Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Evaluation of antimalarial potential of Artemisia nilagirica against chloroquine resistant and sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum
Get PDFMalaria represents a major vector borne global health problem. The greatest challenge in the malarial treatment is due to the increasing resistance of parasite to antimalarial drugs. The rise of drug-resistant malaria parasites is undermining the effectiveness of more potential drugs. Consequently, there is an urgent requirement for novel antimalarial compounds to manage this disease. Therefore, the current investigation is designed to analyze the antimalarial properties of Artemisia nilagirica against chloroquine (CQ) resistant K1 strain and chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain through different solvent extracts of various plant parts (root, stem, leaf and flower). Among the multiple extracts tested, the methanolic flower extract exhibited the highest antiplasmodial activity against CQ resistant K1 strain (IC50= 5.76 ?g/mL) and CQ-sensitive 3D7 strain (IC50= 6.24 ?g/mL) respectively. The lowest values of antimalarial activity were reported in aqueous extract of root against CQ resistant K1 strain (IC50= 68.83 ?g/mL) and CQ sensitive 3D7 strain (IC50= 70.02 ?g/mL). However, moderate activity was reported in chloroform, n-hexane, petroleum ether and ethanol extracts. The GC-MS investigation of methanol extracts of flower confirmed the availability of specific bioactive compounds like bicyclo (2.2.1) heptane-2-one 1,7,7-trimethyl, bicyclo (3.1.1) heptanes 2,4,6-trimethyl, 1,6- cyclodecadiene 1- methyl-5- methylene-8-(1-methyl ethyl) and 3,3- iminosprolamine, 3- methyl-3,5 (cyanoethyl) tetrahydro-4-thiopyranone which are responsible for antiplasmodial activity. The present study’s findings confirm the potential antimicrobial activity of flower methanolic extracts of A. nilagirica against CQ resistant and sensitive strains of P. falciparum
Floral phenology and standardization of hand pollination of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry)
Get PDFClove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry) has a rich history and is highly valued for its culinary and medicinal uses. However, its limited genetic diversity and tendency for self-pollination pose challenges for optimizing its cultivation in India. Hybridization becomes imperative to broaden its genetic spectrum. This study, hence, focuses on refining techniques related to floral biology, pollen management and artificial hand pollination in clove. The study revealed that anthesis in clove occurs from 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM, with peak flower opening between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM. Each flower possesses an impressive array of stamens ranging from 167 - 343 and anther dehiscence begins 36 hr before anthesis and continues until the day of anthesis. Pollen grain dimensions show a polar diameter ranging from 17.06-18.22 μm and an equatorial diameter ranging from 19.40-20.70 μm. Stigma receptivity extends from the second to the sixth day of flowering, peaking on the fifth day. Emasculation is recommended 36 hr before flower opening. Maximum pollen viability and fertility are observed 12 hr before flower opening. Thus, pollen collection for pollination is standardized at this time. Drying pollen at 50 °C and storing it at 7 °C in a refrigerator maintain maximum viability after 60 days while drying pollen at 45 °C and storing it in a desiccator ensure maximum fertility. Artificial hand pollination results in a fruit set of 28.87 %. Artificial hand pollination results in a promising fruit set of 28.87 %, underscoring its efficacy in enhancing clove cultivation
Mycoflora associated with black pepper in storage
Get PDFBlack pepper, known as the "King of Spices" and "Black gold," is a valuable spice native to India, commonly cultivated in tropical regions. However, it is prone to fungal growth and mycotoxin contamination, particularly during storage when moisture levels rise. Therefore a survey was conducted during July - December 2023, for identifying the mycoflora associated with black pepper in storage. Stored samples of the contaminated whole black pepper collected from pepper growers in 3 locations each from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Idukki and Wayanad districts (Agro ecological units (AEU) 14, 15, 16 and 20) of Kerala, India. Twelve samples collected were examined to record the symptoms, then isolate the mycoflora associated with the samples and the prevalent contaminants present in it were characterized. The average moisture content of the samples was determined and found below 10 per cent for all the black pepper samples. Sixty one isolates of different fungi were isolated from the samples collected from different locations in Kerala. 14 isolates from Thiruvananthapuram, 16 from Kozhikode, 16 from Wayanad and 15 from Idukki were isolated from mouldy black pepper berries. Cultural and morphological studies of the 61 isolates were carried out and the isolates includes Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Syncephalastrum sp., Mucor sp., Colletotrichum sp., Helminthosporium sp. Among the contaminants, one of the isolates of Aspergillus sp. observed from most of the samples collected was subjected to cultural, morphological and molecular characterization. Major contaminant associated with black pepper at storage was identified as Aspergillus flavus
Pulse crops as effective living mulches: An eco-conscious weed management approach
Get PDFThe evolution of weed management strategies from basic cultural techniques to novel, integrated approaches reflects technological advancements that promise further improvements in weed management strategies, fostering more efficient and eco-friendly farming practices. Using legume crops as living mulches for weed suppression has gained considerable attention in agricultural systems. This method involves strategically planting leguminous cover crops as intercrops to inhibit weed growth and improve soil health, potentially boosting crop yields through reduced weed pressure and enhanced nutrient availability. The successful implementation of living mulches requires careful selection of crop species, optimal planting density, and appropriate management practices. Choosing compatible legumes, optimizing planting geometry and employing suitable termination methods are essential for maximizing the weed-suppressing and soil-enhancing benefits of living mulches. The efficacy of intercropping systems in controlling weeds largely depends on intercrop components\u27 growth rate and duration. Weed management strategies rely on understanding plant interactions, including the competitive ability of main crops at various growth stages to inhibit weed expansion. While intercropping shows promise for enhancing crop dominance over weeds, weed control efficiency varies among different intercrops due to factors affecting the intercrop-weed relationship. Smallholder farmers find this practice appealing for improving labour productivity and land use through intensification and resource utilization for maximum yield. Research on developing genotypes suitable for weed suppression and studies on combined herbicide applications and optimal dosage determination for effective control of mixed weed flora is necessary. The shift towards integrating pulse crops as a cornerstone in weed management strategies presents a promising avenue for research and application. The comparative analysis underscored in this review showcases the capacity of legumes to offer a viable alternative to synthetic herbicides and mechanical controls, paving the way for their increased adoption in diverse farming systems
Comparative analysis of seed dormancy breaking methods in Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L.
