Journal of Spices and Aromatic Crops
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Genetic basis of quantitative traits in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) multi-parent populations based on skewness and kurtosis: Genetic basis of quantitative traits in chilli
No full textThe effectiveness of breeding and hence rate of genetic gain in chilli relies on understanding the genetics of target traits. Skewness and kurtosis, the third- and fourth-degree statistics, respectively, provide powerful tools to detect and characterize epistasis and the number of genes controlling traits. This study analyzed the genetics of three quantitative traits—average fruit weight (AFW), fruits plant⁻¹ (FP), and green fruit yield plant⁻¹ (GFY) - in 10 multi-parent (MP)-derived populations. Symmetrical platykurtic distributions in most MP populations indicated the predominance of numerous non-epistatic genes governing AFW, FP, and GFY, suggesting slow genetic gains with mild selection but rapid gains under intense selection. On contrary, positively skewed distributions in three MP populations indicated complementary epistatic genes with decreasing effects on FP and GFY. Additionally, leptokurtic distributions in two MPs indicated fewer genes controlling AFW and GFY, suggesting even mild selection is likely to be effective to improve these traits
Effects of ageing on seed viability and oil qualities of black cumin cultivars in Ethiopia: Seed viability and oil quality in black cumin
No full textSeed quality is crucial for the success of crop production, as it affects germination capacity, emergence potential, and seedling growth. This study investigated the impact of extended storage on the germination capacity, oleoresin and essential oil contents of black cumin seeds from three black cumin cultivars in Ethiopia viz. Aden, Dershaye, and Darbera. Seeds were stored for up to three years, and germination studies were conducted using a completely randomized design. Results showed that storage period significantly affected various germination parameters, with a decrease in germination percentage observed with increasing storage period. However, cultivar and the interaction between storage period and cultivar had no statistically significant effect on germination percentage. The study also provides valuable insights into the correlations between different germination indices. Additionally, as black cumin seeds age, their oleoresin and essential oil contents decrease across all three cultivars. Proper seed storage practices are essential in maintaining the germination potential of black cumin seeds, particularly over extended storage periods. Overall, this study provides insights into the impact of extended seed storage on black cumin seed quality and germination potential, highlighting the importance of proper seed management practices to support sustainable crop production
Determinants of spice exports in India: A panel data regression analysis: Determinants of spice exports in India
No full textThis study aims to investigate the determinants of spices namely pepper, cinnamon and clove exports in India using panel data regression analysis, with a focus on the impact of distance, population size, exchange rate of the importing country and import value and volume of the spice imported by India. The secondary data was collected for a period of ten years (2012–2021) and analyzed among the five major spice export markets of India. Our findings suggest that total export volume, exchange rate, and distance between exporting and importing countries have a positive and significant effect on spice exports, while an importing country’s population size has a negative impact. Overall, the study provides insights into the factors that determine spice exports. Our finding may have implications for policymakers, setting export prices, and developing a refined strategy for spice exports from India
Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield, nutritional value, and nutraceutical quality of onion bulbs (Allium cepa L.): Effects of nutrient supply sources on onion bulb yield and quality
No full textThe use of mineral fertilizers for onion cultivation can degrade soil physical properties and microbial diversity, thereby adversely affecting crop productivity and nutritional quality of onion bulbs. To address this concern, a long-term field experiment was conducted with six treatments to evaluate the effects of varying proportions of mineral fertilizers and organic manures, combined with the plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs), on bulb yield attributes, nutritional quality, sensory characteristics, spicing superiority, and nutraceutical contents of onion bulbs. The results demonstrated that applying 100 per cent of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) through organic manures, in combination with PGPMs inoculation, significantly improved plant growth parameters (ranging from 2.39% to 21.95%), bulb yield attributes (3.28% to 16.53%), physicochemical properties (7.30% to 53.08%), economic returns (7.64% to 18.69%), total mineral content (0.68% to 39.88%), and nutraceutical concentrations (21.47% to 75.32%). Moreover, this integrated approach enhanced crop resistance mechanisms against major diseases and insect infestations compared to the exclusive use of 100% RDF via mineral fertilizers. Overall, the study suggests that integrating organic manure-based RDF with PGPMs inoculation enhances onion productivity and nutritional quality. In conclusion, the combined use of organic manure and PGPMs significantly improved the nutritional density, organoleptic properties, and flavour qualities of onion bulbs, while also contributing to reduction of pathogen and insect pest infestations during cultivation
