H.K. Shastri1, Dr. V.H. Trivedi2, Dr. M.T. Thakker2*
1Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. 2Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering, L.D. College of Engineering Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Corresponding e-mail: dr.mtthakker@gmail.com
Abstract: Horticulture factory farms, having controlled environment hydroponic setups used to produce fresh and nutritious vegetative near consumption areas, serve as transformative solution to food security challenges. Manual control in such farms leads to variability and human error, restricting repeatable precision and ultimately compromising yield and sustainability. To address this, PLC based automation solution is proposed in this work. A novel architecture incorporating network of sensor and actuator, is specifically designed for multilayer hydroponic farms. Based on proposed design, a functional prototype was developed in laboratory, with precise control over light intensity, temperature, humidity, nutrient flow, pH, and EC. The effectiveness of the automation and prototype is monitored by growing various leafy horticultural plants, under different treatments. Among the several experiments performed, detailed statistical growth analyses of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is recorded and compared with other studies. The result demonstrated that the plant height and biomass remained within the ranges, while leaf count showed a noticeable increase compared against manually controlled farms. Autonomously varying control parameter and its effect on plant growth was also evaluated by varying light intensities across different sections of the prototype. The assessed high F-values in ANOVA for leaves count (63.75), buds (90.70), leaf length (16.92) and plant height (7.73) confirms the significant differences on the growth. Result showcase designed system’s ability to handle multiple treatments simultaneously in a single prototype, which is extremely challenging under manual operation. Technical robustness and sustainability of proposed automation is evaluated by comparing the specifications with similar automation systems, clearly indicating PLC automation is more preferred for factory farm environment. The presented automation design contributes toward Agriculture 4.0 for sustainable food production and supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), ensuring safe and nutritious food for current and future generations.
Seema1, Jadala Shankaraswamy2*, Marri Rajasekhar3 and G. Sathish4
1Department of Fruit Science, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, Mulugu, Telangana, India. 2Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Mojerla, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU), Wanaparthy, Telangana, India. 3, 4Post graduate Institute for Horticultural Sciences, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU), Mulugu, Telangana, India. Corresponding e-mail: shankara.swamy@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.8
Key words: Granular activated carbon, electrospun nanofiber membranes, fruit waste, chemical activation, heavy metal adsorption, adsorption efficiency, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction
Abstract: Test An electrospun nanofiber membrane and granular activated carbon were synthesized using the waste of the fruit in the presence of various substrates. The aim was to determine their usefulness in water purification, based on the growing panic about water-related illnesses due to water contamination with heavy metals. The lignocellulosic properties and characteristics of the fruit debris made it a renewable source of activated carbon because it could be used as an alternative source instead of the more traditional sources, which use fossil fuels. The use of chemicals such as ZnCl2, KOH, K2CO3, H3PO4, H3BO3 and HNO3 as chemical activators improved the porosity, surface activity and adsorption of the materials. Scanning electron microscopy of the loaded samples showed that the activated samples had discontinuous surfaces, irregular pore structure and intricate fibre network, unlike the untreated materials, which were agglomerated and compact with low porosity. X-ray diffraction analysis results indicated that most of the untreated samples were amorphous and the activated carbons and membranes possessed distinct crystalline characteristics, which indicated the enhancement of the structural strength and graphitic structure. The T4 granular activated carbon recorded the greatest rates of adsorption of metal ions, with an arsenic and cadmium removal efficiency of 64.67% and 99.55%, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest removal percentages of arsenic and cadmium in the electrospun membranes were 2.98% in T1 and 1.84% in T0M. These results suggest that chemically modified granular activated carbon prepared using fruit waste can have great adsorption potential, especially in the treatment of polluted water.
