Region Of Uttarakhand Research Articles

Plants used in female reproductive healthcare by the Gujjar tribe of the sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India

BackgroundAbout half of India's female population suffers from gynaecological disorders due to lliteracy, poverty, a lack of healthcare resources, and social stigma. Medicinal plants play a vital role in the basic healthcare services of tribal communities in India due to their ease of availability and cost, and their use is also a vital part of the cultural heritage. The study aimed to identify and document the medicinal plants used in female reproductive healthcare by the Gujjar tribe in the sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India. MethodsOne hundred twelve informants between 21 and 80 years of age were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire and open-ended interviews. The documented data was quantitatively analysed by applying frequency of citation (RFC), informant consensus factor (ICF), family importance value (FIV) and the Jaccard’s index (JI). ResultsThe present study documented 90 plant species from 47 families with Leguminosae as the most cited family. The study identified Asparagus racemosus as the most important species based on RFC value. Menstrual disorder and leucorrhoea were among the primary disease categories based on ICF values. Roots were the most commonly used plant parts (22%) and decoction was the major mode of preparation (52%). ConclusionsAsparagus racemosus was one of the most frequently mentioned plant species in the present study. The findings of this investigation are important for documenting and prioritising plant species such as A. racemosus, Abrus precatorius, Bombax ceiba, Moringa oleifera, Curculigo orchioides, Cocculus hirsutus, and Centella asiatica for additional investig,ations.

Flower yield potential of Pyrethrum (<em>Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium</em> L.) under various NPK Levels in the Lower Hills of Uttarakhand, India

Purpose: A favorable environment is available for the cultivation of Pyrethrum in the hilly regions of India, as well as in some mountainous areas of India. In view of the demand for Pyrethrin, it is very necessary to promote the huge cultivation of Pyrethrum. There is no misconception that research work has not been done to promote Pyrethrum, but the data related to the assessment of the right amount of nutrients required for the crop is not available in research related to agrotechnology. If the crop is to be taken as a ratoon crop, then it is very important to estimate the amount of nutrients for single recommendation of crop cultivation. Research Method: A research experiment was conducted in the year 2021 at the CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research, Centre Purara, Bageshwar (Uttarakhand) to study the flower yield potential of Pyrethrum under various NPK levels in the lower hills of Uttarakhand. The experiment was carried out in Complete Randomized Block Design. The six different levels of NPK (kg ha-1) were taken as treatments, i.e., control, 60:60:20, 80:70:30, 100:80:40, 120:90:50, and 150:100:60. Various plant growth and yield parameters considered in the study include plant height (cm), plant diameter (cm), number of flower heads, fresh flower weight plant-1 (g), dry flower weight plant-1(g), fresh flower yield (kg ha-1), dry flower yield (kg ha-1), Pyrethrin concentration (%) and yield (kg ha-1). Findings: Based on the research findings, it seems that the NPK level of 120:90:50 is the best combination to obtain the highest dry flower yield (310.49 kg ha-1) in the lower hills of Uttarakhand. However, the fresh flower weight obtained was the highest under the NPK level of 100:80:40 i.e., 840.47 kg ha-1, but it’s dry flower yield estimated was 301.93 kg ha-1 which was the second highest yield after 310.49 kg ha-1. This could be due to the difference in moisture levels in fresh flowers at the time of harvesting.Research Limitation: Considering the climate of the hilly regions of Uttarakhand, not much work has been done to assess and standardize the proper amount of nutrients required for Pyrethrum crop cultivation, which needs to be done.Originality/ Value: In the hilly areas of Uttarakhand, farmers are interested in the cultivation of Pyrethrum, but if farmers will adopt this crop cultivation as a ratoon crop, then in such a situation it is absolutely necessary to assess the proper amount of nutrients. This research will prove helpful in promoting the cultivation of Pyrethrum in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand.

