Harnessing the Benefits of Jute as Potherbs

Demand for unconventional potherbs is increasing and known medicinal values or high content of Vitamin A or protein or Vitamin C will help jute to be equally popular as cheap sources of these. Walking on the paths of age-old belief on utilization of Jute as pat shak or potherbs (plant parts like leaves, flowers, stems, etc, that can be used in cooking or seasoning and flavouring) in some confined areas of India, the present study was undertaken with five varieties each of oilitorius and capsularis grown in teaching Farm Mondouri, BCKV in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with four replications during 2018- 2019 (4 rows of 4 m each) following recommended agronomic practices. Planting was done in first week of april month and were harvested after one month. Biomass traits like leaf length (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf width (cm), petiole length(cm), plant height (cm), weight per plant (gm) were recorded along with an estimation of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and protein content in the leaves. In olitorius heritability was moderately high in all the traits except a number of leaves along with moderate Genetic Advance as per cent of Mean (GAM) for Leaf length. Fresh weight indicates that this may be due to additive gene effects and selection for these types of traits may be always rewarding. In capsularis heritability was moderately high for all traits except for the leaf length along with moderate GAM for petiole length and fresh weight indicates that this may be due to additive gene effects and selection for these types of traits may be rewarding. JRO 524 recorded high biomass yield along with high content of vitamin A (6950 IU (approximately 40 % of carrot) can serve as a cheap source of Vitamin A in the northeast provinces where it can be successfully taken as a vegetable as it happens to be one among the twenty-five popularly cultivated leafy vegetables (shaks) in West Bengal. Young jute leaves are flavorful and tender are rich in betacarotene, iron, calcium, and Vitamin C. Criteria of selection for improvement of yield can be taken in terms of wt g per 10 plants as suggested in capsularis and both wt of leaves and petiole size and no of leaves in case of olitorius. Also it can be stated that the traits like no of leaves and Leaf length are more affected by environmental variations in case of olitorius and the trait like plant height in case of capsularis. JRO 524 recorded high biomass yield along with high content of vItamin A (6950 IU approximately 40 % of carrot) can serve as a cheap source of Vitamin A in the northeast provinces where it can be successfully taken as a vegetable.

Role of Cyanobacteria in crop production

Microorganisms make a deal in the field of agro-ecosystem and environment (7). Continuous in global human population may hamper in the field related to soil fertility, (39) energy crisis, food security for further generation (40). These conditions could be regulated by using synthetic fertilizers (8). Although synthetic fertilizers are effective but have deleterious effect on the field. This article focuses on the role of Cyanobacteria with context to the field of crop production (13). Cyanobacteria aka blue green algae belongs to aprimordialdescent of photo-oxygenic bacteria. They also form symbiotic association capable to fix atmospheric Nitrogen into utilise form and make it available to the plants. Its extra ordinary development rate shows its use in the field of biotechnology, medicine, agriculture, bio energy. The exo-polysaccharide of Cyanobacteria balances soil ecology and they have the ability to compete with flora and fauna. Several Cyanobacteria have high biomass yield, generation of useful by-products, bio fuel and enhancing sustainable development in the field of science. In this review article describes the latent use of the bacteria in the crop field, different area of science field and mass production of cyanobacteria bio fertilizer in agriculture to overcome the use of chemical fertilizers.

Effect of integrated treatment on enhancing the enzymatic hydrolysis of cocksfoot grass and the structural characteristics of co-produced hemicelluloses

Background Cocksfoot grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) with high biomass yield and rich cellulose can be used to produce bioethanol as fuel additive. In view of this, ultrasonic and hydrothermal pretreatments followed by successive alkali extractions were assembled into an integrated biorefinery process applied on cocksfoot grass to improve its enzymatic hydrolysis. In this work, the effects of ultrasonic and hydrothermal pretreatments followed by sequential alkali extractions on the enzymatic hydrolysis of cocksfoot grass were investigated. In addition, since large amount of hemicelluloses were released during the hydrothermal pretreatment and alkali extraction process, the yields, structural characteristics and differentials of water- and alkali-soluble hemicellulosic fractions isolated from different treatments were also comparatively explored. Results The integrated treatment significantly removed amorphous hemicelluloses and lignin, resulting in increased crystallinity of the treated residues. A maximum saccharification rate of 95.1% was obtained from the cellulose-rich substrate after the integrated treatment. In addition, the considerable hemicelluloses (31.4% water-soluble hemicelluloses and 53.4% alkali-soluble hemicelluloses) were isolated during the integrated treatment. The released water-soluble hemicellulosic fractions were found to be more branched as compared with the alkali-soluble hemicellulosic fractions and all hemicellulosic fractions were mixed polysaccharides mainly composed of branched xylans and β-glucans. Conclusion The combination of ultrasonic and hydrothermal pretreatments followed by successive alkali extractions can dramatically increase the enzymatic saccharification rate of the substrates and produce considerable amounts of hemicelluloses. Detailed information about the enzymatic hydrolysis rates of the treated substrates and the structural characteristics of the co-produced hemicelluloses will help the synergistic utilization of cellulose and hemicellulose in cocksfoot grass.

