Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Optimization of water blanching and cabinet drying conditions for preservation of nutritional and phytochemical properties of moringa leaves
Full text linkThe perishable nature of moringa leaves leads to its limited shelf life. Drying methods reduce water activity and help extend the shelf life of dried leaves. In this study, the moringa leaves were subjected to water blanching at 50, 60, 70 and 80 oC for 1, 2 and 3 min, followed by drying. Water blanching at 50 °C for 3 min resulted in the highest retention of total carotenoids (24.65 mg/100 g), iron (21.50 mg/100 g), calcium (1413.10 mg/100 g) and colour of dried moringa leaves. To assess their impact on nutrient retention, the water-blanched moringa leaves were then subjected to three different drying methods: cabinet drying, sun drying and shade drying. The drying methods significantly influenced the retention of nutrients, with varying degrees of effectiveness across methods in moringa leaves. The moringa leaves blanched in water at 50oC for 3 min and dried in a cabinet drier retained the higher total carotenoids (24.65 mg/100 g), iron (21.50 mg/100 g) and calcium (1413.10 mg/100 g)
Standardization and quality evaluation of value-added pasta from underutilized vegetable stuffs
Full text linkPasta is one of the most trending processed items preferred by all age groups nowadays. Due to its low nutrient profile, there is a need to enhance its nutritional value by adding the underutilized nutritious vegetable stuff which is rich in protein, fibre and micronutrients. The present study was undertaken to develop pasta by incorporating underutilized vegetable stuffs i.e. tender jackfruit powder (TJP), jackfruit seed powder (JSP) and pumpkin leaf powder (PLP) with refined wheat flour (RWF). TJ1 (90% RWF+10% TJP), JS2 (85% RWF+15% JSP) and PL1 (90% RWF+10% PLF) pastas were having higher overall acceptability than all the formulated pasta and control (100% RWF) pasta. The sensory parameters were evaluated through a nine-point hedonic rating scale. The nutrient compositions were analysed using standard AOAC methods. The moisture, ash, protein, fat, fibre, carbohydrate, calcium and phosphorous content of TJ1 were 14.49%, 1.35%, 10.46%, 1.41%, 1.75%, 70.54%, 19.90 mg% and 106.24 mg%, respectively. JS2 contained moisture (10.73%), ash (1.34%), protein (11.24%), fat (1.42%), fibre (1.64%) and carbohydrate (73.63%), calcium (25.41mg) and phosphorus (116.08 mg). PL1 had moisture (8.64%), ash (3.31%), protein (7.91%), fat (1.34%), fibre (1.29%), carbohydrate (77.52%), calcium (54.93 mg) and phosphorus (116.13 mg). There were significant changes in proximate composition and microbial load during the storage period of 2 months. The pasta can be value added in terms of protein, fat, fiber and total ash content by using tender jackfruit, jackfruit seed and pumpkin leaf powder up to 10% without affecting the sensory qualities
Targeting rice root-knot nematode: A study of benzothiadiazole, fluopyram and fluensulfone
Full text linkUnderstanding the management of the rice root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola is an essential component of rice. The study aimed to investigate the extent to which the nematicidal actions of 2,1,3- benzothiadiazole, fluopyram, fluensulfone and carbofuran against the rice root-knot nematode, M. graminicola could be determined using in vitro, in vivo and in silico studies. Among the tested compounds, fluopyram demonstrated the highest juvenile mortality rate (91.26%) and binding affinity (-8.3 kcal/mol) to the seven selected target proteins of M. graminicola, driven by significant hydrophobic, alkyl and H-bonding interactions. Comparative binding affinities were recorded for fluensulfone (-6.9 kcal/mol), carbofuran (-6.4 kcal/mol), 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (-5.0 kcal/mol) and untreated control. These findings have significant implications for agricultural practices, particularly in developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. The high efficacy of fluopyram, as evidenced by its biochemical ligand-target protein interactions, suggests its potential as a key component in IPM programs. By integrating nematicidal treatments with other control measures such as crop rotation, resistant rice varieties and biological control agents, sustainable management of M. graminicola can be achieved by reducing dependency on chemical pesticides. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of using molecular insights to design targeted pest management solutions, paving the way for environmentally responsible and economically viable approaches to nematode control in rice cultivation
A novel approach for predicting net irrigated area in India using hybrid deep learning architectures
