Annual Report

2022

ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture

Old Air Field, PO-Rangreth, Srinagar 191132
Jammu and Kashmir, India
Published by:
Dr. M. K. Verma,
Director, ICAR-CITH, Srinagar

Compiled & Edited by:

M. K. Verma
O. C. Sharma
J. I. Mir
Geetika Malik
W.H. Raja
Arun Kishor
Mohd. Abas Shah
Sajad Un Nabi

Correct Citation:
CITH - Annual Report 2022
ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture,
Old Air Field, P.O.-Rangreth-191132, Srinagar (J&K), India.
Phone: 91-194-2305044, 2305045
E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]
Website: cith.icar.gov.in

Designed and Computerized by:

Mrs. Mubeena , Technical Assistant, (IT)

Cover Page:
Front: Gala Redlum and Super Chief apple varieties under Tall Spindle System (HDP)
Back: Vertical expansion of apple rootstock (Air Layering)

Design and Printed by:

M/s Royal Offset Printers, A-89/1, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase-I, New Delhi-110028
Mobile: +91 9811622258

ii
 CONTENTS
S. No. Particulars Page No.

1. Executive Summary 1

2. Introduction 9

3. Research Achievements 13

i. Crop Improvement 13

ii. Crop Production 34

iii. Crop Protection 39

iv. Post Harvest Technology 48

v. Externally Funded / Consortia Research Platform / 50

Network project

4. Meeting and Events 57

5. Extentions and Other Programmes 69

6. Training and Capacity Building 91

7. Awards / Rewards / Recognition 94

8. Publications 95

9. Participation in Workshops / Conference / Meetings 98

10. List of Ongoing Projects 100

11. Research Review and Management Committees 102

12. Distinguished Visitors 104

13. Personnel 106

14. New Joining/ Transfers/ Promotions/ Probations 107

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
Temperate horticulture is the backbone of horticultural crops. During 2022, 67 germplasm
economy for farmers in hilly states and it is the of different fruit, vegetable and ornamental crops
major source of livelihood. ICAR- Central Institute were collected and introduced at ICAR- CITH,
of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar (J&K) Srinagar in the form of plant/ scionwood/ bulbs/
alogwith its two Regional Stations Mukteshwar runners/seeds while at ICAR-CITH, Regional
(Uttarakhand) and Dirang (Arunachal Pradesh) Station, Mukteshwar, 65 germplam were planted
has focused on generation of need based in the field. The fruit germplasm was also added
technologies in different temperate horticultural at ICAR-CITH Regional Station, Dirang and
crops to boost the productivity of quality produce work on establishment of mother orchards is
in horticultural crops because the productivity going on. The evaluation work was also carried
in temperate horticultural crops in India is still out in different crops to screen out the elite
low as compared to advanced countries. To fulfill genotypes for commercial cultivation. Some of
this requirement of temperate region, Institute the introductions made few year back planted at
is carrying out research on various aspects ICAR-CITH, Srinagar started fruiting in different
like improvement, production, protection & crops like apple, pear, peach, plum, plumcot,
post harvest management since its inception. apricot etc and many seems to be promising for
Institute has now became as a technological commercial cultivation in future.
hub in various temperate horticultural crops. In apple, Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS)
The number of technologies generated at ICAR- in apple was done in, 120 apple genotypes for
CITH are increasing year after year and their understanding the genetic architecture of fruit
implementation at farmers field is generating quality traits to target and augment breeding of
significant returns to growers of temperate region apple cultivars. Study on combining genotyping-
of the country. To cater the need of farmers by-sequencing (GBS) generated single nucleotide
associated with temperate horticultural crops, the polymorphism (SNP) markers with fruit quality
research and extension work carried out by the traits. Keeping in view the significant diversity
Institute and its Regional Stations during 2022 are of sequenced apple germplasm, GWAS studies
briefly summarized below: for disease resistance, VOC content, phenols,
Crop Improvement and Biotechnology flavonoids, colour, date of harvest etc will be
done. In addition information related to SNP
The plant genetic resources are among the
detection, annotation, quality distribution etc,
precious resources of any country to cater their
phylogenetic tree analysis, population structure
present and future need. ICAR-CITH, Srinagar is
analysis, principal component analysis; ploidy
National Active Germplasm Site for temperate fruit
level and heterozygosity plots for 120 genotypes
crops. To utilize the available diversity in temperate
will be obtained. Grouping of genotypes through
horticultural crops as well as its conservation for
cluster analysis will be correlated to phenotypic
future use, ICAR- CITH, Srinagar along with
data and SNP data generated accordingly will
its regional stations is continuously enriching
be utilized for future breeding programmes for
germplasm wealth. Continuous efforts are going
desired traits. In pear, 8 Asian and 17 European
on for collection, evaluation, characterization
pear were evaluated for various traits and
and documentation of germplasm in temperate
maximum fruit weight, fruit length and fruit

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

diameter was recorded in Badshah Nakh In case of (0.86g) were produced by CITH Pistachio 3 while
European pear, maximum fruit weight (184.80g) heaviest kernel weight (0.44g) were produced
was recorded in Max Red Bartlett. In apricot, 60 by CITH Pistachio 3& 6. The kernel percentage
varieties/ genotypes were evaluated for various was maximum ( 54.48%) in CITH Pistachio 2.
fruit traits and CITH A 1 was found superior to In hazelnut, 8 cultivars were evaluated and nut
others. The varieties/ genotypes having better size weight ranged from 2.1 (Gentile delle Langhe) to
were CITH A 1, Balcota, Harcot, Rival, Chinese 4.2 g (Ennis). Maximum nut length ( 25.7 mm),
Apricot, CITH A 8, Vivagold and CITH A 35. In nut diameter (21.7 mm) and kernel weight (1.6 g)
peach and nectarine, 24 varieties/ genotypes were were recorded in cultivar Ennis while maximum
evaluated and Fantasia in Nectarine Cresthaven, kernel percentage (47.61%) was recorded in
Glohaven & Early Grande in peach were found cultivar Gentile delle Langhe.In pecan, four
promising. In plum, 26 varieties were evaluated seedling selections fruited and maximum nut
and cultivar Durate, Mariposa, Friar, Santa Rosa weight (4.4g) was recorded in Selection 3 and
and Stanley were found promising.In olive, out of kernel recovery was recorded at the tune of
18 cultivars, 16 fruited and maximum fruit weight 52.38% in Selection 2.
fruit length and fruit diameter were recorded in
In vegetables, germplasm of kale, pea, root and
cultivar Cipressino. The pulp: stone ratio was
exotic vegetables were and evaluated under field
maximum (6.84) in Messinese. In persimmon,
conditions and elite genotypes were identified for
two cultivars namely Hachiya and Fuyu were
further studies. In Kale the leaf yield ranged from
evaluated for fruit traits. The fruit weight, length
11.13-52.94 q/ ha with coefficient of variation
and diameter were 176.43 g, 70.66 mm & 62.21mm
10.01 per cent. In radish, 9 varieties/genotypes
in cv. Hachiya and 125.62g, 45.70 mm & 67.11
were evaluated and CITH-R-6 was found best
mm in cv Fuyu. The value of TSS and firmness
for root yield. In turnip, 27 genotypes including
were higher in cv Fuyu.
two checks Nigeen-1 and Pusa Chandrima were
In almond, 10 varieties and 17 Selections evaluated and yield ranged from 199.41 to 573.46
were evaluated for nut and kernel traits. Among q/ha with 18 genotypes performing better than
varieties, nut weight ranged from 1.71g ( Non better check Nigeen-1. The top three performers
Pareil) to 2.87 g (Makhdoom) while kernel weight were Sel-2, PTGG) and Green Top. Among leafy,
from 0.667g (Non Pareil) to 1.47 g ( Pranyaj). exotic and Brassica crops, Chinese cabbage line
The kernel percentage was heighest in Pranyaj CITH-CC-1 expressed 434.52 q/ha of net head
(52.69%). Similarly among 17 Selections,nut yield. In broccoli line CITH-Broccoli-1 gave net
weight ranged from 1.47 g(CITH-A-10) to 3.27 head yield of 203.26 q/ha while in Swiss chard,
g (CITH-A-13) while the kernel weight varied CITH-SC-Green and CITH-SC-Red yielded
from 0.48 g( CITH-A-20) to 1.02 g( CITH-A- 11). 253.61 and 248.22 quintal leaves per hectare. The
The highest kernel percentage was recorded in biochemical evaluation for DPPH scavenging
CITH-A-10 (39.74%). In walnut, 221 varieties/ activity and FRAP was also done. In cabbage,
genotypes were evaluated and six genotypes Golden Acre and CITH-Cabbage Hybrid-1 were
produced nuts having weight more than 20 g and evaluated for head traits and CITH-Cabbage
60 genotypes having nuts with kernel recovery Hybrid-1 was found superior. SSR genotyping
more than 50 percent. Similarly 6 genotypes of kale germplasm comprising 62 lines was done
produced nuts having kernel weight more than with 66 markers.
10g. Based on desirable nut and kernel traits, some
genotypes were identified as promising genotypes ICAR-CITH, Rs Mukteshwar
for further evaluation and release in future.In In last year collection of germplasm was
Pistachio, 5 female selections were evaluated carried out in the form of plants/ scion wood/
and the selections which produced sound nuts runners in various crops like apple, pear, peach,
were CITH Pistachio 1, CITH Pistachio 2, CITH plum, apricot, walnut, strawberry and chestnut
Pistachio 3 & CITH Pistachio 6. The heaviest nuts and about 65 genotypes were collected and

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

planted/ propagated in the nursery. Evaluation cherry tomato were evaluated under polyhouse
work were done under different fruit crops such at ICAR- CITH, Regional Station, Mukteshwar
as apple, peach, plum, and kiwi fruit for various and highest yield In cherry tomato was recorded
physio-chemical traits under mid hill conditions in CT-2 Red (52.7 q/ha). In capsicum, total
of Uttarakhand. seven genotypes were evaluated under protected
In apple, 18 apple cultivars belonging to condition and highest yield was recorded in
Delicious group, spur type and colour strains were Selection-6 (100.8 q/ha). In garlic, six genotypes
evaluated for various qualitative & quantitative were evaluated and highest total soluble solid
traits during 2022. The maximum fruit weight were recorded in SEL-10 (42.8 °B) and highest
was recorded in Mollies Delicious (196.3 g) and yield in Sel-12 (63.5 q/ha). At ICAR- CITH,RS
Oregon Spur (176.4 g) respectively. The maximum Dirang exploration and introduction work is
fruit diameter (77.5 mm) and fruit length (64.2 going on and many germplasm has been planted
mm) was recorded in Golden Delicious and for establishment of mother blocks.
Oregon Spur, respectively. The maximum fruit In characterization and diversity analysis
T.S.S. (18.5 °B) was recorded in Oregon Spur as of flowering related gene/ genes in almond,
compared to other apple cultivars. transcriptomic analysis of almond cultivars “Waris”
In peach, total ten cultivars namely Red June, & Ferralise” with differential flowering time
FLA-16-33, Flordasun, Flordaking, Reliance, Rio- was done.In development of superior cultivars/
Oso-Gem, Red Nectarine, Canedian, Sharbati hybrids in temperate fruits through conventional
& Paradelux were evaluated. The maximum and non-conventional methods, hybridization
fruit weight (149.9 g), fruit diameter (64.2 mm), work was carried out in almond and walnut. The
fruit length (65.1 mm) and acidity (1.6 %) were evaluation work was carried out for about 42
recorded in Red June and the maximum T.S.S. budded apple mutants and more than 30 of them
(15.1 °B) and total sugar (6.5 %) were recorded were found superior to parent “CITH-Ambri-1”
in Red Nectarine and Paradelux as compared to with respect to colour and mutant AM-51 showed
other cultivars respectively. highest “a” value (51.85) against parent CITH-
Ambri-1 (7.67). The comparative transcriptome
In plum, total seven cultivars were evaluated reveals specific genes and transcription factors
and based on the physico-chemical characteristics linked to aroma, color, shelf life and crispiness of
of fruits, the highest fruit weight (41.3 g), T.S.S. Ambri (CITH-Ambri-1) Apple. In pear, from the
(16.2 °B) were reported in New Plum and Plum earlier crosses, one hybrid CITH-PEAR-H-01 was
Local as compared to other plum cultivars found superior for various fruit traits compared to
respectively. parents. In rootstock breeding of apple, the hybrid
In apricot, total nine cultivars evaluated population was evaluated for multiplication and
for physico-chemical characteristic of fruits. population was categorized as very weak, weak,
The highest fruit weight (47.3 g) and TSS (18.3 medium and strong. Rooting in hybrid rootstocks
°B), were found in Safeda as compared to other CITH-A-RS-M6m-42, CITH-A-RS-M6m-33,
cultivars, respectively. CITH-A-RS-M6m-40, CITH-A-RS-M6m-29,
CITH-A-RS-M6m-03,and CITH-A-RS-M6m-44
In kiwifruit, total five cultivars were evaluated
was found better.
for their physico-chemical characteristics of
which were found superior in Abbot, Bruno In development of CMS lines in onion
and Hayward as compared to other cultivars. (Allium cepa L), the seeds obtained in 2021 from
The highest fruit weight (98.6 g) and TSS (11.5 F1s created from crossing intermediate day
°B), were found in Abbot as compared to other male sterile lines and Brown Spanish in 2020
cultivars, respectively. were sown in 2021 whose bulbs were obtained
in 2021 (F1 bulbs). The seeds from these bulbs
Among vegetables, twelve germplasm of
were obtained in 2022 after massing (F2M1) and

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

sown in 2022 itself to obtain F2M1 bulbs in 2023 techniques for enhancing the multiplication
in order to obtain segregants desirable for yield, rate of temperate fruits under protected/open
bulb trait uniformity and storage. In a separate conditions, technology for vertical expansion
crossing programme, seeds from F2M1 bulbs of nursey through air layering in open Field
with desired storability (i.e. derivatives of MS-1 x conditions was tried and five clonal rootstock viz
Brown Spanish and MS-2 x Brown Spanish, MS-2 MM-111, MM-106, M-9-T337, M9-Pajam and
x CITH-O-33)were obtained in 2022 by massing M-26 were taken for study. Among 5 rootstocks
method and again sown in the same year to obtain the rooting success percentage varied from 13.33%
bulbs of F3M2 generation in 2023. In breeding to 99.17% with maximum percentage in MM-
for nutra-rich varieties/hybrids in root crops, the 106 and minimum in M9-T337. Keeping in view
progenies of first as well as advanced generations the advantages, this technology can be directly
of single crosses attempted in radish to obtain replicated by the nursery growers as the increase
multi-nutritional and health promoting factors in production in some rootstocks is almost double
in single genotype were obtained. Progenies were or can further be increased if one more tier is
found to be visually similar across crosses in tied so that an additional 2-3, rootstocks can be
terms of pigmentation shades and pattern. These harvested from the same piece on nursery area.
progenies were then segregated into different In Air layering in apple rootstocks raised through
categories on the basis of root surface color, skin cuttings in soil less beds in greenhouse conditions
color in transverse section and pith color by which in MM 106 rootsock, two additional plants were
13 new lines were constituted. harvested in comparison to single rootstocks. This
technology will be very useful in promoting the
Crop Production vertical expansion of the nursery in greenhouse
During 2022, institute has supplied about conditions for rootstock propagated through
16678 plants of different temperate fruit crops cutting in soilless beds.
besides the supply of 11803 scionwood; 876 plants
To develop the rootstock proliferation
& 6295 seedlings of flowers; about 30 kg vegetable
technology for climate resilient agriculture,
seeds & 16760 vegetable seedlings besides 3
an experiment was started to study the impact
kg onion seedlings to different stakeholders,
of combined application of phosphorus and
vegetable growers & research organization etc.
silicon on apple rootstock performance under
During the year 2022, besides above planting
various soil moisture regimes. The soil and plant
material supplied about 3000 grafted plants of
samples were collected regularly and lab analysis
walnut were provided to Uttarakhand Forest
is going on. For Development and evaluation
Resource Management Project for establishment
of integrated nutrient management module for
of mother orchards as well as for planting in
high-quality temperate vegetables production,
farmers field under project promotion of walnut
treatments comprising of organics and inorganics
in Uttarakhand funded under Japan International
combinations was under taken in temperate
Cooperation Agency (JICA). The revenue
vegetables crops like Long day Onion, Garlic
generated during the financial year from all
and Kale. In assessment of soil carbon dynamics
resources was 69.23 lakhs ( 2022-23).
and carbon sequestration potential of selected
In a study on effect of thinning on quality temperate fruit crops of Arunachal Pradesh, about
in apple cvs Gala Redlum and Super Chief 324 soil samples were collected from the apple,
minimum % fruit drop and maximum yield per kiwi fruit and walnut orchards (108 samples/
plant was recorded in Treatment 1 ( 1 fruit per crop) of the Arunachal Pradesh from different
cluster) followed byTreatment 2 (2 fruits per layers (0 to 20, 21 to 40, 41 to 60 and 61 to 100 cm)
cluster) and maximum fruit drop and minimum in order to analyze the different soil C fractions
yield per plant was recorded in control in both to harness the potentiality of the these temperate
the cultivars.Under the development of different fruit crops in carbon sequestration potential and

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

C stock analysis. Under evaluation of integrated type were tried along with sole saffron crop. The
nutrient management of vegetables as intercrop in highest almond yield (t/ha ) was recorded in erect
apple orchard, the technology was demonstrated type (1.93 t/h) followed by spreading type (1.90t/
among farmers under MGMG and SCSP scheme ha) and semierect (1.66 t/h) while the highest
at Sunkiya, Nainital and Odlohar-Simsyari, cumulative yield were recorded under spreading
Bageshwar villages during 2021&22 respectively type followed by erect, semi erect type & sole.
with the aim to promote crop diversification for
For off-season cultivation of onion in Kashmir
sustainable production and to utilize better space
valley, a study was conducted at the institute
as well as natural resources per unit area without
involving different day length responsive varieties
eroding soil health for enhancing production per
collected from other states in combination
unit area.
with different dates of bulbset planting so
In canopy management and canopy as to identify a combination that may allow
architectural engineering in temperate fruits, harvesting commercial bulbs during off-season
two crops viz apple & pear were taken for (i. e. October to December) in the field. In the
experimentation at Srinagar. In canopy third year of testing, one more planting date was
architectural engineering experiment in apple; six added to the technical program for evaluation of
training systems ( vertical axis, cordon, espalier, varietal performance for splitting percentage and
head & spread, spindle bush and modified central marketable yield during offseason. Punjab White
leader system) with two cultivars ( Oregon Spur & yielded the highest marketable bulbs for all the
Red Delicious) on four rootstocks ( Seedling, MM dates.
111, MM 106 & M 9) were evaluated for various
fruit and yield traits. Among all systems, varieties Crop Protection
and rootstocks, maximum yield was recorded in The seasonal population fluctuation of green
Oregon Spur (70.85 t/ha) on MM 111 rootstock apple aphid was studied in medium and high-
trained on vertical axis system followed by Oregon density apple orchards throughout the year. The
Spur (65.16 t/ha) on MM 106 rootstock trained on incidence of green apple started from the third
Vertical Axis, Red Delicious on MM 106 (60.13 t/ week of March as occasional colonies, mostly
ha), Oregon Spur on M 9 (59.93 t/ha) on vertical on spots that did not receive delayed dormant
Axis, Oregon Spur on MM 111 ( 54.36 t/ha) in horticultural mineral oil spray. The incidence
Spindle Bush and Red Delicious on MM 111 (54.19 continued as wingless viviparous females for
t/ha) rootstock on Vertical axis system.In canopy two generations and by the 2nd week of April, the
Architectural engineering in pear experiment, production of winged spring migrants started.
4 varieties (Red Bartlett, Starkrimson, William The aphid population peaked during mid-June
Bartlett & Kashmiri Nakh), 2 rootstocks ( BA 29 and subsequently decreased towards the third
C & Q C) and 4 training systems ( Vertical Axis, week of August. Population dynamics of spiraea
Espalier, Tatura Trellies and Modified Central aphid was monitored in Vanhoutte spirea bushes
Leader System) were used for experimentation. (Spiraea × vanhouttei) throughout the year to
Among all varieties, rootstocks and training explore the possibility of cross infestation of apple
systems, highest productivity was recorded in trees by the spiraea aphid. The spiraea aphid
William Bartlett trained on Vertical Axis on Q C population reached a peak in the month of July
rootstock followed by Red Bartlett (35.55 t/ha) on and gradually declined afterwards The spiraea
B A 29C rootstock. In overall, different varieties on aphids remained in asexual mode though the
BA 29 C rootstock gave more average productivity year, including winter, and did not undergo sexual
as compared to QC rootstock.In development of reproduction on the Vanhouttespirea bushes.The
almond based intercropping system involving oviposition of green apple aphids was studied
saffron, different type of varieties having varied from October to December in early-bearing apple
growth habit viz. erect, semi erect and spreading plants. After the appearance of oviparae and males

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

in the 1st week of October, the first egg deposition Decreased SOD activity contributes to the
was observed in the 2nd week of October. The increased susceptibility of mosaic-infected apple
freshly laid eggs were green in colour and turned cultivars to oxidative stress and damage. The
shiny black within 3-5 days The number of eggs activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) in mosaic
laid increased gradually till the last week of infected apples and healthy apples were different,
October and remained very high till the middle as MDA is a biomarker of oxidative stress and lipid
of November.The dispersion of the eggs of green peroxidation. Results have shown that the activity
apple aphid was studied on current year shoots of of MDA was higher in mosaic-infected apples
apple when the oviposition was completed (last compared to healthy apples. This indicates that
week of December). The total number of eggs per viral infection causes oxidative stress and lipid
segment varied from 0 to 355, averaging at 87.18 peroxidation in apple plants, leading to increased
± 3.29 (mean ± SE). The highest number of eggs MDA activity.
was found on the subterminal segments 2 – 5 (20 The transmission for ApNMV in mixed
to 60 cm). The top most segment carried slightly infection with ApMV was conducted, through
lower number of eggs. Similarly, the number of grafting and budding in apple. Eight and three
eggs per segment decreased gradually from 6th rootstocks were used for grafting and budding
segment downwards. An online survey program
respectively with scion wood from ApMV and
was conducted to understand the perception of
ApNMV infected apple cultivar Golden Delicious.
apple orchardists of Kashmir valley about the
Development of mosaic symptoms was scored
incidence and management of green apple aphid,
over time and symptoms were first seen on two
Aphis pomi.
rootstocks MM106 and MM111 after 60 and 280
In plant pathology, during 2021 and 2022, total days after grafting and budding respectively. The
203 apple cultivars maintained in field gene bank comparative transmission efficiency of mosaic
at ICAR-CITH Srinagar, were screened under field associated viruses was found more in grafted
conditions for powdery mildew of Apple incited plants (61.5%) than budded plants (25%) on
by Podosphaera leucotricha. Out of 203 lines 88 three rootstocks studied in both approaches.
were found immune whereas ten were found The results demonstrated that grafting/budding
resistant, 26 were moderately susceptible, 62 lines inoculation methods are efficient for transmission
were found susceptible and 17 were found highly of both the viruses (ApMV and ApNMV) and
susceptible. The symptoms of mosaic or necrosis the established protocol will help in maintaining
occur due to alteration of various physiological, the virus isolates for long term as well as help
biochemical and metabolic processes within the in screening the germplasm for resistance. In
infected plants. An investigation was conducted another investigation to detect and quantify
on eight cultivars of apple during summer 2022, ApMV and ApNMV from different plant parts
for quantitative estimation of total chlorophyll, (spatial) in two cultivars (Oregon Spur and
catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Golden Delicious) of apple trees during different
Malondialdehyde (MDA) activities etc to seasons (temporal) for optimization of tissue and
elucidate their role in mosaic infected apple time for their rapid and early detection. Detection
plants. Significant reduction in chlorophyll and relative quantification using molecular
content was observed in mosaic infected cultivars diagnostic techniques viz., Reverse Transcription-
as compared to asymptomatic ones. The activity PCR and RT-qPCR in various plant parts (leaf,
of CAT was more in mosaic infected cultivars whole flower, sepal, petal, anther, stigma with
than in healthy cultivars. Mosaic-infected style, bark, fruit, seed and root) during different
cultivars experienced more oxidative stress seasons was done. During all the three seasons,
due to the virus, therefore produced more CAT both ApMV and ApNMV were detected in leaves
and were having a higher initial rate of CAT in measurable titre using RT-qPCR, however via
activity compared to the healthy apple cultivars. RT-PCR, both the viruses remained undetected

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

during summer season. Hence leaves during activities carried out during the year are effect
spring season can be directly used as detection of combined application of sonication and
material for their early and rapid detection of both chemical treatment on shelf life in cherry at
the viruses.The morphological and molecular room temperature and cold storage. In combined
characterization of Alternaria spp. associated with application of sonication and chemical treatment
Alternaria Leaf Blotch disease of temperate fruits on shelf life in cherry at room temperature it was
was done for thirty isolates from Apple, pear, observed that maximum firmness was preserved
almond and walnut. The isolated pathogens were in oxalic acid at 5% after storage of 20 days in
grown in potato dextrose broth for DNA isolation. Stella and firmness preserved was minimal in
DNA of all thirty cultures was isolated and PCR case of Lambert. In combined application of
amplification was done using ITS Primers and sonication and chemical treatment on shelf life
the product was sequenced. The BLASTn analysis in cherry under cold storage conditions, it was
revealed that our isolates showed sequence found that the samples sonicated either in only
similarity with three Alternaria species viz, cold water (control) or oxalic acid maintained at 4
Alternaria alternata, Alternaria angustivovidea, °C resulted in retention of highest quality of fruits
Alternaria tenuissima infecting these crops. The during the storage period. In osmo-dehydration of
Alternaria alternate was predominant species kiwifruit (cv. Allison) four independent variables
infecting all the crops. The rhizospheric and viz. osmo-dehydration time, concentration of
endophytic microbial communities of two apple osmo-dehydration sucrose solution, amplitude of
rootstocks (M27 and MM106) were isolated sonication and sonication time were taken and it
and evaluated against Dematophora necatrix, was found that the colour of slices faded due to
a root rot causing pathogen in apple. Total loss of chlorophyll pigments in osmo-sonication
475 microorganisms were isolated and among treatment. The maximum loss of colour pigment
them 203 were isolated from M27 and 272 from was recorded in slices treated with 60 amplitude
MM106. Out of 475 microorganisms 267 were for period of 20 minute in 50 °B followed by
bacterial isolates and 208 were fungal isolates. All osmo-dehydration for 160 minutes and least
the microbiota was evaluated using dual culture colour change recorded in slices treated with
technique and out of 475 only 18 was showing 45 amplitude for period of 10 minutes in 50 °B
inhibition of Dematophora necatrix. A total of 9 solution and osmo-dehydrated for 160 minutes.
bacterial and 9 fungal isolates that were showing
percent inhibition of greater than 70 % were Extension and other activities
selected for further tests. These best performing ICAR-CITH, Srinagar and its Regional
18 isolates were subjected to test for production Stations are continuously transferring various
of volatile and non- volatile compounds. generated technologies using various extension
These microorganisms also performed better means for popularization of technologies.
in volatile test with highest inhibition of 83 During the year, about 19 meetings/events
% and 76 % in case of bacterial and fungal were organized in which Famers, Kisan Board
isolates respectively. Members, Development Department Officials
and Scientists/Experts Interface meeting at
Post-Harvest Management ICAR- CITH, Srinagar and an Apple Day/show
In development of edible coating with cum workshop at ICAR-CITH, RS Mukteshwar
enriched anti-microbial bio-active compounds were the mega events. ICAR- CITH, Srinagar
for various stone fruits, the microbial culture has organized 2 training programme of five days
development on the storage of cherry in ambient duration each for officers from Department of
conditions was done and found that the sweet Horticulture Himachal Pradesh. Five one day
cheery is prone to development of Penicillium training programme on walnut propagation were
during spoilage. The other preliminary research conducted for forest departmental personnel

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

in various nurseries (Maldevta, Magra, Sony, the farmers of NEH region. In TSP, 3 programmes
Silalekh and Ladiyakata in Uttarakhand. One day were conducted in Poonch and Ganderbal district
training/ visit were organized for participants and farmers were provided with farm inputs/
of short course. A training programme of two planting material and trainings. The acivities were
days duration on Use of molecular biology also carried out under MGMG in Uttarakhand
techniques in Horticulture under DST- SERB, in which eight trainings, 2 diagnostic/field
Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) initiative visits three demonstrations were conducted and
was organized for students/ research scholars. more than 75 farmers of Sunkiya village were
Besides this six training / visit of one day duration benefited. Under SCSP scheme, 8 programmes
were organized for students of different schools/ were organized in Jammu & Sambha district of
colleges. Besides this 14 programmes were J&K and Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand in
organized for the farmers sponsored by various which 715 farmers were benefited with the farm
agencies and scientists of Institute particiaped inputs/ planting material and trainings. During
in two programmes organized by other agencies the year , scientists of Institute published 19
as resource person.Similarly at Regional station research papers, 3 review papers, one book, 11
Mukteshwar, one programme for NABARD book chapters and 10 popular articles/ phamplets
Officers of Uttarakhand, five students visits and 26 etc. In addition to various appreciations, the
extension programmes (trainings/ demonstrations scientists of ICAR- CITH, Srinagar received 7
etc) were conducted besides the display of two awards during the year. Besides providing need
exhibition at various occasions. At RS Dirang, based information through various social media,
under NEH scheme, 4 programmes in Meghalya, scientists of Institute have delivered 22 TV/Radio
8 programmes in Arunachal Pradesh and 11 talks. About 8525 farmers/ visitors visited ICAR-
programmes in Assam were conducted in which CITH, Srinagar during 2022 which is an increase
training as well as farm inputs were provided for of 17.04 % compared to last year.

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

INTRODUCTION 2
To harness the immense potential of temperate production, peach with 18, 000 ha area and 108,
horticultural crops in India, ICAR-Central 000 MT production, plum with 23, 000 ha area
Institute of Temperate Horticulture is continuously and 78, 000 MT production and strawberry with
working on promotion of elite varieties and 3, 000 ha area and 14000 MT production etc. No
proven technologies in entire temperate region doubt, there has been manifold increase in area,
of the country. India has significant area under production and productivity but as compared
temperate region including states/UTs of Jammu to average world productivity our position is far
and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, behind. Temperate fruit crops are contributing
Ladakh and North Eastern states. Maximum significantly to the economic development of the
area and production of temperate horticultural country.
crops is in Jammu and Kashmir followed by
Keeping in view the importance of these crops
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand but there is
with respect to involvement of major population
lot of scope for further promotion of temperate
in temperate region and for their nutritional and
horticulture in other states as well. Due to
economic security, ICAR- Central Institute of
suitability of climate North Western and Eastern
Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar with its two
Himalayan states have monopoly in production
regional stations at Mukteshwar, (Uttarakhand)
of temperate horticultural crops which have vital
and Dirang, (Arunachal Pradesh) is continuously
role in nutritional and economic security of the
working on development of technologies,
region. These crops serve as the backbone of
varieties, production models, QPM production,
region’s economy by supporting about 12 million
human resource development etc under crop
people and generating revenue of about Rs.
improvement, crop production, crop protection
15,000 crore annually. In 1960-61 the area under
and post-harvest management areas of research
temperate fruits in the country was just 0.82 Lakh
& development. Institute is mainly focussing on
hectares which increased to 6.5 lakh hectares with
research and development in temperate fruits,
production increased from 3.0 lakh tonnes to 40.0
nuts, vegetables, ornamentals, medicinal &
lakh tones. Among various crops apple and walnut
aromatic plants and saffron.
are the major crops of temperate fruits covering
about 75% of the total area and accounting for 65% In order to narrow down the productivity gap
of temperate fruit production, respectively while and achieve the best quality produce in temperate
rest of the production comes from other fruits horticultural crops, Institute is carrying out the
like peach, plum, almond, apricot, cherry etc. research both at Srinagar main campus and at
which also have significance in regions economy. its Regional Stations located at Mukteshwar and
During 2021-22 apple crop covered an area of Dirang with the following mandate and objectives:
313 thousand ha and 2437 thousand MT national
Mandate
production. Walnut being second important
crop covering an area of 109 thousand ha with y To act as national repository of germplasm
and scientific information on temperate
282 thousand MT production at national level.
horticultural crops.
Other important temperate crops include almond
with 10,000 ha area and 11, 000 MT production, y To undertake basic, strategic and applied
pear with 42, 000 ha area and 279, 000 MT research on temperate horticultural crops in

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

collaboration with national and international high tech propagation techniques of temperate
agencies to enhance productivity and quality. horticultural crops.
y To serve as centre of training for human y To device efficient and cost effective production
resource development and transfer of technologies and cropping systems for
technology. increasing productivity and improving quality
of temperate horticultural crops.
Objectives
y To develop eco-friendly integrated diseases/
y Establishment of field gene bank and
pest management modules and diagnostics.
management of genetic resources and
scientific data base of temperate horticultural y Post-harvest value addition, product
crops. diversification and waste utilization for
increasing availability and returns.
y Genetic improvement of temperate
horticultural crops for yield, maturity, quality, y To work out economics of production and
resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses impact assessment of technologies.
through conventional breeding methods and y Commercialization and transfer of
biotechnological tools. technologies and skilled manpower
y Standardization of nursery management and development.

