Kavita Yadav1, T. Damodaran2*, Kakoli Dutt1, Sangeeta Kumari2, Prasenjith Debnath2, Alok Shukla1 and Ram Gopal3
1Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Jaipur, Inida. 2ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow-226101, India. 3Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ANDUAT, Ayodhya, India. Corresponding e-mail: damhort73@gmail.com
Abstract: The field survey conducted in Rajasthan, India, unveiled the widespread occurrence of Fusarium wilt in cumin fields that have been continuously cultivated for approximately 4 to 5 years. The incidence of this disease exceeded 30%, affecting cumin plants at all stages of growth, with severe symptoms ultimately resulting in the complete mortality of the plants. In laboratory studies, a bacterial isolate known as Bacillus licheniformis (CSR-D4) exhibited remarkable in vitro effectiveness, significantly inhibiting Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cumnini (FOC) mycelial growth by an impressive 79.85%. In controlled pot experiments, cumin plants treated with B. licheniformis (CSR-D4) displayed milder symptoms than untreated plants, demonstrating a notably higher tolerance level, with only a 15% disease incidence as opposed to 90% in untreated plants. Further analysis of defense enzymes revealed elevated chlorophyll, carotenoid, peroxidase activity levels, and proline content in cumin plants treated with B. licheniformis (CSR-D4). Field assessments confirmed the efficacy of this bacterial isolate, as it successfully suppressed wilt incidence by 60%, significantly increased crop yield by 71.16%, and promoted root and shoot growth. Notably, applying B. licheniformis (CSR-D4) did not negatively impact beneficial microorganisms, and no adverse phytotoxic symptoms were observed. This study underscores the considerable potential of B. licheniformis (CSR-D4) in managing Fusarium wilt, offering an environmentally friendly and highly effective solution to enhance the health and productivity of pea plants.
Muhammad Munir1,2*
1Date Palm Research Center of Excellence, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, P.O. Box 31982, Saudi Arabia. 2Frontier Agriculture, SOYL Precision Crop Production Division, Newbury, United Kingdom. Corresponding e-mail: mmunir@kfu.edu.sa
Abstract: Chrysanthemum is a short-day plant, which flowers when the night length is longer. Photoperiod and temperature are two key environmental factors that affect time of flowering. In the current research, experiments were carried out to study the flowering response of two cultivars of chrysanthemum, i.e., Crimson Glory and Snowscape under four distinct photoperiods (8, 11, 14, and 17 h d?1), shading levels (20, 30, 40, and 60%), and temperatures (10, 15, 20, and 25 °C). A qualitative short-day response was observed in all experiments. Both cultivars took minimum time to flower when grown under 8 h d?1, however, it was significantly delayed when photoperiod decreased. Similarly, days taken to flowering were decreased significantly when plants were grown in 30% shade, which was delayed by increasing shade level (40 and 60%). Temperature also had a significant effect on the developmental phases of flower as above (25 °C) and below (10?15 °C) 20 °C temperature delayed flowering time. The present study also confirms that per day rate of progress to flowering was higher at 8 h d?1 photoperiod, in 30% shade level, and at 20 °C temperature. These findings revealed a prospect of plant scheduling of the flowering time of chrysanthemum cultivars grown in long-day photoperiod to extend their marketing period, as the plants remains vegetative. A steady supply of this flowering annual can also be maintained in the market by growing them under different shades. The quality of plants would also benefit from an ideal growing temperature of between 15-20 °C.
Resti Safitri1, Erma Prihastanti2* and Sri Darmanti2
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Diponegoro, Indonesia. 2Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Diponegoro, Indonesia. Corresponding e-mail: eprihast@yahoo.co.id
Abstract: Vanilla is a type of spice plant with high economic value. The availability of healthy vanilla seedlings is now one of the conditions for successful large-scale vanilla cultivation. Conventional cultivation of vanilla generally uses a vegetative method (cuttings), in which the growth of roots and shoots is slow, so it needs to be accelerated. Application of the combination of plant growth regulator and biological inoculant is expected to stimulate root growth and development. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors, namely auxin, which consisted of 4 concentration levels, namely: A0 (0 ppm), A1 (50 ppm), A2 (100 ppm), A3 (150 ppm); and T. harzianum which consisted of 4 concentration levels, namely: T0 (0 g), T1 (2 g), T2 (4 g), and T3 (6 g). Data analysis used quantitative methods. The results showed that there was no interaction between T. harzianum and auxin. The addition of T. harzianum could increase the vegetative growth of vanilla cuttings in the parameters of shoot growth time, plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, and root length while the application of auxin affects the increased in the number of roots of vanilla cuttings.
Sagar Teraiya, Dhaval Nirmal and Preetam Joshi*
Department of Biotechnology, Atmiya University, Rajkot (India) 360005.Corresponding e-mail: preetam.joshi@atmiyauni.ac.in
Abstract: The current work aims to provide a cost-effective and reliable micropropagation method of banana using some natural extract of unexplored potential seaweeds. We tried natural extract of eight different seaweeds (C. racemosa, Gracilaria edalis, Caulerpa paspaloides, Ulva lactuca, Sargassum tenerrimum., Caulerpa sertularioides, Sargassum wightii, Gracilaria corticata.) to check their role in in vitro growth and development of micropropagules and their potential in replacing commercial plant growth regulators (PGRs) in banana micropropagation. The in vitro developed shoots were allowed to grow on modified MS medium supplemented with different seaweed extracts and regularly subcultured on the same medium throughout the experiment. The growth and biochemical parameters were recorded and compared with micropropagules growing in a controlled environment (i.e., MS medium supplemented with/without standard PGRs). We found a significant increase in shoot length (highest in S. tenerrimum, i.e. double as compared to negative control), shoot number (highest in G. edalis, i.e., three fold as compared to negative control) and fresh weight (S. tenerrimum) ofthe banana micropropagules when grown under the influence of Liquid Seaweed Extract (LSE). This is comparable to growth observed in standard control conditions (i.e. positive control). However, addition of LSE of G. corticate, C. paspaloides and S. wightii did not show any noteworthy effect on shoot length, shoot number and fresh weight. Total chlorophyll and other biomolecule accumulation in test propagules varied with types and concentrations of LSE. S. tenerrimum proved to be overall good growth promoter, as it caused maximum accumulation of chlorophyll (0.202±0.02mg g-1) and protein (105±0.45mg g-1) and significant and encouraging results in phenol, carbohydrates and proline. Our results show that seaweed can be potential source of beneficial natural compounds and it can be a cheaper option in banana micropropagation technology.
Sheren A. Atala, Mona M. Haffez and M. EL-M. Saad
Department of Postharvest and Handling of Vegetable Crops, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.Corresponding e-mail: mona.montasser75@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i03.44
Key words: Asparagus spears, ozone gas, 1-methylcyclopropane, active MAP, cold storage, PAL enzyme.
Abstract: This study was conducted during 2022 and 2023 seasons to evaluate the influence of 1-MCP as sheet contained 5%, exposed to ozone gas (4 or 7 ppm), active MAP (5% O2 + 5% CO2 or 5% O2 + 10% CO2) and passive MAP as compared with untreated control on quality attributes and storability of asparagus spears (UC157 F2) during storage at 2°C and 90-95% RH for 20 days. Results indicated that asparagus spears treated with all postharvest treatments were effective in reducing weight loss %, curvature, Phenylalanine ammonia-lays enzyme activity, discoloration, colour change, O2 consumption and CO2 production as well as in maintaining total chlorophyll, total phenolic and the overall appearance of spears during storage as compared with untreated control. However, asparagus spears treated with ozone gas at 4 ppm were the most effective treatment in preserving all the quality attributes of spears. Furthermore, this treatment showed the excellent appearance of spears without any discoloration and curvature till 20 days of storage while ozone gas (7 ppm), 1-MCP and active MAP (5% O2 + 5% CO2) treatments gave a good appearance at the same period. The gas composition inside the package treated with ozone gas at 4 or 7 ppm had high O2 and low CO2 %.
R. Chandrakala1*, K. Venkatesan1, B. Senthamizh Selvi1, N. Senthil2 and G Karthikeyan3
1Department of Spices and Plantation Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. 2Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, Tamil Nadu, India. 3Department of Plant Pathology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. Corresponding e-mail: chandrakalaraj897@gmail.com
Abstract: Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) is a perennial medicinal herb commonly cultivated in tropical regions, notably in India, where it is celebrated for its culinary applications, providing garnish and flavor enhancement to a multitude of dishes while also being employed in traditional remedies for various ailments. In this study, we investigated the volatile flavor constituents of this unique plant via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and found that the essential oil content of Eryngium leaves was approximately 0.15%. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil extracted from E. foetidum leaves revealed the presence of 50 distinct compounds. Remarkably, among constituents, trans-2-dodecenal was the most abundant, representing a substantial 23.74% of the total composition, thereby playing a pivotal role in defining the unique flavor of Eryngium. With their remarkable chemodiversity, Eryngium species hold great potential for applications in various industries, including the culinary, pharmaceutical and fragrance sectors.
G. Basavaraj1*, C. Rashmitha2, S.S. Pramod Nayak2 and G. K. Seetharamu4
1Centre of Excellence for Farmer Producer Organizations, UHS Campus, GKVK, Bengaluru, India. 2UAS Bengaluru, India. 3College of Horticulture, Bengaluru, India. Corresponding e-mail: basavarajg73@gmail.com
Abstract: Jasmine is one of the major commercial flower crops cultivated in all most all districts of Karnataka. Hadagali jasmine (Jasminum azoricum) grown in Huvina Hadagali taluk of newly formed Vijayanagara district has got Geographical Indication (GI) due to its unique fragrance. A large section of the farmers surrounding the villages of Huvina Hadagali cultivate jasmine as their source of livelihood. Research studies to examine the production practices, marketing and constraints associated with jasmine cultivation in Huvina Hadagali were limited. Hence, a study was undertaken to understand the production and marketing practices of Hadagali jasmine. The primary data was collected from 60 jasmine growers during 2020-21. The results of the study have shown that with the average yield of the flowers at 3,236 kg per acre, the total cost of cultivation was Rs. 2,24,069 per acre and farmers realized gross and net returns of Rs. 4,53,579 and Rs. 2,29,511 respectively. The benefit to cost ratio at 2.02 showed that the establishment and maintenance of jasmine garden was economically viable. About 70 per cent of sample farmers sold jasmine to distant markets and the trade was facilitated by commission cum wholesalers. A kilogram of GI jasmine was transformed into 20 lengths of 4-6 ft in wholesale market and are sold as strings of 1-1.5 ft in retail market at Rs.20/length. The price spread between producer and consumer in the most frequently traded channel is Rs. 280 per kg and share of the producer in consumer rupee was only 35 per cent. GI jasmine is an important source of livelihood for different value chain actors and provides ample opportunities for floriculture business. Hence, support should be extended to jasmine growers to form farmer producer organizations (FPO) which will facilitate both forward and backward linkages, explore options for value addition and promote exports to enhance farmers income.
