Central Tuber Crops Research Institute

About: Central Tuber Crops Research Institute is a facility organization based out in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Starch & Fermentation. The organization has 475 authors who have published 587 publications receiving 10285 citations.

Bioprospecting endophytic diazotrophic Lysinibacillus sphaericus as biocontrol agents of rice sheath blight disease

Abstract: The present study tried to explore the possible in vitro biocontrol mechanisms of Lysinibacillus sphaericus, a diazotrophic endophyte from rice against the rice sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. The in vivo biocontrol potential of the isolate and the induction of systemic resistance under greenhouse conditions have also been experimented employing different treatments with positive control carbendazim, the chemical fungicide. The endophytic isolate showed 100% growth inhibition of the fungal pathogen via volatile organic compound production and was positive for the production of siderophores, biosurfactants, HCN, and ammonia. Under greenhouse conditions, foliar and soil application of L. sphaericus significantly decreased the percentage of disease incidence. All bacterized treatments are superior to chemical fungicide treatment. Application of L. sphaericus in single and combination treatments induces systemic resistance as evident from the significant accumulation of defense enzymes such as peroxides, polyphenol oxides and phenylalanine ammonia in addition to the increase of phenolic compounds. The results biologically prospect endophytic diazotroph L. sphaericus as a potent plant growth promoter with excellent biocontrol efficiency.

Gluten-free starch noodles from sweet potato with reduced starch digestibility and enhanced protein content

Abstract: Sweet potato starch (SPS) noodles despite being gluten-free, has low nutritional value as it lacks proteins, minerals, vitamins etc. The objective of this study was to develop gluten-free starch noodles from sweet potato with enhanced protein content through fortification with whey protein concentrate (WPC) and to study the effect of protein fortification and blending SPS with banana (BS), cassava (CS) and mung bean (MBS) starches and annealed cassava starch (ACS) in reducing the starch digestibility. The highest protein retention in cooked noodles was obtained for 20 % WPC fortification, while the lowest starch digestibility was observed for 40 % BS fortified noodles followed by 50 % ACS fortified noodles. The highest resistant starch (RS) retention was for BS and ACS fortified noodles, which also had medium glycemic index of 66.3 (BS) and 67.2 (ACS). High sensory scores were obtained for the BS and 20 % WPC fortified noodles. The study showed that protein and/or BS fortification with SPS could enhance the acceptability as well as functional value of SPS noodles.

Optimization of Chlorpyrifos Degradation by Assembled Bacterial Consortium Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract: Chlorpyrifos is a commonly used organophosphate pesticide. Its extensive use and associated serious soil and water contamination have gained increasing environmental concern. Biodegradation is a promising way to remediate chlorpyrifos contamination. There are many reports on various chlorpyrifos degrading microorganisms, but only a few on biodegradation of chlorpyrifos by consortia. Hence, the present study attempted to assemble a novel bacterial consortium C5 for the biodegradation of chlorpyrifos. The 16S rRNA gene-based molecular analysis revealed that the bacterial consortium consisted of Staphylococcus warneri CPI 2, Pseudomonas putida CPI 9 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia CPI 15. Optimization of chlorpyrifos degradation by the consortium C5, using a Box–Behnken design, was carried out taking into account four important variables: temperature, pH, the initial concentration of chlorpyrifos and time of incubation. C5 is capable of giving 90% degradation of chlorpyrifos (125 ppm) in 8 days of i...

Insect pests and their management in yam production and storage: a world review

Abstract: Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a tropical tuber crop produced for food and medicinal purposes. Yams are infested by a broad taxonomic diversity of insect pests. We reviewed a total of 73 insect species associated with Dioscorea species in different parts of the world. Yam is infested by 48 species when the crop is in the field, and after harvest (i.e. in storage) the tubers are attacked by 27 species. The majority of these insects belong to the order Coleoptera (35 species) followed by the orders Hemiptera (15), Lepidoptera (13), Isoptera (5), Hymenoptera (2), Diptera (1), and Thysanoptera (1). Yam scales, mealybugs, and a few beetles cause significant losses to tubers both in the field and in storage. We review various methods of management for these insect pests. An integrated approach towards managing these pests, both in the field and in storage, is essential. Post-harvest losses in storage of yam can be reduced, partly, by using biocontrol agents for mealybugs and scales. Alternative strategies for the mana...