The present investigation entitled “Studies of Anti-transpirants and Hydrogel on Strawberry Production under Rainfed conditions of Jammu” was undertaken at Rainfed Research Sub-Station for Sub-Tropical Fruits (RRSS), Raya Samba, SKUAST- Jammu during the year 2021-2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with ten treatments each replicated thrice. In this trail, Hydrogel (1g, 2g and 3g per plant), Cycocel (500 ppm, 750 ppm and 1000 ppm) and Kaolin (2%, 4% and 6%) were applied. The vegetative, reproductive, physical, biochemical, stress and soil parameters were recorded along with relative economics in strawberry cv. Nabila. Among the different treatments, maximum plant height (20.29 cm), plant spread (33.97 cm), number of leaves per plant (23.68) and leaf area (142.71 cm2), was observed in T3. The minimum number of days taken to first flower (76.76 days), maximum duration of flowering (62.26 days), number of flowers per plant (24.04), number of fruits per plant (12.70), fruit weight (28.23 g), fruit length (4.56 cm), fruit breadth (3.33 cm), yield per plant (358.52 g), TSS (8.4 oBrix), juice percentage (93.81%), total sugars (7.28%), reducing sugars (5.10%), non-reducing sugars (2.07%), ascorbic acid (66.98 mg/100g of fresh weight) and anthocyanin content (51.90 mg/100g of fresh weight) were observed with T5. At the end of the investigation, it can be concluded that hydrogel @ 3 g per plant was best in improving growth whereas, CCC @ 750 ppm has impressive effect on fruit yield and quality. Challenges of the study might include the influence of uncontrollable environmental factors, variations in soil conditions, and potential pest and disease pressures that could have affected the experimental outcomes. The study's findings contribute to sustainable agriculture and help strawberry farmers in Jammu region to improve their production practices for better economic returns.

Strawberry, Nabila, Hydrogel, Cycocel, Kaolin

In conclusion, exploring the long-term effects, potential synergies, and economic viability of hydrogel and anti-transpirant applications in strawberry cultivation holds great promise for sustainable agriculture in Jammu's subtropical conditions. Such research endeavors can play a crucial role in promoting water-efficient farming practices, improving crop productivity, and contributing to food security in the region.

Shabir Ahmad Magray, Rakesh Kumar, Parshant Bakshi, Kiran Kour, Reetika Sharma, Nikhil Thakur and Maanik (2023). Effect of Hydrogel and Anti-Transpirants on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry in Jammu Subtropics conditions. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8): 125-129.