International Journal of Phytology Research

Path coefficient analysis in mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

2023-07-27T18:26:16+00:00

An field experiment was conducted with 20 genotypes of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) at the farm of Agricultural Research Sub Station, Sumerpur with an objective to find out path coefficient analysis and came to a conclusion that research showed positive direct effect with characters like days to 50% flowering, number of silique per plant, number of seeds per silique, 1000 seed weight, biological yield wherein seed yield per plant showed highest values thereafter maximum negative direct effect showed by length of main raceme for genotypic characters. While for phenotypic positive direct effect were expressed for characters like days to 50% flowering, number of primary branches per plant, days to maturity, number of siliquae per plant, number of seeds per silique, 1000 seed weight, biological yield per plant where negative direct effect was exhibited by number of secondary branches per plant, length of main raceme, plant height.

Influence of biochar on soil properties, soil health and crop productivity- a review

2023-09-24T17:31:06+00:00

India achieved a spectacular growth in agriculture since 1966, but for meeting the needs of current growing population, food grain production has to be increased at least 70 per cent by 2050. Over more the present-day agriculture is challenged to fulfill the objectives of achieving food, fodder, fibre and fuel security as well as environmental sustainability to restoring soil resources, improving water quality and mitigating climate change. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the threshold level of organic matter for maintaining physical, chemical and biological integrity of the soil and also to perform its agricultural production and environmental functions (Segun and Oladele, 2019). For managing these issues, addition of organic amendments and biochar to mitigate climate change and ensures food production at global scale. Biochar (commonly known as agri char) is a carbon rich product derived from slow pyrolysis process of several kinds of waste biomass. Application of biochar at the rate of 5 t ha^-1 favourably inﬂuenced the soil bulk density, pH, OC, microbial carbon and CEC in the soil and positive changes in increasing nutrient availability. Further application of biochar may oﬀer additional carbon-negative beneﬁts though avoiding burning in ﬁeld and bioresource recycling, which have been a great concern with air pollution of Indian agriculture and climate change mitigation (Segun and Oladele. 2019). Application of biochar at low doses (3–6 t/ha) with low rate of nitrogen fertilizer (30 kg/ ha) notably improved N fertilizer use efficiency, grain biomass yield of upland rice and soil physicochemical properties.

The results of Snekapriya and Jayachandran (2018) concluded that application of 100 per cent recommended dose of NPK along with 2 t of bio-char + Azospirillium @ 10 kg ha^-1 recorded higher benefit cost ratio of 1.96 for sugarcane seed cane production. The digested-enriched biochar treatments significantly improved soil quality as it provided higher soil organic matter and macronutrients. Application of green waste biochar improves soil physical properties and reduce tensile strength and increases the field capacity (Naresh Kumar et al., 2018). Recent studies have demonstrated that soil pH was a main factor affecting soil microbial community and stability of biochar. Little information is available for the micro biome across different soil pH and subsequently CO₂ emission. However, the decreased bioavailability of SOC via adsorption of biochar resulted in higher abundance of oligotrophic bacteria in Phaeozems, leading to the decrease in CO₂ emission.

Comparative study of the chemical composition of two cultivars of melon: Lagenaria abyssinica (Egunsin Bojuri) and Citrullus lanatus (Egusin Sewere)

2023-09-28T17:16:36+00:00

This study aimed at comparing the chemical composition of the seed flour of two cultivars of melon. The proximate, phytochemical and mineral analysis were carried out on the two cultivers (Lagenaria abyssinica (Bojuri) and Citrullus lanatus (Thumb) Mansf Sewere) of melon. AOAC 2010 method was adopted to determine the proximate analysis such as: moisture, ash, protein, fat, fibre and carbohydrate content. Mineral contents were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry while Phytochemical analysis was determined using standard procedures. The results obtained from proximate analysis showed that the ash content (3.64±0.02), crude protein (26.34±0.01), and crude fat (32.67±0.01of Citrullus lanatus (Sewere) are significantly higher than Lagenaria abyssinica (Bojuri) (2.24±0.01), (23.72±0.02) and (26.73±0.01) respectively. While Lagenaria abyssinaca (Bojuri) had significantly higher percentage of carbohydrate (39.95±0.06), The mineral analysis also indicated higher value for Citrullus lanatus (Sewere) in Iron, Calcium and potassium compared to Lagenaria abyssinica (Bojuri) (151.45±0.21, 144.13±0.04), (0.35±0.16, 0.19±0.04 and (6.29±0.42, 4.83± 0.23) respectively. The result phytochemicals analysis of the two cultivars of melon indicated that the both melons were not significantly different from each other. This study revealed that Citrullus lanatus (Sewere) seed flour is a better source of important nutrients such as fat, protein and minerals. However, Lagenaria abyssinica (Bojuri) could be recommended as a better source of energy.

