Plant Fruit Yield Research Articles

Evaluation of brinjal varieties for yield, genetic variability and disease reaction grown as late rabi season crop in Assam

Five hybrid brinjal varieties viz., Ketan, Vijay Kiron, Utkal Green, NV2035 Sarpan Bharata and two local cultivars viz., JC-1, Longai were evaluated at Horticultural Research Station, Kahikuchi, Guwahati as late rabi crop during 2014-16. Significant variation in plant growth parameters and fruit yield as well as on bacterial wilt incidence (Ralstonia solanacearum) were shown by all the varieties.Utkal Green recorded the highest per plant fruit yield (2.32 kg/plant) leading to the maximum total marketable yield (469.66 q/ha) and longer active fruiting duration (43.70 days).It also showed resistant reaction to bacterial wilt, recording only 12.44 per cent wilt incidence as compared to other varieties where it was in the range of 34.44 to 62.22 % at 55 days after transplanting. Although, Ketan and Vijay Kiron recorded moderately higher per plant fruit yield of 1.52 and 1.47 kg/plant,respectively but their total marketable fruit production reduced substantially due to high incidence of bacterial wilt (62.22 and 57.78%, respectively).The local cultivars, JC-1 and Longai exhibited moderately resistant reaction to bacterial wilt which registered 40.00 and 34.44 % , respectively.

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.

Performance evaluation and character association studies in arid region greenhouse tomato hybrids

Alike in other areas, greenhouse cultivation is getting special impetus in arid regions owing to providing favourable micro-climate, besides protecting crops from various external crop limiting factors which causes considerable losses to productivity. Cultivar selection is among the most critical aspect for successful greenhouse cultivation. In order to select appropriate cultivar for peculiar arid conditions, the performance of twenty indeterminate tomato hybrids were evaluated under greenhouse condition at Jodhpur during September to April, 2016–17. The performance of hybrids was assessed for their growth, yield and quality characteristics. Results obtained from the study reveal that the performance of tomato hybrids differ significantly for different growth and yield parameters among them. Shoot (leaf + stem) biomass production showed wide variation among the hybrids, ranging from 162g (IA05) to 225.7g (Avtar) per plant. Fruit yield also varied widely (2.36 kg to 4.94 kg plant−1). Hybrid Myla (4.94 kg) was found superior in per plant fruit yield, followed by TR4343 (4.71kg) and TR4266 (4.65kg). Significant differences were also observed for fruit quality attributes such as pericarp thickness, total soluble solids, pH and EC in different hybrids. The character association analyses show that the yield per plant had significant positive correlation with average fruit weight (0.72), fruit diameter (0.50) and pericarp thickness (0.45). The highest fruit number was found in TR4266 (68.4), which had statistically similar per plant fruit yield with Myla. Whereas, the highest average fruit weight (166.8g), though lowest fruit number (40.3) was recorded in TR4293. The high mean values of the yield associated parameters in high-yielding hybrids Myla, TR4343, TR4266, TR4293 corroborates their production potential under greenhouse in arid regions.

Evaluation of tomato accessions for quantitative and qualitative traits under agro climatic condition of Peshawar

The objective of this research was to screen the tomato accessions for quantative and qualitative traits under agro climatic condition of Peshawar. 17 tomato accessions with a tomato commercial cultivar were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replication at The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during kharif season 2016. Quantative traits studied were juice pH, total soluble solids, days to flowering, plant height, fruits plant-1, fruit weight and fruit yield plant-1. While qualitative traits comprised plant growth type, canopy size, leaf type, flower inflorance, fruit color, fruit shape and fruit firmness. Highly significant differences were observed among tomato accessions for all the quantative traits studied except juice pH. While qualitative traits showed that maximum accessions had indeterminate growth habit (88.9%), Intermediate canopy size (55.6%), curled leaf type (66.7%), medium number of flowers inflorescence-1 (55.6%), red fruit color (61.1%), deep globe fruits (26.7%) and soft fruit firmness (83.3%). Fruit yield plant-1 showed significant positive correlation with juice pH (r=0.580**), TSS (r=0.500**), plant height (r=0.420**), fruits plant-1 (r=0.410**) and fruit weight (r=0.920**) except days to flowering (r=-0.310**) which showed significant negative correlation with fruit yield plant-1. Roma showed highest value of fruit juice pH (4.1), total soluble solids (6.1), fruit weight (54.2 g) and fruit yield plant-1 (688.7 g). Therefor this study suggested that Roma and 31910 could be recommended as commercial cultivars under agro climatic condition of Peshawar and also could be used in future tomato breeding programs. Keywords: Evaluation; Tomato accessions; Quantative traits; Qualitative traits; Correlation http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.600145

