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Technologies Developed

Tissue Culture

Shoot Tip Grafting Technique in Citrus for Elimination of Virus and Virus like

Diseases In vitro shoot tip grafting (STG) is a miniature grafting which involves grafting a minute

shoot tip (0.1 to 0.3 mm) on two week old seedling rootstock performed under aseptic

conditions. It produces true to type, non juvenile disease free plants unlike nucellar

embryony in vitro or in vivo. This technique is a prerequisite for cleaning the citrus

cultivars /indigenous collections from diseases (virus, virus like diseases and greening

bacteria),since absolutely there is no control measure once the virus enters the plant

system except shoot tip grafting (STG). Standardized age, type of rootstocks, size and

source of shoot tip and growth regulator to improve the efficiency of grafting. The

technology developed facilitated cleaning of local selections and production of true to

type healthy mother tree from even infected sources.

Shoot tip grafting technique for commercial production of disease free planting

material in Citrus

The technology consists of selection of mother trees, indexing of mother trees, Shoot tip

grafting in vitro, Indexing of micrografts, Establishment of field foundation/mother block

and release of certified elite disease free planting stock.

Selection and indexing of existing cultivars which is being followed in the present

conventional budwood certification for large scale multiplication is not practical under

Indian conditions because of the massive infection with viruses. The only possibility is to

obtain virus-free plants from virus infected mother trees through Shoot tip grafting.

Under this program protected and field foundation blocks of registered mother trees as

healthy citrus repositories were established. Released 3,48,150 certified healthy planting

material to the citrus growers/nursery men of Maharashtra, M.P. , Gujarat, Rajasthan,

Punjab, Haryana and all southern states of India. Around 800 ha. healthy orchards were

raised predominantly in Central India. Initial field performance was significantly better in

In vitro seed

inoculation

Shoot tip graft ready for

transfer

Successful double graft

In vitro STG transferred to protected

green house

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Exotic Sun burst mandarin shoot tip graft (STG)

Exotic Shamouti mandarin shoot tip graft (STG)

STG derived, healthy planting stock compared to conventionally raised plants. Field

transferred STG derived healthy planting stock performed true to type unlike nucellar

embryony in vitro or in vivo. By sale of STG derived elite disease free planting stock

created revenue of Rs. 1,19,37,800 to NRCC.

Shoot Tip Grafting of Exotic Germplasm

It consists of culturing in vitro at 320C, the imported bud wood to induce the flushes

from which shoot tips are excised and micro grafted to recover the whole plants. The only

material actually introduced in the country by this method is a 0.1-0.3 mm long shoot tip

that is free from pests and diseases. It prevents the entry of any new virus and virus like

diseases along with the introduced bud wood as a post entry quarantine check and

facilitates safe movement of germplasm from one citrus growing region to the other.

Standardization of STG (shoot tip grafting) at NRCC has paved the way for cleaning

exotic cultivars and widening the gene pool. Through this program cleaned 23 exotic

citrus cultivars introduced from U.S.A., France, Australia and maintained in the

quarantine green house. Shoot tip grafting (STG) helps in establishment of clean nucleus

stock of diverse Citrus exotic (foreign introduction) germplasm of commercial

importance, that will facilitate improvement program and also takes care of even diseases

of unknown etiology in Citrus introduction program.

STG based Citrus Quarantine

Classical quarantine procedures, which requires the introduction of material into an

isolated area, where citrus is not grown, has posed many problems, mainly due to lack of

facilities and trained personnel in these areas. The quarantine tissue culture method

mentioned below was developed for safe introduction of citrus germplasm, which are as

follow: 1. In vitro shoot tip grafting of introduced citrus germplasm. 2. Indexing of micro

grafted exotic cultivar for major graft transmissible citrus pathogens. 3. Healthy micro

grafted (23 exotic cultivars) and tested exotic germplasm is being maintained as a healthy

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diverse citrus repository in protected green house. All the tested 23 exotic micrografted

citrus scions cultivars were declared free from major graft transmissible pathogens and

recommendate for field evaluation.

Micro Budding: A New Propagation Technique to Minimize the Citrus Nursery

Phase Micro budding is a miniature budding on young citrus root stocks measuring 3 mm

diameter in which the bud is inserted on the detopped root stock in a wedge cut and

immediately protected by covering with a micropipette tip. After a week, micro buds are

observed and then micro tips are removed after their sprouting within 12-14 days. Micro

budding facilitates faster propagation with reduced cost. This biotech break has a

tremendous scope in commercial propagation and research. It reduces huge cost on

labour and maintenance during the commercial propagation on low cost green house. It

can be utilized in biological indexing of virus, viroids, greening bacterium and other

disease inoculation and expression studies at much faster pace, enable year round

multiplication and shortens the nursery phase. Micro budded Nagpur mandarin on 5000

citrus rootstocks (6 month old) were commercially released to citrus growers in 2015.

In-vitro Regeneration of Citrus Scions and Citrus Rootstocks through Somatic

Embryogenesis In citrus, nucellar embryony has been commercially exploited for breeding and genetic

studies. Numerous schemes have been proposed to utilize embryogenic capability of

citrus in plant improvement program. Nucellar embryos, like shoot tip are free of virus

and can be used for raising virus free clones, especially in citrus where shoot tip culture

has not been successful. Hence technology was developed for whole plant

regeneration via somatic embryogenesis. Ovules were excised from 8-10 weeks old fruits

of Citrus reticulata cv. Nagpur mandarin and C. limonia cv. Rangpur lime Brazilian

(commercially important rootstocks) and cultured in MS - medium supplemented with

various organic compounds. Cotyledonary embryoids obtained from MS + ME medium

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were subcultured and MS medium supplemented with various growth regulators kinetin

in combination with IAA promoted plantlet formation.

Micropropagation of Troyer Citrange Gonicoppal (Citrus sinensis) (L.) Osbeck x

(Poncirus trifoliata) (L.) Raf. ):An Economically Important Rootstock

Callus culture were initiated from epicotyl of 4 weeks old in vitro grown nucellar

seedlings of Troyer Citrange Chetthali ( C. Sinensis (L) Osbeck x (Poncirus trifoliate L.

Raf).

Tested the in vitro propagation protocol of Troyer Citrange Chetthali ( C. Sinensis (L)

Osbeck x (Poncirus trifoliate L. Raf) in terms of multiple shooting and rooting.

