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T. K. Nagarathna ¹, Panduranga ²

Affiliations
1 Aicrp on Sunflower, University of Agricultural Sciences, G.K.V.K., Bengaluru, Karnataka, IN
2 Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, G.K.V.K., Bengaluru, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

One hundred and thirty diverse rice germplasm lines were examined for leaf and seed zinc (Zn) content. A significant and wide genetic variability was observed for leaf and seed zinc levels. Based on Z-distribution analysis, 22 contrasting genotypes were selected. In this experiment, besides Zn content in leaf and seed, several growth parameters were also recorded to study the genetic variability in growth and productivity. The results showed that leaf area and total dry matter (TDM) showed positive relationship, indicating the contribution of leaf area for its increase in TDM (g/pl). Net assimilation rate (NAR) (g/cm²) did not contribute to the extent observed variability in TDM. A positive relationship was observed between total leaf Zn and TDM. Some of the genotypes showed more TDM with higher total leaf Zn (mg/100g dry weight) per plant indicating total Zn acquisition by plant and this might have influenced the growth rate. Total seed Zn (mg/100g) increased the seed yield significantly but not the seed Zn per unit weight of seed. Higher seed Zn levels might positively influence cell metabolic activities and hence, improved grain growth and development was observed. An attempt was also made to identify the contrasting genotypes differing in Zn status to examine genetic variability in seed Zn levels of panicle development. The seed Zn levels increased at milky stage subsequently, it was reduced during late stages of grain filling period. This could be due to variation in duration of transport of Zn to developing grains.

Keywords

Genetic Variability, Growth Parameters, Total Dry Matter, Net Assimilation Rate, Rice Germplasm, Leaf Zn, Seed Zn, Total Zn

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Shivarajkumar M. Arikatti ¹, M. Mahadeva Murthy ¹, T. K. Nagarathna ²

Affiliations
1 Department of forestry and Environmental Science, University of Agricultural Sciences, G.k.v.k., Bengaluru, Karnataka, IN
2 AICRP on Sunflower, University of Agricultural Sciences, G.K.V.K., Bengaluru, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are special types of bio fuel cells, producing electrical power by utilizing metabolic activities of microorganisms. An attempt was made to construct a MFC for generation of electricity through, standardization of electrodes distance, assessing different concentration of cattle dung slurry. The results of the experiment revealed that, in MFC the distance between electrodes do not have any role in voltage generation. The concentration in the ratio 1:1 of cattle dung slurry was found to be the best in terms of voltage generation as well as stability of power generated.

Keywords

Cattle Dung Slurry, Electricity, Electrodes Distance, Microbial Fuel Cell, Multimeter, Voltmeter

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B. K. Shashi ¹, Sunanda Sharan ¹, T. K. Nagarathna ¹, A. G. Shankar ¹, Shailaja Hittalamani ¹

Affiliations
1 University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore - 560065, IN

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is an important minor cereal cultivated for food in the Indian sub continent as well as in many African countries. The nutritive value of finger millet is higher than that of rice and equal to that of wheat. The average fiber content of 3.6 per cent unlike 0.2 per cent in rice or 1.2 per cent in bajra helps in maintenance of health in many ways. Carbohydrate content (72.0%) of finger millet is slightly higher than that of bajra or maize and less than rice (78.2%). It is also low in fat (1.3%) and contains 7.39 per cent of protein. Finger millet is rich in calcium (300-340 mg/100g), iron (5-15 g/100g), vitamin B₁₂ (0.4 to 3 mg/100g) and seven essentia! amino acids. Besides this, iodine content (101 μg/kg) is reported to be highest among food grains.

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P. Usha ¹, Sunanda Sharan ¹, T. K. Nagarathna ²

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore - 560 065, IN
2 Dept. of Crop Physiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore - 560 065, IN

Abstract

Wheat grass (Triticum aestivum), the young green plant that grows from the sprouted wheat kernels planted in most soil Is one of the functional foods gaining popularity as a potential nutritional product with numerous health benefits. Wheat grass is a complete food with 70 per cent chlorophyll, vitamins A, C and E, bio flavonoids, minerals (iron, calcium and magnesium) and 17 amino acids. Wheat grass strengthens the immune system.

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T. K. Nagarathna ¹, Y. G. Shadakshari ², K. T. Puttarangaswami ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Crop Physiology, AICRP on Sunflower, University of Agricultural Sciences, G.K.V.K, Bengaluru (Karnataka), IN
2 AICRP on Sunflower, University of Agricultural Sciences, G.K.V.K., Bengaluru (Karnataka), IN
3 Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, AICRP on Sunflower, University of Agricultural Sciences, G.K.V.K., Bengaluru (Karnataka), IN

Abstract

Several sunflower genotypes including hybrids, varieties, R-lines, CMS-lines and inbreds were initially screened in the laboratory to select saline tolerant lines. Initially sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations were standardized and later seven different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mM NaCl) were considered for the screening. Physiological observation viz., germination per cent, total seedling length (cm), per cent reduction in seedling growth over control and seedling vigour index were recorded. Later all the entries were classified as susceptible, moderately tolerant and tolerant lines. CMS-lines performed well even at higher osmotic concentrations. Many of the inbreds and R-lines were susceptible at 100 and 150mM NaCl concentrations. This screening technique can be followed for the initial screening of more number of sunflower genotypes in the laboratory before evaluating them in the field.

Keywords

Osmotic Potential, Sodium Chloride Concentration, Sunflower.

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