Effect and Economic Feasibility of Preharvest Spray of Calcium Nitrate, Boric Acid and Zinc Sulphate on Yield Attributing Characters of Nagpur Mandarin (Citrus Reticulata Blanco)

An investigation was carried out during to study the effect of pre harvest spray of Calcium nitrate Boric acid and Zinc sulphate on yield attributing characters of Nagpur mandarin Various doses of Calcium nitrate and Boric acid and and Zinc sulphate and were sprayed before harvesting The maximum increase in yield attributing characters like diameter of fruit fruit weight fruit volume fruit yield plant estimated yield ha maximum gross return highest net profit and reduced peel thickness was recorded with T treatment combination calcium nitrate boric acid Zinc sulphate over control Further T treatment combination calcium nitrate boric acid Zinc sulphate has also significantly increased number of segments per fruit and reduced number of seeds per fruit over control

Evaluation of Different Tomato Hybrids for Phenotypic Variation and Yield Contributing Attributes at Mansehra

The experiment was carried out for the evaluation of different tomato hybrids line for the phenotypic variation and yield contributing parameters at Mansehra during the cropping season 2016. Results showed that days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, fruit length, fruit width, single fruit weight, fruits plant -1 , fruit yield plant -1 and fruit yield ha -1 significantly influenced by various tomato hybrid lines. Maximum number of days to flowering (44.00) were counted for line T-1359, followed by NBH-13 (41.00 days), while line NBH-4 gave the earliest flowering (34.00 days). Maximum number of days to fruit maturity (62.00 days) were observed for the line T-1359, whereas earliest fruit maturity (52.00 days) observed for the line NBH-4. Tallest plant height (51.00 cm) was measured for tomato line NBH-13, followed by NBH-206, NBH-4 with 48.26cm, 47.77cm, respectively while smallest (41.46 cm) measured for line NBH-13. Longest fruit length (74.29 mm) was measured for line NBH-13, whereas shortest fruit length (54.00 mm) measured for NBH-4. Tomato line NBH-4 and NBH-6 Showed the maximum fruit width of 60.33 mm and 60.25 mm, however minimum fruit width 46.82 mm was recorded for the line T-1359. Maximum number of fruits (62.26) plant -1 were recorded for line T-1359, however minimum (35.46) fruits plant -1 recorded for line NBH-206. Maximum single fruit weight (118.00 g), Fruit yield plant -1 (4.15 kg) and fruit yield (83.11 t ha -1 ) were recorded for tomato line NBH-6, conversely minimum single fruit weight (69.44 g) was recorded for line T-1359, Fruit yield plant -1 (2.45 kg) and fruit yield ha -1 (49.03 t ha -1 ) were recorded for Line NBH-206. On the basis of results it was determined that the tomato line NBH-06 show the promising results for most of the growth and yield contributing parameters, however potential of these lines is obligatory to be further tested under the agro climatic condition of Mansehra.