The maximum number of shoot proliferation from epicotyls callus/ somatic embryonic

callus were observed in media composition MS+2BAP+AA+CC And another media MS

+2BA+AA+CC. the shoots generated from epicotyl callus were harvested and transferred

into the rooting media.

In the Troyer Citrange the best rooting media observed MS+2IBA +AA+CC with pulse

treatment of 1000ppm IBA for a 4 minutes gives the maximum number of roots and

length of the roots were observed. In vitro regenerated Troyer Citrange plants were

successfully transferred to potting mixture in the lab condition. Then after 30 days these

pre acclamitized plants were transferred to the green house.

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In- vitro Regeneration Protocol for in- vivo Clonal Propagation of Citrus Rootstocks

The in vivo clonal propagation of plants is an often difficult, expensive and season-

specific. Tissue culture methods offer an alternative means of vegetative propagation in

short time, space and throughout the year. The objective of present technology is to

determine the feasibility of using tissue culture technique for propagation of citrus

rootstocks emerged as economically/ horticulturally important citrus rootstocks from

rootstock screening studies at NRCC. Multiple shoots obtained from mature axillary bud

explant / single node of mature trees (>10 years old) of Citrus limonia Osbeck cultivars

Rangpur lime Gonicoppal and Brazillian Rangpur lime, when cultured in MS medium

supplemented with BAP, kinetin and NAA. In vitro proliferated shoots rooted when

shoots were cultured on MS supplemented with IBA. Multiple shoots obtained in

modified MS media fortified with BA from the nodal explants of complete in vitro

regenerated plants. Rooted complete plantlets transferred to micro pots having sterilized

soil mixture with 60% survival. Hardened and acclimatized plants were transferred to the

green house &successfully survived in harsh ex vitro condition.

Complete plantlet regeneration protocol and lab to land transfer of Citrus

macrophylla cv. Alemow : A promising rootstock for Nagpur mandarin and Acid

lime

One of the essential requirements for the successful application of plant propagation

technology to agriculture is the capacity to regenerate elite plantlets. Micro propagation

of commercially important Citrus species has been reported by many workers but the in

vitro studies for Citrus macrophylla cv. Alemow are not yet reported. With above view a

protocol for clonal propagation of Citrus macrophylla has been developed using mature

auxillary buds as a starting material in MS media supplemented with growth regulator

BA. Auxillary bud formation and growth can be used to regenerate whole plant from

some types of tissue culture. Complete plantlet regeneration after culturing the micro

shoots obtained from mature axillary bud. Multiple shoots obtained from the nodal

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segments of in vitro regenerated plants. Micro shoots rooted to complete plants in MS

supplemented with IBA. In vitro plants acclimatized in the micro pots having soil rite

mix and successfully transferred to the green house and survived the shock of ex vitro

conditions.

In vitro Regeneration Protocol of Citrus Rootstocks for Genetic Conservation

Testing the repeatability of in vitro propagation of economically important Citrus

rootstocks (Citrus limonia Osbeck Cv., Rangpur lime Brazilian, Rough lemon and Citrus

macrophylla) through direct organogenesis viz., bud proliferation, multiple shooting

from the sub cultured shoots and rooting from mature explants tissue.

Primary cultures are established through auxiliary bud proliferation in the following

media viz. 1/2MS+2BA+250 ammonium sulphate+25 adenine sulphate,

1/2MS+2BA+25adenine sulphate, MS+2BA+AA+CC, 1/2MS+2BAP+250ammonium

sulphate+25adenine sulphate, 1/2MS+2BAP+25adenine sulphate, MS+2BAP+AA+CC,

DKW+2BAP, DKW+2BA. Shoot proliferation was maximum in ½ MS +2 BA +

250mg/lit ammonium sulphate+25mg/lit adenine sulphate and 1/2MS+2 BA +25mg

Adenine Sulphate with additional 4mg tyrosine.

Elongated shoots obtained from both auxiliary bud proliferation and subcultured shoots

were transferred to different rooting medium 1/2MS+ 1IBA+1NAA with pretreatment

and without pretreatment, MS+2IBA with pretreatment and without pretreatment

proliferation was maximum in ½ MS + 1IBA and 1NAA along with pulse treatment of

1000ppm IBA for 4minutes. Successful in vitro regenerated plants of Rangpur lime

Brazallian, Rough lemon and Citrus macrphylla were transferred for pre acclimitization

to pot culture in the lab. Successfully transferred surviving plants are transferred to the

green house and data analysis is in progress.

The regeneration of Citrus macrophylla, Rangpur lime Brazallian, Rough lemon through

direct organogenesis showed the maximum number of shoots. Maximum shoot

proliferation from primery culture of all the rootstock ranged between 3-4 shoots in ½

MS+2mg/litBA+250mg/lit ammonium sulphate+25 adenine sulphate. shoots harvested

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from initial primary culture and shifted to 3 subsequent subculture in the same media

with a rate of multiplication in 1:6 ratio.

Induction of Triploidy in two commercial Citrus scion species through in vitro

technique

Complete plantlets were successfully regenerated from hybrid endosperm tissue via

somatic embryogenesis of C. reticulata Blanco Cv. Nagpur mandarin & C. sinensis

Osbeck Cv. Sweet orange, after attempting various permutations & combinations of

media, right from primary callus to complete totipotency. The endosperm was excised

from young fruitlets 10-12 weeks post anthesis. The primary induction of calli from

endosperm requires MT media with supplements and different hormone combinations &

to attain the maximum number of somatic embryos from cotyledonary stage. Complete

Plantlet regeneration from somatic embryogenesis of Nagpur mandarin and Sweet orange

in different concentrations of gibberalic acid. From the above media combinations,

regenerated shoots of Nagpur mandarin and Sweet orange from somatic embryos were

rooted & developed to complete plantlets. Successfully surviving plantlets from

embryogenesis were tested for ploidy & DNA content by flow cytometry by Partek

ploidy analyser to the extent of 40%. Triploid plants were minigrafted on standard Rough

lemon rootstocks for green house acclimatization. These results demonstrated the

recovery of stable viable triploids from the hybrid endosperm via somatic embryogenesis

at CCRI, Nagpur, which is first of its kind in the field of Citrus triploid breeding in India,

that can overcome the barriers to sexual hybridization resulting from apomixes, towards

breeding seedless Citrus scions.

