Anand Agricultural University

The present work investigates the impact of pressure (P; 300–600 MPa) and holding time (t; 5–20 min) on the quality attributes and microbial stability of jackfruit shreds. The results revealed that the P and t had significantly affected physico-chemcial and bioactive composition of the jackfruit shreds. Higher levels of P and t increased the firmness of the shreds. Better colour retention and lower colour deviation were observed after processing at 450 and 600 MPa for 20 and 23 min, respectively. The ascorbic acid content in jackfruit shreds increased from 15.42–16.32 mg/100 g and the total flavonoid content in high pressure processed sample increased maximum of about 31% after HPP processing. All the response variables fitted well with the polynomial model of degree two by multilinear regression analysis. High pressure processing at 600 MPa/8 min rendered jackfruit shreds with optimal quality and improved microbial stability with a desirability value of 0.832.

Genetic transformation is helpful in enhancing crops, utilising promoters that can be constitutive, inducible, or tissue-specific. However, the use of constitutive promoters may hinder plant growth due to energy consumption during cellular processes. To optimise transgene effects, tissue-specific promoters like root-specific ones prove valuable in addressing root-related issues and enhancing productivity. Yet, identified root-specific promoters in crop are limited. To address this gap, the expression pattern of the root-specific SlREO promoter was examined across various crops. Sequencing confirmed its identity and high homology (99%) with the NCBI database, distinct from other plants tested. Using the PLACE database, six motifs associated with root expression were identified, along with several other important elements. The 2.4 kb SlREO promoter was linked to a ß-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene alongside the CaMV35S promoter in pRI 201-AN-GUS vectors to study its expression. Histochemistry revealed strong root-specific expression in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) root tissues and limited expression in stems. However, the SlREO promoter did not consistently maintain its root-specific expression in other plants. Conversely, the CaMV35S promoter exhibited constitutive expression across all tissues in various plants. This study underscores the potential of the SlREO promoter as a root-specific regulatory element, offering avenues for improving crops, particularly against environmental stresses.

To fully understand the vast biological complexity that exists within cells, omics studies must be conducted. And the data obtained from these omics platforms needs to be validated in order to reach the final conclusion. This multi-omics data largely exhibits the data generated from genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, and epigenome. Integration of multi-omics approaches appears to be more promising in understanding complicated biology systematically and comprehensively. The production of vast amounts of omics data and the development of computational bioinformatics have made it much easier to integrate these two potent tools to elucidate the functional application for recognizing the molecular interactions taking place within the cell. Multi-omics approach leads to the finding of the associated biological network pathways and the genes responsible for the production of natural products within plants. With the advancement of the high-end instrumentation like sequencing technology, mass spectrometry, and controlled phenotyping facility, it is more informative to gain the proper function of the gene and its interaction with the environmental signals. In this chapter, a brief overview on broad omics approaches and the ways for associating the multi-omics data to draw out the functions of various genes involved in the production of natural compounds within the plants are mentioned.

BACKGROUND The present study aimed to evaluate the anti‐hypertensive and anti‐diabetic activities from biologically active peptides produced by fermented sheep milk with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei M11 (MG027695), as well as to purify and characterize the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and anti‐diabetic peptides produced from fermented sheep milk. RESULTS After 48 h of fermentation at 37 °C, sheep milk demonstrated significant changes in anti‐diabetic effects and ACE‐I effects, with inhibition percentages observed for ACE inhibition (76.32%), α‐amylase (70.13%), α‐glucosidase (70.11%) and lipase inhibition (68.22%). The highest level of peptides (9.77 mg mL–1) was produced by optimizing the growth conditions, which included an inoculation rate of 2.5% and a 48 h of incubation period. The comparison of molecular weight distributions among protein fractions was conducted through sodium dodecyl‐sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis, whereas spots were separated using 2D gel electrophoresis according to both the molecular weight and pH. Peptide characterization with ultra‐filtration membranes at 3 and 10 kDa allowed the study to assess molecular weight‐based separation. Nitric oxide generated by lipopolysaccharide and the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 immune cells were both inhibited by sheep milk fermented with M11. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to assess changes in functional groups after fermentation, providing insights into the structural changes occurring during fermentation. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrates that fermentation with L. paracasei (M11) led to significant changes in fermented sheep milk, enhancing its bioactive properties, notably in terms of ACE inhibition and anti‐diabetic activities, and the generation of peptides with bioactive properties has potential health benefits. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Weather is a dominant factor determining the success or failure of agricultural enterprise. Out of total annual crop losses, a substantial portion is because of aberrant weather. It is estimated that about eight percent of the total crop losses can be avoided through improved weather forecast. The weather forecasts also provide guidelines for long-range seasonal planning and selection of crops most suited to anticipated climatic condition.

