Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Carbon sequestration potential of Casuarina equisetifolia plantations at harvest age in tropical region of India
Get PDFStudying the carbon stock of tree plantations is essential for mitigating climate change, as trees act as carbon dioxide sinks by fixing carbon during photosynthesis and storing excess carbon as biomass. With a significant emphasis on the role of carbon in global warming, Afforestation/Reforestation (A/R) activities have the potential to provide a “sink” for carbon from our atmosphere and act as a reservoir. In current study, the sequestered carbon dioxide from atmosphere by Casuarina plantations was calculated and converted into carbon by a particular plantation using the globally accepted formula developed by the IPCC. Simultaneously, the soil organic carbon of the particular Casuarina plantations was also estimated. Finally, the carbon stock of Casuarina equisetifolia plantations were estimated under different management practices. The various management practices like pruning, irrigation and fertilizer application also improves the carbon sink potential of the tree plantations. The mean carbon concentration ranged from 41% (leaf litter) to 46% (wood) in the different components of Casuarina equisetifolia. The plantations recorded a carbon accumulation of 9.12 Mt C ha?¹ year?¹ in biomass components alone at the harvest age of 3 years in the tropical region of Tamil Nadu, India. Proper management practices in tropical regions worldwide have the potential to further enhance carbon stocks in plantations. This data will be ready reckoner for future Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects for controlling global warming
Corticolous crustose lichens in Pangasinan, Philippines, including one new country record
Get PDFCorticolous crustose lichens are one of the understudied groups of lichens in the Philippines due to the limited research and insufficient taxonomical knowledge among these taxa. This study extends the inventory of corticolous crustose lichens in western Pangasinan, Philippines, specifically in Alaminos city tree park, an area established in local reforestation efforts. Morphological, anatomical, and chemical characterizations were done to identify the lichen species. Character and character states of the ascomata, hymenium, exciple, ascus, ascospore, and lichenic acid were examined. Moreover, a provisional dichotomous key was created. This survey identified ten lichen species across five families. The crustose families were Arthoniaceae, Coenogoniaceae, Graphidaceae, Malmideaceae, and Trypetheliaceae. The species identified were Coniocarpon cinnabarinum, Coenogonium geralense, Carbacanthographis albolirellata, Diorygma confluens, Graphis furcata, Graphis lineola, Malmidea subgranifera, Nigrovothelium inspersotropicum, Sarcographa labyrinthica, and Trypethelium eluteriae. The Graphidaceae family has the highest number, with four species, followed by Trypetheliaceae, with two species. The Arthoniaceae, Coenogoniaceae, and Malmidaceae families have only lichen species each. Notably, Carbacanthographis albolirellata represents a new distribution record for the Philippines. The richness of corticolous crustose lichen species in Alaminos City Tree Park is relatively low. Nevertheless, the one newly recorded species in the Philippines added valuable insights to the limited lichen research
Preharvest melatonin application on enhancing quality and extending shelf life in papaya
Get PDFPapaya is an important fruit crop, and its cultivation has gaining importance in recent times due to its high economic returns . However,due to its climacteric behaviour and high perishablility, the shelf life of papaya after harvest is very limited. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of preharvest melatonin applications at different concentrations – 0.5 mM, 1.0 mM, 1.5 mM, and 2.0 mM, along with a control treatment (water spray) on enhancing postharvest quality and prolonging the shelf life of papaya. Among these, the applications of melatonin at 1.5 mM, administed 15 days before harvest, was found to be the most effective in extending the shelf life of papaya by significantly delaying changes in quality parameters. This treatment also resulted in increased antioxidant enzymes activity, improved fruit firmness, delayed ripening enzyme activity, and reduced weight loss. Papaya fruits harvested from trees sprayed with 1.5 mM melatonin exhibited a firmness of 6.37 kg/cm2 under ambient storage and and 6.26 kg/cm2 under cold storage, compared to 5.54 kg/cm2 and 5.33 kg/cm2, respectively, for control fruits. Additionally, total soluble solids (TSS) levels in fruits from the 1.5 mM melatonin treatment were recorded as 12.90 ºB under ambient storage and 13.50 ºB under cold storage, compared to 15.00 ºB and 15.40 ºB, respectively, for control fruits. In conclusion, preharvest melatonin application at 1.5mM effectively delayed postharvest senescence, enhanced fruit quality, and reduced postharvest losses in papaya. This approach could significantly improve market access and industrial adaptability, benefiting both producers and consumers
Multi-trait selection indices for identifying elite rice genotypes in rice breeding programs
