ISAH Indian Journal of Arid Horticulture
The Indian Society for Arid Horticulture (ISAH) is a registered society (Registration No. 128/B/03-04) under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, since 2003-04. The journal viz., Indian Journal of Arid Horticulture was launched in 2006 and continues to expand by featuring climate-resilient crop studies, advanced irrigation techniques, and community outreach research relevant to arid and semi-arid horticulture. The ISAH publishes two issues of the ISAH Indian Journal of Arid Horticulture annually. This journal serves as a platform for disseminating original scientific research on various aspects of arid and semi-arid horticulture, including crop improvement, crop production, plant physiology, plant protection, post-harvest technology, natural resource management, and social sciences.
Investigating the influence of pollen sources on fruit traits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) cv. Barhee in hot arid condition
Date palm is a dioecious species thus the commercial cultivation of date palm depends on the efficient pollination process to achieve higher fruit set and quality. This research experiment was conducted at ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner during 2021 and 2022 to investigate the effects of different male date palm (M1, M2, M3 and Ghanami) on various fruit traits, yield and total soluble solids of date palm variety Barhee. Among the four pollen sources, M1 resulted in the highest number of berries per strand, lowest fruit drop percentage, maximum fruit bunch weight, fruit length, fruit width and yield. The TSS percentage was higher when pollens from M1 were used compared to others. The study suggests that the selection of pollen source plays a crucial role in determining the yield and quality of date palm variety Barhee. These findings can be useful for the cultivation and breeding of date palm trees, especially for improving fruit yield and quality.
Date palm, Pollen sources, Pollination, Yield
Copyright (c) 2026 Indian Journal of Arid Horticulture
Morphological characterization of Ziziphus species fruits in the Mid-Zambezi Valley in northern Zimbabwe
Emergence of industrial-scale Ziziphus fruits processing in the Mid‐Zambezi Valley necessitates selection of superior genotypes for cultivation to meet anticipated increased demand. The study evaluated morphological variation among Ziziphus fruits to determine their agronomic value and genetic diversity. Dry fruit samples were collected from bulked fruits and separated into three perceived varieties, which were further separated into 12 collections. Data depicted large coefficients of variation ≈50% for fruit and seed mass. Fruit parameters ranges were: mass (0.56–2.57 g), length (1.14–2.33 cm), width (1.05–2.16 cm), density (0.24–0.38 g/ cm3), percent pulp (63.03–89.28). Seed parameters were: mass (0.15–0.56 g), length (0.57–1.27 cm), width (0.43–0.66 cm). Fruit mass was positively correlated to yield components. Cluster analysis grouped the collections into two clusters with two sub‑clusters each. I concluded that there could be two Ziziphus species in the area. The WF‐variety is recommended for cultivation and further improvement because of its superior yield and taste variation. The HSDB variety is recommended for its high percent pulp subject to confirmation that hollowness is not a physiological disorder. Research is recommended to determine the Ziziphus spp. genotypes; genotypes nutritional composition; effect of ecology on fruit morphology; and evaluate agronomic performance.
Clingstone characteristic, Fruit hollowness, Morphology, Zambezi Valley, Ziziphus spp.
Effect of micronutrients and plant growth regulators on fruit set and retention in ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.)
