Number Of Fruits Research Articles

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Chili peppers are fruit-bearing plants from the Capsicum genus, and they are known for their spicy and pungent flavors. Chili peppers thrive in warm climates and can be grown in various types of soil. They are typically cultivated as annual plants, although some varieties can be perennial in suitable conditions Therefore, the present investigation was carried out at the Central Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during Kharif 2021-22 with a view to identify the effects of different doses plant growth regulators and its role in growth, yield and quality of Chilli variety TMPH-443. The experiment was laid in Randomized block design with 13 treatments and 3 replications with different combination in plant growth regulators. Under this experiment, overall, 13 treatment was taken including control. Different plant growth regulators (PGRs) used comprised of NAA, GA3, 2-4 D and Triacontanol all four at different doses. According to the current research, the use of Plant growth regulators (PGRs) had a significantly positive impact on the growth and development of Chillies. Among the various treatments that were evaluated, T5 (NAA @ 40 ppm spray) yielded the most favourable results in terms of growth viz., plant height, leaf area, early flowering and maturation and yield viz., fruit weight, length of fruit, fruit girth, number of fruits per plant, and yield per plant.

Integrated Nutrient Management in Muskmelon: A Comprehensive Field Study

The present study aims to describe the effects of integrated nutrient management (INM) on Madhumita variety of muskmelon cultivation in terms of plant growth, fruit yield, and quality. The experiment has been carried out in the crop field located in the North Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. This case study involved seven different treatments (T1 to T7), each with varying nutrient application regimes. Certain observational data, such as vine length, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, and fruit yield, were recorded for three replications over the course of the experiment. The results of statistical analysis revealed significant differences, with specific treatments demonstrating T6, which included Vermicompost at 5 tons/ha, 75% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), and 1% NOVEL prime organic liquid nutrient, consistently outperformed the other treatments groups. The findings highlight the utility of integrated nutrient management. It helps in understanding and optimizing the application of nutrients to boost crop productivity and promote sustainability.

Effect of Different Quantities of Bio Stimulant on Chilli Growth, Quality and Yield

A present investigation was carried out with title “Effect of different quantities of bio stimulant on chilli growth, quality and yield” at the central research farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during kharif, 2023-24 with a view to identify the effects of different doses of bio stimulant and its role in growth, yield and quality of Chilli variety NS-1701. The experiment was laid in the randomized block design with 9 treatments and 3 replications with different combination of different quantities of bio stimulant. The treatment T7 (3.0 L/hac. Amalgerol essence) performed best in terms of plant height (79.68), number of branches (8.53), days to first flower initiation (79.30), number of fruits per plant (122.36), fruit length (7.81), individual fruit weight (2.90gm), fruit yield per plant (258.13gm). The highest benefit cost ratio was found at 3.69 in the same treatment.

Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile, 1813 seedlings as a potential integrative tool for restoring damaged meadows

Seagrasses provide key ecological services in coastal marine and estuarine environments. Human activities and environmental changes affect seagrasses compromising their structure and functioning. In this context, seagrass restoration has become a worldwide priority to halt and reverse degradation and to recover ecosystem functionality and associated services. Here, we investigate the sexual reproduction of Posidonia oceanica by describing the flowering and fruiting process. Furthermore, we compare the structural (survival and shoot density) and functional (daily leaf production, DLP) descriptors of seedlings with those derived from a P. oceanica transplantation performed through cuttings to assess their feasibility as an integrative source of vegetal material for restoration purposes. Despite many initial flowers and fruits, a small number of mature fruits are produced, confirming the low reproductive success of the phanerogam. A comparison of structural and functional features showed that seedlings and cuttings showed similar survival and shoot density rates after more than 2 years. In addition, DLP showed that seedlings increased in leaf length over the study period, reaching a similar value registered by cuttings. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of using seedlings in restoration efforts. It also emphasizes the importance of exploring P. oceanica reproductive ecology to better understand temporal and spatial variations in flowering, as well as fruiting success, at local and basin scales.

