Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Seed treatments and storage conditions on vigour and viability of sesame seeds
Get PDFSesame, referred as Queen of Edible Oil Seeds, has an excellent nutritional content and therapeutic properties. Presence of high oil content accelerates rapid deterioration turning them rancid and perish quickly than conventional seeds. In addition, oilseeds are vulnerable to peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which produces free fatty acids and free radicals that harm cells. The present study was undertaken to analyse the effect of seed treatments and storage conditions on vigour and viability of this economically important oil seed crop. Sesame seeds were treated with dry halogen (6 g kg-1 seeds) and halo polymer (8 g kg-1 seeds), packaged in 700-gauge polythene bags and kept in ambient and cold storage settings for a total of six months, along with untreated control. Seeds were evaluated initially and at monthly intervals for physiological, biochemical, anatomical and seed health parameters. Higher germination (94 %), vigour index (1493), oil content (46.84 %), catalase activity (1.089 mmol H2O2 min-1 g-1) were observed in halo polymer-treated sesame seeds. Also seeds treated with halo polymer recorded minimum pathogen infection (4 %), in contrast to control 7 %). Halo polymer-treated sesame seeds also demonstrated lower cellular deterioration and loss of turgidity than untreated seeds. When compared to ambient storage, seeds kept in cold storage retained seed quality better for both the physiological and biochemical parameters
Evaluating the effectiveness of teak tissue culture in ex situ conservation, with a focus on its practical implementation and challenges in commercial forestry
No full textPlant tissue culture is an important tool in forestry and biotechnology with its substantial improvements in plant propagation. The development of tissue culture is started with Haberlandt’s totipotency theory and the mid-20th century discovery of plant growth regulators which transformed methods of plant multiplication. The utilization of tissue culture in the micropropagation of teak (Tectona grandis L.) is a valuable hardwood species used for building, furniture and lumber. Through the production of genetically identical seedlings with desired characteristics including disease resistance, rapid development and high wood density. Tissue culture overcomes the drawbacks of traditional teak propagation which includes low germination rates, pest susceptibility and slow growth. This method supports conservation and sustainable forestry practices by providing a few benefits such as disease-free plant production, quick multiplication and year-round availability. Highly expensive, somaclonal fluctuation, contamination dangers and acclimatization hurdles are still major drawbacks. The importance of tissue culture in genetic improvement which allows for the preservation of elite genotypes and the creation of faster-growing, pest-resistant teak varieties is also examined in the research. Tissue culture is still a vital technique for large-scale teak production, reforestation and biodiversity protection despite its difficulties. It provides a revolutionary approach to commercial forestry and environmental sustainability
Synergistic effects of colored polytunnels and fish effluent irrigation on growth, yield and phytochemical composition of Camarosa strawberry
Get PDFThe rising demand for sustainable, high-yield strawberry production calls for innovative practices that enhance growth and resource efficiency. Open-field cultivation exposes plants to environmental fluctuations, resulting in inconsistent growth, lower yield and reduced fruit quality. The current study investigates the synergistic impact of varying polytunnel colors (transparent, red, blue and yellow) and fish effluent irrigation on Camarosa strawberry plants. Twelve treatments were associated with the study and observation of yield and biochemical parameters were performed in November 2023-2024 at the Agricultural Farm of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India. The results indicated that RPE (Red polytunnel + Pineapple peel fish feed effluent) exhibited the highest effects on fruit length (6.51 cm), fruit weight (23.33 g) and yield per plant (500.87 g). However, the lowest effect was recorded in TW (Transparent polytunnel + Absolute water irrigation). Similarly, for fruit quality attributes, RPE and RBE (Red polytunnel + Banana peel fish feed effluent) showed better results. Treatments based on red polytunnel i.e., RPE and RBE showed the highest nutrient uptake resulting in improved physiological performance and enhanced fruit quality and yield. Multivariate analysis helped in visualizing the data and its interpretation. Also, Pearson’s correlation measured the strength and direction of individual treatments and variables which showed the direct and indirect effects of variables. Thus, the study concludes that treatments RPE and RBE are best treatments for enhancing the yield, quality and nutrient uptake of Camarosa strawberries making them the most recommended for controlled production optimization
Advancements in UAV technology for forestry applications: A comprehensive review
