Plant Fruit Number Research Articles

PEMBERIAN ABU SEKAM DAN PUPUK NPK TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN TOMAT (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) VARIETAS SERVO

This study aims 1) This study aims to reveal the differences between the growth and yieldof tomato plants. 2) Knowing the difference between NPK fertilizer and the growth andyield of tomato plants. 3) Knowing the interaction between husk ash and NPK fertilizeron the growth and yield of tomato plants. This research was conducted using factorialrandomized block design (RCBD) with 2 factors, the first factor was husk ash (A)consisting of 3 levels, namely 50 g (A1), 60 g (A2), 70 g (A3) . The second factor is NPKfertilizer (P) consisting of 3 levels: 2.50 g (P1), 3.75 g (P2), 5 g (P3). Variables thatmention include plant height, number of leaves, time of flowering plants, number offruit plants and fruit weight. Analysis date using analysis of variance (ANOVA) level of5% and further testing with Duncan's Multiple Distance Test (DMRT). The resultsshowed that: There was no real interaction between rice husk ash fertilizer and NPKfertilizer on the growth and yield of tomato plants. Treatment of 70 g husk ash dose (A3)significantly affected plant height at the age of 14, 21, 28, and 42 HST. The treatment ofNPK fertilizer (P) is of real value for plant height, number of leaves and fruit weight.The best plant height was 52.18 cm and 84.06 at the age of 28 and 42 days afterplanting, the best number of leaves in puppol was 3.75 g (P2). But in people who aresweet, the yield is not significant.

Thermo-Tolerance in Tomato: Acetyl Salicylic Acid Affects Growth and Yeld Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) Under the Agro-Climatic Condition of Islamabad, Pakistan

Exogenously applied various levels of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) including ASA0 (Control), ASA1 (0.30mM), ASA2 (0.60mM), ASA3 (0.90mM), ASA4 (1.20mM), ASA5 (1.50mM) were investigated for induction of thermo-tolerance in tomato seedlings, transplanted in different growth conditions i.e. open field (average 32?C) and plastic tunnel (average 45?C/4h daily) in Islamabad, during summer 2016. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having twelve treatments, and three replications. Examining different growth conditions, maximum number of days to flowering (18.05), plant height (65.97 cm), stem diameter (1.69 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (35.37), number of flowers plant-1 (88.61), number of fruits plant-1 (39.05), total yield (28.48 tons ha-1), chlorophyll content (58.78 µg.g-1), and leaf relative water content (74.25%) was recorded in the open field. While investigating acetyl salicylic acid levels, ASA4 (1.20 mM) treatment showed significant results and minimized the heat stress with maximum number of leaves recorded (36.28), flowers (105.53), total yield (30.97 tons ha-1), chlorophyll content (62.24 µg.g-1), and leaf relative water content (74%) as compared to heat stress (control). Predominantly, ASA4 (1.20 mM) produced better results with respect to growth and yield in both growth conditions by enhancing heat tolerance in tomato seedlings

The response of Solanum melongena L. to different phosphorus levels and sowing dates

In order to harvest potential yield of eggplant and to find a suitable sowing time and phosphorus level for eggplant, an experiment was conducted at Ornamental Nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar in February 2013. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block (RCB) design with split plot arrangements. There were two factors i.e. Phosphorus levels and dates of Sowing. Phosphorus levels were assigned to the main plot while sowing dates were kept in the subplot. The data on Number of branches plant−1, Days to flowering, Days to fruiting, Number of fruits plant−1 and Yield Plot−1were significantly affected by phosphorus level and date of sowing. While the data on plant height was not significant, and overall results showed that early sowing date (February 25) produced significantly good results as compared to the rest of the sowing dates. Moreover, phosphorus level was also significantly affected the experimental parameters. Phosphorus level (70 kg ha−1) produced significantly best results in all the parameters followed by Phosphorus level (100 kg ha−1) in almost all the parameters. Thus it is concluded that early sowing of bringel (eggplants) is recommended with phosphorus level (70 & 100 kg ha−1).

