Trifolium Alexandrium Research Articles

Investigating the involvement of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 and NF-κb/MAPK pathways in the pathogenesis of gouty arthritis: Insights from irradiated and non-irradiated Trifolium alexandrium L. extracts and some metabolites

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTrifolium alexandrinum L. (TA), has traditionally been used in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties against hyperuricemia and gout. However, the specific mechanisms of action of TA have not been thoroughly studied. Aim of the workThis study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of irradiated (TR25) and non-irradiated (TR0) Trifolium alexandrinum L. aqueous extract (TAAE), along with two isolated compounds, caffeine (CAF) and saponin (SAP), in a rat model of acute gouty arthritis (GA). Materials and methodsThe GA model was established by injecting a monosodium urate (MSU) suspension into the knee joint. Synovial tissue pathology was assessed, and levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, NF-κB, mTOR, AKT1, PI3K, NLRP3, and ASC were measured by ELISA. mRNA expression of ERK1, JNK, and p-38 MAPK was detected using qRT-PCR, and Caspase-1 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. Knee swelling, uric acid levels, liver and kidney function, and oxidative stress markers were also evaluated. ResultsTAAE analysis identified 170 compounds, with 73 successfully identified using LC-HR-MS/MS, including caffeine citrate and theasapogenol B glycoside as the main constituents. The studied materials demonstrated significant protective effects against GA. TR25 administration significantly mitigated knee joint circumference compared to other treatments. It demonstrated potential in alleviating hyperuricemia, renal and hepatic impairments induced by MSU crystals. TR25 also alleviated oxidative stress and reduced levels of IL1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB. Weak Caspase-1 immune-positive staining was observed in the TR25 group. TR25 decreased NLRP3 and ASC expression, reducing inflammatory cytokine levels in GA. It effectively inhibited the PI3K, AKT, and mTOR signaling pathways, promoting autophagy. Additionally, TR25 suppressed ERK1, JNK, and p-38 MAPK gene expression in synovial tissue. These effects were attributed to various components in TAAE, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, alkaloids, and triterpenes. ConclusionImportantly, irradiation (25 KGy) enhanced the antioxidant effects and phtchemical contents of TAAE. Additionally, TR0, TR25, CAF, and SAP exhibited promising protective effects against GA, suggesting their therapeutic potential for managing this condition. These effects were likely mediated through modulation of the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 and ERK/JNK/p-38 MAPK signaling pathways, as well as regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize their clinical applications.

Modeling root zone water and salt transport using matric flux potential based root water uptake distribution

It is important to delineate the root water uptake (RWU) response to salt and water stress for assessing future water availability under extreme climatic conditions. The process of RWU in salt-affected soils is highly complex and not well understood. The present study proposed a matric flux potential based non-linear RWU model capable of calculating reduced RWU in water and salt stressed conditions. The study incorporates a sensitivity analysis of the model's parameters. For the inverse estimation of these parameters, an objective function has been formulated, utilizing data derived from the highly sensitive model's response. The proposed objective function provides unique estimates for these parameters. Using this objective function in an optimization process, the model is calibrated with observed data obtained from a soil column lysimeter experiment conducted on berseem crop (Trifolium alexandrium). The parameters are optimized through the coupling of the model with a genetic algorithm-based optimizer tool. Simulated data for soil moisture, electrical conductivity, and percolation are then compared to observed data. The simulated model's responses are found to be closely aligns with the experimentally observed values. The RWU under four irrigation of different salinity levels is simulated. The results highlight a reduction in RWU compensation under high-salinity irrigation treatment.

Efficacy of plant growth regulators on productivity, quality and profitability of berseem (Trifolium alexandrium)

