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Anand Agricultural University, Anand
Anand Agricultural University (AAU) was established in 2004 at Anand with the support of the Government of Gujarat, Act No.(Guj 5 of 2004) dated April 29, 2004. Caved out of the erstwhile Gujarat Agricultural University (GAU), the dream institution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. K. M. Munshi, the AAU was set up to provide support to the farming community in three facets namely education, research and extension activities in Agriculture, Horticulture Engineering, product Processing and Home Science. At present there seven Colleges, seventeen Research Centers and six Extension Education Institute working in nine districts of Gujarat namely Ahmedabad, Anand, Dahod, Kheda, Panchmahal, Vadodara, Mahisagar, Botad and Chhotaudepur
AAU's activities have expanded to span newer commodity sectors such as soil health card, bio-diesel, medicinal plants apart from the mandatory ones like rice, maize, tobacco, vegetable crops, fruit crops, forage crops, animal breeding, nutrition and dairy products etc. the core of AAU's operating philosophy however, continues to create the partnership between the rural people and committed academic as the basic for sustainable rural development. In pursuing its various programmes AAU's overall mission is to promote sustainable growth and economic independence in rural society. AAU aims to do this through education, research and extension education. Thus, AAU works towards the empowerment of the farmers.
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ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF DECAPITATION AND PGR's ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF CLUSTER BEAN SEED (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.) CV. PUSA NAVBAHAR(AAU, Anand, 2010) NARSHI, SATODIYA BAKUL; Patel, H. C.A field experiment was conducted at Main Vegetable Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the years 2008-09 and 2009-10 in summer seasons on sandy loam soil with a view to study the "Influence of decapitation and PGR's on growth, yield and quality of cluster bean seed (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.) cv. Pusa Navbahar" under middle Gujarat conditions. There were twenty one treatment combinations comprising three decapitation treatments i.e. D1-Without decapitation (control), D2-Decapitation at 70 DAS and Ds-Decapitation at 85 DAS and seven different PGR's treatments along with control i.e. G1 -Water spray (Control), G2-NAA 20 mg/l, G3-NAA 40 mg/l, G4-GA3 20 mg/l, G5-GA3 40 mg/l, G6-Thiourea 500 mg/l and G7-Thiourea 1000 mg/l in a Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with three replications. Growth parameters viz. plant height and number of leaves per plant were found non-significant at 30 and 60 DAS. Whereas, without decapitation (control) treatment recorded significantly the highest plant height i.e. 112.07 and 115.72 cm and number of leaves per plant i.e. 50.70 and 45.15 at 90 DAS and harvest stage, respectively. The effects of decapitation on physiological parameters viz. LA, LAI, CGR, NAR and dry weight of plant were found non-significant at 30 and 60 DAS whereas, at 90 DAS all the physiological parameters and at harvest only LA and dry weight of plant recorded significantly, higher values in control treatment (Without decapitation). Decapitation of plant at 70 DAS registered significantly the highest number of pods per cluster (7.55), number of clusters per plant (18.29), number of pods per plant (138.00) and weight of 1000 seeds (37.00 g) in pooled analysis. However, dry pod length (9.59 cm) and number of seeds per pod (7.05 cm) were found maximum in treatment decapitation at 85 DAS. Decapitation of plant at 70 DAS produced significantly the highest seed yield (917.7 kg/ha) in pooled analysis as compared to without decapitation (889.13 kg/ha), which was 9.26 % higher than without decapitation. Root and shoot ratio (0.057) and harvest index (627.04) were also found significantly superior in treatment decapitation at 70 DAS. Seed quality parameters viz. seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index-I and II were recorded the highest values in treatment decapitation at 70 DAS at 6th 8th and at 10th day on pooled basis. Plant growth regulators treatments significantly influenced growth parameters viz. plant height and number of leaves per plant at various growth stages of crop except at 30 DAS. At 60, 90 DAS and harvest stage treatment GA3 40 mg/l recorded significantly maximum plant height and number of leaves per plant as compared to rest of treatments. Physiological parameters viz. LA, LAI, NAR