Staff Position (2022)

Category Sanctioned Filled Vacant
(31st December, 2022) (31st December, 2022)
Scientific 33+1RMP 10+0 23+1
Administrative 19 10 09
Technical 16 09 07
Supporting 11 11 00
Total 79+1 40+0 39+1

Financial Statement (2022-23)

S. No. Head Expenditure (Rs in Lakh)
1 ONEH-Capital 22.85
2 ONEH-General 260.00
3 NEH-Capital 83.00
4 NEH-General 149.75
5 TSP-General 10.00
6 SCSP-General 29.95
7 Non-Scheme General 67.28
8 Pension 8.41
9 Salary 500.60
Total 1131.84

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

ORGANOGRAM OF CITH

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS 3
1. Crop Improvements due to many reasons and superior cultivar with
high productivity potential is one of them. ICAR-
Horticulture enterprise is growing at a faster
CITH, Srinagar along with its Regional Stations
rate due to higher returns as well as its importance
situated at Mukteshwar (Uttarakhand) and
in nutritional security. The increase in area and
Dirang ( Arunachal Pradesh) are continuously
production in horticultural crops is going on
engaged for identification/ production of superior
year after year. The area in horticultural crops
cultivar/ genotypes and have played a great role
in India increased to 28.04 million hectare in
in past by recommending region specific cultivars
2021-22 with approximately 2.05% increase
for boosting farmers economy. The research work
from 2020-21. Similarly the production was
carried out during 2022 at main campus and its
about 334.6 MT in 2020-21 which increased to
regional stations is presented project wise below:
347.18 MT in 2021-22 with approximately 3.75
% increase. The commercial production and
Survey, collection, evaluation,
the returns of any crop largely dependent upon
the genetic potential of the variety/ genotypes. characterization and documentation of
Hence the, crop improvement plays an important temperate horticultural crops
role by producing elite genotypes through The plant genetic resources are among
various breeding methods and tools. Breeding of the precious resources of any country to cater
genotypes in fruit crops with desirable traits is a their present and future need. India is country
complex and time consuming process due to long having diverse climatic conditions, suitable for
juvenility period. For any breeding programme, growing a large number of horticultural crops
the variability is a prerequisite for the breeding of and has great diversity in many crops. But the
elite genotypes. The Himalayan states are suitable diversity in some exotic crops in india is less as
for cultivation of large number of temperate compared to indigenous crops.ICAR-CITH,
fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, medicinal and Srinagar is National Active Germplasm Site for
aromatic crops as well as much other horticulture temperate fruit crops. To utilize the available
based enterprises. Some pockets of these hilly diversity in temperate horticultural crops as
states are famous for offseason production of well as its conservation for future use, ICAR-
many crops especially vegetable and ornamental CITH , Srinagar along with its regional stations
crops and their supply to plains leads to fetching is continuously enriching germplasm wealth.
of handsome price in market. In these area many Continuous efforts are going on for collection,
temperate horticultural crops like apple, pear, evaluation, characterization and documentation
plum, apricot, cherry, peaches, walnut, almond, of germplasm in temperate horticultural crops.
kiwifruit, persimmon, strawberry and other During 2022, 67 germplasm of different fruit,
minor temperate fruit & nut crops are being vegetable & ornamental crops were collected and
grown. But as far as area, production and share is introduced at ICAR- CITH, Srinagar in the form
concerned; apple, walnut and up to limited extent of plant/ scionwood/ bulbs/ runners/seeds etc.
pear have monopoly in area and production The details of new germplasm added in various
followed by plum, peach, almond and kiwi fruit. categories is presented in Table 1. To enrich the
The productivity of temperate fruits crops in India germplasm status of ICAR-CITH, Regional
is low as compared to other advanced countries Station, Mukteshwar, 65 germplam were collected

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

in the form of scion wood/ plants. Some of the data and SNP data generated accordingly will
introductions made few year back and planted at be utilized for future breeding programmes for
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar started fruiting in different desired traits.
crops like apple, plum & plum cot. Data were
recorded on various parameters and some of
them seems to be promising.
Table 1. Germplasm staus at ICAR-CITH,
Srinagar (2022)
Sr Group Germplasm Added Germplasm
No Status during Status
(2021) 2022 (2022)
1 Fruits 1348 48 1396
Pome fruits 459 17 476
Stone fruits 279 17 296
Nuts 403 10 413
Others 207 4 211 Fig 1. Genetic diversity and grouping among 120 apple
genotypes revealed through genome sequencing
2 Vegetables 1133 17 1150
3 Ornamentals 341 2 343 Pear
4 Medicinal 33 - 33 During the year 2022, eight Asian pear (Pyrus
and aromatic pyrifolia.) varieties were evaluated for different
plants quality related attributes and maximum fruit
Total 67 2922 weight (115.77g), fruit length (62.77mm) and fruit
diameter (60.91mm) was recorded in Badshah
Apple Nakh. Maximum pedicel length (46.82mm)
was recorded in Kashmiri Nakh and minimum
Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) in apple
(27.20mm) in Bagugosha. Maximum pedicel
During 2022, genotyping by sequencing (GBS) diameter (4.15mm) was recorded in Punjab Gold
of 120 apple genotypes was done for understanding and minimum (1.93mm) in Punjab soft. Among
the genetic architecture of fruit quality traits to color characteristics, L* values ranged from
target and augment breeding of apple cultivars. (52.37) in Kashmiri Nakh to (66.42) in Punjab
Sequencing of 120 genotypes was done and Beauty, a* value ranged from (0.50) in Babugosha
phenotype information (Fruit weight & TSS) of to (2.21) in Punjab Nectar while the values for
these varieties was generated from different apple b* ranged from (25.69) in Kashmiri Nakh to
growing sites. Study on combining genotyping- (46.58) in Punjab Soft and no accession showed
by-sequencing (GBS) generated single nucleotide negative b* value indicated that there is no blue
polymorphism (SNP) markers with fruit quality colored variety. The value for Tint ranged from
traits. Keeping in view the significant diversity -23.64 in Punjab Nectar to 1.13 in Punjab Beauty.
of sequenced apple germplasm, GWAS studies Maximum values for chroma (47.04) was recorded
for disease resistance, VOC content, phenols, in Punjab Soft while as minimum value (26.16)
flavonoids, colour, date of harvest etc will be done. was recorded in Kashmiri Nakh. Maximum value
In addition information related to SNP detection, for Hue angle (89.20) was recorded in Babugosha
annotation, quality distribution etc, phylogenetic while minimum (79.03) was recorded in Punjab
tree analysis, population structure analysis, Beauty and maximum value for color Index (3.69)
principal component analysis; ploidy level and was recorded in Kashmiri Nakh. Fruit firmness in
heterozygosity plots for 120 genotypes will be pear cultivars ranged from 52.53 in Punjab Beauty
obtained. Grouping of genotypes through cluster to 61.17 RI in Babugosha. Highest TSS (15.70°
analysis (Fig 1) will be correlated to phenotypic B) was recorded in Kashmiri Nakh and lowest

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

(12.50°B) was recorded in Chinese Sand Pear. in pear cultivars ranged from 51.03 in Kosui to
Highest acidity (1.25%) was recorded In Punjab 65.10 RI in King Pear. Highest TSS (17.13° B) was
Soft and lowest (0.90%) in Punjab Beauty. recorded in Starkrimson and lowest (11.07° B)
Among 17 European pear (Pyrus communis) was recorded in Fertility. Highest Acidity (1.62%)
cultivars, of maximum fruit weight (184.80g) was was recorded in Mayan and lowest (0.75%) was
recorded in Max Red Bartlett and fruit length recorded in Coscia-C.
(77.70mm) in Santya Braskaya while maximum Apricot
fruit diameter (70.89mm) was recorded in cultivar In apricot, 60 varieties/ genotypes were
Mayan. Maximum pedicel length (50.43mm) evaluated for various fruit traits and CITH A 1
was recorded in Zypaceac Hypacea Copeace was found superior to others as far as fruit weight
and minimum (19.66mm) in Pyasua Behapa. (69.33 g) and fruit width (49.92mm) is concerned
Maximum pedicle diameter (5.21mm) was while longest fruits were produced by Balcota
recorded in Starkrimson and minimum (2.09mm) (44.33 mm). TSS varied from 8.43 0B (CITH A
in Kosui. Among the colour characterstics, L* 29) to 21.570B (Sateni ).The colour parameters
values ranged from 27.64 in Starkrimson to 68.97 also varied from genotype to genotype The
in Coscia-C, a* value ranged from 2.52 in Max varieties/ genotypes having better size were CITH
Red Bartlett to 30.9 in Starkrimson. The value for A 1, Balcota, Harcot, Rival, Chinese Apricot,
b* scale ranged from 14.36 in Starkrimson to 40.10 CITH A 8, Vivagold and CITH A 35. Among
in Zypaceac Hypacea Copeace. The values for Tint all genotypes, 16 were free stone. Among all 49
ranged from -159 in Starkrimson to 3.14 in Pyasua genotypes produced kernel of sweet taste while 11
Behapa. Maximum values for chroma (43.97) were bitter in taste besides this some genotypes
was recorded in Zypaceac Hypacea Copeace also produced double kernels.
while as minimum value (20.05) was recorded
in Gent Drouard, Maximum value for Hue angle Peach
(84.88) was recorded in Max Red Bartlett while In peach and nectarine, 24 varieties/ genotypes
minimum (24.91) was recorded in Starkrimson were evaluated for various fruit traits. Among all,
and maximum value for color Index (77.90) was heaviest fruits (87.15g ) were produced by Fantasia
recorded in Starkrimson and minimum value followed by Cresthaven (82.97g), Early Grande
(1.70) was recorded in Coscia-C. Fruit firmness (81.60g) and Glohaven (80.54 g) and minimum

Punjab Soft Punjab Gold Punjab Nectar

Fruiting in some Asian Pears

Max Red Bartlett Santya Braskaya Hayward

Fruiting in some European pears

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

in Peshawari. Hence in Nectarine Fantasia and Walnut

in peach Cresthaven , Glohaven & Early Grande In walnut, 221 varieties/ genotypes were
were found promising. evaluated for various nut and kernel traits. Out of
Plum 221, six genotypes produced nuts having weight
more than 20 g and 60 genotypes having nuts with
In plum, 26 varieties were evaluated for
kernel recovery more than 50 percent. Similarly
various fruit traits. Based on fruit size cultivar
6 genotypes produced nuts having kernel weight
Red Beauty, Durate plum, Mariposa, Friar, Santa
more than 10g. Based on desirable nut and
Rosa and Stanley were found promising. The
kernel traits some genotypes were identified as
categorization was also done on the basis of flesh
promising genotypes for further evaluation and
colours viz red or yellow.
release in future.
Olive
Pistachio
During 2022, out of 18 olive cultivars 16
fruited and were evaluated for fruit and stone In Pistachio, there are 5 female and two male
traits. Maximum fruit weight (7.06 g) fruit length selection and out of these 5 female selections,
(25.73mm) and fruit diameter (29.95 mm) were CITH Pistachio 4 produced blank nuts in
recorded in cultivar Cipressino while these were this year may be due to pollination problem (
minimum in cultivar ottobratica (1.56g, 13.8 non synchronization of flowering with male
mm & 12.15 mm, respectively). Maximum TSS selection). The Selections which produced sound
was recorded in Biancolilla ( 17.56 0 B) while it nuts were CITH Pistachio 1, CITH Pistachio
was minimum in Cerignola (12.23 0 B ). The fruit 2, CITH Pistachio 3 & CITH Pistachio 6. The
firmness ranged between 26.4 (Tonda Iblea) to heaviest nut and (0.86) were produced by CITH
73.4 (Zaituna). Variations were also recorded for Pistachio 3 while heaviest kernel weight (0.44g)
various colour traits like L,a,b & tint. The stone were produced by CITH Pistachio 3& 6. The
weight was minimum (0.5 g) in Ottobratica kernel percentage was maximum ( 54.48%) in
and maximum in Cipressino (1.7g). The Pulp: CITH Pistachio 2.
Stone ratio was maximum (6.84) in Messinese Hazelnut
and minimum (3.12) in Ottobratica. The pulp
In hazelnut, 8 cultivars were evaluated and
percentage varied between 67.95 in Ottobratica to
significant differences were recorded for most of
85.38 in Messinese.
the physical nut& kernel parameters. Nut weight
Almond ranged from 2.1 (Gentile delle Langhe) to 4.2 g
In almond, 10 varieties and 17 Selections (Ennis). Maximum nut length ( 25.7 mm), nut
were evaluated for nut and kernel traits. Among diameter (21.7 mm) and kernel weight (1.6 g)
varieties, nut weight ranged from 1.71g ( Non were recorded in cultivar Ennis while maximum
Pareil) to 2.87g (Makhdoom) while kernel weight kernel percentage (47.61%) was recorded in
from 0.667g (Non Pareil) to 1.47 g ( Pranyaj). The cultivar Gentile delle Langhe.
kernel percentage was heighest in Pranyaj (52.69%) Pecan
followed by Shalimar (49.54%), Makhdoom
In pecan, four seedling selections fruited
(48.28%), Primorskij(45.77%) and IXL (42.25%).
and maximum nut weight (4.4g) was recorded
Similarly among 17 Selections,nut weight ranged
in Selection 3,3.63g in Selection 1, 3.57g in
from 1.47 g(CITH-A-10) to 3.27 g (CITH-A-13)
Selection 2 and 3.40 g in Selection 4 while kernel
while the kernel weight varied from 0.48 g(
weight recorded were 1.86g, 1.87g, 2.3 g & 1.46
CITH-A-20) to 1.02 g( CITH-A- 11). The highest
g in Selection 1,2,3 & 4.The kernel recovery was
kernel percentage was recorded in CITH-A-10
recorded at the tune of 52.38% in Selection 2 while
(39.74%) followed by CITH-A-4 (38.68%) and
it was 51.27% in Selection 3and 51.23 in Selection
CITH A-11 (37.68%) while other produced nuts
1 and minimum (32.33%) in Selection 4.
having lesser kernel recovery (<35 %).

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Persimmon In apricot, total nine cultivars evaluated for

In persimmon, two cultivars namely Hachiya physico-chemical characteristic of fruits. The
and Fuyu were evaluated for fruit traits. The fruit highest fruit weight (47.3 g), TSS (18.3 °B), were
weight, length and diameter were 176.43 g, 70.66 found in Safeda as compared to other cultivars,
mm & 62.21mm in cv. Hachiya and 125.62g, 45.70 respectively.
mm & 67.11 mm in cv Fuyu. The value of TSS and In kiwifruit, total five cultivars were evaluated
firmness were higher in cv Fuyu. and their physico-chemical characteristics of
fruits were found superior in Abbot, Bruno
ICAR-CITH, Rs Mukteshwar and Hayward as compared to other cultivars.
In last year collection of germplasm was The highest fruit weight (98.6 g) and TSS (11.5
carried out in the form of plants/ scion wood/ °B), were found in Abbot as compared to other
runners in various crops like apple, pear, peach, cultivars, respectively.
plum, apricot, walnut, strawberry and chestnut
and about 65 genotypes were collected and ICAR-CITH, RS Dirang
planted/ propagated in the nursery. Evaluation Besides the establishment of mother block of
work were done under different fruit crops such different fruit crops and propagation of quality
as apple, peach, plum, and kiwi fruit for various planting material of temperate horticultural crops
physio-chemical traits under mid hill conditions following activities were also carried out at this
of Uttarakhand. station in kiwi fruit and persimmon which have
In apple, 18 apple cultivars belonging to emerged as major fruit crops in the region and
Delicious group, spur type and colour strains were are getting popularity among the growers of this
evaluated for various qualitative & quantitative region.
traits during 2022. The maximum fruit weight Response of kiwi fruit varieties for physiological
was recorded in Mollies Delicious (196.3 g) and loss
Oregon Spur (176.4 g) respectively. The maximum Kiwi has a reputation as a health food,
fruit diameter (77.5 mm) and fruit length (64.2 because of its high vitamin C content. The study
mm) was recorded in Golden Delicious and was carried out to evaluate the physiological
Oregon Spur, respectively. The maximum fruit loss during the post-harvest storage at room
T.S.S. (18.5 °B) was recorded in Oregon Spur as temperature on keeping quality of 04 Kiwi
compared to other apple cultivars. varieties, at CITH RS-Dirang, West Kameng
In peach, total ten cultivars namely Red June, District of Arunachal Pradesh from the month
FLA-16-33, Flordasun, Flordaking, Reliance, Rio- of November to December 2022. Observations
Oso-Gem, Red Nectarine, Canedian, Sharbati were recorded at weekly intervals starting from
& Paradelux were evaluated. The maximum first week of November and it was revealed that
fruit weight (149.9 g), fruit diameter (64.2 mm), there was a continuous decrease in fruit weight,
fruit length (65.1 mm) and acidity (1.6 %) were fruit length and fruit diameter in all varieties.
recorded in Red June and the maximum T.S.S. Significant increase in TSS among all the varieties
(15.1 °B) and total sugar (6.5 %) were recorded has been recorded up to 35 days of storage, after
in Red Nectarine and Paradelux as compared to that, decrease in TSS has been recorded in all
other cultivars respectively. varieties. The average mean fruit weight at the
time of storage was 73.96g and after 07 weeks it has
In plum, total seven cultivars were evaluated
reduced to 62.14g during the storage period in all
and based on the physico-chemical characteristics
varieties. The maximum fruit weight loss (%) was
of fruits, the highest fruit weight (41.3 g), T.S.S.
recorded in Monty (18.24%) and minimum in
(16.2 °B) were reported in New Plum and Plum
Hayward (14.93%). The maximum TSS increase
Local as compared to other plum cultivars
(%) was recorded in variety Hayward (42.23%)
respectively.
and minimum in Bruno (27.07%). It is clear from

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

the above data that different varieties of kiwi fruit increase (%) was recorded in the variety Hachiya
showed different response in ambient temperature (38.78) and the minimum in Fuyu (22.54). It is
conditions. clear from the above data that different varieties of
Persimmon showed different responses in ambient
Response of Persimmon varieties for
temperature conditions.
physiological loss
Persimmon is sweet, versatile fruit full of Vegetable Crops
vitamins, minerals, fiber, and beneficial plant ICAR-CITH, Srinagar
compounds. The study was carried out to assess In vegetables, Germplasm of kale, pea, root
the physiological loss during the post-harvest and exotic vegetables were maintained and
storage at room temperature on keeping the evaluated under field conditions and data are
quality of two persimmon varieties, at CITH presented in following tables .
RS-Dirang, West Kameng District of Arunachal
Pradesh from September to October 2022. In evaluation of kale, the range, mean
Important quality parameters of fruit were and coefficient of variation for various traits
recorded at weekly intervals starting from the are presented in Table 2. In evaluation of
first week of September. From the data, it was radish,9 germplasm were evaluated and data is
revealed that there was a continuous decrease in presented in Table 3. In turnip, 27 genotypes
fruit weight, fruit length, and fruit diameter. A including two checks Nigeen-1 and Pusa
significant increase in TSS among all the varieties Chandrima were evaluated for root yield and
has also been recorded. The average mean fruit root morphological parameters. The yield of
weight at the time of storage was 199.70g and the germplasm ranged from 199.41 to 573.46 q/
after 04 weeks it has reduced to 164.23g during ha (CD @ p<0.05 = 65.92; CV = 7.53%) with 18
the storage period in all varieties under ambient genotypes performing better than better check
storage conditions. The maximum fruit weight Nigeen-1 (279.88). The top three performers
loss (%) was recorded in Hachiya (19.33%) and the were Sel-2 (573.46), PTGG (571.54) and Green
minimum in Fuyu (15.08%). The maximum TSS Top (562.72).

Table 2. Mean , range andcoefficient of variation for various traits in kale

S. No. Trait Mean ± SD Range Coefficient of
Variation (%)
1 Plant height (cm) 50.56±9.69 20.80-90.60 2.82
2 Canopy diameter (cm) 53.34±6.22 27.86-67.24 3.30
3 Leaf blade length (cm) 20.10±2.51 14-29.20 4.10
4 Leaf blade width (cm) 14.41±2.14 9.60-22 4.54
5 Leaf blade no. of incisions 19.27±11.07 0.00-60 6.48
6 Leaf blade thickness (mm) 0.36±0.1036 0.15-0.81 8.41
7 Number of leaves 30.52±17.04 13.20-131.20 4.05
8 Number of lobes 0.65±1.88 0.00-7.40 17.05
9 Petiole length (cm) 11.65±3.15 5.80-25.60 7.40
10 Petiole diameter (cm) 10.57±1.58 5.73-13.77 4.48
11 Vegetative stem length (cm) 22.59±12.25 13.80-87.80 8.63
12 Vegetative stem width (cm) 64.49±16.78 20.06-93.71 4.65

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

S. No. Trait Mean ± SD Range Coefficient of

Variation (%)
13 Size of floral buds (mm) 7.45±1.36 4.48-11.12 2.18
14 Floral stalk length (cm) 1.57±0.35 1-2.77 4.68
15 No. of buds/ plant 1737.14±1086.08 299-4116 0.29
16 Time of flowering (days from transplanting) 252.37±5.03 235-267 0.74
17 End of flowering (days from transplanting) 286.45±7.33 274-302 0.70
18 Flowering period (days) 34.26±8.14 15-60 7.49
19 Siliqua length (cm) 5.67±1.11 2.83-9.37 4.15
20 Siliqua width (cm) 3.13±0.77 1.40-4.82 6.49
21 No. of seeds/siliqua 16.90±4.24 8.20-29.40 5.74
22 Days to maturity 321.85±4.83 311-331 0.56
23 Seed weight (g) 4.71±1.12 2.10-7.80 3.21
24 Leaf yield (t/ha) 22.86±8.70 11.13-52.94 11.01

Table 3. Root yield, root length and root diameter of different radish germplasm
S. No. Genotypes Root yield (q/ha) Root length (cm) Root diameter (cm)
1 CITH-R-7 110.25 8.86 6.98
2 CITH-R-8 218.25 9.72 7.21
3 CITH-R-6 480.75 8.64 8.06
4 JWL 219.80 24.22 4.10
5 Palam Hriday 267.50 10.33 7.14
6 Sopori 427.25 10.62 6.77
7 Scarlet Globe 234.00 4.58 4.55
8 Pusa Himani 226.25 15.24 4.64
9 CITH-R-5 309.00 9.69 7.44
CD (p<0.05) 107.32 6.49 1.23

CV (%) 16.54 24.51 8.32

Among leafy, exotic and Brassica crops, cm, head width of 15.23 cm, net head weight of
Chinese cabbage line CITH-CC-1 expressed 0.512 kg and TSS of 12.51 o B. In Swiss chard,
434.52 q/ha of net head yield. The head height CITH-SC-Green and CITH-SC-Red yielded
was recorded as 25.62 cm, head width 18.21 cm, 253.61 and 248.22 quintal leaves per hectare.
net head weight if 1.540 kg and TSS was 5.12 o Also, their biochemical evaluation for DPPH
B. Broccoli line CITH-Broccoli-1 gave net head scavenging activity and FRAP values are given in
yield of 203.26 q/ha with a head height of 14.25 Table 4

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Table 4. DPPH scavenging activity and FRAP in correlated/ related with leaf yield and seed
Swiss chard yield for their possible utilization in marker
assisted breeding for higher leaf yield and seed
S. Genotype DPPH Scavenging FRAP yield (Table 6 & Fig 2) . The understanding of
No. activity
kale germplasm developed and maintained
1 CITH-SC-Green 2.534 2.032 at the institute will assist in its meaningful
2 CITH-SC-Red 4.985 2.961 exploitation as a genetic stock for breeding and
trait improvement.
In cabbage, Golden Acre and CITH-Cabbage
Hybrid-1 were evaluated for head traits and yield
and data is presented in Table 5.
Table 5. Yield and related traits of Golden Acre
and CITH-Cabbage Hybrid-1
Genotype Head Head Net head Net head
height width weight yield (q/ha)
(cm) (cm) (Kg)
Fig. 2 Population structure of kale germplasm
CITH- 15.85 15.80 1.21 482.53 based on SSR data
Cabbage
Hybrid-1
Table 6. Details of the overlapping significant
Golden Acre 15.35 14.43 0.96 385.73 marker-trait association between two models
CD (p<0.05) NS 1.25 NS NS
Chromo- Marker Trait GLM MLM Average
CV (%) 2.87 2.19 13.04 13.04 some no. P value

Molecular characterization in kale 4 ssr7 Plant ** ** **

height
SSR genotyping of kale germplasm
comprising 62 lines was done with 66 markers. As 17 ssr27 Plant *** *** ***
height
a first of its kind in vegetable kale belonging to
Kashmir valley, this study helped in assessing the 16 ssr13 Petiole *** ** **
extent of genetic diversity, population structure diameter
and development of LD pattern with respect 11 ssr9 Flowering * ** *
to 24 traits. Sixty-six cross species markers period
within Brassica genus amplified 269 alleles.
1 ssr29 Siliqua *** ** **
Their polymorphic information content (PIC) length
ranged from 0.00078 to 0.953 with an average
of 0.407. The population structure analysis and 11 ssr9 Seed *** ** **
weight
neighbor joining tree clustering categorized the
germplasm into 3 sub-populations. AMOVA ICAR-CITH, RS Mukteshwar
revealed more within-population variance
In vegetable crops, cherry tomato, capsicum
(67.73%) than among-populations (32.27%)
and garlic was evaluated at Mukteshwar and
variance. Association mapping with respect
salient findings are presented below:
to 24 agronomical traits using mixed linear
model and general linear model revealed six In cherry tomato, twelve germplasm were
overlapping significant marker-trait relationships evaluated under polyhouse conditions at
with five being significant at probability value of Mukteshwar. Most of the germplasm exhibited
0.001/0.0001. The highly significant associations significant differences in various qualitative and
of two SSRs with economically important traits quantitative characters. Among all genotypes,
(siliqua length and seed weight) significantly the maximum plant height was recorded in CT-6

20
CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

(199.1 cm) followed by VLCT-1 (2188.7 cm) and resistance trait was confirmed based on presence
CT-2 -Red (186.4 cm) respectively. The highest and expression studies of Vf gene. Two hybrids,
total soluble solid was recorded in CT-7 (12.0 °B) Ammol (Ambri x Mollies Delicious) and Ambrit
followed by CT-6 (11.0 °B), and VLCT-1 (10.1 (Ambri x Top Red) were found to have superior
°B) respectively. The highest yield was recorded fruit qualities than parents and are potential
in CT-2 Red (52.7 q/ha) followed by CT-4 (47.2 improvements over indigenous apple cultivar
q/ha), CT-6 (39.4 q/ha) and VLCT-1 (33.8 q/ha) “Ambri (CITH-Ambri-1)”. Hybrid Golden
respectively. Snow (Golden Delicious x Snow Drift) is an
In capsicum, total seven genotypes were improvement over Golden Delicious with better
evaluated under protected condition and highest fruit quality parameters than both the parents.
yield was recorded in Selection-6 (100.8 q/ha) Based on performance of these hybrids and
followed by CITH SEL-5 (96.8.0 q/ha). In garlic, stability in expression of superior traits, these are
six genotypes were evaluated and highest total being registered through NBPGR for obtaining
soluble solid was recorded in SEL-10 (42.8 °B) INGR numbers. Already two hybrids “Ammol”
followed by SEL-12 (39.8 °B) & SEL-11 (37.6 °B) (Ambri x Mollies Delicious) and “Pride” (Prima
respectively. The highest yield was recorded in x Red Delicious) have been registered with INGR
Sel-12 (63.5 q/ha) followed by SEL-11 (56.5 q/ha) numbers as INGR21070 and INGR21071 for fruit
and SEL-7 (41.4 q/ha) respectively. quality and scab resistance traits respectively.
Further the crossing populations (CITH-
Development of superior cultivars/hybrids in Ambri-1 x Prima, CITH-Ambri-1 x Oregon Spur,
temperate fruits through conventional and CITH-Ambri-1 x Redlane and CITH-Ambri-1 x
non-conventional methods Malus floribunda) are being evaluated through
During 2022, activities related breeding molecular means for QTL analysis and linkage
programmes for apple, walnut and almond were map development. Mutant population generated
performed as under: (gamma radiation and EMS) was evaluated for
fruit quality traits (Table 7). About 42 budded
Apple apple mutants were evaluated and more than 30
In apple hybrids obtained from previous of them were found superior to parent “CITH-
crosses were evaluated for qualitative and Ambri-1” with respect to colour and mutant AM-
quantitative traits to identify the superior hybrids 51 showed highest “a” value (51.85) against parent
with respect to traits like scab resistance, fruit CITH-Ambri-1 (7.67). During 2023-24 more
quality, pollinizer ability etc. Six identified apple number of mutants in bearing will be evaluated
hybrids were again evaluated for different traits to for colour development and other important
check the stability in expression. In three hybrids, traits. Our main aim to develop the mutant of
Priame (Prima x Ambri), Pride (Prima x Red Ambri apple with improvement of colour trait in
Delicious) and Pritor (Prima x Top Red) scab particular and fruit quality in general.

Improvement in colour trait in mutants (1-4) over parent (CITH-Ambri 1)

21
 Table 7. Fruit quality analysis of mutant population of Ambri (CITH-Ambri-1)
Treatments Fruit weight Fruit Fruit Fruit: Width of Firmness Length Fruit: Tint Colour
(g) Length breadth depth of Eye Basin of flesh of Stalk depth of
L a b
(mm) (mm) eye basin (mm) (psi) (cm) stalk cavity
(mm) (cm)
CITH- 149.66±2.66 71.48±0.61 66.52±0.52 7.90±0.17 24.00 ±0.11 76.13±1.53 1.61±0.04 1.32±0.04 -34.31±0.60 59.34±0.40 7.67±0.60 33.48±0.39
Ambri
-1(Parent)
AM-81 137.66±0.88 69.49±0.34 62.12±1.14 4.51±0.27 23.61±0.39 59.27±0.46 2.26±0.08 1.49±0.00 -68.39±0.39 56.46±0.35 17.75±0.29 29.03±0.46
AM-133 124.66±1.45 72.91±3.30 72.64±0.43 7.79±0.56 26.93±0.10 60.90±1.53 2.17±0.06 1.54±0.04 -45.8±0.72 61.00±0.29 10.63±0.42 28.01±0.09
AM-132 185.33±8.84 72.76±0.55 73.7±0.35 5.63±0.22 28.43±0.26 62.36±0.44 1.76±0.02 1.27±0.01 -13.87±0.63 63.77±1.15 -2.53±0.67 39.34±0.39
AM-158 161±1.115 67.96±0.49 68.67±0.34 7.59±0.08 31.34±0.32 58.38±2.63 1.89±0.05 1.38±0.01 -52.48±1.55 57.55±0.44 10.50±0.39 34.94±1.35
AM-134 163±0.57 68.54±0.36 71.71±0.24 5.97±0.02 28.24±0.33 57.14±0.49 2.1570.02 1.44±0.02 -87.77±0.23 57.5±0.65 26.74±1.00 23.87±0.18
AM-12 171.33±0.88 77.89±0.31 70.92±0.23 7.59±0.15 29.50±0.36 53.49±2.04 2.52±0.04 1.57±0.16 -55.92±1.69 61.63±0.43 13.84±0.08 29.6±0.35
AM-172 117.37±2.15 55.64±0.56 65.35±0.49 4.20±0.05 23.48±0.15 56.35±0.27 2.26±0.00 0.84±0.03 -60.92±2.09 63.26±0.49 11.56±1.95 35.07±1.24

22
AM-174 118.33±1.73 56.593±0.30 62.23±0.53 4.62±0.14 28.39±0.35 51.65±2.20 1.87±0.02 0.92±0.03 -100.6±0.35 52.98±1.76 27.24±0.89 22±0.61
AM-257 148.33±2.40 71.21±0.55 67.73±0.23 8.25±0.24 28.60±0.08 66.44±0.90 1.97±0.02 1.17±0.04 -126.40±0.24 47.61±0.80 33.84±0.23 24±0.16
AM-258 137.03±2.59 82.00±0.70 69.76±0.22 7.51±0.03 29.83±0.06 62.13±0.68 1.73±0.02 1.34±0.01 -119.27±1.16 51.53±0.72 33.57±0.27 23.89±0.14
AM-263 111.6±3.21 62.45±0.49 64.51±0.31 5.14±0.13 24.77±0.12 65.5±0.35 1.85±0.03 0.85±0.03 -100±0.57 54.21±1.15 26.95±0.57 28.8±0.58
AM-114 194.33±2.72 77.86±0.30 76.43±0.30 8.72±0.13 30.59±0.38 72.36±0.60 1.82±0.07 1.62±0.02 -106.31±2.24 51.78±0.79 31.69±0.35 18.70±0.11
AM-179 128.13±0.98 63.35±0.44 68.13±0.41 6.82±0.02 27.29±0.04 68.33±0.57 1.37±0.00 1.45±0.03 -20.83±43.16 59.32±0.58 15.57±0.57 33.64±0.33
AM-360 149.33±1.85 69.5±0.34 67.68±0.61 6.27±0.06 29.00±0.16 78.57±0.87 1.95±0.02 1.45±0.01 -66.00±1.48 69.20±0.49 17.2±0.36 28.91±0.61
AM-320 141±1.52 68.35±0.20 70.75±0.21 5.73±0.07 27.96±0.10 56.88±0.12 2.27±0.03 1.35±0.01 -82.45±0.31 54.82±0.02 23.41±0.38 23.78±0.46
AM-98 114.33±3.48 60.07±0.99 64.36±0.47 7.46±0.16 23.77±0.23 70.06±1.39 1.41±0.24 1.1±0.05 -65.23±1.44 54.60±0.89 14.87±0.17 30.57±0.19
AM-318 117.66±1.76 61.31±0.62 48.06±12.91 8.40±0.21 25.46±0.39 68.33±0.66 2.17±0.01 1.22±0.06 -33.89±1.79 61.58±0.43 7.10±1.47 35.51±1.69
AM-171 120±4.72 62.19±0.63 65.78±0.92 5.29±0.01 25.07±0.43 62.63±2.38 2.12±0.03 1.09±0.01 -8.54±0.92 64.02±2.80 -3.76±0.96 38.24±0.57
AM-321 97.33±2.33 58.217±1.08 56.23±0.46 6.37±0.11 24.94±0.20 71.63±0.99 2.43±0.07 1.04±0.03 -86.50±0.50 55.84±0.81 22.77±0.19 27.83±0.65
AM-165 123±2.30 66.22±1.06 63.78±0.29 4.61±0.22 25.45±0.37 75.06±2.42 2.70±0.08 1.41±0.38 -35.81±1.56 67.73±0.58 8.2±1.02 36.11±1.55
CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022
 Treatments Fruit weight Fruit Fruit Fruit: Width of Firmness Length Fruit: Tint Colour
(g) Length breadth depth of Eye Basin of flesh of Stalk depth of
L a b
(mm) (mm) eye basin (mm) (psi) (cm) stalk cavity
(mm) (cm)
AM-69 121±1.15 63.71±0.56 62.89±0.04 4.66±0.24 28.58±0.32 75.96±1.09 3.23±0.03 1.12±0.01 -93.45±0.37 52.13±1.00 28.01±0.05 15.50±0.33
AM-102 98.66±1.20 57.29±0.32 59.48±0.46 5.64±0.16 27.38±0.26 68.13±0.66 1.86±0.05 1.03±0.04 -77.06±0.87 56.05±0.70 20.05±0.60 31.47±0.41
CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