Get PDFSeed dormancy is a significant challenge that hinders the successful germination of Sesuvium portulacastrum, a halophytic species with promising applications in phytoremediation and coastal stabilization. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of several dormancy-breaking treatments on the germination of S. portulacastrum seeds. The treatments assessed include potassium nitrate, sulfuric acid, manual scratching, hot water treatment and gibberellic acid (GA?) in promoting the germination of S. portulacastrum seeds. Each treatment was applied to seeds and germination rates were monitored to determine effectiveness. The results revealed that the treatment with concentrated sulfuric acid for 2 min significantly enhanced germination rates compared to the other methods tested. This method outperformed the others, highlighting its potential as an effective protocol for overcoming dormancy in S. portulacastrum. The findings of this research provide important insights into optimizing germination protocols for this species, which can contribute to its broader use in environmental applications, particularly in restoring degraded coastal areas and improving soil stability. By breaking seed dormancy effectively, S. portulacastrum can be utilized more effectively in restoration projects aimed at addressing environmental degradation and enhancing ecosystem resilience. Overall, this study underscores the importance of understanding and manipulating seed dormancy to promote the use of halophytic species in ecological restoration efforts
Adaptability of exotic crucifers in Indian agro-environments: A comparative study in Hyderabad and Coimbatore
Get PDFThe Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) family comprises many cultivated plants; however, only cabbage and cauliflower are extensively cultivated in India. Numerous crops from this family remain exotic and uncommercialized within the country despite their successful cultivation in other regions. This study evaluates the adaptability of four exotic cole crops; red cabbage, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, and pakchoi grown under polyhouse and open-field conditions in Telangana (Hyderabad) and Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore) to assess their performance across diverse environmental conditions. The results indicated that head initiation occurred earlier in Hyderabad’s open fields, whereas in Coimbatore, all crops except Chinese cabbage were initiated earlier in polyhouses. In Hyderabad, red cabbage reached head maturity sooner under protected conditions, while the other crops matured faster in open fields. InCoimbatore, red cabbage and broccoli matured faster in polyhouses, while the remaining crops were harvested earlier in open fields. In Hyderabad, broccoli and Chinese cabbage demonstrated superior head attributes in polyhouses, whereas the other crops performed better in open fields. In Coimbatore, all crops showed improved head attributes under polyhouse conditions. In terms of yield, in Hyderabad, red cabbage yielded 7.90 Kg and Chinese cabbage 5.15 Kg, performing better in open fields, while broccoli and Pakchoi yielded more in polyhouses. In Coimbatore, red cabbage yielded 7.75 Kg, broccoli 6.20 Kg, Chinese cabbage 6.30 Kg, and pakchoi 7.25 Kg, all favoring polyhouse cultivation. This study highlights the potential to increase the commercial viability of exotic crops and enhance food diversity and sustainability in Indian agriculture
Optimizing land configuration and weed management practices for enhanced productivity of pigeon pea
Get PDFA field investigation was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to evaluate the effects of various land configurations and weed management practices on the productivity of pigeon pea. The study aimedto identify the most effective land configuration and weed management strategy to optimize pigeon pea growth and yield. The experiment comprised 15 treatment combinations arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. It included 3 land configurations (L1- flatbed, L2- ridges and furrows, L3- broad bed furrow (BBF)]. 5 weed management practices were tested: [W1- weedy check, W2- two-hand weeding at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS), W3- pre-emergence pendimethalin at 0.75 kg active ingredient ha-1 followed by hand weeding at 30 DAS, W4- pre-emergence pendimethalin at 0.75 kg active ingredient. ha-1 followed by early postemergence imazethapyr at 60 g active ingredient ha-1, W5- pendimethalin at 0.75 kg active ingredient ha-1 followed by power weeder at 30 DAS followed by post-emergence quizalofop ethyl at 50 g active ingredient ha-1). The results indicated that, in comparison to ridge and furrow (L2) and flatbed (L1) layouts, the BBF (L3) configuration significantly reduced weed biomass and density. This configuration achieved superior weed control efficiency (WCE) and weed control index (WCI), resulting in enhanced crop growth and yield. Among the weed management practices, W5 (pendimethalin at 0.75 kg active ingredient ha-1 followed by power weeder at 30 DAS and post-emergence quizalofop ethyl at 50 g active ingredient ha-1 ) proved the most effective. It significantly reduced weed population and biomass while promoting robust crop growth. In conclusion, pigeon pea grown under the BBF (L3) configuration, combined with the integrated weed management (IWM) strategy of W5, recorded the highest crop growth and yield. This combination effectively improves pigeon pea productivity by integrating appropriate land configurations with efficient weed management practices
