College Of Horticulture Research Articles

Effect of IBA on Rooting and Growth of (Ixora chinensis L.) Terminal Cutting

The experiment was conducted at College of Horticulture, Dapoli under Dr. Balasaheb Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, in 2023. It comes under tropical location with an average well distributed rainfall 3500-4000 mm during June to October. The soil is come under lateritic textural class varied with loam, clay, sandy loam. Ixora is popular ornamental but difficult to root plant was used for the experiment. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications. Mature terminal cuttings of size 10-15 cm length with 4-5 leaves are dip for 5 min in the solution consisting different Indole Butryic Acid concentrations i.e. (control) 250, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000 ppm solutions. The cuttings under study recorded significant variation with respect to all the parameters, The results showed that among all treatments survival percentage (60%) maximum plant height (18.17cm), maximum number of leaves (14.08), stem girth (3.91 mm), longest root length (9.03cm), number of secondary roots (17.93), fresh and dry weight of shoot ( 3.55, 1.03g), fresh and dry weight of root (1.40, 1.18g) was recoded in T4 treatment consisting 1000 ppm IBA solution. However, for maximum number of primary roots (7.27) was observed in T3 (500 ppm) treatment.

Performance of Varieties and Standardization of Plant Density on Growth Parameters in Palak (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis Roxb.) under Summer Conditions in the Central Telangana Zone

It was a Factorial Randomized Block Design, with two factors (three varieties (Arka Anupama, All Green, Mulayam) and four plant densities (25 cm × 10 cm, 25 cm × 15 cm, 30 cm × 10 cm, 30 cm × 15 cm) and three replications, conducted at Post Graduate Institute for Horticultural Sciences, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, Mulugu from March to June 2024. The results revealed that Arka Anupama recorded maximum number of leaves per plant (10.51, 13.76, 12.36 and 11.35), length of leaves, width of leaves at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th cuttings, leaf area (100.00 cm2) and leaf area index (1.51). The maximum plant height (23.35 cm, 26.99 cm, 25.59 cm and 20.46 cm) and length of leaf petiole was recorded in All Green at all cuttings. A 30 cm × 15 cm plant density ` recorded maximum plant height (23.53 cm, 27.11 cm, 25.46 cm and 20.36 cm), number of leaves per plant, length of leaf petiole, length of leaves, width of leaves at all cuttings and leaf area (109.96 cm2). Highest leaf area index (1.11) was recorded in 30 cm × 10 cm plant density. The V1S4 (Arka Anupama, 30 cm × 15 cm) exhibited maximum number of leaves, length of leaves, width of leaves and leaf area, while plant height and length of leaf petiole were highest in V2S4 (All Green, 30 cm × 15 cm). V1S1 (Arka Anupama, 25 cm × 10 cm) recorded highest leaf area index on par with V1S3 (Arka Anupama, 30 cm × 10 cm).

Response of Different Stem Cutting to IBA on Sprouting and Survival of Night-blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum L., Solanaceae)

The present investigation was assessed at Floriculture farm of College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri, (Maharashtra state) during Rabi season of the year 2023-24. The experiment was designed in Factorial Randomized Bock Design replicated thrice comprised two factors viz. types of stem cutting (Factor A) as softwood cutting, semi-hardwood cutting and hardwood cutting and IBA levels (factor B) as control, IBA @ 1500 ppm, 2000 ppm, 2500 ppm and 3000 ppm. Softwood cutting recorded minimum days taken for first sprout (6.33 days) and highest days required for sprouting (32.07 days). Hardwood cutting registered higher sprouting percentage (85.60 %) and survival percentage (80.93 %). Minimum days taken for first sprout (6.11 days), days required for highest sprouting (29.22 days) and maximum sprouting percentage (88 %) were recorded in control treatment. IBA @ 2000 ppm recorded the highest survival percentage (84.64 %). In interaction effect, softwood cutting treated with IBA @ 2000 ppm recorded early appearance of first sprout (4.00 days). However, softwood cutting treated without IBA took least days for highest sprouting (29.22 days). The highest sprouting percentage (100 %) was recorded in hardwood cutting treated with 1500 ppm IBA and 2000 ppm IBA. Hardwood cutting treated with 2000 ppm IBA recorded 100 % of survival percentage. Hence, it concluded that treatment combination of hardwood cutting treated with 2000 ppm IBA showed promising result for sprouting and survival percentage of night-blooming jasmine under Konkan agro-climatic condition.

