Potential of Bacillus stercoris B.PNR2 to stimulate growth of rice and waxy corn under atrazine-contaminated soil

The presence of atrazine residue in agricultural soil may affect crop growth and the activity of plant growth-promoting bacteria. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of atrazine contamination on indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production by Bacillus stercoris B.PNR2. Subsequently, the ability of B. stercoris B.PNR2 to stimulate the seedling growth of rice cultivars RD6 and Leum Pua, as well as the waxy corn cultivar Muang Tam, under atrazine contamination, was determined. The results showed that B. stercoris B.PNR2 produced IAA under various atrazine concentrations, and atrazine was not toxic to B. stercoris B.PNR2 cells. Atrazine at 20 mg/kg of soil did not affect the shoot and root dry weight of rice cultivars RD6 and Leum Pua, as well as the waxy corn cultivar Muang Tam grown in atrazine-contaminated soil without receiving a bacterial inoculum. The application of B. stercoris B.PNR2 did not stimulate the germination and growth of any of the plants used in this study. The application of B. stercoris B.PNR2 decreased the shoot and root dry weight of waxy corn grown under atrazine-contaminated soil. Additionally, the chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content in rice cultivar RD6, grown under atrazine-contaminated soil, decreased to only 162.6 ± 4.2 and 616.0 ± 55.8 μg/g fresh weight, which was related to the increase in proline content to 343.6 ± 41.6 μg/g fresh weight. In conclusion, it can be stated that soaking seeds with B. stercoris B.PNR2 was not an appropriate means of inoculation to stimulate the growth of plants in this study

Standardization of micronutrient dosage to improve yield and quality of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) grown under coconut ecosystem in Tamil Nadu

A study on standardization of micronutrient dosage to improve growth, yield and quality of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) was carried out at farmer’s field, Anaimalai, Pollachi, Coimbatore district to find out a suitable micronutrient combination for cocoa grown in coconut gardens as intercrop. The experiment was conducted with eight treatments and three replications laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD). Micro-nutrients used in this experiment were 0.5% ZnSO4, 0.3% FeSO4 and 0.1% Boraxin different combinations. Foliar spray was given thrice, first spray at the time of flowering and consecutive two sprays at 45 days interval to cocoa trees intercropped under coconut plantation. Observations on yield and quality parameters were recorded in cocoa. The pod characters namely pod length (22.2 cm) and pod girth (30.6 cm) were recorded maximum in the treatment combination(ZnSO4 (0.5%) + FeSO4 (0.3%) + Borax (0.1%)). The treatment (FeSO4 (0.3%)) registered maximum pod weight of 256.6 g. Treatments comprising of boron by itself and in combinations was found to improve the bean characters. The highest dry bean yield (2499.93g)per tree was recorded in (Borax (0.1%))

Effect of integrated vermicompost and chemical nitrogen fertilizer for productivity of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The study was conducted at Horo district on six (6) farmers’ fields to investigate the effect of integrated vermicompost and chemical nitrogen fertilizer for bread wheat and the soil nutrient content. The treatments consist of without any fertilizer, recommended chemical NP fertilizer, 100% N equivalent vermicompost + recommended P2O5, 75% N equivalent Vermicompost + 25% recommended N + recommended P2O5, 50% equivalent Vermicompost + 50% recommended N + recommended P2O5 and 25% equivalent Vermicompost + 75% recommended N + recommended P2O5. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Dendea seed variety with a rate of 150 Kg ha-1 was used for the trial. ANOVA analysis for after harvesting soil parameters showed significant (P<0.05) differences among treatments for available phosphorus, organic carbon, exchangeable acidity and cations exchange capacity while pH and exchangeable Ca and Mg were not statistically significant among the treatments. ANOVA showed that the treatments significantly influenced all collected yield and yield related parameters of the crop. Relatively the highest crop yield and yield related traits were obtained from T2 (recommended chemical fertilizer) while the lowest was from control (without fertilizer). The highest net income (91971.70 birr/ha) was obtained from 25% equivalence vermicompost + 75% recommended N + recommended P2O5. To have more confidence in the technology; it should be verified in the same area with the same management procedure

Comparative biochemical features of wild-type and purple cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

