Fruit Girth Research Articles

Evaluation of Different Hybrids of Chilli in Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

The present investigation entitled “Evaluation of different hybrids of chilli in prayagraj agro-climatic condition” was conducted from July 2022- January 2023. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with 3 replications and 10 hybrids viz., LHC-Diya, LHC-4010, Beauty, NS-1101, Deva, NS-1701 DG, VNR-305, Chushul, Pushkar, Sonali. Experiment was done to understand the plant growth, fruit yield, quality and economics of Chilli using different hybrids under Allahabad agro-climatic conditions at the experimental field of the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute (NAI), Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. From the above experimental findings it is concluded that, all the characters viz., growth parameters, earliness parameters, yield parameters and qualitative parameters varied significantly. Further, while studying the plant height (F1-Sonali) was found best, highest number of branches, maximum average fruit weight and maximum ascorbic acid was found in (F1-NS-1701 DG), days to first flowering and days to 50% flowering was found minimum in (F1- Pushkar), maximum number of fruits per plant, maximum fruit length and fruit girth was found in (F1- VNR-305), highest yield per plant, highest yield per hectare and highest profit and maximum benefit cost ratio were found in (F1-NS-1101), maximum TSS was found in (F1- Beauty).

Effect of Traditional Fertilizer, Nano Fertilizer and Micronutrient on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.)

The present investigation was carried out at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during Kharif season 2022-23 on variety TMPH-409. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with 11 treatments and 3 replications with different combination in nano fertilizers. Among the treatments tested, T2 (75% N (through traditional method), 100% PK, 100% ZnSO4, and 25% N as foliar spray through Nano urea) showed the most favorable results in terms of plant height (99.69 cm at 90 DAT), number of primary branches (8.18 branches at 90 DAT), and early flowering (38.16 DAT) and maturing (72.14 DAT). T2 also demonstrated superior performance in terms of fruit weight (2.72 g), length of fruit (7.52 cm), fruit girth (2.76), number of fruits per plant (260.10 fruits), and yield per plant (173.07 g/plant) and fruit yield per hectare (23.37 q/ha).

Investigating the Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

The present investigation was carried out at the Central Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during Kharif 2022-23 to identify the effects of different doses plant growth regulators and its role in growth, yield and quality of Chilli variety TMPH-409. The experiment was laid in Randomized block design with 19 treatments and 3 replications with different combination in plant growth regulators. Under this experiment, overall, 19 treatment was taken including control. Different plant growth regulators (PGRs) used comprised of NAA, GA3, 2-4 D, all four at different doses. According to the current research, the use of Plant growth regulators (PGRs) had a significantly positive impact on the growth and development of chilies. Among the various treatments that were evaluated, T7 yielded the most favourable results in terms of growth viz., plant height (88.06 cm at 90 DAT), number of primary branches (9.97 branches at harvest), leaf area (192.78 cm2), early days to 50% flowering (64.94 DAT) and yield viz., fruit weight (3.71 g), length of fruit (7.96 cm), fruit girth (3.00 cm), number of fruits per plant (251.62 fruits), and yield per plant (878.93 g/plant). T7 consisted of NAA at 40 ppm + GA3 at 100 ppm.

Studies on the Management of Soil Fertility and Sustainable Productivity in Bhendi [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench

A field experiment on COBh Hybrid Bhendi 4 was conducted in the Department of Horticulture, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal, U.T. of Puducherry, during summer 2022 with the objective of comparing the effects of organics and bioenhancers on soil fertility restoration and sustained vegetable production. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with two replications involving two factors (fertilisers and bioenhancers) forming eighteen treatment combination in a factorial way (FRBD). The study material comprised of vermicompost and goat manure (organics) as well as panchagavya and jivamirtham (bioenhancers), besides recommended FYM and N, P, K fertilisers in various combinations. Maximum plant height (118.62 cm), number of primary branches (5.02) at final harvest, maximum fruit length (15.49 cm) and fruit girth (6.89 cm), fruit weight (21.71 g), number of fruits plant-1 (51.70), highest yield (891.60 g plant-1 and 16.47 t ha-1) and maximum dry matter production (5.74 t ha-1) were recorded in the treatment receiving RDF with 3 per cent panchagavya as foliar spray on 30, 45, 60 and 75 DAS.

Estimation of genetic variation in yield, its contributing characters and capsaicin content of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (ghost pepper) germplasm from Northeast India.

