Horticultural Experiment Station Research Articles

Establishment of breeding research of the genus Citrus in the subtropics of the Russian Black Sea coast

The article briefly describes the history behind the creation of the Sochi Agricultural and Horticultural Experimental Station (now known as the Federal Research Center ‘the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences’), as well as the techniques and methods of breeding research to create new varieties of the genus Citrus. A brief biography of the breeder Fyodor Zorin (1904-1967) is presented, as well as the varieties of citrus crops created by him. The article tells the story behind the Friendship Tree, its importance in promoting the ideas of peace and friendship of peoples, and how it became a unique botanical garden.

Nutritional, antioxidants and protein profiling of leaves of Moringa oleifera germplasm

This study aimed to select elite germplasm based on nutritional, antioxidants and protein profiling of leaves of Moringa oleifera germplasm. Principal components analysis (PCA) using the fifteen nutritional traits of thirty-four accessions of M. oleifera indicated that 74.70 % variability was accounted for the first six principal components (PCs) with eigenvalues ≥1. The first principal component (PC1) had an eigenvalue of 3.6 and explained 23.90 % of the total variation. Nitrogen, protein, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium and potassium had high positive eigenvectors in PC1. The second component (PC2) explained 15.27 % of the total variance with an eigen value of 2.29 and positively correlated to copper, calcium, phosphorus and total phenols. Protein content was significantly and highly correlated with nitrogen content in leaves (r = +1.0). High magnitude and significant correlation were found between FRAP and DPPH (r = +0.9). The thirty-four germplasm were investigated in this study on quality parameters at ICAR-Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Godhra, Gujarat, India and grouped in five main clusters. Distance estimates based on the fifteen qualitative traits ranged from 2734.15 to 3868.43. The cluster V had maximum mean values for nutrients (mg/100 g dw) iron (81.76),zinc (7.66), manganese (27.13), calcium (4470.58), magnesium (1068.28), sulfur (3758.68), nitrogen (4615.84), potassium (1558.51), protein (29.40 g/100 g), total phenols (900.21 mg GAE/100 g fw), DPPH (31.17 µmol (TE)/g fw) and FRAP (50.42 µmol (TE)/g fw). The germplasm CHES D_40 and CHES D_45 (cluster V) could be utilized for further exploration based on their nutritional, antioxidants and protein content and for conservation of nutritionally superior germplasm.

Genetic diversity, morphological traits, quality traits and antioxidants potentiality of Coccinia grandis germplasm under rainfed semi-arid region

The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic variability for morphological and qualitative traits of Coccinia for development of trait specific lines at ICAR-Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CIAH-RS), Panchmahals (Godhra), Gujarat during 2020–2022. In this study, we evaluated 26 gynoecious accessions to assess the genetic divergence through principal component and cluster analysis. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications under rainfed semi-arid conditions. High values of PCV and GCV were observed for variables such as NFFP (25.13 and 22.20), PL (23.14 and 20.69), FD (24.01 and 21.46), AFW (22.98 and 20.13), NFPY (26.38 and 24.40), FYP (37.57 and 31.29), FY (35.55 and 33.20), AsC (28.65 and 27.73), Ac (24.32 and 21.06), TSS (37.23 and 35.94), DPPHL (20.71 and 20.38), FRAPL (21.08 and 20.92), TPF(20.81 and 20.45) respectively. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for vine length (VL), internodal length (IL), number of female flowers per plant (NFFP), fruit length (FL), peduncle length (PL), fruit diameter (FD), average fruit weight (AFW), number of fruit per plant per year (NFPY), fruit yield per plant (FYP), fruit yield (FY), ascorbic acid (AsC), acidity (Ac), total soluble solids (TSS), total phenols in leaves TPL), total flavonoids in leaves TFL, CUPRAC in leaves (CUPRACL), DPPH in leaves (DPPHL), FRAP in leaves (FRAPL), Total phenols in fruits (TPF), Total flavonoids in fruits (TFF), CUPRAC in fruits (CUPRACF) and DPPH in fruits (DPPHF). The FYP exhibited a significant positive correlation with variables like VL (0.6833), IL (0.2991), NFFP (0.8107), FD (0.5245), AFW (0.6766), NFPY (0.7659), ASC (0.4611), TSS (0.5004) and TPF (0.4281). The estimates of genetic parameters revealed scope for further improvement of fruit yield by selection. Of the eight principal components, PC-I through PC-VIII had eigen values greater than 1 and it accounts 85.02% of the total variation for 26 gynoecious accessions of Ivy gourd. The eigen values of PC-I comprised 5.775% of total variation followed by PC-II (4.250%), PC-III (3.175%), PC-IV (2.588%), PC-V (1.828%), PC-VI (1.447%), PC-VII (1.179%) and PC-VIII (1.013%).The cluster VI and cluster I having highest mean values for most of traits under study. Thus, genotypes from the distinct cluster like cluster VI and I for should be used for selection of parents and varietal improvement for further breeding programme in ivy gourd.

