Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. Research Institute of Food Science and Technology, Mashhad, Iran.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i02.21
Key words: Gibberellic acid, growth regulators, naphthalene acetic acid, saffron
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Abstract: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of growth regulator treatments on quantitative and qualitative yield of saffron. Growth regulator treatments included 50, 150 and 300 ppm gibberellic acid (GA3) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) . Saffron corms weighing 8 to 10 g were immersed in solutions of GA3 and NAA and then were planted in 1?1 meter plots with 15 cm within row and 20 cm between row spacing. At the end of the growing season (end of June), crop traits such as total number and weight of the produced corms and the number and weight of produced corms in weighing groups of less than 4 g, 4 to 8 g, and more than 8 g were measured by harvesting one third of the cultivated corms in each plot. At the flowering time of the remaining corms of each plot (November), weight and number of flower, fresh and dry weight of stigma, and the amount of active ingredients including crocin, picrocrocin and safranal were measured. The results showed that all studied traits were affected by growth regulator compounds and indicated significant (P=0.01 and P=0.05) differences with control. GA3 improved biological yield and corm weight, in addition it could increase the quality of stigma compared to the control treatment. Application of 150 ppm GA3 increased the weight of corms by 16.25 % and the number of flower per plot by 34.99 % compared to the control treatment. Also, 300 ppm GA3 increased the dry stigma yield by 37.5 % compared to the control treatment. NAA did not affect yield production significantly and at high concentrations, prevented the growth of corms and flower production. Results indicated that concentrations higher than 150 ppm GA3 can increase the yield of saffron, and can play an important role in enhancement of saffron farms productivity.
Agro-physiology, Biotechnology, Environment and Quality Laboratory, University Ibn Tofail, Kenitra-Morocco.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i02.22
Key words: Date, Jihel, marketing, Morocco, phoenicicultural, varieties
Abstract: Morocco?s ph?nicicultural heritage is known for its varietal diversity. The present study aims to determine the potential of the Jihel variety of dates, compared to the other most marketable varieties of dates in Morocco. Based on a bibliographic analysis, a follow-up of units of dates and an analysis of the surveys were realized along with field data recovery. The present study shows that dates of Jihel variety have many criteria that permit its position as an important commercial produce. However, many interesting measures must be envisaged, in particular, the respect of the good practices of production, the accompaniment of the phoeniculturists, the encouragement of industrialists and the promotion of the dates of Jihel variety by the implementation of an appropriate communication approach: advertising campaigns, innovative concepts of packaging and labeling. The results represent an exploitable base to establish a roadmap, aiming for the development of the phoenicultural sector in particular dates of Jihel variety of Morocco.
Department of Horticultural, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, 1477893855, Iran. Agricultural Engineering Research Department, West Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Urmia, 5716963963, Iran. Department of Horticultural, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1417614418, Iran.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i02.23
Key words: Chitosan, packaging, physicochemical properties, thyme essential oil, walnut.
Abstract: Increasing the walnut shelf life with non-synthetic materials is considered. The effect of edible coating and different packaging methods on physicochemical properties of Persian walnut kernel during 120 days of storage at 25 ?C temperature was evaluated. The treatments were: C (control sample, uncoated), K (coated with 1 % chitosan) and K500 and K1000, coated with chitosan 1 % containing 500 and 1000 ?L L-1 of thyme essential oil, respectively, and MP (Mass packaging), PP (packaging in Polypropylene bags) and AP (Active packaging using sachets made by ascorbic acid, sodium bicarbonate and iron oxide). The color properties and oxidation of walnuts have relationship together. The results showed that the amount of a* and b* values were in the following order: K1000> K500> K> C. At the end of storage L* value of all samples decreased. Coated samples had less peroxide value and free fatty acid than control. Amount of free fatty acid in the coated samples with mass packaging was less than 0.5 %. The moisture content of coated samples was more than control samples, active packaging and PP packaging had minimum moisture fluctuations respectively, and control sample had less amount of moisture.
