Response of China aster to Bio-inoculant Amendments under Pot Experiment

The present investigation was layout out in Completely Randomized design (CRD) to assess the impact of biofertilizers on China aster with total of nine treatments and each treatment replicated thrice. The treatments consist of different combinations of bio-inoculants (Azospirillum, PSB, VAM and KSB). The results revealed that the treatment T8 (75%RDF+Azospirillum+PSB) was found significantly higher compared to other treatment combination, which recorded highest plant height (27.28 cm), Number of leaves (27.44), plant spread (15.28 cm2), Days to bud emergence (47.11 days), days of first bud break (54.67 days), opening first flower (62.33 days),number of flowers per plant(14.12), stalk length (13.00 cm), flower dimeter (4.92cm),Vase life (12.22 days), Leaf area (14.11 cm2).The economics viz. Gross return (Rs. 16,800), Net return (Rs. 8928) and Benefit cost ratio (2.13) was found highest in the same treatment.

Effect of Seaweed Extract Application Rate and Method on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)

Pansies, part of the Viola genus, are vibrant flowers with velvety petals and a distinct center blotch. They are popular as ornamental plants due to their colorful appearance. Seaweed extract, derived from various types of seaweed or marine algae, is utilized in agriculture, gardening, and skincare. Seaweed is nutrient-rich, containing essential macro and micronutrients, making seaweed extract a valuable natural fertilizer to enhance plant growth and health. Therefore, present investigation was carried during the Winter-2022-23 with a view to determine the effect of seaweed extract application on pansy variety Majestic Giant Mix for its growth, flowering and yield. The study was examined using completely randomized block design. From the present investigation, it is concluded that treatment T4 i.e., application of Sea weed extract @ 4ml/l as drench application found superior in terms of plant height (16.00 cm), plant spread (17.56), number of branches per plant (28.81), days taken for first flower opening (30.00), days taken for 50% flowering (58.33), stalk length (8.60 cm), flower diameter (7.83) number of leaves (43.33), number of flowers per plant (38.88) and seed yield per plant (3.00g).

Effect of Bio-stimulants and their Application Methods on Growth, Flowering, Yield and Vase life of Asiatic lilium cv. Fangio

The present investigation entitled “Effect of bio-stimulants and their application methods on growth, flowering, yield and vase life of Asiatic lilium cv. Fangio” was carried out during November, 2022 to March, 2023 in, Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design with ten treatment combinations, with application of three Biostimulants like Humicil, Hydropro gold and Biovita at different levels, which was replicated thrice. It was concluded that the application of biostimulants rendered their significant effect on almost all the growth, flowering yield and vase life characters as well as quality of lilium. The treatment T3 i.e., application of Biovita (Foliar method) found superior in terms of Plant height(70.84 cm), Stem girth (0.80 cm) Number of leaves(87.47),Leaf area (13.63 cm2), Bud diameter (2.56 cm), Flower diameter (14.68 cm), Fresh weight of stem (34.73 g), Vase life (12.60 days), Diameter of bulb (5.21 cm), Weight of bulb per plant (64.75 g) Number of flowers per plant (4.91), Number of flowers per 200 m2 (10924.83), Weight of bulbs per plant (0.071 kg), and Weight of bulbs per 200m2 (157.02 kg).

Performance of Ridge Gourd Genotype under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

Ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) is a popular warm-season vegetable that may be grown commercially from seeds. It has a high water and nutrient content, as well as protein, fat, carbs, minerals, and vitamins. Ridge gourd blooms are hermaphrodite, andromonoecious, and gynoecious. The gelatinous chemical Luffein is found in the genus Luffa, which is derived from the word 'loofah', which is utilised in bathing sponges, scrubbing pads, doormats, and pillows. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Kharif season 2022-2023 to check performance of different genotypes of ridge gourd under Prayagraj agro climatic conditions. The experiment was laid in Randomized block design with 9 genotypes and 3 replications. Genotypes were comprised of H1 (AVT-II 2019/RIGHYB-1), H2 (AVT-II 2019/RIGHYB-2), H3 (AVT-II 2019/RIGHYB-3), H4 (AVT-II 2019/RIGHYB-4), H5 (AVT-II 2019/RIGHYB-5), H6 (AVT-II 2019/RIGHYB-6), H7 (AVT-II 2019/RIGHYB-7), H8 (GREEN INDIA-8) and H9 (JAIPURI LONG-9). From the experimental finding it was concluded that the genotype AVT-II 2019/RIGHYB-7 performed best in terms of growth parameters like vine length (269.93 cm), earliness in maturity (59.33 days for first fruit picking) and yield parameters like fruit length (25.23 cm), fruit girth (6.56 cm), and fruit yield per plot (1422.21 g/plot). AVT-II 2019/RIGHYB-7 showed best performance for quality parameters also TSS (4.23°Brix) and Vitamin C content (2.05 mg/100g).

Effect of Growth Regulators on Plant Growth and Flower Yield in Marigold (Tagetes erecta)

A field experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. During rabi season (2022-2023). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different growth regulators on plant growth, flowering and flower yield of African marigold and to estimate the economics of different treatments. This experiment was laid out in Randomized block design (RBD) with 10 treatments and each treatment replicated thrice. The treatments consist of different combinations of plant growth regulators (Gibberellic acid, Salicylic acid and Sea weed extract). Treatment T3 (Gibberellic acid @150ppm) was statistically significant compared to other treatment combination, which recorded highest plant height (44.11 cm), no. of branches (43.53), stem diameter (1.61 cm), no. of leaves (118.93), plant spread (37.17 cm2), Bud length (0.93cm), days to 1st flowering (66.07 days), Size of flower (8.77cm), Number of flower per plant (34.10), Self-life (8.67 days), single flower wt. (18.28 g) in African marigold (Tagetes erecta). The economics estimation revealed that maximum benefit cost ratio was at 2.44.

Effect of Seaweed Extracts on the Growth, Flower Yield and Quality of Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis) C.V. Aditya Birla

An experiment entitled “Effect of seaweed extracts on the growth, flower yield and quality of Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis) c.v. Aditya Birla” was conducted to evaluate the response of dahlia to different growth regulators, Kelp @ 2ml and 4 ml and Biovita @ 2ml and 4 ml. Thirteen different treatment combinations were replicated thrice in a Randomized Completely Block Design. The investigation revealed that Biovita was very effective and recorded maximum days to seed germination, plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, secondary branch number. Leaf area Significant influence of growth regulators was observed on various vegetative parameters. Flower diameter, flower number, diameter and fresh weight increased Significant influence of growth regulators was observed on various foral parameters. Highest flower numbers per plant and flower yield per ha was recorded treatment T11 (4 ml L-1Biovita, 5 days interval). Treatment T11 recorded higher net realization Rs. 506700 which was followed by treatment cost of cultivation with of Rs.170500.. Furthermore, highest Cost benefit ratio was recorded under treatment T11 (1:2.97).

Variability in Chrysanthemum species (Dendranthema grandiflora) under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

A field experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. During rabi season (2022-2023). This study aimed to evaluate different varieties of Chrysanthemum in terms of growth, yield and quality characteristics. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design (RBD) with 15 treatments and each treatment replicated thrice. The treatments consist of different combinations of varieties. Treatment T4 (Red Baby) was statistically significant compared to other treatment combination, which recorded highest plant height (33.9 cm), No. of branches (31.8), Plant Spread (20.3cm)] , Stalk Length (22.3 cm) , Flower weight (3.8 g) , Self – life (25 days) , Vase life (7.4 days) and quality in comparison to other varieties. The highest Benefit Cost Ratio was found in variety V4 (Red Baby) with 2.32.

