Average Fruit Weight Research Articles

Potential of Compost and Bio Fertilizer Combination in Improving Growth and Yield of Red Curly Chili

Red curly chili production in Indonesia is currently falling short of expectations. The objective of this research was to evaluate the affectivity of bio fertilizer and compost combination in increasing growth and yield two varieties of red curly chili in Rancamaya, Bogor. Split plot design was used as an experimental design with different variety of red curly chili (OR Twist = V1 and Kencana = V2) as main plot and fertilizer (A = Control without chemical fertilizers + Compost + POH, B = 50% Chemical Fertilizer + Compost + POH, C = 75% Chemical Fertilizer + Compost + POH, D = 100% Chemical Fertilizer + Compost + POH, E = 100% Chemical Fertilizer + manure, F = 100% Chemical Fertilizer) combination as sub plot. The collected data was analysed by using ANOVA with 5% of significancy, a further test is performed using duncan mutiple range test. OR Twist variety showed the highest growth performance on plant height with 26.4 cm (21 DAP), 56.3 cm (35 DAP), and 82.8 cm (DAP) and leave number by 86.8 and 285 leaves at 35 and 39 DAP. The highest cumulative yield of red curly chili was resulted by OR Twist variety from 1st until 5th harvesting period. OR Twist variety and 50% chemical fertilizer treatment with the addition of compost and POH was the best combination in increasing average fruit weight and cumulative of red curly chili at Rancamaya, Bogor.

Studies on Different Levels of Fertigation on Fruit Attributes and Quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Super Bhagwa

The experiment was conducted at Gangapur, Latur, Maharashtra, India during (Dec, 2017–June, 2018) to study effective use of fertilizers with a goal to match nutrient supply with crop requirements and minimize nutrient losses from fields. Fertilizers are considered basic requirements to get the maximum yield, quality and productivity of trees. Fertigation is advantageous over the application of solid fertilizers in the soil by minimizing the losses of fertilizers through runoff and leaching and increase the nutrient-use efficiency and saving amount of fertilizers, therefore to study the different levels of fertigation (Surface irrigation+RDF-control; Drip irrigation+RDF; 50% RDF through fertigation; 75% RDF through fertigation; 100% RDF through fertigation and 125% RDF through fertigation) on fruit attributes and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Super Bhagwa. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with six treatments and four replications. The investigation indicated 75% recommended dose of fertilizers through fertigation resulted, the highest average fruit weight (258.65 g), fruit volume (225.50 ml), weight of hundred arils (35.47 g), rind thickness (4.97 mm), rind weight (113.92 g) and arils weight (144.73 g). Same treatment recorded maximum juice percentage (80.20%), reducing sugar (11.70%), total sugar (12.83%) and T.S.S.: Acid ratio (45.60). Therefore, 75% recommended dose of fertilizers through fertigation can be recommended for improve fruit attributes and quality of pomegranate cv. Super Bhagwa for four to five years old tree.

Adaptogenic Preparations Enhance the Tolerance to Spring Frosts, Yield and Quality of Apple Fruits

The goal of the research is to study the effectiveness of the use of adaptogenic preparations of the Natural Plant Complex “White Pearl” line to increase the yield and quality of apples. The objects of the studies were the apple cultivar “Sinap Orlovsky” and adaptogenic preparations: phytomodulator “White Pearl Universal Antifreeze” and phytocorrector “White Pearl Drip Ca + Mg”. The experiment used the following variants: 1—control (foliar sprays with water); 2—foliar sprays with adaptogenic preparations: 1% solution of “White Pearl Universal Antifreeze” + 1% solution of “White Pearl Drip Ca + Mg”. As a result of the complex use of biological products, the yield was significantly increased by 1.7 times and the average fruit weight was increased by 20.3 g. The adaptogenic preparations increased the yield of marketable apple fruits by 14.8% and contributed to a 2.5-fold decrease in fruits affected by scald and a 2-fold decrease in bitter pitting. The adaptogenic preparations improved the taste qualities of “Sinap Orlovsky” fruits compared to the control by increasing the amount of sucrose by 25.6% and ascorbic acid by 20.5%. The conducted tests of adaptogenic preparations in apple plantations show the prospects of their use as additional techniques in traditional apple cultivation technologies.

