Assam Lemon Research Articles

Constraints in production and marketing of indigenous Assam lemon farming: Insights from Assam

Constraints in production and marketing of indigenous Assam lemon farming: Insights from Assam

A cleaner and eco-friendly approach to simultaneous extraction and characterization of essential oil and pectin from Assam lemon peel and its application for energy generation through TENG devices

Scientists have been working on developing a green bio-TENG for portable remote devices, including wearables in the biomedical sector. The process involves obtaining pectin, a green material with anti-microbial properties, as a Triboelectric material. This study focuses on the extraction of essential oil (EO) and pectin from Assam lemon peel simultaneously. A single-step strategy was optimized using a central composite design-based response surface approach. The extracted pectin yielded 4.19 ± 0.31 % and 11.53 ± 0.11 %, respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed 52 volatile components in the Assam lemon EOs, with limonin being 94.47 % and β-Bisabolene being 1.26 %. Only khusilal was found in the EOs, a rare discovery in the scientific domain. The extracted pectin showed good purity and antimicrobial properties. The in vitro activities of the citrus EO against microbial cultures revealed its activity in controlling and eradicating bacterial and fungal growth. Hydro distillation followed by enzyme treatment is a promising approach that combines two separate extraction procedures. The produced biopolymer showed the generation of electrical signals under minimal pressure and stretching and prevented microbial degeneration when applied to a nanogenerator.

Green Synthesized Chitosan Nanoparticles for Controlling Multidrug-Resistant mecA- and blaZ-Positive Staphylococcus aureus and aadA1-Positive Escherichia coli.

Antimicrobial resistance has recently been considered an emerging catastrophe globally. The public health and environmental threats were aggravated by the injudicious use of antibiotics in animal farming, aquaculture, and croup fields, etc. Consequently, failure of antibiotic therapies is common because of the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in the environment. Thus, the reduction in antibiotic spillage in the environment could be an important step for overcoming this situation. Bear in mind, this research was focused on the green synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles (ChiNPs) using Citrus lemon (Assam lemon) extract as a cross-linker and application in controlling MDR bacteria to reduce the antibiotic spillage in that sector. For evaluating antibacterial activity, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were isolated from environmental specimens, and their multidrug-resistant pattern were identified both phenotypically by disk diffusion and genotypically by detecting methicillin- (mecA), penicillin- (blaZ), and streptomycin (aadA1)-resistance encoding genes. The inhibitory zone's diameter was employed as a parameter for determining the antibacterial effect against MDR bacteria revealing 30 ± 0.4 mm, 34 ± 0.2 mm, and 36 ± 0.8 mm zones of inhibition against methicillin- (mecA) and penicillin (blaZ)-resistant S. aureus, and streptomycin (aadA1)-resistant E. coli, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration at 0.31 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration at 0.62 mg/mL of yielded ChiNPs were used as the broad-spectrum application against MDR bacteria. Finally, the biocompatibility of ChiNPs was confirmed by showing a negligible decrease in BHK-21 cell viability at doses less than 2 MIC, suggesting their potential for future application in antibiotic-free farming practices.

Optimization of conditions for production of pectinase in solid-state fermentation with Aspergillus flavus using dried Assam lemon peel powder as substrate

The culture conditions for pectinase production with Aspergillus flavus by solid-state fermentation (SSF) using dried Assam lemon peel were optimized and the pectinase was used for clarification of grape juice. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used for optimization experiments with moisture content (50–90 %), incubation temperature (20–60 ℃), incubation time (96 h–192 h), and urea concentration (0–1 %) as independent variables, and pectinase activity as dependent variable. The optimum conditions for pectinase production obtained were moisture content of 60 %, incubation temperature of 50 ℃, incubation time of 96 h, and urea concentration of 0.30 % with a pectinase activity of 3.68 ± 0.20 U/mL where one unit of pectinase activity corresponds to number of µmole of galacturonic acid released in one minute in 1 % pectin solution at 37 °C and 4.8 pH. The crude pectinase was found to have maximum activity at a temperature of 40 ℃ and pH 4 and had an apparent Vmax and Km of 6.10 U/mL and 6.62 mg/mL respectively. The grape juice clarified using the crude pectinase showed decreased optical density (1.45 ± 0.06 to 1.17 ± 0.07) and viscosity (1.76 ± 0.10 to 1.46 ± 0.07 mPa.s) and increased reducing sugar content (13.90 ± 0.10 to 16.96 ± 0.06 g/100 mL juice), and total soluble solids (17.77 ± 0.16 to 18.50 ± 0.30 °Brix).

