Department of Horticulture

Predominant constraints for successful thrive of Heliconia the trendiest cut flower of tropics are the shortage of apposite genotypes and growth medium under Bengal circumstance. In this backdrop, a field experiment was conducted being employed Heliconia psittacorum × spathocircinata cv. ‘Golden torch’, Heliconia psittacorum var. ‘Choconiana’, Heliconia psittacorum var. ‘Lady di’, Heliconia rostrata, Heliconia humilis, Heliconia stricta var. ‘Dwarf Jamaican Red’, Heliconia wagneriana, Heliconia stricta and Heliconia metallica in Agricultural Experimental Farm of University of Calcutta at Baruipur, West Bengal during 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 using six varied growth media viz. top soil (control), river sand, top soil + river sand (1:1), top soil + dry cow-dung-manure (1:1), top soil + vermicompost(1:1) and river sand+vermicompost(1:1). Finest outcomes for all parameters considered obtained by top soil+vermicompost(1:1) and top soil+river sand+vermicompost(1:1) irrespective of species a...

Floriculture has become a promising industry in modern urbanization acquiring even larger space day by day. The decorative value of flowers lead to their use of vase decoration, bouquets, arrangement for gift, as well as decoration of home, parks, gardens, work places, etc. However, due to the perishable nature of the flowers their vase-life is too short. Often it becomes cumbersome for the urban people to take proper care due to shrinkage of time. Consequent upon this, dehydrated flowers and foliages have established potentiality as a substitute for fresh flowers and foliages for interior decoration along with other artistic and commercial purposes. The main characteristics of dry flowers include novelty, longevity, aesthetics, flexibility and year round availability. Different drying techniques can be adopted, but main aim should be the production of quality materials in respect of shape, color, texture and freshness. In the present investigation flowers like Chrysanthemum morifilium 'Korean Yellow', sunflower (Helianthus annus 'Daisy') and Coreopsis tinctoria 'Roulette' were subjected to drying condition viz. room temperature (25-30°C), hot air oven (45-50°C) and microwave oven (180°C). Desiccants comprising of sand, sawdust, silica gel, sand-boric acid (1:1) and sawdust-boric acid (1:1) were evaluated. Methods utilized in the present experimental set up were air drying, press drying and embedding. Overall 17 treatment combinations were evaluated. Optimum duration for each of the treatments were worked out and standardized. In Chrysanthemum morifilium 'Korean Yellow', early effective drying was observed with silica gel embedded method of drying for 45 s in microwave oven condition and was observed to be superior in terms of retention of color, form and texture. In sunflower (Helianthus annus 'Daisy'), dry flowers casting brightness for color and intact firm petals yielded from silica gel embedded method under room temperature condition for five days. In the flower of Coreopsis tinctoria 'Roulette', optimum drying was observed when the flowers lost 68-69% moisture when embedded in silica gel under hot air oven condition for 9 h, however, silica gel-microwave oven treatment exhibited better quality of dried flowers. Overall, it may be inferred that silica gel embedded drying technique under microwave condition after optimization of time period for drying of the said flower may yield better results over others.

Aesthetic attributes and easy-to-grow nature of tropical cut flowers (TCFs) have contributedto their potential for increased production. The dearth of information regarding agronomic practices and lack of planting materials are the key hindrances against their fast expansion. Unconventional high-temperature storage requirements and the anatomy of the peduncle contribute topoor vase life performance, while troublesome packaging and transport due to unusual size and structureprimarily cause post-harvest quality deterioration. Nonetheless, the exotic floral structuresconsequently increase market demand, particularly in temperate countries. This boosts studies aimed at overcoming post-harvest hindrances. While a few TCFs (Anthurium, Strelitzia, Alpinia, and a few orchids) are under the spotlight, many others remain behind the veil. Heliconia, an emerging specialty TCF (False Bird-of-Paradise, family Heliconiaceae), is one of them. The structural uniquenessand dazzling hues of Heliconia ...

