Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Enhancing defense enzymes by fungal and bacterial biocontrol agents in cabbage against head rot disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
No full textThe pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is the source of cabbage head rot disease, which causes significant economic loss in the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu. To manage the disease, biocontrol agents were isolated from the rhizosphere region of cabbage and the antagonistic properties were assessed for their capacity to control cabbage head rot under in vitro conditions. Trichoderma viride (Tv3) recorded 86% inhibition and Pseudomonas fluorescens (PfC5) inhibited 80% reduction of mycelial growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. During storage, the effectiveness of different carrier materials in maintaining the population of these biocontrol agents was evaluated. In glasshouse studies, the use of biocontrol agents in combination (Seed treatment + Soil application with (PfC5 + Tv3) + Foliar spray with PfC5) significantly recorded maximum (72.50) per cent disease reduction. Upregulation of defense genes triggered the enzymes viz., polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and phenol were accumulated in cabbage treated with fungal and bacterial biocontrol agents and reduced the head rot disease incidence in cabbage and increase the yield
Quality and NUE of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under variable planting techniques and different nitrogen levels
No full textA research experiment was conducted between Rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24 on the research farm of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab). The experiment employed a split plot design to evaluate the effects of three planting methods (2 rows per bed, cross and flat technique) and 5 nitrogen level treatments (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg/ha nitrogen). Results indicated that 2 rows/bed and cross sowing technique significantly outperformed than flat sowing in terms of quality, uptake and nitrogen use efficiencies. Additionally, chlorophyll index, nitrogen content and uptake in grains and straw, total nitrogen uptake, protein content and nitrogen use efficiencies were more in 2 rows/bed and cross sowing technique as compared to flat sowing. Regarding nitrogen level treatments, 120 and 160 kg N/ ha resulted in significantly higher quality attributes than all other treatments. The planting methods of 2 rows per bed and cross technique total nitrogen uptake by the crop increased by19.64 % and 14.71 %, 20.23 % and 15.64 % respectively during 2022-23 and 2023-24 as compared to flat sowing. Application of 160, 120, 80 and 40 kg N/ha increased total nitrogen uptake by 285.1, 246.7, 117.1 and 20.8 % in 2022-23 and by 376.7, 322.8, 174.6 and 51.1 % in 2023-24, respectively, compared to 0 kg N/ha. Agronomic efficiency and recovery efficiency were significantly more in 2 rows per bed and cross sowing technique, but physiological efficiency was significantly higher in flat sowing. Among nitrogen level treatments, agronomic efficiency and recovery efficiency were significantly higher in 120 and 160 kg N/ha but physiological efficiency was significantly higher in 40 kg N/ha than all other N levels
Phytosociology and species diversity analysis of district Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: An approach for forest conservation
No full textPlant diversity is a key component of an ecologically stable environment and plays a crucial role in regulating nutrient cycling, energy flow and overall resilience of ecosystems. This study assessed the plant diversity across 4 tehsils (Lahor, Razzar, Swabi and Topi) in district Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The objective of the study was to examine the interaction between plant communities and ecological dynamics. Also documented the plant diversity of district Swabi, identifying 173 plant species belonging to 61 families. Angiosperms were the most dominant group with 168 species, followed by pteridophytes (3 species) and gymnosperms (2 species). Diverse habitat preferences were observed, with mesic habitats hosting 57.2 % of the species. Herbaceous species were the most abundant (25.4 %), followed by shrubs (25.4 %) and trees (17.3 %). Phenological assessment showed a variety of life cycles, with perennials making up 32.3 % of the species. Albeit, identified threats such as overgrazing (23.6 %) and habitat fragmentation impacted 74 % of the species. Chorotype analysis categorized species into uni-regional (31.2 %), bi-regional (42.7 %) and pluri-regional (20.2 %) distributions, with 8.67 % exhibiting cosmopolitan characteristics. The species abundance heatmap revealed Tehsil-Topi exhibited the highest alpha diversity, while Tehsil-Lahor showed the lowest. Additionally, Bray-Curtis Dissimilarity Heatmap highlights key ecological relationships among plant species. The analysis suggests that Topi is a diverse ecological hotspot, contributing significantly to overall biodiversity in the region. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further indicates that geographical and anthropogenic influences shape plant diversity patterns. These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies to protect Swabi unique biodiversity
Stimulate drought stress tolerance by polyethylene glycol in wheat seedling by various concentrations of ascorbic acid
