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  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF PHOSPHORUS AND PHOSPHORUS SOLUBILIZING BACTERIA (PSB) ON SOIL PHOSPHORUS AVAILABILITY, YIELD AND NUTRIENTS UPTAKE BY SUMMER GREEN GRAM 3705
    (JAU JUNAGADH, 2023-07) NAVDEEP SINGH BHATI; H. L. Sakarvadia; 2010121079
    Phosphorus, Green gram, Nutrients content & uptake, Yield, Available nutrients, PSB and Enzyme activity A pot experiment entitled “Effect of phosphorus and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on soil phosphorus availability, yield and nutrients uptake by summer green gram” was conducted during the summer, 2022 in the net house of Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh. The pot experiment comprised 16 treatment combinations having four levels each of phosphorus viz., 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1 and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) viz., 0, 1, 2 and 3 L ha-1 in factorial completely randomized design repeated thrice were tested in the experiment, in respect of growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, protein content, content and uptake of nutrients like N, P, K and S at harvest by seed & straw and their total uptake by green gram crop, the status of soil available nutrients viz., N, K and S at harvest, Periodical P status, bacterial population and acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity in the soil at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest of the crop. The experimental soil was medium black calcareous, clayey which was slightly alkaline in reaction, pH2.5 (8.0) and EC2.5 (0.49 dS m-1 ), low in available nitrogen (225.80 kg ha-1 ), medium in available phosphorus (39.49 kg ha-1 ) and sulphur (17.20 ppm) and high in available potash (346.93 kg ha-1 ). The results revealed that growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, quality parameters, nutrient content & uptake in green gram, bacterial population, available nutrients and phosphatase enzyme activity in soil were significantly influenced by the various levels of phosphorus and PSB. The application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 significantly increased the plant height, number of branches, number of nodules, number of pods, number of seeds per pod, ABSTRACT seed yield, straw yield, protein content in seed, nitrogen and phosphorus content in seed and straw as well as uptake of nutrients like N, P, K and S by seed, straw and its total uptake by the green gram crop. Whereas, phosphorus application did not exert any significant effect on 100 seed weight, K and S content in seed and straw of green gram. The application of 3 L PSB ha-1 significantly increased the plant height, number of branches, number of nodules, number of pods, number of seeds per pod, seed yield, straw yield, protein content in seed, nitrogen and phosphorus content in seed and straw as well as uptake of nutrients like N, P, K and S by seed, straw and its total uptake by the green gram crop. However, 100 seed weight, K and S content in seed and straw of green gram did not influence by PSB application. The data on soil analysis showed that availability of nutrients like N, K and S after harvest of green gram remains unaffected under the application of phosphorus and PSB. while, the soil phosphorus availability, acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity at 30 & 60 DAS and at harvest were significantly increased by the application of phosphorus and PSB. Application of PSB significantly increased phosphorus solubilizing bacterial population at 30 & 60 DAS and at harvest in soil, while, effect of phosphorus application was found non-significant. The significant interaction effect of phosphorus and PSB application were observed only in the case of available phosphorus at 60 DAS and at harvest, acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity at 30 & 60 DAS and at harvest, respectively in soil under combined application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 along with 3 L PSB ha-1 . Overall the application of phosphorus 40 kg ha-1 and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria 3 L ha-1 exhibited significant enhancements in terms of growth parameters, yield attributes, grain yield, straw yield and protein content in seed. It also exerted their favorable effect on nitrogen and phosphorus content in plant and on soil phosphorus availability as well as uptake of nutrients like N, P, K, and S by grain and straw of green gram. Combined application of phosphorus 40 kg ha-1 along with phosphorus solubilizing bacteria 2 L ha-1 increased acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity at 30 and 60 DAS and harvest.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF ORGANIC MANURES AND FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF GARLIC (Allium sativum L.) 3703