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Triploid plant of

Triploid plant of

Nagpur Nagpur

Sweet orange

Sweet Orange-Flow cytometry

analysis of

Standardization of Top working

Standardized top working technique in Citrus on mature citrus scions and rootstocks for

early evaluation of newly evolved varieties by breeding and in vitro/tissue culture

techniques.

Standardization of protocol by cytological study for ploidy analysis

At NRCC standardization of methodology on chromosomal analysis of root tips by

microscope is standardized. Repeatability needs to be tested after availability of

microscope wit karyotype software at the institute.

Molecular characterization of Citrus germplasm.

Revalidated SCAR protocol developed in collaboration with IIHR, for identification

of Citrus commercial rootstocks along with Galgal at CCRI.

Optimized PCR protocol with 25 RAPD primers. for 55 different accessions of

Citrus and completed analysis by UPGMA, NTSYS software and reported 89.6%

polymorphism. In the cluster analysis examined that the Alemow (C. macrophylla

L.) l-55(line 55) and Rangpur Lime – Brazilian (C. limonia Osb.)l-41 are two

germplasm accessions that are similar to each other but diverse from other reported

germplasm. l-55 is more prominently used germplasm in phytopthora resistance and

similar to Rangpur Lime – Brazilian (C. limonia Osb.)- 41which is also governed

for one of the quantitative trait loci (QTL), Which further indicates that the

germplasm Rangpur Lime – Brazilian (C. limonia Osb.)-41 can be used for

resistance breeding studies as potential root stock for phytophthora tolerance.

According to Jaccard’s similarity coefficient, highest similarity was observed

between germplasm Saville Orange (C. aurantium L.) l-48(0.687) and Ruby Blood

Orange (C. sinesis L. Osb) l-49(0.688), while lowest similarity between Darjeeling

mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco) l-21(0.327) and Flame Grape Fruit (C.

paradisii Macf) l- 50 (0.89)

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Citriculture

Leaf water potential in excess of –3.5 MPa was found effective in imposing water

stress in Nagpur mandarin for inducing flowering.

For inducing flowering in Nagpur mandarin planted in problematic high clay soils

paclobutrazol @ 18 g/plant or stem girdling of scaffold branches (0.5 cm) is found

effective

Resuming irrigation early in first week of January ensures better retention of fruits

and avoids failure of Ambia crop in Nagpur mandarin.

Post fruit-set fruit drop: Two sprays at monthly interval in May and June of either

2,4-D, 15 ppm or GA3 15 ppm + Benomyl 1000 ppm + Urea 1 %.

Pre-harvest fruit drop : Two sprays at monthly interval in September and October

of 2,4-D, 15 ppm or GA3 15 ppm + Benomyl 1000 ppm + Urea 1 %.

For taking Hasta bahar (October-November flowering ) crop in acid lime, foliar

spray application of chlormequat chloride (2000 ppm) or stem girdling (0.3 cm) in the

month of September is found effective.

Application of combinations of monopotassium phosphate 2 %, DAP 2 %, 2,4-D 10

ppm and GA3 10 ppm can be alternatively used for increasing the fruit size of Nagpur

mandarin.

WEED MANAGEMENT IN CITRUS ORCHARDS

Pre-emergence weed control :

Weed control: Two pre-emergence applications of Diuron @ 3 kg a.i./ha or

Simazine 4 kg a.i./ha at interval of 120 days control the weeds upto 300 days. For

post-emergence weed control Glyphosate @41 a.i./ha or gramoxone @ 21 a.i./ha is

effective.

Glyphosate

4 l/ha

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Post-emergence weed control:

For post-emergence spray, glyphosate @ 4 l/ha gives complete control of all

weeds in citrus orchards and is more economical than hand weeding. Gramoxone, a post-

emergence weedicide when used at the rate of 1.5 l/ha kills both monocot and dicot

weeds but regrowth of weeds starts especially in bermuda grass after 20 days

Intercropping in Citrus Orchards :

Leguminous intercrops such as soybean, black gram, chick pea, pigeon pea and cow

pea were found remunerative in pre-bearing citrus orchards.

Nagpur mandarin + Blackgram

Nagpur mandarin + Soyabean Nagpur mandarin + Gram

Nagpur mandarin + Cotton+ Groundnut

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Technologies developed

Promising rootstock for Nagpur mandarin : An exotic rootstock Alemow (Citrus

macrophylla Wester) was found to be a most promising rootstock for Nagpur mandarin

under black clay soils of central India condition. The rootstock Alemow produced

maximum fruit yield(21.t/ha) with medium canopy of Nagpur mandarin whereas

conventional rootstock rough lemon and Rangpur lime yielded only 10 t/ha. The highest

nutrient uptake of all the macro and micro(except Cu) was recorded with this rootstock.

Alemow showed as the most potent rootstock for Nagpur mandarin having all the

promising horticultural traits will go a long way in imparting not only production

sustainability but improved orchard life as well in addition to fitting this rootstock under

high density orcharding.

Fig. (1-3): Nagpur mandarin on Alemow

Promising Rangpur lime and rough lemon rootstock strains : Among Rangpur lime a

rootstock strain Rangpur lime (Brazillian) produced maximum fruit yield(15.61t/ha)

than the conventional Rangpur lime strain whereas for rough lemon a strain 14-9-13 and

Jullandhary khatti resulted higher fruit yield (14.48 &14.08t/ha resp.) with 100% tree

survival after 18years of tree life.

Potent rootstock for Acid lime :

Alemow (C. macrophylla Wester, an old Philippine lemon/ pummelo hybrid) as a

classical rootstock possessing

outstanding traits as the most potent

rootstock for acid lime with

maximum macro and micro nutrient

extraction capacity with 100% tree

survival. The highest fruit yield (13.4

t/ha) was recorded with Alemow,

whereas seedling produced only 5.88

t/ha on pooled yield basis

.

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Less seeded acid lime on

Chase rough lemon

Compatible and smooth bud union: Some of the rootstocks such as Alemow, Sun chu

sha, Willits citrange, Rangpur lime and rough lemon exhibited smooth bud union, showing

the congenial relationship of stock and scion with Nagpur mandarin. As the incompatible

rootstocks resulted over growth cup shape formation and after 2-3 years it started bark

splitting. Mostly these rootstocks were affected by various diseases and later stage declined.

The bud union of all the strains of rough lemon and Rangpur lime were found smooth and

showing congenial relationship with stock and scion of Nagpur mandarin.

