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Open Access
Molecular characterization of piper species usiing RAPD technique
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2002) Murugan, C; KAU; Sujatha, V S
The study on "Molecular characterization of Piper species using RAPD techniques" was conducted in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices and CPBMB, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur from December, 1999 to August, 2001. Material included 13 species/accessions of the genus Piper including Piper nigrutn Linn. These were analysed with 20 selected oligomer decamer primers using PCR technique and agarose gel electrophoresis. The selection of ideal DNA isolation technique was done based on observations of purity of bands, quality of the DNA bands and quantity of DNA recovered. The protocol of Edwards et al. (1991) was selected for DNA isolation with additional step of chloroform-isoamyl alcohol treatment. Fifty decamer primers were screened using DNA. of P. nigrum and 20 were selected based on the number of bands produced, reproducibility of the bands and distinctness of the RAPD profile. RAPD profile of the 13 species of Piper were compared for genetic similarity index (using Jaccard's coefficient), with all 20 selected primers separately. Pooled similarity of the twenty primers put together was found out for 9 species which gave amplification for all the 20 selected primers. The results of pooled analysis was subjected to cluster analysis (SAl-IN) and phenetic dcndrogram was constructed employing UPGMA. Four clusters were obtained, comprising of two accessions of P. nigrum In the first, two accessions of P. longum in the second, P. colubrinutn and P. attenuatum forming the third cluster and P. chaba, P. belle and P. arboreum forming the fourth.
Open Access
Extraction and utilization of anthocyanin pigments from jamun ( Syzygium cumini L. )
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Naresh, N; KAU; Sheela, K B
The project entitled “Extraction and utilization of anthocyanin pigments from jamun (Syzygium cumini Skeels.)” was undertaken at the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2013-15. The objectives of the study were standardization of method of extraction of anthocyanin pigment and evaluation of pigment stability to pH, light, temperature, storage conditions and in processed products. Method for extraction of anthocyanin pigments from jamun was standardized. Among the four extraction methods compared, highest content of anthocyanin (61.07mg/100g), recovery per cent (13.75), colour hue (1.30) and colour intensity (1.13) were obtained for acidified solvent extraction method (20% ethanol + 0.5% citric acid). The effect of light and storage conditions on pigment stability was evaluated. Storage in amber coloured bottles under refrigerated conditions was found to be best for anthocyanin pigment due to lesser degradation of the pigment compared to that stored under ambient conditions. The effect of temperature on the anthocyanin content was studied at 70, 80 and 900 C and anthocyanin content was measured at intervals 30 minutes, 45 minutes and one hour of incubation at each temperature. Anthocyanin content decreased from an initial value of 61.25mg/100g to 50.24mg/100g one hour of heating at 900 C. The effect of pH on stability of anthocyanin pigment was studied at different pH ranging from 2.5 to 7 and incubating it for different intervals from one hour to 20 days at room temperature. Anthocyanin content was found to decrease with increase in pH and the least decrease was found at pH 2.5. Anthocyanin content was found to decrease from an initial value of 61.25mg/100g to 34.28mg/100g 20 days after incubation at a pH of 7. Least changes in pH were observed in RTS beverage prepared with 0.3% citric acid and 0.01% ascorbic acid and stored at refrigerated condition (T10). Acidity of the RTS beverage followed an increasing trend during storage, greatest change in acidity was observed in T8 (product coloured with synthetic colour). Ascorbic acid was found to decrease with increase in duration of storage, minimum changes in ascorbic acid was observed in RTS beverage prepared with 0.4% citric acid and 0.02% ascorbic acid and stored at refrigerated condition (T14). RTS beverage stored under refrigerated conditions retained colour throughout the storage period as compared to ambient condition where there was a greater loss of the colour. Addition of ascorbic acid was found to hasten the colour degradation of the beverage under ambient conditions, but under refrigerated conditions there was not much change in colour. Pigment stability in mixed fruit jam was also studied by storing the prepared product under ambient and refrigerated conditions for a period of three months. pH of the mixed fruit jam followed a declining trend during storage, least change in pH was observed in T1 (control under refrigerated condition) during storage. There was no significant change in the colour of the mixed fruit jam stored under refrigerated conditions. A slight darkening of the colour was seen in the bottles stored at ambient condition. Guava RTS beverage and mixed fruit jam was organoleptically evaluated by selected panel of judges. The products kept under refrigerated conditions recorded highest scores for flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability compared to those kept at ambient conditions three months after storage.
