Journal of Applied and Natural Science
Not a member yet
2928 research outputs found
Sort by
Efficacy of silver and gold nanoparticles obtained from vermiwash: In vitro study on antimicrobial and antidiabetic activities
Get PDFEmerging nanobiotechnology has provided innovative techniques to synthesize nanoparticles through biological methods to explore the potentialities of biological sources like phytoextracts, microbes, animal secretions and excretion. This research studies the potential of vermiwash to synthesize the silver and gold nanoparticles and evaluate its in vitro effect of antimicrobial and antidiabetic activities. The characterization of the nanoparticles was analyzed through various techniques. Ultraviolet (UV)-Visible spectroscopy showed the maximum absorption spectrum at 413 nm for silver and 541 nm for gold nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the reducing agent involved in nanoparticles synthesis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed the size of the silver and gold nanoparticles as 24 nm and 50 nm, respectively. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis revealed the elemental composition of the synthesized nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles that displayed the preferential orientation of the crystals toward the (111) plane. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the resazurin assay method. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of less than 7.8 µg was observed in Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In the antifungal activity, MIC at 250 µg was noted in Mucor sp. and Candida albicans. Antidiabetic activity was assessed by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. IC50 of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity of the silver nanoparticles was noted as 218 and 221 µg/mL, respectively. IC 50 value for the enzymatic assay dose-dependently confirmed the effect. Conclusively biosynthesized nanoparticles from vermiwash showed potential efficiency of antibacterial, antifungal and antidiabetic activities
Responses of mixed light-emitting diode ratios on vegetative, flower regulation, and stalk elongation of cut chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev)
Get PDFA Greenhouse experiment on the study of responses of mixed light-emitting diode ratios in cut chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2019-20. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The treatment comprises of seven varied light-emitting diode irradiance levels viz., L1 – 100% White; L2 – 100% Red; L3 - 80% Red + 20% Blue; L4 – 80% Red + 20% Far-red; L5 – 75% Blue + 25% Far-red; L6 – 60% Red + 20% Blue + 20% Far-red; L7 - High pressure sodium vapour lamp (as check) in Salvador and Pusa Centenary varieties. The results revealed that the growth in terms of height of the chrysanthemum at critical stages was maximum (48.88 cm in Salvador and 41.92 cm in Pusa Centenary) under the light irradiance of B75FR25 (L5) during the peak vegetative stage and registered maximum leaf area. Highest internodal length up to 3rd leaf of 1.07 cm was registered in sodium vapour lamp irradiance (L7) and 1.39 cm in 100% Red irradiance (L2). The early flower bud emergence (39 days in Salvador and 50 days in Pusa Centenary) was observed in B75Fr25 spectral irradiance (L5). The highest total cut stem yield per square meter (42.65 in Salvador and 41.99 in Pusa Centenary) was registered in R80B20. The study revealed that blue LEDs combined with Far-red promoted early flowering and inhibited stem elongations. Red and Blue wavelength increased the total leaf area and registered improved flower yield.
