IASH 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.
Medicinal herbs cultivation to ensure a sustainable supply of quality raw herbal drugs: A review
Geographical Indications (GIs) are closely associated with product quality, as the agro ecological conditions of a region impart unique characteristics to agricultural commodities. These distinctive quality traits facilitate the filing and registration of GI products. India, being one of the world’s mega-biodiversity regions, possesses a rich diversity of medicinal plants. However, the increasing demand for herbal medicines has led to destructive harvesting practices, threatening the natural populations of these valuable species. Therefore, the protection and promotion of GIs can play a significant role in branding and marketing region-specific products, thereby enhancing the economic prosperity of local producers and manufacturers. In addition to supporting regional economic development, GI registration also strengthens export potential. Among the GI-tagged horticultural commodities, spices, medicinal, and aromatic crops together constitute less than 25% of the total share. Although GI registration in the horticulture sector has progressed considerably over the years, medicinal and aromatic crops still possess very few GI tags, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, documentation, and registration efforts in this sector.
Raw drug, GI registration, medicinal crops, quality, region-specific
Copyright (c) 2026 ISAH Indian Journal of Arid Horticulture
Impact of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of cumin (Cuminium cyminum 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.
Cumin, integrated nutrient management, fertilizers, sustainable
Quality of underground irrigation water of Bikaner district of Rajasthan
Assessment of on-farm trial for improved nursery raising technique in chilli
Evaluation of ber cultivars against bark eating caterpillar (Indarbela sp.) under field condition
Evaluation of pomegranate varieties under semi-arid environment of central Gujarat
Studies on sun burn and fruit cracking in litchi cultivars under Bihar condition
An experiment was conducted at ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar during 2017 and 2018 to assess the response of twenty cultivars of litchi to sun burn and fruit cracking. Result revealed that sun burn and fruit cracking varied from 0 to 13.61% and 0 to 14.57%, respectively. CSL-16 exhibited maximum sun burning (13.61%) and fruit cracking (14.57%) whereas ten cultivars viz., CHL-4, CHL-5, CSL-1, CSL-2, CSL-4, CSL-5, CSL-10, CSL-11, CSL-12 and CSL-18 were found free from sun burn and fruit cracking.Sun burn and fruit cracking started in all susceptible cultivars during 51–56 days after fruit set. Sun burn and fruit cracking in different cultivars were found maximum in last ten to fifteen days of fruit growth and development. Sun burn and fruit cracking were not significantly influenced by orientation of fruits on the tree. All the early ripening cultivars were susceptible to sun burn and fruit cracking while late ripening cultivars exhibited tolerance. Tolerant cultivars can be used in breeding programme for further improvement.
Litchi, cultivars, sun burn, fruit cracking, susceptible, tolerance.
Response of mango cultivars to agro-chemicals in relation to yield attributes
Mango has wide adaptability, high nutritive value, richness in variety, delicious taste, pleasant flavour, attractive appearance and it enjoys the unique popularity among the masses and classes. Mango fruits are rich in vitamin A and C. Application of agro-chemicals alter the behavior of trees for the economic benefit of the fruit growers. In this regard an experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Station, Banswara district of Rajasthan to find out the response of different agro-chemicals. The experiment consisted of thirteen treatments along with control and replicated thrice in a Randomized Block Design. Fifteen years old mango orchard was selected for experiment which has Dashehari, Langra and Kesar. Plants were planted with square system of planting at 10 m × 10 m spacing. Agro-chemicals viz., calcium chloride (0.3, 0.6 & 0.9%), potassium nitrate (1, 2 & 3%), paclobutrazol (500, 1000 & 1500 ppm), sorbitol (1.5, 2.0 & 2.5%) and control-water spray were used at different stages and time. Among alternate bearing mango cultivars (Dashehari, Langra and Kesar), cultivar Kesar recorded higher fruit weight while Langra recorded higher fruit yield over Dashehari. Fruit diameter significantly influenced by agro-chemicals. Yield per tree and estimated yield per hectare were enhanced by application of paclobutrazol 1500 ppm.
