eChapters

Introduction

It is a tall, handsome evergreen tree of tropical and subtropical regions and has its origin probably in India or the East Indies. It is one of the hardiest fruits and best suited for wastelands. It is drought tolerant and, at the same time, can tolerate water stagnation and marshlands, where other fruit crops cannot be grown successfully. It is more popular as an avenue tree and for wind breaks. The wood is used as timber in buildings and railway sleepers. It is often found growing as a wild and semi-wild in tropical and subtropical parts of India viz., Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Introduction

Karonda is an evergreen shrub or short stature tree. It grows naturally in the Himalayas and Western Ghats at elevations of 300 to 1800 meters. It is found grown in wild in India, Malaysia, South Africa. It is a well suitedto arid climate and grown well at higher temperature. It is commonly uses for making hedge for orchards. It is suitable for the arid tropics and subtropics and is grown for its attractive, edible fruits. It also grows successfully on marginal and wastelands. It thrives well as a rainfed crop; the plant hardly needs any care and gives yield with the minimum management. The plants can be trained as a strong hedge. Karonda is suitable for growing throughout the sub-tropical and tropical climatic zones of India. Major natural areas of occurrence of karonda have been observed in the states of Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and in the Western Ghats. In Maharashtra, the major area under this crop is scattered in sub-mountain areas like Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, and Pune district.

Introduction

This dioecious fruiting vine is native to the Yangtze River valley in south and central China. This dioecious fruiting vine. Seed requires stratification. Although this fruit vine is originated in China, yet its full economic potential was exploited by the New Zealand which accounts for over 70 per cent of world trade. In other countries of the world, its cultivation gained momentum after 1960, and now it is cultivated on a commercial scale in the China, New Zealand, Italy, USA, Japan, France, Germany and Australia. In India it is grown in mid hills of Himachal Pradesh, J& K, Uttarkhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Nilgiri hills of south India. It was first introduced at Lal Bagh garden, Banglore, but the plant did not come to bear due to a lack of chilling requirement during winter for its bud break. Later on, in 1963, it was introduced in the Shimla hills, where the plant came to bear in 1969. The kiwifruit is rusty brown with a hairy surface and looks like a sapota fruit. Fruit has a refreshing and delicate flavour, a pleasing aroma and high nutritive and medicinal value. It is high in vitamin C, has more potassium, phosphorus, and iron than any other food, and has a low calorie count.

Introduction

Kokum, is native of the Western. Ghats in India, and Malaysia. In India it mainly grows in the western parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Goa. It is found in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests and as a home garden tree. Kokum is an evergreen tree it is seldom planted in the form of an orchard and generally scattered trees are found in gardens and on waste lands.

Milk yield is one of the most important economic traits and modelling the lactation curve is important with respect to the unique shape with ascending, persistent and descending phases. The non-linear relationship of daily milk yield with days in milk has led to extensive research in modelling the lactation curve. The nature of the lactation curve, different models, identifying the best model of fit, factors affecting the curve parameters and orthogonal polynomials to model the curve are discussed in this chapter.

Definition, Significance and Importance

Landscape design and gardening is the technique of design application to beautify our surroundings, our homes, office buildings and everywhere in open space with plants and garden features to give the soothing effect on the body, mind and soul. Rapid urbanization, industrialization with population explosion has been constantly depleting our natural resources through deforestation, ripping of hills and exposing them to erosion, pollution of rivers, streams and lakes with little understanding of the natural environment which supports human life. It is the application of the art and techniques of Landscape Gardening that can spell magic to our surroundings enhancing aesthetic beauty besides, improving and conserving environment. Besides, landscape beautification and ecological balance provision, other beneficial influence of gardens in human life have been researched and studied. Psychologists have found that access to plants and green spaces provides a sense of rest and allows workers to be more productive. Flowers convey our inner feelings sympathy, romance or celebration (pride and joy) or contrition in the most beautiful and delicate manner. Flowers are also used to express religious feelings. Interaction with gardens and natural spaces offers a variety of mental, physical and social beneficial influence for humans, ranging from stress reduction, quicker healing and mitigation of Attention Deficit Disorder in children to decreasing crime and air pollution. Studies throughout the world have proven the power of green spaces to improve human health. Recent studies in the Netherlands and Japan show that people with easy access to green space showed better health and lower mortality rates.

