Ziziphus Mauritiana Research Articles

Lac insect occurrence in different agroclimatic zones of Madhya Pradesh

Field surveys for lac insect occurrence were carried out in 319 blocks of 51 districts in eleven different agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh. Documentation for occurrence of lac insect was carried out on passport datasheets. Lac insect occurrence was observed in Kymore plateau of Satpura hills in 65 sites (22.57%) followed by Northern hills region of Chhattisgarh in 61 sites (21.18%), Malwa Plateau in 38 sites (13.20%), Chhattisgarh plains in 39 sites (13.54%), Gird Zone 29 sites (10.06%), Central Narmada valley 20 sites (6.95%), Satpura hills 11 sites (3.81%), Vindhyan Plateau 14 sites (4.86%), Nimar valley 6 sites (2.08), Jhabua hills 4 sites (1.39%), minimum frequency of lac occurrence was reported from Bundelkhand region with only one site (0.34%). The present study also revealed lac insect encrustation on 17 different host plants, four lac host plants, viz., Butea monosperma, Schleichera oleosa, Ziziphus mauritiana and Ficus religiosa were found as major host plants with lac encrustation. During the survey in most of the districts, Rangeeni strain was dominant on Palas tree to be in higher numbers with abundant diversity in 75 sites of Seoni, Balaghat and Mandla district whereas kusmi strain was found abundantly in 4 sites of Hoshangabad, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur district of Madhya Pradesh. Rangeeni strain on Palas tree is also cultivated frequently in 34 sites of Balaghat, Mandla, Seoni, Anuppur, Shahdol and Katni district whereas Kusmi strain is cultivated frequently in 19 sites of Hoshangabad, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur, Balaghat, Mandla and Seoni districts of Madhya Pradesh. Rangeeni strain is occasionally cultivated in 23 sites of Mandla, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Katni, Seoni, Betul, Chhindwara districts whereas Kusmi strain is abundandly cultivated in 5 sites of Dindori, Hoshanagabad, Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. In natural condition Rangeeni strain is occasionally found in 49 sites of 19 districts of Madhya Pradesh whereas in natural condition Rangeeni lac is rarely found in 79 sites of 38 districts of Madhya Pradesh. Lac insects recorded from this region will help to promote lac culture in other areas as well as biodiversity of lac insect species will also remain conserved and maintained.

Evaluation of different food plants and Feeding Preference of Chrysocoris stolli Wolf (Heteroptera –Pentatomidae –Scutelleridae)

Insecta is the largest class of phylum arthropods and members of this class are characterized by the presence of three pairs of legs; hence, called Hexapods, Besides, these tracheae organisms have usually one or two pairs of wings. Insects always have been associated with mankind in one way or the other as some of them are beneficial other are pests of crops and house hold articles. Chrysocoris stolli Wolf (Heteroptera- Pentatomidae-Scutellerinae): Chrysocoris stolli is a polyphagous phytosuccivorous bug found infesting many foods plants as mentioned in introduction chapter. To know the food preference experiments were conducted in laboratory. For this purpose, adults as well as nymphs were exposed to different parts of each host plants kept in wooden wire gauge cage. This experiment is showed that adults and nymphs fed only on the leaves, seed and inflorescence of food plants. Among a large number of food plants, ten plants were selected to know the preferential feeding of the bug population. The selected plants were Litchi chinensis, Croton bonplandianus, Adhotoda vessica, Croton sparisiflorum, Pannisetium typhoides (Bajra), Brassica compestries, Mangifera indica, Parthenium, Zizyphus mauritiana (Indian jujube), Cassia occidentalies. Then 25 adults and 25 nymphs of C.stolli were released in the cage having food plant parts after two, four and six hours. Then, the number of bugs was counted on each host plant part and noted.

