), 90:10 (R90W10), and 75:25 (R75W25). Watercress was harvested 33 days after sowing. The longest internode length was observed with R100W0. Watercress in R100W0 was observed lowest value for node number, maximum leaf length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, dry matter rate, and SPAD. R90W10 recorded higher values for maximum leaf length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, dry matter rate, and SPAD than R100W0. Therefore, in watercress cultivation, replacing the red LED with a white LED by 10% was effective for morphological changes and dry matter production.
Anuradha1, R.K. Goyal1, Sudha Bishnoi2* and S.S. Sindhu3
1Department of Horticulture, 2Department of Mathematics and Statistics, 3Department of Microbiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, 125004, India. Corresponding e-mail: sudha.bishnoi@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.49
Key words: Bacillus, strawberry, total soluble solids, yield
Abstract: The quality of agricultural production and their modulation by biofertilizer application has gradually received attention. However, the importance of Bacillus strains has not been studied extensively especially in strawberry. The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of Bacillus strains on growth, yield and quality of strawberry cv. Chandler during the year 2016-17 and 2017-18. The study indicates that various Bacillus strains significantly influenced growth, yield and quality of fruits. Among different Bacillus strains, HCA61 strain recorded the significantly higher fruit yield per plant (233.69 g). It also recorded the highest value concerning different growth parameters, viz., plant height (12.56 cm), spread (22.78 cm), number of leaves per plant (11.31), crown diameter (12.46 mm), fresh weight (43.86 g) and dry weight (12.36 g) of plant with minimum number of days (79.50 days) to flower in strawberry plants. Among different yield attributing characters like number of fruits per plant (22.13), fresh weight of fruit (10.56 g), fruit length (40.31 mm), fruit breadth (28.83) and moisture content in fruit (92.83%), HCA61 strain showed superiority than other Bacillus strains. Regarding various physicochemical characters, viz. TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content of fruits, Bacillus RCA3 strain, exhibited significantly highrt values. The Bacillus strain HCA61 caused improved growth and yield. However, concerning the physicochemical characteristics of fruits Bacillus RCA3 strain was found best. The results indicated that inoculation with Bacillus strains could be an eco-friendly and cost-effective technology for improving strawberry growth, yield and quality.
Sayed F. El-Sayed, Ahmed Abdel-Wahab, Haitham H. El-Taweel
Department of Vegetable Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, P.O.Box 123613, Giza, Egypt, Corresponding e-mail: haitham.mohamed@agr.cu.edu.eg
Abstract: A field experiment was carried out in two successive seasons of 2019 and 2020 on the late planting of carrot cv. Shantiny in El-Badrasheen, Giza, Egypt to study the effect of sowing dates and foliar spray applications by using some growth natural and chemical stimulants to increase the plants' ability to withstand heat stress. The experiment was established in a split-plot design with two sowing dates during 15 February and 15 March as the main factors and six treatments of exogenous foliar spray applications as submain factors as follows: untreated plants (control); potassium silicate K-Si at 2g/L; salicylic acid at 2mM; glycine betaine at 100 mM; moringa leaf extract (MLE) at 3.3% and date palm pollen grain extract (DPPGE) at 2g/L. Results revealed that sowing carrots in February significantly increased vegetative growth characteristics, i.e., plant height in both seasons and fresh and dry weight in the second season. Also, the fresh weight of roots in the second season and total marketable yield in both seasons were significantly increased with February sowing. All chemical parameters, either quality or heat indicators, were enhanced considerably with March sowing as a reaction to heat stress. Moreover, all foliar spray treatments gained the higher significant values of vegetative growth, yield, quality characteristics, and chemical parameters [N, P, K, Ca, Mg, proline, antioxidant activity DPPH, total carbohydrates, total carotenoids, total chlorophyll, and total phenols] as compared with untreated plants. In conclusion, foliar spray treatments with MLE and DPPGE are promising materials for heat stress-tolerant applications.