Capsicum chinense Jacq. (ghost pepper), a naturally occurring chili species of Northeast India is known throughout the world for its high pungency and a pleasant aroma. The economic importance is due to the high capsaicinoid levels, the main source for pharmaceutical industries. The present study focused on identifying important traits necessary for increasing the yield and pungency of ghost pepper and to determine the parameters for the selection of superior genotypes. A total of 120 genotypes with more than 1.2% capsaicin content (>1,92,000 Scoville Heat Unit, w/w on dry weight basis) collected from different northeast Indian regions were subjected to variability, divergence and correlation studies. Levene's homogeneity test of variance studied for three environments did not show significant deviation and so homogeneity of variance was reasonably met for analysis of variance study. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was highest for fruit yield per plant (33.702, 36.200, respectively), followed by number of fruits per plant (29.583, 33.014, respectively) and capsaicin content (25.283, 26.362, respectively). The trait number of fruits per plant had maximum direct contribution to fruit yield per plant and the trait fruit yield per plant towards capsaicin content in the correlation study. High heritability with high genetic advance, which is the most favored selection criteria was observed for fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, capsaicin content, fruit length and fruit girth. The genetic divergence study partitioned the genotypes into 20 clusters, where fruit yield per plant contributed maximum towards total divergence. Principal components analysis (PCA) studied to determine the largest contributor of variation showed 73.48% of the total variability, of which the PC1 and PC2 contributed 34.59% and 16.81% respectively.

Divergence Analysis of Bitter Gourd Genotypes for Yield and Yield Attributes

Genetic divergence for yield and yield attributes were evaluated in 33 bitter gourd genotypes for 17 characters. Characters such as, days to first male flower appearance, days to first female flower appearance, node of first male flower appearance, node of first female flower appearance, number of male flowers per vine, number of female flowers per vine, days to first harvest, number of harvests, fruit length (cm), fruit girth (cm), individual fruit weight (g), vine length (cm), number of primary branches per vine, number of fruits per vine, sex ratio, number of seeds per fruit and yield of fruits per vine (g) were used for analysing the divergence among the genotypes. Genotypes were grouped into five clusters using D2 statistics, and a dendrogram was created using Ward's approach. Out of the five clusters, cluster I was the largest comprising of 14 genotypes. Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster III and cluster V, hence diverse parents for hybridization can be selected from these two clusters.

Phenotypic Stability Analysis in Brinjal Over Environments

The study was conducted during rabi-2021 (Jan, 2021–Feb, 2021) and late kharif (Sept, 2021–Feb, 2022) at JAU, Junagadh, Gujarat to study the G×E interaction and stable genotype over environments (Seven parents (GJB-2, GJB-3, GRB-5, JBCL-10-12, JBCL-16-12, JBCL-17-01 and Swarna Mani Black SB) were intermated in full diallel fashion to obtain 42 hybrids (including reciprocals) , and evaluated in three environments viz., normal fertilizer (E1, 100:50:50 NPK, kg ha-1), at Vegetable research station, organic condition (E2, well rotten FYM+Vermicompost) and 25% high fertilizer dose (E3, 125: 62.5: 62.5 NPK, kg ha-1) at Instruction farm of Agronomy, JAU, Junagadh, Gujarat, India in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications . The mean sum of squares due to genotype (G), environment (E), G×E interaction and E+(G×E) obtained significant for all the traits indicating that characters significantly interacted in different environments and environment created by different dose of fertilizer was justified. The environment index indicated that normal fertilizer environment was best suited for most of traits and organic environment suited for TSS content. Phenotypic stability analysis revealed that stable genotypes GRB-5 and GJB-2×GRB-5 and GRB-5×SB for days to first flowering, GJBH-4, GJB-2×SB, GJB-3×GJB-2 and SB×GJB-2 for days to first picking, SB×JBCL-16-12 for fruit girth, JBCL-17-01× GJB-2 for number of fruits plant-1 and GJB-3, GRB-5 and GJB-3×SB for TSS content over environments. GRB-5×JBCL-16-12 suitable for better environment for fruit yield plant-1. None of the parent and cross found stable for fruit yield plant-1 over environments suggested that environment difference was wider and genotypes stable for other traits can be used in future breeding programme for developing stable genotypes.

Evaluation of Best Performing Microbial Culture in Relation to Growth, Yield and Quality of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.)

