SELECTED CONTENTS

¹Department of Humanities, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, India. ²Department of Business Administration, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.42

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Abstract: India’s horticulture production has shown manifold increase in the past two decades and the country is ranking second in the world only next to China. Keeping in mind, the increasing trend in horticulture production and individual product, the purpose of the current paper was to study the short run and long run relation between economic growth and horticulture production as a whole. The study used secondary data on horticulture production and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 2001 to 2018. The econometric tools used were Granger Causality Test, Johansen Cointegration test, VECM model and OLS. Johansen Cointegration Test showed that there is long run relation between the variables; The Vector Error Correction model and its probability output showed that there is no significant short run relation between variables except one, that is when horticulture production is considered as independent variable and GDP as dependent variable. Granger Casualty Test showed absence of cause and effect relation (both way) between the three variables. Out of all variables, OLS showed a significant relation only between GDP and horticulture production.The study revealed that horticulture production shares a linear relationship with GDP both as dependent and as independent variable, but the association does not satisfy Granger Causality Test, indicating that there was no cause and effect relation between the variables. Given that agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy, the absence of short run relation between horticulture and food grain production and food grain with GDP is a matter of concern.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab – 152026.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.43

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Abstract: The quality of agricultural production and their modulation by fertilizer application has increasingly received attention. However, the importance of magnesium (Mg) as an essential plant nutrient is well established, but its application has not been studied extensively specially in cherry tomato. The experiment was carried out during two successive seasons of 2018 and 2019 in polyhouse under ventilated condition to evaluate the effect of different Mg levels on growth, yield and fruit quality of cherry tomato grown under drip irrigation system. Foliar application of magnesium sulphate was done at three levels (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 %) on three cultivars viz., Punjab Red Cherry, Punjab Kesar Cherry and Punjab Sona Cherry during vegetative stage at different time interval (at the first fortnight of January, February and March). The vegetative growth, yield and important quality traits of different cherry tomato cultivars, including TSS, titratable acidity were determined. Punjab Kesar Cherry cultivar showed 19 % higher total soluble solids (TSS) than Punjab Sona Cherry and 10 % higher than Punjab Red Cherry and also showed titrable acidity 20 and 9 % higher than the cultivar Punjab Red Cherry and Punjab Sona Cherry, respectively. The TSS and titratable acidity in tomato fruits increased with Mg application rates. A significantly higher yield was recorded with Punjab Sona Cherry (6.96 kg/m²) as compared to Punjab Red Cherry (5.63 kg/m²) and followed by Punjab Kesar cherry (5.29 kg/m²) with the foliar application of 0.4 % magnesium sulphate.

¹Department of Botany, Rajasthan University, Jaipur -302004, India. ²BNF and Microbial Genomics Laboratory, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur-342033.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2000.v22i03.44

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Abstract: Prosopis cineraria commonly called ‘khejri’ is highly versatile tree supporting wildlife, human beings and livestock in Indian desert. It is used as food, fodder, fixes atmospheric nitrogen, stabilizes sand dunes and its fruits are consumed fresh as well as after drying. Pods were sampled at 5 developmental stages viz., S1(3.5 cm), S2 (5.7 cm), S3 (9.2 cm), S4 (15.3 cm), S5 (17.4 cm, naturally dried pods on tree) to evaluate the changes in phytonutrients(total sugars, reducing sugars, protein and total phenol) and antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide scavenging and ferric reducing power assay during fruit development from S1 to S5. Total soluble sugar content increased from S1 stage (47.1 mg^-1f.wt.) to S5 stage (64.28 mg^-1f.wt.), reducing sugar and sucrose content also increased from 20.65 mg^-1f.wt to 29.45 mg^-1f.wt and 18.75 to 33.84 mg^-1f.wt, respectively. Free amino acid and protein content increased during the development of the pods from very young to ripened stage. Whereas, total phenol content (TPC) was high at S1 stage (229.59 mg^-1f.wt.) as compared to S5 stage (55.24 mg^-1 g.f.wt.) DPPH radical scavenging activity decreases from 78.46 to 22.72 % during fruit development but ferric reducing activity increased with maturity of the pods. These studies are significant in evaluating phytochemical and antioxidant activities of the fruits that are consumed in every season by the local rural people. This study can help in prioritization of these local underutilised fruits as they are rich in some of the phytonutrients and antioxidants.

