Gourd Seeds Research Articles

Hydropriming influences physio-chemical responses of fresh and naturally aged seeds of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L.)

Hydropriming influences physio-chemical responses of fresh and naturally aged seeds of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L.)

KINETIC AND THERMODYNAMIC STUDY OF GOURD SEEDS OIL EXTRACTION (Cucurbita pepo)

Our interest has been imphasized in this paper on oil extraction of gourd seeds because these are widespread in all the country (DRCongo) and are reputed to have excellent cure properties against prostate. They prevent also diabetes cardiac fits, cerebral vascular accident, lived complaints and menopause symptoms. We need of course to solve the problem of home technology for underdeveloped countries where the transfer of technology is made impossible by the so called the developed countries wishing to maintain the rest of the world in timeless impoverishment. In this paper the kinetic and the thermodynamic study of extraction shows for the former aspect (kinetic aspect) how to calculate the kinetic constant ( k ) which will allow to size the reactor of production of gourd seeds oil in large quantities because the reactor volume is directly proportional to the desired volumic debit of produced oil per hour and for the later aspect (thermodynamic aspect) the released energy accompagning the extraction ( exothermic phenomenon) can be used for example to produce mechanical work or electrical work, it can be also converted to strengthen the production. The proposed kinetic method is original, it supports the name of its founder (KUNYIMA method).

Evaluation of peel, flesh and seeds of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) for biologically active components, through development of powders and ethanolic extracts

The bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), has been remained a well-known ethnic medicinal vegetable, used traditionally as a pharma food to obtain a plenty of pharmacological benefits. However, which fraction of fruit is most effective for provision of bioactive components, has been remained undiscovered yet. This study examined the chemical composition, phytochemicals and antioxidant activities of peel, flesh, and seeds of bitter gourd. Our results showed that fat (3.50 ± 0.03%) and protein (3.40 ± 0.06%) content were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) high in bitter gourd seed powder (BSP), whereas ash (6.26 ± 0.06%) and fiber (5.46 ± 0.10%) in bitter gourd peel powder (BPP). Microminerals including Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn were found significantly (P < 0.05) high in BSP, with values 3.95 ± 0.05, 4.92 ± 0.04, 2.44 ± 0.04 and 1.32 ± 0.20 mg/100 g, respectively, whereas, macrominerals, Ca (74.90 ± 0.60 mg/100 g) and Mg (52.59 ± 0.20 mg/100 g), in bitter gourd flesh powder (BFP). Total phenolic content (27.78 ± 0.95 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid content (12.18 ± 0.08 mg QE/100 g) and total antioxidant activity (16.87 ± 0.11 mg trolox/100 g) was highest in BSP. However, BFP exhibited the greatest total carotenoid content (93.45 ± 0.40 mg/100 g) and β–carotene content (41.72 ± 0.15 mg/100 g). HPLC analysis revealed that all fractions of bitter gourd were loaded with bioactives, as naringenin and catechin were highest in BFP, epicatechin, ferulic acid, kaempferol and p-coumaric acid were highest in BPP, whereas, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid and apigenin were highest in BSP. As compared to BFP and BPP, BSP exhibited the high concentration of important bioactive components, therefore instead of discarding these waste by-products of bitter gourd could be utilized as source of bioactives.

Light promotes pharmacological activities of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) via McHY5/McHY5-X1 and McPIF1-X1/McPIF3 antagonistic regulation in MAP30 transcription

MAP30, a ribosome-inactivating protein mainly isolated from the fruits and seeds of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), has many pharmacological properties, such as anti-HIV and anti-tumor activities. Using qPCR analysis, we found that MAP30 transcription was higher in light, but drastically reduced in darkness. However, the molecular mechanism by which MAP30 is regulated remains unclear. Using yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) library screening, we found that McHY5, a homolog of AtHY5, bound to the MAP30 promoter. In addition, McHY5 and its homolog McHY5-X1 are identified as positive regulators binding to the MAP30 promoter by using Y1H, Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and Dual-Luciferase Reporter (DLR) assay. Due to MAP30 is not present in Arabidopsis we transformed pMAP30:MAP30 to Col and obtained transgenic line 18. Compared with pMAP30:MAP30/Col 18#, MAP30 transcription was largely reduced in pMAP30:MAP30 18#/Athy5–215 whether under light or dark conditions. Moreover, approximately 70 % of the tested bitter gourd germplasms showed consistent expression patterns of McHY5/McHY5-X1 and MAP30 under light conditions. In contrast to McHY5, McPIF1-X1 and McPIF3 acted as inactivators to inhibit MAP30 transcription. In this study, we found that MAP30 transcription was activated by McHY5 and McHY5-X1 in light, while McPIF1-X1 and McPIF3 inhibited MAP30 transcription mainly in darkness. Conclusively, we established the antagonistic module of McHY5/McHY5-X1 and McPIF1-X1/McPIF3 in MAP30 transcription regulation. This work expands our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of MAP30 and provides a valuable conceptual guidance for cultivating high pharmacological activity bitter gourd varieties with high MAP30 protein levels.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Ridge Gourd Seed (Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.) during Artificial Aging.

