Fruit Diameter Research Articles

Performance of Different Varieties of Tinda (Praecitrullus fistulosus) under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Condition

The present experiment was carried out during summer season 2022-23 in Central Horticulture Research Farm of Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The experiment was conducted to evaluate Performance of different varieties of Tinda (Praecitrullus fistulosus) under Prayagraj agro climatic condition. For the evaluation eight varieties treatments were V1-Ludhiana Special, V2- S-48, V3-Raja, V4-Komal, V5-IHS-45, V6-Laddu, V7-Heera, V8-Mahy Tinda are taken for the study in a Randomized Block Design with three replications in 2.5 x 1.5 m plot. The study revealed that the maximum vine length 182.8cm in V5 IHS-45. The number of primary branches was maximum in V5-IHS-45, 6.43 at final harvestings. At harvesting the number of nodes per plant was Maximum in V5-IHS-45, 34.36. Days to first female flower appearance was minimum in IHS45, 26.30. IHS-45 was found to be the best variety for fruit weight with 63.14gm. IHS-45 was found to be the best variety for diameter of fruit with 54.12mm. IHS-45 produced the maximum fruit yield/ha and the fruit yield was 143.66q/ha. Among the different varieties studied, IHS-45 performed best for flower, fruit and yield characters. And the best varieties followed by Laddu and Mahy Tinda. The study revealed that, these varieties of Tinda provide high benefit to the farmers through easy cultivation, better stress tolerance, diseases resistance and higher yield.

Sensory evaluation of sweet cherries for sustainable fruit production in the European market

The competitiveness of fresh fruit in the modern market substantially depends on sensory quality indicators. Sweet cherries are a top fruit that is highly valued by consumers due to their taste and visual attractiveness. For the growing demand for fruits on the European market, it is important to examine the sensory properties of cherry fruits in combination with their weight and diameter. The purpose of the study was to substantiate sensory indicators for examining the quality of cherry fruits of different maturation periods and selecting the most competitive varieties for the sustainable provision of fresh fruit in accordance with the requirements of the modern market. In the course of the study, the following methods were used: field, laboratory, and comparative. Determination of the mass, diameter, and sensory assessment of fruits was conducted on 33 varieties of sweet cherries. Experts conducted rating tests on a 9-point scale on ten fruit samples of the examined varieties. Fruits were evaluated by their appearance, aroma, taste, and texture. At the final stage of the assessment, experts calculated the average value of sensory indicators. A sensory profile was set for the fruits of each cherry variety and assigned a score based on the following descriptors: colour intensity, taste, pulp hardness and juiciness, and skin density. The standard methodology for evaluating the sensory properties of fresh fruits has been improved. The average weight (8.41 g) and diameter (22.63 mm) of sweet cherry fruits for three ripening groups were determined. Varieties (Kazka, Dilema, and Udivitiel’na) with the largest mass and diameter of fruits are identified. According to the complex of sensory indicators, the varieties Kazka, Vynka, and Krupnoplidna were distinguished. According to the external attractiveness, consistency, and taste qualities of fruits, a sensory profile has been formed for varieties of different maturation periods. Sensory evaluation of sweet cherry fruits will allow distributing fruit products and selecting raw materials for further use in fresh form, long-term storage, freezing and production of processed products by thermal sterilisation

Evaluation of Different Varieties of Sponge Gourd under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

The present investigation was carried out at the department of horticulture, Naini Agricultural institute Sam Higginbottom university of Agricultural Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh during Zaid season-2021-2022 with a view to check Evaluation of different varieties of sponge gourd under Prayagraj Agro climatic conditions The experiment was laid in Randomized block design with 9 varieties and 3 replications for sponge gourd varietal evaluation. Varieties comprised of V1 (AVT2020/SPGVAR-1), V2 (AVT2020/SPGVAR-2), V3 (AVT2020/SPGVAR-3), V4 (AVT2020/SPGVAR-4), V5 (AVT2020/SPGVAR -5), V6 (AVT2020/SPGVAR -6), V7 (AVT2020 /SPGVAR-7), V8 (SUMAN) and V9 (PUSA CHAKNI). Among the various vartieties it was concluded that the variety AVT2020/SPGVAR-6 performed best in terms of growth parameters like vine length (396.86 cm), earliness in maturity (55.95 days for first fruit picking) and yield parameters like fruit length (28.56 cm), fruit diameter (3.71 cm), and fruit yield per hectare (12.64 t/ha). AVT2020/ SPGVAR-6 showed best performance for quality parameters also TSS (4.23°Brix) and Ascorbic acid content (10.66 mg/100g).