Studies on genetic variability and interrelationship in bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl

The genetic parameters were studied to elucidate the genetic variability, correlation and path co-efficient analysis in thirty-nine genotypes of bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl] in randomized complete block design with three replications. Observations were recorded for eleven quantitative characters viz., days to first male flower open, days to first female flower open, node number of first female flower, braches plant-1, days to harvest, number of fruits plant-1, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, 100 seed weight and yield ton ha-1. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences for all the characters studied indicating considerable variability among the genotypes. The highest GCV (35.57%) and PCV (35.62%) were observed for fruit length. The differences between GCV and PCV were high for fruit number plant-1 and days to first male flower open indicating environmental influences. High heritability associates with high estimates of genetic advance in percent of mean were noted for length of fruit, yield, girth of fruit and number of fruits plant-1. It indicated presence of additive gene effect and selection for these traits would be effective. Yield were positively and significantly correlated with fruit weight, 100 seed weight, branch plant-1 and number of fruits plant-1 .Negative associations of yield were noted with days to first male and female flower open, days to harvest and length of fruit. Path analysis revealed that fruits plant-1 (0.93) and weight of fruit (0.467) had very high positive effect on fruit yield ton ha-1 .Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 8 (1): 14-17, June, 2018

Comparative effects of jatropha seedcake, chicken and kraal manures on selected soil properties, growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

A field trial was conducted to evaluate the comparative effects of jatropha seedcake, chicken and kraal manures on selected soil properties, growth and yield of tomato in Zambia during the cropping season of 2012-13. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates and six treatments, namely- jatropha seedcake (5.0 t ha-1), chicken manure (5.0 t ha-1), kraal manure (5.0 t ha-1), jatropha seedcake (2.5 t ha-1) + chicken manure (2.5 t ha-1), jatropha seedcake (2.5 t ha-1) + kraal manure (2.5 t ha-1) and control (0.0 t ha-1) was used. Soil total N, P, K, Ca, Mg, SOM, soil pH, bulk density, plant height, number of branches, number of fruits plant-1, and mean fruit weight effects were subsequently monitored. Organic manures significantly increased total N, available P, exchangeable K, Ca, Mg, SOM, soil pH, plant height, number of branches, number of fruits, mean fruit weight and yield of tomato compared to the control. Organic manures also significantly reduced soil bulk density compared to the control. Among the organic amendments treated alone, jatropha seedcake gave the highest yield of 28.62 t ha-1 compared to chicken manure (28.20 t ha-1) and kraal manure (27.50 t ha-1). Maximum yield benefits came from a mixture of jatropha seedcake + chicken manure (29.60 t ha-1)and jatropha seedcake + kraal manure (29.00 t ha- 1) which could have been due to balanced proportions of major nutrients required for tomato growth. Jatropha seedcake mostly performed favourably the same or better than chicken and kraal manures in many aspects.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 8 (1): 1-6, June, 2018

Morpho-physiology, yield and quality assessment on five local landrace Chilli Germplasms

An experiment was arranged to evaluate the morpho-physiological characters, yield and quality of local landrace chilli germplasms, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, from October 2013 to July 2014. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Among germplasms, maximum plant height (59.5 cm) and leaves (84.1) from ‘Kajoli’. Number of branches (33.1) was from ‘Akashi’ minimum (18.6) from ‘Dongfou’, chlorophyll content (56.9%) was obtained from ‘Kajoli’, whereas minimum (48.9%) was obtained from ‘Dongfou’. Leaf area highest (125.8 cm2) from ‘Dongfou’, whereas lowest (62.38 cm2) from ‘Deshi kacha Morich’; was recorded as at 85 DAT. Highest flowers plant-1 (68.7), number of fruits plant¬-1 (268.3) were found in ‘Kajoli’, whilst lowest (24.6) and (61.42) were for ‘Dongfou’. Maximum vitamin-C was found in green and dry chilli fruits (76.44 mg/100g and 42.55 mg/100g), of the germplasm ‘Akashi’ and minimum vitamin-C was recorded in green and dry fruits from ‘Deshi kacha morich’. The germplasm ‘Akashi’ gave the highest fresh fruits yield (18.1 t ha-1), followed by Deshi kacha morich (16.9 t ha-1) and Bogra morich produced the lowest fresh yield (13.3 t ha-1). In view of overall performances, So, Akashi with was best for higher fruit, yield and quality chilli production.