Nutrient Requirement in Different Stages of Khasi Mandarin (Citrus reticulata, Blanco) in Assam

An experiment was carried out in matured Khasi mandarin plot at the Barekuri village of Tinsukia in Assam to standardize the nutrient requirement in Khasi mandarin and its effect on yield, quality and nutrient content of Khasi mandarin and soil status of Khasi mandarin plot. The experiment has been conducted for six years. The experiment was laid out with 5 m × 5 m spacing along with 4 treatments, 5 replication and designed with RBD. Among the four treatments, T2 treatments were found better for maximize yield and fruit quality of matured Khasi mandarin. Treatment (T2) containing fertilizer application of N, P2O5 and K2O at 0:0:0 per cent of RDF during January- February, 30:40:10 per cent of RDF during March- April, 30:35:10 per cent of RDF during May- June 20:25:30 per cent of RDF during July- August, 10:0:25 per cent of RDF during September- October and 10:0:25 per cent of per cent of RDF during November-December was found better in terms of yield, quality of Khasi mandarin and fertility status of soil. Regarding, fruit qualities, higher juice content (47.72%), maximum TSS (11.20°Brix) and maximum number of fruits per tree (342) were observed in above mentioned treatment (T2). Maximum soil nutrient status and NPK content on leaf were recorded under the same T2 treatment. The maximum B: C ratio (2.20) was found in the same T2 treatment.

Production and quality of watermelon subjected to biofertilizer fertilization

The expansion of the area with organic agriculture is due to the market trend towards the consumption of healthier foods. However, with the increase in the cost of fertilizers imported by the country, the adjustment of doses and management practices with alternative sources for plant nutrition, such as biofertilizer, can be an alternative for the sustainability of properties. The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Bebedouro (CEB) of EMBRAPA Semi-Arid Region in Petrolina-PE, Brazil, from September to December 2019, to evaluate the effect of biofertilizer doses on the production aspects of three watermelon varieties in the semi-arid region. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 6 x 3 factorial scheme, corresponding to six doses of biofertilizer (0; 80; 160; 240; 320 and 400 mL plant-1) and three varieties of watermelon (Explorer, Red Heaven, and Majestic), with four replicates. Yield, number of fruits per plant, average fruit mass, fruit diameter, fruit length, length: diameter ratio, pulp firmness, rind thickness, pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio were analyzed. The number of fruits per plant was not altered by biofertilizer doses. However, the variables yield and average fruit mass were altered by the interaction between varieties and biofertilizer doses. With yield of 40.22 t ha-1 obtained at the dose 201.33 mL plant-1, the Explorer variety proved to be more efficient with the use of biofertilizer in organic system. Positive responses to biofertilizer application in postharvest quality attributes were obtained in Explorer and Red Heaven varieties.

Effect of type and time of fertilizer application in foliar fertilization on production and seed quality of cayenne (Capsicum frutescens L. var. Bonita)

Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens L.) classified as a horticultural crop that has high economic value. The use of fertilizer can affect the maximum growth and production of cayenne plants, so it is necessary to know the right type and time. The purpose of the study was to find the best type and time of fertilizer application for the production and quality of cayenne seeds. This study used a randomized block design with two treatment factors, the first factor was the type of fertilizer, namely Gandasil B fertilizer, Bayfolan, White KNO3 and NPK Mutiara, the second factor was the time of fertilizer application, namely fertilizer application during flowering, as well as during flowering and fruit enlargement. The results showed that the interaction between the type and time of fertilizer application had a very significant effect on the total sugar content of leaves. Fertilizer treatment has a very significant effect on the total sugar content of leaves, has a significant effect on the number of fruits per plant, weight per fruit, growth uniformity, percentage of normal and abnormal sprouts, and germination. The best type of fertilizer for fruit production is Bayfolan while judging from seed quality, the best type of fertilizer for seed production is NPK Mutiara. The timing of fertilizer application had a very significant effect on the total sugar content of the leaves but had no significant effect on other variables. The best application time for seed production is fertilizer application during flowering plants and fruit enlargement.

Carpochron: a concept for the time interval between the appearance of fruits in consecutive harvests

The aim of this research was to estimate the base temperature for the appearance of fruits at harvest point in the strawberry and to propose a concept to represent the time required for the appearance of fruits in consecutive harvests. The experiment was conducted in 2021 in four seedling transplanting seasons: May (season 1), June (season 2), July (season 3) and August (season 4) of two cultivars: Fronteras and Merced. Twenty-four consecutive fruit harvests were carried out from September 9, 2021, to December 1, 2021, when the number, length (cm), diameter (mm), and fresh weight of the fruits (g) were evaluated. The base temperature for the fruit emission of the strawberry was calculated using the method of the smallest mean square error. Carpochron was estimated at each season and for each cultivar, obtaining a simple linear regression between the number of fruits and the accumulated thermal sum (ºC day) and the number of days after transplanting (DAT), using as base temperature the one estimated in this work. The base temperature for the appearance of consecutive fruits at the harvest point in the strawberry is 11ºC. Carpochron increases with the delay of the transplanting season and the values ranged from 81.97ºC fruit day to 144.93ºC fruit day for cultivars Merced and Fronteras.