Effect of Different Combinations of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) under Rupandehi Condition

An experiment on effect of different combinations of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) var. ArkaAnamika was conducted at Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa, Rupandehi during February 2017 to June 2017. The experiment was laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments and three replications. The treatments 220:200:60 NPK Kg ha–1 (T1), 200:180:60 NPK Kg ha–1 (T2), 180:160:40 NPK Kg ha–1 (T3), 160:140:40 NPK Kg ha–1 (T4), 140:120:20 NPK Kg ha–1(T5), 120:100:20 NPK Kg ha–1 (T6) and Control (T7) were applied and the growth, yield and yield attributes of okra were studied. The result revealed that there were no significant differences (p=0.05 level by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test-DMRT) on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, fruit length, fruit diameter, average number of fruit per plant and average marketable yield to the effect of different combination of NPK levels. However, the result showed that average marketable yield and total yield was found significant over the control and also the highest total yield (43.21 Mt/ha) was obtained at 160:140:40NPK Kg ha–1.

Efficient Utilization of Agro-industrial Waste through Vermicomposting and its Impact on Growth and Yield of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Background: Application of vermicompost produced from diverse organic wastes could be one of the most economical and attractive methods of solving waste disposal problem and increasing the nutrient contents of soil simultaneously. Vermicompost is used as an organic fertilizer, the effects of vermicompost obtained from different organic wastes on plant growth and yield. Methods: The vermicomposting of sugarcane trash and bagasse waste was carried out during (January-March) and by using the vermicompost a field culture experiment was conducted in brinjal for three months from April-June, 2019. There are 6 treatments namely T1-T6 and control. Vegetative parameters such as shoot length, root length, number of leaves, fresh weight, and dry weight at different stages (30, 60 and 90 DAS), number of flowers and number of branches on 60 and 90 DAS. On 90th day yield characters like number of fruits, diameter of fruits, fruit length, single fruit weight, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield per plot were analyzed. Results: A significant increase in shoot length (32.9, 55.3 and 98.5), root length (17.85, 25.10 and 33.30), number of leaves (21.33, 50.00 and 77.00), fresh weight (31.10, 48.30 and 55.55) and dry weight (7.10, 7.95 and 9.30) was observed in T5 - C5 (Predecomposted Sugarcane bagasse, Trichoderma asperelloids and earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) 5t/h) treatment, followed by T2 - C2 (Predecomposted Sugarcane trash, Trichoderma asperelloids and earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) 5t/h) treatment on 30, 60 and 90 DAS. A significant increase in number of flowers (27.50 and 55.50) and number of branches (22.50 and 27.50) was observed in T5 treatment followed by other treatments on 60 and 90 DAS. The maximum amount in number of fruits (22.00), fruit length (15.70), single fruit weight (93.15), fruit yield per plant (10.35) and fruit yield per plot (37.25) were noted in T5 treatment, followed by T2 treatment on 90 DAS and minimum amount were reported in control (soil). The results of the study clearly indicated that treatment T5 significantly increased the vegetative parameters and yield characters in brinjal.

