1Department of Environmental Science, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore- 756089, Odisha, India. 2Centre of Excellence for Bio-resource Management and Energy Conservation Material Development, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore-756089, Odisha, India. Corresponding e-mail: skd2k9@gmail.com
Abstract: This study focuses on the extraction of essential oils from healthy and diseased betel leaves (Piper betle L.), revealing novel insights into the potential value of diseased leaves, which are often discarded. The findings demonstrate that diseased betel leaves retain a substantial amount of essential oil content, challenging the conventional practice of disregarding them in favour of healthy leaves. Using hydrodistillation, the oil yield from healthy leaves was 1.52%, whereas the yield from diseased leaves was 1.23%. Despite this reduced yield, the chemical composition of the oils revealed unique stress responses in diseased leaves. GC-MS analysis revealed that healthy Betel Leaf Essential Oil (BLEO) contained higher concentrations of key compounds, including copaene (40.91%) and chavibetol (31.85%). At the same time, diseased BLEO contained elevated levels of stress-related compounds such as gamma-muurolene and eucalyptol. This increase in gamma-muurolene and eucalyptol suggests that the diseased leaves undergo biochemical changes in response to stress, adding significant value to their oil content. FTIR analysis confirmed these compositional differences, with diseased BLEO showing reduced peak intensities for critical aromatic and phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity assays (DPPH and ABTS) indicated that while healthy BLEO exhibited slightly better antioxidant properties (IC50 values: 4.04 µL/mL and 3.41 µL/mL), diseased BLEO retained considerable antioxidant potential (IC50 values: 4.79 µL/mL and 3.73 µL/mL). This research highlights the importance of reconsidering diseased betel leaves as a valuable source of essential oil, offering opportunities for sustainable resource utilization and increased economic benefits by utilizing generally discarded leaves.
1Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh. 2Department of Agricultural Botany, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh. 3Research Institute for Northern Agriculture, Faculty of Science and Technology, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0810, Australia. 4Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh. Corresponding e-mail: mofizur.rahman@sau.edu.bd. aboth authors have the same contributions
Abstract: Plantlet type and mulching materials considerably influence the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of strawberries, but their combined effect remains underexplored in Bangladesh, particularly with the cultivar Festival. An experiment was designed to study the impacts of plantlet type (tissue culture and runner) and mulching materials (no mulch, rice straw, sawdust, black polythene, and red polythene) on strawberry cv’s production and quality traits. Festival using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The experimental findings revealed that tissue culture plantlets combined with black polythene mulch produced the highest plant height at the fruiting stage, surpassing the lowest recorded height under runner plantlets without mulch by 80.6%. Similarly, the number of fruits plant-1 increased by 50.4%, single fruit weight by 41.9%, fruit length by 39.3%, and yield plant-1 by 110.7% compared to the least effective combination. For quality traits, this interaction also exhibited the maximum TSS, vitamin C, total phenolic content, and reducing sugars, exceeding the lowest values by 85.1%, 51.5%, 83.8%, and 88.2%, respectively. Results indicated that tissue culture plantlets with black polythene mulch are the most effective approach for strawberry cultivation in Bangladesh and similar agro-climatic regions.
Magdy A. Barsoom, Taghreed E. Eissa*, Basem A. Allam and Fatma El-Zahra H. El-Tony
Ornamental Plants and Landscape Gardening Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: dr.taghreed.eissa.2019@gmail.com
Abstract: This investigation was conducted at the Ornamental Plants and Landscape Gardening Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, during the 2022 and 2023 seasons to study the influences of gibberellic acid (GA3) and storage periods on vegetative growth, flowering, bulbs productivity, and chemical constituents of Hymenocallis speciosa (spider lily) plants. A factorial experiment employing a randomised complete block design (RCBD), with three replicates was conducted over two seasons. The experiment incorporated two primary factors: duration of storage (0, 25, 35, and 45 days) and concentrations of gibberellic acid (0, 50, 100, and 150 ppm). The use of GA3 at a concentration of 150 ppm and a storage period of 35 days had a positive impact on the growth, flowering, and bulb yield of Hymenocallis plants. These results provide significant knowledge for horticulturists and researchers seeking to optimise cultivation methodologies for this particular species, indicating that GA3 may serve as an efficacious tool for enhancing plant performance under defined storage conditions. Subsequent investigations could examine the prolonged effects of gibberellic acid and its potential applications across diverse environmental contexts.