Varietal Evaluation in Marigold (Tagetes spp.) Under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

A field experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. During rabi season (2021-2023). The aim of this study was to determine to find out the most suitable variety of marigold in terms of growth, yield and quality under Prayagraj Agro climatic conditions and to work out the economics of different varieties of marigold. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design (RBD) with 10 varieties and each replicated thrice. The variety Inca (m) Orange reported significantly better Performance compared to other varieties, in terms of Growth parameters like plant height (67.67 cm), Number of branches per plant (11.17), Leaf length (9.47), Plant spread (35.70) and Yield parameters like Flower yield per plant (272.08 g), Flower yield per plot (1632.50), Flower yield per ha (14.41 t).

Effect of Different Sowing Dates and Planting Distance on Growth, Yield and Quality of China Aster (Callistephus chinensis L.)

The present investigation was carried out to find out the best planting time and spacing in terms of growth and flower yield and quality of China aster during Rabi season 2022. The research was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design, which had nine treatments replicated thrice. The dates of sowing were kept in the month of October at an interval of one week i.e., 2nd, 9th and 16th having different planting distance (30x20 cm, 30x30 cm, 30x40 cm). This experiment reviled that that Treatment T1 in which seed were sown in 1st week of October having planting distance of 30 x 20 cm performed best in with respect to growth, flower yield and quality of China aster.

Evaluation of Different Varieties of Sponge Gourd under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

The present investigation was carried out at the department of horticulture, Naini Agricultural institute Sam Higginbottom university of Agricultural Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh during Zaid season-2021-2022 with a view to check Evaluation of different varieties of sponge gourd under Prayagraj Agro climatic conditions The experiment was laid in Randomized block design with 9 varieties and 3 replications for sponge gourd varietal evaluation. Varieties comprised of V1 (AVT2020/SPGVAR-1), V2 (AVT2020/SPGVAR-2), V3 (AVT2020/SPGVAR-3), V4 (AVT2020/SPGVAR-4), V5 (AVT2020/SPGVAR -5), V6 (AVT2020/SPGVAR -6), V7 (AVT2020 /SPGVAR-7), V8 (SUMAN) and V9 (PUSA CHAKNI). Among the various vartieties it was concluded that the variety AVT2020/SPGVAR-6 performed best in terms of growth parameters like vine length (396.86 cm), earliness in maturity (55.95 days for first fruit picking) and yield parameters like fruit length (28.56 cm), fruit diameter (3.71 cm), and fruit yield per hectare (12.64 t/ha). AVT2020/ SPGVAR-6 showed best performance for quality parameters also TSS (4.23°Brix) and Ascorbic acid content (10.66 mg/100g).

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme)

A cherry tomato is a small-sized tomato variety known for its round shape and sweet flavor. Therefore, at the Department of Horticulture at Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, an investigation titled "Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Cherry Tomato" was conducted during the Rabi-2022-23 season to assess the impact of plant growth regulators on the growth, quality, and yield of Pusa Cherry 1 tomatoes, as well as analyze the economic aspects of different treatments. Ten treatments were employed, including control with different concentrations of growth regulators (GA3 and Auxin) and Kinetin. The study found that using plant growth regulators had a significantly positive effect on cherry tomatoes for all traits. Among the treatments tested, T3(GA3 @ 75 ppm) showed the most favourable results in terms of plant height, number of primary branches, early flowering and maturing. T3 also demonstrated superior performance in terms of fruit weight, the maximum number of fruits per plant, and yield per plant.

