Thermal indices in relation to crop phenology and fruit yield of apple

Field experiments were conducted on gravel sandy soil of research farm of Horticultural Research Station, Seobag in Kullu valley with ten varieties of apple for three seasons (2008-2010). In the first crop season all the varieties matured within 157-188 days, while in the second and third seasons the crop matured with 159-179 and 156-187 days, respectively. The mean GDD accumulation from bud burst to fruit set was from 382 to 419° D and to maturity 2310 to 2957° D. The varieties, Mollice and Starkrimson consumed the lowest and highest GDD for attaining physiological maturity in different seasons among all varieties. But Commercial and Tydeman consumed the lowest and highest GDD for fruit setting. The photo thermal index (PTI) in all the varieties and seasons varied from 7.2 to 16.8 and 13.2 to 18.4° D/day at flowering and reproductive stages respectively.

Agrobiological assessment of adaptive plum varieties in the conditions of the Orenburg Urals

The article presents data of agrobiological evaluation (2018-2021) of plum collection samples of Orenburg branch of Federal Horticultural Research Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery. The research was aimed at identifying varieties and forms with the best characteristics of winter hardiness, drought resistance, productivity. In the Orenburg Urals, breeding development measures aimed at increasing the adaptability and productivity of plum plantations are appropriate. According to the results of a comprehensive assessment of productivity and adaptability, promising plum varieties have been identified. The best adaptability to adverse weather and climatic conditions of the winter period was characteristic of plum varieties Kuyashskaya and Vega. According to the weight of the fruit, Antonina and Kuyashskaya varieties (24,26 g and 23,19 g) stood out as promising plum varieties. The highest productivity index was found in the plum varieties Svetlana (12,46 kg) and Nadezhda (11,48 kg), the yield of these varieties was 5 and 5,4 t/ha, respectively. The Khabarovsk early and Svetlana varieties were characterized by the greatest accumulation of dry soluble substances –17,93 and 16,72 %. The highest total acidity (1,78 %) and the ascorbic acid content (9,46 mg%) were marked in the Svetlana variety. Characteristics of the water regime were the best in forms 12-7, 11-10 and varieties Antonina, Kuyashskaya. The identified adaptive plum varieties can be recommended for the expansion of the zoned assortment on the territory of the Orenburg Urals.

Influence of agrochemical agents on biometric parameters of pear varieties in protected soil conditions

The article presents data on the study of the effect of foliar treatment with the mineral fertilizer «Idrofloral brand 14-11-22+8CaO» and the growth regulator «Stimoros» on the biometric parameters of pear seedlings with a closed root system in protected soil conditions. The research was conducted in 2018-2020 in the Orenburg branch of the Federal Horticultural Research Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery. The objects of research were pear varieties of the summer ripening period Lada and Chizhovskaya. The seedlings were obtained by winter inoculation in the third decade of December. The drugs were used three times: 1st processing in the phase of the 5th present sheet, then 2 times with an interval of 10 days. The studied concentrations of non-root top dressing were determined according to the instructions for them. Biometric observations of seedlings were carried out according to the following parameters: seedling height (cm), number (pcs.) and leaf area (cm2 ). Mathematical processing of experimental data was carried out using the dispersion analysis according to B. A. Dospekhov. As a result of the conducted studies, the positive effect of these drugs on the growth and development of pear plants, different depending on the variety, was revealed. The greatest effectiveness on the Chizhovskaya variety was shown by the use of the mineral fertilizer «Idrofloral brand 14-11-22+8CaO» with a rate of application of 3.75 g/l, which contributed to an increase in the length of vegetative growth by an average of 45.6 %, the number of leaves — by 33.7 %, the foliage of seedlings-by 40.0 % compared to the control, thereby having a positive effect on the processes of formation and development of the leaf apparatus. In the Lada variety, the best results were noted when using the drug «Stimoros» at a dosage of 0.94 ml/l: the growth parameters of seedlings increased by 18.4 %, the number of leaves — by 12.1 %.

Achievements in breeding and main directions for improving black currant adssortment in Federal Horticultural Research Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery

The article presents the main results of twenty years of research carried out at the Federal Horticultural Research Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery (Kokino Base Station) on the search and creation of various genetic origin genotypes and the possibility of their use in further breeding work on black currants. The created genetic sources of resistance to American powdery mildew, leaf spots (canker, septoria, cercosporosis), large-fruited, berries’ high vitamin С content, fruit strength, plant productivity are presented: 7-37-2 (Litvinovskaya × Dar Smolyaninovoy), 37-27-4/05 (Debryansk, free pollination), 63-35-1 (Lentyay × Debryansk), 68-03-1 (Charodey × Yadryonaya), 5-66-5 (Dobrynya, free pollination), 13-51-1 (Shalunya, free pollination), 33-27-1 (Strelets × Selechenskaya 2) etc. As a result of breeding research, 12 black currant varieties have been created, eight of which (Bryanskiy Agate, Debryansk, Mif, Vera, Gamayun, Strelets, Charodey, Barmaley) are included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements, approved for using.

