Volume 56, Number 5 (September 2021)
1. ANJU M.* AND KEERTHY VIJAYAN [Comparison of antimicrobial properties of the slime of invasive alien pest Lissachatina fulica and an indigenous pest Cryptozona bistrialis snails]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 159-164 (2021). Government Victoria College Palakkad-678001, Kerala, India *(e-mail : anjuvmurali9@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Snail slime has been reported to have wound healing properties. The slime obtained from alien invasive agricultural pest Lissachatina fulica and indigenous agricultural pest Cryptozona bistrialis snails co-occurring in a single locality has been reported to show antimicrobial properties. The methodology involves the in vitro antimicrobial potency of both snails on bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli. The susceptibility of the strains to snail slime was assayed on the Nutrient Agar medium by the disc diffusion method, using concentrations of 25, 50 and 100%. The zone of inhibition was noted and the minimum inhibitory concentration was also evaluated. To explore the volatile compounds in slime that contribute to the antimicrobial effect, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) was performed. Results revealed that 50% of snail slime showed the highest activity when measured the zone of inhibition against slime concentration. The slime of A. fulica was more effective to Klebsiella and Staphylococcus. No distinct zone observed in three strains namely Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Klebsiella but showed an indistinct but blurred zone towards E. coli. The GCMS results revealed the presence of many compounds that show antimicrobial potency. 2-Methyl nonadecane is a compound that is present exclusively in both A. fulica and C. bistrialis. But the compounds like 1,2- Benzenedicarboxylic acid, butyl octyl ester, Cyclohexanol,1-butyl, Pentadecane,8-hexyl, Hexadecane,1-iodo,2-tert-Butyl-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) phenol were present solely in A. fulica. The compound squalene which is present both in the slimes of L. fulica and C. bistrialis also contribute much to this property. C. bistrialis even though it is not causing the death of the microbes, alters the speed and the spread of the microbial growth. Slime could be an alternative to expensive synthetic antimicrobial agents used in wound treatment if adequately explored. 2. Archana T. R*, G. Satheeshkumar and Keerthy Vijayan [A preliminary PCR based genotyping of Vechur and Holstein cattle breeds for A1 and A2 beta-casein types]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 165-167 (2021). 1Vivekanandha College of Arts & Sciences for Women Elayampalayam, Tiruchengode-TK, Namakkal District-637205, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : kimmumolath@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Dairy farms in India consists over 304 million cows and buffaloes; hence, considered the largest dairy herd in the world, with a production of 112.5 million tons of milk. Cattle of Kerala are mainly classified as crossbreed and indigenous. Milk is the soul source of any dairy products and thus important source protein, energy and micronutrients such as Ca, Mg, P and vit. B12. A1 and A2 are the two types of milk. BCM-7(Beta Casomorphin-7) which is believed to cause autism, schizophrenia and other non-communicable disorders is produced by digesting A1 milk. The main purpose of this study is to analyse the status of A1 and A2 alleles of a beta- casein gene in high-quality milk yielding cattle breed Vechur and high milk yielding exotic breed Holstein. High-quality DNA was extracted from the venous blood of the Vechur and Holstein cows and subjected to the PCR amplification of the Beta-Casein Gene. PCR products were visualized and sequenced. Sequence analysis was done for the genetic characterization of the gene in Vechur and Holstein cattle breeds. The sequences showed the characteristic difference in the nucleotides between the Vechur and the Holstein breed in the gene. In conclusion, the role of beta-casomorphin in physiological functions remains argumentative and we need more research to resolve the mechanism and study physiological functions of -casomorphin and variation of the cow breeds in the world. 3. C. Muthumperumal and Reshma M Ramachadran* [Impact of land use change on agriculture sector of Tamil Nadu, India]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 168-173 (2021). 