Biochemical profiling of tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum) genotypes

An experiment was conducted out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Litchi and Mango Research Station (Dr. Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh), Nagrota Bagwan, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh to study the biochemical profiling of tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) genotypes. The experiment comprises of 357 genotypes including varieties, advanced breeding lines and exotic germplasm belonging to the tetraploid group of potato were evaluated in augmented block design. Data were recorded on different biochemical attributes. Adjusted mean values indicated that CP 3145 (10.15ᵒBrix) for total soluble solids, CP 1689 (36.89 mg/g) for total polyphenols, CP 1302 (28.68 mg/100 g) for ascorbic acid, CP 3891 (24.41 µg/g) for total carotenoids content, CP 1667 (0.21%,) for total sugars, CP 1667 (0.10%) for reducing sugars and CP 1884 (0.06%) for non-reducing sugars were the top ranked genotypes. High PCV and GCV were observed for total polyphenols and total carotenoids content. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for total polyphenols, ascorbic acid content, starch content, total carotenoids content and reducing sugars. Principal component analysis indicated the three most informative principal components with more than one eigen value, accounting for 57.40% of the total variance for all traits.

Influence of direct and staggered sowing of pelleted onion (Allium cepa) seeds on various seed yield parameters under Asian mid-hill conditions

The experiment was conducted during 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh to study the impact of precision planting (using pelleted seeds) and sowing dates on the numerous attributes of the onion (Allium cepa L.) variety Palam Lohit. The study was carried out with the objective to determine whether direct seed sowing would lead to successful seed production in onion under mid-hill conditions (which is not the conventional practice). Also, the staggered sowing dates would help to determine the best sowing time for higher seed production. The experiment was laid in randomized block design (Factorial) (F-RBD) with 3 replications having 19 treatments, including 3 pelleting treatments, viz. P1 (wood ash); P2 (ZnSO4 + wood ash); and P3 (H3BO3 + wood ash); 6 sowing dates, viz. D1 (15th September); D2 (1st October); D3 (15th October); D4 (1st November); D5 (15th November); and D6 (1st December); and Da (traditional bulb planting as control). The study revealed that seed pelleting with ZnSO4 + wood ash and early sowing (15th September) gave best results in terms of emergence (%), plant height, number of seeds/umbel and number of seeds/plant, seed yield and 1000-seed weight. The direct sowing treatments produced seeds in one year as opposed to two years using the conventional bulb planting method, which is traditionally being used in the Asian mid-hills.

Response of Hibiscus Types (Hibiscus spp.) to Softwood Grafting

The study on response of hibiscus types to softwood grafting was conducted at College of Horticulture, under Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli Dist. Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and ten treatments viz, T1 - DBSKKV COH H-1, T2 - DBSKKV COH H-2, T3 - DBSKKV COH H-3, T4 - DBSKKV COH H-4, T5 - DBSKKV COH H-5, T6 - DBSKKV COH H-6, T7 - DBSKKV COH H-7, T8 - DBSKKV COH H-8, T9 - DBSKKV COH H-9, T10 - DBSKKV COH H-10. The recorded parameters were significantly influenced by the response of softwood grafting on hibiscus. The treatment, T10 (DBSKKV COH H-10) demonstrated superior performance in terms of minimum days required for sprouting (8.20) and maximum sprouting percentage (93.20%), survival percentage (91.07%), number of leaves (44.47), girth at graft union (10.63 mm), days required for union of grafting (10.00), plant hight (69.65).

