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Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa
In the imperial Gazetteer of India 1878, Pusa was recorded as a government estate of about 1350 acres in Darbhanba. It was acquired by East India Company for running a stud farm to supply better breed of horses mainly for the army. Frequent incidence of glanders disease (swelling of glands), mostly affecting the valuable imported bloodstock made the civil veterinary department to shift the entire stock out of Pusa. A British tobacco concern Beg Sutherland & co. got the estate on lease but it also left in 1897 abandoning the government estate of Pusa.
Lord Mayo, The Viceroy and Governor General, had been repeatedly trying to get through his proposal for setting up a directorate general of Agriculture that would take care of the soil and its productivity, formulate newer techniques of cultivation, improve the quality of seeds and livestock and also arrange for imparting agricultural education. The government of India had invited a British expert. Dr. J. A. Voelcker who had submitted as report on the development of Indian agriculture. As a follow-up action, three experts in different fields were appointed for the first time during 1885 to 1895 namely, agricultural chemist (Dr. J. W. Leafer), cryptogamic botanist (Dr. R. A. Butler) and entomologist (Dr. H. Maxwell Lefroy) with headquarters at Dehradun (U.P.) in the forest Research Institute complex.
Surprisingly, until now Pusa, which was destined to become the centre of agricultural revolution in the country, was lying as before an abandoned government estate. In 1898. Lord Curzon took over as the viceroy. A widely traveled person and an administrator, he salvaged out the earlier proposal and got London’s approval for the appointment of the inspector General of Agriculture to which the first incumbent Mr. J. Mollison (Dy. Director of Agriculture, Bombay) joined in 1901 with headquarters at Nagpur
The then government of Bengal had mooted in 1902 a proposal to the centre for setting up a model cattle farm for improving the dilapidated condition of the livestock at Pusa estate where plenty of land, water and feed would be available, and with Mr. Mollison’s support this was accepted in principle. Around Pusa, there were many British planters and also an indigo research centre Dalsing Sarai (near Pusa). Mr. Mollison’s visits to this mini British kingdom and his strong recommendations. In favour of Pusa as the most ideal place for the Bengal government project obviously caught the attention for the viceroy.
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ThesisItem Open Access Pre-breeding studies on reproductive parameters of papaya(2023) Nagar, Sonu; PANDA, ASISH KUMARThe research study titled on “Pre-breeding studies on reproductive parameters of papaya” was carried out during 2022-23 at ICAR-AICRP on Fruits Farm, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. The study involved four specific papaya cultivars viz., cv. ‘F1 Red Lady’, cv. ‘Arka Prabhat’, cv. ‘Ranchi Local’ and cv. ‘TNAU Papaya CO-8’, each two as the gynodioecious and dioecious representative, respectively. The experiment was structured in a randomized block design with five replications and the plants were spaced at 2m × 2m. The observations such as, Plant height (cm), Plant girth (cm), Collar diameter (cm), Petiole length (cm), First flowering height (cm) were recorded as pre reproductive parameters and parameters such as, Days taken for bud emergence, Interval between bud emergence to flower bud opening, Sex form, Inflorescence type (single or cluster), Number of anthers per floret, Number of stigmatic lobes, Pollen output per anther, Pollen output per flower, Pollen viability (%), Pollen germination (%), Pollen size (µm), Anthesis (Time), Anther dehiscence (Time), Time span of stigmatic receptivity (hr.), and post fertilization entities were includes, Days taken from bud emergence to ovule maturation, post- fertilization ovule degeneration (%), Days taken for fruit set, Days taken for viable seed set, Percent viable seed set in both the gynodioecious and dioecious cultivars were recorded in the reproductive phase. The present study investigated the sexual diversity and reproductive characteristics of dioecious and gynodioecious papaya cultivars. At 120 days, no significant distinctions were observed in plant height, plant girth, collar diameter, and petiole length between dioecious and gynodioecious cultivars. However, at 160 days, distinct differences emerged, with the dioecious cv. ‘Ranchi Local’ reaching a height of 76.40 cm compared to the gynodioecious cv. ‘Arka Prabhat’ at 65.00 cm. Similarly, plant girth at 160 days ranged from 12.18 cm (cv. ‘Arka Prabhat’) to 15.16 cm (cv. ‘Ranchi Local’), collar diameter spanned from 2.86 cm (cv. ‘Arka Prabhat’) to 4.28 cm (cv. ‘Ranchi Local’), and petiole length varied between 23.40 cm (cv. ‘Arka Prabhat’) and 28.60 cm (cv. ‘Ranchi Local’). First flowering height displayed no significant differences. Notably, bud emergence and flower bud opening time revealed distinctive patterns among cultivars, with dioecious cv. ‘Ranchi Local’ taking 175.20 days for bud emergence and 29.45 days for flower bud opening, gynodioecious cv. ‘F1 Red Lady’ emerging at 160.33 days and flowering at 24.58 days, and gynodioecious cv. ‘Arka Prabhat’ with bud emergence at 166.67 days and flower bud opening at 26.19 days. Anthesis timing demonstrated considerable variability, with the earliest occurrence observed in cv. ‘TNAU Papaya CO-8’ at 17.54, while the latest was recorded in cv. ‘Arka Prabhat’ Carpelloid Pentandria at 21.43. Similarly, anther dehiscence, a crucial stage in pollen release, showcased the earliest timing in cv. ‘TNAU Papaya CO-8’ at 6.34, whereas the Carpelloid Pentandria of cv. ‘Arka Prabhat’ exhibited the latest dehiscence at 9.23. Additionally, the study unveiled the nuanced stages of stigma receptivity, progressing through four distinct phases: absence during bud closure, weakly positive pre-anthesis, strong positivity during anthesis, and very strong positivity post-anthesis. Furthermore, the study delved into pollen characteristics, revealing that dioecious varieties produced pollen within the range of 11,395.60 to 11,801.60 per anther (mean 11,598.60), while gynodioecious varieties ranged from 7,157 to 10,955.80 per anther (mean 9,988.95). Dioecious pollen viability percentages spanned from 71.44% to 75.44%, while gynodioecious pollen viability percentages ranged from 24.17% to 46.80%. Similarly, dioecious pollen germination rates ranged from 62.846% to 67.635%, and gynodioecious pollen germination rates spanned from 22.310% to 40.406%. Additionally, dioecious pollen exhibited sizes ranging from 25.792 to 26.386 µm, whereas gynodioecious pollen sizes fell within the range of 23.802 to 25.842 µm. Similarly, the period from bud emergence to ovule maturation showed slight variations, ranging from 28.57 to 29.13 days for dioecious and 28.32 to 32.09 days for gynodioecious plants. Post-fertilization ovary degeneration rates were observed within the range of 17.94% to 18.11% for dioecious and 16.38% to 26.04% for gynodioecious varieties. The duration for fruit set demonstrated a span of 14.40 to 15.80 days for dioecious and 12.20 to 17.80 days for gynodioecious types. Viable seed set times differed, ranging from 77.80 to 80.60 days for dioecious and 75.60 to 87.40 days for gynodioecious cultivars. Percentages of viable seed set showcased ranges of 58.35% to 61.54% for dioecious and 46.48% to 68.89% for gynodioecious variants. These findings offer comprehensive insights into the temporal dynamics and reproductive patterns of papaya's distinct sex formsThesisItem Unknown In-vitro regeneration studies in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) cv. Winter Dawn(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) CHAKRABORTY, ARPAN; Kanth, NeeharikaThe strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) is one of the most notable tart, sweet and juicy fruits in the world. It is the second-largest berry fruit produced globally, after grapes. As it spreads viral infection, the traditional method of strawberry multiplication by employing runners has some limitations. In order to create an effective technique for multiple shoots, root induction and proliferation and regeneration of strawberry plants using explants of runner tip and nodal segments, the current experiment was carried out. The present investigation entitled “In-vitro regeneration studies in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cv. Winter Dawn” was carried out during 2022-2023 in Plant tissue culture laboratory, SRI, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar). The variety Winter Dawn was used for the present study. The two types of explants used were runner tip and nodal segments. The three experiments: sterilization, shooting protocol and rooting protocol were carried out. For sterilization, mercuric chloride and ethanol were used and their effects were investigated. The shoot regeneration study was carried out with different concentrations of BAP was employed at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/l, Kinetin at 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 1 mg/l and GA3 at 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 1 mg/l. The rooting protocol was standardized using NAA and IBA at varying concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mg/l). The runner tips were found to be better in every experiment carried out. BAP levels of 1.5 and 0.6 mg/l Kinetin exhibited better than any other combination in case of shoot