Seed Kernel Powder Research Articles

Efficacy Assessment of Different Botanicals Against Rice Weevil (Sitophilus Oryzae) in Stored Rice

Rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) is the major seed destroyer in stored grain, causing both quantitative and qualitative losses. Traditional approaches utilizing chemical insecticides including fumigants to address this problem present environmental risks and health concerns. Focusing on the scenario, a study was conducted at laboratory condition of entomology division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) to assess the efficacy of different botanicals for the management of rice weevils in stored rice. Employing a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications, the experiment comprised four treatments alongside an untreated control, namely Neem (Azadirachta indica) oil, Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) seed kernel powder, Neem (A. indica) leaf powder, Biskatali plants (Polygonum hydropiper) powder and Control (untreated). The findings unveiled that the highest percent of insect mortality was found in neem oil (85%) was followed by biskatali plant powder (75%), neem leaf powder (61.67%), and mahogany seed kernel powder (60%), respectively. The lowest emergence of F1 progeny was recorded in neem oil-treated seeds compared to mahogany seed kernel, Neem leaf powder, biskatali, and untreated control, indicating the efficacy in managing the reproductive capacities of rice weevils. Additionally, neem oil also exhibited the least weight (%) loss of grain compared to other treatments. Regarding seed germination, biskatali plant powder showed the highest germination rate (94%), followed by neem leaf powder (90%), mahogany seed kernel powder (89.67%), neem oil (88%), and control (80.67%), respectively. The research findings indicated that the neem oil and biskatali plant powder have the greatest potential to minimize the current use of synthetic insecticides for rice weevil management in stored rice. SAARC J. Agric., 22(2): 197-207 (2024)

Assessment of green biocomposites based on polyvinyl alcohol and grafted biopolymer tamarind kernel powder with polyacrylic acid

This investigation focuses on the development and assessment of biopolymer-based green biocomposite materials that contain tamarind seed kernel powder (TKP) either in its raw or polyacrylic acid (PAA) grafted form as the reinforcing component, combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the matrix material. The goal is to develop biopolymer TKP based green biocomposites with a biodegradable PVA matrix for food grade packaging and biomedical applications. Both raw TKP reinforced PVA and PAA grafted TKP reinforced PVA, two forms of sustainable green biocomposites, were developed. Compression molding was used to combine various raw or PAA grafted TKP loadings with PVA to produce various biocomposites. The loadings were 0 %, 0.25 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 5 %, and 10 % in weight. To confirm the PAA grafted TKP, attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrum analysis was employed. The mechanical properties of the biocomposites were examined, and it was discovered that the grafted biocomposites exhibited 4 % higher tensile strength and elongation at break (%) on average than the raw TKP reinforced PVA biocomposites. The Charpy impact strength of the biocomposites exhibited an average 28 % improvement in impact resistance with modified TKP and an 8 % increase with raw TKP when compared to pure PVA sheets. Additionally, the PAA-grafted TKP reinforced PVA biocomposites outperformed the raw TKP reinforced PVA biocomposites in water absorption tests, exhibiting an average improvement in moisture resistance of nearly 13 %. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests revealed that the PAA-grafted biocomposites had a more uniform dispersion of fillers inside the PVA matrix as compared to the raw TKP/PVA biocomposites. These findings enable in the development of high-performance, environmentally friendly and green biocomposite materials for a variety of uses.

<i>In Vitro</i> Study of the Nutrients, Antioxidant, Glycemic Activities, and Storage Stability of the Instant Tamarind Seed Kernel Powder Soup Mix

