Luffa Research Articles

Assessing the Impact of Weather Parameters on the Population Dynamics of Insect Pests in Cucurbit Vegetables under Mid-Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

A study focusing on population dynamics of sucking and leaf-eating some insect pests along with their correlation with weather parameters in cucurbits was conducted at research field, Department of Entomology, Dr. YSPUHF, Solan, H.P., India from June-October, 2019 and 2020. The results revealed that Amrasca biguttula biguttula (I), Trialeurodes vaporariorum (W), Aulacophora foveicollis (L), Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F), Liriomyza trifolii (B), Aulacophora sp., were recorded as the major insect pests. In bitter gourd, maximum population of jassids recorded was (2.33/leaf) in first week of August while, maximum whitefly population in bottle gourd (2.96/leaf) during last week of August and in ridge gourd during last week of July (3.76/leaf). The maximum red pumpkin beetle population on bitter gourd (2.4 beetles/plant) and bottle gourd (2.6 beetles/plant) was observed during last week of August while, hadda beetle attained peak population during first and third week of August in ridge gourd (1.0/plant) and bitter gourd (1.1 adults/plant), respectively. Maximum leaf miner infestation (2.7 mines/leaf) in bottle gourd and ridge gourd was observed during first and third week of August. All pest attained maximum population between 30 to 32 SMW when weather parameters values were Tmax: 27.50 to 28.90; Tmin: 20.60 to 20.80 oC; RH: 79 to 80 %; Rainfall: 25.80 to 30.20 mm. Relative humidity and rainfall played major role with non-significant positive influence on the population build-up of these pests in cucurbit crops along with temperature. The present findings on weather-driven pest dynamics can inform strategies to boost crop yields and reduce farmers' economic losses in similar environments.

Enhanced chitosan and Carboxymethylcellulose scaffolds with natural fiber reinforcement for hernia repair meshes

AbstractChitosan (Chi) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) scaffolds, with and without reinforcement by Luffa cylindrica (Lc) or Asclepias curassavica (Ac), were synthesized to evaluate their potential application as hernia repair meshes. These meshes are crucial as they provide structural support to weakened tissues, reducing the risk of hernia recurrence and promoting faster recovery. They improve patient outcomes by enhancing the durability and effectiveness of hernia repairs. Chi scaffolds exhibited lower porosity compared to CMC scaffolds, with fiber inclusion enhancing porosity. The CMC4‐Ac scaffold demonstrated the highest porosity at 67.2%, which is crucial for supporting cell growth and tissue regeneration. All scaffolds exhibited exceptional hydration levels, which is vital for cell growth. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed open pores in the CMC4 scaffolds, which enhances tissue formation. Tensile strength tests indicated that all scaffolds surpassed the minimum requirements, with CMC4‐Ac standing out for its exceptional properties. CMC scaffolds showed greater degradation, which was mitigated by fiber reinforcement. Chi scaffolds absorbed more Croton draco extract (Cdext) but exhibited lower release rates compared to CMC scaffolds. No hemolytic and non‐cytotoxicity effects were observed. CMC4‐Ac emerged as the most promising scaffold due to its superior properties, making it suitable for hernia repair meshes.

Biomass-Derived Cellulose Acetate Membranes Modified with TiO2/Graphene Oxide for Oil-In-Water Emulsion Treatment.

Considering the environmental impact and health risks caused by oily wastewater in the petrochemical industry, it is crucial to develop more efficient separation techniques than traditional methods, such as membrane separation, for treating stable emulsions enriched with natural surfactants. This study investigated the preparation of dense cellulose acetate membranes from a low-cost biomass precursor (Luffa cylindrica) and their modification with graphene oxide (GO) and TiO2 nanoparticles, aiming to obtain a polymeric nanocomposite with good flux characteristics and selectivity for the treatment of oil/water emulsions. The materials obtained were characterized using techniques such as X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy, along with optical and scanning electron microscopy, among others. The membranes were prepared by the casting technique and modified with the above-mentioned nanostructured materials. Flux analyses with petroleum emulsion revealed that membranes modified with GO and TiO2 nanoparticles showed significant improvements in antifouling resistance compared to unmodified membranes. These enhanced properties highlight the potential of modified cellulose acetate membranes for application in industrial wastewater treatment.

