Abstract: Zinnia elegans, a widely utilized flowering plant for pots, cut flowers, bouquets, and gardens, necessitates macro- and micro-nutrients for optimal growth, development, and flowering. This study, conducted in 2023 and 2024, aimed to enhance the plant's growth and flowering response through foliar applications of Nano-NPK, Nano-micronutrients, and their combination.The results indicated that all treatments significantly affected the plant growth parameters (plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, fresh and dry weights and root length) compared to control. In most cases, spraying with Nano-NPK 4 mL/L, and NPK + Nano fmicro-elements (4 mL/L ) increased the plant height, formation of leaves and branches per plant, the weights of the leaves, stem thickness to the highestvalues and exhibited the longest roots. The impact of nano fertilizers on flowering revealed that the highest number of flowering heads was recorded in plants treated with Nano-NPK + Nano-micro 2 and 4 mL/L and the largest flowering head size with Nano-NPK+ Nano-micro 4 mL/L. The Nano treatments significantly increased the fresh weight of flowers, especially with the mixture of Nano-NPK + Nano-micro at 4 mL/ L. Compared to the control, using of Nano fertilizers significantly increased all the flowering parameters. All the Nano-treatments significantly increased the contents of chlorophyll-a, b and total chlorophyll, and carbohydrates. The highest contents were obtained with Nano-NPK + micro-elements 4mL/ L and Nano-NPK at 4 mL/L alone.
Maisha Majid Mukta1,2, Md. Farhad Hossain3, Paroma Arefin1 and Salma Ahmed1*
1Institute of Food Science and Technology, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh. 2Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh. 3Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh. Corresponding e-mail: salmaifst@yahoo.com
Abstract: This study examined the nutritional composition and the antioxidant properties of unripe papaya (Carica papaya L. var BARI Papaya-1) peel powder which could be an ideal functional food source to be incorporated into food products in the future. From the analysis, it showed that the peel powder is rich in nutrients containing protein (10.51%), crude fiber (15.58%), moisture (9.41%), ash (6.33%), carbohydrate (57.07%) and energy ( 280.24 kcal/100 g ). It further revealed substantial content of bioactive vitamins with antioxidant activity, such as vitamin C (60.6 mg/100 g), ?-carotene (2952.08 µg/100 g), and vitamin A (246.01 RE/100 g). The results indicated that the peel powder had total phenolic content (1216.75 mg GAE/100 g DW), total flavonoid content (158 mg QE/100 g DW), and excellent total antioxidant activity (161.75 mg/100 g DW). The free radical scavenging ability was remarkably higher in peel powder in particular, with the highest DPPH radical inhibition of 74.41% obtained from the 80% methanolic extract of peel powder. Thus, these results indicate that the unripe peel powder of papaya can be used as a potential source of nutrients and antioxidants for health-promoting food and nutraceutical applications.
1Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India. 2Government Agriculture College, Tijara, Alwar, Rajasthan, 301411, India. 3Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Uttarakhand, 246174, India. Corresponding e-mail: deven.26212@lpu.co.in
Abstract: Growing potatoes in grow bags is a technique for solving space constraints, especially in urban and small-scale agricultural environments. By improving root development, increasing aeration, and making harvesting easier, the grow bags provide the conditions for the best possible potato growth. In urban and peri-urban regions, where access to large land parcels is often limited, this approach is very helpful. The study evaluated the growth and yield parameters of different potato varieties in grow bags that grow well in North Indian Plains. These varieties were grown in the poly grow bags with the growing mixture of soil, vermicompost and cocopeat (4:3:1). All the bags had the same soil mixture. The findings revealed that the Kufri Chandramukhi gave the highest yield (1037.50 g/bag) in the grow bags, followed by Diamond (908.26 g/bag) in the same soil mixture under Punjab conditions. Kufri Chandramukhi also had the highest plant height (29.41 cm), haulm girth (6.50 mm) and number of haulms (4.90). It adapted successfully in the constrained environment without any incidence of insect pests or any disease. The soil mixture used for the production of potato was helpful by increasing the tuber yield and decreasing the irrigation intervals.
