Luffa Research Articles

Standardization on Effect of Storage and Packaging Materials on Shelf Life and Quality of Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangula L.)

An experiment was conducted on ‘‘Standardization on effect of storage and packaging materials on shelf life and quality of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L)’’ during Kharif 2021 and Summer 2022 on shelf life and quality of ridge gourd at PG laboratory, College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar. The experiment design is factorial completely randomized design with eight packaging materials as factor-1 and three elite treatments as factor-2 with a total of twenty four (24) treatments replicated thrice. The results revealed that, the Polyethylene 200 gauge with 2% vent and Vermicompost 12 t/ha + Arka microbial consortium recorded lowest physiological loss in weight, titrable acidity and highest shelf life, TSS, ascorbic acid, firmness, chlorophyll content with increase in days of storage.

Removal of malachite green from water: Comparison of adsorption in a residue-derived AC versus photocatalytic oxidation with TiO2 and study of the adsorption-photocatalysis synergy

The literature rarely compiles studies devoted to the removal of pollutants in aqueous media comparing adsorption and photocatalytic degradation, and does not pay enough attention to the analysis of combined adsorption-photocatalytic oxidation processes. In the present manuscript, the removal of malachite green (MG) from aqueous solutions has been investigated in three different sustainable scenarios: i) adsorption on activated carbon (AC) derived from a residue, luffa cylindrica, ii) photocatalytic oxidation under simulated solar light using titanium dioxide (TP) and iii) combined adsorption-photocatalytic oxidation using TP-AC (70/30 wt./wt.) under simulated solar light. The study has revealed that in the three scenarios and studied conditions, the total removal of this endocrine-disrupting dye from the solution takes place in the assayed time, 2 h, in some cases just in a few minutes. MG adsorption in the AC is a very fast and efficient removal method. MG photocatalytic oxidation with TP also occurs efficiently, although the oxidized MG is not totally mineralized. MG removal using the TP-AC composite under simulated solar light occurs only slightly faster to the MG adsorption in the AC, being adsorption the dominating MG removal mechanism for TP-AC. Thus, more than 90% of the removed MG with TP-AC under simulated solar light is adsorbed in this carbon-containing composite. The obtained results highlight the interest in adsorption, being the selection of the most suitable removal method dependent on several factors (i.e., the cost of the AC regeneration, for adsorption, or the toxicity of the intermediate oxidation species, for photooxidation).Paying attention to MG photooxidation with TiO2, comparison of two working photodegradation schemes shows that the direct photodegradation of MG from solution, avoiding any initial dark equilibrium period, is more efficient from a time perspective. The use of scavengers has proved that MG photodegradation occurs via an oxidation mechanism dominated by superoxide anion radicals.

Mechanical and dynamic characterization of SiO2 nanofiller-based Luffa cylindrica fibre composites structures using finite element method

The present work mainly explored the fabrication of different weight percentages of SiO2 nano-filler-based Luffa cylindrica polymer composites (LCPC) and investigated their free vibration behaviour based on elastic properties acquired from a uniaxial tensile test. The elastic properties of fabricated polymer composites are obtained as per ISO 527-5 standards. The flexural responses of different nano-filler-based polymer composites are also analyzed using a three-point bending test in UTM. The completeness of the present polymer composite structure is verified by comparing it with the available published work and found to be in excellent agreement. The field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) helps to understand the interfacial bonds, fibre pullout, voids, internal cracks etc. between fibre and matrix by morphological images. The addition of SiO2 nano-filler into the polymer composites boosts mechanical properties such as tensile strength and flexural strength and also provides better compatibility between matrix and fibre due to the high surface area of SiO2 nano-filler. Later, the structural responses (free vibration) are investigated with respect to different parameters such as edge conditions, aspect ratio and side-to-thickness ratio.