Small Scale Subsistence Farming in Nalbari District of Assam, India and the Scope of Sustainable Development of the Households

Land is the free gift of nature to man for the sustenance of life and sustainable use of land resources is an inevitable choice for sustainable development. Maintaining productive land and healthy soils to ensure food security, sustainable development and restoration of degraded land is essential for the future of mankind. Small-scale farming does not require a large amount of land and this aspect enables the development of various crops and livestock in the neighbourhood. In the present study, Nalbari district of Assam, India has been taken and most of the inhabitants of case study villages in Nalbari district make their income from small-scale farming. Diversified uses of available land is one of the significant strategy adopted by households to remain sustained in their natural and human environment in the district. The sustainable use of land resource in the study area is based on indigenous knowledge systems. To compare various indicators generated from the primary survey of this study, standardization is required and Z-transformation method is used for standardizing indicators. Level of economic sustainability is high in Paramankhow, Mohina village (0.1 and above), medium in Haribhanga, Sataibari, No.1 larkuchi village (-0.25 to 0.1) and low in Tilana, Deharkatara, Paila, kachimpur, Suplekuchi, Sandheli, Barajal, Uttarkuchi, Barkuriha, Bajaliudaypur, Kalardia, Loharkatha, Chamata, Mohkhuli, Dahudi village (Less than -0.25). Based on composite Z score value, level of environmental sustainability is not high in the case study villages in Nalbari district. The type of soils and abundant rainfall are blessing for the commercial cultivation of different subtropical fruit crops such as Banana, Assam lemon, Mandarin orange, Coconut, Areca nut, Jackfruit, Papaya, Litchi, along with spice crops like Ginger, Turmeric, Chilli, Black pepper etc. in the district. The agriculture in entire district is organic by default, due to low use of agro chemicals in field and horticultural crops.

Evaluation of morphological traits, biochemical parameters and seeding availability pattern among Citrus limon ‘Assam lemon’ accessions across Assam

The Assam lemon is a highly valued Citrus cultivar known for its unique aroma, flavor, and appearance. This study aimed to investigate the morphological, seeding pattern and biochemical variations within 132 populations of Assam lemon from across 22 districts of Assam along with the control samples, with the objective to offer comprehensive understanding that could facilitate the improvement of breeding programs and further improvement of this important cultivar. Clustering based on UPGMA algorithm for morphological and seeding pattern data were analysed at population level, revealed two major clusters, where all the populations of Upper Assam districts were in the same cluster with the original stock (control population). The populations from Tinsukia and Dhemaji districts displayed more close similarities with the control population in comparison to populations of Upper Assam districts. Another interesting observation was regarding flowering patterns, while populations from Upper Assam districts excluding Golaghat district displayed both bisexual and unisexual flowers with less concentration of unisexual flowers, other remaining districts had bisexual and unisexual flowers of almost equal concentration. Unisexual flowers contained only the male reproductive organs with 40 anthers, while bisexual flowers had 36 anthers. Seeding patterns were examined across the districts, and it was found that populations from Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and the control population exhibited seedless characteristic while populations from other selected districts displayed a combination of seedless and seeded traits. Interestingly, Golaghat district appears as the linking district and showed availability of both seeded and seedless Assam lemon fruit, connecting the regions of Barak valley, Central, Lower, North and Upper Assam. Biochemical analysis showed significant variations across districts, however, the populations from Dhemaji, Tinsukia, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat districts displayed similarity with the control population. The study also investigated variability in soil nutrient content revealing substantial variation among the populations studied. This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the morphological, seeding pattern, and biochemical diversity within the Assam lemon cultivar. These findings can be instrumental in breeding programs to enhance the cultivar, particularly in producing high-quality seedless fruits to meet consumer demands.