Seed aging is a complicated process influenced by environmental conditions, impacting biochemical processes in seeds and causing deterioration that results in reduced viability and vigor. In this study, we investigated the seed aging process of ridge gourd, which is one of the most exported commercial seeds in Thailand using sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry. A total of 855 proteins were identified among the two groups (0 d/15 d and 0 d/30 d). The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses of differentially expressed proteins revealed that in ridge gourd seeds, the aging process altered the abundance of proteins related to the oxidative stress response, nutrient reservoir, and metabolism pathway. The most identified DEPs were mitochondrial proteins, ubiquitin-proteasome system proteins, ribosomal proteins, carbohydrate metabolism-related proteins, and stress response-related proteins. This study also presented the involvement of aconitase and glutathione pathway-associated enzymes in seed aging, with aconitase and total glutathione being determined as possible suggestive biomarkers for aged ridge gourd seeds. This acquired knowledge has the potential to considerably improve growing methods and seed preservation techniques, enhancing seed storage and maintenance.

Effect of conventional and novel techniques on extraction yield, chemical characterisation and biological activities of proteins from bitter gourd (Momordica charantia)

The study investigates the effect of conventional and novel extraction techniques on the protein extraction yield from bitter gourd seeds (Momordica charantia). Ultrasound assisted-extraction (UAE) treatment for 30 min at 4 °C using a 20 kHz ultrasound probe resulted in the highest extraction yield of crude proteins. After purification, 9.08 ± 0.23 g of protein with 82.69 ± 0.78% purity was obtained from 100 g of M. charantia seeds on a dry basis. Mass spectrometry identified proteins with reported antidiabetic activity. Antidiabetic assays showed significantly higher antidiabetic activity for the purified protein (81.10 ± 2.64%) compared to the crude protein (32.59 ± 2.76%). In vitro cytotoxicity analysis showed minimal cytotoxicity levels at concentrations <200 μg.mL−1. Overall, UAE was effective to obtain crude protein from M. charantia seeds and a subsequent purification step enhanced antidiabetic activity. However, further research is required to demonstrate in-vivo antidiabetic activity.

In vitro and In vivo Determination of Biological Activities of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Peel, Flesh and Seeds.

Momordica charantia L. has been remained a well-known medicinal vegetable used traditionally. However, which part is most effective against which disorder, has been remained undiscovered yet. The objective of this study was to examine the antimicrobial, antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic activities of peel, flesh, and seeds of bitter gourd, through in vitro and in vivo assays. Ethanolic extracts from powders of three fractions of bitter gourd were assessed for antimicrobial potential against bacterial and fungal strains, whereas, powders of these fractions were used to determine antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic activity, in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Our results showed that BSE exhibited better antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, whereas BFE exhibited better against Escherichia coli. Blood glucose was significantly lowered by all three powders in a dose dependent manner, when fed to diabetic rats, with the highest decrease by BSP, which reduced the glucose level from 296.20 ± 2.00mg/dl to 123.10 ± 0.80mg/dl, at 15mg dose, after 28 days trial. Elevated levels of TC (101.18 ± 0.65mg/dl), TG (83.69 ± 0.61mg/dl) and LDL-C (25.90 ± 0.09mg/dl) in positive control rats were lowered down in well manners by BSP at 15mg dose, to 86.30 ± 0.53, 67.70 ± 0.53 and 19.32 ± 0.06mg/dl, respectively. As compared to BFP and BPP, BSP showed significant involvement in antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, and antihyperlipidemic actions. Along with the edible flesh, peels and seeds, which are usually discarded as waste, could also be utilized for development of pharma foods capable of promoting health.

