1. KAUTIR (Kerala Agricultural University Theses Information and Retrieval)

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    Process optimization and utilization of resistant starch from banana.
    (Department of Community Science ,College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2025-09-11) Sruthy,P M; Sharon, C L
    Banana (Musa spp.), often hailed as the common man’s fruit, holds a special place in the scenario of agriculture and nutrition, besides having immense economic significance in India and across the globe. Banana, known for its year round availability, affordability, and rich nutrient profile, has transitioned from a commonly consumed fruit to a functional ingredient of growing interest in modern health and food industry. Resistant starch (RS) found in unripe green banana is a promising bioactive compound with potential health benefits. India is leading the global banana production, hence there lies untapped potential in harnessing banana starch, especially its resistant form, for the development of value added food products. However, native banana starch faces limitations in its functional properties, which can be effectively addressed through modification techniques such as Heat Moisture Treatment (HMT). This approach not only enhances the nutritional and functional quality of banana starch but also paves the way for its incorporation into a wide range of health oriented food formulations. Hence, the current study “Process optimisation and utilisation of resistant starch from banana”, was carried out with the objective of optimising the conditions for resistant starch formation in banana and its quality evaluation. The study also aimed to develop value added products incorporating various proportions of banana resistant starch. The popular GI (Geographical indication) granted Kerala banana variety Chengalikodannendran banana and the worldwide popular Cavendish variety Grand Nainebanana were selected for this study. Starch extracted from their flours yielded 26.89% (Chengalikodan) and 27.40% (Grand Naine), with purity of 88.62% and 89.73%, respectively. Resistant starch content was 20.02% in Chengalikodan and 20.62% in Grand Naine. Starch samples of Chengalikodan and Grand Naine banana were modified by autoclaving at 110℃ and 121℃ with different moisture content (10, 20, and 30 %) at three different time periods (15, 30 and 60 minutes). Resistant starch (RS) content in Chengalikodan banana starch was significantly affected by autoclaving conditions. Maximum RS (25.84%) was observed at 121°C for 30 minutes with 10% moisture. In Grand Naine starch, autoclaving enhanced RS from a control value of 20.62% to a peak of 30.52% (at 121°C for 30 minutes with 10% moisture). Repeated autoclaving and cooling cycles further increased RS in Chengalikodan, which reached 54.56% after four cycles, while Grand Naine peaked to 59.63%. Repeated autoclaving and cooling cycles were applied to the isolated banana starch. As a result of this treatment, RS3 was formed. The presence of RS3 confirms that the modification process was effective. The samples with maximum RS content from Chengalikodan and Grand Naine were selected for further analysis and product development. Two treated banana starch (RS3) samples (Chengalikodan and Grand Naine), along with corresponding flour and isolated starch, were initially analysed for colour index and granular morphology. Morphological analysis showed that flour and isolated starch granules varied in shape, size, and surface texture based on processing. Chengalikodan and Grand Naine flours had irregular, oval, and elongated particles with smooth to rough surfaces, while isolated starch granules were smooth and more uniform. Autoclaving altered native starch structure, forming compact, aggregated granules due to retrogradation, with resistant starch showing larger, fused clusters and rougher surfaces. Chengalikodan flour had higher lightness and whiteness, which decreased isolated starch and treated starch. In contrast, Grand Naine showed consistently lower lightness across all forms, reflecting the impact of processing and variety on visual traits. The physicochemical properties of flour, isolated starch, and autoclaved starch samples from Chengalikodan and Grand Naine banana were evaluated over three months. Autoclaved starch samples of both Chengalikodan and Grand Naine showed higher pH (5.36 and 5.34), moisture (7.08 and 7.02%), water holding capacity (4.91 and 5.00%), and gelatinisation temperature (77.02 and 75.67℃), but lower bulk density (0.48 and 0.51g/ml), swelling power (8.86 and 8.88%), solubility (3.65 and 3.58%), syneresis (27.41 and 28.22%), dispersibility(75.14 and 76.31%), and peak viscosity (487cp and 571cp), which are important properties for the formulation of functional, shelf stable and healthy food products. This study assessed the nutritional, functional, and glycemic characteristics of flour, isolated starch, and treated starch (RS) samples of Chengalikodan and Grand Naine banana. Treated starch had the lowest total soluble solids (2.56 and 2.41ºBrix), with lower total and reducing sugars. Treated starch showed the highest carbohydrate content (87.72 g and 87.33 g/100 g), highest slowly digestible starch (18.88% and 18.59%) and lowest rapidly digestible starch (24.56% and 22.53%) for Chengalikodan and Grand Naine, respectively. It also contained high amylose of 35.42% (Chengalikodan) and 38.92% (Grand Naine) and lower amylopectin. Treated starch showed the lowest in vitro starch digestibility of 44.56% and 40.65% and the lowest glycemic index of 37.56 and 36.65, slightly increasing after three months, for Chengalikodan and Grand Naine, respectively. Instant custard mixes were developed using 10-35% banana resistant starch, 5-35% corn flour, and other ingredients. Both Chengalikodan (T4) and Grand Naine (T10) banana based custard mix with 20% RS had the highest overall acceptability of 8.55 and 8.22 respectively. Control custard mix (T0) had the highest brightness (L* = 83.93) and whiteness (WI = 79.66), while T4 and T10 showed reduced lightness (81.90 and 77.74) and whiteness (77.32 and 74.12). Banana resistant starch mixes had lower initial swelling power, solubility, water absorption capacity, and dispersibility, which declined further during storage. Bulk density and moisture were higher and increased over time. Carbohydrate, protein, and fat contents were initially lower and gradually decreased. Starch content was lower in T4 and T10 (56.21% and 54.95%) than in the control (62.91%). Rapidly and slowly digestible starch were also lower in T4 (57.62% and 10.23%) and T10 (58.23% and 10.25%), while resistant starch was higher (32.15% in T4 and 31.52% in T10) compared to the control. In vitro starch digestibility was lower in T4 and T10 (41.28% and 42.40%) than in the control (62.70%). Vermicelli was formulated using 25-45% resistant starch from Chengalikodan and Grand Naine banana, combined with banana flour and whole wheat flour (30-70%). Vermicelli with 100% refined wheat flour served as control. Sensory evaluation showed that T3 (35% Chengalikodan resistant starch + 15% banana flour + 50% whole wheat flour) scored highest overall acceptability (8.28). Correspondingly, uppuma made from T3 vermicelli also received superior sensory scores, with overall acceptability of 8.42. Products with Grand Naine resistant starch (35% Grand Naine resistant starch + 15% banana flour + 50% whole wheat flour) had slightly lower scores (8.24 for vermicelli and 8.15 for uppuma than Chengalikodan based products, though both were well