Polyhouse Conditions Research Articles

Influence of am fungus funneliformis mosseae and k solubilizing bacterium bacillus mucilaginosus on the growth of tomato seedlings raised in pro trays Running head: influence of am fungi and ksb on the growth of tomato seedlings.

Raising vegetable seedlings in pro trays is becoming an innovative approach to produce quality seedlings in horticulture. The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of AMF Funneliformis mosseae and K solubilizing bacterium Bacillus mucilaginosus singly and together in enhancing the growth of tomato seedlings raised in pro trays under polyhouse conditions. Different growth parameters like shoot and root length, total seedling length, stem diameter, dry weight of seedlings, biovolume index, plant strength, vigourindex, macro and micro nutrientuptake, mycorrhizal root colonization and the population of B. mucilaginosus in the root zone soil were monitored. Significantly higher shoot length,root length, stem diameter and biovolume indexwere recorded in the treatments inoculated with F. mosseae alone followed by B. mucilaginosus alone. Most of the plant growth parameters were significantly less in the dual inoculation treatment with F. mosseae + B. mucilaginosus compared to single inoculation with either of them. This brings out the negativeinfluence of the two inoculants on each other leading to a reducedeffect on plant growth.

Response of Capsicum annuum L. Seedlings Raised in Pro Trays to Inoculation with AM Fungus Glomus bagyarajii and K Solubilizing Bacterium Frateuria aurantia

Raising vegetable seedlings in pro trays is becoming an innovative approach to producing quality seedlings in horticulture. The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Glomus bagyarajii and potassium (K) solubilizing bacterium Frateuria aurantia singly and together in enhancing the growth of capsicum seedlings raised in pro trays under polyhouse conditions. Different growth parameters such as shoot and root length, total seedling length, stem diameter, dry weight of seedlings, biovolume index, plant strength, vigour index, macro and micronutrient uptake, mycorrhizal root colonization, and the population of F. aurantia in the root zone soil were monitored. Significantly higher shoot length, root length, stem diameter, and biovolume index were recorded in the treatments inoculated with G. bagyarajii alone, followed by F. aurantia alone. Most of the plant growth parameters were significantly less in the dual inoculated treatment with G. bagyarajii + F. aurantia compared to single inoculation with either of them. This brings out the negative influence of the two inoculants on each other leading to a reduced effect on plant growth.

Effects of Nano Chitosan and Bio Capsule on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) in Poly-House Condition

A field experiment was designed in a Randomized Block Design with 9 treatments replicated thrice on Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) under poly-house condition. The Experiment examined the effect of nano chitosan, bio capsule and NPK @RDF application on growth, yield and quality of chilli and to work out the economics of various treatments. Various treatment combinations were prepared using different doses of Nano chitosan and Bio capusles in combination. It was observed that the treatment T8 (NPK + Nano chitosan 120 ppm + Bio capsule 120 ppm) was superior over other treatments in terms of growth, yield and quality of Chilli i.e., plant height (63.73 cm), fruit yield per 200m2 (3.27q), T.S.S. (9.67 0 Brix) and ascorbic acid (143.96 mg/100 g). Therefore, use of Nano chitosan @ 120 ppm along with 500 ppm Bio capsule could be used for getting better yield in chilli. Moreover, application of nano chitosan and bio capsule on nutritional quality of chilli could be studied in details further.

Effect of Micronutrients (Boron & Zinc) on Growth, Flowering and Quality of Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) Under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse Conditions of Prayagraj, India

The present investigation was done to study the effect of micronutrients (Boron & Zinc) on growth, flowering and quality of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions of Prayagraj. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with fifteen treatments replicated thrice. Foliar application with three levels of boron (0.05%, 0.1% and 0.15%), three levels of zinc (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%) and treatment combinations of both boron and zinc along with control were applied. Among all the treatments, T2 (B @ 0.1%) recorded significantly taller plants (84.71 cm), more number of leaves (165.47), more number of shoots (7.53), more number of internodes (17.27), higher internodal length (5.21 cm), longer bud (3.63 cm), more bud diameter (2.33 cm), higher flower stalk girth (4.86 mm) and more vase life (11.2 days). However, treatment T6 (Zn @ 0.6 %) exhibited early days for bud initiation (124.27 days), bud opening (14.47 days), 50 percent flowering (138.73 days), more number of cut flower stalks per plant (7.13) and more number of flowers per meter square (178.33) while treatment T5 (Zn @ 0.4 %) exhibited longer flower stalk (66.23 cm) and treatment T10 (B @ 0.1 % + Zn @ 0.2 %) produced good flower diameter (6.62 cm). Poor flowers were generated by plants that were not given micronutrients. So, T2 (B @ 0.1 %) and T6 (Zn @ 0.6 %) can be applied topically to improve the quality of flowers. Hence, applications of micronutrient are proven to be crucial for improving the vegetative growth, flowering, quality and yield parameters of carnation grown under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions of Prayagraj.

