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Improving growth, yield and fruit quality of strawberry by foliar and soil drench applications of humic acid

Organic compounds including seaweed extract were applied in organic production system and sustainable agriculture. One of these compounds is humic acid that was used widely in research and commercial programs. Humic acid is an organic acid obtained from humus and other natural resources with hormonal effects and improving nutrient absorption, increasing root and shoot biomass. In order to investigate the effect of foliar and soil drench applications of humic acid on growth responses of strawberry, this research was conducted as a completely randomized design. Well-rooted daughter strawberry cv. Paros plants were potted in 3 liter plastic pots filled with leaf mold, field soil and sand (1:1:1 v:v:v). After the establishment of plants, Greenhum (13.5% humic acid) was sprayed at 300, 600, 900, and 1200 mg L-1 and soil drench was applied at 300, 450, 600, and 750 mg L-1 (250 ml pot-1). Results showed that foliar application at 600 and 900 mg L-1 produced the highest dry mass of shoot and root. Total acid of fruit in 750 mg L-1 soil application and in 300 mg L-1 foliar application were significantly higher than untreated control plants. The greatest vitamin C and TSS were obtained from 900 and 600 mg L-1 foliar application treatments, respectively. The highest flower numbers and yield were produced in 900 mg L-1 foliar application. In general, foliar application of Greenhum, especially at 600 and 900 mg L-1, significantly increased most evaluated parameters.

NOVOS HÍBRIDOS DE MAMOEIRO AVALIADOS NAS CONDIÇÕES DE CULTIVO TRADICIONAL E NO SEMIÁRIDO BRASILEIRO

RESUMOO mamoeiro vem tornando-se uma das principais fruteiras cultivadas no Brasil dado ao grande mercado interno e ao crescente mercado de exportação. A demanda pela fruta fez crescer, nos últimos anos, as áreas de cultivo que lentamente se direcionam ao semiárido, e, com isso, cresce a necessidade de novas variedades melhoradas para o cultivo. Neste sentido, foram gerados híbridos de mamão pertencentes aos dois grupos heteróticos: Solo e Formosa,estes, avaliados consecutivamente ao longo do ciclo da cultura, tanto em um ambiente tradicional de cultivo como em um ambiente recente para a cultura, o semiárido. Foram identificados híbridos que superam as testemunhas em quase o dobro no aspecto de rendimento, tanto no grupo de híbridos pertences à categoria Solo (UC14, UC15 e UC16) quanto à categoria Formosa (UC10 e UC12). Estes, além de elevado rendimento, foram detentores de características favoráveis, como o elevado teor de sólidos solúveis e o baixo número de flores estéreis. Em adição, o coeficiente de repetibilidade das características avaliadas sugere que, dentre as características ligadas ao rendimento, o peso médio de fruto é a mais estável ao longo do ciclo de produção.

Screening of tomato genotypes for vegetative and reproductive characters under low temperature regime

Twenty five tomato genotypes were screened for low temperature tolerance under open field conditions during 2012–13 and further selected tolerant and susceptible genotypes were screened under control conditions (phytotron) for confirmation. When grown under field conditions during winter, the membrane stability index was highest (83.27%) in Pusa Sadabahar followed by Pusa Sheetal (81.17%), whereas, it was least in line H-88 (29.67%). The highest number of flowers per truss was observed in the wild species Solanum pimpinellifolium and S. peruvianum and these lines also had viable pollens, but the number of fruits per truss was negligible in the S. peruvianum lines. The cultivar Pusa Sadabahar recorded the highest number of fruits per truss followed by 120-1. Solanum pimpinellifolium and S. peruvianum lines, S-699 and DTR-2 showed considerably high shoot dry weight. The physiological parameters like membrane stability index, relative water content, tolerance index and shoot dry weight were reduced in all the genotypes under phytotron in response to low temperature (15/8 and 16/10°C) as compared to plants grown under optimum conditions (26/22°C). Pusa Sadabahar, Pusa Sheetal and DTR-2 showed tolerance to low temperature (15/8 and 16/10°C) with respect to the vegetative characters studied.

