Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Investigation on groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purpose in certain regions of Bishnupur District in Manipur, India
Get PDFIn Bishnupur district, Manipur, India, there is shortage of surface water due to the increase in population growth. Most people are below the poverty line and depend very much on groundwater for drinking and other domestic and irrigation purposes. This study investigates groundwater quality and its appropriateness for drinking and irrigation purposes in Bishnupur district. A total of 27 groundwater samples (S-1 to S-27) were taken and were analysed parameters, viz. temperature, Ca2+, total dissolved solids (TDS), K+, total hardness (TH), Mg2+, HCO3-, Cl-, total alkalinity (TA), CO32-, SO42-, pH, NO3-, Na+, As, Pb and Hg. Most of the groundwater samples were observed to be ‘fit’ for drinking. Water quality index values confirmed that 14.815% of water possessed as ‘excellent’, 14.815% as ‘good’, 33.333% as ‘poor’, 14.815% as ‘very poor’ and 22.222% as ‘unsuitable’ for drinking purpose. Anthropogenic activities like improper disposal of domestic waste and extensive use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc. may be the reason for deteriorating groundwater quality. Values of residual sodium carbonate, Kelly’s ratio, sodium adsorption ratio, permeability index, and percent sodium showed that all samples were observed to be ‘fit’ for irrigation purposes. Correlation coefficient (r) values showed that TH of the samples was mostly due to temporary hardness, whereas that of TA was mostly due to dissolved Mg(HCO3)2 (magnesium bicarbonate) but also by having Ca(HCO3)2 (calcium bicarbonate) and NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate) to a smaller extent. The study’s outcome will also be very beneficial to the villagers of the study area mainly.
Evaluation of the potential anticoagulant properties of medicinal plants’ extracts
Get PDFPlant-derived phenolics are widely recognized for their therapeutic properties. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate medicinal plant extracts\u27 anticoagulant activities to develop a safe and effective strategy for controlling thrombotic disorders. Total phenolic content (TPC) from 120 dried powders of different medicinal plants purchased from the local market of Pune, India, were extracted separately in 70% ethanol. Their contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Anticoagulant activity was initially assessed using the clotting time (CT) assay. The highest phenolic content (8.3 mg/mL) was estimated in Woodfordia fruticosa flower. Out of 120 plant extracts, 47 exhibited anticoagulant activities with a significant prolongation of clotting time (CT) (More than control time i. e. 8 min). From these plant extracts, 36, 29 and 21 plants showed anticoagulant activities performed by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT) tests, respectively. The plant extracts from W. fruticosa flower, Terminalia chebula fruit, Punica granatum peel, Tecoma undulata bark, Tedrminalia bellirica fruit, Zingiber officinale rhizome, and Curcuma zedoaria rhizome exhibited prominent anticoagulant activities with a significant prolongation of CT, APTT, PT and TT tests. Linear regression revealed a weak positive correlation between plant phenolic concentrations and anticoagulant activities, as evaluated by CT, APTT, PT and TT tests. ANOVA test showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in the anticoagulant activities of the plant phenolics. The plant extracts showing very high anticoagulant activity could be useful for preparing herbal drugs to control thrombotic disorders.
Multivariate morphometric analysis of Meloidogyne spp. in Tamil Nadu, India: A PCA-based approach to population differentiation in carrot ecosystems
Get PDFRoot-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are major agricultural pests threatening carrot (Daucus carota L.) cultivation in Tamil Nadu, India, causing significant yield losses. This study employed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to investigate the morphometric traits of second-stage juveniles (J2) and adult females from eight Meloidogyne spp. populations collected from carrot-growing regions across Tamil Nadu. Morphological characterization involved extracting J2 and adult females, preparing whole mounts in glycerin, dissecting female perineal patterns, and recording morphometric measurements using Camera Lucida, phase contrast, and scanning electron microscopy. It revealed variations in key traits, including body and stylet length, with significant differences between nematode populations from hill and plain regions. PCA reduced the high-dimensional data, explaining 93.80% and 93.45% of the total variance in females and juveniles, respectively. Strong positive correlations were observed between body length and median bulb length in juveniles, dorsal gland orifice (DOGO), and body width in females. Negative correlations were also noted for stylet width and DOGO in females. PCA clustering revealed three distinct groups, with juveniles from Shoolagiri and Hosur forming one group and females from the Nilgiris and Kodaikanal clustering together, indicating geographic and environmental influence on morphometric traits. Stylet length emerged as a key distinguishing factor for both juvenile and female populations. These findings clearly explain the morphometric diversity within Meloidogyne populations, offering new insights into nematode management strategies in Tamil Nadu’s carrot ecosystems. This study also underscores the utility of PCA in streamlining morphometric analysis, enhancing the precision and speed of nematode identification.
