Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Chh.

Sambhajinagar
M.Sc. Plant Breeding and Molecular Genetics

Name of the student: Yugandhar Rajendra Chavan Reg. No: MPBG242508

Course Title: Field project Academic Year: 2024-25

Project Guide Name: Dr. R. R. Taur. Semester: II Semester.

Project Head: Ms. Krutika S. Dhondge.

Location: 1) Nanasaheb Kadam Collage of Agriculture, MGM Gandheli.
2) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gandheli.

Purpose of Field Visit:

1. Study of crop varieties.
2. To learn selection and hybridization techniques.
3. Observe Stress tolerance in crops.
4. Understand yield improvement strategies.
5. Practical study of pollination process.

Crops: Vegetables, Fruit, Date palm.

Objective:
➢ Site Evaluation – Check field conditions, soil quality, and climate suitability.

➢ Logistics Planning– Identify access routes, water sources, pollination, and infrastructure.

➢ Seed & Material Preparation – Ensure availability of seeds, fertilizers, and tools.

➢ Stakeholder Coordination– Meet farmers, researchers, and local authorities.

➢ Data Collection Setup – Plan how to record plant growth and resistance data.

➢ Risk Assessment – Identify threats like pests, diseases, and weather issues.

➢ Compliance Check – Ensure legal, ethical, and environmental standards.

VEGETABLE CROPS
1. TOMATO

Diseases Free plant Diseases plant

Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum L.

Cultivated varieties: Arka Samrat, Arka Vikas.

Problem: Diseases observed in some tomato plants include those caused by whitefly-transmitted
viruses such as tomato leaf curl virus, along with fungal infections, viral threats, and abiotic stresses,
all of which impact fruit quality.
Overcome: Developing tomato varieties resistant to leaf curl virus (LCV) using wild tomato
species. Using natural predators like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, along with insect-proof netting,
to manage whiteflies.

2. BRIJAL

Botanical Name: Solanum melongena

Cultivated varieties: Panchaganga super Gaurav- f1

Problem: While visiting a brinjal plot, some plants showed issues like pest infestations, diseases,
nutrient deficiencies, and environmental stress. Specific problems observed included fruit borer,
aphids, whiteflies, nitrogen deficiency, and extreme temperatures.
 Overcome: Use natural predators (e.g., ladybugs for aphids) and neem-based sprays. Use balanced
fertilizers, especially nitrogen-rich ones. Provide proper irrigation, mulching, and shade during
extreme temperatures.

3. CHILLI

Botanical name: Capsicum annum L.

Cultivated species: Arka Meghna, Arka Sweta

Problem: When visiting a chili plot, some plants may have issues like pest infestations, diseases,
nutrient deficiencies, environmental stress, and weed problems. Common issues include
whiteflies, aphids, anthracnose (fruit rot), powdery mildew, and poor pollination.

Overcome: Use neem oil, insect traps, and natural predators like ladybugs. Attract pollinators
like bees or gently shake flowers to aid pollination. Apply organic fungicides and choose disease-
resistant varieties.
Fruits Crops

1. Water Melon

Botanical name: Citrullus lanatus

Cultivated species: Baahu

Variety specification: Type: Hybrid variety

Shape: Oval to oblong

Rind: Dark green with light green stripes

Flesh Color: Deep red

Sugar Content: High sweetness (Brix value around 11-13%)

Weight: Typically, 6-8 kg

Maturity: Early to mid-season

Resistance: Tolerant to common diseases and good transportability

2. Muskmelon

Botanical name: Cucumis melo

Cultivated species: Kundan

Variety specification: Type: Hybrid variety

Fruit Shape: Round to oval

Fruit Color: Light green to yellowish with a netted rind

Flesh Color: Orange

Average Fruit Weight: 1.5 to 2 kg

Sweetness (TSS - Total Soluble Solids): 12-14%

Maturity Period: 60-70 days after sowing

Disease Resistance: Tolerant to common viral diseases

 Biofertilizer Unit (KVK), Gandheli.
Biofertilizers are natural fertilizers that contain live microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and
algae, which enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth by fixing atmospheric nitrogen,
decomposing organic matter, and improving nutrient availability.

Nitrogen fixing biofertilizer:

1) Rhizobium: Rhizobium forms symbiotic relationships with leguminous plants. At the time of
root nodule formation rhizobium bacteria infect the roots of leguminous plants and form nodules,
which act as nitrogen-fixing factories. While Nitrogen Fixation occurs inside the nodules,
Rhizobium converts atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃), which plants can absorb and
use for growth.

Works For Leguminous Crops such as beans, peas, soybeans.

Seed Treatment: 10 ml/kg of seeds.

Soil Treatment: 1 to 2 liters per acre through drip irrigation.

Foliar Spray: 5 ml/liter of water.

