Indigenous Varieties Research Articles

Unveiling Pakistani English: A Linguistic and Cultural Odyssey of Features, Evolution, and Distinctiveness

Pakistani English, recognized as a unique non-native, emerging, and indigenous variety of English, has evolved into an independent norm-dependent, and institutionalized language form. Diverging from Standard British English, it exhibits distinctive features in morphology, syntax, lexis, grammar, and phonology, shaped by socio-cultural, religious, and regional influences, contributing to its singular linguistic and cultural identity. Utilized across various domains, including education, commerce, and science and technology, Pakistani English plays a pivotal role within the Pakistani context. This comprehensive study sheds light on Pakistani English, encompassing its historical development, and conducting an in-depth exploration of its linguistic characteristics, namely lexical, morphological, syntactic, and phonological features. Additionally, it meticulously delineates the distinctions between Pakistani English and Standard British English. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of linguistic data with ethnographic insights, providing a holistic understanding of Pakistani English's intricate interplay between language and culture. The study underscores the significance of these findings in advancing the fields of linguistic and cultural studies, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of language evolution and its profound impact on cultural identity and communication in the contemporary world.

Influence of Shading and Anatomical Structure of the Stem Cutting on Rooting Performance of Fig (Ficus Sp.)

Fig (Ficus sp.) belongs to tropical and subtropical climates which have great potential for the commercial cultivation. Cutting is the most common and effective method of propagation for figs which is influenced by different exogenous and endogenous factors. In this light, a study was conducted to observe the responses of stem cutting of fig (Ficus sp.) of one exotic and two indigenous varieties (Teen- Ficus carica; wild fig- Ficus hispida and joggo fig- Ficus racemosa) in respect of duration of shade and anatomical status of stem. The study was laid in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factors (duration of shade and cultivars) and three replications of the treatments. The four different treatments of shade duration were as T1= open or control, T2=3 days of shading, T3= 6 days of shading and T4= 9 days of shading. Data were collected on root and sprout growth of the cuttings at weekly interval from two weeks of planting the cuttings in sand filled plastic cups. When the duration of shading increased, the teen (Ficus carica) showed the longest sprout (1.59 mm) and root (2 mm) as well as maximum number of root (5.67) and sprout (2.33). Better rooting performance was found in teen and it was very low in wild fig. A relationship between rooting performance and anatomical structure was clearly observed in this study. Long period of shading has positive effect on number and length of sprout in teen and wild fig. On the other hand, short period of shading minimized the days required for sprouting in teen Presence of thin cuticle, thin trichome and the absence of druses crystal in ground tissue and medulla also enhanced the performance of stem cutting of teen.

The Study of Freshwater Indigenous Ornamental Fishes Available in Selected Sites of Southern Bengal and Their Present Status in Natural Habitats

Aims: To study the diversity of Ornamental fishes as native species by origin from certain parts of Southern Bengal, have importance in export world of ornamental trading in and across India along with their status in natural habitats.
 Study Design: An intricate survey was performed along with formal-informal interviews
 Place and Duration of Study: Survey sites included Howrah, North 24 Paraganas and South 24 Paraganas, Fish Markets, Pet Markets, and Several Fish Farms.
 Methodology: Live specimens after collecting from natural water bodies like ponds, canals, rivers with the help of fishing nets and gears, are immediately preserved in 5% formalin. Later identification and further investigations are completed in the laboratory.
 Results: 70 native species from 9 orders were enlisted to for their potentiality but few are exporting from Kolkata market and have gained popularity. 23 indigenous varieties are regularly exporting from Southern Bengal. Some of those species can be kept commercially in aquarium without hurting their biology.
 Conclusion: This entire practice of export and domestic supply rely upon mostly wild capture which is unorganised and sometimes unauthorised, ultimately impacts on declination of population and downward indication of biodiversity. Additionally, environmental issues and also anthropogenic activities such as habitat destruction, fragmentation, alteration of water quality due to water pollution, agri-based effluents etc. confirm their loss in nature. Finally, this study recommends that appropriate managements on breeding and culture, quality feed development, consciousness about the species, awareness on the role of species in ecological terms, proper training can only forbid these native wealth from extinction in near future.

