Highest Number Of Fruits Research Articles

Effects of Tree Spacing and Branch Configuration on Production, Fruit Quality, and Leaf Minerals of ‘Aztec Fuji’ Apple Trees in a Tatura Trellis System Over 5 Years

Tree spacing and branch architecture are critical for the productivity of high-density orchards. The influence of two tree spacings of 45.7 cm × 366 cm and 91.4 cm × 366 cm each with two branch architectures or configurations of shortened branch (ShBr) or overlapped branch (OverBr) on tree growth, yield components, fruit quality, and leaf mineral nutrients in an ‘Aztec Fuji’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchard with a 60-degree Tatura trellis (V) system was studied over 5 years. Trees planted with 91.4-cm spacing had a significantly greater trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), higher number of fruit and greater yield per tree, and greater cumulative yield efficiency than those of trees planted with 45.7-cm spacing during 2012–16. Tree spacing did not significantly affect fruit weight and firmness at harvest or after storage. However, trees planted with 91.4-cm spacing always had higher fruit color, sunburn, fruit russet, and watercore at harvest and a higher soluble solids concentration but lower fruit bitter pit at harvest and after storage compared to those of trees with 45.7-cm spacing. These differences were often significant. Trees with 45.7-cm spacing had significantly higher leaf concentrations of potassium, iron, copper, and manganese and relatively higher leaf zinc than those of trees with 91.4-cm spacing. Trees trained according to ShBr architectures had a relatively larger TCSA than those of trees with an OverBr configuration every year. Branching architectures did not affect the number of fruits per tree, yield per tree, yield per hectare, yield efficiency, or biennial bearing index in any year. Trees with a ShBr architecture had significantly larger fruits than those with an OverBr system every year and over the 5 years. Trees with a ShBr architecture had higher average leaf fresh and dry weights and calcium concentration but a similar percentage of dry weight compared to those of trees with an OverBr architecture.

Growth, Yield and Quality Attributes of Determinate Tomato Genotypes in Parwanipur, Bara of Nepal

With the aim of identifying suitable open pollinated determinate tomato genotypes, investigation was carried out at Directorate of Agricultural Research (DoAR), Parwanipur in two consecutive winter seasons of 2020/21 and 2021/22. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 16 treatments and replicated thrice. Crop geometry was maintained 75×60 cm and fertilizers and manure was applied at the rate of 200:150:120 kg N: P2O5:K2O kg + 20 tons FYM per hectare. Analysis of results showed significant variation in yield and yield attributing characters among genotypes. The maximum plant height (75.67 cm) was recorded on genotypes AVTO 0301.The genotypes AVTO 1716 and AVTO 0301 showed significantly earlier to 50% flowering (45 days) while AVTO 1711 recorded shortest days to first harvest (81 days). The highest plant vigour (5 scales) showed by AVTO 1712, AVTO 0302 and Pusa Ruby check variety. The maximum fruit diameter (7.52 cm), length (6.54 cm) and fruit weight (49.9 g) recorded on genotype AVTO 1711. The highest number of fruits/ plant (56.7) and marketable yield (58.08 t ha-1) was recorded in AVTO 1610 and AVTO 1711 respectively. The genotype AVTO 1712 showed the highest firmness (1.92 kg cm-2) and Vitamin C (59.36 mg/ 100 g). The maximum pericarp thickness of fruits (7.43 mm) obtained on AVTO 1610. The genotype Pusa Ruby showed the maximum total soluble solid (5.6 Obrix) and Titratable acid 0.75 %. Similarly, the highest colorimetric value of a* (12.62) was recorded on Pusa Ruby and the highest value of b* (19.37) was found on AVTO 1713 while the highest value of L* (30.56) was observed on AVTO 171. Considering the overall performance, genotypes AVTO 1711, AVTO 1702 and AVTO 1712 were performed better in terms of the highest yield and other horticultural traits.