Get PDFThe rapid growth of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Drones have significantly revolutionized the methodologies of modern forestry. Traditional methods being dependent on low resolution satellite data and labour-intensive field work are now being substituted by high resolution drone-based data offering real time monitoring and increased operational efficiency. This review examines the extensive role of UAVs in modernising various forestry practices and its associated challenges. Different types of drones namely, fixed-wing, rotary-wing and hybrid models along with advance imaging systems and sensors such as multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal and LiDAR sensors. These technologies have been proven as inevitable source of forest inventory, health monitoring, wildfire detection and suppression, biodiversity assessment and precision forestry. UAVs Provide high resolution 3D Modelling, early disease detection and pest monitoring and improved seed dispersal through precision techniques. Apart from that usage of machine learning and deep learning technologies have enabled the usage of drone swarms enhancing large scale autonomous operation like real time environment monitoring. Despite their extensive advantages UAVs also have some minor disadvantages including regulatory constrains like lack of data processing, sensor limitation and high investment cost. In the Indian context though drone regulations are evolving there are some lacks on policy enforcement and legal framework. The review insists upon the need for unified legal frameworks, improved data-sharing methodologies and open-source software to support the wider adoption of UAVs in forestry. As drone technology continues to advance with blockchain interpretation, energy harvesting and user-friendly systems, its role in sustainable forest management is set to expand. UAVs are emerging as indispensable tools for efficient, responsive and ecologically responsible forestry practices
Influence of precision nitrogen management in Rabi maize and cow pea intercropping system under varied planting proportions in south Odisha
Get PDFMaize has diverse adaptability under varied agroclimatic conditions that play a pivotal in fulfilling food and feed demand. Maize is sown in wide lines and it shows a sluggish growth at its initial stages facilitating the cultivation of intercrops in between the rows. Among several legumes, cowpea has potential as a grain and fodder, grown as intercrop in maize. There is a need for precise application of nutrients, especially nitrogen (N) in maize cultivation. Considering the above, the current study was carried out during the Rabi season of 2023-2024 at the Post Graduate Research Farm of the Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India. A field trial was laid out in a split-plot design consisting of three intercropping ratios in the main plot and four nitrogen management treatments in the sub-plot. The study revealed that the highest growth attributes, yield parameters and yield of maize were recorded in sole maize and it was followed by maize + cowpea (2:2). However, for N management, the highest growth parameters, yield attributes and yield were noted in GreenSeeker-based treatment and it remained statistically at par with soil plant analysis development (SPAD) threshold-based N application. Among the intercropping systems, the highest values of land equivalent ratio (1.41) and area time equivalent ratio (1.37) were recorded in maize + cowpea (2:3) followed by maize + cowpea (2:2). It may be concluded that sole maize with N management through GreenSeeker can achieve higher maize yields. However, considering the LER, ATER and other competition functions, maize + cowpea (2:2) and N application through GreenSeeker can be the most suitable agronomic option under south Odisha
Optimizing the stabilization techniques and enhancing the oil yield of Foxtail Millet Bran (FMB)
Get PDFMillet bran, a by-product of preliminary processes is often discarded or utilised as animal feed. Despite of the nutritional advantage, the main challenge in using bran as food is due to its shortened shelf life. Stabilization of bran is essential to prevent hydrolytic rancidity and free fatty acid (FFA) formation by inactivating lipase enzymes. FMB was stabilized by three methods viz., microwave (900 W, 2450 MHz), ultrasonication (500 W, 40 KHz) and blanching. Lipase activity and oil yield were studied. FMB was stabilized by microwave technique, maintaining an initial moisture to 21 % for 1 min (MT1), 2 min (MT2), 3 min (MT3) and ultrasonication for 20 min (UT1), 40 min (UT2), 60 min (UT3) and blanching for 20 min (BT1), 40 min (BT2), 60 min (BT3) followed by cabinet drying. Lipase activity was measured in control and stabilized millet bran. Lipase activity of control (untreated bran) was 0.01 and it was reduced to 0.0005, 0.001, 0.0003, 0.00042 and 0.0001 in UT1, MT1, MT2, BT1 and BT2 respectively. Lipase activity was found to be nil in UT2, UT3, MT3 and BT3. Oil yield was found to be increased in stabilized bran from 10.13 % (MT2) to 10.95 % (MT3) compared to control (10.01 %). Changes in nutritional characteristics of stabilised FMB were studied. In stabilised FMB increase in protein content a decrease in moisture, ash and fiber was observed in MT3. In conclusion, microwave (MW) treatment for stabilization of FMB significantly improved the stability and oil yield. The emerging debranning and stabilizing technologies may accelerate the utilization of millet bran for industrial application
Clonal evaluation of Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq.) as a superior fodder source for ruminants
Get PDFEnterolobium cyclocarpum, a nitrogen-fixing tree belonging to the family Leguminosae, is known for its satisfactory nutritional traits, including crude fat, crude protein, crude fibre and ash content. The tree\u27s ability to resprout after coppicing and its light-demanding nature at all growth stages are notable. This study investigates the nutritional and anti-nutritional values of leaves of E. cyclocarpum clones (EC 1-6) with EC 1-4 (Bhavanisagar source), EC 5 (TNAU source) and EC-6 (Mettupalayam source). This research aims to evaluate the potential of Enterolobium cyclocarpum as a supplementary livestock feed during the lean season and involves pollarding six clones at different heights (2, 3, 4 and 5 feet) with four replications per treatment. Nutritional analysis of leaf samples from the six clones was conducted using standard methods: crude protein by Micro-Kjeldahl method, crude fibre by the Weende method, crude fat by the Soxhlet method and ether extract by solvent extraction. The anti-nutritional analysis includes the evaluation of total phenols, tannins, saponins and steroids. The study also examines inter-clonal variations across all parameters. Additionally, ICP-MS analysis was conducted to assess elemental composition. This research investigates the fodder quality and palatability of E. cyclocarpum clones, aiming to explore their potential as an alternative fodder source. By addressing the gap between fodder demand and supply, the study seeks to provide a sustainable solution for livestock feed during lean seasons. The findings indicate that E. cyclocarpum clones (EC2, 4) are excellent fodder supplements for livestock