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (Rabi) season of 2018–19 and 2019–20 at Agronomy Research Farm of the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana, Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, for evaluating various plant-growth regulating chemicals on quality-seed production of berseem or Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrium L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design, replicated thrice with 8 foliar spray treatments, viz.; T1 , control; T2 , 2 sprays of water at weekly interval, starting from flower initiation; T3 , 2 sprays of potassium nitrate @ 2% at weekly interval; T4 , 1 spray of salicylic acid @ 75 ppm; T5 , 2 sprays of salicylic acid @ 75 ppm at weekly interval; T6 , 1 spray of potassium nitrate @ 2% followed by 1 spray of salicylic acid @ 75 ppm after 1 week interval; T7 , 2 sprays of potassium nitrate @ 2% alternatively sprayed with 2 sprays of salicylic acid @ 75 ppm; and T8 , 1 spray of cytokinins @ 50 ppm, applied at flower-initiation stage. The results revealed that, significantly higher yield attributes [capsules/m2 (304), seeds/capsule (50.5), seed weight/5 capsules (0.63 g), 1,000 seed weight (3.97 g)] and seed yield (4.45 q/ha) of berseem were recorded under T7 (2 sprays of potassium nitrate @ 2% alternatively sprayed with 2 sprays of salicylic acid @ 75 ppm) which was followed by (fb) T6 , (1 spray of potassium nitrate @ 2% fb 1 spray of salicylic acid @ 75 ppm alternatively at weekly interval). Thus, application of 2 sprays of potassium nitrate @ 2% alternatively sprayed with 2 sprays of salicylic acid @ 75 ppm at flowering stage may be recommended to farmers for getting sufficient green fodder in addition to higher recovery of quality seed in profitable manner from dual-purpose berseem.

Dahi (an immunonutrient) in India Culture

Indian dahi, its history of origin, uses and benefits are reviewed. Studies were undertaken to observe effects of fermented milk in control of diarrhoea in children. India with high prevalence and severity of malnutrition, overpopulation and mainly vegetarian society are in need to develop protein sources with richness of minerals and vitamins; thus dahi (made with- lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus) and other vegetable source Berseem leaves (Trifolium Alexandrium) were studied in children patients suffering from protein energy malnutrition needing hospitalization, for acceptability and improvement in health i.e. appetite, weight gain, increase in haemoglobin. Study patients had clinical or laboratory evidence of infection, but only 32% patients were CRP positive (blunted response). The T cell lymphocytes CD3, CD4 and CD8 were in normal range and supplementation did not alter the counts. The baseline cytokine levels (TNFα, IFNγ, IL-10 and IL-4) were high in malnourished children. On feeding dahi and LPC diets the serum proinflammatory (TNFα, IFNγ), and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine levels, increased. The increase in IL-10 was higher in children receiving dahi diet. On comparing dahi diet against milk diet IL-1, IL-6 levels increased significantly on day 15th and at 6 weeks (p<0.001), in both the groups. However, IL-10 showed rise on day 15th and 6 weeks on dahi diet, in contrast milk diet patients showed fall on 15th day with subsequent rise at 6 weeks. The mean initial absolute lymphocyte counts were 3707±1551 and 4553±1776/ µl on dahi and milk diets, after 6weeks of treatment the corresponding values increased to 6312±1937 and 3493±1418 µl, respectively, (p=0.004). Similar, trend was observed for CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ and CD56+ cells in two treatment groups. These observations demonstrate that dahi has immunonutrient properties.

Yield and economic response of Rabi maize (Zea mays L.) to different mulching and nutrient management

An experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2019-20 with the objective of evaluating the effect of mulching and nutrient management practices on growth, yield and economics of maize (Zea mays L.) at Balindi Research Complex, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal, India on clay loam soil. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatment (T) combinations such as T1- Live mulch (Trifolium alexandrium)+50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) [120:60:40 kg /ha N, P2O5 and K2O], T2- Live Mulch+75% RDF, T3- Live Mulch+100% RDF, T4- Straw Mulch (rice straw)+ 50 % RDF, T5- Straw Mulch+75% RDF, T6- Straw Mulch+100% RDF, T7- No Mulch+50% RDF ,T8- No Mulch+75% RDF and T9- No Mulch+100 % RDF, replicated thrice. Experimental results revealed that different mulching and nutrient levels exerted significant influence on growth, yield, net return and benefit-cost ratio (B:C). Application of straw mulch+100% RDF (T6) resulted in the highest plant height (164.57 cm), grain yield (5.28 tonnes /ha), stover yield (7.65 tonnes/ha) and B: C (2.16), however, treatment T7 recorded the lowest grain and stover yield. So, the integrated application of straw mulch along with 100% RDF could be recommended for better yield and higher profit of Rabi maize. Integration of organic mulch might be useful for long-term soil health benefits for the nutrient exhaustive maize crop.