Open Access
Seed invigoration to overcome dormancy in ash gourd (Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.)
(Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Shobha, K V; KAU; Rose Mary, Francies
An experiment ‘Seed invigoration to overcome dormancy in ash gourd (Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.),’ was conducted during 2014-2016 in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Vellanikkara, Thrissur, following a completely randomized design with 16 treatments and three replications. The experiment aimed to elucidate the effect of seed invigoration on dormancy in ash gourd, to ascertain the anatomical changes in seed coat on seed treatment and to assess the storage potential of treated seeds under ambient conditions. Seed invigoration was resorted to by soaking seeds of variety KAU Local in water (hydro priming) for 24 hours, thiourea (0.5%) for 24 hours, KNO3 (0.4%) for 24 hours, KNO3 (0.7%) for 24 hours, KH2PO4 (10-1 M) for 24 hours, vinegar (pH 3.7) for 2 hours, polyethylene glycol 6000 (-0.5 MPa) for 24 hours, salicylic acid (60 ppm) for 12 hours, salicylic acid (60 ppm) for 24 hours, kinetin (10 ppm) for 12 hours, kinetin (10 ppm) for 24 hours, CaCl2 (50 mM) for 12 hours, CaCl2 (50 mM) for 24 hours, Psuedomonas fluorescens (1x106 cfu.ml-1) for 12 hours, Psuedomonas fluorescens (1x106 cfu.ml-1 ) for 24 hours. Untreated seeds served as control (T16). Both treated and untreated seeds, dried to < 8 per cent moisture content were packed in polythene bags (400 guage) and stored under ambient conditions upto ten months. The seed quality parameters viz., germination, germination index, coefficient of velocity of germination, energy of germination, mean time to germination, vigour indices I and II, and electrical conductivity of seed leachate were recorded at monthly intervals during storage. Seed microflora as well as histochemical studies to analyse the changes occurring in the dimensions of embryo and proportions of different fractions of seed coat were assessed at bimonthly intervals. Results pointed out the existence of significant differences in the impact of various invigoration treatments on the seed quality and histochemical parameters observed both within 35 days of invigoration as well as during storage. Majority of the seed invigoration treatments were effective in breaking dormancy in ash gourd. Dormancy was first broken in seeds treated with KH2PO4 and kinetin. In the above treatments germination reached above 60 per cent (the minimum standards for seed certification (MSCS) prescribed for ash gourd) on the 11th day after invigoration (DAI). Dormancy in untreated seed was broken only on the 35th day after extraction. However, seed invigoration with salicylic acid, vinegar and PEG 6000, proved to be detrimental. Seed invigoration also helped in extending the viability of seeds. Germination in seeds treated with CaCl2 for 24 hours, was found to be retained above MSCS for seven months during storage, whereas, in untreated seeds, germination above 60 per cent was observed for two months only. Seeds treated with salicylic acid failed to germinate by 35th DAI while those treated with vinegar and polyethylene glycol (PEG) failed to attain MSCS throughout the period of study. The viability of seeds treated with kinetin or CaCl2 for 12 hours and those treated with Pf for either 12 or 24 hours was found to be retained for six months of storage. Germination index, coefficient of velocity of germination, energy of germination, vigour indices I and II in both treated and untreated seeds, increased by 35th DAI and marginally decreased over the period of storage. In all the invigoration treatments, the above mentioned parameters were invariably higher than that of untreated control. However, the performance of seeds treated with salicylic acid, vinegar and PEG 6000 was lower than the untreated seeds. Invariably, the germination index, coefficient of velocity of germination, energy of germination, vigour indices I and II were high in seeds treated with CaCl2 for 24 hours followed by treatment with Pf for 12 hours and CaCl2 for 12 hours. The mean time to germination, electrical conductivity of seed leachate, the thickness of seed coat and its component layers as well as the microbial infection of seed was also observed to be low in these treatments. High and significant positive correlation was found to exist between germination and speed of germination, coefficient of velocity of germination, vigour indices I and II. It became evident that germination in ash gourd will be strongly affected with an increase in thickness of total seed coat or its outer layerthe testa. The thickening of seed coat owing to the thickening of testa will be accompanied with an obvious decrease in germination, germination index and coefficient of velocity of germination, vigour indices I and II. Results thus indicated that poor germination in seeds of ash gourd may be due to water impermeable seed coat (physical dormancy) mainly resulting from thickening of the outer layer (testa). Such dormancy in ash gourd can be best overcome by seed invigoration with CaCl2 (50 mM) for 24 hours. In addition, enhancement of seed viability, seed quality and seedling performance over storage was also achieved. Seed treatment with CaCl2 (50 mM) or Psuedomonas fluorescens (1x106 cfu.ml-1), for 12 hours were found to be the next best to treatment with CaCl2 (50 mM) for 24 hours. Hence, these can also be recommended for breaking dormancy and maintaining high seed quality in ash gourd.
