Vegetable Science

Utilizing Ogura-CMS and doubled haploid lines of cabbage for new-generation hybrid breeding

Aruna TS — 2023-08-21

In this study, we report the development of a uniform hybrid of cabbage by utilizing cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) and doubled haploid (DH) genotypes. Firstly, 26 cabbage genotypes were subjected to molecular diversity analysis using 52 SSR primers. Most divergent parents representing CMS (6) and DH (5) genotypes were crossed in Line × Tester mating design during the summer of 2018. During winter, 2018-19, all the parents, their 30 F1’s, and one standard check cultivar (Pusa Hybrid-81) were evaluated for different horticultural traits. Based on the mean performance, three lines viz. KTCB-836A, KTCB-5A, KTCB-6A and two testers viz., KTCB-50-1 and KTCB-51-19 were found superior. Hence, these genotypes can be utilized in future cabbage hybrid breeding programs. While among the 30 DH-based hybrids, six cross combinations viz. KTCB-1A × KTCB-50-1 (586.82 q), KTCB-836A × KTCB-51-19 (568.93 q), KTCB-836A × KTCB-51-2 (557.27 q), KTCB-836A × KTCB-50-3 (527.90 q), KTCB-836A × KTCB-51-6 (517.08 q) and KTCB-836A × KTCB-50-1 (513.06 q) were found superior than the Standard check cultivar, Pusa Hybrid-81 (405.93 q). As these hybrids were quite uniform hence, after multilocations testing they can be released for commercial cultivation in India.

A study on economic impact assessment of tomato var. Kashi Aman using the economic surplus model

Govind Pal — 2023-08-21

ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, developed a ‘Kashi Aman’ tomato variety in 2013. Farmers in different parts of the country widely adopt and cultivate this variety. The present study helps in estimating the economic surplus generated as a consequence of research outputs for the development of tomato variety ‘Kashi Aman’. The approximate spread of area under Kashi Aman variety was estimated at 247876.13 ha from 2014-15 to 2021-22, covering 146 districts in 25 states. The economic surplus model’s estimated results showed a producer surplus of Rs. 19.18 crore, consumer surplus of Rs. 30.44 crores and total economic surplus of Rs. 49.62 crores generated from the variety. The Net Present Value (NPV) generated was Rs.48.83 crores and Net Present Benefit (NPB) was Rs.49.62 crores. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) was 85% and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) 62.91 in the present technology. The total cost of cultivation of Kashi Aman variety of tomato was Rs. 194101 per hectare compared to Rs. 211303 per hectare of local variety. The net return in the Kashi Aman variety of tomatoes was Rs. 294149 per hectare while it was Rs. 218697 per hectare in local variety of tomatoes. The BC ratio was 2.52 and 2.04 for Kashi Aman variety and local variety of tomatoes grown by the farmers. The present study indicates that the investments made for the development of Kashi Aman variety of tomato was highly economical and provided evidence to the policymakers supporting the research investment.

Genetics of quantitative traits from interspecific crosses between Luffa hermaphrodita × Luffa cylindrica

Mohinder K Sidhu — 2023-08-21

Generation mean analysis study in sponge gourd was undertaken to estimate the gene action operating in the inheritance of quantitative traits using six basic generations of two interspecific crosses, namely SATPUTIA × SG 282 and SATPUTIA × PSG 9. The F2 and backcross generations showed high genetic variance for vine length, fruit weight and fruits per vine. Additive, dominant, additive x additive, additive × dominance and dominance x dominance effects significantly influenced most of the traits. The additive effect significantly contributed to fruit length and weight in both crosses. Dominance effects were significant for almost all the traits in both crosses. Additive × dominance type of interactions contributed significantly for female bud length, ovary length, style length, node to first flower, fruit diameter, fruit weight, fruits per vine and yield per vine. Duplicate effects influenced all the traits in both the crosses except for fruit length in SAT × PSG 9. For further improvement in interspecific progenies, the pedigree method can be applied to exploit additive variance to develop improved inbreds. However, transgressive segregates can further be used to exploit the presence of dominance, additive × dominance and dominance × dominance interactions.

