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.

Characterisation of the coat protein gene of dasheen mosaic virus infecting elephant foot yam

Abstract: A strain of Dasheen mosaic virus (DsMV) from Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Elephant foot yam) plants showing leaf mosaic, puckering and shoestringing was characterized by RT-PCR and amplification of a 1.2 kbp fragment encoding the coat protein (CP) gene and the 3’ untranslated region (UTR). BLAST analysis of the cloned DNA amplicon of DsMV-Amp1 revealed at least 80% nucleotide sequence identity with other DsMV isolates from different hosts and geographic origins. The CP gene and the 3’ UTR of DsMV-Amp1 consisted of 942 and 260 nucleotides, respectively. The highest nucleotide sequence identity (89%) was with DsMV-ch from Caladium from the USA, and the deduced CP amino acid sequence had 92-98% identity with other DsMV isolates. Nucleotide sequence identity of 82-85% was also found with Vanilla mosaic virus (VMoV), whereas the identity with Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), Hardenbergia mosaic virus (HaMV) and Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) ranged from 74 to 79%. Several potential threonine- and asparagine-rich N-glycosylation motifs and a DVG motif potentially involved in aphid transmission were found in the CP of DsMVAmp1. This is the first characterization of DsMV from A. paeoniifolius plants in India.

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Yield of Elephant Foot Yam and Soil Enzymes Activity

Abstract: A field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years during 2011and 2012, to study the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on leaf area and yield of elephant foot yam and soil enzyme activities. The experiment was conducted at the Regional Centre of Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Bhubaneswar using randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The experiment comprised of eight treatments involving organic and inorganic fertilizers. Highest leaf area per plant was recorded with the application of FYM 25 t ha-1 and the application of FYM 10 t ha-1 with NPK@ 100- 60-100 kg ha-1. These treatments also resulted in higher light interception and offered lower soil resistance. The application of FYM 10 t ha-1 + NPK@ 100-60-100 kg ha-1 and FYM 25 t ha-1 has produced 105.7% and 97.1% higher corm yield respectively, over control. These treatments maintained higher soil enzyme activities despite poor post harvest soil nutrient status. In alfisols, medium duration elephant foot yam can be cultivated profitably under protective irrigation with the application of FYM 10 t ha-1 + NPK@ 100-60-100 kg ha-1 or FYM 25 t ha-1 with enhanced soil enzyme activity.

Microbial Control of Postharvest Diseases of Fruits, Vegetables, Roots, and Tubers

Abstract: Postharvest diseases cause considerable losses to harvested fruits, vegetables, roots, and tubers during transportation from farmers’ field to market and in storage. Synthetic fungicides are the primary means to control postharvest diseases. However, microbial control has emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to chemical fungicides. Several microbial agents have been widely investigated for use on different postharvest pathogens. The efficacy of the microbial antagonist(s) can be enhanced if they are used with low doses of fungicides, salt additives, and plant products. At the international level, different microbial antagonists such as Candida sake, Candida oleophila, Cryptococcus laurentii, and Debaryomyces hansenii are being used. Biocontrol products such as Aspire, BioSave, and Shemer have also been developed and registered. Although the results of this technology are encouraging, the formulation and application methods are key issues for the efficacy and successful outcome of the commercial product.

An antimicrobial phthalate derivative from bacillus cereus, the symbiotic bacterium associated with a novel entomopathogenic nematode, rhabditis (oscheius) sp

Abstract: Objective: To isolate and identify the bioactive metabolites from the culture filtrates of a bacterium ( Bacillus cereus) symbiotically associated with a novel entomopathogenic nematode Rhabditis ( Oscheius ) species. Methods: The bacterium was cultured in three different media and the antimicrobial activity was determined by the well diffusion assay. The ethyl acetate extract of the cell free culture filtrate was then purified by silica gel column chromatography and thin layer chromatography. Identification of the active metabolite was done with HPLC, GC-MS and LC-MS. Results : The cell free culture filtrate of a nematode symbiotic bacterium showed both antibacterial and antifungal activities. Fermentation conditions were standardized and optimum antibacterial activity was observed in tryptic soy broth at 72 h of incubation at 30 °C. When the ethyl acetate extract was purified by silica gel column chromatography and thin layer chromatography, an active fraction was obtained which was subjected to HPLC analysis along with GC-MS and LC-MS leading to the identification of a major compound Bis (2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate. The compound was active against Gram positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis MTCC2756, Staphylococus aureus MTCC902, Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli MTCC 2622 and fungi such as Aspergillus flavus MTCC27 7, Candida albicans MTCC183, Fusarium oxysporum MTCC 284, Rhizoctonia solani MTCC 4634. Conclusion : Bis (2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate was identified as one of the metabolites produced by a nematode symbiotic bacterium associated with a novel entomopathogenic nematode Rhabditis ( Oscheius ) species. Thus similar compounds isolated from novel entomopathogenic bacteria would pave the way for identifying new drugs for the pharmaceutical and agricultural sector.

Physico-Mechanical and Nutritional Evaluation of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Flour-based Gluten-free Cookies

Abstract: Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) flour-based gluten-free cookies suitable for coeliac patient were developed using taro flour (40–60%), rice flour (20–25%), sorghum flour (15–20%) and cassava flour (5–15%). Cookies were developed using creamery method and evaluated for physical properties, textural analysis, proximate composition and sensory characteristics. Spread ratio of taro flour-based gluten-free cookies varied between 3.95 and 5.49, and it was decreased with increasing level of taro flour. Breaking hardness and toughness of different cookies was decreased with increasing level of taro flour in flour blends. Minerals content in taro flour-based gluten-free cookies was higher than maida-based cookie. Gluten-free cookies prepared with taro flour showed the maximum crude fiber content as compared to maida-based cookie. Results indicated that taro flour-based gluten-free cookies for coeliac patient with overall sensory acceptable can be prepared using taro flour 50% with rice flour 25%, sorghum flour 15% and cassava flour 10%.