Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
Not a member yet
2977 research outputs found
Sort by
Leaf physiological attributes and root productivity of two radish cultivars as influenced via low tunnel plastic sheeting and silicon foliar application under cold stress
Get PDFThis study aimed to assess the impact of low plastic tunnels integrated with potassium silicate spraying on the physiological traits and root productivity of two radish cultivars under cold stress conditions. A field experiment was performed on a private sector farm in Albuhidari, Al-Najaf governorate, Iraq, during the autumn season of 2023. The experiment was conducted in a split-split plot design using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates, testing the effects of three factors: growth conditions (open field versus plastic tunnels) designated as the main plots, cultivars (red versus white) assigned as subplots and doses of silicon spraying (0, 400, 600 mg L-1) assigned as sub-subplots. The results showed that plastic sheeting significantly improved total chlorophyll in leaves, nitrogen and potassium percentages in the leaves, total plant dry matter and root yield compared to the open field. The red cultivar outperformed the white cultivar in chlorophyll content, potassium percent, total plant dry matter and yield. Furthermore, silicon spraying enhanced the studied traits, as total chlorophyll, total dry matter and root yield gradually increased with higher silicon concentrations. Moreover, the triple interaction of plastic tunnels, red cultivar and silicon at 600 mg L-1 was the best regarding all attributes except phosphorus percentage in leaves. These results suggest that plastic sheeting combined with silicon spraying represents an effective strategy for improving radish productivity under cold stress
Genetic determinants underlying major disease resistance in sunflower: A review
Get PDFSunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important oilseed crop worldwide, valued for its high-quality edible oil which is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids and rich in vitamin E. It is widely preferred due to its adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions and short growing period. Statistical reports from Indiastat revealed that the sunflower cultivation in India covers 1.25 % of the global area and contributes around 0.58 % of the world’s production. However, its productivity is often hindered by many biotic stresses, especially diseases ranging from 30 % to 70 %. Although pest infestations do occur, diseases are considered more critical due to their rapid spread, persistent nature and potential for severe crop losses across various growing seasons. Considering all the factors, effective disease management is thus essential to sustain and enhance sunflower production, ensuring food security and economic stability for farmers. It is essential to comprehend the genetic factors that influence disease resistance to create cultivars that are high-yielding and durable and to improve crop sustainability along with reduced fungicide need. The promise of developing sunflower cultivars with broad-spectrum and long-lasting resistance lies in the integration of conventional and molecular approaches such as detection of resistant quantitative trait loci (QTLs), utilisation of wild species and the application of genomic selection strategies. This review consolidates existing insights into the genetic keystones of disease resistance in sunflower and highlights how wild Helianthus species serve as important reservoirs of resistance genes
Current approaches and future potential for pretreatment of agricultural residues and industrial effluents to boost biomethanation
Get PDFThe burning of organic agricultural substrates such as crop residues, paddy straw, maize stalk, sugarcane straw and corn stover leads to severe air pollution. These wastes are essential feedstocks in the production of biogas. The above materials can be anaerobically digested to produce biogas, which in turn can be used to generate fuel, cooking gas, soil-conditioner and electricity as a sustainable alternative use for these residues. However, the presence of lignin and cellulose contents in these wastes, at concentrations ranging from 6-26 % and 5-50 %, reduce the effectiveness of biomethanation process. For optimum anaerobic digestion, appropriate pretreatment methods, such as physical (milling, grinding, ultrasonic), chemical (alkali, thermo-chemical pretreatment) or biological (enzymes, microorganisms) techniques, can be used to lower the lignin content. Untreated effluents containing organic matter, fertilizers, heavy metals and other contaminants are released into water bodies by agro-industries, resulting in the degradation of land and water ecosystems. Like agricultural substrates, agro-industrial effluents can be efficiently used to produce bioethanol and biogas, following the removal of these inhibitors by using effective pretreatment methods. When utilized as a feedstock, pre-treated wastewater can yield up to 2.8 % more biogas and 64 % more methane than untreated wastewater. The biodigested slurry improves soil health and enhances crop yield. This article describes several pretreatment techniques to improve biogas production from industrial effluents and agricultural wastes entrusting the soil health, sustainability and crop yield, consistent with the circular economy concept
Foliar nanofertilizers: Effects on crop uptake, yield and soil health in puddled transplanted rice