Department of Agriculture Industrial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture Technology, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia. Faculty of Agriculture Technology, Udayana University, Bukit Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung, Bali (80362), Indonesia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i02.24
Key words: Turmeric, tamarind leaves, induction time, synergism antioxidant
Abstract: This study aims to determine the ratio of turmeric rhizome extract (TE) and tamarind leaf extract (TLE), which is suitable for the time of induction and the highest antioxidant synergism. The TE:TLE ratio examined was 10:1; 10:1.5 and 10:2. The chosen variable was the amount of peroxide. Observations carried out for 7 hours at one-hour intervals using ferric thiocyanate (FTC) method and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method. Relationship between the time and absorbance were depicted to show the induction time and synergism in antioxidants. The results showed that all TE and TLE ratios had antioxidants that inhibited lipid oxidation reactions at the stage of initiation and propagation. TE and TLE ratios 10:1, 10:1.5 and 10:2 had induction time, respectively 2.9577; 3.0206 and 3.1882 hours with FTC method, 3.6116; 3.706 and 3.8722 h with the TBA method. Synergism antioxidant 103.534; 106.924 and 110.705 %, with the FTC method, and 102.9393; 109.522 and 115.969 % with TBA. The highest antioxidant synergism in both methods was shown by the ratio of TE:TLE = 10:2.
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University. P.O. Box: 536-20115, Egerton, Njoro, Kenya. Department of Agriculture Research and Technology Transfer, Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), P.O. Box: 5016 Kigali, Rwanda.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i02.25
Key words: Biopesticides, Botanicals, Insecticidal plants, Phytolacca dodecandra, Solanum lycopersicum L., Tephrosia vogelii, Tithonia diversifolia, Vernonia amygdalina
Abstract: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is economically and nutritionally important in Rwanda, but its production is challenged by the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta Meyrick), an invasive pest. Synthetic insecticides which are primarily used for its control, have various drawbacks. Bioactivity of Tephrosia vogelii, Tithonia diversifolia, Vernonia amygdalina and Phytolacca dodecandra aqueous extracts was evaluated against T. absoluta in laboratory. Leaflets with third instar larvae (3.85 - 5.65 mm) of T. absoluta in mines were collected from established tomato field. Aqueous plants extracts were evaluated at a dose of 10 % weight/volume. Sterile tap water and azadirachtin 0.03 % EC were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Petri-dishes of 9 cm diameter (n=10) were used as bioassay arenas in a completely randomized design with four replications. Data on larval mortality were collected every 24 h for 5 days. Three bioassays were conducted on different dates. Results indicated that tested plant extracts exhibited a capacity to kill T. absoluta larvae in tomato leaf galleries with significant difference among them (P <0.0001). The killing capacity increased with exposure time. At 24 h of exposure, T. absoluta larvae mortality was in a range of 35.0 - 37.5 % for azadirachtin and 5.0 - 10.0 % for T. vogelii while all other aqueous extracts had 0.0 % mortality, except V. amygdalina which recorded 2.5 % in bioassay one. In all bioassays, the lowest mortality recorded 5 days after treatments with T. vogelii, T. diversifolia, V. amygdalina, P. dodecandra and azadirachtin was 32.2, 2.8. 2.5, 20.5 and 97.5 % while the highest mortality at this time was 35.1, 10.6, 13.3, 24.9 and 100 %, respectively. Tephrosia vogelii and P. dodecandra, which recorded higher efficacy compared to the other local plants, should be advanced to field evaluation. The observed higher efficacy of azadirachtin to Rwandan population of T. absoluta should also be confirmed under field conditions.
Department of Landscape Protection and Environmental Geography, University of Debrecen. Egyetem ter 1. H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary. Renewable Energy Park, Kishegyesi ut 187. H-4031 Debrecen, Hungary. Department of Meteorology, University of Debrecen.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i02.26
Key words: Sustainable agriculture, Jalapeno chilli, quail dung, Crucian, African catfish
Abstract: One of the concerns regarding aquaponic systems operating without conventional soil is the limited selection of plants available for cultivation. For a wider use of aquaponic systems increasing yields are inevitable. The aim of our research, started in 2017, was to eliminate the drawbacks of aquaponic systems using alternative solutions in order to remain in the framework of sustainable agriculture. In order to meet the above challenges, a hybrid, automated aquaponic system was installed in which the soil was not removed completely from the systems that are not completely closed as fish receive fresh water as well keeping in this way hormones impeding growth at a low level. Crucians and African catfish were placed into two tanks of 7 m3. Further novelty of the system is the application of quail dung in a quantity determined specially for increasing the natural efficiency of the system. Three methods of cultivation were used and plant macro- and microelements were measured. Results indicate that the system is suitable for growing different chilli types while quail dung input contributes to increase yield significantly therefore it can be integrated into aquaponic systems excellently.
