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

ABSTRACT
The present pot culture experiment “Studies on the effect of salt and VAM fungi on growth of juice and table grape cultivars” was carried out at Grape Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad from November 2012 to May 2013. The study was conducted under two experiments viz., “Effect of salt and VAM fungi on growth of table grape cultivars” and “Effect of salt and VAM fungi on growth of juice grape cultivars”. The experiments were carried out in Completely randomized factorial design with four replications.
This experiment was conducted with the following objectives 1) To study the influence of varying levels of NaCl on juice and table grape cultivars 2) To identify salt tolerant juice and table grape cultivars and 3) To study the influence of VAM fungi in enhancing salt tolerance in juice and table cultivars of grape. In an attempt to achieve this, three table grape cultivars viz., Thompson Seedless, Madhu Angoor and Kishmish Rozoviz under different water salinity levels (control, 18 meq/L and 36 meq NaCl/L), were imposed with two treatments:(1) control (without mycorrhiza) (2) inoculated with VAM (Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza).
It was observed that in Madhu Angoor the morphological parameters like shoot length, number of leaves, root length, root volume, shoot dry weight, root dry weight , root to shoot ratio were significantly high indicating their vigor followed by Thompson Seedless. Physiological parameters like chlorophyll ‘a’, total chlorophyll, relative water content (RWC) were also significantly high while specific leaf weight, Na⁺ - K⁺ ratio recorded less in Madhu Angoor followed by Thompson Seedless whereas it was vice-versa in Kishmish Rozoviz. Therefore table seeded variety Madhu Angoor was identified as salt tolerant cultivar.
Similar study was conducted in three juice grape cultivars viz., Concord, Bangalore Blue and E 12/2. Among these varieties E 12/2 recorded higher shoot length,stem diameter, root length,root volume, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, root to shoot ratio and RWC while specific leaf weight ,uptake of sodium and chloride ions was least thus indicating higher salt tolerance in E 12/2 followed by Bangalore Blue and Concord.
The mycorrhizal inoculation is capable of alleviating the damage caused by salt stress in both table and juice grape varieties by way of significantly increasing the shoot length, number of leaves, leaf area, root length, root volume, shoot and root dry weight, through enhancing relative water content, K⁺ uptake and by exclusion of toxic ions like sodium and chloride. VAM fungi inoculation is thus helpful in salt affected soils.
170) “Studies on the effect of time of planting and harvesting on growth, herbage yield and quality in kalmegh. (Andrographis paniculata Nees.)”- T.Himabindu.

ABSTRACT

The present investigation entitled “Studies on the effect of time of planting and harvesting on growth, herbage yield and quality in kalmegh. (Andrographis paniculata Nees.)” was carried out at Vegetable Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif 2012-13. The main objective of the investigation was to find out the effect of time of planting, stage of harvesting, and their interaction on growth, herbage yield and quality of kalmegh. The experiment was laid out in FRBD and replicated thrice.

The results of the experiment revealed that plant height, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, LAI, fresh and dry herb weight were significantly affected due to planting dates at 15, 30 and 45 DAP. Among different planting treatments, the crop planted on 1st August recorded maximum values for plant height, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, LAI, fresh and dry herb weight which were significantly superior over other planting treatments. Dry herbage and andrographolide yields were also significantly influenced due to different planting treatments at harvest. The crop planted on 1st August also recorded maximum values for dry herbage and andrographolide yields at harvest.
Different harvesting treatments had significant influence on plant height, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, LAI, leaf stem ratio, fresh and dry herb weight, dry herbage yield, andrographolide content and yield at harvest. Among harvesting treatments, the crop harvested at pod setting stage recored maximum values for plant height, number of branches per plant, fresh and dry herb weight, dry herbage and andrographolide yields. Number of leaves per plant, leaf area, LAI and andrographolide content were, however, maximum with the crop harvested at flowering stage. Maximum leaf stem ratio was observed with the crop harvested at pre flowering stage.
At harvest, interaction between planting and harvesting treatments significantly influenced plant height, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, LAI, fresh and dry herb weight, dry herbage yield, leaf stem ratio and andrographolide yield. The crop planted on 1st August and harvested at pod setting stage (D3H3) recorded maximum plant height, number of branches per plant, fresh and dry herb weight, dry herbage and andrographolide yields. Number of leaves per plant, leaf area, LAI were, however, maximum with the crop planted on 1st August and harvested at flowering stage (D3H2).
The present study clearly indicated that planting on 1st August and harvesting at pod setting stage were superior to other planting and harvesting treatments with overall better performance in kalmegh.
171) “Effect of graded levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in gladiolus

(Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv. White Prosperity.”- K.Chandana.
ABSTRACT
A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of graded levels of nitrogen and phosphorus on vegetative, floral and corm parameters of gladiolus at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Venkataramannagudem in 2012-13. The observations were recorded at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting and the effect of nitrogen, phosphorous and their interaction were analyzed on the vegetative, floral and corm parameters. The spike yield was maximum with nitrogen dose of 300 kg ha^-1, phosphorus dose of 200 kg ha^-1 both individually and in combination. Similar trend was observed in the qualitative characters like longevity of first floret on spike, rachis length and number of florets per spike. The spike length and flower diameter were maximum with the application of nitrogen at 400 kg ha^-1 plus phosphorus at 200 kg ha^-1. The total weight of corm and cormels per plant was maximum with the treatment combination of nitrogen at 400 kg ha^-1 plus phosphorus at 200 kg ha^-1 which may be attributed to the highest number of cormels produced per mother corm. The vegetative parameters like plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, dry weight of leaves, dry weight of flower, growth parameters like leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) and the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus was recorded highest with a dose of nitrogen at 300 kg ha^-1 plus phosphorus at 200 kg ha^-1. Even though the fertilizer dose of nitrogen at 400 kg ha^-1 plus phosphorus at 200 kg ha^-1 was good at initial crop growth stages, the same was not continued in the later stages with respect to the growth parameters. The corm yield, weight of corm, corm diameter and cormel weight was maximum with the dose of nitrogen at 300 kg ha^-1 and phosphorus at 200 kg ha^-1. The interaction effect suggested that vegetative, floral and corm parameters responded better to the increasing levels of nitrogen and phosphorous up to 300 kg ha^-1 and phosphorus at 200 kg ha^-1 . Beyond this level, the improvement in the said parameters was found to be non-significant in most of the cases. The gross returns and net returns were recorded at maximum by the application of 300 kg ha^-1 of nitrogen and 200 kg ha^-1 of phosphorus resulting in a maximum value (2.64) of benefit-cost ratio.
Among all the treatment combinations, considering the best values in respect of vegetative, floral, corm characteristics and net-profit, it was found that the treatment combination of nitrogen at 300 kg ha^-1 and phosphorus at 200 kg ha^-1 proved to be the best for commercial cultivation of gladiolus under Venkataramannagudem conditions.
172) “Evaluation of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev.) cultivars for growth, yield and storage life under open field conditions”- B. Santhi Swaroopini.

ABSTRACT

The present experiment entitled “Evaluation of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev.) cultivars for growth, yield and storage life under open field conditions” carried out at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Anantharajupet, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh during the kharif season of year 2012-13 to select suitable cultivars for commercial cultivation and the data collected from this experiment was further utilized for the genetic analysis viz., heritability, PCV (Phenotypic coefficient of variation), GCV (Genotypic coefficient of variation), correlation and path coefficient analysis.

The experiment laid out with 13 different treatments in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The treatments include twelve cultivars viz., Geethanjali, Rekha, Co-3, Raichur, Silper, PAU-B-107, Pusa Anmol, Pusa Semidouble, Rajamundry, Shanthi, Yelllow Double, White Double along with one check (Chandini).

