Red Varieties Research Articles

Peach Palm Fruit (Bactris gasipaes) Peel: A Source of Provitamin A Carotenoids to Develop Emulsion-Based Delivery Systems.

The peach palm fruit (Bactris gasipaes) peel is a byproduct after fruit consumption. The peel flour of two varieties (yellow and red) was separately obtained by hot air drying and was subsequently milled. The proximate analysis showed that the red variety exhibited higher protein, fat, and fiber contents than the yellow one. A higher carotenoid (836.5 ± 24.5 μg/g), phenolic compounds (83.17 ± 1.76 mg GAE/100 g), and provitamin A activity (33.10 ± 0.83 μg retinol/g) were found in the cooked red variety. The carotenoid and phenolic compositions were analyzed by HPLC-PDA-MS, finding β-carotene and γ-carotene to be major compounds. The effect of thermal treatment increased the amount of these provitamin A carotenoids and lycopene, which were detected only in the red variety. Among phenolic compounds, procyanidin dimer (isomer I), feruloyl quinic acid, and several apigenin C-hexosides were identified as major constituents of peach palm epicarp. A carotenoid-rich emulsion-based delivery system was obtained after the optimization (RSM model) of carotenoid extraction with ultraturrax and sunflower oil and further development of an ultrasound-assisted emulsion. The best conditions for a stable emulsion were 73.75% water, 25% carotenoid-rich oil extract, 1.25% emulsifiers, and 480 W of ultrasonic power for 5 min. The optimized emulsion had a total carotenoid content of 67.61 μg/g, Provitamin A activity of 3.23 ± 0.56 μg RAE/g, droplet size of 502.23 nm, polydispersity index of 0.170, and zeta potential of -32.26 mV. This emulsion was chemically and physically stable for 35 days at 30 ± 2 °C, showing potential as a food additive with biofunctional properties. The strategy here developed is an economical and environmentally friendly process that allows the reuse of the byproduct of B. gasipaes.

Biochemical analysis of three red grapevine varieties during three phenological periods grown under Mediterranean climate conditions.

In Mediterranean regions, severe summers are becoming more common, leading to restrictions to vine productivity and yield quality, requiring sustainable practices to support this sector. We assessed the behaviour of three red grapevine varieties from the Douro Region to examine their tolerance to summer climate stress from the perspective that the less common varieties may have potential for increased use in a climate change scenario. Leaf and fruit biochemical profile, antioxidant activity and fruit colorimetric parameters were assessed at different phenological stages in Aragonez (AR), Tinto Cão (TC) and Touriga Nacional (TN) grape varieties. All three varieties exhibit significant variability in phenological timing, influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Photosynthetic pigment strategies differed among varieties. Chlorophyll content in AR was high to cope with high radiation, while TN displaying a balanced approach, and TC had lower pigment levels, with higher levels of phenolics, antioxidants, and soluble sugars, particularly during stress. The variations in berry biochemical profile highlight the distinct characteristics of the varieties. TC and TN show potential for coping with climate change, having elevated total acidity, while AR has larger and heavier berries with distinct coloration. These findings reinforce the need to study the behaviour of different varieties in each Terroir, to understand their diverse strategies to deal with summer climate stress. This will help in selecting the most suitable variety for these conditions under vineyard management in the Douro Region.

Comparative Analysis of Nutritional Properties, Phytochemical Profile, and Antioxidant Activities between Red and Green Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) Fruits.

The present study explored the nutritional composition, phytochemicals analysis, and antioxidant capacity of two indigenous varieties of red and green water chestnut (WCN) fruit grown in Pakistan. Accordingly, this study was designed to investigate the proximate composition (moisture, ash, fiber, proteins, fat, and energy), physicochemical properties (pH, °Brix, and glycemic index), minerals, and vitamins. The methanolic extracts of WCN fruits were explored for phytochemicals (total phenolic and flavonoid content), and antioxidant potential was examined in vitro by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Quantitative determination of mineral (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc) and vitamin (vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin A, and β-Carotene) composition was also assessed. Based on the findings, the proximate compositions of WCN green and red varieties varied greatly as WCN green contained significantly higher protein (1.72%), fat (0.65%), dietary fiber (2.21%), moisture (70.23%), ash (1.16%), and energy content (112.8 Kcal) than WCN red. In WCN green, the macro-micromineral concentrations were significantly higher than WCN red. Among the minerals analyzed, potassium was the most abundant mineral found in both varieties. Levels of vitamin C, B6, A, and β-Carotene were significantly higher in WCN green. In this study, methanolic extract showed higher extraction efficiency than acetone, ethanol, and distilled water. WCN green had a significantly higher quantum of total phenolic (91.13 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid (36.6 mg QE/g) and presented significantly higher antioxidant activity than the WCN red. This study showed that, among both varieties, WCN green extract has therapeutic potential against free radical mediated health conditions and suggested the potential use of this fruit as a source of natural antioxidants in nutraceuticals.