AM-296 99±2.08 58.56±0.95 64.53±0.40 5.40±0.24 23.84±0.38 72.93±3.02 1.20±0.04 1.09±0.04 -110.04±1.19 55.05±1.95 34.37±1.57 25.07±2.14
AM-177 148.33±2.40 71.49±0.41 70.54±0.33 7.76±0.10 25.39±0.27 68.43±0.39 2.59±0.23 1.31±0.01 -59.64±0.42 57.43±0.46 15.86±0.73 29.50±0.3
AM-251 93.66±1.76 56.78±0.94 58.97±0.57 5.83±0.05 21.28±0.30 70.38±0.40 2.41±0.13 0.86±0.03 -63.53±0.32 60.57±0.30 15.62±1.48 35.86±1.19
AM-259 74±2.30 53.77±1.81 58.01±0.99 3.82±0.06 22.58±0.30 71.49±3.01 1.48±0.02 0.86±0.05 -46.39±0.23 60.76±0.35 6.85±2.87 33.98±0.52
AM-261 93.33±1.20 60.58±0.66 57.02±0.33 4.57±0.18 26.86±0.14 70.31±0.55 2.64±0.02 1.01±0.00 -46.28±1.04 65.82±0.77 11.87±0.28 29.70±0.43
AM-285 86.66±1.45 55.16±1.09 61.95±0.6 4.84±0.04 23.66±0.27 70.56±0.37 1.63±0.00 1.01±0.00 -67.73±2.00 64.36±1.63 20.37±0.30 27.78±0.18
AM-101 153.33±2.02 62.91±0.81 69.6±0.38 8.46±0.18 29.50±0.20 72.92±0.93 2.39±0.01 1.28±0.00 -45.96±1.14 61.43±0.45 9.46±0.41 33.20±1.01
AM-10 120.667±1.45 66.39±0.55 65.07±0.32 7.29±0.23 26.67±0.74 75.5±1.70 1.9±0.00 1.06±0.02 -96.10±1.31 54.56±0.74 26.47±0.45 25.01±0.29
AM-103 87.33±0.88 59.32±0.32 57.14±0.49 5.74±0.1 22.57±0.31 73.47±0.59 2.12±0.02 0.93±0.02 -58.32±0.64 57.38±0.36 13.55±0.17 30.5±0.30

23
AM-117 150±1.52 76.68±0.78 75.18±5.0 5.88±0.01 24.93±0.19 69.03±0.70 1.72±0.07 1.16±0.02 -55.41±1..36 62.67±1.8 16.53±2.43 25.13±0.44
AM-126 138±0.57 65.347±1.42 66.49±0.86 5.86±0.12 29.97±0.031 70.33±1.45 2.06±0.01 1.23±0.01 -69.17±0.37 57.86±0.54 18.19±0.57 32.37±0.48
AM-153 98±0.57 58.35±0.59 60.41±0.41 8.807±0.07 27.88±0.07 73.38±0.54 2.77±0.02 0.84±0.05 -21.16±1.53 49.52±0.42 34.08±0.52 20.35±0.42
AM-135 123.33±1.85 59.61±0.37 68.23±0.16 6.05±0.03 26.13±0.46 75.73±1.20 0.88±0.06 1.11±0.00 -102.35±0.54 50.85±0.57 28.83±0.63 20.74±0.62
AM-74 100±0.57 55.95±0.21 61.97±0.22 5.58±0.05 26.28±0.00 73.33±0.38 1.53±0.00 1.25±0.05 -28.48±0.31 61.81±0.91 4.51±0.60 35.31±1.40
AM-51 104.33±2.40 58.73±0.70 62.4±0.634 4.02±0.46 18.40±0.60 76.63±1.14 2.08±0.02 1.05±0.02 -116.76±1.54 51.85±0.70 56.74±1.56 21.47±0.75
AM-137 133.66±1.66 64.37±0.43 62.99±0.68 4.74±0.21 20.22±0.55 67.10±0.69 2.48±0.05 1.27±0.03 -50.95±2.64 62.30±1.15 10.42±0.55 34.65±2.30
AM-29 93.33±20.28 61.41±0.7 59.59±0.35 4.62±0.13 20.70±0.8 73.95±1.24 2.47±0.02 1.01±0.00 -84.06±0.15 54.62±2.13 23.61±0.43 26.42±0.32
AM-124 88±0.57 60.05±0.18 59.07±0.10 5.35±0.05 23.94±0.57 67.57±1.60 1.63±0.17 0.85±0.04 -35.75±0.23 62.51±0.36 7.86±1.12 35.29±1.42
AM-170 160.66±4.25 69.3±0.46 66.13±0.6 7.86±0.12 32.94±0.49 78.33±0.43 1.80±0.14 1.08±0.03 -47.58±0.67 59.48±0.27 9.94±0.09 32.59±0.38
AM-214 119.66±1.76 68.4±0.77 64.73±0.80 7.38±0.19 22.19±0.41 70.06±1.07 1.02±0.00 1.64±0.02 -99.38±0.37 55-.89±1.06 27.55±0.83 29.59±0.28
 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Almond Comparative transcriptome reveals specific

Under almond breeding programme crossing genes and transcription factors linked to aroma,
was continued between late flowering almond color, shelf life and crispiness of Ambri (CITH-
varieties with important commercial varieties Ambri-1) Apple
with the object to introgress the late flowering The quality of fruit is mainly determined
trait in the commercial varieties of almond. by appearance, texture, flavor and nutritional
The various crosses done during 2021 and 2022 properties. In order to explore the molecular
include: mechanisms underlying differences in flavor,
y Tardy non Pariel × Pranyaj color and crispiness between Ambri and Red
Delicious, RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) was
y Ferralise × Waris
utilized to obtain genome-wide gene expression
y Ferralise × California Paper Shell profiles during fruit development. Total RNA
y Ferragnese × Waris was extracted from the fruits of Ambri and Red
The hybrid seedlings obtained from the crosses Delicious using RNA extraction Kit (Qiagen).
are being maintained for further evaluation. NEBNext® Ultra II Directional RNA library Prep
Kit was used to prepare high quality libraries,
Walnut according to manufacturer’s protocols and paired
In walnut breeding populations development end sequencing reads of read length 151bp was
between crosses (CITH walnut released varieties generated with Ilumina HiSeq-X seqeuncing
with lateral bearing varieties “Serr” &” Payne”) platform.The raw reads quality was evaluated
have been grafted on seedling rootstock and are using the FastQC software. After filtering,
being maintained for further evaluation with 16.1 million and 26.9 million clean reads were
respect to nut quality and bearing habit. Our aim obtained in Ambri and Red Delicious respectively.
to improvement CITH released walnut varieties Filtered reads were mapped to Malus x domestica
(CITH-W-1 to CITH-W-10) for yield and quality. reference assembly (GDDH13 V1.1) using Hisat2
Lateral bearing walnut variety “Chandler” has program. The DESeq R package was used to
been imported through DBT funded project identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
and has been established in field gene bank Comparative transcriptome analysis between Red
of the Institute. This variety is having higher Delicious and Ambri revealed 2180 upregulated
lateral bearing potential then the existing variety and 2105 downregulated genes. Significant up
available in field gene bank and hence in future and down regulated genes from each experiment
breeding for introgression of lateral bearing trait were mapped for GO enrichment to the GDR
in CITH released varieties will be done using database. Genes involved in the flavanoid
“Chandler” as the donor. biosynthesis pathway, due to their potential
roles in fruit quality and color were analyzed. In
comparison to the Red Delicious, DEGs encoding
PAL, 4CL and CHS were found to be upregulated
in Ambri. Dihydroflavanols can be oxidized
by flavanol synthase (FLS) to form flavanols.
Subsequently, expression of FLS was found to
be upregulated in Ambri in comparison to Red
Delicious. Sesquiterpenes are the most prominent
Hybrid seedling of almond and walnut hybrids planted in the terpenoids in apples with nine enzymatic steps
field for further evaluation
involved in their biosynthetic pathway. Compared
to Red Delicious, DEGs encoding HMG-CoA
synthase (HMGS), Mevalonate Kinase (MVK),
iso pentenyl-diphosphate delta-isomerase (IDI)

24
CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

exhibited higher expression levels in Ambri.

However, DEG encoding an enzyme of MEP
pathway, 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate
reductoisomerase (DXR) was found to be
upregulated in Red Delicious in comparison to
Ambri. In Red Delicious, DEG encoding sugar
transporter protein, SWEET 12 was found to be
highly expressed. In contrast, Sugar transporter
proteins SWEET 7, SWEET 15, ST 2, ST7 and
SS4 were found to be more expressed in Ambri.
Ripening is characterized by ethylene burst which
triggers losses in firmness and crispness and
auxin counteracts this process. Red Delicious and
Ambri exhibit distinct expression of DEGs related
Fig 3. Differential gene expression pattern between apple
to ethylene and auxin signaling pathway. Most cultivar Red Delicious and Ambri (CITH-Ambri-1)
auxin related genes ARF, AUX/IAA, SAUR and
GH3 were highly expressed in Ambri. In contrast, in several aroma related genes and transcription
ethylene related genes ACS, ACO, ERS, ERFs were factors were observed. The expression level of
found to be expressing more in Red Delicious (Fig DEG encoding a aroma related transcription
3) . Cell wall related genes are also associated with factor, ERF 9 was found to be upregulated in
the texture of apple fruit. DEGs encoding cellulose Ambri.
synthase, β-galactosidases, pectin methyl esterase
were found to be differentially expressed in
Pear
Ambri and Red Delicious. One of the candidate In the ongoing pear improvement
genes involved in fruit ripening, JMT was found program, previous years, the number of crosses
to be upregulated in Ambri. Expression changes performed and the population showing superior
morphological traits was top worked in the pear
breeding block. During the year 2022, a hybrid
(CITH-PEAR-H-01) on quince rootstock came
into fruiting and the fruit were evaluated for
some fruit traits and organoleptic tests were
compared to parents. The other hybrids will come
to bearing in coming years and will be subjected
to evaluation.
CITH-PEAR-H-01
This hybrid is derived from the cross between
Kosui and Chinese Sand Pear. The hybrid was
evaluated for fruit quality and shelf life potential.
The hybrid is a prolific bearer, taste is moderate
between Kosui and Patharnakh, the shape is round
and firmness (73.27 RI) is excellent. It ripens late in
the season and its fruits were ready for harvesting
by the last week of September, 2022. Grit cells are
fewer as compared to Patharnakh. The fruit size
is medium (175.93 g) having attractive yellowish
peel color and white flesh color on maturity. It has
total soluble solids (12.8oB) and moderate acidity

25
 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

of 0.29 per cent. The pedicel length (39.63mm) is depending upon the rooting abilities. viz., very
comparatively long in comparison to the parents. weak, weak, medium, and strong as per DUS
The juice content of the fruit was recorded as guidelines. Amongst the evaluated population
65.10per cent. It has good flavor with a long shelf- of rootstocks hybrids, CITH-A-RS-M6m-02,
life at room temperature after ripening. The fruit CITH-A-RS-M6m-34, CITH-A-RS-M6m-24,
can be kept for >2 weeks at room temperature CITH-A-RS-M6m-36, CITH-A-RS-M6m-05,
and 4 to 6 months in low temperate (refrigerator) CITH-A-RS-M1m-06, CITH-A-RS-MB-15,
without much quality deterioration and firmness. CITH-A-RS-M6m-17, CITH-A-RS-M1m-01,
During the first year of evaluation, the hybrid CITH-A-RS-MB-05 were grouped under very
was showing resistance to black leaf spots which weak category of rooting. The hybrid rootstocks
will be confirmed, by pathological and molecular CITH-A-RS-M6m-22, CITH-A-RS-M6m-41,
approaches. CITH-A-RS-M6m-32, CITH-A-RS-M6m-35,
The most important trait of any fruit variety CITH-A-RS-M6m-28, CITH-A-RS-M6m-14,
besides other traits is consumer acceptability, so CITH-A-RS-M6m-18, CITH-A-RS-M1m-07,
organoleptic sensory evaluation of pear parents CITH-A-RS-M1m-23 were categorized under
and hybrid was conducted in Fruit Science Lab weak rooting ability. Rooting of hybrid rootstocks
on 19th September 2022. A panel of six members CITH-A-RS-M6m-43, CITH-A-RS-M6m-38,
was invited to conduct the sensory evaluation on CITH-A-RS-M6m-08, CITH-A-RS-M6m-07,
the Five Point Hedonic Scale. The average score of CITH-A-RS-M6m-23, CITH-A-RS-M6m-27,
all the parameters indicates the (Hybrid) showed CITH-A-RS-M6m-10, CITH-A-RS-M6m-31
better performance than the parents. The overall were categorized under medium category. Rooting
acceptability of Hybrid was (3.5) which was far in hybrid rootstocks CITH-A-RS-M6m-42,
better than Kosui (1.6) and Chinese Sand Pear (2). CITH-A-RS-M6m-33, CITH-A-RS-M6m-40,
CITH-A-RS-M6m-29, CITH-A-RS-M6m-03,and
Rootstock improvement in temperate fruits CITH-A-RS-M6m-44 were grouped under strong
Rootstock breeding in Apple (Malus x rooting ability ( Table 8).
domestica) Leaf stomata studies in apple rootstocks
The previous year’s crossed population was The study on apple rootstocks stomata were
subjected to multiplication by the method of carried out in hybrid rootstock populations
air layering in order to reduce the period for maintained at the greenhouse of ICAR, CITH,
evaluation processes. Based on the rate and Srinagar, to study the effect of leaf stomata on
ease of multiplication the hybrid populations vigor, drought tolerance and better water use
were categorized into four different categories efficiency etc. The selected leaf from each shoot

Fruiting, fruits and sensory evaluation of CITH-PEAR-H-01

26
CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

was the fourth from the tip excluding young, rolled stomata was found in rootstock hybrid CITH-
leaves. Collections were made towards the end of A-RS-M6m-08, maximum length (43.68µm) of
the growing season during bright sunny periods stomata was recorded in hybrid CITH-A-RS-
at mid-day in September and early October. Three M6m-07 and maximum width of 31.93µm was
images of each imprint were taken and stomatal recorded in hybrid CITH-A-RS-M6m-06. The
density was determined directly by counting the lowest stomatal area (18046.22 µm2) was recorded
number of stomata per image. Stomatal density in CITH-A-RS-M6m-27, the lowest number of
(SD) and stomatal size parameters including stomata (3.33), was found in hybrid CITH-A-
guard cell length (Ls), and guard cell pair width RS-M6m-12, minimum length (14.06 µm) and
(Ws) were recorded. Comparison of data on width (9.26 µm) in hybrid CITH-A-RS-M6m-39
overall stomatal characters reveals that the highest respectively.
stomatal area of 23282.11 µm2 and number of

Table 8. Categorization of various rootstock hybrids based on rooting ability through layering
S.No. Rooting ability by air layering Hybrid rootstocks
method.

1 Very Weak CITH-A-RS-M6m-02, CITH-A-RS-M6m-17, CITH-A-

RS-M6m-34, CITH-A-RS-M6m-24, CITH-A-RS-M6m-36,
CITH-A-RS-M6m-05, CITH-A-RS-M1m-01, CITH-A-RS-
M1m-06, CITH-A-RS-MB-05,CITH-A-RS-MB-15

2 Weak CITH-A-RS-M6m-22, CITH-A-RS-M6m-41, CITH-A-

RS-M6m-32, CITH-A-RS-M6m-35, CITH-A-RS-M6m-28,
CITH-A-RS-M6m-14, CITH-A-RS-M6m-18, CITH-A-RS-
M1m-07, CITH-A-RS-M1m-23

3 Medium CITH-A-RS-M6m-43, CITH-A-RS-M6m-38, CITH-A-

RS-M6m-08, CITH-A-RS-M6m-07, CITH-A-RS-M6m-23,
CITH-A-RS-M6m-27, CITH-A-RS-M6m-10, CITH-A-RS-
M6m-31

4 Strong CITH-A-RS-M6m-42, CITH-A-RS-M6m-33, CITH-A-RS-

M6m-40,CITH-A-RS-M6m-29, CITH-A-RS-M6m-03,CITH-
A-RS-M6m-44

*CITH-A-RS-M6m is a cross between MM-106 & M9-Pajam, CITH-A-RS-M1m between MM-111 &
M9- Pajam and CITH-A-RS-MB between M.Baccata & M9-Pajam.

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Strong Strong Strong Medium

Medium Medium Weak Weak

Weak Very Weak Very Weak Very Weak

Rooting abilities of hybrid rootstocks categorized as per DUS guidelines

Characterization and diversity analysis of was achieved with Stringtie using all the HISAT2
flowering related gene/ genes in almond output files. DESeq2 mediated differential gene
expression withp-value of ≤ 0.05% and a fold
Transcriptomic analysis of almond cultivars change (FC) higher than or equal to |2|, resulted
“Waris” & Ferralise” with differential in a total of 56 differentially expressed genes. The
flowering time physical location of the differentially regulated
Total RNA from two biological replicates of sequences on specific chromosomes, their start
almond cultivars ‘Waris’ and ‘Ferralise’ was isolated, and end coordinates and the genes located on these
and used for construction of RNA-Seq libraries sequences are presented in Table. Chromosome 1
were constructed which were sequenced using harbors 7 genes, Chromosome 2 harbors 8 genes,
Illumina platform. The FASTQ analysis of the raw Chromosome 3 harbors 4 genes, Chromosome 4
reads revealed that all of them passed the quality harbors 7 genes, Chromosome 5 harbors 8 genes,,
check. The number of reads from each library is Chromosome 6 harbors 5 genes, Chromosome
presented in the Table 9. The sequence length of 7 harbors 1 gene, Chromosome 8 harbors 10
the reads was 35-151 with a GC content ranging genes. Rest of the genes was assigned to various
from 47.5-50%. The raw reads when subjected to unplaced genomic scaffolds of almond genome as
Trimmomatic resulted in reduction of sequences mentioned in the table. Of the total 56 genes, up-
for each library. The sequence length among the regulated genes were 12 while the 44 genes were
trimmed reads was 3-151 with a GC content down-regulated in Waris compared to Ferralise.
ranging from 47-50%. The trimmed reads were The list of up-regulated and down-regulated
aligned with almond genome GCF_902201215.1_ genes is presented in Table 11 & 12. An interesting
AlmondV2_genomic.fna using HISAT2. The observation was down-regulation of three F-box
overall alignment rate for different libraries is proteins viz. F-box protein At2g26160 –like
shown in Table 10. The uniquely mapped reads (LOC117629093), F-box protein At2g26160 –like
among the libraries ranged from 56.33% to (LOC117627867) and F-box protein At5g49610-
71.85% while the multi-mapped reads ranged like (LOC117613950. Moreover, genes like
from 11.99% to 30.66%. Genome reconstruction Accelerated cell death 6-like (LOC117612820),

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

putative E3-ubiquitin protein ligase RING 1a like(LOC117619135) and ribosome-inactivating

(LOC117629512) and autophagy related protein protein bryodin II-like(LOC117614761).
8c-like (LOC117623898) were down-regulated Three genes in KEGG PATHWAY category
in Waris compared to late blooming cultivar with term “Nucleocytoplasmic transport” were
Ferralise. Other significant down-regulated genes eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-III homolog
included serine/threonine-protein phosphatase A-like(LOC117628857), importin subunit
7-like (LOC117627478 and LOC117627482) alpha-4-like(LOC117629923) and importin
and BAHD acyltransferase At5g47980- subunit alpha-4-like(LOC117630588). Among
like(LOC117612964 and LOC117612965). the up-regulated genes, two revealing molecular
Gene functional classification tool identified function under term “serine/threonine-protein
a single cluster including six gene IDs with an kinase” included probable LRR receptor-like
enrichment score of 0.42. Functional annotation serine/threonine-protein kinase At4g29180
clustering identified a single cluster of 47 entries (LOC117619413) and probable LRR receptor-
with enrichment score of 0.42. Functional like serine/threonine-protein kinase At5g63710
annotation chart identified two chart records (LOC117625953). Among the 44 down-
under category “KEGG_Pathway” and “UP_KW_ regulated genes (Table 13), those implicated in
Biological processes”. Genes in biological process KEGG pathway included the ones with term
category with term “Plant defense “included “Nucleocytoplasmic transport” already discussed
diacylglycerol kinase 1(LOC117627151), in previous paragraph.
disease resistance protein At4g27190-

Table 9. Description of the raw and trimmed reads from each library used in study
Raw read pairs Read-pairs after trimming % trimmed
Number Sequence %GC Number Sequence %GC
length length
Waris R1 12855553 35-151 50 11178042 3-151 50 13.05
Waris R2 15615082 35-151 48 13554786 3-151 48 13.19
Ferralise R1 11416648 35-151 47.5 9858792 3-151 47 13.65
Ferralise R2 15901151 35-151 48 13817457 3-151 48 13.1

Table 10. The overall alignment rate for different libraries

Waris R1 Waris R2 Ferralise R1 Ferralise R2
Total read pairs 11178042 13554786 9858792 13817457
Unmapped read pairs 1453810 3025752 1592768 2192069
Uniquely mapped read pairs 6296746 8410059 7083781 9768971
Multi-mapped read pairs 3427486 2118975 1182243 1856417
Improperly aligned read pairs 47860 59699 41992 61862
Overall alignment rate 91.33% 82.04% 88.09% 88.59%

Table 11. Assignment of genes to various unplaced genomic scaffolds of almond genome
Sequence ID Chromosome No. Start End Gene ID
MSTRG.1918 NC_047650.1 23817948 23823696 117635690
MSTRG.4965 NC_047651.1 6033679 6050903 117613384
MSTRG.6286 NC_047651.1 22201824 22204959 117619920

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Sequence ID Chromosome No. Start End Gene ID

MSTRG.1996 NC_047650.1 24571874 24574243 117627867
MSTRG.11576 NC_047654.1 1774992 1776983 117628857
MSTRG.15747 NC_047655.1 26714079 26739284 117629512;
117630588;
:117632223
MSTRG.13025 NC_047654.1 16016596 16025788 117627151;
117627478;
117627482
MSTRG.823 NC_047650.1 9371326 9372901 117613950
MSTRG.20240 NC_047657.1 19906052 19907664 117638689
MSTRG.20714 NW_023010180.1 28268 30892 117613136
MSTRG.12751 NC_047654.1 14006950 14020745 117629093;
LOC117628219;
LOC117628218
MSTRG.4710 NC_047651.1 1996084 2001302 117617392
MSTRG.20629 NW_023010127.1 12354 32819 117612964;
117612965
MSTRG.1686 NC_047650.1 21898238 21900613 117614273
MSTRG.20659 NW_023010142.1 6372 11060 117618371
MSTRG.15746 NC_047655.1 26709612 26713723 117629923
MSTRG.16633 NC_047656.1 8602066 8603144 117635313
MSTRG.14883 NC_047655.1 19846856 19855159 117631848
MSTRG.9023 NC_047652.1 22864700 22866688 117623603
MSTRG.9435 NC_047653.1 947712 949983 117623898
MSTRG.18470 NC_047657.1 1873176 1973235 117637138;
117637142;
117636936;
117636938;
117636942;
117636967;
117636944;
117636968
MSTRG.5162 NC_047651.1 10435842 10439828 117618956
MSTRG.5004 NC_047651.1 6529285 6543086 117617401
MSTRG.4748 NC_047651.1 2471381 2472363 117619135
MSTRG.11738 NC_047654.1 4088327 4094904 117628345
MSTRG.1929 NC_047650.1 23921995 23922793 No genes
MSTRG.9519 NC_047653.1 1459862 1460915 117624158
MSTRG.18915 NC_047657.1 9563181 9564896 117637720
MSTRG.10845 NC_047653.1 13254577 13256820 117626683
MSTRG.11778 NC_047654.1 4584530 4586717 No genes
MSTRG.20609 NW_023010111.1 237 4996 117612915
MSTRG.11153 NC_047653.1 18096835 18100071 No genes

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Sequence ID Chromosome No. Start End Gene ID

MSTRG.10234 NC_047653.1 6757920 6770164 117623968;
117625194;
117625195
MSTRG.2151 NC_047650.1 25785230 25786607 117614761
MSTRG.5350 NC_047651.1 13695058 13698027 117620202
MSTRG.3766 NC_047650.1 37274052 37275787 117638514;
117619413
MSTRG.7456 NC_047652.1 4520434 4533374 117623210
MSTRG.20348 NW_023010006.1 49359 50236 No genes
MSTRG.5654 NC_047651.1 17305490 17306377 117619677
MSTRG.7984 NC_047652.1 13199018 13202404 117623518;
117623523
MSTRG.11194 NC_047653.1 18933415 18933926 No genes
MSTRG.20567 NW_023010081.1 53422 56004 117612820
MSTRG.11377 NC_047653.1 23719155 23719896 117625953

Table 12. List of up regulated genes in almond cultivar Waris against cultivar Ferralise
Gene ID Name
117619920 Clathrin light chain 2-like(LOC117619920) Prunus dulcis
117613136 Uncharacterized LOC117613136(LOC117613136) Prunus dulcis
117617392 Protein RETICULATA-RELATED 4, chloroplastic-like(LOC117617392) Prunus dulcis
117614273 Uncharacterized LOC117614273(LOC117614273) Prunus dulcis
117631848 RRP12-like protein(LOC117631848) Prunus dulcis
117619135 Disease resistance protein At4g27190-like(LOC117619135) Prunus dulcis
117626683 Chloroplastic lipocalin-like(LOC117626683) Prunus dulcis
117612915 Uncharacterized LOC117612915(LOC117612915) Prunus dulcis
117620202 Cytochrome P450 714C2-like(LOC117620202) Prunus dulcis
117638514 Uncharacterized LOC117638514(LOC117638514) Prunus dulcis
117619413 Probable LRR receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase At4g29180(LOC117619413) Prunus
dulcis
117625953 Probable LRR receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase At5g63710(LOC117625953) Prunus
dulcis

Table 13. List of down regulated genes in almond cultivar Waris against cultivar Ferralise
Gene ID Name
117627151 Diacylglycerol kinase 1(LOC117627151) Prunusdulcis
117618956 Uncharacterized LOC117618956(LOC117618956) Prunusdulcis
117637138 Probable phosphoribosylformylglycinamidine synthase,
chloroplastic/mitochondrial(LOC117637138) Prunusdulcis
117637142 Uuncharacterized LOC117637142(LOC117637142) Prunusdulcis
117612820 Protein ACCELERATED CELL DEATH 6-like(LOC117612820) Prunusdulcis
117638689 Glutathione S-transferase APIC-like(LOC117638689) Prunusdulcis

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Gene ID Name
117623968 Allantoatedeiminase 2(LOC117623968) Prunusdulcis
117612964 BAHD acyltransferase At5g47980-like(LOC117612964) Prunusdulcis
117629093 F-box protein At2g26160-like(LOC117629093) Prunusdulcis
117612965 BAHD acyltransferase At5g47980-like(LOC117612965) Prunusdulcis
117623210 Uncharacterized LOC117623210(LOC117623210) Prunusdulcis
117614761 Ribosome-inactivating protein bryodin II-like(LOC117614761) Prunusdulcis
117623603 2-methylene-furan-3-one reductase-like(LOC117623603) Prunusdulcis
117628218 Uncharacterized LOC117628218(LOC117628218) Prunusdulcis
117628219 Uncharacterized LOC117628219(LOC117628219) Prunusdulcis
117628857 Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-III homolog A-like(LOC117628857) Prunusdulcis
117628345 Uncharacterized LOC117628345(LOC117628345) Prunusdulcis
117618371 Uncharacterized LOC117618371(LOC117618371) Prunusdulcis
117636938 TMV resistance protein N-like(LOC117636938) Prunusdulcis
117613384 AP-4 complex subunit epsilon-like(LOC117613384) Prunusdulcis
117636936 TMV resistance protein N-like(LOC117636936) Prunusdulcis
117629512 Putative E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RING1a(LOC117629512) Prunusdulcis
117636942 Uncharacterized LOC117636942(LOC117636942) Prunusdulcis
117636944 Toll/interleukin-1 receptor-like protein(LOC117636944) Prunusdulcis
117627478 Serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 7-like(LOC117627478) Prunusdulcis
117623898 Autophagy-related protein 8c-like(LOC117623898) Prunusdulcis
117627482 Serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 7-like(LOC117627482) Prunusdulcis
117627867 F-box protein At2g26160-like(LOC117627867) Prunusdulcis
117637720 Uncharacterized LOC117637720(LOC117637720) Prunusdulcis
117623518 LEAF RUST 10 DISEASE-RESISTANCE LOCUS RECEPTOR-LIKE PROTEIN KINASE-
like2.1(LOC117623518) Prunusdulcis
117624158 STOREKEEPER protein-like(LOC117624158) Prunusdulcis
117632223 Uncharacterized LOC117632223(LOC117632223) Prunusdulcis
117619677 Uncharacterized LOC117619677(LOC117619677) Prunusdulcis
117629923 Importin subunit alpha-4-like(LOC117629923) Prunusdulcis
117623523 PR5-like receptor kinase(LOC117623523) Prunusdulcis
117636967 TMV resistance protein N-like(LOC117636967) Prunusdulcis
117625194 Receptor-like protein EIX2(LOC117625194) Prunusdulcis
117635690 Pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein At3g22470, mitochondriallike(LOC117635690)
Prunusdulcis
117625195 Allantoatedeiminase 2-like(LOC117625195) Prunusdulcis
117636968 Uncharacterized LOC117636968(LOC117636968) Prunusdulcis
117635313 DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1-like(LOC117635313) Prunusdulcis
117617401 DExH-box ATP-dependent RNA helicase DExH11-like(LOC117617401) Prunusdulcis
117613950 F-box protein At5g49610(LOC117613950) Prunusdulcis
117630588 Importin subunit alpha-4-like(LOC117630588) Prunusdulci

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Breeding for development of superior In a separate crossing programme, seeds

varieties/hybrids in Solanaceous crops from F2M1 bulbs with desired storability (i.e.
derivatives of MS-1 x Brown Spanish and MS-2
In chilli, capsicum and brinjal 100, 60 and
x Brown Spanish, MS-2 x CITH-O-33).were
40 genotypes were grown for seed production,
obtained in 2022 by massing method and again
respectively; however, evaluation for yield
sown in the same year to obtain bulbs of F3M2
and related traits was done only in promising
generation in 2023.
genotypes selected for further evaluation in IET
at national level under AICRP-VC. The data Breeding for nutra-rich varieties/hybrids
obtained is presented in the following Table 14. in root crops
Development of CMS lines in onion These progenies segregated into different
(Allium cepa L) categories on the basis of root surface color,
skin color in transverse section and pith color.
The seeds obtained in 2021 from F1s created
The primary objective of the project during the
from crossing intermediate day male sterile lines
previous season were found to again segregate
(source PAU, Ludhiana) and Brown Spanish
in the similar manner. Each progeny generated
in 2020 were sown in 2021 whose bulbs were
the same segregants. Therefore, in 2022, during
obtained in 2021 (F1 bulbs). The seeds from these
ex-situ planting of roots for seed production,
bulbs were obtained in 2022 after massing (F2M1)
fewer than earlier color categories were made for
and sown in 2022 itself to obtain F2M1 bulbs in
individual seed production.
2023 in order to obtain segregants desirable for
yield, bulb trait uniformity and storage.