Performance of Different Varieties of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

Eight cucumber varieties were evaluated at SHUATS, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh, in randomized block design with three replications during summer season-2022 for growth, yield and fruit quality traits. The variety AGRI GREEN gave maximum mean value for maximum vine length (217.33cm), number of primary branches (5.67), number of nodes per plant (39.10), Days to first female flower appearance and node to first female flower appearance were minimum and that was about (50.76) and (4.33) respectively, fruit length and weight with (15.83cm) and (126.00gm) respectively), node number at which first female flower appears (4.33), number of female flowers per Plant (16.37), fruit yield/ha (164.10 q/ha), number of fruits per plant (13.30), TSS (4.20 oBrix), was observed in same variety. The maximum fruit diameter was found in SS-100 (45.50 mm). AGRI GREEN was found superior based on overall performance in terms of growth, yield, and quality parameters. The study revealed that, these varieties of cucumber provide high benefit to the farmers through easy cultivation, better stress tolerance, diseases resistance and higher yields.

Effect of Growth Regulators on Growth and Quality of Strawberry cv. Sweet Sensation Grown in Pot Culture

A pot culture experiment was conducted at Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal, India during the rabi season (October, 2018–March, 2019) to study the effect of growth regulators such as 28-Homobrassinolide and Triacontanol on growth and yield of strawberry cv. Sweet Sensation. The treatments consisted of seven levels of growth regulators including control viz. control, 0.5 ppm, 1 ppm and 2 ppm of 28-Homobrassinolide and 2ppm, 5 ppm and 10 ppm of Triacontanol. The effect of growth regulators was studied on different morpho-physiological parameters and biochemical and quality parameters such as chlorophyll content of leaves, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity and TSS of fruit. The results revealed that the foliar application of 0.5 ppm of 28-Homobrassinolide produced the maximum plant height, number of leaves plant-1, petiole length, canopy spread, leaf area plant-1, crown diameter, shoot dry weight and root dry weight, RWC, number of flowers plant-1, number of fruits plant-1, percent fruit set, fruit length and fruit diameter, chlorophyll content of leaves, whereas the treatment of 1 ppm of 28-Homobrassinolide recorded maximum plant height, petiole length. However, the minimum value of the morphological, biochemical, yield and quality parameters were recorded in control (foliar spray of water). Hence form present study it may be confirmed that foliar application of 28-Homobrassinolide @ 0.5 ppm and 1 ppm significantly improved the growth, yield, and quality attributes of strawberry.

Wood age, rootstocks and cultivars drive the formation of productivity and fruit size in sweet cherry

To maintain the high yields and fruit quality necessary for profitability of sweet cherry production, it is important to consider precision crop load and canopy management techniques during limb renewal. The effects of branch section age, rootstock, and cultivar on spur and flower density and fruit quality have been discussed in previous studies, but most of them focus on a limited range of fruiting wood ages and scion-rootstock combinations. This study aims to analyse the processes of sweet cherry productivity and fruit size formation on a wide range of wood age to determine the limit after which branch preservation is not sustainable, and to evaluate the influence of rootstocks and cultivars on these parameters. The results indicate that wood age is one of the main drivers of productivity formation in cherry. The highest flower density was observed on 3-year-old branch sections – 324 flowers per linear m, due to high spur density, number of reproductive buds per spur and flowers per bud. Productivity on 2-year-old wood was also good (256 flowers per linear m), while a sharp decline in flower density was noted on 4- and 5-year-old wood. The largest fruits were formed on young branch sections, with a significant decline in fruit weight and diameter on 4- and 5-year-old sections. Rootstock vigour had a bigger effect on floral organ induction on 1-year-old shoots, than on spurs. Based on the results, it is advisable to regularly renew lateral branches older than 3 years to maintain high yield efficiency and fruit quality.