Integrated nutrient management in rejuvenated guava (Psidium guajava) orchard under semiarid conditions of Eastern Rajasthan

An investigation was carried out during 2010-11 to study the effect of integrated nutrients management after rejuvenating more than 25 years old guava orchard planted at 6×6 m apart under semiarid conditions of eastern Rajasthan. The results revealed that almost all treatments with combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients had significantly influenced the plant growth and yield of guava fruits over control (only recommended dose of NPK, i.e. 500: 200: 500 g/plant-T1). Among different treatments, application of 2/3 of T1+5 kg Vermicompost+250g Azospirillum+250g Azotobacter/plant (T15) significantly increased the vegetative growth of rejuvenated plants in terms of shoot length (148.99 cm), shoot diameter (11.15 mm), number of leaves per shoot (63.25), mean girth of primary branches (15.8 cm), plant spread E-W (3.96 m), N-S (3.55m), canopy volume (7.109 m3) and also fruit diameter polar and equatorial (6.74 and 6.72 cm) and fruit weight (109.71g fruit) but the flowering behavior, fruit yield and quality parameters of guava fruit were significantly superior with the application of 2/3 of T1+25 kg FYM+250g Azospirillum+250g Azotobacter/Plant (T11). Further, this treatment (T11) also influenced early flowering as less number of days required for flowering (29.31days), highest number of flowers per shoot (8.13), better fruit set (39.95%), fruit retention (58.50%) and fruit yield (15.03 kg/plant and 4.18 t/ha) in third year of rejuvenation. The fruits harvested under this treatment exhibited best quality traits, which were judged by analyzing TSS (13.93 0B), acidity (0.454%), ascorbic acid (231.21 mg/100 g), TSS:acid ratio (30.77), reducing sugar (4.61%), non-reducing sugar (3.07%) and total sugar (7.29%). Therefore, application of 2/3 quantity of recommended dose of NPK, i.e. 500:200:500 g+25 kg FYM+250g Azospirillum+250g Azotobacter/plant is recommended for harvesting more than 20% higher yield and better quality fruits from rejuvenated guava orchards.

Snow cover consistently affects growth and reproduction of Empetrum hermaphroditum across latitudinal and local climatic gradients

Arctic ecosystems face strong changes in snow conditions due to global warming. In contrast to habitat specialists, species occupying a wide range of microhabitats under different snow conditions may better cope with such changes. We studied how growth and reproduction of the dominant dwarf shrub Empetrum hermaphroditum varied among three habitat types differing in winter snow depth and summer irradiation, and whether the observed patterns were consistent along a local climatic gradient (sub-continental vs. sub-oceanic climates) and along a latitudinal gradient (northern Sweden vs. central Norway). Habitat type explained most of the variation in growth and reproduction. Shoots from shallow snow cover and high summer irradiation habitats had higher numbers of flowers and fruits, lower ramet heights, shorter shoot segments, lower numbers of lateral shoots and total biomass but higher leaf density and higher relative leaf allocation than shoots from habitats with higher snow depth and lower summer irradiation. In addition, biomass, leaf allocation and leaf life expectancy were strongly affected by latitude, whereas local climate had strong effects on seed number and seed mass. Empetrum showed high phenotypic trait variation, with a consistent match between local habitat conditions and its growth and reproduction. Although study areas varied strongly with respect to latitude and local climatic conditions, response patterns of growth and reproduction to habitats with different environmental conditions were consistent. Large elasticity of traits suggests that Empetrum may have the potential to cope with changing snow conditions expected in the course of climate change.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES ON ROOTING AND FLOWER DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY AND TERTIARY RUNNERS OF STRAWBERRY TRAY PLANTS CULTOVAR 'ELSANTA'

An experiment was set up to investigate the effects of different substrates on the growth and yield of plants derived from primary and tertiary runners. ‘Super elite’ strawberry mother plants cultivar ‘Elsanta’ were planted in February 2010 into peat modules. Primary and tertiary runners from the mother plants were harvested after five months. They were subsequently planted into strawberry propagation trays with five different substrates blends. These consisted of two peat types (clonbrin & Bord na MA³na), coir, composted green waste (CGW) and a peat and CGW mix. There was a highly significant difference in dry root biomass and number of flowers per plant between treatments. The highest dry root biomass was obtained from primary runners rooted in clonbrin peat (3.41 g) and the coir-clonbrin peat mix (3.31 g). The lowest were obtained from tertiary runners rooted in CGW-clonbrin peat mix (1.83 g) and the CGW (1.91 g). The highest numbers of flowers per plant were from primary runners grown in the Bord na MA³na peat (54.1), CGW-clonbrin peat mix (50.2) and the coir-clonbrin peat mix (50). The lowest flower counts were obtained from tertiary runners grown in the coir-clonbrin peat mix (34.6) and primary runners grown in the CGW (34.7).

