Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Implications of different dormancy-breaking treatments to enhance the germination of Turkey berry seeds (Solanum torvum Swartz)
Get PDFSolanum torvum, known as turkey berry, holds significant potential in introgression breeding, grafting technology, pharmaceuticals, and nanotechnology. However, the dormancy issue in Solanum torvum seeds must be addressed to utilize its potential fully. Various dormancy-breaking treatments, such as hot water soaking, scarification, stratification, and chemical and hormonal treatments, were applied at different concentrations and durations to enhance seed germination. Among the treatments, gibberellic acid at 1500 ppm for 24 hours showed the highest germination rate of 99 %. It also improved other seedling quality parameters, including root length (1.9 cm), shoot length (3.8 cm), dry matter production (3.9 g), vigour index I (574), vigour index II (386), and speed of germination (8.7). The findings from this study provide valuable insights into improving the germination of Solanum torvum seeds, which are crucial for their seed production and effective use in agriculture
Evaluation of key undesirable morphological traits in Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) hybrid progenies
Get PDFSugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a key tropical crop grown mainly for sugar production and biofuel. Continuous improvement in sugarcane breeding is critical for developing high- yielding, stress-resistant varieties that address evolving agricultural and industrial demands. Although breeding programs typically focuses on desirable traits, studying undesirable traits is equally crucial to mitigate their negative impact on yield, quality and overall crop performance. This study evaluates undesirable morphological traits in sugarcane, specifically focusing on cane pithiness, growth cracks, leaf sheath adherence and hairiness within hybrid progenies. These traits negatively impact sugarcane quality and yield, posing challenges for breeding programs aimed at developing high-performing and resilient varieties. A total of 1,203 clones were assessed in clonal selection I across 27 parental combinations. A standardized scoring system was utilized to quantitatively evaluate pithiness and growth cracks, revealing distinct variations among parental genotypes. Leaf sheath adherence strength was determined through manual detachment tests, while hairiness was classified based on trichome presence. Key findings from the progeny evaluations identified parents such as Co 86032, ISH 100, Co 11015, ISH 69, Co 97015 and Co 98010 as consistently producing progeny with reduced pithiness and minimal growth cracks. Conversely, genotypes like CoV 89101, CoH 13, MS 68/47, CoC 671, CoH 70 and ISH 229 were associated with higher frequencies of undesirable traits. By refining hybridization strategies and focusing on specific parental combinations, this study aspires to enhance breeding efficiency, reduce the occurrence of inferior clones and ultimately improve the economic sustainability of sugarcane production
Effect of plant growth regulators for yield enhancement in finger millet under drought stress
Get PDFFinger millet (Ragi) is considered as wonder millet because of its high nutritive and therapeutic values. Drought is a major abiotic stress which limits the crop production and yield potential of finger millet. Considering the yield losses faced by the farmers during drought condition, foliar application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) is widely used to improve the physiological response that might lead to rapid changes in phenotype of the plant and enhancing the production of crops. Finger millet is less efficient in partitioning of assimilates and has low actual yield potential even as a C4 crop. To address these issues, experiments were conducted for improving the partitioning efficiency and yield. Hence, an experiment was conducted to mitigate the drought in finger millet through PGRs. The stress was imposed during flowering stage in the finger millet variety CO15 where different kinds of PGRs viz., Brassinosteroid, Salicylic acid and Chlormequat chloride were used in this experiment. After imposing the treatments, physiological, biochemical and yield traits were recorded. Foliar spray of 0.3 ppm brassinosteroid and 100 ppm salicylic acid exhibited superior performance for improving the osmotic potential, reduces the membrane lipid damage, better chlorophyll pigments, nitrate reductase activity and improved antioxidant system which leads to mitigate the negative impacts of drought in finger millet
Determinants of the adoption of biological control agents in Andhra Pradesh
