Evaluation of the effect of inactivation by microwave and autoclave in homeopathic medicines

Background: The Brazilian Pharmacopoeia defines the sterilization process as a "method" intended to remove or destroy all forms of life, animal or plant, macroscopic or microscopic, saprophytic or not, present in the product concerned, without ensuring the complete inactivation of toxins or cellular enzymes. Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging between 300MHz (300x106 Hz) and 300 GHz (300x109 Hz) and wavelengths from 1 m to 1 mm[1]. They are waves that lie within the region between TV waves and the infrared region within the spectrum of electromagnetic waves. According to the Technical Standards Textbook for Homeopathic Pharmacy, glass tubes may be reused after washed with running and purified water and inactivated by autoclaving at 120oC for 30 minutes or by a dry air buffer at 180oC for 30 minutes or at 140oC for 1 hour [2]. Aims: Current experiment evaluates the influence of ultra-diluted Sulphur with and without inactivation by autoclaving and microwaving for certain variables in the germination and growth of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench - cv TX623B). Methodology: Ten milliliters of Sulphur in homeopathic dinamizations (proposed by Hering - DH) 9DH, 18DH and 30DH inactivated by microwave and by autoclave heat, and control with water, were added to petri dishes in which 20 sorghum seeds were distributed. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber (BOD) at 25oC and during a 16-h photoperiod. Double-blind methodology to avoid researcher’s possible interferences or trends, coupled to statistic treatment at the end of the experiment, was employed. Data underwent variance analysis and means were compared by Scott-Knott’s test at 5% probability. Results: Homeopathy Sulphur changed the evaluated parameters of 9DH, 18 DH and 30 DH dinamizations when compared to control (water). Differences existed with regard to effects of the different microwave-treated (M9DH, M18DH, M30DH) and autoclaving-treated (A9DH, A18DH, A30DH) dinamizations. Sulphur had no significant difference in the aerial length (CPA) when compared with that of control. In the case of the same homeopathic treatments previously undergoing autoclaving, the three dinamizations had a similar response to CPA. The same occurred with drugs submitted to microwaves. With regard to root’s growth (CSR), treatment with Sulphur inhibited growth in the dinamizations 18 DH and 30 DH when compared to control. This did not occur with 9 DH which had the same effect as that of water. In the case of groups treated with medicines 30 DH and 9DH undergoing microwaves, the same effect of water was reported. Consequently, microwaves inactivated the effect of homeopathic medicine. However, in 18DH under the effect of microwaves, the effect of drug 18DH was reported. Consequently, there was growth inhibition but no inactivation by microwaves. In the case of groups treated with autoclaved medicine, a greater root growth was reported. This fact shows that autoclaving altered the homeopathic medicine. In fact, it had an opposite effect when compared to control. On the other hand, when Fresh Root Weight was evaluated, differences in control were reported only for groups treated with autoclaved medicines. These results were similar to those of the group treated with medicine 18DH. An increase in the fresh root weight was reported agreeing with a greater root growth. Results related to the aerial part and to the root of the dry mass failed to show any significant difference among the groups. Conclusions: Results show that different physiological responses are produced posterior to the employment of homeopathic medicine, sometimes stimulating, sometimes inhibiting root growth . The aerial part was not influenced by any treatment. On the other hand, autoclaved medicines stimulated root growth[3] [4]. This fact shows changes in the homeopathic medicine under humid heat. Microwave treatments showed an inactivation for 9DH and 30DH, but not for 18DH. The latter had the same results as those treated with Sulphur 18DH. The above results suggest that microwaves may inactivate homeopathic medicines, albeit not entirely. Therefore, it may not be a reliable inactivation methodology.

