The present experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of foliar application of calcium nitrate and potassium sulphate on growth, yield, and fruit quality of guava cv. L-49, during 2022 to 2023, in randomized block design with ten treatments viz., T1 (absolute control), T2 [Ca(NO3)2 2%], T3 [Ca(NO3)2 4%], T4 [Ca(NO3)2 6%], T5 [K2SO4 2%], T6 [K2SO4 4%], T7 [K2SO4 6%], T8 [Ca(NO3)2 2% + K2SO4 2%], T9 [Ca(NO3)2 4% + K2SO4 4%] and T10 [Ca(NO3)2 6% + K2SO4 6%]. Results revealed that T9-Ca (NO3)2 (4%) + K2SO4 (4%) significantly enhanced all measured parameters. T9 [Ca(NO3)2 4% + K2SO4 4%] exhibited earliest flower bud initiation (24.83 days), flowering (24.17 days) and highest flower count per shoot (20.55). The highest fruit set (8.83 fruits/shoot), lowest fruit drop (2.17 fruits/shoot) and maximum fruit retention (6.33 fruits/shoot) were also recorded under T9. In terms of physical attributes, fruit weight (148.14 g), length (4.58 cm), width (4.14 cm) and volume (163.20 cm³) were significantly improved. Yield per plant (45.29 kg) and per hectare (11.87 t) were highest in T9. Biochemical quality parameters were significantly enhaced under T9 such as total soluble solids (9.93%), ascorbic acid (235.96 mg/100 g) and total sugars (9.64%) with the lowest acidity (0.28%) and longest shelf-life (13.38 days). These findings highlight the substantial benefits of Ca (NO3)2 and K2SO4 in improving guava productivity and quality, with T9 emerging as the most effective treatment.
An experiment was carried out to ascertain the effects of soil pH regulants on growth, flowering and color intensification of hydrangea cut flower under naturally ventilated polyhouse during 2022 to 2024, with seven treatments (g/m2) viz., aluminium sulphate (60, 90 and 120) and lime (200, 250 and 300) replicated thrice in randomized block design. Results revealed that lime (300 g/m2) exhibited maximum plant height (66.62 cm), plant spread (north-south) (65.65 cm), leaf length (22.98 cm), number of leaves (34.62), head diameter (29.49 cm) and stalk length (69.99 cm). Besides, maximum vase life (27.49 days), true blue colour (RHS colour: Purple violet group N82, strong purple A) and highest B:C ratio (4.08) was recorded with aluminium sulphate (120 g/m2). Hence, treatment lime (300 g/m2) is proved best for better growth, flowering and quality attributes, however, aluminium sulphate (120 g/m2) was found best for colour intensification of hydrangea.
The composition of pigments in mango peel and pulp is an important quality determinant due to their role in consumer attraction and nutrition of the fruit. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the coloring parameters of F1 progenies of Alphonso×Vanraj cross combination. The study revealed that compared with the female parent Alphonso (17.11 mg/100 g), the male parent Vanraj showed significantly higher peel total anthocyanin content (29.74 mg/100 g). In contrast, the peel carotenoid content of Alphonso was twice as that of Vanraj. The total anthocyanin and carotenoid contents in the peel of the progenies ranged from 6.01-29.74 mg/100g FW and 5.04-45.08 mg/100 g FW, respectively. Peel had significantly higher carotenoids compared to the pulp. Correlation studies revealed the associations between color coordinates and pigments. h° (hue angle) was strongly positively correlated with chlorophyll and carotenoids of the peel and negatively correlated with peel anthocyanins. Thus, hue angle can be used as a non-destructive method to predict the pigments of mango peel. Principal component analysis revealed clusters within the progenies on the basis of the observed pigments and color coordinates. This study elucidates the associations between of color coordinates and pigments in the peel and pulp of mango highlighting the indirect selection of progeny.