Horticultural Research Institute and Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Egypt.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.45

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Abstract: This study was conducted during 2017 and 2018 at Kaha Vegetable Research Farm, Horticulture Research Institute, Qalyubia Governorate to develop promising hybrids of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) for yield and fruit quality characters under fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) infection stress in Egypt using diallel mating design. The pathogenicity and host range experiment revealed that Fusarium oxysporum isolate No.3 was the most virulent one to the susceptible cucumber cultivar “Beta alpha” and cucumber was the only infected host. The prevalence of the non-additive variance suggested heterosis breeding approach is effective way for improvement of these traits. Most of the traits exhibited significant hybrid vigor for some of crosses based on the better-parent. The analysis of variance showed that all the studied traits were highly significant indicating that both of the parents and hybrids had high variability. Significant general and specific combining ability variances were obtained in all studied traits implying that both additive and non-additive gene effects control genetic expression of these traits. The study showed that lines P2, P4 and P5 had significant positive GCA effects for total yield trait under fusarium wilt stress. Thus, these parents could be successfully used in future breeding programs. Among all the crosses, P1×P3, P1×P4, P1×P5, P2×P4 and P2×P5 exhibited significant SCA effects for both early and total yield characters under fusarium wilt stress. So, these hybrids can be used in future breeding program. The genotypes Kaha1×Dokky2 and Kaha1×Kaha2 followed by Kaha2×Dokky3 as well as Kaha1×Dokky3 were the most resistant genotypes decreasing disease severity correlated with increase in total phenol contents and activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and catalase as compared to susceptible genotypes, i.e., Dokky3, Kaha1×Dokky1 and Dokky1. The scavenging activity was higher in susceptible genotypes compared with resistant genotypes. Furthermore, there was a high correlation between the total phenol content and the scavenging activity. Results also revealed a noticeable significant correlation between disease severity, total yield and early yield traits. Cluster analysis classified the fifteen genotypes into five clusters with different number of genotypes. Further improvement of fruit yield could be possible through the hybridization and selection in transgressive segregation.

¹Assistant Professor, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, P.O.B. 641003, Tamil Nadu, India. ²Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Kumulur, P.O.B.621712, Tamil Nadu, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.46

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Abstract: This study was aimed to develop the mini-tractor drawn turmeric harvester cum conveyor to dig out and collect the turmeric rhizome. The physical properties of freshly harvested turmeric mother and finger rhizomes (Erode variety) relevant to the development of mini-tractor operated turmeric harvester were determined. Length, width and thickness were 7.90, 2.48, 2.32 cm, respectively. The moisture content of finger and mother rhizomes was found to be 386.85, and 231.56 % (db). The roundness of fresh finger and mother rhizomes were 0.3065 and 0.5244, respectively. Sphericity of the fresh finger and mother rhizomes recorded 0.3052 and 0.4312 respectively. The cylindricity of fresh finger and mother rhizomes was found to be 0.7604 and 0.6428, respectively. The bulk density of finger and mother rhizomes was 523.85 and 532.25 kg/m³, respectively. Based on these physical properties, the equipment was developed with overall dimensions of the equipment of 1000×1000×600 mm (L×W×H). The digger blade was designed with dimensions of 1000(l) × 200(b) × 8(t) mm. Length and width of conveyor is 700 mm and 1000 mm, respectively. Power required for digging, pulling an equipment and conveyor is 11.54 kW, 0.66 kW and 1.15 kW. Total power requirement of the unit is 13.35 kW.

Department of Vegetables, Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Breeding, Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.47

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Abstract: This study was conducted at the research facilities of the Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center in Egypt during the period from 2017 to 2019 to develop cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) inbred lines and hybrids tolerant to high temperature to reduce losses in quality and yield and evaluate them under greenhouse conditions. Twenty two inbred lines and twenty hybrids were evaluated in the two successive summer plantings of 2017/18 and 2018/19 under greenhouse conditions along with the hybrid Lamar as a control. Total yield reflected great variation among the inbred lines and ranged from 5.50 to 0.53 kg^-1. P₁₀ gave the greatest total yield and it was at par with P₁₉. Narrow range (3.20 to 2.50 cm) was observed among hybrids for fruit diameter. The highest value was recorded in P₂×P₅. Fruit weight reflected great variation among the hybrids and the hybrid, P₂×P₅ gave the heaviest fruit weight. Data showed significant differences among hybrids for total yield and hybrid P₁×P₃ gave the highest value of total yield and was at par with hybrid Lamar (control). The cross P₁×P₄ achieved high specific combining ability (SCA) effects for all traits in this study which means comparing the general combining ability effects (GCA) of the parents to their corresponding crosses’ SCA indicate that the GCA effects of the parents were reflected in the SCA effects of the crosses for the most studied traits. The reciprocal effects in F₁ diallel crosses were significant for most of the traits studied and the cross P₅×P₁ achieved high SCA effects for all traits.