Sahar S. Taha1, Karima F. Abdelgawad1, A. Zahra EL-Shrkawy2 and A. Eman Boraeiy1,2
1Vegetable Crops Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. 2Potato and Vegetatively Propagated Vegetables Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: sahar.taha@agr.cu.edu.eg
Abstract: Yams (Dioscorea spp.) are a major tropical tuber crops used as staple or secondary food for more than 500 million people worldwide. Large amounts of potassium-related fertilizer are used in agriculture to improve crop yield and soil K content, but the high cost and overuse have caused soil and environmental concerns. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study the use of natural sources of potassium (K-humate and feldspar) as an alternative to chemical potassium fertilizers and to increase the productivity of yam (Dioscoreaabyssinica) under Egyptian conditions. Two field experiments were established at Kaha Vegetable Research Farm, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt, during two successive seasons of 2021/2022 and 2022/2023. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The plot area was 10m2 (10 m in length and 1 m in width). The drip irrigation was used. The experiment consist of eight potassium treatments, control treatment (144 units K2O) as potassium sulphate (48% K2O), and three levels of feldspar (100, 80, and 60% of recommended fertilizer) and three levels of potassium humates (100, 80, and 60% of recommended fertilizer) and a mixed treatment (40% potassium humate + 60% feldspare). Our results indicated that using natural sources of potassium, i.e., feldspar and humate, can serve as alternative sources of potassium (potassium sulphate). The treatment 60% K-feldspar + 40% K-humate+KSB increased all the vegetative growth parameters, total yield of yam tubers, quality and chemical composition, while the treatment of 60% K-humate increased total saponin content of tubers in both seasons.
Ayman E. Shaban1, Hossam M. Moawad2, Mahmoud M. Abd El-Migeed2, Nagah E. Ashour2 and Ahmed A. Rashedy1
1Pomology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, 12511, Egypt. 2Pomology Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i01.10
Key words: Mango (Mangifera indica L.), nano potassium, water stress, yield, TSS, leaf area
Abstract: Irrigation water is a critical and key factor for the sustainable growing of mango in arid and semiarid regions. Thus, finding tools for saving irrigation water without harming productivity and the environment presents a major challenge for sustainable agriculture in this region. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the foliar application of nano potassium silicate (NPS), nano potassium citrate (NPC) and nano potassium nitrate (NPN) at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2% during flower bud induction (mid-November), pre-flowering (mid-February), and full bloom (late March) on the growth and productivity of Zebda mango trees under different deficit irrigation regimes (100%, 85% and 70% of irrigation requirements, IR). The findings indicated that, decreasing IR from 100% to 70% IR resulted in a control treatment decline of 21.7% and 11.2% in the number of leaves, and a decrease of 24.5% and 27.63% in fruit set, for both seasons, respectively. Also, all Nano potassium forms enhanced vegetative growth and yield. NPS at 0.1% increased the number of leaves by 7.38 and 19.85%, fruit set% by 13.88 and 42%, fruit weight by 3.37 and 3.73%, fruit number by 13.48 and 16% and yield by 16 and 19.4% compared to the control for both seasons, respectively. Moreover, 0.1% NPS was effective in mitigate severe deficit irrigation (70% IR + 0.1% NPS) impacts by increasing the number of leaves by 16.63 and 22.37%, fruit number by 9.46 and 8.72%, and yield by 9.7 and 9.2% for both seasons compared to 70% IR, respectively.
Sangamesh1*, Dev Raj1, A.K. Pandey2, M. Ganga3, K. Manjula4 and K. Shivanand1
1,2Department of Postharvest Technology (Center of Excellence), Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat, India. 2Department of Fruit Science, Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat, India. 3Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic crops, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. 4Department of Postharvest Technology, College of Horticulture, Sirsi, India. Corresponding e-mail: sangameshshahpurkar97@gmail.com
Abstract: The rising global demand for safer, fresher and more sustainable food products has catalyzed rapid advancements in intelligent packaging technologies. This review comprehensively explores intelligent packaging systems as a transformative innovation in food packaging, aimed at improving food safety, quality assurance and supply chain transparency. Intelligent packaging integrates functional components such as indicators, sensors, biosensors and data carriers (e.g., RFID) that interact with food and its environment to monitor and communicate real-time information on freshness, spoilage and storage conditions. Among the technologies reviewed, time-temperature indicators (TTIs), freshness indicators, gas sensors and biosensors emerged as pivotal tools for tracking food quality by detecting critical parameters like temperature fluctuations, microbial growth, pH shifts and volatile compound emissions. The paper discusses commercially available systems, their mechanisms and application-specific advantages and limitations. Additionally, it identifies key challenges including cost, sensor toxicity, integration complexity and consumer awareness, that hinder large-scale adoption. By presenting recent innovations and outlining current research gaps, this review provides valuable insights for researchers, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies by facilitating the development and commercialization of next-generation smart packaging solutions that adhere to food safety standards, promote environmental sustainability, and cater to consumer preferences.