Response of Types of Cuttings and IBA Concentration from First Sprout to Highest Sprouting and Rooting in Crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis L.)

The present investigation was conducted under Konkan Agro-climatic conditions at College of Horticulture, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri (India) during the kharif season (2023-2024). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with twelve treatment combinations and three replications. Present investigation found that in types of stem cuttings treatment C1 :Softwood cuttings was found best with respect to minimum days to first sprout, days to highest sprouting , maximum number of new sprouts/cuttings, girth of sprout, length of new sprout, number of leaves, leaf area, survival(%), fresh weight of shoot, dry weight of shoot, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, number of roots, length of longest root, fresh weight of root, dry weight of root, shoot to root ratio. In different IBA concentration treatment H4 : IBA@2000ppm was found best with respect to minimum days to first sprout, days to highest sprouting , maximum number of new sprouts/cuttings, girth of sprout, length of new sprout, number of leaves, leaf area, survival(%), fresh weight of shoot, dry weight of shoot, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, number of roots, length of longest root, fresh weight of root, dry weight of root. In interaction effect treatment C1H4 (Softwood cuttings treated with IBA@2000 ppm) is found to be most effective among all other treatment combinations in terms of most of the parameters such as Sprouting percentage, Number of new sprouts/cuttings, Length of sprout/cuttings, Girth of new sprout, Number of leaves/cuttings, Leaf area, Survival percentage, Fresh weight of shoot, Relative Growth Rate, Fresh weight to dry weight of shoot ratio, Number of roots.

Effect of Sowing Dates and Flower Pruning on Chemical Properties and Shelf Life of Yam Bean (Pachyrrhizus erosus L.) Tubers

Underutilized crops provide essential micro-nutrient and thus able to complement staple foods. The inhibitory effect of floral and fruit development may affect the tuber development. It is logical to assume that large amounts of nitrogen and other essential components are assimilated by the reproductive parts of plant, hence it is important to remove these reproductive parts as well as time of sowing also affect the shelf life and chemical properties of yam bean tubers which form the basis of an experiment on effect of sowing dates and flower pruning on chemical properties and shelf life of Yam bean tubers. An experiment was conducted at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli during the year 2023-24. Twelve treatments and 3 replications in Factorial Randomized Block Design Planting dates (D) i.e., D₁-1st week of June, D₂-3rd week of June, D3 -1st week of July, D4 -3rd week of July and Interval of reproductive pruning (P) i.e., P1 – Weekly, P2 – Fortnightly, P3 – No pruning. Chemical analysis of the tubers was done to analyse the starch, fiber, dry matter, TSS and shelf life of the tubers from various treatments. Investigation revealed that among the various chemical parameters and shelf life the effect of interaction on starch, fiber, dry matter and shelf life was significant whereas it was non-significant on TSS. The highest starch content was recorded in D3P1 (6.81%). The fiber content was analysed highest in D4P3 (0.69 %). The highest dry matter content was analysed in D1P3 (24.59 %). The highest TSS was recorded in D1P1 (6.40 °B) and highest shelf life was recorded in D1P1 (36.56 days). Considering its nutritional quality and sustainability in the region it can be an alternative crop with food security, nutritional security as well as economic sustainability [1].

Effect of Organic Nutrient Sources on Growth, Seed Yield and Seed Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cv. Chinese Pink

