TSS Content Research Articles

Simulation of wastewater dispersion of recycling scrap paper from Muc Son Paper factory to the downstream Chu river

This research simulates and forecasts the area as well as the level of pollution dispersion of Muc Son Paper Factory’s wastewater to the downstream of Chu River under two scenarios: Scenario 1 - wastewater treatment system is broken; treatment efficiency is equal to 0; Scenario 2 - wastewater treatment system is working with its designed capacity. The applied results of the MIKE 11 model show that: the impacted area from the plant’s discharge is 0.2 km upstream and 2 km downstream of the confluence point. The simulation results under Scenario 1 show TSS, BOD5 and COD contents being 18.3–35.7 mg/L, 8.3–17.2 mg/L and 12.2–23.7 mg/L, respectively, negatively affect the water environment downstream of Chu river. The results are then compared with measured data to confirm the reliability of the model. This research is a scientific and practical basis for the Muc Son Paper factory to operate the wastewater treatment system and manage the water quality output to ensure environmental regulations.

Development of antifungal edible coating for strawberry using fruit waste

The study was designed to prepare an edible antifungal coating of orange peel essential oil and carnauba wax against Penicillium expansum in strawberry. Orange peel essential oil was extracted using water distillation and was used to develop coating with carnauba wax. Prepared coating was applied to strawberries using different concentrations of orange peel oil (To, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%). The physicochemical, microbial, and sensory analyses were performed during storage. The weight of the strawberries decreased during storage. The firmness and microbial load were increased during storage. An increasing trend was observed for TSS, weight loss, and anthocyanin content. Minimum inhibitory concentration of orange peel oil was 0.35 μL/mL with 96% maximum growth inhibition against P. expansum. The coating materials did not exert negative effect on sensory characteristics. The sensory and keeping qualities were better as compare to the control. Comparatively, better results were observed for coated strawberries with T3 (3%) as best treatment. Practical application Postharvest losses resulted in 40%–50% wastage in globally produced fruits and vegetables. Edible coating is one of the methods that help to reduce spoilage of fresh fruits and vegetables. In this study, orange peel essential peel and carnauba wax have shown the potential to reduce fresh food losses in strawberry. OPEO coating extended the storage life of strawberry, while maintaining quality attributes of the fruits. Using the finding of this study, application of OPEO and carnauba wax edible coating to strawberry stored at ambient conditions can prevent mold growth on strawberry. This edible coating containing natural bioactive compounds can be used as an alternative to synthetic preservatives and can help to avoid cold storage expenses.

Effects of maturity indices and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on shelf life and post-harvest quality of cherry tomato

The present experiment was carried out at the Laboratories of the Department of Horticulture and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from February to April 2019 to study the effect of maturity indices and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the extension of shelf life and quality retention of cherry tomato. The two-factor experiment consisted of three maturity indices viz. (i) Maturity index 1 (M1: Mature green color), (ii) Maturity index 2 (M2: Yellow color), and (iii) Maturity index 3 (M3: Red color) and five postharvest treatments viz. (i) Control (T0), (ii) Low density perforated poly ethylene, LDPPE (T1), (iii) Low density poly ethylene, LDPE (T2), (iv) Low density perforated plastic box, LDPPB (T3), and (v) Low density plastic box, LDPB (T4). The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with 3 replications. The maximum weight loss (7.77%) was recorded in mature green color fruits (M2) treated with control (T0), while the minimum (3.22) was found in yellow color fruits (M2) treated with LDPPB (T3). The maximum color change was observed from yellow color fruits (M2) with LDPPB (T3) and the minimum was observed from mature green color fruits (M1) treated with control (T0). The maximum TSS content (7.20%) was recorded from yellow color fruits (M2) treated with LDPB (T4), while the minimum (5.67%) was found in mature green color fruits (M1) treated with LDPPB (T3). The highest disease incidence and severity (16.67% and 21.67%, respectively) were recorded in red color fruits (M3) treated with control whereas the lowest disease incidence (1.67%) and severity (2.33%) were found in yellow color fruits (M2) treated with LDPPB. The longest shelf life (25.00 days) was obtained in yellow color fruits (M2) treated with LDPPB (T3) and the shortest shelf life (7.00 days) was observed in red color fruits (M3) treated with control (T0). Thus, yellow color fruits (M2) treated with LDPPB (T3) could be used for the extension of shelf life and quality retention of cherry tomato.
 Progressive Agriculture 32 (1): 43-59, 2021