Viticulture Department Horticulture Research Institute, ARC, Giza, Egypt. Department of Soil and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, Beni-Suef University, Egypt.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i02.20

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Abstract: This investigation was conducted during three successive seasons of 2016, 2017 and 2018 in a private vineyard located at Samaloute district, Minia Governorate, Egypt on Red Globe grapevines to study the possibility of reducing the amount of mineral phosphorus and potassium fertilizers by using its natural rocks when combined with organic manure (FYM), bio-fertilizers (BF) and elemental sulphur (S). The chosen vines were nine years old, grown in a clay loam soil, spaced at 1.75 x 3 m apart, irrigated under surface irrigation system, and spur-pruned, trellised by Gable supporting system and trained to quadrilateral cordon system. The results revealed the possibility of using 50 % natural rocks of P and K + FYM + BF + S as a partial substitute of mineral phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Application of 50 % mineral P and K + 50 % natural rocks of P and K + FYM + BF + S exhibited the most suitable management system for achieving the best yield with its components, physical properties of clusters, improved physical and chemical berry characteristics, vegetative growth, leaf chlorophyll and mineral content of Red Globe grapevines. The treatment also improved the soil properties.

ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow 226101, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i02.21

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Abstract: The study was conducted on the visitor preference for different modules of National Mango Database developed by ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow, India. The purpose behind creating the database was to develop a portal for providing information on different aspects related to mango. A number of modules were developed on the portal https://mangifera.res.in. Important modules of the database are on 566 phytochemicals, 294 protein sequences, 540 primers, 30,000 nucleotides, 1690 EST, 66 field gene banks holding >4500 accessions, nurseries, processing units, exporters, species, varieties. A module on online phenology monitoring system and a web tool to compare test variety with reference variety was also developed as per DUS guidelines for suggesting reference variety after comparison with candidate’s variety. Agumented knowledge in the database is attracting high number of visitors from all over the world for collecting useful information available in different modules of the portal. The present analysis deals with the popularity of different modules through collated information at the portal. Digital products as an outcome may be developed for the use by farmers, traders, scientists, students and mango lovers. On the basis of analysis made for hits it can be said that mango database becoming popular among people as a unique mango repository and people around the world are showing interest in its different modules.

Biotechnology & Nanotechnology Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Horticulture Research Centre, MARDI Sintok, 06050, Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, Malaysia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i02.22

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Abstract: The study was conducted on a polyembryonic mango, Harumanis which contains more than one embryos including one zygotic andsingle or more number of nucellar one. In this paper, we used microsatellite markers to identify whether the seedlings of Harumanis were zygotic or nucellar. A total of 95 progenies of Harumanis were evaluated using 13 polymorphic microsatellite markers. The genetic profiling revealed that a total of 14 Harumanis progenies were zygotic or open pollinated seedling as their genetic profile was different with Harumanis at least at one loci. Nevertheless, 76 Harumanis progenies were true to type or nucellar seedlings as their genetic profile was similar to Harumanis. The remaining five progenies could not be identified with the call rates of the genotypic data. Identifying true to type or nucellar seedling is useful for nursery growers to determine the true to type Harumanis progenies from the seed. Meanwhile, the open pollinated seedling or zygotic seedlings are preferred by breeders as they are considered as a new variety which increases the mango genetic variability.

Study Program of Agroecotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Udayana, Bali, Indonesia. ²Study Program of Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture. University of Udayana, Bali, Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i02.23

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Abstract: Fruit and flower crops based on the secondary data were the types of featured horticultural products analyzed and identified in this study sourced from BPS of Bali Province and BPS of Tabanan District. Location Quotient (LQ) was used for identification of featured fruit and flower plant product of sub-district in Tabanan district. The localization of the featured product was analyzed using the localization coefficient (?) and regional specialties using the specialization coefficient (?). The results of the analysis showed that the featured fruit products from Tabanan district are orange, guava, water guava, pineapple, papaya, banana, jackfruit, duku, zallaca, mangosteen and durian being cultivated in Pupuan and Penebel subdistrict. Fruit products are not localized in one district. Although the fruit products are superior, but Tabanan district is not specialized in producing fruit plants, which is indicated by a coefficient of specialization that is smaller than one. Featured flower plant products are most cultivated in Marga and Baturiti subdistricts. Flower plant products are not localized in one subdistrict shown by the localization coefficient which is smaller than one. However, based on the specialization coefficient, Tabanan District is specialized in producing heliconia flowers with a specialization coefficient greater than one.

Department of Textiles and Clothing, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore. India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i02.24

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Abstract: Natural fibres are revived and used in various applications as a substitute for environmentally hazardous synthetic fibres. Many researches are going on for developing fabric both woven and non woven composites from fibers of banana pseudostem. Banana fibres have scope for export also. It’s year round availability and affordability, has good market potential. Today banana fibre products are produced at small scale. The possibilities of using non conventional natural fibres in regular basis need to be explored. Fabrics are made from banana fiber and can be considered green apparel of the future. This review paper discusses the fiber source, extraction, availability, applications and potential for successful commercial use for developing rural employment opportunities.

