Warning: Undefined array key "page" in /home3/hortivff/public_html/abstract.php on line 80
<br />
<b>Warning</b>: Undefined variable $action in <b>/home3/hortivff/public_html/abstract.php</b> on line <b>205</b><br />
Journal of Applied Horticulture Selected Contents of Year
N. Jitsopakul1*, A. Chunthaworn1, U. Pongket2 and K. Thammasiri3
1Department of Plant Science, Textile and Design, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Surin Campus, Surin 32000, Thailand. 2Department of Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Surin Campus, Surin 32000, Thailand. 3Center for Gardening and Horticulture, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan 666303, China. Corresponding e-mail: njitsopakul@hotmail.com
Abstract: Preservation of orchid pollinia is required for the intergeneric hybridization of species with different flowering times. Pollinia were collected from the flowers of three genera and fifteen species of male orchid plants. The pollinia were then refrigerated at 10 °C for a duration ranging from 4 d to 274 d, depending on the blooming period of Aerides, Rhynchostylis, and Vanda genera and eleven species of female parent plants. A total of thirty-six crosses of intergeneric hybridization were studied. Pod formation, the size and age of the hybrid pods, and in vitro seed germination were used to assess the capacity of the pollinia for fertilization. Results showed that pod formation (8.33% to 100%) was observed in twenty-seven crosses (75%), with the success of sixteen crosses of intergeneric hybridization (44%) having seeds with embryos that germinated into protocorms on modified VW (1949) medium or MS (1962) medium including, R. coelestis x A. falcata (48 d), V. liouvillei x A. houlletiana (4 d), V. liouvillei x A. multiflora (8 d), R. coelestis x A. multiflora (11 d), V. liouvillei x R. coelestis (18 d), A. rosea x R. coelestis (25 d), V. lilacina x R. gigantea “Alba” (47 d), V. lilacina x R. gigantea “Cartoon” (17 d), V. lilacina x R. gigantea “Red color” (23 d), A. multiflora x V. curvifolia (44 d), A. odoratum x V. curvifolia (44 d), R. coelestis x V. curvifolia (71 d), A. rosea x V. curvifolia (72 d), A. rosea x V. garayi (95 d), R. coelestis x V. garayi (95 d), and V. garayi x V. lilacina (53 d). All protocorms developed into plantlets after culturing on modified VW agar medium supplemented with 100 g L–1 banana, 150 mL L–1 coconut water, 20 g L–1 sucrose, 2 g L–1 activated charcoal, and 7 g L–1 agar. The intergeneric hybrid plantlets successfully survived in the greenhouse. Male pollinia can be stored at 10°C and utilized for the creation of orchid hybrids to progress orchid breeding and the preservation of Thai orchid species. The methods are uncomplicated and direct, needing no chemicals, tools, or complex procedures.
S.J. Prejith Raj, A. Sheena*, Beena Thomas, M. Rafeekher and Pratheesh P. Gopinath
Instructional Farm, Kerala Agricultural University, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, 695522, Kerala, India. Corresponding e-mail: sheena2sa@yahoo.co.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i02.29
Key words: Hibiscus, SEM, pollen grains, pollen morphology, exine
Abstract: Pollen morphology of Hibiscus rosa sinensis cultivars ‘Playboy’ and ‘Gelia Castillo’ were studied under light and scanning electron microscope. The two cultivars exhibited spheroidal pollen with pantoporate aperture and spiny surfaces under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The pollen diameter of the cv ‘Playboy’ and cv ‘Gelia Castillo’ were 116.0 ?m and 129.6 ?m, respectively. The pollen apertures of both the cultivars were similar with round shape but in the cv. ‘Gelia Castillo’, the aperture was partially covered with an exine layer. The cv ‘Gelia Castillo’ exhibited a pollen fertility of 93.84%, whereas the cv ‘Playboy’ exhibited a pollen fertility of 88.57%. This study offers important information regarding the pollen traits of H. rosa sinensis cultivars ‘Playboy’ and ‘Gelia Castillo’. Due to their attractive floral characters and high pollen fertility, both cultivars can be utilized as good male parents in crop improvement programs for breeding novel hibiscus varieties.