Impact of Auxin and Gibberellin on Vegetable Crops: A Review

Plant growth regulators, also known as phytohormones, are a class of organic chemicals, either naturally occurring or artificially synthesised, that exert control over specific physiological processes in plants. The application of these substances elicits a range of effects on vegetables, encompassing seed germination, the disruption of seed dormancy, the commencement of flowering, the induction of gametocidal effects, the promotion of fruit set, the stimulation of parthenocarpy, and the facilitation of fruit ripening, among others. Auxin plays crucial factor in the development of several vegetable crops, including cucurbits. Notably, the application of Naphthalene acetic acid at a concentration of 10 ppm has been observed to exert a significant influence on sex expression, fruit set, and overall production in cucumber plants. The application of 4-CPA resulted in the greatest quantity of commercially viable fruit in tomato plants. The application of Naphthalene acetic acid at a concentration of 40 ppm exhibited the most substantial enhancements in leaf area, percentage of fruit set, total fruit production, as well as the quantity and weight of seeds per fruit in chilli plants. The treatment involving the application of 80 ppm Naphthalene acetic acid in brinjal resulted in the observation of increased fruit length, average weight of fruit per plant, and greatest fruit diameter. Gibberellin is also of significant importance, since it participates in using the gibberellic acid route to produce tomato plants that exhibit enhanced performance in both irrigated and water-limited environments, hence increasing their drought tolerance. The application of GA3 at a concentration of 75 ppm has been found to be highly beneficial in improving vegetative growth and yield characteristics in brinjal, as well as in several other vegetable crops as detailed in the present study. Additionally, they serve a crucial function in augmenting the output and productivity of many vegetables breeding programmes, and ensuring food safety.

Development and characterization of F1 hybrids involving cultivated and related species of okra

Related species of any crop posses the traits of economic importance. It is important to involve the related wild species in the breeding programme to transfer the traits of economic importance to the cultivated species of crop plants. Further, the characterization of interspecific F1 hybrids is required to know the expression of various traits in both parents and their interspecific hybrid. Cultivated species of okra Abelmoschus esculentus was used to develop two interspecific F1 hybrids independently with two wild species, namely A. moschatus and A. tuberculatus. Both the related species were used as the pollen parent and the cultivated okra as the female parent. The interspecific hybrids were intermediate for days to 50% flowering, first flowering node, flower length, fruit length, fruit diameter, internodal length and plant height. The characteristics like early plant vigor, plant growth habit, flower petal color, fruit color and apex shape of fruit for both the interspecific hybrids were similar to cultivated okra parent.

Genetics of quantitative traits from interspecific crosses between Luffa hermaphrodita × Luffa cylindrica

Generation mean analysis study in sponge gourd was undertaken to estimate the gene action operating in the inheritance of quantitative traits using six basic generations of two interspecific crosses, namely SATPUTIA × SG 282 and SATPUTIA × PSG 9. The F2 and backcross generations showed high genetic variance for vine length, fruit weight and fruits per vine. Additive, dominant, additive x additive, additive × dominance and dominance x dominance effects significantly influenced most of the traits. The additive effect significantly contributed to fruit length and weight in both crosses. Dominance effects were significant for almost all the traits in both crosses. Additive × dominance type of interactions contributed significantly for female bud length, ovary length, style length, node to first flower, fruit diameter, fruit weight, fruits per vine and yield per vine. Duplicate effects influenced all the traits in both the crosses except for fruit length in SAT × PSG 9. For further improvement in interspecific progenies, the pedigree method can be applied to exploit additive variance to develop improved inbreds. However, transgressive segregates can further be used to exploit the presence of dominance, additive × dominance and dominance × dominance interactions.

Optimization of yield and quality of hull-less seeded pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca) through foliar application