Effect of Integrated Treatment on Enhancing the Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Cocksfoot Grass and the Structural Characteristics of Co-Produced Hemicelluloses

BackgroundCocksfoot grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) with high biomass yield and rich cellulose can be used to produce bioethanol as fuel additive. In view of this, ultrasonic and hydrothermal pretreatments followed by successive alkali extractions were assembled into an integrated biorefinery process applied on cocksfoot grass to improve its enzymatic hydrolysis. In this work, the effects of ultrasonic and hydrothermal pretreatments followed by sequential alkali extractions on the enzymatic hydrolysis of cocksfoot grass were investigated. Additionally, since large amount of hemicelluloses were released during the hydrothermal pretreatment and alkali extraction process, the yields, structural characteristics and differentials of water- and alkali-soluble hemicellulosic fractions isolated from different treatments were also comparatively explored.ResultsThe integrated treatment significantly removed amorphous hemicelluloses and lignin, resulting in increased crystallinity of the treated residues. A maximum saccharification rate of 95.1% was obtained from the cellulose-rich substrate after the integrated treatment. In addition, the considerable hemicelluloses (31.4% water-soluble hemicelluloses and 53.4% alkali-soluble hemicelluloses) were isolated during the integrated treatment. The released water-soluble hemicellulosic fractions were found to be more branched as compared with the alkali-soluble hemicellulosic fractions and all hemicellulosic fractions were mixed polysaccharides mainly composed of branched xylans and β-glucans.ConclusionThe combination of ultrasonic and hydrothermal pretreatments followed by successive alkali extractions can dramatically increase the enzymatic saccharification rate of the substrates and produce considerable amounts of hemicelluloses. Detailed information about the enzymatic hydrolysis rates of the treated substrates and the structural characteristics of the co-produced hemicelluloses will help the synergistic utilization of cellulose and hemicellulose in cocksfoot grass.

Proximate composition and physico-chemical parameters of water hyacinth (Eicchornia crassipes) ensiled with breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) as feed for WAD goats

Scarce forages and low digestibility are major challenges of dry season feeding of ruminants in the tropics. This can be overcome by conservation of forages through ensiling with unconventional and inexpensive materials containing high fermentable carbohydrates. Water hyacinth, an invasive water weed with high biomass yield was ensiled with graded levels of breadfruit and assessed for its potential as a feed resource. Breadfruit was included in silages at 0% (control, T1); 10% (T2), 20% (T3), 30% (T4) and 40% (T5) with sawdust added at a constant inclusion level of 10% to serve as absorbent. Proximate composition and silage quality assessment were determined after 30 days of ensiling. Results showed that dry matter (%) of silages ranged between 14.21 (T1) and 28.44 (T4). Ash contents (g/100g) reduced (P<0.05) as breadfruit inclusion increased in the silage diets. Crude protein (g/100g) was higher (P<0.05) in T1 (12.03) than T5 (9.18) but was similar in T2, T3 and T4 (10.50, 10.72, 10.28) respectively. The appearance, odour and texture of the silages in T3-T5 had acceptable physical attributes while pH values ranged from 4.65 – 5.40. It is concluded that the leaves and stem of water hyacinth ensiled with breadfruit have potential as feed for ruminants in terms ofnutritio nal and physico-chemical attributes.

