Chapters authored
Crop Geometry and Mulch on Strawberry Postharvest Quality
Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a natural hybrid species that is cultivated all over the world for its aggregate accessory fruits. Strawberry earns a great respect in the world fruit market owing to its fascinating colour and appealing distinctive flavour, and in India became very popular amongst the farming community due to early production and premium prices. However, the growers do not seem to adopt proper agronomic practices due to various reasons. Amongst the various factors responsible for low production, inappropriate crop geometry and poor selection of mulch material are important. Crop geometry plays a remarkable role for enhancement of strawberry quality through effective utilisation of solar radiation, nutrients and underground resources bringing about better photosynthate formation. The utilisation of mulch in commercial crop production has been practiced to evolve quality strawberry production with reduced disease incidence. The present study was conducted to determine the response of crop geometry and mulch on the postharvest quality of strawberry. Based on yield, quality and economics, the treatment combination (40 cm × 40 cm plant spacing with silver black mulch) was found to be the most viable economic proposition for strawberry in Jorhat condition of Assam.
Part of the book: Edible Berries - New Insights
Trichoderma spp, Allelopathies in the Rhizosphere of Plants: For the Management of Soil Borne Pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani
Among the many plant diseases, those brought on by soil-borne pathogens are the ones that result in significant losses. Rhizoctonia solani, one of many soil-borne pathogens, has been identified as a potential culprit for yield loss due to its broad host range. Prior to the development of extremely potent and selective fungicides, chemical treatment is not a practical option. However, the dangers associated with agrochemicals are reducing their use. Scientists are becoming more interested in biological management in this situation because it is an environmentally beneficial method. Biological control is the process through which one organism controls another. Trichoderma has become one of the most important biocontrol agents currently available due to its extensive antagonistic pathways. There are 89 species in this genus, and numerous strains have been discovered to be powerful biocontrol agents for plant diseases. The species T. viride, T. hamantum, T. koningii, and others make up the majority of the Trichoderma biocontrol agents. Direct and indirect antagonistic mechanisms are the two categories. Mycoparasitism, antibiosis, and pathogen enzyme inactivation are examples of direct methods. Indirect mechanisms include competition for nutrients and space, the activation of plant defensive systems (such as induced systemic resistance), and others. Their antagonistic characteristics are affected by a number of variables, including pH and temperature.
Part of the book: Challenges in Plant Disease Detection and Recent Advancements