Indian Journal of Arid Horticulture: ACS presents the Indian Journal of Arid Horticulture, a premier platform fostering research on sustainable horticulture in arid regions. Emphasizing water-efficient practices, innovative technologies, and climate-resilient crops, this journal invites cutting-edge contributions. Rigorous peer review ensures quality, while open access promotes global dissemination. Join us in shaping the future of arid horticulture!
Impact assessment of integrated pest management technology for ber fruit fly (Carpomya vesuviana Costa) under arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan
The adoption of IPM approaches in ber resulted in a lower incidence of fruit damage, with a 65% mean reduction compared to farmer’s practices. Mean higher yield of 111.2 q/ ha was recorded in the demonstration compared to 77.84 q/ ha in farmer’s practice, representing a 42.86% increase. This has resulted in higher mean net returns of Rs. 1,79,640/- ha with a Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 3.76 in the demonstration, compared to Rs. 1,08,248/- ha in farmer’s practice with a BCR of 2.72. The current study’s findings clearly indicated that using IPM technology against the ber fruit fly was more effective and economical than conventional methods.
Impact of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of cumin (Cuminium cyminium L.) in western Rajasthan
The study on impact assessment of integrated nutrient management practices in cumin revealed that application of NPK @ 50:30:20 kg/ ha with FYM @ 15 t/ ha FYM (T11) performed better at 45 DAS, 90 DAS and at harvest respectively, in terms of plant height, number of branches per plant, and plant population. Treatment T11 was also shown to have the best results for test weight, seed yield, quantity of umbels and seeds per plant. This demonstrate the effectiveness of INM in increasing cumin production and growth, providing important information for growing cumin in western Rajasthan.
Standardizing propagation methods and timing in bael (Aegle marmelos L.) under semi-arid conditions of Uttar Pradesh
The study aimed to standardize the most suitable propagation method (budding and grafting) and optimal timing to achieve maximum success rates in bael under the semi-arid conditions of Uttar Pradesh, India. The findings revealed that the minimum number of days to bud sprouting (15.71 days) was observed with softwood grafting conducted on 15th April. This method and timing also resulted in the highest sprouting success rate (83.33%) and the greatest bud and graft success rate (56.67%). Furthermore, the highest survival percentage of grafted plants was recorded with softwood grafting on the same date. From this study, softwood grafting during the month of April is recommended for the successful propagation of bael in semi-arid regions of Uttar Pradesh
Studies on comparative economic analysis of beverages and preserves of arid fruits
This study presents a comparative economic analysis of beverages and preserves made from arid fruits, aiming to enhance the profitability of underutilized and lesser-known fruit varieties. It is evident from the results that the benefit: cost ratio from beverages was 3.93 in bael juice, 2.11 in bael squash, 2.07 in bael syrup, 2.21 ber while preserves of ber, aonla and bael have 2.76, 2.94 and 2.67, respectively. The value addition of fruits resulted in generation of income, employment as well as eliminate/ minimize malnutrition problem and post-harvest losses.
Effect of harvesting stage on drying, rehydration and sensory characteristics of khejri (Prosopis cineraria) pods
Dehydrated tender green pods of khejri (Prosopis cineraria) are utilized as premium vegetable in north-west part of country. Looking into the economic importance of khejri pods (sangri), an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of pod harvesting stage on drying, rehydration and sensory properties of dried pods during year 2021-22. The maximum dry product recovery (28.22%) was recorded in 13 days maturity closely followed by 16 days (28.08%) maturity pods. Significantly high rehydration capacity was noticed in early harvest (10, 13 and 16 day’s maturity) pods as compared to late harvest (19, 22 and 25 maturity) pods. Desirable sensory properties were also observed in10 to 16 days maturity pods. Based on study, it is concluded that khejri variety Thar Shobha pods should be harvested in 2-3 pickings between 10-16 days after fruiting for getting good quality dried product.
