Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Cold storage warehouse dynamics in India: Growth trends, regional disparities and infrastructure gaps (2014-2023)
Get PDFThis study examines trends in the cold storage industry from 2014 to 2023, focusing on India within a global context. The global cold storage market is projected to reach $218.7 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7%. In India, the number of cold storage units increased from 6891 to 8653 during this periods, reflecting a CAGR of 2.13%, while storage capacity expanded at a CAGR 2.26%. The findings highlight significant regional disparities across India, with the Central region demonstrating the highest growth. Despite these advancements, considerable infrastructure gaps remain, particularly in the dairy (80% shortage) and fisheries (90% shortage) sectors, contributing significantly to post-harvest losses. The study emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships, government incentives, and technological innovations to address these shortages. Strengthening cold storage infrastructure is crucial for reducing food wastage, improving supply chain efficiency, and bolstering food security. Key insights highlight the need for targeted investments in underdeveloped regions and underserved sectors to optimise the cold chain, reduce losses, and support India\u27s agricultural productivity and economic growth
Quantifying the impact of land surface temperature on vegetation moisture for drought monitoring in Tamil Nadu
Get PDFDrought significantly threatens agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems, particularly in Tamil Nadu, India. This study explores the link between land surface temperature (LST) and the normalized difference water index (NDWI) to evaluate their effectiveness for drought monitoring across Tamil Nadu’s districts from 2014 to 2023. Utilizing MODIS MOD11A2 for LST and MOD09A1 for NDWI, the analysis examines the influence of temperature variations on vegetation moisture levels. The Pearson correlation analysis identified substantial spatial differences, with strongcorrelations in districts such as Perambalur, Namakkal, and Dindigul (up to 0.91), suggesting higher temperatures are closely associated with reduced vegetation moisture content, heightening drought risk. Nonetheless, weaker correlations in regions like the Nilgiris and Tirunelveli suggest that temperature exerts a lesser influence on vegetation moisture in those areas. Further quantification was achieved through linear and polynomial regression models. The linear model explained 52.7% of NDWI variation due to LST (R-squared = 0.527) and was validated as the most robust model via cross-validation. While polynomial models accounted for slight nonlinearities, they offered limited predictive improvement, confirming that a linear relationship generally describes the NDWI-LST dynamics adequately. The results indicate that LST is a valuable indicator for drought monitoring in strongly correlated areas. In contrast, additional variables like rainfall and soil moisture may be essential for accurate predictions in regions with weaker correlations. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of remote sensing for drought monitoring and emphasizes the need to consider local environmental factors to refine predictive models across Tamil Nadu’s diverse landscapes
Evaluation of the therapeutic potentials of natural compounds against Eimeria tenella hexokinase for poultry coccidiosis: bioinformatics and in-silico study
Get PDFEimeria tenella, the causative agent of coccidiosis infection, is primarily found in poultry intestines and is recognized by the formation of clotted, red droppings. It has been found that because chickens have developed a resistance to anticoccidial medications and vaccines, their use alone is no longer as effective. But as a result, researchers have been looking for different treatment approaches to manage this illness and natural products have emerged as interesting possibilities. We used binding energy studies and molecular dynamics modeling to determine the mechanistic inhibitory capability of 5 natural substances against hexokinase (HK). Comparing CPD4 (Zinc 000002111835) to other compounds, the results showed that it had the highest binding activity, with a total binding energy of -32 kcal/mol. The PRED method discovered key CPD4 moieties as well as a number of chemical interactions, including hydrogen bonds, pi-alkyl bonds and pi-anion bonds, that are important to its binding ability. As demonstrated by their consistent complementary interactions over the course of the simulation, PRO160, PHE159, SER158 and ILE240 were important contributors to CPD4\u27s effective binding activity. We suggest CPD4 as a possible lead molecule based on this study in order to address the shortcomings of the available treatment choices and encourage more experimental research towards the development of anticoccidial medications
Effect of exogenous melatonin application on the expression of Catalase, Superoxide dismutase and Menthol Biosynthesis genes in Mentha pulegium L.
