Volume 106, Jan-Mar 2019

Research Article Open Access
Effect of Methyl Salicylate on Rice Leaffolder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee), Parasitoid Xanthopimpla flavolineata (Cameron) and Predator Micraspis sp
Authors: J. Indhumathi, N. Muthukrishnan, C. Durairaj, N. Thavaprakaash, R.P. Soundararajan
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 74-79
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000225
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
Cues associated with the host-plant complex, volatiles emitted by herbivore
damaged plants and/or exogenous applications of elicitors decide on
orientation behaviour of pests and beneficial insects. We conducted
laboratory studies to know whether exogenous use of methyl salicylate
(MeSA) influences on developmental stages and mortality of rice leaffolder,
Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee), and biocontrol services of a ichneumonid
parasitoid, Xanthopimpla flavolineata (Cameron) and a coccinellid beetle
Micraspis sp. on C. medinalis. Results of green house studies revealed
that MeSA at 100 mg L-1 significantly influenced the fecundity (38.4 eggs
female-1), egg hatchability (25.0%) and larval mortality of C.medinalis (75.0%)
when compared to fecundity (75.0 eggs female-1), hatchability (80.7%) and
larval mortality (5.0%) due to buffer-treated control plants. MeSA at 100 mg
L-1 also resulted in extended larval, pupal and adult duration of 7.11, 7.92
and 6.83 days, respectively as against the larval, pupal and adult duration
of 6.08, 6.67 and 4.93 days, respectively in buffer treated control plants.
MeSA at 100 mg L-1 also effected for lower pupal (28.5%) and adult (25.0%)
emergence, than higher pupal (82.5%) and adult (85.0%) emergence in
control plants. MeSA at 100 mg L-1 influenced for significant increase in the
parasitization of X. flavolineata (70.0%) on C. medinalis pupae and predatory
potential of Micraspis sp. (80.2%) on C. medinalis larvae. However, MeSA in
any concentration was not lethal to both parasitoid and predator. There was
significant difference in the attraction of C. medinalis, X. flavolineata and
Micraspis sp. towards olfactometer arms due to MeSA treated and untreated
leaves. The movement of C. medinalis was maximum towards leaves of
control plants (5.5 adults with 28.0% attraction). This experiments revealed
that MeSA treated rice leaves showed the less preference of C. medinalis
adults (0.8 to 2.8 adults with 3.0 to 20.0% attraction). However, orientation
behaviour of X. flavolineata (1.0 to 3.0 adults with 5.0 to 15.0% attraction)
and Micraspis sp. (2.0 to 4.2 adults with 10.0 to 20.0% attraction) was
higher towards leaves treated with MeSA concentrations.
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Research Article Open Access
A Study on the Farmers’ Perception on the Sugarcane Expert System based Mobile Application
Authors: Janarthanan. R, Vijay. S, Karthikeyan.C
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 137-141
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000236
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
The agglomeration of expert system into mobile app paves the way for new
era in transfer of technology in agriculture. The study is focused on farmer’s
perception on the Android App based Expert system in Sugarcane. Data
were collected using a well-structured interview schedule and analyzed
through percentage analysis. The results revealed that farmers had very
little awareness about the android mobile application in agriculture. The
perception of the farmers about the functioning of TNAU android expert
system application in sugarcane was highly satisfied. Adequate extension
efforts are required to be taken to popularize this App. among sugarcane
growers
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Research Article Open Access
Retailers and Consumers Perspectives Towards Food Retail
Authors: P. Balaji, C. Karthikeyan, V. Sakthirama
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 130-136
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000235
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
The diverse agro-climatic conditions in India offer huge potential for production of a wide variety of crops from cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables all round the year. The proliferation of organized retailing in India is also altering food consumption patterns, promoting imported foods, branded foods, processed foods and a wider assortment. The study was performed with the main objective that to analyze the trend of fruits and vegetable production export, import and consumption pattern in India. In these four organized retailer formats were contacted and collected data through interview method to analyze the supply of fruits and vegetable through organized retail formats in Coimbatore
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Research Article Open Access
Reasons for Channel Conflict among the Small Retailers in Tamil Nadu
Authors: C.P. Sharafath, P. Balaji, V. Sakthirama
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 125-129
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000234
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
Retail sector in India is at the crossroads today. A shift between organized
and unorganized retail sector is apparent, especially in the vegetable, fruits
and groceries retailing zone. The channel conflict arises when the channel
partners such as manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, etc
compete against each other for the common sale with the same brand.
