Abstract: A pot experiment was carried out during 2022/ 2023 and 2023/2024 seasons to investigate the response of Dypsis lutescens plants grown in different potting media to conventional or Nano NPK Fertilization 20 treatments was symbolized by the interaction between four various potting media, i.e. clay+peat-moss+sand, perlite+peat-moss+sand, vermiculite+ peat-moss+sand, and compost+peat-moss+sand (1:1:1 by volume) and five monthly soil drenching of different fertilization treatments including either conventional NPK at two and four g.pot-1 or Nano NPK at two and four mL L-1, in addition to the unfertilized plants (control) on Dypsis lutescens palm plants. The experiment was designed with 3 replications in a split-plot design; growing media were allocated to the main plots, while fertilization treatments were allocated to the sub-plots. The results revealed that the plants grown in potting media consists of clay+peat-moss+sand (by volume, 1:1:1) and received Nano NPK at the highest concentration (4 mL L-1) had the most significant values of vegetative growth attributes (plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves per plant, length of the root, number of roots per plant, plant width and dry weights of shoots and roots), total chlorophyll, total carbohydrates, N, P and K percentages, contents of Fe, Mn and Zn, phenols and indoles contents. Based on the outcomes, it is recommended that, for optimal quality and growth of Dypsis lutescens, the plants be cultivated in a medium of clay + peat + sand (by volume, 1:1:1) and provided monthly with Nano NPK at 4 mL L-1.
1Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Amity University, Noida, UP- 201303. 2University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, KA-580005. .3Polytechnic of Organic Farming, Regional Agricultural Research Station, ANGRAU, Chintapalle, AP-531111. 4Department of Agronomy, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, KA-560065. Corresponding e-mail:vishwauas@gmail.com, ckumar@amity.edu
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted employing a randomized complete block design with fourteen treatments, combining varying levels of conventional and nano-fertilizer (N & K) foliar sprays at Bagepalli, Karnataka, India, to determine their effects on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of potato under field conditions during rabi 2022. Data were recorded on growth, yield, and yield-attributing traits, as well as nutrient uptake. Results revealed that application of 75 % recommended nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) + three foliar nano N and K applications at 30, 45 & 60 DAP (days after planting) - T14 consistently produced the highest plant height (40.44 cm and 51.5 cm), SPAD values (28.63 and 50.10) at 30 and 60 DAP respectively, fresh tuber yield per plant (336.79 g), number of marketable (5.3 tuber/plant), total biological yield (42.67 t/ha), fresh tuber yield (23.69 t/ha) and nutrient uptake (188.99, 55.80, 134.25 NPK kg/ha, respectively) as compared to the control. It was on par with T13 (75 % recommended N and K + two foliar nano N and K application) and T2 (125: 100: 125 kg N: P2O5: K2O kg/haand FeSO4 and ZnSO4 @ each 10 kg/ha) integrating nano-fertilizers in nutrient management reduces the potential environmental risks posed by over use of conventional fertilizers such as underground water pollution and increased soil salinity as they require very less application rates. The findings support adopting nanotechnology-based nutrient management as a sustainable strategy to optimize fertilizer use, improve crop performance, and mitigate environmental impacts in potato cultivation.
Arati Yadawad1*, A.M Aruthesh1, K. Nishmitha2 and H.S. Chaitanya1
1Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Ullal, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, Karnataka-575020, India. 2Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Brahmavara, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, Karnataka-576213, India. * E-mail: aratiyadawad@uahs.edu.in
Abstract: The present study aimed to characterize okra accessions for morphological agronomic traits to identify promising accessions with high quality and market value for successful utilization in future breeding programmes. The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Ullal, belonging to the coastal zone of Karnataka, during 2023-24. Sixty-two distinct accessions, including three potential genotypes, Halu bhindi, Phule Vimukta and Radhika, were planted in randomized complete block design with two replications. Observations were recorded on 25 morphological traits, following the DUS characteristics of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, and on six agronomic traits. Mean performance and ANOVA for 62 okra accessions revealed highly significant variation in GCV and PCV, coupled with high heritability, and GAM was recorded for all the agronomic traits, indicating the scope for achieving high genetic gain from selection. Halu Bhindi—white velvet okra, a popular local genotype, was identified as a promising variety for fruit length, fruit weight, and yield per plant, indicating potential for its utilization in a breeding programme to develop high-yielding okra genotypes. K-means clustering identified 10 distinct phenotypic clusters. A dendrogram generated by hierarchical clustering of okra accessions using UPGMA analysis showed high diversity among 62 accessions. Halu Bhindi was highly diverse across all accessions, forming an entirely distinct cluster, indicating the diverse nature of this genotype. The present investigation provides valuable insights into okra breeding, germplasm conservation, and genetic research to enhance sustainability and improve this nutritive vegetable crop of commercial value.