This study aimed to develop a soup mix using roasted tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed kernel powder and evaluate its physical, chemical, mineral, and sensory characteristics, as well as glycemic response, antioxidant activity, and shelf life. Four different formulations of Tamarind seed kernel powder Soup Mixes (TSM1-10%, TSM2-20%, TSM3-30%, and TSM4-40%) of tamarind seed kernel powder were used to replace corn flour, and a control group (100% corn flour) was also tested. The physicochemical, mineral, sensory characteristics, antioxidant activity, glycemic response, and shelf life of each soup mix were evaluated using standard procedures. TSM4 had the best physical properties, while chemical analysis showed that this formulation had the highest protein content (11.31%) and caloric value (404.99 Kcal/100g). TSM4 also had the highest mineral composition and the greatest levels of TFC (23.12mg/100g), TPC (14.08mg/100g), and DPPH activity (112.41%). All five soup mix formulations had low glycemic indices and low glycemic loads. Sensory analysis indicated that TSM3, which contained 30% tamarind seed kernel powder, was the most acceptable option, with an overall acceptability score of 8.04. Shelf-life evaluation showed that the Total Plate Count (TPC) and fungal growth increased significantly over time, but the soup mixes could be stored for up to 15 days. The study found that the prepared soup mixes were more cost-effective and affordable than commercial soup mixes available in the market. Additionally, the research explored the effect of processing steps on these compounds and innovation trends for developing healthier soups that cater to specific consumer requirements.

Changes in proximate parameters of mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cv. Alphonso seed kernel powder cookies during storage at ambient conditions

Changes in proximate parameters of mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cv. Alphonso seed kernel powder cookies during storage at ambient conditions

Eco-Friendly Approaches against Chili Thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is a crucially economically viable vegetable and spice crop cultivated worldwide. Numerous issues impact chili production, both vertebrate and non-vertebrate, leading to significant reductions in both quantity and quality. The chili thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis, poses a serious threat to chili, causing approximately 50-70% yield loss in every season. In Pakistan, farmers frequently resort to using synthetic pesticides to control the pest population. Unfortunately, the injudicious use of pesticides results in environmental, soil, and water pollution, leading to hazards for humans, animals, and wildlife. This study employed a combination of eco-friendly tactics to suppress the thrips population. The lowest thrips population was observed in plots where maize was planted as a barrier for chili, followed by marigold cultivated as a trap. Maize exhibited a remarkable disruptive effect against the thrips population, acting as a barrier to restrict their entrance into the main crop. The combined release of the biocontrol agents Chrysoperla carnea and Coccinella septempunctata proved to be more effective against the thrips population than plots with a single bio-control agent. Among the natural remedies, neem seed kernel powder was the most effective in reducing the thrips population, followed by neem leaves extract and neem oil. Notably, neem oil showed the lowest reduction percentage of thrips compared to neem seed kernel powder and neem leaves extract. The cost/benefit ratio of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plots compared to conventional plots revealed that the IPM plot had a lower estimated production cost (Rs. 19,277) and yielded 547 kg more than the conventional plot. Similarly, a higher cost/benefit ratio (3:13) was recorded in the IPM plot than in the conventional plot (1:36). IPM, through eco-friendly measures, proves to be an efficient approach to suppress S. dorsalis in chili crop.

Evaluation of Storage Techniques to Improve the Seed Longevity of Horsegram

Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) is a robust, drought-resistant crop that is valued for its high protein content and is a significant food source in many parts of the world. Horsegram seeds must be stored properly to preserve their freshness, nutritional value, and viability for future planting. In this article an investigation was carried out to evaluate the suitable seed treatment and packaging materials for maintaining the shelf life of horsegram seeds during storage. The laboratory experiment was carried out at Department of Seed Science and Technology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, India. The graded seeds of horsegram were treated with different botanicals (Neem seed kernel powder @ 5g/kg & Pungam leaf powder @ 5g/kg), herbal oil (Neem oil @ 5ml/kg) and chemical (Malathion @ 5g/kg) and packed in cloth and super grain bags which was kept under ambient condition. The physical, physiological and biochemical parameters were assessed from the stored seed samples. Horsegram seeds dusted with malathion at 5 g/kg and then packed in a super grain bag have better germination (94%), root length (18.33 cm), shoot length (9.10 cm), DMP (0.165 g seedlings-10), vigour index I and II (2551 and 16.2), and also biochemical parameters like the lowest electrical conductivity (0.121 dSm-1), highest enzyme activity like dehydrogenase (0.521) and catalase (0.213 units g-1) and protein level (19.21%) was also high in malathion (5 g/kg) treated seeds packed in a super grain bag after storage for 8 months.