1Department of Horticulture Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education Krishnankoil-626126, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : reshmamr04@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Tamil Nadu is the southern-most state of Indian peninsula, which is one of the leading states of India in terms of economic as well as social development. The state is blessed with varied geography and different agro-climatic zones. The western, southern and north-western part are surrounded by hilly region and rich in vegetation. Land use pattern in Tamil Nadu has undergone tremendous transformation over the past few decades due to the impact of urbanization and industrialization. Changes in the land use patterns are associated with ecological changes evidently proven by the recent climate scenario. In Tamil Nadu, the per capita availability of land is only 0.18 ha while the per capita net sown area is only 0.07 ha. An analysis of land use/land cover dynamics has attempted to explore the quantification of fallow land has been converted into agriculture land and then, how much of it converted into built-up area and development of urban infrastructures. Similarly due to the clearance of forests and trees outside the forests (legal and illegal) for agriculture, plantations, residential, highways, railways, and other infrastructure project, has made sever fragmentation on important forest landscapes in Tamil Nadu. According to Bhuvan Portal Analysis between 2005-06 and 2016-17 of a decadal change revealed that Agriculture (Kharif) – 6.26% and 5.37%; Agriculture (Rabi) – 9.93% and 12.18%; Agriculture (Double or Triple Cropping) 18.75% and 16.47%; Agriculture (Current Fallow) 20.17% 22.51%. In another analysis of one decadal change was observed Net sown area was 36% in 2004 whereas 2014 it has increased just 36.17%. The present study analysed the patterns of land use change for three decades in the Thanjavur and Ramanathapuram districts of Tamil Nadu. Among the thirteen land classes, the Zaid croplands has decreasing in the three decades for both the districts. Whereas, the built up and waste lands shows an increasing trend in all the assessed periods. 4. T. Sivasakthi Devi* and N. Anitha [Study on the behavioural pattern of marketing of fish in Karaikal district of Puducherry (Union Territory) India]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 174-177 (2021). Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture & Research Institute, Karaikal-609 603, Puducherry, India *(e-mail : sivapts2003@gmail.com) ABSTRACT India is the second largest fish producing country in the world and ranks second in aquaculture production as well as inland fisheries. Still, our marketing system of fish is not much efficient. However, the domestic fish marketing system in India is neither efficient nor modern and is mainly carried out by private traders with a large number of intermediaries between producer and consumer, thereby reducing the fisherman’s share in consumer’s rupee. Under this context, the study mainly focusing on the objectives were to find out the marketing channel and its efficiency of fish production at Karaikal district, to identify the constrains of marine fishing and to draw the appropriate policy measures for enhancing the living standard of marine fishing in Karaikal district, Puducherry (U.T.), India. Random sampling technique was used to select the sample. About 180 samples had been taken for survey, which includes each 30 samples of fish producer, assemblers, wholesalers, retailers, venders and consumers respectively. The study results revealed that the among the five-marketing channel the efficiency was found to be high in marketing channel 1 and channel 2 due to very less intermediaries. The marketing efficiency was high for vendors (2.5 %) followed by retailer (2.27 %), wholesaler (2.1 %) and producer (1.67 %) by using marketing efficiency ratio. 5. Anu Jaya Shree Jeyaprakasam, Muhilan Mahendhiran and Sasikumar Arunachalam Palaniyandi* [Development of protocols for in vitro culture of Momordica cymbalaria]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 178-182 (2021). 1Department of Biotechnology Mepco Schlenk Engineering College (Autonomous) Sivakasi-626005, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : apsasikumar@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Momordica cymbalaria is a perennial climber accessible only during the Sornavari and late samba season and is found in tropical regions of India and Southeast Asia. The seed of this fruit remains dormant and the slow germination rate further curtails the propagation through seeds. This can be overcome by in vitro approach through plant regeneration by organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. To achieve this, tissue culture system for plant regeneration was established. Protocols were developed for in vitro cultures of Momordica cymbalaria from seeds, root tubers, leaf, internode, and fruit explants. Surface sterilization conditions were also optimized for the explants used. One twenty trials were carried out for germination of seeds (both with and without seed coat) using four different surface sterilization conditions. Explants (leaf, root tubers, internode, fruit) were also cultured for callus induction in MS medium supplemented with different growth regulators at various concentrations. Leaf and internode served as viable explants for in vitro propagation. Callus was induced from leaf and internode explants when MS medium was supplemented with 1 mg/L and 5 mg/L of 2,4-D, respectively. 