Kundan Kishore

Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture | CISH · Division of Crop Production

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a climate-resilient fruit known for its prolific yield. Effective canopy management is essential for achieving high quality and productivity; however, the traditional open central leader system can lead to excessive canopy growth and a sharp decline in yield. To address this, ICAR-CISH has developed an improvised Espal...

The aim of this research is to assess the effectiveness of gamma irradiation in developing genetic variability in dragon fruit by influencing biochemical attributes. Seeds of dragon fruit were exposed to 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 Gy γ-radiation using Co-60 source. Highest germinability, mean germination time, mean daily germination, vigour index a...

Arid region is characterised by extreme climatic condition, poor soil health and over-exploitation of natural resources. Under prevailing conditions of arid India, Ficus carica is an emerging fruit crop with high commercial value and nutritional significance. Phenological study plays an important role in ensuring efficient crop management practices...

Lasiodiplodia species commonly thrive as endophytes, saprobes, and plant pathogens in tropical and subtropical regions. Association of Lasiodiplodia species causing stem rot in dragon fruit in the coastal belt of Odisha, eastern India, has been illustrated here. The stem rot disease was characterized by yellowing of the stem, followed by softening...

India is the leading producer of bananas in the world. Along with it, the crop also produces huge residual biomass. This biomass is rich in plant nutrients and needs to be recovered to be pumped back into the production system. In this paper, using a universal banana allometric equation, the residual biomass produced by bananas at the national leve...

The present study was conducted to assess the impact of ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) on germination and growth attributes of dragon fruit. Seeds of white-fleshed dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus) were treated with 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0% EMS for 2 and 4 h treatment time, respectively. Germination and survival rate declined collinearly with the co...

Crop regulation is one of the most critical aspects of guava cultivation, as it bears varying quantity and quality of fruits throughout the year, particularly during the rainy, winter, and spring-summer seasons. The highest fruiting occurs in the rainy season (70-75%), followed by winter (20-25%). Despite the low share, the winter crop is preferred...

The flowering and fruiting of individual mango plant under high density planting is comparatively low. Among different strategies evolved, paclobutrazol and potassium nitrate application is effective not only in flower induction but also in early and offseason flower production in mango. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of paclo...

Flowering is the first of several events that lay the foundation for mango production every year. The temperatures below 15°C readily promote floral induction. Decrease in temperature below 20 0C is common in sub-tropical regions but seldom occurs in many tropical ones. So, an alternative strategy for optimum flower initiation under tropical condit...

Canopy architecture is one of the most critical components influencing photoassimilation, yield and quality of fruit crops; thus, it is logical to optimize suitable canopy form with high light interception efficiency. In this study, the effectiveness of three forms of canopy architecture viz., open centre, Y trellis and espalier were assessed, unde...

An experiment was conducted to study the influence of growth regulators and micronutrients on yield attributing traits and economic efficacy of pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) cv. MD-2. Challenges faced by pineapple growing farmers are not getting optimum and uniform-sized fruits required for high yield which leads to fetching lesser prices in the ma...

Aims: A trial was conducted to investigate the influence of plant growth regulators on the growth and quality attributes of pineapple fruits. Study Design: The experiment was arranged in a randomized completed block design (RBCD) with three replications using 25 plants per replication. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out bet...

Boron plays crucial role in metabolic processes during fruit ripening and in turn ensures better fruit quality. However limited studies have been conducted to assess the influence of boron on fruit quality of dragon fruit. In the present study, the efficacy of boron was investigated on red-fleshed dragon fruit (Selenicereus monacanthus). Four level...

Production of quality fruits has always been the priority for ensuring better nutrition and market value. Considering the role of potassium in fruit quality improvement a study was carried out in dragon fruit under open field condition during 2020 and 2021 in the eastern tropical climatic condition of India. The treatments comprised viz., K-absenti...

Boron plays crucial role in metabolic processes during fruit ripening and in turn ensures better fruit quality. However limited studies have been conducted to assess the influence of boron on fruit quality of dragon fruit. In the present study, the efficacy of boron was investigated on red-fleshed dragon fruit (Selenicereus monacanthus). Four level...

The investigation was carried out during 2017-18 to identify and document the emerging diseases of Indian Jujube or ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) in Odisha state located in Eastern part of India. Periodical visit and subsequent investigations revealed the occurrence of a new kind of stem blotch disease in ber caused by alga. Symptoms were observe...

