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Efforts to enrich the varietal wealth in litchi with desired cultivars have been attempted. At ICAR-NRCL hybridization efforts have been emphasized for the past decades. The observed characteristic features and constraints encountered during the period were identified and systematic observations were taken. Studies show that the low genetic variability, small window of flowering period and stigma receptivity, small flower size, panicle injury, high flower and fruit drop, low seed germination and survivability are the prime hurdle that needs to be addressed. On average, the flowering period reported is 10–14 days which is even shorter during periods of increasing weather temperature. Across cultivars, the effective pollination period is very narrow and coincidence of stigma receptivity among cultivars was observed making it very challenging to attempt a maximum number of crosses within a short period. It was also observed that large numbers of small-sized and delicate flowers are produced in a panicle which injure the panicles during thinning and emasculation. Less than 3% of pollinated flowers were observed to attain fruit set which also registered low fruit retention during subsequent fruit development. The attack of seed borer at both the early and mature stages of fruit growth was noted which rendered the seeds non-viable. Parent incompatibility and very low success rate of hybrid seedling establishment were also observed especially in crosses involving small seeded parents like 'Bedana'. Here we present findings from a decade of experimentation on hybridization in litchi and document hurdles that come in the way of developing hybrids in litchi. Such information will be crucial for devising strategies for an effective litchi breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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, under high density planting system of mango (833 plants ha− 1). Y trellis facilitated better availability of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) in upper (793 µmol m− 2 s− 1) and lower canopy layers (487 µmol m− 2 s− 1) by exhibiting moderate interception of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR). Y-trellis also manifested relatively higher photosynthetic activity (6.07 µmol CO2 m− 2 s− 1 and 5.24 µmol CO2 m− 2 s− 1), stomatal conductance (0.194 µmol H2O m− 2 s− 1 and 0.172 µmol H2O m− 2 s− 1), carbohydrate and protein content in upper and lower canopy layers. On the other hand, espalier system demonstrated high rate of PAR interception and low photosynthetic activity. Mango canopy with Y-trellis and open centre forms provided better results in terms of flowering intensity and fruit yield. Fruits from Y-trellis exhibited relatively better colour attributes, sucrose and β-carotene content. Alternatively, soluble solid contents, citric acid, carbohydrate and protein content were unaffected with the training systems. It was evident from PCA biplots that Y-trellis had close proximity with light intensity, photosynthetic characteristics, flowering intensity, yield, and fruit quality attributes. Moreover, path coefficient analysis indicated that PPFD, iPAR and photosynthetic rate (Pn) were the most important predictors for determining flowering in mango. The findings of the present study demonstrate that optimized canopy architecture is instrumental for effective utilization of radiation energy for higher flowering intensity, yield and fruit quality in mango. Economic assessment of training system indicated that Y-trellis was more feasible system when cultivation was aimed to maximise the profit with no restriction on investment. However under capital constraint situation open centre system was more profitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study was undertaken between 2015–2017 in Tharu tribal-dominated Bakwa Chandraul and Parsauni villages in the West Champaran district of Bihar, India. After initially understanding the socio-economic status and major role of tribal farm women in the home and farm decision-making process, horticulture-based interventions were introduced in homestead gardens managed by the women. Interventions included the introduction of high-yielding hybrids and varieties of vegetables (Bottle gourd, pumpkin, okra, cowpea, cauliflower, cabbage, pea and radish) and fruit (mango, litchi, guava and lime), and training and skill development in vermicomposting, mushroom cultivation, and fruit and vegetable processing. During the study period, the farm women were not only able to produce more for their own family consumption but could also sell the produce in the local market. Horti-based interventions improved productivity and increased farm income by more than 20% among the tribal women selected in this study; thereby providing farm women greater leverage to make purchases for the family. Our study shows how existing farming systems can be refined and fine-tuned through horti-based micro-interventions to increase farm and family income among tribal women, and bring about positive changes in the socio-economic and nutritional condition of tribal farm families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic diversity in morphological and physico-chemicaltraits of nine genotypes of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) growing under the agroclimatic conditions of Bihar was studied during 2018-19. The genotypes IC-0614730 and IC-0614737 exhibited bright pink colour of young leave and