6. E. Balaji, V. Dinesh Kumar* and T. Srinithan [Evaluation of different organic nutrient solutions on the growth and yield of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) under irrigated condition]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 183-185 (2021). 1Department of Agronomy Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608002, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : dineshkumar@klu.ac.in) ABSTRACT Organic cultivation eliminates the use of synthetic products to maximize the yields that can be produced rather sustains yield and enhances the soil health. Moreover, enhancing the productivity under organic cultivation is highly essential. Therefore, a trial was conducted at the backyard of the Department of Agronomy, PAJANCOA & RI, Karaikal to study the growth and yield of irrigated blackgram in coastal deltaic region, nutrient is supplied through foliar spray of different organic nutrient solutions. From the present pot culture experiment, it could be concluded that black gram can be grown organically by following the organic nutrient management practice of either applying Farm Yard Manure @12.5 t/ha in combination with foliar spraying of coconut butter milk solution @5% on 15, 30 and 45 DAS of Black gram or spraying of 5% coconut butter milk solution alone or spraying of 0.5% fish extract alone on 15, 30 and 45 DAS of black gram for increased productivity in the coastal region of Karaikal. However, owing to the additional cost involved in the basal application of farmyard manure recommended level @ 12.5 t/ha it is suggested that foliar spraying of either 5% coconut butter milk solution or 0.5% fish extract on 15, 30 and 45 DAS of Black gram may be followed as the best organic nutrient management practices for increased productivity of Black gram in the central region of Karaikal, Pondicherry, India. 7. R. Ragul Krishnan and C. Muthumperumal* [Effect of different foliar treatment and profitable practice of terrace garden in urban environment, Tirupur, Tamil Nadu]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 186-195 (2021). Department of Horticulture Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education Krishnankoil-626126, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : c.muthumperumal@klu.ac.in) ABSTRACT Globally, home gardens have been documented as an important supplemental source contributing to food and nutritional security and livelihoods. Terrace garden is usually established on the rooftop of a building. Besides the decorative benefit, roof plantings may provide food, temperature control, hydrological benefits, architectural enhancement, habitats or corridors for wildlife, recreational opportunities, and in large scale it may even have ecological benefits. Green roof tops with living vegetation provide green spaces, mitigation urban heat island, energy conservation, improving the air quality and increases biodiversity. Terrace gardens give pleasure to city dwellers and provide an opportunity for enhancing creativity as well psychological benefits. In addition, they change the visual appearance of the building, screening from neighbors, and conceal unwanted pipeline and unappealing scenery. One such terrace garden was established in terrace portion of a house located in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu. Three different foliar treatments viz., Control (T1), Panchagavya @ 3% (T2) and 19:19:19 @ 1.5% (T3) were given to observe the growth and yield attributes of the Tomato plants. In which Panchagavya @ 3% (T2) recorded the best results in all aspects. In tomato, maximum plant height of 23.4 cm at 35DAS and 42.5 cm at 45DAS, number of leaves as 143 at 35 DAS and 218 at 45 DAS, number of lateral branches as 8 at 35 DAS and 9 at 45 DAS, stem diameter as 0.76 cm at 35 DAS and 1.2cm at 45 DAS, minimum number of days to first flowering as 42 days, minimum number of days to 50% flowering as 58 days, average fruit weight as 93.8g, total yield per plant as 0.62 kg at first picking, 0.65 kg at second picking and 0.68 kg at third picking and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1:1.8 was recorded from Panchagavya @ 3% (T2). Besides tomato other vegetable crops such as Brinjal, Bhendi, Chilli, Radish, Lab lab, Spinach and Tropical Amaranth were also grown and calculated Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR). The fixed and variable cost for terrace garden was recorded to be Rs. 1876 and Rs. 554.3 respectively. The gross return and net return obtained from terrace garden were Rs. 1545.5 and Rs. 991.2 respectively. The Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) obtained from entire terrace garden during the period of 5 months was 1:1.78. The practice of Terrace Gardening is an emerging and important business venture for the urban middle and upper classes families that assure health and profitable benefits. 