Molecular tools for identification and classification of Myxozoan parasites (Cnidaria: Myxosporea) in India: Current status
Get PDFA substantial literature on myxosporea has been published to date using morphological characters and specificity of host tissue. Currently, there are some 2400 nominal species of myxosporea classified to 17 families and 64 genera. Approximately 300 species have been described from India and most of them have been described solely on the basis of morphological characteristics. Molecular markers like small subunit ribosomal (SSU) and large subunit ribosomal (LSU) DNA have been used worldwide for the identification and validation of fish myxosporeans. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree based on SSU rDNA sequences was used to study the phylogenetic relationship among myxosporeans infecting Indian fishes. Myxospore phylogenies disagree with traditional spore-based classification systems, probably due to extreme plasticity in myxospores morphologies that have resulted in extensive convergence. Morphological similarities exist among myxosporea that encounter several problems in categorizing them. That’s why present-day research has shifted to molecular techniques for identification and correct systematics of myxosporeans. Molecular studies of myxozoans in India are still scarce and in infancy. To address persisting taxonomic and phylogenetic discrepancies, validation of these species by molecular tools is needed, because earlier species were reported only on the basis of morphological data. Therefore, the present study has summarized existing molecular data and current status of molecular taxonomy of myxosporeans parasitizing fresh and marine water fishes of India along with the approaches of myxozoan phylogenetics and information about the molecular markers, their interpretation in the identification of myxozoans parasitizing fishes
Effect of packaging on phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant characteristics of mechanical cabinet dried wild pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) arils
Get PDFWild pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit arils with high acid content are processed into dried arils (anardana) which is used as an ingredient in various medicinal formulations and culinary preparations. The various phenols and flavonoids are responsible for the antioxidant activity of anardana which signifies its functional benefits. The advanced packaging techniques like vacuum packaging, can retain higher antioxidant activity characteristics during storage. So, the present studies were carried out to compare the effect of packaging on total phenols, flavonoids, DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activity, metal chelating activity, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and reducing power of anardana prepared in mechanical cabinet drier. Anardana was packed in different packaging materials and stored under ambient and refrigerated temperature conditions. The overall effect of storage during 12 months revealed that there was a significant (p< 0.05) decrease in total phenols (180.95 to 161.76 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (40.60 to 32.66 mg QuE/100 g), DPPH antioxidant activity (61.23 to 56.13%), metal chelating activity (22.25 to 19.37%), FRAP (34.60 to 31.73 ?M Fe2+/100 g) and reducing power (0.610 to 0.521) which was observed less in anardana packed in ALPV (aluminium laminated pouches with vacuum) followed by ALP (aluminium laminated pouches) and gunny bags. Due to slower rates of degradation of various antioxidant compounds, the changes after 12 months of storage were lower under refrigerated conditions. The total phenols, flavonoids and DPPH antioxidant activity were reduced from 180.95 to 167.24 and 156.28 mg GAE/100 g, 40.60 to 34.95 and 30.37 mg QuE/100 g and 61.23 to 57.99 and 54.27 % in refrigerated and ambient temperature conditions, respectively
A comparative assessment of Non-destructive and destructive methods for precise volume estimation of mango (Mangifera indica) trees
Get PDFTerrestrial carbon sequestration is a natural process towards carbon mitigation in which perennial trees play a vital role. Total biomass of the tree can be measured by a destructive and Non-destructive method. Since tree felling is ban in India, Non-destructive measurements by allometric equations have been widely used for the estimation of tree biomass, which is derived from the destructive method. The present study focused on estimating mango (Mangifera indica) wood logs volume both by destructive and Non-destructive methods in ICAR-Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow. In Non-destructive method, all required physical parameters were recorded from different positions and further calculated by T2: log formula = ?h (r12+r22+r1 r2)/3; T3: cylindrical shape formula = ?r2h with mean value and T4: cylindrical shape formula = ?r2h with maximum value. The calculated volume of mango wood logs was compared with the obtained volume by T1:Water displacement method. ANOVA was used to compare volume generated from several methods. The results showed that average volume obtained by T2 and T3 methods was found less than the T1 method, which was 13.69 % and 12.95 %, respectively. The volume obtained by T4 was found close to the T1. The study minimized the error while estimating the biomass of mango trees with the essential parameter, the wood volume. Calculating the volume of major branches in the mango tree will make it easier to calculate accurate AGB by a Non-destructive method. The estimated AGB will be helpful to calculate the amount of sequestered carbon and contribution toward mitigating atmospheric carbon dioxide by mango cultivated areas
