Fruit Weight Research Articles

Quantifying the Impact of Nitrogen Concentration Variations on Quality Characteristics of Soilless Cultivated Cherry Tomato

Within the domain of macronutrients, nitrogen has garnered significant recognition as a pivotal element due to its profound influence on both the vegetative growth and quality attributes of a crop. An abundance of scientific research has consistently demonstrated that attaining optimal productivity necessitates the meticulous management of soil moisture availability, complemented by the timely provision of nitrogen during critical growth stage intervals. The study aimed to optimize the nitrogen concentration in a hydroponic solution by testing a range of concentrations. The objective was to systematically examine the effects of different nitrogen levels and determine the optimal concentration for the desired outcomes. The assessment was carried out in a meticulously controlled greenhouse environment from October 2019 to April 2021, with the primary objective of systematically investigating the impact on quality characteristics specific to the rosa variety of cherry tomato. To investigate the effects of different nitrogen concentrations, four distinct levels of 4 mM, 6 mM, 8 mM, and 10 mM per litre of nutrient solution were employed. The nitrogen source consisted of a combination of NO3- and NH4+, with a ratio of 40:60, respectively. The nutrient solution with an 8 mM nitrogen concentration exhibited a significantly augmented effect on increasing the equatorial and polar diameter of fruits, average fruit weight, pericarp thickness, as well as the accumulation of total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, lycopene, β-carotene, and total soluble solids (TSS) content. These findings demonstrate the pronounced and positive influence of the 8 mM nitrogen concentration on the aforementioned quality characteristics.

Effect of Rhizobacteria Application on Nutrient Content, Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, Color Properties and Fruit Characteristics of Strawberry Cultivars

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of single and combined applications of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) bacteria on plant nutrition, biochemical content and fruit characteristics in Albion and Monterey strawberry cultivars. Bacillus subtilis OSU-142, Bacillus megaterium M3 and Paenibacillus polymyx were the PGPR used in the experiment. For each bacterial treatment, 10 mL of a 108 CFU mL−1 suspension was applied to the soil where Albion and Monterey cultivars were grown. PGPR bacteria were applied as single treatments and a mixture of equal amounts of these three bacterial species was applied as a mixed treatment. This study was carried out with a total of four different bacterial treatments and one control group. The highest fruit weight was obtained in the Monterey cultivar with 12.67 g in the Mix treatment and in the Albion cultivar with 11.79 g in the Bacillus megaterium M3 treatment. Regarding biochemical properties, Paenibacillus polymyxa was effective in influencing nutrient element content in fruits, while Bacillus subtilis OSU-142, Paenibacillus polymyxa and Bacillus megaterium M3 applications were more effective in leaf nutrient element content. It has been observed that the Mix treatment resulting from the combined use of bacteria, rather than their separate use, has a greater impact on fruit weight. Consequently, it has been understood that PGPR bacteria are potentially effective in improving the agronomic, pomological, and biochemical characteristics of strawberry cultivars and can be used in studies and breeding programs aimed at increasing strawberry yield and quality.

Vegetative growth, flowering pattern and yield of mango (Mangifera indica L.) as affected by exogenous application of paclobutrazol and KNO3

Studied the response of different flowering regulatory agro-chemicals had a significantly positive impact on vegetative growth, flowering pattern and yield attributes of mango, during 2015-16 and 2016-17. Paclobutrazol is associated with a shorter internodal length and the highest flowering intensity. The study was laid out with 7 treatments in randomized block design and replicated thrice were applied on north Indian mango cultivars "Dashehari" and "Kesar" under the Banswara condition of Rajasthan. The results revealed that most of the flowering parameters were better performed with paclobutrazol @ 3.0 ml m-2 soil drench application mid-September (number of flowers/10 tagged panicle, per cent hermaphrodite flowers, per cent fruit set, least length and width of panicle) and foliar application of potassium nitrate 25 g l -1 observed maximum height and width of panicle, fruit weight, yield kg tree-1, yield t/ha.

