Horticulture Research Centre Research Articles

Evaluation of Growing Media and Chemical Treatment on the Seedling Growth of High Chill Peach

The present study entitled “Evaluation of Growing Media and Dormancy Breaking Chemical on the Seedling Growth of High Chill Peach” was conducted at Dept. of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Horticulture Research Centre, G.B.P.U.A&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand during the year 2022-23. The experiments were carried out in Factorial Complete Randomized Design (FCRD) with 3 replications per treatment. Under seedling growth studies, the total numbers of treatment were 16 with 2 factors comprising of four growing media (soil: sand: FYM, soil: sand: vermicompost, soil: sand: cocopeat and soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat) and four chemical treatments (control, GA3 @ 500 ppm, kinetin @ 50 ppm and thiourea @ 5000 ppm). In the experiment the maximum seedling length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root length, root fresh weight and root dry weight was recorded in soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat, GA3 @ 500 ppm and interaction M4C3 (soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat + GA3 @ 500ppm) while the minimum values were recorded in soil: sand: cocopeat, control and M3C1. Result from this study discovered that GA3 @ 500 ppm along with the growing media soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat recorded the maximum seedling length, diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight which can be recommended for raising the rootstocks for the production of quality planting material of peach for seedling rootstock.

Black currant cultivars, developed at the Polli Horticultural Research Center (Estonia), in Northwest Russia

Background. Introduction of new foreign cultivars makes it possible to expand the limits of the genetic potential of the VIR collection. A comprehensive study of such germplasm accessions is important for identifying sources of traits useful for breeding and the best cultivars for practical utilization. Materials and methods. Eight black currant cultivars released in Estonia were studied from 2015 through 2023 at Pushkin and Pavlovsk Laboratories of VIR. Conventional methods were used to test their adaptability and assess their main productivity indicators and berry quality. The resulting data were statistically processed in Microsoft Excel according to the guidelines by B. A. Dospekhov. Results and conclusion. The studied cultivars appeared well adapted to the environments of Northwest Russia. The heat supply in Leningrad Province is optimal for their cultivation. Good adaptability, synchronized fruit ripening, stable yields, and fine taste of berries were demonstrated by cvs. ‘Almo’ (k-44169), ‘Albos’ (k-44167), ‘Elo’ (k-44171), ‘Karri’ (k-44172), ‘Mulgi Must’ (k-38061), ‘Musti’ (k-44173), and ‘Varmas’ (k-44174). They are recommended for amateur gardens in Northwest Russia. Cv. ‘Karri’ (k-44172) is a promising source of such traits as good self-fertility, large fruit size, stable yield, well-balanced taste, high anthocyanin content in berries, and resistance to American powdery mildew and gall mite. Cv. ‘Varmas’ is a source of earliness, high self-fertility, and dessert taste of berries.

Variability in soil organic carbon pools in different land use systems in the north-eastern region of India

The current study was carried out during 2020 to 2022, at Horticulture Research Centre (HRC), Nagicherra, Agartala, Tripura to assess and compare the effects of various land use systems, including bamboo, tea, mango, lemon, rice-rice, wheat-millet, okra-onion and uncultivated soils, on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. SOC is a critical component of terrestrial ecosystems, influencing soil health, fertility and carbon sequestration potential. The NEH region of India, Tripura characterized by its diverse agro-ecological zones and land use systems (LUS), presents a unique opportunity to investigate the various land use regimes' effects on SOC pools. Walkley and Black carbon (WBC) significantly vary among the selected LUS, ranging from 7.14–12.48 g/kg, with the maximum values in tea LUS. In 0–30 cm depth, very labile C (CVL) pools are very variable among the selected LUS (2.04–5.35 g/kg), which is the highest in tea and mango compared to the uncultivated system. The C pools in selected LUS indicated the deviation depth and land use pattern. Lability index (LI) varies from 1.50–1.63 and 1.40–1.74 in 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm depth, respectively. Carbon pool index (CPI) assessed highest in tea LUS, 1.78 and 2.1 from 0–30 and 30–60 cm, respectively. Carbon management index (CMI) was higher in selected LUS compared to uncultivated system.