Anti-Hyperlipidemic Effect of Methanol Seed Kernel Extract of Mangifera indica on Wistar Rat Model

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of methanol Mangifera indica seed kernel extract on hyperlipidemic Wistar rats. Mango seed kernels were dried at room temperature before being ground into fine powder. 500 g of mango seed kernel powder was soaked in 500 mL of 98 % methanol and shaken intermittently for 72 h, after which the extract was concentrated. Twenty five adult male wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I: was administered 2 ml of distilled water. Groups II-V were induced hyperlipidemia. However, while Group II was not treated with the extract (negative control), Groups III and IV were treated with 150 and 350 mg/kg body weight of mango seed kernel extract (MSKE) and Group V was administered the standard drug (atorvastatin). Treatment lasted for 21 days, after which rats were sacrificed and blood sample was collected and subsequently analyzed via standard procedures. Hyperlipidemia was characterized by increased levels of total cholesterol and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL). Oral administration of MSKE significantly (P<0.05) reduced the aforementioned indices to levels which though were significantly (P<0.05) higher than that reported for the normal control group. On the other hand, it was observed that that the levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triacylglyceride (TG) in the negative control (Group II) were significantly (P<0.05) low but increased following oral administration of extract in a dose dependent manner. It was also observed that MSKE of M. indica reduced the body weight of hyperlipidemic rats. In conclusion, it can be deduced from this study that MSKE has the potential to address hyperlipidemia

Preparation, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of xyloglucan-chitosan film from tamarind (tamarind indica L.) seed kernel

Xyloglucan from tamarind seed kernel powder and chitosan were prepared using acetic acid as an oxidizing agent to form a xyloglucan-chitosan film. This study evaluated the properties of xyloglucan-chitosan films with different loading ratios of xyloglucan using various analytical tools. The covalent bonds formed by the oxidized xyloglucan and chitosan were confirmed by FTIR analysis. Morphological analysis using SEM indicated the formation of a conventional covalent bond in the xyloglucan-chitosan film. The water vapor transmission rate in the xyloglucan-chitosan film was reduced significantly with increasing xyloglucan ratio. Conversely, the increase in the xyloglucan ratio improved the film's mechanical properties (tensile strength = 1.84 ± 0.06a MPa, elongation at break = 22.47 ± 0.65a %). Furthermore, due to the antimicrobial activity of chitosan, the xyloglucan-chitosan film exhibits intense antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the xyloglucan-chitosan film demonstrated good properties for biodegradable food packaging.

Effect of pretreatment on nutrient content and antioxidant properties of Mangifera odorata L. peel and seed kernel powder

This study was carried out to investigate the influence of pretreatment, such as steaming and blanching, on the nutrient content and antioxidant properties of Mangifera odorata L. fruit peel and seed kernel powder. Results showed that steaming and blanching could increase the peel’s powder calories, carbohydrate and vitamin A content. A similar trend was also observed on the dietary fibre content of the seed kernel powder. Conversely, the vitamin C and dietary fibre content of the peel powder were degraded after undergoing pretreatment. The protein content of the seed kernel powder had shown a decrement when blanching, indicating that the steamed samples had better retention of the protein content. It was observed that vitamin A and C were only detected in the peel powder, but fatty acids were only found in the seed kernel powder. Blanching had decreased 24% of stearic acid and 38% of methyl linolenate. Results of total dietary fibre showed that the values were 22-77% higher in the peel than the seed kernel powder. Meanwhile, the seed kernel showed higher antioxidant activity than the peel, although both samples showed EC50 values ≤ 1 mg/mL. These results might be useful to produce a powdered functional ingredient from M. odorata fruit wastes.

Preparation and application of heterogeneous catalyst based on KOH impregnated activated carbon from rubber seed kernel for biodiesel synthesis

Research to explore the potential of rubber seeds kernel as a carbon source for the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts has been carried out. This study aimed to characterize rubber seed kernel carbon, impregnate it with KOH, and apply it as a heterogeneous catalyst in biodiesel synthesis. In this research, rubber seed kernel was powdered then carbonized in a furnace for 4 h at 500°C, followed by activation with HCl for 1 h and dried. The resulting activated carbon was impregnated with KOH solution for 3 h at 80°C. After pre-drying, it was calcined at 500°C for 3 h. The rubber seed kernel powder, activated carbon, and KOH impregnated carbon were characterized using SEM-EDX and FTIR. KOH impregnated carbon was used as a heterogeneous catalyst in coconut oil transesterification for biodiesel synthesis. The parameters studied were catalyst load (2 - 4%) and reaction temperature (55 - 65°C). Molar ratio of oil to methanol and time were set at 1:9 and 2 h, respectively. The highest yield (96.43%) was obtained at 3% catalyst load and reaction temperature of 60°C.