Effect of Micronutrients on Growth of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Onion is one of the most important bulb crop grown all over the India. It belongs to family Alliaceae and locally known as Pyaj. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of micronutrients on growth of Onion (Allium cepa L.) during Rabi season of 2019-2020 at the Horticultural Research centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The maximum plant height (27.18, 43.32, 49.22 and 47.45 cm at 30, 60, 90 and at harvest after days of transplanting, respectively), number of leaves (5.11, 8.83, 12.87 and 13.98 at 30, 60, 90 and at harvest after days of transplanting, respectively), diameter of stem per plant (6.64, 8.97, 11.13 and 10.95 mm at 30, 60, 90 and at harvest after days of transplanting, respectively) and length of longest leaf at harvesting (43.56 cm) were reported under treatment T9 -RDF + Zinc Sulphate 20 Kg ha-1 + Borax 10 Kg ha-1 whereas the minimum values for above parameters were recorded under T11- control. Hence application of RDF + Zinc Sulphate 20 Kg ha-1 + Borax 10 Kg ha-1 is worth recommendable for formers to get significantly better growth of Rabi onion.

Influence of Post Shooting Spray and Bunch Bagging on Per Day Productivity and Fruit Quality of Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.)

Aims: To determine the effect of post shooting spray and bunch bagging on per day productivity and quality of banana (Musa paradisiaca L.)” Study Design: Completely Randomized Design (Factorial) with three repetitions. Place and Duration of Study: Experiment was carried out at the Horticultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, B. A. College of Agriculture, AAU, Anand during the year 2017-18 and 2018-19 Methodology: The experiment comprises of twenty four treatment combinations involving two varieties viz. Grand Naine and William with six levels of post shooting sprays namely; control, humic acid 2 %, 2, 4-D 30 mg/l, gibberellic acid (GA3) 100 mg/l, CPPU 4 mg/l and sulphate of potash (SOP) 2 % with two bunch bagging viz., non- woven material bag covering and blue colour polyethylene sleeve (6 % perforated) bag covering. Post shooting sprays were given twice i.e. 1st spray after complete opening of inflorescence and 2nd spray after 30 days of first spray with covering the bunch immediately after second spray. Results: The results indicated that the Grand Naine variety recorded significantly minimum harvest days, maturity days. Whereas, William variety was recorded significantly shelf life and fruit appearances. In case of per day productivity is concerned, both the varieties were equally important. The post shooting spray of GA3 100 mg/l recorded significantly improves per day productivity and fruit appearances. Whereas, post shooting spray of SOP 2 % recorded minimum harvest day and maturity days. While, post shooting sprays of CPPU 4 mg/l showed significantly maximum shelf life. The non-woven material bag covering was significantly better among all quantitative and qualitative parameters as compared to blue colour polyethylene sleeve bag covering. While, post shooting spray of CPPU 4 mg/l with non-woven material bag covering showed significantly expand the shelf life of fruit. Conclusion: Grand Naine variety recorded significantly minimum harvest and maturity days. Whereas, William variety was recorded significantly shelf life and fruit appearances. The post shooting spray of GA3 100 mg/l was improved per day productivity and fruit appearances. Whereas, post shooting sprays of CPPU 4 mg/l showed significantly enhancing the shelf life. The non-woven material bag covering on banana bunches was found significantly better among all quantitative and qualitative parameters.

Response of Quality Attributes of Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) cv. Williumto Post Shooting Spray and Bunch Covering Material

Aims: To study the post harvest shooting namely; control, humic acid 2%, 2, 4-D 30 mg/l, gibberellic acid (GA3) 100 mg/l, CPPU 4 mg/l and sulphate of potash (SOP) 2% and covering materials viz., non- woven material bag and blue colour polyethylene sleeve (6% perforated) bag on bunch of banana cv. Willium Study Design: Experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (Factorial) with three repetitions. Place and Duration of Study: Experiment was carried out at the Horticultural Research Farm,Department of Horticulture, B. A. College of Agriculture, AAU, Anand during the year 2017-18 and 2018-19 Methodology: The experimental plot was prepared by deep ploughing, harrowing and levelling. The pits of 30 x 30 x 30 cm were dug out at a spacing of 1.8 x 1.8 m2 and well decomposed fine textured Farm Yard Manure (FYM) at the rate of 10 kg per pit was applied at planting. Well hardened, healthy, uniform tissue cultured tissue culture plants of willium banana having 5-6 leaves were used for planting. Post shooting sprays were given twice i.e. 1st spray after complete opening of inflorescence and 2nd spray after 30 days of first spray with covering the bunch immediately after second spray.The fruits which were used for recording the weight loss during ripening, were used to calculating pulp: peel ratio. Pulp to peel ratio was calculated by dividing respective pulp weight by respective peel weight. The TSS value of the fruit was recorded by using hand refractometer having range of 0-32 ⁰Brix. Acidity (%) was calculated by the method described by Rangana (1977) was adopted for estimation of titrable acidity. Results: The results revealed that the banana bunches sprayingof CPPU 4 mg/lwith bunch covering with non woven materials were recorded significantly lower physiological loss in weight (12.80, 13.60 and 13.20%) and (13.26, 14.14 and 13.70%), respectively. Whereas, post shooting spray of SOP 2% with non-woven material bag coveringwere recorded significantly maximum TSS (21.42, 21.05 and 21.17 ºBrix; 21.39, 20.93 and 21.16 ºBrix), reducing sugar (12.55, 12.34 and 12.45%; 12.21, 12.16 and 12.18%) and total sugar (21.42, 20.82 and 21.12%; 20.84, 20.50 and 20.67%) as compared to rest of the treatments of post shooting sprays and bunch covering materials on banana quality. Conclusion: From the two years of field study, it can be concluded that the post shooting spraying of CPPU 4 mg/l and SOP 2% with non woven bunch covering bags were improve fruit quality of banana.