Get PDFThe primary aim of the study was to investigate the impact of foliar application of nano-formulated nutrients-specifically nano nitrogen, nano phosphorus and nano potash-on the growth, development and yield performance of transplanted rice cultivated under puddled soil conditions. A field experiment took place from December 2023 to April 2024 during the late Rabi season at the Department of Agronomy, V.O.Chidambaranar Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu, India. The experiment used a randomized block design with fourteen treatments, consisting of various combinations of nano NPK with different times of foliar application and three replications. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy clay loam with a pH of 7.73, which is slightly saline in nature. The soil contains organic carbon of 6.41 g/kg, with available nitrogen at 287.42 kg/ha, available phosphorus at 25.15 kg/ha and available potassium at 152.37 kg/ha. The results showed that the 100 % recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) in rice treatment achieved the highest nutrient uptake (N, P, K) and, in turn, the grain yield, while foliar application of nano N, P and K fertilizers, particularly when applied four times, closely matched with the performance of RDF. Nanofertilizers enhanced nutrient absorption due to their smaller particle size and better leaf penetration. However, both RDF and nano foliar fertilization had minimal impact on soil chemical properties (pH, EC and organic carbon) and microbial activity, indicating that nutrient delivery primarily occurred through the foliage rather than altering the soil environment. In terms of economics, foliar application of nano N, P and K at three times was more cost-effective and profitable than four times in puddled transplanted rice
Insecticide induced resurgence of Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood: Role of biochemical changes in chilli and natural enemies suppression
Get PDFThe improper use of insecticides poses risks to both human health and the environment, leading to issues such as insecticide residue, resistance, resurgence and increased management costs. The chilli thrips, S. dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a significant insect pest infesting vegetable crops and its management has become increasingly challenging due to its resurgence in response to commonly applied insecticides. A field experiment was conducted at UAS, Raichur, India, during the Kharif season of 2020 and the summer of 2021 to assess the effects of insecticides on the resurgence of S. dorsalis. The results demonstrated significant resurgence activity following the insecticide application. Fipronil, fenpropathrin and lambda-cyhalothrin led to high resurgence rates and a reduction in the populations of natural enemies of thrips. Subsequent treatments after the resurgence showed a decrease in defensive biochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins and phenols, while levels of total sugars, proteins and proline increased. Path coefficient analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the insecticides and the increase in total sugars, proteins and proline, while negatively affecting flavonoids, tannins and phenols. The resurgence of S. dorsalis was closely associated with changes in plant biochemistry following insecticide application and the reduction of natural enemy populations
Formulation development, optimization and evaluation of Aloe vera gel for the management of post-harvest disease of mango anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc.
Get PDFThe Mango (Mangifera indica L.), one of the most economically important fruit crops, is produced predominantly in India, the world\u27s leading mango producer. India grapples with anthracnose, a major farm and post-harvest disease that significantly limits mango production, particularly in high-humidity regions of India. The diseased mangoes collected from Kumbakarai, Periyakulam and nearby Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India, were used to identify a virulent strain of C. gloeosporioides through molecular analysis. Sequencing of the 560 bp PCR product yielded the GenBank Accession Number Ol468719. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequence showed 99 % identity with C. gloeosporioides sequences in the database. A. vera dry gels were prepared and diluted to concentrations of 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 % and 50 % using potato dextrose agar medium. In vitro efficacy of different concentrations of A. vera gel against C. gloeosporioides was tested. Among the 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 % and 50 % concentrations, significant inhibition was recorded at 10 %. Several antimicrobial compounds were identified from A. vera gel, including 1-dodecanol, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecanol, heneicosane, dibutyl phthalate and 1-heptacosanol, by GC-MS technique. An emulsifiable concentrate of A. vera gel was subsequently formulated and evaluated for its efficacy against the pathogen, offering a potential alternative approach for postharvest disease management
Electrospinning applications in sustainable agriculture: Enhancing soil health, seed coatings and post-harvest antimicrobial protection
Get PDFNanotechnology holds significant potential in agriculture, contributing to various applications such as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanoherbicides, nanosensors and more recently, electrospun nanofibers. Among such advancements, electrospinning has emerged as a versatile and cost-effective technique for fabricating nanofibers, offering significant potential to enhance sustainability in agricultural practices. Recent applications of electrospun fibers have primarily focused on drug delivery, wound dressings and seed coatings infused with growth hormones. These nanofibers exhibit notable properties such as a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, excellent porosity and the ability to facilitate controlled release of active compounds. Encapsulating microorganisms and agrochemicals within electrospun fibers offers an environmentally friendly approach to improve soil health. By forming a protective layer, the electrospun nanofibers help safeguard seeds against abiotic factors such as drought and temperature fluctuations, as well as biotic threats like pathogens and pests. Furthermore, embedding natural or synthetic antimicrobial agents into electrospun films offers an eco-friendly solution for post-harvest protection by effectively minimizing spoilage and the risk of pathogen invasion. This review emphasizes the diverse roles of electrospun nanofibers in sustainable agriculture, including soil enhancement, seed improvement and post-harvest protection, while also promoting eco-friendly practices using biodegradable polymers and bioactive agents
