Department of Horticulture

Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth

Rahuri-413 722, Dist. Ahmednagar (MS)

Master’s Programme in Fruit Science

Course Layout

Minimum Credit Requirements

Sr. No. Subject Minimum credit (s)

1. Major 20
2. Minor 09
3. Supporting 06
4. Seminar 01
5. Research 20
Total Credits 56
6. Compulsory Non Credit Courses 04

Sr. No. Course Number Course Title Credits

A) Major Subjects (Min. 20 credits)
1 FSC - 501* Tropical and Dry Land Fruit Production 2+1=3
2 FSC - 502* Subtropical and Temperate Fruit Production 2+1=3
3 FSC - 503 Biodiversity and Conservation of Fruit Crops 2+1=3
4 FSC - 506* Breeding of Fruit Crops 2+1=3
5 FSC - 507 Post Harvest Technology for Fruit Crops 2+1=3
6 FSC - 508 Growth and Development of Horticultural 2+1=3
Crops
7 FSC - 510 Organic Horticulture 1+1=2
 1

B) Minor Subjects (Min. 09 credits)

1 AGRO - 505 Agro-Meteorology and Crop Weather 2+1=3
Forecasting
2 BIOCHEM - 501 Basic Biochemistry 2+1=3
3 GP - 510 Breeding for Biotic and Abiotic Stress 2+1=3
Resistance
C) Supporting Subjects (Min. 06 credits)
1 STAT - 511 Statistical Methods for Applied Science 2+1=3
2 STAT - 512 Experimental Designs 2+1=3
D) Seminar (01 credit)
1 FSC - 591 Seminar 0+1=1
E) Master's Research (20 credits)
1 Master's Research 0+20=20

F) Non Credit Compulsory Courses

1 PGS - 501 Library and information services 0+1=1
2 PGS - 504 Basic concepts in Laboratory Techniques 0+1=1
3 PGS - 502 Technical Writing and Communication Skill 0+1=1
4 PGS - 503 Intellectual Property and its Management in 1+0=1
Agriculture
 2

Course Contents
A) Major Subjects:
Course No. : FSC 501
Course Title : TROPICAL AND DRY LAND FRUIT PRODUCTION
Credits : 2+1 = 3

Theory:
Commercial varieties of regional, national and international importance. Ecophysiological
requirements, recent trends in propagation. Rootstock influence, planting systems, cropping
systems. Root zone and canopy management. Nutrient management, water management,
fertigation, Role of bio-regulators. Abiotic factors limiting fruit production. Physiology of
flowering, pollination, fruit set and development, honeybees in cross pollination. Physiological
disorders-causes and remedies. Quality improvement by management practices. Maturity indices,
harvesting, grading, packing, storage and ripening techniques. Industrial and export potential,
Agri. Export Zones (AEZ) and industrial supports of following crops.

Unit-I: Mango, Banana

Unit-II: Cashewnut, Papaya
Unit-III: Guava, Sapota, Jackfruit
Unit-IV: Pineapple, Annonas, Avocado
Unit-V: Aonla, Tamarind, Ber and Minor fruits of tropics

Practical:
Identification of important cultivars. Identification of important cultivars. Use of plant growth
regulators for growth and flowering. Studies on malady diagnosis. Analysis of quality attributes
(physical and chemical). Visit to tropical and arid zone orchards. Role of NHM, Project
preparation for establishing commercial orchards (any one crop).

Practical No. Topic

1-3 Identification of important cultivars.
4-6 Observations on growth and development (Mango, banana, cashew nut).
7 Use of plant growth regulators for growth and flowering.
8 Studies on malady diagnosis.
9-10 Analysis of quality attributes (physical and chemical).
11-13 Visit to tropical and arid zone orchards.
14 Role of NHM
15-16 Project preparation for establishing commercial orchards (any one crop).
 3

