Department of Post Harvest Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Agricultural University, India 695522, Kerala Corresponding e-mail: geetha.lekshmi@kau.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.61
Key words: Aloe gel, edible coating, rambutan, shelf life, spintern browning, marketability, quality, weight loss
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Abstract: Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is an attractive tropical fruit due to its hairy appearance, red and yellow pericarp shades, and green-tipped hair-like spinterns. The fruits are highly perishable, non-climacteric and the browning of spintern and pericarp reduce their marketability and limit shelf life The present study evaluated the efficacy of aloe gel coating in reducing the spintern browning of rambutan fruits for extended shelf life. The study used medium-sized rambutan fruits, harvested at commercial maturity (red pericarp). After cleaning and sanitising (ozonation two ppm), fruits were dipped in aloe gel (10, 25, 50%) for five minutes and stored in CFB boxes at room temperature. Physiological loss in weight increased during the storage and 50% aloe gel lost the least weight (18.19%) and retained the total soluble solids (17.98 Brix), acidity (0.40%), moisture content (79.05%), total sugar (20.75%), reducing sugar (3.14%), ascorbic acid (22.69 mg 100g-1), total phenols (3.48 mg 100g-1), and antioxidant activity (68.85%). The aloe gel (50%) coated rambutan fruits packaged in ventilated polypropylene and stored under refrigerated conditions (12±10 C) had the lowest physiological loss in weight of 9.33%, the highest total soluble solids (16.96 Brix), acidity (0.30%), moisture content (80.08%), total sugar (17.67%), reducing sugar (2.84%), and ascorbic acid (19.42 mg 100 g-1) content, the lowest browning score, and the highest organoleptic qualities and shelf life.
Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Corresponding e-mail: ved.prakash13@bhu.ac.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.63
Key words: Baby corn, integrated nitrogen management, farmyard manure, vermicompost, organic manure, inorganic fertilizer
Abstract: Baby corn is a de-husked, immature maize ear picked before fertilization after 1-2 days of silking at 2–3 cm long silk stage. Nitrogen (N) is the primary nutrient required for rapid plant growth and development. Combined uses of organic and inorganic sources possess more agronomic and environmental benefits than inorganic ones. Organic manures, viz., farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost (VC) are important sources of plant nutrients sustaining soil physic-chemical and biological properties and crop yield. Investigations are needed to determine the location-specific information on integrated management of recommended doses of nitrogen (RDN) for the winter season crop. An experiment executed in a randomized block design with seven treatments to assess response to various options of integrated nitrogen management for efficient utilization by winter baby corn. Maximum plant height (cm), number of green leaves plant-1, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation plant-1 (g) noted with application of 100 % RDN + 25% RDN as VC. Similarly, yield attributes viz., baby cob, baby corn and green fodder yield were also significantly higher with 100 % RDN + 25 % RDN as VC over other treatments. Results suggest winter baby corn (CMVL Baby Corn 2) be grown with the application of 100 % RDN (150 kg ha-1) as an inorganic source + 25 % RDN (37.5 kg ha-1) as VC to achieve higher yield and net returns.
Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, G.B.P.U.A & T, Pantnagar – 263 145, U.S. Nagar. Corresponding e-mail: annusajwan30@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.47
Key words: Rose, Botrytis blight, Bacillus subtilis, carbendazim, Grand Gala, biotic, abiotic, formulations
Abstract: The present investigation was undertaken at the Model Floriculture Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agricultural and Technology, Pantnagar. The experiment was conducted to test the different concentrations and time of application of biotic formulation, i.e., Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquifaciens strain FZB24 (manufactured by Novozyme South Asian Pvt. Ltd. under the brand name Taegro) and abiotic formulation i.e., sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid on control of Botrytis blight of rose cv. Grand Gala under field condition and during vase life. Foliar spray of standard chemical Carbendazim 50% W.P. @ 500g/ha, 6 spray at 7 days interval was found best followed by Carbendazim 50% W.P. @ 500g/ha, 3 spray at 14 days intervals which was at par with Bacillus subtilis @ 1000 g per hectare, 6 spray at 7 days interval against incidence of Botrytis blight in field condition while, during vase life, application of treatment was insignificant. In contrast, acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate do not significantly affect disease control.
