Study on the vegetative propagation of guava (Psidium guajava L.) Through air and stool layering” Mr

ABSTRACT

An investigation entitled “Impact of planting dates, micronutrients and GA₃ on flower and seed production in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)” was conducted at HC&RI, Venkataramannagudem, during 2013-2014.

The experiment was laid out in split plot design to study the effect of planting dates (July 13, august 13, September 13 and October 13) and foliar spray of micronutrients (ZnSO₄ @ 0.5 %, FeSO₄ @ 1.0 %, Boric acid @ 0.5 %) and GA₃ @ 300 ppm on flower and seed production in African marigold.
Among the planting dates July 15^th planting recorded maximum plant height, plant spread, number of branches per plant, stem diameter, biomass and also increased the duration of flowering, number of flowers per plant, flower yields/plant, seed yield/plant followed by August 15^th. In other hand September planting results highest flower diameter, average flower weight, 1000 seed weight, seed germination %, seedling dry weight and seedling vigour index Followed by August15^th. Besides October planting showed minimum number of days to bud initiation, flower opening, 50 % flowering and duration of flowering followed by September 15^th. Among the foliar application (micronutrients & GA₃) at 20 DAT & 40 DAT, GA₃ @ 300 ppm has enhanced the plant height, plant spread, number of branches per plant, stem diameter, biomass, flower diameter, number of flowers per plant, flower yield, seed yield and early flower bud appearance, flower opening, 50 % flowering. On the other hand, pre-harvest application of ZnSO₄ @ 0.5 % was found to be the best treatment next to GA₃ as it increased all vegetative and yield parameters of marigold flowers. Among all the interaction treatments July 15^th with application of GA₃ @ 300 ppm was found to be the best treatment combination for maximum characters.
192) “Effect of growth regulators on growth, seed yield and quality of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cv. Sudha”-V.Yugandhar.
ABSTRACT

A field experiment entitled “Effect of growth regulators on growth, seed yield and quality of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cv. Sudha” was conducted during Rabi 2013-2014 at Horticultural College and Research Institute Farm, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Anantharajupet, Y.S.R. district of Andhra Pradesh.

The experiment consists of 6 levels of plant growth regulators viz., GA3 (50 and 75 ppm), NAA (10 and 25ppm) and Cycocel (100 and 250 ppm) as presoaking, foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS. An absolute control was also maintained. The experiment consists of 7 treatments replicated thrice in a randomized block design. The results indicated that application of 75 ppm GA3 resulted in maximum plant height (78.09 cm). However, maximum number of primary branches per plant (7.13), number of secondary branches per plant (16.13), number of umbels per plant (28), number of umbellets per umbel (6.33), number of seeds per umbel (34.73), seed yield per plant (9.02 g) and seed yield per hectare (18.46 q) was maximum with 250 ppm Cycocel. However GA375 ppm followed by GA350 ppm recorded minimum number days to 50 per cent flowering (40.33) and maturity

(85.00).
Among the quality parameters, maximum carbohydrate content (23.09 %), protein content (16.12 %) was noticed with GA3 75 ppm. Similarly lowest moisture content (9.19 %) in seeds was also observed with 75 ppm GA3. While, the essential oil content (0.43 %) in seeds was maximum with GA3 50 ppm. Economics study showed that maximum net returns and B: C ratio (Rs.1,38,947 ha-1and 3.91: 1) was recorded with Cycocel 250 ppm followed by GA3 75 ppm and Cycocel 100 ppm.

193) “Studies on the performance of different turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivars under red sandy loam soils of coastal andhra pradesh”- M.Lavanya.

ABSTRACT

The experiment was taken up to elicit the information on performance of different turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivars under sandy loam soils of coastal Andhra Pradesh to predict the best cultivar. Experiment carried out with twenty four cultivars of turmeric evaluated in RBD with three replications during Kharif of 2013-14 at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Dr.Y.S.R.H.U, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.

The study revealed significant differences among the cultivars for different characters studied and the cultivar Shillong recorded the highest estimated fresh rhizome yield per hectare (74.30 t ha^-1) followed by Roma (43.83 t ha^-1) and Ranga (40.78 t ha^-1) which were found suitable to red sandy loam soils of coastal Andhra Pradesh.

The growth performance of twenty four cultivars indicated significant variation at all stages of crop growth under red sandy loam soils of Venkataramannagudem. The maximum growth rate was observed between 120 and 180 days after planting. Shillong produced highest plant height (49.53 cm) which was on par with JTS-314 (46.86 cm), CLI-369 (46.56 cm), Ranga (46.26 cm) and Prathibha (46.06 cm). The cultivars Shillong (5.10), Roma (4.46), CLS-369 (4.13), Parbani (4.13) produced maximum number of tillers per plant. The highest number of leaves per plant (12.06) recorded in Sugandham which was on par with Parbani (11.53), CLI-316 (11.13) and KTS-8 produced largest leaf area (5843.83 cm²) and highest LAI (2.63) in JTS-314.

