eChapters

Abstract

Old walnut seedlings in the age of up to twenty years were top worked using chip budding technique. In the seedling plants up to ten years of age, budding was done on older branches. But in the seedlings between 10-20 years of age, main branches were first dehorned during winters and the budding was performed on newly emerged branches in the month of May and June. Best results in the seedlings up to 10 years of age was obtained when budding was done in the second week of June with 89 and 97 per cent success in the year 2002 and 2003, respectively. The lowest success, however, was recorded in the plants between 10-20 years of age when budding was performed in the third week of May. Budding success in the plants between 10-20 years of age was slightly lower but they grew very fast as compared to those below ten years of age. Therefore, chip budding can be successfully utilized for the top working of old walnut seeding plants during second week of June when the buds become fully developed. For other areas this date may be different depending upon the maturity of the buds.

Abstract

Propagation in vitro using shoot tips / axillary buds has been applied successfully for production of  clonal apple rootstock  Malling 7 of EMLA series. For surface sterilization, HgCl₂ was found to be a good disinfectant as compared to sodium hypochlorite. Shoot tips were established best in MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/l  BA, 0.5 mg/l GA₃ and  0.1 mg/l IBA. Antioxidants were added to overcome phenol exudation. Shoot multiplication was influenced by cytokinin type and concentration. Of the cytokinins tested, BA (0.5 mg/l) was found superior to kinetin. Addition of phloroglucinol improved multiplication rate and shoot growth. Among the auxins tested, IBA was found better and roots were readily induced with 1 mg/l IBA. 90-95 per cent plantlets were established successfully in peat containing pots as well as in the field.

Abstract

In the present study, effect of phloroglucinol on the rooting behaviour of three Pyrus rootstocks viz. wild pear [P. pyrifolia (Burm F.) Nakai], kainth (P. pashia Buch. Ham.), shiara (P. serotina  Rehd.) and two scion cultivars viz. Patharnakh (P. pyrifolia (Burm F.) Nakai) and Punjab Beauty (P. pyrifolia x P. communis?) was studied. Supplementation of rooting medium (solid or liquid) with phloroglucinol (PG) had a stimulatory effect on the rooting response of wild pear, but on liquid medium the plants were vitrified with very small roots.  However, in solid medium fortified with NAA + IBA (0.25 mg l-1 each) and PG (160 mg l-1), 86.29 per cent rooting was obtained.  In kainth, Punjab Beauty and shiara supplementation of solid medium with PG had inhibitory effect on root induction.  In liquid medium, PG stimulated root initiation in kainth at 40 and 80 mg l-1, but at 160 mg l-1, it was ineffective.  In Punjab Beauty and shaira, liquid medium fortified with 40 mg l-1 PG was ineffective, whereas, at higher levels (80 and 160 mg l-1), it inhibited root induction.  Patharnakh failed to root at any of the PG level. One week culture of kainth microshoots on ½ MS solid medium supplemented with IBA (0.5 mg l-1) and PG (160 mg l-1) in dark followed by transfer to ½ MS basal liquid medium for three weeks in light resulted in 76 per cent rooting.  While, 58.70 per cent rooting was obtained in Patharnakh with similar treatment, except when IBA (0.5 mg l-1) was replaced by NAA (0.5 mg l-1).

Abstract

The studies were conducted during the years 2002 and 2003, to standardize the best method and time for summer budding in walnut. Four methods of summer budding viz. chip, annular, patch and shield were performed at 10 days interval from 15th May to 24th July. The results revealed that among the four methods of summer budding, chip budding was found to be highly superior to other methods of budding and gave 92% bud take success on 25th May and 87 per cent on 15th May also. Annular budding performed on 14th June was found next superior method and time of budding for walnut propagation when it resulted in 81% bud take success. Chip budded plants attained maximum height and radial growth as compared to annular and patch budded plants. The period from mid of May to first week of June was considered as optimum time for chip budding and mid June to end of June for annular and patch budding for walnut propagation under mid hill conditions of North-western Himalayas.

Abstract

The relationship between development of P. leucotricha with different weather parameters (i.e. temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) was ascertained by computing multiple regression equations between these factors along with coefficient of determination (R2). Multiple regression analysis revealed that weather parameters altogether accounted for 31.88 to 94.45 per cent variations in Shimla district (Himachal Pradesh) during 2002-03. The accumulated variation due to weather parameters during the years accounted to different levels of primary inoculum and infection conditions under the field conditions.