D. Mahesh Reddy1,2*, Kalkame Ch. Momin3, V. Bhargav2, Nancy Lego4, P. Chakradhar1, V. Siva Teja5, Urati Mahesh6
1Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Dr. YSRHU- College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta, Andhra Pradesh- 516105, India. 2Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture and Forestry, CAU, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, 791102, India. 3Department of Horticulture, North Eastern Hill University, Tura Campus, Tura, Meghalaya. 4All India Coordinated Research Project on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Betel Vines, College of Agriculture, CAU, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, 791102, India. 5Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, KAU, Thrissur, 680656, India. 6Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Dr. YSRHU- College of Horticulture, Andhra Pradesh- 516105, India. Corresponding author: Maheshduggireddy1@gmail.com
Abstract: To assess the genetic variability, heritability, and association of 21 key quantitative variables in 15 distinct Dendrobium species, efforts were made to improve the germplasm of Dendrobium orchids in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh between 2020 and 2022. Significant variance was found in every attribute in the study, indicating that there is sufficient genetic diversity to support breeding efforts. The most significant values of PCV and GCV were recorded for the number of flowers per inflorescence (136.13% and 135.35%, respectively) and the number of inflorescences per plant (136.18% and 133.94%, respectively). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for inflorescence length (99.74%), the number of flowers per inflorescence (99.68%), flower width in the front view (99.41%), and flower length (99.25%). Selection based on these characteristics would be more effective for improving interspecific hybrids. Other characters exhibited moderate broad-sense heritability with low genetic advance. Plant height, internode number, number of leaves, and flower longevity showed positive and highly significant associations with the number of flowers per inflorescence and the number of inflorescences per plant at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. However, correlation study revealed that selecting parents based on plant height, internode number, number of leaves, and flower longevity in plants would be helpful in breeding programs.
Mujeeb Ur Rehman1, Manisha Chaudhary1, Arvind Arya2 and Sandeep Kumar1*
1Department of Biotechnology, Shobhit Institute of Engineering and Technology (Deemed-to-be-University), NH- 58, Modipuram, Meerut, Delhi-NCR, Meerut-250110, (UP), India. 2Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering Technology, 19, Knowledge Park- II, Institutional Area, Greater Noida (UP), India. Corresponding e-mail: dr.sandeepkumar@shobhituniversity.ac.in
Abstract: Adansonia digitata L. (Kalpvriksha, Baobab) of the family Malvaceae is an endangered flora in India. The micropropagation of woody plants, adventitious root and shoot development remain some of the major problems due to their recalcitrance to in vitro handling. In the present study, an efficient protocol for in vitro shoot regeneration and propagation of recalcitrant baobab trees was developed. Shoot induction on nodal explants was evaluated using various concentrations of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), Kinetin (Kn) and Thidiazuron (TDZ) with NAA. The highest number of adventitious shoots per explants (3.2±2.33) and longest shoots (3.3±2.20) were recorded on 0.5mg/L BAP and 0.2mg/L NAA treatments. Three auxins, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) were used in the induction of roots. The highest rooting was achieved with IBA-treated shoots at 1.0 mg/L concentration. Although A. digitata has previously revealed complexity in in vitro proliferation, the results proved efficient and reproducible. The 74% survival rates of plantlets was observed after three months.
