Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station, Bajaura Bajaura, Kullu(HP)

Sponsored Adhoc Projects:

• Development and evaluation of cultivation practices for blueberry funded by MIDH (19.22 Lakh), PI Dr Vijay Kumar, Scientist (Fruit Science).
• Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa project is implemented by the Agro-meteorological Field Unit, Seobagh, Kullu, HP, funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. Nodal Officer (Dr. Bhupinder Singh Thakur), Research Associate (Dr. Abhay Sharma).

State Plan Projects:

• Standardization of cultivation practices for blueberry cultivation is in progress
• Evaluation of new varieties of temperate fruits under Kullu Valley
• Optimization of production techniques for temperate fruits under natural farming
• Nursery production of temperate fruits
• Development of pure line varieties in Pea (Pisum sativum L.), suitable for cultivation under Kullu valley conditions.
• Breeding and agronomical studies in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
• Agronomical and breeding studies in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis), under Kullu valley conditions

ATMA sponsored projects:

• Agronomical studies in exotic vegetables under the Kullu valley conditions

• Recommended Pomegranate variety ‘Solan Jayant’ for cultivation in the mid hills of Himachal Pradesh.
• Two varieties viz., Black Amber and Angelino of plum, have been recommended for the farmers of Kullu Valley.
• Recommended Garlic Variety ‘Bajaura Selection’ for cultivation.
• Developed an integrated spray schedule for control of various insect-pests and diseases in pomegranate.
• Fixed mud hives for rearing of indigenous Apis cerana bees.
• Emerald, Legacy, Biloxy, Misty and Sharp Blue varieties of blue berry and different selections of black berry introduced at the station for evaluation.

Apple

Nineteen apple varieties viz. Red Cameo, Ginger Gold, Gibson Gold, Manchurian Crab, Yellow Newton, Kumeu Crimson Red Braeburn, Rubin Star Gold, Baigent, Royal Red Honeycrisp, Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, Crimson Topaz, Golden Delicious (Gibson Cltv), Aztec Fuji, Super Chief (Sandidge), Crimson Crisp, Enterprise, Gala (Simmons), and Gale Gala (Malaga Clv) have been introduced at the station during last Three years.

Peach

Four new peach varieties viz. Fay Elberta, Topaz, Fair Time and Snow Giant have been introduced at the station for their adaptability and performance under Kullu valley conditions.

Pear

Eight varieties of pear viz. Columbia Anjou, D’Anjou, Bronze Beauty, Bosc, Red Cap, Shinko, Yoinashi, and Bronze Beauty Bosc were introduced and are under evaluation at BKHRSS, Katrain.

Plum

Seven plum varieties viz. Black Diamond, Black Gold, Black Splendor, Hiromi Red, October Sun, Satsuma and Crimson Glow have been introduced at the station.

Apricot

Eighteen apricot varieties viz. Bolaro, Shakrapara, Royal, EMA, Sterling, Erani, ASQ, N_J96, Wenatchee, CITH-16, CITH-5, Erwani, Vibaco, Rivel, Early Shiply, Wonder Cot, Big Red, and Rubelli have been introduced at the station and are under evaluation.

Cherry

A new block has been established at BKHRSS, Katrain with Eight new cherry varieties viz. Bing, Lapins, Tieton, Kordia, Merchant, Regina, Benton and Black Star.

Walnut

Four lateral-bearing walnut varieties Chico, Tulare, Howard and Chandler have been introduced and are under evaluation for growth performance, yield potential and suitability to the region.

Hazelnut

Three hazelnut varieties Jefferson, Eta (EITA) and Theta have been introduced at the station and are under evaluation for their adaptability, growth performance, yield potential, and suitability under local agro-climatic conditions.

Almond

Six almond varieties viz., Monterey, Nonpareil, Aldrich, Yorizane, Carmel and Drake have been introduced and are being evaluated for their performance under local growing conditions.