No full textA lab experiment was carried out to investigate the role of ascorbic acid on wheat seedling drought stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) on some physiological traits and enzyme activity. The Wheat seeds were activated using ascorbic acid in four concentrations: 0, 25, 50 and 100 mg L-1. The germination medium was treated with PEG-6000 compound to achieve 0, -0.4, -0.8 and -1.2 bar tensions. The study\u27s findings showed that the 50 mg L-1 ascorbic acid concentration provided the highest rates of wheat seed germination percentage; 99.2 %, root length; 12.30 cm, shoot length; 11.64 cm and relative water accounting for 84.75 %. Additionally, catalase and peroxidase enzymes increased most at the same ascorbic acid concentration. Also, the same concentration (50 mg L-1) improved the electrical conductivity of wheat seedling cells by recording the lowest rate of 3.53 dS/m. On the other hand, showed the lowest rates at high stress of PEG-6000 -1.2 bar when recording a germination percentage of 52.58 %, root length; 5.24 cm, shoot length; 5.79 cm and relative water content reached 56.32 %. In addition to causing the highest rise in enzymatic antioxidants for catalase and peroxidase, the same stress also had the highest rate of electrical conductivity, reaching 11.49 dS/m
Deciphering the role of sugar transport genes in modulating seed protein content in Chickpea
No full textThis study examines the impact of genes unique to sugar metabolism in regulating seed protein content by comparing them across two genotypes, FG212, 20 % (low protein content, LPC) and ICC8397, 30 % (high protein content, HPC) of (Cicer arietinum L.). Genes specific to sugar transport, which promote glycolysis and energy-intensive activities like development and stress responses, are more highly expressed in FG212 despite its low protein content. On the other hand, ICC8397 supports its high protein content by prioritising nitrogen assimilation over carbohydrate metabolism and by expressing more genes linked to nitrogen absorption, such as glutamine synthetase and nitrate reductase. The analysis revealed 17 sugar transport-specific genes, predominantly belonging to the SWEET family, with enhanced expression in FG212, these genes prioritise stress tolerance and glucose metabolism above protein synthesis. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis revealed important biological processes such as hexose transport and carbohydrate metabolism, with genes related to energy balance and sugar distribution showing differential expression. While DNA repair proteins interacted with SWEET genes, suggesting their developmental significance, interaction studies showed that SWEET transporters and transcription factors such as MYB played important roles in stress. The findings of this research are useful in breeding new chickpea cultivars with enhanced SPC and higher nutritional values
Better concentration of cue-lure and sticky trap combination for monitoring and mass trapping of melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett)
No full textFruit fly species (family: Tephritidae) are a major pest of cucurbits, leading to a significant reduction in the crop yields. Among all species infesting cucurbits, Zeugodacus cucurbitae is the major pest. Both monitoring and mass trapping of Z. cucurbitae heavily rely on ‘male annihilation technique, using cue-lure (CL) male attractant-based traps embedded with killing agents/pesticides. To evaluate the effectiveness of CL concentrations in combination with different traps against Z. cucurbitae, the following field study was conducted in a sponge gourd field during the 2023 zaid season. Among all treatments, the highest mean weekly trap catches of Z. cucurbitae (fly captures per trap per week, FTW) were recorded with 25 % CL combined with blue sticky traps (10.16 ± 0.99). Seasonal incidence studies revealed that the population exhibited fluctuations, peaking at 9.80 ± 1.29 FTW during the 17th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW), followed by a decline with occasional secondary peaks during the 20th and 27th SMW. Correlation analysis between the population and weather parameters indicated significant negative correlations with minimum temperature (r = -0.666, p = 0.004) and wind speed (r = -0.604, p = 0.013) at 5 % level of significance. These factors accounted for 44.4 % and 36.5 % of the population fluctuation, respectively. Collectively, all weather parameters influenced the population to an extent of 60.3 %. The present study provides a pesticide-free approach for the management of the melon fruit fly, after considering all the weather factors influencing the results
Genetic diversity assessment among Darjeeling mandarin accessions through fruit quality traits grown in Eastern Himalaya regions of India
No full textThis study aims to assess the genetic diversity among mandarin accessions grown in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions through the analysis of key fruit quality traits. A comprehensive evaluation of 17 orchards over two seasons (2020-21 and 2020-22) measured 18 traits, including fruit weight, volume, pulp weight and total phenol content. The results revealed considerable variation in the studied traits, with high coefficients of variation observed for total phenol content (68.2 %) and number of seeds (33.4 %). Significant correlations were identified among fruit traits, highlighting genetic factors as primary drivers of diversity, with minimal environmental influence. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis further classified the germplasm into six distinct clusters, emphasizing the genetic distinctiveness of accessions such as DL and KR. Correlation results depicts that fruit traits such as fruit weight is not associated with biochemical traits such as Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Total Phenol Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and antioxidants through 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and by Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. In other words, bigger fruit size does not necessarily have high biochemical traits. Also, huge variability exists within the mandarin accessions. These high variability, diversity and structure could be utilized for citrus breeding programme, which may be helpful in breeding varieties with high yield and nutritional properties. Thus, genetic variability provides a valuable resource for breeding programs aimed at improving fruit quality and supporting agricultural sustainability in the region