Effect of different levels of micronutrients on vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality of Mango (Mangifera indica L.)

An experiment was carried out to ascertain the impact of foliar application of certain micro-nutrients on fruit yield and quality of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars "Dashehari" and "Langra" at Agriculture Research Station, Banswara, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan, during the year 2016-17 on seventeen years old mango trees. The experiment was laid out in One way ANOVA (Randomized Block Design) with eight treatments in thrice replications for combinations with different micronutrients Zinc sulphate, Copper sulphate, Borax, boric acid and IIHR-2 mango special were applied on mango cultivars "Dashehari" and "Langra" at different growth stages. All were fertilized with a recommended dose of NPK (1500:500:1000 g as N, P2O5 and K2O). The spraying was done twice; during mid-October, mid-December, and mid-February before the flowering stage and again in mid-March at the marble stage during both years of study. Foliar sprays, in general, improved fruit yield. Yields were exceptionally higher in response to foliar application of Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and boron (B) compared to other treatments. Result proved that foliar application of mango trees with [(RDF + Zinc sulphate (100 g) + Copper sulphate (50 g) + Boric acid (50 g) as soil + Zinc sulphate (0.2%) + Copper sulphate (0.1%) + Boric acid (0.1%) as foliar (Two sprays before flowering and marble stage)] was the promising treatment for improvement of vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality. This treatment was also found best for maximum total carotenoids, average fruit weight as well as fruit yield.

Productivity and amarketable gualities of apple tree fruits of the Golden Delicious variety on low growing rootstocks depending on pruning

One of the main agrotechnical activities carried out in the garden is tree pruning. When studying the variety-double combinations of apple trees in certain environmental conditions, it is necessary to take into account the strength of growth, the density of fouling, the type of branching, the structure of fruit formations, which depends on the varietal characteristics and technologies of growing plantations.The author presents the results of studying the parameters of the influence of the degree of pruning of Golden Delicious apple trees grafted on low-growing rootstocks SK-7 and M-9, depending on the rootstock, on growth processes, productivity and marketable qualities of apple fruits. The reaction of plantings to pruning was determined depending on the biological characteristics of the variety and on the degree of branch removal and their orientation. With an increase in the intensity of pruning, the leaf surface area per fruit on the rootstock SK-7 was 180–750 cm², on the rootstock M-9 — 172–619 cm², respectively. The yield of apple trees from one tree on the rootstock SK-7 was 13.2 kg with a minimum shape, 11.4 kg with an average, 10.5 kg with a maximum, and 11.4 kg, 9.5 kg and 7.7 kg on the rootstock M-9, respectively. The average weight of fruits grafted on the rootstock SK-7 increased by 1.9 times, and on the rootstock M-9 — by 1.3 times.It was noted that the life cycles of trees on the low-growing dwarf rootstock SK-7 were 10–12% higher than on the rootstock M-9.

Comparison of Fruit Quality Characteristics of Çakıldak, Palaz and Tombul Hazelnut (Corylus colurna L.) Varieties Grown at Different Altitudes of Ordu Province

The hazelnut, which is known to be among the homelands of Anatolia, has been grown in our country for centuries. Hazelnut cultivation in Turkey dates back to ancient times. In the province of Ordu, the hazelnut varieties Çakıldak, Palaz and Tombul are mainly cultivated but other varieties are also grown. This study was carried out between 2022-2023 to determine the effects of altitude and location difference on the fruit characteristics of hazelnut varieties Çakıldak, Palaz and Tombul grown in Fatsa (300 m), İkizce (590 m) and Kumru (400 m) districts of Ordu province. In the study, the lowest average values for nut and kernel fruit weight, nut and shell thickness and kernel size were obtained from trees at 400 m altitude, while the highest values were obtained from trees at 590 m altitude. According to the results, the altitude had a different effect on the weight of the nuts and kernels depending on the variety. While the weight of nuts and kernels increased with increasing altitude in Çakıldak and Palaz varieties, these values decreased in Tombul variety. As a result some fruit quality characteristics of hazelnut varieties grown at different altitudes in Ordu province were found to be different.