Get PDFMentha pulegium L., an aromatic culinary herb, has been prevalent since antiquity for its variant pharmacological potencies. Melatonin, a versatile signalling compound, ameliorates the growth of various plants in counter to a variety of abiotic and biotic stresses via enhancing antioxidant machinery. The present survey, unprecedently, investigated the effect of exogenous melatonin application on the expression of catalase, superoxide dismutase, limonene synthase and menthol dehydrogenase. After the treatment of Mentha pulegium L with melatonin (0, 150 and 250 ?M) for 3 weeks, the expression levels of genes were evaluated by Real-time PCR. Our results illustrated that exogenous melatonin remarkably augmented mRNA expression of CAT, 5.64 and 29.22 fold changes respectively, for 150 and 250 ?M. The SOD expression was boosted by 4.11 and 19.66 fold corresponding to 150 and 250 ?M of melatonin. Also, exposure to melatonin upregulated the expression of genes that cooperated with menthol biosynthesis, Limonene synthase and Menthol dehydrogenase. 150 and 250 ?M of melatonin enhanced Limonene synthase expression by 3.10 and 17.89 folds and significant overexpression of menthol dehydrogenase was displayed for 150 and 250 ?M of melatonin, respectively by 13.80 and 23.32 times. Our findings propose melatonin can boost the oxidative stress resistance of Mentha pulegium L. by upgrading both the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant protective systems. Moreover, it elevated menthol production, which is in of demand in diverse industries, from pharmaceutical and cosmetics to tobacco and food processing
Unveiling thermosensitive genetic male sterility in rice - molecular insights and approaches
Get PDFThe application of male sterility has facilitated the commercialization of heterosis in rice, resulting in an enhanced yield and output of this staple food crop. The application of three-line hybrid rice technology is decreasing due to limited heterosis, lack of good combiner in cytoplasmic male sterile lines, poor reproducibility of hybrid seeds and limited commercial acceptance. Two-line heterosis breeding can overcome these issues. Two-line breeding allows for more diverse germplasm as parents, including any line as female and 97% of germplasm as male. Moreover, two-line breeding can lead to lower production costs. Systematic research can enable the widespread deployment of two-line hybrid rice technology. Identifying the novel genetic, molecular, and cellular factors and understanding the regulatory networks regulating male sterility in rice is vital for maximizing heterosis and ensuring global food security. In this review, we have briefly discussed the types of environment-sensitive genetic male sterility systems for two-line hybrid seed production. Furthermore, we have discussed the genetic, molecular and cellular basis for the thermosensitive genetic male sterility (TGMS) mechanism. We have provided insights on molecular and biotechnological interventions such as CRISPR and omics techniques in the TGMS system to address the existing concerns and to overcome the problems related to two-line rice breeding
A concise review on Trillium govanianum (Wall. ex D. Don) Kunth. - An endemic endangered medicinal plant from the Western Himalayas
Get PDFTrillium govanianum (Wall.ex D.Don) Kunth., also called Nag Chhatri or Teen Patra, is a member of the Melanthiaceae family (Trilliaceae). It is a threatened, endemic, perennial, angiospermic herb primarily indigenous to the Himalayas. It is extensively found in Bhutan, Nepal, the Himalayan area, Pakistan, India and China, with elevations from 2500 to 4000 meters. In traditional medicine, T. govanianum rootstocks treat abscesses, dysentery and inflammation while addressing menstrual irregularities and sexual disorders. Functioning as an antiseptic, it contributes to the healing of wounds. The plant showcases pain relief, anti-inflammatory, anticancer potential and antifungal qualities. Analysis of its phytochemical composition has identified a range of compounds, including steroids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids and fatty acid esters. Notably, the predominant active components are steroidal saponins. This review offers concise perspectives on a range of aspects such as taxonomy, origin and evolution, morphology, reproductive behavior, life cycle, geographical distribution, ecology, genetics, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, production and trading, conservation, propagation, adulteration and the utilization of T. govanianum
Supply chain and market dynamics of GI Kodaikanal Malai Poondu: A socio-economic and medicinal perspective
Get PDFKodaikanal Malai Poondu, a traditional garlic variety with deep historical roots in Tamil Nadu, is closely associated with the 3000-year-old Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple in Poombarai and was recognized by King Kulashekhara Pandyan as part of the "Vellaipoodu Kandam." This rare garlic variety is also renowned for its medicinal properties, such as boosting immunity, reducing hypertension and enhancing digestion. This study investigates the supply chain management of Kodaikanal Malai Poondu, focusing on the socio-economic status of farmers, market dynamics and key marketing practices, including handling, packaging, costs, margins and price spreads. The Udai Pareek scale assessment revealed that the socio-economic status of farmers is moderate. The compound growth rates for area, production and productivity were 4.77%, 5.07% and 0.34%, respectively, with statistical significance at the 1% level for area and production and 5% for productivity. Marketing efficiency was highest in channel II (efficiency index 4.86) in Dindigul and lowest in channel I (index 2.80) in Madurai. This study underscores the importance of targeted interventions to enhance productivity, stabilize production areas, improve supply chain efficiency and leverage the medicinal benefits of this historically significant garlic variety, ensuring its sustainability and economic viability
Phytochemical profiling and evaluation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Ipomoea alba L.
