Maximum Fruit Length Research Articles

Pre-harvest foliar spray of micronutrients and growth regulators on yield attributes of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) ‘Purbi’

The present research work was carried out under Horticulture Garden, Department of Horticulture (Fruit & Fruit Tech.), Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour to examine the response of pre-harvest foliar application of micronutrients and growth regulators on yield attributes of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) 'Purbi'. The results indicate that the micronutrients and plant growth regulators had beneficial effect on flowering, fruiting, fruit retention and fruit yield. The maximum fruit set (48.64%), fruit retention (25.36%) and number of fruits tree(-1) (4982) were recorded with application of NAA (20 ppm) in comparison to control. A minimum fruit drop (74.64%) and fruit cracking (7.96%) was also obtained with application of NAA (20 ppm) while the maximum fruit drop (82.94%) and fruit cracking (13.92%) was recorded under control. The highest fruit yield tree(-1) was recorded with application of NAA (20 ppm) (102.98 kg) followed by 2,4-D (10 ppm) whereas it was recorded minimum in control (56.96 kg). The length, width, volume and weight of fruits were significantly influenced by the application of different micronutrient and growth regulators with maximum fruit length (4.29 cm), width (3.7 cm), volume (18.86 cc) and weight (20.67 g) in the pre-harvest application of NAA (20 ppm), which was statistically at par with foliar spray of 2,4-D (10 ppm), ZnSO(4) (0.50%) and borax (0.75%). However, minimum fruit length (3.36 cm), width (3.62 cm), volume (14.52 cc) and weight (15.76 g) were recorded under control. Therefore, from the experiment, it can be said that the foliar spray of micronutrients and growth regulators were very useful to enhance the yield of litchi orchard significantly.

Analysis of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) cultivation in response to fertigation and training systems under protected environment

The experiment was carried out to standardize fertigation and training system for bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivation under protected conditions during 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 involving 4 levels of fertilizer [F1-300:300:300 kg/ha (RDF through conventional method), F2-300:300:300 kg/ha (Fertigation), F3-250:250:250 kg/ha (Fertigation), F4-350: 350: 350 kg/ha (Fertigation)] and 3 training systems (P1-Two shoot system, P2-Three, P3-Four). The results revealed significant effect on plant height and fruit length due to main effect of fertilizers recordingmaximum values for the traits in F4 level. F3 level of fertilizers contributed towards earliness and maximum fruit diameter (7.31 cm), pericarp thickness (0.70 cm), fruit weight (150.40 g), fruit volume (236.31 cc), number of fruits (20.78), yield per plant (3.11 kg) and yield per 1000 m2 (8.90 t). P1 level of training system excelled all other training systems exhibiting maximum plant height during different periodical observations at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after planting (DAP). The plants trained to P3 level were observed to earliest in flowering as well as picking and producedsignificantly maximum number of fruits (21.09), fruit yield per plant (2.62 kg) and yield per 1000 m2 (7.99 t). P1 training system showed significant effect on various fruit parameters and recorded maximum fruit length, diameter, pericarp thickness, fruit weight, fruit volume, shelf life. Treatment combination F4P1 displayed significantly maximum plant height of 147.34 cm at 90 DAP. Bell pepper plants fertigated with F3 level and trained to P3 system (F3P3) recorded maximum number of fruits per plant (25.79), fruit yield per plant (3.63) and fruit yield per 1000 m2 (10.74) thereby revealing higher net returns of Rupees 8621 with BCR of 1.10 for bell pepper.

Response of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) growth to different phosphorous levels and sowing dates

A field trail was carried out at the University of Agriculture Peshawar during spring, 2013 in order to evaluate the effect of different levels of phosphorus fertilizer and various planting times on the growth and development of tomato. The main objective of the research work was to investigate the best sowing time for tomato in combination with suitable dose of P fertilizer in order to get maximum yield of tomato in the climatic conditions of Peshawar. RCB Design with split plot arrangements was used in the trail. The main factor (phosphorous levels of 0, 90, 110, 130) was allotted to main plots while sowing dates in sub plots. A total twelve treatment were replicated thrice. Maximum days to flowering (39.583 days) and fruiting (46.167 days) obtained in the late sowing. Minimum days to flowering (39), minimum days to fruiting (38.778 days) were taken by the early sowing. Maximum number of branches (27.778), maximum fruit length (6.0222), maximum fruit with (6.1667), maximum fruit yield (24.653 tons ha−1) was produced when the plot fertilize with 130 kg P ha−1. Maximum number of fruit plant−1 (29.778) were produced with application of 130 kg P ha−1, minimum number of fruits (23.667 cm), fruit width (3.778 cm), fruit length (4.3667 cm), plant height (56.300 cm) were obtained from the controlled treatment. Among the various treatment studied in experiment, it is concluded that early planting of the tomato in the summer season i.e. in the start of March and the use of higher dose of P (130 kg P ha−1) is very beneficial for the excellent growth, development and yield of tomato crop.