and dry weight of plant at 60 and 90 DAS registered significantly the higher values in treatment GA3 40 mg/l in pooled analysis. At harvest, LA, LAI and dry weight had recorded significantly maximum values in treatments Thiourea 500 mg/l and GA3 40 mg/l which remained at par with each other. Yield attributing characters viz. number of pods per cluster (7.25), number of clusters per plant (18.75), number of pods per plant (136.01), dry pod length (9.86 cm) and weight of 1000 seeds (37.22 g) were significantly the highest in treatment Thiourea 500 mg/l on pooled basis. The significantly maximum seed yield was recorded by the treatment Thiourea 500 mg/l (1030.36 kg/ha) in pooled analysis, which was at par with treatment GA3 20 mg/l (992.81 kg/ha) which was 26.67 and 22.05 %, higher than control, respectively. The treatment GA3 20 mg/l recorded the highest harvest index (638.80). Seed quality parameters viz. germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight and vigour index-I and II were recorded the maximum values in treatments of GA3 and Thiourea at all the three stages i.e. 6th, 8th and 10thday. Interaction effects between decapitation and PGR's treatments on growth parameters viz., plant height and number of leaves per plant showed significant differences at 60, 90 DAS and harvest stage except for number of leaves per plant at harvest. Different combination of decapitation and PGR's treatments recorded significant results on physiological parameters at various growth stages viz. LA, LAI, CGR, NAR and dry weight of plant. At 60 and 90 DAS LA, LAI, NAR and dry weight of plant recorded significant results in different combinations except CGR at 60 DAS. At harvest stage, CGR, NAR and dry weight of plant were found significant due to interaction between decapitation and PGR's treatments. At all the growth stages, interaction between without decapitation and treatments of GA3 and Thiourea recorded significantly higher values of all the physiological parameters. Yield attributing parameters viz. number of seeds per pod and weight of 1000 seeds significantly affected by interaction between decapitation and PGR's treatments which, were the highest in combinations D'aGe (8.20) and D2G6 (41.40 g), respectively. Seed quality parameters like, seedling length, seedling dry weight and vigour index-I and II recorded the maximum values in combinations of decapitation at 70 DAS with treatments of GA3 and Thiourea at all the three stagesi.e. 6th 8th and10th day. The higher net return of 47,849 Rs./ha along with B.C.R. of 1: 2.60 was obtained by decapitation at 70 DAS, whereas, the lowest net realization (41,935 Rs. /ha) and B.C.R. (1:2.43) was obtained when plant decapited at 85 DAS. The treatment Thiourea 500 mg/l recorded the maximum net realization of Rs. 52,277 per hectare with 1:2.73 B.C.R., followed by treatment GA3 20 mg/l.ThesisItem Open Access LINE X TESTER ANALYSIS FOR COMBINING ABILITY, HETEROSIS AND GENE ACTION IN OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench(AAU, Anand, 2004) AHLAWAT, TIMUR RAMPAL; Joshi, K. I.The present investigation entitled "Line x Tester analysis for combining ability, heterosis and gene action in okra (Ahelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)" was undertaken at Main Vegetable Research Station, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand during kharif 2000 and 2001. The experimental material comprising of fifteen females, five males, their 75 hybrids and standard hybrid check GOH-1 was evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications in both the environments. Observations were recorded on fruit yield per plant and eight other yield components. The individual environment-wise and pooled analysis of variance revealed sufficient variation among the genotypes for all the traits studied, indicating the existence of sufficient variability in the material. The pooled analysis over environments revealed that environmental differences were non-significant for all the characters, thereby suggesting that the characters were not influenced by the changes in environment. Considerable level of heterosis was observed for fruit yield and its component traits. Maximum heterosis was observed for number of primary branches per plant followed by fruit yield per plant, plant height, fruits per plant and fruit weight. However, the magnitude of heterosis varied in different environments for the various traits studied.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF VARIOUS GENOTYPES AND HYBRIDS OF AONLA (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.)