Department of Vegetable Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, P.O. Box 12613, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: ahmed.gwad.sayed@agr.cu.edu.eg
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.64
Key words: NaCl, Grafting, cucumber, morphological and physiological properties, fruit quality
Abstract: The purpose of this research was to determine if salt-tolerant rootstock could be used to increase cucumber yield and quality in saline environments. Greenhouse experiments were conducted for 2020 and 2021, with five salt stress-tolerant rootstocks (Super Green (squash hybrid, Modesto seeds company, Modesto, California 95357, U.S.A.), Just (squash hybrid, American Takii seeds, California, U.S.A.), bottle gourd 1 (Legenaria siceraria, PI 491352), bottle gourd 2 (Legenaria siceraria, PI 491365), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. Colocynthoides), and Laurens (cucumber cultivar, Enza Zaden, Enkhuizen, Netherlands) and salt-sensitive genotypes of Luerans (scion). Specimens of these genotypes were subjected to distinct salinity levels of 0, 50, 100, and 150 mM (NaCl). The morphophysiological responses of these genotypes to salt stress were evaluated. Under normal and stressful conditions, the plant height, leaf area (LA), leaf water content (LWC), number of leaves, root dry matter, shoot dry matter, rates of leaf appearance and stem elongation, fruit yield, and quality increased significantly in grafted cucumber plants compared with non-grafted individuals (control). Similar findings were noted in the physiological properties of antioxidant enzymes, proline content, and leaf nutrient concentration (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Na). Grafting of Luerans on five rootstocks significantly elevated the antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase) activity level, increased proline accumulation, and reduced leaf sodium (Na) content.
Vegetable Science Division, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), DRDO, Leh, Ladakh (UT) - 194101, India. Corresponding e-mail: ghai.anjali@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.65
Key words: High altitude, bottle gourd, wilt, Fusarium oxysporum, Ladakh
Abstract: Ladakh, a trans-Himalayan cold arid region characterized by sub-zero temperatures and lower atmospheric pressure, limits the cultivation period of crops to the summer months. Bottle gourd, a nutrient-rich Cucurbitaceae vegetable, is grown from April to September in Ladakh. However, the favorable environmental conditions for fungal plant pathogens challenge bottle gourd cultivation during this period. During a field survey of the Muth region located at an elevation of 4221 m above sea level, wilting of bottle gourd leaves was observed in August, with a disease incidence of 14% and a severity index of 5%. Isolation and characterization of the pathogen on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium identified it as Fusarium sp., with typical spores observed under the microscope. The pathogenicity test confirmed the pathogenic nature of the isolate. Amplification and sequencing of the ITS region showed high similarity with Fusarium oxysporum in the UNITE database, and the sequence has been submitted to NCBI GenBank under the accession number OP453355. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential threats of fungal pathogens to bottle gourd cultivation in Ladakh and highlight the importance of disease management strategies in high-altitude regions.
Central laboratory of Organic Agriculture, Agriculture Research Center, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: abosef5@yahoo.com .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.66
Key words: Kaolin, bagging, Manfaloty, pomegranate, fruit quality, paper.
Abstract: We looked into bagging and spraying as potential methods for increasing the yield and quality of Manfaloty pomegranate trees. During the 2020 and 2021 seasons, 7-year-old trees were used in the investigation. They were grown in calcareous sandy soil at high temperatures. Six treatments were used to examine the effects on fruit yield and quality parameters at harvest time in the first week of September. These treatments included foliar spraying with kaolin and potassium silicate treatments, polypropylene bags and bagging with white and yellow paper. Results indicated that white paper bagging resulted in the lowest percentage of fruit cracking and sunburn compared to the control and other treatments. White paper bagging increased fruit yield, weight, length and diameter. Additionally, compared to the other treatments, the application of kaolin spray increased the biochemical contents of the fruit (TSS, total sugars, vitamin C, anthocyanin, and juice) while lowering acidity and tannins. We concluded that using kaolin spray and white paper bags could help increase the yield and quality of Manfaloty pomegranate grown under challenging conditions.
