Evaluation of different plant powders as seed protectants against rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica Stainton

The present study was aimed to develop the eco-friendly and economic approaches to keep the stored food grains free from insect attack would be using the plant products as grain protectants. In the context of biological control as an alternative to chemical control, under laboratory conditions, different plant powders viz., dharakkernel and leaf (Melia azadirach L.), neem kernel and leaf (Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss), karanj kernel (Pongamia glabra), aak leaf (Calotropis procera Br.), datura leaf (Datura alba Nees.), citrus leaf (Citrus lemon L.), podina leaf (Mentha arvensis) and tulsi leaf (Ocimum sanctum L.) were compared, at three rate of application (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 g per 100 g seeds), as protectants against infestation of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) seeds by the storage pest Corcyra cephalonica Stainton. The larval period of test insect got progressively increased with the increase in dose level of different plant powders. The maximum (77.83%) and minimum (37.83%) reduction in adult emergence was observed in dharak kernel powder and tulsi leaf powder, respectively. The test insect developed on seeds treated with dharak kernel powder laid significantly (P˃ 0.5) minimum number of eggs (80.33 eggs/ female) followed by neem kernel powder (85.66 eggs/female). The dharak and neem kernel powders were found most effective in reducing the longevity of male (3.96 and 5.13 days) and female adults (4.63 and 4.97 days), respectively. The results suggest that these materials tested have the potential in the development of post-harvest protection technology against, C. cephalonica, the major pest of stored grains

Evaluation of different plant powders as seed protectants against rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica Stainton

The present study was aimed to develop the eco-friendly and economic approaches to keep the stored food grains free from insect attack would be using the plant products as grain protectants. In the context of biological control as an alternative to chemical control, under laboratory conditions, different plant powders viz., dharakkernel and leaf (Melia azadirach L.), neem kernel and leaf (Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss), karanj kernel (Pongamia glabra), aak leaf (Calotropis procera Br.), datura leaf (Datura alba Nees.), citrus leaf (Citrus lemon L.), podina leaf (Mentha arvensis) and tulsi leaf (Ocimum sanctum L.) were compared, at three rate of application (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 g per 100 g seeds), as protectants against infestation of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) seeds by the storage pest Corcyra cephalonica Stainton. The larval period of test insect got progressively increased with the increase in dose level of different plant powders. The maximum (77.83%) and minimum (37.83%) reduction in adult emergence was observed in dharak kernel powder and tulsi leaf powder, respectively. The test insect developed on seeds treated with dharak kernel powder laid significantly (P? 0.5) minimum number of eggs (80.33 eggs/ female) followed by neem kernel powder (85.66 eggs/female). The dharak and neem kernel powders were found most effective in reducing the longevity of male (3.96 and 5.13 days) and female adults (4.63 and 4.97 days), respectively. The results suggest that these materials tested have the potential in the development of post-harvest protection technology against, C. cephalonica, the major pest of stored grains

Biological management of leaf blight disease of coconut using rhizosphere microbes

The production and productivity of coconut is seriously affected by various factors including pest and diseases. Among the foliar diseases, the leaf blight caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae is a serious problem accounting 10-24 per cent yield reduction in Tamil Nadu. Several fungicides were found to be effective for the management of coconut leaf blight disease. Continuous use of fungicides leads to inherent ill-effects like residual toxicity, resistance to fungicide, environmental pollution etc. Hence, biological control is the only alternative method which is cheap, easy to use and eco-friendly. In the present study, a total of twenty five fungal (Trichoderma viride) and bacterial (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis) antagonists were isolated from the rhizosphere soil and screened against L. theobromae. In vitro evaluation revealed that the rhizospere bacteria P. fluorescens isolate Pf1 was found to be highly effective against L. theobromae compared to the other bacterial and fungal antagonists. Further, the best antagonist Pf1 was evaluated as root feeding of 100 per cent culture suspension with different combinations and durations for two years (2010-11 and 2011-12) against leaf blight disease under field condition in three different locations viz., Kambalapatti, Karianchettipalayam and Samathur villages of Pollachi taluk, Coimbatore. Observations were recorded on 0-5 scale and the per cent disease index (PDI) was calculated. Among the treatments imposed, root feeding of P. fluorescens culture suspension @ 25 mL at quarterly interval combined with soil application of P. fluorescens talc formulation (50 g) + Neem cake 5 kg was found to be the best and significantly reduced the incidence to 12.9, 11.9 and 7.9 per cent during 2010-11 and 8.1, 8.1 and 6.5 per cent during 2011-12 in the locations viz., Kambalapatti, Karianchettipalayam and Samathur, respectively

Yield and Economic Viability of Coriander under Frontline Demonstration in Bundi District of Rajasthan

A study was conducted in Bundi district of Rajasthan to analyze yield and economics of coriander under frontline demonstration. Results of the study revealed that yields in coriander were substantially higher over the Local Check (Control), fetching the participating farmers a higher price for their produce. A majority of the respondent farmers expressed high (44.32%) to very high (37.50%) level of satisfaction with extension services and performance of the technology under the demonstration

Benefits of core strengthening exercise in osteoarthritis knee patients: a narrative review