Department of Horticulture, Sikkim University, 6th Mile, Tadong, Sikkim, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i02.27
Key words: Essential oil, hydro distillation, Sikkim mandarin (Citrus reticulata), Pomelo (C. maxima) and rough lemon (C. jambhiri)
Abstract: The fruit peel of citrus is known to be rich in essential oil. Essential oil content and its characteristics vary amongst the species and climatic factors play a major role. Essential oil, to be suitable for the specific commercial purpose should have basic characteristics. In the present study, extracted oil of selected three citrus species Citrus reticulata, C. maxima and C. jambhiri grown at different altitude of Sikkim Himalaya were characterized. The oil yield was up to 2.4 % in mature fruits and 2.5 % in immature fruits at an altitude of > 1600 m in mandarin orange with significant variations concerning species and altitude. The various analysed oil parameters and their highest values in the study are refractive index (1.49), specific gravity (0.87), free fatty acid (7.83 %), acid value (8.37 %), saponification (163.37 mg KOH / g of oil), iodine value (116 g I2/100 g), peroxide value (36.33 meq O2/ kg), thiocyanogen (77.29 %), ester value (57.63 mg KOH/g), phenol (81.92 mg/g). These parameters also showed variations with altitude and the species. The C. reticulata grown at higher altitude (> 1600 m from MSL) found to have better essential oils than C. maxima and C. jambhiri with some exceptions. The characteristics highly endorsed the use of these essential oils for food and cosmetic industries. The waste management with simultaneous production of valuable compound is the major perspective sought in the study.
Division of Floriculture and Crop Improvement, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi- 110012.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i02.28
Key words: Light condition, bulb, bulblet, Asiatic hybrid lily, shade, varieties, Gran Paradiso, Novecento, Adelina
Abstract: Availability of planting material is a limiting factor in the cultivation of Asiatic hybrid lily and small farmers are facing the constrains by frequently importing the Lilium bulbs for planting. An experiment was carried out to study the effect of light condition and height of flower harvesting on bulb and bulblet production in Asiatic hybrid lily at CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The treatments consisted of four shade conditions i.e., 30 % green shade net (G1), 50 % green shade net (G2), 75 % green shade net (G3) and open field condition (control) (G4) in main plot, four height of flower harvesting i.e., 15 cm above ground (H1), 30 cm above ground (H2), 45 cm above ground (H3) and no flower harvesting (H4) in sub plot and three cultivar i.e., Gran Paradiso (V1), Novecento (V2) and Adelina (V3) in sub-sub plot. Experiemnt was laid out in split-split plot design with three replications. Comparison was made for the treatment effect on characters related to number of bulb and bulblet production, circumference (cm) and weight characters. Results revealed that green shade net significantly improved the bulb and bulblet production and higher number of bulb and bulblet per plant were produced under 50 % green shade net whereas least number of bulb were found in open field condition. More number of bulb and bulblet production were observed where no flowers were harvested. Among varieties, Gran Paradiso produced more number of bulb and bulblet per plant while minimum number of bulb per plant was observed by Novecento. Higher bulb circumference (cm) of bulb and bulblet was found with 50 % green shade net condition. The maximum bulb circumference was found in no flower harvesting treatment and minimum in 15 cm above ground of harvesting. The cultivar Gran Paradiso noted maximum bulb and bulblet circumference (cm). Results indicated that 50 % green shade net gave maximum weight of bulb and bulblet per plant. No flower harvesting treatment produced maximum weight of bulb and bulblet per plant. Among cultivars, Gran Paradiso produced highest weight of bulb per plant while cultivar Novecento produced minimum bulb weight per plant.
Horticultura. Universidad Autónoma Chapingo. Estado de México 56230, México Agroforestería para el Desarrollo Sostenible. Universidad Autónoma Chapingo. Estado de México, 56230, México.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i02.16
Key words: Agroforestry, fruit tree, legume tree, wood tree, annual vegetable, silvoarable system
Abstract: Main objective of this paper is selection of tree and vegetable combination for success in new horticulture based alley cropping plantations, fruit, legume and wood tree are integrated in several associations with annual vegetable, Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava, Citrus spp., Leucaena spp., Gliricidia sepium, Cajanus cajan, Populus spp., Eucalyptus, Hevea brasiliensis are the main tree used. Fabaceae, Brassicaceae, Solanaceae families and tuber crops are the main associated vegetable crops. This system can be adapted for specific farmers, regions, and countries for vegetable, fruit and wood requirements. The specific credits and subsidies can increase natural, economic, social capital of the world.