Exploring soil dynamics, microbial life and nutrient cycling in non-puddled rice: A comparative study
No full textNon-puddled rice cultivation is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to traditional puddled transplanting, particularly due to its potential to enhance soil health, nutrient use efficiency and mitigate environmental impacts. This review synthesizes recent findings from studies conducted in India and other rice-growing nations, comparing the effects of non-puddled and puddled systems on key soil properties and processes. Evidence suggests that non-puddled rice cultivation generally leads to improved soil physical properties, including increased porosity and reduced bulk density, facilitating better water infiltration and root development. These changes promote beneficial soil biota activity, enhancing nutrient cycling and availability. Consequently, non-puddled systems often exhibit higher nitrogen use efficiency by 15-20 % and phosphorus use efficiency 10-20 % thereby reducing losses and increasing overall nutrient use efficiency which further influenced to reduced fertilizer requirement. Non-puddled rice systems increase water productivity by improving soil structure and water infiltration. This enhances root growth, allowing plants to access more water. Reduced percolation and seepage losses, along with efficient water use by plants, further contribute to higher productivity. Non-puddled systems also facilitate alternate wetting and drying irrigation, reducing water consumption efficiency compared to puddled transplanted rice. Nutrient and water use efficiency, requiring lower fertilizer inputs and water, while achieving comparable or even higher yields compared to puddled rice with respect to soil physical and biological characteristics. Furthermore, the reduced flooding associated with non-puddling significantly lowers methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. This review highlights the potential of non-puddled rice cultivation to contribute more sustainable and resilient rice production systems while addressing pressing environmental concerns
Tilling by sequencing (TbS) and association analysis in EMS induced M2 population of groundnut TMV (Gn) 13 for higher oleic acid content
No full textThe present investigation was carried out in ground nut TMV (Gn) 13 to increase its oleic acid content. Its seeds were treated with EMS (ethyl methane sulfonate) at different concentration of 10 mM, 20 mM, 30 mM, 40 mM and 50 mM. Probit analysis conducted in the M1 generation revealed an LD50 value of 39 mM. Consequently, the lower (30 mM) and upper (50 mM) limits of the LD50 were forwarded to the M2 generation. Allele-specific primers were used for screening and analysis through TILLING (Target Induced Local Lesions in Genomes), utilizing Sanger sequencing. The analysis revealed mutations in the ahFAD2A and ahFAD2B genes, which are responsible for the conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid, resulting in improved oleic acid levels in 7 putative mutants. Additional analyses, such as correlation and path analysis, were conducted using 16 yield-contributing traits. The number of pods, pod width, number of primary branches and number of secondary branches showed a positive correlation with pod yield per plant. It was observed that oleic acid had a negative correlation with linoleic acid content. Choosing traits that have a stronger correlation with pod yield per plant would speed up the improvement program for groundnuts. Therefore, potential mutants in M2 with improved pod yield traits, characterized by high oleic and low linolenic levels, would be selected for advancement to the M3 generation
Influential factors in haploid embryo induction of triticale (× Triticosecale) through wide hybridization with maize (Zea mays L.)
No full textGenerating doubled haploids (DHs) is crucial for accelerating the breeding process and facilitating the creation of crop-mapping populations. Although other cultures or pollination techniques with Hordeum bulbosum have proven effective for haploid production in common wheat, similar efforts in triticale have met with limited success. Cross breeding with maize was employed to generate haploid seedlings and subsequently, fertile DHs in triticale. The current research investigates the effect of four different auxin treatments for postpollination application in triticale × maize crosses, using combinations of 2, 4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), silver nitrate and dicamba. Among the four treatments, T3 (2, 4-D + dicamba at 100 mg/L + 85 mg/L, respectively) and T4 (2, 4-D + dicamba at 100 mg/L + 100 mg/L, respectively) were the most effective in inducing haploid embryos and achieving plant regeneration. The frequencies of haploid embryo induction were 31.46% and 30.61%, while plant regeneration frequencies were 11.53% and 11.11%, respectively. Determination of the phytohormone combination and its concentration is vital to affecting haploid embryo induction in triticale (× Triticosecale). Following wide hybridization with maize (Zea mays L.) has opened new possibilities in the triticale breeding program