The determination of fruit set has been used in ber as a consistent indicator of the real productivity level. Due to short flower life, prevalence of self and cross incompatibility, pollen sterility and synchronous protandrous dichogamy, fruit set in the ber largely depends on sources of pollination, its related factors like effective pollination period, pollinators, environmental conditions, and the success in fertilization. Hence, any factor that can extend the effective pollination period, pollen germination and pollen tube growth such as the application of micronutrient or plant growth regulators, should be beneficial for fruit production. During 2020– 21, forty-one genotypes of ber were evaluated for fruit set at ICAR-CIAH, Bikaner. Simultaneously, a trial was conducted to find out the response of micronutrients and plant growth regulators on fruit set and fruit retention in the ‘Gola’ ber. Foliar sprays of micronutrients (Boron at 0.1% and Zinc at 0.5%) and graded doses (10, 20, and 30 ppm) of plant growth regulators (GA₃, NAA, kinetin, and benzyladenine) were applied at BBCH stage 54 (green bud) and 67 (flower fading i.e. most petal fall). The genotypes showed large variation in natural fruit sets ranging from 0.34 (Chochal) to 13.89% (Illaichi). About 88 per cent of genotypes under observation exhibited fruit set less than 6 per cent. Intervention with micronutrients and plant growth regulators applied at two different stages bring a significant response on fruit set in Gola ber. Among the various treatments evaluated, the highest fruit set was observed with the application of 0.1% boron (B) at BBCH stage 67 (11.41%), followed closely by the application of 10 ppm gibberellic acid (GA3) at the same stage (10.94%). Both treatments were statistically on par in terms of fruit set. However, the boron treatment demonstrated a superior fruit retention rate (80.38%) compared to GA3 (63.68%). In contrast, the water-sprayed control trees recorded significantly lower fruit set (3.77%) and retention (56.52%). In conclusion, the application of Boron (0.1%) at BBCH stage 67 is an effective approach to enhance fruit set and retention in ber cv. Gola under the hot arid regions of Rajasthan.
Zinc, boron, gibberellic acid, Natural fruit set, Gola.
Environmental modulation and genetic variation of quality traits in onion (Allium cepa L.): A review
Onion (Allium cepa L.) stands among the most widely cultivated vegetable crops worldwide, valued for both its culinary uses and rich phytochemical composition and associated health benefits. Among the bioactive compounds, phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins play crucial roles in determining antioxidant capacity, nutritional quality and market preference. This review compiles recent findings on how environmental conditions and genotypes influence on onion quality traits. Evidence consistently demonstrates wide variability among cultivars, with red onions exhibiting the highest values of total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins and antioxidants, followed by yellow and followed by white type cultivars. Antioxidant activity, assessed through diverse assays such as FRAP, DPPH showed variation across various parts of onion plant. Notably, onion skins, particularly from red varieties, contain substantially higher concentrations of flavonoids and anthocyanins than bulbs, showing their potential as valuable by-products. Environmental factors, including cultivation conditions, geographic location and harvest timing, further modulate phytochemical accumulation, highlighting the importance of genotype x environment interactions. Overall, the biochemical diversity observed across onion genotypes and ecotypes presents opportunities for breeding and selection strategies aimed at enhancing nutritional and functional quality, while also emphasizing the need for standardized analytical approaches.
Allium cepa, environmental factors, genotypes, phytochemicals, quality traits
Enhancing the shelf life of tomato ketchup: An organoleptic analysis of natural and synthetic preservatives
Tomato ketchup, a widely consumed condiment, requires effective preservation to maintain its shelf-life, taste, and quality. This study, conducted in 2025 at ICAR-KVK Panchmahal, Gujarat, compared the sensory attributes of tomato ketchup prepared with natural preservatives (NP) (vinegar and lemon juice) and synthetic preservatives (SP) (sodium metabisulphite). Sensory evaluation was conducted using a 5 point Hedonic scale among 40 farmers and 10 staff members of ICAR-KVK Panchmahal, Gujarat. The organoleptic assessment revealed that colour was slightly more preferred in SP ketchup, with 76% of respondents strongly liking it, compared to 74% for NP ketchup. Flavour and smell were rated higher for NP ketchup, with 72% and 84% of respondents strongly liked its flavour and aroma, respectively, while SP ketchup scored 68% and 80% on these parameters. Texture preference was comparable, with 52% of respondents strongly liking NP ketchup and 50% preferring SP ketchup, though the Weighted Mean Score (WMS) was higher for SP ketchup (4.26) than NP ketchup (4.12). General acceptability was higher for SP ketchup (WMS: 4.68) compared to NP ketchup (4.52), primarily due to its extended shelflife (40 days at room temperature, 90 days refrigerated vs. 7 and 15 days for NP). NP ketchup was favoured for its natural taste. Production costs were lower for SP ketchup (₹92/kg) than NP (₹130/kg), though NP appeals to health-conscious consumers. While SP ketchup offers superior shelf stability and cost-effectiveness, NP ketchup is preferred for its flavour and natural ingredients, highlighting a trade-off between shelf-life, cost and sensory appeal.