Synergistic Effect of a Plant-Derived Protein Hydrolysate and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Eggplant Grown in Open Fields: A Two-Year Study

Plant biostimulants, such as plant protein hydrolysates (PHs) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM), are natural products capable of increasing the yield and quality of crops and decreasing the ecological impact of plant growing cycles. However, there is little research on the mutual application of different categories of biostimulants (microbial and non-microbial). The current study was conducted to examine the effects of “Trainer” PH application (0 or 3 mL L−1) and AM (R. irregularis) inoculation on the growth, yield, quality and nitrogen indices of ”Birgah” F1 eggplant cultivated for two years (2020 and 2021). Results revealed that the combined application of PH and AM significantly enhanced total and marketable yields, average marketable fruit weight and number of marketable fruits by 23.7%, 36.4%, 19.0% and 11.1% compared to non-treated plants (control), respectively. Moreover, biostimulants increased the soluble solids content (SSC), chlorogenic acid, total anthocyanins, K and Mg in the fruits by 16%, 4.6%, 6.4%, 8.6% and 23.9% compared to control plants, respectively. Interestingly, the mutual application of PH and AM improved fruit quality by reducing the glycoalkaloid concentration (−19.8%) and fruit browning potential (−38%). Furthermore, both biostimulants exerted a synergistic action, enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen uptake efficiency by 26.7% and 18.75%, respectively. On the other hand, productive and fruit-quality features were significantly influenced by the year due to remarkable differences in terms of maximum temperature between the first and second cultivation cycles. Overall, our research underlined that PH and AM can positively interact to improve the performance of eggplant cultivated in open fields.

Diallel analysis of yield and its components in processing hot pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

ABSTRACT Capsicum chinense Jacq. plays a pivotal role in imparting pungency and flavour to cuisines in the Caribbean. Despite its popularity, hot pepper production in the region has declined. A major constraint has been the low yields associated with cultivation of uncharacterised landraces, high cost of production and poor profitability. Although breeding high yielding varieties has been recognised as critical to expanding production and profitability, it has been impeded by the limited understanding of yield components and their genetics. The objective of the study was to understand the inheritance of yield, yield components and partitioning components. Progenies of a 9 - 9 half diallel mating design were evaluated in an open field experiment in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Considerable genetic variation was observed for all 12 yield components except for flowers per node. Diallel analysis revealed predominance of non-additive genetic effects for most yield components except fruits per cluster, clusters per plant and reproductive efficiency. The narrow sense heritability for clusters per plant, fruits per cluster, reproductive efficiency, harvest index and shoot dry weight was moderate to high, but was low for yield, fruit number and average fruit weight. Breeding methods to improve yield are discussed.

INFLUENCE OF SHOOT MANAGEMENT ON GROWTH AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES OF BELL PEPPER IN PROTECTED CONDITION

A research was carried out to study the effect of shoot management on growth, yield, and quality attributes of bell pepper in protected condition at Kirtipur, Kathmandu, from March to October 2021. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with two popular varieties (6008 F1 and Minerva F1) and five levels of shoot management (unpruned, one stem, two stems, three stems, and four stems) with four replications. Observations were recorded on growth, yield, and quality parameters. The response of bell pepper varieties with different levels of shoot management did not differ significantly, however, varieties and shoot management factors differed within factor significantly in selected variables. Minerva F1 was taller with higher number of leaves as compared to 6008 F1. Among different shoot management practices, plants with a single stem recorded a significantly higher plant height (70.28 cm) at 120 DAT. Average fruit length varied with level of shoots, and the performance of two varieties was not found to be significant. Average fruit weight had been influenced by both the varieties and no. of shoots. Average fruit weight (107.78 g) was also significantly higher in 6008 F1 than that of Minerva F1 (94.24 g). Minerva F1 had higher (3.92°Brix) TSS and vitamin C content in comparison with 6008 F1. Fruits from a single stem plant had maximum vitamin C content (112.26 mg/100g and 128.87 mg/100g at 1st and 5th harvest, respectively). Yield per plant was significantly higher in 6008 F1 (3.20 kg) than Minerva F1 (2.76 kg). The highest yield per plant recorded on four stem shoot management (3.44 kg) whereas, lowest yield per plant was from unpruned plants (2.56 kg). Increasing shoot no. from single stem to four stems increased the yield by 34.37%. 6008 F1 recorded a higher yield per plant than Minerva F1. Minerva F1 produced the higher BC-ratio 7.43 than 6008 F1 (2.27). Four stem shoot management produced the highest BC-ratio in both Minerva F1 (8.81) and 6008 F1 (2.55). Considering the economic and desirable attributes, the yellow cultivar Minerva F1 proved to be better in achieving a higher gross return, profit and other quality parameter.

