Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Mechanisms of drought tolerance in Moringa: Strategies for mitigation and adaptation – Review
Full text linkMoringa oleifera, often called the "miracle tree," is renowned for its resilience to harsh environmental conditions, particularly drought. This review explores the mechanisms by which Moringa tolerates drought stress, making it a vital crop in arid and semi-arid regions. Morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular adaptations attribute the tree\u27s drought tolerance. Key mechanisms include an extensive root system that enhances water uptake, efficient water use through stomatal regulation, and the accumulation of Osmo protectants such as proline. Additionally, Moringa activates antioxidant enzymes that mitigate oxidative stress under drought conditions, safeguarding cellular integrity. Molecular responses play a significant role as well, with the upregulation of drought-responsive genes and stress-related proteins that enhance the tree’s ability to cope with water scarcity. These adaptive traits not only contribute to Moringa\u27s survival but also improve its productivity under water-limited conditions. Beyond its environmental resilience, Moringa holds significant socioeconomic value. Its rich nutritional content, medicinal properties, and potential for income generation make it a critical crop for addressing food security and poverty, especially in developing regions. This review highlights the importance of promoting Moringa cultivation as a sustainable agricultural practice in drought-prone areas. In conclusion, understanding and leveraging Moringa\u27s drought tolerance mechanisms can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Expanding its cultivation could lead to more resilient agricultural systems, providing both environmental and socioeconomic benefits. Continued research is essential to optimize its use and ensure its widespread adoption in vulnerable regions
Tree species distributions in the Aravalli and Vindhya-Malwa regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan, India
Full text linkThe Aravalli and Vindhya-Malwa hills regions are known for their plant di versity. The plant species in these regions are affected by human threats and natural calamities. To understand the impacts on trees and their distri bution along these regions, the present study was conducted. Five protect ed areas were selected in the southern, central Aravalli, and Vindhya-Malwa regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The tree species were sampled during their seedling, sapling and mature tree stages. The nested plots method was used. Tree species in different growth stages were analysed, and distri bution specific to regions and across the landscapes were compared. Spe cific to regions, species richness was high in southern Aravalli compared to central Aravalli and Vindhya-Malwa regions. Across landscapes, the regions of southern Aravalli are significantly related to central Aravalli regions; the relationship between Aravalli and Vindhya-Malwa regions is not significant. Tree species distributions and establishment in these regions are affected by long-term threats like forest fire, selective removal of tree species, and cutting and lopping at the time of flowering and fruiting, which create varia tions in tree species at the regional and landscape level. Recommendations were given to preserve the tree species
Investigation of Nigella sativa seed ethanolic extract using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and study of its antibacterial activity against different bacterial species
Full text linkMedicinal plants are one of the valuable natural resources that developed countries today consider to be safe alternative medicines for humans. The current study focused on Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) investigations and the antibacterial properties of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed extract. The maceration process, the soxhlet method and suitable extraction solvents have all been used to create various extracts from N. sativa seeds. The GC-MS analyses identified around 25 chemical compounds with known bioactivities and/or uses that are crucial for the treatment of illnesses that pose a serious hazard to life. Using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and Well diffusion methods, the seed extract demonstrated antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium) bacteria with varying degrees of efficacy. The antibacterial activity of the extract was dose-dependent and more potent against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. Considering the findings of this study, N. sativa seed extracts contain a variety of chemical elements associated with their antibacterial capabilities
Regulation of flowering in marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) through staggered planting and growing environment in the mid-hill zone of Himachal Pradesh
