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ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PACKAGING MATERIALS ON SHELF LIFE AND QUALITY OF MINIMALLY PROCESSED POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L.) ARILS Cv. BHAGWA”(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, 2015-12-01) MUBARIZ SAFARI; Dr. VEENA JOSHIThe experiment entitled “Studies on the effect of different packaging materials on shelf life and quality of minimally processed pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) arils Cv. Bhagwa” was conducted at College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar in collaboration with Post Harvest Technology Research Station, Rajendranagar during 2015. Four different packaging materials (PP,LDPE, HDPE and MP) with and without perforations were used for packaging minimally processed pomegranate arils and were evaluated for shelf life and quality parameters both under cold storage conditions and room temperature. The study consists of two experiments with nine treatments in completely randomized design and replicated thrice. In the first experiment, minimally processed arils after packaging in different packaging materials were stored in cold storage conditions (5±1o C) and in the second experiment, minimally processed arils after packaging were stored in room temperature (25±1o C). The data was recorded for every five days interval in cold storage conditions and at two days interval in room temperature. Various physical parameters like PLW (%), spoilage (%), shelf life (days) and organoleptic evaluation and quality parameters like TSS (oBrix), Acidity (%), Brixacid ratio, sugars (%) were estimated at regular interval during storage in both the experiments. With respect to cold storage conditions, among the different packaging materials High Density Polyethylene 40% microns without perforations is found to be the best in terms of extending the shelf life up to 22.66 days and also recording minimum PLW. Quality parameters like TSS, brix-acid ratio, sugars (reducing, total and non-reducing sugars) were also recorded significantly highest in High Density Polyethylene 40% microns without perforations on all the days of observation (5th, 10th ,15th and 20th day) and also gained highest organoleptic score (4.20) over the other treatments. At room temperature, the same treatment i.e T6 ( High Density Polyethylene 40% micrones without perforations) found to be superior in terms of studied parameters Significantly lowest PLW, spoilage percent and correspondingly increased shelf life up to 4.33 days was recorded in T6. The quality parameters like TSS, acidity, brix-acid ratio, sugars (reducing, total and non-reducing sugars) were significantly highest in arils packed with High Density Polyethylene 40% micrones without perforations recorded on different days interval (2nd and 4th day). With respect to the organoleptic evaluation, High Density Polyethylene 40% microns without perforations was superior and gained highest score for organoleptic attributes.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MULCHING PRACTICES ON GROWTH, YIELD AND WEED CONTROL IN TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicon L.)(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-02-08) TEDDU ARUN; Dr. K. RADHA RANIA field experiment was conducted during rabi, 2014-15 to study the “Effect of different mulching practices on growth, yield and weed control in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.)” at college farm, College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana. The experiment was carried out using tomato cv. Arka Vikas with seven treatments and three replications. The study revealed that the weed density (3.73 m-2 and 5.60 m-2) and weed dry weight (2.37 g m-2 and 7.27 g m-2) were lowest with the use of black polythene mulch whereas control recorded the highest weed density (39.93 m-2 and 42.10 m-2) and weed dry weight (29.37 g m-2 and 74.07 g m-2) at 20 and 40 days after transplanting respectively, similarly highest weed control efficiency (91.93% and 90.18%) was registered with black polythene mulch whereas lowest weed control efficiency (48.95% and 50.21%) was registered with paddy husk mulch at 20 and 40 DAT respectively. Highest weed index (48.38%) was recorded in unweeded control whereas lowest weed index (3.33%) was recorded in reflective polythene mulch. Among different mulching practices, black polythene mulch recorded the highest plant height, highest number of branches, minimum number of days for 50% flowering (33.47 days), minimum days for first fruit harvest, maximum days for last fruit harvest, highest number of flower clusters per plant (16.87), highest number of fruits per plant (32.47), maximum average fruit weight (57.37 g), highest fruit yield per plant (1.83 kg), fruit yield per plot (41.27 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (28.37 t ha-1). However, reflective polythene mulch has recorded significantly highest fruit diameter (4.97 cm). Mulching practices did not produced significant differences on number of flowers per cluster, number of fruits per cluster, pH, EC and bulk density of soil. Maximum mean soil temperature during crop growth period was found in black polythene mulch (22.6o C and 30.7o C) at 8 am and 2 pm respectively. Highest post-harvest available soil nitrogen (235.73 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (36.74 kg ha-1) were recorded with the application of reflective polythene mulch, while highest post-harvest available soil potassium (253.52 kg ha-1) was recorded with the application of paddy straw mulch. Paddy straw mulch has recorded significantly highest dehydrogenases activity (8.62 and 6.17 μg of TPF released g-1day-1), acid phosphatases activity (121.81 and 92.15 μg of PNP released g-1hr-1), alkaline phosphatases activity (135.19 and 106.10 μg of PNP released g-1hr-1), highest bacterial count (7.49 log10 CFU g soil-1 and 7.34 log10 CFU g soil-1), fungal count (4.53 log10 CFU g soil-1 and 4.36 log10 CFU g soil-1) and actinomycetes count (5.42 log10 CFU g soil-1 and 5.26 log10 CFU g soil-1) at 40 DAT and after harvest respectively. Black polythene mulch has recorded significantly highest moisture content at 20 DAT, 40 DAT and at harvest (31.21%, 36.07% and 24.19% respectively). Maximum gross returns (Rs 141850 ha-1), net returns (Rs 96122 ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.10) was recorded with the application of black polythene mulch where as unweeded control has recorded minimum gross returns (Rs 73,100 ha-1), net returns (Rs 37,372 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1.04).ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF MIXED FRUIT JAM WITH NATURAL SUGAR SUBSTITUTES(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, SKLTSHU, 2016-04-28) NAJEEBULLAH DALILI; Dr. A. GIRWANIThe present investigation entitled “Studies on development and evaluation of mixed fruit Jam with natural sugar substitutes” was carried out in SKLTS Horticultural University, Ranjendranagar, Hyderabad during 2015. The study was conducted in two experiments to develop and evaluate sensory properties of mixed fruit jams formulated with natural sugars. In first experiment nine mixed fruit jams were formulated by using coconut and palms sugars individually or by substituting with table sugar at different proportions. Coconut sugar ( 100%, 50%, 75%, 25%) and Palm sugar (100%, 50%, 75%, 25%), with table sugar as control( 100% ) were used in the formulation of nine mixed fruit jams. The freshly prepared mixed fruit jam samples were evaluated for the physico-chemical parameters viz., pH, TSS, acidity, reducing sugars, total sugars, and ascorbic acid.The organoleptic quality was also evaluated. Among the nine mixed fruit jams, the jam samples with more than 6.5 scores for overall acceptability were selected for storage stability studies. Name of the author : NAJEEBULLAH DALILI Title of the thesis : “STUDIES ON DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF MIXED FRUIT JAM WITH NATURAL SUGAR SUBSTITUTES” Degree to which it is submitted : MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HORTICULTURE Faculty : HORTICULTURE Discipline : FRUIT SCIENCE Major Advisor : Dr. A. GIRWANI University : SRI KONDA LAXMAN TELANGANA STATE HORTICULTURAL UNIVERSITY Year of Submission : 2016 The second experiment was also carried out in a similar manner to study the storage stability in seven mixed fruit jam formulations with more than 6.5 overall acceptability scores. The samples were stored under refrigerated conditions at 100±1C for three months and they were evaluated for changes in physico-chemical parameters at monthly intervals up to 90 days. The panelists evaluated jam formulations for acceptability of appearance, color, flavor, Taste and overall acceptability using a 9-point hedonic scale after 90 days of storage. Further, at the initial and end of the experiment the jam formulations were evaluated for microbial food safety also. In study 1, the composition of nine mixed fruit jams prepared with natural sugars were within the prescribed limits of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) standards. There