In-situ-surface polymerization of aniline on porous hollow MnO2-microspheres immobilized luffa cylindrica for Cr(VI) removal from electroplating wastewater: Comprehensive batch and column study

A novel in-situ-surface polymerization (ISSP) of aniline on luffa fibers (LF) was presented as a clean methodology for the modification of LF with polyaniline. The adsorbent’s efficiency was evaluated by Cr(VI) adsorption from electroplating wastewater. The method consists of a surface pre-activation step with KMnO4, resulting in MnO2 immobilization on LF. The reusability of aniline solution represented a successful result up to eight times, revealing the advantage of this method compared to the conventional methods. The adsorbent characterization was performed by EDS, TGA, XRD, BET, FTIR, Raman, and FESEM analyses. FESEM images showed a more porous structure for the adsorbent prepared in ISSP method compared to the conventional method. The batch experiments revealed the optimum conditions (adsorbent, 3.0 g L-1; time, 60 min; pH, 2.0). Isotherm and kinetic studies were performed and the best fitted models were reported. The performance of the column study was analyzed using the Thomas model.

Distribution of Mosaic Disease in Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.), Characterization of Associated Virus and Screening for Virus Resistance

Aims: A survey was conducted in the ridge gourd growing areas of Kasaragod, Kannur and Kozhikkode district, India, to assess the prevalence of virus diseases. Molecular detection and characterization indicated the presence of mixed infection of Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in infected samples of ridge gourd collected from surveyed locations. Additionally, a screening of popular varieties/hybrids was undertaken to identify resistance sources against the Begomovirus in Ridge gourd.
 Study Design: CRD design for screening for resistance genotype.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad. November 2022 - 2023.
 Methodology: Twenty-five ridge gourd plants were selected from a field and scored during survey. Major weeds and insects in and around the location were collected and identified. Screening for resistance was carried out in vitro by grafting infected scion on to healthy ridge gourd plants. Begomovirus infections were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific coat protein primers. Presence of CMV was detected using specific primers.
 Results: Disease incidence (DI) of surveyed locations ranged from 5.3-100 per cent and vulnerability index (VI) from 26.57-84.08. Kunjathur, Thalangady, and Hosabettu areas of Kasaragod district recorded the highest incidence (100%). The highest VI (84.08) was recorded in Thalangady (Kasaragod). Bemisia tabaci and Aphis gossypii were the associated insects and Synedrella sp., Ageratum conizoides and Alternanthera sp. were the associated weeds.
 Screening of varieties indicated moderately susceptible reactions of RG7 and RG10 after 60 days of grafting. PCR based molecular detection of ToLCNDV using coat protein specific primers yielded amplicons of approximately 575 bp. All the isolated sequences were found to be related to ToLCNDV on sequencing and blast analysis. Phylogenetic studies revealed that isolates from Thrikaripur, Mavichery, and Poolacode were closely related to each other. Cucumber mosaic virus, a RNA virus was also detected from isolated samples using specific primers of CMV with an amplicon size of 400 bp.
 Conclusion: The study revealed that the ridge gourd cultivated in areas of Kasaragod, Kannur and Kozhikode were infected with ToLCNDV and CMV; RG7 and RG10 were moderately susceptible among the varieties and hybrids screened. The presence of the begomovirus was detected in weeds indicating its role in perpetuation and spread of the virus disease in the field.

First Report of Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus infecting five cucurbits in India.

