1Technology of Agriculture Industry, Agriculture Technology Faculty, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia, 2Present address: Agriculture Technology Faculty, Udayana University, Bukit Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung, Bali (80361), Indonesia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.32
Key words: Bio-plastic composites, modified cassava starch, glucomannan, fillers
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Abstract: The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of variations in filler types, the addition of fillers and their interactions on the characteristics of bio-plastic composites from modified cassava starch-glucomannan, and determine the type and addition of fillers that produce the best bio-plastic composite characteristics of modified cassava starch-glucomannan. This research applied a randomized block design with factorial experiments using two factors consisted of the type of filler (ZnO, CMC and chitosan) and the addition of fillers (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 g), with the total of 18 combination treatments. Each combination treatment was grouped into 4 based on the processing time of making bio-plastic composites. The variables observed were tensile strength, elongation at break, Young’s modulus, swelling, degradation time of bio-plastic composites, surface profiles using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and functional groups using FTIR spectrometers. The results showed that the type, the addition of fillers and their interactions had a very significant effect on tensile strength, elongation, Young’s modulus, swelling, and degradation time of bio-plastic composites from modified glucomannan cassava starch. Bio-plastic composites from modified cassava-glucomannan starch using ZnO with the addition of 0.6-1.0 g had the best characteristics compared to others with tensile strength values ??reaching 2012.45-2022.23 MPa, elongation at break 8.12-8.65 %, Young’s modulus 23.265.32 - 24,904.31 MPa, swelling 9.52-9.72 %, and degradation time of 6.25 days. Transverse surface profiles showed a smooth wave surface, there were not any holes or pores and visible fibers, while longitudinal surface profiles showed a fewer holes or pores and more smooth surface with not too high waves. In addition, these bio-plastic composites contained functional groups (O-H) and (C-H).
1Field Crops Directorate, National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), P.O. Box 19831, Baqa’, Jordan. 2Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), P.O. Box 3030, 22110, Irbid, Jordan.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.33
Key words: Pollen, storage, pistachio, cultivars, viability, germination
Abstract: This study was conducted to examine the effect of storage temperature and duration on viability and in vitro germination of pollen grains of seven pistachio cultivars. Pollens were stored at room temperature (24±2 oC), refrigerator (4 oC) and freezer (-5 oC) for 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks. Pollen viability was estimated by using staining methods including tetrazolium test (TTC), iodine and potassium iodine (IKI) and safranin solutions, and using an in vitro pollen germination. The results showed that at all storage methods and durations, pollen viability and in vitro pollen germination were significantly the highest for Batouri and Ashouri cultivars and the lowest for Marawhi and Elemi cultivars. The highest pollen viability as estimated by safranin staining was attained when pollens were stored under freezer condition. However, pollen viability by TTC was the lowest at room temperature storage. In addition, in vitro pollen germination and viability significantly decreased as storage duration increased. This study revealed no differences between in vitro germination percentages for refrigerated and freezer stored pollen up to 2 weeks. Meanwhile, in vitro germination of room-stored pollen was gradually decreased when storage duration increased. At the end of storage period, pollen viability was reduced slightly under freezer conditions, whereas, the reduction in viability was the highest for refrigerated and room-stored pollen with no differences between them. This study showed a significant interaction effect of cultivar x storage temperature x storage duration on pollen viability but not for in vitro pollen germination.
1Doctoral Program in Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University. 2Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Udayana University, Indonesia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.34
Key words: Edible coating, Aloe vera gel, self-life, mango
Abstract: Fresh-cut mango is a very popular product commonly consumed due to its health and safety benefits to the community. The cutting results in increased respiration, ethylene production, oxidation, and browning processes which tends to shorten its life. Edible coating of aloe gel (Ecogel) serves as an additive matrix to extend the life of fresh-cut mango with the incorporation of antioxidant, acidulant, and antimicrobial additives. The edible coating ability is strongly influenced by molecular structure, size, and chemical constituents.This study, therefore, aimed to determine the influence of incorporation nano-additive material and its concentration in ecogel to extend the shelf life of the mango. The factorial complete randomized design was used to determine the effect of citric, ascorbic, and potassium sorbate acid using a concentration of 0.15, 0.3, and 0.45 %. Citric acid, ascorbic acid and potassium sorbate at a concentration of 0.15 %, was best for formulation of Ecogel. The quality of fresh-cut fruit coated with Ecogel was acceptable at a temperature of 7 ± 1 ?C until day 6. Therefore, Ecogel prolongs the shelf-life of fresh-cut mango.
Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.35
Key words: Flower senescence, Narcissus tazetta, postharvest life, relative fresh weight, total soluble sugar, water uptake
Abstract: The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and selenium (Se) on postharvest quality and the vase life of Narcissus tazetta were investigated. A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with 1-MCP at concentrations of 0, 0.5, and 1 µL L-1 and Se at 0, 1 and 2 mg L-1 with 3 replicates (4 cut flowers per each replicate) was conducted. The results showed that treatment of cut flowers with 1-MCP and Se significantly increased the vase life, water uptake and relative fresh weight of cut N. tazetta cut flowers. Fresh weight of flower increased from 0.58 (control) to 0.92 g using 1 µL L-1 1-MCP treatment. Total soluble solids (TSS) and total soluble sugar of flowers treated with all the levels of 1-MCP and Se significantly decreased as compared to control. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of treated cut flowers with 1-MCP and Se were significantly increased in comparison to the control. The highest (13.41 days) vase live was obtained in 1 µL L-1 1-MCP treatment. The study revealed that application of 1-MCP and Se delayed senescence symptoms resulting extended vase life and postharvest quality of N. tazetta cut flowers.
1Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University. P.O. Box: 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya. 2Department of Crop Sciences, College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 210 Musanze, Rwanda.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.36
Key words: Antibacterial activity, botanicals, growth inhibition zone, minimum inhibitory concentration, potato, Ralstonia solanacearum
Abstract: Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum Smith is the most severe potato disease in Rwanda because there is no known pesticide for it and cultural control methods seem almost impossible to implement. Therefore, use of plant extracts with antibacterial activities which are locally available, economically affordable and environmental friendly could be an alternative in the management of the disease. This research focused on in vitro screening of the antibacterial activity of methanol, water and chloroform extracts of ten local plant materials against the pathogen. From this screening, methanol and water extracts of three promising plant species, i.e., tobacco, wild marigold and garlic were also used for determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results showed higher inhibition zone of methanol extracts (16.85 mm) against bacteria followed by water (14.42 mm) and chloroform (14.19 mm) extracts. All ten plant extracts inhibited the growth of the pathogen. Higher antibacterial activity was found in tobacco, wild marigold and garlic extracts (19.61, 18.56, and 18.3 mm inhibition zones, respectively). Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of methanol extracts from tobacco and wild marigold was 6.25 mg mL-1 whereas, garlic methanol extract was 12.5 mg mL-1. Furthermore, MIC of water extract was 12.5 mg/mL-1 in all three plant species. The findings revealed that tobacco, garlic and wild marigold extracts are the best in the control of potato bacterial wilt. Moreover, methanol extracts are the most efficient in management of potato bacterial wilt in comparison to water and chloroform extracts.
Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202. Bangladesh.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.37
Key words: Strawberry, runners, root-shoot growth, PGRs, indole butyric acid
Abstract: Strawberry is a promising small fruit crop in Bangladesh. Farmers are giving priority to grow this short duration fruit in their field due to early fruiting and high market demand. The main obstacle is shortage of quality planting materials during planting time. Moreover, saplings produced from tissue culture techniques are very costly, as a result many of interested growers are unable to cultivate strawberry. Therefore, this study was undertaken to find out the impact of indole butyric acid (IBA) on root induction in strawberry daughter plants. Four concentrations of IBA (0, 100, 200 and 300 ppm) were applied at the base of newly born daughter plants of strawberry and inserted them in a polybag (10 cm×5 cm) with loamy soil for rooting. Thereafter, rooting performance of daughter plants was checked at 10, 15, 20 and 25 days after application (DAA) of IBA. The experiment was conducted following randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that different concentrations of IBA exhibited differently on root and shoot development of newly grown strawberry saplings. All the studied parameters were significantly influenced by IBA solutions except root length of saplings. Among the concentrations, 100 and 200 ppm IBA showed successful results in respect of all traits studied while 300 ppm IBA performed better in fresh weight of leaves of new saplings. However, it can be concluded that grower can use 100 and/or 200 ppm IBA solution at the base of newly grown daughter plants to expedite rooting and shoot development of strawberry saplings.
