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Farm Information Bureau
English journal
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
APRIL 2020 1
Inside
APRIL 2020 Volume - 7Issue -10
KERALA KARSHAKAN
English journal
Mail: editorejournalkkfib@gmail.com Log on to http://www.fibkerala.gov.in
Phone: 0471-2314358
The First English farm journal from the house of Kerala Karshakan
Farm INFORMATION BUREAU 04 Impact of climate change on vegetable
MEMBERS, ADVISORY COMMITTEE
production
Chairman
Devendra Kumar Singh ias
1
DEEPA ADIVEPPA HOLER, 2BASAVARAJA N
Agricultural Production Commissioner,
Principal Secretary (Agriculture)
07 Bioactive compounds and edible colours in
MEmbers
Dr. K. Vasuki IAS
vegetables
Director, Department of Agriculture Athulya MP
& Development
Dr. Rathan U. kelkar IAS 09 Polymer Seed Coating – An Innovative Approach
Special Secertary (Agriculture) M.Ananthi
Department of Agriculture & Development
U.V. Jose IAS
Director (I&PRD)
12 VEGETABLE SOYBEAN: AN EMERGING POTENTIAL
VEGETABLE
Dr. M.K. Prasad
Director (Animal Husbandry) Shilpashree N.1, Nirmala Devi S.2, Manjunathagowda D.C.3
S. Sreekumar
Director (Dairy Department) 15 Precision Farming - Modern Agriculture Revolu-
Station Director, All India Radio
tion in rice for twenty-first century
Krithika.C1, B. Balaganesh2
Director
Doordarshan, Thiruvananthapuram
18 Adi – Annew distinctive indigeneous species of
P.V. Manoj
Sayujyam, Manakkad P.O., Thiruvananthapuram black pepper
Chinthan K N1*., Bavishya2., Vijayakumar Rathod3.,
Sandhya R.
Adarsham, Anandeswaram, Chempazanthy
P.O., Thiruvananthapuram 21 Monkey Jack; A treasure of nature
C.R. Mahesh Karishma Sebastian, Gritta Elizabeth Jolly, Nihala Jabin P.P.
Kailas Nagar, Kizhakkekkara, Kottarakkara
Renjan S. Karippai
Mission Director, State Horticulture Mission
Kerala
T.K. Bhaskara Panikkar
Renfru Cottage, USRA-72, Udarasiromani Road
Vellayambalam, Thiruvananthapuram -10
Dr. Jalaja S. Menon
Assi. Prof. College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara 28
Thrissur
Dr. P. Indira Devi
Prof. & Head, Centre for Enviornmentel
Economics,
College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur
C.D. Suneesh
ATTENTION AUTHORS
Chittilappally House, Thrikkaipatta P.O.,
Wayanad
Dr.Mohan P.V
Karuna, Near Kannur Spinning Mill
Kakkad P.O., Kannur - 670005
Articles send for Kerala Karshakan E-journal should be
Suresh Muthukulam
certified by head of the institutiion concerned stating
Sarayoo, Bapuji Nagar
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that tha article is original and has not been published
Trivandrum - 695011 anywhere. Reference should also be included wherever
2 KERALA KARSHAKAN
CONVENOR
Principal
APRILInformation
2020 Officer
e-journal relevant.
24
Farm Information Bureau
24 MIRACLE FRUIT – will wonder never cease!
English journal
JJeetendra C S1*., Laxman Kukanoor2, Chinthan K N3, Navya D V4
28 Value Added Products of Vanilla
Dhanraj P1., Gangadharappa P.M2 , J.S. Hiremath3
31 Ajwain- Miracle Spice of Dry Lands
Harisha CB1, NP Singh2, KK Meena3, Devayani Milind Nikam4
35 Rooibos tea – a herbal red beverage with enriched
health benefits
Shruti P. G, Basavaraja N.
38 Infrared (IR) radiation for fish preservation
D.S. Aniesrani Delfiya*, S. Murali, P.V Alfiya, Manoj P Samuel, Pashob. K Chief Editor
B. Neena
41 From weed to manure - Parthenium compost- a nutrient rich
manure for better yields Editor
Mr. T. Srinithan*1, Dr. M. Kanimoli Mathivathana2, Mr. E. Balaji3, Dr. K. Deepa4 Sajeev Chandran A.
