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Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan
Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, was established on 1st December, 1985 with the objective to promote education, research and extension education in the fields of Horticulture, Forestry and allied disciplines. Late Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, the first Chief Minister and the architect of Himachal Pradesh perceived the importance of Horticulture and Forestry to develop and improve the State economy which led to the establishment of this University. Its history lies in erstwhile Himachal Agricultural College, Solan, established in 1962 and affiliated to the Panjab University. It became one of the campuses of Agriculture Complex of Himachal Pradesh University on its formation in 1970. Consequent upon the establishment of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in 1978, this campus became its Horticulture Complex and finally in 1985, assumed the status of a State University, being the only University in the country engaged exclusively in teaching, research and extension in Horticulture and Forestry.
The University is located at Nauni in Solan District of Himachal Pradesh, 13 km from Solan on Solan-Rajgarh Road, at an elevation of 1300 metres above mean sea level. Solan town is situated on national highway (NH-22) and is well connected by train and bus services.
The University has four constituent colleges, out of which, two are located at the main campus Nauni, one for horticulture and the other for forestry, having 9 and 7 departments, respectively. The third College i.e., College of Horticulture & Forestry is located at Neri in Hamirpur District on Nadaun-Hamirpur state highway, about 6 Km from Hamirpur town and is well connected with bus service. The college offers three Undergraduate Degree Programmes i.e. BSc (Hons.) Horticulture, BSc (Hons.) Forestry and B. Tech. Biotechnology and MSc degree programme in a few subjects. The fourth college i.e. College of Horticulture and Forestry, Thunag (Mandi) is located at Thunag District Mandi. This college offer BSc (Hons.) Horticulture and BSc (Hons.) Forestry degree programme. In addition, there are five Regional Research Stations, 12 Satellite Stations and five Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) situated in different zones of the State.
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ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF PINCHING AND PACLOBUTRAZOL ON GROWTH, FLOWERING AND POT PRESENTABILITY OF SOME SELECTED NATIVE ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS(UHF Nauni, 2024-07-12) YOGENDRA SINGH ADHIKARI; Priyanka ThakurThe present investigations entitled ‘Effect of pinching and paclobutrazol on growth, flowering and pot presentability of some selected native ornamental shrubs’ was carried out at Floriculture Farm of Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station, Dhaulakuan, District Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh for two consecutive years; 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was laid out on four native ornamental shrubs (Mussaenda frondosa, Clerodendrum wallichii, Phlogacanthus pubinervius and Gendarussa vulgaris) in Completely Randomized Block Design (Factorial) with three replications, consisting of three pinching levels (no-pinch, single pinching and double pinching), two heading back treatments (no-head back and single heading back) and four paclobutrazol doses (0, 50, 100, 150 ppm, respectively). Findings revealed that 150 ppm paclobutrazol found to be the best concentration for the native ornamental pot plant production in terms of plant height (57.06 and 92.67 cm), length of internode (5.50 and 5.10 cm), primary root length (38.27 and 67.05 cm), flowers per stem (68.08 and 89.40), pot presentability (65.75 and 73.17) and total protein content (7.82 and 12.11 mg/g) in both the years. Pinching treatment was done during the first year (2021-22) and heading back treatments was done during the second year (2022-2023). The results indicates that, double pinching and single heading back was found to be best for the native ornamental pot plant production in terms of plant height (48.79 and 66.81 cm), length of internode (4.98 and 