Abstract: To ascertain their potential applications in the food industry, dragon fruit varieties, namely H. undatus and H. polyrhizus, were thoroughly analyzed for their physical, nutritional, and phytochemical properties. The focus was on pulp and juice, emphasizing color, mineral content, proximate analysis, and phytochemical constituents. Red flesh dragon fruit displayed a bright pink color, a slightly smaller length (9.1 cm), and a larger diameter (8.3 cm) compared to white flesh dragon fruit (9.9 cm length, 7.53 cm diameter). Red flesh dragon fruit also exhibited higher circumference and weight. White flesh dragon fruit demonstrated superior juice yield (36.23 %) compared to red flesh dragon fruit (35.28 %). Red flesh dragon fruit had higher levels of total sugar (8.45 %), protein (1.36 %), and ascorbic acid (19.83 mg/100g) in its pulp. It also showed elevated mineral content of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Conversely, white flesh dragon fruit had higher fat content (0.65 %) and carbohydrate content (9.76 %) in its pulp. White flesh dragon fruit displayed brighter color characteristics with higher L*, a*, and b* values. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of betacyanin in red flesh dragon fruit (30.87 mg/100g) but not in white flesh dragon fruit. Red flesh dragon fruit exhibited significantly higher total phenolic content in pulp (49.67 mg GA/100g) and juice (41.25 mg GA/100g) than white flesh dragon fruit. These findings highlight substantial differences (P < 0.05) between red and white flesh dragon fruit in physical, nutritional, and phytochemical aspects, offering valuable insights for their incorporation into diverse food products, such as beverages and ice cream.
S. Ghosh1*, R.K. Tiwari1, R.K. Verma2, A. Biswal1 and N.K. Mishra3
Abstract: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the technology of kharif onion production with the use of improved kharif onion variety Bhima Super during kharif seasons of the years 2020–2021 and 2022–2023 at farmer’s field of various locations under the guidance of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Birauli, Samastipur, Bihar. The investigation included measures like yield and economic performance, technology gap, extension gap, frontline demonstration technology index, and respondent farmer’s degree of adoption of the demonstration. Over the course of the study’s two years, it was found that there was a 19.74% enhancement in bulb yield above local check and that the average B:C ratio under the demonstration plot was 3.98 which was higher than that of control plots 2.19. When enhanced quality seed was adopted, the extent of adoption increased to 47.12 percent. The study displays the technology index (22.64%), the average technical gap (81.22 q/ha), and the extension gap (62.98 q/ha). Current research highlights the potentiality of frontline demonstration for dissemination of technology at the grassroots level.
Mamta Bhatia* and Alka Sharma
Department of Food Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar-125021, Haryana, India. Corresponding e-mail: bhatiamamta09@gmail.com
Abstract: Rhizopus arrhizus and Rhizopus stolonifer are pathogenic fungi responsible for causing ‘soft rot’ disease in fruits and vegetables, as well as life-threatening ‘mucormycosis’ in animals and humans, especially immunocompromised hosts. The use of synthetic fungicides and chemical preservatives to inhibit microbes is being challenged due to their toxic effects on human health and the environment. This has prompted researchers to investigate novel antimicrobials that are natural and safe. Current study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activities of essential oils (EOs), powdered (PWD) forms, and water extracts (WEs) of ten Indian dietary spices (Allium sativum (Als), Brassica nigra(Brn), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ciz), Cuminum cyminum(Cuc), Curcuma longa (Cul), Mentha piperita(Mep), Ocimum sanctum (Ocs), Syzygium aromaticum (Sya), Trigonella foenum-graecum(Trf), and Zingiber officinale(Zio)) against R. arrhizus (NCIM877) and R. stolonifer (NCIM1139). Spice agar method was used for investigating antifungal potential of PWD spices. Impregnated paper disc method and broth dilution technique were followed for screening the antifungal activities of EOs and WEs. Results revealed that EOs of six spices (Als, Brn, Ciz, Cuc, Mep,Sya), and PWD forms of four spices (Brn, Ciz, Cuc, Sya)inhibited the growth of both fungi in culture media, effectively. WEs of all ten spices remained ineffective in arresting the growth of tested fungal strains. R.stolonifer was found more sensitive compared to R. arrhizus towards tested substances. Based on these findings, further in vivo studies on PWD forms of Ccb, Ccm, and Sya and EOs of Als, Brn, Ccb, Ccm, Mep, Ocs and Sya may establish spices as ‘botanical antimicrobials’ to prolong the shelf life of valuable horticultural crops by arresting the growth of R. arrhizus and R.stolonifer.