Correlation between Pulp Weight and Physio-Biochemical Traits of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Germplasms

Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between pulp weight and various physio-biochemical attributes among 30 diverse mango (Mangifera indica L.) germplasms under the Tarai region of Uttarakhand. Place and Duration of Study: This investigation was carried out at Horticulture Research Centre, GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, during the years 2021 and 2022. Methodology: The selected 30 germplasms included two commercially grown cultivars and 28 primary germplasms sourced from different eco-geographical locations of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand states of India. Pulp weight, physical characteristics (fruit shape index, pulp/stone ratio) and biochemical parameters (Brix/Acid ratio and pH) were measured for each germplasm and statistically laid out in completely randomized design (CRD), and their relationships were analyzed using simple linear regression and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Results: The maximum values recorded among the studied germplasms were 300.73 g for pulp weight (PMGC-19), 2.41 for fruit shape index (PMSS-31), 0.309 for pulp/stone ratio (PMGC-71), 140.87 for Brix/Acid ratio (PMGC-96) and 5.87 for pH (PMGC-96). Among the physical attributes, pulp weight exhibited a moderate positive correlation with fruit shape index (r = 0.419), indicating that fruits with a higher shape index tend to have increased pulp weight. Whereas, a moderate negative correlation was observed between pulp weight and pulp/stone ratio (r = -0.457), suggesting that as the pulp/stone ratio increases, pulp weight decreases. However, biochemical attributes such as Brix/Acid ratio and pH showed no significant correlation with pulp weight (r = 0.005 and r = 0.018, respectively), indicating an independent influence of these parameters on pulp characteristics. Conclusion: These findings provide important insights into the complex relationships between pulp weight and other physio-biochemical traits in mango, some traits for breeding programs aimed to improving fruit quality and pulp content and identified superior and promising germplasms for cultivation as well as potential parental genotypes in mango improvement programs.

Identification of Key Traits for Yield Improvement in Brinjal Through Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), also known as poor man’s vegetable, is widely distributed and grown in almost all parts of India. The assessment of genetic variation, correlation and path analysis for various yield and yield attributing traits in the available germplasm is crucial for selecting superior genotypes with desired traits such as yield, fruit quality, disease resistance, and adaptability to environmental conditions, thereby enhancing the potential for further crop improvement through breeding. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the phenotypic correlation and path coefficient among various yield and yield related traits for 42 genotypes of brinjal at the Horticulture Research Centre, SVPUA&T, Meerut (U.P.), India, over two consecutive Kharif seasons in 2022 and 2023 in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The analysis of variance indicated significant variability across all the traits examined. In general, magnitudes of genotypic correlation coefficient were higher than their corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficient, implying a significant inherent relationship in different pair of traits. Based on the correlation coefficient analysis, fruit yield per plant had significant and positive association with fruit yield per plot, fruit yield per hectare, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit length and fruit girth both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path coefficient analysis showed that the traits viz., number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit girth and fruit length exhibited highest direct effects on fruit yield and also indirectly influenced by the other yield contributing traits of brinjal. It is concluded from the study that these traits may be used as key indices towards the direct selection of elite genotypes for the successful breeding programme for yield improvement of brinjal germplasm.

Evaluation on Morphological and Quality Attributes of Mango Cultivars in Western Uttar Pradesh