Exploring the diversity of endophytic fungi and screening for their pullulanase-producing capabilities

BackgroundPullulanases are the significant industrial group in the 13 glycosyl hydrolases category, known as the α-amylases family. There are very few reports on pullulanase from fungal sources. Based on the above research gap, the present study was undertaken to explore the endophytic fungi for their pullulanase-producing capabilities. ResultsA total of 126 endophytes were isolated from Tradescantia pallida, Zea mays, and Trifolium alexandrinum. Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Ganoderma species recovered highest from the stem of Tradescantia palida. Fusarium was dominant in the stem and leaf of Zea mays. Penicillium, Aspergillus, Ganoderma, Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Alternaria were recovered from the Trifolium alexandrium. The Shannon index in Tradescantia pallida was highest in leaves while in Zea mays and Trifolium alexandrinum, it is highest in the stem. The Simpson’s index is highest in the case of Zea mays stem and root. Species richness was indicated by Menhinick’s index, and it was found that this value was highest in the roots of Trifolium alexandrinum. As per our knowledge, no comparative data is available on the endophytic diversity of the above plants taken for the study. Out of 126 endophytes, only 2.38% produced pullulanase while 7.94% produced amylase. The recovery of pullulanase-producing endophytic fungi was very less. But the importance of pullulanase is high as compared to amylase because it has both α-1,6 and α-1,4 hydrolyzing ability. Therefore, the most promising isolates were identified by ITS sequence analysis. Based on spore chain morphology, isolates BHU-25 and BHU-30 were identified as Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus species, respectively. This is the first report of pullulanase from endophytic Aspergillus and Penicillium. ConclusionEndophytes Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. produce pullulanase enzyme. This is the first report of pullulanase from endophytic Aspergillus and Penicillium.

Correlated Response in Growth Potentiality, Tillering Capacity, and Leafiness of Barseem Clover "Trifolium alexandrium, L" following Selection for Frequent –Cutting Tolerance

Correlated Response in Growth Potentiality, Tillering Capacity, and Leafiness of Barseem Clover "Trifolium alexandrium, L" following Selection for Frequent –Cutting Tolerance

Fluctuation in Germination on Exposure to Salt Stress in Trifolium Alexandrium L. in Cultivars

Trifolium alexandrinum L. is a leguminuous plant having tremendous nutritional values associated with it to be utilized as cattle feed. The germination is affected by different factors and one of them being the water absorption capacity of seeds for initial germination. In our study three cultivars of T. alexandrinum viz. BB1 BB2 BB3 were selected and their corresponding seeds were germinated under Na2SO4 stress. The salt concentration chosen for the study ranged from 0 mM, 25 mM, 50 mM, 75 mM, 100 mM, and 150 mM. The study revealed that the salt concentration 0 mM, 25 mM, 50 mM were not having pronounced effect but upon increasing the salt concentration the rate of germination decreased and hence the radical, plumule and cotyledonary leaf also was drastically reduced

In vitro evaluation of kinnow waste as substitute of cereal grains in the concentrate mixture and empty pea pods as that of berseem hay in total mixed ration for livestock

This study was taken up to assess the extent to which kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata) waste (KW) could substitute cereal grains in the concentrate mixture and empty pea (Pisum sativum) pods (EPPs) as that of berseem (Trifolium alexandrium) hay in total mixed ration (TMR) for livestock. In the first experiment, sundried finely ground kinnow waste replaced barley grains on N basis at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels in concentrate mixtures. The comparable N-content indicated that the concentrate mixtures were iso-nitrogenous. The EE and cell wall constituents (CWC) increased linearly with the increase in level of KW. The replacement of barley with KW did not affect net gas production (NGP), true OM digestibility and ME availability up to 50% level of replacement. Total and individual volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and microbial biomass production improved up to 50% level of replacement but declined thereafter. In the second experiment, sundried finely ground EPPs replaced berseem hay on N basis at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels in TMR. The EE and CWCs content was not affected up to 50% level but thereafter EE content decreased, whereas CWCs content increased. The NGP, digestibility of true DM and OM, VFAs production, ME availability and microbial biomass synthesis improved up to 50% level of replacement of berseem hay with EPPs, thereafter it declined. The hydrogen recovery, hydrogen consumption and fermentation efficiency were not affected upto 50% level of EPPs but at higher levels these parameters were depressed. Therefore, KW could replace barley grains in concentrate mixture while EPPs could replace berseem hay in TMR up to 50% level without affecting nutrient utilization, VFA production, ME availability and microbial biomass production under in vitro conditions.