Agricultural information sources and the knowledge level among paddy farmers in Odisha
Get PDFOdisha\u27s economy is largely based on paddy cultivation, which employs 83.3 % of the workforce and contributed 21.27 % to the state\u27s GDP (2020-21). Despite its significance, many small and marginal farmers struggle with limited access to timely and reliable agricultural information, affecting their productivity and sustainability. This study explores the sources from which paddy farmers in Odisha obtain their farming knowledge and evaluates how effective these sources are in improving their practices. Using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) methodology, we analyzed 372 studies and selected 63 for detailed review. Results show that 56.66 % of farmers turn to Kisan call centers, while 47.50 % use ICT tools for guidance. Television (39.16 %) and mobile phones (43.34 %) remain widely used, but barriers like digital literacy gaps and limited access to modern technology still hinder effective knowledge-sharing. To bridge these gaps, a balanced approach is needed, one that combines digital innovations with traditional extension services. Strengthening participatory models like farmer field schools and agricultural knowledge and information systems (AKIS) can improve knowledge transfer, encourage the adoption of better farming practices and support long-term sustainability. By integrating technology with conventional methods, policymakers and extension workers can create a more inclusive, accessible and effective agricultural information system, enabling farmers to enhance their livelihoods and make well-informed decisions
Exploration of endophytic Bacillus -derived secondary metabolites from mosses through GC-MS profiling
No full textBacterial metabolites produced by endophytic bacteria facilitate novel drug development for animals, humans and plants. This study aimed to identify the different secondary metabolites produced by moss-derived endophytic bacteria Bacillus pumilus. Endophytic bacteria were isolated from surface- sterilized mosses, screened for enzymatic activity and identified via 16S rDNA sequencing. Secondary metabolites were extracted, analyzed using FTIR for functional groups and characterized through GC-MS. Morphological, biochemical and molecular (16S rDNA) characterization was carried out for the isolates from three moss species Hymenostylium recurvirostrum, Barbula viennealis and Plagiothecium cavifolium. Each isolate can produce at least two industrially significant enzymes including esterase, cellulase, amylases and proteases. Gas chromatogram mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) of B. pumilus extract demonstrated the occurrence of the compounds such as Pentadecanoic acid, 13 methyl-, methyl ester, Benzoic acid, 2- amino-6- chloro-methyl ester, Molybdenum, tricarbonyl tris (trimethyl phosphite-P)-, 3\u27H-Cycloprop(1,2)-5- cholest-1-en-3-one, Benzaldehyde,4-methoxy N hexadecanoic acid (Palmitic acid), Tungsten, dicarbonyl-(ü-4-pinocarvone) [1,2-bis (dimethyl phosphine) ethane] Boronic acid, ethyl-, dimethyl ester Phenol, 2,6-bis (1,1-dimethyl ethyl)-, Stigmastan-6,22-dien, 3,5-dihydro, Phthalic acid, 2TMS derivative Prostaglandin D(2), O, O\u27-bis (trimethylsilyl)-, trimethylsilyl ester. These volatile organic compounds hold the potential as favorable candidates for advancing pharmaceutics and agriculture industries
CRISPR-Cas9 system: A genome editing tool
No full textThe CRISPR-Cas9 system has become as a groundbreaking tool for modifying genomes, completely changing the field of genetic research and biotechnology. This review article outlines the historical background, constituents and operation of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, emphasizing its exceptional accuracy and adaptability in selectively modifying DNA sequences. Initially discovered as an adaptive immune system in prokaryotes, CRISPR-Cas9 has since been adapted for use in various species, enabling targeted gene editing through gene disruption, insertion and correction. The review examines the technical components of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, including the design of guide RNA, delivery methods and the potential for off-target effects. It also explores recent advancements aimed at enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of this technology. Furthermore, the article discusses the broad applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in fields such as cancer research, gene therapy and agricultural biotechnology, underscoring its potential to provide innovative solutions for genetic disorders and to improve crop resilience. In addition, the review discusses the ethical and regulatory considerations associated with genome editing, emphasizing the significance of responsible and judicious use of this powerful technology. By analysing current research and exploring future directions, this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the CRISPR-Cas9 system and its profound impact on science and medicine