This study investigated cultivation methods for optimizing lettuce production on household balconies. Circulating hydroponics, static hydroponics, and substrate cultivation were compared with soil cultivation (control) to evaluate growth, yield, and quality. Hydroponic systems significantly outperformed soil cultivation. Static hydroponics produced the highest biomass, with fresh and dry weights increasing by 10.53% and 55.29% over the control. Circulating hydroponics, while slightly lower in yield, enhanced vitamin C content by 6.57% and sensory quality by 41%, ranking second overall. Substrate cultivation showed moderate improvements, with increases of 5.14% in vitamin C and 19.66% in taste rating compared to the control. Considering growth performance, space efficiency, management ease, and cost, static and circulating hydroponics were identified as the most suitable systems for balcony-based lettuce cultivation. These results provide practical guidance for urban households and support the promotion of balcony farming as a sustainable approach to urban agriculture.

Major challenge in tamarind storage is prevention of blackening or browning of tamarind at tropical conditions. The pulp of tamarind fruit has tartaric acid, which renders it acidic in taste, and hence, is widely used for domestic and industrial purposes. It also rich in reducing sugars, pectin, proteins, fiber, and cellulosic materials. Reaction of sugars with amino acids (especially lysine) through Maillard reaction is responsible for the non-enzymatic browning of tamarind pulp. In this study fresh tamarind pulp was treated with anti-browning agents such as ascorbic acid added @ 0.34 g/100 g, sodium chloride (NaCl) added @ 0.58 g/100 g, ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) added @ 0.5 g/100 g and potassium metabisulphite (KMS) added @ 0.125 g/100 g of tamarind and were analysed for and total reducing sugar and colour values to assess extent of the browning reaction. The tamarind pulp was treated with anti-browning agents such as ASC added @ 0.34 g/100 g, NaCl added @ 0.58 g/100 g, EDTA added @ 0.5 g/100 g and KMS added @ 0.125 g/100 g allowed for six months storage and were analysed for reducing sugars and colour values to assess extent of the browning reaction. The results showed that the treatment T11 (combination of anti-browning agents such as ASC, KMS and NaCl) showed lowest color change (23.84) and preserving the natural color of tamarind pulp during six months of storage.

‘Udupi Jasmine’ (Jasminum sambac var. aeyaneanum) is an important flower crop of coastal Karnataka possessing a geographical indication tag, having peak season during March-April and an off-season for blooming commencing during November-February. Present study was conducted to induce off-season flowering through growth regulators and pruning in ‘Udupi Jasmine’ by treating with different growth regulators and pruning intervals and elucidate the interaction between both on plant growth and flowering traits of the crop. The effect of pruning in October recorded the highest plant height (109.08cm), number of primary shoots (24.11) number of secondary shoots (111.58), number of flowers per shoot (108.71), individual flower weight (0.07g) and flowers weight per plant (111.85g) and the plant growth regulator GA3 @ 150ppm recorded the highest plant height (119.02cm), number of primary shoots (33.28) and number of secondary shoots (130.75), number of flowers per shoot (118.00) and flowers weight per plant (132.22g) and CCC at 1200ppm shown to increase flower weight (0.09g). Interaction between October pruning and growth regulator GA3 @ 150 ppm reported the highest plant height (124.44 cm), number of primary shoots (33.80), number of secondary shoots (134.97), number of flowers per shoot (122.87) and flowers weight per plant (135.78g). Whereas, the maximum individual flower weight (0.10g) was recorded in plant pruned during November with CCC f oliar spray at 1200ppm.

A study of fifteen marigold genotypes was conducted to assess vegetative, floral, and seed-related traits, examining genetic parameters including variability, heritability, GCV, PCV, traits association, and path coefficient analysis, revealing substantial genetic variations between the genotypes, affecting multiple aspects of growth and flowering traits. Genotypes Arka Bhanu, Arka Vibha, Arka Shubha, Arka Abhi, Bidhan Marigold 1, and Pusa Bahar having good vegetative, floral and seed yield attributes. A diverse array of mean values was observed across all the evaluated traits, viz. plant height (42.32-74.80 cm), plant spread (12.58-72.49 cm), leaf biomass (32.62-822.2 g), flowering duration (33.67-92.67 days), and flower yield/ plant (119.46-569.8 g). Traits including leaf biomass, total carotenoids content, seed yield/ plant, chlorophyll content, flower yield/ plant, primary and secondary branching exhibited higher genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation. Heritability estimates exceeding 90% were observed for most traits, whereas plant height, days taken to first flowering, flower diameter, and days taken to seed maturation showed relatively lower heritability values. The genetic advance as of percentage mean varied widely, ranging from 22.60 to 224.90%. It was observed maximum for leaf biomass, total carotenoids content, seed yield/plant, total chlorophyll content, and flower yield/plant. The results suggest that these traits with maximum heritability and genetic gain can be used in crop improvement programme through hybridization.

