Astrophysical Sciences Division, Nuclear Research Laboratory, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Srinagar, 190024, India. Corresponding e-mail:mutteebar@gmail.com, phussain@barc.gov.in
Abstract: Matured table apricots harvested at commercial maturity were irradiated in the dose range of 0.25-1.0 kGy and stored under refrigerated (3±1 0C, RH 85 %) conditions. The fruits were evaluated at intervals of 5 days for various physico-chemical parameters. Studies revealed that phytosanitary irradiation treatment maintained the storage quality of table apricots under refrigerated conditions. Positive correlations (r = 0.89) existed between irradiation treatment and firmness retention, whereas an inverse correlation (r = –0.86) existed between radiation and water-soluble pectin. Color scores revealed that L, a and b values increased by 13.1%, 68.9% and 21.5% in un-irradiated apricots compared to 6.1%, 44.9% and 14.1% in samples irradiated at 1.0 kGy, after 30 days of storage. During storage, ascorbic acid decreased by 86.8% in control compared to 56.2% in 1.0 kGy treated apricots. Phytosanitary radiation treatment at 1.0 kGy caused a significant (p ? 0.05) increase (7.5%) in total phenolics, besides minimizing subsequent degradation of phenols during storage. Microbial analysis indicated that in samples irradiated at 0.75 kGy and 1.0 kGy, no microbial load was detected up to 10 and 20 days of storage and resulted in about 1.0 log reduction in microbial load after 30 days of storage.
S.A. Ardiningtyas1, D.D. Matra1, R. Poerwanto1, Krisantini1 and N.P.S. Asih2
1Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia. 2Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Corresponding e-mail: krisantini@apps.ipb.ac.id
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i03.50
Key words: Scindapsus pictus, Scindapsus treubii, West Borneo
Abstract: Scindapsus (Araceae) is commonly found growing wild in Indonesian forests, including West Borneo. Scindapsus has been extensively cultivated and marketed, but information about the variability, morphology and growth of the plant is limited. This study aimed to identify five types of Indonesian Scindapsus based on their morphology, leaf anatomy, and growth patterns. The morphology study observed the plant’s organ structures, including leaves, stems, and roots. The anatomy study examined the tissue structure of the leaf lamina, including epidermal cells and stomata. The growth observations were conducted by propagating the plants through stem cuttings. The research findings showed that, based on their morphology, the five types of Scindapsus in this study could be classified into two groups: Scindapsus pictus and Scindapsus treubii. The differences between the two groups were in the shape and pattern of their leaves. Based on leaf anatomy, structure, shape of the epidermal cells, and stomata types were the same for all five species, but Scindapsus treubii 2 has the thickest lamina.
1Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. 2Department of Biotechnology and Crop Improvement, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. 3Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Sirsi, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. 4Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. Corresponding e-mail: vahcychongloi23@gmail.com
Abstract: Dragon fruit cultivation is surging massively because of its high nutritional and medicinal value and profit to the farmers. Micropropagation offers healthy, vigorous and uniform planting material to meet the soaring demand. However, the high cost of tissue-cultured planting material prevents farmers from buying it. Commonly used potting media, peat, perlite, and vermiculite, contribute significantly to the higher cost of micropropagules. In this study, low-cost potting media such as soil, sand and vermicompost were evaluated as alternative potting media for hardening tissue-cultured plants of dragon fruit. Well-rooted micro shoots were transplanted into Protrays containing different proportions of soil, sand and vermicompost and the plant survivability, the number of shoots and roots and their respective length and chlorophyll content were recorded. Sand and vermicompost (1:1 v/v) were found to be the best potting media exhibiting 100% survivability (15 days of hardening of the plants), producing the highest number of shoots (7.66 shoots/plant) with a mean length of shoots (10.61 cm) and 11.27 roots per plant with a mean length of 10.38 cm root length (at 120 days of hardening). Cent per cent survivability was noticed even at 120 days after hardening. Sand and vermicompost, with less than 10% of the cost of peat, perlite and vermiculite may be used as low-cost potting media for the hardening of tissue-cultured plants.