INDIGENOUS CUCURBITS AND GRAFTING TECHNIQUES AFFECT CUCUMBER’S PRODUCTIVITY BY MODULATING MORPHO-PHYSIO-BIOCHEMICAL INDICES

Vegetable grafting is a unique surgical horticultural technology for inducing soilborne biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in cucumbers. Indigenous cucurbit germplasm as rootstocks may show more tolerance potential compared to exotic ones. However, it needs evaluation for compatibility testing through various grafting techniques. Therefore, this study was planned to test available cucurbits as rootstocks for graft success vis-à-vis cucumber growth and productivity. It was carried out in plant propagation and physiological lab MNS University of Agriculture Multan. The seeds of the indigenous open-pollinated cucurbits were sown in 64-celled plug trays having peat moss as growing media followed by shifting to 50-celled plug trays at first true leaf emergence stage. The seeds of selected scion (cucumber) were sown after the emergence of rootstock seeds. Different grafting techniques were performed at first true leaf stage of the scion followed by healing, and acclimatization. In this experiment, hybrid cucumber (cv Yalla F1) was grafted on three indigenous cucurbits namely ridge gourd (Luffa acutangular), bottle gourd (Lagenaria sicearia) and pumpkin (Cucurbit pepo. L) for graft compatibility success by using three grafting techniques: cleft grafting, one cotyledon grafting and hole insertion. Non-grafted cucumber was grown to compare with grafted plants for growth, and productivity. Overall, significant (p ≤ 0.5%) results were  obtained in terms of 90% survival rate in cucumber plants grafted onto  the bottle gourd through cleft grafting as compared to the other grafting techniques. Additionally, the cucumber plants grafted on bottle gourd showed the highest morphological (root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, amd rootstocks, and scion girth), physiological (photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and sub-stomatal conductance), biochemical (antioxidants activities, SOD, CAT, and POX) and yield indices (average fruit length, weight, numbers, and yield) as compared to the non-grafted plants.  Conclusively, cucumber grafting onto indigenous bottle gourd with cleft grafting technique exhibited maximum compatibility confirmed through physio-chemical attributes and improved in plants biomass and yield, thereby suggested for cucumber grafting.

Exploration of genetic variability in Garcinia [<i>Garcinia gummi-gutta</i> L.(Robson)] germplasm based on growth, yield and quality traits

Eleven Garcinia germplasm along with local check of Pechiparai were evaluated and underwent principal component analysis to assess genetic divergence and variation patterns during 2019 to 2022. The first two principal components, contributing significant Eigen values, explained 71.20% of the total variability. The Acc. Gg 9 was the top performer, exhibiting favourable yield and growth traits with lower pest and disease incidence, high biochemical compounds viz., hydroxy citric acid and tartaric acid compared to local check. Cluster analysis revealed four major clusters, offering diversity for breeding programs. Correlation studies highlighted traits such as number of fruits per tree, rind thickness, and tartaric acid showing significant positive correlations with yield per tree. Selection based on identified key traits was deemed crucial for enhancing effectiveness. Additionally, DNA fingerprinting analysis indicated the potential use of RAPD markers (OPA03570) for differentiating Kudampuli cultivar PPI (K) 1 from the local check. Overall, the present investigation provides insights into optimizing Garcinia breeding programs, emphasizing trait-based selection and DNA fingerprinting for varietal differentiation.

Growth and yield response of Tanjung II and Unpad CB2 red chili varieties grown in the medium land

Red chili is an important commodity that is daily needed by the community. Non-central chili areas often experience deficits due to the high consumption volume and low productivity of chili peppers. To increase the productivity of chili in non-central areas, expand it in the medium land. This study aims to determine the productivity of two introduced chili varieties in the medium land whose adaptation areas came from lowland and highland areas. This study was analyzed using an independent sample T-test at a significant level of 5%. The results of the data analysis showed that the Tanjung II variety significantly influenced the parameters of stem diameter and weight of the fruit. Meanwhile, the Unpad CB2 variety significantly influences the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, number of fruits, and fruit set. However, both varieties have no noticeable effect on the weight parameters of the cropping fruit and potential yield in hectares. The Tanjung II variety experienced a decrease in yield by 54.58%, while the Unpad CB2 variety was 53.56%.