The small retailers are affected by this conflict. The study was undertaken
in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu with aim to assess channel conflicts
from various interactions with the small store retailers. The Factor analysis
is used to analyze interrelationship among a large number of variable and
to variables regarding their common underlying dimensions. The result
showed that, six variables under factor coercive source of power explained
67.17 per cent of total variance. Therefore six factors, using factor analysis
were identified as main reasons for conflict between small retailers-vendors
and small retailers-customers.
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Research Article Open Access
A Study on Source of Information and Satisfaction of the Sample Respondents Towards the FMCG Products
Authors: omasundaram.S, P. Balaji
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 119-124
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000233
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
The study was conducted in Tamil Nadu to analyze the factors influencing
the purchase of FMCG products utilizing 160 sample respondents in the age
group of 20 to 40 and it was analyzed using regression and Garrett ranking
technique. The ultimate aim of any company is to take the products to the
hands of the consumer. For this purpose, proper channel of communication is
required. Lifecycle of the produce is being shrinking the customer’s mindset
according to the environment, so short term promotions can be used instead
of advertisements. The source of information like mass media (62.35) and
social media (56.96) had high mean score among the sample respondents.
The satisfaction of the consumer was highly influenced by price of the
product, brand name, quality and its effective advertisement with mean of
4.42, 4.41, 4.37 and 4.01, respectively
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Research Article Open Access
Effect of Height, Shape and Air Supply in the Performance of Wood Burning Cookstoves
Authors: T. Dineshkumar, P. Subramanian, S. Pugalendhi, A. Surendra kumar
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 114-118
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000232
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
More than half the kitchens in the world use traditional wood burning
stoves for cooking. The traditional stove involves burning of wood in open
which leads to inefficient combustion with 5 to 10 % thermal efficiency. In
this study, highly improved stoves were designed and developed by varying
height, shape and air supply. It was observed that the cylinder shaped
stoves performed with higher thermal efficiency than the frustum stoves.
The height of the combustion chamber was optimized at 12 cm with better
combustion (19.83%) and higher heat transfer rate (20.15%). The primary
air supply of 80 % and secondary air of 20 % resulted in higher combustion
temperature (660.9 °C) and lesser air pollutants of 0.82 g L-1 (CO) and 142
g L-1 (HC). The cylindrical combustion chamber of height 12 cm with primary
sir supply and secondary air supply of 80 and 20 %, respectively resulted to
higher thermal efficiency of 22.86 %, specific fuel consumption of 0.59 kg
L-1 and heat transfer efficiency of 23.08 %
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Research Article Open Access
Effect of Moisture on Engineering Properties of Pigeon Pea
Authors: K.Anjana, S. Ganabathy
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 109-113
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000231
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
Engineering properties of food grains have an important role in the postharvest equipment design. Some engineering properties of pigeon pea
variety CO7 were determined at three different moisture contents via
8%, 10% and 15% w.b. The length, width, thickness, geometric mean
diameter and sphericity of pigeon pea increased from 5.37 mm to
6.81 mm, 5.37 mm to 5.96 mm, 4.41 mm to 4.79 mm, 5.34 mm to 5.74
mm and 0.83to 0.87 respectively. The bulk density, true density and porosity
decreased linearly from 843.47 kg.m-3 to 782.81 kg.m-3, 1318.32 kg.m-3 to
1189.63 kg.m-3, 0.36 to 0.34 respectively. Variation of thousand grains mass
and angle of repose was from 86.86 g to 99.13 g and 21.570 to 26.570.
