Brassica Oleracea Var Botrytis Research Articles

Effect of dried cauliflower leaf meal (Brassica oleracea var botrytis) dietary supplementation on the growth performance, carcass and meat characteristics of rabbits.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of feeding cauliflower leaf meal (CLM) on growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics, histopathology and economics of rabbit production. A total of eighteen 45-day-old Newzeland White rabbits were randomly divided into three groups and fed with control (0%), 20% and 30% CLM in concentrate mixture and feeding trial continued for 3 months. Growth performance was recorded upto the end of the trial. On completion of the growth study, a digestibility trial was conducted to assess the digestibility of nutrients. Afterwards, all the experimental rabbits were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass and meat quality, and to examine histological changes in the viscera. The cost of production was calculated on the basis of partially replacing wheat bran with CLM. Results showed that the body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and digestibility of nutrients were similar among the groups of rabbits. Further, dressing percentage, wholesome cut yield, chemical composition of meat, sensory evaluation, water holding capacity and shear force value were also comparable among all groups. However, total phenolic content, vitamin A and E, and polyunsaturated fatty acid were significantly (p < 0.05) higher and 2-Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in 30% CLM-fed group. Histopathological study showed no pathological changes in viscera of rabbits fed with CLM. Moreover, the cost of production was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in 30% CLM-fed group of rabbits. The present work shows that the 30% CLM can be incorporated in concentrate mixture in rabbit diet without affecting growth performance or meat quality and successfully used in rabbit nutrition, which will be cheaper with enhanced keeping quality of meat.

Insect Pest Complex on Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis L.) and their Correlation with Weather Parameters in Medziphema, Nagaland

Field experiment was conducted to study the insect pest complex and their incidence on cauliflower during rabi season of 2021-2022 in the Entomological farm, SASRD, Medziphema, Nagaland. Fourteen insect pests were found to attack the crop at different stages of crop growth. Out of these, Green peach aphid, Myzus persicae and Cabbage butterfly, Pieris spp. were considered as major insect pests of cauliflower. The peak population of Green peach aphid (8.74 aphids/leaf) and Cabbage butterfly (4.10 larva /plant) was observed on 17th December and 12th February, respectively. The population of Myzus persicae showed a non-significant negative relation with maximum (r = -0.320) and minimum (r = -0.311) temperature, while positive relation with maximum (r = 0.028) and minimum (r = 0.249) relative humidity as well as rainfall (r = 0.021). The population of Pieris spp. showed a non-significant negative correlation with maximum (r = -0.484) temperature, whereas a significant negative correlation was observed with minimum (r = -0.550) temperature. Correlation of relative humidity with the incidence of Pieris spp. exhibited a non-significant negative correlation with maximum (r = -0.078) and minimum (r = -0.162) relative humidity, while rainfall exhibited a non-significant positive correlation (r = 0.235).

EFFECT OF BIOFERTILIZER (AZOTOBACTER CHROOCOCUM) AT DIFFERENT NITROGEN LEVEL ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF CAULIFLOWER IN PALUNG, MAKWANPUR