44 Momordicacymbalaria – One plant many virtues Asst. Editor
Suresh C
Chinthan K N1*.,Vijayakumar Rathod1., C N Hanchinamani1., Chetankumar S1.,
Jeetendra C S2
Editorial Assistant
Akhil S.S.
46 A Tiny Underutilized Cucurbit With Enriched Pickling:
MEKKIKAYI Design & Layout
Shruti P. G, Basavaraja N. V. Rajesh
Articles/ Features appearing in this e-journal are either commissioned or assigned Neverthless, other articles of
farm relevance are also welcome. A maximum of 750 wordage is appreciated. Such items should be addressed to
The Editor, Kerala Karshakan e-journal, Farm Information Bureau, Kowdiar PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Pin: 695003
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VIEWS expressed in the articles published in KeralaKarshakan e-journal are not, necessarily those ofKERALA
Enquiries : 0471 2314358
KARSHAKAN e-journal
the Government.
APRIL 2020 3
DEEPA 1
ADIVEPPA HOLER
2
BASAVARAJA N
1
Ph.D. Research Scholar, UHS –
KRCCH, Arabhavi – 591218;
Director of Research, (DR), Vegetable
2
science dept. UHS-COH,
Bagalkot -587104;
Email: deeparh22@gmail.com
IMPACT OF
CLIMATE CHANGE
ON VEGETABLE
PRODUCTION
4 KERALA KARSHAKAN
APRIL 2020
e-journal
V
egetables are an important and Meena, 2014). temperature is more than 21 °C.
component of human diet Environmental constraints Effect of drought on
as they are rich source limiting vegetable vegetable production
of nutrients, vitamins and productivity Drought is an
minerals. They are also good 1.Temperature stress important factor that cause
remunerative to the farmer as 2.Drought famine and affect world food
they fetch higher price in the 3.Flooding production, being succulent in
market. Likewise other crops 4.Other stress factors like nature vegetables are highly
they are also being hit by the carbon dioxide susceptible to drought. Drought
consequences of climate change 5.Air pollutants and UV radiation
is characterized by reduction
such as increasing temperature, Effect of high temperature in water content, diminished
changes in seasonal and on different vegetable leaf water potential, closure of
rainfall patterns, sea level crops stomata and decrease in cell
rise and generation of flood Potato is well known for
enlargement. In severe cases
and drought. Under changing its exact temperature and day
it may arrest photosynthesis
climatic situations crop failures, length requirement for tuberand respiration and reduce
shortage of yields, reduction in production as well as flowering
the productivity of most of the
quality and increasing pest and so; it’s become more vulnerable
vegetable crops.
disease problems are common crop to climate change. Most(Gunewardena and Silva, 2014),
and they render the vegetable of the genotypes of potato reported when compared with
cultivation unprofitable (Meena rubberize decline when the night
individual effect of temperature
and water stress, interaction
effect of both temperature
Mitigation Strategies and water stress severely and
1. Use of germplasm and wild species in breeding for development negatively impacted growth and
of climate resistance variety yield in chilli crop.
Wild species Remarks Effect of flooding on
Solanum chessmani Salt tolerant vegetable production
Solanum pennellii Drought tolerant When there is excess
Solanum habrochaites Low temperature tolerant amount of water than the
Solanum macrocarpum Drought tolerant optimum r equir eme n t t h e
Abelmoschus angulosus Low temperature tolerant condition is known as flooding.
2. Improved Stress Tolerance through Grafting
Table 1: Rootstocks suggested for improving abiotic stress resistance.
