S. Vatsyayan1, R. Raina2, N. Dubey3, A. Sharma4 and M. Kumar5
1Amity Institute of Horticulture Studies and Research, Amity University, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh- 201313. 2Food and Agriculture Foundation, Amity University, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh- 201313. 3Manager-PHM, EYLLP, Panchkula, Haryana. 4Department of Food Science and Technology, Dr. Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173230 (H.P.). 5School of Agriculture, IGNOU, New Delhi. Corresponding e-mail: sonalivatsyayan@rediffmail.com
Abstract: Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is an important nutrient rich vegetable with plenty of health benefitting phytochemical properties, however the crop has a short shelf life. Dehydrating bitter gourd is a viable option to ensure availability in off-season but preserving the nutritive and medicinal value through the shelf life of dehydrated bitter gourd is a key challenge. The present investigative study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different pre-treatments on fresh green bitter gourd rings for preservation of important nutrient and phytochemical properties in the dehydrated product. The experiment was laid out in factorial completely randomized design with sixteen pre-treatments. Among these sixteen pre-treatments, T16 [Salt Blanching (SB) + Potassium metabisulphite (KMS) + Sodium carbonate (SC) + Guargum (GG)] was the best performing treatment in terms of retention of important nutrient and phytochemical properties which included carotenoids (1.6 mg/100g), phenol (41.2 mg/g), ascorbic acid (78.8 mg/100g), fibre (2.4 %), antioxidant (42.3 %) and charantin (135.8 ?g/g) of green bitter gourd rings after dehydration, followed by T15 [Salt Blanching (SB) + Potassium metabisulphite (KMS) + Guargum (GG)] treatment which retained maximum properties viz. fibre (2.2 %), antioxidant (40.9 %) and charantin (125.5 ?g/g) after dehydration. The economic benefit of dehydrating green bitter gourd rings is also demonstrated by calculating the benefit cost ratio (BCR) which came out to be 1.75:1, making dehydration a preferred and sustainable option. Pre-treatments of green bitter gourd rings improved shelf life and nutritional quality of the product.
1Faculty of Agriculture, Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. 2Nepal Agriculture Research Council, Lalitpur, Nepal. 3Central Department of Botany, Tribhuwan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Abstract: Due to higher temperatures in Nepal’s mid-hill region, postharvest quality of cauliflower faces significant challenges during the late winter season. To address this issue, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the curd quality of eleven late-season cauliflower varieties. The experiment was set up in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with nine hybrid varieties (Freedom, Titan, Ravella, Artica, Bishop, Casper, Indam 9803, NS 106, and Snow Mystique) and two open pollinated varieties (Amazing and Snowball 16). The experiment was carried out over four replications from November 2016 to March 2018. Snowball 16 had the highest TSS value of 5.5 oBrix and pH of 6.5 when compared to other varieties. Snow Mystique had the highest vitamin C content of 48.5 mg/100 g, followed by Amazing and Snowball 16, compared to other varieties. At three, six, and nine days after harvesting, physiological weight loss was 4.0 percent and 8.0 percent in Bishop, and 13.3 percent in Artica, respectively. Snowball 16 received a significantly higher score of 8.5 tasty curds, followed by Amazing. Titan and Artica produced curds with the best appearance and compactness when compared to other varieties. Artica and Titan produced significantly more fresh curds than other varieties. Based on the taste and chemical parameters of the curds for the late winter season in Nepal’s Mid-hill region, it was determined that Amazing was the best OP variety, while Artica, Titan, and Bishop were more preferable hybrid varieties.
S. Khehra and P. Kaur
Punjab Agricultural University, Farm Advisory Service Centre, Tarn Taran-143401, India. Corresponding e-mail: savreetkhehra@pau.edu
Abstract: Pear is one of the most important fruit crops of the temperate region. In Punjab, a low chill variety Patharnakh, has been widely cultivated and become the commercial fruit crop. The present investigation was conducted to assess the awareness and adoption of recommended pear production practices to narrow the adoption gaps so as to achieve sustainable production of quality fruits in Tarn Taran District to evaluate the effect of different technology variables on the awareness score and adoption level of recommended package of practices for pear. The study showed that the respondents along with awareness adopted some of the recommended practices for pear cultivation on priority such as timely irrigation to the plants (As = 1.0; Al =2.6), use of FYM along with chemical fertilizers and timely pruning and training of the fruit plants having good awareness and adoption values. However, they were moderate in terms of weed management (As = 0.58; Al =1.26) and practice of proper packaging and marketing of fruits (As = 0.56; Al =1.20). On the other side, management of mite (As = 0.06; Al =0.10) followed by use of micronutrients as balanced nutrition (As = 0.10; Al =0.22), use of Bordeaux mixture for sap wood and root rot and use of potassium nitrate (KNO3) for better yield were practices with least awareness and adoption values. The results indicated that, a mere awareness of technology does not lead to adoption. This gap can be bridged by imparting practical know-how with hands-on training to pear growers in niche area.