Assessment of Bioactive Compounds, Physicochemical Properties, and Microbial Attributes of Hot Air–Dried Mango Seed Kernel Powder: an Approach for Quality and Safety Evaluation of Hot Air–Dried Mango Seed Kernel Powder

The presence of carbon and nitrogenous compounds in mango processing by-products makes them excellent substrates for the biosynthesis of many microbial metabolites using fermentation processes. Pretreatment of the substrate with retention of crucial growth supporting compounds is vital for designing and optimizing fermentation media for enhanced production of desired metabolites. The present study investigated the effect of hot air drying (HAD) (50, 60, 70, and 80 °C) on the bioactive compounds, physio-chemical and mineral profile, fermentable sugar, and microbial safety of mango (cv. chausa) seed kernel powder. Results indicated that different drying temperatures non-significantly (P<0.05) affected the carbohydrates, starch (except at 60 and 80 °C), nitrogen, and protein content. The pH (except at 70 °C), total phenolics, and antioxidant activity decreased with an increase in drying temperatures. Inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis revealed the increase in concentrations of majority minerals with incremental drying temperature. The microbial load of powdered seed kernel after 30 days of room temperature storage was within safe limits, as samples were devoid of food pathogens. Briefly, the study suggests HAD (at 70–80 °C) to convert mango kernels into stable powdered form for prolonged storage. The powdered kernels can be utilized in diversified food industry and as a feedstock (with safe storability, preserved bioactive, mainly carbon and nitrogen compounds) for biosynthesis of valuable metabolites via microbial fermentation route.

Studies on ecofriendly approaches for the management of pulse beetle in chickpea

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the different plant based products against pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis Linnaeus) in chickpea in the laboratory of Department of Agricultural Entomology, VNMKV, Parbhani-431 402 (M.S.), India during Kharif 2019-20. Among eight plant products evaluated, sweet flag rhizome powder @ 5% was significantly found superior in reducing 100 per cent mortality, no seed damage, no seed weight loss with highest seed germination (88.78%) followed by neem seed kernel powder @ 5% with higher adult mortality (88.33%), less seed damage (15.33%), less seed weight loss (4.71%) and higher germination percentage (76.67%) when seed stored for six month. Rest of the treatments viz., karanj seed powder @ 5%, neem leaves powder @ 5%, custard apple leaves powder @ 5% and karanj leaves powder @ 5% aslo showed less bruchid mortality(75.00, 65.00, 53.33, and 46.67%), seed damage (28.67, 42.00, 51.33 and 54%), weight loss (18.67, 20.07, 26.13, and 34.79%) and germination (62.67, 62.00, 58.67, and 53%). The seed treated with turmeric rhizome powder @ 5% was observed less effective in adult mortality (36.67%), seed damage (33%), weight loss (38.48%) and germination (44.67%) followed by tulsi leaves powder @ 5% (51.67, 66.33, 37.82 and 52.00), respectively Whereas, untreated seed was recorded significantly maximum seed damage (83.67%), seed weight loss (47.33%) with no adult mortality and minimum germination (37.00%) when it was stored for six month.

Management of rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) by using non-toxic plant powders in stored groundnut seeds

Laboratory experiment was conducted to study the efficacy of botanical powders viz., neem leaf powder, lantana leaf powder, custard apple leaf powder, eucalyptus leaf powder, marigold flower powder, turmeric rhizome powder, neem seed kernel powder, ginger rhizome powder, and garlic bulb powder @ 2.5 g/100 g kernels in protecting stored groundnuts against rice moth. Neem seed kernel powder was found to be most effective in protecting stored groundnuts against rice moth as it recorded highest oviposition deterrence of 92.16%, maximum reduction of adult emergence of 95.89%, lowest longevity of male (2.85 days) and female (2.89 days) moths, lowest fecundity of 42.80 eggs per female and lowest egg viability of 43.96%. Next effective treatments were neem leaf powder and eucalyptus leaf powder @ 2.5 g/100 g kernels. None of the plant powders had hindered the germination of groundnut seeds during storage periods of up to 120 days.