After thoroughly evaluating its properties, the suggested semiconducting material for a thin film semiconductor electronic device is selected. A thorough analysis of Zinc gallium telluride (ZnGa2Te4) in bulk can be helpful for researchers working on electronic device production. ZnGa2Te4 (ZGT) is a ternary semiconducting compound that belongs to the II-III2-VI4 family [II: zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd); III: indium (In), gallium (Ga); and III: selenium (Se), tellurium (Te), sulphur (S)]. The microcontroller-based programmable rotary tube furnace synthesized homogeneous bulk ZGT ternary semiconducting compound. A vigorous XRD peak intensity and a low full breadth/width at half maximum (β) (FWHM) of the diffraction peak value in the synthesized ZGT bulk indicate high levels of crystallinity, which were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The ZGT bulk's d-interplanar spacings (as determined by Bragg's law and Bravais theory), stacking fault (SF), texture coefficient (Ci), degree of preferred orientation (σ), lattice constants (a and c), and unit cell volume (V) have all been computed. To understand the thermal and structural characteristics of ZGT, the XRD data is analyzed using the Rietveld refinement (RR) method in the Fullprof programme. Various microstructural parameters of ZGT bulk, such as lattice parameters (a and c), crystallite size (D), strain (ε), microstrain (\({\varepsilon }_{\text{rms}}\)), dislocation density (\(\delta\)), Young's modulus (yh k l), stress (\(\sigma\)), and energy density \((u)\) are calculated. Calculations have been made for the bulk, Voigt shear, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio elastic moduli of ZGT. Equipped with its transverse and longitudinal sound velocities, the ZGT bulk's Debye temperature has been calculated and depicted. The ZGT's bulk density is calculated using a pycnometer. The implications are discussed.

Impact of integrated nutrient management on plant and soil nutrient status in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) cv. Phule Mosambi was investigated for two consecutive years i.e. 2019 and 2020 at the Horticultural Research Farm, College of Horticulture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) comprised of 11 treatments replicated thrice. Significantly higher yield was recorded with T 11 [50% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) + 20 kg farmyard manure (FYM)/tree +25% nitrogen (N) from Castor Cake + 10 ml Bio NPK Consortium + Micronutrient foliar spray (1% Grade IV)] (17.35 and 17.

In the literature, it is well known that there is a bidirectional causality between economic growth and energy consumption. This is why it is crucial to forecast energy consumption. In this study, four deep learning models, i.e., Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), stacked LSTM, bidirectional LSTM, and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), were used to forecast energy consumption in Brazil, Canada, and France. After a training test period, the performance evaluation criterion, i.e., R², mean square error, root mean square error, mean absolute error, and mean absolute percentage error, was performed for the performance measure. It showed that GRU is the best model for Canada and France, while LSTM is the best model for Brazil. Therefore, the energy consumption prediction was made for the 12 months of the year 2017 using LSTM for Brazil and GRU for Canada and France. Based on the selected model, it was projected that the energy consumption in Brazil was 38 597.14–38 092.88, 63 900–4 800 000 GWh in Canada, and 50 999.72–32 747.01 GWh in France in 2017. The projected consumption in Canada was very high due to the country’s higher industrialization. The results obtained in this study confirmed that the nature of energy production will impact the complexity of the deep learning model.

Cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX), responsible for irreversible cytokinin degradation, also controls plant growth and development and response to abiotic stress. While the CKX gene has been studied in other plants extensively, its function in cotton is still unknown. Therefore, a genome-wide study to identify the CKX gene family in the four cotton species was conducted using transcriptomics, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and bioinformatics. As a result, in G. hirsutum and G. barbadense (the tetraploid cotton species), 87 and 96 CKX genes respectively and 62 genes each in G. arboreum and G. raimondii, were identified. Based on the evolutionary studies, the cotton CKX gene family has been divided into five distinct subfamilies. It was observed that CKX genes in cotton have conserved sequence logos and gene family expansion was due to segmental duplication or whole genome duplication (WGD). Collinearity and multiple synteny studies showed an expansion of gene families during evolution and purifying selection pressure has been exerted. G. hirsutum CKX genes displayed multiple exons/introns, uneven chromosomal distribution, conserved protein motifs, and cis-elements related to growth and stress in their promoter regions. Cis-elements related to resistance, physiological metabolism and hormonal regulation were identified within the promoter regions of the CKX genes. Expression analysis under different stress conditions (cold, heat, drought and salt) revealed different expression patterns in the different tissues. Through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), the GhCKX34A gene was found to improve cold resistance by modulating antioxidant-related activity. Since GhCKX29A is highly expressed during fibre development, we hypothesize that the increased expression of GhCKX29A in fibres has significant effects on fibre elongation. Consequently, these results contribute to our understanding of the involvement of GhCKXs in both fibre development and response to abiotic stress.

Supercritical fluid extraction has emerged as a highly efficient and selective method for extracting essential oils from spices. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of supercritical fluid extraction in terms of both yield and extraction of valuable essential oil from ajwain. Factors such as temperature (35 to 55°C), pressure (100 to 300 bar), dynamic duration (30 to 150 min), and static time (30 to 90 min) were evaluated to determine the concentration of thymol through the use of a central composite design for supercritical fluid extraction, and the extraction process was optimized. The optimal factors were found to be 35°C, 300 bar pressure, 65 minutes of dynamic time, and 30 minutes of static time. The essential oil yield with a thymol content of 60% was 3.9%.

The dynamics of the potato market in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, represent significant price volatility that affects stakeholders across the supply chain. This study addresses the critical need for accurate forecasting of potato price, which is utmost for optimising production, marketing strategies and inventory management. However, existing forecasting models often fail to provide the accuracy required for effective planning and resource allocation. This research aims to bridge this gap by investigating the potential of advanced predictive models to offer closer approximations of potato prices. Covering the period from January 1, 2006, to July 31, 2023, the methodology employed the H2O AutoML framework to identify and evaluate predictive models based on two distinct train-test split ratios, 80:20 and 70:30. The selection of the top 20 models for each configuration, assessed using the root mean square error, revealed the 70:30 split’s superior performance. Further analysis identified the top three models: stacked ensemble, gradient boosting machine and extreme gradient boosting, with the stacked ensemble model emerging as the optimal choice with forecasting errors ranging from 0.08 to 2.09% for daily prices of potato. This result illustrates the effectiveness of the stacked ensemble model in advancing strategic decision-making and resource distribution within the potato industry, with a notable improvement in the accuracy of price predictions contributing to more efficient and informed operational strategies.

An increase in environmental consciousness among people and governing bodies can lead to the use of biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging materials. Biodegradable materials have some limitations in use due to their poor mechanical strength. Hence, the material scientists looking for a component that circumvents the problem. As the banana pseudostem (BPS) is an agricultural waste, the valorization of this waste contributes to the economy of the farming community. The fibre from BPS has good mechanical strength and biodegradable properties. These properties mainly depend on the extraction method and the type of fibre present in the plant. BPS contains cellulose ~ 31.27% and hemicellulose ~ 14.98%, making it suitable for fibre extraction and application in the packaging industry. Grease-proof paper, paper, film, laminates, nanocrystals and nanofiber have been made from pseudostem fibre. Nanocellulose and nanofibers have the potential for packaging innovation due to their morphology, aspect ratio, low cost, low density, barrier properties and surface energy. Film mechanical properties and thermal stability have increased with the incorporation of BPS.

Bacterial blight, incited by Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum (Xcm), is historically one of the most devastating diseases of cotton globally. In India, the initial documentation of the disease dates back to 1918 and it assumed a great magnitude after 1947, primarily triggered by cultivation of tetraploid cotton, as the earlier cultivated indigenous diploid cotton was naturally resistant to the pathogen, and became widespread during the 1970s. Among 20 races of bacterial blight pathogen documented at global level, Race 18 is the most virulent one and prominent in India. The pathogen inflicts damage at all crop stages, beginning with seedlings. The disease caused regular yield losses of 30%–35% in India and had become a formidable adversary to cotton cultivation in the country; however, over the years its appearance diminished. Much larger gains were apparently achieved when disease was managed with a combination of seed treatment, foliar sprays and bio-agents. Furthermore, extensive breeding programmes led to development of resistant cultivars, which proved instrumental in managing the disease. The disease exhibited a sharp decline from the beginning of the 21st century and is now no longer a chronic problem in India. This comprehensive review attempts to provide insight into the dynamic nature of bacterial blight threatening cotton cultivation in India during the last century and the underpinning multifaceted research efforts that paved the way for countering the disease. An attempt is made to discuss the qualitative and quantitative studies on genetics of bacterial blight for facilitating the breeding programmes.