Seed germination behaviour of Quercus leucotrichophora (Banj oak) in Western Himalaya

Quercus leucotrichophora A.Camus (Banj oak) is one of the keystone species in the mid-elevation forests across western and central Himalaya. Its regeneration in many parts is reported to be poor due to low germination and seedling emergence. Present study aims to investigate the germination behaviour of Quercus leucotrichophora. Seeds were collected from 5 different sites and sown in polybags under open, poly-house and shade-net-house conditions. Seed germination started in 20 days and was completed in 92 days. Higher seed germination was observed in poly-house conditions (76.66%-82.66%) followed by shade-net-house conditions (68.23-76.66%), while, minimum germination was observed in seeds placed under open conditions (61.66%-74.33%). Mean Germination Time was found rapid in poly-house conditions (8.4-10.13) followed by shade-net house conditions (8.79-12.71) and open conditions (20.39-24.66). Among all the sites, higher germination was recorded for the seeds collected from the mid altitude regions (1300-1400 m asl). A significant positive correlation (P<0.05) between seed size class with cumulative germination percentage was also noticed. The findings of the present study indicated that, site of seed collection can play a crucial role in seed germination. Thus, for raising quality planting material of Q. leucotrichophora, seed collection should be done from specific habitats that ultimately help in restoring the declining population.

Seedling performance, phenotypic traits and growing media for domestication of Lilium polyphyllum

Societal Impact StatementMedicinal plants are a key component of primary health care for much of the world's population. However, overharvesting and indiscriminate collection from the wild threatens medicinal plant populations with extinction. One conservation solution to preserve biodiversity is to domesticate and cultivate threatened medicinal plants, in order to provide a sustainable source close to the local populations who use the species. Here, we present work to cultivate the critically endangered (CR) medicinal herb, Lilium polyphyllum. To reduce unsustainable wild harvesting, we identify different climatic zones, habitats and growing media, which will aid domestication of this endangered species and help local populations to cultivate the plant near its natural habitat.Summary Lilium polyphyllum (Liliaceae) is a perennial, bulbous medicinal herb, used in more than 30 Ayurvedic medicinal formulations as an aphrodisiac, galactagogue and anti‐ageing agent. The species is categorized as critically endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List due to habitat degradation and unregulated collection. To alleviate the pressure on wild populations and increase conservation, the IUCN Red List recommends its domestication in suitable habitats. The present study was carried out over three consecutive years to evaluate the performance and survival of the species in two agro‐climatic zones in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. L. polyphyllum seedlings were raised and transplanted into different growing mediums and treatments (control, manure, litter and polyhouse) in both temperate (Pothivasa, 2200 m a.s.l.) and alpine (Tungnath, 3600 m a.s.l.) regions to identify a suitable site and or habitat for future mass production. Experiments revealed yield and performance in polyhouse beds were greatest in the temperate region. Plant survival was also high in polyhouse beds in both the temperate (81%) and alpine (40%) sites. Phenotypic and growth traits of plants grown from bulbs collected from the wild population of the temperate site performed better in both morphology and in yield than those in the alpine site after one growing season. Cocopeat and sand may be responsible for the improved growth of plants. In conclusion, plant survival rate, growth performance and yield under polyhouse conditions were higher in lower altitudes (temperate regions), which may provide a production centre for seedlings to interested farmers in other regions.

Effect of Different Soil Amendment Along with Mulching Material under Polyhouse Condition in Stawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) cv. Winter Dawn

An investigation was carried in experimental field of Department of Horticulture, SHUATS (October 2021- March 2022). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 19 treatments and each treatment replicated 3 times. The study revealed that maximum plant height (18.16 cm), number of leaves (15), maximum plant spread in N-S (21.11 cm ) and E-W (20.11 cm), minimum days taken to first flowering (36 days), maximum number of flowers/plant (20), minimum number of days to fruit setting (5.88), maximum total number of fruits/plant (16), berry length (42.27 mm), berry width (37.11 mm), berry weight (25.32 g), maximum yield/plant (371.95 g), maximum yield (q/ha) (165.31 g), lowest acidity (0.80%), highest vitamin-c (55 mg/100 g) and maximum benefit cost ratio (4.15) were observed under T17 (Vermicompost + Plastic mulch). Therefore, T17 (Vermicompost + Plastic mulch) showed best result as compared to other treatments.

