Multivariate analysis for various agro-morphological traits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Turmeric is one of the potential spice crops having importance in culinary, colouring in textiles and therapeutic in pharmaceutical industries. The present investigation was carried out to estimate the genetic diversity of 21 turmeric genotypes representing different geographical locations of India. The principal component (PC) analysis indicated that the most of the variation among the genotypes was contributed by the first two principal components (61.38%), which were largely governed by plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf lamina length, leaf area, total leaf area, collar girth and weight of the mother rhizomes per clump. These traits showed high positive correlation with first two PCs and influenced significantly for grouping. Based on PC correlation analysis, it is evident that morphological and yield attributing traits of PC1 and PC2 are influenced and contributed for most of the variation among the genotypes. The cluster analysis revealed that the 21 genotypes fall into five clusters, and among them most divergent with distinct genotypes were cluster I, III and cluster IV. However, IISR Pragati, Rajendra Sonali and NDH 8 were found superior for fresh rhizome yield and Acc. 849 was found unique with robust mother rhizome. The present study contributes to the knowledge of genetic diversity and defining strategies for yield improvement in turmeric

Floral biology and reproductive potential of Annona hybrid Arka Sahan

Annona hybrid Arka Sahan has become a commercially important fruit in recent times and it needs an assisted pollination to get good size. Studies on floral biology of Annona hybrid Arka Sahan revealed that major bloom occurs during March-April. Most of the flowers start opening during the afternoon and continued till 7.00 pm, while, pollen dehiscence mainly occurred in early morning in the following day. The maximum stigma receptivity was recorded on the day of anthesis. Completely pendulous petal was more common in Arka Sahan flowers resulting = improper pollination. The minimum number of beetles and bees were observed between 7.00 to 8.00 am. Pollen germination and viability were lower at anthesis (5.8% and 44%, respectively) and declined as the day progressed. The pendulous nature of petals eventually brings some un-pollinated stigmas potentially resulting in delayed selfing leading to misshaped fruits

Morpho-physiological characterization of second generation colchiploids in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) cv. Mosambi

Induction of tetraploidy in citrus is commonly meant for the development of triploid seedless cultivars as well as resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses. Three-year-old, 20 second-generation colchicine treated (0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20%) plants (colchiploids), established from the putative tetraploid branches of the first generation colchiploids of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) cv. Mosambi vegetatively propagated on Jatti khatti rootstock, along with their wild (parent) type, were characterized based on morphological and physiological traits. Plant height and canopy volume were reduced, but stem girth, nodes per shoot and bark: wood increased in the majority of the second-generation colchiploids related to the wild type. Colchiploids also possessed improved flower characteristics in terms of length and width. The stomatal dimensions increased, but stomatal concentration reduced in all the colchiploids. Colchicine treatment also caused significant variations in leaf gas exchange parameters, including photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, leaf net transpiration rates, stomatal conductance, and intrinsic water use efficiency in colchiploids affecting their photosynthetic activities. The solid tetraploids identified on the basis of morpho-physiological characterization can be used in future breeding programmes for the development of triploid seedless citrus cultivars or can be used for the mitigation of biotic and abiotic stresses

Maturity determination of red and white pulp dragon fruit

There is a huge potential for dragon fruits grown in India but insufficient information may hamper its production and postharvest handling. The aim of this study was to investigate the right harvest time and maturity indices for red and white pulp dragon fruit. Growth and developmental studies were undertaken using destructive (total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity and TSS: acid ratio) and non-destructive methods (fruit weight, specific gravity, peel colour and heat units). Fruits were collected at seven intervals (7, 14, 21, 26, 31, 36 and 41 days after flowering) to assess the right maturity. All these methods were used to standardize the optimum maturity and right time for the harvest of red and white pulp dragon fruit. Harvesting dragon fruits between 31-36 days after flowering (DAF) was found ideal for optimum maturity and quality. Both red and white pulp fruits harvested at 31 DAF showed better quality in terms of physic-chemical and sensory attributes

Assessment of physico-biochemical parameters of Moroccan loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) genotypes using multivariate analysis

The present study was conducted to assess the physico-biochemical variability in 35 genotypes of loquat using multivariate analyses, in order to provide efficient criteria and promising genotypes for the loquat genetic breeding program. Mature fruits were collected from 35 loquat genotypes, belonging to the Zegzel valley, were subjected to physico-biochemical analyses. The results revealed a juice yield ranging from 0.21 to 0.65 g/g FW, and a polyphenols content fluctuating from 322.8 to 366.89 µg GAE. g-1 DM. Regarding DPPH test, with a range of 3.35 and 7.6 µmol TE. g-1 DM, showed a positive correlation with total polyphenol content (r2= 0.76) and flavonoid content (r2= 0.72). Moreover, a negative correlation was recorded between the total soluble solids content and juice yield (r2=- 0.47), which was moderately correlated with vitamin C (r2= 0.59). In addition, the components analysis results revealed a significant and independent contribution of bio-physicochemicalcharacteristics in the loquat variation. Indeed, biochemical characteristics contribute to PC1, while, physicochemical parameters contribute to PC2 and PC3. Furthermore, the hierarchical clustering analysis classified the 35 genotypes into four homogeneous groups independently of their geographic origin. According to these findings, the genotypes T9, T12, Z16, Z17 and TA9 exhibited high total sugar content, while, genotypes T9 and T11 provide high carotenoids, flavonoids, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity level. As results, these genotypes can be directly recommended for the vegetative propagation as well as applied along with the efficient characters in future loquat breeding programs

