Journal of Spices and Aromatic Crops
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Effect of agronomic practices on productivity and profitability of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.)
Get PDFA field experiment was carried out at Ajmer (Rajasthan) to find out the optimum sowing time and crop geometry for realising higher productivity and profitability in anise (Pimpinella anisum L.). Fifteen treatment combinations comprising of five dates of sowing viz., 15th October, 30th October, 15th November, 30th November and 15th December in main plot and three crop geometry viz., 20 cm × 10 cm, 25 cm × 10 cm and 30 cm × 10 cm spacing in sub plot were taken. The results revealed that sowing of anise on 15th October produced significantly higher plant height (7.94 cm, 40.98 cm and 54.88 at 60,90 DAS and at harvest, respectively), number of branches plant-1 (14.70 and 13.92 at 90 DAS and harvest respectively), number of umbels plant-1 (40.91), number of umbellates umbel-1 (17.4), number of seeds umbellate-1 (19.45), test weight (2.60 g), seed yield (892 kg ha 1), gross returns (Rs. 80,280 ha-1), net returns (Rs. 74,280 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio (12.38). Crop geometry of 20 cm × 10 cm significantly resulted in highest plant height, number of branches plant-1 at all stages, number of umbels plant-1 (31.57), number of umbellates umbel-1 (14.72), number of seeds per umbellate (17.58), test weight (2.40 g), seed yield (507 kg ha-1), net returns (Rs. 39630 ha-1) and Benefit Cost Ratio (6.61). Therefore, sowing of anise on I5th October at 20 cm × 10 cm spacing was optimum for realising higher productivity and profitability of the crop.
 
Response of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-gracecum L.) to sodicity
Get PDFField trials were conducted at Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) to study the effect of sodicity on growth, yield and cation composition of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). The treatments included five exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) levels (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50) and four varieties namely, HM-346, RMt-1, Hissar Sonali and Kalyanpur Selection. The results showed that the crop was able to endure sodicity at germination stage but an adverse effect was noticed on emergence of branches plant-1 rather than plant height. The yield attributes were unaffected up to ESP 30. The variety Kalyanpur Selection produced greater biomass and seed yield than other genotypes up to ESP 30. The cation composition of plant revealed Na inclusion mechanism and showed narrow K/Na and Ca/Na ratio in the foliage indicating the potential of fenugreek crop to withstand medium level of sodicity.
 
Physical properties of cinnamon bark
Get PDFPhysical properties of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J.Pres) bark (var. Nityashree) were determined by dividing into three grades (I, II & III) according to their size at 10.15% (db) moisture content. The values of length, breadth and thickness for grade I were 48.38 mm, 7.34 mm and 1.37 mm; for grade II were 71.81 mm, 8.45 mm and 1.00 mm; for grade III were 104.95 mm, 8.15 mm and 0.98 mm, respectively. Unit volume and surface area for grade I were 214.80 mm3 and 159.68 mm2; for grade II were 364.92 mm3 and 226.33 mm2; for grade III were 409.85 mm3 and 242.85 mm2, respectively. Bulk density and true density for grade I were 144.56 kg m-3 and 177.60 kg m-3 for grade II were 148.44 kg m-3 and 186.87 kg m-3 for grade III were 132.08 kg m-3 and 202.91 kg m-3, respectively. Porosity, angle of repose for grade I was 14.20% and 40.69°; for grade II were 20.95% and 41.56°; for grade III were 37.72% and 42.30°, respectively. The coefficient of static friction with respect to different surfaces viz., plywood, galvanized iron and aluminum sheet for grade I were 0.86, 0.94 and 0.80; for grade II were 0.84, 0.89 and 0.79; for grade III were 0.80, 0.81 and 0.70, respectively.
 
Evaluation of betelvine (Piper betle L.) cultivars in the gangetic alluvial plains of West Bengal, India
Get PDFEvaluation of 14 cultivars of betelvine (Piper betle) in the gangetic alluvial plains of West Bengal indicated that there was wide variation among them for growth, yield and quality parameters. Cultivar Simurali Sanchi showed superior performance with respect to increment in vine length (145.37 cm during June to August), fresh (364.38 g) and dry weight (52.29 g) of 100 leaves (depetiolated) and total chlorophyll content in leaves (2.45 mg g-1 tissue). Leaf production was also maximum (58.56 vine-1 year-1) in cv. Simurali Deshi.
 
