Department Of Horticulture Research Articles

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv. ‘Arka Anamika’

The present investigation was carried out at Agricultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, S.G.V.U., Jaipur (Rajasthan) to study the effect of INM on growth, yield and quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv. ‘Arka Anamika’ during Rabi season of the year 2022-23. The experiment was laid down in RBD which consisted 9 treatment combinations viz; Control (T0), 100% RDF (T1), 100% RDF + Vermicompost @5t/ha (T2), 100% RDF + Poultry manure @2t/ha (T3), 100% RDF + Neem cake @2t/ha (T4), 50% RDF + Vermicompost @5t/ha (T5), 50% RDF + Poultry Manure @2t/ha (T6), 50% RDF + Neem cake @2t/ha (T7), 50% RDF + Vermicompost @5t/ha + Poultry Manure @2t/ha + Neem cake @2t/ha (T8) and treatments were replicated three times. Appraisal of the result indicated that the influence of organic and inorganic fertilizers on important parameters like vegetative growth, yield and quality of Okra were significantly influenced by INM under local agro climatic conditions. The treatment (T8) had a significant effect on various vegetative growth, yield and quality parameters, and the results revealed that the maximum plant height plant height at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, leaves per plant, days taken to 50% flowering, flowers per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit per plant, fruit yield, TSS, Ascorbic acid and Titrable Acidity (%) were recorded in T8. The minimum values of growth, yield and quality parameters were recorded in the control (T0). Results further indicated that the highest (3.06) benefit: cost ratio was observed in T8. Whereas, the lowest benefit: cost ratio (1.07) was recorded under control.

Prevalence of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Horticultural Fields of Assam Agricultural University: Jorhat Campus, India

A random survey of the horticultural crops was conducted to assess the nematode community structure in the Experimental field of Department of Horticulture, AAU, Jorhat during Rabi and Kharif season, 2022-2023. Soil and root samples, representing 200 locations were examined. Analysis of 200 soil and root samples collected from the root rhizosphere of different vegetable, fruit and ornamental crops showed the presence of root-knot nematode(Meloidogyne incognita), reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis), root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus spp.), lance nematode (Hoplolaimus spp.), spiral nematode (Helicotylenchus spp.), stunt nematode (Tylenchorhynchus spp.) along with Criconema spp., Xiphinema spp, Longidorus spp., free-living nematodes, mycophagous nematodes and predatory nematodes. Among all the isolated plant-parasitic nematodes, root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) was found to be more abundant with prominence value of 136.7, 81.3 and 76.3 in vegetable crops, fruit crops and ornamental crops, followed by Helicotylenchus spp. and Rotylenchulus reniformis. The prominence value of reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) was found to be 90.5, 54.1 and 54.1 in vegetable crops, fruit crops and ornamental plants respectively.

Rapid Multiplication of Geographical Indication (GI) Tagged Mysore Mallige (Jasminum azoricum L.) Using Single Node through In vitro Culture

Aims: The present study was undertaken to rapid multiplication of (GI) tagged Mysore Mallige (Jasminum azoricum L.) using single node through in vitro culture. Study Design: The present study follow 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: Single node cutting 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 and Kinetin. Results: Among the different combinations of growth regulators, the combination of BAP 1.5 mg L-1 and Kin 1.5 mg L-1 produced maximum number of shoots from single node. Very low intensity of callus formation was observed from the cut ends of single node explants that were cultured on half strength MS medium consisting of 1.5 mg L-1 BAP + 0.0 mg L-1 Kin and 1.5 mg L-1 BAP + 1.0 mg L-1 Kin. Conclusion: The use of growth regulators such as BAP and KIN is reliable for shoot regeneration even when the field explants are used.

Growth and Flowering of Lilium (Lilium longiflorum) cv. Eremo as Affected by CCC and GA3 under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse Conditions of Prayagraj

The present investigation was carried out under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj, during November, 2023 to March, 2024. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. There were nine treatments comprising of Cycocel (CCC) and Gibberellic Acid (GA3) at different concentrations viz., GA3 (100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm) and CCC (100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm) along with Water spray. The results revealed foliar application of 300 ppm GA3 for Lilium significantly enhanced the number of leaves (71.83), plant height (76.47 cm), plant spread (15.44 cm), leaf area (9.73 cm2),number of buds (3.40),at 300 ppm of GA3 it takes lesser days taken for bud initiation(40.40),and also less days taken for first flower opening from planting (68.53), flower bud length (8.83 cm), flower stalk length (12.43 cm), stalk length (78.10 cm), self-life (12.97 days),flower yield per plant (3.40) and flower yield for 250 m2(6296.29) . Among the different treatments, the highest Gross return is 188888.7 Rs/250 m2, Net return is 120870.75 Rs/250 m2 and Benefit cost ratio is 2.77, obtained by the application of 300 ppm of GA3.Whereas in terms of only Bulb parameters, foliar application of 200 ppm of CCC for Lilium reported maximum number of bulblets per plant (4.11) and gives maximum weight of bulb per plant (74.07g).

