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Influence of different storage temperatures and packing material in extending shelf life and quality attributes of palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.) neera
Get PDFPalmyrah neera (inflorescence sap) is susceptible to natural fermentation at ambient temperature within a few hours of extraction due to enzymatic and microbial activity. Once fermented, neera becomes toddy which is unsuitable as a health drink or as a value-added product. Therefore, a study was carried out to investigate the influence of different packing materials and storage conditions on the shelf life and to keep the quality of palmyrah neera. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomised factorial design with two factors at unequal levels replicated thrice. HDPE 50 micron pouch (P1), PET bottle (P2) and glass bottle (P3) and cold storage at 2 oC (S1), cold storage at 4 oC (S2) and refrigerated storage (8-10 oC) (S3) were the packing material and storage conditions respectively used during experimentation. Physio-chemical properties viz., total soluble solids, pH and reducing sugars showed an increasing trend up to the 4th week of storage. At the same time, phenols, titrable acidity and alcohol content increased up to the 6th week of storage. Maximum total soluble solids (10.80 oBrix), reducing sugars (5.76%), minimum phenolic content (0.323 mg) and titrable acidity (1.116%) were recorded when palmyrah neera was packed in HDPE 50 micron pouch, whereas the maximum total soluble solids (10.83oBrix), reducing sugars (5.75%), minimum phenolic content (0.322 mg) and titrable acidity (1.14%) were recorded when palmyrah neera was stored at 2 oC. Among the different packing material and storage conditions, HDPE 50 micron and storage at 2 oC was effective in extending the shelf life and quality attributes of palmyrah neera
Analysis of growth rate and supply response of cocoa in Tamil Nadu, India: Nerlovian adjustment model
Get PDFThe present study focussed on the growth rate of area, production and productivity of cocoa in Tamil Nadu and estimated the impact of cocoa allocation decision, price variation and its supply in selected districts. The study employed the CAGR, Nerlovian model using the secondary data from 2011-12 to 2020-21. A positive significant growth in the area (40.24%) and production (34.60%) was witnessed in the Coimbatore district, while Thanjavur district showed a decline in the growth rate of cocoa. The area response concluded by lagged values of area and price significantly influenced the current year area in Coimbatore. The lagged productions were positively significant for both the districts and inferred that the increase in the price with one per cent level with the respective rise in price variability in Coimbatore district and opposite trend in Thanjavur district. The study suggested improving cocoa productivity and smoothing out variability in domestic prices can help boost farmers’ confidence in cocoa cultivation. The government provided the subsidy for transportation of the beans from one place to another, procurement centres in cocoa growing districts in Tamil Nadu and supplying the HYV to increase production, developing crop insurance schemes for cocoa during uncertain conditions and establishing facilities for the distribution of beans through Farmer Producer Companies (FPO), as well as attracting foreign consumers by improving bean quality
Influence of elevation and rainfall on leaf growth, bean characteristics and yield components of arabica and robusta coffee under changing climatic conditions in Karnataka state, India
Get PDFThe study was undertaken to analyze the behaviour of coffee under changing climatic conditions in different coffee liaison zones of Karnataka State, India, during 2017-2020. Sample estates were identified based on elevation and rainfall patterns in different zones of the Chikkamagaluru and Hassan districts. The leaf growth parameters, bean characteristics and yield components were recorded in all the sample estates. Correlation studies indicated a significant positive relationship between the elevation, rainfall with specific leaf area (r = +0.912) and productivity (r = 0.475) during the pre-monsoon period. The monthly summer rainfall during March and April showed a significant correlation with yield in robusta (r = 0.511) and arabica (r = 0.451), indicating that blossom shower during this period significantly influenced the productivity of coffee. The studies between elevation, the quantum of rainfall and bean defect parameters indicated a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation. A positive relationship was also found between elevation and peaberry production in both robusta (r = 0.716) and arabica coffee (r= 0.456), respectively. However, there was also a significant relationship between rainfall (2020) and Jollu percentage (r = 0.386) in robusta coffee, indicating that higher elevation and rainfall-induced more peaberry content and Jollu percentage under changing climatic conditions. The overall result indicated that changes in climatic conditions such as excess rainfall and continuous soil moisture led to more vegetative growth than reproductive growth. This also produced more bean abnormalities which in turn affected the yield and quality of the coffee
