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Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
Assam Agricultural University is the first institution of its kind in the whole of North-Eastern Region of India. The main goal of this institution is to produce globally competitive human resources in farm sectorand to carry out research in both conventional and frontier areas for production optimization as well as to disseminate the generated technologies as public good for benefitting the food growers/produces and traders involved in the sector while emphasizing on sustainability, equity and overall food security at household level.
Genesis of AAU -
The embryo of the agricultural research in the state of Assam was formed as early as 1897 with the establishment of the Upper Shillong Experimental Farm (now in Meghalaya) just after about a decade of creation of the agricultural department in 1882. However, the seeds of agricultural research in today’s Assam were sown in the dawn of the twentieth century with the establishment of two Rice Experimental Stations, one at Karimganj in Barak valley in 1913 and the other at Titabor in Brahmaputra valley in 1923. Subsequent to these research stations, a number of research stations were established to conduct research on important crops, more specifically, jute, pulses, oilseeds etc. The Assam Agricultural University was established on April 1, 1969 under The Assam Agricultural University Act, 1968’ with the mandate of imparting farm education, conduct research in agriculture and allied sciences and to effectively disseminate technologies so generated. Before establishment of the University, there were altogether 17 research schemes/projects in the state under the Department of Agriculture. By July 1973, all the research projects and 10 experimental farms were transferred by the Government of Assam to the AAU which already inherited the College of Agriculture and its farm at Barbheta, Jorhat and College of Veterinary Sciences at Khanapara, Guwahati.
Subsequently, College of Community Science at Jorhat (1969), College of Fisheries at Raha (1988), Biswanath College of Agriculture at Biswanath Chariali (1988) and Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science at Joyhing, North Lakhimpur (1988) were established. Presently, the University has three more colleges under its jurisdiction, viz., Sarat Chandra Singha College of Agriculture, Chapar, College of Horticulture, Nalbari & College of Sericulture, Titabar. Similarly, few more regional research stations at Shillongani, Diphu, Gossaigaon, Lakhimpur; and commodity research stations at Kahikuchi, Buralikson, Tinsukia, Kharua, Burnihat and Mandira were added to generate location and crop specific agricultural production packages.
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ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC VARIATION AND NATURE OF GENE ACTION IN ASSAM RICE FOR GRAIN ZINC CONCENTRATION AND BIOFORTIFICATION POTENTIAL(2023) Bhuyan, Nabajyoti; Pathak, Prasanna K.The cultivated gene pool of rice is deficient in most of the required micronutrients. Zinc is one of the most important among these to mention about. Twenty (20) percent of the world population is at risk of Zn deficiency resulting from inadequate dietary Zn intake that causes stunted growth (Brown et al., 2009). Genetic and agronomic manipulations for biofortification to raise the concentration of the nutrients in the grain are suggested to overcome the problem. The present investigation was undertaken to study genetic diversity for grain Zn in Assam rice germplasm and also to explore the possibility of bifortification potential. A set of 29 ahu genotypes randomly collected from different places along with the high yielding sali rice variety Shraboni, known to be rich in Zn, were evaluated in 4 different micro-environments created by differential application of Zn fertilizer in ahu season of 2019. Among these, 6 were randomly selected for combining ability studies through diallel mating system without the reciprocals. Observations were taken on different morphological and quality characters and the recorded data were subjected to different statistical analyses following standard procedures. Out of 30 genotypes, 9 were grouped as low (<20 mg 1000g-1), 12 medium (20-30 mg 1000g-1) and 9 others were grouped as high (>30 mg 1000g-1) grain Zn genotypes as per their grain Zn content. Grain Zn content was found highest (52.35 mg 1000g-1) in Shraboni and lowest (11.73 mg 1000g-1) in Basantabahar. GCV, PCV and heritability were high for grain Zn for the genotypes. Grain Zn showed a significant positive correlation with panicle length, grains per panicle and spikelet fertility. Highest grain Zn was recorded in the environment which had relatively high initial soil Zn and was then further added with fertilizer Zn while the lowest grain Zn was recorded in the environment which had low initial soil Zn and no further Zn was added with Zn fertilizer. However, increase in grain Zn with the addition of fertilizer Zn was not uniform across the tested genotypes. The genotypes - Shraboni, Dehangi, Kopouguni, Laishanka and Negilai recorded high grain Zn content across all the environments. Inglongkiri, Panimudi, Arpang and Ranga Ahu showed good grain Zn content in low Zn environment while Begungutia, Kolong, Disang and Ikhajoy showed good grain Zn content in high Zn environment. The results suggest the possibility of identifying high Zn genotypes and also the possibility of agronomic biofortification as most of the genotypes showed increase in grain Zn with addition of external Zn to soil. The genotypes exhibited significant variation in the individual environments as well as over environments for most of the characters studied including yield and grain Fe. Based on D2 analyses the genotypes were