Empowering farmers through front line demonstrations on the management of shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) in brinjal
This study assessed the efficacy of emamectin benzoate 5 SG (0.0025%) in managing the shoot and fruit borer of brinjal through front line demonstrations (FLDs) conducted during 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 in Kalol Taluka and Panchmahal districts of Gujarat. The study compared demonstrated practice (emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 12.5 g a.i./ ha) with farmer’s practice (inconsistent pesticide use). Results revealed significant reduction in pest damage under the recommended practice, with shoot borer infestation decreasing from 7.25% to 8.50% and fruit borer damage reducing from 13.50% to 15.50%, compared to 17.50%-18.75% and 22.75%-23.50%, respectively, under farmer’s practice. Yield increased from 235.25 q/ ha (2021-22) to 249.75 q/ ha (2023-24) in the recommended practice, significantly higher than farmer’s practice yields (170.50 to 198.50 q/ ha). The technology gap was 45.83 q/ ha, extension gap 55.75 q/ha, and technology index 16.37%. Economic analysis showed a B:C ratio of 3.10 for the recommended practice versus 2.56 in farmer’s practice, with an additional net return of ₹ 28,400/ ha. The study confirms that emamectin benzoate 5 SG effectively manages brinjal fruit and shoot borer, enhancing productivity and profitability, making it a viable pest control strategy for sustainable brinjal cultivation.
Evaluation of bael (Aegle marmelos Correa.) varieties for growth, yield and quality under semi-arid conditions of Madhya Pradesh
The present study was conducted to evaluate the performance of seven bael (Aegle marmelos) varieties under the Kymore Plateau and Satpura Hills agro-climatic zone of Madhya Pradesh over a three-year period (2021–2024). The varieties assessed included Goma Yashi, Narendra Bael-5, Narendra Bael-7, Narendra Bael-9, Narendra Bael-17, CISH Bael-1, and CISH Bael-2. Key parameters such as plant growth, fruit yield, and quality attributes were analyzed. Among the varieties, CISH Bael-2 recorded the highest number of fruits per plant (33.96), whereas Narendra Bael-7 exhibited the heaviest fruit weight (3.97 kg) and the highest pulp percentage (70.71%). CISH Bael-1 demonstrated superior plant height (6.52 m), stem girth (76.30 cm), and total soluble solids (39.69°Brix), indicating its potential for high-quality fruit production. Based on the results, CISH Bael-2 and Narendra Bael-17 are recommended for high-yield cultivation, while CISH Bael-1 is suitable for quality-focused production. The study offers important insights for selecting appropriate bael varieties for commercial cultivation in semi-arid regions of Madhya Pradesh.
Effect of organic manures and zinc in enhancing the growth, yield and quality of carrot (Daucus carota L.)
The application of poultry manure applied at 4 t/ ha significantly improved plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, root weight, root diameter, root length, root yield, as well as nitrogen and zinc content in carrot roots. Similarly, foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.75% significantly improved the growth attributes, yield parameters, and quality characteristics such as nitrogen and zinc content in carrot roots. The combined application of poultry manure @ 4 t/ ha with ZnSO4 @ 0.75% proved to be the most effective in improving growth, yield and quality of carrot.
Effect of planting time and variety on growth and yield attributes of tomato in semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan
During the experimentation studied the effect of five planting time and three varieties of tomato during winter season of 2019-2020, 2020-21 and 2021-22. During the experiment three tomato variety viz. WS-1299 (V1), Krishna (V2) and Bavandar (V3) were studied with five different dates of planting viz. 30 December (D1), 15 December (D2), 15 January (D3), 30 January (D4) and 15 February (D5). In which the yield of tomato was significantly affected by different sowing dates and verities. Among varieties and planting dates the variety Bavander (V3) planted on 15 January (D3) produced significantly higher number of fruits/ plant (39.70), fruit weight (83.25 g) and fruit yield (727.20 q/ ha) with the maximum B:C ratio (4.05).
Estimation of genetic variability parameters in aloe (Aloe barbadensis Mill.) genotypes to improve economic traits
A study was conducted on twenty-six accessions of Aloe barbadensis Mill. at ICAR DMAPR, Boriavi, from 2019 to 2021 to assess morphological, chemical, and yield traits for identifying elite lines suitable for herbal drugs and cosmetics. Significant variation among accessions was observed among the evaluated genotypes. IC 310623 demonstrated superior gel and aloin yield, with high aloin content, making it ideal for medicinal and cosmetic applications. High genetic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV) were noted for leaf thickness and exudates yield per plant, suggesting that direct selection for these traits could enhance future breeding programs. This study identifies promising accessions with potential for commercial exploitation in herbal and cosmetic industries.