Biocontrol Ability and Mechanism of a Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Strain Bacillus safensis sp. QN1NO-4 Against Strawberry Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum fragariae.

Strawberry is a very popular fruit with a special taste, color, and nutritional value. Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum fragariae severely limits fruit shelf life during post-harvest storage. Use of traditional chemical fungicides leads to serious environment pollution and threatens food safety. Biocontrol is considered as a promising strategy to manage the post-harvest fruit diseases. Here, strain QN1NO-4 isolated from noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit exhibited a high antifungal activity against C. fragariae. Based on its physicochemical profiles and phylogenetic tree of the 16S rRNA sequence, strain QN1NO-4 belonged to the genus Bacillus. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) calculated by comparing two standard strain genomes was below 95–96%, suggesting that the strain might be a novel species of the genus Bacillus and named as Bacillus safensis sp. QN1NO-4. Its extract effectively reduced the incidence of strawberry anthracnose of harvested fruit. Fruit weight and TSS contents were also maintained significantly. The antifungal mechanism assays indicated that the extract of the test antagonist inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination of C. fragariae in vitro. Cells of strain QN1NO-4 demonstrated the cytoplasmic heterogeneity, disappeared organelles, and ruptured ultrastructure. Notably, the strain extract also had a broad-spectrum antifungal activity. Compared with the whole genome of strain QN1NO-4, several functional gene clusters involved in the biosynthesis of active secondary metabolites were observed. Fifteen compounds were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Hence, the fruit endophyte B. safensis sp. QN1NO-4 is a potential bio-agent identified for the management of post-harvest disease of strawberry fruit.

Evaluation of Various Genotypes of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) on Quality Traits under Temperate Conditions of Kashmir

Background: Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crop grown in the world. Identification of better genotypes among the existing germplasm leads to the success of breeding programme. Elite genotypes should be known for our trait of interest. Methods: A field experiment was carried out at Vegetable Experimental Field, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Srinagar during Kharif-2018 in which twenty seven genotypes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were evaluated to estimate the performance of genotypes on various quality traits like lycopene content, titrable acidity, ascorbic acid content, total soluble solids and juice to pulp ratio. Result: Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits under studied. Highest lycopene content was recorded in the genotypes 2015/TODHYB-1, Roma and VRT-19 Whereas highest TSS content was exhibited by Kashi Aman, Roma, Jawahar-99 and Shalimar Hybrid Tomato-1. Highest titrable acidity recorded in Marglobe followed by 2015/TODHYB-4 and Kashi Hemanth. Juice to pulp ratio was highest in the genotypes namely, 2016/TODVAR-5 and Kashi Vishesh. Hence, the best performed genotypes can be used as such in promotion of tomato production programme as elite germplasm lines/varieties or may be recommended for commercial cultivation after testing them over years and locations.

