Synchronous fruit splitting in nutmeg using plant growth regulators

In this study, a simple technique with hormone treatment was developed for synchronous splitting (ripening) of nutmeg fruits. The methodology involves harvesting physiologically mature fruits, dipping the harvested fruits in 500 ppm ethrel (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid) solution for 10 minutes, and then storing them in shade. By this method, 90 to 100 per cent fruits split in 18 to 20 hours. Width of the split which helps in easy separation of nut from fruit pericarp was on par with that of naturally split fruits. The dry recovery, nut to mace ratio and fresh and dry weight of the nut and mace of the treated fruits were comparable with naturally split fruits. The intrinsic quality i.e., oil, oleoresin and moisture content of nut and mace of treated fruits were on par with that of naturally split fruits. This indicates that nut and mace of treated fruits had similar physical and intrinsic quality parameters as that of naturally split fruits. The advantage of the method is that it is very effective in preventing aflatoxin (mycotoxin) contamination of nut and mace due to soil contact of naturally split fruits that fall on the ground. The method for synchronous fruit splitting in nutmeg is very simple and can be easily practiced by farmers. It also saves time, labour and money both for harvesting and processing of nutmeg. The cost of ethrel treatment would be around ` 800 per ton of fruit. This is the first report on the induction of synchronous and uniform fruit splitting (ripening) of pre-split harvested fruits in nutmeg

Synergistic effect of co-exposure to carbon black and Fe2O3 nanoparticles on oxidative stress in cultured lung epithelial cells

BACKGROUND: There is a need to better understand synergism in the biological effects of particles composed of multiple substances. The objective of this study was to determine if the oxidative stress in cultured cells caused by co-exposure to carbon black and Fe(2)O(3 )nanoparticles was significantly greater than the additive effects of exposure to either type of particles alone; and to determine a possible cause for such synergistic effect if one was found. Cultured A549 human lung epithelial cells were exposed to (1) carbon black nanoparticles alone, (2) Fe(2)O(3 )nanoparticles alone, and (3) both types of particles simultaneously. Protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and cellular uptake of Fe in these cells were measured after 25 hours of exposure. The reduction of solubilized Fe(3+ )by the carbon black nanoparticles was measured separately in a cell-free assay, by incubating the carbon black and the Fe(2)O(3 )nanoparticles in 0.75 M sulfuric acid at 40°C and measuring the amount of reduced Fe(3+ )at different time points up to 24 hours. RESULTS: Cells exposed to carbon black particles alone did not show protein oxidation, nor did the cells exposed to Fe(2)O(3 )particles alone, relative to the control. However, cells co-exposed to both carbon black and Fe(2)O(3 )particles showed up to a two-fold increase in protein oxidation relative to the control. In addition, co-exposure induced significant lipid peroxidation, although exposure to either particle type alone did not. No significant difference in cellular iron uptake was found between single exposure and co-exposure, when the Fe(2)O(3 )dosing concentration was the same in each case. In the cell-free assay, significant reduction of Fe(3+ )ions by carbon black nanoparticle was found within 2 hour, and it progressed up to 24 hours. At 24 hours, the carbon black nanoparticles showed a reductive capacity of 0.009 g/g, defined as the mass ratio of reduced Fe(3+ )to carbon black. CONCLUSION: Co-exposure to carbon black and Fe(2)O(3 )particles causes a synergistic oxidative effect that is significantly greater than the additive effects of exposures to either particle type alone. The intracellular redox reaction between carbon black and Fe(3+ )is likely responsible for the synergistic oxidative effect. Therefore elemental carbon particles and fibres should be considered as potential reducing agents rather than inert materials in toxicology studies. Acidified cell organelles such as the lysosomes probably play a critical role in the solubilization of Fe(2)O(3). Further research is necessary to better understand the mechanisms

Air layering in cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum Nees.)

Air layering in 2 year old cassia plants (Cinnamomum aromaticum) is reported for the first time. A success of 87.5 and 50.0% rooting was obtained when carried out during July and November, respectively, with 100% field establishment. &nbsp

Effect of packing materials and storage of scions on graft success in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

Evaluation of various packing materials and storage of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) scions indicated that storage of scions in sealed polythene bags and in moist coir dustin sealed polythene bags were the best and 63.7% and 62.2% graft success respectively, was obtained up to 10 days of storage. &nbsp

Three promising morphological variants in clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry) from Tamil Nadu, India

Clove (Syzygium aromatieum (L.) Merr. & Perry) (Myrtaceae) plantations are limited to parts of Kerala and Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Nilgiris districts of Tamil Nadu in India. The plantations have originated from a few seedlings introduced from Mauritius. The oldest clove plantation in India is in Ashamboo hills (Kanyakumari district), the southern most hills of the country. Surveys were undertaken in these hills from 1992 onwards for identification of elite clove trees and variant types. Three distinctly different morphological variants located during the surveys are reported here. &nbsp

Rooting response of elite cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum Bercht & Presl.) lines

Rooting of terminal cuttings of cinn amon (Cinnamomum verum) with indole butyric acid 2000 ppm was standardi zed. Nine elite lines of cinn amon, superior in their yield and quantity were studied for variability in their rooting capacity. Cinnamon line SL-5 was the best with high rooting percentage and good development of primary and secondary roots. &nbsp

Enhancement of yield in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) through pruning

Enhancement of yield in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) through pruning &nbsp

Air layering in cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum Nees.)

Air layering in 2 year old cassia plants (Cinnamomum aromaticum) is reported for the first time. A success of 87.5 and 50.0% rooting was obtained when carried out during July and November, respectively, with 100% field establishment. &nbsp

Effect of packing materials and storage of scions on graft success in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

Evaluation of various packing materials and storage of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) scions indicated that storage of scions in sealed polythene bags and in moist coir dustin sealed polythene bags were the best and 63.7% and 62.2% graft success respectively, was obtained up to 10 days of storage. &nbsp