T. N. V. K. V. Prasad

Application of phytogenic zerovalent iron nanoparticles in the adsorption of hexavalent chromium

Zerovalent iron nanoparticles (ZVNI) were synthesized using a rapid, single step and completely green synthetic method from the leaf extracts of Eucalyptus globules and were characterized using the techniques Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Zeta potential measurement. The FT-IR analysis reveals that the polyphenolic compounds present in the leaf extract may be responsible for the reduction and stabilization of the ZVNI. These nanoparticles were utilized for the adsorption of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) and the concentration of Cr (VI) was determined using UV-Vis spectrometer after treating with ZVNI. Response and surface contour plots were drawn with the help of Mini-tab software to explain the adsorption of Cr (VI). The adsorption efficiency of Cr (VI) reaches to the highest value (98.1%) when the reaction time was about 30 min. and the ZVNI dosage was 0.8 g/L. The effective parameters such as adsorbent (ZVNI) dosage, initial Cr (VI) concentration and the kinetics were also examined.

Novel Effects of Nanoparticulate Delivery of Zinc on Growth, Productivity, and Zinc Biofortification in Maize (Zea mays L.)

In the present investigation, nanoscale zinc oxide particulates (ZnO-nanoparticulates) were prepared using a modified oxalate decomposition method. Prepared ZnO-nanoparticulates (mean size = 25 nm) were characterized using techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and zeta potential analyzer. Different concentrations (50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm) of ZnO-nanoparticulates were examined to reveal their effects on maize crop on overall growth and translocation of zinc along with bulk ZnSO4 and control. Highest germination percentage (80%) and seedling vigor index (1923.20) were observed at 1500 ppm of ZnO-nanoparticulates. The yield was 42% more compared to control and 15% higher compared to 2000 ppm of ZnSO4. Higher accumulation of zinc (35.96 ppm) in grains was recorded with application of 100 ppm followed by 400 ppm (31.05 ppm) of ZnO-nanoparticulates. These results indicate that ZnO-nanoparticulates have significant effects on growth, yield, and zinc content of maize grains, which is an important feature in terms of human health.

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria for sustainable agricultural practices with special reference to biotic and abiotic stresses

The most common, devastating problem in agriculture is plant (pathogenic) diseases and abiotic conditions which have a profound effect on growth and yield of the plant resulting in heavy losses. In order to prevent losses, different chemicals are used indiscriminately, which in turn lead to environmental pollution due to their persistence and toxicity yet employed to meet consumer demand. To fight ever increasing demand and indiscriminate use of chemical agents along with their devastating after effects in agriculture, we need less invasive, eco-friendly and most importantly sustainable practices. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) influence different physiological activities of the plant through various mechanisms (metabolites, antibiotics, Induced Systemic Resistance and enzymes) and impart protection from pathogens as well as environmental stress factors. But, current applications are limited in this regard as mechanisms involved, field applications variance and lack of farmer awareness contributing majorly. Current review tries to provide comprehensive knowledge on the PGPR’s applications as plant protectant against pathogens & abiotic factors leading to sustainable agricultural practices.

Novel synthesis of nanosilver particles using plant active principle aloin and evaluation of their cytotoxic effect against Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract Objective To develop a reliable, eco-friendly and easy process for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aloin, the active principle of medicinal plant ‘Aloe vera’ and to evaluate antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ), a causative organism of most of the diseases in livestock and to standardize the level of safety of synthesized silver nanoparticles. Methods Characterization using UV-vis spectrophotometry, DLS technique, FT-IR and SEM. Tube dilution method was carried out to evaluate the MIC of the compound against S. aureus . MTT assay was performed to evaluate the level of safety of nanoparticles. Results UV-vis absorption spectrum showed a maximum absorption around 200 nm for aloin mediated silver nanoparticles (ANS). The size of the particles as measured by DLS technique was 67.8 nm. The results of FT-IR analysis indicated the involvement of hydroxyl, carboxyl, amine and nitrile groups in the synthesis and stabilization of aloin mediated silver nanoparticles. SEM images showed that ANS with cubical, rectangular, triangular and spherical morphology and measured sizes of the agglomerated nanoparticles are in a range of 287.5 to 293.2 nm, however the average size of an individual particle is estimated to be approximately 70 nm. The compound (ANS) showed a MIC of 21.8 ng/mL against S. aureus and showed an in vitro spleenocyte viability of more than 80% at the highest concentration of 87.5 mg/L per well. Conclusions Aloin consists of functional groups which reduced Ag + ions to Ag° ions and helped in synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The synthesis process has further enhanced the antimicrobial activity of nanosilver. The compound is also proved to be safe at the level many times higher than the MIC.

