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ThesisItem Open Access Efficacy of blossom thinners on plant growth, fruit retention and quality of plum (Prunus salicina Lindle) cv Kala Amritsari(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-01) Bhatt, Siddharth Shankar; Dimri, D.C.The present investigation was carried out at Horticulture Research Centre, Patharchatta, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, District-Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand in the year January- July, 2015 and 2016. The experiment was conducted on 8 years old healthy fruit bearing trees of plum cultivar ‘Kala Amritsari’ having uniform size and vigor. Investigation was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and 16 treatments namely; GA3 (25 ppm), GA3 (50 ppm), GA3 (75 ppm), NAA (25 ppm), NAA (50 ppm), NAA (75 ppm), BA (25 ppm), BA (50 ppm), BA (75 ppm), ethephon (100 ppm), ethephon (150 ppm), ethephon (200 ppm), ATS (1.0%), ATS (1.5%), ATS (2.0%)and control (water spray).Observations were recorded on plant growth, flowering, fruit set, fruit physico-chemical and plant physiological parameters. Findings of the present investigation revealed that ATS @ 1.5% recorded maximum extension of shoot growth (32.61 cm), highest number of leaves (34.25) and maximum size of leaves (12.36 cm2) while, highest number of damaged leaves was observed under ATS @ 2.0 % (8.30). In respect to flowering and fruit set parameters the treatment control recorded highest bloom density (50.66%), number of flowers retained (43.36) and number of flower per cluster (8.03). Ethephon @ 150 ppm (80.73 days) however, took least number of days to maturity. The highest initial fruit set (43.70%) though was calculated under the control treatment but maximum fruit retention (34.39%) was counted for ATS @ 1.5% with least fruit drop (65.61%) resulting in highest yield per tree (34.14 kg). Application of the treatment ATS @ 1.5% was found superior among all blossom thinners in enhancing maximum fruit length (4.14 cm), highest fruit width (3.06 cm), maximum fruit weight (21.53 g) and highest fruit volume (22.10 ml). The highest pulp weight (21.35 g) and least stone weight (0.84 g) was also measured under ATS @ 1.5% which as a result calculated highest pulp: stone ratio (27.94). Among different chemical blossom thinners sprayed maximum total soluble solids (12.64), least titrable acidity (0.58), highest ascorbic acid (9.11 mg), maximum total sugar (6.29%) and highest total carotenoides content (10.87 mg) was estimated when ATS @ 1.5% was applied at post bloom stage. Plant physiological parameters was also affected with ATS @ 1.5% which calculated least Chlorophyll ‘a’ content (1.54 mg) and Chlorophyll ‘b’ content (0.88 mg). Based on the present investigation it can be concluded that ATS @ 1.5% was found to be most effective blossom thinner in enhancing plant growth, yield and physico-chemical attributes in plum cv. ‘Kala Amritsari’ under tarai region of Uttrakhand.ThesisItem Open Access Seasonal chemical diversity of Acorus calamus L. accessions from different altitudes of Uttarakhand Himalayas: Pharmacological screening and analysis of genetic variability(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-08) Archana; Om PrakashIn present study the elemental analysis, preliminary phytochemical screening, seasonal and altitudinal chemical composition of essential oils by GC-MS, isolation of compounds by column chromatography, biological activities like antioxidant assay and pharmacological potential of rhizome essential oils/major components (α and β asarone) from A calamus and genetic variability among three accessions were evaluated. The yields of essential oils in different seasons varied from 0.11 to 6.8 % w/v. The elemental analysis studied with the help of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), exhibited the presence of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn. The presence of various secondary metabolites like carbohydrates, proteins, glycosides, flavonoids etc. were observed in all the accessions. GC-MS analysis essential oils, methanolic extracts of leaves and rhizomes of Acorus calamus exhibited various phenylpropanoids, monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids. The major compounds identified were trans methyl isoeugenol, Z isoelimicin, α asarone, β asarone and shyobunone. The isolation of the compound from rhizome methanolic extract by column chromatography and characterized by mass spectrometry and NMR proofs the presence of β asarone. The antioxidant activity of essential oils and methanolic extracts showed good to moderate antioxidant potential. The total phenols, flavonols and orthodihydric phenols in all the extracts were ranged from 11.11 to 133.33. 