1Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, RVSKVV College of Horticulture, Mandsaur-458001 (Madhya Pradesh) India. 2RVSKVV Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Agar Malwa-465441 (Madhya Pradesh) India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i01.10
Key words: Growth, isabgol, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, yield
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Abstract: An experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2015-16 at Horticulture Experimental Farm, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh) to study the effect of different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on growth and yield of isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk) using randomized block design with 3 replications. There were 9 treatments in the experiment viz., 30:15:10 kg NPK ha-1, 30:15:20 kg NPK ha-1, 30:30:10 kg NPK ha-1, 30:30:20 kg NPK ha-1, 60:15:10 kg NPK ha-1, 60:15:20 kg NPK ha-1, 60:30:10 kg NPK ha-1, 60:30:20 kg NPK ha-1 and absolute control. Results revealed that application of 60:30:20 kg NPK ha-1 gave significantly higher value of growth, and yield attributes and economics as compared to other treatments.
1Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh. 2Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan, Bhutan. Corresponding e-mail: hgiri@afu.edu.np
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i01.11
Key words: Key word: Cauliflower, technical efficiency, farmer, agriculture, Bangladesh
Abstract: The research was conducted to explore the technical efficiency of the cauliflower production in Savar and Keraniganj Upazila of Dhaka district, Bangladesh by applying the stochastic production frontier approach. Primary data were collected from 120 households cultivating the cauliflower following the face to face interview by using a structured questionnaire. The estimated results revealed that the mean technical efficiency was 85 % which implies that the household cultivating the cauliflower can increase the revenue by 15 % at given level of resources. Lastly, the inefficiency model suggested that the seedlings of improved varieties, more access to market information, and better training and extension service can minimize the farm level inefficiency.
1College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P.R. China. 2Department of Management and Finance, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh. 3 Department of Agribusiness and Marketing, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.4Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i01.12
Key words: Asset ownership, Bangladesh, empowerment, income, vegetable
Abstract: Use of homestead gardening in developing countries may be a method for improving income and employment of rural women, but determinants for adoption by women are not well understood. The study identified determinants of adoption of homestead gardening and its effect on income and decision making power of women. A total of 150 adopter and non-adopter women were interviewed and the Mann-Whitney test, and probit model was used to analyze data. Age, years of education, training, farm size, and income influenced the adoption of homestead gardening. Annual income in adopters were 40 % more than non-adopters. Women involved in homestead gardening increased household food production and income which helped them to contribute in decision making and could improve the status of women in the society.
1Vegetable Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt. 2Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University, El Minia, Eg-61517, Egypt.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i01.13
Key words: Artichoke, GA3, chitosan, garlic extract, moringa leaves extract, salicylic acid
Abstract: Two field experiments were carried out during two successive winter seasons of (2018/2019-2019/2020). The purpose of these experiments was to investigate the response of globe artichoke (French cultivar) plants to foliar spray with each of GA3, chitosan, garlic extract, moringa leaves extract or salicylic acid or the combination of each material with GA3. Plant parameters of vegetative growth, earliness, yield quantity and quality as well as some chemical composition were recorded. The results indicated that spraying plants with moringa leaves extract increased vegetative growth i.e. plant height, number of shoots, leaf length and leaf width compared to control plants and other treatments in both seasons. GA3 + moringa leaves extract ranked second. The same results were obtained with yield parameters (early, middle, late and total) by moringa leaves extract. The lowest values were obtained from control plants treatments for all studied characters. The results indicate that there were significant effects of the interaction treatments i.e., GA3 + chitosan, GA3 + garlic extract, GA3 + moringa leaves extract or GA3 + salicylic acid where the highest values were obtained from GA3 + moringa leaves extract treatment compared with all other interaction treatments. It can be concluded that a foliar spray application of moringa leaves extract or the combination of GA3 + moringa leaves extract is more suitable strategy for artichoke yield improvement under quite similar environmental conditions.
Department of Horticulture Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Mizoram University- Aizawl, Mizoram 796004.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i01.14
Key words: Nanofertilizers, chitosan, chlorophyll, nanozeolite, proliferation, food security
Abstract: Current horticultural practices are being upgraded and updated by use of various technologies including nanotechnology. Use of nanotechnology for developing nanofertilizers could improve the nutrient use ef?ciencies, reduce nutrient loss, replenish soil fertility, increase crop yield, maintain ecosystem, soil health and curtail serious soil problems. Nano-fertilizers are formulated to deliver and emit nutrient tardily and deliberately. Regular release of nutrients by nanofertilizers help in augmenting nutrient use efficiency beyond several related adverse outcome. Nanofertilizers may increase the fruit yield and quality of various horticultural crops which will inturn increase the nutritive content of products as well as increase the global food security. The present review discuses different aspects of nanofertilizer application in horticulture.
Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Faculty Centre for Agriculture, Rural and Tribal Development, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Morabadi, Ranchi-834008, Jharkhand, India,
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i01.15
Key words: Garden pea, Pisum sativum var. hortense, Sanjeevani, Shasyagavya, growth, yield, quality
Abstract: Garden pea is one of the most popular winter vegetables in India and the south Chhotanagpur plateau of eastern India is well-known for its quality production. However, indiscriminate uses of different agrochemicals in the production cycle of the crop reduces its quality. Besides, the high cost concerning chemical farming is practically out of reach to the small and marginal farmers of the eastern Indian plateau. In this context, low-cost involving alternative approach of organic farming that has the potential to produce quality yield is gaining popularity. The experiment consisted of seven commonly cultivated garden pea varieties of the region, namely, V1:GS-10, V2: HAEP-1, V3: HAEP-2, V4: Swarna Mukti, V5: Swarna Amar, V6: Azad Pea-3 and V7: Azad Pea-1 grown through the application of three organic liquid manures viz. T1: Shasyagavya (10 %); T2: Sanjeevani (10 %); T3: Enriched Sanjeevani (10 %) and including control (T4 ) where no liquid formulation was applied during rabi growing season of two consecutive years (2017-18 and 2018-19) by adopting Factorial RBD experimental design. Different growth, yield, and quality attributing characters of the crop were studied and found to be significant under different treatments. Results revealed that V5 is the best-performing variety in terms of green pod yield (19.55t ha-1). However, when treatment and varietal interactions were taken into consideration, T3V6 was the best combination with green pod yield of 23.10 t ha-1. Quality attributes like TSS, starch, protein and ascorbic acid content of green peas performed significantly better independently under different treatments than control. From the findings, it may be concluded that Swarna Amar and Azad Pea-3 were highly responsive to organic liquid manure especially ‘Enriched Sanjeevani’ in terms of their growth, yield and quality traits expressions in the south Chhotanagpur plateau of eastern India.
Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i01.16
Key words: Tomato price, price forecasting; artificial neural networks, support vector machines; efficiency comparison
Abstract: A reliable forecast of the prices of agricultural commodities can help to allocate resources optimally, enhance efficiency and farmer income, and alleviate fluctuations. Given the importance of accurate forecasts, the present paper investigates how one can forecast greenhouse tomato prices one, two, three, and six-month horizons using different support vector machines and artificial neural network algorithms. The data on variables affecting the price of greenhouse tomatoes were collected through a field study for a short-term period from November 2014 to January 2017. The wholesale price of the crop was drawn from a market study for this period. The results show that the trend forecasted through General Regression Neural Network along with activating function of reciprocal is more efficient to estimate the training data. The Epsilon-SVR SVM acquisition pattern alongside the linear activating function was taken into consideration to estimate the testing data in an efficient way for two-month, three-month or biannual periods.
Mahyco Research Centre, Mahyco Private Limited, Jalna-Aurangabad Road, Dawalwadi, Jalna 431203, Maharashtra, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i01.17
Key words: Okra anther culture, microspores, callus, primary shoots
Abstract: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench), also known as “lady’s finger”, belonging to the Malvaceae family, is an alloploid. Availability of haploids and doubled haploid lines are essential for the development of improved okra hybrid varieties. Anthers were excised from flower buds at different stages. The ability to produce haploid callus or somatic embryogenesis and thereby, regenerate into haploid plants was investigated. Several factors, such as flower buds initiation time, type of media and plant growth regulator combinations have been evaluated. The flower buds of different sizes were dissected to determine stages of development before subjecting to various pre-treatments and then the anthers. These were cultured on different PGR combinations (NAA, IAA, 2,4-D, KIN, BAP, IBA, ZTN, 2iP, GA3 and TDZ) and various concentrations. The cultures were incubated in both dark and light conditions. The suitable developmental stage of microspore for callus induction was obtained from 12 mm length of flower buds in okra for calli and root development. The effect of flower bud initiation time was an important factor in anther cultures. The media, MSNB, gave highest percentage (95 %) of callus induction. Incubation for 28 days in dark gave highest percentage (92.5 %) of callus induction. The ultimate aim of this study was to investigate the potential of okra anther culture. The study will ultimately help in double haploid development for faster crop improvement.