Seed is the ultimate economic input in any crop production programme. Two field experiments were conducted to study the effect of organic inputs on seed production of radish at Organic Block of Department of Vegetable Science, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) during Rabi season of 2019-20 & 2020-21. Various combinations of organic and liquid manures were replicated thrice in the form of twelve treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) Factorial. The pooled data of two years revealed that treatment with Vermicompost @ 8 t/ha + Jeevamrit @ 10 per cent was rated as best treatment for majority of characters like days to 50 per cent initiation of bolting (61.00), days to 50 per cent flowering (93.33), number of primary branches per plant (11.13), plant height (171.50 cm), pod length (5.82 cm), number of seeds per pod (5.01), seed yield per plot (225.25 g) & hectare (417.13 kg) and seed quality parameters like 1000 seed weight (12.02 g), seed germination (97.03 %), seedling length (28.26 cm), seedling dry weight (8.87 mg), seed vigour index-I (2742.07) and seed vigour index-II (860.42). Vermicompost along with jeevamrit recorded 61.41 per cent increase in yield over control. Hence application of vermicompost @ 8 t/ha + jeevamrit @ 10 per cent can be recommended for getting higher seed yield and better growth for organic seed production of radish.

Studies on Effect of Genotypes and Planting Time on Growth and Corm Characters of Gladiolus

Gladiolus is an important cut flower crop, grown commercially in many parts of the globe. This flower has gained popularity owing to its incomparable beauty, attractive colours, various sizes and shapes of florets, variable spike length and long vase life. Gladiolus produces beautiful spikes from December to March in the plains and from June to September in the hills of India.Gladiolus is very rich in its varietal wealth therefore, varietal evaluation in a particular growing condition becomes necessity of time to find out suitable variety for a particular region. Improvement of any crop is a continuous process and long process as well and, in this crop, tremendous scope is available to improve the existing cultivars, besides, other economical plants, the growth and development of gladiolus is governed by its genetic makeup and environmental factors of the growing region and various management practices. Among the various agro-techniques, the optimum planting time is of outmost importance. The Present investigation efforts aim to standard time of planting and suitability of varieties for local climate and edaphic conditions of the Nalanda (Bihar). A field investigation was conducted during winter season of 2018-19 at Research Farm of Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai, Nalanda, Bihar. Corms of gladiolus cultivars viz., Red Beauty, Candyman, White Prosperity and Intrepid were planted at different planting dates. The soils of experimental site are newly formed alluvial soils with pH 7.40. The experiment consisted of 16 treatment combinations with four (04) varieties and four planting dates (D1- 25th Sept., D2- 10th October and D3- 25th Oct. and D4-10th Nov.) were laid out in split-plot-design with three replications. Minimum days to sprouting of corm (16.33 days), number of leaves per plant (11.27), length of leaves (86.87cm.) were with D2V2. However, maximum plant height (146.07 cm.) was in D2V1. Minimum days to initiation of spike (80.47 days), days taken to open first floret (95.07 days) and maximum length of spike (126.07cm.) were observed in D2V1. On the other hand, maximum numbers of florets per spike (21.20), fresh weight of flower spike (170.25 gm.), floret diameter (11.17cm.) and vase life (14.80 days) were in D2V3. Highest values for no. of corms per plant (1.40) and no. of cormels per plant (111.53) were noticed in D2V3. Besides, corm diameter (7.53 cm) and average weight of corm per plant (123.08 gm.) were found maximum in D2V1.

Studies on Wedge Grafted Adenium (Adenium obesum ) Types under Controlled Condition

The present Experiment was conducted at College of Horticulture, Dr. B.S.K.K.V., Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) during October-November of academic year 2023-2024. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) in ten treatment and three replications. The findings showed that type ADBSKKVCOH -3 Pink had the maximum leaf area (8.61 cm2), caudex girth (22.33 mm) and survival percentage (86.67 %) also type ADBSKKVCOH-6 Dark Pink showed highest graft height (10.90 cm), maximum stem girth (9.46 mm) and number of leaves (17). Thus, type ADBSKKVCOH -3 Pink and ADBSKKVCOH -6 Dark Pink showed significant variation in growth parameters among all types.

Response of Adenium (Adenium obesum) Types to Wedge Grafting

The present investigation entitled “Response of Adenium (Adenium obesum) types to wedge grafting.” was conducted at College of Horticulture,Dr.B.S.K.K.V., Dapoli,Dist.Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) during October-November of academic year 2023-2024. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) in ten treatment and three replications. The result revealed that early sprouting (11.47 days), number of sprout per plant (1.93), sprouting percentage (91.67 %) and survival percentage (86.67 %) maximum in type T3 (ADBSKKVCOH -3 Pink). Thus it can be observed that type T3 (ADBSKKVCOH -3 Pink) give significant result to sprouting as well as survival parameters by wedge grafting.

