Search

A novel thermal digester for converting food waste (FW) into nutrient-rich soil conditioner was designed and explored. The process variables, that is, temperature, the volume of the digestion chamber and the rotational speed of the digester were optimised using response surface methodology (RSM). The study revealed that the digester temperature of 150°C and rotational speed of 40 RPM required minimum time (180 minutes) for attaining the equilibrium moisture with a minimum energy consumption of 0.218 kWh kg−1. The process resulted in 80 ± 2.5% reduction in total volume of the FW. Detailed characterisation revealed that the end product was comparable to the organic fertiliser as per the Fertiliser Association of India norms. The digestion helps in breakdown of cellulose content of FW into hemicellulose which supports formation of primary and secondary walls, seed storage carbohydrates, and facilitates plant growth. 1H-Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectra of the end product revealed mineralisation of organics during digestion. Decrease in ultraviolet (UV) absorbance value at 280 nm also revealed the humification of the end product. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis disclosed extremely low crystallinity and non-recalcitrant nature of the end product. A low humification index value (HI-3.43), high fertilising index (FI-4.8), and clean index (CI-5.0) revealed that the end product could safely be utilised as an organic fertiliser. The cost–benefit analysis revealed that thermal digestion technique is profitable and economically viable with benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 1.35. The study offers a unique approach for the rapid and hassle-free production of value-added soil conditioner from FW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ilex embelioides Hook.f. is a threatened tree species endemic to northeastern India. The species propagates naturally through seeds but shows a brief dormancy period. The present study was carried out to assess the germination behaviour, and identify the suitable storage conditions of I. embelioides seeds. Results revealed that warm stratification for 30 days could effectively break dormancy. Seeds pre-treated with gibberellic acid (GA3, 2,000 mg L-1) showed highest germination (63.89 ± 0.91%) as compared to other concentrations of GA3 as well as potassium nitrate (KNO3). Highest in vitro seed germination percentage (65.56 ± 2.92%) was recorded on (Murashige and Skoog) MS medium containing 10 mg L-1 GA3. The viability of the seeds declined with storage period irrespective of its storage condition. After 30 days, highest viability (54.72 %) was observed in seeds stored in moist sand at 25°C. Therefore, application of GA3 and warm stratification (25 ± 1°C) along with a substrate (moist sand) for 30 days may be considered as ideal conditions for effective germination and storage of I. embelioides seeds. This study can also be used for mass propagation of the species for reintroduction in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulses are very crucial to meet the requirements of dietary proteins in the human diet especially for the predominantly vegetarian population in India. Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) are important pulses grown in India. The seeds of these crops are highly vulnerable to various microorganisms, both in the field and during storage, which play an important role in reducing the seed viability, germination and vigour causing considerable loss in yield and quality. There is no suitable recommendation available to maintain seed quality during storage of pulses, hence present study was undertaken. Methods: Seeds of pigeonpea and chickpea were treated with Captan and Carbendazim 50% WP fungicides @ 2.0 g/Kg of seed and stored under ambient condition. The samples were drawn at three months interval to assess the effect of storage on seed quality parameters. The vigour index I, seed germination and speed of germination of these seed samples were determined using ISTA rules. The detection of seed mycoflora in pigeonpea and chickpea seed samples was carried out by the blotter test as recommended by the International Seed Testing Association. Result: Total sixteen fungal species were recorded on stored seeds. Maximum incidence of Aspergillus fumigatus (19.83%), A. flavus (14.88%), A. niger (12.40%), Alternaria alternata (11.57%), Fusarium oxysporum (8.26%), Rhizopus stolonifer (7.44%) and Penicillium notatum (5.79%) were recorded on untreated seed of pigeonpea cv. P. 2001 after 18 months of storage. The per cent germination, speed of germination and vigour index of the stored seeds decreased with the increase in the storage period whereas the total number of fungi increased with the storage period, irrespective of treatments. Among the tested