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Subject: Fruit Science × End date: 2019 × Start date: 2014 ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of different mulches on weed management and growth parameters of guava nursery plants
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Parminder Singh; Kang, Kirandeep Kaur
    The present investigation to study the effect of different combinations of organic (paddy straw mulch and coco mulch mats) and inorganic mulches (biodegradable polythene mulch, black and silver polythene mulch and black and green polypropylene woven mats) on the weed control efficacy, health and productivity of nursery plants was conducted during the year 2018-19. The studies clearly revealed that black and green polypropylene woven mats in combination with paddy straw mulch were very effective in suppressing the weed growth as the weeds did not appeared even after 240 days of application. Weed biomass of 0.6 g/m2 was recorded in black polypropylene woven mats in combination with paddy straw mulch after 300 days as compared to 42.5 g/m2 in control.The biodegradable mulch started degrading after 120 days of application and recorded a weed biomass of 5.3g/m2 at this stage. The chemical, nutritional and soil microbial properties improved with the application of organic mulches. Black polypropylene woven mats resulted in 2-3 per cent higher soil temperature during winters and maintained 1.5-2 percent higher moisture content during the month of May-June. Among the plant growth parameters, maximum plant height (47.51 cm) was recorded under green polypropylene woven mats and stem diameter (1.47 cm) was recorded under black polypropylene woven mats as compared to other mulching treatments. The plots mulched with black polypropylene woven mats resulted in highest B: C ratio (0.95) closely followed by green polypropylene woven mats in combination with paddy straw mulch (0.91) while the lowest B: C ratio was observed under the control plots. From the study, it was concluded that, the polypropylene woven weed mats can be applied in the guava nursery plots to control the weed growth effectively as well as to enhance the percentage of buddable seedlings.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of plant bio-regulators on growth, yield and quality of pear cvs. "Patharnakh‟ and "Punjab Beauty‟
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Shubhkiran Kaur; Gill, Mandeep Singh
    The present investigation entitled “Effect of plant bio-regulators on growth, yield and quality of pear cvs. „Patharnakh‟ and „Punjab Beauty‟” was conducted at Fruit Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the year 2018-19. Eight years old pear cvs. „Patharnakh‟ and „Punjab Beauty‟ plants trained on the Y-trellis training system were treated with three plant bio-regulators of varying concentrations viz. Pro-Ca (prohexadione calcium)@ 100 mg Lˉ¹ (T1), 200 mg Lˉ¹ (T2), 400 mg Lˉ¹(T3); CCC (chlomequat chloride)@ 250 mg Lˉ¹ (T4), 500 mg Lˉ¹ (T5), 1000 mg Lˉ¹ (T6); PBZ (paclobutrazol) @ 100 mg Lˉ¹ (T7), 250 mg Lˉ¹ (T8), 500 mg Lˉ¹ (T9) and water spray (T10) after 10 days of full bloom through foliar application. Evaluation of data recorded for growth, ecophysiology, fruit yield and quality parameters was done. All the treatments significantly reduced the vegetative growth of pear plants. TCSA (trunk cross-sectional area) of pear plants was significantly reduced by T9 and T3 treatments in „Patharnakh‟ and „Punjab Beauty‟ pear, respectively. Shoot length was reduced by 31.11 % and 17.63 % by treatments T3 and T2 in cvs.. „Patharnakh‟ and Punjab Beauty‟, respectively, along with the significant increase in shoot diameter. T3 treatment significantly reduced the internodal length and spur length was significantly decreased by the T9 and T3 treatments in „Patharnakh‟ and „Punjab Beauty‟ pear, respectively. Plant bio-regulator treatments reduced the leaf area of „Patharnakh‟ and „Punjab Beauty‟ pear by 17.15 % and 23.73 %. Pruning wood weight (PWW) was decreased as a result of reduced shoot length and number of shoots. Ecophysiological parameters viz. PAR (photosynthetic active radiation) and net photosynthesis rate were improved significantly throughout the season. Deduction in canopy size led to improved light penetration and hence, higher photosynthesis. Leaf total chlorophyll (FW) and spur carbohydrate content were enhanced by T3 treatment in both the cultivars. The plant bio-regulator treatment T3 increased fruit number, size and weight contributing to improved yield (up to 36.56 % in „Patharnakh‟ and 33.84 % in „Punjab Beauty‟ pear) and production efficiency. Pedicels of pear fruits were shortened and thickened by T3 treatment in „Patharnakh‟ and by T2 treatment in „Punjab Beauty‟ pear. Fruit firmness, TSS and reducing sugars were significantly improved while the effect on fruit titratable acidity was insignificant. Lowest leaf nitrogen content and highest leaf phosphorus and potassium were recorded in T3 treatment. Pro-Ca@400 mg Lˉ¹ could be considered as best in terms of growth control and improvement in yield, PAR and net photosynthesis rate as well as fruit quality.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Comparative efficacy of organic media and mycorrhizae in enhancing the growth and buddability of rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.)