others had yellowish green. Its fruit shape and colour was round and deep pink, respectively. Pink flushes genotypes were late, while yellowish green were early in maturity. These two genotypes showed lowest fruit weight (17.35 g and 16.38 g), TSS (17.86 and 18.35 Brix), seed content (10.66% and 11.97%) but higher pulp content (71.18% and 74.66%). Significant variations were recorded in phenolics and flavonoids contents among the genotypes with highest content in both IC-0614730 and IC-0614737. These two genotypes can be potentially exploited in litchi industry for pulp making and nutraceutical uses. The genotypes differed in most of the morphological characteristics which can be exploited for improvement in litchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litchi is a sub-tropical fruit crop with genotypes that bear fruits with variable seed size. Small seed size is a desirable trait in litchi, as it improves consumers' preference and facilitates fruit processing. Seed specific transcriptome analysis was performed in two litchi genotypes with contrasting seed size to identify the genes associated with seed development. The transcriptomic sequence data from seeds at mid-development stages (16–28 days after anthesis) were de-novo assembled into 1,39,608 Trinity transcripts. Out of these, 6325 transcripts expressed differentially between the two contrasting genotypes. Several putative genes for salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and brassinosteriod pathways were down-regulated in seeds of the small-seeded litchi. The putative regulators of seed maturation and seed storage were down-regulated in the small-seeded genotype. Embryogenesis, cell expansion, seed size and stress related Trinity transcripts exhibited differential expression. Further studies on gene characterization will reveal the early regulators of seed size in litchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litchi is a sub-tropical fruit crop with genotypes that bear fruits with variable seed size. Small seed size is a desirable trait in litchi, as it improves consumers' preference and facilitates fruit processing. Seed specific transcriptome analysis was performed in two litchi genotypes with contrasting seed size to identify the genes associated with seed development. The transcriptomic sequence data from seeds at mid-development stages (16–28 days after anthesis) were de-novo assembled into 1,39,608 Trinity transcripts. Out of these, 6325 transcripts expressed differentially between the two contrasting genotypes. Several putative genes for salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and brassinosteriod pathways were down-regulated in seeds of the small-seeded litchi. The putative regulators of seed maturation and seed storage were down-regulated in the small-seeded genotype. Embryogenesis, cell expansion, seed size and stress related Trinity transcripts exhibited differential expression. Further studies on gene characterization will reveal the early regulators of seed size in litchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies were carried out in National Active Germplasm Site (NAGS) at ICAR-NRC on Litchi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India during 2018 and 2019 to find out the association between different characters and magnitude of association of different characters with yield (kg plant-1) in nine clones of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.). Result revealed that genotypic coefficient were higher than their corresponding phenotypic ones implying an inherent relationship among them. The differences between genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV and GCV) were found narrow for all traits indicate least influence of environment on traits. Heritability was more than 80% for all the parameters studied except seed weight (34.90%) and TSS (73.20%). Correlation analysis quantifies only the degree of association between two characters and non-significant correlation coefficient value cannot be taken to imply absence of functional relationship between the two variables but path coefficient analysis reveals this by breaking the total correlation coefficient into components of direct and indirect effects. The number of leaflet, leaf length, leaf width, rachis length, petiole length, length of panicle, fruit weight, pulp weight, TSS, total sugar and seed weight exhibited positive correlation. Among the character studied, leaf length (1.646), TSS (0.975), length of panicle (0.900), petiole length (0.639), and number of fruit per panicle (0.601), seed weight (0.465) and pulp weight (0.370) recorded maximum positive direct effect towards yield at both the level. This study revealed that leaf length, panicle length, number of fruit per panicle and seed weight could form a selection criterion for yield improvement in litchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted during 2017 and 2018 at active field gene bank of ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi to assess the effect of open cross pollination and self-pollination on fruit set and fruit characteristics in litchi. Nine cultivars of litchi were selected for study and result indicated that fruit set ranged from 17.41 to 68.14 per cent with maximum in 'Ellaichi' and minimum in 'Shahi'. The only three cultivars 'Ajhauli', 'Dehradoon' and 'Rose Scented' carried out fruit (0.28, 0.41 and 2.11%, respectively) at harvest under self-pollination condition while all nine cultivars carried out fruit at harvest ranged from 1.23 to 3.16 with maximum in 'Rose Scented' and minimum in 'Dehradoon' under open cross pollination. 