In vitro evaluation of acaricidal activity of novel green silver nanoparticles against deltamethrin resistance Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

An investigation was undertaken to study, for the first time, in vitro acaricidal activity of green silver nanoparticles on deltamethrin resistance Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The compounds tested were neem coated silver nanoparticles (N-Ag NPs), deltamethrin neem coated silver nanoparticles (DN-Ag NPs), 2, 3 dehydrosalannol (2,3 DHS), 2, 3 DHS coated silver nanoparticles (2, 3-DHS-Ag NPs), Quercetin dihydrate (QDH) and QDH coated silver nanoparticles (QDH-Ag NPs). Also included in this study, for the purpose of comparison, were neem leaf extract (NLE), silver nitrate (AgNO3) and deltamethrin (D). Acaricidal activity on larvae and adults of R. (B.) microplus was tested by larval packet test (LPT) and adult immersion test (AIT) respectively. In the LPT, 100% mortality was obtained at concentrations (ppm) of 360, 6000, 260, 200, 50, 300, 85, 600 and 200 for the compounds, D, NLE, Ag NO3, N-Ag NPs, DN-Ag NPs, 2, 3 DHS, 2, 3 DHS-Ag NPs, QDH, QDH-Ag NPs respectively. In AIT, the proportions of mortality and oviposition inhibition were proportionate but the reproductive index was inversely proportional to the concentration of the compounds used. The effect of DN-Ag NPs on mortality was the highest (93.33%) at 50ppm concentration. The mean reproductive index (0.01) and oviposition inhibition (99.16%) values were statistically significant when compared to control group. DN-Ag NPs showed significantly (P<0.05) lower LC50 (3.87ppm; 21.95ppm) and LC99 (53.05ppm; 90.06ppm) values against both the larvae and adults of R. (B.) microplus. The oviposition inhibiting ability of various compounds was determined to assess the reproductive performance of adult female ticks. The DN-Ag NPs had potent oviposition inhibitory activity with significantly lower IC50 and IC99 values compared to the rest of the treatments at 0.034 and 51.07ppm respectively. These results showed that the DN-Ag NPs had significant acaricidal activity against R. (B.) microplus.

Evaluation of the wound healing efficacy of chemical and phytogenic silver nanoparticles.

Wound healing requires a series of cellular events and a cascade of co-ordinated and systemic biochemical events. Silver nanoparticles possess many beneficial properties for wound management including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and pro-healing properties. In this study, the authors investigated the wound healing properties of Cinnamomum verum extract mediated nanosilver (CENS) particles in comparison with 1% povidone iodine, citrate mediate NS and CE treatments. The topical application of CENS showed good antibacterial activity and accelerated wound healing with complete epithelialisation and normal re-growth of hair in all three models of study: namely, excision, incision and dead space models in rats compared with all other treatments. CENS was also found to promote collagen synthesis, stabilise wound besides countering oxidative stress and stimulating cellular proliferation CENS could be a novel therapeutic agent for wound management.