Abiotic stress Crop Rootstock Reference
Low temperature Cucurbits Shin-tosa Okimura et al., 1986
Tomato S. habrochaites Okimura et al., 1986
Cucumber squash Shibuya et al., 2007
High temperature Eggplant heat-tolerant rootstock Wang et al., 2007
(cv. Nianmaoquie)
Tomato eggplants Gruda et al., 2009
Drought Watermelon Wax gourd Sakata et al., 2007
Bitter gourd Sponge gourd Liao and lin, 1996
Flooding Bitter melon Luffa cylindrica Liao and Lin, 1996
Tomatoes Eggplants ‘EG195’ AVRDC, 2003
or ‘EG203
Pepper Chilli accessions AVRDC, 2003
‘PP0237-7502’, ‘PP0242-62’
and ‘Lee B’
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
APRIL 2020 5
4.Use of antitranspirants and bio fertilizers
Table 2: Crop growth simulation models
Crop growth Application Case study examples
simulation models
Madhuram A sweet potato specific model to predict crop Sweet potato
phenology based on vegetative developmental (Somasundaram &
days and reproductive developmental days Santhosh
Mithra, 2008)
WOFOST; World Explains crop growth based on the under laying Potato SWAP-
Food physiological processes, such as photosynthesis, WOFOST (Yan,
Studies respiration and the influences of environmental 2015)
conditions on these processes
It leads replacement of gaseous on Agriculture, food security vagaries are beyond human
phase by liquid phase. High and climate change in 2010. Is control, its intensity and extreme
moisture in the soil reduce a concept of integrating strategy impact of environmental stress
oxygen content in the root zone and developing techniques on vegetable crops can be
and lack of oxygen in the roots in agriculture against climate reduced to some extent and
shifts energy metabolism from change. enhance the production as well,
aerobic to anaerobic mode Other practices like if the integrated approaches
leads to buildup of carbon di commercialization of perennial like cultural management
oxide, methane and nitrogen vegetable crops, protected practices, grafting and breeding
gases that cause wilting and cultivation, urban agriculture approaches like development
death of plant. and organic farming may also of genotypes tolerant to high
Other agronomic practices help to mitigate the impact of temperature, salinity and
Other agronomic climate change on vegetable moisture stress are resorted.
practices like water saving production. References
irrigation management through Govt. initiatives for climate Gunawardena, M. D.
drip irrigation, cultural practices change: M. and Silva, C. D. S., 2004,
like mulching, use of shelter 1. The Prime Minister’s National identifying the impact of
belts and raised beds helps in Action Plan on Climate Change. temperature and water stress
conserving the soil moisture, 2. National initiative on climate on growth and yield parameters
prevent soil degradation and resilient agriculture (NICRA), of chilli (Capscium Annuum L.).
protect vegetable crops against 2010-11. OUSL J., 7(1): 25-42.
drought, flooding and moisture 3. Jawaharlal Nehru National Meena, O. P. and Meena,
stress. Solar Mission, 2010 N. K . , 2 0 1 4 , I m p a c t o f
Climate smart agriculture Climate Change on Vegetable
This concept was given Conclusion: Cultivation: A Review. Trends in
by FAO, at hague conference Even though the climate Biosci., 7(18): 2614-2621.
6 KERALA KARSHAKAN
APRIL 2020
e-journal
BioactiveCompounds
And Edible Colours In
VEGETABLES
V Athulya M P
egetables are the rich secondin fruits and vegetables
source of vitamins and production in the world, after Ph.D scholar, Department of Vegetable Science
Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur.
minerals and also exhibit China. Apart from the health
various colours. India is the improvements, the production
largest producer of vegetables of vegetables improves the
after china in the world. economy of the countryas
India’s diverse climateensures these are very good source
availability of all varieties of fresh of income and employment.
fruits & vegetables. India Ranks The contribution of vegetables
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
APRIL 2020 7
remains highest (59 – 61%) in compounds play a role in heart diseases,
horticulture crop productions • Act as antioxidants and slow cancer and other diseases. In
over the last five years. The down the ageing processes short they have antioxidant activity
production of vegetables is • Inhibits the enzymes that initiate and includes the flavonoids,
estimated to be around 176.17 the process of carcinogenesis carotenoids, polyphenols present
million tonnes.Vegetables being • Slows down the proliferation in vegetables.
the mostcolourful, flavourful of cancer cells Flavonoids – Flavonoids
and nutritious components •Exhibits anti-inflammatory are a category of the antioxidants
of our daily diet are also a property and inhibits the clot and are present in vegetables like
source of various bioactive formation kale, spinach, Brussels sprout,
compounds like Polyphenols, • Exhibits anti-diabetic property capsicum, cucumber, cauliflower
carotenoids, phytoestrogens, and lowers the blood glucose etc.