Full text linkStudying irrigation systems is crucial to ensuring efficient freshwater utilization and conservation. This study examines the efficacy of forecasting the net irrigated area for future generations to create a model of prediction that can efficiently exchange water demand. To improve the forecast, we generate a model using two-hybrid deep learning techniques to predict irrigation demands: Convolutional Neural Network-Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-LSTM) and Convolutional Neural Network-Gated Recurrent Unit (CNN-GRU). These models effectively capture complex variables from diverse data sources, including rainfall patterns, irrigated area statistics and various irrigation system parameters. The main ideas, noteworthy contributions and crucial quantitative results from our study on net irrigated area projection are outlined in this publication. Our main contribution is the development of unique hybrid deep learning approaches that effectively integrate the CNN-LSTM and CNN-GRU architectures. Better predictions are made possible by the models’ design, which consists of parallel CNN layers that independently interpret certain input features. Thorough examinations of these situations validated the models’ effectiveness and led to notable decreases in important evaluation parameters, such as the RMSE, MSE, MAE and R2. Regarding excellent accuracy in predicting and overall performance, our CNN-GRU hybrid deep learning model outperformed the other models in the present research
Genome-wide identification and analysis of the SnRK2 gene family in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) reveals potential stress-responsive roles
Full text linkPlants, owing to their sessile nature, have evolved mechanisms to adapt and overcome various abiotic stresses by activating different signaling pathways triggering accumulation of stress-associate proteins. A key regulator in Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway, sucrose non-fermenting-1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2), is a plant-specific serine/threonine kinase family involved in osmotic stress responses. While members of this protein family have been analyzed in some plant species, their characterization in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), a tropical food grain legume cultivated in Africa and Southeast Asia, remains unexplored. Drought stress significantly hampers the growth and productivity of cowpea, highlighting the need for functional studies of stress-related genes. The genes encoding SnRK2 in cowpea and their detailed characterization remain unexplored. The present study attempts to identify and characterize SnRK2 gene families in cowpea using bioinformatics tools. Analysis of the draft genome of Vigna unguiculata in NCBI and Phytozome databases revealed sixteen SnRK2 genes. In silico analysis were conducted to determine gene structure, transcript length and chromosomal mapping of the genes to Vigna unguiculata genome. Domain architectures of the SnRK2 proteins were predicted. Physico-chemical characterization revealed these proteins in sizes ranging 53 to 112 kDa with pI values of 4.99 to 9.59. All identified cowpea SnRK2 proteins are hydrophilic in nature. Analysis of the evolutionary relationship of SnRK2 with other related families showed three clusters based on the relatedness to Arabidopsis thaliana and thirteen other crops. Findings of this study provide valuable insights into cowpea SnRK2 gene family and its possible implications in plant stress tolerance
Morpho-anatomy of diploid and triploid Musa cultivars CO 2 and CO 3 male inflorescence and its implications in micropropagation
Full text linkBanana (Musa spp.) is a major staple fruit and cash crop globally cultivated, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries. It exhibits a complex inflorescence, which plays a vital role in its reproductive process. The inflorescence of bananas by distinct morphological and anatomical features that vary among different species and cultivars. Tissue culture techniques have emerged as pivotal tools that offer rapid propagation methods, utilising various explants to meet growing demands and enhance crop resilience. This study evaluated the morphological and anatomical characteristics of Musa paradisiaca cultivars CO 2 and CO 3, focusing on their potential as explants in tissue culture. Key differences between these two lines include floral axis orientation, bract pigmentation, flower structure and flower quantity. Notably, CO 2 exhibited the presence of papillae, whereas CO 3 lacked them. Both cultivars contained calcium oxalate crystals and raphides, which define their distinct anatomical traits and enhance their suitability for micropropagation. Furthermore, tissue culture experiments demonstrated early greening, faster callus formation and efficient shoot regeneration, with CO 2 demonstrating a slightly superior response to CO 3. The male inflorescences of both cultivars, when cultivated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, responded within a greening time of approximately 16.2 days, swelling within 28.4 days and bud formation ranging from 2 to 6 per cluster, leading to the production of 12 to15 per nodal cluster. These findings suggest that male inflorescences have significant potential for efficient micropropagation, providing a valuable resource for banana cultivation and genetic improvement
Implications, challenges, and prospects of industrial hemp as a sustainable natural fiber in Pakistan: An overview
Full text linkIndustrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a sustainable source of fiber due to its fast growth rate and adaptability to diverse climates, and low demand for pesticides and water. Additionally, hemp fibers are versatile and used for a variety of products, including clothing, textiles, paper, and building materials. As a bast fibers with a high cellulose content, industrial hemp is both sustainable and resource-efficient sources. Considerations of environmental protection, as well as their intrinsic qualities like low density, high specific strength, and stiffness, increased researchers\u27 interest in hemp fibers. This review examines the current status and significance of hemp fiber in the textile sector, comparing it with cotton and synthetic fibers while discussing its processing and use. Although, industrial hemp shows great promise, further research is needed to improve its quality and expand its applications. Hemp fiber processing is a significant issue in the textile sector, and thus this review provides comprehensive information on the complete value chain of hemp fiber, its challenges, and future implications