31.70mg/g gallic acid equivalent, 72.64mg/g catechin equivalent and 67.87mg/g respectively. The combination of isomers α+β-asarone at higher dose level of 100 mg/kg b.wt. exhibited significant antipyretic activity (75.10%), analgesic activity(48.87%) and anti-inflammatory activity (26.16%) compared to the standard drugs paracetamol (65.14%), ibuprofen (48.39%) and aspirin (20.98%) respectively. The essential oils and α, β asarones individually also exhibited good pharmacological activities with minimum at lower dose (50mg/kg b.wt.) and maximum at higher dose (100mg/kg b.wt.). The oils and isomers α and β asarones individually and in combination exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity in a dose dependent manner against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity using silymarin as standard drug. The pharmacological activities associated with the combination of α and β asarones might be because of synergetic effect. The hepatoprotective activity of essential oils and pure compounds was supported by histopathological examination of livers in which a significant amount of regeneration in the liver was observed. No harmful toxic effects on rats were seen from rhizome The essential oil and major components did not show toxic behaviour. The genetic diversity by Simple sequence repeat (SSR) revealed monomorphic behavior of the species.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on alloplasmic and euplasmic heterosis in Brassica juncea L.(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-11) Rashmi; Ram BhajanThe present investigation was aimed to estimate heterosis and combining ability in Ogu alloplasmic hybrids as well as euplasmic hybrids, determine specific cyto-nuclear interactions and influence of ogu cytoplasm on hybrid performance. Experimental material consisted of 30 euplasmic hybrids generated by crossing 10 lines viz. PRL-2008-5, PBR-357, Maya, PRKS-28, Rohini, Sej-2, Vaibhav, EJ-22, PYR-2009-5 and PYR-2009-13 and three testers viz. IC-414317, IC-414322 and PR-2006- 14. Besides, same set of lines converted into ogu CMS background was used to develop 30 alloplasmic hybrids by crossing with three restorers (same set of testers carrying restorer gene). The parents, euplasmic and alloplasmic hybrids were evaluated in Compact Family Block Design with three replications during rabi 2016-17 at N.E.B.C.R.C., G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. The data recorded on 13 characters was subjected to combining ability analysis (Kempthorne 1957), heterosis over mid parent as well as better parent (Hayes et al., 1955) and difference of mean values of two set of F1’s to determine extent of biological penalty. ANOVA revealed that mean squares due to families were significant for all characters while within family variance were found non-significant only for siliqua density. ANOVA for line × tester performed separately for both sets showed that treatment variance was significant for all characters in both the sets. Further partitioning of total variance into parents, crosses and parents vs crosses revealed that variance due to parents was significant for all characters except 50 % flowering and days to maturity in euplasmic set; and number of primary branches in alloplasmic set. Partitioning of variances due to crosses into lines, testers and line × tester in both sets showed significance mean squares for most of the characters. Mean squares due to testers were significant for number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, yield per plant and 1000 seed weight in alloplasmic set and for number of secondary branches and yield per plant in euplasmic set. For lines in euplasmic set, characters like plant height, length of main raceme, siliqua length and yield per plant showed significant differences while in alloplasmic set only yield per plant exhibited significant mean square. Variances due to line × tester interactions were significant for all characters in alloplasmic as well as in euplasmic set except siliqua length and number