Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Biological control of greenhouse whiteflies (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) using indigenous Pseudomonas spp.: An eco- friendly approach
No full textSoil deterioration and environmental degradation caused by harsh chemical pesticides have led to the search for suitable alternatives that can not only control pests but also promote plant growth. Pseudomonas spp. has been exploited immensely for its biocontrol and plant growth promotion attributes. This study isolated 5 indigenous bacterial strains from eight rhizospheric soil samples from Shimla and Sirmour districts of Himachal Pradesh and further screened them for traits such as siderophores production and hydrolytic enzyme (amylase and protease) activity. Screening data of isolates showed production of siderophores (19.56%), amylase (50%) and protease (71.73%). The strain EU- SIRCK1243 was positive for all three traits and was tested for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production yielding 2.03±0.30 ?g/mL (with tryptophan) and 4.23±0.17 ?g/mL (without tryptophan). It was molecularly identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and evaluated for bioefficacy against Trialeurodes vaporariorum (greenhouse whitefly) on tomato plants over two years (2022-2023). The average adult population declined with overall percent reductions of 54.11% in 2022 and 62.04% in consecutive year 2023. In case of nymph populations the overall, reductions was 59.13% in 2022 and 62.20% in 2023. The plant growth and physiological parameters after treatment with EU- SIRCK1243 showed significant increase in shoot and root lengths, fresh, dry biomass, yield and chlorophyll content as compared to control. It is suggested that the strain EU-SIRCK1243 is a promising biocontrol agent for greenhouse whitefly and an effective plant growth promoting bacterium. In future deliberation, the better development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bioproducts could be emphasized
Harnessing non-thermal technology for preservation and decontamination of fresh produce: A comprehensive review
No full textExtending the storage duration without microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables using advanced and efficient scientific methods has been a significant research focus and practical concern. Non-thermal technology like cold plasma, irradiation, Ozone treatment, UV-light treatment, Pulsed light treatment, and Ultrasound treatment is one of the most efficient and eco-friendly ways to improve significantly the preservation of these perishable items, among other strategies. The applications of non-thermal technology in fruit and vegetable storage encompass tasks such as decreasing pesticide residues, sterilizing, and inactivating enzymes, as well as examining their impact on physicochemical properties. Moreover, it demonstrates that judicious utilization of non-thermal techniques has been validated to effectively prolong the storage lifespan of postharvest fruits and vegetables while maintaining their quality. This comprehensive review explores the potential of non-thermal technologies for preserving and decontaminating fresh produce. It examines the efficacy of high-pressure processing, pulsed electric field, ultraviolet irradiation, cold plasma, irradiation, and ultrasound in microbial inactivation, nutrient retention, and sensory quality. Additionally, the review evaluates the economic feasibility, environmental impact, and practical applications of these technologies in the fresh produce industry
The role of LED lighting in enhancing post-harvest fruit and vegetable quality
No full textImproper handling practices often aggravate post-harvest losses in horticultural produce. Due to ethylene production, climacteric fruits have a short shelf life, which triggers ripening and senescence. Traditionally, post-harvest preservation has relied on chemical methods, which can pose health risks. In contrast, Light-Emitting Diode (LED) treatment has emerged as an effective, residue-free alternative to conventional light sources for maintaining the quality of fruits and vegetables during storage. LED treatment has enhanced the accumulation of important phytochemicals such as vitamins, chlorophyll, total soluble solids and carotenoids in fruits and vegetables. It also leads to changes in anthocyanin, carotenoids, phenols and flavonoids. These beneficial effects are linked to the interaction of LED light with plant physiology, which can help regulate ripening, improve nutritional content and control microbial growth. Combining different LED wavelengths at varying intensities during post-harvest storage has been found to promote fresh produces’ nutritional value, slow` ripening and reduce pathogenic microbial load. While research on using LEDs for post-harvest quality preservation is still in its early stages, initial findings are promising. This review examines the applications of LED treatment in preserving the post-harvest quality of fresh horticultural produce, highlighting its role in extending shelf life, maintaining nutritional value and reducing post-harvest losses
Characterization of bioactive compounds from Saraca asoca and their antibacterial activity against fish pathogens in Oreochromis niloticus