Static coefficient of friction on mild steel, card board and galvanized iron
surfaces also increased with moisture content in the range of 0.26 to 0.47.
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Research Article Open Access
Studies on Extraction of Betalain Pigments by Different Solvents and Assessing Antioxidant Activity of Bougainvillea spectabilis and Celosia argentea Flowers
Authors: V. Lavanya, S. P. Thamaraiselvi, D. Uma
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 104-108
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000230
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
Betalain is a natural pigment with antioxidant property which is used as a
food colourant. Betalain was extracted from the fresh and dried samples
of Bougainvillea spectabilis and Celosia cristata flowers by using different
solvents (Aqueous, 50 % methanol, 100 % methanol, 50 % ethanol, 100 %
ethanol and acetone). Total betalain (TB), betacyanin (BC) and betaxanthin
(BX) content of the flowers were recorded by spectrometric methods. The
results revealed that pigment yield was more in Bougainvillea flowers when
compared to Celosia in aqueous extraction. On comparing the fresh and
dried flowers, dried flowers yielded more betalain content in dried flowers.
The extracts of the flowers were screened for antioxidant potentials like
ABTS, DPPH, Chelating potential, FRAP and CUPRAC. From the study it was
observed that the Bougainvillea and Celosia flowers possess antioxidant
potential but the highest was found in the Bougainvillea flower.
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Research Article Open Access
Screening of Piper Species for Resistance to Quick Wilt caused by Phytophthora capsici under Glasshouse Condition
Authors: M.Chinnapappa, A. Ramar, L. Pugalendhi, P. Muthulakshmi, P. Vetrivelkalai
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 99-103
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000229
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
Screening of Piper species resistant to quick wilt was carried out under
glasshouse conditions. Piper colubrinum, Piper argyrophyllum, IISR Sakthi
and IISR Thevam were used as rootstocks while Panniyur 1 and Karimunda
were used as scion and these grafted plants were screened against
Phytophthora capsici. Among the rootstocks, Piper colubrinum showed
‘Highly Resistant’ reaction, followed by Piper argyrophyllum which exihibited
‘Resistant’ reaction. The cultivated Piper nigrum varieties IISR Sakthi and
IISR Thevam showed ‘Tolerant’ reaction and the scions Panniyur 1 showed
‘Highly Susceptible’ reaction while Karimunda showed ‘Resistant’ reaction.
None of the graft combination screened were susceptible to Phytophthora
capsici. Highest graft success was observed in Piper colubrinum.
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Research Article Open Access
Effect of Abiotic Factors on the Incidence of Major Pests of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and Natural Enemies
Authors: D. Deepika, T. Abdul Razak, K. Elanchezhyan, M.I. Manivannan
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 95-98
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000228
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
The present research was aimed to study the seasonal incidence of major
sucking pests and the natural enemies on okra Abelmoschus esculentus
under field condition at the Department of Agricultural Entomology,
Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam. The crop had revealed
the incidence of sucking pests viz., aphid, jassid, whitefly, mites along with
natural enemies like spiders and coccinellids. The incidence of jassid first
commenced in 43rd SMW (0.30/3 leaves), aphids and whitefly in 44th SMW
(0.10 and 0.35/3 leaves), mite was found in first SMW (25.53/cm2/leaf
area). Earias infestation was found during 49th SMW (7.29 per cent). Natural
enemies such coccinellids and spiders were observed during 45th (0.05/
plant) and 43rd SMW (0.05/plant) respectively.