Germination, Growth and Yield Performance of Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Under Gamma Irradiation Stress

Abstract Gamma irradiation is a widely manipulated mutation breeding approach in agriculture for producing crops with desired agronomic traits. The technique is particularly advantageous to conventional breeding methods because of minimal labor and time requirement. Under laboratory and field experiments during 2013, seeds of Linum usitatissimum L. were irradiated with 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32 krad of gamma irradiation doses from Co-60 source for evaluating their effects on germination, seedling survival, radicle and plumule lengths, vegetative growth and productivity. It was noted that radiation doses caused significant changes in the studied traits of test plant. Germination, radicle and plumule lengths in lab study while shoot length, number of leaves and leaf area, number of fruits plant−1, number of seeds fruit−1, husk weight fruit−1, number of branches plant−1, fresh and dry biomass and moisture content of shoots under pot culture varied significantly under the applied radiation stress. In general, radiation doses up to 8 kr had stimulatory effects on the studied parameters while doses exceeding 8 kr negatively influenced germination, growth and productive attributes of flax. Results observed both stimulatory and inhibitory effects of the irradiation doses. The study suggests that radiation doses above 32 krad induced lethal effects on general growth of flax.

Efficacy of bio-agents against damping off in solanaceous crops under nursery conditions

The study was conducted to assess efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens against damping off in tomato and brinjal seedlings during Kharif season. The investigation was performed as on farm trials on farmers’ field over three years viz., 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16. T. harzianum and P. fluorescens were applied in combination of soil+seed treatment. Talc based formulation of both bio control agents were used @ 10 g kg -1 in seed treatment and 100 g m -2 in soil treatment. Results indicated that the combination of soil+seed treatment with T. harzianum was gives maximum seedling stands (84.15%) with minimum mortality (15.85%) in brinjal followed by soil+seed treatment with mixture of T. harzianum and P. fluorescens (78.30%) and soil+seed treatment with P. fluorescens alone (69.68%) whereas, in control plot treated with Carbendazim 50 WP (soil+seed) recorded less seedling stand (41.50%). In case of tomato, application of T. harzianum as soil+seed gave the maximum seedling stand (80.32%) followed by soil+seed treatment with combination of T. harzianum and P. fluorescens (73.45%) and P. fluorescens alone (58.64%) while seed+soil treatment with Carbendazim 50 WP given minimum seedling stand (42.01%). Consortium of T. harzianum and P. fluorescens significantly increased the growth and yield attributes of brinjal and tomato crops i.e. plant height, number of branches plant -1 , number of fruit plant -1 and fruit yield ha -1 followed by along Trichoderma and Pseudomonas. The study showed that T. harzianum and P. fluorescens are the potential bio control agents as compare to Carbendazim 50 WP and can be used effectively for the management of damping off in seedlings in nursery.

GENOTYPIC AND PHENOTYPIC PATH ANALYSIS STUDIES ON CHILLI PEPPER (Capiscum annuum L.)

