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.

Drought characterization and management in the east district of sikkim, india

Abstract: Drought is a naturally occurring phenomenon affecting various aspects of life. Lack of understanding of the phenomenon is one of the reasons for its adverse impact. It is therefore of great importance to assess and characterize drought to plan appropriate management measures. In this study we attempted to characterize the droughts in the East District of Sikkim during the winter. Winter droughts (Oct–Mar) are a major cause of concern in Sikkim, responsible for reduction of productivity in high-value horticultural crops, incidence of pests and diseases, forest fires and non-availability of water for domestic purposes. For the characterization of drought the reconnaissance drought index (RDI) was applied using the data available for the period 1985–2012. From the analysis it could be seen that drought is experienced for 66.7 and 59.3% of time in the periods Oct–Dec and Jan–Mar. The droughts in the district followed the Wakeby frequency distribution function. The probability and return period were also estimated and it could be observed that every three years the district experiences drought. Specific management measures are necessary to minimize the adverse impact of drought. Some of the measures applicable to Sikkim are also discussed in the paper. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of zinc-resistant Lysinibacillus species inoculation on growth, physiological properties, and zinc uptake in maize ( Zea mays L.)

Abstract: Soil contamination by heavy metals is one of the major abiotic stresses that cause retarded plant growth and low productivity. Among the heavy metals, excessive accumulations of zinc (Zn) cause toxicity to plants. The toxicity caused by Zn could be managed by application of Zn-tolerant plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria. In this study, five Zn-tolerant bacteria (100–400 mg−1 Zn resistant) were selected and identified as Lysinibacillus spp. based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The PGP properties of the Lysinibacillus spp. showed the production of indole acetic acid (60.0–84.0 μg/ml) and siderophore, as well as solubilization of potassium. Furthermore, the isolates were evaluated under greenhouse condition with 2 g kg−1 Zn stress and without Zn stress along with control on Zea mays. The results showed that Lysinibacillus spp. coated seeds enhanced plant growth attributes and biomass yield in both conditions compared with control plants. The enhancement of root growth ranged from 49.2 to 148.6% and shoot length from 83.3 to 111.7% under Zn-stressed soils. Also, the inoculated seedlings substantially enhanced chlorophyll a and b, proline, total phenol, and ascorbic acid. The uptake of Zn by maize root ranged from 31.5 to 210.0% compared with control plants. Therefore, this study suggested that the tested Zn-tolerant Lysinibacillus spp. may be used for cultivation of Z. mays in Zn-contaminated agricultural lands.

Chemical changes in washed mince of silver carp (hypophthalmichthys molitrix) during frozen storage at −20c with or without cryoprotectants

Abstract: Studies were conducted to assess the chemical and quality changes in washed silver carp mince when frozen and stored at −20C with or without cryoprotectants. A previous washing step has led to a positive effect on fish quality according to marked content decreases in expressible moisture, volatile basic amines, free fatty acids and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; such quality performances were maintained throughout the frozen storage. On the other hand, addition of cryoprotectants enhanced the quality life of mince as far as gel-forming ability was concerned. Based on the gel-forming ability, the shelf life of mince with cryoprotectants was found 135 days against 90 days for the mince stored without cryoprotectants. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) has acquired great attention because of its increasing farming production and application in the surimi-product commercialization. Because of relatively low market price in fresh condition, the fish received less attention from the researchers to study its technical feasibility. This work focuses on the quality life of washed silver carp mince when frozen stored at −20C. The shelf life was assessed based on the gel-forming ability of the mince because this functional property is considered most important for product development.

Chitin and chitosan as promising immunostimulant for aquaculture

Abstract: Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer in nature and chitosan is a polycationic linear polysaccharide derived by the partial deacetylation of chitin. Both chitin and chitosan find extensive applications in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and agricultural industries. Recently, chitin and chitosan have been used in the aquaculture industry as a feed additive in the diets of fish and shellfish. A number of studies have been conducted to explore the effectiveness of chitin and chitosan in the aquaculture sector. The published results indicate chitin and chitosan to be a promising immunostimulant for aquaculture, besides having other beneficial attributes. This chapter provides the current state of knowledge on the effects of chitin and chitosan in inducing immunity in fish and shellfish. The mechanism of action by which these polysaccharides stimulate the immune system and their potential to render fish and shellfish more resistant to infectious pathogens are also discussed.

Influence of acetylation and heat-moisture treatment on physio-chemical, pasting and morphological properties of buckwheat(Fagopyrum esculentum) starch

Abstract: Effect of acetylation and heat moisture treatment (HMT) on physicochemical, morphological and rheological properties of buckwheat starch (Fagopyrum esculentum) was investigated. Acetylation, decreased amylose content of starch with increase in water binding capacity, oil binding capacity, swelling power, solubility and sediment volume. Acetylated starch showed improved paste clarity (five days storage) and increased peak viscosity as compared to native starch. Amylose content, water binding capacity, and oil binding capacity was also improved in HMT starch. The increase in onset temperature of viscosity development and the decrease in peak viscosity was observed in HMT starch. HMT decreased swelling power and solubility of native starch.