The higher number of primary rhizomes per plant was found in KTS-3 (9.33) which was on par with Roma (8.80), Ranga (8.66) and Shillong (8.66) whereas, the highest number of secondary rhizomes per plant was found in Shillong (11.06), Roma (11.00) and Ranga (10.93). The maximum size of mother rhizome (102.60 cm³) was found in KTS-3 followed by Kasturi avidi (65.33 cm³), Duggirala red (62.66 cm³), size of primary rhizomes in Roma (22.90 cm³) followed by KTS-8 (21.04 cm³), Salem (20.64 cm³) and size of secondary rhizome in Roma (7.62 cm³) was on par with Parbani (6.36 cm³) and CLS-369 (6.25 cm³). The maximum fresh weight of rhizomes per plant (388.80g) was found in Roma followed by Ranga (338.93g), Sonajuli (337.20g) and dry weight of rhizomes per plant was in Shillong (98.81g).

The maximum curing percentage of rhizomes (31.43%) was recorded in ACC-593 followed by KTS-8 (25.23%), KTS-6 (24.06), Ranga (23.10) and highest curcumin content of 4.11 per cent was recorded in JTS-314 which was on par with Prathibha (3.48%), Shilllong (3.47%) and CLI-316 (3.42%). The maximum oleoresin content of rhizomes (11.10%) was recorded in Kasturi avidi which was followed by KTS-3 (11.03%) and JTS-314 (10.16%).

The correlation studies revealed that, estimated fresh rhizome yield per hectare (t) had significant positive correlation with traits like plant height, number of tillers per plant, leaf area (cm²), leaf area index, number of mother rhizomes per plant, number of primary rhizomes per plant, number of secondary rhizomes per plant, size of primary rhizome (cm³), fresh weight of rhizomes per plant (g) and dry weight of rhizomes per plant (g) suggesting the importance of these traits in selection of a cultivar and it can be identified for its suitability under red sandy loam soils of coastal Andhra Pradesh.
194) “Studies on growth, yield and quality of different culinary cultivars of banana (Musa sp.L.)” – D.Sudhir Kumar.
ABSTRACT
The present investigation entitled “Studies on growth, yield and quality of different culinary cultivars of banana (Musa sp.L.)” was conducted at Horticulture Research Station, Kovvur, West Godavari during 2013-14. The objective of the experiment is to recommend a suitable cultivar with higher yield and good cooking quality for commercial cultivation in coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. In field experiment, eight culinary banana cultivars viz., Bangrier, FHIA-3, Kothia, Burro Cemsa, Booditha Bontha Batheesa, Saba, Cuba and Kovvur Bontha were evaluated for growth and yield potential. The data collected from this experiment were also utilized for the correlation studies.
Among the culinary cultivars of banana evaluated, the maximum plant height was recorded in Booditha Bontha Batheesa and maximum plant girth in FHIA-03 at shooting stage. The higher number of suckers were observed in Bangrier, whereas the total leaves production was the highest in FHIA-03 followed by Booditha Bontha Batheesa. Similarly green leaves were higher in FHIA-03 followed by Kothia. Leaf area was significantly the highest in FHIA-03 followed by Booditha Bontha Batheesa, Bangrier and Saba. The early shooting was observed in Kothia whereas late shooting was recorded in FHIA-03 and similar trend was observed in days taken to harvest. The growth rate for plant height was maximum at 5-7MAP stage of crop growth in Burro Cemsa. FHIA-03 was observed the highest value for LAI at shooting stage.
Regarding to yield attributes, the maximum bunch weight and yield was recorded in FHIA-03. The number of hands bunch^-1 and fingers in 2^nd hand were higher in FHIA-03 followed by Kothia, whereas finger length and finger girth were the highest in Booditha Bontha Batheesa.With respects to the quality, peel thickness was the highest in Kothia, pulp:peel was the highest in Burro Cemsa and Kothia. Starch percentage was observed to be more in Kovvur Bontha, whereas FHIA-03 was evaluated organoleptically as good. With regards to cooking quality FHIA-03 was the best, pulp dry matter content was found to be more in Saba. Comparatively the highest shelf life was recorded in Burro Cemsa and Cuba.
In correlation studies, significant positive association of yield plant^-1 was observed with plant girth at shooting, leaf area at shooting, bunch weight, number of hands bunch^-1 and fingers in 2^nd hand. Therefore, improvement of these characters might be helpful in improving the yield in banana.
In banana, on basis of results obtained in the present investigation among eight cultivars of ABB and AABB genomic groups tested, FHIA-03 recorded highest yield followed by Kothia. The above cultivars/hybrid also performed well recording more values for hands bunch^-1, fingers in 2^nd hand and total fruits bunch^-1. FHIA-03 also recorded higher organoleptic score. Keeping the yield potential in view, the banana cv. FHIA-03 and Kothia can be recommended for commercial cultivation in coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh.

