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Graduate School of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0795, Japan. Corresponding e-mail: panawat.sik@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.46
Key words: Chilling requirement, peach production, protected agriculture, Prunus persica
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Abstract: Although ‘KU-PP2’, a low-chill peach cultivar, was released for high-quality peach production under forcing culture, the performance of ‘KU-PP2’ trees under forcing conditions has yet to be determined. In this study, we investigated the spring phenology, fruit development, and fruit quality of ‘KU-PP2’ in a heated plastic house compared with the same traits in an unheated plastic house and open field conditions. We found that the forcing conditions accelerated the spring phenology and harvest period of ‘KU-PP2’. Heated conditions shortened the number of days from dormancy release to blooming and the length of the fruit development period, resulting in the blooming of flowers in late February, with fruit begin harvested as early as mid-May, which was notably earlier than blooming and fruit harvest under natural conditions by 4 and 6 weeks, respectively. Similarly, the unheated conditions accelerated the time to blooming and harvest by up to 3 and 4 weeks, respectively compared with the open field conditions. However, although the fruit produced by trees raised in the heated plastic house could be harvested at an earlier date, the amount of fuel used for the heating system was 50 L per tree, which could be prohibitively expensive for commercial production. Although the fruit growth pattern did not differ significantly between the forcing and natural conditions, the rate of fruit growth at stages S1 and S2 was higher in the heated plastic house than that under the other assessed conditions. Furthermore, the size and quality of fruit obtained under forcing conditions were slightly larger and superior, respectively, than those of fruit produced under natural conditions. Moreover, we found no evidence of split-pits under the forcing conditions. The findings of this study accordingly indicate that cultivation of the low-chill peach ‘KU-PP2’ under forcing conditions is conducive to a notably earlier harvest of fresh peaches. These observations advance our current understanding of the flowering, fruit development, and fruit production of low-chill peaches under forcing conditions.
1Graduate in Genetics and Breeding; 2Department of Biotechnology, Genetics and Cell Biology; 3Department of Biology, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina PI Brasil; 4Department of Agronomy, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, 87020-900 Maringá PR Brazil. Corresponding e-mail: mfpsmachado@uem.br Corresponding e-mail: mfpsmachado@uem.br
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.47
Key words: Bell pepper, bishop’s crown pepper, chili pepper, RAPD td-PCR method, seed bank
Abstract: Assessment of genetic diversity and identification of redundant accessions in seed banks are important to minimize the risk of gene loss in collections and to decrease costs in the management of germplasm banks. Current study used markers at DNA level to evaluate genetic diversity and identify whether there are duplicate accessions of Capsicum spp. in the collections of an active germplasm bank. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA markers using touchdown-polymerase chain reaction method evaluated genetic diversity and identified duplicates in ten accessions of Capsicum spp. Higher genetic diversity has been detected in C. annuum rather than in the species C. chinense and C. baccatum. DNA amplified segments revealed high genetic divergence showing that accessions of C. annuum, C. chinense and C. baccatum were separately grouped after data analysis with three software programs. Accessions of C. baccatum var. pendulum and C. annuum var. glabriusculum were the least similar. Since rates were less than 60% between accessions of C. chinense and C. annuum, they revealed low identity of amplified DNA segments among the three Capsicum species. Redundance in four accessions of C. chinense and in five accessions of C. annuum was not detected. On the other hand, duplicates within accessions C. chinense (50%), C. annuum var. glabrisculum (5%) and C. baccatum var. pendulum (75%) were reported in the Capsicum active germplasm bank.
