Maximum Ascorbic Acid Research Articles

Estimation of Heterosis and Combining Ability for Quality Traits in Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.

An experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm, Maharajpur, Department of Horticulture, JNKVV, Jabalpur in kharif season of 2022 and 2023. The current study evaluated the performance of 23 bottle gourd genotypes, including 6 parental lines, their 15 diallel crosses, and 2 checks, focusing on their quality traits. Over two years of pooled data, genotype, JBG-4×JBG-5 was found to possess maximum TSS (3.93 °Brix), followed by JBG-2×JBG-4 (3.77 °Brix). JBG-4×JBG-5 was found to have maximum ascorbic acid content (14.48 mg 100-1 g) followed by JBG-4 (14.01 mg 100-1 g). Rind thickness was found maximum in JBG-2×JBG-4 (3.36 mm) followed by JBG-2×JBG-3 (3.28 mam). This study found a substantial association between the total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid content with the yield of bottle gourd genotypes. Among the genotypes, JBG-4×JBG-5 demonstrated the highest yield per plant, along with the highest total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid content. Regarding heterosis, JBG-4×JBG-5 has found the highest heterosis for total soluble solids and ascorbic acid content. JBG-4 and JBG-2 are the best general combiners for TSS, ascorbic acid content, and rind thickness. JBG-4×JBG-5 has found the best specific combiner for TSS and ascorbic acid content.

Influence of Chemicals and Plant Bioregulators Application during the Time of Fruit Developmental Phenophase on Fruit Weight, Quality and Shelf-life of Mango (Mangifera indica. L)

The present study was conducted to know the influence of chemicals and plant bioregulators application during the time of fruit developmental phenophase on fruit weight, quality and shelf-life of Mango (Mangifera indica. L) at the fruit research station, Aswaraopet, Telangana, India during the 2022- 23. Among chemicals and plant bioregulators maximum fruit retention percentage (16.851 %), TSS (14.901 °Brix), total sugars (12.999 %) and shelf life (15.034 days) were recorded with pre-harvest application of CPPU. Maximum ascorbic acid content (49.838 mg. 100 g-1), reducing sugars (4.277 %) and firmness (5.866 kg.cm-2) were recorded with pre-harvest application of Ca(NO3)2 whereas, minimum physiological loss in weight was recorded with the application of CPPU on 12th day (16.244 %). Among different time of chemicals and plant bio regulator application, maximum fruit retention percentage were recorded with chemicals and plant bio regulator applied at 703 phenophase, maximum shelf-life was recorded with the application of CPPU at 709 phenophase, minimum physiological loss in weight was recorded with the application of CPPU at 709 phenophase.

Response of Foliar Feeding of NAA, Urea, Nano-urea and Biofertisol on Fruit Quality of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Langra

A study was conducted during the season of 2022-23 at the fruit research station in Imalia, which is affiliated with the Department of Horticulture at the JNKVV in Jabalpur. The objective of the study was to evaluate the positive effect of foliar sprays containing NAA, Urea, Nano-urea, and Biofertisol on the fruit quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Langra. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block design in three replications and all the treatments were replicated thrice by using the single tree as a unit. Each treatment was carried out with one tree for each replication. At the full bloom and pea stage, the spraying of three different concentrations of NAA (20 ppm, 30 ppm, and 40 ppm), Urea (2%, 3%, and 4%), Nano-urea (0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%) and Biofertisol (5 ml/l, 10 ml/l, and 15 ml/l) was compared with the control, which consisted of no spraying. According to the findings of the experiment, applying a foliar spray containing 40 ppm of NAA resulted in a significant improvement in the quality parameter, as measured by a maximum TSS value of 22.22 oBrix, a maximum TSS: acid ratio of 117.13, maximum ascorbic acid content of 26.70 mg/100g, a minimum acidity content of 0.19%, and reducing sugars of 6.74% and total sugars of 17. During the evaluation, it performed at the same level as T3 (NAA 30 ppm), T2 (NAA 20 ppm), and T7 (Urea 4%).