Table 14. Yield and fruit traits of some promising lines in capsicum
Crop Genotypes Yield (t/ha) Fruit length (cm) Fruit width (cm)
Capsicum Gold-Sel-01 88.21 7.54 6.69
CITH-SP-3-1 95.56 6.12 7.24
CITH-N-4-1-1 112.63 7.10 6.43
CITH-SP-4 109.15 3.46 5.38
CITH-CW-4-1/15 96.35 7.65 7.32
CITH-NS-284-1-1-15 91.25 7.65 7.21
Nishat-1-Sel-05 61.24 8.82 7.96
CD (p<0.05) 30.25 3.39 1.62

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

2. Crop Production Pre harvest fruit drop management in

apple
The cultivation of temperate horticultural
crops in India has witnessed many problems Effect of thinning on quality in apple
and solution for the problems were provided by The pre harvest fruit drop is a major problem
the research organizations time to time which in apple leading to great losses to farmers and to
has led to present day temperate horticulture address this problem, different trials was started
scenario. The productivity of quality produce during 2019 at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar. In this
in temperate horticultural crops in India is still experiment, two varieties (standard and spur) of
low as compared to advanced countries and the apple viz. Gala Redlum and Super Chief on M9-
factors responsible to the low productivity are T339 rootstock planted at (3.0 m x 1.0 m) spacing,
quality planting material supply coupled with non trained in tall spindle system were selected.
adoption of advanced production technologies in Manual thinning was practiced to observe its effect
training, pruning, nutrient & water management, on quality and pre harvest fruit drop. From the
pollination, post harvesting handling, diseases data it was observed that maximum fruit weight,
and pest management which ultimately decides fruit length and fruit diameter was recorded in
the benefit to farmer. ICAR- CITH, Srinagar and the thinning treatment 1 (1 fruit per cluster) and
its Regional Stations are continuously propagating minimum values were recorded in control. In case
planting material of elite varieties of temperate of variety Gala Redlum, maximum fruit weight
fruits, nuts, vegetables and ornamentals to (171.10g), fruit length (67.21mm), fruit diameter
supply quality planting material to farmers, line (72.31mm) and firmness (63.26) was recorded
department and research organizations. The with Treatment 1 (1 fruit per cluster) whereas the
demand for institute planting material along with minimum values for the same parameters were
production technology is increasing year after recorded in control. The maximum pedicle length
year. During 2022-23, institute has supplied about (19.50mm) was recorded in Treatment 3 (3 fruits
16678 plants of different temperate fruit crops per cluster). Among the color characteristics (L*,
besides the supply of 11803 scionwood; 876 plants a* b*) , L* value ranged from 30.37 in control to
& 6295 seedlings of flowers; about 30 kg vegetable 43.34 in Treatment 1 (1fruits per cluster), a* values
seeds & 16760 vegetable seedlings besides 3 ranged from 26.61 in control to 40.17 in Treatment
kg onion seedlings to different stakeholders, 2 (2 fruits per cluster), values for b* scale ranged
vegetable growers & research organization etc. from 11.15 in control to 24.9 in Treatment 2
During the year 2022, besides above planting (bearing 2 fruits per cluster). The main objective
material supplied about 3000 grafted plants of of thinning experiment was to reduce the % fruit
walnut were provided to Uttarakhand Forest drop and increase the yield (kg per plant) which
Resource Management Project for establishment was successfully achieved in Treatment 1 (1fruit/
of mother orchards as well as for planting cluster ) followed by 2 fruits per cluster and
in farmers field under project promotion of maximum fruit drop % and minimum yield per
walnut in Uttarakhand funded under Japan plant was recorded in control. In case of variety
International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Super Chief, maximum fruit weight (198.15g),
revenue generated during the financial year from fruit length (68.21), fruit diameter (77.02mm) and
all resources was 69.23 lakhs. To enhance the firmness (76.93RI) was recorded with Treatment
farm output institute is continuously generating 1 (1 fruit per cluster) whereas the minimum
technologies for the benefit of the farmers The values for the same parameters were recorded in
outcomes of various experiments on production control. The maximum pedicle length (14.32mm)
aspect for generating farmer friendly technologies was recorded in Treatment 2 (2 fruits per cluster).
are presented below: Among colour characteristics (L*, a* b* and tint),
L* value ranged from 38.51 in control to 42.20 in

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

1 fruit/Cluster 2 fruit/Cluster 3 fruit/Cluster Control

1 fruit/Cluster 2 fruit/Cluster 3 fruit/Cluster Control

Apple cultivars (Gala Redlum & Super Chief) under various thinning treatments

Treatment 3 (3 fruits per cluster), a* values ranged been started in the year 2021 with rootstock MM-
from 23.32 in Treatment 3 (3 fruits per cluster) 106 to initiate rooting along the entire stem at
to 25.42 in control and b* ranged from 10.66 different points based on the height and thickness
in Treatment 1 (1 fruit per cluster) to 11.58 in of the shoot so that this portion of the plant can
control. The values for tint ranged between -98.78 be utilized in a most efficient way in open nursery
in Treatment 2 (2 fruits per cluster) to -87.04 in conditions. First, those plants having a diameter
Treatment 3 (3 fruits per cluster). Similar trend of of (5-7 mm) were selected and wounding/incision
% fruit drop and yield per plant was observed for has been given and rooting hormones IBA (2500
Cultivar Super Chief which recorded minimum ppm) was applied to the wounded portion.
% fruit drop and maximum yield per plant was Small bags filled with rooting medium has been
recorded in Treatment 1 (1 fruit per cluster) fastened at those points where rooting needs to be
followed by Treatment 2 (2 fruits per cluster) and initiated in July. A lightweight substrate having a
maximum fruit drop and minimum yield per high water-holding capacity was used (Cocopeat).
plant was recorded in control. Along with staking, 4-7 closely growing rootstocks
were tied together in single polythene bags to
Development of different techniques save time, cost of inputs, labor, etc, and keep the
for enhancing the multiplication rate of rootstock in a fixed position. Watering at regular
temperate fruits under protected/open intervals was done to keep the rooting media
conditions moist. Five clonal rootstock MM-111, MM-106,
M-9-T337, M9-Pajam, and M-26, have been
Technology for vertical expansion of nursey
taken for study. Among 5 rootstocks the rooting
through air layering in open Field conditions.
success percentage varied from 13.33% to 99.17%
In layering the adventitious roots are initiated with maximum percentage in MM-106 and
on a stem while it is still attached to the plant. minimum in M9-T337. Maximum plant height
The rooted stem (layer) is then detached, and (90.8cm), plant diameter (7.37cm), root length
transplanted, which later becomes a separate (11.5cm), root diameter (2.24mm), number of
plant on its roots. Whilst multiplying the clonal adventitious roots (6), root fresh weight (3.8g)
rootstocks of apple in the open nursery, some was recorded in MM-106 and minimum plant
plants grow > 3 ft in height and attain good caliper height (47.4cm) and plant diameter (4.87cm) in
size. After these rootstocks are harvested only 6 MM-111, minimum root length (6.8cm) and root
to 9 inches (15-25 cm) is needed for grafting/ diameter (0.50mm) in M9-Pajam, minimum no.
budding operations & rest > 80 % is cut off and just of adventitious roots (2) in M9-T337, minimum
wasted. Keeping in this view, an experiment has root fresh weight (1.4g) in MM-111. Maximum

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

MM-106 MM-111 MM-106

M-26 M9-T337 M9-Pajam

Air layering in open field conditions using soilless rooting medium (Cocopeat)

root dry weight (1.5g) was recorded in M-26 and Air layering in apple rootstocks raised through
minimum (0.1g) in M9-Pajam. Keeping in view cuttings in soil less beds in greenhouse
the advantages, this technology can be directly conditions
replicated by the nursery growers as the increase This technology developed is encompassing
in production in some rootstocks is almost the benefits of both cutting and air layering under
double or can furtherbe increased if one more greenhouse conditions. The cuttings of rootstocks
tier is tied so that an additional 2-3, rootstocks were planted in soilless beds and these cuttings
can be harvested from the same piece on nursery attain the growth of 3-4 feet particularly in the
area. This technology is suitable for the areas case of rootstocks MM-106 and cocopeat was
where there is sufficient growth of rooting outside used as the rooting medium. Sufficient growth
the greenhouse/ greenhouse facilities are not has been recorded RS MM-106, Two additional
available. This technology will suit the demand of plants were harvested in comparison to single
all nursery growers of the country. rootstocks in the case of Rootstock MM-106. This

View of air layering in apple rootstocks raised through cuttings in soil less beds in greenhouse conditions

36
CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

technology will be very useful in promoting the year of field experiments. Samples of plants and
vertical expansion of the nursery in greenhouse soil were obtained, prepared, and subjected to
conditions for rootstock propagated through laboratory analysis.
cutting in soilless beds, so the number of plants
per unit area can be increased manifold. This Assessment of soil carbon dynamics and
technology can be utilized for other all clonal carbon sequestration potential of selected
rootstocks that are multiplying easily by cuttings. temperate fruit crops of Arunachal Pradesh
The technology will be further refined to harness In this experiment, about 324 soil samples
the maximum benefits. were collected from the apple, Kiwi and walnut
orchards (108 samples/crop) of the Arunachal
Impact of combined application of
Pradesh from different layers (0 to 20, 21 to 40,
phosphorus and silicon on apple rootstock 41 to 60 and 61 to 100 cm) in order to analyze
performance under various soil moisture the different soil C fractions to harness the
regimes potentiality of the these temperate fruit crops
A pot culture experiment was started to in carbon sequestration potential and C stock
evaluate the apple rootstocks to different soil analysis. As the state already under organic
moisture regimes with combined application of cultivation practices, analysis of the nutrient
the Phosphorous and Silica to improve the root status and soil fertility will help us to develop the
proliferation. The aim of study is to develop the organic practices for the state. The samples were
rootstock proliferation technology for climate under laboratory analysis along with the plants
resilient agriculture. The soil and plant samples geo-referencing data.
were collected regularly and lab analysisis going
Standardization of integrated nutrient
on.
management of vegetables as intercrop in
Development and evaluation of integrated apple orchard.
nutrient management module for high- For evaluation of integrated nutrient
quality temperate vegetables production management of vegetables as intercrop in apple
In this study, treatments comprising of orchard, the technology were demonstrated
organics and inorganics combinations was under among farmers under MGMG and SCSP scheme
taken in temperate vegetables crops like Long day at Sunkiya, Nainital and Odlohar-Simsyari,
Onion, Garlic and Kale and completed the one Bageshwar villages during 2021&22 respectively

Field view of integrated nutrient management module for high-quality temperate vegetables production

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Soil sample collections from different locations in Arunachal Pradesh

with the aim to promote crop diversification for highest in Oregon Spur on M-9 rootstock trained
sustainable production and to utilize better space on modified central leader system followed by
as well as natural resources per unit area without Oregon Spur on MM 111 trained on Espalier
eroding soil health for enhancing production per system, Red Delicious on MM 111 in espalier
unit area. system. Among different systems average yield
was higher in Espalier System in both varieties
Canopy management and canopy while among different rootstocks highest yield/
architectural engineering in temperate plant was recorded on M9 in Oregon Spur.
Fruits
In canopy Architectural engineering in
In this experiment, two crops viz apple & pear experiment, 4 varieties (Red Bartlett,
pear were taken for experimentation at Srinagar. Starkrimson, William Bartlett & Kashmiri Nakh),
In canopy architectural engineering experiment 2 rootstocks ( BA 29 C & Q C) and 4 training
in apple; six training systems ( vertical axis, systems ( Vertical Axis, Espalier, Tatura Trellies
cordon, espalier, head & spread, spindle bush and Modified Central Leader System) were used
and modified central leader system) with two for experimentation. The fruit weight ranged
cultivars ( Oregon Spur & Red Delicious) on four from 61.93 g (in Kashmiri Nakh on Q C in Tatura
rootstocks ( Seedling, MM 111, MM 106 & M 9) Trellis) to 262 g ( in William Bartlett on Q C in
were evaluated for various fruit and yield traits. Vertical Axis System). Among the varieties on
The fruit weight was highest (263.23 g) in Red BA 29 C & QC rootsock, highest average fruit
Delicious on seedling rootstock in Spindle Bush weight was recorded in Willam Bartlett. In case
system. As far as varieties is concerned, average of training systems on BA 29 C it was maximum
yield in Oregon Spur cultivar was highest on MM in Modified Central Leader System while on QC
111 rootstock (43.03 t/ha) while in case of Red it was more in Vertical Axis System. The average
Delicious, it was more on MM 111 (33.83 t/ha.In productivity on BA 29C was recorded highest
case of training systems, highest average yield in (13.75 t/ha) in Kashmiri Nakh while in case
Oregon Spur was recorded in Vertical Axis system of Q C, highest productivity (15.68 t/ ha) was
( 60.32 t/ha). While in case of Red Delicious, recorded in William Bartlett. Similarly, among
maximum average yield was recorded on vertical training systems highest productivity (28.22 t/
axis system (54.19 t/ha. Among all systems, ha) was recorded in Vertical Axis system on BA
varieties and rootstocks, maximum yield was 29 C while on Q C highest average productivity
recorded in Oregon Spur (70.85 t/ha) on MM 111 was recorded again in Vertical Axis ( 21.60 t/
rootstock trained on vertical axis system followed ha). Among all varieties, rootstocks and training
by Oregon Spur (65.16 t/ha) on MM 106 rootstock systems, highest productivity was recorded in
trained on Vertical Axis, Red Delicious on MM William Bartlett trained on Vertical Axis on Q
106 (60.13 t/ha), Oregon Spur on M 9 (59.93 t/ C rootstock followed by Red Bartlett (35.55 t/
ha) on vertical Axis, Oregon Spur on MM 111 ( ha) on B A 29C rootstock. In overall, different
54.36 t/ha) in Spindle Bush and Red Delicious varieties on BA 29 C rootstock gave more average
on MM 111 (54.19 t/ha) rootstock on Vertical productivity as compared to QC rootstock.
axis system. However yield/ plant was recorded

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Development of almond based and there is less effect of almond varieties having
intercropping system involving saffron different growing habit on economic traits of
saffron. Thus the almond crop can give additional
In development of almond based intercropping
returns to growers and will be more beneficial
system involving saffron, different type of varieties
to compensate losses during adverse biotic and
having varied growth habit viz. erect, semi erect
abiotic conditions.
and spreading were tried along with sole saffron
crop and effect of various almond varieties was Off-season cultivation of onion in Kashmir
studied on saffron. The highest saffron yield valley
was recorded under spreading type of almond
In Kashmir, onion is almost always cultivated
varieties followed by sloe crop, semi erect almond
in Rabi season that encompasses sowing in
varieties and erect The highest almond yield (t/
October, transplanting in December, sometimes
ha ) was recorded in erect type (1.93 t/h) followed
in February, and harvesting in June. This leads to
by spreading type (1.90t/ha) and semierect (1.66
glut in onion supply during the months of June-
t/h). The highest almond yield equivalent to
August followed by scarcity leading to price hike
saffron yield was recorded in erect type followed
starting from September/October. The valley is
by spreading type & semierect type. The highest
also forced to buy onion from other states.
cumulative yield were recorded under spreading
type followed by erect, semi erect type & sole.The To alleviate this problem, a study was
saffron planting was very old and has witnessed conducted at the institute involving different day
many occurrence of many biotic & abiotic length responsive varieties collected from other
streeses which has resulted in gradual reduction states in combination with different dates of
in saffron yield. Hence, keeping of saffron for bulbset planting so as to identify a combination
many years is not advisable and replacement/ that may allow harvesting commercial bulbs
planting after four five years with proper diseases during off-season (i. e. October to December) in
management practices must be undertaken for the field. In the third year of testing, one more
better saffron yield. More over rodents attack has planting date was added to the technical program
been noticed during last few years which have for evaluation of varietal performance for splitting
resulted to great loss. Non significant effect has percentage and marketable yield during offseason.
been observed for most of plant and flower traits. Punjab White yielded the highest marketable
Thus saffron-almond is the best combination bulbs for all the dates.

3. Crop Protection Screening of apple germplasm against major

diseases using phenotypic and biochemical
The production of horticultural crops is approaches
associated with attack of a large number of
During 2021 & 2022, total 203 apple cultivars
insect, pest and diseases causing a huge loss to
maintained in field gene bank at ICAR-CITH
the growers. Institute is continuously doing need
Srinagar, were screened under field conditions for
based research on plant protection aspect and the
powdery mildew of Apple incited by Podosphaera
results of various studies carried out during 2022
leucotricha. In spring when the terminal buds
are presented below:
begin to grow, the fungus colonizes the young,
Survey, collection, characterization and green tissue as it emerges. These infected “flag
documentation of temperate horticultural shoots” have a silver-gray appearance and may
crops exhibit defoliation, stunted growth, and die-
back. The disease intensity was recorded using
0–5 severity scale. Five categories were made

39
 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

and categorization of apple varieties on the basis grafted on the stem of the recipient stock. A
of per cent disease intensity is as Immune (0%), graft was determined to be successful if the scion
Resistant (1-5%), Moderately susceptible (6- bud retained its green color and had fused to
20%), Susceptible (21-50%) & Highly susceptible the rootstock with visible callus tissue formed
(51-100%).Out of 203 lines 88 were immune, ten at the graft union edges. During the month of
were found resistant with disease intensity of 5 August 2020-21; T-budding was performed on
percent, 26 were moderately susceptible. Total 62 2.5 year-old rootstocks with axillary buds of
lines were found susceptible and 17 were found size between 3mm to 5mm in width. The buds,
highly susceptible. taken from designated virus infected apple (cv.
GD) plants. The development of graft union
Diagnosis, transmission and management success was 60%- 100% on various rootstocks.
of virus/virus like diseases of temperate From successful number of grafts the AMD viral
fruit crops pathogens (ApMV and ApNMV) graft success
Exploring the virome of cherry and plum rate was found 50% to 80% on various rootstocks.
cultivars using RNA-Sequencing The symptoms observed were mosaic or mosaic-
necrosis on all the rootstocks. Symptoms of
The two cultivars of each, cherry (CITH
mosaic/ necrosis were first seen on two rootstocks
Cherry 7 and 11) and plum (Santa Rosa &
MM.106 and MM.111 after 60 days of grafting.
Stanley) were subjected to RNA-sequencing using
This pattern was apparent on most of the leaves
Illumina platform for identification of viruses and
emerged from buds on scion wood. Once the
viroids infecting both the crops. Two composite
temperature rise took place in the month of July
samples were formed from both the cultivars of
the symptoms were masked on leaves, however
cherry and plum respectively and were sent for
symptoms of mosaic were again retrieved in the
high throughput sequencing using RNA-Seq.
month of September. The successful bud union
approach. The summary of mapping reads of the
was observed in the month of March-2021 and
RNA-seq. data of cherry and plum along with
from successful number of buds the AMD viral
viruses identified are shown in Table (15)
pathogen (ApMV and ApNMV) success rate was
Transmission through budding and found 0% on M9 followed by 25% on MM111
understanding the effect of clonal rootstocks and 50% on MM106. The symptoms observed
x scions (virus infected) interface on mosaic were small chlorotic spots spread over the entire
disease of apple lamina surface. Symptoms of mosaic/ necrosis
were first seen on rootstock MM106 followed and
During 2020-21, 8 and 3 rootstocks were
MM111 nearly after 9 months (April) of budding,
selected for grafting (M.26, M.27, M.9, Pajam,
whereas on M.9 rootstock, no symptom was
T339, T337, MM.106, MM.111) and budding
observed throughout the growing season. Mosaic
(M.9, MM.106, MM.111) respectively on same
or mosaic-necrosis symptoms ranging from small
year. Scion wood for grafting was taken from
pale-yellow spots scattered across an entire leaf
ApMV and ApNMV infected designated apple
or part of a leaf to large contiguous chlorotic
plant as source plants for viral inocula. For cleft
spots covering an entire leaf lamina along with
grafting, scions with 2-3 buds attached were

Table 15. Data on cherry and plum along with viruses identified
Statistics term Cherry Viruses identified Statistics term Plum Viruses identified Viroids identified
Total raw reads 38.70 Cherry necrotic Total raw reads 45.93 Prunus necrotic ring Hop stunt viroid
(Million) rusty mottle virus (Million) spot virus (PNRSV) (HSVd)
(CNRMV)
Total filtered 38.15 Total filtered 44.99 Apple chlorotic leaf
reads (Million) Cherry virus A reads (Million) spot virus (ACLSV)
(CVA)
Q30 (%) 93.50 Q30 (%) 93.99

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

necrosis were observed. This pattern was apparent and apple necrotic mosaic virus-ApNMV are
on most of the leaves emerged from buds on economically important viruses associated with
scion wood. The symptomatic leaf samples mosaic disease. The present investigation was
collected from grafted and budded plants were conducted to detect and quantify ApMV and
tested by conventional RT-PCR after symptom ApNMV from different plant parts (spatial)
development. It was observed that the specific in two cultivars (Oregon Spur and Golden
primers of coat protein gene amplified 252bp and Delicious) of apple plants during different seasons
670bp corresponding to ApMV and ApNMV (temporal) for optimisation of tissue and time for
respectively in tested samples except healthy their rapid and early detection. Detection and
control both for budded and grafted plants. relative quantification using molecular diagnostic
techniques viz., Reverse Transcription-PCR and
RT-qPCR in various plant parts (leaf, whole
flower, sepal, petal, anther, stigma with style, bark,
fruit, seed and root) during different seasons was
done (Fig 4). Depending upon the availability
of tissues during different seasons, both ApMV
and ApNMV were detected in all the plant parts
except roots during spring season using RT-PCR.
Plate: Symptoms on grafted and budded plants a: Mosaic symptoms During the summer season both viruses were
on grafted plants b: symptoms of mosaic along with necrosis on not detected in leaves, bark and fruits, however
grafted plants, c: Symptoms of mosaic on budded plants in autumn season both ApMV and ApNMV were
detected in leaves but not in fruits and buds. The
Spatial and temporal distribution of ApMV
RT-qPCR analysis showed variation in expression
and ApNMV associated with mosaic of ApMV and ApNMV in different parts during
disease in apple plants for tissue and time different seasons. Results confirmed that during
optimization Spring season the ApMV and ApNMV expression
Apple is infected with almost 19 viruses and was higher in leaves followed by whole flower.
viroids, among them apple mosaic virus-ApMV During all the three seasons, both ApMV and

Fig 4. Diagrammatic representation of selection of tissue for ApMV/ApNMV indexing

during different seasons of growing period

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

ApNMV were detected in leaves in measurable Catalase is an enzyme that plays a crucial
titre using RT-qPCR, however via RT-PCR, both role in the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide
the viruses remained undetected during summer into water and oxygen. The activity of CAT was
season. Periodic detection of these viruses in more in mosaic infected cultivars than in healthy
different plant parts during all the three seasons cultivars. Mosaic-infected cultivars experienced
revealed varied virus titer from one season to more oxidative stress due to the virus, therefore
another in the same plant. Hence leaves during produced more CAT and were having a higher
spring season can be directly used as detection initial rate of CAT activity compared to the
material for their early and rapid detection of healthy apple cultivars. However, over time, apple
both the viruses. cultivars (both infected and healthy) experienced
a decrease in CAT activity as the enzyme was
Biochemical characterization of compatible used up. Studies have shown that mosaic-infected
plant-viral interaction- A case study with apple cultivars have lower SOD activity compared
ApMV/ApNMV-Apple host-pathosystem to healthy cultivars. This is likely due to the viral
The symptoms of mosaic or necrosis occur infections effect on the plant’s metabolism and
due to alteration of various physiological, antioxidant defence system. Mosaic infection
biochemical and metabolic processes within the can induce oxidative stress in the plant, leading
infected plants. An investigation was conducted to reduced SOD activity, which in turn can lead
on eight cultivars of apple during summer 2022, to increased damage caused by reactive oxygen
for quantitative estimation of total chlorophyll, species (ROS). Decreased SOD activity contributes
phenolic compounds, flavonoids, peroxidase to the increased susceptibility of mosaic-infected
(POX), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase apple cultivars to oxidative stress and damage.
(SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA) activities etc to The activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) in
elucidate their role in mosaic infected apple plants. mosaic infected apples and healthy apples were
As the photosynthetic rate is directly related different, as MDA is a biomarker of oxidative
with chlorophyll content of the leaf and during stress and lipid peroxidation. When a plant is
mosaic the damage to chlorophyll is obvious infected with a virus, it causes oxidative stress in
which ultimately reduces the photosynthetic the plant, which leads to the formation of MDA.
rate. During 2022, both symptomatic as well Results have shown that the activity of MDA was
as asymptomatic leaf samples were taken from higher in mosaic-infected apples compared to
8 cultivars of apple to quantify the chlorophyll healthy apples. This indicates that viral infection
content (Chla, Chlb, total chlorophyll and causes oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in
carotenoids). Significant reduction in chlorophyll apple plants, leading to increased MDA activity.
content was observed in mosaic infected cultivars Peroxidase results showed that in mosaic infected
as compared to asymptomatic ones. The total apple cultivars POX activity was increased in
chlorophyll content ranged from 0.0028 to response to viral infection. This is because POX
0.0067mg/g in infected leaves as compared to is involved in plant defence mechanisms against
0.0106 to 0.0177 mg/g in asymptomatic leaves. disease induced by pathogens.
The reduction in chlorophyll content may be
Elucidating the diversity, species spectrum
either destruction or inhibition of development
of chlorophyll formation by mosaic associated and management of Alternaria spp.
viruses. Flavonoids are a group of phenolic infecting apple (Malus domestica Borkh)
compounds that are known for their antioxidant Morphological and molecular characterization
and antimicrobial properties. In mosaic infected of Alternaria spp. associated with Alternaria
cultivars the flavonoid content was reduced as Leaf Blotch disease of apple
compared to asymptomatic cultivars. Minimum
In the year 2021-22, leaves having characteristic
flavonoid activity was recorded in cultivar
symptoms of Alternaria blotch were collected
Spartan (diseased).

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

(a) (b) (c)

Plate: Seven days old culture of Alternaria spp., c- Conidia under microscope at 40X magnification

from plants of apple, almond, pear, walnut and indiscriminate application of chemical fungicides
quince from Jammu and Kashmir and apple from results in chemical leakage into ground water,
Himachal Pradesh. The morphological characters microbial imbalance in the soil–root ecosystem
of the fungus Alternaria spp. causing leaf blotch etc. So the focus has now been shifted to use
of apple were studied both invitro and invivo. of microorganisms as biocontrol agents which
On potato dextrose agar medium, the fungus include both rhizospheric and endophytic
exhibited olive green to brown colony colour with microorganisms. Management by using
circular concentric mycelium with or without microorganisms is most widely recognised and
fluffy growth.The conidia morphology, which are environmentally beneficial way for controlling
large and dark brown, multi-celled, catenate or any form of pest or disease, because it has no
single, ovoid or obclavate, often beaked, brown, detrimental influence on the environment,
with transverse and longitudinal septa. animals and plants. The rhizospheric and
endophytic microbial communities of two apple
Molecular characterization
rootstocks (M27 and MM106) were evaluated
The molecular characterization was done for against Dematophora necatrix. The rhizospheric
thirty isolates from all the crops. The isolated soil and root samples of two root stocks i.e.,
pathogens were grown in potato dextrose broth M27 and MM106 were brought to laboratory for
for DNA isolation. DNA of all thirty cultures was further processing. The microorganisms were
isolated and PCR amplification was done using isolated by serial dilution technique. A total of 475
ITS Primers and the product was sequenced. microorganisms were isolated. Among them 203
The BLASTn analysis revealed that our isolates were isolated from M27 and 272 from MM106.
showed sequence similarity with three Alternaria Out of 475 microorganisms 267 were bacterial
species viz, Alternaria alternata, Alternaria isolates and 208 were fungal isolates. Both
angustivovidea, Alternaria tenuissima infecting rhizospheric and endophytic microorganisms
these crops. The Alternaria alternate was infecting were isolated. In case M27, 57 bacterial and
all the crops under study. 40 fungal microorganisms were isolated from
Bioprospecting of Rhizo-cum-endospheric rhizosphere and 63 bacterial and 43 fungal
endophytes from the roots of above rootstock.
Microbiota of temperate fruit rootstocks Similarly in case of MM106 75 bacterial and 75
for management of soil and foliar diseases fungal isolates were isolated from rhizosphere
Evaluation of microbiota against Dematophora and 50 bacterial and 72 fungal endophytes were
necatrix isolated from apple rootstocks isolated from roots (Fig 5).
Among fungal pathogens, Dematophora Dual culture and Volatile assays
necatrix causing white root rot in apple is a
All the microbiota was evaluated using dual
destructive pathogen if left untreated and many
culture technique and out of 475 only 18 was
a times may result in the death of plant. The

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Fig 5. The Rhizo-endospheric statistics of fungi and bacteria in two rootstocks (M27 and MM106) of apple

Dual culture assay of bacterial isolates against Dematophora necatrix

Dual culture assay of fungal isolates against Dematophora necatrix

Volatile test of bacterial and fungal endophytes against Dematophora necatrix

44
CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

showing inhibition of Dematophora necatrix. A aphid colonies are attended by the ants of genus
total of 9 bacterial and 9 fungal endophytes that Formica spp. The incidence of green apple aphids
were showing percent inhibition of greater than was consistently higher on the non-bearing apple
70 % were selected for further tests. Highest trees, indicating a significant effect of fruit load
inhibition of 93 % was shown by fungal isolate on the vegetative growth rate and subsequently
while as among bacterial isolate highest inhibition on the incidence of the aphids. The production
of 83 % was observed. These best performing 18 of winged morphs peaked in the last week of
isolates were subjected to test for production May indicating a further higher propensity
of volatile and non- volatile compounds. for population dispersal and infestation of the
These microorganisms also performed better foliage of almost all the apple trees in the vicinity.
in volatile test with highest inhibition of 83 Following this, an outbreak situation of the
% and 76 % in case of bacterial and fungal aphid population is reached needing immediate
isolates respectively. application of management practices.

Bionomics, modelling, and management of

aphid-pest complex of temperate fruits
Population dynamics of green apple aphid,
Aphis pomi De Geer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in
apple orchards
The seasonal population fluctuation of green
apple aphid was studied in medium and high-
density apple orchards throughout the year. The
aphid populations were sampled from Coe Red
Fuji and other standard varieties in high and
medium-density orchards. The apple trees were
14 years old and grown on MM-106 rootstock.
In addition, various varieties in non-bearing
stage were also monitored to determine the effect
of fruit load on the incidence of green apple
aphids. The incidence of green apple started
from the third week of March as occasional
colonies, mostly on spots that did not receive
delayed dormant horticultural mineral oil spray.
The incidence continued as wingless viviparous
females for two generations and by the 2nd week of
April, the production of winged spring migrants
started. The winged morphs spread to most of
the apple plants and subsequently the aphid
population reached very high numbers after 2-3
generations (Fig 6). The aphid population peaked Fig.6: Seasonal population fluctuation of green apple aphid,
during mid-June and subsequently decreased Aphis pomi in bearing non-bearing apple orchards (left), and
towards the third week of August. Thereafter, the seasonal production of winged and wingless morphs (right).
population rebounded and maintained a steady
state till the 1st week of October when the aphid Population dynamics of spiraea aphid, Aphis
populations entered the sexual phase, marked spiraecola Patch infesting spiraea bushes
by the production of oviparae and males. Egg Population dynamics of spiraea aphid was
laying started from the 2nd week of October. The monitored in Vanhouttespirea bushes (Spiraea ×

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

vanhouttei) throughout the year to explore the

possibility of cross infestation of apple trees by
the spiraea aphid. The spiraea aphid population
reached a peak in the month of July and gradually
declined afterwards (Fig.7). The per cent shoot
incidence was 100% in the July and gradually
decreased to less than 20% after October. The
per cent leaf incidence was highest (60%) in the
July and decreased to around 20 % after October.
The production of winged viviparous morphs was
highest from June -July and decreased significantly
afterwards. The spiraea aphids remained in
asexual mode though the year, including winter,
and did not undergo sexual reproduction on the Fig. 7: Seasonal population dynamics of spiraea aphid, Aphis
Vanhouttespirea bushes. spiraecola on Vanhouttespirea bushes- (clockwise from top
to bottom) total aphid incidence, per cent shoot and leaf
incidence, and seasonal production of winged and wingless
morphs

Studies on oviposition of green apple aphid,

Aphis pomi in apple orchards
The oviposition of green apple aphids was
studied from October to December in early-
bearing apple plants. The plants with significant
infestation of the green apple aphid were selected
for the study. After the appearance of oviparae
and males in the 1st week of October, the first
egg deposition was observed in the 2nd week of
October. The freshly laid eggs were green in colour
and turned shiny black within 3-5 days (Fig. 8).
The number of green eggs per 20 cm of the shoot
length starting 10 cm below the growing tip was
counted every 4-5 days to determine oviposition
schedule of the green apple aphid. The number of
eggs laid increased gradually till the last week of
October and remained very high till the middle
of November. Afterwards, the oviposition rate
decreased gradually and stopped altogether by the
last week of December, the ovipositing females
disappeared by mid-December. Almost all the
eggs are laid on current year shoots. Several eggs
remained green for longer time (7-10 days) and
did not turn black and shrivelled after some time.
Such eggs are laid by the unmated oviparae or are
the result of unfertilized ova.

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Fig. 8: Oviposition schedule of green apple aphid, Aphis pomi on apple trees- (clockwise from top to bottom):
oviposition schedule, and green and black eggs on apple shoots.

Relative dispersion of the eggs of green eggs. Similarly, the number of eggs per segment
apple aphid, Aphis pomion apple shoots decreased gradually from 6th segment downwards.
The dispersion of the eggs of green apple During early part of the oviposition, most of the
aphid was studied on current year shoots of apple eggs are laid on the upper segments of the shoots
when the oviposition was completed (last week
of December). The current year shoots with eggs
were cut from the tress and brought to laboratory
and cut in to segments of 10 cm length. The total
length of the shoots varied from 94 to 185 cm,
giving rise to 9 to 18 segments for each shoot. the
shoot segments were numbered, starting from top
(apical meristem) to bottom, and the total number
of eggs on each shoot segment was counted. The
total number of eggs per segment varied from 0
to 355, averaging at 87.18 ± 3.29 (mean ± SE). The
highest number of eggs (Fig. 9) was found on the
subterminal segments 2 – 5 (20 to 60 cm). The top Fig.9: Eggs dispersion of green apple aphid, Aphis
most segment carried slightly lower number of pomi on apple shoots

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

and the oviparae move gradually downwards as 4. Post Harvest Technology

more and more eggs are laid.
The some states especially hilly states of
Growers perception survey on the incidence India are blessed with temperate climatic
and management of green apple aphids in conditions suitable for growing a large number of
apple orchards of Kashmir horticultural crops. Among these states, Jammu&
An online survey program was conducted to Kashmir has monopoly in area and production of
understand the perception of apple orchardists some fruit crops in the country. But a large amount
of Kashmir valley about the incidence and of these crops get wasted due to poor shelf life and
management of green apple aphid, Aphis pomi. poor post harvest handling leading to a great loss
Growers from all 12 districts of the valley (n = to the farmers. The stone fruits especially sweet
84) participated in the survey. While as 8.3% of cherry is most perishable fruit among temperate
the respondents reported that green apple aphid fruits. Institute is continuously doing research to
was not a problem in their apple orchards, the address the problem of post harvest management.
remaining 91.6% respondents reported that The salient findings of research programmes/
green apple aphid has been a problem for the last activities under taken during the year 2022 are
1 to 3 years in their orchards. The 86.9% of the briefly presented under different heads.
respondents observed sooty mould on leaves,
69% observed sooty mould on fruits, and 70.2% Development of edible coating with
reported that additional cleaning or washing enriched anti-microbial bio-active
was required before packaging of such fruits. In compounds for various stone fruits
20.2% cases, one additional insecticide spray was Under this project the microbial culture
needed for the management of green apple aphid, development on the storage of cherry in ambient
while as in 45.2%, 17.9% and 11.9%, two, three conditions was done and found that the sweet
or more than three additional insecticide sprays, cheery is prone to development of Penicillium
respectively were needed for the management of during spoilage. The other preliminary research
green apple aphids. Therefore, it is apparent that activities carried out during the year are effect
the incidence of green apple aphids in outbreak of combined application of sonication and
situation has led to significant increase in the cost chemical treatment on shelf life in cherry at room
of cultivation of apples in Kashmir valley. temperature and cold storage and results are
presented in different heads.