1LR21AGR02-Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, High Agronomic Institute of Chott-Mariam, University of Sousse, 4042, Sousse, Tunisia. 2LR21AGR03-Production and Protection for a Sustainable Horticulture, Regional Research Centre on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture (CRRHAB), 4042 Chott-Mariem, IRESA, Tunisia. 3Regional Research Centre on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture (CRRHAB), IRESA-University of Sousse; 4042 Chott-Mariem, Sousse, Tunisia. 4Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de Extremadura. Km. 372; 06187 Guadajira (Badajoz)- Spain.Corresponding e-mail: chokribayoudh@gmail.com
Abstract: Fig (Ficus carica L.) cultivation is affronting serious problems caused by biotic and abiotic stresses. Application of in vitro techniques became necessary for plant material sanitation, rapid propagation and conservation. The present study aims the regeneration of in vitro plants of local fig cultivars using different explant types. For that purpose, shoot tips, meristems and leaf segments of 3 local fig cultivars (Soltani, Zidi, Bither Abiadh) and a caprifig (Assafri) were cultivated in vitro. MS media with different concentrations of growth hormones: ?-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), Kinetin (Kin), N6-(2-Isopentenyl)adenine (2iP), Gibberellic acid (GA3) and Thidiazuron (TDZ) and various antioxidants were tested for explants initiation, multiplication and rooting. The combination of 0.2 mg L-1 BAP, 0.1 mg L-1 GA3 and 0.1 mg L-1 NAA was the most appropriate for the best meristem establishment rates. The highest establishment rates were obtained with explants taken in spring for Zidi (62.3%) and Bither Abiadh (96.7%) and in autumn for Assafri (100%). From shoot-tip explants, Zidi gave the highest shoot number during the multiplication step. The rates of leaf fragments regenerating adventitious shoots, reached 75.6% and 57.2%, respectively, for Soltani and Assafri on media enriched by TDZ and IBA. MS medium with 1 mg L-1 IBA allowed the best rooting rates for Bither Abiadh and Assafri explants. Vitroplants in vivo rooting was more effective due to their high success rates and the simplicity of the method. Three months after acclimatization, the survival and success rates of the vitroplants were 80-90%.
Abstract: Understanding the essential role of ethylene release in the long-distance transportation of climacteric fruits, like mangoes, is crucial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ethylene release and the postharvest ripening of mangoes. The research employed innovative ripening sachets to control the ripening process, specifically focusing on extending shelf life and enhancing quality. Dashehari mangoes exposed to ripening sachets releasing 100 ppm of ethylene exhibited improved quality attributes. The 6th day post-treatment recorded the highest total soluble solids (TSS) at 17.37 °B and the lowest acidity at 0.23%. Ascorbic acid content and firmness were measured at 22.50 mg 100 gm-1 and 2.63 kg cm-², respectively. Polygalacturonase activity in mango pulp (11.80,08.56 U mL-1 min-1) and peel (34.00, 20.30 U mL-1 min-1) peaked on the 4th and 6th day, respectively. The peel colour L* value increases from 2nd to 6th day after treatment, whereas the a* and b* values increased from 2nd to 4th day and the a* and b* values gradually decreased on 6th day in all the treatments except T4. The study suggests that ripening sachets have the potential to effectively regulate mango ripening and preserving fruit quality for an extended period.
P.R. Hussain*and P. Suradkar
Astrophysical Sciences Division, Nuclear Research Laboratory, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Srinagar, 190024, India. Corresponding e-mail:mutteebar@gmail.com, phussain@barc.gov.in
Abstract: Matured table apricots harvested at commercial maturity were irradiated in the dose range of 0.25-1.0 kGy and stored under refrigerated (3±1 0C, RH 85 %) conditions. The fruits were evaluated at intervals of 5 days for various physico-chemical parameters. Studies revealed that phytosanitary irradiation treatment maintained the storage quality of table apricots under refrigerated conditions. Positive correlations (r = 0.89) existed between irradiation treatment and firmness retention, whereas an inverse correlation (r = –0.86) existed between radiation and water-soluble pectin. Color scores revealed that L, a and b values increased by 13.1%, 68.9% and 21.5% in un-irradiated apricots compared to 6.1%, 44.9% and 14.1% in samples irradiated at 1.0 kGy, after 30 days of storage. During storage, ascorbic acid decreased by 86.8% in control compared to 56.2% in 1.0 kGy treated apricots. Phytosanitary radiation treatment at 1.0 kGy caused a significant (p ? 0.05) increase (7.5%) in total phenolics, besides minimizing subsequent degradation of phenols during storage. Microbial analysis indicated that in samples irradiated at 0.75 kGy and 1.0 kGy, no microbial load was detected up to 10 and 20 days of storage and resulted in about 1.0 log reduction in microbial load after 30 days of storage.
S.A. Ardiningtyas1, D.D. Matra1, R. Poerwanto1, Krisantini1 and N.P.S. Asih2
1Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia. 2Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Corresponding e-mail: krisantini@apps.ipb.ac.id
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i03.50
Key words: Scindapsus pictus, Scindapsus treubii, West Borneo
Abstract: Scindapsus (Araceae) is commonly found growing wild in Indonesian forests, including West Borneo. Scindapsus has been extensively cultivated and marketed, but information about the variability, morphology and growth of the plant is limited. This study aimed to identify five types of Indonesian Scindapsus based on their morphology, leaf anatomy, and growth patterns. The morphology study observed the plant’s organ structures, including leaves, stems, and roots. The anatomy study examined the tissue structure of the leaf lamina, including epidermal cells and stomata. The growth observations were conducted by propagating the plants through stem cuttings. The research findings showed that, based on their morphology, the five types of Scindapsus in this study could be classified into two groups: Scindapsus pictus and Scindapsus treubii. The differences between the two groups were in the shape and pattern of their leaves. Based on leaf anatomy, structure, shape of the epidermal cells, and stomata types were the same for all five species, but Scindapsus treubii 2 has the thickest lamina.
1Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. 2Department of Biotechnology and Crop Improvement, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. 3Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Sirsi, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. 4Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. Corresponding e-mail: vahcychongloi23@gmail.com
Abstract: Dragon fruit cultivation is surging massively because of its high nutritional and medicinal value and profit to the farmers. Micropropagation offers healthy, vigorous and uniform planting material to meet the soaring demand. However, the high cost of tissue-cultured planting material prevents farmers from buying it. Commonly used potting media, peat, perlite, and vermiculite, contribute significantly to the higher cost of micropropagules. In this study, low-cost potting media such as soil, sand and vermicompost were evaluated as alternative potting media for hardening tissue-cultured plants of dragon fruit. Well-rooted micro shoots were transplanted into Protrays containing different proportions of soil, sand and vermicompost and the plant survivability, the number of shoots and roots and their respective length and chlorophyll content were recorded. Sand and vermicompost (1:1 v/v) were found to be the best potting media exhibiting 100% survivability (15 days of hardening of the plants), producing the highest number of shoots (7.66 shoots/plant) with a mean length of shoots (10.61 cm) and 11.27 roots per plant with a mean length of 10.38 cm root length (at 120 days of hardening). Cent per cent survivability was noticed even at 120 days after hardening. Sand and vermicompost, with less than 10% of the cost of peat, perlite and vermiculite may be used as low-cost potting media for the hardening of tissue-cultured plants.
Sneha Leela Garnepudi1*, L. Pugalendhi1, A. Sankari1, A. Usha Nandhini Devi2, M. Raveendran 3 and M.K. Kalarani4
1Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. 2Department of Post-Harvest and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. 3Directorate of Research, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. 4Director (Crop Management) Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. Corresponding e-mail: snehawilliams96@gmail.com Tel: 9492708167
Abstract: Vegetable grafting plays a significant role in modern agricultural practices, effectively managing abiotic and biotic stresses. Additionally, it offers the advantage of enhancing the phenotypic traits of the scion. This technique has gained widespread acceptance in commercial cultivation, particularly in crops like tomato, watermelon, melon, eggplant, etc.,but has not been reported in Solanum nigrum. The appeal lies in its swiftness compared to the traditional method of breeding vegetables with improved environmental stress tolerance. This study focused on identifying and studying the components present in the leaves and fruits of both grafted and ungrafted Solanum nigrum. The GC-MS analysis unveiled a multitude of bioactive compounds, some of which are well-known antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties. These beneficial attributes make them potentially valuable for promoting health and well-being. In addition, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to identify functional groups in the methanolic extracts. The FTIR findings confirmed the existence of diverse functional groups, such as alkanes, alkynes, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and nitriles, within the selected grafted Solanum nigrum samples. The research outcomes suggest that the extracts could be valuable in managing fungal infections in crops, which may contribute to the successful grafting of Solanum nigrum onto wild rootstocks. The presence of bioactive compounds with antifungal properties in the extracts might enhance disease resistance, making a successful grafting process a viable solution for improved and extended production. This underscores the critical necessity for continued research, highlighting its potential benefits to various domains, including medicine and nutrition.
S.C. Ravi1, Karma Beer1*, A.K. Gupta1, T. Amrutha2, Maneesh Mishra1, Rohit Jaiswal1 and T. Damodaran1
1Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow (U.P.)-226101, India. 2Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Umaim (Meghalaya)-793104, India. Corresponding e-mail: karma.beer@icar.gov.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i03.53
Key words: Mango, value chain, supply chain, marketing efficiency, price spread, cost and returns and constraints
Abstract: The study looked into the dynamics of Dashehari mango value chain in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. A survey of 120 farmers from the Malihabad and Mall blocks of Lucknow was used to collect data. The total cultivation cost per hectare was determined to be Rs. 1,79,469, with variable costs accounting for 53%. Farmers reported an average yield of 11.3 tons per hectare, which falls short of Uttar Pradesh’s state productivity for mango. The net return over variable costs was calculated to be Rs. 1,57,050 per hectare. A thorough mapping of the mango value chain in the study area was carried out, followed by a constraint analysis. Harvesting and postharvest losses totaled 13.2%, with retailers bearing the brunt. Pre-harvest contracts were the most common method of mango marketing, with 60-65% of farmers using them. Producers’ shares of the consumer rupee varied, ranging from 24% in pre-harvest contract channels to 87% and 62.5%, respectively, in direct marketing and marketing through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Farmers in the mango value chain faced challenges such as pest management, low shelf life, senile orchards, poor price realization, a lack of processing facilities, and a lack of crop insurance schemes. The study emphasizes the importance of long-term interventions to improve the orchard ecosystem and nutrient management, thereby improving farmers’ livelihoods. To address these challenges, promoting the widespread adoption of good agricultural practices, canopy management, integrated pest, disease, and nutrient management, and advanced harvesting techniques is necessary. Furthermore, the study emphasizes FPOs’ critical role in establishing a strong and interconnected network within the agricultural community. By implementing these strategies, the mango-producing region of Uttar Pradesh has the potential to foster a sustainable and thriving industry, contributing to farmer prosperity and the community’s overall economic growth.
