Mustard Oil Research Articles

The effect of nitrogen management on seed yield and quality in traditional and canola-quality white mustard

The article presents the results of a three-year field study that was conducted in Poland to evaluate the yield and quality of seeds and oil from traditional (SAM) and canola-quality white mustard (SAC) in response to different N fertilizer rates (0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha–1). Seed yields were 25% higher in SAM than SAC. The seeds of SAC contained more crude fat (by 3%) and crude fiber (by 6%) than the seeds of SAM. In turn, the seeds of SAM were a richer source of total protein (by 7%). The content of glucosinolates (GSLs) was 8–10 times lower in the seeds of SAC than SAM. The seeds of both mustard cultivars were most abundant in γ-tocopherol (γ-T) (90–94%). The seeds of SAC were characterized by a higher content of γ-T and a lower α-T/γ-T ratio than SAM seeds. White mustard oil contained mostly MUFAs (69–75%). However, C22:1 accounted for more than 50% of MUFAs in the oil SAM. In the oil SAC, the proportion of C22:1 did not exceed 6%, whereas C18:1 accounted for nearly 85% of total MUFAs. Nitrogen fertilization induced a significant increase in seed yields (by 33%), a decrease in crude fat content (by 3–4%), and an increase in total protein content (by 4%), and crude fiber content (by 7%). Nitrogen decreased GSL levels by 31% in SAM seeds. In SAC, N fertilization induced differences in the qualitative composition of GSLs, but did not affect the total GSL content of seeds. Higher N rates increased the content of α-T and γ-T, the α-T/γ-T ratio, and total T content. Nitrogen fertilization decreased the content of C18:3 in the seeds of the SAM. In SAC, the application of N decreased the content of C18, C18:1, and C18:3, and increased the biosynthesis of C18:2, C20:1, and C22:1.

Environmental triggers of pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid: a case control study.

Previous case-control studies have suggested that environmental factors including exposure to pesticides and organic materials, diet and medications have an important role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris. These studies lacked geographical population controls and had less than three controls per case. To identify environmental and occupational risk factors associated with the development of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and bullous pemphigoid (BP). Cases were patients with PV (n = 25) and BP (n = 29) recruited from 2009 to 2017. Controls for PV (n = 72) and BP (n = 84) were recruited from the general population via electoral commission matching, matched for age, sex, residential location, and ethnicity. Data about demographics, environmental exposures and occupational exposures, was collected using a structured questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression analysis was undertaken using SPSS software to identify significant variables. Significant factors associated with PV included the daily consumption of leeks (odds ratio (OR) 3.6; p = 0.025), mustard oil (OR = 4.4; p = 0.049), tomatoes (OR = 4.735; p = 0.032), multivitamins (OR 3.6; p = 0.009), alcohol (0.039), and calcium supplements (OR = 44, p < 0.001). Other associated factors included the number of lifetime sunburns (p = 0.019), high levels of mental stress (p < 0.001), and the use of lime household cleaning products (p < 0.001), Significant factors associated with BP included the daily consumption of green or herbal tea (OR = 3.7; p = 0.004), fish oil (OR = 5.7; p < 0.001), calcium supplements (OR = 6.1; p < 0.001), multivitamins (OR = 2.6; p = 0.043), and glucosamine (OR = 3.0; p = 0.046). The use of lime household cleaning products (p < 0.001) and high levels of mental stress (p = 0.007) were also associated with BP. Dietary factors containing thiol groups such as leeks, tomatoes, and mustard oil may be potential triggers for PV. High levels of mental stress, the use of supplementary medications such as calcium and multivitamins, and chemical cleaning products containing lime may be associated with an increased risk of developing both PV and BP. Lifestyle changes should be part of routine management for these patients.

Isolation, Identification and Evaluation of the Effective Phyto-Compounds for The Management of Groundnut Beetles Infesting Stored Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.)