were significant differences ( p>0.05) in physico-chemical parameters in all the treatments. The pH of the jam samples varied from 2.77 to 4.00 and the jam recipe with 100% coconut sugar (T2) had more pH compared to other treatments. Maximum TSS (69.02-69.910B) was recorded in fruit jam formulated with 100% table sugar( T1) ,50% palm sugar + 50% table sugar( T7)and 25% palm sugar+75% Table sugar (T9). Among the nine treatments, the jams substituted with palm sugars and table sugars had slightly more TSS. The acidity of freshly prepared jams varied from 0.57 to 0.70%. Significantly higher total acidity(0.70 %) was found in jam formulated with table sugar (T1) followed by fruit jam recipes formulated with 25% palm sugar + 75% Table sugar (T9) which had a pH of 0.69%. The highest amount of reducing sugar and total sugars were recorded in mixed fruit jam with 50% coconut sugar + 50% Table sugar (T3) and jam with 100% coconut sugar ( T2)respectively. The jam recipe with 100% coconut sugar had highest ascorbic acid content of 25.57mg/100g followed by jam with 75% coconut sugar + 25% Table sugar( T4) with22.13mg/100g while minimum Vit C content (6.70mg/100) was recorded in control i.e Jam with 100% table sugar(T1). Results regarding sensory quality of jam samples showed that overall acceptability (determine with the average grading of color, taste, flavour and texture) and the mean score of seven formulations of jam ( T1,T3,T4,T5,T6,T8 and T9 ) were having more than 6.5 score, while two formulations(T2 and T7) had less than 6.5 score. The jam sample prepared with combination of 25% palm sugar+ 75% table sugar (T9) obtained maximum mean score for colour, taste, flavour and texture followed by jam formulated with 100% table sugar ( T1). In study 2 the formulations with more than 6.5 scores were evaluated for storage stability under refrigerated conditions upto 90 days and the changes in physico chemical were recorded at monthly intervals. Increase in the proportion of sugar substitutes in place of table sugar in jam formulations decreased TSS content. Storage increased TSS content of jam formulations due to solubilization of pulp constituents and increase in acidity. Storage of jam resulted in reduction of pH due to simultaneous increase in titratable acidity. Significantly highest pH was found in jam with 100% Palm sugar(T5), while least pH was found in jam formulated with 75% coconut sugar + 25% Table sugar(T3). Increase in tiratable acidity during storage was observed in all formulations except in jams with 25% coconut sugar + 75% Table sugar. The increase could be due to release of acids from the juice by autolysis.Further loss of ascorbic acid during storage was also observed. This might be due to oxidation of entrapped oxygen in glass bottles and its degradation to dehydro ascorbic acid, furfural and hydroxyl furfural during NEB process and thermal degradation. The reducing sugars and total sugars increased in jams formulated with all natural sugar at 0 to 90th day of storage were noticed due to interaction. Mixed fruit jam with table sugar had significantly higher total sugars at 0 and 90th day of storage. This may be attributed to the fact that sucrose being a non-reducing disaccharide and inversion of it by acids in jam to reducing sugars. The profile of sensory attributes score changed during the storage of mixed fruit jam at cold temperature and almost of all sensory quality attributes slightly decreased (colour, taste, flavour, aroma and overall acceptability). Highest colour scores were found in jam with table sugar, while jam with only Coconut sugar and palm sugar had least colour scores. This may be due to oxidative loss of pigments, changes in pH and non-enzymatic browning. However the jams with combination of 25% palm sugar+75% table sugar had good colour scores. Significantly highest flavour scores were found in jams with 25% palm sugar+75% Table sugars, which might be due to its interaction with organic acids, change in the ratios between volatile flavour compounds. Highest overall acceptability scores was found in jam with 100% table sugar followed by jams substituted with 25% and 75% palm sugar. Overall acceptability scores decreased slightly during storage. This might be due to decline in colour, consistency and flavor scores. The increase in microbial load after 90 days of storage was negligible and safe for consumption. The jam formulated by substituting with 25% palm sugar + 75% table sugar ( T7) and 75% palm sugar + 25% table sugar( T6) were on par with formulated with 100% table sugar(T1-control) and had a good shelf life without the addition of artificial preservatives under refrigerated conditions and were rated as best recipes. The main cause of quality deterioration is syneresis in jams formulated with palm sugars during storage.Furthermore, the formula optimization, process improvement, and shelf life needed to be determined. Palm sugar is often considered a better alternative to regular table sugar. Unlike table sugar, which is mainly empty calories, palm sugar retains nutrients from its source, the palm tree and provides small quantities of iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium, as well as antioxidants. Conclusively, it can be suggested that combinations of unrefined natural sweeteners such as coconut and palm sugars have multiple benefits because they provide synergistic taste enhancement when used in different proportions, can also allow the improvement of functional and censorial characteristics desired for a product. Further combination of these natural sweeteners can also overcome the sensory limitations of individual sweeteners and also permit the reduction of the amounts needed for each individual component.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON THE INFLUENCE OF TIME AND INTENSITY OF PRUNING ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF CUSTARD APPLE (Annona squamosa L.) cv. BALANAGAR(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-06-27) V. ASHOK; Dr. A. KIRAN KUMARCustard apple (Annona squamosa L.) can be called as a delicacy of dry region due to its very sweet delicate flesh. It belongs to family Annonaceae and originated in tropical region of America. It is a deciduous or semi deciduous tall woody shrub of about 5-6 meters height having irregularly spreading branches. Plants exhibit leaf shedding in winter season and production of flowers on new shoots indicating the need for pruning to boost up production. To evaluate the effect of pruning studies were conducted on the influence of time and intensity of pruning on growth, yield and quality of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) cv. Balanagar” were carried out during the period from March, 2015 to December, 2015 at Fruit Research Station (FRS), Sangareddy, Medak District, SKLTSHU, Telangana. Studies were conducted on the effect of time of pruning i.e. March, April and May (in the first week of every month at 30 days interval) and effect of pruning intensities i.e. 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm from top of the shoot and control on growth, yield and fruit quality of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) cv. Balanagar with 15 treatments replicated twice in RBD with factorial concept. Among the treatments in pruning time May pruning recorded significantly minimum number of days for sprouting of buds, first flower appearance and also increased the number of new leaves, leaf area index, number of days taken for first fruit harvest after pruning, number of days taken for first fruit harvest after flowering, number of fruits per pruned shoot, number of fruits per plant. Among the intensity of pruning treatments 30 cm pruning intensity increased the number of new leaves, new shoot length, leaf area index, fruit set (%), number of fruits per pruned shoot and number of fruits per plant and decreased the number of days taken for first flower appearance, number of days taken for first fruit harvest after flowering. 40 cm pruning intensity recorded early sprouting of buds and early flowering but due to severity of pruning the length of shoot, leaf area index, fruit yield and size of the fruit is decreased. Among the interaction studies significant increase of new shoot length, leaf area index, number of fruits per pruned shoot, number of fruits per plant was noticed in May pruning with 30 cm intensity. May pruning with 30 cm intensity recorded best result in fruit diameter, fruit weight and fruit yield. Among the quality parameters like pulp %, TSS, total sugars and reducing sugars recorded maximum in May pruning 30 cm pruning intensity. Pulp to seed ratio, seed %, acidity, non reducing sugars and shelf life have non significant effect on pruning time and intensity. Phenol content was recorded minimum in may pruning with 30 cm pruning intensity. In conclusion, May pruning with 30 cm intensity recorded significantly highest fruit yield per plant without impairing the quality of fruit followed by 20 cm pruning intensity.