Trunk Girth Research Articles

Impact of plant nutrients and organic substances on growth, yield, and quality attributes of Anna apple cultivar under semi-arid conditions

The unique challenges posed by semi-arid climates, including soil nutrient limitations and organic matter decline, underscore the importance of effective nutrient and organic substance management to ensure optimal yields, quality, and environmental sustainability. A field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during two succeeding years, 2020–21 and 2021–22, to identify optimal nutrient management strategies of different plant nutrients and organic substances on growth, flowering, quality, and yield attributes of the “Anna” apple cultivar. The experiment consisted of nineteen treatments in an RBD system. The plant growth parameters [leaf area (33.64 cm2) and trunk girth (13.16 cm)] when applied 2.0% Urea (N) + 15% Cow urine-T12. Whereas, the number of flower buds (232.83/m2) and flowering duration (39.00 days) were found better with T6. Similarly, [fruit volume (158.95 cm3), number of fruit (63.33/tree) and fruit drop (70.54%)] and [TSS: acid ratio (22.60), reducing sugars (7.17%), non-reducing sugars (2.83%), total protein (0.97 g 100 g−1), starch index (3.59)] were superior with the application of treatment T6. Higher content of boron (80.09 ppm) was estimated in treatment T6, zinc (24.69 ppm) in T9, iron (134.67 ppm) in T1, and manganese (59.94 ppm) in T12 during the experimentation. Therefore, it was concluded that treatment T12 was most effective for enhancing plant growth while treatment T6 was found superior for flowering, high yield, and quality of apple cv. Anna fruit under semi-arid conditions.

Optimizing leaf nutrient status, growth, and yield parameters in high-density apple orchards (cv. Super chief) via integrated drip irrigation and fertigation techniques

Nutrients and water are important ecophysiological components for apples' development and productivity. The combination of high-density plantation, drip irrigation, and weekly fertigation not only conserves irrigation water, but also reduces cultivation costs compared to conventional methods. Leaf nutrient analysis provides insight into nutrient levels and assists in determining irrigation and fertigation schedules. We conducted the current research over two years (2021–22 and 2022–23) to evaluate different drip-fertigation effects on leaf nutrient status, vegetative growth, and yield of high-density apples. The experimental study employed a factorial randomised block design, replicating 16 different treatment combinations three times each. Each replication consisted of three plants, and the treatments included four irrigation levels (100 %, 80 %, 60 %, and control) and four fertigation levels (absolute control, 100 %, 75 %, and 50 % of the recommended NPK dosage). Analysis of the leaves indicated that IR1 (Drip irrigation at 100 % ETc) showed notably higher levels of nitrogen at (3.06 %), phosphorus at (0.48 %) and potassium at (2.07 %) compared to other treatments. Regarding fertigation levels, FN1 [100 % (AD) NPK] showed the highest nitrogen (3.12 %), phosphorus (0.50 %), and potassium (2.09 %) content. Parameters related to vegetative growth, including tree height, plant spread in both east-west (EW) and north-south (NS) directions, trunk girth, annual extension growth, and leaf area showed significant increases with higher irrigation and fertigation levels, surpassing conventional irrigation (IR4) by 6.17 percent, 7.78 percent (EW), 8.62 percent (NS), 10.49 percent, 4.53 percent and 1.96 percent, respectively. Among fertigation, FN1- 100 % AD (NPK) registered a maximum increase in growth parameters. Our analysis demonstrated that combining irrigation and fertigation improved leaf nutrient status and vegetative growth characteristics, which are critical determinants of fruit yield.