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Research Article Open Access
Optimization of Cultural Conditions for the Antimetabolites Production by Streptomyces aureus strain BG03
Authors: R. Muthukuma, E.Rajeswari, T. Kalaiselvi
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 80-86
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000227
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
The growth of Streptomyces aureus strain BG03 was the best on Ken
Knight`s agar medium. Among the different media tested, Crawford`s media
was the best for the production of bioactive compounds by S. aureus strain
BG03. The culture filtrate of S. aureus strain BG03 extracted from Crawford`s
broth amended with starch as a carbon source, peptone as a nitrogen source,
temperature of 35°C and pH 7.5 recorded the highest growth inhibition and
inhibition zone against Rhizoctonia bataticola causing dry root rot in urdbean.
Therefore the above mentioned parameters were optimum for the maximum
production of bioactive compounds by S. aureus strain BG03. The crude
metabolites extracted from S. aureus strain BG03 was found to be promising
in reducing the mycelial growth of R. bataticola. Gas Chromatography-Mass
Spectrophotometry (GC-MS), analysis of crude metabolites of S. aureus strain
BG03 revealed the presence of seven compounds having antifungal activity
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Research Article Open Access
Impact of Lufenuron 5.4% EC on Major Arthropod Diversity in Cabbage
Authors: K. Senguttuvan, T. Srinivasan
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 87-94
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000226
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
An experiment was conducted to assess the impact of insecticide, lufenuron
5.4% EC on arthropod diversity in cabbage ecosystem. The two seasons
diversity indices revealed 2866 arthropods from 26 families under eight
orders in sprayed and unsprayed condition. Diamondback moth, Plutella
xylostella (Linnaeus), two species of aphids viz., Myzus persicae (Sulzer)
and Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus), cabbage whitefly Aleyrodes proletella
(Linnaeus) were found to be a major pests of cabbage plants in this region.
Minor pests are recorded as follows Cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner),
Leaf roller, Sylepta lunalis (Guenee), Marmalade hoverfly, Episyrphus
balteatus (de Geer), Painted bug, Bagrada picta (Fabricius) and Mealybug,
Coccidohystrix insolita (Green). Natural enemies, predators of aphid viz.,
syrphids flies, coccinellid beetles, and spiders were recorded in this cabbage
ecosystem. Larval parasitoids Cotesia plutellae of cabbage diamondback
moth was recorded. Presence of mantids and hymenopterans (braconids)
indicated the relative safety of the insecticides in these ecosystems. The
biodiversity indices in the sprayed (997) and unsprayed (1869) fields showed
higher diversity in unsprayed fields revealing the influence of insecticidal
spraying
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Research Article Open Access
Effect of Different Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Rainfed Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under Vertisol
Authors: P. Sujithra, M. Hemalatha, M. Joseph, E. Sobhana
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 1-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000213
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
A field experiment was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Kovilpatti,
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University during Purattasipattam (October 2017 to
January 2018) to study the effect of different weed management practices
in rainfed sesame. The experiment was laidout in randomized block design
with three replications having ten different weed management treatments
in rainfed sesame variety SVPR 1 under vertisol. Application of Alachlor @
1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 as pre emergence fb Quizalofop ethyl @ 50 g a.i. ha-1 on
25 DAS as early post emergence recorded significantly lesser weed index
and higher weed control efficiency and inturn significantly produced higher
plant height, dry matter production, seed yield (550 kg ha-1) and stalk yield
(2432 kg ha-1). It was followed by the application of Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg
a.i. ha-1 as pre emergence fb Quizalofop ethyl @ 50 g a.i. ha-1 on 25 DAS as
early post emergence.
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Research Article Open Access
Effect of Micronutrients and Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield of Mulberry (Morus indica L.) and Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.)
