Horticultural Research Research Articles

Effect of Organic Manures and Bio-fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus L.) under Western Uttar Pradesh Conditions

The field experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, during 2023. All treatments were applied in a randomized block design with three replications, including T0- Control (No manures), T1- 100% N as FYM, T2- 100% N as FYM + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya, T3- 100% N as FYM + NPK Microbial Consortium, T4- 100% N as FYM + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya + NPK Microbial Consortium, T5- 100% N as Vermicompost, T6- 100% N as Vermicompost + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya, T7- 100% N as Vermicompost + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya + NPK Microbial Consortium, and T8- 100% RDF. The application of treatment 100% N as Vermicompost + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya + NPK Microbial Consortium (T7) was found significantly superior in terms of number of new branches per pillar (12.67, 16, 18.67 and 20.33) at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after treatment, plant canopy spread (5.10 and 5.27 m2) at initial and harvest stage, number of flower per pillar(24), days taken from flowering to fruit harvest (29.93), number of fruits per pillar(19.33), length of the fruit (9.81cm), width of the fruit (9.02cm), fruit weight (390.85 g), peel thickness (3.65 mm), specific gravity(1.12), fruit yield per pillar (7.55 kg), fruit yield per hectare (8.38 t/ha), TSS (14.17° ⁰Brix), ascorbic acid content (8.74 mg/100 g) and minimum titratable acidity (0.24 %) of dragon fruit. The study highlights the potential of integrating organic manures and bio-fertilizers to enhance the growth, yield and quality of dragon fruit, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. Further research can explore the long-term impacts of these organic treatments on soil health, nutrient dynamics, and their adaptability to different agro-climatic regions for broader applicability.

Genome-wide association study identifies key quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fruit morphometric traits in avocado (Persea spp.)

BackgroundAvocado, a fruit crop renowned for its high nutritional value, has seen a steadily increasing market demand. However, breeding efforts for avocados have lagged those for other commercial fruits due to limited genomic research and germplasm resources. To address this shortfall, a genome-wide association study was conducted on 122 avocado accessions from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Subtropical Horticultural Research Station (SHRS) germplasm collection. The study aimed to identify genetic markers and regions associated with various morphometric traits in avocado fruits, including fruit weight, length, width, diameter, seed weight, seed length, seed width, fruit seed ratio (FSR), and fruit shape index (FSI).ResultsLeveraging 4,226 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers obtained from genotyping arrays, fifteen markers were identified with strong associations with these traits, utilizing Bayesian-information and Linkage-disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway (BLINK) and Fixed and random model Circulating Probability Unification (FarmCPU) models. Gene annotation analyses within a 200-kb window in the vicinity of significant SNPs revealed several genes associated with various metabolic pathways suggesting that some of them likely determine these fruit quality traits, which needs to be verified and validated. Our results, which were conducted at one location, provide directions for conducting future studies using high-resolution genotyping and long-term multi-year and multi-location trait evaluations for precisely identifying the causal SNP(s) and genes associated with these traits.ConclusionsThese markers reported in this manuscript provide valuable tools for applying marker-assisted selection (MAS) in avocado breeding programs aimed at enhancing fruit quality and value.

Impact of Different Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) in Alluvial Regions of West Bengal

An experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons (November, 2018 –April, 2020) at the Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal (741 252), India to assess the impact of different plant growth regulators on the growth, yield, and quality of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.). The experiment was designed in Randomized Block Design with a total of 9 treatment combinations that were replicated three times. Fennel seeds were sown during the first week of November in 2.5×1.5 m2 plots with a spacing of 50×30 cm2. Growth regulators were applied at 30, 45, and 60 days after sowing. The results revealed that the application of naphthalene acetic acid @ 100 ppm significantly optimized fennel yield and quality in the alluvial regions of West Bengal. This was evident through various yield and its attributing parameters, including number of umbel plant-1, number of umbellate umbel-1, number of seeds umbellate-1, test weight (g), and seed yield (22.95 q ha-1) as well as quality parameters including total soluble sugar content (2.91 mg 100 mg-1) and volatile oil content (1.448%). Additionally, Kinetin @ 10 parts per million significantly enhanced the total chlorophyll content (0.344 mg g-1), while gibberellic acid positively influenced growth parameters like plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, days to 50% flowering, flower stalk length, and umbel diameter.

