Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Inductive cum targeted yield model based Integrated fertilizer prescriptions for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under drip fertigation on an alfisol
Get PDFSoil test crop response (STCR) correlation studies under Integrated Plant Nutrition System were conducted in the western agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu during 2020-2021 to devise the fertilizer prescription equations for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under drip fertigation on an alfisol. The equations were derived by following Ramamoorthy’s Inductive cum targeted yield model. The nutrient requirement of N, P2O5 and K2O for producing one quintal of tomato fruit was found to be 0.22, 0.11, 0.27 kg respectively. The per cent contribution of nutrients were 37.93, 46.73 and 29.53 of N, P2O5 and K2O from soil (Cs) and 47.84, 31.12 and 74.13 of N, P2O5 and K2O from fertilizers (Cf) respectively. Two organic sources were applied viz., FYM (Farm Yard Manure) and Biocompost and the per cent contribution of nutrients from FYM were 38.36, 13.22 and 52.17 of N, P2O5 and K2O and from biocompost were 43.34, 10.90 and 57.00 of N, P2O5 and K2O respectively. Fertilizer adjustment equations were formulated for STCR-NPK alone, STCR-IPNS (FYM) and STCR-IPNS (Biocompost) by applying the basic parameters such as NR, Cs, Cf, Cfym, Cbiocompost. A ready reckoner of fertilizer doses for a set of soil test values at yield targets 80 and 90 t ha-1 was computed. The findings also showed that the adoption of STCR-IPNS could save more fertilizers
A study on comfort properties of oak Tasar silk waste and acrylic blended fabrics
Get PDFOak Tasar is wild silk with natural golden brown colour and unique texture available in Himalayan region of India. A lot of fibre waste is generated during hand spinning of oak Tasar silk yarn which can be utilized by blending it with compatible fibre to incorporate the properties of both fibres in the yarn. The present study aimed to develop Oak Tasar silk waste and acrylic blended fabrics and study their comfort properties. The oak Tasar silk and acrylic blended plain weave and twill weave fabrics were prepared with five different blend ratios viz. 100:0, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60 and 0:100. The prepared fabrics were studied for comfort properties like thermal insulation (clo, TIV %), Q-max (warm/cool feeling), air permeability, water vapour transport rate and were statistically analysed. Results revealed that thermal insulation and clo value were found to be increased with increasing acrylic content in the fabric whereas Q- max, air permeability, water vapour permeability values were reduced with the addition of oak Tasar silk fiber in the blend. The 50:50 blended plain weave fabric among the blended fabrics had the highest clo value, i.e. 0.52 and 50:50 blended twill weave fabric had highest Q max value i.e. 0.109W/cm2. It was found from the study that the developed fabrics are comfortable and can be used for light winters
Isolation, characterization and optimization of bacterial isolate SARR1 for biodegradation of pretreated low density polyethylene
Get PDFAccumulation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has caused a threat to the environment because of its stable and inert nature as it cannot be degraded easily by microorganisms. Its lightweight, low cost, strength, durability, and its various other applications, have led to the wide usage of the polymer, which is exerting a negative effect on both marine and land biota. The development of an eco-friendly or a promising strategy is needed to reduce LDPE waste from both land and water. In the present study, observations have been made to isolate highly efficient LDPE degrading bacteria. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to predict the best optimization of media for the degradation of LDPE by isolate SARR1. The isolate SARR1 was selected through primary screening by weight loss method and secondary screening using CO2 evolution test, TTC and MATH Test. The isolate SARR1 showed 6.30 ± 0.25 g/L CO2 evolution. The microbial adhesion hydrophobicity (MATH) was observed during log phase (100 to 56.89 ± 0.97 %) and stationary phase (100 to 82.92 ± 1.24 %). An isolate SARR1 converted the TTC into red coloured insoluble triphenyl formazan (TPF) after incubation of 7 days. The isolated bacteria SARR1 showed 38.3 ± 1.27 % biodegradation efficiency in the pretreated LDPE strips at 37 °C and pH 7.0 under optimized conditions within 30 days of incubation. This bioremediation and biodegradation approach is eco-friendly and safe for the environment. The results of treatment with isolate SARR1 had a potential hope to degrade LDPE at higher rate than natural degradation.