Supplementation of whole grain flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum) along with high cholesterol diet and its effect on hyperlipidemia and initiated atherosclerosis in Wistar albino male rats

Background and Aim: Flaxseeds are known to have varying antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherogenic activity due to its lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, alpha-linolenic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids. The beneficial effect of whole grain dietary flaxseed was evaluated experimentally in high cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar albino rats (200 g) were divided into four groups of 12 rats each. Group I rats kept as control and given basal rat chew diet, Group II as positive control for induction of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis by addition of 1% cholesterol and 15% saturated edible oil to the 1000 g of standard rat chew diet (HCD), Group III rats fed with whole grain flaxseed powder at 7.5 g/kg of rat/day in the standard rat chew diet and kept as flaxseed control, and Group IV rats supplemented with flaxseed at 7.5 g/kg of rat/day along with HCD and maintained for 90 days. Results: Group II rats revealed significantly (p<0.05) higher total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very LDL-C and significantly (p<0.05) reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), whereas tissue antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione S transferase (GST) were significantly (p<0.05) reduced, and lipid peroxidation products of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level were nonsignificantly (p<0.05) increased in the heart and liver tissues. Flaxseeds supplementation along with HCD significantly ameliorated the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C along with cellular antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, SOD, GPx, GR, GST, and non-significant amelioration of TBARS in the heart and liver tissues compared to Group II rats. Majority of the histopathologically initiated atherosclerotic changes in the aorta and fatty change in the liver of Group II were not observed in the flaxseed supplemented Group IV; however, interestingly proliferation of endothelial cells with new vascular channel formation in the liver and in between cardiac muscle fibers was observed in Group I and Group IV rats. Conclusion: The present study established the hypercholesterolemia with initiated atherosclerotic lesion in the aorta but unable to establish the atheromatous plaque in the aorta. Flaxseed supplementation along with HCD showed significant antihypercholesterolemic effect and ameliorated the changes of initiated atherosclerosis in the aorta. It needs further studies to explore all the possible beneficial effects and angiogenic properties of flaxseeds in the laboratory animals and human trials.

Functional nanoscale materials in agriculture: The evergreen revolution?

