Papers by Journal of Applied Horticulture
Journal of Applied Horticulture, 2024
An experiment was conducted from April 2020 to July 2021 to assess the effects of foliar applicat... more An experiment was conducted from April 2020 to July 2021 to assess the effects of foliar applications of NPK (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 g/L) alongside two concentrations of GA₃ and BA (150 and 250 ppm) on the vegetative growth and chemical composition of Ficus benjamina L. under greenhouse conditions. Results indicated that applying GA₃ or BA with NPK at 1 g/L significantly increased plant height, with GA₃ showing a greater effect on stem diameter than BA. BA promoted branching, and both BA and GA₃ at 250 ppm enhanced root length and the fresh and dry weights of leaves, stems and roots. The lognest roots were observed with NPK at 2 g/L, while NPK at 1 g/L resulted in the heaviest fresh root weight. The maximum content of carbohydrate and nitrogen was obtained with 0.5 g/L NPK and there was relatively greater accumulation of potassium in plant treated with 1 g/L NPK. The GA3 was more effective than BA in increasing nitrogen and phosphorus content in plants. BA and GA₃ increased chlorophyll-a and-b, with the combination of BA (150 ppm) and NPK (1 g/L) yielding the highest chlorophyll-b levels. The highest carotenoid content was achieved with NPK at 2 g/L combined with either GA₃ or BA. Treatment with BA at 150 ppm enhanced the chlorophyll a/b ratio, while GA₃ at 250 ppm more effectively increased the total chlorophyll-to-carotenoid ratio. These findings suggest that foliar application of NPK at 1 g/L, combined with either BA or GA₃ (250 ppm), optimizes vegetative growth and enhances the chemical composition of F. benjamina L. under greenhouse conditions, promoting both growth quality and vigour.
Fifteen di erent grape varieties were evaluated for raisin making and raisin quality. The highest... more Fifteen di erent grape varieties were evaluated for raisin making and raisin quality. The highest raisin recovery was observed in Clone 2A as compared to other varieties in this study. Amongst the di erent varieties, TSS ranged from 22.30 °B in AH-2-8 to Manjari Kishmish and Clone 2A with 23.60 °B TSS. The highest reducing sugar content in fresh berries and raisins was recorded in Rieber variety. The highest protein content in fresh berries and raisin was recorded in Sundekhani and Merbein Seeded. However, the highest phenol concentration was found in Manjari Kishmish and Convert Large Black. The maximum carbohydrate was higher in Red Muscat and Athens. The variety Clone 2A was found better for higher raisin recovery and can be a potential variety in grape growing regions for raisin purposes.
Fifteen coloured grape varieties were evaluated for bunch and raisin parameters. Highest bunch we... more Fifteen coloured grape varieties were evaluated for bunch and raisin parameters. Highest bunch weight (226.8 g) was noted in E-5/20 AES x BC, while Muscat Hamburg had the maximum no of berry/bunch (95.7). H-25/11 had a maximum 50 berry weight (174.6 g), and the highest carbohydrate content (395.7 mg/g). Black Champa, had the highest TSS (25.4°B), maximum raisins recovery (25.0 %), highest phenol (4.3 mg/g), tannin (5.4 mg/g) and Omania Black had the maximum amount of anthocyanin (1363.3mg/g) content. Maximum reducing sugar was found in raisins made from E-5/12 AES x BC (142.4 g/mg), while minimum reducing sugar was recorded in raisins from Rizamet (97.6 mg/g). The highest protein content in raisins was recorded in Foster Seedlings (47.3 mg/g). Based on sensory evaluation, accession Foster Seedlings and Red Muscat performed better than others. Among the accessions studied, Black Champa, Foster Seedlings and Red Muscat performed better in subtropical climates for raisin making.