Others

• A budwood bank comprising all the recommended apple varieties has been established to ensure the availability of true-to-type, disease-free propagation material for quality nursery production and orchard development.
• Hazelnut cultivar ‘Jametagard’ was identified as the most effective pollinizer, exhibiting good pollen compatibility and synchronization with all tested cultivars namely, Butler, Ennis, Seagorbe, Fertile de Coutard, Merveille de bollwiller etc. thereby ensuring efficient pollination and fruit set.
• Foliar application of Boron @ 2.0g and Calcium @ 2.5g at hollow ball Stage (Most flowers with petals forming a hollow ball) and after fruit set is very effective in increasing the fruit weight, fruit yield and quality of persimmon cv. ‘Fuyu’.
• Plum rootstock Krymsk-86 encouraged better rooting percentage with IBA @ 2000 ppm when applied on 20 cm cuttings alongwith optimum shoot growth.

Pea

• The best genotypes Lincoln, Green Pearl, Palam Priya, VL 7 and GC 477 (high yielding varieties) DPP 9414 and KTP 4 (resistant to powdery mildew) selected during the preliminary studies were selfed to make pure lines. Crossing work was initiated during Rabi 2005-06 with the objective to transfer the resistance in the commonly grown high yielding pure line varieties. Out of the 20 cross combinations attempted between different parents the cross combination’s ‘Palam Priya’ x ‘VL-7’ and ‘Green Pearl’ x ‘VL-7’ have given the highest pod yield per plant along with maximum pod length, and number of grains per pod as well as resistance to powdery mildew disease have been selfed for further studies/stabilization of the characters and the research work on this aspect is in progress at the station.

Tomato

• In tomato, 60 genotypes are being evaluated and maintained at the station. In this crop also hybridization was undertaken during 2004-05 and many cross combinations have shown high Heterosis for the fruit yield per plant in 3 cross combinations which have given better fruit yield as compared to the better parent as well as commercial hybrids of private sector companies have been identified and their testing under different locations is being done.
• Amongst the genotypes EC 2791, Prime Peach, Manikima Selection 1 and Dhanshree have given the maximum fruit yield per plant.
• In cherry tomato the varieties/introductions EC 164660 and EC 16778, have been identified for commercial cultivation under the Kullu valley conditions.
• Hybrids named Nutan, NP-7730, Mukta, Madan, Meghna, Nagai, Amar, C-1452, Rakshita, Yash, Naveen 2000, HHT 0090047, STH-808, Ramganga, Tarulata, Tokita-42 of tomato from the private sector companies were tested at the experimental farm of the station and after recommendations from the station they have been grown by the farmers on large scale.

Cauliflower

• Hybrids of cauliflower Snow White, INDAM 9803, Chandini, White Flash, Barkha, Swati, NS 71 and NS 626 were tested at the experimental farm of the station and have been found to be suitable for round the year cultivation of cauliflower in the lower Kullu valley.
• Planting of cauliflower mid season varieties w. e. f. 15th February up to 10th April produced good quality curds under the prevailing conditions. On the basis of these studies a pictorial cycle indicating time of planting for different maturity groups/season varieties has been developed and is being provided to the farming community for use in the fields.

Garlic

• The results indicated that the sowing of garlic during the second fortnight of September to first fortnight of October was the appropriate time of planting of garlic in the valley and it has resulted in the best yields.
• One recommendation on controlling the Stemphyllium leaf spot disease has been incorporated in the package of practices for vegetable crops (Krishak Sansadhan Pustika (CSKHPKVV- Palampur) Pub. No. (003/08) pp 137.

Capsicum

• Hybrids of capsicum namely Gayatri, Aishwarya, Anupam, INDAM Mahabharat, Bharat, Indresh, Sonata’ and ‘Tara’ from the private sector companies were tested and recommended for cultivation under the prevailing conditions during the March -April planting time.

Cabbage

• New hybrids of cabbage namely Delhi Ball 65, Manas, Priyanka, Mangla, INDAM-296’ ‘Alisha’, ‘Varun’ ‘Tokita 1655’, ‘Tokita Jays’ and ‘Bio Jubilee’ from the private sector were tested and found suitable for cultivation under the Kullu valley conditions.

Cucumber

• The cucumber hybrid ‘SCUH’ US 6125 (US Agri Seeds) and Sedona (Vibha Seeds) was tested under the prevailing conditions along with the popular hybrid ‘Pusa Sanyog’ and it was found to perform better for all the horticultural traits and it gave an average fruit yield of 4.27kg/plant.

