Journal of Spices and Aromatic Crops
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Half diallel analysis in indigenous genotypes of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.): Half diallel analysis of fenugreek
No full textTo study the nature of gene action and its components, six genotypes of fenugreek were crossed in a half diallel mating design during Rabi 2017-18, resulting in fifteen one-way F1 hybrids which were evaluated in the experimental field of the Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, All India Coordinated Research Project on Spices, College of Agriculture and Research Station (CARS), Raigarh, Chhattisgarh with two checks during rabi season, 2018–19 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Diallel analysis of indigenous landraces of fenugreek was conducted to identify and develop elite ‘pure lines’ for subsequent use in fenugreek breeding programmes. Crosses with high SCA effects were arranged in the order of their per se performance, general combining ability of the parents of these crosses and per cent superiority over standard check RMT 305 and Hisar Sonali. Best GCA effects and high mean performance parents were observed between high × high, high × low or low × low general combiners for different traits. The best recombinants were observed for IFHyb-4, IFHyb-11, IFHyb-7, and IFHyb-9 which were best for days to 50 % flowering, primary branches, secondary branches, and seed yield respectively, which belonged to high x low combining parents, indicating non additive x additive effects and additive x additive effects. This suggests that single plant selection would be desirable in their segregating generations. High heritability coupled with low genetic advance was recorded for days to 50 % flowering, secondary branches per plant, pod length, and seed yield (q/ha) which were regulated by non-additive gene action and presence of high genotype x environment interaction
Integrated analysis of Tinospora cordifolia germplasm: Nutritional, qualitative, quantitative, and phytochemical traits: Integrated analysis of Tinospora
No full textTinospora cordifolia, often known as "Guduchi" is a deciduous climber and is considered valuable in terms of its immense medicinal properties. This study evaluated 48 Tinospora cordifolia germplasm accessions collected from Tamil Nadu for their nutritional, qualitative, quantitative, and phytochemical properties. Significant variations were observed among the accessions. TC-22 exhibited the highest phenol content (122.73 mg/g) and flavonoid content (18.84 mg/g), while TC-30 recorded the highest tannin content (234.56 mg/g). TC-20 demonstrated superior protein (13.85%), carbohydrate (86.92 mg/g), and antioxidant activity (261.74%) levels. Additionally, TC-20 displayed elevated potassium (1.45%), calcium (0.35%), and iron (48.74%) levels, with the highest zinc content (15.67 μg/g) among accessions. TC-30 had the highest fat content (8.81%), while TC-22 recorded the maximum cardiac glycosides (2.27%). The study identified TC-35 as having the highest fiber content (13.22%) and energy value (99.66 Kcal/100g). Vitamin C (68.96 mg/100g) and vitamin A (0.44 mg/100g) were most abundant in TC-33. These findings provide valuable insights into the biochemical diversity of T. cordifolia germplasm, highlighting its potential for nutritional and therapeutic applications. Findings unmistakably demonstrated the significance of ecological condition variables in determining the quantitative and qualitative parameters of diverse accessions from the different places of Tamil Nadu
Stability analysis of advanced breeding clones of lemongrass for citral content, herb and oil yield using AMMI, GGE biplot, and YREM: Stability analysis of lemongrass for citral, herb and oil yield
No full textThe study analysed lemongrass using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), genotype +genotype-by-environment (GGE), and genotype-environment interaction biplot analysis. Stable lemongrass genotypes were identified using AMMI stability value (ASV), stability index, and yield relative to environment maximum (YREM) computation. To investigate the current study's stability and adaption patterns, a set of six advanced breeding clones and two control varieties, Krishna and CIM-Shikhar, were tested in triplicate over four years using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The genotype x environment linear (G x E) component and genotype variance analysis were significant for herbage, oil, and citral content, respectively. The G x E interaction was found to be 19.12% (citral), 31.92% (herb), and 4.34% (oil) in the AMMI analysis of variance. Trait variation was found to be a stable factor in the performance of many genotypes; no genotype demonstrated high levels of stability across multiple characteristics. Stable clones with optimal performance were identified as clones 8 and 3 for citral content, clone 5 for herb yield, and clone 1 for oil yield, as indicated by the biplot of the mean yield and AMMI stability value. Clone 8 was found to be a stable clone for citral content, with a unity YREM based on estimations. Nevertheless, clones 7 and 6 were steady performers for both oil content and herb production, respectively. No clones demonstrated unity YREM for either characteristic
A review of different drying methods and their impact on physiochemical and functional properties of nutmeg and star anise: Impact of drying methods on properties of nutmeg & star anise