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON NONDESTRUCTIVE POST HARVEST QUALITY ASSESSMENT AS A MATURITY INDEX FOR MANGO (Mangifera indica L.) cv. BANESHAN(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-07-07) PONNADA TENE KAVITHA; Dr. A. KIRAN KUMARThe present research study entitled ‘Studies on nondestructive post-harvest quality assessment as a maturity index for mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Baneshan’ was conducted at Fruit Research Station, Sangareddy, Telangana State during the year 2014-15. The experiment was carried out in Factorial Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The experiment was executed with objectives to develop a non-destructive method to measure quality index of mango cv. Baneshan, to study and compare the most common indices used for deciding the postharvest quality, study the impact of ethylene on maturity stages of harvest, quality and shelf life of mango cv. Baneshan at ambient conditions. In the experiment, three factors viz., (A) Maturity stages, (B) Ethrel treatment(C) Storage at ambient temperature were taken for test. Mangoes harvested at four maturity stages M1 (7-80 B), M2 (8-90 B), M3(9-100B) and M4(10-110B) were given two treatments (T1) Ethrel treatment @ 750ppm and (T2) control (water dip). The treated mangoes were stored for sixteen days at ambient conditions. The fruits at M1 (7-80 B) and M2 (8-90 B) were upto sixteenth day during storage and the fruits at M3 (9-100B) and M4 (10-110B) were only upto tenth day during storage. Factor three (storage days) only six treatments were considered i.e., from zero day to tenth day Mangoes picked randomly from the treated lot and evaluated at two day interval by adopting respective destructive methods for TSS(0B), Firmness (Kg cm-2), PWL(%), Total sugars(%), Reducing sugars (%), Non Reducing sugars (%),Vit C (mg/100g), Acidity (%), O2(%) and CO2(%). Chlorophyll content of all the fruits was recorded simultaneously using DA(IAD) meter, a portable non-destructive device. The DA(IAD) reading of the fruits decreased significantly during storage as ripening advanced. Mangoes on 0 day indicated significantly high DA(IAD) reading of 1.51 followed by 1.36, 1.27, 1.17, 0.94, 0.82 on, and 2nd , 4th , 6th , 8th, day and 10th day respectively. Similar decreasing trend in DA(IAD trend was recorded with advancement of maturity. Highest DA(IAD) (1.22) was recorded at 7-80 B followed by stages 8-90(1.18), 9-100 B (1.18) and 10-110 B (0.17). Similarly, TSS differed significantly among different maturity stages. Highest TSS of 13.080 B was recorded at 10-110 followed by stages 9-100, 8-90 and 7-80 showing TSS of 11.760 B, 10.260 B and 9.89 0 B respectively. Among the fruits stored at ambient temperature, an increasing trend was noticed as the ripening advanced. Significantly high TSS of 13.380 B was recorded on 10th day followed by 8th day, 6th , 4th day, 2nd day 0 day with TSS of 12.360 B, 11.840 B, and 10.910 B, 9.90 0 B and 9.120 B respectively. The mangoes showed a decreasing trend as the ripening progressed during storage at ambient temperature. Mangoes on 0 day indicated significantly high firmness of 15.23 kg cm-2 followed by 13.66 kg cm-2, 12.33 kg cm-2, 7.98 kg cm-2, 6.20 kg cm-2 and 5.66 kg cm-2 on 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th day respectively. The DA(IAD) were related to the values of quality parameters for assessment of fruit quality and maturity indices by non-destructive method and correlation analysis show that a good correlation exists between the infrared spectrometer values and values of destructively measured quality attributes were significant. The evaluation of non-destructive instrument with DA meter has shown that it is a potential addition to the measurement of maturity of mango and internal quality. DA(IAD)can be related to the values of quality parameters for assessment of fruit quality and maturity indices by non-destructive method.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF PRE & POST HARVEST TREATMENTS AND PACKAGING MATERIALS ON SHELF LIFE AND QUALITY OF MANGO (Mangifera indica L.) CV. AMRAPALI(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-07-11) TADURI MOUNIKA; Dr.N.N.REDDYThe present investigation entitled “Studies on the effect of pre & post harvest treatments and packaging materials on shelf life and quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cv. Amrapali” was carried out in CRIDA, Santhosh Nagar, Hyderabad during the year 2015. A total set of 3 experiments were conducted to study the performance of pre harvest treatments (Experiment-I), packaging materials (Experiment-II) and post harvest chemical treatments (Experiments-III) on shelf life and quality of mango Cv. Amrapali. The 1st experiment was imposed with 13 treatments of CaCl2 sprays with 0.5, 1, 1.5% and GA3 sprays 25, 50, 75ppm, control at 20,10days before harvest (DBH) in RBD design. In the present study, among all the treatments, (T6) GA375ppm spray at 20 DBH recorded significantly maximum number of days taken for ripening (16.0), Shelf life (21.0 days),fruit weight (341g), pulp weight (218.23g), Stone weight(61.63g),fruit volume (326.66ml), pulp to peel ratio(3.57 ), pulp to stone ratio (3.54), TSS (21.66oB), acidity (0.22%), total sugars (16.24%), reducing sugars (6.57), non reducing sugars (9.26), organoleptic score (8.23), and non significant difference was found for fruit length, fruit breadth. Highest shelf life of fruits was found in GA3 75 ppm sprays at 20DBH treated fruits followed by CaCl2 1.5 % sprays at 20 DBH treated fruits lowest shelf life of fruits was found in control (11.33). In the 2nd experiment, 8 treatments replicated thrice with CRD designed on (T1)LDPE+5%perforation,(T2)LDPE+Blottingpaper,(T3)LDPE+5%perforation+bl otting paper inside, (T4) Jute gunny bag, (T5) cloth bag,(T6) Plastic fertilizer bag, (T7)Mesh bag.(T8)Control, in this study the results revealed that fruits packed in (T1)LDPE+5%perforation recorded significantly lower physiological loss in weight(%), higher fruit firmness, lower spoilage per cent, good color development, lower ripening percentage, Significantly higher, acidity (%)TSS (oB) and sugars (%) (Reducing and total) correspondingly increased the shelf life up to 16.33 days; the fruits kept under control recorded the shelf life up to 9.66 days only. In 3rd experiment, 9 treatments replicated thrice with CRD design on (T1) CaCl2 1%, (T2) CaCl2 2%, (T3)Ca(NO3)2 1%, (T4)Ca(NO3)2 2%, (T5) KNO31%,(T6) KNO3 2%,(T7) CMC 0.5%, (T8) CMC 1%, (T9)control treatments, in this study the results revealed that fruits treated with Ca(No3)2 2% (T4), recorded significantly lower physiological loss in weight(%), higher fruit firmness, lower spoilage per cent, good color development, lower ripening percentages, significantly higher, acidity (%), TSS(oB) and sugars (%) (Reducing and total) correspondingly increased the shelf life up to 20.33 days, The fruits kept under control recorded the shelf life up to 9.33 days only. The findings from the studies concluded that pre harvest treatment with GA375ppm spray at 20 DBH followed by CaCl21.5% spray at 20DBH for improving the shelf life, quality and fruit chemical parameters, fruits packed in LDPE bag with 5%perforation followed by LDPE bag with 5%perforation+blotting paper, post harvest chemical treatment with Ca(NO3)2 2%,1% followed by CaCl2 2% significantly recorded the maximum fruit firmness, shelf life, lower PLW, good color development, minimum spoilage, higher TSS, total, reducing, non reducing sugars during storage.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC DIVERGENCE FOR YIELD AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES IN TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum L.)(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-07-12) NAVEEN. B. L; Dr. K. RAVINDER REDDYThe present investigation was undertaken to estimate the genetic divergence for yield and yield attributes in tomato and to carry out yield component analysis through correlation and path analysis. Thirty genotypes were sown in a randomized block design with three replications during rabi, 2015-16 at College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The objective of the experiment was to study the genetic divergence, genetic variability, heritability and to assess the nature of association and correlation of different component characters on yield and identify divergent genotypes to use as donor parents in hybridization programmes among the germplasm in tomato. The D2 analysis was carried out for fifteen characters, which partitioned the thirty genotypes into eight clusters. The maximum genetic divergence was observed between clusters VII and VI followed by between clusters VII and IV. The maximum intra cluster distance was shown by cluster II. Plant height followed by number of fruits per plant, lycopene, days to fruit set, TSS, titrable acidity, TSS: Acid ratio, ascorbic acid content, days to first flowering and average fruit weight contributed greatly towards diversity. The clusters showed high genetic divergence that could be effectively utilized in heterosis breeding programme. If a breeding programme is used at improving nutritional characters, then cluster V showing maximum total soluble solids, cluster