Reference Books:
Bose, T.K, Mitra, S.K & Rathore, D.S. (Eds.). 1988. Temperate Fruits - Horticulture. Allied
Publ.
Bose, T.K, Mitra, S.K & Sanyal, D. 2001. (Eds.). Fruits -Tropical and Subtropical. Naya
Udyog.
Chadha, K.L & Pareek, O.P. 1996. (Eds.). Advances in Horticulture. Vols. II-IV. Malhotra
Publ. House.
Nakasone, H.Y & Paul, R.E. 1998. Tropical Fruits. CABI.
Peter, K.V. 2008. (Ed.). Basics of Horticulture. New India Publ. Agency.
Pradeepkumar T, Suma B, Jyothibhaskar & Satheesan KN. 2008. Management of
Horticultural Crops. Parts I, II. New India Publ. Agency.
Radha, T & Mathew, L. 2007. Fruit Crops. New India Publ. Agency.
Singh, H.P, Negi, J.P & Samuel JC. (Eds.). 2002. Approaches for Sustainable Development of
Horticulture. National Horticultural Board.
Singh, H.P, Singh, G, Samuel, J.C & Pathak, R.K. (Eds.). 2003. Precision Farming in
Horticulture. NCPAH, DAC/PFDC, CISH, Lucknow.

Course No. : FSC 502

Course Title : SUBTROPICAL AND TEMPERATE FRUIT PRODUCTION
Credits : 2+1=3

Theory:

Commercial varieties of regional, national and international importance. Ecophysiological

requirements, recent trends in propagation. Rootstock influence, planting systems, cropping
systems. Root zone and canopy management. Nutrient management, water management,
fertigation. Bio-regulation, abiotic factors limiting fruit production, Physiology of flowering, fruit
set and development, abiotic factors limiting production, Physiological disorders-causes and
remedies, Quality improvement by management practices. Maturity indices, harvesting, grading,
packing, pre-cooling, storage, transportation and ripening techniques; Industrial and export
potential, Agri Export Zones (AEZ) and industrial support of following crops.
Unit-I Apple, pear, grapes
Unit-II Plums, peach, apricot, cherries, hazlenut
Unit-III Litchi, loquat, persimon, kiwifruit, strawberry
Unit-IV Nuts- walnut, almond, citrus, fig, jamun, pomegranate
Unit-V Minor fruits- mangosteen, carambola, bael, wood apple
 4

Practical:

Identification of important cultivars, Observations on growth and development (Any three

crops), Use of plant growth regulators for growth and flowering, Studies on malady
diagnosis, Analyses of quality attributes (physical and chemical), Visit to sub-tropical,
humid sub-tropical and temperate orchards, Project preparation for establishing commercial
orchards (any one crop).

Practical No. Topic

1-3 Identification of important cultivars.
4-6 Observations on growth and development (Any three crops).
7 Use of plant growth regulators for growth and flowering.
8 Studies on malady diagnosis.
9-10 Analyses of quality attributes (physical and chemical).
11-14 Visit to sub-tropical, humid sub-tropical and temperate orchards.
15-16 Project preparation for establishing commercial orchards (any one crop).

Reference Books:

Bose TK, Mitra SK & Sanyol D. (Ed.). 2002. Fruits of India – Tropical and Sub-tropical. 3rd
Ed. Vols. I, II. Naya Udyog.
Chadha KL & Pareek OP. 1996. (Eds.). Advances in Horticulture. Vol. I. Malhotra Publ.
House.
Chadha KL & Shikhamany SD. 1999. The Grape: Improvement, Production and Post-Harvest
Management. Malhotra Publ. House.
Janick J & Moore JN. 1996. Fruit Breeding. Vols.I-III. John Wiley & Sons.
Nijjar GS. 1977. (Eds.). Fruit Breeding in India. Oxford & IBH.
Radha T & Mathew L. 2007. Fruit Crops. New India Publ. Agency.
Singh S, Shivankar VJ, Srivastava AK & Singh IP. (Eds.). 2004. Advances in Citriculture.
Jagmander Book Agency.
 5

Course No. : FSC 503

Course title : BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION OF FRUIT CROPS
Credits : 2+1=3

Theory:

Unit-I : Biodiversity and conservation; issues and goals, Centers of origin of

cultivated fruits; primary and secondary centers of genetic diversity.
Unit-II : Present status of gene centers. Exploration and collection of germplasm.
Conservation of genetic resources-conservation in situ and ex-situ.
Unit-III : Germplasm conservation- problem of recalcitrancy. Cold storage of scions,
tissue culture, cryopreservation. Pollen and seed storage; inventory of
germplasm. Introduction of germplasm, plant quarantine.
Unit-IV : Intellectual property rights, Regulatory horticulture. Detection of genetic
constitution of germplasm and maintenance of core group.
Unit-V : GIS and documentation of local biodiversity, Geographical indication.
Crops: Mango, sapota, citrus, guava, banana, papaya, grapes, jackfruit, custard,
apple, ber, aonla, malus, Prunus sp, litchi, nuts, coffee, tea, cashew, coconut,
cocoa, arecanut and betelvine.

Practical:

Documentation of germplasm – maintenance of passport data and other records of

accessions; field exploration trips (Minimum 3 crops). Exercise on ex situ conservation –
cold storage, pollen/seed storage, cryo-preservation. Visits to National Gene Bank and other
centers of PGR activities. Detection of genetic constitution of germplasm, core sampling.
Germplasm characterization using molecular techniques.

Practical No. Topic

1-3 Documentation of germplasm – maintenance of passport data and other
records of accessions; field exploration trips (Minimum 3 crops).
4-7 Exercise on ex situ conservation – cold storage, pollen/seed storage,
cryopreservation.
8-10 Visits to National Gene Bank and other centers of PGR activities.
11-13 Detection of genetic constitution of germplasm, core sampling.
14-16 Germplasm characterization using molecular techniques.
 6

Reference Books:
Frankel OH & Hawkes JG. 1975. Crop Genetic Resources for Today and Tomorrow.
Cambridge University Press.
Peter KV & Abraham Z. 2007. Biodiversity in Horticultural Crops. Vol. I. Daya Publ.
House.
Peter KV. 2008. Biodiversity of Horticultural Crops. Vol. II. Daya Publ. House.

Course No. : FSC 505

Course title : PROPAGATION AND NURSERY MANAGEMENT FOR FRUIT CROPS
Credits : 2+1=3

Theory:

Unit-I : Introduction, life cycles in plants, cellular basis for propagation. Sexual
propagation, apomixis, polyembryony, chimeras. Principle factors
influencing seed germination of horticultural crops, dormancy. Hormonal
regulation of germination and seedling growth.
Unit-II : Seed quality, treatment, packing, storage, certification, testing. Asexual
propagation- rooting of soft and hard wood cutting under mist by growth
regulators. Rooting of cuttings in hotbeds. Physiological, anatomical and
biochemical aspects of root induction in cuttings. Layering – principle and
methods
Unit-III : Budding and grafting – selection of elite mother plants, methods.
Establishment of bud wood bank, stock, scion and inter stock, relationship –
Incompatibility. Rejuvenation through top working. Progeny orchard and
scion bank.
Unit-IV : Micro-propagation – principles and concepts, commercial exploitation in
horticultural crops. Techniques - in vitro clonal propagation, direct
organogenesis, embryogenesis, micrografting, meristem culture. Hardening,
packing and transport of micro-propagules.
Unit-V : Nursery – types, structures, components, planning and layout. Nursery
management practices for healthy propagule production. Nursery act.

Practical:

Anatomical studies in rooting of cutting and graft union. Construction of propagation

structures, study of media and PGR. Hardening – case studies, micropropagation, explant
preparation. Media preparation, culturing – in vitro clonal propagation. Meristem culture,
shoot tip culture, axillary bud culture. Direct organogenesis, direct and indirect
embryogenesis, micro grafting, hardening. Visit to TC labs and nurseries.
 7

Practical Topic
No.
1-2 Anatomical studies in rooting of cutting and graft union.
3-4 Construction of propagation structures, study of media and PGR.
5-6 Hardening – case studies, micro-propagation, explant preparation.
7-8 Media preparation, culturing – in vitro clonal propagation.
9-10 Meristem culture, shoot tip culture, axillary bud culture.
11-13 Direct organogenesis, direct and indirect embryogenesis, micro grafting,
hardening.
14-16 Visit to TC labs and nurseries.