Pollution Levels and Determinants of Water Health In The Citarum River, Muara Gembong Bekasi, West Java

Restoration of water quality needs attention at rivers in Indonesia. Land occupation and land conversion are the main problems that have an impact on the handling of water quality in the Muara Gembong area. The research location in the field administratively is in Muara Gembong District, Bekasi Regency, West Java.Testing the quality of river water in this study was carried out directly in the field using digital measuring instruments including pH (electrometic principle), water temperature (mechanical expansion principle), DO (membrane polarography principle), TDS (electrometric principle), Phosphate (calorimetric principle), Brightness (measurement of distance units) and Salinity (principle of refraction). As for the TSS (gravimetric principle) and BOD (membrane polarographic principle) parameters, the test was carried out in Laboratory at the Secretariat of the Indonesian Biodiversity Conservation Unit (IBCU). The results of the Pollution Index showed that the research location was divided into 3 groups, namely moderate pollution (upstream and Muara Mekar), light pollution (Middle, Muara Bendera, Beting and Muara Bungin) and good condition (Muara Kuntul). The results of PCA analysis with a variance value of 60.458% showed that the location of the study was holistically affected by TSS and phosphate content as the dominant environmental parameters determining environmental conditions.

Evaluation of Garden Pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense L.) Genotypes Under Irrigated and Rainfed Condition under Foothills of Terai Agro-ecological Region of West Bengal

The experiment was carried out to study the performance of garden pea genotypes for growth, yield and quality during rabi season (November to april) of 2017–18 and 2018–19 with the help of split plot design through three number of replications. The results of the study revealed that, early flowering, flowering at early node and days to first harvest was earlier by 2.32, 2.90 and 0.89 days, respectively in rainfed conditions. Yield parameters like individual plant yield, number of pods plant-1, individual pod weight and total fresh yield were significantly reduced by water stress condition. Number of nodules plant-1 (7.93) and nodule dry weight (97.01 g) decreased in rainfed conditions, whereas root length (22.33 cm) was higher in rainfed condition. Considering yield, benefit cost ratio and moisture stress tolerance of garden pea genotypes, TSS content of fresh seeds was higher in rainfed conditions. Quality parameters such as protein content and shelling percentage were higher in irrigated conditions. Ascorbic acid content remained unchanged under both growing conditions. The varieties such as Arka Apoorva, Arka Priya, Goldie and GS-10 may be selected for cultivation under both irrigated and rainfed conditions. On the basis of per se performance and drought tolerant indices Arka Apoorva, Arka Priya and Jindal-10 may be selected as suitable for growing under moisture stress condition in terai agro-ecological condition of West Bengal.

Influence of postharvest UV-C illumination on biochemical properties of green beans

In this study, harvested green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Bourgondia) were subjected to different doses of UV-C illuminations (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 kJ m − 2; low, medium, and high dose, respectively) and stored under modified atmosphere packages (MAP) at 8°C for 25 days. The extension in storage time resulted increase in weight loss, fluctuations in TSS content, and respiration rate. Medium and high doses resulted higher total phenolic contents comparing to control and low dose treatments. No UV-C damage or deterioration was detected during the entire cold storage period, however medium and high doses caused damages to the surface at the beginning 15 days cold storage plus 3 days shelf life (15 d CS plus 3 d SL) period. All doses also resulted in lower respiration rates and higher total sugar content than control. The effects of illumination on reducing sugar and total chlorophyll contents were non-significant. There were no significant effects on antioxidant activity in cold storage, however during shelf-life the high UV-C dose had highest antioxidant activity compared to control and other doses. Low dose had positive effects on the edible quality and maintained the postharvest quality of green beans for 25 days. Our findings showed that low UV-C dose can be recommended commercially to maintain quality of green beans with no surface damage among the UV-C illumination doses tested.

