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ThesisItem Embargo Synthesis and characterization of graphene and modified graphene-based polymer nanocomposites(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2023) Ramandeep Kaur; Kiran JeetSynthesis of nanomaterials from chemical precursors is not only expensive but also releases carcinogenic toxic chemicals during the reaction. In this study, the graphene oxide (GO) and nanocellulose (NC) were fabricated from agri-waste. The nanomaterials synthesized from agricultural precursors were compared with the similar nanomaterials prepared from conventional precursors. Their structures and chemical composition were compared with high resolution imaging and spectroscopic tools. The study has also undertaken the production of nanocomposites of these materials. Recycling of agricultural waste due to its abundance is considered to be the biggest challenge. As burning of agri-waste causes serious environmental and health related issues. Hence, utilization of agricultural waste in synthesizing nanomaterials helps in their recycling and minimizes environmental impact with an added advantage of circular bioeconomy. Keeping this in view, GO was prepared using rice husk ash and NC was extracted from sugarcane bagasse along with their nanocomposites. The nanocomposites prepared using agricultural waste sources and conventional sources were inspected by N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, which demonstrated that the nanocomposites prepared from agri-waste sources exhibits much higher specific surface area than that of prepared from conventional precursors.ThesisItem Embargo Ultrasound-assisted accelerated aging of paddy (rice): modification of structural and textural properties(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2023) Ramandeep Kaur; Bobade, HanumanRice (Oryza sativa) is a major cereal crop and a staple food for most of the world’s population. Most of the produced rice is consumed after cooking. However, the rice milled from freshly harvested paddy cooks to pasty consistency with undesirable eating qualities. Therefore, the commercial millers are compelled to store the freshly harvested paddy for at least 4-6 months of period under controlled conditions of temperature and relative humidity to obtain the rice with better cooking and textural properties. This storage of paddy, which is also called aging, is cumbersome from technical as well as economic point of view. The various accelerated aging techniques have been developed but with certain limitations. The ultrasonication is one of the green, novel, non-destructive, quick, adaptable, and promising technologies being applied in the food industry. The ultrasound processing has ability to bring changes in the milling, cooking, textural, and nutritional properties of rice. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken for ultrasound assisted aging of paddy which was treated ultrasonically for 30, 60, and 90 min durations at different temperatures of 30, 40, and 50oC and the ultrasound process treatment using response surface methodology (RSM). The appropriate models were developed and used to optimize the best conditions of ultrasound treatment by running ANOVA based on the milling and cooking characteristics of rice. The head rice yield increased for increasing temperature from 30 to 50oC while decreased beyond 60 min ultrasound duration. The broken rice decreased with increasing temperature while increased with increase in ultrasound period from 60 to 90 min. Milling efficiency was increased with increase in time and temperature of ultrasound treatment. The ultrasound treatment decreased cooking time with the increase in time and temperature while increase the water uptake ratio, volume expansion ratio and cooking loss in rice with the increase in time and temperature of ultrasound treatment. The best-optimized ultrasound conditions by RSM were 60 min 50oC which increased the head rice yield, decreased the broken heads, and improved the milling efficiency and cooking qualities. The ultrasound treatment improved rice flour's functional properties (WAC, OAC, and SP). The phenolic content and antioxidant activity of rice increased significantly (p<0.05) with ultrasound time and temperature increase while decreased in rice obtained by milling of six month stored paddy. The in vitro digestibility of rice was also improved by ultrasound treatment as ultrasound treatment increased the content of rapidly digestible starch (RDS). Slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) also varied with various ultrasound conditions. Whereas, RD observed to be higher and RDS observed to be lower in six month stored paddy. Furthermore, ultrasound treatment significantly (p<0.05) improved the textural properties of rice. The pasting profile and color properties are also impacted by ultrasound treatment under various conditions. The pasting properties of rice obtained by ultrasound treatment for 60 min are similar to the rice obtained from paddy stored for six months. The structural changes in rice from ultrasound treated paddy witnessed by SEM, X-ray diffraction, and FTIR analysis. Ultrasound treatment for 60 min at 50oC temperature can be used as an alternative for the natural aging of paddy to accelerate the process.ThesisItem Embargo Quality and shelf life assessment of mint incorporated tofu(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Ramandeep Kaur; Jaspreet KaurThis study was carried out to develop mint incorporated tofu. Tofu was prepared by incorporating mint leaves in different forms such as mint extract, mint paste, dried mint and mint oil. Increase in concentration of mint extract (50 to 90 per cent) caused significant (p≤0.05) increase in antioxidant activity, total phenols and ascorbic acid in tofu. Incorporation of dried mint leaves (3 to 5 per cent) and mint paste (2 to 6 per cent) significantly (p≤0.05) increased antioxidant activity, total phenols and ascorbic acid and decreased the hardness of tofu. Mint oil was also added as a coating at different levels (0.05 to 0.2 per cent). Based on organoleptic evaluation of the different samples, mint incorporated tofu with 70 per cent mint extract, 4 per cent of mint paste, 4 per cent of dried mint leaves and 0.15 per cent of mint oil were found highly acceptable. During storage in vacuum packed pouches under refrigerated conditions (5±1 0C), pH and water activity decreased while acidity, standard plate count and yeast and mould count of all samples increased significantly (p≤0.05). The mint paste and dried mint incorporated tofu samples were acceptable for consumption till 21st day of storage. The microbial counts were under safe limits till 30th day of storage.ThesisItem Open Access Characterization of wheat lines with rye translocation for biochemical and quality parameters(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Ramandeep Kaur; Grewal, Satvir KaurThe replacement of the short arm of wheat chromosome 1B with short arm of rye 1R chromosome (1BL/1RS translocation) has been widely used around the world to enhance wheat yield potential, resistance to rust and mildew and adaptation. However, the translocation is combined with inherent quality problems associated with reduced dough strength and dough stickiness (`sticky dough syndrome') mainly because of two loci on 1RS, presence of Sec-1 on proximal end encoding ω-and γsecalins and absence of Glu-B3 linked Gli-B1 on distal end. The study aimed at using two NILs, one carrying Glu-B3-/Sec-1 and the other carrying Glu-B3+/Sec-1+ from 1BS, generated in background of Pavon (Pavon44:38 and Pavon40:9) for transferring these two loci in yellow rust resistant version of two elite wheat varieties PBW550 + Yr5 (BWL3558) and DBW17 + Yr5 (BWL3279) carrying 1BL/RS translocation (Glu-B3-/Sec-1+) through maker assisted backcross breeding (MABB) for addressing the quality concern of 1BL/1RS translocation lines and their characterization on the basis of biochemical and quality parameters associated with bread baking characteristics. BC1F5:6 advanced backcross introgression lines (ABILs) (Glu-B3-/Sec-1- and Glu-B3+/Sec+1) were generated from four different crosses (Pavon44:38xBWL3558, Pavon44:38xBWL3279, Pavon40:9xBWL3558 and Pavon40: 9xBWL3279) through foreground and background selection. The absence of Secalin protein and presence of GluB3/GliB1 proteins of the selected 126 ABILs were also confirmed through SDS-PAGE. The evaluation of these 126 selected ABILs for yield related traits, biochemical as well as quality characteristics was done for two years. In yield trial, 21 ABILs with Sec-1 and 9 ABILs with Glu-B3 gene in the background of PBW550/DBW17 whose performance was better to recurrent parent were selected. Significant GxE effect was observed across the years. On the other end, from these 126 ABILs the well performed ABILs for biochemical and quality characteristics were selected for product making along with the donor and recurrent parent as checks. Effect of environment