Department Of Horticulture Research Articles

Effect of Plant Spacing and Nutrient Levels on Growth and Yield of Red Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra)

An experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of plant spacing and nutrient levels on the growth and yield of red cabbage. This experiment involved three distinct spacing configurations (45cmx30cm, 45cmx45cm, and 45cmx60cm) and nutrient levels (75% NPK, 100% NPK, and 125% NPK). The experiment was designed as a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRCBD) and carried out at the Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, during the 2021-22 period. This study infers that spacing and nutrients promote the vegetative growth of plants. The spacing configuration of 45cm X 60cm with 125% NPK resulted in the most significant outcomes, including the highest number of leaves (28.93), maximum plant height (36.71 cm), maximum fresh weight of the head (1421.80 g) and highest head volume (1360.19 cc) which could be because of wider spacing and higher nutrient doses. Conversely, the spacing configuration of 45cm X 30cm with 75% NPK demonstrated the early head initiation (45.60 days) and the most compact head formation (0.38). The highest yield per hectare (74.43 t) was achieved with the spacing configuration of 45cmx30cm using 125% NPK which improved greater availability of nutrients and, as a result, boosted the vegetative development.

Impact of Different Sowing Dates on Growth and Pod Yield of Vegetable Pea under Sub-Himalayan Foothills Region of India

Background: The optimum sowing date is crucial among the different agronomic procedures for maximizing output. Optimizing a crop's planting time may be one of the most significant climate resilient tactics for increasing production and hence it becomes necessary to study the crop growth behaviors in changing climatic conditions. The proposed field investigations were undertaken to study the influence of different sowing dates on yield of vegetable pea. Methods: Field investigations were undertaken during Rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (85.67oE - 25.98oN.), which comes under sub-Himalayan foothills region of India. The research study was performed in Randomized Block Design with three replications consisting of eight different sowing dates of vegetable pea. cv. Azad Pea-3 at 10 days interval between each sowing dates. Observations were made on various growth and yield attributing parameters. Result: Results revealed that the parameters under study were substantially affected by various sowing dates. Second week of sowing in November in the years produced maximum plant height at 60 DAS (83.77cm), number of branches per plant (3.97), number of nodules per plant at flowering (26.13), number of green pods per plant (20.80), 10 pods weight (75.67g) and pod yield (52.06q/ha).

Estimating the Morphological Variability of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Genotypes in Jabalpur District, India

As variability is crucial for crop improvement, it is better to characterise several genotypes that are derived from either seedlings or wild types. This research facilitates the identification of cultivars, genotypes and the elimination of identical plants within populations. The study was conducted in year 2022-23 with thirty-three guava genotypes of Jabalpur district to examine various morphological characteristics such as tree height, trunk girth and canopy diameter, branching attitude, stem colour in young shoots, branching density, mature leaf colour, leaf shape, leaf base shape, leaf tip shape, leaf curvature and leaf twisting. The experimental investigation was carried out at the Fruit Research Station, Imaliya, under the Department of Horticulture at the College of Agriculture, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Genotypes exhibited notable diversity in their morphological traits with respect to height, gith, canopy and several leaf-based characteristics. For the estimation of diversity, the DUS guideline of UPOV was followed. All the genotypes in this study aged between eight to thirteen years. Descriptive statistics showed that, the height of the trees varied between 2.78m (JG-322) and 6.12m (JG-325). The trunk girth ranged between 27.21cm (JG-314) to 87.23cm (JG-319). The canopy in the east-west direction ranged from 4m (JG-325) to 8.34m (JG-322) whereas, in north-south direction varied 3.68m (JG-325) to 8.41m (JG-322). The observed diversity in these traits yielded significant insights that might drive the selection of parental plants for an advanced guava breeding initiative.

Effect of Organic Manures and Foliar Application on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.)