accepted. The study compared physicochemical, nutritional, and starch digestibility properties of vermicelli made with RS from Chengalikodan and Grand Naine banana to a refined wheat flour control. Banana RS vermicelli had lower lightness and whiteness, with higher moisture content (6.89% in Chengalikodan, 6.95% in Grand Naine) than the control (6.33%). It also had higher carbohydrate and energy content, while protein and fat decreased over storage. Rapidly digestible starch was lower in banana RS vermicelli (41.45% and 43.09%) than the control (84.42%), while slowly digestible starch and RS were higher. Glycemic index was also lower (46.23 in Chengalikodan, 45.55 in Grand Naine) compared to the control (76.23). Instant uppuma mixes were made using Chengalikodan and Grand Naine banana resistant starch vermicelli (35% RS + 15% banana flour + 50% whole wheat flour). Among treatments with varying water volumes, T3 (100g vermicelli with 300 ml water) received the highest sensory scores for both banana varieties. The mixes showed better stability over three months of storage. The production cost of banana flour was ₹ 33/100g (Chengalikodan) and ₹ 19/100g (Grand Naine), while isolated banana starch cost ₹ 34/100g and ₹ 20/100g, respectively. Treated starch production cost was ₹ 23/100g (Grand Naine) and ₹ 37/100g (Chengalikodan). Custard mixes made with banana RS cost ₹ 40/100g (Chengalikodan) and ₹ 36/100g (Grand Naine), while vermicelli and instant uppumamixes with Chengalikodan RS cost ₹ 42/100g and ₹ 54/100g, compared to ₹ 33/100g and ₹ 45/100g for Grand Naine. Banana starch is a promising functional ingredient that can contribute to the development of health enhancing food products. Heat moisture treatment enhances its functional and physicochemical properties, opening new opportunities for health focused applications. This research highlights banana starch as a sustainable, cost effective ingredient with transformative benefits, poised to meet the growing demand for nutritious, innovative food solutions and shape the future of the food industry.
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    Comparative evaluation of biotization for hardening of tissue culture (TC) Banana cv. Nendran
    (Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2025-06-02) Sandra, T
    The study entitled “Comparative evaluation of biotization for hardening of tissue culture (TC) banana cv. Nendran” was carried out at RARS, Pilicode and College of Agriculture Padannakkad during 2023 to 2024 to study identification of ideal stage of biotization and comparative evaluation of biotization agents in hardening of TC banana cv. Nendran.The study comprised four experiments: in vitro culture, primary hardening, secondary hardening, and combined evaluation of biotization agents during hardening. The in vitro rooting stage experiment carried out in completely randomised design with four treatments and five replications. The treatments were T1 (Piriformospora indica along with rooting medium), T2 (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) along with rooting medium), T3 (Pseudomonas fluorescens (PF) along with rooting medium), and T4 (Control: rooting medium). Among these, T1 significantly enhanced early root initiation, shoot proliferation, and overall rooting efficiency. Plantlets treated with P. indica (T1) during in vitro rooting showed superior performance during primary hardening, achieving the highest survival rate (93.33%) and enhanced growth traits: plant height (10.33 cm), pseudostem girth (2.47 cm), leaf length (5.23 cm), leaf width (1.93 cm), leaf area (15.39 cm2 ), number of primary roots (2.67), root length (2.80 cm), number of secondary roots (18.33), shoot dry weight (0.02 g), chlorophyll content (0.56 mg g-1) and relative growth rate (0.044 mg g-1 d-1). Lower proline content (1.04 µmol g⁻¹ FW) indicated reduced stress, and improved uptake of N, P, and K and micronutrients confirmed its role in nutrient acquisition. During secondary hardening, both T1 (P. indica) and T3 (Pseudomonas fluorescens) showed 100% survival, but T1 outperformed T3 in all growth parameters, including plant height (13.17 cm), pseudostem girth (2.33 cm), leaf length (8.80 cm), leaf width (2.67 cm), number of leaves (5.33), leaf area (59.93 cm2), number of primary roots (3.67), root length (10.47 cm), number of secondary roots (75), root fresh weight (0.44 g), shoot fresh weight (1.52 g), shoot dry weight (0.10 g) and relative growth rate (0.037 mg g-1 d-1). T1 also exhibited the lowest proline content (0.71 µmol g⁻¹ FW), suggesting better stress tolerance. The primary hardening experiment carried out in completely randomised design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments were T1 (P. indica), T2 (PSB), T3 (PF), T4 (PF + PSB), T5 (PF + P. indica), T6 (PSB + P. indica), T7 (PF + PSB + P. indica) and T8 (control). Biotization with P. indica (T1) produced the highest survival rate (100%) and demonstrated superior plant growth, including significant increases in plant height (5.70 cm), leaf length (6.97 cm), leaf width (2.33 cm), leaf area (12.48 cm2), root length (5.97 cm) root fresh weight (0.62 g), chlorophyll content (0.47 mg g-1), relative growth rate (0.047 mg g-1 d-1), macronutrient and micronutrient uptake (N, P, K, Fe and Cu). Proline accumulation (1.25 µ mol. g-1 FW) was lower in T1, suggesting improved stress tolerance. The secondary hardening experiment carried out in completely randomised design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments were T1 (P. indica), T2 (PSB), T3 (PF), T4 (PF + PSB), T5 (PF + P. indica), T6 (PSB + P. indica), T7 (PF + PSB + P. indica) and T8 (control). During this experiment, T7 showed excellent results, with improved growth metrics such as plant height (15.20 cm), leaf length (8.90 cm), number of leaves (5.67), leaf area (45.88 cm2), root length (12.07 cm), number of secondary roots (111.67 ), root fresh weight (0.65 g), chlorophyll content (0.46 mg g 1), shoot fresh weight (1.20 g), shoot dry weight (0.08 g), macronutrient and micronutrient uptake (N, Fe, Cu, Zn). Combined evaluation study was laid out in completely randomised design with 11 treatments and two replications. The treatments were T1 (P. indica during in vitro and primary hardening), T2 (P. indica during in vitro and primary and secondary hardening), T3 (PSB during in vitro and primary hardening ), T4 (PSB during in vitro and primary and secondary hardening), T5 (PF during in vitro and primary hardening), T6 (PF during in vitro and primary and secondary hardening), T7 (PF during in vitro + PSB during primary and secondary hardening), T8 (PF during in vitro + P. indica during primary and secondary hardening), T9 (PSB during in vitro + P. indica during primary and secondary hardening ), T10 (PF during in vitro + PSB + P. indica during primary and secondary hardening) and T11 (Control). T2 exhibited superior growth and stress tolerance compared to other treatments. This was evidenced by enhanced plant height (14.83 cm), leaf length (9.40 cm), leaf width (3.13 cm), number of leaves (6.00), leaf area (69.29 cm²), number of primary roots (5.67), secondary roots (86.67), root fresh weight (0.72 g), shoot dry weight (0.11 g), chlorophyll concentration (0.26 mg g⁻¹), and relative growth rate (0.04 mg g⁻¹ d⁻¹). Notably, lower proline accumulation (0.81 µmol g⁻¹ FW) indicated reduced abiotic stress. T2 also showed much increased nutrient uptake, primarily of Phosphorus (0.50%), Potassium (0.07%), Iron (225.24 ppm), Copper (26.95 ppm), Manganese (135.33 ppm), Zinc (43.87 ppm), and Boron (18.61 ppm).
