Hill Conditions Research Articles

Optimizing lawn grass species for turf establishment as mono-stand and mixtures under mid hill conditions

Lawn performs best with minimum inputs when grown in mixtures using more than a single grass specie. A study was conducted under open field conditions to evaluate the performance of four lawn grass species as mono-stand and in mixtures under mid-hill conditions at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) during March, 2020 to March, 2021. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with twelve treatments and three replications. Data was recorded at fortnight intervals for total weed count, chlorophyll content, number of mowing, and overall presentability just after turf establishment. It was observed that all turf grass mixtures, performed better than the monostands, during the entire course of the study. Turf grass mixture (50% ‘Agrostis stolonifera’ + 20% ‘Festuca rubra’ + 20% ‘Lolium perenne’ + 10% ‘Cynodon dactylon)’ required least number of mowing and was presentable throughout the year attaining highest presentability score of 22.98.

Pollination efficiency of important insect visitors on pomegranate (Punica granatum) under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Insect pollinators are found to be highly significant in enhancing the quality fruit production and productivity. The experiment was conducted during April–May 2020 and 2021 at Dr Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh to determine the pollination indices of significant insect pollinators visiting pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). The data on pooled basis from two years revealed that Bombus haemorrhoidalis visited most number of flowers during the day (4.96 flowers/min) followed by Apis mellifera (4.24), Apis cerana (3.95), Apis dorsata (3.76) and Episyrphus balteatus (3.09). The time spent on each flower was maximum by A. cerana (17.10 sec/flower) followed by E. balteatus (17.04 sec), A. dorsata (14.20 sec), A. mellifera (13.07 sec) and haemorrhoidalis (5.36 sec) irrespective of different day hours. A. mellifera (5.43 bees/m2/2 min) activity was maximum followed by A. cerana (5.06), E. balteatus (2.91 visitors/m2/2 min), B. haemorrhoidalis (1.72) and A. dorsata (1.37). Data on loose pollen grains for the two years revealed that A. dorsata adhered maximum number of loose pollen grains (357.00 thousand) followed by B. haemorrhoidalis (283.00 thousand), A. mellifera (98.00 thousand), cerana (41.00 thousand) and solitary bees (28.00 thousand). A. mellifera scored highest pollination index and A. dorsata scored least pollination index. A. mellifera, A. cerana and B. haemorrhoidalis are the primary pollinators that increase pomegranate pollination efficiency whereas A. dorsata, E. baltaeatus and solitary bees are supplementary insects improving pollination in various crops including pomegranate. A. mellifera, A. cerana, B. haemorrhoidalis and A. dorsata were main foragers of pomegranate flowers ensuring effective and efficient pollination.

Response of soil moisture to rainfall following deep soil drying in China's hilly loess lands

Deep soil drying is a physical soil phenomenon that has become increasingly characteristic to artificial afforestation on China's Loess Plateau. Current research is largely short of conclusive reports on soil moisture recovery following deep soil drying in afforested lands. In this study, a 10-m deep underground column was constructed at Pengyang Experimental Station in Ningxia. The CS650-CR1000 automatic soil moisture monitoring system and BLJW-4 small meteorological observation stations were used to respectively monitor soil moisture and meteorological conditions in the study area for the period 2014–2019. The local rainfall was classified and the characteristics of soil infiltration analyzed at both monthly and annual scales. The results showed that: i) Deep soil moisture recovery in the semi-arid Loess Plateau region depended mainly on 25–49.9 mm and >50 mm types of rainfall; together accounting for 35.44 % of the precipitation. ii) Deep soil moisture replenishment occurred mainly for the period from April to October. While this accounted for 30.13 % of the precipitation, evaporation loss accounted for 69.87 % of it. With increasing monthly rainfall (Pm), the variation in monthly infiltration depth (Zm) was quadratic in shape — where Zm = −0.0094 Pm2 + 3.7702 Pm (R2 = 0.9577). iii) At the annual scale, deep soil moisture replenishment was mainly driven by year-on-year infiltration water accumulation. This is because a single year precipitation infiltration was not enough to replenish deep soil moisture. The cumulative infiltration depth for 2014–2019 was 180, 260, 400, 700, 1000 > 1000 cm. It suggested that soil water infiltration and deep dry soil recovery occurred at different times under rainfed conditions in the semi-arid loess hills in China. This is key for in-depth studies of the hydrological process in dry soil regions.