Mango, calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, paclobutrazol, sorbitol, yield
Evaluation of mango varieties for pulp processing suitability
Thirty mango varieties were evaluated for pulp processing suitability. Fruit weight of mango varieties ranged from 122.67 to 583.34 g (CV = 10.02%), measured maximum for Sonia Malda (583.34 g) followed by Malda (572.34 g) and minimum fruit weight was noticed in Gourjeet (122.67 g). Pulp percentage varied from 53.96 to 75.28%, observed maximum in Sonia Malda (75.28%) followed by Malda (74.11%) and minimum pulp content was recorded in Gourjeet (52.85%) trailed by Cylone (53.96%). Sonia Malda (75.28%), Malda (74.11%), Mallika (72.00%) and Hybrid 18-8 (72.47%) were possessed more than 70% pulp content while 7 varieties (Amin Tehsilwala, Benzeer, Bombay Bottle, Creeping, Kharuspatti, Amrapali and Nisar Pasand) had pulp percentage between 65–70%. The stone percentage was considerably differed in mango genotypes (CV = 10.03%) and varied from 10.97 to 21.71%; maximum in Mithua and minimum in Mallika. Similarly, peel percentage ranged from 11.32 to 19.56%, minimum was observed in Sonia Malda (11.32%) followed by Malda (11.76%), Bombay Bottle (11.90%) and Amin Tehsilwala (11.77%) and maximum peel per cent was reported in Gourjeet (19.56%), Santra (19.23%) and Himsagar (18.73%). The varieties having high pulp content also showed high pulp/stone ratio and pulp/peel ratio. The highest pulp/stone ratio was noticed in Mallika (6.56), Malda (6.18) and Sonia Malda (5.37) and lowest was found in Gourjeet (2.09). Pulp TSS of most of the varieties was recorded between 15–20°Brix which was in line with the mango pulp industry standards (16°Brix). Maximum pulp TSS was observed in Amrapali (20.83°Brix) followed by Bombay Bottle (20.80°Brix), Mallika and Nisar Pasand (20.50°Brix) and Dashehari (20.13°Brix) while minimum TSS was noticed in Shere-a-Hayat (12.90°Brix) followed by Kalapahar (13.96°Brix). Based on pulp quantity it may be concluded that; Malda, Sonia Malda, Mallika, Hybrid 18-8, Amin Tehsilwala, Benzeer, Creeping, Kharuspatti, Amrapali, Dashehari, Nisar Pasand and Bombay Bottle were found suitable for pulp processing.
Mango, pulp, evaluation, processing suitability, heirloom varieties
Effect of IBA concentrations on semi-hard wood cuttings of phalsa cv. Thar Pragati
An experiment was conducted at Central Horticultural Experiment Station (lCAR-CIAH), Vejalpur on vegetative propagation of phalsa through semi hardwood stem cuttings in the month of July. The cuttings were treated with different concentrations of IBA (JOO, 150, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 ppm) along with control and the experiment was replicated thrice. Treated cuttings were planted in poly bags containing soil, sand and FYM in equal proportion and kept in open conditions. Semi hardwood cuttings when treated with IBA 2000 ppm resulted in the highest survival percentage (50.20 %), length of sprout (76.30 cm), number of primary roots (16.30) number of secondary roots (32.20), number of leaves/plan t (15.21), number of sprout/plant (3.90) and girth of sprout (l.90 cm) 150 days after treatment, it was followed by IBA1000 ppm. Whereas control recorded the minimum survival percentage (22.12 %), length of sprout (40.20 cm), number of primary roots (6.20) and number of secondary roots (17.00), number of leaves/plant (7.0), number of sprout/plant (1.70) and girth of sprout (1.20cm) 150 days after treatment.
