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The study reported 14 diploid cultivars, 2 triploids and a single S allele in 4 partially genotyped cultivars. Frequency analysis reported the highest diversity of allele S9, followed by S3, S2, S10, S28, S1, S5, S7, and S23 in decreasing order. Consequently, three incompatibility groups were framed, which comprised of 2 completely incompatible groups, 76 partially compatible combinations and 106 completely compatible pollination. Six possible cross combinations can be formulated from 4 partially genotyped cultivars comprising. The compilation shall be helpful for formulating breeding programs without facing the issue of incompatibility, creation of aromatic apple hybrids, and proper orchard planning.

Managing irrigation efficiently is paramount given the uncertainty in the future availability of water and rising demand for this resource. Scheduled irrigation significantly influences vegetative growth through improving crop physiology and nutrient uptake and use efficiency. Influence of different irrigation treatments (100%, 75%, and 50% volume of Class A pan evapotranspiration) applied at four different phenological stages (flowering and fruit set (C1), fruit growth stage (C2), pre-harvest stage (C3), and throughout the growing season (C4)) through drip along with a control (rainfed) on leaf physiology, nutrient content, and uptake through gene expression was studied on Super Chief Sandidge variety raised on M9T337 (5 and 6 years old) grown at a spacing of 1.5 × 3 m (2222 plants/ha) under high density condition of Kashmir Himalayan range of India. A comparison of data reveals that drip irrigation at 100% Crop evapotranspiration (ETc) increased leaf area by 60% compared to rainfed conditions. Leaf area significantly increased in plants irrigated throughout the growing season (C4) and during flowering and fruit set stage (C1). Irrigation amount likely does not have any influence on leaf development after the fruit growth stage. Stomatal opening and their size greatly vary from no irrigation to optimum irrigation in these plants. High density apple trees exposed to optimum irrigation levels (100% and 75% ET) had significantly higher concentrations of nutrients (N, P, and K) in their leaf tissues. The concentration of Ca and Mg content in leaf tissues are greatly influenced by the optimum supply of water during the early growth stages of apple growth. The availability of water significantly influences nutrient transporter gene expression and thus nutrient uptake by regulating such transporter genes. It is therefore observed that proper irrigation during C1 and stage C2 stage are the critical growth stages of apple for optimum leaf physiological activity and proper nutrient uptake.

The diversity of genetic resources provides the sustainable basis for food supply and security. A wide range of fruit species like grapes, loquat, mango, guava, citrus, banana, apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot, grapes, and nuts like almond, pistachio nut, pecan nut, and walnut are grown worldwide. These fruit species have been diversified through human selection, hybridization, and other processes of fruit improvement over hundreds of years. Hundreds and thousands of clones/local cultivars of different fruit crops are grown in particular ecological regions of the world with different characteristics. Wide variation exists in fruit size, shape, color, taste, seed size, quality of the cultivars of particular fruit crop. Many of these species are also important nutritional resources for local people. The adaptation pattern of different species varies from the arid dry to the humid regions to temperate and tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Leek (Allium ampeloprasum L.) is one of the most popular vegetables cultivated all over the world, and it belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae/Alliaceae. The Allium ampeloprasum L. is categorized into wild leek, cultivated leek, kurrat, pearl onion, taree and great-headed garlic based on their diverse cytogenetic and morphological characters. Leeks are known for their characteristic flavours and medicinal value. Leeks have excellent nutritional properties and are a rich source of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. Leeks are rich in indietary fibres; fructans; PUFA, predominantly linoleic acid; various amino acids, mainly glutamine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, arginine and alanine; and organic acids like ascorbic acid and malic acid. The bioactive compounds and phytochemicals like S-alkyl-L-cysteine sulphoxides, polyphenols, saponins, kaempferol glycosides, β-carotene, pectic polysaccharides and tocopherols are responsible for various health benefits. These phytochemicals have excellent antioxidant and potent anticarcinogenic properties which help in the reduction of colorectal, stomach and breast cancers. Consumption of leeks causes a reduction of the risk of hypercholesterolemia, blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and platelet aggregation which helps in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Besides these, the leeks have antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi and viruses.

Average number of flowers/cluster was found highest in ‘Fuji Zehn Aztec’ (5.92) and average number of fruits/cluster was recorded in ‘Golden Clone B’ (3.24). Fruit to leaf ratio was found maximum in ‘Golden Clone B’ (34.65) and lowest in ‘Super Chief Sandidge’ (25.28). Fruit set (%) and Fruit retention (%) was observed maximum in variety ‘Golden Clone B’ (85.09% and 48.49% respectively). Highest yield and yield efficiency was observed highest in ‘Golden Clone B’ (4.95 kg/tree and 1.42 kg/cm2 respectively). As per the maturity ‘Gala Red Lum’ may be categorized as early, ‘Super Chief Sandidge’ as mid-season and ‘Fuji Zhen Aztec’ and ‘Golden Clone B’ found late. The overall results indicate that the introduced apple varieties are characterized with different biological and quality polymorphism. All of the studied varieties show positive characteristics and can be recommended for further evaluation and mass multiplication.

The study was undertaken to make preliminary assessment for morphological and growth characteristics of new exotic apple varieties viz., Super Chief Sandidge, Gala Red Lum, Fuji Zehn Aztec, and Golden Clone B imported from Italy on M9T337 rootstock and planted at a distance of 1.5× 3m on four wire trellis system (2222trees/ha) in an experimental orchard of SKUAST-K established in spring 2013. Characteristics like Tree height (m), TCSA (cm2), canopy area (cm2), incremental growth of tree height (cm), shoot length (cm), number of shoots, intermodal length (cm), annual shoot extension (cm) and leaf area (cm2) were recorded. Super Chief Sandidge was observed to be highly dwarf variety in terms of tree morphology and Fuji Zehn Aztec as moderate. Growth characteristics were highest in Golden clone B and lowest in Super Chief Sandidge. On the basis of vegetative behavior, variety Super Chief Sandidge planting at the rate of 3906 trees/ha can be recommended to utilize the inter-tree space more efficiently and for high productivity.