Growth and Development of Horticultural Crops (1+1)

Schedule

Theory

1. Growth: Definition, Pattern of growth and Kinetics of growth.
2. Growth factors, limitations of growth factors and growth correlation.
3. Growth analysis in horticultural crops
4. Plant Growth Hormones-Basic functions – biosynthesis – role in crop growth, propagation, flowering and fruit setting.
5. Abscisic acid, Ethylene and other growth retardants-Basic functions, biosynthesis, physiological role.
6. Mechanisms of Abscission and Senescence of leaves
7. Flowering: Floral development-factors affecting flowering
8. Physiology of flowering in plants
9. Mid-term Examination
10. Photoperiodic induction and Floral Hormone
11. Vernalization: Perception of cold stimulus presence of floral hormone – mechanisms of vernalization – devernalization –practical utility
12. Physiological basis of training and pruning
13. Source – Sink relationship – translocation of assimilates – partioning of assimilates
14. Fruit setting – Physiology of fruit growth and development – Factors affecting fruit set and development
15. Physiology of fruit ripening – Mechanisms, climacteric and non – climacteric fruits –hormonal influence
16. Physiology of seed development and maturation
17. Dormancy of seeds and buds – factors causing dormancy of seeds – Artificial methods of breaking dormancy of seeds – Advantages
Practical

1. Estimation of photosynthetic pigments.
2. Estimation of photosynthetic enzyme.
3. Measurement of leaf area following various methods.
4. Growth analysis.
5. Bioassay for hormones
6. Preparation of hormonal solutions.
7. Assessment of hormonal influence on induction of rooting in cutting.
8. Assessment of hormonal influence on control of flower and fruit drop.
9. Assessment of physiological changes during fruit ripening.
10. Estimation of ascorbic acid content in fruits.
11. Estimation of TSS and total sugar content.
12. Estimation of carotenoids and lycopene content in fruits.
13. Identification of physiological, nutritional disorders and correction measures in fruit crops.
14. Identification of physiological, nutritional disorders and correction measures in vegetable crops.
15. Rapid tissue test
16. Seed viability by tetrazolium test
17. Practical Examination