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the influence of calcium fertilization upon mineral content and fruit quality attributes of dragon fruit. Soil application of calcium @ 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 600 g hill-1 year-1 were made. The attributes such as fruit yield, weight, pulp firmness, Total Soluble Solids, reducing and non-redu...

In nutshell, invasive species causes serious threat to the natural ecosystem. Severe and up surging phenomenon of exotic rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus (Martin) became a major concern in global crop production. The present study aimed to document and assesses the host range, nature and intensity of damage caused by thi...

Tamarind is one of the highly valued fruit trees of the tropical world. Considering the potential of the crop, a precise standardised description of its growth stages and thermal time requirement were studied to ensure efficient agronomic practices. Phenological growth stages of tamarind are defined according to the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt,...

Effect of gamma irradiation was assessed on germination percentage, survival rate, growth, chlorophyll content, carbohydrate, protein, flavonoids, phenol, and proline content of dragon fruits. The experiment was conducted on red (S. monacanthus) and white fleshed (S. undatus) genotype of dragon fruit (CHDF-1 and CHDF-2) at Central Horticultural Exp...

Aim: Methodology: Results: Interpretation: Present study aimed to assess the efficacy of paclobutrazol on vegetative growth, root traits, and nutrient uptake in mango.-Pot experiment was conducted in young grafted plants of Amrapali variety treated with four concentrations of paclobutrazol viz., 100 mg l 1-1-1-1 , 200 mg l , 500 mg l and 1000 mg l....

Effect of chemical mutagen (EMS) was assessed on germination, survival rate, growth, chlorophyll content, carbohydrate, protein, flavonoids, phenol, and proline content of dragon fruits. The experiment was conducted on red (S. monacanthus) and white fleshed (S. undatus) genotype of dragon fruit (CHDF-1 and CHDF-2) at Central Horticultural Experimen...

The investigations on varietal (30) reaction and impact of inflorescence midge Procontarinia mangiferae (Felt) control practices on fruit retention and yield of mango variety Amrapali were carried out in the east coast region of India. Results revealed that the incidence of midge among the genotypes varied significantly (F29, 58 = 25.88; P<0.00). T...

Boron plays crucial role in metabolic processes during fruit ripening and in turn ensures better fruit quality. However limited studies have been conducred to assess the infuence of boron on fruit quality of dragon fruit. In the present study, the efficacy of boron was investigated on red-fleshed dragon fruie (Selenicereus acanthus). Four levels of...

Invasive species causes serious threat to the natural ecosystem. Severe and up surging phenomenon of exotic rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin became a major concern in global crop production. The present study aimed to document and assesses the host range, nature, and intensity of damage caused by this cryptic spec...

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the comparative response of guava var. Arka Amulya to branch bending practice during winter and summer for controlling shoot vigour and improving flushing, yield, and quality of harvest under hot and humid climate of Odisha. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with five treatments c...

An experiment was conducted during 2018-2020 to study the genetic diversity in 24 morphological traits using D 2 statistics in mango genotypes of eastern tropical region of India. Present study reveals that the clustering pattern based on D 2 statistics grouped 40 genotypes of mango into 7 clusters, out of which cluster VI (7397.45) shows the highe...

Fruit tree-based intercropping system is commonly practiced in India; however, optimization of light environment for intercrops is essentially required to enhance their productivity. Influence of three shade intensities were examined on growth, biomass allocation pattern, leaf chlorophyll content, nutrient uptake, fruit yield and quality of pineapp...

A crop regulation study was carried out on sixteen-year-old orchard of guava cv. Allahabad Safeda during 2016-18 to evaluate the efficacy of some chemical defoliants for avoiding rainy crop and inducing profuse flowering during rainy season (Mrig bahar) in order to get heavy crop load during desirable season, i.e., winters. The experiment was laid...

Studies were conducted to assess the impact of grafting approach and rootstock on root traits, plant growth, leaf nutrient status, yield and cyclone-induced plant damage in sugar apple during 2014-19. In situ and ex situ grafting of sugar apple was done on A. squamosa and A. reticulata rootstock and their performance was assessed on various paramet...