Pigmented corn as a gluten-free source of polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in CaCo-2 cells

A high number of varieties from corn (Zea mays L.) have been consumed for long time all over the world, however pigmented varieties are recently gaining renewed attention due to their beneficial effects and polyphenolic content.The natural lack of gluten makes corn suitable for consumption by celiac population, who need to control their inflammatory state through an appropriate gluten-free diet. The biological effects of polyphenols from pigmented corn are poorly investigated in the context of celiac disease. In this work, we analyzed through HPLC-DAD the phenolic composition of two Italian purple and red varieties (“Scagliolo Rosso” and “Rostrato di Rovetta”, respectively) comparing their effects in human intestinal epithelial cells (CaCo-2 cells). The possible impact of gastro-intestinal digestion following oral consumption was assessed as well.The phenolic profile showed the presence of phenolic acids in both varieties, while anthocyanins were identified in Scagliolo Rosso only. After simulated digestion, the level of polyphenols did not significantly change and paralleled with an increased scavenging activity. In CaCo-2 cells, stimulated by a proinflammatory cocktail containing gliadin-derived peptides (IL-1β, IFN-γ, digested gliadin), pigmented corn extracts inhibited the release of CXCL-10 and sICAM-1, with mechanisms partially ascribed to NF-κB impairment. At the same concentration (200 μg/mL), ROS production and catalase depletion were reverted through Nrf-2-independent mechanisms.Our data suggest that polyphenols from pigmented corns might help in controlling the inflammatory and oxidative state of people with celiac disease at intestinal level, at concentrations potentially achievable through a gluten-free diet.

Stability of color and biologically active compounds of pasteurized juices from potatoes with colored flesh.

Juices from potato varieties with colored flesh contain a large amount of biologically active compounds, but they tend to darken enzymatically, which deteriorates the quality. One of the factors that can improve the color of juices is pasteurization. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of pasteurization temperature on the anthocyanin content and color of juices from potatoes with colored flesh. The research material included juices from potato varieties with red and purple flesh. Juices pasteurized at 75 °C were characterized by the lightest color and an increase in the a* (red color) and b* (yellow color) parameters compared to unpasteurized juices. Pasteurization of juices reduced the amount of glycoalkaloids by an average of 54% compared to unpasteurized juices (larger losses in the content of α-chaconine than α-solanine). Purple potato juices showed a higher content of total polyphenols by an average of 30% and anthocyanins by 70% than juices from red potatoes. Pelargonidin and its derivatives were identified in red potato juices, while petunidin and peonidin were the most abundant in purple potato juices. Higher losses of total polyphenols were found in juices from red varieties of potatoes, while anthocyanins were less thermostable in juices from varieties with purple flesh.

Chemical and Sensory Properties of Mentik Grompol and Sembada Merah Cooked Rice’s : The Effect of Storage Method

Abstract Currently there are several varieties of colored rice such as red rice and black rice which are rich in nutrients. Indonesian people, in particular, are starting to consume rice as a healthy food by choosing to consume red rice or black rice. For storage, Indonesians are accustomed to preparing a lot of rice and then placing it in a rice basket or a magic com warmer. Therefore, this study was conducted with aims to evaluating the effect of the storage methods and times of white and red cooked rice on total sugar content, starch content, amylose content, and sensory properties. The paddy of Mentik Grompol (MG) cultivar is dehulled, then milled to produce white milled rice, while the paddy of Sembada Merah (SM), a red paddy variety is only dehulled to produce brown rice. Both types of rice are cooked using magic com to get white and red cooked rice. The cooked rice was stored in magic com and plastic basket, then observed at 0, 9, 18, and 27 hours respectively. According to the findings, red cooked rice had lower moisture content, total sugar, starch, and amylose content than white cooked rice. The total sugar level, starch content, and amylose content of white and red cooked rice were all considerably impacted by storage duration. The lowest total sugar content is red cooked rice which is stored for 27 hours either in magic com. Red cooked rice, which was kept in magic com for 27 hours, had the lowest starch and amylose concentration. Compared to Sembada Merah cooked rice, Mentik Grompol white cooked rice is preferred by panelists based on sensory evaluation in terms of color, texture, aroma, taste, and overall parameters. To prevent an increase in the prevalence of diabetes, rice should not be consumed immediately but stored first in a magic com or plastic basket because the total sugar and starch levels in rice have decreased.