II showing maximum titrable acidity, cluster I showing maximum ascorbic acid and lycopene content that can be utilized in breeding program. The analysis of variance revealed significant difference for fifteen characters studied and reported that there was sufficient amount of variability exist among the genotypes. Wide range of variability was observed for plant height, days to fruit set, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit yield per hectare and ascorbic acid indicating the scope for selection of suitable initial breeding material for further improvement. High PCV and GCV estimates were recorded for plant height, number of branches, number of fruits per plant, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, total soluble solids, acidity, TSS :acid ratio, lycopene and beta carotene content. The difference between PCV and GCV values were minimum, indicating that the traits under study were less influenced by environment and these characters could be improved by following phenotypic selection. Genetic advance estimates were high (>20%) for plant height, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and fruit yield per hectare. Genetic advance as per cent of mean was high (>20%) for plant height, number of branches per plant,days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to fruit set, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, total soluble solids, acidity, TSS :Acid ratio, ascorbic acid, lycopene and beta carotene content aforesaid traits recorded high h2(b) (>60%) estimates also. This indicated that all the above said traits were under the influence of additive gene action and simple selection process based on phenotypic performance of these traits would be effective. In a true agreement with the GCV and PCV values in the present investigation for the fifteen characters was noticed, indicating additive genetic variance governing the high heritability with genetic advance as percent of mean. Thus a breeder can employ a simple selection process which will be a rewarding one to improve the characters viz., plant height, number of branches per plant, days to fruit set, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, total soluble solids, acidity, TSS :Acid ratio, lycopene and beta carotene. For days to first flowering, days to 50 per cent flowering and ascorbic acid high heritability with low GA as per cent of mean indicates non additive action controlling the traits. Thus, selection for these may not be rewarding. From correlation studies, it was observed that fruit yield per plant has exhibited highly significant positive association with plant height, average fruit weight, fruit yield per hectare, lycopene and beta carotene. Path analysis revealed that maximum positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant was exhibited by plant height, number of branches per plant, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per hectare, acidity and TSS: Acid ratio. Therefore, it is emphasized to lay attention on these traits in crop improvement programme of tomato in future. In addition to the genetic divergence, considering the mean performance of the genotypes among the different traits studied, the following were identified as promising lines. Four genotypes viz., EC-011309 from VII and EC620563, EC620414 and EC620775 from I clusters for fruit yield. Five genotypes viz., EC-620408 from III and EC-620494, EC631325, EC801753, EC620414 from I clusters for earliness. Two genotypes EC-801737 from VIII and EC-801751 from II clusters for number of branches. Five genotypes viz., EC-801747 from V, EC-620639, EC631407, EC801753 from I and EC-010326 and EC-620642 from II clusters for fruit quality were superior and they can be used for future breeding programmes.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC DIVERGENCE STUDIES IN OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.)(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-07-13) PRASATH. G; Dr. K. RAVINDER REDDYThe present investigation was undertaken to estimate the genetic divergence in okra and to carry out yield component analysis through correlation and path analysis. Thirty genotypes were sown in a randomized block design with three replications during rabi, 2015-16 at College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The objective of the experiment was to identify divergent genotypes to use as donor parents in hybridization programmes. The D2 analysis for twenty characters partitioned the thirty genotypes into eight clusters. The maximum genetic divergence was observed between cluster VI and VIII followed by between clusters I and VIII. The maximum intra cluster distance was shown by cluster VI. The characters number of branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, total number of pickings, fruit weight, fruit length and fruit yield per plant contributed greatly towards diversity. The clusters showing high genetic divergence could be effectively utilized in heterosis breeding programme. If a breeding programme is used at improving growth attributes like plant height, then cluster VI showing maximum plant height can be utilized in breeding programme. Therefore, a plant breeder may keep in mind the above aspects to obtain superior hybrids and good recombinants. The analysis of variance revealed significant difference for twenty characters studied suggesting considerable amount of variability exists among the genotypes. Wide range of variability was observed for plant height, number of seeds per fruit, iodine content, yellow vein mosaic virus infestation and fruit yield per plant indicating the scope for selection of suitable initial breeding material for further improvement. In a true agreement with the GCV and PCV values in the present investigation for most of the characters was noticed, indicating additive genetic variance governing the high heritability (>60%) with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was high (>20%) for plant height, number of branches, internodal length, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, fruit length, fruit girth, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit, number of pickings, 100 seed weight, ascorbic acid, crude fibre content, protein content, iodine content and fruit yield per plant. Hence there could be exercised for improvement through selection. From correlation studies it was observed that fruit yield per plant has exhibited highly positive and significant association with plant height, number of branches per plant, internodal length, days to last harvest, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit, 100 seed weight and number of pickings, ascorbic acid content and iodine content. Therefore, it is emphasized to lay attention on these traits in crop improvement programme of okra in future. The results on path analysis indicated that the characters which exhibited maximum positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant and positive associations like plant height, internodal length, days to 50% flowering, days to first harvest, days to last harvest, fruit length, fruit girth, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit and iodine content would be more effective to bring improvement of yield and to evolve superior high yielding genotypes in okra. On the basis of mean performance of the genotypes among traits studied, IC-18960 and IC-12994 from cluster VI were found to be best in almost all the attributes i.e., growth, earliness, fruit traits, biotic stresses and yield. Hence, for exploitation of fruit quality three genotypes i.e., IC-10533, IC-29119 and EC-755648 were found to be best for qualitative characters. So, these genotypes were considered the best genotypes and would be used as parental source in future breeding programmes.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON NUTRITIONAL DISORDERS OF GERBERA (Gerbera jamesonii L.)