Optimization of yield and quality of hull-less seeded pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca) through foliar application

Monika . — 2023-08-21

The present investigation was conducted during the spring 2021 and 2022 at Vegetable Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana for optimization of yield and quality of hull-less seeded pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca) through foliar applications. The experiment was laid down in randomized complete block design with thirteen treatments viz., T1 (control-water spray), T2 (ZnSO4 @ 0.5%), T3 (MgSO4 @ 0.5%), T4 (KNO3 @ 0.5%), T5 (B @ 0.5%), T6 (ZnSO4 @ 1.0%), T7 (MgSO4 @ 1.0%), T8 (KNO3 @ 1.0%), T9 (B @ 1.0%), T10 (ZnSO4 + MgSO4 + KNO3 + B; each @ 0.5%), T11 (ZnSO4 + MgSO4 + KNO3 + B; each @ 1.0%), T12 (Salicylic acid @ 100ppm) and T13 (Salicylic acid @ 200 ppm), replicated thrice. All thirteen foliar treatments exhibited significant influence on horticultural yield and quality traits of hull-less seeded pumpkin cv. PAU Magaz Kadoo-1. Among horticultural traits, maximum vine length was observed in T10 (ZnSO4 + MgSO4 + KNO3 + B; each @ 0.5%) while, salicylic acid @ 200 ppm (T13) gave highest leaf length, leaf width and petiole length. Minimum days to 50 % male and female flowering as well as harvest were observed with foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% (T2). ZnSO4 + MgSO4 + KNO3+ B; each @ 0.5% (T10) and MgSO4 @ 0.5% (T3) significantly affected the fruit yield traits like polar and equatorial diameter of fruit, flesh thickness, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of fruits per plot, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per plot and seed yield traits viz., number of seeds per fruit, 100-seed weight and seed yield per plant. Quality traits like seed color, dry matter, oil content, protein content, ash content, fiber, total sugar and reducing sugar too were maximized by foliar application of T10 (ZnSO4+ MgSO4 + KNO3 +B; each @ 0.5%) and T3 (MgSO4 @ 0.5%). Consequent to the above and the cost involved, T3 (MgSO4 @ 0.5%) can be adjudged as the best treatment for enhancing the growth and yield of PAU Magaz Kadoo-1. Thus, four foliar applications of MgSO4 @ 0.5% at fortnightly interval with the onset of 50% flowering can significantly improve hull-less seeded pumpkin’s horticultural, yield and quality attributes.

Standardization of pre-sowing organic seed encrustation treatments on seedling parameters of onion (Allium cepa) under ambient storage conditions

Nafisa Ekka — 2023-08-21

The present study was conducted from March to June at Post Graduate Lab Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS experiment was conducted in factorial CRD with four replications. The onion variety Gavran was taken for evaluation. Thirteen treatment combinations comprise of five treatments (Neem leaf powder (3, 5, 7 g/kg of seeds); turmeric powder (5, 10, 15%), Bael leaf powder (4, 5, 6%) and pepper powder @ 20, 25 and 30 g/kg of seed) along with control and two storage container: zip lock bag and plastic container. Seedlings stored in plastic container exhibited highest germination percent (71.92%), germination rate (2.77), root length(5.82 cm), shoot length (6.74 cm), seedling length (12.57 cm), seedling fresh weight (178.41 mg) seedling dry weight (18.91 g) vigor Index-I (916.12), vigor index-II (1.37), seedling growth rate (0.143), electrical conductivity (0.853 dSm-1) and root shoot ratio (1.167). Moreover, the seed treated with neem leaf powder @ 5 g/kg of seeds show best result in term of seed quality parameter viz germination (82.75%), germination rate (3.19), root length (4.83 cm), shoot length (9.16 cm), seedling length (17.24 cm), seedling fresh weight (191.44 g), seedling dry weight (23.65 g), vigor index I (1426.86), vigor index II (1.96), seedling growth rate (0.203), electrical conductivity (0.80 dSm-1) and root shoot ratio (1.133) as compared to control at the end of 3 months of storage. The study concluded that combining plastic containers with neem leaf powder @ 5 g/kg of seeds can expand the storability of onion seeds under ambient conditions.