4.56 cm), primary root length (35.39 and 65.50 cm), flower per stem (70.97 and 92.12), pot presentability (68.83 and 76.50) and total protein content (8.46 and 12.17 mg/g). Among native ornamental shrubs, minimum plant height (51.11 and 78.88 cm), minimum length of internode (5.24 and 4.77 cm) was noticed in Mussaenda frondosa, while maximum number of flowers per stem (137.70 and 178.48), maximum number of flowers per plant (283.33 and 464.97) and maximum secondary roots per plant (232.67 and 314.88) were recorded in Clerodendrum wallichii. Whereas, fresh weight of root (161.76 and 267.09 g), dry weight of roots (88.80 and 130.09 g), root/shoot ratio (1.20 and 1.11) was recorded maximum in Phlogacanthus pubinervius. However, the first floret opening (271.53 and 296.69 days) was recorded in Gendarussa vulgaris during the years 2021-22, 2022-23 respectively. Overall, double pinching and 150 ppm paclobutrazol treatment was found to be the best for quality production of native ornamental pot plants.ThesisItem Open Access MORPHOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT APPLE (Malus × domestica Borkh.) CULTIVARS GRAFTED ON CLONAL ROOTSTOCKS UNDER HIGH DENSITY PLANTATIONS(UHF Nauni, 2024-07-22) MADHURJIT SINGH RATHORE; Manisha ThakurApple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) is one of the most popular and widely consumed fruit grown in the temperate regions of the world which has gained significant importance due to its nutritional and health benefits. Apple cultivation success depends on fruit quality influenced by traits like size, color, flavor, texture, and nutrition. Apple clonal rootstocks M9, MM106 and cultivars viz., Gale Gala, Redlum Gala, Jeromine, Auvil Early Fuji, Red Velox, Red Cap Valtod, Scarlet-Spur-II and Super Chief were introduced in India under World Bank project in the year 2016.These rootstocks were grafted with the above mentioned commercial cultivars for raising high-density plantations at Nauni, Kandaghat, Mashobra, Bajaura and Sharbo located at different altitudes. In morphological characterization, Red Velox depicted maximum tree height at HDP Bajaura (373.1 cm) whereas, it was minimum in Jeromine (213.3 cm) in HDP Sharbo. Red Velox in HDP Bajaura displayed the maximum annual shoot length (41.51 cm), whereas it was minimum for Redlum Gala (14.84 cm) at HDP Sharbo. Auvil Early Fuji in HDP Bajaura had the maximum trunk girth (62.56 mm), while it was minimum for Redlum Gala (21.65 mm) at HDP Sharbo. Red Velox had the maximum fruit length of 73.15 mm at HDP Sharbo, whereas, it was minimum in Gale Gala (43.48 mm) at HDP Bajaura. Jeromine had the maximum fruit diameter (76.75 mm) at HDP Sharbo, whereas it was minimum in Gale Gala (51.25 mm) at HDP Bajaura. Red Velox had the maximum fruit weight and volume (258.02 g; 272.50 cm3) at HDP Sharbo, while in Gale Gala it was minimum (69.89 g; 81.50 cm3) at HDP Bajaura. Redlum Gala had the firmest fruit (28.20 lbs2) at Sharbo, while it was minimum in Red Cap Valtod (14.60 lbs2) at HDP Nauni. Fruit shapes varied from globose, obloid, conic, ovoid, to cylindrical-waisted across locations. The best conic fruit shape was observed for Super Chief at HDPs of Nauni and Kandaghat. Biochemical analyses revealed diverse profiles among cultivars and locations. Redlum Gala had the maximum TSS (28.20 ºBrix) at HDP Sharbo, while it was minimum for Red Cap Valtod (14.60 ºBrix) at HDP Nauni. Fruits of Super Chief at HDP Sharbo displayed the highest total and reducing sugar content (17.0; 10.49 %), whereas it was minimum in Red Cap Valtod at HDP Nauni (10.50 and 5.07 %). Jeromine fruits at HDP Nauni exhibited the maximum titratable acidity (0.97%), while Super Chief (0.40%) at HDP Sharbo exhibited minimum. Redlum Gala (58.29 mg/g FW) revealed maximum phenol content whereas, it was minimum in Jeromine (26.18 mg/g FW) at HDP Nauni. Maximum DPPH (71.30 %) was recorded in Redlum Gala growing at HDP Sharbo and it was minimum in Jeromine (32.42 %) at HDP Kandaghat. Out of 20 EST-SSR Primer Hi15a13 associated with TSS and sugar related traits of apple showed polymorphism in Jeromine and Redlum Gala growing at HDP’s of all locations whereas, 19 other primerswere monomorphic. The highest polymorphism information content (PIC) value (0.388), Rp value range (76 - 152), EMR (2.00) and