Central Agricultural University

About: Central Agricultural University is a education organization based out in Imphal, Manipur, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Agriculture. The organization has 1116 authors who have published 1157 publications receiving 9217 citations.

Effect of maturation on wild apricot vermouth of different treatments.

Abstract: Article history: Received: May 5, 2019 Accepted: July 6, 2019 Wild apricot vermouths (WAV) of different sugar levels (8, 10 and 12 °Brix), different alcohol levels (15, 17 and 19%) and spice levels (2.5 and 5%) were prepared. The product was matured for six months and evaluated for physicochemical characteristics at 0, 3 and 6 months of maturation. In general, ethyl alcohol content decreased in wild apricot vermouth of all treatments during maturation for six months, in proportion to their initial values. The decrease in TSS was revealed with the advancement of the storage period of six months. A similar trend was observed for total sugars with the advancement of the ageing period. The amount of reducing sugars, however, increased with the prolongation of the maturation period. The total esters content in WAV increased with the advancement of the ageing period, irrespective of their alcohol content. However, the volatile acidity showed a very little increase during ageing but remained non-significant among the different treatments. Total phenols content in WAV decreased by both the ageing period of six months and an increase in alcohol level. A non-significant increase in the titratable acidity with an ageing period was observed in all the WAV having different alcohol levels. The effect of spice extract levels added in the preparation of WAV showed that with the advancement of storage period total esters increased from 246.8 to 272.8 mg/L and 252.8 to 280.6 mg/L for WAV having 2.5 and 5% spices content, respectively. In brief, an overview of the entire results revealed that there was an interactive effect of alcohol level, the sugar level and the spice extract during maturation of wild apricot vermouth. It can be concluded that the maturation of WAV exerted a favourable effect on physico-chemical properties of wild apricot vermouth and is thus, considered desirable.

Comparison of Methods of Pollen Selection for Heat Tolerance and Their Effect in Segregating Population of Maize (Zea mays)

Abstract: The reproductive stage in many crops including Maize (Zea mays L.) is most sensitive to heat stress. Due to limitations in sporophytic selection, an alternative pollen selection approach opens a way for breeders to develop heat stress resilient lines. In present study, the efficiency of different methods of pollen selection for heat stress tolerance was evaluated. The effect of selection in F1 generation in terms of the frequency of heat-tolerant plants in F2 generation was assessed. The heat susceptible line BTM4 was crossed to heat-tolerant BTM6, and the true F1 plants were identified using two SSR markers. Three different methods of pollen selection for heat tolerance, viz. incubating the freshly dehisced pollen grains of F1 plants at 36 °C for 3 h in growth chamber (GRC), dry bath (DB) before selfing and growing F1 plants in summer at ARS, Bheemarayanagudi (BGD). Thus, selected F2 from different treatments was produced. The control F2 was also produced without heat treatment of pollen grains. The control and selected F2 population were compared for heat tolerance by selfing the F2 plants with heat-stressed pollen grains. The selected F2 (GRC) showed superiority over other methods for seed yield traits and its component traits and also positive effect of pollen selection for heat tolerance.

Rhizosphere: Niche for Microbial Rejuvenation and Biodegradation of Pollutants

Abstract: Several research works have been carried out in the rhizosphere that gives a clear picture and better understanding of the rhizospheric microbes that avid the research interests of many scientists. Rhizosphere was found to be the better environment and hotspot for the microbes for rejuvenation as it is rich in nutrients needed for the microbial growth. Among the nutrients, root exudates influence the root zone by changing the oxidation reduction potential, enhancing the availability of moisture and nutrients, providing better niche for the growth of plant growth promoting organisms, producing antibiotics, other secondary metabolites and growth regulators, microbial interactions, sheltering the microsymbionts, model system for the study of soil-rhizosphere biology, drought, avoiding soil erosion, etc. Exploring these rhizospheric microorganisms by unravelling their possible relationships with plants has launched a new and fascinating area of investigations in the rhizosphere research. Moreover, the rhizospheric microbes are considered as bioindicators of soil quality that are affected by much of the pollutant that makes the soil infertile. Rhizosphere region that harbours abundant microbes can remediate the polluted soils in a much greener way. Microorganisms and their metabolites like enzymes were involved in bioremediation process. Hence, bioremediation is a much auspicious method to overwhelm the pesticide pollution that can surely solve the problem of pollution in soil.

Role of Women in Agriculture: Technology-led, Gender Sensitive Policy Options

Abstract: Agriculture occupies a key position in Indian economy providing a source of livelihood for a majority of the population. Successes in agricultural front with high production levels, especially in food grains have indeed been achieved. Women in India are the backbone of the society and important resource in agriculture and rural economy. They make essential contributions to the agricultural development and allied and household activities and pursue multiple livelihood strategies. These activities include producing agricultural crop, cleaning animals, preparing food, working in rural enterprises, engaging in trade and marketing, caring family members and maintaining their homes. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India has policy provisions like joint leasing for both domestic and agricultural land under National policy for farmers, however in practice it has made little difference at ground level. There is still a wide gender gap which has to be addressed properly for overall development of women. The paper tries to analyze the policy options available for a gender sensitive agricultural policy which can not only empower women but also ensure sustainable agricultural development.

Performance of Short Duration Cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties on Yield and Quality under Manipur condition

Abstract: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is also known as yuca, tapioca, manioc or mandioca. It is an important starchy food crop of tropical and sub tropical country. It is grown for the supplementing carbohydrate in the diet of NorthEastern region of India. As a raw material, cassava is considered as food security crop, cash crop, feed crop and also as raw materials for industrial uses and can be processed into a wide variety of products for food and industrial uses such as starches, flours, alcohol, glucose and other products. It is widely grown as a rainfed crop in the valley and Jhum area in the entire North – Eastern states of India. Although, the agro climatic condition of Manipur are well suited for cassava cultivation, the area and productivity is very low which is mainly due to the lack of technical input and non availability of good quality planting material. In the present study, in order to identify the varieties suitable for Manipur condition, the performance of cassava varieties released from ICARCTCRI were evaluated along with Manipur local.