'Dehradoon' had shown 3.23 fold more fruit set at harvest under open cross pollination as compare to self-pollination, similarly 'Rose Scented' and 'Ajhauli' has shown 2.98 fold and 10.5 fold, respectively more fruit set at harvest compare to self-pollination. The fruit weight was heavier in all three cultivars 'Dehradoon' (21.46 g), 'Rose Scented' (20.37 g) and 'Ajhauli' (18.95 g) in open cross pollination as compare to self-pollinated 'Dehradoon' (19.67 g), 'Rose Scented' (18.89 g) and 'Ajhauli' (17.35 g). The relatively self-incompatible was observed in 'Late Large Red', 'Ellaichi', 'Dehradoon', 'Rose Scented' whereas severely self-incompatible was found in 'Shahi' and 'Ajhauli'. The completely self-incompatibility was observed in 'Trikolia', 'Dehra Rose' and 'Deshi'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiment was laid out in RBD design with seven treatments comprised of pruning of affected twigs (July & October) and miticides (chlorfenapyr & spiromesifen) sprayed twice in July and once in October months to evaluate the efficacy of various integrated approaches. Results revealed that initial mite infestation ranged from 31.9 to 45.9%. During 2017-18, no mite infestation was recorded from October to fruiting stage in pruning and removal of affected twigs followed by two spraying of chlorfenapyr 10 EC (0.03%) or spiromesifen 22.9 SC (0.034%) at 15 days interval during July and again pruning in October with one spraying of chlorfenapyr or spiromesifen against 89.0% in control at fruiting stage, followed by no pruning in October along with spraying of chlorfenapyr with 7.6% mite infestation at flowering stage. Similar trend in 2018-19 confirmed that pruning in July and October followed spraying of miticides (chlorfenapyr or spiromesifen) twice in July and once in October were highly effective against litchi mite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is a nutritious crop from the Moraceae family. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the phenotypic diversity of fruit characteristics using a set of 27 standardized fruit descriptors to describe 28 jackfruit genotypes. These data were used to identify the superior jackfruit genotype that could be used for commercial cultivation. The data revealed a wide range of differences among the genotypes for all the traits studied. Cluster analysis classified the genotypes into four major groups that confirmed the wide diversity among them. Principal component analysis (PCA) also revealed that 80.22% of the variability among the jackfruit genotypes was explained by the first five principal components (PCs). Based on the overall results, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER) JS 6/3 and 10/3 genotypes were found to be the most promising for table purposes (medium fruit size, pulp percentage >50 and total soluble solid (TSS) >20°Brix), whereas the ICAR-RCER JS 7/7 genotype with large fruit size, pulp percentage >50 and TSS >20°Brix was found to be suitable for processing. The coefficient of variation was the least for traits such as TSS (12.56%) and average seed length (13.56%). Hence, priority may also be given to the TSS and seed size when exploring promising genotypes and operating a selection procedure for crop improvement in jackfruit. The information generated under the study forms a potential baseline for fruit breeders to use in selecting genotypes with superior fruit qualities for jackfruit crop improvement programmes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of inflorescence on fruit set, yield and quality of three litchi cultivars viz., Rose Scented, Mandaraji and Seedless Late in 2017 and 2018 at ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Panicle length determined fruit set in Rose Scented and Mandaraji, and panicle length and girth are important for fruit retention in Seedless Late. Results revealed that there was a strong correlation between the length and width of panicle in cultivar Rose Scented (0.989), Mandaraji (0.970) and Seedless Late (0.771). The length of panicle was highly and positively correlated with fruit set in cultivar Rose Scented (0.896), Mandaraji (0.955) and Seedless Late (0.943) and it was also positively and strongly correlated with girth of panicle in cultivar Rose Scented (0.763) and Seedless Late (0.966) and weakly correlated in Mandaraji (0.526). A strong correlation between girth of panicle with fruit set in both years was also observed in Rose Scented (0.882) and Seedless Late (0.940). A very strong correlation between girth of panicle and fruit weight was observed in Seedless Late (0.608) in both the year. The optimum girth of panicle was 4.23 mm in Mandaraji for higher fruit set. However, in Seedless Late, fruit set increased with increase in panicle length and girth. For genetic improvement in litchi, emphasis on length and girth of panicle should be given during selection of improved cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted on eight year-old litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. Shahi at ICAR-NRC on Litchi, Muzaffrapur, Bihar during 2017-18. The results showed that trees started opening of flowers (male, hermaphrodite functionally female and hermaphrodite functionally male) on 4, 11 and 16 March 2017, and 11, 17 and 24 March 2018 respectively, whereas, in 15 year-old trees, anthesis of male, hermaphrodite functionally female and hermaphrodite