Aloe vera and STS solution on microbial population and vase life of Heliconia cut flowers

The use of several solutions as floral preservatives in extending the vase life of cut flowers has been an all-time research objective to meet the demands of florists and buyers. One of the major problems faced with the longevity of cut flowers is the accumulation of microorganism in the vase floral solution. This study was carried out to investigate the influence of Aloe vera gel and Silver thiosulphate solutions used as vase solution on the microbial population of Heliconia cut flowers. The experiment was carried out in the plant physiology laboratory, Floriculture programme, National Horticultural Research Institute, (NIHORT); Ibadan, Nigeria (7O25” N and 3O52” E). Six treatments supplemented with 1% sucrose were used in this experiment, they include; 1%, 2% and 4% Aloe vera gel solutions, 0.5% and 1% Silver thiosulphate solutions and distilled water (which serve as control) labeled AV1, AV2, AV3, STS1, STS2 and CO respectively. All treatments used for the vase life of Heliconia cut flowers were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different in the parameters analyzed as compared to the control. The vase life, relative fresh weight and relative water content of Heliconia cut flowers were best with Aloe vera gel solutions compared to the control with AV3 recording the longest vase life of 12 days (58.21%). The microbial population in the vases of the cut flowers was greatly reduced with the application of the silver thiosulphate solutions (STS1 and STS2) compared with the control with STS2 recording the lowest microbial colony at 32.67 CFU mL-1. Promoting the use of organic floral preservatives should be encouraged as it is eco-friendly and cost effective. The result of the study reveals that the use of 4% Aloe vera solution has the potential to reduce microbial growth and also enhance the longevity of the cut flowers.

Features of the strawberry field repository formation

For the successful functioning of a breeding and nursery center of scientific and practical work with fruit and small fruit crops, an important task is to create repositories, including thosein the field. A field repository is a plant gene bank based in accordance with international standards on planting material that is free from dangerous pathogens, including viruses, representing tested for productivity typical plants.For the purpose of a comparative study of promising varieties, hybrids and clones-candidates for original plants, a field repository and mother plantation of strawberries clones and varieties have been created on the territory of the Federal Horticultural Research Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery.As a result of research in 2015-2020, 386 high-yielding strawberry plants were selected and tested for the main harmful viruses using diagnostic kits from “Loewe” firm (Germany). The prevalence of harmful Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV), Raspberry ringspot virus (RpRSV), Tomato black ring virus (TBRV), Strawberry latent ringspot virus (SLRSV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in strawberry plantations depended on the area cultivation, varietal composition of plantings and ranged from 31 to 69 %. The prevalence of viruses RpRSV (up to 36 %), TBRV (up to 31 %) and CMV (up to 22 %) was established. The high efficiency of dry-air thermotherapy for the recovery of strawberries with the number of virus-free intact plants of 56 % has been shown.A genebank of "candidates for original plants" has been formed from 234 strawberry plants of 39 varieties and hybrids, which, after confirming their status by PCR, will be transferred to the category of "original plants".

Effect of Grafting Dates on Graft-take Success and Sapling Growth of Persian Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Under Open Field Condition of Jumla, Nepal

A field experiment was carried out at Horticultural Research Station, Rajikot, Jumla to determine the best grafting date of walnut for the highest graft-take success and sapling growth. The experiment was conducted during the two consecutive years 2017, and 2018. Two varieties namely ‘Hartley’ and ‘Payne’ and four different dates of grafting viz. 15th March, 22nd March, 29th March, and 5th April were used as the treatment and the experiment was laid out in split-plot design. Each treatment was assigned with ten grafts with five replications per treatment. The measured parameters for the experiments included graft-take success (%), final scion diameter (cm), growth on scion diameter (%), number of primary branches per plant, plant spread (cm), and number of leaf per plant. The pooled value of observation for two years showed highly significant effect of variety and grafting date on grafting-take. ‘Hartley’ variety showed maximum graft-take success (73.2%) and ‘Payne’ with the least success (54.0%). The pooled value of two successive years showed the highest graft-take success (70.0%) on 15th of March, significantly at par with 22nd March (64.5%) and 29th March (67.0 %) grafting. Grafting on 15th March was also superior in terms of number of leaves (31.7), and least was observed for grafting on 29th March (20.5). In essence, variety ‘Hartley’ was found to record higher graft-take success with 15th March as the optimum grafting date under Jumla condition.