Self-incompatibility and pollination relationships for four Greek olive cultivars

The present three-year study aimed to (1) determine the number of flowers per inflorescence, (2) determine the proportion of hermaphrodite flowers and (3) investigate the genetic and environmental components of self-incompatibility through controlled pollination trials, followed by microscopic observation of in vivo pollen tube growth for olive cultivars ‘Koroneiki’, ‘Kalamata’, ‘Mastoidis’ and ‘Amygdalolia’. Significant differences between cultivars and years were observed for number of flowers/inflorescence and hermaphrodite flowers percentage. The highest number of flowers was observed for ‘Kalamata’ panicles followed by ‘Koroneiki’, whereas the lower numbers were for ‘Mastoidis’ and ‘Amygdalolia’. The highest percentage of hermaphrodite flowers was observed for ‘Koroneiki’, followed by ‘Kalamata’ while lower levels were counted for ‘Mastoidis’ and ‘Amygdalolia’. ‘Koroneiki’ showed a noteworthy capability (3.6–8.7% of hermaphrodite flowers) to set fruit through self pollination. Lower fruit set rates were counted for ‘Mastoidis’ (1.7–2.6%) and ‘Amygdalolia’ (0.5–2.4%). The lowest level of fruit set was observed for ‘Kalamata’ (0.4–2%). In the case of cross pollination, the highest fruit set rates were observed for ‘Koroneiki’, intermediate rates were counted for ‘Mastoidis’, followed by ‘Amygdalolia’, and the lowest levels of fruit set were counted for ‘Kalamata’. In the framework of the sporophytic SI system, we attributed R2R4 to ‘Mastoidis’ and ‘Kalamata’, R1R2 to ‘Amygdalolia’ and R4R6 to ‘Koroneiki’. Based on the results of these experiments, recommendations were released on cross pollination requirements and combinations with compatible cultivars for setting up new olive orchards to ensure high fruit sets and adequate yields.

Morphological, Agronomical and Genetic Characterization of Egyptian Olive Clones Compared with the International Cultivars

EGYPTIAN olive clones 'Sewia', 'Maraki' and 'E52' were ……compared with two international cultivars 'Coratina' and 'Koroneiki' during two seasons (2011 and 2012) at olive collection farm located at Cairo- Alexandria desert Road . Results showed that, time of flowering varied according to cultivars and season. 'Coratina', 'Maraki' and 'Sewia' were earlier than 'Koroneiki', but it was late for E52. 'Coratina' had longer inflorescence (>3.5 cm) than the other cultivars which were medium (2.5-3.5 cm). The highest number of flowers per inflorescence (> 25) was recorded for 'Maraki' and the lowest number (<18) was recorded for 'Koroneiki'. Perfect flower percentage varied according to cultivars and to climate. It was the highest in 'Coratina' (>90%) and the lowest in 'Sewia' (75%). Fertility of pollen was highest in 'Sewia' and the lowest in 'E52'. All of the studied cultivars were self-incompatible. Under open pollination 'Coratina' produced the highest yield in the two seasons; 'E52' was alternate bearing cultivar. Fruit and stone weight were the lowest in 'Koroneiki', medium in 'E52', high in 'Coratina' and 'Maraki', and very high in 'Sewia'. Fruit shape was elongated in 'Koroneiki', 'ovoid-elongated' in 'E52' and 'Coratina', and ovoid in 'Sewia'. Stone shape was elongated in 'Koroneiki', 'E52' and 'Coratina'; oviod in 'Maraki' and 'elliptic' in 'Sewia'. Oil content (%) was the highest in 'Maraki' and 'E52', followed by 'Coratina', 'Sewia' then 'Koroneiki' in decreasing order. Based on the quality parameters of the oil (acid value, peroxide value, UV absorption at 232 and 270 nm, polyphenols and tocopherol) provided that it ranked extra virgin. The ratio of total unsaturated to saturated fatty acids was the highest in 'Maraki', followed by 'Sewia' then 'Coratina', but the lowest ratio was found in 'E52' and 'Koroneiki'. Based on RAPD and ISSR-PCR genetic markers, the genetic similarity was between 'Sweia' and 'Maraki' and the least between 'Coratina' and 'Koroneiki'.