cultivars, germination in pigeonpea (cv. P. 991) remained above IMSCS (>75%) upto 18 months of storage under ambient storage condition. However, the germination of pigeonpea cv. P. 2001 seed could be maintained above IMSCS (>75%) up to 12 months only. In chickpea (local cultivar) seed, the germination remained above IMSCS (>85%) up to 9 months only under ambient storage, however seed treatment with either Captan or Carbendazim could prolong the longevity upto 12 months of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dillenia indica produces mucilaginous seeds embedded in hard, fibrous, megafaunal fruits, and little is known about the ecological function of mucilage in its regeneration. Using standard laboratory protocols, we investigated the role of mucilage on seed dispersal (buoyancy), chemical defense (antibiotic, antifungal, antioxidant, and allelopathic activities), and seed germination. Further, we characterized seed germination, dormancy, and storage physiology of D. indica. Results revealed that mucilage associated with seed‐coat assists seeds in floating on water for a longer duration, acts as an antimicrobial agent without hampering the overall seed germination. It was noticed that fresh mature seeds possess an underdeveloped embryo that grows within the seed before radicle emergence (a sign of morphological dormancy; MD), and seeds took ~70 days to achieve 95% germination (a sign of physiological dormancy; PD). However, the rate of germination increased when seeds were treated with gibberellin or subjected to 1‐month dry‐storage (confirmation of PD). Seeds disperse with ~12% moisture and retain high viability even after ultra‐drying over silica gel, indicating an orthodox seed storage physiology. Study concludes that mucilage plays a crucial ecophysiological function in dispersal‐defense mechanism of D. indica seeds, by enhancing seed buoyancy, helping seeds to disperse long‐distance, and protecting the seeds from soil pathogens through antimicrobial activity. Our study confirmed that seeds of D. indica possess morphophysiological dormancy (MPD), unlike the MD reported in an earlier study from North India. Possible ecophysiological function of mucilage on seed dispersal‐defense mechanism and production of morphophysiological dormant and orthodox seeds in D. indica are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is an important pulse crop of India, but its productivity is quite low due to several biotic and abiotic stresses. Low seed vigor is one of the issues that occur due to changes in different biochemical properties during improper storage condition. To overcome the biochemical activity during storage, seed priming is a promising strategy. In the present study, two nanopriming agents viz., Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) were evaluated for biochemical activity (Peroxidase activity, alpha amylase activity, total soluble sugar, total protein) of chickpea at 2, 4, 6 and 9 months storage period after priming for 1, 2, and 6 hours. Result showed increased activity of Peroxidase (POX) with increase of storage time, but the rate of increase was comparatively low when seeds were nanoprimed with ZnONPs. Similarly, alpha amylase activity and protein content were recorded highest and Total Soluble Sugar (TSS) was found lowest in ZnONPs primed seed. Out of the different priming times, 6 hrs was found to be the best at 9 months of storage with positive effect on biochemical parameters. Among the biotic stresses, disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri has been considered as a destructive one, which causes yield loss up to 10% every year. To overcome the biotic stress and enhance the storage life, chickpea seeds were primed with ZnONPs and AgNPS at 100 ppm alone and in combination with each other. We found positive effect on seed germination (%), plant growth, and yield attributing parameter and negative effect on per disease incidence of F. oxysporum f.sp. ciceri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study was conducted to enhance storage life of cocoa (Theobroma cocoa L.) seeds through encapsulation and germination inhibition at College of Forestry, Kerala, India. The extracted embryonic axes of the seeds were encapsulated with calcium alginate and kept under different storage media alone as well as in combination with osmolytes under varying levels of relative humidity. Embryonic axes with quarter potion of cotyledon were ideal for preparation of synthetic seeds. Among different storage media, greater longevity and viability were observed in ½ MS media while least longevity was observed in dry cotton. Maximum longevity of 70 days was observed in synthetic seeds stored in cotton with 250 mM sorbitol. Longevity was less than 10 days in dry cotton due to absence of moisture content. The incorporation of MS media