T R Rupa's research while affiliated with Indian Institute of Horticultural Research and other places

The present study was conducted at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, India during 2018-2019 to quantify resource use efficiency in 11 genotypes of gladiolus propagated through cormels based on growth, biomass partitioning and nutrient removal pattern. Growth and yield parameters differed significantly among genotypes. The leaf number was significantly higher in Arka Shobha (9.67) and Arka Manorama (9.00) than other genotypes (6.33-8.67). The spike length was higher in Arka Naveen (102.9 cm) and lesser in Arka Kumkum (66.2 cm). The pattern of biomass partitioning indicated that below ground biomass (corm) accounted for 71.5% of total biomass (3990 kg ha-1), while above ground biomass (leaf and spike) was 28.5% of total biomass (1137 kg ha-1). In gladiolus genotypes, the nutrient profile indicated that the accumulation of N was higher in corms followed by leaves and spikes. The accumulation of P (0.13-0.14%), Mn (29.8-43.5 mg kg-1), Zn (15.3-23.4 mg kg-1) and Cu (5.2-6.0 mg kg-1) was similar. Spikes accumulated higher K and Mg than leaves and corms. The accumulation of Ca was more in leaves (2.39%) followed by flower stalks (1.95 %). The average Fe concentration (mg kg-1) was more in corms (293) followed by leaves (269) and flower stalks (160). The average nutrient removal in genotypes was quantified at 122 kg N, 10.8 kg P and 71.7 kg K per ha per crop. The nutrient demand (g ha-1) of Fe was more (1062.4) than Mn (152.5), Zn (23.8) and Cu (23.0). The data implies that gladiolus is a heavy feeder of N and K. Nutrient removal of K and Fe influenced the biomass production with high degree of variability (Y =-541.858 + 24.097 Kuptake + 1.405 Feuptake R2=0.995). The present study gives scope for precision nutrient use by avoiding blanket recommendations.

The present study was conducted to compare the nutritional quality and the concentration of bioactive compounds in the flours from dehusked and germinated foxtail, barnyard, and little millets. Germinated millet flours showed significantly higher protein content (11.79–33.49%), total free amino acid content (66–334.87%) and protein solubility (13.83–34%), compared to the dehusked millet flours. The total phenols and flavonoids in the flours from the three germinated millets were significantly higher by about 142.36 and 437.20%, respectively, compared to the flours from the dehusked millets. Mineral content was also found to be higher in the flours from germinated millets in comparison to the flours from dehusked millets. The results of this study showed that the flours from the germinated millets have the potential for their application in development of novel products,because of their enhanced nutritional value. The extracts from the germinated millets have the potential for use as functional ingredients in the development of novel processed fruit beverages.

The present study was carried out to quantify variations in growth, resource use indicators and carbon stocks in different genotypes and different species of Gladiolus for precision production practices. Growth, biomass and nutrient accumulation pattern, and physiological parameters showed significant variations among genotypes of Gladiolus hybrida and species of gladiolus. Leaf area was significantly higher in Arka Kum kum (1557.9 cm2 plant−1). Biomass accumulation was 54% of the total in above ground parts like leaf and spikes, and 46% in below ground corms. Among genotypes of G. hybrida, Arka Amar registered higher total biomass (8159 kg ha−1). Multiple regression indicated significant negative effect of leaf and spike weight on corm biomass (Y corm biomass=˗0.03013–1.0725leaf biomass˗0.4975spike biomass, R 2=0.98) was noticed. Nitrogen removal varied significantly among genotypes of G. hybrida (185–297 kg ha−1). There were marginal differences in P uptake (7.6–11.7 kg ha−1) both among genotypes and species. The potassium requirement was 200 kg K2O ha−1. Higher partial factor productivity and internal utilization efficiency and lower partial nutrient imbalance for P imply that P fertilizer application was more than nutrient demand. Gladiolus system is efficient in carbon sequestration and total carbon stocks in G. hybrida genotypes (19.81–21.63 t ha−1), Gladiolus callianthes (20.76 t ha−1) and Gladiolus psittacinus (22.65 t ha−1). The study indicated differences in nutrient acquisition capacity in genotypes and the need for precision nutrient application to reduce production cost. It is clear that adequate nutrient stocks in the non-harvestable parts are required for below ground corm biomass production.

Several minor fruits are grown in India. Some of them are indigenous and some are exotic and introduced. The area and production of these fruits is very limited but these fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals. Twenty five minor fruits were analyses for fruit characteristics and mineral content. Most of the fruit are small in size and acidic in taste. There was wide ranged of fruit colour and pulp colour in these species. The ascorbic acid content was highest in Barbados cherry (1560 mg/100 g pulp). It ranged between 13 to 50 mg /100g pulp in most of the minor fruit. The Dry matter content was lowest in Bilambi (6.49 %) and highest in Chinese salacia (37.0 %). Nitrogen content was lowest (0.07 5) in Sour Carambola and highest (1.4 %) in wood apple (1.4 %) on dry weight basis. The phosphorus content ranged from 0.061 percent in Brazilian guava to 0.554 percent in Phalsa. Potassium content was highest in Star gooseberry (6.9 %) and lowest in Chinese salacia (0.1 %). The calcium content was highest in Phalsa (2.01 %). The magnesium content ranged from 0.015 percent in white jamun to 0.787 percent in Phalsa. Sulphur content was highest in Chinese salacia (0.048 %). The iron content was highest in Bilambi (154 ppm), Zinc content ranged from 3.0 ppm in white jamun to 43.2 ppm in Bilambi. Minor fruit like Bilambi, Phalsa, Noni, Macadamia nut were found rich in micro elements. They may be a good optional for the supply of natural source of for deficiency disorders.