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

ABSRACT

Current cultivars of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) are of low productivity and sub-optimal fruit quality with susceptibility to yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV). The development and release of advanced varieties with high productivity potential, resistance to YVMV and superior fruit quality is the engine of market demand. In view of the above, the present investigation was carried out to study the heterotic patterns, combining ability effects and genetic system governing yield and yield associated traits so as to identify the promising F₁ hybrids for commercial exploitation. Six nearly homozygous, optimally divergent, horticulturally superior and YVMV resistant lines of okra (RNOYR-14, RNOYR-15, RNOYR-16, RNOYR-17, RNOYR-18 and RNOYR-24) selected from the genetic stocks available at the Vegetable Research Station, Dr. Y. S. R. Horticultural University (Dr. YSRHU), Rajendranagar, were crossed in half-diallel fashion during kharif 2012, resulting in the development of 15 one-way single cross F₁ hybrids.

A set of twenty four entries involving fifteen F₁ hybrids along with their six parental lines and three standard checks [‘No. 64’ (Mahyco), ‘Avantika’ (Bioseed) and ‘Shakti’ (Nunhems)] were evaluated by raising each entry in a double-row plot of 3.0 m length and 0.60 m width at a spacing of 60×30 cm in a randomized block design with three replications at the Experimental Farm, Vegetable Research Station, Rajendranagar during summer 2013 for seventeen biometric characters viz., plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, internodal length (cm), days to fifty per cent flowering, first flowering node, first fruiting node, fruit length (cm), fruit width (cm), fruit weight (g), total number of fruits per plant, number of marketable fruits per plant, total yield per plant (g), marketable yield per plant (g), fruit and shoot borer infestation (FSB) on fruits and shoots (%) and yellow vein mosaic virus infestation on fruits and plants (%).

Analysis of variance revealed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) among twenty four entries for almost all the biometric traits except days to 50 per cent flowering and FSB infestation on fruits indicating that these variations may be due to environmental influences on the genotypes as well as differences in the genetic potential of the F₁ hybrids, their parental lines and standard checks. On the basis of mean or per se performance, three crosses RNOYR-15×RNOYR-16, RNOYR-16×RNOYR-17 and RNOYR-17×RNOYR-18 were of significantly higher yield potential than the standard check ‘No. 64’, but of comparable yield potential with other checks ‘Avantika’ and ‘Shakti’. In addition, these three crosses were also of superior pod quality and resistance to YVMV.

Correlation and path coefficient analyses revealed that total number of fruits per plant and total yield per plant not only had positively significant association with marketable pod yield per plant, but also had positively high direct effect on marketable pod yield per plant and are regarded as the main determinants of marketable pod yield per plant and direct selection through these traits will be effective. The genotypic correlation coefficient of plant height, number of branches per plant, internodal length, fruit length, fruit weight and number of marketable fruits per plant with marketable yield per plant was significantly positive, but their direct effects on marketable yield per plant was negative or negligible suggesting that the indirect casual factors are to be considered simultaneously for selection. Total number of fruits per plant and total yield per plant had strong influence on marketable pod yield per plant and are the main determiners of marketable pod yield per plant.

Analysis of variance for combining ability revealed significance of mean squares for general combining ability (gca) and specific combining ability (sca) indicating that both additive and non-additive components of heritable variance are involved in the inheritance of majority of the traits except fruit length and weight for which only non-additive variance is involved. Combining ability analysis following Griffing’s method-II and model-1 revealed that the ratio of gca variance (σ²gca) to sca variance (σ²sca) of less than unity (<1) indicating the preponderance of non-additive gene action involved in the inheritance of all the traits under study. Since non-additive gene action was predominant for yield and yield contributing traits, it is advocated to undertake hybridization programme among the promising parents for genetic improvement of these characters in okra.

Combining ability analysis revealed that the parental line RNOYR-16 being the high general combiner for plant height, number of branches per plant, first flowering and fruiting node, total number and number of marketable fruits per plant, total and marketable yield per plant, FSB infestation on shoots along with resistance to YVMV and superior fruit quality is recommended for use in breeding programmes to improve yield in okra. The high specific combining crosses RNOYR-15×RNOYR-16 and RNOYR-16×RNOYR-17 whose one of the parents had significantly high gca effect, could be utilized in recombination breeding with the selection of superior plants in passing generations to evolve true breeding lines or varieties with higher total and marketable yield per plant.