Metabolomics using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and antibacterial activity of nine Ocimum taxa of Dakshin Dinajpur district, West Bengal, India
Get PDFOcimum traditionally known as Holy Basil or Tulsi is an available herb plenty across the country. Traditionally, it is used against a number of human diseases. In this present study, the metabolites present in the ethanolic extracts of nine Ocimum taxa, O. tenuiflorum L. (Green and purple type) two morphotypes of O. basilicum L., (Babu and Marua tulsi) two morphotypes of O. gratissimum L. (Ram and Ajowan tulsi) and each one from O. americanum L. (Bon tulsi), O. × africanum Lour. (Lebu tulsi), and O. kilimandscharicum Guerke.grown naturally in Dakshin Dinajpur district, West Bengal, India were identified using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Among the identified metabolites, carbohydrates, aliphatic alcohols, aliphatic acids, fused ring aromatic hydrocarbon, amino acids, phenolic compounds, quinone, steroids, terpenoids and vitamin E were the chief constituents. The occurrence of these metabolites describes the high biological activity of Ocimum species. Furthermore, in vitro antibacterial activities were also identified against four bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96), Bacillus cereus (MTCC 1305), Proteus vulgaris (MTCC 1771) and Escherichia coli (MTCC 2939). Tested bacterial strains were taken from the Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India The results indicated that the ethanolic extracts of all the nine Ocimum taxa have satisfactory minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against the tested microorganisms. O. tenuiflorum has the highest (91.03 %) metabolic content whereas O. × africanum has the minimum. This would definitely serve as a scientific basis of the traditional use of basil against human ailments.
Pore resistivity variation by Resistivity imaging technique in sedimentary part of main Gadilam river basin, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India
Get PDFElectrical resistivity is the only property of physics which give information of subsurface moisture content in the formation, Hence geophysical electrical resistivity survey was carried out to investigate the nature of shallow subsurface formations and geological contact in the main Gadilam river basin of Cuddalore District in Tamil Nadu. Twenty-seven vertical electrical soundings (VES) were conducted by Schlumberger configuration in the basin. Data is interpreted by curve matching techniques using IPI2 WIN software, layer parameters like apparent resistivity (?a) and thickness (h) interpretation were exported to Geographic Information System (GIS). Interpretation distinguishes three major geoelectric layers like topsoil, sandy clay layer, clayey sand layer along the contact zone in the basin. Interpreted VES sounding curves are mostly four-layer cases of QH, H, HA and KH type. Investigation demarcates lithology of subsurface and hydrogeological set up by employing maximum possible electrode sounding to infer saline water and freshwater occurrence based on resistivity signals. Zone of groundwater potential map was prepared with the combination of resistivity (?= ?1+ ?2+ ?3+ ?4) and corresponding thickness (T= T1+T2+T3+T4). High resistivity value of >200 ? m and low resistivity value of <10 ? m show the occurrence of alkaline and saline water within the formation aquifers as a result of possible rock water interaction and saline water dissolution. Four-layer resistivity cases from the matched curve (namely KH, AH, QA, and KA type) show the resistivity distribution/variation. It separates the freshwater depth wish from 1 to 140 ? m in fluvial sediments. Flood basin, sandstone and clay layer with low resistivity value of 3.16 - 7.5 ? m indicates contact with saline and freshwater aquifer. The Iso – resistivity map delineates saline water and freshwater zones with in the fourth layer cases in the same locations to indicate the irrational way of abstracting groundwater, resulting in saltwater ingress