Disease tolerant rootstock: The rootstock X-639(Cleopatra mandarin x Poncirous trifoliata)

showed less disease susceptibility(1.25) on Nagpur mandarin with 100% tree survival after18

years of tree life. The least no. of gummosis lesions were also observed in Sour orange

Tirupati(1.11 lesion/tree) whereas conventional rootstock rough lemon and Rangpur lime

resulted higher disease susceptibility(2.17 and 2.06 lesion/tree respectively).

Dwarfing rootstocks: The exotic rootstock Flying dragon trifoliate orange(Poncirous

trifoliata) and trifoliate orange (Chethalli) exhibited dwarfing growth with Nagpur mandarin

in black cotton soil of Central India. The tree canopy of Nagpur mandarin on Flying dragon

rootstock is only 27.2m3 with better fruit quality whereas the plants on rough lemon and

Rangpur lime canopy is ranging from 80 to 100m3 canopy after 15 years of tree life. These

rootstocks are useful for high density planting for Nagpur mandarin with double planting

density.

Seedless acid lime: An exotic rootstock Chase rough lemon produced less seeded (2.09

seeds/fruit) acid lime fruits whereas seedling produces maximum seeds(8-10 seeds/fruit) and

almost similar trend was recorded for more than ten years fruit

samples with 100% tree survival after 18 years of tree life. This

is very much useful finding for processing industry.

Fig.6 Less seeded acid lime on Chase rough lemon

Post-harvest management of Nagpur mandarin: Nagpur mandarin fruits having orange

colour, firmness und TSS/ and ratio (not less than 14-15%) can be stored at 5.250-6.85

0C

with 90-95% RH for 45 to 60 days considering storage and post storage losses and fruit

palatability. The techniques of combined pre and post-harvest treatment and packing in

vented polythene (bag in box) resulted in retention of natural freshness of fruit with

negligible decay and fruits had higher score of flavors and acceptability as compared with

and pre-harvest treated fruits.

Packaging: Technique of over- wrapping of Nagpur mandarin in trays with LLDPE stretch

cling film would be benefit in extending shelf life up to 2 months at low temperature. The

technique may serve as a consumer packing of ½ or 1 dozen fruit for easy and hygienic

handling and transport of fruit in CBF boxes with minimum deterioration during retail

marketing. Carbendazim (4000 ppm) treatment before wrapping reduced decay. ‘Cryovac’

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films resulted in eye-catching sparkle, glossiness and reduced fruit shape deformation. The

tray wrapping resulted in attractive and convenient consumer pack of one dozen fruits.

‘Cryovac’ films (BDF-2001 and D 955) were more suitable for tray wrapping due to their

strength as compared to polyethylene films.

Processing: Standardized the debittering process of Nagpur mandarin juice in continuous

flow process with - cyclodextrin and XAD-16 polymers.Standardized the juice extraction

method for Nagpur mandarin fruits as screw type juice extractor produced less bitter juice

with maximum juice recovery as compared to other method of juice extraction. Maximum

acceptability was also found in this method of juice extraction.

Integrated management of Citrus nematode

The observation on vegetative growth parameter indicated that maximum increase over

previous(18.86%) year was noted in treatment Phorat 10G@15 g.a.i. per tree and Neem

cake@ 20kg/tree whereas fruit yield recorded higher in Neem cake treatment with maximum

fruit weight(170.6g/fruit).

A survey indicated that the average fruit yield was higher in Morshi, Chandurbazar and

Durgapur areas ranging 300-800 fruits/tree whereas tree canopy was noted

maximum(81.8m3) in Durgapur orchards. As the nematode population was recorded

maximum in Paratwada area where the fruit samples showed maximum juice content

(55.7%) and TSS-acid ratio(14.68%). A study demonstrated that Trichoderma viridae and

various oil cakes exhibited nematode suppressing ability in acid lime under glass house

conditions.

Finalizing crop specific DUS testing guidelines for Citrus (Citrus reticulata, C. sinensis

and C. aurantifolia)

Standardizes DUS characters for Nagpur mandarin: Nagpur mandarin is the most

important mandarin cultivar in particularly central India and it is grown in largest area in the

country. The observations on leaf, flower, fruit and seed characters of this cultivar were

standardized.

Standardizes DUS characters for Coorg mandarin: This is commercially grown in Coorg

areas of Karnataka mostly in mixed plantation with Coffee and black pepper. The

observations on leaf, flower, fruit and seed characters of this cultivar were recorded for

further submission.

Standardizes DUS characters for Acid lime: Acid lime commonly known as Kagzi

nimboo which is commercially grown in different parts of the country. The observations on

leaf, flower, fruit and seed characters were recorded in acid lime for finalizing DUS

characters of this cultivar.

Raised bed planting system: The plantation of Nagpur mandarin, sweet orange, grapefruit

and acid lime are performing well with good growth and it indicated that the plantations of

all the citrus spp on raised bed has very good future and it”ll boost the production under

black soils of Central India.

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Use of PVC pipe: The use of two feet length and 2” dia meter PVC pipe in new plantation

has shown promising result in mandarin, sweet orange and grapefruit. Use of pvc pipe has

prevented the side shoot growth and resulted better growth towards foliage part and the bud

union was protected with soil born disease.

Soil Science and Nutrition

Leaf nutrient standards: For the first time in the country, cultivar based (Nagpur

mandarin, mosambi sweet orange, Khasi mandarin, Malta sweet orange, Sathgudi sweet

orange, acid lime, and Kinnow mandarin) leaf nutrient standards have been developed

using Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) through large scale

survey, modeling, experimentation and refinement based on crop response data based on

which advisory service initiated on countrywide basis and currently, a huge database of

456 orchards covering nationwide citrus belts has been created at the laboratory. Based on

above technology, Govt. of Maharashtra has declared 50% subsidy to private

entrepreneurs for establishing of Leaf Analysis Laboratory.

Development of cultivar specific fertilizer scheduling: The fertilizer scheduling of

nutrients like N, P and K was developed for cultivars like Nagpur mandarin and Acid

lime through multi-location trials. Likewise foliar spray schedule using nutrients such as

Fe and Zn was developed for Nagpur mandarin

Soil suitability diagnostic criteria for establishing soil constraint free citrus orchards

: The soil suitability criteria considering the effective soil depth has been developed using

21 soil physico-chemical properties in relation to fruit yield for 3 major citrus cultivars

(Nagpur mandarin, mosambi sweet orange, Khasi mandarin, Malta sweet orange,

Sathgudi sweet orange, acid lime and Kinnow mandarin) using Diagnosis &

Recommendation Integrated system (DRIS) through large scale survey, modeling,

experimentation and refinement based on crop response data.For the first time, the soil

suitability criteria in relation to fruit yield has been developed to put check on unsuitable

soils brought into cultivation and improved the productivity with area expansion. The Soil

Science Laboratory has been identified by ICAR for training foreign scientists visiting

India.

