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Effect of Different Concentrations of Potassium Metabisulphite and Bavistin on Postharvest Life of Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn var. Muzaffarpur)
Get PDFLitchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn var. Muzaffarpur) is cultivated in 57 districts of Nepal. However, proper post-harvest loss reduction activities are lacking, resulting in significant losses every year. In June 2023, an experiment on Litchi post-harvest was conducted at HRS, Malepatan. The Litchi fruits were uniformly mature and treated with varying concentrations of potassium metabisulfite (50, 75, 100, and 125 ppm) and Bavistin at 100 ppm. They were then stored at ambient conditions (29±4°C and RH 75±5%) for 10 days. The following parameters were recorded: physiological loss in weight (PLW), decay loss, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid content (Vit-C), and fruit weight to juice ratio. The fruit that was treated with 50 ppm of potassium metabisulphite recorded the lowest PLW at 20.12%. The fruit treated with 125 ppm of potassium metabisulphite had a minimum decay loss of 23.08%. The control treatment had the highest TSS at 23.65% with a minimum TA of 0.50%. The fruit treated with 100 and 125 ppm of potassium metabisulphite had the maximum ascorbic acid content at 87 mg and 85 mg, respectively, and the highest fruit weight-to-juice ratio at -2.80 and 2.73, respectively. Therefore, this study concludes that applying potassium metabisulfite at a concentration of 100-125 ppm is suitable for postharvest treatment of Litchi fruit to prolong its shelf life and maintain its quality parameters
Sustainable Use of Waste Banana Peel (Musa × sapientum L.) Powder for Enhancement of Nutritional Properties of Dark Chocolate
Get PDFDark chocolate is a very popular confectionary product among children, made by combining cocoa (55%) with cocoa butter (7.5%) and sugar (42%) has high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and free-radical scavenging properties. Chocolates also have a high concentration of cocoa and flavanols contents which is very beneficial for human health. The nutritional value of the dark chocolate samples prepared was further enhanced by using unripe banana peel powder. The peel of banana fruit is a waste material, but it also has antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiotic properties which encourages its use in industries like pharmaceuticals. So, after considering the nutritional value of unripe banana fruit peel, the powder of unripe banana peel was added to the dark chocolate in the concentration of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9% to increase the nutritional value of dark chocolate. The premix powder containing iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 was also added to the dark chocolate samples in the concentration of 2% in all the variants. The nutritional value of chocolate samples made by using unripe banana peel powder and premix increased significantly but the color of the product decreased significantly as the concentration of banana powder increased
Recent Advances in Phytoremediation of Hazardous Substances using Plants: A Tool for Soil Reclamation and Sustainability
Get PDFPhytoremediation techniques have emerged as a promising approach for soil reclamation and remediation of contaminated sites. This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of the different phytoremediation techniques used for soil reclamation and their effectiveness in removing contaminants from soil. The aim is to evaluate the current state of knowledge and to highlight potential avenues for future research in this field. The review begins with a discussion of the principles underlying phytoremediation, emphasizing the ability of plants to accumulate, tolerate, and detoxify contaminants through various mechanisms such as phytoaccumulation, rhizo-degradation, and rhizo-filtration. Different plant species and their suitability for phytoremediation are reviewed, considering factors such as metal tolerance, biomass production, and pollutant uptake efficiency. In addition, the role of soil amendments and their impact on improving phytoremediation efficiency is critically evaluated. Commonly used amendments, including chelating agents, organic matter, and pH adjusters, are reviewed with emphasis on their ability to increase metal bioavailability and plant uptake. The review also addresses challenges associated with phytoremediation, such as plant growth limitations, long-term sustainability, and potential risks associated with the release of pollutants into the atmosphere during biomass disposal. Strategies to mitigate these challenges, including plant breeding and genetic engineering, are discussed
Effect of Different Doses of Sulfur on Growth and Yield of Rapeseed (Brassica campestris var. Lumle Tori)