1Department of Microbiology, Centre for Research & PG Studies, Indian Academy Degree College - Autonomous, Bengaluru-560043, Karnataka, India. 2Department of Biology, Prayoga Education Research Centre (PERC), Bengaluru-560085, Karnataka, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.38
Key words: Pleurotus ostreatus, substrates, biological efficiency
Abstract: Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is the second most cultivated edible mushrooms worldwide after Agaricus bisporus. has more economic, ecological values and medicinal properties. Huge amounts of ligno-cellulosic agricultural crop residues by-products rich in organic compounds are annually generated. This study was conducted to compare effects of different agro residues on growth and bioconversion efficiency of oyster mushroom. P. ostreatus was cultivated on different treatment substrates viz., corn sheath + corn cob + coir pith (T1), paddy straw + ragi straw (T2) and sugarcane bagasse (T3) supplemented with 10 % wheat bran. Parameters such as days, spawn run, primordial formation, harvest days, total yield and biological efficiency were evaluated. The best substrate was found to be T2 (paddy straw + ragi straw) in terms of spawn run (28 days), primordial formation (30 days), average number of fruiting bodies (108±1.3), stem length (7 cm) and cap diameter (9.5±0.085 cm). Total yield of P. ostreatus on different treatment substrates T1, T2 and T3 was found as 507±5 g, 317.7±3.1 g and 761±7.5 g, respectively. The biological efficiency of P. ostreatus was found high in T1 (92.08±0.89 %) followed by T3 (87.39±0.85 %) and T1 (72.37±0.7 %).
1Rajiv Gandhi Chair, SKUAST-K, Srinagar. 2Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal. 3The Glocal University, U.P., 4Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Rangreth, Srinagar. 5Krishi Vigyan Kendra Anantnag, SKUAT-K.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.39
Key words: Pesticide use, disposal, empty container, willingness to pay, cost of illness, production, apple
Abstract: Jammu and Kashmir, the northern most state is one of the most important apple producing states of India. The pesticide trade has increased tremendously in the region which affects both environment and human health. This paper presents and estimated the cost of illness resulting from pesticide-related acute health symptoms in the apple growing region of Jammu and Kashmir. Apple growers reported as many as 15 serious issues and symptoms associated with the use of pesticides in the region. The study employs Cobb-Douglas linear production function, Cost of Illness method and Contingent valuation method through Willingness to Pay for analysing the requisite data. The study reveals that pesticide sprays and chemical fertilisers contribute 17.25 and 24.23 per cent to the overall apple production in the region. There is a decrease of 7.72 per cent cost of illness if the respondent who applies pesticides is a male and similarly, age of the respondent is having 0.35 per cent impact and incurs huge cost for the illness due to exposure. Similarly, household willingness to pay (WTP) for safer pesticides states that highly qualified respondents in the area are ready to pay 63.59 percent more than the less qualified/illiterate respondents.
1Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, UHS Campus, GKVK Post, Bengaluru - 560065, Karnataka, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.40
Key words: Plumeria rubra, Coleosporium plumeriae, and ITS rDNA
Abstract: Temple tree (Plumeria rubra) is a cosmopolitan ornamental flowering and an avenue tree. Generally, Plumeria sp. is affected by several diseases, among them rust caused by Coleosporium plumeriae was found infecting the temple trees in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India with the severity of 80-100 per cent in the early June till end of August 2016-17. Initially, numerous orange coloured rusty pustules were seen on abaxial leaf and these pustules covered the entire leaf causing inward rolling of leaves, necrosis, senescence and finally leaf abscission. Microscopic observation of the rust pustules revealed the presence of golden pale yellow coloured uredospores that varied from globose to ellipsoidal in shape, ranging from 20-40 x 16-28 ?m in size, borne on erumpent uredinia and no other spore stages were observed. Molecular identification of this pathogen (Indian isolate) through ITS rDNA region amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed 99 % sequence homology with the China isolate (Accession no. KF879087.1). ITS rDNA region partial sequence of the pathogen was deposited in NCBI, GenBank with accession no. MH656772.
1Department of Zoology, Raiganj University, Raiganj-733134, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, India. 2Immunopharmacology and Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Gour Banga, Malda-732103, West Bengal, India. 3Microbiology and Computational Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Raiganj University, Raiganj-733134, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, India. 4Entomology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Gour Banga, Malda-732103, West Bengal, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.41
Key words: Mango mealy bug, cultivar preference, oviposition preference, biochemical estimation, phagostimulants, phagodeterrents
Abstract: Five different popular mango cultivars (Fazli, Guti, Lakhanbhog, Gopalbhog and Langra) of Malda, West Bengal, India were screened for the mango mealy bug (Drosicha mangiferae G.) population in panicle and trunk throughout the pest infestation period during 2018 and 2019. The average pest number at peak time (13 Standard Meteorological Week or SMW) of infestation indicated that maximum pest number of 132.57 and 28.05 was noted in the 30 cm branch of inflorescence and 10 cm2 area of the trunk in Fazli cultivar. Whereas, minimum number of 20.27/ 30 cm branch of inflorescence and 6.36 in the same area of trunk was found in Langra. Study of various biological parameters of mealy bugs also indicated the the order of infestation of the five cultivars as Fazli>Guti>Lakhanbhog>Gopalbhog>Langra. Analysis of various biochemical parameters have and nitrogen. Significant negative correlation was observed between pest number and alkaloid, flavonoid, phenol, tannin, ascorbic acid as well as crude fibre suggesting their pivotal role in low pest incidence. By considering the adjusted R2 in stepwise multiple regression model, it was noticed that tannin was the most significant factor (39.2 %) followed by nitrogen (15.5 %), flavonoid (11.4 %), phenol (7.7 %), ascorbic acid (6.9 %) and protein (6.2 %) to influence pest number. Factors like moisture (1.00 %), sugar (2.7 %), antioxidant (1.0 %) had minor contributions. Therefore, it can be concluded that a combination of factors influence pest density and a single factor is not adequate to affect the pest population. The study is helpful in understanding the host preference of mealy bug.