Effect of retention of fruits on yield and quality of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.)

A field experiment was conducted in polyhouse at Hi-tech Horticulture Park, Department of Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during Late Kharif season of the year 2010 with mulch to study the effect of retention of fruits on yield and quality of watermelon. It consisted of twelve treatment combinations, comprising of four levels of fruit retention viz., 2 fruits/plant (F 1 ), 3 fruits/plant (F 2 ), 4 fruits/plant (F 3 ) and control (All fruits were retained) (F 4 ) were embedded in a Split Plot Design in CRD with four replications. The experiment result were highest average fruit weight (2.57 kg), yield tons per hectare (45.27 t/ha), maximum pulp weight (1706.56 g), total soluble solids (11.18 °B), non-reducing sugars (3.95 %), reducing sugars (1.70 %), total sugars (5.29 %) and ascorbic acid content (7.86 mg/100 g pulp) was found in case of F 2 (3 fruits per plant). While, maximum fruit length (21.29 cm), fruit girth (13.84 cm) and lowest rag weight (612.66 g) was observed in case of F 1 (2 fruits per plant). Whereas, maximum fruit yield in terms of kg per plot (36.76 kg) and number of fruits per plot (18.66) was recorded in case of F 3 (4 fruits per plant).

EFFECT OF SOME PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON FRUIT YIELD AND SEED ATTRIBUTES OF OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS)

An investigation was carried out during rainy season at the HorticultureResearch Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agriculture Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. The investigation comprised ten treatments viz.,three levels each of gibberellic acid GA3 (50, 75 and 100 ppm), cytokinin (50, 75 and 100 ppm) and NAA (50, 75 and 100 ppm) along with control (distilled water) were applied as foliar application at 30 and 40 days after transplanting. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Results revealed that, the minimum number of days (49.97) to 1st edible fruits harvesting was recorded in 100 ppm GA3 which was statistically at par with 75 ppm GA3. The maximum fruit length (13.22 cm), fruit diameter (1.82 cm), number of seeds per fruit (50.13), number of fruits per plant (23.47), fruit yield per plant (354.30 g), highest fruit yield (141.72 q/ha), 100 seed weight (5.18 g), seed yield per plant (47.97 g) and highest seed yield (19.19 q/ha) were recorded with GA3 at 100 ppm. The maximum fresh fruit weight (15.85 g) was recorded in 50 ppm.

Effect of planting density on growth, yield and fruit quality of apple cv. Jeromine

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different planting densities on growth, yield and fruit quality of three-years-old apple trees during 2017–2018. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design consisting of four treatments of planting densities viz., 5333 trees/ha (2.5 m × 0.75 m), 4000 trees/ha (2.5 m × 1.0 m), 3200 trees/ha (2.5 m × 1.25 m) and 2666 trees/ha (2.5 m × 1.5 m) and each treatment was replicated six times. The maximum annual shoot growth (44.58 cm) and increase in tree height (42.55 cm) was recorded in planting density of 2666 trees/ha (2.5 m × 1.5 m) which was significantly higher than all other planting densities. Highest fruit yield per tree (4.93 kg/tree) was observed in high density 2666 trees/ha (2.5 m x (17.50 tonne/ha) was recorded in planting density of 5333 trees/ha (2.5 m x 0.75 m). Maximum fruit length (65.90 mm), fruit diameter (76.07 mm), fruit weight (177.45 g), sugars content and anthocyanin content was found in planting density of 2666 trees/ha (2.5 m x 1.5 m). On the basis of two-years study, it can be concluded that the planting densities of 3200 trees/ha (2.5 m x 1.25 m) and 2666 trees/ha (2.5 m x 1.5 m) could be the optimum density for higher production of quality fruits.