No full textSaraca asoca, known for its therapeutic properties in Ayurveda, is the focus of this study, aiming to identify and quantify the bioactive compounds in its leaf extract using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The study also investigates the antibacterial efficacy of methanol, ethanol and acetone extracts of S. asoca against fish pathogens in Oreochromis niloticus like Vibrio alginolyticus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Aeromonas hydrophila through the well-diffusion method. GC-MS confirmed the presence of compounds such as 3- hydroxy biphenyl, n-hexa decanoic acid, oleic acid, octadecanoic acid, 4,5-diethyl octane and 9-tetradecen-1-ol. In contrast, FTIR spectra revealed several significant peaks, indicating the presence of specific functional groups in the S. asoca leaf fraction. The results exhibited high absorbance in the wavenumber ranges of 4000–3500 cm-1, 3000–2500 cm-1, 1800–1500cm-1 and 1100–950 cm-1. The findings of the antibacterial assay suggest that the methanolic extract exhibited a strong inhibitory effect against bacterial pathogens, with zones of inhibition ranging from 6 ± 0.21 to 18 ± 0.57 mm in size. These results indicate that S. asoca leaf extract contains bioactive compounds effective against the pathogenic bacteria in O. niloticus, supporting the growing shift towards reducing antibiotic use in aquaculture
Phytochemical profiling and molecular characterization of different Adenium genotypes
No full textAdenium obesum, or desert rose, is a member of the Apocynaceae family and is highly valued in horticulture for its ornamental appeal and resilience in container cultivation. The current study employed Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers to explore the genetic diversity of 20 distinct Adenium genotypes. ISSR markers help to identify genetic differences by targeting repeating DNA regions across the genome and they are easy to use, cost-effective and do not require prior genome information, making them useful for studying diversity in many types of organisms. In this study, ISSR analysis revealed a high level of polymorphism (81.51 %), demonstrating significant genetic variability. A total of 206 loci were identified using 25 primers, showcasing the genetic richness of the Adenium species. The genetic relationship between the genotypes was further analyzed through the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), a clustering technique that grouped the genotypes based on their genetic similarities, revealing clear genetic differentiation and confirming the robustness of ISSR markers in genetic diversity studies. In addition to the genetic analysis, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis of the ethanolic leaf extracts of Adenium obesum revealed the presence of 30 bioactive metabolites, including commonly identified compounds such as vitamin E, phenol, phytol and n-hexadecanoic acid. These results identified several bioactive compounds with potential medicinal properties, underscoring the pharmacological significance of the plant. Overall, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of ISSR molecular markers in both genetic evaluation and the identification of bioactive compounds in Adenium species
Evaluating the effect of controlled-release atrazine formulations on weed suppression, crop growth and yield in Maize (Zea Mays L.)
No full textWeed infestations significantly threaten agricultural productivity, particularly in maize cultivation. To enhance weed control efficiency through a sustainable approach, it was aimed to design a moisture-triggered herbicide release system using biodegradable polymers. Atrazine was used as a model herbicide in the protocol developed. The pot culture and field experiments were conducted, including nine treatments with three replications in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and Randomized Block Design (RBD) respectively. The treatments comprised three atrazine-loaded hydrogel formulations (A, B and C) at rates of 1.5 and 1.2 kg a.i. ha-1 (active ingredient per hectare), a commercial atrazine formulation, a weed-free check and an absolute control. The pot and field validation results revealed that atrazine formulations (C) at both rates exhibited higher weed control efficiency due to increased active ingredient concentration. The higher values of all growth and yield parameters were reported with application of formulation (C) @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1. The higher grain and stover yields of 6444 and 14397 kg ha-1, was reported with the application of formulation mix (C) @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 among the herbicidal treatments. In contrast, the application of commercial atrazine resulted in lower weed control efficiency, growth and yield, likely attributed to leaching potential and pre-emergence-only application. The study highlights the potential benefits of atrazine-loaded formulations for efficient weed control in maize cultivation, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced crop productivity
Seasonal incidence of sugarcane white grub at Tamil Nadu, India
No full textSugarcane, a vital commercial crop, faces significant pest pressure from white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). It is an emerging problem especially in Tamil Nadu, where it causes severe damage to sugarcane production. This study aimed to assess the distribution, seasonal incidence and damage caused by white grubs in six districts of Tamil Nadu (Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Dharmapuri, Namakkal, Trichy and Thanjavur) during 2023-2024. The survey focused on larval population dynamics and correlated them with weather parameters. Roving surveys in four districts, where significant infestations were noted, showed that larval population peaks occurred in the 37th and 35th Standard Meteorological Weeks (SMWs) of 2023 and 2024 respectively. Larval damage per clump peaked at 79.67 % (37th SMW) in 2023 and 73.66 % (33rd SMW) in 2024, with the highest damage observed in Tiruvannamalai (79.88 %) in 2023 and Kallakurichi (76.13 %) in 2024. A significant positive correlation found between larval population and maximum temperature (r = 0.193 to 0.973 across districts) and a negative correlation with rainfall. For adult beetles, the maximum mean population of 105.49 adults/trap/week was recorded in the 24th SMW at Tiruvannamalai, with a general emergence starting from the 15th SMW (April). A significant positive correlation was observed between adult emergence and rainfall (r = 0.647 to 0.898) and minimum temperature (r= 0.456 to 0.743). Conversely, maximum temperature showed a negative correlation with adult emergence. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and enabling timely interventions to mitigate crop damage