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Harish Kumar; Arora, Rachna
    The study entitled “Comparative efficacy of organic media and mycorrhizae in enhancing the growth and buddability of rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.)” were carried out during 2018-2019 in College Orchard, Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Five different growing media (Soil, Soil + FYM, Soil + FYM + Cocopeat, Soil + Biogas slurry and Soil + Vermicompost) used in citrus nursery were fortified with bioinoculants (Glomus mossae, Gigaspora and Acaulospora, Consortium of AM fungi and Trichoderma sp.) and uninoculated was kept as control. Among all growing media, soil + biogas slurry resulted in significantly superior shoot and root growth of rough lemon seedlings as compared to other four media. Among bioinoculants, the maximum seedling growth was observed with consortium of AM fungi, followed by Gigaspora and Acaulospora. Soil + Biogas slurry enriched with consortium of AM fungi recorded maximum seedling height, diameter, number of leaves, plant biomass, length and diameter of tap root, number of secondary roots and microbial count. The highest T-budding success and minimum days required for bud sprout were registered for the Kinnow budlings raised in soil and biogas slurry fortified with consortium of AM fungi. The same treatment combination recorded the m aximum sprout length, diameter, leaf area, number of leaves, N, K, Fe and Mn in leaves of Kinnow budlings, whereas P concentration in roots was found to be the highest in soil + vermicompost in combination with consortium of AM fungi. The present study concluded that the growth and nutrient uptake of rough lemon seedlings and bud uptake of Kinnow budlings was significantly enhanced when raised in organic growing media containing soil and biogas slurry (2:1) enriched with consortium of AM fungi. The treatment combination can be used as the best alternative for getting healthy and quality rough lemon nursery plants with improved growth and bud uptake.
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    ThesisItemRestricted
    Effect of supplemental foliar application of potassium on yield and fruit quality of winter guava (Psidium guajava L.)
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Vikrant; Arora, N.K.
    The present investigations entitled „Effect of supplemental foliar application of potassium on yield and fruit quality of winter guava (Psidium guajava L.)‟ was carried out at Fruit Research Farm and PG Laboratory, Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and at the Regional Fruit Research Station, Bahadurgarh during the year 2017-18. At Ludhiana experiment was conducted on 5-years-old-tree of guava cv. L-49 and at Bahadurgarh experiment was conducted on 8-years-old-tree of guava cv. Shweta. The trees were sprayed with various doses of KNO3 and K2SO4 (1.0 %, 2.0 % & 3.0 %) during the first week of August, September and October. Maximum per cent increase in tree height (9.42 % in L-49 and 9.36 % in Shweta) and canopy volume (20.34 % in L-49 and 19.99 % in Shweta) was observed with three sprays of KNO3 @ 3 per cent. Likewise higher shoot length (36.05 cm in L-49 and 34.62 cm in Shweta) was recorded in treatment (T6) i.e three sprays of KNO3 @ 3 per cent as compared to control. The foliar application of KNO3 @ 3 per cent thrice had significantly higher fruit weight (224.13 g in L-49 and 230.13 g in Shweta), fruit size i.e fruit length (8.1 cm in L-49 and 8.1 cm in Shweta) and fruit breadth (7.2 cm in L-49 and 7.3 cm in Shweta) and yield (59.17 kg in L-49 and 48.90 kg in Shweta) which was statistically at par with treatment (T12) in which three superimposed foliar application of K2SO4 was given at monthly interval. Whereas, fruit firmness (6.47 kg/cm2 in L-49 and 6.53 kg/cm2 in Shweta) was observed higher in trees sprayed with KNO3 @ 3 per cent twice. Fruit colour was measured with hunter colour lab and value of „l‟, „a‟ & „b‟ were recorded. Foliar application of K2SO4 @ 1 per cent twice showed improvement in fruit colour as compared to other treatments. Fruit quality characteristics viz. Total soluble solids content (TSS), TSS/acid ratio and total sugars were also enhanced with two and three superimposed sprays of potassium over untreated trees however fruit acidity was not affected significantly by potassium salts. Leaf N and K contents were significantly higher with foliar sprays of KNO3 and K2SO4 over control. Higher shelf life was observed with three foliar application of KNO3 @ 3 per cent and parameters viz. Physiological loss in weight, TSS, Acidity, Fruit Firmness, organolaptic score and fruit colour were significantly improved with potassium salts. The three spray of KNO3 at 3 per cent was found to be the best in terms of improving fruit yield and production of good quality fruits with longer shelf life.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of pre-harvest application of antioxidants on storage life and quality of plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) cv. Satluj Purple
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Rana, Manju; Jawandha, S.K.