Science, racism, and nature in India's upper Assam's British tea empire

The indigenous tea plant in Upper Assam was subjected to multilayered experiments where the 19th century British quest for scientific superiority resulted in a severe and prolonged rejection of it. The article argues that the continuous comparison of the Assamese variety with that of the Chinese was not just the consequence of science but also of racism inherent in it. Even after the successful cultivation of the indigenous variety which emerged as the sole means of rescuing Britain from the “vice like control of China” over tea, negligence toward it was not completely vanished. The article argues this point by locating it within the context of “tropical – temperate” dichotomy that the colonial science invented.

Language Contact, Contamination, Containment, and Shift: Lessons From Multilingual Gwanda South, Zimbabwe

This article seeks to evaluate the level and type of changes in Sesotho as a result of language contact in multilingual Gwanda South, Zimbabwe. It will indicate choices that speech communities have and reasons for specific language preferences. It looks at the multilingual situation in Gwanda South and the language choices that the community is free or forced to make. It seeks to indicate how language contact could result in language shifts in supposed multilingual communities that could be affected by other languages appearing and being used for essential social, political, religious, and administrative purposes. Survey data reveals that Gwanda South has the following languages: Sesotho, Ndebele, Chi-Jahunda, Venda, and English. Sesotho is the home language while Ndebele has come through administrators and its being the original national language for Matabeleland South. Chi-Jahunda is a primary/ indigenous variety for Gwanda South. Attention is centered on the apparent move from the home language to other varieties that have moved into the district over time. The main worry is the apparent demise of the home language due to both internal and external forces. While there might be a high level of retention of the language in the home domain, the use of languages that are spoken by the few combined with English as the official language tends to interfere with the retention and continued use of Sesotho. This suggests that language contact leads to a shift influenced by a speaker’s inability to preserve their mother language by switching to dominant languages as mediums at home and school once such languages have been learned and mastered.

Consumer preferences and willingness to pay for dried traditional mangos from Kitui – A marketing analysis for Kenya and Germany

The Kenyan mango value chain faces high post-harvest losses due to poor market access alongside a lack of storage technologies and processing facilities. Thus, using fruit processing methods, like solar drying, can enhance shelf life and help smallholder farmers access new markets, diversifying income and livelihoods. Nonetheless, the processing of both indigenous and grafted mango fruits is not a very common practice. This study was conducted to support product development targeting processing and marketing to link farmers to both local and export markets. Four independent consumer testing and sensory evaluation rounds on Kitui’s dried mango flakes were conducted in Germany and Kenya. Data were collected via a group tasting by 31 randomly selected participants and an online questionnaire of 304 randomly selected participants. All participants were given samples of different varieties of dried mango flakes with and without additives. Results show that high-quality mango cultivars, like Ngowe, receive high hedonic scores without any additives (honey, sodium metabisulfite, or ascorbic acid). Some varieties positively respond to the treatments and achieve higher scores, e.g., Van Dyke or the indigenous variety Kikamba. The consumers testing in Germany show that extrinsic attributes, such as organic production, fair trade, cooperative, and sustainable labelled flakes open up new opportunities for farmers who aim for the export market. Against findings derived from German panellists, in Kenya, consumers do not show a higher willingness to pay despite having a positive attitude toward sustainability. Thus, the local market should focus on cost-reduction strategies rather than introducing standardisation.

Biochar from Grapevine-Pruning Residues Is Affected by Grapevine Rootstock and Pyrolysis Temperature

In recent years, the production and application of biochar as a soil amendment produced from pruning residues has gained attention worldwide. Since the effect of grapevine rootstock type on grapevine-pruning residues used as feedstock for biochar production had not yet been researched, the present research was performed. Two grapevine rootstocks, different in vigor, were selected, with the hypothesis that they would affect their chemical composition and, consequently, the composition of the produced biochar. In this work, grapevine-pruning residues of the indigenous variety “Istrian Malvasia” (Vitis vinifera L.) grafted on 420A and SO4 rootstocks were analyzed and used for biochar production under three peak temperature programs (400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C). Higher pyrolysis temperature decreased yield but increased EC, ash, and TC content, as well as the content of most of the studied elements. On the other hand, grapevine rootstock type affected biochar EC, ash content, and specific surface area. Results showed that a more vigorous rootstock affects the produced biochar qualities by enhancing the above-mentioned properties. The present research showed that biochar produced from grapevine-pruning residues, especially at 500 °C or 600 °C, could be a valuable tool for the valorization of this biomass as a soil amendment.