Full text linkRegulating planting time under a congenial growing environment could improve growth, flowering and yield as well and thus the quality of crop production. A field experiment was carried out to identify appropriate planting time and growing conditions for flower regulation in marigolds (Tagetes erecta L.) in factorial randomized block design with 5 different planting dates, under open and naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions in two marigold cultivars (cv (s).), ‘Pusa Narangi Gainda’ and ‘Pusa Basanti Gainda’. It was noted that planting dates, growing environments and varieties had significant effects on growth and flowering parameters. Results showed that the 10th of July planting under naturally ventilated polyhouse condition using marigold cv. ‘Pusa Narangi Gainda’ exhibited luxuriant vegetative growth, which ultimately resulted in enhanced flower yield per plant (730.43 g) and per square meter (6.89 kg) with a greater benefit-to-cost ratio (2.86) and hence, was found economically best for commercial production of marigold. However, economic flower yield was also obtained under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions till August planting
Assessment of genetic variability in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes for disease resistance and yield parameters
Full text linkEggplant is a globally important vegetable crop valued for its nutritional and economic significance. However, its productivity is often constrained by various biotic stresses particularly susceptibility to Phomopsis blight, causing significant economic losses and threatening food security. This study aims to identify genetically distinct genotypes with enhanced disease resistance and yield to support sustainable eggplant breeding efforts. This research evaluated genetic variability among 33 eggplant genotypes, focusing on resistance to Phomopsis blight. The evaluation was conducted during the Spring-Summer and Kharif seasons, of 2022-at the Vegetable Research Farm, Lovely Professional University, Punjab India and laid out in a Randomized Block Design in triplicates. The pooled analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for key traits. High phenotypic and genotypic variance (>50%) were observed for average fruit weight (g), percent disease index (PDI) for leaf & fruit at 21st day after inoculation (DAI) (%) and percent leaf area diseased (%). High phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) (>20%) were recorded for characters including fruit yield plant-1 (kg), lesion size on fruits (cm2), average fruit weight (g), PDI for fruit at 7th, 14th & 21st DAI (%) and PDI for leaf at 7th, 14th & 21st DAI (%). A narrow difference between GCV and PCV indicated that phenotypic variability was primarily genetic. High heritability (>60%) with a substantial genetic advance (>30%) as a percentage of the mean (GAM) at 5% underscored the potential for improvement through targeted selection, driven by additive genetic effects. These findings provide valuable insights into breeding programs targeting disease-resistant and high-yielding eggplant varieties. Future studies should investigate molecular mechanisms underlying disease resistance to refine breeding strategies
Understanding the drifts in DNA barcoding: a systematic review
Full text linkAlthough DNA-based analytical methods had been around for a while, it wasn\u27t until 2003 that the term "DNA barcoding" became popular. The research-analytical and application paradigms have continued to develop and diversify since then. Initially, it was only applicable to the animal kingdom and later the method was modified by scientists studying plant biology tailoring it to fit the needs. This document provides a meta-analysis of DNA barcoding research trends, specifically in plant sciences, examining its methodological advancements, application diversity and evolving research themes. By classifying and analyzing the current data trends, we offer insights into the ongoing transformations of DNA barcoding. Furthermore, actionable recommendations for future research are proposed, including the development of more reliable, cost-effective markers and exploring ecological and biodiversity applications. This analysis serves as a guide for both novice and experienced researchers to navigate the rapidly advancing field of DNA barcoding
Evaluation of sugarcane clones for yield, juice quality, borer and red rot resistance
Full text linkField experimental trials were conducted to evaluate the thirty-one sugarcane clones for cane yield and quality traits along with borer resistance. To assess the borer resistance of sugarcane clones, early shoot borer and inter-node borer incidence were recorded periodically. Data on the number of tillers, number of millable canes, cane height, cane yield, brix per cent, sucrose content, commercial cane sugar (%) and sugar yield (t. ha-1) were recorded to identify the promising pre-release sugarcane clones. Clone C 32028 recorded the highest cane yield (151.52 t. ha-1) followed by clone C 32016 (144.93 t. ha-1) and C 33144 (143.75 t. ha-1). For sucrose content, clone C 33035 recorded the highest sucrose content (18.07%) followed by C 33024 (18.02%) and C 33260 (17.95%). For sugar yield, the test clone C 32028 (19.47 t. ha-1) recorded the highest sugar yield followed by the clone C 32016 (18.58 t. ha-1), C 33114 (18.47 t. ha-1) and C 33075 (18.23 t. ha-1). Among the test clones, C 32028, C 32016, C 33114, C 33075 and C 33276 outperformed the check varieties in cane yield, sucrose content, sugar yield and borer resistance. Hence it was recommended that, selected promising clones could be forwarded for the next evaluation trials for variety release
