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The Effect of solvent, pH, extraction time and temperature on the extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Carpobrotus edulis
No full textTwo 23 factorial design studies were performed to determine the effect of solvent, pH, extraction time and temperature on the extraction of phenolics and radical scavenging activity contained in crude leaf extracts of Carpobrotus edulis. For the aqueous model, pH 9, 72 h and 40 °C provided the highest yield (31.03 ± 0.58%), while the highest yield for the methanolic extracts was obtained using the same temperature and pH, but with a longer extraction time of 168 h (64.21 ± 2.12%). Quantitative phytochemical analysis was performed to determine the amount of phenolics, tannins and flavonoids contained in the crude extracts. When water was used as an extraction solvent, the highest concentration of phenolics was obtained using pH 9 and extracting for 72 h at 40 °C (6.42 ± 0.03 milligrams Gallic Acid Equivalent per gram of extract). However, when methanol was used as a solvent, the highest concentration of phenolics was obtained when the same pH and time of extraction was used, but at a lower temperature (25 °C) – 7.44 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g of extract. Antioxidant activity was determined using the ABTS and DPPH assays. For both, methanol extracts produced lower IC50 values than the aqueous extracts. The best combination of extraction conditions for aqueous extracts is pH 9, and 72 h of extraction at 40 °C. This produced the lowest IC50 values for both assays (298.28 μg/mL for DPPH and 140.77 μg/mL for ABTS assay). When methanol is used as a solvent, the extraction conditions producing the lowest IC50 values were pH 9, 72 h and 25 °C for the DPPH assay (109.84 μg/mL), and pH 5, 168 h and 25 °C for the ABTS assay (26.79 μg/mL). These values are all higher than for the positive control, ascorbic acid. A positive correlation exists between phenolic content and radical scavenging activity – higher phenolic content resulted in higher radical scavenging activity. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was higher for the aqueous extracts than for the methanol extracts. Thus, extraction conditions must be modified to maximise extraction of phenolics, to obtain maximum radical scavenging activity
GC-MS profiling and antifungal activities of Morinda citrifolia L. leaf extract against fungal pathogens of crown rot disease of banana
Get PDFThe increasing demand for organic agricultural products especially among the elite stimulated the search for safe and alternative means of crown rot disease control. Morinda citrifolia is one of the listed medicinal plants among the Polynesian countries. This study documented the phytochemical profile of M. citrifolia using GC-MS and their antifungal activities against crown rot pathogens. The key phytochemical constituents of the extract were Phytol 2-Hexadecen-1-ol, (Diterpene) (25.96%), Squalene (Triterpene) (15.13%), 1, 3-Propanediol (Polyphenol) (4.68%), Pyran-4-one 4H-, 9 (Flavonoid), and 2H-1-Benzopyran-6-ol (Vitamins) (5.14%), 2-Cyclohexan-1-one, (Phenol) (2.54%). Fungal pathogens; Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Colletotrichum musae, Colletotrichum asianum and Fussarium Longipes isolated from crown rot infected banana fruits during earlier studies were used in this experiment. The poisoned food technique method was adopted in evaluating the inhibitory effect of the leaf extract against the fungal isolates. Results indicated significantly high fungal growth inhibition (P< 0.05) in concentration dependent manner on amended PDA media. 100% pathogen radial growth inhibition in all isolates was recorded at 100 mg/mL concentration. Therefore, findings of this study suggest application of leaf extract of M. citrifolia is a potential safe and alternative control of banana crown rot
Antiviral medicinal plants of India as a potential tool against COVID-19: A review with ethno scientific evidence
Get PDFIndian traditional medicinal systems are one of the oldest therapeutic systems in the world. Medicinal and aromatic plants play a dominant role in Indian traditional medicinal systems. Traditionally, many medicinal plants are used in India for their therapeutic relevance so much so that they have acquired a significant role in Indian religion as well. Many of these plants have proven antiviral effects. This review documents up-to-date information about many such medicinal herbs used in India which have got pharmacological significance in fighting viral infections. These plants surely have the potential to provide protection against Covid-19. The review presents a list of such plants along with their chemical ingredients and possible modes of action against the respective viral diseases. All information has been obtained by consulting the databases of Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier, Springer and relevant research papers and reports on COVID-19. The cited medicinal plants are used extensively in India as herbal remedies. The use of these plants is validated in light of research papers citing their ethnobotanical uses, important active principles and modes of action of the of medicinally important natural products. The plants listed have great potential to fight COVID-19 and other viral infections. Many of these are immunity boosters providing strength to the body to control the onset of diseases
Productive and profitable black pepper based mixed cropping systems involving tuber crops: Black pepper based mixed cropping systems
