Certify Technology by ICAR on 16 July 2024

• Suitable Rootstock Based Sustainable Fremont Mandarin Production in Arid Region ((Fremont rootstock for sustainable mandarin production in arid region ):
  Citrus is a leading commercial fruit crop in terms of area as well as revenue in Rajasthan. Moreover, almost all citrus species (particularly Kinnow) in northern India are grafted on Rough lemon, which is highly vigorous and produces poor quality fruits, and is also susceptible to phytophthora disease. This prompts search of another scion cultivar to expand fruit availability, at the same time, also an alternative rootstock. Fremont mandarin is best option on different rootstocks in arid region. Pectinifera is highly compatible with Fremont mandarin, less vigorous, and provides high quality and early maturity, besides having no incidence of phytopthora and citrus canker were observed.


• Protocol for development of dry dates c.v. Medjool:
  The protocol for development of dry dates was standardised and the effect of different blanching intervals (5, 10 and 15 min) on the drying and quality parameters were studied. The rate of drying, dehydration ratio and rehydration ratio were found to increase with increasing hot water dipping durations while a 10 min hot water dip was found to be best for retaining the best sensory parameters of taste, colour/appearance and flavour. The total colour difference (∆E) was also maximal (71.10) in the date fruits exposed to a 10 min dip treatment. The tannins responsible for acrid taste were also reduced to a minimum (1.43%) compared to control (2.52%) fruits. Thus, the fruits of date cv. Medjool being bulky and fibrous with more dry matter content are well suited for dry date preparation.