Estimating the Morphological Variability of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Genotypes in Jabalpur District, India

As variability is crucial for crop improvement, it is better to characterise several genotypes that are derived from either seedlings or wild types. This research facilitates the identification of cultivars, genotypes and the elimination of identical plants within populations. The study was conducted in year 2022-23 with thirty-three guava genotypes of Jabalpur district to examine various morphological characteristics such as tree height, trunk girth and canopy diameter, branching attitude, stem colour in young shoots, branching density, mature leaf colour, leaf shape, leaf base shape, leaf tip shape, leaf curvature and leaf twisting. The experimental investigation was carried out at the Fruit Research Station, Imaliya, under the Department of Horticulture at the College of Agriculture, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Genotypes exhibited notable diversity in their morphological traits with respect to height, gith, canopy and several leaf-based characteristics. For the estimation of diversity, the DUS guideline of UPOV was followed. All the genotypes in this study aged between eight to thirteen years. Descriptive statistics showed that, the height of the trees varied between 2.78m (JG-322) and 6.12m (JG-325). The trunk girth ranged between 27.21cm (JG-314) to 87.23cm (JG-319). The canopy in the east-west direction ranged from 4m (JG-325) to 8.34m (JG-322) whereas, in north-south direction varied 3.68m (JG-325) to 8.41m (JG-322). The observed diversity in these traits yielded significant insights that might drive the selection of parental plants for an advanced guava breeding initiative.

Studies on the Sex Ratio of Different Mango Varieties under the Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka

An investigation was carried out to evaluate different cultivars of mango for their performance, growth, and flowering under the northern dry zone of Karnataka. Tree height, canopy volume and trunk girth were maximum in Baneshan, while Kadar recorded maximum tree spread. Baneshan were the first to come into full bloom, and Dashehari were recorded maximum panicles per plant. The maximum number of fruits per panicle at harvest was found in Kesar. The maximum fruit set per cent was observed in Totapuri

Diversity in morpho-pomological attributes and biochemical profiling of bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa) genotypes of North-Western India

Bael is a medicinal cum fruit tree with multipurpose utility and propagated mostly through seeds. The present study aimed to assess and analyse the morpho-pomological and biochemical traits of eighty seedlings grown bael genotypes comparison with two commercial cultivars (NB-5 and NB-9) of bael. The significant differences were detected among the genotypes based on the measured morpho-pomological and biochemical traits. The morpho-pomological and biochemical traits of bael exhibited variation ranging from 6.17% to 133.65%. Trunk girth ranged from 29.50 to 63.40 cm and tree spread (N–S) varied 1.00–6.30 m. Fruit length ranged from 4.60 to 12.05 cm and fruit width ranged from 4.64 to 11.72 cm. Moreover, fruit weight ranged from 56.33 to 917.65 g and pulp percentage varied from 58.64 to 81.38%. Soluble Solid Content ranged from 25.90 to 36.77 0brix and ascorbic acid varied from 14.38 to 25.45 mg/100 g. Fruit length was positively correlated with fruit width, fruit weight, pulp percentage, seed length, seed diameter and number of seeds per fruit, while it was negatively correlated with fruit surface and total number of fruit per plant. Principal component analysis showed that 76.66% of the variability observed was explained by the 13 components. Ward cluster analysis using Euclidean distance classified the genotypes into two main clusters. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the diversity and relationships among the studied genotypes, aiding future breeding and selection programs for improved bael cultivation.

Integrated Nutrient Management as a Low Cost and Eco-Friendly Strategy for Sustainable Fruit Production in Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

ABSTRACT Prolonged and excessive use of chemical fertilizers has resulted in serious harm to soil health and ecosystems. This study aimed to reduce the cultivation costs for apricot trees, nearly 1/3rd of which are spent on fertilizers. The research was conducted on fully grown apricot trees of the cultivar “New Castle,” in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The experiment consisted of fourteen treatment combinations evaluated in triplicate and statistically analyzed using a randomized block design (RBD). Results revealed that treatment T12 [50% Nitrogen (Calcium Nitrate) + 50% Nitrogen (Urea) + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria + Vermicompost] resulted in the highest percent increase in tree trunk girth (6.82%), highest leaf chlorophyll content (3.00 mg g−1 fresh weight), leaf area (58.29 cm), fruit set (61.00%) and total yield (61.9 kg tree−1). In terms of nutrient status, T12 had the highest leaf N (2.95%), leaf K (2.60%), soil N (386.33 kg ha−1), soil P (51.00 kg ha−1) and soil organic carbon (1.81%). The highest net return and profit over recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) was also recorded in treatment T12. The results of this study show that judicious fertilizer use along with integrated organic manure and bio-fertilizers can reduce cultivation costs, improve soil health, and increase fruit production with minimum ecosystem damage.

ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT AGROBIOLOGICAL STATE OF THE PROTECTED FOREST STRIPS OF THE RIGHT BANK FOREST STEPPE

ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT AGROBIOLOGICAL STATE OF THE PROTECTED FOREST STRIPS OF THE RIGHT BANK FOREST STEPPE

Effect of different irrigation and fertigation schedules on growth and productivity of Red Velox apple in Northwestern Himalayan region

The present study was conducted at the experimental farm of Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) to study the effect of different irrigation and fertigation schedules on growth and productivity of Red Velox apple in Northwestern Himalayan region. A factorial experiment comprised of sixteen treatment combination of four drip irrigation levels viz. drip irrigation at 100% ETc (I1), drip irrigation at 80% ETc (I2), drip irrigation at 60% ETc (I3), conventional irrigation (I4) and four levels of fertigation viz. absolute control; no application of fertilizer (F0), 100% of adhoc dose of NPK (F1), 75% of adhoc dose of NPK (F2) and 50% of adhoc dose of NPK (F3) were replicated thrice with three plants in each replication. With an increase in the volume of water and an increasing dose of NPK, vegetative growth parameters (tree height, tree spread, trunk girth, tree volume and annual extension growth), leaf nutrient content and yield were noted to be significantly increased. Drip irrigation at 100% ETc (I1) and fertigation at 100% of adhoc dose of NPK (F1) significantly increased the growth, foliage nutrient content and productivity of apple. Interaction I1F1 recorded highest growth parameters, leaf NPK content as well as yield. The results of two years experiment indicated a positive impact of drip irrigation and fertigation schedules on enhanced fertilization effectiveness and improved vegetative growth, leaf nutrient content and yield of apple.

Performance of Some Japanese Plum (Prunus salicina) Cultivars in Mid-hill Condition of Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh

A study was conducted during February to July, 2020 and 2021 at the Horticultural Research Station Seobagh, Himachal Pradesh, India to evaluate various attributes of plum under the mid-hill temperate zone. Ten plum cultivars Red Beaut, Au Rosa, Au Amber, Satluj Purple, Kala Amritsari, Shiro, Frontier, Mariposa, Black Amber, Queen Rosa, and Angeleno grafted on wild apricot were evaluated alongside with numerous standards in a high-density experimental orchard, and these types were compared with the “Santa Rosa” variety as a control. According to the findings, Red Beaut ripened first whereas the cultivar Mariposa took 150 days from flowering to harvest, making it the last to be picked. The cv. Au Rosa had the largest trunk girth (44 cm), cv. Mariposa likewise had the longest shoots, measuring 180 cm, cv. Frontier had the highest fruit output per tree (145 kg), closely followed by the cv. Black Amber (140 kg) which also has maximum fruit size (5.4 cm), and weight (130 g). The cv. Frontier (14.1°B) showed the highest TSS, followed by the cv. Mariposa (14.0°B), while the cv. Kala Amritsari showed the lowest TSS. The plum cultivar Kala Amritsari displayed the highest fruit acidity, at 2.3%. Due to their ability to extend the repining period from May through August, the plum cultivars Red Beaut, Frointer, Mariposa, and Black Amber were found to be appropriate for commercial cultivation in Himachal Pradesh.