Fertilizer Requirement of Fruit Trees

Fertilizer requirement of the tree is determined by visual assessment of deficiencies soil nutrient status and plant tissue nutrient status. Among these methods, tissue nutrient analysis is gaining importance primariarily due to fact that it assesses the effective amount of nutrient utilized by the plant. It also detects the hidden deficiency of the nutrient before the symptoms appears on the tree. Standardised tissue nutrient norms for various elements are available for different crops.

Linear models have been extensively used in animal breeding. This chapter explains the basics of linear models including description; fixed, random and mixed models; model diagnostics and covariates. The concept of linear models in animal breeding is explained with representation and actual examples of use in different types of livestock.

Introduction to Linear Models

A model can be defined as a physical, mathematical or otherwise logical representation of a system, entity, phenomenon, or process. Linear models are a way of describing response variables in terms of a linear combination of the predictor variable. They provide a framework for a large set of models whose common goal is to explain or predict a quantitative dependent variable by a set of independent variables that can be categorical or quantitative.

Abstract

This chapter covers how linear programming aids in reducing costs and maximizing gains. A linear programming problem (LPP) typically contains linear restrictions and an objective function seeking optimization. Initially, two-variable linear optimization models are examined using the graphical technique to comprehend the issue and investigate solutions. The graphical method provides visual insights into the problem’s nature and solutions. Linear programming identifies the mix of choices that optimizes the objective function subjected to constraints. Graphical interpretation aids in recognizing feasible and optimal solutions visually.

Introduction

Litchi is a popular subtropical evergreen fruit; the white, translucent, flavoured aril is liked very much and is used for table purposes in India. The fruits are available during May-June in northern India. It is a native fruit of the warm subtropical zone of China and has excellent quality juice. Each fruit is a one-seeded nut. The pericarp is the skin, which has a papillate projection like a strawberry. Litchi is commonly consumed as a table fruit, but in China it is very popular in dried (litchi nut) or canned form, which is very popular among Chinese foods. A highly flavoured squash is also prepared from the fruits. The Chinese use the leaves for making poultices; the seeds are used for treating skin disorders. The fruits can be canned, made into squash, pickles, and wine, or dried to form litchi nuts. The tree is a medium sized evergreen with more branches. The fruits are borne in bunches. Flower bark and root decoction are used for gargling throat infections.

Traits such as growth, lactation test day yield, semen evaluation are longitudinal traits measured repeatedly on the animal and random regression models (RRM) have been found to be suitable for modeling these traits, The methodology used, data requirement, assumptions, validity, software available and application of RRM are explained in this chapter.

Growth, test-day milk yield, and semen traits are examples of longitudinal traits measured repeatedly on the animal and random regression models (RRM) have been found suitable for modeling such traits. RRM is based on a covariance function which could be defined as “a continuous function to give the variance and covariance of traits measured at different points on a trajectory” (van der Werf, 2001). Kirkpatrick et al. (1990) showed that variance components for longitudinal data can be modelled through covariance functions. Random regression models (RRM) and the resulting covariance function have been recognized as ideally suited for the analysis of longitudinal data (Hill, 1998; Meyer, 1998).

Introduction

Evergreen and subtropical fruit crop, used as an ornamental purpose. Japan is the largest producer, followed by China in the world. Loquat is a strictly subtropical evergreen pome fruit. Pome means consisting of 5 carpels united and covered by an edible portion of fruit. Loquat is a delicious summer fruit. Depending on the cultivar, it contains 60 to 70% pulp and 15-20% seed. The pulp is composed of 88% water, 0.6% proteins, 9.6% carbohydrates, 0.5% minerals, and 1.0% fibre. Fruit is a rich source of vitamin-A: 500–2300 IU/100g, potassium, and manganese. Seeds and peels contain amygdalin, which causes toxic symptoms in children when converted to HCN. Some preparations like jam, jelly, and squash are made from the pulp. It is consumed as a fresh fruit. The colour of epicarp usually ranges between yellow and red. The fruit tastes sweet and sour with good flavour.

Introduction

The macadamia nut (Macadamia ternifolia) is a fruit from Australia that was recently introduced into India. The macadamia nut is a unique, world’s finest dessert nut characterized by its creamy colour, delicate flavour and crunchy nature. Having two important species, M. integrifolia and M. tetraphylla where the former one is adapted to a subtropical climate and the latter to temperate regions. Another species, M. ternifolia, produces bitter, inedible nuts. Hawaii is the world’s largest producer, followed by Australia, South Africa, Guatemala and Kenya.

