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Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
Assam Agricultural University is the first institution of its kind in the whole of North-Eastern Region of India. The main goal of this institution is to produce globally competitive human resources in farm sectorand to carry out research in both conventional and frontier areas for production optimization as well as to disseminate the generated technologies as public good for benefitting the food growers/produces and traders involved in the sector while emphasizing on sustainability, equity and overall food security at household level.
Genesis of AAU -
The embryo of the agricultural research in the state of Assam was formed as early as 1897 with the establishment of the Upper Shillong Experimental Farm (now in Meghalaya) just after about a decade of creation of the agricultural department in 1882. However, the seeds of agricultural research in today’s Assam were sown in the dawn of the twentieth century with the establishment of two Rice Experimental Stations, one at Karimganj in Barak valley in 1913 and the other at Titabor in Brahmaputra valley in 1923. Subsequent to these research stations, a number of research stations were established to conduct research on important crops, more specifically, jute, pulses, oilseeds etc. The Assam Agricultural University was established on April 1, 1969 under The Assam Agricultural University Act, 1968’ with the mandate of imparting farm education, conduct research in agriculture and allied sciences and to effectively disseminate technologies so generated. Before establishment of the University, there were altogether 17 research schemes/projects in the state under the Department of Agriculture. By July 1973, all the research projects and 10 experimental farms were transferred by the Government of Assam to the AAU which already inherited the College of Agriculture and its farm at Barbheta, Jorhat and College of Veterinary Sciences at Khanapara, Guwahati.
Subsequently, College of Community Science at Jorhat (1969), College of Fisheries at Raha (1988), Biswanath College of Agriculture at Biswanath Chariali (1988) and Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science at Joyhing, North Lakhimpur (1988) were established. Presently, the University has three more colleges under its jurisdiction, viz., Sarat Chandra Singha College of Agriculture, Chapar, College of Horticulture, Nalbari & College of Sericulture, Titabar. Similarly, few more regional research stations at Shillongani, Diphu, Gossaigaon, Lakhimpur; and commodity research stations at Kahikuchi, Buralikson, Tinsukia, Kharua, Burnihat and Mandira were added to generate location and crop specific agricultural production packages.
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ThesisItem Open Access NUTRITIONAL PROFILING OF SOME UNDERUTILIZED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES OF ASSAM(2023) Goswami, Soumitra; Saikia, AnantaThere exists a vast array of species, that have great potential but are often neglected and are termed as underutilized species. Underutilized fruits and vegetables are one such potential bio-asset, that could become a major tool in addressing global malnutrition, poverty and economic prosperity of millions of people. The present study covered assessment of nutritional and anti-nutritional constituents of 42 numbers of underutilized vegetables and fruits (28 vegetables and 14 fruits). The selected vegetables also showed significant variations in their biochemical constituents like moisture content (72.82 - 92.84 g 100g-1), ash content (3.82 - 15.37 g 100g-1), crude fat content (1.51 - 8.33 g 100g-1), crude fibre content (1.62 - 24.67 g 100g-1), crude protein content (1.80 - 9.79 g 100g-1%), potassium content (19.30 - 624.30 mg 100g-1), sodium content (2.34 - 234.11 mg 100g-1), calcium content (69.04 - 858.28 mg 100g-1), phosphorus content (25.94 - 579.15 mg 100g-1), iron content (31.34 - 401.34 mg 100g-1), zinc content (0.03 - 8.02 mg 100g-1), manganese content (25.36 - 264.59 mg 100g-1), Vitamin C (as Ascorbic acid content) (25.64 - 366.98 mg 100g-1), total phenol content (0.63 - 6.54 mg 100g-1) and free radical scavenging activity (72.31 - 95.09 %). The selected samples also contained anti-nutritional properties like saponin (0.13 - 1.08 mg 100g-1), tannin (0.23 - 2.79 mg 100g-1), phytic acid (0.16-0.61 mg 100g-1), oxalate (0.14 - 7.23 mg 100g-1). Similar to the vegetables, the selected fruits also showed significant variations in their biochemical constituents such as moisture content (68.96- 92.46 g 100g-1), ash content (1.39-5.38 g 100g-1), crude fat content (0.41-0.56 g 100g-1), crude fibre content (0.61–5.11 g 100g-1), crude protein content (0.51-8.99 g 100g-1),Potassium content (10.00- 982 mg 100 g-1), Sodium content (0.14 -70.99 mg 100 g-1), Calcium content (1.12-463.83 mg 100 g-1), Phosphorus content (4.57 -306.24 mg 100 g-1), Iron content (0.73 -163.30 mg 100 g-1), Copper content (0.14 -6.19 mg 100 g-1), Zinc content (0.24– 28.94 mg 100 g-1), Manganese content (0.15 -14.64 mg 100 g-1), Vitamin C (as Ascorbic acid content) (5.96 - 117.16 mg 100 g-1), total phenol content (21.08 - 900.84 mg GAE 100 g-1) and free radical scavenging activity (59.05- 94.73 %). The selected samples also contained anti-nutritional properties like saponin (0.01–7.98 mg 100 g-1), tannin (0.49–8.44 mg 100 g-1), phytic acid (0.32-8.05 mg 100 g-1) and oxalate (0.71 -28. 