HortFlora Research Spectrum

98-103

Authors: Abdul Qayum Omid, Manoj Kumar Singh, Bijendra Singh, Mukesh Kumar, S.P. Singh, Satya Pradesh, Sunil Malik, Jagraj Singh, K.P. Singh and S.K.Tripathi

An investigation entitled “Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on growth and yield of Arvi (Colocasia esculenta L.)” was carried out at Horticulture Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut during 2017-18 in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Total ten treatment viz. T1- NPK 60:30:80 kg ha-1,T2 - NPK 60 :60:120 kg ha-1, T3-NPK 60 :90:160 kg ha-1 , T4 - NPK 90:30:80 kg ha-1, T5-NPK 90:60:120 kg ha-1, T6-NPK 90:90:160 kg ha-1, T7-NPK 120:30:80 kg ha-1, T8-NPK 120:60:120 kg ha-1, T9-NPK 120:90:160 kg ha-1 and T10- Control were tried to assess the impact of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium on growth and yield of colocasia during investigation. Out of these, the treatment with NPK 120:30:80 was found significantly superior in terms of plant height (cm.), plant spread (cm), number of leaves plant-1, number of tillers plant-1, girth of pseudo stem from ground level (cm) , length of leaf (cm), width of leaf (cm), petiole length (cm) and petiole breadth (cm). Similarly, yield and yield attributing parameters i.e., number of corms plant-1 , corm length (cm), corm girth (cm), weight of corm (g), corm yield plant-1 (g), and corm yield (q ha-1) were found significantly superior with the application of NPK 120:30:80 as compared to control and other treatments. Finally, a dose of NPK @ 120:30:80 kg ha-1 gave the highest yield of corm i.e., 289.83 q ha-1, whereas lowest yield of corm i.e., 92.25 q ha-1 was observed under control during the cropping period.

109-114

Authors: Ujjwal Sirohi, Mukesh Kumar, Shiv Kumar Singh, Pankaj Chauhan, Ravindra Kumar and Pooran Chand

The present study consists of twenty one tuberose genotypes to find out the estimates of genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and character association. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was found to be higher than their corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation for all the characters. The high genotypic coefficient variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient variation (PCV) magnitude was observed for yield of bulb per plant (g), yield of bulb (q/ha), concrete (%), absolute (%) and weight of bulbs (gm). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was recorded for number of leaves per plant, vase life (days), numbers of bulbs per plant, yield of bulb per plant (gm) and yield of bulb (q/ha), weight of bulb (gm), concrete and absolute indicating that genetic control in the inheritance of these traits and selection pressure could be profitably applied on these characters for yield improvement. Phenotypic correlations were of higher magnitude as compare to their corresponding genotypic correlation in most of the attribute combination which indicated that existence of strong influence of environmental factor for the various characters. Yield of bulb showed significant and positive correlation with days to taken to sprout, plant height, length of longest leaf, days required for visibility of first spike, number of floret per spike, diameter of floret, length of spike, number of bulbs per plant, yield of bulb per plant and diameter of bulb at genotypic level and phenotypic level yield of bulb exhibited positive significant association with days to taken to sprout, plant height, number of floret per spike, length of spike, number of bulbs per plant, yield of bulb per plant and diameter of bulb. Thus, it can be inferred that selection based on any one of these characters either alone or in combination, will result in identifying high yielding strains in tuberose crop.

121-125

Authors: Anita Singh, R. K. Singh and Vineeta Singh

Aloe barbedensis Miller or Aloe vera Linn. is a succulent plant of family Liliaceae with its origin in African continent. Ancient records show that the benefits of Aloe vera have been known for centuries with its therapeutic advantages and healing properties. Many ancient works including the Bible refer to the use of Aloe. It is grown in many parts of the world with warm climate. It grows mainly in the dry region of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. In India it is found in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Its uses are multiple and undoubtedly the nature’s gift to humanity. It is commonly known as “Ghrit Kumari”. Its leaves have a high capacity of retaining water even in warm and dry climates and therefore this plant can survive for longer period of drought and harsh circumstances where most of the vegetation disappear. When a leaf is cut, a yellow-orange coloured sap drips from the open end; as a drink this bitter sap has a very strong laxative effect. A “stabilized” product is incorporated in a wide variety of preparations of commerce.