Introduction

Mahua is an indigenous tree of high economic value. A characteristic tree of the dry region. It is found in northern and central India. It is commonly grown in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. The tree has been well known to rural folk for ages in India. Its flowers, fruits, and oil obtained from seeds are eaten in various ways. The corolla, commonly called mahua flowers, is a rich source of sugar, containing an appreciable amount of vitamins and minerals. Fruit, a berry, is eaten raw or cooked. Pulp is a good source of sugar, while dry husk makes a good source of absolute alcohol. Seed is a good source of oil. Linoleic acid, a major unsaturated fatty acid found in mahua oil, is used to lower cholesterol levels in blood serum, making it useful for heart patients. Madhuca is derived from the Sanskrit word madhu.

Maintaining the required type of information in the form of records is primary for any type of animal breeding analysis and this chapter explains the importance of records and ways to maintain them in the form of registers or computer databases. The formats for different types of registers to be maintained are also given as a template in appendix. Any breeding plan is formulated to improve the economic traits depending on the utility of species reared and the chapter lists important economic traits of livestock and poultry with definitions and formulae, where ever required.

Basic record maintenance is a must for any animal breeding program. Every farm or breeding program is expected to maintain records in the form of registers or computerized databases. The goal of animal breeding is to select mates with the objective to improve economically important traits. In this chapter, the most common economic traits in different species of livestock are described. Even though the list is not exhaustive the basic economic traits that have been worked for improvement are explained. Breeders also explore new composite traits which are a combination of these base traits.

Pollination is a keystone process in both human managed and natural terrestrial ecosystems. Pollinators are an input of crop cultivation and associated biodiversity, and provide an essential ecosystem service to both natural and agro- ecosystems. In agro-ecosystems, management of pollinators can maximize the pollination and thereby enhance the crop productivity and yield quality. Pollination is the best example of mutualism between plant species and their pollinators which results into intricate relationships between plant and animal - the reduction or loss of either affecting the survival of both.

Approximately 80 per cent of all flowering plant species are dedicated to pollination by animals and mostly by insects. The negative impact of pollinator deficit is strongly felt in reduction of fruit set seed productivity and agricultural biodiversity. The role of pollinators is transfer of pollen from anther to stigma of the same species to ensure reproduction, seed set, fruit set development and multiplication of plants, both in agro ecosystems and natural ecosystems.

Introduction

It is the national fruit of India. No other fruit can compete with mango in respect to area, production, nutritive value, and popularity. For this reason, the mango is known as the king of fruits. In India, mango cultivation is 40006000 years old. Growing states are U.P., followed by A.P. and to some extent in all the rest of the states. It is also grown in India, China, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Malaya, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Africa, Florida, Hawaii, Brazil, Mexico, etc. Unripe fruits are used for culinary purposes, such as pickles, powder, chutney, and sarbat. Ripe fruits are used for squash, jam, toffee, juice, slices, and canning of pulp and slices.

Introduction

The mangosteen is one of the finest fruits of the tropics. It is a sweet, soft, and delicious fruit with an exciting flavour. They are formed from the nucellar tissue in the ‘parthenocarpy’ fruits. broad-leaved evergreen tree. A natural staple food for man.

Maturity (commercial or horticultural): Refers to the stage at which the produce is optimally accepted to the consumer.

Maturity index: The maturity at harvest determines the quality and postharvest shelf-life of the fresh fruits. The study of maturity indices helps to harvest the crop at right time.

Judging maturity: There are various means of judging maturity but they vary according to the kind of fruits, local soil and climatic conditions, but generally farmers follow visual means (appearance). But this is not a perfect method, many a times it may mislead the farmers.

Meta-analyses has been used extensively to combine the results of existing studies and obtain powerful estimates of a parameter. In animal breeding, attempts have been made to obtain meta-analysis estimates for genetic parameters. This tool is more pertinent to animal breeding on account of heterogeneity in terms of location, sample size and other factors in the estimation of genetic parameters. This chapter explains the background, methodology, precautions and implications of meta-analysis with respect to genetic parameters.