Effect of different fungal bio-agents on plant growth and yield attributes of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita under field condition
Full text linkThe experimental trial was carried out in the Department of Nematology at the Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur, during the Rabi season in 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. The prime goal was to address the effects of different fungal bio-agents on tomato plant growth and yield attributes in challenged with the root-knot nematode (RKN). The trial followed to randomized block design (RBD) consisted seven treatments viz.,Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, Purpureocillim lilacinum, Metarhizium anisopliae and Baeuveria bassiana as soil application (SA) at 5 kg/ha and seedling treatment (ST) at 5 g/L of water and carbofuran 3G 2 kg /ha as well as untreated check were also maintained with four replications. All the treatments significantly improved the plant growth parameter and yield as compared to untreated check. However, significant reduction in nematode population and maximum improvement in plant growth parameters was recorded with carbofuran followed by bio-agents. The results revealed that among different promising fungal bio-control agents tested, the highest biometric parameters like, shoot length (69.62 cm), fresh shoot weight (53.50 g), root length (37.87 cm), fresh root weight (27.87 g), yield (34.26 kg/3×4 plot). In addition, the promising module mitigating nematodereproduction like, no. of galls per plant (61.25), no. of egg masses per plant (55.50), no. of eggs & larvae per egg mass (174.12),nematode population per 200 cc soil (960.37), final nematode population (soil + plant) (10686.78), root gall index (1-5 scale). Thereproductive factor (Rf) (22.32) was recorded in T. harzianum as SA at 5 kg/ha and ST at 5 g/lit of water (pooled data of 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively) followed by T. viride and P. lilacinum in both years
Refinement of techniques for long-term storage of pollen from different coconut varieties in coastal Andhra Pradesh
Full text linkThe present investigation entitled “Refinement of techniques for long-term storage of pollen from different coconut varieties in coastal Andhra Pradesh” was conducted from 2021 to 2022 (November to June) at the College of Horticulture, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. This study investigated the effects of different storage methods [room temperature, refrigerator (4 °C), freezer (-20 °C), ultra-low Freezer (-60 °C) and liquid nitrogen (-196 °C)] on the pollen of different coconut varieties, viz., (ECT), (PHOT), (GBGD) and (COD) at 15 days intervals for up to 180 days of storage. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD), and mean separation was performed using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) VIA SPSS 16.2. Pollen stored at room temperature and in a refrigerator is not viable after 180 days of storage. In contrast, the highest pollen viability %, germination percentage and pollen tube length were noted in liquid nitrogen stored pollen from the ECT (40.55±1.77 %, 39.96±1.32 % and 118.21±5.15µm), followed by the PHOT (38.98±1.70 %, 34.28±1.07% and 112.84±4.92µm) and GBGD (30.07±0.57 %, 29.87±1.21 % and 107.65±4.69µm), and the lowest values were observed in COD (28.35±0.55 %, 26.20±0.85 % and 102.05±4.45µm) pollen preserved in a freezer (-20 oC). In conclusion, using the liquid nitrogen storage method for the preservation of coconut pollen has proven to be a highly effective method for promoting better viability over the long term
Nutritional, ethno-medicinal and pharmacological characteristics of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.)
Full text linkThe majority of walnut harvested in Kashmir originated from seedling-grown trees. Notably, walnuts only nut crop with substantial economic value in the region of Jammu and Kashmir. Approximately 71 % of the worlds\u27 walnut production comes from countries situated along the historical silk route, which collectively host a significant portion of both cultivated and wild walnut orchards. Walnuts are grown commercially almost across the globe for its high demand and nutritional importance. Rich in protein and essential fatty acids, particularly Omega-3, walnuts are considered a highly nutritious nut crop and are often referred to as “Imperial Nuts” due to their remarkable health benefits. Various plant parts viz. leaves, roots, stem and fruits contain several bioactive compounds such as polyphenolic chemicals, flavonoids and alkaloids. One notable compound found in walnuts is juglone, a significant anti-cancer agent known for its therapeutic potential. . Walnuts have long been used in traditional and Ayurveda medicine for treating a variety of human health issues, including hair fall and skin illness. This systematic review compiles and synthesizes existing information regarding the nutritional composition, ethno-medicinal and traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological significance of walnut