195) “Studies on the effect of different chemicals on the vase life of cut gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hook) cv. Alppraz” – P.Hema.

ABSTRACT

The present investigation entitled “Studies on the effect of different chemicals on the vase life of cut gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hook) cv. Alppraz” was carried out at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh during December, 2013 to April, 2014. A total of four experiments were conducted and all the experiments were laid out in completely randomized design with factorial concept and replicated thrice.

An experiment consisting of sucrose at different concentrations was tried to test the efficacy of sucrose concentration on the water relations there by extending the shelf life. The cut gerbera flowers held in Sucrose 3 % vase solution recorded significantly higher values in water uptake (9.913 g/flower spike), transpirational loss of water (10.036 g/flower spike) and fresh weight change of flowers (96.340% of initial flower weight). Further, Sucrose 3% has recorded significantly lower values in scape bending curvature (7.767 degrees), optical density (0.025) and electrolyte leakage (23.077%) there by recorded significantly longest vase life (9.440 days) with higher total sugars content (3.950 mg/g fresh weight) in the flower petals.

Another experiment consisting of treatments with different biocides (sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite) at varied concentrations were tried in the vase solution. The flowers maintained in vase solution containing sodium hypochlorite 20 ppm has recorded significantly longest vase life (10.570 days) with higher values in water uptake (8.089 g/flower spike), transpirational loss of water (8.405 g/flower spike), water balance (3.753 g/flower spike), fresh weight change of flowers (100.463% of initial of flower weight) and total sugars content (3.700 mg/g fresh weight). SH 20 ppm also recorded significantly lower values in scape bending curvature (10.017 degrees), optical density (0.034) of vase solution and electrolyte leakage (27.738%) which have contributed to increased vase life of cut gerbera flowers.

In the third experiment, different mineral salts were tried (aluminum sulphate and calcium nitrate) at varied concentrations to find out their efficacy in increasing the vase life of cut gerbera flowers. Among all the treatments aluminum sulphate 600 ppm registered significantly longer vase life (10.283 days) due to increased water uptake (6.519 g/flower spike), reduced transpirational loss of water (7.059 g/flower spike), increased fresh weight change (86.591% of initial fresh weight) and water balance (3.591 g/flower spike) there by increased the total sugars content (3.836 mg/g fresh weight) in the flower petals. Further, it is observed that significantly lower values in scape bending curvature (11.870 degrees), optical density (0.024) and electrolyte leakage (25.453%) have contributed to increase the cut flower quality and vase life.

The best treatments, from the above three experiments were combined together in different combinations and tried to find out their efficacy in extending the shelf life of cut gerbera flowers along with their individual treatments. The cut gerbera flowers held in vase solution containing Sucrose 3 % + SH 20 ppm + Al₂ (SO₄)₃ 600 ppm registered longer vase life (12.167 days) by recording significantly higher values in water uptake (11.167 g/flower spike), reduced transpirational loss of water (11.365 g/flower spike), improved water balance (3.807 g/flower spike) and improved total sugars content (4.701 mg/g fresh weight) in the floral tissue. The other factors contributed in extending the longevity of cut gerbera flowers were significantly lower values in the scape bending curvature (7.995 degrees), lower optical density (0.016) and electrolyte leakage (24.861%). All these physiological and biochemical activities were improved through improved water status in the floral tissue of cut gerbera.

196) “Standardization of technology for extending shel life of minimally

processed potato” – P. Shireesha.

ABSTRACT

A set of two experiments was conducted at Horticultural Research Station (HRS), Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh with an objective of studying the influence of cube size, vacuum, different gauges of polythene bag, chemical treatments and storage temperatures on quality and shelf life of minimally processed potato. The experiments were conducted in CRD with factorial concept and replicated thrice. The physico-chemical characters of the potato cubes were recorded during storage.

It was observed that physiological loss in weight (PLW), colour score, spoilage, total phenols and polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity showed increasing trend throughout the storage period. Reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and total sugars were increased initially thereafter decreased towards the end of the shelf life whereas Total soluble solids (TSS), tritatable acidity, ascorbic acid, starch and organoleptic score exhibited decreasing trend during storage.