Molecular assessment of hybridity in F1 (Luffa acutangula × Luffa cylindrica) through SSR marker

Molecular assessment of hybridity in F1 (Luffa acutangula × Luffa cylindrica) through SSR marker

Sustainable application of modified Luffa cylindrica biomass for removal of trimethoprim in water by adsorption with process optimization.

The present study describes a set of methodological procedures (seldom applied together), including (i) development of an alternative adsorbent derived from abundant low-cost plant biomass; (ii) use of simple low-cost biomass modification techniques based on physical processing and chemical activation; (iii) design of experiments (DoE) applied to optimize the removal of a pharmaceutical contaminant from water; (iv) at environmentally relevant concentrations, (v) that due to initial low concentrations required determination by ultra-performance liquid phase chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). A central composite rotational design (CCRD) was employed to investigate the performance of vegetable sponge biomass (Luffa cylindrica), physically processed (crushing and sieving) and chemically activated with phosphoric acid, in the adsorption of the antibiotic trimethoprim (TMP) from water. The optimized model identified pH as the most significant variable, with maximum drug removal (91.1 ± 5.7%) achieved at pH 7.5, a temperature of 22.5°C, and an adsorbent/adsorbate ratio of 18.6mgµg-1. The adsorption mechanisms and surface properties of the adsorbent were examined through characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), point of zero charge (pHpzc) measurement, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), specific surface area, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The best kinetic fit was obtained by the Avrami fractional-order model. The hypothesis of a hybrid behavior of the adsorbent was suggested by the equilibrium results presented by the Langmuir and Freundlich models and reinforced by the Redlich-Peterson model, which achieved the best fit (R2 = 0.982). The thermodynamic study indicated an exothermic, spontaneous, and favorable process. The maximum adsorption capacity of the material was 2.32 × 102µgg-1 at an equilibrium time of 120min. Finally, a sustainable and promising adsorbent for the polishing of aqueous matrices contaminated by contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) at environmentally relevant concentrations is available for future investigations.

Per se performance of parents with their derived F1s through L×T design of sponge gourd [Luffa cylindrica (Roem.)] under Varanasi conditions

Per se performance of parents with their derived F1s through L×T design of sponge gourd [Luffa cylindrica (Roem.)] under Varanasi conditions

Characterization and ecotoxicity of microparticles from polyurethane foam and Luffa cylindrica in Daphnia magna and Artemia salina

Characterization and ecotoxicity of microparticles from polyurethane foam and Luffa cylindrica in Daphnia magna and Artemia salina

Biological control of cucumber (Cucumus sativus L.) and ridge gourd [Luffa detangula L. (Roxb.)] damping-off by fungal and bacterial antagonist

Biological control of cucumber (Cucumus sativus L.) and ridge gourd [Luffa detangula L. (Roxb.)] damping-off by fungal and bacterial antagonist

Flexible loofah sponge-based phase change composite for thermal protection and wearable thermal management

To address the escalating demand for sophisticated thermal management in electronics, energy batteries, and wearable devices, extensive research has been dedicated to developing shape-stabilized and highly thermally conductive phase change composites (PCCs). However, their inherent rigidity and limited flexibility pose significant challenges for practical applications. In response, we have engineered a novel and flexible PCC by integrating loofah sponge (LS) and styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS) as co-supporting framework with paraffin wax (PW) as heat storage medium, further enhanced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The process began with the vacuum adsorption of PW into an ammonia-softened LS, which forming a fibrous network. This was followed by the introduction of a mixed melt of SIS and PW, physically cross-linked and dispersed with CNTs, into the LS fibrous network. The composite was then cooled and shaped to produce the (final) PCC. The resultant PCC exhibited remarkable ductility with an elongation of approximately 780 % and a maximum tensile strength of ∼2 MPa. Furthermore, it maintained thermal reliability and dimensional stability over long-term usage, with a melting heat enthalpy as high as 146.4 J/g. This flexible PCC, which combines high latent thermal energy storage, temperature regulation, and thermally induced assembly properties, shows considerable promise for thermal protection and portable thermal management in electronic devices.