Identification of High Yielding Tropical Strawberry Genotypes by Assessment of Yield Attributing Traits under Field Condition

In this study, eight different genotypes namely FA-006, FA-007, FA-008, FA-015, FA-016, FA-017, FA-022 and BARI Strawberry-1 were grown under field condition to evaluate the superior performance of tropical strawberry genotypes in terms of their morphological characters. Our results revealed that FA-015 genotype showed better performance in terms of plant height, leaf number, canopy spread, flowers plant-1, fruit set compared to other genotypes. The maximum days (62.29) required for flower initiation was found in the genotype FA-007 while the minimum days (30.59) required for flower initiation was recorded in the genotype FA-016. As regards to the fruit characters (length, width and weight), FA-022 genotype exhibited highest performances compared to other genotypes. Our results also implied that the highest fruit yield plant-1 (213.8g) was obtained from the genotype FA-022 and the highest amount of TSS (10.71%) was found in the genotype BARI Strawberry-1. Genotype FA-015 was superior in respect of growth related parameters and genotype FA-022 found potential in terms of fruit yield. Further research is needed on molecular characterization and marker aided selection of strawberry genotypes.

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.

Influence of Wild Blueberry Fruit Yield, Plant Height, and Ground Slope on Picking Performance of a Mechanical Harvester: Basis for Automation

Abstract. Spatial variability in fruit losses in relation to fruit yield, plant height, and ground slope can help to automate the wild blueberry harvester to improve picking performance. Currently, harvester operators adjust harvester’s head height, ground speed, and revolutions per minute (rpm) manually. This is not only laborious but also stressful for operators, as they encounter spatial variability during harvesting. The goal of this work was to identify the automation potential of the harvester to improve harvestable yield and reduce operator’s stress, keeping in view the spatial variability. Two fields were selected and test plots were constructed to examine the performance of the harvester in five zones of plant height, fruit yield, and ground slope. Fruit yield plant height and ground slope were recorded from each plot manually to examine their impact on total fruit loss. Keywords: Automation, Fruit losses, Spatial variability, Wild blueberry, Zonal analysis.Results confirmed significant variability in fruit yield, plant height, and ground slope. Fruit losses were significantly influenced by the spatial variations. Fruit losses increased with an increase in fruit yield and ground slope during mechanical harvesting. The picking performance of the blueberry harvester was significantly lower in short and very tall plants within selected fields. The dependence of fruit losses on fruit yield, plant height, and ground slope emphasize the need for real-time adjustments in machine operating parameters to improve berry recovery. Based on the results, it is concluded that there is a significant advantage of harvester’s automation to increase profit margins for growers with no additional cost. Keywords: Automation, Fruit losses, Spatial variability, Wild blueberry, Zonal analysis.

Studies on Heterosis in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Throughout the last century, Brinjal breeding has been based on various standard methods, which has ultimately resulted in the development of improved tomato cultivars and hybrids having high quality and yield attributes. In the present study, a total of 22 entries consisting of 6 diversified genotypes of brinjal along with their 15 F1 hybrids and one standard check were evaluated during kharif season under randomized block design with three replications. Data on quantitative characters were recorded and per cent better-parent and standard heterosis were determined. Significant levels of heterosis were detected for all the traits studied. Pronounced heterosis over better-parent was observed for Plant height in Arka Nidhi×Arka Kusmakar (57.64%), Plant stem girth in Pusa Purple Cluster×Arka Shirish (10.00%), fruit yield plant−1, number of fruits plant−1 in Pusa Purple Cluster×Pant Samrat (56.16%, 40.56% respectively), fruit length Arka Neelkanth×Arka Kusmakar (37.92%) and average fruit weight in Arka Neelkanth×Pant Samrat (28.43%). The cross Pusa Purple Cluster×Pant Samrat showed significant negative heterosis over better parent and standard check for earliness (days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering and days to first harvesting). In this study Pusa Purple Cluster×Pant Samrat found superior for most of the characters (earliness and yield plant−1) and it can be commercially exploited after assessing their stability.