Flowering and physico-chemical characters of Santa Rosa plum as affected by nitrogen and boron

Present study was conducted in a farmer's orchard near SKUAST-Kashmir, Srinagar during 2012 and 2013 on seven year old Santa Rosa plum to examine the effect of nitrogenous fertilizer and boron on flowering and physio-chemical characters. Urea @ 500 g (N1), CaNO3 @ 1450 g (N2), N1 + 50 g boron (N3) and N2 + 50 g boron (N4) were applied at T1 = Full dose in spring, T2 = Full dose after harvest and T3 = 3/4 dose in spring and 1/4 dose after harvest. Early flowering and maturity of fruits was recorded in N1 T3 and N1 T1. N1 T1 recorded maximum fruit weight (40.24 g and 41.02 g), fruit length (38.37 mm and 39.55 mm), fruit diameter (40.42 mm and 41.60 mm) and pulp weight (38.90 g and 39.67 g) in both the years. N4 T1 treatment registered maximum TSS (15.66 and 16.69°Brix) and maximum total sugar (9.15 and 9.21%) was recorded in N2 T1 treatment. Both sources of nitrogen and boron can be considered as best fertilizer in plum orchards for proper flowering, high yield and improving quality of the fruits.

Mean performance ofbrinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes under Tamil Nadu condition

Thirteen genotypes of brinjal were collected from various places of Tamil Nadu and other states and evaluated during September 2017- January 2018. Among these, the plant height of the genotypes ranged between 72.93cm (Utkal Anushree) to 95.84 cm (Bhavani Gold), Number of branches was found be highest in IC 3749281 (7.75), ABSR 2 recorded the least number of days to first flowering (43.15 days), Karur Local showed the least value of 64.46 days for days to first harvest among the genotypes, Thevur Local recorded the maximum fruit length of 12.95 cm, Mattu Gulla showed the highest value of fruit girth (17.44 cm) and individual fruit weight (88.67 g). The maximum number of fruits was recorded in ABSR 2 (39.75), the shoot borer infestation was found to least in IC 374928-1 (11.28 %) and least value for fruit borer infestation was observed in Karur Local (14.16 %) and ABSR 2 (14.87 %). Among the genotypes evaluated, the highest marketable yield was recorded in Karur Local (2.60 kg) followed by Bhavani Gold (2.15 kg).

Effect of foliar application of nutrients and growth regulators on fruit cracking and quality of Eureka lemon under rainfed conditions

An experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 13 treatments, consisting of foliar spraysof K2SO4 (6.0, 8.0 and 10%), CaCl2 (0.5, 0.75 and 1%), 2, 4-D (20, 30 and 40 ppm), NAA (20, 30 and 40 ppm) and control (10 ppm GA3) and each treatment replicated thrice. Among the various treatments, spray of 40 ppmNAA was found to be most effective for minimizing fruit cracking (13.06%) as compared to other treatments andthis treatment also recorded maximum fruit length (5.45 cm), fruit breadth (5.22 cm), fruit weight (71.38 g), pulpweight (37.47 g), rind weight (17.55 g), rind thickness (2.64 mm) specific gravity (1.02), Juice content (50.97%), TSS (7.9oBrix), acidity (5.77%) and ascorbic acid (50.76 mg/100 ml). Among the nutrients, minimum fruit cracking(17.96%) was noticed with the application of 10% K2SO4 and this treatment also recorded the maximum fruit length (5.42 cm), fruit breadth (5.09 cm), fruit weight (67.10 g), pulp weight (36.20 g), rind weight (16.30 g), rindthickness (2.54 mm), Juice content (48.94%), TSS (7.6°B), acidity (5.67%) and ascorbic acid (50.68 mg/100 ml).

Effect of bending of shoots on flowering, yield and quality of guava cv. Khaja

The study of the effect of bending of shoots in different months in guava cv. Khaja was carried out at
 Horticulture Research Station, Mondouri of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya to find out suitable bending time for improving flowering, yield and quality of guava. The experiment consists of seven treatments with three replications in a randomised block design. The different treatments were bending in October (T1), November (T2), March (T3), April (T4), May (T5), June (T6) and untreated control (T7). Bending in June (T6) resulted early emergency of new shootlet (15.0 days), flower initiation (40.33 days) and fruit set (48.33 days) from the date of bending as well as the same treatment showed maximum fruit weight (197.67 gm), fruit length (8.00 cm), fruit diameter (7.16 cm) and pulp thickness (2.20 cm). Higher fruit quality in terms of total soluble solids (11.04 0brix), total sugar (7.0 %) and ascorbic acid content (197.96 mg/100g pulp) was noted when bending was done in May (T5) and June (T6). Bending in the month of October (T1) resulted in maximum C: N ratio of leaf with maximum flowering shootlets in a branch and yield (63.67 kg/plant). So, time of bending may be standardized in the month of October or June for higher profit.