The study aimed to assess the morpho-economic and biochemical attributes of twelve mango cultivars grown in western Uttar Pradesh, using pooled data from the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 and conducted at Horticulture Research Center of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, the experiment utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications per treatment. The cultivars are regular bearers included Ambika, Pusa Arunima, Dashehari-51, Kesar, Pusa Surya, Amrapali, Mallika, Burma Surakha, Neelum Chausa, Mithua Malda, Rataul and Saurav, all planted in 10-year-old orchards with a spacing of 6x6 meters. The study aimed to evaluate the morpho-economic and biochemical attributes of twelve mango cultivars in western Uttar Pradesh, identify the most suitable cultivars for the region and determine the cultivars with the most marketable fruit traits. Additionally, it sought to assess the genetic diversity among the cultivars for future breeding programs. The results demonstrated significant differences in morpho-economic and quality attributes among the cultivars. Mallika, Pusa Arunima and Amrapali emerged as superior varieties, excelling in tree morpho-economic and quality attributes, while others were classified as moderate. Mallika and Pusa Arunima were identified as the highest-yielding varieties, based on the mean number of fruits per plant and fruit weight over the two-year period. Furthermore, the fruits of Mallika, Pusa Arunima, Amrapali, Rataul and Kesar exhibited the most marketable attributes. The findings underscore the significant genetic and environmental influences on mango attributes. Mallika and Pusa Arunima consistently demonstrated superior performance in yield, fruit quality and biochemical attributes, positioning it as a promising cultivar for the region. The diversity observed among the cultivars highlights the need for targeted selection and management practices to optimize mango production and quality. The study also emphasizes the importance of preserving and conserving these unique genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at developing new, commercially viable cultivars.

Evolution of Induce and Physical Mutagen on Vegetative Traits of Papaya (Carica papaya L.)

The experiment was conducted on Horticultural Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, located in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in RBD design and data was recorded on different growth trait of papaya. Two variety of papaya Arka surya and Coorg honey dew, the seed of papaya was treated with Gamma and EMS mutagen and sown in field for evolution. The treatment detail of the experiment was T1, 5 Gy, T2, 10 Gy, T3, 15 Gy, T4, 0.25% EMS, T5, 0.50% EMS, T6, 0.75% EMS, T7, 5 Gy+0.25% EMS, T8, 10 Gy+0.50% EMS, and T9, 15 Gy+0.75% EMS. Finally, on the basis of result recorded that in both year days taken to seed germination and stem girth(cm), 10GR better performance over all treatment, while in number of leaves at flowering and petiole length (cm), 5GR better performance over all treatment. Whereas, In EMS and (Gamma rays + EMS), 0.25% EMS and 5G+0.25%EMS perform better result for petiole length and number of leaves at flowering while for days taken to seed germination and stem girth, 0.50%EMS and 10G+0.50%EMS perform better result.

Effect of Exogenous Application of Humic Acid, GA3 and Vermiwash on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) under Valley Condition of Srinagar Garhwal

The effect of exogenous application of humic acid, GA3 and vermiwash on the growth, yield and quality of cabbage was studied in a field experiment. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design at the Horticultural Research Centre, Chauras Campus, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, with three replications and ten treatments. All of the growth, yield and quality contributing characteristics of cabbage were found to be significant. The growth parameters at 30, 45 DAT and at harvest were found to be maximum under T9 (GA3 @ 150 ppm). Yield parameters were found to be highest in T9 (GA3 @ 150 ppm) total plant weight (2188.67 g), average weight of head (1454.33 g), yield per hectare (321.43 q) whereas dry weight of head (10.00 g) in T6 (Vermiwash @ 100%), head diameter (18.98 cm) and core diameter (4.53 cm) in T8 (GA3 @ 100 ppm) and core length (8.62 cm) in T1 (Humic acid @ 100 ppm). Quality parameters were found to be highest under T6 (Vermiwash @ 100%) for head compactness (35.39%), whereas total soluble solids (5.20 0Brix) in T3 (Humic acid @ 200 ppm) and ascorbic acid (56.07 mg) in T1 (Humic acid @ 100 ppm). Economic parameters were found to be highest under T6 (Vermiwash @ 100%) for cost of cultivation (1,92,510 ₹/ha), gross return (10,66,030 ₹/ha) and net return (8,73,520 ₹/ha). Hence, it may be suggested that concentration of 150 ppm GA3 could use for enhancing the production of cabbage under subtropical condition of Srinagar Garhwal

Phytoseiid mites benefited from organic fertilization by increasing the population of Tyrophagus mites in apple orchards