Department of Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur - 208 024, UP, India. Corresponding e-mail: mfpsmachado@uem.br
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.48
Key words: Withania somnifera, callus, table sugar, phenolic, flavonoid
Abstract: The present investigation was carried out to develop an efficient protocol for low cost secondary metabolite production through in vitro callus culture of a medicinal herb Withania somnifera. The leaf explants, excised from the shoots collected from university campus, were cultured under different experimental conditions for in vitro callus induction and growth. The experimental conditions were optimized for reducing the cost of in vitro callusing medium. In the callusing medium double distilled water was replaced by reverse osmosis water, sucrose by table sugar and by lowering (0.7 % w/v) agar concentration instead of 0.8 %. Different concentration and combinations of 2,4-D and Kinetin were tested for callus induction and growth from leaf tissue. The leaf explant cultured on 0.7 % (w/v) agar gelled MS medium prepared with RO water and having 4.50 µM 2,4-D and 4.65 µM Kn were found best for callus induction. The cost of this medium was 11 times lower than the normal medium. The callus obtained on this medium was dried at room temperature and extraction of phytochemicals from dried callus was performed by using methanol as solvent. The methanolic extract of callus showed the presence of phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant activity.
1Potato and Vegetatively Propagated Vegetables Department, Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), Agricultural Research Centre (ARC), Giza, Egypt. 2Natural Products Research Department, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: yasser.osman77@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.49
Key words: Green garlic, plant density, algae, Ascophyllum nodosum, Ecklonia maxima, bulb quality
Abstract: This experiment was carried out to study the impact of plant density 5, 6, 7 and 8 lines/ ridge (22, 27, 31, 36 plants/m2) and foliar application of Ascophyllum nodosum and Ecklonia maxima extracts at rate of (0, 0.5 and 1 mL/L) and their interaction on plant growth, yield and chemical constituents of green garlic bulbs under new reclaimed soil. The obtained results showed that plant density 5 and 7 lines/ ridge recorded highest values of plant length, bulb diameter, plant fresh weight, nitrogen and crude protein percentage in dry matter of green garlic bulbs. The plant density of 5 lines/ ridge scored the highest values of leaf area, plant dry weight, bulb weight at harvest time and total carbohydrates concentration. In addition, plants cultivated at rate of 8 lines/ ridge gave the highest values of total yield of green garlic and bulbing ratio. The plant densities at rate of 5 and 6 lines/ ridge scored the highest values of bulb diameter and bulb dry matter at harvest time. Foliar application of 1 mL/L A. nodosum extract led to the highest total yield of green garlic, bulb weight at harvest time, bulb diameter, dry matter percentage, nitrogen and crude protein percentage in dry matter of bulbs. On the other hand, plants sprayed with 0.5 mL/L of A. nodosum and E. maxima extracts gave higher total carbohydrates concentration in bulbs than other treatments. Additionally, plants sprayed with 0.5 and 1 mL/L of A. nodosum extract gave higher potassium percentage in bulbs than other foliar application treatments.
1Department of Horticulture, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea. 2Department of Plant Science, Gangnueng-Wonju National University, Gangnueng 25457, Republic of Korea.Corresponding e-mail: jyheo@gwnu.ac.kr
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.50
Key words: Chilling stress, Chinese cabbage, plant growth regulator, seed treatment
Abstract: In Korea, the seeds of Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis are sown in the winter and spring months. Cold stress can result in irregular seed germination and poor seedling establishment in some cases. Priming seeds with salicylic acid (SA) can reduce the likelihood of poor seedling establishment when exposed to cold stress conditions, which is beneficial for many plant species. The present study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of seed priming with SA on seed germination and seedling establishment in B. rapa ssp. pekinensis under cold stress conditions. Seeds were soaked in different SA concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 mM) for 12 and 24 hours, respectively, and then both primed and unprimed seeds germinated at 5 oC. Using SA treatment, seed germination was improved, as was root and shoot length, which were both longer in SA primed seeds than in unprimed seeds. Based on the findings, it is possible to use SA priming as one of the most effective ways to maintain productivity in B. rapa ssp. pekinensis while it is exposed to low temperatures.