Prawal Pratap Singh Verma1, Dipender Kumar2,Sushmita Rawat1, B. Agri1, Amit Kumar2 and R.C. Padalia2
1CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Centre Purara, PO Gagrigole, Bageshwar (Uttarakhand) India. 2CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Centre, Pantnagar, Post Nagla, Udham Singh Nagar (Uttarakhand) India. Corresponding e-mail: prawalpratapsv@gmail.com
Abstract: This study, carried out at CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research Centre Purara, Bageshwar (Uttarakhand), investigated the growth and productivity of geranium crops under different NPK doses in the lower hills of Uttarakhand. Nine different NPK treatments, varying from 60:40:20 to 220:200:180 kg ha-1, were applied using a Randomised Block Design. Examined factors related to plant growth and yield, included plant height, diameter, stem count, leaf count, fresh shoot biomass per gramme of plant, and fresh herb yield per hectare. The 180:160:140 NPK level produced the highest fresh herb yield of 327.29 q ha-1, which corresponded to the highest oil yield of 163.65 kg ha-1. This study provides valuable insights into optimising NPK formulations to improve geranium crop yields, which is essential for increasing agricultural productivity in the Himalayan hills of Uttarakhand.
R.L. Bhardwaj1* and Aabha Parashar2
1College of Agriculture, Sumerpur-Pali 306 902, Agriculture University, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) India. 2Agricultural Research Sub-station, Sumerpur-Pali 306 902, Agriculture University, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) India, Corresponding e-mail: rajubhardwaj3@gmail.com
Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the optimal dosage of NPKS fertilizer and the most suitable crop geometry to enhance both productivity and bulb quality of kharif onion (Allium cepa L.). The research was laidout using a split plot design, incorporating three levels of NPKS fertilizer in the main plot and five different crop geometries in the subplot, with three replications spanning from August to November in the years 2020-21 and 2021-22. Among the various combinations tested, the widest crop geometry (15 cm x 15 cm) coupled with the application of 140 N: 80 P: 80 K: 40 S kg ha-1 dose of nutrients exhibited superior results. This combination resulted in the highest values for plant height (97.88 cm), number of leaves per plant (19), leaves’ weight per plant (74.15 g), average bulb weight (133.97 g), and harvest index (51.24). Conversely, the closest spacing (7.5 x 7.5 cm) with the highest fertilizer dose led to the maximum biological yield (125.89 t ha-1) and bulb yield (61.89 t ha-1). Notably, the spacing of 10 x 10 cm with the application of 140 N: 80 P: 80 K: 40 S kg ha-1 emerged as the optimal combination for achieving the highest marketable yield (43.62 t ha-1), gross return (? 5.23 lakhs), net return (? 4.23 lakhs), and benefit-cost ratio (4.23). Consequently, we conclude that, for maximizing the production of marketable bulbs of kharif onion, a crop geometry of 10 x 10 cm with a nutrient dose of 140 N: 80 P: 80 K: 40 S kg ha-1 is recommended. This information contributes valuable insights for optimizing onion cultivation practices, thereby enhancing both yield and economic returns.
1Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 2All India Coordinated Research Programme on Vegetable Crops, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 3Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 4Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Corresponding e-mail: arabindadhalouat@gmail.com
Abstract: During kharif 2020 and 2021, an investigation was conducted to investigate the role of plant growth regulators as foliar spray on okra seed yield and quality. The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications and eleven treatments. Foliar sprays were done at 15 and 30 DAS. Observations on various plant growth parameters, yield attributing characters, seed yield, seed storability and quality were recorded. Harvested seeds were stored in poly bags for a period of twelve months to study the storability of seeds. Results revealed that treatment with Cycocel 250 ppm recorded highest germination percentage (83.37%) followed by GA3 150 ppm (80.50%) whereas control plot recorded (73.00 %) of germination one year after storage. The rate of decrease in germination was (8.09%) with Cycocel (250 ppm) as compared to control (15.02%). The lowest increase in seed moisture content was recorded with Cycocel (250 ppm) ( 3.43%) followed by GA3 (150 ppm) as compared to control (4.98%). Up to twelve months of storage the progressive decline of Vigour Index -I and Vigour Index -II was demonstrated with Cycocel (250 ppm), GA3 (150 ppm) and NAA (200 ppm) with a decreased rate which expressed their potentiality as effective growth regulators . The electrical conductivity increased with a very decreased rate in Cycocel (250 ppm) (255.77%) followed by GA3 (150 ppm) (324.11%) and NAA (200 ppm) (384.31%) as compared to control ( 583.98%). Hence Cycocel (250 ppm) may be considered as best plant growth regulators increasing yield, seed quality and storability of okra.
K.A. Mumithra Kamatchi1, A. Senthil1, M.K. Kalarani2, R. Swarnapriya3, S. Marimuthu4 and M. Djanaguiraman1*
1Department of Crop Physiology, TNAU, Coimbatore – 641003, India. 2Directorate of Crop Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641003, India. 3Floriculture Research Station, Thovalai – 629302, India. 4Department of Agronomy, AC & RI, Eachangkottai, Thanjavur – 631006, India. Corresponding e-mail: jani@tnau.ac.in
Abstract: Tomato is a commercially grown vegetable crop that is susceptible to drought stress, which can be improved by understanding the tolerance mechanism. This study aims to evaluate the impact of melatonin pretreatment on alleviating PEG-induced drought stress on tomato. Initially, screening was performed with different polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations (-0.1, -0.2, -0.3, and -0.4 MPa), along with a control. The seeds treated with -0.3 MPa PEG exhibited lower germination percentage, seedling growth, and vigour index, while no germination was observed at -0.4 MPa. Therefore, -0.3 Mpa was selected as the sublethal osmotic concentration to assess the effect of melatonin to alleviate the osmotic stress. The seeds treated with various melatonin concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 µM) and untreated stress control were subjected to -0.3 MPa osmotic concentration, and absolute control was maintained. Seed germination parameters viz., germination indicators, shoot and root length indicators, biomass indicators, stress indices, and germination speed, were recorded. The results showed that the germination parameters were significantly reduced in stress control; however, notable improvements were observed in melatonin pre-treated seeds. Pretreatment with 100 µM melatonin led to an increase in germination percentage (61%), germination index (150.5), vigour index (1010.1), promptness index (65), shoot length (6.28 cm), root length (7.38 cm), fresh weight (0.66 mg), dry weight (0.07 mg), shoot length stress index (86), root length stress index (112), dry matter stress index (87), rate of germination (1.5% per day), germination rate index (15.1% per day), and coefficient of the velocity of germination (20.6) under drought stress. The study evidenced that melatonin pretreatment could effectively enhance seed germination under PEG-induced drought stress in tomato, which, therefore, can be recommended for further research.
V. Shukla and N. Shaikh
Department of Microbiology, Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, Matunga, Mumbai (Maharashtra)- 400019, India. Corresponding e-mail: varshashukla@ruiacollege.edu
Abstract: Hydroponics is the method of growing plants using soil-less cultivation systems. Plant growth-promoting bacteria are the rhizosphere bacteria that help plant growth and suppress plant diseases. In this study, we have isolated PGPR from the hydroponic systems and tested the efficacy of a consortium on the growth of Trichosanthes cucumerina. Ten organisms were isolated from a pre-set hydroponic system, of which three were selected based on their plant growth-promoting abilities. The isolated strains were identified as Chryseobacterium jejuense, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans and Sphingomonas paucimobilis. These isolates produced high levels of indole-3-acetic acid as well as other plant growth-promoting factors such as cellulase, pectinase, and siderophore production. All three isolates showed biofilm formation and growth in nutrient solutions with high EC values, indicating their ability to adhere to plant root surfaces and survive in nutrient solutions to promote plant growth. A consortium of these organisms used in the deep-water hydroponic system of T. cucumerina showed a significant increase in the number of leaves and root mass compared to control plants. Since these PGPR isolates exhibited multiple traits beneficial to the host plant, it has opened new possibilities for commercial application of these isolates in the hydroponic systems.
O.S. Warang1, N.I. Shah1 and N.J. Jadav2
1Department of Horticulture, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand 388 110, Gujarat, India. 2Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand 388 110, Gujarat, India. *E-mail: omkarwarang30@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i02.20
Key words: Round-the-year pruning, fertilizer, growth, flowering, yield, pruning time, new shoots, days taken for flowering, first picking
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to study the effect of round-the-year pruning and fertilizer doses on phalsa cv’s growth, flowering and yield parameters. Local during 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Horticulture Research Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (Factorial) with two factors, eighteen treatment combinations, and three repetitions. The first factor was pruning time (P1= 1st week of January (Control), P2= 1st week of March, P3= 1st week of May, P4= 1st week of July, P5= 1st week of September and P6= 1st week of November) and the second factor was fertilizer doses (F1= 100:50:50 g NPK/plant (Control), F2= 200:75:75 g NPK/plant, F3= 300:100:100 g NPK/plant). The results revealed that pruning in 1st week of May (P3) recorded minimum days for sprouting new shoots after pruning. Pruning in 1st week of March (P2) resulted in the maximum number of sprouted shoots per cane, length of the shoot at harvest, weight of fruit per plant, fruit yield and minimum days taken for flowering, fruit set and first picking after pruning. A fertilizer dose of 300:100:100 g NPK/plant (F3) recorded minimum days for sprouting of new shoots, maximum number of sprouted shoots per cane and length of shoot at harvest. The shortest duration for flowering, fruit set, and initial harvest was observed using a fertilizer dose of 100:50:50 g NPK per plant (Control) (F1). The application of 200:75:75 g NPK per plant (F2) was most effective for maximum fruit weight and overall yield of phalsa. Furthermore, this fertiliser dose significantly boosted phalsa yields when combined with pruning during the first week of March.
Tshering Lhamu Bhutia1,, Nima Tshering Bhutia2, Ngura Sailo3, Rampal2 and Tshering Chomu Bhutia2
1*ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok, India-737102. 2ICAR- National Research Centre for Orchids, Pakyong, East Sikkim, India-737106. 3 ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Research Centre- Shillong, India-793-009. Corresponding e-mail: tl.bhutia@icar.gov.in
Abstract: The Diplomeris hirsuta Lindl, is a rare and endangered orchid species indigenous to India. This delicate species faces numerous threats, including landslides and road expansion, which have decreased its population and placed the species at risk of extinction. However, there is hope for this species, as the paper has reported the successful ex situ conservation of D. hirsuta plants. The researchers achieved this feat by creating a simulated natural habitat that closely mimicked the conditions of the plant’s native environment. This simulated habitat provided the ideal environmental conditions necessary to sustain the plant’s growth and development, including temperature, humidity, light, and soil composition. As a result, the live plants of D. hirsuta were successfully conserved. This study’s ex situ conservation method is essential in preserving species’ survival, especially when their natural habitats are at risk or destroyed. The success of this conservation effort provides a potential model for future conservation efforts of other threatened plant species, giving hope for the protection and preservation of rare and endangered plant species worldwide.