Sneha Leela Garnepudi1*, L. Pugalendhi1, A. Sankari1, A. Usha Nandhini Devi2, M. Raveendran 3 and M.K. Kalarani4
1Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. 2Department of Post-Harvest and Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. 3Directorate of Research, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. 4Director (Crop Management) Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India. Corresponding e-mail: snehawilliams96@gmail.com Tel: 9492708167
Abstract: Vegetable grafting plays a significant role in modern agricultural practices, effectively managing abiotic and biotic stresses. Additionally, it offers the advantage of enhancing the phenotypic traits of the scion. This technique has gained widespread acceptance in commercial cultivation, particularly in crops like tomato, watermelon, melon, eggplant, etc.,but has not been reported in Solanum nigrum. The appeal lies in its swiftness compared to the traditional method of breeding vegetables with improved environmental stress tolerance. This study focused on identifying and studying the components present in the leaves and fruits of both grafted and ungrafted Solanum nigrum. The GC-MS analysis unveiled a multitude of bioactive compounds, some of which are well-known antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties. These beneficial attributes make them potentially valuable for promoting health and well-being. In addition, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to identify functional groups in the methanolic extracts. The FTIR findings confirmed the existence of diverse functional groups, such as alkanes, alkynes, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and nitriles, within the selected grafted Solanum nigrum samples. The research outcomes suggest that the extracts could be valuable in managing fungal infections in crops, which may contribute to the successful grafting of Solanum nigrum onto wild rootstocks. The presence of bioactive compounds with antifungal properties in the extracts might enhance disease resistance, making a successful grafting process a viable solution for improved and extended production. This underscores the critical necessity for continued research, highlighting its potential benefits to various domains, including medicine and nutrition.
S.C. Ravi1, Karma Beer1*, A.K. Gupta1, T. Amrutha2, Maneesh Mishra1, Rohit Jaiswal1 and T. Damodaran1
1Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow (U.P.)-226101, India. 2Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Umaim (Meghalaya)-793104, India. Corresponding e-mail: karma.beer@icar.gov.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i03.53
Key words: Mango, value chain, supply chain, marketing efficiency, price spread, cost and returns and constraints
Abstract: The study looked into the dynamics of Dashehari mango value chain in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. A survey of 120 farmers from the Malihabad and Mall blocks of Lucknow was used to collect data. The total cultivation cost per hectare was determined to be Rs. 1,79,469, with variable costs accounting for 53%. Farmers reported an average yield of 11.3 tons per hectare, which falls short of Uttar Pradesh’s state productivity for mango. The net return over variable costs was calculated to be Rs. 1,57,050 per hectare. A thorough mapping of the mango value chain in the study area was carried out, followed by a constraint analysis. Harvesting and postharvest losses totaled 13.2%, with retailers bearing the brunt. Pre-harvest contracts were the most common method of mango marketing, with 60-65% of farmers using them. Producers’ shares of the consumer rupee varied, ranging from 24% in pre-harvest contract channels to 87% and 62.5%, respectively, in direct marketing and marketing through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Farmers in the mango value chain faced challenges such as pest management, low shelf life, senile orchards, poor price realization, a lack of processing facilities, and a lack of crop insurance schemes. The study emphasizes the importance of long-term interventions to improve the orchard ecosystem and nutrient management, thereby improving farmers’ livelihoods. To address these challenges, promoting the widespread adoption of good agricultural practices, canopy management, integrated pest, disease, and nutrient management, and advanced harvesting techniques is necessary. Furthermore, the study emphasizes FPOs’ critical role in establishing a strong and interconnected network within the agricultural community. By implementing these strategies, the mango-producing region of Uttar Pradesh has the potential to foster a sustainable and thriving industry, contributing to farmer prosperity and the community’s overall economic growth.