Asrar Y. Mohamad1, Taghreed E. Eissa2*, Evon A. Khella2. M.A. Barsoom2 and M.A.A. Ahmed3,4*
1Manufacturing Engineering and Food Packaging Research Department, Food Technology, Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt. 2Ornamental Plants and Landscape Gardening Research Department, Horticultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt. 3Plant Production Department (Horticulture - Medicinal and Aromatic Plants), Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21531, Egypt. 4National Key Laboratory for Tropical Crop Breeding/Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang 571339, Hainan, China. Corresponding e-mail: dr.taghreed.eissa.2019@gmail.com; drmohamedmarey19@alexu.edu.eg
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i02.61
Key words: Active packaging, cold storage, high carbon dioxide, gypsophila, modified atmosphere packages storage, relative fresh weight, water uptake
Abstract: Gypsophila paniculata L. 'Bristol Fairy' flowers have a high economic value in the floriculture industry because they are used as cut flowers, decorations and potted plants. Their lifespan is critical in determining quality, market value, and customer satisfaction. This study, carried out at the Agricultural Research Centre (ARC), Giza, Egypt, looked into the effects of active and passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the postharvest quality of cut Gypsophila flowers during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. The following compositions of gases were examined: passive-MAP (78.97 N2, 0.03 CO2, and 21% O2), MAP1 (90 N2, 5 CO2, and 5% O2), MAP2 (85 N2, 10 CO2, and 5% O2), MAP3 (80 N2, 15 CO2, and 5% O2) and control (unpacked cut flowers). The findings demonstrated that MAP2 and polyethene bags significantly enhanced water absorption, fresh weight, carbohydrate production, and appearance quality. The average storage life of Gypsophila flowers under passive MAP was 19.07 days, with the longest being 29.42 days with MAP2 and polyethylene bags.
R.G. Somkuwar1, Nilima Gobade1, A.K. Sharma1, Pradip Kakade1, P.S Gharate2 and P.S. Karande3
1ICAR- National Research Centre for Grapes, P. B. No. 3, Manjri Farm Post, Solapur Road, Pune-412307 (Maharashtra), India. 2Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413722 (Maharashtra), India. 3Department of Horticulture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani-431402 (Maharashtra), India. Corresponding e-mail: rgsgrapes@gmail.com
Abstract: Fifteen different grape varieties were evaluated for raisin making and raisin quality. The highest raisin recovery was observed in Clone 2A as compared to other varieties in this study. Amongst the different varieties, TSS ranged from 22.30 °B in AH-2-8 to Manjari Kishmish and Clone 2A with 23.60 °B TSS. The highest reducing sugar content in fresh berries and raisins was recorded in the Rieber variety. The highest protein content in fresh berries and raisin was recorded in Sundekhani and Merbein Seeded. However, the highest phenol concentration was found in Manjari Kishmish and Convert Large Black. The maximum carbohydrate was higher in Red Muscat and Athens. The variety Clone 2A was found better for higher raisin recovery and can be a potential variety in grape growing regions for raisin purposes.
S. Vishnu Shankar1,3, Ashu Chandel1, C. Nandhini2, Adit Kumar Yadav1 and Pranchal Gupta1
1Department of Basic Sciences, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan (HP), India. 2Department of Social Sciences, Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture, Erode (TN), India. 3Department of Physical Science & Information Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore (TN), India. Corresponding e-mail: s.vishnushankar55@gmail.com
Abstract: India ranks as the second-largest country in land area and garlic production globally, following China. The study attempted to investigate the price transmission of garlic between the major north Indian markets of India. Attempts were also taken to determine the extent of integration between the markets. The Granger causality test confirmed the presence of bidirectional and unidirectional relationships between markets such as Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun, and Shimla. The results showed that garlic price in Shimla mostly depend on the price in neighbouring markets. Both tests of Johansen cointegration confirmed the presence of long-run relationships among the markets. The vector error correction model revealed a positive relationship between Chandigarh - Delhi, and Chandigarh - Shimla markets. Chandigarh and Dehradun markets achieved short-term equilibrium quickly, while the Shimla market attained it more slowly. No short-run equilibrium was observed in the Delhi market. This research will help to understand the interdependencies and equilibrium dynamics among garlic markets, offering insights for market participants and policymakers.
