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Division of Vegetable Crops, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru-560089, Karnataka, India. Corresponding e-mail: kmreddy14@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.18
Key words: Capsicum spp., fruit traits, diversity index, hierarchical clustering
Abstract: The genus Capsicum, which is a member of the Solanaceae family, is a commercially significant group of crops that are grown and show an impressive genetic and morphological diversity in fruit size, shape, color, and texture. In this study, which was carried out in 2022-23, sixty-five chilli accessions were characterized for twenty-eight fruit-related traits as per distinctiveness, uniformity and stability descriptors. There was significant divergence between accessions in such traits as fruit curvature, texture, calyx cover, pericarp thickness, intensity of fruit color during ripening, cross-section corrugation, pericarp sinuation, days to 50 percent ripening, calyx constriction, pedicel attachment, color transition, fruit length, and diameter as measured by Shannon-Weaver diversity indices. Ward hierarchical clustering divided the accessions into two major lineages that further sub grouped into four subgroups consisting of 8, 10, 8 and 39 accessions each. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the total phenotypic variation was accounted by the first eight principal components which was 74.22%. Accessions such as IHR4668, IHR4689, IHR4679, IHR4677, IHR4565, IHR4603, IHR4650, IHR4667, IHR3455, IHR4658, IHR3024, IHR4672, IHR4447, IHR3315, and IHR4674 were highly diverse and may be useful as parents in hybridization programmes. Combining Shannon–Weaver indices, clustering and PCA provided a comprehensive assessment of fruit-traits diversity.
Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab-144411, India. Corresponding e-mail: vishal.ambro@gmail.com, vishal.26759@lpu.co.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.19
Key words: Onion, curing, storage, nanoparticles, firmness, quality
Abstract: The present study evaluated the effects of curing and nanoparticle-based nutrition on storage behaviour and quality attributes of onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. PRO-7 under ambient conditions. The experiment was conducted using a Factorial Randomized Block Design with two curing levels: non-curing (C?) and curing (C?), and six nanoparticle foliar spray treatments: T0 (control), T1 (20 ppm ZnO NPs), T2 (20 ppm S NPs), T3 (40 ppm ZnO NPs), T4 (40 ppm S NPs), and T5 (20 ppm ZnO NPs + 20 ppm S NPs). Results indicated that curing significantly improved storage performance by enhancing TSS, dry matter, firmness and moisture retention and by reducing physiological loss in weight (PLW), black mold, rotting, sprouting and scale loss. Among nanoparticle treatments, T5 consistently performed better than the others, recording the highest TSS and dry matter, maximum firmness, superior moisture retention, and the lowest incidence of black mold, rotting, and sprouting percentage. Sulphur and zinc nanoparticles demonstrated a strong synergistic effect under cured conditions, indicating enhanced cell wall integrity and reduced microbial susceptibility. Significant A × B interactions for most parameters confirmed the combined benefit of curing and nanoparticle applications. Overall, the integration of ZnO and S nanoparticles with curing significantly enhances storability and quality of onion bulbs during three months of storage.
1Department of Animal Husbandry Statistics and Computer Applications, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600007, India. 2DAEE, FFA, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago. 3DAEE, FFA, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago. Corresponding e-mail: drkathir@tanuvas.org.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.20
Key words: Consumer preferences, lettuce quality, sensory, market attributes, Ordered Probit, Trinidad and Tobago
Abstract: This study examines consumer preferences for the search, experience, and credence attributes of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in Trinidad and Tobago, a market that is partially dependent on imports. Analysing the determinants of consumer preferences is essential for enhancing production efficiency and ensuring food system resilience. A cross-sectional survey of 157 primary food shoppers, selected through multistage random sampling, was conducted. Attribute ranking, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and Ordered Probit (OP) models (P < 0.05) were applied to quantify the importance of various market attributes and to analyse the factors influencing the ratings. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis indicated that lettuce head appearance was the primary attribute, followed by price and taste, while flavour, texture, and size were ranked lowest, suggesting that consumers initially focus on search attributes and economic factors over sensory qualities. Marginal probability effects derived from the ordered probit (OP) models indicated that income was the most influential determinant of concern intensity. Higher-income consumers showed a significantly greater likelihood of being highly concerned about price and freedom from defects, while exhibiting comparatively lower concern for basic sensory attributes. Similarly, younger consumers were significantly more likely to express concern about texture, whereas female shoppers were more likely to express extreme concern about price. These marginal probability effects demonstrate that differences across consumer groups strongly shape attribute prioritisation, implying that lettuce farmers in Trinidad and Tobago should prioritise visual quality and defect-free production while maintaining competitive pricing to meet the higher price sensitivity of female shoppers and larger households.
