Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Effect of coconut consortia on coconut basal stem rot disease
Get PDFCoconut is an important plantation crop in India. Many diseases severely impact coconut trees in the current climate change scenario, declining the vigor and yield of palms and deteriorating the quality of nuts on the trees. Basal stem rot caused by Ganoderma spp. is one of the most destructive diseases of coconut. Ganoderma can endure an extended period in the soil as a soil-borne pathogen. Chlamydospores are formed under unfavourable conditions, helping the pathogen\u27s survival and spread of the disease. Rain and irrigation water also contribute to the spread from one field to another. This study assessed coconut consortia\u27s efficiency in combating the basal stem rot disease at the field level. The experimental trial was conducted at Tittuvillai village of Thovalai panchayat, Kanyakumari district, from 2021–2022 to 2023–2024 for three consecutive years with four treatments and seven replications. The palms exhibiting the typical symptom were selected, and the experiment was started in 2021. A total of 28 palms displaying basal stem rot symptoms were randomly selected for the experiment. Four treatments were imposed, and the details of treatments include T1: Drenching of Coconut consortia (TNAU Cococon) @ 2 liters/palm along with application of mycorrhizae @ 100 g/palm at quarterly interval, T2: Drenching of Coconut consortia (TNAU Cococon) @ 2 litres/palm and root feeding with hexaconazole (0.2%) at quarterly interval, T3: Drenching of Bordeaux mixture 1% and T4: Control (Untreated). Among the four treatments, soil drenching of coconut consortia (TNAU Cococon) @ 2 liters/palm followed by root feeding with hexaconazole (0.2%) at quarterly intervals effectively reduced the disease index from 21.74 to 15.96 and enhanced nut yield from 67.14 to 90.00 nuts per palm per year in three years under field conditions
Impact of silicon fertilization on crop growth, productivity and nutrients enhancement in rice: A review
Get PDFSilicon (Si), constituting around 27.7 % of the Earth\u27s crust by weight, is the second most abundant element after oxygen (47 %). While not considered essential, silicon is beneficial for crop growth, especially for Poaceae family crops. Intensive cultivation or continuous mono-cropping of cereals like rice depletes soil silicon levels, which may lead to decreased rice yields. Rice can absorb and accumulate silicon metabolically, a trait not common in many upland crops. Beyond boosting rice yields, silicon offers multiple benefits, such as enhancing nutrient availability (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn), reducing nutrient toxicity (Fe, Mn, P, Al) and mitigating biotic and abiotic stress in rice. Sufficient silicon also stabilizes rice plant culms, reducing lodging risks. Thus, silicon is crucial for plant growth and improving rice productivity at the agronomic level. This review focuses on the relationship between silicon and rice crops, their interactions with other elements and strategies for managing silicon in soils and plants to sustain rice productivity
Effect of cinnamon aqueous extracts on hyperglycemia in diabetes-induced wistar rat model
Get PDFDiabetes mellitus is considered the epidemic of the century. Although various treatments for diabetes are available, the development of effective novel treatments based on medicinal plants is not yet recognized. Therefore, this study focused on the ability of Cinnamomum verum to lower blood glucose levels in Wistar rats suffering from diabetes. The cinnamon bark extract was prepared by sonication in water for one hour. Wistar rats (weight 180-220 g) were kept alternately in the dark and the light for 12 hours, with a standard diet and constant water supply. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (STZ), and the diabetic rats were divided into groups (6 rats/group), which were treated with cinnamon and metformin for 42 days. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured at regular intervals. After 42 days, the rats were sacrificed, and blood was collected by cardiac puncture to measure fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, lipid profile, renal function, and liver function tests. In the cinnamon-treated group, the mean FBG (IQR) at baseline and four weeks after treatment were 310 (256 -352) mg/dL and 119 (105-147) mg/dL, respectively (p = 0.02). However, no significant difference in insulin resistance and lipid profile was observed. The biochemical tests, hematological analysis, and histopathological examinations showed that the 42-day treatment with cinnamon had no significant adverse effects on kidney, liver, and bone marrow function. It can be concluded that the aqueous cinnamon bark extracts effectively improve hyperglycemia without adversely affecting the liver, kidneys, or bone marrow
Extended distribution of two orchids in Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalaya, India
Get PDFHere we present extended distribution of two orchid species in Himachal Pradesh. In India, Calanthe trulliformis King & Pantl. was previously restricted to the eastern Himalayan region, is now documented for the first time in the western Himalayas. Additionally, Neottia longicaulis (King & Pantl.) Szlach., earlier recorded from Uttarakhand and Sikkim, is now reported from Himachal Pradesh based on collections from Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kangra. Our findings include a detailed description, a photoplate, a locality map and comprehensive notes on these species\u27 habitat, phenology, and distribution
