Current Science

T. K. Hazarika ¹, Lalthlamuani ¹, Jonathan Lalchhanmawia ¹, Lalrinfeli ¹, B. P. Nautiyal ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Horticulture, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University, Tanhril, Aizawl 796 004, IN
2 College of Horticulture, Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar 246 123, IN

Abstract

Thirty-five pummelo (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) genotypes were assessed with respect to their quality parameters considered most essential with respect to horticultural aspects. Among the genotypes, significant to highly significant differences were observed in all the parameters. Different fruit physical parameters such as weight, diameter, length, volume pulp weight, pulp thickness, pulp-peel ratio and seed number varied significantly among the genotypes. Similarly, there were high level of differences among the genotypes with respect to chemical parameters of the fruits. The juice content varied from 13.64% to 43.56%, vitamin C from 17.40 to 52.70 mg/100 ml, total soluble solids from 7.73% to 11.67%, acidity from 0.76% to 1.86%, total sugars from 7.47% to 9.95% and sugar-acid ratio from 4.88 to 12.58. The present study reveals that parameters such as weight of the fruit, length of the fruit, diameter, volume, pulp weight, pulp-peel ratio, juice, TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars and sugar-acid ratio can be considered as selection criteria for future breeding programmes in pummelo. The high level of differences with respect to various physical and chemical parameters of the fruits shows the great scope for superior genotype selection based on these particular parameters for genetic improvement programmes in near future.

Keywords

Citrus grandis, Genotype Selection, Horticultural Aspects, Physico-Chemical Characteristics.

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Madhulika Pandey ¹, B. P. Nautiyal ¹, Nirdesh Kumar ²

Affiliations
1 Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Mehalchori, Gairsain 246 431,, IN
2 Syngenta India Ltd., Indore 452 010, IN

Abstract

Crop production in mountain agriculture is in steady decline (5%–30%) over the past few decades. Only few species of cereals, pulses, potato, amaranth, etc. are important cash crops in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand, India. In traditional hill cropping systems, framers grow sesame, black soybean, corn, proso millet, amaranth, Brassica spp, etc. as mixed crop. These types of traditional cropping systems are not much advantageous and do not meet the requirements of the existing population. In the hilly regions Perilla, Hedychium, turmeric, industrial hemp, lemon grass, citronella, lavender, belladonna and other medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have immense potential. However, they are still not a part of the cropping system. Introduction of these MAPs as intercrops with traditional crops will not only improve the production potential of main crops, but also generate additional income to the farming family. Besides immense cash value, these plants also have less/no threats from wild animals. Similarly, introduction of medicinal and aromatic crops with horticultural crops is one of the key options to enhance agriculture production, as topography and climate of Uttarakhand is suitable for growth of these crops.

Keywords

Intercropping, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Sustainability, Traditional Cropping System.

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