821 research outputs found
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Interlinking soil, water and plant health status of mango orchards ofRamanagara and Srinivaspura regions for higher productivity
Full text linkInterrelationship among soil, water and plant health and its influence on crop productivity of mango was investigated Soil, water and plant samples from mango orchards of Ramanagara and Srinivaspura areas of Karnataka, India were collected and analyzed. Soil quality (SQI), water quality (WQI) and plant health (PHI) indices were calculated adopting scoring procedure and interrelated. Few soils were eficient in organic C, available N, K, S, and Fe. Irrigation water of few samples had slightly higher bicarbonate, Cl- and sodium hazards. Most of the leaf samples had very less N and K contents. Soil quality and plant health status of study area were moderately poor to good and irrigation water quality was medium to very good. There was significant positive correlation existed between SQI and PHI, SQI and yield and PHI and yield. However, WQI did not show any significant relationship with SQI, PHI and yield. These results confirmed that soil health influences plant health and crop productivity. Therefore, maintenance of soil health through good cultivation practices is important to enhance plant health and mango productivity
Optimization of bacoside A3 content in hydroponically cultivated Bacopa monnieri
Full text linkBacopa monnieri L. is a popular ayurvedic plant known for its cognitive properties. The active principle in B. monnieri responsible for its brain-stimulating character is a group of saponins, specifically, bacoside A (bacoside A3, bacopaside II, and bacopasaponin C). In this study, the impact of different nutrient formulations-Hoagland & Arnon (1938) (control), GL-L, Higro-Super, and Hoagland & Arnon (1950), and different light conditions viz., white LED lights (WL) & multi-spectral LED lights (ML) on the growth and bacoside A3 content of B. monnieri in a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system were investigated. The data was analyzed using the ANOVA (p<0.05) and DMRT test. It was found that GLL+ML as a treatment showed the highest number of shoots/plant (51.2±3.6), number of leaves/plant (518±21.2), leaf area (1.28±0.04), fresh weight (28.82±5.7 g/plant), and dry weight (2.2±0.26 g/plant). Conversely, the Higro-Super+ML treatment illustrated the highest bacoside A3 content (3528 mg/kg) along with suitable growth, followed by Hoagland & Arnon (1938) +ML (3204 mg/kg). These research findings shed light on the importance of considering both light spectrum and nutrient availability in optimizing growth conditions for B. monnieri cultivatio
Influence of gamma radiation on morpho-physiological and biochemical traitsof in vitro raised wine grape (Vitis vinifera L.) genotypes
Full text linkGrapes are a worldwide significant fruit, important for the wine industry, trade, and health benefits. Despite its significance, grape cultivation in India faces numerous biotic and abiotic challenges. Traditional breeding in this crop is very expensive, time-consuming and presents many technical obstacles. Since the plant has reproductive sterility, creating variability for these characteristics is possible only through induced mutation. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation (0, 5, 15, 20 & 25 Gy) on morpho-physiological and biochemical traits of four in vitro raised wine grape genotypes (Pusa Navrang, H-76-1, Pearl of Csaba and Julesky Muscat). The gamma-irradiated shoot cultures were evaluated under in vitro and ex vitro conditions. All irradiation treatments affected growth traits. However, response was found to be genotypic and dose-dependent. The growth of irradiated cultures was stimulated at dose (5 Gy) less than LD50 dose, whereas, treatment of cultures with a dose higher than 15 Gy, reduced the growth and caused deformation in cultures. Based on plant growth and survival traits, 10 Gy was identified as LD50. Among the genotypes tested, Pusa Navrang exhibited good final recovery (10.43%) at high dose (20 Gy). However, genotype H-76-1 was found to be the most sensitive genotype to the higher dose (>15 Gy) of gamma irradiation. Amount of proline, total phenols and total sugars increased, while chlorophylls and carotenoids decreased irrespective of genotypes in response to gamma irradiation (>15 Gy). The results of present study will be very useful for future improvement of grapevine scion cultivars
Fungitoxic effect of crude neem extract against Stemphylium vesicarium andits influence on seed yield and quality of onion
