Search

The sustainability of global agriculture at higher productivity level is a concern owing to climate change, serious environmental footprints, dipping factor productivity and shrinking availability of natural resources, especially. The situation is worsening in the 'Food Bowl of India'—Indo‐Gangetic plains (IGP) by several amalgamated factors, such as declining groundwater, unpredictable precipitation owing to climate change and cultivation of heavy water duty crops. To neutralise these issues, a field experiment was executed for the period 2019–2021 to assess the efficacy of indigenous hydrogels (P‐hydrogel and Superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118) and their application methods viz., seed treatment, slurry application and soil application on crop yield and water productivity, soil moisture dynamics and profitability in a soybean–wheat cropping system under irrigation and rainfed conditions. In both study years (2019–2020 and 2020–2021), due to higher seed germination percentage, irrigation application together with seed treatment and slurry application of superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118 improved system productivity by 8.1%–26.7% and system water productivity by 17.6%–33.8% over control. Wheat grain yield was enhanced by 8.0% (2019–2020) to 32.2% (2020–2021) due to superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118 hydrogel with 10 cm lesser use of irrigation water compared with control (no‐hydrogel). Soil moisture content in 0–15 cm soil layer was also found higher by 1.8%–2.4% in superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118 and P‐hydrogel slurry‐applied plots. Therefore, higher gross profitability (31.8%), net profitability (89.8%) and B:C (26.9%) in wheat could be attributed to increased crop yields when seeds were treated with superabsorbent polymer hydrogel‐1118. Therefore, the utilisation of modified hydrogel application, in the form of seed treatment (seed coating) and slurry application has demonstrated improvement in seed germination, crop yield and water productivity and made soybean–wheat cultivation more economical. This approach presents a feasible solution to achieving a viable production system of soybean and wheat crops by reducing irrigation amounts in the IGP of India, as well as other comparable ecological places worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant genotype and agroecology influence the composition and functionality of seed endophytic bacterial communities. Taxonomic analysis of 123 wheat seeds endophytic bacteria classified these into 23 genera predominantly under Firmicutes followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. Genus Bacillus was most abundant (30.7%) followed by Streptomyces (18.4%) with other representative genera such as Stenotrophomonas, Paenibacillus, Mixta, Enterobacter, Micrococcus, Pantoea, Alkalihalobacillus, Cortiobacterium, and more. Across agroecologies, the core microbiota of seeds consists of Bacillus, Streptomyces, Paenibacillus, and Stenotrophomonas, with maximum diversity and abundance observed in seeds of the North Western Plain Zone of India. Seed endophytic bacteria had PGP traits; nitrogen fixation (n = 101), production of IAA (n = 65), siderophores (n = 43), ammonia (n = 82) and solubilization of phosphate (n = 47), potassium (n = 37), and zinc (n = 8). The isolates produced HCN and hydrolytic enzymes and displayed antagonism against fungal pathogens. Overall, the information generated on wheat seeds' endophytic bacterial taxonomy and beneficial traits may pave the path for the development of novel bioinoculants. Key message Wheat seeds from various agro-ecologies of India harbor diverse endophytic bacteria. Firmicutes were dominant followed by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. Genus Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Streptomyces, and Paenibacillus were core endophytic bacteria in different agro-ecologies. The endophytic bacterial strains were displaying diverse functional traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat crop is subjected to various biotic and abiotic stresses, which affect crop productivity and yield. Among various abiotic stresses, drought stress is a major problem considering the current global climate change scenario. A high-yielding wheat variety, HD3086, has been released for commercial cultivation under timely sown irrigated conditions for the North Western Plain Zone (NWPZ) and North Eastern Plain Zone NEPZ of India. Presently, HD3086 is one of the highest breeder seed indented wheat varieties and has a stable yield over the years. However, under moisture deficit conditions, its potential yield cannot be achieved. The present study was undertaken to transfer drought-tolerant QTLs in the background of the variety HD3086 using marker-assisted backcross breeding. QTLs governing Biomass (BIO), Canopy Temperature (CT), Thousand Kernel Weight (TKW), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Yield (YLD) were transferred to improve performance under moisture deficit conditions. In BC1F1, BC2F1, and BC2F2 generations, the foreground selection was carried out to identify the plants with positive QTLs conferring drought tolerance and linked to traits NDVI, CT, TKW, and yield. The positive homozygous lines for targeted QTLs were advanced from BC2F2 to BC2F4 via the pedigreebased phenotypic selection method. Background analysis was carried out in BC2F5 and obtained 78-91% recovery of the recurrent parent genome in the improved lines. Furthermore, the advanced lines were evaluated for 2 years under drought stress to assess improvement in MABB-derived lines. Increased GWPS, TKW, and NDVI and reduced CT was observed in improved lines. Seven improved lines were identified with significantly higher yields in comparison to HD3086 under stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study establishes an eco-friendly and easy to scale up methodology for degrading Disperse Red 167 being discharged from textile industry effluents in India. In this study, monthly wastewater samples were collected and analysed for naturally occurring bacteria. Selected bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Paenochrobactrum glaciei, Brevibacillus panacihumi, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus sphaericus, Paenibacillus pocheonensis and Escherichia coli) were isolated and selected to assess their biodegradation capability on Disperse Red 167 dye. Biodegradation study was conducted in the laboratory by preparing three different concentrations of Disperse Red 167 dye (50, 100 and 150 mg/l) and treating each of the seven bacteria in three replicates for a period of 24 h. Results of this study indicated that Paenochrobactrum glaciei showed the best biodegradation and decolourisation potential of 84% at a concentration of 