Priti Sharma1,2, Swosti S. Das2, Maneesh Mishra2* and Mala Trivedi1*
1Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow-226010, India.2ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Kakori, Lucknow-226101, India. Corresponding e-mail: maneesh.mishra@icar.gov.in, mtrivedi@lko.amity.edu
Abstract: Micropropagation technology has been commercially exploited for mass multiplication of banana. Several parameters such as nutrient media, explants, culture conditions etc have been standardized. However, a novel in vitro shoot excision technique designed to enhance the proliferation rate of banana cv. Chini Champa has been examined for the first time. We meticulously examined the impact of excision angles (45º and 90º) and excision site (Tip, middle and base) during shoot proliferation stage. Our findings unequivocally demonstrate that employing a 45º angle excision and tip excision yield the highest multiplication rates and biomass accumulation, surpassing other excision angles and methods. The substantial enhancement in shoot numbers, growth and biomass underscores the potential of this technique for improving banana propagation protocols, offering a valuable tool for sustainable banana production.
Aarju Sharma1,2*, Ashwani Kumar1, Sulekha Chahal2 and Bindu Battan2
1ICAR – Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal – 132001. 2Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra – 136119. Corresponding e-mail: a.r.sharma98134@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i02.50
Key words: Sandalwood, host species, traits, salinity, Na+/K+ ratio
Abstract: Being a semi-root parasitic nature, sandalwood steals water and nutrients from host species. Therefore, it is crucial to research the influence of salinity stress on host-parasite relationships both theoretically and practically, for the successful establishment of sandalwood plantations. To find out the best suited host species for sandalwood, a RBD experiment was conducted to identify the effect of salt stress on sandalwood planted with two selected host species (Alternanthera sp. and Azadirachata indica) and without host species. After 300 days of establishment, morphological traits were recorded and noted that plant height, collar diameter and root length was higher in Azadirachta indica as compared to other host species. Significant reduction in morphological traits was recorded under salt stress condition. Similarly, higher root biomass was noted in Azadirachta indica under control as well as in saline conditions. On the other side, shoot biomass was higher in sandalwood grown with Alternanthera sp. Sandalwood grown in the absence of host plant showed no survival under salinity stress. Plant water traits were higher when sandalwood cultivated with A. indica while lowest in sandalwood grown in the absence of host species. Na+/K+ ratio and other nutrients (viz., Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) was higher sandalwood planted with A. indica while poorer in Sandalwood planted without host species. The results revealed that A. indica could be best host for sandalwood under stress as well as control conditions which enhances the growth and physiology of sandalwood.
Abstract: In this study, pectin was extracted from unripe bael using a microwave-assisted extraction technique. Optimization was done based on independent and dependent parameters. Pectin yield was the dependent variable in the study, whereas the independent factors were microwave power, time, and solid solvent ratio. Pectin extraction was carried out using different combinations of microwave power (180, 360, 540 watts), time (1, 2, 3 minutes), and the ratio of solid-solvent (1:20, 1:30, 1:40 g/mL). Using Box-Behnken response surface methodology, 17 experimental runs were performed. A microwave power of 360 watts, a time of 3 minutes, and a solid solvent ratio of 1:20 g/mL were the ideal parameters that achieved the maximum pectin yield of 19.8%. The yield of pectin was analyzed using multiple regression statistical analysis. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of pectin yield was studied, which revealed an equivalent weight of 263.15, a methoxyl content of 9.92 percent, anhydrouronic acid content of 123.2%, and a degree of esterification of 45.71%.
