Department of Floriculture & Landscape Architecture, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173230, H.P, India. Corresponding e-mail: ashnaacharya1997@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.41
Key words: Festuca rubra L., Lolium perenne L., Cynodon dactylon [L] Pers., Agrostis stolonifera L., mono-stand, mixture, establishment, texture, diseases, presentability
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Abstract: Lawn performs best with minimum inputs when grown in mixtures using more than a single grass specie. A study was conducted under open field conditions to evaluate the performance of four lawn grass species as mono-stand and in mixtures under mid-hill conditions at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) during March, 2020 to March, 2021. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with twelve treatments and three replications. Data was recorded at fortnight intervals for total weed count, chlorophyll content, number of mowing, and overall presentability just after turf establishment. It was observed that all turf grass mixtures, performed better than the monostands, during the entire course of the study. Turf grass mixture (50% ‘Agrostis stolonifera’ + 20% ‘Festuca rubra’ + 20% ‘Lolium perenne’ + 10% ‘Cynodon dactylon)’ required least number of mowing and was presentable throughout the year attaining highest presentability score of 22.98.
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India. Corresponding e-mail: singh_markandey@yahoo.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.42
Key words: LA hybrid lilium (Lilim longiflorum× Lilium asiatica), cultivar ‘Masai’, RGR, partitioning rate, bulb and bulblets, fresh weight and dry weight.
Abstract: LA hybrid lilium cv. ‘Masai’ bulbs were grown over two consecutive growth seasons in a net house to enhance the yield of high-quality bulbs and bulblets, utilizing both organic and inorganic nutrients. The experiment tested five levels of organic manure (FYM) (0, 10, 15, 20, and 25 t ha-1) and inorganic fertilizers (0, 40+30+25, 80+60+50, 120+90+75, and 160+120+100 N+P2O5+K2O kg ha-1). It assessed both individual and combined effects of nutrient sources, concluding that their combined application was most beneficial. Treatment T24, comprising 25 t FYM with 160 kg N, 120 kg P2O5, and 100 kg K2O ha-1, proved to be the most effective. The study revealed that treatment T24 resulted in the largest bulb circumference, the highest number of bulblets per plant, the greatest bulblet circumference, and the highest fresh and dry weights of both bulbs and bulblets per plant. It also led to the best relative growth rate (RGR) of the bulb, as well as the most efficient partitioning rates at both the flowering and harvest stages. Treatment T23 notably influenced the fresh and dry weights of the bulblets. The data suggest that T24 produces bulbs and bulblets of superior quality compared to other treatments, making it a viable choice for the commercial cultivation of quality LA hybrid lilium bulbs and bulblets in the plains of India.
1Department of Vegetable Science, 2Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, 3Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, 4Department of Nematology, 5 Department of Plant Pathology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Corresponding e-mail: tharanisekar1214@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.43
Key words: PCA, diversity, tomato, correlation, Multivariate analysis
Abstract: Tomatoes represent a highly diverse crop renowned for their nutritional properties and extensive cultivation. Their abundant reserves of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibres, essential amino acids, and organic acids make them crucial nutrient sources across various contexts. Particularly noteworthy are their substantial levels of vitamin A and C, essential minerals, and pigments such as beta-carotene and lycopene, highlighting their biotechnological importance. The exploration of tomatoes’ genetic potential is essential for harnessing their inherent variability in breeding endeavours. In this present investigation, 27 distinct tomato parents and hybrids underwent principal component analysis (PCA) based on twenty diverse traits related to both yield and quality. The analysis identified eight principal components, collectively accounting for 80.4% of the variance. Constructing a bi-plot using the initial two principal components revealed that parents and hybrids CBESL160, CBESL164, CBESL168, H4xH5, H1xH5, and H5xH7 exhibited significant genetic divergence, dispersing across all quadrants. These genetic variations, categorized within PC1 and PC2, are potentially valuable additions to initiatives aimed at boosting crop yields through breeding efforts. Several traits, including growth habit, leaflet dimensions, fruit characteristics, and soluble solids content, demonstrated notable and statistically significant associations with yield per plant. Engaging Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering and PCA, parents and hybrids CBESL160, CBESL164, CBESL168, H4xH5, H1xH5, and H5xH7 emerged as the most diverse parents and hybrids, offering potential avenues for further advancements in breeding efforts.
1Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh. 2Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh. Corresponding e-mail: jasimhort@sau.edu.bd
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.44
Key words: Microgreens, LED, light spectrums, control farming
Abstract: Carefully selecting the appropriate lighting is vital for indoor farming systems to ensure sustainable agriculture and the production of microgreens rich in health-beneficial phytochemicals. This study aimed to investigate the impact of various light spectrums on the growth and nutritional composition of microgreens. The experiment focused on a single factor: five different concentrations of LED lights, specifically White light (L1) at 100%, Red light (L2) at 100%, Blue light (L3) at 100%, Red and Blue light (L4) at a 70:30 ratio, and Red, Green, and Blue light (L5) at a 70:10:20 ratio. Four microgreen crops were used: Mustard (C1), Lettuce (C2), Radish (C3), and Broccoli (C4). The results showed that the hypocotyl lengths of C1, C2, C3, and C4 were higher under the L4 light treatment (70:30 Red and Blue), measuring 10.53 cm, 8.47 cm, 15.23 cm, and 11.43 cm, respectively. The shorter hypocotyl lengths of 7.67, 5.53, 11.2 and 7.73 cm were observed under the L1 (White light) condition. The greater fresh weights for C1, C2, C3, and C4 (0.1 kg each) and yields (0.115 kg, 0.110 kg, 0.135 kg, and 0.125 kg, respectively) were also obtained under the L4 light condition. The higher SPAD values for C1 (38.2 nm), C2 (16.9 nm), C3 (55.3 nm), and C4 (49.9 nm) were recorded with the L4 light treatment. Additional findings included potassium content for C1 (0.19%), C2 (0.19%), C3 (0.22%), and C4 (0.16%), and antioxidant capacity for C1 (0.22%), C2 (0.23%), C3 (0.19%), and C4 (0.18%). The higher gross income was achieved with the L4C1, L4C2, L4C3, and L4C4 treatments, while the lower was with the L1C1, L1C2, L1C3, and L1C4 treatments. The benefit-cost ratios were higher (4.1, 3.9, 4.9, and 4.5) for the L4C1, L4C2, L4C3, and L4C4 treatments, respectively. Therefore, a 70:30 Red and Blue light combination (L4) can be used profitably in indoor farming to maximize growth, yield, and nutritional content of microgreens.
1S.V. Agricultural College, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh-517502, India. 2University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka-580005, India. Corresponding e-mail: m.pradeep@angrau.ac.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.45
Key words: Bacteriophages, Ralstonia solanacearum, phage therapy, biocontrol, solanaceous crops
Abstract: Bacteriophages offer an effective biocontrol strategy, presenting an environmentally friendly alternative to combat the issues of antibiotic and copper-based bactericide resistance in bacterial phytopathogens. In this study, two phages targeting Ralstonia solanacearun (designated as ?Rspv1 and ?Rspv2) were identified as potential biocontrol agents against solanaceous wilt, a highly destructive disease causing significant economic losses globally. Both phages demonstrated resistance to chloroform, while ?Rspv1 exhibited a broader host range compared to ?Rspv2 across five isolates of R. solanaceraum. The replication cycle for ?Rspv2 was determined to be 90 min. for a single growth cycle, with a burst size of 85 PFU per cell. Morphologically, ?Rspv1 featured icosahedral heads with long tails, characteristic of the Myoviridae family, whereas ?Rspv2 displayed a filamentous particle shape typical of Inoviridae viruses. Additionally, a Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis using four random primers revealed a diverse nature of the two phages, suggesting their potential utility in disease management strategies. This research unveils two novel virulent phages, and their characterization highlights promising for phage therapy with future investigations aim to field level evaluation against R. solanacearum.