No full textDrying is a simple method of preservation and value addition of spices. The moisture content of the spices curtails during the drying, which decreases the biological and enzymatic activity and prolongs the shelf life. The drying method significantly influenced the flavour, chemical composition, appearance, colour, and functional properties of the bioactive compounds. Several new drying technologies are being tested to improve the physiochemical properties of the nutmeg and star anise. This article reviews different solo-drying techniques, such as sun drying, solar drying, infrared and microwave drying as well as hybrid drying such as microwave and infrared-assisted drying applied to nutmeg and star anise. Further, it discusses the impact of drying methods on chemical composition and functional properties. The advantages of novel hybrid drying techniques over conventional methods are also discussed. Further, this review identifies the research gaps and future directions for drying nutmeg and star anise
Harnessing the phytochemical potential of Curcuma angustifolia rhizomes: A comprehensive evaluation of antibacterial and antioxidant properties: Phytochemical potential of Curcuma angustifolia
No full textHerbaceous perennial Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. has been traditionally utilized in folk medicine for a variety of purposes. The objective of the current study was to assess the phytochemical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant qualities of Curcuma angustifolia plant rhizomes. Based on preliminary phytochemical investigations, the chemical classes found in the extracts included flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, phenols, saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and tannins. The findings suggested that the plant phytochemical qualities could be used to treat a variety of illnesses. With the agar-well diffusion method, the antimicrobial effectiveness of the plant extracts was evaluated against both clinical isolates and standard strains of certain bacteria. The extracts demonstrated an inhibitory impact on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus had the largest zone of inhibition, whereas gram-negative bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae had the lowest. The DPPH radical scavenging assay was used to assess the extracts antioxidant properties. Antioxidant activity increased with extract concentration. Since it has antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, it is useful for treating a range of illnesses, enhancing immunity, and combating harmful bacteria that infect humans
Farmers' perception, knowledge and practices towards decline in production of large cardamom in Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal: Decline in production of large cardamom in Nepal
No full textLarge cardamom (Amomum subulatum) is a vital crop and a symbol of national identity in Nepal, particularly serving as a primary source of livelihood for farmers in the eastern hill regions. In recent years, however, a noticeable decline in cardamom productivity has posed serious challenges to major growing districts. This study aims to assess farmers’ perceptions, knowledge, and management practices related to large cardamom decline in Sankhuwasabha district. A total of 84 cardamom farmers were selected using a simple random sampling technique for an in-person household survey. The results indicate that 72.6% of respondents are experiencing severe crop decline, with many plantations in critical condition. The issue has persisted for over five years. Most farmers attributed the decline primarily to pest and diseases. Alarmingly, 89.3% of growers anticipated complete orchard collapse within the next 2–3 years if the situation remains unaddressed. While farmers expressed frustration over the ineffectiveness of past interventions, 70.2% remained hopeful that improved management practices could reverse the trend. The decline has significantly affected 67.9% of orchards, though some have shown slower rates of deterioration. Notably, 76% of farmers lacked adequate awareness regarding the causes and control measures for the decline. Approximately 60% continue to follow traditional cultivation practices, with most relying on mechanical and cultural methods for disease and pest management. Limited technical knowledge and poor access to agricultural inputs were identified as major constraints to the adoption of effective management strategies
Drying studies in Indian bay leaf (Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & Eberm) under warm and humid conditions of the Bay Islands: Drying studies in Indian bay leaf