A study of correlation between clinical profile of patients with non- alcoholic fatty liver disease and individual components of metabolic syndrome at a tertiary care centre in Uttarakhand region: an observational cross-sectional study

Background: Research indicates that the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in India is reported to range from approximately 9% to 32%. This study aims to examine the clinical characteristics of subjects diagnosed with NAFLD and investigate the association between NAFLD and individual components of metabolic syndrome. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study, conducted over a period of 2 months from May 2017 to June 2017 in patients attending medicine OPD or admitted in IPD in AIIMS Rishikesh. Study population included sonologicaly diagnosed cases of NAFLD of age group 18 to 70 years. Patients with a history of jaundice, positive viral markers for hepatitis C or hepatitis B, pregnant women, individuals who consume alcohol, and patients with a history of hepatotoxic drug consumption were excluded. Results: A total of 40 NAFLD cases, as confirmed ultrasonographically, were included in the study. Out of all the patients diagnosed with NAFLD, 26 (65%) were found to have metabolic syndrome based on the NCEP ATP III criteria. Upon investigating the correlation between NAFLD and individual components of metabolic syndrome, a significant association (p<0.05) was observed with BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as serum triglyceride levels. Conclusions: Uttarakhand being hilly region mainly, it is expected that lifestyle will be healthy due to cultural and environmental factors, but rapid urbanisation has led to change in lifestyle which needs to be addressed in the population of this Himalayan state.

Regional air quality: biomass burning impacts of SO2 emissions on air quality in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India

Regional air quality: biomass burning impacts of SO2 emissions on air quality in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India

An effective and low-cost method for DNA extraction from Rheum species (A medicinal herb) without using liquid nitrogen for RAPD/ISSR Study

Rheum is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Polygonaceae and is found to have anti-microbial, anti-purgative and anti-cancer properties. The objective of the present study is to standardize an effective and low-cost method for the extraction of DNA from the young juvenile leaves of Rheum plant obtained from the Uttarakhand region. The protocol involved the extraction of DNA using a modified CTAB method without the use of any liquid nitrogen. The concentration of NaCl used in extraction buffer was slightly higher (1.4M) to remove polysaccharides and varying ratios of Beta-mercaptoethanol used to remove the secondary metabolites and keep them away from interfering the extraction process. The absorbance ratio of the extracted DNA at A260/280 nm was within the permissible range of 1.7-2.0, indicating the purity of DNA and showing that the DNA is contamination free. Its concentration was approximately 1485 ng/μl and it was found suitable for molecular-based study.

A research on the chemical constituent, characterization and remedial benefits of a native medicinal herb

Medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years by people around the globe. From ancient times to the end of the nineteenth century, herbs have proven to be the major source of remedial therapies and treatments. Evidence has been collected for ages to reveal the good perspective of herbal plants utilized in numerous supportive, traditional, and different systems, with the ever-enlarging scrutiny of the present-day population with regard to legitimate results. is a predominant medicinal herb that is widely utilized for the cure of many ailments. The sample of was selected from the Uttarkashi Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, and then further identification was done by a designated authority from Dehradun, i.e., the Forest Research Institute (FRI), and steam distillation of fresh leaves was performed and oil extract was collected. The yield of essential oil from leaves was observed and a total of fifty constituents were recognized with the help of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The crucial oil also has antifungal and antibacterial properties against some infectious strains. The engrossing characteristics of the oil constitution were the existence of dictamnol in good amounts. In the current research assignment, plant samples were gathered from the hilly regions of Uttarkashi for oil extraction and identification of chemical constituents.

Recent Temporal Trend and Variability of Rainfall in Mid-Himalaya Region of Uttarakhand

Recent Temporal Trend and Variability of Rainfall in Mid-Himalaya Region of Uttarakhand

Transit time estimation of drying springs in Uttarakhand region using environmental tritium concentration

Many parts of the Uttarakhand state, situated in the hilly terrain of the Himalayan region of India are facing acute water crisis due to the drying up of the perennial springs which are the only source of potable water in those regions. Tritium (3H), the radioactive isotope of hydrogen (half-life of 12.32 years) and also a part of water molecule (in the form of HTO) acts as a very useful tracer in estimating the transit time of the hydrological systems. Tritium concentrations of three springs (S-1, S-2 and S-3) were monitored consecutively for three years (2017–2019) to better constrain the transit time estimation. The tritium concentrations of the springs are found to vary between 3.66 and 4.15 TU. All the springs show gradual decrease in tritium concentration with the passage of time indicating the diminishing percentage of freshly recharged modern water component. Among various lumped parameter models, the piston-flow model (PFM), exponential mixing model (EMM), exponential piston-flow model (EPM) and partial exponential mixing model (PEM) have been employed in this study. The historical record of weighted mean concentration of tritium in precipitation available for the Uttarakhand region is taken as input function in the modelling procedure. The application of various LPMs (PFM, EMM, EPM and PEM) indicates that the transit time of the S-1 spring ranges from 1.26 to 1.46 years whereas for S-2 spring, the transit time is found to vary from 5 months to 1.1 years. The MTT of S-3 spring ranges from 5 months to 11 months. The relatively short residence time of these springs indicates the actively recharged system. The estimation of accurate transit time is thus very crucial for understanding the renewability of the spring water systems.

