Quality Planting Material Research Articles

Unveiling the amalgamation of growing substrates and cultivars for low-cost plantlet multiplication in banana

The cultivated bananas (Musa spp.) have a complex reproductive physiology which favours the vegetative methods of propagation, particularly sucker or tissue culture, as the commercial methods. Propagation of banana through macro-propagation technique can be employed to produce quality planting materials using less inputs. With this background, a scientifically designed investigation was carried out for optimizing composition of growing substrate for low-cost planting material production in banana. This study investigates the efficacy of macro-propagation techniques using different growing substrates and bio-fertilizers for two banana cultivars: ‘Grand Naine, AAA’ and ‘Alpan, AAB’. The experiment was laid out in complete randomized design (CRD) with eight different combinations of growing substrate with five replications. Results showed significant differences in the emergence of primary, secondary and tertiary buds, as well as root development. The treatment comprising sawdust (50 %) and banana fiber waste (50 %) with Trichoderma consistently outperformed others in terms of days taken primary (21.45), secondary (46.91) & tertiary bud emergence (58.99), and maximum number of primary (4.21), secondary (7.16) & tertiary shoots (19.91). Same growing media also recorded minimum days taken for root emergence (17.61 days), maximum number of roots per shoot (161.10), primary roots (24.89), secondary roots (46.32), tertiary roots (89.90) & highest root length (21.88 cm). The cultivar ‘Grand Naine, AAA’ exhibited superior performance across most parameters compared to ‘Alpan, AAB’. Overall, the treatment comprising sawdust (50 %) and banana fiber waste (50 %) with Trichoderma found to be a cost-effective and efficient method for producing high-quality banana planting materials, enhancing banana production and sustainability.

Microsatellite markers development and molecular fingerprinting of cashew cultivars.

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a widely cultivated tree with great economic significance. In cashew, several elite cultivars have been developed for commercial cultivation, which form the underpinning for the cashew-based industries and the several billion-dollar world trade. However, frequently the genetic purity of the planting material is not maintained, resulting in great economic losses. Therefore, there is a need to develop a reliable method for the identification of cultivars to avoid economic losses to the cultivators and the protection of cultivars by the breeders. In this study, 35 new microsatellite/simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed, and a set of 20 highly polymorphic and reproducible markers were used for DNA fingerprinting and genetic diversity analysis in 32 cashew cultivars. The polymorphic information content (PIC) of newly developed markers varied from 0.19 to 0.67, with an average of 0.44. The probability of identifying any two genotypes with identical fingerprints using the 20 SSR markers used for fingerprinting here in cashew cultivars was less than 2.8 × 10-11. Of the set of 20 markers, eight were sufficient for uniquely fingerprinting all the cultivars. Genetic diversity analysis by the neighbor-joining (NJ) method grouped 32 cultivars into three main clusters, and the grouping had no relationship to the geographic regions or the pedigree. The findings of this study are useful for the conservation and protection of cultivars under the PVP Act for ensuring the trading of quality planting material and are also useful for cashew breeding programs.