Effect of sulphur, zinc and boron on the growth and yield enhancement of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Get PDFOilseed crops grown in different types of soil experience nutrient deficiency, especially sulphur, zinc and boron, which affect crop productivity. To tackle it, nutrient management practices must be streamlined to avoid improper fertilizations and deterioration of soil health. With this background, experimental trials were conducted to study the effect of sulphur, zinc and boron application on the growth, yield components and yield of hybrid sunflower at AyanAthur village, Ariyalur district (TN) during the summer seasons of 2016 and 2017. The experiments were laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The growth components of sunflower (plant height, leaf area index, dry matter production, leaf area duration (LAD) and growth analysis parameters such as crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate(RGR), net assimilation rate(NAR) and chlorophyll content, yield components and seed yield were significantly (level of significance P>0.05) influenced by foliar application of 0.5% Zn on bud initiation stage and seed formation stage and B @ 0.3% on bud initiation stage and ray floret formation stage along with S(sulphur) @ 40 kg ha-1 and RDF(recommended dose of fertilizers) as a soil application. Growth and yield parameters responded very little with the RDF alone. From both experimental results, we found that foliar application of Zn @ 0.5%and B @ 0.3% along with S @ 40 kg ha-1 and RDF recorded the highest percentage of dry matter production (44.4%), number of filled seeds (30.1%) and yield (32.4%) of hybrid sunflower
In vitro effect of polyethylene glycol and sorbitol on two banana varieties viz. Grand naine and Nalla bontha to study drought stress
Get PDFWater stress is one of the foremost categories of stress damaging plants’ overall growth and development. The aim of the present study was to explore and demonstrate stress-induced drought to calibrate changes in stress parameters of two banana plant varieties viz. Grand naine (G9) and Nalla bontha were cultured in Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) media supplemented with stress inducers -Poly ethylene glycol (PEG) and sorbitol. The different concentrations of inducers were used to induce drought stress in two varieties of banana with contrasting characters for drought condition. The study indicated that PEG contrived mild to moderate osmotic stress and so does the alditol i.e. sorbitol on in vitro banana plants. The different concentrations of PEG and sorbitol produced significant effects on various parameters. The maximum decrease in shoot length was prominent in G9(52%) as compared to Nalla bontha (11%). When treated with 3% w/v sorbitol, even average root length showed the same level of damage with G9(59%) while in case of Nalla bontha there was a 17% decrease. The banana plantlet produced in vitro was estimated at one and two weeks after inoculation, respectively. Proline content tended to increase as the concentration of osmotic inducers increased (-44 % in G9 at 3% w/v sorbitol), whereas RWC (8.9% in G9 at 3% w/v Peg) showed an opposite effect. It was concluded that quantitative and qualitative changes in physiological (shoot and root length) and biochemical (Proline and relative water content, RWC) parameters played an important role in plants under drought stress conditions. This pattern varied from species to species. This work has been attempted for the first time in banana, especially Grand naine varieties with contrasting characters under induced drought stress.
Nocturnal insect pollinator diversity and species richness in Ridge gourd, Luffa acutangula
Get PDFPollinators are rewarding for many wild and agricultural crop plants. The experiments were conducted in the agricultural field of Karad tehsil, Maharashtra, India. The present study concentrated on the diversity and species richness of nocturnal insect pollinators on Ridge gourd Luffa acutangula belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. The Ridge gourd plant is monoecious with a bunch of male flowers and solitary female flower. Anthesis happened in late evening hours (17.00-19.00) and flowers remained for 13 to 14 hours. A total of 830 insect pollinators were sampled from June 2020 to November 2020. Altogether 17 species of insect pollinators belonging to 7 families under 6 orders were recorded. Among the total number of species, the Lepidoptera was the dominant order comprising 11 species belonging to the single family Crambidae followed by Blattodea comprising 2 species belonging to 2 families Ectobiidae and Blattidae. Hymenoptera comprised 1 species belonging to family Formicidae, followed by order Orthoptera comprising 1 species belonging to family Gryllidae, order Diptera comprising 1 species belonging to the family Culicidae, followed by the order Coleoptera comprising 1 species belonging to the family Chrysomelidae. The Diaphnia hyalinata belonging to family Crambidae of the order Lepidoptera was the most dominant species and was followed by Chabula acamasalis. The nocturnal species imparted pollination services to agricultural crops. The study also observed fundamental mechanisms of plant and nocturnal insect pollinator interaction as well as floral scent and visual signals. The study can be baseline data for conserving and managing the best pollinators for increasing the yield of Ridge gourd