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VIGYAN VARTA

An International E-Magazine for Science Enthusiasts

Volume:01 Issue:05 September 2020

www.vigyanvarta.com

E-Mail: [email protected] Contents

Volume: 01, Issue: 05 September 2020 Sl. Title of the article Author’s Name Page No. Management of Lifestyle Diseases: Jyoti Nayak* and Sabita Mishra 1 The Need of the Hour 1-3 Nanoparticles and Their Use on Soil Ritika Kapoor, Madhu Patial* and 2 4-6 Plant System K. K. Pramanick Indian Lotus - A Multipurpose Lakshman Chandra De 3 7-9 Aquatic Ornamental Plant Recent Advancement in Technology Diksha Srivastava*, Neelam 4 10-17 and Innovations in Renewable Energy Rathore and Deepak Sharma Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana D. A. Rajini Devi* and B. Laxmi 5 (PMFBY) – An Insurance Support to Prasanna 18-20 the Farmers Plant Edible Vaccines: A Natural Way Khandaker Sabit Bin Razzak, Divya 6 of Vaccination Jain, Mohammad Nabil Hossain* 21-24 (Let the Food be the Medicine) and Anika Bushra Exploring Biocontrol Potential of Lipa Deb*, Pranab Dutta and White Muscardine Fungus Beauveria Mayurakshi Mahanta 7 25-27 bassiana in Plant Disease Management Climate Change Impacts and Climate Raju Ram Choudhary* and Deepak 8 28-30 Resilient Crop Varieties Kumar Good Agricultural Practices of L. C. De* and S. S. Biswas 9 31-34 Zygopetalum Orchids Quality Tasar Seed Cocoon Production C. Selvaraj*, Bommyreddy 10 Through Farmers Participation Thirupam Reddy and Datta 35-37 Bawaskar Crop Diversification as a Strategy for Mousumi Malo 11 38-40 Various Commitments Antimicrobial Properties of Honey Sumona Islam, Debajit Ghosh, 12 Khandaker Sabit Bin Razzak* and 41-44 Mohammad Nabil Hossain Food Biotechnology: Opening a New Soaibur Rahman, Tasnim Reza 13 Door in Agriculture Khan Zahra, Sadia Tabassum and 45-48 Anika Bushra* 14 Nanotechnology in Textile Industry Meenakshi Tamta 49-52 Good Agricultural Practices of Lakshman Chandra De 15 53-64 Commercial Orchids Hydroponics Technology for Green Gurdeep Singh Malhi*, Manpreet 16 Fodder Production under Resource Kaur, Kartik Sharma and 65-68 Deficit Condition Gaurendra Gupta

www.vigyanvarta.com © Vigyan Varta-2020 Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 Nayak and Mishra (2020)

Management of Lifestyle Diseases: The Need of the Hour Jyoti Nayak and Sabita Mishra

ICAR- Central Institute for Women in Agriculture

Corresponding Author

Dr. Jyoti Nayak Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Lifestyle diseases, Obesity, Diabetes, Cancer

How to cite this article:

Nayak, J. and Mishra, S. 2020. Management of lifestyle diseases: the need of the hour. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 1-3

ABSTRACT Though in Modern science through improved sanitation, vaccination, antibiotics, and medical attention has eliminated the threat of death from most infectious diseases. The stress of modern-day living is causing enormous burden on healthcare globally. Poor eating habits, sleep deprivation and sedentary lifestyle has contributed to growth of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity leading to a literal explosion of cases with cardiovascular complications. There are tips, how to mitigate lifestyle diseases such as, early to bed and early to rise make you healthy, wealthy and wise. Exercise regularly (Go for a walk at least 5 times a week), adopt healthy dietary practices, include traditional food in the diet, facilitate your body cycles, maintain your body weight, Organize your life well, be humble to all, spend True Quality Time at Home, rediscover the hidden and Lost ‘you’, stay away from smoking and alcoholism, learn to handle stress effectively.

INTRODUCTION consumption of fatty food and alcohol to blame cases of obesity, diabetes, hypertension etc. and n India, the situation is quite alarming. The periodic screening can reduce cervical cancer disease profile is changing rapidly. The deaths. Early detection of treatable cancers I World Health Organization (WHO) has would save many lives in India, particularly in identified India as one of the nations that is the rural areas which are under served by cancer going to have most of the lifestyle disorders screening and treatment. soon. Nowadays not only lifestyle diseases becoming more common, but they are also What is Lifestyle Disease? affecting younger population. Hence, the population at risk shifts from 40+ to may be 30+ Lifestyle diseases are diseases that are caused or even younger. According to doctor say, a partly by unhealthy behaviors and partly by sedentary lifestyle combined with an increase in other factors. They include Obesity, Cancer,

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Diabetics, Heart Disease, Stroke, High • Kidney: Degenerative Changes Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure and • Gall Bladder: Stone Formation Digestive Problem. Some of these diseases lead • GI Tract: Gas/ Acidity/ Belching to or contribute to other lifestyle diseases • Skin: Increased susceptibility to developing. developing infections, Skeletal Osteoarthritis The main causes are a person’s habits, • Psychological: Shyness, Inferiority behaviors and practices. There are controllable Complex, and Depression. and uncontrollable risk factors. The way in which we live has a lot to do with Controllable Risk Factors (Lifestyle) our health. Chronic diseases like high blood pressure, obesity is caused because of our • Diet and body weight unhealthy lifestyles. The good thing about these • Daily levels of physical activity so-called lifestyle diseases is that they are • Level of sun exposure reversible. • Smoking and alcohol abuse Cancer Uncontrollable Risk factors Tumors are a mass of uncontrolled growing • Age cells that form a clump. These are two types. • Gender One is malignant, which invade and destroys • Ethnicity healthy tissue, another benign, which is • Hereditary harmless cell mass. These are caused by certain viruses (HPV), radiation (UVrays X-rays), Some of the common Lifestyle diseases are chemicals in tobacco smoke, asbestos. described below. One can prevent the cancer by avoiding Obesity smoking, wearing sunscreen, eating vegetables and low-fat diet, remaining active and getting What causes Obesity regular medical check-ups. Overweight and obesity are a result of energy Diabetes imbalance over a long period of time. An energy imbalance arises when the number of A disorder in which cells are unable to obtain calories consumed is greater than the number of glucose from the blood such that high blood- calories used by the body. Weight gain usually glucose levels result. There are two types of involves the combination of consuming too diabetes. many calories and not expending enough through physical activity, although weight • Type 1: Body’s inability to produce insulin again could result from one or the other. (born with) • Type 2: Body’s inability to respond to Effect of Obesity insulin (develop) Obesity can be called as the house of all Cardiovascular Diseases diseases as it is a predisposing factor to many chronic diseases. It is known to affect all the The diseases and disorders that result from systems of the body. progressive damage to the heart and blood vessels. Treatment: This disease can be treated • Lungs: Breathlessness, Sleep Apnea through diet, exercise, medicines, surgery. • Heart: High BP, Myocardial Infection 2 | P a g e

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Prevention can be done by relax, hold the salt, condition in which the body’s immune system keep weight healthy, avoid smoke etc. is severely weakened and cannot fight off infection. Stress Tips for Management of Lifestyle diseases Stress can be defined as a reaction to a short- lived situation. Stress becomes dangerous when • Early to bed and early to rise make you it interferes with respondent’s/ worker’s ability healthy, wealthy and wise. to live a normal life over an extended period. • Exercise regularly (Go for a walk at least 5 Respondent’s/worker may feel tired, unable to times a week) concentrate or irritable. Stress can also damage • Adopt healthy dietary practices respondent’s physical health. It is not the • Include traditional food in the diet stressor (event leading to stress) that is a health • Facilitate your body cycles hazard, but it is the response of an individual to • Maintain your body weight the stressor that is harmful to good health. • Organize your life well • Be humble to all Causes of Stress • Spend True Quality Time at Home • Trying to please everybody • Rediscover the hidden and Lost ‘you’ • Going against own value system • Stay away from smoking and alcoholism • Too much/Too little work • Learn to handle stress effectively • Worry becomes a habit CONCLUSION • Guilt and resentment Globally, there has been a gradual shift in the Due to stress psychological, physiological and causes of morbidity and mortality from behavioral problems occur. Sometimes person infectious diseases to Non communicable uses faulty methods like, smoking, alcohol, diseases i.e. lifestyle diseases. These NCDs are frequent absenteeism from work, anti-social posing a major public health challenge that activities, irritability, unjustified anger, undermines social and economic development overeating of copping with stress. That will also of a country and place a tremendous demand on add to several other lifestyle diseases. health system and social welfare throughout the world. NCDs also add to the financial load on a Stress Management country due to cost of treatment, ageing and susceptible population. There is need to aware Stress can be managed through different the public to know about the consequences of therapy like, deep breathing exercises, yoga, the lifestyle disease. meditation, hobby, social service etc. REFERENCES Immune Disorders Alwan, A., 2011. Global Status Report on Immune system does not function properly Noncommunicable Diseases 2010. World Health Organization. resulting in an immune disorder. Some are relatively mild (allergies); others can be life Sharma, M. and Majumdar, P.K., 2009. threatening (AIDS)/HIV Occupational lifestyle diseases: An emerging issue. Indian Journal of HIV/AIDS Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 13(3), p:109-112. It is occurred due to Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome- Which is serious and usually fatal 3 | P a g e

Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 Kapoor et al. (2020)

Nanoparticles and Their Use on Soil Plant System Ritika Kapoor, Madhu Patial and K. K. Pramanick

ICAR-IARI, Regional station, Tutikandi, Shimla

Corresponding Author

Madhu Patial Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Nanoparticles, Soil, Nano-fertilizers, Nano-nutrients, Nano-herbicides

How to cite this article: Kapoor, R., Patial, M. and Pramanick, K. K. 2020. Nanoparticles and their use on soil plant system. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 4-6

ABSTRACT Nanotechnology is a science to devise products to nanometer range. Its application involves the production of nano-nutrients, nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, nano-sensors, nano-films, nano-filters etc. These products have a potential to improve agriculture application by proper management and input conservation. For example, the fertilizers encapsulated in nanoparticles called as Nanofertilizers will increase the uptake of nutrients. Due to proper balance nutrient management using nano fertilizers, their impact on crop nutritional quality and stress tolerance in plants has been studied and found to be positively correlated. Also. nano-biosensors can be used to detect the composition of the soil, i.e. the nutrients and the toxic substances in the soil.

INTRODUCTION Nanoscience which involves the application of extremely small things in different sphere of lants extract nutrients from the soil for life - agriculture, chemistry, engineering etc., their growth and productivity. If the has the prospective to modernize the nutrients are not present or are not P agricultural research. The technique involves available in a biologically available form, then the ability to compress the tools and devices a deficiencies are caused which results in crop product to nanometer range and to accumulate yield reduction. In the soil- soil composition, atoms and molecules into bulkier structures pH, humus content and other factors determine while the size remains very small. The the biological availability of nutrients. Though, nanotechnology aided applications for the fertilizers and chemicals available example, nano-nutrients, nano-fertilizers, nano- nowadays can overcome the deficiencies, but pesticides, nano-sensors, nano-films, nano- they have negative effects also- like leaching, filters etc. have the potential to change the toxicity etc. agricultural production by allowing better management and conservation of inputs.

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Efficacy of nanonutrients is determined by their Manikandan et al. (2014) reported that chemical composition, size, surface covering, nanoporous zeolite as an alternative strategy to reactivity, and most importantly the dose at enhance the effectiveness of N used in crop which they are effective (Khodakovskaya et al. production system. Corredor et al. (2009) 2012). Some studies focused on the demonstrated that the carbon-iron nanoparticles characteristics of NPs also revealed that NPs are able to get into the cells of living plants and can enter plant cells and transport DNA and move to remote positions, possibly through the chemicals inside the cell (Ambrogio et al. vascular system and constitute an important 2013). step forward in elucidating the mechanisms of interaction between plant cells and Use of Nanotechnology nanoparticles. They also reported that 1. Nanofertilizers nanoparticles were able to move to locations where the magnets were located, far from the The fertilizers encapsulated in nanoparticles application point. Attempts have been made to (NPs), will increase the uptake of nutrients. synthesize nanofertilizer to regulate the release These nanofertilizer, are plant nutrient which of nutrients depending on the requirements of are more than a fertilizer because it not only the crops and according to Raliya et al. (2013) supplies nutrients to the plant but also revives nanonutrients are more efficient than ordinary the soil to an organic state without the harmful fertilizer. In a soil, the presence of an element factors of chemical fertilizer. It provides essential for plants in the form of Nano fertilizer balanced levels of nutrients, required for the allows better dissolution and faster absorption better growth and productivity of plants. To and assimilation by the plant compared to enhance nutrient use efficiency and overcome traditional fertilizers (Ditta and Arshad, 2016). the chronic problem of eutrophication, Due to proper balance nutrient management nanofertilizers might be a best substitute. using nano fertilizers, their impact on crop Replacement of nanofertilizers for traditional nutritional quality and stress tolerance in plants fertilizer is beneficial as its application is to has been studied and found to be positively release nutrients into the soil steadily and in a correlated. controlled way, thus prevents water pollution (Naderi and Danesh-Shahraki 2013). 3. Nano-Biosensors:

2. Nanonutrients Apart from nanonutrients, the nano-biosensors are effective devices to detect the composition Due to their characteristic features have great of the soil, i.e. the nutrients and the toxic role in sustainable agriculture. The most studied substances in the soil. In this way, we can plan metal based nanonutrients are TiO2, CeO, techniques such that the composition of soil is Fe3O4 and ZnO nanoparticles. Nanonutrients suitable for the respective crops and the toxic have great impact on the soil as nanofertilizers substances such as metals are dealt with can reduce the toxicity of the soil and decrease properly. the frequency of fertilizer application. Many studies related to the use of NFs in crops have 4. Nano-herbicides, nano-insecticides been reported. Study by Liu et al. (2006) (usually coated material) highlighted the control release of nutrients from Both provide better penetration in the soil and the fertilizer capsule using nano and subnano allow slow and controlled release of active composites. Kottegoda et al. (2011) reported ingredients in reaching the targeted weed or urea, that modified hydroxyapatite insect, respectively, thereby causing minimum nanoparticle- encapsulated Gliricidia sepium environmental damage. Nanoparticles have nanocomposite exhibited a slow and sustained mainly been targeted for controlled release of release of nitrogen over time. Studies of agrochemicals and site targeted delivery of 5 | P a g e

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various nutrients needed for improved plant Khodakovskaya, M. V., De Silva, K., Biris, A. disease resistance. S., Dervishi, E. and Villagarcia, H., 2012. Carbon nanotubes induce growth For sustainable production of crop, proper enhancement of tobacco cells. ACS nutrient management is a key factor. Nano, 6(3), pp:2128-2135. Nanofertilizers and nanonutrition has proved to Kottegoda, N., Munaweera, I., Madusanka, N. be the most interesting area of research and and Karunaratne, V., 2011. A green concerns in this regard. Using this technology, slow-release fertilizer composition based we can increase the efficiency of micro and on urea-modified hydroxyapatite macronutrients of plants. So, overall nanoparticles encapsulated wood. nanotechnology will have large impact to Current Science, 101(1), pp:73-78. control and improve the production of crops. Liu, X. M., Feng, Z. B., Zhang, F. D., Zhang, S. Effect of nanoparticles on crop plants is an Q. and He, X. S., 2006. Preparation and emerging area of research and hence needs to testing of cementing and coating nano- be meticulously explored. subnanocomposites of slow/controlled- release fertilizer. Agricultural Sciences in China, 5(9), pp:700-706. REFERENCES Manik, A. and Subramanian, K. S., 2014. Ambrogio, M. W., Frasconi, M., Yilmaz, M. D. Fabrication and characterisation of and Chen, X., 2013. New methods for nanoporous zeolite-based N fertilizer. improved characterization of silica African Journal of Agricultural nanoparticle-based drug delivery Research, 9(2), pp:276-284. systems. Langmuir, 29(49), pp:15386- 15393. Naderi, M. R. and Danesh-Shahraki, A., 2013. Nanofertilizers and their roles in Corredor, E., Testillano, P. S., Coronado, M. J., sustainable agriculture. International González-Melendi, P., Fernández- Journal of Agriculture and Crop Pacheco, R., Marquina, C., Ibarra, M. R., Sciences (IJACS), 5(19), pp:2229-2232. de la Fuente, J. M., Rubiales, D., Pérez- de-Luque, A. and Risueño, M. C., 2009. Raliya, R., Tarafdar, J. C., Gulecha, K., Nanoparticle penetration and transport in Choudhary, K., Rameshwar, R., Prakash, living pumpkin plants: in situsubcellular M. and Saran, R. P., 2013. Scope of identification. BMC Plant Biology, 9(1), nanoscience and nanotechnology in p:45. agriculture. Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, 1(3), pp:041-044. Ditta, A. and Arshad, M., 2016. Applications and perspectives of using nanomaterials for sustainable plant nutrition. Nanotechnology Reviews, 5(2), pp:209- 229.

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Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 De (2020) Indian Lotus - A Multipurpose Aquatic Ornamental Plant Lakshman Chandra De

ICAR-NRC for Orchids, Pakyong-737106, Sikkim

Corresponding Author

Lakshman Chandra De Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Indian Lotus, Nelumbo, wastewater remediation

How to cite this article: De, L. C. 2020. Indian Lotus-a multipurpose aquatic ornamental plant. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 7-9

ABSTRACT Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. is also popular as Sacred Lotus because of its significance in the religions and National Flower of India. In addition to aesthetic value, it is also a popular vegetable and traditional medicinal plant having a great economic value in India. They are easy to grow and go on growing year after year after planting. These plants can be cultivated in tanks, ponds, jheels, ditches, pools, tubs, bowls and woolen boxes. Lotus flowers, seeds, young leaves and rhizomes are all edible. Every parts of the plant are used traditionally to cure several ailments in human beings. Lotus is often chosen as the primary plant because of its nutrient stripping qualities for wastewater remediation in a pond.

INTRODUCTION Description axonomically, lotus belongs to the It is a perennial large and rhizomatous aquatic genus of Nelumbo, which is the only herb with, slender, elongated, branched, T existing genus of the Nelumbonaceae creeping stout stem containing nodal roots. family. Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Leaves are membranous, peltate, orbicular, is also popular as Sacred Lotus because of its floating and concave to cup shaped ; petioles significance in the religions of Buddhism and are long, rough with small distinct prickles; Hinduism (Shen-Miller, 2002) and National flowers white to rosy, sweet scented, solitary, Flower of India. The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) 10-25cm, in diameter; fruits are ovoid having is known by several names including Sacred nut like achenes; seeds are black, hard and lotus, Indian lotus, East Indian lotus, Oriental ovoid. There are two varieties of lotus namely Lotus, Lily of Nile, Bean of India and Sacred Nelumbo nucifera var. alba (White type) and Water Lily. It symbolizes purity, beauty, Nelumbo nucifera var. rubra (Red type). majesty, grace, fertility, wealth, richness, Genetically, lotus is diploid with the number of knowledge and serenity. In addition, it is also a chromosomes 2n=16. The unique features of popular vegetable and traditional medicinal lotus include seed longevity, leaf plant having a great economic value in India. ultrahydrophobicity and floral

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thermoregulation. Lotus fruit is famous for its controlled by the introduction of goldfish in the longevity. It has been reported that lotus fruits pool which destroy mosquito wigglers at the buried underground more than 1000 years could early stage of their development. Sometimes, still be germinated. Due to the mechanism of leaves of Nelumbo become ragged and decay lotus seed longevity may contribute to rapidly by the attack of beetles. Application of enhancing seed storage in agriculture, and even Malathion or lead arsenate on the infested in the healthcare of human beings. leaves is found to be effective in controlling beetles. Aphids are the usual plant pests which Cultivation disfigure the flowers and stems. They are easily They are easy to grow and go on growing year controlled by a forceful clean water spray or in after year after planting. These plants can be case of high infestation, by spraying Lindane or grown in tanks, ponds, jheels, ditches, pools, Malathion. Alternaria leaf spot is a common tubs, bowls and woolen boxes. They are best fungal disease in Nelumbo and is controlled by planted during late winter or spring. Nelumbo is copper or dithiocrbamate spray. generally propagated by division of rhizomes or Multiple Uses by seeds. On an average, 10-12 kg seeds are required to produce seedlings sufficient for one • Durga puja is an important festival all over hectare of land. Rhizomes are divided during India especially in West Bengal. During March-April which produce flowers in the same this festival there is huge demand of lotus year. If propagated from seeds, they are sown in flowers according to rituals. Each puja pans of sandy soil, which are immersed in a pandel requires 108 lotus flowers. tank or vessel of water. Water temperature of • Lotus flowers, seeds, young leaves and 16-18oC is favourable for germination. The rhizomes are all edible. seedlings can grow in the seed pan until they are • In India, the petals are sometimes used for large enough to plant in tubs or tanks. It is the decoration, while the large leaves are used point to be noted that the seeds retain their as a wrap and plate for food. viability for more than a hundred years under • Various parts of the sacred lotus are also suitable environment. used in traditional herbal medicine. Nelumbo is a vigorous grower and requires rich • The tender seeds are munched happily in loamy soil with the addition of plenty of well north-east India. rotten cow manure for proper growth. About • The lotus stem is eaten almost in all parts 30-45cm depth of soil manure mixture is of India and pickled too. enough to grow them. The depth of water of the • Young lotus stems are used as a salad soil may vary from 30cm to several metres. The ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. depth of water should be increased in direct • The distinctive dried seed heads are widely ratio to the amount of plant growth. Plants are sold throughout the World for decorative planted in the soil under water. In setting an purposes and for dried flower almost dormant rhizome, the soil should be arrangement. pressed firmly above the rhizome and generally • The rhizome is used as a vegetable in planted 8-10cm below the surface. They require soups, deep-fried, stir-fried, and braised an open situation with plenty of sunshine and dishes. the minimum water temperature above freezing • Lotus rootlets are often pickled with rice is necessary. The flowers appear in profusion vinegar, sugar, chili and garlic. during summer and the rainy season. • The stamens are dried and made into a scented herbal tea in Vietnam. Nelumbo are often attacked by insect pests and • The lotus seeds or nuts can be eaten raw or diseases. Pools become breeding places for dried and popped like popcorn. mosquitoes, and it can be successfully 8 | P a g e

