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Central Horticultural Experiment Station, (Indian Institute of Horticultural Research), Chettalli -571248, Kodagu, Karnataka.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i01.12

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Abstract: Avocado is propagated by seed in India. The plants produced from seeds are not uniform and take long time to start bearing and fruit quality is unreliable. The propagation of superior clones of avocado by vegetative method is essential to avoid these problems. Thus a study was conducted to standardize the method and time of propagation of avocado through vegetative means. There were four methods of multiplication namely veneer grafting, cleft grafting, T- budding and patch budding which were performed in all the months of the year at CHES (IIHR), Chettalli. After 90 days of grafting , mean percent success was highest in cleft grafting (32.5%) while lower mean success was observed in veneer grafting (8.3%), T- budding (7.5%)and patching budding (5.8%). Among different months, highest mean success was recorded in month of September (32.5%) followed by 22.5 per cent in the month of March and August. Among different combinations of months and propagation methods, highest success (70 %) was recorded in cleft grafting performed in the month of September. This was closely followed by same method done in the month of March (60%). The success in cleft grafting is higher than other three methods in all 12 months. The growth of the scion was higher in grafting methods than budding methods. The percent transplantable seedlings after one year were highest (60%) in cleft grafting done in the month of September. It was concluded that cleft grafting in the month of September and March was found most suitable for the vegetative propagation of avocado under humid tropical conditions.

Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, P.O. Box 5016, Kigali, Rwanda. Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-0625 Kangemi, Nairobi, Kenya.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i01.13

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Abstract: Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is an important vegetable crop in the Eastern Africa region where it is grown mainly by small-scale farmers. However, productivity of the crop is limited by many abiotic and biotic constraints. The abiotic constraints include high cost of seeds and inputs, shortage of improved varieties, drought, low soil fertility and lack of technical knowhow among others, while biotic constraints are dominated by diseases and insect pests. Numerous diseases especially those that are caused by viruses pose serious threats in pepper production. Currently, over 68 viruses are known to affect pepper on a worldwide scale and have serious impact on the quantity and quality of pepper produced. Out of the 68 viruses, 12 belonging to seven genera namely Potyvirus, Cucumovirus, Tobamovirus, Polerovirus, Tospovirus, Alfamovirus and Potexvirus have been reported in Eastern Africa. Pepper veinal mottle virus, Potato virus Y and Cucumber mosaic virus are the most widespread and damaging viruses in the region. Yield losses ranging from 10 to 100% in pepper production have been reported for various viruses namely; Pepper veinal mottle virus, Potato virus Y, Chilli veinal mottle virus, Ethiopian pepper mottle virus, Cucumber mosaic virus, Pepper mild mottle virus, Tobacco mosaic virus, Pepper vein yellows virus, Tomato spotted wilt virus, Alfaalfa mosaic virus and Potato virus X. This article provides an overview of the important pepper viruses occurring in Eastern Africa with reference to their geographic distribution, yield-losses, symptoms, transimission, management methods and research gaps that need to be addressed. It can be concluded that viruses are a major constraint to pepper production in the target region.

Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263145, U. S. Nagar, Uttarakhand, India. Present address: Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, L.P.U., Phagwara- 144411, Punjab, India. Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263145, U. S. Nagar, Uttarakhand, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i01.14

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Abstract: Foliar fertilization and microbe supplemented iron bioavailability can fulfill the iron demand of plants. Plants of low-chill peach cv. Pant Peach-1 were selected to find out the effect of Pseudomonas flouresecens PBAP-27 inoculation along with foliar spray of ferrous sulphate. The experiment consisted of eight treatments viz. T₁: control (water spray), T₂: P. fluorescens PBAP-27, T₃: FeSO_4. 7H₂O (0.5 %) spray once, T₄: FeSO_4. 7H₂O (0.5 %) spray twice, T₅: FeSO_4. 7H₂O (0.5 %) spray thrice, T₆: P. fluorescens PBAP-27+FeSO_4.7H₂O (0.5 %) spray once, T₇: P. fluorescens PBAP-27+FeSO_4.7H₂O (0.5 %) spray twice, T₈: P. fluorescens PBAP-27+FeSO_4.7H₂O (0.5 %) spray thrice. Leaf area, chlorophyll content, active iron, total iron, ferric iron and iron: manganese ratios of leaves were studied. Maximum leaf area was recorded with P. fluorescens PBAP-27+FeSO_4.7H₂O (0.5 %) by spraying twice. Whereas, chlorophyll content, active iron, total iron, ferric iron and iron: manganese ratio were recorded higher in P. fluorescens PBAP-27+FeSO_4.7H₂O (0.5 %) sprayed thrice. Findings indicate that the three foliar spray of ferrous sulphate (0.5 %) along with inoculation of P. fluorescens strain can be used as useful strategy for iron fertilization for improving physiological parameters (leaf area and chlorophyll content) and leaves iron status (active iron, total iron, ferric iron ) in low chill peach.