Priyanka Kumari1,2, Thupten Tsomu2*, Anil K. Singh1, Ram Preet Singh4, Bilin Maying4 and Ampee Tasung4
1Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India. 2Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh-791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India. 3College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat-791102, Arunachal Pradesh, India. 4ICAR, NEH region, Basar 791101- Arunachal Pradesh, India. Corresponding e-mail: thupten.tsomu@rgu.ac.in
Abstract: A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of salicylic acid and kinetin on morpho-physiological, floral dynamics, and seed yield in salvia (Salvia splendens) at Banaras Hindu University Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India during 2021-22. A randomized block design (RBD) with three replications was used in the experiment. The treatments consisted of varying concentrations of salicylic acid (10 ppm, 20 ppm, 30 ppm, and 40 ppm) and kinetin (5 ppm, 10 ppm, 15 ppm, and 20 ppm) and a control of water spray only. Vegetative growth, flowering, and seed yield parameters were observed at 60 and 90 days after treatment (DAT). The ornamental value of plants was determined largely by plant growth regulators. Results showed that a 15 ppm kinetin spray enhanced plant height (75.34 cm) and plant spread (48.91 cm) at 90 DAT. Salicylic acid at 20 ppm gave the highest number of flower spikes per plant (93.33), number of flowers per plant (1746.00) and fresh weight of flowers (3.57 g). In addition, seed yield per plant (17.39 g) and test weight (2.94 g) were highest at 20 ppm salicylic acid. This study will help researchers understand how kinetin and salicylic acid affect plant growth.
M.P. Faisal1, C.N. Biju2, A.M. Sujatha1, R. Gowri1 and S.J. Ankegowda1
1ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Regional Station, Appangala, Madikeri - 571 201, India. 2ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala - Kerala - 673 012, India. Corresponding e-mail: faisal.tnau@gmail.com , mohammedfaisal@spices.res.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i01.23
Key words: Lesion area, RAPD, ISSR, SSR, Colletotrichumgloeosporioides, small cardamom
Abstract: Small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) is one of the most important spice crops in India, cultivated for its economic, culinary and medicinal values. Leaf blight incited by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a serious threat to the cultivation of cardamom in India. In the present study, an attempt was made to isolate and characterize the pathogen both morphologically and on molecular basis. Significant variations were observed in twenty isolates for conidial dimensions, the length of conidia ranged from 7.8-21.5 ?m. The width of the conidia ranged from 3.3 to 7.8 ?m. Isolate CD14 recorded the highest width of conidium (7.8 ?m) and the lowest width was observed in CD8 isolate (3.3 ?m). Variation was also observed in size and lobes, length and width of appressoria produced by the pathogen. Differential reaction of isolates to three varieties revealed that CD5, CD8 and CD7 are highly virulent based on lesion area. Molecular characterization with RAPD, SSR and ISSR primers showed that RAPD and SSR markers are not linked to any characters of pathogen but ISSR primers showed linkage to the virulence of the pathogen.
T. Thakur1*, J. Kaur1, K.K. Dhatt1 and G. Nazir2
1Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India-141004. 2Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India-141004. Corresponding e-mail: tanyathakurflori@gmail.com
Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate five basal doses of silicon (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha-1 as SiO2) along with four foliar sprays at 3rd and 6th leaf stages (water spray, 1, 2 and 3% as SiO2) on floricultural traits and leaf nutrient content in gladiolus cv. White Prosperity. The synergetic effect of silicon on the vegetative growth and floricultural traits was noticed as the dose was increased under both methods of application; however, more beneficial effect was recorded under the basal method of application. Basal silicon application at 100 kg ha-1 recorded the earliest spike emergence and flowering (101.68 and 122.42 days) along with maximum plant height (103.91 cm), spike length (79.88 cm), spike weight (15.51 g), vase life (8.75 days) and silicon content (2.04%). Foliar spray at 3% resulted in early spike emergence and flowering (101.53 and 122.28 days) along with maximum plant height (99.33 cm), spike length (82.18 cm), floret size (9.73 cm), spike weight (15.51 g) and silicon content (1.88%). Despite the positive effect of the singular application of silicon, the combined application of soil and foliar method exhibited the most inductive effect on all observed parameters. Silicon application at lower rates improved Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn content in leaves and vice-versa. Hence, it was concluded that silicon fertilization at 100 kg ha-1 along with foliar spray of 3% at 3rd and 6th leaf stage in gladiolus can be considered a production technology of great importance for promoting floricultural traits and nutrient content in gladiolus.