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of nitrogen-biofertilizer Azotobacter chroococcum on the growth and yield of Brassica oleracea var botrytis; White Top under open field conditions. The study was done by planting 480 cauliflower seedlings distributed into six treatments; T1-control (without treatment), T2- 25% N and Azotobacter, T3- 100 N only, T4- 100 Nitrogen with Azotobacter, T5- 75% Nitrogen with Azotobacter and T6- 50% nitrogen with Azotobacter. The treatments were replicated four times. After 75 days and through cauliflower growth parameters; plant height, leaf number, leaf area, and yield parameter; curd height, curd diameter, curd weight, and yield were measured. The result depicted that the growth parameter of cauliflower increased its productivity of cauliflower. Plant height (20.69 cm), leaf number (13.5), and total leaf area (1035 cm2) were observed highest in treatment full dose of nitrogen along with Azotobacter inoculation. The shortest plant height (14.49 cm), lowest leaf number (10.00), and total leaf area (602 cm2) were observed in the control. The curd weight was found to be maximum in treatment full dose of nitrogen with inoculation (1.12 kg) whereas minimum curd weight was observed in control. Furthermore, the highest yield (43.08 Mt/ha) was obtained with treatment; the full dose of nitrogen along with biofertilizer inoculation followed by 75% nitrogen with biofertilizer and 100 full doses of nitrogen without biofertilizer had statistically similar yields showing the inoculation of biofertilizer can reduce the need of nitrogen through inorganic source by about 25%. Biofertilizer has been identified as an alternative to chemical fertilizer to increase soil fertility and crop production in sustainable farming. The use of biofertilizers is steadily increased in agriculture and offers an attractive way to replace chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and supplements.

Early counts of radicle emergence, counted manually and by image analysis, can reveal differences in the production of normal seedlings and the vigour of seed lots of cauliflower

The ability of a single early count of radicle emergence (RE) to predict differences in the production of normal seedlings (NG) and seed vigour was examined in four seed lots from each of three varieties of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis). Initial seed quality was assessed in germination and controlled deterioration (CD) vigour tests. RE (first appearance of the radicle) was counted manually after 48 hours in the germination test (RE 48h 20/30°C) and every two hours for 144 hours at 20°C using automated image analysis. Seed vigour was assessed in field and glasshouse trials. A large proportion of the variance in NG was explained by the RE count. The same RE counts at 20/30°C and 20°C predicted seed vigour in the field and glasshouse and revealed the same vigour differences as the validated CD test. Differences in vigour (field and glasshouse emergence) observed between varieties were related to the extent of previously sustained seed ageing revealed by the CD test, although genotypic differences in vigour could not be excluded. We propose that single counts of RE taken manually or by image analysis can be used to reveal differences in the NG and vigour of seed lots of cauliflower.

Intercropping with Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus columbinus) Enhances Main Crop Yield and Quality

This research trial was conducted in the open field to assess the integrated cultivation of oyster mushroom Pleurotus columbinus and field-grown vegetable crops. Oyster mushroom intercropped within cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata) and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis) rows at the beginning of even head or curd formation. Data revealed superior intercropped cabbage and cauliflower growth parameters and higher yields compared with the respective sole cultivation. Pleurotus columbinus fruiting bodies weight, cab diameter, and total yield were significantly higher for mushroom intercropped with cauliflower than with cabbage. However, no differences or inconsistent differences were observed in fruiting bodies number, cab thickness, stem length, and stem diameter. Analysis of some mushroom fruiting bodies chemical composition showed that mushroom/cabbages intercropping surpassed mushroom/cauliflower intercropping in total phenols. However, no significant difference was observed between cabbages and cauliflowers concerning crude protein, total antioxidant activity, and total flavonoids. It is concluded that oyster mushroom/cabbage or cauliflower intercropping can provide additional marketable protein-rich food as well as enhance cabbage and cauliflower crop productivity based on sustainable practice.

In vitro evaluation for the efficacy of the chemicals/ antibiotics, botanicals and bioagents against black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) of cauliflower in plains of Kerala

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis) is one of the important cool season vegetable crop grown in India. One of the major disease which causes huge loss (50-70%) is black rot of cauliflower caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. Campestris. In the present studyin vitro evaluation of chemicals/ antibiotics, botanicals and bio agents were studied and best selected treatments were studied at field level. Two antibiotics-Streptocycline, Tetracycline, (100,200,250ppm); Two chemicals- Copper oxychloride, Copper hydroxide, (0.15%, 0.2%); one combination of antibiotic and chemical Copper oxychloride + Streptocycline (0.15%+100ppm). Four botanicals leaf extract of tea, tea waste decoction, garlic extract, turmeric extract at two different concentrations 5 and 10 per cent and two bioagents Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluoresces were tested for their efficacy against Xanthomonas campestris pv. Campestris. The results were garlic extract 10 per cent was found to be effective against the pathogen followed by tetracycline 250 ppm. The untreated control recorded the maximum disease incidence, followed by turmeric extract 10 per cent application. But there observed no significant difference among the treatments Tetracycline 250, 200 ppm, P. fluorescens, copper hydroxide 0.2%, garlic extract 5 per cent and turmeric extract 10 per cent are found to be on par.