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012. ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-110012.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2019.v21i01.15

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Abstract: Marigold is an annual flower crop and it is mainly cultivated and propagated through seeds. Seed quality is the key issue in flower seed industry. Indeterminate flowering in marigold leads to differential maturity of seeds resulting in wide differences in the seed quality, major constraints in marigold seed production are optimum stage of physiological maturity and stage of seed harvest. Hence, a study was undertaken to identify the optimum stages of seed maturity in African marigold varieties. The experimental results showed that, on-set of germination starts at 8-10 DFA; and quality seeds in marigold can be harvested between 46-48 DFA. Besides, total oil content in seeds recorded of about 35 % during physiological maturity and of about 33% at harvest maturity; its content also varied with genotype as well as stage of seed maturity.

Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box 91779-8974 Mashhad, Iran. Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.30

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Abstract: Over utilization of medicinal plants from wild habitat is causing genetic diversity loss of these valuable plants. In order to determine the optimum planting date and density of oregano for successful production, a field experiment was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Iran. The experimental design was split-plot based on randomized complete blocks with three planting dates (April 19, May 5 and May 20) as main plots and four plant densities (8.33, 10, 12.5 and 16.67 plants m^-2) were assigned as sub-plots, all of which replicated three times. Results showed that planting date had significant effects on all traits except the stem proportion and 1000 seed weight. The highest values for all traits were obtained from the first date of planting, whereas values decreased with later planting dates. Also, stem number, plant spread, fresh and dry herb yield, seed yield and essential oil yield significantly influenced by plant density. With increase in plant density, stem number in per plant and plant spread decreased. The maximum fresh and dry herb yield (10618.23 and 2934.36 kg ha^-1, respectively) and essential oil yield (42.786 kg ha^-1) were obtained at the highest plant density. In conclusion, first planting date with higher plant density caused the greater essential oil yield, fresh and dry herb yield.

Central Siberian Botanical Garden of the Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090, Novosibirsk, Zolotodolinskaya st., Russia 101.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.31

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Abstract: The effective methods of rooting and acclimatization in the sphagnum moss of in vitro propagated microshoots of commercially promising plants: Rhododendron ledebourii, Rh. hybridum cv. ‘Cunningham’s White’ and Vaccinium uliginosum cv. ‘Golubaya rossyp’ were developed for the first time. Two methods were studied: 1) rooting in vitro and acclimatization in the substrate and 2) rooting and acclimatization ex vitro in the substrate. Taking into account two factors (rooting of microshoots only in vitro conditions and only from already rooted in vitro regenerants), we have achieved 100% of rooting of bog blueberry cv. ‘Golubaya rossyp’ and 73% of plants adapted to ex vitro conditions. The method of ex vitro rooting in the substrate has been proved as effective for Rh. ledebourii, rooting of it’s shoots reached 80-90% with 87% viable plants. Rh. hybridum cv. ‘Cunningham’s White’ showed the greatest plasticity among the studied species and cultivars on ability to rooting of microshoots. All tested methods gave up to 90-100 % rooted and adapted plants of this cultivar. It was revealed that in vitro rooting microshoots, followed by acclimatization in the substrate was optimal for V. uliginosum cv. ‘Golubaya rossyp’; for Rh. ledebourii – the rooting and acclimatization in the substrate; and for Rh. hybridum cv. ‘Cunningham’s White’ - both methods were effective. From a commercial point of view, the proposed methods decrease the costs of plant production significantly through a reduction in the time and labour needed to obtain well-rooted and acclimatized Ericaceae microplants. Therefore, it could make the micropropagation of commercially promising Ericacea plants in the nursery industry both possible and profitable.

Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, School of Agriculture, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, 11942.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.32

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Abstract: Effects of foliar boron (B) application as H₃BO₃ on yield and fruits quality of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L. var. Medjool) were investigated. The experiment was conducted on 15 years old trees during 2017 growing season. Five different B levels (0, 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 ppm) were applied in a solution of 20 liters?tree^-1 at three equal doses in May, June and July. Fruit yield and quality parameters were determined at maturity harvest stage (tamer). The results showed that foliar B significantly affected yield, bunch weight, fruit set, fruit physical characters and fruit quality. Boron application at the rate of 1600 ppm resulted in 27 % increase in fruits yield (67.7 vs. 53.4 kg?tree^-1), 16 % increase in fruit fresh weight and flesh weight (22.0 vs. 18.9 g.fruit^-1), (20.9 vs. 18.0 g fruit^-1), respectively, fruit size (49.97 vs. 45.3 mm) and fruit set (88 % vs. 81 %) compared to control. However, the lower rate of boron (400 ppm) was more effective in enhancing fruit quality indices. Total soluble solid (Brix % 75.0), fruit firmness (5.56 kg?cm^-2), glucose content (43.17 %), fructose content (39.28 %) and fruit antioxidant activity (80 %) were significantly increased as compared to control. On other hand, date syrup pH, fruit density and fruit skin separation were not affected by boron application. Overall, the results presented here recommended the use of foliar rates of boron ranging between 400 to 1600 ppm to enhance fruit yield and quality in Medjool dates.

Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, P.O. Box 238, 52124 Thessaloniki, Greece.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.33

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Abstract: Almond-leaved tree is one of the most commonly found native forest species in Greece, exhibiting valuable properties and thus suitable for multipurpose silviculture. Several critical factors were studied for the development of a successful micropropagation protocol of Pyrus spinosa juvenile trees. Newly immerged shoots of three-year-old plants, after their surface sterilization, were established on a modified MS nutrient medium (thiamine-HCl 1 mg L^-1, nicotinic acid 1 mg L^-1, pyridoxine-HCl 1 mg L^-1) with 5 ?? ??. Clean explants were transferred in the multiplication stage on a novel medium (Pear Medium 1), by adding 10 ?? ?? especially developed for Pyrus species. Due to poor culture development, the effect of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) on the improvement of regeneration was studied. The exposure of explants to 10 ?mol m^-2 s^-1 for the first two weeks followed by exposure to 35 ?mol m^-2 s^-1 for another two weeks, was proved essential for the good development of cultures promoting both multiplication and elongation of explants. For further enhancement of shoot regeneration, the use of Pear Medium 1 with five different combinations of growth regulators was tested (BA, IBA). The most beneficial for the development of good quality shoots was 5 ?? ??+0.0246 ?? ??? (4.67±0.40 new shoots per explant, elongation 1.28±0.13 cm). As multiplication was mainly based on axillary branching and the production of new shoots was still relatively low, the orientation of explants (horizontal vs upright position) in relation to the medium was investigated. Regeneration of shoots almost tripled, reaching 13.67 new shoots per explant in the case of horizontal orientation after the removal of the apical part (0.2 cm). The most successful rooting procedure (rooting: 83.33±5.89 %, root no: 6.20±0.49 roots per plantlet, root length: 0.56±0.05 cm) consisted of an initial stage of root induction maintaining microshoots in complete darkness for seven days. The rooting medium was a modified MS (½ NH₄NO₃, ½ KNO₃) supplemented with 24.6 ?? ???. Microshoots were subsequently transferred to a root development stage in the same rooting medium without auxin, exposed to 10 ?mol m^-2 s^-1 for another four weeks. Successful acclimatization (87.5 %) was achieved after six weeks on perlite.

