Fruits and vegetables are a rich sources of different nutrients, pigments, secondary metabolites ... more Fruits and vegetables are a rich sources of different nutrients, pigments, secondary metabolites and other nutritional components which are beneficial and fundamental components for human health. In recent years, the consumption of coloured fruits and vegetables has increased significantly due to their superior nutritional characteristics. In this context, purple tomato is now gaining importance due to the high content of the pigment anthocyanins. This article provides knowledge on 1) Tomato in general and anthocyanin-rich purple tomato, 2) Benefits of anthocyanins in plants and human diet, 3) Strategies for development of purple tomato, 4) Better postharvest life of purple tomatoes, 5) Purple tomato in India and 6) Health benefits of purple tomato. Purple tomato fruits provide higher nutraceutical value as compared to the classical red tomato as it combines the health benefits of the anthocyanins along with other usual and known phytochemicals as already present in tomato fruit. Due to higher anthocyanins and antioxidative properties, purple tomatoes possess anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancerous, cardio-protective, hepto-protective and neuroprotective effects. Regular consumption of purple tomatoes has also been found effective in the prevention of certain chronic diseases of humans as well. The use of conventional breeding and modern transgenic approach is paving the way for higher anthocyanin and other nutraceuticals in tomato fruits. Higher anthocyanin content has also imparted enhanced shelf-life and better storability to purple tomatoes. In the coming time, the availability and popularity of purple tomatoes in India will be beneficial for farmers, processing industries and human health. This will also serve as another step forward towards attaining nutritional security.
Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the world's most important staple food crop prov... more Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the world's most important staple food crop providing 20% global energy and dietary proteins. It is widely grown in sub-tropical and tropical areas and as such exposed to heat-stress especially at grain filling period (GFP). Global warming has further affected its production and productivity in these heat-stressed environments. We examined the effect of heat-stress on 18 morpho-physiological and yield-related traits in 96 bread wheat accessions. Heat susceptibility index (HSI <0.60) and yield stability (i <0.55) used as criteria for selecting the tolerant accessions. Heat-stress, imposed by delayed sowing, decreased crop growth and GFP, and as a result reduced morphological and yield-related traits, namely days to 50% anthesis, plant height, peduncle length, flag-leaf area, spike length, spikelets per spike, grain length and width, thousand grain weight (TGW), harvest index and yield. The reduction in the trait values was sever...
Nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) is known for its characteristic flavor and fuzzless n... more Nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) is known for its characteristic flavor and fuzzless nature in contrast to its progenitor peaches. It is an important stone fruit with immense nutrients and antioxidant capacity. The smooth texture and glossy cosmetic appeal makes the nectarine popular among the consumers as well as growers. But the postharvest life of this functional fruit is only 3-4 days under ambient conditions due to its high perishability and its unfamiliarity among the growers as its newly introduced crop causes a significant postharvest loss to the growers. Hence, this experiment was conducted to enhance the marketability of commercially important nectarine cultivar Snow Queen fruit by coating them with various plants (hydrocolloids) based edible coating. Fruits were treated with various plant based edible coating such as carboxymethyl cellulose (1%, 1.5%) and GA (gum Arabica) (8%, 10%, 12%). The fruits were dipped in various coating material and dried under ambient...
Seed priming with magnetic field was used to improve germination, vigour and yield in cherry toma... more Seed priming with magnetic field was used to improve germination, vigour and yield in cherry tomato seeds. Cherry tomato seeds were magneto-primed with various doses of static magnetic field (SMF) in the range of 50-150 milliTesla (mT) for duration of 30 min and 1 h. SMF dose of 100 mT for 30 min gave maximum increase in germination characteristics and was selected for application as pulsed dose. Seeds were exposed to pulsed magnetic field (PMF) dose in the cycles of 2, 3, 5 or 6 min on and off where PMF dose of 3 min on and off cycle showed substantial enhancement of 23 % in seedling vigour compared to other treatments. Superoxide ion and hydrogen peroxide contents increased by two fold in static and pulsed magneto-primed seeds. Antioxidant enzymes system revealed increased superoxide dismutase activity and oxidative reaction of peroxidase resulted in production of hydrogen peroxide during germination of magnetoprimed seeds. Increased ascorbate peroxidase activity during initial stages and catalase at later stages of germination helped in scavenging of hydrogen peroxide in germinating magneto-primed seeds. PMF treated seeds showed better response in terms of invigoration and reactive oxygen species related parameters than static magnetoprimed seeds. Both static and pulsed magneto-primed seeds were evaluated for their field performance. Yield increased by 17 % in SMF and 27 % in plants from PMF primed seeds. There was no major change in the number of fruits and the increase in yield was mainly due to a substantial increase in weight per fruit, which was 7.76 and 8.55 g in SMF and PMF, respectively as compared to 6.4 g in control. Fruit quality was also better in primed compared to control seeds. Our results indicated that pulsed magnetopriming is more effective in dry seed priming treatment for seed invigoration in cherry tomatoes. Keywords Antioxidant enzyme Á Cherry tomato Á Pulsed magneto-priming Á Reactive oxygen species Á Seed germinability Á Static magneto-priming Á Vigour
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits of 9 popular varieties in India were analyzed for changes... more Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits of 9 popular varieties in India were analyzed for changes in the levels of different nutrients (P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, B, Cu and Mn) at 5 different ripening stages. For this, tomato fruits at different ripening stages (immature, green mature, turning, light red and red ripe) were harvested directly from the plant. Nutrients were estimated in the outer pericarp (devoid of internal pericarp, locular tissue and seeds) of the tomato fruits. Transition of tomato fruits from immature stage to green mature stage showed net decrease in the contents of Zn, Ca and Mn while, all other nutrients maintained their levels. Indicating that tomato fruits at green mature stage can have sub-optimum levels of Zn, Ca and Mn. This finding is of academic and practical relevance as tomato fruits are generally harvested at green mature stage for their postharvest storage, transportation and marketing purposes. Further, comparison of different nutrients at green mature stage in different varieties showed varietal variability with respect to K, Fe, Cu, Mg, Ca, and Mn. Implications of this varietal variability are highlighted on postharvest physiology and ripening-related changes in tomato fruits. The trend by different varieties during the course of ripening and also across the varieties (particularly when red ripe stage was compared with green mature stage) showed net increase for P, K and Fe, net decrease for Mg, Ca and Mn and no significant change for Zn, B and Cu. Besides the difference in the mobility of different nutrients in phloem, obtained results are being discussed in view of 1) continuous availability of nutrients to the fruits by the plant, 2) Internal mobilization of nutrients (within the fruit) and 3) Remobilization and backflow of nutrients (away from the fruit to the stronger sinks).