Nezar H. Samarah1 and Abdallah Aldahadha2*
1Department of Plant Production, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, 22110, Irbid, Jordan. 2National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), PO Box 639, Baqa'a 19381, Jordan. Corresponding e-mail: abdallah.aldahadha@narc.gov.jo
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.71
Key words: Film coating, insecticide, speed of germination
Abstract: Polymer coating of zucchini seeds is a method to enhance seed performance during germination and emergence in the field and protect the seed from infection with diseases and insects. Experiments were conducted to identify the best method for polymer coating squash seed to improve seed germination and performance. In the first experiment, seeds were subjected to concentrations and durations of coating polymer (Discoshine Veg Red L-524 polymer) in combination with Gaucho® insecticide (Imidacloprid): 50% polymer for 40 s; 25% polymer for 40 s; 12.5% polymer for 40 s; 6.2% polymer for 40 s; 25% polymer for 40 s+10% Gaucho® insecticide, untreated seed as control. In the second experiment, seeds were exposed to different concentrations and durations. A standard germination test was run in the laboratory and seedling emergence percent and speed of emergence in a nursery. The results indicated that the best treatment was coating the seeds with 20-25% polymer for 40 s in combination with 4% Gaucho® insecticide, which had germination and seedling emergence above 90% and did not differ significantly from the control. In conclusion, thin-film coating treatments effectively delivered the insecticide safely without hurting seed germination and seedling emergence at the nursery.
1Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Dr YSP, UHF, Solan-173230, HP, India; 2ICAR-IARI, Regional Station, Katrain Kullu, HP, India; 3Department of Fruit Sciences, Dr YSP, UHF, Solan-173230, HP, India. Corresponding e-mail: sngta2017@gmail.com
Abstract: Genotypes grown in multi-environmental trials may respond differently to a range of climatic factors, soil characteristics and cultural management practices. As such, the proportion of the variation in the phenotypic traits due to the main effects of genotype, environment and their interaction is routinely assessed when selecting best-performing lines. Keeping this in mind, the present study was carried out to find the stable Lilium genotypes evaluated over two locations for two years in a Randomized Block Design along with three replications. Eighteen diverse genotypes of Lilium were assessed for twenty different vegetative, flowering and bulb parameters. Genotype “Eyeliner” indicated stability for the majority of parameters, including days to bulb sprout emergence, bud length, number of flowers/stem, weight of bulblets, and vase life, while genotype “Yelloween” exhibited stability for a variety of parameters, including leaf length, bud length, size of flower, and days to first flower, and is suitable for a variety of environments.
P. Jaramillo1,2,*, F. Cornejo,1 M. Solis1, P. Mayorga1, L. Negoita1
1Charles Darwin Research Station, Charles Darwin Foundation, Santa Cruz, Galápagos, Ecuador. 2 Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain. Address: 200105 Puerto Ayora, Charles Darwin Foundation, Av. Charles Darwin s/n, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Corresponding e-mail: patricia.jaramillo@fcdarwin.org.ec
Abstract: We tested the effect of two water-saving systems (Groasis Waterboxx® and Hydrogel polymer), compared with conventional drip irrigation, on the productivity, profitability, and water efficiency of greenhouse tomato cultivation in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. We measured the weight and volume of individual tomato fruits, along with biweekly production, over a typical growing cycle, and found that tomatoes grown with water-saving systems were significantly heavier and larger than those produced with conventional drip irrigation, which led to a 28% average increase in tomato production using both technologies. compared to drip irrigation, Groasis and Hydrogel also reduced water use by 71 and 48%, respectively. While both systems yielded a net profit, using Hydrogel was 51% more profitable than conventional drip irrigation. Water-saving systems such as Groasis and Hydrogel may provide more sustainable solutions for profitable tomato cultivation in environments with low annual rainfall and limited access to irrigation water, such as the Galapagos Islands.