Efficacy of Aloe vera based composite edible coatings to maintain the post-harvest appearance of Ber fruits (Zizyphus mauritiana) cv. Umran

Umran is a most popular variety in India among other cultivars of Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) fruit. It provides nutritious fruit at very low cost even under marginal growing conditions but has short shelf life of 3-5 days. The research conducted to check the efficacy of Aloe vera gel based composite edible coating to maintain the post-harvest physical attributes of Ber fruits. After harvesting, the fruits were coated with Aloe vera gelincorporated with texture enhancer (calcium gluconate @ 1 and 2%) and antioxidant (ascorbic acid @1 and 2%) and stored at ambient storage condition sup to 15 days. Among all the treatments 75% Aloe vera gel incorporated with 1% ascorbic acid significantly reduces the physiological loss in weight (8.89%), decay per cent (10.08%), shrinkage of fruits (5.03%) and retained Better fruit weight (14.98g), diameter (2.42cm) and firmness of fruits (1.09 kg/cm2) up to 15 days. While the uncoated (control) ber fruits start losing their physical attributes after 5 days.

Evaluation of different IPM modules against ber stone weevil, Aubeus himalayanusin hot arid region of India

The ber stone weevil, Aubeus himalayanus Voss (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) appeared to be an emerging pest reported from various region of India. The stone weevil is an emerging threat for ber production in India especially in Northern India. The results showed that organic IPM module-II registered significantly lower stone weevil population (12.04 % on retained fruits & 15.04% in dropped fruits) followed by module-I (21.26 % on plant fruits & 26.15% in fallen fruits). The highest stone weevil population was observed under control module (49.23 % on retained fruits & 54.91% in dropped fruits). The marketable yield of ber fruits differed significantly under different modules. The fresh fruit yield of ber was observed in the order of organic IPM module-II (82.26 kg/ plant)> module-I (78.25 kg/ plant)> module-IV (73.14 kg/ plant)> module-III (64.81 kg/ plant) and least under control module (56.27 kg/ plant) in pooled both years. It can be inferred from the results that organic IPM module-II (Moderately resistant genotype (Umran), deep summer ploughing after pruning of plants, neem oil spray @ 5 ml per litre of water in October month, hand picking of damaged fruit and adult in November month and spray of spinosad 46 SC @ 0.4 ml per litre of water in December month) was highly effective and gave higher yield of marketable ber fruits. The benefit-cost ratio of the tested ber production systems in the control of stone weevil decreased in the following order: module-II (B: C ratio 10.41:1)> module-I (B: C ratio 9.41:1)> module-IV (B: C ratio 7.08:1)> module-III (B: C ratio 3.66:1).

Biology of Ber Fruit Fly Carpomyia Vesuviana Costa

Biology, incidence and morphometrics of the ber fruit fly Carpomyia vesuviana Costa were studied on Indian jujube Ziziphus mauritiana Lamark. The observations revealed that the female laid its eggs in the cavities made by the ovipositor, just beneath the skin of the fruit. The eggs were small, elongate, spindle shaped and creamy white. The duration of lifestages (in days) were- egg 1.90, maggot 8.75, prepupal 4.43 (hr), pupal 8.40, adult longevity 13.85; with a total lifecycle of 29.95 days. The length, width and wing expanse of female measured up to 4.82, 1.33 and 3.91 mm, respectively; and that of male 4.44, 1.21 and 3.83 mm, respectively. The incidence was maximum in October followed by December, with the least being in January. Correlation coefficients of incidence with weather factors revealed a significant and positive one with maximum RH (0.70) and negative with maximum temperature (-0.54).

Analysis of Antimicrobial Compound in Ziziphus Mauritiana Extract using Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR)

Ziziphus mauritiana is locally known as Bidara that belongs to Rhamnaceae family which is a herbal plant that believed originated from Indo-Malaysian region of South-East Asia. It is commonly known for its various benefits as pharmacological such as antioxidants and antimicrobial. In order to prove its efficacy, antimicrobial compound analysis of Ziziphus mauritiana leaf extract was performed using Attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR). The spectrum and wavelength obtained can be used to identify the functional group and thus, the antimicrobial compound was discovered present in the plant. A liquid-liquid extraction had been carried out to obtain the extract of Ziziphus mauritiana leaf sample and rotary evaporator is used to remove the solvent of ethyl acetate. Based on this study, Ziziphus mauritiana leaves do have antimicrobial compounds such as eugenol and vanillin which are one of the antimicrobial agents.

