Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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A case study on terracing and mulching in Namangan region hills located in Uzbekistan
Get PDFSoil erosion and fertility decline pose a significant challenge to sustainable agriculture in the hilly regions of Namangan in Uzbekistan (Central Asia). This study investigates the long-term effects of terracing and mulching on soil fertility and stability from 2013 to 2023. Terracing involves converting steep slopes into stepped fields to reduce runoff, while mulching involves applying organic or inorganic materials to retain moisture and improve nutrient availability. Soil samples were taken annually from two depths (0–30 cm and 31–50 cm) and analysed for key fertility indicators. The results show a significant increase in the humus content in the 0–30 cm layer, which rose from 0.3 % in the untreated areas to 1.0 % with mulch and terracing. The phosphorus content increased significantly, reaching 83.7 mg/kg in the terraced and mulched soils, compared to 11.2 mg/kg in the untreated soils. The potassium content also improved: the treated soils contained 260 mg/kg compared to 94 mg/kg in the untreated plots. These results underline the effectiveness of terracing and mulching in improving soil health and stability through better nutrient retention and reduced erosion. The study underscores the potential of these sustainable practices to promote long-term agricultural productivity in erosion-prone regions.
Efficiency of Bacillus mucilaginosus isolated from the soil in dissolving potassium in its microenvironment
Get PDFSoil bacteria have an effective role in dissolving soil potassium. Bacillus mucilaginosus plays an effective role in dissolving potassium in the soil so that the plant may absorb it easily. The present study aimed to test the efficiency of bacteria in dissolving potassium present in the soil surrounding the roots of crops. B. mucilaginosus was isolated and diagnosed from the rhizosphere soil of Celery, Wheat, Basil and Alfalfa plants. The diagnosis included studying the isolates\u27 culture, microscopic and biochemical characteristics. The laboratory study also included testing the efficiency of these bacterial isolates in dissolving potassium compounds in Modified Aleksandrov agar medium and estimating the dissolution coefficient. The results of isolation and identification of bacteria isolated from 19 out of 50 soil samples planted with different crops (Celery, Wheat, Basil and Alfalfa) showed that 8 isolates could dissolve potassium. The results of the microscopic examination of these eight isolates showed that they were sticky in shape, positive for Gram-staining, forming spores and the capsule, while the movement examination showed that they were positive for these tests (movement test). The biochemical tests and cultural characteristics showed that the eight isolates bear the characteristics of B. mucilaginosus. The results showed that the dissolution coefficient of potassium for the different isolates ranged between 2.28 and 1.14, while the type of sugar added to the culture medium increased the efficiency of bacterial isolates for potassium solubility. The study demonstrated the bacteria\u27s efficiency in the rhizosphere region in dissolving potassium, which helps the plant use it easily.
A baseline study on the distribution of fluoride in drinking water and its health risk assessment in Industrial areas of Sivakasi, India
Get PDFSivakasi, popularly known as "Little Japan," is a town in the southern region of Tamil Nadu. The study area has a semi-arid tropical monsoon climate. The inhabitants depend heavily on groundwater, which is used extensively for irrigation, drinking, and domestic. The present research aimed to evaluate groundwater quality in Sivakasi, focusing on fluoride levels and major ions, providing essential information on the non-carcinogenic risks posed to residents, particularly adults, and the suitability of water for both drinking and agriculture. Fluoride concentration and the most important cations and anions were analyzed in 32 groundwater samples. The major cations and anions present in field samples are in the order of abundance: Cl> SO4> HCO3> Na > Mg >Ca> K. For drinking purposes, groundwater quality varies from moderate to poor, and over 70% of groundwater tests are out of condition for agricultural water supply. Fluoride levels in the samples from the study area ranged from 0.00 to 2.60 mg/l, with an average value of 1.60 mg/l. The hazardous Quotient (HQ) value for infants ranged from 0.00 E+00 to 1.69 E+00, children from 0.00 E+00 to 1.80 E+00, and for adults from 0.00E+00 to 1.88E+00. Additionally, the adults were more susceptible to non-carcinogenic threats than infants and children. This study on groundwater quality in Sivakasi highlights risks to health from excessive fluoride levels, particularly for adults, making it important for disaster mitigation. Understanding the non-carcinogenic hazards of contaminated water can drive disaster preparedness actions and resource allocation, emphasizing the need for secure water sources and resilient water management methods in the semiarid region.
