Gender and innovation processes in rice-based systems

This GRiSP report is based on the perspectives of women and men from three rice-growing villages in the Nueva Ecija province of the Philippines

Stimulation of reserpine biosynthesis in the callus of Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. by precursor feeding

Reserpine is an important indole alkaloid that is used to treat hypertension and various psychiatric diseases by acting as a tranquilizing agent. In pharmaceutical industries, reserpine is in great demand. Chemical synthesis of reserpine is costlier than extracting it from natural resources. So enhancing this alkaloid in the already available system is a beneficial approach. Tryptophan is the starting material in the biosynthesis of reserpine. Callus was induced from leaf explants of Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. on MS medium supplemented with the combination of 9 μM 2,4-D and 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/l tryptophan. An increase in the reserpine content was observed at 50 mg/l tryptophan than in other concentrations.Key words: Callus, MS medium, Rauvolfia tetraphylla L., reserpine, tryptophan

Women’s social networks in resettlement areas: The case of Metema resettlement site, Ethiopia

This study is designed to understand the existing formal and informal social networks among re-settlers in Ethiopia. Its main purpose is to explore the extent and gender implica¬tions of women’s participation in different social networks. The study aims to identify options for enhancing the role and sustainability of these social networks for promoting agricultural innovation in the Metema resettlement site in Ethiopia. Using multistage sampling procedure, the study is based on the selection of 2 out of 18 Peasant As¬sociations (PAs) in the district, and on a random sample of 160 households. The results show significant variations between previous and recent settlers, and between male and female headed households in terms of membership in different social networks. Relatives, friends and neighbors are the most important source of information and mutual support; and of influential networks in the adoption and diffusion process in the study area. The study recommends for government and NGOs to provide genuine support to social networks, to strengthen their organization, and to promote community based self help groups

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on quality of minimally processed fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) microgreens

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) microgreens is an underutilized vegetable with limited shelf life having good source of antioxidants, carotenoid as well as vitamins. The study deals with nutritional quality and optimization of a suitable passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for improving the shelf life of fenugreek microgreens in its minimally processed form (MPFM) at 8oC Semipermeable plastic films viz., low density polyethylene, polypropylene, Cryovac PD 961® and stretchable PVC cling film with varying thickness were evaluated as packaging materials to obtain different MAP composition inside MPFM packages. Packaging of MPFM in 40 μm thick polypropylene film resulted in development of in-pack equilibrium MA with 10-14% oxygen and 5-8% carbon dioxide during storage. This in-pack MA maintained ‘fresh-like’ sensory properties, biochemical and nutritional quality in MPFM till 15 days of storage. Significant loss of B vitamins was recorded in all packages during low temperature storage. Packaging in 40 μm thick polypropylene film retained B vitamins significantly better than other semipermeable films. Low temperature storage in modified atmosphere conditions enhanced vitamin E content in MPFM. The outcome of the study will benefit the entrepreneurs and retailers for distant transport and storage of fenugreek microgreens in commercial open chillers maintained in supermarkets in their ready-to-cook form

SECURE AND EFFICIENT DATA TRANSMISSION USING M-SPIN PROTOCOL FOR CLUSTER-BASED BASED WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS

ABSTRAC

Effect of hot water treatments on physiological and biochemical changes in mango cv. Banganapalli during storage at ambient temperature

Mango fruits majorly suffers from anthracnose and fruit fly infestations during storage, transportation and marketing. Hot water treatments (HWTs) at specific levels have shown to control the incidence of these important threats. Application of HWT not only act as a quarantine measure, but also maintains the quality and enhance the marketability of fruits, even at room temperature (RT), leading to its vast applicability in local / international markets. In this study, post harvest application of HWTs (48°C for 60 min and 55°C for 10 min) in mango cv. Banganapalli recorded reduced ethylene production rate, physiological loss in weight, improved sugar content, ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, phenolics and antioxidants compared to control. Combination of HWTs (48°C for 60 min followed by 55°C for 10 min) resulted in degradation of some quality parameters compared to individual HWT and control