Unveiling the genetic variability, character association and principal component analysis for yield and yield contributing traits in brinjal (Solanum melongena) genotypes

The experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons of 2023 and 2024 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to assess 45 brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes for growth and yield related parameters. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The result showed high genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) values for plant height, number of primary branches/plant, length of fruit and weight of fruit and yield/plant. Whereas, the traits such as days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, fruit girth, fruit borer infestation and number of fruits/ plant exhibited medium GCV and PCV values. The registered high heritability values ranged from 94.29–99.49% and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean ranged from 19.25–70.25%. Correlation analysis on number of fruits/ plant showed positive and significant association with fruit yield/plant. Principal component analysis showed four principal components with eigen values of unity and accounted for 75.81% of total variance.

Brinjal (Solanum melongena) rootstocks improve photosynthetic rate, fruit yield and quality parameters in grafted tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

The experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to study the improvement in yield and quality parameters in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivar using brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) rootstock. Three improved cultivars of tomatoes i.e. Kashi Aman, Kashi Adarsh and Kashi Chayan were grafted over three brinjal rootstocks, IC-111056, IC- 354557, and Surya. Experimental findings revealed that brinjal rootstocks significantly affected photosynthetic traits, root architectures, fruit yields and quality traits of tomatoes. Maximum photosynthetic rate (23.8 µmol/m2/s) and stomatal conductance (492.74 mmol/m2/s) were recorded in Kashi Chayan grafted over Surya rootstock, whereas chlorophyll fluorescence yields (Fv/Fm) was significantly higher in Kashi Aman self-rooted plants (0.452–0.457). Grafting tomato onto brinjal rootstocks significantly enhanced most of the yield traits, such as fruit number, weight, size and yields. Surya + Kashi Chayan graft combination registered an enhancement in number of fruits and yields by 8.65% and 8.4%, respectively over self-rooted Kashi Chayan. Significantly higher root volumes were noticed in two graft combinations i.e. IC-354557 + Kashi Aman (28.53 cm2) and Surya + Kashi Chayan (27.98 cm2), while 63% and 44.5% higher root length density (RLD) were registered in graft combinations IC-354557 + Kashi Chayan and Surya + Kashi Chayan, respectively over self-rooted Kashi Chayan. Fruit quality such as lycopene and ascorbic acid contents were significantly affected in different rootstocks and scions, whereas fruit acidity was unaffected. From the present study it may be conclude that use of brinjal rootstock Surya significantly improved most of the physiological, yield, root architecture and fruit quality in Kashi Chayan tomato cultivars.

The effects of synthetic fertilizer and whey protein concentrate application on pepper plant’s (Capsicum annuum L.) yield and growth

One of the strategies devised to address the nutritional difficulties caused by the world’s increasing population is to boost productivity per unit area to expose plant potential. Because of the negative impacts of synthetic fertilizers on nature, it is critical to design environmentally friendly plant nutrition models. One of these is proteins that are obtained naturally. A study was conducted to study and compare the effects of synthetic fertilizer and whey protein concentrate on the growth and yield of pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Mazamort)-. The experimental factors were synthetic fertilizer (SF) and whey protein concentrate (WPC). The plants treated with 5.0 and 7.5 g of WPC had the maximum plant height, widest crown length, number of branches per plant, stem diameter, leaf chlorophyll content, and leaf fresh weight. Leaf turgid weight, average number of leaves, leaf dry weight, plant total height, and crown length were all highest in plants treated with 5.0 g/application of WPC. Plants treated with 2.5 g/application WPC had the biggest leaf area. The 2.5 g/application WPC-treated plants had the highest average fruit weight and fruit number, indicating that this application had the earliest flowering time. The highest fruit diameter and fruit length were obtained from the control group. While 5.0 g/application WPC-treated plants had the highest flower bud count, fruit number, and fastest fruit ripening time, 7.5 g/application WPC-treated plants had the highest fertilized flower count. Fruit maturation was earlier in WPC-treated plants compared to SF-treated ones; while 2.5 g/application SF and 7.5 g/application WPC-treated plants had the earliest fruiting time.