133-136

Authors: Prerak Bhatnagar, J. Singh, C.B Meena and M.K Sharma

The present investigations were carried out in Fruit Science Department under aegis of All India Coordinated Research Project on Arid Zone Fruits at College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar on new established orchard during 2010 to evaluate the four different custard apple cultivars collected from different horticultural institutes of the country. The fruit quality characteristics during first bearing (2016) revealed that maximum fruit weight (169.38g), pulp wt. (68.27g), pulp % (40.71) was observed in Balanagar cultivar, however maximum TSS (35.73°brix), higher yield/plant (3.81kg), less no. of seeds (24.80) and less seed weight/ fruit (6.63) was estimated in Raydurg cultivar. The quality attributes of cvs. Balanagar and Raydurg were found at par with each other and were found superior over Ramsita and APK (Ca-1) cultivars during first bearing. The evaluation of custard apple fruit quality during second bearing (2017) revealed that maximum average fruit weight (224.34g), pulp weight (100.03g), pulp % (44.54) and yield/plant (5.60kg) was recorded in Balanagar cultivar, however maximum TSS (32.88obrix), less number of seeds (27.80), less seed weight/fruit (7.35g) was estimated in Balanagar cultivar and were found higher over Ramsita and APK (Ca-1)cultivars. The genetic studies revealed high heritability values for fruit weight (148.79), pulp weight (149.29), pulp percentage (149.05), number of seeds/fruit (148.41), seed weight/fruit (149.87), TSS content (148.41) and fruit yield/plant (147.89) among custard apple cultivars. The present studies determines that Balanagar and Raydurg cultivars have shown promise under heavy black soils of Jhalawar district and holds potential for this crop in subhumid climate having good average annual rainfall (750mm).

141-144

Authors: Dimpy Raina

The present study was focused on technology transfer to farmers by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ferozepur and their impact on self employment and up gradation of their livelihoods. Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ferozepur had conducted vocational/short term trainings for rural youth/farmers and extension functionaries on cultivation of button and dhingri mushroom, bee keeping, dairy farming, preservation of fruits and vegetable, protected vegetable cultivation. A total of 167 trainees were selected as the respondents of the trainings. The findings revealed that more than 41.31% respondents were belonging to 30-40 years age group and about 67.66 per cent respondents were educated. Half of the respondents were belong to schedule caste families and landless. About 27.1 per cent of the trainees had training on bee keeping, 24.9 per cent on dairy farming, and 23.3 per cent on cultivation of button and dhingri mushroom, 15.0 per cent of the trainees received training on preservation of fruits and vegetable. Majority of the trainees had adopted the skills on self sustainable level/household level with highest adoption in cultivation of button and dhingri mushroom (69.0%), 58% in bee keeping followed by 36.0 % in dairy farming, 20% in fruits and vegetable preservation. The number of adoption of protected vegetable cultivation was lowest but found highest adoption at commercial level. Economic impact of trainings at self sustainable level/household level is quite visible in terms of income generation as trainees had started and adopted skills as subsidiary or main occupation.

149-151

Authors: P. Holajjer , T. N. Saha, K. S. Girish, K. P. Singh and E. Deepak

Population dynamics of some plant parasitic nematodes in the rhizosphere of tuberose and marigold crops were studied. Population density was recorded at monthly interval from May, 2016 to February, 2017 in tuberose and from June, 2016 to November, 2016 in marigold. High population density (>200 nematodes / 200 cc soil) of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita and reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus spp. was recorded in tuberose from July, 2016 to November, 2016. Population dynamics of other nematodes such as Pratylenchus spp. and ectoparasitic nematodes were also recorded in the rhizosphere of tuberose crop. In marigold, population density of plant parasitic nematodes such as Pratylenchus spp., Hoplolaimus spp., Helicotylenchus spp., Tylenchorhynchus spp. and Longidorus spp. Were decreased when marigold cultivars Pusa Narangi Gainda and Pusa Basanti Gainda were grown in sequence on the same field. However, these marigold cultivars did not influence the population density of Xiphinema spp.