Authors: A. Nazar, M.K. Kalarani, P. Jeyakumar, T. Kalaiselvi, K. Arulmozhiselvan, S. Manimekalai
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 69-73
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000224
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of micronutrients and
biofertilizers on mulberry in under field condition. Different combination of
micronutrients and biofertilizers were used in this study to assess the growth
and yield of mulberry and silkworm. Among the treatments, application of
100 % RDF + Soil application of ZnSO4, Fe SO4, MnSO4 and MgSO4 @ 25 kg
ha-1 each + Recommended dose of biofertilizers (Azos, Phospho and Potash
mobilizer each @ 1500 ml ha-1) recorded superior growth and yield attributes
viz., plant height (198 cm), number of shoots (14 plant-1)
, number of leaves
(646 plant-1), leaf area (101146 cm 2 plant -1) and leaf yield (1218.369 g
plant-1) with high leaf moisture retention percentage of 93.94. Yield traits
of silkworm such as larval weight, effective rate of rearing by number,
effective rate of rearing by weight, single cocoon weight, single shell weight
and number of cocoon per kilogram were also higher compared to other
treatments
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Research Article Open Access
Prediction of Post-harvest Soil Test Values and Fertilizer Calibrations for a Maize Based Cropping Sequence under Integrated Plant Nutrition System
Authors: R. Suresh, R. Santhi
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 63-68
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000223
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
Field experiments were conducted based on Inductive cum targeted yield
concept on Typic Haplustert soils (Pilamedu series - black calcareous)
to predict the post-harvest soil test values for prescribing soil test crop
response based fertilizer doses under Integrated Plant Nutrition System
(STCR-IPNS) for maize based cropping sequence. The experiment comprised
of 24 treatments with four levels each of N (0,100,200 and 300 kg ha-1),
P2O5 (0,40,80 and120 kg ha-1) and K2O (0,40,80 and120 kg ha-1) and
three levels of FYM (0, 6.25 and 12.5 t ha-1) for the test crop maize (TNAU
Maize hybrid CO 6) laid out in fractional factorial design. Making use of the
experimental data on initial and post-harvest soil test values, fertilizer doses
and the grain yield obtained or uptake of N,P and K by maize, Post-Harvest
Soil Test Values (PHSTVs) prediction equations with high R2 values (>0.90)
were developed, which could be used with confidence for the prediction of
post-harvest KMnO4-N,Olsen-P and NH4OAc-K. Using the predicted PHSTVs
after kharif maize, soil test based fertilizer prescription for desired yield
target of succeeding crop viz., cotton could be prescribed.
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Research Article Open Access
Changes in Physico-Chemical Characteristics of the Sewage Effluent under Constructed Wetland Technology Treatment
Authors: Joneboina Eswar Kumar, K. Suganya, S. Paul Sebastian, T. Gokul Kannan
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 58-62
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000222
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
In India, the per capita freshwater availability has been reducing since 1951
from 5177 m3 to 1588 m3 in 2010 due to over-population and indiscriminate
utilization of water resources. Currently, fresh water resources are polluted by
anthropogenic means, so it is necessary to treat the wastewater to overcome
water scarce in future decades. Constructed wetland technology seems to
be a promising technology with simple construction and low maintenance
where the aquatic plants and medium used for filtration plays an active
role in removing the pollutants in wastewater. An attempt has been made
to assess the phyto-remediation potential of locally available aquatic plants
to treat the sewage effluent collected after primary treatment from Tamil
Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) STP utilizing the constructed wetland
technology. The results of the experiment revealed that the pH, EC, TSS,
TDS of the sewage water was significantly reduced by the aquatic plants
throughout the retention time from D1 to D7
. Among them significant reduction
of pollutants was noted at 7th day of retention time and the plants Canna
indica, Xanthosoma sagittifolium and Typha angustifolia performed better
than other plants
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Research Article Open Access
Effect of Crop Geometry, Fertilizer Levels and Foliar Nutrition on the Yield Attributes, Yield and Economics of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) under Irrigated Condition
Authors: M. Sreemathi, M. Hemalatha, A. Velayutham
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 54-57
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000221
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research
Institute, Killikulam (TNAU) during Puratassipattam (Sep–Dec., 2017) to
study the effect of crop geometry, fertilizer levels and foliar nutrition on the
yield attributes, yield and economics of irrigated blackgram. The experiment
was laid out in randomized block design and replicated thrice with twelve
treatments. The treatment consists of two spacings, two fertilizer levels
and spraying of foliar nutrients and growth regulators. The results revealed
that plant spacing of 30 × 15 cm with 100 % RDF coupled with foliar spray
of TNAU Pulse Wonder @ 1.125% at 50 % flowering recorded higher yield
attributes, yield and highest profit. The seed yield increases with 29 % over
the adoption of crop spacing of 30 × 10 cm with 100 % RDF without any
foliar nutrition.