S. Rathinavel*, R. Kavitha, A. Surendrakumar, Ravuri Saiprasanth and M. Suwathiga,
Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, India. Corresponding e-mail: rathinavelesr@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i01.25
Key words: Coconut farming, logistics, machine vision, robotics, model
Abstract: The study aimed to develop and analyze a machine vision system for real-time coconut detection to enhance robotic harvesting and collection. Images of healthy and defective coconuts, both green and brown, were captured from Coimbatore and Tirupur districts in Tamil Nadu. These images were processed using a Faster R-CNN model integrated with necessary hardware and software. The system successfully identified the class and grade of coconuts, demonstrating potential applications in robotic harvesting and grading. The model achieved 88% precision and 85% accuracy. Limitations and proposed solutions for the system’s operation are discussed with recommendations for operation-specific measures to improve future robotic developments.
1ICAR -Central Institute of Post -Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana -141004, India. 2Division of Agricultural Engineering, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India. 3ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. Corresponding e-mail: poonam@icar.gov.in
Abstract: This study shows the effect of harvesting stage and storage on the changes in weight, volume, dimensions, peel firmness, beta carotene, and color values for Dashehari and ‘Banganapalli’ cultivars. The percentage weight loss and volume loss increased with the storage period and harvesting stage and the maximum decrease was reported in the late harvested fruits of both cultivars. The color parameters (L, a, b) also increased with an increase in the storage period and harvesting stage. The size and sphericity of mangoes decreased due to shrinkage and water loss during the storage period. The maximum reduction in size and sphericity was observed in fruits harvested at the early stage. The fruit diameter, sphericity and overall acceptability were recorded maximum in the mid-stage harvested ‘Dashehari’ mangoes. The peel firmness of the fruits decreased during the storage and was observed maximum in early harvested fruits. The amount of ?-carotene content was reported highest during storage in the late harvested ‘Dashehari’ mangoes. These specific parameters could predict the ideal harvesting and storage time for mangoes.
Priti Sharma1, 2, Maneesh Mishra2, Shailendra Rajan2, T. Damodaran2* and Mala Trivedi1*
1Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India. 2ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Kakori, Lucknow-226101, India. Corresponding e-mail: t.damodaran@icar.gov.in; mtrivedi@lko.amity.edu
Abstract: This study explores the use of polypropylene (PP) bags as an innovative alternative to traditional pro-trays in the hardening process of tissue-cultured banana plants. The goal was to reduce the high mortality rates typically seen during acclimatization and improve the growth parameters such as plant height, leaf number, shoot girth, leaf area, root development, and overall biomass. The study compared the performance of banana plants toughened in polypropylene (PP) bags versus pro-trays during primary acclimatization. The results revealed that PP bags significantly lowered mortality rates from 5-8% to 2-3%, resulting in improved plant survival. The better results are attributable to the innate nature of PP bags to maintain high humidity and micro-environmental conditions, which reduces energy inputs and improves plant acclimatization. In addition to increasing plant life and growth, PP bags were shown to be more cost-effective and environment friendly. About 22.27% of overall cost savings were obtained using poly bags. Their flexibility, endurance, lower shipping cost, and one-step acclimatization make it the material of choice. Overall, this study shows that polypropylene bags are a realistic and preferable option for hardening tissue-cultured banana plants, with considerable advantages in terms of efficiency, cost, and environmental effect. This method has the potential to boost banana production on an industrial scale and might be applied to other tissue-cultured crops as it reduces transportation costs. Further research could look into the scalability and wider applicability of this technique across multiple crops and production environments.