Effect of combined application of sonication

and chemical treatment on shelf life in
cherry at room temperature
In this study, Sweet cherry varieties viz.
Lambert, Stella and Mishri were harvested and
treated to extend their shelf-life and observe their
qualitative attributes during storage. These cherry
varieties were treated with varying concentration
of oxalic acid (1, 3& 5% solution; maintained
at temperature of 4 °C) at constant sonication
amplitude for 10, 20 and 30 minutes, whereas,
controlled samples were sonicated in cold water.
After giving treatment, the fruits were packed in
Online survey program on growers’ perception on the
incidence and management of green apple aphids in apple punnet boxes and stored in ambient conditions
orchards of Kashmir. [Tmax : 13.09 to 24.83 °C and Tmin : 5.36 to 12.76
°C, RH : 39.19 to 71.06] and qualitative attributes

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

were measured at interval of four days. From

the observation, it was observed that maximum
firmness was preserved in oxalic acid at 5%
after storage of 20 days in Stella and firmness
preserved was minimal in case of Lambert. The
TSS of the cherries increased with storage period
and observed that maximum increase in TSS
after storage of 20 days was reported in 5% oxalic
acid treated Lambert variety and least change Sun Burst after end of study stored at 4±0.5 °C
in TSS was reported Mishri. The weight change terms of visible incidence of microbial strains or
was reported maximum in Mishri, whereas, the excessive shrinkage. It was observed that after end
weight change in Stella and Lambert was nearly study, the DN-II recorded highest physiological
similar. weight loss and least was recorded in De-Vignola.
Effect of combined application of sonication In case of preservation of firmness, the controlled
and chemical treatment on shelf life in cherry samples shown maximum preservation and least
preservation was recorded in samples sonicated
under cold storage conditions
in oxalic acid at ambient condition. It can be
In second study, the Stella, De-Vignola, Sun concluded that the samples sonicated either in
Burst and DN -II varieties were treated with 1% only cold water (control) or oxalic acid maintained
oxalic acid maintained at ambient conditions at 4 °C resulted in retention of highest quality of
and other at nearly 4 °C and both sonicated at fruits during the storage period.
60 amplitudes for 10 min followed by evaluation
study for storage in cold storage maintained at Osmo-dehydration of Kiwi fruit
4 ± 0.5 °C. The control sample was sonicated in Osmo-dehydration of Kiwifruit (Variety
cold water at 60 amplitudes for 10 min duration. Allison) was carried out with four independent
It was found that, the Stella variety could only variables viz. osmo-dehydration time (160, 180 &
be stored for lesser duration while De-Vignola, 200 minutes), concentration of osmo-dehydration
Sun Burst and DN-II could be stored for more sucrose solution (40, 50 & 60 °B), amplitude
duration without any significant spoilage in of sonication (30, 45 & 60) and sonication time
(10, 20 & 30 minutes). From the results it was
observed that the colour of slices faded due to
loss of chlorophyll pigments in osmo-sonication
treatment. The maximum loss of colour pigment
was recorded in 7 mm thick slices treated with
60 amplitude for period of 20 minute in 50 °B
followed by osmo-dehydration for 160 minutes
and least colour change recorded in slices treated
with 45 amplitude for period of 10 minutes in 50
DN-II after end of study stored at 4±0.5 °C °B solution osmo-dehydrated for 160 minutes.

Osmo-sonicated kiwi fruit slices (with maximum

and least pigment losses)
De-Vignola after end of study stored at 4±0.5 °C

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

5. Externally Funded /Network

projects
Besides the in house projects, many externally
funded projects are running at ICAR-CITH and
salient outcome of various projects are presented
below:

Production of quality planting material of

elite walnut cultivars and demonstration
of improved agro-technology for walnut
orchards in Kashmir and Arunachal
Pradesh
For promotion of CITH released walnut
varieties in UT of Jammu & Kashmir and state
of Arunachal Pradesh, 350 grafted plants of CITH
released walnut varieties along with the bud wood
(2600 sticks) were provided for establishment of
mother blocks at SKUAST-K, Srinagar, farmer’s
field in Jammu & Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh
as well as research institutes in Arunachal Pradesh
& Assam. Trainings on techniques in walnut
propagation under protected conditions and open Training and distribution of publication on
field conditions for attaining maximum success walnut propagation at IHT, Assam
rate were organized at Institute of Horticulture
(Chandler and Franquette) was laid down in
Technology, Mandira, Hekra, Assam. Publications
farmer’s field and different institutions.
(English & Hindi) on propagation techniques in
walnut was prepared and distributed among the Augmentation of plant genetic resources
farmers and other stakeholders at ITH, Assam. and capacity building of researchers
Demonstration on CITH released walnut varieties
in India and Uzbekistan (DST funded:
was also laid down at Institute of Horticulture
Technology, Mandira, Hekra, Assam for their Collaborator ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi)
performance and further commercialization. Exchange visit within Indian-Uzbekistan
Demonstration on imported varieties of walnut collaborative research project entitled,
“Augmentation of plant genetic resources and
capacity building of researchers in India and
Uzbekistan” with the purpose to explore the
temperate horticultural germplasm suitable for
exchange and also to provide training as well as
awareness about latest varieties and technologies
developed in horticulture in India was made
during 25th July to 31st, 2022. In addition visit
included exchange the ideas through seminars
organized during the visit to Uzbekistan for
improvement of technical skills and know how
about budding, grafting, rootstock multiplication,
Demonstration on walnut propagation canopy management, nutrition management,
at IHT, Assam breeding of horticultural crops, PEQ etc. Visit

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

was made to Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture DUS centre for temperate fruits and nuts
and Winemaking named after Academician Characterization of apple, strawberry and
MakhmudMirzaev, 111116, Toshkent viloyati, pear, reference varieties was performed as per
Toshkent tumani, Guliston QFY, Chimkent the DUS descriptor developed by ICAR-CITH,
yo’liko’chasi,UZBEKISTAN/ Exchange visit Srinagar. The characterized data was converted
within Indian-Uzbekistan collaborative research into different notes which can act as data base
project. During the visit, special lecture was for comparing candidate varieties with reference
given on “Role of ICAR in temperate horticulture varieties at any time. Maintenance of reference
development – Achievements and future plans”. varieties is being done and all traits/characters
During the visit new varieties were identified are being tested at nodal centre ICAR-CITH,
for germplasm exchange in future under this Srinagar for their uniformity and stability. The
project, improvement of grafting skill to the staff new germplasm block of apple has been further
members of Uzbekistan research stations was strengthened with total 238 varieties / hybrids of
done and possibilities for genetic improvement apple, making it a very good repository having
through breeding by introgression of specific such a huge number of varieties / hybrids of single
traits (drought tolerance, temperature resistance crop at one place.
etc) available in the germplasm of Uzbekistan was
explored. Under this project germplasm imported ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate
during 2021-22 (48 germmplasm of 12 crops) Horticulture, Srinagar and PPV&FRA, New Delhi
was released from PEQ after completing one jointly organized two days International workshop
year and was established in the field gene bank of on “DUS testing of apple and pear” from 7th to
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar. The germplasm supplied 8th September 2022 at ICAR-Central Institute of
to Uzbekistan from ICAR-CITH, Srinagar during Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar (Hybrid Mode)
2022-23 was 45 varieties of 8 crops. under Indo-German Cooperation on Seed Sector
Development. During the deliberations thorough
discussions resolved many issues related to
DUS testing of apple and pear under Indian
conditions. Fine tuning of On-site DUS testing
was planned after relevant and desired feedback
obtained from German scientists. Workshop was
attended by scientists from ICAR-CITH, Srinagar,
ICAR-NBPGR, Srinagar, SKUAST-K, Srinagar,
PPV&FRA, New Delhi, Dr YSPUH&F, Shimla,
ICAR-CITH (RS), Mukteshwar etc. Field visit was
also organized to provide on spot training on DUS
testing to the participants. Farmers were made
aware about protection of their varieties through
PPV&FRA and the benefits of protection thereof.
Study visit, consultation meeting and training
of Dr Javid Iqbal Mir (PI, DUS Centre) and Dr
Wasim Hassan Raja (Co PI, Dus Centre) in
Germany on DUS testing on Apple & Pear was
convened from 25th July to 1st October, 2022.
During the visit and discussion with German
experts on DUS testing of apple & pear, breeding
of fruit crops, germplasm management and
protection etc , key areas having practical utility
Planting material packaging for Uzbekistan to be focussed were identified which include use

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

of molecular and biochemical markers in DUS Identification, documentation, registration,

testing for only those varieties which have specific release etc of technologies and varieties
gene for specific traits, DUS testing of apple Online application for registration of apple
rootstocks which need separate guidelines to be hybrids namely “Ambrit” (Ambri x Top Red,
developed at the earliest, for speeding up breeding Registration number R1137022293) “Pritor”
programmes in apple transgenic line PPMads-4 (Prima x Top Red, Registration number
(source: Silver Birch) need to be used for inducing R1137022291) and Golden snow(Golden delicious
precocity, for maintaining scab resistance genes x snow drift, Registration number R1137022293)
like Rvi-5, Rvi-11, Rvi-12 & Rvi-15 need to be have been submitted to NBPGR for obtaining
introgressed in commercial cultivars etc. Also INGR number.
suitable genotypes of apple (SQ-159/Natula/
Magic Star for scab resistance), Areko (Cherry for A comparative metabolomics approach for
quality), PPMads-4 (Transgenic apple for speed the analyses of scab-disease resistance in
breeding programme) etc were identified. apple and development of a metabolite-
National Agriculture Innovation Fund/ based non-invasive sensor for early scab-
Intellectual Property Management and disease diagnosis
Transfer/Commercialization of Agriculture Volatile organic compound profiling
Technology Non invasive method of volatile organic
Identification, documentation, registration, compound collection was done and volatiles
release etc of technologies and varieties were collected at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar for scab
resistant and susceptible varieties. The collected
During 2022, three applications have been
samples were transported to IIT, Rookie for
submitted for registration of hybrids (Priame,
further profiling. Differential VOC profiling
Pritor and Golden Snow) through ICAR-NBPGR,
between scab resistant (Florina) and susceptible
New Delhi and for INGR number allotment.
apple cultivars revealed that there are key VOCs
Technologies developed by the Institute
which important form designing electronic nose
were compiled and display boards are being
for early detection of scab in apple. Apple samples
prepared for their wide publication. Technology
and grafted plants of scab resistant (Prima,
demonstrations were laid in farmer’s field for
Firdous & Florina) and susceptible cultivars (Red
evaluation of different technologies including
Delicious & Golden Delicious) were processed
apple hybrids, rootstock multiplication under
and transported to IIT, Roorkie for VOC profiling.
controlled conditions etc. Organized training
GC-MS chromatogram of VOC analyses from
programmes for Horticulture Development
selected apple cultivars was done to identify
Departments officials of Himachal Pradesh
specific molecules. (Fig 10 & 11).
during 2022 to generate awareness about
latest developments in temperate horticulture
and to improve technical skill. MoUs were
signed between ICAR-CITH, Srinagar and
SKUAST-K, Srinagar, SKUAST-J, Jammu and
private organizations. Process for transfer of five
technologies (CITH walnut varieties) through
Agrinnovate India limited has been initiated. One
project through contract research for evaluation
of product in apple crop has been initiated and
is under progress. Awareness programme on
protection of plant varieties through PPV&FRA
Non-invasive collection of volatiles SPME-GC-MS analyses of
was also held to generate awareness among the from apple leaf VOCs
farmers for protection of their varieties.

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Validation and development of DUS testing

guidelines for olive
The results were complied for various traits
and 18 varieties were categorized and guidelines
were prepared for further presentation in Task
force meeting.

All India Network Research Project on

Onion & Garlic (AINRPOG)
Fig 10. Representative GC-MS chromatogram of VOC analyses There are two centers ( Srnagar &
from selected apple cultivars
Mukteshwar) of All India Network Research
Project on Onion & Garlic (AINRPOG). The brief
findings of various experiments in this project are
given below:
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar
Under sub-project ‘Crop improvement’, one
new collection of onion CITH-O-110 was made
and already existing onion germplasm comprising
102 accessions was evaluated during 2022 season.
The marketable bulb yield of germplasm ranged
from 184.97 to 694.92 q/ha and the average
marketable yield of germplasm was estimated to
be 393.76 q/ha. CITH-O-70 (694.92 q/ha) was the
highest yielder followed by CITH-O-86 (645.83
q/ha), CITH-O-47 (608.79 q/ha) and CITH-O-2
(604.49 q/ha) showing performance at par with it.
Under varietal and hybrid evaluation trials, 13 IET,
8 AVT-I and 9 AVT-II entries of onion varieties
and 6 IET and 7 AVT-II entries of onion hybrids
were tested. A new experiment on hybridization
breeding in onion was also initiated in 2022
Fig 11: Identification of different volatile organic compounds in which 9 single crosses were made between
(VOCs) from scab- susceptible (Granny Smith), semi-resistant
(Golden Delicious) and resistant (Florina) cultivars of apple Brown Spanish and short day onion varieties. The
using SPME/GC-MS seedlings of each of the crosses were transplanted
to the field in November, 2022 to evaluate for bulb
Development of DUS test guidelines for traits, yield and storage life during 2023
vegetable kale (Brassica oleracea L. var.
In garlic, no new collections were made and
Acephala) the yield of existing germplasm ranged from
Sixty two genotypes of kale were evaluated 77.23 to 398.75 q/ha. The average marketable
and observations were recorded on five yield of germplasm was 229.94 q/ha. CITH-G-65
competitive plants marked at random in each (398.75 q/ha) was the highest yielder at par with
plot over the replications on plant morphological CITH-G-30 (391.63 q/ha). In garlic, 7 IET, 6
parameters in the second year of evaluation and AVT-I and 12 AVT-II varietal entries were tested..
on reproductive stages for the first year. DUS test
guidelines of UPOV and IBPGR were used for Under sub-project ‘Crop production’, two
recording observations on 55 quantitative and experiments on ‘Determination of optimum
qualitative traits. fertilizer regime for long day garlic cultivation

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

in Kashmir’ and ‘Determination of optimum was recorded in WTC 21-82 (100.14 q/ha) while
fertilizer regime for long day onion cultivation highest TSS was recorded in WTC 21-84 (16.47
in Kashmir’ were concluded in 2022.Under sub- °B).In AVT-II on long day white onion, total six
project ‘Crop protection’, survey of Kashmir genotypes were evaluated and maximum yield
valley was done for monitoring of major diseases was observed in WVC 21-71 (155.52 q/ha)while
and insect pests of onion and garlic. Percent maximum TSS was recorded in WVC 21-76
incidence and PDI of Stemphylium blight, Downy (17.10 °B).
mildew, Botrytis leaf spot and Fusarium rot were In Long Day Garlic, total eight genotypes
calculated from survey of districts Ganderbal, under IET long day garlic were evaluated and
Srinagar and Anantnag. Under the experiment maximum marketable yield (88.33 q/ha) was
on ‘Management of pests and diseases in garlic’, recorded in GN 21-08 while maximum TSS
Metiram 55% + Pyraclostrobin 5% resulted in (47.00 °B ) was recorded in GN 21-25. In AVT-I,
lowest average intensity of Stemphylium blight highest marketable yield was recorded in GN
(1.13) compared to all other treatments and check 21-38 (144.88 q/ha) while maximum TSS was
(8.52). recorded in GN 21-31 (42.63 °B). In AVT-II
Total breeder seed production in onion was 3.5 total thirteen genotypes under long day garlic
kg (Brown Spanish and Yellow Globe) and total were evaluated and maximum marketable
clove production in garlic was 110 kg (CITH-G-1 yield were recorded in GN 21-75 (169.37 q/ha)
and CITH-G-3). New experiments to be reported while maximum TSS was recorded in GN 21-46
in 2023 were also laid out in the field. (46.17 °B).
ICAR-CITH, RS Mukteshwar All India Coordinated Research Project
In Long Day Red Onion, total nine genotypes (Vegetable crops)
were evaluated and highest yield was observed in
RVA 21-23 (449.62 q/ha) followed by RVA 21-21 ICAR-CITH, Srinagar
(175.02 q/ha), RVA 21-01 (118.49 q/ha), VL-3 Under AICRP (VC) sub-project, Collection,
(102.65 q/ha) and RVA 21-09 (65.54 q/ha yield), evaluation, conservation and utilization of
respectively. The highest TSS was recorded in Germplasm; 9 paprika, 4 chilli, 2 kale (Dinosaur
RVA 21-21 (13.47 °B). In IET on long day white kale and Improved Dwarf Siberian), 1 kohlrabi and
onion total six genotypes were evaluated and 1 pakchoi collections were made. In varietal and
highest yield (202.30 q/ha) and TSS (13.25 °B) hybrid trials, 8 IET, 9 AVT-I and 6 AVT-II hybrid
was observed in WVA 21-47. In IET on long chilli entries, 13 AVT and 7 AVT-II chilli entries;
day red hybrid onion total seven genotypes were 6 IET, 7 AVT-I and 8 AVT-II determinate hybrid
evaluated and highest yield (229.16 q/ha) & TSS tomato entries, 6 IET and 9 AVT-II determinate
(12.73 °B) were observed in RHA 21-51. In AVT-I tomato varietal entries; 7 IET capsicum varietal
on long day red onion, total nine genotypes entries and 7 IET cabbage hybrid entries were
were evaluated and highest yield (357.80 q/ha) tested.
was recorded in RVB 21-17 & TSS in RVB 21-
ICAR-CITH, RS Mukteshwar
22 (14.67 °B). In AVT-II on long day red hybrid
onion, total eight genotypes were evaluated and Total three genotypes of laipatta were
highest yield (217.73 q/ha) was recorded in RHC evaluated during 2022 for their growth and
21-63 and TSS (14.77 °B) in RHC 21-56. In AVT- yield parameters. Among the genotypes, 2021/
II on long day red onion, total ten genotypes MGVER-6 recorded highest leaf length (29.5 cm,
were evaluated and highest yield (170.58 q/ha) and plant height (38.4 cm), however five leaves
was observed in RVC 21-44 while the highest weight (111.0 g), leaf width (16.9 cm), five plant
TSS was recorded in RVC 21-41 (14.43 °B). In leaves weight (743.0 g), and total weight per plot
HTSS-AVT-II on long day white onion, total (2.6 kg) were recorded in 2021/MGVER-3 as
eight genotypes were evaluated and highest yield compared to other genotypes

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

State Varietal Trial of French bean released varieties are concerned, CITH W 3 &4
(Volunteer Center) offered large span for grafting from 2nd Week of
February to 3rd Week of March followed by CITH
Eleven genotypes of French bean were
W 1 from 3rd Week of Feb to 2nd Week of March.
evaluated during 2022 for their growth and yield
The role of rootstock and its condition also played
traits. The highest plant height (32.8 cm), pod
an important role in grafting success. Hence in
length (16.3 cm), weight of ten pods (46.0 g), yield
situ grafting ( last year planted well established
(43.2q/h) were recorded in genotype CITH-FB-1
rootstock) or a fresh rootstock with minimum
as compared to other genotypes.
time gap between uprooting and planting should
be assured and planting of rootstock should be
Walnut propagation for production of
done well in advance ( ending November to early
quality planting material for walnut December in Kashmir conditions) so that it
promotion in Uttrakhand can get well established before grafting for better
The non-availability of quality planting is one success. In November, 2022, 3000 grafted plants of
of the major constraints which have led to slow walnut were provided to UFRMP-JICA, Dehradun
increase in acreage with standard cultivars of for further planting at different locations of
walnut in India. To raise the socio economic status Uttarakhand. About 1179 grafted plants were
of farmers in Uttarakhand through promotion of raised in different nurseries of Deptt of Forest,
walnut cultivation, the project aimed production Uttarakhand mainly at Sony and Magra. Regional
of quality planting material of walnut and it’s Station, Mukteshwar also produced about 400
planting in Uttarakhand to enhance farmer’s plants. During 2022, five training programmes
income in future. The project was executed at of one day duration on walnut propagation &
Srinagar and Mukteshwar. Different trials were mother orchard management were organized
conducted on various propagation methods in various forest nurseries in Uttarakhand viz.
and varieties. In comparative studies on success Maldevta (17th February), Magra (18th February),
of various propagation methods ( 4 methods) Sony (20th February), Ladiyakata ( 21st t February)
performed on different dates in CITH W 1, cleft and Silalekh (22nd February) were organized in
grafting gave better success. Among different which total 130 participants ( Forest staff & some
varieties, maximum success was recorded in farmers) participated. The programme were
CITH W 3 followed by CITH W 1, 5, 8 & 9. As attended by Dr O C Sharma, Dr Arun Kishore,
far as time span for grafting of different Institute Sh Bashir Ahmad Ganai, Dr N C Nainwal from

Maldevta Magra Sony

Ladiakata Silalekh
Glimpses of training programmes at various forest nurseries on walnut propagation

55
 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

UFRMP-JICA, Sh S K Singh from UFRMP-JICA, hyphal tip culture and total 50 isolates (35 from
Range Officer, and DFO etc. Very good impact of J&K. 10 from HP and 5 from UK) were maintained
previously organized programmes was witnessed and studied further. The cultural characteristics of
as these nurseries started production of planting isolates collected from different regions of various
material. States (J&K, HP and UK) showed that most of the
culture colonies were white and some were creamy
Characterizing diversity, genome profile
white. After 15 days of incubation, the reverse
and development of robust diagnostics
colony color changed from creamish white to
for Diplodia spp. associated with canker dark gray in color. The margins of the colony vary
disease of apple (Malus x domestica from round to wavy. The mycelium of all isolates
Borkh.) in North Western Himalayan was septate, smooth, thick-walled and hyaline.
Region of India (SERB-DST) After 25–30 days, all of the isolates generated
Survey and status of apple canker disease in pycnidia, which were partially embedded in the
North Western Himalayan region of India culture medium. The conidiophores were absent
During the course of survey, it was revealed and conidiogenous cells were hyaline, smooth,
that canker disease was prevalent in all the areas cylindrical, somewhat swollen at the base,
surveyed in all three states of North Western producing a single apical conidium. The conida
Himalayan region of India. Highest disease were aseptate to single celled measuring 20.0-
incidence was found in apple orchards of Jammu 28.0 x 9.0-14.5 μm, initially hyaline but latter on
and Kashmir with percent disease incidence of becomes brown in color. On the basis of cultural
32 percent followed by Himachal Pradesh and and morphological characteristics most of the
Uttrakhand with percent disease incidence of isolates were found to belong to probable genus
23 percent and 19 percent, respectively. In J&K Diplodia from all the three apple growing regions
highest disease incidence was found in Shopian of North Western Himalayan region of India.
(31%) and minimum in Ganderbal 19.43 percent. However the identification was not confirmed
In Uttarakhand the incidence was found highest via morpho-cultural characteristics. Molecular
in Mukteshwar Region, however in Himachal identification using multi genes was done to
Pradesh highest incidence of disease was found in confirm the genus and species of the pathogens
Lahul Spiti and Kinnaur area. The symptoms were isolated from cankerous samples from three states
observed in all the three locations were as small using primes of ITS gene. Out of fifty isolates
sunken, reddish brown spots with clearly defined three species causing apple canker were found
elliptical shape on the outside of tree trunks and abundant namely Diplodia bulgarica (97-100%
limbs. These regions displayed a sequence of sequence similarity), Botryosphaeria dothidea
concentric or alternating rings before turning
(94-98 % similarity) and Diplodia seriata (97
smoky and completely encircling the affected
% sequence similarity). In J&K most prominent
trunks and limbs.
species was Diplodia bulgarica, while as in
Morpho-cultural and molecular Himachal Pradesh Botryosphaeria dothidea was
characterization found most abundant and in Uttrakhand Diplodia
The pathogen was isolated and purified via seriata was predominant.

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

MEETINGS AND EVENTS 4

Institute is continuously organizing various (SKUAST-Kashmir), Prof (Dr) Nazir Ahmad
meetings and events for benefit of stakeholders. Ganai, while addressing the interaction meet
During 2022, institute organized majority of said there is enormous support system from the
meetings and events on physical mode. Institute government in Agriculture and allied sectors
has organized number of programmes and especially for Horticulture sector due to which
participated in the programmes organized by production has increased manifold. He also spoke
other agencies as resource persons. The events about the rejuvenating orchards and in the research
and meetings organized by ICAR- CITH, Srinagar field to increase production with high density
and its Regional Stations viz. Mukteshwar & plantations. New Vision document of University
Dirang are presented below and summarized in was discussed with special emphasis for doubling
the Table 16. farmers’ income through collaborative work with
ICAR, Development departments and SKUAST-K,
Famers, Kisan Board Members, Srinagar. Director ICAR-CITH, Dr Om Chand
Development Department Officials and Sharma talked about the role of the institute for
Scientists/Experts Interface meeting carrying out basic, strategic and applied research
ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate on major temperate horticultural crops. He added
Horticulture, Srinagar and J & K Advisory Board that the Institute is involved in generation of
for Development of Kisans jointly organized basic information identification and development
Famers, Kisan Board Members, Development of high yielding varieties and hybrids, efficient
Department Officials and Scientists/Experts cropping systems and appropriate production
Interface meeting on 18th May, 2022 at ICAR- and protection technologies, post-harvest
CITH, Srinagar. During the meeting vision and management, production of quality seeds and
progress of ICAR-CITH, Srinagar and future planting material, demonstration and transfer of
plans for collaborative work with development technologies. Director Horticulture Kashmir, Shri
departments and SKUAST-K, Srinagar were Ghulam Rasool Mir and Secretary J&K Advisory
presented and discussed. Additional Chief Board for Development of Kisans, Abdul Hamid
Secretary, Agriculture Production Department Wani complemented ICAR-CITH for the
(APD), Atal Dulloo was the Chief Guest who programme and hoped that such programmes
during his address reaffirmed the government’s would help farmers to connect with scientists
commitment with a single focus objective to for the use of latest technologies in farming.
increase farmers’ income manifold through better During the programme, several progressive
technological interventions in farming and urged farmers put forth various issues, problems and
the participating farmers, scientists and officers queries, to which the speakers assured resolution
of agriculture and allied sectors, in particular of their issues. Director Horticulture Panning
to horticulture, to work beyond production & Marketing, Director Agriculture Kashmir,
and productivity to focus mainly on value Director Agriculture Jammu, Managing Director
addition, branding, marketing, packaging etc in Agro Industries Development Corporation
collaboration for increasing the farmers income. Ltd., Managing Director Jammu and Kashmir
Vice Chancellor Sher-e-Kashmir University of Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing
Agriculture Sciences & Technology of Kashmir Corporation (JKHPMC) Limited, Director Sheep

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Husbandry Kashmir, Director Animal Husbandry projects, exchange of expertise, holding of joint
& Fisheries, Director Floriculture Kashmir, conferences, workshops, publications, faculty
Director Sericulture, Heads of the Departments and curriculum development. Similarly, ICAR-
of APD and other concerned were also present Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture and
during the programme. More than 300 officers, SKUAST-Jammu entered into a MoU for mutual
kisan board members and farmers participated in cooperation between the two organizations.
the programme. Memorandum of Understating was signed by O C
Sharma, Director ( Act) and Prof J P Sharma, Vice
Chancellor SKUAST-J for research and other
areas of mutual interest.

Glimpses of Famers, Kisan Board Members, Development

Department Officials and Scientists/Experts Interface meeting

ICAR-CITH and SKUAST-Kashmir &

SKUAST- Jammu Entered Into MOU For Signing of MOU between ICAR-CITH Srinagar
& SKUAST-K, Srinagar
Mutual Cooperation
ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate
Horticulture and SKUAST-Kashmir entered
International workshop on DUS testing of
into a MoU for mutual cooperation between apple and pear
the two leading institutes of the region. The ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate
Memorandum of understanding was signed Horticulture, Srinagar and PPV&FRA, New Delhi
by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, jointly organized two days International workshop
SKUAST-Kashmir and Dr. O.C.Sharma, Director on “DUS testing of apple and pear” from 7th to
ICAR-CITH on 18th April, 2022. All the Directors, 8th September 2022 at ICAR-Central Institute of
Deans and representatives from ICAR- CITH were Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar (Hybrid Mode)
present during the MOU signing ceremony. Prof. under Indo-German Cooperation on Seed Sector
Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Development. During the event speeches on DUS
SKUAST-Kashmir and Dr Om Chand Sharma, testing of apple and pear in India were made
Director, ICAR-CITH, Srinagar highlighted by Dr. K. V. Prabhu, Chairperson, PPV&FRA,
the importance of an alliance between the two Dr.T.K.Nagarathna, Former Registrar, PPVFRA,
Institutions to serve the farming community. They Dr Ravi Prakash, Ex-Registrar, PPV&FRA and
said that signing of such MoUs will ensure quality Dr Javid Iqbal Mir, PI, DUS Centre on temperate
education and research that can make a difference fruits & nuts project and from Germany detailed
to the society. Both Institutions will work in presentation was made by Dr. Erik Schulte, Head of
areas like submission of collaborative research regional DUS testing Station with Focus on Fruits

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

obtained from German scientists. Workshop was

attended by scientists from ICAR-CITH, Srinagar,
ICAR-NBPGR, Srinagar, SKUAST-K, Srinagar,
PPV&FRA, New Delhi, Dr YSPUH&F, Solan,
ICAR-CITH (RS), Mukteshwar etc. Field visit was
also organized to provide on spot training on DUS
testing to the participants. Farmers were made
aware about protection of their varieties through
PPV&FRA and the benefits of protection thereof.
Dr Om Chand Sharma, Director, ICAR-CITH,
Srinagar shared the achievements made by the
Institute and specified the areas of collaboration
with Germany for further cooperation.

Apple Day/show cum workshop

ICAR-CITH, RS Mukteshwar organized Apple
Day/show cum workshop on Harvest maturity
standards of apple cultivars for quality yield in
collaboration with Department of Horticulture,
Vikas Bhawan, Bhimtal, Nainital on 26th August,
2022 at Mukteshwar. A large number of farmers
and line department personnel participated in
the programme. An exhibition of different apple
varieties was also displayed during the occasion.

Glimpses of International workshop on DUS testing

of apple and pear
in Wurzen, Germany. During the deliberations
thorough discussions resolved many issues related
to DUS testing of apple and pear under Indian
conditions. Fine tuning of On-site DUS testing
was planned after relevant and desired feedback

Table 16. List of various events organized during the year 2022
S. No Event Date Organizers/ Coordinators
1 Famers, Kisan Board 18th May, 2022 All Staff
Members, Development
Department Officials and
Scientists/Experts Interface
meeting
2 International workshop on 7th & 8th Sep, 2022 JI Mir & O C Sharma
DUS testing of Apple
3 18th IRC Meeting 6th to 7th June, 2022 Md Abas Shah
4 18th RAC Meeting 28th Dec, 2022 J I Mir

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

S. No Event Date Organizers/ Coordinators

5 3rd Bimonthly Structured 17th October, 2022 J I Mir, W H Raja, S U Nabi, Geetika Malik,
Meeting of DDM’s of Md Abas & O C Sharma
NABARD ( Srinagar Cell)

6 International Women Day 8th March 2022 Dr Geetika Malik, Sh Vishal Dinkar &
Mrs Mubeena

7 Antiterrorism Day 21st May, 2022 Sh Puneet Kumar, J I Mir & O C Sharma

8 International Yoga Day 21st June, 2022 Sh Puneet Kumar & Vishal Dinkar (Srinagar);
Arun Kishore (R S Mukteshwar), Khushi
Ram (R S Dirang) & Manoj Kumar (KVK
Baramulla)

9 Hindi Diwas & Hindi Week 14th to 21st September, Geetika Malik & Puneet Kumar (Srinagar)
2022 and Arun Kishore (Mukteshwar)

10 Rastriya Ekta Diwas 31st October, 2022 Dr Geetika Malik & O C Sharma

11 Vigilance Week 31st October to 6th Dr Geetika Malik O C Sharma & Puneet
November 2022 Kumar ( Srinagar) and Arun Kishore
(Mukteshwar)

12 Inaugural function of PM 17th Oct,2022 Md Abas, Sh Eshan & Smt Mubeena

Kisan Sammelan

13 Gandhi Jayanti & Special 2nd October & Puneet Kumar, Vishal Dinkar, O C Sharma
campaign 2.0 2nd October to 31st & Showkat Ahmad Mir (Srinagar) & Arun
October, 2022 Kishore (Mukteshwar)

14 Constitution day 26th Nov, 2022 O C Sharma, Eshan Ahad & Diwan Chandra
(Srinagar) & Arun Kishore (Mukteshwar

15 Har Ghar Tiranga Compaign 13th to 15th August, O C Sharma, J I Mir ( Srinagar), Arun
2022 Kishore (Mukteshwar), Manoj Kumar (KVK
Baramulla) & Kuishi Ram (Dirang)

16 World Soil day 5th December, 2022 Sudhakara N R

17 Kisan Samman Diwas 23rd December, 2022 S U Nabi, W H Raja & Puneet Kumar
(Srinagar); Arun Kishore (R S Mukteshwar);
Vishal Mhetre (R S Dirang)

18 Swachhata Pakhwara 16thDec to 31st Sh Puneet Kumar & O C Sharma

December, 2022

19 Apple Day/show cum 26th August, 2022 Arun Kishore

workshop

20 Interaction meeting with 19th September, 2022 Arun Kishore

NABARD officers of
Uttarakahnd

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

18th Institute Research Council Meeting Kumar, Sh Vishal Dinkar & Dr Sudhakara N R,
The 18th Institute Research Council Meeting Dr. Manoj Kumar (P C & Head, KVK Baramulla)
was held from 6th to 7th June, 2022 under the and Dr. Arun Kishore (I/C RS Mukteshwar) also
chairmanship of Dr O C Sharma, Director, ICAR- attended the meeting. The meeting started with
CITH, and Srinagar. All the scientists of ICAR- welcome address by Dr. O. C. Sharma, Director
CITH, Srinagar, Regional stations and KVK ICAR-CITH, Srinagar which was followed by
attended the meeting in physical and virtual mode. presentation of Action Taken report of 17th
Project wise presentations were made by different RAC. The research achievements made during
PI’s and results/outcomes along with the activities last year were presented by Dr J I Mir ( Member
to be taken up in next year were discussed in Secretary). After the presentations there was a
details. The presentation on Research Projects detailed discussion on various research aspects
from Regional Station, Mukteshwar and KVK and chairman & committee members appreciated
Baramulla was discussed on virtual mode. The the work done by the Institute. The various
Chairman gave critical inputs on experimentation committee members gave important inputs and
for obtaining realistic and reproducible results. suggestions for ongoing research projects and
future line of work. After detailed discussion
various recommendations were made for future
line of action for further submission to council.

