Using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications, 30 F1's and their 13 parents were evaluated at the Main Experimental Station, Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, during the zaid seasons of 2023 and 2024. The optimum genotypes were recommended based on the findings of studies on heterosis and combining ability. To determine the best parental combination and the best-performing hybrid, the hybrids were assessed for seven distinct qualities. The best hybrid combination, both in terms of overall heterosis effects and per se performance, was NDCU-23-11 x Punjab Naveen. The cross combinations NDCU-23-11 x Punjab Naveen, VRCU-2203 x Pusa Uday and NDCU-23-11 x Pusa Uday outperformed the midparent in terms of fruit yield, while the combinations NDCU-23-11 x Pusa Uday, VRCU-2203 x Pusa Uday and VRCU-2203 x Arka Veera outperformed the standard variety in terms of heterosis. Heterosis over normal variety ranged from 15.05 to 112.31 %, whereas over better parent it ranged from 0.00 to 106.49 %. The predominance of dominant gene activation suggests the possibility of hybrid breeding for genetic enhancement in cucumbers.

A field experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Research Farm of Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, Naini, Prayagraj, during the Rabi season of 2025–26 to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators of okra cv., Arka Anamika. The research experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatment and three replications. The results revealed that the combined application of GA₃ and NAA significantly influenced the growth, yield and quality attributes of okra. Among all treatments, T₉ (GA₃ @ 200 ppm + NAA @ 200 ppm) recorded the maximum plant height (39.44, 128.29 and 176.44 cm at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, respectively), number of leaves per plant (8.74 and 21.65 at 30 and 60 DAS, respectively), leaf length (21.78 and23.30cm at 30 and 60 DAS), leaf width (29.82 and 34.18 cm at 30 and 60 DAS), number of branches per plant (3.90 at 60 DAS). Additionally, T9 minimized the crop duration, requiring only 47 days to first flowering and 56 days to first harvest. While, maximizing reproductive and yield components such as the number of flower buds per plant (3.34 and 11.02 at 30 and 60 DAS), pod length(15.11cm), pod diameter (1.94 cm), number of seed per pods (53.33), number of pods per plant (14.37), fresh weight of pod (17.38g), pod yield per plot (3.51kg), total yield t/ha (8.78). Conversely qualitative parameters were also improved T₇ (GA₃ @ 100 ppm + NAA @ 200 ppm) producing superior ascorbic acid content(16.70mg/100g), total soluble solids (5.330brix) and moisture percentage in pods (90.07%). Overall, the combined application of GA3 and NAA exhibited enhanced vegetative development, overall plant vigor, and yield traits compared to the control treatment.

Eco-friendly substitutes for inorganic priming materials are necessary for the sustainable production of quality cut flowers. This study examined the effect of organic bulb priming materials; moringa leaf extract (MLE), coconut water (CW), and Beejamrutha on the flowering traits of Asiatic lily cv. Indian Summerset in the two growing seasons. Bulbs primed with 5% MLE produced the maximum number of floral buds (3.53 +/- 0.06 and 3.56 +/- 0.00), longest floral bud length (11.39 +/- 0.34 cm and 11.31 +/- 0.01 cm), and largest flower diameter (20.15 +/- 0.23 cm and 20.54 +/- 0.14 cm), while 75% CW accelerated floral initiation, recorded the shortest days to first flower opening (97.33 +/- 0.57 and 97.06 +/- 0.13 days). Moreover, in control conditions, there is a decrease number of buds per plant, smaller flower size and delayed flowering. By using of these organic formulations has the potential to improve productivity, quality, and market value of lily cut flowers with maintaining environmental balance. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed strong positive correlations between floral traits with PC1 explaining over 97% of the total variance. The findings demonstrate that natural bio-stimulants such as MLE and CW can effectively enhance floral growth, improve bud initiation, and accelerate flowering, offering sustainable and ecologically safe substitutes to chemical priming agents. PCA also helped in visualizing trait divergence and identifying ideotypes for future hybridization.

