Hydroponics is a innovative agricultural method of plant growing without soil using mineral nutrient solutions. It is also called “Controlled Environmental Agriculture” (CEA). Hydroponics, a water culture, is now used in both research and commercial fields. Some countries successfully implemented this technique for fast-growing horticulture crops such as strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes and carnations. In this technique water culture scientists discovered that as compared to soil-based growth, hydroponic plant system needs only a small number of inorganic elements in addition to water, oxygen, and sunlight to grow the plant Hydroponics farming can be a major advantage for Indian agriculture; it has the potential to produce crops in every season without soil. This system has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous benefits, including increased water and nutrient efficiency, reduced land use, and increased crop yield and quality Such practices can help Indian farmers increase their crop productivity even in small fragmented lands. This review paper focuses on the challenges and possibilities of bringing soil-less farming in India to ensure its stability so that it may prove more beneficial for Indian farmers to grow crops which are 100% organic, toxic-free and of better quality.
S. Prakash, Bijendra Singh, Jai Pipersenia et al.· Progressive Agriculture· 0 citations
Background: The rapid emergence of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC) infections is a major threat to global public health, prompting the search for alternative therapeutic options. In this review, the latest research on the antimicrobial activity and synergy of herbal plant extracts on carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates is discussed. Key findings point to the capacity of equol, naringenin, and tetrandrine to reinstate the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics, including carbapenems and colistin. Furthermore, the mechanisms of action include the disruption of cell wall and membrane integrity, the inhibition of efflux pump activity, and the downregulation of resistance genes, including carbapenemases and mcr-1. Synergistic interactions, indicated by a Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) index of less than 0.5, reveal the potential of plant-derived compounds as effective adjuvants. Although in vivo studies in murine models indicate a positive outcome in terms of reduced bacterial loads, translation to the clinic is hindered by a lack of human studies and standardized extraction methodologies. This report presents a holistic overview of these plant-derived approaches, revealing a glimpse of their potential as next-generation antimicrobials.
Sandhya, Amit Kumar, Bijendra Singh et al.· Progressive Agriculture· 0 citations
By introducing desirable traits into an existing genome while maintaining the plant’s genetic integrity, plant genetic engineering is an effective method for enhancing plants. The introduction of valuable genes encoding traits like disease/insect resistance, herbicide tolerance, enhanced nutritional/medical/commercial properties, improved uptake and utilization of growth agents, and many more traits has been accomplished through the genetic modification of a wide variety of plant species. For reasons discussed later in this chapter, the public’s perception of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is currently negative. However, it remains to be seen whether the advantages of reduced chemical use and improved nutritional aspects lead to a world with food security that is environmentally sustainable. Genetic engineering is especially important because grape is very heterozygous and standard breeding methods fail to produce true-to-type offspring. Grapes are also a commodity driven by consumers, and novel varieties, particularly wine cultivars, have little market acceptance. In order to produce indigenous genotypes with novel characteristics, technological breakthroughs like gene transfer must be utilized because vegetative propagation leaves little room for development.
A. Goswami, Bijendra Singh, R. P. Singh· Progressive Agriculture· 0 citations
The study focused on evaluating 48 different tomato genotypes for 13 morphological traits to estimate the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance at the Horticulture Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology in Meerut, following randomized complete block design with three replications during two consecutive Rabi seasons (October 2022 and April 2024). The results of analysis of variance revealed that for all quantitative features included for both the season, analysis of variance indicated highly significant variations among genotypes. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 4.92% to 16.42% and 4.23%to12.93% respectively. Higher PCV compared to GCV observed for all traits revealed that the influence of environment on traits. High heritability estimates obtained for day to first fruit set, days to first fruit maturity, plant height, days to first fruit harvesting, days taken germination, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield(t/ha), fruit length, fruit yield (kg/plant), fruit yield (kg/plot), High Genetic Advance for number of primary branch, plant height, fruit length, days to first fruit set. High heritability coupled with High Genetic Advance Observed for day to first fruit set, plant height, days to first fruit set, fruit length. As yield is the most important dependent trait, day to first fruit set, plant height, days to first fruit set, fruit length can be selected as selection parameters for further crop improvement programs.
Overall, transcription factors from the DREB, NAC, MYB, and WRKY families are still considered the primary regulatory targets, but CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing is now able to provide precise, multiplex gene modifications in polyploid wheat.
Amit Kumar, Shivani, R. Chaudhary et al.· Progressive Agriculture· 0 citations