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Moringa oleifera Lam. is an incredible plant because of vital nutrients such as minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals. The present work is focused on studying the optimization and quality attributes retention in moringa flowers in a freeze dryer (FD). Because the conventional drying process takes more time and energy which will affect the product quality and safety. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the effect of drying temperature (- 65 to - 45°C), vacuum pressure (0.5 to 2.5 mmHg) and drying time (18 to 24 h.) on the vitamin C, total antioxidant activity(TAA) and hygroscopicity (HS) of moringa flower. The developed model response R2 values of vitamin C 0.96, total antioxidant activity 0.97 and hygroscopicity0.95. Based on response surface and desirability (0.74) functions, moringa flower was freeze sdried at - 63.75°C for18 hr under 0.55 vacuum pressure had an optimum level of vitamin C 285.84 mg/100g, TAA 453.20 mg/100g and HS 1.57 percent. Freeze dried moringa flower powder at -55°C had maximum drying characteristics with special reference to high powder recovery (98.75%) and excellent flowability.The first principal component, accounting for 52.15 per cent and two 23.02 per cent of the total variance resolved the different drying temperatures.

The evaluation of morphological and yield traits of tamarind genotypes was carried out during 2017-18 at Forest Research Station, Govinkovi, Honnali taluk, Davangere district. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with 16 genotypes and three replications. Trees were 14-years-old and of grafted origin. All the morphological and yield traits showed significant difference among the selected genotypes indicating the presence of adequate variations. The genotypes recorded morphological variation in terms of tree shape (semi-circle to irregular shape), foliage arrangement (dense to sparse), flowering time (early, mid and late), stem colour (dark brown, brown and light brown), bud colour (greenish white, pink, dark pink), petal colour (yellow and pale yellow), pod colour (greyish brown, brown, light brown and dark brown), pulp colour (light brown, brown and reddish brown), pod shape (straight, slightly curved, curved and deeply curved) and pod size (very big, big, medium and small). The analysis of variance revealed significant difference with respect to tree height, stem girth, pod traits, pod yield per tree (K-9 : 12.80 kg), number of pods per tree (NTI-52 : 989.07) and pulp per cent (K-9 : 48.87). Among the 16 genotypes, the genotype K-9 was found superior with respect to pod size, pod weight, pulp weight and pod yield per tree. Genotype K-9 was found promising and due to perennial in nature further evaluation is required for stability.

Anthracnose is one of the most destructive fungal diseases caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporoides in yard long bean, leading to complete crop loss at all stages and its parts like hypocotyls, stem, peduncle, flowers, leaves and pods were seriously affected. Few bush type cowpea cultivars have been earlier identified as reliable sources of resistance while trailing types are susceptible, but high yielding. Breeding resistant varieties is suggested as the only practical strategy, especially under hot and humid condition. Fifty-yard-long bean genotypes belonging to bush, semi erect and pole types were screened against anthracnose disease through artificial inoculation under pot culture. The present study identified the resistant varieties of vegetable cowpea through artificial inoculation followed by detached leaf assay. Among the 50 varieties of yard long bean observed, Kanakamony, dual purpose yard long bean was found highly resistant with disease severity of 3.67% followed by Arimbra local.

Generation mean analysis of brinjal lines, GL 401 × BR 104 (CROSS I), GL 401 × W 230 (CROSS II) and W 230 × RMO 1142 (CROSS III) six generation of three crosses viz. highlighted the involvement of epistatic interactions (duplicate) for most of the qualitative traits. However, the number of fruits per plant in CROSS I & III and fruit girth, calyx length, and yield per plant in CROSS II confirmed the occurrence of complementary epistasis. Mainly, additive effect for fruit girth, non-additive effect for calyx length, calyx width, peduncle girth, fruit weight, and fruit length, and both types for peduncle length, number of fruits /cluster, number of fruits/ plant, and yield/ plant were experienced. Additive × dominance or dominance × dominance type of interactions were more prevalent than additive × additive type of interactions for different traits. Cluster bearing was monogenic dominant and green color of calyx as well as peduncle was dominant over purple with the duplicate type of epistasis. Fruit shape was dgenic with incomplete dominance. Fruit color displayed digenic control in CROSS I & II and tri-genic ratio in CROSS III with incomplete dominance of purple and green pigmentations producing variable color intensity in homozygous or heterozygous conditions.

Arecanut (Areca catechu L.) commonly called as betel nut is a high value commercial cropof coastal and Malnad region of Kerala and Karnataka. The present study was carried outat Agricultural and Horticultural research station Sringeri, UAHS Shivamogga in 2018. Thestudy attempts the correlation studies in the germplasm will help to understand the mutualrelationship among various traits and thereby assist in selecting the character contributingto the yield. In addition to this the selection for yield directly is ineffective as yield is affected by many other traits. The highest positive significant for the association of fruit yield per palm was with the fresh kernel weight per palm (0.96g) followed by dry weight of husk per palm (0.89g) and fresh weight of husk per palm (0.89g). Path analysis revealed that nineteen out of thirty-four characters recorded that fruit volume (2.40cc) had highest positive direct effect on fruit yield per palm followed by fresh fruit weight (2.17g) and breadth of leaf sheath (2.11m). It can be concluded that growth and yield characters may be considered in selection criteria for the improvement of yield in arecanut.

Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is one of the devastating diseases of tomato worldwide. Field trial was carried out in Kharif 2019 and 2020 in Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, to estimate yield loss due to late blight and to assess extent of protection in resistant genotype during late blight epiphytotics. Yield loss was calculated as per cent difference in yield between fungicides treated and unprotected plots in three F1 hybrids NS501, Arka Rakshak, both susceptible genotypes and Arka Abhed, a resistant genotype. Over two years, average yield loss due to late blight was 79.47 per cent in NS501, 75.53 per cent in Arka Rakshak and 12.84 per cent in Arka Abhed. With lower mean AUDPC values (147.22 in 2019 and 469.17 in 2020) and with low yield loss, Arka Abhed provided affordable protection against late blight. Our findings indicate late blight as an economically important peril to be considered for tomato yield loss coverage under insurance scheme in Bengaluru region. Arka Abhed hybrid can be cultivated to avert yield loss risk associated with late blight epiphytotics.