Do We Need New Crops for Arid Regions? A Review of Fruit Species Domestication in Israel

Climatic changes have created the imminent need for the development of new crops for arid regions. We started to domesticate and introduce wild and exotic fruit trees to our deserts in 1984. We tested different species in five eco zones in Israel, differing from each other in terms of maximum and minimum temperatures, type and degrees of salinities, water evaporation rates, rainfall, etc. We succeeded in cultivating pitaya species using hybrids from the Hylocereus and Selenicereus genera, and with a different species from the Cactaeae Cereus peruvianus, which we named Koubo. These two species are from the Cactaceae family, known for high water use efficiencies (WUE). We already have investors who started the semi-commercial production of Marula, Sclerocarya birrea sbsp. Caffra, and Argan—Argania spinosa. In spite of the fact that we developed good clones and knowledge of how to grow and ship White Sapote, Casimiroa edulis, and Indian jujube, Ziziphus mauritiana, we failed due to a lack of marketing research and development, which is essential for such a project. We have gene banks of some other new fruit crops waiting for investors to grow and bring them into the domestic and world markets.

Extent and Pattern of Natural Occurrence of Lac Insect (Kerria lacca) and their Host Plants in different Agro-Climatic Zones of Bihar

Surveys were conducted in 28 districts of Bihar for occurrence of natural population of lac insect; Kerria lacca Kerr (Hemiptera, Tachardiidae), and abundance of its host plant. Naturally occurring lac insect was observed in 18 districts in varied proportion mostly on Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis and rarely on Ziziphus mauritiana and Butea monosperma. Majority of insects were found dead but at few places good live population were noticed. Natural occurrence of lac insect was found highly vulnerable to human interventions, high temperature and parasitoids and predators. Out of 17 districts of south Bihar, falling under zone III, 10 districts were found rich in naturally surviving lac insect. Lac insects in scattered manner were also observed in many districts of Northern Bihar but occurrence and population densities were very low. Survey revealed the abundance of lac host and natural population of lac insects in various districts of zone III (58%) of Bihar. These findings could open a new window for introduction lac cultivation in these areas for livelihood support to resource poor farmers, especially during off-agricultural season.

Antimycotic Activity of Leaf Extracts of Medicinal Plants Against Dermatophytes

Plant products have been used as medicines against fungal infectious diseases. In this research antimycotic activity of the leaf extracts of five medicinal plants (Nerium indicum, Catheranthus roseus, Lantana camera, Ziziphus mauritiana) were tested against three dermatophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum. gypseum). Development of more effective and less toxic antimycotic agents is required for the treatment of dermatophytosis. The plant materials were extracted with methanol, ethanol and diethyl ether solvent to investigate their antimycotic activities in Vitro. Ethanol and methanol extracts of all selected medicinal plants were showed the positive activity against all tested dermatophytes. Diethyl ether extract was showed lowest activity against T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum and showed moderate activity against M. gypseum. The three dermatophytes differed with regard to their susceptibility to plant extracts.

Diversity and Local Uses of Tree Species of Non-Timber Forest Products in Zamay Forest Reserve in Cameroon

