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Entomotoxicity of ZnO NPs synthesized using Clausena anisata Hook.f. ex Benth(ulmaayii) leaf extract against maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Mostch (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Get PDFThe application of leaf extract to synthesize nanoparticles has been taken as a green method. In this study, the potential for synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from Clausena anisata Hook.f. ex Benth. leaf extract was investigated. The source of zinc was zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn(NO3)2.6H2O). The characterization study was done by Ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The crystalline shape of nanoparticles is disclosed inside the XRD result, morphology is confirmed through SEM effects, and consequently, the ZnO NPs scale was predicted. ZnO NPs were synthesized to work against Sitophilus zeamais adults. A mortality count was carried out in 14 days and all the 3 dosages (0.2 g, 0.4 g and 0.6 g) were effective in killing S. zeamais. F1 progeny emergence was highly reduced in comparison to untreated control. Maize seeds were successfully germinated after treatment application with ZnO NPs
Influence and distribution of lead nitrate on growth and secondary metabolite accumulation in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal in vitro shoots
Get PDFWithania somnifera is a medicinal ayurvedic plant native to India. Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal which has no biological function in plants. The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of heavy metal Pb on W. somnifera at cellular level under controlled conditions. The role of Pb on shoots of W. somnifera was determined in terms of biomass, secondary metabolite production (High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography) and phytochemical quantification. Influence and accumulation of Pb at the cellular level were recognized using UV visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction analysis. The current result showed that the concentration up to 2.4 mM Pb for 7 days of exposure showed higher biomass and withaferin A yield compared to control shoots. On the other hand, other secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phytosterols and phenols levels were reduced compared to control shoots. In the morphological study, Pb concentration in the analysed sample was determined as 2%. The probability of the nanoparticle nature of the bioaccumulated lead also verified using spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis. To date, we are the first to report on the influence of Pb on in vitro shoot cultures of W. somnifera
Oxidative defense mechanisms of proline on growth, nutritional compositions and antioxidant activities in water-stressed Solanum aethiopicum L.
Get PDFThe growth performance of vegetables is influenced by water availability. This study explored the use of proline as an osmoregulator on growth, nutritional compositions and oxidative enzyme activities in water-stressed Solanum aethiopicum. Seedlings of the vegetable were subjected to 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% proline against droughted and well-watered. Morphological and physiological characters, nutritional compositions and oxidative activities were determined in the vegetable. Plant height (20.37 cm), number of leaves (35.75 cm), Leaf area (347.55 m2), specific leaf area (72.02 m2 g-1), leaf area index (0.71 m2 m-2) relative growth rate (0.21 mg g-1 day-1), net assimilation rate (0.058 mg g-1 day-1) and leaf area ratio (0.19 m2 g-1) were higher in S. aethiopicum seedlings sprayed with 100% proline. Crude fat (0.11%), ash (1.57%), crude fibre (1.49%), crude protein (2.44%) and carbohydrate (3.50%) were higher in the leaves of the vegetable sprayed with 100% proline. Higher vitamin A (84.21 mg/100 g), vitamin B3 (0.56 mg/100 g) and vitamin C (10.97 mg/100 g) were observed in the leaves of the vegetable under 100% proline. Furthermore, sodium (8.93 mg/100 g), potassium (402.20 mg/100 g), calcium (121.55 mg/100 g) and magnesium (58.80 mg/100 g) were recorded in the leaves of well-watered. Higher SOD (0.88 mg g-1), APX (0.95 mg g-1), CAT (0.98 mg g-1), GR (0.96 ug g-1) and GST (14.52 mg g-1) were observed in the roots of S. aethiopicum droughted. Although all the proline levels sustained growth components, nutritional compositions and oxidative enzymes of S. aethiopicum under water stress, however, 100% proline produced better ameliorative effects
Evaluation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes for low phosphorus stress tolerance
Get PDFPhosphorus (P) deficiency is a prime factor limiting rice growth and yield around the globe. Understanding how plants respond to P starvation is very important for breeding varieties with enhanced P uptake and use efficiency. To assess the effect of low P stress on yield and yield contributing traits, an experiment was conducted using six rice genotypes applying two treatments (optimum and deficient P conditions). Data on yield and yield attributing traits viz., days to first flowering (DFF), days to maturity (DM), plant height (PH), number of total tillers/plant (NTTP), number of effective tillers/plant (NETP), panicle length (PL), 100-seed weight (100-SW) and yield per plant (YPP) were recorded. Analysis of variance showed highly significant variation among the genotypes (G), treatments (T) and G × T interaction. When compared with control, a significant reduction in yield and yield attributing traits was observed in most of the studied genotypes in response to low P stress. The highest reduction in YPP was recorded in BRRI dhan78 whereas the lowest reduction was observed in Binadhan-17. Principal component analysis revealed that the first three principal components explained 85.2% of the total variation. Yield per plant (g) showed significant positive correlation with PH, PL, NTTP and NETP whereas it showed significant negative correlation with DFF, DM and 100-SW. Based on stress tolerance indices Binadhan-17, BRRI dhan71 and BRRI dhan79 were categorized as tolerant genotypes and selected for cultivation in P deficient areas and are recommended for the genetic improvement of low P stress tolerance in rice