Faculty of Natural Sciences, Hongduc University, Thanhhoa city, Vietnam. Faculty of Biology, Hanoi National University of Education, Hanoi city, Vietnam. Faculty of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, Hongduc University, Thanhhoa city,Vietnam

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i02.25

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Abstract: This paper presents research results on the changes in physiological and biochemical parameters during growth and development of mango fruit grown in Vietnam, thereby determining the physiological maturity time of the fruit. The results showed that significant changes occurred in pigments content, reducing sugar content, starch content, total organic acid content, vitamin C content, protein content, lipid content, pectin content, tannin content and changes in the activity of enzymes ?-amylase, catalase, peroxidase of mango from formation to fruit ripening. Based on the results, we found that mango fruit should be harvested at physiological maturity (16 weeks old) before completely ripening on the tree to ensure the nutritional value of the fruit during storage.

Vegetable Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Palur - 607 102, Tamil Nadu, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i02.26

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Abstract: Jamun fruits collected from different locations showed wide variations in fruit and seed characters. Among 49 genotypes, SC1, SC27, SC33 and SC40 had lesser seed weight ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 g, therefore these genotypes can be considered as seedless types. Also, these genotypes had least seed content viz., 9.1 % (SC1), 10.3 % (SC27), 6.5 % (SC33) and 5.6 % (SC40). Nevertheless, these genotypes have two types of fruit in which the bigger fruits have thin seed and others have no seed. In seedless fruits, the aborted ovule was recorded. In addition, the seedless genotypes were found to have higher total soluble solids and sugars. Therefore, these genotypes can be used in the food industry particularly for the preparation of value added products and also as table fruit variety.

Department of Horticulture, Sikkim University, Gangtok- 737 102, India. Present Address: Department of Horticulture, Sikkim University, 6^th Mile, Tadong, Gangtok- 737 102, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i02.27

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Abstract: Ginger is one of the major cash crops of Sikkim and being an organic state, maintaining sustainability in ginger cultivation is a challenge especially in the changing climate scenario. Soft rot caused by Pythium aphanidermatum is a major problem in ginger cultivation and the disease has resulted into reduction in the acreage under the crop in this Himalayan state. Conventional exhaustive organic inputs, self renewable organic inputs like plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) were tested against the soft rot incidence in ginger for two consecutive years. Two local varieties, namely, Bhaise and Majouley were used with conventional organic inputs and PGPR, alone and in combinations. The disease causing organism was challenge inoculated. The disease symptoms were assessed by visual scoring. In addition, growth and yield parameters were recorded. The results revealed that PGPR along with the other organic inputs have a significant effect on disease suppression in addition to promoting the growth and yield parameters like plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, leaf area and yield per plant. The information generated can act as a readily available environmentally safe method for the management of soft rot in ginger through organic means.

College of Agronomic Engineering, Federal University of Pará, Altamira-PA, Brazil. Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife-PE, Brazil. ³Department of Production Vegetable, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Serra Talhada-PE, Brazil. ⁴Department of Agropecuária, – Specialized Academic Unit in Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Macaíba-RN, Brazil. ⁵Center for Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Pombal-PB, Brazil. ⁶São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Science and Engeneering, Tupã-SP, Brazil. ⁷Department of Human Sciences, University of the State of Bahia, Barreiras-BA, Brazil.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i02.28

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Abstract: Gerbera is a very popular ornamental plant and used in ornamental gardens or as a cut flower. However, as a cut flower, postharvest quality is minimal, which requires solutions to ensure its longevity, especially with acidic solutions. The study was conducted understand if the action of maintenance solutions with acids influence the postharvest physiology of gerbera cv. ‘Piang’. The experimental design was factorial completely randomized consisting of two factors: four postharvest treatments and seven evaluation times. The flowers were kept in 200 mg L^-1 of citric acid solution (ACS reagent, ? 99.5 % - Sigma-Aldrich), 200 mg L^-1 of boric acid solution (ACS reagent, ? 99.5 %) and 200 mg L^-1 of salicylic acid solution (ACS reagent, ? 99.0 %) and potable water as a control. During the postharvest period, fresh mass loss, water absorption, petal luminosity, total longevity, peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total protein and total carbohydrate content were studied. Treatments with boric and salicylic acids recorded higher percentage of fresh weight loss. Citric acid showed higher water absorption rate and better appearance in the luminosity of the petals. The total protein and carbohydrate content decreased during the evaluation period but in the citric acid treatment, the reduction was not so significant. On the other hand, citric acid induced higher peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity in the second day of evaluation and lower activity until the tenth day.