Full text linkStemphylium leaf blight, an emerging and economically devastating disease of onion crops, has prompted the search for eco-friendly alternatives due to stringent regulations with regard to synthetic fungicides. This study pioneers the comparative evaluation of Azadirachta indica crude extract against both six commercial fungicides (mancozeb, metiram + pyraclostrobin, difenoconazole, zineb, tebuconazole and kitazine) and two other botanicals (Lantana camara and Pongamia pinnata) under Indian field conditions. In vitro screening was conducted using the poisoned food technique at concentrations ranging from 100 to 2000 ppm, and field trials involved three foliar sprays at 10-day intervals on the onion var. Punjab Naroya. Under in vitro conditions, A. indica displayed >50% mycelial growth inhibition of Stemphylium vesicarium from concentrations as low as 250 ppm, outperforming all botanicals and most fungicides comparable only to triazole fungicides. Field trials demonstrated that A. indica (5%) reduced Stemphylium leaf blight disease severity by over 50%, with seed yield comparable to mancozeb and zineb. Notably, seeds treated with A. indica exhibited higher germination, improved vigour indices, and reduced electrical conductivity, indicating enhanced seed quality and membrane stability. By delivering disease control on par with leading synthetic fungicides without the associated environmental and resistance risks A. indica emerges as a potent, sustainable fungicidal alternative for onion seed production. The findings underscore its role in minimizing pesticide load while safeguarding both yield and seed quality, contributing to quality bulb and seed production
Taxonomic studies and DNA barcoding of sapota bud borer, Eustalodes achrasella (Bradley, 1981) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) from India
Full text linkThe sapota bud borer, Eustalodes achrasella (Bradley, 1981) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), causes significant damage in the commercial sapota orchards leading to economic yield losses. The young larvae damage the foliage and buds by webbing and scraping the tissue, whereas, later stages bore into fruits resulting in severe drying, defoliation and reduced crop yields. The present study investigated the field infestation and damage symptoms caused by E. achrasella in Punjab, India. It also includes illustrations of various life stages of the pest, a detailed taxonomic redescription, and the development of a novel mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I DNA barcode for precise identification of this species
A comprehensive survey on the occurrence of Polerovirus (Solemoviridae) causing yellowing disease on cucurbitaceous crops in Tamil Nadu, India
Full text linkA roving survey was conducted in and around Coimbatore, Dindigul, and Tiruchirappalli districts of Tamil Nadu, where commercially field-grown bitter gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkin, sponge gourd, snake gourd, and bottle gourd were observed to exhibit virus symptoms such as yellowing with interveinal chlorosis, downward rolling, and mottling of leaves along with stunted plant growth. Sampling of symptomatic leaves from infected fields revealed an average yellowing disease incidence of 54.42% among the different cucurbitaceous crops. Molecular assay through reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) using universal and specific primer pairs of Polerovirus performed with the collected symptomatic leaf samples confirmed the association of Polerovirus. In addition, samples tested through dot immune binding assay (DIBA) using polyclonal antibody of Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) also tested positive. The results revealed that 81% and 100% of symptomatic samples were detected with Poleroviruses through RT-PCR and DIBA assays, respectively. The amplified DNA fragments of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene and coat protein (CP) gene of Polerovirus associated with bitter gourd were cloned using the pGEM-T vector and sequenced in both orientations. Nucleotide sequencing analysis of the RdRp and CP genes confirmed the association of Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV), a Polerovirus belonging to the family Solemoviridae, sharing an identity of 96.34% and 100%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the RdRp genomic region of CABYV showed clustering with various isolates from the Asian continent, whereas the CP genomic region exhibited minimal variation within the amplified region, grouping into a single cluster with isolates from Asia, North America, Europe, and South America. These results confirm the alarming occurrence of Polerovirus causing yellowing disease in cucurbitaceous crops in Tamil Nadu
Influence of floral and aromatic plant materialson incense stick preparation and properties
