scholarly journals Long-term storage-dependent changes in seed physiological aspects of Hyoscyamus niger from a cold desert region of Trans-Himalaya

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Shashi Sharma ◽  
Rajender Kumar Sharma

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger L.), an economically important medicinal plant, has an endangered status in Himachal Pradesh (India) that needs appropriate conservation interventions. We have examined seed physiological aspects of H. niger from Lahaul (Himachal Pradesh, India), a cold desert region. The freshly harvested seeds exhibited complete dormancy. Gibberellic acid (GA3) and chilling treatment strongly promoted seed germination which was accompanied by increased α-amylase activity. KNO3, NaN3 and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, also promoted germination. During storage, the seeds retained high viability even after a storage of 72 months under ambient conditions. However, they remained dormant during the entire storage period. The responsiveness of seeds to GA3 and chilling treatment gradually declined with progression of storage period. Concomitantly, the triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) reduction ability of seeds was lowered. The seed responsiveness to KNO3, NaN3 and SNP during storage increased until one year and decreased thereafter. With the progression of the storage period, seeds exhibited elevated lipid peroxidation and reduced catalase activity implying a role of oxidative stress in observed changes. The involvement of phenolics in seed dormancy of H. niger was not evident. The findings are of significance for conservation and cultivation of H. niger through seeds in the arid mountain region.

Author(s):  
Abhimanyu Thakur ◽  
N. S. Thakur ◽  
.` Hamid ◽  
Pradeep Kumar ◽  
Sunakshi Gautam

Wild pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), fruit is widely found in hilly slopes of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir. It contains higher amount of acid content along with other quality characteristics. To exploit the appreciable amount of acid content in this fruit, a popular dried product known as anardana was prepared in mechanical cabinet drier from the fruits procured from Karsog area of Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India (1265 m above mean sea level). The anardana was packed in aluminium laminated pouch with vacuum (ALPV), aluminium laminated pouch (ALP) and gunny bags which were stored under ambient and refrigerated storage conditions so as to study the effect of packaging and storage on its quality. During storage, moisture, water activity, reducing sugars, NEB (Non enzymatic browning), HMF (Hydroxymethyl furfural) and furfural content increased whereas, TSS (Total soluble solids), titratable acidity, total sugars, ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, starch, total fibre and residual SO2 decreased during storage. After 12 months of storage period, higher retention of various quality characteristics was observed in anardana packed in ALPV followed by ALP and gunny bags. However, changes were slower in refrigerated storage conditions as compared to that under ambient conditions.


Check List ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1715-1730
Author(s):  
Dipti Dey ◽  
Puja Bhojak ◽  
K. Chandra Sekar ◽  
Dhani Arya

We document for the first time the diversity of vascular plants of Chandra Tal and Suraj Tal, two high-altitude wetlands (HAWs) spanning the cold desert region of Lahaul-Spiti, showing the occurrence of 188 species and one variety distributed among 97 genera and 29 families. Only one species, Ephedra intermedia Schrenk & C.A. Mey. is a gymnosperm, and the other 187 species are angiosperms. Of the angiosperms, Asteraceae is the dominant family, consisting of 27 species and one variety in 17 genera. Among the species, six are classified as threatened, 17 species are native, and two species (Eritrichium nanum (L.) Gaudin and Ranunculus trivedii Aswal & Mehrotra) are endemic to the Himalayan region. We provide baseline data for future research on the floristic diversity of two major HAWs of Lahaul-Spiti. We also highlight the importance of HAWs for the conservation of species.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 736-742
Author(s):  
Archana Brar ◽  
M. K. Rana

The storability and sprouting behavior of three grades (small, medium and large tubers) from four Indian potato cultivars was studied under ambient conditions to assess the quality changes due to physiological losses and sprouting bhaviour of potato tubers. It was found that physiological loss in weight (%), decay loss on number and weight basis (%), sprout loss on number and weight basis (%), total loss (%), general appearance, presence of black or hollow heart were affected significantly by the different varieties as well as by the size. The loss in weight of tubers due to physiological activities, decaying and sprouting increased with the increased in storage period and the loss was more in larger than smaller and medium tubers. Kufri Badshah showed the best control over sprouting, whereas, 100% sprouting was observed in Kufri Bahar with all possible combinations during storage. The maximum value for cumulative physiological loss in weight was observed in variety Kufri Bahar (12.07%), whereas, minimum was in Kufri Pushkar (7.44%). The maximum decay loss was observed in variety Kufri Pushkar (7.89 and 8.72%) and minimum in Kufri Bahar (0.00 and 4.58%) on 80th and 90th day of storage period. Black or hollow heart was absent completely in all the possible treatments. So far general appearance of the tubers was concerned, the larger tubers shrivelled more and earlier than the medium and small sized tubers. Different varieties behaved differently during the entire storage period.


Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1664
Author(s):  
A. A. Oyekanmi ◽  
U. Seeta Uthaya Kumar ◽  
Abdul Khalil H. P. S. ◽  
N. G. Olaiya ◽  
A. A. Amirul ◽  
...  

Antimicrobial irradiated seaweed–neem biocomposite films were synthesized in this study. The storage functional properties of the films were investigated. Characterization of the prepared films was conducted using SEM, FT-IR, contact angle, and antimicrobial test. The macroscopic and microscopic including the analysis of the functional group and the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry test revealed the main active constituents present in the neem extract, which was used an essential component of the fabricated films. Neem leaves’ extracts with 5% w/w concentration were incorporated into the matrix of seaweed biopolymer and the seaweed–neem bio-composite film were irradiated with different dosages of gamma radiation (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 kGy). The tensile, thermal, and the antimicrobial properties of the films were studied. The results revealed that the irradiated films exhibited improved functional properties compared to the control film at 1.5 kGy radiation dosage. The tensile strength, tensile modulus, and toughness exhibited by the films increased, while the elongation of the irradiated bio-composite film decreased compared to the control film. The morphology of the irradiated films demonstrated a smoother surface compared to the control and provided surface intermolecular interaction of the neem–seaweed matrix. The film indicated an optimum storage stability under ambient conditions and demonstrated no significant changes in the visual appearance. However, an increase in the moisture content was exhibited by the film, and the hydrophobic properties was retained until nine months of the storage period. The study of the films antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (SA), and Bacillus subtilis (BS) indicated improved resistance to bacterial activities after the incorporation of neem leaves extract and gamma irradiation. The fabricated irradiated seaweed–neem bio-composite film could be used as an excellent sustainable packaging material due to its effective storage stability.


2021 ◽  
pp. 34-37
Author(s):  
Екатерина Владимировна Ульянова ◽  
Дарья Владиславовна Андриевская

Стабильность (розливостойкость) в течение длительного времени - одна из важных составляющих качественных характеристик спиртных напитков виноградного происхождения, в том числе коньяков. Коньяк представляет собой сложную многокомпонентную систему, включающую более 800 различных соединений, в том числе фенольный комплекс древесины дуба и минеральные вещества. В процессе длительного хранения под воздействием ряда факторов эти соединения, вступая во взаимодействие друг с другом, могут образовывать различные виды помутнений, что влечет за собой потерю товарного вида готовой продукции. Целью настоящей работы стало исследование влияния отдельных показателей физико-химического состава обработанных коньяков на изменение их стабильности в процессе хранения. В качестве объектов исследования использовали образцы обработанных розливостойких коньяков отечественного производства, которые были разделены в зависимости от возраста на четыре группы: I группа - 3-летние, 4-летние и 5-летние (23 образца); II группа - выдержанные «КВ» и выдержанные высшего качества «КВВК» (15 образцов); III группа - старые «КС» (9 образцов); IV группа - очень старые «ОС» (7 образцов). Образцы хранили в течение 6 мес. при температуре 22…25 °С, в условиях, не допускающих попадания прямых солнечных лучей. В процессе хранения проводили мониторинг изменения физико-химических показателей, розливостойкости и органолептических характеристик исследуемых образцов с периодичностью 1 раз в месяц. Установлено, что на всем протяжении хранения физико-химические показатели исследованных образцов оставались в пределах нормы. Однако, в отдельных образцах, на определенном этапе эксперимента (после 2 мес. хранения) было отмечено появление осадка. Кроме того, по результатам определения склонности к различным видам помутнений был отмечен рост доли коньяков, нестойких к необратимым коллоидным и кристаллическим помутнениям в трех группах, кроме IV группы. Полученные данные по исследованию структуры осадков и результаты тестов на розливостойкость согласуются с характером изменений массовых концентраций катионов натрия и кальция, а также фенольных соединений. В целом полученные результаты проведенных исследований показали необходимость контроля массовой концентрации катионов натрия и кальция, а также фенольных соединений при прогнозировании розливостойкости коньяков. One of the important components of the quality characteristics of alcoholic beverages of grape origin, including cognacs, is their stability (bottling resistance) for a long time. Cognac is a complex multicomponent system that includes more than 800 different compounds, including the phenolic complex of oak wood and minerals. During long-term storage, under the influence of a number of factors, these compounds, interacting with each other, can form various types of turbidity, which entails the loss of the presentation of the finished product. The aim of this work was to study the effect of individual indicators of the physical and chemical composition of processed cognacs on the change in their stability during storage. As objects of research, we used samples of processed bottling-resistant cognacs of domestic production, which were divided, depending on age, into four groups: Group I - three-year-old, four-year-old and five-year-old (23 samples); Group II - matured «KV» and matured of the highest quality «KVVK» (15 samples); Group III - old «KS» (9 samples); IV group - very old «OS» (7 samples). The samples were stored for 6 months at a temperature of 22…25 °C, in conditions out of direct sunlight. During storage, changes in physical and chemical parameters, bottling resistance and organoleptic characteristics of the samples under study were monitored at a frequency of 1 time per month. It was found that during the entire storage period, the physicochemical indicators of the studied samples remained within the normal range. However, in some samples, at a certain stage of the experiment (after 2 months of storage), the appearance of a precipitate was noted. In addition, according to the results of determining the tendency to various types of cloudiness, an increase in the proportion of cognacs unstable to irreversible colloidal and crystalline cloudiness was noted in three groups, except for group IV. The data obtained on the study of the structure of sediments and the results of tests for pouring resistance are consistent with the nature of changes in the mass concentrations of sodium and calcium cations, as well as phenolic compounds. In general, the results of the studies carried out showed the need to control the mass concentration of sodium and calcium cations, as well as phenolic compounds when predicting the pouring resistance of cognacs.