Evaluation of Different Hybrids of Chilli in Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

The present investigation entitled “Evaluation of different hybrids of chilli in prayagraj agro-climatic condition” was conducted from July 2022- January 2023. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with 3 replications and 10 hybrids viz., LHC-Diya, LHC-4010, Beauty, NS-1101, Deva, NS-1701 DG, VNR-305, Chushul, Pushkar, Sonali. Experiment was done to understand the plant growth, fruit yield, quality and economics of Chilli using different hybrids under Allahabad agro-climatic conditions at the experimental field of the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute (NAI), Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. From the above experimental findings it is concluded that, all the characters viz., growth parameters, earliness parameters, yield parameters and qualitative parameters varied significantly. Further, while studying the plant height (F1-Sonali) was found best, highest number of branches, maximum average fruit weight and maximum ascorbic acid was found in (F1-NS-1701 DG), days to first flowering and days to 50% flowering was found minimum in (F1- Pushkar), maximum number of fruits per plant, maximum fruit length and fruit girth was found in (F1- VNR-305), highest yield per plant, highest yield per hectare and highest profit and maximum benefit cost ratio were found in (F1-NS-1101), maximum TSS was found in (F1- Beauty).

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators and Micro Nutrient on Quality of Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) cv. Gola

The present experiment was carried out on twenty eight year old ber orchard planted under sodic soil condition, which is located at the Main Experiment Station Horticulture, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya. The objective of experiment was to assess the effect of Plant growth regulators and micro nutrient on quality of ber.The application of different growth regulators affected different characters of ber significantly i.e., fruit weight, fruit size, TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and Total sugar. The maximum fruit size, length (3.87 and 3.92 cm) and breadth (3.38 and 3.41 cm) was recorded under the treatment of T8- 0.15 % Promalin + 0.5% Borax, which was statistically at par with T10-15 ppm GA4 + 7 + 0.5 % Borax (3.79 and 3.84 cm) and (3.33 and 3.36 cm) during 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. The maximum fruit weight was noted (27.69g and 28.89g) under the treatment of T8- 0.15 % Promalin + 0.5% Borax, which was statistically similar with T10-15 ppm GA4 + 7 + 0.5% Borax (26.30 g). The higher TSS (19.42 and 19.49) 0Brix was recorded under the treatment of T8- 0.15 % Promalin + 0.5 % Borax, which was statistically at par with T10-15 ppm GA4 + 7 + 0.5 % Borax (19.02 and 19.09) 0Brix. The minimum Acidity (0.24% and 0.23 %) was recorded under the treatment of T8- 0.15 % Promalin + 0.5 % Borax, which was statistically at par with T10- 15 ppm GA4 + 7 + 0.5 % Borax. The maximum ascorbic acid (85.33 and 86.02) was recorded under the treatment of T8- 0.15 % Promalin + 0.5 % Borax, which was statistically at par with T10- 15 ppm GA4 + 7 + 0.5 % Borax (84.71 and 84.62). The maximum reducing sugar (6.23 and 6.25) was recorded under the treatment of T7- 0.13 % Promalin + 0.5 % Borax. The maximum non-reducing sugar (7.92 and 7.95) was recorded under the treatment of T7- 0.13% Promalin + 0.5 % Borax. The maximum Total sugar (14.15 and 14.20 %) was recorded under the treatment of T7- 0.13 % Promalin + 0.5 % Borax.

Breeding for Higher Ascorbic Acid and Mineral Nutrients in Snowball Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.)