S. Ashika1, B.G. Hanumantharaya2, T.H. Lokesh1*, B.S. Akhila3, K. Chaitra4 and H.D. Varsha1
1Department of Horticulture, CoA, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru-560065, Karnataka, India. 2ICAR-KVK, Hadonahalli, Doddaballapura-561205, Karnataka, India. 3Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, India. 4Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, India. Corresponding Corresponding e-mail: lokeshth1999@gmail.com
Abstract: Avocado (Persea americana Mill.), the only major fruit of the Lauraceae family, is valued for its nutrition. Traditional methods like seed propagation and grafting face issues of variability and low success. In vitro regeneration offers a better alternative for clonal uniformity and mass propagation. This study examined sterilizing techniques to reduce contamination and optimize shoot induction from nodal segments and apical meristems using different doses of plant growth hormones. Surface sterilization with 2.0% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 5 minutes significantly reduced microbial contamination (12% in nodal segments and 23% in apical meristems) while maintaining excellent survival rates (82% and 69%, respectively). Explants were cultivated on full-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium that was enhanced with various BAP, kinetin, and TDZ combinations. A study of explants from the nodal segments and apical meristem showed that the nodal segments reacted better to BAP 1.5 mg/L treatment. Compared to apical meristem explants, nodal segment explants induced early shoots more quickly (34.43 and 36.67 days). At 40, 60, and 90 days following initiation, nodal segment explants had more shoots per explant (1.67, 2.00, and 2.33, respectively) than apical meristem explants (1.33, 1.77, and 2.00, respectively). Similarly, the shoot length of nodal segment explants was longer than that of apical meristem explants, measuring 0.63 cm, 1.20 cm, and 1.57 cm at 40, 60, and 90 days after initiation, respectively, as opposed to 0.53 cm, 1.00 cm, and 1.13 cm. These findings demonstrate the exceptional capacity for regeneration of nodal segment explants and offer important information for refining avocado micropropagation methods for large-scale plant production.
A. Dumani1,2, T.T. Silwana2,I. Egbichi1, A.O. Oyedeji3, B. Mpambani2 and H.A. Seepe4
1Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Science, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. 2 Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Döhne Agricultural Development Institute, Stutterheim, Eastern Cape, South Africa. 3 Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Science, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. 4 Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development, Quarantine Station, Polkadraai Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa. Corresponding e-mail: aziledumani@gmail.com
Abstract: The absence of standardized propagation procedures remains a significant barrier to the cultivation of high-quality medicinal cannabis, which is extensively cultivated in rural regions of South Africa. Addressing this issue is crucial for the commercialization of cannabis for therapeutic purposes and product development. This study looked into the impact of cutting position and leaf area retention on the adventitious rooting and growth of medicinal cannabis (Cannabis sativa) propagules. The trial was carried out at the Dohne Agricultural Development Institute in the Eastern Cape, utilizing a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD with three replications. The treatments were: i) herbaceous shoot cuttings with 50% leaf area clipped (HS50%LAT), ii) herbaceous shoot cuttings with 100% leaf area (HS100%LA), and iii) basal stem cuttings. Sixty 15 cm cuttings per treatment were excised at a 45° angle below the node from actively growing, vegetatively branched wild plants in Lusikisiki. The cutting bases were treated with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), planted into a commercial peat-based rooting medium, and housed in 60-celled propagation incubators. These were maintained in propagation chambers at 15–20°C under 24-hour T8 fluorescent illumination. Moisture levels were adjusted daily using distilled water. Data was collected every two weeks until six weeks after planting (WAP). The parameters measured were rooting percentage, time to 50% rooting (T50), height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weights (shoot, root, and total), length of shoots and roots, and the ratio of roots to shoots. The findings indicated that HS100%LA, succeeded by HS50%LAT, excelled in all rooting and growth metrics. In contrast, the basal stem cutting produced unfavorable results for all measured parameters. This study shows that using herbaceous shoot cuttings with 100% leaf area retention improves vegetative propagation and successful establishment of medicinal C. sativa.