Get PDFThis study, conducted in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, India, in 2024, explored the factors influencing farmers\u27 adoption of biological control agents (BCAs). Kurnool, an agriculturally significant region, was divided into four clusters: Kallur, Pathikonda, Kodumur and Panyam. A total of 120 farmers were selected using a convenience sampling method, chosen due to logistical constraints and the exploratory nature of the research. Data were gathered through semi-structured household interviews and supplemented by key informant discussions to provide additional context. The study examined adoption of BCAs as the dependent variable, with independent variables including age, gender, education, primary occupation, farming experience, farm income, farm size, training and membership in agricultural organizations. Analysis using a forward stepwise logistic regression model identified farm size, annual income and training as significant positive factors influencing awareness and adoption of BCAs. Results showed that 25 % of the sampled farmers were using BCAs. Key barriers to adoption included a lack of knowledge, reliance on chemical fertilizers due to entrenched agricultural practices, high costs and limited access to credit. To address these challenges, the study recommends implementing targeted education programs, enhancing access to affordable credit and fostering cooperative networks and public-private partnerships to strengthen collaboration between farmers and agricultural organizations. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive policy measures to support sustainable agricultural practices through the promotion of BCAs
Impact of Rabi maize in paddy fallow through farmers’ participatory adoption
Get PDFMaize is a staple food grain in the eastern Himalayas of India, traditionally grown only during the Kharif seasons using local cultivars. The cultivation of Rabi maize is a relatively new concept in the hills; however, favourable agro-climatic conditions offer potential for higher economic returns and proper utilisation of paddy fallow. A study was conducted in the adopted cluster villages (05 villages), Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, covering a 15-hectare area, using a participatory approach to investigate the adoption of improved maize cultivars during the Rabi season. The results showed that DA 61 A and RCM 75 had promising growth and yield performances (5.2-5.8 green cob MT/ha). Prior to intervention, all the respondents grew only local varieties, and the growing seasons were mainly Kharif (76.67 %) and Zaid (23.33 %), with none cultivating during the Rabi season. In the post-intervention period, most respondents partially adopted Rabi maize cultivation technology, with a 60.0 % overall adoption level. Partial adoption was mainly due to a preference for high-value vegetables (ranked first at 100 %) and non-availability of varieties (96.67 %). The highest gross return, net return and benefit-cost ratio were recorded in improved cultivars (DA 61A and RCM 76). A negative correlation (r = -0.547*) was observed between disease incidence and Rabi maize yield. Adoption of Rabi maize cultivars shows promise for enhancing the socio-economic status and livelihoods of participating farmers
Influence on yield and quality traits of strawberry cv. Flamenco by nano chitosan, encapsulated PGPR bio capsules and T. harzianum bio capsules
Get PDFThe present investigation was conducted during 2023- 24 and 2024- 25 to evaluate the influence of nano chitosan, encapsulated Plant Growth- Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) bio- capsules and Trichoderma harzianum bio- capsules on the quality and yield traits of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Flamenco, under subtropical conditions. Treatments comprising soil- drenching applications of Nano chitosan, PGPR and T. harzianum individually and in combinations demonstrated significant improvements in biochemical and yield parameters. The three- way combination treatment T8- Nano chitosan 100 ppm + T. harzianum 200 ppm + PGPR 200 ppm recorded the highest enhancement in ascorbic acid (59.32 mg/100 g), total soluble solids (11.85°Brix), total sugar (9.64 %), TSS: acid ratio (13.31), total anthocyanin (31.10 mg/100 g), total flavonoids (33.92 mg/100 g) and total phenol content (77.04 mg GAE/100 g), accompanied by superior yield performance (18.19 fruits per plant, 199.99 g fruit yield per plant). PCA revealed that the first two components accounted for 98.88% of the total variation, with PC1 alone explaining 98.01%. PC1 was positively associated with total soluble solids (0.998), total sugars (0.997), sugar:acid ratio (0.999), total phenol content (0.979) and fruit yield per plant (0.998) and negatively associated with titratable acidity (-0.988) and ascorbic acid (-0.955). Treatment T8 exhibited the highest PC1 score, indicating its effectiveness in improving both biochemical quality and yield traits
A sustainable approach to enhancing fruit production and quality through seaweed based biostimulants
Get PDFFruits play a crucial role in human nutrition by providing essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber, which support overall health and help prevent chronic diseases. Although India, being the second-largest fruit producer globally, but faces significant challenges in fruit production, including environmental stress, postharvest losses and the adverse effects of chemical-intensive agriculture. The increasing demand for sustainable farming solutions has led to the exploration of biostimulants, particularly seaweed-based formulations, which enhance plant growth, nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. Seaweed extracts are rich in bioactive compounds such as phytohormones, amino acids and antioxidants. The role of seaweed based biostimulants in modern agriculture is significant, as they positively impact on soil health, plant metabolism and on improving fruit yield, quality and resilience to abiotic stresses, environmental sustainability. Additionally, the application of seaweed extracts in fruit crops, particularly grapes, apples and citrus, has shown