Impact of Wastewater from Outfall of River on Bitter Gourd: Morphological and Biochemical Studies, Peptide Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity

River pollution poses a significant concern for the people of India who heavily rely on river water for daily needs. This study focuses on assessing the status of river pollution in West Bengal, India, with a particular emphasis on a major canal (N22° 39'08.75'' E88° 21'27.60'') near Dakhineswar New Jetty, known for its Kali Temple and frequent ritual activities. The region's dependence on river water is evident in daily life. Analysis of three consecutive years (2016-2018) reveals alarming levels of Total Coliform, reaching up to 8.18 x 106 MPN/100ml during the premonsoon season. Disturbingly high concentrations of Lead (0.069 mg/L) and Mercury (0.008 mg/L) are recorded. Average Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) are 2.3 mg/L and 7.9 mg/L, respectively, during the premonsoon. The impact of wastewater on Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) manifests in detrimental changes to both morphological and biochemical parameters, including total chlorophyll and protein content. Low molecular weight peptide(s) (3.0-0.5 kDa) are extracted, purified, and analyzed through ion exchange resin column, ultra-filtration, and HPLC. HPLC analysis distinguishes the presence of peptides compared to the control, revealing adverse effects of wastewater. The antioxidant activity of low molecular weight peptide(s) is demonstrated through DPPH scavenging. Bioassays, such as the germination percentage of wastewater-treated Bitter Gourd seeds, indicate inhibition. The intensified impact of wastewater during the premonsoon season underscores the urgency of addressing river pollution in this region.

Effect of Seed Priming Treatments on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

By reducing seed dormancy, seed priming is an effective way to increase bitter gourd seed germination and vigor. To ascertain the impact of seed priming treatment on the physiological quality of bitter gourd seeds, an experiment was carried out in the spring. In a single factorial randomized full block design with three replications, seeds were sowed on 28 celled seed treys for this experiment in an open field setting. Water, cow milk, cow urine, NANO urea, nutrition solution, NaCl solution, and untreated seed were all used as priming agents. Bitter gourd seeds of the Durga variety were sowed, and soil, vermicompost, and sand were used as the growing media in a 2:1:1 ratio. The experiment examined various metrics, including germination rate, germination index, seedling vigor index, root and leaf length, plant height, number of leaves and roots, root-to-shoot ratio, and fresh weight. The treatments including germination % were all found to be positively influenced by the priming. In hydro-priming, the highest germination rate (81.96%) was noted. On hydro-priming, the highest number of roots (11), was recorded. Maximum shoot diameter (0.34 cm) and fresh weight (2.41 g) were recorded under controlled treatment and hydro priming, respectively. The study comes to the conclusion that Durga hydro priming followed by halo priming in seed trays was shown to be effective for seed germination and seedling growth. As a result, Nepali farmers can prime bitter gourd seeds using tap water and a NaCl solution.

Discovery and Characterization of a Dual-Function Peptide Derived from Bitter Gourd Seed Protein Using Two Orthogonal Bioassay-Guided Fractionations Coupled with In Silico Analysis.

The hydrolysate of bitter gourd seed protein, digested by the combined gastrointestinal proteases (BGSP-GPs), exhibited the most potent inhibition on angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) with an IC50 value of 48.1 ± 2.0 µg/mL. Using two independent bioassay-guided fractionations, fraction F5 from reversed-phase chromatography and fraction S1 from strong cation exchange chromatography exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory (ACEI) activity. Three identical peptides were simultaneously detected from both fractions and, based on the in silico appraisal, APLVSW (AW6) was predicted as a promising ACEI peptide. Their dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP4) inhibitory (DPP4I) activity was also explored. The IC50 values of AW6 against ACE and DPP4 were calculated to be 9.6 ± 0.3 and 145.4 ± 4.4 µM, respectively. The inhibitory kinetics and intermolecular interaction studies suggested that AW6 is an ACE competitive inhibitor and a DPP4 non-competitive inhibitor. The quantities of AW6 in BGSP-GP hydrolysate, fractions F5 and S1, were also analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Notably, AW6 could resist hydrolysis in the human gastrointestinal tract according to the result of the simulated gastrointestinal digestion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first discovery and characterization of a dual-function (ACEI and DPP4I activities) peptide derived from bitter gourd seed protein.