of seeds/siliqua in the latter. Based on desirable GCA effects, PBR-357, PYR-2009-5 and EJ-22 were identified as promising lines in euplasmic set while PBR-357A and PRL-2008-5A were high GCA lines in alloplasmic set for seed yield per plant. Among testers, IC-414317 and it’s A-line were found to be good general combiner in euplasmic and alloplasmic sets. The lines PBR-357, Maya, PR-20 in euplasmic and PBR-357A, PR-20A and RohiniA in alloplasmic set were identified as promising donors for oil content. Among testers IC-414322 was found to be good donor for oil content in both sets. Of these PBR-357, was found to have high GCA for seed yield per plant as well as oil content converged with key components. In euplasmic set, two crosses PBR-357 × PR-2006-14 & PR-20 × PR-2006-14 showed significant SCA for seed yield per plant and oil content. On the same analogy, three crosses MayaA × IC-414317, RohiniA × IC-414317 and EJ-22A × IC-414322 in alloplasmic set manifested significant SCA effects for these end products in desirable direction. The heterosis of high magnitude was manifested by large number of crosses for seed yield per plant in euplasmic as well as alloplasmic sets. Maya × IC-414317 manifested highest heterosis followed by Maya × IC-414322 and PBR-357 × PR-2006-14 in both of the sets while PBR-357 × IC-414322 and PBR-357 × PR-2006-14 for oil content were two promising combinations in both sets, respectively. The results revealed considerable amount of biological penalty which varied with cross combination and the characters. All crosses exhibited biological penalty for one or more characters under study. However, five alloplasmic cross combinations viz. PBR-357A × IC414317, PBR-357A × IC-414322, EJ-22A × IC-414322, PYR-2009-5A × IC414317 and PYR-2009-13A × PR-2006-14 performed better than corresponding euplasmic cross combinations for seed yield per plant indicating a positive cytoplasmic effect i.e. effect of cytoplasm was negated by restorer. Such combinations appear promising for commercial hybrid crop production. In the present study, influence of cyto-nuclear interaction was studied by comparing the estimates of GCA, SCA and manifestation of heterosis in euplasmic vis-à-vis in alloplasmic set of crosses. Comparison of GCA, SCA and heterosis estimates for different characters showed that it may or may not be affected by the cyto-nuclear interactions. There was complete change in the GCA status (Good to Poor or Poor to Good) of different lines for 3 or more characters. For example, PBR-357 exhibited changed GCA status for 9 characters, Maya for five characters; and PR-20 for only three characters i.e. siliquae on main raceme, number of secondary branches and siliqua length. GCA status nine lines were consistent in euplasmic as well as in alloplasmic sets for seed yield and six lines for plant height. Similarly visible influence of cyto-nuclear interaction was observed on SCA and heterosis in large number of crosses for different characters.ThesisItem Open Access Feasibility assessment of biological hydrogen production from organic fraction of municipal solid waste using facultative anaerobic bacteria(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-09) Sharma, Preeti; Melkania, UmaThe rapid consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels has resulted in the environmental pollution and severe energy crisis, which emphasize the importance of renewable biofuel production. Biological hydrogen is a carbon-free renewable energy carrier, with high energy density. Biological hydrogen production methods are less energy intensive, environmental-friendly and sustainable compared to the current energy production methods. Anaerobic digestion is an effective means of organic waste utilization and hydrogen production. At the same time, waste disposal is a problem of the modern times. Most of this waste is dumped in open areas creating severe environmental problems. The organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is highly degradable, thus anaerobic fermentation of OFMSW can be one of the promising methods to generate hydrogen as it is abundant and free of cost. It provides an eco-friendly solution to organic waste by converting waste to biofuel. The present study investigates the feasibility assessment of biological hydrogen production from organic fraction of municipal solid waste. Co-culture of two facultative anaerobic