Among the cube sizes, potato cube size of 2 cm³ recorded significantly lowest physiological loss in weight, reducing sugars, total sugars, total phenols, minimum activity of polyphenol oxidase. The same treatment recorded the highest firmness, TSS, titratable acidity, starch content and ascorbic acid.

Among the polythene gauges, 200 gauge polythene bag showed minimum physiological loss in weight, reducing sugars, total sugars, polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity and maximum firmness, TSS, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid compared to potato cubes packed in 100 gauge polythene bag.

Potato cubes packed with vacuum recorded lowest physiological loss in weight, reducing sugars, total sugars, total phenols, minimum activity of polyphenol oxidase and highest firmness, TSS, titratable acidity, starch and ascorbic acid compared to potato cubes packed without vacuum.

Among the chemicals, potato cubes treated with 0.5% citric acid recorded lowest physiological loss in weight, spoilage, reducing sugars, total sugars, total phenols, minimum activity of polyphenol oxidase and highest firmness, TSS, titratable acidity, starch and ascorbic acid.

Potato cubes stored at 0^OC recorded lowest physiological loss in weight, colour score, spoilage, reducing sugars, total sugars, minimum activity of polyphenol oxidase and highest TSS, titratable acidity, starch and ascorbic acid.

Cube size, polythene gauges and vacuum package improves the quality of potato cubes while their combined use along with chemical treatment and cold storage further increased their efficiency leading to improved shelf life. Thus the potato cubes with 2 cm³ treated with 0.5% citric acid packed in 200 gauge polythene bag with vacuum and stored at 0^OC recorded highest shelf life, minimum spoilage and polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity compared to other treatments.
197)“Effect of different combinations of organic manures and supplementation of bio-fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.)” – G.Somashekar.
ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during rabi, 2013-14 to study the “Effect of different combinations of organic manures and supplementation of bio-fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of Onion (Allium cepaL.)” at college farm, College of Horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replicated 9 treatments viz., T₁: Farmyard manure (50%) + Vermicompost (50%), T₂: Farmyard manure (50%) + Vermicompost (50%) + Azospirillum and PSB @ 5 kg ha^-1 each, T₃:Farmyard manure (50%) + Vermicompost (25%), + Neem cake (25%), T₄:Farmyard manure (50%) + Vermicompost (25%), + Neem cake (25%) + Azospirillum and PSB @ 5 kg ha^-1 each, T₅:Poultry manure (50%) + Vermicompost (50%), T₆:Poultry manure (50%) + Vermicompost (50%) + Azospirillum and PSB @ 5 kg ha^-1 each, T₇: Poultry manure (50%) + Vermicompost (25%) + Neem cake (25%), T₈:Poultry manure (50%) Vermicompost (25%), + Neem cake (25%) + Azospirillum and PSB @ 5 kg ha^-1 each, and T₉: RDF. The data were recorded on plant height (cm), leaf length (cm), number of leaves plant^-1, neck thickness (mm), leaf width (cm), leaf dry weight(g), bulb dry weight (g), bulb diameter (cm), bulb length (cm), bulb shape index, number of scales bulb^-1, bulb yield (kg plot^-1), number of bulbs kg^-1, bulb yield (t ha^-1), double bulbs (%), marketable yield (%), physiological loss of weight (%), sprouting of bulbs (%), rotting of bulbs (%), TSS (Brix^o), moisture content (%), P & S content (%), NPK&S uptake (kg ha^-1) by the crop, available NPK&S (Kg ha^-1& ppm) and microbial count in the soil (CFU g soil^-1).

The highest plant height, leaf length, number of leaves, leaf dry weight, bulb dry weight, bulb diameter, bulb length, bulb shape index, number of scales, number of bulbs, bulb yield, TSS, P&S content, moisture content, and NPKS uptake were recorded with farmyard manure (50%) + vermicompost (25%) + neem cake (25%) + Azospirillum and PSB @ 5 kg ha^-1 each. Farmyard manure (50%) + vermicompost (25%) + neem cake (25%) recorded lower values for physiological loss of weight, sprouting of bulbs and rotting of bulbs. Poultry manure (50%) + vermicompost (50%) recorded maximum values for post-harvest available soil NPKS. Whereas poultry manure (50%) + vermicompost (50%) + Azospirillum and PSB @ 5 kg ha^-1 each recorded maximum values for microbial activity in the soil. However, the higher net returns and BCR were obtained with recommended dose of fertilizers.