Available in: 1 liter liquid & 1 kg powder.

2) Azotobacter: Azotobacter is Free-living bacteria that fixes atmospheric nitrogen that enhances
soil fertility and promotes plant growth. Unlike

Rhizobium, Azotobacter does not require a symbiotic relationship with plants and can fix
atmospheric nitrogen independently in the soil.

Works for wide range of crops including cereals, vegetables and fruits.
 Seed treatment: 200 gm/10 kg of seeds.

Soil treatment: 2-4 kg of azotobacter with 50-100 kg of FYM or compost.

Foliar spray: 500 ml to 1 lit. /100 lit of water.

3) Phosphate-solubilizing biofertilizers
Phosphate-solubilizing biofertilizers (PSB) are microorganisms that convert insoluble phosphorus
in the soil into soluble forms that plants can absorb easily. These biofertilizers are particularly
useful in phosphorus-deficient soils.

1) Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM): VAM is a type of

beneficial fungi that form a symbiotic association with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake,
especially phosphorus. VAM fungi are part of the mycorrhizal fungi group and are known for
enhancing plant growth and soil health.

Works for cereals, wheat, plantation crops.

Seed treatment: 200 gm/ 10 kg of seeds.

Soil treatment: 5-10 kg of VAM with 100 kg of compost or FYM.

Root dipping: 1 kg of VAM in 10 ltr. Of water.

 Date palm site visit
Botanical name: Phoenix dactylifera.

-Single seeded berry

- In India date is harvested at Doka stage.

- In other countries date harvested at dang stage.

Climatic and soil requirement: The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is a drought-tolerant crop
best suited for arid and semi-arid regions.
Ideal temperature ranges between 25°C to 40°C during the growing season. Date palms require
hot and dry weather for proper fruit ripening. Dates prefer low humidity and minimal rainfall
during fruit development. Annual rainfall should be less than 100 mm for best results. Prefers
sandy loam or well-drained alluvial soils. Ideal soil pH is 6.0 to 8.0 required for better growth
and development.

Propagation and planting:

Although it is propagated by seeds the seeds exhibits very long juvenile phase nearly taking 6-7
years for flowering. Commercially as spacing of 6-8 M is adopted in India, A spacing of 3 M - 4
M is adopted.

Pollination: Manual pollination studied.

This method ensures higher fruits yields by directly placing pollen on female flowers.

Steps for Manual Pollination:

1. Collection of Pollen: Harvest male flowers when they are fully mature (pollen appears
as a fine white or yellowish powder). Dry the pollen in shade for 24-48 hours to improve its
viability.

2. Pollination Process: Select 1-2 strands of male flowers and gently shake them over the
female flower clusters. Alternatively, collect pollen in a fine mesh bag and dust it directly onto
the female flowers.

3. Timing: Pollinate female flowers within 24-48 hours of opening for best results. Repeat
the process 2-3 times at 3-5day intervals to improve fruit set.

Success Rate: 80-90%

 Key Tips for Successful Pollination

- Use pollen from 1 male tree for every 40-50 female trees.

- Ensure the weather is dry and calm during pollination to prevent pollen loss.

- Store unused pollen in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain viability for future use.

Hand pollination of date palm

Learning Outcome:
1)Knowledge and understanding: understanding different types of crops, and their growth stage,
and cultivation practices. Observing pest control measures and disease management strategies.
2)Practical skills: developing skills in identifying crop diseases, weeds, and nutrient deficiencies.
3)Environmental awareness: gaining knowledge about biodiversity, crop rotation, and conservation
practices. Understanding the role of agriculture in rural development and community well-being.
4)Improving teamwork, observation, and analytical skills Enhancing problem-solving abilities by
exploring real-life farming challenges.
Conclusion:
✓ Vegetable crops: For sustainable agriculture, creating disease-resistant vegetable crops via
breeding, genetic engineering, and integrated pest management guarantees increased yield,
quality, and resistance to environmental challenges, illnesses, and pests.
✓ Fruits crops: Farmers can be assured of sustainable output, pest resistance, and higher fruit
quality by creating disease-resistant and high-yielding fruit crop types through advanced
breeding, genetic engineering, and better pollination techniques.
✓ Biofertilizers: By fixing nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus, and increasing nutrient availability,
biofertilizers improve soil fertility and plant growth while providing a sustainable and
environmentally acceptable substitute for chemical fertilizers that increase agricultural output.
✓ Dates plants: Date palms grow well in arid climates and need to be manually pollinated to
produce large quantities. The best fruit development is ensured by the right climate, soil, and
pollination methods, which makes it a profitable crop that can withstand drought.

Student’s signature Project Guide Project Head

Yugandhar R. Chavan Dr. R. R. Taur. Ms. Krutika S. Dhondge.