Effect of Different Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Amaranthus under Polyhouse Condition (Amaranthus cruentus) cv. NSC 999IUS

The present investigation was carried out in the polyhouse of Horticultural Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agricultural Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during year 2021on Amaranthus. The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Block Design consisting of 12 treatments with three replications using farm yard manure, vermicompost, poultry manure and goat manure for organic fertilizers and NPK for inorganic fertilizers to find out the best treatment combination. The application of treatment T9 [R.D.F50%+25% Poultry manure+25% Goat manure] was shown highest in terms growth attributes Plant height (37.02), Number of branches (29), plant spread (25.89), Root length (7.83), Yield per plant (151.27g), Yield per plot (5.56 kg), Yield per 200m2 (1112kg) and Anthocyanin content per 100g (158.8mg). T₉ [R.D.F 50%+50% Poultry manure] has given best results in terms of leaf length (7.36) and, Number of leaves (35.33). Therefore this treatment is best compared to other treatments and control.

Effect of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Fruit Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) c.v. Pusa Cherry Tomato-1 under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse Condition

The present investigation was carried out at Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) during winter season of 2021 - 2022, to evaluate the most suitable treatment combination of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers for growth, fruit yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 13 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of different combinations of organic manures i.e., FYM (Farmyard Manure), Poultry manure and Vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers. Among thirteen treatments under study, treatment T3 100% Organic Manures (33% FYM+ 33% Poultry manure + 33% Vermicompost) recorded maximum plant height (235.20 cm), minimum days to first flowering (45.36), minimum days to 50% flowering (61.42), maximum number of branches per plant (11.33), maximum number of fruits per cluster (24.17), minimum days to first fruit setting (55.97), maximum number of cluster per plant (12.2), maximum average number of fruits per plant (237.53), maximum fruit set Percentage (86.65%),maximum fruit weight (13.25 g), maximum fruit width (3.04 cm), maximum fruit yield per plant (3.91 kg), maximum fruit yield per hectare (130.59 tonne), maximum TSS (10.64 Brix), maximum Juiciness (27%).Maximum number of flowers per cluster (29.33) was observed in T6(75% RDN + 25% Vermicompost), Maximum ascorbic acid content (24.57 mg/100 g) was observed in T11( 25% RDN + 75% Poultry manure),Maximum B:C ratio was found in treatment T3 100% Organic Manures (33% FYM+ 33% Poultry manure + 33% Vermicompost), i.e., (5.97).

Performance Evaluation of Coccinia (Coccinia grandis L. Voigt) under Different Training Systems and Growing Environments

The present investigation was conducted during 2021-2022 at the Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) to examine the performance of coccinia in different growing environments and training systems. The experiment was laid out in Factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. The treatment combinations comprised of two growing environments viz, open field (G1) and polyhouse (G2) with four training systems viz., Trellis system (T1), Vertical system (T2), Fish net (T3) and Pandal system (T4). Among these treatments, vertical training system and polyhouse cultivation was found to be superior for growth and yield attributing traits. In the vertical system of training the fruit yield was superior in polyhouse with the yield of 154.76 t/ha/year and 80.49 t/ha/year in open field. The interaction effect of polyhouse environment and vertical training (G2T2) was revealed by the highest number of fruits per vine (17.92), fruit yield/plant (5.15/kg), annual fruit yield (61.90 kg/plant) recorded in plants trained by vertical system. From the results it was concluded that, highest productivity in coccinia could be obtained from Polyhouse condition (G2) with the adoption of vertical system of training (T2).

Evaluation of the Bioefficacy and Insecticide Compatibility of Entomopathogens for Management of Whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on Upland Cotton Under Laboratory and Polyhouse Conditions.

