Maximum Number Of Fruits Research Articles

Optimizing production by varying leaf number and stem density in high-wire cucumber

As earlier leaf removal experiments in tomato had shown that this improved dry matter partitioning to the fruits and production, a pilot experiment with high-wire cucumber was conducted in the spring and summer of 2016 at the experimental research facilities of Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture. The five treatments were combinations of 3 or 3.5 stems m-2, and 0, 16 or 33% leaf removal in head of the crop. The combination 3.5/0% was lacking. The experimental data were analysed with the INTKAM crop growth model. The total number of fruits m-2 was the most important factor for production, which is determined by the optimal combination of stem density and assimilate supply. It is therefore important to grow the crop such that the maximum number of fruits with sufficient weight can be realized. Leaf removal in itself led to a slightly higher abortion, a lower development rate and therefore less axils, and a lower LAI with less light interception, and therefore produced less fruits and kilos. This, however, can be compensated with a higher stem density. It results in a crop with a normal LAI and architecture, combined with more axils m-2 that can bear fruits. Production and light use efficiency increase. On the other hand, labour and the risk to harvest small fruits will increase.

Effect of micronutrients on growth, yield and fruit quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Dashehari

The experiment was carried out 2015-16 in Mango orchard at Fruit Research Station Kuthulia, College of Agriculture Rewa (M.P). The study revealed that the Effect of micronutrients on growth, yield and fruit quality of mango (Mangifera Indica L.) cv. Dashehari with 7 treatments in Randomized Block Design with three replications, Observations were recorded on growth yield & quality parameters. The maximum plant height was recorded (9.59m) in Treatment T4, RDF + Foliar spray of 0.4% Zinc sulphate + 0.2% copper sulphate + 0.2% Boric acid (2 Spray at just before flowering and marble stage) followed by (9.03m) treatmentT5, RDF + Zinc sulphate 100 g + Copper sulphate 50 g + Boric acid 50 g (soil application) in basin after harvest + Foliar spray of 0.2% Zinc sulphate + 0.1% Boric acid (2 Spray at just before flowering and marble stage. The maximum plant spread was recorded (Mean of N-S 11.93m E-W 12.87) in treatment T2, RDF + Zinc sulphate 200 g + Copper sulphate 100 g + Boric scid 100 g (soil application) in basin after harvest. The maximum number of fruits per plant was recorded (288.00) in treatment T5, RDF + Zinc sulphate 100 g + Copper sulphate 50 g + Boric acid 50 g (soil application) in basin after harvest + Foliar spray of 0.2% Zinc sulphate + 0.1% Boric acid (2 Spray at just before flowering and marble stage) However the maximum tree volume (1100.79 m3) was recorded in treatment T4, RDF+ Zinc sulphate 0.4%+ Copper sulphate 0.2% + Boric acid 0.2%(2 spray at just before flowering and marble stage). The maximum length and width of fruit were recorded (10.67cm), (5.97cm) in treatment T5, RDF+ Zinc sulphate 100g + Copper sulphate 50g + Boric acid 50g (soil application) + Zinc sulphate 0.2%+ Boric acid 0.1%(2 spray at just before flowering and marble stage). The maximum fruit yield was recorded (64.04kg/tree) in treatment T5, RDF + Zinc sulphate 100 g + Copper sulphate 50 g + Boric acid 50 g (soil application) in basin after harvest + Foliar spray of 0.2% Zinc sulphate + 0.1% Boric acid (2 Spray at just before flowering and marble stage). The minimum fruit yield was recorded (29.55kg)in treatment T7control RDF only. The maximumpulp percentage was recorded (79.94%) in treatment T5, RDF+ Zinc sulphate 100g + Copper sulphate 50g + Boric acid 50g (soil application) + Zinc sulphate 0.2%+ Boric acid 0.1%(2 spray at just before flowering and marble stage) The maximum acidity was recorded (0.26%) in treatment T4, RDF + Foliar spray of 0.4% Zinc sulphate + 0.2% copper sulphate + 0.2% Boric acid (2 Spray at just before flowering and marble stage).The maximum total soluble solids (TSS) was recorded(21.13 0Brix) T5, RDF + Zinc Sulphate 100 g + Copper sulphate 50 g + Boric acid 50 g (soil application) in basin after harvest + Foliar spray of 0.2% Zinc sulphate + 0.1% Boric acid (2 Spray at just before flowering and marble stage).