The present investigation the effect of different microbial culture on growth, yield and quality of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) was undertaken at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) during 2022. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 tratment viz., T0 (Control), T1 (PSB - Photosynthetic Bacteria Rhodosudomonas palustris) - 20 ml/sq.m), T2 (PSB - Photosynthetic Bacteria Rhodosudomonas palustris) - 30 ml/sq.m), T3 (PSB - Photosynthetic Bacteria Rhodosudomonas palustris) - 40 ml/sq.m), T4 (Vermiwash-20 ml/sq.m), T5 (Vermiwash-300 ml/sq.m), T6 (Vermiwash-40 ml/sq.m), T7 (Azotobacter-8 ml/sq.m), T8 (Azotobacter - 10 ml/sq.m) and T9 (Azotobacter- 15ml/sq.m) with three replications. Results revealed that treatment T9 (Azotobacter- 15ml/sq.m) recorded significantly highest vine length, highest number of primary branches per plant is treatment T4 (Vermiwash-20 ml/sq.m) and number of node per plant is treatment T4 (Vermiwash-20 ml/sq.m). Earliness parameter such as days of first flowering is minimum days is T9 (Azotobacter- 15ml/sq.m) and node number at first male flower appears was recorded in treatment T9 (Azotobacter- 15ml/sq.m). Node number at first female flower appears was recorded in treatment T9 (Azotobacter- 15ml/sq.m). Days to first fruit setting after anthesis recorded in treatment Azotobacter-10ml/sq.m (T8). Yield parameter like number of fruit per plant were recorded under T6 (Vermiwash-40 ml/sq. m). Average weight for 10 fruits (g) was recorded highest in treatment T9 (Azotobacter-15 ml/sq.m).Fruit length was recorded highest in treatment (Vermiwash – 40 ml/sq.m T6). Fruit girth was recorded highest in treatment T9 (Azotobacter-15 ml/sq.m). Fruit yield per plot (kg) was recorded highest in treatment T6 (Vermiwash – 40 ml/sq.m) and fruit yield /ha (q) was highest in was found in Vermiwash – 40 ml/sq.m (T6).

Heterosis breeding for yield and its attributes in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

A study on heterosis in brinjal was carried out during the year 2019-20 at the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Annamalai University. Seven genotypes were hybridised in full diallel fashion and the resultant 42 hybrids were evaluated along with parents in RBD. The mean squares of the 11 traits revealed significant differences among the entries. The hybrid ICO-345590 x Arka Kusumkar recorded high heterobeltiosis for fruit yield per plant and its associated traits except for fruit grith, fruit length, plant height, and days to first harvest. High standard heterosis was recorded by the hybrid ICO-344674 x ICO-383119 for plant height, ICO-344674 x Arka Kusumkar for days to first harvest, Arka Kusumkar x ICO-345590 for fruit length and ICO-345590 x ICO-545862 for fruit girth. The application of heterosis in brinjal will aid in the production of superior cross combinations, which will help meet the expanding demand for brinjal due to its bioactive properties. Keywords: brinjal, heterosis, fruit yield, diallel.

Evaluation of Fertilizer-manure Blocks as a Slow Release Fertilizer Formulation for Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench

Background: Fertilizer use efficiency is the output of any crop per unit of the nutrient applied under a specified set of soil and climatic conditions and slow/ ccontrolled release fertilizer formulations offer agricultural producers the opportunity to increase fertilizer/nutrient use efficiency, especially in soils with very low cation exchange capacity. Methods: In pot culture study, fertilizer-manure blocks consisting of selected proportions of different organic manures and fertilizers were prepared in two dimensions (100 g and 25 g) with three different dosages of fertilizers (100% POP, 50% POP, 25% POP) and were evaluated in a pot culture experiment using Okra variety Arka Anamika. Result: Fertilizer-manure blocks showed significant effect on growth and yield of okra. The use of fertilizer-manure blocks of proportion; Coirpith-35%, Cowdung-25%, Vermicompost-13%, Groundnutcake-10%, Neem cake 10%, Zeolite-2%, Humic acid-5%, 100 g size containing 25% of the recommended dose of nutrients placed 5cm below the level of planting and top dressing of 50% of KAU POP recommendation was identified as the best treatment (B:C ratio-1.26 and nutrient use efficiency-28.12) for enhancing the productivity of okra in grow bags. Days to flowering, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, length of fruits, girth of fruits and number of seeds per fruit were significantly influenced by the treatments. The selected treatment had recorded highest value for number of fruits per plant (20.70), fruit yield per plant (457.9 g), fruit length(17.90 cm), fruit girth (6.326 cm) as well as number of seeds per fruit (58.67). The general application of the recommended fertilizers and soil test based recommendation were found to be on par with the placement of slow release fertilizer- manure blocks with respect to fruit yield per plant.