Forest products play an important role in supporting livelihoods in many developing countries. The study examined diversity and local uses of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in Zamay forest reserve in Cameroon. The inventory design consisted of three collection units (CU): CU1, CU2 and CU3 in the north, center and south of the reserve respectively. In each CU, seven plots of 2 500 m2 each (50 m × 50 m) were established and woody individuals (dbh ≥ 10 cm) were inventoried. Local uses of NTFP were determined through semi-structured and structured interviews and plot methods were used for the inventory of the resource species. Statistical analyses were performed with Origin 6.0 and XLSTAT Softwares. A total of 745 stems was recorded, representing fifty-two species grouped in twenty-two families and thirty-seven genera. The Shannon diversity index (H’) varied from 2.52 to 3.11, and Shannon evenness index (EQ) from 0.75 to 0.83. The most dominant families were Combretaceae, Burseraceae, Balanitaceae and Mimosaceae. A total of 44 useful species was recorded in five categories of uses: medicine, food, fodder, crafts and fertilizers. The most important species in terms of use values were Acacia albida Del., Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr., Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss., Balanites aegyptiaca L., Ziziphus mauritiana Lam., Tamarindus indica L. and Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. Means of frequency of citation and use values were not significantly different. Results of this survey will allow considering reforestation with valued species in the degraded parts of the reserve.

Application of synthesized copper nanoparticles using aqueous extract ofZiziphus mauritiana L. leaves as a colorimetric sensor for the detection of Ag.

The presented work demonstrates the preparation of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) via aqueous leaves extract of Ziziphus mauritiana L. ( Zm ) using hydrazine as a reducing agent. Various parameters such as volume of extract, concentration of hydrazine hydrate, concentration of copper chloride, and pH of the solution were optimized to obtain Ziziphus mauritiana L. leaves extract derived copper nanoparticles ( Zm -CuNPs). Brownish red color was initial indication of the formation of Zm -CuNPs while it was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at wavelength of 584 nm using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy. Synthesized Zm -CuNPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). AFM images showed that the particle size of Zm -CuNPs was from 7 to 17 nm with an average size of 11.3 nm. Fabricated sensor ( Zm -CuNPs) were used as a colorimetric sensor for the detection of Ag + at a linear range between 0.67 × 10 -6 – 9.3 × 10 -6 with R 2 value of 0.992. For real water samples, limit of quantification (LOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) for Ag + was found to be 330 × 10 -9 and 100 × 10 -9 , respectively.

Microbial isolation and digestion of some non-leguminous browse plants in semi-arid environment of North-East Nigeria

Non-leguminous browse plants such as Ziziphus spina-christi (T1), Ziziphus mauritiana (T2), Azadirachtaindica (T3), Moringa oleifera (T4), Ficus polita (T5) and Annona senegalensis (T6) can produce high yield biomass. Z. spina-christi, Z. Mauritiana and M.oleifara contain high CP content and as such can be used to improve the performance of ruminants in the dry season during feed scarcity. The bacteria isolated from the rumen liquor of the feed samples were Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium species, Micrococcus species and Escherichia coli, while the isolated fungi include Aspergillus niger and Rhizophus species. Microbial analysis during their degradation in the rumen shows that B. subtilis and S. faecalis were found to be present as major bacterial species during their digestion. At the end of 48 hours period of incubation, the degradability rate of all the browse plants was more than 60%- T2 (67.60%), T1(66.10%), T4 (65.95%), T6 (65.50%) and T5 (63.55%). Their high CP content makes them good choices as feed ingredients and can be used for supplementation in ruminant feeding to improve feed quality of livestock feed production in Borno State, Nigeria. Their availability all year round, high protein level and high degradation characteristic can support and meet the nutrient requirements of ruminants during the dry season.

Biogenic silver/silver chloride nanoparticles inhibit human glioblastoma stem cells growth in vitro and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell growth in vivo.