Quality seed is a major and important input in potato cultivation. Due to vegetative propagation ... more Quality seed is a major and important input in potato cultivation. Due to vegetative propagation in potato, requirement of seed potato tubers is voluminous, accounting for 50 to 70% of the total cost of potato production. The productivity of potato in many countries is low, primarily due to either non-availability or inadequacy of quality seed potato. The alternative methods of seed potato production will not only help in bridging the gaps in demand but also assist in overcoming the problems that are inherently associated with the conventional multiplication system of potato. The information is meagre on these aspects. Therefore, an overview on seed potato and potato seed production via different alternative methods namely tuber sprout technique, synthetic seeds, true potato seeds, micro-propagation, bioreactor technology, hydroponic system, aeroponic system, techni-tubers, apical rooted cuttings, little tubers and utilization of under-sized tubers (left in the field) is presented. Different aspects like, present scenario, significance, feasibility and practicability are being covered. Efforts that have been made to achieve a balance between use of quality seed potatoes via conventional and different alternative methods to get higher production and productivity of potato are covered here. Issues of higher occupancy of potato in cold storage space due to storage of conventional seed potatoes and how this can be reduced by enhancing the use of alternative methods with more effective and diversified utilization of cold storage space are also discussed.
Increasing temperature is a key component of global climate change, affecting crop growth and pro... more Increasing temperature is a key component of global climate change, affecting crop growth and productivity worldwide. Wheat is a major cereal crop grown in various parts of the globe, which is affected severely by heat stress. The morphological parameters affected include germination, seedling establishment, source-sink activity, leaf area, shoot and root growth. The physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, respiration, leaf senescence, water and nutrient relation are also affected by heat. At the cellular level, heat stress leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species that disrupt the membrane system of thylakoid, chloroplast and plasma membrane. The deactivation of the photosystem, reduction in photosynthesis and inactivation of rubisco affect the production of photoassimilates and their allocation. This ultimately affects anthesis, grain filling, size, number and maturity of wheat grains, which hamper crop productivity. The interplay of various systems comprising antioxidants and hormones plays a crucial role in imparting heat stress tolerance in wheat. Thus, implementation of various omics technologies could foster in-depth insights on heat stress effects, eventually devising heat stress mitigation strategies by conventional and modern breeding to develop heat-tolerant wheat varieties. This review provides an integrative view of heat stress responses in wheat and also discusses approaches to develop heat-tolerant wheat varieties.
Abstract (English) During 1996-97 and 1999-2000 India produced 28.7 and 28.0 million tonnes of po... more Abstract (English) During 1996-97 and 1999-2000 India produced 28.7 and 28.0 million tonnes of potatoes. This increase in the average production of potato 4.5 million tonnes in 1969-70 to 24 million tonne in 2000-01 in the country in comparison with other years ...
Potato varieties were evaluated for the production of little tubers during storage on ageing moth... more Potato varieties were evaluated for the production of little tubers during storage on ageing mother tubers. Little tuber initiation was observed in Kufri Bahar, Kufri Chandramukhi, Kufri Sindhuri and Kufri Lalima after 98, 105, 114 and 147 days of storage at 18°C respectively. Out of the total little tubers produced, 68 to 97% were in the grade of 0.1- &lt; 0.5 g and 2 to 31 % were in the usable grade of 0.5-1.0 g, and no correlation was observed between number of little tubers produced and ion leakage as recorded for mother tuber.