Cucurbits are among the most popular vegetables cultivated globally. They have high economic importance, especially in India, where they are cooked and eaten as vegetables (Dhillon et al. 2016). In February 2023, yellowing symptoms were observed on cucurbitaceous species, viz. Trichosanthes cucumerina (Snake gourd - SG), Luffa acutangula (Ridge gourd - RG), Lagenaria siceraria (Bottle gourd - BG), Luffa aegyptiaca (Sponge gourd - SPG) and yellow chlorotic spots were recorded on Benincasa hispida (Ash gourd - AG) growing in the experimental farm at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Station, Pune (Supplementary Figure 1). The average disease incidence ranged from 5% to 30%. A total of 175 leaf samples, including thirty symptomatic and five asymptomatic plants of each cucurbit, were collected and tested by DAS-ELISA using antisera against cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) (DSMZ, Germany), cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) (Arsh Biotech, India), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), and papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) (Agdia, USA). All 150 symptomatic cucurbit samples tested positive for CABYV, while five samples from SG, 14 from RG, two from AG, and 11 from SPG hosts were also positive for PRSV. Asymptomatic samples were negative for all viruses tested. In order to further confirm the presence of the virus, total RNA was extracted from ten samples of each cucurbit host that were positive only for CABYV and the asymptomatic samples using the RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Germany) as per the manufacturer's protocol. Two-step RT-PCR was carried out using the extracted RNA and CABYV-specific primers, amplifying c. 484 bp of the coat protein gene region (Boubourakas et al. 2006). Amplicons of expected size were obtained in all symptomatic samples, whereas the asymptomatic samples tested negative. Three amplicons obtained from positive samples from each of the cucurbit species were directly sequenced and found to be identical to each other. A representative virus sequence obtained from each cucurbit was deposited in GenBank (Snake gourd - OQ921128, Ridge gourd - OQ921127, Bottle gourd - OQ921126, Ash gourd - OQ921125, Sponge gourd - OQ921129). In BLASTn analysis, the isolates shared from 94.23 to 100% nucleotide identities with the Indian CABYV isolates of various cucurbits and clustered closely with other Pune isolates in the phylogenetic analysis (Supplementary Figure 2). CABYV (genus Polerovirus) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus, and is known to infect and cause severe economic losses in cucurbits worldwide. Previously, occurrences of CABYV have been reported in cucurbits such as watermelon, bitter gourd, cucumber, squash, teasel gourd, and muskmelon in India (Nagendran et al. 2022; Tripathi et al. 2023). It has also been reported to infect a weed species - Abelmoschus moschatus from the same geographical region (Verma et al. 2023). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the natural occurrence of CABYV in snake gourd and ridge gourd worldwide and bottle gourd, ash gourd and sponge gourd in India. The present findings have significant epidemiological importance, as they demonstrate that CABYV is spreading to other cucurbits and occurring widely in India.

Evaluation of different genotypes of sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) under foothill condition of Nagaland

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2022 at the Experimental Farm of Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University to evaluate different genotypes of sponge gourd for their growth, yield and quality under foothill condition of Nagaland. Twenty three (23) genotypes of sponge gourd were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. The experimental material comprised 23 genotypes i.e., NUSG-21-1, NUSG-21-2, NUSG-21-3, NUSG-21-4, NUSG-21-8, NUSG-21-10, NUSG-21-11, NUSG-21-13, NUSG-21-15, NUSG-21-16, NUSG-21-18, NUSG-21-19, NUSG-21-20, NUSG-21-21, NUSG-21-22, NUSG-21-23, NUSG-21-24, NUSG-21-25, NUSG-21- 26, NUSG-21-27, NUSG-21-29, NUSG-21-31 and Kashi Divya. Studies showed that among all the genotypes, genotype NUSG-21-18 exhibited maximum vine length (4.67 m), average fruit weight (334.67 g) and yield (185.67 q ha-1). Genotype NUSG-21-4 taken shortest time to produce 1st male flower (39.33 days) and genotype NUSG-21-21 taken shortest time to produce 1st female flower (43 days). Ascorbic acid content in fruit was found to be highest (5.16 mg 100g-1) in genotype NUSG-21-19. Whereas, maximum TSS (4.13⁰B) was found in genotype NUSG-21-20. Based on the experimental findings, it can be concluded that genotype NUSG-21-18 was proved to be potential yielder over other genotypes under foothill condition of Nagaland.