​Process Optimisation and Quality Evaluation of Passion Fruit and Pineapple based Probiotic Drink

Background: The functions of food has extended from satisfying hunger and providing nutrients to the body, health maintenance, well being and prevention of diseases. Probiotics are such functional food and when they are incorporated to locally available foods, it helps to improve the nutritional profile and therapeutic value. Hence, the study entitled “Process optimisation and quality evaluation of passion fruit and pineapple probiotic drink” was undertaken with the objective of standardising probiotic fruit drink with passion fruit and pineapple and also to evaluate the nutritional and organoleptic qualities of these developed passion fruit and pineapple probiotic drinks. Methods: In the present study 5 treatments along with one control with 3 replications were standardized. Passion fruit juice (PFJ) was used as the major ingredient and used in varying proportions starting from 50 to 90 per cent with 10 to 50 per cent of pineapple juice (PJ). The best treatment was selected through sensory evaluation along with control by using a score card with nine point hedonic scale. In the selected treatments optimization for the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus with regard to substrate concentration, time of incubation, temperature of incubation and inoculum concentration were done. The probiotic drinks and their respective controls were then analysed for their nutrient composition like TSS, titratable acidity, energy and ascorbic acid. Result: Among the various treatments, highest scores for organoleptic qualities was observed in treatment having 70 per cent passion fruit juice and 30 per cent pineapple juice (T3) with a mean score of 8.52 for overall acceptability. The selected juice was optimized for the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus and had a viable count of 13.38 log cfu ml-1. The probiotic and non probiotic drinks had TSS content of 12.8 and 13.5° Brix, titratable acidity of 2.28 and 2.03 per cent, energy of 59.32 and 68.96 Kcal and ascorbic acid of 10 and 12.8 mg 100g-1 respectively.

Improving Productivity of “Le-Conte” Pear Trees Grown in New Reclaimed Soils Using Natural Elements Mixture and Algae Extract

This study was carried out at Sedyghazi private orchard located in Abu Ghaleb road at 164 kilometer from Cairo to Alex desert road, Giza, governorate Egypt during two seasons (2019 and 2020) on thirteen - year - old Le-Conte pear trees budded on Pyrus communis rootstock, planted at 3.5 × 4 meters apart grown in sandy soil under drip irrigation system (EC= 3.40 dS m−1). . The experiment was arranged in a spilt plot design, the main plots were represented by four levels of foliar application of Amphora coffeaeformis algae extract (AC1= 0, AC2= 250, AC3= 500 and AC4= 1000 ppm) and the sub plot were split by Natural Elements Mixture included three levels (NEM1= 0, NEM2 = 2.0 and NEM3 =4.0 kg/tree /year). Data revealed that, NEM2 (2.0 kg/tree/year) gave more or less similar values as those of level NEM3 (4.0 kg/tree/year) especially for yield, TSS, TSS/acid ratio, total sugars, N, K, Fe, zn and Mn leaf content. Meanwhile, yield, fruit chemical properties, macro & micronutrients and proline content were significantly increased gradually by increasing algae extract level up to 500 ppm. In the most cases the difference between AC (500 and 1000 ppm) was insignificant. Concerning the interaction, treatments (NEM2x AC3), (NEM2x AC4), (NEM3x AC3) and (NEM3x AC4) gave more stimulating effects on most characters. So, treatments (NEM2x AC3) or (NEM2x AC4) were sufficient for helping to alleviate salinity stress and gave the highest values of yield, fruit quality and nutritional status.

Yield and quality performance of bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.] genotypes in humid tropical lowland of Kerala

The present investigation was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellayani, during 2019-2020 to study the performance of bottle gourd genotypes. Among the genotypes, the BG-3 recorded the lower most node to fruit production (13.7) and highest fruit set per cent (43.4%). BG-2 was earliest to first fruit harvest (57.8 days). IC 371745 recorded longer fruit length (68.8 cm) which was at par with IC 538142 (62.2 cm). Genotype IC417704 recorded maximum fruit diameter and flesh thickness (15.97 cm and 12.56 cm). Genotype IC 331101 recorded the lowest rind thickness (1.69 mm) and IC 536593 recorded the highest fruit weight (2.41 kg). Tvpm Local recorded highest number of fruits per vine (6) followed by Pant Lauki-4 (4.3). The highest fruit yield was recoeded in Tvpm Local (43.98 t ha-1) with crop duration of 129.4 days. The highest TSS and ascorbic acid content were noted in the BG-3 (2.5°B) and IC398545 (12.0 mg 100-1 g), respectively. Based on the mean yield performance of the genotypes and selection index score IC 536593, Tvpm Local and Pant lauki-4 were best performing genotypes.