C.R. Aswath1, *N.S. Bhandari2 and S. Gangola2
1Division of Floriculture and Medicinal Crops, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru-560 089, India. 2School of Agriculture, Graphic Era Hill University, Nainital (263139), Uttarakhand, India. Corresponding e-mail: nsbhandari@gehu.ac.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.53
Key words: Lilium, SEM, pollen viability, pollen germination, pollen staining
Abstract: Pollen is the first choice of germplasm curator, geneticist, breeder and physiologist for conservation and crop improvement programs. A pollen palynological attributes and pollen germination study of Lilium longiflorum cv., 'Pavia' was conducted using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Various morphological characteristics were studied. The results showed that pollens were much alike in ultra-morphology with elliptical to ellipsoidal shape, reticulate exine and single germination ditch. The pollen viability was tested by the wet room method with 3 dyes; Acetocarmine, TTC, Lugol's iodine and 49.66% pollen viability was recorded with Acetocarmine dye; which suggested acetocarmine stain can be as a quick test method for pollen viability. The pollen germination ability was examined at set intervals, thereby establishing the dynamics of this process for 72 hours. Pollens collected just 1 h after anthesis were recorded with highest germination (85%) compared to pollen harvested before or one day after. The suitable medium for pollen germination was 3% sucrose and 15% PEG that recorded with highest pollen germination (95%) after 72 h of inoculation. Understanding evolutionary ecology and the sterility problem and designing hybridization programmes in cross-breeding necessitates a thorough understanding of pollen morphology and viability. Pollen ultra-morphology traits could be helpful in determining the evolutionary relationship of lilies.
S. Elkosary1, S.F. El-Sharabasy2, A.M. Abdallatif1* and M.M. Amin2
1Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. 2Central Laboratory, Research and Development, Date Palms, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: abdo.abdullatif@agr.cu.edu.eg
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.54
Key words: Date Palm, Nano-fertilizer, Yield, Fruit quality
Abstract: The present investigation was carried out during two successive seasons of 2018 / 2019 and 2019/ 2020 on 15 years old date palm trees of Zaghloul cv. grown in sandy soil in a private orchard at El-Behira governorate, Egypt. The research was aimed to investigate the effect of nitrogen and potassium nano-fertilizers comparing with conventional mineral fertilizers on yield and fruit quality, four doses of nitrogen and potassium nano-fertilizer (75, 150, 300 and 600g/ palm/ year) were applied compared to the conventional nitrogen and potassium mineral fertilizers as a control. Different fertilization treatments significantly affected palm yield and fruit quality during both seasons. Treatment of 600g of nano N and K fertilizers produced higher values of tree yield and bunch weight, fruit volume, and fruit length in both seasons. Meanwhile, 600g of nano-fertilizer and control treatments gave the highest fruit and flesh weight. The obtained results also showed fruit content of total soluble solids, total and reducing sugars was significantly increased by nano-fertilizer treatment at 600 and 300g per palm and improved significantly N, P, and K content. Whereas treatment with 75 and 150g nano-fertilizer gave higher values of total tannins and total phenols contents in Zaghloul fruits in both seasons. According to the current study, nano-fertilizer improved date palm yield, fruit quality and nutritional status.
H.S. Singh1, Gundappa Baradevanal1 and Kundan Kishore2
1ICAR-Centrals Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rahmankheda, PO, Kakori 226101, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2ICAR: IIHR- Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Aiginia, PO, DHBC, 751019, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Corresponding e-mail: gundappa@icar.gov.in
Abstract: The investigations on varietal (30) reaction and impact of inflorescence midge Procontarinia mangiferae (Felt) control practices on fruit retention and yield of mango variety Amrapali were carried out in the east coast region of India. Results revealed that the incidence of midge among the genotypes varied significantly (F29, 58 = 25.88; P<0.00). The lowest incidence was recorded on Neelgoa (16.15%) followed by Neeleshan (26.1%) and the highest in Alphanso (86.27%), Totapuri (86.42%), H-39(87.39%), Amrapali (88.69%), and Lalsundari (89.48%). Based on the relative susceptibility of the genotypes (percent damage to blossom), genotypes were grouped in different categories. Every variety retained the fruits irrespective level of plant damage to the floral bud, having diverse genetic potential the fruit weight had no correlation with fruit number. The impact studies of midge control measure in Amrapali revealed that the floral damage in untreated plants ranged between 73.69-91.37 percent and 61.47-75.47 percent in treated trees. The fruit number at the harvesting stage ranged between 2.80-4.00/ panicle and 3.1-4.20/ panicle with a fruit weight ranging from 1.10 -1.43 and 1.23-1.50 kg/panicle, respectively.It was concluded that though the percent flower damage, fruit number, and yield per panicle differed significantly in treated and untreated trees, this statistical significance may not be of great economic importance at the maturity stage as 3-4 fruits per bunch in Amrapali gives standard yield.