Get PDFSulfur plays an important role in the growth and yield of rapeseed plants. A field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with seven levels of sulfur (60 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha, 40 kg/ha, 30 kg/ha, 20 kg/ha, 10 kg/ha, and 0 kg/ha in three replicates) to evaluate the effect of different doses of sulfur on the growth and yield of rapeseed (Brassica campestris var. Lumle Tori) in Khairahani, Chitwan. Plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, grain per pod, pod weight, fresh weight, dry weight, stover weight, harvest index, and grain yield were recorded. Significant differences were observed in plant height, yield-related traits, and grain yield. The results showed significant differences between the growth and yield-related traits of the different treatments. Plant height and number of branches increased with increasing sulfur dose, reaching a maximum of 60 kg/ha. The maximum number of pods per plant was observed at 20 kg/ha, and the maximum pod length and grain per pod were observed at 60 kg/ha. Grain yield and harvest index were maximum at 20 kg/ha. The results showed that the maximum grain yield could be obtained by applying 20 kg/ha of sulfur. These findings provide valuable guidance for optimizing agricultural practices to meet the increasing global demand for oilseeds
Assessment of Productivity, Profit, and Problems Associated with Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Production in West Nawalparasi, Nepal
Get PDFWheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a staple crop in Nepal, has a rich history of cultivation. Despite increasing demand due to population growth and agricultural development efforts, wheat production faces persistent challenges that hinder its expansion and profitability. This research, conducted from February to July 2022 in West Nawalpur district, Nepal, aims to assess the productivity, profitability, and economics, including benefit-cost analysis, of wheat in West Nawalparasi. A total of 100 wheat farmers were selected and the data obtained were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study reveals a positive gross margin (NRs 1113.09) and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.6 per 0.3 hectare, indicating the profitability of wheat cultivation. Notably, most farmers procure agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers from local agro-dealers within Nepal, highlighting a preference for domestic sources over imports from India. For irrigation, more than half of the population relies on pumps that draw from open water sources (59%) and use mechanization equipment such as tractors and combine harvesters for field activities. However, the study reveals the complexity of the challenges faced by wheat farmers. Chief among these are the unavailability of adequate irrigation facilities, untimely and inadequate access to agricultural inputs, disease and pest incidence, lack of training and extension services, and lack of mechanization and skilled labor. These constraints, as highlighted by the farmers, affect both productivity and profitability, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives to reduce production costs and improve wheat production in West Nawalparasi
Eco-Friendly Management of Root Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) in Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus) Using Different Soil Amendments
Get PDFField experiment was conducted from March to July 2022 to identify the eco-friendly management of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) by using different soil amendments. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design with three replications and seven treatments viz., mustard oil cake at 1.41 kg/2m2 plot, poultry manure at 5.6 kg/2m2 plot, goat manure at 3.25 kg/2m2 plot, vermicompost at 4.30 kg/2m2 plot, nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) at 125:110:110 g/2m2, Cartap hydrochloride 4% granule (GR) at 10 g/2m2 plot and control. Disease parameters such as root gall index and number of galls per plant, fresh shoot weight, and fresh root weight were recorded at 72, 105, and 120 days after sowing. Fruit yield was recorded after the final pod harvest. Cartap hydrochloride 4G, poultry manure, and mustard oil cake significantly reduced the root gall index as compared to the control. However, goat manure, vermicompost nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) did not give satisfactory results in reducing root gall index. The maximum yield of okra was recorded in the NPK treated plots although the root gall index was not much reduced. The research results indicated that the most effective treatment for reducing root-knot nematode disease and improving vegetative growth and yield of okra was poultry manure. Therefore, poultry manure along with mustard oil cake could be used as an alternative to highly hazardous and persistent chemical nematicides for the management of root-knot nematodes in okra
Effects of Seedling and Plant Spacing on the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) for Spring Rice (Oryza sativa L. Chaite 2)