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• In South Indian states, the lotus stem is Lotus for Wastewater Remediation sliced, marinated with salt to dry, and the Lotus is chosen as the primary plant because of dried slices are fried and used as a side its nutrient stripping qualities (Lin and Yi, dish. 2003). It traps sediments in its fibrous root • In Sri Lanka, the sliced lotus stem curry is system, produces high grade flowers and pods, a popular dish called as ‘Nelum Ala’ reduces water evaporation, and grows quickly • A unique fabric from the lotus plant fibers under favourable conditions. In addition to is produced in Myanmar. removing nutrients from the water - such as • The leaves are used as a flavouring agent ammonia, nitrates and phosphates, the plant’s and to wrap sweet and spicy mixtures (rice, rhizomes strip nutrients from the substrate. It meat, fruit etc.) for steaming. also oxygenates bottom sediments, preventing Medicinal Properties release of toxic gasses and nutrients through anaerobic decomposition processes. Trapping Lotus fruits contain high contents of of these nutrients reduces the potential for algal polysaccharides like galactose, mannose and blooms, rapid deoxygenation caused by algae tannins. The polyphenols content in lotus seed or bacterial abundance, and improves the epicarp increased along with the ripening and oxidation and mineralization processes that aid had strong anti-oxidation activity (Liu et al, bacterial nitrification processes in the pond 2015). The rhizome is rich in abundant starch, sediments. Lotus has an advantage over many proteins and vitamins, making it a popular other aquatic plants in that the leaves are held edible vegetable. Enlargement of lotus rhizome above the water. Most floating aquatic plants could largely determine its economic value as leaves cover water interface and heavy cover well as also help the lotus to survive from results in deoxygenation of the water beneath. winter during its bud dormancy and provide As lotus leaves are held above the water this substrates and energy for its asexual phenomenon does not occur. In addition, the propagation. Specifically, the leaf of a lotus is large lacunae in the stolons carry oxygen deep an especially important traditional herbal into sediments indicating that sediments with medicine, which is widely used in controlling lotus are less likely to be anaerobic. Anaerobic the blood lipids and treating hyperlipidemia. sediments are a factor in mobilization of critical Recently, it is becoming more and more popular nutrients including phosphorus. as weight-losing tea to reduce the level of lipids in the human body. Studies have shown that REFERENCES two major alkaloids namely nuciferine and N- Lin, C. K. and Yi, Y., 2003. Minimizing nornuciferine are the main bioactive environmental impacts of freshwater compounds present in leaves. Roots are used in aquaculture and reuse of pond effluents diabetes, indigestion, dysentery and piles. and mud. Aquaculture, 226(1-4), pp:57- Fruits are eaten raw to control blood sugar 68. levels. Tender leaves, petioles and flowers are Liu, Y., Ma, S. S., Ibrahim, S. A., Li, E. H., used medicinally for deworming, urination and Yang, H. and Huang, W., 2015. dizziness. Petiole paste is applied on forehead Identification and antioxidant properties to maintain body temperature. Ripe seeds are of polyphenols in lotus seed epicarp at eaten raw for controlling blood sugar. The different ripening stages. Food pounded leaves are effective for the treatment Chemistry, 185, pp:159-164. of high fever, skin diseases and headache. Shen-Miller, J., 2002. Sacred lotus, the long- Young leaves are used in piles, leprosy and living fruits of China Antique. Seed painful urination. Petioles are used for the Science Research, 12(3), p:131-143. treatment of bleeding piles and excessive bleeding in menstruation. 9 | P a g e

Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 Srivastava et al. (2020)

Recent Advancement in Technology and Innovations in Renewable Energy Diksha Srivastava1, Neelam Rathore1 and Deepak Sharma2

1Senior Research Fellow, Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Udaipur 2Professor, Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Udaipur

Corresponding Author

Diksha Srivastava Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Renewable Energy, Sustainable Development, Innovations, Renewable Technologies, Fuel Cells, Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Biomass Energy

How to cite this article: Srivastava, D., Rathore, N. and Sharma, D. 2020. Recent advancement in technology and innovations in renewable energy. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 10-17

ABSTRACT Renewable Energy is considered as a promising option for fulfilling future energy needs. In the present scenario, there is not a single conventional energy resource to solve the problem of energy crises which is one of the major problems faced worldwide. Hiking oil prices, exponentially growing population and increased dependency on mechanization in each and every field are some of the aspects which lead us to innovate technologies and gadgets in the field of Renewable Energy. Renewable energy sources not only solve the problem of energy crises but also provide us with solutions for future safeguard. Technologies and innovations in the field of renewable energy are steps towards better and sustainable future development. With proper management and knowledge about handling these resources, the economic growth of any country could also be witnessed. Therefore, in this article an attempt has been made to illustrate few recent advancements in technology and innovations in renewable energy in the last decade, which are developed for the betterment of mankind.

INTRODUCTION solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy, water energy, geothermal energy, etc. All these enewable Energy, as the name sources of energy are inexhaustible in nature suggests, it’s the form of energy that is and can be harnessed without causing any renewable or which can be renewed or R environmental damage, aiding to sustainable regenerated again and again without its development. All these renewable sources have exhaustion. This type of energy includes all the the potential to provide us energy security, natural sources of energy which are available in which is the dire need of today’s world, if they nature without any cost or limit. Some are harnessed with proper planning and examples of such sources of energy include management. Using these sources of energy not

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only resolve the problem of energy security but electricity to rural and tribal areas where grid also provide us with additional sources of connections are difficult to establish. energy generation, adding to the economic The recent advancement which will be growth of the country, increasing the standard discussed here in the field of Solar Energy is of living and employment. Therefore, it can be Paint-on Solar Cells. These solar cells are said that; these options are feasible to meet the developed by New Jersey Institute of rural and small-scale energy needs in a reliable, Technology. These are very thin solar cells affordable and environmentally sustainable which can be entrenched on transparent plastic way. Innovations in such form of energy will sheets or glass surfaces, where sunlight is not only help to meet every customer’s need but available. Paint- on solar cells spread on these also will help to reduce the cost of energy surfaces like normal paints. These cells are generation with long term benefits. combinations of carbon nanotubes and carbon Solar Energy Buckyball molecules which are arranged in such a way to create a series of snake like India is often known as a blessed country when pattern which can conduct electricity. With the the terms are in context to Solar Energy. India, use of such cells, electricity can be generated by being a tropical country is blessed to have ditching the bulky solar panels. almost 285- 300 sunny days, with average daily solar radiation varying between 4 to 7 kWh per square meter for different parts of the country. Thus, it receives about 5,000 trillion kWh of solar energy in a year, which is far more than the total energy consumption of the country. It is environment friendly and is freely available throughout the year. Despite certain limitations like being a dilute source and intermittent in nature; solar energy has the potential for meeting and supplementing various energy (A paint-on Solar Cell) requirements in different modes. Spherical Solar Cells are another advancement Solar energy can be used by mainly converting made in the field of harnessing solar energy it in two forms: Thermal and Photovoltaic. during low-light or night hours. The solar cells Solar Thermal Energy Conversion in this type of technology are connected in 3D Technologies, as the name suggest, converts shaped spherical ball like structure. Such solar energy to thermal energy. This thermal structures reportedly generate more electricity energy can further be used either as direct as compared to flat solar panels. This energy source (such as heating water for technology is seemingly cheaper and consumes residential or commercial use), can be stored in half amount of sunlight to produce energy. a medium for future use (such as heating water or dry rocks) or can be converted to other forms of energy sources (such as a steam turbine).

On the other hand, Solar Photovoltaic Technology is a technology driven by solar photovoltaic cells. These solar cells made up of semiconductors which convert solar energy into direct current by photovoltaic effect. This technology is extremely helpful in providing (Spherical Solar Cells (Image: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology))

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Since the cells are spherical and not rectangular, principle behind this innovation is shown in the the sunlight is absorbed from all possible angles figure. for generating power with better efficiency and flexibility.

Japanese company Kyosemi has also developed a revolutionary spherical micro solar cell that is capable of capturing sunlight from all directions. Named as “Sphelar”, the cell shuns the traditional flat substrate photovoltaic design and opts for much more efficient shape as sphere. Their innovative new Sphelar® is a matrix of tiny, spherical solar cells that are designed to absorb sunlight at any angle. This means not only more efficient energy production, but less power needed for (The modular collector system charges and motorization of solar cell frames. The design stores energy during daylight hours and can and geometry of Sphelar cells means that by even collect energy from the moon during harnessing reflected and indirect light, energy night hours) conversion is close to 20% efficiency – a target With the increasing awareness towards the use far beyond most flat photovoltaic technologies. of solar energy the demand for silicon; the main Its design also makes Sphelar appropriate for type of semiconductor material used for making applications at a variety of scales, including solar panels, is also increased. This shifted the mobile electronic devices. vision of researchers to find an alternate to silicon. In this aspect, a team of researchers from Israel’s Ben Gurion University has found an answer. They have used gallium arsenide instead of silicon while manufacturing the solar cells. This result in more efficient solar panels, whose efficiency further increased when used (Kyosemi Sphelar Spherical Solar Cells) with reflective dishes, which are made up of Another innovation is The Spherical Sun Power mirrors. Mirrors helps in the intensification of Generator developed by Andre Broessel, a the sunlight. Although, this makes the system german architect. His company Rawlemon has costly, but the rate of power generation is also also created a spherical sun power generator increased, which makes the system prototype called the beta.ray. This innovation economically feasible. It is reported that, such combines spherical geometry principles with a system when built on 4.6 square miles in the dual axis tracking system, which yields twice Negev would produce 1,000 megawatts of energy as compared to flat solar panels. The electricity. area covered by this technology is also very less as compared to conventional solar panels. The

(Reflective dishes)

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Wind Energy altitudes but can be helpful in deep offshore waters also where the potential of power Wind energy, as the name suggests is the generation from wind energy is very high. energy generated from the motion of wind. Wind power generation capacity in India has significantly increased in recent years. As of 29 February 2020, the total installed wind power capacity was 37.669 GW, the fourth largest installed wind power capacity in the world. Wind power capacity is mainly spread across the Southern, Western and Northern regions. (©Makani Power: Makani Airborne Wind This inclination towards wind energy is due to Turbine) many factors such as: government subsidies and Likewise, Altaeros Airborne Wind Turbine is tax incentives, improved technology, higher another device for extracting energy from high fossil fuel prices and investor concerns about altitude winds. This device uses an inflatable potential federal action to reduce carbon shell filled with helium for enabling it to ascend emissions, etc. All these make electricity from to higher altitudes. This unique design enables fossil fuels more expensive. users to mount the device at high altitude Therefore, innovations toward increasing the without much difficulty and within a short span feasibility and adaptability of wind energy of time as compared to traditional wind mills. devices have been promoted. One of such This device is stronger and more feasible as innovation is Wind Energizer. This innovation compared to traditional tower mounted is developed by Daniel Farb, the CEO of turbines. As per the claims from the company, Leviathan Energy. This innovative creation is this device could reduce the energy cost upto capable of increasing energy output by almost 65% by harnessing high speed altitude winds. 30 percent. In this device, a donut shaped structure is formed around the turbine in such a manner that the winds with high velocity hit the turbine, without increasing the size of turbine. The innovation is expected payback the investment in about four to five years.

(©Altaeros Energies: Altaeros Airborne Wind Turbine) Recently Solar Aero, a New Hampshire based research company patented its bladeless wind turbine innovation known as Fuller Wind Turbine, inspired by the patent issued to Nikola Tesla in 1913. In this device, the (Wind Energizer) turbine is placed in a small and compact unit. For harnessing energy from strong and This turbine is driven by an array of parallel and consistent winds at higher altitude of about closely spaced thin metal disks, which are 1,000 ft., an innovation known as Makani separated by spacers. These spacers are placed Airborne Wind Turbine (AWT) is developed. in such a way that with the flow of air, inward This device is not only helpful in higher momentum is provided by them which further 13 | P a g e

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moves the disks. These disks are connected to shown below. All these processes have their shaft by spokes, which moves shaft along with own benefits and are used as per the energy disks. As this device is bladeless, they offer the source desired as end-product. advantages such as no or less noise, no killing of bats and birds, reduced maintenance costs, limited infrastructure requirements, etc. This wind turbine can also be utilized for military surveillance and radar installations because of its bladeless structure. Another advantage of this device is that it is cheap as compared to traditional wind turbines.

(Different Biomass Energy Conversion routes)

Biomass Gasification is a technology where the biomass is converted mainly into gaseous (Bladeless wind turbine) mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and Biomass carbon dioxide known as Syngas. This gas is a combustible gas that can also be used for Biomass is one of the traditionally used energy domestic and power requirements. This resources which is mainly liked by rural regions technology is widely used in industries, due to due to its free and ample availability throughout abundantly available biomass waste. Also, the the year. The inclination for increased use of product of this technology, i.e. syngas, is a biomass for energy harnessing is mainly due to clean and energy efficient gas. exponentially increasing fossil fuel prices and growing environmental concerns. Also, from past few decades the energy expectations and policies indicate growing increase in the global biomass production. Although, the energy harnessing from biomass has also resulted in negative impacts such as ecological imbalances, altering land use patterns and certain socio-economic impacts; energy harnessing from biomass is preferred and is (Birmingham Bio Power Project) considered as a reasonable and secured energy resource. There is a variety of feedstocks The Birmingham Bio Power Plant built on 16- available for biomass energy harnessing. acre land at Tyseley, Birmingham, is UK’s first Primary sources of biomass include the organic power plant being developed by Carbonarius, a leftover remaining after livestock farming, food joint venture of O-Gen UK and Una Group processing and preparation and domestic formed in 2010. This power plant will use the organic waste, etc. Whereas food crops such as recovered wood waste to generate syngas, grains and cereals, vegetable oil crops, deoiled which will generate high pressure steam. This cakes, sugar products and molasses, nonfood steam will drive the turbines, thus generating products such as tuber peels, switch grass, etc. electricity. This power plant is estimated to have also emerged as suitable feedstocks for reduce 2.1 million tonnes CO2 emissions per biomass energy production. Some of the year or in other words, will save approximately biomass energy conversion processes are 1.3 million tonnes of wood waste.

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Artificial Leaf waste, forestry waste, municipal waste, aquatic waste, etc. some of the crops are even At Cambridge University, UK, a device known specifically grown for energy harnessing as “Artificial Leaf” is developed which can purposes and are known as Energy Crops. produce syngas. Syngas, which is mainly made up of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, is used Biofuels in many commodities. Their major use is in Biofuels can be produced from a variety of chemical and fuel industries. This artificial leaf feedstocks. The fuels produced from food crops will produce syngas from sunlight without are known as First Generation Biofuels. As emission of carbon dioxide or any other gas in these are food crops, their availability as atmosphere. The process of producing syngas is feedstock for biofuel production is limited. This inspired by the photosynthesis process. The led to the development of Second Generation of artificial leaf uses energy from sunlight to Biofuels feedstocks which are non-food absorb two light molecules and combine it with biomass such as wooden chips, switch grass, cobalt molecule, which is acting as catalyst. tuber peels, or any other non- food part of the When this leaf is immersed in water, one light food crops. Still their availability is a limiting absorber uses the catalyst to produce oxygen. factor. Among second generation biofuels The other carries out the chemical reaction that Jatropha, commonly known as ratanjyot, has reduces carbon dioxide and water into carbon emerged as a promising option as airline fuel in monoxide and hydrogen, forming the syngas blended form. In December 2008, Air New mixture. The light absorbers work even under Zealand ran a test flight using a blend of the low levels of sunlight on a rainy or overcast kerosene and oil from the jatropha plant. day. Algal biofuel is known as third generation biofuels and are one of the most promising innovations in the field of renewable energy. These clean energy fuels are derived from slimy green algal biomass, which can quadruple its mass in just a day with the help of water, carbon dioxide and sunlight. Algae are unicellular organisms that are capable of photosynthesis. Artificial leaf (Source: Virgil Andrei, University Some types of algae have the potential of of Cambridge) producing more than 50% oil of their biomass without contributing to greenhouse gases. Energy Crops Sapphire Energy, San Diego has been Energy concerns, hiking fossil fuel prices, cultivating this organism at commercial level to greenhouse gas emission and climate produce fuel. This fuel is green in color which mitigation, energy security, etc. are some of the has its properties identical to light, sweet crude primary issues being faced today. Researchers oil used to manufacture Gasoline, Jet Fuel, are now more focused on finding sustainable Diesel and Heating Oil. The green fuel is conversion technologies and feedstocks that having an advantage of being its properties can be used for energy generation. A variety of almost like fossil crude oil. This enables it to be energy harnessing and conversion technologies used in existing and already working refineries are developed with many advances made for infrastructure. Although the green fuel has maximum energy extraction. In this process, a many advantages, but its cost of production is range of feedstocks have also been identified still extremely high. This only factor limits its which can be used for energy generation. This usage as future fuel. range of feedstocks consist of agricultural

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Fuel Cell compared with fossil fuels, these options provide us with long term security and Fuel cells are devices which generates sustainability. Therefore, innovations in the electricity with the help of chemical reaction. field of renewable energy should be motivated The basic structure of a fuel cell consists of a and encouraged for future use. reaction chamber in which two electrodes namely, anode and cathode placed in a liquid REFERENCES known as electrolyte. The electrolyte will carry the charged molecules from one electrode to Alternative energy: Alternative energy news, another. A catalyst is also present in the and information about renewable energy technologies. ENERGY INVENTIONS, reaction chamber which will accelerate the rate FUTURE TECHNOLOGY: News and of reaction. Innovations in fuel cell technology Information about Free Energy and can be done either by altering the electrodes or Future Technologies. the electrolyte. http://www.alternative-energy- news.info/spherical-sun-power- The Kenworth T680 with Integrated Toyota generator/. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Stars at Port of Los Angeles Biomass to energy. 2013. Akshay Urja, Renewable Energy. 6(4). pp:13-15. Kenworth Truck Company and Toyota Motor https://www.cv21.co.jp/en/index.php North America have collaborated to develop zero emissions heavy Kenworth T680s trucks http://biomassmagazine.com/articles/2455/bio powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. It is mass-to-energy-projects-advance- worldwide one of its type of innovation which was displayed on the Kenworth booth No. 939 at the http://gogreencyclopedia.blogspot.com/2012/0 Advanced Clean Technology (ACT) Expo held 4/top-10-technology-advances-in- at Long Beach Convention Center, California. renewable.html http://gwec.net/wpcontent/uploads/vip/GWEC These trucks will run by consuming only _PRstats2017_EN-003_FINAL.pdf hydrogen and oxygen as fuel and releasing heat and water as emissions. This way it will be a http://www.indianwindpower.com/news_view great innovation in the field of transportation s.php#tab1 industry. The technology although is clean and https://arena.gov.au/projects/advanced- sustainable but it still has a long way ahead to biomass-gasification-technology/ cope up with the use of fossil fuels. https://inhabitat.com/revolutionary-sphelar- spherical-solar-cells-capture-sunlight- CONCLUSION from-all-directions/ It will be appropriate to state in concluding https://mnre.gov.in/the-ministry/physical- words that Renewable Energy is attaining a progress great deal of attention these days due to many https://phys.org/news/2018-01-fuel-cell- factors such as sustainability, reliability, technology-solid-carbon.html security, and its ability to naturally replenish itself. All these advantages along with climate https://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable- mitigation, hiked oil prices, threat to natural news/em876/ resources and environmental degradation added https://www.kenworth.com/news/news- towards its inclination. Innovations in this field releases/2019/april/kenworth-toyota- comprises of many solutions from diversified pola/ fields. Many of such innovations may be at https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/5-clean- present seems to be costly and must cope up energy-innovations-that-could- with the use of fossil fuels but if considered and transform-our-world-2017-05-09 16 | P a g e

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https://www.power- https://www.thechemicalengineer.com/news/ar technology.com/projects/birmingham- tificial-leaf-for-carbon-neutral-syngas- bio-power-plant-tyseley/ production/ https://www.pv- https://www.treehugger.com/future-wind- magazine.com/2020/06/19/spherical- power-cool-innovations-4858207 monocrystalline-solar-cells-with-18-93- efficiency/ https://www.trucks.com/2019/04/22/kenworth- toyota-first-production-fuel-cell-truck- https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel- ports/ energy-solar/reflective-mirrors-raise- solar-potential- https://honors.njit.edu/sites/honors/files/lcms/n idUSL1689301820070829 ews/technologyobserver/2008/technolog y-observer-2008-8.pdf https://www.sciencealert.com/an-artificial- leaf-has-been-developed-to-produce-a- Van Dam, J., Junginger, M., Faaij, A., Jürgens, new-route-to-synthetic-fuel I., Best, G. and Fritsche, U., 2008. Overview of recent developments in https://www.techbriefs.com/tb/topic/electronic sustainable biomass certification. s-software/energy/biomass Biomass and Bioenergy, 32(8), pp:749- 780.