The components of genetic variance and gene action effects for ascorbic acid and mineral nutrient contents in snowball cauliflower lines were estimated through line × tester analysis involving 5 Ogura based CMS lines and 7 male fertile testers. The mean squares due to lines and testers were significant for ascorbic acid and mineral nutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K, S, Fe, Mn and Zn). Ogu 103 was best performing CMS line for K (182.32 mg/100 g), S (29.48 mg/100 g), Ca (23.19 mg/100 g), Mg (13.22 mg/100 g), Zn (313.33 μg/100 g) and Mn (235.00 μg/100 g) whereas maximum ascorbic acid (81.26), Na (24.37) and Fe content (645.03 μg/100 g) was noted in Ogu 119, Ogu 13-85 and Ogu 13-01, respectively. Among the testers, Kt-18 recorded maximum value (mg/100 g) for Na (98.03), K (277.52), S (42.87), Ca (43.73) and Mg (29.44), respectively, whereas Kt-22 had highest ascorbic acid (70.84 mg/100 g) and Mn content (343.50 μg/100 g) and Sel-26 had maximum Fe (1424.93 μg/100 g) and Zn (458.70 μg/100 g) contents. The best-performing hybrids for different macro-nutrients (mg/100 g) were, Ogu 101 × Sel-26 for ascorbic acid (94.05), Ogu 103 × Sel-26 for Na (98.63), Ogu 13-01 × Sel-26 for K (300.18), Ogu 101 × Lalchowk Maghi for S (49.34), Ogu 119 × Suprimax Late for Ca (54.65), Ogu 13-85 × DB-187 for Mg (35.60). For micronutrients (μg/100 g FW), the best hybrids were Ogu 13-01 × DB-187 for Fe (1775.60), Ogu 101 × Lalchowk Maghi for Zn (642.10) and Ogu 101 × Kt-22 for Mn content (381.60). Predominance of dominance component of variance was observed for vitamin C and mineral nutrients. The traits studied had narrow differences among GCV, PCV and broad sense heritability values, suggesting low effect of environment. The variance due to general (σ2gca) and specific combining abilities (σ2sca) were highly significant indicating the importance of both additive (σ2A) as well as non-additive (σ2D) type of gene actions. However, the ratios of σ2gca/ σ2sca (<1) and σ2A/σ2D (<1) revealed the preponderance of non-additive variance for the inheritance of traits studied. The study’s results suggest the possibility of improving these traits through recurrent selection and hybridization.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Fruit Yield and Fruit Quality of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Amrapali

An experiment on “Effect of Plant growth regulators on fruit yield and fruit quality of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Amrapali” was conducted at the research plot, College of Horticulture, Chiplima during the year 2020-21 by using Randomized Block Design with three replications and ten treatments. Three concentrations of NAA i.e. 10, 20 and 30 ppm, three concentrations of GA3 i.e. 10, 20 and 30 ppm and three concentrations of 2,4-D i.e. 10, 20 and 30 ppm were applied at pea and marble stage of fruit. Research work was held on 07 years old plants of mango cv. Amrapali. Highest fruit weight (263.21g), and total yield of 18.34 kg per plant were recorded under T7. The minimum yield (4.41 kg per plant) was recorded under T1 (Control). The highest number of fruits per plant(69.67) and fruit yield (18.34 kg per plant ) was recorded under treatment T7 (30 ppm foliar application of GA3). The maximum TSS: acid ratio (115.81) was obtained with T10 (30 ppm concentration of 2,4-D) which was known to be superior from all other treatments. The minimum TSS: acid ratio (55.00) was estimated under T1. Ascorbic acid content of mango cv. Amrapali ranged from 39.34 mg/100g (T10) to 55.97 mg/100g (T1). The highest total sugar content (14.99 %) was estimated in T10 (2,4-D at 20 ppm) while the lowest total sugar content (10.42 %) was estimated in T1 (Control). T10 (30 ppm foliar applications of 2,4-D) showed maximum ascorbic acid content (55.97 mg/100g), while lowest (39.34 mg/100 g) was recorded under T1 (Control). It is concluded that the foliar application of 30 ppm GA3 (Gibberellic acid) and 30 ppm 2,4-D were found to be optimum concentrations which showed best results by increasing yield and fruit quality of mango cv. Amrapali.

Seasonal variation of biochemical parameters and air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of selected plant species in Delhi city, and detailed meta-analysis from Indian metropolitan cities

Plants act as the primary barrier to atmospheric pollution. Thus, while considering the role of plants in restricting air pollutants, one of the environmental tools used to assess tolerant plant species is the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). We conducted a study in Delhi during the pre-and post-monsoon seasons at polluted (Nehru Nagar) and non-polluted (Pusa Road) sites to assess the site-specific and seasonal variation of biochemical parameters (ascorbic, pH, relative water content, and chlorophyll) and APTI. Two-way ANOVA, Pearson's test, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were performed for the statistical analysis. Also, a detailed meta-analysis of biochemical parameter and their influence on APTI based on published literature in metropolitan cities of India has been performed. The study conducted in Delhi at a non-polluted site found higher APTI in the pre-monsoon than post-monsoon season. In addition, the maximum ascorbic acid content of 2.47 mg/g (Azadirachta indica A.Juss) and 1.37 mg/g (Ficus benjamina L) was reported at polluted and non-polluted sites, respectively, during pre-monsoon. The detailed meta-analysis of published literature revealed that plants' chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content were more at polluted sites than at non-polluted sites and substantially impacted APTI calculation. Linear regression showed a significant correlation of ascorbic acid (Mangifera indica L, R2 = 0.9670) and chlorophyll content (Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.), R2 = 0.958) with APTI. Also, in the PCA test, measured characteristics of different species were strongly correlated, with 72.55% of overall variability. Furthermore, the meta-analysis revealed the average APTI of the plants in the following order Ficus benghalensis L > Polyalthia longifolia > M.indica > A. indica > Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook) > Ficus religiosa L. A substantial seasonal, site-specific variation and statistically significant differences in the biochemical parameters of plants were observed. These results could be used to classify plant species as air pollution sinks and bioindicators.