Antioxidants and nutritional counters of drumstick (Moringa oleifera) germplasm under rainfed semi-arid region

Drumstick (Moringa oleifera L.) is a tropical plant with wider adaptability to drought and different agro-climatic conditions. The different plant parts including leaves, fruits, flowers and immature pods are used throughout the world for various purposes due to their high nutritive value. The 34 genetic resources of drumstick along with Thar Harsha variety were investigated in this study during 2019–2021 on quality parameters at ICAR-Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Panchmahals, Vadodara, Gujarat. Results showed that the percentage of dry matter and moisture content ranged from 10.86 to 17.98 and 83.08 to 89.14 (pod), 8.16 to 14.80 and 83.40 to 93.38 (pulp), 16.00 to 22.80 and 72.20 to 84.00 (skin) and 24.62 to 30.54 and 69.46 to 75.38 (leaves), respectively. The total phenolic (TP) content (mg GAE/100 g) in pod (26.36– 39.90), pulp (151.54–232.70), rind (73.37–169.06) and leaves (448.21–970.16) were recorded. The pod, pulp and leaf of CHES D-40 accession recorded the highest TP content. While, the rind of CHES D-42 accession recorded the maximum TP content. Similarly, leaves and pods of CHES D-40 showed the highest vitamin C. In 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay, the antioxidant activity of M. oleifera accessions leaves varied from 14.83 to 31.29 µmol TE/g. In all nutrient contents of the M. oleifera accession dry leaf powder was quantified with wide variation. The accession CHES D-40 recorded the highest N, K, Ca, S, and Fe in leaves, whereas, P and Cu in CHES D-42, Mg and Zn in CHES D-34 leaves. The protein varied from 21.58 to 29.87 g/100 g in leaves, while in pod, 13.00 to 18.00 g/100 g. These results revealed that the potentiality of M. oleifera leaves in context to antioxidants and nutrients can be included in diets to supplement our daily nutrient needs.

Genetic Variability Analysis for Growth and Yield Parameters in Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) under Rainfed Conditions

The experiment was carried out to study the genetic variability among 56 genotypes of cluster bean at Central Horticultural Experiment Station (ICAR-CIAH), Godhra, Gujarat during the year 2020, 2021 and 2022. Significant inter- genetic differences were recorded for all the plant characters. The highest estimates of genotypic co- efficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic co- efficient of variation (PCV) were observed in case of pod yield per plant (86.50 and 86.30), pods per plant (65.27and 64.98) followed by pod weight (51.34 and 50.90), pods per plant (65.27and 64.98) and pod length (31.14 and 31.00) indicating that a greater amount of genetic variability which allow greater scope for selection in these traits. High heritability was recorded all the character under study viz., for plant height (98.60%), number of pods plant (99.10%), pod length (99.60%), pod girth (95.10%), pod weight (98.40%), days to first flowering (99.30), days to first harvest (95.60) and pod yield per plant (99.60%). High genetic advance as per cent mean was observed for plant height at (31.98%), number of pods per plant (133.30%), pod length (63.88%), pod girth (27.81%), pod weight (104.08%) and pod yield per plant (177.45%) whereas, the moderate genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for days to first flower (14.83%) and days to first harvest (11.38%). Both high heritability (broad sense) and genetic advance were high for pod yield/ plant (99.60% and 177.45%), number of pods/ plant (99.10% and 133.30%) followed by pod weight (98.40% and 104.08%). Such high heritability, followed by such rapid genetic advancement, suggests that selection may be beneficial for such qualities. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean traits were under the strong influence by additive gene action and hence simple selection based on phenotypic performance of these traits would be more effective and genetic improvement for these characteristics might be considered.