155-158

Authors: Vineeta Singh and R. K. Singh

In spite of rich heritage of knowledge on the use of herbal drugs, due attention has not been paid to grow these medicinal plants, systematically as field crops. Over 60% of all pharmaceuticals are plant based. Plant growth and development are primarily governed by environmental conditions of the soil and climate. The success or failure of crop growing is intimately related to prevailing weather conditions. As per composition of plant metabolites, medicinal plants have been grouped as alkaloids including morphine (poppy), strychnine and brucine (nuxvomica), quinine (cinchona), ergotarnine (ergot), hyociamine (belladona), scolapormine (datura), emetine (ipecae), reserpine (rauvolfia), cocaine (coco), aconitine (aconite), lobelin (lobelia) etc. Soil and climatic requirement of some of the important medicinal plants is discussed hereunder along with their utilization and brief cultural technology so that it may be popularized and progressive growers may take up its cultivation and the supply of raw material is enhanced to the pharmaceutical industries.

162-164

Authors: Pushpa Devi, Anita Singh and R.G. Upadhyay

An experiment was conducted in Complete Randomized Block Design with three replications along with nine treatments i.e. T1 - Absolute control (Soil: Sand::1:1), T2: T1 + (N 100 kg/ha + P2O5 60 kg/ha + K2O5 60 kg/ha), T3: T1 + FYM (2.0 : 1), T4: T1+ VC (2.0:1), T5: T1 + BG (2.9 :0.1) , T6: T1+FYM+VC (2.0 :0.5 :0.5), T7: T1 + FYM + BG (2.0 :0.9 :0.1), T8: T1 + VC + BG (2.0 :0.9 :0.1), T9: T1 + FYM + VC + BG (2.0 :0.45 :0.45:0.1). The pots were prepared by filling the mixture of soil and sand in equal proportion while Vermicompost, FYM and biozyme granules were added depending upon proportion in various treatment. All growth parameters i.e., plant height, number of branches, number of nodes, number of leaves and leaf area as well as biochemical constituent (Chlorophyll content) were recorded at various growth stages of Bacopa. The significant variations were recorded in growth parameters. Leaf area increased in all the treatments with time till flowering stage and declined further at the time of harvest. Chlorophyll contents also increased up to flowering stage and after that showed a decrease at harvest stage.

168-170

Authors: Jitendra Singh, J.P. Singh and Asha Yadav

The study was laid out with the main objective to find out the effect of urea and KH2PO4 applied through foliar spray on floral parameters and floret production of gladiolus cv. Friendship at JCB, Etawah, C.S.J.M. University, Kanpur during two years. Foliar spray of 3% urea and 0.75% KH2PO4 applied 60 days after planting give highest length of flower stalk. The spraying of urea and KH2PO4 slightly increase the days to 1st flowering opening over the control. The small size of florets was recorded under control by 5.65 cm diameter against the larger obtained by spray of urea 3% to 6.90 cm diameter. As regard, the effect of KH2PO4 bigger florets of 6.73 cm was produce by 0.75% concentration in comparison to lower doses of KH2PO4 and control. The 3% urea solution increases the number of florets per stalk by 22% and KH2PO4 by 15% over the control.