Effect of planting geometry and training on growth and seed yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of planting geometry and training on growth and seed yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) using cultivar Solan Lalima during Kharif 2013 at Experimental Farm of Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.). The treatments comprised of four training levels i.e. Y1 (single stem), Y2 (double stem), Y3 (unpruned with horizontal string) and Y4 (unpruned bush stakes (control)) and eight plant densities viz. S1 (60×15 cm), S2 (60+30×15 cm), S3 (60×30 cm), S4 (60+30×30 cm), S5 (90×15 cm), S6 (90+30×15 cm), S7 (90×30 cm) and S8 (90+30×30 cm). Analysis of variance showed that the treatment combination Y1S7 (single stem and plant spaced at 90×30 cm) resulted in maximum ripe fruit length and width (5.86 cm and 5.06 cm, respectively), maximum number of seeds/fruit (110.67), minimum days to ripe fruit harvest (71.00) and maximum harvest duration (59.84 days) but gave the low seed yield. The combination Y2S5 (double stem and 90×15 cm) resulted highest seed yield i.e. 519.71 kg per hectare. Therefore, planting density S5 (90x15 cm) in combination with training system Y2 (double stem) may be recommended for commercial seed production of tomato.

Assessment on performance and variability in different sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Obseck) cultivars under Punjab conditions

Based on morphological characterization, the performance of eighteen sweet orange, (Citrus sinensis Obseck) cultivars were evaluated. On the basis of two year data, the maximum mean fruit weight (316.25 gm) was recorded in Moro, while the maximum mean fruit diameter and mean fruit length was recorded in Mosambi and Olinda Valencia (87.32 mm and 81.33 mm, respectively). Albedo thickness was recorded maximum in Ruby Nucellar (3.42 mm). Highest total soluble solids was recorded in cultivar Moro (11.450 brix), while the titratable acidity was recorded maximum in Valencia Calizonida (1.21 %). Fruit axis diameter and Fruit rind thickness were recorded maximum in Rhode Red Valencia and Vernia (15.12 mm and 8.11 mm, respectively). In the variability studies, the maximum genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) was recorded maximum for titratable acidity (27.88 and 27.94, respectively) followed by albedo thickness (23.77 and 23.78, respectively) and fruit weight (21.52 and 21.67, respectively). Genetic advance per cent of mean was recorded for titratable acidity (57.31%) followed by albedo thickness (48.96 %) and fruit weight (44.03 %) suggesting that further selection will be effective for improvement in these traits.

Effect of foliar nutrition on yield, quality and shelf-life of mango (Mangifera indica) cv. Dashehari under Jammu sub-tropics

The present investigation on effect of foliar nutrition on yield, quality and shelf-life of mango (Mangifera indica L.) was carried out on 20 years old mango trees cv. Dashehari having uniform vigour. The maximum fruit length (10.45cm), breadth (6.17cm), weight (170.17g) and highest fruit yield (99.72 kg/tree) of mango cv. Dashehari was recorded with the application of 2.0% Ca (NO3)2+ 2.0% KNO3 + 1.0% ZnSO4+0.02% H3BO3 (T14). The maximum leaf N (1.25%), P (0.16 %) and K (0.29 %) and soil N (230.79 kg/ha), P (14.75 kg/ha), K (139.09 kg/ha), Ca (6.25 kg/ha), Mg (2.76 meq/100g), Zn (0.97 ppm) and B (0.28 ppm) were recorded with the foliar application of 2.0% Ca(NO3)2 + 2.0% KNO3 + 1.0% ZnSO4 + 0.02% H3BO3 (T14). The findings indicated that the yield and nutrient status of mango cv. Dashehari can be improved with foliar application of 2.0% Ca (NO3)2 + 2.0% KNO3 + 1.0% ZnSO4 + 0.02% H3BO3 at pea stage.