Mango is highly susceptible to anthracnose, a major postharvest disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. This study investigated the biochemical mechanisms underlying resistance in two contrasting cultivars, ‘Prior’ (moderately resistant) and ‘Kensington’ (susceptible), following inoculation with Colletotrichum asianum. ‘Prior’ exhibited significantly smaller lesion sizes compared to ‘Kensington’, indicating reduced disease severity. Higher activities of chitinase and -1, 3 glucanase were observed in ‘Prior’, suggesting their critical role in degrading fungal cell walls and conferring resistance. In contrast, elevated polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase were observed in ‘Kensington’, potentially reflecting a weaker or delayed defense response. No significant differences were noted in phenylalanine ammonia lyase and superoxide dismutase activities between the cultivars. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant temporal effects for most enzymes, with genotype×time interactions for chitinase and -1,3-glucanase. Correlation analysis showed co-regulation of these enzymes (r=0.70) and a negative association with PPO (r = -0.85). Principal component analysis (72.90% variance) clearly separated the two cultivars and reflected distinct temporal defense patterns. These findings demonstrate genotype-specific, timedependent regulation of hydrolytic and oxidative defenses, providing a basis for breeding anthracnose-resistant mango cultivars.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton), a monotypic genus in the family Zingiberaceae, is a significant spice crop cultivated primarily in India. In addition to improved varieties developed from research organizations, several farmer identified varieties originating from the Southern Western Ghats are widely grown. In this study, nine farmer’s varieties of cardamom along with a check variety were evaluated during 2020 to 2023 to assess their suitability for the region. Principal component analysis revealed that three principal components accounted for 78.17% of the overall variance. Key traits contributing to genetic diversity included essential oil content, plant height, panicle length, dry recovery, seed weight percentage, 100-seed weight, and 100-capsule weight. A two-dimensional GGE biplot, generated using the first two principal components, explained 85.92% and 11.14% of the genotype-environment interaction (GEI) for yield. Among the genotypes, Panikulangara Green Bold No. 1 emerged as the ideal variety with high yield potential. Multivariate analysis grouped the varieties into three categories: stable with high yield, less stable with high yield, and highly stable with low yield.
The genetic enhancement of tuberose is hindered by limited genetic variability, self-incompatibility and seed sterility in double type tuberose; therefore, an attempt was made to harness the potential of induced mutations, using both physical (gamma rays 1.0 to 3.5 kR) and chemical (colchicine 0.01 to 0.11%) mutagens to diversify the genetic makeup of double type tuberose var. BRH 19. Results revealed that minimum days to 50% sprouting was recorded with colchicine (0.11%), whereas, least days to first flower opening, maximum survival percentage and number of florets open at a time were noted in control. Maximum plant height and spike longevity were recorded with colchicine (0.07%), while, number of leaves per clump noted maximum with colchicine (0.05%). Maximum leaf area, spike length, rachis length, length of floret, floret diameter, number of spikes per clump, number of bulbs per clump and weight of bulbs per clump were recorded with 3.5 kR gamma rays. Bulbs irradiated with 1.00 kR recorded maximum number of florets per spike, however, maximum number of bulblets and weight of bulblets/clump were found maximum with colchicine (0.01%).
This study utilized a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) approach to identify the optimal harvest stage and post-harvest ripening treatments for pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) to maximize seed yield and quality. Twelve treatments as a combination of three harvesting stages (25, 35, and 45 days’ post-pollination) and four post-harvest ripening durations (0, 10, 20, and 30 days) were analyzed in a randomized block design. Data were collected on seven seed yield traits i.e. total seed weight, number of filled and empty seeds, 100-seed weight, total seeds per fruit, seed yield per plant, and seed yield per plot. Principal component analysis (PCA) addressed multi-collinearity among traits by reducing dimensionality and identifying key contributors to variability. MANOVA revealed significant effects of treatments on the traits with treatment 12 (fruit harvested at 45 days after pollination and stored for 30 days) ranked as the most effective based on PCA-derived composite scores integrating all traits. This integrated statistical analysis highlights the potential to optimize agricultural practices for improved seed yield and quality in pumpkin cultivation.
The study on the survival of the spider mite, Tetranychus puschelii Meyer on selected seven host plants viz., papaya (Carica papaya L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), cucumber (Cucumis maderaspatanus L.), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench), brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), jasmine (Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton) and dahlia at seven different constant temperatures (16±1º, 20±1º, 24±1º, 28±1º, 32±1º, 36±1º and 40ºC) and the developmental biology on two selected hosts at five different constant temperatures (20±1º, 24±1º, 28±1º, 32±1º and 36±1ºC), were carried out. On cucumber and papaya, the per cent egg hatching and larval survivability was 100%, whereas, the survivability was 99.18% & 96.96% in protonymph and 100% & 92.18% in the deutonymphal stages, respectively. Cucumber (99.18%) and papaya (84.09%) recorded more than 80% mite survival from egg to adult stages. So, these two hosts were further used to study the survival of the mites at five different constant temperatures. The optimal growth of T. puschelii on cucumber was at the temperature range of 20±1º to 32±1ºC, while, on papaya the optimal development of T. puschelii was between 24±1º to 32±1ºC. The results of the developmental biology on cucumber and papaya showed that the time taken by T. puschelii from egg to adult decreased as the temperature increased from 20ºC to 32ºC and development was found to be nil at 36ºC as it was extremely higher temperature compared to other temperature conditions.