Discussion and presentation during 18th IRC meeting

Glimpses and discussion during RAC meeting
18 Research Advisory Committee Meeting
th
3rd Bimonthly Structured Meeting of DDM’s
The 18 RAC meeting of ICAR-CITH,
th
of NABARD ( Srinagar Cell) held at ICAR-
Srinagar was held on 28th December, 2022 in
hybrid mode under the Chairmanship of Dr. T A CITH, Srinagar
More, Former -Vice Chancellor, MPKV, Rahuri. The 3rd Bimonthly Structured Meeting of
The RAC members who attended the meeting DDM’s of NABARD ( Srinagar Cell) was held at
were Dr. R K Avasthe, Dr. A T Sadashiva, Dr. ICAR-CITH, Srinagar on 17th October, 2022. The
R K Pal, Dr. V K Baranwal, Dr. V B Patel, Sh. CGM NABARD was the chief guest on the occasion
Abdul Jabbar Parrey, Dr. O. C. Sharma and Dr and 20 officers from J&K and Ladakh participated
J I Mir. Besides, the Scientists of ICAR- CITH, in the programme. During the programme, Dr
Srinagar; Dr Geetika Malik, Dr. W H Raja, Dr. O C Sharma ( Director) highlighted various
Mohd Abas Shah, Dr. Sajad Un Nabi, Sh Punnet technologies which can be helpful for the farmers

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

for boosting their production and income and can also organized at ICAR-CITH-RS, Mukteshwar
be funded by the bank. During the programme in which 49 farmers and other stakeholders
various scientist from ICAR-CITH, Srinagar gave participated.
detailed presentations on various technologies.
The CGM lastly made a meeting with the staff and
thanks ICAR-CITH, Srinagar for organizing the
programme at the Institute. A field visit was also
organized for the bank staff.

Glimpses of programme on Kisan Bhagidari, Prathmikta

Hamari campaign

Innugural of PM Kisan Samman Sammelan

3rd Bimonthly Structured Meeting of DDM’s of NABARD ICAR-CITH Srinagar organized the Innugural
of PM Kisan Samman Sammelan on 17th October,
Kisan Bhagidari, Prathmikta Hamari
campaign
ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate
Horticulture, Srinagar organized the ‘Kisan
Bhagidari, Prathmikta Hamari’ campaign on
28th April, 2022 at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar. The
campaign was organized under ‘Azadi Ka Amrit
Mahotsav’ in which 85 farmers from Jammu and
Kashmir and development department officials
from Jammu and Kashmir & Himachal Pradesh
participated. One lecture on “Use of Pheromone
Technology for Insect Management – An
Important Component of Natural Farming” by Dr
Barkat Hussain, Associate Professor, Entomology,
SKUAST-K, Srinagar was organized. Programme
was focused on “Crop Diversification” and
“Natural Farming”. Similar programme was
Innugural of PM Kisan Samman Sammelan

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

2022. In this programme all staff of ICAR-CITH Sh.Vishal Dinkar, Smt. Mubeena, Dr. Danish
and farmers participated and listen the views of Bashir, Dr. Salwee Yasmeen, Dr. Saima Farooq
various dignitaries and address by Hon’ble Prime (YP-II) & Smt. Iqra Qurashi. In the programme,
Minister of India. training programme for women of adjoining areas
related to vegetable kitchen garden, field visit of
Anti terrorism Day participants & distribution of vegetable seed was
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar observed done.
Antiterrorism Day on 21st May, 2022 in which
all staff members participated. The objective International Yoga Day
behind observance of this day is to wean away ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate
the youth from terrorism and the cult of violence Horticulture celebrated 8th International Yoga
by highlighting the suffering of common people Day on 21st June, 2022 at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar,
and showing as to how it is prejudicial to the Regional Station Mukteshwar ( Uttarakhand),
national interest. During the programme various Dirang ( Arunachal Pradesh) and KVK Baramulla.
participants along with Director shared their The theme of the day was Yoga For Humanity. All
views and pledge was taken by all the staff to fight the permanent as well as contractual staff at all
against terrorism. places took part in the programme and showed
extra zeal and enthusiasm while performing and
International Women’s Day participating this great event. In the programme
International Women’s Day was celebrated organized at ICAR-CITH main campus, Dr O
8 March 2022 in which 40 women participated.
th
C Sharma, Director highlighted the importance
During the programme the role of women and need of yoga invigorating overall mental
in various fields were highlighted by various and physical status of a person and Sh Puneet
speakers like Dr. O. C. Sharma, Director, Dr. J. I. Kumar (scientist) gave remarks on the celebration
Mir, Senior Scientist, Dr. Geetika Malik, Scientist, of the day including its history and role of
different Asanas followed by demonstration of
various yoga practices by Sh Vishal Dinkar and
all staff performed various asanas. All scientific,
administrative, technical and supporting staff
of ICAR-CITH, Srinagar and scientific staff
of ICAR-NBPGR-RS, Srinagar participated in
the programme. Dr Arun Kishore gave the
importance of Yoga Day at Regional station,
Mukeshwar followed by demonstration of yoga
practices and its practice by the staff. Yoga Day
was also celebrated at ICAR-CITH RS Dirang
(Arunachal Pradesh) in which Mr K R Vasisth
and Young Professional performed various yoga
practices at the station. At KVK Baramulla two
programmes were organized at KVK campus
( for men farmers) as well as in Kunzer village
( for women farmers) in which many farmers
participated and Dr. Manoj Kumar told the
importance of Yoga in human life followed by
demonstration of various asana. Farmers also
performed various yoga practices during the
International Women Day at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar programmes.

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

8th International Yoga day Celebration at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar,

Hindi Diwas and Hindi Week-2022 and importance of vigilance week by Vigilance
The Hindi Diwas and Hindi Saptah-2022 were Officer on 31st October, 2022 followed Director’s
observed from 14th to 21st September, 2022 at address to adopt various practices for achieving
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar. On 14th September, 2022, transparency, accountability and corruption free
Hindi Diwas was celebrated and official language governance. A Pledge ceremony was held in
pledge was taken by the staff. The importance of which all staff members took pledge All the staff of
language was discussed in detail by Director who the institute took part in observance of vigilance
stressed for improving work in Hindi. From 15th to awareness week with enthusiasm and zeal. At
21st September various programs and competitions inaugural function, the participants shared their
were conducted such as extempore competition, views on vigilance awareness and how we, as
poetry, dohe & shayari competition, essay writing common man, can contribute to making India

Glimpses of various programmes during Hindi week at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar

competition, translation competition, poster

presentation and Antakshri. The permanent
staff, contractual lab and field worker and other
research staff actively participated in different
programmes. The valedictory function and
distribution of monetary award & certificate to
the winners of various competitions of the Hindi
week-2022 was held on 21st September, 2022.
Hindi Week was also celebrated at ICAR-CITH,
R S Mukteshwar and permanent and contractual
staff participated in different programmes.

Vigilance Awareness Week

ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate
Horticulture, Srinagar observed Vigilance
Awareness Week from 31st October to 6th
November, 2022. The theme of the Vigilance
Week was Corruption –free India for Developed
Nation (“Hkz“Vkpkj eqä Hkkjr & fodflr Hkkjr”). The
Inaugural of Vigilance Awareness Week-2022
programme was started with welcome address at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

a corruption free nation. Some information on to work for integration and development of
functions and powers of CVC was also sought the Nation.
by the participants, which was answered on
the spot by the Director and Vigilance Officer. World Soil Day
A debate on ‘Can common man contribute to ICAR-CITH, Srinagar celebrated World Soil
eradication of corruption’ was also held on 2nd Day on 5th December, 2022 with theme as “Soils
November, 2022. A lecture on CVC Act, 2003 was where food begins”. Participants from different
delivered by the Finance and Accounts Officer categories viz. Scientists, staff, research scholars
of the institute for the benefit of participants on and farmers participated in the program. The
4th November, 2022 in a one day workshop. The program started with the importance of the
closing ceremony ended with valedictory address soil for future by address by Director, ICAR-
by the Director on 7th November, 2022. The CITH, Srinagar followed by video film. Further,
vigilance awareness week was also celebrated at Dr. Sudhakara N. R., Scientist (Soil Sciences),
ICAR-RS Mukteshwar.

National Unity Day/ Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

The National Unity Day/ Rashtriya Ekta
Diwas was celebrated at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar
on 31st October, 2022 and all staff of ICAR-CITH
attended the programme During the programme
Dr O C Sharma highlighted the commitment
of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel towards work
and about his life. He told that Unity Day is
celebrated on the occasion of birth anniversary
of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also highlighted
and acknowledged the struggle and sacrifices of
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and importance of unity
day. Pledge was also taken by the staff for their
dedication to preserve the unity, integrity and
security of Nation. He also told that country like
India is full of diversity in relation to religion,
casts, languages, civilization and culture. So to
integrate the country the contribution of Saradar
Balbhbhai Patel will always be remembered.
The major reforms made in his life were also
discussed. Lastly, Director urged the staff

Glimpses of World Soil Day organized at

Integrity Pledge Ceremony during National Unity Day ICAR-CITH, Srinagar

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

ICAR-CITH, Srinagar, gave a lecture on

“Importance of soil in Agriculture and Human
Life” during which he emphasized the significance
of soil for ecosystem services, nutrients and their
impact on plant and human health as well as
the most pressing global issues relating to food
security and sustainability everywhere in the
world. Following the presentation, a field trip Preamble/ pledge ceremony for contractual staff
was organized to demonstrate the process and
pledge in Hindi. After that programme was also
procedure of collecting soil samples. By addressing
organized physically to the contractual staff and
the growing issues with soil management,
they were made aware of Constitution Day and
raising soil awareness, and enticing societies
importance of Constitution to the people of India.
to improve soil health, this field trip helped to
The Pledge was also taken by 45 contractual staff.
raise awareness of the value of soil in preserving
All the permanent also read the preamble online
healthy ecosystems and promoting human well-
on Govt of India, parliamentary Affairs Site and
being. A total of 67 participants participated in
certificates were taken.
this programme.

Constitution Day Har Ghar Tiranga Compaign

On the occasion of celebration of 75 year of
ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate
Independence, ICAR-CITH, Srinagar, ICAR-
Horticulture, Srinagar along with Regional
CITH, RS Mukteshwar, ICAR-CITH, RS Dirang
Station Mukteshwar & Dirang celebrated
and KVK Baramulla celebrated the week from
Constitution Day on 26th November, 2022. At 11
13th to 15th August, 2022. For celebration of
am, physical & online programme was organized
week, meeting was organized on 2nd August,
in which all staff from main and Regional Stations
2022 in which staff of ICAR-CITH Srinagar and
participated. Director, ICAR-CITH, Srinagar
representatives from two regional stations and
highlighted the history of the Day and discussed
KVK Baramulla participated on physical/ virtual
importance of Constitution and contribution of
mode. Detailed discussions were held regarding
Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar for equality. After that
importance of week and procurement of National
Preamble was read in Hindi and all staff took the
Flags should be done immediately so that they can
be provided to staff well in time. Discussions were
also held regarding creating awareness among
public by organization of various programmes.
The National Flags were provided to all staff of

Preamble/ pledge ceremony for permanent staff Glimpses of Har Ghar Tiranga Compaign

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

ICAR- CITH, main campus, Regional Stations and ICAR-CITH, Srinagar inaugurated the program
KVK Baramulla which were hoisted by the staff at with formal welcome address of farmers. During
their homes from 13th to 15th August. Besides this this program the farmers expressed their view
National flags were also provided to NBPGR RS on current scenario of horticulture in Kashmir
Srinagar, IGFRI RS Srinagar and DARS SKUST K , and also shared their problem, and our experts
KD Farm Rangreth. Pinning of flag with /without (scientists) gave their valuable suggestion to
selfie were also done by majority of staff. During resolve the farmers problems. The plantation drive
the week all staff displayed National Flag as DP in for farmers was also organized followed by the
different personnel as well as official social media planting material distribution. In Regional Station
accounts The flag Hoisting was done in all the Mukteshwar (Uttarakhand), Dr. Arun Kishore
units on 15th August in which staff participated (Scientist) along with team visited the farmers
and some programmes like Tiranga Rally and field in Nainital to observe Kisan Samman Diwas.
competitions were organized by KVK Baramulla They organised scientist-farmers interaction in
in which villagers and students participated in a which total fifteen farmers participated. They also
great jeal. organised Farmer awareness program (FAP) on
management and maintenance of high-density
Kisan Samman Diwas apple orchards. At Regional Station Dirang
The Kisan Samman Diwas was observed on (Arunchal Pradesh), Dr. Vishal Mhetre (STO)
23rd December, 2022 at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar and and his team organised program for farmers.
its Regional Stations (Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand Total twenty-two farmers were invited and
and Dirang, Arunchal Pradesh). During this, input material such as water pipe, secateurs,
the farmers were invited to visit institute or else spades and pruning saws were distributed to
farm visit was organized. At main station, twenty honour and appreciate their contribution to
farmers were invited from Pulwama and Kulgam nation building.
district of Jammu & Kashmir. The Director

Scientist-Farmer Interaction at IACR- Plantation drive by farmers in orchard at Briefing about rootstock plantation
CITH, Srinagar ICAR-CITH, Srinagar

Plantation drive by farmers in orchard at Farmer awareness program at RS- Farmers facilitation at RS-Dirang (A.P.)
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar Mukteshwar (Uttarakhand)

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Gandhi Jayanti & Special Campaign 2.0 importance of cleanliness was organized for Air
Under the Special Campaign 2.0, from 2nd Force Family Welfare Association (AFWWA),
October to 31st October, 2022 various activities Srinagar in which 78 participants participated.
were conducted in the institute to make the During Special campaign 2.0, cleaning and
institute cleaner and greener. The campaign sweeping drives were organized in various
started with celebration of “Gandhi Jayanti” to locations of institute such as main building,
commemorate the birth anniversary of respected biotechnology building, residential area, guest
Mahatma Gandhi ji. The Director ICAR-CITH, house, central library, vehicle garage etc. The
Srinagar offered flower garland to the portrait of proper waste management methods were
Gandhi ji and briefed about the messages taught discussed with the lab workers to enhance the
by him about moral and values to incorporate in safety and workability insides the labs. Also,
our life. On this occasion, a program regarding cleaning drive and efficient space utilization
activities were performed in central store facility.
The programme was also organized at Regional
station Mukteshwar.

Swachhta Pakhwada
ICAR-CITH Srinagar along with its Regional
Station Mukteshwar observed Swachhta Pakhwada
to strengthen cleaning drive operations, with a
Paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi Ji
particular focus on issues and practices associated
with swachhta abhiyan, by participation of all
institute employees. Swachhta pakhwada events
included a Swachhta pledge ceremony, cleaning
of various locations such as the main building,
biotechnology building, campus roadways, inside
laboratories, guest house, orchards and so on.
All of the employees eagerly participated and
dedicated themselves to swachhta drives. “Kisan
Cleaning and arrangement of stationary Samman Diwas” was also observed at the institute
during pakhwada. Farmers were invited to various
locations and were facilitated at the institute,
including a plantation drive by farmers and the
provision of planting material to them.

Program organized for AFWWA, Srinagar

Swachhta Pledge taking Cleaning drive inside labs

ceremony

Roadside sweeping and Cleaning drive inside labs

Dusting of lab wares and equipment cleaning drive

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

EXTENSION AND OTHER

PROGRAMS 5
Extension Activities programmes organized by ICAR-CITH during
The main aim of any research programme in 2022 are presented under various heads.
agricultural sciences is to improve the production ICAR-CITH, Srinagar
of quality produce with minimum/judicious
Training programmes for officers
use oif farm inputs, thus reducing the cost of
cultivation and improving the net returns. This Five days programme organized for Horticulture
Officer
is possible only by generating farm friendly
technologies by research organizations and their A five days training programme was
dissemination/ popularization among farmers/ organized on Modern interventions for
stakeholders. ICAR-CITH has emerged as a enhancing productivity and quality of temperate
hub for generating farmer-friendly technologies fruit crops under high density plantation for
officers from Deptt of Horticulture, Govt of
which in turn are boosting the productivity
Himachal Pradesh from 18th to 22th April, 2022
of quality produce and benefits the farmers
at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar. Total 19 Subject Matter
with higher returns. These technologies were
Specialist (SMS), Horticulture Development
generated after need based quality research
Officers (HDO), Horticulture Extension Officers(
on different aspects in different horticultural
HEO) etc participated in the programme.
crop There is a lot of scope for the increasing During the programme, various lectures were
productivity of quality produce of temperate delivered on various technologies for enhancing
horticultural crops in different regions of the productivity followed by practical demonstrations
country having temperate climatic conditions. in temperate fruits. All aspects like research
The Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, and development needs in temperate fruits,
Srinagar and its regional stations are putting planting material production, high and medium
continuous efforts to make the farmers/ officers of density plantation in different temperate fruits,
line departments and other stakeholders apprised pollination management, training & pruning,
about various new technologies generated in orchard floor management practices, diseases
temperate horticultural crops for improving the & pest management, soil & water management,
productivity of quality produce through various postharvest management etc were covered.
extension means. Institute and its Regional Some visits to different organizations/ orchards
stations are actively organizing various training were also organized during the trainings. The
programmes, demonstrations, participating in participants were highly satisfied with the training
kisan melas/ gosthies, TV & radio programmes, and assured to implement in their state to boost
print media, advisories through various social the productivity of temperate fruits in future. The
media etc for the benefit of farmers. Several course Director for the programme was Dr O C
programmes were organized during the year for Sharma and co coordinators were W H Raja, S U
officers, farmers & students and details of various Nabi & Puneet Kumar.

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Glimpses of five days training held at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar from 18th to 22nd April,2022 for Horticulture officers

Table 17: List of training programmes organized for officers/ staff of line department by ICAR-
CITH, Srinagar
S. Name of Programme Venue Duration Date No. of Organizers/
N. (Days) Participants coordinators
1. Modern interventions for ICAR-CITH, 5 18th to 22th 19 W H Raja, S U Nabi,
enhancing productivity and Srinagar April, 2022 and Puneet Kumar
quality of temperate fruit crops
under high density plantation
2. Technological advances in ICAR-CITH, 5 25th to 29th 20 Md Abas Shah,
temperate fruit production Srinagar April, 2022 Vihal Dinkar and
for enhancing productivity of Sudhakara N R
quality produce
3 Hydroponics in temperate ICAR-CITH, 1 23th March 13 O C Sharma
horticultural crops Srinagar 2022

Five days programme for Horticulture Officer followed by practical demonstrations. Different
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar organized a five days aspects of temperate like temperate fruit scenario
training programme on Technological advances in India, quality planting material production,
in temperate fruit production for enhancing high and medium density plantation, polinizer
productivity of quality produce for Officers from & pollinator management, canopy architectural
Deptt of Horticulture, Govt of Himachal Pradesh engineering, importance of knowledge of bearing
from 25th to 29th April, 2022. Total 20 Subject Matter habit in pruining, orchard management practices,
Specialist (SMS), Horticulture Development diseases and pest management, soil & water
Officers (HDO), AHDO & Horticulture Extension management, postharvest management etc were
Officers( HEO) etc participated in the programme. covered. Some visits to different organizations/
The programme was a good blend of lectures and orchards were also organized during the trainings.
practical demonstrations.During the programme, The participants were highly satisfied with the
various lectures delivered on various technologies training and assured to implement in their state
for enhancing productivity in temperate fruits to boost the productivity of temperate fruits in

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Glimpses of five days training from held at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar from 25th to 29th April.,2022 for Horticulture
officers from Himachal Pradesh

future. Dr Md Abas Sha, Dr Vishal Dinkar & Five training programmes of one day
Dr Sudhakar Nr coordinated the programme duration organized for staff of UFRMP &
and Dr O C Sharma was course director for the Department of Forest, Uttarakhand
programme. The researchable issues of farmers as During 2022, five training programmes of one
well as the problems faced by the officers in the day duration were organized in different nurseries
field were also discussed in detail, so that institute of Deptt of Forest, Uttarakhand. Total 130
can plan future research work accordingly. participants from Deptt of Forest, Staff of UFRMP,
One Day training cum visit organized for scientists Self help group & some farmers participated
One day training cum exposure visit was in the programmes. These programmes were
organized to the participants of Short Course organized on mother orchard management and
on Hydroponics : The future of food without walnut propagation techniques. The location
soil, organized by Division of Basic Sciences & of the programmes was at Maldevta, Magra,
Humanities, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST K Sony, Ladiyakata, and Silalekh in Uttrakhand.
on 23th March 2022. Total 13 participants were In these training programmes demonstrations
present and exposed to various research activities were provided on various aspects for promotion
going on at the Institute followed by farm visit of walnut in Uttarakhand. The brief of these
and exposure to various experimental fields programmes is presented in Table 18.

Farm Visit of participants (scientist) of short course on Hydroponics at ICAR-CITH Srinagar

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Table 18: One Day training programmes organized for Staff of UFRMP & Department of Forest,
Uttarakhand
Date Topic Venue No. of Type of Coordinators
Participants participants
17th Feb, 2022 Walnut propagation Maldevta- 23 Forest staff and O C Sharma &
Dehradun Self Help group B A Ganai
18th February, Walnut propagation & mother Magra 20 Forest staff O C Sharma &
2022 orchard management B A Ganai
20th February, Walnut propagation & mother Sony 28 Forest staff & O C Sharma &
2022 orchard management Farmers B A Ganai
21st February, Walnut propagation Ladiyakata 24 Forest staff O C Sharma,
2022 Arun Kishore
& B A Ganai
22nd February, Walnut propagation & mother Silalekh 35 Forest staff & Arun Kishore
2022 orchard management Farmers & B A Ganai
Total 5 130

Maldevta, Magra & Sony

Silalekh Ladiyakata
Training programme on walnut propagation in different nurseries in Uttarakhand

Training programmes/ visits for students Two Days training programme on Use
ICAR- CTH, Srinagar is well equipped with of molecular biology techniques in
labs as well as experimental orchards/ ermplasm Horticulture under DST- SERB, Scientific
blocks of many temperate horticultural crops. Social Responsibility (SSR) initiative
These facilities makes it as centre of attraction
Two Days training programme on “Use of
for the students and researchers. During the
molecular biology techniques in Horticulture
year, 7 visits/ training were organized for
“under DST- SERB, Scientific Social
students. The details of students visit/ training
Responsibility (SSR) initiative was organized at
from different organizations are presented in
ICAR-CITH Srinagar from 10th to 11th May, 2023.
Table 19.

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

During this training programme the trainees editing technique, importance of Real time PCR,
were acquainted with different techniques applications of proteomics, and recent advances in
like PCR, RT-PCR, Gel electrophoresis, UV Molecular markers and bioinformatics tools. Also
Transilluminator, bioinformatics tools etc. Total hands on training were given PCR and qRT-PCR.
20 student trainees participated from various The training programme was coordinated by Dr
disciplines like Fruit Science, Biotechnology, Sajad Un Nabi, PI, CRG/2021/003401 project
Entomology, Plant Pathology, Genetics and Plant funded by DST-SERB. At last Director ICAR-
Breeding, Floriculture and Microbiology. Five CITH, Dr O.C.Sharma distributed the certificates
lectures were also delivered on recent advances in among the participants in valedictory function on
molecular biology techniques, Recent advances 11th May 2022.
in pathogen detection, CRISPR-CAS a genome

Glimpses of Two Days training programme on “Use of molecular biology techniques in Horticulture

Table 19: List of schools/colleges/ institutes who visited the ICAR-CITH during the year 2022
Date Name of School/ University/ No. of Students/ Organized By
Training participants
10th to 11th May, Use of molecular biology 20 ( Students /scholars/ S U Nabi
2022 techniques in Horticulture “under SRF/RA’s)
DST- SERB, Scientific Social
Responsibility (SSR) initiative
26th March, 2022 Students of BSc (2nd & 3rd year) 39 (36 students +3 Md Abas Shah, J I Mir &
from Govt Degree Pampore Teachers) O C Sharma
17th May, 2022 Students of B Sc 3rd Year from 64 (60 students + 4 O C Sharma, W H Raja &
Wayanad Campus, Kerala teachers J I Mir
Agriculture University
23rd July, 2022 Trainees of DST sponsored training 22 Geetika Malik, S U Nabi
programme (students from & Dr W H Raja
SKUAST K)

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Date Name of School/ University/ No. of Students/ Organized By

Training participants
19th October, Students of Biotechnology & 30 Md Abas, Geetika Malik,
2022 Biochemistry (BSc. VI Semester) O C Sharma & M A
from Govt College Shopian Sheikh
10th October,22 Students of BSc Horticulture, 11 M A Sheikh
SKUAST K ( RAWE)
26th September Aspire Heritage School Kursoo 60 Vishal Dinkar, Sudhakara
2022 Mehjoor Nagar, Srinagar N & Eshan Ahad

Glimpses of various students visits

Training Programmes/ visits for Farmers One Day training-cum- awareness

Training programme/ Farm visit organized programme on “Importance of training pruning
for Farmers of Jammu and Kashmir. The farmers and pest disease management in apple” was
are the final user of any technology generated by organized at Hijama Baramulla on 2nd of June
any agricultural organization. During the year, 2022 under Kissan Biotech Hub, Department
14 farmer groups sponsored by various agencies of Biotechnology, GOI. During the training
visited the Institute for one day training/ farm programme 41 farmers participated from
visit. The farmers were made aware of various various areas of district Baramulla. The farmers
technologies generated at ICAR-CITH in various were acquainted with different methods of
horticultural crops. The details of various training pruning especially in medium and
programmes are presented in Table 20. high density apple orchards, pollination
management as well as real time pest and disease
One Day training-cum- awareness management in these orchards. The programme
programme on “Importance of training was conducted by Dr Wasim H Raja and
pruning and pest disease management in Dr Sajad Un Nabi.
apple” at Hijama Baramulla
Table 20: List of visits/ trainings organized for farmers at ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate
Horticulture during the year 2021
S. No. Date Training/ visit/Topic Department/ Zone/ No of Facilitator/
Organization Area/ participants Coordinator
District
1 11th Training and pruning KVK Distt 12 W H Raja & J I
January, in temperate fruits Baramulla Baramulla Mir
2022
2 25th Nursery production in KVK Tangmarg 12 O C Sharma, W
February, temperate fruits Baramulla area of H Raja, S U Nabi
2022 Distt & MA Sheikh
Baramulla

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

S. No. Date Training/ visit/Topic Department/ Zone/ No of Facilitator/

Organization Area/ participants Coordinator
District
3 4th March, Fertilizers in temperate Directorate Kashmir 150 O C Sharma &
2022 horticultural ( under of Extension, Division GS Madhu
Training programme SKUAST -K
for fertilizer dealers)
4 11th March, Training cum Deptt of District 208 J I Mir, O
2022 exposure visit on Soil Agriculture, Budgam C Sharma,
moisture management Budgam Sudhakar N R
orientation to farmers
(NAFCC 21-22)
5 12th March, Training cum Deptt of District 208 J I Mir, O
2022 exposure visit on Soil Agriculture, Budgam C Sharma,
moisture management Budgam Sudhakar N R
orientation to farmers
(NAFCC 21-22)
6 19th March, Temperate fruit and SKUAST- K Srinagar 18 Getika Malik,
2022 vegetable production Md Abas Shah &
Puneet Kumar
7 2nd June, Training pruning Kissan Biotech Hijama 41 W H Raja & S U
2022 and pest disease Hub Distt Nabi
management in apple Baramulla
8 29th March, One ay training cum KVK Budgam Distt 22 Md Abas Shah,
2022 exposure visit on Budgam J I Mir & O C
production of quality Sharma
planting material of
fruit crops
9 26th April, Quality planting Under ICAR 20 O C Sharma
2022 material production in Campaign CITH,
Temperate fruit crops. Kisan Srinagar
Bhagidari
Prathmika
Hamari
10 28th April, Diversification and Under ICAR 70 J I Mir & O C
2022 Natural Farming Campaign CITH, Sharma
Kisan Srinagar
Bhagidari
Prathmika
Hamari
11 27th Training cum visit Aspirational ICAR 28 S U Nabi & Md
September, of Farmers on block of CITH, Abas Shah
2022 technologies on Pakherpora & Srinagar
temperate horticultural Susasya
crops
12 29th Training cum field ZAZNA Ganderbal 19 J I Mir, O C
November, visit on Technologies Farmers Sharma, Geetika
2022 for boosting temperate Producer Malik & Muneer
horticulture Production Company Ltd Ah sheikh
13 2nd Home gardening of AFWWA, Old airfield, 78 O C Sharma,
October, temperate horticultural Srinagar Srinagar Vishal Dinkar &
2022 crops Puneet Kumar

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

S. No. Date Training/ visit/Topic Department/ Zone/ No of Facilitator/

Organization Area/ participants Coordinator
District
14 13th New practices Kirmaniya Fed Batwina- 28 J I Mir, Geetika
December, and techniques Fruit Producer Ganderbal Malik, Md Abas,
22 for production of Company M A Sheikh & O
temperate horticultural Limited, C Sharma
crops Batwina-
Ganderbal

Participation as Resource person in Horticulture Cluster Development

Programmes of other organizations awareness programme
Being the premier Institute in temperate ICAR-CITH participated in, “Horticulture
horticulture, the demand for resource persons Cluster Development awareness programme”
by various agencies is increasing day by day. organised at DIET Shopian by JKHPMC and
The scientists of ICAR-CITH, Srinagar actively NHB on 30th June, 2022. District Development
participates in the programmes organized by Commissioner, Shopian, Sachin Kumar Vaishya,
various agencies and delivers their scientific inputs Chief Guest on the occasion said that the
on various aspects for the benefit of growers/ programme will address all major issues related
farmers and for boosting the productivity of to the horticulture sector in the District including
quality produce. During the year, Scientists pre-production, production, post-harvest
participated in various programmes are presented management, logistics, marketing and branding.
in Table 21 and details are given below: He also said that the programme is designed
to leverage geographical specialization and
Table 21. Participation as resource person in
promote integrated and market-led development
different programmes
of horticulture clusters. He further said that
Sr Date Programme Organized Resource district Shopian known as Apple Town, now
No. By persons has been declared as Apple Cluster under the
scheme of MOA&FW emphasizing upon farmers
1 30th June, Horticulture JKHPMC W H Raja
2022 Cluster and NHB &SU of the district to come forward and use latest
Development Nabi technologies and best practices to grow high
awareness yielding varieties and crops under high density
programme

2 22nd to National All India W H Raja

23rd June Apple Kisan &SU
2022 Growers Sabha P Nabi
workshop Sundaraya
Memorial
Trust New
Delhi
Dr S U Nabi & Dr W H Raja delivering their lectures during
Cluster Development awareness programme

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

plantaion. He said that this would lead to better

production and profits among the farmers of the
district. Scientists from our institute stressed upon
the production and supplying of quality planting
material vis-à-vis production of quality produce
of apple from such clusters should be given
preference to increase the income of farmers.

National Apple Growers workshop

ICAR-CITH participated in, “National Apple
Growers workshop” on 22nd to 23rd June 2022
organized by All India Kisan Sabha P Sundaraya
Memorial Trust New Delhi. Our scientists
Dr W H Raja & Dr S U Nabi delivering their lectures during
participated in the programme as technical National Apple Growers workshop
experts on various issues of apple production and
protection practices. During the programme Dr time management. Several farmers, department
Wasim H Raja spoke on various matters like apple officials, university officials participated in the
varieties, importance of rootstocks, development two days programme and deliberated on various
of nurseries etc where as Dr Sajad Un Nabi spoke issues of apple production.
on disease of apple, their diagnostics and real
ICAR-CITH, Regional Station Mukteshwar
ICAR-CITH, Regional Station Mukteshwar
is continuously working for the upliftment of
hilly farmers of Uttarkhand through temperate
horticultural crops. This station is disseminating
the generated technologies through various
means and continuously organizing various
programmes for the benefits of the farmers and
students. The programmes/ activities organized
during 2022 for students and farmers are briefly
presented in Table 22&23.