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    Packaging potential of raw banana flour base composite film
    (Department of Community Science, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2025-02-04) Shihna.; Suma Divakar
    The study entitled “Packaging potential of raw banana flour based composite film” was conducted at the Department of Community Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during the period of 2022-2024, with the objective of quality assessment and packaging potential of the composite film developed from raw banana flour.The study was conducted as four parts viz., quality assessment of banana fingers, processing of raw banana flour, processing of the film, assessment of the packaging potential of the film. Nendran bananas were sourced from a local farmer at Vellayani, Thiruvananathapuram. To accurately determine maturity, the bananas were tagged on the day of flower emergence. Fruits were harvested at 75, 80, 85, and 90 days post-emergence. For each maturity stage, green fruits were collected from the middle three fruits on the third hand from the top of each bunch. The study began with an analysis of the physical parameters of banana fingers across four maturity stages (75, 80, 85, and 90 days). Results showed that fruit length (22.32 cm), fruit weight (149.20g), pulp weight (81.25g) and fruit diameter (12.27 cm) increased with maturity, peaking at 90 days, while peel weight (50.75g) was high during 75th day of maturity. Chemical analyses revealed that moisture (59.41%), TSS (14.200Brix) and acidity (0.23%) levels were highest at 90 days maturity, whereas crude fiber (4.04%) and tannin (8.02mg 100g-1) contents were highest at 75 days. Nutritional profiling indicated that starch content (84.0%) was higher in less mature bananas (75 days), while protein (2.35g 100g-1), total sugars (2.81mg 100g-1), reducing sugar (1.03mg 100g-1) and ascorbic acid (2.13mg 100g-1) levels peaked at 90 days, showcasing the diverse compositional advantages of bananas at different stages of maturity. Banana flours were analyzed for their composition and functional properties. Flour from 75-day mature bananas exhibited higher starch (80.04%) and crude fiber (6.05 %) contents, while flour from 90th day mature bananas had higher moisture (6.01%), ash (1.92%) and protein levels (1.45 g 100g-1).Functional properties such as pH (5.82), bulk density (0.92g/ml), and oil absorption (1.11g/g) were higher in flour derived from 75- days of maturity, while foaming capacity (7.96%) and emulsion activity (1.90 %) were better in the flour from 90-day mature bananas. Composite films were produced using combinations of banana flour, glycerine, and water, with three formulations for each maturity stage. Seventy five days of maturity (M1), 80 days of maturity (M2), 85 days of maturity (M3), 90 days of maturity (M4) were the stages of flour taken. Besides, flour (F), glycerine (G) and water (W) were also incorporated. Five g F +15ml G + 80ml W formed T1, 8g F+ 15ml G + 77ml W formed T2, 10g F + 15ml G + 75 ml W formed T3. The films exhibited diverse physical and functional properties, such as moisture content, thickness, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), solubility, and oil absorption. Consumer acceptability tests identified M2T2, M2T3, M3T2, and M3T3 formulations as the most preferred for appearance, color, odor, texture, and stickiness. The best four composite films, selected based on sensory evaluation, were used as candy wrappers and subjected to storage studies. The results showed no microbial growth over a 7-day period, more likely due to the antimicrobial properties of potassium metabisulfite (KMS) added during their production. This study demonstrates the potential of banana-based composite films as sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. By utilizing raw banana flour, it not only offers an innovative solution to plastic pollution but also creates value from agricultural by-products that are otherwise underutilized. The findings contribute to the development of biodegradable and consumer-acceptable packaging materials, paving the way for broader applications in the food and packaging industries.
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    Expression profiling of water stress responsive miroRNAs in banana (Musa spp.)