Agronomic response of two experimental varieties of habanero chili in the application of band vermicomposting

The habanero chili pepper has great productive potential in Mexico, with an annual growth of 12.5% ​​in the planted area in the last five years. Objective: was to evaluate the agronomic response of two experimental varieties of habanero chili called HNC-6 orange color and HCC-8 chocolate color, belonging to the Center for Training and Development in Seed Technology. Methodology: the study was established under five doses of vermicompost, 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 kg plant-1 using a completely random design with a 2x5 factorial arrangement. Results: the HNC-6 variety had a better agronomic response than HCC-8, its yield was 95 % higher, the number of fruits per plant 84 %, fruit length (FL) 25 %, pericarp thickness 28 %, fruit firmness 11 %, and average fruit weight 4.7 %. The HCC-8 variety exceeded the height of HNC-6 by 38 % and the fruit diameter (FD) by 14 %. The vermicompost doses exerted a similar effect on both varieties. In conclusion, the experimental variety HNC-6 showed a better agronomic response under the conditions tested. The vermicompost doses exerted a response effect and similar trend in the two experimental varieties of habanero pepper tested, the significant interactions found in FL, FD, and total soluble solids indicate that the application of vermicompost influenced the quality of the fruits in some aspects. Conclusions: the main factors that determined the response of the crop are its genetic component in response to the environment and the degree of maturity of the vermicompost.

Biofertilizer and reduction of water losses in soil cultivated with tomato irrigated with moderately saline water

In semi-arid regions, agricultural production is often limited due to scarcity and rainfall irregularities, and, therefore, the production system depends on irrigation. In this direction, the research aimed to evaluate the influence of the reduction of water losses in the soil through the coating of the lateral faces of the planting furrows with plastic film, by lateral infiltration of water and bovine biofertilizers for growth in height, production, and chlorophyll responses of tomato cv. Fascínio F1 irrigated with moderately saline water. The experiment was carried out in randomized blocks, in a 2 × 3 factorial scheme, with 4 replicates and 21 plants per plot. Different conditions were used and compared with each other: the furrow had side coating or not, and the soil received a common biofertilizer (fresh lactating bovine manure), chemically enriched fertilizer (common biofertilizer, milk, molasses, and gypsum), or no fertilizer at all. The variables evaluated were soil moisture, plant height, a, b, and total chlorophyll content, number and average fruit mass, tomato production, and productivity. The enriched bovine biofertilizer associated with the lateral furrow coating increased the synthesis of chlorophyll pigments, the number of fruits per plant, and the productivity of tomato cv. Fascínio F1. Protecting the faces of the furrows against water losses from the root environment of plants keeps the soil moist, stimulates the synthesis of chlorophyll, and increases the average mass of the fruits. The common bovine biofertilizer promotes greater growth in plant height, and the chemically enriched biofertilizer increases the average weight of tomato fruits.