Effect of Storage Time and Temperature on Digestibility, Thermal, and Rheological Properties of Retrograded Rice.

Retrogradation is defined as the recrystallization or realignment of amylose and amylopectin chains upon cooling of gelatinization starch gels. The storage conditions such as the storage time and temperature are crucial factors that influence and govern the degree of retrogradation and in turn, affect the formation of resistant starch and alteration of thermal and rheological properties. This article investigates the effect of storage time and temperature on the properties of retrograded rice starch. Rice kernels of five different indigenous varieties, namely Diasang lahi, Khaju lahi, Dhusuri bao, Omkar, and Bili rajamudi were cooked by boiling in water and stored at 4 °C and -20 °C for 6 and 12 h, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies revealed in raw form that Bili rajamudi exhibited the highest peak gelatinization temperature (Tp, °C) at 79.05 °C whereas Diasang lahi showed the least Tp at 56.12 °C. Further, it was indicated that the Tp and degree of retrogradation (DR%) also increase with increasing time and decreasing temperature of storage. All samples stored at -20 °C for 12 h exhibited the highest degree of retrogradation DR%. Amongst all five varieties stored at -20 °C for 12 h, Omkar exhibited the highest %DR, followed by Bili rajamudi, Khaju lahi, Dhusuri bao, and Diasang lahi. A negative correlation was also established between Tp and resistant starch content (RS%). It was also observed that the resistant starch (RS%) content increased with the increasing time and decreasing temperature of storage. A strong negative correlation was observed between RS% and non-resistant starch (NRS%). Further, rheological studies indicated that retrogradation also affects the viscosity and dynamic rheological properties of starch. In this study, it was evident that extending storage duration from 6 to 12 h and lowering temperature from 4 to -20 °C impact retrogradation of rice starch, which in turn affects the starch's gelatinization, digestibility, and rheology. Rice starch retrograded at lower temperatures for a longer period could prove to be extremely beneficial for development of food products with better textural properties and high RS content or low glycemic index.

Manifestation and dispersal of entomopathogenic nematodes in orchard ecosystem with regards to soil characters in three different zones of Chhattisgarh state

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are round worms from the genera Steinernematid and Heterorhabditid. They are ubiquitous in nature. Survey results of the present study show that 7 samples out of 800 collected samples (0.87%), were positive for EPN which were obtained from silty loam and loamy sand soil. This is an extensive first of its kind study on EPN survey throughout the state of Chhattisgarh. The EPN were recovered from 5 of the 24 surveyed districts namely Baloda Bazar (Ber crop), Mahasamund (Mango crop), Raipur (Sapota crop, Papaya and guava), Bijapur (Mango crop), Sukma (Mango crop). The organic matter estimate from EPN recovered soils were found to be in the range of 0.56- 1.06 % with pH of slight acidic to neutral (5.6-7.1). Water holding capacity of EPNs isolated soil was 32.05 - 38.87 % and bulk density was 0.96 – 1.27 g/cm3 with moisture percentage of 4.26- 24 %. The present study shows that nematodes can be found in low moisture soil as well as high moisture soils. The results of molecular identification reveals that isolated EPN samples were identified as Heterorhabditis indica. EPNs are being investigated primarily for biocontrol purposes. There are many exotic EPN which had conflicting results in many field testing situations, most likely due to their low adaption to local agro-climatic conditions. Henceforth our quest was to look for an indigenous variety of EPN which can be used as a novel bio pesticide, our work mainly focuses on identification of local EPN strains from Chhattisgarh state which can be further used in Integrated Pest Management programme.