Biochar and forests: A green solution to sustainability
Get PDFBiochar is a carbon-rich product that is produced by pyrolysis of organic biomass like forestry waste, animal manure and crop residues in low oxygen conditions using thermochemical processes like pyrolysis, torrefaction, gasification. Slow pyrolysis is most widely utilized among them due to its increased yield and carbon stability. Properties of biochar such as pH, surface area, porosity and nutrient content depend on the feedstock and production conditions. As a green and sustainable solution, biochar finds applications across multiple sectors. In forestry, it enhances soil porosity, water retention capacity, nutrient supply and microbial activity, which stimulates forest regeneration and reduces forest fire risks. In agriculture, biochar enhances soil fertility, agricultural yields, minimizes fertilizer use and leaching of nutrients. Biochar also plays a significant role in climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in soils for long periods and reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and nitrous oxide. In environmental remediation, its porous structure allows for the adsorption of heavy metals and organic pollutants from soil and water. In the energy industry, biochar is used as a solid renewable fuel or as a byproduct of syngas-producing or bio-oil producing systems. All these multi-variant uses make biochar a powerful instrument for circular economy initiatives, sustainable land management and climate action. With continued research and policy support, biochar presents a potential route toward ecological restoration and stable ecological conditions
A review on advancing agricultural practices using photogrammetric images
Get PDFPhotogrammetry is a technique that involves the extraction of geometric information from two-dimensional images (2D). It is widely utilized in various fields for the creation of digital elevation models (DEM), orthomosaics and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of landscapes. In agriculture it is applied to obtain accurate and detailed spatial data for field variability mapping. It serves as a powerful tool in modern agriculture, contributing to high throughput phenotyping, monitoring growth patterns, pest attacks and nutrient deficiencies further helping in efficient resource management and decision-making about important farming operations. Real time monitoring further enhances its applicability in agriculture through the integration of photogrammetry with other technologies like drones, artificial intelligence and remote sensing. By harnessing the power of photogrammetry, stakeholders in the agricultural sector can unlock new possibilities for precision agriculture, resource optimization and ecosystem stewardship. Totally 300 articles were collected related to the topic of review from various sources in that nearly 100 articles were used to explore about photogrammetry progression, principles and software for processing images and mainly underscores the applications that offer farmers to enhance productivity by reducing environmental impact. The potential challenges and future directions in photogrammetric applications in agriculture are also discussed, highlighting the need for continued research and innovation to address evolving agricultural demands and sustainability goals
Padina gymnospora: A promising phyto elicitor for managing cluster bean anthracnose
Get PDFCluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) is a vital leguminous crop cultivated worldwide, valued for its diverse values in culinary and medicinal uses. Despite the economic significance, the crop faces substantial yield losses due to anthracnose, a fungal disease in cluster bean incited by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. This study assesses the efficacy of different seaweed extracts in suppressing fungal growth and controlling cluster bean anthracnose under in vitro conditions. Field experiment was conducted using randomised block design (RBD) in Annamalai Nagar, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, involving eight treatments, including an untreated control group. Among the tested extracts, P. gymnospora (brown seaweed) exhibited the highest inhibition rates, ranging from 85.31 % to 86.54 % at 30 % concentration. Comprehensive field trials were conducted, wherein P. gymnospora was applied as foliar spray at 30 % concentration at 50, 70 and 90 days after planting. This application strategy substantially reduced anthracnose incidence by 30.16 %, 49.58 % and 64.45 % on 60th, 80th and 100th days, respectively. These findings strongly suggest that P. gymnospora is a potent bio agent that can effectively manage cluster bean anthracnose. This research investigation highlights the potential of seaweeds in enhancing crop yield and reducing the dependency on synthetic chemicals. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) results identified nine phytochemical compounds were in P. gymnospora, among which, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic Acid, Diethyl Ester and Naphthalene might be responsible for the suppression of the growth of C. lindemuthianum. The study also facilitates scope for the further exploitation of the seaweed based biopesticides for managing other fungal pathogens, supporting the establishment of cropping systems designed for long term resilience and sustainability