Present study aimed to assess the efficacy of Paclobutrazol (PBZ) in mango in terms of vegetative growth, leaf nutrient status, flowering, yield, and fruit quality. Moreover, residual dynamics of PBZ in soil and plant parts was also assessed. Studies were conducted under tropical hot and humid climatic conditions of eastern India during 2013-2017 o...

The occurrence of true vivipary was observed in mango var. Amrapali cultivated under tropical eastern coastal region of India. Viviparous fruits were fully mature, relatively smaller (145 ± 6.8 g), had low pulp stone ratio (4.23 ± 0.21) and high moisture content (46.8 ± 2.3). It may be presumed that the occurrence of true vivipary in mango, a rare...

Dragon Fruit

Paclobutrazol has been effective in terms of regularity and synchronization in flowering, yield enhancement and regulation of tree vigour. On the other hand, if used excessively, it causes stunting effect to plants and affects the root and microbial activities in soil. In spite of low mobility, paclobutrazol residue has been detected in soil and fr...

Indian blackberry (Syzygium cumini) is an important underutilized tropical fruit crop of India possessing high nutraceutical value. In this study phenological growth phases of Indian blackberry have been defined according to the extended BBCH (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) scale using three-digit numerical syste...

Response of guava to three levels of winter and summer pruning (30, 50 and 70%) was studied in a trial conducted during 2014-16 on eight-year-old guava plants spaced at 2.5 m × 1.25 m. In general, pruning encouraged shoot emergence, irrespective of time and intensity, however, winter pruning resulted in production of more shoots or laterals (27.02...

Geographical Indication, an exclusive community rights, recognizes crucial roles played by location, climate and human know-how in making the products distinguished on the basis of their unique intrinsic attributes. It acts as an effective tool in protecting and rewarding not only the market potential of elite items but also the traditional knowled...

The study aims at identifying the potential role of Indian farmwomen in fruit based production system along with realising their constraints which limits their considerable contribution in terms of technology application, use of agri-inputs and commercial marketing. The magnitude of their participation is hardly visualized, which creates perceptibl...

Pineapple (Ananas comosus), a herbaceous perennial fruit species, is the third most important tropical fruit of the world. It is cultivated in more than 80 tropical and subtropical countries of the world. India is the 6th most important pineapple producing country with the production of 1.86 million MT. In India, pineapple occupies only 1.10 lakh h...

Jackfruit, the largest known edible fruit bearing tree, is one of the important fruit crops of India. It exhibits wide range of diversity with respect to fruit character and bulb quality. It is an important component of homestead garden because of its multifarious uses (dessert, vegetable and pickle) and high nutritive value. In spite of high food...

3 Ps made significant contribution in enhancing yield and fruit quality. It was observed that in spite of high cost of cultivation, the benefit–cost ratio was substantially high (>2.3) under HDPS managed with 3 Ps, due to substantial increase in fruit yield. It is evident from the findings that the 3 Ps are vital interventions in regulating plant g...

ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram Centre, Kolasib was established in May 1975 to cater the research needs of the state in the fields of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, etc.The centre has a mandate to come out with suitable land use system as an alternative to shifting cultivation.Keeping the mandate and the defined objectiv...

Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) is an important fruit crop cultivated in subtropics and tropics for its high nutraceutical value. The present study defines codes and phenological stages of Indian gooseberry (aonla) according to the extended BBCH (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) scale using three-digit nume...

Bael (Aegle marmelos) is an important rutaceous fruit widely cultivated in India. This crop is revered for its high economic and therapeutic value. However, its phenology has not yet been described systematically. Detailed description of phenological growth stages of bael using the extended Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische In...

Hylocereus undatus is a night blooming, hemiepiphytic climbing cactus known for its high fruit value and market potential. However there is a dearth of information about its phenology. The present study defines codes and phenological stages of dragon fruit according to the extended BBCH (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Indus...

Performance of aonla (Emblica Officinalis Gaerten.) varieties was evaluated with respect to their flowering behaviour, yield and fruit quality at Central Horticultural Experiment Station (ICAR-IIHR), Bhubaneswar during 2011-14. Flower initiated in November and continued till February with the perceptibly long flowering duration (51- 85 days). Decem...

Sapota (Manilkara zapota) is an important evergreen fruit crop cultivated in the tropics with a high marketpotential. However its phenology has been poorly described. The present study defines codes and phe-nological stages of sapota according to the extended BBCH (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamtund Chemische Industrie) scale using three-...