K.B.M. Singh1, J. Madhavan2* and P.K. Mandal1
1National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Pusa, New Delhi-110012, India. 2Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.Corresponding e-mail: jayman21@gmail.com
Abstract: Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) poses a considerable threat to tuberose cultivation. Biological compounds, such as salicylic acid (SA), act as systemic acquired resistance (SAR) elicitors and may contribute to the resistance of host plants against nematodes. The study investigated the effects of SA at varying concentrations on inducing resistance in tuberose against M. incognita via tuber soaking, foliar spray, or a combined method. Plant growth parameters indicated that pretreatment of the SA exhibited no significant negative effect on the shoot length, shoot weight, number of leaves, tuber weight and root weight. The root image analysis revealed a positive effect of 10 mM SA on root length, number of root tips, forks, and crossings compared to the inoculated control plants. Leaf spray with SA is the most effective treatment, as it markedly reduces both root galling (54.8-71.6%) and infestation (66.8–72.6%). Using the simple, quick, and cost-effective SA spray approach, a 64 to 76% reduction in the multiplication factor (MF) of nematode infestation was observed. This is the first evidence of the use of SA in tuberose to induce resistance against M. incognita.
Ni Luh Yulianti1*, Bambang Admadi Harsojuwono2, Ida Bagus Putu Gunadnya1, Gede Arda1, I. Wayan Arnata2 and Yohanes Setiyo1
1Agricultural Engineering and Biosystems Study Program, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Udayana University, Badung (80361), Bali, Indonesia. 2Agroindustrial Technology Study Program, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Udayana University, Badung (80361), Bali, Indonesia Corresponding e-mail: yulianti@unud.ac.id
Abstract: Damage to mangosteen primarily results from compressive forces during distribution and uneven temperature distribution. Therefore, an optimized packaging design that mitigates these factors is essential. This study aimed to (1) determine the most suitable packaging dimensions for the distribution of climacteric fruits, such as mangosteen, and (2) evaluate ventilation (dimensions and types) and types of flutes that can minimise damage due to shocks during transportation and temperature fluctuations during storage. This study was conducted in two stages. Stage I involved designing and determining the packaging dimensions using a 5 kg full-flap BC flute packaging. Stage II focused on determining the ventilation dimensions, types of ventilation, and flute types. The designed packaging was tested under different transportation conditions, including rough asphalt, intercity, and urban roads. The Stage II research employed a completely randomized factorial design with three treatment factors: (I) Ventilation type (round and oval); (II) Flute type (single and double); and (III) Ventilation dimension (1.2%, 2.4%, and 3.6% of the total packaging area). All treatments were conducted in duplicate. Data were analyzed with ANOVA, followed by DMRT. The results showed that the optimal packaging was a 27.5 cm × 22.5 cm × 22.5 cm full-flap packaging, achieving a packaging density of 58.20%. Additionally, the interaction among ventilation type, flute type, and ventilation dimensions significantly affected fruit quality after transportation and storage. The best packaging configuration for preserving mangosteen quality was a 27.5 cm × 22.5 cm × 22.5 cm full-flap packaging with oval ventilation (3.6%) and a double flute type.
A.M. Nimisha1, Haseena Bhaskar1*, A. Rameshkumar 2 and R. Sundararaj3
1Department of Agriculture Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara. Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala, India. 2Zoological Survey of India, M Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700053, West Bengal, India. 3ICFRE-Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Malleswaram Bengaluru-560024, Karnataka, India. Corresponding e-mail: haseena.bhaskar@kau.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i03.81
Key words: Woolly whitefly, Encarsia cubensis, parasitism, biological control, India.
Abstract: This study documents the first occurrence of Encarsia cubensis Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) as a parasitoid of the woolly whitefly, Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell), in India, with a special emphasis on horticultural crops, particularly guava. Species identification was made using morphological characterization and analysis of the mitochondrial COI gene. Surveys conducted in the field revealed that the parasitism level exceeded 70 per cent; therefore, E. cubensis could be utilised as a biological control agent for the woolly whitefly. This discovery is crucial for the integrated pest management of guava and other horticultural crops, promoting sustainable production.