(AAU, Anand, 2005) JADAV, RAMSANG GAMBHIRSANG; Khimani, R. A.The experiment entitled "Evaluation of various genotypes and hybrids of aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.)" was conducted at the Horticultural Research cum Demonstration Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the year 2002-03 and 2003-04. The experiment was split in two sets i.e. set-1 Evaluation of genotypes of aonla and set-II evaluation of hybrids of aonla. In the first set, eight genotypes (LS-9, LS-10, LS-lOA, LS-U, LS-13, LS-16, LS-18 and LS-20) were used along with two checks (GA-1 and NA-7) and in the set-II thirteen hybrids (C1-1, C1-2, C1-3, C1-5, C1-6, C1-7, C1-13, C1-14, C2-1, C2-2, C2-3, C2-4 and C2-5) were used with the two checks (GA-1 and NA-7) to screen for various morphological, physico-chemical and post harvest traits of aonla. The experiments were planned in a Randomized Block Design during both the years of study (2002-03 and 2003-04). Set - I Selected genotypes Results pertaining to different selected genotypes of aonla, revealed that all the growth parameters like tree height, spread and trunk diameter of different genotypes showed marked variation and genotype LS-16 had maximum height (5.88 m), while the maximum trunk diameter (0.95 m) with maximum spread was observed in LS-11. The number of determinate branches produced on 30 cm length of tagged indeterminate branch were maximum in LS-16 (39.13) and in LS-18 (37.06). The length of determinate branches was higher LS-18 (15.33) and LS-20 (13.33). However, the maximum leaflets count (217.38) and area (38.26 cm2) was recorded in GA-1. The genotypes exhibited wide variation for count of male and female flowers. The maximum count of male flowers was noticed in LS-18 (987) while that of female flowers in GA-1 (55.10). The lowest male female ratio was observed in GA-1 (13.92). The genotypes LS-9, LS-20 and check NA-7 exhibited lower count of premature fruit drop at pea stage, while at marble stage it was seen in LS-16 (0.87) and NA-7 (0.88). The vertical diameter (3.19 cm) and fruit volume (28.04 cc) was maximum in GA-1 during the present study and, it produced significantly maximum fruit yield per quarter of tree during both the years of study followed by NA-7, LS-16 and LS-18. Lower stone weight was recorded in LS-16 (3.09 g) and higher pulp was observed in LS-9 (26.95 g) and GA-1 (26.14 g). The biochemical analysis showed significantly wide variation among the genotypes for different traits. The TSS was maximum in LS-9 (13.03 %) and ascorbic acid was higher in LS-10A (723.43 mg-100g pulp) and in GA-1. However LS-16 exhibited minimum acidity (1.72 %) and tannin (1.70 %) content. The maximum fibre percentage was found in LS-20 (3.58 %), while less fibre was noticed in GA-1 (2.69 %) and NA-7 (2.80 %). During the two years of study, LS-lOA (14.50 days), LS-16 (14.25 days), and check GA-1 (13.50 days) had longer marketable shelf life after harvest and a lower physiological weight loss after twelve (12.73 %) and twenty four days (28.73 %) was noticed in GA-1. Set - II Evaluation of hybrids The F1 hybrids of aonla illustrated significant variation for different morphological, physico-chemical and post harvest quality traits. The maximum tree height (9.42 m), trunk diameter (1.52 m) and spread (7.92 m E-W and 7.61 m N-S) were found in C1-1 in the present study. The number and length of determinate branches was higher in C1-5 (36.63 and 14.44 cm) on pooled basis. The check GA-1 produced maximum number of leaflets (217.38) and leaflet area (38.26 cm2) followed by C1-5. The maximum count of male flowers was recorded in C2-5 (944.63) and of female flowers in C1-5 (38.13), however the sex ratio was lower in GA-1 (22.24) on pooled basis. The Ci-13 and C2-2 showed minimum count of dropped fruits at pea stage and in C2-2 it was minimum at marble stage. The weight of dropped fruits was least in C1-13 at pea and marble stage. The present study showed significant variation in fresh weight of aonla fruits. It was maximum in C1-5 (31.79 g) followed by C2-2, and GA-1. The check GA-1 recorded maximum count of fruits (1164.13) and fruit yield (26.41 kg) per quarter of tree followed by C1-5, C1-1 and NA-7. The fruits of hybrids showed marked variation in diameter, volume, juice content, pulp content, stone weight and dry pulp recovery. The C1-5 illustrated maximum vertical (3.31 cm) and horizontal (3.46 cm) diameter. A lower stone weight (2.54g) was recorded in C2-2, maximum fresh pulp weight (28.50 g) in C1-5 and highest juice volume (24.47 cc) as well as dry pulp recovery was noticed in GA-1. The findings showed that hybrid C1-5 recorded maximum TSS (17.51 %) and check GA-1 had maximum ascorbic acid (715.41 mg-100g pulp) and protein (1.08 %) during the study. The fruits of hybrid C2-3 had lower acidity percentage (1.85 %) and C1-13 had lower tannin content (2.32 %). The lowest fibre was recorded in C1-3 (2.55 %). Different heterogeneous variable of aonla had wide variation in marketable shelf life and was higher in C1-5 and GA-1 during the study. The lower per cent physiological weight loss of fresh aonla fruits was noticed in C1-5, GA-1 and C2-3 after twelve days and in C2-5, C1-5 and in GA-1 after twenty four days of harvest.