The importance of biogenic silver/silver chloride nanoparticles has become increasing day by day. In the present study, silver/silver chloride nanoparticles (Ag/AgCl‐NPs) were synthesized from Kaempferia rotunda tuberous rhizome extract to evaluate the antiproliferative activity against human glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) in vitro and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in vivo in mice. Synthesis of nanoparticles was confirmed by colour change and UV‐visible spectrum and characterized by TEM, XRD, TGA, AFM and FTIR. K rotunda and recently synthesized Zizyphus mauritiana fruit extract‐mediated Ag/AgCl‐NPs inhibited 77.2% and 71% of GSCs growth at 32 µg/mL concentration with the IC50 values of 6.8 and 10.4 µg/mL, respectively. Cell morphological studies and caspase‐3 immunofluorescence assay revealed that both biogenic nanoparticles induced apoptosis in GSCs. Expression levels of several genes were checked by real‐time PCR after treatment with K rotunda tuberous rhizome‐mediated Ag/AgCl‐NPs. PARP, EGFR, NOTCH2 and STAT3 gene expression were decreased with the increase of NFκB, TLR9, IL1, TNFα, IKK and p21 gene that would be the cause of induction of apoptosis in GSCs. The cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase was confirmed by flow cytometric assay. Both nanoparticles were injected intraperitoneally to rapidly growing EAC cells for 5 consecutive days. Approximately, 32.3% and 55% EAC cells growth were inhibited by K rotunda tuberous rhizome‐mediated Ag/AgCl‐NPs at 6 and 12 mg/kg/day doses, respectively while only 20% cell growth inhibition was monitored at 12 mg/kg/day dose of Z mauritiana ‐mediated Ag/AgCl‐NPs. From the above results, it can be concluded that presently synthesized nanoparticles would be a potent anticancer agent.

RESPONSE AND ACCLIMATIZATION OF INTRODUCED JUJUBE (ZIZIPHUS MAURITIANA) VARIETY FOR THE UPLIFT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AT DESERT AREA OF THARPARKAR, SINDH, PAKISTAN

Current study was carried out for adaptability and response of newly introduced jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) variety in desert area of district Umerkot, Sindh with poor quality groundwater (>3500 ppm TSS). Aim of the study was to acclimatize this variety under harsh conditions to uplift the socio-economic situation of local population. The study was carried out for five consecutive fruiting seasons viz. flowering and fruiting season 2013-2014 to 2017-2018. The results revealed that during first fruiting season 2014-15, there were only three branches plant-1, 154 to 239 fruits branch-1, 462 to 879 fruits plant-1, 25.5 to 46.7 g fruit weight, 8.4 to 9.2 mm fruit size, 4.1 to 7.7 kg fruit yield plant-1 and 442.8 to 831.6 kg fruit yield acre-1. But from the third year to onwards i.e from 2015 to 2018 a continuous increase was observed for all characters studied like number of branches plant-1 increased from 5 to 8, number of fruits branch-1 increased from 339 to 375, total fruits plant-1 increased from 1695 to 2538, weight of fruit was increased from 58.6 to 107.15 g, size of fruit increased from 9.2 to 9.8 mm, yield plant-1 was increased from 11.0 to 31.45 kg, yield acre-1 was increased from 1188 to 3396 kg and water use efficiency increased from 2.7 to 10.6 kg m3. Considering the above results, it was concluded that Ziziphus fruit yield, weight and size increases from third year to onwards significantly on brackish water and soil of arid areas of Thar. Pruning each year after fruit harvesting was found to be essential. As this plant with stands in harsh climate of Thar desert successfully, so it provides food in the form of fruits, fodder through leaves and wood for fuel and shelter for humans and animals, thus it will be helpful to the people of Thar in terms of malnutrition, food scarcity and climate change, as well.

Enhanced dye decolorization efficiency of gellan gum complexed Ziziphus mauritiana peroxidases in a stirred batch process

Peroxidases from Ziziphus mauritiana leaves were immobilized via complexation with gellan gum, followed by crosslinking. The impact of combined complexation-crosslinking approach on the activity and stability of the peroxidases was studied by employing the biocatalyst for the degradation of acid black 1. As compared to free peroxidases, complexed and crosslinked peroxidases displayed significantly higher pH and thermal stability. Immobilized peroxidases showed a 3-fold enhancement in thermal stability upon incubation at 60 °C for 2 h. Immobilized peroxidases retained a promising reusability of about 67% when applied for 8 repeated cycles of acid black 1 decolorization and displayed higher catalytic activity than free enzyme when employed in a stirred batch process. Putative degradation scheme of acid black 1 was proposed with the help of degradation products identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry which confirmed the degradation of the dye into smaller molecular weight metabolites. Molecular docking studies of peroxidases with gellan gum revealed the binding site of gellan gum resides far away from the active site of the enzyme.

