ABSTRACT

Arid and semi-arid zones occupy a little more than half of the territory in Mexico. It is estimated that they house some six thousand plant species, of which about 50% are exclusive to our country. The Seris (COMCAAC), an Amerindian people living in the west-central Mexican state of Sonora, have been promoting sustainable agricultural production systems. The application of bioderivatives of crustacean exoskeletons such as chitosan (QUI) and microorganisms that promote plant growth, endomycorrhizal, symbiont, beneficial, and antagonist, in some crops have shown to be an alternative in agricultural production systems, obtaining improvements in crop yields. However, currently, with the aim of promoting new products and under the production of secondary metabolites of the cannabinoid family, interest in Cannabis spp. has been taken with emphasis, especially due to the limitation of studies on the effect of these bioderivatives such as QUI and microbial under conditions of aridity and salinity and use of seawater.

ABSTRACT

The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizer has disturbed the physico-chemical and biological property of soil. Their heavy uses has reduced the water holding capacity, disturbed the soil texture and hampered the microbial activities inside the soil as well as contaminate the ground water through leaching. Among the chemical fertilizers, nitrogenous fertilizer is one of the dominating fertilizers. So the alternative option of this fertilizer is Acetobacter. The endophytic nitrogen fixation concept has been recently gaining momentum. The biologically fixed nitrogen can supplement the nitrogen requirement of the sugarcane in case of nitrogen deficient soils. Another important trait beneficial to the plant health is the production of phytohormones. Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus has the ability to produce both auxins and gibberellins in significant quantities. The present study is on the isolation, characterization and screening of endophytic bacterium i.e., Acetobacter diazotrophicus which was isolated from the tissues of surface sterilized roots, stem and leaf, collected from various sugarcane cultivar. The morphological and biochemical tests permitted characterization of Acetobacter diazotrophicus isolates. The plant growth promoting traits such as nitrogen fixing ability, production of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and Gibberellic Acid (GA), phosphorus and zinc solubilization and antagonistic activity by dual culture method were assessed. Out of 115 isolates screened only 15 efficient isolates were selected based on nitrogen fixing capacity. An isolate from sugarcane GdS25R fixed maximum nitrogen i.e., 153μg of N/mg of Carbon used and isolate GdS08S produced maximum concentration of Indole acetic acid (7.58μg/ml) and isolate GdS15S produced maximum concentration of Gibberellic acid (8.19μg/25ml) respectively. The isolate GdS07R showed highest phosphorus solubilization zone of diameter 4.22 cm whereas zone of zinc solubilisation of 4.52 cm shown by isolate GdS17S. The G. diazotrophicus is found within the plant tissue, the biosynthesis of IAA suggests that the bacteria could promote rooting and improve sugarcane growth by direct effects on metabolic processes, in addition to their role in N fixation. 

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of early maturing genotypes, row spacing and fertility levels on growth, cane yield and quality of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) at Pusa, Bihar during spring season of 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design, comprising eight sugarcane genotypes (CoLk 15466’, ‘CoP 15467’, ‘CoP 15436’, CoSe 15452’, CoSe 15455’, CoLk 94184’, ‘CoSe 95422’ and ‘CoSe 01421’), two row spacing (90 and 120 cm) and two fertility levels (100 and 125% RDF). These treatments combination, were replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture with pH 8.2, organic carbon 0.49%, free CaCO 3 29.5%, EC 0.29 dS/m and 238.0 kg N, 22.9 kg P 2 O 5 and 131.6 kg available K 2 O/ha. Results revealed that genotypes had significant impact on most of the growth and yield attributing character of sugarcane. Significantly higher millable canes (1, 15,600/ha) was noticed due to the genotype CoP 15436 which was followed
by CoSe 15452 (1, 12,800/ha) and CoLk 15,466 (1, 09, 200/ ha). Similarly, higher cane yield (81.7 t/ha) was obtained with the variety CoP 15436 which was followed by CoSe 15452 (80.3 t/ha) and CoLk 15452 (80.3 t/ha) and CoLk 15466 (78.5 t/ha). 90 cm row spacing produced significantly higher plant population (1, 51,600/ha), plant height (294.5 cm), millable canes (1, 17, 500/ha) and cane yield (80.2 t/ha). Though brix, pol and purity percent juice was found to non-significant.Fertility level had significant impact on plant population, plant height, millable canes and cane yield. The maximum plant population (1, 47,400/ ha), plant height (301.8 cm), millable canes (1, 13,800/ha) and cane yield (82.3 t/ha) was obtained with 125% recommended dose of NPK. Though, fertility level did not cause significant impact on brix, pol and purity percentage.

