Journal of Spices and Aromatic Crops
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Development of a black pepper harvester
Get PDFThree models of pepper harvester were fabricated and evaluated on the basis of efficiency in the cutting action and easiness in operation. All the three models basically consisted of a mild steel cutting unit, aluminium conveying pipe and a collecting basket. The main concepts adopted for the fabrication were impact, shear and pulling action for the proper insertion and cutting of the spikes and collection. The test was conducted for Panniyur variety out of which, the most efficient and user friendly was the second model due to its light weight, easiness in operation and minimum loss. The main advantages accounted for this model were simultaneous cutting and collection of spikes without heavy loss.
 
Assessment of seed quality in seed spices
Get PDFThe present study was carried out to assess seed quality of some important seed spices supplied in the local markets of Bengaluru. The results revealed that highest physical purity was recorded in fenugreek seed lots with an overall mean of 98.76% followed by fennel (97.99%) and coriander (97.68%). The moisture content of all the seed spices ranged from 6.89% to 7.15%. The highest seed germination (89.42%) was recorded in fenugreek followed by fennel (76.82%) and lowest (64.33%) in coriander. The seedling vigour index was highest in fenugreek (range 1116-1819; mean 1532) and lowest in cumin (range 621-832; mean 737). A 12.0% increase in germination and improvement in the vigour index (997-1226) were also noticed in treated seed samples compared to control (900).
 
Genetic evaluation for biometrical traits in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)
Get PDFThe genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) of 13 diverse genotypes of fennel were studied. Considerable amount of variation were recorded for all the characters. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) in all the characters. The maximum genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was recorded for yield plant-1 (40.27) followed by seed yield (32.40 q ha-1), weight of seed umbel-1 (27.12), number of umbellets umbel-1 (17.47) and number of seeds umbel-1 (16.88). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were recorded for number of seeds umbel-1, yield plant-1, plant height, number of umbel plant-1 and number of branches plant-1.
 
Genetic diversity analysis of Myristica and related genera using RAPD and ISSR markers
Get PDFGenetic diversity among seven species of Myristica, two of its related genera and an unidentified species was analyzed using 46 PCR markers (30 RAPD and 16 ISSR). This is the first study on molecular genetic diversity of the rare, endangered and endemic Myristica species and its related genera. RAPD and ISSR analyses yielded 497 and 262 bands with 98.1% and 97.3% polymorphism, respectively. By combining markers, a total of 759 bands were detected of which 743 (97.8%) were polymorphic with an average of 16.1 bands per primer. High level of existing genetic variability was evident from the high percentage of polymorphism. Combined analysis of RAPD and ISSR markers resulted in better distinction of species. The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) indicated that both the marker systems are effective in detecting polymorphism either individually or in combination. Similarity coefficient (Jaccards) varied from 0.22 to 0.62 when markers were combined and the pattern was similar to RAPD with a high Mantel matrix correlation (r=0.95). Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCA) conformed to cluster analyses. First three most informative PC components explained 51.1%, 49.3% and 46.5% of total variation. A maximum similarity of (63%) was observed between Gymnocranthera canarica and the unidentified species of Myristica. Knema andamanica and Myristica prainii were found to be the most distinct (17.7%). Similarities at molecular level were close to either the morphological traits (mace and fruit/seed characters) or the geographical location. Species specific bands could be identified from all the accessions under study, which has the potential for development into SCAR (Sequence Characterised Amplified Region) markers for genotype fingerprinting or development of specific DNA probes for identification and authentication.
 
Performance of paprika and paprika alike chillies (Capsicum annuum L.) under warm humid tropics
Get PDFA study was conducted to evaluate the performance of 21 paprika alike chillies (indigenous germplasm) and nine paprika lines (exotic collections) under rain-shelter. Highly significant variation was recorded among the genotypes for all the characters. The results indicated that Kt-Pl-19 variant – I, ICBD-6, ICBD-12, ICBD-13, ICBD-11 were promising for yield and yield attributing characters, while ICBD-12, ICBD-11, ICBD-2, ICBD-13, Kt-Pl-19 variant – I proved to be better for high seed numbers. With respect to total extractable colour, ICBD-5, ICBD-7, ICBD-4, ICBD-1, ICBD-18 were measured with high colour value, among the indigenous germplasm. Among the exotic collections, PBC-171, SSP-1999, EC-18, EC-45, EC-71 proved better for yield and yield attributing characters. The genotypes, Paprika King, EC-45, PBC-171, EC-43 produced maximum number and weight of seeds, whereas PBC-171, IMI-5, EC-71, EC-45 were found promising for high colour value. Based on these observations, the genotypes Kt-Pl-19 variant -I, ICBD-6, ICBD-12, PBC-171, SSP-1999 and EC-18 were found suitable for high yield, whereas ICBD-12, ICBD-11, Paprika King, EC-45 and PBC-171 for high seed numbers and ICBD-5, ICBD-7, ICBD-4, PBC-171, IMI-5, EC-71 for high colour value in Kerala. Among the various traits, wide range of variation was recorded for number of seeds per fruit and narrow range of variation for fruit length.
 
