Akath Singh

Studies on the variability, inheritance, and inter-relationships of mineral macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients in strawberry (Fragariaananassa Duch.)

Summary Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and anti-oxidants, and has a unique flavour and aroma. However, there is little information on the genetic variability and inheritance of mineral elements in strawberry. This is important as it can influence the selection of better genotypes and suitable breeding approaches for improvements in the nutritional quality of fruit. The objectives of the present study were, therefore, to estimate the variability, inheritance, and inter-relationships of mineral elements, to identify mineral-rich and productive genotypes, and to suggest suitable breeding approaches. A significant genotypic mean square for all the minerals studied indicated sufficient variation among genotypes. Our results also indicated that the effect of genotype on the mineral content of fruit was stronger than that of environment. Six genotypes, namely ‘Ofra’, ‘Sweet Charlie’, ‘Elista’, ‘Festival’, ‘Camarosa’, and ‘Douglas’ were found to have higher mineral contents as well as better fruit yields, and therefore could be useful in further breeding programmes. N, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu contents, together with fruit yield, could be improved by selection and hybridisation as these traits showed high heritability (> 80%) and high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (> 40%), while recurrent selection was suitable for increasing P contents, which showed moderate heritability (> 79.81%) and low genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (> 33.86%). Moreover, Mg and N contents could be used as reliable tools with which to identify the most productive and mineral-rich genotypes, as indicated by correlation and path analysis. Studies on such genetic estimates will increase our understanding of the inheritance of mineral contents and affect the design of crop improvement strategies.

Characterization of pomegranate varieties based on DUS descriptors

Registering commercial and extant pomegranate varieties is a pre-requisite for protection of the rights of breeders and farmers under the IPR regime. Characterization of 12 pomegranate varieties was done with respect to distinctiveness; uniformity and stability (DUS) test guidelines. Characterization of pomegranate varieties showed wide variation with respect to 36 essential characters (33 morphological and 3 biochemical) identified in DUS descriptors. The results suggest that description of these varieties based on notes and states may be used as reference for protection of new varieties under PPV&FRA Rules, 2001. The database generated may be useful for comparison against the candidate varieties developed in future.

Soft Wood Grafting in Mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco)

ABSTRACT Studies were carried out at ICAR Research complex for NEH Region Umiam, Meghalaya, India on soft wood grafting using Khasi mandarin under poly-house, net-house and open field conditions at 15-day intervals from 15 June to 15 October. Early sprouting, graft success and scion growth were found to be best under poly-house conditions. Similarly, maximum graft success rate and early sprouting were observed under the open field condition compared to the net-house but growth performance of the plants was better under the net-house. Grafting from 30 June to 15 August gave the maximum graft success, plant height, scion diameter, leaves, branches/plant and minimum days for sprouting under all three conditions. A gradual decrease in graft success and increased in days to sprouting were noticed after 15 August. Soft wood grafting of Khasi mandarin was also performed on different rootstocks (C. jambhiri, C. karna, C. reshni, C. latipes, C. taiwanica, Tanzelo dancy, C. grandis, Naity jamir and Karun jamir). Maximum graft success, plant survival, plant height, branches/plant and the minimum time to sprouting the graft were recorded in C. Jambhiri, while, leaves/plant, rootstock and scion diameter were best using Karun jamir rootstock.

Soft wood grafting in mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco): a novel vegetative propagation technique.

Studies were carried out at ICAR Research complex for NEH Region Umiam, Meghalaya, India on soft wood grafting in ‘Khasi’ mandarin under poly house, net house, and open field conditions at 15-day intervals from June 15 to October 15. Early sprouting, graft success, and scion growth were found to be better under poly house than other conditions. Similarly, the best graft success and early sprouting were observed to be better under the open condition than the net house, but growth performance of the plants was found to be better under the net house than the open condition. Grafting from June 30 to August 15 gave the best graft success, plant height, scion diameter, leaves, branch/plant, and minimum days for sprouting under all conditions. A gradual decrease in graft success and an increase in days to sprouting was noticed with grafting after August 15. Soft wood grafting of ‘Khasi’ mandarin was also performed on different rootstocks viz. C. jambhiri, C. karna, C. reshni, C. latipes, C. taiwanica, ‘Dancy’ tangerine, C. grandis, ‘Naity jamir’, and ‘Karun jamir’ rootstocks. The best graft success, plant survival, plant height, branch/plant, and minimum time for sprouting of the graft was recorded in C. jambhiri, while, leaves/plant, rootstock, and scion diameter was the best in ‘Karun jamir’ rootstock.