Agricultural University of Iceland, Keldnaholt, Árleyni 22, IS-112 Reykjavík, Iceland. E-mail: christina@lbhi.is
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.21
Key words: Coloration, hybrid lighting, Lactuca sativa, light-emitting diode, light source, PPFD
Abstract: The study explored the effects of artificial light on growth, pigmentation, and energy efficiency in red winter lettuce grown in controlled environments, addressing the challenge of low natural light in northern regions and the trade-off between lettuce yield and pigmentation. Two greenhouse experiments compared HPS lamps, LEDs, and a Hybrid system combining HPS and LEDs. The study evaluated red winter lettuce growth, quantified leaf color using the RGB color model, and assessed energy-use efficiency. Since the greenhouse was heated with geothermal energy, the energy-use efficiency was defined as the ratio of the plant’s fresh weight to the energy consumed by the lights. Lettuce grown under LEDs with higher PPFD (167 µmol m-2 s-1) and day temperatures (20 °C) showed enhanced red pigmentation compared to HPS lighting (132 µmol m-2 s-1, 19 °C) but at the cost of lower fresh weight. Hybrid systems significantly improved pigmentation compared to HPS, although coloration remained below the desired threshold. LEDs reduced energy use by 37% compared to HPS while offering superior energy efficiency. Hybrid systems cut energy costs by 9% but did not improve energy efficiency. The findings highlight the importance of balanced lighting strategies to optimize pigmentation and energy efficiency while maintaining plant growth. This study provides new insights into identifying optimal lighting strategies, while simultaneously considering temperature settings, to achieve a balance between growth and pigmentation in lettuce cultivated under controlled environment agriculture.
1Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala, India. 2Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala, India. Corresponding e-mail: seenath.p@kau.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.22
Key words: Cost of cultivation, economic analysis, establishment cost, exotic fruits, rambutan, Kerala
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Abstract: Kerala has been witnessing a rapid increase in the area under exotic fruits. The study was undertaken to evaluate the economic feasibility of rambutan cultivation, emphasizing cost and returns and major production constraints in Kerala. Primary data were collected from 120 farmers cultivating rambutan in the leading rambutan-growing districts of the state. A multistage sampling technique and field survey using a semi-structured interview schedule were employed for data collection. The amortisation technique was used to estimate the annual establishment cost. Findings of the study indicated that rambutan cultivation involves high initial investment during the establishment phase as well as high labour costs during the maintenance phase. Amortised establishment cost was estimated at Rs. 88325/ha/yr, accounting for about 37% of the total cultivation cost (Rs. 2.4 lakh/ha/yr). The farm-level average yield was 6.5 t/ha. Gross income and net profit were found to be Rs. 8.45 lakh/ha and Rs. 6 lakh/ha, respectively. Unfavourable weather, high establishment costs, and wild animal attacks were perceived as the major constraints to cultivating rambutan, suggesting the need to adapt to an evolving climate and develop cost-effective cultivation techniques. Though rambutan cultivation involves higher costs, its relatively higher yield and returns make the crop a preferred exotic fruit.
1Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University, Nagaland-797106, India. Corresponding e-mail: nzanthung97@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.23
Key words: Black pepper, crop growth rate (CGR), propagation efficiency, protected cultivation, varietal performance
Abstract: Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), a spice of considerable economic importance, necessitates efficient propagation techniques to satisfy the escalating demand for superior planting material. This investigation, conducted during the 2024-25 period at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, within a polyhouse, aimed to assess the varietal performance of black pepper in modified serpentine layering. A total of eight varieties (Panniyur-1, Panniyur-2, Panniyur-5, Pournami, Panchami, Subhakara, Chumala, and PLD-2) were evaluated using a Randomized Block Design (RBD), incorporating three replications and employing thirty vines per treatment per replication for layering within a growing medium composed of topsoil, sand, and FYM (1:1:1). Noteworthy varietal disparities were evident concerning survival rates, growth parameters, physiological characteristics, root development, and economic viability. Subhakara demonstrated the highest survival rate, achieving 92.96% at 180 days after planting (DAP), and also displayed enhanced vegetative growth, as evidenced by a vine height of 115.46 cm and an average of 14.89 nodes per plant. Furthermore, the root system was the most extensive, measuring 50.42 cm and averaging 42.93 roots per plant. Panniyur-5 followed closely, reaching a height of 98.60 cm and having 14.43 nodes. Conversely, PLD-2 showed the lowest survival rate (50.00%) and the smallest height (34.47 cm). The various cultivars exhibited distinct physical characteristics. Panniyur-2 demonstrated the most extensive leaf area, registering 127.48 cm². Conversely, Pournami displayed the greatest chlorophyll content, as indicated by a measurement of 71.38 SPAD units. Furthermore, Subhakara accumulated the greatest dry biomass (5.68 g) and achieved the highest crop growth rate (0.32 g day-¹) on a dry-weight basis. Regarding productivity, Subhakara yielded approximately 12 cuttings per plant within six months, yielding the highest economic return of ?1.50 lakh per 1000 cuttings and a BCR of 6.41. Overall, Subhakara and Panniyur-5 emerged as the best-performing varieties for large-scale production of quality planting material through modified serpentine layering under protected cultivation in Northeast India.
1Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kufa, Najaf-54001, Iraq. 2Department of Prosthodontics, AL Najaf Technical Institute, AL Furat AL Awsat Technical University, Najaf-1, Iraq. Corresponding e-mail: hayder.aldulaimi@uokufa.edu.iq
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.24
Key words: Cadmium pollution, Conocarpus lancifolius, organic amendment, phytoremediation, bioaccumulation, translocation
Abstract: This experiment was conducted during the 2025 season in a wooden lath house at the Al-Najaf Agricultural Directorate to evaluate the effect of organic fertilizer on cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation using Conocarpus lancifolius, an accumulator plant capable of absorbing and accumulating heavy metals in its tissues. The experiment was designed using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two main factors and three replicates. The first factor comprised organic fertilizer (Chicken manure), which was added in its decomposed form and mixed with the potting soil at two levels (0, 25 g kg-1) at a suitable time before transplanting the seedlings. The second factor was contaminated soil with Cd at three concentrations (0, 10, 20 mg kg-1). Treatment with 25 g kg-1 of organic fertilizer resulted in significant increases in plant height, leaf number, chlorophyll content, and Cd content in both the shoot and root systems compared with the control treatment. The addition of Cd to the soil had no significant effect on plant height, whereas Cd addition at a concentration of 20 mg kg-1 caused an increase in the number of plant leaves and the concentration of Cd in the leaves and roots. The interaction between the two factors did not have significant effects on plant height, leaf number, and root content of Cd, while significant increases were observed by the interaction of two factors in chlorophyll and Cd leaf content, 25 g kg-1 of organic fertilizer and 20 mg kg-1 of Cd, in comparison with the control treatment.These results confirm the ability of ornamental trees to accumulate heavy metals, highlighting their potential for phytoremediation of contaminated environments. This offers significant potential for sustainable mitigation of heavy metal pollution, particularly Cd pollution, across diverse environmental contexts. The bioaccumulation, extraction, and translocation factors were all >1. C. lancifolius is a candidate for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with multiple heavy metals. These trees serve as filters for environmentally friendly, sustainable remediation strategies, and their organic matter can be used to treat polluted ecosystems.
Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Engineering Sciences, University of Duhok, Kurdistan region, Iraq. Corresponding e-mail: niroosh.hasan@uod.ac
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.25
Key words: Dichondra repens, Shading levels, Salicylic acid, Nano-fertilizer.