This study investigated the synthesis of bioactive peptides from sheep milk through fermentation with Limosilactobacillus fermentum KGL4 MTCC 25515 strain and assessed lipase inhibition, ACE inhibition, α-glucosidase inhibition, and α-amylase inhibition activities during the fermentation process. The study observed the highest activities, reaching 74.82%, 70.02%, 72.19%, and 67.08% (lipase inhibition, ACE inhibition, α-glucosidase inhibition, and α-amylase inhibition) after 48 h at 37°C, respectively. Growth optimization experiments revealed that a 2.5% inoculation rate after 48 h of fermentation time resulted in the highest proteolytic activity at 9.88 mg/mL. Additionally, fractions with less than 3 kDa of molecular weight exhibited superior ACE-inhibition and anti-diabetic activities compared to other fractions. Fermentation of sheep milk with KGL4 led to a significant reduction in the excessive production of NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β produced in RAW 267.4 cells upon treatment with LPS. Peptides were purified utilizing SDS-PAGE and electrophoresis on 2D gels, identifying a maximum number of proteins bands ranging 10–70 kDa. Peptide sequences were cross-referenced with AHTPDB and BIOPEP databases, confirming potential antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties. Notably, the peptide (GPFPILV) exhibited the highest HPEPDOCK score against both α-amylase and ACE.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera), is one of the most damaging pest affecting a variety of crops, especially maize. Insecticides are the primary tool for controlling S. frugiperda in corn, but when used indiscriminately, they pollute the environment. This study investigated the compatibility of a nucleopolyhedro-virus (NPV) with selected insecticides against S. frugiperda under laboratory conditions. The insect culture was initiated from field-collected larvae, and subsequent generations were maintained in laboratory. Four insecticides, chlorantranilip-role, emamectin benzoate, spinetoram, and cypermethrin, were applied at sublethal concentrations. NPV was isolated from infected larvae, and its concentration was determined. The combination of lethal NPV concentration (1 × 10 9 POB ml − 1) with sublethal spinetoram (10 ppm) exhibited synergistic effects, resulting in maximum larval mortality (86.66%). Similar synergistic effects were observed with lethal NPV concentrations, sublethal chlorantraniliprole (3 ppm), and emamectin benzoate (5 ppm). LC 50 values indicated increased susceptibility of 2nd instar larvae compared to 3rd instar larvae. Combining lethal doses of NPV with sub-lethal doses of the above-mentioned insecticides showed improved efficacy compared to individual applications. The study highlights the potential of combining NPV with sublethal concentrations of insecticides, particularly spinetoram, emamectin benzoate, and chlorantraniliprole, for enhanced and sustainable control of S. frugiperda. The observed synergistic effects in these combinations present a promising strategy for effective integrated pest management.

Pearl millet stands as an important staple food and feed for arid and semi-arid regions of India and South Africa. It is also a quick supplier of important micronutrients like Fe and Zn via grain to combat micronutrient deficiencies among people in developing countries. India has notably spearheaded advancements in pearl millet production and productivity through the All India Coordinated Pearl Millet Improvement Project. There were 21 hybrids evaluated over arid and semi-arid ecologies of the western and southern regions of India. AMMI and GGE biplot models were adopted to recommend a specific hybrid for the particular locality. A joint analysis of variation indicated a significant genotype–environment interaction for most of the agronomical and grain micronutrient parameters. Pearson’s correlation values dissected the significant and positive correlation among agronomic traits and the negative correlation with grain micronutrient traits. GGE biplot analysis recommended the SHT 106 as a dual-purpose hybrid and SHT 115 as a biofortified hybrid for the grain’s Fe and Zn content. SHT 110 and SHT 108 were selected as stable and high grain yield-producing hybrids across all environments and specifically for E1, E2, and E4 as per the Which-Won-Where and What biplot. SHT 109 and SHT 103 hybrids were stable and high dry fodder yield-producing hybrids across all environments. In this study, the Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI) was employed to select the most stable and high-performing hybrids for all traits. It selected SHT 120, SHT 106, and SHT 104 for stability and great performance across all environments. These findings underscored the significance of tailored hybrid recommendations and the potential of pearl millet in addressing both food security and malnutrition challenges in various agro-ecological regions.