Effect of soil salinity on germination and survival of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Dilpreet Talwar — 2023-08-21

The present investigation was conducted at vegetable research farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The desired levels of salinity were induced using sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate and calcium chloride in ratio of 2:1:1. Seeds of 102 brinjal genotypes were sown in plug trays. Each brinjal genotype was sown in two (Plug trays) sets. In each plug tray, 28 plants were sown. In one set of plug tray, normal water was applied. When seedlings attained 2 leaf stage (after 10–12 days of sowing), saline water treatment was applied to evaluate seedling survival under salt stress conditions. While in the second set of plug tray, saline water was applied immediately after sowing to evaluate germination percentage under salt stress conditions. It has been observed from the investigation that these genotypes were categorized as 19 genotypes under tolerant, 39 as semi-tolerant and 44 were susceptible to salinity on the basis of nursery and morphological screening trials. Out of these 19 tolerant genotypes, brinjal genotypes (SL-8-PB-1-3- 1-4 (Small Long), KBSR-343-1 (Small round) and BL-215 (Long)) may be recommended for future studies in salt-affected area of Punjab.

Kashi Purvi: A newly developed high-yielding early variety of vegetable pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense L.)

Jyoti Devi — 2023-08-21

Peas (Pisum sativum L.), a highly valued annual legume vegetable with a rich history of domestication, are grown globally as a valuable export-oriented cash crop (Dhall et al. 2021; Devi et al. 2023a,b). Peas are grown over an area of 7.04 and 2.59 million hectares for dry and green seeds, respectively (FAOSTAT, 2021). Green pea farming is predominantly carried out in Asian countries, where the average productivity is high and accounts for more than 87% of the total production share in comparison to European countries (Devi et al. 2019).

Effect of organic and inorganic source of nutrient on growth, yield and quality attributes of okra seed cv. Kashi Pragati

Subham Singh — 2023-08-21

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is an economically important vegetable crop belonging to the Malvaceae family grown in sub-tropical and tropical parts of the world. It originated in tropical Africa, also known as lady’s finger or bhindi. Because of its richness in nutrition, taste, medicinal and industrial value, okra is one of the most popular vegetables in all sections of people (Harisha et al. 2021). The fruits are harvested at tender stage and consumed as a vegetable. Okra usually required 90-100 days for complete the production cycle. Okra can be cultivated in Kharif and Rabi in both seasons. All parts of okra fresh leaves, buds, flowers, pods, stems and seeds can be used for different purposes; hence, it is a multipurpose crop in terms of its uses (Gemede et al. 2015; Maurya and Yadav 2021).

Effect of organic manures and bio-fertilizers on growth and quality of Indian bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) var. typicus]

Madhu Kumari — 2023-08-21

Indian bean (Lablab purpureus L. var. typicus) also known as Sem or Dolichos bean belongs to the family Fabaceae and originated from India. There are two types of cultivated species. viz, Lablab purpureus var. typicus is a vegetable type cultivated for its soft and edible pods and Lablab purpureus var. lignosus is the field bean cultivated for dry seeds as pulse. It is a multipurpose crop grown for pulse, vegetables and forage. This crop is mostly grown throughout tropical regions of Asia, Africa and America. In India, it is grown as a field crop in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra. In India, it is grown in 230 thousand hectares area with an average production of 2278 thousand metric pods.