This study shows the e ect of harvesting stage and storage on the changes in weight, volume, dime... more This study shows the e ect of harvesting stage and storage on the changes in weight, volume, dimensions, peel rmness, beta carotene, and color values for Dashehari and 'Banganapalli' cultivars. The percentage weight loss and volume loss increased with the storage period and harvesting stage and the maximum decrease was reported in the late harvested fruits of both cultivars. The color parameters (L, a, b) also increased with an increase in the storage period and harvesting stage. The size and sphericity of mangoes decreased due to shrinkage and water loss during the storage period. The maximum reduction in size and sphericity was observed in fruits harvested at the early stage. The fruit diameter, sphericity and overall acceptability were recorded maximum in the mid-stage harvested 'Dashehari' mangoes. The peel rmness of the fruits decreased during the storage and was observed maximum in early harvested fruits. The amount of β-carotene content was reported highest during storage in the late harvested 'Dashehari' mangoes. These speci c parameters could predict the ideal harvesting and storage time for mangoes.
This study explores the use of polypropylene (PP) bags as an innovative alternative to traditiona... more This study explores the use of polypropylene (PP) bags as an innovative alternative to traditional pro-trays in the hardening process of tissue-cultured banana plants. The goal was to reduce the high mortality rates typically seen during acclimatization and improve the growth parameters such as plant height, leaf number, shoot girth, leaf area, root development, and overall biomass. The study compared the performance of banana plants toughened in polypropylene (PP) bags versus pro-trays during primary acclimatization. The results revealed that PP bags signi cantly lowered mortality rates from 5-8% to 2-3%, resulting in improved plant survival. The better results are attributable to the innate nature of PP bags to maintain high humidity and micro-environmental conditions, which reduces energy inputs and improves plant acclimatization. In addition to increasing plant life and growth, PP bags were shown to be more coste ective and environment friendly. About 26.47% of overall cost savings were obtained using poly bags. Their exibility, endurance, lower shipping cost, and one-step acclimatization make it the material of choice. Overall, this study shows that polypropylene bags are a realistic and preferable option for hardening tissue-cultured banana plants, with considerable advantages in terms of e ciency, cost, and environmental e ect. This method has the potential to boost banana production on an industrial scale and might be applied to other tissue-cultured crops as it reduces transportation costs. Further research could look into the scalability and wider applicability of this technique across multiple crops and production environments.
The 'Colt' is a triploid hybrid of Prunus avium and P. pseudocerasus grown as a cherry rootstock ... more The 'Colt' is a triploid hybrid of Prunus avium and P. pseudocerasus grown as a cherry rootstock because of its resistance to cherry stem pitting (a debilitating virus disease), Phytophthora root rot, bacterial canker and gopher damage. The current study was carried out using two types of explants: forced (F1) and unforced (F2) shoots tips. Five types of sterilants were used to sterilize explants: 10% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 10 minutes (S1), 0.1% mercuric chloride (HgCl2) for 5 minutes (S2), ethyl alcohol for 10 seconds (S3), (S1) + (S3) and (S2) + (S3). During culture establishment, six growth regulator regimes viz., BA (benzyl adenine) (0.20), (0.40) and (0.60) and BA+IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) (0.20+0.01), (0.40+0.01), and (0.60+0.01) mg/L, two media i.e., MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) and WPM (Woody Plant Medium) were utilized. During shoot proliferation, MS & WPM culture medium with growth regulators viz., BA (0.20), (0.40) and (0.60), BA+IBA (0.20+0.01), (0.40+0.01) and (0.60+0.01) mg/L were used, respectively. During rhizogenesis in di erent media (MS & WPM), various levels of IBA (0.50, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00 mg/L) were used. The superior rooted plants were hardened in sand & cocopeat, respectively. In this experiment, maximum culture asepsis (%) obtained in unforced shoot tips(F2) with (S5), maximum explant survival (%) in forced shoot tips (F1) with (S4), and highest establishment (%) with MS medium, BA (0.6) mg/L & in forced shoot tips (F1). Signi cantly higher shoot proliferation is obtained with MS medium with BA (0.6) mg/L, maximum shoot number & length in WPM medium with BA (0.2) mg/L. A signi cantly higher rooting percentage was obtained in an MS medium with IBA (1.00) mg/L and maximum ex vitro survival (%) in cocopeat.
