Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, India- 695522. Corresponding e-mail: revathysathyakumar@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.56
Key words: In vivo, polyploidy, Dendrobium crumenatum, antimitotic agent, colchicine, flow cytometry
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Abstract: Polyploidy induction plays a significant role in hybridizing and improving orchids (Orchidaceae). Induction of polyploidy can help to restore fertility by doubling of chromosomes and thus leading to the creation of allotetraploids which can help breeders develop improved hybrids and novel types by contributing beautiful floral or growth characteristics unobtainable from the diploid forms. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effective colchicine concentration and duration of exposure for the polyploidy induction in Dendrobium crumenatum via in vivo method, thus improving the flower characteristics. For the in vivo induction of polyploidy, D. crumenatum plantlets were chosen and subjected to eight different colchicine treatments. Treatments were based on colchicine concentration (0.05 and 0.1%) and the duration of exposure of plantlets to these doses of colchicine (24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs). The morphological characters, like shoot length, diameter of pseudobulb, number of leaves and width of leaves showed treatment mean values greater than their corresponding control plantlets. After analyzing the histogram peaks of in vivo treated samples, it was observed that the highest tetraploid induction (50%) was achieved with the treatment of 0.05% colchicine for 96 hours. Moreover, the maximum mixoploids (66.67%) were obtained from two different treatments; first, with 0.05% colchicine for 72 hours and second, with 0.05% colchicine for 48 hours. These results suggest that longer treatment duration of 96 hours with 0.05% colchicine leads to higher tetraploid induction while shorter durations of 72 and 48 hours with the same concentration of colchicine are more effective for producing mixoploids. Stomatal observations exhibited a lower stomatal density, but increased stomatal size in polyploids than diploids.
1ICAR - Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Kukma, Bhuj – 370 105 (Gujarat) India. 2ICAR - Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kukma, Bhuj – 370 105 (Gujarat) India. Corresponding e-mail: rahul2iari@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.57
Key words: Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori, flowering biology, fruiting phenology, Kachchh
Abstract: Current emphasis on food supply, market value, and therapeutic use of underutilised crops makes Grewia tenax suitable for commercial production. Therefore, flowering biology and fruiting phenology study were carried out on field-established G. tenax plants in Kachchh, Gujarat, from February - March 2018. Flowers are scented and cream-white with yellow stamens and composed of 5 petals and sepals, an ovary and a style, 2 anther lobes and many anthers (66.33 ± 7.51). Bud initiation started in the last week of February and anthesis was observed after 6.40 ± 0.18 days of bud initiation. Flower anthesis start at 1130 h and is completed at 1330 h, with peak anthesis during 1215-1230 h in February. On an average, 15.55±0.98 and 19.55±0.98 days are required for fruit maturity and ripening. The study revealed that the fruit traits of the white cross berries, including fruit length and diameter, varied within the ranges of 4.93-6.69 mm and 4.06-5.91 mm, respectively. As there is limited information available on this species, these findings provide a foundation for further genetic research on white cross berries. This study can serve as a valuable resource for future investigations aiming to enhance our understanding of the genetic makeup of this species and potentially improve its fruit traits through breeding programs.