Changes in Physico-Chemical Parameters During Fruit Development Stage in Ber (Zizyphus Mauritiana Lamk.) Cultivars in Tarai Region

ABSTRACT The study on changes in physico-chemical parameters of fruit on eight ber cultivars viz. Chhuhara, Chinese, Kalagola, Nazuk, Sanaur-2, Sanaur-4, Umran and ZG-2 was conducted at Horticulture Research Centre, Patharchatta, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar, Uttarakhand, India during the season of 2017–18 and 2018–19. The experiment was laid out in two factors Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Sampling dates and cultivars were considered as the treatments. There were 11 sampling dates ranging from 28 to 168 days after full bloom (DAFB), with observations taken at biweekly interval. In pooled data at 168 DAFB, Sanaur-2 recorded the maximum (6.89) pH while the minimum (6.62) in Kalagola. Umran recorded the maximum (83.55) ascorbic acid while the minimum ascorbic acid content was found in Sanaur-4 (66.50). Chhuhara recorded the maximum (9.31) total sugars while the minimum (7.55) in Umran. Chhuhara recorded the maximum (4.45) reducing sugars while the minimum (3.19) in Kalagola. Chinese recorded the maximum (5.08) non-reducing sugars while the minimum (4.06) in Umran. Chhuhara recorded the maximum (138.38) TSS: acid ratio (Total soluble solids: acid ratio) and minimum (75.78) in Kalagola. The findings therefore imply that matured ber could be used for naturally occurring antioxidants and that the advanced ripening stage is the best time to collect fruit for fresh consumption or for commercial processing. Breeders will be helped by these kinds of studies to create new breeding programmes, find potential cultivars for breeding, and choose the best time to harvest for domestic and international markets.

Influence of Different Organic Sources of Nutrients on Yield and Quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa

A field experiment entitled, Influence of different organic sources of nutrients on yield and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa. The current study was designed in RBD with three replications consisting of twenty-two treatments with four different organic manures viz., farmyard manure, vermicompost, poultry manure and neem cake as a source of nitrogen and recommended dose of manure and fertilizers based on plant age with or without biofertilizers (Azotobacter, PSB & KMB) and biopesticides (Trichoderma viride and and Paecilomyces lilacinus). The findings based on pooled data discovered that maximum number of fruits per plant (59.50), yield per plant (12.41 kg), yield per hectare (19.86 tonne), fruit weight (239.39 g), fruit diameter (7.55 cm), aril weight per fruit (147.70 g), juice content per fruit (97.55 ml), peel weight per fruit (91.69 g) along with peel: aril ratio (0.62) was significantly noted under treatment 100 % RDN through poultry manure + 50 ml PSB + 25 ml KMB + 5 g Trichoderma viride + 5 ml Paecilomyces lilacinus. The maximum net return (4,12,840/ha) and BCR (3.26) were also obtained in same treatment. Significantly maximum TSS (16.15°Brix), reducing sugar (14.44 %), non-reducing (2.04 %) and total sugar (16.48 %) along with minimum titrable acidity (0.41 %) were recorded with application of 37.5 % RDN through FYM + 37.5 % RDN through neem cake + 50 ml Azotobacter culture + 50 ml PSB + 25 ml KMB + 5 g Trichoderma viride + 5 ml Paecilomyces lilacinus treatment. Whereas, maximum ascorbic acid content (16.72 mg/100 ml juice) was significantly found under treatment 100 % RDN through FYM + 50 ml PSB + 25 ml KMB + 5 g Trichoderma viride + 5 ml Paecilomyces lilacinus.