Application of phosphate fertilization on banana hybrid ‘FHIA 18’and its impact on production performance

FHIA 18 is a hybrid banana that could replace cultivar Prata, which is highly affected by Black Sigatoka and Panama disease. Still, there is a paucity of literature on FHIA 18 nutrient requirements, especially phosphorus. Nevertheless, we aimed to estimate the best phosphorus levels and its effect on the productive characteristics of FHIA 18 during three crop cycles in the city of São Manuel, state of São Paulo. Triple superphosphate has been given at recommended rates of 0, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 year-1 for three crop cycles that occurred in January 2014 (first cycle), August 2014 (second cycle) and June 2015 (third cycle). Results indicated that maximum fruit number per bunch was achieved at 30 and 26 kg P2O5 ha-1, corresponding to second and third cycle, respectively. Moreover, there was an increase in bunch mass, fruit mass, number of hands per bunch, mass and length of the fruit in the second hand, when P2O5 reached its maximum values from 20 to 34 kg P2O5 ha-1 year-1, but fruits diameter decreased. Results also showed that FHIA 18 required lower level of P2O5 to achieve maximum yield than the recommended doses for other banana cultivars in the state of São Paulo. Therefore, this current study recommends a rate of 22 kg P2O5 ha-1 year-1 for FHIA 18 to reach its maximum production.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on disease and pest incidence and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

A field experiment was conducted at the instructional farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Jajpur, Odisha during 2016 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on disease and pest incidence and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) variety Pusa A-4.From the experiment it was observed that treatment T7 [RDF(75%)+ (25%) neem oil cake] has significant effect on disease incidence and pest population by reducing incidence of YVMV from 32.42% to 19.56%, jassid population from 11.57 to 6.53 per three leaves,mite population from 11.98 to 8.11 per three leaves, white fly population from 13.61 to 6.64 per three leaves and fruit borer from 17.94 % to 7.94 %. Maximum number of fruits per plant 15.02 was recorded in T7. Fruit yield per hectare varied significantly and was maximum with T7 (10.49 ton) and was minimum with T11 (7.30 ton). T7 (10.49 ton) and T5 (9.85 ton) and T10 (9.65 ton) were at par with each other. Combined use of 75 % RDF as inorganic fertilizer with 25 % RDF through neem oil cake (T7) recorded highest gross income of Rs.1,45,770/-, net income Rs.85,458 /- per hectare and maximum benefit cost ratio 2.42.

Foliar Application of Nutrients Solution (Macro and Micro) on Local Chilli (Capsicum sp.) Gremplasms

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the morph physiological attributes, growth, quality and yield performance of five local chilli germplasm viz., Akashi (V1), Kajoli (V2), Deshi kacha morich (V3), Bogra morich (V4), Dongfou (V5) with liquid (macro & micro) nutrient solution viz. S0 (Control), S1 (Solution-1), S2 (Solution-2) were exploited on the experiment. Major characters of growth and yield such as plant height, days to first flower bud initiation, number of flowers/plant, number of fruits/plant, individual fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, yield/plant, protein, and vitamin C content were influenced by amalgamation of germplasm with foliar nutrient solution. However, In amalgamation, maximum number of fruit per plant (327.0) from V2S1 and 1000 seed weight (3.8 g), yield (803.9 g/pant), fresh yield (19.6 t ha-1) obtained from V1S1 whereas lowest number of fruit from V5S0 (72.3/ pant) and 1000 seed weight (2.6 g), yield (116.2 g/ pant), fresh yield (10.4 t ha-1) obtained from V4S0.