Abstract: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of shading levels, salicylic acid, and nano-fertilizer concentrations on the growth performance of the Dichondra repens plant under Dohuk Governorate conditions. This experiment was carried out in a field with 0% shading and in a lath house with 50% shading from March 15, 2024, to September 15, 2024, during the spring season. The experiment was laid out using a factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three factors: shade levels (0% and 50% shade), salicylic acid concentrations (0, 100, and 200 mg L-1), and foliar sprays with different concentrations of nano-fertilizer (0, 5, and 10 mg L-1). The results indicated that the Dichondra plants grown under 0% shading achieved significantly higher values for plant density, mowing frequency, total phosphorus, total potassium percentage, cumulative dry weight, root dry weight, and total carbohydrates. Plants sprayed with salicylic acid at 200 mg L-1 showed a significant increase in most parameters. The use of nano-fertilizers at a concentration of 5 mg L-1 resulted in significant improvements in plant density, leaf area, mowing frequency, root dry weight, total phosphorus percentage, total potassium percentage, cumulative dry weight, and total chlorophyll.
1Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. Calle Francisco Villa S/N, Col. Ex Hacienda El Canadá, Gral. Escobedo, N.L. C.P. 66054. México. 2Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro. Departamento de Horticultura. Calz. Antonio Narro 1923. Buenavista, Saltillo, Coahuila, México. 3Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, TecNM-Instituto Tecnológico de Tlajomulco (ITTJ). Km 10 Carretera a San Miguel Cuyutlán, Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco, C.P. 45640, México. Corresponding e-mail: humberto.rodriguezfn@uanl.edu.mx; alejandro.lunaml@uanl.edu.mx
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.26
Key words: LED lighting, vegetative propagation, Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla pompona, plant factory systems, substrates.
Abstract: Global vanilla production currently fails to meet industrial demand, with Madagascar accounting for 63.8% of exports (USD 389 million in 2023). This study evaluated the effects of three commercial LED light spectra, four substrate types, and phytohormone applications on the vegetative propagation of Vanilla planifolia and V. pompona within controlled plant factory systems. A completely randomized 3×4×2 factorial design was employed using 240 three-node cuttings. The LED treatments included: T1 (36 W, 6500 K, PPFD 454.35 ?mol m?² s?¹), T2 (72 W, 6500 K, PPFD 322.54 ?mol m?² s?¹) and T3 (45 W, 5000 K, PPFD 299.23 ?mol m?² s?¹). Substrates tested were volcanic rock, coconut fiber, tepojal, and a substrate-free control. Root parameters were monitored for 30 days under aeroponic misting with controlled environmental conditions. LED lighting significantly influenced root length (p=0.021; R² = 54.33%), with the T1 configuration promoting the greatest elongation, likely due to enhanced blue-light-induced auxin transport. A highly significant Light × Species interaction was observed (p=0.012), particularly for V. planifolia under T2. Regarding root diameter, V. pompona developed significantly thicker roots than V. planifolia (0.43 vs. 0.38 cm), while coconut fiber reduced the diameter by 16.5% compared to volcanic rock. Substrate was the primary determinant for root fresh weight (p=0.041), with volcanic rock optimizing overall development. These results demonstrate that integrating T1 LED lighting with volcanic rock substrates provides a scientifically validated strategy to accelerate vanilla propagation cycles and address global supply shortages.
Laboratory of Genetics, Biodiversity and Bioresources Exploitation (LR11ES41), Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, 5000 Monastir (Tunisia). *Authors Inchirah Bettaieb and Jihen Hamdi contributed equally to this work and share first authorship. Corresponding e-mail: dhia_bouktila2000@yahoo.fr
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.3
Key words: Olea europaea, Dof transcription factor family, In silico analysis, phylogenetic analysis, expression profiling, candidate genes
Abstract: The DNA-binding one zinc finger (Dof) transcription factors play essential roles in plant growth and adaptation. This study presents a comprehensive characterization of the Dof gene family in the cultivated Mediterranean olive (Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. europaea), focusing on structural features, evolutionary history, and functional insights based on linking transcriptomic data with morpho-biochemical profiles across three olive cultivars. We identified 76 O. europaea var. europaea Dof (OeDof) genes encoding 81 putative proteins, a larger set than previously reported in wild olive (O. europaea var. sylvestris), suggesting gene family expansion during domestication. OeDof proteins showed considerable variation in their physicochemical properties but maintained a conserved Dof-binding domain, characterized by nine variable regions that may modulate target site specificity. Fifteen conserved motifs were identified, including subgroup-specific motifs likely contributing to functional specialization. Several motifs were annotated, suggesting OeDof involvement in olive fruit metabolic processes. Phylogenetic analysis classified OeDof genes into four groups and nine subgroups, revealing orthologous relationships with Arabidopsis Dof genes. Duplication analysis identified 27 paralogous gene pairs, mostly under purifying selection (Ka/Ks < 1), with several gene pairs showing relaxed selection pressure (0.5 < Ka/Ks < 1), suggesting that, while selective pressure maintains protein function, a relatively high tolerance for nonsynonymous substitutions (i.e. functional divergence) exists. A unique gene pair (OeDof19/OeDof49) underwent positive selection, highlighting its potential role in key biological processes. RNA-Seq analysis classified OeDof genes into six distinct expression patterns across the fruit of three olive cultivars with contrasting morpho-biochemical traits, identifying candidate genes for further functional validation. This genome-wide analysis offers valuable insights into the domestication-linked evolutionary and functional dynamics of Dof genes in Mediterranean olive, laying the foundation for their application in genomics-assisted breeding for improved fruit traits and oil quality.
Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala, 680656, India. Corresponding e-mail: resmi.paul@kau.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.27
Key words: Minerals, nutritional properties, ornamental flowers, physicochemical properties.
Abstract: Globally, there is a growing demand for food with flavour and visual appeal. The quality of ingredients, as well as their presentation, plays a key role in the overall appeal of food. Edible flowers can enhance the attraction and appearance of individual dishes. Insights into the composition and nutritional benefits of edible flowers are valuable and provide strong reasons to incorporate them into the diet. The current research evaluates the nutritional composition of ornamental flowers by measuring moisture content and protein, fat, fiber, vitamin C, ash and minerals, including sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium. Contrary to popular belief, some ornamental flowers possess notable nutritional value, particularly Nelumbo nucifera, Tagetes patula and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The high fibre content in Nelumbo nucifera reached 20 per cent, together with its total ash (10.00 %), magnesium (11.49 mg/100g), calcium (31.24 mg/100g) and potassium (104.66 mg/100g), demonstrating this plant as a promising source to obtain these essential nutrients. Analysis of Tagetes patula reveals multiple essential minerals, including 11.79 per cent protein, 10.43 mg/100g fat, 15.30 mg/100g sodium, 10.61 mg/100g magnesium, 2.31 mg/100g iron, 22.40 mg/100g phosphorus and 79.40 mg/100g potassium. The sodium level of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis reached 16.23 mg/100g while providing magnesium content (12.89 mg/100g). The research demonstrates that ornamental flowers can serve as functional food ingredients, providing essential vitamins and minerals that are not commonly found in typical diets.
1Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala- 695522. 2All India Network Project on Agricultural Acarology, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala- 680656. 3Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695522. Corresponding e-mail: neena.lenin@kau.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.28
Key words: brinjal, spider mite, host resistance, Tetranychus macfarlanei, genotype, screening
Abstract: To assess the resistance of 25 brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes against the red spider mite, Tetranychus macfarlanei Baker and Pritchard, a field study was carried out at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Significant differences in mite infestation were observed when genotypes were evaluated in the field via artificial inoculation. The mean mite population per leaf varied significantly between genotypes, ranging from 7.04 in ‘Anjamile Local’ to 23.93 in ‘VRM-1’. The genotypes were divided into six resistance groups based on mean and standard deviation values within the population. While ‘VRM-1’, ‘Pusa Krishna’, ‘VJ Crystal’, ‘KAU Local’, and ‘Nandyala Local’ were classified as susceptible (20.53 < X?? ? 25.40), ‘Pusa Uttam’, ‘Poluru Vankaya’, ‘Anjamile Local’, ‘FM-183’, ‘Surya’, and ‘Arka Anand’ were classed as resistant (10.79 ? X?? > 5.92). To determine the host factors responsible for resistance, the biology of the mite was examined across five resistant and one susceptible genotype. The resistant genotypes identified in this study serve as promising genetic resources for breeding programmes aimed at developing mite-resistant brinjal cultivars adaptable to varied agro-climatic regions.