Effect of soil and foliar application of organic nutrients on growth and yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.)

An experiment was carried out on bottle gourd during 2022 to study the effect of soil and foliar application of organic nutrients on growth and yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.). The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with fifteen treatments which were replicated thrice. The organic manures used in the experiment were farm yard manure (FYM) @ 25 t ha-1, vermicompost (VC) @ 5 t ha-1 and enriched manure (EM) @ 1 t ha-1 as soil application along with consortium biofertilizers (CBF) @ 2 kg ha-1 and foliar application of biostimulants viz., panchagavya (3%), effective microbial inoculants (2%), Humic power (1%) and Jeevamrutha (2%) were tested. Result revealed that the growth parameters viz., vine length, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf breadth and leaf area were recorded highest in the treatment that received the application of enriched manure 1 t ha-1 combined with consortium biofertilizers (CBF) 2 kg ha-1 and humic power (1%) as foliar were applied. The yield attributes viz., the number of fruits plant-1, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight and fruit yield plant-1 were registered the highest in the treatment which received the application of vermicompost 5 t ha-1 combined with CBF 2 kg ha-1 and humic power (1%) as foliar application in both the seasons respectively.

Effect of Organic manures and Bio-stimulants on the Yield of Snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina L.)

A field experiment was conducted to identify the influences of organic manures and bio-stimuants on the yield of snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina L.) during kharif season of 2021. The organic manures like farm yard manure, vermicompost and phosphobacteria were applied as basal form, whereas bio-stimulants like seaweed extract and effective microorganism were foliar sprayed on three stages i.e. 20, 35 and 50 days after sowing. Maximum values of yield parameters viz., number of fruits vine-1 (20.32), fruit length (39.46 cm), fruit girth (15.21 cm), single fruit weight (490.26 g), fruit yield vine-1 (9.94 kg), fruit yield ha-1 (24.82 t/ha), net income (Rs. 316343.14) and B:C ratio (3.43) were recorded under the treatment of vermicompost (5t ha-1) + seaweed extract (3ml/litre) + RDF. The RDF + phosphobacteria (2kg ha-1) + effective microorganisms (1:500) proved next best treatment in respect of these parameters. Among all the treatments, vermicompost and seaweed extract proved superior to others in respect of yield attributes. The minimum values of all these characters were recorded under control. The use of organic manures proved to be eco-friendly in snake gourd cultivation for sustainable yield and fruit quality as well as for improving soil health.

Evaluation of fertigation and drip irirgation on growh, yield and quality parameters of bhendi [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench

Field experiments were carried out during the Kharif season in 2008 and 2009 at Eastern block farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to find out Effect of drip irrigation regimes and fertigation levels on plant growth, yield parameters, quality parameters and water use efficiency of bhendi. The treatment includes two irrigation regimes in main plot and eight fertigation levels in sub plot and replicated thrice. Drip irrigation at 100% PE resulted in higher yield parameters of bhendi viz., fruit length, fruit weight and fruit girth and also significantly higher fruit yield of bhendi (13,606 kg/ha) followed by irrigation at 75% PE (12,454 kg/ha). Drip fertigation at 150% RDF with P through water soluble fertilizer registered significantly higher fruit yield (14,434 and 14,711 kg/ha during 2008 and 2009, respectively). The crude protein, crude fibre, ascorbic acid and mucilage of bhendi was significantly higher under irrigation regime of 100 and fertigation at 150% RDF with P as WSF. In both the years, drip irrigation resulted in considerable saving of irrigation water besides enhancing WUE. Highest net return was realized in bhendi with M2S8 (Drip irrigation at 100% PE with fertigation level of 150% RDF with P as WSF) recorded a net return of Rs.2, 60,082. However, the B: C ratio was higher with drip irrigation at 100% PE along with fertigation schedule of 75% RDF with P as basal (12.88).