    (Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2022-03-08) Amal Mohamud Naushad; Soni, K B
    The study entitled “Expression profiling of water stress responsive microRNAs in Banana (Musa spp)” was conducted during 2019-2021, in the Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The study envisaged expression profiling of selected computationally predicted miRNAs in banana cultivar Nendran (Musa AAB) under water stress conditions. Fifty-two novel miRNAs and their targets have been computationally predicted in banana genome A, using NOVOMIR (Mathew, 2018) in a previous study conducted in the Department of Plant Biotechnology. Among five miRNAs were selected in this study for their validation and identifying their association with water stress response. The microRNAs selected are miR-3900-5p (target: Heat shock protein, HSP gene), miR-2172-5p (target: Putative Ethylene Responsive Transcription factor 1 (ERT) gene), miR-971-5p (target: Argonaute, (ARG) gene, miR-6928-5p (target: FAD dependent oxidoreductase gene), and miR-2172-5p (target: Diacylglycerol, DAG gene). Six months old in-vitro raised banana plants of cv. Nendran (Musa AAB) were used in this study. Water stress was induced in the potted plants by withholding irrigation for seven consecutive days. After 7 days, the relative water content in the leaf samples was reduced from 93.84 to 59.32, indicating water stress. The expression profile of the miRNAs and their target genes in banana plants under water stress conditions was analysed by performing Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Total RNA was extracted from leaf samples using the modified Rodrigues Garcia method and reverse transcribed to cDNA using the miRNA specific stem-loop primers designed. Selected miRNAs were amplified using miRNA specific forward and universal reverse primers. The target genes were also amplified by designing primers. The specificity of the primers was determined using a melt curve analysis. All the reactions are conducted with three biological and two technical replicates. Out of the four, three miRNAs (miR-2172-5p, miR-6928-5p and miR-971 5p) and their target genes showed amplification in all the samples. All the water stressed 70 plants showed upregulation of miR-2712-5p (4 to 11fold), and downregulation of miR971-5p (0.1 to 0.4fold) and miR-6928-5p (0.2 to 0.7fold). The two targets of miR2712-5p showed differential expression under the water stressed conditions, DAG gene was downregulated (0.1 to 0.2folds) and ERT gene was upregulated (2 to 3folds). Expression of FAD dependant oxidorductase (The target of miR-6928-5p) and ARG (the target of miR971-5p) was increased up to 3 to 4folds respectively in water stress conditions. Relative gene expression analysis in the water-stressed plants indicated an inverse correlation between all the three miRNAs and their targets, suggesting their strong miRNA: target relation. The study showed that miR-2172-5p, miR-971-5p, miR-6928-5p are water stress-responsive in banana cv. Nendran. Since the products of all the target genes are related to stress responses in plants, an in-depth study of these miRNAs may help develop strategies for water stress management in bananas.
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    Documentation and management of oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera Spp.(Diptera:Tephritidae) in banana
    (Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2022-03-16) Remya , S R.; Ambily Paul
    The study on “Documentation and management of Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera spp. (Diptera: Tephritidae) in banana” was carried out at the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2019 to 2021. The objectives were to document the species complex and cultivar preference of Bactrocera spp. infesting banana and to find out the effective management practices against them. Purposive survey conducted among 20 farmers each of two districts viz., Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam revealed that Palayankodan was the most susceptible cultivar to the fruit flies followed by Red banana. High TSS (17.80°Brix) of Palayankodan favoured the infestation. Fruit fly species infesting the banana cultivars viz., Palayankodan, Red banana and Nendran was identified as Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel. Bactrocera caryeae Kapoor was reported along with B. dorsalis from guava. Studies on the biology of B.dorsalis in banana under laboratory condition revealed that egg, larva, pupa and total life cycle ranged from 1-3, 7-12, 7-10 and 51- 58 days respectively. Morphometric studies revealed that the average length and breadth of eggs, full-grown maggots and pupae were 2.52±0.10 and 0.95±0.04 mm, 6.38±2.67 and 1.26±0.24 mm, 5.58±0.29 and 2.47±0.08 mm respectively. The investigation on the assessment of critical stage of banana susceptible to fruit flies was studied on Palayankodan fruits at different ripening maturity viz., under- mature, mature and over-mature. The critical stage of infestation by fruit flies was identified as “over mature”. Significantly higher number of oviposition punctures (13.30) and maggots (12.10) per banana finger was observed in “over-mature” fruit. Though oviposition punctures was noticed in mature (6.90) and under mature (3.20) fruits, no maggots were emerged from them. The tannin content in peel and pulp of Palayankodan fruits at different ripening maturity was estimated using folin-denis method to determine the defensive role played by tannin in the prevention of B.dorsalis infestation. The highest tannin level was found on both peel (235.29 mg g-1 DW) and pulp (265.62 mg g-1 DW) of under mature fruits. In over mature fruits, both peel (120.08 mg g-1 DW) and pulp (98.88 mg g-1 DW) recorded less tannin content which supported oviposition and growth of maggots. Laboratory experiment was laid out in CRD to study the efficacy of treatments against B. dorsalis on Palayankodan immediately after the harvest. Among various treatments, quinalphos 25 EC 0.05% was found to be the best treatment in reducing fruit fly infestation in banana followed by spinosad 45 EC 0.02%, azadirachtin 0.03% and salicylic acid 2mM. The oviposition deterrence recorded was significantly higher in quinalphos 25 EC (97.03%) followed by spinosad 45 EC (93.97%), azadirachtin (80.14%) and salicylic acid 2mM (63.44%). Presence of residues of quinalphos (0.021 mg kg -1) and spinosad (0.069 mg kg -1) in banana at the time of harvest was above MRL (0.01 mg kg-1), hence the next effective treatment, azadirachtin (0.03%) which was on par with Spinosad could be recommeded after harvest for the management of fruit flies in banana. The study could be concluded that the species of fruit fly infesting banana cultivars was identified as B. dorsalis and Palayankodan is the preferred cultivar and the critical stage of infestation by B. dorsalis was “overmature”. Post harvest spraying of azadirachtin (0.03%) was found to be effective and safe for the management of fruit flies, B. dorsalis in banana.