Open Access
Characteization and evaluation of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) accessions
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Vikram, H C; KAU; Mini Raj, N
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) is an introduced crop to India. There exists tremendous variability in the nutmeg population in Kerala, which is the major nutmeg growing state in the country. Assessment of the existing variability is a prerequisite for taking up successful crop improvement programmes, which is very much limited in this tree spice. In this context, the present study entitled “Characterization and evaluation of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) accessions” was taken up exclusively with the specific objectives to characterize nutmeg accessions based on morphological, biochemical and molecular parameters so as to scale the variability in a multidimensional way. Select fifty nutmeg accessions from a core germplasm collected and maintained in a private plantation in the Chalakudy river basin, belonging to age of fifteen years, formed the material for the study. Among the select fifty accessions, forty two were females, four monoecious and four males. In the morphological characterization, 51 qualitative and 38 quantitative characters were recorded from two trees per accession. Biochemical characterization was done in the select seventeen distinct accessions. GC-MS profiling was done in kernel and mace oils. Biochemical constituents of fresh pericarp were estimated. Isozyme profiling was done for peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes. The molecular characterization was attempted with 21 RAPD and 12 ISSR primers after screening. A key for identification of an elite nutmeg tree was developed. A descriptor for nutmeg with a set of 51 qualitative and 38 quantitative parameters and descriptor states for each of these characters was developed as the first step. This is the first study of its kind to develop a minimal descriptor for nutmeg. The descriptor developed from the present study was simultaneously utilised for morphological characterization and evaluation of the accessions. Wide variability was noticed among the accessions for 47 out of 51 qualitative characters. Four characters viz., leaf margin, fruit pubescence, grooves on nut and nature of fruit dehiscence were noted as non variable characters and hence, these were not included for further analysis. Based on the qualitative characters, accessions were classified into 11 clusters at 66 per cent similarity level. Accessions differed significantly for all the quantitative characters except shelling percentage. Performance evaluation of the accessions brought out the superiority of accession 8, 9 and 22 for yield. The accessions showed high GCV, PCV, h2 and genetic gain for most of the characters. Number of fruits per tree, fruit set percentage, number of fruits per m2, fresh and dry weight of mace, mace volume as well ratio of nut to mace exhibited high genetic gain. Hence, selection programme based on these characters will be very effective in improving the base populations. Based on Mahalanobis D2 analysis, accessions were grouped into 10 clusters. Wide range of variation was observed in contents of volatile oil, oleoresin and fixed oil of kernel and mace. Based on these constituents accessions were grouped into 26 clusters, which indicated their distinct quality. Based on the results of the morphological characterization, seventeen distinct accessions were selected for further biochemical and molecular analysis. GC-MS analysis of kernel and mace oils exhibited 20 and 24 constituents respectively. Volatile oil composition exhibited wide variability for the major constituents viz., myristicin, elemicin, safrole and sabinene apart from the presence of some unique compounds. Grouping of the accessions was done based on the per cent content of these important compounds. Two accessions recorded high contents of both myristicin and elemicin whereas another two accessions were in the complimentary; belonging to low myristicin group. High sabinene combined with low myristicin was the intrinsic quality attribute of one of the accessions. Change, as well as addition/deletion of specific constituents was also noticed in the volatile oils after storage for one year. Accessions exhibited wide range of variation in the biochemical constituents of pericarp, a valuable information for the value addition of pericarp. Total phenol and tannins exhibited high variation. The accessions were ranked based on the content of biochemical constituents. Isozyme profiling using peroxidase enzyme produced four bands and that based on polyphenol oxidase exhibited three bands. Molecular markers could assess the variability among the accessions. The selected 21 RAPD primers produced a total of 164 amplicons of which 63.21 per cent were polymorphic. The 12 ISSR primers selected produced a total of 87 amplicons of which 69.44 per cent were polymorphic. Few unique bands were detected for specific characters. Inter cluster association of each of the qualitative clusters with other clustering patterns was worked out. The results indicated the differences as well as similarities of the qualitative clusters with other clustering patterns. Finally, key quantitative characters were identified based on their direct and indirect effect on yield as also economic importance. The statistical key thus developed using 13 key quantitative characters will serve as a preliminary tool for identification of an elite nutmeg tree.