Entomopathogens (EPFs) are potential alternatives to chemical insecticides for managing Bemisiatabaci(Genn.),an invasive pest of the cotton crop. EPFs alone may not always provide enough insect pest control, but combining EPFs with pesticides, provided both components are compatible, can make an integrated pest management program considerably more effective.Hence, thebioefficacyof EPFs against whitefly, their compatibility with pesticides, and the factors responsible for determining compatibility were studied.The highest nymphal mortality was recorded with theBeauveriabassianastrains Bb-4511 (95.1%) and Bb-4565 (89.9%), andMetarhiziumanisopliae Ma-1299 (86.7%)at 1 × 106conidiaml-1.Lower LC50values wereobservedfor CordycepsjavanicaCj-089 and Bb-4511, 0.2 × 104 and 0.5 × 104conidia ml-1, respectively. Thetoxicity index values in insecticide sensitivityassaysranged from 19.4 to 119.6% among all the EPFs. Comparatively, all the EPFs except Bb-4543 and Bb-4565 showed compatible to moderately toxic reactions to neonicotinoids and spinosyns. Organophosphates (ethion) andpyrethrins(bifenthrin) were toxic to very toxic to all the EPFs except Bb-4511, Fv-083, and Ma-1299. Cj-102 and Cj-089 were compatible with 50% of the average recommended dose of bifenthrin and ethion, and the average recommended dose for the field application of neonicotinoids and spinosyns. Principalcomponentanalysis showed thatsporeproduction and toxicity index values correlate with each other andare responsible fordeterminingthe EPF compatibility with insecticides.The EPF spore production and toxicity index are important factors for determiningchemicalcompatibility.Compatible EPFs can be used individually or in combination as promising and compatible biological alternatives to insecticides in the management of whitefly in cotton.

Heritability Analysis for Horticultural Traits in Tomato under Low Cost Polyhouse Conditions of Jammu Subtropics

Biometrical assessment of genetic parameters for horticultural traits in tomato under Low Cost Polyhouse Conditions of Jammu Subtropics divulged minute differences among GCV and PCV, indicating less environmental influences on the traits under consideration. High heritability & genetic gain were noticed for important yield and yield contributing traits viz., yield per plant (99.91% & 75.28%), fruit weight (99.42% & 74.91%), fruit equatorial diameter (99.15% & 50.08%), no. of fruits per plant (98.61% & 66.70%), no. of flowers per cluster (98.27% & 55.48%), plant height (93.27% & 46.86%), number of fruits per truss (96.17% & 44.66%), number of branches per plant (96.43% & 37.98%), fruit polar diameter (83.06% & 38.40%) and quality traits viz., lycopene content (98.69% & 98.97%),TSS (97.37% & 39.82%) and fruit pericarp thickness (83.20% & 35.21%). High heritability combined with high genetic gain suggests a significant role for additive gene action in regulating these traits and suggests using simple selection as a breeding method to improve these traits.

Infectivity of entomopathogenic nematode against the cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae L.) in polyhouse and in field condition

BackgroundCabbage butterfly, Pieris brassicae Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), is a major insect pest affecting cole crops worldwide. Excessive applications of chemical-based insecticides have a devastating impression over the organisms and environment.ResultsIn this study, entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar strain EUPT-S26 (local isolate) was evaluated for Pieris brassicae control under polyhouse and field conditions. Under the polyhouse conditions, the highest insect mortality 91.6 and 94.0% was observed in the plots treated with the nematodes suspension 1500 IJs/ml and 2000 IJs/ml, respectively. Based on the highest cabbage plant protection under polyhouse conditions, H. bacteriophora EUPT-S26 was also applied for field assays in the course of the crop’s productive phase. Data demonstrated from the field treatments signify the highest concentration (2000 IJs/ml) showed the maximum larval mortality and least damage percentage 45 ± 1.07% that remained constant until harvesting; this resulted in the highest productivity in polyhouse and under field conditions.ConclusionAccording to assessed field conditions, it was suggested to perform 3 applications of EPNs during the vegetative phase and at the time of head formation to increase productivity and to reduce damage. The results approved that EPNs are an effective alternative of chemical-based insecticides to control the cabbage butterfly.

Effect of Different Levels of Pusa Hydrogel on Soil Moisture Retention in Different Soil of Ranchi Region under Polyhouse Condition

The pot experiment was conducted under polyhouse conditions during 2019 in Kharif season (August- December) in the Department of Agrometeorology and Environmental Science, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India using Factorial Complete Randomized Design. The treatments consists three levels of Pusa hydrogel (5 g, 10 g, and 20 g) with three replications in upland, upper medium land and lower medium land soil. This study was carried out with specific objectives of the influence of Pusa hydrogel-induced varying soil moistures on the performance of the okra crop. Results revealed that the treatment T3 (20 g of Pusa hydrogel) recorded significantly high soil moisture content compared to all other treatments. It recorded the highest average soil moisture content (25.1% in upland,26.8% in upper midland, and 27.5% in lower midland soil) while the control i.e. without hydrogel (T7) recorded the least soil moisture content as 14.96% in upland, 15.55%. in upper midland and 15.57% in lower midland soil.