05 mg 100 g-1). However, after determining proportionate values of anti-nutritional components and their related nutrients showed lower than critical values for bioavailability of the related nutrients in majority of the selected fruits and vegetables. Hence, this study may be considered as a benchmark for planning future studies in the field of development of nutraceutical formulations in managing the issue of under nutrition and general wellbeing of the population.ThesisItem Open Access Floral behaviour, growth and post-harvest quality of Dragon fruit [Hylocereus costaricensis (Weber) Britton & Rose](2023) Bagra, Gerik; Neog, ManoranjanAn experiment was conducted on “Floral behaviour, growth and postharvest quality of dragon fruit [Hylocereus costaricensis (Weber) Britton & Rose] during 2019-20 and 2020-21 in the farm of KVK, Jorhat and Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat with the objectives to study the floral behaviour, growth and development of dragon fruit and also the effect of various post-harvest treatments on its post-harvest quality and shelf life. The plants were tagged at bud initiation stage. The floral behaviour of the fruits was studied in the selected plants. The fruits were collected at 7 day intervals after flowering, till harvest for estimation of various physico-chemical parameters. Six post-harvest treatments; T1(Dipping fruits in ascorbic acid 500ppm solution for 5 minutes, air dried and packed in transparent 0.2% perforated LDPE bags), T2(Dipping fruits in 100 ppm sodium hypochlorite for 5 minutes, air dried and packed in transparent 0.2% perforated LDPE bags), T3(Dipping fruits in 1% Chitosan solution for 2 minutes, air dried and packed in transparent 0.2% perforated LDPE bags), T4(Dipping fruits in 1% Calcium Chloride solution for 30 minutes, air dried and packed in transparent 0.2% perforated LDPE bags), T5(Air dried fruits packed in transparent 0.2% perforated LDPE bags),T6(Air dried fruits were kept in open condition without packing and chemical treatment) were applied to fruits. Fruits were subjected to post harvest treatments after harvest and kept at ambient conditions (mean temp 30.5 0C and RH 82.5%). Physicochemical qualities were studied at 2 days, 4 days, 6 days and 8 days after storage (DAS). The laboratory experiment (Part II) was laid out in a factorial CRD with three replications. The flower bud initiation started in the second week of July and it took 18 days to flower. Anthesis started in the afternoon and the period lasted from 4.30 to 9.00 pm. The dehiscence of anthers took place 7 hours after opening of flowers. Pollen viability percentages were found to be 85.77±0.89 and 84.62±0.20 under 10x and 40x magnification, respectively. Fruits reached harvest maturity at 28 days after flowering when peel colour changed to pink red. At harvest, it recorded fruit weight 239.92 g, specific gravity 1.05, pulp:peel ratio 2.59 and the fruit contained TSS 11.95 0Brix, titrable acidity 0.26%, TSS:acid ratio 48.20, total sugar 8.12 %, crude protein 1.19 %, Crude fibre 0.84 mg/g, Total phenolics 51.94 mg GAE/g, Betalains 8.60 mg/100g. Physiological loss in fruit weight (PLW) were increased during storage. T2 recorded the lowest PLW (1.66%) and absence of rotting of fruits which was followed by T1. In T2 and T1, no fungal organism was detected. TSS and sugars were found to increase during storage while titrable acidity and ascorbic acid content decreased. T2 registered the lowest titrable acidity (0.16%) which was followed by T1 & T3 (0.18 %). Highest TSS (12.21 OBrix) and total sugars (8.30%) were recorded in T1 which had statistical parity with T2. Maximum retention of ascorbic acid (8.04%), Crude protein (0.72%), total phenolics (49.28mg GAE/100g), crude fibre (1.03%), Betalain (8.54mg/100g), total antioxidant (53.14 mg/g) were recorded in T2 which was followed by T1. Organoleptic qualities of fruits were found to decrease with the advancement of storage period. The highest organoleptic score values in respect of colour (7.89), taste (7.678), flavour (7.19) and texture (7.20) were obtained in T2 followed byT1. Maximum shelf life of 8 days was recorded in T2. Thus, it may be concluded that dragon fruit should be harvested at 28 days after flowering when peel colour is pink red, specific gravity (1.05), pupl:peel ratio 2.59 and TSS:acid ratio 48.20. Dipping fruits in 100 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution for 5 minutes, air dried and packed in transparent 0.2% perforated LDPE bags is the best treatment with minimum PLW, rotting and microbial activities retaining maximum sugars, ascorbic acid, crude protein, crude fibre, betalains, total antioxidant which extended the shelf life up to 8 days at ambient condition.ThesisItem Open Access Morphological, physico-chemical and