Agronomic Evaluation and Yield Potentials of Grafting of Piper nigrum and Piper colobrinum

Foot rot disease (Phytophthora capsica) is Indonesia's primary challenge in cultivating pepper (Piper nigrum). Grafting to another Piper species, Piper coclobrinum, or melada (the local name), is a potential solution to increase resistance to this disease. The use of melada as rootstock has shown promising results during the seedling phase, but it has not been thoroughly evaluated during the production phase. The study was conducted in the pepper grower’s location in Puput and Simpang Katis Villages, Central Bangka, Bangka Belitung Islands Province. The study used kapok (Ceiba petandra) as the standard; plant morphology, leaf area, leaf thickness, and crown diameter for grafted melada and non-grafted pepper were recorded. Harvest variables included panicle length, panicle weight, the number of fruits per panicle, and fruit diameter, measured in three different areas of the canopy: the lower area (0-1 meter above the ground surface), the middle area (1-2 meters above the ground surface), and the top area (more than 2 meters above the ground surface). Physiological variables measured included rates of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, intercellular CO2, and CO2 conductance. The study demonstrated that the grafted pepper plants had a larger leaf area than the non-grafted pepper plants; the panicle weight and the number of fruits per panicle were higher. Panicles located in the middle zone of the plant canopy tended to be longer for grafted and non-grafted peppers. Panicle weight, fruit size, and the number of fruits per panicle were generally more significant at the top of the plant canopy. In all parts of the canopy, grafted peppers exhibited larger fruit size, greater panicle weight, and a higher number of fruits per panicle than non-grafted “Nyelungkup” peppers, highlighting the potential of melada as a rootstock for pepper plants.

Nutrient Use Efficiency and Cucumber Productivity as a Function of the Nitrogen Fertilization Rate and the Wood Fiber Content in Growing Media.

A peat substrate is made from peat from drained peatlands, which is a limited resource. A realistic estimate is that 50% of the world's wetlands have been lost. Peat is used in horticulture, especially for the cultivation of vegetables in greenhouses. The consequences of peatland exploitation are an increase in the greenhouse effect and a decrease in carbon stocks. Wood fiber can be used as an alternative to peat. The chemical properties of growing media interact and change continuously due to the small volume of growing media, which is limited by the growing container. This study aims to gain new knowledge on the impact of nutrient changes in the microbial degradation of carbon compounds in wood fiber and mixtures with a peat substrate on the content and uptake of nutrients required by plants. The cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) variety 'Dirigent H' developed in the Netherlands was cultivated in growing media of a peat substrate and wood fiber: (1) peat substrate (PS); (2) wood fiber (WF); (3) wood fiber and peat substrate 50/50 v/v (WF/PS 50/50); (4) wood fiber and peat substrate 25/75 v/v (WF/PS 25/75). The rates of fertilization were the following: (1) conventional fertilization (CF); (2) 13 g N per plant (N13); (3) 23 g N per plant (N23); (4) 30 g N per plant (N30). The experiment was carried out with three replications. As the amount of wood fiber increased, the humidity and pH of the growing media increased. The fertilization of the cucumbers with different quantities of nitrogen influenced the nutrient uptake. The plants grown in the 50/50 and 25/75 growing media had the best Cu uptake when fertilized with N23. When the plants grown in the wood fiber media and the 50/50 media were fertilized with N13, N23, and N30, the Mn content in the growing media at the end of the growing season was significantly lower than the Mn content in the media with conventional fertilization. Thus, nitrogen improved the uptake of Mn by the plants grown not only in the wood fiber, but also in the combinations with a peat substrate. Growing plants in wood fiber and fertilizing them with N13 can result in the optimum uptake of micronutrients. The number and biomass of cucumber fruits per plant were influenced by the amount of wood fiber in the growing media and the application of nitrogen fertilizer. The highest number of fruits and biomass of fruits per plant obtained were significantly higher when the cucumbers were grown in WF/PS 50/50 growing media with additional N13 fertilization.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Cv. MAHY 701 under Agroclimatic Conditions of Bhubaneswar