Hayam A.A. Mahdy1, A.M.R. Abdelmawgoud2*, Z.F. Fawzy2 and Huda A. Ibrahim2
1Botany Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. 2Vegetable Research Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: DR_abdelmawgoud@yahoo.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.02
Key words: Cucumber, nano calcium, nano silicon, plant growth, total fruit weight
Abstract: Trials were carried out in plastic greenhouses at a private farm in the Qaha region, Qalubia Governorate, Egypt (30.288 N; 31.198 E), during two consecutive spring seasons (2020 and 2021). The objective was to investigate the impact of nano compounds, spray specifically nano calcium and nano silicon, on the growth characteristics, yield, and quality of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) under protected cultivation conditions. The study used two foliar sprays of Lithovit® (nano calcium carbonate 80.2 %) at 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 g/L and nano silicon (SiO2 25 %) at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mL/L. Nano elements (calcium or silicon) were applied to cucumber seedlings in the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth weeks after transplantation. All monitored attributes increased with both nano-element treatments. Plants receiving nano calcium had higher plant height, fresh and dry weights, and branch counts than those receiving nano silicon. However, growth was best with 1.0 g/L nano calcium. Compared to control, nano elements boosted cucumber plant N, P, K, Ca, and Si. In both nano calcium and nano silicon treatments, fruit length, diameter, average weight, and total weight rose. Yield increases may outweigh nano nutrient costs.
Amanpreet Kaur, Ravneet Kaur and H.S. Sodhi
Department of Microbiology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, Punjab, India. Corresponding e-mail: amanpreet-cobsmb@pau.edu
Abstract: Mushroom cultivation is a prevalent activity worldwide, although the domestication of native wild mushrooms is not fully recognised. For wild mushrooms to be economically feasible, they need to possess the ability to be cultivated. The objective of this study was to cultivate 18 wild mushrooms that were collected from their native environments utilising substrates that are readily available in the local area. Wild mushrooms were gathered and acquired using tissue cultures. All the wild mushrooms studied showed mycelial development on the substrates, except for Podaxis pistallris, Amanita solitaria, and Collybia platyphylla. Pleurotus sapidus and Pleurotus floridanus were able to produce fruit satisfactorily. The study revealed that specific wild mushrooms had the ability to produce fruiting bodies when grown on commercial substrates. While mushroom production was not seen in other natural cultures, these findings offer valuable information for improving growth circumstances in the future. Conducting surveys of natural habitats is crucial to guarantee the ongoing production of wild edible mushrooms, safeguarding endangered species and promoting a hopeful outlook for their sustainable utilisation.
B. Singh, T. Chaubey#, R.K. Singh#, D.K. Upadhyay, Aastik Jha and S. Pandey*
ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, 221 305, Uttar Pradesh, India. Corresponding e-mail: sudhakariivr@gmail.com, rameshiivr@gmail.com
Abstract: This study was conducted using eighty-one extant cultivars of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) with sixteen diverse morphological and yield contributing traits. All the cultivars were evaluated for four years in field conditions to analyze the unpredictability and heritability, genetic variances, correlation and principal component analysis to extract important traits. In results, the highest value of general mean, variances of genotypic and phenotypic (Vg and Vp), variation (GCV and PCV), heritability (h2) and genetic advance (GA) were found for AFW and indicated the additive gene action. Due to environmental interaction, the highest variance and variation of environment (Ve and ECV) and GA% were recorded for PH, FDPS, and FL/FD ratio. In case of correlation and path coefficient analysis the yield per plant showed positive correlation for various morphological traits excluding NFI, FT and FL/FD ratio. Those traits established positive correlation with direct and indirect effect from yield can be utilized to improve yield capacity. In principal component analysis, the most important characters were categorized into different PCA group e.g., PCA I (AFW), PCA II (FL), PCA III (FD) and PCA IV (FYPP) and may be extracted for observing the superior recombinants.