Effect of foliar applications on the qualitative and quantitative characters of cv. Assyrtiko and cv. Mavrotragano in the island of Santorini, under vineyard conditions

The Mediterranean basin is regarded as one of the world’s most affected regions by climate changes. Traditionally, viticulture in this region has been coping with high temperatures, heat waves and drought. Such particularly extreme conditions, which induce severe abiotic stress on plants, are expected to intensify due to the predicted climate changes in the future. Santorini Island seems not to be an exception. The increase of temperature and solar radiation, in combination with the low availability of water, made necessary the development and the application of methods in order to cope with the abiotic stresses of the grapevine. This study examined the foliar applications and their effect on the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the grapes by spraying application of the two indigenous varieties of the vineyard of Santorini (Greece), Assyrtiko, and Mavrotragano. The experiment took place in the cultivation season 2019-2020. Specifically, treatments with kaolin and calcium carbonate, two inert materials capable of reflecting radiation were evaluated. In the case of Assyrtiko, the effect of kaolin and calcium carbonate was examined on two different training systems, on the traditional training system of Santorini ‘kouloura’, and on a single Guyot training system. In the case of Mavrotragano, the effect of kaolin and calcium carbonate was examined on the vines which are trained in double Guyot training system. Mechanical analyses of the grapes and berries were performed, as well as measurements of the characters of the must during the stage of technological maturity. The content of the phenolic compounds was determined in the skins and seeds and the antioxidant capacity of the samples was measured by using different methods, FRAP and DPPH, by the use of spectrophotometry. At the same time, the analysis of High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) indicated the concentrations of the main individual sugars and acids in the must as well as the measurements of the skin individual anthocyanins for cv Mavrotragano. The results of the treatments showed that the analyses related to weight, length, and width of the grapes and berries and the measurements of pH and total titratable acidity for both training systems and both varieties did not seem to be affected. Also, compared to grapes from control treatments, the levels of most phenolic compounds and anthocyanins of the sprayed samples mostly increased, and as a result, this leads to grapes of better quality, thus better wine quality, since most measurements conducted in the current experiment are also directly correlated with the organoleptic properties of the wine. Therefore, the use of kaolin and calcium carbonate through foliar applications constitutes an important means of adaptation of the vines which are grown under conditions of drought, in terms of economic and environmental sustainability reasons, while improving the quality of grapes.

Current situation and development trend of wine industry in china

China’s modern wine industry began in 1892 when Changyu Wine Company was founded. After more than 130 years of development, China has formed 11 major wine regions with their own characteristics. The wine grape varieties of China are divided into three categories: international mainstream varieties, Chinese indigenous varieties, and varieties that can be used for both winemaking and table grape purposes. There are various types of wine produced in China, including sparkling wine, dry white, dry red, rose, ice wine, aromatized wine, and fortified wine. There are more than 1,680 wineries in China, whose production modes are categorized as “Chateau & Chateau wines” mode and “winery & brand wines” mode. The number of Chateau enterprises accounts for 80% of the total, and is developing fast. China's wine industry management organizations mainly include Ministry (departments, bureaus) of Agriculture, and the Ministry (departments, bureaus) of Industry and Information Technology. And the industry service organizations mainly include the China Alcoholic Drinks Association (Wine Branch), China National Food Industry Association (Wine Branch), and Grape and Wine Association or Wine Industry Development Service Center established by provinces and cities. Up to now, 12 sub-wine regions in China have obtained the certification of geographical indication protection. Chinese wine consuming markets are divided into five groups, with huge consumption potential, and the activity of consumer market remains the top of Asia. China's wine industry integrates the three industries of grape growing, wine making and wine consumption, tourism, and cultural promotion. Such growth is in accordance with the advancement of agriculture, rural areas, and ecological protection, exhibiting sustainable development with vigor and vitality.

Assessment of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the grapes of grapevine cultivar Fokiano (Vitis vinifera L.) in Ikaria Island, under vineyard conditions