Triazophos induced neuro-splenic toxicity and evaluation of antioxidative potential of aqueous Broccoli extract in Wistar albino rats
Get PDFThe present investigation was carried out to assess the antioxidative potential of Broccoli sprouts aqueous extract (BE) against triazophos (TZ) induced oxidative stress (OS) in brain and spleen. In the experimental setup, six groups of rats were formed; Control (group 1), BE (group 2), TZ (group 3), and also BE+TZ groups such as BE1 (group 4), BE2 (group 5) and BE3 (group 6) groups. Rats were orally intubated for 30 days as per experimental design. After sacrifice, OS biomarkers viz; catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were determined in brain and spleen. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was observed in plasma and brain samples. Histological study of the spleen in TZ rats showed increased thickness of capsule, congestion and hypocellularity in follicles of spleen’s white pulp and the histoarchitecture was restored in TZ+BE group rats. TZ caused degenerative changes in brain histology and rats showed mild congestion along with haemorrhage in the cerebral cortex. Results suggest that TZ exposure is associated with neural toxicity along with altered spleen stress biomarkers, which further corroborates with histopathological findings. It is inferred that BE exerts multi-mechanistic protective effects against TZ induced neuro-splenic toxicity which is attributable to its protective antioxidant actions
Effects of drip and alternate furrow method of irrigation on cotton yield and physical water productivity: A case study from farmers’ field of Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, India
Get PDFWith the growing irrigation water scarcity, the researchers and policymakers are more concerned to improve the irrigation water use efficiency at farmers’ field level. The water-saving technologies provide greater control over water delivery to the crop root zone and reduce the non-beneficial evaporation from the crop field. Water productivity is an important concept for measuring and comparing water use efficiency. The present study tried to estimate the irrigation water use and physical water productivity of cotton under alternate furrow and drip irrigation methods in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. Results suggest that crop yield and physical water productivity were higher for cotton irrigated by drip method than alternate furrow method during normal rainfall and drought year. The irrigation water use under the drip method of irrigation was lower as compared to the alternate furrow method. In the case of total water (effective rainfall + irrigation water) use, per hectare crop yield and physical water productivity were higher for the drip method of irrigation than the alternate furrow method of irrigating cotton crop during normal rainfall and drought year. In the case of total water use (effective rainfall + irrigation water), it was lower for drip irrigation than the alternate furrow method of irrigating cotton crop during normal rainfall year and drought year. While estimating total water (effective rainfall + irrigation water) use, it was assumed that there is no return flow of water from the cotton field in the study area under both irrigation methods
Assessment of farmers’ indigenous knowledge of soil quality management practices in Ghana: A case study of crop farmers in Ada West District
Get PDFThe efforts to increase soil productivity has been ?eld-based experiments with little information on farmers’ indigenous knowledge of soil quality acquired through experience. This study assessed farmers’ indigenous knowledge on soil quality and fertility management practices in the Ada West District of Ghana. Two hundred-and-twelve farmers from five communities were interviewed using pre-tested questionnaires. Fifteen farmers each from four communities identified and classified their soil into high, medium and low soil quality. Thirty-six soil samples were collected based on farmers’ categorization and analysed to determine some physicochemical properties to determine the differences in soil quality categories. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to select effective indicators as the Minimum Data Set (MDS). Results showed that 89% of farmers’ use soil amendments out of which 71.1% combined organic and inorganic fertilizer, 19.6% applied only organic and 9.3% applied only inorganic fertilizer. The soil quality indicators used by farmers were based on visually observable indicators such as soil colour, presence of living organism, soil moisture, vigour plant growth, crop yield, soil texture, presence of plants and weeds, erosion and thickness of topsoil. Farmers’ soil quality categorization was contrary to the laboratory reports although soils from perceived high quality were relatively higher than medium and low. In PC1 electrical conductivity, available phosphorus, organic carbon, organic matter, calcium, and magnesium had a higher positive loading. In PC2, sand and silt had the highest factor loading while clay and sodium had the highest factor loading for PC3 and PC4 respectively. Farmers have good knowledge on soil quality but did not know the rate of soil amendments to apply. Farmers’ indigenous knowledge should be supplemented with scientific soil information. There is need for more training and education on application rates of soil amendments
Effect of okra plant resistance on transmission rate of okra enation leaf curl virus by its vector whitefly, Bemisia tabaci