Germination and Graft Compatibilty Study of Wild Solanum spp and Brinjal Root Stocks with Tomato Scions

The experiment was conducted at Central Horticultural Experiment Station, ICAR- IIHR, Aiginia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India during kharif seasons of 2018 in collaboration with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, to study the seed germination, days taken to reach grafting stage and grafting success (percentage) of rootstock and scion seeds used for grafting. The cultivated and wild species of brinjal and tomato were used as rootstocks with tomato Arka Rakshak F1 hybrid as scion. The experiment was conducted with 13 root stocks following statistical design CRD with three replications in pro trays to find out better root stock for grafting. A significant difference was recorded for the rootstock and scion parameters. Utkal Anushree had taken minimum number of days (6.67 days) for germination and the wild Solanum torvum had taken maximum number of days (16.67 days) to germinate, On the other hand, Arka Rakshak took least number of days (34.33 days) to reach grafting stage while the wild Solanum torvum reached to grafting stage within 56 days. The grafting success percentage ranged from 74.67 to 96 percent. Maximum grafting success (%) was recorded in Solanum torvum whereas minimum grafting success (%) was observed in S. sisymbriifolium wild solanum spp. root stock.

Influence of Some Plant Growth Regulators on Quality Attributes of Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.)

Aims: A trial was conducted to investigate the influence of plant growth regulators on the growth and quality attributes of pineapple fruits.
 Study Design: The experiment was arranged in a randomized completed block design (RBCD) with three replications using 25 plants per replication.
 Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out between 2020 and 2021 at the Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Aignia, Bhubaneswar, India.
 Methodology: The application of PGRs i.e. naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), gibberellic acid (GA), and brassinosteroid (BR) was done at the flower initiation stage. Only water application is done in case of control. Fruits were harvested at the ripe stage and an analysis of different growth and quality parameters were done.
 Results: The application of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), and gibberellic acid (GA) significantly improved the yield and quality attributes of pineapple. Application of NAA 200 mgL-1 (T3) was found to be the most effective in enhancing absolute growth rate (2.65 g day-1), fruit weight (1.58 kg), and fruit/crown ratio (6.38). It was also evident that the application of NAA 200 mgL-1 improved fruit quality in terms of soluble solid contents (17.67 oBrix), soluble solid contents to acid ratio (19.49), reducing sugar (3.54%), and total sugar content (12.38%). Higher pulp content (73.89%), pulp-to-peel ratio (3.49), and juice content (54.50%) were also observed with NAA 200 mgL-1.
 Conclusion: NAA 200 mgL-1 significantly improved fruit growth i.e. fruit weight, fruit-to-crown ratio, and absolute growth rate. It also enhanced the quality attributes of pineapple fruits i.e. pulp content, pulp-to-peel ratio, juice content, pH, soluble solid contents, SSC to acid ratio, reducing sugar, and total sugar content.

Animal Manure Nutrition to Promote Arthropod Pest Management in Vegetable Production

Modern Concepts & Developments in Agronomy Animal Manure Nutrition to Promote Arthropod Pest Management in Vegetable Production Satyapriya Singh1,2*, Sujan Majumder3, and Priyanka Nayak4 1Central Horticultural Experiment Station, (ICAR-IIHR), India 2ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India 3ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, India 4Institute of Agricultural Sciences, SOA, India *Corresponding author:Satyapriya Singh, Central Horticultural Experiment Station (ICAR-IIHR), Division of Entomology, Odisha, India Submission: July 27, 2022;Published: August 09, 2022 DOI: 10.31031/MCDA.2022.11.000759 ISSN 2637-7659Volume11 Issue 2