1CFDT, TANUVAS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India– 600 052. 2Department of Food Processing Technology, CFDT, TANUVAS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India– 600 052. 3Faculty of Food Sciences, CFDT, TANUVAS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India – 600 052. 4Faculty of Basic Sciences, MVC, TANUVAS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India – 600 007. 5Department of Food Process Engineering, CFDT, TANUVAS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India– 600 052. Corresponding e-mail: ritanarayanan@yahoo.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.58
Key words: Bael fruit powder, wood apple powder, functional properties, swelling capacity, water solubility, water absorption, oil absorption, water activity, least gelation
Abstract: Bael (Aegle marmelos) and wood apple (Limonia acidissima L) are indigenous and underutilized fruits with high potential to use in various food applications, and these are seasonal fruits and perishable making them go waste. Hence this study aimed to process their pulp into powders and analyze physical and functional properties to find their applicability in different foods. Bael and wood apple pulps were dried in a hot air oven at 65 and 60o C for 670 and 720 mins, respectively. The bael fruit powder (BFP) and wood apple powder (WAP) yield after drying in these fruits was 33.89 and 29.62 g%, respectively. The final moisture content and water activity of the powders were 7.96±0.78, 7.34±0.72 and 0.327±0.12 and 0.314±0.17, respectively. Bulk and tapped densities values for both powders were high, resulting in higher Carr's Index and Hausner's Ratio indicating inferior flowability. The water absorption capacity of BFP (1.31±3.27g/g) was higher than WAP (1.15±3.28g). The oil absorption capacity of WAP was 101.19±1.46% and BFP was 101.86±1.85% which is higher than the water absorption capacities of both powders. The swelling capacities, solubility of BFP and WAP were 4.39±0.01, 4.15±0.02 mL/g and 97.67±0.06, 98.45±0.02%, respectively. Foaming capacities for BFP and WAP were 23.45±0.09 mL and 25.62±0.06 mL, respectively. Both fruit powders did not form strong gels even at 20%. The results showed that these fruit powders can potentially be used in fiber-enriched and other new food formulations.
1Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, C.P. College of Agriculture, S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar- 385 506, Gujarat, India. 2Castor Mustard Research Station, S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar- 385 506, Gujarat, India. 3Department of Seed Technology, S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar- 385 506, Gujarat, India. Corresponding e-mail: dhavalp.hansaliya@gmail.com)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.59
Key words: Cumin, pre-sowing treatments, germination, growth.
Abstract: The investigation on the effect of seed priming treatment on cumin [Cuminum cyminum (L.)] seed germination and growth was carried out at Seed Technology Laboratory, Department of Genetics and plant breeding, SDAU, Sardarkrushinagar, during Rabi 2019-20. Seeds of Gujarat Cumin-1, Gujarat Cumin-2, Gujarat Cumin-3 and Gujarat Cumin-4 were were treated with five treatments viz., Control, -1.4 MPa PEG, -1.0 MPa PEG, 0.2% KNO3 and 0.4% KNO3. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (factorial concept) with three replications comprising five treatment combinations. The combined effect of pre-sowing seed treatment and varieties showed a significant effect on seed germination and growth of the seedling. The variety GC-4 was superior to the variety GC-1, GC-2, and GC-3. The analysis of data collected under laboratory conditions for the variety GC-4 and treatment T3 (-1.0 MPa PEG) combination revealed characteristics such as the highest germination percentage (80.81%), the longest root length (5.20 cm), the longest shoot length (4.61 cm), the longest seedling length (9.59 cm), the highest seedling fresh weight (216.40 mg), the highest seedling dry weight (11.81 mg), the highest seedling vigour index-I (812.47) and the highest seedling vigour index-II (952.70).
1Pomology Department, National Research Center, 33 Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza, Egypt. 2Horticultural Crops Technology Department, National Research Center, 33 Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: dorriaahmed@hotmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2022.v24i03.60
Key words: Mango fruit, ripening, sensory evaluation, texture, aroma and flavor
Abstract: Mango, a highly perishable fruit, faces challenges in maintaining its quality during postharvest handling due to rapid ripening. To address this, hot water treatment (HW) has gained global recognition for its potential in enhancing the shelf life and overall quality of mango produce. This study, spanning the 2019 and 2020 seasons, focused on hot water dipping (HWD) treatments at 45 or 50°C for 5 and 10 minutes, followed by simulated shipping storage at 8±2°C and 90-95% relative humidity for three weeks, and subsequent ripening at 20°C. Using sensory evaluations through the Hedonic test, our findings after 21 days of ripening storage revealed that the HWD treatment at 50°C for 10 minutes yielded significantly higher scores for firmness, texture, and pulp color (3.49, 3.00, and 5.00, respectively) compared to untreated mangoes, which scored lower (1.15, 2.00, and 4.67). A gradual improvement in aroma and flavor scores was observed, with the 50°C, 10-minute treatment recording the highest scores (4.67 and 3.67), while control fruits exhibited the lowest taste scores (3.00 and 2.33). These results highlight the potential of HWD treatments, particularly at 50°C for 10 minutes, in enhancing mango quality and extending its shelf life.
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
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.