functionally male was earlier on 1, 7 and 13 March 2017, and 7, 14 and 20 March 2018, respectively. Similarly, eight-year-old plant of Longia started opening of flowers (male, hermaphrodite functionally female and hermaphrodite functionally male) on 19, 27 and 30 March 2017, and 22, 30 March 2018 and 1 April 2018, respectively and 15 year-old trees started opening of flowers on 14, 21 and 25 March 2017 and 18, 25 and 29 March 2018, respectively. The eight year old Kasba plants located near road side were recorded with anthesis of flowers (male, female and hermaphrodite male flowers) on 12, 17 and 23 March 2017, and 16, 20 and 24 March 2018, respectively, whereas, 15-year old Kasba plant located at the centre of the field started opening of flowers on 15, 19 and 22 March 2017 and 20, 24 and 27 March 2018, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted in the year 2018 at ICAR-NRC on Litchi to investigate the effect of different pollen grain sources on fruit set and fruit retention in 'Bedana' litchi. The enclosed flower panicles of 'Bedana' were hand pollinated with male (M2) pollen from 'Shahi', 'China', 'Rose Scented', 'SwarnaRoopa' and 'Bedana' flowers. The current season's pollen as well as one year old pollen stored at 4 °C was used for pollination. The numbers of fruit set and fruit retention per panicle were determined throughout the fruit development period starting from pollination to harvest on a weekly basis. Initial fruit set was higher in all cross-pollination with pollen sources 'Shahi', 'China' 'Rose Scented' and 'Swarna Roopa' compared to self-pollination with pollen 'Bedana'. The final fruit retention in 'Bedana' was higher with all sources used for cross-pollination whereas there was no fruit retention in self-pollination where "Bedana" was used as source of pollen grains. Results indicated that cross-pollination in 'Bedana' litchi is essential for fruit set and fruit retention. The limited number of initial fruit set resulted in high retention of fruits (1.64% and 1.69%) in 'Bedana' with current season and one year old pollen of 'SwarnaRoopa'. It indicated that number of female flower should be restricted in a panicle for further pollination which would ensure good fruit retention at harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bael is a medicinal cum fruit tree with multipurpose utility and propagated mostly through seeds. It is mostly found in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Thailand and China. Focus on collection of bael variability has increased in recent times with an aim towards their utilization as fresh or made into 'Sharbat', one of the most popular drinks in the Indian. Its lots of evidence have showed immense potential of nutritional and medicinal properties used in various ethnic societies. The present investigation was carried out to exploit genetic variability in bael fruits. Seventy-five genotypes were characterized for sixteen fruit traits viz. fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, skin weight, no. of seed, seed weight, pulp weight, skin per cent, seed per cent, pulp per cent, skin thickness, fruit volume, TSS, acidity, reducing sugar and total sugars during 2015. Observations of growing seedling trees showed rich genetic variations regarding their fruit characteristics. The fruit characteristics, viz., fruit weight ranged from (315.20–1608.65 g), fruit length (81.39–173.43 mm), fruit width (89.76–136.35 mm), skin weight (88.62–358.07 g), number of seed (37.67–195.40), seed weight (7.48–54.33 g), pulp weight (201.17–1243.87 g), skin % (9.59–42.83%), seed % (0.97–7.97%), pulp % (53.72–89.33%), skin thickness (1.43–4.10 mm), volume of fruit (285.00–1555.00 cc), TSS (24.40–47.80°Brix), acidity (0.15–0.40%), reducing sugar (0.37–11.90 mg/100 g) and total sugars (7.14–20.83 mg/100 g) among the different genotypes. On the basis of overall assessment, one genotype, ICAR-RCER BS 6/1 was found to be the most promising. Based on fruit properties, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to qualitatively and quantitatively discriminate the germplasm difference. Eight principal components, which contribute 94.80% of the total variability, were selected for analysis. Biplot between PC1 and PC2 showed that genotypes namely ICAR-RCER BS 6/1, 18/2, 25/5, 21/1, 17/3, 26/1, 18/5, 1/11, 8/1 and 14/4 were very different from each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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An investigation was carried out at ICAR-IIHR-Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Bhubaneswar, India during 2010-14 to standardize deficit drip irrigation scheduling and mulching for mango hybrid 'Amrapali' in a split plot design with nine treatment combinations and four replications. Main plot treatments consisted of three drip irrigation schedules, ., 25, 50 and 75% pan evaporation replenishment (PER) whereas, subplots comprised of three levels of mulching, ., no mulch, organic mulch (10 cm thick layer of paddy straw) and inorganic mulch (100 thick UV stabilized black polythene sheet). Drip irrigation was provided daily through hydrogol system having four drippers of 8 liter per hour (lph) discharge capacity during fruit setting to fruit maturity (February to May). Drip irrigation at 75% PER recorded the maximum annual canopy area increment (2.64 m), fruit retention (25.42%), yield (21.22 kg tree) and number of fruits (123.81 fruits plant), that was with 50% PER. Fruit quality parameters, ., pulp, peel and stone contents, TSS