The Implementation of Organic Snake Gourd Cultivation to Increase Income in Pondok Village

Purpose: This research focuses on transitioning snake gourd cultivation in Pondok Babadan Village from conventional to organic methods using polybag media to enhance production quality and quantity.&#x0D; Method: Utilizing the ABCD (Asset Based Community Development) approach, this study involves training on organic bitter gourd cultivation in polybag containers, emphasizing knowledge dissemination, polybag utilization, and cost-effective bitter gourd seeds.&#x0D; Practical Applications: Implementing organic farming techniques and polybag containers can optimize land use, reduce chemical pesticide reliance, and promote healthier vegetable production. These practices offer income potential for Pondok Babadan Village's MSMEs and support sustainable agriculture.&#x0D; Conclusion: Transitioning to organic snake gourd cultivation using polybag media offers improved quality, increased yield, cost savings, and eco-friendly practices. This research provides valuable insights for small-scale farmers and contributes to sustainable agriculture in the region.

Comparative efficacy of priming treatments and storage periods in overcoming seed dormancy in round gourd (Praecitrullus fistulosus (Stocks) Pangalo)

Owing to its hard seed coat, the seeds of Praecitrullus fistulosus exhibit dormancy which impairs the germinability and subsequent seed establishment. To overcome this dormancy, the seeds are required to be stored for a minimum of 45 days after harvest (DAH). In north Indian plains, round gourd seeds are harvested in mid-June and are required to be sown immediately in June-July. Therefore, priming treatments were employed to overcome seed dormancy in a short interval. To assess the effect of various priming treatments in overcoming dormancy, the seeds were stored at room temperature for various durations and at the end of the storage period, the seeds were primed by soaking in solutions of GA3 (150 µgmL-1, 500 µgmL-1,1000 µgmL-1 gibberellic acid), cytokinin (150 µgmL-1, 500 µgmL-1,1000 µgmL-1kinetin), ethylene (150, 500, 1000 ethrel), KNO3 (150 and 500 µgmL-1), HNO3 (150 and 500 µlL-1) and water, at 250C for 12 hours and 24 hours, respectively. Among all the priming treatments, 500 µgmL-1 KNO3 for 24 h enhanced percentage germination to more than 60 per cent in freshly harvested seeds to more than 80 per cent in seeds stored for 15 DAH. It also enhanced the length of seedling, vigour index (SVI-I and SVI-II), and coefficient of rate of germination (CRG) with a reduction in the mean days taken for germination (MDG).

Aqueous extract of pointed gourd seeds for the protection of mild steel corrosion from NaCl

Wastes of some edible biospecies, like vegetables, fruit, etc., are potential sources of phytochemicals, and hence they are used as inhibitors in some applications. The present work reports a similar waste biomaterial to protect mild steel (MS) in 0.5 M NaCl. The aqueous extract of pointed gourd seeds (AEPGS) is prepared and assessed by UV–visible spectroscopy (US) and FTIR spectroscopy (FS). On the basis of the assessment, it is predicted that AEPGS has phytochemicals. The MS corrosion and prevention are analyzed by open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Tafel polarization curves (TC). The ability of AEPGS to prevent MS corrosion enhances by its concentration in NaCl. The maximum protection offered by AEPGS to MS is 72% at 1000 mg/L. The corrosion of MS in NaCl is inhibited by AEPGS molecules because they have covered the surface through adsorption and blocked the active sites of reaction on the surface. The same is also visible in surface images captured by optical and field emission scanning electron microscopy (OM and FESEM).