2020 ◽  
pp. 21-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johnpaul I. Agbaka ◽  
Charles N. Ishiwu ◽  
Ajibola N. Ibrahim

Aim: To study the synergistic effect of chemical preservatives on the keeping quality of soymilk. Study Design: Ten soymilk samples were prepared and treated with different concentrations of citric acid and sodium benzoate and stored at ambient conditions. Place and duration of Study: The present study was conducted at the Department of Food Science and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka between March 2015 and June 2016 Methodology: Ten (10) soymilk samples were prepared. Soybean seeds (2 kg) that are free of dirt and stones were weighed and steeped in 4 L of tap water, a 12 h steeping regime was adopted. Each soymilk sample was formulated by adding different concentrations of sodium benzoate and citric acid, while the control sample had no treatment. All soymilk samples were then boiled at 75oC for 15 minutes and stored in storage bottles. Standard microbiological techniques were employed in the isolation and enumeration of potential spoilage organisms in soymilk samples. pH analysis was conducted throughout the storage period. Results: There was a decrease in pH of all soymilk samples with increasing storage time. pH at day 0 ranged between 6.2 to 7.2. Isolated bacteria in 10 soymilk samples included Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Proteus sp., Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella sp., Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter species. However, results obtained showed that soymilk could keep up to 7 days at ambient temperature, encouraging the use of citric acid and sodium benzoate as chemical preservatives. Conclusion: In the present study, preservation of soymilk samples from a combination of citric acid and sodium benzoate which are chemical preservatives was found to be more effective than several organic preservatives. Hence, they represent an alternative source of chemical antimicrobial substances for use in food systems to prevent the growth of food borne microorganisms and extend the shelf-life of processed food.


2013 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-74
Author(s):  
R. Verma ◽  
K. Kapoor

A study was conducted to understand the plant diversity along an altitudinal gradient with elevations varying from 2750 to 5000m above msl in Lippa – Asrang valley falling in cold desert area of Pooh sub division of district Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh during 2007. The number of tree species at 2750-3200m and 3200-3650m elevations were 10 and 8 with the dominance of Cedrus deodara and Pinus wallichian respectively. The number of shrub species were 19, 17, 7 and 3 in the elevations of 2750-3200m, 3200-3650m, 3650-4100m and 4100-4550m respectively. Juniperus communis taking shape of the dominant shrub at 2750-3200 m, 3200-3650 m and 3650-4100m elevations. Rhododendron anthopogon was the dominant shrub at 4100-4550m elevation range. The number of herb species were 76, 73, 46, 39 and 33 at 2750-3200m, 3200-3650m, 3650-4100m, 4100-4550m and 4550-5000m elevational ranges respectively. On the basis of importance value index (IVI), Artemisia brevifolia, Heracleum candicans, Thymus linearis, Bergenia stracheyi and Bistorta affinis were the dominant herbs dotting different elevational ranges and distribution pattern of plant species was mostly contiguous in all the altitudes. Index of diversity for herb species in different elevational ranges was 3.89, 3.82, 3.47, 3.21 and 2.95. Out of 78 medicinal plant species as recorded from the area, 20 species fall in the category of threatened plants. The better conservation of natural resources can be well achieved through promotion of community based conservation stressing in-situ conservation through the establishment of nature reserves and ex-situ conservation through tissue culture, developing cultivation technologies and nurseries of medicinal plants and conducting regular trainings on the procedure of medicinal plants collection, processing amongst the end users/ the local people, traders and real stake holders.


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