K.P. Subila*, R. Suseela Bhai and C.N. Biju
ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode 673 012, Kerala, India. Corresponding e-mail: subi.kps@gmail.com
Abstract: Post-monsoon yellowing, incited by Pythium deliense, has recently emerged as a major threat to black pepper cultivation tracts in Kerala and Karnataka. To manage the disease, a field trial based on an integrated management approach was conducted from 2018 to 2020. Initial in vitro and greenhouse evaluation studies revealed that fenamidone-mancozeb inhibited the pathogen and was compatible with the bioagents viz., Trichoderma asperellum and Streptomyces albulus. Combined application of T. asperellum as soil drench and fenamidone-mancozeb as foliar spray (1500 ppm) reduced the severity of yellowing from 78.8% to 21.67%, with a reduction of 72.33% and reduced the pathogen load in the soil from 32 to 2 disease potential index (DPI). The present study reports the efficacy of the combined application of T. asperellum and fenamidone-mancozeb as an integrated management strategy against post-monsoon yellowing incited by P. deliense in black pepper.
Gazel M. Gaddafi1, Anu G. Krishnan2*, Bini. K, S. Simi1, K.B. Soni1 and M. Rafeekhar1
1College of Agriculture Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. 2Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala, India. Corresponding e-mail: anu.gk@kau.in
Abstract: Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) cultivation shows promising potential in Kerala, a tropical region in India known for its diverse agricultural practices; however, despite existing morphological characterization and diversity studies of local collections, comprehensive genetic diversity analysis using molecular markers remains lacking in the country. This research, conducted between 2021 and 2023, aimed to fill this gap by assessing the genetic diversity of twenty rambutan collections from the major rambutan growing regions in Kerala using SSR molecular markers. DNA isolation was performed using CTAB with minor modifications to obtain high-quality DNA samples. A sorbitol buffer pre-wash was done to improve the DNA quality. From 16 SSR primers screened, five were selected based on reproducibility and distinct banding patterns. These primers exhibited 100 % polymorphism, with polymorphic information content values ranging from 0.60 to 0.72, indicating their informativeness. The marker index, which measures primer utility, ranged from 1.80 to 2.88. Cluster analysis revealed two major clusters at a similarity coefficient of 0.70, with Cluster I comprising eight accessions and Cluster II comprising 12 genotypes. Principal coordinate analysis confirmed this clustering pattern. Genetic diversity ranged from 61 % to 70 % among the studied accessions, with collections from the same area exhibiting closer genetic distances, indicating possible dispersal from related parents. This study provides valuable foundational information for future crop improvement programs and marker-assisted breeding initiatives for rambutan in Kerala.
Junwei Chen, Kate?ina Patloková* and Robert Pokluda
Department of Vegetable Sciences and Floriculture, Faculty of Horticulture, Mendel University in Brno, 69144 Lednice, Czech Republic. Corresponding e-mail: xpatlok2@mendelu.cz
Abstract: This study examined the growth characteristics of the common ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) under controlled conditions, focusing on parameters such as plant height, diameter, Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Quantum Yield (QY) over a 28-day period. Plants were cultivated under four LED light treatments (LT1-4) using red, blue, and green light spectra at a constant intensity of 180 ± 4 µmol.m-2.s-1. By the 12th day after sowing (DAS), 97.2 % of seeds had germinated, and side shoots began sprouting by the 63rd DAS. Plant diameter increased by 113.2–132.9% across the treatments until offshoot formation, after which growth slowed to 7.6–10.5% of the initial increase. Vertical growth was not significant beyond 5 cm, as the plants grew laterally. The LT4 treatment led to an earlier senescent phase, suggesting that harvesting should occur before 73 DAS. Repeated harvesting is recommended due to the plant’s extensive tillering, with LT3 (red and blue light) being the most suitable for extended harvesting. Despite the LT4 treatment yielding the highest biomass (68.0 ± 5.9 g) after 78 DAS, LT3 is recommended for cultivation, achieving the second-highest yield (57.2 ± 6.7 g) while supporting a more extended harvest period.
M. Vasanthi1, C. Sreelakshmi1, S. Kiruthika2 and R. Jeyalakshmi1*
1Department of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur- 603203, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India. 2Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur- 603203, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India. Corresponding e-mail: jeyalakr@srmist.edu.in
Abstract: The use of P fertiliser from secondary P mineral, struvite recovered from waste streams, is often not well understood and can be as effective as commercial P fertilisers with the addition of plant-associated microorganisms. This study examines the synergistic effect of struvite (MgNH4PO4•6H2O), a slow-release phosphorus fertiliser, and mycorrhizae, a biostimulant, on the growth and nutrient uptake in Solanum melongena L. across various growing media. The study comprised twelve distinct treatments, which included various combinations of soil and coco peat, with and without the incorporation of struvite and mycorrhizae. Plant growth parameters, encompassing height, leaf and flower count, stem girth, and yield, were systematically monitored from 30 to 120 days and subsequently analysed using ANOVA (p < 0.05) followed by DMRT at a 5% level. Although mycorrhizae implementation improved productivity in cocopeat from 9% to 27%, nearly 130%, the lowest P residual was found in T8, which produced a yield of S. melongena that was better by 88%. Our study suggests that the synergistic action between struvite and AMF contributed to improved fertiliser management.