Scion Shoot Removal and Rootstock Cultivar Affect Vigor and Early Yield of Grafted Tomatoes Grown in High Tunnels in the Central United States

Grafting with interspecific hybrid rootstock is effective for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) growers looking to reduce soilborne disease in the southeastern United States. However, production with grafted tomato has not been tested in the central United States, where soilborne disease pressure is low. Small-acreage growers would like to produce grafted plants themselves, but many have difficulty with propagation due to water stress in the scion postgrafting and/or high temperatures. Removing the upper portion of the scion to reduce leaf area during the grafting procedure [shoot removal (SR)] could help to reduce water stress postgrafting, but there are no data available that indicate what effect this practice has on tomato yield. Five high tunnel trials and one open-field trial were conducted in 2011 and 2012 to investigate potential yield effects related to the use of two rootstocks and SR during the grafting procedure. The implementation of grafting with rootstocks significantly increased fruit yield in five of the six trials (P < 0.05). The average yield increases by ‘Maxifort’ and ‘Trooper Lite’ tomato rootstocks were 53% and 51%, respectively, across all trials. SR during the grafting process may penalize tomato yield and our results suggest that rootstock vigor plays a role. Plants grafted with ‘Maxifort’ across all of the trials consistently increased shoot biomass in four of five of the high tunnel trials compared with nongrafted plants (P < 0.05), whereas plants grafted with ‘Trooper Lite’ rootstock increased shoot biomass in one trial. Similarly, the SR method penalized the total fruit yield of plants grafted with ‘Trooper Lite’ more often than those that were grafted with ‘Maxifort’. Our results suggest that plant growth and ultimately tomato fruit yield is affected negatively by using the SR grafting technique, particularly when less vigorous rootstock is used.

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

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

G x E INTERACTION OF YIELD AND YIELD CONTRIBUTING CHARACTERS IN CHILLI (Capsicum frutescens L.) USING AMMI MODEL

Ten chilli (Capsicum frutescens L.) genotypes were subjected to an experiment for analysis of stability and genotype-environment interaction in randomized complete block design with four environments using additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model. Parameters for experimentation were number of fruits per plant, fruit diameter, leaf area index, fruit length without panicle, number of seeds per fruit and individual plant fruit yield. A significant mean sum of square due to Genotype (G), Environment (E) and G × E interaction for all the characters was showed by combined ANOVA, suggested differential responses of genotypes in different environments. The AMMI biplots for yield indicated that, BD-2059 and Bogura Jatt were stable across the environments. Genotype Kalo Dhawna morich had positive interaction effect was better suited to favourable environment for most of the traits. According to AMMI characterisation, Env-2 was found highly favourable for better expression of the studied traits for all the genotypes.

Genotypes performance and genetic variability studies in Hot Chilli (<italic>Capsicum annum</italic> L.)

Twenty five diverse chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes were evaluated in a field study to assess genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance. The highest PCV were recorded for number of fruit plant-1 (42.0), dry fruit yield plant-1 (30.34), seed yield plant-1 (28.94), fruit weight of dry chilli (23.38), number of primary branches plant-1 at 30 DAT (21.88) and fruit width (21.0). While, highest GCV was observed for number of fruit plant-1 (41.77), dry fruit yield plant-1 (29.61), seed yield plant-1 (27.67) and fruit weight of dry chilli (21.67), The value of heritability (h2bs) was found to be very high for fruit yield plant-1 (97.91), seed yield plant-1 (96.82), dry fruit yield plant-1 (95.24), days to first picking (94.88), fruit length (93.30), fruit weight of green chilli (93.26), fruit yield plot-1(92.91), fruit yield ha-1 (92.90) and fruit width (92.02). The highest estimates of genetic advance as percentage of mean was recorded for number of fruit plant-1 (45.59), fruit weight of dry chilli (41.38), fruit width (39.82), dry fruit yield plant-1 (39.52), seed yield plant-1 (38.70), fruit weight of green chilli (38.10), fruit yield plant-1 (37.33) and fruit length (36.78) were observed for these all the above characters, imply the potential for crop improvement in chilli through selection.