was found to be significant on all the biochemical and quality traits of the grains. The ABILs selected for product making were having total phenol content (≤ 2mg/g), total carotenoids content (≥ 3.5), free amino acid content (≥ 1.3), protein content (11-12%), hectolitre weight (72-76kg/hl), grain hardness (10-12kg), phenol reaction score (2.5-3.5), grain appearance score (5-6), sedimentation value (40-50cc), gluten index (90-100),), and gluten content (12-15%). In these selected ABILs there were 9 ABILs with Glu-B3-/Sec-1-1 and 4 ABILs with Glu-B3-/Sec-1- gene configuration on 1RS chromosome. The loaf volume and loaf rise was better of the ABILs in which Sec-1- locus have been transferred which indicated that the presence of Sec-1 is more deleterious than the absence of Glu-B3. The developed two sets of recombinant 1BL/1RS lines (Glu-B3-/Sec-1- and Glu-B3+/Sec+1) can be intercrossed and used for the generation of more improved version of 1BL/1RS cultivars (Glu-B3+/Sec-1-).ThesisItem Open Access Development of tomato and bell pepper based functional breads(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Ramandeep Kaur; Kamaljit KaurThe investigation was carried out to standardize the processing conditions for the preparation of tomato (var. Punjab Ratta), bell peppers: red (var. Inspiration), yellow (var. Bachata) and green (var. Indra) powders and purees, which were utilized for the development of functional breads. Tomato and bell peppers were subjected to three different drying temperatures (40, 50 and 60 °C) and four different pre-treatments and the effect of drying on the chemical and bioactive parameters of dried samples was assessed. The combined pre-treatment and drying of tomato and bell pepper at 60 °C results in better retention of bioactive compounds. Tomato and bell pepper purees were also prepared and anlaysed for different chemical and bioactive properties. The better retention of color and bioactive compounds were observed in puree sample as compared to powders. Best processed powder (2 -10 %) and puree (5-25 %) were incorporated at different level in the wheat flour for the preparation of breads. Prepared blends were analysed for hydration, pasting and rheological properties. Elastic modulus and viscous modulus was changed with the addition of powder and puree, which effects the visco-elastic nature of dough. Prepared breads were analysed for physical, proximate, bioactive, sensory and microbiological parameters. On the basis of rheological, physical and sensory analysis 6 percent tomato and bell pepper powder level, 15 percent tomato puree and 20 percent bell pepper puree levels were found best. It was observed that inclusion of powder and puree resulted in a decrease of calorific value and improvement in the nutritional quality of bread.ThesisItem Open Access Hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by combination of arsenic, cadmium and lead heavy metal and its amelioration by curcumin and ascorbic acid in male albino rats(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Ramandeep Kaur; Navdeep KaurThe hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by mixture of As, Cd and Pb in drinking water and its amelioration with curcumin and ascorbic acid was studied in male albino rats. The histopathological studies showed changes in architecture of liver and kidney tissues of heavy metals treated rats as compared to control rats and curcumin and ascorbic acid showed a restored structure of liver and kidneys. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in proteins, lipids, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and significant increase in cholesterol, phospholipids, fatty acids and malondialdehyde level (MDA) in liver and kidneys and a significant increase in activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT and AST), acid and alkaline phosphatase (ACP and AKP) as well as urea, creatinine in plasma of heavy metals treated rats at 60 and 90 days. The liver of rats treated with heavy metals, curcumin and ascorbic acids showed non-significant variation of proteins, lipids, cholesterol for 60 days only and MDA , activities of SOD, catalase in liver as well as activities of plasma enzymes such as ACP, AKP, ALT, AST for 60 and 90 days .The rats treated with heavy metals, curcumin and ascorbic acids showed non-significant variation of MDA, plasma urea for 60 days and proteins, lipids, cholesterol, phospholipid, fatty acids, activities of SOD , catalase in kidneys as well as plasma creatinine for 