Quantitative Lasting Effects of Drought Stress at a Growth Stage on Soybean Evapotranspiration and Aboveground BIOMASS

Quantifying the lasting effects of drought stress on crop growth is a theoretical basis for revealing agricultural drought risk mechanism and formulating adaptive irrigation strategies. Based on two-season pot experiments of soybean in the Huaibei Plain, quantitative responses of plant evapotranspiration and aboveground biomass at each growth stage from a drought were carried out. The results showed that drought stress at a certain stage of soybean not only significantly reduced the current evapotranspiration and aboveground biomass accumulation during this stage, compared with full irrigation, but also generated the after-effects, which resulted in the reductions of evapotranspiration and biomass accumulation at the subsequent periods. Furthermore, the damaged transpiration and growth mechanism caused by drought gradually recovered through the rewatering later, and the compensation phenomenon even occurred. Nevertheless, the specific recovery effect was decided by both the degree and period of drought before. It is practical to implement deficit irrigation at the seedling and branching stages, but the degree should be controlled. Meanwhile, it is crucial to ensure sufficient water supply during the reproductive growth phase, especially at the flowering and pod-enlargement stage, to guarantee a normal transpiration function and a high biomass yield for soybeans in the Huaibei Plain.

Miscanthus: Beyond its use as an energy crop

Miscanthus is a tall perennial rhizomatous grass with C4 photosynthesis. Because of its high biomass yield, high carbohydrate and low ash content, high calorific value, remarkable environmental adaptability, high water and land use efficiency, and low fertilizer and pesticide requirements, it has become one of the most promising energy crops. Apart from energy uses, it can also be used as raw material for paper-making and for production of a variety of chemicals. Moreover, Miscanthus can also play an important role in environmental remediation and ecological improvement. It has been used to remedy polluted soil, improve the soil quality, and increase the biodiversity by providing habitat for animals and insects. However, its commercialization is still facing great challenge. More study is needed to further decrease its cultivation, harvesting, and processing costs. This editorial discusses opportunities and challenges of Miscanthus as an energy crop and in other applications.

Exploring the Biomethane Potential of Different Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Biomass Residues

Industrial hemp stands out as a promising candidate for clean and sustainable biomass-to-bioenergy systems due to its multipurpose, high biomass yield and resource efficiency features. In this study, different hemp biomass residues (HBRs) were evaluated as a potential feedstock for renewable biomethane production through anaerobic digestion (AD). The biochemical methane potential (BMP) of the raw and pretreated fibers, stalks, hurds, leaves and inflorescences was investigated by means of batch anaerobic tests. The highest BMP was obtained with the raw fibers (i.e., 422 ± 20 mL CH4·g VS−1), while hemp hurds (unretted), making up more than half of the whole hemp plant dry weight, showed a lower BMP value of 239 ± 10 mL CH4·g VS−1. The alkali pretreatment of unretted hurds and mechanical grinding of retted hurds effectively enhanced the BMP of both substrates by 15.9%. The mix of leaves and inflorescences and inflorescences alone showed low BMP values (i.e., 118 ± 8 and 26 ± 5 mL CH4·g VS−1, respectively) and a prolonged inhibition of methanogenesis. The latter could be overcome through NaOH pretreatment in the mix of leaves and inflorescences (+28.5% methane production).

Chlorella sorokiniana: Effect of Nitrate Replete Concentration on Biomass Yield, Cell and Nitrate Concentration

Effect of various nitrate replete concentrations have been investigated in terms of biomass yield, cell and nitrate concentrations. Media used in this study is Bold’s basal medium which contains nitrate that act as nutrient. Its concentrations have been varied for obtaining the high biomass yield. The nitrate concentrations used were 30 mg nitrate/L, 35 mg nitrate/L, 40 mg nitrate/L, 45 mg nitrate/L and 50 mg nitrate/L) with 30 mg nitrate/L as a control. Microalgae Chlorella sp. is cultured and aerated in a Schott bottle with presents of light. Results showed that the best concentration to obtain highest biomass yield was 45 mg nitrate/L. It also gave the highest optical density reading at day 9 with 2.100 ± 0.070 and showed the highest cell concentration with 703 ± 29 x 106 cells/mL. Dry algae produced by this concentration after the end of the cycle was 291 ± 9 mg which was the highest compared to other concentration. It is suggested that as the biomass yield is increased by using 45 mg nitrate/L concentration, other methods to increase lipid content can be paired with nitrate replete method and can be further studied in the future.