Hayam A.A. Mahdy1, A.M.R. Abdelmawgoud2*, Z.F. Fawzy2 and Huda A. Ibrahim2
1Botany Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. 2Vegetable Research Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: DR_abdelmawgoud@yahoo.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.02
Key words: Cucumber, nano calcium, nano silicon, plant growth, total fruit weight
Abstract: Trials were carried out in plastic greenhouses at a private farm in the Qaha region, Qalubia Governorate, Egypt (30.288 N; 31.198 E), during two consecutive spring seasons (2020 and 2021). The objective was to investigate the impact of nano compounds, spray specifically nano calcium and nano silicon, on the growth characteristics, yield, and quality of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) under protected cultivation conditions. The study used two foliar sprays of Lithovit® (nano calcium carbonate 80.2 %) at 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 g/L and nano silicon (SiO2 25 %) at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mL/L. Nano elements (calcium or silicon) were applied to cucumber seedlings in the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth weeks after transplantation. All monitored attributes increased with both nano-element treatments. Plants receiving nano calcium had higher plant height, fresh and dry weights, and branch counts than those receiving nano silicon. However, growth was best with 1.0 g/L nano calcium. Compared to control, nano elements boosted cucumber plant N, P, K, Ca, and Si. In both nano calcium and nano silicon treatments, fruit length, diameter, average weight, and total weight rose. Yield increases may outweigh nano nutrient costs.
Madhu Kumar, Prahlad Deb* and Pradipto Kumar Mukherjee
Department of Horticulture & Postharvest Technology, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan - 731236, West Bengal. Corresponding e-mail: debprld@yahoo.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.03
Key words: Wild date palm, fruit morphology, biochemical profile, antioxidant
Abstract: The date palm is regarded as one of the most nutritious fruits of the arid zone. Fruits are eaten fresh as hard, ripe, or soft dates and are high in calories, iron, magnesium, vitamins, and antioxidants. There is a high potential for expanding the area, production, and processing of date palm as a rain-fed fruit crop in the Western dry tract of West Bengal, where wild types grow abundantly without human intervention. Thus, the current study was conducted to investigate the physicochemical and antioxidative properties of fifteen wild date palm (Phoenix sylvestris Roxb.) genotypes (P-1 to P-15) from various locations in the Bolpur Sriniketan Block of the Birbhum district during the year 2022 in order to identify superior genotypes for commercial exploitation through a future breeding programme. The majority of the genotypes showed early-to-mid season fruiting with consistent fruit bearing. Date palm genotypes P-6, P-2, P-15, and P-12 had larger fruit sizes, higher pulp content, and higher TSS. The P-1 accession had the highest fruit productivity value (27 bunches/tree). Notably, at the rutab stage, accessions P-1, P-6, P-2, P-15, and P-12 had significant sugar content, indicating excellent fruit quality and antioxidant richness. These genotypes are recommended as ideal candidates for propagation and subsequent cultivation due to their outstanding characteristics.
A.M. Dandwate*, B.H. Joshi and R.M. Dhingani
College of Food Processing Technology and Bioenergy, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, (388110), Gujarat, India. Corresponding e-mail: amrutadandwate01@gmail.com
Abstract: The mango seed kernel (MSK) stands out as a rich source of total phenolic compounds and premium-quality fats. This study aimed to optimize the hot air drying process parameters for MSK, utilizing a tray dryer to achieve maximum yield of mango seed kernel oil (MSKO) while retaining high levels of total phenolic compounds. The experimentation involved the application of a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) analysis, leading to the identification of the optimal drying conditions—60°C temperature, resulting in a yield of 11.80% MSKO and 163.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of MSK, with a desirability index of 0.861.After establishing the standard hot air drying parameters, the biochemical composition of MSK showed enhancement due to the effective preservation of bioactive compounds, particularly total phenolic compounds. This extensive experiment not only improves the yield of MSKO but also enhances the nutritional value of MSK. The findings highlight the potential for additional investigation and utilisation of mango seed kernel in food and bioenergy applications.