bacteria viz. E. coli and Enterobacter aerogenes were applied for the investigation. Culture conditions were optimized to gain maximum hydrogen production. Various chemical compounds such as surfactants, antifoaming agents, biochar, ferric species etc were applied to improve hydrogen production. Some inhibitors such as furan derivatives, phenolic compounds and heavy metals were also analyzed for their effect on hydrogen production and yield. From the present investigation it can be concluded that proper optimization of fermentation conditions can significantly improve hydrogen production and yield. Based on the findings of the present study it is recommended to further investigate the effect of different substrates and microbial cultures on hydrogen production in order to increase the hydrogen yield.ThesisItem Open Access Early detection and management of white rust disease (Albugo candida) in rapeseed mustard(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-08) Gairola, Kalpana; Tewari, A.K.Among various diseases reported to occur on rapeseed mustard, white rust caused by Albugo candida is considered as one of the most important disease due to its destructive nature, wide distribution and grain yield losses of 17-34 per cent. The present investigation was carried out with the objectives of: early detection of A. candida, the cause of white rust disease; evaluation of rapeseed-mustard genotypes in field and in glasshouse (at cotyledonary and true leaf stage) and evaluation of some new fungicides for the effective management of the disease. The early detection of A. candida was done by PCR-based assay and light microscopy. In PCR based assay the primers ITS1 (3’-GAGGGACTTTTGGGTAATCA-5’) and Short ITS JV34 (3’- CGCCATTTAGAGGAAGGTGA-5’) and JV37 (3’-GTCAAGCAAAACAT-5’) were used to amplify the ITS region of A. candida and Alternaria brassicae. PCR amplification of A. candida from inoculated symptomatic and asymptomatic leaves yielded PCR products of 1200 bp and 600 bp of ITS1 and Short ITS primers, respectively whereas no bands were amplified in A.brassicae. This confirmed the presence of A. candida in asymptomatic inoculated leaves at early stage i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 DAI. In light microscopy the presence of pathogen structures were observed from inoculated symptomatic and asymptomatic inoculated leaves. This presence of pathogen structure viz. mycelium and sporangia was observed in asymptomatic leaves at early stage at 6,7,8 and 9 days after inoculation and from symptomatic leaves at 10 and 11 days after inoculation where as no fungal structure in healthy mustard leaves after staining with 1 percent cotton blue in lacto phenol and 0.4% trypan blue. A large number of rapeseed-mustard materials collected from different sources evaluated in field and in glasshouse (at cotyledonary and true leaf stage) revealed that for the confirmation of resistant sources against white rust disease it is very essential to evaluate Brassica materials first in field and then in glasshouse at both the stages i.e. at cotyledonary and true leaf stage under high disease pressure because some Brassica materials escaped from the disease in field but found susceptible in glasshouse at both the stages (EC-399299) or only at true leaf stage ( Katili local, E. sativus, Basanti and Banarasi rai, PWR-14-8, PWR-14-9, PWR-14-10, PWR-14-11, RMT-1-10-1, IC 597942 and IC265495). Among various fungicides Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% (Ridomil MZ @ 0.25%) and a biological origin Azoxystrobin (Amistar 25 EC @ 0.1%) were found highly effective in inhibiting sporangial germination in-vitro and were found highly effective in controlling white rust disease (no occurrence of disease) in glasshouse and field in increasing grain yield and test weight followed by Propiconazole, Tebuconazole+Trifloxystrobin, Trifloxystrobin, Kresosim methyl (each at 0.1%). Garlic bulb extracts (2%) was also found effective in managing the disease even better than some old recommended fungicidesThesisItem Open Access Genetic analysis of brown planthopper resistance and assessment of relative efficiency of different emasculation methods in rice (Oryza sativa L.)