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    Management of postharvest anthracnose of banana using green nanoparticles
    (Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2023-12-16) Ajay, B; Susha S Thara
    A study entitled ‘Management of postharvest anthracnose of banana using green nanoparticles’ was conducted during 2021-23 at Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani with the objective to characterize the major pathogen associated with anthracnose of banana fruits and its management using green nanoparticles. A survey was conducted in local markets of five agro-ecological units of Kerala viz., AEU 1, AEU 3, AEU 8, AEU 9 and AEU 12 covering Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha districts. A total of 34 locations were surveyed during 2021-23 to collect the diseased specimens of banana Nendran variety (Musa AAB) and to study the symptomatology of the disease. Variations in symptoms were noticed from different locations such as black or brown sunken spots of various sizes, shriveling of fruits and spots having triangular shaped or angular edges. The pathogens were isolated from the collected specimens; a total of 62 isolates were obtained out of which 34 isolates were Colletotrichum sp. and Koch’s postulates were proved in matured harvested dehanded banana. All the 34 Colletotrichum sp. isolates were screened for its virulence and pathogenicity. The isolate K1B1 from Kollam corporation (AEU 1- Kollam district) recorded the highest Percent disease index (PDI) of 83.33 per cent with a highest lesion size of 5.10 x 4.95 cm on the 5th day of artificial inoculation; and hence concluded as the most virulent isolate. Cultural and morphological studies of isolate K1B1 were carried out. Initially white to grey floccose aerial mycelium was observed which turns orange colour with age. Microscopic studies revealed that mycelia were hyaline and septate, acervulus were brown without setae, conidia were hyaline aseptate with elliptical or cylindrical shape and appressorium were dark brown and irregular shaped. Based on the cultural and morphological studies, isolate K1B1 was identified as Colletotrichum musae. Further molecular characterization of the isolate K1B1 was done using ITS primers and the isolate was confirmed as Colletotrichum musae. In vitro evaluation of prepared essential oil nanoemulsions (NEs) viz., cinnamon oil NE, clove oil NE, basil oil NE, neem oil NE and mustard oil NE at 0.5 %, 1 % and 2 % against C. musae in PDA by poisoned food technique revealed that all the essential oil NEs significantly reduced the growth of C. musae over control. The highest inhibition (100 %) at the lowest concentration (0.5 %) was observed in cinnamon oil NE and clove oil NE followed by basil oil NE (96.66 %). In vitro evaluation of prepared green copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesized using leaf extracts of neem, ocimum, clove, American mint, and cinnamon at 0.05 %, 0.1 % and 0.2 % against C. musae by poisoned food technique revealed that all the synthesized green CuNPs significantly reduced the growth of C. musae over control. The highest inhibition (100 %) at the lowest concentration (0.05 %) was observed in green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of cinnamon and clove followed by green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of neem (97.58 %). In vitro evaluation of chitosan NPs (60 nm) at 0.5 %, 1 % and 2 % in comparison with the best three treatments from essential oil NEs (cinnamon oil NE, clove oil NE and basil oil NE at 0.5 %) and green CuNPs (Synthesized using leaf extracts of cinnamon, clove and neem at 0.05 %) against C. musae by poisoned food technique revealed that the essential oil NEs and the green CuNPs significantly reduced the growth of C. musae over control. Chitosan NPs didn’t show any reduction in the growth of the pathogen.The highest inhibition (100 %) at the lowest concentration was observed in cinnamon oil NE (0.5%), clove oil NE (0.5%), green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of cinnamon (0.05%) and clove (0.05%) followed by green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of neem (97.58 % at 0.05%). Based on the results of in vitro evaluation, the best five treatments (cinnamon oil NE, clove oil NE, green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of cinnamon, clove and neem) were taken for in vivo studies along with carbendazim (0.1 %), pathogen inoculated control and uninoculated control. All the tested green NPs significantly reduced the lesion formation in matured harvested dehanded banana. Lowest lesion size of 0.86 cm and 1.46 cm was recorded in green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of cinnamon and clove respectively followed by cinnamon oil NEs (2.60 cm). Similarly, the highest percent disease reduction over control was observed in green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of cinnamon (99.01 %) and clove (98.28 %) followed by cinnamon oil NE (97.56 %). The best three green NPs (Green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of cinnamon and clove and cinnamon oil NE) from in vivo studies were characterized. The formation of green CuNPs synthesized were confirmed by a characteristic peak obtained at 800 nm by UV-Vis spectroscopy.The results from FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) analysis conclude that the surface of synthesized CuNPs were capped and stabilized by flavonoids and other phenolic compounds in the leaf extracts. The morphological characterization of CuNPs using FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy) and HRTEM (High resolution transmission electron microscopy) revealed the presence of spherical particles with some agglomeration and the size of the particles was found to be in the range of 20 – 60 nm. DLS (Dynamic light scattering) analysis was used to find out the surface charge of NPs and the negative zeta potential was found at -22.2 mV, -21.7 mV and -25.8 mV for green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of cinnamon, clove and cinnamon oil NE respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of green CuNPs revealed the crystalline structure of CuNPs. The shelf life and organoleptic properties (appearance with and without skin, colour with and without skin, texture, taste, flavor and overall acceptability) of the banana fruits treated with green nanoparticles was evaluated along with the uninoculated control and pathogen inoculated control and the green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of cinnamon was noticed with highest shelf life (9 days) and excellent organoleptic properties followed by green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of clove (8 days) and cinnamon oil NE (7 days). Based on the results of in vivo evaluation, the best three treatments (Green CuNPS synthesized using leaf extracts of cinnamon, clove and cinnamon oil NE) were taken for the study of biochemical changes (Reducing sugar, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, protein, moisture and pH) in comparison with the uninoculated control and pathogen inoculated control. The green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of cinnamon was noticed with less biochemical changes with a decrease in reducing sugar (8.30 %), decrease in ascorbic acid (62.56 mg/100g), decrease in titratable acidity (0.59 %), decrease in protein (5.08 mg/g fresh weight), increase in moisture (56.24 %) and acidic in pH (3.40) when compared with the uninoculated control with reducing sugar (8.87 %), ascorbic acid (62.77 mg/100g), titratable acidity (0.60 %), protein (5.25 mg/g fresh weight), moisture (55.88 %) and pH (3.41) followed by green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of clove and cinnamon oil NE. The present study revealed that the major pathogen associated with anthracnose of banana fruits is Colletotrichum musae. The postharvest spraying of green CuNPs synthesized using leaf extracts of cinnamon at 0.05 % is proved to be an effective novel strategy for the management of banana anthracnose with higher shelf life (9 days) and excellent organoleptic properties. The results may be subjected to multi-location and multi seasonal field trials and the residual toxicity of CuNPs on the fruits have to be undertaken.