Reference Books:
Hartmann, H.T & Kester, D.E. 1989. Plant Propagation – Principles and Practices.
Prentice Hall of India.
Bose, T. K, Mitra, S.K & Sadhu, M.K. 1991. Propagation of Tropical and Subtropical
Horticultural Crops. Naya Prokash.
Peter. K. V. (Ed.). 2008. Basics of Horticulture. New India Publ. Agency.
Singh S. P. 1989 Mist Propagation. Metropolitan Book Co.
Rajan, S. & Baby, L.M. 2007. Propagation of Horticultural Crops. New India Publ.
Agency.
Radha, T. & Mathew, L. 2007. Fruit Crops. New India Publ. Agency.

Course No. : FSC 506

Course title : BREEDING OF FRUIT CROPS
Credits : 2+1=3
Theory:

Origin and distribution, taxonomical status - species and cultivars, cytogenetics, genetic
resources, blossom biology, breeding systems, breeding objectives, ideotypes, approaches for
crop improvement -introduction, selection, hybridization, mutation breeding, polyploidy
breeding, rootstock breeding, improvement of quality traits, resistance breeding for biotic and
abiotic stresses, biotechnological interventions, achievements and future thrust in the
following selected fruit crops.
Unit-I: Mango, banana and pineapple
Unit-II: Citrus, grapes, guava and sapota
Unit-III: Jackfruit, papaya, custard apple, aonla and ber
Unit-IV: Pomegranate, litchi, jamun, mulberry, bael, kokam and cashewnut
Unit-V: Apple, pear, plums, peach, apricot, cherries and strawberry
 8

Practical:
Characterization of germplasm. Blossom biology and study of anthesis. Estimating fertility
status, practices in hybridization. Use of chemicals for induction of polyploidy. Use of
physical and chemical mutant for induction of mutation. Evaluation of biometrical traits and
quality traits. Screening of germplasm for resistance. Developing breeding programme for
specific traits. Visit to research stations working on tropical, subtropical and temperate fruit
improvement.
Practical Topic
No.
1 Characterization of germplasm.
2-3 Blossom biology and study of anthesis.
4-5 Estimating fertility status, practices in hybridization.
6 Use of chemicals for induction of polyploidy.
7 Use of physical and chemical mutant for induction of mutation.
8-10 Evaluation of biometrical traits and quality traits.
11-12 Screening of germplasm for resistance.
13-14 Developing breeding programme for specific traits.
15-16 Visit to research stations working on tropical, subtropical and temperate
fruit improvement

Reference Books:
Bose TK, Mitra SK & Sanyol D. (Eds.). 2002. Fruits of India – Tropical and Sub-
tropical. 3rd Ed. Vols. I, II. Naya Udyog.
Chadha KL & Pareek OP. 1996. (Eds.). Advances in Horticulture. Vol. I. Malhotra Publ.
House.
Chadha KL & Shikhamany SD. 1999. The Grape: Improvement, Production and Post-
Harvest Management. Malhotra Publ. House.
Janick J & Moore JN. 1996. Fruit Breeding. Vols. I-III. John Wiley & Sons.
Nijjar GS. 1977. (Eds.). Fruit Breeding in India. Oxford & IBH.
Radha T & Mathew L. 2007. Fruit Crops. New India Publ. Agency.
Singh S, Shivankar VJ, Srivastava AK & Singh IP. (Eds.). 2004. Advances in
Citriculture. Jagmander Book Agency.
 9

Course No. : FSC 507

Course Title : POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY FOR FRUIT CROPS
Credits : 2+1=3
Theory:
Unit-I : Maturity indices, harvesting practices for specific market requirements.
Influence of pre-harvest practices. Enzymatic and textural changes.
Respiration, transpiration.
Unit-II : Physiology and biochemistry of fruit ripening. Ethylene evolution and
ethylene management. Factors leading to post-harvest loss. Pre-cooling.
Unit-III : Treatments prior to shipment, viz., chlorination, waxing, chemicals.
Biocontrol agents and natural plant products. Methods of storage-ventilated,
refrigerated, MAS, CA storage. Physical injuries and disorders.
Unit-IV : Packing methods and transport. Principles and methods of preservation.
Fruit processing, canning, fruit juices, beverages, pickles, jam, jellies,
candies.
Unit-V : Dried and dehydrated products. Nutritionally enriched products. Fermented
fruit beverages, packaging technology. Processing waste management, food
safety standards.