Research on spring frost damage in cherries

A frost occurred in spring following high temperatures in Michigan in 2007. It caused important crop losses. In this study, the damage the frost had on the flower buds of some cherry cultivars on ‘Gisela 5’ at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC) and different cherry scion/rootstock combinations at the Clarksville Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES) were determined. In cherries, the frost damage at SWMREC varied from 26.7% to 99.3% depending on the cherry cultivar while it varied from 41.9 to 99.3% at CHES depending on the cherry combinations. ‘Rainier/Gisela 6’ at CHES and ‘NY119’ at SWMREC were promising. The bud development stage during the freeze, the cultivar, the rootstock, the ages of the trees and the low temperature level were effective in the spring frost resistance.

Productivity, acylsugar concentrations and resistance to the two-spotted spider mite in genotypes of salad tomatoes

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to characterize genotypes of the salad-type tomato with a determinate growth habit and select genotypes resistant to the two-spotted spider mite for higher productivity and fruit quality. The experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Experimental Station (18°42’43.19” S and 47°29’55.8” W, 873 m altitude) of the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Monte Carmelo campus, from January to June 2018. The experimental design was in randomized blocks containing 16 treatments [12 populations of the F3RC2 generation and four controls: two commercial cultivars (Santa Clara and Rio Grande), the recurrent parent (UFU-057) and the wild species Solanum pennellii (LA-716)] with three repetitions. The accessions UFU-057F3RC210#3.6.1 and UFU-057F3RC213#2.1.2 have high potential for genetic improvement regarding resistance to the two-spotted spider mite. The genotypes UFU-13#4.4.1, UFU-7#4.7.1, UFU-7#4.3.2, UFU-13#2.5.2 and UFU-13#2.1.3 present higher acylsugar concentrations than S. pennellii, in addition to higher productivity and number of fruits per plant. It is suggested to explore combinations between those genotypes previously described with UFU-8#2.4.1 to obtain hybrids with high acylsugar concentrations, two-spotted spider mite resistance, high productivity and increased fruit mass.

A Report on occurrence of Lasiodiplodia fruit rot infecting jackfruit in Odisha state

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) with symptoms new kind of fruit rot was documented during June 2017 and 2018 in germplasm collections maintained at IIHR- Central Horticultural Experiment Station (ICAR-IIHR) located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The brown circular lesions were observed on maturing jack fruits in nine germplasm lines IIHR-B-J-17, IIHR-B-J-19, IIHR-B-J-22, IIHR-B-J-28, IIHR-B-J-29, IIHR-B-J-30, IIHR-B-J-31, IIHR-B-J-32 and IIHR-B-J-35 with the incidence level of 1-4%. The causal agent was identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griff. & Maubl. (Syn. Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat.) based on pathogenicity assay, morphological and spore characters.

Aplikasi Indigenous Microorganism (Em-4) dan Pupuk Kompos Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Tanaman Cabai Merah (Capsicum annum L.) pada Tanah Ultisol

Red Chilli is commodity of vegetable that has high economic value, but still has slow productivity. The objective of this study was identify the effect of indigenous microorganism (EM 4) application and compost to increased the growth and yield of Red Chilli Plant (Cappcicum annum L) on Ultisol. Field trial was conducted on Ultisols in Horticulture Experimental Station, BatuahLoajanan, Kutai Kartanegara. The soil was characterized by low fertility status. The amount of organic matter and microbial acivity are very low. This trial was started on January until April 2017 using Split Plot Design with three replications Main plot consisted of two levels treatment i.e. without EM-4 (E0) as control and Effective Mikroorganisms-4 (E). Sub-plot was four rates of organic compost i.e. 0, 10, 20 and 30 tons ha-1 and chili was used as test plant.Results indicated that EM-4 treatment showed a significant effect on fruit yield of chilli. It increased the fruit yield 38 percent compare to control. Compost application significantly increased on fruit yield. The relationship between unfermented compost rate and fruit yield shows a linear regression YE0 = 1.699 + 0.047 X (r = 0.95) and quadratic regression for EM-4 fermented compost YE1 = 1,175 + 0,319 X – 0.007 X2(R2 = 0.603). Optimum compost rate was 23 ton.ha-1.To increased fruit yield of chilli, EM-4 fermented compost should be applied into and it can decreased compost rate application.