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of organic manures and foliar application of organics on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of Kalmegh at the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University to find out the suitable organic inputs and foliar organics for better growth, yield and nutrient uptake of Kalmegh. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with twelve treatments and three replications comprising of a different combination (i) basal organics viz., Farm Yard Manure, Vermicompost and Pressmud (ii) foliar spray of organics viz., Panchagavya and Fish Amino Acid and untreated control. Among the twelve treatments, the plants which received Vermicompost at 5 t ha-1 + fish amino acid at 3% expressed higher values for the growth parameters viz., plant height (69.80 cm), number of branches plant-1 (25.13), number of leaves plant-1 (140.87). Physiological parameters viz., leaf area plant-1 (6.78), total dry matter production plant-1 (15.86 g plant-1). Yield parameters viz., fresh herbage yield plant-1 (42.74 g plant-1) and dry herbage yield plant-1 (14.24 g plant-1). Nutrient uptake viz., Nitrogen (38.97 Kg ha-1), Phosphorous (6.87 Kg ha-1) and Potassium (84.23 kg ha-1).

Effect of Gibberellic Acid and Cytokinin on Growth, Quality and Yield of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. Ellora No. 11

The experiment was conducted during Rabi season November – March, 2022-2023 at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, and Prayagraj (UP). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments and 3 replication to study the “Effect of GA3 and Cytokinin on growth, quality and yield of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. Ellora No 11.” The treatments which areT0: Control, T1:GA3@200ppm, T2: GA3@400ppm, T3:GA3@600ppm, T4:GA3@800ppm, T5:GA3@1000ppm, T6Cytokinin@250ppm, T7Cytokinin@500ppm, T8Cytokinin@750ppm, T9Cytokinin@1000ppm. The growth regulators were sprayed at 10 D.A.S in French bean. from the above experiment finding it is conclude that all the character viz., growth parameter, earliness parameter yield parameter, qualitative parameters varied significantly. Further, The result showed that the minimum days to first flowering(42.33DAS), first picking (63.33DAS) and days to 50% flowering(53.67 DAS) while the maximum  plant height(52.07cm), no. of branches(13.57), no. of leaves(214.93), number of pod per plant(21.67),pod length(16.50), pod girth(2.63cm) 1 pod weight(5.70g), yield per ha(12.35t/ha), total soluble solids (6.37°BRIX), protein (1.52%), fiber (3.89%), ascorbic acid (11.77mg)and BC ratio (3.1) was found maximum in T1:GA3@200ppm

Effect of Sowing Date on the Growth and Yield of Three Cultivars of Kale Brassica oleracea L .var.acephala

The experiment was carried out at the research station of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape / College of Agriculture / Tikrit University, during the agricultural season 2022-202,  to study the effect of sowing date on the growth and yield of three cultivars of kale. The experiment consisted two factors. The first factor included two sowing dates viz, 15/9/2021 and 1/10/2021, while second factors included three cultivars of kale namely: NeroDiTosccana, Tronchuda and Red Ursa. The experiment was laid out according to the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a split plot system With three replicares.
      The results showed that, the sowing date 1/10 had highest values in percentage of germination and germination speed, while sowing date 1/10 recorded highest values in plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, plant yield and total yield 44.87 cm, 28.62 mm, 2267.5 cm2 plant-1, 529.65 g plant-1 and 17.71 tons ha-1, respectively. Meanwhile,  Nero Di Tosccana cultivar gave significant increment in percentage of germination and plant height, whereas Red Ursa cultivar increased significantly in  stem diameter, leaf area, plant yield and total yield 31.03 mm, 1716.9 cm2 plant-1, 446.99 g plant-1 and  14.99 ton ha-1 respectively. On the other hand, the interaction treatment between sowing date 15/9 and Nero Di Tosccana cultivar had highest values in percentage of germination and plant height. Whereas, sowing date 1/10 and Red Ursa cultivar recorded highest value in germination speed. But, sowing date 15/9 with Red Ursa cultivar gave significant increment in stem diameter, plant yield and total yield. While, the interaction treatment between sowing date 15/9 and Tronchuda cultivar increased significantly in leaf area.