60 and 90 days. Thus, curcumin and ascorbic acid have the ameliorating potential against hepatoxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by mixture of heavy metals in drinking water.ThesisItem Open Access Nutrient management of raya (Brassica juncea) varieties under poplar (Populus deltoides) based agroforestry system(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Ramandeep Kaur; Navneet KaurThe present study entitled “Nutrient management of raya (Brassica juncea) varieties under poplar (Populus deltoides) based agroforestry system” was conducted at research area of the Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and Regional Research Station, Bathinda during the rabi season 2019-20. The experiments were conducted in Randomised Complete Block Design with sowing of three varieties (Giriraj, RLC 3 and PBR 357) and six nutrient levels ; Control (no nutrients), Zinc (25 kg ha-1), 75% of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), 100% RDF (N :100 kg ha-1 & P2O5 : 30 kg ha-1), 125% RDF and 150% RDF. Zn (25 kg ha-1) was also applied along with different nutrient levels. The soil of the experimental site was loamy sand in texture, low in available N and medium in available K at both the locations. Available P was medium at Ludhiana and high at Bathinda; organic carbon content was medium at Ludhiana and low at Bathinda. Tree parameters such as height (14.2 m), diameter at breast height (16.6 cm) and crown spread (16.7 m2) was higher in 4-year-old poplar plantation at Ludhiana than 3-year-old poplar plantation at Bathinda. Leaf area index of poplar started increasing from mid-February and reached maximum in mid-April. The average temperature was higher in open (23.8ºC) as compared to poplar plantation (22.1ºC) whereas relative humidity followed opposite trend of temperature. Under poplar plantation, PAR started increasing from end-January till first fortnight of April. Application of 150% RDF significantly increased plant height, dry matter accumulation from 60 DAS up to maturity, secondary branches per plant, siliquae per plant, siliqua length, seeds per siliqua, seed yield, stover yield and oil yield under poplar. PBR 357 and RLC 3 varieties recorded the highest seed yield (1293 and 1375 kg ha-1) and oil content (42.2 and 41.9%) at Ludhiana and Bathinda, respectively. RLC 3 variety recorded higher oil content but oil yield was significantly higher in PBR 357 due to its higher seed yield. PBR 357 variety applied with 150% RDF gave highest seed yield (1682 and 1800 kg ha-1 at Ludhiana and Bathinda respectively) than other treatment combinations. Overall reduction in seed yield was 17.2 and 20.4% under 3-and 4-year-old poplar plantation as compared to open at Bathinda and Ludhiana, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access Impact of climate change on productivity of wheat and cotton in south west Punjab(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2020) Ramandeep Kaur; Gill, K.K.The study entitled "Impact of climate change on productivity of wheat and cotton in south west Punjab" was conducted to assess the shift, variation and deviation in climate of Punjab during 37 year (1981-2017) in Bathinda and 17 years (2001-2017) in Faridkot using correlation regression techniques and estimating the possible effects of climate and technology on the productivity of cotton (Gossypium spp.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crops. Three different statistical models i.e. Basic Model (Model 1), Modified Model (Model 2) and SPSS Software (Model 3) were used. The results showed that in case of maximum temperature at Bathinda, more variation has been found in fourth decade as compared to others and at Faridkot the variation was observed more during second pentad. More variation in minimum temperature has been found in fourth decade and third pentad at Bathinda and Faridkot, respectively. In case of rainfall at Bathinda, more variation has been found in fourth decade as compared to others. At Faridkot, the variation was more during second pentad. GStat was used for the development of multiple regression equation and correlation was developed for the sensitive crop periods in model I or basic model. The basic model is then modified through inclusion of an assumed composite index while other independent variables are kept constant. SPSS software was used as a model for wheat and cotton for forecast analysis. The use of basic model (model 1) has shown that the maximum temperature during 2nd and 3rd weeks of wheat