Economic feasibility of scented geranium essential oil distillation unit in Northern Karnataka: Economic feasibility of geranium oil distillation unit
No full textEssential oils from aromatic crops can be extracted through various methods, such as hydro distillation, hydro-steam distillation and direct steam distillation. However, steam distillation, is the most popular one and widely used despite high investment in installation of units and limited evidence of financial feasibility of distillation units. The present study evaluated financial feasibility and economic viability of distillation units in Northern Karnataka focusing on essential oil production from scented geranium biomass using field-level steam-distillation units. The study estimated that, the cost of a 1.5-tonne capacity distillation unit was ₹ ₹6,56,309 with an annual operating cost of ₹ ₹18,91,199. The distillation unit in the study area processed 248.6 tonnes of herbage yearly, yielding 232.26 kg of essential oil which is sold at ₹9946 per kg generated gross returns of ₹₹23,10,053 and net returns of ₹4,18,854 with return per rupee of expenditure of ₹1.22. The estimated cost of production of one kg of scented geranium essential oil was ₹8,194 with net returns of ₹1,751 at prevailing market price of ₹9946/kg. The other financial parameters included a break-even output of 68 kg, a break-even time of 45.47 days, a pay-back period of 3.9 years, NPV of ₹16,74,031 and B:C ratio 1.22 at 12 per cent discount rate and IRR of 89 per cent affirmed the profitability of installation and operation of field level essential oil distillation units in the study area
Identification and uses of spices in Eku market of Ethiope East Local Government area, Delta State, Nigeria: Uses of spices in Delta State of Nigeria
No full textThe research was conducted to identify spices and their uses; sourcing of spices in Eku market. Thirty spices sellers were purposively selected based on the number and quantity of spices sold. Questionnaires were administered to the selected spices sellers to gather information on socio-economic characteristics of spices sellers, uses of spices and sourcing of spices. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. The result signify that the spices sellers are women, with age bracket of 45-54 years (46.7%) and are married (70%) with primary education (60%). Most of them are native of Eku community (83.3%) and have lived in the community for 41-50 years and above (36.7%). The number per house of the spices sellers are 6-10. Their main occupation is trading with an average income of N 35,000 (US$ 34) derived from the selling of spices per market day. Eleven spices were identified with their local and botanical names. The spices are used mainly as condiments in cooking different delicacies. Forty percent of the spices are used as medicine. Twenty percent are used traditionally in sacrifices and as incense by traditional worshippers. The spices are sourced from different markets within Delta State and from the Western side of the country. The spices and their usage are well known and are important to the peoples’ well being and health
Critical micro and secondary nutrient deficiency and supplementation influencing ginger production and quality in Eastern Ghat highland agroclimatic zone: Nutrient deficiency and supplementation on ginger production and quality
No full textThe Eastern Ghat Highland Agroclimatic Zone, covering major part of Koraput and Nabarangpur, has a warm, humid climate and hilly terrain at 900–1400 m MSL, favorable for spice crops like ginger. However, due to traditional farming methods by tribal communities, productivity remains low at 4.9 t/ha. Hence, an experiment was conducted in Pottangi, Koraput, to improve ginger yield by addressing micronutrient deficiencies (S, Zn, B) identified by the AICRP in local soils. The study tested ten treatments involving organic, inorganic, and foliar applications of secondary and micronutrients in light-textured, acidic sandy loam soil with low S, B, Zn but high Fe, Mn, and Cu. The ginger variety "Suprava" was cultivated, and foliar sprays were taken up at 60 and 90 days after planting. Significant improvements in plant growth parameters, such as height, tiller count, and leaf number, were observed with the nutrient treatments compared to recommended dose fertilizer (RDF). The highest rhizome yield (14.3 t /ha) was obtained with Zn + S, followed by IISR micronutrient foliar spray, while the lowest yield was from inorganic RDF. Organic treatments yielded better than inorganic, and combined or sole applications of secondary and micronutrients, particularly foliar sprays, enhanced yield and quality metrics like TSS, fibre, phenol, and protein contents. Regression analysis indicated a 98% influence of N, P, K, S, Zn, and B uptake on yield, underscoring the importance of supplementing deficient nutrients to improve yield, quality, and soil health