The present study were conducted at Privet Farm in Al-Rahmania Island, Behaira Governorate, Egypt, during two successive summer seasons of 2016 and 2017, to identify the interrelationships among fruit yield and its related characters using correlation and improved model of path analysis at both genotypic and phenotypic levels on chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The experimental genotypes were grown in randomized complete blocks design (RCBD), with three replicates on open field. Eight tested genotypes namely, i. e. Shata Balady Hot cv, Shata Balady Hot line-1, Shata Balady Sweet cv, Serrano cv, Shata Balady Sweet line-3, Shata Balady Sweet line-4, Anheium cv, and Cayenne Large cv were used in this study. The characteristics were studied i.e., plant height (PH); branches number plant-1 (BN); fruit length (FL); fruit diameter (FD); locales number fruit-1 (LN); average fruit weight fruit-1 (AFW); fruits number plant-1 (FN) and yield plant-1 (Y). The results revealed that, there are a significant differences among genotypes for all studied characters. Also, significant and positive correlation coefficients were obtained between fruit yield plant-1 and number of fruits plant-1, at the genotypic and phenotypic levels (0.743* and 0.742*), respectively. Moreover, significant and negative correlation coefficients were obtained between yield plant-1 and fruit diameter (- 0.889** and - 0.882**) at the genotypic and phenotypic levels, respectively. Path analysis (genotypic and phenotypic) coefficient showed that the traits, i.e. branches number plant-1 and fruits number plant-1 and the average of fruit weight gave the maximum influence directly and indirectly upon yield plant-1 in chilli pepper indicating their magnitude as selection criteria to obtain a valuable gain of selection for yield in chilli pepper. Conclusively, these results may be helpful to plan appropriate selection strategies for improving fruit yield in hot pepper.

Variability, interrelationship and path coefficient studies in watermelon

Genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path coefficient of yield and attributing traits were studied in twenty watermelon genotypes. The variance analysis for fourteen quantitative characters showed that genotypes differ significantly among them for all characters under study indicating great variability among the genotypes selected. High heritability and high genetic gain were observed for weight of 100 seeds, seeds fruit−1, yield plant−1 and fruit weight. Studies on correlation and path analysis indicated that genotypic correlations were higher than phenotypic level in general. The yield plant−1 had positive and significant correlation with fruit polar diameter, fruit weight, number of fruits plant−1 and seeds fruit−1 at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. The path coefficient analysis revealed that number of fruits plant−1 and fruit weight had positive direct effect on yield plant−1. Hence, selection based on these characters will be effective for improvement of high yielding genotypes in watermelon.

Evaluation of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes under foothill condition of Nagaland

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2017 at the Experimental Farm of Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University to evaluate the performance of different genotypes of brinjal under foothill condition of Nagaland. Eighteen genotypes of brinjal were evaluated with three replications in randomized block design. The experimental material comprised eighteen genotypes i e, BRRVAR-1, BRRVAR-2, BRRVAR-3, BRRVAR-4, BRRVAR-5, BRRVAR-6, BRRVAR-7, BRRVAR-8, BRLVAR-9, BRLVAR- 10, BRLVAR-11, BRLVAR-12, BRLVAR-13, BRLVAR-14, BRLVAR-15, BRLVAR-16, Manipur Local and Azad Brinjal. Results revealed that BRLVAR-12 exhibited maximum number of leaves plant−1 (85.37), number of branches plant1(24.77), number of fruits plant−1 (52.20) and fruit yield (416.35 q ha−1) but BRLVAR-15 gave maximum plant height (101.63 cm). BRLVAR-13 recorded maximum leaf area index (3.34), fruit diameter (7.89 cm), fresh weight of fruit (299.51 g) and vitamin C content (8.57 mg 100 g−1). BRRVAR-6 exhibited the least number of seeds fruit−1 while highest TSS was found in Azad Brinjal (5.19oB). However, none of the genotypes were found resistant to major pest and disease. Thus, from these results it can be conclude that genotypes BRLVAR-12 were found to be potential yielder under foothill condition of Nagaland.