Standardization of extraction of pectin from Assam lemon (Citrus limon Burm f.) peels using novel technologies and quality characterization

Standardization of extraction of pectin from Assam lemon (Citrus limon Burm f.) peels using novel technologies and quality characterization

Phytochemical evaluation and juice properties of three rose species: Development of an Assam lemon beverage enhanced with anthocyanins

Phytochemical evaluation and juice properties of three rose species: Development of an Assam lemon beverage enhanced with anthocyanins

In vitro studies on the inhibition of microbial pathogens by PPDHMP synthesized by Bacillus sp.; an endophyte of Citrus limon (Kaji nemu)

Assam lemon (Citrus limon) is an indigenous plant of Assam known for its high concentration of ascorbic acid and reduction in cholesterol. Current study was aimed at studying the presence of endophytic bacteria in Assam lemon and exploring its potential in the production of secondary metabolites capable of inhibiting pathogens in vitro. Endophytic bacterium VITLTMJ4 produced bioactive compounds which effectively inhibited Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a zone size of 17.33, 15.66, 24.33 and 11.33 mm respectively in chloroform extract. The extract was purified using Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) column and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC). A peak with a retention time at 8.082 min confirmed the presence of lead molecule which was further identified to be Pyrrolo[1,2-α] pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl)-(PPDHMP) by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) with a peak at 19th minute and functional groups such as CC, N-H and CO obtained in Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the compound. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the evolutionary distance of the effective strain to be closely related to Bacillus sp. and scanning electron micrographs showed the resemblance of VITLTMJ4 to rod shaped morphology. Non-toxic nature of the bioactive compounds was confirmed by seed germination assay where the seeds of Vigna radiata, Vigna mungo and Cajanus cajan showed growth pattern better than the solvent control. Current research is the first of its kind to our knowledge where endophytic bacteria has been obtained from Assam lemon.

Evaluation of Packaging Materials for Shelf-Life Extension of Assam Lemon (Citrus limon Burm.) During Storage

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the suitable packaging materials for shelf life extension of Assam lemon fruit at ambient condition. During storage, physico-chemical changes were determined at 7, 21, 35, 56 and 77 days of storage using perforated (2, 6 and 10 pin hole) and non-perforated PP (Polypropylene), LDPE (Low density polyethylene) and LDHM (Low density high molecular weight), and control. The rate of change (Total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and chlorophyll) in packed fruit was comparatively slower as compared to that of control fruits. The present study revealed that packaging of fruits in perforated 2 pin hole PP had distinct advantages over control and other packaging materials in respect of shelf life extension besides retention of quality and nutritional value of the fruits. Assam lemon can be stored up to 21 ±1.00 days only in ambient conditions whereas extension of shelf life up to 77 ±1.41 days is possible by packing the fruits in perforated 2 pin hole PP and this could be suggested for obtaining the optimum and desirable qualities of the fruits with a better shelf life.

Assam lemon shows wide genetic diversity

Assam lemon shows wide genetic diversity

Responses of Different Levels of Pruning and Biofertilizer on Fruit Growth and Quality of Assam Lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm] under the Foothills of Arunachal Pradesh, India

The present experiment was conducted in the Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, during the year 2021-2022. The trial was laid out using two factorial RBD replicated thrice. Assam lemon trees were pruned at 25% (P1), 50% (P2) from the top apex and soil drenching with Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 90g/plant (B1), Trichoderma @ 90g/plant (B2), Azotobacter @ 15g/plant (B3) and a combination of PGPR (Pseudomonas fluorescens) @ 90g/plant + Trichoderma @ 90g/plant + Azotobacter @ 15g/plant (B4) at two feet away from the tree trunk with the interaction of both factors and were compared with control. The results revealed that the morphological and biochemical characters were significantly affected by high pruning intensity (50%) and biofertilizers treatment B4 (Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 90g/plant + Trichoderma @ 90g/plant + Azotobacter @ 15g/plant) and their combinations. It was concluded that the treatment P2B4 pruning 50% + Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 90g/plant + Trichoderma @ 90g/plant + Azotobacter @ 15g/plant in Assam lemon were vital for fruit morphological and biochemical characteristics.