Genetic variability and association analysis in induced mutants of hard and soft hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under northern hill conditions

Genetic variability and association analysis in induced mutants of hard and soft hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under northern hill conditions

Effect of Moisture Conservation Practices on Productivity, Profitability and Water Use Efficiency in Rainfed Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) under Mid Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Effect of Moisture Conservation Practices on Productivity, Profitability and Water Use Efficiency in Rainfed Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) under Mid Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Nutrient Content and their Uptake by Mung Bean Crop (Vigna radiata L.) under Mid Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Aim: To study the effect of integrated nutrient management on nutrient content and uptake by mungbean crop under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Study Design: Randomized block design. Abhilashi University, Chail Chowk, Mandi, (H.P.), during kharif of 2023. Methodology: The experiment was conducted with three replications and eight treatments viz. T1= Absolute control, T2= 100% RDF + biofertilizers, T3= 75% RDF + biofertilizers, T4= 75% RDF + 25% N by poultry manure + biofertilizers, T5= 75% RDF + 25% N by vermicompost + biofertilizers, T6= 50% RDF + 50% N by poultry manure + biofertilizers, T7= 50% RDF + 50% N by vermicompost + biofertilizers, T8= 50% RDF + 50% N by poultry manure + vermicompost + biofertilizers. Results: The study of the data revealed that the non-significant effect of integrated nutrient management practices was found on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in grain and straw of mungbean, whereas, the maximum content of these nutrients was found in treatment T2. However, treatment T2 recorded significantly the highest uptake of N, P and K by grain, straw and total uptake by mungbean crop, which was statistically at par with treatment T5 and T4. The minimum content of N, P and K in grain and straw along with their uptake by grain, straw and total uptake by mungbean crop were found under the treatment T1 during the field experiment. Conclusion: This study showed that the different integrated nutrient management practices had non-significant effect on the nutrient content but it has significantly affected the uptake of nutrients by mungbean crop.

Effect of Different Planting Dates on Tuber Production in Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) in Low Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India

The research, entitled " Effect of different planting dates on tuber production in dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) in low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh" was carried out at RHRTS Dhaulakuan, Ponta Sahib (HP). The study aimed to investigate the impact of different planting dates on tuber production in five dahlia cultivars (Anarkali, Gargi, Giani Zail Singh, Matungini and Suryadev) in low hill. Three planting dates (September 15th, October 15th and November 15th) were chosen for evaluating vegetative parameters. Plant height (109.61 cm) and internodal length (10.34 cm) both were found to be optimal in the cultivar Suryadev. Furthermore, the cultivar Matungini exhibited the highest plant spread (42.72 cm). In terms of tuber production, Anarkali demonstrated superior performance in tuber weight (368.90 g), and tuber yield per plot (2.00 kg). Conversely, Matungini excelled in the number of tubers per plant (4.69), tuber length (13.24 cm) and tuber diameter (30.25 mm), while Giani Zail Singh showcased the best tuber diameter. The planting date of October 15th was identified as highly suitable for optimal tuber production across all parameters under low hill climatic conditions.

Effect of Different INM Packages on Vegetative, Flowering, Yield and Economics of China Aster cv Kamini under High Hill Condition of Uttarakhand

The present investigation was conducted to develop a sustainable INM package for economical production China aster crop under high hill condition of Uttarakhand. The experiment was conducted at Floriculture farm, COH, VCSG, UUHF, Bhrasar from March to September 2022. The treatments were 12, replicate thrice in Randomized Complete Block Design. The results showed that maximum plant spread (22.86 cm), number of leaves plant–1 (219.33), leaf area (38.56 cm2), earliness in days taken to 1st bud appearance and flower opening (68.630 and 82.707days, respectively) and maximum flowering duration (23.430 days) were recorded in T7 (50% RDF + 25% FYM + 25% Vermicompost + Azotobacter (5 mL L–1)). However, maximum number of flowers plant-1 and plot–1 (36.80 and 441.53, respectively), stalk length (38.40 cm), flower diameter (7.26 cm), individual flower weight (3.86 g), flower yield plant–1 and bed–1 (142.89 g and 1.71 kg), seed yield plant–1 (3.330 g) and test weight (2.477 g), shelf and vase life (4.50 and 12.300 days, respectively) and C:B from flowers (1: 2.19) were recorded from the plants grown in plots applied with T8 (50% RDF + 25% FYM + 25% Neem cake + Azotobacter (5 mL L–1)). So, from the present investigation it can be concluded that treatment T8 was found effective in economical production of China aster cv Kamini under high hill condition of Uttarakhand.