Exogenous application of plant growth regulators play a vital role on effectively enhancing plant growth along with crop output. In order to determine the effect of plant growth regulators and the ideal concentration of GA₃ and NAA for improved tomato growth and yield (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. MAHY-701 under Bhubaneswar condition, a field experiment was conducted in Rabi 2022 at Agricultural Research Station, Binjhagiri, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha "O" Anusandhan (Deemed to be) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha using plant growth regulators, namely GA₃ and NAA. The experimental design was randomized block design, which consisted of three replications and seven treatments. When compared to the control treatment, all growth, yield, and quality parameters were shown to be significantly better at various concentrations of GA₃ (30, 60, and 90 ppm) and NAA (25, 50, and 75 ppm). The findings of the investigation reinforce the claim that, as compared to the control, tomato growth and yield were considerably affected by both GA₃ and NAA. The results categorically demonstrated that the treatment where the plant was sprayed with GA₃ @ 90 ppm had the highest total soluble solids (4.33°Brix), acidity (0.42%), and shelf life (18.73), as well as the highest number of fruits per plant (42.90), fruit length (6.40cm), fruit diameter (6.80cm), weight of fruit (118.80g), yield per plot (31.70kg), yield per ha. (423.50qt), and other quality attributes. In conclusion, farmers may be suggested to apply GA₃ at 90 ppm and NAA at 50 ppm when raising tomatoes in Bhubaneswar Agroclimatic environments for MAHY-701.

Jasmonate and salicylic sprays improve cherry tomato fruit productivity and quality in unheated greenhouses

Introduction. Arable regions often have insufficient soil nutrients, which means that fertilizers must be used. However, using fertilizers excessively can harm the environment, human health, and food safety. Natural growth regulators derived from plants are environmentally friendly and reasonably priced. Salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) phytohormones are crucial for enhancing plant biomass, quality, productivity, and resistance to environmental stresses. Objective. To evaluate the foliar effect of MeJA and SA on fruit quality and production of cvs. colorful tomato under greenhouse conditions. Materials and methods. The trial was carried out in the University of Diyala, Iraq, from 1 December, 2022 to 5 June 2023. Foliar of 0, 200 mg/L SA and or 200 mg/L MeJA was evaluated to determine effects on fruit quality and production of colorful cherry tomato cultivars indeterminate: LA4013, LA353, LA2921, LA3899 and IQ2, with a randomized complete block design with each treatment having three replicates. Results. The cv. IQ2 had the heaviest fruit (82.13 g), highest yield (4.56 kg/plant), total yield (4.56 t/house) and highest treatable acidity (0.62 %). The cv. LA4013 had a higher fruit number (612.88 fruit/plant) and the highest total soluble solids (2.933 %). Foliar of SA at 200 mg/L had the highest chlorophyll index (36.68 SPAD) highest fruits per plant (373.73), highest yield (3.15 kg/plant) and total yield (3.93 t/house). Conclusion. When considering all variables together, the best genotypes were IQ2 and LA4013, which were found to be superior to the other genotypes in quality and yield trials. The 200 mg/L foliar SA improved the yield and quality of cherry tomatoes under greenhouse conditions.

Bacillus subtilis and Rhizophagus intraradices Improve Vegetative Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Fragaria × ananassa var. San Andreas.

Strawberry cultivation requires strategies that maintain or improve its yield within a scheme in which reducing fertilizers and other chemical products can make its consumption safer and more environmentally friendly. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Bacillus subtilis and Rhizophagus intraradices on strawberry growth, yield, and fruit quality. B. subtilis and R. intraradices were inoculated and co-inoculated under three fertilization levels of 225-100-250, 112-50-125, and 0-0-0 kg∙ha-1 of N, P2O5 and K2O. Vegetative growth was evaluated in plant height (cm), leaf area (cm2), aerial fresh weight (g), aerial dry weight (g), and plant coverage (%) variables. Fruit quality parameters such as total acidity (g∙100 mL-1), soluble solids (Brix°), and firmness (kg) were also determined, as well as the number of fruits per m2 and yield (t∙ha-1). The results showed that the pre-treatment of root immersion in a nutrient solution with B. subtilis and the fractionation of 6 L B. subtilis inoculation per plant at a concentration of 107 CFU∙mL-1, in combination with 225-100-250 kg∙ha-1 of N, P2O5, and K2O, achieved the highest accumulation of dry matter (12.9 ± 1.9 g∙plant-1), the highest number of fruits (28.2 ± 4.5 fruits∙m-2), and the highest yield (7.2 ± 1.4 t∙ha-1). In addition, this treatment increased the soluble sugar content by 34.78% and fruit firmness by 26.54% compared to the control without inoculation. This study highlights the synergistic effect of mineral nutrition and microbial inoculation with B. subtilis in increasing strawberry yield and fruit quality.