Effect of kaolin on productivity, anatomical and biochemical responses to water deficit in Pelargonium graveolens grown in sandy soil

The objective of this study was to examine the response of geranium plants to different irrigation levels (100%, 80%, and 60% based on ETo) and Kaolin application rates (0, 100, 200 and 300 ppm) during 2022 and 2023 seasons, at Aly Mobarak Experimental Farm, Horticulture Research Station, located at El-Bustan site, El-Behiera Governorate, Egypt, by using a two-way factorial analysis experimental design. The results revealed that water deficit significantly reduced most studied traits. Irrigation level at 60% based on ETo exhibited poorest performance on growth parameters and decreased fresh yield and essential oil yield by 27.77% 10.73%, respectively as compared with full irrigated plants. However, foliar application of kaolin at 200 and 300 ppm led to increasing biomass accumulation by 28.51, 26.16%, and essential oil yield by 79.51, 89.95%, respectively, as compared with untreated plants grown under the same level of water deficit (60% based on ETo). GC–MS analysis of essential oil showed that water deficit and kaolin application increased geraniol/citronellol ratio and consequently improved oil quality. Results highlight the positive influence of water deficit and kaolin rates on the development and performance of anatomical parameters. Enzymes assay in leaves revealed in an increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities, and decreased in catalase (CAT) activity under water deficit. As for WUE at 60%, followed by 80% based on ETo recorded excellent response for geranium plants which led to more water saving. So, it could be concluded that foliar application of kaolin at 200 and 300 ppm obtained the optimal characteristics of geranium plants under experimental conditions. In particular, essential oil yield and productivity.

Influence of INM on Yield, Quality of Potato and Soil Status

An experiment was carried out to study the Influence of INM on yield, quality of potato and soil status at Horticulture Research Farm, College of Horticulture, AAU, Anand during the three consecutive years 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and ten treatments viz., T1: 100 % RDF (220:110:220), T2: 20 t FYM + 100 % RDF (220:110:220), T3: 75 % RDF + 25 % RDN through FYM, T4: 75 % RDF + 25 % RDN through VC, T5: 50 % RDF + 50 % RDN through FYM, T6: 50 % RDF + 50 % RDN through VC, T7: 50 % RDF + 50 % RDN through FYM + 1 L Bio NPK consortium/ha, T8: 50 % RDF + 50 % RDN through VC + 1 L Bio NPK consortium/ha, T9: 25 % RDF + 50 % RDN through FYM + 1 L Bio NPK consortium/ha + KMB 1 L/ha, T10: 25 % RDF + 50 % RDN through VC + 1 L Bio NPK consortium + KMB 1 L/ha. The treatment T2 [20 t FYM + 100 % RDF (220:110:220] recorded maximum tuber weight per plant (487.13 g), tuber yield (434.8 q/ha) and grade “A” tuber (378.9 q/ha) in pooled analysis. Treatments T7 to T10 received inoculation of Bio NPK consortium showed higher microbial population. Whereas, grade “B” tuber, TSS and soil status after harvest were found non-significant in pooled data.

