Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Antimicrobial nature of specific compounds of Ampelomyces quisqualis identified from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis and their mycoparasite nature against powdery mildew of grapes
Get PDFGrapevine powdery mildew is the world\u27s most important plant disease, and Ampelomyces frequently fight them. While it does not usually cause plant death, its major infections can result in significant production losses and severely impact wine quality. Fungicides are frequently used to control the disease, which can have long-term adverse effects on the ecosystem. As a result, alternative and environmentally friendly disease management approaches must be developed. The study aimed to reduce costly and toxic fungicide use by using Ampelomyces, a natural biofungicide, against various powdery mildew fungi. GC-MS analysis was also used to determine the antagonistic potential and efficacy of volatile organic chemicals produced by several Ampelomyces spp. against Erysiphe necator, which causes powdery mildew of grapes. The molecular characterization of A. quisqualis isolates based on using rDNA ITS region was also carried out and sequenced. GC-MS analysis identified various antimicrobial compounds, such as squalene (4.643%), octadecanoic acid (3.862%), tetradecanoic acid (3.600%), and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) (1.451%). The least abundant compounds were 2-Hexadecanol, 1-Tricosanol, and 2-propenyl ester, with percentages of 0.485, 0.519, and 0.560, respectively. These bioactive compounds revealed by GC-MS analysis in crude extracts of A. quisqualis had a stronger antifungal and antibacterial activity against E. necator. As a result, using A. quisqualis to control the powdery mildew of grapes significantly reduced pathogen growth and disease incidence
Detection of some virulence genes (esp, agg, gelE, CylA) in Enterococcus faecalis isolated from different clinical cases at Baghdad
Get PDFThe virulent genes are the key players in the ability of the bacterium to cause disease. The products of such genes that facilitate the successful colonization and survival of the bacterium in or cause damage to the host are pathogenicity determinants. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of virulence factors (esp, agg, gelE, CylA) in E. faecalis isolated from diverse human clinical collected in Iraqi patient , as well as to assess their ability to form biofilm and to determine their haemolytic and gelatinase activities. Thirty-two isolates of bacteria Enterococcus faecalis were obtained, including 15 isolates (46.87%) of the urine, 6 isolates (18.75%) for each of the stool and uterine secretions, and 5 isolates (15.62%) of the wounds from various hospitals in Baghdad, including (Central Children\u27s Hospital, Educational Laboratories, Ibn Al-Baladi Hospital).The isolates were confirmed to belong to the genus E.faecalis after performing morphological and biochemical microscopic examinations and for final diagnosis using the VITEC 2 system. The virulence genes viz. cylA, esp, gelE and agg were recognized in the E. faecalis, and the consequences appeared that the bacteria had eps gene in 32 isolates (100%). As for the agg gene, 32 isolates (100%) were carriers of this gene, which was responsible for these isolates\u27 aptitude to form the biofilm. While for the gelE gene, 27 isolates (84.37%) of the isolates carried this gene, responsible for gelatinase activity whereas, the gene responsible for hemolysis cyl, there were 29 isolates (90.62%) of the total isolates. The presemce of genes in the isolates would be helpful to determine the colonization and survival of the bacterium in or causing damage to the host
Effect of different herbicide spray volumes on weed control efficiency of a battery-operated Unmanned aerial vehicle sprayer in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Get PDFThe effect of spray volume on weed control in transplanted rice ecosystems using the Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) needs to be better understood for management in the advancements of UAV-based spraying technology. The present study aimed to find out the influence of varied spray volumes of 15 L/ha, 20 L/ha and 25 L/ha using the UAV and 500 L/ha using a Knapsack sprayer (KS) to compare the weed density, weed dry matter and weed control efficiency and yield in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.). Pre-emergence (PE) application of Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl at 25 g a.i./ha at three days after transplanting (DAT) and post-emergence (PoE) application of Bis-pyribac sodium at 25 g a.i./ha at 25 DAT were used as herbicide treatments. The results revealed that varied spray volumes significantly influenced the weed density, dry matter, and weed control efficiency of the UAV and KS. Application of herbicides using KS (500 L/ha) and UAV (25 L/ha) had better control on the weeds by reducing weed density and dry matter at 20, 40, and 60 DAT, with no significant difference. Higher grain yield and straw yield were recorded in KS (500 L/ha) and UAV (25 L/ha), with no significant difference. However, applying 25 L/ha had better weed control efficiency and higher yield, possibly due to optimum deposition. Considering the low volume application of UAV (25 L/ha) as compared with KS (500 L/ha), it is better to go for the optimal application of 25 L/ha, which is an energy-efficient and cost-effective, labour-saving approach compared to KS
Sowing carbon solutions: Decoding soil characteristics and carbon fluxes in maize-dominated cropping systems of Tamil Nadu, India
Get PDFThis study on soil carbon dynamics provides valuable insights for sustainable agricultural practices, optimizing crop productivity and environmental sustainability in maize-based cropping systems. The present study aimed to find out the soil characteristics and carbon dynamics in maize-based cropping systems in the Western zone of Tamil Nadu, India. Soil samples from six cropping systems were analyzed for bulk density, sand, silt, clay content, pH, available nutrients (N, P, K, Zn), total organic carbon (TOC), oxidizable organic carbon fractions, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and carbon pools. The distribution of oxidizable organic carbon fractions varied among cropping systems and soil depths. The easily decomposable and moderately labile fractions were highest in the maize-black gram system, while the recalcitrant fraction showed variations across cropping systems. The active carbon pool (Cf1 + Cf2) was highest at 2.53 g kg-1 in the maize-blackgram system, while the passive carbon pool (Cf3 + Cf4) was also highest at 3.79 g kg-1 in this system. The study also assessed the carbon stock and microbial biomass carbon. TOC content decreased with depth, with the highest values observed in the topsoil. The maize-black gram system had the highest TOC content at all depths. MBC content followed a similar pattern, with the highest values in the topsoil and the maize-black gram system. These findings provided insights into the soil characteristics and carbon dynamics in maize-based cropping systems in the study area. The long-term integration of maize cultivation with blackgram demonstrated significant enhancements in organic carbon levels, TOC content, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and both passive and active carbon pools characterized by rapid turnover rates.