Identification of Tomato Genotypes for Growth, Yield and Quality Attributes under Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

The experiment was conducted to study the 200 tomato genotypes for growth, yield and quality attributes. Among the 200 genotypes, the genotype Akshaya was exhibited least days taken to fifty percent flowering (21.00). In case of growth parameters maximum plant height noticed in genotype (13P3) 202.33 cm and maximum branches was observed in genotype (AR-56) i.e. 11.33 branches per plant. The highest fruit width and average fruit weight reported in (H-86) 8.15cm and (131.94 g). Yield attributing characters like number of fruits per plant (204.37) was highest recorded in EC-338717. The total tomato fruit yield highest was recorded per plant 6.48 kg genotype (4P1). With respect to quality parameters like Pericarp thickness highest was observed in (AOTD-10) i.e. 7.42 mm. The genotype AR-56 (7.00) was recorded highest total soluble solids. High range of fruit firmness was observed in (AOTD-18) 6.25 kg/cm2. This study gives information on the agronomic variation in the 200 tomato genotypes assessed which can invariably serve as an index to selecting putative parents in breeding for new tomato variety that will combine desirable agronomic characteristics with high yield and its attributing characters.

EVALUATION OF APPLE PLANT VARIETY COMBINATIONS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE FOREST STEPPE OF THE RIGHT BANK OF UKRAINE

A study on the impact of varietal rootstock combinations on the productivity of apple trees was established at the research station of horticulture of the Institute of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in 2013-2014 with 17 new and promising clonal rootstocks for apple trees. At the same time, Amulet, Askolda, Renet Simyrenko, Revena, Ligol, Todes, Jonagored varieties were used as grafts. The growing season of fruit trees began and ended depending on weather conditions. The beginning of vegetation of apple varieties on rootstocks was observed in the first decade of April, and in 2017 and 2020 in the third decade of March. During 2016-2020, the difference between varieties in the rate of bud break was 1-4 days. Flowering of the trees began at the end of April at the beginning of May and lasted for 9-11 days, depending on weather conditions. Over the years of research, an earlier flowering period was characteristic of Askold and Ligol varieties, and in most varieties the flowering phase began on May 2-4. The characteristics of the growth processes of fruit trees of apple trees indicate a direct dependence of the strength of the growth of the tree and the rootstock. In the Revena variety, planted in 2013, the largest increase in the cross-sectional area of the stem was determined in combination with control rootstocks M 9 - 2.71 cm2, 54-118 - 8.32 cm2 and MM106 - 8.40 cm2. In the Askold variety, in the group of dwarf rootstocks, trees in combination with the control rootstock M 9 - 3.10 cm2, with the semi-dwarf rootstock K104 - 9.31 cm2, and on medium growth from the rootstock D 471 - 7.43 cm2 were stronger.According to the Jonagored variety, planted in 2014, a higher researched indicator was established in combination with the dwarf rootstock KD 4 - 3.56 cm2, on the semi-dwarf rootstock 54-118 - 5.58 cm2, medium-growing rootstock D1904 - 7.10 cm2. According to the indicators of the total growth of shoots and the average length of shoots, stronger growth was noted in the group of dwarf rootstocks in the varieties: Revena, Askolda, Renet Simyrenko, Amulet in combination with rootstock M9. Also, with the use of semi-dwarf rootstocks, a stronger growth of one -year shoots was noted in the varieties: Revena in combination with the control rootstock 54-118 – 53.2 cm, Amulet, Renet Simyrenko, and Askolda with rootstock K 104, respectively 60.9 cm, 67.5 cm, and 73.2 cm, on a medium-sized rootstock, the strongest growth was noted in all varieties of apple trees in combinations with D 1904 rootstock. The volume of the crown of the tree depended on the pomological variety and rootstock. From the use of dwarf rootstocks, a larger crown volume was noted in the varieties Amulet (5.0 cm3), Renet Simyrenko (8.4 cm3) with the control rootstock M 9, in the variety Revena (1.92 cm3) with the rootstock KD 4, in the variety Askolda (3.3 cm3) with rootstock D 3038 and on a semi-dwarf rootstock - in varieties Askolda (12.7 cm3), Renet Simyrenko (14.28 cm3) with rootstock K 104. In terms of yield, the highest indicator was the Revena variety on rootstocks M 9 - 15.7 t/ha, 54-118 - 11.5 t/ha and MM 106 - 9.8 t/ha. At the same time, a higher fruit yield of the Askold variety was obtained in combination with dwarf rootstocks D 1071 - 13.7 t/ha and D 3038 - 13.8 t/ha and in the variant with the M9 rootstock, where the value was 13.0 t/ha and with a medium-sized control rootstock MM 106. Thus, for the Renet Simyrenko apple variety, the highest yield was recorded in combination with the D 1071 dwarf rootstock - 11.1 t/ha, which was 21% higher than the M 9 rootstock, and in combination with the semi-dwarf Baturyn rootstock, the yield decreased and amounted to only 3, 5 t/ha, Slobozhanska - 3.3 t/ha and D 1161 - 6.8 t/ha. One of the indicators of marketability of the crop is the average fruit weight. The average weight of the fruits in the variety rootstock combinations was the largest in the trees of the control variety rootstock combination, namely: M 9, 54-118, MM 106, and already in the varieties planted in 2014, the highest average fruit weight was obtained with dwarf rootstocks D 1071, D 3038 . However, in combinations with Revena, Amulet, and Todes varieties with rootstocks Sambirska, D 1071, fruits of the highest and first varieties prevailed - 92.2-93.0%