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Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 Devi and Prasanna (2020)

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) – An Insurance Support to the Farmers D. A. Rajini Devi and B. Laxmi Prasanna

Scientist, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Polasa, PJTSAU

Corresponding Author

D. A. Rajini Devi Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Insurance, Comprehensive, Risk, Success

How to cite this article: Devi, D. A. R. and Prasanna, B. L. 2020. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) – an insurance support to the farmers. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 18-20

ABSTRACT Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched in Kharif 2016 with the aim to support production in agriculture by providing a reasonable crop insurance coverage to make sure comprehensive risk protect to crops against all non-preventable natural risks from pre- sowing to post-harvest stage. The theme has completed eight crop seasons with success and is being enforced across states and Union Territories (UTs).

INTRODUCTION fight of agriculture sector besides protecting the farmers from production n 13th February 2016 Pradhan Mantri risks. Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was • There will be a consistent premium of only launched by Prime Minister Sri O 2% to be paid by farmers for all Kharif Narendra Modi as an insurance service for crops and 1.5% for all Rabi crops. just in farmers for their yields case of annual commercial and Objectives horticultural crops, the premium to be paid are going to be only 5%. • Providing support to farmers suffering • The premium rates to be paid by farmers crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen are terribly low and balance premium are events becoming to be paid by the govt. to supply • Stabilizing the gain of farmers for their full insured quantity to the farmers against continuance in farming crop loss in any natural calamities. • Encouraging farmers to adopt innovative • There is no upper limit on Government and trendy agricultural practices subsidy and the balance premium is 90%, • Ensuring credit good of the farmers, crop it will be borne by the govt. diversification and enhancing growth and

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• Earlier, there was a provision of capping Coverage of Risks and Exclusions the premium rate that's low claims being Basic Cover paid to farmers. Currently farmers can get claim against full total insured with no The essential cover under the scheme covers the reduction. danger of loss of yield to standing crop (sowing • The use of technology is becoming to be to harvesting). This comprehensive risk inspired to an outstanding extent. sensible insurance is provided to hide yield losses on a phones, remote sensing drone and GPS neighbourhood-based approach basis due to technologies are becoming to be familiar non-preventable risks like drought, dry spells, with capture and transfer information of flood, inundation, wide spread pest and disease crop cutting to cut back the delays within attack, landslides, natural fire due to lightening, the claim payment. storm, hailstorm, and cyclone. • The insurance plan is going to be handled Add-On Coverage under one insurance firm, Agriculture insurance Company of India (AIC). Aside from the mandatory basic cover, the State • PMFBY could even be a replacement Governments./UTs, in consultation with the theme of National Agriculture Insurance State Level Coordination Committee on Crop theme (NAIS) and Modified National Insurance (SLCCCI) may choose any or all of Agriculture Insurance theme (MNAIS) the subsequent add-on covers supported the and thus exempted from the service tax. necessity of the precise crop/area in their State to hide the subsequent stages of the crop and Coverage of Farmers risks resulting in crop loss. All farmers including sharecroppers and tenant Prevented Sowing/Planting/Germination farmers growing the notified crops within the Risk notified areas are eligible for coverage. However, farmers should have interest for the Insured area is prevented from sowing/ insured crops and lands. Such farmers are planting/germination due to deficit rainfall or required to submit necessary documentary adverse seasonal/climatic conditions. evidence of land records prevailing within the Mid-Season Adversity State (Records of Right (RoR), Land possession Certificate (LPC) etc.) and/or applicable Loss just in case of adverse seasonal conditions contract/ agreement details/ other documents during the crop season viz. floods, prolonged notified/ permitted by concerned government dry spells and severe drought etc., wherein just in case of sharecroppers/tenant farmers and expected yield during the season is probably therefore the same should be defined by the going to be but 50% of the traditional yield. respective States within the notification itself. This add-on coverage facilitates the supply for Such farmers also are required to essentially immediate relief to insured farmers just in case submit Aadhar Number and declaration about of occurrence of such risks. the crop sown/ crops intended to be sown. Post-Harvest Losses Crops Coverage Coverage is out there only up to a maximum • Food crops (Cereals, Millets and Pulses), period of fortnight from harvesting, for those • Oilseeds crops which are required to be dried in cut and • Annual Commercial / Annual spread / small bundled condition counting on Horticultural crops requirement of the crops therein area, within the • Perennial horticultural/commercial crops field after harvesting against specific perils of that standard methodology for yield hailstorm, cyclone, cyclonic rains and estimation is there unseasonal rains. 19 | P a g e

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Localized Calamities CONLUSION Loss/damage to notified insured crops resulting Crop Insurance can play extremely important from occurrence of identified localized risks of and supporting role in increasing the flow of hailstorm, landslide, inundation, cloud burst institutional credit to the agriculture sector and natural fire due to lightening affecting which successively induces farmers to adopt isolated farms within the notified area. new technology. PMFBY is one such scheme that has been designed by the govt for assisting Add-on coverage for crop loss due to attack the farmers in receiving monetary assistance on by wild animals the event of crop damage due to natural The States may consider providing add-on calamities. Hence, farming community is coverage for crop loss due to the attack by wild advised to utilize this opportunity to mitigate animals wherever the danger is seemed to be the risks in agriculture which may in turn substantial and is identifiable. The detailed helpful in improving the income levels of protocol and procedure for evaluation of the farmers. bids has been prepared by the GOI in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, REFERENCES Forest & global climate change (MoEF&CC) Selvaraj, A., 2015. Crop insurance: A study and General Insurance Corporation of India with farmers’ awareness and satisfaction. (GIC Re). The add-on coverage is going to be International Journal of Current optional for the farmers and applicable notional Research, 7(7), pp:18680-18687. premium are going to be borne by the farmer, https://www.pmfby.gov.in/pdf/Revamped%20 however the State Governments may consider OGs_Final.pdf. providing additional subsidy on this coverage, https://www.pradhanmantriyojana.co.in/fasal- wherever notified. The actuarial premium rates bima-beema/ for add-on coverage should be sought within the bid itself from the IC, however the add-on https://www.india.gov.in/spotlight/pradhan- actuarial premium rate is going to be considered mantri-fasal-bima-yojana#tab=tab-1. separately.

General Exclusions

Losses arising out of war and nuclear risks, malicious damage and other preventable risks shall be excluded.

Loss/damage for localised calamities and post- harvest losses are going to be assessed at the extent of the individual insured farm and hence lodging of loss intimation by the farmer/designated agencies is important. For remaining risks, losses are due to widespread calamities, hence lodging of intimation for claims by insured farmers / designated agencies for such wide-spread calamities is not essential. Claims are going to be calculated supported the loss assessment report submitted by the District level Joint Committee (DLJC) and/or average yield submitted by concerned government.

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Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 Razzak et al. (2020)

Plant Edible Vaccines: A Natural Way of Vaccination (Let the Food be the Medicine) Khandaker Sabit Bin Razzak1, Divya Jain2, Mohammad Nabil Hossain3 and Anika Bushra4

1Department of Public Health, American International University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh 2Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India 3College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China 4Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Corresponding Author

Mohammad Nabil Hossain Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Edible, Vaccines, Plants, Immunization, Fruits, Transgenic

How to cite this article: Razzak, K. S. B., Jain, D., Hossain, M. N. and Bushra, A. 2020. Plant edible vaccines: a natural way of vaccination. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 21-24.

ABSTRACT Immunizing human or animals with edible plants is an evolving tool that seems to grip countless potential. The selected antigens of pathogens (HIV and tuberculosis, etc.) are inserted to the selected host plant by the transformation technique to form a transgenic plant. Edible vaccines grip countless promise as a profitable, easily managing, can be store easily, unlikely or unable to fail and socio cultural gladly sustainable, particularly for the poor emerging nations. It can take place of sore immunization methods. Compare to conventional vaccine, edible vaccine is an inexpensive, needle free, eradicates the requirement for preservation, harmless and may be stored nearby to place of usage.

INTRODUCTION Not only do vaccines brace us for potential diseases but still make us immune from them he biological products improve our for a long time. Until now, the production immunity are vaccines. Edward Jenner process has been the biggest drawback. first introduced the idea of vaccine for T Industrial processes generally produce vaccines smallpox in 1796. Vaccination is a mechanism that are costly and inaccessible in developing that made our body to meet new pathogens and countries. This process is known as to prevent them. In comparison to the "transformation" and the altered plants are conventional method of therapy, usually after called "transgenic plants". onset of a specific disease, this form of treatment is specifically used.

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Genetically modified (GM) plants are edible • Edible vaccines: The edible part of a plant vaccines which provide additional "immunity”. is genetically modified to express antigens, Edible vaccines are therefore known as suitable thus eliciting an immune response upon alternatives for conventional vaccines. In consumption. general, dietary vaccines are antigen- Edible Plant Vaccines expressing plants, so specific farming and plant growing skills are required. In the late 1980s, plants began to attract interest as recombinant forms of expression. Plants The purification and downstream have a big advantage over mammalian manufacturing processes that make traditional expression system: since they are fueled by vaccines expensive are also eliminated in edible photosynthesis. They do not need any external vaccines. Currently edible vaccine developed carbon supply. The lack of contamination by for both human and animal disorders (masses, mammalian pathogens is another significant cholera, foot and mouth illness, and hepatitis B, benefit of a plant environment in a mammalian C, and E). They may also be used to prevent system. In fact, these advantages make it more exceptional diseases such as dengue, possible to produce antigens, vaccines and hookworm, rabies, etc. by conjugating other other eukaryotic proteins in plants. antigen delivery programs. What makes a candidate plant? Evolution of Edible Vaccines Candidate plants are those plants that are most • The evolution of vaccines has contributed appropriate for edible vaccine manufacture. A to the identification of safe and larger plant is made a good edible candidate for variations of new forms of vaccination. vaccine by a variety of features. • Live-attenuated vaccines: These are known as original and 1st vaccines. A • Must be long shelf life. The plant or the living infectious organism is used as a edible portion of the plant must be vaccine, as it is weakened. preserved without decay for a long time. • Inactivated vaccines: The debris of the • Must grow rapidly. Fruit or vegetables dead organism is used as a vaccine. which are normally made on trees are • Toxoid vaccines: As a vaccine, the regarded as bad candidates as they take a organism produced toxin is used. Rather long time to grow. than the infection itself, toxoid vaccines • Easy transformation. targets in preventing the ill effects from the infection. Plants commonly used as candidates • Biosynthetic vaccines: As the name Plants with the above-mentioned qualities are recommends, these vaccines are man- generally selected to be edible vaccines. Plants made and have very parallel shape and such as tomato, tobacco, rice, and maize are properties to the infectious organism. widely used for this purpose. • DNA vaccines: Plasmid DNA with sequences encoding the antigen. This • Tobacco: Tobacco was a model plant that plasmid DNA is then introduced directly to was commonly used. It has many benefits, a specific muscle or tissue where it is such as quick growth, high seed numbers, expressed. and is perennial. Tobacco was commonly • Recombinant vaccines: Vaccines where a used as a candidate for edible vaccine. recombinant plasmid with the gene • Potato: Potatoes are tubers widely used encoding the antigen is expressed in and very cheap worldwide. There is a vast bacteria. This protein is then purified and volume of data available on common used as vaccine. manipulation, which includes streamlined

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protocols. The biggest downside to using subsidiary components. In comparison to potatoes is that before consumption it standard vaccines, edible vaccines can provide needs cooking. The antigen may be immunity to mucosa. They are also cost denatured by cooking. efficient since cold chain storage is not • Rice/maize: In certain nations, rice and necessary such as conventional vaccines. maize are cereals that are staples. The Edible vaccines have improved storage options principal explanation that rice and maize as transgenic plant seeds can quickly be dried as candidate edible vaccines are so and have less moisture content. Furthermore, desirable is that they can be preserved for plants with oil or water extracts have more a very long time without cooling. opportunities for preservation. However, cereals take a fairly long time Sophisticated machinery and machines are not and need optimal conditions for their needed for edible vaccines since they can be formation, which is the downside. easily grown in wealthy soils, and the process • Tomato: Tomato is another widely used is economical as compared with cell cultures plant that is a common vaccine alternative. grown in the fermenters. This eliminates the It grows relatively well and tastes good need for qualified medical professionals and such that it has a broader range of decreases the risk of infection as they do not consumer’s needs. The greatest downside require sterilization of facilities and processing with tomatoes is that it spoils easily after areas. ripening.

Edible vaccines facilitate second-generation Advantages of Plant Edible Vaccines vaccine options by incorporating multiple To promote immune responses, edible antigens that concurrently target M-cells. vaccinations provide an important mode of Edible vaccines are healthy, since they do not action for vaccination as it does not require contain heat killed pathogens, so there is no risk

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for proteins to transformation into infectious CONLUSION organism. The method of producing edible In this area of technology, it is impossible to vaccines can be quickly improved by breeding. understand how easily new technologies Edible Vaccines Derived from Fruit become recognized by the consumer. It is now possible to transfer an organism's gene in theory The principal and important part of a flowering in any plant, expressing it on any seed, root, plant is fruit from particular floral tissues, tuber or leaf on any portion of the plant. Food mostly an ovary. The most suitable for edible is increasingly evaluated as a substance with fruit vaccinations is because they are not tested specific therapeutic properties not only as a by fruits. Heat denatures the protein in an edible simple nutrient source but also somewhat. vaccine during the cooking process. Often, papaya and banana are used in the manufacture Changes in the basic composition of the above of edible vaccines. Bananas were one of the type, also known as functional food, it can be first fruits for the transgenic plant programs. accompanied through drastic adjustments; Papaya is a wide-ranging sweet, sweet and effect of mankind in fruit and leaves has been exotic fruit. created and can easily decrease the amount of poisonous compounds, for example oxalate, a Papaya and bananas typically produce large compound that must be prevented by way of levels of vitamin A usually in developing those stricken by urolithiasis-the deposition of countries fast, cheaply, and the genes are non- kidney and bladder stones. The problem of transferable from one banana to another due to projection lies no longer more in the science their sterile conditions in the soil. The world as an alternative in predicting how good expression of external proteins (vaccine) was the companies will perform, as we move stated in a study. The promoter MaExp1 may be towards food with more specific health benefits an effective tool when the banana fruit is and the possibilities produced by such goods. ripened. There are some disadvantages to Edible vaccines extracted from plants could bananas that are quickly spoils after ripening lead to safer and more efficient immunization and which have a much lower quantity of in the future. In certain conditions, it is protein. economical and safe and a new path to oral The ideal edible vaccine should be affordable, immunization endogenous, humoral, non-pathogenic, and nontoxic long lasting, the risk of adverse effects REFERENCES will be very low, environmental exposure levels Gunasekaran, B. and Gothandam, K. M., 2020. will be high, humans would not have immune A review on edible vaccines and their problems. prospects. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 53(2), e8749 Benefits of Fruit Derived Edible Vaccine Khan, A., Khan, A., Khan, I., Shehzad, M. A., • The edible vaccines are cost-effective in Ali, W., Muhammad, A. and large scale production/transportation. Muhammad, A., 2019. A Review on • Eradicate requirements like cooking. Natural Way of Vaccination: Plant Derived Edible Vaccines. Journal of • Heat-stable, abolish the condition of Vaccines and Immunology, 5, pp:18-21. refrigeration. • Its improved compliance in children and reduced necessity of medical personnel and sterile injection settings. • Storage at use-site and Sophisticated administration.

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Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 Deb et al. (2020)

Exploring Biocontrol Potential of White Muscardine Fungus Beauveria bassiana in Plant Disease Management Lipa Deb1, Pranab Dutta1 and Mayurakshi Mahanta2

1Department of Plant Pathology, School of Crop Protection, College of Post Graduate Studies, Central Agricultural University, Umiam-793103, Meghalaya. 2Department of Genetics and Plant breeding, School of Crop Improvement, College of Post Graduate Studies, Central Agricultural University, Umiam-793103, Meghalaya.

Corresponding Author

Lipa Deb Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Beauveria bassiana, Disease antagonist, Entomopathogenic fungi, Plant growth promotion

How to cite this article: Deb, L., Dutta, P. and Mahanta, M. 2020. Exploring biocontrol potential of white muscardine fungus Beauveria bassiana in plant disease management. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 25-27.

ABSTRACT Beauveria bassiana is the most widely studied entomopathogenic fungi which have drawn attention worldwide not only as an insect-pest control but also as management of plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria along with their plant growth promotion activities. In addition to its entomopathogenic properties, this fungus is also being exploited for its other beneficial properties like plant endophytes, antagonists for plant diseases, beneficial rhizosphere colonizers and plant growth promoters.

INTRODUCTION genus is characterized by denticulate zigzag appereance of conidiogenous rachis containing eauveria bassiana (Balsamo) single-celled, haploid and hydrophobic conidia Vuillemin was first identified by (Plate 1B). They are visually distinguished as Agostino Bassi di Lodi in 1835 as a B white mould and grow as dry and powdery disease causing pathogen of silkworms conidia in distinctive white spore balls (Plate (Bombyx mori) which was named as white 1A). Beauveria is one of the most common muscardine fungus. The teleomorphic stage of entomogenous fungal genera and is best known this saprophytic fungus is Cordyceps bassiana for its pathogenicity on insects belonging to the which belongs to phylum Ascomycota, class order Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Pyrenomycetes, order Hypocreales and family Hymenoptera, Homoptera and Orthoptera. The Clavicipitaceae (Yokoyama et al., 2004). The infection pathway of Beauveria spp. consists of

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attachment of spore on the cuticle, spore dual controlling agent to biological elements for germination, penetration, overcoming host insects and pathogens in crops. Beauveria spp. immune response, proliferation within host and show antagonistic effect against wide array of saprophytic outgrowth from dead host and soil borne and foliar plant pathogens belonging production of new conidia (Keswani et al., to Oomycetes (Phytopthora infestans, Pythium 2013). myriotylum, P. debaryanum, P. irregular and P. ultimu), fungi (F. oxysporum, R. solani, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, Armillaria mellea, Rosellinia necatrix, Thielaviopsis bassicola, Botrytis cinerea, Septoria nodorum, Phoma betae, P. exigua and Colletotrichum falcatum, bacteria (Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum) and nematodes (Melodogyne incognita). A Mechanism Utilized by B. bassiana against Phytopathogens

Different mechanisms involved by Beauveria spp. as a biocontrol agent for plant disease suppression are antibiosis, competition, mycoparasitism, endophytism and induced systemic resistance (ISR). They also offer an excellent combination of traits useful in disease B control mechanisms viz., production of specific or non-specific metabolites like antibiotics, Plate 1: Pure culture of Beauveria bassiana bioactive volatile organic compounds, lytic (A) and its microscopic characteristics (B) agents, enzymes and toxic substances which play an important role in pathogenesis (Griffin, Antagonistic Potential of B. bassiana against 2007). Isolates of the fungus also produces Phytopathogens series of hydrolytic extracellular enzymes viz., B. bassiana is the most widely studied chitinases, glucanases, cellulases, lipases, entomopathogenic fungi which have drawn caesinases and proteases which aid in attention worldwide not only as an insect-pest enzymatic and mechanical degradation of host control but also as management of plant by adheration of fungal conidia and solubilizing pathogenic fungi and bacteria along with their the host cell wall. It also produces wide array of plant growth promotion activities. In addition to chemically diverse secondary metabolites like its entomopathogenic properties, this fungus is beauvericin, bassianolide, bassianin, tenellin also being exploited for its other beneficial and cyclosporine-A which endorse it as a properties like plant endophytes, antagonists superior entomopathogenic fungus. These for plant diseases, beneficial rhizosphere chemicals have antibacterial, antifungal, colonizers and plant growth promoters (Vega et cytotoxic as well as insecticidal properties. al., 2009). There is substantial evidence that B. One of the most important properties of B. bassiana provides protection against both bassiana is their ability of establishing an insects, pests and plant pathogens (Griffin, endophytic relationship with plant tissues either 2007). naturally or after artificial inoculation which In a study of Ownley et al. (2004), B. bassiana plays an additional important role in biocontrol has been titled as an organism functioning as activities against various biotic stresses (Vega et al., 2009). The endophytic growth and 26 | P a g e

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establishment of Beauveria spp. have been in dual purpose biocontrol of both plant reported in many plants viz., maize, tomato, diseases as well as pests. cacao, date palm, opium poppy, banana, coffee, sorghum, wheat, cotton, tomato, bean, REFERENCES pumpkin, jute and radiate pine. The mechanism Gunasekaran, B. and Gothandam, K. M., 2020. by which endophytic nature reduces disease A review on edible vaccines and their development includes systemic colonisation of prospects. Brazilian Journal of Medical entomopathogenic fungus in the intercellular and Biological Research, 53(2), e8749 spaces and vascular elements, thus, interfering, Khan, A., Khan, A., Khan, I., Shehzad, M. A., inhibiting and localising the movement of Ali, W., Muhammad, A. and pathogen from cell-to-cell which eventually Muhammad, A., 2019. A Review on resulted in delayed disease development in the Natural Way of Vaccination: Plant colonised plants. Derived Edible Vaccines. Journal of Vaccines and Immunology, 5, pp:18-21. Table 1: List of diseases managed by the strain of B. bassiana

Strain or Species of Beauveria Disease Pathogen B. bassiana isolated from wheat Take-all of wheat G. graminis var. tritici rhizosphere B. bassiana Onion wilt F. oxysporum Culture filtrate of B. bassiana Grey mold B. cinerea B. bassiana Root disease A. mellea B. bassiana White root rot R. necatrix B. brongniartii Damping off P. ultimum, P. debaryanum, P. B. brongniartii Leaf spot S.irregular nodorum Damping off of tomato B. bassiana 11-98 P. myriotylum and cotton B. brongniartii Leaf spot Phoma betae B. bassiana 11-98 Collar rot of tomato R. solani B. brongniartii Root rot R. solani Bb 11-98 Bacterial blight X. campestris pv. Malvacearum B. bassiana Late blight P. infestans ARSEF-6647 Red rot C. falcatum ATP01, ATP05 & ATCC 74040 Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus B. bassiana Damping off R.(ZYMV) solani

CONLUSION B. bassiana as one of the most widely known biocontrol agent against insect pests have also showed dynamic capability in managing various plant diseases such as damping-off, wilt, leaf spot, late blight, root rot as well as bacterial diseases. Major mechanisms employed against phytopathogen are phenomenon of mycoparasitism, competition, endophytism as well as induced systemic resistance. Such dynamic capability of B. bassiana provides immense scope of their use 27 | P a g e

Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 Choudhary and Kumar (2020)

Climate Change Impacts and Climate Resilient Crop Varieties Raju Ram Choudhary and Deepak Kumar

PhD Scholar, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar – 125004

Corresponding Author

Raju Ram Choudhary Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Drought Stress, Heat Stress, Salinity Stress, Climate Change, Tolerant Varieties

How to cite this article: Choudhary, R. R., and Kumar, D. 2020. Climate change impacts and climate resilient crop varieties. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 28-30.