(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-07-23) CHANNAPURAPU SAI RATNA SHARAVANI; DR. B. NEERAJA PRABHAKARThe present investigation entitled “ studies on nutritional disorders of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) was carried out in Floricultural Research Institute, A.R.I, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the year 2015-16 using hydroponics under shade net to develop and describe the nutrient deficiency symptoms of N, P, K , Ca, Mg, S, Mn, B, Fe, Zn and Cu. The experiment was conducted in CRD with 12 treatments and three replications. The influence of different nutrients on the growth, dry matter production, nutrient content and uptake were also recorded. Plants of Gerbera var. Savannah were grown with complete modified Hoagland solution and nutrient deficiency treatments were induced with a complete nutrient formula minus one of the nutrients.Withholding of different nutrients from the nutrient medium resulted in characteristic visual symptoms on foliage and growth of Gerbera plants. Nitrogen deficiency appeared at 21 DAT which resulted in yellowing of older leaves, P deficiency symptoms appeared at 30 DAT and deficiency resulted in dark green leaves and highly affected root system where in tap root was elongated. The K deficiency symptoms appeared at 30 DAT which appeared as tannish brown necrosis along the margins of older leaves. Calcium starved plants expressed deficiency symptoms in younger leaves at 25 DAT which resulted in leathery, brittle and pale green colour with whitish spots. Symptoms of Mg deficiency appeared at 32 DAT which was exhibited as intervienal chlorosis on older leaves. Sulphur deficiency symptoms appeared at 40 DAT and showed uniform chlorosis on younger leaves. Among micronutrients, plants grown in Mn deficient treatment did not express visual deficiency symptoms. Boron deficiency symptoms resulted in marginal necrosis of leaf apex on newly emerging leaves at 21 DAT. Iron deficiency symptoms appeared at 40 DAT as intervienal chlorosis on younger leaves. Zinc deficient plants expressed symptoms at 35 DAT which showed intervienal chlorosis on older leaves. Copper deficiency symptoms appeared at 20 DAT which resulted in distorted young leaves. Gerbera plants grown in different nutrient deficient solutions showed reduced plant growth when compared to plants supplied with complete nutrient solution. Nitrogen deficiency significantly influenced the growth parameters and resulted in reduced plant height, leaf number plant-1, leaf area, root length, dry weight of shoot and root & shoot/root ratio. Besides, minimum SLW and maximum SLA were recorded. Plants grown in complete nutrient solution recorded maximum values for most growth parameters. However, SLA was low in plants grown in complete nutrient solution whereas, shoot/root ratio recorded maximum in Fe deficient solution. Leaf analysis revealed that in deficiency situation, content of individual mineral element was reduced. Some interactions between nutrients also showed up. Nitrogen content was enhanced in K deficient treatment, P content in Zn deficient treatment, K, Ca and Mn content in Mg deficient treatment, Mg content in K deficient treatment, S content in N deficient treatment, B content in Ca deficient treatment, Fe content in Cu deficient treatment, Zn content in Fe deficient treatment and Cu content in Fe deficient treatment were increased. The nutrient uptake was recorded at the end of experiment and plants grown in complete nutrient solution recorded maximum uptake of all macro (except P & Ca) and micronutrients (except Fe & Cu). The treatment without Zn recorded higher uptake of P, similarly higher uptake of Ca in B deficient treatment, Fe in Cu & Mn deficient treatments, Cu in Zn deficient treatment. In general uptake of different mineral elements in leaves of Gerbera plants was directly proportional to the amount of growth put forth under different nutrient deficiencies. In the present study, without N and without Cu treatments showed early symptoms (21 and 20 DAT respectively). Plant growth was greatly reduced by N deficiency followed by P, K, Ca and Fe. Whereas, treatment without Mn did not resulted in any visual symptoms during the period of study (60 DAT).ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON TISSUE CULTURE IN GERBERA (Gerbera jamesonii L.)(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-07-25) T. Navya Swetha; Dr. A. GIRWANIThe present investigation entitled “STUDIES ON TISSUE CULTURE IN GERBERA’’ (Gerbera jamesonii L.) was carried out at “AGRI-BIOTECH FOUNDATION” in PJTSAU campus and College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the year 2015-2016. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to determine the response of capitulum explants of gerbera for micropropagation through enhanced axillary shoot method in an elite gerbera variety ‘Savannah’. The present study was conducted under four experiments for regeneration of capitulum explants in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different hormonal concentrations with an objective to determine the best concentration of growth regulators for culture establishment, shoots multiplication, rooting of in vitro shoots and further to standardize suitable hardening media for establishment of gerbera plants. In the first experiment, for culture establishment ten treatments were formulated namely MS basal medium (control), MS medium + BAP, MS medium + BAP + IAA, MS medium + BAP + NAA at different concentrations. Among the treatments MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/L BAP + 0.1 mg/L of IAA was found to be the best medium for culture establishment wherein there were maximum number of responded explants (6.00) and took shortest time for primordial emergence (14.66 days). In the second experiment for shoot multiplication in gerbera, seven treatments were formulated with MS basal medium (control), MS medium + BAP + NAA at different concentrations for shoot multiplication. MS medium supplemented 2 mg/L BAP + 0.5 mg/L NAA was found to produce maximum number of shoots (25.00) in shortest time (12.33 days). In the third experiment for standardization of basal media for in vitro rooting , seven treatments were formulated with MS basal medium (control), MS medium + IBA, MS medium + NAA at different concentrations. MS medium supplemented with 2mg/L IBA was best medium for in vitro rooting because it showed highest per cent rooting (83.33%), earlier rooting (19.00) with maximum root length (54.66 mm). In the fourth experiment media was standardized for establishment and acclimatization of regenerated plants and eight treatments were formulated with sand (control), cocopeat, vermiculite and vermicompost individually and in different combinations. In vermiculite + vermicompost (1:1, v/v) medium, survival percentage was maximum (80.00%) with maximum plant height (47.00 mm). Conclusively, it can be suggested that for regeneration of gerbera from capitulum explants, a combination of MS medium supplemented with 3mg/L BAP + 0.1mg/L IAA was best for initial culture establishment while for shoot multiplication in shortest time, MS medium supplemented with 2mg/L BAP + 0.5mg/L NAA was best. Further rooting of in vitro explants, the MS medium supplemented with 2mg/L IBA was found to be the best media. While, vermiculite + vermicompost (1:1) was found to be the the best media for acclimatization of in vitro raised gerbera plantlets.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF DATES OF SOWING ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF SEEDS IN GARDEN CRESS (Lepidium sativum L.)(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-07-30) ATHMAKURI JOHN SHANTHI PRIYA DARSHINI; Dr. M. PADMAThe investigation entitled “EFFECT OF DATES OF SOWING ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF SEEDS IN GARDEN CRESS (Lepidium sativum L.)” was conducted at Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the period of September 2015- March 2016. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with 8 planting dates as treatments. The treatments were replicated three times. The study consisted of 8 treatments with different dates of sowing viz., (i) 15th September (T1) (ii) 30th September (T2) (iii) 15th October (T3) (iv) 30th October (T4) (v) 15th November (T5) (iv) 30th November (T6) (vii) 15th December (T7) (viii) 30th December (T8). Five plants were selected at random from each treatment and tagged for recording biometric observations. The data were recorded at an interval of 30, 60, DAS and at harvest for assessing growth parameters like plant height, primary branches, dry matter production of whole plant and recorded maximum values in 30th October sown crop (T4). Physiological parameters like Leaf Area Index, Absolute Growth Rate, Crop Growth Rate and Relative Growth Rate recorded maximum values for 30th October sowing for 30 DAS and 60 DAS resulted and where as minimum LAI and RGR were recorded in 15th September sowing (T1) but AGR and CGR recorded minimum values in 30th December (T8). Among yield attributes viz., siliquae plant -1, seed yield plant-1, seed yield plot- 1, seed yield ha-1, harvest index (%), test seed weight (g) recorded significantly maximum in 30th October (T4) sowing. Minimum values were recorded in 30th December (T8) sowing. Number of seed siliqua-1 was non-significant with all dates of sowing. Quality parameters like vitamin C content in leaves (mg/100g), mucilage content (%) recorded significantly maximum values in 30th October sowing (T4) and minimum with 30th December (T8). Total phenol content (mg/100g) was nonsignificant with all dates of sowing. The present investigation conducted under Hyderabad conditions has revealed that sowing of Garden cress on 30th October resulted maximum values in all the parameters including B:C ratio (6.01:1). The minimum B:C ratio (3.01:1) was recorded with 15th September sown crop (T1) in garden cress. Correlation studies revealed that Temperature (max) was significantly correlated negatively with number of primary branches and seed yield. Temperature (min) was significantly correlated negatively with plant height, dry matter accumulation, siliquae plant-1 and all other quality parameters. RH-I was negatively correlated with plant height, number of primary branches and seed yield whereas, RH-II correlated positively with vitamin C content in leaves (mg/100g) and it is nonsignificant with all other growth, yield and quality parameters. Rainfall showed negative correlation with dry matter accumulation. Regression studies showed significantly positive association with seed yield with growth and yield parameters.