N including quantum dots, fullerenes, nanoparticles (zero dimension), nanotubes, nanowires, nanofibrils (one dimension), and graphene (two dimension) possess intriguing physical, chemical and biological properties. As a consequence, these materials form the basis of many interdisciplinary studies, where scientists have been inspired by self-assembly processes occurring in nature to construct advanced nanomaterials with applications in many fields. Self-assembly involves the organization of molecules into highly ordered structures through specific, local interactions among the components, without any external direction. Weak interactions, such as Van der Waals, electrostatic, and π-π interactions, as well as hydrogen bonding, and halogen bonding can lead to all kinds of challenging self-assembled nanostructures. The hierarchical structures of many peptides are attributed to self-assembly, therefore, could potentially act as building blocks for new materials with significant functionalities and a range of biological functions. In our recent work, non-covalent interactions including hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic interaction were employed to modulate the peptide assembled nanostructures. We could successfully realize the peptide assembly transition from nanospheres to nanofiber by tuning hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction; furthermore, two dimension peptide nanopatch could be constructed instead of nanofiber by introducing the terminus intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the peptide and small molecules. The electrostatic interaction was proved to play an important role in peptide self-assembly and disassembly. Furthermore, it is significant to be addressed that the mechanical properties of peptide assemblies do changing after the nanostructure transition of peptide occurred. These peptide-based nanostructures could potentially be applied to be a candidate of biomaterials with potential importance in a wide range of technological applications.Z oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (grown in the template of folic acid) are biologically useful, luminescent material. It can be used for multifunctional purposes, such as biosensor, bioimaging, targeted drug delivery and as growth promoting medicine. Though, ZnO is categorized as: “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) but ZnO nanoparticle system may be cytotoxic. ZnO nanosystem could be of important relevance in the context of nanomedicine, where targeted treatment of biological systems at molecular level is a necessity. ZnO quantum dots with their surface modification and bio-conjugation for selective destruction of tumor cells and their potential use for drug delivery applications is the cardinal issue of this presentation..Nano-sized particle incorporation into metal matrix for fabrication of advance surface coatings find variety of applications in surface protection techniques. Al 2 O 3 , Cr 2 O 3 and SiO 2 nanoparticles have been codeposited with Zn using electrodeposition process to produce Zn nanocomposite coatings. The fabricated coatings were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope affixed with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometer. The mechanical and tribological properties of the coatings were investigated using diamond microhardness indenter and dry abrasive wear tester. Zn-10g/L Cr 2 O 3 nanocomposite exhibited the highest microhardness of 228 HV and Zn-5g/L Al 2 O 3 nanocomposite possessed the highest corrosion resistance and lowest wear loss. Zn-5g/L SiO 2 nanocomposite showed good stability as compared to other composite coatings. The incorporation of the nanoparticles of Al 2 O 3 , Cr 2 O 3 and SiO 2 induce grain refinement and modify crystallographic orientation of Zn matrix. Zn-5g/L Al 2 O 3 and Zn-5g/L SiO 2 proved to be better coatings which can find variety of industrial applications where both mechanical and electrochemical properties are required.The existence of vibrations in undesired parts of mechanical machinery, civil structures, aerospace and automotive components,will cause overall setback and efficiency reductions in processes when the above parts are used. Hence is advising to completely get rid of the unnecessary vibrations or reduce them to a minimum possible value. This experiment is an effort to reduce these vibrations using Magneto Rheological fluids. A Magneto Rheological fluid provides viscous damping. The damping factor increases when a magnetic field is applied and is multiplied as the strength of the magnetic field is more, also the natural frequency of the body under test changes from to a value which is different from the initial value. This technique was utilized and a three layered MR fluid sandwich beam was fabricated. This beam was subjected to testing and analysis under both undamped and damped conditions. The controllability of variations in the various dynamic parameters like natural frequencies, vibration amplitudes and damping factors were observed. A reduction is natural frequency of beam was obtained in the presence of MR fluid under magnetic field, from 550 Hz to 300 Hz. Keywords: Magnetorheological fluid, MRFluid sandwich Beam, Natural frequency, Damping factor, Damping coefficient.A perovskite-like phase, K3B6O10Cl exhibits a large second harmonic response about four times that of KH2PO4 (KDP) and is transparent from the deep UV (180 nm) to middle-IR region. A high quality single crystal of K3B6O10Cl with dimensions up to 30 × 15 × 7 mm3 was successfully grown by the top-seeded solution growth method. Crystal morphologies and growth habits of K3B6O10Cl grown with seeds oriented along [101] and [211] were studied, and the best growth direction was obtained., The refractive indices of the crystal were measured by the minimum deviation technique and fitted to the Sellmeier equations. The nonlinear optical coefficients have been determined by the method of Maker fringes at λ=1064 nm. The suitable nonlinear optical coefficients as well as comparatively easy crystal growth make the K3B6O10Cl crystal a promising candidate for NLO materials.A carbon and fiberglass are the two mostly studied materials in air filtration industry due to their good performance with associated low cost. The advancement in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology produced materials with improved properties than conventional materials. Nanofibers are one of the nanotechnology products, which have been explored for applications such as healthcare, water, energy, electronics, catalysis, environmental, air filtration, bioengineering and biotechnology. Pores and pore size distribution of nanofibers can be easily tunable. Recently, they have been explored in various air filtration products such as high efficiency particulate absorption (HEPA) filters and so on. In this talk, various nanofibers that are electrospun and deposited on HEPA filters, process variation, additives addition, and their performances, challenges faced and their potential application in air filtration industry will be presented.O (OA) and meniscus injury are often met from injury and aging. In the USA alone, approximately 50 million people are affected by OA, and over 50% among them require replacing total joints, which cost approximately

