Effect of supplemental Ca2+ on NaCl-stressed castor plants (Ricinus communis L.)

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to assess the effects of supplemental Ca2+ in salinised soil on germination and plant growth response of castor plant (Ricinus communis L. Var. Avani-31, Euphorbiaceae). NaCl amounting to 390 g was thoroughly mixed with soil of seven lots, of 100 kg each, to give electrical conductivity of 4.1 dS m–1. Further, Ca(NO3)2 × 4H20 to the quantity of 97.5, 195, 292.5, 390, 487.5, and 585 g was separately mixed with soil of six lots to give 1:0.25, 1:0.50, 1:0.75, 1:1, 1:1.25, and 1:1.50 Na+/Ca2+ ratios, respectively. The soil of the seventh lot contained only NaCl and its Na+/Ca2+ ratio was 1:0. Soil without addition of NaCl and Ca (NO3)2 × 4H20 served as control, with a 0:0 Na+/Ca2+ ratio. Salinity significantly retarded seed germination and plant growth, but the deleterious effects of NaCl on seed germination were ameliorated and plant growth was restored with Ca2+ supply at the critical level (1:0.25 Na+/Ca2+ ratio) to salinised soil. Supply of Ca2+ above the critical level further retarded seed germination and plant growth due to the increased soil salinity. Salt stress reduced N, P, K+ and Ca2+ content in plant tissues, but these nutrients were restored by addition of Ca2+ at the critical level to saline soil. In contrast, Na+ content in plant tissues significantly increased in response to salinity, but significantly decreased with increasing Ca2+ supply to saline soil. The results are discussed in terms of the beneficial effects of Ca2+ supply on the plant growth of Ricinus communis grown under saline conditions

Effect of Various Organic and Inorganic Formulations on Fruit Setting and Yield in Mango cv. Kesar

The present experiment was carried out at Fruit Research Station, Sakkarbaugh, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat). The results of the study indicated that the spraying of monopotassium phosphate 2 % + Boron 0.8 % + Panchgavya 3 %  was found effective in fruit setting where as spraying of KNO3 2 % + NAA 50 ppm + Jeevamrut  5 % exhibited the minimum fruit drop at marble stage (58.89 %), harvest stage (49.44 %), maximum fruit retention (48.89 %), maximum number of fruits per panicle (2.08), maximum number of fruits per tree (88) and highest fruit yield (13.57 kg/tree and 3.76 t/ha)