Trends and Drivers of Avocado Production in Ethiopia: A Review

Global avocado production has seen a significant increase over the past few decades. The area harvested and production quantities have grown substantially, reflecting the rising demand for avocados worldwide. In Ethiopia, avocado production has been experiencing significant growth and the Ethiopian government, in collaboration with international organizations has been working intensively for avocado crop development in the country. These efforts have led to an increase in both the area under cultivation, production and productivity. The data from Food and Agricultural Organization indicated that the area under avocado cultivation in Ethiopia was 9,754 ha in 2000 and through up and downward fluctuations, substantial jump were seen in 2020 hitting 30,588 ha. For about more than a decade from 2000-2013, the volume of avocado production reveals a steady increase and the most significant growth were observed from 2016-2020, with production rising to 81,431.76 metric tons in 2017 and reaching 245,335.63 metric tons in 2020. The productivity of avocado in Ethiopia has experienced notable fluctuations in the last two decades. Even though there was a slight decline in subsequent years, the current productivity 5.8tons per hectare remained relatively high compared to the early 2010s. Favorable agro-ecological conditions, growing domestic demand, and government initiatives to promote and produce, high-yield, disease-resistant varieties, nutritional value, development of export markets, establishment of different processing factories in different parts of Ethiopia, government initiative and international support are factors responsible for expansion and development of avocado crop in Ethiopia. However, challenges such as limited access to quality seeds and planting materials, insufficient irrigation systems, very weak market chains, climate change, root rot and pests, low agronomic practices, lack of market and price information, perishability nature of the crop, lack of proper storage, weak access to transportation and extension services still need to be addressed. Addressing the issues, the future of avocado production and productivity in Ethiopia look promising and positive trends, with the potential to contribute significantly to the food security and economic development.

Evaluation of Growing Media and Chemical Treatment on the Seedling Growth of High Chill Peach

The present study entitled “Evaluation of Growing Media and Dormancy Breaking Chemical on the Seedling Growth of High Chill Peach” was conducted at Dept. of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Horticulture Research Centre, G.B.P.U.A&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand during the year 2022-23. The experiments were carried out in Factorial Complete Randomized Design (FCRD) with 3 replications per treatment. Under seedling growth studies, the total numbers of treatment were 16 with 2 factors comprising of four growing media (soil: sand: FYM, soil: sand: vermicompost, soil: sand: cocopeat and soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat) and four chemical treatments (control, GA3 @ 500 ppm, kinetin @ 50 ppm and thiourea @ 5000 ppm). In the experiment the maximum seedling length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root length, root fresh weight and root dry weight was recorded in soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat, GA3 @ 500 ppm and interaction M4C3 (soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat + GA3 @ 500ppm) while the minimum values were recorded in soil: sand: cocopeat, control and M3C1. Result from this study discovered that GA3 @ 500 ppm along with the growing media soil: FYM: vermicompost: cocopeat recorded the maximum seedling length, diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight which can be recommended for raising the rootstocks for the production of quality planting material of peach for seedling rootstock.

TREND OF CASSAVA YIELD/PRODCUTION IN IN KOGI EAST SENATORIAL DISTRICT, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the trends in cassava yield and production in the Kogi East Senatorial District of Kogi State, Nigeria, focusing on the perceptions of local farmers regarding yield changes over the past five years and the factors influencing these trends. A total of 403 respondents were surveyed, revealing that 71.3% of the farmers perceived an increase in cassava yields, while 28.7% reported stable yields. The primary factors contributing to the perceived increase included the use of improved cassava varieties (58.1%) and climate variability (41.9%). Furthermore, the statistical analysis indicated a stationary R-squared value of 0.792, suggesting a robust model fit for predicting future production trends. Forecasts indicated a steady increase in cassava production per hectare from 2024 to 2033, with projected yields rising from 17.33 tons per hectare in 2024 to 18.54 tons per hectare by 2033. Despite these positive trends, the study identified significant challenges posed by climate variability, with 76.7% of respondents recognizing a high impact on production. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, including the promotion of climate-resilient cassava varieties, improved access to quality planting materials, and the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, this study provides critical insights into the cassava production landscape in Kogi East and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to enhance productivity and ensure food security in the region.