Vanilla rivasii (orchidaceae), a new species from the colombian pacific region

We describe a new species of fragrant Vanilla from the Chocó biogeographic region of Western Colombia, named Vanilla rivasii sp. nov. in honor of the local farmer who drew it to our attention. This species is related to the Vanilla hostmannii group, also containing V. dressleri, V. ruiziana and V. cribbiana, with which it shares flower traits such as the showy, yellowish flower with thickened longitudinal venation in the lip apex. Vanilla rivasii is characterised by possessing: a long racemose inflorescence up to 60 cm in length, carrying up to 150 yellow flowers, with two to four open simultaneously; a trilobed labellum with a conspicuously bi-lobulated central lobe; and basally fused lateral sepals. Vanilla rivasii can be distinguished from the most morphologically-similar species, V. cribbiana and V. hostmannii, by the number of veins in the cushion-like structure of the lip and the larger size and higher number of flowers per inflorescence. This discovery highlights northern South America as a centre of diversity for this economically-important genus, and underlines the need for further botanical exploration in the highly biodiverse region of the Chocó.

Effect of Light Intensity and Nutrition Level on Growth and Flowering of Adenium obesum ‘Red’ and ‘Ice Pink’

Adenium obesum (Forssk.), Roem. &amp; Schult., commonly known as desert rose, is a high-value, container-grown ornamental plant produced worldwide for its bright floral display and striking sculptural caudex. Little scientific-based information exists regarding the effect of light intensity and nutritional levels on Adenium growth and flowering. In this study, A. obesum ‘Red’ and ‘Ice Pink’ were grown under full sun [with a measured maximum photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) of 1850 μmol·m−2·s−1], 30% shade (1255 μmol·m−2·s−1), or 50% shade (943 μmol·m−2·s−1) in 1.25-L pots top-dressed with controlled-release fertilizer Nutricote® Plus (18N–2.6P–6.6K) at rates to provide 0.4, 0.9, or 1.4 g of nitrogen (N) per pot. Canopy height and width, flower number, and visual quality ratings (based on plant size and form, foliage color, and flowering) were highest after 16 weeks of growth for both cultivars when fertilized with 1.4 g of N per pot. A 30% shade level resulted in plants with the highest flower numbers and quality ratings. Plants grown at 50% shade had the greatest canopy heights and widths, but flower numbers and quality ratings were low. In full sun, plants were smaller overall. In a second experiment, A. obesum ‘Red’ produced the highest shoot dry weight when grown 20 weeks at 30% or 50% shade with 1.4 g of N per pot. Root formation is an important measure of aesthetic value for this crop. As plants mature, roots enlarge dramatically and are often washed to expose sculptural forms. The highest root dry weights were measured at 1.4 g of N under both full sun and 30% shade.

Plant quality and the presence of beneficiaries govern the larval distribution of the critically endangered Sinai Baton Blue butterfly (Pseudophilotes sinaicus)

The larval distribution of herbivorous insects play an important role in their development and hence future fitness. Here we study larval distribution of the critically endangered Sinai Baton Blue butterfly, Pseudo- philotes sinaicus, which feeds exclusively on the buds and flowers of a single host plant, also endangered, the near- endemic Sinai thyme, Thymus decussatus. We studied the larval distribution over 131 plants, recording the size, quality and phenological stage of the plants along with the presence of beneficiaries. Larvae were found on plants with a high number of flowers, a relatively advanced flowering phenology and tending ants. This highlights the importance of the vitality and quality of the host plant to the spatial distribution of the Sinai Baton Blue. Future conservation plans might concentrate on improving the quality and quantity of the host plant in order to increase resources for this narrowly endemic species.