Background: Lumbar segment instability in mechanical low back is ordinary now a days because of recurrence or by weaken muscles that provide stability in the neutral zone. Segmental instability can cause low back pain and severe functional disability that leads to Kinesiophobia (fear of movement). There are no studies done to check Kinesiophobia in context with segmental instability in mechanical low back pain. So, this study aims to compare lumbar segmental stabilisation (LSS)and general exercises (GE)on pain, disability and kinesiophobia in participants with non-specific low back pain. Methods: A total of 56 participants were recruited after fulfilling the eligibility criteria. They were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A received LSS; Group B received GE for two weeks. Outcome measures were taken in form of Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK). The outcome measure was assessed at baseline and post intervention. Results: As compared to baseline, all participants present significant difference in pain, disability and kinesiophobia (P<0.05). No between group difference was evident when LSS compare to GE group. More severe the disability there are more chances of developing kinesiophobia. Conclusion: By comparing conventional exercises vs Lumbar segmental stabilisation exercises both are equally effective to reduce kinesiophobia along with pain and disability by strengthening the core muscles individually in patients with non-specific LBP. GE can compete with LSS to reduce the pain, disability and kinesiophobia. If severity of disability is higher than individual are more prone to develop kinesiophobia. Key words: Disability, kinesiophobia, LBP and Segmental stabilisation.

Background: In India, the prevalence of flexible flat feet of 18-25-year-old adults was 13.6% (males-12.8%, females-14.4%). Furthermore, it has been regarded as a potential risk factor for lower limb injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament rupture, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and hip joint pain. The present study aims to study the effect of elastic band strengthening on navicular drop, foot posture index, and muscle strength in young adults with flexible flat feet METHOD: Samples of 56 patients with bilateral flat feet with a mean age of 18-25 years were randomly recruited in the elastic band strengthening exercise group and non-elastic band strengthening exercise group. The intervention to both the groups was given 3 days per week for consecutive 4 weeks, and the outcomes in the form of Navicular Drop(ND), Foot Posture Index(FPI), and muscle strength were measured pre-intervention and post-intervention for 56 participants (28 in each group). RESULTS: Both elastic band strengthening exercises and elastic band strengthening exercises are therapeutically beneficial in participants with bilateral flexible flat feet. However, elastic band strengthening gives added effects to improve navicular drop, foot posture index, and muscle strength. CONCLUSION: Both elastic band strengthening exercise and non-elastic band strengthening exercises are therapeutically beneficial in participants with bilateral flexible flat feet, however, elastic band strengthening gives added effects to improve navicular drop (ND), foot posture index (FPI), and muscle strength. Key words: Flexible flat feet, MLA, Navicular Drop, and Foot posture Index

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA), is degenerative condition of knee joint which is more prevalent. Various treatments are available for OA knee. Blood Flow Restriction Therapy (BFRT) is effective training using low-load so that the excessive fatigue and strenuous exercises for strengthening muscles could be avoided which prevails more in Resisted exercises. This study is to assess effectiveness of BFRT on long term symptoms relief for patients with OA Knee. Objective: To assess effect of BFRT on pain, muscle strength and Quality of life of OA knee patients. Method: Randomly 46 participants were allocated in conventional and experimental Groups. The intervention to both groups was given for 1 week daily and the outcomes taken pre and post intervention were NPRS, 1RM strength, WOMAC scale and girth measurement. Results: Statistical significant difference was found in both the groups with p-values <0.05 for all the outcomes in within the group comparisons. In between the group comparisons, BFRT found to have more significance in mean difference compared to resisted exercises for all the outcome parameters. Conclusion: It was concluded that BFRT has more effectiveness in reducing pain, improving strength, girth of muscle and physical function compared to simple resistive exercises in patients with Osteoarthritis of knee. Key words: BFRT, OA knee, pain, physical function, Resisted exercise, strength