A.R. Jamir1, A.K. Bandyopadhyay1 and M.Ch. Momin2
1Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya; Nadia, Mohanpur 741 252, West Bengal, India. 2Department of Post-Harvest Technology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya; Nadia, Mohanpur 741 252, West Bengal, India. Corresponding e-mail: alemjamirhorti@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.59
Key words: Black cumin, cassia, Cinnamomum tamala, inorganic fertilizer, intercrop and nutrient management
Abstract: Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is an annual flowering plant, belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. It is predominantly grown for its seeds and oil in open condition, but with its short life cycle and low input requirements it has potential for growing as a profitable intercrop. Cassia (Cinnamomum tamala) being perennial and wide spaced crop, it makes possible for cultivation of short duration and closely spaced intercrops during its harvesting period. However, information on nutrient fertilization of black cumin as intercrop remains elusive. The present investigation was conducted at the HRS, Mondouri, BCKV, West Bengal, India with 9 different combinations of inorganic fertilizer in CRBD with 3 replications to find out the optimum combination of nutrients on growth and yield of black cumin as an intercrop with Cassia. Among the various treatments, maximum plant height (68.11 cm), number of primary (6.07) and secondary branches (9) per plant, number of capsule per plant (23.33), 1000 seed weight (2.24g), seed yield hectare-1 (3.48 q) and B:C ratio (2.20) were recorded with treatment T5 (70:40:20 kg NPK ha-1) followed by treatment T9 (70:40:30 kg NPK ha-1). Treatment combinations with higher levels of nutrients had significant effects on growth components and seed yield. From the results of this experiment, treatment T5 (70:40:20 kg NPK ha-1) can be recommended as the optimum fertilization dose for obtaining maximum growth, seed yield and profitable economic return of black cumin as an intercrop during harvesting period of cassia leaves under alluvial plains of West Bengal.
R. Hamsa1, G. Bhuvaneshwari1, S.L. Jagadeesh1, V.M.Chandrashekhar2, N.Basavaraj3 and N.A. Natikar2
1Department of Post Harvest Technology, College of Horticulture Bengaluru, UHS Bagalkot-587104, India. 2Department of Pharmacology, Hanagal Shri Kumareshwar College of Pharmacy, Bagalkot-587101, India. 3Directorate of Research, College of Horticulture, UHS Bagalkot-587104, India. Corresponding e-mail: hamsar.pht95@gmail.com
Abstract: Spine gourd is popular as an emerging underutilized crop due to its various health benefits and medicinal properties. Its powder is used to form a dish called Khakra. Khakra is one of the famous dishes made out of mat bean and wheat flour, a popular dish of western India mainly in Gujarat and Rajasthan, which is used as a snack or during breakfast. During the preparation of Khakra along with whole wheat flour and Bengal gram flour, 50 % of spine gourd powder was used and evaluated for hypoglycaemic activity in STZ induced diabetic wistar rats. The oral administration of Khakra of about 5 to 10 g/rat/day was given for diabetic induced and normal rats for about 21 days and observations were recorded at 0th, 7th, 14th and 21st day for serum glucose (mg/dL), serum cholesterol (mg/dL) and serum haemoglobin (mg/dL). The Group 6 (STZ + Laboratory diet + Spine gourd Khakraat 10g/ kg body weight/day) showed significant decrease (P<0.01) in serum glucose, serum cholesterol and significant increase (P<0.01) in serum haemoglobin which was found to be dose-dependent. In case of normal rats no significant decrease in serum glucose and serum cholesterol was observed.
D. Singh1, T.S. Dhillon2, R. Singh2, Surender Singh Dhankhar1, N. Chawla2 and A. Duhan1
1Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, 125004 India. 2Department of Vegetable Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab-141004, India. Corresponding e-mail: davinderr184@gmail.com
Abstract: Widespread genetic variation occurs across carrot germplasm, and the assessment of variability provides an important foundation to take advantage of that variation for future carrot improvement. The present investigation was carried out to study the variability, heritability and genetic gain for nineteen traits in carrot. Genotypes PC-161, PC-15, PC-173 (tropical), PCO-30, PCO-5, PCO-7, PCP-2, PCP-1 and PCP-17B (temperate) were found to be superior with respect to highest total and marketable yield. Magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters which indicated role of environment on the character expression. Quantitative traits like total sugar content (%), carotene content (mg/100g), anthocyanin content(mg/100g) and lycopene content (mg/100g) had higher values of GCV, heritability and genetic gain and were found most important traits for applying selection in carrot for crop improvement.