Evaluation of the pod yield and quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) varieties cultivated on mulching materials in northwestern Ethiopia

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a versatile warm-season vegetable cultivated year-round in Ethiopia. Moreover, the demand of okra pod is very high however; its yield and quality is hindered by limited adoption of improved varieties and soil moisture stress. To address these issues, a dry season experiment was conducted at Gorgora Horticultural Research Site, University of Gondar, Ethiopia from February to May 2023 to assess the pod yield and quality of okra varieties on different mulching materials. The study involved three okra varieties (Beles, Qenqes, and Wayka) and three mulching materials (rice straw, sawdust, and water hyacinth), plus a control, in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Statistical analysis was employed using SAS software version 9.4 and significance were determined using least significant difference tests at a 5% probability level. The results revealed both varieties and mulches had significant influence on yield and quality of okra pod. Variety Wayka cultivated with water hyacinth or rice straw mulch showed more number of pod harvests; on the other hand Qenqes cultivated with water hyacinth had greater (22.21 g/100 g) fiber content. Variety Qenqes recorded early (52.43 days) pod setting with maximum (32.31 g) pod weight, (15.28 cm) pod length, (2.54 cm) pod diameter, (9.85%) total ash and minimum (89.80%) moisture content, whereas Wayka had the greatest pod yield (13.40 t/ha). In case of mulching materials, water hyacinth mulch achieved maximum pod weight and pod length, in addition to this it improved early pod setting, pod diameter and pod yield at par with rice straw mulch. This study tentatively suggested the use of variety Qenqes for early quality pods and variety Wayka for more pod yields production. Moreover, water hyacinth or rice straw mulches improved earliness, pod yield and quality. For the future, it is better to repeate the study in different location and season with incorporation of other varieties.

Induced genetic variability for quantitative and biochemical traits of local landraces of rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris) of north-western Himalayas

The present study was carried out during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2020 and 2021 at Regional Horticulture Research Station (Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir), Bhaderwah, Doda, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir to evaluate genetic variability for quantitative and biochemical traits of local landraces of rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) of north-western Himalayas. Twenty-two induced mutant lines of rajmash generated with gamma rays and ethyl methane sulphonate were screened for quantitative, qualitative and anthracnose reactions under natural and artificial conditions in the field during kharif 2020 (M3) and 2021 (M4). The highly significant differences imply that induced mutant lines for different traits exhibited substantial amount of genetic diversity. Zinc content (55.38) and grain yield/plant (33.24) both had high phenotypic coefficients of variation, while 1000-seed weight (10.14) and protein content had low values (9.83). Zinc content had highest genetic advance, measured as a percentage of the mean, and the highest heritability, followed by grain yield/plant, iron content, number of pods/plant, number of clusters/plant, days to flowering and number of seeds/pod, whereas days to maturity and 1000-seed weight were moderate. The number of pods/plant (0.774), number of seeds/pod (0.556), number of clusters/plant (0.729), length of pod (0.648) and 1000-seed weight (0.620) all exposed a highly significant relationship with grain yield/plant but the days to flowering (-0.636) and days to maturity showed negative correlation (-0.602). It is obvious that the 9 induced mutant lines of Bhaderwah local and Poonch local i.e. R-BL-M3-1, R-BL-M3-9, R-BL-M3-10, R-BL-M3-12, R-BL-M3-13, R-BL-M3-14, R-PL-M3-18, R-PL-M3-20 and R-PL-M3-22 showed the minimum anthracnose disease incidence along with early emergence and superiority in grain yield/plant compared to controls. These mutant lines may be carried forward for the development of mutant genetic stocks and varietal development programmes of rajmash for north-western Himalayan region.

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.

Evaluation of Genetic Variability for Yield and Associated Traits in Breeding Lines Derived from the Cross RNR-15048 × Tunga

Aims: To evaluate the genetic variability of 45 rice breeding lines for 12 quantitative and 2 qualitative traits, aiming to identify and enhance traits that contribute to improved crop yield and nutritional quality in rice. Study Design: The experiment was carried out in Randomised Complete Block Design with two replications. Place and Duration of Study: During kharif 2023 at Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Kathalagere, Davangere. Methodology: The research utilized 45 breeding lines resulting from the cross RNR15048 × Tunga, sourced from the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture Shimoga, along with 5 checks. Data was recorded and analyzed statistically using R software. Results: The significant differences among the breeding lines identified through the analysis of variance highlight the potential for selecting superior genotypes within the studied rice breeding lines. High to moderate values of the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) suggest that there is substantial genetic diversity for the traits evaluated, indicating a promising opportunity for genetic improvement through selective breeding. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the importance of focusing yield improvement programs on specific traits, including plant height, number of tillers per plant, productive tillers per plant, grains per panicle, filled grains per panicle, test weight, protein content, and overall grain yield. Emphasizing these traits is essential for enhancing the productivity and nutritional value of rice, ultimately supporting food security efforts.