Tomato ketchup; organoleptic evaluation; natural preservatives; synthetic preservatives; sensory analysis
Studies on standardization of organic production technology for Aloe (Aloe barbadensis) cultivation in semi-arid region
This present study was conducted to standardize the nutrient requirement of plant through different organic sources for optimum growth and yield and quality of Aloe (Aloe barbadensis Mill.) plant during 2018-19 and 2019-20 at CCS HAU, Hisar for cultivation under arid and semi-arid conditions of Haryana. Results achieved during 2018-19, revealed that maximum plant height (59.70 cm), suckers per plant (4.50); numbers of leaves per plant (10.35) and leaf length (47.40 cm) were recorded in T5 (Vermicompost 7.5 t ha-1) which was significantly higher than treatments T1 (Control) and T6 (Neem cake 1.5 t ha-1). However, leaf yield and gel yield were found highest in T5 (36667 & 20449 kg ha-1, respectively) that was statistically superior with rest of treatments except T3 and T7. Likewise, the results achieved during 2019-20, revealed that maximum plant height (59.1 cm), suckers per plant (4.0), numbers of leaves per plant (10.80) and leaf length (57.6 cm) were registered with T5 which was significantly higher than treatments T1 and T6. However, leaf yield was found significantly higher with T5 (83117 kg/ha) that was statistically at par with T3 and T4. Gel yield was found significantly higher with T5 (43377 kg/ha) that was statistically at par with T3. Therefore, application of vermicompost 7.5 t ha-1 is recommended in aloe for commercial cultivation under arid and semi-arid region of Haryana.
Aloe (Aloe barbadensis Mill.), Organic production, Leaf yield, Gel content (%)
Identification of best cultivar with suitable sowing time to maximize the pod yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in semi-arid regions of Haryana
Recently released cultivars of okra were studied to standardize the sowing time for particular sowing window during 2021-22 to 2022-23 at the Experimental Research Farm, Vegetable Science, CCS HAU, Hisar (Haryana). In the present study, three cultivars namely, V1- Hisar Naveen, V2- Hisar Unnat and V3- Varsha Uphar were sown on five different dates at an interval 15 days in Factorial RBD with three replications. The results compilation on the basis of two years of experimentation revealed that the okra cultivar, Hisar Naveen sown from 1st July under Haryana conditions produced maximum pod yield (112.55 q/ha) with B:C ratio (2.92), trailed by sowing of 15th July which produced the highest pod yield (110.40 q/ha) with B:C ratio (2.83). Therefore, for optimal okra production and the best benefit-cost ratio under the semi-arid conditions of Haryana, it is recommended to sow the Hisar Naveen okra cultivar between July 1st and July 15th for successful commercial cultivation.
Characterisation of Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) germplasm under semi-arid conditions
A comprehensive characterization of 28 germplasm of Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) was conducted for morphological traits of fruit and stone. Significant variability was observed in fruit shape apex and fruit colour at maturity. Twelve germplasm had round fruit apex and eleven germplasm exhibited pointed fruit apex, rest five showed flat apex of fruit. Fruit skin colour like yellow, light yellow, yellowish green, greenish yellow, light green with yellow shade, greenish, green, pale green, light green and mixture of greenish to yellowish was recorded. Most of germplasm (16) exhibited ridged and wart fruit surface and remaining had plain fruit surface. Germplasm Dandan, Safeda Selection, Rohtak Safeda, Seo, Hsaianaul, Katha Bombay, Thornless, Sanori and Kaithali had soft pulp texture whereas; Bawal Selection 1 and Umran had hard pulp texture. Remaining germplasm were grouped in medium soft pulp texture. Stone shapes further classified into oblong, oval, spindle, club, and falcate categories along with stone shape apex. Further the selected germplasm grouped as per DUS guidelines. Based on fruit shape, the maximum germplasm (10) fell in group of ovate fruit shape, followed by oval (eight germplasm) and had falcate (one germplasm). Similarly for pulp texture, most of germplasm (17) were grouped in medium pulp texture fruit. The two germplasm were grouped under hard pulp texture and rest of nine germplasm had soft pulp texture. Stone shape of fourteen germplasm fell in oval shape group, followed by club shape (five germplasm) and falcate, spindle, oblong group contain three germplasm in each. Wide variability was observed in various morphological traits and suggests differences in the evolutionary origins of these cultivars within the species.
