Assessing the Genotypic Differences for Seed Set and Seed Abortion in Tomato Genotypes

Tomato (_Lycopersicon esculentum_ Mill.) is one of the most popular fruit vegetable around the world. Seed abortion where in only a small proportion of ovules in an ovary develops into matured seeds, is a wide spread phenomenon in multi-ovulated species. In agriculturally important crops such as chickpea, groundnut, Brassica, pigeon pea and field bean seed abortion substantially reduces their productivity. Tomato genotypes exhibited seed abortion where in only some proportion of ovules developed into matured seeds. Seed abortion in tomato cultivars would increase the cost of hybrid seed production. In this study, we have analyzed 19 genotypes for number of ovules, seed set and seed abortion. Tomato genotypes differed significantly for number of ovules per ovary, seed set per fruit and per cent seed abortion. The ovules, matured seeds and seed abortion ranged from 52 to 412 per ovary; 50.90 to 240.76 per fruit and 6.06 to 24.44 per cent respectively. Strong positive correlation was observed in genotypes with higher number of ovules showed higher percentage of seed abortion

Enhancing Jatropha Productivity by Canopy Management

Jatropha seed and oil yield is function of planting material used, growing conditions, plant architecture development and maintenance. Jatropha is hardy plant; thrives well in arid and semi arid regions with an average rainfall ranging from 500 to 1200 mm. It has been planted in varied soil types, marginal and waste lands; where in utilization of in situ resources by agronomic practices and development and management of canopy by pruning are very crucial for harvesting higher seed for biodiesel production. Building ideal canopy by pruning during first growing season is very important. Pruning is done during winter season when plants are in dormant condition