Mykola Kovalov1, Iryna Sokolovska2* and Yurii Mashchenko3
1Central Ukrainian National Technical University, Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine. 2Kherson State Agrarian and Economic University, Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine. 3Institute of Agriculture of the Steppe, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine. Corresponding e-mail:marketing-kiapv@ukr.net.
Abstract: Growing tomatoes in film greenhouses is an important direction in modern vegetable growing. One promising method for increasing tomato productivity is grafting, which allows combining the positive characteristics of different varieties and types. Non-standard grafting methods for tomato cultivation, such as cleft grafting and splice grafting, influenced the biometric indicators and productivity of tomato hybrids with various growth types, providing options for cultivation in controlled environments. In cleft-grafted tomato hybrids, where both the rootstock and scion had a determinate growth type, the highest degree of semi-determinacy expression was observed. When grafting plants by splicing, all the hybrids we studied showed a higher degree of indeterminacy. The impact of grafting on the duration of the growing season for tomato hybrids in controlled environments and on the expression of late maturity was confirmed; however, no effect of the grafting method on inflorescence flowering time was established. Hybrid tomato varieties created through cleft grafting showed higher fruit yield than splice-grafted hybrids. The most productive were the grafted hybrids Pink Delight F1 (13.8 kg m-1) and Ronda F1 (14.2 kg m-1). Increasing the productivity of the Pink Delight F1 tomato hybrid through grafting with a determinate rootstock, regardless of the method, provides an advantage when selecting hybrids for cultivation in controlled environments.
A.J. Akshay1, I. Priya Kumari2, M. Rafeekher3, R.V..Manju4, B. Bindu5 and S. Simi6
1,6Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvanthapuram – 695522, Kerala Agricultural University. 2,3Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvanthapuram – 695522, Kerala Agricultural University. 4Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvanthapuram – 695522, Kerala Agricultural University. 5 Farming Systems Research Station, Kerala Agricultural University, Sadanandapuram, Kottarakkara, Kollam – 691531, Kerala Agricultural University. Corresponding e-mail:priyakumari.i@kau.in
Abstract: The effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment through trench system on the growth of jackfruit seedlings was investigated. Seedlings were grown under four experimental treatments comprising two CO2 treatments (elevated CO2 environment and elevated CO2 environment with 3% urea spray at a fortnightly interval) and two standard conditions (urea spray at 3% at a fortnightly interval and control). Rootstocks under elevated CO2 conditions and a 3% foliar urea spray for 60 or 120 days showed the best growth responses. Significant differences were observed among the growth parameters like shoot height, shoot girth, number of leaves (at 60 and 120 days after sowing), leaf area, root weight, shoot weight and dry matter production (at 120 days after sowing). The peak CO2 level was 769 ppm; the average level measured was approximately 200 ppm higher than the surrounding atmosphere. Modifying the microclimate by generating carbon dioxide from decomposing organic compounds, such as coir pith, within a trench system, along with additional nitrogen fertilization, is a cost-effective method for increasing the active rootstock of jackfruit, which is important for improving the success rate of vegetative propagation through the budding method.
Anshu Verma1#, Shardulya Shukla2#, Kaushal Kumar3,Tsewang Norbu1, Jagraj Singh4, Manoj Kumar5, Om Prakash Chaurasia1 and Dorjey Angchok1*
1Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, DRDO Leh-Ladakh, India. 2ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow, India. 3Ram Lal Anand College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India. 4School of Agricultural Studies, Geeta University, Panipat, Haryana, India. 5Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Shobhit Deemed University, Meerut, U.P., India. #: authors have equal contribution as first author. Corresponding e-mail:achuk1974@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i04.128
Key words: Cucumis sativus; high-altitude; Ladakh; mulching; yield; mineral content
Abstract: This study investigates the impact of black polythene mulch (BPM) on the growth, yield, and mineral composition of cucumber crops in a cold, arid, high-altitude region of Ladakh, India. The research was conducted under open-field conditions at the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh, India, during 2022 and 2023. Two cucumber cultivars, Japanese Long Green (JLG) and BSS 647, were used in both mulched and non-mulched conditions. Mulching significantly improved plant height (JLG: 150.01 cm and BSS-647: 144.29 cm), leaf area (JLG: 166.73 cm2 and BSS-647: 164.91 cm2), stem diameter (JLG: 10.20 mm and BSS-647: 10.00 mm), leaf chlorophyll content (JLG: 29.9 and BSS-647: 30.32 CCI) and yield (JLG: 690.37 q/ha and BSS-647: 737.06 q/ha). The Total soluble solid (4.73 ºB), titratable acidity (1.00 %), sulphate (97.28 mg/kg), Mg (370.77 mg/100g) and Mn (8.04 mg/100g) content were found in BSS-647 cultivar whereas crude protein (14.83 g/100g), phosphate (650.35 mg/kg), N (2373.56 mg/100g), Zn (4.59 mg/100g) and K (3713.59 mg/100g) content were found in JLG cultivar. As per this study, mulching significantly enhances cucumber yield and improves the levels of health-promoting nutritional compounds compared to non-mulched cultivation in the Ladakh region.