Effect of IBA Concentration (Indol Butaric Acid) and Growing Condition on Performance of Cuttings in Mogra (Jasminum sambac)

An experiment was laid out to study influence of different levels of IBA and growing condition on cuttings of Mogra (Jasminum sambac) at Sheth D. M. polytechnic in Horticulture College, Anand Agricultural University, Model farm, Vadodara during 2022 to 2024. The study was conducted using completely randomized design with factorial concept and three replications for each treatment. Total 10 treatment combination of two factors viz., growing condition (open and NVPH) and IBA concentration (500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm) were compared with control (deepen in distilled water). IBA significantly improved the performance of cuttings under naturally ventilated poly-house condition. 1500 ppm IBA concentration recorded significantly lower days to sprout (13.83 days), higher shoot length at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.80 cm, 7.64 cm and 11.63 cm), root length (4.18 cm), number of leaves at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.87, 6.03 and 8.47), fresh weight (11.63g), dry weight (4.18g) and survival percentage (66.11%). Where as in growing condition, naturally ventilated poly-house recorded significantly lower days to sprout (13.27 days), higher shoot length at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.40cm, 7.26 cm and 11.80 cm), root length (3.89 cm), number of leaves at 30, 45 and 60 DAP (2.72 , 4.80 and 7.85), fresh weight (11.80 g), dry weight (3.89 g) and survival percentage (64.56%). Semi hardwood cuttings of Jasminum sambac treated with 1500 ppm IBA concentration treatment for 5 min and planted in polybags under Naturally ventilated poly-house showed promising growth with higher sprouting and survival percentage as compared to other treatments. It was recommended to propagate semi hardwood cuttings of Jasminum sambac with 1500 ppm IBA concentration for 5 min and plant them in naturally ventilated polyhouse to get maximum sprouting percentage and quality planting material.

Performance of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Grafts cv. Alphonso Raised in Soilless Media in Various Types of Containers

In world, Konkan region is famous for cultivation of king of mangoes ‘Alphonso’. Along with production, export and processing of Alphonso, this coastal belt is famous for supply of best quality planting material producing more than one crore grafts every year. Mango grafts are raised in polybag of size 6” x 8” weighing 1.5 kg available for sale after 9 months. In recent years, it was reported by farmers that polybags produced seedlings having spiralled and deformed root system reduce outplanting survival and performance of mango grafts within few years after plantation. Use of discarded plastic water bottles as root trainer could be a feasible alternative for seedling propagation. An experiment entitled “Performance of mango (Mangifera indica L.) grafts cv. Alphonso raised in soilless media in various types of containers” was carried out during the period 2023 at Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri in randomized block design with four replications and six treatments viz. T1-Nursery bag (6×8 Inch), T2-Green bottle (2.25 lit), T3-Transparent bottle (2.25 lit), T4-Transparent bottle (1 lit), T5-Black root trainer (0.5 lit), T6-Nursery bag (6×8 Inch) (with soil:FYM 3:1 as control). Mango grafts raised in transparent bottle (2.25 lit) with media cocopeat + leaf manure + vermicompost (1:1:2) recorded the highest sprouting (98.13 %), height (29.33 cm), girth (12.32 mm), leaf area (523.48 cm2), root length (25.50 cm), dry root weight (11.00 g) and survival (98.13 %) at 180 days after grafting with 1.84 benefit: cost.

Economics and Constraints of Organic Turmeric at Kakching District of Manipur

Background: As the locale of the present study has high potential for production of organic turmeric, so to take the relevant measures for best exploit the resources and to create more income and employment to the rural people. Methods: The present study is based on 200 turmeric growers drawn by adopting a multistage purposive stratified simple random sampling technique from Kakching district; based on the primary data, collected through personal interview method with the help of pre-tested and well structured questionnaire exclusively designed pertaining for the agricultural year 2020-2022. Result: The majority (93.00 per cent) of the respondents belonged to semi-medium land holding with an area of 2.01 to 3.00 ha, total gross return was highest (₹ 1,61,768.44/-) for medium farm size group and benefit-cost ratio was highest (2.64 : 1) for small farm size group. The major production constraint was lack of proper inputs, lack of training, lack of irrigation facility, lack of quality planting material etc.

