Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Influence of nitrogen and potassium nutrition on physiological traits and yield of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety Vaishak and Aiswarya under heat stress during the flowering stage
Get PDFRising atmospheric temperatures due to global warming are expected to negatively affect crop growth and yield, particularly in tropical regions. A field experiment was conducted during the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the College farm, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, to evaluate the response of rice varieties (Vaishak and Aiswarya) to heat stress (2–3°C above ambient) during the flowering stage under aerobic conditions with varying nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) levels. The study employed a Randomised Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications. The Vaishak and Aiswarya varieties were each tested with three N-K levels (60:30, 90:45, and 120:60 kg/ha) under heat stress, and a control was maintained under ambient temperature. Results showed that Vaishak receiving 120 kg N and 60 kg K2O under stress recorded the highest physiological performance in both years: photosynthetic rate (11.09 and 9.30 µmol/m²/s), stomatal conductance (0.778 and 0.653 mol H2O/m²/s), relative water content (96.68 and 81.14%), soluble protein (23.45 and 19.68 mg/g), proline (95.69 and 80.31 µmol/g), and SOD activity (0.329 and 0.276 g/min). Grain yield was also highest under this treatment, reaching 3602 and 3256 kg/ha in 2022 and 2023, respectively. These results indicated that application of 120 kg N and 60 kg K2O in the variety Vaishak enhanced physiological resilience and yield of aerobic rice under heat stress, and can be recommended as a suitable nutrient management strategy for aerobic rice under changing climate conditions.
Physiological and floral responses of mango (Mangifera indica) cv. Banganapalli to pre-flowering chemical treatments
Get PDFA field experiment was conducted in a mango orchard to investigate the effects of pre-flowering chemical treatments on the physiological and yield attributes of mango cultivar Banganapalli. The research used a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. There were ten different treatments: 1% Urea + 20 ppm NAA (T1), 1% Urea + 200 ppm Salicylic Acid (T2), 2% Urea + 20 ppm NAA (T3), 2% Urea + 200 ppm Salicylic Acid (T4), 1% KNO3 + 20 ppm NAA (T5), 1% KNO3 + 200 ppm Salicylic Acid (T6), 2% KNO3 + 20 ppm NAA (T7), 2% KNO3 + 200 ppm Salicylic Acid (T8), water spray (T9), and an untreated control (T10). Among the various treatments, the application of 2% KNO3 combined with 20 ppm NAA (T7) resulted in the highest physiological indices, including chlorophyll index (42.61, 40.78 and 37.78 SPAD), carbohydrate accumulation (18.86, 26.85 and 24.68 mg 100g-1), leaf nitrogen assimilation (1.35, 1.75 and 1.67%), and C/N ratio (13.97, 15.34 and 14.78). Furthermore, this treatment exhibited superior flowering characteristics, such as increased total flower count per panicle (791.82), enhanced hermaphrodite flower formation (239.40), higher fruit set percentage (0.48 %), improved fruit retention (13.71), greater fruit number (129.22), and higher fruit yield per tree (50.04kg), highlighting its efficacy in promoting reproductive success and yield enhancement in mango cv. Banganapalli.
Physiological and biochemical evaluation of Vitamin H7 in Rabbits stressed by Triton
Get PDFVitamin H7 (biotin) is essential for fatty acid synthesis and glucose metabolism. Under stress conditions, such as those induced by Triton (a nonionic surfactant that increases oxidative stress markers and induces hyperlipidemia), the body may require more biotin to manage oxidative stress and maintain metabolic balance. Studying its effects in Triton-stressed rabbits can reveal its potential protective benefits. The aim was to understand how Triton affects the vital functions of rabbits and whether Vitamin H7 plays a role in protecting these functions from negative impacts. Forty male rabbits were divided into four groups and treated daily for eight weeks. The control received no treatment. The Triton group was given water with Triton 300 mg/kg. The Vitamin H7 group received 200 µg/kg, and the Triton and Vitamin H7 group received both treatments. The treatment continued for eight consecutive weeks. The Triton group showed the highest activity of aryl esterase and bilirubin, as well as the lowest activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acetylcholinesterase (Ach), while the Vitamin H7 group showed low activity of aryl esterase and Total Bilirubin, Along with high superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The Triton with Vitamin H7 group showed mitigation of the negative effect of triton and improvement in total Bilirubin levels. Triton induces toxic effects, such as oxidative stress, and impacts cell membranes, leading to an increase in aryl esterase activity and a decrease in Ach and SOD. In contrast, Vitamin H7 helps mitigate these toxic effects by supporting cellular metabolism and improving enzyme function, reducing total bilirubin levels, and enhancing liver function.