Effect of Fusarium udum infection on the activity of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase in resistant and susceptible genotypes Pigeon pea
Get PDFPigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) is India\u27s second most important pulse crop after chickpea. It is susceptible to several pathogens, including Fusarium udum, which is considered the most important fungal pathogen, causing considerable economic loss in India and worldwide. The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in pathogen-induced enzymes (PIE) in F. udum wilt-resistant (ICP-8863, BDN-1 and BDN-2) and susceptible genotypes (ICP-2376 and BAHAR) of pigeon pea after seven days of infection. Fifteen days old seedlings were inoculated with F. udum (10⁶ spores/ml) using the root-dip method. The wilt incidence was observed after seven days of infection; microscopic examination confirmed the presence of F. udum based on its characteristic mycelial pattern and conidial features. Biochemical response was recorded by estimating PIE viz., peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) in various pigeon pea genotypes after the manifestation of infection. The activity of PIE increased in resistant genotypes, particularly BDN-2, which showed the highest PO activity (1.57-fold), while BDN-1 recorded the highest PAL activity (1.55-fold). Overall, defense enzyme activity was lower in susceptible varieties. These results suggested that biochemical changes recorded in resistant genotypes help restrict the disease during infection.
Isolation and identification of bacteria from air coolers in Mosul city, Iraq and study its ability for calcite formation
Get PDFEvaporative coolers (ECs) are devices used to cool air. They are considered energy-saving and eco-friendly technologies, but eventually precipitate calcite. The present study aimed to isolate calcite-producing bacteria from environmental samples (ECs) and then investigate the influence of environmental parameters, such as pH and temperature, on calcite production. Twenty samples were obtained from sediments on the (ECs) in Mosul city, Iraq. The samples were inoculated on tryptic soy agar. Eleven bacterial isolates were obtained. One of the bacterial isolates exhibited a bush-like growth (complex colony) on tryptic soy agar and was identified using traditional methods. The diagnosis was confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing to be Paenibacillus dendritiformis. The ability of the isolate to synthesize calcite was examined by cultivating it on Luria Bertani acetate agar. The effect of environmental parameters on calcite production was studied by culturing the isolate in Luria-Bertani acetate broth at pH 8, 9, and temperatures of 20°C and 30°C. The strain P. denditiformis demonstrated the capacity to produce calcite crystals in higher rate at pH 8 and 30ºC. Paenibacillus dendritiformis strain NFH1 was submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Bank database, and was shown to be the first strain isolated from air coolers in Iraq.
Impact of biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles using Thuthi Keerai Abutilon indicum on Dotted molly, Poecilia sphenops
Get PDFRecently, nanoparticles have been widely used in various sectors, including agriculture, which can lead to environmental toxicity. Copper is a crucial trace element for fish, playing essential roles in various metabolic processes. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles using Thuthi Keerai (Abutilon indicum) on the haematological and biochemical characteristics of Dotted Molly (Poecilia sphenops). Copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Thuthi Keerai and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Various concentrations of CuO NPs, including 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 ppm, were used at 96 hours for sublethal analysis on Dotted Molly. The concentration at which 50% fish mortality occurred was taken as the median lethal concentration. In UV-Vis spectroscopy, the CuO NPs were measured at a wavelength of 340 nm. SEM image was observed at the wavelength range of 5µm. The EDAX spectrum recorded three peaks located between 1 and 8 keV. In XRD, the different peaks were indexed as 59.94 (110), 31.9 (202), and 24.14 (311). The FTIR spectrum was analyzed in the range between 400 and 4000-1. White blood corpuscles, haemoglobin, and red blood corpuscles were higher (7200 cells/cumm, 1 gm/dl, and 0.4 million/cumm) in fish exposed to 1 ppm of CuO NPs. Protein, carbohydrate, and lipid levels were decreased by 1 ppm. The results confirmed that CuO nanoparticles enhance blood parameters and affect the biochemical parameters of the Dotted Molly.
Sensory attributes and acceptability of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) root Kropeck
Get PDFTaro (Colocasia esculenta) is a nutrient-dense root crop rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it beneficial for digestive health and immune support. Despite taro’s nutritional benefits and abundance in tropical regions, its potential for value-added snack production remains underexplored, creating a significant research gap. The present study assessed the sensory attributes and acceptability of taro root kropeck. A quantitative experimental design was employed, incorporating five treatment formulations with varying ratios of all-purpose and taro flour: T1 (control-100% all-purpose flour), T2 (100% taro flour), T3 (50:50 all-purpose flour to taro flour), T4 (60:40 taro to all-purpose flour), and T5 (40:60 taro to all-purpose flour). Each formulation contained constant amounts of ground chicken and seasonings. Sensory evaluation was conducted using a structured questionnaire to assess color, crispiness, and flavor. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and mean comparison techniques. Key findings revealed that higher taro flour content significantly influenced the color, making it darker, with consumer preference leaning towards slightly brown and brown hues. Crispiness ratings across treatments remained within the "Liked Moderately" category, indicating that taro flour substitution did not negatively affect the texture. However, flavor acceptability varied, with formulations containing moderate taro flour levels (50% and 75%) receiving higher ratings. These findings imply that taro root kropeck is a viable snack alternative with potential commercial appeal. Further research may explore optimization techniques to enhance flavor while maintaining its nutritional benefits.