    (jau junagadh, 2023-07) BARAD RUSHIKABEN ASHVINBHAI; K. B. ASODARIYA; 2010121008
    Garlic, Organic manures, Fertilizers, RDF, Vermicompost, Bijamrut, Jeevamrut and cow dung An experiment entitled “Effect of organic manures and fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of garlic (Allium sativum L.)” was conducted on medium black calcareous soil at Vegetable Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat) during rabi season of 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design having eight treatments of different doses of fertilizers and manures viz., T1 (100 % RDF (50: 50: 50 N: P2O5: K2O kg/ha)), T2 (75 % RDF + Bijamrut @ 300 ml/kg seed as seed treatment + Jeevamrut @ 500 lit./ha applied three times at 4th, 5th and 6thirrigation), T3 (75 % RDF + 1000 kg/ha fresh cow dung (½ as basal, ¼ at 30 DAS and ¼ at 60 DAS)), T4 (75 % RDF + 10 t/ha FYM), T5 (75 % RDF + 7 t/ha vermicompost), T6 (100 % RDF + 1000 kg/ha fresh cow dung (½ as basal, ¼ at 30 DAS and ¼ at 60 DAS)), T7 (100 % RDF + 10 t/ha FYM) and T8 (100% RDF + 7 t/ha vermicompost). The garlic (Gujarat Junagadh Garlic-5) was grown in rabi with adopting standard package of practices. The results revealed that all the growth and yield parameters viz., plant height at harvest (44.53 cm), number of leaves per plant (7.87), neck thickness (5.34 mm), diameter of bulb (34.73 mm), weight of bulb (14.40 g), 10 cloves weight (10.53 g), no. of cloves per bulb (14.60), total bulb yield (9.47 t/ha), marketable bulb yield (8.89 t/ha) and nutrient status like, N, P, K and S content (2.57, 0.48, 1.52 and 0.33 %) and N, P, K and S uptake by garlic bulb (161.65, 29.94, 95.87 and 20.76 kg/ha), available N (295 kg/ha), P2O5 (44 kg/ha), K2O (250 kg/ha) and organic carbon (0.77 %) in soil after crop harvest were ABSTRACT Abstract ⅱ significantly higher under 100% RDF + 7 t/ha vermicompost (T8). But 100% RDF recorded significantly higher number of bulbs/kg (94.67), while TSS and plant population at harvest showed no statistical difference among different treatments. Based on the results of the experiment, it can be concluded that in medium black calcareous soil of south Saurashtra agro-climatic zone higher yield of garlic bulb, net returns, higher nutrient content and uptake by bulb as well as higher available N, P, K and organic carbon in soil after crop harvest can be obtained with the application of 100% RDF (50: 50: 50 N: P2O5: K2O kg/ha) and vermicompost 7 t/ha to the garlic crop
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    EVALUATION OF NITRATE, FLUORIDE AND HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATION IN UNDERGROUND WATER OF SAURASHTRA REGION 3702
    (jau junagadh, 2023-07) VASOYA MANSI HITENDRABHAI; L. C. VEKARIA; 2010121068
    Saurashtra region, underground water, nitrate content, fluoride, heavy metals, per cent distribution, correlation An investigation was undertaken to study underground water quality of Saurashtra region of Gujarat state. Total 750 underground water samples were collected from wells or bore wells of all 75 talukas of ten districts of Saurashtra region in Gujarat state during the year of 2021. The water samples were collected by using GPS and analyzed for various quality parameters like nitrate, fluoride and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn). The analytical results revealed that the nitrate content in underground water samples collected from entire Saurashtra region varied from 0.00 to 272.00 mg/l with a mean value of 19.37 mg/l. The lowest (0.00 mg/l) nitrate value was recorded in samples collected from Surendranagar district and highest (272.00 mg/l) was recorded in Bhavnagar district. Out of total 750 analysed underground water samples 93 per cent of them had nitrate level within the permissible limit of <45 mg/l, whereas 7 per cent of the samples had nitrate concentration greater than >45 mg/l. Further revealing of data showed that the overall fluoride values of the