Little tubers were produced on physiologically old potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers of four v... more Little tubers were produced on physiologically old potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers of four varieties stored at 2-4°C (RH: 9095%) for 6 months and 20 days followed by storage at 18°C (RH: 80-85%) accompanied by three desproutings. From the day of storage at 18°C, it took 92-150 days, depending on the variety, for the formation of little tubers and 83% of the little tubers produced weighed 0.1-&lt; 0.5 g which were of little use as propagation material and only 15% of the little tubers weighed 0.5-1.0 g which could be planted directly in the field as propagation material. Treatment with 100 mg/L triadimefon during storage at 18°C decreased the number of days required for little tuber initiation by 12 to 63 days depending on the variety, and reduced the number of little tubers weighing 0.1- &lt; 0.5 g to 61 % and increased the little tubers weighing 0.5-1.0 g to 34%. Triadimefon effect was more pronounced in varieties Kufri Sindhuri and Kufri Lalima which normally required more number of days for little tuber initiation.
Quality Assurance and Safety of Crops & Foods, 2018
World over, isopropyl N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate (CIPC) is used as a potato sprout suppressant ... more World over, isopropyl N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate (CIPC) is used as a potato sprout suppressant during storage. Residue of CIPC is therefore noticed not only in the stored potatoes but also in the processed potato products. It is about three decades ago that it was proposed that the use of CIPC may become restricted in several countries due to various environmental concerns. During the last 20 years, declining trend in values for the levels of maximum residue limit of CIPC, as recommended from time to time by regulatory agencies, is an indication of potential harmful effects of CIPC. However, at present, larger concerns are being associated with breakdown products (metabolites) of CIPC. Issues like built-up levels of CIPC and its cross-contamination have also started receiving the due attention. This article points out the health and environmental safety concerns that have emerged due to continuous use of CIPC in the last 55 years, since its commercialisation in the year 1962 and in view of advancements in our understanding about this chemical. This article highlights issues that need the attention of the regulatory agencies and presents workable approaches and options along with advisories to reduce the overall use and intake of CIPC so that the risks associated with CIPC can be minimised.
Delayed fruit ripening in tomatoes is a desirable trait to enhance their transportability. Hence ... more Delayed fruit ripening in tomatoes is a desirable trait to enhance their transportability. Hence identification of a suitable marker for delayed ripening can greatly assist in breeding suitable lines. Stem scar region, a visible morphological character, can be used in selecting or breeding tomato varieties for delayed ripening.
The flux of carbon among various carbon pools in the carbon cycle occurs due to various CO2 excha... more The flux of carbon among various carbon pools in the carbon cycle occurs due to various CO2 exchange processes such as &#39; photosynthesis, respiration, deposition of carbon into soil, anthropogenic emissions and other natural processes. Global efforts are being made to reduce the emissions to slow down the pace of climate change. Therefore, the measurements, monitoring and understanding of the controls of carbon inputs arid outputs by the terrestrial ecosystems i.e. vegetation and soil have become increasingly important. The key measures of the input of carbon in a system are net primary production (NPP) and the net ecosystem productivity (NEP). Estimates of photosynthesis and NPP can be made through traditional approaches as well as other approaches e.g. bottom up approach (using mechanistic photosynthesis models) and the top down approach (using light use efficiency with satellite data). Advancements have taken place for monitoring the CO2 exchange at different scales viz. leaf (portable photosynthesis systems), stand level (eddy covariance method), landscape level (tall towers) and vertical carbon column observations (Fourier transform spectrometers and satellites). These flux measurements along with the use of satellite data for land cover changes, growing season, phenology and their coupling with models at various scales can characterize the changes in the carbon cycle. There are also methods to partition the fluxes based on discrimination of isotopes of carbon and oxygen by terrestrial ecosystem processes. The CO2 exchange dynamics in the vegetation and soil can also be investigated at smaller scale with Open Top Chambers (OTCs) and with larger ecosystem experimental set-ups e.g. Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE). The soil is a vast reservoir of carbon -consisting of roots, organic matter, organic carbon and inorganic carbon and has a great potential for carbon sequestration. Monitoring of carbon and fluxes in soil is therefore an essential aspect in the era of changing climate. The root systems are monitored mostly in a destructive manner but many non-destructive methods have also been devised such as use of microwaves, electrical impedance spectroscopy, minirhizotrons etc. Similarly, soil carbon estimation with traditional chemical method can be replaced with soil reflectance spectroscopy for rapid and large area estimations. Measurement of soil respiration and its partitioning also helps in verifying the capacity of soil as a net source or net sink. The uncertainties in the estimates need understanding of the multi-factorial effects on carbon exchange processes, plant acclimation responses, feedback response from changing climate and carbon trading issues. Monitoring therefore needs concerted efforts in terms of enhancement of measurement infrastructure at different scales, use of multi-techniques and multi-disciplinary approaches so that more constrained and better estimates can be made.
Fruits and vegetables are a rich sources of different nutrients, pigments, secondary metabolites ... more Fruits and vegetables are a rich sources of different nutrients, pigments, secondary metabolites and other nutritional components which are beneficial and fundamental components for human health. In recent years, the consumption of coloured fruits and vegetables has increased significantly due to their superior nutritional characteristics. In this context, purple tomato is now gaining importance due to the high content of the pigment anthocyanins. This article provides knowledge on 1) Tomato in general and anthocyanin-rich purple tomato, 2) Benefits of anthocyanins in plants and human diet, 3) Strategies for development of purple tomato, 4) Better postharvest life of purple tomatoes, 5) Purple tomato in India and 6) Health benefits of purple tomato. Purple tomato fruits provide higher nutraceutical value as compared to the classical red tomato as it combines the health benefits of the anthocyanins along with other usual and known phytochemicals as already present in tomato fruit. Due to higher anthocyanins and antioxidative properties, purple tomatoes possess anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancerous, cardio-protective, hepto-protective and neuroprotective effects. Regular consumption of purple tomatoes has also been found effective in the prevention of certain chronic diseases of humans as well. The use of conventional breeding and modern transgenic approach is paving the way for higher anthocyanin and other nutraceuticals in tomato fruits. Higher anthocyanin content has also imparted enhanced shelf-life and better storability to purple tomatoes. In the coming time, the availability and popularity of purple tomatoes in India will be beneficial for farmers, processing industries and human health. This will also serve as another step forward towards attaining nutritional security.
Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the world's most important staple food crop prov... more Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the world's most important staple food crop providing 20% global energy and dietary proteins. It is widely grown in sub-tropical and tropical areas and as such exposed to heat-stress especially at grain filling period (GFP). Global warming has further affected its production and productivity in these heat-stressed environments. We examined the effect of heat-stress on 18 morpho-physiological and yield-related traits in 96 bread wheat accessions. Heat susceptibility index (HSI <0.60) and yield stability (i <0.55) used as criteria for selecting the tolerant accessions. Heat-stress, imposed by delayed sowing, decreased crop growth and GFP, and as a result reduced morphological and yield-related traits, namely days to 50% anthesis, plant height, peduncle length, flag-leaf area, spike length, spikelets per spike, grain length and width, thousand grain weight (TGW), harvest index and yield. The reduction in the trait values was sever...
Nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) is known for its characteristic flavor and fuzzless n... more Nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) is known for its characteristic flavor and fuzzless nature in contrast to its progenitor peaches. It is an important stone fruit with immense nutrients and antioxidant capacity. The smooth texture and glossy cosmetic appeal makes the nectarine popular among the consumers as well as growers. But the postharvest life of this functional fruit is only 3-4 days under ambient conditions due to its high perishability and its unfamiliarity among the growers as its newly introduced crop causes a significant postharvest loss to the growers. Hence, this experiment was conducted to enhance the marketability of commercially important nectarine cultivar Snow Queen fruit by coating them with various plants (hydrocolloids) based edible coating. Fruits were treated with various plant based edible coating such as carboxymethyl cellulose (1%, 1.5%) and GA (gum Arabica) (8%, 10%, 12%). The fruits were dipped in various coating material and dried under ambient...
Seed priming with magnetic field was used to improve germination, vigour and yield in cherry toma... more Seed priming with magnetic field was used to improve germination, vigour and yield in cherry tomato seeds. Cherry tomato seeds were magneto-primed with various doses of static magnetic field (SMF) in the range of 50-150 milliTesla (mT) for duration of 30 min and 1 h. SMF dose of 100 mT for 30 min gave maximum increase in germination characteristics and was selected for application as pulsed dose. Seeds were exposed to pulsed magnetic field (PMF) dose in the cycles of 2, 3, 5 or 6 min on and off where PMF dose of 3 min on and off cycle showed substantial enhancement of 23 % in seedling vigour compared to other treatments. Superoxide ion and hydrogen peroxide contents increased by two fold in static and pulsed magneto-primed seeds. Antioxidant enzymes system revealed increased superoxide dismutase activity and oxidative reaction of peroxidase resulted in production of hydrogen peroxide during germination of magnetoprimed seeds. Increased ascorbate peroxidase activity during initial stages and catalase at later stages of germination helped in scavenging of hydrogen peroxide in germinating magneto-primed seeds. PMF treated seeds showed better response in terms of invigoration and reactive oxygen species related parameters than static magnetoprimed seeds. Both static and pulsed magneto-primed seeds were evaluated for their field performance. Yield increased by 17 % in SMF and 27 % in plants from PMF primed seeds. There was no major change in the number of fruits and the increase in yield was mainly due to a substantial increase in weight per fruit, which was 7.76 and 8.55 g in SMF and PMF, respectively as compared to 6.4 g in control. Fruit quality was also better in primed compared to control seeds. Our results indicated that pulsed magnetopriming is more effective in dry seed priming treatment for seed invigoration in cherry tomatoes. Keywords Antioxidant enzyme Á Cherry tomato Á Pulsed magneto-priming Á Reactive oxygen species Á Seed germinability Á Static magneto-priming Á Vigour
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits of 9 popular varieties in India were analyzed for changes... more Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits of 9 popular varieties in India were analyzed for changes in the levels of different nutrients (P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, B, Cu and Mn) at 5 different ripening stages. For this, tomato fruits at different ripening stages (immature, green mature, turning, light red and red ripe) were harvested directly from the plant. Nutrients were estimated in the outer pericarp (devoid of internal pericarp, locular tissue and seeds) of the tomato fruits. Transition of tomato fruits from immature stage to green mature stage showed net decrease in the contents of Zn, Ca and Mn while, all other nutrients maintained their levels. Indicating that tomato fruits at green mature stage can have sub-optimum levels of Zn, Ca and Mn. This finding is of academic and practical relevance as tomato fruits are generally harvested at green mature stage for their postharvest storage, transportation and marketing purposes. Further, comparison of different nutrients at green mature stage in different varieties showed varietal variability with respect to K, Fe, Cu, Mg, Ca, and Mn. Implications of this varietal variability are highlighted on postharvest physiology and ripening-related changes in tomato fruits. The trend by different varieties during the course of ripening and also across the varieties (particularly when red ripe stage was compared with green mature stage) showed net increase for P, K and Fe, net decrease for Mg, Ca and Mn and no significant change for Zn, B and Cu. Besides the difference in the mobility of different nutrients in phloem, obtained results are being discussed in view of 1) continuous availability of nutrients to the fruits by the plant, 2) Internal mobilization of nutrients (within the fruit) and 3) Remobilization and backflow of nutrients (away from the fruit to the stronger sinks).