Prawal Pratap Singh Verma1, Dipender Kumar2,Sushmita Rawat1, B. Agri1, Amit Kumar2 and R.C. Padalia2
1CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Centre Purara, PO Gagrigole, Bageshwar (Uttarakhand) India. 2CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Centre, Pantnagar, Post Nagla, Udham Singh Nagar (Uttarakhand) India. Corresponding e-mail: prawalpratapsv@gmail.com
Abstract: This study, carried out at CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research Centre Purara, Bageshwar (Uttarakhand), investigated the growth and productivity of geranium crops under different NPK doses in the lower hills of Uttarakhand. Nine different NPK treatments, varying from 60:40:20 to 220:200:180 kg ha-1, were applied using a Randomised Block Design. Examined factors related to plant growth and yield, included plant height, diameter, stem count, leaf count, fresh shoot biomass per gramme of plant, and fresh herb yield per hectare. The 180:160:140 NPK level produced the highest fresh herb yield of 327.29 q ha-1, which corresponded to the highest oil yield of 163.65 kg ha-1. This study provides valuable insights into optimising NPK formulations to improve geranium crop yields, which is essential for increasing agricultural productivity in the Himalayan hills of Uttarakhand.
R.L. Bhardwaj1* and Aabha Parashar2
1College of Agriculture, Sumerpur-Pali 306 902, Agriculture University, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) India. 2Agricultural Research Sub-station, Sumerpur-Pali 306 902, Agriculture University, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) India, Corresponding e-mail: rajubhardwaj3@gmail.com
Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the optimal dosage of NPKS fertilizer and the most suitable crop geometry to enhance both productivity and bulb quality of kharif onion (Allium cepa L.). The research was laidout using a split plot design, incorporating three levels of NPKS fertilizer in the main plot and five different crop geometries in the subplot, with three replications spanning from August to November in the years 2020-21 and 2021-22. Among the various combinations tested, the widest crop geometry (15 cm x 15 cm) coupled with the application of 140 N: 80 P: 80 K: 40 S kg ha-1 dose of nutrients exhibited superior results. This combination resulted in the highest values for plant height (97.88 cm), number of leaves per plant (19), leaves’ weight per plant (74.15 g), average bulb weight (133.97 g), and harvest index (51.24). Conversely, the closest spacing (7.5 x 7.5 cm) with the highest fertilizer dose led to the maximum biological yield (125.89 t ha-1) and bulb yield (61.89 t ha-1). Notably, the spacing of 10 x 10 cm with the application of 140 N: 80 P: 80 K: 40 S kg ha-1 emerged as the optimal combination for achieving the highest marketable yield (43.62 t ha-1), gross return (? 5.23 lakhs), net return (? 4.23 lakhs), and benefit-cost ratio (4.23). Consequently, we conclude that, for maximizing the production of marketable bulbs of kharif onion, a crop geometry of 10 x 10 cm with a nutrient dose of 140 N: 80 P: 80 K: 40 S kg ha-1 is recommended. This information contributes valuable insights for optimizing onion cultivation practices, thereby enhancing both yield and economic returns.
1Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 2All India Coordinated Research Programme on Vegetable Crops, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 3Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. 4Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Corresponding e-mail: arabindadhalouat@gmail.com
Abstract: During kharif 2020 and 2021, an investigation was conducted to investigate the role of plant growth regulators as foliar spray on okra seed yield and quality. The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications and eleven treatments. Foliar sprays were done at 15 and 30 DAS. Observations on various plant growth parameters, yield attributing characters, seed yield, seed storability and quality were recorded. Harvested seeds were stored in poly bags for a period of twelve months to study the storability of seeds. Results revealed that treatment with Cycocel 250 ppm recorded highest germination percentage (83.37%) followed by GA3 150 ppm (80.50%) whereas control plot recorded (73.00 %) of germination one year after storage. The rate of decrease in germination was (8.09%) with Cycocel (250 ppm) as compared to control (15.02%). The lowest increase in seed moisture content was recorded with Cycocel (250 ppm) ( 3.43%) followed by GA3 (150 ppm) as compared to control (4.98%). Up to twelve months of storage the progressive decline of Vigour Index -I and Vigour Index -II was demonstrated with Cycocel (250 ppm), GA3 (150 ppm) and NAA (200 ppm) with a decreased rate which expressed their potentiality as effective growth regulators . The electrical conductivity increased with a very decreased rate in Cycocel (250 ppm) (255.77%) followed by GA3 (150 ppm) (324.11%) and NAA (200 ppm) (384.31%) as compared to control ( 583.98%). Hence Cycocel (250 ppm) may be considered as best plant growth regulators increasing yield, seed quality and storability of okra.
K.A. Mumithra Kamatchi1, A. Senthil1, M.K. Kalarani2, R. Swarnapriya3, S. Marimuthu4 and M. Djanaguiraman1*
1Department of Crop Physiology, TNAU, Coimbatore – 641003, India. 2Directorate of Crop Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641003, India. 3Floriculture Research Station, Thovalai – 629302, India. 4Department of Agronomy, AC & RI, Eachangkottai, Thanjavur – 631006, India. Corresponding e-mail: jani@tnau.ac.in
Abstract: Tomato is a commercially grown vegetable crop that is susceptible to drought stress, which can be improved by understanding the tolerance mechanism. This study aims to evaluate the impact of melatonin pretreatment on alleviating PEG-induced drought stress on tomato. Initially, screening was performed with different polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations (-0.1, -0.2, -0.3, and -0.4 MPa), along with a control. The seeds treated with -0.3 MPa PEG exhibited lower germination percentage, seedling growth, and vigour index, while no germination was observed at -0.4 MPa. Therefore, -0.3 Mpa was selected as the sublethal osmotic concentration to assess the effect of melatonin to alleviate the osmotic stress. The seeds treated with various melatonin concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 µM) and untreated stress control were subjected to -0.3 MPa osmotic concentration, and absolute control was maintained. Seed germination parameters viz., germination indicators, shoot and root length indicators, biomass indicators, stress indices, and germination speed, were recorded. The results showed that the germination parameters were significantly reduced in stress control; however, notable improvements were observed in melatonin pre-treated seeds. Pretreatment with 100 µM melatonin led to an increase in germination percentage (61%), germination index (150.5), vigour index (1010.1), promptness index (65), shoot length (6.28 cm), root length (7.38 cm), fresh weight (0.66 mg), dry weight (0.07 mg), shoot length stress index (86), root length stress index (112), dry matter stress index (87), rate of germination (1.5% per day), germination rate index (15.1% per day), and coefficient of the velocity of germination (20.6) under drought stress. The study evidenced that melatonin pretreatment could effectively enhance seed germination under PEG-induced drought stress in tomato, which, therefore, can be recommended for further research.
V. Shukla and N. Shaikh
Department of Microbiology, Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, Matunga, Mumbai (Maharashtra)- 400019, India. Corresponding e-mail: varshashukla@ruiacollege.edu
Abstract: Hydroponics is the method of growing plants using soil-less cultivation systems. Plant growth-promoting bacteria are the rhizosphere bacteria that help plant growth and suppress plant diseases. In this study, we have isolated PGPR from the hydroponic systems and tested the efficacy of a consortium on the growth of Trichosanthes cucumerina. Ten organisms were isolated from a pre-set hydroponic system, of which three were selected based on their plant growth-promoting abilities. The isolated strains were identified as Chryseobacterium jejuense, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans and Sphingomonas paucimobilis. These isolates produced high levels of indole-3-acetic acid as well as other plant growth-promoting factors such as cellulase, pectinase, and siderophore production. All three isolates showed biofilm formation and growth in nutrient solutions with high EC values, indicating their ability to adhere to plant root surfaces and survive in nutrient solutions to promote plant growth. A consortium of these organisms used in the deep-water hydroponic system of T. cucumerina showed a significant increase in the number of leaves and root mass compared to control plants. Since these PGPR isolates exhibited multiple traits beneficial to the host plant, it has opened new possibilities for commercial application of these isolates in the hydroponic systems.