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

Chemical Changes in Mango (CV.Fazli) as Affected by Fruit Maturity and Condition of Ripening

An experiment was carried out at the Department of Horticulture and Department of Biochemistry of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The objectives of the experiment were to evaluate the pattern of chemical changes associated with ripening and the numbers of days required for full ripening of mango (CV.Fazli) harvested at three maturity stages and preserved under different ripening conditions, viz; control, spread over brown paper, bamboo basket covering with straw, spread on straw and calcium carbide. The fruits were assessed for chemical changes during ripening. Some of the chemical properties such as sugar content (reducing, non-reducing and total), total soluble solid and pH of pulp increased while titratable acidity and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content decreased with the increase in the duration of ripening. In respect of all chemical parameters, mature fruits kept in bamboo basket covering with straw showed best performance whereas CaC<sub>2 </sub>treated fruits showed poorer performance though good colours were developed. The ripening conditions maturity stages showed significant variations in relation to days required for full ripening. Among the treated and untreated mature mango fruits, bamboo basket covering with straw and spread on straw exhibited better ripening performance. Over- mature mango kept in bamboo basket covering with straw required the lowest days for full ripening but at 9th day of ripening some fruits were not in edible conditions whereas mature fruits kept in the same conditions were in edible conditions.

Prediction of Rice Production to Support Food Security in Bogor Regency using Linear Regression and Support Vector Machine (SVM)

A prediction is an estimation of something that has not yet occurred. Its purpose is to minimize uncertainty and reduce errors in planning. Bogor Regency, with the largest population in West Java, requires a substantial amount of food. Rice production must meet the consumption needs of the population. To anticipate potential rice shortages, effective planning, and reduced dependence on rice imports, research is needed to predict rice production. This study aims to predict rice production using Linear Regression and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms. Secondary data from the Department of Food Crops and Horticulture, and the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Bogor Regency were utilized. Results show that the Linear Regression method outperformed SVM, with MSE 236202.323, RMSE 486.007, MAE 388.712, and R2 1.000. In contrast, SVM yielded MSE 1461472466.751, RMSE 38229.2.10, MAE 303333.535, and R2 -0.065. In conclusion, the prediction using Linear Regression demonstrated better accuracy than SVM.
 Keywords: Prediction, Algorithm, SVM. Linear Regression.

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

Influence of growing condition, spacing and nutrition on flower quality and post harvest life of Heliconia genotypes

Heliconia, a high value flower crop can assure sizable income to farmers with minimum investment and care. Suitable agro techniques help in obtaining maximum number of high quality flowers. Therefore, field trial was undertaken at the Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during 2021-22 to understand the influence of growing condition, spacing and nutrition to improve the flower quality and post harvest life of Heliconia genotypes. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with three replications and sixteen treatment combinations comprised of two growing conditions as main plot (M1:Coconut garden and M2:Shade house) and combinations of genotypes, spacing and nutrition as eight sub plots [G1:Orange (H. latispatha), G2:Kenea Red (H. psittacorum), S1:40 × 40 cm, S2:40 × 60 cm, N1:100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and N2:75% RDF]. Result indicated significant difference with all flower quality parameters and post harvest life. Plants in shade house exhibited highest values for all the characters compared to plants in coconut garden. The interaction found significant for stem length (54.01 cm) which was higher under T13 (M2G2S1N1). Treatment combination T11 (M2G1S2N1) recorded maximum stem girth (2.37 cm), spike length (19.87 cm) and spike width (21.67 cm). The same treatment combination (T11:M2G1S2N1) recorded maximum fresh weight of flowers (117.68 g), lowest physiological loss in weight (23.26%) and highest vase life of 16.60 days. and the same treatment combination can be suggested to get good quality flowers with extended vase life in Heliconia.

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.