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Department of Seed Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, India Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Kudumiyanmalai - 622 104, India. Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore- 641 003, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i03.33

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Abstract: Use of effective microorganisms as a pre-sowing seed treating agent is considered to be ecologically sound and beneficial to both seed and environment. Therefore to ensure the benefits, studies were conducted in tomato seeds with different liquid microbial cultures. The results revealed that the tomato seeds treated with liquid cultures viz., Azospirillum, phosphobacteria and Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) have showed significant increase in germination and vigour. The seeds soaked in equal volume of Azospirillum @ 1:50 dilution for 24 h or phosphobacteria @ 1:50 dilution for 12 h or PPFM liquid culture @ 1:100 dilution for 18 h have registered the higher germination and vigour. Among these microbial cultures, PPFM has performed well in enhancing the seed germination and seedling vigour. Also, the viability and vigour of the inoculants infused seed were not much affected in three months storage. However, consortia of these microbial cultures showed antagonistic effect in seed germination and seedling vigour. In addition, the seeds infused with PPFM @1:100 dilution for 18 h followed by polymer coating @ 5 ml and carbendazim fungicide treatment @ 2 g kg^-1 of have recorded significant improvement in seed germination and vigour with minimal reduction in the microbial population. Therefore, it would be possible to infuse the beneficial microbes into the seed through liquid cultures and also storing such seeds without much reduction in the microbial population. Therefore, it is beneficial if the seeds treated with the effective microorganisms which favour better seed germination and seedling growth. Also, the microbes can easily be added into the soil along with the seed which may reflect on better coloization of the microbes in plant root zone.

Date palm Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Mundra-Kachchh, Gujarat- 370421.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i03.34

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Abstract: Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is one of the subsistent horticultural crops of western India, where its commercial cultivation is concentrated in Kachchh district of Gujarat. Majority, of the plantation is raised through seedlings, hence exhibit, great diversity in fruits, however, by the research efforts of Date palm Research Station (DPRS), Mundra, cultivar Barhee has been recommended for commercial cultivation in the region during 2002, which has brought a dramatic change in the socio-economic profile of the date growers, due to increase in area and production. Variety Barhee is late maturing, with round yellow colored fruits, sweet at Khalal stage, with prolific productivity of 100-150 kg/palm for a period of 8-35 years. The roving survey under taken by the DPRS, Mundra during 2016, in various villages on Barhee orchards, brought to notice the unusual and unnatural bending of the crown of Barhee palm on many orchards. In the present investigation, it was attempted to understand the phenomena by observing different varieties, bending direction, height of the palm, number of bunches on different direction etc. Our observation indicated that it is varietal character as no other varieties in the region showed bending symptoms. Majority of the palms were bended towards East, presumed to be due to phototaxis, enhanced by severe wind velocity (West to East, av. Speed 11.2 km/hr). It was also observed that, the total number of fruit bunches were more in bending direction indicating the fact that, by keeping the fruit bunches in a balanced way may help to manage this phenomena. The bending symptom was observed on palms having a height more than 5m. Hence, this phenomenon is more predominant on older palms and severe bending may lead to uprooting causing economic loss to farmers.

Department of Botany, Shivaji University, Kolhapur-416 004, (MS), India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i03.35

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Abstract: Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench was popularly known as okra or ladies finger or bhindi. It is an important vegetable crop cultivated mostly in tropical and subtropical countries. The present study aims to induce variability in this economically significant crop plant using gamma rays. Mature, dry and healthy gamma rays irradiated seeds were allowed to grow in the field along with control seeds. The effect of different concentrations of gamma radiations on different agronomic traits and yield contributing characters of okra including shoot length, root length, number of secondary branches, fruits per plants, seeds per fruits and 100 seed weight, etc. were recorded for M1 and M2 generations. The observed agronomic and yield based characters in the M2 mutants at various doses of gamma rays were found to be significantly correlated. The obtained M2 mutant is useful in development of improved variety of okra with agronomically significant traits.

ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar, 191132, J&K, India. Division of Biochemistry, (SKUAST-J) Jammu, J&K, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i03.36

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Abstract: Onion (Allium cepa L.) an important vegetable and spice crop is susceptible to Stemphylium blight incited by Stemphylium vesicarium. It causes significant losses (up to 80 %) in seed as well as bulb crop. The synthetic fungicides are the only option available to farmers for its management, which in long run may result in resistance development in pathogen. So there is a need to find novel strategies for management of this disease, hence the present study was devised to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of plant extracts from eight medicinally important plant species. The test fungus S. vesicarium was isolated from symptomatic leaf samples and was identified by characteristics of spore from available literature. Methanolic extracts of selected plants at three different concentrations (0.1 %, 0.5 % and 1.0 %) were evaluated against S. vesicarium using food poison technique under in vitro conditions. The results showed that all plant extracts exhibited statistically significant antifungal efficacy from each other (P < 0.05). But Oreganum vulgare at 0.5 and 1 % concentration exhibited highest antifungal efficacy (68.23 % and 81.3 % respectively). The importance of the present study lies in, that the Oreganum extracts has the potential to manage the disease under field conditions after isolation of bioactive molecule and development of proper formulation. To the best of our knowledge this is a first kind of study conducted, where Oreganum has been reported to be effective against plant pathogen .

Study Program of Agro-ecotechnology, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Diponegoro University.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i03.37

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Abstract: Okra is often useful as a traditional medicine because it contains secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Young fruits and leaves may be consumed as they are rich in minerals and dietary fiber. The objective of this study was to assess the growth and quality of young okra at plant spacing and different litter dosage composts. Results showed that plant height, crop growth rate, yield, pod weight and, fruit circumference increased with the increasing dose of N compost. The highest NR on the row spacing interactions is 50 cm and 150 kg N ha^-1. Chlorophyll content of row spacing 75 cm was higher than row spacing 50 cm. Chlorophyll content was higher at 150 kg N than 0 kg N ha^-1, 50 and 100 kg N ha^-1. Level of antioxidants decreased with the increase of N given both in row spacing of 50 cm and 75 cm.

Department of Food and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women's University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i03.39

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Abstract: The present research was conducted to extend the shelf life of fresh pears by using beeswax and cornstarch herbal edible coatings. The coatings were prepared from cornstarch and beeswax by incorporation of aqueous Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) extract. cornstarch and beeswax have good moisture and gas barrier properties while Tulsi (O. sanctum) extract acted as an antimicrobial agent in this coating therefore herbal edible coated pears have a longer shelf life as compared to uncoated pears. Coated and uncoated pears were stored at ambient temperature (31 ± 2 °C and 70 ± 8 % RH) and low temperature (4 °C). Pears were analyzed for the quality parameters such as weight loss, firmness, TSS, titratable acidity, pH and sensory evaluation. The weight loss and firmness of coated pears were significantly (P < 0.05) less as compared to uncoated pears. Beeswax herbal edible coating gave the best results in pear storage as compared to cornstarch herbal edible coating. On the other hand cornstarch herbal edible coating also gave good results as compared to uncoated pears, it enhanced the shelf life of pears for 45 days at ambient temperature and 60 days at low temperature (4 °C), in case of beeswax herbal edible coating it increased the storage life of pears for 45 days at ambient temperature and 70 days at low temperature (4 °C). Sensory evaluation of coated pears such as color, texture, overall acceptability was better for both conditions as compared to uncoated. Therefore, it is concluded that the herbal edible coatings have the potential to extend the shelf life.

Department of Agricultural Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i03.40

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Abstract: Bioefficacy of three different formulations of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). Bb 112 isolate was assessed against aphid, Aphis gossypii (Aphididae: Hemiptera) infested tomatoes. Based on the experimental results, effective formulation of B. bassiana (Bb 112) was selected and its bioefficacy was tested against aphids under field condition using different delivery equipments. Two sprays at 14 days interval were given and the cumulative reduction in aphid population was taken into account. The microplot study revealed that the oil formulation of B. bassiana (Bb 112) (Sangamithra, 2015) accorded maximum control of aphids with highest population reduction of 45.50 per cent when compared to talc and crude formulations. Under field condition also, oil formulation of B. bassiana (Bb 112) sprayed with Controlled Droplet Applicator (CDA) recorded highest population reduction of aphid (41.02 and 46.31 per cent). Hence, the present study entails that the improved formulations applied using improved delivery systems can thereby reform the biopesticide utility.