Efficiency of Lithovit-Guano 25 as affected by foliar spray or fertigation on salt-stressed-tomato crop

The application of small-scale fertilizers is among methods tested to reduce the salinity-caused reductions in crop production. The efficiency of a certain fertilizer was shown to be significantly affected by its application method or place. Therefore, in the current study, Lithovit-Guano25 (Guano) was applied with a concentration of 2 g.L^-1 through two methods of fertigation (ferti) and foliar spraying (foliar) on tomato salt-stressed crop irrigated by four different NaCl solutions (EC 2, 6, 10 and 14 dS.m^-1). Control plants were those irrigated by NaCl solutions with no Guano application. Leaf number, fresh weights of plant parts, yield components, nutrient content, and total chlorophyll content, were reduced with salt stress. Salinity increased total soluble solids, titratable acidity and cell electrolyte leakage. Compared to control, Guano-foliar caused a reduction in soil EC by 0.09, 0.13, 0.2 and 0.22 dS.m^-1 respectively at EC2, EC6, EC10 and EC14. Fresh weights of shoots and roots were optimized mainly in Guano-foliar by 12.5, 10, 4 and 7.5 g compared to control, respectively at EC2, EC6, EC10, and EC14. When comparing methods of application, no significant difference was found between both methods on fruit diameter, fruit TSS, TTA and Mg content. Leaf area and fruit weight in Guano-foliar-treated plants were significantly higher (by 20 cm² and 2.5 g) compared to Guano-ferti-treated plants at EC14. Moreover, fruit number and yield were also maximized following Guano-foliar treatment. Guano-foliar treated plants accumulated less sodium at EC6 (by 0.2 %) and more phosphorus at all ECs (by 0.2 %) than those of Guano-ferti. Additionally, nitrogen, calcium, and total chlorophyll content were maximized in Guano-foliar-treated plants. When compared to fertigation, foliar spraying of guano had a better effect on mitigating salt stress.

Effect of rootstock and environmental factors on fruit quality of Persian lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) grown in tropical regions

International commerce of Persian limes (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) has grown in recent years. Peel color is the most important quality parameter together with juice content and a good balance between TA and TSS. The rootstock's performance determines the characteristics of the fruit in the environmental conditions where it is established. Consequently, to meet the requirements of the Persian lime fruit market, it is important to know the effects of the rootstock, environmental conditions, and its role in the quality of the fruit. To achieve this aim, Persian lime was grafted onto six rootstocks established in three locations with different environmental conditions and fruit quality parameters were evaluated. Results show that the environmental conditions strongly affect the quantity of juice content, as well as TA and TSS, whereas rootstocks influence TSS, and TA. The rootstock's interaction with environmental conditions determined the firmness, and all color parameters evaluated. The study concluded that Persian limes produced under the conditions evaluated led to better fruit quality, fulfilling all the market requirements and desirable traits such as high TSS and TA content and greener fruits.

Integrated nutrient management on quality and yield of strawberry fruits (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Camarosa under shade net conditions

Studies on the influence of Integrated Nutrient Management were undertaken during Rabi season, 2018-19 at College of Horticulture, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh with an objective of examining their influence on quality and yield of Strawberry fruits (Fragaria × ananassaDuch.) cv. Camarosa grown under shade net conditions. The experiment was consisting of 9 treatments replicated thrice comprising of different combinations of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures like FYM, vermicompost and biofertilizers like Arka microbial consortium in randomized block design. Observations were recorded for fruit yield and quality parameters. Among different combinations 75 % RDN + 25% N through Vermicompost + Arka Microbial Consortium registered highest number of fruits plant-1 (24.00), fruit diameter (3.18 cm) , fruit weight (13.40 g), fruit volume(21.24 cm3), fruit yield plant-1 (292.54 g), shelf life (44.10 h), juice recovery percentage (91.10 %) , TSS (11.05 °B), total sugars (7.71%), ascorbic acid (69.20 mg/100 g of pulp) and anthocyanin content (62.30 mg100g-1).