Vaibhav Srivastava1, M. Srivastava2, Shailendra Rajan1*, Parul Sagar1, Pranav Kumar Mishra3 and V.K. Singh1
1Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow, India. 2Amity University, Lucknow Campus, Uttar Pradesh, India. 3Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh,India.Corresponding e-mail: srajanlko@gmail.com.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.21
Key words: Mango phenology, web-based tool, BBCH scale, PHP platform, data management, frequency tables, line graph visualization
Abstract: Phenological studies play a crucial role in understanding mango flowering dynamics across diverse climates. However, managing the extensive data generated from observations using the modified BBCH scale poses significant challenges. To address this, we developed a web-based tool in PHP to efficiently manage mango phenology data. This tool aids researchers in organizing phenological data on a timescale by decoding phenophases and presenting them as images, facilitating data summarization through frequency tables of different phenophases. Additionally, the tool incorporates a module that simultaneously depicts phenophases according to the BBCH scale and as a line graph, providing a clear representation of flowering phenology dynamics. The primary objective of this tool is to provide computational assistance to researchers working on mango phenology, accessible worldwide through the link (https://hortportal.org/mangifera_res/site/phenology/). It enables data collected in an Excel sheet in a standard format to be depicted as a series of small images, facilitating the correction or cleaning of raw data. The corrected data file can then be utilized to calculate frequencies and generate an Excel sheet for developing graphs using graphical software. Furthermore, the tool features a built-in module for creating graphs with selective phenophases, allowing simultaneous selection of different phenophases for a line graph depiction, indicating their duration and time of peak occurrence.
D. Dilna, A. Sheena* and Beena Thomas
Instructional Farm, Kerala Agricultural University, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, 695522, Kerala, India. Tel.: +919497453663, Corresponding e-mail: sheena2sa@yahoo.co.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.22
Key words: Adenium, micropropagation, genetic fidelity, ISSR,tissue culture, desert rose, caudex, M S media
Abstract: Adenium obesum is a popular ornamental plant propagated through seeds. But its hybrids are mostly infertile or need assisted pollination for seed production. In the present investigation, an efficient and reliable indirect regeneration protocol for infertile adenium hybrid was developed from leaf explants. Surface sterilization using mercuric chloride 0.2 percent recorded the lowest incidence of contamination and highest survival percentage. Callus from shoot tip showed the lowest number of days for shoot regeneration with 13.2 days in Half-strength MS medium containing 3 mg L-1 NAA and 3mg L-1 GA3. Maximum shoot length of 2.40 cm was recorded in Half-strength MS medium + 3 mg L-1 NAA+ 3mg L-1 GA3 two weeks after sub culturing. Half-strength MS+2mg L-1 IBA recorded root initiation in 16.16 days. The rooted plantlets were successfully hardened and acclimatized with a survival rate of 92 %. The genetic fidelity of regenerated plantlets was assessed using ten primers and the in vitro cultured plants did not show polymorphism in ISSR analysis. This in vitro propagation protocol could be effectively used for the large-scale propagation of non-seed setting hybrids of adenium.
Y. Sravani1, G. Kranthi Rekha2, C. Venkata Ramana3, L. Naram Naidu4 and D.R. Salomi Suneetha5
1Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh, India. 2Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh, India. 3Horticulture Research Station, Lam, Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh, India. 4Directorate of Research, Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh, India. 5Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh, India. Corresponding e-mail: sravaniyerra17@gmail.com
Abstract: An experiment was conducted on ridge gourd in six generations i.e., P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 of VRG-24 x VRG-13 and Swarna Manjari x Arka Prasan in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The main aim of the study was to investigate the genetic mechanisms controlling yield and quality traits through generation mean analysis. Epistatic gene effects were found to play a crucial role in regulating most of the traits studied, except for days to male flowering, days to female flowering, node of first female flower, average fruit weight, and rind thickness in various crosses. Duplicate epistasis was particularly prominent across the majority of traits, suggesting that these traits could be effectively exploited through heterosis breeding and reciprocal recurrent selection strategies. Additionally, complementary epistasis was observed in the cross VRG-24 x VRG-13 for traits such as node of first female flower, number of female flowers per vine, and number of fruits per vine. This highlights the potential of the VRG-24 x VRG-13 cross to produce desirable transgressive segregants with enhanced trait combinations.