ABSTRACT In recent years, climate change emerging as the major challenge to Indian agriculture. The most important factors of climate change are the erratic changes in temperature and rainfall patterns that seriously affect the agricultural production. Climate resilient crop varieties are one of the strategies to climate change adaptation.

INTRODUCTION yields under temperature extremes, salinity stresses, excessive and low rainfall and other ndia is an agriculture dependent country abiotic stresses are of uppermost importance. with nearly 54.60% population directly and I indirectly engaged in agriculture (Census, Impacts of Climate Change on Indian 2011). At present India faces the twin Agriculture challenges, first one is the increasing Climate change can affect agriculture through agricultural production to feed its growing their direct and indirect effects on the crop, soil, population and second is the protecting water and pest. The erratic changes in agriculture from the adverse impacts of climate temperature can reduce crop duration, alter change. Intensification of agriculture through photosynthesis process, increase crop enhanced crop productivity and farm resource respiration rates, affects survival and use efficiency must be the focus as competition distributions of pest populations and thus for land and water are increasing from non-farm developing new equilibrium between crops and sectors. Further in recent years climate change pests, hastens nutrient mineralization in soils, is emerging as major challenge to Indian increase in evapo-transpiration and decrease agriculture. In view of these, immediate action fertilizer use efficiencies. Climate change is needed on enhanced production with reduced impacts are being witnessed world over, the natural resources under a variable climate. countries in which larger population is Tolerant crop varieties with consistently higher

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dependent on agriculture, such as India (more varieties that escape the terminal drought and than 50% population), are more vulnerable. The terminal heat stress as well as other impending risks are likely to be experienced more by small abiotic and biotic stresses. Similarly, in case of and marginal farmers of rainfed and other risk wheat, climate resilient variety Lok-1 is one the prone regions with poor coping mechanisms. most successful variety grown under heat stress Recent research indicated that monsoon rainfall in states of Gujrat, Madhya Pradesh and other in India became more erratic with intense areas where crop is exposed to terminal heat rainfall events and reduced number of rainy stress during post flowering, reproductive days during the latter half of the 20th century stages and maturity. thus increasing the risk of drought and flood Abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat damage to crops (Auffhammer et al., 2012). In etc. may trigger a series of responses in plants India, monsoon rainfall directly affects the that include changes in signal transduction kharif season food grain production because of pathways, gene expression, molecular and major area under rainfed agriculture. Rainfed metabolic mechanisms. These aspects agriculture primarily impacted due to rainfall individually or together results into the variability and reduction in number of rainy adaptation for source and sink relations. days (Venkateswarlu and Shankar, 2012). Agriculture in India is predominantly rainfed There are Following Abiotic Stresses That with nearly 58% of the total cultivated area and Commonly Occurs contributes about 40% of the country’s food production (Venkateswarlu and Prasad, 2012). Drought Stress

Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation Low rainfall coupled with variable behaviour of monsoon in past few years makes the There are following strategies for climate conditions most vulnerable to drought. Number change adaptation of adaptive traits have been studied and used for improvement of drought tolerance like early • Development of climate resilient crop vigour, osmotic adjustment, leaf senescence, varieties stay green etc. Roots also play an important role • Promoting water-saving technologies in the adaptation of several crops to drought • Conservation agriculture stress. • Improved nutrient management • Integrated farming system Heat Stress • Pest forecasting Heat stress is defined as the rise in temperature • Weather forecasting and dissemination beyond a threshold level for a period sufficient This publication highlights the development to cause irreversible damage to plant growth and salient features of climate resilient varieties and development. In general, a transient that are tolerant to different abiotic stress elevation in temperature, usually 10–15°C environmental conditions. above ambient, is considered as heat stress. The adverse effects of heat stress can be minimized What is Climate Resilient Varieties? by developing thermo-tolerant crop varieties through genetic improvement. The genetic Crop varieties with consistently higher yields resources, especially land races and wild under different abiotic stress conditions are relatives from areas where past climates known as climate resilient varieties. mimicked the projected future climates for Understanding of photoperiod sensitivity, agriculturally prime areas, could serve as the thermo tolerance mechanisms and genetic variation for transpiration efficiency will help starting genotypes for breeding crops for heat tolerance. The key to develop heat tolerant crop in identifying short duration high yielding varieties lies in an integrated approach 29 | P a g e

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combining both traditional and molecular REFERENCES breeding techniques. Auffhammer, M., Ramanathan, V. and Vincent, Salinity Stress J.R., 2012. Climate change, the monsoon, and rice yield in India. High salinity causes both hyper-ionic and Climatic Change, 111(2), pp:411-424. hyper-osmotic stress and can lead to plant Isayenkov, S. V. and Maathuis, F. J., 2019. death. The entering of salt into the root system Plant salinity stress: many unanswered triggers activation of several signal cascades questions remain. Frontiers in Plant that generate ionic tolerance by restricting (net) Science, 10, p:80. Na+ influx into the root and reduce (net) Na+ Venkateswarlu, B. and Shanker, A. K., 2012. translocation (Isayenkov and Maathuis, 2019). Dryland agriculture: bringing resilience The tissue specific salinity tolerance is to crop production under changing enhanced by transfer of toxic ions into vacuoles climate. Crop stress and its to avoid detrimental effects on cytoplasmic management: Perspectives and processes. Exploiting genetic resources could strategies. Springer, Dordrecht. pp: 19- be far more effective when combined with a 44. comprehensive understanding of the molecular Venkateswarlu, B. and Prasad, J. V. N. S., tolerance mechanisms. 2012. Carrying capacity of Indian agriculture: issues related to rainfed CONCLUSION agriculture. Current Science, pp:882- 888. Climate resilient varieties of different crops with enhanced tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses could be utilized by the farming communities in the event of extreme weather situation. These varieties along with other suitable adaptation and mitigation strategies will help to overcome the adverse impact of climate change by lowering the yield losses under stress condition. These could also be utilized as potential genetic resources for further advancement using tools of both conventional as well as marker assisted selection and other advanced molecular breeding tools.

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Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 De and Biswas (2020)

Good Agricultural Practices of Zygopetalum Orchids L. C. De and S. S. Biswas

ICAR-NRC for Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim

Corresponding Author

L. C. De Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Orchid, Zygopetalum

How to cite this article: De, L. C. and Biswas, S. S. 2020. Climate change impacts and climate resilient crop varieties. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 31-34.

ABSTRACT Zygopetalums are terrestrial, lithophytic or epiphytic aromatic Brazilian orchids with pseudobulbous plants that produce white or cream with lilac pattern flowers. They thrive well in a temperature range of 20-26oC during daytime and 10-15oC during night and bloom from October to December. A bright light in the range 3000-4000 f.c. with 40% shade is ideal for their commercial cultivation. A potting mixture consisting of cocopeat or cocochips and tree barks is ideal. The plants can be easily propagated through division of pseudobulb although tissue culture aids in mass production of planting materials.

INTRODUCTION susceptible to leaf spotting in wet and cold climate. One of the great characteristics of ygopetalum, derived is from the Greek some zygopetalums is their heady fragrance and zygon, yoke, petalon, petal or sepal; people fond of this characteristic. The plants referring to the ‘holding together’ of the Z give out attractive and scented blooms during flower segments by the callus, It is a New October -December i.e. during Durga puja and World genus mostly distributed through Diwali festivals. They are excellent for cut tropical South America, Paraguay, Argentina, flowers and corsages. Peru and Bolivia and closely related to Bollea, Huntleya, Pabstia, Pescatorea, Promenaea, Botanical Description Warrea and a number of other minor genera. Zygopetalum consists of 25 species of They usually grow best at intermediate terrestrial, lithophytic or epiphytic orchids from temperatures but can withstand summer heat Brazil. It is a small sized, cool to cold growing under partial shade and well-watered and epiphyte with ovoid, smooth pseudobulbs respond well during cool nights in winter if kept arising after blooming and carry 2 apical, drier than usual. Zygopetalum maculatum (syn. lanceolate, acute-acuminate, somewhat thick, Zygopetalum mackayi) is particularly plicate leaves. The Spotted zygopetalum

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blooms in the spring on an erect-arching, Intergeneric Hybrids scapose, racemose, 40 cm long, 8 to 12 Zygonisia = Zygopetalum x Aganisia flowered inflorescence arising with a new growth and has several large, remote, tubular Chondropetalum = Zygopetalum x Chondrorhynca bracts and large, sub-inflated, broadly ovate, Zygocolax = Zygopetalum x Colax acute floral bracts and carry large, showy, fragrant, campanulate flowers. The flowers are Zygocaste = Zygopetalum x Lycaste 4–8 cm wide and are green with red-brown markings with a white lip marked with violet. Commercial Hybrids

Genetic Resources ‘Blue Blood’, ‘Blue Bear’, ‘Imagination’, ‘Tanzanite’, ‘Millie’, ‘Black Plague’, ‘Kiwi Zygopetalum cerinum: This species is native to Black’, ‘Kiwi Choice’, ‘Pioneer’, ‘Tasman’, Columbia with degenerative pseudobulbs and ‘New Era’, ‘Dark Star’, ‘Impulse’, ‘Intuition’, oblong leaves. Flowers are borne singly, ‘Great Eisen’, ‘Blue River’, ‘Indigo Skies’, creamy white with yellow lip streaked with ‘Blue Banks’, ‘Bon Voyage’, ‘Centenary’, ‘Hot purple. Springs’, ‘Blackjack’, ‘Night Hawk’, ‘Violet Moon’, ‘Leopard Prince’, ‘Blue Blood’, ‘Big Zygopetalum crinitum: This species is native to Country’, ‘Hawker’ Brazil with ovoid to conical pseudobulbs and fleshy. Coriaceous, lanceolate and glossy Propagation leaves. The inflorescence is 45cm long. 3 to 10 flowered. The flowers are 8cm across, scented Zygopetalums are commercially propagated with green segments maculated brown and through micropropagation using sucrose, BAP white lip streaked with violet and produced in and IAA as growth supplements for mass December-January. production of planting materials (ICAR-NRCO Report, 2015-16). Four types of media were Zygopetalum mackayi: A rare and beautiful studied viz., Sand, coco-peat, green moss and species from Brazil with long, erect and curving leaf mold were studied for hardening of tissue leaves. The inflorescence is 90cm tall and 5 to cultured plants. All agronomical practices 10 flowered. The flowers are large, 8.5cm remain same. Higher survivality percentage across, scented, long lived with yellowish green was recorded in coco-peat media (75%) petals and sepals maculated with violet purple followed by sand (66%) while less than 40% and white lip intricately veined with red and recorded in green moss. Conventionally, they blue and produced during December. can be propagated by division of mother plants of backbulbs. Zygopetalum intermedium: A popular species, native to Brazil with ovoid conical pseudobulbs Cultural requirements (De, 2014) and glossy bright green leaves. The inflorescence is 60cm long, 10-12 flowered and Temperature: They perform well in attractive. The flowers are 7.5cm across, long intermediate to moderate temperatures. These lasting, fragrant, yellowish green with purple are soft-leaved plants and dislike direct brown blotches and white lips with dots of blue sunlight, especially in the hot months. They can and produced in December. tolerate temperatures in the range from 3-5°C and up to 42°C. The optimum for the plant Zygopetalum wendlandii: This species is native growth would be 20-26°C during day and 10- to Costa Rica. The degenerative pseudobulbs 15°C at night. Summer highs and winter lows and lanceolate leaves. The flowers are 10cm can be tolerated for short periods of time across, pale green in colour and produced at the without affecting plant growth. At extremely end of summer to the beginning of autumn. high temperatures for longer period it may induce bud drop whereas too low temperatures 32 | P a g e

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for long periods may cause leaf drop. On hot of nitrogen should be avoided as this can make days, misting is required to increase humidity. the foliage brittle and stretched. In active growth period, the plants can be fertilized once Light: Zygopetalum needs the light level of no in three weeks in 1/2, 1/3 or 1/4th strength of more than 3000-4000 f.c. about 40% shade, NPK (20-20-20) both in drenching and foliar except in winter when on a sunny day, higher spray alternately. light levels, because they are not accompanied by high leaf temperatures, will do no harm for Effect of ionic strength of nutrient solution and a few days. Direct sunlight may cause leaf burn. medium composition: Uniform sizes of plants Shade may be increased for newly potted plants were planted in 6” size pot in perlite, coupled with cooler temperatures. vermiculite, moss, and Cocopeat media. Plants were applied with 1/4, 1/2 and full strength of Humidity: Zygopetalums require humid Hoagland Solution at monthly interval. There conditions under moderate shade with plenty of were 12 treatment combinations. The water during active growing season, less after experiment was set to identify the medium and formation of new pseudobulbs. This orchid nutrition requirement of Zygopetalum grown requires relative high humidity level, at least under semi-hydroponic system. The 65% or higher. The levels of humidity need to experimental results revealed that be reduced if fungal spot is observed on the leaves. Air movement should always be • Application of half strength of Hoagland maintained with these plants to help prevent Solution in plants grown in moss growing disease especially in moist media. medium increased plant height (80.9cm), and no. of shoots/plant (4.67). Growing media: Zygopetalum should be • Application of one fourth strength of planted in a plastic pot or a clay pot, in moist Hoagland Solution enhances number of substrate. For quality flower production, a leaves (61) and leaf length (64.96cm) mixture of bark of coniferous trees with peat, • Application of full strength of the solution claydite and moss sphagnum is good. The improved the spike length (75.5 cm) and components can be mixed or layered. Long spike longevity (52.3 days). drying in the heat is bad for both root as well as leaf development. In hot sunny weather, the Repotting: Zygopetalums will respond best if orchid should be well watered, and if it does divided and repotted when the new growths are not, it will be taken from more mature stretching upward. They are quite succulent and pseudobulbs and their leaves. should be divided with care or pseudobulbs are easily damaged or even broken. Any medium In Zygopetalum, Cocochips / cocopeat + brick that is free draining such as a mixture of pieces + tree barks, Cocochips / Cocopeat + coconut chip, bark and perlite works well. brick piece + leaf mould or cowdung and Cocochips / Cocopeat + brick piece + rice husk Watering: Zygopetalum requires lots of water produced maximum number of leaves (8), as they prefer constantly moist conditions. longest leaf (30cm), highest number of bulbs Plants should be watered at least two- to three (5) per plant and maximum bulb size (3.0 x 2.5 times a week during summer and once a week cm). during winter. Between watering, they must be absolutely dry. Fertilizer: A slow release fertilizer is ideal for this genus. A liquid NPK 20-20-20 formulation Zygopetalum based farming systems: In at half strength recommendation year-round has Zygopetalum based farming systems, 10 to 12 proven to work well. Some growers report spikes of Zygopetalum per m2 per year with 7 excellent results with a light topdressing of number of pseudobulbs/plant, 3 number of organics in late spring. Feeding with high levels spikes/plant having 70 cm spike length, 6.5

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flowers/ spike of measuring 7.75 cm can be produced along with anthurium bearing 8 to 12 number of spikes per m2 per season, 2 to 3 spikes /plant having 6.96 cm x 9.17 cm spathe size, 32-40 cm peduncle length, 0.5 cm x 6.15 cm spadix size. In bed culture of anthurium, a dose of 10-20 kg FYM/m2 is sufficient for production of quality flower production with a vase life of 90 days.

Post-harvest management (ICAR-NRCO Report, 2016-17)

• Treatment with 2% sucrose + 100 ppm Al2(SO4)3 enhanced post-harvest life of Zygopetalum cut flowers to the extent of (Zygopetalum + Anthurium in summer season) 15 days over control 10 days in tape water. • Treatment with 2% glucose + 8-HQS (200 ppm) + citric acid (100 ppm) enhanced post-harvest life of fully open Zygopetalum cut flowers to the extent of 10 days over control 7 days in tape water. • Treatment with 2% glucose + 8-HQS (200 ppm ) + citric acid (100 ppm) and 2% sucrose + 200 ppm 8-HQS enhanced opening of buds and vase life of Zygopetalum cut flowers to the extent of 86% and 11 days over control 14% and 7 days in tape water, respectively.

Economics of Cultivation

A grower can harvest 5000 spikes of (Zygopetalum + Anthurium in winter season) zygopetalum and 10,000 spikes of anthurium 2 per year from a polyhouse of 500 m area. REFERENCES 2 Cost of cultivation per year for 500 m area: Rs. Annual Report (2015-16). ICAR- NRC for 100000/- Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim, pp.96. Total sale price of spikes of zygopetalum per Annual Report (2016-17). ICAR- NRC for year: Rs. 1, 50, 000/- Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim, pp.96.

Total sale price of spikes of anthurium per year: De, L. C., 2014. Production Technology of Rs. 2,00, 000/- Commercial Flowers. Pointer Publishers. Net profit per year/ 500m2: Rs. 2.5 lakhs

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Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 Selvaraj et al. (2020) Quality Tasar Seed Cocoon Production Through Farmers Participation

C. Selvaraj1, Bommyreddy Thirupam Reddy2 and Datta Bawaskar3

1Scientist B, BSM&TC, BTSSO, CSB, Madhupur, Deoghar, Jharkhand. 2Scientist B, BSM&TC, BTSSO, CSB, Kharsawan, Saraikela, Jharkhand. 3Scientist B, BSM&TC, BTSSO, CSB, Balaghat, Madya Pradesh

Corresponding Author C. Selvaraj Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Tasar, Seed cocoon, Quality, ASR

How to cite this article: Selvaraj, C., Reddy, B. T. and Bawaskar, D. 2020. Quality tasar seed cocoon production through farmers participation. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 35-37.

ABSTRACT Tasar culture is a forest-based culture widely grown in tropical forest regions of India such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Madya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Basic Tasar Silkworm Seed organization, Basic Seed Multiplication and Training Centres, Central Tasar Silkworm Seed Station, Central Tasar Research and Training Institutes, Tasar Seed Production and Extension Centres, PRADAN, TRCS and NGOs involves in tasar seed cocoon production in India with the guidelines of Central Silk Board. These organizations use Adopted Rearers, Private Graineurs (PGs), Resham Dhoot, Commercial Rearers and Adopted Seed rearers (ASR) as backward linkages for achievement of national raw silk production targets. In this manuscript, we discussed briefly on Adopted Seed Rearers (ASR).