Open Access
Character association of seeds on plant morphology in snakegourd (trichosanthes anguina L.)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Ashok, P; KAU; Rajan, S
The research project 'Character association of seeds on plant morphology in snakegourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.)' was carried out in College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period 1999-2000. The study envisaged to find out the association of various seed characters on the vegetative characters of snakegourd, classification of accessions based on the seed index, growth index and yield index as obtained from principal component analysis and to formulate keys for varietal identification. The 25 accessions were catalogued based on the IBPGR descriptor list. Significant differences for various seed characters, growth characters and yield characters were noticed among the accessions. Correlation studies have shown that the number of seeds per fruit strongly associated with days to male flower opening and fruit maturity. Seed size index was strongly associated with leaf size. The highest seed index value for TAl 08, the highest growth index value for TA 118 and the highest yield index value for TA 114 were obtained as revealed from principal component analysis . . Twenty five accessions were grouped into different clusters based on the seedindex, growth index and yield index. Based upon the seed characters (seed size, seed coat colour and 100 seed weight), growth characters (leaf lobes, leaf pubescence and tendril length) and fruit characters (fruit skin colour, fruit girth, fruit length and fruit weight) keys were developed for varietal identification.
Open Access
Developing technology for production of dry flowers
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Priyesh, S; KAU; Geetha, C K
Investigations on developing technology for production of dry flowers were carried out during 2001-2003 at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. The objectives were to assess the suitability of selected commercial flowers, namely, celosia, china aster and gerbera for dry flower production and to develop techniques to dry, bleach and dye flowers for commercial exploitation. Four stages of harvest, namely, tight bud, half bloom, full bloom and over bloom stage Were assessed under each flower to standardise the optimum stage at which drying was perfect to retain, colour, shape and visual quality at its best. Full bloom stage recorded highest cumulative score for all visual and aesthetic qualities, closely followed by half bloom stage in all the three flowers. Celosia and aster flowers took 2 days and 5 days, respectively, for shade \ drying and proved to be cost effective with maximum cumulative score for visual and aesthetic qualities. This was followed by microwave oven drying and hot air oven drying. The time taken for perfect drying of gerbera varied from 6 minutes (microwave oven drying) to 4 days (shade drying). Among the drying methods, highest cumulative score was recorded in microwave oven drying, followed by hot air oven drying and shade drying. Among the desiccants, aster and gerbera flowers embedded in fine clean white sand recorded maximum cumulative score for all quality parameters, viz., brightness, brittleness and colour fading when dried in shade/microwave oven. The flowers retained colour and shape on drying. The dried flowers retained only the colour in borax and had a dull appearance when silica gel powder was used. Celosia flowers immersed in hydrogen peroxide 30 per cent solution for 6 hours was found to be the best bleaching chemical and recorded maximum score for aesthetic and visual qualities. Sodium hypochlorite (15 %) took 14 hours for effective bleaching and recorded as the second best bleaching agent. Calcium hypochlorite recorded low visual and aesthetic qualities for bleached celosia flowers. Hypochlorite bleaching resulted in cellulose damage and yellowing. Vat colour group of dyes was found good for celosia. Under the Vat group, Basic Rhodamine, Methylene Blue and Auromine Yellow were suitable. Dyes at 0.2 and 0.3 per cent concentration gave high score for visual aesthetic qualities. Immersion of celosia flowers in dye solution for 10 and 15 minutes recorded similar visual qualities. Colour fading on storage was mimmum in Vat colour group and fast among Base group. The dyed celosia flowers had to be stored in dry cardboard boxes sprinkled with silica gel crystals at the bottom. Lining materials reduced, the level of colour fading on storage in celosia flowers dyed with pro cion colours. Level of colour fading on storage was highin dehydrated aster flowers. Gerbera recorded low colour fading on storage when packed in air tight containers after sprinkling silica gel crystals at the bottom. The floral crafts prepared can be made cost effective by using locally available materials and increasing the volume of production. Along with dry flower industry, there is ample scope for development of a number of subsidiary industries like preparation of baskets, paper, ribbon, metal and packaging for dry flowers and floral crafts. Thus this industry as a whole can contribute immensely to area development which in turn lead to the overall development of the nation.