1Department of Food Science and Technology, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonipat, India. 1Department of Food Science and Technology, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonipat, India. 2Department of Agriculture and Environmental Science, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonipat, India. Corresponding e-mail: aojha.niftem@gmail.com
Abstract: Food sustainability and waste reduction have gained considerable importance in recent years. Despite being rich in nutrients and functional characteristics, by-products like seeds from fruits remain underutilized. The decorticated seeds and seeds flour of muskmelon and watermelon were analyzed for their physical, nutritional, functional, and thermal properties to aid in designing systems for storage, processing, and incorporation as functional ingredients in food products. Standard methods estimated the seeds’ dimensional, frictional, gravimetric, nutritional, and functional properties. The seeds’ flour was defatted to assess thermal properties using the DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry). The seeds of muskmelon and watermelon were rich in proteins (29.21 %, 29.56 %) and fats (39.07 %, 44.31 %), respectively. Both the seeds’ flour exhibited a similar range of porosity (68.8 %). The static coefficient of friction (0.78) was the highest for thermocol among all tested surfaces for both seeds. The foaming capacity (39.39 %) and oil absorption capacity (1.26 g/g) of muskmelon seeds flour were higher than watermelon seeds flour (36.36 % and 1.00 g/g, respectively). The thermal denaturation temperature of defatted watermelon seeds flour (66.4 °C) was higher than defatted muskmelon seeds flour (63.8 °C). Reports on these seeds’ properties, especially the thermal properties of seed flour, are very scarce. This research work would aid in effectively utilizing seeds and their flours as functional ingredients in the food processing industry.
Enrico C. Virrey
College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Eastern Samar State University, Salcedo, Eastern Samar, Philippines. Corresponding e-mail: enricovirrey@gmail.com
Abstract: Stem-end rot caused by Diplodia natalensis is one of the significant postharvest diseases causing setbacks in the mango industry. Essential oil shows excellent potential as an alternative method in controlling postharvest diseases, which are considered safe and biodegradable with no residual effect. Hence, the study was conducted to determine the antifungal activity of Citronella essential oil against Diplodia natalensis (Pole Evans), to identify the effective concentration of Citronella essential oil to control D. natalensis in vitro and to evaluate the potential of citronella oil as treatment against stem-end rot disease of mango fruit. Results showed that citronella oil at 30% - 80% concentration exhibits fungistatic activity. At the same time, Citronella at 90% concentration showed fungicidal activity, which was most effective, showing complete inhibition of mycelial growth in the in vitro experiment. Furthermore, a significant reduction in fruit decay and percent fruit decay was noted with the 90% concentration of Citronella essential oil compared with the control in the in vivo experiment. However, no significant differences were observed between treatments regarding the length of exposure at 90% concentration of the essential oil. These results suggest that Citronella essential oil can potentially control stem-end rot in mangoes.
Indira Devi and Harminder Singh
Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana, Punjab 141 004, India. Corresponding e-mail: indu90@pau.edu
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to broaden the range of early-ripening peach cultivars through hybridization. Low chill peach cultivars, specifically Shan-i-Punjab and Tropic Sweet, were selected as female parents and crossed with Florda Prince, Flordaglo, and Prabhat. Among the crosses, the highest fruit set (72.63%) was observed in Shan-i-Punjab x Florda Prince, while the lowest fruit set was recorded in Tropic Sweet × Flordaglo (18.87%). Despite the lower fruit set in Tropic Sweet crosses, they exhibited a significantly higher fruit retention percentage and a lower fruit drop rate than those involving the Shan-i-Punjab cultivar. Following ripening, seeds were extracted from the fruits and subjected to stratification at low temperatures until radicle emergence occurred. The stratification duration for the hybrid seedlings ranged from 76.00 days in Shan-i-Punjab × Florda Prince to 88.33 days in Tropic Sweet × Flordaglo. After sowing the seeds in the field, the highest seed germination percentage of 90.43 was recorded in Tropic Sweet × Florda Prince, which did not show a significant difference from Tropic Sweet × Flordaglo (88.94%), followed by Tropic Sweet × Prabhat (85.11%). Regarding seedling growth, Tropic Sweet × Flordaglo exhibited the maximum seedling height of 36.03 cm, while minimal variations were observed among different crosses regarding petiole length, leaf area, and internodal length.
J. Bhatia, N. Ghai and S.K. Jindal
Department of Botany, Collage of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141004, India. Corresponding e-mail: jaya-bot@pau.edu
Abstract: The present research investigated the impact of plant growth regulators in mitigating the effects of heat stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotype LST-6 and cultivar Punjab Varkha Bahar-4. In north India, the temperature in the summer season ranges between 25-45 ?C and temperature above 28?C leads to heat stress in plants and negatively affects the reproductive stage of plants. Considering this, we subjected the plants to varying concentrations of GA3 (10, 20, 30 µg/mL) and 4-CPA (15, 45, 75 µg/mL). GA3 application took place three weeks after transplanting, while 4-CPA was administered during the anthesis stage. We recorded observations from both control and treated plants, with a 10-day gap between each spray treatment. The application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) enhanced the plants’ ability to withstand high temperatures by improving photosynthetic efficiency, as evidenced by increased chlorophyll and carotenoid levels in the leaves. The level of different biochemical constituents (total protein, starch, total soluble sugars, phenol and proline content) also increased in PGRs treated plants. Application of GA3 and 4-CPA also enhanced the membrane thermostability and reduced lipid peroxidation. The PGRs treated plants exhibited increased plant height, leaf area, pollen viability, fruit set, number of fruits per plant and fruit weight, ultimately improving yield. GA3 and 4- CPA application also increased the total soluble solids, lycopene content and titratable acidity in tomato fruits. Thus, overall improvement was observed with the application of PGRs; however, 75µg /mL 4-CPA was most effective in imparting thermo tolerance.
1University of Agricultural Sciences (GKVK), Bangalore 560065. 2ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Regional Centre, Hebbal, Bangalore 560024. 3ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Amravati Road, University P.O, Nagpur 440033. Corresponding e-mail: kskavukattu@gmail.com
Abstract: Knowledge of the spatial distribution of soil nutrients is essential for site-specific nutrient management, which forms an effective strategy in precision agriculture. As mango is one of southern Karnataka’s most important horticultural crops, the present study was conducted on 108 mango orchards under different agro-climatic zones to assess spatial nutrient variability for nutrient management. The soils of the study areas were acidic and non-saline. Nitrogen (N) deficiency was found in 84.26 percent area, whereas phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents were medium in most soils. Sulphur was sufficient, and calcium and magnesium contents varied with agro-climatic zones. The micronutrient (Zn, Fe, Mn) status was sufficient, except for copper and boron. The nutrient index for nitrogen was low, while phosphorus and potassium were low to medium. It is inferred that agro-management should include proper nitrogen fertilization, FYM, and boron throughout the growing cycle for better yield and quality.
Muhammad Munir1,2*
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
Abstract: The recycling of organic waste as a feedstock for the plant use emerges to be an eco-friendly process for the production of various fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops. Cheese-whey has very short shelf life, therefore, in the present study the wasted cheese-whey is used as organic material to observe its effect on ornamental plant. In this study, seven commercial cultivars of snapdragon (Magic Carpet, Antiquity Sunset, Day and Night, Chuckles, Illumination, Madame Butterfly, and Twilight) were planted in pots containing either (1) 1:3:1 ratio of sand, peat-based compost, and perlite substrate (control), or (2) 1:3:1 ratio of sand, peat-based compost, and perlite substrate, which was amended by adding 200 mL per pot cheese-whey. These pots were placed in a glasshouse, under ambient environment. The layout of the experiment was two-factorial completely randomized design with six replicates. All plant growth and flowering parameters were significantly (P?0.05) affected by substrates. Snapdragon cultivars grown in cheese-whey amended substrate displayed maximum plant height, number of leaf per plant, leaf area, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, specific leaf weight, and leaf area ratio. Comparing the cultivars, it was observed that the cultivar Day and Night had maximum days to flowering, plant height, number of leaf per plant, leaf area, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, specific leaf weight, and leaf area ratio. The interaction of the both factors indicated that all snapdragon cultivars had significantly promising results when grown in cheese-whey amended substrate compared to control plants.
T. Taticharoen1,2, S. Matsumoto2, C. Chutteang3, K. Srion4, W. Abdullakasim5, and S. Abdullakasim4*
1 Programme of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand. 2Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan. 3 Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand. 4 Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand. 5 Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140 Thailand.Corresponding e-mail: fagrsds@ku.ac.th
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i02.27
Key words: Cut-flower, inflorescence, leaf area, pseudobulb, vase life, water use
Abstract: Dendrobium cut-flower producers commonly employ sprinkler systems with high water consumption. Our study aimed to identify a more water-efficient irrigation method for orchids. Specifically, we investigated the optimal timing of water application during a day in the dry season, intending to minimize water usage. The research used a 3x2x2 completely randomized factorial design, factoring in the times of the day for irrigation (dawn, morning, and evening), the type of sprinkler head (standard or large vs. mini), and the duration of irrigation (6 minutes vs. 4 minutes). The study revealed that adjusting these factors could reduce the standard water volume used by 30 to 60% without negatively affecting the orchids’ growth or flower quality. Over five months of testing various irrigation techniques, metrics such as the height of the front pseudobulb, leaf count on the front pseudobulb, total leaf number per plant, pseudobulb count, and inflorescence quality (like length, number of flowers, and vase life) remained consistent across different methods. A notable discovery was that irrigating at either dawn or evening using a standard-sized sprinkler led to higher fresh and dry leaf weights and a greater leaf area than morning irrigation. Impressively, these results were observed even when the irrigation time was reduced to just 4 minutes, a 30% reduction from typical water usage. In summary, our research suggests that during the dry season, Dendrobium orchid growers can potentially reduce irrigation water usage by 30% without sacrificing the growth or quality of their plants.
V. Dhanusri1*, H. Usha Nandhini Devi2, A. Sankari3, M. Djanaguiraman4 and V. Veeranan Arun Giridhari5
1Department of Vegetable Science, 2&5Centre for Post Harvest Technology, 3Controllerate of Examination, and 4Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 03, Tamil Nadu, India. Corresponding e-mail: dhanusrivenkat03@gmail.com
Abstract: Cucumber yield is profoundly influenced by soil moisture, with drought representing a pivotal factor. This study evaluated four cucumber lines (CBECS-37, CBECS-38, CBECS-19, and CBECS-7) within a split-plot experimental design comprising four replications. Irrigation occurred once every seven days, spanning from sowing to the flowering stage. Drought stress was imposed at two critical stages: from flower bud initiation to harvesting (withheld irrigation for 25 days) and from flowering to harvesting (withheld irrigation for 15 days). Morphological and physiological parameters, including plant height, primary branch count, days to first male and female flower appearance, total soluble solids (TSS), relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, leaf electrolyte leakage, and malondialdehyde, were assessed 15 days after drought stress. Results indicated greater membrane damage during the flower bud initiation to the harvesting stage (404.5%) compared to the flowering to the harvesting stage (304.6%). Thus, drought stress during flower bud initiation to harvesting was more critical. CBECS-7 demonstrated the highest tolerance to drought conditions, displaying superior outcomes in primary branches, plant height (20.6%), chlorophyll a (16.7%), chlorophyll b (53.4%), total chlorophyll (26.7%), and RWC (6.7%). CBECS-7 exhibited increased chlorophyll content, enhanced photosynthetic activity, robust vegetative growth, and prolific flower and fruit production. These findings establish CBECS-7 as a drought-tolerant line during flower bud initiation to harvesting. In conclusion, this study underscores the critical nature of the flower bud initiation to the harvesting stage and identifies CBECS-7 as a drought-tolerant cucumber line.