ABSTRACT

The benefit of any in vitro propagation only be fully realized if there is successful transfer of plantlets from tissue-culture vessels to ex vitro conditions. A substantial number of micropropagated plants do not survive on transfer from in vitro conditions to greenhouse or field environment as plantlets developed within the culture vessels under low level of light, aseptic conditions contribute a culture-induced phenotype that cannot survive the environmental conditions when directly placed in a greenhouse or field. Plantlets or shoots that have grown in vitro have been continuously exposed to a unique microenvironment that has been selected to provide minimal stress and optimum conditions for plant multiplication. The culture conditions that promote rapid growth and multiplication of shoots often results in the formation of structurally and physiologically abnormal plants. Many a times they are characterized by poor photosynthetic efficiency, malfunctioning of stomata and a marked decrease in epicuticular wax. Understanding these abnormalities is a prerequisite to develop efficient transplantation protocols. The major abnormalities in in vitro culture of plants and the current and developing methods for acclimatization of in vitro cultured plantlets will be discussed.

ABSTRACT

The essential principle of plant improvement is the new genetic variability that is accomplished through selection, hybridization, mutation and genetic recombination. The new technological advancements of plant breeding deal scope for changing yield improvement with more accuracy and goal. Propels in genomic-based instruments and high-throughput phenotyping have empowered the examination of genomic variation and distinguishing proof of molecular marks of agronomic characteristics. Molecular markers and molecular-marker-assisted breeding have facilitated the speedy selection of new, novel genetic combinations in breeding for high-yielding, stress-tolerant and nutritionally enriched crops. Transgenic techniques have revolutionized alteration for stress resistance and higher efficiency; furthermore a few genetically adjusted crops are under development. Accessibility of genome sequencing stages and genomic assets has altogether added to getting to novel qualities and approving their capacities. Genome-editing instruments and ongoing advances of prime editing are currently available for exact hereditary adjustment of plant properties. The new plant improvement tools will surely encourage advancement of exceptionally useful, further developed crop assortments for accomplishing food security and environment versatility.

ABSTRACT

The study was undertaken to evaluate the soil quality of post flood soils in the agro ecological unit 9 (south-central laterites) of Kottayam district, Kerala. Representative surface

soil samples were collected covering the entire flood affected area of this AEU and analysed for different physical, chemical and biological properties. Principal component analysis was performed for selection of minimum data set which influenced the soil quality of this area. By scoring and weighted additive method, soil quality index was calculated and soils were grouped into low, medium and good category based on the relative soil quality index. Medium soil quality was observed for 78.43 percent of samples, 19.61 per cent of soils were of poor soil quality and 1.96 per cent of good soil quality