Knowledge and adoption gap in berseem (Trifolium alexandrium L.) fodder production technologies in bundelkahnd region of India

Bundelkhand is geographically the Central part of India covering some part of M.P. and some of part of U.P. The population of this region is apprx. 1.5 crores. In spite of being rich in minerals the population of bundelkhand is very poor and backward. The Forage crops play important role in the productivity of animals. The commonly available fodders are Berseem, Oats, and Lucerne, Maize Pearl millet, Cowpea, Sorghum, tree leaves and shrubs. Berseem is main crops of rabi season in India. The berseem or Egipt Clover (Trifolium alexandrium L.) cultivation because of its nutritive and higher fodder production under adequate irrigation condition. Extension system had played a crucial role in enhancing milk production. However, there still exists a wide gap between the technology available with the research system and its ’adoption at farmers ’fields. Therefore, an effort was made to find out the adoption gap in Berseem fodder production in Bundelkhand region of India. The data were collected by interviewing 180 farm families with the help of pre-tested interview schedules. The results clearly indicates the farmers were from four districts of Bundelkhand region. It was found that the all the respondents grow berseem as a fodder in rabi season and 60.0 per cent respondents grow sorghum fodder in kharif and other crops like oats, barley, maize, guar etc grown by some respondents in the study area. The adoption gap in berseem fodder production varied in different activities. The adoption gap was found as a minimum for land preparation (13.12%) and maximum for Weedicide use as (95.69%) and storage of fodder as (96. 66%) with average adoption gap was observed as (64.24%.) The main reason for lesser adoption of fodder production technologies in Berseem due to small land holdings followed by less irrigation and less priority to fodder crops by farmers. The study further indicated that there was significant difference between knowledge and adoption gap with regard to adoption of fodder production practices.

Trace mineral status of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from North-West Himalayan region in relation to fodder levels

To know the status of trace minerals in buffaloes from various agro-climatic zones of Jammu division, a baseline survey was conducted. A total of 193 buffalo blood and 169 fodder samples offered during various seasons were collected and analyzed. The average values of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Co in buffalo plasma samples were 14.86, 31.27, 56.05, 1.98 and 3.35 μmol/l, respectively. Sub-clinical deficiency of Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn was recorded among 34.42, 3.22, 7.05 and 11.97% buffalo population. Fodder sample analysis revealed wide variation in the level of trace elements among different fodders and also areas. Level of iron in fodders was adequate; however, Cu deficiency was prevalent among corn stover (55.55%), fodder tree leaves (50%) and Pennisatum typhoides (22.22%). Zn deficiency was recorded among Sorgum spp. (68.75%), corn stover (66.66%), wheat straw (82.5%), Pennisatum typhoides (37.5%), tree leaves (33.33%) and Trifolium alexandrium (15.38%). Mn deficiency was recorded among Sorgum spp. (62.5%), corn stover (66.66%), wheat straw (30.76%) and Pennisatum typhoides (44.44%). Study concluded that area specific mineral mixtures need to be supplemented for enhancing the productive and reproductive potential of buffaloes.

Influence of soil applied boron on yield of berseem (Trifolium alexandrium L.) and soil boron fractions in calcareous soils