Understanding the efficiency of Shodhana, a classical drug detoxification technique that may increase safety in using three varieties of Abrus precatorius L. seeds-a toxic Schedule E1 drug used in various herbal formulations

BackgroundAbrus precatorius L. is a noxious vein native to south east asia and popularly called as Gunja in Ayurveda. The seeds of this plant are considered as a potent raw drug used in various herbal formulations such as Gunjadi tailam, Gunjagarbha rasa etc. and used to treat various ailments such as dermal disorders, cysts, snake poisoning and may other conditions. Before utilizing for the herbal formulations, the seeds are classically processed due to the presence of well reported toxic protalbumin named Abrin with the human fatal dose of 0.1–1 µg/kg. MethodsIn this work three varieties of Abrus precatorius L. seeds (Red, White and Black) were collected from the southern part of India and subjected for the detoxification process in order to analyze the efficiency of technique on different varieties of seeds. For processing the seeds, the classically fermented supernatant of rice gruel named kanjika was prepared and the pH was analyzed. Before and after processing, the seeds were analyzed for phytoconstituents with histochemistry technique and the hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared and qualitatively estimated for phytochemicals. The detoxification efficiency was analysed using HPTLC method by qualitative and quantitative estimation of Abrin levels by comparing with standard marker. Following that, cytotoxicity study was conducted against Vero (Healthy kidney) cell lines to ensure reduced toxicity in in-vitro conditions. ResultsThe process of Shodhana has changed the phytochemical levels in the processed seeds in comparison with unprocessed seeds in all three varieties. In connection to that, the extracts prepared with processed seeds have expressed lesser cytotoxicity and can be used as a drug with lesser side effects in whatever indications applicable. ConclusionIt is concluded that Shodhana with kanjika is efficient in processing all three varieties of Abrus precatorius seeds and is more effective in processing white seeds than the red and black varieties.

Volatile Characterization of Recovery Minority Grape Varieties from Castilla-La Mancha Region (Spain).

Nowadays, the identification and characterization of grapevine cultivars resilient to climate and water stress while preserving quality traits is crucial for the wine industry. Therefore, the objective of this work was to characterize according to their aromatic potential nine white and six red minority cultivars recently recovered from Castilla-La Mancha region (Spain), subjected to two different water-deficit regimes: rainfed, with subsistence irrigation, and irrigated. For this, the varietal aromatic potential index (IPAv) and the detailed aromatic composition were analyzed via HS-SBSE-GC/MS in extracts of two different pHs. For IPAv values, red varieties did not show a clear trend with respect to irrigation. However, in white minority varieties, higher values were obtained under irrigation conditions. Thus, a clear differentiation of the minority varieties in comparison to the references was observed, primarily attributed to the content of esters and acids, in both white and red varieties. A notable contrast was observed at different pHs, indicating a greater extractability of certain compounds like linalool, under more acidic conditions. This suggests that some recovered minority cultivars could be promising for cultivation in semi-arid regions with limited water, contributing to the sustainability of the wine sector in the future.

Assessing the Awareness of Different Management Practices Among Apple Growers in Ziarat

Apple is the third largest fruit crop in the country, following citrus and mango, covering a significant area in Baluchistan and playing a crucial role in local income generation and the national economy. This study aimed to assess the awareness levels of respondents regarding management practices. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, with tehsil Ziarat purposively selected. Four randomly chosen union councils and 12 villages within these councils were included, totaling 120 apple growers interviewed for data collection. The results revealed limited awareness among respondents about mechanical land preparation and the hexagon or triangular planting systems for apple cultivation. Red delicious variety dominated due to market demand, with lesser-known varieties like Mashadi and Amri being less cultivated. Awareness about irrigation methods such as furrow and drip irrigation, and fertigation practices, was also low. Similarly, knowledge about equipment like backpacks and compressed air sprayers was lacking, with manual picking being the most common method. There is a critical need to enhance the knowledge of apple growers through organized extension activities. Additionally, government subsidies on inputs are necessary to equip farmers with the latest agricultural technologies.