Enhancing Productivity of Rajma (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by Managing Soil Acidity and Organic Nutrient Management under Arunachal Hill Conditions

A study was conducted at farmers’ field of Tirap District of Arunachal Pradesh to test the effect of organic sources of soil nutrient management with Lime for soil acidity management and for yield improvement of Rajma (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) variety Chitra. The experiment was conducted by following 3 treatments: T1: (Lime @ 350 kg/ ha+ FYM @ 4 t/ha + Neem cake @300 kg/ha+ vermicompost @ 4 t/ha + Azospirillum 10kg/ha, T2: FYM @ 4 t/ha + Neem cake @ 300 kg/ha + vermicompost @ 4 t/ha + Azospirillum 10 kg/ha. T3: (Farmers’ Practice) -FYM + N: P2O5: K2O: 40:20:15 kg/ha (imbalance doses of fertilizers) with 5 replications following randomized block design during 2021-22. From the results it is revealed that T1: (Lime @ 350 kg/ ha+ FYM @ 4 t/ha + Neem cake @300 kg/ha+ vermicompost @ 4 t/ha + Azospirillum 10kg/ha, had showed significantly higher seed yield (10.2 q/ha), gross return (Rs 1,53,000/), net return (Rs 106,824) and B:C ratio (2.31), followed by T2 (FYM @ 4 t/ha + Neem cake @ 300 kg/ha + vermicompost @ 4 t/ha + Azospirillum 10 kg/ha), seed yield 9.3 q yield, Rs. 1,39,500/ gross return, Rs 95,620 net return and 2.17 B:C ratio. While, lowest yield and B:C ratio was recorded (7.1 q/ha, B: C ratio 1.84) with T3 (Farmer’s practice). Moreover, improved soil nutrient status was achieved in T1 followed by T2 and T3.

Mean performance of soybean genotypes for yield and yield attributing traits under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Mean performance of soybean genotypes for yield and yield attributing traits under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Evaluation of Sweet Pepper Genotypes for Yield and Quality in Open Field Using Plastic Mulch in Mid Hill Condition of Nepal

Sweet pepper is an emerging high value vegetable crop. There are few numbers of varieties recommended in Nepal despite of having immense commercial farming potentiality. An experiment was conducted during 2020 and 2021 at National Horticulture Research Centre, Khumaltar, in open field condition to identify high yielding capsicum genotype with longer postharvest shelf life. The field experiment was done by using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications for each treatment and the lab experiment for postharvest shelf life was studied in first year using Completely Randomized Block Design (CRD) with three replications for each treatment. The six elite capsicum genotypes under study were HRDCAP-001, HRDCAP-003, HRDCAP-004, HRDCAP-005, HRDCAP-006, and California Wonder (standard check variety). The research plot was mulched with 25-micron plastic and 4-6 leaf stage seedlings transplanted making holes in mulch at the spacing of 60 cm x 45 cm. Among the tested genotypes, HRDCAP001 and HRDCAP005 were found to be promising in terms of fruit length, fruit weight, yield per plant and yield per hectare followed by HRDCAP006 during a two-year experiment. The genotype HRDCAP001 was rich in vitamin C content with less spoilage loss while HRDCAP006 was observed most fresh followed by California Wonder and HRDCAP001 respectively. Overall, the genotype HRDCAP001 was found to be the superior among all the genotypes in terms of yield and quality parameters. However, a multi-location farmer’s field trial should be conducted for further verification and varietal development purpose.