Correlation Studies in Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal]

In the present study entitled “Variability and Correlation Studies in Ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal]”, 74 genotypes along with three standard checks viz., JA-20 (Jawahar Asgandh-20), JA-134 (Jawahar Asgandh-134) and RVA-100 were evaluated in augmented RBD design during late kharif 2019-20 at the Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan). The observations were recorded on ten randomly selected competitive plants for fifteen characters, viz. days to 50% flowering, days to 75 per cent maturity, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, leaf area index, root length, root diameter in collar region, fresh root yield per plant, dry root yield per plant, fresh plant weight per plant, dry plant weight per plant, 100 seed weight, harvest index and total alkaloid. Analysis of variance, correlation coefficient and path analysis were performed for the mean data. The dry root yield per plant exhibited significant and positive correlation with dry plant weight, fresh root yield and harvest index at both genotypic and phenotypic level. While with, root diameter in collar region at genotypic level and fresh plant weight at phenotypic level. Positive and significant correlation among dry root yield per plant and contributing characters would help in indirect selection for dry root yield per plant in the crop like ashwagandha where economic part (dry root yield per plant) remain underground up till uprooting.

Evaluation of IAA and GA3 producing yeast isolates on growth of tomato crop by spraying under green house

A green house experiment was carried out at Department of Agricultural Microbiology, GKVK, Bengaluru by use of IAA (MZL -8 and TCL -1) and GA3 (CAL – 1 and ACL- 3) producing yeast isolates on growth of tomato crop by spraying method with 8 treatments and 3 replication. The highest plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, root length, fresh shoot biomass, dry shoot biomass, fresh root biomass, dry root biomass, IAA and GA3 content, 44.73 cm, 80, 11.40, 14.70 cm, 24.00 g/plant, 11.75 g/plant, 7.98 g/plant, 3.91 g/plant, 1.205 μg/g of leaf and 0.550 μg/g of leaf, respectively by the yeast isolate TCL -1.The least plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, root length, fresh shoot biomass, dry shoot biomass, fresh root biomass, dry root biomass, IAA and GA3 content, 22.20 cm, 55.70, 8.00,9.00 cm, 11.00 g/plant, 6.23 g/plant, 3.67 g/plant, 2.07 g/plant, 0.384 μg/g of leaf and 0.200 μg/g of leaf, respectively was recorded by control (T1) treatment at 50 DAT.

Green house evaluation of IAA and GA3 producing yeast isolates on growth tomato crop by root dip method

A green house experiment was conduct by use of IAA (MZL -8 and TCL -1) and GA3 (CAL – 1 and ACL- 3) producing yeast isolates on growth of tomato crop by root dip method with 8 treatments and 3 replication at Department of Agricultural Microbiology, GKVK, Bengaluru. The yeastisolate TCL -1 recorded maximum plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, root length, fresh shoot biomass, dry shoot biomass, fresh root biomass, dry root biomass, IAA and GA3 content, 44.73 cm, 80, 11.40, 14.70 cm, 24.00 g/plant, 11.75 g/plant, 7.98 g/plant, 3.91 g/plant, 1.205 μg/g of leaf and 0.550 μg/g of leaf respectively. The control (T1) recorded Lowest plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, root length, fresh shoot biomass, dry shoot biomass, fresh root biomass, dry root biomass, IAA and GA3 content, 22.20 cm, 55.70, 8.00,9.00 cm, 11.00 g/plant, 6.23 g/plant, 3.67 g/plant, 2.07 g/plant, 0.384 μg/g of leaf and 0.200 μg/g of leaf respectively at 50 DAT.

Genotype × Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis for Root Yield in Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam]

Sweet potato breeding in Africa, more especially in Nigeria, has mainly focused on improving productivity on farmers' fields and on fresh root consumption. In order to target the breeding program, the study was conducted to estimate the magnitude of genotype × environment interaction (G × E) and to select stable and high yielding sweet potato genotypes for fresh root yield and root Cylas severity in two locations, and to identify the most discriminating and representative test environments in Nigeria. The 41 genotypes were evaluated across two diverse environments using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on total number of roots per plant, number and weight of marketable roots per plant, fresh root yield, and root Cylas severity. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using the Generalized Linear Model procedure of SAS 9.2 where genotype was treated as a fixed factor and replication treated as a random variable. Stability analysis was conducted using Genotype and Genotype x Environment Interaction (GGE) bi-plot. Environment, genotype, and G × E interaction variances were highly significant (p < 0.01) among the assessed agronomic traits. Moreover, the analysis of variance revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) differences among genotypes, environments, and G × E interaction effects for all the studied traits. The GGE biplot analyses identified three promising genotypes—G13, G11, and G14—that possess both high mean root yield and high stability, closest to the ideal genotype for root performance and consistency of performance across environments. This study provides valuable information that could be utilized in a breeding program to ameliorate local clones of sweet potato in Nigeria.