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease results from breakdown of cartilage that covers the ends of bones in joint. Breakdown causes bones to rub each other leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, loss of function in joint and can be accompanied by synovitis with or without joint fluid effusion. Muscle atrophy may develop if patient was inactive and did not perform exercises, which will affect functionality and stability of joint including activities of daily life. The aim of the study was to evaluate current literature and provide comprehensive overview of benefits of core muscle strengthening exercise in managing OA. The objective of this study was to discuss effectiveness of core muscle strengthening exercise in reducing pain, improving physical function, and enhancing quality of life in individuals with osteoarthritis knee. A systematic search was conducted to identify all relevant studies related to core muscle strengthening, database such as Pubmed, Cochrane library, Scopus had been used. Studies demonstrating clinical importance of core strengthening in treatment of osteoarthritis knee are limited. By performing randomized controlled trials with a big sample size, new researchers should produce more unique findings

Removal of hexavalent chromium Cr (VI) using activated carbon prepared from mango kernel activated with H3PO4

The present work reported the adsorption of Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions on activated carbon prepared from mango kernel, a seasonal waste from mango fruits. Kernels from dried mango fruit shells were taken out and pulverized in a micro-pulverizing mill. The powder thus obtained was activated with 40% H3PO4 and carbonized at 600 °C for 1 hour in an inert atmosphere. Physico-chemical characteristics such as elemental composition, surface area, functional groups and surface morphology of the activated carbon were analyzed using elemental analyzer, BET surface area analyzer, FTIR spectroscopy and SEM analysis respectively. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to investigate the effects of Cr (VI) concentration, carbon dose, pH, rate of agitation, time and temperature. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) was found to be 7.8 mg g−1 at pH 2 and temperature 35 °C. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm best represented the equilibrium data and a pseudo-second order relation represented the adsorption kinetics

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF HIBISCUS PLANTIFOLIUS

Objective: The objective of the present study was to carry out anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of Hibiscus plantifolius (MEHP) belonging to the family Malvaceae.Methods: The shade dried stem part of H. plantifolius (1 kg) was powdered and extracted with methanol using soxhletion. The extract was concentrated using rotary evaporator under reduced pressure at 40°C, till free from the solvents and thereby providing crude methanol extract which was subsequently employed for further studies. Anti-inflammatory effect was studied by carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats at dose level of 50, 150, and 300 mg/kg. Acute oral toxicity study was also studied.Results: The results indicate that MEHP, 300 mg/kg, exhibited significant inhibition (p<0.001) of increase in paw edema at 4th h.Conclusion: The results of the experimental study confirmed that MEHP possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity

Performance of Indian crossbred wool on khadi spinning system

HP Crossbred, JK Crossbred and JK Merino yarns have been spun on the New Model Charkha (NMC) spinning system to find out the suitability of Indian crossbred wool in Khadi sector. These crossbred wools produced in the north temperature region of India have been spun into medium quality yarn linear density of 42 tex. The pure crossbred wool yarns have higher U%, imperfections and hairiness index; and lower tenacity, elongation-at-break and coefficient of friction. The mixing of Australian merino wool with JK crossbred wool significantly improves yarn performance in terms of fineness (31 tex), evenness (U%), imperfections and hairiness index. The tenacity, elongation-at-break and coefficient of friction of mixed yarns increase significantly by mixing of Australian merino wool with JK crossbred wool. These findings will help in increasing the utilization of crossbred wool and reducing the costing of end products

Performance of Indian crossbred wool on khadi spinning system

127-132HP Crossbred, JK Crossbred and JK Merino yarns have been spun on the New Model Charkha (NMC) spinning system to find out the suitability of Indian crossbred wool in Khadi sector. These crossbred wools produced in the north temperature region of India have been spun into medium quality yarn linear density of 42 tex. The pure crossbred wool yarns have higher U%, imperfections and hairiness index; and lower tenacity, elongation-at-break and coefficient of friction. The mixing of Australian merino wool with JK crossbred wool significantly improves yarn performance in terms of fineness (31 tex), evenness (U%), imperfections and hairiness index. The tenacity, elongation-at-break and coefficient of friction of mixed yarns increase significantly by mixing of Australian merino wool with JK crossbred wool. These findings will help in increasing the utilization of crossbred wool and reducing the costing of end products

Response of bio-regulators to yield and quality of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czernj. and Cosson) under different irrigation environments

A field study was conducted during rabi seasons of 2008 and 2009 to evaluated of productivity of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) by foliar spray of bio-regulators under different irrigation environments. Amongst treatments, the application of sufficient irrigation water (four irrigations) recorded the highest number siliqua per plant, higher number of seeds per siliqua, 1000 seed weight and yields as compared to all other irrigation treatments. Results show that an increased in seed yield of 92.40 and 39.37 % under sufficient irrigation and limitedwater condition in 2008 and 93.34% and 40.31% in 2009, respectively over deficient irrigation conditions, foliar sprays of 100 ppm thioglycollic acid at initiation of branching were recorded highest yield attributes and yields. Similarly, 500 ppm of thiourea at initiation of branching and flowering stages also gave second best highest yield attributes and yields as compared to all other bio-regulators spray stages. However, bio-regulators sprays were not recorded any significant effect on oil and protein content. The results were concluded that economic feasibility to improve productivity of Indian mustard with four irrigations levels and sprays of 100 ppm thioglycollic acid and 500 ppm of thiourea at initiation of branching and flowering stages under hyper arid environment