Growth, yield and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin as affected through foliar application of zinc and boron

The investigation was undertaken with a view to determine the growth, yield and fruit quality of Kinnowmandarin as affected through foliar application of zinc and boron. The results revealed that combined applicationof 0.2 per cent boric acid + 0.5 per cent zinc sulphate at fruit set and peach size stage of fruit through foliarspray exerted significant influence on plant height, tree spread and shoot length. The maximum fruit retention (71.77%), number of fruits plant−1(486.24), fruit weight (163.23 g), fruit volume (194.79 cc), fruit diameter (7.16 cm), yield plant−1 (79.32 kg) and yield ha−1 (31.73 t) were recorded in treatment T9 (0.2 per cent boric acid + 0.5per cent zinc). The same treatment had markedly influenced the quality of Kinnow fruit and the maximum TSS (12.18 oBrix), TSS/acid ratio (16.66), reducing sugars (3.87%), total sugar (7.22%), ascorbic acid (25.16mg/100 g)and juice content (41.43%) were recoreded in this traetement (T9). The lowest acidity (0.73%) and rind thickness (2.79 mm) were also recorded in treatment T9 (0.2 per cent boric acid + 0.5 per cent zinc). This treatment alsoincreased the zinc (100.08 ppm) and boron (80.81 ppm) level of kinnow mandarin leaves.

Contribution of the nutrient-enriched ant nest debris soil to growth and yield of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) under natural and experimental field conditions

Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as Kalmegh, is an important medicinal plant which exhibits a range of pharmacological characteristics. The present study revealed that under natural and experimental field conditions, the debris soil of the ground-nesting ant (Pheidole latinoda) colonies increased soil fertility and yield of this plant. The growth of Kalmegh planted in the debris amended soil was significantly enhanced in a dose-dependent manner. The yield, in terms of number of branches, number of leaves, plant biomass and number of pods plant−1 was consistently higher for plants grown in debris amended treatments as compared with plants grown in control soil. Concentrations of total C, P, available N (NH4-N, NO3-N) and microbial biomass C and P were significantly higher in the various debris amended soil treatments as compared with the control soil. Significant positive correlations were found between the ecophysiological traits of Kalmegh plants, i.e. leaf area, total biomass and number of fruits plant−1, and the soil chemical properties of the soil. Under natural field conditions also the biomass of Kalmegh plants growing within 5 m distance of P. latinoda nests was significantly higher as compared with plants located at a distance >10 m. Overall, the results suggested that the ecosystem engineering activities of P. latinoda colonies have the potential to contribute to soil fertility and thereby promote enhanced growth and yield of this medicinally important plant. Since colonies of ground-nesting ant species, such as P. latinoda, are abundant in annual cropping systems, they can contribute to agricultural sustainability.

Genetic variability in CMS backcross generations and their maintainers in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

Twelve genotypes of eggplant in BC3, BC4 and BC5 generations of CMS-lines derived from Solanum ae-thiopicum × Solanum melongena cross along with their maintainers were evaluated for eighteen quantitative charac-ters at Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana. Analysis of variance depicted significant variation (P ? 0.05) for all the characters in all generations. High PCV and GCV values were observed for fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, number of fruits plant-1 and yield plant-1 in all generations indicating high variability in the germplasm. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was found for peduncle length, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, number of fruits plant-1 and yield plant-1 in all generations indicating the predominance of additive gene action for these traits. Thus, selections can be made from present germplasm for the development of improved CMS inbred lines with varying fruit traits.