Phalsa, semi hard wood cutting, IBA concentration, sprout
Vegetable based intercropping system in pomegranate under hot arid region
Field experiments were conducted at farmer's field in Charanwala branch of IGNP stage-II in Bikaner district of Rajasthan during rabi and kharif seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17, respectively to study the productivity and economic returns of pomegranate based intercropping systems in one and half year old pre-bearing orchard of pomegranate (Punica granatum var. Bhagwa). There were five treatment combinations i.e.(i) Pomegranate+ onion (Allium cepa)- Indian squash (Citrullus lanatus var. fistulosus), (ii) Pomegranate+ radish (Raphanus sativus)- cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), (iii) Sole onion- Indian squash, (iv) Sole radish- cowpea and (v) Sole pomegranate. Intercropping has positive effect on height, girth and canopy spread of pomegranate tree over its sole plantation. The annual system productivity in terms of onion equivalent yield (OEY) was maximum in sole onion-Indian squash system which was at par with inter-copping system of pomegranate+ onion-Indian squash. Water productivity can be improved to 2.87and 6.71kg m·'in terms of economic yield (WP) and 130.5 and 378.6 Rsha·' mm·' in terms of gross return (WPcJ with intercropping system of pomegranate +radish- cowpea and pomegranate + onion- Indian squash, respectively as compared to sole pomegranate plantations. An additional income of Rs. 2.36 lakhs/ha/year can be obtained with intercropping system of pomegranate+ onion- Indian squash and 0.49 lakhs/ha/year with pomegranate+ radish­ cowpea intercropping system over sole plantations of pomegranate.
Economics, pomegranate, intercropping system, water productivity, yield
Effect of integrated nutrient management on physico-chemical attributes of ber fruit cv. Banarasi Karaka
An experiment was conducted during 2016-17 at Main Experiment Station, N.D. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad (U.P,) to study the physico-chemical attributes of ber fruit cv. Banarasi Karaka. The experiment comprised of three replications with seven treatments in RBD viz.T, (Control), T, (100% RDF through NPK), T, (100% PYM), T, (50% PYM+ 50% RDP through NPK), T, (50% FYM + 50% (PSB+ Azotobacter), T• (75% FYM + 25% RDP through NPK), T, (75% FYM + 25% RDF through NPK + 25% (PSB + Azotobacter). Therefore, it may be recommended application of treatment T, is (75% PYM + 25% RDF through NPK + each 25% PSB + Azotobacter) to ber growers for obtaining larger and heavier ber fruit followed by application of SO% RDF through FYM+ 50% RDF through NPK.
Ber, nutrient management, bio-fertilizers
Effect of foliar application of micronutrients on yield of date palm cv. Halawy
An experiment was carried out to study the effect of foliar application of micronutrients on yield and quality of date palm. The applied treatments were arranged in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications viz. T, Control, T, ZnSO, (0.5%), T, Borax (0.25 %), T, FeSO, (0.5 %), T. Thiourea (0.l %), T, ZnSO, (0.5 %) + Thiourea (0.1%), T1Borax (0.25%) +Thiourea (0.1%) and T, FeSO, (0.5 %) + Thiourea (0.1%). Application of different micronutrients affects the yield, fruit weight and quality of date palm cv. Halawy. The maximum fruit yield (121.27 kg/palm) and fruit weight (7.8Jg/ berry) were recorded in treatmentT3 (FeSO, 0.5%+ Thiourea 0.1%) while highest TSS (35.42%) was recorded in treatment T, (Borax0.25% + Thiourea 0.1%) followed by treatment T3 (FeSO, 0.5%+Thiourea0.I %).
Micronutrients, foliar application, yield, fruit weight, TSS
Response of pruning intensity and time on growth, yield and quality attributes of phalsa under hot arid condition
Recently phalsa is gaining popularity in arid and semi-arid regions due to drought tolerance, nutritional and medicinal value; and can be grown successfully in adverse climatic conditions of arid regions with limited supplemental irrigations and fertilizer application. Pruning is an essential cultural operation in phalsa for good flowering and fruiting. Therefore, present experiment was carried out during 2017 to 2019 to study the response of different pruning intensities and timings on vegetative growth, yield and quality attributes of phalsa 'CIAH-P-1'. The phalsa bushes were pruned on four dates viz.,30" November, 15"' December, 30"'December and 15"' January at four intensities, i.e.0.00cm, 20cm and 40 cm and 60cm height from ground level. It was observed that pruning timings and intensities had significant effect on sprouting period, bush height, number of twigs, number of fruiting clusters, number of fruits per cluster, fruits weight, total soluble solids and fruit yield per plant. Maximum average fruit yield (4.91 kg/plant), average fruit weight and diameter (1.14 g and 1.26 cm) and total soluble solids (25.02"Brix) were obtained when pruned the bushes at 20cmfromground level on 15"' of January, which was significantly higher from rest of the treatment combinations. On the findings of the study, it may be concluded that pruning in phalsa should be done on I5 to20°'of January at20cm height from ground level under Bikaner agro-climatic conditions of western Rajasthan.