Site specific nutrient management strategy for improved fertilizer use efficiency

based on targeted yield concept: The blanket application of fertilizers within the big

orchard has failed to inflict improved orchard efficiency. Site specific nutrient

management strategy developed for Nagpur mandarin and mosambi sweet orange has

enabled to realize the potential productivity at specific soil site by mitigating all the

multiple nutrient deficiencies. The technique involves rationale use of fertilizers within

the orchard having large variation in soil properties both horizontally as well as vertically.

This technology is regularly disseminated to the citrus

growers on country wide basis at all the platforms associated

with various transfer of technologies like Rashtriya Kisan

Mela on Citrus, Mini Mission-I mode for NEH Region etc.

Citrus specific microbial consortium and its evaluation

under INM module: Growth promoting microbes were

isolated from rhizosphere (0-20 cm) for development of

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microbial consortium through extensive soil sampling at the experimental site. The

microbial diversity existing within rhizosphere soil was characterized and isolated the

promising microbes viz., Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus mycoids, Pseudomonas

fluorescens, Bacillus polymyxa and Trichoderma harzianum. Pure culture of these

microbes in value added form was developed and prepared a mixture called microbial

consortium (MC) having a minimum shelf life of 6 months. The microbial consortium so

developed was evaluated under INM mode.

Ready reckoner for soil-test-based fertilizer recommendation for different citrus

cultivars: Ready reckoner based on variation in magnitude of fertilizer response to

variable rate of fertilizer application was developed using the fertilizer doses prediction

model at a given soil-test values for a range of targeted fruit yield. The ready reckoner

developed for soil N-based (KMNO4-N) fertilizer production at various targeted yield of

Nagpur mandarin showed, if at soil test value of 100 kg ha-1

in order to get 110 q ha-1

(11.0 tons ha-1

fruit yield), we need to apply 130.10 kg N ha-1

, which will increase to

219.70 kg N ha-1

for targeted fruit yield of 150 q ha-1

(15.0 tons ha-1

) or to 299.30 kg N

ha-1

for targeted fruit yield of 200 q ha-1

(20.0 tons ha-1

) or to 159.82 kg N ha-1

for

targeted fruit yield of 300 q ha-1

(30.0 tons ha-1

) at soil N test value of 500 g N ha-1

.

Various recommendations for P at different soil test P values as the target fruit yield is

increased, e.g. 100 q ha-1

to 300 q ha-1

at soil P value of 5 kg ha-1

, the P recommendation

increased from 34.58 kg ha-1

to 130.58 kg ha-1

which further reduced to -32.49 kg ha-1

to

546.32 kg P ha-1

, respectively for targeted fruit yield of 100 q ha-1

(10.0 tons ha-1

) and 300

q ha-1

(30.0 tons ha-1

)at soil P test value of 30 kg ha-1.

Ready reckoner developed for

prediction of K fertilizers which varied to great extent depending upon the soil test value

NH4OAc-K. If soil K value is 100 kg ha-1

, we will need to apply 130.00 kg K ha-1

for

targeted fruit yield 100 q ha-1

(10.0 tons ha-1

) which will increase to 299.30 kg K ha-1

and

to 468.50 kg K ha-1

for targeted fruit yield of 200 q ha-1

(20.0 tons ha-1

) and 300 q ha-

1(30.0 tons ha

-1), respectively.

Developed 11 technology calendars for exclusive use of citrus growers as an Extension

Teaching Aid, These comprise of: i.Soil-Plant nutrient diagnostics in Nagpur mandarin;

ii.Nutrient management in Nagpur mandarin; iii.Suitable soils for Nagpur mandarin; iv.Fruit

yield prediction in intercropped citrus orchards; v.Soil fertility and plant nutrition in khasi

mandarin; vi.Nutritional disorders and management in citrus; vii. Analysis of citrus orchard

efficiency vis-a-vis Soil properties; viii.Site specific nutrient management in mandarin

orchards; ix.Nutrient management in sweet orange; x.Development of microbial consortium

and xi.Evaluation of microbial consortium under INM mode.

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Bedding System of Plantation for Citrus fruit crops

For citrus plants, in view of planting distance of 6 x 6 m modified raised beds have

been prepared. These beds are 5 m wide, 45 cm high at the middle (near the stem of the plant)

and sloping down towards both ends. The beds are

separated by parallel, 1 m width, trapezoidal shape

dead furrows oriented in the direction of land

slope. The water drains from the beds into dead

furrows, which discharge into a field drain

constructed at the lower end of the field and

perpendicular to the dead furrows.

Benefits of the system

In heavy soils, during rainy season, this system was highly effective in providing well-

drained conditions, at least in upper 0-30 cm soil depth. This is the zone where as much

as 80 to 90 per cent root activities of the citrus are confined.

The top soil drainage in bedding sytem promotes early restoration of aeration of the upper

root zone (usually a main rootzone in this type of soils).

Nutrient availability in the soil and its uptake by the plants was better in this system.

Considerable increase in vegetative growth of the plant was observed in this system of

plantation as compared to other methods.

This system induced more flowering, check the fruit drop problems thereby increasing

fruit yield of the plants.

In central India, land topography is very undulating having shallow depth. This system is

equally beneficial for these soils as it provides increased rooting depth (at least 50 cm) for

citrus plants.

On sloping land these beds can be constructed by digging trenches, refilling it with top

soil from same field or pond soil brought from outside. These types of beds constructed

across the slope acts as a soil conservation measures during low rainfall period.

During high rainfall period it increased percolation, drained water with non-erosive

velocity, thereby checking soil erosion losses.

Developed ready-reckoner indicating different soil types in central India with their

suitability for Nagpur mandarin

Identified and characterised five different types of soil under Nagpur mandarin

cultivation occurring in central India. A Ready - Reckoner has been developed which gives

an idea about physic-chemical characteristics of soils and its influence on the performance of

Nagpur mandarin. A farmer has to simply match his soil type with the developed reckoner

and he will get an idea about suitability of his soil for mandarin cultivation, its performance

and management practices to be followed under his soil types.