L. Sharma1, V. Paul*2, R. Pandey2, K.V. Ramesh3, K. Bharath Chandra3, J. Aravind4 and S. Roy4
1Division of Genomic Resources, ICAR-National Bureau of Plant and Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Pusa Campus, New Delhi 110 012, India. 2 Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi 110 012, India. 3Division of Basic Sciences, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Hessaraghatta, Lake Post, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560 089, India. 4Division of Germplasm Conservation, ICAR-National Bureau of Plant and Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Pusa Campus, New Delhi 110 012, India. Corresponding e-mail: vijay_paul_iari@yahoo.com
Abstract: Tomato fruit ripening, being an oxidative phenomenon, is regulated by antioxidants. In this study, the role of non-enzymatic antioxidants was investigated during tomato fruit ripening to determine their contribution to postharvest ripening behaviour across four varieties differing in ripening behaviour. The ripening index (%) of fruits confirmed that varieties Pusa Ruby and Pusa Sadabahar showed fast-ripening behaviour, whereas Pusa Gaurav and Roma showed slow-ripening behaviour. Tomato fruit ripening began with the degradation of chlorophylls and the accumulation of carotenoids, lycopene, vitamin C, total soluble phenols (TSP), total flavonoids (TF) and glutathione (total and reduced). Higher (55.6 to 86.6%) and lower (34.7 to 38.2%) degradation of chlorophyll b along with higher (by 11.8 to 12.0-fold) and lower (by 3.2 to 9.1-fold) accumulation of lycopene fraction (%) in fast- and slow-ripening varieties, respectively, indicated that changes in the levels of antioxidative pigments play a role in deciding ripening behaviour. Progressive increase in TSP, TF and vitamin C was observed in tomato fruits during storage. Fine regulation of ripening behaviour with modulation of glutathione redox status confirmed the differential onset of ripening in fast- and slow-ripening varieties. Early ripening, around the green-mature stage of harvesting, was observed in fast-ripening varieties, whereas it began around 5 days after harvest in slow-ripening varieties. Further, strong associations between the ripening index (%) and levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants during storage also suggest a role in imparting fast- and slow-ripening behaviour to tomato fruits of different varieties.
Emilio Daniel Reyna-Ávila1, A.I. Luna-Maldonado1*, H. Rodríguez- Fuentes1, S.R. Sinagawa-García1, J.F. Gómez-Leyva2, J. Arredondo-Valdez3
1Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Faculty of Agronomy, Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, Francisco Villa S / N, C.P. 66050 Col. Ex-Hacienda El Canadá, General Escobedo, Nuevo León, México. 2TecNM- Technological Institute of Tlajomulco (ITT), Department of Molecular Biology, Km 10 Carr Tlajomulco, Cto. Metropolitano Sur, 45640 Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jal., México. 3TecNM-Technological Institute of Saltillo (ITS), Department of Mechatronics. Blvd. Venustiano Carranza, Priv. Tecnológico 2400, 25280 Saltillo, Coahuila. México. Corresponding e-mail: alejandro.lunaml@uanl.edu.mx
Abstract: The scarcity of water and arable land is driving the development of new farming technologies, such as Plant Factories with Artificial Lighting (PFAL). These systems help reduce water use, allow for year-round production, and eliminate the need for pesticides. These systems work well with leafy vegetables, especially baby leaves, as they provide a high amount of nutrients and are beneficial for health. Spinach is an excellent crop to grow in this way because it is abundant in vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Controlled environment agriculture is a promising solution for producing spinach in Nuevo León, where the climate hinders conventional techniques. In this experiment, three types of spinach (Virofly, Acadia F1, and Space F1) were grown in a controlled environment with a temperature of 22 ± 1 °C, a relative humidity of 53 ± 7%, and ambient CO2 levels. The plants were grown using a floating root hydroponic system with artificial RGB lighting (4.55:1:1 spectrum). The study assessed antioxidant activity, phenolic content, flavonoids, and photosynthetic pigments to determine the optimal variety for biomass production in a Plant Factory with Artificial Lighting. Virofly and Acadia F1 produced encouraging outcomes, whereas Space F1 was omitted due to seed non-viability. The majority of analyses showed no statistically significant differences between Acadia F1 and Virofly. This suggests that the common variety had comparable yields and nutraceutical properties to the hybrid when grown under the same conditions. Because Acadia F1 seeds cost ten times the amount, Virofly is the best choice for making the most savings without sacrificing quality.