M. Madhusudhan1, Neena Lenin1*, Haseena Bhaskar2, O.P. Reji Rani1 and S. Simi3
1Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Agricultural University, 2Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, 3Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Agricultural University. Corresponding e-mail: neena.lenin@kau.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i03.86
Key words: Spider mites, Tetranychidae, Tetranychus, Oligonychus, abundance, fruit crops
Abstract: The study was undertaken at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Department of Entomology, investigates the faunal diversity of spider mites in Kerala’s fruit crop ecosystem. In this study, collection and identification of spider mites that affect fruit crops was done through field surveys at different locations throughout Kerala. A total of 15 tetranychid species from five genera were collected from 12 different fruit crops, with the genus Tetranychus Dufour being the most abundant and the host plant banana recording the highest number of spider mites. Significant findings include the identification of new host plants for certain mite species, such as Tetranychus fijiensis Hirst, Tetranychus macfarlanei Baker and Pritchard and Eutetranychus orientalis Klein on jackfruit, Tetranychus truncatus Eharaon passion fruit, Tetranychus udaipurensis Gupta and Gupta on banana and papaya. A taxonomic key to spider mite species identified during the study has been given in the work adding insights into host specificity, contributing valuable information on spider mite infestation in Kerala’s fruit science sector.
1Doctoral Program in Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia. 2Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Udayana University, Bukit Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung, Bali (80361), Indonesia. Corresponding e-mail: bambang.admadi@unud.ac.id
Abstract: Agricultural waste, particularly mango seed kernels, is frequently thrown away without being exploited despite its promise as an alternative food source. This study investigates the properties and possibilities of Arumanis mango seed kernel flour as an alternative food product ingredient. The methods included collecting Arumanis mango seed samples, drying, milling into flour, and analyzing its physicochemical characteristics and functional properties. The results showed that Arumanis mango seed kernel flour has a moisture content of 7.45%, ash content of 1.40%, protein content of 7.38%, fat content 9, 67%, carbohydrate content of 74.15%, starch content of 52.15%, amylose content of 22.44%, phenols 36.76 mg GAE/g, antioxidant activity 58.11%, resistant starch 22.54%, dietary fibre 12.15%. The crystallinity of Arumanis mango seed kernel flour was 27.10%, which showed a Type A pattern under X-ray diffraction. The functional group profile detected C=C aliphatic-aromatic at wave number 1608 cm-1and C=O aldehyde, ketone and ester at wave number 1714 cm-1. Based on the above characteristics, Arumanis mango seed kernel flour can be used as a substitute for food products or an alternative raw material.
K. Madhavi1*, M.G. Awati2, A.M. Shirol3, P. Pavan Kumar4, B.R. Chittapur5, Devarai Lava Kumar1 andM. Naveen Kumar1
1Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, ICAR -Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012. 2Department of Plant physiology, College of Horticulture, UHS-Bagalkot, Karnataka, India-560065. 3Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, UHS-Bagalkot, Karnataka, India-587104. 4Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Bangalore, UHS-Bagalkot, Karnataka, India-560065. 5Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, UHS-Bagalkot, Karnataka, India-587104. Corresponding e-mail: hortimadhavi@gmail.com
Abstract: Jasmine (Jasminum spp., family Oleaceae) is a commercially important flower crop valued for its aromatic blooms. Despite the wide genetic diversity present among jasmine genotypes, relatively few cultivars have been developed to date. Floral biology studies play a crucial role in identifying genotypes with favourable traits for breeding and crop improvement. However, such studies in jasmine are limited. So, the present investigation was conducted during 2019-2020 at the University of Horticultural Sciences, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, Karnataka, to evaluate floral morphological and biological traits across 12 jasmine genotypes. Significant variation was observed in floral traits, including flower type, anthesis timing, anther dehiscence, stigma receptivity, and pollen sterility. The flowers were predominantly protandrous, with anther dehiscence occurring prior to anthesis. Anther dehiscence typically began at 4:00 PM and concluded by 7:00 PM, while anthesis commenced at 6:00 PM, peaking between 7:00 and 8:00 PM. Peak stigma receptivity was observed at anthesis and up to 12 hours post-anthesis. Most genotypes exhibited circular pollen grains, except J. multiflorum, which showed triangular pollen. Viable pollen diameter ranged from 42.57 to 79.53 ?m, whereas non-viable pollen ranged from 24.93 to 45.40 ?m. Pollen sterility percentages varied from 24.28% to 78.91%. This study provides essential insights into floral biology that can guide the selection of suitable parental genotypes for hybridization, helping to improve jasmine yield and quality. The observed variability in reproductive traits offers valuable information for breeders aiming to develop superior cultivars and can support strategic breeding and conservation programs in commercial jasmine cultivation.
