Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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In vitro efficacy of organic amendments and biocontrol agents against Sclerotium rolfsii causing groundnut stem rot disease
Full text linkGroundnut is a crucial oil seed crop cultivated worldwide and often referred to as the "King of Oil Seeds." However, its productivity is significantly reduced by various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among these, soil-borne fungal infections, particularly stem rot disease caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., pose a major threat, potentially leading to yield losses of up to 80 percent. In this study, stem rot-infected samples were collected from five major groundnut-growing districts in Tamil Nadu, India, and nine isolates of S. rolfsii were obtained. Based on pathogenicity tests, the most virulent isolate was identified and characterized at the molecular level. The pathogen produces a resting structure called sclerotia, which survives in soil for many years. Considering the ill effects of chemical methods of management, the present study is focused on non-chemical methods using organic amendments and biocontrol agents against the pathogen. Six amendments, viz., groundnut cake, neem cake, castor cake, cotton cake, sesame cake, and cow manure, were tested against S. rolfsii under in vitro conditions at two concentrations (5 % and 10 %). Among these, sesame cake exhibited the highest inhibition of 48.36 percent and 63.80 percent at 5 percent and 10 percent concentrations, respectively. Through GC-MS analysis, the bioactive compounds, viz., 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z) - (100%) and 9-Octadecenoic acid (E) - (76.13%), responsible for pathogen inhibition were identified. Furthermore, rhizospheric bacterial biocontrol agents were evaluated against S. rolfsii, which revealed that isolate B2 showed maximum inhibition (79.48%). The bacterial isolate B2 was molecularly characterized and confirmed as Bacillus subtilis (PP882830)
Exploring the dynamics of dragon fruit production and its constraints in southern states of India
Full text linkDragon fruit, or pitaya, has become famous owing to its unique look, health advantages, and resilience to diverse climates, rendering it especially appropriate for Southern India. This study investigates the economic feasibilityand production challenges of dragon fruit farming in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu in 2024. Financial assessments using net present value (NPV), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and internal rate of return (IRR) indicatethat dragon fruit farming is profitable in these states, with Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka showing better financial outcomes compared to Tamil Nadu. Garrett\u27s ranking technique was employed to identify and rank the production and marketing constraints. Key production challenges in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh include the high cost of installation materials and insufficient technical support, while Karnataka primarily faces a shortage of skilled labor. On the marketing front, the absence of adequate cold storage facilities and high transportation costs pose significant hurdles across all states. The findings highlight the need for targeted solutions, such as improving access to affordable installation materials, upgrading cold-storage infrastructure, and implementing training programs for farmers. Addressing these challenges can enhance the profitability and sustainability of the dragon fruit industry in Southern India
Intergenerational relationship and Multi-trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Indexing (MGIDI) in inter-varietal cross derivatives of black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper.
Full text linkBlack gram is a highly self-pollinated short-duration crop cultivated in various cropping systems viz., rainfed, intercrop and rice fallow. In the present study, hybridization was made between 2 black gram varieties viz., CO 6 and VBN 11, aimed to develop the recombinants and select superior progenies through Multi-trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The parent-offspring regression analysis was carried out in the F3 and F4 progenies of CO 6 × VBN 11. The significant regression and intergenerational correlation coefficients were observed for all the traits studied. The narrow sense heritability was found to be high for the number of seeds per pod. The other traits viz., plant height, number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, hundred seed weight and seed yield per plant showed moderate narrow sense heritability. The MGIDI was calculated for 62 F4 progenies of CO 6 × VBN 11 considering nine yield component traits. In F4 progenies, high broad sense heritability was observed for all the yield-contributing traits and high selection gain was recorded for seed yield per plant (49.77%), number of branches per plant (46.29%), number of pods per plant (37.74%) and number of pods per cluster (20.80%). Based on the MGIDI, six F4 progenies viz., P1, P6, P22, P49, P50 and P53 were selected. The selected progenies could be further evaluated and yield tested for commercial exploitation
Genomic insights into maize: Advanced techniques for analysing diversity and enhancing crop traits