Lettuce

• Lettuce variety/hybrid ‘Ryder’ was found to be the best suited for commercial cultivation through its crisp head yield averaging (580.5gm/plant) as was evident from the trials/demonstrations put up in the farmers fields

Broccoli

• Broccoli hybrid ‘Fiesta’ was found to give better yield in the farmers' fields when planted during January with net head weight of 435.0gm/head.

Others

• Nitrogen rich plant nutrient supplement (TONIKA) was tested on the tomato crop during the first year experiment and was found to give better fruit yield under the recommended doses of the nutrient supplement.

• Forecasting based monitored control strategy developed for the effective management of apple scab disease and a fungicide spray schedule was formulated and recommended to apple growers for adoption.
• For the control of premature defoliation in apple, a schedule comprising of three consecutive fungicide sprays starting with mancozeb (0.25%) + carbendazim (0.05%) at fruit development stage I (20 days after walnut stage) followed by another two sprays with zineb (0.3%) at fruit development stage II (20 days after FDI) and ziram (0.3%) at pre harvest (20 days prior to fruit harvest) stage was found quite effective (PDC=99.42) and economical (Cost Benefit Ratio (CBR) =1:5.92).
• An integrated spray schedule, for management of premature leaf fall, powdery mildew and Alternaria leaf spot diseases of apple, consisting of five sprays starting with difenoconazole (0.015%), at petal fall followed by fluquinconazole (0.05%), companion (0.25%), HM mixture (0.25%) and Quintal (0.2%) at walnut, fruit development stage I, II and pre-harvest stage, respectively was highly effective.
• For the control of apple collar rot disease, the combined application of Trichoderma harzianum–3/ T. longibrachiatum, Bacillus subtilis-3 and mustard cake/ bio-fumigation with mustard plants was rated as best.
• The application of T. harzianum-3 and Pseudomonas fluorescens (KB6) combined with neem cake/ bio-fumigation with neem/ cabbage leaves was highly effective against root rot disease in apples.
• In cherry, the combined application of Trichoderma viride-5, Bacillus subtilis-3 and mustard cake/ bio-fumigation with mustard plant was highly effective against crown gall disease.
• In an integrated management of major canker diseases in apple, two sprays with copper oxychloride/ copper hydroxide (Kocide)/ Shield/ captan @ 0.3%/ carbendazim (0.05%) at post harvest and late dormancy (same fungicide was not repeated in 2nd spray) was highly effective.
• A paint containing copper carbonate, red lead and Kinetin (10 ppm) in white paint (1:1:1.5) used for the recovery of pink canker (Corticium salmonicolor) lesions in apple provided maximum recovery.
• Pre plant soil sterilization/solarization combined with the application of additional phosphatic fertilizers has been found effective in checking the replant problem in apple.
• A schedule consisting of two consecutive sprays starting with hexaconazole (0.05%) at the first appearance of disease in July followed by another spray with dithianon (0.05%) after one month of first spray has been recommended for effective management of plum rust.
• Have identified the occurrence of 10 fungal and one bacterial pathogen on pomegranate in Himachal Pradesh.
• A comprehensive integrated spray schedule for the control of diseases in pomegranate has been developed and recommended.
• A control package for pomegranate wilt disease developed and recommended.
• Spray schedules have also been formulated for management of fungal and bacterial diseases appearing in tomato, peas and cole crops.
• A spray schedule for the control of peach scab disease occurring on peach and nectarine developed and recommended.
• A spray schedule for the control of peach leaf curl disease through pre and post infection fungicide applications developed and recommended.
• A spray schedule consisting of companion @ 0.25% followed by difenoconazole (score)/tebuconazole (folicur) @0.015% followed by mancozeb (Dithane M-45) @ 0.25% along with sticker at 15 days interval has been recommended for the control of stemphyllium disease in garlic.