M.S. Srinivas, K. Rajesh*, P. Supraja, E. Tejaswini, M. Meghana and A. Srihari
College of Food Science and Technology, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh. Corresponding e-mail: k.rajesh@angrau.ac.in
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.05
Key words: Ripened banana, freeze drying, biscuits, textural property and solubility index
Abstract: The study is undertaken to develop fortified powder blends of wheatgrass and ripened banana to evaluate the technical properties of flours. The combinations were produced by adding banana powder to the wheatgrass in the combinations of C1 (50W:50B), C2 (25W:75B), C3 (75W:25B), C4 (0W:100B), C5 (100W:0B). The proximate analysis such as moisture content, protein, ash content was reported to be higher in C1 and C2, respectively. Ash content of blend flours ranged between 4.2 to 6.8%, whereas protein was reported between 3.22 to 13.22%. The bulk density and tapped density were reported in the following order: C4>C1>C2>C3>C5 with bulk density values of 0.487, 0.384, 0.317, 0.263 and 0.232 g/cc, respectively. Hausner’s ratio ranged from 1.108 to 1.307 across different flours, which fall under fair and passable flow characteristics. A solubility index of 0.16±0.02 g/g was reported for both C2 and C5, represented by 75 and 100% of banana flour, respectively. Biscuits produced from the developed flour blends reported hardness in the order of C3> C1>C2 indicating hard biscuits from blending with a higher proportion of wheatgrass flour. Adhesive force of biscuit samples were 10, 29 and 20 (g) for samples C1, C2 and C3, respectively.
N.El Bey*, A. Mami Maazoun, O. Nahdi, N. Ben Krima and M.K. Aounallah
1National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, INAT, Tunis Cedex 1082, University of Carthage, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Tunis, Tunisia. Corresponding e-mail: nazihabey87@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.01
Key words: Hydric stress, morphological features, physiological features, biochemical features
Abstract: Agriculture is grappling with water scarcity, leading to diminished crop yields, economic challenges, environmental degradation, and threats to food security. The future of agriculture hinges on the implementation of sustainable water resource management and adaptation strategies. Specifically, in arid regions, the adoption of water-efficient irrigation practices is crucial for fruit growers. This approach not only helps in conserving water but also reduces costs and ensures the vitality of orchards. The cultivation of fruit trees, especially in water-stressed areas, demands meticulous irrigation management for survival. Growers play a key role in identifying stress indicators that serve as crucial markers for monitoring tree health. Proactively addressing these indicators enables growers to maintain healthier trees, resulting in higher yields. Identifying and understanding fruit tree stress indicators play a pivotal role in enhancing orchard management practices, ultimately contributing to increased yields, cost reduction, and the promotion of sustainability. This review evaluates the effectiveness of stress indicators in gauging water stress levels. It delves into the multifaceted impacts of water scarcity on agriculture and underscores the recommendation for water-efficient irrigation practices to counteract fluctuations in water availability. In environments facing water scarcity, vigilant irrigation management coupled with the identification of stress indicators strengthens the resilience and productivity of fruit tree agriculture. This study contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on sustainable horticulture in the face of a changing world.
Yashkumar1, Dutta Samit 2 and P. Srilatha1*
1Department of Food Processing Technology, College of Food Processing Technology and Bio Energy, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat 388110, India. 2Department of Food Business Management, College of Food Processing Technology and Bio Energy, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat 388110, India. Corresponding e-mail: srilatha2708@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.06
Key words: Cactus fruit, mint, tisane, total betalain content, total antioxidant activity, drying, herbal tea
Abstract: Cactus (prickly pear) is a nutrient-rich fruit with medicinal and health benefits, including minerals (iron, calcium, potassium), vitamins, antioxidants, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects. Mint, a versatile herb, enhances flavor. Herbal fruit teas are increasingly popular. Tisanes are popular for its antioxidant properties mainly because of phenols, which leach in water during infusion. Cactus fruits were dried in hot air dryer and the drying temperature of 50°C was optimized based on minimum drying time, maximum total betalain content and maximum total antioxidant activity. Mint leaves were dried using shade drying at a temperature of 30±2°C up to a moisture content of 7%. Formulation of cactus fruit-based tisane was done by using different cactus-mint ratios. Cactus mint ratio was standardized by highest overall acceptability, total antioxidant activity, and colour a* value. Cactus fruit-based tisane infusion was prepared by dipping a tea bag containing 2 g of dried material in 100 mL of hot water (95±2°C) for a steeping time of 2 min. Based on statistical analysis, the best combination of cactus fruit-mint ratio for tisane was optimized as 85:15. Infusion of cactus fruit-based tisane contained 10.92 mg/100g of total betalain content, 0.89 mg/100g of vitamin C, 12.19 mM/100g of total antioxidant activity etc., and the microbial analysis revealed that the total plate count (cfu/g) was in limit and yeast and mould count (cfu/g) was zero.
B. Saai Vignesh1, B. Anujaa2 and S. Manickavasagam2
1Agricultural College & Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. 2 Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Corresponding e-mail: b.saai.vignesh@gmail.com
Abstract: In this study, we investigated the efficiency of Tetragonula iridipennis Smith, India’s prevalent stingless bee, as a pollinator during the Rabi season, specifically focusing on coriander, cultivated for seed production. Our findings revealed several key insights during the peak blooming period of coriander. The highest activity of outgoing bees occurred between 1000-1200 hrs, with the peak number of pollen foragers recorded between 1100-1200 hrs, averaging 3.83 bees/5min/hour over six days. Nectar-foraging bees were most active between 1100 and 1400 hrs, while resin-foraging bees were observed at their peak between 1400 and 1500 hrs. Incorporating stingless bees in open-pollinated coriander crops resulted in a substantial yield of 130 kg of seeds per acre per 10 colonies, accompanied by 130 g of honey production within 28 days. Comparatively, this represented a 31 percent increase in seed production when compared to fields without bee colonies. These findings underscore the valuable role of T. iridipennis in enhancing coriander seed production, with potential implications for crop productivity and honey production.