Exploring genetic variability, diversity and trait associations in sunnhemp (Crotolaria juncea L.) accessions for yield improvement
Get PDFSunnhemp (Crotolaria juncea L.) is an important fibre crop known for its rapid growth and ability to improve soil fertility, making it a vital component of sustainable agriculture. However, to enhance its productivity and meet the increasing demand for high-quality fibre, it is crucial to identify and utilize genetically diverse genotypes with superior yield traits. The present study was conducted at the Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu, during the Kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022 to assess genetic variability and character association for yield and its component traits among 67 sunnhemp genotypes. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, were conducted using R software to dissect the phenotypic diversity among the genotypes. The results revealed substantial genetic variability for yield and its associated traits, indicating a promising potential for genetic improvement. Genotypes ADSH 1750, ADSH 1701, ADSH 1736, ADSH 1715, and ADSH 1742 exhibited superior performance in key yield-related traits, making them valuable candidates for future breeding programs focused on developing high-yielding, high-fibre varieties. Cluster analysis delineated four distinct clusters, with Clusters I and IV showing significant divergence and highlighting the presence of unique genetic material. Key plant production traits such as plant height, leaf breadth, basal stem diameter, yield, and number of leaves were the primary contributors to the first two principal components. These findings suggest that direct selection based on these traits could effectively improve biomass yield in future sunnhemp breeding efforts, contributing to the advancement of sustainable fibre crop production
Anatomical traits and volatile compounds of acetone extract from Kaempferia champasakensis
Get PDFKaempferia L. is a genus belonging to Zingiberaceae family, with many species used in indigenous medicines in Asian countries. Kaempferia champasakensis Picheans. and Koonterm. are rare species found only in Laos and Vietnam. The aim of this study was to provide the micro-morphological traits and the volatile compounds of the acetone extract isolated from K. champasakensis for the first time. Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) assay, twenty-three volatile components were identified in the studied extract, among which tyranton (22.41%), 9(E), 11(E)-conjugated linoleic acid (18.58%), palmitic acid (15.32%), phytol (9.95%), 3-hexen-2-one (6.91%), cis-vaccenic acid (6.04%) and beta-sitosterol (4.74%) were the major compounds. In addition, using the iodine green-carmine double staining method, the micro-morphological traits of the leaf, root tuber, root and rhizome of K. champasakensis were first demonstrated. These results provided the standardization and classification of K. champasakensis, which can be applied in the pharmaceutical field and other related areas
Silver nanoparticles green synthesized using leaf extract of Piper spp. reduce Phytophthora capsici infection in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
Get PDFBlack pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is vulnerable to the devastating disease foot rot caused by the oomycete, Phytophthora capsici. Green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts provides an eco-friendly and economical method for plant disease management. Leaf extracts from 2 genotypes of pepper plants - one susceptible to foot rot disease (P. capsici) - Piper nigrum and the other, resistant - Piper colubrinum, were used for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). These green synthesized AgNPs were characterized and evaluated for their anti-oomycete effects against P. capsici and ability to suppress foot rot disease in black pepper. UV Spectroscopic analysis confirmed typical absorption characteristics of AgNPs, while field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed sizes ranging from 39 to 69 nm for both samples. In vitro poisoned food assay demonstrated that the green synthesized AgNPs at 500 and 750 ppm showed highest inhibition on the mycelial growth of the pathogen. Among the treatments, 71% and 77% inhibition in mycelial growth of pathogen was observed with 500 ppm and 750 ppm of Pn-AgNPs respectively and 65% and 73% inhibition in growth of mycelia of pathogen with 500 ppm and 750 ppm of Pc-AgNPs respectively. Copper oxychloride at 0.2% completely inhibited mycelial growth. In a detached leaf assay with black pepper variety Panniyur-1, significant reduction in lesion development was observed on leaves treated with the green synthesized AgNPs compared to those treated with commercial AgNPs and chitosan nanoparticles. No lesion developed on leaves treated with 750 ppm concentration of green synthesized AgNPs. Leaf extracts were ineffective in disease suppression and pathogen growth. Mild symptoms were observed on leaves treated with the biocontrol agent (Pseudomonas fluorescens, 2%), while no symptoms were found on leaves treated with the fungicide. Spraying of AgNPs green synthesized using leaf extracts of pepper genotypes reduced foot rot disease incidence in susceptible pepper genotype P. nigrum, efficiently. Green nanotechnology for foot rot management can benefit farmers by providing an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution that reduces dependency on chemical fungicides and minimizes environmental impact
Integrated pest management strategies for the invasive orchid blossom midge (Contarinia maculipennis Felt.)