ABSTRACTA greenhouse experiment was conducted in North-west India to study the effect of soil applied boron on yield of berseem (Trifolium alexandrium L.) and soil boron fractions in boron deficient calcareous soils. Three soils with varying calcium carbonate content viz. 0.75% (Soil I), 2.6% (Soil II), and 5.7% (Soil III) were collected from different sites of Ludhiana, Bathinda, and Shri Muktsar Sahib districts, Punjab, India. The treatments consisted of six levels of soil applied boron viz. 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, and 2.0 mg B kg−1 along with control. The green fodder yield and dry matter yield increased significantly at 0.75 mg B kg−1 soil treatment level in the first cutting, while these were significant at 1.0 mg B kg−1 soil treatment level in all soils at second, third, and fourth cuttings. Among all three calcareous soils, Soil I with lower calcium carbonate was the best soil in respect of mean yield in comparison to Soil II and Soil III. Combined effect of boron level and soils had significant effect on yield of berseem. There was a significant increase in mean dry root biomass at 1.0 mg B kg−1 soil level over control and then remained non-significant with further high levels of soil applied boron. The mean dry root biomass decreased significantly for the soils having 0.75%, 2.6%, and 5.7% calcium carbonate levels. Readily soluble fraction is considered to be easily available fraction of B for plant uptake and consisted of 0.47–0.62% in Soil I, 0.31–0.43% in Soil II, and 0.24–0.34% in Soil III of the total boron. Among all B fractions, mean readily soluble, specifically adsorbed, and oxide-bound fractions got increased significantly with increase in B levels. Readily soluble and organically bound B fractions were more in Soil I as compared to Soil II and Soil III. Specifically adsorbed boron, oxide bound fraction, residual and total boron were more in Soil III in comparison to Soil I and Soil II. Among all fractions, residual fraction accounted for the major portion of the total B. It comprised of 92.71–93.90% in Soil I, 94.51–95.40% in Soil II, and 94.91–95.25% in Soil III of the total boron.

Effect of NPK rates and irrigation frequencies on the growth and yield performance of <i>Trifolium alexandrium</i> L.

The limiting of water resource and traditional farming practices are threatening the sustainability of important minor crops in Pakistan, including berseem, which is a key source of fodder for dairy farms. Each year, 2% reduction of cultivated area, low yield and grower’s non-preference (to rotate or replace wheat-cotton pattern) factors are adversely affecting the livestock sector. Consequently, animal rearing business is suffering badly due to lack of fresh forage in the country. Therefore, a three-replicated randomized complete block design (RCBD) field experiment was conducted during rabi season to evaluate berseem crop in term of yield and profit under existing farming practice (85:115:00 NPK kg ha−1 + 12 irrigations with 15 days intervals) and optimized treatments (70:100:30 NPK kg ha−1, 55:85:15 NPK kg ha−1 + 12, 08, 04 irrigations + 15, 18, 21 days intervals). The net plot size was 12 m2 with a pH range of 8.1 silty clay loam soil type. In addition, the climate was monitored as well, there was no rainfall observed during the entire crop period. The analysis of statistical data showed a significant (p < 0.05) vegetative, reproductive and economic performance of berseem in optimized farming practices compared to traditional practice. Thus, maximum plant height, leaves plant−1, branches plant−1, plant weight, fodder and seed yield, net profit, and profit on $−1 (81.8 cm, 100.8, 36.0, 19.3 (g), 72.0 t, 829.30 kg ha−1, $1910.8 ha−1, $2.03 respectably) were measured from treatment 70:100:30 NPK kg ha−1 + 12 irrigations at 15 days intervals, which is recommended to the farmers of synonymic agro-environmental conditions. Furthermore, the treatment 70:100:30 NPK kg ha−1 + 8 irrigations was also better with the aspect of satisfactory outcome and 33% less use of water.

Host plant preference of army worm (Spodoptera litura) on crops and weeds

A study was conducted to determine the preference and host range of a polyphagous lepidopteron, Spodoptera litura, collected during a search for biocontrol agent of Trianthema portulacastrum L. Culture of S. litura was maintained on T. portulacastrum leaves at 26 ±2°C and 70 ±5% RH. The experiment was done using 10 days old larvae of S. litura obtained from the laboratory reared nuclears culture. Forty five plant species of crops and weeds belonging to 21 families were used for host preference study. In each replication, 10 larvae were placed on bouquet of various crop and weed plants in well aerated large size containers (2x3x2 ft). Out of the 45 crop and weed plants tested, larvae of S. litura showed high, moderate, low and nil preference for 15, 12, 7 and 9 plant species, respectively. Among the crop plants, maximum preference was observed on Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., Spinacea oleracea L., Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata and Trifolium alexandrium L.Among the 25 weed plants tested, high feeding preference was observed on Alternanthera philoxeroides Mart., Euphorbia hirta L., Eichhornia crassipesMart., Trianthema portulacastrum L., Parthenium hysterophorus L., Cichorium intybus L., Rumex obtusifolius L. Chenopodium album L., and Ipomoea fistulosa Mart.