Vegetative traits, floral biology, and mutualistic interactions in the tropical mountain shrub Ribes ciliatum (Grossulariaceae)

Plant species in tropical mountain ecosystems experience significant environmental variation across short spatial distances. These systems offer an opportunity to assess geographic variation in plant traits in relation to biotic and abiotic environments. We examined plant vegetative and reproductive traits in the shrub R. ciliatum across two native conifer forests in central Mexico. We measured plant height, number of branches, leaf size, flower production, floral morphology, floral longevity, and plant reproductive success in R. ciliatum populations found in fir forests (3100 m) and Hartweg's pine forests (subalpine habitat, 3700 m). We also quantified the level of pollinator dependence, pollinator visitation rates, and fruit consumption rates by frugivorous birds in both populations. Plants were shorter and had smaller leaves in the subalpine forest than in the fir forest. Floral longevity decreased in the subalpine forest, but flower production, flower size, and fruit weight remained similar across populations. Fruit set and pollinator visitation rates were higher in the subalpine forest; however, seed weight and fruit consumption rates did not differ between sites. Hummingbirds and bumblebees were the primary pollinators of R. ciliatum, and the bird Ptiliogonys cinereus was the most important fruit consumer at both sites. Fruit set was entirely dependent on pollinators. Reduced plant size in the subalpine forest coincides with a general pattern associated with high mountain environments. In contrast, reproductive characters had a closer relationship to the pollination environment. The absence of variation in flower size and shape was consistent with the similarity in the composition of the pollinator community. Meanwhile, compared to lower-elevation forests, the subalpine forest exhibited shorter-lived flowers and increased fruit set, associated with higher pollinator visitation rates. Ribes ciliatum is a key resource for pollinators and frugivores at a time of year when few other floral resources are available in these high-elevation mountain forests.

Genetic diversity study of bacterial wilt-tolerant bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) genotypes using cluster and principal component analysis

The present study was carried out during summer and rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at the research farm of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh to study the genetic diversity among 43 bacterial wilt tolerant genotypes of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt), focusing on 12 quantitative and 3 qualitative traits along with disease resistance. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Following hierarchical cluster analysis, the 43 unique genotypes were categorized into 5 separate clusters. Cluster I consisted of maximum number of genotypes (39), followed by clusters II, III, IV and V, each having only one genotype. The greatest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and V (3090.70), while the smallest distance was noted between cluster II and III (1299.21). Cluster I displayed the greatest intra-cluster distance (803.75), while clusters II, III, IV and V showed the lowest distances (0.00). The primary contributors to genetic divergence were found to be capsanthin content (23.4%), followed by ascorbic acid (21.4%), fruit length (12.5%), plant survival (11.1%) and marketable fruit yield/plant (10.9%). Principal component analysis indicated that the initial six principal components, each possessing an eigen value surpassing one, jointly accounted for 70.62% of the total observed variability. PCA biplot revealed that, the traits namely, marketable fruits/plant, average fruit weight, harvest duration and plant height were the major yield contributing traits. The results underscored the importance of genetic characterization and the selection of diverse genotypes for hybridization, facilitating the development of improved bell pepper cultivars with enhanced productivity and quality.

A Dominance Hypothesis Argument for Historical Genetic Gains and the Fixation of Heterosis in Octoploid Strawberry.