Effect of Organic Mulch and Mycorrhizal Inoculation on Growth and Yield of Tomato Plants

Net greenhouse experiment was conducted through the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons at Dokki protected cultivation experimental site, Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation to investigate applied two factors organic mulch i.e., (bagasse, compost, palm fibers, mushroom spent, sawdust and control), mycorrhizal inoculation (with and without) and their interaction on growth and productivity of tomato plants. The seedlings of tomato cv. Super strain B was transplanted on the 15th October 2019 and 2020. The experimental design was split plot with three replicates. Results indicated that applied compost mulch treatment, without mycorrhizal inoculation and their interaction enhanced all vegetative growth characteristics i.e., (plant height, number of leaves, number of shoots, stem diameter, fresh and dry weights of plant). Whereas, applied compost mulch treatment, with mycorrhizal inoculation and their interaction improved chemical content of (N, P and K) in leaves and increased average fruit weight and total yield/m2.

Estimation of Strawberry Crop Productivity by Machine Learning Algorithms Using Data from Multispectral Images

Currently, estimations of strawberry productivity are conducted manually, which is a laborious and subjective process. The use of more efficient and precise estimation methods would result in better crop management. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of two regression algorithms-Linear Regression and Support Vector Machine—in estimating the average weight and number of fruits and the number of leaves on strawberry plants, using multispectral images obtained by a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). The experiment, which was conducted in the experimental area of the Botany Laboratory at the Federal University of Uberlândia-Monte Carmelo Campus (Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Campus Monte Carmelo), was carried out using a randomized block design with six treatments and four replications. The treatments comprised six commercial strawberry varieties: San Andreas, Albion, PR, Festival, Oso Grande, and Guarani. Images were acquired on a weekly basis and then preprocessed to extract radiometric values for each plant in the experimental area. These values were then used to train the production prediction algorithms. During the same period, data on the average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, and number of leaves were collected. The total fruit weight in the field was 48.08 kg, while the linear regression (LR) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) estimates were 48.04 and 43.09 kg, respectively. The number of fruits obtained in the field was 4585, and the number estimated by LR and SVM algorithms was 4564 and 3863, respectively. The number of leaves obtained in the field was 10,366, and LR and SVM estimated 10,360 and 10,171, respectively. It was concluded that LR and SVM can estimate strawberry production and the number of fruits and leaves using multispectral unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images. The LR algorithm was the most efficient in estimating production, with 99.91% accuracy for average fruit weight, 99.55% for the number of fruits and 99.94% for the number of leaves. SVM exhibited 89.62% accuracy for average fruit weight, 84.26% for the number of fruits, and 98.12% for the number of leaves.