This study aimed at assessing the phenolic potential of indigenous Greek red grapevine cultivar Fokiano under different cultivation systems and altitudes, during the cultivation season 2019-2020, which could explore different approaches yielding better results in the same viticultural area, as is Ikaria Island. The samples of the present study were collected from productive (commercial) vineyards in the island of Ikaria, in the region of the North Aegean Sea. Samples of grapes were collected from 7 different vineyards at the northern part of Ikaria with different characteristics: (i) difference in the altitude of the vineyards and (ii) difference in the cultivation system (conventional or organic). The vineyards in question are located at an altitude of 200 m, 400 m, 600 m and 800 m. The samples were collected during the dates of harvest, which were determined according to the technological maturation of the grapes in combination with the biodynamic calendar. In all samples, the mechanical analyses of the grapes and berries took place and the characters of the must as well as the qualitative characters of the berries (must, skins, seeds) were studied. Total soluble solids of the must were calculated using a refractometer, the active acidity (pH) using a pH meter and the total acidity using a sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH). The mechanical analyses that were performed involved the weight of thirty (30) berries, the weight of the grape and the length and width of the berries and the grapes of each sample. The content of grape's skin in total anthocyanins, total phenolics, condensed tannins, total ortho-diphenols, total flavonoids, total flavanols, total flavonols and flavones and their antioxidant capacity with the use of FRAP and DPPH methods were determined using a spectrophotometer. The most important acids found in grapes were identified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The measurements in the grape seeds were made on the same compounds as the skins, except for total anthocyanins. The results of the present study showed that the altitude does not seem to have a significant effect on most of the qualitative and quantitative characters of the cultivar in Ikaria, however, in future studies, other factors that affect the qualitative characters of the grapes need to be taken into consideration and further evaluated. The microclimate of the highest altitude (800 m) had a positive effect regarding total phenolics, anthocyanins, tannins, flavonols, o-diphenol content and the antioxidant capacity of the skins according to FRAP method, but with opposite results in the case of the seeds. At the same time, it should be noted that no accurate conclusion can be drawn regarding the cultivation system (conventional or organic), since between the two pairs of conventional and organic vineyards (samples from conventional and organic vineyards at an altitude of 200 m - samples from conventional and organic vineyard at an altitude of 600 m), the measurements exhibit a variation in their results. The antioxidant capacity that was determined in the samples of Fokiano is also remarkable, when also compared with other indigenous red grapevine cultivars. In view of climate change, the exploitation of indigenous varieties under different soil and climatic conditions or even in the same viticultural region, like the one of the current experiment (different cultivation system, different altitude in the island of Ikaria) could unlock and highlight the full potential of such local varieties, depending on the final style of the wine produced.

Conceptualising multiple-Marking in NZE

AbstractOur aim with this paper is to investigate the phenomenon of multiple-marking in NZE. We endeavour to find a common label to describe different grammatical features of NZE. Three constructions are analysed here. Nonagreement inthere-existentials, multiple negation, and multiple comparison. In addition, we also examine the sub-varieties of NZE and aim to find tendencies between a standard (Pākehā English – PE) and an Indigenous variety of English (Māori English – ME). As we are interested in the role sociolinguistic factors (such as speakers’ ethnicity) play in the constructions, our data are extracted from the Wellington corpus of spoken New Zealand English. Moreover, our findings reveal that multiple-marking is frequent in NZE; that PE and ME show similar productivity in multiple-marking constructions; and that sociolinguistic factors contribute to how speakers make linguistic choices. Our paper concludes by revisiting our research questions and providing suggestions for further research.

Preferences on Indigenous and High Yielding Varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) by Tribal and Non-Tribal farmers of Assam

Assam occupies a special place in the rice production and a home to many indigenous varieties of rice. The production and productivity of the Indigenous varieties are much less than the HYVs but some farmers still prefer growing indigenous rice along with HYVs. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to study the distribution pattern of Indigenous and High Yielding varieties of rice and to enumerate the farmer’s preferences to Indigenous and High Yielding varieties of rice in Baksa district of Assam. A total of 160 numbers of both Tribal and Non-tribal farmers were selected for the study. The data were collected by means of personal interview schedule. Statistical tools employed to analyze the data included frequency, percentage, Mean and Standard Deviation. To know the distribution pattern of both Indigenous and High Yielding varieties of rice, two major areas viz. Area distribution and Varietal distribution were identifi ed. The fi ndings revealed that non-tribal farmers cultivated HYVs in 68.13 per cent area and tribal farmers cultivated in 31.87 per cent area. But in case of Indigenous varieties non-tribal farmers cultivated in 44.93 per cent and tribal farmers cultivated in 55.07 per cent area. The major HYV varieties grown by the non-tribal farmers were Masuri, Ranjit, Moniram and varieties grown by tribal are Ranjit, Bahadur and Masuri. The indigenous varieties grown by the non-tribal farmers mostly Nolbonni, Ballam Joha, Moinagiri and varieties grown by tribal are Phulpakhri, Tanagaguri, Parochokua bonni. Further, A comparative assessment of the preferences of both Indigenous and High yielding variety rice growers was performed and it was observed that tribal farmers preferred indigenous rice varieties because of their taste, cooking quality etc, and preferred HYVs because of yield, market demand etc. But nontribal farmers preferred indigenous varieties because of their traditional delicacies, taste etc, and showed preference to HYVs because of cooking quality, market demand etc.