Impact of foliar spray of nano-Zn and nano-Cu on biochemical characteristics of guava cv. Allahabad Safeda
Get PDFFoliar spraying of nanoparticles (NPs) improves the absorption of plant nutrient application compared to traditional soil–root application, and it also enhances the yield and quality of fruits. The present study aimed to evaluate the qualitative effects of foliar sprays of two concentrations of nano-zinc and nano-copper (40 ppm, 60 ppm; 20 ppm, 30 ppm respectively), in comparison to ZnSo4 (recommended by, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana) and control (foliar spray of water) on the guava crop (var. Allahabad Safeda). The experiment was conducted at Lovely Professional University Research farm, Phagwara, Jalandhar (Punjab) by applying a simple randomized block design, with ten treatments applied as T1: control, T2: nano-Zn1, T3: nano-Zn2, T4: nano-Cu1, T5: nano-Cu2, T6: nano-Zn1+ nano-Cu1, T7: nano-Zn1+ nano-Cu2, T8: nano-Zn2 + nano-Cu1, T9: nano-Zn2 + nano-Cu2, T10: ZnSO4 (PAU recommendation) in three replications. The treatments were sprayed two times, first at the flowering stage and second when the fruit reached pea size. The nutrient spray increases the concentration of nutrients in the leaves while also affecting the biochemical parameters. The performance for total soluble solids (9.89°B), total sugars (8.74%), titratable acidity (0.98%), antioxidants (7.49%), firmness (5.71kg/cm2), non-reducing sugars (3.32%), Vitamin-C (268.90mg/100g pulp), pectin content (2.13%), reducing sugars (5.46%), and TSS/acid ratio (10.06) was superior with the application of nano-Zn2 + nano-Cu2 (T9). The application of nano-micronutrients (zinc and copper) in combination is favorable for the quality of guava fruit (Allahabad Safeda).
Exploring multivariate associations of yield and yield-associated traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) accessions in the Northwestern Region of India
Get PDFEvaluating genetic diversity simplifies the identification of superior genotypes, facilitating the development of high-yielding, resilient to climatic conditions and promoting effective crop improvement. The present study aimed to examine the divergence, correlation and path analysis across 55 okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) germplasms for 17 traits during the summer season (March- July) of 2022. The experiment utilized randomized complete block design with three replications conducted in Phagwara, Punjab. Analysis of variance suggested a sufficient amount of genetic variation was found among all genotypes. Using Mahalanobis D2 analysis, the samples were classified into seven clusters, the largest being cluster I, composing 34 germplasm. Only one germplasm was found in Clusters II, IV, V, VI, and VII. The inter-cluster distance was highest between clusters II and VII, whereas the intra-cluster distance was greatest in Cluster III. The number of fruits per plant had the highest percent contribution to the divergence, accounting for 49.63%. At both phenotypic and genotypic levels, there was a strong positive correlation (+) observed between fruit yield and various characteristics, including plant height, fruit length, number of fruits per plant, number of marketable fruits per plant, average fruit weight, and the number of pickings. Genotypic path analysis revealed that characteristics such as the first flowering node, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, plant height, inter-nodal length, number of nodes per plant, number of fruits per plant, marketable fruits per plant, and average fruit weight exhibited a positive and direct effect on fruit yield. When selecting this trait to improve yield in okra through breeding, it is essential to focus on specific characteristics that directly contribute to higher production. This research will help resilient okra varieties understand yield-influencing factors in Punjab environmental conditions.