A survey conducted during 2022 to 2024 in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh recorded cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) incidence in banana crops ranging from 16.81% to 25.40%. Molecular analysis identified the isolates as CMV serogroup IB, showing >98% sequence similarity with Indian isolates. CMV caused an estimated 28% yield loss. Infected plants showed delayed flowering and poor bunch development, and only 3.48% of infected plants produced marketable bunches. Nutrient management with 125% recommended fertilizer dose (RDF) and micronutrient supplementation improved bunch weight of infected plants from 9.87 to 12.8 kg and increased bunch production, although yield remained significantly lower than healthy plants. This is the first report estimating economic loss caused by CMV in banana. The findings emphasize the need for effective disease management strategies to reduce CMV losses in banana cultivation.
Endophytic bacteria associated with papaya seeds play an important role in nutrient mobilization and plant growth promotion. In the present study, endophytic bacteria isolated from seeds of wild papaya relatives (Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis, V. cauliflora, and V. goudotiana) and cultivated papaya varieties (Arka Prabhath and Arka Surya) were characterized for their morphological, biochemical, and plant growthpromoting traits. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed diverse taxonomic affiliations among the isolates. Functional characterization demonstrated considerable variability in nutrient solubilization, enzymatic activities, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production. Isolates EAP14 and EVCa21 exhibited strong phosphate, potassium, and zinc solubilization abilities, while EVCu15 uniquely showed both cellulase and protease activities. High IAA production was observed in EVG8 and EVCu15, whereas several other isolates displayed moderate to high auxin-producing potential. Antibiotic sensitivity assays revealed diverse resistance patterns among the isolates. Overall, EAP14, EVCa21, and EVCu15 emerged as promising endophytes with multiple plant growth-promoting traits, indicating their potential application in sustainable agriculture and biofertilizer development. These findings highlight the functional diversity of papaya-associated seed endophytes and their possible role in improving nutrient availability and crop productivity.
A systematic study was carried out to assess the variability among 50 soursop accessions based on 16 morphobiochemical and yield parameters, during 2023 to 2025. The results showed wide variability for yield and morpho-biochemical traits. The accession KVKH-Am-13 recorded maximum fruit weight (1459 g), length (20.45 cm), diameter (13.13 cm), pulp weight (1186.63 g). For biochemical traits, the highest TSS and lowest acidity were observed in accession KVKH-Am 12 (19.85 °Brix and 0.63%, respectively). The maximum yield per tree (40 fruits/tree) was recorded in CHESC-Am-19, and the minimum (15 fruits/tree) was noted in KVKHAm- 14 and KVKH-Am-19. The correlation analysis revealed a highly positive correlation between fruit weight and pulp weight, peel weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, seed weight and peduncle weight. However, TSS content showed a highly significant negative correlation with acidity content. The study identified superior accessions exhibiting key economic traits, including high fruit and pulp weight (KVKH-Am-13), high total soluble solids with low acidity (KVKH-Am-12) and improved yield (CHESC-Am-19), underscoring their potential utility in future improvement programme of soursop.
Overripe banana (Musa x paradisiaca L.) is a rich source of sugar which can be used as a natural sweetening agent in foods. The market value for overripe bananas is significantly lower due to flavour defects, brown spots and extremely soft texture. Keeping its high perishability, sugar and mucilaginous texture in view, foam mat drying was standardized by comparing the performance of four different foaming agents i.e. egg albumin, casein, soy, and whey protein isolates. Based on their foam stability, expansion, and density; egg albumin was found the best. The impact of the addition of various levels (5 to 12.5%) of four foaming agents was further evaluated on multiple parameters. The water solubility index consistently declined with increased addition levels for all agents and the highest was observed with egg albumin however, the water absorption index showed an increasing trend with experimental conditions. Colour analysis demonstrated an increase in the brightness of foam mat dried powder with increasing levels of addition of foaming agents. Foam characteristics and foam mat dried powder (with various foaming agents) quality characteristics including viscosity demonstrated similar effectiveness at 7.5 and 12.5% (w/w) addition level of egg albumin, therefore, 7.5% level of foaming agent was optimized for powder preparation that enhanced moisture removal by 1.6 folds compared to control while drying. The developed foam mat over ripe banana powder can be used as a naturally sweet ingredient in different food matrices and enhancing taste and nutritional value while addressing waste concerns associated with overripe bananas.