Effect of Plant Growth Substances on Rhizogenesis of Stem Cuttings in Pointed Gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.)

An experiment was conducted to know the influence of growth regulators IBA, NAA and salicylic acid with different concentrations on rooting of stem cuttings in pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) in College of Horticulture, Venkataramannagudem, during the year 2023-2024. The experiment was laid out by following Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with twenty treatment combinations which consists of two factors, Factor-1: types of cuttings (male and female) and Factor-2: growth substances (10). By adopting standard methodology, observations on root and shoot growth were recorded and statistically analyzed. Studies on the effects of various growth substances on the formation of roots in cuttings of pointed gourd vines showed that IBA at 150 ppm recorded highest percentage of rooting, the longest root, the number of roots per cutting the number of leaves per cutting, the length of the shoot and the percentage of establishment in main field among various growth substances. In comparison to female cuttings, male cuttings showed a considerably higher percentage of rooting, as well as more roots per cutting, longest root, longest shoot, more leaves per cutting and a higher percentage of establishment in the main field. IBA 150 ppm + male cuttings recorded considerably more roots per cutting and the longest root than the other combinations, according to the interaction between growth substance and type of cutting.

Evaluation of Anti-oxidant Activity of Different Extracts of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. & Development of Chromatographic Fingerprint of Chloroform Extracts.

The aim of the present investigation is to Evaluation of Anti-oxidant Activity of Different Extracts of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. & Development of Chromatographic Fingerprint of Chloroform Extracts. The roots of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. were purchased from the local market. The roots were taxonomically identified by Senior Scientist at KNK college of Horticulture. Accurately weighed quantity of roots of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. were extracted using petroleum ether (only for removal of fats and lipids), chloroform, methanol, butanol and finally water by soxhlet apparatus for 72 h. Qualitative chemical tests of chloroform, methanol, butanol and water extracts were subjected to various chemical tests to detect various phytoconstituents. β-carotene oxidative bleaching in β-caroten/linoleic acid mixture with and without the addition of different extract of plant. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of the test solutions was determined using DPPH photometric method. Anisaldehyde sulphuric acid and vanillin sulphuric acid and heated at 1150 C for 5 minutes. Solvent systems; n-hexane: ethyl acetate, 7:3 were found to be most satisfactory solvent system for chloroform extracts for root respectively. Vitamin E as standard was utilized in this measure and 84% hindrance was viewed as at 30 minutes. Chloroform separate likewise showed 70% restraint at 30 minutes which was decreased to 45% at the hour of 120 minutes. Hydroxyl revolutionary ability to rummage determined as IC50 from the trial information and it uncovers that chloroform, methanol, butanol and water removes have IC50 upsides of 46 μg/mL, 100μg/mL, 200 μg/mL and 150μg/mL, individually. DPPH scavenging capacity determined as IC50 and it shows that chloroform separate has IC50 of 36 μg/mL followed by ascorbic corrosive (3.1μg/mL), gallic corrosive (3.4μg/mL), methanol (41μg/mL), butanolic (46μg/mL) and water (44μg/mL) extricates. The present findings are momentous for the development of alternative, inexpensive and perhaps safer strategies for the handling of diseases.

Effect of Different Potting Media on Sprouting, Survival and Growth Performance of Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) Cuttings

The present investigation on “Effect of different potting media on bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) cuttings’’was carried out during academic year 2023-24 at College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra, India. The experiment was laid down in Randomized Block Design (RBD) replicated thrice with eight treatments. The maximum number of sprouts (3.10), sprouting percentage (95.00), survival percentage (88.33), plant height (56.76 cm), relative growth rate (0.0068 cm/cm/day) were recorded in treatment T8 i.e. Soil + Sand + FYM +Vermicompost (1:1:1:). The combination of soil, sand, FYM, vermicompost showed better performance for sprouting, survival and growth parameters.