Relations Between Amylose Content and Physicochemical Properties of Starches from White and Red Sorghum Varieties

AbstractThis research aims to determine the relationship between amylose content and physicochemical properties in white and red sorghum starches. Five varieties of red sorghum and four varieties of white sorghum were evaluated. The chemical properties, the amylose content, the resistant starch content, scanning electron microscopy, the absorption and solubility index in water, the viscosity profile, the thermal properties, and the correlation between the amylose content were determined. Sorghum starches had an amylose content between 24.51% and 34.34%, but did not show any relationship with color. Regarding the microstructure, the starches that appear larger granules (20–30 µm) have lower amylose content. Sorghum red varieties shown higher values in gelatinization enthalpy, pasting temperature and water absortion index, this effect was attributed to the formation of complexes with phenolic compounds. Starches with a higher proportion of amylose shown lower viscosity profiles and a high thermal stability. Correlation matrix analysis reveals that amylose content had a negative correlation with water absorption index, water solubility index, maximum viscosity, minimum viscosity, and positive correlation with the resistant starch content. The amylose content can define the potential application of the sorghum starches.

Production of Flathead Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in a Coupled Aquaponic System under Suboptimal Water Temperatures

The combined production of three varieties of lettuce (romaine, iceberg, and red leaf) with flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) was tested in triplicate in three independent coupled aquaponic units with no thermal control. For this purpose, a total of 114 fish (2.5 kg/m3) were stocked in each fish tank (2 m3), and 92 lettuces were planted in the hydroponic unit (6 m2). As no thermal control was included in the design of the aquaponic system, water temperatures declined from maximum values of 20.4 °C to minimum values of 5.0 °C, which directly affected fish growth. However, the conditions imposed by the aquaponic system were suitable for promoting lettuce’s growth and external appearance, as no pests or leaf discoloration were noticed. Lettuce survival was similar among the three tested varieties (98.5 ± 1.7%). The yields for the romaine and iceberg varieties were 384 ± 100 g/lettuce and 316 ± 70 g/lettuce, respectively, and that for the red leaf variety was lower, at 176 ± 75 g/lettuce. Yield values ranged between 3.6 and 4.4 kg/m2 depending on the replicate considered (4.0 ± 0.4 kg/m2). According to present results, each aquaponic unit required ca. 2.6–2.7 L of water per unit of lettuce produced.

Identification of pigmentation genes in skin, muscle and tail of a Thai-flag variety of Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens

Pigmentation genes expressed in skin, body muscle and tail of Thai-flag compared with Blue, White and Red varieties of Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens were identified. In total, 22,919 new unigenes were found. Pearson correlation and PCA analysis revealed that expression profiles of genes in muscle, skin and tail across solid color variety were similar. In contrast, those in skin and red tail part of Thai-flag were closely related but they showed different expression profiles with the white tail part. Moreover, 21,347–64,965 SNPs were identified in exonic regions of identified genes. In total, 28,899 genes were differentially expressed between paired comparisons of libraries where 13,907 genes (48.12 %) were upregulated and 14,992 genes (51.88 %) were downregulated. DEGs between paired libraries were 106–5775 genes relative to the compared libraries (56–2982 and 50–2782 for upregulated and downregulated DEGs). Interestingly, 432 pigmentation genes of B. splendens were found. Of these, 297 DEGs showed differential expression between varieties. Many DEGs in melanogenesis (Bsmcr1r, Bsmcr5r, and Bsslc2a15b), tyrosine metabolism (Bstyr, Bstyrp1b and Bsdct), stripe repressor (BsAsip1 and BsAsip2b), pteridine (Bsgch2) and carotenoid (BsBco2) biosynthesis were downregulated in the Thai-flag compared with solid color varieties. Expression of Bsbco1l, Bsfrem2b, Bskcnj13, Bszic2a and Bspah in skin, muscle and tail of Thai-flag, Blue, Red and White varieties was analyzed by qRT-PCR and revealed differential expression between fish varieties and showed anatomical tissue-preferred expression patterns in the same fish variety. The information could be applied to assist genetic-based development of new B. splendens varieties in the future.