Among the vegetative characters, cv.Geethanjali recorded maximum plant height (26.07, 42.28, 53.63, 58.31 cm) at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAT, Where as cv.PAU-B-107 recorded Maximum plant spread (22.73, 40.20, 48.08, 51.27 cm) and numbers of primary branches (5.96, 10.87, 14.97, 16.30) at all the stages of crop growth and also produced maximum number of suckers plant^-1 (21.50).

Significant variation was observed for flower characters among different cultivars. Early flower bud initiation (63.33 days), minimum days taken to 50% flowering (93.00 days), lowest number of days to first harvest (112.33 days), maximum duration of flowering (71.83 days) and maximum flower diameter (5.90 cm) was recorded by the cv.Co3. Maximum number of flowers spray^-1 (16.50), maximum number of flowers plant^-1 (169.33) and maximum flower weight (5.40 g) were recorded by the cv.PAU-B-107. Spray length was maximum in cv.Geethanjali (25.23 cm) followed by cv.Raichur (25.10 cm).

Among the thirteen cultivars studied PAU-B-107 recorded maximum number of days to 50% flower wilting when kept in 200 gauge polyethylene bag (6.67 days) followed by cv.Rajamundry (5.87 days) when compared to other packing materials studied.

Cv. PAU-B-107 exhibited more resistance towards the pest and disease infestation with minimum number of Spodoptera litura plant^-1 (0.67) and minimum PDI (Alterneria leaf blight) (5%).

Maximum flower yield plant^-1 (293.33 g), yield plot^-1 (10.56 kg) and yield hectare^-1 (264 q) was found maximum in the cv.PAU-B-107 due to production of more number of flowers plant^-1 which resulted into maximum net returns (Rs 2,67,510 ha^-1) and B:C ratio (2.08).

With respect to genetic parameters number of flowers plant^-1, spray length (cm), flower diameter (cm), number of flowers spray^-1, flower weight (g) and flower yield plant^-1 (g) had high PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean where in improvement in these characters which can be brought through simple selection programe. In correlation studies, number of flowers plant^-1, flower diameter (cm), flowering duration (days) and number of flowers spray^-1 showed significant positive correlation with yield both at phenotypic and genotypic level suggesting good scope for improvement of yield. In Path coefficient analysis, flowering duration (days), number of flowers plant^-1 and flower weight (g) directly influenced the flower yield as first ranking components.

Further, among all the cultivars studied PAU-B-107, Co-3 and Pusa Anmol were found to be promising regarding growth and yield characters and the same may be recommended for commercial cultivation under open field conditions.

173) “S t u d i e s on the performance of gerbera cultivars in growbags and soil media under naturally ventilated polyhouse.”- S.Mahaboob Basha.
ABSTRACT
A study was conducted during 2012-2013 to evaluate different gerbera cultivars to assess their performance in growbags and soil media under naturally ventilated polyhouse to study the vegetative, flowering and post harvest behaviour for cut flower production at Horticulture College and Research Institute, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Anantharajupet, Y.S.R. Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh.

The experimental trial was laid out in RBD with three replications and 14 treatments (14 cultivars) viz., Salvadore, Sangria, Intense, Rosalin, Silvester, Cacharelle, Sunway, Primrose, Zingaro, Dune, Danaellen, Shimmer, Dalma, Imperial with plant and line spacing of 30 cm x 30 cm. Maximum plant height (47.13 cm and 28.23 cm) was recorded by the cultivars Sangria and Intense in soil and growbags respectively at 210 DAP.