INTRODUCTION tasar seed production target. Due to limited manpower availability cumbersome to do host asic Tasar Silkworm Seed plant maintenance, rearing and seed cocoon Organization (BTSSO) is a nodal production at departmental rearing farm. To agency for tropical tasar seed B solve these issues Central Silk Board initiated production in India. It has 18 Basic Seed the concept called tasar seed cocoon production Multiplication and Training Centre through Adopted Seed Rearers (ASR). (BSM&TCs) throughout the India and 1 Central Tasar Silkworm Seed Station (CTSSS) To whom it may be call it as ASR at Kargi Kota, Chhattisgarh. In tasar silkworm Adopted Seed Rearers (ASR) are group of tribal seed production, BSM&TCs contributes farmers who were well trained by BSM&TCs maximum towards achievement of national under Central Silk Board extension programs

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such as Capacity Building Training (CBT) program, Skill Enhancement Program, Vanya Cluster Promotion Programs and Farmer awareness programs. They are familiar in tasar silkworm seed cocoon production, seed production, disease assessment and disease management technologies. They are well trained in host plant maintenance activities, disinfection of rearing fields, disease incidents (Chawki rearing under shade net) and management, identification and management of common pests and predators of tasar silkworms, etc. Moreover, they were frequently receiving technical guidance from Officers and technical staffs of the BSM&TCs and officials of BSM&TCs periodically visits Adopted farmers field, supervises rearing operations and provides necessary technical guidelines to Adopted Seed Rearers (ASR).

(Cocoon sorting)

(Training to farmers under CBT program)

(Cocoon procurement from farmers)

Achievements

BSM&TC, Madhupur is a leading BTSSO centre to produce basic and nucleus seeds in Jharkhand. In 2019-20, it produced 1,83,640 Basic and Nucleus dfls and supplied to its various counterparts such as Department of

(Farmer Awareness program) Sericulture (DOS) Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh, TRCS, Sukinda, Odisha and Adopted Seed Rearers (ASRs). BSM&TC, Madhupur brushed nearly 25,000 dfls in adopted seed rearers field and produced nearly 6,00,000 seed cocoons through Adopted Seed Rearers (ASRs). This centre provided employment to nearly 100 ASR families situated at Kalipahari, Mohnadih, Naiyadih, Dhab and Budgunda villages of Jharkhand and Bihar states. (Farmer interactions meet)

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Table.1: List of Adopted Seed Rearers and REFERENCES Achievements during 2019-20 Annual Report, 2018-19. Basic Seed Name of the Village No. of Cocoons Crop/ Income Multiplication and Training Centre, Farmers Dfls produced Rate (Rs.) reared (I-2.00, BTSSO, Madhupur, Deoghar, II- Jharkhand. 3.20) Bhola tudu Kalipahari 200 9650 I 19,300 Baburam Dhab 100 7620 II 24,384 Marandi Rajesh Dhab 100 8210 II 26,272 Marandi Mangal Tudu Dhab 100 7400 II 23,680 Logo beshra Dhab 100 6900 II 22,080 Sanjay Kumar Dhab 100 9770 II 31,264 Hansda CONCLUSION Disease free cocoons are the main source for disease free layings (DFLS). Adopted Seed rearers are the major assets for quality tasar seed production by BSM&TCs throughout India. Success of quality tasar seed production occurs mainly through combined efforts of Adopted Seed Rearers and BSM&TCs. CSB assists in poverty alleviation of adopted seed rearers through rearing, seed cocoon production and purchase. Whereas adopted seed rearers helps to CSB in quality tasar seed cocoon production.

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Crop Diversification as a Strategy for Various Commitments Mousumi Malo

Assistant Director of Agriculture, Model Farm, Jayrambati - 722161, West Bengal

Corresponding Author

Mousumi Malo Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Agriculture, Crop, Diversification, Farming

How to cite this article: Malo, M. 2020. Crop diversification as a strategy for various commitments. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 38-40.

ABSTRACT Farming continues to be the major source of food, nutrition, income and employment for most of the rural population in India which is characterized by presence of large number of small and marginal farmers. However, India is blessed with diverse agro-climatic conditions which enable the farmers to produce a variety of agricultural commodities. The challenge of producing enough food for growing population with reducing holdings is a herculean task. In the light of the focus on commercial farming the rich tradition of crop diversity of Indian farming lasts its glory. Nevertheless, the future of India’s agriculture economy lies in crop diversification which refers to the growing of more variety of crops or changes in the existing pattern of crop production. The downgrading ecological situation, depleting groundwater levels and declining soil fertility clear the need for crop diversification which aims at increasing farmer’s income, decreasing negative impacts on the environment and price fluctuations while also conserving the natural resources and balance food demand.

INTRODUCTION grain crops particularly cereals and pulses. Concurrently, commercial agriculture ndia is a country of about one billion people developed in the pre-independent phase also where more than 70 percent population kept flourishing during post-independence lives in rural areas and their main I period which not only catered to the domestic occupation is agriculture. Indian agriculture is market but has also been one of the major mainly characterized by small and marginal earners of foreign exchange for our country. In land holdings. Due to the challenge of feeding this context, crop diversification is intended to our vast population and experience of food give a wider choice in the production of a shortages in the pre-independence era, 'self- variety of crops in each area to expand reliance' in food grains has been the cornerstone production related activities on various crops of our policies in last 50 years. Around 66 and to lessen risk. Crop diversification in India percent of the total cultivated area is under food

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is generally viewed as a shift from traditionally • It also enables the cultivators to provide a grown less remunerative crops to more reasonable quantity of the costly inputs to remunerative crops. The crop shift is induced their crops as different crops need different due to governmental policies, thrust on some quantities of inputs (chemical fertilizers, crops over a given time, market infrastructure insecticides, pesticides and irrigation) but development, certain other price related in case of crop specialization, the inputs supports, prevalence of low volume high value are required at a specific time and many of crops like spices, higher profitability, the the farmers may not be in a position to resilience/stability in production, reduction of provide the needed inputs at proper time the risk factor of crop failures due to drought due to their high cost. especially in rainfed regions, distinct soil Crop Diversification in Indian Perspective problems etc. The level of crop diversification largely depends on the geo-climatic/socio- The shift of cropping pattern is the outcome of economic conditions and technological interactive effect of many factors which can be development in a region. In general, higher broadly categorized into following five groups: adoption of agricultural technology results in lesser degree of diversification. Moreover, the • Resource related factors i.e. irrigation, rich farmers prefer to specialize in agricultural rainfall and soil fertility enterprise while the poor and subsisted farmers • Technology related factors covering not are more interested in diversification of crops. only seed, fertilizer, and water technologies but also those related to Major Causes of Crop Diversification marketing, storage and processing • Uncertain weather, especially erratic • Household related factors including food rainfall: In areas where variability of and fodder self-sufficiency requirement as rainfall is high and adequate sources of well as investment capacity irrigation are not available, farmers grow • Price related factors such as output and several crops in a season, requiring input prices as well as trade policies and different quantities of moisture to get other economic policies that affect these something from their fields even in the prices directly or indirectly case of extreme weather conditions. • Institutional and infrastructure related • In the tradition bound subsistent farming factors involving farm size and tenancy systems, a high degree of crops arrangements, research, extension, diversification is found, and the farmers marketing systems and government grow several crops to meet the family regulatory policies requirements. Advantages of Crop Diversification • Diversification is generally followed by the farmers to enhance nitrogen in soil and Crop diversification is proved to be a good to replenish soil fertility as well as shock absorber in the ups and downs of market increases the sustainability of arable land value of farm products for ensuring economic because crop specialization and stability for farming families (Singh et al., monoculture for several years lead to soil 2009) which is necessary due to some factors. depletion. • Mitigate adverse food situation • The diversification of crops also generates • Ensure constant flow of income or stabilise more employment opportunities as the income over seasons farmers and agricultural labourers remain • Generate employment opportunities busy in sowing, weeding, harvesting and • Alleviate hunger, malnutrition and poverty marketing of different crops throughout • Mitigate ill effects of unusual weather the year. 39 | P a g e

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• Increase the income of the small and agronomic, climatic, hydro-geological, and marginal farmers even, historical reasons. But, in the aftermath of • Shift consumption pattern technological changes encompassing bio- • Improve food and nutritional security chemical and irrigation technologies, the • Nutrient recycling agronomic niches are undergoing significant • Improve productivity of scarce resources changes. With the advent of irrigation and new • Promote export farm technologies, the yield level of most of the • Improve environmental sustainability crops especially that cereals has witnessed an upward shift making it possible to obtain a • Natural resource management for given level of output with reduced area or more sustainable agricultural development output with a given level of area and creating Constraints of Crop Diversification thereby the condition for intercrop area shift or diversification without much disturbance in • Over 117m ha of cropped area (63%) in output level. Besides, as agriculture becomes India is completely dependent on rainfall drought proof and growth becomes more • Sub-optimal and over-use of resources like regionally balanced, there has been a reduction land and water resources, causing a in the instability of agricultural output. In the negative impact on the environment and face of these new changes including the sustainability of agriculture achievement of food self-sufficiency, the area • Inadequate supply of seeds and plants of shift that tended towards cereals in the improved cultivars immediate aftermath of the Green Revolution, • Fragmentation of land holding less has started moving in the opposite direction. An favouring modernization and accelerated pace of diversification to create mechanization of agriculture positive import of higher income, higher • Poor basic infrastructure like rural roads, employment and conservation and efficient use power, transport, communications etc. of natural resources emphasizes the need for • Inadequate post-harvest technologies and efficient policies, especially in technological inadequate infrastructure for post-harvest development, selective economic reforms and handling of perishable horticultural institutional changes. This calls for investment produce in rural infrastructure and skill upgradation and • Very weak agro-based industry it also implies a careful examination and • Weak research-extension-farmer linkages adjustment of macro policies, which influence • Inadequately trained human resources the relative profitability of different activities together with persistent and large-scale and in turn determine the nature and pace of illiteracy amongst farmers diversification. To ensure social equity, policies • Host of diseases and pests affecting most on structural adjustment and reforms must pay crop plants special attention to the band of marginal and • Poor database for horticultural crops small farmers and agricultural labourers. The • Decreased investments in agricultural direct benefits from diversification should sector over the years reach these sections of the farmers.

CONCLUSION REFERENCES India, being a vast country of continental Singh, A., Boukerrou, L and Miller, M., (2009), dimensions, presents wide variations in agro- Diversification in Agriculture, in: Encyclopedia of Earth, (Eds.) Cutler J. climatic conditions which have led to the Cleveland, Washington D.C. evolution of regional niches for various crops. (www.eoearth.org/article/Diversificatio Historically, regions were often associated with n_in _agriculture) the crops in which they specialize for various 40 | P a g e

Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 Islam et al. (2020)

Antimicrobial Properties of Honey Sumona Islam1, Debajit Ghosh1, Khandaker Sabit Bin Razzak2 and Mohammad Nabil Hossain3

1Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2Department of Public Health, American International University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh 3College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China

Corresponding Author

Khandaker Sabit Bin Razzak Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Antimicrobial agents, Natural compound, Healing properties, Bacterial infection

How to cite this article:

Islam, S., Ghosh, D., Razzak, K. S. B. and Hossain, M. N. 2020. Antimicrobial properties of honey . Vigyan Varta 1(5): 41-44.

ABSTRACT Although the developments in reducing infectious diseases around the world, the death rate is getting increased day by day because of increasing drug resistance among large number of bacteria. For this reason, new strategies are required to reduce infectious diseases. As a result, ancient remedies method is being used by the scientists to control this current situation. Honey is one of the ancient natural products which is now being used widely to prevent bacterial infections. The given below review shows the antibacterial property and activity of honey.

INTRODUCTION In the ancient’s period of time natural ntimicrobial agents are important of components was the only way to treat various reducing the burden of various infectious diseases as well as the surgical A infectious diseases. But many wounds. Now days the use of natural pathogens have developed resistance against components among people are becoming these agents that is increasing and spreading effective in medical treatment and in food day by day. Resistance against antimicrobial preservation sector. A stat of world health agent causing a serious threat to the public organization (WHO) shown that 80% health of the world and to the various population of some developed countries use antibiotics. As a result, researchers are trying to natural components as primary treatment. In find new antimicrobial strategies urgently. The Asian countries especially in china and India certain situation has led us to re-evaluate the depends on this treatment. Scientists found that usage of ancient remedies. the alternative usage of natural components are effective and reducing the dependency of some synthetic drugs. The increase in the resistance

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of pathogenic bacteria is becoming an protein is the major jelly protein which is shared important factor of having interest in the use of by all honeybees. natural compounds. Another important component of honey is The most available natural product is honey. enzyme. Enzymes are catalyst to contribute in Honey is the only concentrated sweetener antibacterial activity. Enzymes including which is available in the nature. In the ancient glucose oxidase, invertase (α-glucosidase), period of time honey has been used for both catalase, diastase (α- and β-amylase), and nutritional and medical purpose. Researchers peroxidase found in honey. Some of these also reported the antibacterial activity of honey. enzymes comes from nectar and α-amylase and At the present the number of honeys has α-glucosidase comes from the secretion bee standardized antibacterial activity. Many salivary. studies about the composition of honey and the studies of chemical and physical properties Antimicrobial properties of honey: Potential shown the ability to work against different antimicrobial agent microorganisms. Honey is a very well-known source to treat Composition of Honey infected wounds. It has numerous antimicrobial properties that have been familiar to human for Honey is a supersaturated sugar with a complex centuries. Honey have an inhibitory effect to composition. Honey also contain 181 almost 60 kinds of species of bacteria which substances which is divided into two groups the includes gram positive, gram negative, aerobes first one is the monosaccharaides which are the and anaerobes bacteria. It has also some major compounds (Glucose, Fructose) and antifungal activities for yeasts, Aspergillus and second one is the minor compound such as Penicillium. It is an interesting fact that in some amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and so on. Bees cases honey can show antibacterial activities collect raw materials for producing honey where an antibiotic medicine does not work including nectars, volatile essential oil and properly. pollens. These materials can have an effect on the composition of honey and possess important antibacterial properties that can Anti- inflammat contribute to the antibacterial activity of honey. ory However, these doesn’t affect the main activity components glucose and fructose which are the Honey major sugars present in the honey. wound The moister of the honey can also be varied care between different honeys that can be affected by climate, season and the moister of the Antioxidant original plant nectar. Researcher Nanda observed that in northern India that the honey moister content between the range of 14.63% Among all the types of honey, manuka honey and 21.8%. (L. scoparium) has been demonstrated to be effective against many kinds of human Honey also contain a low range of protein. pathogens, like E. coli, Enterobacter Although different verities of honey have aerogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, S. aureus. different types of proteins. Which can be related Vibrio cholerae and other gram-negative and to different types of honeybees or different gram-positive organisms. types of plants/flowers. But the most common

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In some cases, chronic wound infection may not Factors affecting antimicrobial properties of be responding to antibiotic therapy. But from honey several researches, it is now known that natural honey has an effective action in that case of There are several factors that affect the chronic wound infections. antimicrobial properties of honey. As we all know that there are different types of honey and There is some minimum inhibitory the presence of antimicrobial agents may vary. concentration of honey that need to be present It depends on geographical factor, seasonal and for the inhibition of microorganisms. A method botanical source, harvesting process and how it named disc diffusion, which is a qualitative test is stored. Hydrogen peroxide is the major agent for detecting the permitting of bacteria to that plays a vital role of antimicrobial activity antimicrobial substances. Some of those are: for and the concentration of this agent may vary the activation of cell phagocytes as low as 0.1% from different kind of honey. It has been shown concentration of honey is required, for immune that the antimicrobial activity of honey may response only 1% concentrated honey is range from concentrations is less than 3 % to 50 required to stimulate monocytes. % and higher. The concentration of honey is an important factor as an antimicrobial activity. It Honey has some key properties including low is said that the higher the concentration of water activity, high osmotic pressure, hydrogen honey the greater the usefulness as an peroxide production, high acidity/ low pH, antimicrobial agent. nonperoxide phytochemical components. that attribute in antimicrobial activity Honey has an CONCLUSION important characteristic that it is acidic, means the pH is 3.2~ 4.5. This low value of pH is to be Honey has some incredible antimicrobial inhibitory to many pathogens, especially properties. Hence honey has been used as a last- animal pathogens. So, when the honey is resort medication. The antibacterial properties diluted with water or any substance, this acidity of commercially available manuka and Tualang honey is well known worldwide. Honey other plays an important antibacterial factor. Honey than this also reported as having the equivalent has several antibacterial agents including an antibacterial activity against bacterial enzyme named lysozyme. Hydrogen peroxide pathogens. On the other hand, locally produced is predominant in honey as an antimicrobial honeys are excellent antimicrobial activity agent. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide compared to the commercial honeys. A lot of is determined by relative level of glucose honey is sold with standardized levels of oxidase enzyme. Glucose oxidase enzyme is antibacterial activity but non-standardized synthesized by the bee and catalase originating honey may hamper if it is used as antimicrobial from pollen of flower. Honey mainly produced agent. So, to avoid this, there are some option hydrogen peroxide when it is diluted. It available including medical- grade honey such stimulates the enzymatic activity which thus as Revamil, medihoney. Undoubtedly, honey attributes the antimicrobial activity. Honey also has several incredible antimicrobial properties, contains several chemicals with antibacterial necessary study is required for untested honey activity. Though enough resources are not to know the presence of antimicrobial present to know its better antimicrobial activity. properties on it. That is why expertise suggest to use honey that Acknowledgment have been assayed in laboratory for antimicrobial purposes with storage in a low We would like to express my deep gratitude to temperature and without exposure of light. So Divya Jain for her patient guidance, that Glucose oxidase enzyme that present in enthusiastic encouragement and useful honey do not lost its activity. critiques of this research work.

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REFERENCES Aurongzeb, M. and Azim, M.K., 2011. Antimicrobial properties of natural Mandal, M. D., & Mandal, S. (2011). Honey: honey: a review of literature. Pakistan Its medicinal property and antibacterial Journal of Biochemistry & Molecular activity. Asian Pacific Journal of Biology, 44(3), pp: 118-124. Tropical Biomedicine, 1(2), pp:154-160.

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Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 Rahman et al. (2020)

Food Biotechnology: Opening a New Door in Agriculture

1 1 1 2 Soaibur Rahman , Tasnim Reza Khan Zahra , Sadia Tabassum and Anika Bushra

1Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh 2Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Corresponding Author

Anika Bushra Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Food Biotechnology, GMO, GM Food, Transgenic, Food Ethics

How to cite this article:

Rahman, S., Zahra, T. R. K., Tabassum, S. and Bushra, A. 2020. Food biotechnology: opening a new door in agriculture. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 45-48.

ABSTRACT Food Biotechnology focuses on the application of biotechnology to food production, processing and manufacturing. It includes the earliest biotechnology techniques (e.g. brewing and fermentation) as well as the modern biotechnology methods like genetic modification. Modern biotechnology enables producers to increase the quality, quantity, nutrition, taste and shelf life of food. Herbicide-tolerant and insect-protected crops such as soybeans, cotton, maize etc. are some of the biotechnological inventions in plant agriculture. Scientists have been able to improve the quality and nutrition of dairy and other animal products using biotechnology. Nevertheless, transgenic animal production is lagging behind transgenic crop production because of the negative attitude of public towards genetic modification of animals. This article is going to present a brief overview of the methods and successes of modern food biotechnology in agriculture and will eventually mention the ethical principles of the food industry.

INTRODUCTION the quantity, quality and ease of food production. iotechnology is a general concept that refers to the utilization of living People have been following conventional B organisms to produce useful and crossbreeding for centuries that creates changes diverse products. Biotechnology has brought in plant or animal’s genetic makeup. In significant improvements in the production of traditional crossbreeding, breeders have to plants and livestock. ‘Food Biotechnology’ cross over multiple generations to achieve the signifies the usage of biological methods for desired phenotype. Besides, this method might crops, animals and microorganisms to increase be the most time-consuming. In contrast,

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modern biotechnology techniques in or more than one gene leads to the change in the agriculture including genetic engineering offer production of protein of an organism. Thus, a time-efficient way of improving food crops or animals gain differences in their production. It is possible to produce desired characteristics. Chromosomal substitution, traits at a single time by genetic engineering. induced mutation, rendering a gene non- People started consuming biotech foods in 1996 functional, gene addition, transfection are some and no harmful case has been recorded methods to make GM foods. according to a communicator’s guide published by The International Food Information Council Biotechnology in Crop Production (IFIC) in 2013. Studies also found that biotech foods are safe for children and pregnant Biotechnology methods including transgenic women. USDA, FDA, EPA provided guidance techniques (insertion of foreign DNA into the on safety testing to ensure the safety of biotech genome of host organism) indicate a new era in foods. Organizations including World Health crop enhancement. Transgenic crops were Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture produced in USA, Argentina, Brazil, China, Organization (FAO) assessed the impact of Canada, Paraguay and South Africa on 52.6 and food biotechnology and supported the 79.6 million hectares of land in 2001 and 2004 responsible utilization of biotechnology to respectively. Input traits including herbicide solve the future food and nutritional crisis. tolerance, virus and insect protection, tolerance Biotech foods are about to bring revolutionary to natural stressors, boosting and stabilizing crop yields can be increased by modern changes in the food industry. biotechnology techniques.