Yield Enhancement of Biostimulants, Vitamin B12, and CoQ10 Compared to Inorganic Fertilizer in Radish

Two pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the response of radish crops against different plant growth regulators, biostimulants, and leaf extracts at Yale University, USA. The first experiment examined the marginal effect of vitamin B12 when added to the Berlyn Laboratory’s proprietary biostimulant formula (GPB Core). Increasing concentrations of vitamin B12 were added, as investigated in groups SL (0 mg/L), SB1 (0.5 mg/L), SB2 (1.0 mg/L), and SB3 (1.5 mg/L). The addition of vitamin B12 conferred no significant incremental benefit over the GPB Core. However, the GPB Core formula (SL) increased fresh shoot biomass by 172.9%, dry shoot biomass by 136.4%, fresh root biomass by 64.7%, and dry root biomass by 29.1% over plant treated with inorganic fertilizer alone (p < 0.01). The second experiment examined the combined marginal effect of vitamin B12 and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) when added to the GPB Core. The three experimental groups included the GPB Core plus inorganic fertilizer (S+); GPB Core, vitamin B12, CoQ10, and inorganic fertilizer (SBQ+); and GPB Core, vitamin B12, CoQ10, and no inorganic fertilizer (SBQ0). SBQ0 outperformed the inorganic fertilizer control in fresh shoot, dry shoot, fresh root, and dry root biomass by 190.3%, 127.1%, 128.5%, and 41.3%, respectively (p < 0.01), indicating that inorganic fertilizer can be replaced by biostimulants while simultaneously increasing yield. Additionally, the differences between SBQ+ and SBQ0 in the biomass metrics were statistically insignificant, indicating that in the presence of biostimulants, inorganic fertilizers confer a slight marginal benefit. There was no evidence, however, that the addition of CoQ10 and vitamin B12 conferred benefits over S+. Overall, the application of biostimulants statistically significantly improves radish biomass. Both experiments indicate that under low stress conditions, biostimulants can replace inorganic fertilizer while simultaneously increasing yield.

Evaluation of improved cassava genotypes for yield and related traits for a better breeding strategy under different agroecologies in Nigeria

This study aimed at determining shoot and root characteristics of cassava as affected by root yield and the influence of soil moisture on vegetative growth and yield. Thirty cassava genotypes were evaluated for morphological and physiological characterization in three locations in Nigeria: Ibadan, Mokwa and Zaria. Randomized complete block design was used with four replicates. Studies on the pasting properties of the genotypes were also carried out. Data were collected on plant height, stem girth, stay-green ability, garri and fresh root weight. Genotypes differed significantly (P < 0.05) across and within locations for shoot and root characteristics. Across locations, genotype 011663 had the highest plant height (132.4 cm); 30572 had the largest stem girth (8.6 cm); and 010040 was the best stay-green (2.2). Genotype 011086 had the highest number of roots per plot (95.7), 950289 had the highest fresh root yield (24.3 t/ha), and 990554 had the highest percentage of dry matter (35.2). Trends in root yields across locations were Ibadan (28.9 t/ha), Mokwa (20.3 t/ha), and Zaria (8 t/ha). Five genotypes IITA-TMS-IBA950289, 010034, 990554, 011807, and 980581 had negligible interactions with the environment and so have broad adaptation and are considered stable; and two clones 011807 and 950166 were found to be the best for pasting properties. Breeding strategies that consider root size, total root number, harvest index, dry matter, with applications for household foods and industrial uses, will be an effective and efficient way to select genotypes for high yield.