The cultivars Sangria and Silvester recorded maximum plant spread of 76.33 cm and 42.26 cm at 210 DAP in soil and in growbags respectively. The cultivars Sangria and Zingaro registered maximum leaf length (42.42 cm and 26.47 cm) whereas the cultivars Salvadore and Silvester produced broader leaves (18.70 cm and 10.86 cm) at 210 DAP in soil and in growbags respectively. Maximum leaf area of 537.31 dsm2 and 351.95 dsm2 was recorded in the cultivars Sangria and Silvester in soil and in growbags respectively. When compared with all the cultivars first flower bud appearance was found 38.20 days after planting in cv. Silvester but the same cultivar took maximum number of days to establish and to putforth new flower bud by taking 83.10 days in growbags. The cv. Zingaro took less number of days to bud burst (7.13 and 8.53 days) in soil and in growbags respectively whereas in soil cv. Rosalin (4.20 days) and in growbags cv. Silvester (5.20 days) reached early to harvestable stage from bud burst.
The cultivar Cacharelle produced flowers of longer stalk length (85.60 cm and 59.18 cm) both in soil and in growbags whereas, the cultivars Cacharelle and Silvester produced flowers with larger diameter of 13.10 cm and 12.21 cm in soil and growbags respectively. The cv. Sangria registered as a high yielder among the 14 cultivars of gerbera by producing maximum number of cut flowers per plant per year (37.01) and maximum number of flowers per square metre per year (258.87) when soil is used as media.
In tap water, the cv. Salvadore lasts longer in vase for 8.67 days whereas the cv. Rosalin lost the consumer acceptability earlier among the cultivars tested and found fresh for only 5.53 days. The cv. Imperial ranked first for sensory quality attributes by scoring 26.6 aggregate sensory scores out of 30. Further, among all the cultivars studied Sangria and Salvadore were found superior to grow in soil whereas cultivars Intense and Silvester were found suitable to grow in cocopeat filled growbags however, growbag culture has to be standardized before recommending to the farming community.
174) “Evaluation of certain varieties and hybrids of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) for yield and quality traits”- P.Sushmitha.
ABSTRACT
The present investigation “Evaluation of certain varieties and hybrids of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) for yield and quality traits” was conducted during the period from February-May, 2012 at Horticulture College and Research Institute, Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University, Anantharajupet, Y.S.R District of Andhra Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications and sixteen treatments (eight varieties viz., Alpur, Arka Jeet, Bathesa, Ingan, Kanpur, Pusa Madhuras, Sharabat-e-Anar, Siddavatam Dosa and eight hybrids viz., Amul-9, Caribbean Queen RZ, Gladial RZ, LMS-1, Madhumati, NMMH-24, NS-910 and Sun). The spacing adopted was 1.5m× 0.5m.
The results on growth parameters revealed that maximum number of primary and secondary branches vine-1 was observed in the variety, Arka Jeet (5.89 and 6.67, respectively) and in the hybrid, NMMH-24 (5.27 and 6.12, respectively). Higher number of primary branches developed on the main vine contributed for production of more number of perfect flowers in Arka Jeet and NMMH-24.
With regard to reproductive parameters, lower node at which first staminate flower appeared was observed in the variety, Arka Jeet (2.12) and in the hybrid, Gladial RZ (2.33). Earliest node at which first perfect flower appeared was recorded in the variety, Ingan (5.23) and in the hybrid, Gladial RZ (4.33). Lateral number on which first perfect flower appeared was less in the varieties, Sharbat-e-Anar (1.85), Ingan (1.99) and Pusa Madhuras (1.99) and in the hybrids, Gladial RZ (1.23), Caribbean Queen RZ (1.45) and Sun (1.45).
Number of days taken for first staminate and perfect flower appearance was recorded less in the variety, Ingan (31.12 and 36.12, respectively) and in the hybrid, Gladial RZ (29.56 and 34.11, respectively), which is an indication of earliness. The variety, Pusa Madhuras (260.88) and the hybrid, Madhumati (203.56) recorded less number of staminate flowers vine-1. The variety, Arka Jeet (19.77) and the hybrid, NMMH-24 (13.67) recorded more number of perfect flowers vine-1 and sex ratio was significantly lower in the variety, Arka Jeet (17.83) and in the hybrid, Madhumati (18.96). The data on yield and yield attributing parameters indicated that number of fruits vine-1 was significantly high in the variety, Arka Jeet (3.11) and in the hybrid, NMMH- 24 (2.33). Average fruit weight was maximum in the variety, Siddavatam Dosa (900.33g) and in the hybrids, Madhumati (1120.66 g) and LMS-1 (1120.33 g). The variety, Kanpur (2.12 kg vine-1 and 21.20 t ha-1) and the hybrid, NMMH-24 (2.45 kg vine-1 and 24.53 t ha-1) were found superior over other varieties and hybrids with respect to yield vine-1 and yield ha-1, respectively.
Among the varieties and hybrids, Bathesa and LMS-1 recorded maximum fruit length (20.12 cm and 16.10 cm, respectively) whereas, the variety, Siddavatam Dosa and the hybrid, LMS-1 recorded maximum fruit width (13.51 cm and 16.97 cm,