Punjab Agricultural University, Fruit Research Station, Jallowal-Lesriwal, Jalandhar-144303, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i01.18
Key words: Citrus, rootstock, nursery performance, budding success
Abstract: A study was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Fruit Research Station, Jallowal-Lesriwal, Jalandhar during 2016-17 to evaluate nursery performance of different exotic rootstocks and their budding compatibility with Kinnow mandarin. The seeds of exotic rootstocks: Swingle citrumelo, Rich 16-6, Rubidoux trifoliate (RTF), US-852, Benton citrange, Troyer citrange, Kuharsuke citrange, C-35 citrange, X-639, Carrizo citrange, Gou Tou, Shin Chu Sha, Rangpur Lime, Volkameriana lemon and Rough lemon were sown in protrays and later transplanted in poly-bags under protected conditions. The results of the experiment revealed that maximum plant height and stem thickness was recorded in C-35 citrange and Swingle citrumelo, respectively. Number of leaves/plant was highest in X-639. Root length and thickness at buddable stage were highest in Volkameriana lemon and Benton citrange, respectively. Fresh and dry root weight was maximum in Rangpur lime rootstock. Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) was budded on all the rootstocks under study and highest budding success was recorded in Rough lemon followed by Volkameriana lemon, Rangpur lime and Kuharsuke citrange. It was concluded that Volkameriana lemon, Kuharsuke citrange and Rangpur lime can also be explored as potential rootstocks along with Rough lemon for raising the nursery of Kinnow mandarin under protected conditions in Punjab. However, their long term effects on fruit yield and quality along with stionic compatibility should also be critically taken into consideration before any commercial recommendation.
1Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Malappuram-679 573, Kerala, India. 2College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur-680 656, Kerala, India. 3Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi-682 508, Kerala, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.31
Key words: Tender jackfruit, near infrared reflectance spectroscopy, regression, reference method, quality, non-destructive, firmness, toughness
Abstract: Value addition of fresh tender jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) for vegetable purpose has gained much popularity due to its inherent nutritional and health benefits. For industries involved in value addition of tender jackfruit, rapid characterization of raw material is essential for screening and routine quality evaluation. But, conventional reference methods of quality evaluation are not suitable as they involve the use of chemicals, expensive, laborious and time consuming subject to the number of samples to be analyzed. As a promising alternative, the present study examined the performance of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a novel approach to estimate pH, total soluble solid, titrable acidity, firmness and toughness of tender jackfruit. Partial least square regression (PLSR) models were used to establish linkage between reflectance spectra (1100-2450 nm) and quality attributes of fresh tender jackfruit. Based on residual prediction deviation (RPD) criteria, accuracy of PLSR model of titrable acidity was noted to be excellent (RPD=3.96) while good estimation was possible in case of firmness-tendril (RPD=2.61). Accuracy level suitable for coarse quantitative estimation (RPD=2.12) was noted in case of total soluble solids. The PLSR models of all other attributes were found to be capable of discriminating their low and high values (1.5
1Technology of Agriculture Industry, Agriculture Technology Faculty, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia, 2Present address: Agriculture Technology Faculty, Udayana University, Bukit Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung, Bali (80361), Indonesia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.32
Key words: Bio-plastic composites, modified cassava starch, glucomannan, fillers
Abstract: The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of variations in filler types, the addition of fillers and their interactions on the characteristics of bio-plastic composites from modified cassava starch-glucomannan, and determine the type and addition of fillers that produce the best bio-plastic composite characteristics of modified cassava starch-glucomannan. This research applied a randomized block design with factorial experiments using two factors consisted of the type of filler (ZnO, CMC and chitosan) and the addition of fillers (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 g), with the total of 18 combination treatments. Each combination treatment was grouped into 4 based on the processing time of making bio-plastic composites. The variables observed were tensile strength, elongation at break, Young’s modulus, swelling, degradation time of bio-plastic composites, surface profiles using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and functional groups using FTIR spectrometers. The results showed that the type, the addition of fillers and their interactions had a very significant effect on tensile strength, elongation, Young’s modulus, swelling, and degradation time of bio-plastic composites from modified glucomannan cassava starch. Bio-plastic composites from modified cassava-glucomannan starch using ZnO with the addition of 0.6-1.0 g had the best characteristics compared to others with tensile strength values ??reaching 2012.45-2022.23 MPa, elongation at break 8.12-8.65 %, Young’s modulus 23.265.32 - 24,904.31 MPa, swelling 9.52-9.72 %, and degradation time of 6.25 days. Transverse surface profiles showed a smooth wave surface, there were not any holes or pores and visible fibers, while longitudinal surface profiles showed a fewer holes or pores and more smooth surface with not too high waves. In addition, these bio-plastic composites contained functional groups (O-H) and (C-H).