In-vitro study of different solid media, pH and temperature on mycelial growth and sporulation of Alternaria alternata causal of Alternaria leaf blight of bael
Among the seven solid media, potato dextrose agar (PDA) exhibited the highest radial mycelial growth, with a pH range of 4.5-7.5 being optimal, particularly at pH 6.0 for both growth and sporulation. Richard’s agar also favored significant growth Alternaria alternata causal of alternaria leaf blight of Bael. Temperature trials conducted at 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C and 35°C revealed that 25°C was the optimal temperature for mycelial growth and sporulation. Significant reductions in growth and sporulation were observed at temperatures below 20°C and above 30°C. These findings provide valuable insights into the ecological preferences of A. alternata, contributing to the development of effective management strategies for Alternaria leaf blight in bael cultivation.
Response of irrigation and sulphur levels on yield and economics of radish grown under drip system in arid region of Rajasthan
Studied the effect of various treatments of drip irrigation (60% PE, 80% PE, 100% PE and 120% PE) and sulphur (Control, 15 kg S ha-1, 30 kg S ha-1 and 45 kg S ha-1) on yield and economics of radish. Among the treatments, the drip irrigation at 100% PE was comparable to 120% PE, yielding the highest root fresh weight (213.09 g), root diameter (4.12 cm), root length (30.11 cm), total fresh weight per plant (291.05 g), yield per hectare (313.93 q ha-1), net returns (₹ 112,969 ha-1), and B:C ratio (3.57). Application of 30 kg S ha-1 resulted in maximum root fresh weight (211.75 g), root length (28.94 cm), and root diameter (3.98 cm), as well as the highest total fresh weight per plant (289.87 g), yield (301.57 q ha-1), and net returns (₹ 106,248 ha-1). The treatment combination of 100% PE irrigation with 30 kg S ha-1 resulted in the highest yield per hectare (331.21 q ha-1), though it was statistically comparable to the treatments of 100% PE with 45 kg S ha-1, 120% PE with 30 kg S ha-1, and 120% PE with 45 kg S ha-1. The radish leaves are rich in minerals, vitamin A (5 IU) and vitamin C (15 mg) and roots are rich in potassium (138 mg) Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is most popular rabi season root crops which cultivated for its important medicinal and nutritive values. It belongs to Cruciferae family. Being a winter season crop, radish is sown in cool season from mid-September to mid-January in northern plains. Radish is the vegetable of both tropical and temperate regions of the world, widely cultivated for its root, tender leaves and green shoots (Alam et al., 2010). It is rich in diverse amino acids and glucosinolate contents (Xie et al., 2018). Glucosinolates are associated with a reduced cancers risks of the lung, pancreas, stomach, prostate, breast, colon and rectum (Herr and Buchler, 2010). The 100 g of edible roots contain 93.7 per cent water, 1.1 per cent fat and 4.2 per cent carbohydrates.
Microbudding in mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) as influenced by rootstocks, their age and growing media
This study evaluates the influence of rootstock type, age and growing media on the success of microbudding in Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco). The results indicated that Rough Lemon rootstock at six months of age grown in Cocopeat + Vermicompost (1:1) (R1G4A3) exhibited the highest microbudding success (79.12%), fastest sprouting (12.98 days), and superior growth parameters, including seedling height (21.35 cm), stock diameter (3.59 mm), and leaf area index (1.17). Additionally, five-month-old Rough Lemon seedlings (R1G4A2) achieved the highest survival percentage (95.84%), confirming its viability as an alternative treatment. The findings suggest that Cocopeat + Vermicompost (1:1) is an ideal growing medium for maximizing microbudding success and seedling vigor, making it a promising strategy for commercial Mandarin propagation.