EFFECTS OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND TAPPING SYSTEM ON LATEX AND DRY RUBBER YIELDS OF RUBBER TREE CLONE RRIT 251

The cultivation of Hevea brasiliensis, as the main source of natural rubber, is facing the tapping labor shortage and low dry rubber yield problems. Management practices and tapping system could nevertheless remedy these constraints. Accordingly, the study aimed to assess the latex and dry rubber yields of rubber trees clone RRIT 251 under different irrigation with fertilizer management methods and rubber tapping systems. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, 4 replications with 3 rubber trees per replication. Two main plot treatments: 1) application of irrigation combined with chemical and organic fertilizers treatment (IF) and; 2)no-irrigation-fertilizer treatment (NIF). Four subplot treatments: 1) (10 cm)S.d/3+ET – tapping 10 cm long of trunk girth (at 45° angle) above an installed bag of ethylene, for 1 day with 2 days interval; 2) (1/2)S.d/2 – tapping half of trunk girth every other day; 3) (1/2)S.2d/3, tapping half of trunk girth for 2 days with 1 day interval (the practice of most para rubber farmers) and; 4) (1/2)S.3d/4, tapping half of trunk girth for 3 days with 1 day interval. The controlled treatment was a combination treatment of NIFx (1/2)S.2d/3. The results showed that both IFx (10 cm)S.d/3+ET and IFx (10 cm)S.d/3+ET combination treatments had significant effects (P≤0.01) in enhancing latex weight per tree, dry rubber weight per tree, latex yield, and dry rubber yield higher than the controlled treatment. IF treatment had a significant effect (P≤0.01) in enhancing latex weight per tree, dry rubber weight per tree, latex yield, and dry rubber yields higher than NIF treatment. Rubber tapping system under (1/2)S.3d/4 had a significant effect (P≤0.01) in enhancing latex weight per tree, dry rubber weight per tree, latex yield, and dry rubber yield while it was significantly (P≤0.01) low under (1/2)S.d/2 as compared with the practice used of most farmers—(1/2)S.2d/3. It is concluded that the application of ethylene under IFx (10 cm)S.d/3+ET management is a better innovation and technology attributable to having 45% less time and less bark area consumed for tapping but with increased dry rubber yield, while IFx (1/2)S.2d/3 spent more time to increase the dry rubber yield, as compared with the controlled treatment. Keywords: Ethylene, Fertilizer, Irrigation, Latex, Rubber

Influence of Interaction between Fertilizer and Micronutrient Spray on Growth, Yield and Quality of Guava under Ultra High Density Orcharding System

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2012-2013 and 2013-2014) on a 5-year-old guava orchard of cv. Sardar was planted at a spacing of 1.0 m x 2.0 m in Ranchi. The objective of this investiation was to know the influence of interaction between the basal and foliar application of fertilizers of guava cv. Sardar under ultra-high-density planting system in eastern plateau and hill conditions. The experiments were set up in a split-plot design with four fertilizer doses 100%NPK i.e.580 g N, 270 g P, 400g K/plant; 60%NPK i.e. 348gN, 162gP, 240g K/plant; 40%NPK i.e. 232gN,180gP 160g K/plant; 20%NPK i.e.116gN 54gP 80g K/plant as main plots and four different foliar sprays as boric acid (0.4%), zinc sulphate (0.2%), boric acid (0.4%) + zinc sulphate (0.2%) and water spray as subplots with four replications. The NPK fertilizer dose was applied at an interval of every two months from June 12 to April 14 (A total of twelve times/ two year) in a 1m radius around the tree trunk (drip line of trees). The foliar application of micronutrients was sprayed at the rate of 750 ml/ tree at flowering and fruit set stage during June 12 and August 14 (Total of Four times/ two years). In our two-year study, the experimental results indicated that 60% NPK fertilizer dose resulted in maximum trunk girth (55.33 mm) and girth of primary branches (43.77mm), while, a maximum per cent increase in trunk girth (15.81%) and girth of primary branches (18.62%) were recorded in 100% NPK fertilizer dose. However the maximum number of flowers per plant (18.66), number of fruit per plant (17.10) and fruit weight/ plant (3.65kg/plant) were recorded in 100%NPK fertilizer dose, which was at par with 60% NPK Fertilizer dose.