grouped in 5 different clusters of which 4 were mono-genotypic and the rest one was with 26 genotypes. Significant variation among the genotypes as well as tested environments was also reflected in the stability analysis. Shraboni, Dikhow and Rangadaria for grain yield and Shraboni, Dehangi, Kopouguni, Laishanka and Negilai for grain Zn showed high mean performance with average stability. There is significant variation among the crosses both in low and high Zn environments for almost all the characters. Significant positive GCA effects were found for grain yield and grain Zn for Inglongkiri and Kolong in both high and low Zn environments. Heterosis over mid parent was seen for grain Zn in Kasalath×Inglongkiri and for grain yield in Kasalath×Ikhojoy and Ikhajoy×Kolong. Heterobeltiosis was recorded for grain Zn in Kasalath×Kolong in high Zn environment.ThesisItem Open Access MORPHO-MOLECULAR PROFILING OF INDUCED VISIBLE MUTANTS OF JOHA RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.) FOR sd1 AND BADH 2 GENES AND THEIR PHENOTYPIC STABILITY(2023) Dutta, Lonishree; Sarma, Kishore KumarMutation breeding offers a simple, fast and efficient way to rectify major defects without altering their original identity. The present study deployed radiation (gamma rays @ 200 and 300Gy)-induced mutation for the improvement traditional aromatic rice landraces namely Kon Joha. Among the various putative mutants identified in the M 2 generation, only sixtysix rice mutants were advanced to M3 generation. In the present study 28 mutants of Kon Joha from M3 generation were raised in M4 generation along with their parents and four checks for evaluations based on 16 agro-morphological and 9 grain quality traits. Interestingly, all the mutants showed a reduction in plant height as compared to their parents in all the three generations. The reduction in plant height varies from 35 to 45% . Furthermore, mutants of Kon Joha have increased their yield potential over their parents. Interestingly, JKOJM-300-1007-14(3.5 ton/ha) and JKOJM-200-1512-1 (3.2 ton/ha) exhibited the highest yield advantages over their parents. Study on DUS characterization showed variability among the cultivars studied, showing monomorphism for 33 traits and polymorphism for 23 traits. Thus, the phenotypic characterization of the aromatic cultivars established distinctiveness for their utilization in breeding programmes. UNJ clustering based on usual Euclidean distances for the polymorphic traits grouped the cultivars into four multi-genotypic clusters. Further, a pooled analysis of variance based on a randomized complete block design revealed ample variations among the genotypes for the studied traits. The differences observed between genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were low for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, culm height (cm), culm length (cm), thousand-grain weight (g) and grain yield per hectare (kg), which facilitate selection in the presence of sufficient genetic variability for the traits studied. Mahalanobis D2 analysis revealed three multi-genotypic and one mono-genotypic clusters of the cultivars. Moreover, in the association analysis, grain yield plant -1 is significantly and positively correlated both at genotypic and phenotypic levels with culm height, culm length, panicle length, filled grains panicle-1, chaffy panicle, spikelet fertility, straw yield plant -1 , biological yield plant-1 and harvest index. JKOJM-300-186-14 exhibited the highest amylose 13.05 and highest crude protein was exhibited by JKOJM-200-1512-1 (8.65). The aroma score of the Kon Joha mutants were higher than the checks like Kon Joha, Keteki Joha, Badshah Bhog and Kola Joha. As per sensory evaluation JKOJM-300-158-11, Kon Joha mutant has the overall acceptability. The SSR marker-based genome similarity in rice mutants and corresponding parents ranged from 98.91 to 93.48% indicating the trueness of the mutants. Moreover, the UPGMA algorithm and Gower distance-based dendrogram, neighbour joining tree and PCA scatter diagram assured that mutants were grouped with their respective parents and fell into separate clusters showing high similarity between mutants and parents and dissimilarity among the checks. Three genotypes were identified for nitrogen responsiveness. There was absence of sd1 gene in the mutants. Therefore, it can be concluded that some other genes are responsible for dwarf varieties. BADH2 gene was present in all the genotypes. Four mutants along with four checks were send for multi-location trial . Eberhart and Russel model found JKOJM-300-584-5 (Xi = 3141.9, bi = 1.01 and S2di=0.02) followed by JKOJM-300-158-11 (Xi = 3131.1, bi = 1.04 and S2di=0.09), JKOJM-300-1353-8 (Xi = 2987.29, bi = 1.11 and S2di=0.15) JKOJM-300-1007-14 (Xi = 2845.76, bi = 0.97 and S2di=0.03) exhibited stability under all the environment. Shukla’s stability model also concluded JKOJM-300-584-5 as the most stable genotype. Two-dimensional GGE biplot was generated using the first two principal components (axis 1 and axis 2), which accounted for 69.9% and 18.04 % difference in GEI for yield per hectare, respectively. Locations were found to be the most significant causes of yield heterogeneity, accounting for 75.73 % of overall G + E + G × E variation, respectively, according to the combined study of variance. All the GGE biplots for the grain yield revealed G3 (JKOJM-300-1007-14) as the most stable genotype. AMMI 1 biplot for GYH indicated that G1, G4, G2 and G3 as the high yield genotypes however, only G1 and G3 can be considered as the stable genotypes among them. AMMI 2 biplot was also analysed which revealed that the G8 (E2), G5 (E2), G7 (E6, E5), G6 (E5), G2 (E7, E3) and G4 (E7 and E3) as the high yielding genotypes for GYH for the mentioned environments. Based on ideal genotype ranking genotype G2 