Impacts of N-P-K-Mg Fertilizer Combinations on Tree Parameters and Fungal Disease Incidences in Apple Cultivars with Varying Disease Susceptibility

Adequate mineral fertilization helps to ensure optimal tree growth, fruit development, and predictable yield of apple trees. This 7-year study (2016–2022) aims to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) fertilizer combinations (NP, NPK, NPKMg, and control) on eight parameters (trunk cross-sectional area—TCSA; fruit yield—FY; number of fruit per tree—FNT; crop load—CL; fruit diameter—FD; fruit weight—FW; fruit scab incidence—FSI; and powdery mildew incidence on shoot—PMIS) on the cultivars (cvs) ‘Golden Reinders’ (disease susceptible) and ‘Pinova’ (scab and mildew tolerant). In the 7-year period, TCSA values continuously increased for both cultivars over the years. Fertilizer treatments showed significant differences on TCSA but the effect varied greatly annually among fertilizer treatments. Fertilizer treatments had increasing effects on FY and FNT in 2018 and 2022, on CL in 2018, on FD in 2018 and 2019, and on FW in 2016 and 2018 in both cultivars compared to the control treatment. FSI values were the lowest in the NPKMg treatment for cv. ‘Golden Reinders’ in 2016, 2017, and 2022; for cv. ‘Pinova’ in 2016; PMIS values for cv. ‘Golden Reinders’ in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022; and for cv. ‘Pinova’ in 2018. Correlation and regression analyses revealed strong and significant (p = 0.05) relationships between FNT versus (vs.) TCSA, FNT vs. FY, FW vs. TCSA, CL vs. FY, FW vs. FD, and FSI vs. FW. In conclusion, our study showed that multiyear application of fertilizer combinations can successfully increase TCSA and yield parameters as well as reduce fungal disease incidences, especially on the disease-susceptible cultivar in sandy soil with moderate fertility, under Central-European continental climate conditions.

Growth and yield performance of X-ray irradiated cucumber

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a very important fruit which makes its demand and consumption continually on the increase all over the world. X-ray is an ionizing radiation and a physical mutagen with great potentials in creating artificial variability in crops. The employment of x-ray irradiation has been underutilized in plant mutagenesis, hence this study sought to determine its effect on the germination and agro-morphological traits of cucumber. Cucumber seeds were obtained from an agro-allied store and exposed to x-ray radiation from a source 70 KVA at a distance of 90cm and doses 10, 20, 30 and 40mAs. The field experiment was carried out in duplicate using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Irradiated and unirradiated (control) seeds were sown directly on a total of ten prepared plots measuring 2.44 by 1.50 m. The result generated in this study show a positive shift at the higher doses (30 and 40 mAs) with reduced number of days to fruit maturity and increased number of fruits per plant when compared to the control and other doses. A strong positive correlation was observed among some traits studied, indicating the possibility of such traits being under the influence of the same gene and the ability to be inherited together. Zonata, a chlorophyll mutant was observed at 30 mAs indicating how successful the dose was in inducing beneficial mutation on the Cucumber. Higher doses of x-ray irradiation as used in this study is therefore recommended for the genetic improvement of other vegetable and under developed crops.

Evaluation of Genetic Divergence among Different Okra Genotypes

Mahalanobis D2 statistics were used to analyse the genetic divergence of thirty different okra genotypes, and the results showed that there was a significant amount of genetic variety. The clustering, inter and intra-cluster distances, and trait contributions provided insights into the genetic variability and diversity within the studied okra population. Thirty diverse genotypes were grouped into five clusters with the highest of eighteen genotypes in the cluster I, five in the cluster III & V and one each genotype in the cluster II and IV. Inter and intra cluster D2 values ranged from 8.00 to 16.7 and 0.0 to 7.4, respectively. It showed that inter cluster distance was higher than the intra cluster distance indicating wide genetic diversity among the genotypes of different groups. The cluster means of 11 characters among five clusters indicated that high genetic variability ranged present for yield per plant (222.1-253.1), number of fruits per plant (31.8-38.9), plant height (59.0-100.7) and days to fifty percent flowering (42.8-54.0). The per cent contribution of yield and its attributing characters in genetic divergence were reported maximum for number of fruits per plant (46.4%) and first fruit node (16.3%). The genotypes HB-691-08, HBT-49-1, Hisar Unnat, Hisar Naveen, HBTC-6-7-1, Varsha Uphar, Arka Abhay were superior for overall yield and yield attributing characters. These genotypes were used to exploit genetic variation for further breeding programme.