조방형 옥상녹화에서 노랑조팝나무의 활착에 미치는 토심별 유기질 토양개량제의 시용 효과

This study investigated the effects of soil depths and soil organic fertilizer application on the growth characteristics of Spiraea bumalda ‘Gold Mound’ in a extensive green roof system. The treatments were 3 soil depths (10, 15 and 25 cm) and 5 soil types in mixture of artificial soil and organic fertilizer. We measured plant height, leaf width, leaf length, number of flowers, visual quality and survival rate from March to October in 2011. The growing medium of 10 cm soil depth showed the highest plant growth in A1 (amended soil 100%), and the lowest plant growth in O1A4 (organic fertilizer 20% + amended soil 80%) treatment. In case of 15 cm soil depth, Spiraea bumalda ‘Gold Mound’ showed a high leaf length and visual quality in O1A2(organic fertilizer 33% + amended soil 67%) treatment and high leaf width and number of flowers in O1 (organic fertilizer 100%) treatment. A1 treatment without organic fertilizer showed the lowest leaf length and poorest visual quality, and O1A4 treatment showed the lowest plant height and lowest number of flowers. At soil depth 25 cm, O1A1 (organic fertilizer 50% + amended soil 50%) treatment showed greater plant height, visual quality and number of flowers than other treatments. The leaf length and leaf width were more effective in O1 treatment. A1 treatment showed a relatively low leaf length, leaf width and visual quality. The higher the organic conditioner, the better the plant growth. And, survival rates of Spiraea bumalda ‘Gold Mound’ showed 92%, 88% and 76% at soil depths of 25 cm, 15 cm and 10 cm, respectively, in this a extensive green roof system. Therefore, the results showed that the growth of Spiraea bumalda ‘Gold Mound’ was affected by both soil quality and soil depth. Different optimal mixtures of organic fertilizer and amended soil were determined, depending upon soil depth.

Effects of Field Plot Size on Variation in White Flower Anther Injury by Tarnished Plant Bug for Host Plant Resistance Evaluations in Arkansas Cotton

Field trials conducted in 2008 and 2009 investigated whether plot size affects incidence of white flower anther injury by tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois)) in host plant resistance (HPR) evaluations. The three cotton lines evaluated in the trial included a susceptible frego bract line (RBCDHGPIQH-197) and 2 standards, SureGrow (SG) 105 and Deltapine (DP) 393. Samplers monitored white flower anther injury between single row mini-plots embedded within multiple row max-plots. A sub-section of the max-plots was sprayed with insecticides to evaluate these tactics on altering the incidence of white flower anther injury. Plant bug numbers were very low in 2008, while infestation levels were higher in 2009. Significantly higher numbers of flowers with anther injury were observed in both years in the susceptible frego bract line compared to SG 105 and DP 393 lines. In both years, anther injury levels were similar in the max- and mini-plots, with lower levels observed in max-sprayed plots. The white flower monitoring procedure is a consistent indicator of adult plant bug preferences and is not influenced by plot size or interspersions of cultivar lines among plots.

Compatibility of Rhizobium inoculant and water hyacinth compost formulations in Rosecoco bean and consequences on Aphis fabae and Colletotrichum lindemuthianum infestations

The common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris is an important crop for food security and nitrogen fixation through Rhizobium symbiosis. Commercial Rhizobium inoculants are being promoted to fix nitrogen and enhance bean production in the Lake Victoria basin. Rhizobium symbiosis depends on nutrients, especially phosphorus, which is widely applied as diammonium phosphate (DAP) in the Lake Victoria basin. Water hyacinth, Eichornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laubach (Pontederiaceae) is being developed into compost, with perceived benefits of improving crop production and limiting its disastrous spread in Lake Victoria. High nutrient content in water hyacinth compost can stimulate Rhizobium nodulation and nitrogen fixation, consequently improving plant growth and pest resistance. However, it is not yet established whether Rhizobium inoculants and water hyacinth composts are compatible options for plant growth promotion and pest suppression in beans. A field experiment with two trials was conducted to assess the compatibility of commercial Rhizobium inoculant, DAP, cattle farmyard manure (FYM), and four formulations of water hyacinth compost i.e., water hyacinth only (H), with molasses (H+Mol), cattle manure culture (H+CMC) or effective microbes (H+EM). Rhizobium inoculated plants had high number of root nodules when grown with H+CMC and H+EM. Plants were large in size with short development period when grown with the composts, especially H+CMC and H+EM. Those grown with H+EM produced high number of flowers. Rhizobium inoculated plants had high anthracnose incidence than non-inoculated ones when grown with H+CMC. Those grown with H+EM had low anthracnose incidence, but was high in FYM. During flowering, Rhizobium inoculated plants had higher Aphis fabae population than non-inoculated ones when grown in FYM or without fertilizer. Those grown with H+EM had the lowest A. fabae population. Yields in water hyacinth compost were improved, especially for H+CMC in the second trial. DAP treated plants had more flowers and pods having heavy seeds, with low anthracnose and A. fabae infestations; but had low germination rates that reduced the yields. In conclusion, the commercial Rhizobium inoculant is predominantly compatible with water hyacinth compost formulations containing effective microbes and cattle manure culture, which could enhance tolerance of bean plants to aphids and possibly to anthracnose disease. These two water hyacinth compost formulations need further investigation for their potential in enhancing food production and alleviating the water hyacinth problem in the Lake Victoria basin.