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF PRETREATMENTS AND PACKAGING MATERIALS ON QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF GRAPE POMACE(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-08-06) P. MAMATHA; Dr. K. VANAJALATHAGrape (Vitis vinifera L), basically temperate crop which has got adapted to sub-tropical climate of peninsular India belongs to the family Vitaceae and one of the most important commercial fruit crops of India. In India, Grape occupies 1.6% of total fruit area, 2.9% of total fruit production and grown in an area of 118.7 thousand hectares with a total production of 2585.3 thousand MT and productivity of 21.8 MT/ha (NHB 2015-16 data base). In India, Maharashtra is the leading state in grape production and Telangana accounts for only 1 per cent of total production. Grape is rich source of phenolic and fiber compounds and intake of grape products such as juice or wine have recognized health benefits (Xia et al, 2010). About 80% of the world production is utilized for wine making, 10% for table purpose and the balance 10% for raisin and juice purpose. Among grape processing industries, the wine industry produces million tons of left-over followed by juice industries that represent an ecological and economical waste management issue. About 20% of the weight of processed grapes remains as grape pomace (Pomace is the general term for any solid material such as the skins, pulp and seeds leftover after wine or juice extraction). Unlike grape flesh, grape skin and seeds are the potential source of antioxidant and anticarcinogenic phenolic compounds (Cantos et al, 2002) and also contains concentrated pro-anthocyanidins, carotenoids, xanthophylls, anthocyanins, tannins etc. Grape pomace is a good source of polyphenols containing approximately 40% fiber, 16% oil, 11% proteins and 7% complex phenols, sugars, mineral and salts etc (kim et al, 2006). Recovery of phenols and fibre from grape pomace has attracted increasing attention in the past years, and industries are finding high value and sustainable alternative to the residues. Grape pomace is a potential source of phytochemicals that may be recovered as functional compounds for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food industries and as biopesticides (Fontana et al, 2013). It is also known that polyphenols have health-promoting effects and anti-aging properties (Fontana et al, 2013) there by prevent risk factors related to metabolic syndrome and several chronic diseases in aging humans (Galleano et al, 2012). These biological properties of polyphenols are attributed mainly to their powerful antioxidant, metal chelating and antiradical activities.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF GROWTH REGULATORS AND NUTRIENTS ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF GUAVA (Psidium guajava L.) cv. LUCKNOW-49 (SARDAR)(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-08-10) ABHILASH. L; DR. T. SURESH KUMARGuava (Psidium guajava L.) is one of the most popular fruit grown in tropical and subtropical regions of India, which belongs to the family Myrtaceae and originated in Tropical America. It is known as ‘Apple of Tropics’, it is rich source of vitamin-C and pectin content besides being a good source of other vitamins and minerals. One of the novel techniques to improve yield and quality of guava fruit is the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and mineral nutrients. The present investigation was carried out under the objective, to evaluate the effect of growth regulators and nutrients on yield and quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.) Cv. Lucknow-49 (Sardar)” was carried out during the period from August, 2015 to December, 2015 at Horticulture Research Station (HRS), Konda Mallepally, Nalgonda district, SKLTSHU, Telangana. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 13 treatment and 3 replications. The treatments consisted of control (T1), GA3 @ 50ppm (T2), GA3 @ 100ppm (T3), GA3 @ 150ppm (T4), NAA @50 ppm (T5), NAA @ 100 ppm (T6), NAA @150 ppm (T7), urea @ 1% (T8), urea @ 2% (T9), urea @ 3% (T10), borax @ 0.2% (T11), borax @ 0.4% (T12), and borax @ 0.6% (T13) were sprayed twice at 30 days and 60 days after flowering in Mrig bahar season. The various yield and yield attributing parameters like number of fruits /plant, diameter of fruit (cm), fruit yield (kg /plant), yield /ha, average fruit weight (g), number of seeds /fruit, weight of seeds /fruit, seed to pulp ratio and fruit quality parameters like TSS (0Brix), ascorbic acid (mg/100g fresh fruit), pectin (%), titratable acidity (%), total sugars (%), reducing sugars (%), non reducing sugars (%), brix- acid ratio, shelf life (in days) and B:C ratio were recorded. From the study, the results enunciated that, the yield and yield attributing characters were influenced significantly by foliar application of different concentrations of growth regulators and nutrients. The fruit diameter (6.5 cm), average fruit weight (179.33g), yield /tree (67.5kg) and yield /ha (18 t/ha) were found significantly highest with the foliar application of borax 0.6% while, number of fruits /tree (380) were recorded highest with foliar application of NAA @ 150 ppm, number of seeds /fruit (273.67) were recorded lowest with the foliar application of NAA @ 50 ppm, weight of seeds /fruit (4.38g) was recorded lowest with the foliar application of GA3 @ 50 ppm and seed to pulp ratio (0.02) was recorded lowest with the foliar application of GA3 @ 50 ppm and GA3 @ 100 ppm. Data on quality of fruits differed significantly among the treatments. Reducing sugars (4.98%), non reducing sugars (2.77%), total sugars (7.77), TSS (11.70), TSS : acid ratio (30), pectin content (0.83%) and vitamin C (151mg /100g) were found significantly highest with the foliar application of borax 0.6% while, titratble acidity (0.39) was found lowest in borax 0.6%, shelf life (8.3 days) was found significantly highest in GA3 @ 100 ppm and B:C ratio (2.79) was found significantly highest in urea 3%. In conclusion, the treatment T13 (borax @ 0.6%) recorded significantly highest fruit yield per plant without impairing the quality of fruit, followed by T12 (borax @ 0.4%) application.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON DIFFERENT STAGES OF MATURITY AND ETHYLENE TREATMENTS ON POST HARVEST BEHAVIOR OF MANGO (Mangifera indica L.) cv. CHINNARASAM AND NAVANEETHAM(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-08-30) SINGAPURAM VENKATESH; Dr. A. KIRAN KUMARThe present research study entitled “studies on different stages of maturity and ethylene treatments on post-harvest behavior of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Chinnarasam and Navaneetham” was conducted at Fruit Research Station, Sangareddy, Medak district, Telangana State during the year 2014 - 15. The experiment was carried out in Factorial Completely Randomized Design with three replications. In the experiment, three factors viz., (A) Cultivars, (B) Maturity stages, (C) ethrel treatments were taken for test. Mango cultivars Chinnarasam and Navaneetham harvested at two maturity stages i.e. M1 (7-90 B) and M2 (9-110 B) were given five treatments viz., (T1) Ethylene treatment @ 250ppm (T2) Ethylene treatment @ 500ppm (T3) Ethylene treatment @ 750ppm (T4) Ethylene treatment @ 1000ppm and (T5) control (water dip). Among the two cultivars Navaneetham recorded significantly lower shelf life in both the maturity stages (M1-7-90 B and M2- 9-110 B) compared to Chinnarasam. The fruits of cv. Chinnarasam and Navaneetham harvested at maturity stage 2 (9-110 B) recorded significantly better quality parameters compared to maturity stage 1(M1 7-90 B). However, the shelf life was less in maturity stage 2 (9-110 B). Among the treatments, though 1000 ppm recorded significantly less number of days taken for ripening, keeping quality and shelf life was less. Whereas treatments T2 and T3 (500 ppm and 750 ppm) recorded significantly higher shelf life in both the varieties harvested at both the maturity stages (M1 7-90 B and M2 9-110 B). Finally to conclude, ethylene treatment @500ppm (ethrel 1.28 ml+ 0.4g NaoH pellets per liter of water) and ethylene treatment @750ppm (ethrel 1.92 ml+ 0.4 g NaoH pellets per liter of water) can be recommended for better quality and shelf life in both the cultivars. However, ethrel @ 500ppm can be recommended for both the varieties in maturity stage 2 (9-110 B, TSS) and ethrel @750ppm can be recommended for maturity stage 1 (7-90 B, TSS).ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON GENETIC DIVERSITY IN BRINJAL (Solanum melongena L.)