The present study assesses the genetic variability, correlation coefficient, heritability and path analysis for quantitative traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was found for seed yield per plot, seed yield per plant, number of siliqua per plant, and test weight, suggesting due importance of these traits for selection in a breeding program. The phenotypic correlation studies revealed that seed yield per plant exhibited a significant positive correlation with plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of siliqua per plant, siliqua length, seeds per siliqua and test weight. The experiment was conducted to derive information on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance gain in twelve genotypes of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) during rabi season of 2023-2024 at the field experimentation centre (Pilikothi) of the department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Tilak Dhari Post Graduate College Jaunpur Uttar Pradesh, India. All the genotypes were grown in a Randomized Block Design with 3 replications during Winter season. Plant to Plant and Row to Row distance is maintained at 15 cm. and 30 cm. respectively. The data were statistically analyzed for computation of genetic coefficient of variation using appropriate statistical analysis. ANOVA was carried out as per the procedure given. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variance was estimated (Burton & de Vane, 1953) and heritability in broad sense was estimated as per formula given. The expected genetic advance was calculated by using formula as suggested. In the experiment, analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters indicating the existence of a wide spectrum of variability among the genotypes. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). The highest estimates (>20%) phenotypic coefficient of variability (29.89%) and genotypic coefficient of variability (29.776%) were recorded for number of secondary branches per plant followed by number of siliquae per plant. The lowest estimates (<5%) PCV (4.178%) and GCV (3.177%) were observed for days of 50% flowering. Grain yield per plant (g), length of main raceme (cm), number of primary branches per plant, number of seeds per siliquae, and 1000-seed weight showed high estimates (<20->10) of PCV and GCV. Days to maturity, plant height (cm), showed a moderate estimate (<10->5%) of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variability. Days to 50% flowering showed lower values of phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic coefficients of variability. The higher estimates of heritability in broad sense(>75%) were recorded for number of siliquae per plant followed by plant height (cm), number of secondary branches per plant, 1000-seed weight (g), number of primary branches per plant, length of main raceme, days to maturity, seed yield per plant and number of seed per siliquae characters (in percentage) 91.45, 99.25, 96.10, 91.57, 91.09, 98.54, 71.00 and 88.23 respectively. Comparatively low estimate of heritability (<75) observed for days to 50% flowering (57.83). Seed yield per plant showed high estimates(>20%) of genetic advance in % of mean (27.43%) followed by number of primary branches per plant (28.23%), length of main raceme (24.48%), number of siliquae per plant(47.15), number of seeds per siliquae (22.761),1000-seeds weight (30.06) and moderate estimates (<20->5%) were days to maturity (16.83%), plant height (15.55) and days to 50% (4.977%) showed low estimates (<5%) of (GA) genetic advance. The characteristics such as the number of secondary branches, number of siliquae per plant, seed yield per plant, 1000-seed weight, number of primary branches, length of main raceme, number of seeds per siliquae showed high GCV, heritability and genetic advance. Therefore, from the above obtained results it can be concluded that the characters studied are governed by additive gene effect. Hence, adoption for selection of elite genotype based on attributing characters.

Cucumber breeding is often hindered by limited knowledge of the genetic variability and heritability of key agronomic traits, which restricts the efficiency of selection and yield improvement. To overcome this a study was conducted during the zaid seasons of 2023 and 2024 at the Horticulture Research Centre (HRC), SVPUA & T, Meerut, using 15 lines and 3 testers in a Line x Tester mating design to generate 45 F1 hybrids. These, along with their parents, were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. Observations on fourteen agro-morphological traits were used to estimate genetic parameters including genotypic and phenotypic variance, heritability, and genetic advance. Results indicated substantial variability among genotypes, with yield per vine (94.1%), TSS% (85.3%) and vine length (85.2%) showing high heritability, signifying strong additive gene action. Number of fruits per vine, number of seeds per fruit, and average fruit weight also displayed high heritability with considerable genetic advance, underscoring their suitability for direct selection. The narrow differences between genotypic and phenotypic variances in most traits suggested minimal environmental influence, while days to last fruit harvest exhibited low heritability, indicating limited scope for improvement. Overall, the study emphasizes trait-specific selection as an efficient approach for developing high-yielding and quality cucumber cultivars.. KEYWORDS :Cucumber, Genetic variability, Heritability, Line x Tester, PCV.