B.S. Revathi* and Beena Thomas
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, India- 695522. Corresponding e-mail: revathysathyakumar@gmail.com
Abstract: Polyploidy induction plays a significant role in hybridizing and improving orchids (Orchidaceae). Induction of polyploidy can help to restore fertility by doubling of chromosomes and thus leading to the creation of allotetraploids which can help breeders develop improved hybrids and novel types by contributing beautiful floral or growth characteristics unobtainable from the diploid forms. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effective colchicine concentration and duration of exposure for the polyploidy induction in Dendrobium crumenatum via in vivo method, thus improving the flower characteristics. For the in vivo induction of polyploidy, D. crumenatum plantlets were chosen and subjected to eight different colchicine treatments. Treatments were based on colchicine concentration (0.05 and 0.1%) and the duration of exposure of plantlets to these doses of colchicine (24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs). The morphological characters, like shoot length, diameter of pseudobulb, number of leaves and width of leaves showed treatment mean values greater than their corresponding control plantlets. After analyzing the histogram peaks of in vivo treated samples, it was observed that the highest tetraploid induction (50%) was achieved with the treatment of 0.05% colchicine for 96 hours. Moreover, the maximum mixoploids (66.67%) were obtained from two different treatments; first, with 0.05% colchicine for 72 hours and second, with 0.05% colchicine for 48 hours. These results suggest that longer treatment duration of 96 hours with 0.05% colchicine leads to higher tetraploid induction while shorter durations of 72 and 48 hours with the same concentration of colchicine are more effective for producing mixoploids. Stomatal observations exhibited a lower stomatal density, but increased stomatal size in polyploids than diploids.
Rahul Dev1*, M. Sureshkumar1, Traloki Singh2 and Sushil Kumar1
1ICAR - Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Kukma, Bhuj – 370 105 (Gujarat) India. 2ICAR - Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kukma, Bhuj – 370 105 (Gujarat) India. Corresponding e-mail: rahul2iari@gmail.com
Abstract: Current emphasis on food supply, market value, and therapeutic use of underutilised crops makes Grewia tenax suitable for commercial production. Therefore, flowering biology and fruiting phenology study were carried out on field-established G. tenax plants in Kachchh, Gujarat, from February - March 2018. Flowers are scented and cream-white with yellow stamens and composed of 5 petals and sepals, an ovary and a style, 2 anther lobes and many anthers (66.33 ± 7.51). Bud initiation started in the last week of February and anthesis was observed after 6.40 ± 0.18 days of bud initiation. Flower anthesis start at 1130 h and is completed at 1330 h, with peak anthesis during 1215-1230 h in February. On an average, 15.55±0.98 and 19.55±0.98 days are required for fruit maturity and ripening. The study revealed that the fruit traits of the white cross berries, including fruit length and diameter, varied within the ranges of 4.93-6.69 mm and 4.06-5.91 mm, respectively. As there is limited information available on this species, these findings provide a foundation for further genetic research on white cross berries. This study can serve as a valuable resource for future investigations aiming to enhance our understanding of the genetic makeup of this species and potentially improve its fruit traits through breeding programs.
M. Kirthy Reddy1, Rita Narayanan2*, V. Appa Rao3, C. Valli4 and G. Sujatha5
1CFDT, TANUVAS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India– 600 052. 2Department of Food Processing Technology, CFDT, TANUVAS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India– 600 052. 3Faculty of Food Sciences, CFDT, TANUVAS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India – 600 052. 4Faculty of Basic Sciences, MVC, TANUVAS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India – 600 007. 5Department of Food Process Engineering, CFDT, TANUVAS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India– 600 052. Corresponding e-mail: ritanarayanan@yahoo.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.58
Key words: Bael fruit powder, wood apple powder, functional properties, swelling capacity, water solubility, water absorption, oil absorption, water activity, least gelation
Abstract: Bael (Aegle marmelos) and wood apple (Limonia acidissima L) are indigenous and underutilized fruits with high potential to use in various food applications, and these are seasonal fruits and perishable making them go waste. Hence this study aimed to process their pulp into powders and analyze physical and functional properties to find their applicability in different foods. Bael and wood apple pulps were dried in a hot air oven at 65 and 60o C for 670 and 720 mins, respectively. The bael fruit powder (BFP) and wood apple powder (WAP) yield after drying in these fruits was 33.89 and 29.62 g%, respectively. The final moisture content and water activity of the powders were 7.96±0.78, 7.34±0.72 and 0.327±0.12 and 0.314±0.17, respectively. Bulk and tapped densities values for both powders were high, resulting in higher Carr's Index and Hausner's Ratio indicating inferior flowability. The water absorption capacity of BFP (1.31±3.27g/g) was higher than WAP (1.15±3.28g). The oil absorption capacity of WAP was 101.19±1.46% and BFP was 101.86±1.85% which is higher than the water absorption capacities of both powders. The swelling capacities, solubility of BFP and WAP were 4.39±0.01, 4.15±0.02 mL/g and 97.67±0.06, 98.45±0.02%, respectively. Foaming capacities for BFP and WAP were 23.45±0.09 mL and 25.62±0.06 mL, respectively. Both fruit powders did not form strong gels even at 20%. The results showed that these fruit powders can potentially be used in fiber-enriched and other new food formulations.