T. Damodaran1, Prasenjit Debnath1&2*, Maneesh Mishra1* Ram Gopal1, Sangeeta1, Sukhen Chandra Das2, Debasree Podder2, Swapan Deb Roy2, Pinak Pani Datta2, Thingreingam Irenaeus2 and Niren Majumder2
1ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankheda, Lucknow-226101, India. 2College of Agriculture, Lembucherra, Tripura-799210, India. Corresponding e-mail: prasenjitdebnath2@gmail, maneeshmishra.cish@gmail.com
Abstract: Banana cv. Sabri (AAB), a traditional and highly demanded cultivar in Tripura, has been a profitable crop for farmers. However, in recent years, this well-known variety has been severely affected by Fusarium wilt (Race 1). The outbreak of the disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 1 (Foc TR-1), has not only led to a significant decline in yield but has also impacted its commercial cultivation in several hotspot regions of Tripura. The virulent nature of the pathogen limits the field level success of the control initiatives through chemicals, resistance breeding and biological control, providing serious threats for Banana growers. This study assesses the efficacy of the bio-immunized tissue culture-raised Sabri banana plantlets along with the interval spray of ICAR- FUSICONT for the community-based management of banana Fusarium wilt. The effectiveness of this integrated approach was critically assessed by evaluating the disease management aspects and yield restoration at hot spot regions. Banana orchards adopting this combined technology revealed significantly lower disease incidence percentage (3.30 %) compared to non-adopted plantations (24.33 %). Further, these technological interventions increased the yield from 16.00 kg/plant to 21.33 kg/plant. These findings highlighted the potential of these technologies in the management of Fusarium wilt and improving Sabri banana yield in Tripura.
R.G. Somkuwar1*, P.K. Ausari2, P.B. Kakade3, A.K. Sharma1, and P.S. Karande1
1ICAR- National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune, Maharashtra (India) – 412307. 2Department of Horticulture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia. Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (India) – 474001. 3MPKV, Rahuri, Maharashtra (India) - 413722. Corresponding e-mail: rgsgrapes@gmail.com
Abstract: The present study was conducted at ICAR- National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune, for three years (2018-19 to 2020-21). The experiment was laid out using a Randomized Block Design, with three treatments replicated seven times. Three planting spacing were evaluated as 8 x 2 feet, 8 x 3 feet and 8 x 4 feet. The findings of the study revealed that yield and quality are affected by planting distance/ density. Higher pruning weight (0.760 kg/plant), early sprouting (11.33 days after pruning), number of bunches/vine (42.47), number of berries/bunch (106.19), higher yield (3.60 kg/vine), berry quality parameters i.e. TSS (23.49 oBrix), potassium content (948.83 ppm), carbohydrate (29.17%) and wine quality parameters like- better sweetness and higher acidity were observed in 8 x 4 feet planting distance. Shoot length (78.84 cm), average bunch weight (92.36 g), 100-berry weight (101.10 g), phenol content (0.90 mg/L), and wine quality parameters like- aromatic intensity and tannin content were higher in 8 x 3 feet planting distance. The spacing 8 x 2 feet was better for shoot diameter (5.77 mm), yield (19.06 t/ha), berry quality parameters like- acidity (6.32 g/L), juice pH (3.68), volatile acids (0.13 g/L), total acid content in wine (5.14 g/L) and wine organoleptic taste like- colour, body, alcohol, length and overall acceptability.
Sneha Rawat1, Rashmi Goswami1, Sonu Ambwani1* and Tanuj Kumar Ambwani2
1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, C.B.S.H., Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India. 2Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, C.V.A.S., Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India. Corresponding e-mail: sonuambwani@yahoo.co.in
Abstract: Bergenia ligulate is an important ornamental medicinal plant of the Himalayan region known for its extensive biological activities, low maintenance and wide range of pharmaceutical applications. In the present study aqueous extract of rhizomes of Bergenia ligulata (BLAE) was evaluated for its in vitro immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity through lymphocytes proliferation assay (LPA), lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) assays in chicken lymphocytes. The extraction yield of the rhizome of Bergenia ligulata in water was about 8.90%. BLAE showed significant antioxidant activity in DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Maximum non-cytotoxic dose (MNCD) of BLAE for lymphocyte culture was determined to be 200 µg/mL. LPA showed that BLAE enhanced lymphocyte proliferation of B cells and T cells. Treatment with BLAE significantly increased the level of GSH, SOD, CAT and decreased the level of LPO in chicken lymphocytes, thus indicating the antioxidant potential of BLAE. The efficiency of poultry production is rising due to increased global consumption of chicken over red meat, leading to industry intensification, and the focus is shifting from antibiotic growth promoters to non-antibiotic alternatives like phytogenics to combat antibiotic resistance. The study reveals significant immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties of BLAE, thus suggesting that it could be a potential feed additive in poultry production. However, further in vivo research is required to evaluate its efficacy and safety for application in commercial poultry farming.