The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of foliar application of micronutrient and integrated nutrient sources on the “growth, flowering, and yield” of Marigold cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda in year 2021–2022 in randomised block design (RBD) with three replications. Among the treatments, the highest plant height and spread were observed in plants treated with T2 (100% RDF with foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4). The greatest number of branches per plant and maximum total dry matter were recorded under T6 (75% RDF with foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.5% FeSO4). For flowering parameters, T6 also resulted in the minimum days to first flowering, longest flowering duration, highest number of flowers per plant, maximum flower weight, and maximum petal weight, while the largest flower diameter was found in T2. Regarding yield, the highest flower yield per plant, flower yield per hectare, and seed yield per flower were observed under T6 with the foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.5% FeSO4. It was concluded that from an economic perspective, treatment T6 was determined to be the most efficient

Background: Enzyme stimulates metabolic and digestive processes leading to increased feed intake and improved nutrient availability in animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of enzyme supplementation on nutrient utilization and production performance in lactating Murrah Buffaloes during winter season. Methods: Twenty four lactating Murrah buffaloes were selected for the study from Livestock Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut (UP). All the selected animals were randomly allocated into four treatment groups having six animals in each group on the basis of body weight, lactation length and milk yield. The daily nutrient requirements of lactating Murrah buffaloes in term of DM, DCP and TDN were provided as per the feeding standards of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi (2013). Total Mixed Ration for buffaloes was prepared by mixing of roughage and concentrates in the ratio of 60:40 after grinding/chaffing. Roughage part was consisting of available winter season green fodder e.g. oat and wheat straw available at research centre. Feeding trial was planned into four treatment groups viz. T1 (Basal diet without enzyme supplementation), T2 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU), T3 (Basal diet with supplementation of Cellulase @ 240000 IU) and T4 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU and Cellulase @ 240000 IU). Result: From the present study, it was observed that the average milk yield (5.34 litre/day) was higher in T4 as compared to other treatment groups, but the difference was non-significant. The average milk fat percent was recorded as 7.52, 7.58. 7.60 and 7.65 in T1, T2, T3 and T4 treatment groups, respectively. Although the results of T4 group animals were comparatively higher in all major milk constituents the differences were found to be statistically non-significant. The average DM intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) and CP intake (g/d, g/100 kg BW) were almost similar in all treatment groups. The TDN intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in enzyme supplemented groups. The digestibility coefficient of CP, CF, NDF and ADF were higher (P less than 0.05) in buffaloes of T4 over control (T1) group. So, it was concluded from the above study that the milk production and milk composition could be improved with the combine use of Xylanase and Cellulase enzyme in murrah buffaloes due to improved CP and fibre digestibility.

An experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, India-250110. The analysis of variance data revealed substantial genetic differences for all morphological traits. According to Mahalanobis D2 all the forty genotypes were found to have a significant amount of genetic diversity. The result indicated that the greatest mean value was found in cluster III for days to 50 per cent flowering, days to Ist flower initiation, days to Ist fruit set, days to Ist fruit picking, days to IInd fruit picking, number of primary branches, number of nodes / plant, duration of crop and also some characters was found highest mean value in cluster I like, plant height, fruit length, number of fruits / plant, length of internode, fruit yield / plant and fruit yield (q/ha.). Cluster II had the most genotypes recorded overall. (21 genotypes) followed by 11 genotypes in cluster I. The largest intra cluster distance was discovered in cluster III, whereas the largest inter cluster D2 distance was measured between Cluster I and Cluster III. The genotypes of Cluster I and Cluster III are not closely related, according to the maximum inter-cluster D2 distance, although the genotypes of Cluster I and Cluster II are, according to the minimum inter-cluster D2 distance. Among all the characters that were contributed, the length of internode had the highest contribution %.