EFFECT OF HUMIC ACID ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF OKRA

A field experiment was conducted at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal with an aim to study the effect of HA on okra plants along with different doses of FYM and recommended fertilizers. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. There were sixteen treatments comprising of organic sources with various levels of humic acid. The results revealed that the treatment T15 (FYM plus 100% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer) along with 0.2% HA) showed superiority in most of the parameters plant height at first flowering and final harvest, number of branches plant-1 at first flowering and final harvest, fruit length, fruit girth, number of fruits plant-1and yield plant-1. It is apparent that the lower dose of HA is favorable in inducing the growth and development in okra.

Influence of Indian Honey Bees and Other Pollinators on The Yield Improvement of Moringa

A pollinator survey was conducted in the Oddanchatram block of Dindigul district, where moringa is grown on a large scale. Several insect pollinators including honey bees, flies, beetles and butterflies were observed in the moringa ecosystem. The foraging behaviour of A. ceranaindica was increased during 0800 to 0900 h, followed by Amegilla zonata, and Episyrpussp. Working hours were high in A. ceranaindica followed by those of Amegilla zonata, Polistessp., A. dorsata, and Xylocopasp. In terms of handling time, A. ceranaindica spent more time, followed by A. dorsata, Amegilla zonata, and Xylocopasp., while Polistes sp. expended less time. The present study indicated that A. ceranaindica was the most abundant pollinator. Yield parameters viz., fruit length, fruit girth, individual fruit weight, and number of fruits per tree were maximum in bee pollinated than control. The colony growth parameters, viz., sealed honey area, pollen area, sealed brood area, and adult bee population, also developed in bee pollinated field. Therefore, by managing Indian honey bee colonies, we can make money on both moringa and colony yield

Estimation of heritability and genetic variability in selected F1 bitter gourd population for yield and its contributing traits

Bitter gourd is one of the potential vegetables that has been clinically proven with several uses due to its medicinal advantages. However, it is less popular than other vegetable crops. Hence, this study was conducted to obtain detailed information on important agronomic traits and determine the pattern of inheritance of morphological traits in bitter gourd. Four F1 populations, P105 × P11, P11 × P92, P92 × P13 and P13 × P92 have been successfully generated from the hybridisation of four genotypes parental lines (P11, P13, P92 and P105). The result of analysis of variance showed that the parents and the F1 populations were significantly different (p < 0.01) in terms of vine length at 90 days after sowing, days of the first harvest after flowering, fruit number, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, flesh thickness and total yield per plant. It also exhibited significantly different (p < 0.05) on days of to first male and female flower appearances. F1 progeny P11 × P92 recorded the highest total yield per plant (5376 g), followed by the parent P92 (4885 g). Positive and significant correlations were observed between total yield per plant and its contributing traits such as fruit weight (r = 0.81), fruit length (r = 0.73), flesh thickness (r = 0.65), fruit girth (r = 0.63), vine length at 90 days after sowing (r = 0.33) and fruit number (r = 0.27). This indicates a higher magnitude of variability for selection with a larger scope of a breeding program in future. The heritability (h 2 ) values ranged from 68.16% for the days of the first harvest after flowering to 99.81% for fruit weight. The highest value of genetic advance (GA) was recorded by the total yield per plant (3220.53%) while the lowest value was displayed by days of the first harvest after flowering (1.35%), respectively. High heritability and GA values indicated that some characteristics could be inherited by the next generation.

Correlation and Path Analysis of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Monech) Germplasms for Fruit Yield and its Components

Field experiment was conducted at AICRP on Vegetable Crops of OUAT, Bhubaneswar during Kharif, 2018-19 to study the correlation of okra germplasm. Study on correlation between several characters shows that selection for fruit yield based on plant height, stem diameter, nodes plant-1, leaflet length, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, days to 1st flowering, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits plant-1, PDI at 30DAS, PDI at 45DAS, PDI at 60DAS, PDI at 75DAS. In present study genotypic correlation was observed to be higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlations for all the character combinations and therefore it shows that the suppression of phenotypic expression under the influence of environmental factors. Path coefficient analysis of total fruit yield contributing attributes estimated that like average fruit weight had the highest positive effects followed by number of fruits plant-1, days to 1st flowering, plant height, PDI for YVMV at 60 DAS, stem diameter, node at 1st flowering, nodes plant-1, which indicated that these traits have to give much importance in selection programme for yield improvement in okra.