Adaptibility of tomato genotypes suitable for coastal region of Patuakhali in Bangladesh

A field experiment was carried out at the Regional Horticultural Research Station, Lebukhali, Patuakhali, during the winter. The experiment was conducted to find out adaptive tomato genotypes suitable for coastal Patuakhali region considering their growth and yield performance. The genotypes of this experiment showed significant influence independently on different parameters of tomato plant. The maximum plant height (86.80 cm) was found in BARI tomato-3. The maximum primary (2.55), secondary (9.55) and tertiary branch (4.48) were obtained from BARI tomato-14. The maximum number of leaves (34.93) obtained from BARI tomato-14. The highest length of largest leaves (35.87 mm) was recorded in BARI tomato-3. The maximum number of flower clusters plant-1 (19.47), number of flowers cluster-1 (6.62), number of fruit cluster-1 (4.84), number of flowers plant-1 (126.3), number of fruits plant-1 (88.0), minimum date for 50% flowering(53.33), highest percentage of fruit setting (76.27), minimum days to first harvest (101.7) were obtained from BARI tomato-14. Moreover, BARI tomato-14 also performed better in respect of yield (3.51 kg/plant and 124.8 t/ha). It may therefore concluded that the genotype BARI tomato-14 showed better growth and yield performance under the coastal condition and suitable for Patuakhali region.Progressive Agriculture 28 (2): 84-91, 2017

Enhancement of growth and productivity of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) through foliar application of calcium and magnesium

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is the important vegetable crop in Pakistan. Macronutrients deficiency severely affected growth and yield of cucumber. Therefore the experiment was designed to evaluate response of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) to calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels in the year of 2014. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Bock Design (RCBD) having sixteen treatment combinations, replicated three times. Foliar application of Calcium @ (0, 10, 15, 20 mM) and Magnesium @ (0, 30, 40, 50, mM) were applied to the plants. Application of calcium and magnesium significantly affected all the growth parameters. Less number of days (39) to first flowering, number of days (49) to fruit initiation, highest vine length (74.66 cm), number of branches plant-1 (6.05), number of pickings plot-1 (8), fruit length (15.02 cm), fruit diameter (4.00), number of fruits plant-1 (9.27) and yield (8.03) tons ha-1 was observed with foliar application of 10 mM calcium. Whereas less number of days (37) to first flowering, number of days (48) to fruit initiation, maximum vine length (72.66 cm), number of branches plant-1 (5.87), number of pickings plot-1 (7.83), fruit length (15.04 cm), fruit diameter (4.43 cm) number of fruit plant-1 (9.04), and yield (10.79) tons ha-1 was observed with foliar application of 30 mM magnesium. While In case of interaction, number of days (31) to first flowering, days to fruit initiation (45), fruit length (17.27 cm), fruit diameter (5.93 cm), number pickings-1 (9), and yield tons ha-1(12.70) were produced by interaction between Ca x Mg at the rate of 10mM and 30 mM respectively. Hence foliar application of calcium @ 10 mM and magnesium @ 30 mM is recommended for the better growth and yield of cucumber at Peshawar. Keywords: Cucumis sativus; Calcium Magnesium dose; Foliar application; Growth and yield http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60040

Studies on heterosis in bhendi [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench

The studies on heterosis in bhendi was conducted with 20 F1­’s developed from 9 parents viz., SKY/DR/RS/107 (L1), 3 (L2), IC 69257 (L3), 307-10-1-II (L4), 608-8-1 (T1), 770 (T2), IC 140880 (T3), 137-10-1,2 (T4) and Tiruchi Local (T5) in a Line x Tester mating design. The hybrids along with parents were evaluated in RBD with three replications. The hybrid L2 x T3 was considered the best as it has recorded higher magnitude of heterobeltiosis for plant height at flowering (17.49 per cent), plant height at final harvest (42.95 per cent), leaf area index (64.21 per cent), stem diameter (82.79 per cent), fruit length (22.98 per cent), fruit girth (6.17 per cent), number of fruits plant-1 (42.70 per cent) and yield plant-1 (57.77 per cent). The maximum heterotic vigour was found in L2 x T2 for fruit weight (47.24 per cent) and number of fruits plant-1 (96.67 per cent).