Strategic agronomic interventions for leaf yield and quality improvement in moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) under high density planting system
Get PDFMoringa leaves are rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins, and soluble fiber, making them an ideal dietary supplement for addressing undernourishment, as well as iron and vitamin A deficiencies. The presence of high concentrations ofpotassium, iron, calcium and magnesium and natural antioxidants are particularly beneficial for pregnant mothers and young children. The current study carried out in 2021 and 2022, sought to standardize crop geometry and harvesting heights to enhance leaf biomass and quality in moringa under high density planting system (HDPS). The research trial employed four different spacing configurations, incorporating single-row and double-row triangularplanting at both wider and closer spacing and included three harvesting heights. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. Observations on growth parameters, physiological traits and yield characters were recorded at each harvest. Leaf quality parameters were analyzed in dried moringa leaf powder. Pooled results indicated that doublerow triangular planting with narrower intra-row spacing, combined with a 45cm harvesting height, yielded substantially higher fresh and dried leaf yields of 42.76 t/ha and 7.83 t/ha, respectively. This treatment also produced superior leaf quality parameters, attributed to enhanced growth, physiologicalresponses and yield outcomes, leading to greater economic returns through enhanced fresh leaf yield
A review on way towards mechanized castor cultivation
Get PDFCastor (Ricinus communis L.) is an important non edible oil seed crop which is known for its oil content (48–60 percent) and it accounts for 0.15% of the global production of vegetable oil. In recent years, farmers have preferred castor cultivation due to its suitability for both rainfed and irrigated conditions. But the farmers face many challenges, which includes labour scarcity, pest incidence, high input and labour costs, inadequate market information, etc. Due to a significant labour shortage, the area under this crop is gradually decreasing. The high reliance on human labour which leads to the incompletion of various agronomic operations on time. In these circumstances, the cultivation of castor by adopting various mechanization techniques for critical operations such as field preparation, sowing, fertilizer application, weeding, irrigation, crop protection measures and harvesting will be the solution for getting higher productivity and profitability by spending minimum expenses. Adapting mechanization is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals by enhancing production through timely farm operations, minimizing losses and reducing operational costs through efficient management of expensive inputs
Phenotypic, physiological and molecular changes of some wheat varieties under drought stress
Get PDFWater stress poses a significant challenge to wheat production, adversely affecting both field productivity and grain quality in the face of climate change and diminishing water resources. It reduces vegetative growth and disrupts physiological processes, which negatively impact yield components like grain size and protein content. Consequently, selecting drought-tolerant varieties is critical for enhancing resilience in arid regions. This study examined ten wheat varieties belonging to the genus Triticum aestivum L. (Abba 99, Adna 99, Baraka, Bohooth 10, Bohooth 22, Jihan 99, Bora, Dijla, Sham 6 and Wafia) under three water stress levels: 0 MPa (S0), -1.48 MPa (S1), and -2.95 MPa (S2) using polyethylene glycol (PEG6000). Phenotypic traits measured included plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, wet and dry weight, along with chlorophyll content. Real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to assess the expression of SOD and BADH-1 genes. Results indicated that Adana 99 exhibited significant drought resistance, recording the highest measurements in plant height (35 cm), leaf area (15.50 cm²), stem diameter (1.80 mm), wet weight (0.80 g), dry weight (0.55 g) and total chlorophyll content (45.85 and 48.14) at 15 and 30 days, respectively, under S2. The SOD gene expression peaked at 8.57 in S2, an eightfold increase from S0. Similarly, BADH-1 gene expression was recorded at 8 in S2, also an eightfold increase. In contrast, Baraka and Wafia showed the lowest expressions for the SOD (0.001) and BADH-1 (0.002) genes under S2, negatively affecting their phenotypic and physiological traits. These findings underscore the importance of selecting drought-resistant varieties for sustainable productivity under harsh environmental conditions