Practical:
Analyzing maturity stages of commercially important horticultural crops. Improved packing
and storage of important horticultural commodities. Physiological loss in weight of fruits,
estimation of transpiration, respiration rate, ethylene release. Studies on shelf life,
extension and storage life by chemicals. Estimation of quality characteristics in stored fruits,
cold chain management Visit to cold storage and CA storage units. Visit to fruit processing
units, Project preparation and evaluation of processed horticultural products (Any one).
Practical No. Topic
1-2 Analyzing maturity stages of commercially important horticultural crops.
3-4 Improved packing and storage of important horticultural commodities.
5-6 Physiological loss in weight of fruits, estimation of transpiration,
respiration rate, ethylene release.
7-8 Studies on shelf life, extension and storage life by chemicals.
9-10 Estimation of quality characteristics in stored fruits, cold chain,
management
11-12 Visit to cold storage and CA storage units.
13-14 Visit to fruit processing units
15-16 Project preparation, evaluation of processed horticultural products (any
one)
 10

Reference Books:

Bhutani RC. 2003. Fruit and Vegetable Preservation. Biotech Books.

Chadha KL & Pareek OP. (Eds.). 1996 Advances in Horticulture. Vol. IV. Malhotra Publ.
House.
Haid NF & Salunkhe SK. 1997. Post Harvest Physiology and Handling of Fruits and
Vegetables. Grenada Publ.
Mitra SK. 1997. Post Harvest Physiology and Storage of Tropical and Sub-tropical
Fruits. CABI.
Ranganna S. 1997. Hand Book of Analysis and Quality Control for Fruit and Vegetable
Products. Tata McGraw-Hill.
Sudheer KP & Indira V. 2007. Post Harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops. New
India Publ. Agency.
Willis R, Mc Glassen WB, Graham D & Joyce D. 1998. Post Harvest. An Introduction to
the Physiology and Handling of Fruits, Vegetables and Ornamentals. CABI.

Course No. : FSC 508

Course title : GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF HORTICULTURAL CROPS
Credits : 2+1=3

Theory:
Unit-I : Growth and development- definition, parameters of growth and
development, growth dynamics, morphogenesis.
Unit-II : Annual, semi-perennial and perennial horticultural crops. Environmental
impact on growth and development. Effect of light, photosynthesis,
photoperiodism and vernalisation. Effect of temperature, heat units,
thermoperiodism.
Unit-III : Assimilate partitioning during growth and development. Influence of water
and mineral nutrition during growth and development. Biosynthesis of
auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscissic acid, ethylene, brasssino-steroids,
growth inhibitors, morphactins. Role of plant growth promoters and
inhibiters.
Unit-IV : Developmental physiology and biochemistry during dormancy, bud break,
juvenility, vegetative to reproductive interphase, flowering, pollination,
fertilization and fruit set, fruit drop, fruit growth, ripening and seed
development.
Unit-V : Growth and developmental process during stress – manipulation of growth
and development. Impact of pruning and training. Chemical manipulations
in horticultural crops. Molecular and genetic approaches in plant growth
development.
 11

Practical:
Understanding dormancy mechanisms in seeds, tubers and bulbs. Stratification of seeds,
tubers and bulbs. Visit to arid, subtropical and temperate horticultural zones to identify
growth and development patterns. Techniques of growth analysis. Evaluation of
photosynthetic efficiency under different environments. Study of growth regulator functions,
hormone assays, understanding ripening phenomenon in fruits and vegetables. Study of
impact of physical manipulations on growth and development. Study of chemical
manipulations on growth and development, understanding stress impact on growth and
development.
Practical Topic
No.
1-2 Understanding dormancy mechanisms in seeds, tubers and bulbs.
3-4 Stratification of seeds, tubers and bulbs.
5-6 Visit to arid, subtropical and temperate horticultural zones to identify growth
and development patterns.
7-8 Techniques of growth analysis.
9 Evaluation of photosynthetic efficiency under different environments.
10-12 Study of growth regulator functions, hormone assays, understanding ripening
phenomenon in fruits and vegetables.
13-14 Study of impact of physical manipulations on growth and development.
15-16 Study of chemical manipulations on growth and development, understanding
stress impact on growth and development.