This study explores sustainable agricultural practices by examining the role of organic materials in enhancing native predatory mites for controlling spider mites in apple orchards. Developing techniques to conserve indigenous natural enemies is vital for sustainable agricultural production. Phytoseiid mites can control spider mites, which are among the most significant pests in apple production. To conserve phytoseiid mite populations, it is important to identify alternative prey and to determine their role in phytoseiid mite proliferation. We demonstrated that the concurrent use of specific organic fertilizers and coconut husks can increase prey Tyrophagus mites, thereby enhancing phytoseiid mite density. Our research was conducted using sticky traps at the Miyagi Prefectural Agriculture and Horticulture Research Center in Japan. The occurrence of Tyrophagus mites was significantly correlated with the occurrence of phytoseiid mites in 2 years. In laboratory experiments, the use of organic fertilizers increased the density of Tyrophagus mites by 83 × within 4 weeks. Several species of phytoseiid mites were able to lay between 0.25 and 1.03 eggs per day per female by preying on Tyrophagus larvae. A 2-year field survey revealed that the use of organic fertilizers more than doubled the density of phytoseiid mites on apple leaves, likely through promoting Tyrophagus mite proliferation on the ground. These results highlight the potential of organic fertilizers not only to enhance soil nutrients, but also to boost phytoseiid mite populations, thereby contributing to more sustainable apple production.

Comparative Study of Planting Time, Growth Regulator and Biofertilizer on Growth, Yield S and Quality of Strawberry Cv Chandler

Climate, growth promoting hormones and soil nutrition are all necessary conditions for the production of any crop. The primary job is also to determine the ideal planting period for optimum crop yield. In order to improve strawberry growth, yield, and quality parameters a field experiment was carried out to evaluate the comparative study of planting time, growth regulator and biofertilizer on growth, yield and quality of strawberry cv Chandler at Horticultural Research Center, Chauras Campus, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India, during two growing seasons 2018-19 and 2019-20. The present experiment consists of three factors with a total of 08 treatments which was replicated thrice on strawberry cultivar Chandler at different planting time viz., 15th August, 5th September, 25th September and 15th October with the application of various GA3 concentration viz., no GA3 (without application), 50 ppm GA3, 75 ppm GA3, 100 ppm GA3 and with and without treatment with Azotobacter. The treatment under15th October planting time, 75 ppm GA3 concentration with Azotobacter was found most effective for most of the growth, yield and quality traits viz.,plant height (34.57 cm), leaf area (104.66 cm2), number of runners/plant (8.60), days taken to full blooming (202.00), fruit setting % (89.17), days taken to final harvest (214.44), fresh weight of fruit (15.93 g), fruit yield/plant (327.09 g), TSS (9.07 0Brix), vitamin C (67.70 mg/100g), sugar content (7.08%) and juice content (91.06%) whereas the minimum values for most of the characters was observed with 15th August planting time and without application of GA3 and Azotobacter treatment.

The use of genetic resources in rose breeding and creation of new rose cultivars through hybridization and selection

Despite the existence of more than 37,000 different varieties of roses worldwide, there remains a significant interest and high relevance in rose breeding. The rose is the most beloved flower in the world, commonly named the “queen of flowers”. In addition to its remarkable ornamental significance, the rose possesses various ecological, environmental, landscaping, food, pharmaceutical and medicinal, cosmetic, and industrial attributes, among others, thereby contributing to its overall socio-economic value. The current study investigated the results of rose breeding in a horticulture research center in the northwest of Romania with over 70 years of experience. The main method used to generate variability for the selection of new genotypes was artificial hybridization. After 1970, an average of 15-20 crossings per year were carried out, in different parental formulas or types of crosses, with approximately 1000-2000 flowers per pollinated per parental combination. Thousands of F1 hybrids were obtained annually (approximately 10,000-12,000 hybrids per year per hybrid combination), and dozens of elites were selected, grafted, and promoted as clonal selections in comparative trials. The success rate in obtaining new varieties through hybridization was 5.1% from total hybrid combinations, 0.72% from total hybrids, and 1.6% from total clonal selections. Of the total new varieties, hybrid teas represent 11.9%, floribundas 64.2%, shrubs 16.6%, and others 7.1%. 38 new cultivars suitable for open field cultivation were obtained, showing different habits, decorative value, flowering behavior, flower color, fragrance, resistance to frost or major diseases, and intended use. The exploration of new research directions aimed at harnessing the potential of roses, the region, and the socio-economic requirements was undertaken to enhance and beauty degraded, or landslide-prone lands, as well as to introduce damascene roses for the oil perfume and cosmetics industry.