Effect of Weather Parameters on Seed Production of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis L.)

The study on the effect of weather parameters on cauliflower seed production was conducted at three locations viz; Nauni, Saproon and Kandaghat during rabi season of 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. The location Nauni was warmest, followed by Kandaghat and Saproon. Significant variations in seed yield and yield contributing characters of cauliflower were observed due to execution of different weather conditions. The minimum number of days to initiation of seed stalk, flower initiation, 50 per cent flowering, and seed set in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis L.) were observed at Nauni, followed by Kandaghat and Saproon. Number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod were found highest at Saproon (1055.2pods/plant; 18.4seeds/pod) which is coolest location as compared to other two. The maximum seed yield (239.6 kg/ha) was obtained from this location. Nauni and Kandaghat showed reduced seed yield compared to that obtained from Saproon. The lowest seed yield (174.0 kg/ha) was recorded at Nauni. The forenoon humidity during October to December exhibited significant and positive correlation with seed yield. During January to March minimum temperature showed significant and positive correlation with seed yield during April to June.

Efecto de la inflorescencia de “coliflor” sobre síndrome caquéctico en Mus musculus var. swiss con cáncer inducido

The objective was to determine the effect of Brassica oleracea var Botrytis "cauliflower" inflorescences on cachectic syndrome in Mus musculus var. swiss with induced cancer. Cachectic syndrome is characterized by progressive loss of body weight, anorexia, asthenia, immunosuppression and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, with loss of muscle and adipose tissue. It used dry cauliflower inflorescence extract (ESC) and male mice 35-45 g with induced cancer, divided into groups: G1 untreated control, G2 and G3 treated with ESC, doses 10 and 20mg/kg/bw/vo and G4 treated with quercitin, dose 7.14mg/Kg/bw/vo for 90 days. Some manifestations of cachectic syndrome were determined. It was observed that G1 had thinning and progressive increase in alopecia, asthenia and conjunctival xerosis due to energy and metabolic imbalance compared to G2, G3 and G4 that had higher body weight and fewer cachectic manifestations, being significant by time and treatment group (P&lt;0.01). It has been reported that cauliflower contains flavonoids quercitin and kaemferol, with anti-inflammatory properties for its action on cyclooxygenase, lipooxygenase, interleukins and chemosins, with antioxidant properties on intracellular glutathione, in redox reactions and favoring the expression of caspases in cell apoptosis. Therefore, it is concluded that cauliflower prevents body weight loss and decreases cachectic syndrome because it contains kaempferol and quercitin that act synergistically with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Aspect Physiology Plant of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis L.) in the Interval of Nitrogen Fertilization, Dose and Type of Organic Fertilizer in Coastal Sandy Land

Cauliflower is one of the vegetables that have the ability to adapt to coastal sandy land. Cauliflower production can be increased by extensification efforts using coastal sandy land. The research aimed to determine the type of liquid organic fertilizer, the fertilization interval of liquid organic fertilizer, and the appropriate dose of nitrogen fertilizer for the growth and productivity of cauliflower plant on coastal sandy land. The research was conducted in Jetis sandy beach, Banjarsari Village, Nusawungu Sub-district, Cilacap Regency. The study was conducted from August 2017 to November 2017. The experiment was arranged in a Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data were analyzed by F test followed by DMRT 5%. The results showed that (1) type of artificial liquid organic fertilizer gave best result on the dry root weight and chlorophyll b. (2) The 9-day-interval of liquid organic fertilizer application interval gave the best result on the fresh root weight and fresh plant weight, while the 4-day-interval of liquid organic fertilizer application gave the best result on dry flower weight. (3) The doses of N fertilizer significantly affected leaf area, root volume, fresh root weight, fresh leaf weight, dry leaf weight, fresh plant weight, dry plant weight, fresh stem weight, dry stick weight, fresh flower weight, flower weight dry, and flower diameter.