(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-12) Rather, Shoukat Ahmad; Indra DeoBrown planthopper (BPH) is one of the destructive insect pests causing significant yield losses in rice. BPH causes direct damage to the rice plants by sucking the sap from phloem, causing hopper burn and transmitting viral diseases like grassy and ragged stunt viruses. Several resistant donors have been identified from time to time, but the new biotypes of the pest arise to defeat the extended use of resistance genes in a single variety. This necessitates the regular identification of new resistant donors along with their characterization at genetic and molecular level. Such characterization facilitates their easy and efficient utilization in crop improvement programmes. Keeping this in view, the present investigation was carried out at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India to identify and genetically analyze the new BPH resistance sources using classical and molecular tools. In addition, some other objectives like characterization of advanced breeding lines of rice and assessment of relative efficiency of different emasculation methods were also undertaken. The phenotypic evaluation of advanced and stable lines of rice using standard seed box screening technique revealed that genotypes PHS 29, MRST 3 and RP 2068-18-3-5 were resistant to BPH whereas, all the advanced lines were susceptible except for UPR 3943-8-1-1, UPR 3947-23-2-2, UPR 3871-8-1-2-2, UPRI 2013-10, UPR 3906-18-2-1, UPR 3951-1-1-2-1, UPR 3957-5-2-2 and UPR 3960-2-1-1, which were moderately susceptible. The molecular analysis of mapping populations (F2:3) derived from TN 1 x PHS 29 and Pusa Basmati 1 x MRST 3 crosses revealed that putative SSR markers RM3355 and RM50 were associated with BPH resistance. Primer RM50 was also confirmed to be associated with the trait using a representative pool of advanced breeding and stable lines for molecular analysis. The inheritance studies carried out on the basis of goodness of fit of segregation ratios of BPH resistant and susceptible plants in F2 generation revealed that the resistance in PHS 29 and MRST 3 genotypes is conditioned by one and two recessive genes, respectively. The gene action of BPH resistance in PHS 29 was found to be additive in nature. Whereas, in MRST 3 genotype, it was found to be dominance in nature. As far as analysis of yield and yield contributing traits is concerned, genotypes reflected significant differences and superior grain yield per plant was recorded in genotypes UPR 3906-18-2- 1, UPR 3837-7-2-1-1, UPRI 2013-4 and UPR 3819-9-1-1-1 over the years. Among various emasculation methods, hand emasculation was found to be the most efficient with pooled mean efficiency of 84.05%. Suction method was identified as the second most efficient emasculation technique after hand emasculation with pooled mean efficiency of 75.74%. The results also indicated that emasculation efficiency is genotype- independent. Concluding the results of the present endeavour, the new resistance donors can be very useful in tackling BPH attacks on rice, especially in this part of the world. However, there is a need to conduct allelic tests of the identified resistant lines by crossing them with already characterized BPH resistant sources in order to know whether the identified BPH resistant sources in the investigation are different from previous sources. Furthermore, fine mapping analysis of these possibly new genes of resistance can be carried out using the linked markers identified during the present study.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of water, N and K levels in high density litchi orchard cv. Rose Scented under drip fertigation(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-12) Tyagi, Manu; Singh, C.P.The present study entitled “Standardization of water, N and K levels in high density litchi orchard cv. Rose Scented under drip fertigation” was carried at Horticulture Research Centre, Patharchatta, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar during the year 2015-16 and 2016-17. In the study, litchi trees planted at a spacing of 5 m × 5 m were subjected to drip fertigation with or without mulch along with one control. There were twelve treatment combinations including drip irrigation at 50 per cent, 75 per cent and 100 per cent of estimated water requirement and fertigation 1:0.5 and 1:1 N/K ratio of recommended dose. On the other hand, the control involved surface irrigation with soil application of fertilizers at recommended dose (i.e. 600 g N, 300 g P and 600 g K). All other cultural practices were kept uniform in the entire course of study. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design comprising three replications. The effect on vegetative, floral, yield and fruit quality attributes was studied. The investigation revealed no significant effect of drip fertigation on vegetative growth. But, significant effect on fruiting, yield and other quality attributes was found. The study found significant influence of drip fertigation on leaf mineral nutrient content. The fruit drop and retention percentage also varied significantly due to the effect of mulch and fertigation. Further, minimum fruit cracking, maximum fruit number and yield were witnessed under the treatment combination MDI3F2 (i.e. mulch with drip irrigation at 100 per cent level and fertigation at 1:1 N/K of recommended fertilizer dose). In terms of fruit quality, again the treatment combination MDI3F2 was found superior with maximum fruit weight, edible portion (per cent), T.S.S, ascorbic acid and total sugars. It was followed by the treatment combination MDI2F2 (i.e. mulch with drip irrigation at 75 per cent level and fertigation at 1:1 N/K of recommended dose) which also registered maximum water use efficiency. Overall, the study revealed that application of mulch with drip irrigation at 100 per cent level and fertigation at 1:1 N/K of recommended fertilizer dose (MDI3F2) is most superior over other treatments but in economical terms, the treatment combination MDI2F2 is most profitable.ThesisItem Open Access Intuitionistic fuzzy and hesitant fuzzy sets based time series forecasting methods(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-12) Bisht, Kamlesh; Sanjay KumarIn the present research work, various time series forecasting methods using intuitionistic fuzzy, hesitant fuzzy and dual hesitant fuzzy sets are developed to address issue of non stochastic uncertainty and non-stochastic hesitation. These methods are presented in form of various models. Model [1] and Model [4] are computational algorithm based higher order fuzzy time series forecasting models which are based on intuitionistic fuzzy and hesitant fuzzy respectively. Model [2] and Model [3] use hesitant fuzzy set to handle hesitancy in fuzzy time series forecasting. In the present research work, methodology of hesitant fuzzy time series forecasting method is also developed and presented in Model [5]. Model [6] is intuitionistic fuzzy time series forecasting model which is based on dual hesitant fuzzy set. Model [2], Model [3], Model [5] and Model [6] use max-min composition operation. Performance of these developed models over existing fuzzy time series and intuitionistic fuzzy time series forecasting methods is verified by implementing them on two time series data of University of Alabama and SBI share price. The outperformance of all models is tested using RMSE and AFER error measures. Validity of the developed models id tested using correlation coefficients, tracking signal, evaluation parameter and performance parameters. Superiority of developed models is also tested using two tailed t-test at the confidence level 1% and 5%. In forecasting enrollments of University of Alabama, the performance of Model [4] in terms of both RMSE and AFER is found better than model [1], Model [2], Model [3], Model [5] and Model [6]. In forecasting share prices of SBI, the performance of Model [6] in terms of both RMSE and AFER is found better than Model [1], Model [2], Model [3], Model [4] and Model [5]. In forecasting enrollments of University of Alabama, Model [1] outperforms over Model [2] but its performance is equally good as of Model [3], Model [4], Model [5] and Model [6]. Model [2] outperforms over Model [4] and Model [5] but its performance is good as Model [3] and Model [6]. Model [3] performs equally good as Model [4], Model [5] and Model [6]. Model [4] outperforms over Model [6] but its performance is good as Model [5]. Model [5] is equally good in performance as the Model [6]. In forecasting SBI share prices, Model [1] outperforms over Model [2], Model [3] but its performance is good as Model [4], Model [5]. Model [2] outperforms over Model [4], Model [5] and Model [6] but its performance is good as Model [3]. Model [3] outperforms over Model [4], Model [5] and Model [6]. Model [4] performed equally good as Model [5] and Model [6]. Model [5] outperforms over Model [6]. All developed models