11-18

Authors: S. S. Chinchorkar , S. B. Suryavansi and G. R. Patel

The rainfall and temperature is the most fundamental physical parameter among the climate as it determines the environmental factors of the particular region which affect the agricultural productivity. Global warming/climate change is one of the most important worldwide issue talked among the scientists and researchers. Attempts have been made to study the temporal variations and trends in monthly, seasonal and annual temperature over Anand (middle Gujarat). Analysis has been carried for four temperature indices, namely - minimum temperature (Tmin), maximum temperature (Tmax), mean temperature (Tmean) and diurnal temperature range (DTR). Non-parametric Mann-Kendall (MK) test was used to detect the trends and the magnitude of the trends were determined with Sen’s estimator of slope.The present study is the warming trends in Tmin , Tmax and Tmean temperatures and decreasing trends in DTR over City of Anand. At the site, the total numbers of statistically significant values in three temperature indices - Tmin , Tmax and Tmean are more than total numbers of non-significant values on annual, seasonal and monthly timescale.All the trend in Tmin variable are increasing at the station on annual, seasonal and monthly scale. These increasing trends in Tmin are significant at annual, seasonal and monthly scales over January, July August and December over Anand, it is significant at annual, seasonal (winter, monsoon, post-monsoon). In general, the magnitudes of rate of change in Tmin are higher as compared to other variables on all time scale at the station.The increasing trends in Tmax at Anand are significant on annual scale, monsoon season as well as in February, March, May,June, August, October to December at Anand Similar to the trends observed in Tmin and Tmax, Tmean shows significant increasing trends on annual, seasonal (monsoon and post-monsoon) and monthly (except January) scale over Anand timescale. DTR shows significant decreasing trends on annual scale, winter season, post-monsoon season and in April month at Anand.

24-32

Authors: Shivnath Das, Ajit Kumar Pandey and Prabhat Kumar

Medicinal and Aromatic plants (MAPs) contribute significantly to rural economy and health security of the country. More than 90% of the formulations under the Indian systems of medicine contain plant-based raw materials. India exports herbal materials and medicines to the tune of nearly 600 corers annually and herbal based drug industry in the country is valued more than 4000 corers annually. In Bihar, area under MAP cultivation is 2600 ha only which is far below the national average. Thus, the status of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants cultivation is still negligible in Bihar. Though commercial cultivation of Mentha and Lemon grass are picking up in the state but still a lot of efforts are required to observe the real impacts of MAPs cultivation. Presently, Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are increasingly perceived as diversification crops in Indian agriculture. Development of suitable agronomic practices for MAPs is crucial to convert these plants into economically viable components in existing cropping systems of Bihar. Therefore, it is necessary for individual state to develop agro-technologies for medicinal plants and motivate farmers towards profitable cultivation of MAP crops for their livelihood security.

41-46

Authors: Khardiwar Mahadeo, Anil Kumar Dubey, S.S.Chicnhorkar and F.G. Sayyad

This study examines the effect of combustion properties of briquettes produced from different crop residues. The densification of biomass changes the combustion characteristics, in view of that the system was designed to determined combustion characteristics of different crop residues briquette using a specially design combustion chamber. In this experiments air is blown around the combustion chamber. The maximum specific rate of combustion achieved 92.8 kg/h-m2 with airflow rate 63. 6m3/h. The higher biomass consumption was observed that mix briquette 17.7 kg/h. with air flow rate 63.6 m3/h. The result indicates that as the airflow rate increase, the rate combustion and temperature of combustion both increase simultaneously. Oxidation temperature and flame temperature in the combustion chamber as depend on a function of airflow rate.