A meta-analysis is a powerful tool of statistics that could combine several estimates from different studies for a parameter and the resulting weighted estimate could be used as a representative value for the particular parameter. However, not all the studies are similar with respect to location, sample size, and methodology used and thus various precautions are to be taken right from the selection of studies to incorporating of between-study heterogeneity in the models. In animal breeding, met-analysis is very much useful for obtaining meaningful estimates of genetic parameters and this chapter explains the methodology of meta-analysis in animal breeding.

Introduction

Mulberry is one of the important minor fruits found to grow all over India from tropical to temperate regions. It is mainly cultivated in India for rearing silk worm. Silk worms feed on the leaves of the mulberry plant. Its sour-sweet taste of fruits is becoming very popular in India and abroad. It is cultivated in South eastern and Southern parts of Asia, whole Africa, Southern-Europe, Australia and some parts of North and South America. It is mainly found to grow in the sub-Himalayan tracts. It is grown in the states of Kashmir, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttra Pradesh and some parts of West Bengal. In Indian its cultivation was introduced from Persia. In India it is widely cultivated in about 40,000 hectares of area. Karnataka has the largest area of about 28,000 hectares and Kashmir occupies the second position.

This chapter describes various multivariate techniques which are useful in animal breeding. The genetic correlation with multiple response variables is already explained in the chapters on Correlation and Genetic Parameters. The other techniques including MANOVA, Principal Component Analysis, Factor Analysis, Cluster Analysis and Discriminant Analysis are explained.

Multivariate analysis is referred to a set of data with multiple response variables in general and such data is encountered often in animal breeding analysis. The simplest form of multivariate analysis is the genetic correlation where two or more traits are analysed together as response variables with factors affecting them on the right-hand side (RHS) and details of these are already explained in earlier chapters.

Abstract

This chapter examines natural resource economics, a multidisciplinary field that studies how economic and ecological systems interact to allocate natural resources on Earth. These resources, which include both human and nonhuman factors of production, are essential for the provision of goods and services. The chapter also explores the challenges of valuing and managing natural resources without market prices, and the implications for the sustainability of the food supply.

Animal breeding data is unique in terms of volume, statistical analysis, type of information required etc. The large volume of data extended spatially and temporally warrants additional tools in the form of databases to handle data and enable accuracy, retrieval, efficient utilization and adaptability to software. This chapter explains the nature of animal breeding data and the importance of databases with examples and explanations.

Animals are raised for some utility including meat, milk, hide, wool etc., and efforts are on to continuously improve the quality and quantity of these products. Some of the important economic traits in this regard were already discussed in earlier chapters. Record maintenance is primary for decision-making with respect to the selection of animals. The details of record maintenance including the format of registers are already explained in chapter 2. Apart from the actual information required for economic traits, pedigree information forms an important part of animal breeding data.

Abstract

Wheat rusts, caused by Puccinia spp., are one of the major constraints for sustained wheat production. Significant progress has been achieved in the management of wheat rusts and understanding of wheat-Puccinia host-pathogen systems. The key research frontiers of wheat rusts research comprised disease epidemiology, the discovery of novel sources of resistance and their transfer into superior cultivars, pathogen surveillance for monitoring the virulence profiles of variants of rust pathogens, and the application of genomic technologies in cereal rust research. This chapter gives an overview of the research and development outcomes achieved to minimize the yield losses caused by wheat rusts during the last 90 years in the Indian subcontinent. Wheat rusts have been mainly controlled via genetic means; however, an integrated approach by combing the fungicides was carefully considered when needed. All efforts of managing wheat rusts in the future must cover the identification and transfer of genetically diverse rust-resistance sources with a reputation of durability into agronomically superior genotypes. The understanding of wheat rusts epidemiology globally and the region-specific virulence pattern of Puccinia spp. should be considered for gene deployment. The next-generation tools such as CRISPR-cas9 and other genome editing approaches are likely to be part of wheat rust management within a few decades.

Abstract

Carbohydrates are the primary product of photosynthesis and key source of energy in plant and therefore play important role in plant growth and development. Plant carbohydrates are classified into two categories structural carbohydrates and Non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs). NSCs are main component of vegetative tissue and inside the cell they are present in plastids, cytosol, apoplast and vacuoles. Starch is the storage carbohydrate and is used in unfavorable condition on other hand soluble sugars support functions like supporting new growth and defense as they are intermediary metabolites, osmolytes, and substrates for transport. Under unfavorable condition carbon assimilation is less than the plant demand and under such condition these NSC act as “food pantry” which allow sessile plants to cope up unfavorable condition. Pattern of NSC accumulation may also differ for canopy/distal branches, stems and roots, depending on how drought has affected transport of NSC within the plant. These NSCs protect plants during desiccation and against freezing damage by stabilizing proteins complexes and membranes. Thus, NSCs are important carbohydrates for the growth and development of plant during normal as well as in stressed condition.