Priming effect of native rhizosphere bacteria on little millet (Panicum sumatrense)

Summary The declining productivity of little millet (Panicum sumatrense) in a rural area in India necessitates finding a sustainable solution. A suitable composition of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in the rhizosphere of a crop is considered important for its optimum yield. Therefore, a study was undertaken to isolate and identify suitable bacteria and see their priming effect on the productivity of little millet. Rhizospheric soil samples were used to isolate bacteria on nitrogen-free Jensen's medium. Fast-growing rhizobacterial isolates FKK5 and DUM4, which exhibit significant selected plant growth-promoting activities, were selected. Little millet seeds were inoculated with selected PGPR and a non-native Azotobacter chroococcum before sowing. The inoculated plants were grown under semi-sterile poly-house conditions. Little millet inoculated with FKK5, DUM4, and A. chroococcum (5576) showed enhanced grain yield by 28.14%, 24.72%, and 20.43%, respectively, and enhanced total biomass yield by 23.08%, 21.87%, and 19.09%, respectively. The isolates were identified as Burkholderia sp. with 0.66% dissimilarity in 16S rDNA sequence with the most closely related species in the Genbank database. The native PGPR proved to be more effective compared to non-native PGPR as biofertilizers in restoring the productivity of the nutritionally important cereal.

Waxy bloom on capsules is a major determinant of early infection by gray mold (Amphobotrys ricini(N.F. Buchw.) Hennebert) in castor (Ricinus communisL.)

AbstractGray mold is a major disease of castor caused by the pathogenAmphobotrys ricini. It mainly affects the inflorescence resulting in severe yield losses. Role of qualitative characters of inflorescence (spike) and capsuleviz. spike compactness, capsule type, waxy bloom intensity on capsules (visual), capsule spine length, spine texture and spine density in predisposing castor crop to gray mold was investigated. A set of 26 castor lines differing for presence and intensity of bloom was characterized for spike and capsule characters. The lines were screened in vitro (detached spike and capsule techniques) and in vivo by raising the plants in poly house and field conditions for disease reaction. Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlation (rs = >0.5;p = <0.05) between disease severity and capsule type, capsule waxy bloom, spine texture, spine length. Principal component regression analysis revealed that waxy bloom intensity is the major factor, among the evaluated, that predisposes castor lines to the fungus infection promoting disease severity. Quantification of epicuticular wax from capsules of different waxy bloom lines revealed that there was an increase in severity of infection with increase in wax quantity on capsules irrespective of nature of bloom substantiating the role of waxy bloom quantity in promoting the infection. High quantities of wax (1.50–3.00 µg/mg) were extracted from lines showing high per cent disease severity (40%–95%), and low quantities of wax (0.00–1.50 µg/mg) were extracted from lines showing low per cent disease severity (1%–40%). A disease scoring scale considering differences in waxy bloom quantity as a biochemical marker has been proposed. It may not be a replacement to phenotypic screenings but helps breeders in selecting early generation material for low disease severity when huge populations are to be screened against gray mold by choosing low waxy bloom varieties.

​Drip Chemigation of Insecticides in Bell Pepper against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) under Protected Cultivation

Background: Capsicum (Sweet pepper or Bell pepper), Capsicum annuum L. also popularly called as Simla mirch in India is one of the leading vegetables grown in open conditions as well as under protected conditions. It is attacked by various insect and mite pests from seedling to fruiting stage. The damage caused by Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) during flowering and fruit formation is the most concern and farmers everywhere feel the need to protect such high value crops from any type of damage caused by insect pests. Methods: The trial was conducted under poly house condition during kharif 2019 at horticulture garden, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments replicated thrice in a 7.5 m ´ 1 m plot size with a spacing of 45 cm ´ 40 cm. The capsicum hybrid WS 234 was raised as per the recommended package of practices except plant protection measures. The observations on pest incidence were recorded one day before treatment imposition as pre-treatment count. Post treatment counts were recorded at one, three, five and seven days after each chemigation/spray. Result: The present study indicated that treatment of cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD @ 90 g a.i. ha-1 applied through drip chemigation was effective by recording minimum larval population with lowest fruit damage over all the other treatments. The next best treatment was cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD @ 60 g a.i. ha-1 applied as foliar spray. The order of moderate effective treatments were drip applications of cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD @ 60 g a.i. ha-1 greater than cyantraniliprole + thiamethoxam 19.8+19.8 w/w @ 64 g a.i. ha-1 greater than cyantraniliprole + thiamethoxam 19.8+19.8 w/w @ 32 g a.i. ha-1 greater than imidacloprid 70 WG @ 50 g a.i. ha-1 greater than imidacloprid 70 WG @ 25 g a.i. ha-1.