Effect of Spacing and Planting Time on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Mustard (Brassica nigra L.) Cultivar in Unwana, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Technology teaching and research farm during 2022 cropping season, to investigate the effect of spacing and planting time on the growth, yield and yield components of mustard in Unwana agro-ecology of Southeastern Nigeria. Two (2) planting time and six (6) plant spacings were evaluated in a split-plot fitted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three (3) replications. The factor A was time of planting (March and August), which occupied the main plot while factor B which was plant spacing (20x15cm, 30x15cm, 40x15cm, 50x15cm, 60x15cm and 70x15cm) occupied the sub-plots. Data were collected on plant height, leaf number, total yield, straw yield, oil yield and oil content at harvest. Result obtained showed that the growth, yield and yield components of mustard were significantly (P˂0.05) improved by time of planting and plant spacing used. March time of planting increased seed yield and yield components seed yield (102.90gha-1), straw yield (25.97gha-1), oil yield (654.10kg/ha), and oil content (41.56%) than August planting time (39.40gha-1, 20.93gha-1, 477.50kg/ha and 39.02% seed yield, straw yield, oil yield and oil content, respectively. On the other hand, result revealed that the plot planted with 20x15 plant spacing significantly increased the plant height and leaf number (18.98cm and 16.62) at 4WAP, respectively with the corresponding total yield (103.20gha-1) than other plant spacing used. The result showed that it was more productive to grow mustard at closer spacing (20x15cm) as depicted by the yield and yield components advantages.

Effect of Different Planting Dates and Spacing on Growth Parameters of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Aim: To investigate the effect of various planting dates and spacing on cabbage growth. Study Design: The experimental design Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) was used. Place and Duration of Study: An experiment was conducted in the rabi seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow (U.P.) Methodology: There were twelve treatments with three replications. The variety selected for experiment was Pusa Mukta. Results: The combined data of two years showed that treatment P1 (30 November) had significantly higher plant survivability (95.28%), plant height (14.67 cm, 21.31 cm and 28.39 cm) at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, respectively, stem diameter (2.11 cm), no. of non-wrapper leaves (16.28), no. of wrapper leaves (27.19), plant spread E-W (49.40 cm) and plant spread N-S (52.63 cm). Among spacings. The findings showed that the S4 (60 cm x 60 cm) plant spacing achieved maximum plant survivability at 91.59%. It also led to the greatest plant height at 30, 45 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT) with measurements of 15.73 cm, 22.45 cm and 31.12 cm, respectively. Additionally, this spacing resulted in the largest stem diameter (2.31 cm), the highest no. of non-wrapper leaves (17.40), no. of wrapper leaves (28.30), greatest plant spread in both East-West (52.79 cm) and North-South (56.08 cm) directions. Conclusion: The results obtained from pooled data of two years showed that treatment P1 (30 November) and Spacing 60 cm x 60 cm had significantly higher growth parameters.

Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies in Red Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Yield Related Traits and Grain Zinc, Iron and Protein Content

Aims: Nutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and protein, pose severe health risks especially in children and lactating women. Red rice is significantly rich in iron, zinc and protein compared to white rice. The present investigation was undertaken in this context to elucidate information on variability and character association in red rice genotypes to identify effective selection criteria for grain yield and quality improvement of red rice genotypes. Study Design: Randomized complete block design with two replications. Place and Duration of Study: Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Brahmavar, Udupi during Kharif 2023. Methodology: A total of 108 red rice genotypes were used in the study and observations were recorded for ten characters. Protein was estimated by Kjeldhal method, zinc and iron content by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) method. The data collected was subjected to statistical procedures using R software. Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant variation among the genotypes for all the characters studied. Grain Zn (11.4-44.7ppm), Fe (13.11-37.12ppm) and protein (5.0-11.43%) showed wide range of variability. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for Zn, number of productive tillers per plant, Fe, grain yield per plant, number of grains per panicle and plant height. Correlation studies revealed that grain yield per plant exhibited significant positive association with yield component traits. Protein and Fe content had negative association with grain yield. Conclusion: The traits that have high PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean are controlled by additive gene action which is very valuable for selection. The traits that are positively correlated with grain yield can be used for indirect selection which aids crop improvement. Karthika, Bilihallga and Shahara genotypes have high protein, iron and zinc respectively, which can be used in the further breeding program to develop nutritionally rich varieties.

Effect of Foliar Spray of Micro - Nutrients on Fruit Growth and Yield of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Lalit

Aim: To examine the effect of foliar spray of micro - nutrients on fruit growth and yield of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Lalit. Study Design: The Randomized Block Design (RBD) experimental design was used. Place and Duration of Study: An experiment was carried out during Hasth Bahar flowering seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Horticulture Research Farm of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University. Methodology: There were nineteen treatments with three replication. The variety selected for experiment was Lalit. Results: The foliar application of Borax 0.2%+Zinc 0.4% was found to be the best treatment in improving the morphological characteristics of guava such as fruit length (8.59 cm), fruit width (8.6cm), fruit volume (169.09 cm), fruit weight (174.99 g), peel weight (17.13g), pulp weight (155.32g),number of seed per fruit (212.49),seed weight per fruit (2.53g), seed weight kg per plant (1.23 kg), pulp and seed ratio (61.29) and specific gravity (1.03 g cc-1) of guava fruit. Conclusion: On the basis of the result obtained in the present investigation, it is concluded the combined foliar application of Borax 0.2%+Zinc 0.4% (T11). Therefore, combined spray Borax 0.2%+Zinc 0.4% (T11) can be advocated to guava growers for maximum growth and yield parameters of guava.

Melatonin and Gibberellin Employing to Mitigate Heat Stress Effects on “Canino” Apricot

The fruit yield of apricot trees may decrease as a result of temperature stress. Through improving growth, productivity, and fruit quality, some compounds may play a significant part in resolving that issue. Therefore, this study was conducted during two successive growing seasons (2017 and 2018) in order to lessen the effects of heat stress on the production and fruit quality of Canino apricot trees cultivated on the farm of the Horticulture Research Station at El Kanater El Khayreia, Egypt, by foliar spray of hormonal substances and antioxidants i.e. (melatonin “MEL” or gibberellic acid” GA3 “each at concentration (25 mg/L) at pre-dormancy stage. It could be concluded that spraying Canino apricot trees at pre-dormancy stage (August) with both of GA3 and MEL enhanced the vegetative growth, as well as it improved flower quality compared with untreated control during the two cultivated seasons, also, melatonin improved growth and fruit set, yield, and fruit quality, followed by gibberellic acid compared with Control.

Response of Green Faba Bean Yield: As Nexus of Water Deficit, P-Fertilizers, and Phosphorus Recovery