Department of Post Harvest Technology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala, India-680656. Corresponding e-mail: geethumsasikumar@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.67
Key words: Avocado, Persea americana Mill., genotypes, fruits, characterization, biochemical, morphological, oleic acid, fat
Abstract: Presently, in India, avocado cultivation is limited and scattered in southern and north eastern region of India. Many avocado genotypes are available in Kerala, which vary widely in terms of biochemical and morphological attributes. In the present study, 27 accessions (Acc.) were collected from different parts of Kerala, including high-altitude areas and plains. Wide variability in biochemical and morphological traits was observed among accessions collected from different locations. Acc. 11 had the highest vitamin C and Acc. 15 had highest protein content. The highest fat content was recorded in Acc. 7, while the highest oleic acid was recorded in Acc. 10. Acc. 25 reported the highest flavonoid and calcium content. Genotypes collected from Wayanad recorded comparatively higher values for vitamin C, phenols, potassium and crude fibre content. Protein, total fat and calcium contents were comparatively higher in genotypes collected from Idukki. Accessions 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 25 could be selected for future conservation, popularization and commercial cultivation based on their biochemical and morphological quality attributes.
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), EL-Behouth St., Dokki, Giza-12622, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: rehamsabry2000@hotmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.68
Key words: Lemon balm, Melissa officinals, plant extracts, growth, essential oil.
Abstract: Lemon balm (Melissa officinals) is one of the most valuable medicinal plants in herbal medicine. Bio-stimulants are likely to gain popularity as an alternative strategy for providing plants with nutrients, vitamins, and hormones that increase yield and quality. Field trials were conducted during two successive seasons, 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, to assess lemon balm's growth and essential oil response to natural plant extracts with various concentrations. Lemon balm plants were exposed to moringa leaf extract (1, 2, 3 %), pomegranate peel extract (0.5, 1, 1.5 %) and banana peel extract (1, 2, 3 %) as a foliar spray. Growth characters (plant height, fresh and dry weights /plant) and chemical contents (NPK and total carbohydrates) were recorded. Moringa extract at 3% surpassed, in most cases, other plant extracts in improving the vegetative growth traits of lemon balm. Banana peel extract was more effective in increasing oil percent than moringa or pomegranate extracts. Besides, all extracts caused increase in N,P,K and carbohydrates over control while they yielded volatile oil without significantly altering the quality.
1School of Agriculture, Swami Vivekananda University, Barrackpore, 70121, West Bengal, India. 2Department of Fruit Science, B.C.K.V. Mohanpur, Nadia, 741252, West Bengal, India. Corresponding e-mail: tsarkarbckv@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.69
Key words: Correlation studies, dendrogram, germplasms, morphological variation, PCA
Abstract: A total 28 traits enabled an assessment of the genetic variability of twenty-four guava genotypes. Many of these traits are significantly important and used for improvement programmes regarding fruit quality and yield. The TSS of fruit ranged from 8.57 0B (China genotype) to12.19 0B (Arka Kiran) and seed number/fruit 109.58 (Taiwan) to 303.67 (China genotype). Correlation studies revealed a strong positive correlation among quantitative traits related to fruit yield and quality while negative correlation between qualitative traits. Principal component analysis showed that the first three components with Eigen values could explain more than 76.99% of the total variation. PC1, PC2 and PC3 accounted for 41.15, 24.74 and 11.10%, respectively. Cluster analysis distinguished all the genotypes into three clusters/groups. The PCA and clustering analysis indicated a higher level of diversity in guava genotypes. Local cultivars such as Baruipur Local, Khaja, and Mohammad Khaja genotypes, as well as improved cultivars such as Arka Kiran, Philippines genotypes, were identified as having desirable fruit quality traits that could be used for commercialization and crop improvement.
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
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.72
Key words: Date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., pollination, hand pollination, pollen placement, fruit set, yield and quality.