ABSTRACT

A laboratory experiment involving six early maturing varieties was conducted to evaluate regeneration potential of early  sugarcane under in vitro condition at HI-Tech. Building of Sugarcane Research Institute Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. Six improved cultivars, CoP16437, CoP18437, CoP11437, CoP11438, CoP9301, BO153 of sugarcane were analysed for their in vitro responses. Shoot apex explant culture of these cultivars on media M 1 (MS basal) and M 2 (ms basal + 0.5 mgl 1 IAA + 0.5 mgl 1 + 0.5mgl 1 KIN) suggested no definite role of medium on establishment of cultures. Further, shoot apex culture of the six selected cultivars on media M 3 ( MS basal +0.1 mgl 1 IAA + 2.0 mgl 1 BAP + 1.0 mgl 1 KIN) and M 4 ( MS basal + 0.1 mgl 1 IAA + 2.0mgl 1 BAP + 1.0mgl 1 KIN) resulted in shoot proliferation as well as elongation of shoots. Media M 5 (½ MS basal + 5.0 mgl 1 NAA) and M 6 (MS basal + 5.0 mgl 1 NAA) induced rhizogenesis which was assessed by the number of roots formed as well as their elongation. Scaly leaf culture of all the cultivars on the medium M 7 (MS basal + 3.0 mgl 1 2,4-D) resulted in callogenesis including embryogenic callogenesis. The plantlets were acclimatized. A genotypic difference for all tissue culture responses was found in the six selected cultivars CoP16437 showing the best response and CoP9301 the lowest. Thus, the sugarcane cultivars showed differential response under in vitro conditions suggesting development of specific tissue culture protocol for individual genotype.

ABSTRACT

Soil is considered one of the most precious natural resources for sustaining agriculture production and enhancing the nation's economy (Das et al. 2020). It is widely known to maintain extensive components of ecosystem services and thus, remain perilous for the survival of humanity (Raj et al. 2019). The process of detachment and transportation of soil particles from one place to another and the cumulative result of accelerated changes in agricultural practices and intensification, land degradation and climate change is termed as soil erosion. In such a scenario, soil erosion study is required which can play a vital role in formulating effective soil and water conservation practices (Malleswara et al. 2005). For assessing of the annual soil erosion loss from the study area viz. Muzaffarpur, Bihar, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model was used in RS and GIS framework where, five major parameters were analyzed viz., Rainfall Erosivity Factor – R; Soil Erodibility Factor – K; Slope Length and Steepness Factor – LS; Cover and Management Factor – C; and Support Practice Factor – P. The soil series map of Bihar (NBSS Publ. 98) prepared by the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) was georeferenced using ArcGIS software (ArcGIS 10.7.1). Soil samples from each identified soil series were collected and evaluated for organic matter content. All the acquired data was merged with a thematic soil series map.

The annual soil erosion rate were categorized into very slight (0-5 t ha-1 yr-1), slight (5-10 t ha-1 yr-1), moderate (10-20 t ha-1 yr-1), moderately high (20-40 t ha-1 yr-1), severe (40-80 t ha-1 yr-1) and very severe (>80 t ha-1 yr-1) risk classes. The study revealed that in the study area, the highest soil loss of 23.65 t ha-1 yr-1 was occurred in the year 2020 followed by annual soil loss of 15.76 and 11.15 t ha-1 yr-1 during the year 2019 and 2021. 

ABSTRACT

Seed is basic and initial source for flower production. The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of different levels of nitrogen and weed management practices on seed quality and seed yield of gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella Foug.) under Hyderabad conditions during the year 2018-2019 at Floricultural Research Station, Hyderabad. The experiment was laid out in FRBD comprising of 20 treatment combinations with three replications. Number of seeds per flower recorded maximum (251.66) in nitrogen level (N3T1) 150 kg/ha + black and silver polythene mulch. The results revealed that, nitrogen level of 75 kg N/ha (N2) and mulching with black and silver polythene sheet (T1) has significantly increased the number of seeds per flower (219.62 and 227.70) and nitrogen level of 150 kg N/ha and mulching with black and silver polythene sheet (T1) recorded the highest test weight of seeds (1.35 mg and 1.48 mg) and seed yield per hectare (13.79 kg and 333.40 g). Germination percentage recorded maximum (48.88 %) in nitrogen level 180 kg/ha + black and silver polythene mulch (N4T1). For good seed quality and seed yield of Gaillardia application of 150 kg N/ha and plots mulched with black and silver polythene mulch was recommended.