Agri-nanotechnology-A conceptual revolution in agriculture and allied sciences

15 billion per year. Tissue engineering (TE) approach to cartilage regeneration has promises to repair damaged or diseased cartilage. Biodegradable scaffolds as one of key elements in TE are expected to offer a complex biological microenvironment mimicking with native tissue to promote cell ingrowth and tissue regeneration. However, current scaffolds cannot simulate the complex microenvironment of native cartilage. To the end, our group developed a biodegradable extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel derived from pig cartilages. The hydrogel contained complex components including collagen, glycosaminoglycan, growth factors and peptides, which were mimetic with biological components in the cartilage. This hydrogel solution was flowable at 4oC and formed a solid hydrogel at a body temperature, which is appropriate for non-invasive surgery. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels could be tuned by altering ECM concentration. The chondrocytes survived and proliferated inside the hydrogel with a round shape due to a good cellular microenvironment. The hydrogel solution was easily injected into a mouse subcutaneous model and formed a solidified hydrogel in vivo. No severe immunogenetic response was observed till to 7 day implantation, indicating a good biocompatibility. The attractive injectability and biomimetic complexity showed that the cartilage-derived hydrogel would be a good candidate to be applied for cartilage regeneration.T development of silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) as a potent alternative to conventional antibiotics has been extensively investigated over the last decades. However, due to the prominent cytotoxic effect of silver on mammalian cells, there is always strong motivation to develop alternative technology that can compact bacterial infection without affecting the mammalian cells. Capping AgNPs with appropriate functional groups and incorporating them into a polymeric matrix is a feasible alternative to overcome these limitations. AgNPs with different chemical structures (nanocapsules and nanoparticles) and functionalities (polymer, lipid, and starch) were synthesized. To demonstrate application as antibacterial coatings, the stabilized AgNPs were then immobilized onto model surfaces made of a thin layer of allylamine plasma polymerized film. This substrate-independent technique preserves the AgNPs functionalities for a longer period of application time. All fabricated surface coatings exhibited superior antibacterial activity against four important Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. This study further aimed to focus on investigating the effects of AgNPs surface components on delivery of engineered AgNPs from the coatings into the human fibroblast cell as well as bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM). Most of the surfaces did not affect BMDM function or viability and demonstrated no toxicity toward fibroblast cells, except for lipid coated nanosilvers. Therefore, the chemical structures of nanoparticles significantly affect the coatings’ antibacterial, biofilm prevention and biocompatibility capabilities. We believe that such biocompatible nanostructures are of potential interest for various biomedical applications such as smart drug carriers and antibacterial coatings for medical devices and wound dressings.I order to develop compliant seal systems for SOFCs operating in the temperature range of 800-950°C, this project has focused on iterations in materials systems. The materials consisting of composites of a base glass with appropriate ceramic components in order to identify a stable sealing system with adequate and acceptable thermal characteristics, such as, the viscosity and coefficient of thermal expansion. Appropriate viscosity was targeted to ensure good flow behavior of the glass at temperatures where fuel cells operate and sealing effects are required. Viscosity variation in the composites was brought about by the selection of ceramic additives; a large number of candidates ranging from phase pure alumina, magnesia, ceria and barium zirconate, to ceria doped with 10 mole % gadolinium oxide (GDC). SCN1 glass (trade name of sealing glass developed by SEM-COM) was used as the base component, whose composition was such as to provide a CTE match with the SOFC system (in the RT-Tg range), when composited with a second ceramic phase. Additives in both nanoand micro-scale dimensions (as fine powders or in the form of fibers) were introduced mainly to block the bubbles from moving but also to make the composite structure stronger. In addition, their role was also to inhibit the growth of air bubbles within the glass matrix and to or prevent their coalescence during long soak-time at 850°C, with the goal of eliminating or minimizing the CTE drift in the resultant glass composition. No reaction between SCN1 glass and the GDC additives was discerned. Moreover, the bubbles remained small and did not move or coalesce. The CTE of the GDC composites was very close to the targeted value and not change significantly when aged up to 232 h at 850°C in air.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles from stem bark of Cochlospermum religiosum (L.) Alston: an important medicinal plant and evaluation of their antimicrobial efficacy