Evaluation of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) varieties for seed yield potential under semi-arid conditions of northern Telangana
Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is a valuable spice and medicinal crop however, in the semi-arid Northern Telangana Zone, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluation of improved black cumin varieties under dryland conditions. This study aimed to assess the performance of five varieties AN-1, AN-20, NS-32, NS-44, and a local check during the Rabi season of 2024-25 at the Horticultural Research Station, Adilabad. Significant variation was observed among the varieties for plant height, number of branches, capsules per plant, seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight, and seed yield. AN-20 recorded the highest seed yield (1258.33 kg/ha), followed by AN-1 and NS-32, while the local check showed the lowest performance. These findings suggest that AN-20 and AN-1 are well-adapted to semi-arid dryland conditions and hold promise for commercial cultivation in the Northern Telangana region.
Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)
Greater diversity in the initial breeding stock increases the likelihood of developing desirable crop varieties. The key aim of germplasm conservation is to gather and safeguard genetic variation in native crop species for both current and future breeding efforts. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the hybrids across all traits studied, with average performance data presented for 10 genotypes that exhibited low, moderate, and high levels of phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). The greatest GCV was observed for sex ratio (20.93%) and the number of primary branches per plant (21.30%). Traits such as number of seeds per fruit (17.93%) and fruit yield per plant (17.53%) showed moderate GCV, whereas lower GCV values were recorded for days to first staminate flower anthesis (8.78%) and fruit circumference (7.74%). In general, PCV values exceeded GCV values. Heritability was high for days to first staminate flower anthesis (85%), moderate for vine length (53%), and low for number of seeds per fruit (25%). Traits like number of primary branches per plant exhibited high heritability along with high genetic advance, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action. Genetic advance expressed as a percentage of the mean was high for fruit yield per plant (41.79%) and number of primary branches per plant (40.55%). Moderate genetic advance was seen in traits like internodal length (18.67%), highlighting their considerable potential for improvement through direct selection.
Assessing drought resilience through morphological adaptations and survivability of citrus rootstocks
Understanding rootstock-specific morphological responses is key to selecting resilient genotypes for water-limited orchards. A controlled pot experiment was conducted during the year 2024–25 at Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, using seven citrus rootstocks (Rangpur lime, Cleopatra mandarin, Rough lemon, Sour orange, NRCC RS-3, RS-4, RS-6) subjected to four water stress levels (control, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 bar) for 240 days. Plant mortality increased with stress, reaching 55.16% at 0.8 bar, with Cleopatra mandarin showing the highest mortality at 88.89%. Compared to the control, plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf area, and root length declined by 26.1%, 26.3%, 46.8%, 15%, and 32%, respectively, at 0.8 bar. Rough lemon and Rangpur lime performed better, maintaining heights of 56.24 cm and 54.02 cm, leaf areas of 25.57 cm² and 23.64 cm², and root lengths of 28.02 cm and 25.94 cm. Significant interactions were noted in canopy traits, with Rough lemon having the highest leaf number (127.58) and minimal loss (45.9%), while Cleopatra mandarin showed the greatest canopy reduction (52.5% leaf loss). Although root length interactions were non-significant, Rough lemon had the least reduction (27.8%) under stress, indicating strong root plasticity. Rough lemon, Sour orange, and Rangpur lime exhibited superior drought resilience through greater canopy retention and root plasticity. These rootstocks are promising candidates for improving drought tolerance and sustaining productivity in water-limited citrus orchards.
Influence of VAM fungi on growth of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) cv. Rudrakshi, soil parameters and microbial population of soil
The soil application of various VAM treatments significantly influenced the growth of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) cv. Rudrakshi. Among the treatments, T6 (RDF + 70g VAM) was found to be significantly superior to all others with respect to plant growth and soil parameters. T6 recorded the highest plant height (1.40 m), plant girth (148.42 mm), number of leaves per shoot (48.00) and number of shoots per plant (29.67). In addition, it also resulted in improved soil characteristics, including optimal pH (7.23) and population of fungi (10.67 × 10³ cfu g-¹).
