R. C. Srivastava

Estimation of proximate composition, micronutrients and phytochemical compounds in traditional vegetables from Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

In present study, 10 preferred traditional vegetables from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, were analysed for nutritional profiles. Moisture content in their edible parts ranged from 83.43 to 94.78%. Maximum ash content was recorded in Portulaca oleracea, crude protein in Colocasia esculenta, crude fibre in Eryngium foetidum and fat in E. foetidum. Phosphorus was maximum in Ipomea aquatica, potassium in C. esculenta, zinc, calcium and manganese in Centella asiatica, copper in Sauropus androgynous, sodium and iron in P. oleracea, magnesium in Amaranthus viridi and cobalt in C. esculenta. Maximum polyphenol was recorded in Hibiscus sabdariffa, carotenoids in A. viridi, ascorbic acid in Saursops androgynus, anthocyanin in C. esculenta and chlorophyll in S. androgynus. Antioxidant activity was maximum in P. oleracea. Positive correlation was observed between polyphenol and tannin content and also between antioxidant activity and photochemicals. The developed nutritional profiles is being used in health and nutrition related schemes in Islands.

Estimation of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of underutilized fruits of Andaman Islands (India).

The present study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity and phytochemical contents in 10 underutilized fruits of Andaman Islands (India) namely Malpighia glabra L., Mangifera andamanica L., Morinda citrifolia L., Syzygium aqueum (Burm.f) Alst., Annona squamosa L., Averrhoa carambola L., Averrhoa bilimbi L., Dillenia indica L., Annona muricata L. and Ficus racemosa L. The antioxidant activity varied from 74.27% to 98.77%, and the methanol extract of M. glabra showed the highest antioxidant activity (98.77%; inhibitory concentration, IC50 = 262.46 μg/ml). Methanol was found to be a better solvent than acetone and aqueous for estimating the antioxidant activity. M. glabra was found to be rich in phytochemicals viz. polyphenol (355.74 mg/100 g), anthocyanin (91.31 mg/100 g), carotenoids (109.16 mg/100 g), tannin (24.39 mg/100 g) and ascorbic acid (394.23 mg/100 g). Carbohydrate content was estimated to be highest in M. glabra (548 mg/100 g). Phenols, tannins, anthocyanins and carotenoids contents showed positive correlation (r2 = 0.846, r2 = 0.864, r2 = 0.915 and r2 = 0.806, respectively) with antioxidant activity. The information generated in present study will be useful for bioprospecting of underutilized fruits of Andaman Islands.

Isolation and Characterization of Trichoderma spp. for Antagonistic Activity Against Root Rot and Foliar Pathogens

Trichoderma, soil-borne filamentous fungi, are capable of parasitising several plant pathogenic fungi. Twelve isolates of Trichoderma spp. isolated from different locations of South Andaman were characterized for their cultural, morphological and antagonistic activity against soil borne and foliar borne pathogens. The sequencing of these isolates showed seven different species. The isolates revealed differential reaction patterns against the test pathogens viz., Sclerotium rolfsii, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. capsici. However, the isolates, TND1, TWN1, TWC1, TGD1 and TSD1 were most effective in percentage inhibition of mycelial growth of test pathogens. Significant chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activities of all Trichoderma isolates has been recorded in growth medium. T. viride was found with highest chitinase whereas T. harzianum was recorded with highest β-1,3-glucanase activities.

Diversity of 21 taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) accessions of Andaman Islands

The genetic diversity of taro (Colocasiaesculenta (L.) Schott.) accessions growing naturally in Andaman Islands was analysed using morphological and DNA markers. Twenty one representative samples of C. esculenta from different parts of Islands in addition to three commercial varieties as reference genotypes were used in study. About 63% phenotypic variation was observed in C.esculenta A total number of 491 amplified fragments were obtained of which 347 showed polymorphic banding patterns. The accessions were grouped into two major clusters with both RAPD and ISSR markers with 56 and 57% diversity, respectively. The reference genotypes were grouped into one group and island population in other cluster. Both marker systems divided population into two sub clusters and showed correlation with morphological parameters. The diversity pattern observed in present study showed rich genetic diversity of C.esculenta in Andaman Islands provided simple strategy for reducing repeatability of taro germplasm in gene banks. The study also suggested pre-evaluation of germplasm using molecular and morphological markers to enhance efficiency of exploration trips.

A Study of Indian Business Ventures Abroad

India started opening its economy a decade ago to integrate with the global economy. Several economic reforms have been undertaken during this period with the hope that India will soon emerge as a global player. There is a need to review the developments and take necessary corrective action. It is necessary because globalisation and integration with the world economy is a double-edged sword. If necessary care is not taken, the country may become only a global market rather than emerging as a global player. This paper examines the patterns of Indian Business Ventures Abroad, both in the form of subsidiaries and joint ventures over a period of 50 years since independence. The analysis reveals that there has been a significant increase in the activity. The ventures, however, have been concentrated in only a few, about a dozen, countries. The study also shows that there is a noticeable preference towards subsidiary mode of operation. Further, there are country-wise patterns of preferences towards use of joint ventures and subsidiary modes. The study also reveals that there is a significant shift in the mix of activities, tilting from high risk manufacturing to low risk trading and software development. It is also observed that there is a wide gap between the number of ventures approved and actually implemented. A comparison has also been drawn between Indian Business Ventures Abroad and the Foreign Business Ventures in India during the pre and the post-liberalisation era. This is complemented with the patterns of export/import ratio in the respective periods. The two together indicate that the reforms in economic policies undertaken so far seem to be leading to India fast becoming a global market rather than emerging as a global player. The paper then suggests that there is a need for intensive studies for developing policy and strategic interventions to strengthen Indias business ventures abroad and to help India emerge as a global player.

Book Review: David Aaker, Aaker on Branding: 20 Principles that Drive Success:

David Aaker, Aaker on Branding: 20 Principles that Drive Success, 2015, New Delhi, India: SAGE Publications, 235 pp., ₹495. ISBN 13: 9789351503903

Book Review: Rohitashya Chattopadhyay, Understanding India: Cultural Influences on Indian Television Commercials

Rohitashya Chattopadhyay, Understanding India: Cultural Influences on Indian Television Commercials. India: SAGE Publications. 2014, 175 pp., ₹ 695. ISBN: 9788132113928