Effect of potassium and zinc on growth, physiological and yield attributes in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) cv. “mosambi” under high density planting

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of potassium and zinc on Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) cv. “Mosambi” during the year 2018. Eight years old uniformly grown Mosambi Sweet orange plants, grafted on Karna Khatta rootstock and planted at a distance of 3.0 x 2.5m were used in this investigation. The investigation was carried out in high density planting area of Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour, Bhagalpur, under the Department of Fruit & Fruit Technology. Twelve different treatments of K and Zn in a simple randomized block design were used. Various treatments showed significant effect on physiological, vegetative and yield parameters. The maximum leaf area (23.53cm2), total chlorophyll content (3.04mg/g), leaf relative water content (75.82%), specific leaf weight (0.0164g/cm2) were observed in T12 (K2O @500g +Zinc sulphate @200 g) whereas minimum in T1(control). The maximum increase in current season shoot length (13.22cm), canopy spread (64.17cm), trunk girth (1.93cm) and plant height (36.67cm) were also recorded in T12 (500g K2O and 200g ZnSO4) whereas minimum in control. The maximum number of fruits per tree was counted (92.67) in T8.

Evaluation of various selections on growth, flowering, yield and quality in papaya

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the different selections along with Pusa Dwarf as a check for growth, flowering, yield and quality traits in papaya. The experiment was conducted at Fruit Research Station, Madhadi bag farm, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, JAU, Junagadh (Gujarat). The study revealed that the maximum number of fruits per plants (36.38) and fruit yield (33.81 kg/pl. & 84.52 ton/ha) were noted in Selection-4 (GJP-1). The bearing height is good shine and the check vareity Pusa Dwarf performed with lowest bearing height, but was found at par with Selection-4 (GJP-1). Variation in growth parameters was found significant and lowest plant height and maximum number of leaves/plant were recorded in Pusa Dwarf, while, highest stem girth was noted in Selection-6, but they were observed at par with Selection-4 (GJP-1). Flowering is the main object of plant to target the yield. Significantly the lowest days to flowering was noted in Selection-1 but maturity in Selection-4 (GJP-1). Maximum number of female flower /node was registered in Selection-3, whereas, highest length of pistilate flower, staminate flower and male flower stalk were noted in Selection-6, however, all were found at par with Selection-4(GJP-1). Among the various physical parameters studied, highest fruit length & weight (25.02 cm & 1832 g) were noted in Selection-6, whereas, highest fruit girth (47.3 cm) was noted in Pusa Dwarf but was observed at par with Selection-4 (GJP-1). It was also performed better for highest pulp weight (1327.93 g) and pulp seed ratio (1230.56). Likewise, highest pulp-peel ratio (5.74) was noted in Selection-8, but lowest peel weight (166.10 g) and seed weight (63.63 g) were registered in Selection-2 & 7. In the present study, Selection-6 & 4 (GJP-1) established its supremacy in quality parameters viz., TSS, total sugars, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar over the other varieties. The organolaptic parameters have also great significant to judge the prefarability of the vareity. Highest score of pulp color and taste were noted in Selection-6 & 5, respectively, whereas, the highest flavor, texture and over all acceptibility were registerd in Selection-2, however, it was found at par with Selection-4 (GJP-1). Fruit firmness and shelf life of the fruit is also an important feature which enhances the more market price for longer period due to good keeping quality. Highest fruit firmness and shelf life were noted in Selection-7. Papaya Ring Spot Virus (PRSV) is the major devastating disease of papaya. The result was also observed significant and lowest PRSV infestation was noted in Selection-4 (GJP-1).