Predictive analysis of cotton leaf curl disease using growth models in Haryana\u27s Hisar Region
Get PDFCotton leaf curl virus disease (CLCuV) incidence has increased in the northern states of India (Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan) since 1993.CLCuVreducesthenumberofharvestablebollsby15-87 % and seed cotton yield by 11-92%, depending on the extent and timing of Infection.Cotton leaf curl virus disease (CLCuV) is among the most damaging cotton diseases.It was first found on Gossypium barbadense in Nigeria (Africa) in 1912. CLCuV was first reported in India in Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan) in 1993 and in Punjab (India) in 1994. Various mathematical models have been employed to create models which describe epidemic dynamics.In this study, an attempt was made to compare three models —namely, the Monomolecular, Logistic, and Gompertz models —using secondary data from 2017 to 2022 for the prediction of Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD).The studied models were evaluated using goodness-of-fit criteria, i.e., the Coefficient of determination and root mean square error.It was observed that the Coefficient of Determination (R²) was found to be in the range of 0.98 to 0.99 for all years,whereas the root mean square value was observed in the range of 2.06 to 16.25.The value of the Coefficient of determination (R²) was very high, and the mean square error was very low for the years 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2022, respectively, for the logistic model compared to other studied models. It was observed that 98 to 99 % the variation in disease intensity was explained by time, and an error was also observed to be minimal for all years.It was also concluded that, for the years 2017 to 2022, except for 2018 and 2021, the logistic model was found to be the best fit for predicting disease severity. In contrast, for 2018 and 2021, the Gompertz model was found to be the best. The analysis was performed using R and Excel software.
Evaluation of sterilants on the establishment of in vitro regeneration protocol in Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers.
Get PDFLitsea cubeba holds significant commercial value due to its essential oils and pharmacological properties. Establishing an effective in vitro culture system is crucial for mass propagation and conservation of this species. However, microbial contaminants present a common challenge, often hindering the establishment of in vitro cultures. The present study was conducted to establish and maintain in vitro cultures of L. cubeba. The sterilants, viz., mercuric chloride (HgCl2) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), were evaluated at different concentrations (0.1, 0.2%) and exposure times (3, 5, 7 minutes for HgCl2; 10, 15, 20 minutes for NaOCl) to assess their contamination and survival rates. Among all the treatments tested, treatment 11 (T11) with 0.2% NaOCl for 15 minutes was found to be the most effective , with a survival rate of 97.30% and a contamination rate of 6.76%. The study revealed that NaOCl when applied at optimized concentrations, effectively reduced microbial contamination while maintaining higher explant viability. In contrast, although HgCl2 demonstrated strong antimicrobial action, it resulted in increased tissue damage and lower survival due to its phytotoxic nature. Extended exposure and higher concentrations of both sterilants significantly affected explant viability and inhibited shoot regeneration. These findings suggest that NaOCl is a more suitable and environment friendly alternative for sterilization in L. cubeba culture establishment. The study contributes toward developing a standardized sterilization protocol for efficient micropropagation and conservation of this valuable species.
Effect of potassium through polyhalite on growth and yield of onion Var. CO(ON) 6
Get PDFPlants require nutrients to grow, so polyhalite is utilized as a natural fertilizer. Its reduced carbon footprint makes it useful in organic farming as well. Because of this context, A field experiment was carried out at the farmer\u27s field in Mattiyampatti village, Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, to evaluate the effect of polyhalite as a potassium source on growth yield parameters of onion using CO(on)6 variety as a test crop during 2022-2023. The experimental soil was sandy loam in texture (Typic Ustropept) with pH of 7.56 and EC of 0.24 dS m-1. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design consisting of twelve treatments and three replications. The recommended dose of nitrogen (60 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (60 kg ha-1) were applied as urea and single super phosphate, respectively. The polyhalite and muriate of potash were used as a potassium source at different levels (10 to 50 kg K2O ha-1) per the treatment schedule. The present study revealed that polyhalite application performed better than muriate potash in all parameters. With respect to the level of applications 40 kg K2O ha-1 as polyhalite registered the maximum growth attributes such as plant height (66.4 cm), number of leaves per plant (34.3), root length (9.63 cm), number of tillers plant-1 (4.78) and chlorophyll content (59.3 SPAD readings), and yield attributes such as number of bulb plant-1 (6.64), single bulb weight (9.69 g), bulb length (4.00 g), neck diameter (3.94 g) and neck thickness (13.82 mm). The minimum responses were observed in absolute control.