The effectiveness of various botanicals was tested against the Major Pest of shelled groundnuts, the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenbebrionidae), under artificial infestation, in Laboratory conditions for one year. Essential Oils isolated by Clevengers Apparatus , @1%v/w of Pongamia glabra (Karanja Oil), Azadirachta indica (Neem Oil), Brassica campestris (Mustard Oil) , Crown oil (Resin of Shorea robusta) , Dalbergia sisso (Sisso Oil), Oryza sativa (Rice bran oil), Helianthus annus (Sunflower Oil) , Ricinus communis (Castor Oil), Aegle marmelos (Bael Oil), Sesamum indicum (Til Oil), etc were tested for their bioefficacy against the Major Pest, of shelled groundnuts, red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, (Herbst) Tenebrionidae, Coleoptera, under artificial infestation, in Laboratory conditions for one year. Out of all these plant products only, Crown oil (Resin of Shorea robusta) gave 100 % pod/Kernel protection for one year. The LD 50 values were found out to be - 0.5% v/w. Spectroscopic GC MS analysis of, Crown oil (Resin of Shorea robusta) are identified as 2-Ethyl-oxetane (RT 2.223), as the major product It may be due to the strong aromatic nature of these phyto-product. Hence these phyto-product may be used as fumigants or insect repellants against Tribolium castaneum and can be included in the package of practices to save stored groundnut in storage.

Thermally stimulated bio-acrylate based detachable adhesives with sustainable bonding-debonding design

The electronics and automotive industries utilize acrylic adhesives extensively. Their exceptional mechanical strength, accompanied by their permanent nature, renders recycling impracticable. Present work has successfully synthesized acrylate biopolymer based detachable adhesive, which is both eco-friendly and sustainable. Glycerol, from mustard oil, was oxidatively-dehydrated to synthesize acrylic acid, which along with dimethyl glyoxime was chain polymerized to obtain an eco-friendly acrylic based hot melt detachable adhesive (AAHMDA). Mechanical strength of prepared adhesive was tested through thermo-mechanical bonding-debonding cycles on glass, wood, and metal. In three tests of 0.2 g adhesive against specific applied stress on all surfaces, metal (1494.49 N/m2) and wood (1851.17 N/m2) remained intact for 2 h and 30 min. Maximum cleavage stress (applied weight) on glass, wood, and metal slides, using 0.2 g adhesive, was found to be 26503.61 N/m2 (1200 g), 19824.71 N/m2 (950 g), and 26328.24 N/m2 (1300 g), respectively, when repeatedly tested for 15 cycles. Gel contents and water absorption capacity of sample were found at 99.79 % and 38.78 %, respectively. Prepared AAHMDA possesses the capability to create a robust mechanical bond that is readily detachable when heated, which makes it a cost effective adhesive. Owing to its strong bonding and simple detachment procedure, AAHMDA appears to have a promising future in materials research, sustainability initiatives, and changing industry demands.

Crassocephalum crepidioides as a sustainable protein supplement in Chocolatemahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) diets: Implications for growth,health, and economic viability in sustainable aquaculture

This study investigated the potential of Crassocephalum crepidioides, an abundant weed as a protein supplement in chocolate mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) diets. The plant replaced a combination of fish meal and mustard oil cake at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% in experimental diets. A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to assess growth performance, survival, biomass yield, digestive enzyme activity, blood parameters, and economic viability. Results indicated that C. crepidioides can effectively replace up to 61.3% of the combined fish meal and mustard oil cake protein without negatively impacting fish health or growth, while reducing feed costs. Fish fed diets with 25% replacement showed improved weight gain (15.5±0.7 g) and biomass yield (6.05±0.25 kg/m³) compared to the control (14.6±0.8 g and 5.75±0.28 kg/m³, respectively). Survival rates were high across all treatments (94.0- 97.3%). Digestive enzyme activities and blood parameters remained within normal ranges for inclusion levels up to 75%. Economic analysis revealed potential cost savings of up to 15.5% when incorporating C. crepidioides into mahseer diets. This finding presents an opportunity to develop low-cost fish feed for resource-poor farmers in Meghalaya, effectively converting a local weed into a valuable aquaculture input, with broader implications for sustainable aquaculture practices globally.