The survey was conducted during rabi season (2021) to determine the incidence of mosaic disease of capsicum in major capsicum growing districts namely, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Bengaluru rural and Ramanagar. The per cent incidence of mosaic disease based on symptoms in field was recorded, highest in Ramanagar (54.85%) and the least incidence of mosaic disease was observed in Chikkaballapura (26.85%). Transmission and host range studies under glasshouse conditions revealed that ChiVMV is transmitted mechanically. Among 16 host plants tested, 7 plant species (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun, N. glutinosa, N. occidentalis, Datura metel, Physalis floridana, S. nigrum, Capsicum annum) were infected with the Chilli veinal mottle virus disease and the symptom could be seen in 20-25 days. The per cent transmission of ChiVMV by aphid Aphis gossypii was studied. The results showed that ChiVMV can be transmitted by A. gossypii. However, five aphids per plant showed highest per cent transmission (100%). The effect of different dates of inoculation on different plant growth parameters was also studied, the highest per cent disease transmission was observed in T1: Inoculation 15 days after sowing (100.00%).

The incidence of incompatibility signs in the grafting point can be delayed, and the analysis of phenols is used as an applicable early sign for the detection of graft incompatibility. Accordingly, this study mainly aimed to investigate compatibility/incompatibility in 10 commercial plum cultivars grafted on myrobalan and apricot rootstocks, followed by determining the role of phenols in graft incompatibility. The evaluated cultivars included Santarosa, Ghatreh tala, Shams, Dargazi, No. 16, No. 17, Laroda, Simka, Bokhara, and Stanley. The results showed significant differences in the stem diameter. The union graft location in Shams, Laroda, Simka, Stanley, and Ghatreh tala cultivars on apricot rootstock was thicker than the scions and stocks. Phenolic compounds in the union graft decreased in all plum cultivars on myrobalan rootstock in comparison with other sites. Finally, the most phenolic accumulation belonged to the union graft on Santarosa, Ghatreh tala, and Shams on apricot rootstocks. Therefore, it seems that phenolic compounds in plums can be used as a biochemical marker in graft incompatibility.

French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production is adversely affected by many pathogens and insect-pests worldwide. In the present investigation, effect of different bio-fortified composts, organic amendments, botanicals and pesticides were evaluated against diseases and insect- pests of french bean. The results showed that seed treatment and drenching with Trichoderma harzianum strain 11, followed by soil application of fortified farmyard manure resulted in the lowest root rot incidence, highest germination, vigour and yield in french bean. In another set of experiment, soil incorporation of Parthenium hysterophorus, Urtica dioicaandLantana camarawere found to reduce root rot incidence with high germination and pod yield. Among the bioproducts and botanicals tested, foliar spray of cow dung extract (50%) reduced angular leaf spot, rust and bacterial blight severity by 51, 69 and 25 per cent, respectively. Among the fungicides, foliar application of azoxystrobin 23 SC (0.1%) and difenoconazole 25EC (0.025%), also reduced angular leaf spot and rust severity by 93 and 90 per cent, respectively. Among different insect pest management strategies under field conditions, cartap hydrochloride and batain seed extract registered low sucking bug (Chauliops choprai) population. Integrated approaches including bio-agents, botanicals along with chemicals for managing these diseases and insect-pests were found appropriate options. Out of six different IPM modules evaluated, seed treatment with carbendazim along with foliar spray of 0.1% azoxystrobin and cartap hydrochloride resulted in lowest root rot, rust, angular leaf spot, bacterial blight and Chaulopsis choprai bug population in French bean.

The Northeast region of India is endowed with diverse soil and agro-climatic conditions that are conducive to the growth of a large variety of temperate and tropical horticultural crops. Fruits, vegetables, and spices of the region are highly nutritious and have a market within and outside the country. The paper is an attempt to assess the potential of horticulture in the region. To gauge the state-wise and regional growth trend and variability in area and production of these crops during the period 2009-2019, Compound Annual Growth rates and Instability Index have been computed from secondary data. The study reveals a rising regional growth trend with low instability for the production of fruits and vegetables and moderate instability for spices. This indicates the possibility of sustainable development of horticulture in all the Northeast states through strategic planning. Fruits and spices of the region also have a market in Middle-East and neighbouring countries. However, lack of commercialisation, poor market intelligence, and linkages are impeding the growth of exports. To unleash the true potential of horticulture, it is imperative to develop infrastructure, modernise farming and establish seamless value chains with greater market integration.

India is the second largest producer of tomato with 11 per cent global share and cultivated on an estimated area of 0.76 million hectares with productivity of 24 tonnes per hectare. Less than 1% of the produce is processed when compared to 26% in other major producing countries. Of the estimated more than 41 million tonnes of tomato processed globally, only 130,000 tonnes were processed in India and domestic demand for processed tomato products is expanding at an estimated 30% annually. At present traditional fresh market tomato cultivars are being processed though such cultivars are unsuitable for processing. Processors in India are looking for high yielding tomato cultivars with high total soluble solids (5-6 º Brix), acidity not less than 0.4%, pH less than 4.5 and uniform red colour with a/b colour value of at least 2. In addition, firm fruited tomato cultivars with joint less pedicel (j2) which facilitate mechanical harvesting or rapid hand picking. ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research has recently developed two high yielding F1 hybrids in tomato viz: Arka Apeksha and Arka Vishesh suitable for processing. On evaluation for three years, both the hybrids recorded good level of total soluble solids (4.5-5º Brix) and colour value of 2. Further, both the hybrids had high yield potential (80-90 tonnes / hectare) with triple disease resistance to tomato leaf curl disease, bacterial wilt and early blight. Arka Apeksha and Arka Vishesh were also bred with jointless pedicel making them suitable for mechanical harvesting. Our experimental studies on vine storability revealed that all the fruits were intact on plants even 110 days after transplanting in the main field facilitating once over harvest.