K. Sethunath* and J. Bhaskar
1Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur 680656, India. Corresponding e-mail: keerthanasethu1996@gmail.com
Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the variability among the dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) genotypes in Kerala. The study was conducted in ten dragon fruit orchards of four different districts namely, Trivandrum, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Thrissur during the period 2019-2021. The plants were evaluated based on the UPOV guidelines to identify the different genotypes that were being cultivated in Kerala with respect to their morphology and flowering along with yield and quality attributes. The results revealed that the commercial cultivation of dragon fruit in Kerala was found to be dominated by the dark pink/purple fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis). The variability within this species was analysed using statistical techniques like factor analysis and cluster analysis. Maximum variability (59.38%) in the stem and flower characters were contributed by the intensity of red colour of bract, stem waxiness, stem sturdiness, margin of rib, spine colour, bud shape, bud apex shape, number of stigma lobes, length of style and distance between areoles. Similarly, maximum variability (62.74%) in the quality attributes were contributed by the fruit weight, position of bract towards peel, fruit width, fruit weight without peel, fruit length, flesh colour, fruit shape, width of base of bract, length of apical bract, outer TSS, TSS-acid ratio and core TSS. Based on the qualitative traits alone, six clusters were formed indicating the variations in plants which in turn, revealed the presence of different genotypes within the dark pink/purple fleshed dragon fruit.
Arumugam Nithyanandam1*, T. Saraswathi2, C. Indu Rani1, L. Pugalendhi1, N. Manivannan3, S. Harish 4 and N. Manikanda Boopathi5
1Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641 037. India. 2Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641 037, India. 3Centre of Excellence in Molecular Breeding, Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641 037, India. 4Department of Plant Pathology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore –641 037, India. 5Department of Plant Biotechnology, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, (CPMB&B), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – 641 037, India
Abstract: The tomato represents an extensively cultivated crop within tropical and subtropical regions of the world for their fresh market and processing attribute. However, its production frequently encounters substantial setbacks due to notable losses associated with diseases such as Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TyLCV). To address this challenge, the current study aimed to assess the resistance or susceptibility of selected 25 tomato breeding lines for TyLCV under natural field screenings to mimic real-world scenarios in accordance with the disease reaction score of Banerjee and Kalloo (1987). The field screening results showed that, the check Arka Vishes line demonstrated high resistance (HR) to TLCV, with reduced PDS, PDI values and a low coefficient of infection (CI). Several lines, including CBE SL 101, CBE SL 105, CBE SL 108, CBE SL 110, and CBE SL 114, exhibited a resistant (R) reaction, while others, such as CBE SL 102, CBE SL 107, CBE SL 112, CBE SL 120, and Arka Rakshak, displayed moderate resistance (MR). Conversely, lines CBE SL 103, CBE SL 104, CBE SL 106, CBE SL 109, CBE SL 111, CBE SL 115, CBE SL 117, and CBE SL 123 showed moderate susceptibility (MS), and the remaining lines, namely CBE SL 113, CBE SL 116, CBE SL 118, CBE SL 119, CBE SL 121, and CBE SL 122, were deemed susceptible to TLCV. The varying disease responses observed across these lines provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of host-pathogen interactions in tomato plants, informing strategies for disease management and breeding efforts aimed at enhancing resistance to TLCV.
Madhu Kumar, Prahlad Deb* and Pradipto Kumar Mukherjee
Department of Horticulture & Postharvest Technology, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan - 731236, West Bengal. Corresponding e-mail: debprld@yahoo.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.03
Key words: Wild date palm, fruit morphology, biochemical profile, antioxidant
Abstract: The date palm is regarded as one of the most nutritious fruits of the arid zone. Fruits are eaten fresh as hard, ripe, or soft dates and are high in calories, iron, magnesium, vitamins, and antioxidants. There is a high potential for expanding the area, production, and processing of date palm as a rain-fed fruit crop in the Western dry tract of West Bengal, where wild types grow abundantly without human intervention. Thus, the current study was conducted to investigate the physicochemical and antioxidative properties of fifteen wild date palm (Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.) genotypes (P-1 to P-15) from various locations in the Bolpur Sriniketan Block of the Birbhum district during the year 2022 in order to identify superior genotypes for commercial exploitation through a future breeding programme. The majority of the genotypes showed early-to-mid season fruiting with consistent fruit bearing. Date palm genotypes P-6, P-2, P-15, and P-12 had larger fruit sizes, higher pulp content, and higher TSS. The P-1 accession had the highest fruit productivity value (27 bunches/tree). Notably, at the rutab stage, accessions P-1, P-6, P-2, P-15, and P-12 had significant sugar content, indicating excellent fruit quality and antioxidant richness. These genotypes are recommended as ideal candidates for propagation and subsequent cultivation due to their outstanding characteristics.