Remote sensing of cover crop legacies on main crop N‐uptake dynamics

AbstractGrowing cover crops promotes soil health as they retain nutrients during autumn/winter and provide organic matter to the soil biota, which in turn supplies nutrients to the main crop upon mineralisation in spring. Different cover crops have varying impacts on soil biology and nutrient dynamics due to the quantity and quality of plant material returned to the soil. To understand these effects, high‐resolution data on crop responses is required. In this study, remote sensing was used to provide such data. The temporal dynamics of soil nitrogen (N) availability and N uptake in barley were studied in response to different cover crop monocultures and mixtures. This was achieved using high‐resolution multispectral images of the main crop acquired from an unmanned aerial vehicle. Alongside this, in‐situ collected plant and soil parameters were used in this 5‐year cover crop field experiment. The results showed that cover crop legacies significantly affected barley N uptake, biomass, and canopy N content. In early June, at peak canopy N, the highest values were observed in barley grown after vetch‐radish or oat‐radish mixtures (84 kg N/ha) and the lowest in barley grown after fallow (63 kg N) or oat (53 kg N/ha on 23rd of June). At the start of the barley growing season, soil microbial biomass was not significantly affected by the cover crop legacies. However, differential N mineralisation between cover crop legacies can be attributed to differences in microbial activity associated with cover crop quantity and quality. This research demonstrates the potential of remote sensing to monitor and understand temporal and spatial variation of crop canopy N in response to cover crop N mineralisation by the soil biota which is an important component of soil health. This approach can contribute to more efficient N use by enabling fine‐tuning of the type, quantity, timing, and location of fertilisation.

Fertigation with Nitrogen and Phosphorus Improve Plant Growth, Root Growth, and Buddability of Containerized Citrus Nursery Plants

ABSTRACT Large-scale multiplication of quality planting material is needed to meet the huge demand of planting material in fruit crops. Little information is available on the effect of fertigation on rootstock growth, budding success, and buddling growth in containerized citrus nursery. The present studies were undertaken to study the effect of eight fertigation treatments viz. control (N0P0), N60, N80, N100, N0P100, N60P100, N80P100, and N100P100 on the growth of rough lemon rootstock and subsequently budded three citrus varieties. Among the treatments, N60P100 significantly improved seedling height, diameter, leaf number, root growth, leaf area in rough lemon, Blood Red orange, Kinnow mandarin, and Daisy mandarin over the control. The stomatal conductance was higher with treatments N60, N80, N60P100, and N80P100. While higher photosynthetic rates were observed with N60P100 and N80P100, N60P100 also improved the budding success in Blood Red, Kinnow, and Daisy. Fertigation treatments increased the nutrient concentration in leaves of all the varieties. The principal component analysis revealed that plant height and diameter were positively correlated with root length, root diameter, root number, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content in rough lemon. In all the varieties, the sprout length and diameter showed a positive correlation with leaf area, leaf number, root length, root diameter, fibrous root number, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content. Among different treatments, N60P100 was the best treatment in improving the shoot growth, root growth, and physiological parameters of rough lemon rootstock. Besides, it also improved budding success and buddling growth in all three citrus varieties.

Sea Buckthorn: A Review on the Hidden Treasure of the Temperates

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is one of the most common yet underutilized dioecious fruit crop of the temperate region. This plant is known as the gold mine of the cold deserts due to its exceptional winter hardiness and multiple uses. It is a potential functional food which is rich in nutritional and medicinal values and holds the potential to emerge as a future food cum medicinal crop. Traditionally, the crop is used as a folk medicine, fence, wind break, firewood and fodder. The fruits are rich in tannins, flavonoids, sterols, carotenoids, tocopherols and lipids. The cultivation of sea buckthorn is low demanding and it is seen growing wild in the valleys, riverbanks, slopes and mountains in the temperate regions. Though extensive research and developmental activities are progressing, commercial cultivation and popularization of sea buckthorn is still in the nascent stage. Some of the challenges faced by the sea buckthorn industry include lack of awareness regarding its potential, its short harvest season and high moisture content that prevents the farmers from cultivating crop and also hinders development of value-added products. An enhancement in the production aspects of this crop can be a boon to the horticulture industry. Proper interventions and policies from government, standardization of production technology, production of quality planting material of promising cultivars etc. are some of the ways towards popularizing the crop.