entire Saurashtra region varied from 0.00 to 31.60 mg/l with mean value of 1.324 mg/l. Highest mean value of fluoride content (2.405 mg/l) and highest value of fluoride (31.60 mg/l) were found in the samples from Surendranagar district. Out of total 750 underground water samples 67 per cent groundwater samples had fluoride content less ABSTRACT than permissible limits (<1 mg/l), whereas more than 1 mg/l fluoride content was found in 33 per cent samples so they fall into safe and unsafe classes for irrigation, respectively. In Saurashtra region the proportions of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn ranged from 0.005 to 0.189, 0.001 to 0.016, 0.008 to 0.105 and 0.003 to 0.065 mg/l with a mean value of 0.043 mg/l, 0.005 mg/l, 0.026 mg/l and 0.017 mg/l, respectively. The results showed that the Pb, Cu and Zn concentration were within the permissible limits for irrigation of 5 mg/l, 0.2 mg/l and 2 mg/l, respectively except Cd. The data showed that 2 per cent of the samples contained Cd concentration of greater than permissible level (>0.01 mg/l) so they categorised as unsafe. Amreli district was found to have the highest mean Cd value (0.006 mg/l) in underground water samples. As per correlation analysis, the pH was highly significantly positively correlated with F- (r = 0.285**), Cu (r = 0.164**) and Zn (r = 0.141**). The highly significant correlation observed between EC with NO3 - (r = 0.126**) and F- (r = 0.154**). The highly significant positive correlation of Pb with Cu (r = 0.205**) was observed. The Cu was highly significantly positively correlated with Zn (r = 0.312**).
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    STANDARDIZATION OF MICROPROPAGATION PROTOCOL IN MEDICINAL HERB JIVANTI [Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight] 3720
    (jau junagadh, 2023-07) KHUNT RAVINABEN GAUTAMBHAI; S. B. Chaudhari; 2010121031
    The present investigation entitled “Standarization of micropropagation protocol in medicinal herb jivanti [Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight]” was conducted at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, during 2022-23. Jivanti is a multifunctional medicinal climber of Apocynaceae family. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Block Design (CRD). Four repetitions of each treatment were used for recording observations for different characters. Seeds were sterilized and germinated in vitro to get sterile explants. The experimental material was comprised from nodal and leaf segment from in vitro germinated seedling. The MS basal medium with different combinations of growth regulators (2,4 D, BA and IAA) were tried for callusing, multiple shooting and rooting. The culture conditions starting from inoculation to rooting were maintained at 25 ± 2 ºC temperature and a photoperiod of 16 hours light and 8 hours dark was provided to the culture. Observations were recorded for different characters viz.; Callus growth, Callus type, Callus nature, Callus colour, Callus health, Days to shoot initiation, Number of shoots per explant, Percentage of shoot multiplication, Length of shoot (cm), Percentage of rooting, Days to root initiation, Number of roots per shoot, Length of root (cm) and Percentage of survival after hardening. The results revealed that the mean squares due to different hormonal treatments were highly significant for all of the observations. Compact and embryogenic callus with a light brown color, excellent growth (+++) and good health (1-2) were observed in an MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L of 2,4 D. However it explant failed to induce callus on MS basal medium. The maximum multiple shoots were differentiated on MS medium containing 5 mg/L BA within six days with maximum shooting percentage while minimum number of the shoots were differentiated on MS basal medium, which takes 12 days for shoot initiation and recorded minimum shooting percentage. The maximum shoot length was observed on MS medium containing 1 mg/L BA after 15 days and 21 days. ii Conversely, the minimum shoot length was observed on MS medium with 5 mg/L BA after 15 days and with 3 mg/L BA after 21 days. Further increment in shoot multiplication was observed after first subculture in MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L BA, while the lowest shoot multiplication was observed in MS medium containing 5 mg/L BA. Elongated shoots showed the best root