1Field Crops Directorate, National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), P.O. Box 19831, Baqa’, Jordan. 2Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), P.O. Box 3030, 22110, Irbid, Jordan.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.33
Key words: Pollen, storage, pistachio, cultivars, viability, germination
Abstract: This study was conducted to examine the effect of storage temperature and duration on viability and in vitro germination of pollen grains of seven pistachio cultivars. Pollens were stored at room temperature (24±2 oC), refrigerator (4 oC) and freezer (-5 oC) for 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks. Pollen viability was estimated by using staining methods including tetrazolium test (TTC), iodine and potassium iodine (IKI) and safranin solutions, and using an in vitro pollen germination. The results showed that at all storage methods and durations, pollen viability and in vitro pollen germination were significantly the highest for Batouri and Ashouri cultivars and the lowest for Marawhi and Elemi cultivars. The highest pollen viability as estimated by safranin staining was attained when pollens were stored under freezer condition. However, pollen viability by TTC was the lowest at room temperature storage. In addition, in vitro pollen germination and viability significantly decreased as storage duration increased. This study revealed no differences between in vitro germination percentages for refrigerated and freezer stored pollen up to 2 weeks. Meanwhile, in vitro germination of room-stored pollen was gradually decreased when storage duration increased. At the end of storage period, pollen viability was reduced slightly under freezer conditions, whereas, the reduction in viability was the highest for refrigerated and room-stored pollen with no differences between them. This study showed a significant interaction effect of cultivar x storage temperature x storage duration on pollen viability but not for in vitro pollen germination.
1Doctoral Program in Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University. 2Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Udayana University, Indonesia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.34
Key words: Edible coating, Aloe vera gel, self-life, mango
Abstract: Fresh-cut mango is a very popular product commonly consumed due to its health and safety benefits to the community. The cutting results in increased respiration, ethylene production, oxidation, and browning processes which tends to shorten its life. Edible coating of aloe gel (Ecogel) serves as an additive matrix to extend the life of fresh-cut mango with the incorporation of antioxidant, acidulant, and antimicrobial additives. The edible coating ability is strongly influenced by molecular structure, size, and chemical constituents.This study, therefore, aimed to determine the influence of incorporation nano-additive material and its concentration in ecogel to extend the shelf life of the mango. The factorial complete randomized design was used to determine the effect of citric, ascorbic, and potassium sorbate acid using a concentration of 0.15, 0.3, and 0.45 %. Citric acid, ascorbic acid and potassium sorbate at a concentration of 0.15 %, was best for formulation of Ecogel. The quality of fresh-cut fruit coated with Ecogel was acceptable at a temperature of 7 ± 1 ?C until day 6. Therefore, Ecogel prolongs the shelf-life of fresh-cut mango.
Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.35
Key words: Flower senescence, Narcissus tazetta, postharvest life, relative fresh weight, total soluble sugar, water uptake
Abstract: The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and selenium (Se) on postharvest quality and the vase life of Narcissus tazetta were investigated. A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with 1-MCP at concentrations of 0, 0.5, and 1 µL L-1 and Se at 0, 1 and 2 mg L-1 with 3 replicates (4 cut flowers per each replicate) was conducted. The results showed that treatment of cut flowers with 1-MCP and Se significantly increased the vase life, water uptake and relative fresh weight of cut N. tazetta cut flowers. Fresh weight of flower increased from 0.58 (control) to 0.92 g using 1 µL L-1 1-MCP treatment. Total soluble solids (TSS) and total soluble sugar of flowers treated with all the levels of 1-MCP and Se significantly decreased as compared to control. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of treated cut flowers with 1-MCP and Se were significantly increased in comparison to the control. The highest (13.41 days) vase live was obtained in 1 µL L-1 1-MCP treatment. The study revealed that application of 1-MCP and Se delayed senescence symptoms resulting extended vase life and postharvest quality of N. tazetta cut flowers.
1Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University. P.O. Box: 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya. 2Department of Crop Sciences, College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 210 Musanze, Rwanda.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.36
Key words: Antibacterial activity, botanicals, growth inhibition zone, minimum inhibitory concentration, potato, Ralstonia solanacearum
Abstract: Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum Smith is the most severe potato disease in Rwanda because there is no known pesticide for it and cultural control methods seem almost impossible to implement. Therefore, use of plant extracts with antibacterial activities which are locally available, economically affordable and environmental friendly could be an alternative in the management of the disease. This research focused on in vitro screening of the antibacterial activity of methanol, water and chloroform extracts of ten local plant materials against the pathogen. From this screening, methanol and water extracts of three promising plant species, i.e., tobacco, wild marigold and garlic were also used for determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results showed higher inhibition zone of methanol extracts (16.85 mm) against bacteria followed by water (14.42 mm) and chloroform (14.19 mm) extracts. All ten plant extracts inhibited the growth of the pathogen. Higher antibacterial activity was found in tobacco, wild marigold and garlic extracts (19.61, 18.56, and 18.3 mm inhibition zones, respectively). Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of methanol extracts from tobacco and wild marigold was 6.25 mg mL-1 whereas, garlic methanol extract was 12.5 mg mL-1. Furthermore, MIC of water extract was 12.5 mg/mL-1 in all three plant species. The findings revealed that tobacco, garlic and wild marigold extracts are the best in the control of potato bacterial wilt. Moreover, methanol extracts are the most efficient in management of potato bacterial wilt in comparison to water and chloroform extracts.