Abstract

Apple productivity of Himachal Pradesh with effect from 1995 to 2004 varied from 6.99 t/ha to 0.82 t/ha.  Climatic variables such as effective chill units (ECU) and growing degree hours (GDHoC) were estimated at different stages of dormancy and their relationships with productivity was studied. The duration of rest period had negative correlation (r = -0.716) indicating that the increase in the rest period duration decreased the productivity in the corresponding year.  ECU accumulations during peak winters had significant positive correlation (r =+0.642).  However, the GDHoC accumulations during rest period  (r = -0.679) and peak winters (r = -0.771) had significant negative correlation. During the period of rest completion to full bloom, the GDHoC accumulations showed significant positive correlation with productivity (r =+0.645). Total snowfall recorded during winters was also significantly correlated. However, no significant correlations were observed with respect to rains and productivity of apple

Abstract

Temperate ornamental plants, owing to their special functions, are always in great demand due to their possible uses in temperate landscape plantings (both outdoor and indoor). This ever increasing demand has led to urgent need for their mass-scale multiplication on commercial scale. At present, most of these plants are being multiplied and supplied on a limited scale by concerned Government and private agencies but this is not sufficient. Progressive orchardists of temperate zone and particularly those inhabiting marginal lands which no longer yield regular income, can specially incorporate the element of commercial floriculture in the vacant places in their orchards or through establishment of small polyhouses. Introduction, multiplication and production on large scale of commercially important ornamental trees, shrubs, climbers, bulbous plants, herbaceous perennials, cut flowers, potted plants and seed production of important annuals and perennials by the progressive orchardists in their orchard will yield fruitful returns through their sale and will narrow the constant demand for these plants in the urban and rural areas and will definitely improve the fragile ecology of the hills in the long run. The interested orchardists can collect germplasm of these plants from various Govt. and private agencies. Such an intervention in the existing orchard cropping system will definitely increase the income of the farmers from the same available area and will be a right step towards diversification.

Abstract

Himachal Pradesh is endowed with varied type of climate providing conditions to grow temperate and sub  tropical fruits. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) appears to be readily adapted to wide range of climatic conditions and offer a good potential for diversification of fruit culture. Though it was introduced in Himachal Pradesh in early nineties by the European missionaries but it could not be established as commercial fruit crop. Persimmon cultivation suffers from lack of organized plantings, inadequate vegetatively propagated plant material, non-availability of suitable cultivars and standardization of various orchard management practices. Besides, problems of poor fruit set, heavy fruit drop, astringent nature and lack of sufficient knowledge regarding fruit maturity and marketing mired its cultivation. The efforts made in recent years to overcome the problems the fruit seems to be on the thresh hold of popularity and with diversification in the fruit culture this fruit has great future.

Abstract

A field experiment was  carried out in the young orchard of Apricot cv. New Castle using Okra. cv. P-7 as an intercrop  to study the economics of growing intercrop in the newly planted orchards which has practically no output for the first three years. It was concluded that one can not only save the input expenditure of Rs.66,258 (for the maintenance of orchard plants during the first three years), an additional income of Rs. 2,41,858, with a net return of Rs. 1,23,800 can also be generated. There was neither any adverse effect of apricot plant canopy on the yield and performance of okra, nor was there any effect of cultivating okra on the growth and performance of apricot plants.

Abstract

The temperate fruits have shown a remarkable progress as about 68 per cent of the total area under fruits and about 91 per cent of the total production of the fruits in the State is contributed by these fruits. The economic analysis of secondary data shows the increasing trend of area under fruits, vegetables as well as production of these crops in the State over a period of time.  Although maximum increase has been found during the last about 5 decades in case of fruits (about 236 times) yet production of vegetables has shown an increase of about 83 per cent  during the last about ½ decade. Similarly flower crops cultivation has also been increasing in the State which has been clear from the increasing number of flowers growing cooperative societies (48 in no.) in the State along with area  (129 ha) under different flower crops (Anon., 2004-05). More emphasis has been laid on diversification of crops so as to make proper use of limited land and other critical inputs. Economic analysis of primary data has shown benefit-cost ratios of fruits, vegetables and flower crops almost in the same range, i.e. maximum Rs. 4.50:1 to minimum 1.53:1, so with meager holding size, vegetable crops and floriculture have been found to be the best option of diversifying crops along with fruits growing so as to reap better remuneration from use of scarce resources.