Heterosis was the catalyst for the domestication of cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), an interspecific hybrid species that originated in the 1700s. The hybrid origin was discovered because the phenotypes of spontaneous hybrids transgressed those of their parent species. The transgressions included fruit yield increases and other genetic gains in the twentieth century that sparked the global expansion of strawberry production. The importance of heterosis to the agricultural success of the hybrid species, however, has remained a mystery. Here we show that heterosis has disappeared (become fixed) among improved hybrids within a population (the California population) that has been under long-term selection for increased fruit yield, weight, and firmness. We found that the highest yielding hybrids are among the most highly inbred (59-79%), which seems counterintuitive for a highly heterozygous, outbreeder carrying heavy genetic loads. Although faint remnants of heterosis were discovered, the between-parent allele frequency differences and dispersed favorable dominant alleles necessary for heterosis have decreased nearly genome-wide within the California population. Conversely, heterosis was prevalent and significant among wide hybrids, especially for fruit count, a significant driver of genetic gains for fruit yield. We attributed the disappearance (fixation) of heterosis within the California population to increased homozygosity of favorable dominant alleles and inbreeding associated with selection, random genetic drift, and selective sweeps. Despite historical inbreeding, the highest yielding hybrids reported to-date are estimated to be heterozygous for 20,370-44,280 of 97,000-108,000 genes in the octoploid genome, the equivalent of an entire diploid genome or more.

RESPONSE OF TWO MUSKMELON HYBRID TO SEAWEED AND LICORICE ROOT EXTRACT FOLIAR FERTILIZERS

A field experiment was conducted at Malta Dohuk government research farm in Dohuk province to investigate the impact of licorice root extract at three concentrations (0, 8, and 16 g.L-1) and Maxi Grow at three concentrations (0, 5, and 10 ml.L-1) on two muskmelon hybrids (ES 3111 F1 and ES 335 F1). Both hybrids received foliar sprays, and their combined effects on the growth and yield of the hybrids were examined. The experiment adhered to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results demonstrated that the influence of the muskmelon hybrids on growth and yield was not significant, except for Total Soluble Solids (TSS), which was higher in the hybrid ES 3111 F1 compared to ES 335 F1. In contrast, Maxi Grow at (10) ml.L-1 exhibited significant positive effects on all studied traits compared to the control group. Similarly, foliar application of licorice root extract at 16 g.L-1 significantly enhanced vegetative growth parameters (number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, with no effect on chlorophyll content), as well as stem diameter and yield-related traits such as the number and weight of fruits per plant. Notably, the combined interaction of licorice root extract at 16 g.L-1 and Maxi Grow at 10 ml.L-1 had the most favorable impact on the studied characters, particularly when applied to the ES 335 F1 hybrid. The results suggest that the use of licorice root extract and Maxi Grow is recommended for the organic production of the ES 335 F1 hybrid.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Cv. MAHY 701 under Agroclimatic Conditions of Bhubaneswar

Exogenous application of plant growth regulators play a vital role on effectively enhancing plant growth along with crop output. In order to determine the effect of plant growth regulators and the ideal concentration of GA₃ and NAA for improved tomato growth and yield (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. MAHY-701 under Bhubaneswar condition, a field experiment was conducted in Rabi 2022 at Agricultural Research Station, Binjhagiri, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha "O" Anusandhan (Deemed to be) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha using plant growth regulators, namely GA₃ and NAA. The experimental design was randomized block design, which consisted of three replications and seven treatments. When compared to the control treatment, all growth, yield, and quality parameters were shown to be significantly better at various concentrations of GA₃ (30, 60, and 90 ppm) and NAA (25, 50, and 75 ppm). The findings of the investigation reinforce the claim that, as compared to the control, tomato growth and yield were considerably affected by both GA₃ and NAA. The results categorically demonstrated that the treatment where the plant was sprayed with GA₃ @ 90 ppm had the highest total soluble solids (4.33°Brix), acidity (0.42%), and shelf life (18.73), as well as the highest number of fruits per plant (42.90), fruit length (6.40cm), fruit diameter (6.80cm), weight of fruit (118.80g), yield per plot (31.70kg), yield per ha. (423.50qt), and other quality attributes. In conclusion, farmers may be suggested to apply GA₃ at 90 ppm and NAA at 50 ppm when raising tomatoes in Bhubaneswar Agroclimatic environments for MAHY-701.