Heterosis analysis revealed distinct and useful heterotic patterns mainly in terms of yield and its components in few crosses over their mid and better parents and standard checks. The crosses RNOYR-17×RNOYR-18, RNOYR-15×RNOYR-16 and RNOYR-16×RNOYR-17 were the top three heterotic hybrids, manifesting significantly positive average heterosis of 82.23, 79.21 and 64.42%, respectively and heterobeltiosis of 71.43, 65.84 and 54.71%, respectively for marketable yield per plant. Of the top three crosses RNOYR-15×RNOYR-16, RNOYR-16×RNOYR-17 and RNOYR-17×RNOYR-18 identified on the basis of mean performance for pod yield, quality and YVMV resistance, the cross RNOYR-15×RNOYR-16 manifesting significant standard heterosis of 20.57% over check ‘No. 64’ for marketable yield per plant was the topmost heterotic hybrid, while the other two crosses RNOYR-16×RNOYR-17 and RNOYR-17×RNOYR-18 exhibiting positively non-significant standard heterosis for marketable yield per plant over all the three checks were as comparable as those of standard checks under study. Hence, the promising F₁ hybrids RNOYR-15×RNOYR-16, RNOYR-16×RNOYR-17 and RNOYR-17×RNOYR-18 with high yield potential, good fruit quality, YVMV resistance, highly positive and significant sca effect have got the potential of being commercially exploited for the production of F₁ hybrids in okra after further multi-environment testing.
151)“Effect of organic manures on growth, root yield and quality of carrot (Daucus carota l.)” Gudimalla Sandeep Kumar
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted during rabi, 2012 to study the “Effect of organic manures on growth, root yield and quality of Carrot (Daucus carota L.)” 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 replicated16 treatments viz., T1: Groundnut cake (100%), T2: Neem cake (100%), T3: Vermicompost (100%), T4: Groundnut cake (75%) + Neem cake (25%), T5: Groundnut cake (75%) + Vermicompost (25%), T6: Groundnut cake (50%) + Neem cake (50%), T7: Groundnut cake (50%) + Vermicompost (50%), T8: Groundnut cake (50%) + Neem cake (25%) + Vermicompost (25%), T9: Neem cake (75%) + Groundnut cake (25%), T10: Neem cake (75%) + Vermicompost (25%), T11: Neem cake (50%) + Vermicompost (50%), T12: Neem cake (50%) + Groundnut cake (25%) + Vermicompost (25%), T13: Vermicompost (75%) + Groundnut cake (25%), T14: Vermicompost (75%) + Neem cake (25%), T15: Vermicompost (50%) + Neem cake (25%) + Groundnut cake (25%), and T16: RDF.
The data were recorded on plant height (cm), root length (cm), root diameter (cm), fresh and dry weight of root (g plant-1), root to shoot ratio, total root yield (t ha-1), carotene content (mg 100g-1), TSS (°Brix), reducing sugars (%), non-reducing sugars (%), total sugars (%), storage life (days), NPK uptake (kg ha-1) by the crop, available NPK (Kg ha-1) and microbial count in the soil (CFU g soil-1).
The highest plant height and root diameter were recorded with groundnut cake (75%) + vermicompost (25%) followed by groundnut cake (50%) + neem cake (50%) which was at par. The root length was maximum with neem cake (75%) + groundnut cake (25%) followed by groundnut cake (50%) + neem cake (50%). Groundnut cake (50%) + neem cake (50%) recorded significantly higher values for fresh and dry root weights, root yield, NPK uptake, available NPK and microbial activity in the soil. Whereas neem cake (75%) in combination with vermicompost (25%) recorded maximum values for carotene content, TSS, reducing, non-reducing and total sugars. However, the higher net returns and BCR were obtained with vermicompost (100%).
The results of the present investigation demonstrated that among different organic manures tried, Groundnut cake (50%) + Neem cake (50%) can be considered as the best treatment for obtaining higher growth and root yield in carrot. Better quality was obtained with neem cake (75%) + vermicompost (25%). Under organic cultivation of carrot, for obtaining maximum net returns, vermicompost (100%) may be used as an organic source of nutrients.
152) “Effect of cutting management and sulphur application on growth, yield and quality of fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.)”- Kandagatla Sandeep.
ABSTRACT
A field experiment, “Effect of cutting management and sulphur application on growth, yield and quality of fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.)” was conducted at Vegetable Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during Rabi 2012-2013 (September-January). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with factorial concept comprising 16 treatments and replicated thrice. The treatment consisted of cuttings as one factor containing four cutting treatments viz., No cutting (C0), Single cutting at 30 days after sowing (C1), Single cutting at 60 days after sowing (C2) and Double cuttings at 30 and 60 days after sowing (C3). Comprising Sulphur level was taken as