Availability of dwarfing rootstocks is an important pre-requisite for improving productivity of mango orchards in India as it facilitates high density planting as well as impart uniformity within an orchard. An attempt was made to induce variability in polyembryonic mango genotype Nekkare for dwarfness by treating kernels with different doses of gamma radiation ranging from 15 to 35 Gy. Irradiation created significant variation in plant height, stem girth, number of nodes, inter-nodal length, number of leaves, leaf blade length and leaf blade width. The highest reduction in seedling height along with highest variation was observed at 35 Gy where the seedling height ranged from 11.50 to 33 cm with a mean of 23.12 cm as compared to mean plant height of 44.55 cm in control ranging from 33.50 to 56 cm. Further, the effect of irradiation on stomatal parameters was also investigated and the highest stomatal length and width was recorded at 15 Gy (63.39 μm) and 20 Gy (63.12 μm) respectively while 30 Gy treatment produced maximum stomatal density (13.85 per μm2). Furthermore, the concentration of ABA was found to be highest (429.1 ng/gm) in morphologically dwarf (putative mutant) progenies of Nekkare. The results suggest effectiveness of induced mutation for developing dwarfing rootstocks in mango to be used in high density planting.

There is growing interest in the application of ultraviolet (UV-C) energy to control crop pathogens. In the present study, the efficacies of UV-C treatments for controlling cucumber downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) were investigated on a commercial farm in eastern Massachusetts, USA. Controlled doses of UV-C, delivered by a tractor-mounted array of sources, between 120 and 480 J·m-2 were applied and compared to conventional fungicide treatments as well as to untreated controls, for each of two consecutive years (2020 and 2021). Visual assessments of foliar disease severity in the trial plots were made several times from planting through the end of productive life. In contrast to the successful control of powdery mildew, the UV-C treatments for controlling cucumber downy mildew were not as successful as conventional fungicides. None of the UV-C treatments affected the overall progression rate of downy mildew once the disease became apparent, although disease onset was delayed slightly compared to untreated controls. This delay may have been due to UV-C induced resistance to infection by the host. Unlike powdery mildews, downy mildew spores from P. cubensis are darkly pigmented, possibly decreasing the efficacy of the UV-C treatments for controlling the disease. DM spores may also be only susceptible to UV exposure prior to encysting in the leaves of the host, thereby perhaps limiting the window of opportunity when UV-C treatments can be effective. Although not the primary focus of this study, the use of reflective mulch appeared to delay disease onset relative to black mulch in fields with significant sunlight exposure, perhaps due to lowering plant stress by maintaining a lower soil temperature.

The study was undertaken for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018) to evaluate the effect of different growth media on various growing parameters and incidence of insect pest on brinjal and chilli seedlings. Seedlings were grown in protray using six types of growing media. The highest germination percentage (71.11), plant height (11.05 cm), number of leaves (5.81) and percentage healthy seedlings (89.82) were observed with vermiculite + perlite + vermi- compost (1:1:2) during both the years in brinjal. Similarly in chilli, highest germination percentage (66.33), plant height (9.81 cm), number of leaves (5.62) and percentage healthy seedlings (87.61) were observed with vermiculite + perlite + vermi-compost (1:1:2). There was significantly low incidence of whitefly in brinjal (1.49 whitefly/leaf) and chilli (1.65 whitefly/ leaf) seedling grown in media with vermiculite + perlite + vermi-compost (1:1:2). Hence, vermiculite + perlite + vermi-compost (1:1:2) was found as optimum growth media for growing of chilli and brinjal seedlings. The findings of this study recommend the use of vermiculite + perlite + vermi-compost (1:1:2) as growth media for raising nursery by farmers as it had significant positively effect on plant growth parameters of seedlings that lead to increase production of chilli and brinjal.

Giant Himalayan lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum Wall.) is a perennial bulbiferous herb of Liliaceae and an endemic species in the eastern Himalayan region, which has become one of the new flower crops because of its high ornamental value. The present investigationwas conducted to study pollen morphologyi.e., fresh pollen grains size was measured in different media, viz., water, acetocarmine, glycerol and without any medium (dry). The pollen grains of Giant Himalayan lily exhibited the average size (length x width) of (22.64 x 19.72μ) in water suspension. The result revealed that in glycerine and dry condition shape of pollen grains was perprolate. However, in water and acetocarmine it looked was round in shape. The result also shown that highest pollen germination (54.70%, 63.69%) and pollen tube growth (89.24μ, 175.85μ) in 10% sucrose solution for 12 hours and 24 hours respectively. In control light treatments, red light was found to be best in pollen germination and pollen tube growth.

Nutrition and planting geometry are the two key factors affecting the production and quality of cut stems in chrysanthemum. The present investigation was undertaken to standardize the nitrogen nutrition and planting geometry for chrysanthemum var. “Yellow Star” cultivated for cut flowers. The data revealed the proportionate increase in plant height, chlorophyll content, days to bud appearance and days to 50% inflorescence anthesis and length of cut stem with increase in nitrogen dose and row spacing. However, flower diameter, number of flowers per stem, cut stem diameter, vase life, and water absorbed by cut flower decreased proportionately with increase in nitrogen dose and row spacing. Application of N@100 Kg ha-1 to chrysanthemum planted at 20x10 cm spacing produced cut stems of acceptable length, more number of flowers of bigger size and optimum postharvest longevity. The amount of nitrogen can be reduced to 1/3rd to grow cut chrysanthemums planted at twice the row spacing for longer cut stems of appreciable vase life.

Every year the horticultural sector of India faces huge quantity of food wastage due to lack of processing, value addition and post-harvest handling. Farmers Producer Company (FPC) can mitigate the loss through ensuring better value chain management. There are several horticulture based FPCs established in different parts of India. They have grown very fast and competing with agro-industries. The present study aimed to assess the performance of FPCs working in horticulture sector. The study was conducted in Maharashtra State of India by selecting three FPCs working in horticultural sector. Performance of these FPCs was assessed through Effectiveness Index developed for this study. Seven components viz. functional effectiveness, increase in income, increase in farmers share in consumers rupees, inclusiveness, sustainability of company, farmers satisfaction and empowerment were included in the index by following standard index forming protocol. Sahyadri Farms was found the best performing one among the selected FPCs, regarding effectiveness with a mean index score of 63.69 followed by Vasundhara Agro Producer Company Limited (50.20) and Junnar Taluka FPC Ltd. (41.29).

