Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University (SKLTSHU) is a state agricultural university located at Budwel, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, focusing on horticulture research and education. It was established in 2014 by the Government of Telangana by bifurcating the Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University. The university has two constituent colleges, the College of Horticulture, Mojerla in Mahbubnagar district and the College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar in Hyderabad district.
An experiment was conducted under polyhouse conditions at the College of Horticulture, Mojerla, from December 2022 to March 2023 to evaluate the influence of plant density and plant growth regulators on pot presentability of Zinnia elegans Jacq. The study was laid out in a Factorial Completely Randomized Design with two plant densities (three and four plants per pot) and seven growth regulator treatments with different concentrations of cycocel and paclobutrazol. Results revealed that four plants per pot significantly enhanced the total pot presentability score (87.22) compared to three plants (78.45). Among growth regulators, cycocel @ 1500 ppm recorded the highest total score (89.52), while control showed the lowest (73.70). The interaction treatment of four plants per pot + cycocel @ 1500 ppm (P2R2) produced maximum overall pot presentability (97.30) with superior flowering and plant architecture traits. The findings demonstrate that optimised plant density, combined with appropriate application of growth regulators, can significantly enhance the aesthetic quality, market value and production efficiency of potted zinnia. This approach may improve the profitability and commercial viability of ornamental pot plant production.
The study investigated the response of gamma rays on flower quality, vase life and morphological changes in gladiolus. Five cultivars American Beauty, Dull Queen, Saffron, Candyman and Summer Sunshine were exposed to varying gamma ray doses (0, 15, 25, 35, 45 and 55 Gy) using a ^60Co source in a factorial randomized block design. The results revealed a dose-dependent response, where low to moderate doses (15–35 Gy) enhanced key parameters such as spike length, rachis length, blooming period, vase life and water uptake, whereas higher doses (≥45 Gy) induced physiological inhibition and morphological abnormalities. The 15 Gy dose produced the longest (≈73.95 cm), an extended blooming period and maximum vase life, whereas 55 Gy led to stunted spikes, reduced longevity and increased floral deformities. Varietal variation was evident, with Candyman and Saffron showing superior tolerance and responsiveness to irradiation. Several stable floral mutants were also isolated, including pink and light-pink variants of Candyman and yellowish-green and pale-yellow mutants of Summer Sunshine, confirming the mutagenic potential of gamma rays generating novel ornamental types. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that controlled gamma irradiation, particularly at 15-35 Gy, is an effective tool for inducing useful variability and enhancing the aesthetic and commercial value of gladiolus cultivars.
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a highly polyphagous and invasive lepidopteran pest, was investigated over two cropping seasons Rabi 2021 and pre-Kharif 2022 to study its population dynamics and the influence of prevailing meteorological factors in maize ecosystems. Field observations revealed larval densities ranging from 0.30 to 0.44 larvae/plant, with infestation levels between 23.10 and 33.77%. Natural regulation of the pest was recorded through parasitization by two larval parasitoids, Campoletis chlorideae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and Exorista xanthaspis (Diptera: Tachinidae), along with infection by the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium rileyi. Correlation and regression analyses indicated that fluctuations in pest population were significantly influenced by key weather parameters. The introduction of Napier as a border crop effectively reduced the populations of major pests like FAW, while enhancing the abundance of beneficial predators such as coccinellid beetles and spiders. These findings aid in developing ecologically based pest management strategies for maize ecosystems.
By 2050, feeding nearly 10 billion people will require sustainable agricultural innovations amid rising threats from climate-induced insect outbreaks, floods, and droughts. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam), a climate-resilient and nutrient-dense crop, offers promising potential in addressing both food security and public health. It is particularly rich in bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins, polyphenols, and β-carotene, which exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. Anthocyanins demonstrate potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, while polyphenolic compounds are known to inhibit oxidative damage, modulate inflammatory pathways, and offer neuroprotective and anti-cancer benefits. β-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, plays a crucial role in enhancing vision, immunity, and skin health, and also contributes to reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and diabetes. Current review highlights significant phytochemical variability among sweet potato genotypes rich in anthocyanins, phenolics and β-carotene. This review highlights the botanical, nutritional, and pharmacological value of sweet potatoes, emphasizing their antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. With potential in functional foods and therapeutics, sweet potato is a key crop for boosting nutrition, sustainability, and disease prevention globally.
Leaf hoppers (Idioscopus spp.) are the most destructive pests of mango trees in India. They have traditionally been managed through the application of systemic insecticides. The present study investigated the potential of a native isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae as a biocontrol agent against mango hoppers, with the objective of developing a sustainable bio-pesticide formulation. The study focused on isolating, characterizing, and evaluating the effectiveness of an M. anisopliae strain (MaIIHR), collected from mango hopper cadavers. The entomopathogen was identified as M. anisopliae through morphological characterization and molecular amplification of the ITS, β‑tubulin, and elongation factor gene regions using specific primers (GenBank accession: MG561860.1 for ITS, PV575972 for β‑tubulin, and PV741071 for elongation factor). A mass production protocol for M. anisopliae was standardized and an oil-based formulation was developed. Laboratory bioassays demonstrated the high efficacy of MaIIHR against both nymphs and adults of mango hoppers, achieving 100