Studies on Nutrient Use Efficiency in Short Duration Red Gram (Cajanus cajan (l.) Millsp.) Varieties under Site-Specific Nutrient Management Techniques

Aim: To evaluate the nutrient use efficiency of short duration red gram varieties under site-specific nutrient management. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in the rabi season of 2023 at an experimental farm in Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore. Experimental field was silty clay loam in texture with medium in available N (295 kg/ha), high in available P2O5 (kg /ha) and high in available K2O (285 kg/ha). Study Design: Split plot design. Methodology: The treatments consisted of three varieties in main plot namely V1- APK 1, V2- VBN 3, V3- VBN 1 and eight treatment in sub plots T1- (+NPK), T2 - N (-PK), T3 - P (-NK), T4 - K (-NP), T5 - PK (-N), T6 - NK (-P), T7 - NP (-K), and T8 - Control (-NPK). Result: Applying fertilizer as per recommended dose of nutrients without nutrient omission, resulted in increased nutrient use efficiency, agronomic efficiency, partial factor productivity and partial nutrient budget.

Assessments of red rot tolerant sugarcane variety Swarnamukhi in Chittoor District

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kalikiri has conducted the On-Farm trials during late Rabi/summer during the years 2020 and 2021 in order to assess the performance of improved variety Swarnamukhi. Swarnamukhi was taken as test variety and compared with local variety Kanakadurga. Results revealed that total cane height, milleable cane height, no. of internodes, no. of milleable internodes, internode length, cane weight were higher in Swarnamukhi variety which were the major yield attributing characters. On an average, mean yield of 115.7 t/ha were recorded in Swarnamukhi with 5.7% yield increase over Kankadurga (109.5 t/ha). Swarnamukhi was recorded 8.0% higher jaggery yield (12.2 t/ha) compared to local variety (11.3 t/ha).Net returns of 149959 and 129375 Rs.ha-1 were recorded in Swarnamukhi and local variety, respectively. B: C ratio was significantly higher in Swarnamukhi (1.67) compared to local variety with 1.58.

Determining biochemical qualitative indicators of grapes during long-term storage

This paper reports a study aimed at determining the biochemical quality indicators of grapes during long-term storage. The object of research was nine table varieties of ripened grapes. These include white varieties – Tabrizi, Karaburnu, White Shasla, Agadai; pink varieties – Nimrang, Marandi Shamakhi, Taifi pink; red varieties – Kyzyl raisins and Hamburg Muscat. The grapes were stored in refrigerators for 5–6 months, at a temperature of 0–1 °C and air humidity of 87–95 %. The grapes were studied before planting and 30–40 days before the end of storage. Long-term refrigerated storage of grapes using weekly fumigation with sulfur dioxide is accompanied by a decrease in the activity of oxyreductases and a gradual increase in the activity of pectinesterase. This causes changes in the quantity and proportions of nutrients and other chemical components that determine the nutritional and biological value of the final product. It was revealed that during the sale of ripened grapes stored using weekly fumigation with sulfur dioxide, the activity of the studied oxyreductases is slightly restored in pink varieties – Nimrang, Taifi pink, and in white varieties – in Karaburnu and Tabrizi. In the Marandi Shamakhi variety, the activity of enzymes does not change, therefore, for a long time in these grape varieties, especially in the Marandi Shamakhi variety, darkening and softening of the berries are not observed during their sale. Among the studied table grape varieties, Tabrizi, Karaburnu, Nimrang, and Marandi Shamakhi, with long-term refrigerated storage using weekly fumigation with sulfur dioxide, have the longest shelf life; under a controlled gas environment, the results reported here could prove useful in practice

Antioxidant and antimicrobial extracts from grape stalks obtained with subcritical water. Potential use in active food packaging development

In order to valorise winemaking grape stalks, subcritical water extraction at 160 and 180 °C has been carried out to obtain phenolic-rich extracts useful for developing active food packaging materials. Red (R) and white (W) varieties (from Requena, Spain) were used, and thus, four kinds of extracts were obtained. These were characterised as to their composition, thermal stability and antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The extracts were incorporated at 6 wt% into polylactic acid (PLA) films and their effect on the optical and barrier properties of the films and their protective effect against sunflower oil oxidation was analysed. Carbohydrates were the major compounds (25–38%) in the extracts that contained 3.5–6.6% of phenolic compounds, the R extracts being the richest, with higher radical scavenging capacity. Every extract exhibited antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua, while PLA films with extracts preserved sunflower oil against oxidation.

