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Effects of Postharvest Chemical Preservatives on Shelf Life of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Srijana)
Get PDFIn recent years, the practice of increasing the shelf life of post-harvest crops is gaining attention worldwide due to the failure of proper techniques to increase post-harvest shelf life. Tomatoes are fragile and have a low shelf life. It fetches low market prices during on-season production and fetches high market prices during off-season production. To address this scenario, research was conducted to study the effect of different preservatives on various physiochemical attributes of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum). The effects of preservatives were studied on shelf life, disease infestation days, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, and weight loss percentage (WLP) at 2-day intervals during the storage period. The 7 treatments used were 2% CaCl2, 4%, CaCl2, 1% GA3, 3% GA3, 1000 ppm sodium benzoate, 2000 ppm sodium benzoate, and control in distilled water with 3 replications each. Each replication was immersed in a chemical preservative for 20 minutes and kept in a polyethylene bag. Among the treatments, fruits treated with 3% GA3 recorded the longest shelf life of 31.33 days, followed by 1% GA3 (27 days) and 4% CaCl2 (22 days) over the control (15.667 days). Disease incidence days were highest for 3% GA3 (32.33 days) followed by 1% GA3 (28.33 days) and 4% CaCl2 (23 days) over control (16.667 days). The percentage of physical weight loss on the day of data recording was minimum for 3% GA3 treated fruits and maximum for control. Similarly, TA, TSS, and pH of treated fruits show significant results over control
Comparative Study on the Seed Health of Five Commonly Cultivated Wheat Varieties (Triticum aestivum L.) in Nepal
Get PDFSeed-borne pathogens can negatively affect wheat crop germination, plant health, and yield, making it essential to routinely test and treat seeds. Therefore, identifying seed-borne pathogens in commonly cultivated wheat varieties is vital to ensuring sustainable food production. The study sought at the Central Agriculture Laboratory in Lalitpur, Nepal, aimed to identify seed-borne pathogens in five commonly cultivated wheat varieties and evaluate their seed health. The study utilized the Standard Blotter Method to assess various parameters, including germination percentage, pathogen incidence percentage, shoot length, and seedling vigor index, in a controlled environment. The experiment used a complete randomized design with four replications and five treatments. Five wheat varieties (Gautam, Aaditya, Bijaya, Dhaulagiri, and NL971) were sown in Petri dishes containing blotting paper wetted with sterilized distilled water to assess the incidence and severity of Bipolaris sorokiniana. The data obtained were tabulated in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Gen Stat. The study found that Gautam had the highest Bipolaris infection (18.25%), while NL971 had the lowest (11.25%), followed by Bijaya, Dhaulagiri, and Aaditya. Dhaulagiri had the highest germination percentage (99.50%), followed by Aaditya, Bijaya, and NL971, while Gautam had the lowest (79%). Aaditya demonstrated the highest shoot and root weight, shoot length, and seedling vigor index, while Gautam had the lowest. The study concluded that Gautam was vulnerable to low seed health, while Aaditya and other varieties demonstrated stronger seed health and resistance to the pathogen. These findings are crucial for improving seed health and ensuring sustainable food production in Nepal
Biochar as a Versatile Resource for Achieving Sustainability in Agri-food Chains
Get PDFThe agriculture sector generates a significant quantity of waste. These wastes, when mismanaged, can cause environmental issues like air, water, and soil pollution. Thus, the upcycling of agricultural wastes especially for bioenergy production would be highly advantageous. Biofuels, including biochar, biogas, biodiesel, and bioethanol, are eco-friendly fuels owing a significant contribution to the bioenergy industry. Biochar, a carbon-rich substance prepared from a wide range of feedstocks, can be produced from agricultural wastes via pyrolysis and has numerous applications. When added to soil, biochar enhances soil fertility by acting as a soil conditioner. It can also be used to purify air and wastewater and/or used for carbon sequestering, in the textile and construction industries. Moreover, biochar can also be used in the food products such as charcoal-based ice cream, and cookies besides being an animal feed improver. Furthermore, biochar has potential applications in the cosmetic industry and can address issues such as climate change, energy shortages, and food security. The use of agricultural wastes for biochar production can be a tool for low-cost bioenergy production, which could improve the financial status of local farmers. The current review emphasizes the potential of biochar as a versatile resource for achieving sustainability in agri-food chains by recycling generated waste