52-57

Authors: Mohd. Zeeshan and J.P. Singh

A field experiment was conducted to investigated the effect of foliar application of boron and GA3 on the physico-chemical composition, yield and cost benefit ratio of phalsa. The trial was undertaken at the Horticulture Garden of Department of Horticulture, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during 2015-16 and 2016-17. There were 4 levels each of boron and GA3 i.e. 0, 30, 40, 50 ppm and 0, 10, 20, 30 ppm, respectively tried in a Factorial Randomized Block Design replicating thrice. First foliar application of the respective treatments was given when the flower buds were fully swollen and it was super imposed after three weeks. Observations were recorded on juice content, T.S.S., ascorbic acid, acidity and yield. Boron and GA3 in increasing concentration increased all the attributes profoundly barring acidity content. Foliar application of boron at 50 ppm improved the above attributes significantly expressing 50.59, 49.87% juice, 19.58, 19.770 Brix T.S.S., 30.95, 31.33 mg/100g ascorbic acid and 56.72, 59.88q/ha fruit yield against the minimum of 44.89, 44.92%; 17.89, 18.06° Brix; 27.21, 27.53mg/100g and 46.76, 49.17 q/ha registered under control (B0). GA3 treatments also proved profoundly effective in increasing the above parameters and application of 30 ppm recorded 51.25, 51.28% juice, 19.94, 20.13° Brix T.S.S., 30.42, 30.81 mg/100g ascorbic acid and 59.88, 63.27 q/ha fruit yield against 44.78, 44.06%; 17.70, 17.87° Brix; 28.06, 28.38mg/100g and 39.35, 41.21 q/ha values, respectively under control. 50 ppm Boron or 30 ppm GA3 produced less acidic fruits recording 1.450, 1.540% and 1.375, 1.440% acidity content against phalsa bushes deprived of foliar sprays of boron or GA3 (producing most acidic fruits) revealing 1.662, 1.160% and 1.830, 1.860% during corresponding years. It is obviously observed that cost benefit ratio increased progressively in increasing levels of boron and GA3. The cost benefit ratio was calculated on average data of 2015-16 and 2016-17. In this regard the maximum levels of boron (50 ppm), GA3 (30 ppm) and their interaction (B3G3) recorded 2.13, 2.34 and 2.63 cost benefit ratio and their control exhibited 1.68, 1.38 and 1.21 ratio, respectively.

62-66

Authors: M.S. Kanwar and Sonali Guleria

Performance of 26 indigenous/ exotic genotypes of cucumber was studied during Kharif, in randomized block design with 3 replications at Nauni (Solan). Significant differences among the genotypes were observed for all the traits under study, indicating the existence of considerable variability. A large portion of phenotypic variability was observed to be genetic and highly heritable in all the traits except for primary branches per vine. High heritability estimates accompanied with high genetic gain for yield per plant, sex ratio, node of first female flower and vine length indicated additive gene control for inheritance of these traits. Yield per plant had significant and positive association with fruits per plant and primary branched per plant. The traits viz. fruits per plant, fruit weight and fruit length contributed towards yield directly/ indirectly.

70-73

Authors: Bhag Chand, M.L. Meena*, Kusum Meena and B. C. Shivran

The present study examined the effect of bio-fertilizers on growth of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) cv. Pusa Snowball K-1. The study was conducted during Rabi 2015-2016 at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The treatment combination of bio-fertilizers was studied with different doses as T1 (Control), T2 (FYM, 20 t/ha.), T2 (Vermicompost, 5 t/ha.), T4 (Azotobacter, 2 kg/ha.), T5 (PSB, 2 kg/ha.), T6 (Neem Cake, 10 t/ha.), T7 (FYM + Vermicompost, 5 t/ha.), T8 (FYM + Azotobacter), T9 ( FYM + PSB), T10 ( FYM + Neem Cake), T11 (FYM + Vermicompost + Azotobacter) and T12 (FYM + Vermicompost +Azotobacter + PSB). Cauliflower growth including yield and quality parameters i.e. curd weight (g), curd diameter (cm), length of stalk (cm), yield per plot (kg), yield (q/ha) ascorbic acid and acidity respectively. Significant differences were observed for all the above mentioned parameters across the biofertilizer doses in cauliflower under Lucknow conditions.

78-80

Authors: P. C. Singh, P. P. Tripathi and Ramesh Singh

Curvularia leaf spot of brinjal (Solonum melongena) was grown on nine different solid media to observed the redial growth of the test fungus. Potato Dextrose Agar medium, favored the maximum growth and lowest growth was recorded on Asthana and Howker’s medium. The temperature requirement of the pathogen was investigated on Potato Dextrose Agar medium, in the range of 8°C to 45°C. The fungus exhibited maximum growth at a wide range of pH from 3.5 to 9.0, and best fungal growth was recorded at 6.5 and poor growth was observed at pH 3.5.