Various presowing treatments for enhancing Melia dubia (Cav.) seed germination, seedling development, and vigor index

Melia dubia (Cav.) is one of the most promising agroforestry multipurpose tree species. However, there is a shortage of this quality planting material due to its low germination ability. Our study assessed six different presowing treatments, namely, soaking in tap water for 24 h, soaking in a cow dung slurry for 7 days (CDS), scarification with 50 % H2SO4 for 5 min, soaking in 200 ppm gibberellic acid (GA3) for 24 h, and soaking in CDS + H2SO4, GA3 + H2SO4 or the control (no application), for enhancing seed germination and growth in Melia dubia during 2019–20 in the Indo-Gangetic Plains region. STAR version 2.0.1 was used to analyze the observed data using one-way ANOVA. The results of this study showed that different treatments substantially impacted the germination and growth of Melia dubia. Compared with those of untreated seeds (control), the germination percentage of seeds treated with cow dung slurry significantly increased by 49 %, the biomass percentage significantly increased by 25 %, and the vigor index significantly increased by 79 %. In conclusion, our study revealed that treating Melia dubia seeds with cow dung slurry for a period of 7 days enhances germination and seedling growth and is also cost-effective for nursery managers and farmers due to the absence of associated costs.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators and Growing Media on Rooting of Cuttings in Punica granatum L. cv. Bhagwa

Background: When pomegranates are multiplied through seeds, germination leads to vigorous tree growth. However, the tree will not be exactly similar to its parent and the resultant fruit produced will be irregular in colour, size, juiciness and sweetness. Methods: Soft-wood cuttings of Pomegranate cv. Bhagwa were planted in different growing media that were entitled G1- Soil + FYM, G2- Soil + Vermiculite, G3- Soil + Sand + FYM and G4- Soil + FYM + Vermiculite. These cuttings were treated with different combinations of 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Ascorbic acid (ASC) and Boric acid. Studies were carried out in a two-factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with 28 treatment permutations. Result: Current research indicated that treatment T18 (NAA 500 ppm + H2O2 30 ppm + IBA 500 ppm, Soil + Vermiculite (1:1) worked out to be the best treatment as it exhibited superiority over other treatments. The results of this experiment can practically be implemented to propagate quality planting material by adopting these best results/treatments.

Potential of Agroforestry Practices in Multifunctional Landscapes for Enhancing the Livelihoods of Local Dwellers in the North-Western Charlands of Bangladesh

Char is any accretion in a river course that extends or establishes new land. A well-planned integrated land-use system combining woody perennials (agroforestry) can ensure sustainable, environmentally friendly climate resilience land-use systems and livelihood options on charland. To date, no systemic investigation of charland land agroforestry has been undertaken. A comprehensive study of the potential of agroforestry systems in charland areas was conducted using qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Two methods were employed: structured questionnaire interviews and botanical surveys. Findings revealed that considerable variation exists in both charland and mainland areas in terms of socio-demographic characteristics. Both tree and agroforestry knowledge of mainland farmers is greater than that of charland farmers. Charland dwellers sell almost all their farm products, while most mainland farmers consume their products. Agroforestry-related communication between extension workers and farmers is limited in both ecosystems. However, farmer interaction with extension workers is far less common in charland areas. Mainland farmers are satisfied with their homestead production systems, whereas cha land farmers face huge problems with the free grazing of cattle and goats. Mainland farmers think quality planting materials and fencing systems are key issues. Leafy short-rotation vegetables and climbing vegetables are more common in charlands. Other common marketable vegetables are tomato, brinjal, carrot, cauliflower, and cabbage. All fruit trees common on charland are more frequently found in the mainland areas. In the case of timber, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is more common on charland, whereas mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) frequency is higher in the mainland. Medicinal trees are uncommon in both ecosystems except for neem (Azadirachta indica). Through proper training and motivation of farmers, there is a vast scope to increase tree and vegetable diversity in charland farms.