The influence of cow manure on quantitative and qualitative traits of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

ABSTRACT The effects of organic fertilizer “cow manure” applications on quantitative and qualitative traits of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) evaluated under field conditions. Treatments consisted of four levels of cow manure (0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha−1) for both the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. The results indicated that cow manure applied at 15 t ha−1 resulted in the highest number of fruits per plant, antioxidant activities, and carbohydrate contents. At the same time, the lowest values were recorded in the control treatment in 2017 and 2018 (respectively). In both years, the highest plant height, number of lateral branches, number of nodes, fruit yield per plant, fruit fresh weight, and total flavonoids were obtained in 10 t ha−1 of cow manure treatment. The lycopene contents were 47 and 60% higher in 5 t ha−1 of cow dung fertilizer than control treatments in both seasons. The minimum β –Carotene was recorded in control, and the maximum was observed in 5 t ha−1 of cow manure fertilizer in both years. The results confirm that cow manure positively affects hot peppers’ vegetative and reproductive traits and antioxidant activity under field conditions.

Quantifying Temperature Effects on Plant Development Rates and Quality of Compact Container-grown Pepper

The mean daily temperature effects on plant development rates and quality of compact container-grown pepper were evaluated. Compact pepper cultivars Fresh Bites Yellow and Hot Burrito were grown in greenhouses at 18 to 26 °C (Expt. 1) and 20 to 30 °C (Expt. 2) under supplemental high-pressure sodium lighting and a 16-hour photoperiod. The number of days to first open flower, to first ripe fruit, and from flower to ripe fruit were measured and the development rates calculated by taking the reciprocal (e.g., 1/day). Temperature effects were predicted by fitting a nonlinear exponential function that included the base temperature (Tmin) and maximum developmental rate (Rmax) parameters. Plant quality attributes were measured during Expt. 2. As the temperature increased, the times to flower and fruit decreased (i.e., developmental rates increased) for both cultivars. The estimated Tmin was 13.3 °C for ‘Fresh Bites Yellow’, and that for ‘Hot Burrito’ was 9.3 °C, whereas the Rmax was similar between cultivars (averages of 0.0488 at flower, 0.0190 at fruit, and 0.0252 from flower to fruit). ‘Fresh Bites Yellow’ and ‘Hot Burrito’ grown at ≈25 °C had a relatively short crop time, compact canopy, large fruit size, and high number of fruits per plant at finish. Compact peppers are new crops being grown by greenhouse floriculture operations for their ornamental and edible value, and the information from this study can help growers schedule these crops to meet critical market windows and determine the impacts of changing the growing temperature on crop timing and quality.

Evaluation of INM Practices on Fruit Yield and Quality of Established Mango Orchard

The current study was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Saharsa, under the supervision of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, and ICAR-ATARI (Zone-IV) in fifteen farmers' fields in Bihar's Saharsa district between 2020-21 and 2021-22. Each farmer's field was handled as a single replication. The experimental treatments were distributed in a Randomized Block Design with 15 replications (=15 farmers) and three treatments containing recommended agronomic techniques. According to two years' worth of pooled data, treatment T3 (75% RDF + 20 kg Vermicompost + 250 ml Azotobacter + 250 ml PSB) produced the highest fruit length (9.35 cm), fruit width (6.52 cm), fruit volume (213.21 cm3), and fruit weight (225.35 g), as well as yield parameters, such as the highest number of fruits per plant (365.33), fruit yield per plant (91.33 kg), and TSS (18.10°Brix). in this respect, T2 (75% RDF + 20 kg Vermicompost + 250 ml Azotobacter) came to the next. Considering the effect of agronomic practices on some chemical properties of soil under trees, T3 (75% RDF + 20 kg Vermicompost + 250 ml Azotobacter + 250 ml PSB per tree) had the highest recorded values of pH (7.4), EC (0.51 dSm-1), Organic Carbon (0.52%), available N (305.21 kg/ha), available P (32.56 kg/ha), and available K (201.33 kg/ha). Also, the maximum soil microbial count of 6.5 × 109 and 7.8 × 109, was recorded. From an economical view point, treatment T3 resulted in the maximum benefit cost ratio (3.01) and the highest net realization (₹.497800) based on fruit yield per hectare.