Potential of Dry Khirni (Manilkara hexandra Roxb.) Fruits as Nutritional Substitute

Panchmahal district of Gujarat is having large undulating and hilly areas and scattered plantation of khirni (Manilkara hexandra Roxb.). Khirni fruit is very potential minor fruit as it is full of antioxidants, minerals and other phytochemicals. Dried fruits of khirni are used by the tribals and other local people during fast in many festivals and treated as raisins. Recently, Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Vejalpur has developed khirni variety Thar Rituraj which is early, semi-spreading type, regular bearer, semi-dwarf and starts flowering in 4th year after planting. For easy harvesting, proper canopy architecture (plant height up to 3.0–4.0 m) is required and for this, annual pruning (25–40% of annual growth) during June-July is very effective. A total of 10 genotypes were used for chemical analysis. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with 3 replications. Fresh fruits of khirni (Thar Rituraj) recorded 5.10 g average fruit weight, 24.80o Brix T.S.S., 0.35 per cent titratable acidity, 17.90 per cent total sugar and 28.40 mg/100g vitamin C and carotene (6.90 mg/100g). Dried fruits after one year recorded 64.20o Brix T.S.S., 45.70 per cent total sugar and 1.30 per cent acidity. It may be concluded that sun drying with the application of castor oil on the khirni fruits is very economical and eco friendly technology for the resource poor farmers. There is need for further popularization of dried khirni fruits as nutritional substitute.

Response of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) to Foliar Application of Potassium Fertilizers and some Soil Amendments under Clay Soil Conditions

To study the response of carrot crop (Daucus carota L.) to foliar application of different potassium fertilizers and some soil amendments i.e., magnetite iron and humic substances (granules or powder) under clay soil conditions, two field experiments were conducted during winter seasons of 2014 and 2015 at the Horticulture Experimental Station of Agriculture Ministry, El-Baramon Experimental Farm, Dakahlia Government, Egypt. The obtained results revealed that humic substances granules or magnetic iron caused marked increases on vegetative growth, yield and NPK uptake in both shoots and roots of carrot plants. Potassium foliar application caused significant increasing on previously mentioned characters as well as carbohydrate and carotenoids content in roots. In addition, potassium foliar application caused significant increasing on previously mentioned characters, which showed a progressive increase in its content with application KNO3 compared with other sources of potassium. There were statistically significant increases in plant growth, yield, carotenoids, carbohydrate and NPK contents of carrot due to humic substances granules treatment especially under application of potassium nitrate. Finally, the foliar application of potassium nitrate integrated with humic granules or magnetic iron was the best combination and it is recommended for increasing productivity and improving root quality of carrot (cv. Chantenay) under clay soil conditions.

ROLE OF BENTONITE ON POTASSIUM FERTILIZER EFFICIENCY IN RELATION TO ENHANCE GROWTH AND YIELD OF POTATO

Two field experiments were conducted at Ali Mubarak Horticultural Experiment Station, Behera Governorate, Egypt in split plot design during two successive seasons 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 to evaluate the effect of two types of bentonite (black and brown) and varied levels of K- fertilizer i.e., 0, 50, 75 and 100% of the recommended dose (100 kg fad.-1), on some vegetative and yield parameters of potato plants and also their effect on some sandy soil properties. The results indicated significant increase for bentonite types on each of EC, CEC, OM, WHC, FC and available NPK of sandy soil. Meanwhile, their effect on soil pH was non significant. The difference between the influences of the two types of bentonite were non significant for all studied parameters of the soil except CEC, WHC and FC where the difference was significant. The effect of K-levels on the forenamed properties was non significant except available K. The interaction effect was non significant for all soil parameters except available N and K. Application of 15 ton/fad., from either black or brown bentonite or K-fertilizer levels solely as compared with the control, increased significantly the growth and yield parameters of potato plants. The black bentonite was superior to the brown bentonite on yield parameters. The highest effect was obtained when the soil treated with bentonite and K-fertilizer together. Foliage content of NPK affected significantly by applying 15 ton/fad., of bentonite but the differences in the influence between the two types were non significant. The tuber content of NPK, starch and protein affected significantly with the two types of bentonite but the black was better than the brown in this concern. Increasing K-fertilizer increased significantly foliage and tuber content of NPK while the interaction effect of bentonite + K- fertilizer was better than each alone.