Assessment of Biostimulant Derived from Moringa Leaf Extract on Growth, Physiology, Yield, and Quality of Green Chili Pepper

With the rapid growth in global population and standards of living, improving food production and quality are the greatest challenges in agriculture. The application of biostimulant derived from moringa leaf extract (MLE) has attracted a great deal of interest to support these efforts in a sustainable approach. A field study was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replications. The effect of individual and combined application of MLE through seed priming (seed soaking) and foliar spray at different rates (1:30, 1:20, and 1:10, v/v) on growth, physiological, yield, and quality traits of green chili pepper were investigated, which was the aim of this study. In general, the responses generated by the combined MLE methods were more pronounced compared to their single applications. Among all treatments, MLE priming plus foliar spray at 1:30 was effective in improving most traits observed, including chlorophyll fluorescence (6.49%), stomatal conductance (57.19%), plant height (30.57%), leaf number (88.89%), leaf area index (116.67%), fruit weight per plant (46.27%), average fruit weight (39.62%), length (9.89%), diameter (29.65%), firmness (27.77%), and vitamin C content (29.07%) of fruit. Therefore, it is regarded as an appropriate treatment to maximize the potential use of MLE in green chili.

Variability of fruit weight of summer apple varieties on the lower terrace of the botanical garden named after Vs. M. Krutovsky

The paper presents the results of variability of fruit weight and crop load per unit area of crown projection of apple varieties of the summer ripening period in the conditions of the Siberian region: Arcade summer, White filling, Moscow Grushovka, Golden spike, Nobilis, Papirovka for a five-year period. The studies were conducted annually, from 2018 to 2022. These varieties are characterized by good winter hardiness, early entry into the fruiting season (for 3–6 years), earlier maturation dates (end of July–August), but short-term fruit storage (from seven days to one and a half months), which is a disadvantage of this group of varieties. The object of the study is a collection of apple trees of summer varieties growing in an open form in the Botanical Garden named after Vs. M. Krutovsky, which is located on the right bank of Krasnoyarsk. The purpose of the research was to establish the variability of the fruit weight of apple trees of large-fruited varieties depending on the varietal affiliation and the growing season. The paper presents field and laboratory research methods. During the research, the generally accepted methods specified in the «Program and methodology of variety study of fruit, berry and nut crops» were used. As a result of the conducted studies, a significant variability in fruit weight was revealed depending on the growing season. In general, the weight of fruits of all varieties is 18,1–21,41 % less than provided for in their characteristics according to literature data. The yield of trees varies from 0 to 117,4 kg. The varieties of the summer ripening period were selected, which revealed the highest average weight of fruits, as well as those that are valuable in terms of nutritional and aesthetic qualities, which is a promising factor for further breeding: White filling, Grushovka Moskovskaya, Papirovka. This indicator, depending on the variety and the year of fruiting, is less than provided for in the pomological description. Nevertheless, for the conditions of the sharply continental climate of the Siberian region, fruits of such sizes are considered large.

Effect of Zinc and Boron on Growth, Yield and Quality of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49

A field experiment was conducted during 2020-2021 at Horticulture Research Farm-1, BBAU, Lucknow on 15- year- old guava plants, Studies on the Effect of Zinc and Boron on Growth, Yield and Quality of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49”, revealed Number of fruits per tree, Yield per tree (kg), Total chlorophyll content (mg/g), Average weight of fruit (g), Volume of fruit (cc), TSS ( 0Brix), Acidity (%), Ascorbic acid content in pulp (mg/100g), Non reducing sugar (%), Reducing sugar (%), Total sugar (%), were significantly affected by foliar application of Zinc sulphate and boron. All parameters best performed under the Treatment nine (T9) where the dose of Zinc and Boron (Borax 0.2%+ Zinc Sulphate 0.2%) applied as foliar spray.

