Morphological, Physiological and Biochemical Response to Low Temperature Stress in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.): A Review

Growth and productivity are traumatized by the low temperature that triggers a series of physiological, morphological, molecular and biochemical changes in plants that eventually disturb plant life. Most of the cultivable lands of the world are adversely affected by temperature stress conditions which have an adverse impact on global tomato productivity. Plants undergo several water related metabolic activities for their survival during cold stress conditions. Understanding the morphological, physiological and biochemical reactions to low temperature is essential for a comprehensive view of the perception of tomato plant tolerant mechanism. This review reports some aspects of low temperature inflated changes in physiological and biochemical in the tomato plant. Low temperature stress influences the reproductive phases of plants with delayed flowering which enhance pollen sterility resultant drastically affects the harvest yield. It also decreases the capacity and efficiency of photosynthesis through changes in gas exchange, pigment content, chloroplast development and decline in chlorophyll fluorescence photosynthetic attributes. Amassing of osmoprotectant is another adaptive mechanism in plants exposed to low temperatures stress, as essential metabolites directly participate in the osmotic adjustment. Furthermore, low temperature stress enhanced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which may oxidize lipids, proteins and nucleic acids which bring in distortion at the level of the cell. At the point when extreme reactive oxygen species produced, plants synthesize antioxidant enzymes and osmoprotectants that quench the abundance of reactive oxygen species. These reviews focus on the capacity and techniques of the tomato plant to react low temperature stress.

Evaluation of Some Botanicals against Callosobruchus chinensis L. Infesting Stored Chickpea Seeds and Bio-Chemical Analysis of Used Botanicals

A study was carried out to evaluate the bio-efficacy of some botanicals against Callosobruchus chinensis L. in stored chickpea (Variety: Anuradha) in the year 2018–20. Different botanicals like Neem (Azadirachta indica), Melia (Melia azedarach), Datura (Datura stramonium) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) were used. Among all the botanicals Neem leaf powder @ 6% performed better with minimum egg laying (64 eggs 5 females-1) compared to the other botanicals except the standard check with Deltamethrin @ 0.04%. Thereafter, 6% Melia leaf powder and 8% Datura leaf powder recorded 87.50 eggs 5 females-1 and 91.25 eggs 5 females-1, respectively. With regard to adult mortality, the best result was also obtained from the treatment Neem leaf powder @6% with 96.67% mortality in 5th day. Following the same trend, 6% Melia leaf powder and 8% Datura leaf powder exhibited 90% and 83.33% adult mortality, respectively, in 5th day. The estimation of total phenols and total antioxidants (IC-50) contents in Neem leaf powder (345.69 mg g-1 and 207.77 μg ml-1), Melia leaf powder (273.40 mg g-1 and 383.68 μg ml-1) and Datura Leaf Powder (213.62 mg g-1 and 405.77 μg ml-1) also confirms the findings of the bio-efficacy trial of the botanicals. Tulsi leaf powder @5% was least efficacious both in terms of egg laying by the females as well as adult mortality. These botanicals are locally available, economic, bio-degradable and safe to the environment. Therefore, they may be fitted in the Integrated Pest Management strategies against stored grain pests as seed protectants.

Stability Analysis of Rice Hybrids for Grain Yield in Telangana through AMMI and GGE Bi-plot Model

An investigation was carried out on fifteen rice genotypes to identify stable rice hybrids across six different agroclimatic zones in Telangana state using AMMI and GGE bi-plot analyses during July to November, 2020. Analysis of variance clearly showed that environments contributed highest (65.47%) in total sum of squares followed by genotypes×environments (21.19%) indicating very greater role played by environments and their interactions in realizing final grain yield. AMMI analysis revealed that rice hybrids viz., RNRH 39 (G6), 27P31 (G14) and RNRH 15 (G1) were recorded higher mean grain yield with positive IPCA1 scores. The hybrids, JGLH 275 (G11) and JGLH 365 (G15) were plotted near to zero IPCA1 axis indicating that these hybrids are relatively more stable across locations. GGE bi-plot genotype view depicts that the hybrids, JGLH 365 (G15) and US 314 (G8) were inside the first concentric circle and found to be more stable across environments. GGE bi-plot environment view showed that Rudrur (E4) location was the most ideal environment. However, Warangal (E6) and Jagtial (E1) locations were poor and most discriminating. Depending on dispersion of environments in different directions, six locations were partitioned into three mega zones as first zone comprised of four locations viz., Kunaram (E2), Kampasagar (E3), Rudrur (E4) and Rajendranagar (E5) whereas highly dispersed Jagtial (E1) and Warangal (E6) were identified as two separate mega environments. The bi-plot view identified that 27P31 (G14), JGL 24423 (G2) and RNRH 39 (G6) were the best performing genotypes in first zone comprising four locations.