molecular characterisation of mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes of Upper Brahmaputra Valley of Assam(2023) Hazarika, Binita; Kotoky, UtpalTo study the extent of variation among the different mango genotypes of Assam, the present investigation entitled “Morphological, physico-chemical and molecular characterisation of mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes of Upper Brahmaputra Valley of Assam” was carried out during 2021-23 in Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivasagar and Tinsukia districts of Assam. A total of 100 accessions were surveyed out of which 33 accessions were finally selected based on acceptability. All the morphological characteristics were studied as per descriptor of IPGRI, Rome (2006). Results revealed significant variation in qualitative as well as quantitative traits. Tree height (tall, medium and dwarf) varied significantly among the accessions. Leaf features did not significantly differ between accessions, but flower color (yellowish green, yellow, and pink), panicle location (axillary, terminal, and terminal), and the presence of leafy bracts showed significant variations. Substantial differences in fruit shape (roundish, oblong, obovoid, elliptic) and fruit apex shape (round, obtuse, acute) were also observed. Stone and seed characteristics varied among the accessions with respect to type of veins on stone, quantity of fibre on stone, adherence of fibre to stone, seed shape and type of embryony. Quantitative characteristics of leaf, panicle, stone, seed and fruits also varied significantly among the accessions. Highest length:breadth ratio of leaf was observed in AMG-5 (8.89) and lowest in AMS-2 (2.78). Panicle length:breadth ratio was highest in AMS-7 (3.13) and lowest in AMJ-13 (1.04). The number of secondary rachis per panicle, sex ratio, number of fruits per panicle, per cent fruit drop and per cent fruit retention also varied. Study of physical characteristics of fruits revealed that accession AMG-2 had highest fruit weight 1206.48 g and 1197.92g both at harvest and at ripening respectively, whereas, fruit weight at harvest and ripening was lowest in AMG-5 86.31g and 75.67g, respectively. Similarly, significant variations were observed in characters like shape index, lenticels density, stone per cent, pulp: stone ratio, waste index and pulp percent. Study also revealed significant differences in chemical characteristics of fruit. TSS was highest in AMS-6 (18.80°Brix) and lowest in AMJ-13 (10.26°Brix). TSS: Acidity ratio was highest in AMJ-11 (91.00) and lowest in AMG-7 (24.50). Ascorbic acid content was highest in AMT-1(52.70 mg/100g) and lowest in AMJ-14 (22.63 mg/100g). Other chemical characteristics of fruits like total sugar, sugar:acid ratio, carotenoid content, moisture content also significantly varied among the accessions. The PCA for 55 quantitative characters in mango accessions revealed considerable variation among the accessions. 15 components displayed a total variation of 89.55% and were consequently considered to exhibit notable variance. 35 characters contributed to the 18.21% variation in PC1. Cluster analysis revealed maximum Euclidean distance of 17.10 that was observed between the two accessions of Golaghat, AMG-2 and AMG-8, and minimum Euclidean distance of 6.131 was observed between the two accessions of Sivasagar, AMS-3 and AMS-6 indicating that variation was influenced by genetic factor. Despite SSR markers demonstrating that there was no polymorphism, the occurrence of diversity in morphological and physiological traits necessitated additional molecular level studies using a wider array of markers. It can be concluded from the study of the accessions that there is considerable variation among them, and that accessions with distinguished characteristics can be exploited in mango improvement programmes.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of crop geometry, fruit thinning and nutrient management in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb.)(2023) Deka, Bhabesh; Borthakur, Pritom Kr.The present experiment on ―Standardization of crop geometry, fruit thinning and nutrient management in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb.)‖ was carried out for two successive years during 2020-21 and 2021-22 in the farmer‘s field Nahat Chapani village, Teok, Jorhat (26°4816.8 North latitude and 94°251.1 East longitude) with the objective to optimize the planting density for maximum yield and quality, to study the effect of crop load on growth, yield and quality and to study the effects of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality. The experiment was laid out in factorial Randomized Block Design with 3 factors viz. Spacing, Fruit thinning and INM with three replications and the data of individual years were subjected to pooled analysis. The spacing levels were D1 (2.5m x 2m), D2 (1.5m x 1m) and D3 (1m x 1m) where F1 (no thinning), F2 (Thinning up-to 1 fruits /primary vine) and F3 (Thinning up-to 2 fruits/primary vine) were the fruit thinning levels. A total of 4 INM treatment were given i.e. N1 (100% RDF), N2 (50% RDF + 50% RDN