In vitro efficacy assessment of cauliflower (BrassicaoleraceaVar Botrytis) alcoholic extract in mortality percentage of motile stage of mite (Teranychusurticae Koch)

In vitro efficacy assessment of cauliflower (BrassicaoleraceaVar Botrytis) alcoholic extract in mortality percentage of motile stage of mite (Teranychusurticae Koch)

PEMANFAATAN RUMPUT AIR (Hydrilla verticillata) SEBAGAI KOMPOS PADA TANAMAN BUNGA KOL (Brassica oleracea)

The purpose of this study was to obtain quality and standards for water grass (H. verticillata) as an alternative raw material for the production of compost fertilizer on cauliflower plants (Brassica oleracea var botrytis L.). The method used in this study used a completely randomized design (CRD), a single factor with analysis of data using ANOVA with a Real Difference (BNT) test. At Po (control) 100% land, P1 100% water grass, 50% P2 grass water + 50% cow manure and 25% P3 water grass + 75% cow manure. The optimal research results on the growth of cauliflower with a ratio of 50% water grass + 50% cow manure with a flower mass parameter of 396g ± 31, plant mass 563 ± 37, root mass 45.31 ± 2 and% NPK content, N 0.99 %, P 0.53%, K 0.32%.

Spatial distribution of cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and its parasitoid,Diaeretiella rapae (Mc Intosh) under sub-temperate conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India

Cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (L) (Aphididae: Hemiptera) is one of the most serious pest of cauliflower throughout the world. Knowledge of spatial distribution is important for developing an effective sampling plan and ultimately for IPM strategies for a given pest. In the present study spatial distribution of B. brassicae and its parasitoid, Diaeretiella rapae (Mc lntosh) (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) was studied on cauliflower ( Brassica oleracea var botrytis ) under sub-temperate conditions of India during 2017. Both B. brassicae and D. rapae assumed activity in the fourth week of January and remained active till May end with peak activity during fourth week of March, 2017. Dispersion indices like variance to mean ratio (Iƒ 2 /X), David-Moore index (IDM = Iƒ 2 /X-1), mean crowding (X*), Lloyd’s mean crowding index (X*/X) and ‘k’ of negative binomial indicated that both the aphid and the parasitoid followed negative binomial distribution throughout the cropping season, Taylor’s power equation was Iƒ 2 = 1.7013X0.5314 for B. brassicae and Iƒ 2 = 2.2057X1.4467 for D. rapae , while Iwao’s patchiness regression equation was X*= 32.0099+1.7947X and X*= -2.0678+2.2746X for B. brassicae and D. rapae , respectively. Optimum number of samples required varied with the mean density and the desired precision level for both the aphid and the parasitoid.

Trace metals concentration in vegetables of a sub-urban industrial area of Bangladesh and associated health risk assessment