Optimizing yield and quality in guava through crop regulation: comprehensive review
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a prominent tropical and subtropical fruit crop valued for its high nutritional content, economic returns, and adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions. However, its productivity and fruit quality are often challenged by irregular flowering, excessive fruit set, and off-season bearing, which lead to small fruit size, poor market value, and high management costs. Crop regulation in guava is a critical agronomic strategy aimed at synchronizing flowering and fruiting, improving fruit quality, and enhancing overall profitability. This review consolidates existing knowledge on the various crop regulation techniques employed in guava cultivation, including mechanical methods (pruning and deblossoming), chemical treatments (application of growth regulators such as NAA, ethrel, and urea), and cultural practices (water stress, root exposure, and nutritional management). Each method is discussed with respect to its physiological basis, effectiveness under different environmental conditions, and impact on flowering intensity, fruit set, yield, and quality attributes. The role of innovative approaches such as the use of bio-regulators and precision horticulture is also explored to address emerging challenges in climate resilient guava production. Comparative evaluation of crop regulation strategies across different seasons—particularly in tropical regions where guava tends to bear multiple crops—provides insights into season-specific recommendations. Emphasis is also placed on integrating crop regulation with canopy management and varietal selection for maximizing resource-use efficiency. The review identifies key research gaps, including the need for region-specific standardization of practices, development of environmentally safe chemical alternatives, and deeper understanding of the molecular and hormonal mechanisms governing floral induction and abscission. This article aims to serve as a comprehensive reference for researchers, extension workers, and growers seeking sustainable solutions to enhance guava productivity and fruit quality through effective crop regulation practices.
Genetic resources of underutilized fruits of arid and semi-arid zones: A review
Indian subcontinent is one of the biodiversity regions in the world. These are three bio diversity hotspots namely Northern Eastern Hill region, North western Himalayan region and Western Ghats ate situated in this region. Apart from these three hotspots, several other regions particularly the semi-arid and arid regions also have rich in diversity of plant and animal. The low and erratic rainfall, high evapo-transpiration, extreme temperature regimes, poor soil conditions of these regions helped to evolve several plant species which can grow well under stressful edaphic and environmental conditions. These perennial plant species have played a major role in the food sustainability and livelihood of these regions. Traditionally most of these species were collected from the forest. The recent awareness about potential of ecologically fragile lands for cultivation of fruit trees has not only opened up scope for providing economic sustainability for the natives, especially small farmers, but also for bringing new areas under fruit production. The underutilized fruit crops such as bordi (Ziziphus rotundifolia), jharber (Z. nummularia), lasoda (Cordia myxa), kair (Capparis decidua), phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis), gangana (Grewia tenax), bael (Aegle marmelos), jamun (Syzygium cuminii), pilu (Salvadora oleoides and S. persica), karonda (Carissa carandas), wood apple (Feronia limonia), mulberry (Morus spp.), manila tamarind (Pithocelobium dulce), etc. are found in these regions. A vast diversity of these species exists in the region. The genetic resources of these fruits are rapidly declining due to climate change, urbanization and change in farming systems. There is need to conserve these genetic resources for their utilization for crop improvement programme and future uses. Several attempts have been made by research organizations to collect, conserve and utilize the genetic resources of these underutilized fruit species. Several promising varieties and lines have been identified for enhancement of production, and productivity of these crops. The status of plant genetic resources of some of the important underutilized fruit species of semi-arid and arid regions have been compiled in the review paper.
Standardizing propagation methods and timing in bael (Aegle marmelos L.) under semi-arid conditions of Uttar Pradesh
The study aimed to standardize the most suitable propagation method (budding and grafting) and optimal timing to achieve maximum success rates in bael under the semi-arid conditions of Uttar Pradesh, India. The findings revealed that the minimum number of days to bud sprouting (15.71 days) was observed with softwood grafting conducted on 15th April. This method and timing also resulted in the highest sprouting success rate (83.33%) and the greatest bud and graft success rate (56.67%). Furthermore, the highest survival percentage of grafted plants was recorded with softwood grafting on the same date. From this study, softwood grafting during the month of April is recommended for the successful propagation of bael in semi-arid regions of Uttar Pradesh.