K. Kaur1, R.K. Dubey1 and M.S. Bhullar2
1Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141001, Punjab, India. 2Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141001, Punjab, India. Corresponding e-mail: boparaik91@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.62
Key words: Hand weeding, oxyfluorfen, paddy straw mulch, rose, weeds
Abstract: An experiment was directed to assess the effect of integrated weed management practices on weed density and dry biomass in rose cv. Gruss-en-Tepltiz by using treatments paddy straw mulch 0.6 kg/m2, paddy straw mulch 1.2 kg/m2, oxyfluorfen 0.025 g/m2, oxyfluorfen 0.025 g/m2 + paddy straw mulch 0.6 kg/m2, oxyfluorfen 0.025 g/m2 + paddy straw mulch 1.2 kg/m2,hand weeding (at monthly interval) and unweeded control. The least value of weed count of diverse species was recorded in hand weeding closely followed by oxyfluorfen 0.025 g/m2 + paddy straw mulch 1.2 kg/m2. Dry biomass of weeds and weed control efficiency was also marked to be lowest in hand weeding followed by oxyfluorfen 0.025 g/m2 + paddy straw mulch 1.2 kg/m2. Since hand weeding is costly, tedious, laborious, and if not done legitimately, harms the plant and root system, the result of the study advocated using oxyfluorfen in combination with paddy straw mulch at a rate of 1.2 kg/m2 for effectively reducing weed growth.
Muhammad Munir1,2, Mohammed Refdan Alhajhoj1, Abdel-Kader Mohammed Sallam1,3, Hesham Sayed Ghazzawy1,4 and Abdul Majeed Al-Bahigan1
1Date Palm Research Center of Excellence, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. 2Frontier Agriculture, SOYL Precision Crop Production Division, Newbury, United Kingdom. 3College of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Egypt. 4Central Laboratory for Date Palm Research and Development, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: mmunir@kfu.edu.sa
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.63
Key words: Date palm, Phoenix dactylifera, pollination times, fruit yield, and quality.
Abstract: The present study was conducted during the 2017 and 2018 seasons on date palm cv. Khalas to determine the most effective daytime to pollinate female palms to obtain optimum fruit set, yield, and best fruit characteristics. Nine, twelve-year-old date palm trees were selected for the experiment, and five spathes from each palm were chosen for pollination. These palms were pollinated at three different daytimes, i.e., at 8am (morning), 11am (late morning), and 2pm (afternoon). The experiment was laid out on Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates for each treatment. The outcome of the study indicated significant differences among three pollination times. Date palm cv. Khalas pollinated at 11am exhibited significantly promising results regarding fruit set percentage, parthenocarpic fruit percentage, biser fruit percentage, tamar fruit percentage, bunch weight, yield per palm, fruit fresh weight, fruit length, fruit width, fruit volume, pulp weight, pulp ratio, seed ratio, pulp:seed ratio, seed weight, seed length, and fruit moisture content; however, fruit drop percentage, seed width, total soluble solids, total sugar, reducing sugar, and non-reducing sugar were not significantly affected by any pollination times. Pollination carried out at 2pm closely following to 11am pollens application time, and a number of attributes were non-significant between the two times such as fruit set percentage, parthenocarpic fruit percentage, biser fruit percentage, tamar fruit percentage, bunch weight, yield per palm, fruit volume and seed length. Early pollination time (8am) showed poor results regarding most of the attributes studied. Therefore, it is concluded that pollination should be carried out around the middle of the day when the ambient temperature is optimum, which favours pollen germination and positively influence fruit yield and quality attributes.
N. Tabassum1, R. Mahmood2, M. Shafiq1 and M. Ali1 M. Hashmi1
1Department of Horticulture, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. 2Department of Soil Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Corresponding e-mail: rashid.iags@pu.edu.pk
Abstract: Kalonji (Nigella sativa L.) is an important medicinal plant, cultivated as a rabi crop in Pakistan. A hydroponic sand culture experiment was conducted to know the effect of N:P supply ratio at two N and P supply levels on kalonji. N:P ratios maintained in nutrient solution ranged from 2 to 18 at two levels of N and P designated as high and low. The plants produced more biomass and seeds with higher antioxidant activity, total phenolics and flavonoids at high N and P supply levels. Biological weight, seed weight, antioxidant activity and total phenolics were not affected by N:P supply ratio. However, high N:P supply ratios i.e. 15 and 18 reduced total flavonoids in kalonji seeds. N uptake by the plant was not influenced by N:P supply ratio however, P uptake was found maximum at ratios 6 to 9. It is concluded from the results that kalonji plants with better quality seeds can be more successfully grown if N:P supply ratio is maintained at or near 7 in the growth medium.