Table.22: Training / visits organized for students at ICAR-CITH, RS Mukteshwar

Date Department/ Organization Region Number Facilitator/
Coordinator
12th April,2022 Exposure visit of M Sc students from department of Delhi 09 Dr Arun Kishor
Botany, Hindu College, Delhi University
3rd June,2022 Exposure visit of M Sc students from department of Hapur, UP 25 Dr Arun Kishor
Botany, SSV College, Hapur, UP
19th June, 2022 Exposure visit of B Sc students from Institute of Vanarasi, UP 30 Dr Arun Kishor
Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Vanarasi, UP brought by
ICAR-VPKAS Almora
26th June,2022 Exposure visit of B Sc students from Institute of Vanarasi, UP 30 Dr Arun Kishor
Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Vanarasi, UP brought by
ICAR-VPKAS Almora
29th June, 2022 Exposure visit of M Sc students from Acharya Delhi 37 Dr Arun Kishor
Narendra Dev College, Delhi University

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Table 23: Training, demonstration & awareness programmes, lectures organized by CITH RS,
Mukteshwar
Sr Date Training/Demonstration/Day/ Venue No of Scientist/
No activity etc. participants Coordinator

1 19th January,2022 Awareness on field demonstration Odlohar-Simsyari, 54 Dr Arun Kishor

in onion Bageswar
2 28th January,2022 Awareness and field demonstration Odlohar-Simsyari, 51 Dr Arun Kishor
on temperate fruits Bageshwar
3 29th January, 2022 Awareness and field demonstration Naveen Sunkiya 29 Dr Arun Kishor
on onion
4 15th February, 2022 Training and pruning in kiwifruit Karna Almora 11 Dr Arun Kishor
and other temperate fruits
5 16th March, 2022 Training on walnut propagation Selalekh 10 Dr Arun Kishor
for production of quality planting
materials
6 26th March, 2022 Awareness cum workshop on Odlohar-Simsyari, 100 Dr Arun Kishor
prospect and scope of growing Bageshwar
horticultural crops in Bageshwar
District and distribution of farm
tools
7 29th March,2023 Exposure visit cum awreness on CITH RS 50 Dr Arun Kishor
management and maintenance of Mukteshwar
horticultural crops
8 21st April, 2022 Field demonstration & awareness Dwarhat Almora 05 Dr Arun Kishor
on management and maintenance
of walnut plantation
9 23rd April, 2022 Campaign cum awareness on Sunkiya/Darima 64 Dr Arun Kishor
cultivation of kiwifruit and walnut and Dr C Jana
under Anna data devo bhava and
AKAM in collaboration DFMD
10 27th April, 2022 Awareness on management CITH RS 20 Dr Arun Kishor
and maintenance temperate Mukteshwar
horticultural crops. ( Kisan
Bhagidari Prathimikta Hamari
under AKAM)
11 28th April,2022 Awareness cum exposure visit CITH RS 15 Dr Arun Kishor
( Kisan Bhagidari Prathimikta Mukteshwar
Hamari under AKAM)
12 29th April, 2022 Campaign and workshop on Odlohar-Simsyari, 100 Dr Arun Kishor
advanced production techniques Bageshwar and Dr Nitesh
of horticultural crops and livestock Kharayat
production for higher income in
collaboration IVRI Mukteshwar
(Kisan Bhagidari Prathimikta
Hamari under AKAM)
13 30th April, 2022 Campaign cum distribution of Sunkiya 18 Dr Arun Kishor
saplings for demonstrations on and Dr Dr C
tomato Jana

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Sr Date Training/Demonstration/Day/ Venue No of Scientist/

No activity etc. participants Coordinator

14 25th May, 2022 Nutrient management in temperate Dutkanedhar 06 Dr Arun Kishor

fruit crops
15 5th June,2022 Field day on the occasion of World CITH RS, 10 Dr Arun Kishor
Environment Day Mukteshwar

16 16th July, 2022 Tree plantation on the occasion of CITH RS, 11 Dr Arun Kishor
ICAR foundation day Mukteshwar

17 3rd September, 2022 Field demonstration & distribution Odlohar-Simsyari, 100 Dr Arun Kishor
of garlic& pea seeds Bageshwar
18 9th November,2022 Orchard management practice Dutkanedhar 10 Dr Arun Kishor
19 16th Swachhata campaign cum CITH RS 11 Dr Arun Kishor
December,2022 waste decomposition awareness Mukteshwar
programme
20 3rd October, 2022 Awareness on Swachhta cum Sunkiya 16 Dr Arun Kishor
distribution of garlic, pea seeds for
field demonstration
21 23rd December, Awareness on management and Gajar 11 Dr Arun Kishor
2022 maintenance of high density
apple orchard during winter on
the occasion of farmers day and
swachhta campaign
22 1st January, 2022 Delivered invited lecture in kisan Dalkanya 20 Dr Arun Kishor
gosthi on advanced production
techniques of kiwifruit

23 28th Sepember, Delivered invited lecture in Farmer VPKAS Almora 100-150 Dr Arun Kishor
2022 fair/kisan gosthi on management
and maintenance of temperate
horticultural crops
24 12th Exposure visit cum awareness on CITH RS 90 Dr Arun Kishor
December,2022 management and maintenance of Mukteshwar
temperate horticultural crops for
farmers of Lamgara block Almora
25 26th August, 2022 Apple Day/show cum workshop CITH RS 150 Dr Arun
on Harvest maturity standards of Mukteshwar Kishor and
apple cultivars for quality yield Dr Narendra
in collaboration with department Kumar
of Horticulture, Vikas Bhawan,
Bhimtal, Nainital
26 26th to 28th April, Three days training cum workshop CITH RS 45 Dr Arun Kishor
2022 on advanced production techniques Mukteshwar and Dr A K
of horticultural crops and livestock Mohanti
production for higher income in
collaboration IVRI Mukteshwar

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

ICAR-CITH, Regional Station, Dirang programme of farmers of Dirang region was

The NEH region has diverse climatic conducted in which they were acquainted with
conditions suitable for growing a number of modern aspects of temperate fruit production
horticultural crops and offers a great scope for and their cultivation practices. At the end of the
increase in area and production of temperate programme apple, walnut and almond plants
horticultural crops in some regions. Keeping were distributed among the beneficiaries. Total 40
in view the scope of temperate horticulture in farmers participated in the said programme held
NEH region, ICAR-CITH, Regional Station was at ICAR-CITH, RS Dirang. On 19th of March
started few year back. The Institute is working three training cum distribution programmes
continuously working for the benefit of farmers of were conducted in Meghalaya state and aim of the
the NEH Region through the need based research, programmes were to acquaint the farmers about
dissemination of technologies, human resource the cultivation of vegetables through organic
development and supply of quality planting practices. In this connection, the first programme
material for increasing the area, production was conducted at ICAR-CPRI RS-Shillong in
and productivity of temperate fruit crops in the which 64 farmers participated. The seeds of
region. The Institute has started doing research hybrids of tomato and chilli were distributed
on various horticultural crops with respect to along with organic manure among the farmers.
Germplasm collection, production of quality Similarly two more programmes were conducted
planting material and establishment of mother in villages Tynring and Keshpyndeng, East Khasi
blocks of elite germplam. The infrastructure district of Meghalaya in which 110 and 78 farmers
development is going on and recently one PEQ respectively participated. At both the places seeds
facility for NEH region was sanctioned and work of tomato and chilli along with organic manure
for its creation is going on. During the year 2022, were distributed. On 21st of March, training
Institute has organized many programmes in cum distribution programme was conducted at
different areas of different states for the benefit ICAR-Research complex NEH Umiam in which
of farmers. Total 25 programes were organized 107 farmers participated. The seeds of tomato
for the benefit of farmers.The details of training and chilli along with organic manure were
programs along with the planting material/ tool again distributed among the farmers. On 24th of
kits distribution among the beneficiaries of NEH March training cum distribution programme
region are briefly presented in Table 24. was conducted at KVK Sonitpur Assam in which
150 farmers participated and were acquainted
Training cum distribution programme with litchi cultivation practices. At the end of the
under NEH scheme in North eastern Region programme litchi plants were distributed among
of India the beneficiaries. Total six thousand Litchi plants
were sent to Department of Horticulture Mizoram
During the month of March 2022, several
for distribution among the beneficiaries. During
Training cum distribution programme were held
all the programmes, farmers actively participated
in various states of north eastern region of India
in discussion and showed great interest in learning
viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram
the basic aspects of temperate fruit production
and Assam under NEH scheme of ICAR, Govt.
and organic farming.
of India. On 17th of March 2022, the training

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Table 24. Training / farm input distribution programmes organized during 2022 in NEH region
Date Programme Venue Partici- Inputs supplied Co ordinators
pants
Meghalaya
19th March, Production of horticultural CPRI ,RS Station 64 Vegetable Seed O C Sharma, J I Mir,
2022 crops and their Shillong (Meghalaya) & Organic W H Raja & S U
management Fertilizers Nabi
19th March, Organic production of Tynring, East Khasi 110 Vegetable Seed Madhu GS &
2022 horticultural crops and Distt (Meghalaya) & Organic Sudhakara N R
their management Fertilizers
19th March, Organic vegetable Keshpyndeng, 78 Vegetable Seed Madhu GS &
2022 production East Khasi Distt & Organic Sudhakara N R
(Meghalaya) Fertilizers
21st March, Fruit and vegetable ICAR-Research 107 Vegetable Seed O C Sharma, J I Mir,
2022 production in Meghalaya Complex for NEH & Organic W H Raja & S U
Umiam (Meghalaya) Fertilizers Nabi , Madhu G S &
Sudhakara NR

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Date Programme Venue Partici- Inputs supplied Co ordinators

pants
Arunachal Pradesh
7th March, Organic farming in RS Dirang 50 Vermicompost W H Raja & S U
2022 horticultural crops Nabi
8th March, Organic farming in RS Dirang 70 Vermicompost S U Nabi & WH Raja
2022 horticultural crops
17 th Temperate fruit production RS Dirang 40 Temperate fruit W H Raja & S U
March, 2022 in Arunachal Pradesh plats Nabi
1st April, Cultivation of high Jyotinagar, Dirang 100 Vegetable seeds Khishi Ram & YP’s of
2022 yielding vegetable varieties RS Dirang
8th April, Cultivation of high Chug village West 100 Vegetable seeds Khishi Ram & YP’s of
2022 yielding vegetable varieties Kemeng Distt. RS Dirang
9th April, Cultivation of high Yuaang village, West 100 Vegetable seeds Khishi Ram & YP’s of
2022 yielding vegetable varieties Keming distt AP RS Dirang
24th Training pruning and post- Namshu, West 60 Water pipe, Wasim H. Raja,
November, harvest management in Kameng Spade, pruning Puneet Kumar, Vishal
2022 stone fruits. saw and pruning Dinkar and Vishal
secateur Mhetre
25th Scope and prospects of Thembang, West 63 Water pipe, Wasim H. Raja,
November, value addition and post- Kameng Spade, pruning Puneet Kumar, Vishal
2022 harvest management of saw and pruning Dinkar and Vishal
kiwifruit secateur Mhetre
Asam
29th Awareness programme Paramaighul, 42 Banana sucker, Wasim Hassan Raja,
November, cum input distribution Paruwa, Assam Assam lemon Puneet Kumar and
2022 plants, Arecanut Vishal Dinkar
plants and
coconut plants
30th Awareness programme Jamuguri, Assam 50 Coconut plants Wasim Hassan Raja,
November, cum input distribution Puneet Kumar and
2022 Vishal Dinkar
1st Awareness programme Behali, Assam 23 Banana sucker, Wasim Hassan Raja,
December, cum input distribution Assam lemon Puneet Kumar and
2022 plants, Arecanut Vishal Dinkar
plants and
coconut plants
2nd Awareness programme Soteea, Assam 20 Banana sucker, Wasim Hassan Raja,
December, cum input distribution Assam lemon Puneet Kumar and
2022 plants, Arecanut Vishal Dinkar
plants and
coconut plants
3rd Awareness programme Gohpur, Assam 31 Banana sucker, Wasim Hassan Raja,
December, cum input distribution Assam lemon Puneet Kumar and
2022 plants, Arecanut Vishal Dinkar
plants and
coconut plants

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Date Programme Venue Partici- Inputs supplied Co ordinators

pants
4th Awareness programme Bihaguri, Assam 37 Banana sucker, Wasim Hassan Raja,
December, cum input distribution Arecanut plants Puneet Kumar and
2022 and coconut Vishal Dinkar
plants
5th Awareness programme Rangamuri, Disiri, 22 Banana sucker, Wasim Hassan Raja,
December, cum input distribution Assam Assam lemon Puneet Kumar and
2022 plants, Arecanut Vishal Dinkar
plants and
coconut plants
6th Awareness programme Balipara, Assam 12 Coconut plants Wasim Hassan Raja,
December, cum input distribution Puneet Kumar and
2022 Vishal Dinkar
7th Awareness programme Rangapara, Assam 83 Banana sucker, Wasim Hassan Raja,
December, cum input distribution Assam lemon Puneet Kumar and
2022 plants and Vishal Dinkar
coconut plants
8th Awareness programme Missamari, 33 Banana sucker, Wasim Hassan Raja,
December cum input distribution Jamugurihat, Assam Assam lemon Puneet Kumar and
,2022 etc. plants and Vishal Dinkar
coconut plants
9th Use of Bio pesticides AAU, Johrat, Assam 50 Biopesticide Wasim Hassan Raja,
December, in Horti crops in co- Puneet Kumar and
2022 ordination with DBT-Unit/
NECAB, Jorhat, Assam

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Glimpses of trainings and agricultural input material, planting material and Bio-pesticide distribution
among the beneficiaries under NEH Scheme from during 2022.

Implementation of Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) Villages - Nangali, Degwar, Chella, Gali Pindi and
others Panchayats.
District Poonch, Rajouri and Ganderbal
The tribal sub plan was executed by ICAR- One day training and planting material
CITH for the benefit of tribal farmers in notified distribution programme for tribal farmer at FTEC
districts and areas under execution in early years. Ganderbal
Three programmes like trainings, interaction, On 15th of December, one day training and
demonstrations and planting material distribution planting material distribution programme for
for enhancing their farm income were organized tribal farmers was organized for tribal farmers
during 2022. The programmes carried out are of District Ganderbal and Srinagar “under Tribal
summarized in Table 25 and detail is presented sub plan (TSP) at Farmers training and education
below: centre (FTEC) Ganderbal, in collaboration with
Department of Agriculture, Govt. of J&K. Total
Quality planting material and agriculture kits
59 tribal farmers/beneficiaries participated in
distributed to 100 tribal farmers
the programme from tribal areas of Fakir Gujri
The ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate (Srinagar), Chonth Wali War and Andarwan
Horticulture, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir in (Ganderbal). The coordinator of the programme
collaboration with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dr Sajad Un Nabi highlighted the importance of
Poonch of SKUAST, Jammu distributed the planting the programme conducted under Tribal sub Plan
material and kits to 100 Tribal Farmers of Poonch by ICAR-CITH Srinagar. The chief guest of the
District on 11th February, 2022. Dr. S.K. Gupta, function was Additional Deputy commissioner
Director (Extension), Sher-e-Kashmir University (ADC) Ganderbal Shri Mehraj Ahmad who
of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Jammu stressed the farming community to learn the
stressed on the need for working in collaboration scientific ways of cultivation for enhancing the
with the Institutes of repute like ICAR-CITH for productivity of their crops. Farmers were made
improving the tribal families’ economic status. acquainted with important cultivation practices
Dr. Javed Iqbal Mir, Nodal Officer, TSP & Head, of important temperate fruit crops especially
Fruit Science Division, ICAR-CITH, Srinagar apple, peach, almond and apricot by Dr Javid
underlined the main objectives of the programme. Iqbal Mir (Senior scientist-SS) of ICAR-CITH
He also discussed about the production techniques Srinagar. The Deputy Director of the FTEC also
of temperate horticultural crops, especially, fruits stressed the tribal farming community to adopt
and vegetable crops. The need for quality planting the modern practices of cultivation of fruit and
material and timely management, viz., pruning vegetable crops. The farmers participated with
in fruit crops for maximum production and zeal and were highly satisfied with the training
returns was also stressed by Dr. Mir. The Institute programme. Finally at the end of the programme
distributed the free planting materials of Apple, plants (Apple, almond, peach and apricot) along
Almond, Peach Apricot and Cherry along with with pruning tool (Secateuer) were distributed
the tool kit consisting of Pruning Saw, Scateur and among 50 beneficiaries.
Tarpaulin to 100 tribal farmers of the District from

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One day training programme organized for tribal Programmes on 26th March, 2022. One day
farmers of Babanagri, Ganderbal programme was organized in the Babanagri,
To improve the livelihood of the Tribal Ganderbal tribe dominated areas of Jammu &
population in Kashmir region, ICAR-Central Kashmir under TSP Scheme. Apple planting
Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar material and tomato seeds were distributed
organized Planting material Distribution among 41 tribal farmers in the Babanagri village.

Glimpses of training programme and planting material distribution at Babanagari

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Table 25: List of training programmes/ agricultural farm input distribution under TSP during 2022
Sr Name of Programme Venue Date No. of Organizers/
No. Participants coordinators
1. Production techniques of temperate KVK 11th 100 J I Mir &
horticultural crops & farm input distribution for Poonch February, G. Nabi
demonstrations 2022
2 Production techniques of temperate Ganderbal 15th of 59 J I Mir & S U
horticultural crops & farm input distribution for December Nabi
demonstrations
3 Fruit and production and vegetable production Babanagari, 26th March, 41 Vishal Dinkar &
cum planting material distribution Ganderbal 2022 Ishtiyaq Ahmad
4. One day exposure visit cum training programme ICAR- 20th 85 S U Nabi & O C
on production practices of important temperate CITH, September, Sharma
fruit crops Srinagar 2022

Schedule Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) was distributed among 15 progressive farmers
The ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate from SC community.
Horticulture, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir On 26th March, 2022, ICAR-CITH-Regional
executed the Schedule Caste Sub Plan ( SCSP) Station Mukteshwar, Nainital (UK) organized a
during 2022. A series of programs were organized training-cum-farm input distribution program
in SC-dominated areas of Jammu and Kashmir at Odalohar and Simsyari villages of district
and Uttarakhand under the SCSP Scheme and Bageshwar (UK). The participating SC farmers
detail of programmes organized are briefly were made aware of the prospects and scope of
presented in Table 26 & 27 and text below. growing horticultural crops. Farm tools like
tarpaulins, shovels, sickles, spades, and bags were
Training-cum-Farm Input Distribution
distributed among the 100 participating farmers.
Programmes under SCSP Scheme organized
On 28th March, 2022, the Institute organized
The ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate
two more training-cum-farm input distribution
Horticulture, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
programs at Suchet Garh and Kutub Nizam
organized a series of programs in March 2022 in
villages of R.S. Pura area of Jammu district.
SC-dominated areas of Jammu and Kashmir and
The farmers were appraised about eco-friendly
Uttarakhand under the SCSP Scheme.
measures of plant protection in agriculture
On 05th March, 2022, two training and pre-and post-harvest management of crop
programmes were organized for the beneficiaries produce. Inputs like manual knapsack sprayers,
of Bishnah region of the Jammu district at Chak SS grain bins, shovels, and bags were distributed
Avtara Panchayat and Naugram Panchyat. The among the 200 participating farmers.
beneficiaries were appraised about the nutritional
and economic value of horticultural crops and On 29th March 2022, an exposure visit for 50
how vegetable cultivation can generate self- progressive SC farmers of Bageshwar district to
employment opportunities for rural youth. Farm ICAR-CITH- Regional Station, Mukteshwar was
inputs like tarpaulins, watering hoses, shovels, organized wherein the farmers were appraised
sickles, and spades were distributed among the about the management and maintenance of
participants. More than 200 beneficiaries were horticultural crops. Relevant literature published
benefitted from the two programs. by the institute was also made available to the
participants.
In another program, a demonstration was
held for the popularisation of low-chill apples in On 02 August 2022 in SC-dominated
warmer areas of J&K in the Bishnah tehsil. Quality areas of Samba district under SCSP Scheme,
planting material of low and medium chill apples in collaboration with KVK, Samba. In the first

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

program, 75 beneficiaries from panchayat halqas planting material of Litchi (425), Guava (225)
Sarna, Mandi Kehli, Tapyal, Sarhti Kalan and and Lime (375) were provided to the beneficiaries
Abtal were appraised about sustainable cultivation along with one each of manual knapsack sprayer
of fruit crops. Quality planting material of Litchi and spade. In the third program, 50 beneficiaries
(375), Guava (235) and Lime (375) were provided from panchayat halqas Harsath, Samlah and
to the beneficiaries along with one each of manual Sangwali appraised about modern techniques
knapsack sprayer and spade. In second program, 75 of fruit cultivation. Quality planting material of
beneficiaries from panchayat halqas Druee, Papar Litchi (500), Guava (150) and Lime (250) were
Avtara, Taloor and Naran were appraised about provided to the beneficiaries along with one each
economic benefits of fruit cultivation. Quality of manual knapsack sprayer and spade.

Table 26: Training Programmes organized for SC farmers under SCSP Scheme
Date Programme Venue Participants Co ordinators
05th March, Nutritional and economic Chak Avtara Panchayat 100 Md Abas Shah &
2022 value of horticultural crops of Bishnah, Jammu Puneet Kumar
05th March, Nutritional and economic Naugram Panchyat of 100 Md Abas Shah &
2022 value of horticultural crops Bishnah, Jammu Puneet Kumar
05th March, popularisation of low-chill Bishnah Panchayat 15 Md Abas Shah &
2022 apples Jammu Puneet Kumar
26th March, Prospects and scope of Odalohar and Simsyari 100 Arun Kishore, Diwan
2022 growing horticultural crops villages of district Chandra
Bageshwar (UK).
28th March, Eco-friendly measures Suchet Garh and Kutub 200 Puneet Kumar, Madhu
2022 of plant protection in Nizam villages of R.S. G.S.
agriculture and pre-and post- Pura area of Jammu
harvest management of crop
produce
29th March, Management and Exposure visit to ICAR- 50 from Arun Kishore,
2022 maintenance of horticultural RS Mukteshwar Bageshwar
crops district of UK
2nd August, Sustainable production of Mandi Kehli, Tapyal, 75 Md Abas Shah &
2022 fruit crops Sarhti Kalan and Abtal Puneet Kumar
of Distt Sambha, Jammu
2nd August, Sustainable production of Panchayat halqas 75 Md Abas Shah &
2022 fruit crops Druee, Papar Avtara, Puneet Kumar
Taloor and Naran of
Distt Sambha, Jammu
2nd August, Sustainable production of Panchayat halqas 50 Md Abas Shah &
2022 fruit crops Harsath, Samlah and Puneet Kumar
Sangwali of Distt
Sambha, Jammu

Table 27: Farm input distribution Programmes organized for SC farmers under SCSP Scheme
Date Venue Participants Inputs supplied Co ordinators
05 March,
th
Chak Avtara Panchayat of 100 Tarpaulins, watering hoses, Md Abas Shah &
2022 Bishnah, Jammu shovels, sickles and spades Puneet Kumar
05th March, Naugram Panchyat of Bishnah, 100 Tarpaulins, watering hoses, Md Abas Shah &
2022 Jammu shovels, sickles and spades Puneet Kumar

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Date Venue Participants Inputs supplied Co ordinators

05th March, Bishnah Panchayat Jammu 15 Planting material of low Md Abas Shah &
2022 chill appl Puneet Kumar
26th March, Odalohar and Simsyari villages 100 Tarpaulins, shovels, sickles, Arun Kishore,
2022 of district Bageshwar (UK). spades, and bags Diwan Chandra
28th March, Suchet Garh and Kutub Nizam 200 Manual knapsack sprayers, Madhu G.S. &
2022 villages of R.S. Pura area of SS grain bins, shovels, and Puneet Kumar
Jammu bags
2nd August, Panchayat halqas Sarna, Mandi 75 Planting material of Litchi, Md Abas Shah &
2022 Kehli, Tapyal, Sarhti Kalan and Guava, Lime , manual Puneet Kumar
Abtal of Distt Sambha, Jammu knapsack sprayer and spade.
2nd August, Panchayat halqas Druee, Papar 75 Planting material of Litchi, Md Abas Shah &
2022 Avtara, Taloor and Naran of Guava, Lime , manual Puneet Kumar
Distt Sambha, Jammu knapsack sprayer and spade.
2nd August, Panchayat halqas Harsath, 50 Planting material of Litchi, Md Abas Shah &
2022 Samlah and Sangwali of Distt Guava, Lime , manual Puneet Kumar
Sambha, Jammu knapsack sprayer and spade.

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Glimpses of different programmes organized under SCSP in Jammu Division of J&K

Glimpses of different programmes organized under SCSP by ICAR-CITH, Rs Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand

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Mera Gaon Mera Gaurau Programme Table 28: Radio/ TV talks delivered by scientist
ICAR- CITH RS, Mukteshwar has adopted of ICAR-CITH during 2022
Sunkiya village under Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav. Sr No Name of Scientist No. of talks
The village is situated at 1750 meter above
1. Dr J I Mir 2
mean sea level (29° North latitude and 79° East
longitudes) in Dhari block of Nainital district. 2. Dr Geetika Malik 1
Eight trainings, 2 diagnostic/field visits three 3. Dr Abass 1
demonstrations in which total more than 75
farmers participated. The farmers of the village 4. Dr W H Raja 11
were also supported with different technological 5. Sh Sajad Un Nabi 7
literatures on temperate fruits and vegetables.
Total 22
Further, three Swachhata Campaign and waste
decomposition awareness programme were Farmers/ visitors visit to ICAR-CITH,
conducted. Also provided technical support to the
Srinagar
farmers of the village as and when approached.
The well managed orchards and technologies
Exhibition (s) generated by Institute in different crops has
ICAR-CITH, RS, Mukteshwar organized become the center of attraction for visitors /
two exhibitions during Kisan Mela at ICAR- farmers. During 2022, total 8525 farmers/ visitors
VPKAS and Apple Day/ show cum workshop at visited ICAR-CITH, Srinagar and month wise
ICAR-CITH, R S Mukteshwar on 28th September, detail is presented below:
2022 and 26th August, 2022. Dr Arun Kishore
coordinated the programmes,
Radio/ TV Talks
To disseminate the technologies through
mass media for their adoption on a larger scale,
scientists of ICAR-CITH, Srinagar continuously
delivered need-based talks on various topics
beneficial for farmers and line departments. A
total 22 TV/Radio talks were delivered by various
scientists during the year is presented in Table 28.

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

TRAININGS AND CAPACITY

BUILDING 6
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar is deputing its staff Dr W H Raja, Scientist Sr Scale (Fruit
regularly for various need based training Science)
programmes organized time to time by various y Attended one day training programme on
organizations for up gradation of knowledge and Post Entry Quarantine ( PEQ) for imported
skill of the staff. During 2022, following officers planting material of horticultural crops on
were deputed for below mentioned trainings 17th September, 2022 organized by ICAR-
(online/offline) and have successfully completed NBPGR, New Delhi ( virtual mode)
the trainings.
Dr Mohd Abas Shah, Scientist Sr Scale
Trainings attended by Scientific Staff (Entomology)
y Attended one day training programme on
Dr Om Chand Sharma (Director-Act.)
Post Entry Quarantine ( PEQ) for imported
y Attended one day training programme on planting material of horticultural crops on
Post Entry Quarantine ( PEQ) for imported 17th September, 2022 organized by ICAR-
planting material of horticultural crops on NBPGR, New Delhi ( virtual mode)
17th September, 2022 organized by ICAR-
NBPGR, New Delhi ( virtual mode) Dr Sajad Un Nabi, Scientist (Plant Pathology)
y Attended one day training programme on
Dr J I Mir, Sr Scientist (Agricultural Post Entry Quarantine ( PEQ) for imported
Biotechnology) planting material of horticultural crops on
y Attended one day training programme on 17th September, 2022 organized by ICAR-
Post Entry Quarantine ( PEQ) for imported NBPGR, New Delhi ( virtual mode)
planting material of horticultural crops on
17th September, 2022 organized by ICAR-
NBPGR, New Delhi( virtual mode) Sh Vishal Dinkar, Scientist (Plant Breeding
and Genetics)
Dr Arun Kishore, Scientist Sr Scale (Fruit
y Attended ten days ICAR-sponsored short
Science)
course on Opportunities of naturally
y Attended one day training programme on occurring nutraceuticals as potent alternate
Post Entry Quarantine ( PEQ) for imported medicines of future” organized by Division
planting material of horticultural crops on of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of
17th September, 2022 organized by ICAR- Horticulture, SKUAST Kashmir , Srinagar
NBPGR, New Delhi ( virtual mode) from 5th to 14 March, 2022.
Dr Geetika Malik, Scientist Sr Scale y Attended three days Hindi workshop/
(Vegetable Science) training on Basic statistical techniques and its
application in Genetics held at ICAR-IASRI,
y Attended one day training programme on
New Delhi from 3rd to 5th August, 2022.
Post Entry Quarantine ( PEQ) for imported
planting material of horticultural crops on Dr Sudhakara N R, Scientist ( Soil Science)
17th September, 2022 organized by ICAR- y Attended 21 Days Winter School on
NBPGR, New Delhi ( virtual mode) Geospatial science and technology under

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

National Geospatial Programme, DST, Govt Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
of India held at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Govt of India.
Research Institute, Jodhpur from 1st to 21st
Trainings attended by Skilled supporting
November, 2022
Staff
y Attended one day training programme on
Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) for imported Shabir Ahmad Mir, SSS
planting material of horticultural crops on y Attended one day training programme on
17th September, 2022 organized by ICAR- Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) for imported
NBPGR, New Delhi ( virtual mode) planting material of horticultural crops on
Sh Puneet Kumar Scientist ( ASP&E) 17th September, 2022 organized by ICAR-
NBPGR, New Delhi ( virtual mode)
y Attended one day training programme on
Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) for imported Abroad Visits
planting material of horticultural crops on Exchange visit of ICAR-CITH, Srinagar
17th September, 2022 organized by ICAR-
scientists within Indian-Uzbekistan
NBPGR, New Delhi ( virtual mode)
collaborative research project entitled
Trainings attended by Technical Staff Augmentation of plant genetic resources and
Sh Vinod Chandra, Sr Technical Officer ( T-6) capacity building of researchers in India and
y Attended one day training programme on Uzbekistan to Uzbekistan
Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) for imported Exchange visit within Indian-Uzbekistan
planting material of horticultural crops on collaborative research project entitled
17th September, 2022 organized by ICAR- Augmentation of plant genetic resources and
NBPGR, New Delhi ( virtual mode) capacity building of researchers in India and
Sh Puran Chandra, Technical Assistant(T-1-3) Uzbekistan with the purpose to explore the
temperate horticultural germplasm suitable
y Attended one day training programme on
for exchange and also to provide training and
Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) for imported
awareness about latest varieties and technologies
planting material of horticultural crops on
developed in horticulture in India was done by
17th September, 2022 organized by ICAR-
Dr Javid Iqbal Mir, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CITH,
NBPGR, New Delhi ( virtual mode)
Srinagar from 25th to 31st July, 2022. In addition
Trainings attended by Administrative Staff visit included exchange the ideas through
Sh Diwan Chandra, AAO seminars organized during the visit to Uzbekistan
y Attended six days training on MDP on public for improvement of technical skills and know how
procurement (basic/advanced) from 5th to about budding, grafting, rootstock multiplication,
10th September, 2022 organized by AJNIFM, canopy management, nutrition management,
Faridabad, Haryana. breeding of horticultural crops & PEQ etc.
The visit was coordinated by the collaborating
Sh Showkat Ahmad Mir, AAO organization, Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture
y Attended two days training programme on and Winemaking named after Academician
Advanced course on public procurement Makhmud Mirzaev, 111116, Toshkent viloyati,
through portal from 26th to 27th May, 2022 Toshkent tumani, Guliston QFY, Chimkent yo’li
organized by National Productivity Council, ko’chasi, UZBEKISTAN/ Exchange visit within
Deptt of Promotion, Industry and Internal Indian-Uzbekistan.