8. Kannan K1,*, Dhinakaran S1, Abhithra K1, Abinaya Mary C1, Afroz Hameed J1, Krishnakanth K1, Nagarajan K1, Nandha Nisha S1 and Sathya Priya1 [Mycelium brick preparation using cultivated oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus – A boon for sustainable environment]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 196-201 (2021). 1Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture (KSAH) Kalasalingam Academy of Education and Research (KARE) Anand Nagar, Krishnankoil-626126, Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : k.kannan@klu.ac.in) ABSTRACT Nowadays, the cost for housing construction has reached due to increase in the cost of raw materials of which bricks constitute of 5-10% of total cost. As an alternative, Oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated using paddy straw can be utilized for the preparation of mycelium bricks. Mycelium bricks are organic bricks synthesized from organic wastes and fungal mycelia including cultivated mushrooms and/or mushroom spawn. Mycelia are thin root like fibers from fungi which run underneath the ground. The compatibility of the synthesized mycelium bricks was determined by carrying out tests such as compressive strength test, water absorption test and drop test. It was observed that, when dried mycelium bricks can be used as a super strong (withstand drop test upto 3 feet above the ground level), water, mould and fire-resistant building material grown into specific forms thereby reducing the process requirements. Therefore, it can be considered as a novel construct which alleviates the problems arising during construction such as poor-quality raw materials, reduced strength, low water absorption capacity and decreased shelf life due to increase in the internal as well as external cracking and so can serve as a suitable next generation alternative for construction. 9. Perumalla Srikanth1,* and Reetha D [Studies on the effect of PGPR on the growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) var. PKM-1]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 202-207 (2021). 1Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education Anand Nagar, Krishankoil-626 126, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : p.srikanth@klu.ac.in) ABSTRACT Tomato is one of the most popular and widely grown vegetables in the world, ranking second importance next to potato in many countries. Due to the high usage of N and P inorganic chemical fertilizers in agriculture leads to pollution, acidification of soils and emission of greenhouse gases cause economic and environmental losses. In the present study, isolation and characterization of rhizobacteria such as Pseudomonas sp., Azospirillum sp. and Azotobacter sp. were exanimated from different soils of Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. The effect of eight combination treatments of biofertilizers were tested on tomato plant growth and development in pot culture. The results, Pseudomonas sp. was found as highest colony forming unit (6.5×106/g) in Sivapuri village followed by Azotobacter (5.1×106/g) and Azospirillum sp. (4.3×105/g). The highest plant height at different days (25, 50, 75 and 100th) was found (22.34 cm, 41.71 cm, 65.27 cm and 85.36 cm) with the combination of treatment T8 (Ps+Azo+Azs) and the highest number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and yield were found in the treatment T8 (Ps+Azo+Azs) such as 26 (fruits/plant), fruit weight 40.95 (g/fruit) and yield 1040 (g/plant). All the results were found highest compared with control. 10. Praveen Saini1, Vijay Saini1, Jencymol Thomas1, Selvaganapathi1 and Arun Kumar K2,* [Impact of different organic and inorganic amendment on soil physico-chemical properties and soil carbon fraction during cultivation of wheat (Triticum aestivum)]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 208-216 (2021). 