Root colonization studies to elucidate the endophytic association of moisture stress tolerant Trichoderma isolates in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.): Endophytic association of stress tolerant Trichoderma isolates in black pepper
No full textIn the present study, endophytic colonization of moisture and temperature tolerant isolates of Trichoderma viz., T. asperellum (IISR NAIMCC 0049), T. erinaceum (IISR APT1), T. harzianum (IISR APT2), T. harzianum (IISR KL3), T. lixii (IISR KA15) and T. asperellum (IISR TN3) were studied under in vitro conditions. Single node stem cuttings of black pepper (variety IISR Thevam) grown in culture bottles were inoculated with the spore suspensions of Trichoderma. Root samples were collected from treated and untreated plants at 24h, 48h, 72h, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after inoculation (DAI). During the early stages of colonization, pre-germinated conidia were abundantly observed on the root surface, subsequently, hyphae penetrated the root system. Among the six tested isolates, T. harzianum (APT2) exhibited the earliest intercellular colonization, initially observed in the cortical zone, progressively advancing to the vascular system, followed by intracellular colonization. Whereas the isolates, T. harzianum (KL3), T. erinaceum (APT1), and T. asperellum (TN3) exhibited endophytic colonization only from the 5th DAI. T. harzianum (APT2) also demonstrated the highest colonization frequency, while T. asperellum (TN3) showed the lowest. Findings of the study highlight the significant variation in root colonization capacities among moisture tolerant Trichoderma isolates. The endophytic association of these Trichoderma isolates may play a vital role in enhancing resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses in black pepper
Biologically active sulphur rich volatiles of Allium stracheyi and their molecular docking studies against 5IBS: Sulphur rich volatiles of Allium stracheyi
No full textAllium stracheyi, an endemic species of the Himalayan region, is part of the diverse Allium genus, known for its medicinal, nutritional, and aromatic properties. This research investigates the volatile constituents of Allium stracheyi, which contribute to its characteristic aroma, flavor, and potential therapeutic properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), was used to identify and characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in this species. sulphur-containing compounds, especially trisulfide dipropyl, tetrasulfide dipropyl, dipropyl disulfide and trisulfide methyl propyl were the predominant constituents, accompanied by several aldehydes, alcohols, and hydrocarbons.
To assess the potential bioactivity of these compounds, molecular docking studies were carried out using the 5IBS protein (chain A), a crystal structure of a target enzyme involved in a biological pathway. The 5IBS protein was selected for its relevance to inflammatory and microbial processes. The docking results demonstrated significant binding affinities of the sulphur-containing volatiles to the active site of the 5IBS A chain, indicating a possible inhibitory mechanism. 1-allyl-2-isopropyldisulfane and disulfide, 1-(1-propenylthio) propyl propyl exhibited a notable docking score of -3.5 kcal/mol.
This study suggests that sulphur-rich compounds from Allium stracheyi could serve as promising candidates for the development of natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted to explore these bioactivities and understand the therapeutic potential of these volatiles
Growth, instability and sources of output growth of ginger in Karnataka- An analysis: Growth & instability of ginger in Karnataka
No full textThe present study was undertaken to examine the growth and instability of area, production and productivity of ginger in the state with a special focus on Bidar district of Karnataka. The findings of the study have shown that both growth in area and yield of ginger in Karnataka were positive for study period. However, instability in area, production and productivity was found to be high in period II compared to period I. For overall period, the instability was categorized as high for area, production and yield of ginger in Karnataka. Further, analysis indicates that area is the contributing factor for output growth rather that yield and interaction effect. For several decades, about 70-80 per cent the area under ginger cultivation in the state is dominated by varieties Rio- de – janero, Himagiri and Humnabad local. This suggests that there is significant scope for varietal improvement of ginger. Also, anecdotal evidence indicates that there is significant crop loss due to soft rot disease, inadequate management practices, biotic and abiotic factors leading to high instability in production