The 'Colt' is a triploid hybrid of Prunus avium and P. pseudocerasus grown as a cherry rootstock ... more The 'Colt' is a triploid hybrid of Prunus avium and P. pseudocerasus grown as a cherry rootstock because of its resistance to cherry stem pitting (a debilitating virus disease), Phytophthora root rot, bacterial canker and gopher damage. The current study was carried out using two types of explants: forced (F1) and unforced (F2) shoots tips. Five types of sterilants were used to sterilize explants: 10% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 10 minutes (S1), 0.1% mercuric chloride (HgCl2) for 5 minutes (S2), ethyl alcohol for 10 seconds (S3), (S1) + ( ) and ( ) + (S3). During culture establishment, six growth regulator regimes viz., BA (benzyl adenine) (0.20), (0.40) and (0.60) and BA+IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) (0.20+0.01), (0.40+0.01), and (0.60+0.01) mg/L, two media i.e., MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) and WPM (Woody Plant Medium) were utilized. During shoot proliferation, MS & WPM culture medium with growth regulators viz., BA (0.20), (0.40) and (0.60), BA+IBA (0.20+0.01), (0.40+0.01) and (0.60+0.01) mg/L were used, respectively. During rhizogenesis in di erent media (MS & WPM), various levels of IBA (0.50, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00 mg/L) were used. The superior rooted plants were hardened in sand & cocopeat, respectively. In this experiment, maximum culture asepsis (%) obtained in unforced shoot tips(F2) with (S5), maximum explant survival (%) in forced shoot tips (F1) with (S4), and highest establishment (%) with MS medium, BA (0.6) mg/L & in forced shoot tips (F1). Signi cantly higher shoot proliferation is obtained with MS medium with BA (0.6) mg/L, maximum shoot number & length in WPM medium with BA (0.2) mg/L. A signi cantly higher rooting percentage was obtained in an MS medium with IBA (1.00) mg/L and maximum ex vitro survival (%) in cocopeat.
Comparative efficacy of priming treatments and storage periods in overcoming seed dormancy in round gourd (Praecitrullus fistulosus (Stocks) Pangalo), 2025
Owing to its hard seed coat, the seeds of Praecitrullus fistulosus exhibit dormancy which impairs... more Owing to its hard seed coat, the seeds of Praecitrullus fistulosus exhibit dormancy which impairs the germinability and subsequent seed establishment. To overcome this dormancy, the seeds are required to be stored for a minimum of 45 days after harvest (DAH). In north Indian plains, round gourd seeds are harvested in mid-June and are required to be sown immediately in June-July. Therefore, priming treatments were employed to overcome seed dormancy in a short interval. To assess the effect of various priming treatments in overcoming dormancy, the seeds were stored at room temperature for various durations and at the end of the storage period, the seeds were primed by soaking in solutions of GA3 (150 µgmL-1 , 500 µgmL-1 ,1000 µgmL-1 gibberellic acid), cytokinin (150 µgmL-1 , 500 µgmL-1 ,1000 µgmL-1 kinetin), ethylene (150, 500, 1000 ethrel), KNO3 (150 and 500 µgmL-1), HNO3 (150 and 500 µlL-1) and water, at 25 0 C for 12 hours and 24 hours, respectively. Among all the priming treatments, 500 µgmL-1 KNO3 for 24 h enhanced percentage germination to more than 60 per cent in freshly harvested seeds to more than 80 per cent in seeds stored for 15 DAH. It also enhanced the length of seedling, vigour index (SVI-I and SVI-II), and coefÏcient of rate of germination (CRG) with a reduction in the mean days taken for germination (MDG).