Biocontrol agents for Sustainable Management of Bud Rot Disease in Coconut Nursery
Get PDFPhytophthora palmivora, an oomycete pathogen responsible for coconut bud rot, poses a significant threat to palms of all ages, with substantial economic implications. This research aimed to address this challenge by implementing eco-sustainable management strategies through the utilization of a synergistic combination of biocontrol agents. The study focused on combating coconut bud rot in both nursery and main field settings. In the nursery, the study employed a soil application of Trichoderma asperellum at a rate of 25g per cent during sowing, combined with crown application of Bacillus subtilis at a concentration of 10g per liter of water, administered twice at three-month intervals and six months after sowing. Additionally, an application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi at 50g per cent three months after sowing was implemented. This multi-pronged approach proved 77.12 per cent effective in suppressing bud rot disease within the nursery environment. For young coconut gardens, a randomized design with three replicates was used to evaluate the treatments. The results indicated that a soil and crown application of B. subtilis at 10g per liter of water, performed twice - first during the pre-monsoon period (last week of May) and secondly in the post-monsoon period (September) - significantly reduced bud rot incidence. Additionally, the application of T. asperellum at a rate of 50g per palm and AM fungi at 50g per palm annually in January demonstrated 71.73 per cent effectiveness in mitigating the occurrence of bud rot in young coconut gardens. This research underscores the practicality and efficacy of employing a carefully curated combination of biocontrol agents within eco-sustainable management practices to combat the economically detrimental coconut bud rot disease in various coconut palm cultivation settings
Influence of abiotic factors on the co-occurrence of rugose spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin and Bondar's Nesting Whitefly, Paraleyrodes bondari Peracchi in coconut palms
Get PDFGeo-spatial variability in coconut productivity in different agro - ecological units in Kerala-An analysis
Get PDFCoconut plays a significant role in the agrarian economy of Kerala state. However, the state's share in the area as well as production of coconut in the country has been on the decline over the last many years. There exist huge variations in different districts and agro-ecological units of the state with regard to the productivity of coconut due to various factors including extent of adoption of crop management practices. A study was conducted covering different agro-ecological units in four selected districts of Kerala state to analyse the extent of adoption of recommended crop management practices and variability in coconut productivity in different agro-ecological units. Malappuram and Kannur districts were selected as the high productive district and the low productive district respectively in northern Kerala for the comparative study. In addition, as a representative of the root (wilt) affected southern districts, Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram were selected, as low and high yielders, respectively, for the study.
The study involved field surveys to collect primary data on profile of coconut farmers, coconut gardens, input use, adoption of crop management practices etc. in addition to secondary information on soil and climatic variables. Each district was stratified into agro-ecological units and at least 50 gardens each with a minimum of 30 coconut palms were selected for field survey from each stratum. More than 85 % of the holdings in the surveyed districts belonged to small and marginal categories. Most of the profile characteristics of coconut growers in the state indicated limitations for them to get actively involved in farming related activities and achieve efficiency in terms of productivity and income from coconut farming.
Coconut farming in the state is dominated by monocropping and homestead farming. Systematic multiple cropping and integrated farming in coconut gardens were low. Level of adoption of recommended crop management practices of coconut in different AEUs across districts was low. Low level of adoption of recommended cultivation practices of coconut clearly indicated the neglect of palms which probably is the prime factor resulting in low productivity of coconut in the state. Recommended practices like improved varieties/hybrids and integrated disease management were quite low with average adoption percentage of 8.9 and 8.8 respectively. Spacing for maintenance of optimum plant density, on farm recycling of biomass and IPM practices were adopted by less than one third of the coconut growers only.
Malappuram district with an average of 59 nuts/palm/year was having the highest productivity wherein northern coastal plains (AEU 2) was the AEU with highest productivity (68 nuts/palm). Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha districts were having low productivity as compared to the state average at 38 and 44 nuts/palm/year, respectively. There existed significant difference in adoption of technologies between the two yield categories. Pest and disease incidence, percentage of those practised fully organic nutrients, those with neither organic nor inorganic, etc. were significantly higher in low yielders as expected. Proportion of farmers practising soil and water conservation, maintenance of optimum plant density, integrated nutrient management and IDM were significantly higher in high yielders (significant at 1% level of significance). It clearly suggests that technological interventions as per recommendation have resulted in increased yield. One of the major factors affecting crop productivity was the level of soil nutrients. Deficiency of organic carbon and potassium were more prominent in southern districts as compared to northern districts. Among the micro nutrients, boron deficiency was very prominent in all the districts. Logistic regression approach to concurrently estimate the effect of various technological and soil factors on coconut productivity validated the finding that adoption of recommended practices like soil and water conservation measures and optimum spacing contribute in yield enhancement.