Delineating the degree of genetic divergence within Assam lemon (Citrus limon ‘Assam lemon’) accessions in Assam, India

Delineating the degree of genetic divergence within Assam lemon (Citrus limon ‘Assam lemon’) accessions in Assam, India

Extraction of essential oil from Assam lemon peels and its incorporation in chitosan based coating for maintaining grape quality

Assam Lemon is one of the most important varieties of lemon, which is valued for fragrance, acidic content and natural compounds such as minerals, citric acid, ascorbic acid, essential oil, etc. The peels are also rich in various nutrients and phyto-chemicals which have antibacterial potential. In this study, essential oil (EO) was extracted and optimized from fresh Assam Lemon peels using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The experimental design was carried out using a Box–Behnken design arrangement using response surface methodology. The independent variables for the extraction process were liquid to solid ratio (0.3:1–1:1 mL/g), time (10–20 min) and microwave power (500–900 W). The yield of essential oil (response) obtained was found in the range between 0.13 and 0.75%. Microwave power had a significant effect on essential oil yield. Electric power consumption by extractor was 0.85 kWh and CO2 emissions were calculated as 0.68 g for 17 min of extraction time. Further, chitosan-based coating solution was prepared by adding different concentration of the essential oil (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1% v/v). The coating was then applied on fresh grapes and its effect on physico-chemical properties and storage quality of grapes were evaluated. The coating of lemon essential oil-chitosan showed that grapes coated with 1% EO coating retained the maximum quality up to 15 days of storage at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C). This work could provide a base for using lemon essential oil mixture as a green preservative to improve the storage quality of grapes.

Effects of Plant Growth Regulators (IBA) and Soil Media on Success, Growth and Survival of Stem Cutting of Assam Lemon (Citrus lemon (L) Burm)

An investigation was carried out to study of the “ Effects of plant growth regulators (IBA) and soil media on success, growth and survival on rooting of stem cutting in Assam Lemon (Citrus lemon (L) Burm).” was successfully carried out in the year 2021-2022 in naturally polyhouse of experimental farm ,under (KVK),Central Agriculture University, Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram. The experiment was carried out using Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) with replicated thrice. The cuttings were treated with five different doses of IBA and four different soil media and then planted in raised bed polyhouse. From the experiment, T5M2 (IBA 800ppm+Soil + Sand + vermicompost + Cocopeat (1:1:1:1)) was the best treatment in all the parameters for rooting of stem cutting in Assam lemon and over all the treatment gave the significant response in respect to all the parameters i.e. Date to first new leaf initiation (16.33), Number of leaf per plant (13.50), Plant height (21.43 cm), Shoot length (6.59 cm) , Stem diameter(2.37 cm) , Number of branches (6.08), Length of tap root (7.92 cm), Root spread (8.42 cm), Fresh weight of root (0.54 g), Dry weight of root(0.34 g), Survival percentage of cuttings (1.00), during the observation period in the foot hills of Mizoram.

Response of Yield and Fruit Quality to Foliar Application of Micronutrients in Lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.] cv. Assam Lemon

Assam lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.], an indigenous lemon cultivar of Assam, is widely cultivated in warm southern slopes of the Himalayas in North-Eastern India. Since this cultivar of lemon is having a prominent trait of bearing fruits in several flushes throughout the year, it is essential to provide sufficient nutrition for obtaining optimum yield with good quality fruits. In the current experiment, a randomized block design having twelve treatments with three replications was followed to find out the response of lemon fruit yield and quality to foliar application of micronutrients during the year 2019. Among all, the treatment ZnSO4 (0.2%) + FeSO4 (0.2%) + Borax (0.2%) + CuSO4 (0.2%) gave the best performance in improving the yield and quality of fruits. The highest number of fruits per plant at the time of harvesting (73), yield per plant (11.5 kg), fruit fresh weight (158 g), fruit length (9.60 cm), fruit diameter (5.80 cm), juice content (152 mL/fruit), TSS (6.40 °B), ascorbic acid (49.10 mg/100g), total sugar (6.30%), reducing sugar (3.90%), non-reducing sugar (2.40%) with lowest titratable acidity(3.13%) were obtained which revealed that the yield and fruit quality of lemon depends on the application of different micronutrients.