T. Seerangurayar1,2, V. Chelladurai1*, T. Senthilkumar2, G. Jeevarathinam3 and J. Deepa4
1Department of Agricultural Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu-638401, India. 2Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, University of Prince Edward Island, PEI, Canada. 3 Department of Food Technology, Hindusthan College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. 4Department of Food Technology, Nehru Institute of Technology, Kaliyapuram, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Corresponding e-mail:vchella@gmail.com; chelladurai@bitsathy.ac.in
Abstract: Teasel gourd is one of the major crops in the bitter gourd family, and studying its drying characteristics might help develop equipment and processes for making value-added and pharmaceutical products. A study was conducted to determine the drying characteristics of teasel gourd and the physical characteristics of powder produced from teasel gourd. Sliced teasel gourd samples were placed in a tray dryer. A drying study was conducted at 40, 50, and 60 ºC, and drying kinetics were plotted. To describe the drying behaviour of teasel gourd, five thin-layer drying models were fitted to the experimental data. The findings illustrated that water activity and angle of repose decreased with increasing temperature, while drying rate, moisture diffusion, and moisture ratio increased. The results demonstrated that the powder produced at each drying temperature had good flowability and low cohesiveness. Among the most common drying models, the Logarithmic model effectively described the sliced teasel gourd drying process, with R2 values of 0.999, 0.997, and 0.995 at 40, 50, and 60 ºC, respectively. The powder’s strong flow qualities can be utilized to make capsules, while teasel gourd slices can be served as chips.
1Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. 2University School of Agriculture Sciences, Rayat Bahra University. Corresponding e-mail:shraddhapundeer@gmail.com
Abstract: The use of integrated nutrient management practices, incorporating fermented liquid organic manures, has proven effective in promoting environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and vegetable production. A field experiment conducted over two consecutive rabi seasons assessed the impact of Jeevamrut, a fermented liquid organic manure combined with inorganic nutrients, on cauliflower growth, rhizosphere microbial populations, soil nutrient status, and yield. Ten treatment combinations were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The pooled analysis revealed that applying 90% of the recommended dose of nutrients with 5 % Jeevamrut at 1.5 L/m2 produced optimal results for growth and yield parameters, including number of leaves per plant, plant height (cm), curd compactness (g/cm), gross curd weight (kg), marketable curd weight (g), marketable yield per plot (kg) and soil organic carbon, P, microbial activity and NPK uptake. The best economics were obtained in the treatment where 90% RDN + 5% Jeevamrut at 1.0 L/m2 was applied. Hence, it can be concluded that the application of Jeevamrut combined with RDN has the capability to improve cauliflower plant growth, yield, and yield-contributing traits on a sustainable basis.
Ayman E.A. Shaban, Mohammed I.M. El-Banna and Ahmed A. Rashedy*
Pomology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail:ahmed.rasheedy@agr.cu.edu.eg
Abstract: Exogenous application of growth regulators often induces physiological changes by altering endogenous hormone levels, thereby affecting plant productivity. Consequently, this trial aimed to explore the impacts of anti-gibberellin (A-GA) agents, using both abscisic acid (ABA) and ethephon (ETH) at 50 ppm alongside a control, before the Off-year season (at flower bud induction period) twice during the last week of December and January on fruit yield, cumulative impacts on the following On-year and biennial bearing (BB) of Balady mandarin trees. Regarding the two Off-years, ETH effectively decreased endogenous GA content in March by 28.26% and 29.78%, while it increased the C/N ratio by 16.67% and 14.29%, the number of fruits by 55.18% and 50.26%, and fruit yield by 50% and 45.45%. Also, ABA decreased endogenous GA content in March by 8.46% and 16.10%, while it increased the number of fruits by 87.4% and 52.8% and increased fruit yield by 75% and 45.45%. ABA increased Off-year yield by 12.48% relative to ETH. Concerning the following two On-years, higher endogenous GA content was observed in the previous September (Off year) in A-GA treatments, resulting in a decrease in mandarin fruit yield. ETH decreased the number of fruits by 17.37% and 24.1%, resulting in increases of 3.8% and 16% in fruit weight. Also, ABA decreased the number of fruits by 22.94% and 6.97%, resulting in increases of 10.34% and 10.71% in fruit weight. Furthermore, ETH decreased BB by 39% and 60% and ABA decreased BB by 52.44% and 38.24%. Using A-GA agents prior to the off year during the flower bud induction period alleviates BB in Balady mandarin trees.