Phalsa, pruning intensity, pruning time, yield, quality attributes
Pre-harvest chemical sprays for enhancing shelf life and fruit quality of jamun
An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different pre-harvest sprayed chemicals i.e. calcium chloride (1.0, I.SO,2.0%), GA, (50, 100 ppm), potassium sulphate (1.0,2.0%) and control (water spray) on shelf life and post harvest quality of jamun cv. Goma Priyanka at ambient temperature under semi-arid conditions of western India. Increase in physiological loss in weight (PLW), spoilage percentage and decrease in titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugar and anthocyanin content with advancement of storage period were general phenomena in all the treatments. However, TSS, and TSS: acidity ratio initially increased and thereafter decreased, respectively irrespective of treatments. Minimum spoilage loss was recorded in the fruits treated withCaCl,2.0% (13.33%) closely followed by CaCI,1.50% (17.28%). Same treatment also showed lowest PLW (13.65%) on the last day of storage and exhibited 3.03daysofeconomic shelf life, while control had 1.68 days of economic shelf life under ambient conditions. Highest PLW (18.17%) and spoilage (25.34%) were recorded in the control on the last day of storage (4'"day). In general, shelf life of jamun fruits increased with the increase in concentration of calcium chloride. It may be concluded that CaCI,1.50 to2.0% can be sprayed before harvest of fruits for enhancing the shelf life and maintaining fruit quality of jamun under ambient conditions.
Pre-harvest spray, jamun, PLW, spoilage, economic and shelf life
Quality of pomegranate fruits as influenced by pre harvest bagging under hot arid climate
An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different bagging material on fruit quality and cracking in pomegranate which is severe problem under hot wild climate of Rajasthan. Pomegranate fruits of cv. Bhagwa were covered with different bagging material i.e. white paper bags, brown paper bags, butter paper bags, perforated transparent polyethylene bags, muslin cloth bags, mark in cloth bags, non woven fabric bags, shrink wrapping (cling film) and control without bagging. The fruits were covered in each treatment after two month of fruit set during September and data were recorded on different fruit physical and physico-chemical quality attributes. Among the treatments, perforated transparent polybags were significantly reduced fruit cracking (11.12%) as against control (25.20%). Perforated transparent polyethylene bags also resulted in highest marketable yield (4.72 kg/plant) followed by butter paper bags (4.00 kg/plant) as compared to lowest in con1rol (3.30 kg/plant). Improved bright red colour fruits was obtained in perforated transparent poly bags and shrink wrapping treatments, while in control fruits colour faded and tum light brown red due to sunscald and frost damage. The total soluble solids and TSS/acid ratio were significantly affected by fruit bagging material, while nonsignificant differences were observed in ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugars and acidity of fruits. The maximum maturity index was recorded in perforated transparent polyethylene bags (35.82) followed by butter paper bags (31.91) as compared to minimum observed in control (25.12). Thus, preharvest fruit bagging of pomegranate not only improved marketable fruit yield and quality of fruits but also significantly reduced fruit cracking under hot wild climatic conditions.