promising results in enhancing yield, improving fruit quality attributes and mitigating stress-related damages. The seaweed at 1 g/L was treated as a foliar treatment that can boost the anthocyanin content, increasing the yield and number of berries in grapevine Vitis vinifera L. The foliar application of seaweed extract at 4 mL/L increases the mineral nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, iron and zinc in the leaves of mango Mangifera indica L. The integration of seaweed biostimulants with precision agriculture techniques further strengthens their role in sustainable farming. Future trends in biostimulant research focus on developing cost-effective, environmentally friendly formulations with enhanced bioactivity. This study underscores the significance of seaweed-based biostimulants as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, contributing to improved agricultural productivity while ensuring ecological balance. By adopting such innovative solutions, the agricultural sector can enhance fruit production efficiency, minimize losses and promote long-term sustainability in horticulture
Navigating the green shift: An analytical study of consumer behaviour towards eco-friendly packaging in Coimbatore city
Get PDFThis study investigates the Indian market’s consumer preferences and awareness regarding eco-friendly packaging materials. The primary objective of eco-friendly packaging is to minimize pollution even after its useful life has ended. On the other hand, sustainable packaging has a broad scope, considering the entire life cycle to ensure socioeconomic socioeconomic and environmental sustainability. Although eco-friendly packaging is becoming increasingly important, research has been conducted on Indian consumers\u27 preferences and awareness, particularly regarding the barriers to adoption and the variables that influence it. This article focuses on consumers\u27 constraints and factors influencing purchase decisions and interests across different product categories through convenience sampling of 200 respondents. Four major factors that influenced preferences were identified by factor analysis: consumer awareness and social influence, consumer well-being and accessibility, consumer purchase driver factors and corporate reputation and ethical factors. The major hindrance to adoption was found to be price, followed by issues with durability and limited usefulness. The results inferred that, particularly for food and beverage consumers are becoming more conscious and inclined towards eco-friendly packaging materials. Businesses, lawmakers and marketers can use these insightful findings to establish strategies that effectively encourage the adoption of eco-friendly packaging
An in-silico study of garlic extract compounds targeting DNA gyrase in Staphylococcus aureus
Get PDFThe study used in silico molecular docking and in vitro validation to assess the antibacterial efficacy of bioactive compounds derived from garlic (Allium sativum) against Staphylococcus aureus. With a binding energy of -7.4 kcal/mol, Allicin had the greatest binding affinity among the studied chemicals to DNA gyrase, creating three hydrogen bonds with residues Tyr122, Asp81 and Ala68. Mostly engaged in hydrophobic interactions, Ajoene followed with a binding energy of -7.0 kcal/mol. Comparatively to 24.0 ± 0.3 mm for ciprofloxacin, in vitro studies showed a concentration-dependent antibacterial activity with a maximal inhibition zone width of 20.0 ± 0.6 mm at 50 mg/mL extract concentration. Garlic extract\u27s minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) came out to be 25 mg/mL. At the highest measured dose, the extract also reduced 85 % of DNA gyrase activity, thereby approaching the 95 % inhibition threshold of ciprofloxacin. These findings imply that garlic extract-especially Allicin-has great potential as a natural antibacterial agent aiming at bacterial DNA replication machinery
Exploring agricultural entrepreneurship through marketing channel analysis: Evidence from GI-tagged Kodungallur snap melon
Get PDFThis study evaluates the marketing efficiency of three distinct marketing channels for Kodungallur snap melon, a GI-registered indigenous cultivar from Kerala, India. Using an ex post facto research design with data collected from 60 snap melon farmers and 15 market intermediaries through random sampling, the research assessed marketing costs, margins, price spreads and efficiency. The findings reveal that marketing channel III (producer → retailer → consumer) demonstrates the highest marketing efficiency with a value of 2.72 using Shepherd\u27s method and 1.61 using Acharya and Agarwal\u27s method. A majority (61.66 %) of the farmers adopted organic production methods, which resulted in better price realization and higher marketing efficiency compared to inorganic practices. Producer\u27s share in consumer\u27s rupee was highest in channel III (63.33 %), followed by Channel II for organic produce (54.83 %). These findings highlight the economic advantages of shorter marketing channels and organic production practices for snap melon farmers, providing valuable insights for enhancing agricultural marketing systems and farmer incomes in the region. Furthermore, the results offer critical perspectives not only for optimizing marketing strategies but also for strengthening agribusiness prospects and fostering agricultural entrepreneurship development within the GI crop sector