1Department of Humanities, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, India. 2Department of Business Administration, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.42
Key words: India, Granger Causality Test, Johansen Cointegration Test, VECM model, OLS
Abstract: India’s horticulture production has shown manifold increase in the past two decades and the country is ranking second in the world only next to China. Keeping in mind, the increasing trend in horticulture production and individual product, the purpose of the current paper was to study the short run and long run relation between economic growth and horticulture production as a whole. The study used secondary data on horticulture production and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 2001 to 2018. The econometric tools used were Granger Causality Test, Johansen Cointegration test, VECM model and OLS. Johansen Cointegration Test showed that there is long run relation between the variables; The Vector Error Correction model and its probability output showed that there is no significant short run relation between variables except one, that is when horticulture production is considered as independent variable and GDP as dependent variable. Granger Casualty Test showed absence of cause and effect relation (both way) between the three variables. Out of all variables, OLS showed a significant relation only between GDP and horticulture production.The study revealed that horticulture production shares a linear relationship with GDP both as dependent and as independent variable, but the association does not satisfy Granger Causality Test, indicating that there was no cause and effect relation between the variables. Given that agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy, the absence of short run relation between horticulture and food grain production and food grain with GDP is a matter of concern.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab – 152026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.43
Key words: Cherry tomato, magnesium sulphate, total soluble solids, yield
Abstract: The quality of agricultural production and their modulation by fertilizer application has increasingly received attention. However, the importance of magnesium (Mg) as an essential plant nutrient is well established, but its application has not been studied extensively specially in cherry tomato. The experiment was carried out during two successive seasons of 2018 and 2019 in polyhouse under ventilated condition to evaluate the effect of different Mg levels on growth, yield and fruit quality of cherry tomato grown under drip irrigation system. Foliar application of magnesium sulphate was done at three levels (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 %) on three cultivars viz., Punjab Red Cherry, Punjab Kesar Cherry and Punjab Sona Cherry during vegetative stage at different time interval (at the first fortnight of January, February and March). The vegetative growth, yield and important quality traits of different cherry tomato cultivars, including TSS, titratable acidity were determined. Punjab Kesar Cherry cultivar showed 19 % higher total soluble solids (TSS) than Punjab Sona Cherry and 10 % higher than Punjab Red Cherry and also showed titrable acidity 20 and 9 % higher than the cultivar Punjab Red Cherry and Punjab Sona Cherry, respectively. The TSS and titratable acidity in tomato fruits increased with Mg application rates. A significantly higher yield was recorded with Punjab Sona Cherry (6.96 kg/m2) as compared to Punjab Red Cherry (5.63 kg/m2) and followed by Punjab Kesar cherry (5.29 kg/m2) with the foliar application of 0.4 % magnesium sulphate.