The present investigation was conducted during the spring 2021 and 2022 at Vegetable Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana for optimization of yield and quality of hull-less seeded pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca) through foliar applications. The experiment was laid down in randomized complete block design with thirteen treatments viz., T1 (control-water spray), T2 (ZnSO4 @ 0.5%), T3 (MgSO4 @ 0.5%), T4 (KNO3 @ 0.5%), T5 (B @ 0.5%), T6 (ZnSO4 @ 1.0%), T7 (MgSO4 @ 1.0%), T8 (KNO3 @ 1.0%), T9 (B @ 1.0%), T10 (ZnSO4 + MgSO4 + KNO3 + B; each @ 0.5%), T11 (ZnSO4 + MgSO4 + KNO3 + B; each @ 1.0%), T12 (Salicylic acid @ 100ppm) and T13 (Salicylic acid @ 200 ppm), replicated thrice. All thirteen foliar treatments exhibited significant influence on horticultural yield and quality traits of hull-less seeded pumpkin cv. PAU Magaz Kadoo-1. Among horticultural traits, maximum vine length was observed in T10 (ZnSO4 + MgSO4 + KNO3 + B; each @ 0.5%) while, salicylic acid @ 200 ppm (T13) gave highest leaf length, leaf width and petiole length. Minimum days to 50 % male and female flowering as well as harvest were observed with foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% (T2). ZnSO4 + MgSO4 + KNO3+ B; each @ 0.5% (T10) and MgSO4 @ 0.5% (T3) significantly affected the fruit yield traits like polar and equatorial diameter of fruit, flesh thickness, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of fruits per plot, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per plot and seed yield traits viz., number of seeds per fruit, 100-seed weight and seed yield per plant. Quality traits like seed color, dry matter, oil content, protein content, ash content, fiber, total sugar and reducing sugar too were maximized by foliar application of T10 (ZnSO4+ MgSO4 + KNO3 +B; each @ 0.5%) and T3 (MgSO4 @ 0.5%). Consequent to the above and the cost involved, T3 (MgSO4 @ 0.5%) can be adjudged as the best treatment for enhancing the growth and yield of PAU Magaz Kadoo-1. Thus, four foliar applications of MgSO4 @ 0.5% at fortnightly interval with the onset of 50% flowering can significantly improve hull-less seeded pumpkin’s horticultural, yield and quality attributes.

Estimation of Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Quantitative Characters in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Genotypes

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the genetic variability and parameters such as genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability, genetic advance, as well as perform correlation and path analyses on 20 different okra genotypes, including one check variety. The experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2022 at the experimental farm of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. A randomized block design with three replications was employed for the study. Thirteen characteristics were observed and recorded, which includes: days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, length of mature fruit (cm), diameter of fruit (cm), average fruit weight (gm), internodal length (cm), number of nodes on the main stem, number of primary branches, plant height (cm), number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit, seed index (gm), and fruit yield per plant (gm). Azad Bhindi-1 exhibited the highest mean performance in terms of fruit yield per plant among all the genotypes. The PCV values were consistently higher than the corresponding GCV values for all traits, indicating the influence of environmental factors on trait expression. Fruit yield per plant and number of primary branches displayed the highest GCV and PCV values. The number of primary branches exhibited both high heritability and genetic advance. The correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant association between number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. The traits with the highest positive direct effects on fruit yield per plant were obsereved for average fruit weight and plant height, as determined through genotypic and phenotypic path analysis. These identified traits can serve as effective selection criteria for strategizing an efficient breeding programme to enhance fruit yield in okra.

Effect of Foliar Spray of Micronutrients and Plant Growth Regulators on Flowering, Fruit Pomology and Oil Yield

Aim: To determine the effect of different micronutrient applications olive for its growth quality.
 Study Design: Randomized Block Design was used in experiments.
 Place and Duration: The present investigation was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the 2021-2022.
 Methodology: The use of micronutrients sprays in olive cultivation is a common practice to address nutrient deficiencies, enhance plant health and increase flowering and improve fruit quality. These sprays contain essential minerals like iron, zinc, manganese, and boron, which are readily absorbed by the olive trees through their leaves. Micronutrients sprays help to correct imbalances, improve nutrient uptake, and boost overall growth and fruit development. They are particularly effective in regions with poor soil conditions or where specific micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent, ensuring healthy olive trees and optimal yield of high-quality fruits.
 Results: Among the various treatments applied to enhance the Flowering, Fruit set, fruit Yield, Fruit quality and Oil quality of Olive cultivars, treatment T10 (Boron @ 150 ppm + Zinc @ ppm + NAA@ 150 ppm + GA3 @ 150 ppm) was found to be superior among others, followed by treatment T5 (Boron @ 100ppm + Zinc @ 100 ppm + NAA @ 100ppm + GA3 @ 100ppm) and treatment T0 (control) was found to be inferior. It is also concluded that among all cultivars, Arbequina cultivar was found best. Thus, treatment T10 (Boron @ 150 ppm + Zinc @ ppm + NAA@ 150 ppm + GA3 @ 150 ppm) with Arbequina cultivar is best recommended for overall flowering and fruiting characters of olive like, days to flowering, number of flowers per panicle, fruit drop percentage, fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit weight, fruit yield per tree, fruit yield per hectare, oil content, total suspended solids (TSS) of fruit.
 Conclusion: Therefore, T10 (Boron @ 150 ppm + Zinc @ ppm + NAA@ 150 ppm + GA3 @ 150 ppm) with Arbequina cultivar is recommended for growing.