Utilização do ZEBMAX® para aumento de produtividade na alface

Dentre as hortaliças cultivadas a Alface (Lactuca sativa) destaca-se devido a sua fonte de vitaminas B1, B2, C, ferro e minerais, além da disponibilidade de ser cultivada em quase todas as regiões do globo terrestre. Diante do exposto, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar, em uma cultura de alface, a massa fresca de parte aérea e massa fresca da raiz com aplicação do ZEBMAX®. O experimento foi realizado à campo no Colégio Agrícola de Toledo no período de 10 de junho a 15 de julho de 2018. No tratamento foram realizadas aplicações de duas doses de 0,5 ml L-1 aos 15 e 25 dias após o transplantio. Já na testemunha só foi utilizada água. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso em triplicata e no total foram avaliadas 10 plantas por bloco. Os dados foram submetidos às análises estatísticas usando o teste de Tukey, ao nível de 5 % de probabilidade. As plantas do tratamento obtiveram um peso de massa fresca de parte aérea de 12,55 g pl-1, com a massa fresca de raiz de 10,88 g pl-1, já na testemunha o peso da massa fresca de parte aérea ficou 11,08 g pl-1 com a massa fresca de raiz 9,44 g pl-1. Portanto, o presente trabalho apresentou diferenças significativas para as variáveis de crescimento (raiz e da parte aérea), em relação a aplicação do ZEBMAX® como fonte de adubação, na relação entre o tratamento e a testemunha. Palavras-chave: Massa Fresca de Parte Aérea. Massa Fresca de Raiz. Peso de Planta. Abstract Among the vegetables grown, Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) stands out due to its source of vitamins B1, B2, C, iron and minerals, in addition to the availability of being grown in almost all regions of the globe. Given the above, the objective of the work was to evaluate, in a lettuce culture, the fresh mass of aerial part and fresh mass of the root with the application of the ZEBMAX®. The experiment was carried out in the field at the Colégio Agrícola de Toledo from June 10 to July 15, 2018. In the treatment, two doses of 0.5 ml L-1 were applied at 15 and 25 days after transplanting. In the witness, only water was used. A randomized block design in triplicate was used and a total of 10 plants per block were evaluated. The data were submitted to statistical analysis using the Tukey test, at the level of 5% probability. The treatment plants obtained a weight of fresh mass of aerial part of 12.55 g pl-1, with a fresh root mass of 10.88 g pl-1, while in the control the weight of fresh mass of aerial part was 11.08 g pl-1 with fresh root mass 9.44 g pl-1. Therefore, the present study showed significant differences for the growth variables (root and shoot), in relation to the application of ZEBMAX® as a source of fertilization, in the relationship between the treatment and the control. Keywords: Fresh Mass Of Aerial Part. Fresh Root Pasta. Plant Weight.

Silicon (Si) and salinity stress on the agronomic performances of bok choy (Brassica rappa L.) in an Entisols

Silicon is a beneficial nutrient that has the potential to alleviate the abiotic stress of bok choy grown under salinity stress on entisols. Indonesia has wide areas of entisol soils along its coastline, which could be planted with bok choy. However, salinity conditions pose a problem in entisol soils. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of silicon on the agronomic performance of bok choy grown on an Entisols under salinity stress conditions. This research was conducted at the screen house of the Faculty of Agriculture, Jenderal Soedirman University, from May to August 2019. The experimental design was a completely randomized completely block design (RCBD) consisting of 16 treatments with three replications. The treatments comprised two factors: the dosage of silicon fertilizer, which was 0, 5, 10, or 15 g pot^-1; and salinity stress, with a level of 0, 1, 2, or 3 dS m^-1pot^-1. Observed variables included plant height (cm), number of leaves (strands), leaf area (cm²), fresh shoot weight (g), dry shoot weight (g), fresh root weight (g), dry root weight (g), fresh plant weight (g), and dry plant weight (g). The results showed that the provision of silicon (Si) fertilizer from zeolite and sugarcane bagasse compost (SCB) improved plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh plant weight, and dry plant weight of bok choy plants under salinity stress conditions on entisol soil. At a silicon dosage of 10 g pot^-1, fresh plant weight (production of bok choy) was 64.18% greater compared to the control. Increasing soil salinity up to 3 dS m^-1 of soil decreased the plant height and number of leaves but did not significantly affect fresh shoot weight, dry shoot weight, fresh plant weight, dry fresh plant weight, fresh root weight, or dry root weight.