17

18

Identification of Drainage Problems and Their Management In Citrus Orchards

Better performance of citrus trees was observed on the soils having good drainage conditions.

Similarly, in the orchards having poor drainage conditions, considerable improvement in

orchard health was observed with the provision of drainage system.

Works on rainfall Analysis and Drainage coefficient for citrus orchards.

Table 1: Probable rainfall occurrence for 10 years of return period and drainage coefficient of

different Nagpur mandarin growing regions of Vidarbha

Name of the Rainfall (mm) (10 years return period) Drainage coefficient

(mm/day) Return period

District 1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days 5 years 10 years

Nagpur 190.6 240.1 252.6 284.9 311.8 50.0 71.2

Amravati 139.0 212.6 265.8 269.2 286.6 53.7 67.3

Wardha 174.4 233.9 262.3 303.1 328.6 63.4 75.7

Akola 132.1 170.6 192.2 207.6 208.4 44.9 51.9

Yavatmal 153.1 221.2 251.0 264.9 276.7 57.6 66.2

Suitability of drainage systems

The different surface drainage system suitable for cultivation of Nagpur mandarin

orchards grown on black soils of central India are discussed below.

The depression ditch system: This system is applicable to fields in which a limited

number of pronounced elongated depressions exists leading themselves to drainage by

means of ditches. The depressions may be drained individually or be linked. The ditches

discharge towards the field boundary into the main system.

The cross-slope parallel open ditch system: Ditch spacing should not exceed the

maximum safe (from erosion point of view) length of run which depends on soil type

slope, intensity of rainfall and feasibility. The open ditches are comparatively deeper and

have steep side slopes. The across the slope ditches are connected to main ditch which is

along the slope. Sufficient grade is being provided to the ditches. So that the some may be

used for water conservation in case of little amount of rainfall. Drainage provision

should be made right from the stage of layout and that spacing of the drain should be

multiple of row width, 4 to 6 times for very permeable soils and 2 to 3 times in heavy

impermeable soils.

Bedding system: Bedding (6 m wide beds separated by furrows, 45 cm high at the

middle and sloping down towards both ends) is the classical drainage method for flat

heavy lands.

19

Evaluation and Recommendation of ‘Alemow’ Rootstock For Citrus

Worked as a ‘Co-Principal Investigator’ in research project on ‘Evaluation of different

citrus rootstocks for citrus’. Studied nutrient uptake pattern in Nagpur mandarin and Acid

lime plants budded on Alemow rootstock in comparison with other rootstocks.

Technologies Developed in Soil and Water management in Citrus

Micro-irrigation systems in Nagpur mandarin and acid lime : Micro-irrigation

system was standerdised. Growth, soil moisture distribution, yield and fruit quality of

bearing Nagpur mandarin was superior with Micro-jet 1800 (2/plant) and Micro-jet 300

0

(2/plant) irrigation system in comparison with basin method of irrigation. Water use

efficiency was more in micro-irrigation systems.

Irrigation scheduling in Nagpur mandarin and acid lime : Irrigation scheduling based

on soil water with 20% and 30% depletion of Available Water Content and based on pan

evaporation with 0.8 of open pan evaporation resulted better growth, yield and fruit

quality of Nagpur mandarin and acid lime besides improving the water use efficiency.

Fertigation in Nagpur mandarin and acid lime : Standardized the NPK fertigation in

Nagpur mandarin and acid lime. The fertilizer dose of 500 : 140 :70 (N:P:K) was

developed for fertigation using water soluble fertilizers, which improved fertilizer

efficiency.

Mulching in Nagpur mandarin and acid lime : Black polyethylene of 100 and grass

mulch @ 3 ton/ha. was found better in conserving the soil moisture, increasing the

growth, yield and fruit quality in Nagpur mandarin and acid lime.

Automatic drip irrigation scheduling : The Nagpur mandarin yield was highest (30.91

t/ha.) with irrigation on alternate day 120 minutes three times followed by irrigation

scheduled with 90 minutes interval two times daily (30.11 t/ha.).

Micro-jet systems with controller : The mandarin yield was highest with 1800 fan type

micro-jet (2/plant) (29.34 t/ha.) followed by 3000 ray type micro-jet (2/plant) (26.22

t/ha.). The mandarin yield was highest i.e. 28.78 t/ha. with 4 lph eight emitters on single

lateral in octagonal arrangement

K- fertilizer fertigation : The mandarin yield was highest (31.13 t/ha) with fertigation

with Mono Potassium Phosphate (150 g K2O/plant) followed by fertigation with

Potassium Nitrate (150 g K2O/plant) at 15 days interval (29.4 t/ha).

K-fertigation dose standerdization : The mandarin yield was highest (25.52 t/ha) with

sulphate of potash (40 g K2O/plant) fertigation followed by fertigation with 50 g

K2O/plant at 30 days interval (23.67t/ha).

Critical growth stages and water requirements : The critical stage of water

requirement in Nagpur mandarin was found from January to June (Stage I (Jan-Feb),

II(Mar-Apr) and III(May-June). The stage wise water requirement in Nagpur mandarin

was optimum with 80 % ER in all the stages.

Interaction of irrigation and fertigation levels : The irrigation at 80 % evaporation

replenishment ER and fertigation with 75 % RDF interaction gave higher yield in Nagpur

mandarin.

20

Micro-nutrients dose standerdization of zinc sulphate and iron sulphate : The

highest fruit yield per tree as well as fruit quality of Nagpur mandarin was observed in the

fertigation of FeSO4 @ 200 g/plant and ZnSO4 @ 300 g/plant compared to soil

application.

Entomology

Insect Pests Management

Citrus psylla: Foliar application with imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5 ml or

quinolphos 25 EC @ 1ml or thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.3 g/l or Azadirachitin

1% @ 4 ml or novaluron 10 EC @ 1 ml/l and Mak All Season HMO @ 1.5%

at bud burst stage during February March in Ambia, July in Mrig and October

to November in Hasta flushing seasons reduces citrus psylla infestation levels.

Time of breaking water stress on 1st January in Nagpur mandarin in

central India, 6mx6m spacing, application of vermicompost @ 10 kg /tree and

soil application of thiamethoxam @ 0.008% recorded significantly reduced

levels of citrus psylla.

Citrus leaf miner : Foliar spray of imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5 ml or

quinolphos 25 EC @ 2 ml or dimethoate 30 EC @ 1.5 ml or neem oil @ 5 ml

or phosalone 35 EC @ 1.5 ml or fenvalerate 20EC @ 1ml/l or Mak All Season

HMO @ 1.5% at 10 days interval as soon as the infestation noticed checks the

incidence of leaf miner.