Formulation and characterization of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed kernel powder (TKP) as green adhesive for lignocellulosic composite industry

The objective of this study was to investigate the basic properties of eco-friendly adhesives produced from Tamarindus indica seed kernel powder (TKP) and to use them for fabricating particleboard. Four different types of adhesive were manufactured from TKP having certain percentage of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), citric acid (CA), glucose, acetic acid, sodium bicarbonate, urea and potassium permanganate. Solid content, Gelling time, FTIR, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), viscosity and single lap joint test for shear strength of the prepared adhesives were tested. Both the physical and mechanical properties of the experimental particleboards were evaluated followed by ASTM standards. Adhesive type A resulted in the quickest gel time (1.42 min) and the highest bonding strength (5.18 MPa). Adhesive type B having the density of 0.65 g/cm3 showed the highest modulus of elasticity (2108 N/mm2) and modulus of rupture (10 N/mm2). Although dimensional stability of the experimental panels was poor but their overall mechanical strengths properties met the values listed in the standards.

Moisture sorption isotherm and thermodynamic properties of jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) powder made from jamun pulp and seed

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The present work aimed to: i) find the suitable proportion, based on sensory evaluation, of microwave-convective hot air dried jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) pulp and seed kernel powder to be mixed for the preparation of jamun powder (JP); ii) generate and model the moisture sorption isotherm (MSI) of JP; and iii) estimate net isosteric heat of sorption (qst), spreading pressure (&amp;amp;Phi;), net integral enthalpy (Qin), and net integral entropy (Sin). To formulate JP, the proportion (w/w, db) comprising 2% kernel and 98% pulp powder was the most desirable. The Peleg model was the best fit to MSI of JP. The qst decreased following linear relationship from 11.02 kJ. mol&amp;amp;minus;1 at 5% equilibrium moisture content (EMC) to 0.27 kJ. mol&amp;amp;minus;1 at 30% EMC. The &amp;amp;Phi; increased with increase in water activity and decreased with increase in temperature from 25 oC to 35 oC, and the values of &amp;amp;Phi; at 45 oC were even higher than at 25 oC. Net integral enthalpy (Qin) initially decreased till 6% moisture content in JP and displayed an increasing trend with further increase in moisture content. On the contrary, Sin kept on decreasing continually with increasing moisture content. The moisture zone of 7-11% was considered safe for storage of JP within the temperature range of 45-25 oC.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

Moisture sorption isotherm and thermodynamic properties of jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) powder made from jamun pulp and seed

The present work aimed to: i) find the suitable proportion, based on sensory evaluation, of microwave-convective hot air dried jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) pulp and seed kernel powder to be mixed for the preparation of jamun powder (JP); ii) generate and model the moisture sorption isotherm (MSI) of JP; and iii) estimate net isosteric heat of sorption (qst), spreading pressure (φ), net integral enthalpy (Qin), and net integral entropy (Sin). To formulate JP, the proportion (w/w, db) comprising 2% kernel and 98% pulp powder was the most desirable. The Peleg model was the best fit to MSI of JP. The qst decreased following linear relationship from 11.02 kJ. mol-1 at 5% equilibrium moisture content (EMC) to 0.27 kJ. mol-1 at 30% EMC. The φ increased with increase in water activity and decreased with increase in temperature from 25 ºC to 35 ºC, and the values of φ at 45 ºC were even higher than at 25 ºC. Net integral enthalpy (Qin) initially decreased till 6% moisture content in JP and displayed an increasing trend with further increase in moisture content. On the contrary, Sin, kept on decreasing continually with increasing moisture content. The moisture zone of 7-11% was considered safe for storage for storage of JP within the temperature range of 45-25 ºC.