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Research Article Open Access
Removal of Lead and Cadmium from Aqueous Solutions by Banana Peel Biochar
Authors: Khan Agha Shenwari, S.Priyatharshini, P.Dhevagi, T. Chitdeshwari, S. Avudainayagam
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 45-53
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000220
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
Heavy metals are ubiquitous environmental pollutants to influence on
changing the different environmental compartments including air, water
and soil. Due to the toxicity, persistence and bioavailability status, metal
contamination is a serious issue for environment especially in terrestrial
and aquatic systems. Biosorption of heavy metals is the physicochemical
removal process of heavy ions or their compounds, from wastewater by
using biosorbents. In this point of view, to remove lead and cadmium by
eco-friendly manner banana peel biochar powder based biosorbents has
been taken for the present investigation, and used Atomic Adsorption
Spectrophotometer for metal estimation. Different electrochemical and
biochemical characterizations such as pH, EC, CEC, particle size, zeta
potential, organic carbon, crude protein, moisture content, dry matter, ash
content and elemental composition of banana peel biochar was analyzed
through standard methods. The SEM images determined that banana peel
biochar contain irregular porous surface area, and also the FTIR peaks
showed that banana peel biochar has C-H, =CHand C-Cl functional groups
which has important role in adsorption of metals. The batch experiment was
conducted to the effect of pH, metal ion concentration and contact time. The
highest adsorption of Pb (83.45%) and Cd (89.87%) was observed at pH 7
and 75 ppm concentration, and the maximum adsorption of both elements
recorded at 6 hours contact time. The banana peel biochar has high capacity
of heavy metals adsorption from wastewater such as Pb (II) and Cd (II), but
the adsorption efficiency of Cd was higher than Pb
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Research Article Open Access
Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Coastal Areas of Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu
Authors: B. Viveka, V. Arunkumar, D. Vasanthi
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 38-44
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000219
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
A study was undertaken with a view to assess the groundwater quality
in the coastal areas of Thoothukudi district. 200 groundwater samples
were collected from borewells, openwells and tubewells located five to ten
kilometres from coastal line at regular intervals. The groundwater samples
were analysed for pH, EC, TDS, TSS, anions (HCO3
-
, CO3
2-, Cl-
, SO4
2-) and cations
(Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+) by adopting standard procedures. Experimental results
showed that the pH was slightly acidic to alkaline in nature varying from 6.38
to 8.65 and the electrical conductivity values of the samples ranged from 0.17
to 18.08 dS m-1 i.e., good to alkali condition. From the study, it is concluded
that the dominating ions in the groundwater samples of Thoothukudi district
were Na+ and Cl-
. According to AICRP (1991) classification, 22.5 per cent of
samples were good, 14 per cent were marginally saline, 15.5 per cent were
saline, 4.5 per cent were high SAR saline, 23.5 per cent were marginally
alkali and 20 per cent were alkali. This indicates that the groundwater in
the study area were of Na-Cl type, indicating that they were largely intruded
with seawater and are of poor quality
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Research Article Open Access
Effect of Potassium on Growth, Yield and NPK Uptake of Hybrid Maize in Black Calcareous Soil
Authors: R. Gnanasundari, Sellamuthu K.M, Malathi P.