Open Access
Parasexual hybridization of piper nigrum and piper colubrinum through protoplast fusion
(Department of Plantation Crops And Spices,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Resmi, Paul; KAU; Rajendran, P C
Black pepper is the most important export oriented commodity and foreign exchange earner among the Indian spices. Ravages due to diseases, particularly the most devastating Phytophthora foot rot caused by Phytophthora capsici is one of the major constraints in the production of black pepper all over the world. Piper colubrinum, a wild relative of black pepper is found to be immune to foot rot disease. Non – existence of cultivar level tolerance or resistance against foot rot disease in black pepper necessitated the incorporation of incompatible wild relatives through parasexual hybridization. This study was undertaken in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices and the Plant Tissue Culture laboratory of the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara between September 1998 to April 2000. The cultures of P. nigrum and P. colubrinum were initiated in test tubes and were maintained at 26 + 20C temperature and 60 to 80 per cent humidity. The green leaves excised from axenic cultures of both the species were treated with cell wall degrading enzymes, cellulose and pectinase maintained at proper osmotic concentration. In P. nigrum maximum yield was observed at 1.4 per cent cellulose and 0.34 per cent pectinase. Cellulase and pexctinase at a concentration of 1.0 per cent and 0.217 per cent respectively recorded highest yield in P. colubrinum. In both the species 0.6 M osmoticum was found to be optimum to maintain the osmotic potential of the isolation solution. Highest yield of protoplasts was recorded in both the species during 21 h of digestion. Filtration-centrifugation technique was found to be superior in purifying the Piper protoplasts compared to the sucrose floatation method. Centrifugation at 1000 rpm for three minutes was found to be best for purifying P. nigrum protoplasts. For purifying P. colubrimum protoplasts, 600 rpm for three minutes was found to be optimum. Highest viability was noticed at 0.55 M and 0.65 M osmoticum in 1.0 per cent cellulose and 0.28 per cent pectinase during 21 h of digestion in P. nigrum. In P. colubrinum, maximum viability was observed at 0.4 M osmoticum in the enzyme mixture 1.0 per cent Cellulase and 0.186 per cent Pectinase during 18 h of incubation. Protoplasts of both the species when cultured on modified MS medium formed no cell wall and have not undergone any division. A age of the cultures advanced, proptoplast viability decreased in P. nigrum and P. colubrinum. All the protoplasts died by the second week in both the species. The protoplasts of both the species were heterogenous in terms of size. Fusion of the protoplasts was not observed after PEG treatment in the present study.