Use of Ethylenediurea (EDU) in identifying indicator cultivars of Indian clover against ambient ozone

Three clover (Trifolium alexandrium L.) cultivars (Bundel, Wardan and JHB-146) were assessed for their responses to ambient ozone (O3) with respect to growth, physiological and biochemical parameters at two rural sites (R1 and R2) using ethylenediurea (EDU). EDU solution (300ppm) was applied as soil drench, 10 days after germination (DAG) at an interval of 10 days up to 80 DAG. The average O3 concentrations were 52.76 and 60.86 ppb at R1 and R2 sites, respectively during the experimental period. Ambient O3 induced visible symptoms in all the cultivars at both the sites, with more at R2 site having high ambient O3 levels. Visible injury was observed first in non-EDU treated plants of Wardan at R2 site. Wardan also showed maximum reduction in leaf injury under EDU treatment at both the sites with more at R2. Under EDU treatment, better adaptation to ambient O3 at initial age of observation and higher acquisition of resources at later ages of observation at both the sites led to better physiological and biochemical adaptations in Wardan. Bundel retained more biomass in shoot as is reflected with higher shoot/root ratio and thus focused more on repair and defense. Shoot/root ratio of JHB-146 did not respond to EDU treatment and thus showed insignificant variations except at initial age of observation at R1 site. This study clearly suggests that Wardan and Bundel are sensitive to ambient O3 and can be used as bioindicator species in areas having higher O3 levels using EDU as a research tool.

Effect of cover crops on maize-velvet leaf competition: leaf area density and light interception

Cover crops influence on canopy structure and light interception of maize (Zea mays L.) and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik), was studied in a field experiment. Treatments included planting of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) and berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrium L.) as cover crops at the same date and 21 days after maize. Sole cropping of maize under weed- free and weedy conditions were also included in this experiment. All tested cover crops significantly reduced leaf area density and height of velvetleaf up to 50 %, while maize leaf area density increased in the presence of cover crops. Among cover crops, bean and soybean were the most effective in reducing velvetleaf leaf area density and height. Bean and soybean also strongly reduced absorbed light by velvetleaf by up to 80 % compared to clover. Maize grain yields were significantly influenced by cover crops planting in the inter row space. Compared to weeds free plots, only treatment with soybean as a cover crop resulted in similar maize grain yields, while maize intercropping with bean and clover significantly reduced maize yields. Delayed planting of cover crops, 21 day after maize, increased maize grain yield compared to cover crops and maize planting at the same time.

Effect of Different Concentration of Seaweed Saps on Quality, Green Fodder and Seed Yields of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrium)

Effect of Different Concentration of Seaweed Saps on Quality, Green Fodder and Seed Yields of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrium)

Bio-amelioration of alkali soils through agroforestry systems in central Indo-Gangetic plains of India

A long-term field study was initiated during 1995 at Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Lucknow (26°47′58″ N and 80°46′24″ E) to analyze the effect of agroforestry systems on amelioration of alkali soils. Three agroforestry systems (pastoral, silvipastoral and silvicultural) were compared with the control where no agroforestry system was introduced. Tree-based silvicultural and silvipastoral systems were characterized by tree species Prosopis juliflora and Acacia nilotica along with grass species Leptochloa fusca, Panicum maximum, Trifolium alexandrium and Chloris gayana. Growth of ten-year-old Prosopis juliflora and Acacia nilotica planted in combination with grasses was significantly higher over the silviculture system with the same species. Tree biomass yields of P. juliflora (77.20 t·ha−1) and A. nilotica (63.20 t·ha−1) planted under silvipastoral system were significantly higher than the sole plantation of (64.50 t·ha−1 and 52.75 t·ha−1). Fodder yield under the pastoral system was significantly higher than the silvipastoral system during initial years but it was at par with that of silvipastoral systems after eight years of plantation. The microbial biomass carbon in the soils of silvipastoral systems was significantly higher than in soils under sole plantation of trees and control systems. The Prosopis-based silvipastoral system proved more effective in reducing soil pH, displacing Na+ from the exchange complex, increasing organic carbon and available N, P and K. Improvement in soil physical properties such as bulk density, porosity, soil moisture and infiltration rate was higher in the Prosopis-based silvipastoral system than in the silviculture system or control. On the basis of biomass production and improvement in soil health due to tree + grass systems, silvipastoral agroforestry system could be adopted for sustainable reclamation of highly alkali soils.