Trace metals contamination of vegetables in the sub-urban industrial area of Bangladsh are increasing day by day. The mostly consumed vegetables like tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum), spinach (Spinacea oleracea), bean (Lablab purpureus), brinjal (Solanum melongena), potato (Solanum tuberosum), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis), cabbage (Brassica oleracea var cupitata), and radish (Raphanus sativus) were collected from industrial area. Trace metals arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The descending order of trace metals followed the order of Zn>Mn>Pb>Cd>As. The results revealed that every vegetable contained the highest concentration of Zn range from 15 ± 1.4 to 50 ± 4.0 mg/kg fresh weight. Trace metals in vegetables exceeded the permissible level of FAO and WHO standard. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were estimated on the basis of estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target carcinogenic risks (TRs). The EDI values of all trace metals were below the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). Total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) were greater than 1, indicated that if people consume these types of vegetables in their diet, they might pose risk to these metals. Finally, the total cancer risks (TRs) values were 6.4 × 10−3 for As and 8.7 × 10−5 for Pb which were greater than threshold value of USEPA (10−6), indicating that the consuming inhabitants of these vegetables are exposed to As and Pb with a lifetime cancer risk.

Impact of the invasive painted bug Bagrada hilaris on physiological traits of its host Brassica oleracea var botrytis

Bagrada hilaris is a herbivorous insect native of Asia and Africa, which has invaded southern Europe and North America where it causes major damage to cole crops. Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess how the infestation of this invasive species damages the host Brassica oleracea var botrytis, and to evaluate the interaction between plant emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and B. hilaris adults. Plant responses to insect feeding were evaluated through changes in photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, VOC emission, and visual damage on leaves. The impact of B. hilaris was compared with that of Nezara viridula, a polyphagous species distributed worldwide. Plant VOC role in host plant detection was tested with electroantennography bioassays on B. hilaris antenna. Photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were consistently reduced in plants infested with 40 B. hilaris adults for 24 h. The feeding activity of a single B. hilaris caused larger discolored spots on host leaves in comparison with N. viridula. VOC emitted by B. oleracea changed significantly in response to B. hilaris and N. viridula infestation. In particular, production of limonene was strongly reduced by the infestation of the two pentatomids, while an increase in the emission of acetic acid and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol was observed. EAG dose–response tests using the main plant VOC showed B. hilaris antennal responses to benzaldehyde, octanal, nonanal, and acetic acid, which indicates a role of these compounds in host location.

Impact of nutrition on the quality and quantity of cauliflower florets

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis) as a member of the family Brassicaceae belongs to worldwide popular vegetable with using in all kinds of cuisine. The aim of the work was to find out the effects of nutrition and fertilization (in dependence on the amount of nitrogen) on the yield of florets as well as on selected qualitative characteristics - vitamin C, nitrate and sulforaphane content. Analyses were done by the help of liquid chromatograph (HPLC) with UV detector for separation. The trial was led in Nitra, Slovakia, in 2014 - 2015. Cauliflower variety CHARLOT F1 was selected for testing. Four variants have been examined in the trial: control (without application of fertilizers), N150S80 (application of nitrogen and sulphur at the supply level N: S = 150:80 kg.ha-1), N200S80 and N250S80. Application of nitrogen led to significant increasing of the yields of primary cauliflower florets in case of the dose 200 and 250 kg N.ha-1 (increasing about 87% and 134% compared to control). Applied nitrogen nutrition caused significant nitrates increasing in monitored cauliflower florets in order of the variants: 1 (control) &lt;2 (N = 150 kg.ha-1) &lt;3 (N = 200 kg.ha-1) &lt;4 (N = 250 kg.ha-1), but the highest dosage of nitrates is still under the permissible standard according to Food codex of Slovak republic (700 mg.kg-1 of FM). The influence of differentiated nutrition on sulforaphane content was statistically confirmed in case of the 4th variant in comparison to control, where the decrease about 40% was noticed. Influence of nitrogen fertilizing according to used methodology on vitamin C (AA) content was not statistically confirmed. The nutrient concentration in the curds and stalks of cauliflower varied insignificantly with levels of nitrogen applied.

