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Mango is one of the choicest fruits of India, grown over an area of 1.23 million hectares in the country. Mango occupies the same position in India as occupied by the apple in temperate and grape in subtropical areas. In India mango is acclaimed as king of fruits. The name Mangifera was given for the first time by Bontius in 1658, when he referred to this plant as arbor Mangifera (The tree producing mango). Linnaeus also referred to it as Mangifera arbor in 1747, prior to changing the name to its present form (Mangifera indica) in 1753. Mango is good source of vitamin A and C apart from the usual content of minerals and other vitamins. Mango is also considered to have some medicinal properties. Ripe fruits of mango is fattening, diuretic and laxative. Smoke of burning is supposed to cure hiccups and some throat troubles and the kernal is effective against diarrhoea and asthma. Besides table purpose, fruits of mango can be used for the preparation of pickles, preserves, jam, amchur (mango powder), mango leather (ampapad) and mango fool (mango+milk+sugar)

3.1 Introduction

The Mango (Mangifera indica L.) belonging to the family Anacardiaceae in order Sapindales, is amongst the most important tropical fruits of the world. In India, it is also known as the ‘king of fruits’ owing to the delicious quality of the fruit rich in vitamins and minerals. Its long period of domestication is evident from its mention in the ancient Indian scriptures. In India, mango has been valued not only for religious consideration but also for its importance in the economic and cultural life of the society. Mango is rich in Vitamin A and C, flavonoids, carotenes, glucosides, sterols, terpenes, aromatic acids, essential oils, fatty acids and phenolics. It is a powerful nutritive fruit, containing most of the essential substances needed by the human body. The most important single factor limiting the production of mango fruit at the present time is the erratic fruiting habits of this species. Some cultivars produce a good crop in most years and a poor crop in other years, while still other cultivars produce only a few fruits each year. For many years new cultivars have been selected and grown on the basis of size, appearance, and dessert quality with very little attention given to their production capabilities. The improvement of mango needs to explore new recombinants primarily by means of exploiting the breeding methodologies. Diversity or heterogeneity is the main character desired for breeding either natural or manmade. It is required to have vast genetic pool to get new combinations of desired nature and developing new hybrids. It has been mentioned earlier that the development of mango in India is the result of selection from the amateur gardeners. Now, the scientists have developed certain hybrids of mango.

24.1 Introduction

In India, the commercial cultivation of oil palm started during 1970. Today about 16 countries of tropics cultivate oil palm. The palm oil has been safe and nutritious source of edible oil for human consumption for 1000 years. Palm oil and its liquid fraction palmolein is consumed worldwide as cooking oil. Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria and Columbia started to grow oil palm in a large scale during 1980. The commercial producing countries are Liberia, Peru, Angola, Senegal, Ghana, etc.

Papaya is an ideal fruit crop for growing in kitchen garden, backyards of home as well as orchards, especially those places nearer to cities or big town. It is also grown as a filler plant in orchard. The ripe fruits of papaya are consumed throughout the tropics and sub tropics. Fruits are also used in preparation of jam, soft drinks, ice cream flavour, crystalized fruits and syrups. Unripe fruits are commonly used as vegetables. Papain is prepared from the latex of immature fruits. It is proteolytic enzyme used for tendering of the meat, preparation of chewing gum and cosmetics etc. The ripe fresh fruit is rich source of vitamin-A (2500 I.U.), carbohydrates and minerals (Singh, 1969). Papaya on account of producing fruit in a short period after planting has attracted the attention of fruit growers to be cultivated on a large scale in the country. It is known as wholesome fruit which is valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Due to its nutritional, industrial and export demand, papaya is recognized the most potential fruit crop for its economic cultivation. The variable sex forms, propagational problems, susceptibility to frost and water logging, fungal and viral diseases are well identified problems in its cultivation. Economically the production life of papaya is 3 years and every time new plantation has to be raised. Papaya being transplanted at closer spacing is highly suitable for high density planting. Now high yielding variety with better fruit quality are needed to boost the production under varied agro edaphological situation.

7.1 Introduction

Papaya is a fruit crop grown in kitchen garden, backyards of home and orchards. It is grown as a filler crop in orchard. India is the largest producer of papaya in the world. It is also cultivated in Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Hawaii, Malaysia, Taiwan, Peru, Florida, Gold Coast, South Africa and Bangladesh. In India, it is widely cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. The ripe fruits of papaya are consumed throughout the tropics and sub-tropics. Fruits are also used in the preparation of jam, soft drinks, ice cream flavour, crystallized fruits and syrups. Unripe fruits are commonly used as vegetables. Papain is prepared from the latex of immature fruits. It is a proteolytic enzyme used for tendering of meat, preparation of chewing gum and cosmetics. The ripe fresh fruit is rich source of vitamin A, carbohydrates and minerals. The fruits are prescribed for piles, dyspepsia, liver, spleen and digestive disorders. Roots are used as nerve tonic. The plants flower five months after planting and fruits are ready five months after flowering. So, it has attracted attention of fruit growers to cultivate on a large scale in the country.