Agronomic performance of mini-tomato hybrids from dwarf lines

ABSTRACT Little is known about the commercial potential of mini-tomato hybrids obtained from one dwarf parent. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the agronomic performance of mini-tomato hybrids obtained by crossing a dwarf line (A) with normal lines with indeterminate (I), determinate (D) and semi-determinate (SD) growth habits. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Estação Experimental de Hortaliças at the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia-UFU in Monte Carmelo, Brazil. The experiment was completely randomized with 17 treatments and four repetitions. The genetic material consisted of 16 experimental mini-tomato hybrids from the tomato germplasm bank at UFU, and a commercial hybrid (Mascot) as a control. The following variables were used to evaluate agronomic performance: fruit weight (g); number of fruits plant-1; productivity (kg plant-1); number of bunches plant-1; number of fruits bunch-1; stem diameter (mm); distance between first bunch and soil (cm); internode length (cm) and total soluble solids (°Brix). The growth habit of the parents influenced the performance of the hybrids. In general, the mini-tomato hybrids from dwarf lines differed from the control with respect to all variables except number of fruits plant-1, number of fruits bunch-1 and stem diameter. On average, hybrids from dwarf lines showed higher productivity (20%), shorter internodes (11%) and a shorter distance between the first bunch and the ground (30%), relative to the control. Using dwarf lines to obtain mini-tomato hybrids was shown to be viable since the hybrids demonstrated better agronomic performance.

Response of Various Nitrogen Levels on the Growth and Yield Performance of Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill.)

Nitrogen (N) fertilization at optimum quantity to cultivated plants is essential for sustainable crop productivity. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of nitrogen fertilizers on the growth and yield traits of tomato during 2016, at the experimental field of Orchard, | department of Horticulture, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam. Six nitrogen treatment doses were tested (T1 =control (untreated), T2 = 30 N kg ha-1, T3 = 60 N kg ha-1, T4 = 90 N kg ha-1, T5 = 120 N kg ha-1 and T6 = 150 N kg ha-1.). The data were recorded on the number of branches plant-1, days to flowering, days to fruiting, number of fruits plant-1, weight of single fruit (g), yield plot-1 and yield ha-1 (tons). The results demonstrated that N fertilization showed significant influence on both vegetative and reproductive traits of tomato. On the contrary, plants which were not fertilized with N displayed minimum values for all investigated traits. The highest N level (150 kg ha-1) showed maximum number of branches (5.51) plant-1, minimum day to flowering (42.43) less days to fruiting (46.00), more fruits plant-1 (31.00) maximum weight of single fruit (46.50 g) and highest fruit yield plot-1 (21.01 kg) and per hectare (14008 tons), respectively. It was concluded that the crop growth and productivity was significantly influenced by various levels of nitrogen. However, 150 N kg ha-1 as compared to 120 N and other concentrations considerably displayed better performance in terms of vegetative and reproductive traits of tomato. Hence for optimum growth and economically higher yield, the tomato crop may be fertilized with 150 N kg ha-1.

Association Analysis in Chilli Genotypes for Dry Fruit Yield

There is a need to intensify the development of high yielding cultivars in chilli. Investigation was carried out to study the genetic correlations and path coefficients in chilli genotypes (Capsicum annuum L.) among eighteen traits under study. High significant and positive correlation on dry fruit yield plant-1 was observed at both genotypic and phenotypic levels with plant height, number of primary branches plant-1, leaf area, number of fruits plant-1, pedicel length, fruit girth, fruit weight, number of seeds fruit-1, 1 000 seed weight, capsanthin content and green fruit yield. High positive direct effect of dry fruit yield in chilli was observed with number of fruit plant-1, days to first flowering, green fruit yield, number of seed fruit-1 and days to final harvest. From both correlation and path analysis, it is confirmed that important characters such [Such as] the number of fruits plant -1, fruit weight, green fruit yield, number of seeds fruit -1, days to first flowering, days to final harvest can be considered as selection indices in evaluating the best genotypes towards green fruit and dry fruit yield for future breeding programme in addition to the qualitative characters of capsanthin and capsaicin contents.