Terahertz photonic crystal fiber-based edible oil sensor: Performance evaluation and identification

This model introduced an innovative hollow-core optical waveguide with an octagonal core, specifically designed for rapid detection of various food oil contaminations is founded on the principles of Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF). By analyzing the refractive index (RI) variations between pure and contaminated oil, we evaluate other essential optical parameters. The characteristics inherent to the suggested food oil sensor are examined using COMSOL Multiphysics v6.1, employing the Finite Element Method (FEM). Highly precise mesh components are included to provide optimal simulation accuracy. The outcomes from the suggested sensor model demonstrate exceptionally strong relative sensitivity of 98.52 % for castor oil, 98.46 % for sunflower oil, 98.41 % for mustard oil, 98.32 % for olive oil, and 98.03 % for coconut oil, all measured at 2 THz. Additionally, the simulation shows a very low confinement loss of 2.37 × 10−12 cm-1, a numerical aperture of 0.242, effective area of 1.1459 × 10–7 m², and effective material loss of 0.0038 cm-1 for castor oil under optimal structural circumstances. The straightforward design of the PCF in the sensor indicates that it can be implemented with ease, given these standard performance indicators. Therefore, it is anticipated that this sensor will open improved avenues for detection and identification of several distinct food oil contaminations. It can be produced using standard fabrication processes.

An investigation into the performance and perikinetics of Brassica nigra meal in the treatment of real vegetable oil refinery condensate effluent.

In this study, the treatment of vegetable oil refinery plant condensate effluent (VORCE) having high total suspended solids (TSS) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) generated from acid oil unit was focused. The utilization of waste Brassica nigra meal (BNM) as protein flocculant in treating VORCE was explored. The B. nigra meal flocculant (BNMF) exhibited a crystalline nature, with the presence of amino and carboxyl functional groups, rendering it highly efficient (89.69% efficiency) in floc formation. Zeta potential and particle size (-5.6mV and 240.68 nm, respectively) indicate BNMF's effectiveness in initiating floc formation. The interactive effects of pH, dosage, settling time on COD, and TSS removal were investigated using the Box-Behnken design. At an optimal pH of 6.9 and BNMF dosage of 0.77 g/L, a maximum removal of 85.38% COD and 72.56% TSS was obtained. The perikinetic theory for the coagulation-flocculation followed a second-order rate reaction with high Kc (0.0001 L/mg min), low settling time (37.04 min), and high collision efficiency (2.703 × 1017), indicating the model's significance in achieving maximum COD and TSS removal. These findings highlight the potential use of BNMF in the treatment of VORCE, leading to circular economy by valorizing waste from mustard oil extraction and zero discharge. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Valorization of waste Brassica nigra meal (BNM) as a potent protein flocculant Optimization for vegetable oil refinery condensate effluent (VORCE) treatment was done. Interactive effects of the process parameters were analyzed using Design expert. Perikinetic theory for VORCE treatment follows second-order reaction rate with high Kc.

Farmers’ Perception and Financial Profitability of Mustard Production in Bangladesh

The study was undertaken to assess farmers’ perception and explore the factors affecting farmers’ decision to adopt mustard production along with estimate financial profitability and identify potentials and problems of mustard production. Based on stratified random sampling, 120 farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect primary data from different villages of Ullahpara upazila under Sirajganj district of Bangladesh. A combination of descriptive statistics, mathematical and statistical technique was used to analyze the data and to achieve the objectives. The study depicts that the highest number of the respondents (35%) belong to the 31-45 age group. Seventy two percent respondents were small farmers having land less than 1.0 hectare and they allocated 34% of their farm area for mustard production. Financial profitability analysis shows that mustard production was profitable on both variable cost and total cost basis and its benefit cost ratio (BCR) was more than one. In case of farmers perception, it was revealed that short duration crop, consumers’ preferences, product price, extension services and sharing of work among household members were the main driving factors for mustard production. Applying dichotomous logistic regression model, four factors namely, farmers’ age, number of family members, experience and farm size were found as significant determinants of adoption of mustard production. Large domestic market, limited use of high-yielding varieties, growing demand for mustard oil and attack of pests and diseases were found as important strength, weakness, opportunities and threats of mustard production, respectively. Finally, the study recommends that there are ample opportunities to enhance mustard production by ensuring access to quality seeds, adopting new technologies, securing fair prices, providing input subsidies, and improving institutional credit facilities with favorable terms and conditions. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 38(1): 65-80, 2024