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    Sustainability assessment of banana value chains of Palakkad district, Kerala
    (Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2023-05-08) Nikhil, K S; Aparna Radhakrishnan
    The study entitled Sustainability assessment of banana value chains of Palakkad district, Kerala was undertaken during 2021-2022. The study was based on the objectives viz, mapping of banana value chains depicting the value chain actors, functions, and dimensions; sustainability assessment and identification of constraints in banana value chain and formulation of sustainable framework for the banana value chain. The study was conducted in Agali, Kumaramputhur, and Karimpuzha panchayaths of Palakkad district, with a sample size of 170 value chain actors. The sample comprised of 19 input dealers, 105 banana farmers, 19 commission agents, 19 wholesalers, 17 value addition dealers, 19 retailers and 105 consumers. The major role of the above mentioned actors observed were supply of inputs, internal handling and management of resources, physical handling of the product and arranging for its sale, providing system for procurement, storage and distribution to the retailers and export agency, minimizing perishability risk and enhancing shelf life, grading, sorting, packaging of banana and its value added product for export purpose, acting as basic unit of demand of the commodity. More than ten value chains were identified during the study, and seven major value chains out of ten were selected for mapping viz, raw and ripe banana value chain, auction system value chain, chips export value chain, chips bakery value chain, banana product mix value chain, banana export value chain and banana powder value chain. It was realized that the chains were widely disbursed over the state and country and some ends abroad. During the investigation information flow, money flow, and product flow were observed and analysed. The former was depicted by social network analysis, and the latter is by causal circular loop method. The major information shared between actors observed were on marketing, consumer demand, risk, and opportunities existing in the chain, and it has resulted in the formation of virtual clusters within the chains. The transfer of money and products from actor to actor was depicted in money flow and product flow respectively. The of Palakkad district, Kerala sustainability was measured under four factors: economic, social,environmental, and technical. The weighted index method used for calculating sustainability and weightage of indicators was collected from the major actors by key informant interview and focus group discussion. On analysis, it was found that auction system value chain showed higher sustainability, raw and ripe banana value chain exhibited low sustainability and other chains depicted medium sustainability. In auction system value chain, actors were highly equipped with economic factors, socially forward, environmentally aware and technically well advanced. The major actors were from tribal community of Agali region, were less oriented towards marketing aspects, socially backward, poor in handling and use of plant protection chemicals and technologically less adapted, the raw and ripe banana value chain showed less sustainability among the others. The result of Karl Pearson correlation analysis revealed that independent variables namely profitability, credit availability, government support, labour availability, perception on soil health, waste management, environmental awareness, use of micronutrients and botanicals, integrated pest management, propping method and pre cooling and processing of banana showed highly significant correlation with the sustainability of the chains. The constraints on sustainability of banana value chain were grouped into four categories: economic, social, environmental and technical. Analytical hierarchy process was used to rank the constraints and the results exposed that economic category ranked highest, followed by technical, social and environmental categories. Invasion of cheapest banana from neighboring states, inadequate value addition centres, exploitation of producers by middlemen in rural areas, and product loss due to wild animal attack were the highest ranked constraints in the above-mentioned categories. Based on the sustainable food value chain framework developed by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the study proposed a conceptualised sustainable framework on the core value chains of study area which relates to the actors, their core functions, sustainability dimensions and the enabling environment. The value chain study can be adopted to the other major crops in Kerala to analyse the sustainability and the framework can be adopted for policy making.
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    Development of multi nutrient formulation and pellets for organic farming and their evaluation in Banana (Musa AAB cv. Nendran)
    (Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2024-11-05) Lucy Taki; Biju Joseph
    A study entitled “Development of multi nutrient formulations and pellets for organic farming and their evaluation in banana (Musa AAB cv. Nendran)” was carried out at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2019-2023, with the objective to develop multi nutrient formulations and pellets using nutrient sources permitted under National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and to evaluate them in relation to nutrient release characteristics and productivity of nendran banana in agro-ecological unit 8 of Kerala. The study comprised of four parts viz., preparation and characterization of organic multi nutrient formulations, development of organic multi nutrient pellets and their quality evaluation, incubation study to investigate the nutrient release characteristics of organic multi nutrient formulations and pellets and a field study to evaluate the organic multi nutrient formulations and pellets in nendran banana. Organic multi nutrient formulations were prepared using organic nutrient sources like blood meal (BM), soybean meal (SM), rock phosphate (RP), steamed bone meal (SBM), potassium sulfate (SOP), langbeinite (L), epsom salt (ES) and borax (B) permitted in NPOP. Formulations were prepared by mixing nutrient sources considering the nutrient requirement of nendran banana (N:P2O5:K2O @ 300:115:450 g plant-1) and the fertility status of the experimental soil. The multi nutrient formulations prepared were F1 (BM+RP+SOP+ES+B), F2 (BM+RP+L+ES+B), F3 (BM+SBM+SOP+ES+B), F4 (BM+SBM+L+ES+B), F5 (SM+RP+SOP+ES+B), F6 (SM+RP+L+ES+B), F7 (SM+SBM+SOP+ES+B) and F8 (SM+SBM+L+ES+B). The multi nutrient formulations were characterized for their physical, chemical and biochemical properties. The results of characterization study were subjected to principal component analysis which revealed that the formulation F1 containing blood meal, rock phosphate, potassium sulfate, epsom salt and borax was superior to other formulations with index mean value of 13.07. Formulation F1 had 3.73 g cm-3 bulk 348 density, 2.67% moisture content, 6.5 pH, 3.23 dSm-1 EC, 29.43% OC, 7.21% N, 2.71% P, 10.78% K, 5.98% Ca, 0.35% Mg, 4.45% S, 1174.11 mg kg-1 Fe, 4.53 mg kg-1 Mn, 13.55 mg kg-1 Zn, 8.65 mg kg-1 Cu and 93.67 mg kg-1 B. It also contained 45.04% crude protein, 2.95% humic acid and 3.55% fulvic acid. Based on the result of the PCA, formulations F1 (BM + RP + SOP + ES + B), F2 (BM + RP + L + ES + B), F3 ((BM + SBM + SOP + ES + B) and F6 (SM + RP + L + ES + B) with index value of 13.07, 9.82, 11.93 and 7.35 were selected for further pelletization studies. Four selected organic multi nutrient formulations were mixed