Impact of floral sources and processing on the antimicrobial activities of different unifloral honeys

ObjectiveTo study in vitro antibacterial activity and physicochemical properties of three unifloral honeys (citrus, clover and cotton honeys), and to study the impacts of storage, dilution with water (33%, w/v) and autoclaving (121 °C for 15 min) on honeys characteristics. MethodsHoney samples from monofloral sources including citrus (Citrus spp.), Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrium) and cotton (Gossypium vitifolium) were obtained during three successive seasons (2010–2012). Physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activities of different honey samples were studies. ResultsIn honey samples stored for 12 or 24 month, colour, hydroxymethyl furfural and acidity increased, while refractive index, water activity, total soluble solids, electrical conductivity and pH remained relatively unaffected, but H2O2 values decreased. Types of honey exhibited various degrees of antibacterial activity against different indicator bacteria, wherein the highest antibacterial activity was recorded for clover honey followed by citrus and cotton honeys, respectively. Different species of bacteria were differed in their sensitivity to honey, wherein Salmonella enteritidis was the most sensitive followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, respectively. Storage up to 24 months at room temperature slightly reduced the antibacterial activity. The reduction levels were about 2.6% and 4.6% after 12 and 24 months, respectively. Diluting honeys with water increased the antibacterial activity by ca. 8.3%, while autoclaving decreased the antibacterial activity by ca. 13.5%. The relative contribution of the peroxide and non-peroxide components in the total antibacterial activity of fresh honeys was investigated. The antibacterial activity of honeys was mainly attributed to non-peroxide antibacterial agents, wherein their contribution was ca. 88%, while the contribution of H2O2 was only 12%. The contribution of the thermostable antibacterial components in honey was ca. 86.8%. The antibacterial activity of the fresh clover honey was compared with the effect of 16 antibiotics on indicator bacteria. Clover honey exhibited antibacterial activity comparable to that exhibited by the tested antibiotics. Moreover, antibacterial activity of water diluted fresh clover honey was higher compared to some of tested antibiotics. Clover honey appeared to deserve further investigations, since it may prove to be a promise therapeutic honey. ConclusionsHoney samples tested in this study exhibited antibacterial activity against tested pathogenic bacteria, and this activity was mainly due to non-peroxide antibacterial factors. Clover honey appeared to deserve further investigations, since it may prove to be a promising therapeutic honey.

Retraction Note: Retraction note to: Nutritional evaluation of wheat straw treated with Crinipellis sp. in Sahiwal calves

Wheat straw was subjected to solid-state fermentation (SSF) with lignolytic white-rot fungus (WRF) Crinipellis sp. for 5 days to improve the nutritive value and digestibility. The fungal treatment caused a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in cell wall constituents viz., neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, lignin, and cellulose to the extent of 10.4, 11.2, 8.7, 8.7, and 12.1 %, respectively, with increase (P < 0.05) in crude protein (CP) (51.6%) and ash (25.8%) contents in fungal treated wheat straw (FT-WS) than untreated wheat straw (UT-WS). Further, in vitro gas production, in vitro true dry matter digestibility and in vitro true organic matter digestibility at 48 h, metabolizable energy (ME) content, microbial biomass production, and short-chain fatty acids synthesis were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in FT-WS. In vivo feeding trial in 10 Sahiwal calves (8–12 months) comprised of (1) control group (T1) fed with ad libitum chopped UT-WS and (2) treatment group (T2) offered with ad libitum chopped FT-WS, in addition to supplementation of groundnut cake and green berseem (Trifolium alexandrium) forage to both groups. Digestibility of nutrients for dry matter (DM), organic matter, CP, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose, and total carbohydrates were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T2 compared to T1. Moreover, daily DM (P < 0.05), digestible crude protein (P < 0.01), and ME intakes were also higher (P < 0.05) in group T2 with higher (P < 0.05) nitrogen (N) retention, which resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) higher average daily gain in body weight (135 vs. 102 g/day). It was concluded that SSF with WRF Crinipellis sp. holds potential in upgrading the nutritional worth of wheat straw for feeding growing calves.