Effect of Azolla meal-based diet on growth performance, haematological profile and proximate composition of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry

Optimising the cost of nutrients in fish diets is crucial for aquaculture production, as feed accounts for 50% of operational expenses in intensive aquaculture. The rising demand for mustard oil cake (MOC), a commonly used feed ingredient in Indian aquaculture, has led to a significant increase in its price due to its diverse applications. Azolla (Azolla pinnata), a free-floating freshwater plant, has attracted researchers in fish feed formulation due to its rich nutrient profile. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacement of MOC with Azolla meal in the diet of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry. Pelleted feed was formulated with Azolla meal replacing MOC at levels of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% and fed to fish. Growth performance, feed conversion ratio (FCR), haematological parameters and proximate composition in fish carcass were assessed after 90 days of experimental feeding. Simultaneously, a control feed without supplementing of Azolla meal was also prepared. Fish were fed daily with the experimental diets at 8, 6 and 4% of their body weight during the first, second and third months respectively, in the morning hours (10:00 hrs). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to assess the effect of formulated diets on fish carcasses composition and haematological parameters. The results showed that replacing 30% of MOC with Azolla meal in the diet, led to significantly (p≤0.05) higher specific growth rate (SGR) and percentage weight gain and significantly (p≤0.05) lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) at this concentration. Fish survival rate ranged from 80.00 to 93.33% among different treatments. Further, significant (p≤0.05) differences were observed in both haematological parameters of fish and the proximate composition of fish carcass. among the different treatments. These findings suggest that MOC can be effectively replaced with 30% Azolla meal in the diet for rearing common carp fry to fingerling stage, without compromising the growth performance. Keywords: Aquaculture, Feed conversion ratio, Health status, Mustard oil cake, Principal component analysis, Specific growth rate, Survival

Nutmeg vs mace: Evaluation of functional, nutritional, antioxidant and antimicrobial traits to employ as a food preservative

Nutmeg and mace from Myristica fragrans Houtt. are renowned for their culinary significance and medicinal properties. This study was designed to analyze the functional properties, proximate and mineral composition of nutmeg and mace, phytochemical estimation, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of nutmeg and mace essential oils and oleoresins. The study was further elaborated by testing their synergistic interaction with streptomycin and antibiofilm potential of the most effective treatment. Results revealed better functional properties, higher fiber (35.2%) and mineral (K, Mg, P, Ca, Mn, Zn) content in nutmeg than mace. Nutmeg and mace essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation and their respective oleoresins were prepared by the Soxhlet extraction method. Phytochemical screening showed a greater phenolic content in mace oleoresin (43.85 mg GAE/g of dw) and terpenoid content in mace essential oil (75.4%). Among all the treatments, mace oleoresin revealed best antioxidant potential against mustard oil degradation during its accelerated oxidation at 70 °C when stored for 7–28 days with minimum increase in peroxide, anisidine, thiobarbituric acid and total oxidation values of mustard oil. Mace oleoresin also revealed the maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli and Yersinia enterocolitica (MIC values; 180–530 μg/ml). It also revealed synergistic interaction with streptomycin against all the test bacteria along with a notable decrease in biofilm formation (50% of MIC.) GC-MS studies of mace oleoresin showed the presence of terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, phenols and fatty acids and their esters. Hence, mace oleoresins may be used as a natural and safe food preservative.