Influence of rhizosphere soil from various tree species on soil characteristics of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) cv. Chandra
A field experiment was conducted during the year 2023-24 on Chandra variety of jackfruit, at the Instructional Farm, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar. The result indicated that the application of treatment T1 (soil under banyan tree canopy) was the most effective in increasing the soil porosity (47.84%) and it reduced the soil pH (7.14), electrical conductivity (0.22 dS m-1), bulk density (1.13 g cm-3) and particle density (2.32 g cm-3). Thus, the T1 (soil under banyan tree canopy) treatment significantly improved all soil parameters in orchard of jackfruit.
Screening of watermelon genotypes for tolerance against mosaic disease in Western Rajasthan
Mosaic disease, caused by the cucumber mosaic virus, is a significant threat to watermelon production in the arid and semi-arid regions of India. Screened 13 watermelon genotypes for tolerance to mosaic disease under open field conditions during the summer season of 2021 ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner. Among the 13 watermelon genotypes, none was found to be immune or highly resistant to mosaic disease. However, seven genotypes-AHW/BR-1, AHW/ BR-13, AHW/BR-16, AHW/BR-37, AHW/BR-5, AHW/BR-7, and AHW/BR-11 were classified as moderately resistant, with disease indices (PDI) ranging from 12.36% to 21.38%.
Current status of Fusarium wilt resistance research in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus): A review
Fusarium wilt is one of the widespread and important fungal diseases of cucurbit crops in the United States and worldwide. It is caused by the fungal pathogenFusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon) that causes significant yield loss in watermelon. There are many commercial cultivars of watermelon that are resistant to Fon races 0 and 1. However, no edible cultivars resistant to races 2 or 3 have been developed. There is a necessity to understand the genetic and molecular basis of Fusarium wilt resistance for crop improvement. Therefore, exploring genetic and molecular factors to determine the resistance to virulent Fon races 2 and 3 in diverse watermelon genotypes will be useful. The recent advances in marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, whole-genome sequencing, gene-editing tools, and genome-wide association studies provide broader insights for improvement of watermelon varieties. In this review paper, we discuss the biology of the Fusarium wilt pathogen (Fon) of watermelon, the history of the Fusarium wilt disease, inheritance studies on Fusarium wilt, quantitative trait loci mapping, bottlenecks in Fusarium wilt resistance breeding, marker-assisted selection and novel plant breeding tools to improve Fusarium wilt resistance in watermelon. This review paper aims to explore the current efforts, challenges, and suggest potential future research for the management of Fusarium wilt using traditional and molecular breeding tools.
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Eco-friendly management of post-harvest fruit rot of Ber caused by Pestalotiopsis palmarum
Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) is one of the most ancient and common fruits consumed by people of India. It is often called the poor man's fruit. In India, ber is being cultivated on an area of about 87674 hectares with the production of about 8,94,848 million tonnes (Raturi, 2001). In Rajasthan, it is grown in an area of 959 hectares with annual production of 17038 tonnes fruit. (Anonymous, 2004). In market conditions a number of fungi causes rotting of ber fruits. The most frequently occurring fungi are Pestalotiopsis palmarum, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani, Fusarium pallidoroseum, Phoma hisorensis, Rhizopus stolonifer, Colletotrichum sp. and Aspergillus niger. Average incidence of various fruit rotting diseases ranged from 2.00 to 15.30 per cent (Jat er al., 1997). The yield and quality of ber fruits are adversely affected by many diseases particularly powdery mildew and leaf spots. Nevertheless, fruit rots are also important problems of orchards and markets in arid and semi-arid regions. Ber fruit rots have been identified as major problem next to powdery mildew. Endemic forms of fruit rot diseases are persisting in western parts of Rajasthan (Nallathambi et al., 2000). Therefore, it was considered imperative to investigate the occurrence of various types of ber fruit rots caused by the Pestalotiopsis sp. and other fungi and their management in this part of Rajasthan.
Effect of salinity stress on seed germination of Leucaena leucocephala: a multipurpose tree
Leucaena leucocephala is a highly drought and salinity tolerant plant species tolerating as high temperature as 48°C (Hocking, 1993). It is a species of small Mimosoid tree that is native to southern Mexico and northern Central America but now naturalized throughout the tropics. In India, it is also known as Subabul and grown for multiple uses, such as green manure, charcoal making, hedge plants besides being widely used in agro-forestry system and wind break plantation for its tremendous ability to survive amidst a wide range of environment and soil factors.Except being high in sodium and iodine content, it is a balanced livestock fodder that provides supplemental protein along with minerals in tropical areas. Its leaves have high nutritive fodder for live stock thriving in arid regions. Plant is used for soil conservation and crop intensification (Shelton and Brewbaker, 1994). It is fast growing leguminous, nitrogen fixing multipurpose plant species (Halliday and Somasegaran, 1983).
