M.Sc. Horticulture Student Publishes Research on Custard Apple Pollination
July 8, 2025, Career Point University is proud to announce that Ms. Gunjan Sharma, a student of M.Sc. Horticulture from the School of Agricultural Sciences (SOAS) has successfully published her research paper in the International Journal of Horticulture and Food Science (NAAS Rating: 4.74).
Supervised by Dr. Mahaveer Suman, Assistant Professor (Horticulture), Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Her research, titled "Effect of Assisted Pollination on Reproductive and Fruit Quality in Custard Apple cv. Arka Sahan," focuses on the significant role of assisted pollination in enhancing both reproductive performance and fruit quality in custard apple.
Research Highlights:
- Improved Fruit Set & Retention: The study recorded a 55.90% fruit set and 84.66% fruit retention through hand pollination, far higher than natural pollination methods.
- Enhanced Fruit Quality: With assisted pollination, the maximum fruit weight (328.46 g), pulp content (76.41%), and pulp-to-seed ratio (4.95) were achieved.
- Scientific Approach: The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design and included precise measurement of yield, fruit characteristics, and seed quality.
- Significance: This research provides practical insights for the commercial cultivation of custard apple, addressing pollination challenges that impact yield and quality.
About the Researcher:
Gunjan Sharma has demonstrated remarkable academic commitment and scientific curiosity throughout her postgraduate journey. Her dedication to field-based research and her ability to apply advanced agronomic techniques mark her as a promising young scientist in the field of horticulture.
Research at CPU’s School of Agricultural Sciences:
The School of Agricultural Sciences at Career Point University offers a comprehensive and research-driven M.Sc. Horticulture program that blends theoretical learning with field-based experimentation. The department provides:
- Dedicated horticultural research farms
- Mentorship from experienced faculty
- Support for national and international journal publication
- Opportunities to present findings at academic conferences
Through such achievements, Career Point University strengthens its position as a hub for scientific innovation, sustainability, and rural development.