Soilless Plug Nursery Seedling – A Boon for Farmers

Inadequate availability of quality seeds and planting materials is one of the major limiting factors affecting productivity, profitability and quality of vegetables in the India. Higher profits can be accrued by the farmers, if they have better access to high quality seed and planting materials of the improved varieties at reasonable costs close to their production sites.

A Comprehensive Study on the Micropropagation of Costus igneus: Media Composition, Growth, and Development

Costus igneus, commonly known as insulin plant, is an ornamental plant valued for its spiral ginger- like foliage and medicinal properties. Micropropagation is an efficient method for rapid multiplication of Costus igneus. This study aims to determine the optimal media composition and culture conditions for in vitro propagation of C. igneus. Axillary bud explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators including auxins (indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-butyric acid and naphthaleneacetic acid) and cytokinins (6- benzylaminopurine and kinetin). Microshoots cultured on MS + 1.5 mg/L BAP showed the highest shoot proliferation rate (98%) and maximum number of shoots per explant (12.6). Elongated microshoots were rooted on half-strength MS medium supplemented with different auxins. The highest rooting percentage (95%) and maximum number of roots per shoot (9.8) were observed on medium containing 2.5 mg/L IBA. The regenerated plantlets were acclimatized and successfully transferred to pots with 80% survival rate. Morphological and phytochemical analysis showed no significant differences between the in vitro propagated and mother plants. This study demonstrates the potential of micropropagation for large scale production of quality planting material of C. igneus. Further studies on genetic and epigenetic stability are recommended to validate this protocol for commercial applications.

Variation in survival, growth and stem straightness in Eucalyptus urophylla provenances in the Southern Highlands region of Tanzania

Lack of quality planting materials has significantly limited productivity and quality of commercial forestry plantations in Tanzania. A provenance/progeny trial of Eucalyptus urophylla was established to test performance in order to select the best planting materials for future plantation activities. A complete randomised block design was used whereby 30 families from 8 provenances within 6 replications were tested. At 13 years tree survival, growth (diameter at breast height and height) and stem straightness were assessed. The results indicate that there were highly significant differences (p < 0.05) among provenances and families in survival, height, breast height diameter (DBH) and stem straightness. The overall survival ranged from 79.0% to 96.2%; height ranged between 24.9 and 32.5 m; and DBH ranged from 18.7 to 24.5 cm. Overall, results from this study show that provenances Alassannaru, Elun kirpas, Nesunhuhun and Nakana ulam have better growth performance and stem form than others. These results provide valuable information on the growth performance of different provenances and families of E. urophylla. The provenances and families selected with best performance can be used in developing improved seeds for plantation establishment and/or selection of plus trees for vegetative propagation as candidate clones for a clonal testing programme in Tanzania.

Oregano and thyme by-products of olive oil aromatization process with microwave assisted extraction as a rich source of bio-active constituents.