Optimizing Crop Water Productivity in Greenhouse Pepper

Although advanced production systems have been developed in the last 20 years, water scarcity is still a growing problem in agriculture. This study aims to evaluate the effect of different strategies that combine the application of seaweed and microbial biostimulants with regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies on the irrigation water productivity (WPI), fruit quality parameters and soil enzymatic activity in pepper plants (Capsicum annum sp.) under two commercial greenhouse conditions. In each trial, two treatments were applied: (i) irrigation according to Farmer criteria without biostimulant applications and (ii) a combined treatment of RDI and the same biostimulation program, composed of Bacillus paralicheniformis and Ascophillum nodosum extracts. RDI was applied in different phenological stages in each greenhouse after the establishment until the 1st harvest in trial 1 or during the ripening and harvest period in trial 2. On average, the irrigation was reduced by 600 m3 ha−1 compared to the Farmer irrigation schedule. In both trials, biostimulation promoted an increase in fruit numbers, punctually in trial 1, leading to yield precocity, or generally in trial 2, obtaining a higher yield. Globally, WPI was increased when RDI was combined with biostimulation. This combined treatment also enhanced the root water absorption and improved the soil enzymatic activity in both greenhouses, suggesting that nutrients in the soil would become more available to plants. Thus, the combined action of biostimulation under different RDI strategies has been proved to be a useful strategy to improve agricultural sustainability.

Pruning techniques affect flowering, fruiting, yield and fruit biochemical traits in guava under transitory sub-tropical conditions

Production of quality fruits in the dry and low humid October–May period has been a challenge in the tropics and sub-tropics having wide weather fluctuations throughout the year. Henceforth, the research aimed at investigating the seasonal variations in vegetative developments as well as flowering, fruiting, yield, and fruit quality of guava emphasizing the off-seasonality by pruning 0 cm (control), 15 cm, 30 cm, and 45 cm from shoot-tip, once a year at spring (early March), monsoon (early June) and autumn (early September) under such atmospheric implications. Yearly and quarterly documentation at wet (June–August and September–November) and dry (December–February and March–May) seasons revealed that pruning in spring and autumn exhibited statistical parity for higher yearly yield of 31.71 kg and 31.58 kg plant−1, respectively. Moreover, spring pruning had maximum yield in the wet season (23.94 kg plant−1), while autumn pruning governed the dry season production (18.11 kg plant−1) having a notable wet period yield (13.47 kg plant−1). Considering the yearly and quarterly in March–May and December–February harvests, autumn pruning exhibited statistical supremacy for total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total sugar, vitamin C, and specific gravity. However, pruning time didn't influence the fruit physiochemical traits at the June–August and September–November quarters producing fruits of inferior quality compared to those of March–May and December–February harvests. On the other hand, pruning lengths of 30 cm and 45 cm demonstrated statistical consistency for auspicious vegetative, reproductive and fruit biochemical properties. Meanwhile, 30 cm pruning produced maximum number of flowers (224.71 plant−1) and fruits (155.89 plant−1), consequently the highest yield (38.38 kg plant−1). Treatment interactions too ascertained that off-season production of superior quality guava can be enhanced by 30 cm shoot-tip pruning in autumn without compromising the year-round harvests.

Response of Mulching and Organic Fertilizers on the Growth Performance of Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa L.) in Southern Philippines

Strawberry is a hybrid species of the genus Fragaria that is widely grown worldwide, especially in cool climate areas and are widely cultivated for their fruit. It is one of the important horticultural crops grown in many parts of the world. Strawberries can be grown using organic fertilizers under different mulching technique. This study investigated the growth and yield performance of strawberries to various application of organic fertilizers (vermicast, vermicompost and vermitea) and mulching materials (rice hull and plastic mulch). Planting materials were taken from a healthy, disease-free strawberry (Shoga) and carried out in Split Plot Factorial Design replicated four times. Strawberry plants applied with vermicompost resulted in significantly high percentage survival (99.16%), plant height (21.61 cm) and number of runners (3.93) compared to plants applied with vermicast and vermitea. Moreover, strawberry plants under plastic mulch condition had the highest growth and yield performance in terms of plant height (21.07 cm), number of runners (4.19), number of leaves (6.57) and total number of marketable fruits (48.10). Based on these results, strawberry applied with vermicompost under plastic mulch condition are recommended. Moreover, results can serve as basis for strawberry growers to use effective yet less expensive fertilizer particularly in tropical Philippines.