Source: foodinsight

Gene Technology

Genetic modification obtains results quickly, is Output traits of crops (i.e. more lysine in corn more accurate and offers an extensive range of to feed animals, high proportion of omega-3 genetic base than conventional breeding fatty acids in vegetable oils) can be enhanced methods. Based on genetic alteration, there are by genetic modification to save future several techniques for producing GM generations from food and nutritional crisis. (Genetically Modified) foods. Alteration of one Modified soybeans, maize, cotton (herbicide- 46 | P a g e

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tolerant and insect-protected), ‘Golden rice’ 4. Preservation and improvisation of soil (provides beta-carotene), Modified sweet quality potato (virus-resistant) are some examples of 5. Increases the quantity of food and decrease GM foods. Scientists from all over the world land usage. 6. Allows natural predators and preserve are trying to invent more crops with the goodness of the ecosystem capabilities of tolerating extreme conditions. 7. Less necessity of tillage and increase the production of crops. Biotechnology in Animal Production 8.Reduces Carbon footprint by less tractor driving, better weed control and Modern biotechnology techniques such as biotechnological methods of tilling genetic engineering (GE), genetic modification, 9. Ensures family farms’ economic cloning, transgenic, recombinant DNA sustainability techniques are playing important roles to 10. Produces crops using less water Solving Food and Nutritional Crisis improve quality and productivity in animal 1. Capability to feed growing population agriculture. Besides, biological techniques like 2. Less crop loss by using insect-protected in vitro fertilization, sex determination, embryo and herbicide-tolerant crops. transfer etc. have been used to develop diverse 3. Increase cultivable land for the crop of livestock. Genetically modified animals can be staple food in a specific region. used to synthesize therapeutic proteins. Biotech 4. Produce crops under extreme natural foods produced from animal will not increase condition (i.e. extreme temperature, drought, poor soil, high salinity) the potentiality of allergic reaction or new 5. Several GM crops will help to solve global allergy from those foods. Moreover, nutrition problems by increasing vitamin, biotechnology methods will reduce natural iron, zinc, protein and other necessary allergens and toxins in animal products. These nutritious elements in food. methods are being used to improve milk and meat quality. Biotechnology-derived enzymes Ethical Concerns help to produce low-lactose milk for lactose Mark Lynes, a British environmentalist opined sensitive or intolerant people. Ongoing research that it is more possible to get hit by an asteroid state that scientists might be able to remove than to get hurt by genetically modified foods. proteins that cause allergic reactions from dairy However, there are several skeptic perceptions and other foods. that lead to the ethical concerns of GM foods. At present, GM foods are one of the top subjects Benefits of Food Biotechnology of ethical debate. Food companies are selling GM foods without fulfilling any labeling Consumer Benefits requirements of containing GM byproduct that 1. Improved disease protection of crops goes against autonomy (one of the 4 ethical 2. Producing biotech foods by advanced breeding that contains high amount of principles that gives customers their right to healthy fats know what they are buying). They have to 3. Several crops (i.e. Soybean, canola) ensure autonomy as well as other three ethical produced by using modern food principles which are justice (distribute benefits, biotechnology do not produce a form of risks, costs, and resources equitably), unhealthy fat (trans fat). nonmaleficence (obligation against inflicting 4. Improves nutrition harm on others) and beneficence (providing 5. Batter taste and longer shelf-life Sustainability benefits and balancing benefits and risks) 1. Effective and safe usage of pesticides. according to the code of ethics established by 2. Reduces insecticide usage AND (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) 3. Decreases the emission of green-house gas

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CONCLUSION

Food biotechnology has a great potential for the Chin, M. L., Field, L., Schmidt, J., Scritchfield, advancements of the food sector in future. R., and Toner, C., 2013. Food Developed as well as developing countries will Biotechnology: A Communicator’s be benefited from biotech inventions. Guide to Improving Understanding. 3rd Regulatory boards to assess biotech food ed. [online] https://foodinsight.org/. products are in place and public debate is going International Food Information Council on. It needs to arrange more debate among Foundation. Available at: scientists, health professionals and ethicists to biotechnology in the food industry should be encouraged to save future generations from Dizon, F., Costa, S., Rock, C., Harris, A., Husk, food insecurity, malnutrition and to ensure C., and Mei, J., 2015. Genetically sustainability. Modified (GM) Foods and Ethical Eating. Journal of Food Science, 81(2), REFERENCES pp: 287–291.

Anon, 2019. Background on Food Fellows, P. J. ed., 2009. Food biotechnology. Biotechnology. [online] International In: Food Processing Technology, 3rd ed. Food Information Council. Available at: Woodhead Publishing, pp: 229–270. [Accessed 11 Sep. 2020].

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Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 Tamta (2020)

Nanotechnology in Textile Industry Meenakshi Tamta

Ph.D Scholar, Department of Apparel and Textile Science, PAU, Ludhiana, Punjab

Corresponding Author

Meenakshi Tamta Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, Nanotextiles, Nonwovens, Nenometer

How to cite this article:

Tamta, M. 2020. Nanotechnology in textile industry. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 49-52.

ABSTRACT The term “Nano” in nanotechnology comes from a Greek word “Nanos” that means dwarf. The dictionary meaning of dwarf is abnormally small. Nanoscience and nanotechnology are the study and application of extremely small things and can be used across all the other science fields, such as chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering. One nanometer is one billionth of a meter or 10-9 meters. One Nano meters is about 1,00,000 times smaller than the diameter of a single human hair. The development of smart nanotextiles has the potential to revolutionize the production of fibers, fabrics or nonwovens and functionality of our clothing and all types of textile products and applications. Nanotechnology is considered one of the most promising technologies for the 21st century. Today is said that if the IT is the wave of the present, the nanotechnology is the wave of the future.

INTRODUCTION extents of engineering and science where incidents happen at sizes in the nanometer scale anotechnology is a field of research and are exploited in the plan, categorization, and innovation concerned with fabrication, material functions, structures, N building 'things' generally, materials systems, and devices. Nanotechnology has and devices on the scale of atoms and multipurpose functions in fabric manufacturing molecules. A nanometre is one-billionth of a in producing the stain and wrinkles defiance, metre: ten times the diameter of a hydrogen flame retardant, antimicrobial and antistatic atom. The diameter of a human hair is, on properties, moisture control, ultraviolet average, 80,000 nanometres. At such scales, the protection, and release features. The ordinary rules of physics and chemistry no nanomaterials inside the fabric could influence longer apply. For instance, materials numerous qualities, comprising reduction, characteristics, such as their colour, strength, electrical conductivity, flammability, and conductivity and reactivity, can differ strength. Nanotechnology has additionally substantially between the nanoscale and the created a significant impression on various macro. Nanotechnology is defined by these application and implementation (Chinta et al.,

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2013). The potential of nanotechnology in the techniques for exposing characteristics into development of new materials in the textile fabrics. In a couple of years, nanotechnology industry is considerable. Nanotechnology is a will access in all areas of the fabrics business growing interdisciplinary technology often (Schrijver et al., 2009). seen as a new industrial revolution. Nanotechnology (NT) deals with materials 1 to Need of Nanotechnology in Textile 100 nm in length. The fundamentals of nanotechnology lie in the fact that the Nanotechnology in textile as the understanding, properties of materials drastically change when manipulation, and control of matter at the Nano their dimensions are reduced to nanometer level, such that the physical, chemical, and scale. It is used to develop desired textile biological properties of the materials. It is used characteristics, such as high tensile strength, to develop desired textile characteristics, such unique surface structure, soft hand, durability, as high tensile strength, unique surface water repellency, fire retardancy, antimicrobial structure, soft hand, durability, water properties. repellency, fire retardancy, antimicrobial properties, etc. History Nanotechnologies Used in Textile 1857: Michael Faraday discovered colloidal “ruby” gold, demonstrating that nanostructured 1. Nanoparticles - A nanoparticle is a small gold under certain lighting conditions produces object that behaves as a whole unit in terms of different-colored solutions. The first ever its transport and properties. In terms of concept of nanotechnology was presented in diameter, fine particles cover a range between 1959 by the famous professor of physics Dr. 100 and 2500 nanometers, while ultrafine Richard P. Feynman. particles are sized between 1 and 100 nanometers. 1974: First, Norio Taniguchi introduced the term "nanotechnology," in 1974 referring to the 2. Nano fiber - A Nano fiber is a continuous precision and refinement of one-nanometre fiber which has a diameter in the range of scale. billionths of a meter. The smallest Nano fibers made today are between 1.5 to 1.75 nanometers. 1999 – early 2000’s: Consumer products Nanoscale materials can be rationally designed making use of nanotechnology began appearing to exhibit novel and significantly improved in the marketplace, including lightweight physical, chemical and biological properties. nanotechnology-enabled automobile bumpers, tennis rackets, nano-silver antibacterial socks, 3. Nanocapsules - A Nanocapsule is a clear sunscreens, etc. Nanoscale shell made from a nontoxic polymer. They are vesicular systems made of a polymeric 2009 – 2010: Nadrian Seeman and colleagues membrane which encapsulates an inner liquid at New York University created several DNA- core at the Nanoscale. like robotic nanoscale assembly devices. Nowadays, the next industrial revolution is 4. Nanocomposites - Nanocomposites is a going to be nanotechnology. Nanotechnology multiphase solid material where at least one will drastically alter the technology in 21st dimension of the reinforcing phase is in Nano century. Nanotechnology has an incredible level (less than 100 nm). In polymer influence on the physical, medical science, and Nanocomposites, Nanomaterials are dispersed chemical fields along with the substances and in polymeric matrices. Polymer informatics. Nanotechnology overpowers the Nanocomposites based fibers and coatings have restriction of implementing conventional

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huge potential in producing high-performance market demands with water and oil repellent or and functional textiles. ‘super hydrophobic’ textiles.

5. Nanocoatings- Nanocoating is a process by Self-Cleaning Textiles which a thin layer of thickness about 100 nm is deposited on the substrate for improving some The idea of ‘self-cleaning textiles’ is an property or for imparting new functionality. inspiration from nature. There are two different There are several nanocoating techniques techniques popularly used for development of which mainly are- Sol-gel, Layer-by-layer ‘self-cleaning textiles’, which are: Lotus effect, (LBL), Self-assembly, Dip coating, Spin photo catalytic action. Lotus leaves are one of coating. the best examples of having self-cleaning surfaces, where the dirt particles roll-out with water from the leaf-surface and makes it cleans.

In photo catalytic action TiO2 or ZnO nanoparticle-based finish or coating formulations are used to produce self-cleaning textiles.

Antimicrobial Textiles Fig: Nano-coated Surface It is an old concept that “silver” molecules have 6. Carbon Nanotube- Carbon nanotube (CNT) a power to resist bacteria and microorganism. is one of the most promising building blocks This antibacterial property of silver particles existing. Its higher strength and high electrical has been proved scientifically. This finishing conductivity are not comparable by carbon procedure is carried out by the encapsulation of nanofibers. CNT consists of tiny shell of the silver compounds i.e. the nano particles of graphite rolled up into a cylinder. silver are encapsulated in the fiber reactive polymer. Table 1: Materials used in nanotechnology Anti-Odor and Fragrance Finished Textiles Zinc oxide Dirt repellent, hydrophobic, cosmetics & stain resistant. Tourmaline is a natural mineral substance, Silver ion Healing property which emits negative ions by electrolytic Aluminum silicate Scratch resistance dissociation in contact with oxygen, carbon Gold ion Chip fabrication, drug monoxide and water molecules. These negative delivery ions generate a magnetic field and restrict the Functional Textiles growth of microbes, resulting in elimination of bad odors and lowering the risk of skin Water and Oil Repellent Textiles infection. Incorporation of fragrant material (aroma) in antimicrobial/antiodor finishing To impart water and oil absorbency in a textile either by formulation or by nanoencapsulation material, it is finished or coated with a material in synthetic fibers may help to liberate having low surface energy. The commercially fragrance during use. available finishes mostly based on water/oil repellent chemicals which are of two types – Flame Retardant Textiles fluorocarbon based and non-fluorocarbon (e.g., silicon) based. Currently, novel Nanofinishing The antimony pent oxide nano particles along or Nanocoatings are fulfilling most of such with Halogenated flame-retardants are used for the flame-retardant finishing. Hence the presence of antimony particles along with 51 | P a g e

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halogenated flame retardant in the fabric REFERENCES increases a flame-retardant property of the

fabric. http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/documents/s ynth_report.pdf Accessed on 13 Sept Wrinkle Resistant Textiles 2020

Cotton fabric is very much susceptible to form Chinta, S. K., Landage, S. M. and Swapnal, J., 2013. Water repellency of textiles creases during use. In conventional methods, through nanotechnology. International resin-based finishing is generally used to impart Journal of Advanced Research in IT and crease/wrinkle resistance property to textile Engineering, 2(1), pp: 36-57. fabrics. However, resin-based finishes have many drawbacks including a decrease in tensile De Schrijver, I., Eufinger, K., Heyse, P., and tear strength, abrasion resistance, Vanneste, M. and Ruys, L., 2009. breathability, water absorbency and Dyeability. Textiles of the future? Incorporation of nanotechnology in textile applications. CONCLUSION Textile industry has already impacted by nanotechnology. The development in the applications of nanoparticles has been very rapid in past years, particularly in the field of textile finishing. These Nano-size materials can enhance the physical properties of conventional textiles in areas such as self-cleaning fabrics, water repellence, UV-protection, anti-bacteria, anti-static, wrinkle resistance, flame retardant properties of textile materials. Nanofibers also come to occupy in the field of textiles, and it has tremendous possibility. Research involving nanotechnology to improve performances or to create unprecedented functions of textile materials is flourishing.

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Good Agricultural Practices of Commercial Orchids

Lakshman Chandra De

ICAR-NRC for Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim

Corresponding Author

L. C. De Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Orchids, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Vanda, Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum

How to cite this article: De, L. C. 2020. Good agricultural practices of commercial orchids. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 53-64.

ABSTRACT Orchids are the second largest families of flowering plants and are distributed throughout the world. They may be epiphytic, terrestrial and litophytic. In addition to global cut flower trades, orchids are also harvested, grown and traded for a variety of purposes, including as potted ornamental plants, medicinal products and food. Brazilian Cattleya, Mexican Laelia and Indian Cymbidium, Vanda and Dendrobium have played a major role in developing present day beautiful hybrid orchids which numbers more than 300000. The international trade is dominated by a small number of genera viz. Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis, Cattleya and Oncidium with huge number of hybrids. In India, some of native genera like Cymbidium, Paphiopedilum, Vanda, Arachnis and Dendrobium are grown on a large scale with good agricultural practices for cut flower production.

INTRODUCTION List included assessments for 948 orchid species, of which 56.5% are reported to be rchids are the second largest families threatened. Orchids are monocot plants. They of flowering plants and are distributed may be epiphytic, terrestrial and litophytic. O throughout the world. The family About 70% of the world’s orchids are epiphytic orchidaceae is divided into five subfamilies and/or lithophytic, 25% are terrestrial and 5% (Apostasioideae, Cypripedioideae, of the world’s orchids grow in mixed substrates Vanilloideae, Orchidoideae, Epidendroideae). (both lithophytic, epiphytic and terrestrial) Orchids account for c. 8% of angiosperm (Arditti, 1992). species diversity (Chase et al., 2015). Till date, 29,199 species have been identified and In addition to their geographical and taxonomic accepted (Govaerts et al., 2017), although diversity, orchids are also widely used for a several hundred new species are added each variety of reasons, both legally and illegally, year. By the end of 2017, the IUCN Global Red sustainably, and unsustainably. One of the best-

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known plant groups in the global horticultural Warm climate or tropical orchids: These and cut flower trades, orchids are also orchids grow well in tropical and subtropical harvested, grown and traded for a variety of climate. They require a day temperature of purposes, including as ornamental plants, 24℃ and 30℃ and night temperature of 18℃ medicinal products and food. Brazilian and 20℃. E.g., Vanda, Mokara, Aranda, Cattleya, Mexican Laelia and Indian Cattleya, Ascocenda, Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium, Vanda and Dendrobium have Calanthe. played a major role in developing present day beautiful hybrid orchids which numbers more Importance and Uses (De et al., 2014) than 300000. In the international trade, among top ten cut flowers, orchids rank the sixth Cymbidiums are highly valued for genetic position and among orchids Cymbidium ranks resources, cut flowers, hanging baskets, potted the first position and in floricultural crops it plants and herbal medicines. Cymbidium accounts for 3% of the total cut flower iridioides, C. eburneum, C. hookerianum, C. production. In India, it comprises 158 genera sanderae, C. lowianum, C. tracyanum, C. and 1331 species which grow up to an elevation insigne, C. erythrostylum are used for of 5000m. In India, some of native genera like development of standard hybrids whereas Cymbidium, Paphiopedilum, Vanda, Arachnis Cymbidium ensifolium, C. devonianum, C. and Dendrobium are cultivated on a large scale tigrinum are used for miniature hybrids. Both for cut flower production. The Cymbidium is standard and novelty hybrids are used as cut mainly grown in Sikkim, Darjeeling hills, flowers and species like C. ensifolium, C. Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Tropical aloifolium, C. devonianum, C. eburneum, C. orchids are cultivated in Kerala and some parts lancifolium, C. lowianum and C. mastersii are of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra. used as potted orchids. Other miniature orchid We should prefer those species which flower hybrids can be used as potted plants are Autumn during winter and spring months to export Beacon Geyserland, One Tree Hill Solstice flowers to temperate regions from December to Gold B/CSA, Wakakusu Delight, Minneken May. Khobai, Kusada Fantasy Carioca, Phar Lap, Gladys Whitesell, Summer Love. Cascading Classification of Orchids hybrids are ideal for hanging baskets,e.g., Sarah Jean Ice Cascade Ad/CSA, Nicoles Valentine Based on temperature requirements, orchids are Geyserland HCC/AOS, Dorothy Stockstill classified into three categories. Forgotten Fruit. Rhizomes of Cymbidium aloifolium are used as salep, demulcent and Cool climate or temperate orchids: These emetic; pseudobulb of Cymbidium longifolium orchids require a day temperature between is uased as emetic and demulcent whereas leaf 18℃ and 25℃ and the night temperature range juice of Cym. giganteum is used in blood between 8℃ and 16℃. E.g., Cymbidium, clotting. Dendrobiums are popular for cut Odontoglossum, Masdevallia, Disa, flowers and for interioscaping. They are also Cypripedium, Pleione and Zygopetalum. valuable as pot plants or hanging baskets. Some species are hanged on the walls or on tree Intermediate climate or subtropical orchids: branches to cover the bare walls and branches. These orchids need a day temperature between The dried stems of Dendrobium nobile are used 20℃ and 24℃ and a night temperature between for making herbal medicines. Dendrobium 13℃ and 16℃. E.g., warm tolerant enhances salivation and used for the treatment Cymbidium, Oncidium, Miltonia, of dry mouth, dry coughs and severe thirst. Paphiopedilum, Lycaste and Bulbophyllum. Flowers could be used to cure eye ailments.