Department of Food Science and Technology, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Pincode: 263145. Corresponding e-mail: rawatneha1225@gmail.com
Abstract: Wild apricot kernels are rich in carbohydrates, proteins and fats but are high in amygdalin, which hydrolyzes to produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN), a toxic substance. This study aimed to reduce HCN levels in wild apricot kernels by soaking at different kernel sizes (0.34 mm to 11.66 mm) and soaking times (0.34 h to 11.66 h) under controlled conditions. The soaking was conducted at 30 ± 2°C with water replacement every hour and a water-to-kernel ratio of 10:1. Breaking the kernels into smaller sizes (7.88 mm), soaking for 10 h, reduced HCN levels to 36.13 mg/100 g but retaining high nutritional content (21.16% protein, 47.75% fat, and 21.22% carbohydrates) and yield (96.45%). The optimization of these conditions was performed using Design Expert software, which effectively minimized hydrogen cyanide (HCN) levels while maximizing the nutritional content.
A.R. Gawali* and B.B. Waykar
Department of Zoology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)- 431004, (Maharashtra), India. Corresponding e-mail: ashishgawali8888@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i02.36
Key words: Pollen substitute diets, medicinal plants, consumption rate, foraging activity, population strength, brood development, Apis mellifera L.
Abstract: The study aimed to develop pollen substitute diets using medicinal plants for Apis mellifera colonies to satisfy their pollen and nectar requirements during drought conditions. A full-fledged pollen substitute diet plays a vital role during the floral dearth period and helps maintain the honey bee’s health and strength from April to June 2023. Eight different pollen substitute diets were fed to 8 treatment groups of honeybee colonies. Diet-1, containing only sugar syrup (50 %) was used as a control. Pollen Diet-2 to 8 containing leaf and fruit powders of locally available medicinal plants and other contents with sugar syrup (50 %). The study parameters such as feed consumption rate, foraging activity, pollen storage, capped brood area, and population strength of bees were studied. The honeybee colonies fed with Diet-8, with mixed contents, showed the highest consumption rate, foraging activity, pollen storage, capped brood area and total strength of bees as compared to other treatment groups of colonies. The result showed high potential of a pollen substitute diet to improve the overall health of honeybee colonies under adverse conditions of nectar and pollen sources.
Robin Kumar Mahato, Jayant Chand, Sapna Soni, Divya Bera, Nikhil H Lakra, Augustin Guria, Md. Irfan Ahmad Ansari* and Pramod Rai
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand – 834006, India. Corresponding e-mail: irfaniitkgp2000@gmail.com
Abstract: Cold storage is an important method for storing onions in fresh and wholesome state for a longer period. Small cold storage for storing sixteen tonnes of onion at 1°C was designed to reduce post-harvest losses of onions and ensure a better return to small and marginal farmers. The polypropylene plastic mesh bags of 50 kg capacity were selected for onion storage with dimensions of 94 cm x 57 cm x 35 cm. The number of bags was found to be 3200 for storage of sixteen tonnes (16 MT) of onions. Considering 8 layers of bags stacked on wooden pallets, the stack height was obtained as 2.8 m. The inside and outside dimension of onion cold storage was was 8.3 m × 5.5 m × 4 m and 9 m × 6.3 m × 4.7 m in length, width and height, respectively with 10 stacks in 8 layers. The volume of cold storage was found to be 1802.6 m3. The construction and insulating materials selected were polyurethane sheet, PUF, polythene sheet, PCC, PVC panels, brick, etc., for floors, walls, door and roof for cooling load calculation. The cooling load was calculated considering all the possible heat sources. The total cooling load was found to be 2052770.6 kJ/day with 85.88% product heat load, 5.61% transmission heat load and 4.02% air infiltration load of total heat load. The cooling load for cooling sixteen tonnes of onions was found to be 9.5 tonnes which would be helpful in the selection of appropriate refrigeration systems by farmers and traders.