S. Sinha1’2, Basavaraj3, B.L. Patil4, R.K. Jain3 and M. Mishra1*
Division of Crop Improvement and Biotechnology, ICAR- Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, P.O. Kakori, Rehmankhera, Lucknow, India-226101.2Amity Institute of Biotechnology, 3Advance Center for Plant Virology, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India-110 012. 4ICAR-National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, IARI, New Delhi, India- 110 012. Corresponding e-mail: maneesh.mishra@icar.gov.in
Abstract: Papaya Ring Spot Virus disease is wide spread across papaya growing countries of the world and is one of the major impediments in successful papaya cultivation. Genetically engineered papaya varieties viz., SunUp and Rainbow have already been developed and commercialized in USA using coat protein mediated resistance. However, transgenic papaya conferring resistance to papaya ringspot virus has not been developed in India till date due to lack of suitable genetic transformation protocol for Indian papaya varieties and unavailability of coat protein gene construct for harbouring broad-spectrum resistance. The current study reports an efficient gene delivery mechanism in papaya. Young globular embryos infected for 30 minutes with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA 4404 harbouring hairpin loop of truncated coat protein gene and subsequently co-cultivated in presence of 100 pM acetosyringone and 1mM spermidine in dark for 72 hours gave rise to independent transgenic events characterized by PCR, dot blot hybridisation and RT-PCR.
K. Manjunatha1*, D. Balasubramanian1, Ravindra Naik2 and J.D. Adiga1
1ICAR–Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur, D.K., Karnataka. 574 202. 2ICAR–Central Institute of Agriculture Engineering, Regional Centre, Coimbatore. Pin-641003. Corresponding e-mail: manjunatha.k@icar.gov.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i02.30
Key words: Cashew apple, raw cashew nut, physical characteristics and bulk density
Abstract: Cashew, an important tree nut crop, presents a challenge in separating the nut from the soft and fibrous cashew apple at maturity. Understanding the engineering properties of cashew apple and nut is necessary to design a machine for separating these two. The present study is aimed to determine the physical, mechanical and frictional properties of cashew apple and nut in six varieties viz., Bhaskara, Nethra Ganga, Ullal-3, Vengurla-7, Vengurla-4 and Dhana. The cashew apple and nuts’ arithmetic and geometric mean diameters were 44.58 to 52.11 mm, 43.41 to 51.41 mm and 24.96 to 28.81 mm, 23.89 to 28.11 mm, respectively. The sphericity of the cashew apple was found to be in the range of 0.76 to 0.89, whereas that of nut ranged between 0.71 and 0.80. Bulk density of cashew apple ranged from 495.15 to 581.50 kg m-3,whereas that of nuts ranged from 451.66 to 531.47 kg m-3. The static coefficient of friction of cashew apple and nuts varied on different surfaces. The mean values of the compression test in longitudinal and lateral directions were found to be in the range of 80.54 to 179.38 N and 90.92 to 139.40 N. The shearing force was found to be in the range of 20.36 to 53.08 N and 26.52 to 40.46 N in longitudinal and lateral directions, respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed in the physical properties of cashew apple and nuts among the varieties. These findings would be pertinent for designing the post-harvest machinery in cashew.
1Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar (Rajasthan) India-326023. 2Department of PHT, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar., India. 3Department of Basic Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar., India. 4Faculty of Horticulture, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Romania. Corresponding e-mail: nirmalchf@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i02.31
Key words: Pollen grain, fruit, ascorbic acid, total phenols.
Abstract: The present investigation aimed to know the effect of different pollen sources and time of pollination for hand pollination on biochemical and organoleptic properties in sugar apple cv. Arka Sahan. For the study, a total 130 flowers of cv. Arka Sahan were hand pollinated with three different pollen sources, such as Balanagar, Raydurg and APK-Ca 1 at three different times in the July. It was found that pollen source and timing significantly affected fruit quality attributes and organoleptic traits. Fruits of T1 (first pollination with Balanagar) exhibited maximum pulp weight, fruit weight and seeds per fruit. The biochemical traits such as higher total soluble solids (32.33 ºBrix), lower titratable acidity (TA) (0.25%), higher total sugar (TS) (25.55%), reducing sugar (RS) (22.75%) and non-reducing sugar (NRS) (2.66 %) were also reported in T1. Likewise, higher ascorbic acid (AA) (27.87 mg/100g) and minimum total phenols content (TPC) (66.76 ?g GAE/100g) were also obtained in T1 yielded fruits compared to the naturally pollinated (control). Evaluation of organoleptic revealed that pollen source and pollination time also affected the sweetness, sourness aroma, grittiness and overall acceptability (8.62) of pulp. Results of organoleptic evaluation revealed that pollen sources and pollination times also affected the sweetness, sourness, aroma, grittiness and overall acceptability (8.62) of the fruit pulp. Hence, Balanagar could be used as an effective pollen source for hand pollination in Arka Sahan during initial weeks of July to get higher quality and acceptability of the sugar apple fruits.
U. Greeshma1, J.S. Bindhu1*, P. Shalini Pillai1, D. Jacob1 and S. Sarada2
1Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University. 2Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University. Corresponding e-mail: jsbindhu@gmail.com
Abstract: Wicking bed systems have gained significant attention in the context of small-scale and urban horticulture as a result of their capacity to effectively mitigate water constraint and promote sustainable crop output. To further our comprehension of these systems, a research study was conducted during the summer of 2020-21 to evaluate the efficacy of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in a wicking bed system.The experimental design followed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a total of eight different treatments, replicated three times. The treatments consisted of several arrangements of wicking bed systems, which involved variations in reservoir depths (100 mm and 150 mm), soil bed depths (200 mm and 300 mm), and the inclusion of coir geotextile as interlayers. Based on the conducted experiments on the results of various wicking bed configurations, it is advisable to utilize a reservoir depth of 150 mm and a soil bed depth of 300 mm, together with the inclusion of a geotextile interlayer, in order to maximize tomato yield inside a wicking bed system. The aforementioned study enhance our understanding of urban agriculture, sustainable water management and crop cultivation techniques.
Byungsoon Kim
Department of Computer Education, Andong National University, Andong, South Korea
Abstract: The precise monitoring of leaf temperature is becoming more important as crop leaf temperature is utilized more frequently for different uses such as irrigation, disease and pest detection. This study aims to explore the potential usage of a cost-effective Lepton 3.5 camera to measure the crop canopy temperature. The accuracy of the Lepton 3.5 will be compared to a FLIR E8-XT thermal camera and an MLX90614 infrared thermometer. With the usage of three devices: a custom Lepton 3.5 camera, an Implexxio LT-1T thermistor and an MLX90614, the temperature of the target leaf of a laboratory plant was automatically measured every five minutes. The data would then be recorded on a private cloud server and manually measured with a handheld FLIR E8-XT. The performance of these three devices was evaluated to the standard of a highly accurate Implexxio LT-1T thermistor using the mean absolute error and root mean squared error. Among the non-contact sensors- MLX90614, Lepton 3.5 and FLIR E8-XT- the MLX90614 sensor showed the highest accuracy. However, the Lepton 3.5 module had an accuracy of less than ±2°C, which was similar to FLIR E8-XT and much better than the error value specified for the Lepton. The low-cost Lepton 3.5 can be used to periodically measure leaf temperature with an accuracy comparable to that of an intermediate-level thermal imager.
M.A. Imran 1, M.H. Rahman*1, M.T. Islam1 and M.S. Hossain2
1Department of Horticulture, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur-5200, Bangladesh. 2Department of Agronomy, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur-5200, Bangladesh. Corresponding e-mail: Rahmanhassan@hstu.ac.bd
Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the impact of pre-harvest fruit bagging on banana maturity, pest and disease management, and postharvest quality. The bunch was wrapped in a variety of bags, including white polythene bag, blue polythene bag, muslin cloth bag, gunny bag, brown paper bag and non-bagging (control). The study was designed as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results showed that banana bunch covered with brown paper bags were ready to harvest 16 days earlier than those in the control. In addition, bagging increased fruit length, diameter, weight, and pulp weight in comparison to non-bagged fruit. Moreover, the brown paper bag treatment significantly reduced pest infestation (15-fold), disease infection (12-fold) and physiological disorder (6.5-fold) compared to control. The firmness, total soluble solids, and total sugar content were found maximum with brown paper bagged fruit, while Vitamin C content was higher in control fruits. Brown paper bagged fruit exhibited the longest shelf life (12 days) as compared to the control (09 days). Bagging presented a significant effect on the color and overall expression of the fruit, although it did not influence the flavour of the fruit. In conclusion, brown paper bags can help to prevent diseases and insect infestation and improve the fruit quality of bananas.
Kaushal Kumar1,3, Kamini Kumari3*, Somen Acharya1,2, Thupstan Tsewang1, Alok Mishra1, Anshu Verma1 and O P Chaurasia1
1Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR-DRDO), C/O 56 APO, Leh-Ladakh, India. 2Defence Research Laboratory (DRL-DRDO), Tezpur, Assam-784001, India. 3School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India. Corresponding e-mail: kamini.25795@lpu.co.in
Abstract: This study compared the hydroponic and soil cultivation systems for lettuce and spinach production in India’s cold desert, high-altitude Trans-Himalayan region. Hydroponic cultivation is a soilless technique that provides fresh vegetables in regions with environmental stress and limited arable land. The experiment was conducted in hydroponic structures designed for leafy vegetable cultivation, including vertical and horizontal circulated nutrient film technique (NFT), non-circulated systems, and soil cultivation in an open, naturally ventilated double-layer polycarbonate greenhouse in Ladakh, India. Results showed that lettuce and spinach grown in the vertical circulated NFT system had significantly better plant growth characteristics such as plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh weight, and yield than horizontal NFT, non-circulated, and soil systems. Moreover, fresh produce from vertical and horizontal NFT systems had higher nitrate content, soluble sugar content, and total sweetness index, indicating better crispiness of the produce. Mineral nutrient contents (Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, and Ni) were also higher in the circulated NFT system compared to other systems studied. Thus, this study demonstrated that lettuce and spinach grown in NFT systems produced significantly higher yields with better nutritional quality than soil-grown systems in the Trans-Himalayan region. Hydroponic systems are recommended for successfully producing nutrient-rich vegetables in areas with limited water and arable land. This is the first demonstration of hydroponic systems in high-altitude cold desert conditions for growing leafy greens, and it has promising implications for sustainable agriculture.