Effect of Boric acid, Potassium nitrate and Magnesium sulphate on Managing Fruit Cracking and Improving Fruit Yield and Quality of Pomegranate

Pomegranate is a drought tolerant fruit crop and is well adapted to sub-tropical and tropical climates. Fruit cracking is a major disorder in pomegranate which causes significant economic losses. In the present work, effect of foliar application of boric acid (0.05%), potassium nitrate (1.0%) and magnesium sulphate (1.0%) alone or in combinations was investigated to manage fruit cracking and improve fruit yield and quality of pomegranate cv. Golden. First treatment (foliar spray) was applied one month after fruit setting (April) and repeated twice during May and June each year. Application of foliar sprays affected fruit yield and quality positively. The maximum number of fruits per plant (254), average fruit weight (192 g), yield per plant (58.3 kg), number of arils per fruit (592), juice content (41.1%) as well as the minimum fruit cracking (3.9%) were recorded when 0.05% boric acid, 1% potassium nitrate and 1% magnesium sulphate were applied in combination. Fruit size and total soluble solids (TSS) of fruit juice were not affected by the applied treatments. Thus, combined application of boric acid, potassium nitrate and magnesium sulphate could be recommended for reducing fruit cracking and improving yield and quality of pomegranate fruits under semi-arid conditions of Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Production of Oyster Mushroom (<i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i>) on Substrate Composed from Wheat Straw, Waste Paper and Cotton Seed Waste

Due to the recent insights of the mushroom nutritional and medicinal advantages, interests in mushroom production and consumption have been increasing. The main aim of this paper is to report the effect of substrates’ composed from different mix ratio of wheat straws, waste paper and cotton seed waste on growth, yield and yield related parameters of oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom. The experiment was conducted from December 20017 to March 2018. There were five treatments (T1-T5) with two replications in randomized complete design. The quantitative data were collected and analyzed. The results of this experiments indicated that, the fastest mycelia run was recorded from T4 (19.5 days) for complete colonization and the slowest from T1 (28 days) for complete colonization. Fewer days from colonization to primordial formation was taken for treatment T3 and T4 (2.5 days), while more days taken for T5 (4 days. Larger cap diameter (11.19 cm) was recorded for the mushroom grown on T1. While smaller cap diameter 96.23) was recorded for the mushroom grown on T4, shortest stipe length was recorded from the mushroom on T5 while longest stipe length was recorded for T2, (4.11); highest number of fruits recorded for T3 (41.44) while lowest number of fruits recorded for T5 (22.07). Highest number of aborts recorded for T2 (18.78, while the lowest was recorded for T5 (10.37); Highest number of bunches recorded for T4, (4) while the lowest number of bunches recorded for T5 (1.38). Maximum number of fruits 41.44 (T3), highest biological efficiencies 191.745 (T5), were produced from the different substrate composed from wheat straw, waste paper supplemented with cotton seed waste. Treatments T3 and T4 of this experiment gave maximum total biomass and Biological efficiency so that it could be recommended for pilot or large scale production of oyster mushroom.

Growth, yield and quality of dragon fruit as influenced by NPK fertilization

The present investigation was carried out to delineate the best performing combinational doses of NPK on Dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis) cv. Royal Moroccan Red with eight fertilizer treatments viz., T1-N250 P2O5 150 K2O 100 g/pillar: T2-N 300 P2O5 200 K2O 150 g/pillar; T3-N 350 P2O5 250 K2O 200 g/pillar; T4-N 400 P2 O5 K2O 250 g/pillar; T5-N 450 P2O5 250 K2O 300 g/pillar: T6-N 500 P2O5 K2O 350 g/pillar; T7-N550 P2O5 450 K2O400 g/pillar and T8-Control. Organic manure @ 20 kg/pillar containing four plants was also applied. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with four replications under the new alluvial zone of west Bengal. There was significant difference in terms of plant height (cladode length), number of fruits, average individual fruit weight, fruit size, TSS, other quality attributes, moisture and dry matter content of cladode and fruit pulp and fruit yield. The maximum number of fruits per pillar (68.00), average individual fruit weight (222.03 g), and fruit yield (24.15 t/ha) were observed in T5. The minimum number of fruits per pillar (23.75) and fruit yield (5.61 t/ha) and lowest average individual fruit weight (152.28 g) were found in control in (T8). The highest TSS (18.58o B) was recorded in control and lowest (16.65o B) in T2.