Exploring variation in the fecal microbial communities of Kasaragod Dwarf and Holstein crossbred cattle.

The gut microbiota and its impact on health and nutrition in animals, including cattle has been of intense interest in recent times. Cattle, in particular indigenous varieties like Kasaragod Dwarf cow, have not received the due consideration given to other non-native cattle breeds, and the composition of their fecal microbiome is yet to be established. This study applied 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing of fecal samples and compared the Kasaragod Dwarf with the highly prevalent Holstein crossbred cattle. Variation in their microbial composition was confirmed by marker gene-based taxonomic analysis. Principle Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) showed the distinct microbial architecture of the two cattle types. While the two cattle types possess unique signature taxa, in Kasaragod Dwarf cattle, many of the identified genera, includingAnaerovibrio,Succinivibrio,Roseburia,Coprococcus,Paludibacter,Sutterella,Coprobacillus, andRuminobacter,have previously been shown to be present in higher abundance in animals with higher feed efficiency. This is the first report of Kasaragod Dwarf cattle fecal microbiome profiling. Our findings highlight the predominance of specific taxa potentially associated with different fermentation products and feed efficiency phenotypes in Kasaragod Dwarf cattle compared to Holstein crossbred cattle.

Kolonialer Sprachkontakt: Spuren der indigenen Lebenswelt und der lenguas generales des historischen Paraguays im Spanischen der Jesuiten

Abstract The aim of this contribution is to examine the contact situation between Spanish and indigenous languages in historical Paraguay, using a corpus of one hundred texts written by Jesuits in the 18th century. To overcome cultural and linguistic barriers, the members of the Jesuit Order used various strategies, especially learning the two lenguas generales Guaraní and Quichua for missionary work, which resulted in a certain multilingualism among the religious. The main focus is on the linguistic influences on colonial Spanish, coming from older indigenous varieties and especially from the lenguas generales Guaraní and Quichua, both widespread across the region in historical Paraguay. The traces of this historical contact situation can be found in toponymic designations, and as lexical and even morphological borrowings, which are still vital today, especially in the American varieties of Spanish.

Chemical and Functional Properties of Different Rice Varieties from Ebonyi and Anambra States Nigeria

The chemical and functional properties of selected rice varieties commercially cultivated in Ebonyi and Anambra States of Nigeria were evaluated. Four rice varieties each (IR-8, 1416, Faro 44 and 306) from these States were analyzed for the mineral, vitamin, functional and phytochemical properties. The mineral contents of the rice samples were a range of copper (0.01-0.06mg/100g); Calcium (0.31-0.55mg/100g); lead (0.04 to 0.12 µg/g); Iron (0.54-1.26mg/100g); Zinc (0.92-1.76mg/100g), Phosphorus (12.25-28.68mg/100g). Potassium (58.01-74.02mg/100g); Manganese (0.05-0.23mg/100g) and Magnesium (0.19-0.58mg/100g). Vitamin contents of the rice samples had a range of thiamine B1(0.02-0.08mg/100g); Riboflavin B2 (0.10-0.28mg/100g) and niacin B3 (2.35-3.48mg/100g). The functional properties were in range of bulk density (0.71-0.83g/cm3); water absorption capacity (2.60-4.00g/ml); swelling index (1.20-1.82); gelation temperature (82.00-90.000C); amylose (17.88-27.50%) and amylopectin (73.54-81.85%). The phytochemical contents of the rice samples were in a range of tannin (0.01-02mg/100g); Phytate (4.27-9.28mg/kg); Oxalate (0.02-0.40mg/100g); flavonoid (1.14-5.58%) and carotenoid (473.59-4542.97mg/100g). The results of the mineral contents showed that the selected varieties were generally low in Copper, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus, Manganese, Magnesium; high in calcium and potassium but low in lead content. The results of the vitamin contents showed that the selected varieties had low level of Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2) and good level of Niacin (B3). The result of the functional properties showed that the selected rice varieties were showed lowest in bulk density and water absorption capacity; moderate in swelling index and gelatinization temperature; however. 306 and1416 had good level of amylose whereas IR-8 and Faro 44 had good levels of amylopectin. Results also showed that the selected varieties were generally low in phytochemical contents and wouldn’t pose nutritional risk when consumed. The result of this study can go a long way to an effective utilization of our indigenous varieties thus adding value to the crop.