Full text linkMaize is the third important staple food crop grown globally. The demand for maize production has increased significantly due to its multiple uses, including food, feed and various industrial applications. As a result, the area under maize cultivation is expanding, driven by its lucrative market price. Being a highly adaptive crop, the development of high-yielding hybrids better suited to climate change will help bridge the gap between demand and supply. Maize is an allogamous crop, exhibiting greater genetic diversity compared to autogamous crops. Therefore, intensified exploration of maize genetic diversity and effective utilization of germplasm will enhance the maize breeding programs. However, the domestication of maize has led to a decline in genetic diversity and the loss of valuable alleles. Human selection has significantly altered the morphology of maize from its wild ancestor. CIMMYT currently maintains around 28000 maize accessions, including landraces and wild relatives. Genetic diversity can be analysed using D2 statistics and clustering methods, employing morphological, molecular, quantitative and qualitative data. Careful consideration is needed when selecting appropriate methods and software for such analyses based on available data. In recent years, SSR markers and SNPs have gained popularity for diversity analysis. Studying genetic diversity in maize is crucial for identifying novel traits and the introgression of these traits into new hybrids using advanced technology requires further attention
Genotype trait analysis to identify potential resistant types to root knot nematode in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Full text linkSix F1 hybrids were tested for nematode resistance along with their parents and commercial cultivars for two seasons and the pooled mean results were analysed to explore the genetic potential of traits linked to specific genotypes. Nine quantitative, four qualitative and six physiological parameters were analyzed to identify superior hybrids through statistical models viz., analysis of variance, GE biplot and Wards clustering. The hybrids Hisar Arun×HN2 (susceptible), Arka Abha×HN2 and LE 812×HN2 (resistant) were found to be superior for yield per plant under stressed conditions. Higher plant height was observed in IIHR 2868 (86.21cm), primary branch in Arka Abha×HN2 (5.68) and shorter root length in Hisar Lalith (16 cm). Resistant hybrids exhibited earlier flowering i.e., 25 days and less fruit number. The susceptible genotypes expressed lower fruit number (17-20 fruits) on the contrary resistant hybrids had more than 20 fruits. The yield ranged between 667 g in CLN2123A to 1189 g in Hisar Arun×HN2. Under stressed conditions, the resistant hybrids Arka Abha×HN2 and LE 812×HN2 produced yields of 1169 g and 1153 g, respectively. Genotype Trait Biplot revealed that the PC1 and PC2 had contributed 70 % to the total variance and positive contributions to parents and hybrids were capped. The hybrids LE 812×HN2 and Arka Abha×HN2 can be well utilized in root knot nematode infested fields. The contribution of parents and its hybrids, associated traits and their interrelationships provide new dimension for the breeders to select trait specific parents and hybrids for crop improvement programs
Impact of land configuration methods on growth parameters of soybean in summer rice fallows
Full text linkA field experiment was performed to examine the impact of land configuration methods on various growth attributes of soybeans in summer rice fallows at the Instructional Farm, Vellayani. The experiment was conducted from February to May 2023 in a split plot design with three main plot treatments, viz., broadbed and furrow (BBF) (l1), ridge and furrow (RAF) (l2), and flatbed method (l3), and six varieties, viz., JS 9305 (v1), KDS 726 (v2), JS 2069 (v3), AISB 50 (v4), JS 335 (v5), and Basara (v6) as subplot treatments, replicated four times. The growth attributes were significantly influenced by land configuration methods where BBF recorded taller plants (14.98, 29.31, 39.06, 45.83 cm), highest leaf count (2.57, 4.73, 9.30, 11.07), superior leaf area index (LAI) (0.502, 1.495, 2.077, 3.898), and higher nodule fresh weight (0.850 g). However, the variety JS 2069 recorded taller plants (15.55, 30.47, 40.38, 47.95, 52.66 cm), highest leaf count (0.78, 2.07, 4.03, 4.95, 6.22), higher number of branches per plant (and superior LAI (0.534, 1.810, 2.471, 4.284) at all growth stages. Among the varieties tested, AISB 50 produced a higher nodule count of 41.88 (on par with JS 2069) and the highest nodule fresh weight (0.863). The study identified the BBF method as the most effective land configuration method and JS 2069 as the most suitable variety for soybean cultivation in summer rice fallows of Kerala
Standardisation and toxicity assessment of Dioscorea hispida (Dennst) tubers: Acute and subchronic dosage studies
Full text linkPeople worldwide have used Dioscorea hispida Dennst to treat various skin diseases. However, Dioscorea hispida tubers are known to be poisonous because they contain cyanide and dioscorine. This research aimed to standardise Dioscorea hispida dried powder and examine tuber extract toxicity effects (acute and subchronic). This research was carried out with sample standardisation according to the Indonesian Herbal Pharmacopoeia II. The Regulations of the Republic of Indonesia Food and Drug Supervisory Agency carried out acute and subchronic toxicity studies. Wistar rats were administered different doses of the extract, and observations were made for toxic symptoms, body weight changes, mortality, relative organ weights, and histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues. Serum creatinine, ALT, and AST levels were also measured. Dioscorea hispida tubers from North Sumatra and Lampung met the quality standards, whereas those from West Java did not due to high mold/yeast counts. Acute toxicity studies indicated that doses of 300 mg/kg BW and 1000 mg/kg BW caused toxic symptoms and death, classifying the extract as toxic with an LD50 range of 50-500 mg/kg BW. No toxic symptoms were observed at 50 mg/kg BW. Subchronic studies revealed that elevated doses led to significant liver and kidney damage, evidenced by increased creatinine, ALT, AST levels, and histopathological changes. Dioscorea hispida tubers from North Sumatra and Lampung meet quality standards, but those from West Java do not. The tubers have medicinal potential but exhibit high toxicity at elevated doses, necessitating cautious use and further research to ensure safe application and reduce contaminants