Fruit bagging, fruit cracking, maturity index and quality
Diagnosis and recommendation integrated system norms in custard apple
A leaf sampling survey was carried out at 15 villages in states of Gujarat and Rajasthan during 2018-2020 and collected 338 samples in custard apple to develop diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (ORIS) norms. The leaf samples were collected in July month and the leaves present in the middle portion of the recently matured twig were analyzed for the nutrients, and classified based on standard deviation (SD) as deficient(< mean-8/3 SD), low (mean-8/3 SD to mean-4/3 SD), optimum (mean-4/3 SD to mean +4/3 SD), high ( mean +4/3 SD to mean +8/3 SD) ) and very high (>mean + 8/3SD). The optimum concentration of nitrogen in the index leaf ranged from 1.96% to 3.06%, whereas phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, manganese, zinc and copper ranged from 0.13 to 0.17%, 0.59 to 0.99 %, 1.48 to 2.26%, 0.69 to 1.64%, 0.29 to 0.45%, 126 to 328 ppm, 243 to 323 ppm, 38 to 56 ppm, and 21 to 36 ppm, respectively. This information may be used for developing ORIS and CND norms and to predict nutrient needs based on ORIS indices in nutrient management of custard apple trees
Custard apple, ORIS norms, CND, leaf sampling survey, nutrient management
Evaluation of pomegranate varieties for growth and fruit quality attributes under Andhra Pradesh condition
Five pomegranate varieties (Ganesh, Mridula, Bhagwa, Ruby and Jalore Seedless) were evaluated for vegetative and quality parameters for consecutive seven years under at Horticulture Research Station, Anantapur. Jalore Seedless (check) recorded significantly highest values for plant height (2.99 m), no. of stems per plant (5.25) and plant spread (2.64 m EW 2.5lm NS). Among all the varieties, fruit yield per plant and per hectare was highest in Bhagwa (19.13 kgand11.96 t) with fruit weight of 305.21g, total aril weight (168.05g) and 100 aril weight (35.35 g) TSS of 7.87°Brix. Bhagwa was best performer as compared to other popular varieties like Ganesh, Mridula, Ruby and Jalore Seedless. Therefore, on the basis of plant growth and fruit quality attributes variety Bhagwa is recommended for arid regions of Andhra Pradesh.
Pomegranate, varietal evaluation, fruit quality, yield
Improvement of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.)
Immense prospects exist to develop desirable cultivars of annonaceous fruits by conventional breeding techniques. There is greater scope to exploit inter-specific variation than intra-species variation. Edible Annona species exhibit morphological affinity to one another but each one is unique and distinct for fruit shape, size, skin surface, pulp colour, texture, flavour and taste. Some species like Annona squamosa exhibit narrow genetic variation. However, several interesting traits are available in one or the other allied Annona species. Because thereare no serious barriers in inter-specific hybridization between A. squamosa, A.cherimola and A.reticulata gene transfer across species boundaries is possible. Gene exchange among them should result in interesting novel recombinants at times most esteemed ones like the popular atemoya.
Annona species,cytogenetics, flower biology, improvement, varieties
Copyright (c) 2025 ISAH Indian Journal of Arid Horticulture
Breeding strategies for improvement of ber (Ziziphus sp.)
A significant diversity is available in ber germplasm in India as well in other countries which can be exploited through apposite breeding approaches. There is urgent need to develop varieties which are tolerant to fruit fly and powdery mildew. Earliness is desirable particularly in dry regions for growing ber under rainfed or limited irrigation conditions. There is a need to develop dwarfing, high yielding varieties/rootstocks, varieties suitable for high density planting and early bearing varieties having a better quality of fruits with more storage life. The variety should yield consistently with the local requirements of maturity time, tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses- resistance to frost, insect pests, diseases, and suitable for post-harvest uses (processing, dehydration, candying). The germplasm suitable for canopy management methods and cultural practices is to be introduced and developed. There are two main bottlenecks in ber breeding programme; polyploidy and incompatibility in its cultivars. Besides these, other constraints in improvement are typical floral morphology, short period of anthesis and stigma receptivity and limited period of fruits availability, owing to these, fruit setting is very less.
Ber, germplasm diversity, flower biology, selection, hybridization
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.
Fusarium wilt, watermelon, marker-assisted selection, inheritance studies
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.
Bactrocera correcta, fruit fly, guava, integrated pest management (IPM), sustainability
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.): Climate resilient crop for food security in arid and semi-arid regions - A review
Sweet potato is a crucial crop for enhancing food security, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where climate change and water scarcity pose significant challenges to agriculture. However, osmotic stress severely impacts its agronomic and economic productivity by triggering morphological, physiological and biochemical alterations. In response to drought, sweet potato activates various adaptive mechanisms, including growth regulation, antioxidant defense, osmolyte accumulation and stress protein synthesis. These physiological, metabolic, and genetic responses serve as essential indicators for selecting drought-tolerant genotypes. The primary goal of breeding programs in drought-prone regions is to develop high-yielding, drought-resistant varieties. Understanding the physiological and biochemical traits of drought-tolerant genotypes is critical for improving selection strategies. By integrating conventional breeding, molecular techniques, and biotechnological innovations, drought-resilient sweet potato varieties can be developed, making cultivation more sustainable and cost-effective for smallholder farmers. This review explores the effects of drought stress on sweet potato productivity, its adaptation strategies, crop management practices, and advanced breeding approaches to enhance drought tolerance.