glucosinolates, anthocyanins, level Lycopene – Lycopene is
sulphur compounds, •Reduces the risk of cancer, present in vegetables like tomato,
isothiocyanates etc. Apart from cardiovascular and chronic red carrots, water melons etc. with
adding brilliant colours to the diseases powerful antioxidant property
diet, these compounds are rich Edible colours are with many health benefits like
source of antioxidants, which natural pigments found in the sun protection, improved heart
delays the ageing process and plants tissues. These are the health and low risk to many
reduce the risk of various types chemical compounds produced cancers
of cancer and cardiovascular by various biochemical ß -Carotene - Beta-
diseases and other chronic pathways and give a natural carotene is orange-yellow in
diseases. The bioavailability of colour to the food. Examples color, oil soluble but can be made
the bioactive compounds will of such edible colours include into a water dispersible emulsion.
vary with vegetables. the Anthocyanins, Betalains, Carrot (Daucuscarota) is a good
Bioactive compounds Carotenoids, Xanthophylls, source of ß-carotene. But most
are extra nutritional constituents and Chlorophylls. These edible ß-carotene for commercial use
that occur in small quantities in colours also improves the human is now derived from algae
the foods. These phytochemicals health by protecting against Betalains – Betalains are used as
that are present in the food various chronic diseases. natural colourants as they add
are capable of modulating Health promoting nutrient colour to the foods and have
various metabolic processes compounds in vegetables high anti oxidative free radical
and have beneficial effect Phyto-chemical/ scavenging activities.
on health. They modify the Nutraceuticals – Chlorophylls–
health due to its antioxidant Nutraceuticalsare bioactive Chlorophyll is an important
property, by the inhibition or compounds whiuch are plant pigment which helps in
induction of various enzymes, euther plant pigments photosynthesis in plants and
inhibition of receptor activities, (lycopene, anthocyanin, lutein, have the potential to act as
and induction and inhibition of zeaxanthin, capsanthin etc.) or chemo-preventive compound in
gene expression. The bioactive other secondary metabolites humans
compounds in vegetables include (flavonoids, isothiocyantes, Anthocyanins -
the Polyphenols, carotenoids, glucosinolates etc.) found in Anthocyanins are natural
phytoestrogens, glucosinolates, most of the vegetables which pigments belonging to flavonoid
anthocyanins, sulphur provodescolour, flavor and family. They gives the blue, red,
compounds, isothiocyanates, texture and protect plants against purple and orange colours to the
tocopherols, phytosterols. insects, microorganisms. vegetables.
Bioactive compounds also lower Antioxidants– Quercetin - Quercetinis
the risk of cancer and heart Antioxidantsare the phyto- one of the most important
diseases and thus promote the chemicals that protects the flavonoids. The richest sources
health. human cells against the free of quercetin are: apples, onions,
Functions of bioactive radicals, which may otherwise plants of Cruciferae family.
8 KERALA KARSHAKAN
APRIL 2020
e-journal
POLYMER
M.Ananthi
Teaching Assistant Directorate of Planning
and Monitoring Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University, Coimbatore
SEED COATING
AN INNOVATIVE
APPROACH
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
APRIL 2020 9
S
eed coating is one of the polymer forms a flexible film and insecticides commonly used
most economical approach that adheres and protects the in seed treatment. The polymer
for improving seed fungicide, preventing dusting products can be used at near
performance. A seed coating off and loss of fungicide during full strength or can be diluted
is the substance applied to the handling. The film is readily with 1 - 4 parts water plus
seed that does not obscure its water-soluble (hydrophilic) so seed treatment chemicals. They
shape. The major benefit of as not to impede germination. contain excellent surfactants and
seed coating is that the seed Film coating helps to smooth spreaders and have a very quick
enhancement material is placed and round the seed surface, drying time. Many companies
directly on to the seed. which improves flow ability and are involved in seed coating
Film coating is normally used machine planting polymer production. Polymers
to apply a thin, uniform layer Polymer and colourant are readily available in the in the
of polymer over seeds without products can be added to the market in different brand name,
significantly increasing seed standard treatment slurry. They Different colours – Pink, red,
size or weight. The plasticizer are compatible with the fungicides green, yellow, blue, black and
colours are specific to crops.
Different colours of polymer
Steps involved in Polymer Seed
Coating The steps involved in
the polymer coating to seeds
are given.
Why Use Colourants on
Seed?
Polymer coated seed can
be easily identified which prevents
accidental consumption. It helps
to differentiate seed of different
competitors and is the marketing
strategy of the seed company.
There are unlimited options to this
Polymer coating of seeds uniquely branding technology.