Effect of gibberellic acids and napthalene acetic acids on growth and yield of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] var. Arka Anamika

A study of effect of foliar application of gibberellic acids (GA) and napthalene acetic acids (NAA) each at 0, 10, 20 and 30 ppm concentrations revealed that plant growth, phonological parameter, yield-attributing parameters and yield of okra increased significantly with the increase in concentration. The application of GA at 30 ppm gave maximum fruit length, fruit thickness, green fruits yield and dry weight of fruits. Similarly, 30 ppm NAA gave maximum fruit length, fruit thickness, green fruits yield and dry weight of fruits. The treatment interactions were found significant only at 45 DAS stage in plant height, at 15 DAS stage in case of leaves/plant and only at 45 and 60 DAS stage in case of branches / plant. The highest net returns was obtained with application of 30 ppm each of GA and NAA .

Effect of growth regulators and stages of spray on seed yield and seed quality parameters of ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb) L.

The experiment was undertaken to study the influence of different growth regulators on seed yield and seed quality parameters in ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb) L.]. There were 30 treatment combinations comprising of two factors; plant growth stage as main plot treatment, and plant growth regulators as sub plot treatment embedded in a split plot design. The results indicated that significantly the highest average fruit weight (32.76 g), matured fruit yield per plant (65.84 g), 100 seed weight (13.41 g) and seed yield per plant (12.79 g) was recorded with spraying of 500 ppm ethereal, whereas significantly the maximum fruit length (20.89 cm) and fruit diameter (5.15 cm) with 25 ppm GA3. Significantly the highest seed germination (69.22 %) was recorded with spraying of 250 ppm ethereal, while application of NAA at 50 ppm recorded significantly the highest vigour index I (2737.85) and vigour index II (5029.33). Spraying of PGR at two to four leaf stage recorded the higher fruit length (20.19 cm), fruit yield per plant (47.49 g), 100 seed weight (13.18 g) and seed yield per plant (11.98 g) as well as highest germination (60.90%), vigour index I (2460.80) and vigour index II (4377.66). It is concluded that spraying of 500 ppm etherel at two to four leaf stage increased the higher fruit length, fruit yield per plant, 100 seed weight and seed yield per plant as well as highest germination, vigour index I and vigour index II.

Effect of maturity stages and postharvest treatments on physical properties of apple during storage

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of harvest dates and postharvest treatments on physical properties of apple cv Red delicious during storage. Fruits from three harvest dates (H1, H2 and H3) were subjected to various treatments such as T1 (shade cooling), T2 (Hydrocooling), T3 (Hydrocooling+calcium chloride), T4 (Hydrocooling+wax) and T5 (Hydrocooling+calcium chloride+wax) and were stored under ambient and refrigerated conditions for 100days. Results showed the significant differences in physical properties including fruit length, fruit diameter, length/diameter (L/D) ratio, fruit weight and firmness in various treatments. Maximum fruit length and fruit diameter were observed at harvest date 2nd (H2), whereas, L/D ratio and fruit weight were observed at harvest date 3rd (H3) on the storage at zero day. Among the treatments T5 showed the % maximum fruit length, fruit diameter, L/D ratio and fruit weight. The firmness was decreased in all treatments and harvest dates during storage. The% maximum fruit firmness was exhibited by early harvested fruit (H1) at zero (0) day of storage. However, changes were more pronounced under ambient conditions than cold storage.

Impact of poultry manure on fruit quality attributes and nutrient status of guava (Psidium guajava.) cv. L 49 plant

Management of nutrients in guava refers (Psisdium guajava L.) to maintenance of the soil fertility and plant nutrient supply to an optimum level for sustaining the desired crop productivity and fruit quality through optimization of benefits from all the possible sources in an integrated manner. Qualitative and quantitative attributes of guava fruit cv. Lucknow 49 were analyzed with the aim of corresponding the nutrients to the quality of the fruit where fertilizer dose of N were manipulated in different treatments. Soil and leaf study were conducted to analyze the status of nutrients in guava. The pooled analysis of two year data indicated that after fruit harvest the highest soil organic carbon (0.72%) was obtained with the treatment comprising (Azotobacter + 100% N poultry manure. Soil N and P (271.36 and 19.86 kg/ha), Ca and Mg (7.12 and 2.82 meq 100/g soil), respectively, were recorded maximum with the treatment comprising Azotobacter + 50% N poultry manure + 50% N urea. The same treatment also showed highest leaf N and P (1.78 and 0.16%), Ca and Mg (2.09 and 0.91%) contents, respectively, on dry weight basis. The highest soil K (148.53 kg/ha) and leaf K (1.27% on dry weight basis) contents were obtained with the application of Azotobacter + 75% N poultry manure + 25% N urea. The pooled analysis of two year data also indicated that 50% N poultry manure + 50% N urea showed highest fruit yield (42.89 kg/plant), maximum fruit length (8.47 cm), breadth (8.02 cm), weight (248.80 g) and pulp weight (218.68 g) while, Azotobacter + 50% N/tree through FYM + 50% N/tree through inorganic fertilizer showed highest TSS (13.01°B), total sugars (8.68%) and minimum physiological loss in weight (13.20%) after 10 days during storage under ambient conditions. The results suggested that fertilization of guava with chemical fertilizers can be minimized when nitrogen is applied half with poultry manure and half with urea augmented with Azotobacter.