Stem-end rot caused by Diplodia natalensis is one of the significant postharvest diseases causing... more Stem-end rot caused by Diplodia natalensis is one of the significant postharvest diseases causing setbacks in the mango industry. Essential oil shows excellent potential as an alternative method in controlling postharvest diseases, which are considered safe and biodegradable with no residual effect. Hence, the study was conducted to determine the antifungal activity of Citronella essential oil against Diplodia natalensis (Pole Evans), to identify the effective concentration of Citronella essential oil to control D. natalensis In vitro and to evaluate the potential of Citronella oil as treatment against stem-end rot disease of mango fruit. Results showed that Citronella oil at 30%-80% concentration exhibits fungistatic activity. At the same time, Citronella at 90% concentration showed fungicidal activity, which was most effective, showing complete inhibition of mycelial growth in the In vitro experiment. Furthermore, a significant reduction in fruit decay and percent fruit decay was noted with the 90% concentration of Citronella essential oil compared with the control in the In vivo experiment. However, no significant differences were observed between treatments regarding the length of exposure at 90% concentration of the essential oil. These results suggest that Citronella essential oil can potentially control stem-end rot in mango.
Stem-end rot caused by Diplodia natalensis is one of the significant postharvest diseases causing... more Stem-end rot caused by Diplodia natalensis is one of the significant postharvest diseases causing setbacks in the mango industry. Essential oil shows excellent potential as an alternative method in controlling postharvest diseases, which are considered safe and biodegradable with no residual effect. Hence, the study was conducted to determine the antifungal activity of Citronella essential oil against Diplodia natalensis (Pole Evans), to identify the effective concentration of Citronella essential oil to control D. natalensis In vitro and to evaluate the potential of Citronella oil as treatment against stem-end rot disease of mango fruit. Results showed that Citronella oil at 30% -80% concentration exhibits fungistatic activity. At the same time, Citronella at 90% concentration showed fungicidal activity, which was most effective, showing complete inhibition of mycelial growth in the In vitro experiment. Furthermore, a significant reduction in fruit decay and percent fruit decay was noted with the 90% concentration of Citronella essential oil compared with the control in the In vivo experiment. However, no significant differences were observed between treatments regarding the length of exposure at 90% concentration of the essential oil. These results suggest that Citronella essential oil can potentially control stem-end rot in mango.
Stem-end rot caused by Diplodia natalensis is one of the significant postharvest diseases causing... more Stem-end rot caused by Diplodia natalensis is one of the significant postharvest diseases causing setbacks in the mango industry. Essential oil shows excellent potential as an alternative method in controlling postharvest diseases, which are considered safe and biodegradable with no residual effect. Hence, the study was conducted to determine the antifungal activity of Citronella essential oil against Diplodia natalensis (Pole Evans), to identify the effective concentration of Citronella essential oil to control D. natalensis In vitro and to evaluate the potential of Citronella oil as treatment against stem-end rot disease of mango fruit. Results showed that Citronella oil at 30% -80% concentration exhibits fungistatic activity. At the same time, Citronella at 90% concentration showed fungicidal activity, which was most effective, showing complete inhibition of mycelial growth in the In vitro experiment. Furthermore, a significant reduction in fruit decay and percent fruit decay was noted with the 90% concentration of Citronella essential oil compared with the control in the In vivo experiment. However, no significant differences were observed between treatments regarding the length of exposure at 90% concentration of the essential oil. These results suggest that Citronella essential oil can potentially control stem-end rot in mango.
Journal of Applied Horticulture, Jun 15, 2002
An investigation was carried out to find out the time of fruit bud differentiation (FBD) in certa... more An investigation was carried out to find out the time of fruit bud differentiation (FBD) in certain south Indian mango cvs. Neelam, Baneshan, Bangalora, AU-Rumani, Neeleshan and Neeluddin under Tirupati conditions. Five stages of differentiation were observed distinctly in buds during the process of FBD. In general, the time of FBD in the varieties studied was third week of September and completed by third week of November. The total carbohydrate fraction (%) and C/N ratio increased as FBD progressed and C/N ratio reached maximum at peak FBD. Whereas total nitrogen fraction (%) remained at the lowest level at the time of FBD.
