eChapters

i. SHIELD OR ‘T BUDDING

Materials and equipments- Budding knife, tying material and petridis.

Procedure

Operations on the stock- Select healthy, uniform stock plants of about a lead pencil thickeness and about one to one and half years of age. Remove the thorns (if any) and side branches up to a height of 20 to 25 cm from the soil surface. Select a spot at height of about 15 to 20 cm from the soil surface in between two internodes, which is smooth, other than the southern aspect. With the help of a sharp knife make a horizontal cut of about 1.25 to 1.80 cm in length, deep enough to cut bark only. Starting from the centre of the horizontal cut make a vertical cut, deep enough to cut the bark only of about 2.5 to 3.5 cm long making the shape of english letter ’T’. Open the flaps with the help of knife blade or the back of the budding knife.

Crops that are not part of the customary diet of the local population and grown primarily for their high cash values and export potential are categorized as non- traditional. Non-traditional crops are usually cultivated on low acreage, crops such as ethnic fruits and vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs, plants for industrial uses etc. are usually considered as non-traditional fruit crops. A non traditional crop may be new to a region or simply new to the grower. Many times non-traditional crops are cultivated to adapt to changing trends in agriculture and demographics.

For growing non-traditional crop proper planning is required to build a comprehensive business case. Realistic assessment of the potential risks and gains is necessary before actual implementation. All aspects of non-traditional crop production, including the agronomics of growing the crop, potential food safety and regulatory issues and marketing needs to be reviewed. Experience of producing conventional crops may not necessarily be directly applicable in producing non-traditional crops.

India has experienced rapid urbanization as well as industrialization since independence. Though, the country has achieved considerable progress in industrial growth as well as expansion of urban and town spread, the land available in urban periphery as well as near big rivers are being utilized for non agriculture purposes. Similarly, for the development of road, rail as well as irrigation infrastructure, the government reserved huge land, which was under cultivation of various crops. The non agricultural businesses became more remunerative near cities and has increased the value of land near cities; which is not affordable for agriculture production. Considering the limitation of land for production purposes in urban areas, the concept of Urban Horticulture was conceived.

1. Introduction

Medicinal plants continue to be an important therapeutic aid for alleviating the ailments of humankind. The search for eternal health and longevity for remedies to relive pain and discomfort drove early man to explore his immediate natural surroundings to the use of many plants, animal products and minerals etc for the development of a variety of therapeutic agents. Today, there is a renewed interest in traditional medicine and an increasing demand for more drugs from plants sources. This revival of interest in plant derived drugs is mainly due to the current widespread belief that “green medicine” is safe and more dependable than the costly synthetic drugs, many of which have adverse side effects.

Vitex negundo or Five-Leaved Chaste Tree is commonly known as Nirgundi in India. It is a large aromatic shrub belonging to the Verbenaceae family of plants. It is distributed throughout the greater part of India up to an altitude of 1500 m in the outer Himalayas. It is a gregarious shrub that is found abundant along the banks or rivers, in moist situations, open waste lands and near the deciduous forests. It is widely planted as a hedge plant along the roads and between the roads.

Important Commercial Mango Varieties

Northern Region: Langra, Dashehari, Chausa, Bombay Green, Amrapali, Sukul, Sipia

Eastern Region: Himsagar, Langra, (syn. Malda), Krishna-Bhog, Zardalu, Gulabkhas, Fazli.

Southern Region: Banganapalli, Bangalora, Mulgoa, Neelum, Swarnarekha,

Western Region: Alphonso, Kesar, Pairi.

1. Introduction

Food poisoning is a major concern for both the food industry and consumers inspite of different preservation practices some species of pathogenic bacteria causes food spoilage leading to outbreak of illness. Spices and herbs have been added to food since ancient times, not only as flavouring agents, but also as food medicine and as food preservative (Nakatani, 1994). Additives need for food preservation may be harmful to human health and has led to use of natural products especially plant extracts, their essential in food preservation.

More than 90 percent of the cases of food poisoning each year are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerea, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus cereus and Entero-pathogenic Escherichia coli. These bacteria are commonly found on many raw foods and cause severe disorder in humans. Spice posses anti adhesive properties that prevent the microbe to the host tissue, thus preventing the primary infection. It also possesses a rich array of phytochemical and a rich source of antioxidant. Some studies claim that the phenolic compounds present in spices and herbs might also play a major role in their antimicrobial effects.