Genetic diversity analysis of banana using SSR markers

Banana, a crucial fruit crop thriving in tropical and sub-tropical regions, facing a notable challenge of elevated sterility across various cultivated banana genotypes. This sterility issue hampers the cultivation of diverse banana varieties. Therefore, a focused endeavour is crucial to thoroughly investigate the richness of diversity within both wild and cultivated banana genotypes, aiming to preserve it for future utilization. In the present study, 21 Musa genotypes were collected from different places of North-Eastern Region, and conserved in the field gene bank at Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Lembucherra, Tripura during 2015-2022. Molecular characterization and DNA fingerprinting of these banana accessions were performed by employing 16 banana SSR markers. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 15 to 24 with an average 20.375. The expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.564-0.967 with a mean of 0.852, and the polymorphic information content (PIC) varies from 0.638–0.945 (mean = 0.859). Genetic diversity analysis showed dissimilar groups, indicating possibility of involvement of different accuminata and balbisiana types in evaluation of banana in NE region. The outcome of the current study will be useful for des igning banana crops against different stresses

The effectiveness of breeding work on the improvement of the main economically important traits of traditional variety population Banannaya in Primorsky kray

   Relevance. Although there is notable success in breeding vegetable crops to obtain heterotic F1 hybrids, traditional selection methods have been gaining in popularity as a means of improving the economically important traits of local traditional varieties in Russia today. These varieties suffered the reduction in their valuable starting parameters (yield, the uniformity of marketable produce and biochemical composition) over the many years of reproduction. The Department of Potato Breeding and Horticulture (FSBSI “FSC of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A. K. Chaiki”) have been working on the creation of new squash variety-populations with large fruits using the variety-population Banannaya 42, bred by V. Ya. Smolei at the Far Eastern experimental station of the All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Plant Breeding in the 1940s, as the starting material. We carried out a multi-year research on the selection of promising families belonging to this variety to increase yield, improve the uniformity of fruits and the main biochemical parameters.   Results. The breeding work conducted on the families of variety-population 945 in 2011-2022 resulted in the improvement of some economically important traits (the uniformity of fruit shape, yield, and biochemical parameters) compared to the started form. The eleven years of research allowed us to achieve high uniformity of fruit shape in the selection of the ninth year (PIP 2) – 90.0-90.7 % (increased by 34.9-36.0 %). The yield increased from 28.4 t/ha to 38.2-45.3 t/ha or by 34.5-59.5 %. The following biochemical parameters were improved through selection: the content of dry mater from 8.5 to 12.9 % or by 51.8 % on average, the content of sugars from 6.1 to 9.1 or by 49.2 %, the content of carotene from 1.7 to 3.8 or by 123.5 %, and the content of vitamin C from 9.6 to 21.1 or by 119.8 %. We selected the families of the same type from variety-population 945 (variety-population Banata) with improved and uniform economically important traits for submission to the State variety testing. The yield was 38.2-45.3 t/ha, fruits were heart-shaped, skin was greyish green, pulp was orange, and the content of sugars was 9.0-13.2 %. Large-fruited variety population Banata was included in the State register of breeding achievements admitted to use in the Russian Federation in 2024.

Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Capsicum Hybrids (Capsicum annuum) as Affected by Integration of Inorganic Fertilizers and Organic Manures (FYM) in Protected Condition

A trial was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, during the year 2023-24. Five Capsicum varieties Names Nemalite, Cebrail, Bungi, Volante and Shehzadi. were evaluated at SHUATS, Prayagraj in randomized block design with three replications during Jan-April 2023-24 to evaluate the best performing variety in terms of growth, yield and quality. The variety Cebrail performed best in terms of plant height (68.97 cm), number of branches (5.65), days to first flower initiation (42.89), chlorophyll content (SPAD Value) (45.71 cm), number of fruits per plant (8.53), fruit length (9.2 cm), individual fruit weight (160.44 g), fruit yield per plant (1.09 kg), maximum fruit yield per plot (6.56 kg). The highest benefit cost ratio was found at 3.15 in the same variety.