The genetic relationships of Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) cultivars using SSR markers

The genetic relationships among 24 Indian jujube cultivars (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) were evaluated by genotyping the microsatellite loci using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The SSR loci were scored by fluorescent labelling and automated detection systems for the high-throughput capillary electrophoresis and high-resolution gel electrophoresis. Out of the 29 newly characterized SSR loci, 26 were considered as polymorphic with a total of 181 alleles obtained. The number of alleles ranged from 2–12, while the polymorphism information content ranged from 0.08–0.83, and the expected and observed heterozygosity were 0.04–0.83 and 0.04–0.82, respectively. The allele pattern of Indian jujube for all SSR loci confirmed its karyotype as tetraploid. Similarity coefficients and UPGMA dendrogram revealed that the Taiwanese cultivars consisted of a large ‘A’ clade, which is further divided into ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ groups, and the ‘B’ clade where both are rooted by the wild accession, ‘Chad native’. These four genetic clusters were supported by the results of PCoA and the assignment test. The excess of heterozygotes based on F-statistics was attributed to its mating system as outcrossing and self-incompatible, and the introgression of the presumed mutation-derived cultivars with genetic admixture. Based on this study, SSR markers offer valuable information on the genetic relationship of this tropical fruit tree which is basically in agreement with the genealogy of its breeding history.

Effect of different pruning levels on improving fruit yield and quality of Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) Cultivars

Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) is a drought tolerant fruit crop and well adapted to sub-tropical to tropical climates. Seasonal pruning in jujube is essential to sustain the plants as productive with quality fruits because flowers and fruits are borne on young shoots of current season’s growth. This experiment was initiated and accomplished during 2016-18 to assess appropriate extent of pruning in various cultivars of Indian jujube with regard to productivity and fruit quality. Four cultivars of jujube i.e., Dehli Sufaid, Pak White, Umran and Alu Bukhara were subjected to four pruning levels i.e. no pruning, 25%, 50% and 75% pruning by removing unproductive, over-crowded secondary and tertiary branches leaving 3/4 (light), 1/2 (medium) and 1/4 (severe pruning) portion of branch intact with main limb, respectively. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications and statistically analysed in 2-factors factorial way. Pak White initiated new growth earlier (39 days), produced maximum branches per plant (77), shoots (15), panicles (63) and fruits (90) per branch, heavier (38 g) and bulky fruits (44 cm3), with minimum fruit drop (13%), higher yield (184 kg) per plant and fruits carrying the maximum pulp ratio (90%), total soluble solids (16 °Brix), vitamin C content (121 mg /100 g pulp) and total sugars (5.7%). Fifty percent pruning level proved more judicious in all jujube cultivars. Pak White performed the best when subjected to 50% pruning level for all the parameters under study as calculated by interaction between two factors.

Effect of preharvest application of calcium chloride, putrescine, and salicylic acid on antioxidant system and biochemical changes of two Indian jujube genotypes.

The effects of the preharvest application of calcium chloride (1 and 2%), salicylic acid (1 and 2mM), and putrescine (1 and 2mM) on the quality attributes and biochemical changes of two ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) genotypes ("Sibi" and "Khormaee") were investigated at harvest and after 30days of storage (5±1°C and 85±5% RH). The results showed that softening and weight loss in the treated fruit were significantly lower in comparison with the control. The antioxidant capacity of the fruit was higher in treated fruit than the control. Moreover, all the treatments significantly reduced the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, increased the catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities, and prevented the quick color change of ber fruit. The best overall visual quality (OVQ) was observed in the fruit treated with calcium chloride (1.5%) and putrescine (2mM). Compared to the two genotypes, "Khormaee" showed a better appearance, relative to the "Sibi" genotypes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) fruit is a popular fruit which is cultivated widely in the tropical and subtropical countries of the world, due to its high nutritional value. It is rich in bioactive compounds and minerals. However, Indian jujube as a climacteric fruit is highly perishable and have a limited shelf life due to softening, browning, and shrinking. So that, the researchers still need more challenge to keep the quality of this fruit for consumers. In this study, the results showed that the preharvest application of calcium chloride (1.5%), putrescine (2mM), and salicylic acid (2mM) effectively kept the total quality of the Indian jujube fruit during storage by improving the firmness of the fruit, retarding the color change and browning, increasing the antioxidant enzymes such as; CAT and POD, and preserving the higher ascorbic acid. Therefore, these treatments can be useful to maintain the quality of Indian jujube during storage.