and acidity did not show significant differences with change in PER levels. Application of organic and inorganic mulches not only enhanced the fruit retention and yield but also, improved fruit quality in terms of TSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation of phenolic compounds in cell walls of different plant organs leading to increased lignification is an early defence response of plants against biotic stress. The aim of this work was to delineate occurrence of cell wall-bound (CWB) phenolic compounds in Morinda citrifolia leaves. Alkaline hydrolysis of the cell wall material of leaf tissues yielded 4-coumaric acid (4-CA) as the major bulk of the phenolic compounds in all Morinda germplasms. Next in line was 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Other phenolics identified were vanillic acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, vanillin and ferulic acid. Concentrations of all the CWB phenolics were highest in the germplasm CHN-5, followed by the germplasm CHN-1. Incidentally, these two Morinda germplasms recorded lowest incidence of foliar diseases. Significantly higher amounts of 4-CA in combination with other phenolics may be the reasons for lowest incidence of foliar diseases in CHN-5 and CHN-1 germplasms of M. citrifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies were conducted to assess the prevalence and damage caused by four threatening pests viz., red weevil (Apoderus blandus), looper (Perixera illepidaria), leaf roller (Dudua aprobola), bagworm (Eumeta crameri) and one disease, 'leaf and twig blight' (caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz., and Gloeosporium sp.) at National Research Centre for Litchi (NRCL) that were hitherto either unnoticed or of minor importance. Fixed plot surveys at the NRCL Experimental Farm and scouting surveys in farmers' litchi orchard in major litchi growing areas of Bihar state were conducted during 2011-2012. The studies revealed the damaging potential and period of occurrence of these pests and disease in the major litchi growing areas. A. blandus was prevalent round the year except during extreme cool and hot weather months whereas P. illepidaria was prevalent from September-November and E. crameri during November-February. Peak infestation of D. aprobola was during July-February. Infestation of A. blandus, D. aprobola, and E. crameri drastically affected the growth of tree whereas P. illepidaria damaged the September flush that bears panicle in the ensuing season. The 'leaf and twig blight' disease was prevelent from the beginning of August to the end of February. These pests and disease are now important not only in Bihar but also other litchi growing states of India. Considering their importance, there is a need for continuous surveillance particularly during the likely period of occurrence so that effective management strategies can be adopted. This paper reports occurrence of E. crameri on litchi for the first time from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations were undertaken to develop a better understanding of assimilate partitioning behavior in litchi, with respect to the role of stored assimilates translocated from other sources in the plant during the fruiting season. The first experiment examined the fruit growth pattern in the litchi 'Shahi'. The second experiment focused on the limitation of assimilate supply to litchi fruits by leaf removal and girdling. The third experiment was aimed at fulfilling the assimilate requirement of growing litchi bunches through current photosynthesis by foliar application of a photosynthesis enhancer (triacontanol). The fruits exhibited a sigmoidal growth pattern with a phase of rapid growth 40 to 60 days after fruit set. Irrespective of method or distance of source limitation, the maximum percent of fruit drop was observed when the source limitation treatments were imposed 30 days after fruit set. Source limitation at all the distances resulted in significant increases in percent of fruit drop over those with no source limitations. With respect to different treatments, all forms of source limitation resulted in significant increase in fruit drop over the control. The results suggest that a contribution of carbohydrate from current photosynthesis for partial fulfillment of total carbon demand of growing fruits is necessary. Only no limitation of current photosynthesis contributed towards 0% loss in fruit weight while a limitation of carbohydrate translocation (girdling) contributed towards an 8.5% loss in fruit weight. However, under the condition of limited carbohydrate translocation, restriction on current photosynthesis caused a 19.1% loss in average fruit weight. Studies on foliar application of photosynthesis enhancers (triacontanol) on fruit drop in litchi under restricted (girdled) and unrestricted translocation of assimilate from other parts of the plant were conducted. These indicated a reduction in the rate of fruit drop with an increase in the concentration of triacontanol in case of unrestricted translocation of assimilate. However, under restricted assimilate translocation, increasing concentrations of triacontanol did not result in reducing the percent of fruit drop. Hence, the study clearly indicated the major role of translocated assimilates from other plant parts in fulfilling the assimilate demand of growing fruits in litchi where current photosynthesis contributes partially towards assimilate demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]