A case study of exceptionally heavy rainfall event over Uttarakhand, India on 18th October, 2021 and its forecasting

The unprecedented rainfall observed over Uttarakhand on 18th October 2021 caused landslides, debris flow and floods over the Kumaun region and adjoining districts of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, which resulted in huge damage to life, agriculture, transport, tourism and other sectors. The synoptic and dynamic study of the current event showed the movement of the Low-Pressure Area over central India resulting in the strong southeasterly winds (Atmospheric River) over Indo-Gangetic planes from the Bay of Bengal from 17th to 19th October. The interaction and blocking of the Atmospheric River by the deep trough of eastward-moving Western Disturbance (WD) caused extreme rainfall over Uttarakhand. However, the X-band Doppler Weather Radar and 123 Automatic Weather/raingauge Stations data suggest that the hourly rainfall rate was of light to moderate intensity (10-20 mm/h) over most of the area and at most of the time. The rainfall rate was extremely intense (50-100 m/hour) for around 1-hour duration in 7 stations of Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat, Nainital and Pauri districts. Unlike the June 2013 extremely heavy rainfall event over Uttarakhand which impacted the whole Uttarakhand state, the present event was concentrated over the Kumaun region and the highest ever 24-hours accumulated rainfall was observed on 18th October, 2021 in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The expected rainfall as well as the impact of the event over Uttarakhand was forecasted 5 days in advance with good accuracy based on the synoptic analysis and NWP model guidance. The predictability of the IMD-GFS (T-1534) NWP model was found to be up to 10 days for this extreme rainfall event.

Effect of supportive supervision on the process of indenting and stock management by senior nursing ward in-charges at a tertiary care hospital in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India

Introduction: The duties of nursing administration include tasks such as placing orders, conducting regular checks on ward supplies, and ensuring regular updation of the stock register. This study assesses the effect of a supportive supervision strategy on the process of indenting and stock management by senior nursing ward in-charges and the barriers faced by them during the discharge of this duty. Methods: A cross-sectional study with mixed-method approach was conducted. Senior nursing officers were administered structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews for the quantitative and qualitative approaches, respectively. Quantitative analysis was done using statistical software and qualitative content analysis was done manually for the audio recorded and transcribed in-depth interviews. Results: The availability, legibility, accuracy, completeness, chronology, continuity, timeliness, safety, etc., of records, saw improvements on successive follow-up visits. On analyzing the in-depth interviews, administrative and management issues such as constantly changing personnel, unsystematic handover process, and problems related to supply chain and disposal came up. Work-related issues, such as lack of training, workload pressure, as well as staff-related and personal issues, were also identified. Conclusion: Transfers of designated senior nursing ward in-charges should be avoided if possible. In case done, the process of proper charge transfer should be followed. Issues such as the lengthy process of indenting and lack of training of nursing staff should be addressed. Incentivizing such work should be encouraged along with increasing autonomy for handling wards by senior nursing officers. Communication with all the stakeholders should be improved.

Study on Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in Spinach Beet under Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand

An investigation was carried out at the Vegetable Research and Demonstration Block, College of Horticulture, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali, Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar Pauri (UK) during September, 2021 to evaluate diverse germplasm of spinach beet under temperate conditions of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with three replications. In this study, fifteen genotypes including one check cultivar Pusa Harit were evaluated for different horticultural traits. Eight genotypes viz., Genotype-4, Arka Anupama, All Green, Palak Haryali, Genotype-1, Genotype-10, Genotype-2 and Genotype-7 performed better yield attributing traits and recorded higher than check cultivar. These genotypes need further testing to be released as a substitute of already existing spinach beet varieties or they can be involved in further breeding program for development of superior varieties in spinach beet. Genetic analysis indicated that phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) in all the attributes studied. The phenotypic coefficients of variance (PCV) and the genotypic coefficients of variance (GCV) were found high in total leaves weight per plot, the least was found in dry matter content. High heritability estimates coupled with high genetic gain were found highest for the character average leaves weight per plant and lowest for dry matter content, indicated that these traits are under additive gene effects and are more reliable for effective selection.