Soil Quality Index for Different Cropping Systems in Northwestern Himalaya Region of India

Background: A study was conducted to examine the impact of soil quality under different cropping systems in Mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh”. The study was carried out to ascertain the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils under prevalent cropping systems maize- wheat, rice- wheat and vegetable based in different in mid hill conditions of northwestern Himachal Pradesh.
 Methods: On the basis of representative 90 soil samples from two depths i.e. 0-0.15 m and 0.15-0.30 m were collected. Soil samples were analyzed for their physical, chemical and biological properties and key indicators were identified using multivariate statistical analysis for computing the soil quality index.
 Results: Soil reaction across various sites under present study was 5.30-6.70. Higher salt accumulation (EC) was observed under vegetable based cropping systems as compared to those of cereal based. Organic carbon was medium to high and available N, P and K contents were in low to medium range. DTPA Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were observed sufficient, whereas total Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were recorded higher in cereal and vegetable based cropping system. Microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen, potentially mineralizable nitrogen and soil respiration were low to medium in all cropping systems.
 Conclusion: Soil quality index was 1.00 under vegetable based cropping system as compared to the cereal based cropping systems.

Studies on Variable Level of N Fertigation on Growth, Yield and Quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Kandhari Kabuli

A field trial was conducted to study the effect of variable level of N along with recommended dose of P and K through fertigation on growth, yield and quality parameters of pomegranate on eleven year old pomegranate trees cv. Kandhari Kabuli under mid hill conditions of HP. Treatment consisted of five levels of Nitrogen fertilizer 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% along with 100% recommended dose of P and K through fertigation and conventional method of fertilizer application (with recommended dose of NPK) kept as control. Fertigation treatments had a promising effect over conventional method and treatment of 75% RD of N and RD of P and K through fertigation proved significant over other fertigation treatments and conventional method. Highest tree growth parameters, fruit set, fruit retention, average fruit weight and yield was recorded highest for 75% RD of N and RD of P and K through fertigation. Physico-chemical fruit characteristics viz. highest TSS, lower acidity, highest TSS acid ratio, highest sugars and ascorbic acid content (Vit. C) was also recorded for 75% RD of N and RD of P and K.

Evaluation of Herbicides for the Management of Complex Weed Flora in French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under Mid Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India

A field experiment was conducted at Experimental Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, CSK HPKV, Palampur during Kharif, 2022 to study the effect of herbicide combinations for the management weeds in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and comprised of eleven weed control treatments viz., oxyfluorfen 150 g ha-1 (pre-emergence), pretilachlor 1000 g ha-1 (pre-emergence), imazethapyr 100 g ha-1 (pre-emergence), quizalofop- ethyl 100 g ha-1 ( pre-emergence), oxyfluorfen 100 g ha-1 (pre-emergence) fb quizalofop-ethyl 70 g ha-1 (post-emergence), pretilachlor 700 g ha-1 (pre-emergence) fb quizalofop-ethyl 70 g ha-1 (post-emergence), imazethapyr 70 g ha-1 (pre-emergence) fb quizalofop-ethyl 70 g ha-1 (post-emergence), pretilachlor 500 g ha-1 + imazethapyr 50 g ha-1 (pre-emergence) fb quizalofop-ethyl 50 g ha-1+ chlorimuron 3 g ha-1 (post-emergence), pretilachlor 500 g ha-1+ imazethapyr 50 g ha-1 (pre-emergence) fb HW, 2 HWs (30 and 45 DAS) and weedy check. Results of the study revealed that hand weeding (twice) and pretilachlor 500 g ha-1 + imazethapyr 50 g ha-1 (pre-emergence) fb HW effectively reduced weed count and dry matter of the weed species. Highest weed control efficiency of 75.6 per cent was obtained from hand weeding (twice) treatment followed by 63.7 per cent with pretilachlor 500 g ha-1 + imazethapyr 50 g ha-1 (pre-emergence) fb HW. The treatment, hand weeding (twice) also produced significantly higher pod yield (16.14 t/ha), gross (₹ 2, 83,795) and net (₹2, 66,732) returns due to weed control. Amongst herbicidal treatments, pretilachlor 500 g ha-1 + imazethapyr 50 g ha-1 (pre-emergence) fb HW proved best as it resulted in significantly higher pod yield (14.24 t/ha), gross (₹ 2, 38,006) and net (₹ 2, 31,129) returns due to weed control. The treatment, Imazethapyr 100 g ha-1 gave the highest marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) of 178.9.