Potential coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) genotypes for farmers: Evaluation of agronomic traits in a lethal yellowing disease endemic zone in Ghana

A four-year study was conducted to evaluate selected vegetative and reproductive characteristics in four coconut genotypes namely: Niu Leka Dwarf (NLD), New Guinea Brown Dwarf (NGBD), Malayan Green Dwarf (MGD), Indonesian Brown Dwarf (IBD), and a hybrid between Sri Lankan Green Dwarf and Vanuatu Tall (SGDVTT), which was used as a control. The study was located at Anwea in the Western Region of Ghana, an endemic zone to the lethal yellowing disease. This experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. Results showed a significant higher growth for NGBD, IBD, and NLD in stem girth, leaf length, petiole length, and number of leaflets. NGBD, IBD, and SGDVTT also recorded significantly higher reproductive characteristics. Time taken for first flowering was noticed in IBD (41.30 months). NGBD recorded the highest number of female flowers (27.80), number of spikelets with female flowers (17.20), and total number of spadix (12.50) seasonally. Significant and positive correlations were observed between the number of leaves emitted, and the number of female flowers produced in the coconut genotypes except for MGD. The highest correlation between these vegetative and reproductive characteristics was expressed in IBD while the least was observed in the MGD genotype. MGD also recorded the least number of spikelets with female flowers, suggesting that this genotype is not likely to produce high number of fruits and should not be included in future breeding programs. Low and less robust characteristics were expressed in both SGDVTT, and MGD in the growing period, which could be ascribed to the rather low number of leaflets observed in these genotypes. Conclusions from this study suggest that NGBD, IBD, and NLD are potential genotypes to be integrated into further breeding programs across coconut-growing regions in Ghana.

Diversity of jack fruit germplasm in Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu

The present investigation was undertaken to develop a variety of jackfruit. Hence, the research was conducted on the bearing trees of different jackfruit genotypes in the Pudukkottai District of Tamil Nadu, India, during the year 2016-2019. Fifty-five jackfruit genotypes, viz., KDM-AhJ-01 to KDM-AhJ-55, were selected for the study to identify superior ones. The season of fruiting in each genotype was recorded and classified into early (March-April), mid-season (May-June), and late (July-August). The genotype 46 was found to be mid-season bearing (May-June, 2016-2019). Meanwhile, KDM-AhJ -08, KDM-AhJ -10, and KDM-AhJ -35 were found to have late season bearing (July to August 2016-2019). The genotypes KDM-AhJ 31 and KDM-AhJ 32 were produced during the main season (March-April, 2016-2019) and also during the off-season (September -November 2016-2019) production of jackfruit. The highest number of fruits per plant (43.33.00) was obtained from 08, followed by 31 (33.33). Maximum individual fruit weight was gained from 46 (16.33 kg) followed by 10 (14.33 kg), and a minimum of (4.67 kg) was observed that genotype 08 was suitable for small families. Yield varied from 62.67 kg/tree to 458.33. Yield was recorded from 10. The highest number of flakes per fruit was obtained from 10 (210.00). The highest Flakes: Seed ratio was obtained from 10 (5.30). Upper limit TSS content recorded to 08 (29.17° brix). The highest total sugar (25.20%), highest protein, lowest acidity (0.10%), and lowest ascorbic acid content were found to be 8. Maximum carotene content was recorded on KDM-AhJ- 46, followed by 8 and 10. Maximum color and appearance of 9.00 were obtained from the genotypes KDM-AhJ- 10. A maximum overall acceptability of 9.75 was observed by genotype 08, followed by 10 (9.00). Genotype 51, recorded for the TSS content of (6° brix) followed by the genotypes viz.,6, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, and 26 (7° brix), was found to have low TSS content, hence it is suitable for diabetic patients. Genotype 37 was identified for vegetable purposes in the immature stage, and ripened fruits were more suitable for table purposes. KDM-AhJ- 31 and 39 identified for thousand fruited jackfruit genotype. Flake color varied from white, yellow, whitish yellow, light yellow, bright yellow, and senthuram/deep orange. The genotypes KDM-AhJ-01, 4, 7, and 10 showed good deep orange (Senthuram color) flakes. Genotype 45 recorded pure white flakes that were very sweet in taste. The owner of this jackfruit farmer, S.Karthick, said this is for Seeni pala. Genotypes 17, 18, and 19 were identified for Tharaipala. The shelf life of flakes varied distinctly among the fifty-five jackfruit germplasms. The genotypes KDM-AhJ -08 and KDM-Ah -10 record for five days. Among the 55 genotypes, diversity was recorded for every genotype. Based on overall performance concerning vegetative growth, yield, and quality, characters were recorded to identify the superior genotypes.