Assessment of chromium removal efficiency from chromium-contaminated water using ball-milled Eichhornia crassipes biochar
Get PDFHexavalent chromium {Cr (VI)} contamination in water sources poses a significant threat to human health and the environment due to its toxicity and carcinogenicity. In recent years, biochar-based adsorbents have gained attention for their potential to effectively remove heavy metals from water. The present study focuses on the synthesis and application of ball-milled nano-Eichhornia (water hyacinth) biochar (BMNEBC) as an innovative adsorbent for the removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions. In this research, Eichhornia plant leaves were utilized as the precursor for biochar production through a pyrolysis process. The produced biochar was subjected to physical modification (ball milling) to obtain nano-sized particles, thereby increasing the surface area and porosity of the material. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the Cr(VI) removal efficiency of BMBNBC under various operating conditions, including initial Cr(VI) concentration (10 to 70 mg), adsorbent dosage (25 to 125mg), contact time (0 to 180 minutes), and pH (3 to 12). The study revealed that the optimal conditions were identified as pH 6, an adsorbent dosage of 75 mg, and a contact time of 4 hours, resulting in an impressive Cr (VI) removal capacity of 256.3 mg/g (91%). These findings provide valuable insights for developing effective strategies to remove chromium from contaminated water samples.
Resilience in wetland conservation: A review on comparative study of high-altitude and low-altitude wetlands in India
Get PDFIndia is home to a wide variety of natural and manmade wetlands. They are of utmost significance, providing multiple functions, including ecosystem services, which are essential for sustaining local communities. India has undertaken several efforts to conserve, protect, manage, and restore its wetlands. However, owing to anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic factors, India’s natural wetlands are under severe environmental stress and are declining steadily. This study undertakes a comparative assessment of the high-altitude and low-altitude wetlands of India, elucidating the similarities and differences they face in terms of threats and management challenges. Characterized by cold, dry alpine climate and extreme temperature variations, high-altitude wetlands are mostly comprised of Himalayan lakes situated 3,000 m above mean sea level. They are sensitive to climate change, possess unique biodiversity, and serve as water regulators of major Himalayan rivers. Low-altitude wetlands are typically located 1000 m below mean sea level and are found in the floodplains of major river systems, coasts, and in arid and semi-arid regions. These densely populated regions support the livelihoods of millions of people. Drawing lessons from this comparative study, the paper further emphasizes the relevance of an integrated social resilience perspective, suggesting the need to move beyond the nature-society divide. It aims to inform policy guidelines for efficient wetland management, arguing that conservation, which prioritises preservation, protection, and restoration alone, fails to achieve the objectives. A social resilience perspective recognizing the interconnectedness of nature and society, and their adaptive capacities can strengthen institutions managing natural resources. This approach ensures sustainability, representing the way forward.
Soil nematode communities as indicators of forest ecosystem health: A study in Patnitop region of District Udhampur, UT, J&K, India
Get PDFNematodes are vital bioindicators of soil health, reflecting ecological conditions and anthropogenic disturbances, such as tourism. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of nematode diversity in the Patnitop forest (Jammu & Kashmir, India), evaluating their community structure and ecological significance. Soil samples were collected from multiple forest sites, with nematodes identified to genus level and classified by trophic groups and colonizer-persister (c-p) classes. Diversity indices (Shannon Index, Species Evenness, Maturity Index, Plant Parasitic Index) and ecological indices (Enrichment, Structure, Basal) were computed to assess soil food web conditions. Statistical analysis employed the Kruskal-Wallis test. We identified 37 nematode genera, with bacterivores dominating (58.7%), followed by omnivores (20.58%), herbivores (11%), predators (8.9%), and fungivores (2.7%). The c-p classification showed high proportions of opportunistic c-p 1 nematodes (39.0–48.1%) and stable c-p 4 (19.3–27.6%) and c-p 5 (5.8–15.3%) groups. Moderate diversity (Shannon Index: 1.93; Evenness: 0.73) and nutrient-rich conditions (Maturity Index: 2.50; Plant Parasitic Index: 3.20) were observed. High Enrichment (82.59) and Structure (92.48) indices, combined with a low Basal Index (4.17), indicated a stable food web under minimal stress. Trophic group differences were statistically significant (p = 0.00129). The predominance of bacterivores highlights bacterial-mediated decomposition, while nematode metrics demonstrated sensitivity to ecological gradients, underscoring their utility as bioindicators for tourism-linked disturbances. These findings advocate integrating nematode monitoring into forest management frameworks to guide soil conservation in this fragile ecosystem.