Studies of Correlation and Path Coefficients for Tomato Yield and Quality Attributes (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Fifteen genotypes of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) with 18 yield contributing traits, were studied for correlations and path coefficients. The experiment has been done at Vegetable Research Farm of Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, during Rabi season of 2020-21. The experiment was laid under Randomized Block Design with three replications. Using genotypic correlation, it has been found that the fruit yield per plant significantly positively correlates with lycopene, titrable acidity, pericarp thickness, fruits per plant, ascorbic acid and days to 50% flowering. This indicates that the selection of these qualities will impact the number of fruits produced by each plant. Yield per plant was showed the significant positive direct effects with ascorbic acid, pericarp thickness, firmness, fruit yield per plant, TSS, locules per fruit, number of fruits per plant, fruit diameter, lycopene content, seed test weight and days to 50% flowering at the genotypic path coefficient level that indicated the selection for these traits might be effective and there is a possibility of improving yield per plant through selection based on these characters. The investigation contains the necessary information to support the objectives, as shown by the residual influence at the genotypic (0.198) and phenotypic (0.206) routes.

Evaluation of Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis L) Genotypes under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

The present investigation entitled “Evaluation of Ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis L) genotypes under Prayagraj agro climatic conditions” was carried out from October, 2022 to March 2023 at Horticultural Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven genotypes in three replications. The genotypes namely G1-Arka Neelachal Khunki, G2-Arka Neelachal Sabuja, G3-Local Geda, G4-Local Denga, G5-Surekha, G6- CHIV-7 and G7-CHIV-8 were evaluated. It was concluded that all seven genotypes showed a significant performance on almost all the growth and yield characters as well as quality of Ivy gourd. The genotype G2-Arka Neelachal Sabuja was found superior in terms of vine length (315.11 cm), petiole length (6.37 cm), internodal length (12.71cm),fruit diameter (2.87 cm), average fruit weight (21.08 g), No. of seeds per fruit (122), No. of fruits per plant (422), fruit yield per plant (8.82 kg) ,fruit yield per hectare (17.35 t/ha), TSS (4.33), Ascorbic acid (15.34 mg/100g) and minimum days taken for first female flower anthesis (35.17 days) whereas maximum fruit length was obtained from genotype G1- Arka Neelachal Khunki (6.12 cm). Among the genotypes, highest gross return (Rs/ha) (3,47,000), net return (Rs/ha) (1,90,140), benefit cost ratio (2.21) was also obtained from genotype G2 i.e Arka Neelachal Sabuja.

Effect of spraying with garlic extract and silicon on some physical, chemical, and productive characteristics of date palm Phoenix dactylifera L.

The experiment was conducted in Shatt Al-Arab District - Fourth Al-Jazirah District - Basrah Governorate during the 2020 growing season to investigate spraying with garlic extract and silicon solution on some physical, chemical, and productive properties of date palm fruits Umm al-Dahn variety. The garlic solution extract at a concentration (of 0, 200, 400 ml L-1 ) and silicon at a concentration of (0, 250, 500, 750 mg L-1 ) was used in two-time sprays, the first two weeks after pollination and the second three weeks after the first spray. The spray t with garlic extract at a concentration of 400 ml L-1 and silicon at a concentration of 750 mg L-1 was significant in the physical characteristics under study (fruit weight, length, diameter, and fleshy layer weight), and chemical characteristics (total soluble solids, reducing sugars, dry matter, and total protein) compared to the control treatment. The treatment of spray t with garlic extract at 400 ml L-1 and silicon at a concentration of 750 mg L-1 significantly decreased the percentage of sucrose in the fruits. It resulted in a significant increase in the weight of the fruit and the tree's yield. The spraying with garlic solution extract at a concentration of 400 ml L-1 with silicon spray treatment at a concentration of 750 mg L-1 resulted in the highest productivity of the palm (41.68 kg. Palm-1 ). At the same time, the control gave the lowest productivity of 31.74 kg Palm-1 . Keywords: Garlic extract, Silicon, Date palm, Productivity