Hydroponics is a innovative agricultural method of plant growing without soil using mineral nutrient solutions. It is also called “Controlled Environmental Agriculture” (CEA). Hydroponics, a water culture, is now used in both research and commercial fields. Some countries successfully implemented this technique for fast-growing horticulture crops such as strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes and carnations. In this technique water culture scientists discovered that as compared to soil-based growth, hydroponic plant system needs only a small number of inorganic elements in addition to water, oxygen, and sunlight to grow the plant Hydroponics farming can be a major advantage for Indian agriculture; it has the potential to produce crops in every season without soil. This system has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous benefits, including increased water and nutrient efficiency, reduced land use, and increased crop yield and quality Such practices can help Indian farmers increase their crop productivity even in small fragmented lands. This review paper focuses on the challenges and possibilities of bringing soil-less farming in India to ensure its stability so that it may prove more beneficial for Indian farmers to grow crops which are 100% organic, toxic-free and of better quality.

Background: Abortion is a major health problem of animals including goats, which results in significant financial losses for the farmers. The aim of the current study was to determine the occurrence of abortion in different breeds of goats reared under semi-intensive farming system at the organized farms in the semi-arid region of India, and to determine the relationship between the parity, season, and pregnancy stage of the aborted goats with the incidence of abortions. Methods: The data on the caprine abortions was collected and analyzed. The caprine abortions that occurred at the organized farms under a semi-intensive management system were categorized according to the season at the time of abortion, parity and pregnancy stage of the aborted goats. The Chi-Square test and ANOVA methods were used for the statistical analysis of the abortion data. Result: The occurrence of abortion in goats (combined farm) had a significant association with seasons and stages of pregnancy, whereas it was not associated with parities. Barbari, Jakharana and Jamunapari goats individually showed significant differences in abortion rates across various seasons, but did not exhibit significant variation in abortion rates with respect to different stages of pregnancy or parities. In the study, the majority of abortions were found in the winter season, followed by the rainy and summer seasons; similarly, most of the abortions were noticed in the later stage of pregnancy, followed by the mid- and early stages. There was the highest abortion rate in the goats with parity 3 and above, followed by the first and second parities. Further investigation is required to validate the current findings. In conclusion, the study revealed that abortion rates in goats are significantly influenced by seasonal changes and the stages of pregnancy.

The research trail was conducted on twenty four lactating Murrah buffaloes, which were selected from Livestock Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Modipuram, Meerut (U.P.). Selected lactating buffaloes were randomly divided into four treatment groups having six animals in each group on the basis of their body weight, lactation length and test day milk yield. The nutrient allowances of lactating Murrah buffaloes in term of DM, DCP and TDN requirements were provided as per the feeding standards given by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. To meet out the daily nutrient requirement of trail animals, a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) for buffaloes was prepared by mixing of roughage and concentrates in the ratio of 60:40 after grinding/chaffing. Roughage part was consisting of wheat straw and available green fodder in winter season at research centre. Feeding trial was planned into four dietary groups viz. T1 (Basal diet without enzyme supplementation), T2 (Basal diet with supplementation of xylanase @800000 IU), T3 (Basal diet with supplementation of cellulase @240000 IU) and T4 (Basal diet with supplementation of xylanase and cellulase). It was revealed from the present study that average time spend on feeding and rumination was 307.11 and 512.09, 314.13 and 466.77, 318.39 and 439.24, 304.85 and 432.01 in T1, T2, T3 and T4 treatment groups, respectively. The results were shown that time spent on rumination was lesser in all enzymes supplemented buffaloes while the difference was statistically not significant. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in rectal temperature and respiration rate among enzyme supplemented and non-supplemented group of buffaloes during entire experimental period. It was concluded from the study that enzyme supplementation will help into reducing the energy spent on rumination during cold climatic conditions which may leads to more energy availability in milk production.