Estimation of Gene Action and Interaction for Some Quantitative Characters in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) by Generation Mean Analysis

The present investigation was conducted to understand the genetic action for controlling the inheritance of some quantitative characters. The experimental materials consisted of three rice varieties, i.e., Mahsuri, Bhutmuri, IR36 and F1, F2, and F3 populations of Mahsuri×Bhutmuri (Cross I) and IR36×Bhutmuri (Cross II). To conduct the generation mean analysis, the parents and their F1, F2, and F3 populations were evaluated during June to October month of Kharif 2016 and Kharif 2017. Generation mean analysis was done for eighteen quantitative characters following the five parameter model. The Analysis of Variance revealed significant differences among the five generations for all the characters studied. The results of the scaling tests and joint scaling test revealed that the Simple additive-dominance model was inadequate for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of panicles plant-1, number of primary branches panicle-1, number of secondary branches panicle-1 in Cross I, while it was for plant height, number of tillers plant-1, number of panicles plant-1, number of grains panicle-1, number of filled grains panicle–1 and fertility % in Cross II. Hence, the present studies have revealed that epistasis as a basic mechanism that cannot be ignored. Thus, formulating breeding policies on only main gene effects i.e. additive and dominance could be misleading.

Field Bio-efficacy and Residue Dynamics of the Fungicide Polyoxin D Zinc Salt 5% SC in Grape (Vitis vinifera)

The field experiments were carried out to evaluate the bio-efficacy and residue dynamics of Polyoxin D Zinc salt 5% SC in grape during 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 at ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune. Polyoxin D Zinc salt 5% SC @ 600 ml ha-1 gave the best control of the disease, both in the leaves and bunches with a percent disease control of 56.4 and 75.7 respectively, as compared to untreated control. The percent disease control of the test fungicide Polyoxin D Zinc salt 5% SC @ 600 ml ha-1 was superior to all the triazoles viz. Flusilazole 40 EC, Hexaconazole 5 EC and Myclobutanil 10 WP, used in the study. The yield data reflected a similar trend wherein the maximum percent increase in yield was observed in case of Polyoxin D Zinc salt 5% SC @ 600 ml ha-1 i.e. 57.47 as compared to untreated control. However, all the triazoles manifested a higher percent increase in yield as compared to the lowest dose of the test fungicide i.e. 200 ml ha-1. For the detection and quantification of polyoxin D residue in grape, we have developed an efficient and effective analytical method, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), in field treated samples. The residue data had excellent fit to 1st+1st order models giving r2 value of >0.99 with a half-life (t1/2) 8.0 days for recommended dose and 14.5 days for double dose. These findings are useful for effective disease management in grape crop amalgamated with food safety and consumer satisfaction.

Effect of Pre-sowing Treatments on Vegetative Growth and Production of Graftable Rootstocks in Mango

The present investigations “Studies on the effect of pre-sowing treatment and time of wedge grafting on production of saleable grafts in mango” were carried out in the nursery block of Fruit Science Department. The study was conducted using wild mangoes seeds. The seeds were divided in two equal halves, one half of seeds were sown with intact seed coat (K1) while, in other half the mango kernels were extracted (K2), both type of seeds were then soaked in 6 different chemicals of varying concentrations viz. C1- KNO3 @ 0.5%, C2- KNO3 @ 1%, C3- KNO3 @ 1.5%, C4- BA @ 50 ppm, C5- BA @ 100 ppm, C6- GA3 @ 100 ppm, C7- GA3 @ 200 ppm, C8- beejaaumrit @ 2%, C9- beejaaumrit @ 3%, C10- panchgavya @ 2%, C11- panchgavya @ 3% for 12 hours and C12- Control. The germination and vegetative parameters were observed. The results of study revealed that the e×tracted kernels pre-soaked with GA3 @ 100 ppm produced earliest germination, 50 % germination, high rate of germination, germination percentage, number of leaves, maximum leaf area, highest seedling vigour index, while, on pre-soaking extracted kernel with KNO3 @ 0.5% produced maximum seedling diameter. The Seedling raised from extracted kernels pre-soaked in KNO3 @ 0.5% (C1K2) attained graftable diameter within 210 days of sowing. The present investigation was conducted during 2019-2020 at the nursery block of College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri Hamirpur (H.P) to study the effect of pre-sowing treatments on germination, growth and production of graft-able seedlings.