Physiological response of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L. ) genotypes to drought
Get PDFDrought is one of the major environmental stresses affecting crop productivity worldwide. Climate change is expected to result in a rise in the number and intensity of drought events in the coming decades, so climate-resilient crops that can withstand this stress are in high demand. There are few genotypes in cocoa where it can tolerate water deficit conditions. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the effect of drought stress on the photosynthetic and physiological parameters of six cocoa genotypes (Theobroma cacao L.) with two irrigation regimes (100% field capacity and 40% field capacity) under greenhouse conditions at Cocoa Research Station, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur. The effect of water deficit conditions on gas exchange and physiological parameters such as relative water content, membrane stability index, chlorophyll stability index, and chlorophyll content were evaluated. Drought stress conditions resulted in reduced photosynthetic rate, relative water content, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll stability and membrane stability. All genotypes revealed significant differences for most parameters with two irrigation regimes. Among the cocoa genotypes, P.IV 19.9, which is classified as a highly tolerant genotype, recorded better results for all the parameters studied under water deficit conditions at 40 per cent FC. The findings of this study support the classification of these genotypes as highly tolerant, tolerant, and susceptible. These parameters may be used as the most promising indicators to screen for drought tolerance in cocoa. The results of the study revealed that photosynthetic and physiological parameters have a significant role in imparting drought stress tolerance to cocoa. Furthermore, these selected drought-tolerant genotypes can be used in future crop improvement programmes in cocoa
Correlation and path coefficient studies for yield and its components of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) in North Western Ethiopia
Get PDFRice is the major source of calories and third largest crop after maize and wheat by productivity. The aim of the present study was to determine the correlations between grain yield and its contributing traits and to measure the direct and indirect effects of those traits on grain yield in upland rice. Sixteen upland rice genotypes were tested using RCBD with three replications at Pawe district (on station and on farm) during 2016/2017 main cropping season. The estimates of genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients between nine characters were computed and also the direct and indirect effects. The results obtained indicated that estimates of genotypic correlation coefficients between nine characters were generally different in sign but higher in magnitude than the corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients. Days to maturity and plant height were showed strong positive and significant phenotypic and genotypic correlations with days to 50% heading at on farm level. Whereas, thousand seed weight was exhibited strong positive and significant phenotypic and genotypic correlations with days to 50% heading followed by panicle length at on station level. The highest positive both phenotypic and genotypic direct effect on grain yield were exerted by days to heading followed by panicle length and number of filled grain per panicle. In contrast, high order of negative both phenotypic and genotypic indirect effects were extended by panicle length on grain yield via days to maturity (-0.167), thousand seed weight (-0.162) and plant height (-0.09). The direct effects of the remaining six characters were too low to be considered important and the rest of the estimates of indirect effects obtained in path analysis were negligible. Generally, it can be concluded that there is a favorable situation for obtaining high response to selection in improving yield and its components in upland rice
Efficacy of botanicals extracts against Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory condition
Get PDFNumerous cultivated plants are attacked by Spodoptera litura, which also significantly reduces crop yields. In this study, a green strategy was used to assess the toxicological impact of three plant extracts (Eucalyptus globulus, Allium sativum, and Azadirachta indica) against S. litura larvae in their second and third instars. The study resulted that among the tested extracts, neem (A. indica) was found to be the most toxic and efficient extract followed by E. globulus and A. sativum. 29.92, 56.61, and 79.53% mortality of 2nd instar larvae were recorded at 3, 5, and 7 ppm, respectively, while 24.52, 27.66, and 72.42% of 3rd instars. Among the tested extracts, A. sativum was the least toxic extract than others. One of the main causes of large losses in field crops is insect pest damage. According to the study’s findings, A. indica extract has the potential to lessen S. litura damage to crops as a natural substitute for chemical pesticides without harming beneficial species