Eric T. Stafne1 and Amir Rezazadeh2
1Extension and Research Professor, , South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station, Mississippi State University, Poplarville, MS, 39470, P.O. Box 193, USA. 2Extension Agent II/Fruit and Field Crops, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Cooperative Extension St Lucie County, 8400 Picos Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34945. Corresponding e-mail: eric.stafne@msstate.edu
Abstract: Passiflora incarnata L., often referred to commonly as ‘maypops’, has showy flowers and large fruit. This species has been identified in historical documents as being a food crop, although it is not presently grown as a commercial crop. To better facilitate harvest, Passiflora vines must be trellised to keep flowers and fruit off the ground. There are different methods to accomplish this, but there is little consensus as to the best model. Simple trellis systems made from t-posts, wire fencing, and cement blocks were erected onto a crushed rock covered nursery pad. One trellis was made horizontal to the ground roughly 0.3 m off the pad. The other trellis was vertical (perpendicular to the ground) and reached a height of 1.5 m. Three Passiflora species were used: Passiflora caerulea L. (blue passion flower), Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa O. Deg. (yellow passion fruit), and Passiflora incarnata (maypop). There were no statistically significant differences between vertical and horizontal trellised passion fruit vines in our study. Overall, trellis orientation did not appear to significantly impact vine growth, fruit growth, or fruit quality of Passiflora incarnata. We recommend employing a vertical trellis system for this species.
K. Nihad1, A. Abdul Haris1 and Ravi Bhat2
1Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Central Plantation Crop Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayamkulam, Kerala-690533, India. 2Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Central Plantation Crop Research Institute, Kasaragod, Kerala-671124, India. Corresponding e-mail: nihadshukoor@gmail.com
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Plantation Crop Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayamkulam, Kerala, during 2012-2016 for identifying potential commercial heliconia varieties suitable for intercropping in the coconut ecosystem. The experiment revealed that heliconia varieties viz., Iris, Kawauchi, Sunrise and She are suitable as intercrops in coconut gardens. A combination of the varieties She and Sunrise can be planted in the ratio 1:1 for year-round production of marketable inflorescences. Variety Iris can be planted at 1.25 x 1.25 m spacing, whereas the others require spacing of 75 x 75 cm. Heliconia intercropping resulted in higher productivity of the main crop (coconut) as well. This may be due to the micro habitat’s higher moisture retention, which might have resulted in the percentage reduction of fallen nuts in coconut.
K. Man Mohan, V. Kiran Kumar1 and S. Gajalakshmi
Centre for Pollution Control and Environmental Engineering, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, 605014-India. Corresponding e-mail: dr.s.gajalakshmi@gmail.com
Abstract: Management of agriculture and horticulture waste biomass are of great concern in achieving circular economy and sustainable development goals. Use of plant biomass in sorption and biosorption is being explored for wastewater remediation cum agricultural and horticultural solid waste management. This study presents the use of the seeds of lasura/lasoda (Cordia myxa) as biosorbent for azo dye Methylene Blue (MB) from wastewater. The proximate and ultimate characterization of Cordia myxa seed powder (CMSP) was carried out for the bulk and surface characterization. Batch biosorption experiments were performed changing the range of parameters i.e. initial concentration of MB (C0), and contact time (t) at room temperature. In order to know the nature and behaviour of biosorption process, equilibrium isotherms and kinetics were deciphered by employing commonly used models i.e. Langmuir, Freundlich, PFO (pseudo first order) and PSO (pseudo second order). The maximum MB dye uptake capacity of CMSP was determined as 21.93 mg/g at room temperature (398K). The Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo second order kinetic models were found to be the best fit (R2 >0.99) for the biosorption process. This study shows the applicability of Cordia myxa seed waste as low-cost treatment of dye wastewater.