Effect of Fruitlet Thinning on Apple Production and Quality under High Density Plantation

This study, conducted within the Experimental Block of the Division of Fruit Science at SKUAST-K, Shalimar, India, was aimed to thin 5-year-old Fuji Zehn Aztec apple plants. The research was carried out during the years 2020 and 2021and implemented a Randomized Complete Block Design with 11 treatments, including control and various other thinning methods. Chemical and hand thinning were practised at the 12 mm king fruitlet diameter stage. Among the treatments, T9 (NAA+BA@15+140ppm) demonstrated significant results, with the highest trunk girth increment (0.41 cm), annual shoot extension growth (65.46 cm), leaf area (34.71 cm2), fruit drop (39.26%), and the least reduction in return bloom (52.22%). Additionally, T9 resulted in maximum fruit length (79.98 mm), fruit diameter (89.00 mm), fruit weight (224.90 g), fruit volume (197.86 cm3), Soluble Solid concentration (15.87%), SSC : acidity (40.08), total sugar content (11.07%), anthocyanin content (7.14 mg/100g), ascorbic acid content (6.94 mg/100g), and received the highest organoleptic rating score (4.87). However, the highest yield (21.97 kg/tree), yield efficiency (1.50 kg/cm2), fruit firmness (8.36 kg/cm2), hue angle (68.57°), and acidity (0.59%) were recorded in the control group. Notably, T1 (Hand thinning @ 2 fruitlets retained per cluster) achieved the highest fruit retention (97.97%) and the maximum leaf-to-fruit ratio (27.50). These findings shed light on the potential benefits and trade-offs associated with different fruitlet thinning methods in high-density apple plantations. Understanding these effects can aid orchard management practices to optimize both production and fruit quality.

Morphological and Physiological Analysis of VRI-3 Cashew Plantations under Different Planting Density Systems

Cashewnut (Anacardium occidentale L.) is an export-oriented plantation crop. The VRI-3 cashew plantation, utilizing a 7 x 7 m low-density (LD) system with approximately 200 plants ha-1, falls short of meeting the country's import and export demands. Consequently, a high-density planting (HDP) system was developed in Tamil Nadu to enhance India's cashew production. Further advancement through ultra-high-density planting (U-HDP) has proven effective, achieving a plant population of about 1250–1600 plants per hectare. In addition to the increased number of plants in the U-HDP approach, morphological characteristics such as tree height, trunk height, trunk girth, and canopy ground coverage were studied. The impact of these morphological changes resulting from an increased tree population on physiological parameters like Leaf Area Index (LAI) and light extinction coefficient (k) was also analysed. This analysis was carried out using the ‘Ceptometer’ model AccuPAR LP-80 device, aiming to determine how these changes might interfere with productivity and subsequently influence the cashew plantation's production capacity.

Canopy reflectance spectra’s variability, physical traits’ uniqueness and the prediction of rubber clones (Hevea brasiliensis)

Before implementing any further precision agriculture applications, the crucial task is to determine the rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) clones. This paper addresses the potential of using canopy spectral indices (CSIs) to delineate mature rubber clones. Each rubber clone responds differently to its local environment. Unfortunately, checking a sizeable mature rubber plantation and determining each rubber tree’s clone is tedious and time-consuming. It is, therefore, of interest and objective to classify and predict rubber clones via CSIs. This study highlighted statistically significant differences in the physical and spectral functional traits’ variability among nine mature rubber clones in a micro-agroclimatic environment with uniform management practices. We analysed the trunk girth, leaf physical properties and multispectral remote sensing data collected by a low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to explore the mature rubber canopy’s spectral indices, which are a crucial unique trait of rubber clones. We found that rubber leaf area increases with leaf mass. There is a positive relationship between trunk girth and leaf mass per area (LMA). Furthermore, leaf density and NDVI have a strong relationship that potentially links both traits. The additional assessment indicates that none of the 89 CSIs independently could discriminate between all nine rubber clones. However, several CSIs could distinguish several individual rubber clones or two or more groups of rubber clones. The classification results selected B1, NDVI, NDRE, RB3B2B4, GARI and BWDRVI as the most important CSIs. The generated models estimated that individual rubber clone prediction by CSIs provided low to moderate overall accuracy between 41.8 ± 5.3% and 82.3 ± 3.9%. Despite the variability, our findings highlighted a promising approach using CSI traits as a practical way to achieve accurate rubber clone predictions because of their uniqueness for specific clones or groups of clones.