Optimised Extraction of Trypsin Inhibitors from Defatted Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) Seeds for Production of a Trypsin Inhibitor-Enriched Freeze Dried Powder

The seeds of the Gac fruit, Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng, are rich in trypsin inhibitors (TIs) but their optimal extraction and the effects of freeze drying are not established. This study aims to (1) compare aqueous solvents (DI water, 0.1 M NaCl, 0.02 M NaOH and ACN)/water/FA, 25:24:1) for extracting TIs from defatted Gac seed kernel powder, (2) to optimise the extraction in terms of solvent, time and material to solvent ratio and (3) to produce a TI-enriched freeze-dried powder (FD-TIP) with good characteristics. Based on the specific TI activity (TIA), the optimal extraction was 1 h using a ratio of 2.0 g of defatted powder in 30 mL of 0.05 M NaCl. The optimisation improved the TIA and specific TIA by 8% and 13%, respectively. The FD-TIP had a high specific TIA (1.57 ± 0.17 mg trypsin/mg protein), although it also contained saponins (43.6 ± 2.3 mg AE/g) and phenolics (10.5 ± 0.3 mg GAE/g). The FD-TIP was likely stable during storage due to its very low moisture content (0.43 ± 0.08%) and water activity (0.18 ± 0.07) and its ability to be easily reconstituted in water due to its high solubility index (92.4 ± 1.5%). Therefore, the optimal conditions for the extraction of TIs from defatted Gac seed kernel powder followed by freeze drying gave a high quality powder in terms of its highly specific TIA and physical properties.

Bioactive Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Anticancer Potential of Freeze-Dried Extracts from Defatted Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) Seeds.

Background: Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) seeds have long been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for numerous conditions due to a range of bioactive compounds. This study investigated the solvent extraction of compounds that could be responsible for antioxidant activity and anticancer potential. Methods: Defatted Gac seed kernel powder was extracted with different solvents: 100% water, 50% methanol:water, 70% ethanol:water, water saturated butanol, 100% methanol, and 100% ethanol. Trypsin inhibitors, saponins, phenolics, and antioxidant activity using the 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays; and anticancer potential against two melanoma cancer cell lines (MM418C1 and D24) were analysed to determine the best extraction solvents. Results: Water was best for extracting trypsin inhibitors (581.4 ± 18.5 mg trypsin/mg) and reducing the viability of MM418C1 and D24 melanoma cells (75.5 ± 1.3 and 66.9 ± 2.2%, respectively); the anticancer potential against the MM418C1 cells was highly correlated with trypsin inhibitors (r = 0.92, p < 0.05), but there was no correlation between anticancer potential and antioxidant activity. The water saturated butanol had the highest saponins (71.8 ± 4.31 mg aescin equivalents/g), phenolic compounds (20.4 ± 0.86 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), and antioxidant activity, but these measures were not related to anticancer potential. Conclusions: Water yielded a Gac seed extract, rich in trypsin inhibitors, which had high anticancer potential against two melanoma cell lines.

Removal of Malachite Green Dye by Mangifera indica Seed Kernel Powder

In this study, batch experiments were carried out to study the adsorption of Malachite green dye from aqueous solution by Mangifera indica (mango) seed kernel powder. The mango seed kernel powder was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Effect of various parameters including pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration and temperature on adsorption capacity of the adsorbent was observed and the optimized condition for maximum dye removal was identified. Maximum percentage removal of 96% was achieved with an adsorption capacity of 22.8 mg/g at pH 6 with an initial concentration of 100 mg/l. The equilibrium data were examined to fit the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption process were also calculated.

Biology of pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and its response to botanicals in stored pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan (L.) grains

Biology of pulse beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus F.) was studied on pigeonpea grains during 2014-15 in laboratory conditions. The adult beetle was oval in shape and reddish-brown in colour, with dark stripes on each side of dorsal abdomen with average fecundity of 74.8±1.8 eggs per female. The average incubation period was 4.2±0.2 days with hatching 98.2±0.3 percent. Average larval-pupal period, oviposition, post-oviposition period, total life period and adult life span were 21.3±0.3, 8.2±0.5, 2.8±0.5, 33.3 ±2.4 and 12.0±2.1 days, respectively. The effect of nine botanicals viz., neem oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, turmeric powder and their mixture and surface protectants viz., neem seed kernel powder, saw dust, sand, dung cake ash and wheat husk were used on pigeonpea seed against Callosobruchus maculatus. The highest mortality (84-100%) was observed by neem oil @ 10ml/kg and lowest (3.33%) by turmeric powder @ 3.5g/kg seeds, after 135 days of storage. Neem oil @ 10ml/kg was completely inhibited the oviposition, adult emergence and seed damage. All the oils and inert materials prevented egg laying, reduced population build up of beetles and minimized the seed damage as compare to control.