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 32-37
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000218
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
Potassium is one of the major nutritive element which will require greater
attention in order to ensure grain yield and mitigation of biotic and abiotic
stresses as well as improvement in quality of maize. The soils with high in
calcium and or magnesium may require high levels of K for satisfactory
nutrition of crops. The availability of K depends on concentration relative to
that of Ca2+ and Mg2+ than on the total quantity of K present. To study the
influence of potassium levels and its influence on growth, yield and nutrient
uptake in maize, a pot culture experiment was carried out with graded levels
of potassium (T1 – control, T2 – 40 kg K2O ha-1, T3 – 80 kg K2O ha-1, T4 -120
kg K2O ha-1) to study the influence of potassium on growth, yield and nutrient
uptake of maize in calcareous soil. The results indicated that plant height
showed significant response up to 40 kg K2O ha-1, whereas SPAD values and
Leaf area index were higher up to 80 kg K2O ha-1 while the root parameters
showed significant response up to 120 kg K2O ha-1.Yield parameters viz., cob
length and 100 grain weight were significantly influenced up to 120 kg K2O
ha-1. Whereas, cob girth and rows per cob responded only up to 80 kg K2O
ha-1. Grain and stover yield of hybrid maize showed significant response up to
120 kg K2O ha-1. The total uptake of N, P and K showed significant response
up to 120 kg ha-1 in calcareous soil. Significant positive correlation occurs
between growth, yield parameters, NPK uptake. Application of potassium
up to 120 kg K2O ha-1 is necessary for the continuous supply of K to maize
and to maintain K equilibrium in soil.
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Research Article Open Access
Management of Weed Seed Bank Using Nanoparticles in Combination with Pendimethalin and Hydrogen Peroxide in Irrigated Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)
Authors: B. Vimalrajiv, C. R. Chinnamuthu, E. Subramanian, K. Senthil.
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 26-31
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000217
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
Field experiments were carried at Agricultural College and Research
Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu, during
kharif and rabi seasons of 2017 - 2018, to study the effect of nanoparticles
in combination with pendimethalin and hydrogen peroxide on weeds and
blackgram crop. The experiments were laid out in randomized block design
with twelve treatments and replicated thrice using blackgram MDU 1 as a test
variety. Among the weed control treatments, application of H2O2 followed by
Pendimethalin + Ag nanoparticles recorded lower weed index, total weed dry
weight, total weed density and with higher weed control efficiency and yield
of black gram in both the seasons. It was comparable with the application
of pendimethalin (0.75 kg a.i. ha-1) + hand weeding at 35 DAS.
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Research Article Open Access
Assessment of Triclosan in Sewage, Sludge and Contaminated Soils
Authors: R. Sathyasri, R.Jayashree
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 22-25
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000216
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
Triclosan (TCS) is an antibacterial and antimicrobial compound, which is
considered as “Emerging Organic Contaminants” and highly toxic to living
organisms even at very low concentrations. It is an endocrine disrupter with
anti-androgenic and oestrogenic properties and reduces serum level of
thyroid hormone. TCS has highly persistence in sludge and sludge applied
soils through sewage due to anthropogenic activities. The present study was
carried out to assess the concentration of TCS in sewage, sewage sludge
and contaminated soils from sewage treatment plants (STPs) of Ukkadam,
Coimbatore. The observed TCS concentration in raw and treated sewage
was 9.2 mg L-1 and 5.79 mg L-1. The higher concentration of TCS was found
in sludge sample (28.24 mg kg-1) and the concentration of TCS in sewage
contaminated soils of Coimbatore was 1.65 mg kg-1. The plant samples
collected from sewage irrigated lands of Coimbatore (Napier grass) also
showed 0.019 mg kg-1 including samples of leaf, stem and root. The study
showed the presence of TCS in sewage, sewage sludge, contaminated soils
and plant samples that can be harmful to the environment.