Characteristics of cut and pickled luffas using local Okinawan varieties of Luffa cylindrica M. Roem.: Towards registration as Foods with Functional Claims for containing free amino acid

Characteristics of cut and pickled luffas using local Okinawan varieties of Luffa cylindrica M. Roem.: Towards registration as Foods with Functional Claims for containing free amino acid

General and Specific Combining Ability for Fruit Yield Using Diallel Population of Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangula (Roxb.) L.)

An experiment was conducted using 7 x 7 diallel population of ridge gourd to study the general and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA) of parents and their hybrids for 17 yield traits in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on 17 characters were subjected to analysis of GCA and SCA variances and their effects. The GCA and SCA variance were found highly significant for all the characters except days to first female flowering. Low magnitude of σ²g/σ²s ratio was observed for all the traits other than days to first male flowering, days to first female flowering, fruit length (cm), fruit width (mm), individual fruit weight (g). On the other hand, σ²g/σ²s ratio was more than 1.0 for days to first male flowering, days to first female flowering, fruit length (cm), fruit width (mm) and individual fruit weight (g). The general combining effects (GCA) of the parents revealed that none of the parent was found to be good general combiner for all the characters. However, in the present investigation, parent P3 was observed to be one of the best general combiner as it has shown significant GCA effects in desirable direction for number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant. It also observed significant GCA effects for parameters related to earliness viz., days to first male flowering, node number of first female flower and days to first harvest. Similarly, parent P5 was also good general combiners for fruit length, fruit width and individual weight of fruit, parent P6 and P7 were also good general combiners for fruit length, individual weight of fruit except fruit width. The parent P2 and P4 were also good general combiners for number of fruits per plant. The estimate of SCA effects revealed that none of the crosses was consistently superior for all the characters. The highest yielding hybrid (P3 x P4) had registered the highest SCA effect for fruit yield per plant. Similarly, the cross combinations P6 x P7, P3 x P6, P3 x P7, P1 x P5, P2 x P6, P4 x P5 were observed as good specific combinations for fruit yield per plant. The hybrid P2 x P6 was good specific combiner for days to first male flowering, hybrid P3 x P4 for sex ratio followed by P4 x P5 and P5 x P7. Hybrid P1 x P4, P6 x P7, P3 x P6 and P2 x P4 were found as good specific combinations for fruit length, P4 x P6 and P3 x P4 for fruit width. The hybrids P3 x P6, P6 x P7, P3 x P4, P2 x P4 and P1 x P5 were observed as good specific combinations for individual fruit weight.

Effect of Gongronema latifilium and Luffa aegyptiaca decoction on the blood glucose, lipids and liver enzymes of alloxan induced diabetic rats

Effect of Gongronema latifilium and Luffa aegyptiaca decoction on the blood glucose, lipids and liver enzymes of alloxan induced diabetic rats

Microbial enhanced manganese-autotrophic denitrification in reactor: performance, microbial diversity, potential functions

Autotrophic denitrification technology has gained increasing attention in recent years owing to its effectiveness, economical, and environmentally friendly nature. However, the sluggish reaction rate has emerged as the primary impediment to its widespread application. Herein, a bio-enhanced autotrophic denitrification reactor with modified loofah sponge (LS) immobilized microorganisms was established to achieve efficient denitrification. Under autotrophic conditions, a nitrate removal efficiency of 59.55 % (0.642 mg/L/h) and a manganese removal efficiency of 86.48 % were achieved after bio-enhance, which increased by 20.92 % and 36.34 %. The bioreactor achieved optimal performance with denitrification and manganese removal efficiencies of 99.84 % (1.09 mg/L/h) and 91.88 %. ETSA and 3D-EEM analysis reveled manganese promoting electron transfer and metabolic activity of microorganisms. High-throughput sequencing results revealed as the increase of Mn(II) concentration, Cupriavidus became one of the dominant strains in the reactor. Prediction of metabolic functions results proved the great potential for Mn(II)-autotrophic denitrification of LS bioreactor.