Seasonal variation in contamination and browning of Acacia nilotica nodal explants in vitro
Get PDFMajor problems encountered in establishing axenic cultures are contamination and browning of explants and media. Contamination is initiated in explants excised from soil-borne tissues or adult trees. Several sterilizing agents (Tween 20, chlorine water, silver nitrate, mercuric chloride, etc.) or a wash in antibiotic solution are recommended to reduce this. . Establishing in vitro cultures of Acacia nilotica old tree nodal explants was a serious problem. The present study was undertaken to create a suitable protocol for in vitro micropropagation of nodal explants of Acacia nilotica subsp. indica. Contamination was controlled by sterilizing the explants by washing in polysan (5%, v/v along with 500mg/l PVP), thorough washing under tap water, 70% alcohol treatment and 0.1% HgCl2 treatment. Plant tissues release phenolic substances through their cut ends, which turn the media dark brown and toxic. Addition of various antioxidants or/and transfer of explants to fresh medium twice or thrice, at a few days’ intervals may overcome the problem. Collection of explants in antioxidant solution and a wash in antioxidant solution prior to inoculation was helpful in reducing the phenolic exudation in the present investigations. The addition of antioxidant (citric acid) to the medium also checked browning to some extent. The rate of infection and browning of explants varied in different seasons, the maximum being during winters and the minimum during summers of 2019. This was inversely related to the morphogenic response of explants i.e. maximum caulogenesis occurred in vitro during July (6.3±1.4 shoots per explant). The in vitro raised shoots showed 100% rooting on 2mg/l IBA augmented Nitsch’s (N) medium.
Species of Laboulbeniales fungi parasitic on some common Indian insects: Isolation, visualization and characterization by Scanning Electron Micrographs (SEM)
Get PDFThe Laboulbeniales are a group of lesser-known fungi. They occur as ectoparasites on the exoskeleton of various arthropod species, mainly beetles, cockroaches, ants, dipterans and a few millipede genera appearing as hairs/bristles coming out of their cuticle. They are small, non-mycelial fungi forming compact multicellular thalli, starting from a two-celled sheathed ascospore which continues to envelop the mature thallus. The fungi, being obligate, spend their entire life cycle on their insect hosts. The present study attempted to locate the Laboulbeniales fungi in the common insects of India, isolate them and identify them based on morphology. Different species of insects; Carabid beetles - Stenolophus sp., Bembidion sp., Black ants - Camponotus sp., and Earwigs - Labidura riparia; were collected from different habitats of damp garden soil, river banks, light sources and entomological collection museum situated as different sites New Delhi. The insects were scrutinized for the presence of fungi through light and scanning electron microscopy. The morphological features of each fungus were recorded, and the species were characterized. The studies showed the presence of Laboulbenia anaplogenii and L. stenolophi on the legs of Stenolophus sp.; L. egens on Bembidion sp. legs; L. camponoti on the wings of black ants and Dimeromyces anisolabis on the legs of earwigs. The identification was made primarily based on the size, shape and structure of basal foot, receptacles, antheridia and foot of the thallus or it’s remnant scar found on the insect cuticle. This is the first Indian report of conducting scanning imaging of the Laboulbeniales fungi
Enhancing sustainability and flavor of waste coconut (Cocos nucifera) kernel and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) peels Creamy roll: Extension program guide
Get PDFWaste Coconut Kernels (WCK) and Sweet Potato (SP) peels are considered household wastes for animal feeding. The present study aimed to develop waste coconut kernel and sweet potato peels creamy roll as innovative guides for the Extension program guide. This experimental study used three formulations varying amounts of WCK with 100g, 150g and 200g; SP peels with 150g, 200g, and 250g mixed with milk solution, sugar and unsalted spring roll wrappers. The study focused on investigating the sensory attributes of the creamy roll development across different formulations, assessing its general acceptability in terms of color, flavor, odor and texture, identifying the most preferred formulation (F1, F2, and F3) based on the panel of tasters, and examining if there were significant differences among the product attributes. Based on Data analysis involved calculating weighted means and conducting One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the results revealed that F3, consisting of 250g of SP, 200g of WCK, 250g of milk solution, and 180g of sugar, was the most preferred in terms of flavor, odor and texture, with overall means of 3.67, 4.08, and 3.85, respectively. However, F2 was preferred only in color. A significant difference was observed in flavor indicated by a p-value of .042, lower than the predetermined alpha level of .05. Post-hoc analysis indicated differing perceptions between the 35 experienced consumers and 15 food experts. The most preferred formulation had a sensory acceptability rating of “acceptable” with a mean of 3.92. Based on the findings, the 250g SP peels and 200g WCK were adopted as an Extension program guide.