Physico-chemical Changes in Assam Lemon (Citrus Limon Burm.) during Fruit Development and Maturation

Studies were conducted on the physico-chemical changes associated with fruit development in Assam lemon. Fruit growth was slow initially upto 95 days after fruit set (DAFS) and it increased rapidly in terms of fruit weight and size of the fruit, from 45.54g & 75.75 cm2 until maturity. The trend in specific gravity of the fruits increased with fruit development and reached the value to 2.7 at harvest maturity. Therefore specific gravity of the fruit could be considered as a reliable physical index for harvest maturity. During early stage of fruit growth the juice content percentage was found low which increased as fruit growth advanced towards maturity. Total soluble solids (TSS) to acidity ratio showed an increased trend during fruit development in Assam lemon. At maturity TSS to acidity ratio reached values between 1.99 to 2.810Brix. TSS to acidity ratio could also be considered as the reliable chemical index for harvest maturity. Bio chemical characteristics such as Ascorbic acid and Pectin content also showed an increasing trend with fruit development and maturity. However the chlorophyll content showed a down ward trend and at harvest maturity it recorded 0.185mg/g. Results indicated that Assam lemon attained full maturity at 135-140 days and harvest maturity in 130 days after fruit set.

Simultaneous debittering and clarification of enzyme mediated mixed citrus juice production

Assam lemon, Kachai lemon and Pomelo are the three different types of abundantly available lemons in North-East India. The present article emphasizes on the debittered juice production from these three citrus fruits followed by optimization studies adopting Simplex centroid mixture design (SCMD) based approach. Moreover, optimization of simultaneous debittering and clarification has been carried out by response surface methodology (RSM). A maximum debittering (51.87±1.84%) and clarification (95.69±1.15%) have been observed at 42.66°C when the bitter lemon juice was incubated for 1.73 h with 38.51 IU and 6.13 IU tannase and polygalacturonase, respectively. The quantification of released gallic acid and naringin were estimated through HPLC analysis. The obtained results exhibited that the treated juice released 0.46 mg/mL of gallic acid while naringin was reduced from 0.19 mg/ml to 0.0019 mg/ml. Biochemical analyses of the treated juice exhibited significant increase in reducing sugar, total sugar and antioxidant property (p ≤ 0.001) than that of the untreated juice while other biochemical and elemental compositions remain unaltered.

A new insight on improved biomethanation using graphene oxide from fermented Assam lemon waste

The present study comprises valorization of Assam lemon waste through anaerobic digestion. The uniqueness of the study lies in its process of substituting cow dung with a mixed anaerobic culture (MAC) and in evaluating the effect of graphene oxide (GO) on the fermentation process. A sequential improvement of biomethane yield was observed to be 93.86 ± 0.31, 216.54 ± 1.63, 219.64 ± 0.14 and 231.55 ± 0.27 ml/g VSfed in presence of single variable such as substrate concentration, time, GO and inoculum volume, respectively. Further optimization was carried out adopting central composite design (CCD) based response surface methodology (RSM). The maximum biomethane yield of 243.23 ± 1.99 ml/g VSfed was achieved when the solid loading was kept at 25 g TS/L, 0.06% (w/v) concentration of GO, incubated for 30 days at 37 °C which has resulted into 19.04% enhanced methane yield. Kinetic analysis exhibited lowest deviation with experimental cumulative methane yield, lowest value of λ (4.37 days) and RMSE (5.85) in modified Gompertz model. Digested biomass characterization revealed 18.46% reduction in crystallinity along with a major change in FTIR peaks. Materials and energy flow of the underlying process show 70.88% efficiency of the process with 4.96 kJ/g net energy gain. The report on AD of generated Assam lemon waste to biomethane with the intervention of GO is rare. Thus the result obtained from the current study will encourage the scientific community to improve the biomethane yield by the addition of conductive materials.

Enrichment of N and bioavailability of P and K of lemon wastes through biotechnological intervention with special reference to Mung bean production

Digested Assam lemon waste was subjected to biomanure production with appropriate concern on carbon emission through biocircular economy concept. For the biomanure production digested waste was treated with different cyanobacterial cultures such as Anabaena variabilis, Aulosira fertilissima, Cylindrospermum muscicola, and Fischerella muscicola. Among all the strains F. muscicola was found to be most efficient in N, P and K enrichment and bioavailability where 2.88, 2.00 and 2.16 folds increase in N, P and K content has been recorded. The produced enriched biomanure was applied solely and in combination with inorganic fertilizer to find out the best treatment condition towards soil enrichment vis a vis mung bean (Vigna radiata) production. Combination of inorganic fertilizer and produced biomanure exhibits good results where the yield of the mung seed was enhanced by 2.02 folds. Application of biomanure in the crop field could maintain the soil physico-chemical properties.