Assessment of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) Varieties for Fruit Yield and Component Traits in Mohali District of Punjab

An experiment was conducted at twenty two farmer's field by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mohali during the year 2016–2017 to find out suitable bottle gourd genotype for yield and related traits under agro climatic conditions of Mohali district of Punjab. Three bottle gourd genotypes were evaluated for different characters like days taken for first harvest, fruit length, fruit girth, number of fruits/vine and fruit yield. In addition, economics for raising crop along with benefit cost ratio was also determined. Among three varieties, Punjab Barkat was observed best for earliness (48), maximum number of fruits per vine (12), maximum fruit length (30 cm) and maximum yield (478.75 q/ha). Punjab Barkat was also found to be having maximum BC ratio of 3.93 followed by Punjab Komal (3.58) and farmer's practice (3.16).

Integrated fertilization: An approach for higher apple (Malus domestica) productivity and ecological health of soil

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers supplemented with biofertilizers (Azotobacter and Microphos) on growth parameters of apple (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Oregon Spur) for three years (2012 to 2014) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The pooled data of three years revealed that, maximum fruit number (127/plant), fruit weight (113 g), yield/plant (14.5 kg), yield/ha (23.2 tonnes) and production efficiency (117g/cm2 TCSA) were recorded in treatment received 75% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 25% N through FYM + Microphos while minimum was recorded in control. The percentage increase in trunk cross section area during the three years of experiment was maximum 17.5% and 16.8% with application of 75% of RDF + 25% N through FYM + Microphos and Azotobacter, respectively, while minimum (8.0%) in control. Among the INM, treatment comprising 75% of RDF + FYM and biofertilizers (either Azotobacter or Microphos) was found significantly superior over rest of the treatments in-terms of improving soil health parameter, viz. dehydrogenase activity, organic carbon, available NPK and DTPA-Zn. Overall, study reveals that, through application of 75% of RDF + FYM and biofertilizers double the productivity of apple, which can gain the momentum of apple production in Kashmir valley of India with quality produce and maximize economic benefits to farmers.

Effect of rootstocks on growth, yield, quality, and leaf mineral composition of Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.), grown in red lateritic soil of West Bengal, India

Abstract The present study reports the influence of seven different rootstocks (namely, Karna khatta, Rangpur lime, Lemon, Gandharaj, Kumquat, Rough lemon, and Acid lime), on the growth, yield, quality, fruit physicochemical and leaf mineral concentrations of Nagpur mandarin (budded onto), assessed over two successive years (at 4th and 5th year of tree age). The results revealed that the maximum canopy volume (81.26 m3) of Nagpur mandarin was recorded when the concerned scion was budded on Karna khatta. The maximum number of fruits per plant (238.33) and yield (37.52 kg tree−1) were recorded when Rough lemon was used as rootstock. Fruits with lowest acidity were produced when Nagpur mandarin was budded on Karna khatta rootstock. However, the fruits exhibiting maximum values for other quality parameters like total soluble sugar, total sugar, and ascorbic acid were obtained in Kumquat rootstock. The highest leaf N and K contents of Nagpur mandarin were recorded in Karna khatta rootstock, whereas, both the Kumquat and Acid Lime rootstock revealed superiority in leaf P acquisition over the others. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering analysis revealed that Lemon, Gandharaj and Rough lemon rootstocks, displaying a close association with each other, exhibited an overall comparable horticultural performance and yield. From other cluster analysis, the Kumquat rootstock was recognized for its uniqueness and superior biochemical quality attributes, and was found to be separated from other rootstock clusters. Hence, the results of this study hold the potential to meet the consumers’ demand, by selecting the suitable region- and agro-climate-specific rootstalk, that was unavailable so far.