Effectiveness of postharvest treatment with salicylic acid and mineral nutrients in the control of gray mould rot of strawberry
Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) is a non- climacteric fruit with a very short postharvest life. Loss of quality in this fruit is mostly due to its relatively high metabolic activity and sensitivity to fungal decay (Hernandez-Munoz et al., 2008). Grey mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. Fr., is the most economically significant postharvest pathogen of strawberry fruits. The use of synthetic chemical fungicides has been the main method for reducing postharvest disease. However, consumer concern over pesticide residues on foods, along with pathogen resistance to many currently used pesticides, has increased the need to find alternative methods for decay control (Karlidag et al., 2009).
Evaluation of ridge gourd hybrids for growth and yield attributes
Ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb.)L.] is an important cucurbitaceous vegetable grown during kharif and summer seasons in Andhra Pradesh. The tender fruits are used as vegetable and they are good source of vitamin A, B and C and also iron. Ridge gourd, being Ridge gourd, being predominantly monoecious and is cross-pollinated crop and provides ample scope for utilization of the hybrid vigor (Hedau and Sirohi, 2004). The present era is of hybrids and moreover the glut due to monocropping of tomato over larger acreage demands for crop diversification to make the profession of vegetable production is an economic one. Abusaleha and Dutta (1994) and Kadem et al. (1995) have reported that hybrids were early and gave higher yields in ridge gourd. The hybrids are fast replacing the commercial varieties because the private seed industry is emerging on the scene whose survival essentially depends on F, hybrids as the vegetable growers are bound to purchase the seed every year. To conclude on the performance of any genotype is often inconclusive because of inconsistent performance across environments.
Organoleptic rating of various value added products of unripe mango cv. Rajapuri
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Rajapuri is the most important and unique commercial fruit for processing industries. The demand of mango fruit fresh as well as processed products increase day by day because its excellent flavor, attractive fragrance, beautiful shades of color, delicious taste and high nutritive value. Mango processing is big industries which use both ripe and unripe fruits. Unripe fruits are used for preparation for chutney (salt or sugar added), pickle, amchur, mango pulp vegetable, green mango drink (panna) etc. The variety Rajapuri is originated and grown on large scale in this region and used as processed products. The recipe and methods used for preparation of various products are varying according to place to place and taste of consumer. The Panchmahals district of Gujarat is tribal dominant area. In the district mango is of time position in area (2200 ha.) as well as production (13200 MT) Anonymous (2011). The tribal used it for preparation of various products, but the products prepared by them spoil early. So, that the present study was carried out on preparation on various mango products and their organoleptic taste for tribal's of the area. To see the taste of consumer and make them understand through various extension tools like training, demonstration, advisory service, etc. for preparation of various products and how to increase the shelf life of products.
New leaf spot disease of bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler from Uttar Pradesh
Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) is one of the most utilitarian medicinal plants of India, it grows under adverse agro-climatic conditions. In the ancient medical Aurvedic treatise Charaka Samhita every part of this tree, stem, bark, root, leaves and fruits at all stage of maturity have medicinal merits and have been used as remedy for a long time. Alternaria alternate species is responsible for causing leaf spot disease in bael (Aegle marmelos). Symptoms initially started from leaf margin and tip of leaves which are irregular and light brown in colour, later converted into dark brown to grey. In severe condition several spots coalepsce to form large necrotic spots and covers large area.