Citrus blackfly : Foliar spray with imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5 ml or

quinolphos 25 EC @ 1.25 ml or acephate 75 WP @ 0.8 g or dimetoate

30 EC @ 2 ml /l of water at 50% egg hatching stage or first instar

nymphal stage of the pest on the under surface of leaf twice at 15 days

interval during Ambia (April), Mrig (June-Aug) and Hasta (Oct-Dec.)

flushing periods reduces the blackfly infestation.

Thrips: Foliar application of dimethoate 30 EC @ 2 ml or

acephate 75 WP @ 1.25 ml or phosalone 35 EC @ 1.5 ml/l or Mak

All Season HMO @ 2.0 % at bud burst stage and berry stage

reduces the thrips infestation.

21

Fruit Sucking Moth: Foliar application of neem oil @ 10ml or malathion 50 EC @ 2 ml or

DDVP 76 EC @ 1 ml/l at the time of colour break stage at 10 -15 days interval till harvest

reduces the infestation of fruit sucking moth.

Generation of smoke in the orchard for 2 hours in the

evening repels adult moths, poison baiting with malathion 50 EC

@ 10 ml + 100 g jaggary +100 ml mandarin juice + 900 ml of

water (two bottles containing poison bait per 25-30 trees), foliar

application of neem oil @ 10ml/l at fortnightly interval followed

by treatment with potted tomato plants with soil application of

imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5 ml/l in Nagpur mandarin rows +

neem oil @ 10ml/l spray over canopy reduces the incidence of

fruit piercing moths.

Citrus rust mite: Foliar application of dicofol 18.5 EC @ 2 ml /l

water or propargite 57 EC @ 1ml or ethion 50 EC @ 1 ml/l or

Mak All Season HMO @ 2.0 % or Azdirachitin (1%) @ 4 ml or

wettable sulphur 85 DP @ 3 g /lit water twice at 14 days during

mite active period was effective against rust mites.

Bark eating caterpillar: Injection of 5-10 ml of dichlorovos 76

EC @ (0.1%) in the fresh larval tunnel and covering it with

cotton wad reduces the bark eating caterpillar infestation.

Multiplication of Chrysopid Predator, Mallada desjardinsi Navas

Mass multiplication of chrysopid predator, Mallada desjardinsi (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

has been standardized using protinex 40g + fructose 70g in 250 ml water as adult diet and

Corcyra cephalonica eggs (inactivated) as larval diet. Fresh citrus twigs followed by black

paper were found as preferred substrate for egg laying by M. desjardinsi. Using this

technique, a modest culture of 200-300 adults, 1500-2000 larvae and 2000-3000 eggs could

be maintained throughout the year by inoculating C. cephalonica at 30 day interval, so that

predatory larval stage of M. desjardinsi and egg stage of C. cephalonica could be well

synchronized.

Field Release: Evaluation of various stages/doses of a chrysopid predator, M. desjardensi

against citrus psylla and blackfly showed that release of M. desjardensi @ 4 larvae/shoot, 2

adult pairs/shoot followed by 6 eggs/shoot under caged condition twice at 2 weeks interval

reduced the psylla and blackfly nymphal population considerably. Further, release of M.

desjardensi @ 30 larvae or 50 eggs/ tree twice in each flushing season reduces the overall

pest population.

22

Mallada desjardinsi adult Mallada desjardinsi larva

feeding on psylla nymphs

Mallada desjardinsi egg

laying on fresh mandarin

twig

23

Plant Pathology

Development of Diagnostics for Phytophthora species infecting citrus: Correctly

identifying Phytophthora to species level is the first critical step in mitigating the crop health

risk. Diagnostic tools have been developed with integration of

classical isolation & morphology-based approach and modern

DNA finger printing technology. ITS-RFLP, sequencing of nuclear

rDNA, species-specific primers, Taqman real time PCR have been

developed to detect Phytophthora spp. in soil, water and host

tissues.

Production of Phytophthora-free Nursery plants:

The methodologies for the elimination of soil-borne pathogens like

Phytophthora in the potting media have been standardized by soil

solarization and fumigation.

Chemical control of Phytophthora root rot and gummosis of

citrus

Chemical control measures against Phytophthora root rot and

gummosis of citrus using Copper (Bordeaux Paste) and systemic

fungicides like mefenoxam and fosetyl-Al have been established.

Management of Twig Blight/ Die-back

Twig blight can be controlled by pruning the affected branches/twigs followed by application

of benzimidazole fungices.

Biological control of Phytophthora root rot and gummosis of citrus

Trichoderma is a genus of fungi that is present naturally in all soils, and helps control soil-

borne diseases and hence are among the most promising biocontrol agents against plant

pathogens. An isolate of T. harizanium (NRCfBA-44) has been found very effective in

controlling Phytophthora root rot of citrus under central India conditions. Talc-based

formulation products of T. harizanium (strain NRCfBA-44) have been developed at ICAR-

CCRI, Nagpur for citrus nursery and field applications.

24

IDM package for citrus Phytophthora diseases

An integrated disease management (IDM) package

combining cultural, resistance, biological and chemical

measures has been developed for Phytophthora diseases

of citrus

Diagnostics for Citrus greening bacterium

Rapid detection of Citrus greening bacterium in plant and

insect vector by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -based

molecular technique was developed. A rapid and sensitive

diagnostic kit based on PCR has been developed. This

technique is being used routinely in the Centre’s ongoing

budwood certification programme i.e. production of disease -

free planting material.

Real time Quanatitative (q) PCR and LAMP method for rapid detection of Citrus

greening bacterium A real time Quanatitative (q) PCR method was

standardized and developed for rapid and sensitive

detection of greening bacterium with primers and probe

(Taqman) specific for ‘Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus’. The

real-time PCR system is a more efficient tool in the

early diagnosis of the disease. A rapid and easy Loop

mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based

diagnostic assay for citrus greening bacterium was also

standardized using Hydroxy Naphthol Blue (HNB) as

the visualization dye.

Management of greening disease

Management strategy for the control of greening disease was developed using bactericide

(Tetracycline hydrochloride) and application of micronutrients ZnSO4 and FeSO4.