in the encapsulation reduced the longevity of synthetic seeds. In addition, MS media was found to reduce the activity of inhibitor. Addition sobitol (250 mM; 500 mM) in the encapsulation media enhanced longevity to 65 days. Duration of desiccation was positively correlated with seed longevity. Synthetic seeds stored with wet cotton and 250 mM sorbitol for 55 days and transferred to wet cotton for germination had longevity of 89 days with 80% germination. The results of present study indicate that it is possible to enhance the storage life of cocoa seeds from two weeks to three months by encapsulation and altering storage environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera, is native to India. The other related species are M. sternopetala, Moringa peregrine and Moringa drouhardii: There are two types of moringa viz., perennial and annual moringa. The improved annual moringa varieties are PKM-1 and PKM-2. Besides, the known ecotypes are Jaffna moringa, Chavakacheri murungai, Chemmurungai (red tipped fruits), Kaadumurungai Palmurungai, Puna murungai and Kodikkal Murungai. Moringa is a cross pollinated vegetable crop. Flowering is throughout the year with the peak during October - November and April- May. The corresponding fruit production was during October and May. The pollen grains of drumstick are spherical with smooth exine and three germpores. The stigma is receptive one day prior to opening and continued with maximum receptivity of 88 and 96 % in PKM1 and PKM 2 respectively. PKM 1 and 2 are annual type, propagated through seeds. By adopting the various scientific techniques such as correct season of sowing, seed treatment, pinching, water and nutrient management and plat protection measures at right time, the quality seeds of moringa could be produced. Good quality seeds can be obtained by adopting proper harvesting, processing and grading and storage techniques in moringa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The actinorhizal plant seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L., Elaeagnaceae) is a wind-pollinated dioecious crop. In the present work we study two important aspects of germination of seabuckthorn seeds: (i) germination-related studies of aged seed stored up to 10 years under ambient condition in cold arid condition and (ii) the effect of seed pre-soaked treatment on germination-related parameters of aged seeds. Seed stored up to 6 years does not show any significant difference in germination percentage. However, seeds aged 9 and 10 years showed significant reduction in germination percentage, being 65.3 and 65.67 respectively, compared to 100 and 99 in one- and two-yearold seeds respectively. KNO3 pre-soaking treatment showed negative effect on seed germination. Correlation studies showed that with advancement of age of seabuckthorn seed, the moisture content, germination percentage and seed vigour index decrease. It takes more time for seeds to germinate with ageing. Similarly, decrease in moisture content results in decrease in germination percentage and seed vigour index. Results showed that short- and medium-term storage of seeds could be achieved at ambient condition in cold arid region at lower cost without the limitation of space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disti-icr of Kachchh contains many culturally important plants. However, their conservation status is little known due to direct and indirect htinsan activities. This snidywas undertaken with the aim of contributing to rheconservation of the native species of these semi-arid regions through germination trials under laboratory conditions. Mature fruits often selected species were collected randomly from the known habitats to obtain viable seeds. These seeds were pre-treated with growth regulators singly or in combination afrer acid scariflcarion or wirhoutscariijcation. Seeds were found to bedormant due to presence ofthickseed coat ordue to low level ofendogenous hormonal level. Most ofthescseeds required different storage. period to mature. Only seeds of Gspparis cartilaginea germinated without treatment while the other species required treatments. Addition ofgrowth regulators has enhanced seed germination in few taxa singly and in some plant cases in combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of seeds exhibiting intermediate and recalcitrant storage physiology, generally found in the tropics, subtropics, aquatic, and riparian environments, pose difficulty in ex-situ conservation because of their inherent intolerance to desiccation. The rapid drying of such seeds, especially intermediate seeds, renders them tolerant to desiccation to sufficiently low moisture content suitable for ex-situ conservation. The aim of this work was to establish the seed-storage physiology of Dipcadi saxorum, an endangered plant species of India, and develop