regeneration and the medium enriched with NAA at 0.5 mg/l gave good results compared to other combinations.ThesisItem Unknown Post-harvest Quality Evaluation of Banana Cultivars(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) ANKIT; Prasad , K.The present experiment entitled “Post-harvest Quality Evaluation of Banana Cultivars” was undertaken on 30 banana cultivars. Since most of the cultivars of banana in Bihar has not been assessed for nutritional profiling and postharvest quality attributes, hence, this study was conducted with two objectives. Under objective-I research was conducted for assessment of banana flour of 30 cultivars for physical (moisture content), biochemical, and sensory evaluation. Under the objective-II the selected 30 banana cultivars were assessed for nutritional quality of 30 banana cultivars at peak ripening stage for physical, physiological parameters, biochemical, sensory and enzymatic activities. Under objective-I the moisture content was found highest in “Grand Naine” (9.72 %), starch content was found highest in “Popoulu” (81.12 %), fiber content was found maximum in “Malbhog” (2.61 g/100g), ascorbic acid content was found highest in “Rubasta” (9.87 mg/100g), total lipids were found highest in “Popoulu” (1.22 mg/100g), carbohydrate content was found highest in “Popoulu” (25.89 g/100g), energy was found highest in “Saba” (346 kcal), protein content was found highest in “B.B Batisa” (3.98 g/100), highest folic acid was recorded in “Poovan” (24.72 µg/100g), highest phosphorous content was found in “P-B Batisa” (42.56 mg/100g), potassium content was recorded highest in “Yangambi km” (512 mg/100g), and overall acceptability of sensory evaluation value was found highest in “Malbhog” (8.85). Under the objective-II of cultivars moisture content was found to be highest in “Nepali-Chinia” (84.63 %), fruit firmness was found highest in “B.B Batisa” (14.72 N). Under physiological attributes PLW and respiration rate was observed highest in “Rubasta” (18.48 %) and (126.33 ml CO2 kg-1 h-1) respectively. Under the biochemical attributes energy was found to be highest in “B. B. Batisa” (118 kcal), fiber content was found highest in “Malbhog” (16.89 g/100), highest TSS content was found in “Rasthali” (25.46 Brix), ascorbic acid was found highest in “Poovan” (13.56 mg/100g), highest lipid content was found in “Popoulu” (1.29 g/100g), highest carbohydrate was found in “P-B Batisa” (31.64 g/100g), the maximum protein content and highest folic acid was found in “Kunnan” (1.85g/100g) respectively, sugar content was found highest in “Rasthali” (26.98 %) and titratable acidity was highest in “Popoulu” (1.23 %). In determination of m ineral content potassium content was found highest in “Grand Naine” (448.59 mg/100g) and phosphorous content was highest in “P-B Batisa” (48.83 mg/100g). Under the functional attributes the total phenol content was found to be highest in “Yangambi km” (307.60 mg GAE/100g), total flavonoids content was found highest in “Alpan” (10.26 mg/100g), total carotenoids content was found highest in “Serimanthi” (6.89 mg/100g) and total antioxidant content was found maximum in “Serimanthi” (6.91 µmolTE/g). In sensory evaluation overall acceptability value was found highest in “Malbhog” (8.86). Under enzymatic activity the polygalactouronase activity was found highest in “Rubasta” (60.98 µg galacturonic acid/g/h), Pectin methylesterase enzymatic activity (PME) content, the Lipoxygenase enzymatic activity (6.99 µmol/min/g FW) and the poly phenol oxidase (927.84 µg GAE/g) was found maximum in” Bhose”. The Pearson Correlation analysis provided the insights into the relationships between the nutritional composition, physical, physiological, biochemical, minerals, sensory and enzymatic activity of banana at peak ripening stage. PCA analysis showed that the moisture content was suggested to be positively correlated with fiber, TSS, ascorbic acid, sugar, phosphorous, phenol, carotenoid and antioxidant. The principal component analysis revealed that PC1 had significant properties in “Robasta”, “Nepali-Chinia”, Martman (Nemopor), “Poovan” and PC2 was primarily determined by “Grand Naine”, “Robasta”, “Yangambi-km” and “Serimanthi”. The clustering analysis showed that there were two major clusters among the selected cultivars and cluster two was also divided into two sub-clusters.ThesisItem Unknown Assessment of pomological potential and standardization of propagation methods in Elephant apple (Dillenia indica L.)