VRCAR-252 (INGR22088): Anthocyanin-rich petaloid-CMS line of black carrot with better heterotic potential

BK Singh — 2023-08-21

The storage root of cultivated carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is one of the richest sources of various pigments and has commercial significance globally. It is broadly categorized into two segments, i.e., anthocyanin/purple group (Black and Rainbow carrot) and carotenoid group (Orange, Red and Yellow carrot) on the basis of the presence of root pigments. Black carrot root is comprised with dark purple (solid purple) pigmentation of both root exterior (epidermal layer) and root interior [cortex (outer-phloem), phloem and xylem (core)]; and is one of the greatest sources of anthocyanins possessing very high antioxidative ability.

Influence of potassium and sulphur nutrition on quality of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Sangram Singh Sandhu — 2023-08-21

The field experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm and Biochemistry laboratory, PAU, Ludhiana during Rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 to study the effect of potassium and sulphur on the quality of garlic. The experiment comprised of sixteen treatment combinations with four levels each of potassium (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg K /ha) and sulphur (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg S/ha). It was laid in a randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. Variety ‘PG-18’ was used as plant material. Potassium and sulphur were applied as basal dose at bed preparation. The results depicted that quality parameters were influenced by with these nutrients. Maximum allicin (12.19 and 12.64 mg/g), TSS (41.3 and 41.5%), ascorbic acid (21.64 mg/100 g dry weight and 21.81 mg/100 g dry weight) and total minerals (53.17 mg/100g dry weight and 53.56 mg/100g dry weight), dry matter (42.40 and 42.97%), total protein (120.8 and 112.1 mg/g) were recorded with application of 60 kg/ ha potassium and 30 kg/ ha of sulphur respectively. Maximum phenols (0.54 mg/g) and total sugars (182.2 mg/g) was recorded under the interaction of 60 kg/ ha potassium and 30 kg/ ha of sulphur.

Quantitative assessment and seasonal incidence of soil invertebrates in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) crop

Ramanpreet Kaur — 2023-08-21

The present study on population dynamics and diversity of soil invertebrates was carried out at Vegetable Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2019. The study revealed that okra crop harboured 14 different soil invertebrate species belonging to nine orders and 13 families dominated by order coleoptera (five species) dominated by ground beetles. Interestingly, higher relative abundance (%) was recorded in order hymenoptera (80.72%) followed by polyzoniida (10.41%) among which higher dominance (%) was recorded in little black ants (80.78%). Species richness, species evenness, Shannon-Wiener index (H’) and Simpson’s index were calculated to be 14.0, 0.094, 0.098 and 0.051, respectively, indicating high degree of diversity among soil invertebrates in okra crop. Interestingly, an increase of 88.84 and 69.64% in population was recorded in root-knot and free-living/predatory nematodes at harvest time compared to the okra crop sowing time. A positive correlation (r=+0.06 to + 0.83) was recorded between soil temperature and soil moisture with soil invertebrate population. Okra crop fields survive soil fauna, which is a key factor for increasing soil fertility and productivity and its physical characteristics, which should be increased using soil amendments.

Identification of novel late blight resistance source in wild potato species and interspecific somatic hybrids, and their distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) characterization

Nisha Bhatia — 2023-08-21

Forty potato genotypes, including wild Solanum species and interspecific somatic hybrids were characterized for late blight resistance and distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) descriptors. Thirty-two genotypes (14 wild species + 18 somatic hybrids) were found highly resistant to late blight, whereas 4 were resistant and 1 was moderately resistant compared to the control varieties viz., Kufri Jyoti (susceptible), Kufri Bahar (highly susceptible), and Kufri Girdhari (highly resistant). All wild species were high resistant to late blight. Further, morphological characterization based on 51 DUS descriptors showed phenotypic variation in the genotypes studied. Thus, we identified late blight-resistant potato wild species and somatic hybrids, which could serve as a potential source for late blight resistance breeding.