Get PDFOrchid blossom midge (Contarinia maculipennis Felt.) is a tiny Cecidomyiid fly that infests cut flowers such as orchids, jasmine, and tuberose. As a small insect, the midge can adapt to various environments, evolving new survival strategies, including overcoming climatic barriers. Midge has recently been identified as a major pest for cut-flower cultivators, posing substantial harm, especially to tuberose, reducing their attractiveness to customers. Inorchid farms, it infests and damages the flower buds of Dendrobium, especially during the early stages, resulting in substantial yield loss. Abiotic conditions, in conjunction with orchid species, facilitate midge\u27s access to its host plants; yet gaps in comprehending these relationships have impeded research. A major concern is its infestation within flower buds, which has prompted scientists to prioritize management strategies. Despite efforts toward sustainable management, controlling this pest remains a challenge. This review covers the host range, geographic distribution, molecular taxonomy, biology, seasonal occurrence, the influence of lunar phases on adult emergence, volatile studies, and various approaches for managing the orchid blossom midge
Digital database and mapping of pulse crops in the temperate areas of Jammu region
Get PDFPulses are environmentally friendly, low in fat, calories, and salt, and rich in resistant starch, dietary fibre, minerals, and vitamins. They can thrive under stressful conditions and are often referred to as the "poor man\u27s meat". With their low glycemic index, pulses help regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for diabetes management. Additionally, they contribute to environmental sustainability by requiring less water and synthetic fertilizers, than other crops, while enhancing soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Incorporating pulses into diets supports human health and promotes environmental sustainability, underscoring their importance in addressing food security and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. India leads global pulse production, contributing 25% to the total pulse production. In the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) region, 12,955 acres and 5,938 hectares are reportedly dedicated to pulse cultivation. According to digital database mapping, 98% of respondents in the study area cultivated Rajma, followed by black gram (79%), green gram (76%), horse gram (21%), French bean (19%), and red lentil (15%). The study revealed that all respondents used farmyard manure as a nutrient source, though application rates varied across regions and crop types. Hand weeding was the preferred weed control method across all farms. The findings also highlight a strong preference among farmers for organic farming over conventional methods, with many advocating for the increased promotion of organic practices. This research explores the current state of pulse production technologies, identifies limitations affecting their cultivation, and strategies to enhance productivity
A comprehensive review of virgin coconut oil: Extraction methods and diverse applications
Get PDFThe extraction of virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a critical process that yields premium oil from fresh coconut meat. Renowned for its numerous health benefits and wide-ranging applications in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, VCO has attracted a lot of interest. Traditional cold pressing methods coexist with modern techniques such as centrifugation and enzyme-assisted extraction. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks that influence the quality of the end product. To optimize VCO production and maintain its superior quality, it is crucial to understand the extraction procedure, including key factors like acidity, colour, scent, moisture content, and fatty acid composition. Rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), particularly lauric acid, VCO exhibits potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties, offering significant health and wellness benefits. VCO has diverse industrial applications. It serves as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical formulations, a base oil in cosmetics, a cooking oil, and a component in variousfood products. It unique combination of nutritional and functional qualities makes it an ideal choice for manufacturers seeking natural and sustainable ingredients. This review focuses on the production methods, physiochemical properties, health benefits, and industrial applications of VCO extraction