During the process of updating horticultural records of this genus in Egypt, five problems were identified: lack of publications, lack of clarity between species, numerous errors of identifications, loss of earlier documented records of identity, as well as, the introduction and cultivation of new plants during the 19th Century added to the complexity of the problem. In this study, the taxonomic aspects of genus Mimusops, were thoroughly studied to identify the most reliable characters for taxon delimitation. Our assessment was based on morphological characters representing habit, leaves, petioles, flowering pedicels, buds, floral parts, fruit and seed. Fieldwork have revealed the presence of four species, of which Mimusops kummel and M. zeyheri are new records. The latter species is represented in Egypt by M. zeyheri var. laurifolia. This variety has been neglected by many authors. Additionally, Mimusops elengi L. was believed to be cultivated in Egypt, but no materials have been encountered that could confirm it. The specimens earlier identified as M. elengi actually belong either to M. kummel or to M. laurifolia. A detailed description of the genus and species with photographs, an identification key, and synonymy for each taxon are provided.

Present research investigation was aimed at morphological and biochemical assessment of Passiflora quadrangularis L. commonly known as giant granadilla and locally called as vegetable squash grown as vegetable crop by the Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. Seven genotypes collected during survey were characterized for different morphological and biochemical traits. Results showed that average fruit weight was 432.57g/fruit, with juice content 100.11 mL/fruit, vitamin C content 25.79 mg, vitamin A content 1.65 mg, Mean total flavonoids content was 16.75 mg/100 g of fruit juice, total soluble solids 12.040 Brix, antioxidant activity (DPPH) 6.07 %, titratable acidity 1.69 %, total carbohydrates 9.95 %, phenol content 338.38 mg/100 g of leaf was noted among the genotypes tested. The mean anthocyanin content in leaf was 1.20 mg/100 g, tendril 0.90 mg/100 g and petiole 1.69 mg/ 100 g among the genotypes. Seed protein profiling of Passiflora quadrangularis L. with SDS- PAGE showed diverse molecular weights ranging from 11 KD to 163.53 KD. However, monomorphic banding pattern among the protein profiling of giant granadilla was recorded among the selected genotypes. The results of the study show that the collected genotypes are belonged to Passiflora quadrangularis L. and are good source of nutritive value which can be used as source of vegetable.

Optimization of process parameters is a critical requirement in food processing and food product industries for the development of highly acceptable product. Quantification of mass transfer kinetics under different processing conditions is essential step for optimizing the osmotic dehydration process. A Box-Behnken Design (BBD), adopted from response surface methodology (RSM) approach was used for evaluating and quantifying the moisture loss and solids gain kinetics of aonla segments in salt solution during the osmotic dehydration process. The independent variables were fixed at three levels (salt concentration- 2, 4, 6%; process temperature - 45, 50, 55 OC and process time - 60, 120, 180 minutes). The process responses were water loss percentage (WL%) and solids gain percentage (SG%). Validation experiments were conducted at optimum conditions to verify predictions and adequacy of the models. The optimum conditions predicted were 5.02% salt concentration, 54.8 OC temperature and 60.64 minutes process time to attain a desired effect of maximum water loss (6.42%) and minimum solid gain (1.09%) in osmotic dehydration of aonla in salt medium.

Field experiments were conducted in mango for four years during 2017-2020 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research to standardise optimum soil volume wetting for drip irrigation. Wetting soil volume upto 70% recorded higher mean fruit yield of 34.8 kg/plant (9.68 t/ha)and with further increase in the level of soil volume wetting irrigation (upto 80%), there was a decline in the mango yield (7.40 t/ha). Similarly, significantly increased response was observed in fruit weight upto 70% soil volume irrigation (226 g) although there were no significant differences in the TSS of the fruit. Significantly higher water use efficiency was observed for 30% soil volume wetting irrigation (274.1 kg/m3) and further no significant differences were observed in water use efficiency between 50% and 70% soil volume wetting irrigations indicating that in areas of water scarcity, it is enough to scheduling the irrigation only upto 50% soil volume wetting in mango for economising the water (232.1 kg/m3).

An effective and rapid in vitro regeneration protocol of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) was established by investigating the factors like combinations of plant growth regulators and explant types (stem, leaf and midrib). To find out the effective medium for callus induction and shoot regeneration, different explants of A. paniculata were cultured on MS media enriched with several concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D). Stem explant was noticed more responsive than leaf and midrib explant both in callus initiation and shoot regeneration. The ranges of callus initiation from stem, leaf and midrib explants were 26.67 - 100%, 20 - 93.33% and 13.33 - 73.33%, respectively. The calli obtained from midrib explants were not used in shoot initiation because of its poor size. The stem explant exhibited the maximum 73.33% shoot regeneration frequency in a comparison with leaf explants (60%). The maximum callus induction (100%) and shoot regeneration (73.33%) from stem explants were noticed in MS medium strengthened with 0.5 mg/L NAA and 2.0 mg/L BA and half strength MS media complemented with 0.1 mg/L NAA and 3.0 mg/L BA respectively. The highest shoot regeneration from the stem explant may be due to presence of more active parenchymatous cells than that of leaf explant. Half MS medium fortified with 2.0 mg/L IBA considered as best root initiation medium as it resulted in maximum rooting (93.33%). After acclimatization, the plants were transferred to field and found identical to the mother plant.

A pot experiment was conducted at Horticulture Experimental Area, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan to investigate the combined effects of NPK and organic manures on growth and yield of carrot, for two consecutive years. The experiment was laid out in CRD with six treatments and four replications. Five different organic manures such as poultry manure (PM), sewage sludge (SS), farmyard manure (FYM), press mud (PrM) and goat manure (GM) were applied in combination with NPK, each at recommended levels for two successive years. A fertilizer check (control) was also included as treatment where no fertilizer and manure were used. The study revealed significant improvements in almost all growth and yield attributes by combined application of NPK and organic manures. Among different combinations, NPK + PM surpassed all other treatments by giving maximum leaves per plant (8.73 and 8.13), leaf length (38.17 and 36.77cm), root length (29.30 and 24.83cm), root diameter (3.10 and 3.27cm), root weight per plant (142.40 and 142.00g), total biomass per plant (169.33 and 166.67g) and root yield (56.67 and 56.83 t/ha), during both the experimental years. Similarly, NPK combination with green manure and sewage sludge also produced better results pertaining to carrot growth and production for two consecutive years. It was also observed during the study that control treatment showed poorest findings and placed at lowest levels.