Estimates of genetic variability, inter character association and path analysis in turmeric over environments: Variability and association in turmeric over environments
No full textPooled data of 27 traits, including quantitative and qualitative, from 15 turmeric varieties grown in three locations over two years were used to estimate the genetic parameters of variability and path analysis. High genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) combined with high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was observed for collar girth, length of mother rhizome, number of mother rhizomes, weight of mother rhizome, weight of primary rhizome, number of secondary rhizomes, primary rhizome inter-nodal length, bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), demethoxycurcumin (DMC), curcumin (CUR) and yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent mean (GAM) was recorded for plant height, number of shoots, leaf petiole length, leaf length, collar girth, length of mother rhizome, girth of mother rhizome, primary rhizome inter-nodal length, dry recovery, oleoresin, BDMC, DMC and curcumin. Correlation coefficients showed that yield was significantly associated with collar girth, weight of mother rhizome, number of primary rhizomes, weight of primary rhizome and number of secondary rhizomes. Path coefficient analysis at phenotypic level revealed that, positive direct effect was high for length of mother rhizome followed by number of mother rhizomes, weight of primary rhizome and curcumin content. The study confirmed that characters such as weight of mother rhizome, girth of mother rhizome, weight of primary rhizomes, number of primary rhizomes and curcumin content can be relayed upon to form selection criteria in turmeric
Effect of spacing and fertilizer levels on yield, quality and nutrient uptake of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) under northern dry zone of Karnataka: Effect of spacing and fertilizer levels on fennel
No full textAn experiment was carried out on effect of spacing and fertilizer levels on yield, quality and nutrient uptake of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) under northern dry zone of Karnataka. Among various spacing levels, 60 x 30 cm spacing recorded highest seed yield. The highest essential oil content and essential oil yield was obtained in 60 x 40 cm spacing. Nutrient uptake was found maximum in 60 x 30 cm spacing. The maximum seed yield, essential oil content, oil yield and total nutrient uptake was obtained by supplying 100:50:40 NPK kg ha-1 and it was at par with 90:40:30 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1 respectively
Multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of Phytophthora, Pythium and Fusarium associated with foot rot and yellowing diseases of black pepper: Multiple PCR for the detection of pathogens infecting black pepper
No full textIn this study, a multiplex PCR assay was developed to detect Phytophthora, Pythium and Fusarium infecting black pepper. Genus-specific primers were designed from the conserved region of ITS and a multiplex PCR was optimized by manipulating the annealing temperature and primer as well as MgCl2 concentrations. The black pepper 18S rRNA gene-specific primers were also included in the multiplex PCR assay as internal control. The assay successfully detected the pathogens from artificially inoculated black pepper roots and did not show any cross amplification with other fungal pathogens of black pepper such as Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii and Colletotrichum sp. Hence, the developed multiplex PCR assay will help in early diagnosis of the cause of black pepper yellowing leading to timely adoption of management strategies
Inflorescence appearance timing and production rate traits in wild Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp)
Get PDFZoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) has excellent turf quality and can be applied to various uses for personal space to public sports areas or commercial landscapes. However, it has disadvantages such as slow growth rate, cold hardiness, low seed yield, and hard to establish from seeds, which cannot be improved with agricultural practices. Therefore, breeding a new cultivar as a hybrid could be an efficient strategy to improve the Zoysiagrass cultivar. In fact, hybrid zoysiagrass shows mixed traits of both parents in morphology and heterosis in growth. However, inflorescence appearance and its rate are known to make a hybrid. Thus, the variety of inflorescence appearance timing and production rate were investigated among 549 genetic resources. As a result, only 5.38% of the variety among survived zoysiagrass after transplanting showed more than 30% inflorescence appearance within the given period. During that, some varieties showed a reduction of total inflorescence. Hence, we report the diversity of inflorescence appearance timing and production rate that could be useful for breeders and researchers breeding new Zoysiagrass cultivars