Variability Studies of strains of Kagzi lime(Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) in Latur district of Maharashtra

The survey work was under taken to study the variability in kagzi lime of Latur district during 2010-2011. The strain LTR5 recorded the maximum height of plant (4.22 m), which was on par with LTR8 (4.20 m) and LTR13 (4.18 m). There was a significant variation in tree volume ranged from 8.87 m3 to 57.82 m.3 The strain LTR19 was recorded the maximum tree volume (57.82 m3). Maximum number of fruits per tree (2390.00) was recorded in strain LTR5. Maximum fruit weight was recorded in LTR11 (65.33 g), which was on par with strain LTR2 (64.00 g).The fruit volume was recorded maximum in LTR11 (65.00 ml), which was on par with strain LTR2 (64.00 ml). The length of fruit was maximum in LTR11 (4.95 cm), which was on par with LTR8 (4.92 cm), whereas, the maximum breadth of fruit was recorded in strain LTR8 (4.70cm). The highest shape index of fruit was recorded in LTR11 (1.09), which was at par with LTR3 (1.07). Many strains were yellow in colour, oval shaped and smooth in texture.

Genetic variability and correlation studies for vegetative, reproductive and yield attributing traits in papaya

An experiment was carried out with 5 parent and 3 hybrid papaya genotypes to study the genetic variabilityand correlation between different yield attributing traits by evaluating 16 vegetative, reproductive, and fruit yieldcontributing traits during 2016–2017. The findings indicate that the maximum fruiting zone (129.8 cm) was in PS3 followed by PS 3 × P-7-9 (128 cm). The hybrid PS 3 × P-7-9 had maximum number of fruits per plant (44.67), minimum fruit weight (1020g) and maximum yield per plant (46.33 kg/plant) among the three hybrids evaluated. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) is higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for allthe traits studied. The genotypic variance and phenotypic variance were high for traits like leaf width, stemdiameter and fruit weight. Traits such as leaf length, petiole length, number of fruits per plant, fruit diameterand fruit yield exhibited higher value of GCV and PCV. Heritability for traits ranged from 53.83 to 99.49, of whichmajority of traits showed very high heritability, except some traits such as inflorescence size and fruit lengthwhich showed moderate heritability. Genetic advance (GA) was recorded highest for fruit length (179.13). Traitslike fruit yield, petiole length and leaf length exhibited high heritability accompanied by high to moderate geneticadvance indicating additive gene action, which suggest that selection may be effective for these traits. The trait, fruit yield was positively associated with plant height at flower initiation and maturity stage, stem diameter, daysto flowering, fruiting zone, number of fruits per plant and fruit diameter.

Use of Pleurotus eous Strain P-31 Spent Mushroom Compost (SMC) as Soil Conditioner on the Growth and Yield Performance of Capsicum annuum L. and Solanum lycopersicon L. Seedlings under Greenhouse Conditions in Ghana.

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of spent mushroom compost of Pleurotus eous strain P-31 on the growth and yield performance of pepper and tomato seedlings under greenhouse conditions. Sandy loam soil was combined with different percentages of SMC to obtain the following combinations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30) %. Lower concentrations SMC5, SMC10 and SMC15 promoted vegetative growth (plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, number of leaves and axillary branches) of the two test plants. Tomato seedlings grown in SMC10 recorded the highest plant height (50.3 ± 7.2cm); leaf area (378.8 ± 1.2cm2); number of floral buds (51) and flowers (28) whereas SMC5 recorded the highest chlorophyll content 34.1 ± 0.9CCI though SMC15 recorded the highest number of leaves (8). Tomato seedlings grown in SMC30 produced both the maximum number of fruits (8) with corresponding high weight (34.2 ± 7.7g). Pepper seedlings grown in lower concentrations (SMC5–15) recorded the highest plant heights (29.8–30.8cm), chlorophyll content (20.3CCI) and leaf area (53.5–66.2 cm2). Although the different combinations of sandy loam soil and SMC did not significantly (p ≥ 0.05) affect the number of axillary branches developed; different combinations significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected the number of floral bud, flower and fruit, weight of fruits formed and value of each of these increased with increasing percentage of SMC. Pepper seedlings grown on SMC30 recorded the maximum number of floral buds (32.0 ± 3.6), number of flowers (19.4 ± 1.3), number of fruits (10.8 ± 1.2) and weight of fruits (31.9 ± 3.4g). Tomato seedlings raised on SMC100 (spent mushroom compost only) and soil only did not significantly (p ≥ 0.05) differ from each other however, was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) from amended sandy loam soil by all criteria investigated. The study shows that SMC provide favourable soil conditioners for the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and foliage crops as it improved growth and yield of tomato and pepper seedlings.