Harshit Mishra*, K.K. Singh and Supriya
Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.)-224 229, India. Corresponding e-mail: wehars@gmail.com
Abstract: This paper presents a study conducted in the Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, focusing on the marketing of bitter gourd in the selected area. The research employed a multistage stratified purposive cum random sampling technique to select the district, block, villages, and respondents. From the population, 100 growers were randomly chosen, comprising 66 marginal, 23 small, and 11 medium farmers during the period of 2021-2022, using the proportionate allocation technique. Primary data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a survey schedule. Three distinct marketing channels for bitter gourd were identified: Channel-I (producer to consumer), Channel-II (producer to retailer to consumer) and Channel-III (producer to wholesaler to retailer to consumer). The study revealed that Channel-I exhibited the highest marketing efficiency (29.15), followed by Channel-II (5.47) and Channel-III showed the lowest efficiency (2.96). Notably, different groups of farms predominantly sold bitter gourd through Channel-III. The research also shed light on the challenges faced by bitter gourd growers, including issues related to perishability, price fluctuations, and inadequate storage facilities. The paper emphasizes the significance of policymakers and stakeholders addressing these challenges and developing effective strategies and interventions to support the bitter gourd farming community.
Abstract: Food spoilage due to browning is one of the major challenges faced by the food and processing industries. In fruits and vegetables, browning due to both enzymatic and nonenzymatic reactions is a common event that renders them unattractive and unsuitable for consumption. In the last few decades, numerous studies have been conducted to slow or inhibit these undesirable physiological reactions during processing and storage. An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of different antibrowning agents on the quality and shelf life of fresh-cut pineapple from 2020-2021 in the laboratory of the Department of Horticulture at Annamalai University. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments and was replicated 3 times, viz., T1 (ascorbic acid 500 ppm), T2 (ascorbic acid 1000 ppm), T3 (citric acid 250 ppm), T4 (citric acid 500 ppm), T5 (sodium chloride 100 ppm), T6 (sodium chloride 200 ppm), T7 (calcium chloride 100 ppm), T8 (calcium chloride 200 ppm), T9 (honey 5%), T10 (honey 10%), and T11 (control). Antibrowning agents significantly and positively impacted the quality parameters of fresh-cut fruits. The minimum PLW (0.71%) and maximum scores of firmness (2.16kg/cm2), titratable acidity (0.53%), total sugar (11.65%), nonreducing sugar (1.94%) and texture index (2.37) were recorded in T8. However, maximum TSS (14.6 °Brix), total sugar (11.65%), and reducing sugar (9.48%) were recorded in T10. The lowest browning rate was recorded in the treatment with ascorbic acid in T2. The treatments with calcium chloride and ascorbic acid best retained the quality of fresh-cut pineapple fruit.
Vivek Mishra and Mohammad Faisal
Amity School of Communication, Amity University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Corresponding e-mail: vivek_mishra2012@rediffmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.10
Key words: YouTube, mango cultivation, video originality, channel categories, geographical location, subscriber counts, principal components analysis, correlation analysis.
Abstract: This research delved into the dynamics of knowledge-sharing on YouTube within the context of mango cultivation. Analyzing a diverse dataset of 153 videos, the impact of video originality, channel categories, and geographical locations on viewership and subscriber counts was investigated. While descriptive statistics suggested that, on average, original videos received more views, an ANOVA revealed a non-significant difference in viewership between original and non-original videos, indicating additional factors at play. Geographical locations demonstrated significant variations in subscriber counts, emphasizing the influence of location on mean views. Correlation analysis underscored strong positive associations between subscriber counts and views/likes, highlighting the key role of subscribers in measuring audience engagement. Utilizing Principal Components Analysis (PCA), we identified six components explaining 100% of the dataset variance. Component 1 represented overall video popularity, while Component 2 captured nuances of content quality and appreciation. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights for content creators and researchers navigating YouTube's landscape for knowledge-sharing in mango cultivation. While originality and channel categories may not be the primary drivers of viewership, geographical location and subscriber counts emerged as crucial influencers. The PCA and correlation analyses reveal intricate aspects that contribute to video performance, enabling stakeholders to enhance content strategies for efficient knowledge dissemination on YouTube.