Physico-chemical and enzymatic changes in mango (Mangifera indica) cv. Dashehari inresponse to postharvest application of chitosan (0, 0.5 and 1.0%) were studied during 4 weeks that were stored between 10±1 °C, 90-95 % RH. Fruits were evaluated for various quality parameters such as firmness, weight loss, pulp colour, β-carotene, soluble solid content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA) and activities of polygalactouronase (PG) and cellulase on 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Results exhibited that chitosan coatings (1.0 %) effectively reduced the weight loss (5.82 %) and markedly slowed down the ripening changes as evidenced from their retention of fruit firmness (15.50 N), maintenance of SSC (18.85 %) and TA (0.44 %) at 21 days of storage. Chitosan coatings also retarded the pulp colour development and lowered activities of PG and cellulase enzymes as compared to non-coated fruits. Overall, chitosan coating at 1.0% was found to be most effective in enhancing the storability and quality of mango fruits at cool storage temperatures.

Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are covalently closed non-coding RNAs that play an important role in a variety of biological processes. CircRNA profiling helps to understand biological process associated with various abiotic and biotic stresses. In tomato genotype IIHR- 2611 (resistant to ToLCBaV), a total of 193 CircRNAs were discovered, of which 72 and 121 were found in control (RC) and ToLCBaV inoculated (RI) plants respectively. Among them, 103 (53 %) were exonic CircRNA regulating the expressions of their parent genes. Relative expression of CircRNAs 2:45295638|45295796, 2:51520741|51530067 and 7:67566489|67566691 and their respective parent genes Solyc02g080530.3 (peroxidase), Solyc02g088950.2 (superoxide dismutase) and Solyc07g065840.2.1 (heat shock protein 90) response to ToLCBaV infection were analysed at different time intervals. A significantly positive correlation was observed for the expression profiles of all three circRNAs and their parent genes. Furthermore, the differential expression across samples as well as time interval indicates that CircRNA mediated gene expression is involved in viral resistance. The results of the expression assays of both superoxide dismutase and peroxidase were consistent with enzyme analysis. Overall findings demonstrated the importance of CircRNAs in ToLCBaVD resistance and suggested that CircRNAs could be key regulators of gene expression during disease resistance in tomato.

A study was conducted at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru for three consecutive seasons during 2019-20, to standardize the container type, substrate combination and nutrition for potted plant production of China aster var. Arka Archana. The treatments comprised of two type of containers (plastic and coir), three substrates {Red soil + FYM + Sand (1:1:1 v/v), Arka Fermented cocopeat (AFC), AFC + Vermicompost (1:1 v/v)} and four nutrition concentration (160:30:180 ppm N:P: K, 128:24:144 ppm N:P: K, 96:18:108 ppm N:P: K and Jeevamrutha @ 3%) laid out in factorial completely randomized design with three replications. Plant height at flowering (33.12 cm), number of primary branches (12.4), plant spread (536.64 cm2), number of flowers/plant (26.47), flower size (5.26 cm) and uptake of major, secondary and minor nutrients were maximum in the plants grown in 6" plastic pots using the substrate combination of soil +sand +FYM (1:1:1 v/v/v) along with the weekly application of nutrient solution of 96:18:108 ppm NPK/plant. This production protocol resulted in a dense canopy and highly floriferous potted plants. The benefit cost ratio of potted China aster production was 1.70. This technology can be adopted by the nurserymen for large-scale commercial potted plant production.

Annona cultivar ‘Arka Sahan’, an inter-specific hybrid of Annona atemoya × A. squamosacomes to harvest during August-September under mild tropical climate, which coincides with monsoon rains resulting in poor fruit quality and high susceptibility to anthracnose and fruit fly. An attempt was made to advance the fruiting in this hybrid through pruning during 2016- 17 and 2017-18. The effect of three pruning levels (25, 50 and 75% of previous season’s growth) at five different times (60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 days after final harvest of previous crop) on flowering and fruiting were compared. Early sprouting, flowering and fruit harvest were recorded in trees pruned to 75% of the past season’s growth in both the years. Earliest fruits were harvested 271 (3rd week of June) and 268 (2nd week of June) days after pruning in trees pruned during first week of October in 2016-17 and 2017-18 respectively (P

The investigation was executed with nine treatments viz. nano forms of ferrous sulfide (7, 14, 21, 28 ppm) and macro ferrous sulphate (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 per cent) along with control, and were applied as foliar sprays after 30 days of transplanting on two varieties of calendula namely Fiesta Gitana Mix’ and ‘Fiesta Yellow’ during 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Application of 0.8 % FeSO4 recorded maximum number of branches (26.75), plant height (29.73 cm), plant spread (45.17 cm), number of leaves (22.63) and seed test weight (15.63 g) and number of flowers per plant (134.04). However, application of 0.2% macro FeSO4 resulted in early bud appearance (50.50 days) and higher flower diameter (8.09 cm). ‘Fiesta Gitana Mix’ outperformed over ‘Fiesta Yellow’ for most of the vegetative and floral characters. The ‘Fiesta Yellow’ variety with oil content (13.97%) had an edge over ‘Fiesta Gitana Mix’.

A research study was carried out to develop a RTS beverage by exploiting the nutritional and organoleptic properties of bael fruit pulp. Six treatment combinationsof bael RTS with 10, 15 and 20% of pulp concentration and 10 and 15°B of TSS were prepared based on the review of literature. The biochemical and organoleptic properties of the prepared RTS were evaluated during storage. The pH, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity of the RTS decreased with the storage, while acidity and total sugars increased. Results of the sensory evaluation showed that there was a significant difference between treatments in terms of color, flavor, taste, body and overall acceptability. From the results of quality assessments, the formulated bael RTS beverage with 15% pulp and 15°B TSS was found to be superior and suitable for consumption up to 12 weeks without any significant changes in the quality characteristics.

Dry chilli production in India condition faces many challenges apart from adverse weather conditions, labor-intensive production practices and higher overall production costs are limiting profitable dry chilli cultivation. Therefore, a study was carried to know the key constraints in current chilli production practices in eight major production districts of three states. A systematic research and development approach is essential to know the range of constraints and farmers preferences over technological options for field operations. The harvesting operation alone demands 43% of labour 360.5 man-days/ha. So, red chilli harvesting mechanization is a definite immediate requirement to reduce labour input. Farmers (47%) prefer small size self-propelled chilli harvester over tractor operated equipment. In the production catchments, farmer also inferred to change the cultivation practices to mechanize chilli production operations, but 18% of farmers hesitant to adopt one-timeharvesting chilli varieties due to suspicion about the yield potentials.