The study aimed to assess the morpho-economic and biochemical attributes of twelve mango cultivars grown in western Uttar Pradesh, using pooled data from the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 and conducted at Horticulture Research Center of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, the experiment utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications per treatment. The cultivars are regular bearers included Ambika, Pusa Arunima, Dashehari-51, Kesar, Pusa Surya, Amrapali, Mallika, Burma Surakha, Neelum Chausa, Mithua Malda, Rataul and Saurav, all planted in 10-year-old orchards with a spacing of 6x6 meters. The study aimed to evaluate the morpho-economic and biochemical attributes of twelve mango cultivars in western Uttar Pradesh, identify the most suitable cultivars for the region and determine the cultivars with the most marketable fruit traits. Additionally, it sought to assess the genetic diversity among the cultivars for future breeding programs. The results demonstrated significant differences in morpho-economic and quality attributes among the cultivars. Mallika, Pusa Arunima and Amrapali emerged as superior varieties, excelling in tree morpho-economic and quality attributes, while others were classified as moderate. Mallika and Pusa Arunima were identified as the highest-yielding varieties, based on the mean number of fruits per plant and fruit weight over the two-year period. Furthermore, the fruits of Mallika, Pusa Arunima, Amrapali, Rataul and Kesar exhibited the most marketable attributes. The findings underscore the significant genetic and environmental influences on mango attributes. Mallika and Pusa Arunima consistently demonstrated superior performance in yield, fruit quality and biochemical attributes, positioning it as a promising cultivar for the region. The diversity observed among the cultivars highlights the need for targeted selection and management practices to optimize mango production and quality. The study also emphasizes the importance of preserving and conserving these unique genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at developing new, commercially viable cultivars.

Postharvest diseases pose a significant challenge in the preservation and storage of fruits and vegetables, leading to substantial economic losses and food waste. These diseases are caused by various pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, which can thrive in the postharvest environment due to changes in temperature, humidity, and handling practices. This paper reviews the common postharvest diseases affecting fruits and vegetables, discusses their causative agents, and explores management strategies to mitigate their impact. The management approaches encompass cultural, physical, chemical, and biological methods to prevent, control, and reduce postharvest losses. Developing a comprehensive understanding of postharvest diseases and their management is crucial for ensuring food security and enhancing the shelf life of fresh produce.

Introduction and Aim: Pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb) is one of the most profitable and nutrient-rich summer crops. The present investigation entitled “Effect of Integrated Nutrients Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica) cv. Papdi & Rudra’’ was carried and conducted at open field condition located at Horticulture Research Centre (HRC), at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut U.P India during Kharif season of 2022-2023. Methods: The experiment was carried out in randomized block design keeping two varieties i.e. Papdi and Rudra with three replications. The experimental trial consists 10 different treatment. Discussion and Conclusion: All the treatments showed significant differences for most of the traits under study, the combination of T9 (Vermicompost @ 10 ton /hac + Jivamrit @8% Spray) followed by the treatment T10 (F.Y.M @ 15 ton/ha + Jivamrita @ 8% sprays) was best suited for the growth attributes of pointed gourd.: Hence, the above treatment can be suggested as a combination for getting higher growth of pointed gourd.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most economically valuable crops worldwide, making it imperative to understand the complex interplay of various factors influencing tomato yield. During the research, we investigate Correlation analysis enhances our understanding of the relationships between the variables. We employ Pearson correlation coefficients to assess the strength and direction of linear associations. The results indicate strong positive correlations between morphological traits of diverse genotypes of tomato. This research article contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive assessment of the path coefficients and correlations among key factors influencing tomato yield. Our findings have practical implications for tomato growers, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding selection of different tomato genotypes strategies to optimize yield.