Search

Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) comprising of wheat bran, coconut husk, rice husk, cereals straw, and other hardwood and softwoods is a good source for the production of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) (prebiotic). XOS produced are nondigestible carbohydrates being stable under stomach pH and digestive enzymes so they can be easily delivered to the intestine in native form, thus stimulating the growth of probiotics. Here we review about the raw material, production, purification, and application of XOS with health benefits. Importance of XOS being valuable food ingredient is increasing as they perform a variety of functions, including reduction in cholesterol levels, gastrointestinal health maintenance, anticancer and antioxidant properties, and modulation of immune system. We also discuss the different characterization methods which are necessary to determine the degree of polymerization (DP) of XOS. Low DP (xylobiose and xylotriose) is usually preferred for the application of XOS in various sectors. This review emphasizes the growing significance of XOS as a prebiotic, serving as nourishment for probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental was conducted to identify the forage sorghum genotypes having high green and dry fodder yield potential along with high nutritive value. The results revealed that the hybrid SPH 1970 (863.7 q/ha) has recorded significantly high green fodder yield followed by CSH 43MF (833.5 q/ha) and SPH 1935 (819.5 q/ha). Principal component analysis indicated that four components with eigen values more than one accounted for about 81.8% of the total variation among eleven quantitative characters responsible for fodder yield and quality in forage sorghum genotypes. The principal components PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4 contributed about 42.48%, 16.77%, 13.26 and 9.29%, respectively to the total variation. High positive loading for green fodder yield, dry fodder yield, number of tillers per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf length and leaf breadth were exhibited by first principal component. The second principal component showed high loading for in-vitro dry matter digestibility and leaf breadth. Therefore, the present study revealed that the hybrids SPH 1935, SPH 1970 and CSH 43MF are good for both fodder yield and quality but CSV33MF is comparable to hybrids for green fodder production and gives 5-6 cuts in one season if proper management practices are followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast, reliable, low‐cost, and efficient method for the recovery of xylan from agro‐residue materials is needed to improve the use of xylan in industrial processes. Xylan was extracted from two agrowastes (corncobs and wheat bran) using a cost‐effective alkali extraction method. The characteristic band patterns and bending vibrations associated with hemicellulose and beta glycoside linkage could be seen in the corncob‐extracted xylan (CCEx) and wheatbran‐extracted xylan (WBEx). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the extracted xylans consisted of aggregated and nonaggregated particles with irregular morphology and rough surfaces. Particle‐size analysis displayed average sizes of 205.6, 210.8, and 794.2 nm for commercial beechwood xylan (Bx), CCEx, and WBEx, respectively. Alkali extraction was performed with different concentrations of NaOH, from 5% to 20%, with a solid–liquid ratio of 1:20. It was found that 82.90 and 76.77% of xylan were extracted from corncob and wheat bran, respectively, which represents a higher yield obtained in a shorter duration in comparison with studies in the literature. The enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat bran and corncob that used 250 IU/mL of Enterobacter hormaechie KS1 xylanase yielded 334.38 and 162.35 mg/g of xylooligosaccharides. Their properties were studied and were found to be very similar to those of commercial xylan. They could reduce costs if applied in industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was conducted at Dry Land Research Area, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during kharif, 2022. Data were recorded on 17 quantitative traits for genetic variability and association studies among morpho-biochemical traits using 50 cluster bean genotypes. High PCV, GCV, heritability along with high genetic advance as percent of mean were observed in no. of pods per plant, no. of clusters on main stem, no. of clusters on side branches, no. of clusters per plant and no. of branches per plant. Seed yield per plant was positively and significantly associated with no. of pods per plant, no. of clusters on side branches, no. of clusters per plant, no. of pods per cluster on main stem, no. of pods per cluster on side branches, 100 seed weight and gum content. Path analysis revealed that the no. of pods per plant, 100-seed weight, no. of branches per plant, no. of pods per cluster on main stem, days to maturity, days to 50% flowering and gum content would be selected as important ones towards seed yield as they showed high positive direct effect on seed yield [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2022 at Forage Research Farm of Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to study the effect of nano urea on sorghum for sustainable fodder production. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design keeping eleven treatments consisting of nitrogen fertilizers combinations of conventional and nano urea with three replications. There was significant difference among treatments in respect of growth, green and dry fodder yield of single cut forage sorghum. The maximum plant height (248.4 cm), number of leaves (14), leaf: stem (0.29), dry matter accumulation (153.62 g), leaf area index (7.55), green fodder yield (541.9 q/ha) and dry fodder yield (144.1 q/ha) were recorded with the application of 100% RDN by urea fertilizer (75 kg) as followed by 100% RDN: 50% as basal by urea fertilizer + 50% through nano-urea in two sprays at 30 and 45 DAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]