MI (0.78) values was observed for Hi15a13. Transcriptome analysis highlighted differential gene expression (DEGs) between Jeromine and Redlum Gala exhibiting significant variations, with 2251 DEGs identified, including 673 up-regulated and 1578 down-regulated. Transcription factors (TFs) such as bHLH, NAC, ERF, MYB related, WRKY, B3, G2-like, and C2H2 were up-regulated, suggesting their involvement in various metabolic pathways.Among anthocyanin synthesis pathway, 49 DEGs were significantly expressed in Jeromine and Redlum Gala, out of which 43 DEGs were related to MYB TF’s which is involved in regulating biosynthesis of anthocyanins. The genes related to energy metabolism, aroma production, and signal transmission in fatty acids biosynthesis were up-regulated in Redlum Gala compared to Jeromine.Twenty EST-SSRs targeting traits like shape, colour and firmness were validated. Di-nucleotide repeat motifs were predominant in Jeromine (2160) and Redlum Gala (15698). All the cultivars were analysed using these EST-SSR primers developed from transcriptome sequencing data out of which only 19 primers were able to amplify the genomic DNA in all the samples. Primer Md-ACO1 associated with fruit firmness resulted in polymorphism in Redlum Gala.The PIC value for this primer was 0.229 whereas, Rp value range from 76 – 156, demonstrating its equal distribution and applicability for evaluating genetic variability of apple in future.ThesisItem Open Access GERMPLASM CHARACTERIZATION AND IN VITRO PROPAGATION IN SATUWA (Paris polyphylla Smith) - AN ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANT OF INDIAN HIMALAYAN REGION(UHF Nauni, 2024-06-21) VINAY KUMAR; Rajnish SharmaIn the present investigations, 64 SSR markers (both genic and genomic) were used to determine the genetic diversity and population structure of Satuwa (Paris polyphylla Smith), an endangered medicinal plant of Indian Himalayan Region. Molecular marker analysis classified the 32 P. polyphylla individuals procured from the natural habitat of Himachal Pradesh (at 1500-2500 m amsl) into two main clusters at a similarity coefficient of 0.62. The dendrogram revealed low level of genetic diversity by sorting the individuals from the same location into similar cluster due to asexual propagation behavior. The population structure showed the admixture of two different genetic pools among the characterized individuals. Based on dendrogram interpretation, the rhizomes of all the diversified locations were subjected to HPLC analysis which emphasized on the selective altitudinal harvesting due to significant difference in the diosgenin contents. The identified diverse location with high diosgenin contents was further considered for carrying in vitro propagation studies. Among the numerous factors tested during in vitro establishment studies, maximum shoot regeneration was observed on half strength MS medium containing 3% sucrose, 2.27 μM TDZ and 2.70 μM NAA using rhizome bud explants. In vitro shoot multiplication was done via lateral bud production using 6% sucrose concentration in half strength MS medium. Maximum mini rhizome production was observed on half strength MS medium containing 9% sucrose, 2.22 μM BAP, 2.27 μM TDZ, 2.70 μM NAA, 100 mg/L casein hydrolysate and 1000 mg/L activated charcoal. The in vitro regenerants were further rooted and hardened successfully. This is the first report which showed the impact of various factors that are crucial during the in vitro propagation procedures via micro rhizome and mini rhizome production including type of explants, physiological phase, culture conditions (photoperiod and temperature), MS stock strength, sucrose concentrations, decapitation, various combinations and concentrations of plant growth regulators and additives. Therefore, the present findings can be of immense potential for large-scale ex-situ practices including mini rhizome induction, which will aid in conservation and management of this valuable endangered medicinal plant.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON UNDERLYING MECHANISMS OF HYGIENIC BEHAVIOUR IN HONEY BEE, Apis mellifera L.