Inheritance studies on different quantitative and qualitative fruit traits in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Generation mean analysis of brinjal lines, GL 401 × BR 104 (CROSS I), GL 401 × W 230 (CROSS II) and W 230 × RMO 1142 (CROSS III) six generation of three crosses viz. highlighted the involvement of epistatic interactions (duplicate) for most of the qualitative traits. However, the number of fruits per plant in CROSS I & III and fruit girth, calyx length, and yield per plant in CROSS II confirmed the occurrence of complementary epistasis. Mainly, additive effect for fruit girth, non-additive effect for calyx length, calyx width, peduncle girth, fruit weight, and fruit length, and both types for peduncle length, number of fruits /cluster, number of fruits/ plant, and yield/ plant were experienced. Additive × dominance or dominance × dominance type of interactions were more prevalent than additive × additive type of interactions for different traits. Cluster bearing was monogenic dominant and green color of calyx as well as peduncle was dominant over purple with the duplicate type of epistasis. Fruit shape was dgenic with incomplete dominance. Fruit color displayed digenic control in CROSS I & II and tri-genic ratio in CROSS III with incomplete dominance of purple and green pigmentations producing variable color intensity in homozygous or heterozygous conditions.

Effect of Transplanting Date on Growth and Yield of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under Open and Net House Environment at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

Sweet pepper, though a highly remunerative vegetable, environmental variability and inappropriate transplanting date have resulted low yield in Terai. Hence, to identify the suitable transplanting date under open and net house environment, a field research was conducted at Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Nepal, from October 2018 to May 2019. A split-plot design was used with two factors and three replications. Main-factor comprised of growing environments (open field and net house) and sub-factor was transplanting dates (October 15, November 4, November 24 and December 14).The plant height (94.38 cm), leaf area (91.24 cm2), plant spread (55.22 cm) as well as fruit quality parameters like fruit length (8.72 cm), fruit girth (7.32 cm), fruit weight (63.07 g) and pericarp thickness (6.85 mm) were significantly higher under net house while these parameters were significantly lower in open field. Significantly greater marketable yield was observed under net house (20.08 t/ha) than open field (16.29 t/ha).The plant growth and yield parameters were significantly the best with early transplanting date (October 15) and the least with December 14. Interactive effect revealed that October 15 inside the net house performed the best in terms of yield (33.31 t/ha) and marketable yield (33.17 t/ha), while the poorest performance was recorded on December 14 under open field with a yield of 3.96 t/ha and marketable yield of 3.48 t/ha. Therefore, transplanting inside the net house as early as October 15 helps to maximize sweet pepper yield with better size marketable fruits.

Standardization of growing media on growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in containers

The entitled research work “Standardization of growing media for organic cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Production in containers” was conducted during the rabi season of the year 2020-21 in the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Indore (M.P.). The research material under research comprised of 8 treatment 8G1-soil + sawdust + FYM (2:1:1), G2-soil + cocopeat + FYM (2:1:1), G3-soil + sawdust + vermicompost (2:1:1), G4-soil + cocopeat + vermicompost (2:1:1), G5-soil + cocopeat + vermiculite + perlite (2:1:1:1), G6-soil + cocopeat + vermiculite + FYM (2:1:1:2), G7-sawdust + vermiculite + FYM + perlite + coco coir (1:1:2:1:1), and G8-soil alone (Control) which were tested in RBD with three replications with the objectives viz.1.To find out the effect of different growing media on growth and yield of cucumber in containers.2.To find out the suitable growing media for rooftop and terrace gardening of cucumber.3.To know the economics of different growing media in containers.It can be concluded that the applied of different treatment combinations, treatment G5-soil + cocopeat + vermiculite + perlite (2:1:1:1), was best at all the stages of growth, quality and yield parameters like vine length (cm), number of primary branches per vine, number of leaves per vine, number of nodes per vine, days to first flower initiation, fruit length (cm), fruit girth (cm), total number of picking, no. of fruit per vine, average fruit weight per vine, fruits yield per vine, total fruit yield per container and fruit TSS parameters showed better performance from other treatment levels. B:C ratio was obtained under different treatments ranged from -0.07 to 1.50. It was found to be highest (1.50) under the G1-Soil +sawdust +FYM and the lowest (-0.07) under the G7-sawdust +vermiculite +FYM +perlite +Cococoir, no doubt this is due to more input cost of media in the treatment.