growing season had negative effect on wheat yield at Bathinda district. At Faridkot, minimum temperature during 2nd week showed negative effect on wheat yield. The three models (i.e. basic model, modified model and SPSS software) predicted wheat and cotton yield and the error per cent of all these models was remained 30 per cent for two districts (Faridkot and Bathinda) of south west Punjab. For American cotton and desi cotton grown in Bathinda and Faridkot districts, SPSS software (model 3) was best fit as R2 value was highest for American cotton by 83 % ( Bathinda district) and 97% (Faridkot district), whereas, for desi cotton it was 82 % and 96 % for Bathinda and Faridkot district, respectively. For wheat grown in Bathinda, SPSS software was best fit as R2 value was 97 % while wheat grown in Faridkot, modified model (model 2) was best fit (95 %).ThesisItem Open Access Elucidating the role of whitefly heat shock proteins and endosymbiont in transmission of cotton leaf curl virus(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2020) Ramandeep Kaur; Joshi, NeelamBemisia tabaci is a cryptic species complex, which poses a major threat to agricultural crops worldwide. To unravel its genetic diversity and endosymbiont composition across Punjab, sampling of whiteflies was done from fifteen different locations. Based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, two major B. tabaci groups i.e Asia II-1 and Asia- 1group were identified and the prevalence of endosymbionts within these groups was described. The south western region of Punjab was dominated by AsiaII-1group, while Asia-1group was predominant in the northern region. Infection status of endosymbionts in individual whitefly were analyzed using specific primers corresponding to 16S/23S rDNA region of bacterial gene. The primary endosymbiont Portiera aleyrodidarum and secondary endosymbiont Arsenophonus was present across all populations of Punjab. The infection percent of Cardinium was 100 % in Asia II-1 group, while its presence in Asia-1 group was variable across these locations. Presence of Rickettsia could not be associated with any haplotype as its infection was varied within the same population. Wolbachia was restricted to only Asia -1 group; however Hamiltonella was not detected from any of the tested populations. The present study evidenced the predominance Arsenophonus in AsiaII-1 group, which might be implicated with higher incidences of cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) in southwestern Punjab. The role of Arsenophonus in transmission of cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) by whitefly was investigated after its selective elimination with rifampicin and tetracycline @90μg/ml in sucrose diet. Virus transmission assays showed that Arsenophonus-ve B. tabaci poorly transmits CLCuV in cotton plants compared to control whiteflies. The functional role of Heat shock proteins, Knottin and Cyclophilin in transmission of CLCuV was studied through knockdown of these genes in whitefly using RNAi. To have an enhanced RNAi efficiency dsRNA (dsdsRNases) against gut nuclease gene (dsRNases) was co administered with the target genes. Whiteflies were given feeding access to 400 ng/μl of dsRNA against target gene along with dsdsRNase (400ng/μl) in sucrose diet for 48 h knockdown of Hsp and knottin-1 resulted in increased viral load in the host vector and its high transmission ability in cotton host plants compared to control whiteflies. On the contrary, cyclophilin knockdown led to decreased viral load in vector and ultimately lower transmission of CLCuV in cotton plants compared to sucrose fed whiteflies. Comparative study on fate of virus particle in two cotton species (Gossypium arboreum and G. hirsutum) showing variable response to CLCuD revealed that the immunity in arboreum cotton may possibly be due to the degradation of CLCuV particles after gaining entry in plant phloem through vector feeding. The RT-PCR based detection assays (Syber green and Taq man) suggest that the virus may be restricted to plant phloem for up to seven days and thereafter it degrades. No detection of virus from cDNA synthesized from total RNA of inoculated leaf of arboreum compared to hirsutum also suggest that there is a possibility that virus degrades or is trapped after gaining entry into the arboreum cell. Bioformulation of Lecanicillium lecanii MTCC956 at middle and lower dose (10and 12g/liter) was effective in reducing whitefly population on cotton under screenhouse conditions.
