Evaluation of Novel Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hooker F.) Hybrids for Flower Quality Traits under Naturally-Ventilated Polyhouse

The present study was carried out to evaluate performance of two gerbera hybrids IIHR 3-34 and IIHR 8-45 along with their parents and check, for flower quality traits under naturally-ventilated polyhouse in Randomized Block Design, in the years 2014-15 and 2015-16. Both the hybrids had been developed through the half-sib method of breeding with IIHR-3 and IIHR-1, respectively, as parents. Data for the two years were pooled and analyzed statistically. Significant differences were observed in the quality traits studied. In the case of both hybrids IIHR 3-34 and IIHR 8-45, most of the quantitative traits were found to be on par with the check variety, Elite. They had novel flower colour (68D as per RHS Colour Chart), Red Purple Group (IIHR 3-34) and 50A Red Group (IIHR 8-45), with double type of flowers. These are suitable for cut-flower and flower arrangement purposes. These hybrids will prove useful for developing more gerbera hybrids with novel traits

4m x 8m HAL autoclave temperature and vacuum control system design

This document describes the experiments, modeling and simulation undertaken for the HAL 4 by 8 m autoclave with a view to improve the performance of its temperature and13; vacuum system. These results are presented in two parts separately.13; 13; Part I of this study include a single point and multiple point temperature models of the autoclave air temperature and component temperatures. The mathematical model has been used to design the control system parameters, in particular the PID gains for the temperature control system. In addition a setpoint hold strategy has been fine tuned to significantly improve the component temperature uniformity during cure. In Part II a mathematical model of the vacuum system has been built and validated against experimental data. Results show that the buffer tank volume in conjunction with the leakage cross-section determines the rate of pressure rise in the system. This model gives a basis for the specification of the acceptable leakage rate of the open loop vacuum system keeping in mind the frequency of control valve action desired for an on/off control scheme

Development and evaluation of novel gladiolus hybrid selections IIHRG-7 (IC620379) and IIHRG-11 (IC620380) for flower quality and Fusarium wilt resistance

The present study was carried out to evaluate the performance of two novel gladiolus hybrid selections IIHRG-7 and IIHRG-11 along with commercial checks, for flower quality traits and Fusarium wilt resistance in completely randomized block design, during 2012-13 to 2014-15. Three years data were pooled and analyzed statistically. The hybrid selections IIHRG-7 and IIHRG-11 had been developed through hybridization by crossing Arka Meera x Picardy and Gold Medal 412 x Arka Poonam, respectively followed by selection. IIHRG-7 has novel flower colour (as per RHS Colour Chart) i.e., Red-Purple (65.B) having Red-Purple (62.A) streaks with Red-Purple (67.B) splash and spike with variegated florets, while, IIHRG-11 has novel floret colour as Red (41.C) having Red (41.A) margin. Blotch Red (46.B) with yellow (13.C) border and resistance to Fusarium wilt disease. These hybrid selections are suitable for cut-flower and flower arrangement purposes. Further, these hybrid selections will be useful for developing new gladiolus hybrid selections with novel traits and resistance to Fusarium wilt disease