Get PDFRice (Oryza sativa L.) serves as a staple food for nearly half of the global population, with rising demand necessitating significant advancements in productivity. Traditional selection methods that focus solely on yield often fail to account for the complex interplay of agronomic and grain quality traits. The integration of multiple selection indices in breeding enhances efficiency by simultaneously evaluating important traits, aiding in informed decision-making, balancing desirable traits, and accelerating the development of high-performing varieties. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of various multi-trait selection indices, namely the Multi-Trait GenotypeIdeotype Distance Index (MGIDI), Genotype by Yield and Trait biplot (GYT), Linear Phenotypic Selection Index (LPSI), and the Elston Index, in identifying elite rice genotypes for breeding programs. A total of 110 genetically diverse rice germplasm lines were evaluated using a randomized block design during the Rabi season of 2023–24. Key agronomic and grain quality traits were assessed, with statistical analyses, including ANOVA and correlation studies, conducted to interpret the result. Among the indices, MGIDI demonstrated the highest selection gains (16.9%) for yield, while other indices demonstrated variable efficiencies across different traits. Traits such as the number of grains per panicle and productive tillers exhibited positively correlations with yield, whereas negative selection for plant height and days to maturity posed challenges. Notably, genotypes BMDK-2-2-8-2, JR 13, A 67, and CR 4376-1-1-1-2-2-1 were consistently selected across indices, reflecting their superior trait performance across multiple traits. Combining several indices improves the breeding process by enabling the selection of genotypes with traits such as nutrient-use efficiency and drought tolerance, thereby improving rice yield under challenging conditions, such as lowfertility soils or drought stress. These findings highlight the importance of multi-trait indices in optimizing genetic gains and improving breeding efficiency. Notably, MGIDI emerged as the most effective tool, providing a comprehensive approach to integrating traits, making it indispensable for rice breeding programs
Rootstock mediated enhancement of abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in acid lime (Citrus aurantiifolia)
Get PDFThe study aimed to evaluate the performance of different rootstocks for acid lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) under salinity and nematode stress, focusing on their impact on plant growth and biochemical parameters. Grafted combinations involving acid lime (PKM 1) scions with rangpur lime and wood apple rootstocks were tested for salinity tolerance and resistance to Tylenchulus semipenetrans. The study, conducted from 2023 to 2024 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, HC & RI, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, utilized varying sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations to simulate salinity stress and nematode inoculation for biotic stress evaluation. Results indicated that the R5 combination (acid lime PKM 1 scion grafted onto rangpur lime) exhibited the highest salinity tolerance, evidenced by better chlorophyll retention, membrane stability, and enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase. Similarly, T3 (acid lime PKM 1 scion grafted onto wood apple) plants demonstrated improved nematode resistance, marked by higher leaf phenol content and peroxidase activity, as well as a reduced nematode population. These findings suggest that grafting onto rangpur lime and wood apple rootstocks strengthens the physiological and biochemical mechanisms in acid lime, enabling better adaptation to environmental stresses. This study provides suitable rootstock options for enhancing acid lime productivity in areas impacted by nematode and salinity problems
Comparative therapeutic efficacy of Olea europaea L. leaf extract and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in ameliorating streptozotocin-induced hepatic and splenic damage in pregnant Rats: Mechanisms of antioxidant and anti-apoptotic protection
Get PDFMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells with remarkable plasticity, enabling them to differentiate into various tissue-specific cell types. MSCs play a pivotal role in tissue repair, hematopoiesis and immunomodulation. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the protective effects of olive leaf extract (OLE), bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and their combination against hepatic and splenic toxicity in a rat model of gestational diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of liver and spleen tissues were conducted to assess these effects. Methods: Pregnant female rats were divided into five groups (n = 10 per group): Control group: Rats received STZ at a dose of 35 mg/kg body weight. OLE group: Rats were administered olive leaf extract (OLE) at 200 mg/kg body weight. GD + OLE group: Rats with STZ-induced gestational diabetes (GD) were treated with OLE (200 mg/kg body weight). GD + MSCs group: Rats with STZ-induced GD were treated with BM-MSCs. GD + OLE + MSCs group: Rats with STZ-induced GD were treated with both OLE and BM-MSCs. Results: STZ administration induced significant histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations in the liver and spleen tissues of pregnant femal rats. Treatment with OLE, BM-MSCs, or their combination markedly ameliorated these STZ-induced deteriorations, with the combined treatment showing the most pronounced protective effects. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that both BM-MSCs and OLE exert protective effects against hepatotoxicity and splenic toxicity in a rat model of gestational diabetes. The combination of OLE and BM-MSCs exhibited synergistic benefits, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents for mitigating organ damage in gestational diabetes
Influence of nitrogen levels and weed management treatments on weed growth and yield of direct seeded rice (DSR) in the central plains of Punjab