Department of Agriculture Industrial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture Technology, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia. Present address: Faculty of Agriculture Technology, Udayana University, Bukit Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung, Bali (80362), Indonesia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i01.02
Key words: Bio-plastic composites, modified cassava starch, konjac glucomannan, acetic acid concentration
Abstract: The production of bio-plastics from modified cassava starch and konjac glucomannan had been widely and dependently developed but still demonstrated characteristics that do not meet international quality standards. Therefore the key question for further exploration was to improve the protocol so as to develop a composite bio-plastic using the aforementioned materials. This study aimed to determine the ratio of modified cassava starch and konjac glucomannan and the concentration of acetic acid solution required to produce bio-plastic composites with the best characteristics. This study followed a Factorial Randomized Block Design with two factors. Factor I was the ratio of the modified cassava starch and konjac glucomannan, and consisted of 5 levels namely 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0: 100. The factor II was the concentration of acetic acid which consisted of 5 levels, viz., 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 %. Each treatment combination was grouped into 4 blocks based on the processing time of making bio-plastic composites, resulting in an altogether 100 experimental units. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s multiple comparison tests. The results showed that the ratio of the modified cassava starch and konjac glucomannan, the concentration of acetic acid and its interaction had a very significant effect on the tensile strength, elongation at break, Young’s modulus, swelling and the degradation time of bio-plastic composites. The ratio of the modified cassava starch:konjac glucomannan :: 75:25 with supplemented with 1 % acetic acid produced the best bio-plastic composites with the desired characteristics viz., tensile strength of 1997.40 MPa, elongation at break of 8.90 %, Young’s modulus of 22442.70 MPa, swelling of 10.40 % and the degradation time of 6.33 days. The surface profile of bio-plastic composites in longitudinal appearance displayed presence of regular waveforms along with air cavities or regular pores. Bio-plastic composite profile in transverse appearance revealed arrangement of fibers in the form of regular nets and smooth cross links. These bio-plastic composites contained -OH, -CH, -C-C, -C=C, -NH and -C=O functional groups.
Department of Botany, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i01.03
Key words: Ensete superbum, conservation, micropropagation, cormlets, glutamine, Knop’s solution.
Abstract: Ensete superbum from the family Musaceae is commonly known as Kallu vazha (wild/ rock/cliff banana). The species holds a precise position in the field of medicine for its anti-hyperglycemic, anti-diuretic and spermicidal potential as well as ornamental value in botanical gardens. Due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, indiscriminate harvesting for commercial gain, absence of suckers, and recalcitrant nature of seeds; this species is facing a drastic reduction in its propagation. The present study developed a protocol for the production of cormlets from explants isolated from inflorescence. The explants were cultured on MS media supplemented with 4mg L-1 BAP and 1.5 mg L-1 KIN and an average of six to ten cormlets were produced/ explants within eight weeks. Shoot induction occurred from the cormlets on MS medium with 3mg L-1 IBA and 1.5 mg L-1 BAP. Cormlets inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 1000 mg L-1 glutamine for a period of four weeks enhanced the size of cormlets which in turn increased the number of shoots. An average of ten multiple shoots were obtained on MS medium supplemented with 5 mg L-1 BAP. Maximum rooting was obtained on half strength MS medium with 3 mg L-1 IBA, 0.1 mg L-1 BAP and 1% activated charcoal. The plantlets were transferred to Knop’s solution for acclimatization. Rooted plants were hardened successfully in cocopeat along with sand in 1:1 combination and transferred to soil with 98% survival rate.
Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Iran.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i01.04
Key words: Independent variables, leaf area simulation, Lepidium sativum, Raphanus sativus
Abstract: Leaf area information is required in various horticultural and physiological studies. Leaf area measurements require easy, quick and possibly non-destructive methods. The objective of this study was to establish equations to estimate leaf area (LA) using length (L), width (W), fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW), length×width (L×W), length + width (L+W), width/length (W/L), length2 (L2) and width2 (W2) of cress (Lepidium sativum L.) leaves as a leafy vegetable and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) as a root vegetable. A soil-cultured experiment was carried out in 2010 under greenhouse conditions to study relationship between leaf dimension and weight with LA of these two vegetable plants. Observed LA was obtained by an automatic measuring device and leaf dimensions were measured by a ruler. Regression analyses of LA versus L, W, FW, DW, L×W, L+W, W/L, L2 and W2 led several models that could be used for estimating the area of individual cress and radish leaves. A linear model employing FW as an independent variables [LA=0.295 (Fresh W.)+ 1.430] resulted in the most accurate estimate (R2 = 0.912, RMSE = 1.52) of cress LA. For radish, a linear model using W as an independent variable [LA=22.50 (W) + 7.46] showed the most accuracy (R2 = 0.874, RMSE = 11.26) estimating LA. Validation of the regression models showed that the correlation between measured and simulated values using these equations were quite acceptable (R2 = 0.922, 0.876).