Assessment of genetic variability, correlation and path analysis studies incabbage (<i>Brassica oleracea</i>) under low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Cabbage is economically important crop among many sectors. Twelve genotypes were evaluated during September to February (2021–22) at the College of Horticulture and Forestry (Dr Yaswant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry), Neri, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh to study variability in yield and its contributing characters. In variability parameters, high GCV and PCV value indicating the considerable amount of variation was present in germplasm. High heritability with high genetic advance observed for traits, viz. days to head formation, plant height, ascorbic acid and dry matter content showed the influence of additive gene action and are highly able to transfer from one generation to other generation. Thus, selection would be effective for improvement in these genotypes. Correlation coefficient and path coefficient analysis showed that leaf breadth, gross head weight, plant frame, polar diameter, leaf size; these traits can help in evolving genotypes with higher net head weight through selection. Hence, CAB-COHF-NERI-10 and Pusa Mukta were high in yield and can be used for further breeding programme.

The integrated disease management of early blight in organically grown tomato under hill condition of Sikkim, India

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is the most widely cultivated vegetable crop in the world and early blight caused by Alternaria spp. is one of the major production constraints. Survey was conducted during kharif seasons of 2018-19 &2019-20 in four districts of Sikkim. Maximum early blight disease severity was recorded in south district of Sikkim. Pathogenicity test of isolates collected from different location were established. Morphological, cultural, and molecular identification of the pathogen reveal pathogen as Alternaria spp. Five different bio-control agents i.e., Trichoderma harzianum, T. Viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus were evaluated against the test pathogens. Among the bio-control agents tested, Trichoderma harzianum (74.89%) and Trichoderma viride (69.41%) showed maximum percent growth inhibition. Open field experiment was conducted with eleven treatments formulated by integrating the different organic inputs, biocontrol agents and copper-based fungicide as chemical check. Organic treatment T9 {Susceptible Variety + Soil treatment with Trichoderma harzianum @1:25(1kg Trichoderma + 25 Kg of FYM) + cow dung slurry 10% + Nimbicidine 0.3% + Panchagavya 10% + Cow Urine 10%} consistently showed the best result among the bioresources tested. Keywords: Tomato, Organic, Bio agent and Integrated disease management

Enhancing productivity and profitability of linseed (Linum usitassimum L.) through foliar application of growth regulators

Considering the profitability, two foliar applications of auxin @ 2.0 ppm (one each at vegetative & flowering stage) was found to be the best treatment having additional net gain of Rs. 6226/ha over control with acceptable linseed seed yield of 1087 kg/ha under rainfed mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. However, the treatments involving GA, applied either alone or in combination with auxin although have higher seed yield over the other treatments but could not achieve better returns due to higher cost of GA product adding to higher cost of cultivation.

Optimizing Rooting Media for Enhanced Propagation of Guava (Psidium Guajava L.) Through Stem Cuttings


 Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a significant tropical fruit crop that is primarily propagated through stem cuttings. The success of propagation through stem cuttings largely depends on the rooting medium used. Therefore, optimising the rooting medium is crucial for enhancing the success rate of guava propagation. This study was conducted in the Himalayan foot hill condition in the years 2021 and 2022 at Indian Institute of Soil and water conservation, Selaqui Dehradun, aimed to identify the optimal rooting medium for guava propagation through stem cuttings. The experiment tested three rooting media: sand (S), sawdust (SD), and a combination of the two, sand and sawdust (SSD), using semi-hardwood stem cuttings from guava trees. The study found that the SSD medium had the highest rooting success rate (94.5%), followed by Sand (87.5%) and Saw Dust (70%). The experiment suggests that semi-hardwood stem cuttings of guava roots are best in sawdust and sand, and this finding could contribute to enhancing the propagation of guava through stem cuttings.