Breeding New Premium Quality Cultivars by Citrus Breeding 2.0 in Japan: An Integrative Approach Suggested by Genealogy

Developing varieties with diverse features that satisfy varied commercial needs, improving overall fruit quality, and quickly releasing them, are prerequisites in citrus breeding. However, these three goals require trade-offs in conventional breeding, even with the application of the marker-assisted selection technique. Conventional breeding cannot achieve these three goals simultaneously and it has been regarded as a breeding trilemma. Integrating a genomics-assisted breeding (GAB) approach that relies on quantitative trait locus detection by genome-wide association study and genome-wide prediction of a trait by genomic selection using enriched marker genotypes enhances breeding efficiency and contributes to eliminating the trilemma. Besides these efforts, the analysis of the genealogy of indigenous citrus varieties revealed that many high-quality indigenous varieties were selected within a few generations. It suggested that selecting a new premium quality hybrid is possible by integrating it with the GAB technique and helps avoid the trilemma. This review describes how a new approach, “Citrus Breeding 2.0” works for rapidly developing new, premium quality hybrids and introduces three applications of this technique, specifically, rebreeding, complementary breeding, and mimic breeding based on the ongoing citrus breeding program in NARO, Japan.

Evaluation of improved varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under environmental condition of Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, India

An experiment was performed for evaluation of improved varieties of rice under environmental conditions occurring at Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh in Research Farm of Arunachal University. Studies were conducted during Kharif season for identifying the promising variety. Thirteen varieties, namely Deepthi; NPT Cul-1; Red Matta Triveni; Jyothi; Uma; Akhaya; Sapmpada; Aathiva; JS-7; Khamti Lahi; Thailand Lahi; MTU and Bora were assessed in replicated randomized block design with 2 replication. The results revealed that the varieties showed significant variations on growth and yield parameters viz; Plant height at the vegetative stage, Number of productive tillers, Number of days for panicle emergence, Crop duration, Number of grains per panicle, Length of panicle, Length of grain, 1000 grain weight, Yield per plot and Length/Breadth ratio of grains. From the above findings, it is observed that, considering the growth and yield parameters, improved rice varieties Uma and JS-7, exotic variety Thailand Lahi, indigenous variety Bora and Khamti Lahi were found to be promising under the Namsai condition of Arunachal Pradesh.

Physicochemical characterization, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of value-added products from indigenous banana varieties of Assam, India

Natural food products have the potential to replace synthetic products for nutrition and other heath beneficial properties. Banana is an important fruit crop with high nutritional value, and is an ideal, low cost food resource in the developing countries. However, high wastage due to less consumption in the local markets and excess production has become a challenge which can be overcome through value addition to the products of banana. In the present study, different value added products were made from two indigenous varieties (Bhim, Jahaji) from India. The different value-added products viz, bread, beer, cookies and flour were analyzed for sensory, nutritional, enzymatic and non-enzymatic properties. Carbohydrate and protein content was recorded high in Bhim bread while highest free fatty acid content was in Bhim flour. DPPH scavenging activity was 72.71±0.578 and 22.86±0.142% for Bhim beer and Jahaji cookies. Bhim bread showed high ascorbic acid percentage scavenging value compared to Jahaji flour. Ascorbate oxidase and Catalase activities were higher (23.04% and 15.95%) in Bhim flour and Jahaji beer. Total acidity was observed to be high in Bhim beer and Jahaji beer at 7 days and, low at 21 days by which time, alcohol content was decreased for both banana types. The present research highlights the development of different nutritionally enriched, value-added products from indigenous North East Indian banana varieties.