Optimizing Growth Parameters of Bell Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) Through Comprehensive Nutrient Management on Farm of the Department of Horticulture, MGCGV, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, India

The study was conducted at the Research Farm of the Department of Horticulture, MGCGV, Chitrakoot. Bell pepper, a popular vegetable crop, faces challenges related to growth and productivity. This research aimed to determine the most suitable treatment for enhancing the growth parameters of Bell pepper plants.
 The experiment involved a comprehensive approach, combining organic nutrient management, bioenhancers, and chemical fertilizers. Various treatments were applied to evaluate their impact on the growth parameters of Bell pepper. These parameters included plant height, leaf area, flowering, fruit set, and yield. Additionally, soil health and nutrient dynamics were assessed to understand the long-term sustainability of the treatments.
 Preliminary findings suggest that a balanced combination of organic nutrients, bioenhancers, and judicious use of chemical fertilizers significantly improved the growth parameters of Bell pepper. This approach not only promoted vigorous vegetative growth but also enhanced reproductive stages, leading to higher fruit set and ultimately increased yield. Moreover, the study provides insights into the potential for sustainable Bell pepper cultivation practices.
 The outcomes of this research contribute to the development of effective strategies for optimizing the growth parameters of Bell pepper, thereby enhancing its overall productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Further investigation is recommended to validate and fine-tune these findings for broader adoption in Bell pepper cultivation.

Performance of different Varieties of French Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

The present investigation was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) during the rabi season 2022-23 to check the performance of different varieties of French Bean under Paryagraj agro -climate condition and to estimate economics of French Bean using different varieties. The experiment comprised of total 7 varieties V1 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-1), V3 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-3), V4 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-4), V5 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-5), V6 (IET/2022/FBBVAR-6), V7 (Lakshmi), V8 (Ellora No.11) consisting 3 replication which was laid out in randomized block design. From the above experiment finding it is concluded that all the parameter varied significantly. Further, while studying the plant height, no. of leaves and pod length was found maximum in (Lakshmi). Day to germination days, first flowering, 50% flowering and first pod picking were found minimum in (IET/2022/FBBVAR-1). Number of branches, pod girth, pod per plant, average pod weight, ascorbic acid, yield per ha and benefit-cost (B: C) ratio was found maximum in (IET/2022/FBBVAR-3). The maximum TSS, fiber and protein was found in (IET/2022/FBBVAR-1).

Effects of natural and chemical rooting stimulants on some root traits of two varieties of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cuttings

The experiment ran from the middle of February until the start of November 2023 under the plant canopy of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape, College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala. The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D.) as a factorial experiment, with two pomegranate varieties (Yamani and Bashkan) as the first factor and various combinations of natural and chemical rootings as the second factor. These included extracts of moringa leaves (M0, M1) and licorice roots (L0, L1) at concentrations of 0 and 15 g L-1 each, as well as indole butyric acid at a concentration of 0 and 10 mg L-1 (B0, B1). The majority of the root features of the resultant seedlings demonstrated that, overall, the Bashkan variety outperformed the Yamani variety; however, this superiority varied when combined with other rooting combinations. Between the rooting stimulant combinations utilized in the study, the cuttings' dipping results differed. When it came to the quantity, size, and fresh and dry weight of the root system, indole butyric acid in combination with B1M0L0 performed better. It resulted in 250.000 root seedlings-1, 2.270 cm3, 20,680 g, and 6,650 g, respectively. In contrast, the B0M0L1 licorice root treatment demonstrated superior root length, reaching 38,100 cm. Both the percentage of rooting and the average root diameter were the largest in the combination including both extracts, B0M1L1, reaching 5.170% and 1.603 mm, respectively. Given that natural extracts have outperformed chemical radicals in the majority of the rooting qualities under study—such as licorice root extract and moringa leaf extract—it is possible to conclude from the aforementioned results on their suitability for usage as an alternative.