Davana (Artemisia pallens) ia an important high valued annual aromatic herb of India belonging to the family Asteraceae. India has a monopoly in production and export trade of davana oil and India stands 3 in essential oil production in the world. This study was conducted at Department of seed science and technology, TamilNadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to standardization of suitable invigouration treatment for seed quality enhancement in davana under laboratory condition. The seeds of davana subjected to different seed invigouration treatments. The treatments are seed invigouration with GA3 25 ppm, GA3 50 ppm, GA3 100 ppm, Thiourea 100 ppm, Thiourea 150 ppm, Thiourea 200 ppm, KNO3 0.05%, KNO3 0.1%, KNO3 0.2% with three different soaking durations viz., 10, 20 and 30 mins. and dry seeds served as control. The observation made on germination %, seedling length (cm), dry matter production and vigour index. The results revealed that seed invigouration with GA350 ppm for 20 min. improved the germination (62%), seedling length (2.4cm) and vigour index (147.6)S genetic diversity is an important issue for forest restoration more willingly than low genetic diversity is suitable for commercial forestry for their economic importance and value. Viable diversity upholds in platelets generated through clonal propagation and horticulture is slightly difficult and this may be created genetic drift. Low genetic diversity among five cultivated populations of Terminalia arjuna was revealed using DNA fingerprints generated by ten commercially available random (RAPD) primers i.e. RPI01 to RPI10. Out of ten primers, eight primers generated total 79 bands with 69 polymorphic bands and 87.34 percentage of polymorphism, while primer RPI02 and RPI08 did not show amplification. Applied all 8 primes having a good polymorphic informativeness among the populations (mean PIC=0.355±0.032 and Ho=0.463±0.018). Higher genetic variation, gene diversity (H), Shannon’s Information index (I) and Percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) among populations (H=0.290±0.162, I=0.440±0.221 and PPB=87.34%) was observed compared to within populations (maximum H=0.165±0.212, I=0.239±0.304 and PPB=39.24%, minimum H=0.026±0.104, I=0.038±0.150, PPB=06.33%). Low average gene diversity (π=0.075±0.062) within population, higher pair wise Fst (ranged from 0.498 to 0.844) among the population and Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) shown adequate genetic variation among population (Percentage of variation Pv=75.57) but serious low genetic variation within populations (Pv=24.43, ΦST=0.756). Among the populations of T. arjuna the higher relative differentiation (GST=0.7843) with restricted gene flow GST (Nm)=0.1375 was observed. Unbiased measures of genetic distance and phylogram revealed that all locations have their once genetic identity and they arranged in their respective clusters. Lowest distance was showed by accession collected from JNKVV and TFRI Jabalpur.OMICS Group Conferences 5716 Corsa Ave., Suite 110, Westlake Los Angeles, CA 91362-7354, USA Phone: +1-650-268-9744, Fax: +1-650-618-1414, Toll free: +1-800-216-6499 Email: agri2014@omicsgroup.net “Organize your Events at OMICS Group Conferences” Proposals are invited for organizing Symposia/Workshops at OMICS Group Conferences or OMICS Group will sponsor small events at your universities in related areas under the title of your own. These proposals can be sent to respective conference mail ids or to symposia@omicsonline.org 167th OMICS Group ConferenceSoil fertility is coupled with number of microorganisms present and their activities in soil. In the present investigation, a pot culture experiment with factorial completely randomized design (FCRD) was performed to evaluate the impact of a lignite based bioinoculant (VIMP) containing consortium of four phosphate solubilizing species of Burkholderia viz., Burkholderia cenocepacia strainVIMP01(JQ867371), Burkholderia gladioli strain VIMP02 (JQ811557), Burkholderia gladioli strain VIMP 03 (JQ867372) and Burkholderia species strain VIMP 04 (JQ867373) isolated from sugarcane and sugar beet rhizosphere, on enzyme activities, CO2 evolution rate and available phosphorus in sterile and nonsterile soil along with or without sugar beet. The highest soil acid and alkaline phosphatase activities were recorded on 90 DAS while the highest soil urease and dehydrogenase activities were recorded on 30 and 60 DAS respectively. Soil microbial activities were recorded at the highest level by the treatment of nonsterile soil + VIMP + sugar beet in combination where the level of available phosphorus was found to be increased substantially by 87.63% and 115.14% as compared to sterile soil alone and nonsterile soil alone control treatments, respectively. Effects of graded levels of phosphorus fertilizer viz. 50%, 75%, 100% RDF with or without bioinoculant VIMP on yield and phosphorus uptake of sugar beet under field trial were also studied using factorial randomized block design (FRBD). The yield and phosphorus uptake of sugar beet recorded by the treatment 75% P2O5 + VIMP were found at par with results of treatment 100% P2O5 + VIMP.The grain smut [Sporisorium sorghi (Link.)Willd] pathogen on sorghum is externally seed borne. The smut sori break during threshing releasing the spores; that adhere to the surface of healthy seeds and remain dormant till next season. The infection takes place before the seedlings emerge out. The conditions suited for delayed germination of seeds favour the smut infection. An attempt has been made to find out the suitable fungicides for the management of grain smut of sorghum. Among the several fungitoxicants reviewed belonging to different groups; the seeds treated with carboxin+thiram (Vitavax power) followed by sulphur @ 3.0 g kg−1 just before sowing recorded significantly higher seed yield and lesser smut incidence and better seed quality parameters.Cereals are the major energy source for a large proportion of the world population. Consequently, reliance on a high proportion of cereal-based diets is now inducing health problems due to poor grain nutritional quality that is mainly due to low micronutrient content. As a result more than 2 billion people in the world are affected by Micronutrient malnutrition. According to WHO, (2002) Zinc (Zn) deficiency ranks fifth leading risk factor for disease in the developing world. Thus, increasing concentrations of Zn in cereal grains is, therefore, an important global humanitarian challenge. Hence, a study was carried in Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) to enhance the Zn density in the grains of three basmati rice cultivars containing low, medium and high Zn after screening the available germplasm in IARI. Their response to different sources and rate of Zn fertilization was studied in soils of divergent characteristics. The results showed that the three cultivars (CSR 30, Pusa Sugandh-5 and Pusa Basmati-6) differed in Zn accumulation in the grains. The Zn application through ZnSO4 in the form of basal and biweekly foliar application has increased the Zn content up to 30.34 mg kg -1 which is near to have a measurable biological impact on human health.G is being widely used as a therapeutic food and a flavouring agent in Indian households. Rapid urbanization and more women joining the workforce, has led to an increase in the demand of shelf stable, ready-to-eat, convenience foods with consistent functional quality. Peeled garlic cloves offer convenience but have short shelf life as they have high tendency towards surface discoloration, moisture loss and microbial spoilage. The nature of the demand for minimally processed products requires that they be fresh-like, visually acceptable and appealing. Reports suggest that commercial ready-to-use garlic products such as paste, powder, flakes etc. do not retain the fresh like characteristics and the required functionality owing to the harsh processing procedures followed for their manufacture. Modified atmosphere packaging is a potent tool to maintain the freshness and functional quality of minimally processed garlic cloves in terms of its total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, pungency and nutritional value. In the present investigation, the effect on quality of minimally processed garlic cloves of two varieties, viz., Yamuna Safed (G-1) and Yamuna Safed-4 (G-323) was evaluated during modified atmosphere storage. Freshly peeled garlic cloves were packed in different modified atmosphere conditions of oxygen (1-3%) and carbon dioxide (515%) concentrations and stored for 28 days at 10oC and 75-85% RH. It was observed that there was a non-significant increase in PLW for both the varieties under various modified atmospheric storage conditions in all the samples. Modified atmospheric packaging of samples was found to be most effective for retaining firmness, colour and other quality parameters such as total soluble solids, total antioxidant activity, total phenols and pyruvic acid and minimizing respiration and ethylene evolution rates throughout the storage period irrespective of and variety used.Aluminium is considered as the main abiotic stress in lentil grown on soils containing excessive aluminium contents. Developing more aluminium tolerant genotypes of lentil would help to improve productivity on these soils. This study assessed the differential response of lentil genotypes to aluminium toxicity stress under hydroponic and soil conditions to evaluate genotypes for aluminium tolerance. Significant genotypic differences in root length, shoot length, dry weight of root and shoot, root re-growth after staining, accumulation of aluminium in roots and shoots were observed under 0, 74, 148 and 222 and 296 mM Al concentration. Root and shoot aluminium contents were significantly lower in the tolerant than sensitive genotypes, indicating that aluminium exclusion mechanism was involved for aluminium tolerance. These results were compared with similar measurements including yield from soil assay. Root and shoot, aluminium content at 222mM Al concentrations were significantly correlated with biomass production under controlled conditions and ranked the genotypes with their seed yield in the soil assay. The trend in the differential responses of tolerant (‘L-7903’ and ‘L-4602’) and sensitive (‘L-4147’ and ‘BM-4’) genotypes to aluminium stress was fairly consistent in hydroponic and soil assays.