N. Verma1, R. Kumar1, J. Kaur1 and D.S. Thakur2
1Department of Vegetable Science, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni Solan HP India 173230. Department of Fruit Science, 2Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni Solan HP India 173230. Corresponding e-mail: neha-vs@pau.edu
Abstract: Artificial pollination of vegetable crops necessitates the knowledge of crop's floral biology. In this aspect present investigations were carried out, to gather the information on the floral biology of monoecious (K-75 and UHF-CUC-101) and gynoecious (GYNO-1 and GYNO-2) varieties of cucumber at the Experimental Research Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. YSPUHF Nauni, Solan (HP) during Kharif, 2016. The experiment was laid out in a RCBD with three replications. The observations were recorded on time of anthesis, dehiscence, pollen viability (%), stigma receptivity and node number bearing first female flower. The experimental results showed that anthesis started at 6AM and completed by 8AM with the maximum anthesis between 6AM to 7AM in monoecious varieties whereas, in gynoecious varieties it was maximum upto 6:00AM in both open and controlled conditions and similar pattern was observed for dehiscence. Dehiscence occurs soon after anthesis. Maximum pollen viability was recorded on the day of anthesis and viability of pollen under refrigerated condition did not decrease as rapidly as it was under room temperature condition with the duration of pollen storage. Maximum stigma receptivity was noticed at anthesis time and pollination during this interval recorded maximum fruit set. Gynoecious lines were earlier in flowering and fruiting than monoecious varieties.
A.M.R. Abdel-Mawgoud1,2, A.S. Tantawy1, S.D. Abou-Hussein1 and Y.N. Sassine3
1Dept. Vegetable Researches, Agricultural & Biological Research Division, National Research Center (NRC), 33 El-Buhouth St., 12622 Dokki, Giza, Egypt. 2Agric. Affair Agency, Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. 3Dept. Horticulture Production, Fac. Agriculture and Veterinary medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
Abstract: This work aimed to study the response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crop to different climate change scenarios using the Aquacrop simulation model. Aquacrop calibration was performed using data from a tomato crop transplanted on October 1, 2015 in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s north. Crop yield production during the period from 2006 to 2015 was used for model testing using recorded climate data for the same period. Generated climate data for the periods of 2020-2030 and 2040-2050 using three climate models; namely, CNRS- CM, EC-Earth and GFDL with two climate scenarios RCP 4-5 and RCP 8-5 were used as inputs for Aquacrop for the specified periods compared with the reference period of 1986-2005. Aquacrop calibration showed good fitting with actual data (R2= 0.93; RMSE= 0.6 t. ha-1; NRMSE= 0.2 and d = 0.97) as well as with testing period for the yield of 2006-2015 (R2= 0.85; RMSE= 0.33 t ha-1; NRMSE= 0.093 and d = 0.936). All climate simulation models predicted an increase in both minimum and maximum air temperatures and CO2 concentration. Aquacrop simulated the response of tomato plants as an increase in total biomass and yield production compared to the reference period. The crop water requirement was reduced due to a shorter crop cycle, which was predicted to be 12-17 days shorter depending on the climate scenario and simulated period.
B. Petrovic?1, R. Pokluda1, C. Richard2, and K. Fonteno2
1Department of Vegetable Sciences and Floriculture Mendel University in Brno, Valticka 337, 69144 Lednice, Czech Republic. 2School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences Louisiana State University Agriculture Center 137 JC Miller Hall, Baton Rouge, LA70803, USA.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i02.20
Key words: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, production economics
Abstract: This study investigated the economic differences between organic and conventional seedling production of vegetables in Louisiana (US) during 2018. Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower organic and conventional seeds were used. Cost analysis was conducted for organic and conventional seedling production, including trays, containers (100 count flats), seeds, substrate, fertilizers, water used for fertilizer treatment, and irrigating the crop, labour, and greenhouse space utilized. Calculations were based on total production cost and net returns for 1 flat, 100 flats, for the production of 100 flats in 3 repetitions, and for the space of 100 m2 in the greenhouse. After seedlings reached suitable growth for transplanting, a survey was conducted to determine potential demand for the production of organic and conventional vegetable seedlings for home gardeners. The total production cost of one plant/repetition equated to organic broccoli $0.31, organic cabbage $0.26, and organic cauliflower $0.30, whereas conventional seedlings equated to broccoli $0.15, cabbage $0.11, cauliflower $0.16. The net returns in the production of conventional seedlings for 100 flats 3x per year for broccoli $2,808.1, cabbage $3,498.1, cauliflower $2,760.7 was higher compared to organic seedlings: broccoli $1,201.01 (57.2 % lower than conventional), cabbage $2,118.06 (39.4% lower than conventional), cauliflower $1,572.1 (43 % lower than conventional). In the production of seedlings per 100 m2, net returns were almost doubled for conventional seedlings compared to organic seedlings. Despite needing to recoup higher costs for organic vegetable transplants, more Louisiana consumers (65 %) prefer to pay a higher price to buy organic vegetable seedlings compared to conventional vegetable seedlings.
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