ABSTRACT

Okra is an important source of vitamin A, B, C. Moreover, the productivity of okra is often limited by incidence of major insect pests, mostly by shoot and fruit borer which is causing 70 to 90 per cent of yield loss. So, the present investigation was carried out to study the impact of IPM and non-IPM practices on fruit borer and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) at Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University. The mean number of Earias vitella, larvae was 0.43 ± 0.16 and 0.61 ± 0.15 number per fruit in okra grown in IPM and non-IPM plots respectively, while in control plot of okra the number of larvae was 1.64 ± 0.14 number per fruit. Similarly, the bud infestation was lowest in the buds of IPM plot with 3.06 ± 0.91 per cent bored holes. However, it was 6.22 ± 2.06 per cent in non-IPM plot, while in control plot it was maximum of 21.24 ± 3.76 per cent. The influence of IPM and non-IPM practices were studied on yield and yield attributes of okra viz., total fruit yield, infested fruit yield and marketable fruit yield. The mean marketable fruit yield was 60.42 + 2.53 kg in IPM plot of okra which was more than that of non-IPM and control plots of okra with mean marketable fruit yield of 46.67 + 1.49 kg and 25.01 + 1.26 kg, respectively as the mean infested fruit yield was maximum in control plots in comparison to that of IPM plots.

ABSTRACT

Sugarcane is the richest source of carbohydrate while pulses acted as sources of protein in daily humane diet globally. India is the second most important producer of sugarcane and consumer of sugar. India is the largest producer of pulses as well as its consumer in the world while its productivity is low. Seed multiplication in sugarcane through conventional planting is low (1:10) that’s why there is need to increase multiplication ratio through different multiplication technique. The ultimate intention must be to introduce the newly evolved high yielding cultivars to the resource poor peasants for its large scale cultivation in their adopted area to enhance the productivity. As we know notified and released sugarcane varieties those bearing high yield and higher juice quality can plays an important role to increase the production of sugarcane as well as sugar production. It also showed stability and tolerance abilities against biotic and biotic factors under changing climatic scenario. The newly developed high yielder pulses variety also plays the same role in its high production. Trueness to variety depends upon its good germination percentage, high genetic & physical purity percentage, vigour and its appearance treated as quality seed. In India the average annual productivity and growth rate was found lower for most of the of pulse crops while country behave largest producer and consumer in the world. It needs expansion of cultivated area for more production of rabi pulses as intercrop with Sugarcane. The Seed acted as foundation of Agriculture Technology and modernized much of farming's day-to-day operations, but without a steady supply of high yielder quality seed, we cannot get high yield. Good quality seed can give up to 15% higher yield in most of the crop. Under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, acknowledged by Government of India seed is an essential commodity. In 1964, Varietal Release System (VRS) came into existence with the formation of the Central Variety Release Committee (CVRC) at the national level and State Variety Release Committees (SVRCs) state level. As per Seeds Act, 1966, a Central Seed Committee (CSC) was established under the Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare. The functions of the CVRC were taken over by the CSC in 1969 to ensure the quality of seeds on sale and notification of the kinds/varieties. Keeping above said points reviewed the advancements of different seed multiplication techniques of sugarcane viz, single bud plantlets (SBP), spaced transplanting (STP), poly bag seedling transplanting, bud chip, sablang or sprouting, rayungan, distance planting, tjeblock, advance vertical seed multiplication , tissue culture and popular conventional methods. For the enhancement of pulses seed multiplication viz, seed coating, seed pelleting, seed priming, storage and human resource development to further supply of quality seed. Seed standard of sugarcane either in conventional method or tissue culture technique should be maintained so that farmers will get maximum production. Classes of seed namely, nucleus seed, breeder seed, foundation seed and certified seed should be followed the its physical and genital purity standard. The NFSMPulses programme is being implemented to increase the pulse production as present need showed to speed up the seed multiplication in sugarcane and pulses of notified varieties.