Department of Biotechnology, School of Sciences (Block-1), JAIN (Deemed -to-be University), Bengaluru-560011, Karnataka, India. Division of Floriculture and Medicinal Crops, ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, 560089, Karnataka, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.34

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Abstract: A simpler and more efficient protocol for mass propagation of Anthurium from somatically derived in vitro shoots through suspension culture was developed. Shoot proliferation was obtained with agar-solidified MS medium as well as liquid MS medium, at various concentration of BAP. After 45 days of incubation at 80 rpm, both the media gave best results at 8.8 �M BAP, whereas higher number (29.333�0.342) of shoots was obtained with liquid medium compared to solid medium (7.667�0.342). The matured plantlets were harvested and subjected to acclimatization after 30 days of primary and 60 days of secondary hardening and then they were transferred to field. Survival rate of plants (71.3 %) in liquid medium was higher compared to the ones from solid medium (43.0 %).

College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas A&M University – Commerce, P.O. Box 3011, Commerce, TX 75429.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.35

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Abstract: Zinc is an important micronutrient for both plant and human health, and dietary zinc is insufficient in many areas of the world, caused by a diet dominated by grains and vegetables grown on zinc deficient soils. Celosia argentea L. is an herbaceous annual adapted to difficult soil conditions, low soil nutrient content, and hot weather and is commonly grown as a leafy vegetable in many parts of Africa. This study was conducted to evaluate zinc fertilization of celosia at levels higher than normally recommended, but below toxic levels, to determine the effect on plant performance and dietary value. Celosia was grown in a controlled environment with four zinc fertilizer treatments (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg Zn·kg^-1). Zinc fertilization had minor effects on plant growth, with differences only found in plant height and root fresh weight with both decreasing at fertilization levels above 100 mg Zn·kg^-1. Higher zinc fertilization increased root nitrogen, leaf and root zinc, potassium and magnesium concentrations, though leaf magnesium decreased at the highest zinc fertilizer levels. At 50 mg Zn·kg^-1, zinc fertilization toxicity symptoms were unexpessed thus it can improve plant performance and provide potentially significant dietary benefits to people with limited access to zinc in their diet.

Department of Plant Pathology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641 003, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.36

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Abstract: The wood degrading fungi Ganoderma lucidum (Leys) Karst causing Basal Stem Rot (BSR) in coconut plantation is the most destructive disease in Southern India. The control of this soil borne pathogen is particularly complex due to their occurrence in dynamic environment at the interface of the root with the soil. Hence, combinations of biocontrol agents differing in their mode of action especially with endophyte have been explored. The endophytic bacteria Bacillus subtilis EPC 5 from healthy coconut palm root showed high inhibition activity among fifty five isolated strains. Further, talc-based formulation incorporating Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf1 and Trichoderma viride Tv1 were developed and used individually, in combination to manage highly virulent, laccase producing soil borne pathogen. The result indicated that soil application of above mentioned antagonist in combination @ 100 g each enriched with organic substrate for four times per year, significantly reduced the disease severity with high nut yield at two different locations of disease endemic areas.

College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Y.S.R. Kadapa District, A.P. Citrus Research Station, Tirupati, A.P. ARS, Floriculture, Hyderabad, Telangana.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.37

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Abstract: Fifty nine chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) genotypes were evaluated for their performance under southern zone of Andhra Pradesh at HRS Farm, Anantharajupeta, Y.S.R. Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for all vegetative, flowering and yield traits studied. Genotype Selection-5 (56.50 cm) recorded maximum plant height, and plant spread was maximum in two genotypes Chandini and Violet (51.83 cm). Genotypes Sugandha Yellow and Sugandha White produced maximum (11.67) number of primary branches/plant while least in Yellow Cherub (2.33). Earliest bud appearance was observed in genotype Violet (61.67 days), whereas genotype Meera (113.52 days) was late. The highest number of flowers/spray and spray length was produced by genotype Yellow Star and Selection-2 (41.67 and 44.87 cm), respectively. Flower diameter was maximum in Firtation (10.06 cm), however, number of flowers/plant was highest in HYDC- 7 (287). The weight of single flower and 100 flower weight was maximum in Mother Teresa (4.96 g and 495.50 g). Keeping in view of these characters, genotypes Mother Teresa, Firtation and Chrysanthemum Yellow were found to be highly suitable to grow under Rayalaseema conditions of Andhra Pradesh for loose flower production. Based on hierarchical cluster of the morphological traits, the genotypes were grouped into three. Results of principal component Analysis (PCA) were also in conformity with the results of cluster analysis.