Effect of Barrages and Anthropogenic Activities on Ecological Integrity of the Ganga River: A Review on Current Issues and Restoration Efforts
Get PDFThe Ganga River, a lifeline for millions of people in the Indian subcontinent, is facing significant environmental challenges due to the construction of barrages and various anthropogenic activities along its course. This review paper examines the effects of barrages and human interventions on the ecological integrity of the Ganga and explores current issues surrounding its deteriorating ecosystem. Furthermore, it discusses the restoration efforts undertaken to mitigate the ecological impacts and restore the river\u27s health. The construction of dams and barrages can aggravate the situation in the context of the Ganga, which is already suffering from the discharge of industrial and agricultural wastes. The construction of various dams, barrages, and hydroelectric projects is affecting the water flow of the Ganga. These affect the water flow, resulting in the accumulation of solid waste on the river bed. Barrages not only affect the water flow but also restrict the migration of aquatic fauna. This affects the hydrological balance of the Ganga as well as the survival and existence of several fish species. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of barrages and anthropogenic activities on Ganga\u27s ecological integrity, sheds light on the current issues plaguing the river, and highlights the ongoing restoration efforts. By understanding the complex interplay between human activities and ecosystem dynamics, stakeholders can work towards safeguarding Ganga\u27s ecological health and ensuring its sustainable future
A Study on Comparative Assessment of Water Quality of Dal and Nigeen Lakes of Jammu and Kashmir, India
Get PDFThe lakes of the Kashmir valley, India are under continuous pressure due to increasing anthropogenic activities. In the present study, an attempt has been made to monitor the quality of two important lakes (Dal and Nigeen) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India. These lakes hold significant ecological, cultural, and economic value, attracting many tourists and serving as vital sources of fresh water for local communities. Five sampling sites were selected in the study area, out of which three are in Dal Lake and two in Nigeen Lake. A comparison of the water quality of both lakes was made in the present investigation based on selected physicochemical parameters like water pH, conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), chloride (Cl-), sulfate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3-) and phosphate (PO43-). The results revealed that the value of most of the parameters was higher in Dal Lake (BOD, EC, COD, and PO43-) while some parameters were found higher in Nigeen Lake (NO3-, DO, Cl- and SO42-). The student t-test showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the means of most of the studied parameters of both the lake except EC and NO3-. Although all the parameters were within the limits if the trend of pollution continues, then the water quality of both lakes will become unfit for aquatic plants, animals, and tourist activities also. This study highlights the urgent need for effective water management strategies and conservation efforts to preserve the water quality of Dal and Nigeen Lakes
Isolation and Screening of Microorganisms from Waste Dumping Sites for Biosorption of Cadmium and Lead
Get PDFHeavy metal poisoning of the environment poses a serious threat to ecosystems and human health. Landfills have been found to harbor diverse microbial communities capable of bioremediating such contaminants via biosorption. Unlike traditional methods of heavy metal remediation, which often involve costly and resource-intensive techniques, biosorption offers a promising alternative that harnesses the natural capabilities of microorganisms. The objective of this research was to identify and screen microorganisms from landfills for their ability to bio-sorb cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The present study deals with the isolation and screening of the microorganisms capable of removing heavy metals from the area near Dehradun Municipal Solid Waste Management Pvt. Ltd. Among the 17 bacterial isolates and 2 fungal isolates, only 7 bacteria and one fungal strain were able to absorb the heavy metal concentration. Among the 7 bacterial strains, the percentage of microbes with the ability to absorb Pb ranged from 35% to 70%, while the percentage of microbes with the ability to absorb Cd ranged from 20% to 50%. On the other hand, the fungal strain had an absorption capacity of about 80% for both Pb and Cd. This study emphasizes the potential of microorganisms isolated from landfills as attractive candidates for Cd and Pb biosorption. These isolates show significant tolerance and efficient biosorption capacities, making them good candidates for further exploration and prospective application in the bioremediation of heavy metal-contaminated environments
Field Efficacy of Different Insecticides Against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) in Spring Maize (Zea mays L.)