Bioplastics have emerged as a sustainable and safe alternative in the production of various horticultural crops, with applications ranging from nursery practices to packaging. Over the past two decades, increasing ecological awareness has driven significant advancements in the development and use of biodegradable polymers to address the issue of plastic waste. Biopolymers derived from renewable resources offer strong potential as eco-friendly substitutes for petroleum-based plastics. Research and practical applications have demonstrated the effective use of biodegradable plastics in horticulture, including mulching films, biodegradable pots, seed encapsulation, bioplastic granules for pest and disease management, and controlled-release systems for pesticides, fertilizers, and packaging materials. Notably, the first bioplastic was synthesized from a bacterium as early as 1926. However, despite their early discovery, synthetic polymers came to dominate due to their versatility and widespread industrial use, including in agriculture. The primary concern arises from their nonbiodegradable nature, leading to persistent environmental pollution and the growing problem of microplastics due to excessive use and inadequate recycling. In response, the past two decades has seen renewed efforts to synthesize bioplastics from agricultural products and bio-waste to mitigate the negative impacts of conventional plastics. This review highlights current research and development in bioplastics, their applications in agriculture and horticulture, and their influence on crop productivity, soil and plant health, and produce quality.

The present investigation was conducted at the experimental farm of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (Himachal Pradesh), to evaluate the performance of eight rainy season annuals under different planting dates. The study involved tall zinnia, dwarf zinnia, balsam, gomphrena ‘pink’, gomphrena ‘magenta’, cosmos, African marigold, and china aster, planted on three dates: June 3rd, July 3rd, and August 3rd. Results revealed that tall zinnia recorded the maximum plant height, while gomphrena ‘pink’ showed the widest plant spread and longest flowering duration. Balsam exhibited the earliest flower bud initiation, earliest flowering, highest number of flowers per plant, and the highest flower yield both per plant and per plot. Tall zinnia produced the largest flower size. Among the planting dates, June 3rd (planting date 1) resulted in the best overall performance, including maximum plant height, plant spread, flower size, flowering duration, flower count, and yield per plant and per plot. In contrast, the earliest flower bud initiation and flowering were observed in the August 3rd planting (planting date 3). The study highlights the importance of cultivar selection and optimal planting time for maximizing growth and floral yield of rainy season annuals.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the productivity and economic viability of ginger-based cropping systems under the agro-climatic conditions of Nagaland. The study was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments and three replications. The treatments included: T1 (sole ginger), T2 (ginger + fenugreek - coriander), T3 (ginger + tomato - okra), T4 (ginger + sweet corn - green mustard), T5 (ginger + french bean - chilli), T6 (ginger + soybean), and T7 (ginger + colocasia). Sole ginger (T1) recorded the highest yield (12.81 t/ha). Among intercropping systems, T5 showed the highest ginger yield (10.34 t/ha), followed by T3 (9.02 t/ha). However, T4 exhibited the highest ginger equivalent yield (29.04 t/ha), net income (₹6.60 lakh/ ha), and benefit-cost ratio (4.04), suggesting its superior economic performance. All intercropping treatments recorded land equivalent ratios (LER) above 1, indicating yield advantages over sole cropping, with T7 (2.40) and T3 (2.13) showing the highest LER values. The study concludes that ginger-based intercropping systems, particularly those involving sweet corn - green mustard and colocasia, can significantly enhance productivity and profitability under rainfed conditions of Nagaland. Conversely, the ginger + fenugreek - coriander system showed comparatively lower returns, making it a less suitable option.