followed by G1 was the best performer, with a high mean yield and high stability in the tested environment. According to the AEC line, genotypes G2 and G4 were extremely stable with a high average yielding per hectare. Overall, the information and materials generated from the current study will be very useful and informative for students, researchers and plant breeders. Additionally, our results also showed that irradiation could generate a considerable amount of genetic variability and provide new avenues for crop improvement and diversification.ThesisItem Open Access BIO EFFICACY OF NATIVE ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODES AGAINST MAJOR INSECT PESTS OF CRUCIFEROUS CROPS IN ASSAM(2023) BHARATH, AMURI; Bhagawati, BhabeshA survey was conducted during the year 2020-2022 for isolation of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in cruciferous and vegetable growing areas of Jorhat district of Assam from 7 locations viz., Experimental Farm, Dept. of Horticulture, ICR Farm, AAU, Jorhat, Tea Plantations, AAU, Jorhat, Nemati Ghat, Moran Gaon, Titabor and 7 different isolates of EPN were recovered with 3.50 percent frequency of occurrence. Based on morphological and morphometric studies the isolates were identified to be Oscheius chongmingensis (EPN 1and 2), Heterorhabditis indica (EPN 3, 4and 5) and H. bacteriophora (EPN 6 and 7). Further, molecular characterization was done by amplification of ITS region of 5.8s mtDNA. The sequences of genus Heterorhabditis and Oscheius isolates were subjected to BLAST at NCBI and on the basis of aligned sequences, the isolates were identified to be Heterorhabditis indica, H. bacteriophora and Oscheius chongmingensis by using construction of phylogentic tree in MEGA 11.00. Efficacy of Oscheius chongmingensis, Heterorhabditis indica and H. bacteriophora were tested against Diamond backmoth (Plutella xylostella) and Cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae) under in-vitro conditions with six different concentrations of infective juveniles (IJs). With the increase in the concentration of IJs and with time of exposure, there was a corresponding increase in the mortality of the insect larvae. Heterorhabditis indica and H. bacteriophora showed 100 per cent mortality of P. xylostella and P. brassicae at 96 h of exposure with highest concentration of IJs/larva (i.e. 300 IJs/larva) as compared to O. chongmingensis (50.00 % mortality). The LD50 values of both the EPNs decreased when exposure period was increased. A pot experiment was also conducted to study the efficacy of two best EPNs viz. H. indica and H. bacteriophora against P. xylostella taking different doses viz. 200, 400 and 600 IJs/ pot with another treatment with water as control. H. indica exhibited maximum mortality at 600IJs after 72hrs of exposure and was found to be at par with the treatment with H. bacteriophora. The effective EPN species has to be further tested under filed conditions to identify the proper doses and method of delivery.ThesisItem Open Access NUTRITIONAL PROFILING OF SOME UNDERUTILIZED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES OF ASSAM(2023) Goswami, Soumitra; Saikia, AnantaThere exists a vast array of species, that have great potential but are often neglected and are termed as underutilized species. Underutilized fruits and vegetables are one such potential bio-asset, that could become a major tool in addressing global malnutrition, poverty and economic prosperity of millions of people. The present study covered assessment of nutritional and anti-nutritional constituents of 42 numbers of underutilized vegetables and fruits (28 vegetables and 14 fruits). The selected vegetables also showed significant variations in their biochemical constituents like moisture content (72.82 - 92.84 g 100g-1), ash content (3.82 - 15.37 g 100g-1), crude fat content (1.51 - 8.33 g 100g-1), crude fibre content (1.62 - 24.67 g 100g-1), crude protein content (1.80 - 9.79 g 100g-1%), potassium content (19.30 - 624.30 mg 100g-1), sodium content (2.34 - 234.11 mg 100g-1), calcium content (69.04 - 858.28 mg 100g-1), phosphorus content (25.94 - 579.15 mg 100g-1), iron content (31.34 - 401.34 mg 100g-1), zinc content (0.03 - 8.02 mg 100g-1), manganese content (25.36 - 264.59 mg 100g-1), Vitamin C (as Ascorbic acid content) (25.64 - 366.98 mg 100g-1), total phenol content (0.63 - 6.54 mg 100g-1) and free radical scavenging activity (72.31 - 95.09 %). The selected samples also contained anti-nutritional properties like saponin (0.13 - 1.08 mg 100g-1), tannin (0.23 - 2.79 mg 100g-1), phytic acid (0.16-0.61 mg 100g-1), oxalate (0.14 - 7.23 mg 100g-1). Similar to the vegetables, the selected fruits also showed significant variations in their biochemical constituents such as moisture content (68.96- 92.46 g 100g-1), ash content (1.39-5.38 g 100g-1), crude fat content (0.41-0.56 g 100g-1), crude fibre content (0.61–5.11 g 100g-1), crude protein content (0.51-8.99 g 100g-1),Potassium content (10.00- 982 mg 100 g-1), Sodium content (0.14 -70.99 mg 100 g-1), Calcium content (1.12-463.83 mg 100 g-1), Phosphorus content (4.57 -306.24 mg 100 g-1), Iron content (0.73 -163.30 mg 100 g-1), Copper content (0.14 -6.19 mg 100 g-1), Zinc content (0.24– 28.94 mg 100 g-1), Manganese content (0.15 -14.64 mg 100 g-1), Vitamin C (as Ascorbic acid content) (5.96 - 117.16 mg 100 g-1), total phenol content (21.08 - 900.84 mg GAE 100 g-1) and free radical scavenging activity (59.05- 94.73 %). The selected samples also contained anti-nutritional properties like saponin (0.01–7.98 mg 100 g-1), tannin (0.49–8.44 mg 100 g-1), phytic acid (0.32-8.05 mg 100 g-1) and oxalate (0.71 -28. 