Estimation of Hybrid Vigor for Flowering and Yield Cherry Tomato Hybrids

The experiment was carried out in the greenhouses of the extension farm in Diyala governorate for the seasons (2020-2021) and (2021-2022), where ten strains of cherry tomatoes imported from the Tomato Genetic Resources Center (TGRS) at the University of California Davis Institute were planted in the first season. Tomatoes were selected (5 ) pure lines (LA4451, LA4753, LA3334, LA3538 and LA4689) and their symbols (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), respectively, and entered into a Full Diallel crossing program to produce individual hybrids, and in the second season it included an experiment to evaluate the genotypes (5 parents + 20 hybrids) according to the RCBD design and with three replications, and the results were as follows: Genotypes: There was a significant effect of genotypes, as the parent (1) outperformed in the average fruit weight, per plant yield and total yield (8.41 g, 2.72 kg and 3.40 tons), respectively. The parent (2) outperformed the contract (94.11). parent (5) was superior in the number of flowers in the inflorescence, the number of total flowers and the number of fruits per plant (82.66 inflorescences. plants, 937.00 flowers. plants, and 512.33 fruits. plants). The hybrid (1×4) was also significantly superior in the percentage of the fruit set (95.13), the average fruit weight, the yield of one plant and the total yield (13.45 g, 4.66 kg and 5.82 tons, respectively). While the hybrid (2×5) was superior in the number of total flowers (941.33 flowers). Hybrid (5×2) outperformed in the number of flowers in the inflorescence (90.00 flowers). The superiority of the hybrid (5×4) in the number of fruits (521.33 fruits). Genetic analysis: The hybrid (1×5) showed desirable and significant hybrid vigor for the characteristics of the number of flowers in the inflorescence, the number of total flowers and the number of fruits in the plant). It was also found that the hybrid (5×2) showed a significant hybrid strength for the two traits (one plant yield and total yield). While the hybrid (2×5) and (5×1) recorded the strength of the hybrid for one trait for each of them (the percentage of the knot and the average weight of the fruit) respectively for the best parents.

Response of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) to Bio-stimulants in Relation to Growth, Yield and Quality

Field experiment was conducted during December 2018 to April 2019 at the Student’s farm, Department of Agriculture Science & Rural Development, Loyola Academy degree and pg college, Secunderabad to find out the effect of bio-stimulants on growth and yield of Brinjal var. Utkarsha. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) and the treatments comprised of: T1- Folicist @ 3 ml l-1, T2 – Fylloton @ 3 ml l-1, T3 – Globalga @ 3 ml l-1, T4 – Tata Bahar @ 2.5 ml l-1, T5 – Neo-Alpha @ 2.5 ml l-1, T6 – Daiwik @ 2.5 ml l-1, T7 – Recommended dose of NPK alone and T8 – control. Biostimulants were applied as foliar spray at pre-flowering, flowering and fruit setting stages. From the results of the experiment, it was observed that all the growth parameters i.e., plant height (92 cm), number of branches (12 plant-1) and number of leaves (38 plant-1) were significantly increased by the application of folicist @ 3.0 ml l-1 and it was at par with tata bahar @ 2.5 ml l-1. Same treatment also resulted significant increase in terms of number of flowers (68 plant-1), number of fruits (29 plant-1). The fruit length (7.8 cm), fruit diameter (8.35 cm), average fruit weight (90 g fruit-1), fruit yield (2.55 kg plant-1) were recorded in foliar application of folicist @ 3 ml l-1 and it was onpar with foliar application of tata bahar 2.5 ml l-1. The lowest values of growth parameters, yield attributes and yield were observed in control (T8). From the present study it can be concluded that application of folicist @ 3.0 ml l-1 will fetch the remuneration to the farmers.