RF sensor-based Adulterant Discriminant Estimation in Mustard oil

RF sensor-based Adulterant Discriminant Estimation in Mustard oil

Comprehensive electrochemical and machine learning-based study of rancidity in four edible oils over various storage periods

This study investigates the rancidity development in four edible oils (corn, mustard, soybean, and sunflower) over a 12-month storage period using a novel approach combining electrochemical techniques and machine learning. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and differential pulse voltammetry were employed to characterize oil oxidation. Electrochemical parameters showed strong correlations with traditional chemical indicators, such as the DPV peak current at +0.2 V with p-anisidine value (r = 0.94, p < 0.001). A Random Forest model, trained on electrochemical data, accurately predicted Total Oxidation (TOTOX) values, achieving an R² of 0.96 and RMSE of 2.18 for the test set. The model effectively captured oxidation trends across oil types, with the highest accuracy for mustard oil (MAE: 1.21) and lower performance for sunflower oil (MAE: 2.15). Feature importance analysis revealed charge transfer resistance and DPV peak currents as the most influential predictors. This approach offers rapid, non-destructive assessment of oil quality, potentially improving quality control in the food industry. However, challenges such as electrode fouling and complex sample preparation need to be addressed for practical implementation.

Field evaluation of plant oil formulations as potential control measures against the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley)

The cotton crop is heavily infested by various insect pests, including Phenacoccus solenopsis. Antagonistic plants offer an alternative source of insect biocontrol agents because they contain various bioactive materials, many of which are selective or have no adverse effects on non-target organisms or the environment, unlike synthetic insecticides. Therefore, three locally available plant oils were tested to evaluate their efficacy in reducing P. solenopsis in cotton fields. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant difference (DF = 3, 23; F = 194.42; P = 0.0000) for the reduction of the P. solenopsis population. After the first spray, the highest overall mean reduction of P. solenopsis (61.26±10.69%) was recorded in the cotton plot sprayed with neem oil, followed by castor oil (50.11±10.94%) and mustard oil (38.30±8.39%). After the second spray, the highest overall mean reduction of P. solenopsis (70.01±9.26%) was again observed with neem oil, followed by castor oil (50.51±8.90%) and mustard oil (40.06±8.74%). Furthermore, results concluded that neem oil achieved the highest reduction of P. solenopsis population (84.45%) on the third day, with an overall reduction of 65.64±9.94%. The second-highest reduction (68.96%) with an overall reduction of 50.31±9.9% was recorded in the plot sprayed with castor oil, followed by mustard oil, which reduced the population by 54.05% with an overall reduction of 39.18±8.55%. The results also indicate that the efficacy of neem oil remained effective until the third day after spraying, while on the seventh day, the P. solenopsis population began to increase gradually.

Detecting adulteration in mustard oil using low-frequency dielectric spectroscopy

Detecting adulteration in mustard oil using low-frequency dielectric spectroscopy

Последствия распространения коронавируса COVID-19 и новых штаммов для развития агропромышленного комплекса и потребительского рынка

The COVID-19 pandemic has become an example of the implementation of global biological threats, which are positioned as challenges to the economy, including the agricultural sector. The subject of the study was changes in food production and in the consumer market for agricultural products amid the consequences of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and potentially dangerous new strains. Since the volume and structure of agricultural exports can serve as indicators of overcoming the challenge to the agro-industrial complex from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including in conjunction with the influence of the sanctions policies of Western countries, the object of the study was changes in the main indicators of exports of the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation at the federal and regional levels for first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Changes in the main indicators of exports of agricultural products were studied both at the federal and regional levels, using the example of agricultural enterprises in the Voronezh region, for the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. As a background for studying the subject field of indicators for overcoming the challenge to the agro-industrial sector from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the field of food production and in the consumer market for agricultural products were identified and studied. An overview of the main exporting companies in the Voronezh region is presented for the following types of products: grains (wheat, corn, barley); meat and dairy products (pork and pork by-products, beef, butter); products of the oil and fat industry (sunflower oil, cakes, mustard oil). The priority trend for the Russian Federation is the development of deep processing of crop products, in particular grain crops. The basis is the trend of growing consumer demand for food products of plant origin, including those that imitate traditional meat and dairy products. A trend has been noted for the production and consumption of organic products, the implementation of which will contribute to the growth of the competitiveness of domestic agricultural products in the domestic and foreign markets. An important factor in increasing the competitiveness of domestic food in the global and domestic markets is the expansion of production of organic crop and livestock products based on a single unified database of agricultural land that meets the legally established requirements for this category of products.