Studies on Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Pomegranate Cultivars in Kashmir Valley

Ten pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars, namely, Kabuli Kandhari, Chawla, Ganesh, Mridula, Jyoti, G-137, Dholka, Bedana, Kandhari and Local Check were evaluated for different physical and chemical characteristics of fruit at the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar, during 2004. Fruit weight, diameter and volume was significantly higher in cv. Bedana compared to the rest of the cultivars. Cultivar Kandhari recorded significantly less rind thickness when compared to other cultivars. Cultivar Chawla exhibited less cracking per cent followed by Kandhari. Total soluble solids and total sugars were highest in cv. Kandhari whereas less acidity was recorded in cvs. Ganesh and G-137% acidity was lowest in cv. G-137 (0.41) and highest in cv. Bedana (0.81). Highest ascorbic acid content was found in cv. Kabuli Kandhari. The highest anthocyanin content was observed in cv. Ganesh and lowest in cv. Chawla. Juice content was found to be maximum in Bedana. The lowest anar butterfly attack was observed in cv. Bedana. The data revealed overall superior performance of cv. Bedana and Kandhari with regard to physical and chemical characteristics and these can be recommended for commercial cultivation in the Karewa belt of Kashmir valley

Analysis of Variability for Qualitative and Quantitative Traits in Coleus forskohlii Briq.

Thirty seven Coleus forskohlii genotypes collected from different regions of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were subjected to diversity analysis based on NBPGR descriptors. Eleven qualitative and fourteen quantitative traits of C. forskohlii were evaluated to assess the morphological variations available among the collected genotypes. For qualitative traits, a large number of genotypes out of 37 clustered together at 74 % similarity in four different groups. The dendrogram contract based on fourteen quantitative traits for the same set of genotypes did not reveal a clear pattern in grouping and the genotypes were grouped into ten different clusters. Cluster analysis of various sets of data revealed different groups of genotypes for each of the data set. A poor congruence observed among data sets of qualitative and quantitative traits in the comparison indicated that the morphological traits are not suitable for precise discrimination of closely related genotypes in C. forskohlii

Variability in Hip Characters in Rosa Species

The reddish 'fruit' of rose is commonly known as its hip. Rose hips are formed when the tip of a rose stem swells up after a flower has faded. Species roses, shrub roses, ramblers and other roses that are "close to nature" (R. gallica, R. rugosa) are the most likely to have noticeable hips. Twenty three rose species were evaluated for hip characters. Rose hips were very variable among the species. Average hip length and diameter varies between 0.5 to 2.8 cm and 0.1 to 2.7 cm, respectively. Hip shape viz., sub-globose, urn-shaped, ellipsoid and spindle-shaped were observed among the species. The range for number of hips was found to be 5 to 45 per cluster. Rosa rugosa recorded larger hip size. Majority of the species showed orange and deep red hip color. R. moyesii (blue-green foliage and bright to orange hips), R. glauca (bright scarlet hips), R. pimpinellifolia (tiny, red-black hips) with attractive hips having ornamental value can be utilized in landscaping and for garden purposes

Impact of Gamma Rays on Turmeric Crop (Curcuma longa L.)

Experiments were carried out during 2000-2003 at the Department of Spices and Plantation Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to assess the impact of gamma irradiation on days to maturity, yield and curing per cent in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with two replications. Three genotypes namely, Salem Local - G1 (CL144), Alleppy finger turmeric - G2 (CL146) and PTS 43 - G3 (CL147) were treated with seven doses of gamma rays (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 kR) along with control. The plants matured earlier and yield per plant and curing percentage improved at 2.0 kR, followed by 2.5 kR, whereas, higher doses of gamma rays had a negative effect on yield and curing percentage and these higher doses prolonged maturity. Among the genotypes used, G1 (CL144) was found to show a good response to gamma irradiation

A Revised Protocol for in Vitro Propagation of Carica papaya Using Lateral Buds from Field-Grown Trees

A revised protocol has been developed for in vitro propogation of papaya using explants from field-grown trees. Successful establishment of papaya in vitro using lateral buds could be obtained by treating the buds with Carbendazim (0.2%) and Streptomycin (0.1%) for 24h, followed by surface sterilization with mercuric chloride (0.1%) for 3 minutes and culturing on MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.3 mg/l) and NAA (0.1 mg/l). Established buds were proliferated on modified MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.3 mg/l) and NAA (0.1 mg/l). Modified MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.3 mg/l), NAA (0.1 mg/l) and GA3 (1 mg/l) caused extensive elongation of shoots. Elongated shootlets were rooted on half-strength MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.1mg/l), NAA (0.1 mg/l) and IBA (2 mg/l). Rooted plantlets were initially hardened on a potting mixture consisting of soilrite and later on a mixture of sand, soil and FYM (1:1:1)