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Popular Article www.vigyanvarta.com Vol-1 Issue-5 De (2020) Commercially Important Hybrids Genera Hybrids Cymbidium White: Jungfrau ‘Snow Queen’, Jungfrau ‘Dos Pueblos’, Camalex, Showgirl ‘Cooksbridge’, Showgirl ‘Marion Miller’, Swallow var. ‘Takarazuki’ Pink: Lilian Stewart ‘Coronation’, Lilian Stewart ‘Party Dress’, Orkney ‘Pink Heather’,

Ensikhan, ‘Alpha Orient’, Pacific Rose ‘Swansea’, SoulhuntSeries,Valley Paradise ‘Shangriila’, Rievaulx ‘Cooksbridge’, Rincon Fairy ‘Pink Perfection’. Yellow: Angelica ‘December Gold’, Highland Sunset ‘Plumpton’, Mini Sarah ‘Artisan’,Hawtescens ,Gwen Sherman, ‘Arthur Fetzer’, San Francisco ‘Mona Lisa’, Valya Craig ‘Sutherland’, Luana ‘Imperial’, ‘Pine Clash Moon Venus’, ‘Valley Legend Steff’ Green: Joyce Duncan ‘Susan Hughes’, ‘R.D. Hughes’,Miretta ‘Mcbean’, Lucense, Tricia Allen ‘The Globe’,Sparkle ‘Late Green’,Levis Duke ‘Belle Vista’ , Sparkle ‘Late Green’, Amsebury ‘Frank Slattery’, ‘Valley Zenith ‘Top Spot’, ‘Madrid Forest King’, ‘Winter Beach Sea Green’ Red: Chief Joseph ‘Pathfinder’, Sensation ‘Chianti’ 4N, Terama ‘Robin,’Barushka ‘Dos Pueblos’, Khyber Pass ‘Rowes Red’, James Toya, ‘Fire Storm Ruby’, ‘Fire Storm Blaze’ ‘Bob Marlin Lucky’, ‘Red Beauty Evening Star’ Dendrobium White: ‘Snow White’, ‘Pagoda White’, ‘Emma White’, ‘White Surprise’, ‘Jacquelyn Concert x Walter Oumae’, ‘Kasem White’, ‘Big White 4N’, ‘Big White Jumbo’, ‘White 5N’ Blue: ‘Vorawit Blue’, ‘Lee Chong Blue’, ‘Kultana Blue’, ‘Kiyoshi Izumi’, ‘Blue Fairy’, ‘Lee Chong Blue’, ‘Bangkok Blue’ Pink: ‘Chiengmai Pink’, ‘Ekapol Panda’, ‘Jisu’s Star’, ‘Juree Red’, ‘Kiilani Stripe’, ‘Long Champ’, ‘Penang Sugar’, ‘Sagura Pink’, ‘Miss Singapore’, ‘Madam Pink’, ‘Sonia -16’, ‘Ear Sakul’, ‘Candy Stripe Pink’, ‘Sonia-17’, ‘Sonia -28’, ‘Dr. A. Abraham’ Yellow: ‘Sri Siam’, ‘Swan Lake’, ‘Thongchai Gold’, ‘Bonchoo Gold’, ‘Sarifa Fatima’ Green: ‘Daangsaard’, ‘Kanjana Green’, ‘Green Mist’, ‘Little Green Apples’ Red: ‘Meike Beauty’, ‘Pathum Red x Sabin’, ‘Little Lolita’, ‘Cleopatra’, ‘Diamond Star’, ‘Fireball’, ‘Little Lolita’, ‘Kating Daang’. Phalaenopsis Standard white: Elisabethe, Doris, Alice Gloria, Cast Iron Monarch, Dos Pueblos, Elinor Shaffer, Gladys Read, Grace Palm, Joseph Hampton, Juanita, Palm Beach, Ramona, Richard Shaffer, Sonja, Taisuco Bright, Taisuco Crane, Taisuco Snow, Cygnus, Brother Sister Windian Semi - alba Hybrids: Roselle, Ruby Lips, Sally Lowry, Judy Karleen, Sharon Karleen, Karleen’s Wendy, Bright Lights, Devon Michele, Spitfire, Mad Hatter, Rodco’s Lady, Lipstick, Career Girl, Show Girl, , Miki WataNabe, Memoria Francis Hunter, Dtps. Ox Prince Thunder, Dtps. ChianXen Magpie Striped Hybrids: Robert W. Miller, Peppermint, Samba, Barbara Freed Saltzman, Career Girl, Chorus Girl, Ella Freed, Marginata, Kaleidoscope Spotted White Hybrids: Elise de Valec, Rouserrole, Dame de Coeur, Snow Leopard, Marry Krull, Ann Krull, Cabrillo Star, Paifang’s Queen Pink Hybrids: Grand Conde, Versailles, Alger, Reve Rose, Zada, Barbara Bread, Ann Marie Beard, Lipperose, German Pinks, Danse, Ida Fukumura Standard Yellow : Bonnie Vasquez, Sogo Manager ‘Nina’, Brother Lawrence ‘Montclair’, Brother Oxford, Brother Passat, Brother Stage, Golden Gift, Goldiana, I- Hsin Sunflower, Misty Green, Sogo Lisa, Taida Lawrence, Taipei Gold, Hsin Yang Fortune, Shih Hua Long First Love, Detroit Standard Orange Desert Orange, Carnelian Queen, Orange Glow, Orange Beauty, Tangelo, Cinnamon Glow, Brother Sara Gold ‘Peach’, Zuma creek, Burnished Copper, lawless Red Peppers, Black Ball, Chen, Peachy, Amber, Ember, Bold Beauty Red and Purple Hybrids: Engine Red, Cardinal, Ewing, Red Galaxy, Liberty Hill, Imp’s Pride, Red Hot Imp, Venimp, Spirit House, Summer Morn, Red Buddha, Mahalo, Tapestry, Orchidland, Bloody Mary, Dixie Sunset, Peter Lin, Hwa Yuan, Sogo Grape, TaidaSalu, Katherine, Ruby Glow, Burgundy Beauty, Purple Gem, Carol, Garnet Beauty, Spotted Beauty, Strawberry, Plum Rose x Ox Black Jack Harlequins Hybrids: Golden Peoker ‘BL’, Golden Peoker ‘Nan - Cho’, Ever Spring King, Beautiful Dreamer, Ever Spring Prince, Ever Spring Light, Ever Spring Pioneer, Carolina Bronze Meteor Montclair, Montclair, Brother Jungle Cat, Nobby, Peacock, Celebration

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Cattleya Cattleya: Cattleya Alcmeda, Cattleya Bobby Howarth, Cattleya Intertexa, Cattleya Mrs. Myra Peters, Cattleya Veriflora, Cattleya ‘Queen Sirikhit’ Laeliocattleya: ‘Hidden Agenda’, ‘Magic Road’, ‘Samba Crown’, ‘Tropical Fashion’, ‘Higher Ground’, ‘Mini Case’, ‘Nobiles General’, ‘Spring Parade’, ‘Upstrart’, ‘Harmony Show’, ‘Julie Anne’, ‘Beautiful Park’, ‘Orange Sunset’,’Carbon Lines’, ‘Good Friend’, ‘Pat’s Golden Dream’, ‘Sunlight Kiss’, ‘Sweet Cream’, ‘Penny Love’, ‘Big Lucy’, ‘Blue Boy’, ‘Gatton Park’. Epilaeliocattleya: ‘Chocolate Kisses’, ‘Kopaa’, ‘Rainbow Sherbet’, ‘Pixford’, ‘TinyMagic’, ‘Highland Canary’, ‘Pseudogold’, ‘Jackie Bright’ Epicattleya: ‘CathyMeincer’, ‘Painted Hill Star’, ‘Calandria’, ‘Erin Routon’, ‘Burdekin Honey’, ‘Peles Flame’ Oncidium Golden Shower type: Aloha IwangaDogasima, Goldiana, Gower Ramsey, Golden Shower, Sum Lai Who Jungle Queen, Taka H & R, Sharry Baby Sweet Fragrance AM/AOS, Sweet Sugar Red coloured: Popki Red, Irine Gleason Red, Vision Brownish Red, Catherine Wilson x New Calidonia Brownish Red, J.R. Orange Red Colmanara hybrids: Colm. ‘Jungle Monarch’, Colm. ‘Wildcat’, Colm. Wildcat ‘Bobcat’, Colm. Wildcat ‘Cheetah’, Colm. Wildcat ‘Rainbow’, Colm. Wildcat ‘Red Star’, Colm. Wildcat ‘Tiger’ Paphiopedilum Multi-floral or strap leafed Paphiopedilums: Prince Edward of York’, Paph. ‘Michel Koopwitz’, Paph ‘Saint Swithin’, Paph ‘Mount Toro’ Fragrant Slipper Orchids: Paph. ‘Joyce Hasegawa’, ‘Paph. ‘Lynleigh Koopwitz’, ‘Paph. ‘Magic Lantern’, Paph. ‘Harold Koopwitz’, Hybrid Phragmipediums: Phrag. ‘Sorcerer’s Apprentice’, Phrag. ‘Grande’, Phrag. ‘Don Wimber’, Phrag. ‘Elizabeth March’, Phrag. ‘Hanne Popow’, Phrag. ‘Jason Fischer’, Phrag. ‘Living Fire’ Vanda Vanda hybrids: ‘Roberts Delight’, ‘Dr. Anek’, ‘Pakchong Blue’, ’Miss Joaquim’, Alliances ’Fuch’s Delight’, ‘Lumpini Red’, ‘Motes Indogo Blue’, ‘Pat Delight’, ‘Rasri Gold’, ‘Samsai Blue’, ‘AdisakSmile’, ‘Robert Sorenson’, ‘Kasems Delight’, ‘Richard Brandon’, Kultana Delight’, ‘Brigton’sPride’, ‘Hope’, ‘Mark Lewis’, ‘Dr. Mahathis’, ‘Kultana Miami White’, ‘Kultana Violet’, ‘Grand Lady’, ‘Fuch’s Midnight’, ‘Motes Nut Brown’, Prayoon Delight’ Aranda hybrids: ‘City of Singapore’, ‘Hilda Galistan’, ‘UrmilaNandey’, ‘Christine’, ‘Thailand Sunspot’, ‘Millenium Dawn’, ‘Broga Giant’, ‘Salaya Red’, ‘Propine White’, ‘Propin Spot’, ‘Lueng Cholburi’, ‘Ishbel Manisaki’, ‘Baytown’, ‘Chao Praya Blue’, Chao Praya Dot Com’, ‘Chao Praya Beauty’, ‘ Ethan Pride’, ‘Taksari Chandrabir’ Ascocenda hybrids: ‘Carol Belk’, ‘RenukaAngle’, ‘Joyce Bevins’, ‘Adisak Blue’, ‘Renu Gold’, ‘Tipi Blue Boy’, ‘BobsFortune’, ‘Rubychai’, ShahRukhKhan’, Yang Sophia Firuz’, ‘Abdul Ghani Othman’, ‘Chunika’, ‘Fuch’s Star’, ‘Kultana White’, ‘Golden Peace’, ‘LaniBeauty’, ‘MahoganyGem’, ‘CopperPure’, ‘Pokey Dot’ Mokara hybrids: ‘MadamPanne’, ‘Bangkok Gold’, ‘Chao Praya Gold’, ‘Chark Kuan Orange’, ‘Chark Kuan Pink’, ‘Kelvin Red’, ‘ Kelvin Orange’, ‘Walter Ouame’, ‘Jitti Orange’, ‘Happy Beauty’, ‘Margaret Thatcher’, ‘Sarita Gold’, ‘Laura Bush’, ‘Winny Burang’, ‘Gladys Oumae’, ‘Denis Child’, ‘Ratchaburi Blue’, ‘Lion’s Gold’, ‘Chao Praya Sunrise’, ‘Pak-Kred’, ‘Golden Rooster’, ‘Jasso’s Pride’, ‘Chao Praya Classic’, ‘Chao Praya Spots’, ‘ Calypso’, ‘Bota Gold’ Kagawara hybrids: ‘Red Lava Orange’, ‘Mist’, ‘Christie LowRedland’, ‘Broga Cemerlang’, ‘Chao Praya Fantasy’, ‘Curtis Lutchman’, ‘Emily Kavita Rajah’, ‘Diinesh Gold’, ‘Lion’s Flame’, ‘Irene Hew’, ‘Bukit Timah’, ‘Sandy Gold’ Vascostylis hybrids: ‘IquePink’, ‘Kruewan’, ‘Banjong Jasmine’, ‘Mishima Lime’, ‘Vanity Fair’, ‘Firuz’, ‘Pine Rivers’, ‘Banjong Elite’, ‘Pichtawit Gold’, ‘Chao Praya Lime’, ‘Lanna Rosy’, ‘Jeans Delight’, ‘Bay Sapphire’, ‘Spring Hill’ Aeridovanda hybrids: ‘Bensiri’, ‘Noreen’, ‘EarlyBird’, ‘ShivSidhu’, ‘New Dawn’, ‘Harrison Luke Somsri Sunlight’ 56 | P a g e

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The tonic made from Dendrobium nourishes baskets, pots or tree logs. Leaf juice of Vanda stomach, lungs and kidneys. The plant is coerulea is used against diarrhea, dysentery and effective in treating pulmonary tuberculosis, external application for skin diseases. Leaf impotence and anorexia. The pulp of paste of Vanda teres is applied to reduce pseudobulb is applied to boils and pimples. temperature in fever. Leaves of Vanda cristata Juice of the plant is used to relieve fever. are used as tonic and expectorant. In Vanda Phalaenopsisis commonly used as pot plants tessellata, paste of leaves is effective against and cut flowers and are suitable in hotel fever. It is ingredient of Rasna Panchaka arrangements, hanging arrangements, Quatha. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used in the households, boutique stores, weddings, treatment of arthritis and rheumatism. The leaf funerals, birthdays, etc. The purity and juice extract is used in the treatment of otitis brightness of the Phalaenopsis make an media. The root is an effective against scorpion especial appeal for weddings and corsages. In sting and bronchitis. addition to cut flowers and pot plants, Cattleya orchids are ideal components for flower Nursery structures decorations including bouquets and flower arrangements. Besides, this orchid is used for Nurseries include a variety of structures used making clay flowers. Oncidium species, their for specific or multiple purposes. These include hybrids and inter-generic hybrids are suited to buildings to store farm equipments and intermediate and warmer climates. The plants materials, potting operations etc., green houses, are epiphytic using hosts such as cactus plant shade houses, nursery beds, cold frames, mist and trees for support. Hybridization of chamber, hot beds, lath houses etc, to Oncidium orchids with Brassia orchids, propagate, grow and rear of nursery plants. Miltonia orchids and Odontoglossum orchids Greenhouses are classified into two broad resulting in an Oncidium orchid that has some groups depending upon the cost of installation warmth tolerance and beautiful flowers. namely, Hybrids and some commercial species are used for cutting flowers, hanging baskets and potted  Low cost greenhouse plants. Paphiopedilums are most popular  Medium to high cost greenhouse orchids because of their unique shape, colour and easy to cultivate. They are commonly The low-cost greenhouses are made of a frame called as ‘Slipper Orchids’ and can be grown of steel, aluminum, bamboo or wood covered windowsills, in basements, Wardian cases, with plastic films or net. In these types, small green houses, in large commercial green ultimately rains, insects and diseases are houses, lathhouses and shade houses and can be prevented to save the plant materials. Adequate grown in different climates. There are more natural ventilation is kept through doors, than 13,000 hybrids have been registered which windows or collapsible sides when the entire are very attractive in colors, size and shapes. frame is covered with plastic films. A 30-mesh These are grown as pot plants or cut flowers. net is preferred to keep the aphids away. In All orchids having the same characteristics as some cases, roofs are made impervious and the Vanda genus is called as a vandaceous sides are covered with net to get rid of heavy orchid and they grouped together to form the rains and closed atmosphere. Irrigation is given Vanda Alliance. Genera like Vandas, Aerides, through micro-sprayers only to maintain proper Ascocentrum, Renanthera, Rhyncostylis, humidity level. Such types of greenhouses may Aranda, Mokara, Kagawara are included in the be of single span, multi-span, gothic arch, Vanda Alliance. Many of orchids under this gable, Quonset and saw tooth with area ranging group are called as ‘Scorpion Orchids’ or from 20 m2 to several hectares. ‘Spider Orchids’. They are ideal for hanging

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The medium cost greenhouses are constructed Climatic Management to control significantly environmental factors depending upon the type of crops and agro- Light: In Cymbidium, a full morning sun or climatic zones. In these types of greenhouses, a bright dappled afternoon shade during summer well-designed cooling system and and full sun in winter is ideal. Mature plants photoperiodic control and ac active heating need 50-55% shade during hot weather. During systems are employed, for example, growing season, they require up to 5000-6000 Conservation greenhouse, Dome-shaped green f.c. light whereas in flowering season upto house, Alpine house and Polygonal greenhouse. 2000-3000 f.c. light. Foliages should be Similarly, greenhouses can be classified into yellowish green in colour. All types of two groups based on the type of framework and Dendrobium orchids require warm bright light environmental control, namely (a) (2500-3000-foot candles). They should get at Conventional greenhouse (b) Special least 12-14 hours of light each day year-round. greenhouses. Conventional greenhouses have Phalaenopsis can be grown indoors in an aluminium or timber framework and either windowsills, sunroom, and shaded greenhouses all glass or part solid walls. Conventional green and under artificial lights in most temperate houses have wide range of accessories like climates. The requirement of light is 1000- staging and shelves, for example, Traditional 1500-foot candles for winter and 800-1200-foot span, Three-quarter span etc. Special types of candles in summer. Phalaenopsis can be grown greenhouses are designed for incorporation of under artificial light. Phalaenopsis can be highly decorative garden features and high grown 9-12 inches under fluorescent lights or 4 value crops for example, Poly-tunnels, Ground- to 6 feet under 400 watts high intensity to Ground greenhouse, Gable type greenhouse, discharge lights or high-pressure sodium lights. Quonset greenhouse, Conservation greenhouse, Cattleya orchids need medium to bright light to Dome shaped greenhouse, Alpine greenhouse. the exposure with 2000 to 3000-foot candles. Orchids are naturally grown by the shades of They thrive well under a 40% shade cloth. Most trees which protect from direct sun and under Oncidium orchids will thrive with one to controlled conditions, they are grown in several hours of sun a day and a light intensity specially designed orchidaria or orchid houses of 2500 foot candles. Generally, thicker-leaved running North-South. A central tank filled with plants, such as Tolumnias also known as "mule- water or by using artificial fogging nozzles aid ear" and "equitant" Oncidium orchids, can to increase humidity. tolerate more light. Oncidium orchids in a greenhouse are best advised to make use of a Under moderate climatic conditions tropical shade cloth which can be anywhere from 30 to orchids are grown in open fields whereas 50 percent shade, depending on the orchid moderate protection is required for large scale plants. Paphiopedilum readily adapt indoor cultivation. They are grown in fibre-house or conditions and can be grown successfully in orchid house or simple shadenet house or artificial light. The optimum light for the polyhouse. Temperate orchid should be grown growth of Paphiopedilum is between 6000 - in cool houses. A 75% shade net house with 70- 15000 lux (800-1200-foot candles). Direct 80% humidity, day temperature of 21 - 29℃ sunlight is not ideal for slipper orchids. All and night temperature of 18 to 21℃ is ideal for Vanda orchids require high light levels. Strap growing this tropical orchid. In high rainfall leaf Vandaceous orchids require 60-65% shade zones, the shade net house should be provided whereas terete or semi-teretevandas need more with a rain shelter. light and require 50% shade. On an average they require a light intensity of 4000-foot candles.

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Temperature: In general, Cymbidium can drops below 15℃. Majority of Oncidium tolerate as low as temperature of 7℃. In species grow well in temperature between 25- vegetative stage, plantlets grow best at 30℃ during daytime and 20℃ during the night. temperature of 18℃ at night and 24-30℃ Little bit hot are tolerated by the warmth during the day. A temperature of 10-15℃ is tolerant Oncidium orchid hybrids if humidity required for initiation of flower spikes. During and air movement are increased as the the winter season (Late October to late temperatures rise. February) a temperature of 7-12℃ at night and 18-24℃ during the day is maintained. Paphiopedilum can survive in range of Miniature hybrids can withstand 5℃ higher temperatures. The best temperature of temperature than standard cymbidiums. The polyhouse for the good growth is between 15℃ cool growing Dendrobium orchid group thrives to 26℃. However, some species may tolerate well temperatures ranging between 10 and up to 36℃. Fall in night temperature is required 24℃. The intermediate Dendrobium orchid for initiation of flowering particularly P. prefers a temperature range of 14-26℃ whereas rothschildianum and its hybrids. the warm growing Dendrobium orchids prefer Paphiopedilums will generally tolerate lower 16 to 30℃. The warmer group species like than ideal temperatures provided the medium Dendrobium phalaenopsis, Den. gouldii, Den. should be dry. The Vanda orchid prefers warm biggibum, Den. Antennatum and Den. discolor temperature in summer and winter. They are bloom at night temperatures above 16℃ and the highly susceptible to cold and frost. In cooler cool growing species such as Den. lindleyi, region, the orchid plants will go into a dormant Den. aggregatum, Den. parishii, Den. state during winter. Cylindrical Vandas require pierardii, Den. densiflorum, Den. chrysotoxum a minimum temperature of 16-17℃ at night and Den. anosmum perform well at night during winter and a maximum of 30-32℃ in the temperature of 10℃.Low temperature and short summer. Flat leaved vandas need a winter night days could change the concentration of temperature of 10-12℃ and a summer daytime endogenous growth regulators leading to the temperature of 22-25℃. They can tolerate induction of flowering in sympodial orchids. higher and lower temperatures for short periods The Phalaenopsis is a tropical plant, and only. consequently temperatures lower than 15℃ and 32℃ and above should be avoided. For an Humidity & Watering: Most orchids are appropriate growth endeavors should be made damaged by overwater rather than under to maintain an average temperature of 26-27°C watering. Over watering leads to root rot and during the growing phase and 19-21°C during many other diseases. Most orchids prefer water the phase of flowering. During winter, the of pH 5.0-6.5 although rainwater is best. temperature should be maintained between 18 Watering with lower or higher pH or with high to 20°C. A temperature of 18°C is particularly levels of dissolved minerals can hamper necessary in the event that the induction of buds nutrient uptake. Frequent watering is essential needs to be enhanced in conditions of under high sunlight and high temperature inadequate light or high daytime temperatures. conditions. Plants in small containers dry out Care should be taken to ensure a minimum more quickly than in large containers. Plants in nighttime temperature of 15℃ - 20℃ for the earthen pots require more watering than plants rest of winter. The ideal temperature range of in plastic pots. A hanging plant, with better Cattleya orchid species is between 15 and 30° aeration than one in a pot needs more frequent Celsius. Depending upon the temperature, watering. More frequent watering is necessary Cattleya orchids should be watered about once for fresh potting materials. Watering should be or twice a week. In winter, the Cattleya orchid practiced either in the morning or in afternoon plants will become stressed if the temperature time. Monopodial orchids require higher humidity than sympodial ones. As rule of 59 | P a g e