The Growth Characteristic of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Genotypes and Varieties Grown under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

The experiment was carried out at Horticulture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, during the year 2022. This experiment was conducted to find out the best performing genotypes in relation of growth, yield and quality of cucumber. Seven cucumber genotypes such as IET, 2021/CUCUVAR-1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and three check variety namely NAZIA,LHC-1395 and MALINI were studied at SHUATS, Prayagraj in randomized block design with three replications in 4.5 x 3.0 m plot during summer season 2022 to find out the best performing genotype in related to growth, yield and fruit quality traits. NAZIA was found with the maximum fruit weight (247.67g), Fruit length (18.37cm), Fruit yield per plot (43.64 kg), Fruit yield (326.40 q/ha). NAZIA was found superior based on overall performance in term of growth, yield and quality and highest net return (3,33,718 Rs/ha). The highest cost benefit ratio (3.14) was found in cucumber NAZIA variety.

Evaluation of Different Genotypes of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) for Growth and Pod Yield in Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

This experiment was conducted at a Horticulture research farm in the year 2021. Nine genotypes of cowpea were procured from IIVR, Varanasi viz AVT I 2021/ COPBVAR-1, AVT I 2021/ COPBVAR-2, AVT I 2021/ COPBVAR-3, AVT 2021/ COPBVAR-4, AVT I 2021/ COPBVAR-5, AVT I 2021/ COPBVAR-6, AVT I 2021/ COPBVAR-7, GOMATI, KASHI KANCHAN. The experiment was laid in simple RBD with thrice replications. The observations were recorded on different traits. AVT I 2021/ COPBVAR-6, was found to be the best variety over all other varieties in terms of earliness viz days to first flowering (33.33 days) and days to 50% flowering (38.67 days), AVT I 2021/ COPBVAR-5 was found to be the best variety over all other varieties in terms of yield parameters viz. yield per plant (168.03g) and yield were (9168.03 q/h).

Performance of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L.) Genotypes for Yield and Quality under Climatic Conditions of Prayagraj

An experiment on the “Performance of Bottle Gourd Genotypes i.e. (AVT-II/2019/BOGVAR-1, AVT-II/2019/BOGVAR-2, AVT-II/2019/BOGVAR-3, AVT-II/2019/BOGVA-4, AVT-II/2019/BOGVA-5, AVT-II/2019/BOGVAR-6 RITURAJ (CHECK), GREENINDIA (CHECK), NATIONAL AGRO (CHECK), SHANKAR (CHECK) for yield and quality under climatic conditions of prayagraj” was conducted during February to May, 2022, in field of Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. The experiment was conducted in Randomized block design, with three replications. The genotype AVT-II/2019/BOGVAR-6 recorded maximum number of female flowers (15.66), number of fruits/plant (8.88 fruits), average yield per plant (5.71 kg/plant), yield per hectare (342.44 q/ha).

Study on Genetic Parameters and Character Association in Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangula Roxb.)

The experiment was carried out on Genetic variability and character association in eight genotypes of Ridge Gourd with three replications during summer season 2021-22 at the Research Field of Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, India. The observations were recorded on various yield and yield contributing characters of ridge gourd. The results from the present investigation revealed that on the basis of Based on mean performance for fruit yield per plant (2.17 kg) and fruit yield (88.35 q/ha), genotypes IET 2021/RIGVAR-6 were considered suitable genotypes in Prayagraj climatic condition. Coefficient of variation revealed that high magnitude of GCV and PCV were recorded for Fruit yield/ ha (q) and Average fruit weight (g). The heritability estimates were found to be high (greater than 60%). The genetic advance and genetic advance as a percentage of mean estimates were found to be significant (more than 20%). Genotypic correlation coefficient analysis revealed that fruit yield /ha (kg) showed positive significant association with Fruit length (cm) (0.024**), Fruit diameter (cm) (0.971**), Number of fruit per plant (0.331**), Average fruit weight (g) (0.940**) at genotypic level. Whereas Phenotypic correlation coefficient analysis revealed that fruit yield /ha (kg) showed positive significant association with Fruit length (cm) (0.347**), Fruit diameter (cm) (0.999**), Number of fruit per plant (0.653**), Average fruit weight (g) (0.999**) at phenotypic level.