Improving fruit set and quality of Daisy mandarin through foliar application of nutrients

Daisy mandarin is a widely cultivated citrus species valued for its nutritional qualities and organoleptic properties, favored for both fresh consumption and processing. Optimal growth and fruit production is depend upon the availability of essential nutrients. However, soils of the central zones of Punjab are deficient in potassium which hinders the quality and production and their deficiency impairs physiological and biochemical processes, reducing fruit set, yield and quality. Potassium and calcium are vital for metabolic functions and cell wall integrity. A deficiency in any of these nutrients can results in smaller fruits, lower fruit retention and diminished organoleptic and nutritional qualities, such as reduced antioxidants content. So that, a research was conducted to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, calcium nitrate and boric acid along with paddy straw mulching on Daisy mandarin during the years 2021–22. The pooled data of this research showed that potassium nitrate (2%), is the best treatment with maximum fruit set (14.37%) and retention (72.35%) in Daisy mandarin. Additionally, the average fruit weight (207.50 g), number of fruits (162), fruit yield (33.79 kg/tree), fruit length (6.25 cm) and breadth (6.73 cm) also enhanced. Furthermore, potassium nitrate (2%) application increased the antioxidant activity (39.43%), phenolic content (230.00 mg kg−1 FW) and flavonoid content (3.69 mg RE g−1 FW). The findings suggest that application of potassium nitrate presents a promising strategy for enhancing fruit set, yield and quality of Daisy mandarin, providing valuable insights for improved cultivation practices.

Impact of bulky manures and fermented liquid formulations in enhancing the quality parameters of sweet pepper

Indigenous fermented liquid formulations (Panchagavya, Jeevamrut and Amritpani) are rich sources of beneficial microflora and fauna, vitamins, minerals and growth-promoting hormones. Small and marginal farmers of North-West Himalayan region popularly grow sweet pepper as commercial crop. Poultry manure and vermicompost are two cheap nutrient sources, popular among these growers. So, inorder to investigate the combined effect of these organic inputs, two-year field experiment with seven treatments and three replications; with randomized block design; comprised of 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40 per cent recommended dose of nutrients (RDN) which was applied through vermicompost and poultry manure along with Panchagavya (5%), Jeevamrut (5%), Amritpani (5%) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria which was isolated from experimental location, applied to all treatments, except T1; was carried out to study the response of these inputs on quality parameters of sweet pepper. Results revealed that treatment T2 that comprised of 90% RDN including Panchagavya, Jeevamrut, Amritpani and PGPR led to noticeably improvement in growth and quality parameters viz. chlorophyll-a (0.52 mg g−1), chlorophyll-b (0.73 mg g−1), ascorbic acid (29.47 mg 100 g−1), protein content (28.90%), capsaicin content (0.23 mg g−1), number of primary branches (8.20), average fruit weight (62 g), fruit yield (290.58 quintals ha−1), number of flowers per plant (24.97), leaf area index (4.73) and shelf life (6.03 days). Hence, it is concluded that the combined use of these inputs has the potential to enhance growth and quality characteristics of sweet pepper in achieving sustainable crop productivity.

Evaluation of Yield and Quality Characteristics of Some Drying Red Pepper Lines in Antakya Conditions