This technology are important
to know about Herbicide treated
seeds or variety differentiation
(A line / B line). It is used to
enhance the seed qualities such
as improving plantability, stand
establishment, seed flow in
seed planters, etc. Uniform
distribution of the pesticides on
the seeds and thereby prevents
the dusting off chemicals by
strong binding capacity. Reduces
pollution of pesticides at the
processing plant and also at
farm level. Freeze sensitive seed
coating is useful for fall planting
in cold climates. It is a user
friendly and environmentally
Different colours of polymer
safer technology.
10 KERALA KARSHAKAN
APRIL 2020
e-journalCommercial Formulations
Seed + Polymer + Colouring pigments + binder + active ingredients
(Eg. - SmartCote, Seedkare)
Seed coating / seed film coating
Value added seed
Steps involved in polymer coating
Benefits inoculants, protectants, nutrients, visual monitoring of placement
The major benefits of seed plant growth promotors, accuracy.
film coating are mainly related to hydrophobic/hydrophilic • Polymer coating results in more
safety and easy handling. The substances, herbicides, oxygen even seeding rate due to the
other advantages of this method suppliers etc. smooth flow of the seeds
over the conventional one are • By encasing the seed within • Polymer acts as a temperature
• Improves plantability and a thin film of biodegradable switch and protective coating by
emergence of seeds to benefit polymer, the adherence of the regulating the water uptake and
seed companies and farmers. seed treatment to the seed is subsequent germination of seed.
• Enables accurate and even improved. Thereby the two goals of seed
dosage of chemicals and reduces • It ensures dust free handling, enhancement like seed designing
chemical wastage. making treated seed both user and seed functioning can be
• It makes room for including and environment friendly. improved through seed film
all the required ingredients like • Addition of colourant helps coating.
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
APRIL 2020 11Shilpashree N.1
Nirmala Devi S.2
Manjunathagowda D.C.3
1
Ph. D. Scholar, Department of Vegetable Science,
COH, Bengaluru-560065
2
Professor, Department of Vegetable Science,
COH, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University,
Thrissur-680656
3
ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune
Corresponding author: shillushilpanrs999@gmail.com
VEGETABLE
SOYBEAN
AN EMERGING
POTENTIAL VEGETABLE
12 KERALA KARSHAKAN
APRIL 2020
e-journalV
egetable soybean [Glycine earlier known as Edamame, cultivated in Madhya Pradesh,
max (L.) Merrill, 2n=40] was first recorded around 200 known as the soybean bowl of
immature beans used as B.C. as a medicinal plant in India, contributing 65-70 % of
vegetable and also consumed China and is still very popular. the country soybean production,
as snack, it belongs to the family Historically, edamame was followed by Maharashtra,
Fabaceae. It is also called as grown between rice bunds, but Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and
Green soybean or Edible soybean due to surplus production of rice Karnataka.Vegetable soybean is
in North America, Edamane in and official pressure to convert cultivated in around 108.83 lakh
Japan and Maodou in China. paddy fields to other crops, field ha area in India with production
Vegetable soybean is harvested production has become more of 104.36 lakh MT .
at the immature R6 that is fully common in Japan. Japan is the Nutritional Importance of
expanded seed stage. In recent largest commercial producer of Vegetable Soybean
years, it is gaining importance in edamame. Taiwan supplies over It is also used for
India due to its nutritional values 99 per cent of those imports preparation of snacks, soups,
with quality traits of beans. as frozen edamame.Globally salads, processed into sweets
Vegetable soybean is recognized soybean occupies an area of and canned food, innovative
as a tidbit rather than a basic 111.52 million hectares, with products such as green milk,
food. Vegetable soybean is a production of 276.03 million green tofu, and green noodles.
widely accepted because of its tons and productivity of 2475 Frozen edamame is used as
characteristic volatile flavor, kg per hectare.The USA, Brazil, a top source of nutrients and
pod sweetness and presence of Argentina, India, China are the as very high calorific value.
amino acids namely histidine, leading producers and represent Vegetable soybean has become
isoleucine, leucine, lysine, more than 90% of world soybean an important export cash crop in
methionine, phenylalanine, production. United States Japan, China, U.S. and Europe
threonine, tryptophan and is leading in terms of area, but in India it is not much popular.