(UHF Nauni, 2024-06-19) SAWRAJ JIT SINGH; Kiran RanaThe present investigation entitled “Studies on underlying mechanisms of hygienic behaviour in honey bee, Apis mellifera L.” was conducted during the year 2022-23 in the Department of Entomology, Dr. YSP University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh and Molecular Laboratory of Division of Plant Protection, Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The hygienic behaviour of 30 A. mellifera colonies was assessed by using two brood killing methods viz. pin-killed brood (PKB) and freeze killed brood (FKB) for three alternate brood cycles in the University Apiary. The results showed that all screened colonies initiated hygienic response within 24h of stimulus in both PKB and FKB methods. Significant variations in hygienic behaviour through PKB assay (57.56-99.33%) and FKB assay (55.33-93.56%) were recorded. The per cent hygienic behaviour in all three time slots (24h, 48 h, 72 h) was recorded significantly maximum during the first brood cycle compared to second and third brood cycles. It was observed that the stimulus for hygienic response of A. mellifera worker in pin killed brood method was faster in comparison to freeze killed brood method. Present studies revealed that hygienic behaviour significantly positively correlated with colony parameters viz. bee strength, brood area, honey stores and pollen area, whereas, a significant negative correlation was found with mite infestation. On the basis of selection index, the superior maternal stock (M-12, M-9, M-18, M-24 and M-25) towards hygienic behaviour were multiplied and evaluated further for hygienic response in subsequent generation (F1). It was observed that the level of hygienic behaviour based on the maternal selection of queen honey bee remained relatively unchanged during the first generation of study. This study is the first of its kind in India to characterize the transcriptomic basis of the differential performance of hygienic behaviour of the honey bee (A. mellifera). Out of 174 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), transcriptomic profiling revealed 130 upregulated, while 44 DEGs were downregulated in honeybees. Hygienic behaviour was found to rely on a limited set of genes. The immune-related genes (LOC100578745, LOC406142 and LOC406144) encoded for antimicrobial peptides (Hymenoptaecin and Abaecin) were more likely to be involved in the hygienic behaviour. These genes represent the overall health of the bees and further require functional validation. Further, no pathogenic bacterial isolates were found in hygienic colonies, whereas, in non-hygienic colonies, 64% of the bacterial isolates were pathogenic and 36% were healthy. Two lactic acid bacterial isolates that have probiotic potential and one actinomycete were identified in hygienic colonies only. The three isolates of pathogenic fungi that are responsible for chalkbrood and stonebrood disease in honey bees were identified in non-hygienic colonies. Pathogenic fungi responsible for stonebrood disease in honeybees were isolated for the first time in India.ThesisItem Open Access ESTIMATION OF COMBINING ABILITY AND GENE ACTION IN CHILLI(UHF Nauni, 2024-07-06) AKSHAY D A; Amit VikramThe present study titled “Estimation of Combining Ability and Gene Action in Chilli” was carried out during the Kharif, 2022 and 2023 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Dr YSPUH&F, Nauni-173 230, Solan (HP), India to study the information on the extent of mean performance, heterosis, combining ability, nature and magnitude of gene action for various horticultural traits. In experiment Ⅰ material consisted of 45 genotypes comprising of 9 diverse parents and 36 F1 hybrids developed from half diallel mating design. The genotypes were evaluated in a field trial conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications during Kharif, 2023. The observations were recorded on days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, plant spread (cm), fruiting habit, days to ripe fruit maturity, pedicel length (cm), fruit length (cm), fruit width (mm), fruit weight (g), number of fruits per plant, fresh ripe fruit yield per plant (g), average dry fruit weight, dry weight recovery (%), dry fruit yield per plant (g), number of seeds per fruit, 1000 seed weight (g), capsaicin (%) and oleoresin (%). The analysis revealed that all the genotypes possessed wide spectrum of variability and showed significant differences for parents