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON LEAF NUTRIENT STATUS IN RELATION TO DIFFERENT PERIOD AND POSITION IN AONLA (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) CULTIVAR GUJARAT AONLA-1(AAU, Anand, 2002) PARMAR, MAYANKKUMAR A.; Kikani, K. P.The investigation on "Studies on leaf nutrient status in relation to different period and position in aonla (Emblica officinalis, Gaertn) Cultivar "Gujarat Aonla-1" was carried out at Horticultural Research Farm, B.A.College of Agriculture, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand during the year 2000-2001. Leaf was choosen as an index tissue and it was collected from five different position of shoot at bimonthly interval starting from June, 2000 to April, 2001 and leaf samples were analyzed for the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium content on dry weight basis. The experimental trees received uniform cultural practices but manures and fertilizers each at two levels before on set of monsoon. Vegetative growth and yield were also recorded for different 16 treatment combinations. Significantly highest leaf level of nitrogen content (3.09 per cent) was found in treatment combination N2P1K1F1 (i.e. 1500 g N + 750 g P + 750 g K + 100 kg FYM/tree) in the month of August when leaf samples were collected from the top portion of the indeterminate branch from middle position of tree and it was lowest (0.08 per cent) in treatment N1P0K0F0 (i.e. 1000 g N + 0 g P + 0 g K + 0 kg FYM/tree) in the month of February at the basal position. Treatment N2P1K1F1 recorded significantly higher leaf level of phosphorus content (1.32 per cent) in the month of August at basal position while, it was lowest in the treatment N1P0K1F0 (0.03 per cent) in the month of February at top position. Leaf level of potassium content was significantly highest (1.41 per cent) in treatment N2P1K1F1 in the month of June when leaf samples were collected from top portion of indeterminate branch from middle portion of the tree and it was lowest (0.10 per cent) in treatment combination N1P1KoFo in the month of August at basal position. An interaction between treatment, period and position for leaf level of calcium content was found to be significant and it was recorded maximum (1.54 per cent) in treatment combination N2P1K1F1 in the month of October at basal position and minimum (0.30 per cent) in N1P0K0F0 treatment in the month of June at top position. Significantly highest (1.32 per cent) leaf level of magnesium content was recorded in treatment N2P1K1F1 in the month of August at basal position, while it was lowest (0.07 per cent) with treatment combination N1POK0FO in the month of June at top position. Significant effect of different treatments were found on plant spread (Eastwest), stem girth, number of fruits/tree and fruit yield (kg/tree). Fruit yield was found highest in treatment N2P1K1F1 and it was lowest in treatment N1P1K0FO. The fruit yield (kg/tree) was significantly and positively correlated with number of fruits per tree, leaf level of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in different periods. More or less same trend was observed between number of fruits per tree with the said nutrient. There was significant and positive relationship between different leaf nutrients content and different periods. Despite the marked fluctuation of leaf nutrients throughout the year, stability period for nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium were noted in the month of August to October; potassium in June to August and calcium in October to December. All these nutrients were found stabilized at middle position of indeterminate branch when samples were collected from middle position of tree. To assess nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium status of aonla tree leaf sample should be collected from middle position of the tree during their respective stabilize period. Besides these, aonla trees requires to be applied N, P, and K alongwith FYM for higher yield.ThesisItem Open Access Variability and Stability in Senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.)