Effect of gamma irradiation treatment at phytosanitary dose level on physiological and consumer traits of Indian ber. Part 1. Cultivar ‘Umran’

We, study the effect of γ-irradiation on postharvest physiology, decay loss, consumer testing parameters and chilling injury index of Indian ber cv. ‘Umran’. Fresh fruits of original cultivar ‘Umran’ were purchased from research orchard. Fruits irradiated at 0 (as control), 0.4 or 1.0 kGy doses, and then cold stored (10 °C and 95% RH) for 35 d. Weight loss (WL), respiration rate, ethylene production, ripening index, firmness, chilling injury index and consumer testing parameters were tested during storage at 7 d interval. The results indicated that the application of irradiation successfully extended the postharvest marketable life of jujube fruit without any risk of disorder development. In comparison with control, irradiated fruit with 1.0 kGy, showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in WL, firmness, decay and ripening index. Moreover, irradiation caused a significant effect on consumer liking traits and chilling injury. In addition, irradiation also reduces the respiration and ethylene production rate however, ethylene peaks was delayed by 7 days at 1.0 kGy dose. Overall, irradiation dose at 1.0 kGy recommended as a postharvest treatment for a longer shelf life of Indian jujube.

Improving agricultural productivity using agroforestry systems: Performance of millet, cowpea, and ziziphus-based cropping systems in West Africa Sahel

Across the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa, resource-poor farmers typically apply little or no organic or inorganic fertilizers; they remove or graze crop residues, leaving the soils nutrient-depleted and vulnerable to degradation. High temperatures, soil erosion, and declining soil fertility call for farming systems that protect fragile soils as well as improve nutrient availability and water use efficiency (WUE) and soil fertility. In the present study, the agronomic performance of an agroforestry system with millet (Pennisetum glaucum), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and Ziziphus (Ziziphus mauritiana) was compared to that of a cropping system without Ziziphus at ICRISAT research station, Sadoré, Niger, for four years. The experiment was a factorial 3 × 4 design with three cropping systems: mono-cropping of millet (MM), mono-cropping of cowpea (CC), and millet/cowpea intercropping (M/C), and with four fertilizer treatments (FT) in a split-split arrangement. The same experimental design was installed on 2 blocks: with Ziziphus trees (ZT) at 80 plants ha−1 and without Ziziphus (WZ).After the four years of cropping, ZT and WZ decreased SOC by 15 and 21 % and K by 105 and 110 %, respectively, compared with the original soil. Soil N was decreased only in the system WZ. Millet grain yields varied from 0.10 to 1.14 t/ha and the highest yields were obtained with NPK fertilizer alone or associated with farmyard manure (FYM) while the lowest yields were obtained with the control without fertilizer and FYM. The ZT system increased millet yields and its WUE with FYM and the control without fertilizer. However, millet yields decreased in ZT system with NPK fertilizer alone or associated with FYM. The ZT system increased the global annual incomes from 2–3 times compared with the system WZ. We concluded that including Ziziphus trees at the density of 80 plants ha−1 to the low input cropping systems of smallholder farmers improve agricultural productivity and farmers’ incomes. The proposed agroforestry system is affordable and compatible with the low input farming systems, and it ensures sustainable management of soils, land resources, and ecosystem services. But future research could contribute by identifying the optimal combinations of the density of Ziziphus trees, cropping systems and the doses of fertilizer on crops to optimize the productivity of the propose agroforestry system.