Deciphering genetic variability in melon (Cucumis melo L.) using morphological characters

Koku K Tara — 2023-08-21

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance were investigated in 96 melon (Cucumis melo L.) genotypes from 4 horticultural or 6 varietal groups using 10 quantitative traits. The results of the analysis of variance showed that there was enough variation among the genotypes for all the attributes. The highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variations (PCV and GCV) were observed for node to first male flower (40.98 and 31.3%), average fruit weight (36.23 and 30.8%) and total soluble solids (28.01 and 26.67%), while days to first male flower anthesis (10.49 and 8.85%) and days to first female flower anthesis (8.86 and 7.4%) had the least coefficients of variations. The high difference between PCV and GCV estimates exhibited that environmental factors had more influence on trait expression. High heritability coupled with high-moderate GAM was observed for TSS and flesh thickness, indicating that additive genes govern these traits and that these traits could be effectively breed through selective improvement. Nine promising genotypes were identified for further breeding for earliness and lateness in order to extend melon supply in the market.

Development and characterization of F1 hybrids involving cultivated and related species of okra

Jashandeep Kaur — 2023-08-21

Related species of any crop posses the traits of economic importance. It is important to involve the related wild species in the breeding programme to transfer the traits of economic importance to the cultivated species of crop plants. Further, the characterization of interspecific F1 hybrids is required to know the expression of various traits in both parents and their interspecific hybrid. Cultivated species of okra Abelmoschus esculentus was used to develop two interspecific F1 hybrids independently with two wild species, namely A. moschatus and A. tuberculatus. Both the related species were used as the pollen parent and the cultivated okra as the female parent. The interspecific hybrids were intermediate for days to 50% flowering, first flowering node, flower length, fruit length, fruit diameter, internodal length and plant height. The characteristics like early plant vigor, plant growth habit, flower petal color, fruit color and apex shape of fruit for both the interspecific hybrids were similar to cultivated okra parent.

Genetics of cluster bearing habit and fruit surface morphology in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula Roxb.)

Pradip Karmakar — 2023-08-21

Luffa acutangula or ridge gourd generally produces solitary and ribbed or ridged fruit, but Satputia a feral form of ridge gourd with hermaphrodite sex form produces non-ribbed fruits in cluster. The present study was conducted to determine the inheritance cluster bearing habit and non-ridge fruit in ridge gourd from the crosses of two hermaphrodite lines (Satputia Long and Satputia Small) which produced small numerous non-ribbed fruits in cluster and five monoecious lines (DRG-2, Pusa Nasdar, Utkal Tripti, Arka Summet and HARG-110), produced solitary long fruit with ten prominent ridges. It was observed that all the F1 plants were solitary bearer and produced ridged fruit. In F2 generation, the observed distribution of plant phenotypes for bearing habit and fruit surface morphology fitted well to the expected ratio of 3:1 (solitary vs cluster) and 15:1 (ridge vs non-ridge) for bearing habit and fruit surface morphology, respectively. The segregation pattern suggested monogenic recessive control of cluster bearing habit, while duplicate recessive genes control ridged fruit surface in Luffa acutangula.

Over environments evaluation of bell pepper hybrids developed through modified triple test cross mating design for earliness, yield and quality under North-Western Himalayas

Anuradha Anuradha — 2023-06-25

Hybridization among diverse parents is a great way to create variability within a genus with a narrow genetic base. During Kharif, 2021 and 2022, an experiment was conducted in bell pepper at the research farm of Department of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, CSKHPKV, Palampur (HP) using randomized complete block design under open field conditions to evaluate 15 diverse parents (12 lines and three testers) and their 36 F1 hybrids developed through triple test cross mating design along with two standard checks for eight yield and quality traits. Significant variations were noticed among all the genotypes for all the characters under study. Based on the overall mean performance in pooled environments, cross-combinations viz., HPB-7 × California Wonder, HPB-7 × HPB-39-CW, HPB-2-16 × HPB-39, HPB-6-1 × California Wonder and HPB-29 × HPB-39 were found top highest yielders. Besides the highest yielders, they were reported earliest in flowering and picking, containing more primary branches and a good amount of capsanthin, TSS and ascorbic acid content. Hence, these cross-combinations can be directly released as hybrids after multi-location/farmers’ field testings or can be used in further breeding programmes.