Tavisha Singh1*, Seema Bedi1 and Rajinder Singh2
1Department of Botany, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India. 2Associate Director (Seeds), Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India. Corresponding e-mail: tavisha-bot@pau.edu
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i02.36
Key words: Gibberellic acid, seed coat, harvested seeds, KNO3, mean days to germination, Praecitrullus fistulosus, priming, round gourd, seed dormancy, seed germination, seedling vigour index, storage duration
Abstract: Owing to its hard seed coat, the seeds of Praecitrullus fistulosus exhibit dormancy which impairs the germinability and subsequent seed establishment. To overcome this dormancy, the seeds are required to be stored for a minimum of 45 days after harvest (DAH). In north Indian plains, round gourd seeds are harvested in mid-June and are required to be sown immediately in June-July. Therefore, priming treatments were employed to overcome seed dormancy in a short interval. To assess the effect of various priming treatments in overcoming dormancy, the seeds were stored at room temperature for various durations and at the end of the storage period, the seeds were primed by soaking in solutions of GA3 (150 µgmL-1, 500 µgmL-1,1000 µgmL-1 gibberellic acid), cytokinin (150 µgmL-1, 500 µgmL-1,1000 µgmL-1kinetin), ethylene (150, 500, 1000 ethrel), KNO3 (150 and 500 µgmL-1), HNO3 (150 and 500 µlL-1) and water, at 250C for 12 hours and 24 hours, respectively. Among all the priming treatments, 500 µgmL-1 KNO3 for 24 h enhanced percentage germination to more than 60 per cent in freshly harvested seeds to more than 80 per cent in seeds stored for 15 DAH. It also enhanced the length of seedling, vigour index (SVI-I and SVI-II), and coefficient of rate of germination (CRG) with a reduction in the mean days taken for germination (MDG).
Darshana Sihmar* and Aradhita Barman Ray
Department of Food Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar-125001, Haryana, India. Corresponding e-mail: darshanaftgju@gmail.com
Abstract: The acceptability of grapefruit juice is hindered by its inherent bitterness, primarily attributed to the presence of naringin as the main bitter component. To enhance consumer preference, two distinct methods, physical and enzymatic, were employed to mitigate the bitterness of grapefruit juice. In the physical method, the juice underwent treatment with the adsorbent Amberlite IR 400, utilizing a 3-level factorial design. The enzymatic method involved the application of naringinase enzyme, employing the Box-Behnken experimental design. Notably, the physical method revealed a significant linear and interaction effect of time and temperature on the naringin content, while the enzymatic method exhibited a significant linear effect of enzyme concentration, time and temperature on the same. Both debittering methods were optimized using a numerical multi-response optimization technique to determine the optimum variable levels. This ensured that both independent and dependent variables remained within the experimental range, achieving maximum desirability. For the physical debittering method, the optimized conditions were 96 minutes and 28 °C for time and temperature, respectively. Meanwhile, the enzymatic debittering method optimized conditions included 0.83 g/L enzyme concentration, 35 °C temperature, and 3 hours 50 minutes time. Under these optimized conditions, the enzymatic method demonstrated superior results, achieving a higher naringin reduction of 55.77%, compared to the 33.18% reduction achieved by the physical method using Amberlite IR 400.
Mahdi Abbaszadeh1, Amir Salari2, Ali Maroosi3 and Babak Jamali4*
1Plant Nutrition Supervision, Jihad Agriculture of Khorasan Razavi, Mashhad, Iran. 2Department of Water Science and Engineering, Minab Higher Education Center, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran. 3Department of Computer Engineering, University of Torbat Heydarieh, Iran. 4 Department of Agriculture, Minab Higher Education Center, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Corresponding e-mail: babakjamali@ymail.com, babakjamali@hormozgan.ac.ir
Abstract: Nitrate accumulation is a common problem in agriculture. To determine the factors contributing to nitrate accumulation in tomato fruits, the present study investigated the accumulated nitrogen content in tomatoes harvested in Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province (Mashhad, Neyshabur, Torbat-Jam, Fariman, and Chenaran regions) in four consecutive years. At least 30 samples were collected from each growing area and analyzed. Our findings showed that nitrate accumulation was absent in areas where fertilizer application met crop and soil needs. The highest nitrate accumulation in fresh fruits was 487 mg/kg in fields where the plants received 207 kg/ha of nitrogen fertilizer; the nitrate content of the samples was above the standard critical concentration in 71.67% of the regions studied. Nitrate accumulation in tomatoes from Khorasan Razavi province was high, which can adversely impact the quality of this crop in this region.
K. Sathees Kumar1,4, T. Ilakiya2,4 and T. Gowthaman3
1RVS Agricultural College, Department of Social Sciences, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. 2Department of Vegetable Science, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India. 3Department of Agricultural Statistics, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India. 4SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, IndiaCorresponding e-mail: sarassathees96@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i02.39
Key words: Cuddy-Della instability index, Kruskal-Wallis test, ratio to moving average approach, seasonal indices, price instability, ARIMA
Abstract: Vegetable production plays a pivotal role in the horticulture industry, yet the availability of vegetable crops remains unpredictable. Seasonal volatility contributes to unclear supply, resulting in price fluctuations. This study aimed to assess the seasonal indices and price instability of key vegetables in India using the Cuddy-Della Instability Index and the Ratio to Moving Average approach. Monthly price series spanning January 2010 to December 2021 were collected from the AGMARKNET website. Seasonality in the price series was examined using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The results indicated that potatoes exhibited moderate instability, while onions and tomatoes displayed high instability. The onion price series demonstrated the highest seasonal indices in October, November, and December. Wholesale and retail prices were lowest in April, May, and June. October and November marked the peak wholesale and retail prices for potatoes, with the lowest prices recorded in February and March. July and August were the months with the highest wholesale and retail tomato prices, while February and March saw the lowest prices. The ARIMA model, applied to de-seasonalized price series, estimated factors excluding the seasonal component. Recognizing these price patterns enables farmers, policymakers, and government sectors to take necessary precautions against sudden price changes.
Hoa Quynh Vu1,2*, Ha Thi Thu Phung1,2, Duc Anh Nguyen1, Thom Mai Nguyen1,2, Hai Minh Ngo3
1Faculty of Agronomy, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, 10000 Trau Quy-Gia Lam-Hanoi. 2Institute of Ornamental Organism Science, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, 10000 Trau Quy-Gia Lam-Hanoi. 3Faculty of Economics and Rural Development, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, 10000 Trau Quy-Gia Lam – Hanoi. Corresponding e-mail: hoayamaguchi2010@gmail.com; vuquynhhoa@vnua.edu.vn
Abstract: Vietnam is one of the countries with high biodiversity, with extremely rich and diverse genetic resources of flowers and ornamental plants, which are precious and valuable in the domestic and international markets. Currently, in Vietnam, rain lilies have many different shapes and colors. This study focused on evaluating the growth characteristics of ten different varieties of rain lily and the ability to propagate these varieties by bulb chipping method in winter-spring in Hanoi, Vietnam. The results show that there was a great diversity in growth characteristics among lily varieties in terms of the number of leaves (4.4 to 12.7), leaf length (8.3-22 cm), leaf width (2.4-9.7 mm), leaf thickness (1.0 to 1.7 mm), leaf angle (23-50o), and tillering ability in six months (0 to 5.8 branches/bulb). The flower colors were also diverse such as white, light pink, dark pink, orange, white. The number of petals was 6 or 12 petals, along with the diversity of flower structure. The ten varieties showed a different propagation capacity by bulb chipping ranging from 1 to 17 multiplication times. The bulbils derived from bulb chipping had the good quality, with the highest number of bulbils in the treatment of the four-piece-chipping. Therefore, the method can be applied to rain lily propagation in Vietnam.
V.A. Naliapara, V.M. Sejani and N.U. Joshi
Department of Processing and Food Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh – 362001 (India). Corresponding e-mail: virajnaliapara18@gmail.com
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to develop a conceptual automated solution for the labour-intensive processes of coconut dehusking and deshelling. This was achieved by utilizing simulation-based design techniques. The study centred on the utilization of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) as a fundamental tool for the visualization and simulation of the proposed mechanisms. This study has developed a comprehensive framework for assessing the potential feasibility of the simulated dehusking and deshelling processes by conducting thorough evaluations that encompass stress, displacement, strain, and safety considerations. The cylindrical design with spiral spikes was designed to remove husks efficiently. CAD helped to comprehend the mechanism’s behavior, and subsequent analyses revealed that stress levels remained far below acceptable thresholds. The displacement and strain effects were negligible, providing the structural integrity of the simulated dehusking procedure. The design utilized strategically placed metal bars to improve contact points and effectiveness. The simulation-based assessments replicated the dehusking evaluations, confirming that stress, displacement, and strain remained within limits. This study shows that simulated automation in coconut processing has excellent potential and supports its real-world implementation. Computer-aided design (CAD) and thorough analyses ensured the safety and reliability of conceptual mechanisms and set a precedent for agricultural processing machinery. This study proposes a systematic approach to coconut processing that might change the industry by improving productivity and reducing manual labour.
G. Sandeep1*, T. Arumugam2, G.J. Janavi3, T. Anitha4, K. Senthil5 and A. Lakshmanan6
1Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam. 2Department of Horticulture, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam. 3Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam. 4Department of Postharvest Technology, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam. 5Department of Soil Science, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai. 6School of Post Graduate Studies, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Corresponding e-mail: sandeepgunalan@outlook.com, sandeepguna1995@gmail.com
Abstract: The effect of different extraction methods using ethanol as a green solvent, such as soaking/maceration, Soxhlet, Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), and Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), on the percentage of extraction yield, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial effect, was investigated. Unknown phytochemicals present in moringa leaf extract from various extraction methods were identified using Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and identified compounds ranged from twenty-eight compounds to thirty-four compounds from various extraction methods. On comparing the conventional and non-conventional methods of extraction, the quantity and quality of extracted moringa biomolecules were found to be high in terms of extraction yield (21.79 ± 0.10%), TPC (144.52 ± 3.44 QE mg/g)), TFC (22.93 ± 0.28 GA mg/g)) and antioxidant activity (84.15 ± 1.14%) in UAE followed by MAE in less time than conventional methods. Moringa leaf extract from UAE, showed a maximum zone of inhibition (56.25 ± 0.35 mm) against E. coli at higher concentrations. Based on the research results, UAE and MAE could be novel extraction methods for various industrial sectors with a wide range of nutrients and bioactivity. In future, these extracted compounds might be further purified, characterized and fortified with other food products to mitigate malnutrition.
Piyatida Amnuaykan
Faculty of Agricultural Production, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. E-mail: piyatida.chou@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i01.04
Key words: Hydrangea macrophylla, glucose, sucrose, mannitol, vase life
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different sugar types on the vase life of cut hydrangea flowers. There were 19 treatments based on concentrations and sucrose, glucose, and mannitol combinations. The results showed that the vase solution with 5% glucose provided the most extended vase life, which was 12.4 d, while the control solution with distilled water presented 8.86 d. The results were correlated with the total solution uptake, the number of days for reaching maximum inflorescene diameter, maximum sepal hardness score, chlorophyll content, and sepal electrolyte leakage. It could be implied that glucose alone extends hydrangea vase life by inactivating the ethylene signaling pathway. Based on the sepal size and colour, 3% glucose treatment which generated the second-highest vase life, could be the appropriate concentration for improving flower quality and longevity. This study provides essential information to understand hydrangea flower senescence and develop better vase solutions for cut hydrangea flowers.