Due to heavy urbanization, the arable land has shrunk to its edge that results in search of substrate culture that continuously supply nutrient during crops growing period. Thus, a study was planned to identify best growing media based on nutrient profiling, media properties and crop performance. Nine growing media were formed using soil and composts (on volume basis) along with check control. Result revealed that macro nutrients were found higher in all the media combination except soil (check), however, micronutrients such as Fe, Mn, B and Zn was higher in soil. All the heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb) were within the critical limits in all the media composition. The maximum bulk density was in soil medium (1.23 mg m-3), while, lowest in cocopeat + perlite + vermiculite (CPV) medium (0.25 mg m-3) and have negative relationship (y = -221.91x+287.83; R2=0.61) with water holding capacity. The total carbon was higher in all the media except soil media (1.33%). The maximum yield in all the studied crops (tomato, cucumber, onion, radish and spinach) was observed in farm yard manure + pressmud (FP) medium while lowest in CPV followed by soil medium. Though the B : C ratio of SP and SFP was found higher than FP, the soil may act as inoculums source for various soil borne diseases. The FP media can be reused and could provide alternative in sustainable vegetable cultivation in urban area.
Hill lemon is a promising citrus fruit with distinctive physicochemical and bioactive properties, making it suitable for juice extraction and processing. This study evaluated its juice for quality, bioactive compounds, and sensory attributes under different extraction and preservation methods. The fruit showed high biomass, substantial juice yield (42.70%), and bright yellow color, while the juice was highly acidic (pH 2.48), rich in vitamin C (40.68 mg/100/g), and exhibited strong antioxidant activity (66.57%). Among extraction methods, screw-type juicing without peel produced the highest yield (49.17%) and superior clarity, whereas peel-inclusive extraction retained more bioactive compounds but increased bitterness. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, and organic acids, supporting the functional potential of the juice. Preservation over 90 days revealed that chemical preservatives (KMS and sodium benzoate) better maintained color, taste, and bioactive content compared to pasteurization, which caused thermal degradation of vitamins and antioxidants. Sensory evaluation indicated that KMS-treated juice maintained superior acceptability, highlighting hill lemon juice as a viable option for functional beverages and value-added citrus products.
Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a major vegetable crop in South Asia, where its productivity is severely constrained by the brinjal fruit and shoot borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The concealed feeding behavior of the larvae and increasing resistance to insecticides make effective management of this pest particularly challenging. In the present study, we report the molecular characterization of the gametocyte-specific factor 1 (GTSF1) gene and evaluate its potential as a molecular target for sustainable pest management. A similar to 1500 bp fragment of the GTSF1 gene was successfully amplified and characterized, revealing a gene structure comprising three exons and encoding a 239 amino acid protein associated with germline development and fertility. Comparative sequence analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction demonstrated a high degree of evolutionary conservation of GTSF1 among lepidopteran pests, highlighting its functional importance. The essential reproductive role and conserved nature of GTSF1 suggest that it represents a promising candidate for advanced gene-based control approaches, including RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing. Overall, the findings provide molecular evidence supporting GTSF1 as a novel, species-specific target for environmentally benign pest management, offering a viable alternative to conventional chemical control strategies in brinjal production systems.
To identify suitable flower crops as intercrop in aonla and sapota based cropping systems, four flower crops viz., marigold (var. Arka Bangara 2), China aster (var. Arka Kamini), chrysanthemum (var. Marigold) and gomphrena (var. AGS 5) were evaluated in interspaces of 12 years old aonla and sapota orchard planted at 6.5 m & times; 6.5 m and 7.5 m & times; 7.5 m, respectively, during two seasons of 2022-23 in randomized complete block design with 6 replications. Vegetative parameters like plant height, plant spread and number of branches per plant were recorded highest in gomphrena. In aonla orchard, the mean yield (t/ha) 30.67, 21.81, 13.05 and 17.77, respectively was recorded in marigold, China aster, chrysanthemum and gompgrena. The mean highest B:C ratio was obtained in chrysanthemum (1.77) with net returns of Rs. 340582.88 ha-1 followed by China aster (1.53), marigold (1.39) and gomphrena (1.36), whereas, lowest was recorded in aonla (1.15). In sapota, mean yield (t/ha) 12.21, 18.69, 6.53 and 14.30, respectively, was recorded in marigold, China aster, chrysanthemum and gomphrena. The mean B:C ratio was recorded highest in chrysanthemum (1.14) with net returns of Rs. 224532.99 ha-1 followed by China aster (0.94), gomphrena (0.90) and sapota (0.67) while, B:C ratio lowest was recorded in marigold (0.47). The study indicated the suitability and probability of chrysanthemum, China aster, marigold and gomphrena in aonla and sapota orchard, as inter crop.