N.M. Jaseem, I.A. Aubiedand K.S. Aljasim*
College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University, Babylon, 51001, Iraq. Corresponding e-mail: kawther.sahib@agre.uoqasim.edu.iq
Abstract: This study examined the influence of different rates of NPK, selenium (Se), silicon dioxide (SiO2) and their combination on two grapevine varieties, Khalili and Halwani. The experiment entailed the following treatments: NPK treatments (0, 1.5, and 3 mL L-1), and applications of Se and SiO2 (0 (control), 15 mg L-1 Se, 30 mg L-1 Se, 50 mg L-1 SiO2, 100 mg L-1 SiO2, and a combination of 30 mg L-1 Se and 100 mg L-1 SiO2). The findings demonstrated significant interaction effects of the three factors on various fruit and vegetative characteristics. The Khalili cultivar showed the greatest cluster length with 3 mL L-1 NPK and 30 mg L-1 Se, while the Halwani cultivar recorded the highest cluster weight under the combined treatment. In contrast, the control treatment of Halwani recorded the lowest values for these traits. The Halwani cultivar also registered the largest ten-berry mass and single berry mass in the presence of 3 mL L-1 NPK and 30 mg L-1 Se, and 100 mg L-1 SiO2. In contrast, the Khalili cultivar recorded the lowest values at 0 mL L-1 NPK and 50 mg L-1 SiO2. The maximum total sugar level in Khalili was observed with 3 mL L-1 NPK and 30 mg L-1 Se. These results indicate that NPK, in combination with selenium and silicon dioxide, can enhance the growth, yield, and quality of grape cultivars, particularly vegetative growth, positively influencing the main qualitative characteristics of grape berries.
M.Logesh1, Resmi Paul2* and U. Sreelatha1
1Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, India 680656. 2Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, India 680656. Corresponding e-mail: resmi.paul@kau.in
Abstract: India has a rich and extensive floral diversity, and flowers have long been cherished not only for their beauty but also for their role in culinary traditions. The phytochemicals (carotenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenols) and antioxidant properties (DPPH and ABTS assays) of ten selected ornamental flowers widely cultivated in tropical regions were evaluated in this study. Tagetes erecta and T. patula flowers recorded the highest carotenoid content (8.13 mg/100 g and 6.50 mg/100 g, respectively) and flavonoids (104.16 mg/100 g and 101.00 mg/100 g, respectively), making them promising sources. The highest phenolic content was observed in Cosmos sulphureus flowers (49.80 mg). Rosa damascena exhibited a strong antioxidant capacity in both DPPH (38.26 µg/mL) and ABTS (47.92 µg/mL) assays and the highest anthocyanin content (187.43 mg). The study demonstrated that the ornamental flowers examined, can serve as functional food ingredients, which are not typically included in diets, offering natural sources of anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenols, and carotenoids with strong antioxidant capacity to scavenge free radicals.
Abstract: A study was conducted to assess the effect of bio-preservatives and storage conditions on the biochemical and sensory quality of dragon fruit jelly. The treatments used were: P0: No preservative (Control); P1: 50 mL honey; P2: 25 mL ginger; P3: 4 g cardamom; with two storage temperatures, T0: ambient temperature (25±1°C) and T1: refrigerator temperature (10±1°C). The results revealed that jelly treated with honey had the highest pH (4.89, 4.62, and 4.40), TSS (67.91, 68.63, and 69.17 °Brix), ascorbic acid content (3.47, 3.23, and 2.93 mg/100 g), and the lowest microbial growth (0.50, 0.75, and 0.96 cfux10^3) when stored in the refrigerator for 10, 20, and 30 days, respectively. However, the maximum reducing sugar (27.22, 28.35, and 29.40%) was detected in honey-treated jelly stored at ambient temperature for 10, 20, and 30 days, respectively. The honey-treated jellies were the most organoleptically accepted of the treatments. It may be concluded that honey-treated dragon fruit jelly stored in refrigerated conditions minimized loss of quality attributes while keeping improved color and quality characteristics.