Potential of wild edible fruits for nutrition in indigenous communities of Northwest Himalaya, India

Background: In the rural areas of Himachal Pradesh, poor and tribal people depend on a variety of wild plants, animals, and fungi for their own consumption and for income generation. Despite their role in bridging periods of food shortages and providing dietary variety, most of wild edible plants are not accessed for nutritional potential. This is particularly true for the district of Kinnaur (a predominantly tribal area) of Himachal Pradesh. Hence, the present study was carried out to study the nutrient content of ten wild edible fruit species growing in the district of Kinnaur. The species included Berberis aristata, Elaeagnus umbellata, Hippophae salicifolia, Malus baccata, Prunus cornuta, Prunus persica, Pyrus pashia, Ramaria botrytis, Rosa webbiana and Viburnum cotinifolium. Methods: The samples collected from the identified plants were cleaned, dried, powdered and stored in airtight containers for laboratory analysis. Fresh fruit pulp was used for measurement of pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid. Fresh weight of fruit pulp was recorded by using a digital balance and the samples were later oven dried (60°C) for moisture content determination (AOAC, 2006). All the dried samples were pulverized in pestle and mortar into fine powder separately and stored in airtight containers, free from contamination till other parameters were determined. All the parameters were evaluated in triplicates, results were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and reported as mean ± standard error. Results: The moisture content of the fruits varied from 58.76% to 89.75% while pH values ranged from 2.91 to 3.86. The crude protein of species varied between 0.38% - 4.58%. Prunus cornuta contained high amount of total soluble solids, TSS (18.53o Brix). The acidity in the fruits ranged between 0.47-2.73%. The total carbohydrate content varied between 19.52% and 78.40%. The highest sugars (7.60%) were observed in the fruits of Viburnum cotinifolium. Total phenols ranged in between 0.26-1.47%. The maximum ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity was recorded in fruits of Hippophae salicifolia. These wild edible plants had also significant amounts of minerals. Conclusion: The study shows that these wild edible plant species are good sources of nutrition for rural population. Keeping in view the nutritional values and commercial potential, these important species need to be conserved in their natural habitats and should be included in traditional agricultural systems. Domestication of these species will not only improve the economic condition of the local people but also aid in the conservation of biodiversity. Key words: Wild edible plants, nutritive values, domestication, conservation.

A Comparative Study on Ascorbic Acid Concentration, Total Phenol, and Flavonoid Content in Citrus Species Grown in a Different Region of Western Nepal.

Different genetic and environmental factors like altitude, temperature, light radiation, etc. affect the production of phytoconstituents like ascorbic acid, phenol, flavonoid, tannin, etc. So, it is necessary to evaluate phytoconstituents quantitatively and qualitatively because of their different medicinal values. This study is aimed at evaluating and comparing ascorbic acid concentration, total phenol, and flavonoid content in citrus species grown in different places in Western Nepal. For this, fruit collected from Lamjung and Nawalparasi was peeled, and collected juice was extracted with ethanol. Ascorbic acid was estimated using titration with dichlorophenolindophenol dye, and total phenol was estimated using Folin reagent; whereas, flavonoid content was determined by aluminum chloride colorimetric assay. The result showed the maximum ascorbic acid concentration in the fruit juice of Citrus maxima collected from Lamjung, i.e., 2.98 ± 0.161 mg/100 ml, and the least concentration was recorded on extract of Citrus limon collected from Nawalparasi, i.e., 1.005 ± 0.205 mg/100 ml. The total phenol content was comparatively higher in Citrus maxima and Citrus aurantifolia collected from Lamjung, i.e., 12.48 ± 0.40 mg GAE/gm, respectively. Flavonoid content was comparatively higher in Citrus maxima collected from Nawalparasi, i.e., 484.466 ± 3.055 mg QE/gm. This study showed a variation in the concentration of chemical constituents between different places in Western Nepal. This might be due to differences in climatic conditions, environmental factors, altitude, temperature, etc. This study helps to reflect the best-suited altitude for commercial cultivation of the citrus species as these phytochemicals have different medicinal values. Also, this study can help the food industry to use an alternative source of synthetic antioxidant such as ascorbic acid, phenol, and flavonoid. And local people will economically benefit by the commercial cultivation of citrus fruits.