Effects of biostimulants on growth, yield and quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) intercropped with palmyrah (Borrassus flabellifer L)
Full text linkThe present study aimed to investigate the impact of bio-stimulants on the growth and yield of Tomato (var. PKM-1) as an intercrop under Palmyrah plantation at the College Orchard of the Department of Horticulture, VOC Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu during 2023-24. The maximum plant height at 30 (52.80 cm), 60 (73.40 cm) and 90 days after transplanting (86.47 cm), number of branches at 30 days after transplanting (3.20), 60 days after transplanting (7.60) and 90 days after transplanting (8.40), early flowering (26.2 days), 50 % flowering (39.8 days), individual fruit weight (30.29 g), number of fruits per plant (28.6), yield of fruits per plant (0.87 kg), yield per ha (31.97 ton per ha), chlorophyll a (0.89 mg per g), chlorophyll b (1.28 mg per g), total chlorophyll (1.65 mg per g), TSS (5.54° Brix), ascorbic acid content (23.87 mg per 100g), titrable acidity (0.65 %), lycopene content (2.47 mg per 100g)was recorded in (the 3 %) Panchagavya spray treatment. The salient findings revealed that among the different treatments, a 3 %Panchagavya spray demonstrated superiority in promoting the growth and yield of Tomato as an intercrop under Palmyrah in the dry land conditions of the Thoothukudi district. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating organic practices into intercropping systems suitable for arid and semi-arid regions
Physico-chemical characterization of cumin and coriander growing soils of semi-arid zones of India and its bioprospecting for plant growth promoting rhizobacteria
Full text linkCumin and coriander are indeed vital spices in Indian cuisine and are predominantly cultivated in the arid zones of India like- Rajasthan and Gujarat. The quality and yield of any crop are strongly influenced by soil characteristics and the environmental conditions of the geographical region. In this study, a field survey was carried out for numerous locations of cumin and coriander growing areas to understand the physicochemical and microbial properties of cumin and coriander growing soils of Rajasthan and Gujarat. A total of 31 soil samples were collected and analysed for electric conductivity (EC), pH, organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and total microbial counts. A considerable variation was found in soil pH levels of different soil samples which ranged from pH 6.80 to pH 9.03. The EC was found in the range of 0.56 to 0.99 ms/cm. The organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were found respectively in the range of 0.29 to 0.92 %, 135-382.8 kg/ ha, 6.16-18.25 kg/ha and 261.0 kg/ha to 412.5 kg/ha. Bacteria were isolated from these soils and based on morphological differences total of 54 bacteria were further studied for plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics. The isolates were screened to produce catalase, Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), citrate utilization, phosphate and solubilization. Fifty-one showed IAA production, 18 were found to utilize citrate and 44 were capable of degrading carbohydrates. Isolates that showed higher PGP activities were identified, which may be utilized to improve plant growth and boost crop yield
Exploring gene action and combining ability for yield improve- ment in rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces
Full text linkEstimating combining ability is essential for evaluating genotypes and understanding the nature and magnitude of gene actions involved in plant breeding. In a study involving four lines and seven testers, a Line × Tester mating design was employed to analyze combining ability, heterosis, and gene action across 16 yield-related traits. The results indicated significant variances for general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA), underscoring the relevance of additive and non-additive genetic components in trait inheritance. The analysis revealed that the ratio of dominant genetic variance to additive genetic variance was greater than one for most traits, with the exceptions being test weight and the grain length:breadth ratio. This suggests that non-additive gene action predominantly influences the inheritance of the examined traits. Among the parental lines studied, CO 54, CO 55, RL 8601, RL 6298, and RL 27 emerged as the best general combiners for single-plant yield and other traits. Based on the outcomes of standard heterosis, the following hybrid combinations were identified as optimal for augmenting single-plant yield: ADT 58 × RL 2348 (105.33%), CO 55 × RL 6298 (104.5%), CO 54 × RL 6298 (103.87%), CO 54 × RL 8601 (100.76%), ADT 58 × RL 2196 (99.8%), and ADT 56 × RL 6298 (97.65%). These results indicate that the identified cross combinations could be effectively employed in recombination breeding programs focused on producing early-maturing, high-yielding fine-grain rice varieties that align with market requirements