No full textAn experiment on pepper based mixed cropping systems involving tuber intercrops was carried out at Pepper Research Station (Kerala Agricultural University), Panniyur, Kannur during 2013-14 to 2022-23. Five different black pepper based mixed cropping systems which accommodated five different tropical tuber crops were experimented. The data pertaining to 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 were separately recorded and the pooled mean worked out for individual crop yields as well as equivalent yields and economics of cultivation of the different systems. The pooled equivalent yield for black pepper + greater yam and black pepper + elephant foot yam mixed cropping systems were recorded in terms of base crop black pepper as 1239.28 and 1214.25 kg ha-1 respectively, significantly superior to all other mixed cropping systems. The equivalent yield recorded for black pepper sole cropping was 561.73 kg ha-1 only. The pooled data revealed higher profitability for black pepper + greater yam mixed cropping system with gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio of Rs. 619637 ha-1, Rs.440043 ha-1 and 3.45 respectively. For black pepper + elephant foot yam system, the respective values were Rs. 607126 ha-1, Rs. 440043 ha-1 and 3.57. The soil properties were also favourably maintained under mixed cropping as that in sole cropping of black pepper as indicated by soil nutrient analysis conducted at the end of the field experiment
High yielding nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) varieties: a farmer-centric research approach to select superior trees: High yielding nutmeg Varieties
No full textA comprehensive survey was conducted in the nutmeg-growing region of Kerala state to locate superior clones of nutmeg, by employing Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) method. Twenty-nine superior accessions were identified through mother tree characterization for four consecutive years. The characterized clones were female and produced fruits ranging from 628 to 2250 tree-1 year-1, dry nut weight varied from 3.27 g to 15.37 g, and assorted dry mace weight varied from 0.35 g to 4.80 g. Genetic variability analysis revealed high heritability with high genetic advance as per se mean (dry mace weight 76.30%, dry kernel weight 71.37% and the number of fruits tree-1 73.24%) which signifies the advantage of simple selection method of breeding. Based on the economic importance of yield contributing characteristics, five superior clones out of twenty-nine mother trees evaluated have been released as KAU- farmer’s varieties. All the superior trees identified based on yield traits had appreciable quantities of volatile oil (1.63-12.25% in nut; 3.31-16.97% in mace), oleoresin (17.60-41.77% in nut; 13.00-30.50% in mace) and fixed oil (22.45-40.70% in nut) in their nuts and maces as well as myristicin, elemicin, safrole and sabinene in the volatile oils. The characteristic features of mother trees and released varieties are discussed in this paper, and further, these varieties are recommended for commercial cultivation under tropical moist, humid climate conditions.  
Comparative efficacy and residual toxicity of selective insecticides against Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse infesting Cocoa
No full textCocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is an important beverage crop, commercially grown as a plantation crop. In the changed climate-scenario, tea mosquito bug species complex viz., Helopeltis theivora, H. bradyii and H. antonii are emerging as major threat to cocoa cultivation in India. Among these species, H. theivora is responsible for causing substantial crop-damage. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the toxicity, efficacy, and residual effects of various test-insecticides (Bifenthrin, Clothianidin, Flonicamid, Imidacloprid, Quinolphos and Thiamethoxam) against H. theivora, a major pest of cocoa. The results revealed that bifenthrin exhibited the highest toxicity with an LC 50value of 0.36 ppm, while flonicamid displayed the least toxicity with an LC50 value of 130.20 ppm. Quinalphos exhibited higher toxicity than flonicamid, with an LC50 value of 100.48 ppm. Imidacloprid and thiamethoxam recorded higher toxicity, recording lower LC 50 values of 47.23 and 64.98 ppm, respectively. Clothianidin showed moderate toxicity with an LC50 value of 75.31 ppm against H. theivora. Field experiments assessed the efficacy of the screened insecticides, revealing that bifenthrin and clothianidin were the most effective in managing H. theivora infestations, resulting in the lowest pod infestation percentages of 10.11% and 13.84%, respectively. Conversely, flonicamid exhibited the least effectiveness, with 37.82% pod infestation. Furthermore, this study investigated the residual toxicity of the insecticides in the field. Bifenthrin and clothianidin displayed persistent effects, causing over 25% mortality of H. theivora even up to 30 days after application. Flonicamid, however, showed rapid loss of residual toxicity compared to other insecticides, with less than 25% residual toxicity reported after 10 days. Imidacloprid and thiamethoxam demonstrated more than 25% residual mortality on day 20 after application. In conclusion, this research underscores the varying toxicities and efficacies of different insecticides against H. theivora in cocoa plantations, with implications for effective pest management strategies
Effect of planting and nutrient management on the growth, yield and protein content of aromatic fine rice