Yashi Bajpai1,2, Sandeep Kumar1,2, M. Muthukumar1, S. Rajan1, Anju Bajpai1*, Mala Trivedi2*
1ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow-226101, India. 2Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus. Corresponding e-mail: anju.bajpai@gmail.com; mtrivedi@lko.amity.edu
Abstract: Proteome-based vegetative and flower bud formation characterization was utilized to identify and differentiate protein species with significant variable abundance during floral transition in mango cv. Dashehari using 2DE and corroborated the identified protein spots using gene expression analysis. Total soluble proteins were phenol-extracted from mango cv's vegetative and floral flush. Dashehari and separated on 2D gels at pH 4-7. The protein spots with variable intensity were identified through SameSpots software. The protein sequences of differentially accumulated spots were identified based on PI and MW using Citrus sinensis proteome isoelectric focusing database. Furthermore, these protein sequences were used to conduct (tBLASTn) against Mangifera indica to predict the protein. Real time gene expression was done to corroborate identified proteins. Total 301 spots were detected, out of which 16 were identified as differentially expressed (P?0.05) and a 2-fold change. These 16 protein spots were identified on the basis of in silico comparative mapping protein against genome of mango and citrus, a close relative. They were classified into eight categories: transcriptional regulation, phenylpropanoid pathway and cell wall /cytoskeleton metabolism-related proteins, hormone signalling, flowering time, signal-transduction, transport and protein synthesis to flowering. Five genes coding for shortlisted proteins were used for validation of results using gene expression analysis. SAM (S adenosyl methonine synthase) was found up-regulated in floral flush, involved in the biosynthesis of polyamines has association with flowering, and stress responses. Furthermore, ARF (Auxin Response Factor), serine/threonine kinase gene members were also found to play critical role in determining floral development process in mango, consistent with results obtained through 2DE. Protein species that are putatively involved in phenylpropanoid pathway were also identified, showing the process of mango flowering from a new perspective beyond the conventional view. This flowering related proteomics study provides an overview of the biological pathways and regulatory mechanisms associated with flowering developmental physiology.
Abiyu E. Molla1, Animut M. Andualem2*, Misganaw T. Ayana3 and Melkamu A. Zeru4
1Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Ethiopia. 2Department of Biology, College of Science, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 79, Ethiopia. 3Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 79, Ethiopia. 4Department of Statistics, College of Science, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 79, Ethiopia. Corresponding e-mail: animutmekuriaw39@gmail.com
Abstract: Drought is the most predominant abiotic factor that affects plant growth and development. The present research examined at how drought stress affected the growth, physiological, and biochemical responses of Local and Markofana red pepper (Capsicum annum L.) cultivars. Five-week-old cultivars were exposed to well-watered, low, moderate, and severe drought conditions, kept at 100, 80, 60 and 40% of field capacity, respectively. Nine-week-old cultivars were sampled to analyze the effects of the stress on different parameters of both cultivars. Compared with the control group, drought stress caused a reduction in growth, physiological and biochemical parameters; nevertheless, adverse effects of the stress were more noticeable in the Local cultivar. Severe drought stress significantly reduced shoot length in Markofana (53.71 %) compared to the control group. Significant variation was observed in relative water content in the Local cultivar (20.26 %) exposed to drought. In the Local cultivar, the total chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence declined significantly by 77.28 and 3.33 %, respectively. Therefore, the cultivar Markofana was relatively less affected by drought stress. In general, these differences in cultivar responses to drought stress may aid in developing drought tolerance genotypes that can withstand drought stress conditions with minimal yield losses.
Byungsoon Kim*
Department of Computer Education, Andong National University, Andong, South Korea. Corresponding e-mail: bsgim@anu.ac.kr
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i01.06
Key words: Lepton 3.5, LT-1T, warm-up time, accuracy
Abstract: Accurately monitoring leaf temperatures is becoming more and more critical as more studies use a crop's leaf temperature for irrigation, disease, and pest detection. In the present study, the accuracy of a module for camera warm-up times of 30 sec, 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 3.5 min, and 4 min was compared when leaf temperature was periodically measured using a Lepton 3.5 module, a low-cost thermal imaging camera. The experiment was conducted for a plant in a laboratory, and a high-accuracy LT-1T thermistor sensor was used together to compare module accuracy. The power consumption of both sensors decreased by using the sleep mode of the module, and all measurements were conducted in intervals of five minutes. The accuracy was compared using the R-Squared, MAE, and RMSE of the two values measured by LT-1T and Lepton 3.5. As a result of the experiment, the accuracy was the highest when the warm-up time was 3.5 minutes showing the mean absolute error (MAE) and the root means squared error (RMSE) values of 0.56 ? and 0.59 ?, respectively. The accuracy was 2.5%, which was substantially higher than the 5% accuracy of the device specification.
B.S. Narwariya1*, K.N. Agrawal2 and B.M. Nandede2
1ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. 2ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal, India. Corresponding e-mail: bsnarwariya87@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i01.07
Key words: Cabbage, planting method, cultivars, maturity indices
Abstract: The predominant method of cabbage harvesting in India is manual labor, which is both time-consuming and physically demanding. However, the introduction of mechanical harvesting could offer a viable solution to this problem. A plant physical properties database is needed before the developing mechanical harvesting system design. In view of this, a study was conducted to examine the effect of planting methods (flat, ridge-furrow and ridge-furrow with plastic mulch) on physical growth and harvesting age of crop and thereby find out the most suitable planting method for mechanical harvesting. For two cabbage cultivars (Syngenta BC-79 and S-996), the effect of planting methods on physical growth parameters (plant height, plant diameter, length of leaf stem, length of stem, stem diameter, head diameter, and head weight) and harvest maturity indices (compactness, specific gravity, total soluble solids, pH, and pattern of wrapper leaves) was studied. The planting methods had shown a significant effect on growth parameters such as plant height (270.56 mm), plant diameter (549.39 mm), stem length (58.61 mm), stem diameter (34.58 mm), head diameter (144.89 mm) and head weight (1.12 kg) at harvest. The maximum number of matured heads (83.66%) was recorded in ridge-furrow with mulch planting. The interaction effect of planting methods and cultivars was found to be non-significant for all physical growth indicators. The findings of this study provide a valuable planting method for cabbage growers from the perspective of mechanical harvesting.
Japneet Kaur1, Seema Bedi1, Rajinder Singh2 and Tavisha Singh1*
1Department of Botany, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India. 2Associate Director (Seeds), Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India. Corresponding e-mail: tavisha-bot@pau.edu
Abstract: The present study was on brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) seeds var. Punjab Nagina. The quality of brinjal seeds in terms of vigour and viability severely declines due to natural ageing during storage between harvesting and the next sowing season. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of various priming treatments on the quality and storability of brinjal seeds. The freshly harvested seed was divided into two lots. One of these seed lots was subjected to accelerated ageing to obtain low vigour seed and the other lot was considered to be high vigour. The high and low vigour seeds were primed with KNO3 (1%), GA3 (100ppm), KH2PO4 (0.1M), PEG 6000 (30%) and H2O, respectively for 12 hours at 25oC. The seeds were stored in moisture-impervious bags for 12 months in a refrigerator (4oC). The objective was to observe whether the priming treatments improve the seed vigour and retain the advantages obtained during storage. The seeds were drawn at three monthly intervals, viz., zero, three, six, nine and twelve months of storage to study germination percentage, speed of germination, mean days to germination, seedling length, root length, shoot length, seedling dry weight and seedling aand vigour index. With an increase in storage duration, a decline in the physiological aspect of seed quality was observed in both high and low vigour seeds. All the priming treatments improved the germination-related parameters in both high and low vigour seeds over control but the extent of improvement varied. Seed priming with GA3 (100ppm) and KNO3 (1%) were the best treatments for both high and low vigour seeds, even after storage for 12 months.
Deyaa, I. Atwa1*, Amira, SH. Soliman2, Hassan, M. El-Fikey1 and Abdel-Wahab M. Mahmoud3
1Horticulture Research Institute – ARC –Giza – Egypt. 2Faculty of African Postgraduate Studies– Cairo University – Giza – Egypt. 3Faculty of Agriculture-plant Botany department-plant physiology division –Cairo University – Giza – Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: deyaaislam@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i01.09
Key words: Iris tingitana, seaweed extract, Garlic extract, water stress.
Abstract: A study was carried out for two seasons (2020/21 and 2021/22) to examine the effect of various natural extracts individually or in combination on the drought resistance of Iris tingitanacv. Wedgewood. A mixture of sand and clay (1:1 v/v) was prepared as a growth media. The treatments were (0, 25, and 50 % water drought) with liquid active biostimulants (garlic and seaweed) five times intervals after two weeks from bulb germination. The results revealed that plants at different soil moisture with various biostimulants succeeded in producing flowers of the best quality. Water drought at 25% also increased chlorophyll (a & b) and carotenoids in leaves, while drought at 0% recorded the highest increase in gibberellic acid. At 25% drought, vegetative growth and flower parameters were at their highest levels. Moreover, water drought at 50 % increased abscisic acid (ABA), proline, and catalase. Additionally, increases in vegetative growth, the number of leaves, flower parameters, chlorophyll (a & b), and carotenoids in leaves were noted as a result of applying seaweed extract at a concentration of 10 mL L-1; however, the best results for gibberellic acid were obtained using the highest concentration of garlic extract (500 mL L-1). The interactions between treatments indicated the superiority of growing bulbs at 25 % water drought with applying seaweed extracted at 10 mL L-1 that improved vegetative growth and most of the flower parameters. Meanwhile, treating plants at 25 % water drought with either seaweed at 5 mL L-1 or garlic extract at 500 mL L-1 realized the higher chlorophyll (a & b), carotenoids, and gibberellic acid (GA3) content.
Prasanna Dhondi1, Sai Krishna Talla2,3 and Kiranmayee Kasula1*
1Department of Biotechnology, Telangana University, Dichpally, Nizamabad, Telangana, 503322, India. 2Department of Botany, Telangana University, Dichpally, Nizamabad, Telangana, 503322, India.3Plant Biotechnology Research Unit, SLN Biologicals LLP, Nizamabad, Telangana, 503002, India. Corresponding e-mail: prasannadhondi@gmail.com
Abstract: Curcuma longa L. is a spice crop with enormous medicinal and cosmetic properties cultivated across the world. It was propagated vegetatively by means of rhizomes, as these were underneath soil prone to soil borne fungal diseases. Treatment of such diseases using chemical fungicides would hinder their nutritional and medicinal value. To overcome such challenges, there are a few alternatives, the major among them was the deployment of disease-free in vitro raised plantlets and the other was biopriming of these plantlets with Trichoderma viride. Besides fungicidal action, T. viride has a prominent role in alleviating several biotic/abiotic stresses and it was more often used during acclimatization. In this study, we studied the role of T. viride on successful acclimatization of in vitroC. longa plantlets by modulating plant antioxidant defense systems. We determined the stress levels (MDA and chlorophyll contents) and monitored the antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, APX and GR) in both T. viride-treated and untreated micropropagated plantlets at four different time points (0, 15, 30, 45, 60 days) of acclimatization period. Our results depicted clear enhancement in the antioxidant enzyme activities in T.viride treated than untreated plantlets, which signify the role of T. viride in activating defense mechanisms to combat against oxidative stress. Thus this study would give clear understanding of the influence of T. viride on in vitro raised plantlets in sustaining adverse acclimatization conditions.