Deficit irrigation scheduling with mulching and yield prediction of guava (Psidium guajava L.) in a subtropical humid region

Drip irrigation and mulching are often used to alleviate the problem of poor water management in many crops; however, these technologies have not yet been tested for applying water at critical stages of guava orchard growth in subtropical humid Tarai regions of India to improve the yield and quality. A field experiment was conducted over 2020 and 2021 which included three irrigation strategies: severe deficit irrigation (DI50), moderate deficit irrigation (DI75), and full irrigation (FI100), as well as four mulching methods: silver-black mulch (MSB), black mulch (MB), organic mulch (MOM), and a control without mulch (MWM). The results showed that both the relative leaf water content (RLWC) and the proline content exhibited an increasing trend with a decrease in the irrigation regime, resulting in a 123% increase in the proline content under DI50 conditions compared with FI100, while greater plant growth was recorded in fully irrigated plants and using silver-black mulch. Leaf nutrient analysis showed that FI100 and MOM produced significantly higher concentrations of all nutrients. However, moderate deficit irrigation (DI75) along with silver-black mulch (MSB) produced higher numbers of fruits per plant, higher average fruit weights, higher fruit yields, and maximum ascorbic acid contents. The irrigation water productivity (IWP) decreased with an increase in the irrigation regime; from severe water deficit to full irrigation, resulting in a 33.79% improvement in IWP under DI50 conditions as compared with FI100. Regression analysis outperforms principal component regression analysis for fruit yield prediction, with adjusted R2 = 89.80%, RMSE = 1.91, MAE = 1.52, and MAPE = 3.83. The most important traits affecting the fruit yield of guava, based on stepwise regression, were leaf proline, leaf Cu, fruit weight, and IWP.

Postharvest transport type influences fruit physiological, biochemical and antioxidative attributes of two cultivars of pomegranate

In developing countries, substantial losses occur during the fresh produce transit from orchard to consumer representing significant postharvest losses. This study was conducted to investigate the postharvest losses and fruit quality attributes dynamics of two pomegranate cultivars (Sandhora and Sawa) transported directly (Field Lab) and indirectly (Wholesaler→Retailer→lab). For this purpose, harvested pomegranate fruit of both cultivars were divided into two lots. One lot was transported directly and other lot indirectly. In the experiment, fruit of both cv were kept at ambient conditions (25 ± 2o C, 60-65% RH). The experimental design was completely randomize design (CRD) with factorial arrangement. Different parameters were studied during the study include physical parameter (fruit firmness) physiological parameter (weight loss, ethylene, respiration rate, colony forming unit), biochemical parameter [juice pH, TSS (Total Soluble Solids), TA (Titratable acidity), ascorbic acid] and antioxidatative parameters (total anthocyanin, total phenolics contents, activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase enzyme). The data was analyzed by the application of standard statistical measures. Results of experiment revealed significant differences between transportation system and days at shelf. As far as the result of fruit subjected to direct transportation system showed better quality due to higher aril juice pH (4.2), TSS (16.9 oBrix), total antioxidant capacity (87.5 % inhibition) and phenolic contents (296.71 mg GAE 100g−1) as compared the fruit that was transported through indirect market transportation system. Maximum TSS (18 °Brix) were recorded in indirect transportation of cv “Sawa” at the day-5 of study as compared to others. The maximum ascorbic acid contents were recorded in direct transportation of both cultivars (35.37 mg/100g) as compared to the indirect. Pomegranate fruit transported through direct transportation system exhibited higher fruit quality and lesser losses in fruit quality than the fruit transported indirectly irrespective to days at shelf.

Impact of Certain Fungicides and Calcium Nitrate on Quality and Shelf Life of Kinnow Mandarin

An experiment was carried out at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2019-20 to study the effect of different fungicides and calcium nitrate on the quality and shelf life of Kinnow mandarin”. A spray of carbendazim, copper oxychloride, mancozeb, propiconazole, nimbecidine, calcium nitrate, and their combinations were done ten days prior to harvesting on ten years old Kinnow plants. When compared to fruits from untreated plants, the fruits from plants treated with fungicides, nimbecidine, calcium nitrate, and their mixtures showed much less rotting. The most successful treatment for preventing fruit rot after harvest was carbendazim 0.05% + calcium nitrate 1%, followed by propiconazole 0.05% + calcium nitrate 1%. with various pre-harvest treatments, it was discovered that the Total dissolved solids (TSS), acidity, TSS/acid ratio, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, and total sugar of Kinnow fruits were not significantly affected. Among all the treatments, the maximum ascorbic acid content (24.10 mg/100 ml of juice) was reported in mancozeb 0.2% + calcium nitrate 1% and propiconazole 0.05% + calcium nitrate 1% during storage in Kinnow fruits. The most prominent pathogens associated with decay loss were identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Diplodia natalensis and Penicillium sp. during the storage period.