1School of Agriculture Lovely Professional University, Phagwara-144411, Punjab, India *(e-mail : k.arunkumar@klu.ac.in) ABSTRACT Organic cultivation promotes sustainable agriculture and is environmentally friendly. In order to achieve it a suitable combination of organic amendments are yet to be standardized. Therefore, a field study was conducted to evaluate the impact of different organic source in different proportions without inorganic source and with inorganic fertilizers on soil nutrients and carbon pools in wheat field at farms of School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab. Treatments were designated as T0- Control, T1- 100% RDF, T2- 50% RDF+25% vermicompost+25% FYM, T3- 50% RDF+25% vermicompost+ 25% bone meal, T4- 50% RDF+25% vermicompost+25% poultry manure, T5- 50% RDF+25% vermicompost+25% sewage sludge, T6- 25% vermicompost+25% FYM+25% poultry manure+25% bone meal, T7- 25% vermicompost+25% sewage sludge+25% poultry manure+25% bone meal. Results revealed that, soil organic carbon found high in T6 and T7. Labile carbon and microbial biomass carbon were found high in T7 as compared to other treatments. Available nitrogen was high in T1 with 100% RDF followed by T4. Available phosphorus was found high in T1 and T2 which indicated that use of inorganic source alone or integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers tend to have the similar impact on soils under wheat cultivation. Available potash is found high in treatment T1 and T6 which also suggest that the potential of different organic manures in different proportion has the ability to enhance potash availability. Current study concluded that for alluvial soils like in Punjab, organic manures from different sources in equal proportions significantly increase yield and in long term cultivations such amendments were recommended. 11. P. J. Edward George1,* and B. Ravichandran2 [Prey and stage preference of Acanthaspis pedestris Stål (Hemiptera : Reduviidae) on pests of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 217-221 (2021). 1Kalasalingam Academy of Research & Education Krishnankoil-626126, Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : geogepje@gmail.com) ABSTRACT In India, agriculture is currently suffering an annual loss of about rupees 8.5 million due to insect pests. As chemical control is having many side effects and after effect, biological control is the best alternative to protect the crop from pest insects. Among the predator’s assassin bug is one of the promising biocontrol agents. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the A. pedestris, prey and stage preference on two lepidopteran cotton pests, Helicoverpa armigera Hubner and Spodoptera litura Fabricius. The assessment of a predator’s ability to capture and consume the relevant stadia of the targeted insect pest enables one to effectively utilize a natural enemy for biocontrol in the agricultural ecosystem. Steady increase in prey consumption was recorded by means of the progression of the developmental stages of the predator. The adult female consumed more than the adult male. The consumption of predators was observed to be decreased with the advancement of prey stages. The First and 2nd instar A. pedestris were limited in their ability to capture large-sized prey in both the prey species. The predator’s success in pest control depends on its willingness to eat the target prey. Cotton leaf worm S. litura was the preferred prey among the two prey species. 12. Kannan K* [Induced systemic resistance (ISR) as a mechanism of biocontrol in maize (Zea mays)]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 222-232 (2021). Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture (KSAH) Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education (KARE) Deemed to be University, Anand Nagar, Krishnankoil-626126 Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : k.kannan@klu.ac.in) ABSTRACT Induced systemic resistance is an alternative mechanism to antagonism for achieving biological control of plant diseases. Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) involves the activation of latent resistance mechanisms that are expressed upon subsequentso-called “challenge’ inoculation with a pathogen. Induced resistance occurs naturally as a result of limited infection by the pathogen, particularly when the plant develops a hypersensitive reaction. Therefore, ISR as a mechanism of biocontrol against leaf blight disease (Helminthosporium turcicum) in maize, cv. CO 1 was investigated. The application effect of different formulations of Azospirillum and Paenibacillus cells viz., single strain inoculation, co-inoculation and co-aggregates (natural and artificial) on the enhancement of growth and reduction in leaf blight disease incidence of maize was studied under in vivo conditions. It was observed that the application of each formulation of Azospirillum and Paenibacillus cells augmented the growth parameters and reduction in the incidence of leaf blight disease of maize to a higher level when compared to un-inoculated control. However, the application of Azospirillum and Paenibacillus cells, as, natural co-aggregates, exhibited the highest performance followed by artificial co-aggregates of Azospirillum and Paenibacillus cells co-inoculation and single strain inoculation of PGPR cells. The comparative study of rhizobacterial EPS viz., Azospirillum and Paenibacillus and some ISR inducing chemicals viz., salicylic acid (SA), Jasmonic acid (JA) and Azibenzolar on the enhancement of growth and reduction in leaf blight disease incidence in maize plant revealed incidence to a higher level than rhizobacterial EPS but they couldn’t augment the growth of the maize plant as in the case of rhizobacterial EPS. The application of rhizobacterial EPS had both phytostimulatory and biocontrol effect whereas the use of ISR inducing chemicals exert only biocontrol activity against Helminthosporium turcicum. 