Raad A. Kaskoos1 and J. Ahamad2*
1Department of Pharmacy, Al-Manara University, Amarah, Iraq. 2Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tishk International University, Erbil 44001, Iraq. Corresponding e-mail:jas.hamdard@gmail.com, javed.ahamad@tiu.edu.iq
Abstract: Given the growing interest in plant-derived bioactives for cancer therapy, this study evaluates the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic activity of the ethyl acetate fraction of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The ethyl acetate fraction of Glycyrrhiza was chemically characterized by GC-MS, cell cytotoxicity was determined by the MTT assay, and apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. The GC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction of G. glabra resulted in the identification of 53 chemical compounds and hexadecane (13.43%), cyclohexene oxide (7.82%), 3,7-dimethyldecane (7.69%), 1,2-hydroxyphenyl-ethanone (6.80%), and isospathulenol (3.96%) were found as major constituents. Glycyrrhiza ethyl acetate fraction produced a dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability with an IC50 value of 92.07 ?g/mL against MCF-7 cells of breast cancer. Glycyrrhiza ethyl acetate fraction also significantly induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. The current study explores the chemical composition of Glycyrrhiza ethyl acetate fraction and shows promising anticancer effects in breast cancer.
M.M. Merghany1, M.M. Shahin1, A.F. Radwan1, E.G. Sayed1 and A.M. Mahmoud2
1Department of Vegetable Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt. 2Department of Agricultural Botany, Plant Physiology Division, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: amany.radwan@agr.cu.edu.eg
Abstract: Drought stress is a major constraint on potato production, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study evaluated the effects of mineral fertilizers (MF), nanofertilizer (NF), biofertilizers (BF), and their combinations on growth, physiology, yield, and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Spunta) under three irrigation levels: full irrigation 100% ETc (crop evapotranspiration) (IR100), moderate deficit 75% ETc (IR75), and severe deficit 50% ETc (IR50). Two field experiments were conducted using a split-plot design with three replicates. Results showed that reduced irrigation significantly decreased growth, photosynthesis, nutrient content, and yield. However, combined fertilization significantly reduced the effects of drought. The treatment ½MF + ½BF recorded the highest tuber yield at IR100 (29.3% above the control), without a significant difference from BF at IR75 (57.4%). At IR50, ½MF + ½NF also improved yield by 19.2% compared to control. Combined treatments also enhanced water-use efficiency, antioxidant enzyme activities, and hormonal balance while improving tuber starch and nutrient contents. These findings suggest that integrating mineral, nano-, and biofertilizers is an effective method for improving potato productivity and quality under limited water conditions.
Biology Department, Science and Mathematics Faculty, Universitas Diponegoro, Jl. Prof. Soedarto, SH. Street, Tembalang, Semarang, Central Java 50275, Indonesia. Corresponding e-mail:luqmanhakim@live.undip.ac.id
Abstract: Soil contamination by microplastic particles has become a serious environmental problem and affects the growth of horticultural crops, such as cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). This study aims to examine the impact of microplastic exposure on the anatomical structure and morphometric parameters of M. esculenta. The research methods included sampling plants and soil from healthy (TSH) and microplastic-contaminated (TTC) fields, anatomical slides of root, leaf, stem, and tuber histological sections prepared using embedding and non-embedding techniques, microscopic analysis, and morphometric measurements. The parameters measured included the thickness of the epidermis and cortex in various organs, the number of leaves, plant height, stem and tuber diameter, the number and weight of tubers, and starch and reducing sugars content. The results showed thickening of the root epidermis in TTC as a protective response, a decrease in the thickness of the epidermis and cortex in leaves and tubers, which adversely affected photosynthetic efficiency and biomass storage capacity. TTC also experienced a decline in morphometric parameters, such as the number of leaves, plant height, and stem diameter. This study suggests that soils with detectable microplastic contamination are associated with reduced M. esculenta productivity and quality, although other co-varying soil factors may also contribute to these differences. Given the observational design, these associations should be interpreted cautiously until supported by controlled greenhouse or soil characterization studies.