The comparative biochemical features of both the wild-type and purple-coloured cashew apple varieties are presented. The total soluble sugar content in purple cashew apples was higher (13.96%) than that in normal cashew apples (6.78%). Compared with purple cashews, wild-type cashew apples have a high titratable acidity (0.224%) as they contain more ascorbic acid (342.85 mg/100 g) than purple cashew apples (228.57 mg/100 g). The total polyphenol content of purple fruit leaves (8.04 mg GAE/g), peels (4.532 mg GAE/g), and pulp (2.067 mg GAE/g) was higher than that of wild-type cashews. Additionally, the flavonoid content (9.423 mg/g in leaves, 4.923 mg/g in apple peels, and 3.688 mg/g in cashew pulp) was higher in the purple cashew than in the wild-type cashews. Chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll contents in wild-type cashew leaves (0.287 mg/g, 0.176 mg/g, and 0.463 mg/g, respectively) were greater than those in purple cashew leaves. However, the chlorophyll concentration in the fruit was found to be very minimal. Although the carotenoid content of the fruit was high in the wild-type cashew (22.83 g/100 g), the carotenoid concentration in the purple cashew leaves (83.475 g/100 g) was greater than that in the normal cashew leaves. Analysis of the anthocyanin contents suggested that the leaves and peels of plants with the purple genotype had relatively high anthocyanin contents (38.499 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/kg (C3GE/kg) and 25.87 mg C3GE/kg) compared to those of plants with the wild-type cashews (0.157 and 0.951 mg C3GE/kg, respectively). These biochemical constituents of purple cashew suggest its potential application in the development of cashew apple-based nutritional products

Evaluation of antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy of silver nanoparticles phytofabricated by Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. leaf extract

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. (Oleaceae), commonly known as harsingar, is a plant with potential medicinal properties. The plant was used in traditional folk medicine and as a pharmacological activity. The present study reports a rapid and eco-accommodating technique to synthesize silver nanoparticles AgNPs with low cost and with no need to heat, using aqueous extracts of N. arbor-tristis L. Phytochemical analysis was conducted to detect the existence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saturated sugar, saponins, glycosides, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, and proteins in the plant. A color change observed in the test confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. SEM, XRD, EDX, FTIR, and UV – Visible spectrophotometer (DLS) were used to characterize the synthesized AgNPs. The antibacterial potential of AgNPs was further tested against different bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia displayed by finding the maximum zone of inhibition observed against S. typhi of 24.6 mm, S. aureus 21.6±0.57 mm, P. aeruginosa 19 mm, K. pneumonia 17 mm and E. coli 15.3±0.57 mm. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs were also exhibited as anticancer properties against MDA-231 cell line Human Breast cancer cell line which was determined dose dependent manner and their concentration of 2.5 to 30 μg/mL respectively, and noted the inhibitory range at 30 μg/mL of its concentration, which was further tested in high inhibitory effect on their leaf extract high concentration in cytotoxic, bactericidal experiments

Cytotoxicity effect and antioxidant potential of 5-Hydroxymethyl Furfural (5-HMF) analogues-An advance approach

Rivea hypocrateriformis (Desr.) Choisy is a profound medicinal belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. Natural products are considered as an alternative source for a positive approach to the drug design and drug discovery. R. hypocrateriformis is becoming the most important natural source to produce diverse phytometabolites with varying biochemical activities. Therefore, in the proposed study, we utilizing R. hypocrateriformis for isolating the 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5-HMF) and characterized it by different scientifically approved spectroscopic techniques namely 1HNMR, 13C NMR, FTIR and mass spectroscopy respectively. As a part of this study, the synthesis of chemical analogues has been achieved by coupling 5-HMF with quinoline derivatives and it was also studied for their antioxidant and anticancer potentials. The results demonstrated that amongst the test compounds, 3d and 3b have shown significant free radical scavenging assay followed by 3e and 3a with a maximum inhibitory effect, 76.69 %, 75.90 %, 67.60 % and 56.07 % respectively at 50 μg/mL. The anticancer activity studied through SRB assay showed that, compound 3a was effective at low concentration (10 μg/mL) against the Colo-205 cell line. This study demonstrated the applicability of R. hypocrateriformis against the cytotoxicity and antioxidant potential of 5-HMF. It can further be utilized by the researcher and pharmaceutical industry to design a potential drug candidate to treat cellular toxicity

Ethnomedicines in the 21st century: challenges and opportunities in the contemporary world

The ethnomedicine industry inherently developed de novo in the evolutionary history of humanity to provide healthcare services. This industry has existed long before the currently preferred conventional medicine and by then was the only trusted means of healthcare to humanity. Ethnomedicine has evolved and diversified into specializations along ethnic groupings worldwide. Nevertheless, attitude towards ethnomedicine is usually polarized varying from contemptuous dismissal to romantic glorification. Rarely does one come across people with balanced views. The discussion is based on 9 issues: view of ethnoknowledge of health from the early days, discovery and development of ethnomedicines, specializations in ethnomedicines, challenges and limitations, terminologies that shape ethnomedicine industry, merits and demerits of ethnomedicines, existing opportunities and the way forward. The ethnomedicine industry, just like any other field of professionalism, was not without challenges and limitations that affected its realization of full potential. In this discussion, 24 challenges and limitations are outlined but not limited to:- lack of information on standards, safety and efficacy, capacity building of ethnopractitioners, colonialism, climate change, witchcraft, socio-politics, recognition of ethnosystems, research and biased documentation, emerging diseases and pathogens, market value-chain, in-situ and ex-situ conservation, anthropogenic activities, sources of ethnomedicines, legal frameworks, harvesting, preparation, administration and storage methods, gender issues, poor remembrance of ethnomedical knowledge, existence of quackery, sources of ethnomedicines, biopiracy and bioprospecting, lack of mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation of ethnomedicines, advancement in human evolution and civilization, biological evolution and invasive alien species, stigmatisation due to poor perceptions and attitudes about ethnomedicines and competitive supremacy amongst ethnopractitioners and conventional practitioners, have all not favoured the industry. However, the use of ethnomedicines has tremendously increased and continues to increase albeit the above challenges and limitations facing the industry. The challenges and limitations are broadly and critically discussed while outlining opportunities and giving away forward