Copyright (c) 2025 Indian Journal of Arid Horticulture
Studies on comparative economic analysis of beverages and preserves of arid fruits
This study presents a comparative economic analysis of beverages and preserves made from arid fruits, aiming to enhance the profitability of underutilized and lesser-known fruit varieties. It is evident from the results that the benefit: cost ratio from beverages was 3.93 in bael juice, 2.11 in bael squash, 2.07 in bael syrup, 2.21 ber while preserves of ber, aonla and bael have 2.76, 2.94 and 2.67, respectively. The value addition of fruits resulted in generation of income, employment as well as eliminate/ minimize malnutrition problem and post-harvest losses.
Effect of harvesting stage on drying, rehydration and sensory characteristics of khejri (Prosopis cineraria) pods
Dehydrated tender green pods of khejri (Prosopis cineraria) are utilized as premium vegetable in north-west part of country. Looking into the economic importance of khejri pods (sangri), an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of pod harvesting stage on drying, rehydration and sensory properties of dried pods during year 2021-22. The maximum dry product recovery (28.22%) was recorded in 13 days maturity closely followed by 16 days (28.08%) maturity pods. Significantly high rehydration capacity was noticed in early harvest (10, 13 and 16 day’s maturity) pods as compared to late harvest (19, 22 and 25 maturity) pods. Desirable sensory properties were also observed in10 to 16 days maturity pods. Based on study, it is concluded that khejri variety Thar Shobha pods should be harvested in 2-3 pickings between 10-16 days after fruiting for getting good quality dried product.
Empowering farmers through front line demonstrations on the management of shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) in brinjal
This study assessed the efficacy of emamectin benzoate 5 SG (0.0025%) in managing the shoot and fruit borer of brinjal through front line demonstrations (FLDs) conducted during 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 in Kalol Taluka and Panchmahal districts of Gujarat. The study compared demonstrated practice (emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 12.5 g a.i./ ha) with farmer’s practice (inconsistent pesticide use). Results revealed significant reduction in pest damage under the recommended practice, with shoot borer infestation decreasing from 7.25% to 8.50% and fruit borer damage reducing from 13.50% to 15.50%, compared to 17.50%-18.75% and 22.75%-23.50%, respectively, under farmer’s practice. Yield increased from 235.25 q/ ha (2021-22) to 249.75 q/ ha (2023-24) in the recommended practice, significantly higher than farmer’s practice yields (170.50 to 198.50 q/ ha). The technology gap was 45.83 q/ ha, extension gap 55.75 q/ha, and technology index 16.37%. Economic analysis showed a B:C ratio of 3.10 for the recommended practice versus 2.56 in farmer’s practice, with an additional net return of ₹ 28,400/ ha. The study confirms that emamectin benzoate 5 SG effectively manages brinjal fruit and shoot borer, enhancing productivity and profitability, making it a viable pest control strategy for sustainable brinjal cultivation.
Evaluation of bael (Aegle marmelos Correa.) varieties for growth, yield and quality under semi-arid conditions of Madhya Pradesh
This study aimed to evaluate the performance of various bael varieties under the Kymore Plateau and Satpura Hills agro-climatic zone of Madhya Pradesh over a three-year period (2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24). A total of seven bael varieties (Goma Yashi, Narendra Bael-5, Narendra Bael-7, Narendra Bael-9, Narendra Bael- 17, CISH Bael-1 and CISH Bael-2) were assessed for growth, yield, and quality parameters. The results indicated that CISH Bael-2 recorded the highest number of fruits per plant (33.96), while Narendra Bael-7 exhibited the heaviest fruit weight (3.97 kg) and the highest pulp percentage (70.71%). CISH Bael-1 demonstrated the greatest plant height (6.52 m), stem girth (76.30 cm), and TSS (39.69°Brix), highlighting its potential for high-quality fruit production. The findings suggest that CISH Bael-2 and Narendra Bael-17 are ideal for high-yield cultivation, while CISH Bael-1 is best suited for superior fruit quality. This study provides valuable insights for the selection of suitable bael varieties for commercial production in semi-arid regions of Madhya Pradesh.