Phomopsis fruit rot, caused by Diaporthe vexans, significantly limits global eggplant production. The development of host plant resistance is the most sustainable management strategy. In this study, 114 genotypes were screened using artificial inoculation (mycelial plug/spore suspension) to determine their resistance levels via per cent disease index (PDI). Among the tested lines, Solanum torvum was immune (0% PDI), while S. viarum, S. indicum, and S. melongena genotype IIHR 629 showed resistance (6.67% PDI). Furthermore, 14 genotypes were moderately resistant, 47 moderately susceptible, 37 susceptible, and 11 highly susceptible. These findings were validated by area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) values. The identified resistant genotypes are valuable donors for breeding programs, and the immune wild species hold potential for pre-breeding efforts to incorporate resistance genes.
Forty-nine chilli genotypes were evaluated to assess their response to viral diseases under natural and controlled conditions during kharif 2015-16 and 2016-17. The results revealed that the lowest virus incidence was recorded in DCA-295 (16.36%), DCA-107 (17.36%) and DCA-154 (17.86%). During kharif 2016-17, virus identification using molecular detection and indicator plants confirmed the presence of only ChiVMV in kharif transplanted chilli. Screening through mechanical inoculation under controlled conditions revealed that DCA-295, DCA-154 and DCA-107 exhibited immune reactions and were used for inheritance studies. Genetic analysis of advanced F2 and backcross populations indicated that ChiVMV resistance in DCA-295 and DCA-154 was governed by a single recessive gene, whereas, resistance in DCA-107 was controlled by a single dominant gene. The cross Byadgi Dabbi × DCA-107 recorded the highest frequency of transgressive segregants for fruit width (11.97%), number of fruits/plant (12.67%) and yield/plant (8.45%). These resistance sources represent valuable donor parents for developing ChiVMV resistant Byadgi chilli cultivars, and further studies should focus on fine mapping of resistance loci and validation of robust molecular markers for marker assisted selection.
Forty-eight diverse accessions of tropical carrot were evaluated for yield and quality traits in randomized block design with three replications, during 2018-2019. The analysis of variance revealed that sufficient variation existed among the accessions for all the traits studied. Based on the mean performance, Acc-85 recorded highest root weight (196.7 g) and was found promising for yield (13.9 t/ha). The root length was recorded highest in Acc-54 (23.7 cm), whereas, for quality, the accessions Acc-76, Acc-159 and KSP-135 recorded highest TSS (16° Brix). Total carotenoid content was recorded maximum in Acc-96 and Acc-159 (16.9 mg/100 g), respectively. These accessions can be exploited for their promising traits in carrot breeding.
In order to test the effective concentration of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on growth, yield and nutrient uptake in bell pepper, two-year open field experiment was conducted with three replications and seven treatment combinations. TiO2 nanoparticles (size<25 nm) was applied with three levels (50, 100 and 150 mg/L) by using two methods i.e. through seed treatment and foliar application and one control without application of TiO2 nanoparticles. The full recommended dose of nutrients was applied uniformly to all treatments through urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash (94, 202.50 and 39.60 g/plot, respectively). The results revealed that treatment comprised of TiO2 nanoparticles (100 mg/L) through foliar application produced the best outcomes and brought significant increment for all the growth parameters. Whereas, application of TiO2 nanoparticles (50 mg/L) through seed treatment improved macro & micronutrient content and number of primary branches in bell pepper. Also, application of TiO2 nanoparticles (50 mg/L) through foliar spray improved average fruit weight and NPK uptake in bell pepper. The findings concluded that application of TiO2 nanoparticles (50 mg/L) through seed treatment as well as foliar application and 100 mg/L through foliar application have the potential to enhance growth, yield and nutrient uptake in bell pepper.