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Research Article Open Access
Biosorption of Chromium (III) from Aqueous Solution by Water Hyacinth Biomass
Authors: R.P. Premalatha, E. Parameswari, V.Davamani, P. Malarvizhi, S. Avudainayagam
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 12-21
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000215
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
Release of heavy metals into the environment is a matter of global concern
for the past few years and it should be removed from industrial waste waters
before discharge for maintaining water quality standards. This study involved
the use of water hyacinth biomass as biosorbent for removal of Cr(III) from
aqueous solution. The biosorbent was characterized by FTIR, SEM with EDAX.
Batch experiments were conducted to determine the sorption isotherms,
effect of solution pH, adsorbate concentration, contact time, biosorbent
dosage and size. The results confirmed that water hyacinth biomass can
remove Cr(III) from aqueous solution. The maximum sorption occurs at
pH =5.0, biosorbent size= 0.2mm, biosorbent dosage=2.0g 100ml-1 of
adsorbate, adsorbate / solute concentration= 100 mg L-1 Cr(III) at 25ºC
at 250 rpm after 24 hrs. The rate of adsorption was rapid and equilibrium
attained at 24hrs. Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models were
used to analyze the equilibrium adsorption data. Langmuir isotherm fitted
the data well with R2 value of 0.999. Overall, the powdered water hyacinth
biomass could be utilized as effective low cost adsorbent for the removal
of Cr(III) from waste water
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Research Article Open Access
Screening of Rice Apoplast Associated Endophytic Bacterial Isolates for Moisture Stress Tolerance and Plant Growth Promoting Traits
Authors: G Nivitha, T Bowya, T Kalaiselvi, U Sivakumar
Volume: 106
Issue: Jan-Mar
Pages: 5-11
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.2019.000214
Published: 19/08/2025
Abstract:
Investigations were made to identify, screen and characterize rice apoplastic
fluid endophytic bacterial strains for osmotic stress tolerance and plant growth
promoting activity. These bacterial strains were identified phylogentically as
Bacillus subtilis TSAC5, Bacillus subtilis TSAA2, Bacillus sp. R2AA10, Bacillus
cereus R2AA7, Bacillus marisflavi TSAC7, Cupriavidus alkaliphilus TSAC1,
Delftia sp. TSAC2, Janibacter melonis R2AA1, Microbacterium oleivorans
R2AA6, Kocuria rosea R2AA5, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NAAI3 and
Sphingobium yanoikuyae R2AI1. Of these 12 strains, eight were obtained
from drought tolerant rice varieties such as Anna R4 and IR DRT 64 and four
from normal rice variety CO51. These endophytes exhibited varied level of
osmotic stress tolerance created using different concentrations of PEG 6000
(-1.5, -3.0, -4.0, -4.5, -5.0 and -5.5 MPa) under in vitro conditions in liquid
and solid medium. Among the 12 strains, Cupriavidus alkaliphilus TSAC1,
Delftia sp. TSAC2, Bacillus marisflavi TSAC7, Janibacter melonis R2AA1,
Kocuria rosea R2AA5, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NAAI3 and Sphingobium
yanoikuyae R2AI1 showed moisture stress tolerance up to -5.5 MPa. Further
increase in moisture stress of -6.0 MPa inhibited growth of 12 tested strains.
These strains also exhibited Indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA3)
and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production and also showed ACC
deaminase (ACCD) activity. Maximum extracellular proline production was
found in Bacillus marisflavi TSAC7 under both normal and water stressed
conditions. Higher IAA productivity was registered in Janibacter melonis
R2AA1 followed by Cupriavidus alkaliphilus TSAC1 and Sphingobium
yanoikuyae R2AI1 in the absence of PEG 6000. In the presence of PEG 6000
Delftia sp. TSAC2 recorded maximum IAA productivity. Bacillus subtilis TSAA2
showed greater ACC deaminase activity. EPS production was in the order
of Pseudomonas aeruginosa NAAI3 followed by Sphingobium yanoikuyae
R2AI1. Sphingobium yanoikuyae R2AI1 produced maximum quantity of GA3
both under normal and water stressed condition. None of the tested strains
indicated insoluble phosphate, silicate and zinc solubilisation.
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