1Department of Farm Machinery & Power Engineering, AEC & RI, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore -641 003, Tamil Nadu, India. 2Department of Agronomy, AC & RI, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Killikulam -641 003, Tamil Nadu, India. Corresponding e-mail: drrthiyagarajan@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.51
Key words: Ergonomics, heart rate, hand tools, grape pruning, evaluation, refinement
Abstract: Grape farming is a labour-intensive operation, with pruning as one of the tasks performed with hand tools. Most of the tropical countries use locally made and commercially available hand pruning tools for grape pruning. Different pruning tools were selected for ergonomic evaluation and refinement was completed based on the physiological responses of the subjects. The comparison between the commercially available Economy tool (M2), Maharashtra tool (L1) and Karnataka tool (L2) model pruner shows that the model Economy tool (M2) gives better performance. Economy tool (M2) model is highly preferred by the grape farmers due to its high performance and more comfort than Maharashtra tool (L1) and Karnataka tool (L2) pruner. This is due to standard material, shape of the pruner slightly bent for easy handling. In Maharashtra (L1) and Karnataka pruning tool (L2) due to direct pressure or “contact stress” refers to on-going contact between a part of the body and a hard edge or surface which in cause the discomfort and pain. Similarly, pressure points of any type can interfere with production. The physiological responses were measured and compared between the ergo refined pruning tool (EM3) and other selected pruning tools. The results for the Ergo refined pruning tool (EM3) registered are 95.2 beats min-1 (Heart rate), 0.566 l min-1 (Oxygen consumption), 11.81 KJ min-1 (Energy expenditure), 30.31 and 20.8 percent of AWL and LCP which is lower values when compared to other selected pruning tools. It was also observed that cutting frequency and area coverage for selected pruning tool varies from 11 to 24 cuts/ min and 750 to 1350 m2/ h. Ergo refined pruning tool (EM3) registered 24 cuts/ min and 1350 m2/ h when compared with other pruning tools. A full hand loop was fitted below the lower handle to improve grip and uniformly apply force throughout the pruning operation, resulting in increased area coverage and frequency of cut.
ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi-221305, India. Corresponding e-mail: vanitha.gkvk@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.52
Key words: Growth rate, forecast, vegetable area, production, productivity,
Abstract: Vegetables are higher in productivity, short duration, and provide a valuable source of income leading to improved livelihood. This study analyzes the growth trends over the years in vegetable area, production and productivity across different states and forecast the future values with the existing growth pattern of vegetables in India.Vegetable area, production and productivity have grown at the rate of 2.17, 4.29 and 2.07 %, respectively from 1961-62 to 2017-18. Further, vegetable production in future is going to increase by 1.75 folds from 197.17Mt by 2020, 242.99Mt by 2030, 284.7 Mt by 2040 and 322.64 Mt by 2050. There would be a surplus production of vegetables ranging from 75 to 133 million tons during 2030-2050 if the same scenario of growth prevails. Highest significant growth rate in vegetable production was seen in the states like Nagaland followed by MPand Tripura. Crops like bottle gourd, brinjal, capsicum, carrot, green chilli, onion, peas, potato, sweet potato, tapioca, musk melon and water melon have more than 50% of their production coming from their 3 highest producing states. These states have to be recognized as hub for the respective crops and encouraged for direct export of surplus after meeting the demand from other consuming states. Processing and market infrastructure should be encouraged in these states for effective utilization and to minimize the wastage of surplus production.
1Departement of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University, Denpasar-Bali, Indonesia. 2Departement of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Warmadewa University, Denpasar-Bali, Indonesia. Corresponding e-mail: rainyoman@unud.ac.id
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.53
Key words: Auxin, fruit set, off-season, Salacca zalacca, snake fruit.