Improving seed germination and seedling growth of dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) by PGRs

Dragon fruit [Hylocereus undatus (Haworth) Britton and Rose] is an exotic super fruit introduced in India. It can be naturally propagated through seeds and stem cuttings. Present study was carried out during 2018 to 2021 at Main Horticultural Research and Extension Centre (MHREC), College of Horticulture, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkote, Karnataka to improve the efficiency of seed germination and seedling growth in dragon fruit using PGRs. The results showed that, there were significant differences among various treatments. Treatment 100 ppm GA3 recorded as the best treatment with respect to the parameters, viz. days taken for germination (10.60 days), germination percentage (87.00%), shoot length (10.27 cm), root length (8.06 cm), number of roots (6.20), seedling length (18.33 cm), seedling fresh weight (3.26 g), seedling dry weight (1.22 g) respectively at 90 days after sowing (DAS) and survival percentage (48%) than other treatments.

Evaluation of Different Table Grape Varieties in Response to Growth and Physiological Traits during Foundation Bud Pruning

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) was one of the first fruits cultivated by human since the dawn of civilization, the fermented product of grapes, wine has probably been an important way of consuming grapes. It is one of the commercially important sub-tropical fruit crop of peninsular India. It is the world’s most important fruit in terms of total production and economic stand point. The present research investigates the growth and physiological parameters like pruned biomass, cane length, cane diameter, leaf area, leaf area index, matured canes and chlorophyll content in different table grape varieties over a two year experimentation period (2021-22 and 2022-23) at Horticulture Research and Extension Centre, Tidagundi (Vijayapur), Karnataka. The experiment consisted of 10 treatments (V1 - Red Globe, V2 - Fantasy Seedless, V3 - Crimson Seedless, V 4 - Manjari Shyama (A-18/3), V 5 – Nana saheb Purple Seedless, V 6 - Sharad Seedless (Check), V 7 - Merbein Seedless, V 8 - 2A-Clone, V 9– Manjari Kishmish (Kishmish Rozavis White) V10 - Thompson Seedless (Check)) laid out in randomized block design with 4 replications. The results highlight the highest fresh weight (2.23 kg/vine), dry weight (1.38 kg/vine), maximum number of canes (53.31), mature canes (48.04), fruitful canes (43.52) per vine, highest leaf area (200.11 cm2) and leaf area index (3.91) were noted in Thompson Seedless. The maximum cane length (75.90 cm) was recorded in the variety Crimson Seedless. The maximum cane diameter (9.80 mm) was recorded in Red Globe. Manjari Kishmish recorded the maximum chlorophyll content of the leaf (42.92).

Effect of Plant Spacing and Mulching on Growth, Yield and Quality of Squash

An experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research field of Horticulture Research Centre Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh, during October 2018 to February 2019to find out the effect of plant spacingand mulchon yield and yield attributes of squash. The experiment comprised two sets of treatments viz., (a) Plant spacing:(i) 1 m × 0.8 m (S1); (ii) 1 m × 1 m (S2) and 1m × 1.5 (S3) and (b)Mulch: (i) No mulch (M1); (ii) Straw mulch(M2) and (iii)Polythene mulch (M3) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The variety BARI squash-1 was used in this experiment. The results showed that 1m × 1.5 plant spacing showed significantly the highest yield attributes and quality parameters but 1m × 1 m plant spacing showed significantly the highest yield ha-1. Polythene mulch showed significantly the highest fruit plant-1, yield plant-1 and yield ha-1. Fruit size, individual fruit weight and quality parameter did not show any significant difference irrespective of mulching. The interaction between plant spacing and mulch was significant for yield and quality parameters. Based on the study results it is concluded that maximum yield (50.20 t ha-1) was achieved through 1m × 1 m plant spacing with polythene much but higher TSS and vitamin C was found through 1m × 1.5 m plant spacing with polythene much. SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 251-261 (2023)