Quality seed is a major and important input in potato cultivation. Due to vegetative propagation ... more Quality seed is a major and important input in potato cultivation. Due to vegetative propagation in potato, requirement of seed potato tubers is voluminous, accounting for 50 to 70% of the total cost of potato production. The productivity of potato in many countries is low, primarily due to either non-availability or inadequacy of quality seed potato. The alternative methods of seed potato production will not only help in bridging the gaps in demand but also assist in overcoming the problems that are inherently associated with the conventional multiplication system of potato. The information is meagre on these aspects. Therefore, an overview on seed potato and potato seed production via different alternative methods namely tuber sprout technique, synthetic seeds, true potato seeds, micro-propagation, bioreactor technology, hydroponic system, aeroponic system, techni-tubers, apical rooted cuttings, little tubers and utilization of under-sized tubers (left in the field) is presented. Different aspects like, present scenario, significance, feasibility and practicability are being covered. Efforts that have been made to achieve a balance between use of quality seed potatoes via conventional and different alternative methods to get higher production and productivity of potato are covered here. Issues of higher occupancy of potato in cold storage space due to storage of conventional seed potatoes and how this can be reduced by enhancing the use of alternative methods with more effective and diversified utilization of cold storage space are also discussed.
Increasing temperature is a key component of global climate change, affecting crop growth and pro... more Increasing temperature is a key component of global climate change, affecting crop growth and productivity worldwide. Wheat is a major cereal crop grown in various parts of the globe, which is affected severely by heat stress. The morphological parameters affected include germination, seedling establishment, source-sink activity, leaf area, shoot and root growth. The physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, respiration, leaf senescence, water and nutrient relation are also affected by heat. At the cellular level, heat stress leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species that disrupt the membrane system of thylakoid, chloroplast and plasma membrane. The deactivation of the photosystem, reduction in photosynthesis and inactivation of rubisco affect the production of photoassimilates and their allocation. This ultimately affects anthesis, grain filling, size, number and maturity of wheat grains, which hamper crop productivity. The interplay of various systems comprising antioxidants and hormones plays a crucial role in imparting heat stress tolerance in wheat. Thus, implementation of various omics technologies could foster in-depth insights on heat stress effects, eventually devising heat stress mitigation strategies by conventional and modern breeding to develop heat-tolerant wheat varieties. This review provides an integrative view of heat stress responses in wheat and also discusses approaches to develop heat-tolerant wheat varieties.
Abstract (English) During 1996-97 and 1999-2000 India produced 28.7 and 28.0 million tonnes of po... more Abstract (English) During 1996-97 and 1999-2000 India produced 28.7 and 28.0 million tonnes of potatoes. This increase in the average production of potato 4.5 million tonnes in 1969-70 to 24 million tonne in 2000-01 in the country in comparison with other years ...
Potato varieties were evaluated for the production of little tubers during storage on ageing moth... more Potato varieties were evaluated for the production of little tubers during storage on ageing mother tubers. Little tuber initiation was observed in Kufri Bahar, Kufri Chandramukhi, Kufri Sindhuri and Kufri Lalima after 98, 105, 114 and 147 days of storage at 18°C respectively. Out of the total little tubers produced, 68 to 97% were in the grade of 0.1- &lt; 0.5 g and 2 to 31 % were in the usable grade of 0.5-1.0 g, and no correlation was observed between number of little tubers produced and ion leakage as recorded for mother tuber.
Little tubers were produced on physiologically old potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers of four v... more Little tubers were produced on physiologically old potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers of four varieties stored at 2-4°C (RH: 9095%) for 6 months and 20 days followed by storage at 18°C (RH: 80-85%) accompanied by three desproutings. From the day of storage at 18°C, it took 92-150 days, depending on the variety, for the formation of little tubers and 83% of the little tubers produced weighed 0.1-&lt; 0.5 g which were of little use as propagation material and only 15% of the little tubers weighed 0.5-1.0 g which could be planted directly in the field as propagation material. Treatment with 100 mg/L triadimefon during storage at 18°C decreased the number of days required for little tuber initiation by 12 to 63 days depending on the variety, and reduced the number of little tubers weighing 0.1- &lt; 0.5 g to 61 % and increased the little tubers weighing 0.5-1.0 g to 34%. Triadimefon effect was more pronounced in varieties Kufri Sindhuri and Kufri Lalima which normally required more number of days for little tuber initiation.