The results of the present investigation demonstrated that among different organic manures tried, farmyard manure (50%) + vermicompost (25%) + neem cake (25%) + Azospirillum and PSB @ 5 kg ha^-1 each can be considered as the best treatment for obtaining higher growth and bulb yield. Better quality of onion was obtained with farmyard manure (50%) + vermicompost (25%) + neem cake (25%). Under organic cultivation of onion, for obtaining maximum net returns and benefit cost ratio farmyard manure (50%) + vermicompost (50%) + Azospirillum and PSB @ 5 kg ha^-1 each may be used as organic source of nutrients.

198) “Influence of plant growth regulators and antioxidants on in vitro multiplication of banana cv. Karpurachekkarakeli (AAB)” – P.Usha.
ABSTRACT

An investigation was under taken to ascertain the “Influence of plant growth regulators and antioxidants on in vitro multiplication of banana cv. Karpurachekkarakeli (AAB)” at Tissue Culture Laboratory, Horticulture Research Station, Kovvur, West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. The experiment was carried out in CRD with factorial concept replicated twice.

Among the plant growth regulators in combination with adenine sulphate studied, maximum number of explants responded (in all initiation phases), minimum days taken for primordial emergence and minimum days taken for side shoot emergence (in all cycles) were recorded in P₁ (MS media with BAP 5.5 ppm + IAA 0.2 ppm + Adenine sulphate 100 ppm). Number of shoots per cycle was highest in P₂ (MS media with BAP 5.5 ppm + IAA 0.2 ppm + Adenine sulphate 150 ppm) in C_3, C₄ and C₅ cycles where as P₁ (MS media with BAP 5.5 ppm + IAA 0.2 ppm + Adenine sulphate 100 ppm) was highest in C₆ cycle. Higher values with shoot length (C_3, C_4, C₅ and C₆ cycles) and number of leaves per shoot (C_4, C₅ and C₆ cycles) were recorded in P₁ (MS media with BAP 5.5 ppm + IAA 0.2 ppm + Adenine sulphate 100 ppm). In both rooting and primary hardening P₁ (MS media with BAP 5.5 ppm + IAA 0.2 ppm + Adenine sulphate 100 ppm) were recorded higher values with regards to length of the shoot and number of leaves. However, during secondary hardening no significant differences were observed.
Among two antioxidants studied, A₂ (20 mg/l of ascorbic acid) has shown superiority with regard to all parameters. However, the results were non-significant in secondary hardening.
The interaction between plant growth regulators in combination with adenine sulphate and antioxidants was found to be non-significant in case of number of explants responded and days taken for primordial emergence. However, the days taken for side shoot emergence was early in P₁A₂ (MS media with BAP 5.5 ppm + IAA 0.2 ppm + Adenine sulphate 100 ppm + ascorbic acid 20 mg/l) combination in all the cycles studied. In number of shoots per cycle, the combination of P₁A₂ (MS media with BAP 5.5 ppm + IAA 0.2 ppm + Adenine sulphate 100 ppm + ascorbic acid 20 mg/l) resulted in higher values as compared to other combinations in all the cycles. In case of shoot length, the combination of P₁A₂ (MS media with BAP 5.5 ppm + IAA 0.2 ppm + Adenine sulphate 100 ppm + ascorbic acid 20 mg/l) recorded maximum length in C_3, C₅ and C₆ cycles whereas in C₄ cycle P₅A₂ (MS media with BAP 6 ppm + IAA 0.2 ppm + Adenine sulphate 150 ppm + ascorbic acid 20 mg/l) recoded maximum shoot length. Similarly in number of leaves per shoot, the combination of P₁A₂ (MS media with BAP 5.5 ppm + IAA 0.2 ppm + Adenine sulphate 100 ppm + ascorbic acid 20 mg/l) recorded higher values in C₄ and C₆ cycles while in C₅ cycle P₂A₂ (MS media with BAP 5.5 ppm + IAA 0.2 ppm + Adenine sulphate 150 ppm + ascorbic acid 20 mg/l) recorded higher value. The shoot length and number of leaves per plantlet in rooting and primary hardening were found to be more in P₁A₂ (MS media with BAP 5.5 ppm + IAA 0.2 ppm + Adenine sulphate 100 ppm + ascorbic acid 20 mg/l) combination. However, in secondary hardening the results were found non-significant.
From the present investigation it was revealed that the combination of MS media with BAP 5.5 ppm + IAA 0.2 ppm + Adenine sulphate 100 ppm along with 20 mg/l of ascorbic acid can be used for getting higher proliferation rate in in vitro multiplication of banana cv. Karpurachekkarakeli.
199) “ Studies on the performance of F₁ hybrids and their parents in snake