Essential Oils: An Effective Therapeutic Strategy against SARS-CoV-2

Thousands of individuals have perished as a result of Covid-19 and it has turned into a global problem. The novel coronavirus 2019 (nCoV-2019), also known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread rapidly following its discovery in Wuhan patients with acute pneumonia in China. No medication or vaccine are available to treat human coronavirus infection successfully. The alternative therapies and cures are not are effective or authorised to treat Corona virus. Treatments are primarily supportive because no particular pandemic cure has been licenced. New interventions will most likely take months to years to mature. Using antiviral medicinal herbs as an auxiliary or supportive therapy seems to be a viable alternative. The essential oils of medicinal plants have antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. Being rich in antioxidants, essential oils can be used to develop new antiviral remedies. Such beneficial essential oils are being evaluated and exploited for its potent therapeutic use against many viruses. These natural compounds bestow antiviral actions by disrupting the viral life cycle during viral entry, assembly, replication, discharge and virus-specific host targets. This study highlights the essential oils derived from medicinal and aromatic plants with in vitro and in vivo antiviral effects. Essential oils having known pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties can be repurposed as a strategy against deadly SARS-CoV-2 infection. These essential oils of herbal plants can be an effective therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 when used along with conventional antiviral medicines.

Effect of Nutrient Management and Rice Establishment Methods on Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Rice–Groundnut Cropping System

The field experiments were conducted at Agronomy Main Research Farm, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India during rabi (November–March) seasons of 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 to evaluate direct and residual effect of nutrient management and rice establishment methods on phenology, growing degree days, growth, yield and economics of groundnut in rice–groundnut cropping system. The experiments were laid out in split-plot design with three replications. Carryover effect of direct seeding rice favourably influenced the succeeding groundnut crop as compared to that grown after transplanting which had superior growth parameters resulting in 25.7% higher pod yield, oil yield (1.24 t ha-1), gross return (` 136612.7 ha-1) and net return (` 63965.0 ha-1). Residual effect of organic management to preceding rice significantly increased growth, yield attributes, growing degree days at physiological maturity and net return, resulted in highest pod yield of 2.48 t ha-1 in groundnut which was at par with that grown after INM in rice, but was on an average, 17.0% higher than inorganic practice in rice. INM to groundnut increased yield parameters and economics of the crop resulting in 19.7 and 39.3% higher pod yields than 100% and 75% soil test based fertiliser, respectively. Hence, INM under direct seeding to kharif rice benefits the succeeding groundnut crop and direct application of 75% STBN (inorganic)+25% STBN (FYM)+0.2 LR+biofertilisers to groundnut proved beneficial for improving phenology, growing degree days, growth, yield and economics of groundnut in rice–groundnut cropping system.

Bioremediation Trends on Mitigation of As(III), Cr(VI) and Organic Dyes From Aqueous Medium using Plant and Microbial Biomass: An Overview

Arsenic, chromium and organic dyes are the prominent carcinogenic agents, posing a serious health hazard. In current scenario, groundwater as well as surface water mostly contaminated by chemical complexes of As (III), Cr (VI) and organic dyes, these are leading hazardous threat to eco-system. Several mitigation techniques of As (III), Cr (VI) and organic dyes are available but efforts are going on to devise a novel method of removal of these toxicants. This review takes into account all the recent advances in the detoxification of contaminated water exploring removal mechanism by biosorption and bioaccumulation. The possibility of the removal of toxic heavy metals from an aqueous medium by plant and bacterial biomass has been discussed. Now a days, bioaccumulation and biosorption from plants and microbial sources has emerged as simple, effective and eco-friendly techniques for decontamination of these chemical compounds from water resources at very low cost. Many agricultural products and solid wastes have also been found suitable decontaminant of toxic heavy metals and dyes. A wide spectrum of medicinal and aromatic plants as well as aquatic plants available in abundance may also be utilized as potential remover of As (III), Cr (VI) and organic dyes. This article explained mechanism and application on detail aspects of bioremediation technology including conventional techniques with recent development. This review shows the trends and development of mitigation stretagies by bioremediation with latest updates.

The Predation Behaviour of Fictor composticola on Parasitic Nematodes of Button Mushroom, Agaricus bisporus

In this study, the predation behaviour of male and female predatory nematode, Fictor composticola, was studied on five prey nematode species, Aphelenchus avenae, Aphelenchoides swarupi, Ditylenchus myceliophagus, Bursilla sp. and Panagrolaimus sp., found in the white button mushroom compost. The period of the study is of six months. The data recorded on number of encounters, part of the body of prey attacked, stage of the prey attacked, duration of feeding etc. The strike rate and prey susceptibility were calculated. The average number of encounters on all the five preys done by female F. composticola was 3.0 and that of the male was 6.0. Male F. composticola had more number of encounters on the prey nematode species than the females. Both the sexes preferred juvenile stages over adults as prey. The most attacked part by both females and males predator, was the posterior part of the prey body. In 80% of cases, female predators fed on the first encountered prey while males attacked the first encountered prey in 30% of cases only. The strike rate of female F. composticola was more (78.6%) than the male (48.2%). Mycophagous nematodes were more susceptible to predator’s attack than the microbivorous nematodes. The strike rate of the predator on different prey nematode species was found more on mycophagous nematodes than on microbivorous nematodes and minimum on Panagrolaimus sp. The average feeding duration of female F. composticola was 8 min and 31 sec and in the case of males it was 4 min and 11 sec.