05 mg 100 g-1). However, after determining proportionate values of anti-nutritional components and their related nutrients showed lower than critical values for bioavailability of the related nutrients in majority of the selected fruits and vegetables. Hence, this study may be considered as a benchmark for planning future studies in the field of development of nutraceutical formulations in managing the issue of under nutrition and general wellbeing of the population.ThesisItem Open Access Floral behaviour, growth and post-harvest quality of Dragon fruit [Hylocereus costaricensis (Weber) Britton & Rose](2023) Bagra, Gerik; Neog, ManoranjanAn experiment was conducted on “Floral behaviour, growth and postharvest quality of dragon fruit [Hylocereus costaricensis (Weber) Britton & Rose] during 2019-20 and 2020-21 in the farm of KVK, Jorhat and Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat with the objectives to study the floral behaviour, growth and development of dragon fruit and also the effect of various post-harvest treatments on its post-harvest quality and shelf life. The plants were tagged at bud initiation stage. The floral behaviour of the fruits was studied in the selected plants. The fruits were collected at 7 day intervals after flowering, till harvest for estimation of various physico-chemical parameters. Six post-harvest treatments; T1(Dipping fruits in ascorbic acid 500ppm solution for 5 minutes, air dried and packed in transparent 0.2% perforated LDPE bags), T2(Dipping fruits in 100 ppm sodium hypochlorite for 5 minutes, air dried and packed in transparent 0.2% perforated LDPE bags), T3(Dipping fruits in 1% Chitosan solution for 2 minutes, air dried and packed in transparent 0.2% perforated LDPE bags), T4(Dipping fruits in 1% Calcium Chloride solution for 30 minutes, air dried and packed in transparent 0.2% perforated LDPE bags), T5(Air dried fruits packed in transparent 0.2% perforated LDPE bags),T6(Air dried fruits were kept in open condition without packing and chemical treatment) were applied to fruits. Fruits were subjected to post harvest treatments after harvest and kept at ambient conditions (mean temp 30.5 0C and RH 82.5%). Physicochemical qualities were studied at 2 days, 4 days, 6 days and 8 days after storage (DAS). The laboratory experiment (Part II) was laid out in a factorial CRD with three replications. The flower bud initiation started in the second week of July and it took 18 days to flower. Anthesis started in the afternoon and the period lasted from 4.30 to 9.00 pm. The dehiscence of anthers took place 7 hours after opening of flowers. Pollen viability percentages were found to be 85.77±0.89 and 84.62±0.20 under 10x and 40x magnification, respectively. Fruits reached harvest maturity at 28 days after flowering when peel colour changed to pink red. At harvest, it recorded fruit weight 239.92 g, specific gravity 1.05, pulp:peel ratio 2.59 and the fruit contained TSS 11.95 0Brix, titrable acidity 0.26%, TSS:acid ratio 48.20, total sugar 8.12 %, crude protein 1.19 %, Crude fibre 0.84 mg/g, Total phenolics 51.94 mg GAE/g, Betalains 8.60 mg/100g. Physiological loss in fruit weight (PLW) were increased during storage. T2 recorded the lowest PLW (1.66%) and absence of rotting of fruits which was followed by T1. In T2 and T1, no fungal organism was detected. TSS and sugars were found to increase during storage while titrable acidity and ascorbic acid content decreased. T2 registered the lowest titrable acidity (0.16%) which was followed by T1 & T3 (0.18 %). Highest TSS (12.21 OBrix) and total sugars (8.30%) were recorded in T1 which had statistical parity with T2. Maximum retention of ascorbic acid (8.04%), Crude protein (0.72%), total phenolics (49.28mg GAE/100g), crude fibre (1.03%), Betalain (8.54mg/100g), total antioxidant (53.14 mg/g) were recorded in T2 which was followed by T1. Organoleptic qualities of fruits were found to decrease with the advancement of storage period. The highest organoleptic score values in respect of colour (7.89), taste (7.678), flavour (7.19) and texture (7.20) were obtained in T2 followed byT1. Maximum shelf life of 8 days was recorded in T2. Thus, it may be concluded that dragon fruit should be harvested at 28 days after flowering when peel colour is pink red, specific gravity (1.05), pupl:peel ratio 2.59 and TSS:acid ratio 48.20. Dipping fruits in 100 ppm sodium hypochlorite solution for 5 minutes, air dried and packed in transparent 0.2% perforated LDPE bags is the best treatment with minimum PLW, rotting and microbial activities retaining maximum sugars, ascorbic acid, crude protein, crude fibre, betalains, total antioxidant which extended the shelf life up to 8 days at ambient condition.ThesisItem Open Access Morphological, physico-chemical and molecular characterisation of mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes of Upper Brahmaputra Valley of Assam(2023) Hazarika, Binita; Kotoky, UtpalTo study the extent of variation among the different mango genotypes of Assam, the present investigation entitled “Morphological, physico-chemical and molecular characterisation of mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes of Upper Brahmaputra Valley of Assam” was carried out during 2021-23 in Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivasagar and Tinsukia districts of Assam. A total of 100 accessions were surveyed out of which 33 accessions were finally selected based on acceptability. All the morphological characteristics were studied as per descriptor of IPGRI, Rome (2006). Results revealed significant variation in qualitative as well as quantitative traits. Tree height (tall, medium and dwarf) varied significantly among the accessions. Leaf features did not significantly differ between accessions, but flower color (yellowish green, yellow, and pink), panicle location (axillary, terminal, and terminal), and the presence of leafy bracts showed significant variations. Substantial differences in fruit shape (roundish, oblong, obovoid, elliptic) and