Direct Plant Regeneration from Nodal Explants of Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfad.)

Aims: The present study was undertaken to develop a protocol for in vitro regeneration and multiplication of disease-free quality planting material of Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfad.). Study Design:  Completely Randomized Design (CRD) Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bengaluru, from 2020 to 21. Methodology: Nodal segments from the young shoots of field growing plants were used as explants to conduct the experiment. The explants were sterilized and placed on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of growth regulators, namely BAP, Kinetin and Gibberellic acid. Results: Among the different combinations of growth regulators, the combination of BAP 1.0 mgL-1 and GA3 3.0 mgL-1 produced maximum number of shoots (7) from nodal segments Conclusion: The use of growth regulators such as BAP and GA3 is reliable for shoot regeneration even when the field explants are used.

Genetic Divergence of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) for Growth and Yield Traits

Genetic divergence among 32 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) accessions of different geographic origins was assessed using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. Observations revealed significant genotypic differences, and accordingly, genotypes were classified into six clusters. Cluster I was the largest, with twenty genotypes, followed by the cluster II, which has eight, and clusters III, IV, V, and VI contained only one most divergent genotype. The maximum divergence was observed between clusters II and III (D2 = 47.90), followed by clusters V and VI (D2 = 43.95), and clusters III and VI (D2 = 42.29). Cluster IV had the least inter-cluster distance (D2 = 22.82) with cluster VI. Clusters III, IV, V, and VI had only one genotype each, and hence, the intra-cluster distance was zero. The genotype of cluster V was unique as it had the highest values for fresh and dry root weight per plant, diameter and length of the main root, number of secondary roots per plant, number of berries per plant, and girth of stem with a high seed yield per plant. Cluster VI was desirable in respect of days to 50 per cent flowering and days to root harvest. Cluster II exhibited the highest value for height of plant and branches per plant. Cluster IV had the highest mean values for the number of seeds per berry. Thus, hybridization among these genotypes can generate desirable transgressive segregants. Aim of Studies: To assess the genetic divergen of Withania somnifera. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru from 2020-21 to 2021-22. Methodology: The genetic divergence between the genotypes in the population was estimated using formula D2= p (Yit - Yjt) and genetic divergence among 32 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) accessions of different geographic origins was assessed using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. Observations revealed significant genotypic differences, and accordingly. Results: Observations revealed significant genotypic differences, and accordingly, genotypes were classified into six clusters. Cluster I was the largest, with twenty genotypes, followed by the cluster II, which has eight, and clusters III, IV, V, and VI contained only one most divergent genotype. The maximum divergence was observed between clusters II and III (D2 = 47.90), followed by clusters V and VI (D2 = 43.95), and clusters III and VI (D2 = 42.29). Cluster IV had the least inter-cluster distance (D2 = 22.82) with cluster VI. Clusters III, IV, V, and VI had only one genotype each, and hence, the intra-cluster distance was zero. The genotype of cluster V was unique as it had the highest values for fresh and dry root weight per plant, diameter and length of the main root, number of secondary roots per plant, number of berries per plant, and girth of stem with a high seed yield per plant. Cluster VI was desirable in respect of days to 50 per cent flowering and days to root harvest. Cluster II exhibited the highest value for height of plant and branches per plant. Cluster IV had the highest mean values for the number of seeds per berry Conclusion of finding: Significant genetic divergence and complementarity for most features has been shown by the genotypes of clusters II and III and clusters V and VI. This could lead to significant genetic improvement for particular characters and their selection for new varieties.

How three-dimensional sketching environments affect spatial thinking: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of virtual reality.