Processing of Medicinal Aromatic Plants (MAPs) results in the production of a significant amount of by-products, which are not commercially exploitable. Towards this direction, we studied extensively the by-products of oregano and thyme, remaining after the aromatization of olive oils with microwave assisted extraction (MAE). The purpose of the study was the exploitation of the "wastes" of these two economically significant herbs of Greece, for the potential development of innovative bioactive products. Hence, superior and inferior quality plant material from Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum and Thymus vulgaris, were extracted with extra virgin olive oil using MAE. For the evaluation of raw plant material, beside the characterization of the essential oils (EOs), the hydroalcoholic extracts of superior and inferior plant material were afforded by ultrasound assistant extraction (UAE). In addition, the remaining plant material after the flavoring of olive oil by MAE, was extracted with c-Hex, MeOH, H2O:MeOH using UAE. All the extracts were evaluated for their DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content (TPC) as well as their chemical profile was investigated by HPTLC. In parallel, the EOs, the olive oils and the c-Hex extracts were analyzed by GC-MS and Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME)-GC-MS. The results showed that the composition of the EOs and the volatile fraction of the olive oil extracts were similar for the superior quality material whereas for the inferior the composition of the volatile fraction of olive oil extracts was not analogous to the respective EOs. GC-MS analyses of oregano and thyme by-products revealed the presence of carvacrol, thymol, γ-terpinene and p-cymene among the major constituents. Moreover, the hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from the plant material remaining after olive oil flavoring with MAE showed similar phenolic content and scavenging activity with the hydroalcoholic extracts of the corresponding raw plant materials underlying their potent use in the preparation of high-added value products such as nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals as well as enriched animal nutrition products.

Effect of Different Concentrations of Auxin as Well as Cytokinin on Shoot Initiation, Formation and Multiplication of Pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.) cv. Valentia with MS Semi-solid Medium

The pepino (Solanum muricatum Aiton) is conventionally propagated through vegetative means. But, this approach of propagation is not feasible for commercial production of plants and has at more time the chances of reduction yield. Therefore, the availability of quality planting material is of urgent need. Recently, there has been a promising approach for pepino multiplication at large scales through tissue culture because it generates a large number of contamination free plantlets in a minimum space and time. The combination of different growth regulators may be tried to maximize the initiation, growth and development of shoot in commercial propagation of pepino plants. The Minimum days taken for shoot initiation (5.21 days) was noted under BAP 3.00 mgl-1 + IBA 0.50 ppm, and minimum days taken for shoot development (40.82 days) was noted under of BAP 3.00 ppm + IBA 1.00 ppm. The highest length of shoot (9.52 cm) was produced in media supplemented with BAP 3.00 ppm + IBA 1.00 ppm. Maximum percent of developed shoots obtained from the established culture (67.79) was noted under the treatment of BAP 3.00 ppm + IBA 1.00 ppm; While maximum shoots per explants/ innoculums from the established culture (4.06) was noted under the treatment of BAP 3.00 ppm + IBA 1.00 ppm. Maximum number of leaves / plantlet from the established culture (10.85) was noted under the treatment of BAP 3.00 ppm + IBA 1.00 ppm and maximum fresh weight (mg) of shoot / plantlet obtained from the established culture (26.05 mg) was noted under the treatment of BAP 3.00 ppm + IBA 1.00 ppm.

The Influence of Container and Frigo Planting Material on the Vegetative Growth and Fertility of the Variety Clery

The quality of planting material plays a decisive role in the profitability of strawberry production. Of all categories of seedlings in commercial strawberry plantations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, frigo seedlings predominate. The goal of the research is to obtain relevant data on the reaction to external environmental conditions, vegetative growth, and reproductive potential of both types of seedlings by comparing frigo and container planting material. By researching the vegetative and generative growth of strawberries of the Clery variety with two different types of seedlings, it was concluded that green container seedlings are vegetatively more developed compared to frigo seedlings. The container seedlings produced a higher number of buds by 14.2% and leaf mass by 17.5% and entered the resting phase more readily. The percentage of unrooted container seedlings after planting is only 1.1% compared to frigo seedlings, where this percentage is 11.3%, due to the fact that container seedlings have less stress after transplanting, which is the result of the substrate around the roots of the seedling. On the other hand, green container seedlings form a higher percentage of stolons, which additionally burdens the work engagement when removing them in intensive strawberry production. Finally, the container seedlings had a higher and better yield, which amounted to an average of 10.34 grams per fruit, while the average fruit weight of the frigo seedlings was 9.84 grams. In the end, this difference in weight gave 80.29 grams more yield per plant in favor of container seedlings.