respectively). Fruit size in all the varieties was categorized as small to intermediate except, Arka Jeet (small) and Siddavatam Dosa (intermediate) while, it was intermediate in all hybrids. Seed cavity length (4.55 cm and 6.57 cm) and seed cavity width (5.58 cm and 6.95 cm) were minimum in the variety, Arka Jeet and in the hybrid, Madhumati, respectively. Seed cavity size was ranged from small to very large in varieties whereas, it was medium to very large in hybrids.

In the respect of fruit quality traits, high TSS and total sugars were noticed in the varieties, Kanpur (12.03 °Brix and 15.58 %) and Alpur (11.33 °Brix and 15.02 %) and in the hybrids, Madhumati (12.68 °Brix and 16.63 %) and NMMH-24 (12.03 °Brix and 14.05 %), respectively. Per cent acidity was less in these varieties (0.06 % and 0.08 %) and hybrids (0.07% and 0.06%). Based on sensory evaluation (organoleptic test), the varieties, Kanpur, Alpur, Pusa Madhuras, Siddavatam Dosa, Bathesa and the hybrids, Madhumati, NMMH-24, Sun and NS-910 were adjudged best in terms of fruit flavor, taste and aroma.
The observation on incidence of pest and diseases in muskmelon revealed that the variety, Sharbat-e-Anar recorded less number of larval mines vine-1 and pumpkin beetles vine-1 (2.43 and 1.76, respectively) and the hybrids, Caribbean Queen RZ and Gladial RZ were affected with less number of larval mines vine-1 (1.77 and 1.84, respectively) and the hybrid LMS-1 (1.53) with less number of adult beetles vine-1. The Percent Disease Index (PDI) of downy mildew was at low ebb in the variety, Arka Jeet (15.67) and in the hybrids, Madhumati(18.30) and NMMH-24 (18.33). From the results of the present study, it is evident that the varieties, Kanpur, Siddavatam Dosa and Pusa Madhuras and the hybrids, NMMH-24, Sun and Madhumati performed well in terms of fruit yield and quality.
175) “Studies on effect of post harvest ethrel treatment and packaging on quality of mango cv. Baneshan at different maturity stages” – K.S. Vara Prasad.

ABSTRACT

The present investigation entitled “Studies on effect of post harvest ethrel treatment and packaging on quality of mango cv. Baneshan at different maturity stages” was carried out during the year 2012-13 at Fruit Research Station, Sangareddy, Medak, Andhra Pradesh. A set of two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of post harvest ethrel treatment and polypropylene packaging on quality and shelf life of mango cv. Baneshan. Physico-chemical parameters i.e., physiological loss in weight (PLW), firmness, colour score, spoilage, shelf life, TSS, acidity, reducing sugars, total sugars, non reducing sugars and organoleptic score were recorded at an interval of 3 days at ambient temperature.