O.S. Warang1, N.I. Shah1 and N.J. Jadav2
1Department of Horticulture, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand 388 110, Gujarat, India. 2Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand 388 110, Gujarat, India. *E-mail: omkarwarang30@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i02.20
Key words: Round-the-year pruning, fertilizer, growth, flowering, yield, pruning time, new shoots, days taken for flowering, first picking
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to study the effect of round-the-year pruning and fertilizer doses on phalsa cv’s growth, flowering and yield parameters. Local during 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Horticulture Research Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (Factorial) with two factors, eighteen treatment combinations, and three repetitions. The first factor was pruning time (P1= 1st week of January (Control), P2= 1st week of March, P3= 1st week of May, P4= 1st week of July, P5= 1st week of September and P6= 1st week of November) and the second factor was fertilizer doses (F1= 100:50:50 g NPK/plant (Control), F2= 200:75:75 g NPK/plant, F3= 300:100:100 g NPK/plant). The results revealed that pruning in 1st week of May (P3) recorded minimum days for sprouting new shoots after pruning. Pruning in 1st week of March (P2) resulted in the maximum number of sprouted shoots per cane, length of the shoot at harvest, weight of fruit per plant, fruit yield and minimum days taken for flowering, fruit set and first picking after pruning. A fertilizer dose of 300:100:100 g NPK/plant (F3) recorded minimum days for sprouting of new shoots, maximum number of sprouted shoots per cane and length of shoot at harvest. The shortest duration for flowering, fruit set, and initial harvest was observed using a fertilizer dose of 100:50:50 g NPK per plant (Control) (F1). The application of 200:75:75 g NPK per plant (F2) was most effective for maximum fruit weight and overall yield of phalsa. Furthermore, this fertiliser dose significantly boosted phalsa yields when combined with pruning during the first week of March.
Tshering Lhamu Bhutia1,, Nima Tshering Bhutia2, Ngura Sailo3, Rampal2 and Tshering Chomu Bhutia2
1*ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok, India-737102. 2ICAR- National Research Centre for Orchids, Pakyong, East Sikkim, India-737106. 3 ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Research Centre- Shillong, India-793-009. Corresponding e-mail: tl.bhutia@icar.gov.in
Abstract: The Diplomeris hirsuta Lindl, is a rare and endangered orchid species indigenous to India. This delicate species faces numerous threats, including landslides and road expansion, which have decreased its population and placed the species at risk of extinction. However, there is hope for this species, as the paper has reported the successful ex situ conservation of D. hirsuta plants. The researchers achieved this feat by creating a simulated natural habitat that closely mimicked the conditions of the plant’s native environment. This simulated habitat provided the ideal environmental conditions necessary to sustain the plant’s growth and development, including temperature, humidity, light, and soil composition. As a result, the live plants of D. hirsuta were successfully conserved. This study’s ex situ conservation method is essential in preserving species’ survival, especially when their natural habitats are at risk or destroyed. The success of this conservation effort provides a potential model for future conservation efforts of other threatened plant species, giving hope for the protection and preservation of rare and endangered plant species worldwide.