(AAU, Anand, 2005) PANDYA, PURVI NILESHCHANDRA; Khimani, R. A.Senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) is a well known purgative in Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine and has been included in Indian, British and many other pharmacopoeias of the world. Senna is native to Saudi Arabia. However, it has been cultivated as a seasonal crop in Tinnevelly and Ramnathpuram districts of Tamil Nadu and hence known in the trade as 'Tinnevelly Senna'. It has established its own position in the international market. The leaves and pods are the economic parts containing sennosides; which are responsible for the laxative properties. As the work on genetic parameter is scarce in literature, the present investigation was undertaken to generate information on genetic variability and stability in Senna. The investigation was carried out during 2002-04 in three different environments viz., kharif-rabi 2002-03 (E1),summer -kharif 2003 (E2) and kharifrabi 2003-04 (E3) with 18 Senna genotypes. Each experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications at B. A. College of Agriculture, A.A.U., Anand. The data were collected on plant height at 90.120 and 150 days after sowing, branches per plant, days to flowering, racemes per plant, flowers per raceme, days to pod set, pods per raceme, leaves per plant, fresh leaf yield per plant at 90,120 and 150 days after sowing, dry leaf yield per plant at 90,120 and 150 days after sowing, total fresh leaf yield per plant, total dry leaf yield per plant, fresh pod yield per plant, dry pod yield per plant, 100 seed weight and sennoside content in the leaves at 90, 120 and 150 days after sowing. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters in each environment studied. The characters, plant height at 90, 120 and 150 days after sowing, racemes per plant, leaves per plant, fresh and dry leaf yield per plant at 90, 120 and 150 days after sowing, fresh and dry pod yield per plant, 100 seed weight and sennoside content in the leaves at 90,120 and 150 days after sowing showed pre dominance of genotypic variance in total variance suggesting that genotypic factors were mainly responsible for trait deviation. Racemes per plant, leaves per plant, fresh leaf yield per plant at 90 and 150 days after sowing, fresh and dry pod yield per plant showed higher GCV values coupled with higher heritability estimates which suggested enough potential for exploiting these traits for improvement as these can be fixed. For information regarding stability aspects, the same characters were studied and data were analyzed using the methodology suggested by Eberhart and Russell (1966). The result revealed significant G x E interaction for all the characters except days to pod set. The regression analysis revealed that the linear component of G x E interaction was significant for plant height at 90 days after sowing, racemes per plant, fresh and dry pod yield per plant and sennoside content in the leaves at 90 and 150 days after sowing. While non- linear component (pooled deviation) was significant for all the traits except sennoside content in the leaves at 90 days after sowing. The linear component was predominant for plant height at 90 days after sowing, racemes per plant, fresh and dry pod yield per plant and sennoside content in the leaves at 90 and 150 days after sowing suggesting that performance of genotypes could be predicted on these basis across the environments with greater precision. The genotype(s) which showed stable and superior performance for the trait(s) in association with adaptability to all the environments were Radhanpur, Tutikom, and Rajasthan for plant height at 90 days after sowing, Tutikom for plant height at 120 days after sowing, Bhiloda for branches per plant, Sona for days to flowering, Vadgam for leaves per plant, Tutikom and Sona for fresh leaf yield per plant at 120 days after sowing, TN-1 for dry leaf yield per plant at 120 days after sowing, Radhanpur and Vadgam for 100 seed weight, Vadgam and Tutikom for sermoside content in the leaves at 90 days after sowing, Dantiwada for sennoside content in the leaves at 120 days after sowing and Anjar for sennoside content in the leaves at 150 days after sowing. The genotype Vadgam was found superior and stable for 3 characters (number of leaves per plant, 100 seed weight and sennoside content in the leaves at 90 DAS) in association with suitability to grow in all environments. Similarly Tutikom was found stable and superior for 4 characters (plant height at 90 and 120 DAS, fresh leaf yield per plant and sennoside content in the leaves at 90 DAS). Hence, these two genotypes can be selected for further crop improvement programme. Whereas, for poor environment, Kukma was found stable