A NEW SPECIES OF MEIOGYNE (ANNONACEAE) FROM THE EASTERN HIMALAYAS OF NORTHEAST INDIA

The genus Meiogyne is distributed throughout South and Southeast Asia and includes approximately 33 described taxa. A new species, Meiogyne arunachalensis, is here described from the state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. This is the third species from India and the first from the Eastern Himalayan and Northeast Indian region. This species shows morphological similarity with Meiogyne maxiflora, a species distributed in Thailand, but it differs in a number of vegetative and reproductive characters. Meiogyne arunachalensis is the largest species of the genus described so far in terms of tree height and girth of the tree trunk. Detailed colour photographs are provided to highlight its morphological distinctness and facilitate identification in the field.

High Density Planting In Litchi Cv. Bombai For Plant Vigour, Fruit Yield And Quality Under New Alluvial Zone Of West Bengal

A field experiment was carried out at Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri, BCKV, West Bengal during the year 2014 to 2017 to study the effect of different planting system cum high density planting in litchi cv. Bombai for plant physico-chemical properties under new alluvial zone of West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in RBD consisting of five treatments viz. Square system, Cluster planting, Paired row, Single hedge row and Double hedge row system with four replications on 12 years old healthy plants. Different planting system cum high density planting significantly influenced the plant characters of litchi. Among the physical characters, maximum plant height (5.95 m) was recorded from double hedge row planting followed by single hedge row while the spread of plant and trunk girth was found maximum in square system. Chlorophyll content of leaf (10.43 mg g-1), number of fruit set per panicle and fruit retention per panicle was found maximum in square system of planting. The maximum yield (12.87 t/ha) was recorded in double hedge row system of planting while the minimum (9.01 t/ha) from square system. The total soluble solids (17.08 0brix), total sugar content, ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content (35.51 mg/100g) of fruits was found maximum in square system of planting while the minimum in double hedge row system. Finally, it can be concluded that double hedge row planting system was effective in obtaining maximum yield per hectare, while square system of planting was effective in improving the physico-chemical properties of fruits.

Effect of inorganic and organic nitrogenous fertilizers on soil nutrient status, plant growth and yield of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

The work is aimed to find out the most suitable substitute of CAN fertilizer to assess its effect on fertility, growth and yield of apricot. The experiment constituted 11 treatments replicated thrice in RBD design at the Research Farm of Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Nauni, Solan, India during 2015 and 2016. The highest organic carbon (1.34, 1.21%) was recorded with treatment T11 [100% urea enriched compost + 0% Ca (NO3)2] at 0–15 and 15–30 cm depths. There were significant variations and maximum available N and P contents were recorded under treatment T7 (urea 100% + lime 708 g/tree) while, maximum K was in T1 which indicated that available N, P and K increased by 16.95% and 16.58%; 34.83% and 32.36%; 19.98% and 12.76% over the initial values recorded, respectively at 0–15 and 15–30 cm depths. The highest available Ca (4.46 and 4.11[cmol (p+) kg−1]) was recorded under T1, Mg (2.11 and 1.95 [cmol (p+) kg−1]) under T6 and available S contents (56.46 kg ha−1and 51.67 kg ha−1) under T9 at surface and subsurface depths, respectively. Available Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn were highest under treatment T6 (urea100%+ 0%Ca (NO3)2). Maximum increase in tree height (0.40 m) and trunk girth (0.50 cm) was observed under T7 (urea 100% + lime 708 g/tree). Similarly, maximum fruit yield (30.03 kg/tree) was recorded with T7. From the present investigation, it is concluded that application of urea 100%+ lime 708 g/tree improved soil fertility, plant growth and yield during the study.