Determination of irrigation requirement for tomato using FAO-CROPWAT model in the Arid Region

Food security presents a significant challenge in arid regions, exacerbated by water scarcity due to climate change. Tomato is one of the top agricultural crops around the world, in which it is needed to investigate its irrigation water requirements for each region, especially in the arid regions. This work mainly aims to estimate the irrigation water requirements and irrigation schedules for cultivating tomato in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates (UAE). This would be done by utilizing the FAO-CROPWAT 8.0 Model and CLIMWAT 2.0. The findings of this research support efficient water use by utilizing the advanced modeling tools. The outcomes will inform and enhance irrigation water management practices for farmers, farm owners, and policymakers, contributing significantly to sustainable development goals and the resilience of agricultural systems in water-limited environments

Potential of Chromolaena odorata, Ipomoea carnea and Eichhornia crassipes as green manures on soil fertility index and rice production on vertisols

The organic farming system is an agricultural activity which aims to preserve soil fertility and create sustainable farming. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of the application of green manure on soil fertility index and rice production. The research was carried out in Weru District, Sukoharjo Regency, using an experiment method with a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The research included 10 treatments: T0 = Control, T1 = NPK fertilizer 0.2 ton/ha, T2 = rice straw 10 ton/ha, T3 = Chromolaena odorata 10 ton/ha, T4 = Ipomoea carnea 10 ton/ha, T5 = Eichhornia crassipes 10 ton/ha, T6 = NPK 0.1 ton/ha + rice straw 5 ton/ha, T7 = NPK 0.1 ton/ha + C. odorata 5 ton/ha, T8 = NPK 0.1 ton/ha + I. carnea 5 ton/ha, T9 = NPK 0.1 ton/h + E. crassipes 5 ton/ha, with three repetitions. The soil characteristics tested were pH, total N, available P, exchangeable K, exchangeable Ca, exchangeable Mg, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Base Saturation (BS), and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC). The results show that C. odorata, I. carnea, and E. crassipes have potential as green manures, due to their high N content, of 3.38%, 3.54%, and 2.95% andthe ability to increase soil fertility and rice production. The soil fertility index increased from high to very high, neither within single applications nor combined with NPK fertilizer. The highest rice production was obtained with the use of C. odorata, which increased harvest dry weight by 2.24 ton/ha (67.67%) or an increase of 2.1 ton/ha (75%) in milled dry weight, followed by I. carnea and E. crassipes. There was a correlation between soil fertility index and rice production, shown by the higher SFI, the harvest dry weight and milled dry weight increases

Potential of silk proteins in cosmetics

Synthetic and inorganic chemical ingredients in cosmetic products pose serious health impacts on skin and hair. Much emphasis has been laid on the development of cost-effective, eco-friendly and user-friendly cosmetic products from time to time. Manufacturing cosmetics using natural ingredients is considered as a viable alternative to overcome the side effects of synthetics. Silk is a natural biopolymer obtained from cocoons of sericigenous insects like silkworms. It constitutes two proteins, viz., fibroin and sericin. Fibroin is the central core protein glued with sericin protein forming silken cocoons together. Both the proteins possess remarkable attributes viz, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-tyrosinase activity, efficient UV resistance, kinase activity, excellent release and absorption of moisture. The silk protein attributes are advantageous for body skin, hair and nails. It possesses a wide range of cosmetic applications such as facilitation of hair growth, improvement in softening and lustre of hair, rejuvenation of body and skin cells, UVB protection, prevention of chapping and brittleness of nails, and skin brightening. Due to its low molecular weight, easily penetrates the hair strands and skin cells, binds the keratin in hair and forms a protective layer to prevent moisture loss. A wide range of products have been developed for use in cosmetics viz., SILKPRO, SILKALL, SILKPRO 1000. These products are used as natural ingredients due to their potent applications in cosmetics. The cosmetic industry can be developed by proper utilization of silk in its organic products while promoting value addition to sericulture industry