Abstract

The waste utilization as derivative from different food processing sector has been emerged as the main challengeable problem around the world due to the generation of by-products at large quantities consisting seeds, peels, rags, unused flesh, bran, husk, germ, stalk etc. during various processing chain steps. Though these food by-products are potentially rich source of natural compounds which finds its wide utilization in different industries as affordable, cost-effective, novel ingredient comprising dietary fiber, phytochemicals, antioxidants, pectin, enzymes, organic acids, food additives, essential oils etc. subsequently after extractions, purified fractionation and fermentations methods. These food byproducts also have pharmaceutical and nutraceutical activity. A nutraceutical is like a medicine or food grade product, which not only provides physical benefits and nutritional supplements but also protects against various chronic diseases. This food processing waste utilization should be a topic of interest, by means of two ways, i.e., through waste quantity reduction and increased value-added food products production and also as renewable energy source. The purpose of this study is to highlight the opportunities to utilize food by-products from various food processing industries and to encourage the vital exploitation of the by-products containing large number of bio-active compounds having nutraceutical potential.

Introduction

Oil palm is recognized as the highest and cheapest edible oil-yielding crop. Palm oil is extracted from the fruit’s fleshy mesocarp, which contains 45-55 percent oil. The crop is unique in producing 2 distinct types of oil palm oil and palm kernel oil, which are used for culinary and industrial purposes. Being rich in beta carotene, palm oil contributes substantially to the nutritional and energy requirements of the masses. It is also grown in India Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Mizorum, Orissa.

Introduction

Olives are found growing wild in the Himalayan region comprising Kullu, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmour districts of Himachal Pradesh. It is extensively used for the extraction of oil from its fruits. Its oil is edible, possessing a valuable therapeutic character. About 92% of its production is used for oil extraction. The main producers of olive oil are Spain, Tunisia, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, and the adjoining gulf countries. Olive cultivation in India has been limited to the north Sub-Himalayan region, which includes Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Current scenario of Startups in India

India, currently is being evolved as a hub for Revolution, innovation and Startups as it holds 3^rd rank in global startup ecosystem worldwide after US and China. The flagship initiative of Government, Startup India, is intended to construct arobust eco-system for fostering innovations and startups in the country. Through this initiative, the Government aims to empower the growth of startups through new innovations and strategies. As per the reports of Startup India, the startup sector is expected to mark steady annual growth of 12-15% (startupindia.gov.in). By the year 2018, India already had a list of about 50,000 startups. As per the data, more than 800 technology startups are being established every year (NASSCOM, 2015). The annual growth has increased to 15% and the number of female entrepreneurs has also increased to 14% (startupindia.gov.in). As of December 2021, the country is home to 81 unicorns which has a total estimate of $ 274.17 Bn. Out of these unicorns, 44 unicorns came into existence in 2021 itself, which was a record year for the country. These Figures show that startups have exploded in the country in recent years.

Abstract

The current photosynthesis of flag leaf is the most crucial source of assimilates that are essential for grain development in wheat. Translocation of these assimilates from the leaf to grain takes place in the form of sucrose. However, environmental cues that influence assimilate balance between the leaf and the developing grain which act as source and sink respectively determine grain yield prospects of wheat. The assimilate translocation system that links source and sink can also play a significant role. Hence, this aspect of assimilate supply has been a focus of research over the past few decades for crop improvement particularly under abiotic stress environment that tend to alter source-sink balance by impairing physiological and developmental processes in plants. Grain growth is mainly triggered when the primary assimilates meet the metabolic needs of the developing grains through the current photosynthesis or through assimilates stored in the form of Non-structural carbohydrates in stem. Hence, the improvement of photosynthetic capacity to synthesize sucrose, its storage remobilization, and utilization becomes imperative under abiotic stresses. Various aspects of Non-structural carbohydrates in wheat stem have been estimated, and efforts have been made to reveal the mechanisms of assimilate partitioning. In this context this chapter discusses strategies to improve grain yield with greater insights into the photosynthetic carbon assimilation, the pathways actively involved in the transport of sucrose from source to sink and their utilization at the sink organ. The information related to assimilate supply to the developing wheat grain under high temperature and drought stress conditions can provide opportunities to translate this knowledge into traits for improvement of climate resilience in wheat.