Genetic diversity in saffron (Crocus sativus L.)
Get PDFTwo hundred saffron genotypes collected from saffron growing areas of Kashmir subjected to Mahalanobis D2 analysis revealed high amount of diversity. Out of 200 genotypes, 171 genotypes were grouped in cluster I, 9 in cluster V and 7 in cluster VI whereas the other 13 clusters were monogenotypic. Maximum intracluster distance (6.50) was recorded for cluster V accommodating SH-21, SH-123, SH-200, SH-51, SH-30, SH-81, SH-69, SH-03, SH-98 genotypes collected from Kushbal, Wuyan, Khrew, Kashbal, Wulan nadh, Kruncho, Dusso, Tang and Darbagh. Maximum intercluster distance (18.14) was recorded between cluster XV and XVI showing maximum genetic divergence among the population for SH-67 collected from Chandhara and SH- 89 collected form Khrew area of Kashmir valley. Fresh stamen weight (20.86%) followed by plant height (17.77%), fresh flower weight (15.31%) and pistil length (9.98%) had contributed significantly towards diversity.
 
Evaluation of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) genotypes for yield attributes, yield and reaction to foliar diseases
Get PDFAn experiment was conducted during 2005–06 to 2008–09 at Raigarh (Chhattisgarh) to assess the variability of thirteen genotypes of turmeric for yield and disease resistance. The results indicated that entries TCP-11 and TCP-82 produced maximum yield i.e, 20.3 and 18.8 t ha-1, respectively. Entry TCP-11 showed resistance to leaf spot and blotch while TCP-82 was found to be moderately resistant to Colletotrichum leaf spot and resistant to Taphrina leaf blotch. The check variety IISR Prabha showed moderate resistance to both the diseases and yielded 14.4 t ha-1.
 
Essential oil composition of Artemisia annua L. at different growth stages
Get PDFChemical composition of the essential oils obtained from the aerial parts of Artemisia annua at vegetative, pre-bloom, bloom and post-bloom stages was determined using GC and GC/MS analysis. The yields of essential oil were 0.14%, 0.34%, 0.64% and 0.54% (w/w), respectively at different growth stages. A total of 67 compounds were identified. Oxygenated monoterpenes (39.0%–57.0%) constituted the main fraction of the oils followed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (11.8%–26.2%) and monoterpene hydrocarbons (4.2%–15.1%). The main compounds identified in all the analyzed samples were camphor (28.6%–31.7%), 1,8-cineole (2.1%–20.8%), germacrene D (3.8%–12.0%), β-caryophyllene (2.8%–6.9%), trans-β-farnesene (0.7%–4.5%), α-pinene (0.5%–2.4%), p-cymene (0.8%–2.3%) and terpinen-4-ol, (0.9%–2.1%). The results indicated considerable quantitative variations in both oil yield and chemical composition at different growth stages and artemisia ketone and artemisia alcohol were found to be absent in the oils.
 
Standardization of primary processing of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) in tribal area of Sirohi (Rajasthan)
Get PDFAn experiment was conducted in a farmer’s field at Sirohi (Rajasthan) during 2009–10 and 2010–11. Five separate experiments on (i) harvesting time (ii) umbels drying structure (iii) fennel threshing floor (iv) grading stages and (v) packing material of fennel, were laid out in a completely randomized design with four treatments replicated five times. The results revealed that different treatments had significant effect on sensory attributes, geometry and economics of fennel seed quality. The fennel umbels which were harvested at post maturity stage [31-40 days after flower initiation (DAFI)] were superior to rest of the harvesting stages and recorded maximum sensory scores, seed dimensions and highest yield (17.35 q ha-1), maximum market rate (Rs. 150.24 kg-1) and B:C ratio (4.62). Results also showed that drying of fennel umbels in modified locally made structures gave better quality of seed over other structures, giving good market price (Rs. 135.74 kg-1). Threshing on RCC floor was found to be better for maintaining good quality of seed. The grading and packing also improved the quality of seed. The fennel seed which was packed in polyethylene lined gunny bag was found to be better because the quality of seed did not deteriorate in terms of taste, colour, and flavour for longer time. Maximum shelf life of produce along with better quality and higher market price was also obtained in this treatment.
 
Development of a hand operated diamond cut mesh drum abrasive ginger peeler
Get PDFPeeling of fresh ginger is an important operation done before drying to enhance the drying process and is generally done manually. A mechanical ginger peeler was developed with its peeling drum made of diamond cut mesh. Peeling trials were conducted for varying drum loads (5 kg, 6 kg and 7 kg), for varying drum speeds (20 rpm, 25 rpm and 30 rpm) and for different peeling durations (5 m, 10 m and 15 m) to determine the peeling efficiency and material loss in the developed peeler. It was found that peeling of ginger was associated with the material loss. The optimum machine parameters for maximum peeling with minimum loss was obtained at a drum load of 7 kg per batch, operated at a drum speed of 30 rpm for a peeling duration of 15 min, to produce sufficiently peeled ginger. The peeling efficiency and material loss at the optimum conditions were determined as 59.43% and 4.76%, respectively. The ginger obtained after mechanical peeling was dried and the quality was determined. It was found to have essential oil of 2.0%, oleoresin of 4.6%, moisture content of 9.82% and crude fibre content of 2.5%.