Abstract

The various options available with the fruit growers in temperate areas through floriculture are i) Growing traditional flowers such flowers are honeysuckle, hydrangea, roses of many sorts including Rosa banksiae ( vars alba, lutea), R. moschala, R. wichuriana, R. laevigata, bush roses, Jasminum humile, J. officinale, J. auriculatum, J. mesnyi, spiroea, Passiflora, Fuchsia, Wisteria chinensis, Hibiscus syriacus, Viburnum, Camellia  japonica, Cestrum, etc. ii) Growing cut flowers, iii) Growing annuals. The hardy annuals include Alyssum, Antirrhinum, Anchusa, Brachycome, Calendula, Candytuft, Centaurea, Chrysanthemum (annual), Clarkia, Cornflower, Eschscholtzia, Godetia, Helichrysum, Lathyrus, Larkspur, Linaria, Linum, Lobelia, Lupinus, Matthiola, Nasturtium, Nemesia, Nemophila, Nigella, Phacelia, Poppy, Reseda, Salpiglossis, Saponaria, Vaccaria, Venidium, Viola, etc.  Shade loving annuals are Salvia, Cineraria, Tropaeolum majus, etc. iv) Production of flower seeds and bulbs v) Growing herbaceous annuals vi) Plant rentals. The space between the trees and other plants can be utilized for potted plants, hanging baskets, making bonsai etc. vii) Dried flowers and floral crafts etc.

Abstract

The present study of effect of drip irrigation and rootstocks on apple cvs Red Fuji and scarlet Gala under high density plantation was taken up at Horticultural Research Station, Seobagh, Kullu (HP) during 2002-2004. Six year old plants grafted on clonal rootstocks viz., EMLA-106, EMLA-7 and EMLA-111 planted at 3x3m were taken for studies. Five levels of irrigation at 100% ETC, 80% ETC, 60% ETC, 40% ETC and basin irrigation at 100 ETc levels were applied through drips starting from March to fruit maturity. Each treatment was replicated four times with one tree in each in a split plot design. Fertilizer application and cultural practices were carried out as per the recommendations of the university. The data on yield, fruit quality and water use efficiency were collected and subjected to statistical analysis. The fruit firmness, TSS, titratable acidity, reducing sugars, total sugar and non-reducing sugars content decreased with increase in the volume applied through drip. There is a little difference among the varieties and rootstocks for biochemical parameters. Various physical quality parameters were significantly improved by drip irrigation over basin irrigation. The fruits of both the varieties had maximum length, diameter and weight on the rootstock EMLA-106. Similarly yield was also influenced by various levels of irrigation.  Drip irrigation at 40% ETC resulted in maximum water use efficiency (0.022 to 0.023 kg / plant/liter) in Red Fuji during both the years under study.

Abstract

Three mulch materials (black polyethylene, white polyethylene, and paddy straw) were evaluated to reduce albinism  in five cultivars of strawberry.  The incidence of albinism was the highest (38.60%), with black polyethylene and the lowest with paddy straw (22.45%). Among cultivars, Etna had the highest incidence of albinism (50.60%), followed by Chandler (41.60%), where as  Sweet Charlie had the least (22.50%).

Abstract

Foliar N and P content of olive trees have shown a gradual increase from the month of October till May. But gradual decrease in leaf K content occurred between the months of October to February, where after a gradual but continuous increase in its content was noted till the month of May. However, foliar Ca and Mg contents also registered an increase between the months of October to January, but thereafter, a continuous decrease in their content was evident till the month of May. Relatively higher N, P and K contents were estimated during non- cropped year as compared to the cropped year. But converse was true for Ca and Mg content. Among different cultivars maximum values of foliar N, P, K, Ca and Mg were found in Frantoio, followed by Leccino, while minimum values of leaf macronutrients were recorded in Ascolano. Thus maximum values of leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg ensured regular bearing behaviour of the cultivar whereas deficiencies of these nutrients tended to induce erratic bearing behavior of the cultivar.