Genetic divergence in khirni (Manilkara hexandra) under semi- arid ecosystem of western India

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of 30 genotypes of khirni [Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard], at Experimental Farm of Central Horticultural Experiment Station (ICAR-CIAH), Vejalpur, Panchmahals (Godhra), Gujarat under rainfed hot semi-arid ecosystem of western India during 2011-14. The results of study revealed that the different genotypes of khirni exhibited considerable variation for vegetative, floral, yield and physicochemical characters. The vegetative growth in terms of plant height, rootstock girth, scion girth, plant spread (East-West) and plant spread (North-South) varied between 2.50-5.54 m, 30.12-53.45 cm, 26.12-44.42 cm, 2.10-5.10 m and 2.30-5.20 m, respectively. Number of leaves/shoot varied between 10.12-16.12. The period of flowering was recorded in November-December in all the genotypes. Pollen viability and pollen germination ranged from 84.23-94.86% and 15.00-23.56% respectively, being highest in CHESK-10. Fruit set per cluster ranged from 2.00 to 3.70 being highest in CHESK-10. Peak period of ripening in majority of the genotypes was recorded in May. Maximum fruit yield (10.10 kg/plant), fruit weight (5.20 g), pulp (87.50%), TSS (24.73° Brix), total sugar (17.80%) and carotene (6.80 mg/100 g) was recorded in CHESK-10. Based on the horticultural traits studied, the genotypes, CHESK-10, CHESK12, CHESK-15 and CHESK-4 were found to be promising under rainfed hot semi-arid conditions of western India. The genotype CHESK-10 was released as variety named as Thar Rituraj.

Flowering behaviour, yield dynamics and fruit quality of Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) in eastern tropical region of India

Performance of aonla (Emblica Officinalis Gaerten.) varieties was evaluated with respect to their flowering behaviour, yield and fruit quality at Central Horticultural Experiment Station (ICAR-IIHR), Bhubaneswar during 2011-14. Flower initiated in November and continued till February with the perceptibly long flowering duration (51-85 days). December-January was considered as a critical period for bloom. Post-fertilization fruit dormancy was relatively short (45 days) and fruits took about six months to get matured. Aonla genotypes showed low alternate bearing index (ABI) by exhibiting minimal temporal variation in yield. NA 7 exhibited maximum flowering intensity (82.5%), number of productive branchlets (80.93) and pistillate flowers/branchlet (6.15). It was the most promising variety in eastern tropics due to high yield (42.34 kg/tree), yield efficiency (0.86 kg/m3) and crop density (6.37 fruits/cm2), whereas, Krishna was found to the second most productive variety in the region. It was observed that fruit yield was not significantly related with flowering intensity, number of productive branchlets and sex ratio. NA 7 had maximum TSS (10.38 °B), whereas NA-10 had maximum vitamin C content (365.67 mg/100g). In comparison to subtropical regions, aonla genotypes had low TSS and vitamin C content.

Genetic divergence in chironji (Buchanania lanzan) under semi-arid ecosystem of western India