Sweet potato, drought tolerance, climate resilience, arid regions, crop improvement
Artificial pollination in date palm: a review
One of the most crucial and time-consuming agronomical procedures in date cultivation is pollination, which is necessary to achieve the required yield. Fruit growth, quality, and yield are greatly impacted by date palm pollen (DPP), which is also highly influenced by pollen structure, viability, and germination capacity. In commercial farming, pollen management involves keeping pollen under refrigeration and combining it with different adjuvants to reduce the amount of pollen needed for pollination. Pollination success is further influenced by female flowers and their receptivity, therefore careful monitoring is essential to notice the timing of anthesis of the female inflorescence. Mechanized tools have made the tedious act of pollination easier, and pollination techniques have improved with time. In addition to aiding in pollination, pollen is also used as a secondary food source for a number of illnesses, including male infertility. The significance of pollen, how to utilize it and potential issues during cultivation are all covered in this article
Date palm, Pistillate Receptivity, Pollination, Pollen storage.
Performance of parthenocarpic cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under polyhouse condition as influenced by organic amendments
The study revealed that various treatment combinations of biodynamic, silica and Dashparni imparted significant effects on growth, yield and quality parameters of cucumber var. Nagene grown under protected cultivation. Out of various treatments, the treatment T10 (BD 500 @75g/ha + BD 501 @2.5g/ha+ Silica @1% + Dashparni @10%) was found superior for most of parameters studied i.e. vine length at 30 DAS (1.67 m), 60 DAS (2.67 m), final harvest (3.63 m), leaf area (509.17cm²), days to first anthesis (26.07), days to first harvest (36.07), fruit weight (131.70 g), fruit volume (130.57 cc), fruit length (18.43 cm), fruit diameter (3.63 cm), number of branches (6.13), number of fruits per vine (31.43) yield per vine (4.20 kg), yield per square meter (10.07 kg) and yield per acre ( 40.30 t), whereas least performing treatment was found to be T1 i.e. control.
Cucumber, BD 500, BD 501, Dashparni, Silica, Biodynamic.
Integrated nutrient management in arid zone fruit crop production - a review
The indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides along with improper nutrient management is deleterious to the plant health, environment and human being. The quality attributes of different fruits are badly affected due to indiscriminate application of inorganic agro-chemicals which results in quality deterioration with less consumer preference and low returns to the growers. It also causes soil health deterioration and disturbs the soil microorganisms. Such practices are also common among the fruit growers. Due to these practices, the plants also become susceptible to several biotic and abiotic stresses. Therefore, it is a holistic approach based on usage of all possible sources of plant nutrients in an integrated manner is considered as alternative source to maintain soil fertility and plant nutrient supply for sustaining the desired crop productivity.
INM, fruit yield, quality, soil fertility and crop productivity.
Post-harvest management of sapota: a review
Sapota (Manilkara achras) is a tropical fruit tree that grows slowly and is evergreen. When fully mature, it is commonly eaten as a dessert fruit and is grown commercially in several countries, including India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Venezuela, and Mexico. However, because of its short shelf life and highly perishable nature, sapota has limited availability in the market. The main challenge in post harvest management of sapota is its quick ripening, which significantly reduces its shelf life. To address this issue, various techniques and technologies have been explored, such as the use of chemicals, plant growth regulators (PGRs), packaging materials, wax coating, and irradiation. This review aims to explore post-harvest solutions that can increase the availability of sapota fruits in the market for longer periods and maintain their quality throughout storage by extending their shelf life. By improving the shelf life of sapota through pre-harvest treatment and various storage applications, this study seeks to reduce post-harvest losses, increase availability, and ensure the economic sustainability of this horticultural crop.