Removal of phenol from wastewater using Luffa cylindrica fibers in a packed bed column: Optimization, isotherm and kinetic studies

This research entails a comparison of the effectiveness of unmodified Luffa cylindrica fiber in a fully packed bed (RLCF) and NaOH-modified Luffa cylindrica fiber in another fully packed bed (MLCF) in the context of phenol removal from wastewater. Experimental data obtained through batch adsorption experiments were utilized to determine the most suitable model. It was observed that as the initial concentration of phenol increased from 100 to 500 mg/l, the maximum percentage removal increased from 63.5 to 83.1% for RLCF-PB and from 89.9 to 99.5% for MLCF-PB. The correlation coefficient (R2) was calculated for the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Harkin-Jura, Halsey, and Flory-Huggins models for both materials. The analysis revealed that the pseudo-second-order model was the most suitable, followed by the Elovich model, with the pseudo-first-order model being the least suitable. The Weber-Morris diffusion model suggested that pore diffusion was the rate-determining step, and diffusion at the border layer was determined to be endothermic, feasible, heterogeneous, and spontaneous. In summary, this study indicates that MLCF-PB is a promising material for the efficient removal of phenol from aqueous solutions.

A Review on Medicinal Properties of Luffa Cylindrica

Abstract: Luffa cylindrica was used for the treatment of, intestinal worms, sinusitis, asthma, chronic bronchitis pain, carbuncles, inflammation, heat rashes of children in summer, bowels or bladder hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, jaundice, haematuria, leprosy, as anti-pyretic, as anthelmintic, carminative, emmenagogue, antioxidant, anti-emetic, galactagogue and as antiseptic immunological, bronchodilating, reproductive effect and in treatment of cataract. The phytochemical screening of Luffa cylindrica disclose that the plant contained anthocyanins, glycosides, flavonoids, triterpenoid, cardiac glycosides, saponins, carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids, and tannins. The pharmacological investigation showed that Luffa cylindrica possessed, analgesic, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anthelmintic, antioxidant, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antiemetic, wound healing, immunological, bronchodilating, reproductive effect and in treatment of cataract. The current review discussed biological effects of Luffa cylindrica

Fabrication of Adsorbent Using Nano-Sized Lignocellulosic Biochar Coated on Luffa Aegyptiaca Sponge to Remove Heavy Metal Chromium VI

Eliminating heavy metal Cr (VI) in liquids is challenging. Developing adsorbents using sustainable, cheap, and biodegradable materials is still a concern. Therefore, this study aims to synthesize a heavy metal adsorbent by transforming forest residue into nano-sized lignocellulose biochar. This nano-sized lignocellulosic biochar, with the assistance of chitosan and alginate, was coated onto the Luffa aegyptiaca sponge surface to complete the structure of the proposed heavy metal adsorbent. This adsorbent is easy to apply in adsorbing heavy metals, is durable, and can be reused. The adsorbent products were characterized to observe the functional groups by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and surface morphology by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The adsorbents were also experimented with contact times of 120 and 1200 minutes in the adsorption process. The decrease in heavy metal concentration was analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) observed the adsorbent surface that has absorbed heavy metal ions. FTIR characterization of surface functional groups showed the presence of hydrogen, aliphatic C-H group, C=C aromatic ring, carboxyl groups, and carbonate ion, capable of binding heavy metal Cr (VI). The morphology of the adsorbent coated on luffa showed that the adsorbent was well attached. The results of the adsorption process showed a decrease in Cr (VI) concentration, with adsorption efficiency reaching 94% for 1200 min and adsorption capacity of 0.36 mg/g. SEM-EDX results validated the attachment of Cr (VI) heavy metal ions to the adsorbent surface.