Reference Books:

Buchanan B, Gruiessam W & Jones R. 2002. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of

Plants. John Wiley & Sons.
Epstein E. 1972. Mineral Nutrition of Plants: Principles and Perspectives. Wiley.
Fosket DE. 1994. Plant Growth and Development: a Molecular Approach.Academic
Press.
Leoplod AC & Kriedermann PE. 1985. Plant Growth and Development. 3rd Ed. Mc
Graw-Hill.
Peter KV. 2008. (Ed.) Basics of Horticulture. New India Publ. Agency.
Roberts J, Downs S & Parker P. 2002. Plant Growth Development. In: Plants (I. Ridge,
Ed.), pp. 221-274, Oxford University Press.
Salisbury FB & Ross CW. 1992. Plant Physiology. 4th Ed. Wadsworth Publ.
 12

Course No. : FSC 510

Course title : ORGANIC HORTICULTURE
Credits : 1+1=2

Theory:

Unit-I : Organic horticulture – definition, synonyms and misnomers, principles,

methods, merits and demerits.
Unit-II : Organic farming systems, Different organic inputs, their role in organic
horticulture, Role of biofertilizers, biodynamics and the recent
developments.
Unit-III : EM technology and its impact in organic horticulture. Indigenous
practices of organic farming, Sustainable soil fertility management, Weed
management practices in organic farming, Biological/natural control of
pests and diseases, Organic horticulture in quality improvement.
Unit-IV : GAP - Principles and management, HACCP exercise, certification of
organic products and systems, agencies involved at national and
international levels, standards evolved by different agencies.
Unit-V : Constraints in certification, organic horticulture and export, IFOAM and
global scenario of organic movement, Post-harvest management of
organic produce.

Practical:
Features of organic orchards, working out conversion plan. Input analysis- manures, nutrient
status assessment of manures, bio-composting. Biofertilizers and their application.
Panchagavya preparation and other organic nutrients application. Methods of preparation of
compost, vermicompost, green manuring. Preparation of neem products and application. BD
preparations and their role. EM technology and products. Biological/natural control of pests
and diseases. Soil solarization. Frame work for GAP, case studies. HACCP analysis, residue
analysis in organic products. Documentation for certification. Visit to fields cultivated under
organic practices.
Practical No. Topic
1 Features of organic orchards, working out conversion plan.
2 Input analysis- manures, nutrient status assessment of manures, bio-
composting.
3 Biofertilizers and their application.
4 Panchagavya preparation and other organic nutrients application.
5-6 Methods of preparation of compost, vermin-compost, green manuring.
7 Preparation of neem products and application.
 13

8 BD preparations and their role.

9 EM technology and products.
10 Biological/natural control of pests and diseases.
11 Soil solarization.
12 Frame work for GAP, case studies.
13-14 HACCP analysis, residue analysis in organic products.

Reference Book:

Claude A, Vandana S, Sultan I, Vijaya L, Korah M & Bernard D. 2000. The Organic
Farming Reader. Other Indian Press, Goa.
Gaur AC, Neblakantan S & Dargan KS. 1984 Organic Manures. ICAR.
Lampkin N & Ipswich. 1990. Organic Farming. Farming Press. London.
Lampkin NH & Padel S. 1992. The Economics of Organic Farming - AnInternational
Perspective. CABI.
Palaniappan & Annadurai. 2008. Organic Farming- Theory and Practice. Scientific Publ.
Peter KV. 2008. (Ed.). Basics of Horticulture. New India Publ. Agency. New Delhi.
Rao S. 1977. Soil Microorganism and Plant Growth. Oxford & IBH.

Seminar (01 credit)

1 FSC - 591 Seminar 0+1=1
Master's Research (20 credits)
1 Master's Research 0+20=20