ABSTRACT

Most of the rice-growing region of South and South-East Asian countries is heavily contaminated with arsenic. Unfortunately, the accumulation of arsenic in rice is several fold-higher compared to other cereal crops, posing a serious concern for the millions of people who rely on rice as their staple diet. In rice plants, silica (Si) or phosphate transporters are used for arsenic uptake and transfer. Reverse genetics techniques have been used to identify and characterise a small number of genes involved in the uptake and transport of arsenic in rice plants. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are plant steroid hormones, which play essential roles in plant growth and development and also confer tolerance to a wide range of environmental stresses. Recent studies have shown that the application of BRs could impede arsenic accumulation in hydrophonically grown rice plants. However, the effect of BRs has not been studied on expression of genes associated with arsenic accumulation and transportation in rice plants grown in naturally arsenic contaminated soil. Considering the growing importance of the role BRs in stress responses and protective role against toxicity of heavy metals in plants, we undertook a study to analyse of the genes associated with arsenic accumulation and transportation in 24-epibrassinosteroid (EBR), a BR, treated rice plants (Rajendra Kasturi) grown in naturally arsenic contaminated soil. The identification and characterization of BR responsive genes involved in arsenic accumulation and transportation of arsenic in rice plant, open doors for further analysis of these genes as targets for reducing arsenic absorption in rice.

ABSTRACT

Sugarcane is one of the most important cash crop and plays a vital role in Indian economy and the country is also the largest consumer of sugar in the world. Sugarcane is a long duration crop which provides opportunity to attack of various pathogens during their different growth stages. Since planting of the sugarcane setts myriads of soil borne pathogens start invading the planting materials and their cumulative pathogenic impact can be noticed from emergence till harvesting leading to reduced yield and quality. Most of the farmers cultivate susceptible or unrecommended varieties for that particular zone, which result in enhanced inoculum load of the pathogen in the soil. Varietal break down due to disease had affected several popular commercial varieties from cultivation for a longer period. Sugarcane crop damaged by various groups of pathogens but more commonly fungal diseases are affecting in Bihar region to a great extent. Besides the fungal diseases association of minor diseases are also play an important role in the varietal degeneration and ultimately reduced the yield as well as deteriorate the cane juice qualities. Hence, to know the disease situation and varietal susceptibilities, an extensive survey works under different sugar factories in Bihar were carried out and it was observed that the crop is affected more due to fungal diseases which varied from 10 to 70 per cent. Besides fungi, bacterial diseases were also noticed which damaged the cane crop up to the extent of 5 percent in the Bihar region. While, viral and phytoplasmal diseases also affected the crop which ranged from 3 to 7 percent in various cane growing areas of Bihar.

ABSTRACT

Naturally occurring bacteria present in the wastewaters have a massive potential to solve the problem of wastewater bio-remediation. These bacteria with biodegrading capabilities can be exploited to develop a consortium and can be used for efficient biological treatment of the wastewaters. In the present study, 20 bacterial strains were isolated from the dairy industry, sugar industry and hostel sewage water of Pusa, Bihar and were screened for starch, protein and fat degradation and reduction Biological Oxygen Demand and Chemical Oxygen Demand. Out of the total 20 isolates, 18 isolates exhibited starch degradation, 10 exhibited protein degradation and 11 reported positive for the fat degradation. Among all these isolates, only 7 isolates (DS-13, DS-27, DS-57, DS-58, DS-67, DS-68, and DS-72) were found positive for all three degradation activities which were further screened for BOD and COD reduction. Out of the 7 isolates, only 3 isolates (DS-58, DS-67 and DS-72) showed higher reduction in both BOD and COD parameters when inoculated into autoclaved effluents i.e. dairy, sugar industry and hostel sewage. Therefore, these 3 isolates were combined in different combinations and 4 different consortia were prepared and their biodegradation and BOD and COD reduction abilities were analysed. The consortium C4 (DS-58, DS-67 and DS-72) showed highest results in starch (14 mm), protein (24 mm) and fat (18 mm) degradation and BOD (115 to 353 mg/L) and COD (407 to 641 mg/L)   reduction. The results suggested that the developed consortia able to play a significant part in the biological treatment of wastewater and help in reducing water pollution.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Organisms are continuously exposed to large number of xenobiotics, many of which are potential carcinogens. DMBA (7,12 dimethylbenz[a]anthracene) is one of the most potent carcinogen which can induce skin cancer in mice. Chemoprevention is an active cancer preventive strategy to inhibit, delay or reverse human carcinogenesis, using naturally occurring or synthetic chemical agents.