Effect of irrigation, nutrient levels and crop geometry on growth and yield of dill (Anethum sowa L.)
Get PDFA field experiment was conducted during rabi season at Ajmer (Rajasthan) to study the growth, profitability and productivity of dill (Anethum sowa L.) as influenced by irrigation and nutrient levels with varying crop geometry. Three irrigation levels (12, 15 and 18 days interval) in main plot, three nutrient levels (N and P2O5 each at 60 + 30, 90 + 40 and 120 + 50 kg ha-1, respectively) in sub plot and three crop geometry patterns (40 × 25 cm, 50 × 25 cm and 60 × 25 cm) in sub-sub plot were studied. The highest plant height at all the growth stages was recorded with irrigation at 12 days interval but higher branches plant-1, dry matter plant-1, yield attributes, seed yield, straw and biological yield of 1.2, 2.1 and 3.3 t ha-1 respectively, as well as net return (Rs.15,428 ha-1) and benefit : cost ratio (0.74) was recorded with irrigation at 15 days interval. Higher plant height, dry matter accumulation at all growth stages, yield attributes, seed yield (1.2 t ha-1), straw (2.1 t ha-1) and biological yield (3.3 t ha-1) as well a net return (Rs. 14,464/-) and benefit : cost ratio (0.69) were obtained with application of 90 kg N and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 being at par with 120 kg N and 50 kg P2O5 ha-1. Crop geometry of 50 × 25 cm resulted in higher seed (1.2 t ha-1), straw (2.1 t ha-1) and biological yield (3.3 t ha-1) over 60 × 25 cm. Thus, application of irrigation at 15 days interval with 90 kg N and 40 kg P2 O5 ha-1 at 50 × 25 cm crop geometry was optimum for realizing higher yield, profitability and productivity of dill.
 
Effect of different cultural practices on production of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) in Punjab
Get PDFField experiments were conducted at Ludhiana (Punjab) to study the effect of different cultural practices on production of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Number of tillers, dry matter accumulation, number of rhizomes plant-1 and yield were significantly higher when mother rhizomes were used as planting material as compared to primary and secondary fingers. Quality parameters and nutrient uptake also increased with increase in planting material size. Number of tillers, dry matter accumulation, number of rhizomes plant-1 and yield decreased significantly with delay in planting from 25th April to 25th May. Quality parameters and nutrient uptake were also better with 25th April planting. Rhizomes plant-1, yield, quality parameters and nutrient uptake were not affected by different harvesting dates. Mother rhizomes as planting material and 25th April planting resulted in maximum net return and benefit:cost ratio.
 
Keeping quality of betel leaves (Piper betle L.) as influenced by different methods and seasons
Get PDFThe objectives of the study were to assess the keeping quality under different seasons and methods of storage to suggest the best method and season for betel leaves storage. In all the treatments, leaves in two forms i.e, petiolated and depetiolated were included. The result showed that December–January i.e, winter season was the best for longer storage of betel leaves in any form and method. Among method of storage, zero energy cool chamber was the best for longest period of storage followed by packing with banana leaves in bamboo basket. Depetiolated condition was always better than petiolated condition for enhancing storage life. Chlorophyll degradation was minimum in petiolated condition either in packing with banana leaves or in treatment with Benzylaminopurine (BA) @ 30 ppm compared to depetiolated condition. Ascorbic acid content was more in sterilized paddy straw packing and in hessian cloth lined with mustard seed and ice pieces compared to other treatments.
 
Evaluation of bacterial antagonists for the management of rhizome rot of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton)
Get PDFAmong the 90 rhizobacterial isolates screened against rhizome rot pathogens (Pythium vexans, Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani) of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) two bacterial strains viz., Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf 51 and Bacillus subtilis B45 were highly inhibitory. P. fluorescens Pf 51 exhibited highest inhibition (42.5%, 44.2% and 41.4% respectively) against P. vexans, F. oxysporum and R. solani. B. subtilis B45 also exhibited highest inhibition (43.2%, 41.2% and 42.4% respectively) against these three pathogens. P. fluorescens Pf51 was compatible with B. subtilis Bs 45. Peat formulation supported the survival of both the strains up to 270 days with a viable population of 4.3 × 107 cfu g-1 and 6.2 × 107 cfu g-1 respectively. Application of antagonists in combination with rhizome bacterization and soil application resulted in 54.0% reduction in rhizome rot over control as compared to single method such as rhizome bacterization (43.0%) or soil application (39.0%). Application of copper oxychloride and carbendazim resulted in 68.0% reduction of rhizome rot. Maximum height (167.21 cm) and number of tillers (30.14) were recorded due to the application of mixture of both the strains through rhizome bacterization and soil application.
 
Identification of fertility restorer and sterility maintainer lines in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)
Get PDFThree cytoplasmic geneic male sterile lines of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) namely, JNKVVA1, ACBGA1 and ACBGA2 showed 100% male sterility when tested with 1% acetocarmine solution. Among the 50 chilli lines crossed with the three male sterile lines, 36 lines were stable for fertility restoration (Rf) while, two lines namely, AVNPC131 and X235 were identified as sterility maintainers (rf).
 
Stability of chilli genotypes for different seasons at terai zone of West Bengal
Get PDFThe stability of 15 chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes, was studied during rabi (winter) and kharif (rainy) seasons of 2005-06 and 2006-07 at Pundibari, Cooch Behar (West Bengal). Pooled analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant genetic variability among the genotypes. With respect to different growth, yield and quality characters, significant differences were also found in all the characters except ascorbic acid, indicating the effect of environment on the performance of the genotypes. Ulka-686 showed supremacy in yield in both rabi and kharif seasons but its magnitude of yield for kharif season was about half of that of rabi season. CA-29 exhibited better performance under rabi season and Jwalan, Tejaswini and Pusa Sadabahar were adapted for kharif season.