Morpho-anatomical study of 100 tomato lines

A study has been undertaken of 100 genotypes of tomato grown in polyhouse during summer (April-May 2012) for general morphological and anatomical characters of leaves of one hundred tomato genotypes and its possible relation with drought and heat stress tolerance and resistance to insects probably tospo virus resistance. There existed a lot of variability of leaf morphology, and its anatomy. It is concluded that lines having thick leaves & medium to high density of trichomes, minimum wilting, high number of flowers, may be considered for heat stress and drought tolerance. Lines with high density of trichomes are probably tospovirus resistance which could be confirmed in rainy season in the field. Genotypes with open canopy, thick petiole, and thick leaves expected to be drought resistance. Anatomically compact long palisade tissue and more number of collenchyma layers in petioles offer drought resistance. Five genotypes were selected for good pollen viability. More than thirty genotypes possessed high trichome density which may be expected for TLC and Tospo virus resistance. These lines may be evaluated for TLC and Tospo virus resistance at hotspots. These lines are also expected to be tolerant to drought.

Impact of Temperature on the Reproductive Development in Mungbean (Vigna radiata) Varieties under Different Dates of Sowing

A two year (2010 and 2011) experiment was conducted on four mungbean varieties (V1-Pant Mung-5, V2-Bireswar, V3-RMG-62 and V4-Sukumar) sown on three different dates (D1-15th February, D2-1st March, D3-15th March) in a split plot design (Main plotdates of sowing and Sub plot-variety) in the Student's Instructional Farm, BCKV, West Bengal. The reproductive components such as bud, flower and pod numbers plant−1 and pod:flower ratio were recorded from 25 to 46 days after emergence (DAE). The relationship between the mean air temperature and different reproductive components were computed. Bud number per plant was maximum on 34 DAE when sown on D2, while it was maximum on 37 DAE under D1 and D3 sown crops. Highest number of flower per plant was observed on 37 DAE irrespective of dates of sowing, whereas, the maximum number of pods per plant was observed on 46 DAE. Among the dates of sowing, the D2 sown crop recorded significantly higher number of bud, flower and pod. Among the four varieties, Pant Mung-5 recorded the maximum number of bud, flower and pod per plant. Pod: flower ratio under 1st March sowing was highest under 37 to 40 DAE. With the advancement of age, the D3 sown crop recorded highest pod:flower ratio. Number of buds per plant was found to be significantly related to the mean air temperature in 2010 under different varieties, but in 2011, it was insignificant. However, the number of flower and pod per plant were significantly related to the mean air temperature in both the year. Increased temperature increased the number of flower plant−1 but the reverse was true in case of pod. Increased temperature under delayed sowing significantly reduced the pod number plant−1. A temperature range of 27 to 32°C was found to be congenial for the reproductive development in mungbean.