In experiment I “Effect of post harvest ethrel treatment on ripening and quality of mango cv. Baneshan at different maturity stages”, fifteen different treatments involving three different maturity stages (7-9⁰B, 9-11⁰B and 11-13⁰B) treated with four different concentrations of ethrel (250 ppm, 500 ppm, 750 ppm and 1000 ppm) and a control (water dip) were tried in a factorial completely randomised design with four replications. Ethrel at a concentration of 750 ppm recorded significantly better sugars, shelf life and organoleptic score. Mango fruits harvested at 9-11⁰B TSS stage recorded significantly better physico-chemical parameters and organoleptic score with highest shelf life of 9 days when compared to 7-9⁰B and 11-13⁰B.
Among the treatment combinations, mango fruits harvested at 9-11⁰B TSS stage with ethrel treatment @ 750 ppm recorded better physico-chemical parameters and organoleptic score with higher shelf life of 9 days.
In experiment II “Studies on effect of polypropylene packaging and ethrel treatment on shelf life and quality of mango cv. Baneshan”, fruits harvested at 9-11⁰B maturity stage were treated with ethrel @750 ppm and packed in polypropylene bags of 100 and 150 gauge with 1%, 2% and 3% ventilation. Among the treatments, mango fruits packed in polypropylene bags of 150 gauge with 1% ventilation extended the shelf life up to 13.2 days and recorded significantly higher fruit firmness thereby enhancing quality and shelf life.
In conclusion, mango cv. Baneshan harvested at 9-11⁰B TSS treated with ethrel at a concentration of 750 ppm had shelf life of 9 days only. Whereas, mango cv. Baneshan harvested at 9-11⁰B TSS treated with ethrel at a concentration of 750 ppm and packed in polypropylene bags of 150 gauge with 1 % ventilation extended the shelf life up to13.2 days.
176) “Evaluation of Red-Fleshed Guava Varieties for Processing into Nectar” – M.Pavan Kumar

Abstract

The experiment titled “Evaluation of Red-Fleshed Guava Varieties for Processing into Nectar” was conducted at the Fruit research station Sangareddy, Medak district during the year 2010-2011. In this study five red fleshed guava varieties were evaluated for processing into nectar.

Based on the analysis of various physico- chemical characteristics of five red fleshed guava varieties, the Hybrid 1-6 and Red fleshed (local) were found to be the best varieties for processing in terms the colour of pulp, and chemical constituents such as TSS/ acidity, ascorbic content, total sugars and above all lycopene content in the pulp. The lycopene plays an important role in beverage preparation , as it masks the browning in the processed product.These two best varieties viz., Hybrid1-6 and Red fleshed were selected for preparation of nectar.

Further, the nectar recipe was standardized with the two varieties viz., red fleshed and hybrid1-6. Thus the nectar prepared with the composition of 20 percent pulp, 17⁰Brix total soluble solids and 0.3percent acidity was rated superior for quality attributes viz., appearance, aroma and flavor, taste and overall acceptability through organoleptic evaluation in both the varieties.

The nectar prepared from two varieties of guava viz., red fleshed and hybrid 1-6 with a composition of 20% pulp, 17⁰Brix, and 0.3% acidity were evaluated for biochemical changes during storage up to 90days at ambient temperatures. The titrable acidity, TSS, total sugars and reducing sugars showed an increasing trend during the storage upto 90 days. The ascorbic acid and lycopene content decreased with increase in storage period from 0 to 90 days. However, these chemical constituents did not change markedly until three months of storage at ambient temperatures as compared to fresh nectar. The pink colour of nectar was stable upto 30 days and further browning was minimal in the product upto 90 days. This could be due to the presence of lycopene pigment and its masking effect on browning of guava nectar.

In conclusion, in this study guava variety Red-fleshed was found to be superior for nectar preparation. The nectar recipe with 20per cent guava pulp, 17 per cent TSS and 0.3 percent acidity had highest organoleptic score. The acidity, TSS, total and reducing sugars of nectar showed an increasing trend during the progress of storage upto 90days under ambient conditions. The ascorbic acid and lycopene content decreased, however no discolouration was observed and was acceptable and fit for consumption upto 90 days at ambient temperatures.

177) “Studies on fruit growth and development and standardization of maturity indices in different sapota (Manilkara achras (Mill.) Fosberg) cultivars” – G.Radha.