not only handle the non-stochastic uncertainty and hesitation but also enhance the accuracy in forecasted enrollments and financial time series data of SBI share price.ThesisItem Open Access Response of peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) cv. red June to different nitrogen regimes through neem coated urea and foliar application of calcium under Kumaun Hills of Uttarakhand(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2017-12) Pande, Kamal Kumar; Dimri, D.C.The present investigation was conducted in two consecutive year’s viz., 2016 and 2017 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR- VPKAS, Almora) Kafligair- Bageshwar (Uttarakhand). Six years old peach cv. Red June trees raised on seedling rootstocks and planted at 3m x 3m spacing were selected for the study. There were ten treatments i.e., 375g N per tree + 0.5% Ca Cl2 (T1), 375g N tree-1 + 1.0% Ca Cl2 (T2), 375g N tree-1 + 1.5% Ca Cl2 (T3), 500g N tree-1 + 0.5% Ca Cl2 (T4), 500g N tree-1 + 1.0% Ca Cl2 (T5), 500g N tree-1 + 1.5% Ca Cl2 (T6), 625g N tree-1 + 0.5% Ca Cl2 (T7), 625g N tree-1 + 1.0% Ca Cl2 (T8), 625g N tree-1 + 1.5% Ca Cl2 (T9), 500g N tree-1 + Water spray as control (T10). Calcium chloride sprays were applied thrice; first at petal fall stage and other two at 25 days interval. Whole of the nitrogen was applied through neem coated urea. Each treatment was replicated thrice with one tree served as a treatment unit. The experiment was conducted in RBD. The observations were recorded for vegetative growth, fruit yield, quality, storability at ambient conditions, leaf and soil nutrient status and economic analysis was also worked out. The maximum annual shoot growth extension, increase in trunk girth and weight of pruning wood were measured under T8 with the respective values of 60.53 cm, 2.17 cm, 4.07 kg in 2016 and 63.07 cm, 2.67 cm, 4.20 kg in 2017. The highest fruit yield was obtained under T5 (23.92 kg tree-1 in 2016 and 24.64 kg tree-1 in 2017) and statistically it was at par to T2 and T6 in first year and T2, T3 and T6 in second year. The lowest fruit yield of 17.41 kg tree-1 in 2016 and 18.52 kg tree-1 in 2017 was recorded in treatment T7. Fruit firmness at harvest did not show significant change under various treatments during both the year of study. However, T2 and T5 came out as the treatments having maximum fruit firmness. The maximum TSS (11.27 0Brix in 2016 and 11.10 0Brix in 2017), TSS – Acid ratio (11.82 in 2016 and 11.45 in 2017), total sugars (7.877% in 2016 and 7.760% in 2017) and ascorbic acid (3.747 mg/100 g in 2016 and 3.700 mg/100 g in 2017) were estimated under treatment T2. The maximum calcium pectate content was estimated under T3 (0.953% in 2016 and 0.965% in 2017) and statistically it was at par to T2. All the antioxidant assays viz., total polyphenols, DPPH radicals, ABTS radicals and total antioxidant activity affected adversely with increase in nitrogen fertilization levels. The maximum pectin methyl esterase activity (22.240 units and 22.573 units in 2016 and 2017, respectively) was estimated under control (T10), while the minimum was found in treatment T2 that remained statistically at par to T3. The treatment T2 and T3 favourably maintained fruit firmness during the course of storage at ambient conditions with mean values of 0.948 kg/mm2 and 0.949 kg/mm2 in 216 and 2017, respectively, while the minimum fruit firmness on all the storage intervals was measured under control (T10). Treatment T2 also showed better organoleptic acceptability and good storability at ambient conditions. The applied treatments also affected the leaf nutrient status (N, P, K and Ca) significantly. However, among soil nutrients, the significant change was only estimated for available soil N. The application of calcium chloride @ 1.5% caused marginal leaf scorching, while other two concentrations (0.5% and 1.0%) were safe. The highest benefit - cost ratio was computed in treatment T2 (2.99), whereas the minimum was estimated with T10 (1.71). Therefore, nitrogen application @ 375 g per tree through neem coated urea and three foliar application of 1.0 per cent calcium chloride along with traditionally practiced doses of 40 kg tree-1 FYM, 250 g phosphorus tree-1 and 500 g potassium tree-1 may be recommended for full grown peach cv. Red June trees under Kumaun Hills of Uttarakhand, where most of the peach orchards are managed under closer spacing.