Physiochemical and morphological responses of marigold (Tagetes erecta) genotypes under cold stress

The objective of this study was to look into the physiochemical and morphological responses of marigoldgenotypes under cold stress, in order to identify the cold tolerant genotype. During the winter (rabi) season, 10genotypes of African marigold were grown in pots in open and polyhouse growing environments from December2020 to April 2021 at the research farm of ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. The results revealed that marigold genotypesshowed a severe drop in RWC, photosynthesis, transpiration, chlorophyll pigments and increased ELR and MDA content as the cold sensitive genotypes and vice versa was found in the Af./W-4 genotype. There was a significant decrease in the growth and yield parameters due to cold stress conditions in open as compared to polyhouse conditions. The genotypes Af./W-4 and Pusa Bahar recorded highest plant height and maximum plant spread, flower diameter, higher yield/plant respectively among all other African marigold genotypes. Therefore, genotypes Af/W-4 followed by Pusa Bahar are deemed the most tolerant under cold stress conditions, based on the basis of physiochemical and morphological responses.

Variation in Antioxidant Activity and Antioxidant Constituents of Ocimum basilicum Linn with the Maturity of Plant Grown in Open Field and Inside Polyhouse Conditions

The variation in antioxidant activity and antioxidant constituents of different plant growth stages i.e. in every 15 day’s interval till maturity of plant of Ocimum basilicum Linn. grown in an open field and inside polyhouse conditions was studied. The correlation between antioxidant constituents and antioxidant activities was also studied. The result revealed that the 90 days old plant grown in an open field condition exhibited maximum antioxidant activity with the lowest IC50/EC50 value by ABTS (0.064 mg/ml), DPPH (0.090 mg/ml), and FRAP (0.099 mg/ml) followed by 75 days and 60 days old plants, similar pattern was also observed in their antioxidant constituents. Similarly, the 90 days old plant grown inside polyhouse condition showed maximum antioxidant activity with antioxidant constituents followed by other plant growth stages in descending order. The chlorophyll content was found maximum in 15 days old plant(0.926 mg/100g) grown in an open field condition, whereas the maximum chlorophyll content (1.470 mg/100g) exhibited by 90 days old plant grown inside polyhouse condition. The correlation analysis revealed that the antioxidant constituents exhibited a significant negative correlation with the IC50/EC50 value and the IC50 value of ABTS assay had a significantly positive correlation with the IC50 and EC50 value of DPPH and FRAP assay, respectively. Hence, the study revealed that the leaves extract of plant grown in open field conditions possesses a significantly higher antioxidant activity and antioxidant constituents than the plant grown inside polyhouse condition.

Inoculation with Selected Microbial Consortia Promotes Growth of Chilli and Basil Seedlings Raised In Pro Trays

Chilli is an important commercial crop with high economic importance and basil is an important medical plant used in ayurvedic medicine with many pharmacological uses. Inoculation of the planting medium with beneficial microbial consortia is an innovative approach to produce healthy and quality seedlings in horticulture. The present investigation was carried out to determine the influence of the two microbial consortia Bacillus sonorensis + Funneliformis mosseae on chilli and Pantoea dispersa + Funneliformis monosporus on basil seedlings (based on earlier studies) grown in pro trays under polyhouse conditions. The plant growth parameters such as length of shoot, stem diameter, biovolume index, plant strength, vigour index, dry weight and nutrient uptake were analyzed 60 days after sowing. The results brought out that the growth of inoculated seedlings was significantly more compared to uninoculated seedlings. It was concluded that inoculating the substrate in pro trays with selected microbial consortia results in producing healthy, vigorously growing chilli and basil seedlings.