Evaluation of garden strawberry seedling for productivity and its components

Fragaria × ananassa Duch refers to common and popular berry crops. Its productivity is used to characterize the cultivation of a variety in a particular region and the acceptability for industrial cultivation. The experiment was conducted to evaluate promising garden strawberry seedlings by productivity and its components, as well as to select the best seedlings for breeding. The experiment was carried out in 2022-2023 at the Orenburg breeding site of the FSBSO ARHCBAN. The research invloved six promising seedlings from three crossing combinations: ‘Darenka’ × ‘Bereginya’ + ‘Lord’ (pollen mixture), ‘Vima Xsima’ × ‘Studencheskaya’, ‘Lord’ × ‘Tsaritsa’ + ‘Kent’ (pollen mixture). The released variety ‘Senga Sengana’ was chosen as a control. Strawberry productivity potential is determined by main morphostructural components: number of pedicels, number of fruits per bush and their average weight. The number of pedicels per bush of the studied seedlings varied on average from 5.2 (No. 7-3-42) and from 4.3 (No. 6-2-34) to 8.0 pcs in the figure. (No. 6-2-36). The highest number of fruits per bush 39.0 pcs. was observed in seedlings No. 6-2-36, No. 6-2-30 and 37.0 pcs. in No. 6-1-7, while the least number of formed berries was detected in control variety Senga Sengana. Seedlings No. 6-2-36, No. 6-2-33, an d No. 7-3-42 obtained large berries during the research period, their average weight amounted to 9.1-9.2 g. The productivity of seedlings ranged from 196.1 to 358.8 g/bush. The promising seedling No. 6-2-36 was distinguished by productivity, number of pedicels and fruits, as well as average berry weight.

Effect of fertilizers on yield, phytochemical, and antioxidant properties of Cucurbita moschata fruits

AbstractThe nutritional and functional properties of squashes are influenced by various factors, such as the stage of plant development, soil composition, and type of fertilizer. This study evaluates the impact of various organic fertilizers on Cucurbita moschata D. properties. For this purpose, squashes were fertilized using Ash at 10 kg/25 m2, bovine compost at 62.5 kg/25 m2, and a 1:1 mixture of ash and bovine compost. Negative control (without fertilizers) and positive control (NPK 20‐10‐10 at 2 kg/25 m2) were included. Post‐harvest, the yield, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities were assessed. Ash fertilizer resulted in the highest number of fruits per plant (2.20 ± 0.16). Regarding flavonoids, the bovine compost yielded the highest level (428.67 ± 2.62 mg/100 g of edible portion). The mixture of ash and bovine compost produced fruits with the highest content of total carotenoids, β‐carotene, lycopene, and total phenolic compounds (249.7 ± 3.68, 219.80 ± 3.41, 26.07 ± 0.41, and 575.00 ± 9.95 mg/100 g of edible portion, respectively). Moreover, carotenoids extracted from this mixture exhibited the highest inhibition of DPPH and ABTS free radicals (30.87 ± 0.65 and 47.32 ± 1.30%, respectively). This research suggests that the use of a mixture of ash and bovine compost could significantly enhance the yield of squashes and their phytochemical and antioxidant potential.