1University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot- 587104, Karnataka, India. 2University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Corresponding e-mail: pallavi.hm@uhsbagalkot.edu.in
Abstract: While single-node seedling technology significantly reduces seed costs in intensive ginger cultivation, the crop’s inherent 90-day postharvest dormancy often leads to poor germination and suboptimal plant stands when rhizomes are used prematurely.To achieve higher germination and a higher number of transplantable seedlings per unit area under the portray method, different-aged rhizomes and priming treatments were tested in this study. A trial was conducted at commercial scale at the College of Horticulture, Mysuru, during May 2023, following a factorial CRD design with three aged rhizome treatments and seven priming treatments to break dormancy. Results stated that the ageing process of rhizomes has overcome physiological dormancy in ginger. Seed rhizomes, 75 DAH (Days After Harvest) have ¸reduced dormancy naturally and resulted in quick and higher germination (79%) compared to 45 DAH (73%). Further, rhizomes primed with nitrate (85%) and bio-agents (81%) removed dormancy and achieved better germination and growth than the control (70%). Rightly aged rhizomes (75 DAH) primed with nitrates (KNO3) or with bio-agents showed positive response for germination and transplantable seedlings in ginger. For early planting, 45 DAH rhizomes primed with KNO3 reported higher germination (82 %) and transplantable seedlings (80.75 %).
N. Sai Kumar*, C.P. Viji, N. Emmanuel, M. Madhavi and K. Umakrishna
College of Horticulture, Dr Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Venkataramanna Gudem- 534101, Andhra Pradesh, India. Corresponding e-mail: saikumar363539@gmail.com
Abstract: The present study documented the laboratory rearing and parasitoid associations of key insect pests in mango and citrus ecosystems. Eggs, nymphs and pupae of target pests were collected and reared under controlled conditions to assess parasitoid emergence and host-parasitoid relationships. A total of 23 parasitoid species, representing eight families, were recorded and their mean emergence per host stage was quantified. Parasitism varied across host stages and species, reflecting host specificity and differing success rates under laboratory conditions. These findings provide baseline information on the biology and rearing potential of parasitoids associated with mango and citrus pests, offering valuable insights for their application in integrated pest management programs.
Gerlie S. Jambaro, Marynor B. Pantinos, Daisybelle M. Galimbas, Harrah S. Patlunag, Yasser P. Bantuas, and Edgel O. Escomen*
Department of Plant Science, College of Agriculture, Mindanao State University Main Campus, Marawi City, 9700 Lanao del Sur, Philippines. Corresponding e-mail: edgel.escomen@msumain.edu.ph
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i04.137
Key words: Artificial vernalization, chilling hours, fruit quality, strawberry plants (var. Sweet Honeoye), yield
Abstract: The controlled use of low temperatures, or artificial vernalization, is essential in inducing flowering and fruiting in strawberry plants, especially in areas with insufficient natural chilling hours. This research focused on the effect of artificial vernalization on strawberry plants (var. Sweet Honeoye) in Marawi City, 9700 Lanao del Sur, Philippines, where the temperature often exceeds the ideal strawberry flower bud differentiation conditions. The study utilized a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), which included chilling treatments of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 h at 3°C. Results showed a significant acceleration in harvest with 5 h of chilling, reducing the time from 69.75 days (non-chilled) to 50.25 days, representing a 28 % decrease in harvest time. Beyond 5 h, there was no further significant time reduction. The mean diameter of the fruit was not affected by the chilling period. Nonetheless, chilling did enhance the yield of small-sized fruits, with 10 h of chilling yielding 10.41 t ha-1 of small fruits compared to the non-chilled treatment of 2.31 t ha-1, or a 350.65 % increase, while medium-sized fruits were statistically not affected by the chilling period. Additionally, the total soluble solids (TSS) improved significantly with chilling, showing marked improvements from 10.79 to 11.45 °Brix for the chilling periods to 10.35 °Brix for the non-chilling period, or a 4.25 to 10.63 % increase. Overall, there was a marked increase in total yield with vernalization, from 17.49 to 18.85 t ha-1 compared to non-chilled plants, which only yielded 4.46 t ha, or a 292.15 to 322.65 % increase. The results demonstrate that artificial vernalization effectively satisfies the chilling requirement for strawberry plants (var. Sweet Honeoye), allowing for enhanced yield and improved fruit quality even in warm growing conditions.
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