Evaluation of fodder cropping sequences under Tarai region of Uttarakhand

Field experiments were carried out to record the performance of twelve cropping sequences in randomized complete block design with three replications during 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Pantnagar. Different cropping sequences were assessed for fodder and nutrient yields, production and land use efficiency, profitability and soil organic carbon sequestration. Study revealed that hybrid Napier + berseem cropping sequence (CS ) had higher 12 green fodder (185.8%) and dry fodder (306.7%) yields than commonly practiced single cut sorghum + cowpea-oat + berseem-single cut sorghum + cowpea cropping sequence (CS ). This also had significantly higher digestible 1 dry matter (77.3 t ha-1), crude protein (11.4 t ha-1) and mineral (10.0 t ha-1) yields than CS . Production efficiency with 1 this treatment was 1.33 and 0.40 t ha-1 day-1 in terms of green and dry fodder yields, respectively against 0.53 and 0.11 t ha-1 day-1, which was observed in CS . CS was the most profitable cropping sequence showing 285.6, 235.1 1 12 and 222.2% higher net return, B:C ratio and economic efficiency, respectively than commonly followed cropping sequence (CS ). However, CS and CS were at par with respect to soil organic carbon sequestration. So hybrid 1 12 1 Napier + berseem cropping sequence (CS ) could be recommended for Tarai region.

Evaluation of the Possibility of Establishing Certain Organic Cultivation Packages as Nutrient Sources for Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Cultivation at Temperate Region of Uttarakhand, India

An utmost attempt was made to investigate the response of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) to certain types and doses of organic manures at under open condition at temperate regions of Uttarakhand during the year 2019-2020. The study comprised of varying levels of three different organic manure sources namely, FYM, compost and vermicompost, along with a check treatment replicating thrice having plot having dimensions 1 m× 1 m with a spacing of 20 cm × 20 cm. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Forty-five (45) days old chamomile seedlings (attained about 10-15 cm in height) were transplanted during October, 2019 under open field condition. The soils of the experimental site were tested favourable with respect to some of the basic physical and chemical properties. The results revealed that maximum plant height (48.26 cm), number of branches per plant (35.40) and plant spread (33.09 cm) were significantly higher under T4 (FYM @ 25 t/ha) application at 180 days after transplanting. Application of T10 (VC @ 4 t/ha) produced early flowering (119.73 days). At bud initiation stage the highest total fresh (33.12 q/ha) and dry (7.59 q/ha) biomass yield were found in T4 (FYM @ 25 t/ha). At flowering stage maximum value of total fresh (60.02 q/ha) and dry (12.70 q/ha) biomass yield were found in T10 (VC @ 4 t/ha). The results, further revealed that T10 provided the fastest crop growth rate (0.86 g/m2/day). The highest number of flowers per plant (139.73), fresh flower yield (67.35 q/ha), dry flower yield (13.95 q/ha) and maximum cost: benefit (1:3.56) were obtained in plots which received FYM @ 25 t/ha. All the organic input treatments performed better over control and the treatment FYM @ 25 t/ha shall be recommended for profitable organic cultivation of chamomile.

Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Screening in Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at a Tertiary Care Center in Uttarakhand, India: A Re-look at the Laboratory Parameters Mandating High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Workup.

Thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies are the most common inherited hematological disorders. Of these, β thalassemia is the commonest disorder reported in India, followed by certain hemoglobinopathies encountered in different regions of the country. The data pertaining to the incidence of these disorders in the Uttarakhand region of India are sparse. To ascertain the prevalence and spectrum of thalassemia/hemoglobinopathies amongst antenatal women in Uttarakhand. The study also aimed to analyze the ability of red cell indices in differentiating beta thalassemia trait (BTT) from mild iron deficiency anemia (IDA). A total of 460 pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy were screened by cation exchange high-performance liquid chromatography. Retention time and proportions of normal/abnormal hemoglobin peaks were documented in all cases. Hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) values of ≥4% were taken as a cut-off for diagnosing BTT. Blood samples were also collected for complete blood counts, reticulocyte counts, and serum ferritin. The ability of the various discriminatory indices to differentiate between IDA and BTT was also assessed. The prevalence of BTT and hemoglobin D-Punjab trait amongst pregnant women was found to be 2.6% and 0.2%, respectively. RBC count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were found to be moderately strong predictors of BTT, with an area under the curve of 0.860, 0.857, and 0.842, respectively, which were comparable to the discriminatory indices found to be most useful in this study. In view of the 2.6% prevalence of BTT in antenatal women in this region of Uttarakhand, a routine screening will be helpful in detecting carriers early in the antenatal period. Careful interpretation of red cell indices is crucial to the distinction between BTT and IDA. Discriminatory indices are reasonably accurate in differentiating BTT from mild iron deficiency, but for practical purposes, MCV and MCH provide equivalent information to identify cases that require further workup.

Environmental predictors may change at fine scale habitat suitability modelling: implications for conservation of Kashmir musk deer in three protected areas of Uttarakhand, India.

The Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus, hereafter KMD) is one of the top conservation priority species which is facing population decline due to poaching, habitat loss, and climate change. Therefore, the long-term survival and viability of KMD populations in their natural habitat require conservation and management of suitable habitats. Hence, the present study attempted to assess the suitable habitat of KMD in three protected areas (PAs) of the Western Himalayan region of Uttarakhand using the Maxent modelling algorithm. Our results suggest that Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary (KWLS) possesses the maximum highly suitable habitats (22.55%) of KMD, followed by Govind Pashu Vihar National Park & Sanctuary (GPVNP&S; 8.33%) and Gangotri National Park (GNP; 5%). Among the environmental variables, altitude was the major contributing factor governing the distribution of KMD in KWLS. In contrast, human footprint in GPVNP&S and precipitation in GNP were the major contributing factors governing the distribution of KMD in these respective PAs. The response curve indicated that habitats with less disturbance falling in the altitudinal zone of 2000-4000m were the most suitable habitat range for the distribution of KMD in all three PAs. However, in the case of GNP suitable habitat of KMD increases with an increase in the value of variables bio_13 (precipitation of wettest month). Further, based on our results, we believe that the predictors of suitable habitat change are site specific and cannot be generalized in the entire distribution range of the species. Therefore, the present study will be helpful in making proper habitat management actions at fine scale for the conservation of KMD.

Introduction pages, Nova Geodesia 3(2), 2023

Nova Geodesia (https://novageodesia.ro), Issue 2, Volume 3, 2023: The papers published in this issue represent interesting novelties in different topics of geodetic science or related fields. Nova Geodesia publishes significant papers in geodesy and close topics related to cartography, engineering projects and construction, planetology, hydrography, geography, sociodemographic factors, urban planning, environmental administration, landscape, biodiversity, and ecology. Among the exciting articles, we invite readers to find news about: Assessing ethno-veterinary practices in Kashmir Himalayas: Traditional knowledge and its role in animal healthcare; Bryomonitoring of atmospheric elements in Sphagnum sp. commonly growing bryophyte in the Indian Himalayan region of Uttarakhand; GIS-remote sensing-based village-level hydrological balance approach for agricultural water planning.

Bryomonitoring of atmospheric elements in Sphagnum sp. commonly growing bryophyte in the Indian Himalayan region of Uttarakhand

For a range of metals originating from both natural and anthropogenic sources, bryophytes are helpful biological markers of environmental contamination. This research focuses on recent changes in air quality and uses a passive biomonitoring technique to estimate atmospheric metal deposition and its seasonal trend in Sphagnum sp., as well as its substrate, from Nainital, Bhimtal, and Mangoli of Uttarakhand, India. Bryophyte samples from the summer, winter and monsoon seasons were collected from equally spaced locations. Due to the large volume of travel, a high metal concentration was discovered in Nainital. The metal deposition loads were reported in the following order: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. Quantitative analysis of these elements in vegetative/plants and substrate/soil showed an increase in metallic content during summer. The results indicate this moss may serve as an important tool in estimation of both aerial pollution and mineral enrichment in soil. Such research is vital since development is frequently accompanied by unfavourable changes in air quality and negative impacts of air pollution on human health, agricultural production, and natural ecosystems that need to be monitored and mitigated.