Based on the findings of the study, a framework for action was suggested which included institutional innovations to achieve efficiency in productivity and income from neglected gardens and to evolve AEU-wise technology packages. Major suggestions on interventions included policies and programmes to promote adoption of scientific crop management practices, and popularise multiple cropping and integrated farming; group approach to overcome the resource limitations in the fragmented holdings; farmer participatory seedling production initiatives like community coconut nurseries managed by FPOs; evolve congenial policy environment for production and marketing of customized fertilizer inputs and link trained FPOs to Agro-Service Centres. Extension interventions with emphasis on promoting water conserving irrigation methods such as drip irrigation, creating awareness about the need to restructure coconut orchards to maintain optimum palm density, increasing awareness on importance of application of liming materials, and enlightening the coconut growers about the need for shifting from individual to community based decentralised participatory approach in IPM/IDM were also suggested
Impact of irrigation management on crop water footprint reduction using RZWQM2 in Baghdad, Iraq
Get PDFWater scarcity becomes a serious global challenge in several world regions and particularly in the Middle East. Appropriate irrigation practice is critical for improving crop yield and alleviating crop water footprint (WF). To alleviate water scarcity, the possibility of reducing wheat and barley water footprint has been examined through alternative surface irrigation practices. The WF was compared under farmers’ irrigation practice and experimental irrigation practice to discover the impact of irrigation practices on the reduction of WF in the west of Baghdad. Weather data and crop management information were collected from 2016 to 2020 for the farmer’s fields in the study area as well as for the experimental field. The Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2) was used for estimating wheat and barley evapotranspiration. The study results showed that the crop WF was well estimated using the RZWQM2 due to the model capability and accuracy for estimating the impact of field management on crop evapotranspiration and crop water use. Experimental irrigation practice could improve crop yield, water use efficiency, and water profitability by up to 28%, 35%, and 35%, respectively; while the WF was reduced by 35%, compared to the farmers’ irrigation practice. The WF of the wheat crop was lower than the barley WF due to the low barley production
Classification of Crops through Self-Supervised Decomposition for Transfer Learning
Get PDFThe 2S-DT (Self-Supervised Decomposition for Transfer Learning) model, created for crop categorization using remotely sensed data, is a unique method introduced in this paper. It deals with the difficulty of incorrectly identifying crops with comparable phenology patterns, a problem that frequently arises in agricultural remote sensing. Two datasets from Nanajangudu taluk in the Mysore district, which has a widely varied irrigated agriculture system, are used to assess the model. Using self-supervised learning, the 2S-DT model addresses the misclassification issue that frequently occurs when working with unlabeled classes, especially in high-resolution images. It uses class decomposition (CD) layer and a downstream learning approach. Using the model’s learning and the particulars of each geographical context, this layer improves the information’s arrangement. Our model architecture’s foundation is ResNet, a well-known deep learning framework. Each residual block in our ResNet architecture is made up of two 3x3 convolutional layers. Each convolutional layer is followed by batch normalization and Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) activation functions, which improve the model’s capacity for learning. We utilized a 7x7 convolutional layer with 64 filters and a stride of 2 for Conv1 in ResNet18, resulting in an output size of 112x112x64. Conv2, which consists of Res2a and Res2b, generated an output with the dimensions 48x48x64. Conv3, which included Res3a and Res3b, produced an output with the dimensions 28x28x128. These architectural selections were made with our experimental needs in mind. The 2S-DT model’s newly added features make it easier to identify classes and update weights, improving the stability of the features’ spatial and spectral data. Extensive tests performed on two datasets show the model’s viability. Overall accuracy has improved significantly, with the 2S-DT model surpassing comparable models like TVSM, 3DCAE, and GAN Model by obtaining 95.65% accuracy for dataset 1 and 88.91% accuracy for dataset 2
Production of single cell protein: A Review
Get PDFThe escalating global population has necessitated an augmentation in food production. The augmented demand for protein has instigated the exploration for novel and economical protein supplements in lieu of conventional proteins. Single Cell Protein (SCP) is a viable solution for protein quality, and microorganisms such as algae, yeast, fungi, and bacteria can produce substantial quantities of SCP due to their rapid development rate and significant protein content in their chemical structure. SCP production requires a small land area and can be produced throughout the year in a shorter time frame. In addition to proteins, SCP comprises carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, minerals, vitamins, and several crucial amino acids. SCP has proven to be an effective substitute for more expensive protein sources such as fish and soybean products. The key factors in SCP production are the preference for cost-effective substrates and non-toxic or non-pathogenic microorganisms. SCP can effortlessly replace traditional protein sources in human and animal feed. This review article concentrates on various aspects of SCP, including its production, utilization of different microorganisms, nutritional benefits, and challenges