Water and fertilizer optimum management in agriculture is important in improving crop productivity, two field experiments were conducted in El-Qanater Horticultural Research Station, Qalubiya Governorate, Egypt, during 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 to study the response of (Vicia faba L.,) Giza 716 faba bean cultivar to three irrigation water levels 100 % of potential evapotranspiration, ET crop (I1), 80 % ET crop (I2) and 60 % ET crop (I3) of irrigation requirements, the effect of applying P-fertilizers no P-fertilization (P0); powdered calcium super phosphate (P1); granular calcium superphosphate (P2) and powdered rock phosphate (P3) all P-sources inoculated by B. megaterium. The obtained results could be summarized as follows: Increasing the applied amount of irrigation water from 3172 (I3) to 4229 m3 ha-1 (I2) and (P3) gave the highest values of all growth characters, except plant height and amount of pods/ plant in average values of both seasons. Moreover, the 80% ET crop (I2) and rock phosphate sources treatment increased yield values attributes, and NPK contents of seeds. Also, the highest values of Irrigation Water productivity (IWP) kg m-3 faba bean green pods and seed quality (protein %) occurred with 80% ET crop (I2) of irrigation water level and powdered rock phosphate (P3).

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.

Spider plant (Cleome gynandra) breeding priorities and preferences among landraces in Zimbabwe

Background: Participatory approaches such as participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and participatory variety selection (PVS) methods empower farmers to play a greater role in the decision-making process and in shaping the future improvement of crops. However, few studies have established breeding priorities and assessed variety preferences for spider plant, a nutrient-rich and medicinal crop mainly grown as landraces by farmers.Aim: This study aims to set spider plant breeding priorities and select preferred varieties.Setting: This study was conducted at seven farmer field schools (FFSs) located in various districts of Zimbabwe during the 2021–2022 summer season.Methods: Landrace genotypes were planted in a variety of demonstration plots where farmers met, learned and discussed important breeding traits, ultimately ranking the landrace genotypes. Important traits of spider plant were identified and prioritised to establish breeding priorities. The final ranking was conducted at the end of the season, and the data were analysed for significance.Results: The top six most important breeding priorities across the FFS can be ranked as follows: size of leaves number of branches taste late maturity germination early leaf growth. Preferences for different genotypes varied among FFSs. CGGUR, CGMRGP-Marondera and CGUZG1 were preferred for higher branching habits. Landraces with larger leaf sizes, were CGNPGRC356, CGMRGP-Marondera.Conclusion: The preferred genotypes were as follows: Tsholotsho = CGGUR, Rushinga = CGKENYA, Chiredzi = CGMRG1, Mudzi = CGMRGP-Marondera, Horticulture Research Institution – Research community (HRI-R) = CGMRG1 and CGKENYA, and M-Chiota = CGZIM and CGUZG1. Across FFSs, significantly (p 0.001) higher preference ranks were in the following order: CGMRGP-Marondera CGMRG1 CGNPGRC355 CGKENYA.Contribution: These genotypes can be utilised for future genetic improvement, seed production and variety release.

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.

Effect of Different Growing Media on Shoot Growth of Dragon Fruit Cuttings [Hylocereus undatus L. (Haworth) Britton & Rose

The present investigation was carried out under open field conditions at Horticulture Research Farm, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow,Uttar Pradesh, India, to determine the effect of different growing media on the shoot growth of dragon fruit cuttings (Hylocereus undatus L.) during the years 2022–23. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RBD) with three replications. There were 8 treatments, viz., T1-Soil, T2-Sand, T3-Vermicompost, T4-Coco Peat, T5-Farmyard Manure, T6-Soil+Sand+Farmyard Manure, T7-Soil+ Sand+ Vermicompost and T8-Soil+Vermicompost+Coco Peat. Treatments have shown significant differences among the growth parameters in terms of number of days taken for sprouting, percent sprouting, number of sprouts per cutting, shoot diameter, length of sprout, number of spines/areoles, fresh weight of shoot, and dry weight of shoot. Among the treatment combinations, the least number of days taken for sprouting, maximum percent sprouting, maximum number of sprouts per cutting, maximum sprout and shoot length of stem cutting, maximum increase in diameter of shoot, maximum number of spines/areoles, maximum fresh weight of shoot, and maximum dry weight of shoot were found in treatment T7-Soil+ Sand+ Vermicompost, followed by T8-Soil+ Vermicompost+. Coco peat, while the minimum has been recorded in T1-Soil.