    The aim of present investigation entitled “Effect of pre-harvest application of antioxidants on storage life and quality of plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) cv. Satluj Purple” was to extend the post-harvest life and maintenance of quality of plum fruits under cold storage conditions. The research was conducted in Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The healthy plum trees were sprayed with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) @ 50, 100 and 150 μmolL-1 and salicylic acid (SA) @ 1, 2 and 3 mmolL-1 before 7 and 14 days of harvest. The fruits were harvested at colour break stage, packed in corrugated fibre board (CFB) boxes and stored at low temperature (0-1ºC and 90-95% RH).The various physicochemical observations were recorded after 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of storage. The results revealed that the fruits treated with 100 μmolL-1 sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and 150 μmolL-1 sodium nitroprusside (SNP) 14 days before harvest effectively prolonged the storage life of fruits by minimizing the physiological loss in weight, spoilage, the actitvities of fruit softening enzymes (pectin methyl esterase and cellulase) and maintaining higher firmness, sensory quality, all sugars (total sugars, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars), titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), total antioxidant activity, total phenols and flavonols content under low temperature storage conditions.
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    ThesisItemRestricted
    Diversity analysis and characterization of morpho- anatomical and photosynthetic traits in mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Arshdeep Singh; Uppal, Gurteg Singh
    The present study entitled “Diversity analysis and characterization of morpho- anatomical and photosynthetic traits in mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)” was carried out during the years 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Fifteen mandarin genotypes grafted on rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush) rootstocks were evaluated for morphological characters based on IPGRI descriptors. Furthermore, the leaf samples of these genotypes were imaged in scanning electron imaging mode in (model Hitachi S-3400 N) SEM for morpho-anatomical and photosynthetic diversity analysis. The genetic diversity based on these traits was assessed by using DARwin software. The dendrogram grouped genotypes into six different clusters based on morphological characters. The highest similarity coefficient (0.861) was recorded in genotypes Dancy and Wilking. However, Michal showed lowest (0.402-0.539) genetic similarity coefficient with all other mandarin genotypes and these were genetically distinct from each other. The Genotypic Variance (VG) and Phenotypic Variance (VP) of morphological characters were maximum for fruit weight followed by rootstock girth, fruit granulation, scion girth and pollen viability. The heritability was maximum for traits like seed weight, aerola diameter, pedicel length, length of filament, length of style, petal length and vesicle length. Similarly, dendrogram grouped genotypes into five different clusters based on morpho-anatomical and photosynthetic characters. The Genotypic variance (VG) and Phenotypic Variance (VP) were maximum for stomatal density (4531.37 and 7385.39, respectively) followed by number of closed stomata, number of open stomata and palisade parenchyma tissue length. The maximum genetic advance was recorded for stomatal density (108.62). PAU Kinnow 1, a mutant of Kinnow was clubbed in separate cluster due to variation with respect to morpho-anatomical traits. This clearly differentiated the Kinnow from its mutant PAU Kinnow 1. The study clearly indicated presence of moderate level of genetic diversity within mandarin germplasm and this can be exploited for future mandarin breeding programme.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of protective covering and individual cluster wrapping on fruit quality in grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Himatkhwah, Rahimullah; Arora, N.K.