Resistance responses in the leaves of eight rose genotypes, Knock Out (highly resistant), Arka Nishkant (moderately resistant), R. multiflora (highly susceptible), Arka Swadesh (highly susceptible), IIHRR 13-4 (susceptible), Arka Parimala (susceptible), R. indica (susceptible) and IIHRR 4-15-12 (moderately susceptible), exhibiting varied levels of resistance against black spot were investigated post artificial inoculation with black spot pathogen, Diplocarpon rosae. There was consistent increase in the activities of defense related enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, superoxide dismutase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase and other defense related secondary metabolites like phenols and flavonoids at different phases of black spot progression and increase was high in resistant genotypes Knock Out and Arka Nishkant. The peak activity of defense enzymes and high concentration of other metabolites was witnessed during early stages of infection in the resistant genotypes while it was during later phase in the susceptible genotypes. These results suggested that the faster and stronger activation of defense system is associated with the resistance against black spot in the rose genotypes.

There is a huge potential for dragon fruits grown in India but insufficient information may hamper its production and postharvest handling. The aim of this study was to investigate the right harvest time and maturity indices for red and white pulp dragon fruit. Growth and developmental studies were undertaken using destructive (total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity and TSS: acid ratio) and non-destructive methods (fruit weight, specific gravity, peel colour and heat units). Fruits were collected at seven intervals (7, 14, 21, 26, 31, 36 and 41 days after flowering) to assess the right maturity. All these methods were used to standardize the optimum maturity and right time for the harvest of red and white pulp dragon fruit. Harvesting dragon fruits between 31-36 days after flowering (DAF) was found ideal for optimum maturity and quality. Both red and white pulp fruits harvested at 31 DAF showed better quality in terms of physic-chemical and sensory attributes.

Browning is a major quality deterioration process affecting both visual colour and nutritional value of guava leather. The aim of the study was to determine the role of different sugars viz., sucrose, fructose, glucose and sorbitol in non-enzymatic browning and antioxidant activity of guava fruit leather. The total free amino acids, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activities were at significantly lower levels in glucose and fructose treated guava leather, while the sorbitol added samples had all of above parameters at the highest level; while a reverse trend was observed in browning index and non-enzymatic browning. Among the browning intermediate products, Hydroxymethylfurfural was present at higher concentration (12.80-32.32 ng/g) than furfural (0.29-0.95 ng/g) in guava leather samples. Among the treatments, hydroxymethylfurfural was found lowest in sorbitol (12.8 ng/g) and highest in fructose (32.3 ng/g). In brief, this paper describes a novel effort in bringing the in-vitro studies related to sugars and total free amino acids, influencing the biochemical and nutritional attributes which are responsible for browning in guava fruit leather.

The present study was conducted to study the morphological, physicochemical and colour characteristics of potato starch extracted by control and combined methods from potato varieties viz., Kufri Chipsona-4, Badshah, Pushkar, Bahar and Sindhuri (fresh and cured). Among these varieties, Kufri Chipsona-4 exhibited maximum percent of small size (< 30 μm) particles (48%). Kufri Sindhuri showed highest starch purity (87.1%) but lowest whiteness (92.2%) whereas, highest whiteness (95.4%) was recorded in starch extracted from Kufri Badshah. Among starch extraction methods, combined method showed significantly lower starch moisture content (11.8%), fat (0.28%), protein (0.31%), ash (0.28%) and crude fibre (0.15%) whereas; starch purity (87.2%), percentage of small size particles (45%) and starch whiteness (96.3%) were observed higher than control methods in all varieties.

An experiment was conducted at IISR, Kozhikode to study the effect of foliar application of chemical elicitors, namely, chitosan (100, 200 and 500 ppm), phenylalanine (0.1, 1 and 10 mM) and salicylic acid (0.01, 0.1 and 1 mM) on volatile constituents of turmeric rhizome essential oil (EO). Three genotypes (Pragati, Rajapuri and Acc.849) which vary in growth duration and volatile profile were taken for the study in randomized block design with three replications. The highest EO content in Pragati (6%) and Acc. 849 (5.3%) was found in Phenylalanine (1 mM) treatment. No significant changes in EO content were observed in the genotype Rajapuri. Phenylalanine and salicylic acid were found to have positive influence on ar-turmerone, the major sesquiterpenoid in Pragati. Acc.849 and Rajapuri did not produce any significant changes to ar-turmerone content in elicitor treated samples. Moreover, the treatment related variation in the total monoterpenes and total sesquiterpene content was found significant among the genotypes. Multivariate analysis using partial least square discriminant analysis supported the variation observed among the treatments and variable importance in projection score identified the metabolites responsible for variation among treatments.

Pomegranate is an important table and processed fruit owing to its nutritional quality. Extending the fruit life of the plant is very much limited owing to its metabolic activities viz., respiration, transpiration and microbial infection. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different packaging materials on physico-chemical properties of pomegranate fruits during storage. Fruits were harvested with stalk and washed with sodium hypochlorite, air dried and graded. Fruits were stored under modified atmospheric packaging conditions using different packaging materials viz., polyethylene bag, polypropylene bag, Xtend® bag and silver nano bag Hima Fresh®. Fruits without package served as controls. Fruits were stored at low temperature 7±2 °C and 90±5 % RH. MAP treated fruits had higher quality parameters across all packaging treatments. PLW and respiration rate increased while, moisture content, colour, texture and acidity decreased with prolonged storage, but the rate of decrease was highest in unpacked fruits. MAP maintained the quality of pomegranate fruits upto 100 days compared to unpackaged fruits (40 days). Shelf life of stored fruit at ambient condition was 4 to 5 days. Fruit decay was 12 % in polyethylene whereas it was 6 % in Xtend® bag at the end of 100 day of storage.

Onion is the one of the important vegetable crops cultivated in India. Multiplier type onion is one among the three major types of onions. Tamil Nadu accounts for five per cent of country’s area under onion and more than 70 per cent of the area is cultivated by small onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum). Around 90 per cent of country’s multiplier onion is produced from Tamil Nadu. Detopping is one of the steps in the on-farm processing carried out after harvest. Presently this is done manually by farm women. Individual onions are picked and detopping is done by using sickle. This operation is time consuming and highly drudgery in nature. An Onion detopping machine to remove the foliage after harvest was designed and developed in the present study. This machine has a capacity of 370 kg/h against 30 kg/h manual practice and works with an efficiency of 98%. The unique design of the detopper is that it is suitable for all sizes of onions. Also, the cluster is intact after detopping, which is very important requirement. This multiplier type onion is grown in Nagamangala (Tk), Mandya (Dt.) of Karnataka State. Two farmers of this area have installed this machine and running a successful enterprising. Cost involved in using this machine is Rs. 200 per quintal against Rs. 500 per quintal by manual detopping. Owing to the higher capacity by mechanization, the farmers will be able to process the higher volume of produce within a short span of time. Hence, this will facilitate the farmers to sell the produce, get good market price and earn higher returns.