for fresh leaf yield at 150 DAS, dry leaf yield at 120 and 150 DAS and for dry pod yield. Hence, this genotype can be selected for developing a variety for poor environment.ThesisItem Open Access DIAGNOSTIC SURVEY FOR CULTIVATION PRACTICES OF BANANA (Musa Spp.) CROP IN CENTRAL GUJARAT(AAU, Anand, 2001) Vihol, Natavarji Jugalji; Joshi, K. I.The present investigation on "Diagnostic survey for cultivation practices of banana (Musa spp.) crop in Central Gujarat" was undertaken to understand the weaknesses and strengths of existing cultivation practices, to identify the future needs of research and to recommend innovative techniques and strengths of practices for improving productivity among poor performers. The major output of the work is being presented below in terms of strengths, weakness and researchable issues. Strengths: Prevalence of suitable climatic and edaphic conditions for banana cultivation. Industry is in the hands of medium to big size resource rich farmers who have allotted more than 50 per cent of their land holding to banana crop. Growers are experienced in banana cultivation for 15 to 30 years. Industry is based on a few but highly productive varieties. The farmers at large are receptive about new innovations and rate of adoption of standard package of practices is of very high level due to which yield levels are high and quality of produce is superior. Weaknesses: Narrow varietal base and use of untested cultivars in cultivation. Use of old and imported planting material and non-use of pre planting treatment of suckers against soil borne diseases and pests. Planting time is slightly late. Excessive use of nutrients especially N and absence of Ca, Zn and Fe nutrition. Overdose of irrigation High cost of inputs and labour. Rare use of plant protection measures inspite of prevalence of many diseases and pests such as rhizome rot, leaf spot diseases, viral diseases, nematodes, rhizome weevil and premature ripening. Heavy loss of crop due to delayed fruiting. Absence of regulated marketing system and inadequate infrastructure. Absence of scientific basis for a number of cultural practices like earthing up, removal of male buds and propping. Researchable issues: Development and evaluation of more productive cultivars for broad basing the industry. Development of effective and user friendly pre-planting treatments for reducing the disease load on planting material. Development of high density plantation system in combination with drip. Rationalization of nutrient use and improvement in their use efficiency. Management of Ca, Zn and Fe nutrition. Sustenance of natural resource base especially the quality of soil. Irrigation management including fertigation. Mechanization to reduce human drudgery. Development of IPM strategy for major pests and diseases. Rationalization of cultural practices like desuckering, earthing up, propping and male bud removal. Regulation of hands in bunches for high quality of crop. Investigation on marketing strategy and post harvest handling procedures for all types of markets. Development of effective ToT system through participatory mode. In future research agenda for banana in Gujarat Agricultural University, these issues need priority for sustaining banana industry on sound footings. This type of work needs to be extended to other commercial fruit crops of Gujarat. Finally the poor performers may also be advised to have scientific approach in the cultivation of banana crop by adopting available technology developed through research efforts in the university.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF SOWING TIME AND NITROGEN ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF SOME CULTIVARS OF TURNIP (Brassica rapa L.) UNDER MIDDLE GUJARAT CONDITIONS(AAU, Anand, 2003) KUMAR, ADESH; JOSHI, K. I.A field experiment was conducted on loamy sand soil of Horticultural Research Farm, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand, to study the effect of sowing time and nitrogen on growth, yield and quality of some cultivars of turnip (Brassica rapa L.) under middle Gujarat conditions during rabi season of the years 1999-00 and 2000-01. Thirty six treatment combinations comprising four sowing dates (20th October, 5th November, 20th November and 5th December) were assigned to main plots, three varieties (Purple Top White Globe, Snowball and Deshi Red) and three levels of nitrogen (50, 75 and 100 kg N/ha) were relegated to sub-plots in split plot design replicated thrice. The results revealed that different date of sowing significantly influenced the growth parameters viz., plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of shoot, length and thickness of