FLOWER QUALITY AND VASE LIFE OF GLADIOLUS AS AFFECTED BY HORMONES

An experiment was conducted at the Floriculture field of Horticulture Research Centre, Gazipur during Rabi season of 2021-22 to find out the effect of preharvest spray of different hormones (GA3, SA and BA) at different concentrations on flower and vase life of gladiolus. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized CompleteBlock design with three replications. The treatments were T1=GA3 @ 100 ppm, T2=GA3 @ 200 ppm, T3=GA3 @ 300 ppm, T4=SA@ 100 ppm, T5=SA @ 200 ppm, T6=SA @ 300 ppm, T7=BA @ 100 ppm, T8=BA @ 200 ppm, T9=BA @ 300 ppm and T10 = Control (fresh water). Healthy corms of gladiolus having a diameter of about 5.0 cm were used as plantingmaterial. The aqueoussolution of GA3 (100, 200 and 300 ppm), SA (100, 200 and 300 ppm) and BA (100, 200 and 300 ppm) along with control (fresh water) were applied twice on the flower plants at three and six leaves stage. Flowering parameters of plants as well as vase life of flowers were significantly influenced by the application of hormones. Among all the treatments, application of SA @ 100 ppm was recorded to be an outstanding treatment in improving floraland vase qualityattributes i.e. highestspike (78.5 cm) and rachislength (52.8 cm), maximum floret number/spike (14.5), biggest floret diameter (10.0 cm) and early spike initiation (65 days) were observed as compared to control. The maximum floret opening (90%), highest water uptake (45.0 g) and maximum vase life (12 days) were also noted with SA @ 100 ppm in gladiolus.

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.

Assessment of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Quantitative Traits in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Twenty-one genotypes of potato were carried out in Randomized Block Design with three replications during Rabi season 2020-21 at Horticulture Research Center of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut (U.P.). Eleven characters were included in the present investigation to study the variability, heritability, and genetic advance in potato. The analysis of variance was recorded highly significant difference between the genotypes for all eleven traits under studies. The estimates the coefficient of variation relieved that magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation for all the characters. High estimates of phenotypic as well as genotypic coefficient of variation were observed in case of length of internodes (cm), followed by plant height, tuber yield plant-1, number of stem plant-1, number of nodes at 30 DAP, number of tubers plant-1. Heritability estimates, as well as genetic progression, were found to be more important than heritability in predicting the outcome of selecting the best individual. High estimates of heritability (h2) (>80%) were recorded for tuber yield plant-1, followed by number of leaves at 60 DAP, number of nodes at 60 DAP, plant height (cm), number of nodes at 30 DAP, tuber size (cm), length of internodes (cm), number of tubers plant-1, number of stem plant-1, number of leaves at 30 DAP. The highest value of genetic advance in percent of mean (>20%) was exhibited for length of internodes (cm), plant height, tuber yield plant-1, number of stem plant-1, number of nodes at 30 DAP, number of tubers plant-1, number of leaves at 60 DAP, number of nodes at 60 DAP, tuber size (cm).

Features of growth and production processes in own-rootedand grafted cherry plum trees