development on MS medium with 4 mg/L IAA within 17 days with maximum rooting percentage. Additionally, MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/L IAA exhibited the longest root length. Conversely, MS basal medium resulted in the lowest number of roots per shoot, shortest root length and required the maximum number of days for rooting. It also recorded the lowest rooting percentage. The rooted plantlets were successfully established with a 66% survival rate in a mixture of Perlite and Soil (3:1). The minimum survival percentage was recorded for Soil and Sand (1:1) as well as Cocopit and Soil (1:1). The survived plants were then successfully transferred to the pot. Jivanti holds the potentialities for massive propagation and this study will be very helpful for mass multiplication of Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight and would be helpful in the conservation of this species.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF SOLAR POWERED WEEDER AND BOOM SPRAYER 3788
    (JAU JUNAGADH, 2023-12) RAJUGOUDA; Dr. M. S. DulawaT; 2050221011
    Weeds, insects, and diseases are the three main biological factors that mostly affect yield losses and the profits of farmers. Various categories of weeders and sprayers are available in the market, including tractor-mounted, power-operated, manual, and self-propelled options. These machines are typically operated by petrol or diesel engines. With the shortage of fossil fuel, its unavailability in rural areas, and the need to reduce emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuel, we must explore non conventional sources of energy. Such sources are available in an inexhaustible and eco friendly form in nature. The most significant source of renewable energy is the sun, which provides an infinite resource of energy to fulfil all energy requirements indefinitely. Keeping these issues in mind, a research project was undertaken to develop a solar-powered weeder and boom sprayer for selected field crops. This technology improved coverage by using two straight blades, reduced drudgery and minimized negative health impacts. The primary objective behind developing this machine was to replace fossil fuels, lower operational costs and introduce gender-neutral technology that could be used by anybody. It aimed to improve weeding and spraying technology in the field of agriculture. The developed weeder was evaluated in the groundnut crop for its performance. The field experiments were conducted at the instructional farm of soil and water conservation, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, JAU, Junagadh. The experiments involved varying forward speeds (1.0-1.5 km/h, 1.5-2.0 km/h, and 2.0- 2.5 km/h) in a completely randomized design with three treatments, each replicated five times. The study assessed the weeder's effectiveness by measuring parameters such as effective field capacity, field efficiency, weeding efficiency, plant damage, battery performance (charging, discharging, and charge-discharge cycles), and operational cost. Results indicated that the highest effective field capacity of the weeder was 0.27 ha/h at a forward speed of 2.0-2.5 km/h. The optimal field efficiency (86.66%) and weeding efficiency (88.33%) were achieved at 1.0-1.5 km/h. No plant damage occurred during operations. The weeder operated for 2 hours and 45 minutes on a single charge, requiring 5 hours for a full charge to reach 55.4 V. Additionally, the solar-powered weeder demonstrated uninterrupted operation for 7 hours from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., showcasing its reliability and sustainability in agricultural applications. The performance of the developed sprayer was evaluated in both laboratory and field conditions to ensure that the objectives were fulfilled. The sprayer underwent laboratory testing to determine its discharge rate, swath width, spray angle, and spray pattern at different pressures. The independent parameters for the tests were operating pressures of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg/cm2 . The discharge rate increased with increasing operating pressure, while the swath width and spray angle also increased with higher operating pressures. In the groundnut field, the sprayer was tested to evaluate its actual field capacity, theoretical field capacity, and field efficiency at different speed levels of 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 