Effect of GA3 and Nutrient Sprays on Growth of Kokum (Garcinia indica Choisy) Seedlings

An experiment was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Dapoli, during the year 2023 - 2024. The study was conducted using a Randomized Block Design with eight treatments, each replicated three times and the treatments included T1- GA3 @ 250 ppm, T2- GA3 @ 300 ppm, T3- GA3 @ 350 ppm, T4- 19:19:19 @ 0.5%, T5- 19:19:19 @ 1%, T6- 19:19:19 @ 2%, T7- 19:19:19 @ 2.5% and T8- Control with the aim to evaluate the influence of GA3 and nutrient sprays on the growth of kokum seedlings and to identify the optimal concentrations that would enhance growth and grafting success. The highest seedling height (28.53 cm), number of leaves (19.87), girth at collar region (3.44 mm) number of nodes (8.07) and internodal length (2.09 cm) were recorded in treatment T3 i.e. spraying with GA3 @ 350 ppm. The highest survival percentage of seedlings (96.00%), minimum number of days for obtaining 80 percent graftable seedlings (142.33 days), overall percentage of graftable seedlings (90.00%) and maximum percentage of graft success (94.82%) found in treatment T3.

Impact of High-density Planting Spacing on Physiological Traits of Cocoa Grown under Coconut Trees

High-density planting (HDP) maximizes land productivity. Optimizing cocoa spacing under coconut trees enhances physiological traits and yield potential. Despite cocoa's integration into coconut agroforestry, spacing's impact on cocoa physiology is unclear. Studying this influence provides insights for better planting strategies, improved crop performance, and sustainable cocoa production in agroforestry settings. The experiment was conducted at the Coconut Farm of the Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Employing a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments replicated three times, the study aimed to explore how different spacing levels influence physiological traits in cocoa cultivation. The treatments involved in the experiment included a double row of cocoa planted between two rows of coconut trees, with spacing configurations as follows: T1 (3m x 1.2m), T2 (3m x 2m), T3 (3m x 2.5m), and T4 (3m x 3m). Additionally, a single row of cocoa between two coconut rows was examined, with spacings represented by T5 (1.5m), T6 (2m), T7 (2.5m), and T8 (3m). Results indicated distinct patterns among spacing treatments, with significant differences observed in various physiological characteristics. Notably, T1 (3m x 1.2m) demonstrated the highest leaf area (462.71cm2) and leaf area index (4.85), while T8 (3m) exhibited the highest light interception (74.12%). Additionally, T3 (3m x 2.5m) showcased the highest chlorophyll index (40.52) in cocoa leaves. These findings underscore the importance of spacing configurations in influencing key physiological parameters in cocoa cultivation, providing valuable insights for optimizing planting practices.

Study the Effect of Planting Dates and Reproductive Pruning on Yield Attributes of Yam Bean (Pachyrrhizus erosus L.)

Flowers are reproductive organs that convert photosynthetic assimilates into seeds when flowers are developed the yield of the tuber decreases. So, it’s prerequisite to pluck the flowers to increase the tuber yield [1] as well as its needs to find out suitable planting date for cultivation of yam bean in Konkan region. Therefore, an experiment on “Study the effect of planting dates and reproductive pruning on yield attributes of Yam bean (Pachyrrhizus erosus L.)” was conducted at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli during Kharif season of year 2023-24. Two factors were studied during the investigation using factorial randomized block design (p= .05) viz. Planting dates (D) i.e., D₁-1st week of June, D₂-3rd week of June, D3 -1st week of July, D4 -3rd week of July and Interval of reproductive pruning (P) i.e., P1 – Weekly, P2 – Fortnightly, P3 – No pruning. The results showed that weekly reproductive pruning (P1) with planting date 3rd week of June (D2) gave best effect and significantly affect the yield per plant (642.03 g), average weight of tuber (407.70 g),yield per hectare (12.90 t ha-1) and length and diameter of tuber (21.50 cm and 17.53 cm) respectively.