another factor which consisted of four different sulphur treatments No sulphur application (S0), 20kg sulphur per hectare (S1), 40 kg sulphur per hectare (S2) and 60 kg sulphur per hectare (S3). Five plants were selected at random from each treatment and tagged for recording biometric observations. The data were recorded at an interval of 30, 60 and 90 DAS for assessing parameters like days taken for germination, plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, root length (cm), number of root nodules per plant, dry matter production, number of days taken for first flowering, number of days taken for 50 per cent flowering, number of flowers per plant, pod setting per cent, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight, pod length, herbage yield, seed yield, seed protein content, seed protein yield, sulphur content in seed.

The results emanated from the experiment recorded significantly maximum plant height, root length, number of nodules per plant, early in flowering, early 50 per cent flowering, early maturity, maximum test weight and maximum seed protein content were reported in no cutting treatment (C0). Single cutting at 30 DAS (C1) recorded significantly maximum number of branches, number of flowers, number of pods, pod length, number of seeds per pod, seed yield, protein yield and sulphur content in seed. Where as all the parameters were recorded to be significantly minimum was observed with Double cutting at 30 and 60 days after sowing (C3). Maximum Fresh weight, dry matter production and herbage yield observed with double cutting at 30 and 60 days after sowing (C3). Among the sulphur levels 60 kg sulphur per hectare (S3) resulted in best performance of the all parameters like plant height, root length, number of nodules per plant, number of flowers per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight, pod length, herbage yield, seed yield, seed protein content, seed protein yield and sulphur content in seed. Among the interaction between cutting management and sulphur application, the treatment of no cutting with 60 kg sulphur per hectare (C0S3) resulted in maximum plant height and number of nodules. Maximum number of branches, yield attributes like number of pods, pod length, number of seeds per pod, test weight, seed yield, herbage yield, quality attributes protein content in seed, protein yield, sulphur content in seed with single cutting at 30 DAS and sulphur 60 kg per hectare (C1S3). In study of economics of the experiment, increase in dose of sulphur along with one cutting at 30 DAS (C1S3) maximum B: C ratio (1.58).

153) “Studies on the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, seed yield and quality parameters of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) cv. Lam Methi-2” - M.Anitha.

ABSTRACT

The experiment was taken up to elicit the information on effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, seed yield and quality parameters of fenugreek cv. Lam methi-2 to predict the best nutrient combination. Experiment was carried out during rabi of 2012-2013 at Horticultural College & Research Institute, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The studies were carried out with 12 different INM treatments involving combinations of 100% recommended dose of fertilizers, 75% and 50% doses of inorganic fertilizers along with organic manures viz.,farm yard manure, vermicompost, poultry manure, neem cake and biofertilizers (Rhizobium + PSB).

The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and data on the effect of different INM treatments on growth, dry matter production, yield, yield attributes, quality, nutrient uptake, residual fertility and economics of cultivation were recorded and statistically analyzed.

The application of 50% RDF through inorganic fertilizer and 50% through organic source (neem cake) along with Rhizobium and PSB inoculation (T11) had resulted in maximum plant height, more branches, maximum plant spread, highest dry matter production at all growth stages and also recorded minimum days for 50% flowering, first pod formation, 50% pod formation and more number of pods plant-1.