Effect of boron and molybdenum on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis) cv. Snowball 16

The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Rewa under Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur during the rabi season 2009-2010. The results showed that morphological characters of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis L.) increased significantly with the different levels of boron and molybdenum at every stage of observation. At 60 DAT, the maximum plant height (34.35 cm), number of leaves/plant (19.45), leaf length (32.02 cm), leaf width (28.31 cm) and stem girth (5.14 cm) were recorded in treatment T9, whereas the minimum plant height (32.50 cm), number of leaves/plant (16.49), leaf length (29.07 cm), leaf width (25.72 cm) and stem girth (4.50 cm) were observed in control treatment T1. Yield and quality parameters were also influenced significantly due to various treatments of boron and molybdenum. The highest curd diameter (18.41 cm), fresh- weight of curd (1.24 kg), yield/ha (400.29 q) and dry matter of curd (11.37 %) were recorded in treatment T9, whereas the lowest curd diameter (15.52 cm), fresh weight of curd (0.69 kg), yield/ha (218.28 q) and dry matter of curd (0.69 %) were found in control treatment T1. The treatment T9 was found significantly superior over all the treatments. The treatment T8 registered the maximum ‘A’ grade curds (52.54%) as well as ‘B’ grade curds (35.20%) and the lowest ‘C’ grade curds (12.26%). This was equally followed by T7 and T9 treatments. The lowest ‘A’ grade curds 46.57% were found in case of control treatment T1, this was followed by T2 giving 46.64% ‘A’ grade curds, 33.09% ‘B’ grade curds and 20.01% C grade curds.

Differential response of Germplasm to Inter-Specific Hybridization of Brassica spp.

Differential response of Germplasm to Inter-Specific Hybridization of Brassica spp. Understanding the fact behind the incompatible reaction in inter specific crosses is important for attempting successful crosses. Inter-specific hybridization between Brassica juncea and Brassica oleracea var botrytis were developed using reciprocal crosses. Four varieties of Indian mustard namely Varuna, Kranti, Pusa Bold and Rajendra Suflam were crossed reciprocally with one Cauliflower variety Sabour Agrim. Several barriers were observed right from the pre-fertilization to post fertilization during embryo developmental stages. 78.26%, 64.96% and 63.68% siliqua was retained after 6 days, 10 days and 15 days of pollination respectively when B. juncea was used as female parent whereas 99.35%, 45.51% and 43.22% of siliqua were retained after 6 days, 10 days and 15 days of pollination respectively when Brassica oleracea var bortytis was used as female parent. Both pre and post fertilization barriers were predominantly found when B. juncea was used as female parent whereas post fertilization barriers were found in the reciprocal crosses. Differential varietal response to siliqua drops was observed in the reciprocal crosses. Maximum response in the success of crosses was obtained for variety Kranti in B. juncea X B oleracea cross whereas variety Rajendra suflam was highly efficient in reciprocal crosses. ..

Allelopathic effect of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br. on growth and antioxidant activity of Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

The present study intended to investigate the effect of aqueous extract from Calotropis procera on the growth of Brassica oleracea var botrytis. Seeds of brassica were soaked in solutions containing 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% concentrations of leaf, fruit and flower extract of C. procera. For control, distilled water was used. The effects of extracts on germination percentage, seedling growth, dry biomass, and relative water content were investigated. Higher concentrations of extract (60% and 80%) significantly reduced germination percentage, radicle length, plumule length, dry matter accumulation, and relative water content of the brassica seedlings as compared to control. The retardatory effect increases with the increase in the concentration of three types of extract used, with more pronounced effect noticed by leaf extract followed by fruit and flower extract. There were significant interactions among the different concentrations of extracts used, etype of extract with respect to gemination percentage, seedling length, dry biomass, and relative water content. The effect of pot based assay in relation to chlorophyll content was significantly reduced and antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities] show both significant and non-significant effect on antioxidant enzymes based on concentrations of extract and extract type used. The antioxidant enzymes show the significant decrease in its activity at low concentrations (20% and 40%) and non-significant increase at higher concentration (60% and 80%) of extracts in contrast to control. Based on the investigation, it could be speculated that the delayed germination and low germination rate of the test species after treatment by extracts could be due to the fact that extracts damaged the membrane system of the seeds and C. procera might release phenolics into the soil and these are probably involved in the growth inhibitory effect of test species.

