Pre-storage dry treatment of freshly harvested (high-vigour) sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds in different seed sizes (viz. composite, large, medium and small) with red chilli powder (@ 1 g/kg of seed) and bleaching powder (@ 2g/kg of seed) significantly slowed down seed deterioration under natural ageing conditions and increased field performance and productivity along with reduced leakage of electrolytes, lower volatile aldehyde production with higher dehydrogenase enzyme activity over their respective untreated control. Among the seed sizes, large seeds showed higher post-storage germinability as well as field performance and productivity than the other categories of seeds. Interaction effects were non-significant which indicated that the treatment effects are independent of seed sizes. On the basis of the present investigation, pre-storage dry treatments in large sized seeds with red chilli powder and bleaching powder may be suggested for improved germinability and yield potential of stored high-vigour sunflower seeds.
The effect of stone dust deposition on the rate of transpiration in Shorea robusta was studied in three principal seasons in a polluted forest in comparison to an almost non-polluted forest. The extent of particulate pollution was determined by measuring suspended particulate matter in the air and dust fall on leaf surface. Macroscopic and microscopic leaf injury symptoms were studied. Scanning electron microscopic examination of leaf surfaces revealed a number of foliar anomalies. Qualitative determination of rate of transpiration in field condition was done by 'cobalt chloride method'. It was found that transpiration was diminished as a result of foliar dust deposition which not only caused blockage of stomatal aperture but also physical damage to the leaf surface. Thus, particulate air pollution can be considered as one of the external factors regulating the rate of transpiration in plants.
Background: Onion is an economically important bulbous vegetable crop widely cultivated in India. Onion produced in West Bengal can only partially meet up its domestic need and thus extremely depends upon supply from other Indian States during lean period. Bringing more area under cultivation with improved varieties can boost the production and productivity of onion in West Bengal. The present situation leads to explore the scope of onion cultivation in non-traditional area. The objective of the study was to know the production and storage performance of onion varieties under Coastal Saline Zone of West Bengal, with the greater aim to explore this non-traditional onion growing area in future.Methods: Sixteen short day onion varieties were evaluated in Rabi 2014-15 and 2015-16 in Ramkrishna Ashram KVK, Nimpith following Randomized Block Design with three replications. Eight field parameters, three laboratory parameters and four storage parameters were studied. Result: Enough variation was noticed for different growth, yield, quality and storage attributes among the onion cultivars. The bulb yield, bulb weight, bulb equatorial and polar diameter was ranged from 62.8 to 124.5q/ha, 38.9 to 78.5 g, 32.5 to 47.6 cm and 34.7 to 47.3 cm respectively. The average TSS and pyruvic acid content was noted 12.7 ºBrix and 11.2 µmol/g respectively. After six month of storage in ambient condition, average PLW, rotting, sprouting and total losses was found 33.6%, 24.8%, 1.3% and 59.7% respectively. Among the varieties, Sukhsagar followed by Arka Niketan registered minimum storage losses of 20% and 35.1% at the end of storage period. Onion variety, Sukhsagar, Agrifound Light Red, Bhima Shakti, NHRDF Red-2, Pusa white Flat and NHRDF Red-3 were identified as top performers.
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