suitable ex-situ storage protocol for conservation. Ex-situ storage potential of short-lived (4 months) seeds of D. saxorum was extended to 18 months by storage at 15°C after rapid drying of freshly harvested seeds to low (4%) moisture content (MC). Seeds exhibited 99-100% viability during storage under ambient conditions (slow-drying) up to 50 d (8.9% MC) but storage for 70 d resulted in 78% germination (6.5% MC). Seeds became nonviable after 170 d of storage (registering 5.1% MC) under ambient conditions. In contrast, the rapid-drying using silica gel reduced the MC from 42.42 to 4.5% within 9 h and showed 100% germination. The storage potential of rapidly dried (4, 9, 15 and 30% MC) seeds (tested at 25, 15, and -20°) increased to 18 months; seeds rapidly dried to 4% MC at 15°C gave 25% germination. Electrolyte leakage loss was reduced in the rapidly dried seeds compared with slow-dried seeds and negatively correlated (ranging from R2 = -0.97 to -0.99) with the percentage germination. Compared with slow drying, the rapid drying of seeds to 4 and 9% MC improved significantly the storage potential of D. saxorum seeds at all the storage temperatures studied. Our study revealed that seeds of D. saxorum exhibited intermediate storage physiology and can be desiccated to sufficiently low moisture content (4%) well suited for ex-situ storage for conservation, if rapidly dried despite their sensitivity to desiccation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 67 sorghum grain samples were chosen from a survey in 1997; 34 samples from the 1996 rainy season and 33 from the 1996/97 post rainy season harvests. Five kilograms of sorghum grains were collected from each of the grain lots stored in jute bags, mud-lined baskets, metallic containers, polypropylene bags, and grains piled in a corner of a room. At ICRISAT, each sample was evaluated for fungi associated with sorghum grain and grain germination in a representative sample of 200 grains per treatment: (i) grains surface-sterilized in 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) prepared from Clorox®, and not treated with fungicide benomyl, (ii) grains surface sterilized and treated with benomyl (0.05%), (iii) grains not surface sterilized but treated with benomyl and (iv) grains neither surface sterilized nor treated with benomyl. Major fungi with a mean frequency of > 5% across storages, cultivars, harvesting seasons and treatments were: Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Bipolaris australiensis, Curvularia lunata, C. lunata var aeria, Fusarium verticillioides, Penicillium citrinum, Phoma sorghina, and Rhizopus stolonifer. In addition, 41 fungi with a mean frequency of < 5% across storages, cultivars, harvesting seasons and treatments were observed. Significant differences were observed in grain germination and fungal frequency of rainy and post rainy season samples, storages and cultivars. Majority of the rabi samples represented improved variety Maldandi and stored their grain in jute bags, while kharif samples represented much wider varieties and hybrids and storage techniques. This study may help better understand danger of contamination by mycotoxins in relation to the mycoflora associated with sorghum grains. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study on regenerating germplasm of pigeonpea accession ICP 9820 with 78% seed viability that originates from Maharashtra, India. It is noted that seed viability maintenance is a basic requirement for successful preservation of germplasm in seed intended for storage. It is observed that as seeds aged, seeds viability also decline.

This research was performed for a period of three years to determine the effect of natural seed ageing on different physiological and biochemical changes in three extensively cultivated onion cultivars in Northern India. Seed storage studies showed that germination percent, seed viability and other seed quality parameters decreased significantly with increasing storage time. The onion seed can be stored for a maximum period of one year under ambient conditions to maintain required germination percentage (>70%). Overall, Hisar Onion-4 stored better when compared to Hisar Onion-3 and Hisar-2. As the ageing progressed the seed antioxidants, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), dehydrogenase (DHA) and peroxidase (POD) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all cultivars whereas, the electrical conductivity (EC) of seed leachates increased significantly. Under the field conditions, seedling establishment percent (SE) onion seed was positively correlated (R2 = 0.98; p < 0.05) with germination percent (GP). Overall, more than one year period of seed storage was associated with poor germination and seedling establishment potential in onion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]