The highest yield per hectare and yield attributes like pod length (cm), more number of seeds per pod, highest grain filling and grain shelling percentage, test weight of seed, seed yield and harvest index were recorded with 50% RDF through inorganic source and 50% through organic source (Poultry manure) along with bio fertilizers

Rhizobium + PSB (T9)

The quality attributes viz., germination percentage, speed of germination were found non significant irrespective of the INM treatments. Whereas, significantly maximum seedling length, highest seedling vigour index, maximum seedling dry weight and highest protein content of seed were recorded with the application of 50% RDF through inorganic source and 50% through organic source (poultry manure) along with biofertilizers Rhizobium + PSB (T9).

The highest nutrient uptake and residual fertility status of available nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium were recorded with the application of 50% RDF through inorganic source and 50% through organic source (poultry manure) along with biofertilizers Rhizobium + PSB (T9).

The different INM treatments were observed to profoundly influence the gross and net returns in addition to benefit : cost ratio of fenugreek cultivation. The treatment 50% RDF through inorganic source and 50% through organic source (poultry manure) along with biofertilizers Rhizobium + PSB (T9) resulted in the highest benefit cost ratio of 1:1.51 followed by 1:1.35 in the combination of 75% RDF through inorganic source and 25% through organic source (poultry manure) along with biofertilizers Rhizobium + PSB (T8).

154) “Effect of auxins and type of cutting on propagation of phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis DC.) Under open and shadenet conditions” – M.Ratnamala.
ABSTRACT
The present experiment entitled “Effect of auxins and type of cutting on propagation of phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis DC.) under open and shadenet conditions” was carried out during 2012-2013 at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Dr.Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.

The present experiment was designed to study the effect of auxins i.e., IBA and NAA each at the rate of 100 ppm, 200 ppm and 300 ppm concentrations and type of cutting namely hardwood cutting and semi hardwood cutting with seven treatments and three replications in Mixed Factorial Randomized Block Design under open and shadenet condition on root and shoot parameters and establishment in the main field.

Of all the auxin concentrations used, IBA at 200 ppm concentration recorded high value of minimum number of days (14.40 and 10.48) to sprouting, maximum percentage of rooted cuttings (33.17 and 43.12), number of roots per rooted cutting (28.50 and 31.00), length of the longest root per rooted cutting (16.39 cm and 20.00 cm), survival percentage of rooted cuttings (20.10 and 34.00), fresh weight of the root (2.46 g and 3.69 g) in both the conditions. For number of sprouts per cutting (2.26, 4.34 and 4.85; 3.35, 4.26 and 4.90) number of leaves per cutting (3.51, 4.90 and 5.28; 3.98, 5.03 and 6.97) leaf area per cutting (4.39 cm², 7.62 cm² and 13.58 cm²; 5.82 cm², 9.20 cm² and 13.75 cm²) at 30, 45 and 60 days after planting in the poly bag respectively. The leaf chlorophyll content per cutting (37.52 mg and 40.93 mg), fresh weight of the shoot (18.45 g and 25.36 g), dry weight of the shoot (8.49 g and 9.91 g) and percentage of establishment of rooted cuttings in the main field (17.91 and 27.33) those raised under both open and shadenet conditions respectively.

Between the type of cutting, hardwood cutting recorded highest for minimum number of days to sprouting (16.44 and 13.32) and recorded maximum percentage of rooted cuttings (32.00 and 42.85), number of roots per rooted cutting (20.02 and 24.54), length of the longest root per rooted cutting (13.74 cm and 19.20 cm), survival percentage of rooted cuttings (18.74 and 28.93), fresh (1.99 g and 2.69 g) and dry weight of the root (0.58 g and 0.77 g) in both the conditions. For number of sprouts (1.99, 3.77 and 4.11; 2.86, 3.93 and 4.21) per cutting, number of leaves(3.17, 4.45 and 4.84; 3.50, 4.72 and 6.20) per cutting, leaf area (3.74 cm², 6.45 cm² and 11.44 cm² ; 4.81 cm², 7.58 cm² and 12.38 cm² ;) per cutting at 30, 45 and 60 days after planting in the poly bag respectively. The leaf chlorophyll content per cutting (30.63 mg and 35.32 mg), fresh weight of the shoot (15.47 g and 20.05 g) and dry weight of the shoot (8.04 g and 9.87 g) and percentage of establishment of rooted cuttings in the main field (14.96 and 24.66) those raised under both open and shadenet conditions respectively.