Quality Assurance and Safety of Crops & Foods, 2018
World over, isopropyl N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate (CIPC) is used as a potato sprout suppressant ... more World over, isopropyl N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate (CIPC) is used as a potato sprout suppressant during storage. Residue of CIPC is therefore noticed not only in the stored potatoes but also in the processed potato products. It is about three decades ago that it was proposed that the use of CIPC may become restricted in several countries due to various environmental concerns. During the last 20 years, declining trend in values for the levels of maximum residue limit of CIPC, as recommended from time to time by regulatory agencies, is an indication of potential harmful effects of CIPC. However, at present, larger concerns are being associated with breakdown products (metabolites) of CIPC. Issues like built-up levels of CIPC and its cross-contamination have also started receiving the due attention. This article points out the health and environmental safety concerns that have emerged due to continuous use of CIPC in the last 55 years, since its commercialisation in the year 1962 and in view of advancements in our understanding about this chemical. This article highlights issues that need the attention of the regulatory agencies and presents workable approaches and options along with advisories to reduce the overall use and intake of CIPC so that the risks associated with CIPC can be minimised.
Delayed fruit ripening in tomatoes is a desirable trait to enhance their transportability. Hence ... more Delayed fruit ripening in tomatoes is a desirable trait to enhance their transportability. Hence identification of a suitable marker for delayed ripening can greatly assist in breeding suitable lines. Stem scar region, a visible morphological character, can be used in selecting or breeding tomato varieties for delayed ripening.
The flux of carbon among various carbon pools in the carbon cycle occurs due to various CO2 excha... more The flux of carbon among various carbon pools in the carbon cycle occurs due to various CO2 exchange processes such as &#39; photosynthesis, respiration, deposition of carbon into soil, anthropogenic emissions and other natural processes. Global efforts are being made to reduce the emissions to slow down the pace of climate change. Therefore, the measurements, monitoring and understanding of the controls of carbon inputs arid outputs by the terrestrial ecosystems i.e. vegetation and soil have become increasingly important. The key measures of the input of carbon in a system are net primary production (NPP) and the net ecosystem productivity (NEP). Estimates of photosynthesis and NPP can be made through traditional approaches as well as other approaches e.g. bottom up approach (using mechanistic photosynthesis models) and the top down approach (using light use efficiency with satellite data). Advancements have taken place for monitoring the CO2 exchange at different scales viz. leaf (portable photosynthesis systems), stand level (eddy covariance method), landscape level (tall towers) and vertical carbon column observations (Fourier transform spectrometers and satellites). These flux measurements along with the use of satellite data for land cover changes, growing season, phenology and their coupling with models at various scales can characterize the changes in the carbon cycle. There are also methods to partition the fluxes based on discrimination of isotopes of carbon and oxygen by terrestrial ecosystem processes. The CO2 exchange dynamics in the vegetation and soil can also be investigated at smaller scale with Open Top Chambers (OTCs) and with larger ecosystem experimental set-ups e.g. Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE). The soil is a vast reservoir of carbon -consisting of roots, organic matter, organic carbon and inorganic carbon and has a great potential for carbon sequestration. Monitoring of carbon and fluxes in soil is therefore an essential aspect in the era of changing climate. The root systems are monitored mostly in a destructive manner but many non-destructive methods have also been devised such as use of microwaves, electrical impedance spectroscopy, minirhizotrons etc. Similarly, soil carbon estimation with traditional chemical method can be replaced with soil reflectance spectroscopy for rapid and large area estimations. Measurement of soil respiration and its partitioning also helps in verifying the capacity of soil as a net source or net sink. The uncertainties in the estimates need understanding of the multi-factorial effects on carbon exchange processes, plant acclimation responses, feedback response from changing climate and carbon trading issues. Monitoring therefore needs concerted efforts in terms of enhancement of measurement infrastructure at different scales, use of multi-techniques and multi-disciplinary approaches so that more constrained and better estimates can be made.
Novel Postharvest Treatments of Fresh Produce, 2018
The rapid rate of ripening of fruit and senescence of leaf or flower due to the plant hormone eth... more The rapid rate of ripening of fruit and senescence of leaf or flower due to the plant hormone ethylene has direct implications on their physiology, shelf-life, storabil¬ity, postharvest losses, and management practices. The world over, on an average, one-third of edible produce is lost after their harvest. Non-accessibility and non-¬availability of cost-effective, safe, and simple methods/technologies for delaying ripening and senescence of horticultural produce lead to problems related to their storage, quality deterioration, distribution, marketing, price fluctuation, and finally low net returns to the producers/farmers. In this way, postharvest losses include quantitative as well as qualitative losses. All these in turn affect the consumption, nutritional status, and processing aspects of these commodities. Among the various options, inhibition of ethylene action is considered as the most effective way of delay¬ing processes such as ripening and senescence. In this direction, the discovery and development of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), the most effective inhibitor of eth¬ylene action, has become very important. Lot of work has been done on the effects of 1-MCP on plants and plant produce at the basic as well as applied levels. This chapter narrates and examines the developments in this area with an aim to provide updated, technical information and guidelines for the effective use of 1-MCP technology. The chapter discusses the overall scope and prospects of 1-MCP technology in postharvest management. Further, it highlights some of the less touched upon but important issues that are related to the health and safety of the environment and ecosystem. The chapter takes notice of various issues and safety concerns that have now become evident from some of the very widely used and well-established agrochemicals. All such and related aspects are also needed to be looked into for 1-MCP as well. This will thereby ensure the best out of 1-MCP technology as 1-MCP and its various formulations are entering into the food chain and supply system on a large scale and that too with a commercial angle.