Pharmacognostic studies and anti-trypanosomal properties of Lindackeria dentata (Oliv.) Gilg (Flacourtiaceae) leaves for the treatment of sleeping sickness

2023-11-02T10:43:37+00:00

Introduction: Lindakteria dendata has been known in ethnomedicine to cure back pain, inflammation and toothache.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacognostic profile and antitrypanosomal potential of Lindackeria dentata (Flacourtiaceae) leaves.

Methodology: The macroscopy, microscopy and physio-chemical studies were carried out to standardize the plant leaf. Five groups of animals were used. To groups A, B and C were administered 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg of crude methanol extract respectively. The standard drug Diminazene aceturate (7 mg/kg) was administered to group D while group E received distilled water (negative control). Alterations in the body weight, degree of parasitaemia and hematological parameters were determined.

Results: Pharmacognostic profile revealed tasteless drug with microscopic features of wavy epidermal cell wall of anomocytic stomata, annular xylem and phloem, prism shaped calcium oxalate, phloem parenchyma cells, palisade cells, non-glandular trichome. Phytochemicals analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and sterols in varying amounts. The crude methanol extract exhibited significant (p < 0.05) anti-trypanosomal activity in the infected rats by reducing the parasitaemia levels, improving weight gain and haematological changes in a dose-dependent manner. Extract at 600 mg/kg gave the second-best activity (after standard drug) for percentage weight gain and parasitaemia levels of 13.31 ± 2.18 % and 74.36 ± 6.24 respectively. Red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB) and packed cell volume (PCV) were 1.97 ± 1.99 (5.6 x 10¹²/l), 11.50± 1.43 g/dl and 35.1 ± 2.72 % respectively.

Conclusion: This study has established the pharmacognostic standards of Lindackeria dentata leaves and validated its use in ethnomedicine for the treatment of parasitic infections.

Perception on Irrigated Smallholder Agricultural Enterprises led by Women and Youth (ISHAEs W-Y) towards climate extreme events variability for the selected field crop suitability potential at Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo Province of South Afri

2023-11-22T05:48:48+00:00

The study was conducted at Madimbo Corridor which is Semi-arid area. This area is characterized by low erratic mean annual rainfall pattern which are main factors that hinder farming in the semi-arid regions. Consequently, the production areas experience extended spells of the dry season and shorter wet periods. The purpose of this study is to examine the perception on irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprises (ISHAEs) towards climate variability for the selected crop suitability potential in the study area. A representative sample was based on the number of irrigated smallholder irrigation entrepreneurs on the identified agro-ecological zone. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire and village transact. At least 294 women and youth smallholder irrigation entrepreneurs were sampled for interviews and prompt responses on the perceptions of ISHAEs towards climate variability for the selected crop suitability potential in their irrigated Smallholder Agricultural Enterprises. The study applied both primary and secondary data collection instruments. The findings show that wise stewardship of temperature resource can ensure reduced diminishing effect on ISHAEs practices on the production areas. Rainfall quantity and its distribution are key factors determining the rainy season characteristics, farming systems, field crop production. Climate variability has direct impact on irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprises and livelihood opportunities in the agriculture sector. In conclusion, the study provides strong motivation towards examining perception of ISHAEs towards climate variability for the selected crop suitability Potential in the study area. The results of this study can assist with the economic production menus and programs for long term sustainability.