Effect of Ethephon and Packaging Practices On Ripening of Mango cv. Maldah

The present research was conducted on two factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with eight treatments and three replications. A set of experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of postharvest ethephon treatment and packaging on ripening of mango cv. Maldah. The treatments consisted of ripening agent i.e., ethephon and control treatment under different packaging condition i.e., fiber with hole, fiber without hole, plastic with hole and plastic without hole. The result revealed that different packaging condition and ripening agents influenced the ripening behavior of mango. The highest TSS (15.26), sugar-acid ratio (23.66) and juice content (126.05) were recorded with fiber (without hole) and the lowest TSS (12.60), sugar-acid ratio (9.01) and juice content (116.05) with plastic (without hole). The highest TA (1.44) was recorded with plastic (without hole) and the lowest (0.66) with fiber (without hole). Similarly, the highest BT (2.83) was recorded with fiber (with hole) and the lowest (1.66) with plastic (without hole). Firmness, sweetness, TSS and juice content were the highest with the interaction effect of fiber bag (without hole) and ethephon treatment. In conclusion, mango fruits with ethephon treatment packed in fiber bag (without hole) enhances quality and ripening of mango whereas under controlled condition and without hole plastic packaging mangoes had low quality performance in terms of physio-chemical properties. SAARC J. Agric., 19(1): 155-163 (2021)

Evaluation of Germplasm of Pearl Millet (Penissetum glaucum L.) for Agronomic, Physiological and Biochemical Traits under Semi-arid Conditions of Hamelmalo

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of Hamelmalo Agricultural College during summer 2017, to evaluate the agronomic, physiological, and biochemical performance of the collected Eritrean germplasm of pearl millet. A total of 16 accessions were tested, out of which 2 were improved varieties included as a check. The experiment was laid out in 4 x 4 Simple Lattice Design with Randomized Block using 4 replications with a gross plot size of 3.0 m x 1.2 m, row to row spacing of 75 cm and plant to plant spacing of 30 cm. The data collected were Agronomic parameters (growth, development, yield, and yield contributing characters); Physiological parameters (Relative water content and Water Use Efficiency); and Biochemical parameters (crude fat, crude fiber, protein content, TSS, and ash content). The data were analyzed using GENSTAT software and correlation analysis was worked to see the positive and negative contribution of agronomic, physiological, and biochemical attributes. The results of the study showed that Bariyay908 and Kona being statistically at par with Bariyay 910, Hagaz, Zibedi, Shleti, Delkata, Tokroray, and Kunama produced significantly higher grain yield. However, among these Baryay908 because of its superior agronomic characteristics, lower incidence of downy mildew, relatively higher water use efficiency and higher crude protein content were found to be comparatively superior to the check improved varieties Kona and Hagaz. Grain yield has shown a positive and significant correlation with harvest index, number of seeds per panicle, panicle length, leaf area and water use efficiency. These promising accessions need to be further tested for future breeding programs to develop varieties higher in productivity and resistant to downy mildew under semiarid conditions of Eritrea.

Postharvest melatonin treatment inhibited longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) pericarp browning by increasing ROS scavenging ability and protecting cytomembrane integrity.