1. Introduction

Medicinal plants are the most important source of life saving drugs for the majority of the World’s population. Plants have been an important source of medicine for thousands of years. Diabetes is one of the major degenerative diseases in the world today. It is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. About 70 - 80% of deaths in diabetic patients are due to vascular disease. Diabetes mellitus is also associated with hyperlipidaemia with profound alteration in the concentration and composition of lipid (Odetola et al., 2006). Changes in the concentration of lipid with diabetes contribute to the development of vascular disease. Excessive levels of blood cholesterol accelerate atherogenesis and lowering high blood cholesterol reduces the incidence of CHD Grundy (1986). One of the risk factors for coronary heart disease is elevated Total Cholesterol (TC), Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C) and Lower High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C) (Hu et al., 2001; Schaefer, 2002; Moreno and Mitjavalia, 2003; Jain et al., 2007). In particular, hyperglycemia, the primary clinical manifestation of diabetes, is thought to contribute to diabetic complications by altering vascular cellular metabolism, vascular matrix molecules and circulating lipoproteins (Inoguchi et al., 1994).

1.introduction

The total sum of foods or mixture of foods which an individual consumes each day is referred to as his diet (Okey, 1992). Vegetables that are used as food has nourishing substances called nutrients namely carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins. The nutritive value of different vegetables varies sufficiently and the usage of variety of vegetables ensures all the necessary nutrients required in the diet and its lack in daily menu may result in various disease and deficiencies (Saxena, 1970).  They contain a great variety of all other phytochemicals, some of which claimed to have antioxidant, antimicrobial and also anti-carcinogenic properties (Grudha et al., 1996). But when soaking is done in water either plain or salted with sodium chloride, water soluble nutrients may be leached into the water (Srilakshmi, 1999). An attempt was made in the present study to find out the effect of soaking of some selected vegetables in water for one hour after cutting them into pieces and its nutrient loss.

All varieties of rose are susceptible to this disease. It is an important disease of rose which causes a sharp reduction in number and size of fl owers.

Classification of fruits: Classification is the system of grouping or placing of an individual according to nomenclature. It is very useful to the pomologist, it helps to:

•    To identify and naming the crop.

•    To study the close relationship.

•    To know their hybrids and crossing behavior.

•    To know their compatibility & inter grafting ability.

•    To know their adoptability to soil & climate.

Pomology: Pomology is a branch of horticulture which deals the cultivation utilization and management of the fruit crops. eg. Mango, Banana, Citrus, Papaya, Guava etc. The term pomology is a combination of two words “Poma” in Greek means Fruits later subsequently transfer in to “Pome” in Latin word means Fruits and Logos means Study.

1. Introduction

Several herbs have been used traditionally to prevent and treat human and animal diseases. Recently, scientific evaluation of plants and preparations of plant origin medications have received more attention. Cassia occidentalis had been reported to be used as antidote of poison, blood purifier, expectorant, anti inflammatory agent and a remedy for the treatment of liver diseases (Ghani, 1920, Kabiruddin, 1951). C occidentalis was tested for antifeedant and insecticidal properties. It was studied successfully for its anti-parasitic (Tona et al., 1999), hepatoprotective activity (Jafri et al., 1999). Stimulation of the immune system is highly desirable for the treatment of immunodeficiency and infectious diseases. The  anti-inflammatory and hepato protective effects of C occidentalis may relate to an influence of plant compounds on immunocompetent cells. The present study was undertaken to find out the effect of methanolic extract of C occidentalis leaves on the humoral immune response in rabbits.

Problem 1: Prepare a lay-out plan of model kitchen garden for a family having five (5) members. Calculate the total amount of vegetable required per year and area of the same kitchen garden. Give the suitable crop rotation and show by diagrammatic representation.

Ans.: Total amount of vegetables required annually

Clasping stemmed Solena or diversely leaved Melothria or creeping cucumber (Solena amplexicaulis Lam. Syn. Bryonia amplexicaulis (Lam), Melothria heterophylla (Lour), Melothria angulata Chakrav) is an indigenous cucurbit vegetable occuring in nature nearby cultivated areas on hedges or in open fields In Greek Solen means’ a tube,pipe’ refering to the nature of its flowers. The vernacular names are Bon-kundari, kudari, makal, mahakal (bengali), gometti (marati), kanduri, kuduri (bundelkhand), bankakra (champa), gometi (gujarati, anatmul, mahakal, taarali, kaduri (hindi),makirla (chattirgarh), kaage mari balli (kanarese) etc. This is a perennial vine, dioecious in nature. Tender fruits are used as salad, curry and  fried vegetable. It has significant medicinal value also.  In tribal regions of Orissa, fruits of Melothria are considered as delicacy. Visualizing the delicate nature of its fruits, it has great potential as a salad crop in  future.