Department of Economics, University of Lucknow, Lucknow (UP) -226007, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i03.41

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Abstract: The paper examines the role of horticulture sector in Uttar Pradesh at disaggregate level from 2004-05 to 2015-16. The share of horticulture sector in gross cropped area has not only been gradually increasing but has witnessed an increase in productivity of fruits, vegetables and spices. The value of output of various types of horticultural crops grown at a regional level reveals mixed trends while the value of output of horticulture by its sub sectors has accelerated considerably with its rate being the highest in Bundelkhand as compared to the other regions. The results of regression reveal that the factors such cold storage, agricultural markets, agricultural sector loan, expense on district level schemes, electrified villages, literacy level, net irrigated area have positive and significant impact while maximum temperature has negative but significant impact on per hectare value of output. It concludes that shifting orientation from cereal dominance to horticultural and high value crops via the instrument of crop diversification could prove to be immensely useful in supplementing farmers’ income. The development of agricultural and rural infrastructure besides value chain development and food processing in specialty agriculture can help the horticulture sector to flourish considerably in the long run.

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran. Department of Social Medicine, Modeling in Health Research Center, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran. Department of Health, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i03.42

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Abstract: Berberis vulgaris has been associated with various pharmacological properties such as antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common infection in women within child bearing ages that creates gynecologic problems, pelvic infection, urinary tract infection, and malodorous discharges could lead to infertility, premature birth and miscarriage in women. This study was conducted to compare the effect of metronidazole gel and B. vulgaris gel on the treatment and recurrence of BV. This double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 80 women with BV who referred to women’s clinic in Hajar Hospital (southwestern Iran) in 2016 with convenience sampling. The diagnosis criteria were Amsel’s criteria, gram staining and culture. The participants were divided in 2 groups. First group received metronidazole gel 0.75 % for 5 nights and the second received B. vulgaris gel 5 % for 5 nights vaginally. The symptoms were evaluated at 7 and 21 day follow up. The descriptive and inferential statistics (chi square, t-test and ANOVA) were used to analyze the data using SPSS software. After 7 days of treatment, a significant difference was observed in terms of improving symptoms of irritation, dyspareunia and dysuria in both groups and this level was higher in the group taking B. vulgaris gel (P < 0.05). The results of recurrence of symptoms after 21 days of intervention showed that the complete recovery of various symptoms was significantly higher in B. vulgaris gel than the metronidazole gel group (P=0.001). B. vulgaris gel is more effective than metronidazole gel in treating bacterial vaginosis and could be considered as a new therapeutic approach in BV treatment.

Department of Biology, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, New Mexico, 88130, USA. College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan, China.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i03.43

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Abstract: Jujube, a a drought- and frost-tolerant fruit species can be widely planted across the state of New Mexico. Recently, interest in jujube from consumers and growers is surging. The major challenge is a very limited availability of jujube plants. The experiment was conducted in Portales, NM from 2017 to 2018 to study the effects of sucker height and diameter on jujube survival. Jujube suckers of four different sizes (height and diameter) were transplanted in the experimental field and replicated three times. Result show that the most suitable size of jujube sucker for transplantation is 50-100 cm height with 0.36-0.75 cm diameter. This result could be useful for growers who plan to plant jujubes trees in the semi-arid regions like New Mexico. It is expected that jujubes could become a valuable alternative fruit crop in the United States.

Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran. Department of Social Medicine, Modeling in Health Research Center, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran. Department of Health, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran. 4Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i03.44

Horticultural Crops Research Unit, Gangwondo Agricultural Research and Extension Services, Chuncheon, 24226, Korea. Deptartment of Plant Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, Korea.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i02.17

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Abstract: We developed a pulsatory water spray gun system aimed at improving the efficiency of fruit setting management in peach cultivation and evaluated its feasibility for field application. In order to select the optimum water spray conditions and developmental stages of a flower for field applications, the influence of varying pressures of the power sprayer, nozzle diameters, and spray distances on flower and leaf bud thinning rate was investigated under four different developmental stages of flower such as bud sprouting, pink, balloon and flowering period using the water cutt bearing branch of ?Kawanakawase Hakuto? peach. The optimum conditions for the application of the pulsatory water spray gun were identified as a power sprayer pressure of 2 MPa at a nozzle diameter of 2 mm and spraying distance of 1 m in the ballooning and flowering stages. A flower bud thinning rate greater than 60 % and a leaf bud thinning rate lower than 7 % were observed under these conditions. In the field application test based on the selected conditions, the flower and leaf bud thinning rates were ideal for fruit production and showed higher fruit characteristics compared with fruits produced by a conventional fruit setting management method. In addition, the application of this system for flower thinning can considerably reduce the total work time compared with the conventional method. Hence, it is also expected that the newly developed system can be used for labor savings during fruit setting management in peach cultivation.

Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Hermiston OR 97838; Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu HI, 96822; Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Hermiston OR 97838.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i02.18

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Abstract: The Hawaii Statewide Noxious Invasive Pest Program (SNIPP) and associated storm water management plans provide statutory justification for increased use of native plants along the State of Hawaii transportation corridors. The demand for native plants exceeds the availability of plant materials or seed. To produce seed stock and ensure seed lot purity, establishment protocols for weed control must first be defined. Uhaloa (Waltheria indica), a native Hawaiian broadleaf shrub has been identified for increased roadside usage, thus will be the focus of this research. Weed control during the establishment phase of uhaloa is essential for optimising establishment success. In this study, the efficacy and phytotoxicity of the pre-emergence herbicides oxadiazon and indaziflam applied over uhaloa transplants were evaluated. Crop and weed response to granular oxadiazon at 2.24 kg ai ha^-1 and 4.48 kg ai ha^-1 and flowable indaziflam at 24 g ai ha^-1 and 49 g ai ha^-1 were determined. Unacceptable uhaloa injury with both rates of indaziflam was recorded. Oxadiazon provided excellent broad-spectrum weed control with acceptable injury to uhaloa.

Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan. Department of Horticulture and Biotechnology, Chinese Culture University, Shilin, Taipei 114, Taiwan. Department of Horticulture, National Ilan University, Yilan 260, Taiwan.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i02.19

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Abstract: There are no reports on biostimulators being used to stimulate the rooting process of camellia (Camellia japonica) cuttings. The influences of vegetation indices and biostimulators on the rooting of shoot cuttings of the camellia ?Nine Bends? were determined using the reflectance spectroscopy. Six root growth parameters were recorded, 81 days after sticking cuttings. Different groups of soil-plant analysis development (SPAD) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values were used. Higher SPAD and NDVI values were found to be most effective in predicting rooting stages and percentages, whereas root number and length and dry weight could not be predicted. Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at a concentration of 2000 ppm alone or combined with three concentrations of thiamine (TA), ascorbic acid (AA) and catechol (CAT) were applied to cuttings of camellia. The maximum root number and dry weight were detected in TA (1000 mg?L^-1) alone and IBA+TA (800 mg?L^-1). However, IBA+AA (1000 mg?L^-1) treated cuttings showed the highest rooting stage, root number, root length, and dry weight compared to other treatments. Cuttings treated with IBA+CAT (50 or 100 mg?L^-1) produced greater root number, length, and dry weight compared to other treatments. The effects of biostimulators applied to tea stem cuttings for raising camellia plants in the nursery would offer insights into the mechanism of its action in plant conservation, and there is a need to improve propagation technology.

Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Undergraduate Program of Agroecotechnology, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i02.20

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Abstract: The purpose of this research was to study the effect of nutrient concentration and inoculation of biological agents (PGPR and AMF) in a hydroponic system of substrate culture on the growth and yield of cherry tomato plants. The greenhouse research was conducted in the Agrotechnopark of the University of Brawijaya at Jatikerto Village, Kromengan Sub-District, Malang Regency. The utilized research method was Completely Randomized Nested Design consisting of two factors. The first factor was the concentration of nutrient solution consisting of 100 % (3.5 dS m^-1), 75 % (2.6 dS m^-1), and 50 % (1.8 dS m^-1) concentrations. The second factor is the inoculation of biological agents consisting of no inoculation of biological agents, PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria), AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi), and PGPR + AMF. The data were analyzed using an analysis of variance and continued with the test of Honest Significant Difference at 5 % level. The results showed that the interaction between the types of biological agents and nutrient concentrations significantly increased the number of flowers, number of fruits, fruit weight, fruit diameter, and sugar content of cherry tomatoes. The AMF application showed the highest fruit weight per plant and fruit diameter, especially at 100 % nutrient concentration. The AMF application also showed a higher sugar content compared to the control and PGPR but not significantly different from the PGPR + AMF treatment at all levels of given nutrient concentration. Fruit weight per plant with treatment of AMF, PGPR + AMF, and PGPR respectively produced 64.47, 48.75 and 29.39 % higher than without application of biological agents.