Assessment of Yield and Quality of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Fruits Improved by Biodegradable Mulching Film in Two Different Regions of Southern Italy

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) mulching films have an important function in crop cultivation; at the end of their life, however, their removal and disposal become both an economic and environmental problem. One possible alternative to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) mulch is provided by certified soil-biodegradable mulch films, such as those produced by Novamont and commercially available under the trade name MaterBi®. MaterBi is a biodegradable thermoplastic material made with starch and a biodegradable copolyester based on proprietary technology. In this study, we compared two biodegradable MaterBi®-based films (commercial and experimental films) with bare soil and a low-density polyethylene to evaluate their effect on yield and on a number of qualitative characteristics (organoleptic and nutraceutical composition) of eggplant fruits (cv Mirabelle F1) grown in two different regions in Southern Italy (Sicily and Campania). In our study, the use of biodegradable MaterBi® films improved not only yield and production parameters, such as the number and average weight of fruits, but also lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant activity and phenolic and ascorbic acid content. For many parameters, responses differed according to the cultivation environment and, in particular, the site’s pedoclimatic conditions. Our results suggest that biodegradable MaterBi®-based mulching films are a potentially valid alternative to traditional LDPEs, providing the production and quality benefits reported above and promoting environmental sustainability, thanks to their positive biodegradable properties.

Estimate of Genotypic and Phenotypic Correlation and Path Coefficient in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L)

The significant positive correlation among phenotypic and genotypic performance, as well as path correlation of crops, contributes to the selection of superior cultivars. Based on the essential relevance of these estimations, it was used in our research. The current research was carried out during autumn winter season 2021-2022 with the aim of to estimate correlation coefficient among the growth and yield attribute and to elucidate the direct and indirect effects of different traits on yield through path coefficient analysis. The experimental material for the study consisted of 40 genotypes including one check (KS-224), laid in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Observations were recorded on twelve quantitative characters. The most important trait, total fruit yield per plant had exhibited highly significant and positive phenotypic correlation with average fruit weight (0.662), number of fruits per plant (0.476), fruit circumference (0.394) and fruit polar length (0.392). Average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit circumference and fruit polar length were found significantly and positively correlated among themselves. The genotypic direct and indirect effects of most of the traits were similar in nature and higher in magnitude than the phenotypic direct and indirect effect. The higher magnitude of positive direct effect on total fruit yield was exerted by average fruit weight (0.793), number of fruits per plant (0.684) and fruit circumference (0.046). While, negative direct effect on total fruit yield per plant was exerted by days to 50 per cent flowering (-0.093), calyx length (-0.052) and pedicel length (-0.022). Thus, it can be inferred from the data above that selecting for these qualities will effectively enhance the crop for increased production and contributing traits.

Growth enhancement and changes in bacterial microbiome of cucumber plants exhibited by biopriming with some native bacteria

This study investigated the impact of a mixture of six endophytic bacterial strains isolated from cucumber plants on the growth and microbiome diversity of six cucumber traditionalvarieties and hybrids.Six bacterial species were isolated and identified by 16 s rRNA sequencing. All the bacteria showed plant growth promoting traits.Bacillus tequilensisshowed 80 % inhibition of the mycelia growth ofFusarium oxysporum f.sp.cucumarinum(Foc). Mixed culture of all the bacteria was prepared and applied back to the varieties and hybrids of cucumber plants through seed soaking. Plant growth characteristics indicated that the treated plants showed increased plant growth in terms of plant height, number of leaves, vine length, male:female flower ratio, number of fruits and fruit length. Bacteria treated plants of hybrid HiVeg Chitra recorded 19 cm increase in vine length compared to control plants. The matataxonomic analysis of leaf samples by Illumina sequencing highlighted a diverse bacterial community shift in treated plants, with significant increases in genera likeBacillusandStaphylococcus. The core microbiome analysis identified key genera such asBacillus, Staphylococcus, Sphingomonas, Methylobacterium, etc that could be pivotal in plant growth promotion.BacillusandStaphylococcus showed increased abundance in treated varieties, correlating with the observed in plant growth parameters thus indicating their role in growth promotion of cucumber plants. Endophytic bacterial species identified from cucumber plants when re-applied by seed soaking, they promote the plant growth by modulating the microbiome. The bacterial species identified in the study could be potential candidates as microbial bioinputs for cucumber cultivation.