Mangement of citrus bacterial canker disease

Pruning of the infected twigs during summer followed by 4 foliar sprays with the

combination of Copper Oxychloride (COC) 0.3%, Streptocycline 100 ppm, and Neem cake

extract (5%) during July-Sept at monthly intervals effectively reduced the disease incidence

under Nagpur conditions.

SCAR markers for molecular identification of three citrus rootstock cultivars: rough

lemon, Rangpur lime and Galgal

Two pairs of SCAR markers (SCO and SCd) were tested and validated for their efficacy in

identifying rough lemon, Rangpur lime and Galagal rootstock cultivars.

25

Technologies for virus and virus like diseases

Standardized PCR based (RT-PCR, IC-PCR, nested PCR and real time) rapid and

sensitive molecular diagnostic tools for major virus and virus-like pathogens infecting

citrus in India viz. Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), Citrus mosaic badna virus (CMBV),

Indian citrus ring spot virus (ICRSV), Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), Citrus greening

pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and Candidatus Phytoplasma spp.

Recently, one LAMP based low cost and highly sensitive Quick disease diagnostic kit

for rapid detection of Citrus greening disease has been standardized which can be

successfully applied in centres located even in remote places with limited resources.

This technology is now ready for commercialization

Developed CTV specific polyclonal antibodies using both purified virus preparation

and expressed recombinant coat protein of the virus which is being used for routine

diagnosis purpose in ELISA

Cloning, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of coat protein gene of 54 CTV isolates

has been done which reveals significant molecular variations among these virus isolates

RT-PCR based protocol for diagnosis of CTV in aphid vectors has been standardized

which is useful for epidemiological studies. Role of insect vectors viz. aphids and citrus

psylla for the natural spread of CTV and HLB respectively has been evaluated

For simultaneous detection of several viruses infecting citrus in an orchard, duplex

PCR technique has been standardized for detection of CTV and CMBV, CTV and

Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, CTV and ICRSV and this duplex PCR technique is

more economical and user friendly

Etiology of citrus exocortis viroid and hop stunt viroid mixed infection in citrus has

been established

Identifed a new disease, Phytoplasma induced witches broom disease of citrus which

was a new record from India. Nested PCR techniques for its diagnosis has been

standardized

Based on tandem reat numbers (TRN) at hyper variable region of the genome

(CLIBASIA_01645), genetic diversity of citrus greening pathogen Candidatus

Liberibacter asiaticus has been assayed . A total of 81 pathogen isolates collected from

all citrus growing belts of India was used for this study which has been published as full

research article in ' Phytopathology '

Standardized diagnostic tools has been used to successfully implement citrus bud wood

certification program at the institute for commercial production of virus-free

planting material of citrus and its distribution to the citrus growers.

Disease-free planting material of citrus was also developed by using STG technique

that cleans virus infection from superior citrus clones / varieties with virus infection

During last fifteen years (2000-15), more than thirty lakhs virus-free planting material

has been developed for distribution to the citrus growers which has helped CCRI to

generate resources of about three crore rupees

Citrus being vegetatively propagated crop always involves risk of introducing new

pathogens with introduced germplasms. Therefore virus indexing of all introduced

26

germplasm is being done in our lab that minimizes the risk of introducing new pathogens

in India

Role of different virus and virus-like pathogens (VLPs) in causing citrus decline in India

has been assessed

A new micro-grafting technique has been standardized for bio-diagnosis of citrus viruses

which reduces time period for virus detection

Actively involved in clonal selection of different citrus cultivars with superior

horticultural parameters

Total number of NCBI Genbank sequence submissions: 254

27

Post-Harvest Handling

Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

Maturity indices for Ambia (Spring blossom) and Mrig( Monsoon blossom) crop

Mechanized process of mandarin fruit sorting, washing, wax coating and grading

Evaluation of manual vis-a-vis mechanical system

Effects of packaging material on storage life

Unipacking (individual fruit) or tray-wrapping (half-dozen fruit)

Process of pre-cooling.

Standardization of refrigerated storage conditions

Shelf life after long term refrigerated storage

Intermittent warming during storage at chilling temperatures

‘Mosambi’ Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck)

Degreening of sweet orange echanized handling, wax coating and grading of

Mosambi orange

Standardization of refrigerated storage conditions

Evaporative cool chamber for storage of Mosambi

Acid Lime (’Kagzi’) Citrus aurantifolia Swingle

Standardization of maturity indices

Standardization of refrigerated storage conditions

Storage of acid lime in evaporative cool chamber

Mechanized process of wax application and grading

Packaging and storage

Nagpur Mandarin Processing

Methods of juice extraction and juice quality

Amberlite polymers for reduction of bitterness in juice

Utilization of Processing Waste

Survey of processing units

Replacement of maize by orange pomace-peel feed in broiler mash

NRCC - CIRCOT (Mumbai) Joint Project

Development of CFB Boxes from cotton plant stalks

Materials developed

Pre -cooling Unit ( ½ tonne capacity)

Degreening Unit (1 tonne capacity)

Corrugated fibre board containers for packaging of Nagpur mandarin

Cartons of following specifications and designs developed

Effect of curing on shelf life of citrus fruits

Effect of carnuba wax coating on shelf life of mandarins and sweet orange fruits

Effects of hot water treatment on the storage stability of Nagpur mandarin

Studies on organic manuring in Nagpur mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco)

Effect of Lac coating on storage ability of Nagpur mandarin fruits

28

Impact of Post-harvest Technologies

Mechanized sorting, wax coating and grading

Consultancy Services

Mandarin handling and storage facility at Karanja Ghadge (APEDA assisted)

Mandarin handling and storage facility at Warud

Mandarin handling and storage facility at Morshi (Dist- Amravati)

Nagpur mandarin packinghouse (Private ownership)

Use of plastic crates and corrugated fibre board boxes

Adoption of evaporative cool chamber technology developed at NRCC, Nagpur

Blended Juice

Mosambi blended Nagpur mandarin juice

Mosambi and acid lime blended Nagpur mandarin juice

Grapes and Aonla blended Nagpur mandarin juice.

Carrot blended Nagpur mandarin juice

Honey blended Nagpur mandarin juice

Citrus Juice Concentrate

Flash evaporation techniques

Frozen juice concentrate

Citrus Fruit Segments Dehydration

Segment dehydration

Osmotically dehydrated Nagpur mandarin Segments

Technology Commercialization

RTS drinks of Acid lime fruits.

Carbonated drinks developed from Acid lime fruits.

Carbonated drinks from Nagpur mandarin fruits.