Get PDFSystem of Rice Intensification (SRI technology) increases rice yields while requiring less water and other inputs. It involves the use of specific management strategies that, when used together, provide rice plants with better-growing conditions than those grown using traditional methods, especially in the root zone. An SRI experiment was conducted from February 27, 2022, to July 11, 2022, in rice farmers\u27 fields in Buddhabhumi Municipality, Nepal, using different spacing and seedlings. Spring rice was grown using the SRI with a variety of seeding and plant spacing. The experiment consisted of three plant spacings: 20 × 20, 30 × 30, and 40 × 40 cm, and two seeding groups: regular seeding and pregerminated seedlings. Characteristics were counted, including the number of tillers per mound, leaves, plant height, tillers per square meter, grain yield, and 1000 kernel weight. The result shows that the 20 cm × 20 cm spacing increased tillers per square meter. The spacing also resulted in much higher grain production of 4.29337 Mt/ha. The 30 × 30 cm plot had the tallest plants at 78.10 cm, much higher than the other plots. Similar crops produced significantly more tillers per mound (22.5) when planted at 40 × 40 cm spacing. Since the crops were planted at 40 × 40 cm, the spacing produced significantly more tillers per mound (22.57) and leaves per mound (73.54). Spacing did not affect test weight, nor did the type of seedlings used
AgroEnvironmental Sustainability: A Call to Action for Sustainable and Greener Future
Get PDFoai:ojs2.www.sagens.org:article/1One of the most important economic pillars is agriculture, which provides raw materials for industrial processes and much-needed food. However, agriculture is also a major contributor to climate change and environmental degradation. The need for sustainable agriculture has never been more pressing as the world grapples with numerous environmental issues that threaten food security and livelihoods. The launch of AgroEnvironmental Sustainability, a new journal dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, is a welcome and timely development. The journal will bring forward scientific information that addresses challenges in agriculture, economic, social, health, and environmental aspects
In-vitro Analysis of Different Trichoderma spp. Against Fusarium Rhizome Rot of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)
Get PDFThis study evaluated the effectiveness of four isolates of Trichoderma spp. obtained from various plant protection divisions and commercial products for the biocontrol of Fusarium rhizome rot of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Experiments were designed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and ten replications. The National Agriculture Research Council (NARC) isolates of Trichoderma spp. were multiplied through direct inoculation on PDA media. Meanwhile, the commercial products of T. harzianum (TRICHO-HR) and T. viride (Biocide Trivi) were prepared as spore suspension. The dual culture technique was used to evaluate the interaction between Trichoderma spp. and Fusarium pathogen. The radial diameter of both Trichoderma and Fusarium was measured every 24 h for 7 days. The experiments in dual cultures demonstrated that various Trichoderma isolates and commercial products significantly inhibited Fusarium mycelial growth. Among the isolates tested, T1-NARC showed the highest efficacy at 57.91% growth inhibition, followed by T2-RPPL (52.50%) and T4-Biocide Trivi (40.98%). However, T3-TRICHO HR displayed lower performance with an inhibition rate of 24.75%. These findings offer valuable insights for the use of Trichoderma spp. as biocontrol agents in ginger cultivation, contributing to improved disease control and enhanced crop health. The observed differences in performance could be attributed to the genetic variations among the isolates
Impact of Domestic and Industrial Effluent Disposal on Physicochemical Characteristics of River Malin at Najibabad City, India
Get PDFThe current study aimed to assess the health of the Malin River situated in Najibabad city, India by analyzing several physicochemical parameters. The main objective was to evaluate the impact of industrial and domestic wastewater on the river\u27s health. The study was conducted over six months, from January to June 2023, at four different locations along the river. To calculate the water quality index (WQI), the data was further processed, and Pearson correlation was utilized. Except for site 1, most of the analyzed physicochemical parameters exceeded the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) limit, as indicated by the results. The utilization of river Malin water for irrigation, laundry, and vegetable cleaning may pose a health hazard to the public due to high contamination levels at the points where industrial (site 2) and domestic (site 3) effluents continuously mix with the river water. The water quality at all locations is deemed unsuitable for consumption due to a WQI score greater than 100. There are strong positive correlations between total dissolved solids (TDS) and other studied parameters, except for dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and turbidity. This suggests the presence of inorganic pollutants concerning organic pollutants. Wastewater treatment facilities are necessary along river coasts to conserve river flora and fauna, as well as water quality, to safeguard human and river health