Studies on Mites

• Experiments on the effect of phytophagous mites feeding on quality and yield of apple cultivars “Royal Delicious’ indicated reduction in return bloom by 2.4% - 59.8% and fruit yield by 5.4% - 75.5% in subsequent year at 750 – 1750 days of cumulative mite feeding (CMD’S). Therefore, 500 CMD’S of feeding is the economic threshold limit and 750 CMD’S feeding is the economic injury level for mites feeding on apple.
• The critical population density per leaf or economic threshold limit for mites in apple comes out to be 1.8, 4.4 and 8.2 mites per leaf for the month of June, July and August (up to 15th).
• The population of mites appeared in April, rose sharply in June – July and started declining by the first week of August and their activity ceased completely by November after laying over wintering eggs.
• Studies on the natural enemy complex of phytophagous mites on apple showed the presence of eight different predators associated with mite populations. Predatory mites species Amblysius fallasis and Zitzellia mali were the most efficient and predominant and were found associated with mites for almost nine months and also provide excellent check to the phytophagous mite populations.
• For the benefit of the orchardists only selective miticides were tested separately for four years in a scheduled form. Studies revealed that four sprays of miticides fenpyroximate (0.0025%)/Carina (0.05%) at petalfall X dicofol (0.04%)/endosulphon (0.05%) at walnut stage X fenanzaquin (0.0025%) at 15 days after walnut X propergite (0.057%) at 30days after walnut stage give excellent control of mites under field conditions.

Sanjose scale

• Studies revealed that timing of two applications of insecticide chlorpyrifos (0.04%) starting at 450-475 day degrees only on infested apple trees provided excellent control of scale populations during summer.
• Various summer oils were also evaluated against the scale during the green tip stage. Summer oils were found as effective as other miscible oils (HPSO and SERVO) at 2.0% cons, but were less effective at 1.5% cons.

Wooly apple aphid

• Among the various pesticides tested against the woolly apple aphid, thiomethoxam (0.025%)( Actara 25 SG) was found at par with chlorpyrifos and carbosulphan in providing control of this aphid but was comparatively safe to the parasitoid with only 10 – 15% mortality against 60-80% mortality in others (chlorpyrifos, carbosulphan and profenofos).

Blossom thrips

• On the management of blossom thrips thiomethoxam (0.025%) (Actara 25 SG) or carbosulphan (0,025%) (Marshal 25EC) spray at pink bud stage provided good control of the thrips populations comparable to the recommended insecticides chlorpyrifos and was also found safe to the Anthocorid bugs preying at this time on thrips.

Flat headed borer

• Studies on biology of the flat-headed peach tree borer revealed that in captivity adult females laid white colored eggs in exposed parts of the tree/branches on the Southern and Southern – western side of the tree. Eggs turn black before hatching in 16.1-18.5 days and newly hatched larvae bore into the tree bark as a result of which a small drop of gummy ooze comes out. Larvae feed below the bark for 66.5-167.7 days and have four instars. Matured larvae pupate by making a hole in the hard wood of the tree. Pupal period lasts for 14.3-20.6 days. Insect had two complete and one partial generation in a year.
• Trials on the eco-friendly management of flat headed peach tree borer revealed application of mechanical barriers of one inch grasses or gunny burlap on exposed areas of stem and main branches in all the stone fruits in March and September provide excellent protection against this borer.
• Similarly, training of the young tree in such a way as to ensure enough foliage or shade to stem and branch on the Southern and Southern – western side of the tree provides complete protection against this insect.

Indian gypsy moth

• Studies were also conducted to control Indian Gypsy moth on apple revealed that it has one generation per year. Results of the studies also concluded that trapping and mechanical killing by exploiting their behavior (It is achieved by putting artificial traps of gunny cloth for days till catch is zero) provide excellent and eco friendly control of this pest. Spot treatment with methyl parathion (0.05%) or chlorpyrifos (0.04%) gave immediate control of the pest.

Apple root borer

• Techniques for identification of apple root borer infested trees in the orchards and their management were developed. Studies revealed that appearance of deep 2 –15 cm splits at 1 – 1.5 feet distance on the bark on stem and main branches, appearance of sparse and small foliage, wilted appearance of trees during summer and shakiness of the tree are the definite symptoms of apple root borer attack.
• Trials on the development of management practices against the root borer were concluded. Studies revealed that for effective management of the affected tree i) Drenching with chlorpyrifos (0.04%) up to 1.25m radius around the tree trunk in October – November and March. ii) Mixing of insecticidal dust @ 300gms per tree from June to Mid July. iii) Killing of the adult beetle by installing the light traps inside the orchard. iv.) Mechanical killing of the grubs by exposing the roots of infested trees.