Get PDFAn experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from July to November 2015 to find out the effect of planting and nutrient management on the growth, yield and protein content of aromatic fine rice (cv. Binadhan-13). The experimental treatments comprised six planting arrangement viz. 25 cm × 20 cm, 25 cm × 15 cm, 25 cm × 10 cm, 20 cm × 20 cm, 20 cm × 15 cm, 20 cm × 10 cm and four nutrient management viz. recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer (RDF) N-P2O5-K2O-S-Zn at the rate of 75-42-75-17-2 kg ha-1 respectively; Cow dung @ 10 t ha-1, 25% less than RDF + Cow dung @ 5 t ha-1, 50% less than RDF + Cow dung @ 5 t ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Different crop characters, yield contributing characters, yield and grain quality were significantly influenced by planting arrangement and nutrient management. In the crop growth stage, the maximum number of tillers hill-1 (19.03) was recorded from the 25 cm × 15 cm spacing fertilized with 25% less than RDF + cow dung @ 5 t ha-1 and the highest total dry matter production (62.70), crop growth rate (19.37) and chlorophyll content (35.77) of leaf were recorded from the 20 cm × 15 cm spacing fertilized with 25% less than RDF + cow dung @ 5 t ha-1. At harvest, the highest grain yield (3.66 t ha-1) and protein content (9.63%) were recorded from the 20 cm × 15 cm spacing fertilized with 25% less than RDF + cow dung @ 5 t ha-1. So, transplantation at 20 cm × 15 cm spacing and fertilization with 25% less than the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer + cow dung @ 5 t ha-1 was found to be promising practice for the cultivation of aromatic fine rice (cv. Binadhan-13)
Estimating the infection severity and infection percentage by aphids on eggplant varieties
Get PDFFinding a new source of resistance is important to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides, which can meet the global need of suppressing pollution. In this study, the resistance of eight eggplant cultivars to Aphis gossypii was evaluated. Results of the current study highlighted that the cultivar Long-Green has a very strong resistance after 14 days post infestation whereas Pearl-Round and White-Casper cultivars were susceptible. The rest of the tested cultivars (Green-oblong, Purple-panter, Paris, Ashbilia, and Barcelona) had mild resistance. Also, the study found significant differences between the infested and non-infested plants among the tested cultivars in the plant’s height, fresh-, and dry-weight. The susceptible cultivars lost about 30% of their height, fresh- and dry-weight after the infestation compared with the cultivars that had mild resistance. Pearl-Round and White-Casper showed a very strong susceptibility among the evaluated cultivars which may be used as an element in the pest control program against A. gossypii
Predation potential of flower fly Eupeodes nuba (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Syrphidae) on black bean aphid Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and the parasitoids species on its host in the field
Get PDFThe flower fly species, Eupeodes nuba (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Syrphidae) is crucial for agroecosystems as it provides various ecosystem services such as pest control through the use of predatory larvae and crop pollination by adults. In this research, the consumption rate of different instars of Aphis fabae (Scopoli, 1763) by E. nuba larvae has been studied under laboratory conditions at 25±2 °C, 60±10% humidity (RH). Fifty aphids and one larva of flower fly were present in each replicate. The results showed that the maximum number of A. fabae consumed by the larvae of E. nuba was 49.13 individuals at the third instar, followed by 35.73 individuals of aphids at the second instar and 16.26 individuals for the first instar of the predator. The highest daily consumption of aphids occurred during the third instar of the predator. A. fabae was heavily parasitized by different aphid parasitoids, Binodoxys acalephae (Marshall, 1896), Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall, 1896), and Aphelinus asychis (Walker, 1839) on the broad bean. Parasitization rates of these parasitoids increased during the broad bean plant season. The first recording of A. fabae as a new host for A. psychic. The survey of three parasitoids indicated that L. fabarum had the highest population in December, the parasitoid B. acalephae was the highest in January, and the highest population of A. asychis was recorded in February. It seems that biological control can be used as an alternative to chemical pesticides to control A. fabae
The impact of compost and expanded perlite on soil physical properties and water productivity under different irrigation practices
Get PDFFinding an appropriate field management strategy for improving crop and water production becomes an imperious necessity because of the irrigation water deficiency in most of the agricultural fields in Iraq. Studying the response of soil properties to the applied soil amendments represents one of the critical parameters in agricultural field management for improving crop production and water use efficiency of Iraqi strategic crops. The effect of soil amendments (compost = 7.5 t/ha and perlite/0.1% Polyvinyl alcohol = 0.25 t/ha) on the water use efficiency and crop production under three levels of water depletion (30, 50, and 70%) of the available soil water was examined for wheat and barley crops. The study was applied under the sprinkler irrigation system. The experimental design was RCBD within 6 treatments and 3 replications for each wheat and barley. The results show that the soil amendments of expanded perlite and compost exhibit an improvement in the soil properties of soil bulk density and soil water content. Soil amendments, especially, the expanded perlite improved the crop yield and water use efficiency under all irrigation levels. The effect of expanded perlite shows the maximum effect on barley production under the 50% irrigation level with 3500 kg/ha. The irrigation level of 70% could be a worth-able management strategy if it is associated with the soil amendments of compost and expanded perlite. As a result, the effectiveness of expanded perlite increased with the increase in the drought of Iraqi soil