The low productivity in guava because of traditional planting distance (6-7 m apart) with no canopy management practices. Guava under traditional and high density planting system, though it gives high yield during initial stage but as the tree advances in age light interception and aeration decreases inside the canopy due to shading and overcrowding, resulting low yields and poor quality. In order to develop efficient canopy architecture for HDP and traditional planting system, the ICAR-CISH has standardized training system and canopy management with objective to have sustained high yield and quality of guava.
Guava bears flower on current shoots produced on mature wood laterally or terminally. In general flowers are produced in the leaf axils in 1 or 2-3 in cluster. The crop load depend on number of new shoots, hence more new shoots resulting more fruiting surface area.
High Density Planting System
Accommodation of more plants per unit area is known as high density planting system. Since guava respond well to pruning and fruiting starts 40-50 days after pruning and more new shoots emerged on which more flowers and fruits appears, thus yield increased. For successful HDP suitable canopy shape and its management is prerequisite. Guava is usually planted 6-7 m distance accommodating 277 to 204 plants per hectare the yield vary 35-80 kg/tree with yield per hectare 15-12 t/ha. In traditional planting density usually fruiting takes place on high on the tree.

1. Introduction

Plant-derived substances have recently become of great interest owing to their versatile applications. Medicinal plants are the richest bio-resource of drugs of traditional systems of medicine, modern medicines, nutraceuticals, food supplements, folk medicines, pharmaceutical intermediates and  chemical entities for synthetic drugs Medicinal value lies in certain chemical substances that have its physiological action on the human body. Many indigenous medicinal plants are used as spices and food plants. The general techniques of medicinal plant extraction include maceration, infusion, percolation, digestion, decoction, hot continuous extraction (Soxhlet), aqueous-alcoholic extraction by fermentation,  counter-current extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound extraction (sonication), supercritical fluid extraction, and phytonic extraction (with hydrofluorocarbon solvents). For aromatic plants, hydrodistillation techniques (water distillation, steam distillation, water and steam distillation), hydrolytic  maceration followed by distillation, expression and enfleurage (cold fat extraction) may be employed.

Green peach aphid/leaf curl aphid : Brachycaudus helichrysi : Aphididae

These are green aphids that suck the sap from growing buds. Leaf buds become weak and result in poor setting and premature fruit fall.

The pest has a worldwide distribution. In India it is seen in the hills of North India and in nilgiris.

It is a serious pest of peaches, plum, apricot, and almond. The aphids attack the tender portions like new buds, blossoms, petioles, tender fruits and leaves. When the new flushes are attacked, the leaves get curled and crinkled and fruit set is either reduced or  fruits fall off . The infestation starts with the commencement of bud swelling and continues until after flowering. The leaf curl may be confused with that due to the fungal leaf curl by Taphrina deformans.

Soil: Soil is the upper most crust of earth surface which supports plant growth. It is defined as a three phase system in which plants grow. These phases are solid, liquid and gas and are essential. Solid part is frame which provides space for other two. This consists of minerals, clay minerals and organic matter. The soil is also a living system with millions of microbes that breakdown organic matter and builds it again.

Some points are following

•    Microbes are essential and survive only when soil is well aerated and rich in organic matter and avoid of waterlogged conditions.

•    Texture of soil depends on the size of solid particles and classified as gravel, coarse and fine sand, silt and clay.

•    Soils are classified according to relative distribution of these particles and there are 12 textural classes.

•    Likewise, arrangement of these particles is referred as structure, and both texture and structure land soil physical properties like water holding capacity, aeration and bulk density.

Water: Water is one of the most important inputs essential for the production of crops. Plants need it continuously during their life and in huge quantities. It profoundly influences photosynthesis, respiration, absorption, translocation and utilization of mineral nutrients etc. Both its shortage and excess affects the growth and development of a plant directly and consequently its yield and quality.

Soil needs the application of water to:

•    Remove stress condition.

•    Release nutrients in the soil solution for absorption by plants.

•    Leach or wash out injurious salts from the soil.

•    Preparation of land for raising crops.

•    To maintain the temperature and humidity of the soil micro-climate and the activity of soil microbes at optimum level.

Horticultral plants are grown for their produce like fruit, vegetable, flower, medicinal, aromatic, spices etc. Therefore, these plants should be managed in such a way that human desires for the purpose of growing them are fully satisfied in terms of quality and quantity of produce. This demands direct manipulation of plant growth itself or plant environment through various inputs. In manipulation of plant development, training and pruning are important for which our knowledge about plant development and its phenology has to be complete. These practices are important in fruit crops.

Training: Physical techniques that control the shape, size and direction of plant growth are known as training or in other words training in effect is orientation of plant in space through techniques like tying, fastening, staking, supporting over a trellis or pergola in a certain fashion or pruning of some parts.

1. Introduction

Total population of India is estimated to cross 1.64 billion in 2050. Increasing population, decreasing economic status of Farmer, improper diet and nutrition, fixed farm land, degradation of cultivable land and malnutrition in Indian population is major key problem in 2 to 3 decades. More than 600000 children below 5 year age die due to improper nutrition each year in developing countries (White and Broadley, 1998). All the data provide a scary image about future. Almost 60% of the malnutrition children are iron deficient. Iron deficiency is very common among the girls; 30% each are deficient in zinc and iodine. The incomplete diet and malnutrition can lead to several disorder and degrade the human health (Shuman, 1998).