Effect of Bio-stimulants on Growth, Development and Yield of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during December 2018 to April 2019 at the Student’s farm, Department of Agriculture Science & Rural Development, Loyola Academy, Secunderabad to know the effect of bio-stimulants on growth and yield of Chilli. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (RBD) and the treatments comprised of: T1- Folicist @ 3 ml/L, T2 – Fylloton @ 3 ml/L, T3 – Globalga @ 3 ml/L, T4 – Tata Bahar @ 2.5 ml/L, T5 – Neo-Alpha @ 2.5 ml/L, T6 – Daiwik @ 2.5 ml/L, T7 – Recommended dose of NPK, T8 – Control. Biostimulants were applied as foliar spray at pre-flowering, flowering and fruit setting stages. From the results of the experiment, it was observed that all the growth parameters i.e., plant height (85 and 82 cm), no. of branches (29 and 26) and number of leaves/plant (288 and 262) were significantly increased by the application of Folicist @ 3.0 ml/L and Tata Bahar @ 2.5 ml/L compared to other treatments and control (54 cm, 13 and 150). Same treatment application resulted in significant increase interms of no. of flowers/plant (78 and 75), number of fruits/plant (128 and 124) and % fruit set (80.5 and 78.2%). The highest number of fruits/ plant, average fruit weight (110.5 and 105.6 g/ 10 fruits), yield/plant (682 g) were recorded in foliar application of Folicist @ 3 ml/L closely followed by Tata Bahar (674 g) and Daiwik (650 g) and the lowest values were observed in control (410 g). Application of biostimulants significantly increased the vitamin-C content of fruits compared to control.

Evaluation of Chilli Varieties for Growth, Yield and Thrips Incidence in Central Telangana Zone

Aim: To know the performance of chilli varieties for growth, yield and its attributing characters, incidence of thrips and leaf curl index at Central Telangana Zone of Telangana state. Study Design: Ten (10) treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three (3) replications. Place and Duration of Study: Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Warangal, Central Telangana Zone of Telangana state. Experiment was conducted in the Kharif season in 2019-20 and 2020-21. Methodology: Ten chilli varieties namely Surajmukhi, Muchia, LCA-616, Bullet, Bor, Byadgi Kaddi, LCA-625, LCA-960, LCA-620, and Teja were sown in raised bed nursery and transplanted in the main field by following all the recommended package of practices. Observations were made on five randomly selected tagged plants from each variety and replicated for evaluation of characters like plant height, canopy spread, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, chlorophyll content, fruit length, fruit width, ripe fruit colour, fruit shape at pedicel attachment, fruit position, fresh fruit weight, dry fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, dry fruit yield, mean thrips population and upward leaf curl index. Results: Out of ten chilli varieties, the dry chilli yield was found to be significantly higher in Teja (26.13 q/a) and on par results were noticed in Surajmukhi (25.12 q/a), whereas lowest dry chilli yield was observed in variety Bor (4.47 q/a). Thrips incidence and leaf curl index was found to be significantly lowest in Muchia. The trend indicates that the higher yield depends on the average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant. Conclusion: Among the ten chilli varieties under study, Teja and Surajmukhi yielded more dry chilli. Whereas the variety Muchia has shown lowest incidence of thrips and leaf curl index. Hence, these varieties have scope for future crop improvement programme.

Effect of Chitosan and Micro-Carbon-Based Phosphorus Fertilizer on Strawberry Growth and Productivity

High fertilization rates and pesticides are required for the intensive production of strawberries, which offer several therapeutic health benefits. Recently, chitosan (CHI), and phosphorus fertilizer based on Micro Carbon TechnologyTM (MCT-P) were applied to encourage strawberry sustainable production and enhance phosphorus-use efficiency. Field trials were conducted throughout 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, to evaluate the effectiveness of MCT–P and CHI in improving strawberry cv. Fortuna growth and yield as well as their quality. Foliar spraying of CHI and MCT-P considerably improved strawberry plant growth (i.e., plant height, secondary crown number per plant, leaf number and area per plant, and foliage fresh weight), photosynthetic pigment concentration (chlorophylla, chlorophyllb, and carotenoids), as well as its yield and quality (early fruit yield, total yield, average fruit weight, fruit firmness, fruit dry matter %, soluble solid content, total sugars (%), ascorbic acid, acidity, and anthocyanin). Compared to untreated plants, 1200 mgL−1 MCT-P and 1000 mg/L CHI supplementation was the most effective concentration for improving all studied characteristics. The interaction between CHI and MCT-P had a greater impact on all examined characteristics. It is recommended to spray strawberry cv. Fortuna with 1200 mg/L MCT-P plus 1000 mg/L CHI every two weeks, from 60 days after transplanting until two weeks before the end of harvesting season for the best fruit yield and quality.