Crop duration of the cultivated Pleurotus spp. is 45 to 50 days. P. djamor isolate woody-1 was collected as natural selection and was found to be short cropping duration variety with total cropping duration of 30 days but it is less palatable. It produced very thin, loose and non-rhizomorphic mycelia appearing light white color. Whereas, other commercial Pleurotus varieties such as P. florida and P. djamor MDU1 are long crop duration varieties and palatable producing thick, compact and rhizomorphic mycelia with bright white color. Co-segregation of non-rhizomorphic mycelial phenotype and short cropping duration trait of P. djamor woody- 1 in hybrid progenies was evaluated. Hybrid strains viz., H2W12 and H2W14 have thin, loose and non-rhizomorphic mycelium and they produced primordia in 9-10 days after spawning with total cropping duration of 29-32 days. Whereas, hybrid strain namely Pf1W2 has thick, compact and rhizomorphic mycelial phenotype and it produced primordia in 20 days after spawning with the total cropping duration of 47 days. This study indicated that genes governing short cropping duration and non-rhizomorphic mycelial pattern were tightly linked and co-segregated in the progenies. Thus, non-rhizomorphic mycelial phenotype of P. djamor woody1 can be used as a phenotypic marker for selection of hybrid cultivar having short cropping duration with other desired agronomic traits in future breeding strategy.

A cost-effective alternative to cold storage is the brick-walled evaporative cooler (BEC). The effects of BEC on mature green and breaker ‘Diamante Max’ tomatoes were assessed. Two trials were carried out at ambient conditions with (i) 27.13±0.78 °C and 80.89±4.47%RH; (ii) 26.93±0.87 °C and 80.05±5.20% RH and with BEC (i) 25.49±0.58 °C and 99.90±0.10% RH; (ii) 25.42±0.90 °C and 97.75±3.25% RH. BEC-stored tomatoes showed 10.36% lesser weight loss, lesser decay incidence, redder color and better visual quality compared to control fruit. The higher L* and hue of around 90 in ambient-stored tomatoes indicated a lighter color as fruit turned to yellow compared to a lower L* and hue in BEC indicating a darker red color. An increased chroma was recorded as fruit turned from green or breaker to yellow, orange, or light red while the values of a* became negative. The BEC maintained the firmness and total soluble solids, especially in mature green tomatoes. After 49 days of storage, 61.8% of the fruit stored in the BEC were marketable compared to 23.3% in ambient conditions. The BEC system showed 27.16% higher annual benefit over cost than the ambient storage conditions. Thus, the BEC system can potentially maintain the quality of ‘Diamante Max’ tomatoes.

A study was undertaken to assess the suitable drying methods for retention of quality parameters of drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaf powder. The experiment was laid out in Factorial CRD involving three methods of drying (T1: Sun drying, T2: Shade drying and T3: Cabinet tray dryer) with three pre-treatments (B1: Unblanched, B2: Blanched with plain water and B3: Blanched followed by KMS dip) replicated three times. All the pre-treatments had significant effect on biochemical characteristics of drumstick leaves. Among the pre-treatments, unblanched leaves (B1) retained higher nutrient contents compared to other pre-treatments. The results of the investigation revealed that among the three different drying methods, shade dried sample was found to retain better nutritional properties. Significantly maximum values for moisture (11.18 %), ascorbic acid (156.27 mg/100g), vitamin-A (22.71 mg/100g), iron (16.54 mg/100g), oxalate (378.66 mg/100g), antioxidant activity (77.11%) and phenol (140.04 mg/100g) were recorded in shade dried sample. The interaction effect between pre-treatment and drying methods showed variation in results. However, the treatment combination T1B1 (Unblanched sun dried) was found to retain high protein (26.43 g/100g), magnesium (318.70 mg/100g) and potassium (1378.79 mg/100g) whereas T2B1 (unblanched shade dried) showed higher ascorbic acid (179.47 mg/100g), saponin (3.66 %), oxalate (541.47 mg/100g) and antioxidant (80.33 %) than rest of the treatment combinations.

Dashehari is the leading mango variety grown in Indo-Gangetic plain. Its yield is affected severely by the micronutrient deficiencies. Zinc and boron are the two important micronutrients which limit the yield and quality of Dashehari mango in this region. Hence a field study was taken up to understand the responses of Dashehari mango to different levels of Zn. Results indicated yield enhancement with proper Zn supplementation through foliar sprays. Highest yield of 43.50±2.00 to 50.72±2.40 kg tree-1 was recorded with 1.0% ZnSO4 application, followed by 42.27±1.26 (1.5% ZnSO4) to 47.85±1.65 (0.75% ZnSO4) kg tree-1. TSS (19.63±0.25 to 20.27±0.40°Brix), acidity (0.150±0.01 to 0.200±0.02%) and ascorbic acid (29.46±2.29 to 35.17±1.32 mg per 100 g) variations were noted under the influence of various Zn treated fruits. Foliar spray application also caused nutrient richness in mango fruit pulp showing improvement in Zn concentration in fruit pulp from 1.17±0.10 to 1.73±0.10 mg kg-1. Highest concentration of B, Cu, Fe and Mn were observed (3.13±0.018, 4.37±0.06, 7.87±0.06, 20.10±0.15 mg kg-1 respectively) with P and K concentrations of 0.026±0.0002 & 0.28±0.001% respectively. Significant difference in leaf and soil Zn content was also recorded. The results indicated that yield and quality of Dashehari mango can be improved with foliar spray of Zn in sandy loam soil.