Abstract: Snake fruit blooms every three months, but only one to two of the flowering seasons result in fruit production. Failure of fruit set causes the fruit harvest seasonally. Therefore, the aim of this research was to increase off-season production by preventing the failure of fruit set with various exogenous auxin spray. The research was conducted in the snake fruit orchard at Bebandem Sub-District, Karangasem Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia, from February to November 2019. The experiment was designed as a nested factorial with a randomized block design. The treatment consisted of three types of auxin with a specific concentration for each, IAA at 0, 25, 50 and 75 ppm, IBA at 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm, and NAA at 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm. The IAA, IBA, and NAA were sprayed on the flowers and leaves 3 times in March, April, and May. The results showed the highest percentage of fruit set, fruit weight per tree, and weight per fruit obtained with IAA treatment were 59.80 %, 2,612.91 g, and 91.06 g, respectively. These results were not statistically different to those of the IBA and NAA. Furthermore, the IAA concentration of 25, 50, and 75 ppm produced a significantly higher percentage of fruit set compared with the control. The increased fruit set in the IAA, IBA and NAA treatments resulted in better yield than the control. The novelty of this result is that spraying snake fruit with IAA, IBA and NAA can prevent the failure of the fruit set. Therefore, IAA, IBA, and NAA are recommended to be applied to increase off-season fruit production of snake fruit.
Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi,46300, Pakistan. Corresponding e-mail: drazam1980@uaar.edu.pk
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.54
Key words: Intercropping, marigold, organic, root-knot nematode, tomato
Abstract: The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of African marigold (Tagetes erecta) root extract in controlling root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita species and to determine its effectiveness as an intercropped plant on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) morphological and quality traits as well as on soil attributes. The results of the in vivo study revealed that the highest mortality rate (82.33%) of nematodes was observed in T3 treatment (3:1 marigold root extract in distilled water) after 72 hours while minimum egg hatching (9.33) by nematodes was obtained after 12 hours with a similar concentration. Whereas, the pot experiment of intercropping with tomato showed that after 45 days of transplanting, the maximum plant height (79.14 cm), number of leaves (28.22) and leaf area (24.46 cm2) in tomato were obtained in the T3 treatment (Tomato 1 + Marigold 2 + Root knot nematodes (RKN) 1). Similarly, maximum fruit TSS (4.90 °brix) and shelf life (8.67 days) were observed with the same treatment. Concerning root-knot nematode infestation, the maximum number of galls (39.33) and eggs (38.66) on the tomato root system were measured in T4 (Tomato 2 + Marigold 1 + RKN 2). However, the soil analysis of intercropped crops showed that there was no significant impact of marigold and tomato intercropping on soil pH and electrical conductivity, while this intercropping scheme slightly decreased soil nutrient levels.
Potato and Vegetatively Propagated Vegetable Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: mazamahmoud@yahoo.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.55
Key words: Potato, Solanum tuberosum, irrigation, water stress, evapotranspiration, growth, yield, WUE
Abstract: The current investigation was conducted to test the response of five potato varieties; i.e. , Arizona, Diamant, Markies, Spunta and Valor, to different irrigation levels during the summer seasons of 2018 and 2019 under Egyptian conditions. The irrigation levels were 100, 75 and 50% of evapotranspiration (ET). Different traits of vegetative growth, some chemical characters and yield were increased with increasing irrigation levels from 50 to 100% of ET for all tested varieties. While there were increased bound water and proline content in leaves as well as dry matter and starch content percentages in tubers under drought conditions. Concerning potato varieties, Diamant in both growing seasons gave the highest values for most growth measurements, tuber yield and its components as well as, some parameters of growth analysis, physical and chemical characters and water use efficiency (WUE), followed by the Arizona variety. In terms of the interaction between potato varieties and irrigation levels, Diamant and Arizona cv. were the most drought-tolerant cultivars, with 75 and 50 % ET, respectively, whereas Spunta cv. was the most sensitive. Furthermore, bound water and proline content in leaves, as well as the dry matter and starch content percentage in tubers, increased with decreasing irrigation levels.