Introduction

The palmyrah is believed to be a native of tropical Africa. It grows extensively in drier parts of India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is recognised as the state tree of Tamil Nadu in 1978, recognising its importance. It has been estimated that there are about 8.6 crores of Palmyra palms existing in India, of which 5.02 crores of palms are alone spread over Tamil Nadu and the remaining 3.58 crores of palms are in Andra Pradesh.

Introduction

Papaya has long been known as the wonder fruit of the tropics and is one of the five major fruit crops of the tropical world. Papaya fruits throughout the year are a remunerative fruit crop which is grown in almost every part of the country. Next to bananas, it has the highest yield and income per unit. It is generally grown as a fruit plant in kitchen gardens, home gardens, or nutrition gardens and later as a commercial fruit. Papaya is usually dioecious, but hermaphrodite and gynodioecious types are also Recognized. It is the most remunerative crop (highest net return/unit area) of any other fruit crop. India is the 4^th largest producer in the world. Karnataka has the highest production and productivity in India. A valuable proteolytic enzyme is called papain, which helps in the digestion of protein-rich foods. Transgenic PRSV resistant varieties: Sunup and Rainbow were created from coat protein genes grown in Hawaii in 1992.

Introduction

Commercial in South Africa, Srilanka, Kenya, Cameroon, Hawai, Zimbabwe and Australia. In India, it is growing wild in Nilgeria, Wynad, Kodaiknal, Coorg and Malabar. It is being cultivated in H.P. Nagaland and Mizoram. Brazil is the world’s largest producer. A rich source of vitamin A, it also contains fair amounts of sodium, magnesium, sulphur and chlorides. It gives a very good squash and is used in jam, jelly, nectar and ice cream making. Dried flowers contain an alkaloid called ‘Passiflorin’, which is used for relieving pain and inducing sleepness.

Introduction

It comes to the market early in the season, particularly the low chilling peaches and growers get remunerative prices due to the non-availability of other fresh fruits in the market. It has high nutritive value, being rich in protein, essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. Peaches originated in China, where its culture dates back to 3000 years. Although it is not exactly known how and when the peach reached India, it is opined that some traders might have carried over the stones of peach from China to Kashmir. Peaches were introduced by Mr. Alexander Coutts in Himachal Pradesh in 1870. Later on, its cultivation was initiated in the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh on the advice of an American horticulturist, Prof. R. W. Hodgson. Some low-chilling varieties of peach were also introduced at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana in 1968 from California. peach with a strong flavour and aroma.

Introduction

Pears are next only to apples in importance, acreage, production and varietal diversity amongst the temperate fruits. The genus Pyrus probably originated in the mountainous regions of Western China. It is a rich source of carbohydrate as sugars, starch and cellulose and minerals like calcium (8 mg/100 g) phosphorous (15 mg/100 g) and sulphur (14 mg/100 g).

Introduction

The pecan is a valuable horticultural gift from North America to the world. In the USA, it is considered the “Queen of nuts” because of its value both as a wild and cultivated nut. As compared to other nut fruits, which have been grown since time immemorial, pecans have been under cultivation only for about one hundred years but have gained enormous popularity. The pecan occupies fifth rank among the leading tree nuts because of its excellent nutty flavor. Pecan nuts are a rich source of fat (72 g), protein (9 g), carbohydrates (15 g) and minerals. Pecan is usually taken roasted or salted to supplement normal diet. Almost 90 % of the nuts are sold shelled and the rest in shell. The nuts are commonly used to add aroma, flavor and crispness, a rich color, or to garnish a large number of dishes. However, most commonly, it is used in baking dishes and in ice cream. Pecan shell, a bay product, is also used to manufacture tannin, charcoal and abrasives in hand soap. The pecan tree has value as a timber too, due to its strength and hardiness. There is a great demand for its veneer and lumber in decorative paneling, fine furniture, and flooring, as well as in pallet manufacturing. good source of phosphoric acid. The most important nut fruit in the world, 5^th in production.