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).

Determination of the role of salicylic acid and Benzothiadiazole on physico-chemical alterations caused by Cucumber mosaic virus in tomato

Shoe-string disease caused by Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is one of the major threats to tomato production worldwide. The alteration in some biochemical parameters in leaves of the susceptible tomato genotype (Nagina) associated with CMV infection and the effect of exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) and benzothiadiazole (BTH) were studied in this paper. Results showed that exogenous treatment with SA and BTH not only led to plants which gave significantly more yield than diseased controls (DC), but also delayed symptom expression and reduced disease severity. Analysis of biochemical parameters indicated that exogenous application of elicitors and viral infection, significantly affected the activity of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Compared to the DC plants, minimum disease severity and maximum number of fruit were recorded after a single dose of SA + BTH. Maximum plant height was recorded after weekly application of SA and maximum fruit yield per plant was gained with single dose of SA. Moreover, the activity of POD was significantly elicited many-fold after weekly application of SA + BTH, while higher amount of SOD was recorded with single dose of SA. The activity of CAT was also significantly accelerated after weekly application of SA + BTH while increased level of APX was noticed with single dose of BTH. In conclusion, the combined application of SA and BTH played an important role in induction of defense mechanism against CMV infection and can be useful in tomato disease management programs.

Harvest seasons and pruning management in pepper: production and pungency of the fruits

ABSTRACT Changes in plant architecture, such as apical pruning and harvesting at the right time, are management practices to obtain not only greater fruit production, but mainly quality and pungent fruits, preferred by the consumer market. We evaluated the effect of management of pruning and harvest seasons on growth, production and pungency of fruits conducted in the field. Nine seasons of harvest were studied {90, 101, 116, 131, 146, 161, 176, 191, 206 and 221 days after transplanting (DAT)} and two management systems (pruning and no pruning). The treatments were arranged in a factorial design (9x2) with split plot in a randomized block design with three replications. The agronomic traits analyzed were: height, chlorophyll, leaf area, soluble solids, number of fruits and pepper yield. The content of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin was determined using fruits harvested in two seasons (146 and 161 DAT) and in management systems (pruning and no pruning), in a factorial scheme (2x2), in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Growth and production traits did not differ significantly for pruning and no pruning managements, with an average of 71.8 fruits/plant and productivity of 429.7 g/plant. The agronomic traits were adjusted to the quadratic model. The maximum yield (529.09 g/plant) and the maximum number of fruits per plant (95.34) were estimated at 164.83 and 163.21 DAT, respectively. The use of pruning resulted in fruits with a higher content of capsaicin (363.89 mg/kg) and dihydrocapsaicin (198.27 mg/kg) at 161 DAT. Pruning management results in more pungent and better quality fruits for industry, and the maximum production of BRS Mari pepper was estimated at 164.83 DAT, important information for pepper producers, in order to schedule the harvests.

Effect of zinc and boron on growth of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

A micronutrient is the essential element for plant growth and development. Present study aimed to explore in detail the effect of zinc and boron on growth, yield and quality of brinjal ( Solanum melongena L.). The experiment consisted of 9 treatments laid out Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The individual treatment of 5 mg zinc, 10 mg zinc, 5 mg boron and 10 mg boron and treatment combinations 5 mg Zn+5 mg B, 5 mg Zn+10 mg B, 10 mg Zn+5 mg B and 10 mg Zn+10 mg B per kg soil was given in brinjal pots, the growth parameters like plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, number of flowers and yield parameters like maximum number of fruits per plant was obtained in brinjal influenced by combination of treatments T 8 (10 mg Zn+10 mg B) and was significantly superior at 5 per cent over rest of the treatments.