Postharvest Ripening Physiology of Crops. Series: Innovation in Postharvest Technology. Sunil Pareek (Ed.), Mar 2016
Ripening, storability, quality attributes, and postharvest losses in fruits are interlinked with ... more Ripening, storability, quality attributes, and postharvest losses in fruits are interlinked with one another. The postharvest life of a fruit is primarily determined by various physiological processes and associated metabolic changes occurring in the fruit. The role of the external atmosphere in reg¬ulating the above processes and changes is relatively better understood. However, little is known about the overall internal atmosphere of the fruit and how it influences different aspects of ripening and storability. This chapter looks into this emerging area: the basic and applied importance of the internal atmosphere to postharvest physiology and food science and technology. There are various gases and volatiles that make the internal atmosphere of fruits. Their production and diffusion across the fruit tissues are governed by many factors. Differences in morphological, anatomical, and microstructural features of fruits are now assuming greater impor¬tance, as they are involved in determining the internal environment of fruits. As a consequence, there exists variability in the internal atmosphere of fruits, which is evident not only at the level of different species, but also within species. Differences in ripening behavior of different fruits under plant-attached and -detached conditions are also expected in view of the above. The involvement of some of gases (ethylene, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) and volatiles (ethanol, acetaldehyde, water vapors and water sta¬tus, salicylic acid and methyl salicylate, jasmonic acid and jasmonates, and nitric oxide) in the regulation of ripening-related changes, including flavor and aroma, is described and discussed at the individual as well as at the interactive level (especially with ethylene). Some examples are presented wherein endogenous and exogenous volatiles exhibit a positive effect on the fruit’s storability, quality, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Lastly, a few researchable issues are suggested. The outcome from this area can supplement the existing storage technologies, and this will be highly desirable in achieving a more effective and holistic way of the postharvest management of perishable commodities.
Division of Plant Physiology, IARI, New Delhi, 2017
Assimilation of carbon (C) is the most primary process for plant biomass production and this depe... more Assimilation of carbon (C) is the most primary process for plant biomass production and this depends on balance of two most important and vital physiological processes i.e., photosynthesis and respiration. Decrease in C gain by the photosynthesis under different abiotic stresses is one of the factors contributing to the decrease in productivity of crop plants. Chlorophylls are the most important pigments involved in the process of photosynthesis. Chlorophylls along with carotenoids are the components of both the photosystems that take part in light reaction of the photosynthesis. Information regarding temporal dynamics and spatial variations in photosynthetic pigments are therefore part of wide range of scientific investigations dealing with the production and productivity. The relevance of such studies further get highlighted when the crop plant faces two or multiple abiotic stresses during its growth and development either at one stage or at various stages during the life-cycle. Different methods that are being used for the estimation of photosynthetic pigments are being described here along with the improvements that have taken place/suggested over a period of time. More suitable and reveling physiological parameters such as; chlorophyll a/b, chlorophyll stability index and total chlorophylls/total carotenoids ratio are the part of this article. The information pertaining to these physiological parameters prove helpful in understanding the plant responses to different types of abiotic stresses. Through these simple physiological parameters one can access the period and the degree to which a crop plant exhibits tolerance or susceptibility to a given stress. Additionally, impact of a specific stress ameliorating treatment can also be judged with the help of these physiological parameters.
Division of Plant Physiology, IARI, New Delhi, 2017
Mineral elements particularly metals play important role in biological system including plants. M... more Mineral elements particularly metals play important role in biological system including plants. Magnesium (Mg) is in chlorophylls, iron (Fe) is in hemoglobin and cadmium (Cd) and aluminium (Al) are toxic to plant metabolism. A technique referred as atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) help in quantification of these elements and thereby their importance. AAS is therefore an important technique for agriculture (soil, plant, water and fertilizers analysis) and other areas including medical, feed stock, environment, pollution, industrial effluents metallurgy, oil industry and general inorganic analysis etc.
Division of Plant Physiology, IARI, New Delhi, 2017
The measurement of respiration is important as it provides a window through which plant determine... more The measurement of respiration is important as it provides a window through which plant determine its metabolic activities. The rate of respiration is tightly coupled to the rate of cell metabolism and its energy and physiological status because the energy derived from the respiration drives majority of the reactions and energy balance within a cell. There are various ways and conditions in which the plant respiration can be measured. These include measurements in terms of loss of substrate, consumption of O2, production of CO2, production of energy etc. In terms of production of CO2, respiratory measurements can be done in two types of systems i.e., static system and dynamic system. Here we are describing IRGA based methods of measuring plant respiration.