valine. Vegetable soybean major production and productivity Vegetable soybean is rich in
qualities in terms of palatability contributing to more than the protein, vitamins A, C and E,
are appearance, taste, flavor 43% of the world soybean unsaturated fats, phosphorous,
and texture. The pods are bright- production. India stands fourth in thiamine and riboflavin. Because
green with spotless surface and area with 12.2 m ha with annual of its characteristic-pleasing
good shape to fetch a good production of 11.98 million tons aroma and sweet taste it is widely
price in the wholesale and retail and average productivity of 1079 appreciated in Japan and China.
market. The Vegetable soybean kg per hectare. It is extensively Dry vegetable soybean seed is
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
APRIL 2020 13Figure 1: General view of soybean crop with flowers and pod bearing
larger (usually over 30 g/100 have been bred and cultivated. for vegetable soybean are quite
seeds), has higher soluble sugar These soybean genotypes are similar to those for grain soybean.
content and a lower number of short in duration (65-75 days) In general, vegetable soybean
chemical components associated permitting it to fit into narrow requires well-drained sandy
with negative flavours than grain windows in a crop rotation loam or loam soil with irrigation.
soybean. and yield high around 40 tons The planting densityis 40-45 cm
Soybean seed has anti- per hectare, of which 10 t/ x 10-15 cm in the spring and
nutritional substances, such as ha is consumable and the rest summer crop season, and 30
protease inhibitors. But, one- is usable as fodder or green cm x 10-15cm in the fall. The
third of activity of trypsin inhibitor manure. Though edamame has sowing period varies with crop
(TI) is less in its vegetable form been advertised as a miracle season is mid-February to early
and is more nutritious than super-food for reducing heart March for the spring crop and
grain soybean.Unlike most of disease and cancer risk, there is mid-september to early October
the vegetable proteins that are scant of adaptable varieties with for the winter crop. Seeding rate
deficient in supplying all the known neutraceutical properties. is about 110-120 kg/ha, in two-
essential amino acids (EAAs), The new insights will row beds using a planter with a
the soybean protein stands certainly help to stimulate ridging attachment. Fifty percent
unique by supplying all 10 EAAs edamame production and of the fertilizer is used for basal
including lysine. Soybean having utilisation, and offer potential dressing during landpreparation,
cardio friendly oil fulfils 30 per for expanding the domestic and the other 50 % as top
cent of world vegetable oil and international soybean dressing 15 days after sowing:
requirement. Apart from quality market.There is a great 60 kg N/ha, 40-80 kg P/ha
protein and oil, soybean also has potential and promise for its and 60 kg K/ha are usually
many therapeutic components widespread cultivation in India. recommended.
viz., lactose free fatty acids, At present, vegetable soybean In addition, diseases
antioxidants like vitamins C, K is not much popular in India, such as soybean rust and downy
and D and folic acid, vitamins but its introduction with better mildew, these can be controlled
of B complex group viz., nicotinic acceptable genotypes will help by spraying of triazoles and
acid (23 μg/g), pantothenic acid in enhancing nutritional security. stobilurin mixtures and insect
(15 μg/g), thiamine (12 μg/g), Hence efforts are being made pests such as bean fly, pod borer,
pyridoxine (8 μg/g), riboflavin to breed high yielding soybean mites, etc., should be controlled
(3.5 μg/g) and biotin (0.7 μg/g) varieties in India. by spraying of Quinolphos 25
and isoflavones like genistein Soybean Production EC, 2% methyl parathion dust @
and daidzein. In the world, many Practices 25-30 kg/ha, and dimethoate
vegetable soybean varieties The cultural practices 30 EC to produce a better crop.
14 KERALA KARSHAKAN
APRIL 2020
e-journalT
he human population productivity and sustainability of Krithika.C1
continues to grow rice for long term on scientific B. Balaganesh2
steadily with the shrinking basis. 1
Assistant professor, Department of soil
science and Agricultural chemistry, College of
re s o u r c e s b ei ng used for The traditional practice Agricultural Technology, Theni – 625526
2
PhD scholar, Department of soil science and
agricultural production situates for application of production Agricultural chemistry, Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University, Coimbatore – 003.