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thumb, in high temperature, humidity should be growth of Paphiopedilums ranges between 65- kept high. Provisions of misting units or foggers 75%. Vandaceous plants love good quality or even humidifiers will ensure adequate water. Being a monopodial growth habit, the humidity. Standing water beneath the benches plants cannot retain water for any great length may be kept improving humidity. In of time. It is always advisable to water these Cymbidium, watering is required all the year plants as early in the morning as possible, so round to keep the pseudobulbs green and that by noon the foliage of the plants dry up. smooth. The frequency of watering is given as: Orchids do not appreciate being wet and cold, Summer: 2-3 times per week, Autumn: Once or so water your plants in the wintertime only on twice per week, Winter: Once per week and bright and clear mornings, as necessary. Adult Spring: As Autumn season. An optimum range plants are watered once a week in the of relative humidity is 50-80% and important wintertime and every day during summer. for good growth and flowering. During hot Vandaceous orchids require humidity upto 70- weather, misting down the plants and the 75%. surrounding floors and benches maintain humidity. In Dendrobium, humidity is kept at Aeration and ventilation: Fresh air and good 50-70%. Phalaenopsis can perform better with circulation are essential for orchid production. the humidity of 50-70%. To increase the Full of continual light breezes make a good humidity level, companion plants like ferns, source carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. bromeliads, and other foliage plants can be Leaves should move gently in a light breeze. placed near the Phalaenopsis plant in the house. Air movement in growing environment ensures Cattleya orchids should be watered about once good growth and less infestation of diseases and or twice a week. It should be watered more pests. Ceiling and oscillating fans are effective frequently during the hotter months of the year. for providing gentle air flow in hobby Cattleya orchids may be allowed to dry out greenhouse or indoor growing area. Both can between applications of water. It is advised to cover large areas with a constantly changing air always water the Cattleya orchids early in the flow pattern without excessive drying the day, so that the foliage will be dry by nightfall. plants. Paphiopedilums require good They require 40-60% relative humidity. ventilation and high relative humidity Generally, Oncidium orchid plants with large particularly during summer months for the fleshy roots or leaves require less-frequent growth of leaves and roots and in minimizing watering than thin-leaved or thin-rooted plants. bacterial and fungal infection to the plants. The Watering should be thorough, and the medium air movement helps to evaporate excessive should be allowed to dry at least halfway water in the compost or potting medium. In through the pot before watering again. This may warm climates, evaporative coolers are be every 2 to 10 days depending on weather, pot essential for the commercial glasshouses. size and material, type of orchid and type of potting medium. Plants not actively growing Planting should be watered less. Humidity ranges should Earthen pots, plastic pots, baskets, tree fern be between 50 and 60 percent. Many Oncidium block, wooden trays and whole husk of coconut orchids require less humidity than other are common containers used for planting orchids. Paphiopedilums require high relative orchids. Sufficient drainage is very essential for humidity particularly during summer months orchids. Therefore, holes of appropriate size are for the growth of leaves and roots and in made in containers both at the bottom and on minimizing bacterial and fungal infection to the the sides. The size of the container should be plants. When the temperature goes down during proportionate to the size of the plant and its winter season the humidity must be decreased growth habit. Orchids can be planted on the gradually. The optimum humidity for the good ground too, in shallow trenches filled with 60 | P a g e

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media. Terrestrial and semi-terrestrial plants platforms over appropriate media directly or in like Paphiopedilum and Cymbidium perform pots. better in deep pots. Orchid plants as a rule grow to be near one another to aid a microclimate Potting mixtures of some commercial higher in humidity. Basket culture is useful for orchids those orchids like Vanda, Rhyncostylis, Arachnis with pendent flower spikes and long Cymbidium: Cocochips + cocopeat + brick dangling roots. Orchids in hanging pot or pieces + rice husk/ leaf moulds/ slow release baskets are grown with lighter media like fertilizer (3: 1: 1: 5g/pot), charcoal, coconut husk and tree fern fibre. Clay Dendrobium: Coco peat + brick pieces + tree pots are best suitable for terrestrial orchids. bark (1: 1: 1), Plastic pots are used for epiphytes. Slabs or logs of tree fern are effective for cool growing Vanda: Cocochips + brick pieces + leaf fern orchids. A potting media of terrestrial orchids (1:1:1), should have equal parts of leaf mould, soil and sand. Clay soil, bone meal, sawdust, charcoal Oncidium: Cocochips + brick pieces + leaf dust, manure, wood savings etc. are also used in moulds (1:1:1), various proportions for satisfactory growth of terrestrial orchids. A potting medium consisting Phalaenopsis: Cocochips + brickpieces + of charcoal, brick pieces and coconut fibre in leafmoulds + green moss (1:1:1:1) equal proportions is ideal for vegetative growth and flowering of epiphytic orchids like Aerides, Cattleya: Cocochips + brick piece + leaf mould/ Dendrobium etc. Under low humid conditions leaf fern (1:1:1) (30%), plastic pots with a mixture of In Cymbidium, the pots should be placed at bark/perlite/sphagnum moss or osmunda are spacing of 60 cm x 60 cm, which will used. Under average humidity (35-50%), it is accommodate about 3 pots / m2 (gross). The advisable to use plastic pots with a mixture of total number of plants will be about 30,000 / ha. bark and sphagnum moss. Under high humidity In Dendrobium, the planting density should be (55% and above), clay pots are used with bark, 100,000-1,50,000 plants/ha. Other sympodial stone culture, charcoal or tree fern. The medium orchids, in general, prefer a very close planting used for growing orchids should allow good and crowded growth. aeration and drainage. It should not absorb too much water and should not degenerate easily. Manuring and Fertilization The components are washed thoroughly before filling in pots. Orchids are light feeders and they require nitrogen from beginning to two-third of their For epiphytic orchids, the pots are filled with life cycle. During rest period, they do not need the media and the plants are placed over it, any fertilizers. During flower initiation and exposing the roots. In sympodials, the plant is inflorescence development plant are fed with placed near the edge of the pot, the growing less nitrogen, more phosphorus and potassium. point facing towards the centre. A monopodial During the blooming time, a small level of orchid is placed in the centre of the container. If nitrogen and phosphorus and high levels of necessary, a stake may be used to keep the plant potassium are maintained. In orchids, foliar in position. When growing on tree fern rafts, the feeding is found to be ideal. Frequent plant is tied with a soft copper wire. The whole application of fertilizers in low concentrations plant with pot may be dipped in water after is the best way of feeding orchids. A planting and thereafter watered judiciously. concentration of 0.2 to 0.3 % of 30:10:10 (N: P: The plants can also be grown on raised K) at vegetative stage and 10:20:20 (N: P: K) at 61 | P a g e

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blooming stage are applied for quality flower orchid is when new growth and new roots are production. Readymade fertilizer formulations just beginning to form, before those new roots are available in the market to satisfy these reach even 1cm long. In most of the orchids, it requirements. Spraying 2-5 times a week is occurs right after flowering. It shows that generally ideal. In flowering plants, care should repotting should be done between February and be taken to see that the plants are kept free from June. fertilizer application at least 3 days prior to harvest of flowers. Otherwise the keeping Harvest and Economics of Cultivation quality of flowers may be affected. Micronutrients aid to improve the quality. In most of the genera, orchids take more than These are applied once a month. The chemical one year to come to flowering, after planting fertilizers are to be perfectly balanced with out of the flasks. Initial spike is very small, and organic manures-cowdung, cows’ urine, these are preferably pinched off to improve the groundnut cake, fish emulsion and neem oil quality of spikes. In Dendrobium, the spikes of cake. They are to be diluted before application. orchids are harvested when a few buds on the Since urine contains high level of salts, a top remain unopen whereas in Cymbidium two dilution of 1: 25 is necessary. For others, 1:10 buds open stage or 70% bloom stage. In dilution and subsequent storing for 4-5 days Phalaenopsis, the 40-60 cm long spikes before application is ideal. One spray a week containing at least 8-10 flowers are harvested with organic manure is enough. when all flowers are fully open. Average flower production is 6 to 7 stems / plant /year. In Aftercare Cattleya, fully open flowers on a spike of 25- 40cm length depending on the type are Better post-planting attention is required to get harvested. Oncidiums are harvested, when more healthy plants and quality flowers. Check the than 80 per cent flowers on the spikes are fully support given to plants, remove decayed and open on a spike length of 60 cm with many dried up parts, check water stagnation, provide florets. Inflorescences of Paphiopedilum good ventilation, remove weed growth on the become ready for harvest after 3-4 days media and exposing the roots are the main opening of flower. Vandas are harvested when operations to be done. The monopodial types- all flowers are already open, depending on Vanda, Arachnis and Aranda, prefer open types 10 to 16 flowers on a stem length of 50- conditions with plenty of sunlight. The 60cm. Under tropical conditions, harvesting dendrobiums, cymbidiums, cattleyas and during early morning or evening is preferred. oncidiums should be grown under partial shade. Leaving a small length of the stalk, the spikes The thumb rule is to provide maximum light are cut using a sharp knife. Application of which they can withstand, without adversely fungicides to the open wounds of the plant affecting their health. Care should also be given prevents possible infection. to see that the shading materials should not hinder the air movement. The ultraviolet (UV) Yield of spikes varies from genus to genus and stabilized agro-shade nets are ideal for variety to variety. A healthy well grown regulating shade, which are available at varying Cymbidium orchid will produce flowers spikes shade intensities. Green or black colour is every year and a plant 10 years old can produce usually preferred. from 10 to 20 flower spikes. On an average, 6- 8 spikes are available from commercial Orchid plants require repotting if there is no varieties of Dendrobium. The harvested spikes, space left in the pots for new growths and if the also known as stems, are immediately put in a substrate has decomposed or roots are rotting. bucket of water. The cut end is fully immersed. Timing is the most important part of good These are then taken to the packing house for repotting. The best time for repotting of an grading and packing. The cut ends of the spikes 62 | P a g e

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are wrapped with wet cotton and tied with a consumers directly. Certain agencies also take rubber band. Alternatively, the cut ends are up value addition by making floral inserted into a plastic tube containing water. arrangements and bouquets.

Number of buds to be retained on the spike and A Cymbidium grower can earn Rs. 40 lakhs in grading vary in different places. It is usually 25- 10 years from an area of 500m2 accommodating 50% of the total flowers in a spike. In standard 1500 plants after investing 10 lakhs and saling Cymbidium, 12-15 flowers are kept per spike of 55000-60,000 cut spikes. From an area of whereas in Dendrobiums, those having less 500m2 containing 3000 plants, a Dendrobium than 5 flowers are not usually preferred. grower can earn 5 lakhs in three years after saling of 3000 number of cut spikes and 3000 Boxes used for packing different types and mother plants. grades of orchids vary in their size. Use strong cartons of adequate size for better handing of flowers. About 50 flowers are packed in a single box. It is desirable to keep boxes in refrigerated trucks during transport. They are also be stored in refrigerated rooms. A storage temperature below 7℃ causes chilling injury to the flowers.

After reaching the destination, the flower spikes are usually removed from cartons and placed in Cym.‘Red Beauty Evening Star’ Den. ‘Bangkok Blue’ water. It is desirable to cut and remove a small

portion of the base of the spike once every 2 or 3 days to help better absorption of water. In

Cymbidium, 4% sucrose + 100 ppm Al2 (SO4)3 or 2% sucrose + 200 ppm 8-HQS (8-Hydroxy quinoline sulphate) whereas in Dendrobium, 2% sucrose + 200 ppm 8-HQC (8-Hydroxy quinolone citrate) is used as holding solutions.

Pricing of spikes depends upon the type of orchid and the grade of spikes. The cost of one Dendrobium spike ranges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 25 depending upon the grade. For Oncidium and Vanda ‘Motes Indigo Blue’ Cattleya ‘Queen Sirikhit’ Vanda, the usual pricing in between Rs. 10 and Rs. 20 and in Cymbidium, the cost of one spike ranges from Rs.100/- to Rs.200/-.

At present most of the flowers produced in the country are fed to internal markets. There are agencies like societies and traders who arrange for collection of spikes at a reasonable price. These societies and traders in turn take the flowers to bigger traders who are in certain major cities. The flowers are then passed on to wholesaler agents in metropolitan cities who Aranda ‘Thailand Sunspot’ Mokara ‘Happy Beauty’ then dispose the flowers to retailers or

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REFERENCES

Arditti, J., 1992. Fundamentals of Orchid Biology. John Wiley & Sons. Chase, M. W., Cameron, K. M., Freudenstein, J. V., Pridgeon, A. M., Salazar, G., Van den Berg, C. and Schuiteman, A., 2015. An updated classification of Orchidaceae. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 177(2), pp: 151-174. De L C, Pathak, Rao AN, Rajeevan PK 2014. Phalaenopsis ‘Strawberry’ ‘Commercial Orchids’. Published by De

Gruyter Open, Polland, Pp.300 (978- 3110426380). Govaerts, R., Bernet, P., Kratochvil K, Gerlach G, Carr G, Alrich P, Pridgeon AM, Pfahl J, Campacci MA, Holland Baptista D, Tigges H, Shaw J, Cribb P, George A, Kreuz K, Wood JJ. 2017. World checklist of Orchidaceae, Kew: Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens. Available at: Oncidium ‘Sweet Suagar’ Paphiopedilum ‘Harold Koopwitz’ http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/.

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Hydroponics Technology for Green Fodder Production under Resource Deficit Condition Gurdeep Singh Malhi1, Manpreet Kaur2, Kartik Sharma1 and Gaurendra Gupta3

1Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004 2CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004 3Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi-284003

Corresponding Author

Gurdeep Singh Malhi Email: [email protected] OPEN ACCESS

Keywords

Conventionally grown fodder, Green fodder, Hydroponic, Livestock

How to cite this article: Malhi, G. S., Kaur, M., Sharma, K. and Gupta, G. 2020. Hydroponics technology for green fodder production under resource deficit condition. Vigyan Varta 1(5): 65-68.

ABSTRACT Livestock sector in India is flourishing and providing livelihood to many. But there is scarcity of green fodder in the country mainly due to shrinkage of land caused by fragmentation and urbanization, shortage of irrigation water, shortage of farm labour, lack of credit facility and climate change driven factors such as agricultural drought. An alternative to soil based fodder cultivation, hydroponics is the technique of fodder cultivation in a period of 7-8 days under nutrient rich aqueous medium. The main component of hydroponic fodder cultivation is seed constituting around 90% cost of cultivation. The hydroponic fodder has high digestibility, nutrition and palatability and therefore increases the milk production of animals. All the parts of hydroponic fodder viz. leaves, stems, roots and grains can be fed to the animals. With this regard, the hydroponically produced fodder is the best alternative under resource deficit conditions in sustainable and cost-effective manner.

INTRODUCTION increase in human population, requirement of milk, milk products and meat also increased. ivestock is considered as an important Cultivable area is now days, decreasing day by component of Indian agriculture by day owing to urbanisation and increasing L virtue of its crucial role in country’s population load. As of now, only 5% of gross food security, economic wellbeing and cropped area is under green fodder cultivation livelihood of agrarian population. With the in India, however, the green fodder, dry fodder

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and concentrate requirement is expected to part of animal diet, in hydroponics fodder increase up to 855, 526 and 56 million tonnes consists of root, stem, leaves and grains. The by 2020 (Dikshit et al., 2010). Moreover, main benefit of this technology is its suitability fodder crops in India, generally receives less to be grown round the year irrespective of their attention and priority over the other food and growing seasons which provides regular cash crops. Consequent to this, balance employment and satisfying returns throughout nutrition to animals becomes strenuous owing the year. Several fodder crops such as Cowpea, to lack of green fodder-based balance feeding. Bajra, Jowar, Maize, Sunhemp, Ragi, This alarming trend of resource diminution and Horsegram can be grown hydroponically; endangered animal nutrition deserves strategic however, maize is most preferred fodder crop in changes in fodder production system by India. The yield of hydroponically grown identifying alternate and resource efficient fodder maize is reported as 5-6 times than the production system which could enable enough conventionally grown fodder maize. It is also fodder production even under resource deficit profound that, if the regular diet of a cow is and changed climatic conditions also. With this supplemented with 5-10 kg of fresh hydroponic regard, adoption of hydroponic fodder fodder in a day, it can increase the milk production system could help in quality fodder production (8-13%) owing to enhanced production under resource deficit condition in digestibility and conversion efficiency of feed cost effective and sustainable manner. components. Sorghum crop is not preferred in hydroponics as it is dangerous to animals due to Word hydroponic is the combination of two HCN toxicity if, it is fed to animals earlier than Greek words; hydro which means water’ and 45 DAS. The plastic trays with dimensions ponic which stands for ‘working’. Hydroponics 18”x 32.5”x 2” produces about 5.5 – 7.5 kg of is defined as a technique of growing the plants green fodder by using 1-1.25 kg seed rate in nutrient rich water without soil for a short (Ramteke et al, 2019). The produced fodder duration of time in controlled conditions. looks like a mat having a height of 20-30 cm Hydroponically grown fodder utilised by consisting plants’ stem, roots, seeds having chopping and feeding which popularly known highly digestible nutrients. as sprouted grains or sprouted fodder or alfa Table 1: Comparison between conventional culture and fresh fodder biscuits. Seed is main and hydroponic fodder production component and contributes nearly 90% of the Conventionally grown Hydroponically grown green overall cost of production in hydroponics green fodder fodder technology of fodder production. This Requires large area with Very little area required, and good fertility conditions fertility of land is not an technique provides green fodder to animals and applicable factor increases profit to dairy farmers mainly in the conditions of deficit cultivated land and labour. Fodder yield depends upon Grown under controlled climatic conditions conditions Fodder grown by this technology is reported to Partial utilization due to Reduction of wastage and have more nutrition, digestibility and wastage during harvesting complete utilisation of fodder palatability which ultimately enables enhanced More labour requirement Skilful but less labour milk production, maintaining animal health and requirement reproductive efficiency owing to balance Feeding required chopping Chopping is not required nutrition through balance feeding. The fodder of fodder produce from hydroponic technology can be fed Fertilization is required for There is no such need to all the animals such as buffaloes, cows, sheep raising of green biomass and goat. The main inputs in this farming More energy requirement There is saving of power and energy technology are the water with added nutrients Long growth period Short growth duration generally and sunlight. Compared to conventionally generally 60 to 70 days after 6 to 7 days after sowing grown fodder where only leaves and stem is sowing

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Prerequisite for Hydroponic Fodder be directly fed to cattle. After harvesting Production the trays should be properly washed with the help of cleaning solution so it can be  There should be healthy seed free from any reused for the next cycle. type of contamination  Soaking of seed should be done in normal Advantages of Hydroponic Fodder water up to 24 hours Production System  After draining the extra amount of water, seed should be spread in the trays which  Easy and quick growing held by specially designed structure made  More nutritious as key source of from pipes or local available bamboo carbohydrate, vegetable protein, vitamin sticks and minerals  Always use the right amount of seed rate  More palatable and digestible in nature depending upon the particular crop  Easily grown in urban areas where land is  Maintain the clean and hygienic limiting factors environment inside the greenhouse  Fulfil the green fodder requirement round  Inspect the growing seedling trays under the year greenhouse regularly to prevent loss  Less labour requirement caused by insect and any other microbial  No adverse effect of climatic conditions infection  Environment friendly  Less wastage of water Steps for Hydroponic Fodder Production  Less attack of insect pest  Free from pesticides and any other harmful 1. Soaking of seeds in water: For proper chemicals germination of seed, soaking is required with freshwater for 4 – 20 hours depending Disadvantages of Hydroponic Fodder upon the seed coat hardness. The Production System germination is also influenced by the temperature of the water or solution used  Requirement of efficient and skilled labour for soaking.  Higher chances to microbial infections in 2. Sprouting of seeds: The seeds are spread in greenhouse conditions plastic trays or light weight metallic trays  Hydroponic fodder often has Aspergillus having holes up to one cm depth so that the clavatus infection which can cause waste solution having nutrients can be hypersensitivity, dragging of hind legs, collected and recycled. clonic convulsions, tremors, decreased 3. Traying: The trays used must be free from milk yield and possibly death and should any dust or impurities and should be not be fed to dairy cattle washed by cleaning solution properly. Trays are moved and placed them in CONCLUSION sprouted section after seed germination. 4. Regular shifting of trays to next level: The Limited availability of green fodder is a severe seed is kept moist by sprinkling water. The constraint towards profitable and productive trays must be shifted to the next level daily livestock sector. Hydroponics fodder to move it to next step in the growth cycle. technology is boon for dairy farmers especially Also rotate the trays according to its for landless and urban dairy farmers which face growth. scarcity of cultivated land, poor quality of water 5. Harvesting: The fodder mat is ready for and higher labour cost. Hydroponic fodder is harvest after 7- 8 days of sowing and can more palatable, fast growing, digestible and

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nutritious which helps to maintain animal Ramteke, R., Doneria, R. and Gendley, M. K., productivity by the improvement in animal 2019. Hydroponic Techniques for health and nutrition. It is a cost efficient and Fodder Production. Acta Scientific sustainable method of fodder production which Nutritional Health, 3(5), pp: 127-132. reported to increase milk production by 8-13%. Hence, this technology needs to be promoted among dairy farmers.

REFERENCES

Dikshit, A. K. and Birthal, P. S., 2010. India's livestock feed demand: estimates and projections. Agricultural Economics Research Review, 23(1), pp: 15-28.

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