D. Hansaliya1*, L. Parmar2, Y. Viradiya3, J. Bhuva1 and M. Thummar1
1Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C.P. College of Agriculture, S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar- 385 506, Gujarat, India. 2Castor Mustard Research Station, S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar- 385 506, Gujarat, India. 3Department of Seed Technology, S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar- 385 506, Gujarat, India. Corresponding e-mail: dhavalp.hansaliya@gmail.com)
Abstract: The investigation on the effect of seed priming treatment on cumin [Cuminum cyminum (L.)] seed germination and growth was carried out at Seed Technology Laboratory, Department of Genetics and plant breeding, SDAU, Sardarkrushinagar, during Rabi 2019-20. Seeds of Gujarat Cumin-1, Gujarat Cumin-2, Gujarat Cumin-3 and Gujarat Cumin-4 were were treated with five treatments viz., Control, -1.4 MPa PEG, -1.0 MPa PEG, 0.2% KNO3 and 0.4% KNO3. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (factorial concept) with three replications comprising five treatment combinations. The combined effect of pre-sowing seed treatment and varieties showed a significant effect on seed germination and growth of the seedling. The variety GC-4 was superior to the variety GC-1, GC-2, and GC-3. The analysis of data collected under laboratory conditions for the variety GC-4 and treatment T3 (-1.0 MPa PEG) combination revealed characteristics such as the highest germination percentage (80.81%), the longest root length (5.20 cm), the longest shoot length (4.61 cm), the longest seedling length (9.59 cm), the highest seedling fresh weight (216.40 mg), the highest seedling dry weight (11.81 mg), the highest seedling vigour index-I (812.47) and the highest seedling vigour index-II (952.70).
S.M.A. Sarrwy1, Dorria M.M. Ahmed1* and Aml R.M. Yousef2
1Pomology Department, National Research Center, 33 Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza, Egypt. 2Horticultural Crops Technology Department, National Research Center, 33 Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: dorriaahmed@hotmail.com
Abstract: Mango, a highly perishable fruit, faces challenges in maintaining its quality during postharvest handling due to rapid ripening. To address this, hot water treatment (HW) has gained global recognition for its potential in enhancing the shelf life and overall quality of mango produce. This study, spanning the 2019 and 2020 seasons, focused on hot water dipping (HWD) treatments at 45 or 50°C for 5 and 10 minutes, followed by simulated shipping storage at 8±2°C and 90-95% relative humidity for three weeks, and subsequent ripening at 20°C. Using sensory evaluations through the Hedonic test, our findings after 21 days of ripening storage revealed that the HWD treatment at 50°C for 10 minutes yielded significantly higher scores for firmness, texture, and pulp color (3.49, 3.00, and 5.00, respectively) compared to untreated mangoes, which scored lower (1.15, 2.00, and 4.67). A gradual improvement in aroma and flavor scores was observed, with the 50°C, 10-minute treatment recording the highest scores (4.67 and 3.67), while control fruits exhibited the lowest taste scores (3.00 and 2.33). These results highlight the potential of HWD treatments, particularly at 50°C for 10 minutes, in enhancing mango quality and extending its shelf life.
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