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.

Biochemistry of post-harvest spoilage of mahula (Madhuca latifolia L.) flowers: changes in total sugar, ascorbic acid, phenol and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity

Abstract: Mahula (Madhuca latifolia L.) is a deciduous tree found in abundance in the tropical rain forests of Asian and Australian Continents. The flowers are rich in fermentable sugars (40–47%, on fresh weight basis [fwb]), which are utilised as carbohydrate source for bio-ethanol production. Biochemical alterations in mahula flowers infected by Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus oryzae were studied, and the changes in total sugar, ascorbic acid, phenol and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity in infected and healthy flowers were evaluated. The results showed a decrease in all biochemical parameters except phenol and PAL activity following fungal infection. However, there was no significant difference in different biochemical parameters between the two fungal (A. niger and R. oryzae) infected samples.

Induction of systemic resistance in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) by Pseudomonas aeruginosa against anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum capsici

Abstract: Colletotrichum capsici Butler and Bisby, the causal agent of chilli anthracnose disease, sternly affects chilli yield and quality worldwide. Biocontrol agents and resistance inducers could be a valid alternative to chemical pesticides. The capability of two phosphate solubilizing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates viz ., Ps 2 and Ps 3 (KR270346 and KR270347) against chilli anthracnose both under in vitro and in vivo conditions was demonstrated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ps 2 showed maximum mycelial growth inhibition of 93.41% and the isolate Ps 3 showed 72.5% inhibition of Colletotrichum capsici in dual culture inhibition assay after 5 days of incubation. There was a greater reduction of anthracnose infection caused by C. capsici on matured fruits in Pseudomonas aeruginosa treated plants when compared to untreated control. The strain possessed chitinolytic and proteolytic activities, produced HCN, siderophores, and was able to produce salicylic acid at a moderate level. The isolate produced amylase. However both of them are unable to produce lipase. The isolates induced systemic resistance in chilli corroborated with increased levels of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase under greenhouse experiments. The results indicate the potential of the indigenous Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates as biocontrol agents against chilli anthracnose.

INDO-BLIGHTCAST – a model for forecasting late blight across agroecologies

Abstract: A late blight forecasting model “INDO-BLIGHTCAST” has been developed at the Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India using meteorological data and late blight appearance dates at four locations in the Indo-Gangetic plains. The model involves computation of physiological days (P-days) and mean relative humidity (RH) of the night, accrued over seven consecutive days. Late blight was predicted to appear within 15 days if moving cumulative effective temperature (P-days) and RH exceeded 52.5 and 525, respectively for seven consecutive days. The developed model was also tested against independent data sets at three locations in the plains, two in plateau region and three in the hills. Statistical comparisons of observed and predicted dates of late blight appearance showed that the mean absolute error was 10.48, while the residual mean square error was only 13.17 indicating that the errors were quite low. The Willmott D index was 0.84 which is quite close to unity thus indicating high accuracy of...

Photosynthetic, physiological and biochemical events associated with polyethylene glycol-mediated osmotic stress tolerance in taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott)

Abstract: Six genotypes of taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) were evaluated under in vitro and in vivo polyethylene glycol (PEG–6000)-mediated osmotic stress conditions. A significant variation in growth response was observed among the taro genotypes under in vitro-induced stress conditions. In vivo results indicated a significant effect of osmotic stress on photosynthetic parameters, such as net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, stomatal resistance, internal CO2 concentration, carboxylation efficiency, and transpiration efficiency on the tested genotypes at the tuberization stage. Lesser variations in photosynthesis and higher accumulation of proline, phenols, and antioxidative enzymes, namely, superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase, were associated with yield maintenance under osmotic stress conditions. The genotypes DP–89, IGCOL–4, and Ramhipur showed a higher degree of tolerance towards osmotic stress with a minimum variation in the studied parameters. These genotypes could be lines of interest for intensification of breeding strategies to develop drought-tolerant plants.

Long-Term Effect of Lime, Mycorrhiza, and Inorganic and Organic Sources on Soil Fertility, Yield, and Proximate Composition of Sweet Potato in Alfisols of Eastern India

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted for five kharif seasons (2006–2011) in an Alfisol to study the effect of integrated use of lime, mycorrhiza, and inorganic and organics on soil fertility, yield, and proximate composition of sweet potato. Application of graded doses of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) significantly increased the mean tuber yield of sweet potato by 44, 106, and 130 percent over control. Green manuring along with ½ NPK showed greater yield response over that of ½ NPK. The greatest mean tuber yield was recorded due to integrated application of lime, farmyard manure (FYM), NPK, and MgSO4 (13.69 t ha−1) over the other treatments. Inoculation of mycorrhiza combined with lime, FYM, and NPK showed a significant yield response of 10 percent over FYM + NPK. Conjunctive use of lime, inorganics, and organics not only produces sustainable crop yields but also improve soil fertility, nutrient-use efficiency, and apparent nutrient recovery in comparison to NPK and organic manures.