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

An experiment entitled Effect of plant growth regulators on growth, yield and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) was conducted at Horticulture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj during July-October, 2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with thirteen treatments and replicated thrice. The growth regulators were sprayed at two true leaf stage and four true leaf stages. Data was collected from vine length, days to first appearance of male flowers, days to first appearance of female flowers, days to 50% pistillate flowers, days to first harvest, length of fruit, fruit weight, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, average yield per plant, yield per hectare, Total Soluble Solids, and vitamin C and analyzed using analysis of variance. Results showed that GA3 175 ppm sprayed at 2 and 4 true leaf stage of cucumber hybrid TMCU-1107 was superior in terms of vine length (119.56cm), days to first appearance of male flowers (32.16), days to first appearance of female flowers (38.2), days to 50% pistillate flowers (41.2), days to first harvest (52.41), fruit weight (255.86g), length of the fruit (17.27cm), fruit diameter (4.82cm), number of fruits per plant (12.16), average yield per plant (3117.11g), yield per hectare (27.7t/ha), TSS (4.23 0Brix), Vitamin C (2.05mg/100g).

Nutri-hormonal Manipulation for Yield and Quality Improvement in Guava (Psidium guajava L.)

Aims: To study the effect of nutrients and plant growth regulators through foliar spray on yield and quality characteristics of guava var. Arka Kiran.
 Study design: Randomized Block Design (RBD).
 Place and Duration of Study: The experimental trial was conducted at a Farmer’s field in Theethipalayam village of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu during 2022-2023.
 Methodology: The current study included six treatments and three replications. Three-year-old guava trees with uniform size, growth, and bearing habit were chosen for imposing treatments. Observations on fruit yield, physical and quality characteristics of guava were recorded.
 Results: Fruit diameter (6.30 cm), Fruit weight (168.17 g), fruit volume (146.46 ml), fruit yield (16.53 kg/tree) and the number of fruits per tree (98.35) were recorded maximum in plants treated with nutri-hormonal spray-I. The best-quality fruits in terms of increased TSS (12.08), ascorbic acid (185.35 mg/g), reducing (3.15%), non-reducing (4.19%), and total sugars (7.35%) and reduced acidity (0.40%) were also recorded in the same combination.
 Conclusion: The foliar application of nutrients and PGRs spray-I can be advocated to improve the yield and quality attributes of guava.

Effect of Different Mulching Material on Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)] Hybrid under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Condition

The present field experiment was carried out during 2021-2022 at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and nine treatments. The investigation was carried out with a view to study the effect of different mulching material on growth, yield and quality of watermelon. The results of the experiment revealed that plant growth was superior with silver plastic mulch with respect to days of germination, numbers of branches per vine and vine length. Plants without mulch (control) resulted poor growth. Watermelon plants mulched with silver plastic recorded maximum number of leaves; whereas, minimum was in control. The yield characters such as fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and number of fruits per plot were recorded significantly highest in the mulch treatment with silver plastic mulch. Similarly, the highest fruit yield per plot (27.52kg) and fruit yield per hectare of watermelon (66.04 t/ha) was also observed with the same treatment. From the economic point of view, silver plastic mulch resulted in the highest net return and also highest cost ratio. The quality characters such as highest fruit pulp weight and lowest acidity were noted in mulching treatment silver plastic mulch. This treatment also recorded maximum vitamin C, TSS. It is concluded that application different mulches in which silver plastic mulch significantly superior in growth, yield and quality parameter. Similarly, with economic point of view, treatment silver plastic mulch resulted in the highest net return and cost: benefit ratio.