Some physical properties of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) seeds and kernels

A noteworthy member of the Cucurbitaceae family, the bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is a slender, vine-like annual summer vegetable. Despite the health promoting features, it is among the neglected vegetables in terms of both production values and scientific studies. The current study was aimed to assess some physico-mechanical properties of bitter gourd seeds and kernels viz., sizes, geometric shapes, angle of repose, densities, 1000-seed and kernel weight and, coefficient of friction on several surfaces (aluminum, chrome, iron, plastic, rubber, cardboard, glass and MDF wooden panel) in order to determine to important parameters to design seed sowing machines the materials to be used in storage and their design, the screening/separation/classification processes and the processing of bitter gourd into a commercial product. It has been observed that the seeds of bitter gourd have similar geometrical properties with the seeds of melon, watermelon, squash and cucumber from the Cucurbitaceae family. While closer values were observed in terms of length and width, it was determined that the seeds of bitter gourd were thicker. The lengths, widths, and thicknesses of these seeds/kernels with a moisture content of 16% (w.b.) according to the wet base were found to be 14.176/11.517, 7.562/5.922, and 4.076/2.815 mm, respectively. The angle of repose, thousand grain weight and true density of seeds/kernels were found 28.467/26.982°, 202.931/118.359 g and 0.919/1.659 g/cm3 respectively. Obtained results most likely can serve bitter gourd to be grown in large amounts in different part of the world where the climate is suitable for growing.

Harnessing sponge gourd: an alternative source of oil and protein for nutritional security.

Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem. is an important cucurbit crop that assures food security and dietary diversity among the poor communities. In the present study, seeds of 42 genotypes of Luffa cylindrica were evaluated for their potential use as oil seed crop. Seed moisture, oil and protein content and fatty acids profile were estimated along with total phenol and sugar content. Significant differences were observed among the various genotypes where oil content ranged from 15.4-29.8% and protein 19.9-30.8%. Total phenol content was high 6.43-12.84 mg/100 g, which bodes well for the sponge gourd seeds' ability to act as antioxidants. Significant correlation were found between important constituents studied like protein and oil, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid. Total unsaturated fatty acids were in higher amount comparable to saturated fatty acids signifying the good quality of Luffa seed oil. Our research revealed that the NDSG-1, Pusa Sneha, DSG-95, DSG-98, DSG-108, and DSG-26 genotypes were very nutritious due to their high levels of protein, oleic acid, and oil output. Additionally, selection of traits having considerable correlation will be beneficial and help in improved varietal development for usage as an alternative oilseed crop. Our research sheds light on the nutritional value of sponge gourd seeds and suggests using them as a potential source for oil and protein, particularly in underdeveloped countries.

Extraction of dietary fiber and phytochemicals from bottle gourd seeds (Lagenaria siceraria), its physicochemical properties and application in food model

This research aimed to extract dietary fiber and phytochemicals from matured bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) seeds and use as ingredients in the preparation of cookies. Extraction of dietary fiber was performed using alkaline (AEDF), enzymatic (EEDF), and ultrasound-assisted alkali extraction (UAE). UAE gives a higher yield of 75.81% dietary fiber where the optimized conditions are solute: solvent; 1: 23.90 mg/ml, time; 27.20 min and amplitude; 47.76%. Comparison of physicochemical and functional properties of extracted dietary fiber was done and ultrasound-assisted alkaline extracted dietary fiber (UDF) was found to be the best. Extraction of phytochemicals using ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction under the condition of 70% amplitude, 45 °C temperature, and duration of 15 min, and identification was done using RP-HPLC analysis and encapsulated using sodium alginate solution (2%) as the wall material. Fiber enriched cookies were developed by incorporating the extracted dietary fiber (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15%) and encapsulated phytochemicals beads (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3%) in 5 different formulations. The result of this study revealed that matured bottle gourd seeds can serve as a potential, inexpensive dietary fiber source and phytochemicals, which can further be used to develop functional foods.

Ethyl Methanesulfonate (EMS)-Mediated Fruit Mutants Of Bitter Gourd (Meghna-2): A Popular Landrace Of West Bengal

Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) is a stable and effective chemical mutagen. Bitter Gourd (Meghna-2) seeds were treated by 0.3, 0.5, and 1% EMS for 24 h and 48 h to optimize EMS mutagenesis. Median lethal dose of EMS was obtained at 0.3% EMS treated for 48 h. After treated by 0.3% EMS for 48 h, 250 M1 plants were grown in field for phenotype determination. In comparison to the control, a decline in germination, leaf shape, fruit size, fruit shape, vine length, and emergence was seen in the M1 generation when the concentration of applied EMS was increased. The fertility of M1 bitter gourd was very low and only 24 lines produced seeds after self crossing. Of the mutant 24 lines in the plant growth, five were dwarf, two were tall, four had retarded fruit size, and 13 had abnormal branching and flowering. Only four lines (G 6, G 9, G 14 and G 15) raised from M2 generations of Meghna-2, were screened critically and observed no significant reduction in seed germination and pollen viability but the fruit size was significantly decreased. Interestingly, the short fruit type and round shape of Meghna-2 (G 9) was chosen amongst the four due to farmer’s acceptability, which was grown further to confirm the stability.