Transforming Nature's Bath Sponge into Stacking Faults-Enhanced Ag Nanorings-Decorated Catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

The rational design of cost-effective and efficient electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting is essential for green hydrogen production. Utilizing nanocatalysts with abundant active sites, high surface area, and deliberate stacking faults is a promising approach for enhancing catalytic efficiency. In this study, we report a simple strategy to synthesize a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using carbonized luffa cylindrica as a conductive N-doped carbon skeleton decorated with Ag nanorings that are activated by introducing stacking faults. The introduction of stacking faults and the resulting tensile strain into the Ag nanorings results in a significant decrease in the HER overpotential, enabling the use of Ag as an efficient HER electrocatalyst. Our findings demonstrate that manipulating the crystal properties of electrocatalysts, even for materials with intrinsically poor catalytic activity such as Ag, can result in highly efficient catalysts. Further, applying a conductive carbon backbone can lower the quantities of metal needed without compromising the HER activity. This approach opens up new avenues for designing high-performance electrocatalysts with very low metallic content, which could significantly impact the development of sustainable and cost-effective electrochemical water-splitting systems.

Molecular characterization of coat protein of tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (Begomovirus, F: Geminiviridae) infecting ridge gourd and its expression studies in Escherichia coli

Molecular characterization of coat protein of tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (Begomovirus, F: Geminiviridae) infecting ridge gourd and its expression studies in Escherichia coli

Protective effect of Luffa cylindrica fermentation liquid on cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian failure in female mice by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a leading cause of women’s infertility without effective treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Luffa cylindrica fermentation liquid (LF) on cyclophosphamide (CTX) -induced POF in mice and to preliminarily investigate the underlying mechanisms. Thirty-two Balb/c mice were divided into four groups randomly. One group served as the control, while the other three received CTX injections to establish POF models. A 14-day gavage of either 5 or 10 μL/g LF was administered to two LF pretreatment groups. To analyze the effects of LF, the ovarian index, follicle number, the levels of serum sex hormones, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), inflammatory factors, and apoptosis of the ovarian cells were measured. The effects of LF pretreatment on the expression of TLR4/NF-κB and apoptosis pathways were also evaluated. We found that LF pretreatment increased the ovarian index and the number of primordial and antral follicles while decreasing those of atretic follicles. LF pretreatment also increased the serum levels of estradiol (E2) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), while decreasing those of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Furthermore, LF pretreatment increased the levels of SOD and GSH in the ovaries, while decreasing those of MDA, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). LF administration reduced the amount of TUNEL+ ovarian cells and the levels of TLR4 and NF-κB P65 protein expression. In conclusion, LF has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-apoptotic effects against CTX-induced POF, and the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB and apoptosis pathways may be involved in its mechanisms.Graphical

Survey of Melon Fruit Fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) Infestation on Cucurbits in Dharwad and Haveri Districts of Karnataka, India

The roving survey was undertaken in and around Dharwad and Haveri districts, covering major cucurbits growing areas, during August and October, 2019 to assess the present status of melon fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae infestation on different cucurbits in farmer fields. It revealed that higher mean per cent infestation was recorded on bitter gourd (37.59 %) crop followed by ridge gourd (32.67 %), cucumber (28.84 %), and bottle gourd (20.48 %) during August in Dharwad district as compared to Haveri district. Further, in the month of October, the same trend was followed among the following cucurbits. Where, bitter gourd recorded the highest per cent infestation of at 35.30 per cent followed by ridge gourd (30.05 %), cucumber (27.02 %) and bottle gourd (18.65 %) in Dharwad as compared to Haveri district. Thus, results showed that higher melon fruit fly infestation was noticed in August over October in Dharwad as compared to Haveri district.

First report of root rot in Trichosanthes kirilowii (Chinese cucumber) caused by Fusarium sulawesiense in China.