1Amity Institute of Horticulture Studies and Research, Amity University, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh- 201313. 2Food and Agriculture Foundation, Amity University, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh- 201313. 3Manager-PHM, EYLLP, Panchkula, Haryana. 4Department of Food Science and Technology, Dr. Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173230 (H.P.). 5School of Agriculture, IGNOU, New Delhi. Corresponding e-mail: sonalivatsyayan@rediffmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.56
Key words: Momordica charantia, dehydration, charantin, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, antioxidant, phenol, fibre, benefit cost ratio
Abstract: Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is an important nutrient rich vegetable with plenty of health benefitting phytochemical properties, however the crop has a short shelf life. Dehydrating bitter gourd is a viable option to ensure availability in off-season but preserving the nutritive and medicinal value through the shelf life of dehydrated bitter gourd is a key challenge. The present investigative study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different pre-treatments on fresh green bitter gourd rings for preservation of important nutrient and phytochemical properties in the dehydrated product. The experiment was laid out in factorial completely randomized design with sixteen pre-treatments. Among these sixteen pre-treatments, T16 [Salt Blanching (SB) + Potassium metabisulphite (KMS) + Sodium carbonate (SC) + Guargum (GG)] was the best performing treatment in terms of retention of important nutrient and phytochemical properties which included carotenoids (1.6 mg/100g), phenol (41.2 mg/g), ascorbic acid (78.8 mg/100g), fibre (2.4 %), antioxidant (42.3 %) and charantin (135.8 ?g/g) of green bitter gourd rings after dehydration, followed by T15 [Salt Blanching (SB) + Potassium metabisulphite (KMS) + Guargum (GG)] treatment which retained maximum properties viz. fibre (2.2 %), antioxidant (40.9 %) and charantin (125.5 ?g/g) after dehydration. The economic benefit of dehydrating green bitter gourd rings is also demonstrated by calculating the benefit cost ratio (BCR) which came out to be 1.75:1, making dehydration a preferred and sustainable option. Pre-treatments of green bitter gourd rings improved shelf life and nutritional quality of the product.
1Faculty of Agriculture, Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. 2Nepal Agriculture Research Council, Lalitpur, Nepal. 3Central Department of Botany, Tribhuwan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.57
Key words: Organoleptic taste, physiological loss, shelf-life, freshness, sensory evaluation
Abstract: Due to higher temperatures in Nepal’s mid-hill region, postharvest quality of cauliflower faces significant challenges during the late winter season. To address this issue, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the curd quality of eleven late-season cauliflower varieties. The experiment was set up in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with nine hybrid varieties (Freedom, Titan, Ravella, Artica, Bishop, Casper, Indam 9803, NS 106, and Snow Mystique) and two open pollinated varieties (Amazing and Snowball 16). The experiment was carried out over four replications from November 2016 to March 2018. Snowball 16 had the highest TSS value of 5.5 oBrix and pH of 6.5 when compared to other varieties. Snow Mystique had the highest vitamin C content of 48.5 mg/100 g, followed by Amazing and Snowball 16, compared to other varieties. At three, six, and nine days after harvesting, physiological weight loss was 4.0 percent and 8.0 percent in Bishop, and 13.3 percent in Artica, respectively. Snowball 16 received a significantly higher score of 8.5 tasty curds, followed by Amazing. Titan and Artica produced curds with the best appearance and compactness when compared to other varieties. Artica and Titan produced significantly more fresh curds than other varieties. Based on the taste and chemical parameters of the curds for the late winter season in Nepal’s Mid-hill region, it was determined that Amazing was the best OP variety, while Artica, Titan, and Bishop were more preferable hybrid varieties.
Punjab Agricultural University, Farm Advisory Service Centre, Tarn Taran-143401, India. Corresponding e-mail: savreetkhehra@pau.edu
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.58
Key words: Pear, adoption level, improved practices, practical know-how
Abstract: Pear is one of the most important fruit crops of the temperate region. In Punjab, a low chill variety Patharnakh, has been widely cultivated and become the commercial fruit crop. The present investigation was conducted to assess the awareness and adoption of recommended pear production practices to narrow the adoption gaps so as to achieve sustainable production of quality fruits in Tarn Taran District to evaluate the effect of different technology variables on the awareness score and adoption level of recommended package of practices for pear. The study showed that the respondents along with awareness adopted some of the recommended practices for pear cultivation on priority such as timely irrigation to the plants (As = 1.0; Al =2.6), use of FYM along with chemical fertilizers and timely pruning and training of the fruit plants having good awareness and adoption values. However, they were moderate in terms of weed management (As = 0.58; Al =1.26) and practice of proper packaging and marketing of fruits (As = 0.56; Al =1.20). On the other side, management of mite (As = 0.06; Al =0.10) followed by use of micronutrients as balanced nutrition (As = 0.10; Al =0.22), use of Bordeaux mixture for sap wood and root rot and use of potassium nitrate (KNO3) for better yield were practices with least awareness and adoption values. The results indicated that, a mere awareness of technology does not lead to adoption. This gap can be bridged by imparting practical know-how with hands-on training to pear growers in niche area.
1Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya; Nadia, Mohanpur 741 252, West Bengal, India. 2Department of Post-Harvest Technology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya; Nadia, Mohanpur 741 252, West Bengal, India. Corresponding e-mail: alemjamirhorti@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.59
Key words: Black cumin, cassia, Cinnamomum tamala, inorganic fertilizer, intercrop and nutrient management
Abstract: Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is an annual flowering plant, belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. It is predominantly grown for its seeds and oil in open condition, but with its short life cycle and low input requirements it has potential for growing as a profitable intercrop. Cassia (Cinnamomum tamala) being perennial and wide spaced crop, it makes possible for cultivation of short duration and closely spaced intercrops during its harvesting period. However, information on nutrient fertilization of black cumin as intercrop remains elusive. The present investigation was conducted at the HRS, Mondouri, BCKV, West Bengal, India with 9 different combinations of inorganic fertilizer in CRBD with 3 replications to find out the optimum combination of nutrients on growth and yield of black cumin as an intercrop with Cassia. Among the various treatments, maximum plant height (68.11 cm), number of primary (6.07) and secondary branches (9) per plant, number of capsule per plant (23.33), 1000 seed weight (2.24g), seed yield hectare-1 (3.48 q) and B:C ratio (2.20) were recorded with treatment T5 (70:40:20 kg NPK ha-1) followed by treatment T9 (70:40:30 kg NPK ha-1). Treatment combinations with higher levels of nutrients had significant effects on growth components and seed yield. From the results of this experiment, treatment T5 (70:40:20 kg NPK ha-1) can be recommended as the optimum fertilization dose for obtaining maximum growth, seed yield and profitable economic return of black cumin as an intercrop during harvesting period of cassia leaves under alluvial plains of West Bengal.
1Department of Post Harvest Technology, College of Horticulture Bengaluru, UHS Bagalkot-587104, India. 2Department of Pharmacology, Hanagal Shri Kumareshwar College of Pharmacy, Bagalkot-587101, India. 3Directorate of Research, College of Horticulture, UHS Bagalkot-587104, India. Corresponding e-mail: hamsar.pht95@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2021.v23i03.60
Key words: Spine gourd, Khakra, STZ, Wistar rats, hypoglycaemic activity
Abstract: Spine gourd is popular as an emerging underutilized crop due to its various health benefits and medicinal properties. Its powder is used to form a dish called Khakra. Khakra is one of the famous dishes made out of mat bean and wheat flour, a popular dish of western India mainly in Gujarat and Rajasthan, which is used as a snack or during breakfast. During the preparation of Khakra along with whole wheat flour and Bengal gram flour, 50 % of spine gourd powder was used and evaluated for hypoglycaemic activity in STZ induced diabetic wistar rats. The oral administration of Khakra of about 5 to 10 g/rat/day was given for diabetic induced and normal rats for about 21 days and observations were recorded at 0th, 7th, 14th and 21st day for serum glucose (mg/dL), serum cholesterol (mg/dL) and serum haemoglobin (mg/dL). The Group 6 (STZ + Laboratory diet + Spine gourd Khakraat 10g/ kg body weight/day) showed significant decrease (P<0.01) in serum glucose, serum cholesterol and significant increase (P<0.01) in serum haemoglobin which was found to be dose-dependent. In case of normal rats no significant decrease in serum glucose and serum cholesterol was observed.
