Comparison of Stalk Volume by Water Displacement Method and Calculation Method for Stalk Weight Determination and Its Relevance to Single Cane Weight in Sugarcane Clones

The present study was conducted to identify the association of non-destructive rapid estimation of stalk volume by calculation method with water displacement method and to predict the single cane weight by stalk volume. The stalk volume by water displacement method (SVWM) and stalk volume by calculation method (SVCM) were compared for the efficacy of stalk weight determination in sugarcane clones. Results from both methods were similar and a highly significant relationship was found between the two methods (r2 = 0.9092, P < 0.0001). Both protocols provide consistent stalk volume measurements; however, the stalk volume calculation method is preferred for its quick evaluation of a large number of stalks in a rapid way besides its non-destructive nature. The calculation method saved more than 70 seconds for each sample. The stalk weight has shown a significant correlation of r=0.71***, 0.83***, 0.94***, 0.99*** with SH, CD, SVCM and SVWM respectively, while the stalk density (SD) was observed with a negative correlation (r=-0.27ns) with stalk weight. The stalk volume-based predicted stalk weight estimation was observed with high degree of correlation (>0.88***) with the original single cane weight by both the studied methods, thus, measurements of stalk volume based on calculation method which provide simple, rapid, non-destructive field phenotyping of single cane weight in sugarcane crop may be recommended for the sugarcane research.

Rapid Assessment of Rind Hardness in Sugarcane and Its Association with Biochemical Traits

Rind hardness in sugarcane plays a major role in lodging resistance, and internode borer resistance,screening of sugarcane for rind hardness is essential for reducing yield loss. In order to identify the suitability of soil penetrometer for rapid rind hardness measurement, the rind hardness testing was carried out in two sugarcane clones of different rind hardness variability viz., Co 13003 (hard rind type) and Co 14002 (soft rind type). The investigation was carried out by three methods viz., pendulum type impact test rig, texture analyzer,and soil penetrometer and theresults revealed that thehard rind type Co 13003 sugarcane clone was observed with significantly greater hardness. Significant correlation between the three methods for the rind hardness trait and among the three methods the soil penetrometer method of determination of rind hardness is easy and rapid. Two-way hierarchical cluster analysis of studied biochemical traits has revealed a better classification of hard-rinded and soft-rind sugarcane clones. The Co 13003 was recorded as least susceptible to borers with high rind hardness (>200 psi), along with better fibre. The NG 77 a hard rind type clone was also observed with high lignin compared to soft rind Gungera.

Evaluation of nutraceutical properties of finger millet genotypes from mid hills of northwestern Himalayan region of India

Finger millet Eleusine coracana L., commonly called Ragi, is a rich source of phytochemicals and have number of health beneficial effects. The present study evaluated the total antioxidant activity (TAA), condensed tannins (CT), micronutrient content (Fe & Zn), diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and phenolic compounds in 35 finger millet genotypes. The assayed genotypes showed 0.91-0.99 mg/g CT, 23.79-56.51 mM/kg TAA, 1.76-44.47 µM/g DPPH scavenging activity, 44.14-88.09 µg/mL ABTS activity, 100-463.53 µM FRAP value, 37.04-69.13 ppm Fe and 28.94-46.77 ppm Zn. HPLC analysis showed that gallic, tannic, ferulic, caffeic and o-coumaric acid to be major polyphenols in all genotypes. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed significantly higher CT, TAA with relatively good amount of Fe and Zn in VL Ragi 146, VL Mandua 352, VL 336, VL 373, VL 325, VL 351, GPHCPB 7, GPHCPB 3, GPHCPB 52 and VR 708 genotypes. Agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis classified the 35 genotypes into two clusters; Cluster I had higher CT, TAA, FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, while cluster II recorded higher Fe and Zn. This study clearly demonstrated the nutraceutical properties with higher antioxidant potential of identified genotypes, which can be suitably deployed for nutritional security, particularly in developing countries.