Influence of organic manures and bio-fertilisers on yield attributes and economics of kharif onion (Allium cepa L.) in semi-arid region
Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a bulbous biennial herb of family Alliaceae. It is commonly called as "Queen of kitchen" for its unique usage throughout the year in the form of salads, condiments or for cooking with other vegetables. The pungency in onion is due to sulphur compound "ally propyl disulphide" in the volatile oil and the outer skin colour is due to the presence of "querctin" (Nadkarni, 1954). Onion bulb is rich in minerals like phosphorus (50mg/100g), iron (0.7mg/100g), calcium (18mg/100g), carbohydrates (11.0g/100g), protein (1.2g/100g), vitamins 'C' (11mg/100g), fibers (0.6g/100g) and nicotinic acid (0.4mg/100g) (Aykroyd, 1963). The productivity of onion in India is very low (16tha) in comparison to other countries. Thus there is ample scope for increasing production through fertilizers, especially that of organic manures and bio-fertilsers in light textured soil. Production of onion in kharif season is more important to have continuous supply of onion round the year. Organic manures stimulates the production of polysaccharides and other compounds that favours aggregation of fine soil particles, thereby promoting good structure, improved tilth, aeration, moisture movement and retention (Bose et al., 2001). Bio- fertiliser inoculation like Azosprillium, PSB helps the plants to attain better vegetative growth and increases yield by 10-30 percent (Mohondas, 1999 and Tilak and Annapurna, 1993). The present investigation was taken up to study effect of organic manures and bio-fertilisers on kharif onion in semi arid region.
Heterosis studies for yield and yield attributes over environments in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
Brinjal is an important vegetable crop of India and is grown throughout the year. However, it is widely cultivated in both temperate and tropical regions of the globe mainly for its immature fruits as vegetables (Rai et al., 1995), but in the temperate regions it is cultivated mainly during summer season. India is regarded as the primary centre of origin/diversity of brinjal (Genabus, 1963). One of the methods employed is exploitation of hybrid vigour through hybridization. The first time, Bailey and Munson (1891) reported artificial hybridization in brinjal. However, none of the hybrids exhibited any heterosis. Nagai and Kida (1926) were probably the first to observed hybrid vigour in a cross combinations of some Japanese varieties of brinjal to obtain higher yield per unit area, exploitation of hybrid vigour is better way particularly brinjal and obtained more number of seeds percent, where more seeds per fruit are obtained. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to study the extent of heterosis in 36 F, hybrids over mid parents, better parent and standard check in a diallel cross combinations set of 9 parents excluding reciprocals in four different environmental condition. The study would be helpful for selecting desirable parents for hybrid development and to select potent transgressive segregants which can be further evaluated for enhanced yield potential.
Effect of drip irrigation and bioregulators on water use efficiency and fruit yield of Kachri (Cucumis melo var. callosus)
Rajasthan, particularly western region comes under hyper arid zone with very scarce water resource. Thus, more crop per drop of water is main motto of any agricultural production system in these region of the state. Kachri is one of the major cucurbitaceous vegetable of the region is grown extensively. The crop is generally grown as rainfed kharif crop. Growing the the crop as irrigated summer crop can be highly profitable. Among the irrigation methods drip irrigation is proved superior as it maintains moisture content at near about field capacity in one hand and eliminates water losses on other hand. The superiority of drip irrigation has been a well established fact particularly in cucurbits (Devaranavadgi et al) (1). Sulphydryl (-SH-) compounds improve phloem translocation of photosynthate and crop productivity. Thus, they act as bioregulators and play an important role in improving water use efficiency through enhanced phloem translocation and yield formation in arid regions. Thiourea (500ppm) significantly increase yield and quality of tubers in potato (Mani et al) (2). Beside thiourea, effect of N-acytyl cysteine and thioglycolic acid (TGA) also influence the fruit yield and water use efficiency of kachri. The information on bioregulators, and drip irrigation on kachri growth and yield are meager. Hence, there is a felt need to generate precise information on irrigation requirement of kachri through drip and effect of bio-regulators on kachri.
Effect of micro-nutrients spray on yield attributing characters of mango (Mangifera indica 1.) cv. Amrapalli
The mango occupies a pre-eminent place amongst the fruit crops grown in India as the king of fruits. Mango belongs to family Anacardiaceae. The mango is the choicest fruit of Hindustan, and people eat it from immature to ripening stage. Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is the fifth most important fruit of the world after apple, citrus, banana and grape. It is cultivated in more than 100 countries because of its delicious taste, excellent flavour, attractive fragrance and excellent source of vitamin A and C. Mango occupies about 70 per cent of the total area under fruits in India covering an area of 5.51 million hectares. The major mango producing countries are India (12.53 Mt), China (3.67 Mt), Mexico (1.67 Mt), Thailand (1.80 Mt), Pakistan (16.06 Mt), Indonesia (1.14 Mt) and Philippines (1.003 Mt).