Inflorescence and nut characters of some coconut cultivars and hybrids grown in West Bengal
Journal of Applied Horticulture, 2002
Inflorescence, nut characters and productivity of seven cultivars and three hybrids of coconut gr... more Inflorescence, nut characters and productivity of seven cultivars and three hybrids of coconut grown in West Bengal were investigated. Most of the cultivars and hybrids exhibited distinct variations in their yield, inflorescence, and nut characters. D x T, T x D and WCT performed relatively good with respect to nut production per annum. While considering the yield influencing variables, viz., number of spikelets with female flowers, number of spikelets per spadix and number of nuts per spadix, cv. Local Tall was most prominent followed by D x T and MDY x WCT. Largest fruit with highest water content was produced by cv. Local Tall, closely followed by S.S. Green and Andaman Ordinary. However, cv. Andaman Ordinary and S.S. Green were poor yielder under this agro-climatic condition.
Effect of forcing at different times on bud burst, flowering and fruit development of low-chill peach cultivar ‘Premier’
Journal of Applied Horticulture, 2007
Response of low-chill peach cultivar 'Premier' to early forcing culture was studi... more Response of low-chill peach cultivar 'Premier' to early forcing culture was studied. Three-year-old trees were forced in a glasshouse from 15 November, 1 and 15 December and 1 and 15 January. Symptoms of insuf cient chilling were detected when forcing was started from 15 November and 1 December. Bud break was delayed and sporadic. The ower and leaf buds forced from 15 December and 1 and 15 January rapidly burst within 15 days after the onset of the treatments. The nal burst rate exceeded 70%. Generally, owering started 10-15 days after ower bud burst. The size of the owers from the trees forced from 15 November and 15 January was smaller than that recorded at other forcing times. Earliest harvest started under forcing from 15 December and 1 January. These results suggested that by using this low-chill cultivar, forcing could be initiated from mid-December, more than one month earlier than for high-chill cultivars, with complete dormancy release, in this region.
Journal of Applied Horticulture, 2014
The present study was conducted to standardize the pruning technique in recently released grape h... more The present study was conducted to standardize the pruning technique in recently released grape hybrid H-516 for processing purpose. The grapevines trained on bower system of training were pruned at 2, 3, 4 and 5-bud level during last week of January. The maximum per cent fruitful buds were recorded at 2-bud level followed by 3, 4 and 5-bud pruning level. The signifi cantly higher number of bunches per fruitful bud (2.23 at 4 th node) were observed in pruning done at 4-bud level. The yield per vine was highest (15.2 kg yield per vine) in pruning treatments where 4-buds were retained. Bunch weight and size did not differ signifi cantly with various pruning levels. Anthocyanin (52.24 mg/100g) and total soluble solids content (18.13%) was maximum whereas, acid content (0.53%) was minimum with 4-bud pruning treatment. Present study suggested that in grape hybrid H-516, at the time of pruning, 4-buds per cane should be retained for better yield and improved fruit quality.