Effect of sewage sludge and fertilizers on accumulation of micronutrients and yield of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis) in an alluvial soil

A field experiment was conducted at Bichpuri (Agra) during rabi seasons of 2007-08 and 2008-09 by using treated sludge along with fertilizer levels to study the effect on yield and accumulation of heavy metals in cauliflower [(Brassica oleracea var botrytis (L.)] and soil. The eight manurial treatments consisted of inorganic and organic sources (treated sludge and FYM) of nutrients. Application of 10 tonnes sludge/ha significantly enhanced the yield and dry matter of cauliflower curd by 36.0 and 36.8% over control, respectively. Increasing levels of NPK fertilizers up to 150% increased the mean curd yield, dry matter yield, content and uptake of elements significantly over control. The maximum curd (33.08 and 28.71 tonnes/ha) and dry matter yields (11.39 and 9.86 tonnes/ha) were recorded under 100% NPK + 10 tonnes treated sludge/ha and minimum (10.83 and 10.45 tonnnes/ha and 3.68 and 3.54 tonnes/ha) under control in first and second year, respectively. Therefore, for the higher productivity of cauliflower about 50% NPK fertilizers could be replaced with addition of treated sludge. Application of 100% NPK + 10 tonnes sludge/ha resulted in the maximum contents of heavy metals in cauliflower curd over control and sludge treated soil. The content of Pb only in curd exceeded the threshold values but no reduction in yield was noted. The highest uptake of Fe (1364 g/ha), Mn (428 g/ha), Cu (121 g/ha), Zn (396 g/ha), Cd (6.1 g/ha) Ni (6.9 g/ha), Pb (52.2 g/ha) and cobalt (7.2 g/ha) by cauliflower curd was recorded under 100% NPK + 10 tonnes sludge/ha. Soil amended with sewage sludge alone resulted in significant build-up of DTPA-extractable micronutrients and heavy metals over control. Combined use of 100% NPK + 10 tonnes sludge/ha resulted in further build–up of micronutrients and heavy metals over sludge treated soil. Thus, it can be concluded that use of sewage sludge can be followed as a good supplement of nutrients for crop production, but care should be taken for the presence of heavy metals and pollutants.

Assessment of Heavy Metals in Some Vegetables Sold in Urban Open Markets of Kathmandu Valley

Present study describes the extent of heavy metal contamination in two vegetable types viz., cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata) and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis) sold in urban open markets of Kathmandu valley. A total of 18 vegetable samples collected from various market sites of the valley were analyzed for heavy metals viz., As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results revealed that the metal concentrations in both the vegetables tested were found in the order as Zn&gt;Cu&gt;Pb&gt;Cd. The metal levels in cabbage leaves irrespective of the market sites, ranged between 0.91–2.05 mg/kg for Cd, 14.32-28.31 mg/kg for Cu, 7.29–14.70 mg/kg for Pb and 36.33–108.09 mg/kg for Zn respectively. Similarly, the metal levels in cauliflower varied from 0.81–1.50 mg/kg for Cd, 19.29–26.77 mg/kg for Cu, 10.82–21.23 mg/kg for Pb and 62.45–73.72 mg/kg for Zn respectively. However, As and Hg were found below the detection limits in both the vegetables tested. It was also found that while the mean concentrations of Cd and Pb exceeded the maximum permissible limits for vegetables, Cu and Zn were found within the safe limits as recommended by FAO/WHO. From the present study, we conclude that a regular monitoring of heavy metals in vegetables is necessary for safe consumption as well as to prevent excessive buildup of these metals in the human food chain.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v15i1.12008 Nepal Journal of Science and TechnologyVol. 15, No.1 (2014) 39-44