Influence of scion size on graft success in custard apple cv. Balanagar
Custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) belongs to family Annonaceae and now gaining popularity on waste and dry lands. Custard apple is mainly propagated through seed and therefore, there exists a great variation in respect of growth, yield and fruit quality amongst the trees grown in the orchard. However, it is a common experience to come across individual free plant exhibiting superior fruit quality and profile yield. If such promising trees are further perpetuated vegetatively the desirable types can be multiplied and orchards with uniform fruit quality can be established. Kudmulwar et al (2008) reported that softwood grafting was effective in terms of percentage success, percent of survival, shoot length and the number of functional leaves. However the studies in respect of standardization of scion size viz., length and diameter for achieving maximum graft success through softwood grafting have yet not been carried out. Keeping the point under consideration the present study was therefore, undertaken to find out the most suitable size of scion shoot for obtaining maximum success for softwood grafting in custard apple cv. Balanagar.
Vol. 10 (1-2):100-102 Bio-Efficacy of different insecticides against Custard apple mealy bug, (Maconellicocus hirsutus)
Custard apple or sugar apple (Annona squamosa L) is considered as the new super fruit of 21" century belonging to the family Annonaceae. It is one of the important minor fruit crops in India, commonly known as sitaphal, sita palam, sharifa, sita pazham, sita phalmu, katal, ata and sweet sop depending upon the region. Fruits can be called as a delicacy of dry region due to its very sweet delicate flesh and are rich in carbohydrate mainly in the form of sugar, protein, calcium, phosphorus and iron. It is grown throughout the plains of India except temperate region. The major custard apple growing states are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Rajasthan, Orissa and Tamil Nadu. Approximately 55,000 hectares are dedicated to custard apple cultivation (Anonymous, 2014). In Maharashtra, custard apple is grown in Pune, Beed, Aurangabad, Nanded, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Osmanabad, Latur, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Bhandara and Wardha districts. Balaghat hills of Marathwada are famous for natural occurrence of custard apple plantation. The fruit tolerates a variety of conditions from saline soils to droughts.
Standardization of growing substrate and irrigation appendage nutrition in rose (Rosa hybrida) cv. 'Grand Gala'
Acclaimed as the Queen of the flowers, roses are one of the nature's beautiful creations among all the flowers. Roses are the top ranking cut flowers and are the largest traded flowers in the world and share about 51% of the world flower market. The global floriculture market is valued around US S 11-billion and India accounts for a mere 0.2% of the global export business in cut flowers and associated floricultural products. Presently, growing of flowers in our country is practiced in open field conditions. Flowers grown in open conditions are exposed to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Under such conditions, it is not possible to produce blemish free, high quality flowers in terms of bud size, stem length, lush green leaves and pests and diseases free materials which are normally produced under controlled environments in other countries. Therefore, it makes imperative to take up cut flower cultivation of roses for better quality under greenhouse conditions particularly when production of cut flower is made for export purpose.
Effect of plant growth regulators and chemicals on seed germination of Ker (Capparis decidua L.)) under nursery conditions
Ker (Capparis deciduas L.) of family Capparidaceae is a multipurpose tree which is distributed throughout the arid regions of India and other countries. The plant is xerophytic in nature and is highly tolerant to drought conditions for long period. The plant is used traditionally as anti-inflammatory, laxative, anti-diabetic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, astringent, digestive, diaphoretic and anodyne. Ker fruits are used to make delicious pickle. The major constraint in development of orchards of this species is lack of true to type planting material. This is on account of fact that systematic vegetative propagation technique is yet to be standardized. Presence of inhibitors has been shown in cuttings of ker (Bhargava et al., 2000). Ker is commonly propagated through seeds. However, the uniformity of seed germination and subsequent seedling growth further aggravate the problem. Accordingly, in the present study, an attempt was made to study the effect of different concentrations of GA,, KNO, and Salicylic acid on germination of ker seeds and seedling growth.