Trichosanthes kirilowii (Chinese cucumber) is one of the important perennial herbaceous vines in China, with putative pharmacological activities including anti-tumor and lowering blood lipids. In July 2022, T. kirilowii plants with brownish roots and chlorotic leaves were observed in several orchards in Qianshan, Anhui province, China (30°34'N, 116° 30'E). The disease incidence reached approximately 10% within an area spanning 20 ha, and was higher in poorly drained orchards. To investigate this root rot disease, five symptomatic plants were collected from the diseased orchards in Qianshan. Subsequently, small sections of the diseased roots were surface sterilized using 1% sodium hypochlorite and 75% ethanol for 45 seconds each. Then, sterilized roots were placed onto PDA (20% diced potato, 2% glucose, and 1.5% agar, and distilled water) and incubated at 28℃ in the dark for 6 days. A total of eight isolates with similar morphology were obtained and purified by single spore culturing. Two representative isolates (QSJ4 and QSJ5) were chosen for further analysis. When grown on PDA, the surface of each colony was white with dense aerial mycelium and pale orange color in the center with a white edge on the reverse side. Macroconidia produced on carnation leaf agar plates were falcate, slightly curved, and 3 to 5 septate, with papillate apical cells and indistinct basal cells. Macroconidia were 17.4-42.3 × 2.4-5.8 μm (n = 100). Microconidia were ellipsoidal in shape, slightly curved or not curved, and most were 1-septate, 9.6-16.7 × 1.5-3.8 μm (n = 40). The identity was determined by sequencing four loci (i. e., ITS, CAL, EF1-α and RPB2) from two representative isolates (Liu et al. 1999; O'Donnell et al. 1998, 2000; Reeb et al. 2004; White et al. 1990). Sequences were deposited in GenBank [ITS (OR267397, OR267398), CAL (OR296634, OR296635), EF1-α (OR296637, OR296638) and RPB2 (OR296640, OR296641)]. A phylogenetic analysis was performed with three loci (CAL, EF1-α, RPB2) comprising a concatenated dataset of 68 strains in the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (Han et al., 2023). The results showed that isolates QSJ4 and QSJ5 clustered closely together with reference strains of F. sulawesiense. Pathogenicity tests were conducted by inoculating three-week-old healthy T. kirilowii seedings (cv. Wanlou No. 9) cultivated in substrate soil in pots with a diameter of 17 cm and a height of 10.5 cm. A 20 mL aliquot of spore suspension (106 conidia/mL) of F. sulawesiense was inoculated to the roots of potted seedlings by irrigation. Each strain was inoculated onto three seedlings. The potted seedlings were inoculated with sterile water as the negative control. Inoculated seedlings were incubated in a growth chamber at 25℃ and 75% relative humidity. After one week, typical symptoms of root necrosis and leaf chlorosis were observed on the inoculated seedlings. Disease symptoms were not observed on the control seedlings. All seedlings showing root necrosis and leaf chlorosis caused by the inoculations were subjected to fungal isolation, and the results showed that the reisolated colonies matched the inoculated ones for morphologies and ITS sequences. Fusarium sulawesiense has been previously reported to cause disease on Cucumis melo L. in Brazil (Medeiros Araujo et al. 2021), Musa acuminata Colla in south Sulawesi (Maryani et al. 2019), Luffa aegyptiaca Miller and Musa nana Lour. in China (Wang et al. 2019). To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. sulawesiense causing Fusarium root rot of T. kirilowii in China.

Evaluation of Different Genotypes of Ridge Gourd for Better Growth, Yield and Quality under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Conditions

Ridge gourd, scientifically known as Luffa acutangula, is a tropical vine that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is commonly grown for its young and tender fruits, which are used as a vegetable in cooking. It is known by various names, including Kalitori, angled gourd, angled loofah, silky gourd, and ribbed gourd. Ridge gourd has a chromosome number of 2n = 26. This versatile vegetable can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, such as stir-fries, curries, soups, and stews, thanks to its mild and slightly sweet flavor. In the Kharif season of 2022. a study was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to assess the performance of different ridge gourd genotypes under the local agro-climatic conditions. The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design and involved nine genotypes with three replications each. The genotypes included G1 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-1), G2 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-2), G3 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-3), G4 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-4), G5 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-5), G6 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-6), G7 (IET 2021/RIGHYB-7), G8 (Dharidar-8), and G9 (Jaipuri Long-9).Based on the results of the experiment, it was determined that the genotype IET 2021/RIGHYB-5 exhibited the best performance in terms of growth parameters, such as vine length (222.10 cm) and early maturity, with the first fruit ready for picking in 60.00 days. It also excelled in yield parameters, including fruit length (25.03 cm), fruit diameter (5.65 cm), and fruit yield per plant (1528.31 g/plant). Additionally, IET 2021/RIGHYB-7 demonstrated outstanding performance in quality parameters, including Total Soluble Solids (TSS) at 4.23°Brix and Vitamin C content at 2.05 mg/100g.