Characterization of begomoviruses associated with emerging mosaic disease of ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis L.) in Tamil Nadu, India

S Vignesh — 2023-06-25

A systematic field survey was conducted in ivy gourd fields of Tamil Nadu during the year 2019-2021. The infected plants manifesting prominent chlorosis, mosaic, puckering, and yellow mosaic symptoms on leaves were tested through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the infection of begomoviruses. Amplicons of PCR from 5 samples were sequenced. 4 samples were infected with tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) and one with Coccinia mosaic Tamil Nadu virus (CoMoTNV). The nucleotide sequences from isolates IGT-1 (OR041745) and IGP-1 (OR041746) have an identity of 96-98% with ToLCNDV isolate infecting chrysanthemum (MG758145) from Karnataka. Another isolate IGD-1 (OR041747) had 99.3% identity with tomato infecting ToLCNDV isolate (MW538662) from Raipur and isolate IGE-1 (OR041748) had 98.4% highest identity with the previously reported ToLCNDV isolates of India infecting bitter gourd. The IGS-1 (OR028863) isolate 98.9% identity at the nucleotide level with previously reported CoMoTNV (KY860899) infecting ivy gourd from Tamil Nadu. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ToLCNDV isolates infecting ivy gourd were grouped under three different clusters reported previously reported from different parts of the globe. The present investigation reports the emergence of begomoviruses (ToLCNDV and CoMoTNV) on ivy gourd growing in different parts of Tamil Nadu.

Effect of potassium permanganate on postharvest quality attributes of bitter gourd fruit

Pooja Belwal — 2023-06-25

Bitter gourd is a widely consumed cucurbitaceous vegetable rich in several nutrients and phytochemicals. The fruit is also used in traditional medicine systems to cure a variety of ailments. However, bitter gourd fruit has a very short postharvest life of 3-4 days at ambient conditions, due to which it suffers significant loss after harvest. In the present study, with the aim to extend storage life, bitter gourd fruits were packed in corrugated fiberboard boxes along with sachets of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) granules @ 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 g per kilogram of fruit; while control fruits were packed without KMnO4 sachets. The results revealed that during 8 days of storage at room temperature, fruits packed with 3.0 g/kg KMnO4 sachets had minimum deterioration in fruit quality compared to control, and also weight loss and decay loss was observed lowest. KMnO4 treated fruit @ 3.0 g/kg retained the highest chlorophyll content and lowest accumulation of carotenoid pigments in the fruit skin. These fruits also had maximum soluble solids, ascorbic acid, total phenolics content, antioxidant capacity and minimum accumulation of malondialdehyde up to 8 days of storage than other treatments.

Advances in pea breeding and genomics: From traditional techniques to modern approaches

Akhilesh Sharma — 2023-06-25

Peas, a highly valued annual legume vegetable with a rich history of domestication, are grown globally as a valuable export-oriented cash crop. Despite an increase in cultivation area and production, there has been only a slight improvement in green pea productivity, from 7.7 to 7.8 t/ha, over the last two decades. The primary focus for genetic improvement in peas is developing resistance to various biotic stressors, including diseases such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, rust, wilt, viral infections, and bacterial blight, as well as pests like leaf miners, aphids, pod borers, and pea stem flies. Traditional breeding approaches have played a significant role in the genetic improvement of peas, resulting in the development of several cultivars in various segments; however, advanced breeding techniques such as marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and genome editing hold great promise in enhancing genetic improvement by facilitating the identification and selection of desirable traits, such as resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors, improved yield, and increased nutrient content, through the introduction of precise genetic modifications. By targeting specific genomic regions associated with desired traits, these techniques can increase the efficiency and precision of breeding programs, ultimately leading to the development of more resilient and productive pea varieties