Molecular detection of toxA and lasB virulence genes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Erbil, Iraq
Get PDFDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major cause of lower limb medical amputations and result in high healthcare expenses. In DFUs, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is significantly prevalent. The current study aims to determine the relationship between toxA and lasB virulence genes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and antibiotic resistance. Between September 2024 and February 2025, a total of 150 swabs were collected in this cross-sectional study from DFU patients of both sexes and varying ages who attended the American Medical Complex for treatment. The primary identification was performed using cultural characteristics and biochemical tests, and the definitive identification was achieved using the Vitek 2 compact system. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done by the Disk diffusion method. Of 150 samples, 53 (35.33%) were identified as P. aeruginosa. Among these, the prevalence of the toxA and lasB genes was 90.56% (48/53) and 88.68% (47/53), respectively. Ceftazidime was the most effective antibiotic, followed by netilmicin, meropenem, and imipenem. Carbenicillin was the least effective (100% resistance), followed by levofloxacin, piperacillin, ciprofloxacin, and cefepime.P. aeruginosa was prevalent in DFUs, accounting for 35.33% of the total sample size. Ceftazidime is the most effective antibiotic for treating P. aeruginosa infected DFUs, followed by netilmicin, meropenem, and imipenem. Carbenicillin is less effective. The toxA and lasB virulence genes was highly prevalent in P. aeruginosa isolates, leading to increased antibiotic resistance. This study provides insights into the virulence and resistance of P. aeruginosa in diabetic foot ulcers, emphasizing the need for molecular monitoring and customized antibiotic therapies to improve clinical management.
Integration of ICESat/GLAS data and random forest to estimate canopy height and biomass in Central Indian Forest
Get PDFSatellite lidar systems, such as ICESat, GEDI, and ICESat-2, have revolutionized global above-ground biomass (AGB) estimation by providing precise forest height data. These missions highlight the transformative potential of spaceborne lidar in advancing biomass assessment and forest monitoring. The present research effectively utilized spaceborne ICESat -1 LiDAR to measure forest canopy height and estimate above-ground biomass (AGB) in Madhya Pradesh\u27s Central Indian Forest. Data from LiDAR, radar, optical, and digital elevation models were integrated with ancillary climate variables and field-based forest inventory during 2009-10. Further, this approach was validated against new data obtained from ICESAT-2 (October 2018 onwards), GEDI (March 2019 onwards), and other spaceborne LiDAR sensors by numerous researchers globally. Lorey\u27s height method established a relationship between GLAS-derived AGB and other variables, creating a spatial–height map using a K-Nearest Neighbour-based random forest approach. Estimated forest canopy height ranged from 2.16 m to 17.63 m with an RMSE of ± 2.57 m. Spatial AGB was estimated for prominent forest types, with R2 values ranging from 0.62 to 0.71 (p < 0.01). The total AGB over Madhya Pradesh\u27s forests were estimated at 315.77 Mt with an RMSE of ±19.22 t ha^-1. Relative errors ranged from 33% to 45% over different forest types, suggesting newer missions like ICESat/GLAS-2 are needed for more precise estimates in future research.
Utilization of whey proteins for producing low-fat mayonnaise via complete and partial egg replacement
Get PDFThere is a worldwide demand for healthier foods. One common practice is the production of reduced-fat products in several categories. Whey proteins are popular as important food ingredients due to their essential amino acid content. This work intends to investigate the ability of whey proteins to be used to produce a low-fat mayonnaise. The present study aims to evaluate wholly or partially replacing eggs with whey protein concentrates as emulsifiers in low-fat mayonnaise and its impact on rheological, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics. To accomplish this aim, the researchers followed a quantitative approach by using the SPSS program to sort the findings based on the percentage and the frequency of the mayonnaise model. As a result, the moisture, ash, and fat percentages, along with the pH values for transactions (T1: the eggs were partially replaced (50%) with whey protein concentrates, T2: the eggs were completely replaced 100% with whey protein concentrates) when compared to those of the control treatment have been decreased while the protein and carbohydrates have been increased. This fact has been found in both treatments of partial and total replacement of the egg component with whey protein concentrates. Moreover, the texture study revealed that the properties of viscosity, hardness, adhesiveness, and fluctuation of susceptibility were increased. Additionally, the sensory evaluation scores of some of the studied characteristics in the replacement treatments decreased compared to those of the control.
Deep learning of backpropagation neural network algorithm for long-term predicting rainfall in the Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan province of Indonesia
Get PDFClimate change and global warming significantly impact rainfall patterns in various regions. This can lead to more frequent and intense flooding and an increased risk of landslides. As a result, it causes unstable rain variability patterns in various regions, including Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Almost every year, the area experiences floods and landslides. The area, directly adjacent to the Indonesia-Malaysia region, can potentially disrupt community activities, including military operations guarding the border, which require a lot of manpower. This study aimed to minimize future disasters as it is vital to anticipate rainfall patterns based on previous data from databases. The Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN) approach is one of the best at predicting long-term rainfall. Rainfall data from NASA was utilized from January 2003 through December 2020, totalling 216 data sets. The input or training data ranges from January 2003 to December 2010, whereas the training goal data is from January 2011 to December 2015. The validation data was also determined from January 2016 to December 2020. With a learning rate of 0.3 and an Epoch of 9,999, the best predictive architecture model was 8-6-9-6-5. The prediction accuracy was pretty excellent, with a mean square error (MSE) of 0.012157 and a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 24.026. The highest rainfall was recorded in December 2019 at 606.672 mm/month. The prediction results are expected to serve as a reference for mitigating disasters such as floods and landslides to facilitate security operations in border areas.