Full text linkIn India, floral waste is disposed of in rivers and water bodies annually, leading to significant pollution. However, this waste can be substantially reduced if utilized effectively. One promising application is the use of floral waste in the production of value-added products. This study specifically explores the potential of repurposing waste to manufacture incense sticks. Two experiments were conducted to identify the optimal combination of flower petal powder and adhesives for making incense sticks. In experiment 1, sixteen different treatments of flower petal powder and adhesive combinations were tested. The treatment consisted of rose petal powder 42.5% and marigold petal powder 42.5% mixed with 15% Jigat powder as adhesive was found to be the most effective, followed by a combination of marigold petal powder 85% and 15% Jigat powder as adhesive. In experiment 2, the two best treatments from experiment 1 were mixed with aromatic plant powder in various proportions to create naturally fragrant incense sticks. The mosquito repellent activity and olfactory evaluation of these incense sticks were assessed. It was observed that the combination of rose petals, marigold petals, Jigat powder, and 30% lemongrass powder yielded the best results
Hybrid analysis for ToLCV resistance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) andmolecular validation of Ty-3 gene
Full text linkTomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are widely recognized as a nutritious food due to their rich content of essential nutrients. Their growing popularity in recent years is largely attributed to lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-cancer properties. However, the tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) represents a substantial risk to tomato crops at global level resulting in 100% crop loss. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and screen the tomato hybrids for ToLCV resistance and validate the presence of Ty-3 gene.The study involved evaluating 12 parents, 8 hybrids and 7 double cross hybrids carrying Ty-3 genes, which underwent screening at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Assorted array of co-dominant sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers were utilised to assess the resistance genes linked with tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV), focusing specifically on Ty-3. The chosen markers P6-25, FLUW-25F and SCAR-1 demonstrated high reliability in distinguishing susceptible and resistant lines, facilitating the efficient identification of homozygous or heterozygous alleles relevant to ToLCV resistance. The screening resulted in the identification of three resistant parents (CBESL159, CBESL162 and CBESL169), two hybrids (H5-CBESL133×CBESL169 and H7-CBESL146×CBESL162) and two double hybrids (H5xH7 and H4xH5). These promising parents hold potential as parental materials for developing lines or hybrids with genes providing strong and enduring resistance against ToLCV and yield improvement. The double hybrids can be used for development of breeding lines
Piriformospora indica and Bacillus velezensis reduced titres ofPRSV and CMV and suppressed symptoms of snake gourd mosaic disease
Full text linkPre-endophytic colonization of snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina L.) with Piriformospora indica (1% w/v), followed by individual pre-colonizations with Bacillus velezensis (108 CFU mL-1) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; 1% w/v), significantly mitigated the incidence and severity of snake gourd mosaic disease under laboratory and field conditions. The endophytic treatments effectively suppressed the titres of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), as confirmed by DAC-ELISA and DAS ELISA analyses. Among the treatments, P. indica pre-colonization resulted in the lowest viral load and delayed symptom expression, followed by B. velezensis and AMF. Enhanced activities of defense-related enzymes viz., peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, catalase and ascorbic acid oxidase were recorded in P. indica-colonized plants, indicating the induction of systemic resistance. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed the induction of a novel 31.57 kDa protein in AMF-treated plants, while, P. indica and B. velezensis colonization altered overall protein profiles relative to the control. Field evaluations demonstrated a marked reduction in disease incidence (88.36% in P. indica, 92.95% in B. velezensis and 99.74% in AMF treatments at 90 DAS), improved vegetative growth and yield, with P. indica recording the highest yield (7.04 kg plant-1)
Studies on genetic divergence for yield and quality traits in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)
Full text linkA study was conducted to assess the genetic divergence of twenty-five chilli genotypes for fifteen parameters by adopting Mahalanobis D2 statistics using Tocher’s method. The genotypes were grouped into six clusters irrespective of their geographical divergence, indicating wide diversity among them. Cluster II was the largest with nine genotypes followed by Cluster I with eight genotypes, cluster III with four genotypes, cluster IV with two genotypes, and Clusters V and VI had only one genotype each. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters V and VI followed by clusters IV and V and clusters III and IV. This indicates that hybridization between the genotypes belonging to clusters V and VI will be more rewarding for getting superior progenies in terms of yield and quality