Designers rely on sketching to visualize and refine their initial ideas, and virtual reality (VR) tools now facilitate sketching in immersive 3D environments. However, little research has been conducted on the differences in the visual and spatial processes involved in 3D versus 2D sketching and their effects on cognition. This study investigated potential differences in spatial and visual functions related to the use of 3D versus 2D sketching media by analyzing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. We recruited 20 healthy, right-handed students from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture with at least three years of experience in freehand landscape drawing. Using an Oculus Quest VR headset controller and a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil, we tested participants individually with 3D and 2D sketching, respectively. When comparing 2D and 3D sketches, our fMRI results revealed significant differences in the activation of several brain regions, including the right middle temporal gyrus, both sides of the parietal lobe, and the left middle occipital gyrus. We also compared different sketching conditions, such as lines, geometrical objects (cube), and naturalistic objects (perspective view of a tree), and found significant differences in the spatial and visual recognition of brain areas that support visual recognition, composition, and spatial perception. This finding suggests that 3D sketching environments, such as VR, may activate more visual-spatial functions during sketching compared to 2D environments. The result highlights the potential of immersive sketching environments for design-related processes and spatial thinking.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Mulch on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry CV. Winter Dawn

The present investigation is to find out the effect of organic and inorganic mulch on growth, yield and quality of strawberry cv. winter dawn was carried out at Horticulture Demonstration Farm, Department of Horticulture, SGT University, Gurugram (Haryana), India during the year 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments replicated thrice. Treatment T6 i.e. mulching with dry banana leaf was found to be best in terms of plant height (20.46 cm),  number of leaves (22.66), number of crown (5.02), number of runners (16.30), length of runners (17.90 cm), number of flowers (49.40), yield/plant (170.30 g), yield per hectare (45.68 ton), plant fresh weight (135.67 g), plant dry weight (49.56 g), berry size (44.58 mm), berry volume (36.95 cc) and berry weight (23.15 g), TSS (11.67 0Brix) and Titrable acidity (0.24%), Leaf nutrient status N (22.86%), P (3.10%) and K (85.00%).

Comprehensive study on in vitro propagation of some imported peach rootstocks: in vitro explant surface sterilization and bud proliferation

The present study was conducted in the Laboratory of Tissue Culture, Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damietta University, Egypt. The objective of this study was to establish a micropropagation protocol suitable for three imported peach rootstocks: Okinawa (P. persica), Nemared (P. persica × P. davidiana) × P. persica), and Garnem (P. dulcis × P. persica) in vitro. The results showed that soaking the explants in sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at 20% for 15 min produced the highest responsiveness (82.81%), survival (96.61%), with the lowest mortality (3.14%) and contamination (0.24%). Explants of the Garnem genotype had the best response (89.12%), survival (90.62%), lowest mortality (0.00%), and highest contamination (9.37%) when compared to the other genotypes. In comparison with axillary buds, the shoot tip displayed the highest responsiveness, survival, and death (100, 87.40, and 12.59%, respectively), as well as the least significant contamination (0.00%). Additionally, the percentages of responsive, survived, dead, and contaminated explants at the various collection dates varied significantly. The 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) concentrations used (3 to 5.0 mg/L) demonstrated similar behavior in terms of in vitro proliferation, with rates of 3.77 to 6.11, 4.33 to 8.88, and 3.33 to 7.44 shoot numbers per explant for the Okinawa, Nemared, and Garnem peach rootstocks, respectively, indicating that the number of shoot proliferations is genotype-dependent. Additionally, using 5.0 mg/L BAP in combination with 0.2 mg/L IBA significantly increased average shoot proliferation (96.29%), number of shoots per explant (7.48), and average leaf number/explant (16.33) compared to the other treatments. Based on these results, adventitious bud development was enhanced during in vitro multiplication of the Okinawa, Nemared, and Garnem peach rootstocks by the synergistic interaction of indole-butyric acid (IBA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP).