Effect of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination and seedling growth of Enterolobium cyclocarpum under nursery condition
No full textThe ear pod tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) is a multipurpose tree species (MPT), native to tropical America and is an essential tree for sustainable land use practices. There are a wide range of goods and services that they offer. It is widely grown for its rapid growth, fixation of atmospheric nitrogen and for the large number of the diverse uses to which it is put, such as soil amendment and fodder production. Improving seed germination for the nursery propagation of Enterolobium cyclocarpum was studied at the Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Seed structure and germination traits; and seedling growth were studied. Produce of different sources exhibited a significant variation of the seed weights. The best methods to increase germination rates were hot water exposures of 12 hrs followed by acid scarification for only 10 minutes. Enterolobium cyclocarpum is a potential useful MPT for agroforestry, based on it’s potential to environmentally sustainable and economically viable for farmers in nutrient deficient or degraded soils. The results underscore the importance of MPTs to the adoption of sustainable methods of farming and food and feed production considering shortage.
The therapeutic and preservation potentials of palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.) in its edible and non-edible forms
No full textThe palmyrah tree often called the "tree of life" or the "toddy palm”. Thriving in equatorial climates particularly in South and Southeast Asia, it remains essential to the lives of millions, even as modernization and changing lifestyles progress. Palmyra exhibits remarkable resilience to harsh environments and diverse applications make it an invaluable resource for sustainable development and conservation. Leaves, spadix, inflorescence, fruit, seed, haustorium and roots of the palmyrah tree provide unique therapeutic benefits. The leaves relieve arthritis, while the inflorescence helps soothe heartburn. Neera (the sap) is effective in healing ulcers and the fruit reduces fevers. Additionally, the bark decoction serves as an effective mouthwash and the roots are known for treating respiratory illnesses. The haustorium, particularly when harvested in the 12th week, contains beneficial chemicals identified through Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, such as Hydroxymethylfurfural (19.45 %) and 4H-Pyran-4-one (1.45 %). These compounds aid in treating anemia and sickle cell disease while also exhibiting antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Similarly, the tuber contains compounds like Linalool (2.97 %), Terpinen-4-ol (1.0 %) and α-Terpineol (3.8 %), identified through GC-MS analysis, which provide antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial effects. Beyond its medicinal value, the palmyrah tree significantly contributes to the production of value-added products, including palm sugar, high fiber tuber flour. Further current work explores various methods for extending the shelf life of palmyrah-derived products, enhancing their availability and promoting sustainable development
Targeted editing of rice genome for enhanced yield: Progress and prospects
No full textRice is a staple food grain and its yield has undergone two major leaps, first during the 1960’s through improving the harvest index by introducing semi-dwarf trait and secondly through the introduction of hybrids during the 1980’s. However, yields have plateaued in the past decade, even as the growing population necessitates doubling rice production by 2050. Hence, genetic enhancement of yield potential in rice has become mandatory in rice-breeding programs, which can be achieved by mining novel yield genes from wild species, manipulating photosynthetic traits (e.g., C4 rice), or creating novel alleles through targeted mutagenesis. The available genome of the Nipponbare rice genome and the 3K Rice Genome Project have identified beneficial alleles and valuable accessions for breeding. Progress towards C4 rice highlights the need for photosynthetic trait manipulation to improve yields. However, the labor and time required stimulate breeders towards new technologies like genome editing. The CRISPR system offers a simpler, faster method to alter desired traits, with numerous candidate genes for grain yield. Rice, with its relatively small genome and strong synteny with other cereals, serves as an ideal model for the development of novel gene editing technologies. This review unveils an up-to-date investigation of rice genome editing for yield-related traits, with a focus on recent advancements, emerging trends and future directions to address the key challenges and opportunities in enhancing rice productivity. Future advancements in CRISPR-based multiplex editing, epigenome engineering and AI-driven predictive breeding will accelerate rice yield improvements, ensuring sustainable production to meet global food security demands by 2050