S.R. Jervin Ananth1, B.S. Manjula1*, S. Kurien1, B. Madhumitha2 and P. Ramesh Kumar3
1Division of Horticulture, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - 641114, India. 2Division of Plant Pathology, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - 641114, India. 3Division of Crop physiology and Biochemistry, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - 641114, India. Corresponding e-mail: manju.flori@gmail.com
Abstract: Guava is a climacteric fruit with a short shelf life (5-8 days). The rapid postharvest deterioration of guava fruits poses a major challenge in increasing longevity and retaining quality. This study examined the impact of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) infused into different biopolymer edible coatings, including beeswax, gelatin, guar gum, and xanthan gum, to extend the shelf life which is relatively unexplored in guava fruits. The results revealed that AgNPs-coated fruits exhibited significantly prolonged shelf life: beeswax-coated fruits lasted 11 days, gelatin-coated fruits lasted 9.5 days, guar gum-coated fruits lasted 7 days and xanthan gum-coated fruits lasted 6.25 days, compared to the control (4.25 days). The highest PLW (Physiological Loss in Weight) of 70.44 % was noticed in uncoated fruits and the lowest PLW of 38.73 % in beeswax + AgNPs at the 12th day of storage was noticed. The highest firmness of 24.25 kg cm-2 was observed in beeswax + AgNPs and the lowest firmness of 6.00 kg cm-2 was noted in uncoated fruits on the 12th day of storage. The highest Total Soluble Solids (TSS) content of 16.80° Brix on the 10th day was recorded in the control (uncoated fruits), but the fruits shrunk and lost consumer acceptance. On the contrary, the lowest value of 11.80° Brix was found in fruits coated with beeswax + AgNPs, but there was only a slight decline on 10th day. The fruits retained their form and shape. High vitamin C retention was observed in beeswax + AgNPs coating as 195.2 mg100g-1, but a massive reduction was observed in control as 169.6 mg100g-1 on the 12th day of observation. The observations taken on the 12th day of storage denote delayed starch conversion with a high percentage of total sugar reduction at 5.51 in beeswax + AgNPs coating. The high percentage of total sugars was observed in control as 9.22. The biopolymer coatings with AgNPs delayed fruit senescence and maintained better physiological and biochemical properties, demonstrating their potential as an effective postharvest treatment for guava fruits. This is the first study of its kind in guava using AgNPs with biopolymers. The results of the study were highly promising, opening the door for more intensive research and the need to scale up this technique to address postharvest loss of guava fruits.
U. Sharma1*, N.S. Kaler2 and S. Verma3
1Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station, Mashobra, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. 2College of Horticulture & Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India. 3Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P). Corresponding e-mail: upender35@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i02.39
Key words: Boron, apple, front-line demonstration, extension gap, technology gap and economics
Abstract: Apple (Malus domestica) grown in the lower Spiti Valley in harsh climatic conditions is regarded as an important source of income for tribal farmers. Poor flower and fruit formation due to a lack of boron in apple orchards leads to lower productivity. Considering this issue, front-line demonstrations were conducted at farmers' orchards across various locations in the Spiti Valley from 2020 to 2021. The impact of boron foliar application on apple yield and the socioeconomic status of farmers in the region was then assessed. Front-line demonstrations demonstrated a yield increase of 21.32% and 9.14% in 2020 and 2021, respectively, over traditional practice (no boron application). Apple yield varied from 205 to 221 q ha-1 and 262 to 275 q ha-1 during 2020 and 2021, respectively, in demonstration plots. Average apple yield of 213.4 q ha-1 (2020) and 267.4 q ha-1(2021) were recorded in demonstration plots. The technology gap was 86.6 q ha-1 in 2020 and 32.6 q ha-1 in 2021. The mean extension gap during 2 years of study was 22.9 q ha-1, emphasizing the need to motivate and train farmers to adopt improved scientific practices. The technology index during the year 2020 was 20.9% and further, it reduced to 10.9% during 2021, showing higher feasibility of the demonstrated technology. Economic practices revealed higher net returns and benefit-to-cost ratios of 2.16 in 2020 and 3.53 in 2021, enhancing better awareness and adoption of improved practices, thereby increasing the socio-economic status of farmers.