13. J. Buffi John, G. Kalusuraman*, R. Gowtham, M. Sugunthan, M. Vasantha Kumar and P. Sethupathy [Microbial analysis on biotin nutrition bar with different packaging material]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 233-236 (2021). Department of Agricultural Engineering Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education Krishnankovil-626126, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : kalusunrk@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Biotin a vitamin of the B-complex vitamin family well known to play a major role to improve skin, hair growth, and nails. A nutrition bar with rich biotin content is prepared. Based on this, a study was conducted using various food materials wherein three samples were prepared with different compositions and proportion. Sensory evaluation was done by the sensory panelist and scores and one sample is selected. The main sample was prepared with the selected sample combination and proportion. Then the main sample was packed in three different packaging materials and stored in two different temperature conditions. After the 15th and 30th days of packing, microbial analysis was done. By calculating the microbial analysis, sample packed in aluminum foil has a less bacterial forming colony in both room and refrigerant temperature, when compared to sample packed in low-density polyethylene and plastic bottle. The sample was found edible even after 30 days of packing as jaggery was used as a preservative and cardamom as flavoring agent having anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. 14. Jagamohan Meher* and G. Kalusuraman [Study of drying characteristics of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) in a tray dryer]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 237-240 (2021). Department of Agricultural Engineering Kalasalingam Academy of Research Education Krishnankoil, Sriviliputhur-626126, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : jaga@klu.ac.in) ABSTRACT Lemongrass primarily used for medicinal purposes, as tea and essential oil is perishable, with a limited shelf life and medical potential. Therefore, this study was conducted with a goal to examine the drying features of lemongrass in an experimental setting, such as moisture content and drying rate (DR). The effect of drying temperature on moisture removal rate was estimated Using the leaves of lemongrass dried at different temperatures of 40°C, 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C. The weight of lemongrass was monitored at ten-minute intervals after it had been dried for 30 minutes. The time taken to eliminate moisture was found to increase in direct proportion to the air-drying temperature. Similarly, the moisture loss increased as drying time, size, and temperature increased during the drying process. Therefore, it could be concluded that, higher drying temperatures are associated with a shorter drying time and a faster moisture removal rate. These results can be used as a starting point for further research into mass transfer and moisture removal throughout the drying process under varied drying conditions. 15. SIVANANTHA J*, JAYA ANJANA SUNIL, ARUN KUMAR M G AND KEERTHY VIJAYAN [Biological invasion of the Seemai karuvelam (mesquite), Prosopis juliflora tree and its’ threat to the rainfed agro-ecosystems in southern Tamil Nadu, India : A case study]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 241-246 (2021). Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture (KSAH) Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education (KARE) Krishnankoil-626126, Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : sivajayapandian@gmail.com) ABSTRACT The mesquite, Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. is a small tree or shrub highly drought-resistant and extensively spread in India and other dry and semi-arid tropical regions.The plant was believed to one of the most damaging intruders impacting natural and man-made ecosystems, as well as local biodiversity in Tamil Nadu. Seemai Karuvelam is found in all districts of Tamil Nadu. This paper covers the study area at Mustakkuruchi Village