Papaya stands as a significant fruit crop in India, ranking fifth in importance after banana. The Red Lady variety, particularly thriving in Tamil Nadu, has gained widespread popularity domestically and in export markets. However, ensuring consistent high-quality fruit reaching consumers remains a challenge. Addressing this issue, an experiment conducted at a farmer’s field, Ammampalayam, Attur taluk, Salem district during 2020-2021 aimed to assess pre-harvest chemical treatments’ impact on post-harvest papaya quality. Papaya plants were subjected to a series of spray treatments including NAA, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate (as a potassium source), calcium chloride, calcium nitrate and calcium sulfate (as a calcium source). Additionally, a combination treatment of NAA @ 100 ppm with potassium and calcium sources at 1.5% was applied at 21 days after flower anthesis onto the fruits. A control group was sprayed with plain water. These treatments were repeated six times every two weeks. The application of 1.5% calcium chloride (CaCl2) significantly enhanced fruit quality, leading to increased total soluble solids and ascorbic acid levels. Treatment with 1.5% calcium chloride (T5) significantly increased the quality parameters, showing higher total soluble solids and ascorbic acid content, while acidity significantly decreased compared to the control. Throughout the storage period, all treatments maintained a low pH, suggesting papaya fruits had a low degree of acidity. However, the treatment with 1.5% calcium chloride stood out for its comprehensive enhancement of post-harvest quality parameters.

Precision irrigation is key for increasing tomato yields, especially given the crop’s high-water demands. This study uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology and wireless sensor networks for automated irrigation and fertigation to improve water and fertilizer management for two tomato varieties, ‘Sahoo’ and ‘SVTD8323’, addressing resource inefficiency and water scarcity. The research compares different irrigation thresholds: -23 kPa during the seedling stage (100% water availability) and -30 kPa from vegetative to maturity stages (80% water availability). Fertigation schedules include 100% (F1) and 75% (F2) of the recommended fertilizer dose against a control treatment (constant -23 kPa) using Indian Institute of Horticulture Research fertilizer guidelines. Results show that ‘Sahoo’ under IF1 and IF2 treatments had a 12.5% and 13.5% yield increase over the control, using 34.9% and 38.7% less water, respectively. For ‘SVTD8323’, yields increased by 4.8% and 12.5% with water savings of 35.9% and 29% under IF1 and IF2. Additionally, IF2 treatment for ‘Sahoo’ and ‘SVTD8323’ resulted in a 31% and 14% rise in the number of fruits per plant, and an 8% and 5.5% increase in fruit weight, respectively. Cost analysis indicated that the control incurred the highest costs, with benefit-to-cost ratios of 1.28 and 1.34 for ‘Sahoo’ under IF1 and IF2, and 1.11 and 1.42 for ‘SVTD8323’. IoT-enabled irrigation at 75% RDF significantly improves yield and resource efficiency. Results show that ‘Sahoo’ under IF1 and IF2 treatments had a 12.5% and 13.5% yield increase over the control, using 34.9% and 38.7% less water, respectively. For ‘SVTD8323’, yields increased by 4.8% and 12.5% with water savings of 35.9% and 29% under IF1 and IF2. Additionally, IF2 treatment for ‘Sahoo’ and ‘SVTD8323’ resulted in a 31% and 14% rise in the number of fruits per plant, and an 8% and 5.5% increase in fruit weight, respectively. Cost analysis indicated that the control incurred the highest costs, with benefit-to-cost ratios of 1.28 and 1.34 for ‘Sahoo’ under IF1 and IF2, and 1.11 and 1.42 for ‘SVTD8323’. IoT-enabled irrigation at 75% RDF significantly improves yield and resource efficiency.

Sword beans has been recommended as a sustainable way to address protein malnutrition and provide nutritional security. Sword bean is a good supplement to a cereal-based diet due to its protein content being higher than that in any other legumes and crops, and it is known to be resistant to attack of insect pests and diseases. However, the sword bean was found to be severely infested by a complex of invasive whitefly species in India. Three species of whiteflies were identified for the infestations based on morphological features and molecular characterization by sequencing of mtCOI. The species were confirmed as Tetraleurodes acaciae (Quaintance) (legume whitefly), Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi, (Bondar’s nesting whitefly) and Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (spiralling whitefly). Although mixed infection of these species was observed on the same leaves, populations of P. bondari were more on upper and lower surfaces of matured and older leaves, while populations of T. acaciae were observed on the lower surface of younger leaves. The population of A. dispersus was negligible when compared to the other two identified species. This is the first report of T. acaciae and P. bondari on sword bean. Severe incidences of P. bondari infestation on this legume could be devastating and a cause of concern. Regular monitoring may be needed to check its spread to other legume crops which are very important for food and nutritional security.