Otomycosis, Review

The word "otomycosis" refers to a specific type of fungal infection affecting the external auditory canal. It appears to be a highly prevalent clinical condition seen in otorhinolaryngology outpatient departments worldwide. Most Aspergillus and Candida species are the etiological microorganisms that form biofilm inside the ear canal. The development of otomycosis can be caused by improper self-cleaning, self-medication, and the insertion of needless instruments into the ear canal. Ear pain, discharge from the ears, and hearing loss are the main signs of otomycosis. Therefore, in order to take a percussive action during the primary stage of infection, the correct diagnosis is imperative. However, special medical attention is required, particularly in patients with low immunity, when infection spreads to a mastoid area with a suppurative condition. The purpose of this thorough review is to raise awareness of the importance of good health education and self-hygiene in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The majority of cases of otomycosis affect one ear, and immunocompromised patients are more likely to experience bilateral involvement. The most often mentioned risk factors include swimming, applying mustard oil to ears, overusing antibiotic ear drops, using Q-tips, wooden sticks, metal pickers, and self-cleaning of ears with these items. Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequently implicated bacterium in cases of concurrent otomycosis. In order to lower the incidence of otomycosis, this literature review emphasizes the necessity of education in order to eliminate the previously mentioned predisposing risk factors.

Anti-aging effect of mustard and flax seed oils based nanoemulsion gel on aged rat skin through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

Skin aging is a common issue that is linked to changes in skin physiology, hydration, and barrier function. Dietary fatty acids (FA), particularly poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), can influence skin characteristics. It is reported that a deficiency of fatty acids in the skin is associated with skin aging. Therefore, the goal of the current study is to evaluate the antiaging effect of flaxseed oil or mustard oil-based nanoemulsion gel rich in fatty acids such as omega 3 on D-galactose-induced skin aging. N-hexane was used to extract the oils of black mustard and flax seed from their seeds, and the oils' fatty acid composition was then determined. A full factorial design was created to assess the impact of three variables: oil type, oil concentration, and S:Cos ratio, on various responses: globule size, zeta potential, and emulsification time of the self-nanoemulsifying system. Additionally, the polydispersity index, transmittance percentage, refractive index, cloud point, and viscosity were also estimated. TEM of the optimized formulations revealed a spherical form of oil globules with nanosize. The values for the zeta potential ranged from -12 to -34.2 mV. The optimized formulations were incorporated into a hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose solution to form a nanoemulsion gel. Skin aging was induced using the D-galactose model, and the impact of topical skin application of the optimized formulation gels on different biomarkers such as amino acids, B5, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory mediators and histopathological examination was evaluated. The results showed a considerable improvement in the evaluated parameters of the treated groups when compared to the untreated D-galactose group. The findings suggest that the nanoemulsifying system utilizing high doses of fixed plant oils could serve as a promising vehicle for enhancing skin rejuvenation. Flaxseed oil formulation showed greater potential compared to mustard oil formulation as skin antiaging.

Growth and Yield Performance of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) Swayed by Mulching and Organic Fertilizers

The utilization of organic fertilizers is currently on the rise to sustain higher food quality while minimizing environmental pollution. Mulching with organic materials maintains soil physical conditions, crucial for realizing a crop’s genetic yield potential even when all other requirements are met. Hence, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of mustard oil cake (MOC), poultry manure (PM) and vermicompost (V) alone and in combination with mulching (Mu) on growth and yield parameters of Tomato. Significant increases were (p ≤ 0.05) observed in plant height, leaf number, leaf area, stem girth, root length and root girth of tomato plants compared to the control (T1), where no fertilizers were applied. At 90 days after transplantation (DAT), the T9 (V8Mu0) treatment resulted in the highest plant height (142 cm) and the longest root length (25 cm) while the maximum quantity of fresh weight (154.63 g plant-1) for tomato plant was obtained from the treatment T6, which received vermicompost at 4 t ha-1 with mulching. Application of poultry manure at the rate of 8 t ha-1 without mulching (T8) resulted in a significant higher number (14 fruits plant-1) of green tomatoes. Fresh weight of green tomatoes were varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among the treatments with the maximum fresh weight obtained from the T₉ (128.97 g plant-1) and the minimum from T₁ (12.73 g plant-1) treatments. Nitrogen, P, K, Ca, Mg and S of green tomatoes varied significantly among the treatments. The utmost P, K, S, Ca and Mg contents (0.72, 6.26, 0.23, 0.54 and 0.31 g kg-1, respectively) of green tomatoes were recorded in the treatment T₆ (V₄Mu). Hence, the utilization of organic fertilizers, either alone or in conjunction with mulching, markedly enhanced the growth and yield of the tested vegetable, offering viable strategies for enhancing the yield potential. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(2): 53-65, 2024 (July)