Assesment of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance among the Characters of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L. Roem)

The present study examined sixteen sponge gourd germplasms that were arranged in a Randomized Block design (RBD) with three replications in order to evaluation of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance among the characters during the spring-summer (March–June) and rainy (July–October) seasons of 2019 at the Vegetable Research Farm of the College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda. The parameters were observed for nineteen traits. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotype for all the traits. The results indicated to the growing environment had an impact on the characteristics' expression in addition to genetics when it came to apparent variety. In the spring, summer, and rainy season, estimates of the number of branches, fruit diameter and number of fruits per plant were made for high GCV & PCV, heritability, and genetic advance as a percentage of mean.

Loofah sponge-derived 3D flexible porous carbon electrode for high performance supercapacitor

Energy storage facilitate the substitution of clean and sustainable new energy including solar, wind and tidy energy to the pollution-produced and one-off conventional fossil. Carbon, as activated material, plays key roles in both supercapacitor and battery. Biomass-derived carbon makes fossil-free energy storage be realized. Herein, natural loofah sponge is chosen as the carbon source in supercapacitor. Based on the special network and macroscopical shape of loofah, 3D porous carbon electrode rather than powdery activated material is directly constructed. Especially, flexibility is endowed to this carbon electrode when the lignin and hemicellulose are selectively removed. 3D flexible carbon electrode prepared at the optimized conditions (FLSC-4-1000) owns a high specific surface area of 772.87 m2 g−1. In addition, FLSC-4-1000 exhibits outstanding electrochemical supercapacitor performance: A specific capacitance of 267 F g−1 at the current density of 0.5 A g−1 and a high capacitance retention of 97 % over 10,000 cycles for the electrode. Meanwhile, an energy density of 20.35 Wh kg−1 at 900 W kg−1 and 18.5 Wh kg−1 at 18.01 kW kg−1 for symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) of FLSC-4-1000//FLSC-4-1000.

Luffa cylindrica (Sponge Gourd) Fibers in Treatment of Greywater: an Aerobic Fixed-Film Reactor Approach.

The need for potable water consumption in urban and suburban regions can be decreased by greywater treatment and its reuse. Utilizing natural fibers may provide sustainable solutions in addressing challenges related to water resource management. In this study, a fixed-film reactor was designed with Luffa cylindrica (an annually occurring fruit) as a bio-carrier. The lab-scale reactors were configured with and without Luffa cylindrica and were run for 90days in fed-batch mode. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to validate biofilm production over time. Monitoring COD, nitrogen, and total phosphate removal allowed for analysis of treatment effectiveness. Results demonstrated the treatment efficiency for the experimental reactor was 70.96%, 97.02%, 92.57%, and 81.20% for COD, nitrogen, phosphate, and anionic surfactant (AS), respectively. 16s rRNA gene sequencing of bio-carrier and control greywater samples was carried out. Many bacteria known to break down anionic surfactants were observed, and microbial succession was witnessed in the control reactor vs. the experimental reactor samples. The three most prevalent genera in the experimental samples were Chlorobium, Chlorobaculum, and Terrimonas. However, it is crucial to underscore that additional research is essential to solidify our understanding in this domain, with this study laying the fundamental groundwork.

Mean performance of yield and its attributing characters in germplasm of sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.)

Mean performance of yield and its attributing characters in germplasm of sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.)