The aim of the breeder is to improve on various economic traits through selection. However, due to the lesser number of parents used, over a period of time, there creeps in the effect of inbreeding and loss of genetic variability which in turn causes depression and loss of fitness. This is more prominent in finite endangered populations and evaluation for genetic variability also forms an integral part of the animal breeding analysis.

Genetic variability is an integral part of domestic animal populations as fitness is directly related to the variability.

Introduction

It was introduced from China into Japan in ancient times, where most of its improvement work has been done. The term “kaki” is Japanese. In the nineteen century, it was introduced from China to many other countries, namely in the USA, Brazil, Italy, New Zealand, Israel, Australia and South East Asia. In India, the European settlers introduced persimmon in hilly states, namely Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir in 1921. In India, it is mostly cultivated in the Kullu valley, where it was introduced. At present, it is grown on a limited scale in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Ripe fruit is delicious, flesh is sweet and jelly-like. The entire fruit is edible except the seeds and calyx. Hexaploid fruit crops, deciduous and monoecious fruit crops. Fruits are highly astringent due to their tannin content. Flowers appear in spring on new growth. Types of flowers: male, female and bisexual. Cross-pollination, Mode of pollination: Insects.

Pollinators are organisms that help to transfer pollen from anther to stigma of the same species for fertilization and thereby produce seeds and fruits. Pollinators belong to diverse groups viz. insects, birds, reptiles, mammals, etc. Insects; bees butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, some types of beetles. Out of insect pollinators, bees are most important pollinator. Insect pollinators are critical to the production of many crops and play pivotal role to maintain the biodiversity. The decline in honeybee and other pollinator populations have more attention of scientific and public concern globally as well as in India. A number of factors have been observed as potential contributors to these declines and no single factor has been identified as the cause. The available science suggests that multiple factors responsible for population depletion and extinction, including loss of habitat and food sources, diseases, viruses, pests, and pesticide exposure. It is also known that certain pesticides can pose an immediate or “acute” threat to the insect pollinators and bees. In order to protect pollinators, the labels of pesticides that pose such risks should specify detailed directions of application to reduce potential exposure.

India is the fastest-growing pet care market in the world and the pet population is of an estimate of 28-29 million, with dogs making up the bulk of pet ownership. The rising pet ownership has led to the growth of the pet care ecosystem comprising retail chains, pet nutrition pharmaceuticals, grooming, toys, clothing, diagnostics, and clinical practice. The pandemic of Covid-19 has a significant impact on the Indian economy; and the pet industry has seen a steep growth during the pandemic period. Isolation and anxiety during the lockdown led to many restorations to adopt furry companions. The veterinary graduate has a lot of opportunities, and it depends upon the individual as to what sector the student wants to pursue. Employment opportunities include diverse areas such as clinical practice, teaching, and research, regulatory medicines, public health, wildlife specialist, or lab animals. Depending upon the interest, one can start exploring options to work for the pet industry and join the Veterinary pet practice clinical.

Introduction

Phalsa is a shrub or small tree of Indian origin. Subtropical bushy fruit plants. It is a very hardy fruit, and hence can be planted on marginal soils, where the rest of the fruits can not be grown. Its cultivation is more popular in the vicinity of cities and towns. Phalsa fruit is liked for its acidic taste, coloured squash and syrup. A woody perennial, arid zone fruit crop. suitable for intercropping in mango orchards. Phalsa leaf extract has antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Phalsa fruit has a short shelf life, suitable only for local marketing. It is cultivated on a commercial scale, mainly in the northern and western states of India.

Introduction

Reproduction is the biological process that results in the formation of new progeny or individual organisms. Male and female gametes unite to form a zygote, which develops or produces offspring.

Introduction

It can be grown as a mixed crop in most of the orchards, as a hedge plant or as a pure crop. monocotyledonous, monocarpic, xerophytic, CAM, herbaceous perennial herb. It is drought-tolerant and suitable for marginal lands. Pineapple does not contain starch. Pineapple is a Spanish word, botanically it is called syncarpous (Sorosis) fruit. Brazilian Pineapple, Ananas microstachys is considered to ancestor of cultivated (A. comosuss). The pineapple is a tropical fruit and is known as the “Golden Queen” all over the globe. It can be grown as a mixed crop in most of the orchards, as a hedge plant or as a pure crop. Fruits are relished as dessert in the form of slices, either fresh or canned, juice, squash, jam and mixed jam. Candy is prepared from fruit cores.