1Department of Botany, Rajasthan University, Jaipur -302004, India. 2BNF and Microbial Genomics Laboratory, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur-342033.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2000.v22i03.44
Key words: Prosopis cineraria, DPPH, antioxidant activity, phytonutrients, underutilised fruits
Abstract: Prosopis cineraria commonly called ‘khejri’ is highly versatile tree supporting wildlife, human beings and livestock in Indian desert. It is used as food, fodder, fixes atmospheric nitrogen, stabilizes sand dunes and its fruits are consumed fresh as well as after drying. Pods were sampled at 5 developmental stages viz., S1(3.5 cm), S2 (5.7 cm), S3 (9.2 cm), S4 (15.3 cm), S5 (17.4 cm, naturally dried pods on tree) to evaluate the changes in phytonutrients(total sugars, reducing sugars, protein and total phenol) and antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide scavenging and ferric reducing power assay during fruit development from S1 to S5. Total soluble sugar content increased from S1 stage (47.1 mg-1f.wt.) to S5 stage (64.28 mg-1f.wt.), reducing sugar and sucrose content also increased from 20.65 mg-1f.wt to 29.45 mg-1f.wt and 18.75 to 33.84 mg-1f.wt, respectively. Free amino acid and protein content increased during the development of the pods from very young to ripened stage. Whereas, total phenol content (TPC) was high at S1 stage (229.59 mg-1f.wt.) as compared to S5 stage (55.24 mg-1 g.f.wt.) DPPH radical scavenging activity decreases from 78.46 to 22.72 % during fruit development but ferric reducing activity increased with maturity of the pods. These studies are significant in evaluating phytochemical and antioxidant activities of the fruits that are consumed in every season by the local rural people. This study can help in prioritization of these local underutilised fruits as they are rich in some of the phytonutrients and antioxidants.
Horticultural Research Institute and Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Egypt.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.45
Key words: Cucumber, combining ability, heterosis, fusarium wilt, resistance, antioxidant and oxidative activity, DPPH
Abstract: This study was conducted during 2017 and 2018 at Kaha Vegetable Research Farm, Horticulture Research Institute, Qalyubia Governorate to develop promising hybrids of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) for yield and fruit quality characters under fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) infection stress in Egypt using diallel mating design. The pathogenicity and host range experiment revealed that Fusarium oxysporum isolate No.3 was the most virulent one to the susceptible cucumber cultivar “Beta alpha” and cucumber was the only infected host. The prevalence of the non-additive variance suggested heterosis breeding approach is effective way for improvement of these traits. Most of the traits exhibited significant hybrid vigor for some of crosses based on the better-parent. The analysis of variance showed that all the studied traits were highly significant indicating that both of the parents and hybrids had high variability. Significant general and specific combining ability variances were obtained in all studied traits implying that both additive and non-additive gene effects control genetic expression of these traits. The study showed that lines P2, P4 and P5 had significant positive GCA effects for total yield trait under fusarium wilt stress. Thus, these parents could be successfully used in future breeding programs. Among all the crosses, P1×P3, P1×P4, P1×P5, P2×P4 and P2×P5 exhibited significant SCA effects for both early and total yield characters under fusarium wilt stress. So, these hybrids can be used in future breeding program. The genotypes Kaha1×Dokky2 and Kaha1×Kaha2 followed by Kaha2×Dokky3 as well as Kaha1×Dokky3 were the most resistant genotypes decreasing disease severity correlated with increase in total phenol contents and activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and catalase as compared to susceptible genotypes, i.e., Dokky3, Kaha1×Dokky1 and Dokky1. The scavenging activity was higher in susceptible genotypes compared with resistant genotypes. Furthermore, there was a high correlation between the total phenol content and the scavenging activity. Results also revealed a noticeable significant correlation between disease severity, total yield and early yield traits. Cluster analysis classified the fifteen genotypes into five clusters with different number of genotypes. Further improvement of fruit yield could be possible through the hybridization and selection in transgressive segregation.
1Assistant Professor, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, P.O.B. 641003, Tamil Nadu, India. 2Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Kumulur, P.O.B.621712, Tamil Nadu, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2020.v22i03.46
Key words: Turmeric, harvester, physical property, mini-tractor, rhizome
Abstract: This study was aimed to develop the mini-tractor drawn turmeric harvester cum conveyor to dig out and collect the turmeric rhizome. The physical properties of freshly harvested turmeric mother and finger rhizomes (Erode variety) relevant to the development of mini-tractor operated turmeric harvester were determined. Length, width and thickness were 7.90, 2.48, 2.32 cm, respectively. The moisture content of finger and mother rhizomes was found to be 386.85, and 231.56 % (db). The roundness of fresh finger and mother rhizomes were 0.3065 and 0.5244, respectively. Sphericity of the fresh finger and mother rhizomes recorded 0.3052 and 0.4312 respectively. The cylindricity of fresh finger and mother rhizomes was found to be 0.7604 and 0.6428, respectively. The bulk density of finger and mother rhizomes was 523.85 and 532.25 kg/m3, respectively. Based on these physical properties, the equipment was developed with overall dimensions of the equipment of 1000×1000×600 mm (L×W×H). The digger blade was designed with dimensions of 1000(l) × 200(b) × 8(t) mm. Length and width of conveyor is 700 mm and 1000 mm, respectively. Power required for digging, pulling an equipment and conveyor is 11.54 kW, 0.66 kW and 1.15 kW. Total power requirement of the unit is 13.35 kW.