Influence of Interaction between Fertilizer and Micronutrient Spray on Growth, Yield and Quality of Guava under Ultra High Density Orcharding System

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2012-2013 and 2013-2014) on a 5-year-old guava orchard of cv. Sardar was planted at a spacing of 1.0 m x 2.0 m in Ranchi. The objective of this investiation was to know the influence of interaction between the basal and foliar application of fertilizers of guava cv. Sardar under ultra-high-density planting system in eastern plateau and hill conditions. The experiments were set up in a split-plot design with four fertilizer doses 100%NPK i.e.580 g N, 270 g P, 400g K/plant; 60%NPK i.e. 348gN, 162gP, 240g K/plant; 40%NPK i.e. 232gN,180gP 160g K/plant; 20%NPK i.e.116gN 54gP 80g K/plant as main plots and four different foliar sprays as boric acid (0.4%), zinc sulphate (0.2%), boric acid (0.4%) + zinc sulphate (0.2%) and water spray as subplots with four replications. The NPK fertilizer dose was applied at an interval of every two months from June 12 to April 14 (A total of twelve times/ two year) in a 1m radius around the tree trunk (drip line of trees). The foliar application of micronutrients was sprayed at the rate of 750 ml/ tree at flowering and fruit set stage during June 12 and August 14 (Total of Four times/ two years). In our two-year study, the experimental results indicated that 60% NPK fertilizer dose resulted in maximum trunk girth (55.33 mm) and girth of primary branches (43.77mm), while, a maximum per cent increase in trunk girth (15.81%) and girth of primary branches (18.62%) were recorded in 100% NPK fertilizer dose. However the maximum number of flowers per plant (18.66), number of fruit per plant (17.10) and fruit weight/ plant (3.65kg/plant) were recorded in 100%NPK fertilizer dose, which was at par with 60% NPK Fertilizer dose.

What I see and what I feel: the influence of deceptive visual cues and interoceptive accuracy on affective valence and sense of effort during virtual reality cycling.

How we feel during exercise is influenced by exteroceptive (e.g., vision) and interoceptive (i.e., internal body signals) sensory information, and by our prior experiences and expectations. Deceptive visual cues about one's performance during exercise can increase work rate, without negatively impacting affective valence (good/bad responses) or perceived exertion. However, what is less understood is whether the perception of the exercise experience itself can be shifted, if work rate is held constant. Here we aimed to investigate whether deceptive vision-via illusory hills in a virtual reality (VR) cycling experience-alters affective valence and perceived exertion when physical effort is controlled. We also evaluated whether the accuracy with which one detects interoceptive cues influences the extent to which deceptive visual information can shift exercise experiences. A total of 20 participants (10 female; 30.2 ±11.2yrs) completed three VR cycling conditions each of 10-min duration, in a randomised, counterbalanced order. Pedal resistance/cadence were individualised (to exercise intensity around ventilatory threshold) and held constant across conditions; only visual cues varied. Two conditions provided deceptive visual cues about the terrain (illusory uphill, illusory downhill; resistance did not change); one condition provided accurate visual cues (flat terrain). Ratings of affective valence (Feeling Scale) and of perceived exertion (Borg's RPE) were obtained at standardised timepoints in each VR condition. Interoceptive accuracy was measured via a heartbeat detection test. Linear mixed effects models revealed that deceptive visual cues altered affective valence (f2 = 0.0198). Relative to flat terrain, illusory downhill reduced affective valence (Est = -0.21, p=0.003), but illusory uphill did not significantly improve affective valence (Est = 0.107, p=0.14). Deceptive visual cues altered perceived exertion, and this was moderated by the level of interoceptive accuracy (Condition-Interoception interaction, p=0.00000024, f2 = 0.0307). Higher levels of interoceptive accuracy resulted in higher perceived exertion in the illusory downhill condition (vs flat), while lower interoceptive accuracy resulted in lower perceived exertion in both illusory hill conditions (vs flat) and shifts of greater magnitude. Deceptive visual cues influence perceptual responses during exercise when physical effort does not vary, and for perceived exertion, the weighting given to visual exteroceptive cues is determined by accuracy with which interoceptive cues are detected. Contrary to our hypotheses, deceptive visual cues did not improve affective valence. Our findings suggest that those with lower levels of interoceptive accuracy experience most benefit from deceptive visual cues, providing preliminary insight into individualised exercise prescription to promote positive (and avoid negative) exercise experiences.