(RPCAU, Pusa, 2023) NAIK, DESAVATH AKASH; Mukhim, C.The present experiment entitled “Assessment of pomological potential and standardization of propagation methods in Elephant apple (Dillenia indica L.)” was carried out in shade net of Hi-tech nursery unit of Department of Horticulture, PG College of Agriculture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar) during the year of 2022-2023. The biochemical parameters were taken in biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Botany, Physiology and Biochemistry, RPCAU, Pusa. The study aimed to investigate the pomological potential of elephant apple (Dillenia indica) and establish standardized propagation methods for this fruit. The research encompassed two primary objectives: evaluating the time taken for fruit development and assessing various parameters related to fruit quality, seed characteristics and propagation techniques. Five distinct collections of elephant apple fruits, labeled EC 1 to EC 5, were subjected to analysis. The duration from flowering to fruit set was measured, with EC 4 displaying the longest period (75.55 days) followed by EC 5 (66.89 days). Conversely, EC 2 demonstrated the shortest duration (56.30 days) and EC 1 fell in between (65.62 days). The fruit count varied among collections, with EC 2 containing the most fruits (498.26) and EC 5 having the fewest (11). Moreover, EC 4 exhibited the highest fruit weight (577.37 g), while EC 5 had the lightest fruits (402.40 g). Fruit dimensions were also scrutinized, revealing EC 4 to possess the greatest fruit length (12.53 cm) and EC 5 to have the smallest (8.63 cm). EC 4's fruit breadth measured 9.91 cm, whereas EC 5's was 9.14 cm. EC 4 was statistically on par with EC 1, EC 2 and EC 3 in terms of these parameters. Specific gravity was highest in EC 1 (408.05) followed by EC 4 (384.60) while EC 5 had the lowest (326.36). Shelf-life analyses indicated EC 2 as having the longest (33.75 days) and EC 5 the shortest (25.75 days), with EC 2 comparable to EC 1, EC 3 and EC 4. Ascorbic acid content ranged from 11.79 mg/100 g to 13.35 mg/100 g. EC 5 exhibited the highest level, whereas EC 3 displayed the lowest. Maximum titratable acidity was recorded in EC 1 (2.53%) and minimum in both EC 3 and EC 5 (1.99%). Total phenol content was highest in EC 4 (368.95 mg GAE/100g) and lowest in EC 5 (222.62 mg GAE/100g). EC 2 showcased the highest antioxidant activity (72.31%), while EC 5 demonstrated the lowest (65.18%). TSS content varied from 6.59 to 13.09 °Brix, with EC 3 having the highest and EC 5 the lowest values. The number of seeds per fruit ranged from 84.25 in EC 5 to 200.75 in EC 3, with seed color varying among collections. Furthermore, the investigation delved into propagation methods for elephant apple through cuttings and seed germination. The study focused on various treatments involving IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) and GA3 (gibberellic acid) at different concentrations. The time taken for sprouting and root development was measured, along with other growth parameters. For instance, stem cuttings treated with T4 IBA @ 2000 ppm exhibited the shortest duration to first sprouting (6.90 days), while T1 IBA @ 500 ppm and T2 IBA @ 1000 ppm demonstrated the longest (9.02 days). Stem cuttings treated with T4 IBA @ 2000 ppm, T5 IBA @ 2500 ppm and T7 IBA @ 3500 ppm displayed the maximum number of leaves (2.72), while T7 IBA @ 3500 ppm had the minimum (1.66). T4 IBA @ 2000 ppm resulted in the longest shoot length (3.19cm) and T2 IBA @ 1000 ppm had the shortest (2.02cm). The investigation also encompassed seed germination using GA3 treatments. T3 GA3 @ 600 ppm exhibited the shortest time for germination initiation (31.36 days) and T4 GA3 @ 800 ppm showed the highest germination percentage (69.88%). Plant growth parameters, such as primary root length, secondary root count, plant height and leaf number, were also assessed under different treatments.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON MACRO-PROPAGATION OF BANANA (Musa spp.)(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2021) KUMAR, VINAY; Panda, Asish KumarThe present investigation entitled “Studies on Macro-propagation of Banana (Musa spp.)” was carried out during 2020-21 in the research farm of All India Co-ordinated Research Project on for Fruit crops research field, Department of Horticulture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar). The experiments was laid out in Two-factors Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with eight different types of treatment viz., T1 (Sawdust), T2 (Sawdust + Azotobacter), T3 (Sawdust + Trichoderma), T4 (Sawdust + Azotobacter + Trichoderma), T5 (Sawdust (50%) + Banana fibre waste (50%) + Azotobacter), T6 (Sawdust (50%) + Banana fibre waste (50%) + Trichoderma), T7 (Sawdust (50%) + Cocopeat (50%) + Azotobacter), T8 (Sawdust (50%) + Cocopeat (50%) + Trichoderma) which were replicated five times. The results of the investigation that, among the different growing media of T6 (Sawdust (50%) + Banana fibre waste (50%) + Trichoderma) gave better performance in macro-propagation of banana on growth parameters. With referce to different propagation media, Sawdust (50%) mixed with Banana fibre waste (50%) & Trichoderma recorded maximum survival percentage (94.79 %), minimum days taken primary bud (21.45), secondary bud (46.91) & tertiary bud emergence (58.99), and maximum number of primary shoots (4.21), secondary shoots (7.16) & tertiary shoots (19.91). Same growing media also recorded minimum days taken for root emergence (17.61 days), maximum number of roots per shoot (161.10), primary roots (24.89), secondary roots (46.32), tertiary roots (89.90) & highest root length (21.88 cm).ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Clonal Propagation of Guava through Cuttings(Dr.RPCAU, Pusa, 2021) TIWARI, SHUBHAM; KANTH, NEEHARIKAThe present investigation entitled “Studies on Clonal Propagation of Guava through Cuttings” was carried out during 2020-21 in the Nursery Unit, Kitchen Garden, Department of Horticulture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University, Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar). The experiment was laid out in two-factors Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four types of potting media, viz., garden soil, Cocopeat: Perlite (1:1), Cocopeat: Vermiculite (1:1), Cocopeat: Perlite: Vermiculite (1:1:1) and two Plant Growth Regulators , viz., PBZ @ 200 ppm, PBZ @ 400 ppm, IBA @ 500 ppm and IBA @ 1000 ppm which were replicated three times. The results of the investigation revealed that among the different potting media, Cocopeat : Perlite : Vermiculite (1:1:1) was most efficient in terms of shooting competency parameters, viz., number of days to bud sprouting, sprouting percentage, number of leaves per cutting, number of branch per cutting and shoot length and for rooting competency parameters, viz., days taken for root emergence, number of roots, root length, root fresh weight,root dry weight and survival percentage of cuttings. Among PGRs, IBA @ 1000 ppm proved to be the best for both shooting and rooting competency parameters. PBZ @ 400 ppm was found to be almost equally efficient for rooting competency parameters. The economic analysis showed that Cocopeat : Perlite : Vermiculite (1:1:1) gave maximum B:C ratio.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF SEASON, IBA AND GROWING MEDIA ON ROOTING OF SINGLE LEAF-BUD CUTTING OF LEMON (Citrus limon Burm.) CV. NEPALI OBLONG(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2021) Maurya, Poonam; Mukhim, C.The present experiment was conducted at Horticulture nursery, TCA, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar on lemon during August 2020 to June 2021 under agro-shade net (50%) condition to know the influence of season, IBA concentrations and growing media on rooting and survival of single-leaf bud cuttings of lemon cv. Nepali Oblong. The experiment was designed in Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and consisted of total thirty two (32) treatment combinations, which contained seasons i.e., rainy and spring, IBA concentrations i.e., 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm, 2000 ppm & control (treated only with distilled water) and four growing media i.e., soil + FYM + sand, soil + peat moss + sand, soil + sand and soil alone. The experiment was replicated thrice with 30 cuttings in each replication; therefore total 1440 treated cuttings were planted on raised bed under agro- shade net in each season. After two seasons of experimentation, rainy season showed maximum survival percentage (51.46 %), minimum days taken to first sprouting (19.75 days), highest number of roots (33.28), sprouting percentage (54.75 %), length of longest root (5.81 cm), average fresh and dry wt. of cuttings (3.46 g & 1.31 g, respectively). Among the media, soil + peat moss + sand reported maximum survival percentage (47.92 %), minimum days taken to first sprouting (20.04 days), highest number of roots (28.17), sprouting percentage (54.14 %), length of longest root (5.99 cm), average fresh and dry wt. of cuttings (3.55 g & 1.46 g, respectively). Among the IBA concentrations, IBA @ 2000 ppm performed best with respect to maximum survival percentage (47.50 %), minimum days taken to first sprouting (20.37 %), maximum number of roots (27.02), sprouting percentage (55.33 %), length of longest root (6.10 cm), average fresh and dry wt. of cuttings (3.72 g & 1.41 g, respectively). Highest B: C ratio (2.76) was recorded in cutting planted during rainy season treated with IBA @ 2000 ppm containing soil + peat moss + sand growing media.