Impact assessment of integrated pest management technology for ber fruit fly (Carpomya vesuviana Costa) under arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan
The adoption of IPM approaches in ber resulted in a lower incidence of fruit damage, with a 65% mean reduction compared to farmer’s practices. Mean higher yield of 111.2 q/ ha was recorded in the demonstration compared to 77.84 q/ ha in farmer’s practice, representing a 42.86% increase. This has resulted in higher mean net returns of Rs. 1,79,640/- ha with a Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 3.76 in the demonstration, compared to Rs. 1,08,248/- ha in farmer’s practice with a BCR of 2.72. The current study’s findings clearly indicated that using IPM technology against the ber fruit fly was more effective and economical than conventional methods.
Impact of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of cumin (Cuminium cyminium L.) in western Rajasthan
The study on impact assessment of integrated nutrient management practices in cumin revealed that application of NPK @ 50:30:20 kg/ ha with FYM @ 15 t/ ha FYM (T11) performed better at 45 DAS, 90 DAS and at harvest respectively, in terms of plant height, number of branches per plant, and plant population. Treatment T11 was also shown to have the best results for test weight, seed yield, quantity of umbels and seeds per plant. This demonstrate the effectiveness of INM in increasing cumin production and growth, providing important information for growing cumin in western Rajasthan.
Impact of integrating summer vegetables with major cropping systems for profitability and sustainability
Punjab, contributing 35-40% of rice and 40-70% of wheat to the central pool, has a high cropping intensity (196-200%). This study evaluates the economic impact of integrating short-duration summer vegetables with major cropping systems. Survey data revealed that paddy-potato crop rotation recorded the highest net returns (Rs.1,18,467/acre), whereas paddy-wheat had the highest B:C (2.71). Inclusion of summer vegetables significantly increased economic indices like net returns and B:C in paddy-wheat by 84.87 and 4.06 per cent, and in paddy-mustard by 126.23 and 21.46 per cent, respectively. Cultivation of summer vegetables enhanced the land use efficiency from 71.23 to 95.89 per cent in case of paddy-wheat crop rotation. Summer vegetable cultivation increased land use efficiency from 68.49 to 93.15 per cent in paddy-mustard cropping system. Inclusion of summer vegetables significantly enhanced the system productivity of all the existing crop rotations. In paddy-wheat rotation an increase in system productivity by about 179.96 per cent was recorded due to cultivation of summer vegetables. Results of the study clearly show immense potential of short duration summer vegetables in enhancing the farm profitability and sustainability while justifying the objectives of crop diversification in Punjab state.
Response of different potato genotypes to deficit irrigation in North-Western plains of India
Field-based experimental trials were undertaken to assess the influence of water deficit stress on the tuber yield performance of nine distinct potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) genotypes. The genotypic set comprised officially released indigenous cultivars, advanced-stage breeding clones, and two standard control varieties. The experimental design incorporated two irrigation regimes: a fully irrigated control treatment (FI) representing optimal water supply, and two deficit irrigation treatments - alternate skip irrigation (DI) and complete cessation of irrigation during the tuber bulking phase (CS) - to simulate varying intensities of water stress. Among the genotypes evaluated under water-limited conditions, the cultivar ‘Kufri Gaurav’ exhibited the highest total tuber yield, followed sequentially by ‘Kufri Ganga’, ‘Kufri Thar-2’, and ‘Kufri Kiran’, indicating superior adaptive responses to water deficit stress.