km/h. The actual field capacity and theoretical field capacity increased, while field efficiency decreased as the speed of operation increased. At speeds of 1.5 km/h, 2.0 km/h, and 2.5 km/h, the calculated theoretical field capacities were 0.525 ha/h, 0.7 ha/h, and 0.875 ha/h, respectively. However, the measured actual field capacities were found to be 0.42 ha/h, 0.54 ha/h, and 0.64 ha/h for the corresponding speeds. Among the different speeds of the spraying operation, a speed of 2.5 km/h for the sprayer was found to be superior. The solar-powered weeder and boom sprayer demonstrated an operating cost of ₹77 per hour. By adopting this weeder and boom sprayer, problems related to labor shortages can be reduced in terms of time and total cost per hectare (₹/ha). The breakeven point, payback period, average net annual benefit, and B-C ratio of the developed weeder were found to be 502.22 hours per year, 4.56 years, ₹42690 per year, and 4.37, respectively. These results indicate that the machine was effective in reducing time, energy, and operational costs. Overall, the performance of the machine was found to be satisfactory.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    DRYING OF TURMERIC (Curcuma longa) IN SOLAR TUNNEL DRYER 3787
    (JAU JUNAGADH, 2023-12) PRADEEP PATIDAR; Dr. S. P. Cholera; 2050221010
    India, renowned as the "Land of Spices," holds a prominent position as the world's leading producer, consumer, and exporter of spices. Derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family, turmeric contains bioactive such as curcuminoids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, all contributing to its health-promoting properties. To preserve turmeric, drying is a time-tested method, aimed at reducing its moisture content from the initial 70-80% at harvest to a safe 10%. Traditional sun drying, while effective, has limitations including extended drying times, space requirements, and potential product quality loss. In response, Solar dryers, which utilize solar radiation as an energy source for drying agricultural products, have been widely implemented in tropical and subtropical regions due to their affordability and cost effectiveness This study, conducted during the academic year 2022-2023, focuses on evaluating the drying characteristics of fresh turmeric rhizomes using different blanching temperatures, durations, and slice thicknesses. Both solar tunnel dryers and sun drying methods were employed. Turmeric samples, whole and sliced, were subjected to blanching at varying temperatures (70°C, 80°C and 90°C), durations (15, DRYING OF TURMERIC (Curcuma longa) IN SOLAR TUNNEL DRYER ABSTRACT II 30 and 45 minutes), and thicknesses (4 mm, 5 mm and whole). The experimental layout followed a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD). The samples were subsequently subjected to drying in two distinct systems, namely, sun drying and solar tunnel drying. The size of drying tray was kept 700 mm x 700 mm x 50 mm with net volume of 0.0245 m3. Spread density of turmeric 214.3 kg/m3 was employed The specimens are uniformly arranged on the drying layer, maintaining a thickness within the range of 2-3 cm. The drying process was conducted during the daytime, i.e., from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The mean values of physical properties of fresh turmeric viz., moisture content, size, sphericity, bulk density, true density, porosity was 78.25 ± 0.703 % (wb), 30.80 ± 4.82 mm, 0.48 ±0.07, 447.87 ± 10.61 kg/m³, 1115.67 ± 39.97 kg/m³, and 60.22 %. The mean values of proximate composition, viz., total carbohydrate, true protein, total oil and total ash of raw turmeric rhizomes were found to be 9.18 ± 0.38 %, 1.41 ± 0.08 %, 0.82 ± 0.11 % and 0.71 ± 0.18 %, respectively. The mean value of moisture content, size, sphericity, bulk density, true density and porosity of dried turmeric rhizomes were found to be 9.88 ± 0.57 % (wb), 16.56 ± 2.81 mm, 0.41 ± 0.02 %, 579.15 ± 20.60 kg/m³, 1258.15 ± 61.82 kg/m³ and 54.40 %, respectively. The highest amount of curcumin (4.18 %), volatile oil (4.00 %), total carbohydrate (63.41 %), total oil (4.90 %) and total ash (8.57 %) was observed in whole turmeric rhizomes dried by solar tunnel drying. The findings viable option that whole turmeric rhizomes with blanching low temperature and time interval and dried by solar tunnel dryer is viable option for good qualities in term