Effect of spacing and training levels on growth and yield of capsicum under polyhouse in North-Bihar conditions

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of spacing and number of shoots on growth and yield of capsicum variety Indira under poly house during 2009–10 and 2010–11 at polyhouse unit, Department of Horticulture, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. There werethree levels of spacing 45 x 30 cm (4.4 plants/m2), 45 x 45 cm (2.94 plants/m2) and 45 x 60 cm (2.22 plants/m2) and thre elevels of numbers of shoots per plant viz. two shoots, three shoots and four shoots. The experiment was laid out infactorial randomized block design with three replications. Among the different spacing, S1 (45 x 30 cm) spacing recorded significantly higher plant height (147.21 cm.) than the other spacing but spacing S3 (45 x 60 cm) recorded significantly higher number of leaves per plant (105.67), number of flowers per plant (13.03), number of fruits per plant (9.65) but the maximum fruit yield (71.39t/ha) was recorded under spacing S1 (45 x 30 cm) with regards to the number of shoots per plant. The treatment two shoot per plant recorded significantly higher plant height (144.36 cm), number of leaves (116.25) whereas retaining four shoots per plant recorded significantly higher number of flowers per plant(13.04), number of fruit per plant (9.30), fruit yield (65.35t/ha). But for the common farmers growing capsicum cv. Indira with closer spacing S1 (45 x 30 cm) and training level (four shoots per plants) will be more profitable under polyhouse.

Effect of electromagnetic and Ultra Violate rays on production of Cucumis sativus L.

Three American cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) hybrids namely Lot Number (EM 285), labeled number 1, Hybrid super Green F1, labeled number 2 and Hybrid Top CAEEN F1, labeled number 3 were studied. Seeds of these hybrids were exposed to four frequencies of electric current (0, 1, 2, 2.5 ) amber(Am.) for 5 minutes and four periods of exposure for ultra-violate rays (UV) at 224 nanometer (nm) for (0,30,60 and 90) second. The treated seeds were sown on 2010 in open field that prepared and fertilized. The effect of electronic current Am and UV on the production of these hybrids was studied. Flowers number/ plant were recorded after 35 days of sowing; length, radius and weight of fruit were recorded after 46 days of sowing. Results showed significant differences between the hybrids in the studied parameters. Hybrid 3 showed a significant increase compared with hybrids 1 and 2 since it gave the highest number of flowers (19.97 flowers. Plant-1), tallest fruit length and radius of fruit (14.09 and 7.93 cm.fruit-1 respectively) and highest fruit weight 46.97 gm.fruit-1. While hybrid 2 gave 16.72 flower.plant-1, 10.35 cm.fruit-1, 5.72.fruit-1 cm (length and radius of fruit respectively ) and 30.2 g.fruit-1.The results also indicated a significant interaction between electric current and UV in all studied parameters. The 2 Am frequency and 60 sec of UV exposure gave highest flowers number (24.09 flower. plant-1) with an increase 85.16% compared with 2.5 Am frequency and 90 sec. of UV exposure. The results also showed a significant interaction between hybrids, electric current and UV. Hybrid 3 treated with 2 Am and 60 sec exposure gave highest fruit weight 86.33gm.fruit-1 with a significant increase for all tri- interactions.

Pollination ecology of the Cerrado species Eschweilera nana (Lecythidaceae subfam. Lecythidoideae)

Eschweilera nana is pollinated by a guild of pollinators consisting of mostly bees. Effective pollinators are large bees able to force their way into the closed androecium to access nectar. The morphology of the flowers diminishes self pollination and promotes cross-pollination. Although many pollinators make diurnal visits to the flowers, fruit set was very low in comparison with the number of flowers produced. Breeding system tests yielded only two fruits, one produced by xenogamy and another one in the control test. The results of this study are consistent with studies of other Cerrado plants pollinated by guilds of insects and support the conclusion of other pollination studies of Lecythidaceae that fruit set is low in comparison with the high numbers of flowers produced.

An Evaluation of Some Japanese Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) Varieties Grown in Bangladesh

A pot experiment was conducted for the first time in Bangladesh, at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e- Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during November, 2010 to July, 2011 to asses the adaptability of seven lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) cultivars namely Micky Rose, Pink Rose, Azuma No Yosooi, Purple Edge Glass, Piccolo Blue, Mellow Purple and Royal Violet for commercial cultivation in Bangladesh. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with nine replications. Significant differences among cultivars were noted for all the attributes evaluated. The highest number of flowers (16.0/plant) was produced by Piccolo Blue and the lowest from Pink Rose (7.0/plant). All the cultivars in this study showed very good shelf life (12.0-25.0days) in normal condition. All the seven lisianthus cultivars performed satisfactorily as ideal cut flowers. Further work may be done to develop these as commercial cultivars in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v11i1.15243 The Agriculturists 2013; 11(1) 56-60