ABSTRACT
Aim: To develop economically viable integrated fertilizer prescription equation for recommendation of fertilizers in potato on alluvial soils of Eastern India.Methodology: Soil test crop response (STCR) experiments on potato were conducted in alluvial soils of Eastern India during 2016-17 to assess the relationship between yield and availability of plant nutrients for developing fertilizer prescriptions of desired yield targets. The decision on optimum fertilizer doses for varying yield targets were made on the basis of crop nutrient requirement per quintal of potato production, soil efficiency, fertilizer efficiency, and FYM efficiency computed from field experimental data. The optimum fertilizer doses for different yield targets were validated in farmers’ field for economic and environmental benefits as compared to general recommended doses of fertilizers and farmers’ practice. Results: Targeted yield equation for potato for alluvial soil of Eastern India was developed based on soil test values, nutrient requirement and contribution of NPK from soil and fertilizer sources as well as FYM. The prescription based fertilizer application along with FYM increased tuber yield of potato in farmers’ field. Validity of the yield target for 22 and 24 t ha-1 was tested in farmer’s fields and variation in potato yield obtained from targeted yield was 7.6% to 9.8%. Interpretation: Fertilizer prescription equations and ready reckoner developed for potato will be useful in alluvial soils of Eastern India for large scale recommendations and in regions with similar soil and agro-climatic conditions. By following ready reckoner, a farmer can save 61 kg N, 55 kg P2O5 and 44 kg K2O ha-1 over general recommended dose, approximately equal to Rs. 4800/- per hectare.
ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the retting of jute (Corchorus olitorius L. and C. capsularis L.) using the endospores of microbial consortium of three strains of Bacillus pumilus with extended shelf-life. Methodology: Endospore and vegetative cells of Bacillus pumilus were tested for viability by introducing them into different temperature, pH, UV radiation and antibiotics. Laboratory, as well as field-trials of jute retting was performed with 6 and 18-months-old endospores and vegetative cells of Bacillus pumilus with estimation of enzymatic activities for comparison of their retting efficiency. Results: Endospores of Bacillus pumilus recorded very high colony forming unit (109 to 108ml-1) compared to their vegetative cells (106 to 104ml-1) after 6 to 18 months of their preservation. Endospores also showed higher resistance to temperature, pH, UV irradiation and antibiotic than their vegetative forms. High colony forming unit and higher release of pectinolytic and xylanolytic enzymes during retting of jute by endospores resulted in complete of jute retting in 10 days with good quality jute fibre compared to talc based formulation. Interpretation: It can be concluded from the study that endospores remained highly efficient in rejuvenating higher CFU and quantitatively larger pool of enzymes to accelerate retting of jute after prolonged preservation. Therefore, the endospores of Bacillus pumilus can be used cost effectively in place of their talc based formulation for higher shelf life of the product, faster retting and better fibre quality of jute.
ABSTRACT
Background: The relative contribution of insulin secretion and sensitivity in the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) vary from population to population due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease. The study was undertaken to evaluate insulin secretory capacity and sensitivity in a Bangladeshi Type 2 diabetic population and to explore the association of some of the anthropometric and biochemical factors known to modulate B-cell function and insulin action. Methods: Ninety one T2DM subjects and 32 age-matched controls were studied for their fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipids, HbA1c (by HPLC), leptin and C-peptide (ELISA). Insulin secretion (HOMA B) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA S) were calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Results: Both insulin secretion and sensitivity were significantly reduced in diabetic as compared to control (HOMA B%, geometric mean±SD, 35.65±1.75 vs. 96.29±1.50, p<0.001; HOMA S%, 68.66±1.71 vs. 104.951.63, p<0.001). However, B-cell dysfunction was predominant than insulin resistance in predicting T2DM as the discriminate function coefficient for HOMA B (1.098) was greater than that for HOMA S (0.821). In T2DM, HOMA B had positive correlation with BMI (r=0.368, p<0.001) and HOMA S was inversely correlated to BMI (r=-0.261, p<0.01), WHR (r=-0.258, p<0.01) and plasma TG (r=-0.233, p<0.001). On multiple regression analysis HOMA B and HOMA S were found to be inversely associated to FPG (p<0.001) and leptin (p<0.05) in T2DM. Conclusions: Both insulin secretory dysfunction and insulin resistance are present in Bangladeshi T2DM subjects, but B-cell failure seems to be the predominant abnormality. BMI, plasma glucose, insulin and leptin are the major determinants of insulin secretory capacity and generalized as well as central obesity, plasma glucose, triglycerides, insulin and leptin are among the major determinants of insulin sensitivity in this population.