16.1 Introduction

Peach is one of the important fruits grown in warm temperate zones of the world. Fruits are rich in protein, sugar, minerals and vitamins. Peaches are highly valued as table fruit for their attractive colour and palatability. Canned peaches, dried frozen preserves, jams, nectar are principal processed products of peach. It is grown mainly in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Nilgiri hills, Jharkhand and North-Eastern States.

15.1 Introduction

Pear is one of the important fruit crops that belong to the family Rosaceae. In the world pear is cultivated in China, USA, Argentina, Italy, Turkey, Spain, India, South Africa, Japan, Belgium etc. It is grown under a wide variety of climatic regimes ranging from cold dry temperate hilly conditions to warm humid sub-tropical conditions on the plains of northern India. In India pear is widely cultivated in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand etc.

Pineapple is one of the most important commercial fruits of the world. It is good source of vitamin A, B and fairly rich in vitamin C, minerals like calcium phosphorus and iron. Fresh fruit of pineapple is used as dissert fruit in the form of slices. Fruit is also used for juice, squash, jam, mixed jam and in canned form, fruit cone is used for preparing candy. Some cultivars of pineapple are used for extraction of fibre. The important states of pineapple growing are Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh (Bal, 1997).

9.1 Introduction

Pineapple is one of the most important commercial fruits of the world. It is good source of vitamin A, B and fairly rich in vitamin C, minerals like calcium, phosphorous and iron. Fresh fruit is used as dessert. Fruit is also used for juice, squash, jam, mixed jam and in canned form. Fruit core is used for preparing candy. Some cultivars of pineapple are used for extraction of fibre. The important pineapple growing states are Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.

Pomegranate is an ancient and important fruit. It is grown for its delicious and juicy pink arils (outer growth of seed) which are eaten fresh (Keskar et al., 1993). Fresh fruit is of exquisite quality while its processed products like bottled juice, syrups and jelly are highly appreciated. The juice is considered useful for patients suffering from leprosy. Fruit juice easily fermented and may be used for the production of wine. Juice of wild pomegranate is used in the manufacture of citric acid and sodium citrate for medicinal purpose. Pomegranate is known best for curing the chronic stomach ailment. Seeds of pomegranate contain oil which has a potential for industrial use. Sour aril of the wild types can be utilized for the preparation of anardana.

13.1 Introduction

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), an economically important fruit plant species, belongs to the family Punicaceae. It is an important fruit crop of arid and semiarid regions of the world and has been believed to be the symbol of fertility and abundance. Pomegranate is a highly remunerative crop for replacing subsistence farming and alleviating poverty. The plant is drought tolerant, winter hardy and can thrive well under desert condition. It is a good source of protein, carbohydrate, minerals, antioxidants, vitamins A, B and C, and has also been used in controlling diarrhoea, hyperacidity, tuberculosis, leprosy, abdominal pain and fever. Pomegranate juice contains antioxidants such as soluble polyphenols, tannins, anthocyanins and can be used in the treatment of cancer and chronic inflammation. It has enjoyed a reputation for its healthy dietetic and medicinal properties.

Poultry Breeding

Poultry breeding is a scientific practice aimed at enhancing the genetic traits of birds to improve their productivity and quality. Historically, poultry farming began as small-scale backyard operations, but it has now evolved into a major industry. This transformation has been driven by the development of superi or breeds for both egg and meat production through advanced breeding and selection techniques. Modern poultry breeds exhibit significantly improved productive capacities, such as higher egg production and better meat quality, compared to their ancestors. Successful poultry breeding requires a deep un derstanding of the qualities and capabilities of various breeds, allowing breed ers to select and combine desirable traits to achieve specific goals, whether for size, weight, egg production, meat quality, or a combination of these factors.

• Poultry production has transitioned from a small-scale backyard venture to a significant industry.

• This growth has been largely driven by the development of superior breeds for egg and meat production, utilizing modern breeding and selection techniques.

22.1 Introduction

Tea is the most important non-alcoholic beverage gaining further popularity as an important “health drink”. It is consumed as a morning drink by 2/3rd of world population. Tea was initially used as a medicine and subsequently as beverage and now has proven to be a potential raw material for pharmaceutical industry. Tea is mainly consumed in the form of ‘fermented tea’ or ‘black tea’, ‘non-fermented tea’ or ‘green tea’ and ‘semi-fermented tea’ or ‘oolong tea’. Green leaves are also used as vegetables such as ‘leppet tea’ in Burma and ‘meing tea’ in Thailand. Tea leaves have more than 700 chemical constituents among which flavonoids, amino acids, vitamins (C, E, K), caffeine and polysaccharides are important to human health. The stimulating effect of tea is due to caffeine (1.25-4.5%). Per cup value of caffeine in tea is three and half times less than that of coffee and is less harmful than coffee. Importantly, the vitamin C content in leaves is comparable to that of lemon.