Performance of bitter gourd raised through transplanting of polyhouse-grown seedlings and direct seeding on different dates
Journal of Applied Horticulture
The investigation was carried out to compare the performance of transplanting of polyhouse grown ... more The investigation was carried out to compare the performance of transplanting of polyhouse grown seedlings of bittergourd with direct seeding done on 5 common dates i.e., January 15, 29, February 12, 26 and March 12. The seeds directly sown in the field on January 15 and 29 failed to germinate due to prevailing low temperature. Among all the dates of transplanting/direct seeding, January 29 transplanting proved to be superior for many characters viz., diameter of main shoots (1.74 cm), position of first pistillate flower (6.78), number of female flowers/plant upto 15th node (5.00), male/ female sex ratio (15.38), number (75.00) and weight of fruits/plant (3825 g), average per fruit weight (48.97 g) and yield per hectare (340 q/ha). transplanting of seedlings on respective dates, the seeds were sown in polyethylene bags (1/2 kg capacity) 5 weeks in advance in a low cost polyhouse. Polyethylene bags were filled with a mixture of FYM and soil treated with 0.2% Thiram + 0.1 % Bavistin @ 2 g/ kg of potting mixture. Prior to sowing, the seeds were soaked in water for 24 hours. Three seeds were sown in each bag, which were covered with straw mulch till the start of germination. One day prior to transplanting seedlings were kept outside the polyhouse so that the plants could get hardened. The transplanting was done in hills made on the slope of ridges at the spacing of 150 x 75 cm. A basal dose of FYM @ 1/2 kg along with 8 g urea, 14.5 diammonium phosphate and 11.5 g muriate of potash was applied in each hill. Later 8 g urea was top dressed in each hill twice at monthly interval. For direct seeding also, the seeds were first soaked in water for 24 hours and then sowing was done @ 4 seeds in each hill made on the slope of ridges at the same spacing. Later on, one healthy plant per hill was maintained in both transplanting and direct seeding methods. All the cultural operations were similar in all the treatments. Data were recorded on growth, sex expression, maturity, yield and its attributes.
Journal of Applied Horticulture, 2001
Various combinations of spent biogas plant silage, DAP, super phosphate, FYM, spent compost and g... more Various combinations of spent biogas plant silage, DAP, super phosphate, FYM, spent compost and garden soil were evaluated as casing soil for mushroom cultivation. Among the various combinations tried, a mixture of spent biogas silage (50%) + FYM (25%) +spent compost (25%)+ DAP (1%) + super phosphate (1%) was found superior. It not only resulted best productivity and reduced the cropping schedule and induced better quality solid mushrooms with hard texture and could be kept for about 6 days more without opening or softening.
Direct multiple shoot induction from aerial stem of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rose.)
Journal of Applied Horticulture, 2004
... from aerial stem of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rose.) AK Lincy, AB Remashree1 and B. Sasikum... more ... from aerial stem of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rose.) AK Lincy, AB Remashree1 and B. Sasikumar* Division of ... by various workers (Hosoki and Sagawa, 1977; Nadgauda et al, 1980; Pillai and Kumar, 1982: Sato ... root Initials from aerial stem of ginger (as per the LS and CS of the ...
Effect of polyethylene on the behaviour and yield of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa)
Journal of Applied Horticulture, 2000
The use of polyethylene in commercial cultivation of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) can p... more The use of polyethylene in commercial cultivation of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) can play a pivotal role in minimising winter injury and plant mortality and increasing productivity. Covering the strawberry beds with low clear plastic tunnels induced one month early cropping, prevented bed erosion and increased total yields by 20 per cent. The black polyethylene mulched beds did not require any weeding. During summers (in hills) the polyethylene sheets of the tunnels were replaced by plastic anti-hail nets or anti-bird nets which resulted in advanced harvest, increased yield and improved fruit quality.
Nutrient content changes in strawberry plant parts at different development stages
Journal of Applied Horticulture, 2009
The objective of the investigation was to study the effect of different development stages on dis... more The objective of the investigation was to study the effect of different development stages on distribution of mineral nutrients in the growing leaves, roots, petioles and fruits. Strawberry plants were grown in a greenhouse in perlite medium and fertigated with Hoagland solution. Mineral nutrient concentration was determined at three development stages viz., fl owering, fruiting and the end of fruiting. Also nutrient concentration was determined in different organs at fruiting stage. Our results show that nutrient uptake was variable at different development stages. Leaf and petiole were the main sinks for Ca at fruiting stage and also for Mg and K in petioles, Fe in root, Mn in leaf. Results indicated that plant have different uptake pattern at various development stages. Results on the element uptake by different organs at various development stage is indicative of their relative requirement at different stages.
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Papers by Journal of Applied Horticulture