1Department of Biotechnology, Telangana University, Nizamabad, India-503322. 2Plant Biotechnology Research Unit, SLN BIOLOGICALS, Nizamabad -503001. Corresponding e-mail: mahenderaileni@telanganauniversity.ac.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.29
Key words: Antioxidant enzymes, genotype-dependent, NaCl, oxidative stress, proline accumulation, turmeric
Abstract: Salt stress poses a significant threat to turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivation, particularly in regions with saline soils or poor irrigation water quality. This study investigated the biochemical and physiological responses of different C. longa genotypes exposed to increasing NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM) in pot experiments to identify salt-tolerant genotypes and understand their adaptive mechanisms. Subsequently, stress indicators including malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H?O?), proline content, and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase) were evaluated. Results revealed genotype-specific responses to salinity, with distinct patterns of oxidative stress accumulation and activation of antioxidant defenses. Higher NaCl concentrations induced a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation across all genotypes, though the magnitude varied significantly. Proline accumulation served as a crucial osmo-protectant; tolerant turmeric genotypes showed increased accumulation under a threshold stress concentration (150 mM). The antioxidant enzyme system exhibited differential activation patterns, while the Rajendra Sonia and Prathiba genotypes showed robust enzymatic activity even under severe stress. Turmeric plants grown under NaCl (150 mM) concentrations showed significantly reduced plant height, number of leaves and shoot fresh and dry weight. These findings provide valuable insights into the physiological basis of salt tolerance in C. longa, enabling the identification of salt-tolerance genotypes for cultivation in salt-affected areas or for breeding programs aimed at developing stress-resilient genotypes.
1Department of Fruit Science, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India. 2Department of Education, NAU, Navsari, Gujarat, India. 3AES, NAU, Pariya, Gujarat, India. Corresponding e-mail: vipashaddangariya@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.30
Key words: Dragon fruit, varieties, type of bagging material and physical parameters
Abstract: The present investigation was conducted at Regional Horticultural Research Station, ASPEE College of Horticulture, NAU, Navsari, Gujarat, India to evaluate the impact of preharvest fruit bagging material on physical attributes and pest incidence in two dragon fruit varieties. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design using a factorial concept comprising sixteen treatment combinations: two varieties and eight bagging materials, and replicated three times. Results showed that fruit bagged with butter paper water-resistant white bag required fewer days to harvest after bagging and minimum peel weight in Red Flesh variety. In addition, the best results were obtained in White Flesh variety for key growth metrics such as maximum fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, flesh weight, flesh: peel ratio and edible portion. The results show that the fruit bagged seven days after anthesis with a butter paper water-resistant white bag generally improved most measured traits rather than all parameters.
1Pomology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. 2Department of Medicinal and Industrial Plants, College of Medicinal and Industrial Plants, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, Iraq. 3Energy and Environment Research Center, Tabbin Institute for Metallurgical Studies, Egypt. 4Organic Crop Production Department, Faculty of Organic Agriculture, Heliopolis University, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: ahmed.rasheedy@agr.cu.edu.eg
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.31
Key words: Olea europaea L., peroxidase, catalase, polyphenol oxidase, indole-3-acetic acid oxidase
Abstract: Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) is a primary growth regulator that promotes rooting. Quercetin (QC) is a flavonoid antioxidant that has recently been recognized as a co-factor in the rooting of Kalamata olive cuttings. Also, ascorbic acid (ASC) successfully stimulates rooting in some olive cuttings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of foliar application of IBA (0, 1000 ppm) after cuttings planting, combined with either ASC (50, 100 ppm) or QC (50, 100 ppm), on rooting of Kalamata and Wardan olive cuttings. The results showed that the effect of individual IBA on promoting rooting in Kalamata cuttings was minimal, whereas the combined application of IBA+ASC was more effective than IBA+QC. In Wardan cuttings, individual IBA had a negative effect on rooting, while the combined application of IBA+ASC significantly improved rooting %, followed by IBA+QC. In both cultivars, promoting rooting was associated with increased activity of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), while activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and indole-3-acetic acid oxidase (IAAox) decreased. ASC alone recorded the highest rooting percentage at 12.1% in Kalamata cuttings compared to the control (0%), and 54.4% in Wardan cuttings compared to the control (14.9%). The highest rooting % was accompanied by decreases in IAAox and PPO of 13.33% and 30.16% for Kalamata cuttings and 17.27% and 27.21% for Wardan cuttings. In comparison, it coincided with increases of 28.74% and 497.4% in CAT and POD in Kalamata, and 31.21% and 641% in the Wardan cultivar.
