Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Chemo-geographical variations in volatile profiles of Mentha longifolia (L.) populations from Iran
No full textMint (Mentha) has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is a key species in the Lamiaceae family, with seven varieties found in the Iranian flora. Despite its extensive use in conventional medicine, limited research has focused on the detailed chemical profiling of this species in specific ecological contexts. This study investigates the essential oil composition of M. longifolia ecotypes naturally growing in the northwest region of Iran, highlighting the species\u27 chemical diversity and its potential applications in pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), 20 compounds were identified, accounting for 92.82 % to 100 % of the total oil composition. The main compounds were polegune (7.18-52.23 %), menthone (10.18-32.54 %) and piperitenone oxide (0.77-16.01 %). Additionally, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, two isomeric triterpenes with recognized therapeutic potential, were quantified in the ecotype samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.17-8.07 mg/g and 0.24-2.94 mg/ g, respectively. At a 50 % similarity, the essential oil properties were classified into two sub-clusters: Cluster I, which mainly consisted of six ecotypes and Cluster II, which included two. Cluster analysis revealed two subgroups of ecotypes based on their essential oil profiles, suggesting environmental factors may influence the chemical composition. The findings underscore the significant variation in bioactive compounds among M. longifolia ecotypes and provide valuable insights for selecting and cultivating chemotypes with enhanced medicinal or aromatic properties. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on M. longifolia and supports its broader application in natural product development and sustainable agriculture
Fertigation studies on physiological parameters and yield attributes in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt)
No full textA field experiment was conducted to study the influence of fertigation of N, P and K fertilisers along with micronutrients on the physiological parameters of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans. Houtt) variety Vishwasree at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Nutmeg is a neglected spice and needs special attention to boost its yield. The present study proved that the fertigation of water-soluble fertilisers could enhance the yield. The fertigated plants especially with water-soluble fertilisers along with micronutrients were better in physiological states at vegetative, flowering and fruit development stages of crop growth than plants fertilised through conventional methods. Among the treatments, a 100% recommended dose of fertilisers as Water- Soluble Fertilisers (WSF) along with micronutrients through drip irrigation increased the physiological parameters viz., specific leaf weight, maximum up to 4.7 mg cm-2 at the fruit development stage, total chlorophyll content, maximum up to 2.6 mg g-1 in the vegetative stage and declined towards maturity stage, nitrate reductase (9.7 NO g-1 h-1) up to the flowering stage, IAA oxidase (41.4 ?g g-1 h-1) at the fruit development stage and maximum peroxidase activity at the fruit development stage (3.28 at 430 nm min-1 g-1) for both the seasons. The results revealed that the seed yield (1326.00 and 1357.20 kg ha-1), mace yield (552.24 kg ha-1 and 561.60 kg ha-1), pericarp yield (12158.91 kg ha-1 and 13136.58 kg ha-1) were higher under the fertigation treatment with 100% water-soluble fertiliser along with micronutrients. This field experiment clearly proved that fertigation plays a major role in increasing the quantitative and qualitative yield
Foraging ecology and evaluation of pollination potential of native pollinators of Chayote in Tamil Nadu, India
No full textChayote, Sechium edule (Swartz) is cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world as an important vegetable crop. The chayote flowers are monoecious, produce separate male and female flowers at different internodes within the same plant. Chayote crop relies on pollinators, mainly bees and other insects like butterflies, wasps and beetles for successful fruit production. The reduction in the service provided by the pollinators results in low fruit set and inferior quality of fruits. Many domesticated bee colonies are required to provide complete pollination services if native pollinators are deficient in Chayote cropping system. An experiment was conducted in 2024 at the farmers\u27 field at Karumandurai in Salem district to compare the foraging activity and pollination efficiency of native dominant pollinators and domesticated pollinators. The results revealed that the foraging activity of Apis cerana indica (Fabricius) began at 0600 hr and ceased by 1400 hr. Tetragonula iridipennis (Smith) commences foraging at 0800 hr and stops it by 1500 hr. T. iridipennis spent an average of 26.2 sec in male flowers and 166.0 sec in female flowers, while A. cerana indica spent less time per flower with 9.7 sec in male flowers and 13.8 sec in female flowers. The maximum fruit set of 24.71 fruits/plant was obtained in a stingless bee pollination plot followed by an open pollination plot (24.42 fruits/plant). The pollinator exclusion plot (control) recorded no fruit set.
Antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects of Salvia tingitana in rats
No full textSalvia tingitana (S. tingitana) is a medicinal and aromatic plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family with several medicinal properties. Secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, polyphenols and tannins, were identified through phytochemical analysis of the aerial parts of S. tingitana. In addition, pharmacological investigation revealed this plants’ antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities. This study aimed to investigate the antihypertensive and vasorelaxant activities of the aqueous extract of S. tingitana (AEST) in normal and L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats by assessing its effects on heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean blood pressure (MBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The study further investigated the vasorelaxant effect of AEST on isolated rat thoracic aorta and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. As a result, AEST significantly lowered SBP after single and repeated oral administration in normal rats without affecting MBP, DBP and heart rate. Interestingly, after repeated oral AEST administration, arterial blood pressure parameters (SABP, DBP and MBP) significantly decreased in hypertensive rats. The vasorelaxation effect induced by AEST in aortic rings was mediated through numerous pathways involving calcium channels, nitric oxide synthase, muscarinic receptors and inward-rectifying potassium channels. In contrast, the pretreatment with methylene blue, glibenclamide, indomethacin and propranolol did not significantly alter AEST-induced vasorelaxation. The study showed that AEST exhibits a significant antihypertensive effect in L-NAME-rats and exhibits vasorelaxant properties in rat aortic rings via mechanisms involving calcium channels, nitric oxide synthase, muscarinic receptors and inward-rectifying K+ Channels. Interestingly, many further studies on the structure-activity relationship of S. tingitana are needed to explain the mechanisms of action that have been revealed
Safety of some biopesticides towards ladybird beetles and rove beetle on cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.)
No full textField trials were conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, SOADU, Binjhagiri, Khurdha, during the rainy season of 2022 and winter of 2022-23 to evaluate the safety of five biopesticides on predators in cowpea crops. Four species of ladybird beetles and one species of rove beetle (Paederus fuscipes Curtis) were observed. Among the ladybird beetles, Coccinella repanda Thunberg was the predominant species, accounting 43.84% of the total population, followed by Cheilomenes sexmaculata Fab. (31.51%), Micraspis discolour Fab. (15.07%) and Brumoides suturalis Fab. (9.59%). The treatments included Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (16000 i.u./ mg) at 1.0 Kg/ha, Beauveria bassiana (108 cfu/g) at 2.5 Kg/ha, Metarrhizium anisopliae (108 spores/g) at 2.5 Kg/ha, Lecanicillium lecani (108 cfu/g) at 2.5L/ha, azadirachtin (300 ppm) at 2.5 L/ha, chlorantraniliprole (18.5% active ingredient) at 0.25 L/ha (chemical check) and an untreated control. All the biopesticides proved to be safe for ladybird beetles and the rove beetle. B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki was the safest, recording only 3.94% and 3.40% reductions in ladybird population five days after application during the rainy season of 2022 and winter of 2022-23, respectively. It was followed by B. bassiana (6.35% and 4.45% reduction), M. anisopliae (8.97% and 7.33% reduction), L. lecani (10.28% and 8.90% reduction) and azadirachtin (19.04% and 26.96% reduction). A similar trend was observed in rove beetle, with respective reduction of 5.07% and 3.79%, 5.67% and 4.92%, 6.87% and 6.06%, 7.76% and 6.82% and 17.31% and 26.14%
Advancements in breeding for waterlogging tolerance in sesame: Challenges and strategies
No full textSesame, the queen of oilseed crops, exhibits drought tolerance and has evolved to thrive in dry tracts. It is susceptible to waterlogging; even two to three days of waterlogging results in a sharp decline in yield. Evolving waterlogging-tolerant sesame varieties is the most cost-effective approach to sustain sesame production under changing climatic conditions. Breeding for waterlogging tolerance in sesame is gaining momentum due to its significant impact on crop yield and quality. Recent studies have identified genotypes with varying tolerance levels, highlighting the importance of genetic diversity and selection methods. In conventional breeding, the selection of waterlogging-tolerant genotypes is an important step. No standard screening procedures are available to identify waterlogging-tolerant genotypes in sesame. High throughput screening techniques that combine fully automated robotic systems for imaging and data processing are required for in-depth research. Though appreciable improvement has been made in genomics and candidate genes / QTLs identified for waterlogging tolerance in sesame, integration of traditional breeding with molecular techniques is lacking. A multidisciplinary approach is required to develop waterlogging-tolerant sesame varieties. In this mini-review, an attempt has been made to document the physiological, morphological and biochemical response of sesame to waterlogging and the challenges of screening and breeding sesame cultivars that are tolerant to waterlogging
Geospatial mapping of soil salinity and sodicity: Insights for crop suitability and management in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu
No full textSoil characteristics significantly influence the sustainability of agriculture. Physico-chemical characteristics such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and exchangeable cations (calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium) significantly influence soil salinity. Understanding the spatial distribution of salinity and sodicity is crucial for planning site-specific management strategies, especially in degraded lands. Thanjavur, often called the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu," encounters challenges sustaining agriculture due to its varied soil characteristics. This study examines the spatial distribution of pH, EC and exchangeable cations across various blocks of Thanjavur district to understand their agricultural implications. Analysis reveals significant variability: The mean soil pH varied from slightly acidic (6.63 in Thanjavur) to alkaline (8.01 in Peravurani) and the mean EC ranged from 0.71 dS m-1 in Thanjavur to 8.26 dS m-1 in Sethubavachatram, indicating stark differences in salinity. The mean exchangeable calcium ranged from 6.49 Cmol (p+) kg-1 (Papanasam) to 14.2 Cmol (p+) kg-1 (Sethubavachatram), and mean exchangeable magnesium from 3.91 Cmol (p+) kg-1 (Orathanadu) to 7.67 Cmol (p+) kg-1 (Sethubavachatram). The mean exchangeable sodium levels span from 1.48 Cmol (p+) kg-1 (Thanjavur) to 3.68 Cmol (p+) kg-1 (Sethubavachatram) and mean exchangeable potassium from 0.12 Cmol (p+) kg-1 (Thanjavur) to 0.37 Cmol (p+) kg-1 (Sethubavachatram), Blocks like Sethubavachatram. Peravurani exhibits higher salinity, challenging salt-sensitive crops, while Thanjavur, Thiruppanandal, and Thiruvidaimarudur are better suited for diverse crops. Using geospatial mapping, these findings offer a valuable resource for farmers, agronomists, and policymakers, facilitating targeted interventions for sustainable agricultural development in Thanjavur district
Nutritional profiling: Prebreeding initiatives for biofortification in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
No full textThis research investigates the nutritional composition of 10 tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes to identify candidates for biofortification, aiming to address global micronutrient deficiencies. The analysis reveals substantial genetic variability in nutrient content among the genotypes, which can be harnessed in targeted breeding programs for nutritional enhancement. Notably, genotypes G2 and G9 showed superior nutritional profiles, with elevated levels of essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins A and C and minerals including iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium. These genotypes also demonstrated notable antioxidant activity, particularly in lycopene and β-carotene content, which are associated with reduced risks of chronic illnesses. By examining the proximate composition, antioxidant activity and mineral profiles of each genotype, the study found considerable genetic variability in nutrient contents, which can be leveraged in targeted breeding programs aimed at nutritional enhancement. The high nutrient diversity across the genotypes provides a strong foundation for selecting parent lines in breeding, especially for mineral biofortification and antioxidant enrichment. This study supports the integration of genomic and conventional breeding strategies to develop tomato cultivars that meet the rising demand for nutrient-dense foods, thereby contributing to improved dietary quality and global health outcomes
Exploring genetic diversity in banana germplasm utilizing multivariate analysis for morphological and yield attributes
No full textBananas have different ploidy levels, including diploid, triploid and tetraploid, while triploids are most widely used in breeding programs. Although diploid and tetraploid plants have the potential to improve yield and other agronomic traits, they remain underutilized in crop improvement. This study uses multivariate analysis to evaluate the morphological and yield characteristics of 20 banana germplasm accessions belonging to the genome group AA, AB, AAA, AAB, ABB and AAAB. The findings revealed that substantial genetic variation was observed among the accession. Red Banana exhibited the tallest pseudostem height in morphological traits, while Karpooravalli had the largest pseudostem girth. Yield attributes indicated that Grand Naine and Gros Micheal recorded the highest bunch weights, while Calcutta 4 had the lowest. Additionally, Nendran has distinctive yield characteristics like longest finger length (FL), girth and weight. Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between morphological and yield parameters such as pseudostem height, girth and bunch weight. Regression analysis revealed that pseudostem girth, leaf length and number of hands per bunch significantly contributed to bunch weight with an R2 value of 0.80. Hierarchical clustering divided the accessions into three groups based on morphology and yield characteristics. Nendran and Red Banana were in one cluster, showing their genetic similarity. The clustering pattern suggests that these accessions have similar agronomic traits that could be useful for targeted breeding strategies. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first principal components accounted for 81.7% of the total variance, with major contributors including pseudostem girth, finger weight (FW) and bunch weight. Thus, these findings highlight the morphological and yield variations within banana germplasm and identify promising cultivars and traits for targeted breeding programs to enhance productivity and fruit quality
Physical seed treatment methods for enhancing pulse seed vigour and germination - A review
No full textPulses is the common term that refers to the edible seeds of the legume plant. Pulses belong to the family Fabaceae and include various crops like blackgram, green gram, peas, beans and lentils etc. They are cultivated primarily for human consumption, livestock forage and silage. Pulses are of great economic and environmental importance as they contribute to the soil ecosystem by fixing nitrogen and have high fibre and protein content. Pulses are considered as an essential source of plant-based protein. The primary disadvantage of pulse crops is their decreased productivity. The low productivity of pulse crops can be attributed to several factors. Amongst them, the hard seed coat is a significant factor. Cost-effective seed invigoration treatments are recommended to overcome the above problem in commercial seed production centres. Seed invigoration techniques are becoming more popular to increase the planting value of pulse crops and boost seed vigour. In this review, various physical treatments for pulse seeds, viz., Hot water treatment, scarification, magnetictreatment, plasma treatment and irradiation treatment, are discussed for the adoption of techniques to overcome the hardness of seed coat and boost productivity in pulse crop. Amongst all the treatments, plasma treatment is considered eco-friendly and induces germination by breaking dormancy associated with the seed coat of pulse crop