Guava ( L.) exhibits two distinct periods of flowering, i.e., spring ( ) and rainy ( ) under hot and humid climate of Odisha. gives the rainy crop whereas, gives the winter crop. Though, the quantum of production is low during winter yet, it fetches high market value and superior in quality. Considering the fruit quality and better market price of...

Paclobutrazol (PBZ), a triazole derivative, has been effectively used to induce and manipulate flowering, fruiting and tree vigour in several perennial fruit crops. However its use in mango is quite common. Soil application of paclobutrazol has been efficacious in promoting flowering and increasing yield in many fruit crops. However, there are some...

In the treatments plots, where insect pests were managed by integrating all technologies, the infestation of insect pests was less (lemon butterfly 2 larvae per 50 shoots, 6.0 % leaf miner infested shoots, 4.0 % aphid infested shoots, 10 % trunk borer and 10% bark eating caterpillar and 8 % fruit fly) in comparison to the second one where the farme...

Study on horticulture + crop + dairy + poultry (H + C + D + P) and horticulture + crop + dairy+ poultry + sheep/ goat (H + C + D + P + S/G) farming systems was conducted in Tiruvallur and Thanjavur districts of Tamil Nadu, India to understand the contribution of horticulture-based farming system in providing sustainable livelihood and influencing t...

Arka Amulya and Hisar safeda were found relatively promising due to their yield potential and fruit quality in terms of TSS/acid ratio and vitamin C content. Arka Mridula, Pant Prabhat, Safed Jam, Allahabad Safeda, Allahabad Surkha and Lalit possessed good fruit quality; however they had moderate yield potential. In spite of good fruit quality, G1,...

Shoot tip necrosis (STN) has been observed to be the major limiting factor for in vitro regeneration of Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. The intensity of necrosis at shoot multiplication stage was relatively higher (82%) when compared with rooting stage (64%). The necrosis appeared with the yellowing of apical leaves after 1 wk of first subculture (14 d)...

Mango varieties and hybrids were evaluated for flowering behaviour, fruit maturity, yield and physico-chemical properties during 2011–14 at the research farm of Central Horticutural Experiment Station, Bhubaneswar. December was the critical month for panicle initiation, whereas January was the major period for peak bloom under the eastern tropical...

Polyembryony is the occurrence of more than one embryo in a seed which consequently results in the emergence of multiple seedlings. The additional embryos result from the differentiation and development of various maternal and zygotic tissues associated with the ovule of seed. Earlier, polyembryony is said to have an abnormal feature but now it is...

Mango continues to be the most important fruit of India due to its wide range of adaptability, high nutritive value, varietal strength and delicacy. Unlike other fruit crops, the area, production and productivity of mango have been marginally increased in last five years which in turn shows the better growth of other fruit crops. On the other hand...

Under protected condition, tomato - pea- carrot - cucumber gave the maximum production production efficiency, return (13 336.1/100m2), BCR (4.05) and profitability (36.53/100m2/day). Whereas, pea - coriander - frenchbean - bitter gourd was least profitable. The production cost under polyhouse was about 1.5 times higher than that of open field; howe...

The effect of bio-fertilizer was studied in banana accessions intensively collected from ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram Centre, Kolasib, Mizoram during 2009-2010. To assess the efficacy of different bio-fertilizer viz., Azospirillium, Azotobacter and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) either alone or in combination was applied 20...

Pollination biology of Annona squamosa was investigated in the context of functional specialization and pollination syndrome. Hermaphroditic flower exhibited protogynous dichogamy as stigma became receptive a day before anther dehiscence. Flowers produce moderately high number (16,280 ± 324) of spherical and medium size (98.6 μm × 87.3 μm) pollen w...

A study on floral phenology, floral visitors, foraging nature of floral visitors, nectar production, pollination efficiency and stigma receptivity of large cadamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) of the family Zingiberaceae conducted during 2009-10. Anthesis in large cardamom took place in the early morning (around 5:30 am) and flowers offer plenty of ant...

Here we study functional specialization in Amomum subulatum in recruiting specific pollinators and in exhibiting pollination syndrome. Among diverse assemblages of animals, only native bumble-bees (Bombus braviceps Smith and Bombus haemorrhoidalis Smith) acted as effective pollinators in terms of visitation frequency, pollination efficiency, pollin...