In 2022-2023, a comparative study of the growth and productivity of own-rootedand grafted cherry plum trees planted in 2020 according to the 5×2 m scheme was conducted at the Federal Horticultural Research Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery. The objects of research are plants of the varieties ‘Shatyor’, ‘Zlato Skifov’ and ‘Kubanskaya Kometa’, own-rooted and grafted on clone rootstocks SVG-11-19 and 13-113. Differences in biometric indicators in own-rootedand grafted trees of all studied varieties have been established. The height of trees at the age of 5 years varied depending on the graft -rootstock combination from 2.0 (‘Zlato Skifov’/SVG-11-19) up to 3.1 m (‘Shatyor’/13-113). The height of the own-rootedtrees was 15-20 % less than that of the trees grafted on the rootstock 13- 113. The ‘Kubanskaya Kometa’ and ‘Shatyor’ varieties showed a significant decrease in height when grafted on the SVG-11-19 rootstock. The trees of the ‘Zlato Skifov’ variety (less than 2.1 m) were the weakest in the experiment. Differences in the length of annual increments and leaf area were revealed. The productivity of cherry plum trees in the initial period of fruiting depended both on varietal characteristics and on the method of growing planting material. The most productive variety was a Shatyor with a load yield of more than 11 kg/der. The greatest differences in productivity, depending on the rootstock, were noted in the ‘Kubanskaya Kometa’ variety: from 7.3 to 12.9 kg/der. The average productivity of trees of the ‘Zlato Skifov’ variety did not exceed 5.5 kg/der. The ‘Kubanskaya Kometa’ and ‘Shatyor’ varieties have an advantage in productivity in trees grafted on the SVG-11-19 rootstock compared to own-rootedones. The fruits of own-rootedtrees of all varieties were smaller than those grafted on the rootstock SVG-11-19. To increase the yield of the ‘KubanskayaKometa’ and ‘Shatyor’ varieties, seedlings grafted on the SVG-11-19 rootstock should be used. For a low-growing variety of ‘Zlato Skifov’, the optimal result can be obtained when planting plantings, both with own-rootedseedlings and grafted on rootstock 13-113.

Influence of Different Plant Growth Regulators and Boron on Growth, Yield and Sex Expression of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria Mol.) under Garhwal Valley

The present investigation was carried out at Horticultural Research Centre, Department of Horticulture, H. N. B. Garhwal University, Uttarakhand, India during summer season, 2018-19. The existing experiment was laid out in randomized block design following 13 treatments replicated thrice. The various growth parameters as well as yield attributes and yield were recorded during the experimentation. The result of the present investigation showed that GA3 @ 50 mg/kg was registered as the best treatment in terms of vine length (376.13 cm), fruits per vine (6.60), sex ratio (F:M) 1:11.07 and yield per vine (1357.33 g) and NAA @ 200 mg/kg+ Boron @ 0.1% with relation to the number of main branches per vine (10.87), length of fruit (24.57 cm), diameter of fruit (90.10 mm), yield per plot (10.29 kg/plot) and yield per hectare (457.33 q) in bottle gourd. However, GA3 @ 50 mg/kg+ Boron @ 0.1% number of node per vine (24.27), number of node bearing first flower GA3 50 @ mg/kg(4.20) and NAA @ 150 mg/kg(4.20), weight of fruit NAA @ 100 mg/kg+ Boron @ 0.1% (838.0 g) , total soluble solid GA3 @ 30 mg/kg(5.04 ºBrix) and NAA @ 200 mg/kg ascorbic acid (12.90 mg/100g). The cultivar (Pusa Naveen) gives better response with the application of GA3 @ 50 mg/kg for sex expression and NAA @ 200 mg/kg+ Boron @ 0.1% for various growth and yield parameters. It can be recommended to enhance the production of bottle gourd under Garhwal valley of Uttarakhand.

Assessing Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Morphological Traits in Different Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) Genotypes

Gladiolus, commonly known as the gladiola or simply "gladiolus," is a popular flowering plant known for its striking and vibrant flowers. It belongs to the genus Gladiolus and is part of the family Iridaceae. The present investigation was carried out at the Horticultural Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh during Rabi season (Mid Nov - April) 2020-21 to determine the extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for twenty-five genotypes of Gladiolus. For all of the traits, the analysis of variance indicated extremely significant variations between genotypes. Number of spikes per plant had the highest phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), (35.81 and 23.41, respectively). For all of the traits studied, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), while the differences were very small, indicating that the environmental influence on traits was low. The heritability estimates ranged from 42.75 (number of spikes per plant) to 99.01 (spike weight). This indicated that environmental variables had the least influence on these features. For most features, the estimated genetic progress as a percentage of mean varied from moderate to high. This finding, together with the high heritability values observed, suggested that additive gene action may exist and that simple selection for such traits may be used to improve them.