Study of Apple Varieties in High-Density Plantation under Cold Dry Temperate Conditions of Kinnaur

The study was carried out to evaluate four apple varieties on different rootstocks under high-density plantations in the cold temperate region of Kinnaur for growth, yield and quality attributes. The experiment evaluated four apple varieties ‘Red Cap Valtod/MM 106’, ‘Red Velox/M9’, ‘Jeromine/M9’ and ‘Super Chief/MM 106’ planted at a spacing of 2.5×1.0 m2 in Randomized Block Design, with four replicates. From the evaluation of data on growth, floriculture and quality standards, it was clear that var. Jeromine/M9 followed by Red Velox/M9 has recorded better horticultural performance than other varieties studied. Among different varieties Red Velox/M9 recorded maximum shoot extension growth (22.65 cm), trunk girth (47.27 mm) and tree height (340.02 cm), tree spread (175.52 E-W and 181.68 cm N-S), number of fruit set tree-1 (41.85), fruit Breadth (78.90 mm), fruit weight (207.39 g fruit-1), TSS (10.11 °Brix), whereas, maximum fruit set (25.48%), fruit length (71.74 mm), yield (3.59 kg tree-1) and productivity (14.35 MT Hac-1) was recorded in cultivar Jeromine/M9. However, the maximum number of fruits tree-1 was observed in the variety Red Cap Vatod/MM 106. Variety, Red Velox /M9 was found to be superior for growth, flowering, yield and quality characteristics with good market potential under Kinnaur conditions.

Effect of Girdling on Yield and Quality of Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa Chev.) Raised hrough Different Propagation Methods

The present investigation entitled “Effect of girdling on yield and quality of kiwifruit ( Chev.) raised through different Actinidia deliciosa propagation methods was carried out during 2019-20 at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Ten years old vines of uniform size and vigour, planted at 4.0 m × 6.0 m spacing were selected for the study. There were twelve treatment combinations. The experimental plants were raised through three different modes of propagation , , grafting and own viz. in siturooted (cuttings) which were planted in different sections of experimental orchard. Four different girdling levels namely; full (100% girdling), 1/2 (50% girdling), 1/4 (25% girdling) and no girdling were applied to the experimental vines. The grafted kiwifruit vines girdled upto 1/4 (25%) trunk girth by removing 2 mm bark in the last week of March exhibited best performance in terms of improvement in flower and yield parameters name ; number of flowers per shoot, per cent fruit set, number of fruits per shoot, total yield and graded yield.

Static Body Weight Distribution and Girth Measurements Over Time in Dogs After Acute Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Extrusion.

Dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL-IVDE) can exhibit variable neurologic deficits after decompressive surgery. The objectives of this study were to quantify changes in static weight distribution (SWD) and limb and body circumference over time in dogs recovering from surgery for TL-IVDE. Dogs with acute TL-IVDE were prospectively evaluated at baseline (48–72 h post-operatively), 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-operatively. Commercially-available digital scales were used to measure weight distributed to the pelvic limbs (PL%) and asymmetry between left and right pelvic limbs (LRA), each expressed as a percentage of total body weight. Trunk and thigh circumference measurements were performed using a spring-loaded tape measurement device. Measurements were performed in triplicate, compared to neurologically normal small breed control dogs and analyzed for changes over time. P <0.05 was significant. Twenty-one dogs were enrolled; 18 regained ambulation and 3 did not by study completion. PL% increased from 27.6% at baseline to 30.7% at 12 weeks but remained lower than in control dogs (37%) at all time points (p < 0.0001), even excluding dogs still non-ambulatory at 12 weeks (p < 0.025). LRA was similar to the control dogs, and did not have an association with surgical side. Caudal trunk girth decreased over time to 95% of baseline (p = 0.0002), but this was no longer significant after accounting for reductions in body weight (p = 0.30). Forward shifting of body weight persisted in dogs with TL-IVDE 12 weeks after surgery even among ambulatory dogs. SWD and circumference measurements could provide additional objective measures to monitor recovery.