Molecular Identification of Aspergillus spp. isolated from different vegetables in markets of Dohuk city/Iraq
Get PDFVegetables are important preventive foods and are useful for maintaining health and preventing diseases and some fungi, such as Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. grown on vegetables and contaminated it. Therefore, the aim of the study was to isolation and identification of fungi contaminating different types of vegetables infected with rot collected from local markets of Duhok city/Iraq, and Molecular identification of Aspergillus nidulans using Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR), by Design of the primer, Extraction of DNA, Nucleotide sequencing of amplified pieces using DNA sequencing which was done at Psomagene sequencing company (Maryland/ USA) and The phylogenetic tree was constructed by bootstrap (100X) analysis using the MEGA-11 software. Results referred to all vegetable samples under study contaminated with different genera of fungi, green bell pepper contaminated with Rhizopus stolonifer in (43.2%), Aspergillus nidulans was isolated from red bell pepper in (19.2%), while it was the most frequent isolates from eggplant, pumpkin, cucumber and cauliflower in percentage of 43.3%, 46.8%, 31.5% and 58.9% respectively. According to morphological and microscopic identification A. nidulans was chosen for molecular study because of its high frequency in most vegetable samples. Molecular identification of A. nidulans using 18 S rRNA, a pair of specialized primers (ITS1) and (ITS2) was adopted. In electrophoresis on agarose gel at a concentration of 2%, the results showed a package size of 600 bp. belonging to Aspergillus nidulans, and identical results were obtained for the isolate with the standard isolates installed in the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) program database. The evolutionary relationship was found between the local isolate in this study and the one registered in NCBI under the name Aspergillus nidulans HAA78. The isolate Aspergillus nidulans HAA78 was 100% identical to the isolate Aspergillus nidulans strain ATCC (10074). It was concluded that all vegetables isolated from local markets of Duhok City,Iraq were contaminated with many genera of fungi. The molecular identification of the main and most common fungi collected from these vegetables was Aspergillus nidulans. The study would help understand the important role of molecular identification in addition to Manual methods in identifying fungi.
Acceptability of malunggay (Moringa oleifera) and squash (Cucurbita moschata) cookies
Get PDFThe dried leaf powder of malunggay (Moringa oleifera) contains an excellent nutritional value, and this tropical plant is widely available in the Philippines. On the other hand, squash (Cucurbita moschata) is an incredibly beneficial food with high amounts of vitamins. The nutrients from Malunggay and squash can help prevent deficiencies in children. The main focus of the research was to determine the acceptability of the different formulations of M. oleifera and C. moschata cookies. The study determined the most preferred cookie formulation based on sensory evaluation using descriptive testing of the product\u27s appearance, aroma, taste, sweetness, texture, and acceptability rating of the formulations. The respondents were 20 food experts and 40 non-experts. The Analysis of Variance was used to examine the statistical significance of mean differences among the distinct groups. Subsequently, Tukey\u27s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test was employed to ascertain the significance of differences between pairs of group means, providing a more nuanced understanding of the variations observed within these groups. Results showed that among the three cookie formulations, F3 got the highest mean score of the different attributes, namely appearance (x̄= 4.45; x̄= 4.6) aroma (x̄ = 4.9; x̄= 4.7), taste (x̄= 4.95; x̄= 4.93), sweetness (x̄= 4.9; x̄=4.75), and texture (x̄= 4.8; x̄= 4.68), as perceived by the expert and non-expert, respectively. This implies that respondents prefer cookie formulation F3 over the two other formulations.