Open Access
Morphological And Phytochemical Investigations On St.John`s Wort (Hypericum Spp.), a Potential Source Of Ant-HIV Compounds
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Ganapathy, V; KAU; Mini Raj, N
Renowned laboratories throughout the world have been makuu; uucnse search hi detect and isolate potential chemicals from plants for curing AIDS. llvpcrtcmn is :\11 important genera yielding hypericin,a potential anti -I-IIV chemical I lvpcricin ll:l~ . been reported from many exotic Hypericum species. Investigations on the presence \Ii' hypericin in the indigenous flora (H mysorense and H jU/JOl1iClIl1I) arc i:ldiJl~' I kill" the present study entitled "Morphological and Phytochemical IJl\CSII!':lllllll~ .'11 St.Johns Wort (Hypericum spp.), a potential source or anti-HI V compounds" \I;I~ constituted. Two species of Hypericum were located in Kerala; H mysorcnsc .u the high ranges of Idukki and Wayanad districts and H. japonicum in Wayanad district. The natural habitat characters of H mysorense were studied at Vattavada in IduUI Phytosociological parameters such as density, abundance and per cent frequency were determined by quatrat studies. H mysorense was often present or seldom present , along with Pteridium aquilinum, Eucalyptus grandis, Lantana camara, Strobilanthus spp, Andropogon lividis and Chrysopogon zeylanicus in the high altitucle regions of Vattavada panchayat of Idukki district Chrysopogon zeylanicus is the dominant species in the eco system. H. mysorense is a shrub with stiff branches while H japonicum is a prostrate herb growing in marshy lands. Translucent glands were either streaks or dots in H. mysorense while it was pellucid dots in H japonicum. Stem anatomy of H mysorense revealed presence of "type B" secretory canals whereas it was absent in H japonicum. Histochemical tests indicated the presence of lignin in the leaf,stem and root of H. mysorense and H. japonicum. Leaf, stem and root of H. japonicum had phenolic compounds while there was no indication for the presence of these compounds in the stem of H. mysorense. The primary metabolites like starch, total sugars,protein and total free amino acids on leaf, stem and root were quantified. Qualitative test for anthraquinone was negative in both the species. When tested using TLC for the presence of hypericin ,no spots corresponding to In \ .iluc o ! standard hypericin were observed in H. mysorense and H. japonicum samples Commercial extract of H. perforatum (Eleve®,) had 0.22 to 0 25 per cell! hypericin. Even though the samples of the indigenous Hypericum sP/' (//. mysorense and H. japonicum ) were negative for hypericin - the target anti-l ll V compound, they were indicative for the presence of anthronoid derivati ves. These anthronoid derivatives could be the precursors or intermediary compounds for the hypericin synthesis in the plant metabolism. These compounds need further analysis for identification and characterization for anti-HfV property.
Open Access
Standrdisation of population density in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansf.)
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Bindukala, A R; KAU; Abdul Vahab, M
The present investigation on "Standardisation of population density in watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thimb.) mansf.]" was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during February - May, 1999 .. Three watermelon varieties viz., Sugar Baby, Arka Manik and MHW -6 were tried under six population densities to find out their direct and indirect effects on vegetative yield and quality attributes in watermelon. Majority of the characters were significantly influenced by the direct as well as interaction effects of the population density and varieties. Among the varieties, Arka Manik was earlier for male and female flower opening and for days' to first harvest. However, the node to first female flower was in Sugar Baby which also had more female flowers planr". The population density significantly influenced majority of the vegetative characters. Lower to moderate population density had shorter crop duration, branches planr ' and vine length. Different density levels significantly influenced the yield characters. Total fruits planr ', Total fruits plor ', Marketable fruits planr", 2 Marketable fruits plor ' ,Marketable yield plant"! were maximum in plants grown at highest density of 10000 plants ha". The variety Sugar Baby was first in all these yield characters. Sugar Baby also had the highest values for diameter, flesh thickness, rind thickness, fruit girth and seeds fruir '. The hybrid MHW-6 had maximum average fruit weight, fruit length and 100 seed weight. Among the quality parameters, Sugar Baby had maximum values for total sugars and reducing sugars whereas, Arka Manik recorded the highest values for total soluble solids, non-reducing sugars and iron content. The plants at moderate spacings recorded highest values for the quality characters. Majority of the characters were influenced by the interaction of population densities and varieties also. Sugar Baby at a moderate population density of 3333 plants ha! had maximum branches plant"! .. The number of fruits plor ' was highest in Sugar Baby at the highest population of 10000 plants ha:". This treatment combination also had maximum marketable yield plor ' registering maximum yield of 55 t ha! and maximum income of Rs. 165000 with the highest bene:{it cost ratio of 3.00 : 1.00.

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