College of Food Technology, VNMKV., Parbhani – 431402, Maharashtra, India. Corresponding e-mail: vaishulande18@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.46
Key words: Dragon fruit, betacyanin, total phenolic content, pulp, juice
Abstract: To ascertain their potential applications in the food industry, dragon fruit varieties, namely H. undatus and H. polyrhizus, were thoroughly analyzed for their physical, nutritional, and phytochemical properties. The focus was on pulp and juice, emphasizing color, mineral content, proximate analysis, and phytochemical constituents. Red flesh dragon fruit displayed a bright pink color, a slightly smaller length (9.1 cm), and a larger diameter (8.3 cm) compared to white flesh dragon fruit (9.9 cm length, 7.53 cm diameter). Red flesh dragon fruit also exhibited higher circumference and weight. White flesh dragon fruit demonstrated superior juice yield (36.23 %) compared to red flesh dragon fruit (35.28 %). Red flesh dragon fruit had higher levels of total sugar (8.45 %), protein (1.36 %), and ascorbic acid (19.83 mg/100g) in its pulp. It also showed elevated mineral content of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Conversely, white flesh dragon fruit had higher fat content (0.65 %) and carbohydrate content (9.76 %) in its pulp. White flesh dragon fruit displayed brighter color characteristics with higher L*, a*, and b* values. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of betacyanin in red flesh dragon fruit (30.87 mg/100g) but not in white flesh dragon fruit. Red flesh dragon fruit exhibited significantly higher total phenolic content in pulp (49.67 mg GA/100g) and juice (41.25 mg GA/100g) than white flesh dragon fruit. These findings highlight substantial differences (P < 0.05) between red and white flesh dragon fruit in physical, nutritional, and phytochemical aspects, offering valuable insights for their incorporation into diverse food products, such as beverages and ice cream.
1Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samastipur, Dr.Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, India- 848113. 2Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Madhepura, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, India-852113. 3Krishi Vigyan Kendra, West Kameng Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, India-790101. Corresponding e-mail: sanchita.ghosh@rpcau.ac.in.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.47
Key words: Kharif onion, Allium cepa L. Bhima Super, technology index, extension gap, yield, adoption
Abstract: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the technology of kharif onion production with the use of improved kharif onion variety Bhima Super during kharif seasons of the years 2020–2021 and 2022–2023 at farmer’s field of various locations under the guidance of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Birauli, Samastipur, Bihar. The investigation included measures like yield and economic performance, technology gap, extension gap, frontline demonstration technology index, and respondent farmer’s degree of adoption of the demonstration. Over the course of the study’s two years, it was found that there was a 19.74% enhancement in bulb yield above local check and that the average B:C ratio under the demonstration plot was 3.98 which was higher than that of control plots 2.19. When enhanced quality seed was adopted, the extent of adoption increased to 47.12 percent. The study displays the technology index (22.64%), the average technical gap (81.22 q/ha), and the extension gap (62.98 q/ha). Current research highlights the potentiality of frontline demonstration for dissemination of technology at the grassroots level.
Department of Food Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar-125021, Haryana, India. Corresponding e-mail: bhatiamamta09@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.48
Key words: Antifungal, mucormycosis, Rhizopus arrhizus, Rhizopus stolonifer, soft rot, spices.
Abstract: Rhizopus arrhizus and Rhizopus stolonifer are pathogenic fungi responsible for causing ‘soft rot’ disease in fruits and vegetables, as well as life-threatening ‘mucormycosis’ in animals and humans, especially immunocompromised hosts. The use of synthetic fungicides and chemical preservatives to inhibit microbes is being challenged due to their toxic effects on human health and the environment. This has prompted researchers to investigate novel antimicrobials that are natural and safe. Current study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activities of essential oils (EOs), powdered (PWD) forms, and water extracts (WEs) of ten Indian dietary spices (Allium sativum (Als), Brassica nigra (Brn), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ciz), Cuminum cyminum (Cuc), Curcuma longa (Cul), Mentha piperita (Mep), Ocimum sanctum (Ocs), Syzygium aromaticum (Sya), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Trf), and Zingiber officinale (Zio)) against R. arrhizus (NCIM877) and R. stolonifer (NCIM1139). Spice agar method was used for investigating antifungal potential of PWD spices. Impregnated paper disc method and broth dilution technique were followed for screening the antifungal activities of EOs and WEs. Results revealed that EOs of six spices (Als, Brn, Ciz, Cuc, Mep, Sya), and PWD forms of four spices (Brn, Ciz, Cuc, Sya) inhibited the growth of both fungi in culture media, effectively. WEs of all ten spices remained ineffective in arresting the growth of tested fungal strains. R. stolonifer was found more sensitive compared to R. arrhizus towards tested substances. Based on these findings, further in vivo studies on PWD forms of Ccb, Ccm, and Sya and EOs of Als, Brn, Ccb, Ccm, Mep, Ocs and Sya may establish spices as ‘botanical antimicrobials’ to prolong the shelf life of valuable horticultural crops by arresting the growth of R. arrhizus and R. stolonifer.
1ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Kakori, Lucknow-226101. 2Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. Corresponding e-mail: maneesh.mishra@icar.gov.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.49
Key words: Excision, micropropagation, multiplication, proliferation.
Abstract: Micropropagation technology has been commercially exploited for mass multiplication of banana. Several parameters such as nutrient media, explants, culture conditions etc have been standardized. However, a novel in vitro shoot excision technique designed to enhance the proliferation rate of banana cv. Chini Champa has been examined for the first time. We meticulously examined the impact of excision angles (45º and 90º) and excision site (Tip, middle and base) during shoot proliferation stage. Our findings unequivocally demonstrate that employing a 45º angle excision and tip excision yield the highest multiplication rates and biomass accumulation, surpassing other excision angles and methods. The substantial enhancement in shoot numbers, growth and biomass underscores the potential of this technique for improving banana propagation protocols, offering a valuable tool for sustainable banana production.
1ICAR – Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal – 132001. 2Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra – 136119. Corresponding e-mail: a.r.sharma98134@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.50
Key words: Sandalwood, host species, traits, salinity, Na+/K+ ratio
Abstract: Being a semi-root parasitic nature, sandalwood steals water and nutrients from host species. Therefore, it is crucial to research the influence of salinity stress on host-parasite relationships both theoretically and practically, for the successful establishment of sandalwood plantations. To find out the best suited host species for sandalwood, a RBD experiment was conducted to identify the effect of salt stress on sandalwood planted with two selected host species (Alternanthera sp. and Azadirachata indica) and without host species. After 300 days of establishment, morphological traits were recorded and noted that plant height, collar diameter and root length was higher in Azadirachta indica as compared to other host species. Significant reduction in morphological traits was recorded under salt stress condition. Similarly, higher root biomass was noted in Azadirachta indica under control as well as in saline conditions. On the other side, shoot biomass was higher in sandalwood grown with Alternanthera sp. Sandalwood grown in the absence of host plant showed no survival under salinity stress. Plant water traits were higher when sandalwood cultivated with A. indica while lowest in sandalwood grown in the absence of host species. Na+/K+ ratio and other nutrients (viz., Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) was higher sandalwood planted with A. indica while poorer in Sandalwood planted without host species. The results revealed that A. indica could be best host for sandalwood under stress as well as control conditions which enhances the growth and physiology of sandalwood.
Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Corresponding e-mail: prabhatmahour@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.51
Key words: Microwave-assisted extraction, unripe bael, optimization, pectin, characterization
Abstract: In this study, pectin was extracted from unripe bael using a microwave-assisted extraction technique. Optimization was done based on independent and dependent parameters. Pectin yield was the dependent variable in the study, whereas the independent factors were microwave power, time, and solid solvent ratio. Pectin extraction was carried out using different combinations of microwave power (180, 360, 540 watts), time (1, 2, 3 minutes), and the ratio of solid-solvent (1:20, 1:30, 1:40 g/mL). Using Box-Behnken response surface methodology, 17 experimental runs were performed. A microwave power of 360 watts, a time of 3 minutes, and a solid solvent ratio of 1:20 g/mL were the ideal parameters that achieved the maximum pectin yield of 19.8%. The yield of pectin was analyzed using multiple regression statistical analysis. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of pectin yield was studied, which revealed an equivalent weight of 263.15, a methoxyl content of 9.92 percent, anhydrouronic acid content of 123.2%, and a degree of esterification of 45.71%.
1Botany Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. 2Vegetable Research Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: DR_abdelmawgoud@yahoo.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.02
Key words: Cucumber, nano calcium, nano silicon, plant growth, total fruit weight
Abstract: Trials were carried out in plastic greenhouses at a private farm in the Qaha region, Qalubia Governorate, Egypt (30.288 N; 31.198 E), during two consecutive spring seasons (2020 and 2021). The objective was to investigate the impact of nano compounds, spray specifically nano calcium and nano silicon, on the growth characteristics, yield, and quality of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) under protected cultivation conditions. The study used two foliar sprays of Lithovit® (nano calcium carbonate 80.2 %) at 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 g/L and nano silicon (SiO2 25 %) at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mL/L. Nano elements (calcium or silicon) were applied to cucumber seedlings in the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth weeks after transplantation. All monitored attributes increased with both nano-element treatments. Plants receiving nano calcium had higher plant height, fresh and dry weights, and branch counts than those receiving nano silicon. However, growth was best with 1.0 g/L nano calcium. Compared to control, nano elements boosted cucumber plant N, P, K, Ca, and Si. In both nano calcium and nano silicon treatments, fruit length, diameter, average weight, and total weight rose. Yield increases may outweigh nano nutrient costs.