of curcumin, volatile oil, total carbohydrate, total oil and total ash than the other drying methods. From the present investigation, on the basis of biochemical parameters it is concluded that the best quality turmeric powder is prepared by solar tunnel dried whole turmeric rhizomes blanched at 70℃ for 15 min. The recovery level of dried turmeric rhizomes was higher in the Solar Tunnel Dryer (22.40 kg/q) as compared to traditional sun drying method (20.70 kg/q) in terms of quantity as 1.70 kg/q and in terms economics return as Rs. 561.00 per 100 kg of turmeric rhizomes. In other words, producer of Saurashtra region will gain additional benefits of Rs. 2805 per batch of 500 kg of fresh turmeric rhizomes by adopting solar tunnel dryer.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    INVESTIGATION OF DISTINCTIVE MORPHO-PHYSIO AND BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogea. L) UNDER HEAVY METAL STRESS CONDITION 3783
    (JAU JUNAGADH, 2023-10) VISHWANATHA B; Dr. CHANDRAKANT SINGH; 2010121089
    India's agricultural industry plays a crucial role in global oilseed production, particularly in the cultivation of groundnuts, which serve as a significant source of cooking oil, vegetable protein, dietary fiber, and food crops. Gujarat stands out as the leading state in groundnut production, covering more than 35 percent of the total area and 42 percent of peanut production in the country. However, heavy metal stress poses a significant challenge, as it can result in productivity losses and disrupt nutrient recycling in plants and the environment. Heavy metals, such as lead, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, nickel, cobalt, cadmium, chromium, and arsenic, can accumulate in plants and potentially enter in food chain, posing a threat to human health. Since groundnut grown in larger areas and increased pollution made it necessary to know the heavy metal accumulation pattern and their toxic effect in relation to plant growth and metabolism. This study investigated the morpho-physiological and biochemical changes in groundnut plant under heavy metal stress condition grown in both petri plate and poly bags. Heavy metals like chromium, nickel, and lead were used at different concentration for both the experiments. Growth as well as biochemical parameters with relation to heavy metal accumulation in different genotype were analyzed to know the effect of heavy metals on plants growth and development. Initial experiment on seed germination under different levels (20, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ppm) of heavy metals (Ni, Pb, and Cr) was conducted. Germination percentage of seeds reduced with increasing concentration of heavy metals, but at low concentration (20 ppm) showed comparative germination with control. Similar for shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight also decreased with increasing concentration of heavy metals. Among Ni, Pb, and Cr metals, Ni induce highest stress and Cr induced mild stress among the heavy metals. The results from the experiment conducted in polybag showed that heavy metal stress, especially at higher concentrations of Ni and Pb, negatively affected the growth parameters of groundnut plants, with reduced values observed in plant height, root length, shoot and root dry weights, total dry weight, and total leaf area. At harvest, GJG-22 exhibited superior performance in terms of plant height, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, biomass, and number of pods per plant compared to GJG-9. The biochemical parameters and antioxidant activity were also affected by heavy metal stress, with increased levels of proline, H2O2, and MDA, and decreased chlorophyll content and total antioxidant activity. In terms of heavy metal uptake, GJG-9 showed higher shoot and root concentrations of Ni and Pb compared to GJG-22, indicating its susceptibility to heavy metal accumulation. The translocation efficiency of Ni from roots to shoots was similar between the two varieties, while GJG-22 displayed slightly better translocation factors for Pb. Overall, GJG-9 exhibited higher heavy metal concentrations, indicating less tolerance, while GJG-22 demonstrated greater tolerance to heavy metal stress. Heavy metal uptake and distribution were studied, revealing that GJG-9 exhibited higher shoot and root concentrations of Ni and Pb, while GJG-22 showed better heavy metal tolerance with lower uptake levels. Among both metals lead has less translocation compared to nickel at higher concentration showing less chance to enter in food chain. These results could be used on screening and identifying groundnut varieties that exhibit higher tolerance to heavy metal stress. The data generated from this research could contribute to effective strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of heavy metal stress on groundnut crops, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring food safety and environmental sustainability