ecosystem, Kariapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District in Tamil Nadu from March 2021 to June 2021. We highlighted the paper by splitting the area into three parts (Site I, II and III) based on the plant’s growth density in the cultivating and non-cultivating fields. The effects of P. juliflora with discussing to the farmers such as groundwater table reduction, cattle infertility and reduction of herbivore food for cattle, and knowledge facts are discussed. It was identified that, the plant has been causing problems to the feeding habit of the herbivores due to its root system along with its expansion and invasion in agriculture is questioning sustainable land reclamation of the plant-invaded territory. Moreover, P. juliflora must be controlled through chemical, biological, and mechanical techniques as early as possible. There is currently no plan in place to control these weeds. At best P. juliflora spread can be halted by some actions which are all mentioned in this paper. Besides harm, this exotic weed has enormous beneficial roles. 16. C. SHUNMUGADEVI and ANBU RADHIKA S.* [An evaluation of toxic compounds from Melia dubia (Cav) leaf extract against stored grain pest Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.)]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 247-257 (2021). PG and Research Department of Zoology Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar College Melaneelithanallur-627953, Tamil Nadu, India (e-mail : *sanburadhika90@gmail.cm) ABSTRACT The use of biopesticides is long routed as a viable alternative to synthetic pesticides in integrated pest management. Melia dubia (Meliaceae family) possesses excellent pest management properties based on its secondary plant metabolites. In this study, Melia dubia leaf powders were extracted with different solvents and their phytochemical components identified qualitatively and GC-MS analysis against cowpea beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus. Results revealed that, petroleum benzene and ethanol extracts contained the higher concentrations of terpenoids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds and steroids. Moreover, these extracts contained biopesticides such as thymol, lauric acid, and cholecalciferol. The mortality was recorded after the exposure times of 24, 48 and 72 hours. The highest mortality (87.2±0.8% and LC50 value 16.22 mg/mL) of Callosobruchus maculatus was recorded in Petroleum benzene, followed by ethanol (76.8±0.8% & LC50 value 24.54 mg/mL), water (54.4±0.98% and44.66 mg/mL) Benzene (41.6±0.98% and85.11 mg/mL) and chloroform (39.2±0.98% and93.32 mg/mL) after 72 hours. Based on our results, it is concluded that Melia dubia phyto- compounds are highly effective in protecting stored grains against Callosobruchus maculatus. 17. KEERTHY VIJAYAN1,*, MUHILAN MAHENDHIRAN1 and SUGANTHASAKTHIVEL R2 [Distribution status and molecular characterisation of the invasive giant African land snail Lissachatina fulica in agricultural ecosystems of Tamil Nadu, India]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 258-265 (2021). 1Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education Krishnankoil-626126, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : kimmumolath@gmail.com) ABSTRACT The tropical invasive species Giant African Land Snail Lissachatina fulica is one of the worst of hundred invasive species in the world listed by IUCN. The snail severely affects agricultural and horticultural crops and home gardens throughout the tropics. The snail has reached India in 1847 and later it has spread into South India around the 1920s. An extensive survey was conducted in Tamil Nadu from 2016 to 2020 to detect the current distribution and assess the extent of damage caused to agriculture and horticulture crops by this snail. The Giant African Snail populations are found to be present in 29 localities spanning nine districts of Tamil Nadu. Fifteen snail samples were subjected to molecular characterization using the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Three distinct haplotypes were identified by comparing the sequences with already available sequences from published research. The haplotype and nucleotide diversities were calculated and are found to be low when compared to other geographical regions. In urban inhabitations, the snail is found to be a menace in human settlements and the pest status of the snail is prominent in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu. The study has recorded that L. fulica now is an established pest in paddy, mulberry, banana, coconut, vegetable crops, tapioca, tuberose and several other important agriculture crops in several regions of Tamil Nadu. 18. Ravivarma G.1, Shahir S.1,*, Shreemanikanta M.1 and Rohitvarma D.1 [Fabrication of solar hybrid dryer and drying charecteristics of Simarouba glauca]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 266-269 (2021). 1Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education Krishnankoil-626126, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : shahirfpe@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Drying natural with help of direct solar energy is tedious, time-consuming, and risky depending on the climatic condition of the day. The development of this hybrid dryer was done based on the conditions and requirements of the farmer to perform a flexible operation. The farmer with AC/DC supply can use this dryer for powering if not a solar panel with a battery is sufficient. The drying characteristics of a Simarouba gluca was studied in the developed hybrid drier. The drying characteristics are performed in three different temperatures like 40, 45 and 50ºC and took 6h, 5h 30 min and 5h, respectively. Therefore, the solar hybrid dryer is an efficient and reliable dryer for the farmers who requires drying operations on the field for getting longer shelf life and higher-value products. 19. Jinisha Blessie J. P.1,*, John Kennady Z., Subburamu Karthikeyan and Desikan Ramesh [Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) as a sustainable feedstock for bioethanol production by catalytic downflow liquid contact reactor]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 270-275 (2021). 1Department of Agricultural Microbiology Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641003, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : jinishajohnz@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Future transportation liquid fuels are mainly focused on biological sources due to the scope of carbon-neutral nature. The Government has mandated the blending of 10% ethanol in fuel but right now only around 6% ethanol is being added to the fuel, the IOC source said. This was mainly due to low ethanol production in the country. Nearly 4bn litres of ethanol will be required to achieve the 10% ethanol blending ratio. Among the biological sources, lignocellulosic feedstocks are a good candidate for bioethanol production if adequately pre-treated for lignin removal. The main aim of this study to assess the effectiveness of the combined process (oxidative lime pre-treatment) used in a catalytic reactor to pre-treat the pearl millet straw. To optimize the combined pre-treatment process parameters, three levels of three independent parameters viz., lime loading (8, 10 and 12 %), reaction time (5, 20 and 60 min.) and reactor column height (0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 m) were selected and analysed via central composite design of experiments with response surface methodology approach. Results of the output responses like percentage reduction in lignin, hemicellulose, cellulose increase and total reducing sugars were discussed. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis supports and confirms these results. The highest lignin reduction and total reducing sugars were achieved as 69 % and 155 mg/g, respectively via optimal conditions (lime: 12%, reactor column height: 1.2 m and reaction period: 60 min.). Enzymatic saccharification studies show the highest reducing sugar yield was 40.6±0.6 mg/g in 96 h at 40 FPU/g. Determination of specific reducing sugars: arabinose, xylose, fructose, mannose, galactose and glucose were performed by HPLC RI using COL-AMINO 150×4.6mm column. This innovative pre-treatment reactor was more effective for lignin removal. 20. Angel Y.* and A. Vignesh Kumar [Effect of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) gel coating on shelf life of tomato (Solanum lycopecicum) var. PKM-1]. Crop Res. 56 (5) : 276-279 (2021). Department of Horticulture Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture Krishnankoil-626126, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : angel@klu.ac.in) ABSTRACT Tomato being a climacteric fruit, postharvest life is relatively short along with loss of quality and storability, including high respiration rates, transpiration, postharvest diseases and acceleration in ripening process and senescence. Therefore, a postharvest experiment was conducted to maximize the shelf life of tomato using different Aloe vera gel coated solution in department of Horticulture, Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture. In this experiment the treatment consisted of Aloe vera gel forming concentration 5, 10, 15 and 20% along with control (distilled water). The results of this experiment revealed that the minimum weight loss, decay index, TSS, physiological disorder and maximum firmness, shelf life was recorded in T3 (tomato treated with Aloe vera gel @ 15%), when compared to control. T3 (tomato treated with Aloe vera gel @ 15%) solution was found best to extend the shelf life of tomato. *********************************