root, root: shoot ratio, LAI, LAD, RGR, NAR and LAR during both the years. Similarly, root yield was also influenced significantly with different dates. Sowing on 20th October (Di) produced significantly higher root yield (395.26, 389.34 and 392.29 q/ha), when compared with Da (319,78, 314.48 and 317.13), D3 (261.83, 255.88 and 258.85) and D4 (198.98, 191.67 and 195.32) during both the years and in pooled analysis. The higher yield under Di (20"^ October) was probably due to more favourable mean temperature range between 20.5 to 27.1*^C for growth which became instrumental in boosting up the root yield. Total soluble solids and vitamin - C content were not influenced by sowing date during both the years and in pooled analysis. Total chlorophyll content of leaf and nitrogen content of plant were recorded highest under early sowing (Di) as compared to D2, D3 and D4 during both the years and in pooled analysis. Resuhs pertaining to different varieties viz., Purple Top White Globe, Snowball and Deshi Red revealed that all the growth parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot, length and thickness of root, root: shoot ratio LAI, LAD, RGR, NAR and LAR, root yield, vitamin - C and TSS content of root, chlorophyll content of leaf and nitrogen content of plant were also significantly influenced with different varieties. The variety Vi (Purple Top White Globe> proved significantly superior over V2 (Snowball) and V3 (Deshi Red) in terms of root yield (328.19, 322.11 and 325.15 q/ha). Similarly, total soluble solids and vitamin - C content of root were highest under the variety Vi as compared to V2 and V3 during both the years and in pooled analysis as well. Fertilizing turnip with 100 kg N/ha considerably increased all growth parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, thickness and length of root, root: shoot ratio, LAI, LAD, RGR, NAR and LAR during both the years as well as in pooled analysis. Similarly, this level increased root yield of turnip (357.94, 352.03 and 354.98 q/ha) as compared to 75 kg N/ha (N2) and 50 kg N/ha (Ni) during both the years as well as in pooled analysis. Total soluble solids content of root increased with increasing m levels of nitrogen and recorded highest under N3 (100 kg N/ha). On the other hand, vitamin - C content was not much affected by nitrogen during both the years and in pooled analysis as well. Total chlorophyll content of leaf and nitrogen content of plant were also increased with the increasing in levels of nitrogen during both the years as well as in pooled analysis. The interactions viz., SxV, SxN, VxN and S x V x N did not manifest significant effect on growth, yield and quality parameters of turnip during both the years of investigation and in pooled analysis. Thus, the results suggested that for securing the highest root yield, turnip the variety Vj (Purple Top White Globe) should be sown around 20"^ October with 100 kg N/ha under middle Gujarat conditions.ThesisItem Open Access LINE X TESTER ANALYSIS FOR COMBINING ABILITY, HETEROSIS AND GENE ACTION IN OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench(Anand Agricultural University, Anand, 2004) AHLAWAT TIMUR RAMPAL; Dr K. I. JoshiThe present investigation entitled “Line x Tester analysis for combining ability, heterosis and gene action in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)” was undertaken at Main Vegetable Research Station, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand during kharif 2000 and 2001. The experimental material comprising of fifteen females, five males, their 75 hybrids and standard hybrid check GOH-1 was evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications in both the environments. Observations were recorded on fruit yield per plant and eight other yield components.ThesisItem Open Access SALT TOLERANCE STUDIES IN SEASONAL FLOWER SPECIES(Anand Agricultural University, Anand, 2007) M.C.Joshi; Dr. R. A. KhimaniThe present investigation entitled “Salt tolerance studies in seasonal flower species” was undertaken during rabi season of 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 at the Horticultural Research Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The five seasonal flower species viz., chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum sagetum), calendula (Calendulla officinalis), sweet sultan (Centaurea moschata), dianthus (Dianthus chinesis) and gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella) were irrigated with combination of normal irrigation : sea water at (T1 - control, T2 - 3 : 1, normal : sea water irrigation, T3 - 1 : 1, normal : sea water irrigation, T4 - 1 : 3, normal : sea water irrigation) levels