Get PDFPlant-based medicine has been one of the oldest therapeutic practices in India and continues to offer valuable treatments for various ailments. Ipomoea alba, commonly known as morning glory, belongs to the family Convolvulaceae and is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America. It is renowned for its large, fragrant, nocturnal blooms, this plant holds significant potential in traditional medicine, particularly for managing gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, and skin conditions. The nutrient content of Ipomoea alba leaves and seeds has demonstrated promising health benefits. This study investigated the phytochemical profile of Ipomoea alba leaves using three solvents: water, methanol, and chloroform. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. HPLC analysis identified the presence of phenols in the aqueous extract, albeit in small quantities. Among the three extracts,the methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, as determined by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Anti-inflammatory activity, assessed using a proteinase inhibitory assay, demonstrated that the methanolic extract showed the greatest inhibition at lower concentrations compared to the aqueous and chloroform extracts. The results suggest that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ipomoea alba may hold potential applications in cancer prevention and treatment. Future studies will aim to evaluate its cytotoxic effects, thereby exploring its potential role in cancer therapy
Responses of cereals to nitrogen deficiency: Adaptations on morphological, physiological, biochemical, hormonal and genetic basis
Get PDFNitrogen (N) is a primary macronutrient essential for plant growth and development. Global nitrogen fertilizer consumption is approximately 120 million tons, with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) ranging between 25 % and 50 %. Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer poses significant risks to the envi ronment and living organisms, highlighting the need to reduce fertilizer ap plication, improve NUE, and sustain crop productivity. Sustainable agricul tural practices emphasize minimizing fertilizer usage. Therefore, developing high-NUE crop varieties capable of maintaining yields under reduced nitro gen input is critical for ensuring food security and protecting ecosystem. A promising strategy involves investigating plant responses to varying nitro gen levels, particularly under low-nitrogen conditions. This review explores the morphological, physiological, biochemical, hormonal, and genetic changes in cereals subjected to low-nitrogen conditions. Morphological adaptations include alterations in root and shoot architecture, while physi ological responses involve enhanced chlorophyll content, leaf nitrogen lev els, and photosynthetic efficiency. Biochemical changes are characterized by increased activity of nitrogen uptake and assimilation enzymes, accom panied by hormonal shifts such as elevated auxin levels in roots. These traits provide a foundation for developing nitrogen-efficient crop varieties. Future research should prioritize breeding crops with enhanced tolerance to low-nitrogen conditions to improve NUE, grain quality, and yield potential
Production technology and optimization of inputs for soil-less maize green fodder production
Get PDFThe study on seed priming with nutrients in maize was conducted to produce soil-less maize green fodder. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with nine treatments replicated thrice. The treatments included Control (no priming), soaking seeds in water for 12 or 24 h, soaking seeds in urea (0.1% solution), Mono ammonium Phosphate (MAP) (0.1% solution) and in 19:19:19 (0.1% solution) for 12 or 24 h. To optimise the seed rate and harvesting time for soil-less fodder production, the experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications. The seed rate of 400, 500, 600, and 700 g per square foot (sq. ft.) was adopted with harvesting time treatments at 7, 8, 9, and 10 days after germination. Results showed that a seed rate of 400 g per sq. ft. produced the highest germination rate, taller plants, and higher fodder yield and dry matter production (DMP), comparable to the 500 g per sq. ft. treatment. For seed priming, seeds soaked in a nutrient solution of 0.1% 19:19:19 for 24 h had the highest fodder yield followed by 24 h of soaking in 0.1% MAP and 24 h in 0.1% urea. Harvesting at 9 days after sowing (DAS) resulted in a higher fodder yield, DMP, and crude protein. These findings underscore the significant role of research in advancing the field of soil-less green fodder production. Based on the conducted experimental studies, density rate of 400 g per sq. ft. (equivalent to 4.31 kg m-2 ) is optimal for achieving higher yields of maize green fodder in soil-less production and seed priming with 19:19:19 nutrient solution at a concentration of 0.1% for 24 h has increased the green fodder yield by 75 % over control. Harvesting green fodder at 9 DAS is recommended under a low-cost hydroponic syste