Get PDFThe present study aimed to investigate the effect of age of the okra plants that showed varying whitefly resistance responses on the transmission rate of okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCV) by its vector whitefly Bemisia tabaci. The OELCV infected whitefly adults were collected from whitefly colonies and were challenged on the test okra accessions (Upl mona 2, Co 1, Arka anamika and AE 64) of differential ages which were individually caged (7, 10 and 15 d after germination) with glass chimney and the number of such whiteflies used were at the rate of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 20 adults per plant. Observations were made on the virus symptom expression 30 d after challenge. The efficiency of transmission was determined. The efficiency of transmission of OELCV was the highest (maximum T and P*, 0.80, 1.00 and 0.08, 0.10) when 7 d old seedlings were inoculated (Arka anamika and AE 64 respectively) and transmission had decreased as the age of seedlings increased. The estimated transmission rate for single whitefly (P*) increased with an increase in the number of whiteflies used per plant. Okra plant resistance to B. tabaci significantly changed the transmission rates of OELCV on okra. Understanding the resistance mechanisms of the okra accessions and interactions between plant viruses and their insect host can pave the way for novel approaches to protect plants from virus infection
Radicle emergence test as a quick vigour test to predict field emergence performance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed lots
Get PDFAn experiment was made to standardize the radicle emergence test to predict the field emergence performance in ten different seed lots [L1 to L4: high vigour lots (> 90 % germination), L5 to L7: medium vigour lots (80-90 % germination) and L8 to L10: low vigour lots (< 80 % germination)] of rice cv. CO 51. The results showed that the significant differences are observed in physiological and biochemical parameters in different seed lots. The seed vigour was classified into three groups viz., high, medium and low vigour based on the relationship between mean germination time and field emergence. When the Mean Germination Time (MGT) was < 34 hours, the field emergence was > 85 per cent, which was considered as high vigour; when the MGT was 34-35 hours, the field emergence was 80-85 per cent, that was considered as medium vigour; when the MGT was > 35 hours, the field emergence was < 80 per cent, that was considered as low vigour. The radicle emergence test (2mm radicle length) was highly negatively correlated with mean germination time (-0.930**) followed by mean just germination time (-0.852**) and electrical conductivity of seed leachate (-0.827**) and it was positively correlated with field emergence (0.894**) followed by germination (0.878**) and dehydrogenase activity (0.864**). The R2 values between seed vigour parameters and radicle emergence test were significantly higher in 2mm length of radicle emergence when compared with 1mm length of radicle emergence. Finally, the study concluded that 36 hour MGT with the attainment of 2mm radicle emergence percentage could be used as a quick method to assess rice seed lots\u27 quality by the seed analysts and seed industry
Synthesis of iron chelates for remediation of iron deficiency in an alkaline and calcareous soil
Get PDFThe present study was aimed to investigate the using iron chelates viz., ferrous glycinate and ferrous citrate for the remediation of iron deficiency in alkaline and calcareous soil. The lab experiment was carried out to study the synthesis of Fe chelates by using organic and amino acid based chelating agents. The Fe chelates were synthesized based on 2:1 molar ratio of chelating agents and metal ions. The synthesized iron chelate was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR). Finally, the synthesized amino acid and organic acid chelated iron were used to remediate the calcareous soil with black gram as a test crop. Iron content in black gram (above ground mass) tented to fluctuate at different growth stages. The highest shoot iron content of 325, 351 and 347 mg kg-1 at vegetative, flowering and harvest stages were recorded with 1% ferrous glycinate as foliar spraying on 25 and 45 Day after sowing (DAS). The root iron content was also higher in 1% ferrous glycinate as foliar spraying on 25 and 45 DAS. The current investigation affirmed that the utilizing different chelating agents like the ferrous glycinate were powerful than ferrous sulfate, which may build the iron substance and iron take-up of blackgram in various development stages
Knowledge pattern assessment of potential safety threats of compact fluorescent lamps in Kuwait
Get PDFGlobally, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are increasing consistently, and Kuwait is not an exception. However, these lamps contain mercury, which is highly injurious to human health and the environment. This study assessed Kuwaiti respondents\u27 awareness using a large-scale national survey conducted on a random sample of 6210 individuals (response rate 84.3%). The questionnaire was comprised of four sections and utilized skip logic branching. The modes were paper-based, face-to-face interviews, and electronic structured questionnaires. Data were also analyzed through the Pearson chi-square test to know the significant differences in lamp type preferences and the reasons for the preferences. Almost half of the participants (51.4%) knew the difference between incandescent and fluorescent lamps. Only 11.1% were using incandescent lamps solely in their houses. The remaining 88.9% used fluorescent lamps (38.4%) or both types (50.5%). The results showed that 48.3% think fluorescent lamps save energy, whereas 81.3% of people were unaware of their mercury content. The knowledge patterns towards breakage showed that respondents who chose the proper response were 31.9% for evacuation, 14.6% for aeration, and 7.3% for turning off the AC. The awareness of populations to take appropriate actions towards proper disposal was very poor in case of fluorescent lamp accidental breakage or when it completes its life cycle because most of them did not know about the proper evacuation, aeration, and cleanup measures. These findings are beneficial for the government and policymakers to take essential steps to create relevant awareness channels among the country\u27s communities for safety from expected health hazards