fruit apex shape (round, obtuse, acute) were also observed. Stone and seed characteristics varied among the accessions with respect to type of veins on stone, quantity of fibre on stone, adherence of fibre to stone, seed shape and type of embryony. Quantitative characteristics of leaf, panicle, stone, seed and fruits also varied significantly among the accessions. Highest length:breadth ratio of leaf was observed in AMG-5 (8.89) and lowest in AMS-2 (2.78). Panicle length:breadth ratio was highest in AMS-7 (3.13) and lowest in AMJ-13 (1.04). The number of secondary rachis per panicle, sex ratio, number of fruits per panicle, per cent fruit drop and per cent fruit retention also varied. Study of physical characteristics of fruits revealed that accession AMG-2 had highest fruit weight 1206.48 g and 1197.92g both at harvest and at ripening respectively, whereas, fruit weight at harvest and ripening was lowest in AMG-5 86.31g and 75.67g, respectively. Similarly, significant variations were observed in characters like shape index, lenticels density, stone per cent, pulp: stone ratio, waste index and pulp percent. Study also revealed significant differences in chemical characteristics of fruit. TSS was highest in AMS-6 (18.80°Brix) and lowest in AMJ-13 (10.26°Brix). TSS: Acidity ratio was highest in AMJ-11 (91.00) and lowest in AMG-7 (24.50). Ascorbic acid content was highest in AMT-1(52.70 mg/100g) and lowest in AMJ-14 (22.63 mg/100g). Other chemical characteristics of fruits like total sugar, sugar:acid ratio, carotenoid content, moisture content also significantly varied among the accessions. The PCA for 55 quantitative characters in mango accessions revealed considerable variation among the accessions. 15 components displayed a total variation of 89.55% and were consequently considered to exhibit notable variance. 35 characters contributed to the 18.21% variation in PC1. Cluster analysis revealed maximum Euclidean distance of 17.10 that was observed between the two accessions of Golaghat, AMG-2 and AMG-8, and minimum Euclidean distance of 6.131 was observed between the two accessions of Sivasagar, AMS-3 and AMS-6 indicating that variation was influenced by genetic factor. Despite SSR markers demonstrating that there was no polymorphism, the occurrence of diversity in morphological and physiological traits necessitated additional molecular level studies using a wider array of markers. It can be concluded from the study of the accessions that there is considerable variation among them, and that accessions with distinguished characteristics can be exploited in mango improvement programmes.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of crop geometry, fruit thinning and nutrient management in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb.)(2023) Deka, Bhabesh; Borthakur, Pritom Kr.The present experiment on ―Standardization of crop geometry, fruit thinning and nutrient management in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb.)‖ was carried out for two successive years during 2020-21 and 2021-22 in the farmer‘s field Nahat Chapani village, Teok, Jorhat (26°4816.8 North latitude and 94°251.1 East longitude) with the objective to optimize the planting density for maximum yield and quality, to study the effect of crop load on growth, yield and quality and to study the effects of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality. The experiment was laid out in factorial Randomized Block Design with 3 factors viz. Spacing, Fruit thinning and INM with three replications and the data of individual years were subjected to pooled analysis. The spacing levels were D1 (2.5m x 2m), D2 (1.5m x 1m) and D3 (1m x 1m) where F1 (no thinning), F2 (Thinning up-to 1 fruits /primary vine) and F3 (Thinning up-to 2 fruits/primary vine) were the fruit thinning levels. A total of 4 INM treatment were given i.e. N1 (100% RDF), N2 (50% RDF + 50% RDN through FYM), N3 (50% RDF + 50% RDN through vermicompost) and N4 (50% RDF + 25% RDN through Vermicompost + 25% RDN through FYM). The treatments significantly influenced the various parameters except a few. The spacing D1 (2.5m x 2m) recorded the maximum days to flowering (25.59 days), maximum fruits/plant (3.93) and fruit weight (2.34 kg) leading to higher yield per plant (8.87 kg) although the spacing D3 (1m x1m) exhibited minimum days to flowering (25.59) and maximum yield (8.14 t/ha) owing to maximum plant population. Quality parameters were not affected significantly by distance. Fruit thinning significantly influenced the yield attributing and quality parameters. Fruit thinning level (F2) resulted in maximum fruit weight (2.92 kg) and yield (5.3 t/ha) which was at par with F3 (5.38 t/ha). Fruit quality was significantly improved by fruit thinning recording highest values of TSS (12.65 oB), total sugar (8.88%), reducing sugar (5.94%) and DPPH scavenging activity (54.57%). Among the INM treatments, N3 (50% RDF + 50% Vermicompost) was most effective with respect to growth, reproductive, physiological, quality and soil parameters viz., Highest fruits per plant (4.21), yield per hectare (6.26 t), TSS (13.10 oB), total sugar (9.14%), carotenoid (8.22 mg/100g), Lycopene (7.16 mg/100g), DPPH scavenging activity (54.86%), total chlorophyll (2.39 mg/g FW), soil available N (311.86 kg/ha), P (33.15 kg/ha), K (274.49 kg/ha) and organic carbon (1.19%). The interaction of three factors revealed that T35 (D3F3N3) recorded maximum production (10.05 t/ha) that was at par with T31 (D3F2N3) recording 9.82 t/ha yield. T7 recorded the highest values of fruit weight (3.2 kg), TSS (13.28 oB), total sugar (9.24%), carotenoid (8.3 mg/100g), lycopenne (7.19 mg/100g), and DPPH scavenging activity (54.97%) which was at par with T27 (D3F1N3), T31 (D3F2N3) and T35 (D3F3N3). Significantly higher values of soil available N (313.66 kg/ha), P (33.64 kg/ha) and K (295.69 kg/ha) was observed in T35 (D3F3N3). Computation of production economics revealed the B:C ratio to be the highest in D3F3N3 (6.53) which was at par with T31-D3F2N3 (6.35) and T27-D3F1N3 (6.12).ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF MISING TRIBE IN ASSAM(2023) NONGRUM, YASHMIN; Bhattacharyya, RumaThe present investigation entitled “Assessment of Nutritional status of Mising tribe in Assam” was carried out to examine the socio-demographic profile of the Mising tribe, assess their nutritional status through various anthropometric measurements, dietary patterns, biochemical markers and clinical parameters, and implement a targeted nutrition education intervention. To achieve these objectives, a cross-sectional study design was employed and 384 households were selected for the study. Sociodemographic data was collected through structured questionnaires, while anthropometric measurements, including Height, Weight, MUAC and Body Mass Index (BMI) were recorded. Dietary assessments were conducted to evaluate the consumption patterns, assess the food and nutrient intake of the target groups. Biochemical marker, such as hemoglobin levels were measured to identify any nutritional deficiencies . Clinical examinations were performed to identify any signs of malnutrition , anemia or related health issues. The Mising tribe's socio-demographic profile reveals a majority of individuals belong to small families (65.10%) who reside in traditional Chang ghar houses (66.41%). They heavily rely on agriculture as their main income source (90.40%) and face challenges such as high illiteracy rates and lack of proper toilet facilities.The dietary assessment among the Mising tribe revealed various consumption patterns and nutritional deficiencies. The Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) showed that the mean score was 6.5 out of 12, with 59.7% of households having inadequate dietary diversity. In terms of food and nutrient intake, deficits were observed in the consumption of eggs, fruits, milk and milk products, fats and oils, as well as micronutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Additionally, there was a high intake of energy derived from carbohydrates whereas poor intake from fat indicating an imbalance in macronutrient distribution as per the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR). The anthropometric assessment of the Mising tribe's when compared to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS), and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, in the case of height, both ICMR and NCHS standards were not met, indicating a significant deficit at P< 0.05 in all target age groups . Moreover, the WHO Z-scores of height-for-age classified a significant proportion of preschool boys and girls as stunted, and the mean weight of preschool boys and girls, as well as adolescent girls, were consistently lower than the ICMR and NCHS standardsfurther emphasizing the nutritional challenges faced by this population. The deficits ranged from 7.3% to 30.2% compared to the ICMR standard and from 4.8% to 43.1% compared to the NCHS standard. This suggests an overall underweight status among the Mising tribe, particularly among adolescent girls. The prevalence of undernutrition based on BMI-for-age was also notable, with percentages ranging from 14.7% to 26.08% for preschool children and from 6.5% to 40% for adolescent girls. However, overweight and obesity were not prevalent among this population. The MUAC classification indicated that the majority of preschool boys and girls were well-nourished, with only a small prevalence of acute and moderate malnutrition ranging from 6.05% to 15.15%.Various clinical manifestations associated with nutrient deficiencies.In preschool children, adolescent girls and pregnant women , clinical signs and symptoms such as dull and dry hair, pale and dry conjunctiva, cheilosis, dental caries, and dry and flaky skin were observed due to deficiencies in vitamins A, C, and iron. Anemia was also prevalent among both adolescent girls and pregnant women. The mean hemoglobin level (g/dl) of adolescent girls (13-18 years) and pregnant women of Mising tribe reported to be 10.9 g /dl and 9.3 g /dl with prevailing symptoms including pale skin, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. Statistical analysis revealed a strong significant positive correlation between height and micronutrient intake, including iron, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A (p < 0.05). This suggests that the intake of these micronutrients may have an impact on the height of the target population. Additionally, a strong significant positive correlation was found between weight and fat intake among the target age groups. Significant positive correlation was also obtained between hemoglobin level, iron intake and vitamin C. These statistical findings underscore the significant nutritional challenges faced by the Mising tribe, encompassing inadequate dietary diversity, micronutrientdeficiencies and macronutrient imbalance impact leading to stunting, underweight status, and prevalent anemia.