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of 30 genotypes of chironji (Buchanania lanzan spreng) at Experimental Farm of Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CIAH), Vejalpur, Panchmahals (Godhra), Gujarat under rainfed hot semi-arid ecosystem of western India during the years 2011-2013. The results of study revealed that the different genotypes of chironji exhibited considerable variation for vegetative, floral, yield and physicochemical characters. The vegetative growth in terms of plant height, rootstock girth, plant spread (East-West) and plant spread (North-South) varied between 5.96-1.63m, 23.99-53.38cm, 1.40-5.10 m and 1.50-5.38 m, respectively. Time of flowering and fruit set ranged between 1st week February- 3rd week February and 3rd week February- 2nd week March, respectively. Maximum panicle length (35.13 cm) was noted in CHESC 1, while number of fruits per panicle was recorded highest in CHESC 7. Peak period of ripening in all the genotypes was recorded in May. Fruit yield, fruit weight, pulp per cent, TSS, acidity, total sugar and vitamin C varied from 1.00 kg-11.00 kg/plant, 0.94g-1.34g, 43.52- 63.06%, 19.05-23.900brix,1.00-1.34%,13.01-15.51% and 42.24-64.09%, respectively. Stone weight, shell weight, kernel weight and protein content ranged between 0.38-0.68g, 0.27-0.55 g, 0.08-0.15g and 23.53-31.36%, respectively. Based on the horticultural traits studied, the genotypes, CHESC7, CHESC2, CHESC 4 and CHESC11 were found to be promising under rainfed hot semi-arid conditions of western India. The genotype CHESC 7 was released as variety named as Thar Priya.

Effect of spraying salicylic acid and pharmaton on growth and yield of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) in a salt affected soil

An experiment was carried out at Horticulture experimental station - college of Agriculture – University of Diyala during autumn season 2014 to investigate the effects of two factors: spraying salicylic acid, pharmaton and their interaction on growth and yield of cauliflower. The Experiment included 6 treatments represent between three levels of spraying salicylic acid: 0, 100, 200 mg.L-1, and two levels of spraying pharmaton 0 and 125 mg.L-1. Drip irrigation system type T-Tape was used with 40 cm distance between plants. Experiment was designed in Factorial Experiment according the R.C.B.D with three replicates and the means were compared according to L.S.D. test at the probability level 0.05. Result showed that spraying with 200 mg.L-1 salicylic acid gave a significant increase in plant height 54.9 cm, curd weight 0.89 Kg. Plant-1 , and the marketable yield 24.72 Ton.H-1 respectively compared with control treatment . Plant height, curd weight and the marketable yield weight were decreased in to 44.65 cm, 0.52 Kg. Plant-1 and 14.45 Ton. H-1 respectively. Spraying with 100 mg.L-1 salicylic acid increased curd diameter to 18.3 cm, while it was decreased in control treatment to 17.0 cm. Spraying of pharmaton gave a significant increase in plant height, Curd diameters, curd weight and the marketable yield weight 54.1 cm, 17. 9 cm, 0.90 Kg. plant1- and 25 Ton. H1- respectively, as compared with non- spraying treatment. Plant height, curd diameter, curd weight and the marketable yield weight decreased to 47.8 cm, 17.0 cm, 0.62 Kg. Plant-1 and 17.31 Ton. H-1. Spraying with salicylic acid 200 mg.L-1 gave a significant increase in plant height as compared with control treatment. Interaction treatment between spraying of salicylic acid 100 mg.L-1 and spraying pharmaton gave a significant increase in leaves numbers as compared with control treatment. Spraying pharmaton only gave a significant increase in curd diameters, curd weight and the marketable curds weight as compared with control treatment.

Effect of in situ Rainwater Harvesting and Mulching on Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality in Mango Var. Arka Neelachal Kesri in Eastern India

A field study was conducted at Central Horticultural Experiment Station (ICAR-IIHR), Bhubaneswar, India, during 2007-2013 in a new mango orchard of the variety 'Arka Neelachal Kesri' at 5m x 5m spacing, to conserve rain-water and to enhance soil moisture availability during dry periods for augmenting plant growth and fruit production. Among the four in situ rain-water harvesting techniques (cup-and-plate, half-moon, full-moon, and trench) evaluated in combination with three types of mulch (no mulch, inorganic mulch, and organic mulch), the cup-and-plate system resulted in maximum annual increment in vegetative growth and fruit yield (4.67kg/plant), while, organic (paddy straw) and inorganic (black polythene, 100μ thickness) mulches improved vegetative growth, fruit yield and TSS in fruit significantly over no mulch.