(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-09-22) B. RAVALI; Dr. K. RAVINDER REDDYThe present investigation was undertaken to estimate the genetic divergence in brinjal and to carry out yield component analysis through correlation and path analysis. Thirty five genotypes were sown in a Randomized Block Design with three replications, during rabi 2015 at College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The objective of the experiment was to identify divergent genotypes to use as donor parents in hybridization programmes. The D2 analysis was carried out for nineteen characters which partitioned the thirty five genotypes into ten clusters. The maximum divergence was observed between cluster VIII and IX indicating that the genotypes of these clusters are highly divergent. Fruit yield per plant and average fruit weight had more contribution to total divergence. Hence selection of one or two genotypes from cluster VIII and IX based on fruit yield per plant and fruit weight and crossing would result in high heterosis and throw useful trangressive segregants. The analysis of variance of RBD revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the 19 characters studied. The values of PCV and GCV for number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit width, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, ascorbic acid content, total phenol content and shoot and fruit borer infestation were high indicating that the variability observed in 35 genotypes was high. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, number of flower clusters per plant, number of flower per clusters, number of fruits per clusters, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit width, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, ascorbic acid content, total phenol content and shoot and fruit borer infestation indicated the involvement of additive gene action and thus the chances of fixing by selection are more to improve such traits. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed highly significant positive association of days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, number of flower clusters per plant, number of flowers per cluster, number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per plant, days to last harvest, fruit length, fruit width, average fruit weight and thus these characters were identified as component characters on which selection can be relied upon for genetic improvement of brinjal. Path coefficient analysis revealed that days to first flowering, days to 50 % flowering, number of flower clusters per plant, number of flowers per cluster, number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per plant, days to last harvest, fruit length, fruit width, average fruit weight, total phenol content had moderate to high positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant, while the remaining characters had negligible to low indirect effect through other component characters. Therefore, average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant are the reliable characters for the improvement of fruit yield. On the basis of mean performance of the genotypes among triats studied, IC-90178, IC-144516, IC-215022, IC-215081 and IC-136098 has been identified as promising genotypes with particular reference to the characters viz., days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to last harvest, fruit length, fruit width, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, shoot and fruit borer infestation and ascorbic acid content. So, these genotypes were considered as the promising genotypes and would be used as parental source in breeding programmes.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF SALINE WASTE WATER IRRIGATION ON GROWTH, SURVIVAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-10-24) RENJU S NAIR; Dr. A. GIRWANIThe present investigation entitled “Effect of saline wastewater irrigation on growth, survival and physiological response of ornamental foliage plants” was carried out at College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the year 2015-16. The twelve foliage species viz., Aralia, Schefflera, Leucophyllum, Dracaena, Cordyline, Coleus, Graptophyllum, Croton, Philodendron, Pleomele, Red bog lily and Chlorophytum were selected for screening of salinity in wastewater. Each of the foliage plant species was imposed with four irrigation treatments consisting of a) tube well water (control-T1), b) 100% wastewater (T2), c) Blending tube well and wastewater in 50:50 ratio (T3) d) Leaching with tube well water after two wastewater irrigation events (T4). The wastewater was collected from seepage of Kattedan industrial area. The experiment was laid out in Factorial CRD in pot culture replicated thrice. The observations were recorded on the plant growth, survival, visual quality and physiological responses to wastewater irrigation. Further the nutrient content of leaves in different treatments and salt build up in soil was analyzed at the end of the experiment. The preliminary analysis of water samples in each of the treatments revealed that wastewater contained higher levels of EC, pH, TDS, Cl, SAR, RSC when compared to tube well water (control) and was categorized as saline wastewater. The wastewater also contained higher amounts of nutrients like N, P, K and micronutrients. The analysis of soil leachate collected from plants flushed with tube well water after two wastewater irrigations (T4) revealed higher levels of EC and pH than tube well water (control). Significant variation in the growth parameters was observed among the foliage plant species in different irrigation treatments. There was a reduction in plant height in all the foliage plant species when irrigated with wastewater (T2) when compared to plants irrigated with tube well water (control-T1). Contrary to this, there was an increase in growth parameters like number of leaves, fresh weight of shoots, and dry weight of shoots in Croton, Pleomele and Philodendron when irrigated with 100% wastewater. While fresh and dry weight of roots had increased in Red bog lily, Croton and Philodendron species. Further leaf area increased in Leucophyllum, Philodendron, Pleomele, Red bog lily and Chlorophytum, when irrigated with wastewater (T2). The observations on visual quality parameters were recorded at fortnightly intervals. The toxic symptoms appeared on foliage of Coleus, Gratophyllum, Cordyline and Red bog lily after 50 days of imposing wastewater treatments. They appeared as yellowing of leaves, chlorosis, necrosis, clearing of pigmentation, cupping of leaves, tip burn and reduction of leaf size. Further slight to severe defoliation was also observed in Coleus, Graptophyllum, Leucophyllum and Red bog lily. While there was 100% mortality of Graptophyllum plants under 100% wastewater irrigation at 120 days after imposing treatments. Among the physiological parameters, the total chlorophyll content in foliage plants species such as Schefflera, Cordyline, Coleus, Graptophyllum and Philodendron increased in wastewater irrigation when compared to control while Relative Water Content (RWC) decreased in all foliage species irrigated with 100% wastewater. The leaf analysis of twelve foliage species revealed an increase in nutrient (N, P) and salt composition (Ca, Na and Cl) under 100% wastewater irrigation (T2). All the foliage species except for Leucophyllum, Coleus, Graptophyllum, Cordyline and Red bog lily showed maximum K and K/Na ratio under wastewater irrigation while maximum Mg content was recorded in all the foliage species except for Aralia, under irrigation with blended water (T3). The soil under different wastewater treatments were analysed at the end of the experiment and the results revealed that the EC and pH was highest in wastewater irrigated soil when compared to tube well water (control-T1). Further, the soil analysis also revealed that nutrient and salt content of soils irrigated with wastewater had increased when compared to control. Based on the growth, survival, visual quality parameters and physiological responses of the foliage species, Aralia, Schefflera, Dracaena, Croton, Philodendron, Pleomele and Chlorophytum were found to be highly tolerant to salinity hence performed best under wastewater treatments. The relative tolerance of these species to saline wastewater was judged based on their ability to survive under high EC along with high accumulation of root and shoot biomass, ion content and K/Na ratio. The foliage plant species viz., Graptophyllum, Coleus, Leucophyllum, Cordyline and Red bog lily were found to be highly sensitive to salinity under wastewater irrigation where visual quality was reduced. The nutrient composition and salt buildup in both leaf tissue and soil increased when irrigated with wastewater however it was in safer limits for irrigating salt tolerant species. The beneficial impact of flushing with tubewell water after two wastewater irrigation events in containerized plants removed excess salts and was found to be congineal for growing foliage plants. Blending of both tube well water and wastewater reduced water EC hence emerged as a viable option for irrigating sensitive foliage plant species. The present study has established that wastewater can be a viable option for irrigating containerized foliage plants with proper leaching without affecting the plant or soil health. Thus with the adoption of suitable salt tolerant species, wastewater provides an additional and viable irrigation source where the supply of fresh water is limited.