Roshni Pydi¹, Madhavi K. Reddy¹*, P. Naresh¹, V. Venkataravanappa², D.C. Laksh- mana Reddy3 and T.H. Singh¹
¹Division of Vegetable Crops, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 560089, India. ²Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 560089, India. 3Division of Basic Science, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru 560089, India. Corresponding e-mail: pydiroshni64@gmail.com
Abstract: Chilli is a vital crop in Indian agriculture, serving as a major cash crop and export commodity, with substantial contributions to farmers’ livelihoods and the national economy. Its significance extends beyond agriculture to nutrition, health and cultural heritage. However, chilli cultivation faces considerable challenges due to susceptibility to pests and diseases, particularly the chilli leaf curl virus (ChLCV), which has emerged as a significant threat in recent years. ChLCV can cause up to 100% crop loss, with widespread damage occurring at all growth stages, jeopardizing the sustainability of chilli cultivation. This underscores the urgent need for effective management strategies, including integrated pest management and the deployment of resistant planting materials. To develop resistant hybrids, understanding the genetic basis of resistance is critical. A study aimed at developing combined resistant lines to chilli leaf curl virus (ChLCV), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and chilli veinal mottle virus (ChVMV) employed a double-cross breeding strategy: [(MS?B × IHR 2451) × (MS?B × IHR 4597)]. Segregation of double-cross F? individuals under natural epiphytotic conditions revealed a 1:1 ratio of resistant to susceptible plants, indicating that resistance to ChLCV is governed by a single dominant gene. The virus associated with this study was identified as the chilli leaf curl virus (Raichur isolate). Chi-square analysis confirmed a good fit to the expected segregation ratio, supporting the hypothesis of monogenic dominant inheritance. The resistant source, IHR 4597, identified in this study, can be effectively utilized for transferring the resistance gene into higher-yielding genotypes. Furthermore, this source offers potential for mapping the resistance gene, facilitating future breeding efforts to enhance ChLCV resistance in chilli.
Hamed H. Hamed1,2, Ahmed A Abdelhafez3, Ahmed A. Rashedy1* and Sameh Shaddad4
1Pomology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt. 2Organic Crop Production Department, Faculty of Organic Agriculture, Heliopolis University, Egypt. 3Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Organic Agriculture, Heliopolis University, Egypt. 4Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: ahmed.Rasheedy@agr.cu.edu.eg
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i03.90
Key words: Olea europaea, organic farming, nitrogen, farm, fruit yield, fruit quality
Abstract: Agriculture is at a crossroads, as high productivity frequently comes at the expense?of the environment and human health. Organic agriculture provides this platform by decreasing dependence on synthetic?inputs and maintaining ecological equilibrium. The present investigation was undertaken to substitute mineral nitrogen (1 kg/tree) with organic sources (25 kg compost/tree treated once and bio inoculants with a combination of Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megaterium and?Bacillus circulans three times per tree). The number of inflorescences per shoot and flowers per inflorescence were also enhanced by the organic treatments, with up to 22 and?14% increases compared with mineral nitrogen. It also?increased flower sex ratio and fruit set at both initial and final set by 7–14% and decreased the fruit drop by almost 30%. Yield, fruit weight and size?were all significantly increased and fruit weight was increased by more than 50% in both years. These results indicate that organic nitrogen sources can be used to?enhance flowering, fruiting and fruit yield characteristics of the Toffahi olive variety under saline water irrigation, and may be a promising, environmentally friendly approach to sustainable cultivation under climate stress conditions.
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