Rooting of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) hardwood cuttings as influenced by cutting time and cutting length

This study was carried out during 2021-2022, in the Department of Horticulture, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region-Iraq, to find out the effects of cutting time (T1: Mid-Nov., T2: Mid-Dec., T3: Mid-Jan., and T4: Mid-Feb.), cutting length (L1: 10 cm and L2: 20 cm), and their interactions on rooting and some growth parameters of blackberry Rubus fruticosus L. hardwood cuttings. The local blackberry cuttings were transplanted in a low tunnel greenhouse at Zarrayen, Sulaymaniyah governorate. Plastic pots of 28 cm radius x 26 cm height, containing a substrate (peat moss: perlite: builder’s sand with a 1:1:1 v/v ratio) were used, and 6 cuttings were planted as a replicate out of three replicates. The experimental design was laid out in a factorial complete randomized design (CRD), the data were subjected to the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and the means were separated by Duncan’s multiple range test (P≤0.05). After 90 days, the results showed that T1 was significantly superior in rooting (95.83%), shoot dry weight (2.03 g), shoot length (24.68 cm), and average leaf area (2.22 cm2). L2 cuttings recorded the highest significant values of rooting (96.87%), shoot dry weight (1.83 g), root dry weight (0.56 g), shoot length (25.49 cm), number of lateral branches per cutting (18.52), and average leaf area (2.19 cm2). The interaction (T1+L2) was significantly superior in rooting (98.61%), shoot dry weight (3.02 g), shoot length (28.41 cm), root length (51.04 cm), and average leaf area (2.47 cm2)

Determination of Yield Parameters and Quality Traits of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Genotypes

The experiment was done to evaluate the performance of twenty genotypes of tomato in the Horticulture Research Farm of the Department of Horticulture, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh during Rabi Season of the year 2021-2022. Observations were recorded on five randomly selected competitive plants per replication for each entry on five randomly selected competitive plants per replication for each entry on nineteen quantitative and qualitative traits viz, plant height at 30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting (cm), number of primary branches, days to first flowering (days), days to 50 % flowering (days), days to maturity (days), number of flowers/cluster, number of clusters (truss) per plant, number of locule per fruit, pericarp thickness (mm), number of fruits per truss, number of fruits per plant, average single fruit weight (g), yield / plant (kg), fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), total soluble solids (oBrix) and acidity (%). Among the genotypes used for evaluation Pusa Ruby (8.01 kg/plant) were observed to have higher yield per plant followed by Pusa Divya (7.33 kg/Plant) and Himsona (6.32 kg/plant), while the minimum was recorded in genotype Pusa Sadabahar (1.25kg/plant) followed by Kashi Sarad (1.57kg /plant) and Pusa Gaurav (2kg/plant). The minimum Pericarp thickness was found in genotype Pusa Upkar (3.25 mm), whereas maximum Pericarp thickness were observed in genotype Pusa Ruby (7.42 mm). For the minimum TSS (total soluble solids) was found in genotype Kashi Sarad (3.33) whereas, maximum TSS were observed in genotype Pusa Upkar (8.42). For the minimum Acidity % was recorded in genotype Kashi Amul (0.18%), whereas, the maximum Acidity % were observed in genotype Kashi Hemant (0.86%).

Post-harvest Storage Losses Study in Onion Genotypes

The study was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur during Rabi season 2021-22 with the objective to study the storage losses in various varieties of onion and identify those varieties with a good storage life. The experimental material consisted of 15 onion genotypes from different locations in India. Observations on physiological loss in weight, rotting and sprouting percentage were recorded at fortnight level upto 90 days. Variety and storage time had significant effect on weight loss, sprouting and rotting. Overall, during the three months of storage period, minimum physiological loss in weight was observed in LC-1 (5.80%) which was statistically at par with LC-2 (6.05%), Patna Red (6.20%), Bhima Shakti (6.21%), Agrifound Light Red (6.54%) and NHRDF local (6.83%). The minimum rotting was observed in LC-1 (13.32%) which was statistically at par with LC-2 (14.73%). Sprouting was not observed throughout the storage period in any of the genotypes. LC-1, LC-2, Patna Red and Bhima Shakti had good storage as compared to other genotypes. These genotypes can be explored in the breeding programmes for production of high yielding varieties with good storage potential.