SOURCE MATERIAL FOR HETEROSIS SELECTION OF SWEET PEPPER

The purpose of the research is to identify promising genotypes of sweet pepper source material based on the main economically valuable traits for further use in heterosis selection. Methods: Field, laboratory, measurement-weight, statistical. Results: The study highlighted that the best samples of source material for breeding sweet pepper for earliness were the genotypes: Iga, L. 183/331, Polet, Rewia, which reach technical maturity in 99–103 days. The most large-fruited samples compared to the standard variety Snihur (12; 6 cm) were: Robertina (13; 7 cm), Veronika (15; 7 cm), Ania (19; 7 cm), Herakl (16; 7 cm), Lai lak bell (13; 7 cm), Fatima (16; 7 cm), Horticolas (17; 9 cm), Enei (13; 8 cm). It was found that the highest number of fruits per plant was in samples: Druzhok (11 pcs.); L. 183/331 (12 pcs.); L. 184/332 (16 pcs.); Kurtovskakapia (11 pcs.); Oda (11 pcs.); Tsyhanskyi baron (12 pcs.); King kong (11 pcs.); Chornyi kin (11 pcs.). The samples highlighted for "average commercial fruit weight" were: Ania (197 g); Herakl (174 g); Horticolas (246 g); Bel hoi (189 g); Enei (177 g); Tonenoelloy (186 g). The highest fruit productivity of sweet pepper was observed in the genotypes: Aivengo (1210 g/plant); Alexia (1205 g/plant); Druzhok (1326 g/plant); Ania (1482 g/plant); Anastasiia (1320 g/plant); Iga (1246 g/plant); Herakl (1436 g/plant); Horticolas (1331 g/plant); King kong (1256 g/plant). Conclusions: Thus, the conducted breeding research allowed identifying the main genotypes that combine several important quantitative traits – these are L. 183/331, L 184/332, Ania, Herakl, Horticolas, King kong.

Performance of Different Hybrids of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Terms of Growth, Yield and Quality

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 Rabi season 2023, with a view to check the performance of different cucumber hybrids under agro-climatic conditions. The experiment was laid in a randomized block design with eight hybrids and three replicats. The hybrids comprised V1, V2, V3 (LHC 1395); V4, V5, V6 and V7 (CCH-1). From the above experimental finding it was concluded that the hybrid Niyamat performed best in terms of growth parameters like vine length at harvest (182.62 cm), maximum number of leaves (15.93) in earliness in maturity (61.00 days for first fruit harvest). Hybrid CCH-1 performed the best for yield parameters, such as the highest number of fruits per plant (14.59 fruits), maximum fruit length (16.72 cm), fruit diameter (3.60 cm), and fruit yield per vine (2.60 kg/vine). It showed best performance for TSS (3.15 °Brix). The maximum Benefit cost ratio was recorded for Hybrid CCH-1 at 2.13.

Effect of Different Sources of Nitrogen and Bio Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L.) Var. Cerasiforme] in Polyhouse Conditions

The present investigation was carried out at Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Kharif-2022 with a view to identify the effect of different sources of nitrogen and bio fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of cherry tomato” [Solanum lycopersicum L.) var. cerasiforme] in polyhouse conditions. The experiment was laid in Randomized block design (RBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications with different combination in RDF and application of organic nutrition. Under this experiment, overall, 10 treatment were taken. From the above experimental finding it may be concluded that the treatment T9 (75% N through urea + 25% N through FYM + Azotobacter (4 kg ha-1) + PSB (4 Kg ha-1) was found to be best in the terms of growth parameters like highest plant height (283.35 cm) at 120 DAT, maximum number of branches per plant (72.33 branches) at 120 DAT. In terms of earliness, it was found to have minimum days to attain 50% flowering (55.93 DAT). In terms of yield T9 had highest number of fruits per cluster (5.57 fruits), and fruit yield per hectare (25.88 t ha-1).