through FYM), N3 (50% RDF + 50% RDN through vermicompost) and N4 (50% RDF + 25% RDN through Vermicompost + 25% RDN through FYM). The treatments significantly influenced the various parameters except a few. The spacing D1 (2.5m x 2m) recorded the maximum days to flowering (25.59 days), maximum fruits/plant (3.93) and fruit weight (2.34 kg) leading to higher yield per plant (8.87 kg) although the spacing D3 (1m x1m) exhibited minimum days to flowering (25.59) and maximum yield (8.14 t/ha) owing to maximum plant population. Quality parameters were not affected significantly by distance. Fruit thinning significantly influenced the yield attributing and quality parameters. Fruit thinning level (F2) resulted in maximum fruit weight (2.92 kg) and yield (5.3 t/ha) which was at par with F3 (5.38 t/ha). Fruit quality was significantly improved by fruit thinning recording highest values of TSS (12.65 oB), total sugar (8.88%), reducing sugar (5.94%) and DPPH scavenging activity (54.57%). Among the INM treatments, N3 (50% RDF + 50% Vermicompost) was most effective with respect to growth, reproductive, physiological, quality and soil parameters viz., Highest fruits per plant (4.21), yield per hectare (6.26 t), TSS (13.10 oB), total sugar (9.14%), carotenoid (8.22 mg/100g), Lycopene (7.16 mg/100g), DPPH scavenging activity (54.86%), total chlorophyll (2.39 mg/g FW), soil available N (311.86 kg/ha), P (33.15 kg/ha), K (274.49 kg/ha) and organic carbon (1.19%). The interaction of three factors revealed that T35 (D3F3N3) recorded maximum production (10.05 t/ha) that was at par with T31 (D3F2N3) recording 9.82 t/ha yield. T7 recorded the highest values of fruit weight (3.2 kg), TSS (13.28 oB), total sugar (9.24%), carotenoid (8.3 mg/100g), lycopenne (7.19 mg/100g), and DPPH scavenging activity (54.97%) which was at par with T27 (D3F1N3), T31 (D3F2N3) and T35 (D3F3N3). Significantly higher values of soil available N (313.66 kg/ha), P (33.64 kg/ha) and K (295.69 kg/ha) was observed in T35 (D3F3N3). Computation of production economics revealed the B:C ratio to be the highest in D3F3N3 (6.53) which was at par with T31-D3F2N3 (6.35) and T27-D3F1N3 (6.12).ThesisItem Open Access Gender Differentiated Dimensions in Agriculture and Identifying its Factors Governing Impact on Tribal Farm Women - A Study in Assam(2022) Bora, Pallabi; Mishra, P.The present study was carried out in Jorhat, Morigaon, Baksa and Dhemaji districts of Assam with the objectives to assess the gender division of agricultural activities and to explore gender differentiated dimensions in agriculture along with its impact factors. A multistage random sampling method was followed to select the final respondents of 320 that comprises equal number of women and men respondents of a particular household. Two agricultural components namely paddy and piggery were included in the study. Appropriate statistical tools viz. frequency, percentage, mean, Z- test, multiple regression, path analysis were employed to analyse the data. The findings revealed that majority of the farm women and men belonged to young age group with less considerable level of education. More than ninety percent had male headed household and nuclear family (70.625) with medium sized family (53.75%) in between 4 to 6 members. Both had good number of years of farming experience but had low training exposure, poor extension contact and less social participation. Majority (66.25%) of them were small holding farmers utilizing 1 to 2 ha of land under paddy (71.25%) and had small pig size of less than 3 number. Most (58.12%) of them had rice and other allied agricultural activities as the main occupation. Average annual family income was Rs. 1.72 lakh and individual average income of women and men was Rs. 0.39 and Rs. 1.33 respectively. Both women and men had a medium level of knowledge and medium risk bearing ability. A medium overall level of participation was found in agriculture by women (55.62%) and men (58.12%) with mean scores of 54.57 and 67.99 in women and men respectively. Majority (40.63%) of the farm women had low decision making power in agriculture, while men (49.37%) had a high decision making power. The overall extent of access and control was found to be medium (48.75%) to low (33.13%) in women whereas, in men, a medium (47.50%) to high (30.62%) level was found. Most of the women had low (41.87%) income control (37.50) and forty five percent men had high to medium (29.38) income Comparatively the workload of women in triple role was more than men as women spent on an average of 15.75 hr. /day while spend 11.88 hr. /day. Both women (64.38%) and men (51.88%) had medium level of perception towards agriculture. A two sample Z- test showed that there were significant differences between women and men in all the four gender differentiated dimensions of agriculture. Among the seven impact factors, only education and family were positively significant with the likelihood of resources‟ access control and control pattern in usage of income at 0.001 level of probability. Three factors viz. personality, family and education were found to be positively significant with the likelihood of production decision making pattern at 0.001 level of probability. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) values (0.619), (0.709), (0.688) stated that these factors jointly contributed 61.90 percent, 70.90 percent and 68.80 percent towards variation in production decision, resources‟ access control and control over usage of income respectively. Path analysis was performed using SPPS Amos version 26.0 to detect direct and indirect effects of the three dependent variables (Resource access control, Income usage and production decisions) and three independent variables (Personality, Family and Education). Path models revealed significant direct effects between Education and Family with all the dependent variables, i.e., Resource access control, Income usage and production decisions. However, direct effects of individual decision have been observed only with Production decisions. The co-variances among and between the independent variables were significant and showed significant indirect effects.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of different electrical conductances and vertical hydroponics systems on growth, yield and quality traits of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) with special reference to post-harvest shelf life under Assam condition.(2022) SAROJ, NANHE LAL; Barua, Pritam CoomarAn experiment was carried out in a naturally ventilated playhouse located in Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during the year 2019-20 and 2020-21 to study the effect of different electrical conductances and vertical hydroponics systems most suitable for the strawberry crop. The strawberry crop was subjected to EC levels viz. L1 (1.8 dS/m) and L2 (2.5 dS/m) in three different vertical hydroponics systems viz. T1 (A-Type), T2 (Column-Type), and T3 (Shelf-Type) to study their effect. The experiment was laid out in a factorial completely randomized block design with three treatments, six replications, and two EC levels, and data of individual years were subjected to the pooled analysis. Among the three vertical hydroponics systems (T1 A-Type) and EC (L1 1.8 dS/m) were found to be the best for vegetative and yield contributing characters along with other studies of quality parameters. The significant effect of vertical hydroponics system (T1 A-Type) and EC (L1 1.8 dS/m) was observed in plant height (20.90 cm) and (21.19cm), number of leaves per plant (15.24) and (14.97), number of shoots per plant (5.78) and (5.63), days to bloom (23.79 days) and (23.76 days), number of flowers produced per plant (16.46) and (17.08), leaf area (112.33cm2) and (115.75 cm2), plant spread (24.15 cm) and (23.06cm), days to harvest from fruit set (22.42 days) and (22.64 days), root length (18.15 cm) and (17.05cm), root volume (34.03cc) and (33.19cc) and dry root(2.44g) and (2.46g) weight compared to other vertical hydroponics system and EC levels. The yield attributing characters in terms of yield (357.88g./plant) and (316.91g./plant), fruit weight (25.61g) and (24.03g), number of fruits per plant (13.92) and (12.97), number of fruits per system (295.00) and (247.08), the weight of fruit per system in T3 (5.84 kg) and (5.84 kg), fruit length (6.96cm) and (5.88cm), fruit girth (10.35cm) and (9.89cm) and fruit volume (10.56cc) and (9.74cc) were found significantly higher in vertical hydroponics system (T1 A-Type) and EC (L1 1.8 dS/m). The type of structure, EC solutions, and interaction significantly affected quality parameters. The quality parameters viz., reducing sugars (5.18%) and (4.94%), non-reducing sugars (1.93%) and (1.87%), T.S.S. (7.70 0Brix) and (7.320Brix), total sugars (7.11%) and (6.81%), anthocyanin (29.51 mg/100g) and (27.76 mg/100g), titratable acidity (0.62%) and (0.68%), ascorbic acid (34.99mg/100 g) and (33.48 mg/100 g), moisture (92.00 %) and (91.74%), PLW (9.64%) and (9.69%), decay (9.48 %) and (9.47%), ash content (0.72%) and (0.71%), potassium (2.93mg /100g) and (2.91 mg /100g) and phosphorus (1.25 mg /100g) and (1.25 mg /100g), NAR (1.35mg cm-2 day-1) and (1.34mg cm-2 day-1) and B:C ratio (2.45) was found highest in T1, L1 and T1xL1. Among the three vertical hydroponic systems, significant differences in growth parameters were observed primarily due to differences in Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) availability. A higher NAR availability led to a higher rate of photosynthesis, better growth, and better quality of the fruits of the plants in the vertical hydroponic system (A-type). Therefore, some modifications such as A-shape or V-shape designs are suggested in the vertical hydroponics system to improve NAR availability in the column type and Shelf-type. Among both E.C levels, the effect of EC 1.8 was found to be the best for vegetative and yield contributing characters along with quality parameters of strawberries. The fresh strawberry fruits of cv. ‘Winter Dawn’ were plucked at approximately 3/4th maturity stage and packed in different readily available perforated packaging films viz., low-density polyethylene (P1), high-density polyethylene (P2), polypropylene (P3), polyvinyl chloride (P4), polyolefin films(P5), butter paper(P6) and without packaging as a control(P7). Fruits were wrapped in each packet to create a passive modified atmospheric condition. All the film-packed fruits were then stored in refrigerated and ambient storage temperature (i.e., 6℃ + 65-71% RH and 22-27℃ + 70-76% RH). The various quality attributes viz., physiological loss in weight, decay %, T.S.S., titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars, reducing sugars, anthocyanin, and sensory attributes of fruits were estimated in refrigerated (S1) and ambient (S2) storage conditions (viz., 3- and 1-days intervals) during the entire storage period. Under (S1) and (S2) storage conditions the result inferred that the PLW (P1S1 3.13 and P1S2 5.66%), Decay (P1S1 8.57 and P1S2 13.37%), TSS (P1S1 6.90and P1S2 6.92°Brix), titratable acidity (P1S1 0.55 and P1S2 0.70%), ascorbic acid (P1S1 23.08and P1S2 18.41mg/100g), total sugars (P1S1 4.77and P1S2 4.75%), reducing sugars (P1S1 3.78 and P1S2 3.80%), anthocyanin (P1S1 48.45 mg/100g and P1S2 53.47 mg/100g) and Organoleptic rating (P1S16.14 and P1S2 7.56) were found to decrease with the prolongation of storage periods. No significant variation was recorded for different packaging materials and EC, except for PLW, Decay, and ascorbic acid in fruits packed with P1. The organoleptic rating of strawberry fruits was found best in fruits packed with P1(S1 6.14and S2 7.56) packaging films. In the future, these experimental results may prove very useful for the storage of strawberry fruits for a certain period with better quality.ThesisItem Open Access PERFORMANCE OF GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FERTILIZERS AND SPACING USING MARIGOLD (Tagetes patula) AS AN INTER-CROP(2022) Borah, Karishma; Bora, SunilThe investigation was conducted in the Experimental farm of Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during 2018-19 and 2019-20, to study the effect of varied levels of spacing and Nitrogenous fertilizer doses in intercropping of French marigold with Gladiolus on growth, yield and quality attributes of the crops and determine the suitable spacing and fertilizer for the system. Postharvest quality of gladiolus spikes produced in the system was further evaluated in the Laboratory of Department of Horticulture, AAU, Jorhat during both the years. The first experiment was replicated three times in 3 factorial RBD with 12 treatments having 3 spacing levels (40cm×20cm, 50cm×20cm, 60cm×20cm), 3 Nitrogenous doses (130 + 220 + 200 kg NPK/ha, 160 + 220 + 200 kg NPK/ha, 190 + 220 + 200 kg NPK/ha), which were compared with 3 controls (Sole Gladiolus, Sole Marigold and Gladiolus + Marigold intercropping with RDF and Recommended Fertilizer). Laboratory experiment laid out in CRD with 3 replications and 10 treatments viz. Distilled water, Sucrose 4%), NaOCl 100 ppm, 8-HQC 200 ppm, Al2(SO4)3 300 ppm, CoSO4 400 ppm, Sucrose 4% + Al2(SO4)3 300 ppm, Sucrose 4% + 8-HQC 200 ppm, Sucrose 4% + CoSO4 400 ppm and Sucrose 4% + NaOCl 100 ppm. Field experiment revealed that growth, floral, yield and quality traits recorded significant variation in intercropping of both crops. In gladiolus, maximum sprouts per plant (2.43), plant height (140.79 cm) and leaves per plant (7.07) recorded with 190 + 220 + 200 kg NPK/ha (F3). Spacing of 60cm×20cm (S3) recorded highest plant height (141.12 cm) and leaves per plant (7.32). Sprouts per plant was superior (2.13) in 50cm×20cm spacing, which is at par with 60cm×20cm spacing. The treatment effect having maximum sprouts per plants (2.52) was attained in T9 (S2F3) and maximum plant height (144.17 days) and leaves per plant (7.42) were revealed in T12 (S3F3). Flowering attributes including days to emergence of gladiolus spike (79.20 days), bud initiation (87.19 days) and opening of first floret (94.72 days) was recorded minimum in spacing S3 (60cm × 20cm). 130 + 220 + 200 kg/ha NPK revealed minimum days to spike emergence (77.77 days), bud initiation (85.79 days) and opening of first floret (93.83 days). Treatment T10 (S3F1) took least days for spike emergence (76.25 days), bud initiation (84.41 days) and floret opening (92.47 days). Spikes per corm (2.20), rachis length (65.06 cm), internodal length (7.61 cm), spike length (94.17 cm) and floret diameter (12.53 cm) of spike, fresh weight (111.04 gm), dry weight (46.04gm), self life (16.16 days) and vase life (12.94 days) recorded highest in treatment T11 (S3F2). Number of florets open (5.36) and florets per spike (12.36) obtained maximum in T8 (S2F2). Treatment T3 (S1F1) attained minimum spike fresh weight (67.75 gm), dry weight (20.75 gm), self life (9.10 days) and vase life (6.98 days). T8 (S2F2) recorded maximum corm size (7.23 cm) and T11 (S3F2) recorded maximum corm weight (139.48 gm), number of corms (3.36) and number of cormels (26.24) per corm planted. Spacing 60cm×20cm (S3) and 160 + 220 + 200 kg NPK/ha (F2) recorded highest corm weight, number of corms per corm planted and number of cormels per corm planted. Physiological attributes of gladiolus viz. Total Chlorophyll content, Net Assimilation Rate, Leaf Relative Water Content and Leaf Area