with 2 binding agents viz. bentonite (Bn) and starch (St) at 2 levels (2% and 4%). The formulations were mixed with binding agents as per the treatments and moistened with deionized water and compressed into pellet form. The 16 multi nutrient pellets prepared were P1 (BM+RP+SOP+ES+B+2%St), P2 (BM+RP+SOP+ES+B+4%St), P3 (BM+RP+SOP+ES+B+2%Bn), P4 (BM+RP+SOP+ES+B+4%Bn), P5 (BM+RP+L+ES+B+2%St), P6 (BM+RP+L+ES+B+4%St), P7 (BM+RP+L+ES+B+2%Bn), P8 (BM+RP+L+ES+ B+4%Bn), P9 (BM+SBM+SOP+ES+B+2%St), P10 (BM+SBM+SOP+ES+B+4%St), P11 (BM+SBM+SOP+ES+B+2%Bn), P12 (BM+SBM+SOP+ES+B+4%Bn), P13 (SM+RP+L+ES+B+2%St), P14 (SM+RP+L+ES+B+4%St), P15 (SM+RP+L+ES+B+2%Bn) and P16 (SM+RP+L+ES+B+4%Bn). The results of laboratory analysis of multi nutrient pellets were also subjected to PCA. Four different groups were made out of the 16 multi nutrient pellets with group 1 consisting of P1 to P4; group 2 consisting of P5 to P8; group 3 consisting of P9 to P12 and group 4 consisting of P13 to P16. PCA was performed separately on different groups to select one best multi nutrient pellet from each group. After one-way ANOVA of index values, the mean values of pellets P3 (11.23), P5 (8.21), P11 (11.36) and P15 (6.17) were greater found in their respective groups. However, the pellets P4 (BM+RP+SOP+ES+B+4%Bn), P6 (BM+RP+L+ES+B+4%St), P12 (BM+SBM+SOP+ES+B+4%Bn) and P16 (SM+RP+L+ES+B+4%Bn) with next higher 349 mean values of 11.03, 8.02, 11.16 and 6.05 were selected for further studies because of their superior physical qualities and stability. In the third part of the study a laboratory incubation experiment was carried out for 300 days to evaluate the nutrient release pattern of the 4 selected formulations (F1, F2, F3 and F6) and pellets (P4, P6, P12 and P16) upon addition to soil. Soil samples were drawn at 60 days interval (60th, 120th, 180th, 240th and 300th day of incubation) and nutrient release characteristics were studied. The result revealed that the soil organic carbon, water soluble carbon, labile carbon and particulate carbon increased till 60th day in all treatments then decreased till the end of incubation period. Significantly higher water soluble carbon (49.07 mg kg-1), labile carbon (1084.33 mg kg-1) and particulate carbon (3950.00 mg kg-1) was observed throughout the incubation period in T4 containing soyabean meal, rock phosphate, langbeinite, epsom salt and borax which was on par with T8 containing same formulation with 4% bentonite. The available N, NH4 +-N and NO3 --N content increased till 120th day irrespective of treatments and thereafter it decreased. Treatment T1 having blood meal + rock phosphate + potassium sulphate + epsom salt + borax recorded highest available N (246.46 kg ha-1), NH4 +-N (84.00 mg kg-1) and NO3 --N (46.67 mg kg-1) content throughout the incubation period followed by its corresponding pellet T5 having blood meal + rock phosphate + potassium sulphate + epsom salt + borax + 4% bentonite. The available P, labile P and non labile P increased upto 240th day for all the treatments. T1 showed significantly higher level of available P (111.41 kg ha-1), labile P (22.27 mg kg-1) and non labile P (42.89 mg kg-1), throughout the incubation period which was on par with T5. It was observed that available K, water soluble K, exchangeable K and non exchangeable K increased till 240th days of incubation and then declined in all treatments. Formulation T3 having blood meal + steamed bone meal + potassium sulphate + epsom salt + borax had significantly higher available K (972.93 kg ha-1), water soluble K (81.67 mg kg-1) and exchangeable K (352.68 mg kg-1) throughout the incubation period. However, the highest non exchangeable K varied during different 350 incubation period. Secondary nutrients Ca, Mg and S showed maximum release in all treatments till 240th day and thereafter declined with T2 formulation containing BM+RP+L+ES+B showing significantly higher content throughout the incubation period. The highest available micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) was in treatment T5 which was on par with T1. A field experiment was conducted during 2021-2022 to evaluate the effect of organic multi nutrient formulations and pellets on soil fertility and crop productivity using nendran banana as test crop. The results of soil analysis revealed that application of multi nutrient formulations and pellets did not have much influence on physical properties of soil in both basin and 1m away from the plant. However, the chemical and biological attributes were significantly improved in both the soil. Application of T2 containing formulation BM+RP+SOP+ES+B and T6 containing pellet BM+RP+SOP+ES+B+4%Bn improved the availability of N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn content in both the soils. Dehydrogenase activity and microbial population was enhanced by application of KAU organic POP (T1), formulation SM+RP+L+ES+B (T5) and pellet SM+RP+L+ES+B+4%Bn (T9) in basin soil. Crop growth parameters like plant height, girth of pseudostem and no of functional leaves per plant were significantly higher in T2 which was on par with T6. Yield parameters like length, girth and weight of index finger, bunch weight, no. of hands per bunch, no. of fingers per bunch and no. of fingers in D-hand was also significantly higher in T2 and T6 compared to other treatments. T2 recorded the highest yield of 34.17 t/ha which was on par with T6 (31.25 t/ha). The crop receiving T9 (SM+RP+L+ES+B+4%Bn) had the longest crop duration and the shortest was observed in T2. The fruit quality parameters like TSS, TSS/acidity ratio, total sugar, reducing sugar, non reducing sugar, total sugar/ acidity ratio, carbohydrate, pulp to peel ratio was significantly higher in treatments T2 and T6. The foliar N, P, K, Ca, Fe content at harvest was highest in T2 containing formulation BM+RP+L+ES+B, foliar Mg, S content was highest in T3 containing formulation BM+RP+L+ES+B and foliar 351 Mn, Zn, Cu, B content was highest in T4 containing formulation BM+SBM+SOP+ES+B. Total uptake of N, Zn and B was highest in T2 while the total uptake of P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu was highest in T6. Fruit quality parameters like TSS, total sugar, reducing sugar, non reducing sugar and pulp/peel ratio was significantly higher in T2 which was on par with T6. Shelf-life of nendran fruit increased significantly in T4 receiving the formulation BM+SBM+SOP+ES+B and T8 receiving the same formulation with 4% bentonite. Nutrient use efficiency was higher in T2 and T6. The highest B:C ratio of 2.21 was recorded in T2. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that multi nutrient formulation prepared using blood meal, rock phosphate, potassium sulphate, epsom salt and borax (T2) and multi nutrient pellet prepared using blood meal, rock phosphate, potassium sulphate, epsom salt, borax and 4% bentonite (T6) was superior to other formulations and pellets. The nutrient release from above formulation and pellet were maximum at incubation period of 120th day for N and 240th day for P, K, secondary and micronutrients. The treatment T2 applied @ 4.2 kg plant-1 was found to be superior to other treatments with respect to available nutrient status of soil, nutrient uptake, growth parameter, yield and quality of nendran banana, which was found to be on par in the case of the most of the parameters with the treatment T6 applied @ 4.5 kg plant-1. T2 was also the most economical treatment. Hence, the application of organic multi nutrient formulation prepared using blood meal, rock phosphate, potassium sulphate, epsom salt and borax at the rate of 4.2 kg plant-1 as 3 equal split doses at 2MAP, 4MAP and 6MAP can be recommended for nutrient management in organically grown nendran banana.