Identification of sodicity-tolerant banana varieties to harness the salt-affected ecosystem

"Salt Affected Soils" (SAS) refers to a category of soils that contain either an excess of soluble salts or exchangeable sodium. Soils are divided into four categories: normal, saline, sodic, and saline-sodic, based on the electrical conductivity (EC), pH and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) measurements. At the Horticultural College and Research Institute for Women in Trichy, fifteen genotypes of bananas were assessed for growth, yield, and physiological parameters in a saline-sodic environment. Four replications of the field experiment were set up in RBD and evaluated for three years. The growth physiological and biochemical characters were recorded in the seventh month after planting (MAP), and the bunch characters were recorded at harvest time. FHIA 1 (83.4%), Saba (81.0%) and Karpooravalli (78.0%) had the highest relative water content. The highest yield was recorded in FHIA-1 (23.5 kg), Saba (22.2 kg), Udhayam (22.5 kg) and Karpooravalli (22.0 kg). The sodicity injury symptoms in the leaves were evaluated using a scoring technique, and the genotypes FHIA-1(1.0) Saba recorded the lowest score for sodicity damage. A significant negative correlation was observed between salt injury degree and leaf K+/Na+. So, the varieties that maintain higher K+/Na+ ratio in leaf and root are salt tolerant. The general ranking of the banana varieties for salt tolerance was FHIA 1 > Saba > Karpooravalli > Bangrier > Ash Monthan > Veneetu Mannan > Udhayam. A comparative field trial for the 15 banana types showed that Saba, FHIA-1 and Karpooravalli could withstand sodic conditions in the field in terms of bunch characteristics, biochemical parameters, and plant growth. Grand Naine, Rasthali and CO 1 were vulnerable to sodicity stress. Regardless of cultivar, sodicity stress increased the days needed for shooting and harvest.

In vitro Evaluation on Efficacy of Bioagents and Plant Extracts against Early Blight of Tomato (Alternaria alternata)

AIMS: In vitro evaluation on efficacy of Bioagents and plant extracts against Early blight of tomato (Alternaria alternata) Study Design: CRD (Completely Randomized Design). Place and Duration of Study: A trial was conducted in plant pathology laboratory at HRS Venkataramannagudem, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem, during 2022. Methodology: The efficacy of bioagents were tested against isolates for radial growth inhibition on suitable media (Potato dextrose media and Nutrient agar media) using dual culture technique under in vitro conditions. The poisoned food technique was followed to evaluate theefficacy of botanicals in inhibiting the mycelial growth of test pathogen. Results: In the present investigation total nine bioagents and four plants extracts were tested against Alternariaalternata under in vitro. Results revealed that among the nine antagonists., Trichoderma harzianum, Tichoderma viride, Tichoderma longibraciatum (TCT4), Trichoderma reesi (TCT10), A10 (Tichoderma asperellum), A28 (Trichoderma harzianum), Trichoderma virens and two bacterial bioagents Pesudomonas fluorescens and Baciilus subtillis tested against A. alternata, maximum reduction in colony growth of A. alternata was observed in A10 (T. asperellum) (69.50%) and significantly superior over all other bioagents tested which was followed by A28 (T. harzianum) (62.96%) and the next best was T. virens (60.28%). Least inhibition was noticed in Bacillus subtillis (46.69%). Total four plant extracts neem leaves (Azadirachta indica), onion bulb (Allium cepa), garlic bulb (Allium sativum), and turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa) tested at three concentrations (5, 7.5, 10 %) with suitable control by poisoned food technique against A. alternata, onion bulb extract (44.07%) which was found superior to all other tested botanicals. Least mean per cent inhibition was recorded with turmeric (21.34%).