No full textIndian bay leaf or tejpat (Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & Eberm) is an important spice that has been used for flavouring of cuisines and as an ingredient in pharmaceutical and allied industries. At present, the leaves are largely harvested from the trees grown in the backyards or from the wild and dried under the sun or shade in most of the growing areas. However, as the cultivation of the crop is also extending in non-native regions of this crop including the Bay Islands, identification of region-specific method of drying was envisaged. In the present study, five drying methods viz. vacuum drying, sun drying, oven drying (45 °C and 55 °C) and air drying were compared to know their effect on quality parameters of tejpat under island conditions. Moisture content in the fresh samples was 49.89%, which was reduced to 4.54% (sun drying) to 6.78% (air drying). The dry recovery was found to be the highest in air drying. Oleoresin content was highest in the sun drying method, while essential oil content did not vary. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content were found to be the highest in air dried samples, which remained on par with vacuum drying. Total carotenoids content was the highest in case of vacuum drying. RHS colour chart codes exhibited variations among the dried produce. Considering the better dry recovery, better retention of chlorophyll content and ease of operation, air drying could be recommended for farm level processing of tejpat under warm and humid areas. In the times of high rainfall and humidity, mechanical drying could be adopted to facilitate better drying
Status, crop losses, epidemiology, variability, and disease management of cumin blight: A review: Management of cumin blight
No full textCumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a spice crop native to the eastern Mediterranean area and is now cultivated worldwide, especially in South Asia, North Africa, and Latin America. The most significant and destructive disease affecting cumin is blight caused by the pathogen Alternaria burnsii. This disease progresses after flowering, particularly during seed formation, and is exacerbated by cold, moist, and consistently gloomy weather. The pathogen grows to its maximum temperature of 28±1°C. The disease intensity has been found to range from 11.34 to 80.00 percent, depending on the climate. Symptoms of the disease manifest as small, isolated, whitish necrotic spots on aerial plant parts. These spots gradually enlarge and merge, causing the plant to turn purple, then brown, and ultimately black. Under ideal circumstances, the contagion quickly spreads to the plant's stem and flowers, killing the viable leaves and flowers, which are typically non-viable and may not appear withered. It is essential to investigate blight, focusing on its symptoms, signs, biology, status, epidemiology, cultural variation, morphological, pathogenic, and molecular variability. Developing effective disease management technologies and improved resistance screening techniques are necessary to recognize the changes in disease scenarios in climate fluctuations. This review updates current knowledge regarding the pathogen symptomology, status, variability, and source of resistance has been reviewed and updated, identifying management options and the genetic basis of resistance as future research priorities
The bandwagons I followed as seed spices breeder: Bandwagons in seed spices
No full textBandwagons are waves that the breeders sail. This writing is based on the articles of Simmonds (1991) and Bernardo (2016) which point to different waves created by contemporary researches which influence breeders in their work. Seed spices are important group of crops of North and Northwestern India and this article chronicles the important phases through which seed spices breeding has undergone. While conventional methods of plant breeding have yielded results in seed spices, hybrid development is still taking off the ground, mutagenesis has proved its mettle and molecular breeding techniques are yet to make inroads in seed spices breeding. The author is of the view that not necessarily every bandwagon be adopted by seed spices breeders, but due diligence should be given if a new technique holds promise in helping a breeder. The author has chronicled his four decades of experience to guide new breed of breeders adopting spices breeding
Analysing the performance of small cardamom during pre and post WTO regime: Performance of small cardamom
No full textIndian agricultural trade has undergone significant changes during the last three decades, especially during the WTO regime. The small cardamom, which is regarded as the queen of spices, was one of the Indian spices that witnessed several setbacks during the WTO regime. In this context, the present study analyses the performance of variables like area, production, productivity, prices (domestic and international prices), exports, and imports of small cardamom in terms of growth rate, instability, and structural stability during the pre- and post-WTO periods. Unlike the area under small cardamom cultivation, the production and productivity of small cardamom increased during the post-WTO period. Consequent upon the new liberalised trade regime under the WTO, the CAGR of exports and imports has increased during the post-WTO. Prices of small cardamoms have been showing a decreasing trend since the 1980s. While the competitiveness of small cardamom declined, some of the major export destinations of Indian small cardamom remained the same, especially in the Middle East. Due to the unique quality of the Indian small cardamom, its demand has always been high in the international market, despite higher prices than in its competitors, like Guatemala. The higher cost of production, high domestic demand, and qualitative restrictions by importing countries have slackened the trade performance of Indian small cardamom, these can be overcome through promotion of sustainable farming practices and crop-specific plans and policies for enhancing crop production efficiency