Insects-pests of Pomegranate

• Experiments for the management of Oligonychus spp, mite indicates that application of 1% summer oil or miticides (fenpyroximate (0.0025%), fenanzaquin (0.0025%) and propergite (0.057%) in May to July provide excellent control of this species.
• Studies were also conducted to evaluate new insecticidal molecules against the Anar butter fly D. epijarvas. Insecticides Thiocarb (0.084%), Lamda-cyhalothin(0.00325%) thiacloprid (0.017%) and acephate(0.05%) were found as effective as were the recommended insecticide cypermethrin(0.03%).

Fixed bee hives

• Under NABARD and ATMA projects Modern fixed bee hives made of mud and grass for Indian Honey bee Apis cerana were developed and demonstrated in farmers' orchards. Nearly 125 farmers were given five days institutional training under these two projects on bee keeping and than 10-15 farmers having interest were given bees for these fixed hives. These hives were regularly monitored and farmers were given proper guidance. In the NABARD project 18 farmer groups were also provided with Honey extractors. This bee hives have been adopted by the farmers. In this mud hive temperature remains 2-3 degree high during winters and 2-3 degree low during summers, as a result the growth of the bees is rapid.

• The Agrometeorological Field Unit (AMFU), Seobagh has been providing weather-based agrometeorological services since the establishment of an Agromet Observatory with the support of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in 1992. Under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) programme, daily weather observations are recorded and transmitted to IMD centres at Shimla and Pune. Based on IMD medium-range forecasts, district-specific Agromet Advisory Bulletins are prepared and disseminated twice weekly (Tuesday and Friday), providing weather-based recommendations for crop and horticultural management, including irrigation, nutrient management, plant protection and harvesting operations. AMFU–Seobagh also issues timely warnings on extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms, strong winds, cold waves and heat waves to help farmers reduce weather-related risks and improve preparedness.
• AMFU–Seobagh has established an effective outreach network for disseminating agrometeorological information. Agromet Advisory Bulletins are regularly shared through 11 WhatsApp groups in Kullu district and 9 groups in Mandi district, directly reaching 1,784 farmers. These advisories are further circulated by farmers through their local networks, significantly expanding the reach of weather-based agricultural information.

Training organized

Participation in Workshops/ Seminars/ Symposia/Trainings

Mobile advisories/ farmer visitors

• Front line demonstrations: 4
• Exposure visits: 18
• Exhibitions organized: 2
• Kisan Mela organized: 2
• Days celebrated: 4
• Diagnostic visits: 20
• VIP visits: 3
• Popular articles published: 4
• Recognition/honours/ awards/ appreciation: 1 (Rapporteur award conferred to Dr Disha Thakur, Scientist (Fruit Science) in the National Conference on Indigenous Knowledge System and Practices for Sustainable Future: A Road map to Viksit Bharat-2047)

• Introduction and evaluation of high yielding varieties of temperate fruits having resistance to important diseases and pests to substitute the existing cultivars.
• Introduction and evaluation of new fruit crops to bring about diversification in cultivation of fruit crops under changing climate scenario.
• Standardization of rootstock of temperate fruits, their multiplication methods.
• Standardization of macro and micro nutrient requirements of temperate fruits.
• Management of irregular bearing, crop regulation and control of pre-harvest drop in apple.
• Standardization of orchard management practices including training and pruning.

• Introduction, collection and evaluation of germplasm of pea, tomato, French bean, cauliflower and exotic vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, etc.
• Development of high yielding hybrids of tomato suitable for cultivation in the mid hills of the state
• Development of high pod yielding pure line varieties in pea and French bean.
• Development of hybrids in cauliflower suitable for year round production in the mid hills of the state.
• Standardization of cultural practices for growing off-season vegetables.
• Standardization of the nutrient requirements of vegetable crops.

• Introduction, collection and evaluation of germplasm of annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs, climbers and trees.
• Standardization of time of production of off-season cut flowers i.e. gladiolus, carnation, chrysanthemum etc.
• Standardization of nutrient requirement of cut flowers.

• Identification and management of insect pests and mite-pests in temperate fruits.
• Bio ecology and management of insect pests of vegetable and flower crops.
• Testing of new pesticides against important insect-pests and mite-pest.
• Validation and promotion of IPM in temperate fruits and vegetable crops.
• Scientific management of Apis cerana indica honey bee in Kullu valley.

• Preparation and dissemination of farmer-centric Agromet Advisory Bulletins in English/Hindi based on real-time weather observations and medium-range weather forecasts.