Growth and yield response of Tanjung II and Unpad CB2 red chili varieties grown in the medium land

Red chili is an important commodity that is daily needed by the community. Non-central chili areas often experience deficits due to the high consumption volume and low productivity of chili peppers. To increase the productivity of chili in non-central areas, expand it in the medium land. This study aims to determine the productivity of two introduced chili varieties in the medium land whose adaptation areas came from lowland and highland areas. This study was analyzed using an independent sample T-test at a significant level of 5%. The results of the data analysis showed that the Tanjung II variety significantly influenced the parameters of stem diameter and weight of the fruit. Meanwhile, the Unpad CB2 variety significantly influences the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, number of fruits, and fruit set. However, both varieties have no noticeable effect on the weight parameters of the cropping fruit and potential yield in hectares. The Tanjung II variety experienced a decrease in yield by 54.58%, while the Unpad CB2 variety was 53.56%.

Assessment of mycobiota in Thai pigmented rice: Insights into ochratoxin A and citrinin production by Aspergillus and Penicillium species

Pigmented rice has gained interest for its nutritional and health benefits attributed to its bioactive compounds. Despite these advantages, the vulnerability of pigmented rice to mycotoxin contamination poses a major concern. This study examined the mycobiota of seven Thai pigmented rice varieties, with a focus on fungi capable of producing ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin. The study analyzed 110 pigmented rice samples and found that the Aspergillus section Aspergillus was predominant (50–82.35%), followed by Penicillium species (12.50–70.59%). One isolate of A. carbonarius from Aspergillus section Nigri (1/112) and two isolates from Aspergillus section Circumdati (2/61)—A. steynii and A. flocculosus—produced OTA. However, none of the Penicillium species produced OTA, though citrinin production was notable in P. citrinum (128/280). The study found that the Black Jasmine rice and Red Jasmine rice varieties were more susceptible to mycotoxin production, while the Luem Pua glutinous rice and Hom Nil rice varieties displayed more resistance to the accumulation of both mycotoxins. These findings should guide targeted strategies to mitigate mycotoxin risks and ensure the safety of pigmented rice in the food chain.

Assessment of Biometric Characteristics and Yield of Two Onion Cultivars in Soils of Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India

In order to identify suitable onion varieties for Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh, an On Farm Testing (OFT) was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra operated mandals of Ananthapur district. Two high yielding onion varieties were tested with five locations during each year in comparison to that of farmers variety of being grown by the farmers of the area. Different treatments included onion varieties of NHRDF Red 4 (TO1), NHRDF Red 3 (TO2) and Bellary local variety as farmers practice. The results revealed that highest plant height (58.25 cm), maximum number of leaves (8.35), lesser duration (123 days), maximum weight of bulb (77.76 g) and bulb yield (26.45 t/ha) was reported from NHRDF Red 4 than NHRDF Red-3 and farmers local variety (Bellary local). Similarly, NHRDF Red 4 variety recorded higher gross returns (Rs. 2,49,066/ha), net returns (Rs. 1,11,407/ha) and B:C ratio of 1.81 as compared to other two varieties. From the study, it is concluded that onion variety NHRDF Red-4 had better performance in the trial and can be recommended for cultivation in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh.

Exploring Leaf Anthocyanin Concentrations and Light Effects on Lettuce Growth

Anthocyanins are secondary metabolites classified as water-soluble, non-photosynthetic pigments with the potential ability to shield chloroplasts from excess light energy. This study investigated the morphological and physiological responses of six lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivars with different leaf anthocyanin contents grown in a greenhouse under different supplemental photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD). Cultivars ‘Cherokee’, ‘Teodore’, ‘Rex’, and ‘Rouxai’ decreased in specific leaf area with increasing PPFD, respectively. We observed that growth in cultivars with higher leaf anthocyanin content (‘Cherokee’ and ‘Rouxai’) increased with increasing PPFD. Light use efficiency (LUE) is an important physiological parameter affecting biomass accumulation, and cultivars ‘Cherokee’, ‘Rex’, ‘Teodore’, and ‘Rouxai’ had the highest LUE and shoot weight. We found that red lettuce varieties, especially ‘Cherokee’ and ‘Rouxai’, showed increased shoot dry weight as light intensity increased. Interestingly, these varieties also had the highest anthocyanin levels in their leaves. This suggests that higher anthocyanin content might contribute to the increased shoot dry weight under higher light intensity, although this was mainly evident in ‘Cherokee’.