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    INVESTIGATION OF DISTINCTIVE MORPHO - PHYSIO AND BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN FENUGREEK (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) UNDER HEAVY METAL STRESS CONDITIONS 3780
    (JAU JUNAGADH, 2023-10) SUSHMITA PARASAPPA HULLUR; Dr. RAJIV KUMAR; 2010121086
    Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn, is a self-pollinated annual herb belonging to family fabaceae. Fenugreek is also used in medicine as a carminative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and also as tonic for gastric troubles, diabetes, leucorrhea etc. Human exposure to heavy metals comes mostly through edible vegetables, which account for around 90% of the overall intake, while the remaining 10% comes from skin contact and breathing of polluted dust. Because of the growing demand for food in recent decades, food safety has become a major public health concern in terms of human health. In this manner the chain of link gets established between heavy metals and contaminated food products and health risks associated with them. Since leafy vegetables have a tendency to accumulate relatively larger number of heavy metals, it is essential to have knowledge about their accumulation pattern and their toxic effects in relation to plant growth and metabolism. This study investigated the morpho-physiological and biochemical changes in fenugreek plant under heavy metal stress condition grown in both petri plate and polybag separately. Heavy metals like chromium, nickel and mercury were included in the study with different concentrations for both the experiments. Germination percentage, speed of germination, growth parameters (shoot length, root length, seedling length, seedling vigour index, fresh weight, dry weight, metal tolerance index), biochemical parameters (proline, chlorophyll, MDA, H2O2, Antioxidant activity, phenol content, MSI) and accumulation of heavy metals, were analysed to evaluate the performance of fenugreek under heavy metal stress condition. The impact of heavy metals on the morphological parameters of fenugreek seedlings cultivated in Petri plates was investigated. The findings highlighted that exposure to heavy metals led to a notable reduction in shoot length, root length, seedling length, and seedling vigour index when compared to the control group. Among the three metals studied, nickel demonstrated the mildest effects on seedling morphology. In contrast, chromium and mercury caused a substantial 25 to 50% decrease in the evaluated morphological parameters compared to the control. Remarkably, the concentration of 800 ppm chromium exhibited the most significant reduction in the mentioned parameters, establishing it as the most toxic level of chromium exposure. Dry weight was more affected than fresh weight, with 53-70% reductions in chromium and nickel, but less impact from mercury. Moisture content was least affected. The presented study delves into the impact of heavy metals on various morphological parameters of fenugreek plants cultivated in polybags. The findings revealed that the root length experienced a substantial reduction (32 to 41%) at higher metal concentrations compared to lower doses. Shoot length remained unaffected by certain concentrations of chromium and nickel, though mercury led to reduced growth. Leaf area was generally resilient to heavy metals, except for specific concentrations of chromium and mercury causing reductions. Heavy metal concentration detrimentally affected fresh weight, while dry weight exhibited a biphasic response, both positive and negative. Dry matter accumulation displayed a positive correlation with heavy metal concentration. Proline content showed a drastic increase (almost 100 %) under 400 ppm of nickel treatment. Chlorophyll content was more impacted by chromium and nickel than by