Cultivars Response to Morphological and Yield Attributes of Okra at Sylhet Region

An experiment was conducted at the field laboratory of Department of Crop Botany and Tea Production Technology, Sylhet Agricultural University from May to October 2013 with a view to select the superior Okra cultivar (s). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. A total of 8 cultivars viz. BARI Dherosh-1 (control), Orka Onamika, Bankim, Durga, JO (Japanese Okra)-1, JO-2, JO-3 and JO-4 were evaluated in relation to morphological and yield attributes in acidic soil conditions. Significant variations were observed in almost all parameters. Results revealed that high yielding cultivar Bankim exhibited taller plant at final harvest, produced early flowers with maximum fruit setting (%) and fruit length. The cultivar JO-3 produced maximum number of branches and leaves at final harvest. Local check cultivar showed highest internodes number and length along with maximum number of flowers and 100 seed weight. The cultivars JO-1 and JO-4 showed highest individual fruit weight and maximum fruit

Effect of poly house on plant microclimate and yield of chilli(Capsicum annuumL.)

A field trial to study the performance of three chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) varieties, viz. Vellayani Athulya, Jwalamukhi and Anugraha and the effect of fertigation on its productivity under protected cultivation was conducted in a poly house along with an open field at Vellayani (Kerala), India during March 2013 to September 2013. During the period of field trial, light intensity and air temperature were lower inside the poly house compared to open field condition, whereas the relative humidity was higher inside the poly house compared to open field. The above microclimatic variability favoured the yield of crop inside poly house. The plants grown under poly house situation recorded significantly higher fruit length, number of fruits plant−1, fruit yield plant−1 and total fruit yield. Plants grown with fertigation registered higher number of fruits plant−1, fruit length, fruit yield plant−1 and total fruit yield. Maximum fruit length, fruit yield plant:1 and total fruit yield were obtained from variety ‘Vellayani Athulya’ while, highest number of fruits plant−1 was obtained from ‘Anugraha’.

Evaluation of chilli and brinjal rootstocks for growth, yield and quality of bell pepper (Capsicum annuumL. var.grossumSendt.) under protected conditions

Grafting is now-a-days becoming an important tool to manage soil-borne diseases and improve crop response to a variety of abiotic stresses such as drought, flooding, salinity and extreme temperature stresses. However, in order to make a successful change in plant root system through grafting, it is important to select an ideal and compatible rootstock. In the present studies, the commercial bell pepper hybrid Indra was grafted on five chilli and three brinjal rootstocks, whereas, the non-grafted plants of Indra were used as ontrol. Three methods of grafting viz. tongue, cleft and tube were used. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications and data were recorded on various yield and quality traits. The chilli rootstock PI-201232 was the most suitable rootstock for bell pepper. Tongue grafting resulted in highest grafting success in comparison to cleft and tube. The combination of rootstock PI-201232 and propagation method Tongue grafting resulted into minimum days to first flowering (47.33), minimum days to first harvest (72.00) and maximum number of fruits per plant (27.80). The combination resulted in average fruit weight of 105.05 g, 2.80 kg marketable fruit yield per plant, marketable. Maximum fruit length (8.66 cm) was recorded with chilli rootstock AVPP0205 and Cleft grafting. Highest capsaicin content (0.65%) was recorded with chilli rootstock PI-201232 and Tube grafting. There was no significant effect of interaction between rootstocks and grafting methods on fruit diameter (cm). The chilli rootstocks PI-201232, AVPP0205, VI-037556, Surajmukhi and Pant C-1 were found to be more suitable for bell pepper in comparison to brinjal rootstocks.