    The investigations entitled “Effect of protective covering and individual cluster wrapping on fruit quality in grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)” were carried out at Fruit Research Farm Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2018 and 2019 fruiting seasons. The first experiment was conducted on own rooted vines of Perlette, Flame Seedless, Superior Seedless and Punjab Purple grapes grown in protective structure and open field condition. In second experiment, at colour break stage, clusters of Flame Seedless grapes were bagged individually with red and white coloured non-woven bags, LDPE sheets and butter paper bags. Advancement in time from bud-burst to fruit ripening was observed in treatment protective covering as compared to open field condition. Maximum cluster weight and size was recorded in Superior Seedless and Perlette grapes, respectively, under protective covering. Berry weight and size was maximum in variety Superior Seedless grown in protective covering. Maximum TSS (20.3% in 2018 and 19.5% in 2019) and Total Sugar (15.4% in 2018 and 14.8% in 2019) were recorded in Punjab Purple and Perlette varieties, respectively, under protective covering. The lowest acidity (0.60 % in 2018 and 0.62% in 2019) was recorded in Superior Seedless grapes grown under protective covering. TSS/acid ratio was higher in grape varieties grown under protective covering. Maximum total anthocyanin contents (68.0 mg in 2018 and 68.8 mg in 2019) were found in Punjab Purple grown in protective covering. In second experiment, colour improvement and significantly lowest uneven berries colour per cluster (18%) were recorded in white colour non-woven bags. Maximum cluster weight (366.55 g), size (length and breadth) and berry weight of Flame Seedless grapes were recorded in cluster covered with white coloured non-woven bags. Berry length (1.7 cm) and breadth (1.69 cm) and TSS (18.52 %) were significantly higher in T2 (white coloured non-woven bags) which was followed by T3 (LDPE sheet). The lowest acidity (0.48%) was recorded in white coloured non-woven bags. The highest mean TSS: acid ratio i.e. 38.5 per cent was recorded in treatment T2 (white coloured NWB) which was followed by T3 (LDPE sheet) (28.38 %). Total sugars (17.39 %) were higher in T2 (white coloured non-woven bags) followed by red coloured non-woven bags (15.65%). Whereas, maximum total anthocyanin contents (38.95 mg) were also found in white coloured NWB followed by LDPE sheet (30.1 mg). As fruit ripening time coincides with monsoon raining in Punjab, butter paper bag was completely damaged by rain, and also there was high percentage of spoilage of cluster due to trapping of rain water in LDPE Sheet.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Fruit development studies in strawberry under different type of mulches
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Supreetha B G; Nav Prem Singh
    The present investigations were attempted to study the effect of different type of mulches on fruit development of strawberry cv. Winter Dawn during 2017-19. The strawberry plants were transplanted during IInd fortnight of October and soil was mulched with Silver-black, Blackblack, Red mulch and Paddy straw. The observations on physical and chemical attributes were recorded at six fruit developmental stages viz. small green (7 DAFS) (S1), large green (14 DAFS) (S2), white (21 DAFS) (S3), initial red (28 DAFS) (S4), partial red (31 DAFS) (S5) and full red (34 DAFS) (S6). The experiment was laid in Factorial Randomized Block Design and the results were statistically analyzed at p 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that fruits harvested from plants mulched with red mulch had appreciably more fruit size, fresh weight, dry weight, volume, specific gravity, and juice percent. However, fruits obtained from plants mulched with Silver-black had significantly higher biochemical attributes like soluble solids content (SSC), ascorbic acid, juice pH, sugars and juice anthocyanin content. Hue angle (ho coordinate) decreased continuously from stage-S1 to stage-S6 with the development of deep red pericarp and juice colour. Fruit physical parameters were increased exponentially and showed slow rate of growth during last three stages of fruit development. It is also observed that, fruit firmness, juice acid content, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, phenol and flavonol were decreased during fruit development. Macro and micro nutrient contents of fruits followed an irregular trend. However, maximum leaf nutrients content were observed in the plants grown under Silver-black mulch.
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    ThesisItemRestricted
    Evaluation of sweet orange varieties for storage characters
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Mehtab Singh; Rattanpal, H. S.
    The present investigation entitled “Evaluation of sweet orange varieties for storage characters” was carried out at Department of Fruit science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the year 2017-18. The fresh fruits of sweet orange varieties; Campbell Valencia, Kodur Sathgudi, M-3, M-4, M-8, Olinda Valencia, Phule Mosambi, Trovita, Valencia late, Vernia and Westin were thoroughly washed and graded into two equal lots A and B. Lot A was kept as a control (without the application of any treatment), whereas fruits in lot B were treated with Citrashine wax coating and potassium sorbate along with Citrashine wax (60 g Potassium sorbate in 1000ml wax). The treated fruits were stored under ambient conditions (Temp. 13-25 ˚C) for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days in Corrugated Fibre Board boxes of standard size i.e. 45 x 23 x 18 cm. The observations on various physical and chemical parameters were recorded at different storage intervals. PLW of fruits increased with storage; however, fruits treated with potassium sorbate along with Citrashine wax recorded significantly lower PLW. Similarly, TSS, rag percentage, reducing sugars, total sugars showed increasing trend with increase in storage period. Declining trend was observed in organoleptic rating, peel percentage, acidity, TSS:acid ratio, vitamin C, non-reducing sugars and flavonoid content of fruits. Fruit colour and seed characters were not affected by treatments as well as storage. During ambient storage, potassium sorbate along with Citrashine wax was found to be most effective treatment in enhancing shelf life of fruits with acceptable quality fruits for 14 days of storage.