Impact of salt stress on physiological traits in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
Full text linkSalt stress is a major abiotic factor that limits plant growth and development globally, primarily due to the use of low-quality irrigation water and soil salinization caused by seawater intrusion. This study examines physiological parameters, antioxidant enzymes and the K/Na ratio in response to salt stress in various tomato genotypes at a salinity level of 8 dS m-1 during the vegetative stage. Specifically, it investigates superoxide dismutase activity, relative water content, electrolyte leakage, proline content, chlorophyll fluorescence and potassium and sodium ion content in roots, shoots and leaves. The results revealed significant variation in salt tolerance among the different genotypes. Genotypes LE-14 and LE-1 demonstrated superior performance under salt stress, displaying higher relative water content, reduced electrolyte leakage, increased superoxide dismutase activity, elevated proline content and favorable K/Na ratios. Principal component analysis showed significant eigenvalues, accounting for 72.5% of the total variability. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of salt tolerance in tomato crops and highlight the potential of LE-14 and LE-1 for cultivation in saline environments. The study emphasizes the importance of conducting field trials to validate these results for sustainable production in saltaffected areas
Silver nanoparticles: Toxicity and inhibitory effects against Aflatoxins
Full text linkAmong the numerous nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles, like silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are the most employed. Significant focus has been given to their dual role due to their versatile properties. Beneficial, on the one side, as potent antimicrobial properties determine different applications in medicine, agriculture, and food safety, to potentially harmful on the other side. Mycotoxins, secondary metabolites produced by toxigenic strains of fungi, are highly toxic substances recognized for their influence on processes of mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, hepatotoxicity, immunosuppression and estrogenic properties in animals and humans, posing severe threats to health through contaminated food and feed. Thus, this paper explores the toxicity mechanisms of AgNPs and their inhibitory effects on aflatoxins, a class of mycotoxins produced mostly by Aspergillus species that pose significant health risks. The interaction between AgNPs and aflatoxins is examined, highlighting the potential of AgNPs in mitigating aflatoxin contamination. The article gives a summary of the synthesis, properties, and dual roles of AgNPs in the toxicity and inhibition of aflatoxins, concentrating on their possible uses and safety concerns at the end. It is found that elements affect AgNP’s toxicity, like particle solubility, surface area, surface charge, size, concentration, formulation, tendency to agglomerate, and exposure duration. Therefore, assessing the safe levels of AgNP exposure and developing guidelines for their use in different fields are crucial for minimizing the risks. It can be summarized that the biosynthesized AgNPs generated through green synthesis, owing to their biocompatibility and low toxicity, could be applied in harmless concentrations as strong antifungals and anti-mycotoxins. This can offer significant potential for enhancing food safety due to their strong antimicrobial properties, which can inhibit the growth of foodborne pathogens and extend shelf life. However, the potential for nanoparticle migration into food must be considered, which raises critical concerns about human health, regulatory challenges, and environmental impact
Study of the upper epidermis of leaves of Zizyphus species and varieties in Central and Southern Iraq
Full text linkThe results showed that some anatomical features of the leaves have good taxonomic value for distinguishing between these species and varieties. The upper epidermal cells of the studied species and varieties showed clear differences in their dimensions. Although the two species Z. mauritiana and Z. spina-christi, existed under the same environmental conditions, the dimensions of the upper epidermal cells of the first species were more significant than those of the second, which made them a distinctive feature of this species. Z. nummularia, the upper epidermis of the varieties of this species, was also significant in dimensions, unlike Z. nummularia, in which the upper epidermal cells were large in dimensions. The difference was also evident in the thickness of the surface walls of the upper epidermal cells, which were thicker in most species of Z. mauritiana than in the rest of the species, especially the cells of Armouti Tailandy, which were even thicker than the walls of the upper epidermal cells of Z. nummularia, despite the harsh conditions in which this species lives. The variation in the distribution of stomata on the surface of the upper epidermis was apparent between species and sometimes between varieties of the same species. As mentioned in the results, this variation helped include the species and varieties in one group. This reflects the close evolutionary relationship between them. Then, the frequency of stomata on the surface of the upper epidermis of species Z. nummularia is higher than that of the rest of the species. This may seem natural for the species Z. nummularia due to the nature of the desert environment