Phase change energy storage using boron nitride/carbonized loofah sponge

Phase change thermal energy storage is a novel option for industrial waste heat recovery with the characteristics of high safety performance and low-cost. This work explores the potential novel composite phase change materials by encapsulating polyethylene glycol with boron nitride, carbonized loofah sponge fragments and boron nitride-carbonized loofah sponge fragments mixture using melt impregnation method. The results reveal that there is no chemical reaction between polyethylene glycol and the additives of boron nitride and carbonized loofah sponge fragments. The maximum thermal conductivity of the polyethylene glycol-based composites is 1.09 times of the pure polyethylene glycol. The thermal energy storage efficiency of polyethylene glycol/carbonized loofah sponge fragments composites with 2.5 wt% additives can be up to 80.13 %. The maximum temperature variation rates in the heating and cooling processes are attributed to polyethylene glycol/carbonized loofah sponge fragments, which are 0.096 °C/s and 0.057 °C /s correspondingly. Based on the numerical simulation considering utilization of waste heat from flue gases, the total melting time of composites with boron nitride, carbonized loofah sponge fragments, and boron nitride-carbonized loofah sponge fragments are 82.61 %, 85.25 % and 81.86 % of pure polyethylene glycol. These results imply the multiple usage of additives could not have superimposed effect on decrease of latent heat, and carbonized loofah sponge fragments is a cheap alternative to boron nitride.

Pharmacological and Phytochemical Activity of Luffa cylindrica - A Review

Pharmacological and Phytochemical Activity of Luffa cylindrica - A Review

Ultra-high solar steam generation based on regulated water management strategy in 3D biomass hydrogels inspired by the “binding effect” of cell walls

Facing the global challenge of water scarcity, solar-driven seawater desalination has been emerged as a green, non-polluting and sustainable technology, but the practical application of existing solar evaporators was hindered by their low evaporation efficiency and poor mechanical property. Inspired by the binding effect of cell walls, a novel and high-efficiency three-dimensional (3D) evaporator (CDs/CF/CS-LF) was constructed, in which loofah (LF) served as a natural 3D skeleton to support the hydrogel evaporator, resisted deformation, and created an efficient dual water supply mode with the chitosan (CS) hydrogel ensuring that the evaporator maintains high evaporation rate even under high salt environment. Additionally, the cellulose nanofibers (CF) filler enhanced the mechanical property of the hydrogel, ensuring shape stability under pressure impact, and carbon dots (CDs) facilitated the aggregation and cross-linking of chitosan chains through hydrogen bonds, further improving the mechanical property of the evaporator, while also enhancing the photothermal conversion capability of the 3D-CDs/CF/CS-LF evaporator as a photothermal material. The experimental results indicated that the 3D-CDs/CF/CS-LF evaporator could achieve an ultra-high solar vapor production rate of 8.08 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sunlight intensity in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Outdoor seawater desalination experiments demonstrated the utility of 3D-CDs/CF/CS-LF evaporator for practical applications. This work provided a new approach for the improvement of CS-based evaporators and demonstrated their potential application in seawater desalination and purification.

Evaluation of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica) Hybrids in Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

An experiment was conducted to study the Evaluation of Sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) Hybrids in Prayagraj agro-climatic condition. at Sam Higginbottom. University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during summer 2023. From the present investigation it is concluded that the H10 Performed best in terms of growth (vine length (170.67 cm). The H9 is best performed in terms of Number of Primary branches (15.25) and The H10 is best performed in terms of maximum Number of node/plant (34.42).The treatment H4 is best performed in terms of Days to emergence of 1st male flower (42.83 days) and H11 is best performed in terms of days to emergence of 1st female flower/plant (46.8 days).The treatment H7 is best performed in terms of first appearance of male flower (2.17). The treatment H7 is best performed in terms of first appearance of female flower (2.17).The H3 and H5 is best performed in terms of Days to 50% female flower/plant (45.67).the treatment H12 performed best in term of days to 1st fruit setting/plant (48.00 Days) and the T12 best performed in terms of Number of days to first Fruit picking (51.58 Days). ). The H1 is best performed in terms of maximum number of Number of fruit/plant (28.48 Fruit),Fruit yield /plant (kg) (2.70 Kg), Fruit yield /ha (Q) (270 Q) and average weight of fruit (95.00g).The H4,H5 and H6 performed best in term of Fruit length (30.00cm). The treatment H11 is best performed in terms of fruit diameter (22.00mm). Whereas, the H1 recorded highest benefit cost ratio (2.79).