Shivanand Koti1*, Swamy G.S.K.1, Venkat Rao1, Jayashree Ugalat2, Shivanand D. Ainapur3, T. Yogananda4 and B.T. Sumanth5
1Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture (COH), Bengaluru, University of Horticultural Sciences (UHS), Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. 2Department of Biotechnology and Crop Improvement, COH, UHS, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. 3Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, COH, UHS, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. 4Department of Entomology, COH, UHS, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. 5Department of Vegetable Science, COH, UHS, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. Corresponding e-mail: shivkoti36@gmail.com
Abstract: Pummelo (Citrus grandis L.) is an underutilized fruit crop in India, bearing the largest fruit among the citrus fruits, which includes the Geographically Indicated Devanahalli Pummelo of Karnataka. This study assessed the diversity of pummelo in the Devanahalli region of Karnataka, where cultivation remains limited despite its unique characteristics. The survey identified 40 genotypes based on morphological traits, and these were evaluated for 18 qualitative and 9 quantitative traits (tree, fruit, leaf, seed, and yield). Genotypes DBS-1 (451 Kg/tree), DAK-1 (449.49 kg/tree), and DNM-1 (436.56 kg/tree) exhibited superior yield performance (>300 fruits/plant). Correlation analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis revealed continuous variation in fruit characteristics, grouping the genotypes into four clusters (at 0.8 euclidean distance), with cluster II containing the most genotypes (8). The first three principal components explained 46.69 percent of the total variability (PC1=28.23%). These results are valuable for germplasm conservation and pummelo breeding programs.
A. Boukhennoufa1,2* and F.A. Bouali Youcef3
1Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Relizane. Algeria. 2Laboratory of Bioconversion, Microbiological Engineering and Health Safety, University of Mustapha Stambouli, Mascara 29000 Algeria. 3Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Abdelhamid Ibn Badis Mostaganem University, Algeria. Corresponding e-mail: asma.boukhennoufa@univ-relizane.dz
Abstract: The present study focused on the extraction and quality analysis of Pelargonium graveolens oil, as well as its use in preserving fresh orange juice during short-term storage as a natural alternative to synthetic compounds. The yield of extraction and physicochemical properties of the essential oil were evaluated, and subsequently tested for antimicrobial activity using the agar diffusion method. Freshly squeezed orange juice was transferred into three sterile 100 mL bottles. P. graveolens essential oil was sterilized by filtration through a 0.22 ?m membrane under aseptic conditions and added at 0 ?L (control), 50 ?L, and 100 ?L doses. Samples were stored at room temperature for microbial analysis. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of oil identified citronellol as the major constituent, followed by geraniol. The antifungal and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was very significant against Candida albicans, but weak against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Interestingly, complete inhibition was observed in orange juice stored at room temperature with the highest essential oil concentration. Bacterial growth was also not observed in juice samples, regardless of whether they were treated with or without essential oil. The results indicate that the essential oil of P. graveolens exhibits significant antifungal activity and, therefore, may be used as a natural preservative in fresh juices to improve microbiological stability during short-term storage.
1Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab-144411, India. 2Department of Horticulture (Vegetable Science), Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour-813210, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. Corresponding e-mail: vishal.ambro@gmail.com; vishal.26759@lpu.co.in
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted under Punjab (India) conditions, during 2023-24, to analyze the effect of foliar application of sulphur nanoparticles (SNPs) and humic acid (HA) on onion growth, yield and quality. Six treatments consisting of a control (water spray), single applications of SNPs (20 ppm) and HA (500 or 1000 ppm), and their combinations and applied at 30 and 60 days after transplanting with a randomized block design with three replications. Results indicated that SNPs and HA had a remarkable effect (P < 0.05) on promoting plant growth, bulb yield, and quality properties compared to the control. HA (1000 ppm) with SNPs (20 ppm) combination improved growth vigour, whereas HA (500 ppm) with SNPs (20 ppm) resulted in better enhancements for bulb yield and quality factors, including bulb weight, size, and total soluble solids. These results indicate that the application of foliar-based humic acid and sulphur nanoparticles could effectively improve onion productivity and quality.
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