Postharvest melatonin treatments have been reported to improve the quality and storability, especially to inhibit browning in many fruits, but the effect had not been systematically investigated on longan fruit. In this study, the effect of 0.4 mM melatonin (MLT) dipping on the quality and pericarp browning of longan fruits stored at low temperature was investigated. The MLT treatment did not influence the TSS content of longan fruits but lead to increased lightness and h° value while decreased a* value of pericarp. More importantly, the treatment significantly delayed the increase in electrolyte leakage and malonaldehyde accumulation, inhibited the activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase, and thus retarded pericarp browning. In addition, the treatment significantly inhibited the production of O2 •− and H2O2 while promoted the accumulation of glutathione, flavonoids, and phenolics at earlier storage stages in longan pericarp. Interestingly, the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly upregulated but activities of catalase were downregulated in the MLT‐treated longan pericarp. MLT treatment effectively enhanced APX and SOD activities, increased flavonoid, phenolics, and glutathione content, protected cytomembrane integrity, inhibited the production of O2 •− and H2O2 and browning‐related enzymes, and thus delayed the longan pericarp browning.

English

An investigation was carried out to study the performance of 28 hybrids of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria mol. stand) through diallel mating design excluding reciprocals. Observations were recorded on the traits, viz., number of primary branches per vine, days to 50% flowering, node number at which first female flower appears, days to initiation of first female flower, number of fruits per vine, days to first fruit harvest, fruit weight, fruit size, hundred seed weight, flesh thickness, vine length and fruit yield per vine besides quality traits such as moisture content and TSS content in the fruit. Among the 28 hybrids of bottle gourd studied, thecross ‘PSPL X Pusa Naveen excelled in yield per vine, followed by the crosses ‘DBG-5XPusa Naveen. Thus, first generation hybrids can be well-utilized for exploiting hybrid vigour to achieve improved quality.

English

An investigation was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore during summer-2017 to study the effect ofvaried levels of nitrogen and phosphorus fertigation on cherry tomato under open field and polyhouse conditions. There were 12 treatment combinations comprising of two growing conditions (open field and polyhouse), three levels of nitrogen (120, 150 and 180 kg N ha-1) and two levels of phosphorus (100 and 120 kg P2O5 ha-1) supplied trough fertigation with recommended potassium (150 kg h-1) as constant which were laid out in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Result revealed that plant height (384.39 cm), fresh weight per plant (3.00 kg),nitrogen balance index (48.56), total leaf area per plant (6293 cm2), mean fruit weight (15.84 g), TSS content (6.30 ºB) and shelf life (15.66 days) were significantly higher under polyhouse condition with fertigation level of 180:120 kg N:P2O5 ha-1. However, significantly higher yield per hectare (78.16 t), Shelf life (15.66 days) and higher cost benefit ratio (4.81) were observed under open field condition with fertigation level of 150:120 kg N: P2O5 ha-1. Further, it can be concluded from the study that application of 150:120 kg N: P2O5 ha-1 through fertigation under open field condition is profitable during summer season in the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka.

Ceramic Industry Wastewater Treatment by Chemical Coagulation Process

Ceramic industrial waste contains organic compounds and several heavy metals that exceed the quality standards of ceramic industrial wastewater, therefore the wastewater is treated using the coagulation method. This study uses a coagulant Poly Aluminium Chloride (PAC) with the aim to determine the effect of coagulant mass and stirring time on reducing the content of COD, TSS, lead metal (Pb), and colour. Starting with the waste mixed with PAC has been diluted with a concentration of 1%. Then stirred using a flocculator with a speed of 100 rpm and time (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 minutes) to form floc. Then it is deposited and separated between the filtrate and the solids. Then the filtrate was analysed. With this analysis, it can be seen that the highest reduction efficiency of TSS levels was 99.9% with a coagulant volume of 12.5 ml at 6 minutes. The highest efficiency of COD levels was obtained at 98.23% with a coagulant volume of 15 ml at 6 minutes. The highest efficiency of waste colour reduction was 99.85% with a coagulant volume of 15 ml at 10 minutes and the efficiency of reducing Pb levels was 99.10% with a coagulant volume of 5ml at 2 minutes, all of which were below the quality standard ceramic industry.