Abstract: Date palm is a cross-pollinated perennial tree since it is a dioecious plant. Although natural pollination is feasible, artificial pollination is advised for a significantly higher yield and quality. In this study, the spikelet placement method of pollination was adopted, and different number of spikelets (one, three, five, seven, and nine) were placed in the female inflorescence of three date palm cvs., Khalas, Sheshi, and Barhi. The experiment was based on a two-factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. Although the highest spikelet load (nine) significantly affected all three cultivars' fruit set and yield-related characteristics, seven spikelets placed for pollination followed the higher attributes. The effect of spikelet loads alone did not significantly influence the fruit quality. All three date palm cultivars behaved independently and significantly differently for fruit set, yield, and physicochemical traits. The interaction of spikelet loads and cultivars showed that a higher spikelet load greatly influenced fruit yield and quality.
1Institute of Agroecology and Plant Production. 2Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Seed Production. 3Department of Botany and Plant Ecology. Wroc?aw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland, Corresponding e-mail: piotr.kuc@upwr.edu.pl
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i02.25
Key words: Seedling stimulation, plant development, essential oils, Salvia officinalis, Valeriana officinalis, Myconate® HB, formononetin
Abstract: The research aimed to demonstrate the effect of Myconate® HB (formononetin) on the growth, weight, nutrients and active compounds in Valeriana officinalis and Salvia officinalis. The research was carried out in the experimental field on brown soil. A univariate experiment was established using the randomised block design in four replications. The study showed that the use of Myconate® (Agrii Polska Sp. zoo.) on V. officinalis seedlings positively affected the weight of the aerial parts and roots, as well as on the content of dry matter and fiber. However, the content of total protein and nitrogen-free extracts was unfavourable. In the case of S. officinalis, the use of Myconate® also had a positive impact on the weight of the aboveground parts and roots and on the content of total protein and crude ash in the herb, while it negatively influenced the contents of dry matter, fiber and nitrogen-free extracts. Myconate®, however, did not affect the length of the phenological stages in the experimental plants. The percentage of essential oils increased during the vegetation period in both species in all the tested plots, while their statistically higher contents were observed from the full tillering stage in the plots sprayed with Myconate®.
ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bengaluru-560089. Corresponding e-mail: manjunath.bl@icar.gov.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i02.26
Key words: Benefit-cost ratio, irrigation side, papaya (Carica papaya L.), partial root zone drying, scheduling irrigation, water use efficiency
Abstract: A field experiment to standardize the partial root-zone drying irrigation in papaya (Carica papaya L.) cultivar ‘Red Lady’ indicated that replenishing 70 % of the evaporative demand and changing the irrigation sides once in 12 days stored higher soil moisture (14.6 %) in the root zone. Irrigation meeting 60 % ER found to enhance the photosynthetic rate (13.9µ mol/m2/s) significantly, while shifting the irrigation at 16 days was found to reduce the rate (9.9 µ mol/m2/s). ABA production increased with an increase in the interval between the changing irrigation sides. Vertical growth of roots was significantly higher (67.3 cm) when irrigation was scheduled meeting 60 % pan evaporation with irrigation side changing once in 16 days. Replenishing 60 % of evaporation recorded significantly higher number of fruits (46.1/plant) and further changing the irrigation sides once in 12 days found to yield considerably more papaya fruits (53 /plant) and total yield (32.4 kg/plant) accounting to 100 t/ha. This treatment also recorded substantially higher water use efficiency (100.4 kg/ha.mm), saving 14.3 % water. Further, scheduling irrigation at 60 % ER and changing the irrigation sides at 12 day intervals was found to be more economical with higher gross returns (Rs. 10,00,000), net returns (Rs. 6,09,340) and benefit-cost ratio (2.60).
1ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Imphal 795004, Manipur, India. 2Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan 731236, West Bengal, India. 3Central Horticultural Experiment Station, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bhubaneswar 751019, Odisha, India. Corresponding e-mail: manas.sahoo@icar.gov.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i02.27
Key words: Nitsch vitamin, MSB5, synseeds, organogenesis, genetic fidelity, Kachai lemon
Abstract: An efficient shoot and root organogenesis protocol has been developed from synseeds derived from various explants of Citrus jambhiri Lush. Optimum synseeds were developed using sodium alginate (0.5-0.75%) in 1.0% CaCl2 solution. Shoot organogenesis was examined under various basal vitamin mediums (MS Nitsch and MSB5) supplemented with various concentrations of adenine sulfate (ADS) and 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) from different explants such as cotyledonary junction, shoot tip, and nodal explants. The synseed regeneration response ranged between 60-100% among the vitamins, cytokinins and explants used. The number of shoots per synseeds was higher (13.4) in MSB5-BAP (1.5 mg L-1), followed by 12.8 in MSN-ADS (2.0 mg L-1), 11.2 in MSN-ADS (1.0 mg L-1), and 10.8 in MSB5-ADS (1.0 mg L-1) from the synseeds developed using 0.75% sodium alginate. The mean number of roots per explant was higher (4.2) in ½MSN+IAA (1.0 mg L-1). Similarly, the mean root length was higher (5.2 cm) in ½MSN+IAA (0.5 mg L-1) followed by 4.2 cm in ½MSN+IAA (1.0 mg L-1). Regenerants derived from synseeds have shown no somaclonal variations, confirming that the plantlets are true-to-type to their parental progenies. The encapsulated plantlets showed >90% survivability while transferred at Kachai village, Manipur, India. The results of the present study encourage the use of various vitamin mediums and explants for large-scale propagation of C. jambhiri through synseeds.
1Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Green Fields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, AP, India. 2S.R. University, Warangal, Telangana, India. Corresponding e-mail: rameshdamarla2009@gmail.com.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i02.29
Key words: Apple (Malus Domestica Borkh), pre-cooling, cooling kinetics, un-steady state, controlled atmosphere storage (cas)
Abstract: The objective of the present investigation was to model the rate of cooling of apples in a fruit storage unit using forced air pre-cooling. Apples of Royal, Red, Rich-a-red and Golden Delicious varieties were procured from Shimla and Royal Delicious from the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh, India. Apples were transported in refrigerated and non-refrigerated vehicles. After grading and sorting on a fully automatic machine, the apples were subjected to a cooling process. Apples were placed in perforated plastic crates and stacked in a controlled atmosphere chamber of 720 m3 capacity. Temperature profiles of apples were recorded with a programmable logic controller connected to sensors. The effect of variety, initial apple temperature, and fruit quantity per chamber on the cooling rate were investigated. Initial fruit temperature significantly affected the cooling time. The apple variety did not significantly affect the cooling time, except that slow cooling was observed for golden delicious in the last cooling stage. Varied masses of apples resulted in a proportionate increase in cooling time. Cooling times were 132, 113, 78, and 65 hours for a mass of 165, 150, 140, and 130 Metric Tons (MT), respectively. Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.970 to 0.979 for different varieties. The rate of cooling with apple mass was modeled with linear, exponential, and polynomial and found to best fit with the exponential model with R2 values of 0.99, 0.96, 0.95, 0.966 for 165, 150, 140, and 130 MT, respectively. The time taken to cool 150 MT of apples was 97, 114, and 147 hours from an initial temperature of 35.2, 28.4, and 15.6oC, respectively. The drop rate was exponential, with R2 values in the range of 0.936 to 0.973.
1Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran. 2Faculty of Economics and Agricultural Development, University of Tehran, Iran. Corresponding e-mail: hseinim@ut.ac.ir
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i02.30
Key words: Educational extension, extension performance, sustainability, public extension services, private extension services
Abstract: The present study aimed at evaluating prominent factors that affect the sustainability of horticultural private extension services (SHPES) and the continuous flow of their activities from the perspective of public sector experts. The study sample consisted of 148 public sector experts who were selected through stratified random sampling. A questionnaire was utilized for data collection. Validity was confirmed by face validity, convergent validity, and content validity. The results showed that infrastructure, educational extension, and economic factors had the most positive and significant effects on the SHPES and the continuity of their activities. The result of the calculated goodness-of-fit index (0.718) revealed that the model provided an excellent fit for the data. Also, the structures and factors explained 78% of the variance of the SHPES. The present study showed how management, economic, socio-cultural, policy, infrastructure, and educational factors influence SHPES.