To determine the heat unit requirement and assess its subsequent effects on flowering and fruiting characteristics, a field experiment was conducted during 2018-19 with seven cultivars of litchi viz., Calcuttia, Elaichi, Bedana, Bombai, China, Shahi and Muzaffarpur in randomized block design. Bedana showed better result in terms of maximum fruit weight (17.88g), lowest seed content (10.84%), maximum fruit diameter (3.01 cm), maximum fruit volume (18.70 ml), highest TSS (15.870 Brix), total sugar (15.96%), reducing sugar (12.61%), and ascorbic acid (29.47 mg/100g) content.

Effect of rootstock on yield and quality of cucumber scion was studied at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during February-May, 2021. Parthenocarpic and non-parthenocarpic cucumber scions were grafted onto five different cultivated cucurbit species i.e. pumpkin, bottle gourd, oriental pickling melon, culinary melon and ash gourd. Significant variations were observed for all the traits under this study. The highest vine length (4.37 m) was observed in Heera scion grafted onto Lagenaria siceraria rootstock followed by Heera scion grafted onto Cucurbita moschata rootstock (4.13 m). The diameter of rootstock hypocotyl was higher in case of KPCH-1 grafted onto bottle gourd (1.48 mm) and Heera grafted onto bottle gourd (1.43 mm). KPCH-1 grafted on bottle gourd (29.33 days) and culinary melon (31 days) rootstocks showed early female flower initiation. The greater number of fruits was observed in graft combination of KPCH- 1 and bottle gourd (32) followed by parthenocarpic grafts with pumpkin (30.33) and ash gourd (30.33) rootstocks. A greater fruit weight was observed in graft combination of Heera and bottle gourd (7.51 kg) followed by Heera grafted onto pumpkin (7.38 kg). Results of this experiment suggest that these graft combinations can be employed in sustainable vegetable cultivation.

Meticulous analysis on intertwined interaction among the soil nutrients and microbial communities brings fruitful outcomes on horticulture. This study focuses on identifying well compatible bacterial genera in enhancing soil primary macro-nutrients for sustainable vegetable crops cultivation. The biochemical tests were executed for identification of bacterial genera. Eventually, mathematical models among available NPK nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) and identified bacterial genera were derived to determine most suited bacterial genus for nutrients inhibition. This Study reveals the present nutrient’s status of soils at Anaimalai block covering 12,424 ha of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu. Seven utilitarian bacterial genera were identified which inhibit the plant nutrients. Among them, Azotobacter, Arthrobacter and Achromobacter actively inhibit available NPK in the soil. Present study of correlating soil nutrients with bacterial components enriches successful conservation of biosphere through adopting these innovative technologies in horticulture.

The mango is considered as ‘king of fruits’ in India due to its delicious taste and nutritional status. Extension of fruit shelf life is a prime importance for availability of fresh fruit in market for longer duration and distance transportation. India is the largest producer and a prominent exporter of mango in the world.In this context, the study was conducted to evaluate the effect of preharvest spray of different chemicals and plant growth regulators (PGRs) on mango var. ‘Amrapali’ for shelf life and its quality. As ‘Amrapali’ has regular bearer with very good flavor and taste with a late maturing character, selected for shelf life studies. The fruits of mango weresprayed with chemicals viz. CaCl2 1%, CaCl2 2%, Ca(NO3)2 1%, Ca(NO3)2 2%, KNO3 1%, KNO3 2%, GA3 25 mg/l, GA3 50 mg/l, Ethrel 0.1 ml/l and Ethrel 0.2 ml/l prior to harvest. After harvesting, fruits were stored under ambient storage condition. Among all the treatments, GA3 25 mg/l treatment recorded significantly highest fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit volume and fruit weight at harvest and at fully ripe stage. Application of CaCl2 2% resulted in significantly minimum physiological loss in weight consistently from 2nd day to 16th day of storage besides significantly highest shelf life and quality. Hence, this intervention can contribute in preserving physical and chemical quality attributes for maximum acceptance by consumers.

Genetic diversity among ginger genotypes collected from different parts of the country was studied using molecular markers (30 RAPD and 55 SSR). Compared to RAPD primers SSR primers were efficient in distinguishing the genotypes. A total of 86 and 23 polymorphic bands were observed with RAPD and SSR primers, respectively. Percentage polymorphism observed between RAPD and SSR primers was 97.40 % and 56.54 %. Grouping of genotypes by using combined data of RAPD and SSR primers indicated that irrespective of their place of collection or geographical origin, 30 genotypes were clustered into different groups which showed that, each individual genotype is having wider variability or it might be due to the genetic similarity existing among them.

Bael (Aegle marmelos (L) Correa) is an important underutilized fruit crop of India. A total of 25 bael trees were selected from 356 bael trees of Sakharayapattana in Chikkamagalur district, Karnataka, India based on the fruit morphological traits (fruit weight, pulp weight, skull thickness, seed weight per fruit, No. of seeds per fruit, No. of locules per fruit, No. of seeds per locule, pulp wt. : seed wt.). These 25 trees were evaluated for phenotypic and genotypic variations using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. RAPD and ISSR markers showed significant polymorphism among the trees. Jaccard’s genetic similarity value of RAPD and ISSR was found in the range of 0.00–0.95 and 0.06–0.56, respectively suggesting a moderate level of genetic diversity. The present study revealed that molecular markers can be successfully utilized for determining genetic diversity and relationship of bael trees for further varietal improvement.

A promising method for preparing metaphase spread for counting the number of chromosomes from the emerging shoot tissue is described in this report. In the present study, we adopted enzymatic digestion of shoot tips to analyse the chromosome number. The chromosomes in metaphase stage of cell division are highly condensed and easy to count in routine cytological technique. Even the morphological features like position of centromere can be seen in metaphase. In prophase it may not be clear as the chromosomes are getting ready for cell division. In enzymatic digestion even the prophase chromosomes are visible, which can be counted. Hence enzymatic digestion technique is more efficient in citrus as compared to acid digestion method as the citrus crop is a perennial crop with small-sized chromosomes. Furthermore, the sample collection in the field was easy and actively growing vegetative flush was available throughout the year. This technique was attempted in the tissue culture lab of ICAR- CCRI in various in vito and in vivo ploidy induction experiments in Citrus sinensis Osbeck (Sweet orange cv. mosambi), C. reticulata Blanco (Nagpur mandarin) and C. jambhiri Lush (Rough lemon), for confirmation of diploidy (2n=2x=18), triploidy (2n=3x=27), tetraploid (2n=4x=36), hexaploid (2n=6x=54).