Seed Germination and Seedling Vigour of Spine Gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.) in Response to Different Physical and Chemical Treatments

The present investigation was carried out at Department of Vegetable Science, OUAT, Bhubaneswar during 2019-2021. Five to six months old stored spine gourd seeds were exposed to various physical (T1: control, T2: 48 hours soaking in water, T3: hot water treatment for 20 minutes + 48 hourssoaking in water, T4: scarification by sand paper + 48 hours soaking in water, T5: removal of seed coat + 48 hours soaking in water) and chemical (C1: GA3 100 ppm, C2: GA3 200 ppm, C3: KNO3 1%, C4: KNO3 2%, C5: Thiourea 1%, C6: Thiourea 2% &amp; C7: Control) treatments. The experiment was laid out in factorial CRD design with 35 treatment combinations replicated twice. The seeds were sown in plastic trays containing cocopeat media. The effect of these treatments on percentage of germination, length of seedling, seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index- I and II were studied. It was concluded that among the physical treatments, T5 (removal of seed coat + 48 hours soaking in water), among the chemical treatments, C1 (GA3 100 ppm) and between the interactions, T5C1 recorded highest germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index- I and vigour index – II. The lowest values were recorded in control. From the experimental results.it was observed that seed coat removed seeds soaked for 48 hours in water followed by treatment with GA3 100 ppm recorded highest germination percentage and seedling vigour in spine gourd.

Morphological Identification of Seed-borne Mycoflora associated with Bottle Gourd through Various Methods

Seed-mycoflora are major biotic restraints to seeds. The purpose of this study was to identify the mycoflora and its incidence on seeds of different bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) varieties like Akash, Anmol, and Latto. The experiment was conducted in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) under factorial arrangement with three replicates. The seed-mycoflora of three different varieties of bottle gourd samples were investigated by using the ISTA-recommended agar plate and blotter paper method. The Agar plate method exhibited higher incidence of fungi followed by blotter paper method. The occurrence and incidence percentage showed that the Aspergillus flavus has high incidence percentage followed by Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Alternaria alternata, Rhizopus stolonifer and Fusarium oxysporum from the seed samples of bottle gourd. The agar plate method turned out to be the most suitable method for identification of seed-mycoflora in vegetable seeds. Results of the study revealed more helpful for managing the seed-mycoflora of different vegetables. Our findings may also be effective in curing seed-borne diseases before sowing.

Effect of Different Physical and Chemical Treatments on Germination and Seedling Establishment in Spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.)

The experiment was conducted at Department of Vegetable Science, OUAT, Bhubaneswar from 2019-2021. Stored spine gourd seeds of six months old were used in this experiment. The seeds were first given various physical treatments (T1: control, T2: 48 hours soaking in water, T3: hot water treatment for 20 minutes + 48 hours soaking in water, T4: scarification by sand paper + 48 hours soaking in water, T5: removal of seed coat + 48 hours soaking in water) followed by chemical treatments (C1: GA3 100 ppm, C2: GA3 200 ppm, C3: KNO3 1%, C4: KNO3 2%, C5: Thiourea 1%, C6: Thiourea 2% &amp; C7: control). The experiment was laid out in factorial CRD design with 35 treatment combinations replicated twice. The seeds were sown in plastic trays containing coco peat media. The effect of these treatments on number of days taken for initial germination, length of shoot, root, number of roots per seedling and percentage of seedling establishment in main field were recorded. From the data recorded, it was observed that among the physical treatments, T5 (removal of seed coat + 48 hours soaking in water), among the chemical treatments, C1 (GA3 100 ppm) and between the interactions, T5C1 (removal of seed coat + 48 hours soaking in water + GA3 100 ppm) took minimum number of days for initial germination with highest shoot and root length, maximum number of roots per seedling and highest establishment percentage in field. The lowest values were recorded in case of control. So, it can be concluded that removal of seed coat followed by 48 hour soaking in water and GA3 100 ppm treatment resulted early germination with desirable seedling traits and highest establishment percent in main field.