Among the treatment combinations, hardwood cuttings treated with IBA at 200 ppm concentration recorded high value for minimum number of days to sprouting (12.48 and 9.34) and recorded maximum percentage of rooted cuttings (45.68 and 60.00), number of roots (38.00 and 42.00) per rooted cutting, length of the longest root per rooted cutting (20.89 cm and 26.08 cm), survival percentage of rooted cuttings(28.21 and 50.00), fresh (3.10 g and 3.69 g) and dry weight of the root (0.94 g and 1.08 g) in both the conditions. For number of sprouts per cutting (2.53, 4.95 and 5.70; 3.50, 5.00 and 5.30), number of leaves per cutting (3.86, 5.70 and 6.13; 4.16, 5.90 and 8.50) leaf area per cutting (4.33 cm², 7.04 cm² and 15.61cm²; 6.70 cm², 9.83 cm² and 15.72 cm²) at 30, 45 and 60 days after planting in the poly bag respectively. The leaf chlorophyll content (44.96 mg and 49.78 mg) per cutting fresh (22.07 g and 25.36 g) and dry weight of the shoot (11.24 g and 12.82 g) and percentage of establishment of rooted cuttings in the main field (25.21 and 45.00) those raised under both open and shadenet conditions respectively.

The hardwood cuttings treated with IBA at 200 ppm concentration followed by NAA 100 ppm concentration and raised under shadenet condition are the best treatments for root and shoot parameters, percentage of rooted cuttings and survival percentage of phalsa for the propagation and for its commercial multiplication.

155) “Genetic divergence studies in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)” – B.Babu Rao.

ABSTRACT
The experiment was taken up to elicit the information on magnitude of genetic variability, heritability and to predict the gains realized through selection, character association, cause and effect relationship and divergence for the quantitative characters in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) genotypes. Eighteen genotypes of cassava were evaluated in RBD with three replications during kharif season of 2012 at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Dr. Y. S. R. Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.

The study revealed significant differences among genotypes for different characters studied. Among all the genotypes studied, genotype PDP accession-10 recorded the highest tuber yield per hectare and found suitable to the local agro-climatic conditions. The genotypes H-165 and Sree Padmanabha (MNga-1) were also found to be elite for different characters.

Among the characters studied, high PCV and GCV were observed for characters like number of leaves per plant, total leaf area, height of first branching and HCN content indicating high variability available in the germplasm for these characters for further improvement.

High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for characters number of leaves per plant, total leaf area, height of first branching, stem diameter, tuber dry matter content, starch content, HCN content and tuber yield per hectare, which indicated that these characters were least influenced by the environmental effects, and these characters were governed by additive genes and selection will be rewarding for improvement of such traits.

The tuber yield per hectare (t/ha) had significant positive correlation with traits like petiole length, number of leaves per plant, total leaf area, stem diameter, tuber diameter, plant dry matter content, starch content and HCN content suggesting the importance of these traits in selection for yield and can be identified as yield attributing characters for the genetic improvement of yield in cassava.

The tuber yield per hectare (t/ha) was result of direct effect of number of leaves per plant, stem diameter, number of tubers per plant, tuber diameter and plant dry matter content. The high direct effect of these traits appeared to be the main factor for their strong association with tuber yield per hectare.

Analysis for divergence using D² statistic revealed highly significant differences for different traits, grouping the 18 genotypes into 5 clusters. Cluster IV had the maximum number of genotypes (7) followed by cluster I (5). Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between clusters IV and V while the intra cluster distance was maximum in cluster IV. The highest per cent contribution to divergence came from tuber dry matter content, plant dry matter content, height of first branching, starch content, number of leaves per plant and stem diameter, which suggested that selection of one or two elite genotypes from divergent (IV & V) and (II & V) clusters based on the above characters and crossing would result in more heterosis and novel hybrids.
156) “Effect of Pre-harvest foliar sprays, packaging and storage temperatures on growth, yield and storability of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) Cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda” – Y.Saidulu.