An investigation into the sensory properties of luffa (Luffa cylindrica (L.)) seeds and a comparison to other seeds (flax, sunflower, chia, and hemp)

Consumers are interested in new sustainable ingredients but are unwilling to accept undesirable sensory properties in their food products. Luffa (Luffa cylindrica) is mainly harvested and processed for its fibrous network, which is used as an exfoliator, while its seeds are usually discarded. However, the seeds have been found to have various nutritional benefits. As such, this study investigated the sensory properties of luffa seed powder added to yogurt and compared it to other seed powder (flax, sunflower, chia, and hemp). Consumers (n = 107) evaluated their liking of the different seeds added to yogurt using hedonic scales and the sensory properties using check-all-that-apply (CATA). The luffa seeds when mixed with yogurt were associated with off-colour, off-flavour, metallic, strong flavour, bitter, salty, earthy and decreased consumer liking. The flax and sunflower seeds were found to be sweet, nutty, cooked, mild flavour, and to have a smooth texture. The overall liking scores for the flax and sunflower seed samples were significantly higher than the luffa and hemp samples. Future studies should investigate different drying and roasting treatments to improve the sensory properties of the luffa seeds.

Fabrication of Nanocellulose/Chitosan Nanocomposite Based on Loofah Sponge for Efficient Removal of Methylene Blue: Thermodynamic and Kinetic Investigations

AbstractWe established three nano-solid adsorbents: nanocellulose based on plant loofah sponge (NC), chitosan (CS), and nanocellulose/chitosan composite (CSC). These substances were employed as solid adsorbents to eliminate methylene blue (MB) dye from wastewater. Various characterization techniques were employed to investigate all the synthesized solid adsorbents, including TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), XRD (X-ray diffraction spectra), (BET) nitrogen gas adsorption-desorption, SEM (scanning electron microscope), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectrometer, and zeta potential. According to our results, CSC showed greater thermal stability than LS and NC but lower than CS, mesoporous (2.012 nm), higher total pore volume (0.366 cm3. g− 1), specific surface area (639.3 m2. g− 1), and pHpzc of 7.22. The static adsorption of MB was well described by the Langmuir (R2 > 0.9872), Temkin (R2 > 0.9668), and Dubinin-Radushkevich (R2 > 0.9485) models. The composite of nanocellulose and chitosan exhibited the highest Langmuir adsorption capacity (301.20 mg. g− 1) at 47 °C after a 24 h shaking period at a dosage of 2 g. L− 1 as the adsorbent and pH of 7. The adsorption of MB by the fabricated solid materials fitted well with the linear PSO (R2 > 0.9806) and Elovich (R2 > 0.9574) kinetic model. The enthalpy, entropy, and free energy change for the adsorption of MB onto CSC were determined to be 47.11 kJ. mol− 1, 0.172 kJ. mol− 1. K− 1, and − 3.29 kJ. mol− 1, respectively at 20 °C. Thermodynamic investigation showed that MB adsorption is spontaneous, endothermic, favorable (0 < RL<1, 0.017–0.313), and physisorption (EDR < 8 kJ. mol− 1). Compared to the other eluents, nitric acid produced the highest desorption percentage (98.5%).

Effect of Bioagents on Fruit Quality and Soil Analysis in Ridge Gourd

The present investigation entitled effect of bioagents on fruit quality and soil analysis in ridge gourd was carried out during Kharif, 2021 and Summer, 2022 at P.G block, College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, SKLTSHU, Hyderabad. The experiment was carried out with 11 treatments in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results reported that the T1 (RDF + Trichoderma viride recorded highest in fruit quality, soil parameters and benefit-cost ratio in ridge gourd.