and hybrids for the traits under studied. The parents UHFCHI-10 (471.68g), C-9 (460.20g) and G-1-1 (414.75g) whereas, cross combinations Him Palam Mirch 2 × UHFCHI-10 (658.92 g), UHFCHI-10 × Anugraha (594.98 g), Him Palam Mirch 2 × G-1-1 (563.80 g) and UHFCHI-10 × G-1-1 (551.03) recorded the high fresh ripe fruit yield per plant. These hybrid combinations exhibited heterosis over check ranging from -8.98% (C-9 × Kullu Local) to 145.41% (Him Palam Mirch 2 × UHFCHI-10) and heterobeltiosis ranging from -46.89% (C-9 × Kullu Local) to 65.68% (UHFCHI-5 × DKC-8) for fresh ripe fruit yield per plant. For yield and component traits, the parental lines, UHFCHI-10 (61.83), G-1-1 (45.77) and Him Palam Mirch 2 (36.84) had exhibited good gca effect for fresh ripe fruit yield per plant. These genotypes with high gca can be used in multiple crosses and their segregating population can be used to develop superior recombinants. Among the cross combinations, the top five high yielding hybrid combinations with significant positive sca effects for fruit yield were G-1-1 × Kullu Local (131.57), Him Palam Mirch 2 × UHFCHI-10 (130.38), UHFCHI-5 × DKC-8 (124.93), C-9 × UHFCHI-12 (116.39) and UHFCHI-10 × Anugraha (98.29). Estimates of genetic variance revealed the preponderance of non-additive gene action for all the characters except plant height, number of branches per plant, fruit width, fruit weight, and 1000 seed weight where these traits were found to be governed by additive gene action. In experiment ⅠⅠ, two hybrid combinations used for generation mean analysis, Him Palam Mirch 2 × C-9 and UHFCHI-10 × G-1-1. Of the four traits under study, plant height, fruit length, width, and weight, dominance was predominant in both the crosses, some traits like fruit width and plant height showed additive gene action predominantlyThesisItem Open Access GENETIC ANALYSIS IN GARDEN PEA (Pisum sativum L.)(UHF Nauni, 2024-07-06) MUKESH KUMAR BAIRWA; Bhupinder Singh ThakurThe present study entitled, “Genetic Analysis in Garden Pea (Pisum sativum L.)” was carried out at the Experimental Research Farm, Regional Horticulture Research and Training Station, Bajaura, Kullu (HP) during Rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment comprising of fifty-two genotypes was carried out in a Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications to elucidate the information on the extent of mean performance, heterosis, combining ability, nature and magnitude of gene action for different horticultural traits in garden pea. Inheritance of resistance to powdery mildew in garden pea was also studied through reaction of different generations (F2, B1 and B2) to powdery mildew using chi-square analysis. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among all the genotypes for all the traits. Based on mean performance parents viz., PB-89, Arkel and Baj-Pea-12, and cross combinations Baj-Pea-7 × PB-89 and Baj-Pea-12 × PB-89 were found to be the best performers whereas cross combinations viz., Baj-Pea-3 × PB-89, Baj-Pea-3 × Arkel and Baj-Pea-7 × PB-89 were observed to give best heterotic performance for days to 50 per cent flowering over standard check (Azad Pea-1). The experiment results revealed that four parent namely Baj-Pea-12, Baj-Pea-11, Baj-Pea-8 and PB-89 gave overall best mean performance for traits studied and their GCA effects also indicated towards their contribution towards high heterosis for pod yield and other characters which was clearly indicated through best heterotic cross combinations viz., Baj-Pea-12 × PB-89, Baj-Pea-12 × Lincoln, Baj-Pea-8 × Lincoln, Baj-Pea-7 × PB-89 and Baj-Pea-11 × PB-89). Hence, theses crosses can be helpful in isolating desirable transgressive segregants and could be utilized for future garden pea breeding programme The severity of powdery mildew was also observed to be minimum in Baj-Pea-12, Baj-Pea-11 and Baj-Pea-8 among the parents, and among the crosses, combinations viz., Baj-Pea-11× PB-89, Baj-Pea-12 × PB-89, Baj-Pea-8 × PB-89 and Baj-Pea-12 × Arkel had low incidence of powdery mildew. Gene action studies indicated the predominance of additive variance for all the traits. Chi-square analysis revealed that a single recessive gene is responsible for conferring resistance to powdery mildew. The pattern of inheritance for powdery