Duration was maximum in of 60cm×20cmand 190 + 220 + 200 kg NPK/ha. Leaf Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium was attained superior in S3 (60cm×20cm) and F3 (190 + 220 + 200 kg NPK/ha). Vegetative and reproductive growth of marigold used as intercrop depicted significant results. Growth parameters of marigold was superior with NPK at 190 + 220 + 200 kg/ha and 60cm×20cm (S3).Flower characters including days to bud visibility (28.02 days), days to full bloom (43.95 days), flowers per plant (36.19), flower diameter (3.38 cm), days to 50% flowering (59.94 days), flower fresh weight (2.96 gm), self life (4.75 days) loose flower life (3.57 days) and flower yield per plant (114.93 gm) was attained in spacing S3. Days to bud visibility (26.34 days), days to full bloom (42.08 days) and days to 50% flowering (58.38 days) was observed maximum in F1 (130 + 220 + 200 kg/ha NPK) and number of flowers per plant (36.84), flower diameter (3.64 cm), fresh weight (2.81 gm), self life (4.85 days), loose flower life (3.79 days) and yield per plant (119.86 gm) was attained with in NPK supplied at 160 + 220 + 200 kg/ha NPK (F3). Evaluation of post-harvest soil analysis revealed that maximum soil organic Carbon and availability of NPK in soil was attained in broader spacing of 60cm×20cm and NPK at 190 + 220 + 200 kg/ha. Highest B:C ratio of 3.44 was attained in treatment combination T11 (S3F2). Considering performance of both crops in intercropping system, T11 was found to be prominent option for increasing yield and maximizing the economic return in the system under study. The results of the second experiment for evaluation of effect of floral preservatives on the post-harvest life of gladiolus spikes upon intercropping with marigold, the treatment T8 comprising Sucrose (4%) + 8-HQC (200 ppm) attained maximum florets open at a time (5.80 days) and total blooming period (17.62 days). The treatment T7 i.e. Sucrose (4%) + Al2(SO4)3 (300 ppm) recorded minimum days to basal floret opening (2.58 days), maximum floret size (11.81 cm), longevity of first floret (5.62 days), highest vase life (13.39 days) and vase solution uptake (101.61 ml) and lowest was obtained in treatment with T1 (distilled water). Based on the analysis, it may be suggested that gladiolus spikes grown in intercropping of marigold can be treated with Sucrose (4%) + Al2(SO4)3 (300 ppm) to maximize the post-harvest floral attributes of the spikes.ThesisItem Open Access Response of crop geometry and management practices on growth and shelf life of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)(2022) Datta, Himadri Shekhar; Barua, Pritam CoomarThe present study on ―Response of crop geometry and management practices on growth and shelf life of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch)‖ was conducted at the farmer‘s field in Dhankhuloi village of Jorhat district, Assam during the consecutive years 2019-20 and 2020-21 to assess the effects of varied spacing and different mulch material on growth, yield and quality parameters of strawberry. The field experiment was laid out in randomised block design (RBD) with three replications involving twenty treatments comprising of five plant spacings viz., 20 cm x 30 cm (S1), 30 cm x 30 cm (S2), 30 cm x 40 cm (S3), 40 cm x 40 cm (S4), 40 cm x 60 cm (S5) and four different mulch applications viz., paddy straw (M1), red mulch (M2), silver black mulch (M3) and no mulch (M4). After crop harvest, a laboratory experiment was carried out with five treatments involving dipping of freshly harvested berries in Hexanal with varying strengths viz., 1% Hexanal for 2.5 minutes (V1), 1% Hexanal for 5 minutes (V2), 2% Hexanal for 2.5 minutes (V3) and 2% Hexanal for 5 minutes (V4). Undipped berries were considered for control treatment (V5). Both hexanal treated and berries under control treatment were stored at ambient temperature for evaluation of shelf life. The study revealed that the spacing had a substantial impact on crop growth, yield and quality of strawberry. The pooled data revealed that the highest number of leaves per plant (44.55), leaf area (86.77 cm2), number of flowers per plant (38.69), root volume (23.62 cc), minimum days from first flower opening to fruit setting (6.30 days) and days required for initiation of first ripening (63.61 days) were recorded in the widest spacing S5 (40 cm x 60 cm) while minimum days to appearance of first flower (37.85 days) was documented in closest spacing S1 (20 cm x 30 cm). The plants under wider spacing S4 (40 cm x 40 cm) yielded fruits with the highest fruit weight (17.96 g) and number of fruits per plant (32.31). The fruit yield per plant increased significantly with increase in plant spacing and registered maximum of 644.31 g per plant in S4. However, the highest marketable yield (11.80 t ha-1) was obtained in S1. The physical and chemical attributes of fruits were found to be superior in S5 viz., the maximum total sugar (6.31%), reducing sugar (5.59%) and ascorbic acid (78.65 mg 100 g-1) including minimum post harvest disease incidence (27.42%) during both the years of study. The vegetative and reproductive growth of plants