This study aimed to evaluate the yield and quality performance of 12 S4-generation genotypes and 4 registered pepper varieties, developed through selection from the Kahramanmaraş pepper population by the East Mediterranean Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute, under the conditions of Antakya. The plant materials used were the genotypes 83, 331, 368, 373, 361, 378, 439, 449, 454, 472, 521, and 69, along with the varieties Sena, Dila, Bozok, and Yesemek. The results revealed that the highest fresh yield was obtained from genotype 83 with 1106 g plant-1, while the highest dry yield was recorded in genotype 472 with 270 g plant-1. The genotype 361 stood out with a total soluble solid content (SSC) of 13.30%, and the highest drying efficiency was observed in genotype 454 at 32.5%. In terms of fruit number, genotype 439 had the highest value with 127.33 fruits plant-1, while genotype 472 showed the highest fruit weight of 10.60 g fruit-1 and genotype 449 had the longest fruit length at 7.82 cm. The highest seed count was observed in genotype 378 with 347 seeds fruit-1, while Dila had the largest fruit width at 23.65 mm. According to the capsaicinoid (pungency) analysis, genotype 472 exhibited the highest pungency level with 147,483 scoville heat units (SHU), highlighting it as a notable quality trait. Furthermore, the lowest fruit flesh thickness was recorded in genotype 378 with 0.75 mm, and the highest 1000-seed weight was observed in genotype 373 with 6.50 g. Overall, considering the key criteria for dried pepper production, particularly dry yield and pungency, genotype 472 demonstrated superior performance due to its high dry yield and pungency levels. These findings suggest that the Antakya region is well-suited for the cultivation of high-yielding and high-quality pepper lines. Additionally, these genotypes hold significant potential for commercial production.

Combining ability and gene action analysis in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

The present research was conducted in Okra to study combining ability and gene action in a set of 28 F1s developed by crossing seven lines and four testers. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications and observations were recorded on 12 traits viz. days to 50% flowering, days to first picking, number of internodes, number of branches plant-1, fruit length at maturity and harvest, number of fruits plant-1, number of seeds fruit-1, seed index, fruit weight, yield per plant and plant height. The results revealed that two lines viz., VRO-4 and Sel-2 were excellent general combiners for most of the traits in both positive and negative direction as per desirable traits. Cross VRO-6 x Varsha Uphar recorded highly significant SCA effects for eight traits and GAO-5 x GJO-3 for yield trait. Variance due to GCA was less than SCA, and the GCA/SCA ratio was less than unity indicating preponderance of non-additive gene action for all the traits. This suggested the feasibility of exploitation of heterosis. Keywords: Gene action, Fruit yield, Okra, GCA and SCA

Response of Chitosan Salicylic Acid Nanoformulations on Growth, Yield and Quality Attributes of Strawberry cv. Winter Dawn

A field experiment was conducted during 2022-23 at horticulture farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. In this experiment, data showed that growth, yield and quality attributes of strawberry were significantly enhanced by Chitosan salicylic acid nanofromulation (CS-SA NF) @ 800-1200 ppm as compare to salicylic acid (SA) @ 100-300 ppm, bulk chitosan (BCH) @ 100-1200 ppm. According to the data the maximum values of growth attributes viz. plant height (25.92 cm), number of branches (11.84) and yield attributes viz. number of fruits per plant (28.68), fruit weight (20.02 g), yield per plant (659.65 g), estimated yield per hectare (366.47 qt.) and quality attributes viz. TSS (7.54 oBrix), ascorbic acid (62.91 mg/100g) and total sugar (7.30 %) were found maximum in CS-SA NF 800 ppm.

Elucidation of gene action and estimation of combining ability effects for fruit yield attributes and biochemical traits in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract The present investigation was undertaken in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) to estimate combining ability and gene action following a half diallel mating design using ten parents. The ratio of genetic variance components, σ2gca/σ2sca and σ2D/σ2A, showed dominant gene action, indicating the presence of non-additive genetic variance for days to 50% flowering, fruit yield per plant, total phenol, antioxidant activity and total soluble sugar. The traits fruits per plant, fruit girth, and fruit weight showed additive genetic variance. Among the parental genotypes, AB 15-08, ABSR 2 and AB 20-13 were found to be good general combiners for fruit yield, fruits per plant, and total soluble solids. The three highest-ranking hybrids were AB 15-08 × AB 20-13, AB 15-08 × AB 20-03 and AB 20-07 × GP BRJ 224. The above hybrids would be rewarding for harnessing heterosis. Keywords: Diallel cross, brinjal, combining ability, fruit yield, antioxidant activity