mercury. H2O2 content was notably elevated in plants treated with higher chromium and nickel doses. Chromium-treated plants exhibited the highest MDA production, followed by mercury and nickel treatments. Nickel substantially affected membrane stability and phenolic content. Antioxidant activity was significantly heightened in chromium and nickel treatments compared to mercury. Metal accumulation increased with concentration, particularly in roots. Chromium showed the highest root accumulation, followed by nickel and mercury. Heavy metal remediation is a must activity to be followed to our secured future since the speed of urbanization and industrialization, which is the main cause, is surpassing even the speed of light. So, this idea of research needs a peak importance with respect to conservation of agricultural lands, maintenance of organic and healthy food habit and life style with less impacts. Innovations and discoveries in this thought can reduce the ill effects of heavy metals on human health, plants and soil micro flora and fauna
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    STUDY ON PACKAGING AND STORAGE OF TENDER COCONUT WATER 3778
    (JAU JUNAGADH, 2023-10) B. HEMALATHA; Dr. V. K. Chandegara; 2050221007
    Tender coconut water (TCW) is incredible healthy drink and the best one to hydrate the body. The sweet, clear, aqueous part inside the immature green coconut is referred as tender coconut water (TCW). TCW starts to deteriorate once it is exposed to the air and stored at ambient temperature due to microbial contamination as well as oxidation reactions, which cause changes in its sensory properties. Preserving the TCW with its wholesome natural property remains a challenge. Therefore nonthermal processing techniques treated tender coconut water (ozonation and ultrasonication) and packed in 200ml glass and PET bottles under refrigerated condition (4±2℃) , and withdrawn a weekly interval to checked the quality and stability of TCW. The effect of ozonation treatment time (10,20,30 min), ultrasonication treatment time (10,20,30 min), combination treatment time (ozonation and ultrasonication) and packaging materials (glass bottle, PET bottle) on different characteristics of tender coconut water viz. biochemical, enzyme activities and sensory characteristics of tender coconut water were studied. The Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) was used in designing the experiment and analyzing the results. From the study, ozonation treated TCW was found at 20min treatment time and packed in glass bottle under refrigerated condition, which gave the experimental values of TSS 4.89⁰Brix, TA 0.08%, pH 4.94, EC 5.10 mS/cm, TDS 4.14ppm, TS 4.13 %, TPC 2.37 (mg GAE/ml), Total plate count 2.485log (CFU/ml), Yeast and Mould count, ii 2.253log (CFU/ml), POD and PPO 0.038 and 0.020 (∆ O.D./min/ml) and Overall acceptability 6.70 for after 4th week of storage period. Ultrasonication treated TCW was found at 20min treatment time and packed in glass and PET bottle under refrigerated condition, which gave the experimental values of TSS 5.17 and 4.93⁰Brix, TA 0.08 and 0.10 %, pH 4.87 and 4.68, EC 5.24 and 5.15 mS/cm, TDS 4.03 and 4.62 ppm, TS 4.37 and 4.63 %, TPC 2.43 and 1.77 (mg GAE/ml), Total plate count 1.718 and 2.418log (CFU/ml), Yeast and Mould count 2.579 and 1.384log (CFU/ml), POD 0.014 and 0.021, PPO 0.017 and 0.021(∆ O.D./min/ml) and Overall acceptability 8.13 for after 4th week of storage period. Ozonation and Ultrasonication treated TCW was found at 20min treatment time and packed in glass and PET bottle under refrigerated condition, which gave the experimental values of TSS 5.17 and 5.01⁰Brix, TA 0.08 and 0.09 %, pH 4.75 and 4.72, EC 5.82 and 5.93 mS/cm, TDS 4.60 and 4.68 ppm, TS 3.55 and 3.60 %, TPC 1.80 and 2.07 (mg GAE/ml), Total plate count 2.472 and 1.681log (CFU/ml), Yeast and Mould count 2.019 and 1.726log (CFU/ml), POD 0.014 and 0.016, PPO 0.010 and 0.014 (∆ O.D./min/ml) and Overall acceptability 7.33 and 7.50 for after 4th week of storage period. It was recommended to tender coconut water treated with 20min ozonation treatment stored in glass bottle upto 4th week of storage period and 20min ultrasonication treatment stored in glass and PET bottle at 4±2℃ upto 4th week of storage period. Combination treatment 20min ozonation and 20 min ultrasonication treatment stored in glass bottle and PET bottle at 4±2℃ upto 4th week of storage period.