Effect of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Fruit Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) c.v. Pusa Cherry Tomato-1 under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse Condition

The present investigation was carried out at Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) during winter season of 2021 - 2022, to evaluate the most suitable treatment combination of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers for growth, fruit yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 13 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of different combinations of organic manures i.e., FYM (Farmyard Manure), Poultry manure and Vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers. Among thirteen treatments under study, treatment T3 100% Organic Manures (33% FYM+ 33% Poultry manure + 33% Vermicompost) recorded maximum plant height (235.20 cm), minimum days to first flowering (45.36), minimum days to 50% flowering (61.42), maximum number of branches per plant (11.33), maximum number of fruits per cluster (24.17), minimum days to first fruit setting (55.97), maximum number of cluster per plant (12.2), maximum average number of fruits per plant (237.53), maximum fruit set Percentage (86.65%),maximum fruit weight (13.25 g), maximum fruit width (3.04 cm), maximum fruit yield per plant (3.91 kg), maximum fruit yield per hectare (130.59 tonne), maximum TSS (10.64 Brix), maximum Juiciness (27%).Maximum number of flowers per cluster (29.33) was observed in T6(75% RDN + 25% Vermicompost), Maximum ascorbic acid content (24.57 mg/100 g) was observed in T11( 25% RDN + 75% Poultry manure),Maximum B:C ratio was found in treatment T3 100% Organic Manures (33% FYM+ 33% Poultry manure + 33% Vermicompost), i.e., (5.97).

Effect of Foliar Application of Micronutrients on Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. Arka Samrat

The field experiment was carried out with title “Effect of foliar application of micronutrients on growth, yield and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. Arka Samrat” at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Rabi-2021-22 with a view to determine the effect of foliar application of micronutrients on tomato variety ‘Arka Samrat’ for its growth, quality and yield and to work out the economics of various treatments. Under this experiment, overall 8 treatment was taken T1 Control (water spray), T2 FeSO4 @ 0.2% spray, T3 Ca(NO3)2 @ 0.2% spray, T4 H3BO3@0.1% spray, T5 ZnSO4 @ 0.2% spray, T6 FeSO4 @ 0.2% + Ca(NO3)2 @ 0.2% + H3BO3 @ 0.1% + ZnSO4 @ 0.2% spray, T7 Ca(NO3)2 @ 0.2% + ZnSO4 @ 0.2% spray, T8 Ca(NO3)2 @ 0.2% + H3BO3@0.1% spray. From the above experimental finding it may be concluded that the treatment T6 (FeSO4 @ 0.2% + (CaNO3)-2 @ 0.2%+ H3BO3 @ 0.1% + ZnSO4 @ 0.2%) was found to be best in the terms of growth Yield and quality of tomato. While, the maximum Plant height (167.85 cm), highest No. of leaves per plant (204.33), Minimum Days to 50% flowering (37.33 DAS), Maximum No. of flower per cluster (5.12), Maximum No. of fruit per plant (60.33) and maximum Fruit set per cluster (5.06), Maximum fruit weight (94.22 g), Maximum average yield per plant (5.68 kg), Maximum average yield per plot (34.10), Maximum average yield per hectare (189.43t/ha), Maximum Total soluble solid (5.23), Maximum Ascorbic Acid (26.11).