Optimizing guava (Psidium guajava L.) breeding programs: The role of genotype selection in enhancing growth, yield and nutrient content
This study examines genetic variation and its impact on key growth, yield, and quality traits in guava genotypes through analysis of variance and per se performance of cross combinations. The results indicate significant genetic effects on most traits, with the highest variations observed for days to first flowering (DTFF), days to first harvest (DTFH), number of seeds per fruit (NSPF), total phenols (TPH), and total antioxidant activity (TAA), highlighting the potential for selection based on these traits. The study also identifies traits with lower genetic variability, such as acidity (Acid) and pulp thickness (PT), suggesting their dependence on environmental or management factors. The ANOVA results revealed significant impacts of genotypes on key traits related to growth, yield, and fruit quality, with extremely high F-values (p< 0.0001) for most traits, suggesting that genotype plays a dominant role in the expression of these characteristics. Notably, the cross combinations, including G-28 × Lalit and G-15 × VL, showed strong potential for improving growth and quality parameters. G-28 × Lalit demonstrated superior growth and nutrient content, while G-15 × VL excelled in quality traits such as sugar content, total soluble solids (TSS), and antioxidant properties. Additionally, other cross combinations like VL × G-15 and G-31 × TP offered promising results for increasing biomass, yield, and fruit quality. Further multi-generational evaluations and environmental studies are essential to assess the stability and heritability of these traits under diverse conditions. The study highlights the importance of genotype selection for developing high-performing guava cultivars, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize breeding strategies for improved yield, quality, and resilience.
Variability in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) genotypes in Kachchh, India: a study on morphological and fruiting characteristics
This study investigates the morphological diversity among 38 date palm genotypes grown in Kachchh, India, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Clustering. A dataset comprising 27 quantitative and qualitative traits were analysed. The correlation analysis revealed significant associations between key traits such as pulp thickness, fruit weight, and pulp-to-stone ratio, which are crucial for fruit quality improvement. PCA identified major traits contributing to morphological variability, with the first three principal components explaining over 52% of total variance. Hierarchical clustering grouped genotypes into four distinct clusters, demonstrating significant genetic diversity. The findings highlight the importance of fruit-related traits in genetic differentiation and provide a framework for breeding superior date palm genotypes.
Sustainable management of fruit fly infestation in guava for quality fruit production:A review
The guava is a tropical fruit that originated in Central and South America and has since been grown in many tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. In these regions, guava fruit fly, Bactrocera correcta, is a noteworthy pest of guava and other fruits. This particular species of fruit fly lays its eggs in ripening or ripe fruits of guavas, which may culminate in infestations which significantly damage crops. The female guava fruit fly normally releases the eggs within the fruit as part of the life cycle. After hatching, the larvae feed the fruit pulp, which makes it rot and unfit for human eating. In cases of severe infestation, this not only diminishes the fruit’s yield and quality but also makes it unmarketable. Controlling the guava fruit fly often involves a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods. These can include techniques such as fruit bagging, sanitation, trapping, para-pheromone lure, bait spray, biocontrol, bio-pesticide and the application of insecticides. Fruit fly populations can be effectively managed by using fewer chemical pesticides and implementing integrated pest management (IPM) techniques. Maintaining the productivity and quality of guava crops, as well as other susceptible fruits in affected areas requires efforts to control the guava fruit fly.
Current status of Fusarium wilt resistance research in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus): A review
Fusarium wilt is one of the widespread and important fungal diseases of cucurbit crops in the United States and worldwide. It is caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon) that causes significant yield loss in watermelon. There are many commercial cultivars of watermelon that are resistant to Fon races 0 and 1. However, no edible cultivars resistant to races 2 or 3 have been developed. There is a necessity to understand the genetic and molecular basis of Fusarium wilt resistance for crop improvement. Therefore, exploring genetic and molecular factors to determine the resistance to virulent Fon races 2 and 3 in diverse watermelon genotypes will be useful. The recent advances in marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, whole-genome sequencing, gene-editing tools, and genome-wide association studies provide broader insights for improvement of watermelon varieties. In this review paper, we discuss the biology of the Fusarium wilt pathogen (Fon) of watermelon, the history of the Fusarium wilt disease, inheritance studies on Fusarium wilt, quantitative trait loci mapping, bottlenecks in Fusarium wilt resistance breeding, marker-assisted selection and novel plant breeding tools to improve Fusarium wilt resistance in watermelon. This review paper aims to explore the current efforts, challenges, and suggest potential future research for the management of Fusarium wilt using traditional and molecular breeding tools.
Indian Journal of Arid Horticulture 2024, 6(2)