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of Strawberry Cultivars Under Different Growing Conditions(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2021) SAHA, KUNALThe present investigation entitled “Evaluation of Strawberry Cultivars Under Different Growing Conditions” was conducted at Hi-Tech Horticulture Unit, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. Major objective of the research was to identify the best strawberry cultivar under in this region, to identify most suitable growing condition for strawberry in this region and to evaluate the performance of different strawberry cultivars under various growing conditions. The experimental material consists of three varieties of strawberry viz., Winter Dawn, Nabila and Sweet Sensation under three different growing conditions viz., open, polytunnel and shade net in Completely Randomized Design (Factorial CBD) consist of three replications during the season of 2020 - 2021. In case of parameters vegetative, reproductive and quality parameters were evaluated throughout the study. Among the vegetative parameters number of leaves per plant, leaf area, plant height, plant spread and crown diameters were evaluated. In case of reproductive parameters days taken for flower bud initiation, days for anthesis, number of flowers, number of fruits, days taken for anthesis to harvesting. Whereas among the quality parameters fruit length, width, weight, total soluble sloid, ascorbic acid content, titratable acidity, anthocyanin Dr. RAJENDRA PRASAD CENTRAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, PUSA, SAMASTIPUR, BIHAR-848125 content, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and total sugars were determined. Results revealed that highest vegetative growth were recorded in the cultivar Winter Dawn and among the growing conditions inside polytunnel situation maximum were recorded. The same results were found both in case of reproductive and, quality oriented parameters those which were evaluated.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF PLANT EXTRACT ON POSTHARVEST QUALITY AND SHELF LIFE OF PAPAYA FRUIT UNDER AMBIENT STORAGE(DRPCAU, PUSA, 2021) SINGH, GURPREET; PRASAD, K.Postharvest losses and their management in papaya fruits are always a prime concern for researchers. Hence, studies were conducted to derive an eco-friendly and health-friendly postharvest treatment for quality retention of papaya fruit. The commercial papaya cultivar of Bihar ‘Red Lady’ was assessed for postharvest losses during harvesting and storage under ambient conditions (25 ± 4º C and 65 ± 5% RH). Further, for reduction in fruit decay and retention of postharvest quality, different treatment of plant extract such as ‘Neem oil’ (2% v/v), ‘Pummelo peel extract’ (1 % v/v), ‘Pummelo essential oil’ (0.1% v/v), ‘Turmeric leaf extract’ (1% v/v), ‘Turmeric essential oil’ (0.1% v/v) along with control (water dip) were attempted as edible coating dip treatment on papaya fruit cv. ‘Red Lady’ for five minutes followed by storage at ambient conditions (25 ± 4º C and 65 ± 5% RH) for recording of observations on external and internal quality attributes during the storage period. From results, it has been observed that papaya fruit exhibited high postharvest losses which was more than 10% in terms of pathological loss and up to 15 % in terms of physiological loss. These losses could be reduced/managed significantly by the application of plant extract treatment. Among the attempted postharvest plant extract treatments ‘Turmeric leaf extract (1% v/v)’ was found to be the most effective treatment. It reduced the postharvest decay and physiological loss significantly over the control. It also improved the fruit gloss score (7.00), lowered the physiological activities of fruit in terms of respiration (6.55 CO2 kg-1 h-1) and ethylene evolution rate (60.97 μl kg-1 h-1) over control fruit (5.77, 8.34 ml CO2 kg-1 h-1 and 69.41 μl kg-1 h-1 respectively). Further this treatment positively influenced the activity of fruit browning and senescence causing enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase and lipoxygenase as it exhibited the least polyphenol oxidase (0.309 Δ A410 O.D. min-1 g-1 FW) and lipoxygenase (3.454 Δ A470 μmol g-1 FW min-1) enzyme activity compared to that of control fruit (0.350 Δ A410 O.D. min-1 g-1 FW and 4.128 Δ A470 μmol g-1 FW min-1 respectively). In terms of internal quality attributes, the treatment ‘Turmeric leaf extract (1% v/v)’ maintained the internal quality without exerting any adverse effect on TSS, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total carotenoids and total phenolics over control fruit. This treatment also improved the sensory score (7.2) compared to that of untreated fruits (5.8). Our results suggest that plant extract such as ‘Turmeric leaf extract (1% v/v)’ is an eco-friendly and health friendly edible coating approach which retain the external and internal quality of papaya fruit, reduce postharvest decay and extends shelf life of papaya fruit at ambient storage. Further this treatment improves the market value (sensory attribute) of fruit leading to better returns to the grower.