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF THE BODO TRIBES OF ASSAM(2023) BARUAH, URMIMALA; Bhattacharyya, RumaThe present investigation was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of the Bodo tribes of Assam with the objectives to assess the socio-demographic profile and the nutritional status of the study population in terms of anthropometric indices, food consumption pattern, clinical and biochemical parameters along with the traditional/etnic food processing and preservation practices of the target population. Three hundred eighty eight households were selected by multistage proportionate probability sampling from four districts of Assam, namely- Baksa, Chirang, Kokrajhar and Udalguri. Food consumption pattern of the population revealed that four meals a day was practiced which mainly comprises of the traditional food items prepared from rice, meat, dry fish, pulses. The frequency of consumption of food groups by the Bodo households revealed that cent per cent of the respondents consumed cereals, other vegetables, fats and oils and sugar and jaggery on a daily basis. The mean value for household dietary diversity is 6 which indicate on an average the Bodo households consumed ≤7 food groups out of 12 food groups over the preceeding 24-hour. This indicates inadequate dietary diversity of the Bodo households. The percentage distribution revealed that 56 per cent of the Bodo households had inadequate household dietary diversity and 44 per cent of the Bodo households had adequate household dietary diversity. The household food security status of the Bodo households revealed that 62.27% were food secure, 27.73% were mildly food insecure, 7% were moderately food insecure and 3% were severely food insecure. Food intake pattern as analyzed in terms of Balanced Diet recommended, it was found that the mean daily intake of cereals among 4-6 years was (93.36-95.44%) of the BDR. The average daily intake of pulses was 71.93%-74.40% of the BDR. The mean daily intake of meat, fish and poultry 84.32%-86.96% of the BDR. It was noteworthy to mention that the mean daily intake of milk and milk products, fruits and green leafy vegetables by 4-6 years boys and girls was 30.85%-36.52%, 39.22%-42.20% and 60.32%-64.12% respectively which was much lower than the BDR. The mean daily intake of cereals was 115.43% of the BDR among 13-15 year adolescent girls. The mean daily intake of pulses among 13-15 adolescent girls was 73.70% of the BDR. The mean daily intake of meat, fish and poultry among 13-15 years adolescent girls was 85.52% of the BDR. The mean daily intake of milk and milk products, fruits and green leafy vegetables was 33.05%, 43.06%, 60.66% respectively among 13-15 years adolescent girls. Mean daily intake of cereals by the 16-18 year adolescent girls was 131.61% of the BDR. The mean daily intake of milk and milk products, fruits and green leafy vegetables among 16-18 year adolescent girls was 18.02%, 38.46%, 66.16% of the BDR respectively. The mean daily intake of meat fish and poultry among 16-18 year adolescent girls was 88.96% of the BDR. The mean daily intake of cereals among the pregnant women and lactating women was 167.48% and 125.05% of the BDR respectively. It was found that the mean daily intake of milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables and fruits among the pregnant women was 17.74%, 65.68% and 35.13% of the BDR respectively. The mean daily intake of milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables and fruits among the lactating women was 20.28%, 39.66% and 64.34% of the BDR respectively. While analyzing the mean daily nutrient intake of 4-6 years boys and girls, it was found that the mean daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat was 87.51%, 91.40%, 178.53% and 87.36% of the EAR respectively among 4-6 years boys. The average daily intake of iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C was 73.25%, 76.88%, 62.16% and 70.48 % of the EAR respectively by 4-6 year boys. The mean daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat was 83.83%, 93.35%, 183.42%, 87.36% of the EAR respectively among the 4-6 year girls. The average daily intake of iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C was 77.62%, 75.40%, 75.26% and 74.14% of the EAR among the 4-6 years girls. The mean daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat was 88.81%, 92.93%, 199.7%, 80.42% of the EAR respectively among 13-15 year girls. The mean daily intake of iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C was 70.11%, 77.07%, 74.33% and 69.30% of the EAR respectively among 13-15 year girls. The mean daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat was 84.42%, 91.74%,195.36%and 86.20% of the EAR respectively among 16-18 year girls. The mean daily intake of iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C was 62.88%, 73.20%, 77.03%,74.58% of the EAR respectively among 16-18 year girls. The average daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat was 105.54%, 91.68%, 239.37%, 87.33% of the EAR among pregnant women. The mean daily intake of iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C 69.21%, 71.51%,76.88% and 74.23% of the EAR respectively among pregnant women. The average daily intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate and fat was 100.47%, 104.25%, 284.03% and 85.43% of the EAR respectively among lactating women. The mean daily intake of iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C was 79.06%, 75.20%, 73.36% and 76.04% of the EAR respectively among lactating women. Comparison of calculated macronutrient with Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for 4-6 years revealed that the distribution of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat was 60%, 8% and 15.16% respectively. The distribution of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat for 13-15 year girls was 60.10%, 7.00% and 12.00% respectively. While comparing with AMDR, it was found that the distribution of energy from carbohydrate was 75%, protein was 9% and fat was 13% among 16-18 year adolescent girls. The distribution of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat was 79.30%, 9.10% and 11.12% respectively among pregnant women. The distribution of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat was 78%, 10%, 10.20% respectively among lactating women. The distribution of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat was 72.13%, 8% and 9.10% respectively among non pregnant non lactating women. The anthropometric