Department of Microbiology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, Punjab, India. Corresponding e-mail: amanpreet-cobsmb@pau.edu
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.19
Key words: Wild mushroom, domestication, Pleurotus sapidus, Pleurotus floridanus, yield
Abstract: Mushroom cultivation is a prevalent activity worldwide, although the domestication of native wild mushrooms is not fully recognised. For wild mushrooms to be economically feasible, they need to possess the ability to be cultivated. The objective of this study was to cultivate 18 wild mushrooms that were collected from their native environments utilising substrates that are readily available in the local area. Wild mushrooms were gathered and acquired using tissue cultures. All the wild mushrooms studied showed mycelial development on the substrates, except for Podaxis pistallris, Amanita solitaria, and Collybia platyphylla. Pleurotus sapidus and Pleurotus floridanus were able to produce fruit satisfactorily. The study revealed that specific wild mushrooms had the ability to produce fruiting bodies when grown on commercial substrates. While mushroom production was not seen in other natural cultures, these findings offer valuable information for improving growth circumstances in the future. Conducting surveys of natural habitats is crucial to guarantee the ongoing production of wild edible mushrooms, safeguarding endangered species and promoting a hopeful outlook for their sustainable utilisation.
ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, 221 305, Uttar Pradesh, India. Corresponding e-mail: sudhakariivr@gmail.com, rameshiivr@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.20
Key words: Solanum melongena; morphological traits; genetic variability; correlation; principal component analysis (PCA)
Abstract: This study was conducted using eighty-one extant cultivars of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) with sixteen diverse morphological and yield contributing traits. All the cultivars were evaluated for four years in field conditions to analyze the unpredictability and heritability, genetic variances, correlation and principal component analysis to extract important traits. In results, the highest value of general mean, variances of genotypic and phenotypic (Vg and Vp), variation (GCV and PCV), heritability (h2) and genetic advance (GA) were found for AFW and indicated the additive gene action. Due to environmental interaction, the highest variance and variation of environment (Ve and ECV) and GA% were recorded for PH, FDPS, and FL/FD ratio. In case of correlation and path coefficient analysis the yield per plant showed positive correlation for various morphological traits excluding NFI, FT and FL/FD ratio. Those traits established positive correlation with direct and indirect effect from yield can be utilized to improve yield capacity. In principal component analysis, the most important characters were categorized into different PCA group e.g., PCA I (AFW), PCA II (FL), PCA III (FD) and PCA IV (FYPP) and may be extracted for observing the superior recombinants.
1Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow, India. 2Amity University, Lucknow Campus, Uttar Pradesh, India. 3Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh,India.Corresponding e-mail: srajanlko@gmail.com.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.21
Key words: Mango phenology, web-based tool, BBCH scale, PHP platform, data management, frequency tables, line graph visualization
Abstract: Phenological studies play a crucial role in understanding mango flowering dynamics across diverse climates. However, managing the extensive data generated from observations using the modified BBCH scale poses significant challenges. To address this, we developed a web-based tool in PHP to efficiently manage mango phenology data. This tool aids researchers in organizing phenological data on a timescale by decoding phenophases and presenting them as images, facilitating data summarization through frequency tables of different phenophases. Additionally, the tool incorporates a module that simultaneously depicts phenophases according to the BBCH scale and as a line graph, providing a clear representation of flowering phenology dynamics. The primary objective of this tool is to provide computational assistance to researchers working on mango phenology, accessible worldwide through the link (https://hortportal.org/mangifera_res/site/phenology/). It enables data collected in an Excel sheet in a standard format to be depicted as a series of small images, facilitating the correction or cleaning of raw data. The corrected data file can then be utilized to calculate frequencies and generate an Excel sheet for developing graphs using graphical software. Furthermore, the tool features a built-in module for creating graphs with selective phenophases, allowing simultaneous selection of different phenophases for a line graph depiction, indicating their duration and time of peak occurrence.