Nilina James and Mridul Umesh*
Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, 560029 Karnataka, India. Corresponding e-mail: mridul.umesh@christuniversity.in
Abstract: Rhizobacteria that promote plant growth are crucial for improving the health, growth, and yield of plants. In this study, 14 isolates were obtained and the significance of Bacillus albus NJ01 as PGPR for the improvement of growth in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) was assessed, as it showed plant growth-promoting traits like IAA, siderophores and ammonia production, phosphate and zinc solubilization, etc. Its role in increasing crop root and shoot length while avoiding the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers was also studied. The root length of tomato control plants and plants treated with bioinoculant was found to be 5.58 ± 0.15 and 7.98 ± 0.24 cm, respectively. The shoot length of control plants and plants treated with bioinoculant was found to be 8.25 ± 0.82 and 10.24 ± 0.11 cm, respectively, therefore confirming the potentiality of Bacillus albus NJ01 bioinoculant as an able PGPR for improving the growth of tomato.
R. Rashika* and P. Karuppaiah
Department of Horticulture (Floriculture and Landscaping), Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608002, Tamil Nadu, India. Corresponding e-mail: vpkhortic@yahoo.com, rashikaravi0506199@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2025.v27i02.41
Key words: Dracaena reflexa cv. Song of India, media, yield parameters, quality indices, vase life, cut foliage
Abstract: The quality of cut foliage is significantly influenced by growing media, with traditional media such as red earth and sand being non-renewable and unsustainable. This study aims to determine the sustainable, eco-friendly substrates for Dracaena reflexa cv. Song of India cut foliage to increase the growth, yield, and quality. The experiment was laid out in CRBD with 9 treatments and 3 replications, utilized various combinations of garden soil, red earth, sand, farmyard manure (FYM), burnt rice husk, and cocopeat. Among the different treatments, T8 (Garden soil + burnt rice husk + FYM + coco peat at 2:1:1:1 v/v) showed the best performance in growth and yield attributes, viz., plant height, spread, leaf numbers, leaf area, chlorophyll content, root length, and fresh weight. Yield and quality characteristics like number of cut stems, visual scoring, freshness index, colour index, and vase life were also noted as high in T8. Control (T0)-Garden soil recorded the minimum across these parameters. These findings indicate that combination of garden soil, burnt rice husk, FYM, and cocopeat is the most effective and sustainable alternative for improving the yield, growth, and quality of Dracaena reflexa cv. Song of India cut foliage.
Dixit Chaudhary1*, Bharati Kashyap1, S.R. Dhiman1, Manisha Kaushal2 and Anju Sharma3
1Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture. 2Department of Food Science and Technology. 3Department of Basic Sciences, Dr. YS. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.). Corresponding e-mail: dixitchoudhary70@ gmail.com
Abstract: Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema x grandiflora Tzvelev) is a popular ornamental flower cherished worldwide and widely used as loose flowers in India. However, the perishability and inconsistency in the quality of chrysanthemum flowers pose marketing challenges, rendering losses to the farmers. The production of value-added products like garlands and venis can reduce postharvest losses, increase profits, and create new employment opportunities. The present study was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Dr. YSPUHF, Nauni, Solan to morphologically characterize eight genotypes of chrysanthemum to assess their suitability for loose flower production and then prepare value-added products from the flowers of selected genotypes for carrying out the cost analysis. The loose flowers and the value-added products were assessed for their marketability and profitability, among the genotypes evaluated for loose flower production, cv. ‘Solan Shringar’ outshined the other genotypes in terms of largest flowers, highest flower number per plant and postharvest shelf-life. For the value-added products derived from loose flowers, the highest returns on investment was observed for special garlands, followed by B:C ratio of ordinary garlands made from the cv. ‘Solan Shringar’. In comparison, the B:C ratio after selling loose flowers of the same cultivar was low. Based on these findings, it was concluded that, for maximizing profits under North-Indian conditions, cv. ‘Solan Shringar’ is recommended for loose flower production.