assessment of the 4-6 year boys and girls in terms of height revealed that the height measurements were significantly lower than the 95th centile values of height (ICMR) (p<0.05). The weight measurements revealed that the mean weight was significantly lower than the 95th centile values of weight (ICMR) (p<0.05). Per cent distribution of 4-6 years boys and girls according to WHO (2007) Z-scores of height-for-age revealed that (70-83%) of the respondents were normal while (17-30%) were stunted. According to WHO (2007) Z-scores weight-forage, showed that (70-80.48%) of the 4-6 years boys and girls were in the normal range of nutritional status while (19.52-30%) were underweight. The mid upper arm circumference measurements among the 4-6 years children revealed that the mean MUAC measurements were significantly lower than the ICMR standards(p<0.05).The height measurements of the 13-15 years adolescent girls revealed that the mean height of the target population was significantly lower than the 95th centil values of height (ICMR).The weight measurents of 13-15 year adolescent girls, according to 95th centile values of weight(ICMR) revealed that the mean weight was significantly lower than the standards(p<0.05).The height measurements of 16-18 year adolescent girls according to 95th centile values of height (ICMR) showed that the mean height was significantly lower than the ICMR standards(p<0.05). The comparison of mean weight of 16-18 year adolescent girls with 95th centile values of weight revealed that the mean weight was significantly lower than the ICMR standards. Per cent distribution of 13-18 year girls according to WHO (2007) Z-scores of height-for-age revealed that (74.32-82.61%) were in the normal range of nutritional status while (17.39-26.58%) were stunted. The correlation between macronutrient intake and anthropometric measurements of 4-6 year boys revealed that there was a positive significant correlation between fat intake and weight (p<0.05). A positive significant correlation was observed between fat intake and MUAC (p<0.05). The correlation between macronutrient intake and anthropometric measurements of 4-6 year girls revealed that there was a positive significant correlation between protein intake and height (p<0.05). The clinical assessment carried out among 4- 6 years children revealed that 24.09% of the children had dull and dry hair followed by 13.85% had thin hair. 15.66% had of the respondents had pale conjunctiva. Further it has been noted that 21.68% of the respondents had gums swelling and bleeding. 23.49% of the target children had dental caries followed by 6.02% had stained teeth. 25.30% of the target children had dry flaky skin. The observed clinical signs and symptoms among 13- 15 years adolescent girls revealed that 17.64% of the 13-15 year girls had dull and dry hair followed by 10.58% had thin hair.22.35 per cent of the respondents had pale conjunctiva and 12.94% had pale conjunctiva. It was also observed that 24.70% had chielosis and 11.76% had swelling and bleeding gums.18.82% had dental caries and 21.17% had dry flaky skin. The observed clinical signs and symptoms among 16-18 year adolescent girls showed that 11.47% of the 16-17 year girls had dull and dry hair and 19.67 had thin hair. Among the target population, 16.39% had pale conjunctiva and 26.22 had dry conjunctiva. 22.95% of the respondents had gums swelling and bleeding. 31.14% had dental caries. 21.31% had dry flaky skin and 18.03% had depigmentation. The mean haemoglobin level of 13-18 year adolescent girls was 9.86gm/dl and the mean hoys haemoglobin level of pregnant women was 10.25gm/dl. Per cent distribution of 13-18 year adolescent girls according to ICMR classification of aenemia showed that 74.22% of the tribal adolescent girls had moderate anaemia followed by 23.72% had mild anaemia and 2.06% had severe anaemia. The per cent distribution of pregnant women according to ICMR classification of anemia revealed that 68.37% of the tribal pregnant women had moderate anaemia followed by 27.63% had mild anaemia and 4.0% had severe anaemia. The correlation between haemoglobin level and iron intake of 13-18 year girls revealed that there was a positive significant correlation between haemoglobin level and iron intake (p<0.05). Correlation between haemoglobin level and vitamin C intake of 13-18 year adolescent girls revealed that there was a positive significant correlation between haemoglobin level and vitamin C intake of the 13-18 years adolescent girls(p<0.05). The correlation between haemoglobin level and iron intake of the pregnant women revealed that there was a positive significant correlation between haemoglobin level and iron intake of the pregnant women (p<0.05). Correlation between haemoglobin level and vitamin C intake of pregnant women revealed that there was a positive significant correlation between haemoglobin level and vitamin c intake of the pregnant women(p<0.05). Per cent distribution of adolescents (13-18 years) according to ICMR classification of anemia revealed that 74.22% of the tribal adolescent girls had moderate anemia followed by 23.72% had mild anemia and 2.06% had severe anemia. The per cent distribution of pregnant women according to ICMR classification of anemia showed that 68.37% of the tribal pregnant women had moderate anemia followed by 27.63% had mild anemia and 4.0% had severe anemia. The food processing and preservation practices traditionally followed by Bodo household revealed that fermentation, sun drying, methods were adopted for preserving food products like Zwu/rice beer, Narzi/dry jute leaves, Nga gwarn/dry fish and Napham/dry fish chutney and used either in daily meal as adjunct or accessory item or main dish during lean season or for festival which was entwined in their food history and culinary practices from time immemorial.