varied with the type of mulch used. Highest number of leaves per plant (53.67), leaf area (100.75 cm2), number 6 of flowers per plant (48.73) along with the minimum days required for appearance of the first flower (34.69 days), days from first flower opening to fruit setting (5.31 days) and days required for initiation of first ripening (53.59 days) were recorded with application of silver black mulch (M3). The maximum number of fruits per plant (42.11), fruit weight (22.40 g), fruit yield per plant (945.87 g) and marketable fruit yield (18.98 t ha-1) was obtained with application of silver black mulch (M3). Similarly, treatment M3 produced fruits of superior quality recording the maximum TSS (12.75° Brix), total sugar (6.38%), reducing sugar (5.61%) and ascorbic acid (85.81 mg 100g-1) including minimum post harvest disease incidence of 21.37%. The interaction effect of spacing and mulch revealed that maximum fruit weight (23.12 g), total number of fruits per plant (50.49), fruit yield per plant (1167.91 g), total sugar (6.49%) and reducing sugar (5.72%) was recorded with the treatment combination T15 (40 cm x 40 cm spacing with silver black mulch).The highest marketable yield (22.75 t ha-1) was obtained in T3 (20 cm x 30 cm with silver black mulch). However, the treatment combination T15 yielded highest benefit: cost ratio (3.07). Dipping of fruits in 2% Hexanal for 2.5 minutes (V3) was found to be the most efficacious treatment for prolonging shelf life of strawberry. Maximum fruit firmness (5.88 N mm-1) and shelf life (5.90 days) was obtained in treatment V3, thereby extending the marketing period of the fruit. Based on yield, quality and economics, the treatment combination T15 (40 cm x 40 cm spacing with silver black mulch) was found to be the most viable economic proposition for strawberry in Jorhat condition of Assam. Additionally, dipping the berries in 2% Hexanal for two and half minutes extended the shelf life of strawberry. Thus, the research investigation highlighted the fact that crop geometry and management practices govern yield parameters and shelf life of the high valued crop, strawberry.ThesisItem Open Access ORGANIC AMENDMENTS AND MULCHING FOR GROWTH, FLOWERING, YIELD, SEED PRODUCTION AND POST HARVEST LIFE IN CHINA ASTER(2022) Konwar, Binita; Talukdar, Madhumita ChoudharyThe investigation was conducted at Dhemaji during 2019-20 and 2020- 21, to study the effect of Organic amendments and mulching for growth, flowering, yield, seed production and post harvest life in China aster consisting of 36 treatments and 3 replications. Post-harvest quality of flowers was further studied for long distance transport in four different packaging material and three harvesting stages. The vegetative characters in pooled data were highly influenced by the nutrient treatment N4 (Microbial consortium (Bio fertilizers) + Rock Phosphate @ 5 g/m2 + Vermicompost @ 3.0 t/ha) where the highest plant height 60.00 cm , 205.68 number of leaves, 8.25 number of branches and 3313.39 cm2 leaf area. Similarly the mulching M2 (Silver lined plastic mulching) and its interaction with N4 i.e., N4M2 recorded the highest values for these traits. The minimum days for full bloom was recorded in the nutrient treatment N4 with 107.65 days, the mulching treatment M2 with 112.16 days and their interaction (N4M2) with 104.36 days. The nutrient treatment N4 recorded the highest number of flowers of 52.58, blooming period of 45.31 days, self life of 13.77 days and vase life of 11.15 days. The red plastic mulching (M3) was found to record higher values in terms of flower characters though at par with M2. The interaction treatment N4M2 recorded the highest number of flowers per plant (54.23) while N4M3 recorded at par performance with N4M2 showing maximum blooming period of 48.87 days, self life of 14.08 days and vase life of 11.73 days in pooled data. The physiological parameters were highly influenced by the nutrient treatments with N4 recording the highest chlorophyll content of 3.24 mg g-1, anthocyanin content of 309.02 mg 100g-1, NAR of 0.92 and RLWC of 93.21%. The mulching treatment M3 recorded highest values in terms of the above physiological parameters. The highest seed yield was observed in the treatment N4 (8.10 g/plant and 13.49 q/ha), M2 (7.52 g/plant and 12.53 q/ha) and the interaction N4M2 (8.45 g/plant and 14.09 q/ha). The germination percentage and seedling vigour showed a decreasing trend with increase in time from harvest when stored in room temperature. 6 The soil characters in the pooled analysis were found to be highest in terms of Organic carbon, pH, enzymes and microbial biomass carbon with the application of Enriched compost @3.0 t/ha (N8). In the post harvest study after transportation, packaging with high density polyethylene and flowers harvested at the full bloom stage recorded the lowest PLW (45.00%), wilting (71.85%), rotting (22.29%) and highest vase life (7.39 days) on the 5th day in the pooled data. The B:C ratio was found highest in the treatment N4M2 (4.57 and 5.54) followed by N4M3 (4.05 and 5.09) and N8M2(3.74 and 4.74) for flower and seed characters, respectively.