Floriculture has become a promising industry in modern urbanization acquiring even larger space day by day. The decorative value of flowers lead to their use of vase decoration, bouquets, arrangement for gift, as well as decoration of home, parks, gardens, work places, etc. However, due to the perishable nature of the flowers their vase-life is too short. Often it becomes cumbersome for the urban people to take proper care due to shrinkage of time. Consequent upon this, dehydrated flowers and foliages have established potentiality as a substitute for fresh flowers and foliages for interior decoration along with other artistic and commercial purposes. The main characteristics of dry flowers include novelty, longevity, aesthetics, flexibility and year round availability. Different drying techniques can be adopted, but main aim should be the production of quality materials in respect of shape, color, texture and freshness. In the present investigation flowers like Chrysanthemum morifilium 'Korean Yellow', sunflower (Helianthus annus 'Daisy') and Coreopsis tinctoria 'Roulette' were subjected to drying condition viz. room temperature (25-30°C), hot air oven (45-50°C) and microwave oven (180°C). Desiccants comprising of sand, sawdust, silica gel, sand-boric acid (1:1) and sawdust-boric acid (1:1) were evaluated. Methods utilized in the present experimental set up were air drying, press drying and embedding. Overall 17 treatment combinations were evaluated. Optimum duration for each of the treatments were worked out and standardized. In Chrysanthemum morifilium 'Korean Yellow', early effective drying was observed with silica gel embedded method of drying for 45 s in microwave oven condition and was observed to be superior in terms of retention of color, form and texture. In sunflower (Helianthus annus 'Daisy'), dry flowers casting brightness for color and intact firm petals yielded from silica gel embedded method under room temperature condition for five days. In the flower of Coreopsis tinctoria 'Roulette', optimum drying was observed when the flowers lost 68-69% moisture when embedded in silica gel under hot air oven condition for 9 h, however, silica gel-microwave oven treatment exhibited better quality of dried flowers. Overall, it may be inferred that silica gel embedded drying technique under microwave condition after optimization of time period for drying of the said flower may yield better results over others.

Exploration on genetic variability and diversity of Heliconia genotypes amongst yield and floral biology traits were executed being intended to investigate the prime floral parameters quite potential to enact vital role in breeding and also inflorescence productivity per annum. The study revealed noteworthy dissimilitude in flowering behavior of different varieties under West Bengal condition. Here, 'Golden Torch', a hybrid cultivar merely showcased perpetual flowering whereas other are considerably seasonal. Highest genotypic and phenotypic variabilities were observed for anthocyanin content. Likewise, PCV of 61.43% for duration of male phase and GCV of 58.34% for number of flowers/inflorescence were apparent as second highest. Here, characters days from first to last flower opening, days from emergence to male and female phase and duration of male and female phase recorded high heritability coupled with high genetic advance manifests possibility of genetic improvement through selection. Duration of male and female phase duo showed significant positive phenotypic and genotypic correlation with days from first to last flower opening and days from bud emergence to full unfurling of bracts. Furthermore, inflorescence productivity year -1 was found to be positively correlated with inflorescence length and number of open bracts at genotypic and phenotypic levels both.

The effect of chitosan coating on postharvest quality of guava cv. Allahabad Safeda fruits stored at room temperature, 12° and 8°C was investigated. The fruits were either treated with chitosan (1 and 2%), acetic acid 1% or untreated and various quality attributes were studied at the end of storage period. Among the different treatments and temperatures, the chitosan 1% treated fruits stored at 12°C had shown higher firmness, TSS, titratable acidity and maintained greenness with a slow increase in yellow colour by the end of storage life. Also, the total antioxidant capacity, total phenols and total flavonoids of these fruits were well maintained by the time they are full ripe. Chitosan 1% and storage temperature of 12°C can be used for extending the storage life of guava upto 21 days with least deterioration in postharvest quality.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) varieties, viz Amrapali and Pusa Surya were subjected to X-ray imaging for detection of jelly seed disorder. Fruits of each variety were subjected to X-rays with different combinations of voltage, current and time in a trial and error manner to obtain X-ray image. It was found that X-ray source of 48 kV, 6.5 mA, with an exposure time of 320 mA gave the best contrast images of jelly seed internal disorder. X-ray images were stored and further processed with MATLAB. Fruits which were used for X-ray imaging were also compared destructively for jelly seed disorder incidence. After comparison, it was found that both destructive and non-destructive (X-ray) images, as well as processed images, were similar. Hence, it can be concluded that X-ray imaging can be an useful method for detecting jelly seed disorder in mango.