Physicochemical characterization and determination of trace metals in different edible fats and oils in Bangladesh: Nexus to human health

The study assessed the quality of four different edible fats and oils using standard analytical techniques. The presence of potentially toxic elements was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. This study reveals that edible oils function admirably in terms of physical traits such as moisture content, boiling point, melting point, density, and specific gravity. Some edible fats and oils exceeded the standard limit of moisture, acid value, and peroxide value and these values were found in the range of 0.120–0.760 %, 0.220–2.45 mg KOH/g, and 1.23–21.7 meq/kg respectively. The iodine value for fats showed satisfactory results but for oils observed lower than the standard value varied from 68.2 to 104 g/100 g. The results of saponification value for most of the oils and fats were found satisfactory but others were lower than recommended limits and detected results were in the range of 167–224 mg KOH/g. Trace metals viz. Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Co were measured in all samples and the concentration ranged from 0.070 to 47.0, 0.120–2.44, 0.540–27.1, 0.030–1.87, 0.010–4.63 and 0.060–8.39 ppm for iron, manganese, nickel, lead, copper, and cobalt respectively. The study found high levels of Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, and Co in edible fats and oils in Bangladesh. No Cd was found, and Pb was not present in over half of the samples, which included the majority of mustard oils. The levels of Fe and Ni were higher than advised, but there was no discernible toxicological danger from Cd or Pb. The results of the health risk assessment indicated that there was no risk to children's health and possible hazards to adults' health.

Microbial Biopreparations and Their Impact on Organic Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) Yields and Fungal Infestation

Growing consumer awareness of the importance of food quality on their health is the main driving force for increasing the market for sustainable agricultural products. This makes sustainable, environmentally friendly production methods into non-chemical plant protection products against pathogens, including microbial biopreparations, increasingly important among farmers. Strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) are often negatively affected by fungal pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of five combinations of newly developed microbial biopreparations (from K2 to K6) on fungal pathogens and the yield of three strawberry cultivars. The research was conducted on a certified organic strawberry plantation in Poland in 2020–2021. In the first year of the study, no statistically significant positive impact of tested treatments on strawberry yields have been found. At the same time, yields of ‘Honeoye’ treated with K4 combination showed a tendency (with no statistical significance) to have higher yields than the control object by about 33%. In the second year of the study, yields of ‘Honeoye’ and ‘Rumba’ treated with K4 combination (containing Bacillus sp. Sp116AC*, Bacillus sp. Sp115AD, Bacillus sp. AF75BC and Bacillus subtilis AF75AB2, humic acids, yeast culture effluent, micronized dolomite, and mustard and rapeseed oil) significantly increased by 79% and 49%, respectively. Fruit infestation by fungal pathogens was reduced under some microbial treatments; however, the effect varied between years, cultivars, and tested biopreparations. The K2 combination showed a tendency (with no statistical significance) to limit B. cinerea infestation rate by 23% in 2020 and 21% in 2021, C. acutatum by 16% in 2021, and P. cactorum infestation rate by 30% in 2021. Tested microbial biopreparations showed a positive impact on the yield of strawberries and (to some extent) on disease infestation, with an impact on pathogen infestation strongly dependent on the year, variety, and biopreparation tested.