Get PDFAn experiment was conducted from February to June 2022 to determine the effectiveness of different insecticides in controlling fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda: FA) under field conditions. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. Insecticides were applied three times at 7-day intervals. The treatments included: T1 - untreated or control (water spray), T2 - Cypermethrin 5% + Chlorpyriphos 50% EC, T3 - Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, T4 - Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG, and T5 - Spinetoram 11.7% SC. Data were collected for the number of live larvae, damage to the top four leaves and whorls, and yield attributes. The results showed that the lowest FA infestation was observed in the plots treated with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, while the highest infestation was observed in the control group. The highest yield (7.52 t/ha) was obtained from the Emamectin Benzoate treatment, while the lowest yield (5.74 t/ha) was recorded in the control group. Among the different control measures, spraying Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC at 7-day intervals was found to be the most effective method to control FA in spring maize variety TX-369, achieving 100% efficacy. These results provide valuable guidance to growers in selecting effective insecticides for FA control. This study addresses the challenge of FA management in maize crops while aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Effect of Rhizobium leguminosarum Inoculation and Mulching on Growth and Yield of Chinese Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis)
Get PDFAn experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of Rhizobium leguminosarum inoculation and mulching on the growth and yield of Chinese long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) in Palungtar, Nepal. A split-plot design was used for the experiment, which was replicated four times. Plastic, straw, and no-mulch conditions constituted the main plot factor, while seeds with or without Rhizobium inoculation constituted the sub-plot elements. Growth parameters and yield-related traits of Chinese long beans were recorded at 15-day intervals. Transparent plastic mulching resulted in earlier flowering (46 days), while seed inoculation with Rhizobium resulted in a higher mean number of nodules (106.92) than non-inoculated treatments, with transparent plastic mulching resulting in the highest mean number of nodules (108.21). At 60 days after showing (DAS), plant height was greater in the inoculated treatment (69.23 cm), while at 30 DAS, the non-inoculated treatment had a higher number of leaves (22.28 cm). Similarly, pod length (49.98 cm), pod yield per plant (348.01 g), and total yield per hectare (16.07 t/ha) were all significantly higher with both plastic mulch and seed inoculation with Rhizobium than with the other treatments alone. A positive correlation was observed between plant height (0.81), number of branches (0.44), number of leaves (0.81), number of nodules per plant (0.6), and pod yield. This supports the potential benefits of using seed inoculation with Rhizobium in combination with mulching to improve Chinese long bean growth and increase yield as demonstrated by the results of this study
Effect of Selected Plant Extracts and Curing on Post-Harvest Quality of Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Get PDFOnion (Allium cepa L.) suffers a rapid deterioration in quality during storage due to physiological changes and pathological damage. This experiment evaluated the effects of different plant extracts and curing days on the postharvest quality of onion. The experiment was laid out in a two-factor complete randomized design with three replications. One factor was the curing, 0, 5, and 10 days; and another factor was botanical extracts, coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) (2%) oil, neem oil (Azadirachta indica L.) (2%), and aloe vera gel (Aloe vera L.) (2%). At 80 days of storage, the use of neem extract showed the minimum loss in physiological weight (10.57%), the minimum sprouting (38.88%), the minimum rotting (35.55%), minimum sprout length (12.89 cm), maximum total soluble solids content (8.43%), minimum titratable acidity (0.50 g/L), and minimum visual color rating (1) due to minimum loss in original color followed by coconut oil and aloe vera gel. Additionally, curing for a duration of 5 days yielded improved outcomes. Consequently, onions that underwent a 5-day curing process and were treated with neem extract exhibited superior quality and an extended shelf life. This approach can be advocated as the optimal method to uphold quality standards and enhance the longevity of onions