Effect of different nitrogen levels on yield and yield attributes of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Farmers in Lamjung have been unable to maximize okra performance and yield due to being unaware of the ideal fertilizer dosage. A field experiment was carried out at Sundarbazar-7, Lamjung during the period from March to June 2023 to understand the optimal N level to enhance the growth and yield of okra. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used to set up the experiment with the seven treatments viz. control, 40, 55, 70, 85, 100, and 115 kg N ha-1 each had three replications. A hybrid variety Arka Anamika mostly used by farmers in Lamjung was used. Recorded data on yield and yield contributing parameters were subjected to statistical analysis and results revealed a significant effect of the treatments on the yield and yield attributes of okra. Plants treated with T6(100 kg N ha-1) had the highest number of fruits per plant (13.10), fruit length (15.84cm), weight of a single pod (15.84 g), and total fruit yield of 14.74 t ha-1. The lowest number of fruits per plant (7.93), fruit length (9.29 cm), single fruit weight (9.29 g), and yield (8.12 t ha-1) were recorded from the control treatment T1 (0 kg N ha-1). Meanwhile, the impact of treatment T6 (100 kg N ha-1) was found to be effective compared to other treatments under study. Based on these findings, the experiment suggests okra farmers to use 100 kg N ha-1 to maximize okra performance and yield considering the soil health.

Analysis of tomatoes showing iron deficiency symptoms in winter under heavy fruit load

Declines in crop productivity that are thought to be due to iron deficiency have been reported even on non-calcareous-alkaline soils. For example, tomatoes exhibit iron deficiency-like symptoms (yellowing of new leaves) if the fruit load is heavy during winter. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between fruit load, low temperatures, low sunlight, and iron deficiency, and to explore the possibility of increasing productivity with iron-containing fertilizers. Results of an investigation of the farms experiencing iron deficiency-like symptoms in winter showed low iron concentrations and elevated expression of iron deficiency-inducible genes in yellowing leaves. To investigate the effects of heavy fruit load on iron nutrition, plants were grown in three groups: those with a medium number of fruits per truss (MED), a high number of fruits (heavy fruit load; HEAVY), and a high number of fruits with additional iron fertilization (++Fe). The SPAD leaf-color value of the new leaves and weight of the lower leaves in winter were in the order of HEAVY < ++Fe < MED. In all groups, the iron concentrations in the upper leaves in January were lower than those in October and March. RNA-seq analysis showed that the expression of genes involved in iron absorption was suppressed in the roots in January, which may have contributed to iron deficiency in winter. These results suggest that one of the factors limiting the productivity of tomatoes in winter with heavy fruit load is iron, and that productivity can be restored by iron materials.

Rice husk ash : A prospective tool for soil acidity management in homestead vegetable cultivation

Due to the high cost of traditional liming materials, it is necessary to use organic sources that are readily available, inexpensive, environmentally acceptable, and adaptable as liming agents and fertilizer for vegetable production. Therefore, focus is placed on using rice husk ash, which is significantly more readily available and less expensive in Kerala, as a soil ameliorant. Furthermore, it contains a lot of potassium and silica.Si has reportedly been shown to have various benefits in addition to increasing yield, such as improving nutrient availability, lowering nutrient toxicity, and reducing biotic and abiotic stress in plants. The lime application will be simplified due to the utilization of rice husk ash in place of lime. In order to determine the impact of rice husk ash (RHA) on soil acidity management in homestead vegetable cultivation, the tomato variety VellayaniVijai was used as the test crop in the current study. There were six treatments, each of which was replicated three times. The highest number of fruits (29.3) and yield per plant (0.855 kg plant-1) were recorded in T6 (Soil test based recommended dose of fertilizers + Rice husk ash @ 125 % lime as per soil test). According to the findings, rice husk ash can be used as a substitute source of lime for vegetables. RHA acted as an excellent source of Si and K and decreased the uptake of iron in all of the treatments where it was applied as a soil ameliorant, resulting in an increase in the available Si and K content in the soil.