Effect of Nanochitosan and Biocapsules on Growth, Yield and Quality of Red Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. ) Var. Kashi Lalima

An experiment on okra was conducted throughout August to Nov 2021, in Horticulture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, and Technology & Sciences Prayagraj (U.P) India. The results of the investigation, concerning the performance of Nanochitosan and Biocapsule within the 9 treatment of Red Okra i.e. t0 control (NPK): 100:50:50 Kg/ha, T1 Biocapsule 250 ppm, T2 Biocapsule 500 ppm, T3 Nanochitosan 50 ppm, T4 Nanochitosan 100 ppm, T5 Nanochitosan 50 ppm + Biocapsule 250 ppm, T6 Nanochitosan 50 ppm + Biocapsule 500 ppm, T7 Nanochitosan 100 ppm + Biocapsule 250 ppm, T8 Nanochitosan 100 ppm + Biocapsule 500 ppm. The seed was obtained from source of IIVR Varanasi. To find out the best performance in terms of growth, yield and quality the experiment was conducted in randomized block design, where each treatment replicated thrice. The results from the current investigation concluded that the treatment T6 (Nanochitosan 50ppm + Biocapsule 500 ppm) was recorded with maximum number of fruits (20.37 fruits/plant), with average fruit weight (14.22 gm), and also average fruit yield (143.13 q/ha) with Benefit cost ratio of 2.88 whereas in terms of quality the treatment T8 (Nanochitosan 100ppm and Biocapsule 500 ppm) was recorded with maximum TSS (3.94⁰Bx) and the treatment of T7 (Nanochitosan 100 ppm and Biocapsule 250 ppm) was recorded with maximum Ascorbic acid (21.38 mg/10 0g).

Effect of Plant spacing and cultivar on quality attributes in sprouting broccoli

The effects of plant spacing on broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) commercial characteristics are well determined such as yield, growth and quality parameter. However, it is not completely clear how the broccoli plant respond to changes in quality traits as a result of different plant densities. According to recent field tests, wider spacing contributes towards larger and heavier heads while, yield per hectare can be increased by close spacing. Hence, it is necessary to optimize proper plant spacing for obtaining higher yield with better quality. The study evaluated effects of the plant spacing S1 (60×45 cm), S2 (45×45 cm) and S3 (45×30 cm) on ascorbic acid, total soluble solid, total sugar, reducing sugar and non-reducing sugar contents of sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea L var. italica Plenck). cvs. Palam Samridhi (V1), Palam Vichitra (V2) and Palam Kanchan (V3). The cv. Palam Kanchan had the highest ascorbic acid (78.64 mg/100 g), ‘Palam Vichitra’ had the highest total soluble solids (11.21%), total (4.084%) and reducing sugar (5.62%) content was highest in ‘Palam Samridhi’. Plant spacing of 60×45 cm had the highest total soluble solids (11.15%), total sugar (4.058%) and reducing sugar (5.02%), maximum ascorbic acid (78.35 mg/100 g) content for spacing 45×30 cm. The interaction effect of variety and spacings affected all but non-reducing sugar content, maximum ascorbic acid content was recorded for the interaction of the Palam Kanchan (V3) and S3 (45×30 cm) was found (82.28 mg/100 g) while maximum total soluble solids (11.38%), total sugar (4.38%), reducing sugar (6.73%) and non-reducing sugar (0.8%) content was recorded for the treatment combination V3 S1. This study aimed to determine the effect of plant spacing on the quality parameter of sprouting broccolis. Increasing the area per plant resulted in a shortening of the time to the beginning of head formation, technical maturity; harvest and increased content of various quality attributes such as ascorbic acid, total sugar and reducing sugar content in spear than close planting.

Impact of Pruning Time on Bio-Chemical Parameters of Guava (Psidium guajava L.)

The present study was conducted on seven diff erent genotypes namely RHR-Guv-58, RHR-Guv-60, RHR-Guv-14, RHRGuv-16, RHR-Guv-3, RHR-Guv-6 and Sardar with fi ve pruning time i.e. 15th May, 15th June, 15th July, 15th August, 15th Sept. and no pruning (control). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with forty two treatments and was replicated two times. The biochemical parameters assessed were T.S.S., total sugars (Included reducing and nonreducing), acidity, ascorbic acid, sugar: acid ratio and shelf-life of fruit. The experiment was conducted for two seasons, and results indicated that the maximum TSS of fruit (12.33 0Brix) was observed in Sardar. The maximum total sugars (8.08 %), reducing sugars (5.07 %), sugar: acid ratio (22.33) with minimum acidity (0.36 %) were recorded in G3 (RHRGuv-58) genotype. The maximum ascorbic acid of fruit (208.33 mg/100 g) and shelf life of fruit (9.75 days) was recorded in G4 (RHR-Guv-14) genotype. Fruit quality of genotypes was remained more or less similar irrespective to pruning time.