Yanbin Hua1* and Ken Nagasaka2*
1Jiexiu Modern Agricultural Industry Development Center, Jiexiu 032000, Shanxi, P.R. China. 2CSD Laboratory, Customer Solutions Development Co., Ltd., West 6F, Kanagawa Science Park 3-2-1, Sakado, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 213-0012, Japan. Corresponding e-mails: tsiaoybhua@163.com; ke_nagasaka@csd.comway.co.jp
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i01.11
Key words: Intelligent, efficiency, automated fruit harvesting robot
Abstract: Robotic harvesting offers suitable solutions for optimizing scheduling, selection enabling, increasing operation efficiency and finally reduce the labor costs. These attributes allow the users of robot harvesters to maximize production efficiency and profits. This article reviews two automated fruit harvesting systems used for sweet pepper and apple as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of recent patents on intelligent automatic harvesting robots in horticulture.
Pushpa Chethan Kumar1, S. Amutha2, H.S. Oberoi1 and S. Vellaikumar3
1Division of Postharvest Technology and Agricultural Engineering, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru-560089, India. 2 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Agriculture College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Madurai - 625104, India. 3Centre of Innovation, Department. of Biotechnology, Agriculture College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Madurai-625104, India. Corresponding e-mail: Pushpa.Chethan@icar.gov.in
Abstract: The study aimed to develop a pomegranate beverage by substituting sucrose with an artificial sweetener sucralose and incorporating germinated flour from foxtail and little millet to enhance nutritional quality. The developed beverage was analyzed for physicochemical, bioactive, and sensory parameters. The result showed that substituting 100 % sucrose with sucralose had less total soluble solid content. Total and reducing sugar content was significantly high in control samples compared to sucralose-added treatments. However, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity were 20 and 18.50 % less in sucralose treatments, respectively, compared to the control. Incorporating germinated millet flour did not significantly increase the bioactive compounds of the pomegranate beverage. Further, substituting sucrose with sucralose was not accepted organoleptically, however, there was no change in the taste due to the incorporation of germinated millet flours. Hence, the substitution of sucrose with sucralose depends on the fruit type in the preparation of RTS (Ready-to-serve) beverage and the incorporation of germinated millet flours depends on the concentration to enhance the bioactive compounds of the beverage.
Zanist Hama-Aziz1, Rebwar A. Mustafa2 and Hemin A. Neima3
1Department of Oil, Gas and Energy Management, Charmo University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. 2Bakrajo Technical Institute, Polytechnic University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. 3 College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.Corresponding e-mail: hemin.neima@univsul.edu.iq
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i01.13
Key words: Farm-scale, agricultural water, mulch, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, adaptation approach
Abstract: Water productivity refers to the yield produced per cubic meter of fresh water for a given crop. It is not recorded for most crops in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where water shortages have recently forced farmers to switch from conventional farming methods like surface irrigation on bare soil to modern farming methods like drip irrigation and mulching. This study is the first effort in Iraq and KRI to determine and report the water productivity for melons (Cucumis melo L>) grown on farms using drip irrigation and plastic mulch. Data on the production, the number of irrigations, the length of each irrigation, as well as the cost and benefit of production were collected from 24 farmers who produced melons in 2022 on an area of 56 ha. Then, the yield, the amount of water applied, and the water productivity were determined. The mean value was 37.4 tons ha-1 for yield, 5,486 m3 ha-1 for water applied, and 7.1 kg m-3 for water productivity. Hence, 140 litres of water were applied to produce 1 kilogram of melon. A cost-benefit analysis showed that water applied accounted for 18% of the overall production benefits, production expenses for 37%, and net benefits for 45%. Therefore, melon production is a profitable rising business in the region. In light of the present water shortage in the area, it is concluded that the recent switch from bare soil surface irrigation to drip irrigation and mulching is a successful adaptation approach.
T.T. Nguyen1, B. Karmakar2, K.H. Rathod3 and S. Mitra2
1Southern Horticultural Research Institute, Tien Giang, Vietnam, 2Department of Postharvest Management, BCKV, West Bengal, India. 3Department of Fruit Science, BCKV, West Bengal, India. Corresponding e-mail: kbiswajitbckv@gmail.com
Abstract: Mango fruit (Mangifera indica cv.Cat Chu) is generally susceptible to chilling injury (CI), and postharvest deterioration induces limits in its commercial potential. This study aimed to find the effects of edible coating and perforated packaging on the quality and storability of mango fruit stored at a suboptimal temperature of 8 oC for 35 days and ripening for five days at 20 oC of each seven days of storage. The edible coatings (chitosan (0.5 %) combined with lemongrass essential oil (0.025 %) (chitosan) and carnauba wax (0.5 %) (carnauba)), perforated packaging (Low-density polyethylene (25 µM) needle-perforated ten holes (0.5 mm diameter) (LDPE); LDPE perforated eight holes (0.4 cm diameter) (control)), and combination between the coating and perforated packaging (Chitosan and LDPE (needle-perforated) (Chi-LDPE); carnauba wax and LDPE (needle-perforated) (Car-LDPE)) investigated in this study. The results showed mangocv.Cat Chu in needle-perforated packaging and combination with coating had the lowest weight loss, followed by control, chitosan, and carnauba wax with the highest weight loss. The CI symptom was white-corky in the pulp of ripened mango, which appeared in all treatments except chitosan coating for 35 days at 8 oC and ripening fruit at 20 oC. The chitosan coating inhibited the respiration rate and electrolyte leakage and decreased the disease index in mango fruit during storage. The quality of ripening mango fruit was highly maintained during the extended duration of cold storage. This result revealed that the chitosan coating improved chilling tolerance and prolonged the shelf life of mango at the suboptimal temperature of 8 oC for 35 days. This application might be a green means of fruit preservation, but further enhancement of disease control is needed.
Malikongwa Thatayaone, Gomez Saji, Joseph Meagle, Netravati and Kuruvila Bintu
Department of Post Harvest Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur 680656, Kerala, India. Corresponding e-mail: malikongwathati@gmail.com
Abstract: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of different osmotic agents on the physical attributes of Intermediate Moisture (IM) fruit, using six cultivars of banana (Musa spp.) belonging to different genomic groups viz. Nendran (AAB), Pisang Lilin (AA), Karpooravalli (ABB), Njalipoovan (AB), Grand Naine (ABB) and Yangambi km5 (AAA). Banana fruits were cut into longitudinal slices of 8mm thickness to evaluate the physical quality using seven osmotic agents (sucrose, glucose, sucrose + sorbitol, glucose + sorbitol, palm sugar, honey, sucrose + NaCl). The fruits were steam blanched for 2 minutes before being immersed in osmotic solutions for an 8-hour duration at a fruit: osmotic solution ratio of 1:2 and subsequently dried for two hours using a tray drier at 60oC. A significant difference (p=0.05) in water loss was only for the variety Grand Naine (62.12%) in fruits treated with honey and the lowest (29.77%) in the variety Karpooravalli in fruit slices immersed in sucrose. Higher (23.55%) solid gain was recorded in the variety Grand Naine in fruit slices immersed in glucose syrup and lowest (5.83%) in the variety Karpooravalli in fruit slices treated with honey. IM banana of variety Pisang Lilin had the highest (45.40%) weight loss in fruit slices immersed in honey and the lowest (19.13%) in variety Pisang Lilin in fruit slices immersed in glucose+sorbitol. IM banana from variety Njalipoovan had the highest (27.46%) moisture content in fruit slices immersed in palm sugar (T5) solution and the lowest (13.53%) in variety Nendran in fruit slices immersed in sucrose+NaCl. A higher value for water activity was in IM banana variety ‘Pisang Lilin’ treated with sucrose (0.86) and the lowest (0.79) was recorded in varieties Nendran and Grand Naine. IM banana developed from all six varieties treated with honey and combinations of sucrose, glucose, and sorbitol had the lowest water activity. It can be concluded that the more the ‘A’ genome in banana varieties, the higher its permeability for mass transfer. IM banana treated with honey, a combination of sucrose and glucose, and sorbitol had higher values for water loss, solid gain and weight loss and lower values for moisture content and water activity.
Mohammed Faisal Peeran1, Chakkiyanickal Narayanan Biju2, Gowri Rajan1, Shettahalli Koppallu Javaraiah Ankegowda1, AravindSharon2 and Hosahalli Jagannath Gowda Akshitha1
1ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Regional Station, Appangala, Madikeri, Karnataka, India– 571 201. 2ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala, India – 673012. Corresponding e-mail: faisal.tnau@gmail.com
Abstract: Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in Black pepper is a severe disease that causes even up to 100 percent crop losses under epidemic conditions. Most of the cultivated varieties of black pepper are highly susceptible to the disease, especially Panniyur 1, the most predominant variety grown in the country. Our study tested 11 black pepper genotypes for their biochemical defense reaction to anthracnose disease. Field observations were initially recorded for two consecutive years in alternate germplasm sites, and the disease incidence ranged between 4.00 and 21.33. The disease incidence under glasshouse conditions upon challenge inoculation was minimal for the variety IISR Girimunda. Upon inoculation with C. gloeosporioides, resistant cultivars exhibited significantly higher activity levels of antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and superoxide dismutase compared to local check and uninoculated control plants. This suggests that the variety IISR Girimunda’s resistance to anthracnose may be attributed to its possession of robust biochemical defense molecules.
U. Alasali1, A.S. Azmi1, I. Karaman2, M.Z. Alam1 and N.I.M. Puad1
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Sustainability, Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, P.O. Box 10, 50728 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, Marmara Research Center, Tubitak Gebze Campus, P.O. Box 21, 41470 Kocaeli, Turkey. Corresponding e-mail: azlinsu76@iium.edu.my
Abstract: The demand for lactic acid (LA) in various fields has increased significantly due to its functional properties. Rhizopus sp. IIUM-G05 has been used before to produce lactic acid using various substrates, but the low production yield remains an issue. This is due to the difficulty in finding a suitable low-cost substrate and controlling the fungal morphology during fermentation to maintain high oxygen concentration. Therefore, this study aimed to address these issues by selecting the best substrate for higher LA yield and using loofah immobilized Rhizopus sp. to increase the yield through semi-continuous simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) in an air pulsed airlift reactor (ALR). The study compared banana peel (BaP) and beet pulp (BeP) as substrates and found that BaP produced a 3-fold higher yield than BeP. The study also tested different air pulsation frequencies in loofah immobilized ALR with BaP to increase LA yield. The results showed that the 0.0384 s-1 frequency was the best to increase LA yield to 0.091 g/g after three days of fermentation, which was 2.1-fold higher than the free-cell non-pulsed shake flask culture in the first part of the study. SEM images showed that the 0.1667 s-1 frequency resulted in oxygen transfer limitation in the ALR due to irregular formation and trapped BaP particles between mycelium. This study demonstrates that BaP can be used for LA production by Rhizopus sp. The air pulsation system with suitable pulsing frequency may help improve production yield by controlling fungal growth inside submerged cultures.
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