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different mulches and herbicides (oxadiazon, metribuzin, alachlor, oxyfluorfen, atrazine, pendimethalin) on growth, yield and quality of strawberry. Black polythene mulch significantly increased plant height (23.39 and 25.53 cm), number of leaves (23.67 and 25.00), leaf area (119.33 and 125.16 cm²), number of runners (17.67 and 19.33) and number of crowns (4.67 and 5.00) followed by bicoloured polythene mulch, grass mulch, pine needles and pendimethalin 2.0 kg ha-1 as compared to hand weeding during both the years of study. Black polythene mulch produced significantly higher yield (62.19 and 77.16 q ha^-1) having large size fruits with lower acidity and higher TSS, sugars, ascorbic acid, soluble proteins, total phenols and anthocyanin content. 

Abstract

The experiment was carried out to study the effect of  BA and GA3 on in-vitro raised plants of African violets. The studies revealed that BA 150 ppm spray increased the number of leaves and duration of flowering, whereas, GA3100 ppm increased leaf area, plant spread and resulted in earliest flowering. Number of flowers was maximum in GA3 100 ppm treated plants and was at par with BA 150 ppm. Maximum pot presentability (82.85 days) was found with BA 150ppm which was at par with GA3 100 and 50 ppm treated plants.

Abstract

Studies were conducted to investigate the effect of growing media and fertilizers on growth and flowering of rose cultivar ‘First Red’ under naturally ventilated polyhouse. During first flush, it was observed that growing medium containing soil, FYM, sawdust (2:1:1) gave maximum flower yield (5.58 cut stems) per square meter per month when fertilized with water soluble fertilizers (N-150 ppm and K-200 ppm) whereas, maximum number of ‘A’ and ‘C’ grade cut stems were recorded from plants grown in soil: FYM: sand which were fed with straight fertilizers (N-150 ppm and K-200 ppm).

Abstract

Dual inoculation of Rhizobium + VAM coupled with recommended NPK doses was found to produce the highest bean pod (6.38, 6.40 qha-1) and straw (35.11,35.35 qha-1) dry matter production and resulted in higher macro and micronutrient contents in bean leaves which were to the tune of 4.05, 4.06%N,0.44, 0.49 %P, 2.65, 2.66 %K, 2.65, 2.67%Ca, 64.67, 64.59 ppm Zn, 242, 242.2 ppm Fe, and 36, 36.33 ppm Mn. Under this treatment increase in bean pod and straw dry matter production during the years 2002 and 2003 was to the tune of 130, 131 and 81, 83 per cent, respectively over control.

Abstract

The treatments showed significant differences for the characters under study in all the years. The maximum curd yield of 186.91, 180.24 and 192.83 q/ha (Av.186.66 q/ha) was recorded during the year 2002,2003 and 2004, respectively with early planting (30th Aug) and closer spacing (45x30 cm)  found significantly superior to other treatments. Similarly, maximum plant height of 75.06, 69.53 and 60.67 cm (Av. 61.47 cm) during the years 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively was also recorded in the same treatment. Whereas maximum plant spread of 59.13, 78.97 and 65.45 cm (Av. 67.85 cm) was recorded during the year 2002, 2003 and 2004. respectively with second date of transplanting (15th Sept) and wider plant spacing of 45x45 cm. From the results of three year study it can be inferred that the early planting (30th Aug) and closer plant spacing (45x30 cm) is most suitable for obtaining higher curd yield of broccoli under Kashmir conditions.

Abstract

The improvement in the productivity of fruits greatly lies with the use of high density orcharding and successfully practiced in various temperate fruits. This study was carried out to increase fruit yield per unit area in apricot Cv. New Castle. Maximum yield per plant was recorded in planting distance of 5 x 5m while lowest being in 3 x2m plantings. However, calculated yield per hectare basis was maximum in 3 x 2m spacing (1666 plants/ha.) followed by3 x3 m. The girth and spread was maximum under 5 x 5m spacing. Regarding quality parameters the size, weight and volume of fruits were significantly higher under 5 x5 m spacing as compared to fruits under other planting distances. Other parameters were not affected by any of the treatment significantly.