Edible coating, packaging, post-harvest life, quality, sapota
Effect of pre-harvest spray of calcium chloride and calcium nitrate on shelf life of aonla (Phyllanthus emblica L.) cv. NA-7
The studies on shelf life of aonla was conducted at Research Farm and Laboratory Horticulture, Regional Research Station, Bawal. The selected plants were sprayed with calcium nitrate and calcium chloride @ 1.0 and 1.5 % at 10 and 20 days before harvest. After harvesting uniform fruit from different treatments were stored at room temperature. The fruit were analyzed for PLW, decay loss, TSS, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid during storage period. Lowest PLW and decay loss was recorded in the fruit sprayed with calcium nitrate @ 1.5% before 20 days of harvest. TSS increased up to 6th day of storage, while titratable acidity and ascorbic acid decreased continuously during storage. Highest TSS, lowest titratable acidity and maximum ascorbic acid content was recorded in fruit of calcium nitrate sprayed (1.5%) plants at 20 days of storage however, lowest B: C ratio was observed in control.
Calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, aonla, pre-harvest spray, shelf life.
Feasibility of banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) cultivation under Banswara district conditions of Rajasthan
An experiment was conducted at seven locations denoted as AF1 , AnF1 , AnF2 , LF1 , MF1 , SF1 and IF1 respectively to study the feasibility of banana cultivation under Banswara district conditions of Rajasthan which are very much milder than that in the desert regions in further north and north-west Rajasthan and also commensurate with the required environmental conditions for banana. For this, phenology of banana cv. Grand Naine was studied by observing the growth pattern. At harvest the vegetative parameters such as range of leaf area varied from 1.21 m2 (IF1 ) to 5.52 m2 (AnF1 ) per plant, number of functional leaves varied from 5.03 (IF1 ) to 10.03 (AnF1 ), pseudostem height from 131.18 cm (IF1 ) to 203.37 cm (AnF1 ), pseudostem girth from 39.65 cm (IF1 ) to 59.38 cm (AnF1 ). Likewise, yield and yield attributing characters were also observed such as peduncle length from 33.96 cm (IF1 ) to 45.01 cm (AnF1 ), bunch weight from 8.42 kg (IF1 ) to 17.06 kg (AnF1 ), number of hands per bunch from 6.56 (IF1 ) to 8.76 (AnF1 ), number of fruits per hand from 10.63 (IF1 ) to 14.04 (AF1 ), fruit length from 12.68 cm (IF1 ) to 16.11 cm (AF1 ), fruit diameter from 2.37 cm (IF1 ) to 3.35 cm (AnF1 ), fruit weight from 90.75 g (IF1 ) to 118.30 g (AF1 ) and estimated yield per hectare from 25.98 t (IF1 ) to 52.65 t (AnF1 ). The study of crop duration had shown values which varied from 292.74 (AnF1 ) to 307.03 days (IF1 ) for shooting, fruits attained the physiological maturity after flower emergence from 105.84 days (AnF2 ) to 114.34 days (IF1 ) and plants completed their life cycle in 398.63 days (AnF2 ) to 421.37 days (IF1 ). The parameters pertaining to quality of fruits were also studied such as TSS (ºBrix), titrable acidity (%) and organoleptic rating which ranged from 11.57 (IF1 ) to 14.48 (AnF2 ), 0.126 (AnF1 ) to 0.196 (SF1 ) and 6.95 (IF1 ) to 7.64 (AnF2 ), respectively. The results of the experiment proved that Banswara conditions are ideally suited for banana cultivation and the yield and quality of the fruits was at par with those of other locations in the country where banana cultivation is commercially practiced.
Investigating the biochemical makeup of various bael (Aegle marmelos Correa.) cultivars under semi-arid condition of Madhya Pradesh
The present study was carried out to investigate the biochemical properties of various Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa.) cultivars under Semi Arid Condition of Madhya Pradesh during 2021-22. The experiment has seven cultivars of the bael i.e. Goma Yashi, NB-5, NB-7, NB-9, NB-17, CISH-1 and CISH-2 to assess the biochemical properties of fruits and to indentify the superior. The study analyzed with Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that the different varieties of bael exhibited considerable variation for biochemical attributes. Significantly highest total soluble solid (39.22°Brix) and lowest acidity (0.30%) was recorded in the cultivar Goma Yashi. Significantly higher reducing sugar (4.95%) and total sugar (20.03%) was recorded in the cultivar NB-9 while non-reducing sugar (15.66%) was relatively higher in the cultivar CISH-1.
Bael, Aegle marmelos, Cultivar, Biochemical and Semi arid