Sarmistha Sahoo1,3, Sushree Suparna Mahapatra1*, Manasranjan Rout1 and Bhagyashree Khamari2
1Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘o’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751003, India. 2College of Horticulture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Chiplima, Sambalpur, 768025, India. 3Department of Plant Pathology, School of Agriculture, GIET University, Odisha, Gunupur. Rayagada, Odisha. India. Corresponding e-mail: sushreesuparnamahapatra@soa.ac.in
Abstract: Crown rot disease in banana caused by the fungus Lasiodiplodia brasiliensis and Lasiodiplodia theobromae is one of the major post-harvest diseases causing a massive loss in the economic yield of banana. Isolates of Lasiodiplodia brasiliensis and Lasiodiplodia theobromae were isolated from infected fruits and were characterized based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. The isolates produced mustard seed-like pycnidia with conidia after 15 days after inoculation (DAI) and chlamydospore was observed after 16 DAI. The immature conidia were hyaline, aseptate, thin-walled and cylindrical to sub-ovoid in shape which became brown with central transverse septum at maturity. The isolates were sequenced and submitted in NCBI gene bank and were assigned with accession no. OQ921841 and OR764951. Further, the evolutionary relationships of the pathogen isolates were studied concerning different related genera and species of Lasiodiplodia.
R.Thiyagarajan*, S. Thambidurai and P.Kamaraj
Department of Farm Machinery & Power Engineering, Agricultural Engineering College & Research Institute, TNAU, Kumulur-621 712, Trichy District, Tamil Nadu. Corresponding e-mail: thiyagarajanmtech@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i01.04
Key words: Hydraulic ladder, coconut harvesting, orchard, spraying, hydraulic motor
Abstract: The high labor requirements and inherent risk of traditional harvesting and pruning of tall trees like coconut and mango make them difficult to harvest and prune. Mechanized machines do exist, but they are too heavy, too expensive, and unsuitable for Indian marginal farmers with small landholdings, which reduces productivity, efficiency, and worker safety. A tractor-mounted hydraulic ladder was evaluated for harvesting coconut and mango under field conditions to address these challenges. The ladder can rotate 360 degrees and covers up to four trees with simple directional control. Trees up to 12 meters tall can be harvested, pruned, and sprayed. Harvesting efficiencies of 75-81% for coconut and 76-80% for mango were recorded in field evaluations. Operational costs for coconut are Rs. 439 per hour and Rs. 530 per h for mango, and the ladder can harvest 7-9 coconut trees per hour. This system offers a feasible, low-cost solution for small and marginal farmers who struggle with the use of traditional and expensive machinery.
L.K. Akilan1*, T. Anuradha1, K.B. Soni1, Swapna Alex1 and N. Krishna Radhika2
1Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Thiruvananthapuram, India; 2ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram, India. Corresponding e-mail: akilanbiotech14@gmail.com.
Abstract: Cassava is a starchy root crop used as food, feed and for industrial purposes. Antibiotic resistance genes are used as a marker for the selection of transformed cells from non-transformed cells in genetic engineering. The optimum concentration of selective antibiotics is crucial for the effective transformation and regeneration of transformed plants. The current study aimed to determine the optimal cytotoxic concentration of hygromycin for screening both transformed and non-transformed calli. The embryogenic calli were subjected to particle bombardment using the binary vector pCAMBIA 1305.1, which included the GUS reporter gene and the hptII gene. Hygromycin was added to the callus induction and regeneration medium at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L-1 concentrations to identify the optimal selective concentration. Results indicated that 50 mg L-1 of hygromycin inhibited non-transformed calli and maintained the health of transformed calli. This concentration provided a sufficient amount of selective pressure with minimal cytotoxic effects, thus serving as the optimal level for distinguishing transformed cells in the cassava genetic transformation system.