Altitudinal Variation and Soil Characterstics Effect on Forest Communities of North Western Himalayan Region of Uttarakhand, India

The present study was conducted at Dandachali forest of Tehri Forest Division, North-Western part of Himalaya. Surveys and sampling of the vegetation were done using standard ecological assessment methods with an aim to study the soil status at community level. During the study six different forest communities’ viz., Pinus roxburghii- Quercus leucotrichophora mixed forest, Pinus roxburghii pure forest, Pinus roxburghii- Rhododendron arboreum mixed forest, Cedrus deodara- Pinus wallichiana mixed forest, Cedrus deodara- Rhododendron arboreum mixed forest and Rhododendron arboreum- Quercus leucotrichophora mixed forest were taken for the above mentioned study. Importance Value Index (IVI) were observed maximum (271.57) in Pinus roxburghii community then Pinus roxburghii- Quercus leucotrichophora mixed forest IVI (166.69). The soil pH recorded highest (pH 6.60) in Cedrus deodara - Pinus wallichiana mixed forest. Cedrus deodara - Rhododendron arboreum mixed forest community reflected maximum (27.44%) soil moisture content. However organic carbon (1.39%), nitrogen (1202.49 kg/ha.) and phosphorus (31.36 kg/ha) was highest in Pinus roxburghii – Quercus leucotrichophora mixed forest. Potassium observed maximum (351.00 kg/ha.) in Cedrus deodara - Rhododendron arboreum mixed forest. Community wise there was change in soil nutrient status whereas, altitude showed no such variations.

Study of the Variability of the Chemical Profile, and Biological Activity Approaches of Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig Essential Oil from Different Habitats of Uttarakhand, India

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the altitudinal variability in chemical compounds, nematicidal, insecticidal, herbicidal, and antifungal activity of the essential oils of H. coronarium collected from four different habitats of Tarai and Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. Essential oils were hydro-distilled from rhizomes of H. coronarium, and their yield varied from 0.05 to 0.25% (v/w). Based on GC-MS analysis, the major compounds observed were 1, 8-cineole (12.21–18.27%), coronarin E (10.20–14%), α-terpineol (5.32–10.13%), terpinen-4-ol (2.20–4.67%), α-pinene (4.90–8.77%), Z-caryophyllene (4.67–12.29%), and linalool (1.96–4.62%). To visually observe the variation in the oil composition profile of essential oils, heat map clustering, Venn diagram, and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed. To evaluate the pesticidal properties, the essential oils were tested under laboratory conditions. Additionally, significant nematicidal activity was demonstrated by essential oils against Meloidogyne incognita, good insecticidal activity against Spodoptera litura, and moderate herbicidal activity on Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus, and effective antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Curvularia lunata was observed in the current investigation.

Phytochemical composition, in vitro bioactivity evaluation and in silico molecular docking study of fruit essential oils of Zanthoxylum armatum DC collected from Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India

The present research aimed to analyze the nematicidal and insecticidal activity of the essential oil obtained from the fruits of Zanthoxylum armatum collected from Gumma village of Dharchula and Chandak village of Pithoragarh. After extraction via hydro distillation, the essential oils were subjected to GC–MS for their compositional analysis. A total of 10 and 13 components were identified for the Dharchula and Pithoragarh collection respectively. Linalool (32.86 %) was the major component in collection from Dharchula whereas it was totally absent in that of collection from Pithoragarh which has trans-sabinene hydrate (11.7 %) as its major component. Essential oils were tested against Meloidogyne incognita for their nematicidal activity and inhibition of egg hatching in laboratory conditions. It was found that the activity of Z. armatum from Dharchula shows high mortality of Meloidogyne incognita and more inhibition to the egg hatching. When tested for insecticidal activity against Lipaphis erysimi, collection from Dharchula presented stronger activity compared to Pithoragarh collection as shown by their LC50 values 0.006 and 0.165 µL/mL respectively after 36 hrs. The in silico PASS study and molecular docking study was conducted to screen the nematicidal and insecticidal potential of the major components on acetylcholinesterase receptors. Results showed good binding affinities and attributed the strongest inhibitory effect to verbenone for the target protein.