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i01.01
Key words: Cocos nucifera L., dwarf coconut, floral morphogenesis, flower initiation, histology, palm
Abstract: Basic information on the inflorescence and flower development of Thai aromatic dwarf coconut was developed. Histology of inflorescences of the Thai dwarf aromatic coconut, �Nam Hom�, was compared to that of a typical tall-type coconut. Both types had the same stages of inflorescence and flower development. �Nam Hom� had the same or higher number of inflorescences than did the tall type at any of the developmental stages. During two years of reproductive development, floral morphogenesis took about one year, while sex determination occurred in 3-4 months before spadix opening. Despite the difference in number of bunches per year observed in the two coconut types, their inflorescence and flower development were not different in the length of time and in the time of occurrence.
Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos, 71004, Heraklio, Greece. Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43, OAL, U.K.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i01.05
Key words: Disease control; inoculation; lesion area; nutrients; Pseudoperonospora cubensis, Cucumis sativus.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of different concentrations of nitrogen on downy mildew severity on cucumber plants. Nitrogen (100-600 mg L-1) was applied to plants grown in pots under greenhouse conditions through irrigation water. The cucumber leaves were inoculated with a zoospore suspension of Pseudoperonospora cubensis, the causal agent of powdery mildew. Disease symptoms in plants treated with 300 mg L-1 nitrogen were significantly lower and 24% severity reduction was recorded. A positive effect on the leaf area was also noticed in cucumber plants with the application of 300 mg L-1 nitrogen. The results indicated that a cubic regression curve can be fitted to the disease progress for downy mildew, regardless of N treatments. Furthermore, the N enrichment affected the NH4-N and NO3-N content in leaves and soil as well as P content in the leaves. The application of 100 mg L-1 N significantly reduced Mn content in leaves. Therefore, nitrogen supply in the form of ammonium nitrate fertilizer could be considered as an efficient method for the control of downy mildew of cucumber.
Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Lucknow (U.P.) - 226002, India. Central Institute for Sub-tropical Horticulture, Lucknow- 243122, India. Central Institute for Sub-tropical Horticulture, Regional Research Station, Malda, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i01.06
Key words: Community based adoption, ICAR-FUSICONT, banana, Fusarium wilt, TR-4 management, impact
Abstract: The profitability of commercial G-9 banana cultivation in the banana growing countries is not only significantly reduced due to serious outbreak of wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense Tropical race 4 (Foc TR-4) rather its cultivation is totally stopped at many places. The virulent and polycyclic nature of the pathogen limits the field level success of the control initiatives through chemicals, resistance breeding and biological control. In India, outbreak of Foc TR-4 during 2017 in the districts of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and Katihar in Bihar attracted intensive research program for the management of the disease to avoid nationwide threat. �ICAR-FUSICONT� a bio-formulation comprising of consortia of effective antagonistic and growth promoting microbes on a patent protected modified CSR-BIO media was developed and validated through participatory community based management in the hotspots of Foc TR-4. The current study aims to assess the efficacy of the bio-formulation in the control of the disease, impact on restoring the yield and increasing the income of the banana growers at hotspot sites. The investigation was carried out by descriptive survey from 2017 to 2018 with both adopters and non-adopters of the technology. Results showed that formation of community based organization and ICAR-FUSICONT bio-formulation application during the critical growth phases of the crop resulted in an overall decrease in disease incidence in both the states of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) and Bihar with the adopters. Adopters recorded an average of 6.08 % disease incidence while non- adopters had 45.68 % disease incidence at harvest. An average yield of 25.98 kg/plant with a significantly higher net income of Rs.182949.40/acre was obtained by adopters compared to non-adopters income (Rs. 33514/acre). The study also showed that most of the adopters were from the age group of 30 to 40 years with educational status of above secondary level. The results of this study furthermore indicate that the community enabled technology adoption of ICAR-FUSICONT would be a critical component in the control of the banana Fusarium wilt (Foc TR-4) in the areas of disease epidemic.