Monitoring forest gain and loss based on LandTrendr algorithm and Landsat images in KTH Pati social forestry area, Indonesia
Get PDFSocial forestry schemes are now being implemented in numerous state forest areas in Indonesia, aiming to reduce deforestation and improve the community’s livelihood. However, spatial monitoring in the social forestry area is still limited to see how the implementation progresses. The present study aimed to identify the change of forest taking a case in Pati Forest Farmer Communities (KTH Pati) social forestry area from 1996 to 2022 using the LandTrendr algorithm based on Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) value of Landsat image series. The results detected forest loss and gain covering an area of 453.97 ha and 494.18 ha, respectively. Two main reasons causing the forest loss are the country’s financial and political situation from 1997 to 2003 and the harvest of forest plantations in 2017–2018. However, it was found that the study area had a positive forest gain with the current continuous growth of 292.32 ha (20.16% of the total area). Even though the social forestry policy has not significantly shown a positive impact on forest growth, spatial monitoring through remote sensing can be a great tool for observing the progress
Performance of dual-purpose sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) under different sowing windows and crop geometry
Get PDFIndia is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and its impact on agricultural production and livestock. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is an important food crop of India cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates, especially the semiarid tropics; varying environmental attributes significantly affect its duration and yield. Therefore, the present research aimed to evaluate the potential of dual-purpose sorghum under varying sowing windows and crop geometry. The experiment was conducted in Eastern block farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University during the summer season- 2022. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with three different dates of sowing in the main plot, i.e., D1 - First fortnight of February, D2 - First fortnight of March and D3 - First fortnight of April and six different crop geometries in the subplot viz., 45 x 15 cm (S1),45 x 10 cm(S2), 45 x 5 cm (S3), 30 x 15 cm (S4),30 x 10 cm (S5) and 30 x 5 cm (S6) and replicated thrice.The results revealed that sowing during the first fortnight (I FN) of April with a spacing of 45x 15 cm resulted in maximum grain yield(2585 kg/ha) and for fodder yield, April I FN sowing with a crop geometry of 30x 5 cm resulted in maximum green biomass (43.6 t/ha) as well as dry matter production. So, spacing of 30x 5 cm helps in better utilization of resources along with maximum fodder yield
Identification of ascorbic acid and phytochemical profiles of Scotch Bonnet pepper (Capsicum chinense) using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet Detector (HPLC-UV)
Get PDFResearchers have discovered that red and green scotch peppers are extremely rich in phytochemicals and that these secondary metabolites are connected to several biological processes in the human body. This study aimed to determine the numerous phytochemicals present in scotch pepper seeds, flesh, and red and green varieties. The samples were pulverized after being air-dried. The phytochemicals and ascorbic acid contents were examined using a High-performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV). Twelve phytochemicals and ascorbic acid were identified in the flesh and seed of red scotch pepper, with lycopene having the highest content (83.10 mg/kg), the ascorbic acid content of 8.80 mg/kg; moreover, the seed of red scotch pepper revealed twelve phytochemicals and lycopene being the highest content (75.60 mg/kg) and ascorbic acid content of 6.80 mg/kg, furthermore, fourteen phytochemicals were identified in the flesh of red scotch bonnet pepper with lycopene the highest quantity (86.00 mg/kg) and ascorbic content of 10.60 mg/kg. Twelve phytochemicals were identified in the flesh and seed of green scotch bonnet pepper, lycopene (68.70 mg/kg) being the highest content, ascorbic acid content (6.50 mg/kg), twelve phytochemicals were revealed in the flesh of green pepper and lycopene had highest quantity (76.30 mg/kg), in the seed of green pepper, the lycopene content was 68.70 mg/kg. However, it has been shown that capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and lutein concentrations varied, with red scotch pepper flesh having the highest concentration of capsaicin (7.50 mg/kg). The lycopene and ascorbic acid contents of flesh were the highest (86.00 mg/kg) and (10.60 mg/kg). The study\u27s findings showed that red pepper flesh was better than other components that were looked at.