50 mg/l (84.80 ± 0.34% within 24 h). Also, (GC–MS) analysis was conducted to delineate the biodegradation pathway of the dye and it was found that two intermediate metabolites, namely '2-chloro-4-nitro-phenylamine' and 'Acetic acid2-[(2-acetoxy-ethyl)-(4-amino-3-propionylamino-phenyl)-amino]-ethylester', were formed as a result of asymmetric breakdown of the azo bond of Disperse Red 167 dye. These two metabolites were further tested for their phytotoxicity on 'Triticum aestivum' wheat seed germination, and it was confirmed that these two metabolites are of non-toxic nature. The results of study clearly indicate that naturally occurring bacteria in wastewater streams have the potential to treat textile industry wastewater containing 'Disperse Red 167 dye' and minimize the risk on the aquatic living environments in water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undernourishment of nutrients, also known as hidden hunger, affects over 2 billion populace globally. Even though stunting among children below five years of age has decreased in India in the last ten years, India is home to roughly thirty percent of the world's population of stunted pre-schoolers. A significant improvement has been witnessed in the targeted development and deployment of biofortified crops; approximately 20 million farm households from developing counties benefit from cultivating and consuming biofortified crops. There is ample scope for including biofortified varieties in the seed chain, ensuring nutritional security. Wheat is a dietary staple in India, typically consumed as wholemeal flour in the form of flatbreads such as chapatti and roti. Wheat contributes to nearly one fifth of global energy requirements and can also provide better amounts of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). As a result, biofortified wheat can serve as a medium for delivery of essential micronutrients such as Fe and Zn to end users. This review discusses wheat biofortification components such as Fe and Zn dynamics, its uptake and movement in plants, the genetics of their buildup, and the inclusion of biofortified wheat varieties in the seed multiplication chain concerning India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.), of the mint family Lamiaceae, is one of the most highly nutritious crops in the world. It has a high economic value in both national and international markets. The present study was carried out with the prime objective of assessing Chia's morphological, biochemical, and nutritional characterization. An average yield of Chia (784 kg/ha) from the field experiment was observed. The biochemical studies showed the presence of higher amounts of carbohydrates, phenols, flavanols and antioxidants. The seed protein content of Chia was evaluated, and it was found to be 183 mg/g, which was greater than other major crops like wheat, rice and maize. The Carbohydrate content (371 mg/g) was also high in Chia seeds. High amounts of phenols (1.29 mgGAE/g) and flavonoids (0.48 mg/g) in Chia seeds were also observed. The mineral content estimated by ICP-OES showed the presence of micronutrients like Fe (11.7 mg/100g), Mg (335 mg/100g), Mn (5.97 mg/100g), Zn (12.01 mg/100g), Cu (1.94 mg/100g), Ca (397.78 mg/100g), Na (42.15 mg/100g) and K (605.83 mg/100g). The FTIR analysis showed the presence of the functional groups, and high peak banding was found related to protein, pectin (polysaccharides), PUFA (fatty acids), lipids etc. The HPTLC analysis indicated the presence of Gallic acid. Thus the present study unveils that the seeds of the Chia crop are a rich source of different essential elements. Hence this pseudo-cereal Chia can be used to provide good food supplements. As this is a newly introduced crop in India, there is very less study on the crop. To utilize the benefits of this crop, further research in various aspects to increase the environment adaptability and yield should be done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower is an important oilseed crop in India. One of the major diseases is collar rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii (Sacc). This study was conducted during 2014-15 and 2015 -16 under in-vitro condition. To see the effect of soil temperature and soil moisture, the S. rolfsii (Sacc). was grow at different temperature and at different moisture level. Results showed that among the different soil pH tested, pH5.7 was the best for colonization on wheat seeds 61.67% followed by 6.1(58.33%). In case of soil temperature most preferable temperature for mycelial grow of the pathogen was 30°C. The pathogen grown best in 30% soil moisture content followed by 25%. Variations were observed in colony morphology, mycelial growth, sclerotial size, colour and number of sclerotia. The number of sclerotia in different isolates varied from 352 (WBSR4) to 411 (WBSR9). Twenty five combinations showed compatible reaction out of 36 pairings in mycelial compatibility studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids are the source of antioxidants and precursor for vitamin A in humans. Several wheat varieties are cultivated in India, but limited information on carotenoid content in grains hamper their nutritional impact in society. A total of 30 Indian hexaploid wheat varieties were subjected to carotenoid profiling in mature seeds. Lutein was the major carotenoid followed by zeaxanthin and β-carotene. Studies in two contrasting wheat varieties, VL907 (1.63 μg/g) and K8962 (0.53 μg/g) revealed varying expression pattern of nine carotenoid biosynthesis pathway genes during the seed developmental stages. The higher expression of TaLCYB suggests a prominent role in enhanced β-carotene content in seed development stages of VL907. While higher expression of TaLCYE inversely correlated with β-carotene deposition in K8962. A strong negative correlation of TaBCH1 and TaBCH2 expression was observed with all carotenoids, except zeaxanthin in K8962, whereas a weak negative correlation of TaPSYs with all major carotenoids was found in both K8962 and VL907. Hence, the results suggest that the carotenoids accumulation in the seed of wheat varieties could be regulated by the expression patterns of TaLCYB , TaPSYs and TaBCHs genes. The present study facilitates the functional characterization of these genes to gain more understanding of their role in carotenoid accumulation in wheat. [Display omitted] • Carotenoids are the major source of vitamin A and antioxidant activities in humans. • Wheat is the main cereal crop globally but contains a meagre amount of carotenoids. • Understanding of the carotenogenesis is important to develop carotenoid rich wheat. • Correlation of carotenoids and pathway gene expression was studied in wheat seed. • It reveals promising role of LCYB , PSY and BCH in provitamin A synthesis in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]