In plants, liquid transport system does not participate in transportation of gases but the gaseou... more In plants, liquid transport system does not participate in transportation of gases but the gaseous exchange is an essentially required for central processes like photosynthesis and respiration. Exchange of water, carbon dioxide, oxygen, other gases and compounds in plant takes place through stomatal opening called stomatal aperture or central slit. Stomata are mainly crescent or dumb bell in shape. They are made up of guard cells and subsidiary cells. Stomatal movement (opening and closing) is predominantly controlled by water availability and CO2 concentration and also by various endogenous factors in close association with environmental factors. Stomata are most commonly present on the surfaces of leaves, but they can also be present on inflorescence, fruits, herbaceous stems, petioles, tendrils and other parts of plant. Guard cell size and stomatal density (number of stomata/unit area) are determined by prevailing environmental conditions (water availability, light intensity, temperature and CO2 concentration) during the period of leaf growth. Consequently, stomatal density and size of stomatal aperture may strongly affect the rate of basic physiological processes such as photosynthesis, transpiration besides determining the rate and type of respiration as well. Variations in stomatal density and size of stomatal aperture can thereby cause great differences in light and water use efficiency. As a basis for causal analysis of data from stress physiology research, e.g. heat stress, water stress, elevated CO2 or ozone levels, studies on functional leaf anatomy are becoming more important for evaluating the performance of plants in a certain environmental conditions for tracing down its relation with eco-physiological adaptations and biosystematics as well.
Division of Plant Physiology, IARI, New Delhi, 2017
Plant species, age, plant part and the time of sampling can affect the values of mineral nutrient... more Plant species, age, plant part and the time of sampling can affect the values of mineral nutrients present in a given sample. Besides this, the option used for the digestion of plant sample is also very important. So, for taking up the analysis of mineral nutrients in plant samples and getting the accurate and realistic results, proper and careful sampling and selection of digestion method are some of the very important considerations. Most of the essential elements are not equally distributed in the plant or within the plant parts. Although, it is possible to assay any plant part or even the whole plant but the biological significance of such an analysis always depends on the availability of interpretative data from the plant part(s) collected and used for the analysis. While conducting a plant analysis, primary objective should be to obtain the plant part for which assay results in actual comparison of plant samples coming from different types or stress treatments. Prior to elemental analysis, possible errors can occur at various stages such as; sample collection, initial handling, transportation, decontamination, drying, particle size reduction etc. Thus, possible sources of error must be known to the investigator for the accuracy of the whole procedure and the analysis. The sampling procedures and precautions required at various stages of sample preparation for the analysis of mineral nutrients are described here in this article.
The plant development from a single cell to the mature plant consists of pattern formation, morph... more The plant development from a single cell to the mature plant consists of pattern formation, morphogenesis, growth and differentiation. The capacity for growth and development originates from the embryonic tissue regions concerned with the formation of new cells. These regions are called meristems and are composed of stem cells. The stem cells are undifferentiated and have the ability for cell division indefinitely. Growth refers to the irreversible changes in the size of a cell, organ or whole plant. It involves both the cell division and enlargement. The plant growth can be visualized in terms of increase in length or plant height, stem diameter, volume of tissue, increase in cell numbers, increase in fresh weight and dry weight, increase in leaf area, leaf weight etc. Plant growth analysis is required to explain the differences in plant growth in terms of differences between species growing under same environmental condition or differences within a species growing in different environments.
Division of Plant Physiology, IARI, New Delhi, 2017
Roots play important role of absorption of water and nutrients and provide anchorage to plants. T... more Roots play important role of absorption of water and nutrients and provide anchorage to plants. The contents of rhizosphere (immediate vicinity of root) vary in space and time. Measurement of root growth and architecture is therefore necessary to understand complex interactions of roots and understanding the adaptability of plants. Several methods have been developed for study of root systems which include excavation methods, monolith methods, auger methods, profile wall methods, glass wall methods, rhizotrons and other indirect methods and container methods. The choice of method depends on research aim, time, labour and equipment availability. The traditional methods are destructive, labour intensive and limited by soil volume or surface area to be assessed. Therefore, methods have been developed for high throughput phenotyping
Division of Plant Physiology, IARI, New Delhi, 2017
Study of changes in the carbon assimilation and gaseous exchange of plants is important for under... more Study of changes in the carbon assimilation and gaseous exchange of plants is important for understanding the effect of climate change on the plants. The main parameters related to changing climate are CO2 and temperature but other important variables may be light, humidity, pollutants, ozone, aerosols etc. The measurement of CO2 in the different commercially available models of photosynthesis systems is done mainly with the enclosure methods. The leaf is enclosed in a chamber or cuvette and the gaseous exchange (CO2 and H2O) of the leaf is monitored. Basically, there will be decrease in CO2 in the cuvette and increase in H2O due to photosynthesis and transpiration respectively.
Salient findings in the area of postharvest physiology of fruits, vegetables and flowers are bein... more Salient findings in the area of postharvest physiology of fruits, vegetables and flowers are being compiled based on the research work carried out by different scientists in the Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India
Presentation highlights significant findings in the area of postharvest physiology of fruits, veg... more Presentation highlights significant findings in the area of postharvest physiology of fruits, vegetables and flowers. This is based on the research work carried out by different scientists in the Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India
Arora, A., Singh, V.P. and Paul, V. (2009). Training Manual on Postharvest Physiology of Fruit an... more Arora, A., Singh, V.P. and Paul, V. (2009). Training Manual on Postharvest Physiology of Fruit and Flowers. Division of Plant Physiology, IARI, New Delhi. Pp. 242.
Sharma-Natu, P., Paul, V. and Deshmukh, P. S. (2004). Laboratory Manual: Experimental Plant Physi... more Sharma-Natu, P., Paul, V. and Deshmukh, P. S. (2004). Laboratory Manual: Experimental Plant Physiology – I, Division of Plant Physiology, IARI, New Delhi.
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