Litchi chinensis is a tropical climatric fruit crop cultivated in semitropical areas worldwide. Litchi fruit pericarp (LFP) is red bright surrounding a white gelatinous aril, a major source of polyphenolic compounds and dietary flavonoids. LFP is comprised of significant amount of flavonoids, Procyanidin B4, procyanidin B2 and epicatechin which can show chemopreventive effects.

Objective: In the present study, the protective effect of Litchi chinensis in drinking water on DMBA induced skin carcinogenesis in male Swis albino mice was investigated.

Material and Methods: Litchi chinensis in drinking water was used to study its effect on DMBA induced skin carcinogenesis. A dose of 2.5% and 5% in drinking water was given orally to mice to study its effect. Different chemopreventive and biochemical parameters were used for analysis.

Results: DMBA treatment alone resulted in 100% tumor incidence. However mice treated with 2.5%, and 5% dose of Litchi chinensis in drinking water showed a decreased tumor incidence as well as reduction in  volume, size and burden. Also, It showed significant anti-lipid peroxidative effect and enhanced the status of phase-I and phase-II detoxification system.

Conclusion:   The results indicate that the protective effect of Litchi chinensis   in drinking water is probably due to its anti-lipid peroxidative, anti-oxidative as well as modulating effect on carcinogen detoxifying   system.

ABSTRACT

To meet the demand of food like cereals, pulses, Vegetables, oil seeds, Sugar and spices etc. due to mounting of population pressure and progressively shrinking per capita agricultural land availability warranted the intensification of cropping system in the country which possible mainly through the selection of the suitable and most profitable crops and cropping system. It has been proved that the result findings that inter cropping with sugarcane crop are found beneficial as compare to sole cropping of sugarcane. Inter cropping not only gives additional Income to the growers but also provide money mid-season for further need based utilization. In Bihar Sugarcane is planted in two distinct seasons i.e. autumn (Oct-November) and spring season (Feb-March), hence intercrops of both the season are also different. In autumn planted sugarcane Rajma, Potato, Lentil, Pea, Gram and in spring season, Green gram, Black gram, Brinjal, Chilli, Onion has also been recommended as inter crops. Cost of production can be reduced, farmer’s Income may be increased and fertility and sustainability of the soil may be improved with introduction of these crops. The present paper observed that on an average the net return per hectare from Sugarcane + Rajma was about 50.77 per cent more than the Sole crop followed by Sugarcane + Lentil (32.47 %), Sugarcane + Pea (12.80%), respectively. The economics of different inter crops was worked out and found that Sugarcane + Rajma were the best combination which gave highest net returns (Rs. 187074 ha -1 ) with highest B:C ratio (1.86), followed by Sugarcane + Lentil (Rs. 164362 ha -1 ) with B:C ratio (1.69). However, Sugarcane + Rajma has been reckoned profitable as well as sustainable one due to additive nutrient energy and improved Soil fertility through entire leaf fall at pod maturing besides root mass addition. Thus, the inclusion of short
duration pulse intercrops like Rajma, Lentil, Pea, Green gram and black gram with Sugarcane may improve the Socio-economic status of small and marginal cane growers by generating mid-season Income.