1Department of Food Science and Technology, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonipat, India. 1Department of Food Science and Technology, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonipat, India. 2Department of Agriculture and Environmental Science, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonipat, India. Corresponding e-mail: aojha.niftem@gmail.com
Abstract: Food sustainability and waste reduction have gained considerable importance in recent years. Despite being rich in nutrients and functional characteristics, by-products like seeds from fruits remain underutilized. The decorticated seeds and seeds flour of muskmelon and watermelon were analyzed for their physical, nutritional, functional, and thermal properties to aid in designing systems for storage, processing, and incorporation as functional ingredients in food products. Standard methods estimated the seeds’ dimensional, frictional, gravimetric, nutritional, and functional properties. The seeds’ flour was defatted to assess thermal properties using the DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry). The seeds of muskmelon and watermelon were rich in proteins (29.21 %, 29.56 %) and fats (39.07 %, 44.31 %), respectively. Both the seeds’ flour exhibited a similar range of porosity (68.8 %). The static coefficient of friction (0.78) was the highest for thermocol among all tested surfaces for both seeds. The foaming capacity (39.39 %) and oil absorption capacity (1.26 g/g) of muskmelon seeds flour were higher than watermelon seeds flour (36.36 % and 1.00 g/g, respectively). The thermal denaturation temperature of defatted watermelon seeds flour (66.4 °C) was higher than defatted muskmelon seeds flour (63.8 °C). Reports on these seeds’ properties, especially the thermal properties of seed flour, are very scarce. This research work would aid in effectively utilizing seeds and their flours as functional ingredients in the food processing industry.
Enrico C. Virrey
College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Eastern Samar State University, Salcedo, Eastern Samar, Philippines. Corresponding e-mail: enricovirrey@gmail.com
Abstract: Stem-end rot caused by Diplodia natalensis is one of the significant postharvest diseases causing setbacks in the mango industry. Essential oil shows excellent potential as an alternative method in controlling postharvest diseases, which are considered safe and biodegradable with no residual effect. Hence, the study was conducted to determine the antifungal activity of Citronella essential oil against Diplodia natalensis (Pole Evans), to identify the effective concentration of Citronella essential oil to control D. natalensis in vitro and to evaluate the potential of citronella oil as treatment against stem-end rot disease of mango fruit. Results showed that citronella oil at 30% - 80% concentration exhibits fungistatic activity. At the same time, Citronella at 90% concentration showed fungicidal activity, which was most effective, showing complete inhibition of mycelial growth in the in vitro experiment. Furthermore, a significant reduction in fruit decay and percent fruit decay was noted with the 90% concentration of Citronella essential oil compared with the control in the in vivo experiment. However, no significant differences were observed between treatments regarding the length of exposure at 90% concentration of the essential oil. These results suggest that Citronella essential oil can potentially control stem-end rot in mangoes.
Indira Devi and Harminder Singh
Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana, Punjab 141 004, India. Corresponding e-mail: indu90@pau.edu
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to broaden the range of early-ripening peach cultivars through hybridization. Low chill peach cultivars, specifically Shan-i-Punjab and Tropic Sweet, were selected as female parents and crossed with Florda Prince, Flordaglo, and Prabhat. Among the crosses, the highest fruit set (72.63%) was observed in Shan-i-Punjab x Florda Prince, while the lowest fruit set was recorded in Tropic Sweet × Flordaglo (18.87%). Despite the lower fruit set in Tropic Sweet crosses, they exhibited a significantly higher fruit retention percentage and a lower fruit drop rate than those involving the Shan-i-Punjab cultivar. Following ripening, seeds were extracted from the fruits and subjected to stratification at low temperatures until radicle emergence occurred. The stratification duration for the hybrid seedlings ranged from 76.00 days in Shan-i-Punjab × Florda Prince to 88.33 days in Tropic Sweet × Flordaglo. After sowing the seeds in the field, the highest seed germination percentage of 90.43 was recorded in Tropic Sweet × Florda Prince, which did not show a significant difference from Tropic Sweet × Flordaglo (88.94%), followed by Tropic Sweet × Prabhat (85.11%). Regarding seedling growth, Tropic Sweet × Flordaglo exhibited the maximum seedling height of 36.03 cm, while minimal variations were observed among different crosses regarding petiole length, leaf area, and internodal length.
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