mildew resistance was governed by a single recessive gene the F2 generation revealed a 1:3 ratio for resistance: susceptible plant.ThesisItem Open Access ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF Abies pindrow POPULATIONS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF Nauni, 2024-06-19) AKSHIPTIKA CHANDEL; Atul GuptaPresent study entitled “Ecological status of Abies pindrow populations in Himachal Pradesh” was conducted during year 2022-23. Four districts viz; Shimla, Kullu Mandi and Chamba were selected randomly and from each selected district four populations were selected randomly and from each selected population nine trees were selected for collection of different morphological and seed characters. Tree height, tree diameter, crown length, cone width, seed length and seed breadth was found maximum in Kullu and Chamba districts whereas bole height and crown length was found maximum in Shimla district. Tree height of Abies pindrow was varied from 14.58 m in Shimla district to 21.67 m in Kullu district whereas diameter varied from 61.33 cm in Mandi district to 93.25 in Kullu district. Cone length was maximum (128.18 mm) in Kullu district whereas it was minimum (74.83 mm) in Shimla district. Number of seeds per cone varied from 33.75 (Shimla district) to 61.17 (Kullu district). 100 seed weight without wings was also found maximum in Kullu district (3.62 g) and minimum in Shimla district (2.71g).It was also observed that there was no significant variation within population for most of the morphological and seed characters. Seeds collected from 16 different populations were sown in polybags in Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary, Solan. Germination percentage was found more for seed treated with chilling as compared to without chilling treatment and was found maximum in Mandi district (59.33%) and minimum in Chamba district (37.33%). Survival percentage was maximum in Kullu district (46.41%) whereas minimum in Mandi district 39.30%. Seedling height at 6 months was more from the seed collected from Shimla district (4.70 cm) whereas it was minimum in Mandi district (4.72 cm). High genotypic and phenotypic variation was estimated in germination percentage, seedling height at two and three months of age. High heritability and genetic gain was found for survival percentage. Maximum density in Shimla district was recorded in Rhododendron arboreum and IVI was highest in Abies pindrow (25.11). Phytosociological study suggested that 17 tree species were associated with Abies pindrow in Shimla district whereas 11 tree species were associatied in Mandi district.Shrub speces were varied from 10-15 and herb species varied from 4-20. Estsblished regeneration was more in chamba distict whereas regeneration success percent was more for Pinus roxburghii (49%) followed by Abies pindrow (32%).ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC DIVERSITY OF WILD WALNUT (Juglans regia L.) POPULATION IN HIMACHAL PRADESH(UHF Nauni, 2024-03-18) UMESH SHARMA; H.P. SankhyanThe present investigation entitled “Genetic diversity of wild walnut (Juglans regia L.) population in Himachal Pradesh” was carried out in the Department of Tree Improvement and Genetic Resources, Dr Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) during 2020-2024 and employed a multidimensional approach encompassing morphological analysis, wood characterization, nursery progeny evaluation, and molecular marker studies. To investigate genetic diversity, walnut genotypes were carefully selected from 12 distinct sites across Himachal Pradesh. The genotypes were categorized based on both latitude and altitude ranges. Wood samples from these diverse sites underwent thorough physico-chemical analysis. The seedlings were raised in polybags in an experimental field and assessed using a Randomized Block Design. This genetic material was utilized for investigating the spectrum of diversity via molecular markers. Morphological studies revealed a wide range of characteristics among the genotypes, including tree height, crown dimensions, leaflet and nut traits. Notably, all nut and leaf traits exhibited high heritability and significant genetic advance, indicating the potential for efficient selection based on additive gene action. Correlation studies unveiled significant relationships between various morphological attributes and geographical parameters such as latitude and altitude. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed three principal components contributing to variability in tree, leaf and nut characteristics. In the genetic divergence investigation, the genotypes were classified into three primary clusters, with the majority falling into Cluster-III. Cluster analysis emphasized distinctive characteristics within each cluster, providing valuable insights into the diversity among wild walnut genotypes. Wood analysis across different genotypes revealed varying physico-chemical traits, with certain genotypes exhibited notable properties such as high moisture content, specific gravity, and fibre length. Correlation studies in wood analysis demonstrated significant relationships between certain attributes, offering valuable information for wood quality assessment. The evaluation of nursery performance showcased significant variations in germination and survival percentages, seedling height, collar diameter, and leaflet measurements among different genotypes and between sites. Traits like seedling height and collar diameter displayed high heritability and significant genetic advance, suggesting their suitability for genotype selection. On the basis of principal component analysis of nursery traits, the 1st two principal components (PC’s) possessed Eigen value >1.0 explained 65.29 per cent of the total variance. Molecular characterization using SSR primers identified genetic diversity among the walnut genotypes. 20 SSR primer pairs were used to assess genetic diversity among 52 walnut genotypes. Eighteen primers consistently amplified, yielded 43 distinct alleles, with 11 primers displayed 100 per cent polymorphism. The UPGMA dendrogram grouped the genotypes into two distinct clusters, providing insights into their genetic relationships. In conclusion, this comprehensive study provides a detailed assessment of genetic diversity in wild walnut populations in Himachal Pradesh. The multidimensional approach, incorporating morphological, wood characterization, nursery performance, and molecular marker analyses, offers valuable insights for the conservation and improvement of this economically important tree species. The findings serve as a foundation for further research in walnut breeding and genetic resource management.ThesisItem Open Access INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT STUDIES UNDER ULTRA-HIGH-DENSITY PLANTING IN GUAVA(UHF Nauni, 2024-07-24) DAVINDER; Rajesh KalerThe present investigations entitled "Integrated nutrient management studies under ultra-high-density planting in guava" were carried out during 2021-2023 at Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Jachh (Nurpur), District- Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India. The present investigation revealed that maximum increase in plant height (35.07%), trunk diameter (12.96%), canopy spread E-W (29.26%), N-S (29.79%), and canopy volume (31.66 m3) and shoot length (151.13 cm) was observed with 50% RDF + 25% N through FYM and 25% N through vermicompost along with 100g of azotobacter and 100g of VAM. The physio-chemical parameters such as maximum fruit length (5.26 cm), fruit diameter (6.09 cm), fruit weight (155.48 g), fruit volume (153.13 cm3), total soluble solids (10.56oBrix), total sugars (7.05%), reducing sugars (4.01%), non-reducing sugars (2.89%), pectin content (1.23%), ascorbic acid (132.63 mg/100g) and total phenols (239.13 mg/100g) was reported with the same treatment. The yield parameters such as maximum number of fruits/plant (170.50) and yield/plant (26.53 kg) was observed with 50% RDF + 25% N through FYM and 25% N through vermicompost along with 100g of azotobacter and 100g of VAM and maximum yield efficiency (0.70 Kg/cm3 TCSA) was observed with 60% RDF + 20% N through FYM and 20% N through vermicompost along with 100g of azotobacter and 100g of VAM. The soil microbial properties significantly influence by the T12. INM has no significant effect on soil pH and EC. Further, the investigation also suggests the potential use of integrated nutrient management is an eco-friendly approach for the environment. However, study needs further validations prior to recommendations.