Apple (Malus x domestica Borkh) is the most widely grown temperate fruit of the world considered as king of temperate fruit. It is one of the most delicious fruit rich in carbohydrates, minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, vitamin B6 and low in calories. Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fiber. Apple is recommended to reduce the incidence of dental caries, and the phytonutrients and antioxidants may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Apple is chiefly used as table fruit. The various processed product like juices, jelly, preserve, canned slices, wine, concentrated juice, cider and powder are prepared from apple fruit.

Bael is one of the oldest and nutritional fruits of India (John and Stevenson, 1979). The tree is very hardy and thrives in almost all types of soil and climate. The ripe fruits of bael are rich in protein, fat, minerals, riboflavin, carotene, thiamine, niacin and vitamin C. The ripe fruit is lucrative while unripe fruit is prescribed for diarrhoea and dysentery (Mitra 1999, Roy, 1996, Singh and Ali, 1992, Singh, 2000). The marmelos in is most probably the therapeutically active principle of bael fruits.

18.1.1 Centre of diversity

The Bael tree has its origin from Eastern Ghats and central India. Its indigenous to Indian subcontinent and mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Even though it is native to India, it is found throughout Southeast Asia (Neeraj et al., 2017). The tree is also found as a wild tree, in lower ranges of Himalayas up to an elevation of 500 meters. Bael is also found growing along foothills of Himalayas, Uttaranchal, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and the Deccan Plateau and along the east coast (Sharma et al., 2007).

1. Quantitative characters are governed by

a) Monogene

c) Recessive gene

b) Bi-gene

 d) Polygene

2. Monohybrids are derived by hybridizing two individuals which differ for

a) Single-character

c) Quadruple character

b) Double character

 d) Multiple character

18.1 Introduction

Among nut crops, ‘Walnut’ or ‘Akhrot’ is the most important crop. It has immense commercial importance even in the areas situated in remotes without having good market and transport infrastructure. Because of long storability, growers have opportunity to hold the produce at room temperature for two to three months easily and sell out at intended time. Walnut is rich in protein, fats and vitamins, especially vitamin B6 . The walnut kernel contains about 90% PUFA of which 26% is the Omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid. But the problem with this type of kernel is that higher the percentage of PUFA in it, the more is the chances of getting the oil oxidized and thereby reducing the shelf life of the walnut kernel.

The aim of mating systems are either to increase or decrease the homozygosity of the progeny compared with the parents or in some cases, to maintain the degree of homozygosity unchanged. This aim constitutes the basis of the following classification of mating systems:

Abstract

Plum breeding work has been in progress since 1991-92 and continued upto 1996- 97.  The hybrid seedlings thus obtained after one year of growth in nursery were planted in test rows for the selection of types that had improved quality and better shelf life. Cultivar Santa Rosa, the mainstay of plum industry in Himachal Pradesh though performing well from production and adaptation point of view but lacked in uniform fruit ripening, very acidic at seed and low shelf life or transportation ability. After detailed evaluation and characterization for various pomological traits, two-way hybridization in seven different cultivars belonging to Japanese and European plum were made. In test rows the hybrid seedlings were assessed for number of horticultural characters i.e. morphological, flower and fruit. On the basis of detailed analysis some promising types have been selected which are briefly described, however yield potential is being evaluated as most of  the seedling have started fruiting regularly only two to three years back.

Animal Husbandry is making a significant contribution to the national economy and socio-economic development in the country. In rural India where over 15-20% families are landless and about 80% of the land holders belong to the category of small and marginal farmers, livestock is the main source of livelihood with the policy of the state Animal Husbandry Department to extend free breeding, vaccination and veterinary services, and permit free grazing on community lands, the farmers were encouraged to expand their herd size without any major financial burden. This has probably been the reason for the presence of the worlds largest livestock population in India. India rank first in buffalo population, second in cattle and goat, third in sheep and seventh in poultry (Table-1). Although the population of livestock during last 10 years has been stable around 485 million, the buffalo population during 1997-2003 has increased by 8.91%, while the cattle population has reduced by 6.89%. There has been a significant increase in population of goats during the last five decades, which is attributed to the decrease in the size of land holdings and persistent drought caused by erratic monsoon, forcing many small farmers to shift from large animals to small ruminants.