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC DIVERGENCE FOR YIELD AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES IN VEGETABLE AMARANTH (Amaranthus spp.) GENOTYPES(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-10-25) N. TEJASWINI; Dr. K. RAVINDER REDDYIn the present investigation entitled “Genetic divergence for yield and yield attributes in vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) genotypes”, a set of 27 genotypes comprising of 25 germplasm lines and two checks of vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design with three replications at the PG Research Block, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during rabi, 2016 for nineteen characters related to foliage yield and its attributes so as to identify the horticulturally superior genotypes. The analysis of variance of RBD revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the 19 characters studied this indicated the availability of variability among the genotypes studied. The D2 analysis was carried out for nineteen characters, which partitioned the twenty seven genotypes into four clusters. The maximum divergence was observed between cluster III and IV indicated that the genotypes of these clusters were highly divergent. Total foliage yield per plant, folic acid, ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll content, plant height at 60 DAS, iron content, moisture content, protein content and carotenoids had more contribution to total divergence. Hence, selection for divergent parents based on these characters will be useful for heterosis breeding in vegetable amaranth. The values of PCV and GCV for plant height, stem diameter, number of branches per plant, leaf area index, number of leaves per plant, leaf weight per plant, leaf/stem ratio each at 30, 60 and 90DAS, stem weight per plant (30 and 60 DAS), leaf length (30 and 90 DAS), total foliage yield per plant, total chlorophyll content, carotenoids, protein content, ascorbic acid and oxalate content were high indicated that the variability observed in 27 genotypes was high. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for plant height, stem diameter, stem weight per plant, number of branches per plant, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area index, number of leaves per plant, leaf weight per plant, leaf/ stem ratio each at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, total foliage yield per plant, total chlorophyll content, carotenoids, protein content, ascorbic acid, oxalate content, iron content and folic acid indicated the involvement of additive gene action and thus the chances of fixing by selection are more to improve such traits. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed highly significant positive association of plant height, stem diameter, stem weight per plant, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area index, leaf weight per plant, leaf/stem ratio at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, total chlorophyll content, protein content, ascorbic acid, moisture content, iron content and folic acid with foliage yield suggesting that selection based on these characters will be useful in increasing yield per plant in vegetable amaranth. Path coefficient analysis revealed that plant height (60 DAS), stem diameter (60 DAS), stem weight per plant (30 DAS), leaf length (60 and 90DAS), leaf width (60 and 90 DAS), leaf weight per plant (30, 60 and 90 DAS), leaf/stem ratio (30 and 90 DAS), protein content, ascorbic acid and folic acid had positive direct effect on foliage yield and also showed positive significant correlation with foliage yield indicated that these traits are more reliable for selection for genetic improvement of foliage yield. On the basis of mean performance, five genotypes viz., IC-522214, IC- 536718, IC-536712, IC-536699 and IC-536728 has been identified as promising genotypes with particular reference to the characters viz., leaf length, leaf width, leaf area index, leaf weight per plant, total foliage yield per plant, total chlorophyll content, protein content, ascorbic acid, moisture content, iron content and folic acid. So, these genotypes are considered as the promising and would be used as parental source in breeding programme.ThesisItem Open Access IMPACT OF GROWTH RETARDANTS ON GROWTH AND FLORAL CHARACTERS OF CHRYSANTHEMUM POTMUMS (Dendranthema grandiflora)(College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, HYD-30, 2016-11-01) B. SHAILAJA; Dr. R. CHANDRASHEKHARThe present investigation entitled “Impact of growth retardants on growth and floral characters of chrysanthemum potmums (Dendranthema grandiflora)”was carried out at floriculture research station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the rabi season of 2015-2016. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to determine the effect of different growth retardants on growth characters and floral characters of chrysanthemum potmums. The experiment was carried out in Completely Randomized Design. In the present experiment, fourteen treatments were imposed with 3 replications.The treatments were T1 (Paclobutrazol 30 ppm), T2 (Paclobutrazol 60 ppm), T3(Paclobutrazol at 90 ppm), T4(Daminozide 500 ppm), T5(Daminozide 750 ppm), T6 (Daminozide 1000 ppm), T7 (Ethephon 250 ppm), T8 (Ethephon 500 ppm), T9 (Ethephon 750 ppm), T10 (Ethephon 1000 ppm), T11(Uniconazole 4 ppm), T12 (Uniconazole 8 ppm), T13 (Uniconazole 16 ppm), T14 (Control). The data on vegetative growth was recorded on plant height, number of primary branches, plant spread at E-W and N-S, leaf length, leaf width, SCMR value, internodal length, diameter of the main stemand data regarding flowering was recorded on days to 1st flower bud appearance, days to 50% flowering, number of flower stems per plant, number of flowers per stem, number of flowers per plant, peduncle length, flower diameter, weight of the flower, duration of flowering, vase life.The results obtained were stastistically analyzed in CRD. Salient features of the findings are summerized here under. Name of the author : B.SHAILAJA Title of the thesis :“IMPACT OF GROWTH RETARDANTS ON GROWTH AND FLORAL CHARACTERS OF CHRYSANTHEMUM POTMUMS (DENDRANTHEMA GRANDIFLORA).” Degree to which it is submitted : MASTER OF SCIENCE Faculty : HORTICULTURE Discipline : FLORICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Major Advisor : Dr. R. CHANDRASHEKHAR University : SRI KONDA LAXMAN TELANGANA STATE HORTICULTURAL UNIVERSITY Year of Submission : 2016 The results of experiment regarding vegetative parameters revealed that maximum reduction in the plant height (16.92 cm), plant spread E-W (19.42 cm) and N-S (17.75 cm), maximum SCMR value (74.86) were recorded with application of paclobutrazol at 90 ppm (T3) which was on par with paclobutrazol at 60 ppm (T2). Maximum diameter of main stem (7.73 mm), leaf length (6.26 cm), leaf width (4.41cm) were found in (T6) daminozide at 1000 ppm. Maximum number of primary branches (7.83) were found with (T1) paclobutrazol at 30 ppm and on par with (T9) ethephon at 750 ppm (7.75). Moderate reduction in plant height (24.25 cm), inter nodal length (0.86 cm), plant spread E-W (32.75cm), plant spread N-S (33.50 cm) were recorded with application of daminozide at 1000 ppm. Maximum reduction in internodal length (0.50 cm) was observed in paclobutrazol 60 ppm (T2) and on par with paclobutrazol at 30 ppm (0.54 cm). With respect to floral parameters earliness in number of days to 1st floral bud appearance (75.17 days) was found with application of daminozide 1000 ppm followed by application of paclobutrazol 90 ppm and daminozide 750 ppm. Earliness in 50% flowering (100.00 days) and maximum duration of flowering (68.00), maximum number of flowers per stem (37.66) and number of flowers per plant (217.25) were found with (T6) daminozide at 1000 ppm which was on par with (T5) daminozide at 750 ppm. Maximum number of flower stems per plant (6.83) were observed in (T12) uniconazole at 8 ppm and was on par with (T11) uniconazole at 4 ppm (6.33). Maximum peduncle length (6.91 cm) was observed with (T4) daminozide at 500 ppm. Maximum diameter (3.98 cm) and weight of the flower (1.46 g) were observed in (T10) ethephon at 1000 ppm. Maximum vase life was found with (T4) daminozide at 500 ppm (16.33 days) which was on par with (T5) daminozide at 750 ppm (15.33 days). The moderate growth reduction and increased chlorophyll in chrysanthemum potmums and earliness in flower bud appearance and 50% flowering, highest number of flowers per stem and number of flowers per plant, duration of flowering were observed with apllication of daminozide at 1000 ppm followed by application of daminozide at 750 ppm. These results were attributed to breakdown of gibberellin bio synthesis and suppression of vegetative growth which in turn promotes more buds to differentiate into flower buds with increased mobilization of photosynthates for flowering, which might have resulted in uniform growth and flowering producing higher quality of potted plants.