Get PDFRice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important staple food of the Indian population. The huge infestation of both paddy and non-paddy weeds in direct-seeded rice and poor knowledge of weed management results in low yields in DSR. This was the major drawback resulting in farmers\u27 poor adoption of this technology, as uncontrolled weeds lead to more than 95 % crop yield losses. Considering the facts as mentioned above, The present study was conducted at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab (India). The field trials were designed in the Split Plot Design during 2022 and 2023. Different nitrogen levels viz., 0 kg/ ha, 120 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha and 175 kg/ ha were included in the main plots and four weed management treatments in the subplots viz., pendimethalin followed by bispyribac, brown manuring with pre-emergence. The experiment included the application of pendimethalin followed by bispyribac, brown manuring followed by bispyribac and unweeded (control)". Among the nitrogen levels, maximum paddy yield was observed at 175 kg N/ha, which was found to be at par with 150 kg N/ha. Both these treatments were superior to 125 kg N/ha and 0 kg N/ha. Among weed management treatments, pre-emergence application of pendimethalin followed by post-em. bispyribac recorded significantly higher yield than all other weed management treatments. The higher yield in pre-emergence pendimethalin followed by post-emergence bispyribac treatment may be due to better control of paddy and non-paddy weeds. Also, application of preemergence pendimethalin followed by bispyribac in the brown manuring treatment significantly increased paddy yield compared to its no application of pendimethalin
Genetic variability, frequency distribution and association analysis for high phenolic content in F2 population in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Get PDFThis study assessed genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance as percentages of the mean, skewness, kurtosis, and trait relationships across nine quantitative and nutritional traits in an F2 population developed from the CO51 × Mikuruvai cross. Traits such as the number of productive tillers per plant and single plant yield demonstrated high genotypic and pheno- typic variation, substantial heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. These findings highlight the role of additive gene action and underscore the potential for effective selection. Significant positive skew- ness for these traits further highlighted their potential for genetic improve- ment. Single plant yield demonstrated strong positive correlations with plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length, kernel length, kernel breadth, length-to-breadth ratio, and 1000-seed weight, iden- tifying these as critical traits for yield enhancement. Furthermore, ten trans- gressive segregants were identified that surpassed the recipient parent CO51 in yield and the donor parent Mikuruvai in total phenolic content. These results provide a scientific basis for selecting superior genotypes and contribute to breeding programs to develop high-yielding rice varieties with enhanced nutritional quality
Impact of mechanization with improved technologies on germination and crop stand indices of foxtail millet (Setaria italica)
Get PDFMinor millets encompass more minerals and nutrients than other food grains. They are being cultivated in limited areas due to poor yielding ability and lack of improved technologies (pelleting, sowing methods, land configurations and supplemental irrigation). Mechanization has been adopted intensively by the farming community, for the last two decades for most of the crop production activities. In minor millet production, mechanization has not been adopted notably and there was no strong evidence for mechanization under the minor millet production system. The present research study assessed the establishment (germination, plant population, seed vigour index, seedling height and root length) of minor millet (Italian millet) under mechanization coupled with improved technologies. The strategies included Pelleting (PS) and Non-pelleting (NPS), land configurations (RF-Ridges and Furrow; CB-Compartmental Bunding; BBF-Broad Bed Furrow; FB-Flat Bed) sowing methods (DS-Drone Sowing; LS-Line Sowing and SDS-Seed Driller Sowing) and irrigation methods (MSI- Modified Surge Irrigation; RG-Rain Gun) for evaluation. A Randomized Block Design with three replications was used for the experiment layout during the Rabi season of 2023 and 2024. Observations were made and data subjected to ANNOVA and t-test. The results revealed that treatments IT-1, (FB+PS+DS+RG) recorded (P<0.05) significant higher germination per cent (48.67 %), plant population (88.40/m2), lower cost of sowing (Rs. 2100/-) and IT-7, (CB+PS+DS+RG) observed higher number of leaves (4.14), seed vigour index (2784.49), seedling height (7.03 cm) and root length (12.50 cm). Treatment IT-3, (BBF+PS+SDS+RG) registered (P<0.05) significant lower germination per cent, plant population, number of leaves, seed vigour index, seedling height and root length, registered treatment
Advancements in sunflower genomics: Navigating the Biotech revolution for crop improvement
Get PDFSunflowers are a staple crop in global agriculture, with significant production in temperate and semi-arid climates. The cultivated sunflower is notable for its diverse chromosomal configurations and its historical cultivation by Native American tribes. Recent advancements in sunflower genomics have revealed a complex and extensive genome, offering insights into traits critical for breeding, such as oil content, disease resistance, and environmental resilience. Genomic studies have also illuminated the pathways governing drought tolerance and fatty acid composition,improving the breeding of sunflowers tailored to specific agronomic and nutritional needs. Identifying genes associated with disease resistance, particularly against the parasitic weed broomrape, highlights the potentialof genomics in safeguarding crop productivity. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of sunflower genomics in shaping the future of crop improvement and agriculture