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    Management of banana bract mosaic virus using beneficial fungal root endophyte, Piriformospora indica
    (Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture ,Vellayani, 2024-03-20) Sinijadas, K.; Joy, M
    The research work entitled “Management of Banana bract mosaic virus using beneficial fungal root endophyte, Piriformospora indica” was carried out at the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during the academic year 2018-2022. The objective was to evaluate the beneficial fungal root endophyte, P. indica for the management of Banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV); and to elucidate the role of antioxidants and plastids in this tripartite interaction. The characteristic symptoms of BBrMV viz., reddish spindle shaped streaks on pseudostem, black necrotic streaks on peduncle, chlorotic spindle lesions on leaves and underdeveloped fruits were observed during the survey conducted in five agro-climatic zones (ACZ) of Kerala. Percent disease incidence (PDI) and vulnerability index (VI) of the disease recorded from different zones showed the highest in banana var. Nendran (PDI - 61.66 & VI – 44.03) from southern zone and lowest in var. Poovan (PDI – 7.29 & VI – 6.29) in central zone. Serological and molecular detection confirmed the presence of BBrMV in banana var. Nendran. The sequence similarity analysis of the coat protein (CP) gene of BBrMV southern zone isolate (Vellayani) showed 99.12 percent genetic closeness to its Tamil Nadu isolates compared to the Kerala isolates (98.38 percent). Screening of the most virulent strain of BBrMV from five different ACZ of Kerala was done based on early symptom development in TC banana plants var. Nendran. The BBrMV strain from southern zone could produce the symptoms on var. Nendran within 30 days (lowest) followed by central zone (55 days) on artificial inoculation with viruliferous aphids, Pentalonia nigronervosa. The cross-infection study of virulent strain of BBrMV (southern zone) of Nendran on Nendran developed chlorotic spindle lesions on leaves at 30 days after inoculation followed by Nendran on Robusta (75 days). P. indica-colonization in banana var. Nendran was carried out using standardized medium. The chlamydospores of the fungus were observed in roots at 20 days after colonization (DAC). In both in vitro and in vivo experiments, P. indicacolonized plants showed reduced disease severity irrespective of the virusinoculation stage with a vulnerability index of 6.7 percent in BBrMV (+Pi / +V); and 20.0 percent in the virus-infected plants post-colonized with P. indica (+V / +Pi) compared to 53.3 percent in the virus alone infected plants. Further, PCR analysis with BBrMV coat protein specific primer yielded amplicon of low intensity in P. indica-colonized plants inoculated with the virus compared to the control plants indicating the ability of the fungus to inhibit the virus. Further, P. indica precolonized plants inoculated with BBrMV had improved growth and yield parameters compared to non-colonized plants. Field trial was laid out with two treatments (P. indica-colonized and noncolonized banana plants var. Nendran) at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. P. indica-colonized plants recorded a drastic reduction in the severity of BBrMV by 33 to 58 percent compared to non-colonised control plants. Enhanced plant height (30 percent), collar girth (45 percent), number of leaves (25 percent), leaf length (30 percent), leaf width (27 percent), fresh weight of shoot (34 percent), number of secondary roots (62 percent), number of tertiary roots (76 percent) and root weight (86 percent) were observed in P. indica-colonized plants at 90 days after treatment. P. indica-colonization also improved the bunch weight (32.9 percent) and fruit quality. Biochemical detection of superoxides using nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and H2O2 with diamino benzidine (DAB) stains at 5, 10, 15, 30 and 45 days revealed a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in both P. indica-colonized plants challenged with BBrMV (+Pi / +V) and virus infected plants post-colonized with P. indica (+V / +Pi) compared to BBrMV alone. The decrease in ROS production and disease severity in the endophyte-colonized plants inoculated with the virus were attributed to the increased activities of antioxidant enzymes viz., peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutamate synthase and ascorbic acid oxidase. The molecular analysis of genes involved in the symptom development indicated the beneficial effect of P. indica on BBrMV infection in banana. P. indica reduced the symptoms by up-regulating chlorophyll biosynthesis gene (chlorophyll synthase-CHLG) and down-regulating chlorophyll degradation genes (chlorphyllase CLH1 & CLH2; and pheophytin pheophorbide hydrolase - PPH), carotenoidbiosynthesis genes (phytoene synthase-PSY1 and PSY2), carotenoid degradation gene (Phytoene desaturase - PDS) and the virus specific genes responsible for symptom development (Hc-Pro and P3). Thus, the present study reveals that P. indica enhances tolerance against BBrMV in addition to improved growth promotion, yield and fruit quality in banana plant.
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    Engineering banana bract mosaic virus resistance in banana by targeted editing of elF4E gene using crispr/Cas9 system
    (Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2024-05-23) Pandiaraj, S; Smitha Nair