Genetic analysis of agronomic and biochemical variables among different tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) accessions

In the present study, thirty accessions of tomato were evaluated for estimation of correlation and path analysis among various quantitative and qualitative characters related to fruit yield. There were highly significant differences among the accessions for all the characters studied as per the analysis of variance. Genotypic correlation coefficients were generally similar in nature and higher in magnitude than the corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients. The results revealed that the fruit yield plant-1 was significantly and positively correlated with number of fruits plant-1 (0.3119 and 0.3184) followed by fruit set percentage (0.2434 and 0.2499), fruit weight (0.6766 and 0.6731), polar diameter of fruit (0.4687 and 0.4635) at genotypic and phenotypic level, respectively, indicating that effective improvement in fruit yield plant-1 through these characters could be achieved. Fruit weight showed positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic correlation with fruit yield plant-1 by having greatest positive direct effect (1.1298 and 1.1116) on fruit yield plant-1 at both levels, indicating the true relationship between them and the feasibility to exploit the potentiality of this trait for effective direct selection to improve fruit yield plant-1.

Enhancement of post harvest fruit quality and leaf curl disease tolerance in tomato through hybrid breeding

Development of hybrids tolerant to leaf curl virus disease along with good post harvest/processing traits is the major thrust areas in tomato breeding now-a-days. A study was undertaken following 7 × 7 half diallel mating design utilizing four exotic and three indigenous lines to identify potential donors and crosses, to study the extent of heterobeltiosis and dominance behaviour, and to assess the genetic control of post harvest quality traits along with disease tolerance in tomato. Breeding strategies to improve characters governed by different types of gene action are discussed. Two parental lines, CLN 2777F and CLN 2777E could be utilized further in tomato breeding programme as they were identified as the most promising general combiners for fruit yield, processing quality and ToLCV tolerance. The maximum extent of heterobeltiosis (104.17%) was found in pericarp thickness followed by fruit yield plant-1 (63.57 %) and PDI of ToLCV disease (-60.00 %). The hybrids also exhibited various degrees of dominance effects. The study could also able to identify a promising cross ‘CLN 2777E × CLN 2777F’ which could be recommended for commercial exploitation after critical study in leaf curl disease prone areas of the tropics and sub-tropics.

Field performance and fruit quality of strawberry genotypes under subtropical climate

Thirteen strawberry genotypes collected from different sources were evaluated at the Fruit Research Field of Pomology Division, HRC, BARI, Gazipur, Bangladesh during the winter season of 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 for yield, yield contributing characters and nutrient components of fruit. Among the 13 genotypes studied, the plants of FA 005 produced the maximum number of fruits (43.50 plant-1) followed by FA 006 and FA 007 (37.50 plant-1), while FA 009 and FA 013 produced the minimum number of fruits (9.00 plant-1). The heaviest fruits were produced by FA 006 (18.73 g) followed by FA 007 (17.40 g) and FA 005 (16.96 g) which were statistically similar, while the lightest fruit was found in FA 014 (5.11 g). The fruit yield plant-1 of different genotypes varied from 52.00 to 737.70 g and plants of FA 005 produced the maximum yield followed by FA 006 (702.30 g plant-1) and these were significantly higher than those of others. The minimum yield plant-1 was recorded in FA 013 and FA 014. The TSS content was highest in FA 007 (8.50 %) followed by FA 017 (8.17 %), whereas the lowest was in FA 009 (6.33 %). The TSS to acid ration was maximum in FA 006 (11.32) followed by FA 017 (11.24), FA 007 (10.80) and FA 005 (10.62), while the lowest was in FA 011 (6.95). The sugar to acid ratio significantly ranging from 3.60 to 5.98, and it was maximum in FA 006 (5.98). Plants of FA 005 contained the maximum amount of ascorbic acid (77.33 mg 100g-1) followed by FA 006 (76.00 mg 100g-1), while the minimum in FA 010 (53.00 mg 100g-1).Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(1): 137-151, March 2015

The effect of Ascophyllum nodosum extract on the growth, yield and fruit quality of tomato grown under tropical conditions

Tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill) grown under tropical field conditions were treated with an alkaline seaweed extract made from Ascophyllum nodosum (ASWE). Two field experiments and one greenhouse experiment were conducted to evaluate methods of application, dosage of application, and the impact of each on plant growth parameters and on the quality and yield of fruit. Field experiment 1 included 0.2 % ASWE spray, 0.2 % ASWE root drench, fungicide spray and combinations of the above. Plants foliar-sprayed with 0.2 % ASWE had significantly increased plant height (10 %) and plant fruit yield (51 %) when compared to control plants. Similar results were observed for ASWE spray alternated with fungicide or with ASWE root drench. Field experiment 2 included 0.5 % ASWE spray, fungicide spray and ASWE spray alternated with fungicide. The higher concentration of ASWE resulted in a significant increase in plant height (37 %) and plant fruit yield (63 %) compared to control plants. The third experiment under greenhouse conditions also showed that 0.5 % ASWE spray caused a significant increase in plant height (20 %) and plant fruit yield (54 %) compared to control plants. In the greenhouse, ASWE-treated plants had larger root systems and increased concentrations of minerals in the shoots. Fruit from plants treated with ASWE showed significant increases in quality attributes including, size, colour, firmness, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid levels and mineral levels. Overall, the use of ASWE resulted in clear improvements in tomato fruit yield and quality under tropical growing conditions.

Evaluation of substitutes for rock wool as growing substrate for hydroponic tomato production

To reduce the rock wool waste, the present study is focused on the evaluation of sheep wool, Sphagnum and hemp slabs, which may be used as replacement for rock wool as growing substrate for hydroponic tomato production. As such, physical and chemical properties of substrates, the plant growth, yield, fruit characteristics, as well as primary and secondary metabolites of tomatoes were considered. The marketable fruit yield of plants grown in Sphagnum slabs (12.8 kg plant -1 ) was reduced to only a small extent compared to the yield produced by rock wool slabs (13.8 kg plant -1 ). Sheep wool (12.3 kg plant -1 ) and hemp (10.4 kg plant -1 ), however, showed higher deviations. The lowest yield of blossom end rot (BER) fruit was produced by Sphagnum . Compared to this result, the BER-yield was nearly 2-fold higher caused by sheep wool. The soluble solid content in fruit ripened by the hemp material was decreased compared to those caused by the remaining substrates. Furthermore, it was found that the volume of easy available water (EAW) was mainly responsible for changes in plant development. As such, a high correlation was found between EAW and: leaf area (r = 0.851); flowers (r = 0.785); lycopene (r = -0.918); s-carotene (r = -0.997); penolics (r = -0.918); LAA (r = -0.848). The findings suggested that Sphagnum slabs can be used as replacement for rock wool slabs, whereas the usage of slabs consisting of hemp and sheep wool is not suitable as growing substrate for hydroponic tomato production.

Evaluation of Genetic Variability, Genetic advance, Heritability and Character association for Yield and its Contributing traits in Papaya(Carica papayaL.)

In order to investigate the effect of ge-netic variability, genetic advance, heritability in papaya and its character association responses to yield in papaya, a field experiment was carried out with seventeen genotypes and three replica-tions during 2010 and 2011 at Horticultural Re-search Centre (HRC) of S V P University of Agri-culture and Technology, Meerut. The results indi-cated that for yield improvement, high range of plant height (120 to 185.33 cm), flower initiation (212.93 to 228.83 days), flowering (days) (230.83 to 242.27), fruits plant−1 (19.67 to 60.73), fruit weight (906.90 to 1558.77 g) and fruit yield plant−1 (24.87 to 70.33 kg) were important. Heritability values obtained for plant height at flowering (99.70%) followed by fruit weight (97.50%), fruit plant−1(96.40%), flower initiation (94.80%), fruit yield plant−1(93.50%) indicated that these charac-ters were highly influenced by environmental fluctuations. High PCV, GCV and high genetic advance associated with high heritability. Fruit yield plant−1 had significant positive both associ-ation with plant height at flowering, petiole length, number of leaves at flowering, fruit length, fruit girth, central cavity, pulp thickness, TSS and number of fruits plant−1 both at geno-typic and phenotypic level respectively.