Crop Improvement and Biotechnology, ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow- 226 101, India. Division of Plant Physiology, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow- 226 001, India. Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow- 226 007, India. College of Bio Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow- 226 025, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.38

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Abstract: Papaya leaf curl virus (PaLCuV) of geminiviridae family is a major threat to papaya plants in the world. The major visual characteristics of PaLCuV infected plants are downward and inward rolling and curling of leaves in the form of an inverted cup and thickening of veins. Microscopic observation showed that in the healthy papaya leaf, stomata guard cell size was 19-20 µm. However, it increased significantly in infected plant leaves up to 29-30 µm. This observation suggested that stomatal density and guard cell size were changed due to puckered anatomy of leaf. SEM analysis revealed that subsidiary or accessory cells of guard cells were less turgid and the arrangement of starch grains was disturbed as compared to healthy plant leaves. Light microscopic, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses of symptomatic leaves showed the puckering leaf lamina due to presence of loosened cells in its tissues and hyper-accumulation of Ca²⁺ ions. High accumulation of Ca²⁺ in PaLCuV infected leaves as compared to healthy leaves which might be the cause of hypertrophy and thickening of veins of infected papaya leaves. Uniform trichomes/hairs/nodular structures were present in midrib of healthy leaf but were missing in infected leaf. The infected midrib showed scantly distributed floret-like structures instead of a smooth trichomes/hairs/nodular structures in midrib of the healthy leaf.

University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.39

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Abstract: Carrot is a sexully propagating, biennial root crop. Flowering related characters and germination parameters have a significant role on the root quality and productivity in the succeeding generations. Larger genetic variation exists in nature for seed and umbel characters due its out crossing behavior. In order to study, the nature of genetic variability, heritability and the association pattern, 48 open pollinated varieties were evaluated in tropical region of Karnataka, India during 2015 for 27 characters including seed, umbel and germination parameters. Both qualitative and quantitative characters were used for the study. The data was subjected to statistical analysis for genetic variability components such as genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability in broad sense (h²) genetic advance (GA) and Genetic advance as percent mean (GAM) and Pearson’s correlation. Genetic variability and heritability coupled with genetic advance as percent mean (GAM) were high for number of umbellates per umbel, bolting tendency and umbel weight. Many other characters showed low to moderate genetic variability coupled with moderate heritability and GAM. From the correlation coefficient analysis few characters viz., density of flowers in umbels, number of umbellates/ umbel, umbel shape, bolting tendency showed positive association with seed and umbel yield. Seed length and size of spines on the seeds affects the germination % negatively. Since, the present study involves maximum characters and good number of cultivars with wider genetic background; hence, detailed understanding of the genetic variability and association pattern for these characters in the reproductive phase of carrot would provide useful information for breeders as well as seed scientists.

Department of Dryland Forestry, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resource, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia. P.O.Box 128, Shashemene, Ethiopia. Hawassa University, College of Natural and Computational Science, P.O.Box 05, Ethiopia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i03.40

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Abstract: This study was carried out to determine the effects of cutting position (tip, middle and basal) and different concentrations of IBA (IBA) (0, 5, 7.5 and 11g/L) on the rooting and shooting performance of Araucaria heterophylla. Two factorial experiments were conducted. Number of leaf, number of adventitious root and root length produced by cutting materials and the survival rates were measured. These parameters were significantly influenced by the interactive effect of cutting position and hormonal concentration. The interaction between tip cuttings and 11 g/L IBA concentration had higher root number, leaf number and root length as compared other interactions had not rooting and shooting performance on the cutting materials. Vegetative propagation of A. heterophylla through cuttings can be appropriately achieved by treating cuttings with IBA.