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Visit to Andijon Ilimy, Tajriba research station and interaction with staff and farmers

Study visit, consultation meeting and training procedures. The exchange of practical experience
in Germany on DUS testing in Apple & Pear. and information helped us to harmonize
Dr Javid Iqbal Mir, Senior Scientist and Dr procedures. There was a mutual exchange of ideas
Wasim Hassan Raja, Scientist, ICAR-CITH, between scientists and experts from Germany
Srinagar visited Germany in the frame of the with strong deliberations and discussions on
Indo-German Cooperation on Seed Sector topics like DUS testing of mutant varieties, DUS
Development. A visit, consultation meeting and testing of Essentially derived varieties, use of
training on the most recent technologies used in molecular markers in DUS testing, need for VCU
DUS testing according to the UPOV /German testing for national listing, on-site DUS testing,
system was attended in Germany from 25th DUS testing of rootstocks and guidelines to be
September to 1st October, 2022 at the German followed thereof etc. Future of line of action and
Federal Plant Variety Office (Bundessortenamt) areas for cooperation were also discussed and
to facilitate understanding and exchanging of finalized.
experience and information about DUS testing

Visit to Federal Plant variety office Bundessortenamt Visit to JKI, Dresden-Pillnitz-Institute of breeding research on
Headquarters Hanover on 26th September, 2022 fruit crops on 30th September, 2022

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

AWARDS/ REWARDS/
RECOGNITION 7
Dr Geetika Malik, Scientist SS (Vegetable in agricultural, veterinary and allied
Science) sciences for improving livelihood and
y Received 2nd best paper (poster) presentation environmental security (AAVASILES-2022),
award in International conference on held at Gandhi Bhawan, University of
Advances in agricultural, veterinary and Kashmir Srinagar ( J&K) from 28th to 30th
allied sciences for improving livelihood September, 2022.
and environmental security organized by y Received Best oral presentation award for
ICAR-IFGRI, RS, Srinagar from 28th to 30th paper presentation on recent advances for
September, 2022 held at Gandhi Bhawan, Detection and Diagnosis of Plant Viruses
University of Kashmir, Srinagar (J&K). Affecting Temperate Fruit Crops: a case
y Received best oral presentation award in study of Apple (Malus domestica) in National
International conference on Existing climate symposium on, Impact of climate change on
change scenario and its arising risks organized emerging plant diseases organized by Indian
by SKUAST-J, Chatha, Jammu from 21st to Psychopathological Society, North Zone at
22nd Oct, 2022. SKUAST-K Shalimar Srinagar from 28th to
29th of October 2022.
Dr. Sajad Un Nabi, Scientist (Plant Pathology)
Dr. Arun Kishor, Scientist-SS ( Fruit Science)
y Received Best oral presentation award
for paper entitled Spatial and temporal y Received Best article award for article
distribution of Ilarviruses ApMV and entitled Hill farming in Uttarakhand region
ApNMV associated with mosaic disease of of Himalaya (In References to Fruit &
apple for optimization of tissue and time for Vegetables) authored by Arun Kishore & Y
real time detection during IPSCONF 2022 Kumar published in Agriculture & Food -e
held at SKNAU, Jobner Rajasthan from 23rd Newsletter, ISSN 2581-8317, 2022, 4(7); pp.
to 26th March, 2022. 631-635
y Received Young Scientist Award in Sh Puneet Kumar, Scientist (AS&PE)
International conference on Advances y Received second best poster award in poster
presentation on Electro hydrodynamic:
applications in food processing during
International conference on sustainable
approaches in food engineering and techno-
logy (SAFETy-2022) organized by Department
of Food Engineering & Technology, Tezpur,
University Assam and Department of Soils,
Water & Agricultural Engineering, Sultan
Qaboos University, Oman in association
with AFST(I) Tezpur from 18th to 19th
Dr S U Nabi Receiving Young Scientist Award in 3 Days
October, 2022.
International Conference

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

PUBLICATIONS 8
Research Papers (International/ National) of Plant and Soil Science 34(20):384-393.
y Debnath S, Purakayastha T J, Kishor A, Kumar y Malik G, Shabir Alima, Shah R A, Farooq
A and Bhowmik A 2022. Temperate fruit S, Jabeen A, Mir J I and Sharma O C 2022.
farming in fragile lands of the Northwestern Identification of alternatives to landraces
Himalayan region: Implications for subsoil of Kale (Brassica oleracea Group Acephala)
nutrient availability, nutrient stock and soil for off-season cultivation and seed-to-seed
quality. Land Degradation Development 33: production in Kashmir valley. International
3484-3496. Journal of Plant & Soil Science 34(20): 547-
y Imtiyaz R, Mir Ishfaq, Malik Haq, Mir J I, Dar 557, 2022; Article no.IJPSS.88709 ISSN: 2320-
Taief, Nisar Syed, Naik, Niyaz, Sabah Zia and 7035
Shah Z 2022. Comparative study of TNF-α y Masoodi K Z , Ahmed N , Mir M A , Bhat B,
and vitamin D reveals a significant role of Shafi A , Mansoor S, Rovidha S. Rasool M Y,
TNF-α in NSCLC in an ethnically conserved Dar Z A , Mir J I , Andrabi S M and Ganai N A
vitamin D deficient population. Cytokine. 2022. Comparative transcriptomics unravels
160. 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.156039 new genes imparting scab resistance in apple
y Indrabi S A, Malik A A, Hussain K, Malik G, (Malus x domestica Borkh.). Functional &
Narayan S, Akhter A, Sultan A, Javeed I and Integrative Genomics https://doi.org/10.1007/
Rashid M 2022. Evaluation of Chilli (Capsicum s10142-022-00889-x
annuum L.) Genotypes for Growth and Yield y Mhatre P H, Thube S H, Navik O, Venkatasalam
Attributing Traits. Journal of Community E P, Sharma S, Patil J, Subhash S, Divya K L,
Mobilization and Sustainable Development Watpade S, Pandian T P, Shah MA and Kumar
17(2) : 1-8. M 2022. Outbreak and management of
y Jan R, Ara T and Mir J I 2022. Quality Profiling serpentine leaf miner, Liriomyzahuidobrensis
and Estimation of Total Phenols, Flavonoids, (Blanchard) (Diptera: Agromyzidae), on
Flavonols and Antioxidative Potential of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) crop in India.
Walnut Kernel (Juglans regia) from Kashmir Potato Research (Online first), https://doi.
Valley. Journal of Nuts. DOI: 10.22034/ org/10.1007/s11540-022-09549-w
JON.2022.1952204.1152 y Mir A H, Bhat M A, Fayaz H, Wani A A,
y LaS l, Sharma O C Singh, D B, Verma M K , Dar S A, Maqbool S, Yasin M , Mir J I ,
Mir J I and Rai K M 2022. Characterization of Khan M A , Sofi P A , Ahmed H. ElSappah,
peach (Prunus persica) genotypes for physico- Thudi M, Varshney R K & Mir R R 2022.
chemical and yield attributes grown under SSR markers in revealing extent of genetic
temperate environment. Current Horticulture diversity and phylogenetic relationships
10 (1) 66-67 among chickpea core collection accessions
for Western Himalayas. Molecular Biology
y Malik A A, Malik G, Hussain K, Narayan S,
Reports https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-022-
Mufti S, Kumar A, Nazir G, Masoodi U and
07858-4
Magray M 2022. Characterization of bioactive
compounds and antioxidant activity among y Nabi SU, Baranwal V K, Rao G P, Mansoor
genetically different genotypes of chilli S, Vladulescu C, Raja W H, Jan B L, Alansi
(Capsicum annuum. L.). International Journal S 2022. High-Throughput RNA Sequencing

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of Mosaic Infected and Non-Infected Apple y Sridhar J, Venkateswarlu V, Shah M A, Kumari

(Malus × domestica Borkh.) Cultivars: From N, Bhatnagar A, Raigond B and Chakrabarti
Detection to the Reconstruction of Whole S K 2022. Incidence of the cabbage aphid,
Genome of Viruses and Viroid. Plants 11, Brevicorynebrassicae L. in potato crops in
675. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11050675 India and its efficiency for transmission of
y Narayan R, Kishor A, Narayan S. and Kumar potato virus Yo. Int. J. Trop. Insect Sci. 42:
A 2022. Performance of Cherry Tomato 285–291. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-
(Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme 021-00544-1
(Dunal) A. Gray) Genotypes for Physico- Review Papers
chemical Attributes under Naturally
y Chandra A K, Joshi A, Tripathi A, Kumar A,
Ventilated Protected Structure. Biological
Pandey S, Singh A, Lal D, Bharati A, Adhikari
Forum – An International Journal, 14(3): 395-
S and Dinkar V 2022. Climate-Resilience
403.
Maize: Heat stress, Signalling, and Molecular
y Shah M.A, Kumar R, Sharma S and Dua V K. interventions. Journal of Plant Growth
2022. Thermal requirement and temperature Regulation, pp.1-18.
thresholds for development of peach-potato
y Lalita and Kumar P 2022. Robotics
aphid, Myzuspersicae (Sulzer) on potato in the
Intervention in Food Processing Industries:
subtropical plains of India. Int J Trop Insect
A Mini Review. Current Journal of Applied
Sci 42: 2513–2520. https://doi.org/10.1007/
Science and Technology, 41(40), 1-9.
s42690-022-00779-6
y Nabi S U, Parveen S, Raja Wasim H, Mir J
y Shah M A, Sharma S and Kumar R 2022.
I, Yasmin Salwee, Sheikh Muneer Ahmad,
Efficacy of new-chemistry insecticides against
Sharma O C 2022 Diseases of apple (Malus
whitefly and aphids in potato. Potato Journal
domestica) and their management. Agrica,
49(1):41-47.
(11) 32-40.
y Shah M.A, Sridhar J and Sharma S 2022.
Studies on the within-plant distribution Book
of whitefly, Bemisiatabaci (Gennadius) in y Chakrabarti, SK, Sharma, S, Shah, MA (eds).
potato and development of a sequential 2022. Sustainable Management of Potato
sampling plan. International Journal of Pest Pests and Diseases, 540p. Springer, Singapore
Management 68(3): 227-236. https://doi.org/ https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-7695-6
10.1080/09670874.2020.1823520
Book chapters
y Shah MA, Katare S, Bhatngar A, Sharma S,
y Ahmad S, Malik A R, Kirmani S, Nabi S
Sadawarti M J and Singh S P 2022. Efficacy of
U and Shah M A 2022. Orchard planning,
soil insecticides against sucking pests of potato.
establishment and soil management.
Indian Journal of Entomology 84(1):122-125.
In: Apples: Preharvest and Postharvest
https://doi.org/10.55446/IJE.2021.332
Technology edited by Mushtaq R, Nayak GA
y Shreenath Y S, Nabi S U, Madhu G S et al and Malik AR, CRC Press, London pp. 9-21.
2022. Identification and multilocus gene
y Ahmad S, Malik A R, Kirmani S, Nabi
characterization of phytoplasmas associated
S U, Shah,M A, Ganie M A, Mushtaq R
with sweet cherry in India. 3 Biotech 12, 291
2022. Orchard planning, establishment
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-022-03357-2
and soil management. In : Apples, ISBN:
y Sridhar J, Venkateswarlu V, Shah M.A, Kumari 9781003239925, pp16
N, Raigond B, Bhatnagar A, Choudhary J S,
y Chakrabarti S K, Sharma S and Shah M
Sharma S, Nagesh M and Chakrabarti S K
A 2022. Potato pests and diseases: a global
2022. Species composition and distribution of
perspective. In: Sustainable Management of
the vector aphids of PVY and PLRV in India.
Potato Pests and edited by Chakrabarti S K,
Potato Research 65: 601-617. https://doi.
Sharma S & Shah M.A. Springer, Singapore.
org/10.1007/s11540-022-09540-5

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https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-7695- y Shah M A, Subhash S, Naga K.C, Sharma S 2022.

6_1, pp. 1-23 Biology and Management of Aphids Infesting
y Kishor A, Kumar Y and Debnath S 2022. Apple Potato. In: Sustainable Management of Potato
(Malus domestica L. Borkh): its physiological Pests and Diseases . edited by Chakrabarti S
disorder and their management for better K, Sharma S & Shah M.A. Springer, Singapore.
fruit production In: Insights of Agricultural https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-7695-
Sciences, ISBN: 978-93-91768-36-2: pp. 147- 6_9, pp. 213-245
157. Technical bulletins/ Popular articles/
y Kumar P, Chakraborty S K and Lalita pamphlet/folders
2022. Infrared Radiation: Principles and
y Debnath S, Kishor A, Kumar A, Purakayastha
Applications in Food Processing. Thermal
T J and Bhowmik A 2022. Orchards in
Food Engineering Operations, 349-373.
Uttarakhand: Soil nutrient status. Current
y Lalita, Kumar P and Prakash O 2022. Science, 123 (5): 629-630.
Automation Intervention: An overview of
y Kishor A and Kumar Y 2022. Hill Farming
Robots in Food Processing Industry. In:
in Uttarakhand Region of Himalaya (In
Futuristic Trends in Agriculture Engineering
References to Fruit & Vegetables). Agriculture
& Food Science edited by Ghosh A et al, IIP
& Food -e Newsletter, ISSN 2581-8317, 4(7);
Proceedings, Volume 2, Book 9, pp. 157-175.
pp. 631-635.
y Nabi S U, Madhu G S, Raja W H, Shah M A,
y Kumawat K L, Sharma A, Raja W H, Sharma
Mir J I, Nazir G and Sharma O C 2022. Major
O C and Mir J I 2022. Untimely snowfalls – An
diseases of cherries and strawberries. In:
emerging concern for temperate fruit growers
Diseases of Fruit and Plantation Crops and
in Kashmir valley. Indian Horticulture.
Their Sustainable Management, Nova Science
21-26.
Publishers, ISBN: 978-1-68507-978-9
y Malik A A, Hussain K, Narayan S, Kumar A,
y Nagesh M, Sridhar J, Shah M A,
Nazir G, Masoodi U, Lone Sameena and Malik
Venkateswarulu V and Bhatnagar A 2022.
G 2022. Breeding techniques in vegetable
Biological suppression of insect pests of
crops- A practical manual. Published by Dean,
potato,. In: Sustainable Management of Potato
Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K, Shalimar
Pests and Diseases Chakrabarti, S.K., Sharma,
S., Shah, M.A. (eds). Springer, Singapore. y Mir J I, Sharma O C, Raja W H, Sami-Ullah S
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-7695- and Raja R H S 2022. High density plantation
6_18, pp. 435-452 in apple – A highly remunerative enterprise.
Indian Horticulture. 24-26
y Nagesh M, Sridhar J, Venkateswarlu V, Malik
K., Bhatnagar A and Shah M.A. 2022. Pests y v#.k fd'kksj vkSj ;ksxs'k dqekj 2022- fdpu
and their management I potato. In: Trends in xkMZu Qy ,oa lCth mRiknu ds fy, mÙke
Horticultural Entomology edited by Mani M. fodYi& e/; Hkkjr —"kd Hkkjrh if=dk% E-ISSN
Springer, Cham.pp. 1057-1080.
2582&5976] pp- 75-
y Shah M A, Subhash S, Ellango R, Asokan R,
Sharma S and Chakrabarti S K 2022. Biology y ;klhu eks] flag ds ,u] ykek ,] xq#ax fc] i‚y
and Management of Whiteflies in Potato vkj ds] dqekj ih] i‚y v dq] j‚; ,p ;l
Crops. In :Sustainable Management of Potato vkSj fnudj fo-A Qly mit ds iwokZuqeku ds
Pests and Disease edited by Chakrabarti S K, fy, mUur ekSle lwpdkad vk/kkfjr csfl vulek
Sharma S & Shah M.A. Springer, Singapore.
J;.k e‚MyA lkaf[;dh&foe'kZ 2021] Hkkjrh;
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-7695-
6_10, pp. 247-279 lkaf[; dh vuqla/kku laLFkku] ubZ fnYyhA

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

PARTICIPATION IN WORKSHOPS/
CONFERENCE/ MEETING 9
O C Sharma, Director ( Act.) organized by SKUAST-K, Srinagar on 29th
y Attended XXVII meeting of ICAR Regional October, 2022.
Committee No 1 on 22nd April, 2022 on y Attended 64th Research Council Meeting of
virtual mode under the chairmanship of Dr SKUAST-K, Srinagar at SKUAST-K, Srinagar
T Mohapatra, Secretary DARE & DG ICAR. on 16th December 2022.
y Attended Director’s Conference on 13th April,
Dr Geetika Malik, Scientist SS (Vegetable
2022 at NASC complex , New Delhi
Science)
y Attended 93rd Annual General Meeting of the
ICAR Society on 26th March, 2021 y Attended one day workshop on revival of
fish production, scope of nadru (Nelumbo
y Attended International Indo-German nucifera) cultivation,value addition to
workshop on DUS testing in apple and pear chestnut and its viability and enrepreneurship
under seed sector cooperation organized by in Wular and Manasbal lake organized
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar (Hybrid mode) on 7th by J&K Advisory board for development
to 8th , September, 2022. of kisans on 21st June,2022 at Tagore
y Attended Review meeting on progress of Indo Hall, Srinagar
Dutch & Indo Israel Center of Excellence ( y Attended international conference on
virtual mode) on 22nd Sep, 2022 chaired by Dr Advances in agricultural, veterinary and
Abhilaksh Likhi, Additional Secretary ( Hort) allied sciences for improving livelihood
at ICAR-IVRI Jakhini (UP) and environmental security organized by
y AttendedXXVII Regional Committee ICAR-IFGRI, RS, Srinagar from 28th to 30th
meeting of West Bengal, Orisa, Telangana September, 2022
and Andeman Nicobar on 14th Oct, 2022 y Attended International conference on Existing
organized by NRRI, Chaied by Secretary climate change scenario and its arising risks’
DARE &DG ICAR.. organized by SKUAST-J, Chatha, Jammu from
Dr J I Mir, Sr Scientist (Plant 21st to 22nd October, 2022
Biotechnology)
Dr Arun Kishore, Scientist SS ( Fruit
y Participated in International Indo-German
workshop on DUS testing in apple and pear
Science)
under seed sector cooperation organized by y Attended ITMC meeting of ICAR-VPKAS,
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar (Hybrid mode) from Almora, Uttarakhand on 20th June.2022, 5th
7th to 8th September, 2022. July 2022 and 17th November 2022 as Member
of ITMC Committee.
y Attended National symposium on renaissance
of hill agriculture through advanced genetics y Attended SAC meeting of KVK, Jeolikot
and crop breeding interventions for attaining on 12th January, 2022 though virtual mode
food and nutrition security under climate organized by KVK, Jeolikot.
change scenario organized by SKUAST-K, y Attended AINRPOG Group Meeting of All
Srinagar from 10th to 12th September, 2022 India Network Research Project on Onion
y Attended National symposium on impact of and garlic held at UAS Dharwad Karnataka
climate change on emerging plant diseases from 5th to 7th August., 2022

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y Attended RAC meeting of GBPUAT Pantnagar emerging viral infections impacting human,
on 21st October, 2022 organized by Director animals, plants, fish and environment,
Resaerch GBPUAT Pantnagar. held at SKUAST-K, Srinagar from 5th to 6th
y Attended SLEC meeting as Member of November, 2022.
SLEC committee of HMNEH and DOHFP, y Attended National workshop on Apple for
Directorate of Horticulture & Food Processing, apple growers, organised by the All India
Uttarakhand on 24th March, 19November and Kisan Sabha and P Sundarayya Memorial
21st October, 2022 Trust held at Srinagar ( J&K) from 22nd to 23rd
June 2022.
Dr W H Raja, Scientist SS (Fruit Science)
y Attended in International workshop on
y Participated in International Indo-German
DUS testing of apple and pear held at ICAR-
workshop on DUS testing in apple and pear
Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture,
under seed sector cooperation organized by
Srinagar from 7th to 10th September 2022,
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar (Hybrid mode) from
under Indo-German Cooperation on Seed
7th to 8th September, 2022.
Sector Development.
Dr Sajad Un Nabi, Scientist (Plant
Dr Md Abas Shah, Scientist SS
Pathology)
(Agricultural Entomology)
y Participated in 8th International conference
y Participated in International conference
(Hybrid Mode) on Plant pathology: retrospect
on Advances in agriculture, veterinary and
and prospects held at SKNAU, Jobner-Jaipur,
allied sciences for improved livelihood and
Rajasthan from 23rd to 26th March, 2022.
environmental security (AAVASILES-2022),
y Participated in National conference of IVS held at University of Kashmir, UT of J & K
VIROCON 2021 via virtual mode from 26th to (hybrid mode), from 28th to 30th September,
28th March, 2022 2022.
y Participated and delivered oral presentation
in International Conference on advances in Sh Puneet Kumar, Scientist (AS&PE)
agricultural, veterinary and allied sciences y Attended one day Indo-German virtual
for improving livelihood and environmental workshop on waste to wealth and sustainable
security (AAVASILES-2022) held at Gandhi packaging on 27th January, 2022 organized by
Bhawan, University of Kashmir, Srinagar from Indo-German Science & Technology Centre,
28th to 30th September , 2022. Gurgaon.
y Participated and delivered oral presentation y Attended one day National conference on
in 2 days National symposium on Impact of promotion of kisan drones: issue, challenges
climate change on emerging plant diseases and way forward held at A.P. Shinde Hall,
organised by Indian Phytopathological NASC Complex, New Delhi on 2nd May, 2022.
society, North Zone at SKUAST-K Shalimar y Attended two days international workshop
Srinagar from 28th to 29th October, 2022. on DUS testing of Apple and Pear on 7th to 8th
y Participated in VIROCON-2022 an September, 2022 at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar.
international conference on emerging and re-

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

LIST OF ONGOING PROJECTS 10

I. Institute Research Projects

A. Project: Crop improvement and Biotechnology

Sub projects

1. Survey, collection, characterization and documentation of temperate horticultural crops

2. Breeding for development of superior varieties/hybrids in solanaceous vegetables

3. Development of superior cultivars/ hybrids in temperate fruits through conventional and non conventional
methods

4. Characterization and diversity analysis of flowering related gene/ genes in almond

5. Development of CMS lines in long day onion [Allium cepa L]

6. Breeding of nutrarich varieties or hybrids in root vegetable crops.

7. Rootstock breeding in apple (Malus domestica)

B. Project: Crop Production and Propagation

Sub projects

1. Management of pre harvest fruit drop in apple by fruit load management

2. Development of different techniques for enhancing the multiplication rate of temperate fruits under
protected/open conditions

3. Standardization of integrated nutrient management of vegetables as intercrop in apple orchard

4. Development of almond based saffron inter cropping system

5. Challenge programme on canopy management and plant architectural engineering in temperate fruits

6. Development and Evaluation of Integrated Nutrient Management Module for High-Quality Temperate
Vegetable Production

7. Impact of combined application of phosphorous and silicon on apple rootstock performance under various
soil moisture regimes

8. Assessment of Soil Carbon Dynamics and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Selected Temperate Fruit Crops
of Arunachal Pradesh

C. Project: Crop Protection

Sub projects

1. Diagnosis and prognosis of apple viral diseases – Spatial and temporal variation in virus infection in apple

2. Diagnosis, transmission and management of virus/virus like diseases of temperate fruit crops

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3. Characterization of pathogens associated with apple canker disease and evaluation of botanicals against most
prevalent canker in Kashmir valley

4. Elucidating the diversity, species spectrum and screening of germplasm against Alternaria spp. infecting
temperate fruits

5. Bionomics, modeling and management of sucking pest complex of temperate fruits

6. Bioprospecting of Rhizo-cum-endospheric Microbiome/Microbiota of temperate fruit Rootstocks for

management of soil and foliar diseases

D. Project: Post Harvest Management

Sub projects:

1. Development of edible coating with enriched antimicrobial bioactive compounds for various stone fruits

II. Ongoing externally funded projects

Sub projects

1. Network project on onion and garlic (co-operation centre)

2. All India coordinated research project (Vegetable Crops)

3. Intellectual property management and transfer/ commercialization of agricultural technology scheme

(NAIF)

4. DUS testing centre for temperate fruits

5. Development of an electronic nose sensor to determine the optimum harvesting time for apple and papaya

6. Walnut propagation for development of quality plating material in Uttarakhand

7. Validation and development of DUS testing guidelines for olive

8. Development and validation of DUS guidelines in Kale under Indian conditions

9. Augmentation of plant genetic resources and capacity building of researchers in India and Uzbekistan

10. Production of quality planting material of elite walnut cultivars and demonstration of improved agro
technology for walnut orchards in Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh

11. Characterizing diversity, genome profile and development of robust diagnostics for Diplodia spp. associated
with Canker disease of Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) in North Western Himalayan Region of India

12. Development of DUS guidelines for Pran ( Allium proliferum )

13. A comparative metabolomics approach for the analyses of scab-disease resistance in apple and develop

14. Capacity building for improving skill and efficiency in transfer of technologies in farmers field under J & K
State

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

RESEARCH REVIEW AND

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES 11
Research Advisory Committee of ICAR-CITH, Srinagar (9th Jan, 2021 to 8th Jan, 2024)
1. Dr T A More Chairman
Ex -Vice Chancellor, MPKV, Rahuri
2. Dr R K Avasthe Member
Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex, Sikkim
3. Dr A T Sadashiva Member
Ex-Head, ICAR-IIHR, Bangalore
4. Dr Bhardendu Vatsya Member
Cofounder farmogo Exotica Private Limited Plot No 22/1 Telegaon
Floriculture MIDC, Maval, Pune, Maharastra 410507
5. Dr R K Pal Member
Ex Director, NRC Pomegranate, Solapur
5. Dr V K Baranwal Member
National Professor, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
6. Shri Abdul Jabbar.Parey Non Official Member
S/O Sh Mohd Jamal Parrey,
R/O Yorekhoshipora, Qazigund, Distt. Kulgam (J&K)
7 Shri ChheringAngchok Non Official Member
34 Tyapa, Sakara, Leh, Ladakh, 194101
8. Dr V B Patel, Assistant Director General (HS-II), ICAR, New Delhi Ex – Officio Member
9 Dr. O. C. Sharma, Director ( Act), ICAR-CITH, Srinagar Ex – Officio Member
10 Dr.Javid Iqbal Mir, Senior Scientist and Head Fruit Science (I/C) Member Secretary

Institute Management Committee (IMC)

1. Director Chairman
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar
2. Director Horticulture Member
Govt. of J&K, Raj Bagh, Srinagar
3. Director Member
Horticulture & Food Processing,
Deharadun, Uttarakhand
4. Shri Abdul Jabbar.Parey Member / Progressive Farmer
S/O Sh Mohd Jamal Parrey,
R/O Yorekhoshipora, Qazigund, Distt. Kulgam (J&K
5. Shri ChheringAngchok Member / Progressive Farmer
34 Tyapa, Sakara, Leh, Ladakh,

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

6. Dr. S K Singh Member

Head, Division of Fruit and Horticulture Technology,
ICAR- IARI, New Delhi.
7. Dr. Subhash Chander Member
Professor, Division of Entomology ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
8. Dr. Sheikh Mohd Sultan Member
I/C Scientist ICAR-NBPGR, RS, Srinagar (J&K)
9. Dr. Javid Iqbal Mir Member
Senior Scientist (Biotechnology), ICAR-CITH, Srinagar
10. Asstt. Director General (HS II) Member/Council representative
ICAR, KAB-II, Pusa, New Delhi-110012
11. Member Finance Co opted Member
Sh Fayaz Ahmad Dar, AF&AO
12. Administrative Officer Member Secretary
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar ( J&K)

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

DISTINGUISHED VISITORS 12
y Sh Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary,
Agriculture Production Department (APD),
Govt of Jammu & Kashmir visited ICAR-
CITH Srinagar on the occasion of Famers,
Kisan Board Members, Development
Department Officials and Scientists/Experts
Interface meeting on 18th May, 2022. He was
made aware of various research activities and
technologies generated by the Institute.

Glimpses of Visit of Prof (Dr) Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice

Chancellor Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences
& Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) at
ICAR-CITH Srinagar

y Dr J. P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor Sher-e-

Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences
& Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) visited
ICAR-CITH, Srinagar on 13th June, 2022.
The research programme going on various
temperate horticultural crops were sown in
the field.

Glimpses of Visit of Dr J P Sharma, Vice Chancellor Sher-e-

Glimpses of Visit of Sh Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences & Technology of
Secretary, Agriculture Production Department at ICAR-CITH Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) at ICAR-CITH Srinagar
Srinagar
y Dr A. K. Singh , DDG (Hort Science) visited
y Prof (Dr) Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor the Institute on 3rd& 4th September and 6th
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture October, 2022 and was apprised with various
Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST- research activities going on at ICAR CITH,
Kashmir) visited the Institute on 18th May, Srinagar. He was also apprised with various
2022. He was made aware of various research problems faced by the Institute and issues
activities carried out at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar were discussed in detail.

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

2022 and stressed IGFRI RS Srinagar to work

on collaborated mode with ICAR-CITH.
y Dr Sardar Singh, Director Central Sericulture
and Training Centre, Srinagar visited ICAR-
CITH, Srinagar on 14th June, 2022 regarding
post quarantine facility for import of mulberry
cuttings.
y Dr Ashok Kumar, Director ICAR-NBPGR
visited ICAR-CITH, Srinagar on 4th June, 2022
y Dr T. K. Nagarathana, Registrar PPV&FRA,
New Delhi visited ICAR-CITH on 8th July,
2022
Dr A. K. Singh, DDG (Hort Science), visiting apple high y Dr Jivasha Joshi MD, JKDFC, Deputy
density plantation at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and
Industry, GOI visited ICAR-CITH, Srinagar
y Dr V. K. Pandey , ADG (Hort Science I) on 13th August, 2022
visited the Institute on 9th October, 2022 and
y Dr Joykrushna Jena, DDG ( Fisheries
was apprised with various research activities
Sciences) visited ICAR-CITH, Srinagar on
going on at ICAR CITH, Srinagar. He was also
10th June, 2022
apprised with various problems faced by the
Institute and issues were discussed in detail. y Dr BNS Murthy, Director IIHR, Bengaluru
visited ICAR-CITH, Srinagar on27th April,
y Dr B. K. Pandey, ADG( HSII) visited ICAR-
2022
CITH on 19th May, 2022 and apprised various
research activities of the Institute. y Sh M. K. Jain, Joint Secretary (Personnel),
ICAR visited ICAR-CITH, RS Dirang on 15th
y Sh Binod Kumar, Chief Comptroller of
May, 2022
Accounts (CCA), Ministry of Agriculture and
Farmers Welfare visited ICAR-CITH, Srinagar y Sh G P Sharma, Director Finance ICAR visited
on 9th April, 2022 ICAR-CITH, RS Dirang on 18th May, 2022
y Shri Ghulam Rasool Mir, Director y Dr Rajbir Singh, Director ATARI Zone 1
Horticulture, Deptt of Horticulture Kashmir visited KVK Baramulla on 22nd April, 2022.
visited the Institute on 18th May, 2022 y Prof. A. K. Mishra, Ex Chairman ASRB , New
y Dr R. K. Singh, ADG ( Food and Fodder Delhi visited ICAR-CITH, Regional Station
Crops) visited ICAR-CITH, Srinagar on 14th Mukteshwar on 10th June, 2022.
June, 2022 and discussion was held on various y Dr Lakshmi Kant, Director ICAR-VPKAS,
temperate horticultural crops. Almora visited ICAR-CITH, Regional Station
y Dr Amrish Chandra, Director IGFRI, Jhansi Mukteshwar on 24th June, 2022.
visited ICAR-CITH, Srinagar on 14th June,

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 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

PERSONNEL 13
ICAR-CITH Head Quarter, Srinagar y Smt. Mubeena, Technical Assistant (T-3)
RMP y Sh Ishtiyaq Ahmad Sheikh, Sr.Technician (
y Dr. Om Chand Sharma, Director (Acting) T-2)/ Field

Scientific Skilled Supporting Staff

y Dr. J.I. Mir, Senior Scientist (Agricultural y Sh. Ajaz Ahmad Wani, SSS
Biotechnology) y Sh. Bashir Ahmad Dar, SSS
y Dr. Geetika Malik, Scientist SS (Vegetable y Sh. Showkat Ahmad Dar, SSS
Science) y Sh. Abdul Rashid Bhat, SSS
y Dr. Wasim Hassan Raja, Scientist SS (Fruit y Sh. Bashir Ahmad Ganai, SSS
Science) y Sh. Zubair Ahmad Swathi, SSS
y Dr. Mohd. Abas Shah, Scientist SS ( Agriculture y Sh. Madan Lal, SSS
Entomology)
y Sh. Ghulam Nabi Bhat, SSS
y Dr. Sajad Un Nabi Naingroo, Scientist ( Plant
Pathology) ICAR-CITH-RS, Mukteshwar (Uttarakhand)
y Dr Sudhakara N R, Scientist ( Soil Science) Scientific Staff
y Sh. Vishal Dinkar, Scientist ( Plant Breeding y Dr. Arun Kishor, Scientist SS (Fruit Science)
and Genetics) Administrative
y Sh. Puneet Kumar, Scientist ( AS&PE) y Sh. Diwan Chandra, AAO
Administrative y Sh. Pushpendra Kumar,(UDC
y Sh. Fayaz Ahmad Dar, F&AO Technical Staff
y Smt. Shahida Rafiq, P S to Director y Sh. Vinod Chandra,
y Sh. Showkat Ahmad Mir, AAO Sr. Technical Officer (T-6)
y Sh. Reyaz Ahmad Mir, AAO y Sh. Puran Chandra,
Technical Assistant ( T-1-3)
y Sh. Tariq Ahmad Mir, P A to Director
y Sh. Mehraj-ud-Din Meer, Assistant Skilled Supporting Staff
y Sh. Narayan Singh, SSS
y Sh. Mohd. Muzafer Lone,LDC
y Sh. Govind Giri, SSS
y Sh. Rouf Ahmad Sheikh, LDC
y Sh. Shabir Ahmad Mir, SSS
Technical
y Sh. Eshan Ahad, Sr.Technical Officer ( T-6) ICAR-CITH-RS, Dirang ( Arunachal
y Dr. Muneer Ahmad Sheikh, Senior Technical Pradesh)
Officer ( T-6) Technical
y Sh. Mehraj-ud-Din Bhat, Sr. Technical y Sh. Vishal Balasaheb Mhetre,
Assistant (T-4)/Driver Sr. Technical Officer (T-6)
y Sh. Farman Ali, Technical Officer (T-5)/ Administrative
Driver) y Sh. Khushi Ram, LDC

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CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

NEW JOINING/ TRANSFERS/

PROMOTIONS/ PROBATIONS 14
New Joining Technical Officer (T-5) to Sr. Technical Officer
y Sh Vishal Balasaheb Mhetre appointed as (T-6 -Field/ Farm) w.e.f.28th Dec, 2021
Senior Technical Officer at ICAR-CITH, y Sh Mehraj Ud Din Meer was promoted from
Regional Station Dirang ( Arunachal Pradesh) UDC to Assistant at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar
on 21st November, 2022 w.e.f. 12th May, 2022.
Transfers y Sh Pushpendra Kumar was promoted from
LDC to UDC at ICAR-CITH, RS Mukteshwar
y Sh Madhu G S, Scientist ( Plant Pathology) w.e.f. 13th May, 2022
transferred from ICAR-CITH, Srinagar to
ICAR-IIHR Bengaluru on 7th April, 2022(A/N) Probation
y Sh J L Kaul, Assistant (on deputation) was y Probation of Sh Mdhu G, Scientist ( Plant
relieved from ICAR-CITH Srinagar to join Pathology) was confirmed w.e.f.27th January,
back ICAR-IVRI, Bareily on 31st August, 2022. 2022.
Promotions y Probation of Sh K R Vashisht, LDC was
confirmed w.e.f.20th December 2021.
y Dr Muneer Ahmad Sheikh is promoted from

107
 CITH ANNUAL REPORT 2022

108