Growth and yield response of winter blackgram (Vigna mungo) under high temperature and elevated CO2 conditions
Get PDFBlackgram is the most important legume crop grown throughout India. It is mostly cultivated during the rainy and winter seasons in central and southern India. An investigation was carried out during winter 2021 to evaluate the effect of High Day Temperature (ambient+3oC) and Elevated CO2 (600ppm) (HDT and eCO2) and High Day and Night Temperature (ambient+3oC) and Elevated CO2 (600ppm) (HDNT and eCO2) on growth and yield of blackgram (Vigna mungo) under soil plant atmospheric research (SPAR) and ambient conditions with eleven treatments (T1 to T11). The results revealed that significant (P=0.05) increase in photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, number of pods per plant and grain yield by 22.3%, 80.6%, 29.2%, 28% and 41.3%, respectively, under HDT and eCO2 conditions from 46 to 60 DAS (days after sowing) in comparison with HDNT and eCO2 and ambient conditions. The increase in chlorophyll index under HDT and eCO2 during 16 to 30 DAS by 12.9%. The significant increase in the number of flowers per plant and biomass of the blackgram was increased under HDT and eCO2 during 31 to 45 DAS by 7% and 38.1%, respectively. However, the plant height and leaf area index of the blackgram were found to have significantly increased under HDT and eCO2 during the early stage (1 to 15 DAS) by 29.3% and 44.5%, respectively. This experiment indicated a significant increase in crop growth, leaf photosynthesis and yield of blackgram under HDT and eCO2 at flowering stage to pod development stage (31 to 60 DAS) followed by HDNT and eCO2 and ambient condition. The overall findings of the study showed that increased temperature and CO2 levels would result in greater biomass production and increased yield for the black gram.
Mapping of heat vulnerability in Indian Urban Centres under threat of global warming
Get PDFThere is a need for a multi-dimensional approach to map heat vulnerability in urban areas to address the growing threat of heat waves in India. However, heat action planning in India is currently underdeveloped, and previous studies have used diverse and fragmented methods to assess vulnerability. The present study aimed to present a unified framework for mapping heat vulnerability in Indian urban centres based on the systematic review of literature. The framework included three techniques: unweighted additive overlay, weighted additive overlay, and principal component analysis (PCA), for constructing a composite index called the heat vulnerability index (HVI). The PCA-based approach was particularly suitable when multiple criteria were involved in assessing heat vulnerability, as it could capture the underlying relationships between them. Moreover, using GIS-based maps helped to visualize and reveal critical information about vulnerable areas, aiding in identifying priority regions for heat interventions. The study also examines the meaning of HVIs and the sensitivity of the techniques to three factors: the selected indicators, construction method, and scale of analysis. By providing a common framework for assessing heat vulnerability, the study would be helpful to support policymakers in prioritizing interventions to reduce the impact of heat waves on vulnerable populations in Indian cities and beyond, which are also experiencing varying levels of impact from global warming.
Application of Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model for the estimation of soil erosion and prioritization of erosion-prone areas in Majuli Island, Assam, India
Get PDFSoil erosion is a serious issue, causing loss of agricultural productivity, increase in sediment deposit in the riverbeds, and damage to the ecological balance of the affected areas. Proper assessment of the soil erosion rate is essential for managing natural resources. The present study employs a GIS-based RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model to estimate annual soil loss in Majuli River Island of Assam, India. Annual average rainfall, soil properties, topographic characteristics, and LULC were taken as inputs to identify the soil erosion susceptible areas. The result revealed that annual soil loss of the study area ranges between 0 to 711 t ha−1 yr−1, with a mean annual soil loss of 23.02 t ha−1 yr−1. The entire region was classified into six soil loss severity classes, around 90 % of the area was found to be very slightly affected (< 5 t ha−1 yr−1) by soil erosion, around 5 % slightly affected (5 – 10 t ha−1 yr−1), roughly 3% moderately affected (10 – 20 t ha−1 yr−1), around 1% moderate high (20 – 40 t ha−1 yr−1), nearly 0.3 % area affected severely (40 -80 t ha−1 yr−1) and very severely affected areas (> 80 t ha−1 yr−1) contributes 0.1 %. A total of six priority levels of conservation were demarcated village-wise; priority level I requires immediate attention, and so on. The research outcome can help effectively implement conservation and management practices to check soil erosion in the study area.