great challenge against Indian inputs is uniform blanket Corresponding author: Krithika.C
agricultural system to attain food recommendation across the E – mail: krithikac1706@gmail.com
and environmental security. To fields. Several studies have
counter these twin challenges in documented that soil properties
the country there is urgent need vary across farm fields, causing
of application of modern Hi-tech spatial variability in crop yields
technologies for enhancing the and uniform application of
PRECISION
FARMING
Modern Agriculture
Revolution In Rice For
Twenty-First Century
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
APRIL 2020 15production inputs is not (iv) Energy conservation mapping and estimation of soil
necessarily the most efficient (v) To increase input use efficiency organic matter, but on a scale
practice Input management using (vi) Soil and ground water larger than what is required for
traditional practices wherein protection precision agriculture. Remote
application of agricultural inputs (vii) Improve soil structure. sensing at high resolution can be
for farming are being made Components of precision of great use in precision farming
irrespective of the resource farming: because of its capacity to monitor
characteristics have led to low Geographical information the spatial variability. The remote
input use efficiency, high cost system (GIS), Global positioning sensing satellites send a known
of production and degradation system (GPS), Remote sensing signal towards the earth and
of natural resources. Precision (RS) and the farmer are the portion of the signal is reflected
farming emphasizes the site- major components of precision back. The image data are
specific crop management farming. actively collected by measuring
practices considering the spatial Geographical information these signals. Data are also
variability of land in order to system (GIS): collected passively by measuring
maximize crop production The precision farming is the sun’s energy reflected by
and minimize environmental information based technology an object or electromagnetic
damage. that concerned with spatial and energy emanated from an
Precision farming or temporal variability wherein GIS object. Remote sensing can be
site-specific management is is the key to extracting value from of various resolution, spectral
an “art and science of utilizing information on variability. GIS coverage and frequency. In
advanced technologies for is the brain of precision farming precision farming different
enhancing crop yield while system and spatial analysis applications will require different
minimizing environmental threat capabilities of GIS that enable spatial resolutions, spectral
to the planet”, that aimed at precision farming. coverage and frequencies. For
managing soil spatial variability Global positioning system eg., measurement of the intensity
by applying inputs in accordance (GPS): of disease infestation will
with site-specific requirements All phases of precision require higher resolutions than
of a specific soil and crop. agriculture require positioning what required for crop growth
For enhancing the efficiency information and it can be monitoring or yield mapping.
of farm inputs, increasing provided by the GPS (developed Farmer:
productivity and economics of by the US military) in an efficient As farming cannot
crop production and reducing manner. The GPS provides the be imagined without farmer,
potential environmental pollution accurate positional information, the latter must be considered
one should ensure to apply farm which is useful in locating the as an essential component
inputs (i) only when needed, spatial variability with accuracy. of precision farming too. For
(ii) in specific amounts inputs The GPS can be used in two assessing and managing the
needed and, (iii) in specific modes; single receiver mode and variability, decision-making is
locations of the field which differential mode (DGPS) using the key factor, and it is to be
can be ensured through the two receivers. Single receiver done in consultation with the
integration of farmers. Such collects the timing information farmer. In a wider perspective,
management practices require and processes it into position. it can be visualized that farmers
quantification of soil spatial In the differential mode (DGPS), do practice precision farming
variability across the field. one receiver is mounted in a to some extent as they make
Need for precision stationary position; usually at variable rate application of
farming: farm office while the other is on inputs in their different piece of
(i) To increase production the machine/implement. fields. But, the decision is based
efficiency Remote sensing: on variability what they perceive
(ii) To improve product quality Remote sensing has rather than the real variability
(iii) Use of chemicals more been used in soil mapping, that exists. Precision farming
efficiently terrain analysis, crop stress, yield is information and knowledge
16 KERALA KARSHAKAN
APRIL 2020
e-journalbased farming. Therefore, of reports on effect of these are being evaluated for their
farmers have to be trained for technologies revealed that the potential use under real farming
practicing precision agriculture, water productivity of the R-W situation.
and convinced to accept the system improved significantly Future strategy for
same. Further, the resource though saving on irrigation water precision farming:
endowment and socioeconomic and/or improvement in crop Fu t u r e s t r a t e g y f o r
condition of the farmer have yields. adoption of precision agriculture
to be taken into consideration Precision nutrient in India should consider the
before prescribing any tool or management: problem of land fragmentation,
step of precision farming. (i) Site-specific nutrient lack of highly sophisticated
Approaches for precision management: technical centres for precision
farming: (ii) Real time nitrogen agriculture, specific software
In precision farming, management using leaf color for precision agriculture, poor
inputs are to be applied precisely chart (LCC) and SPAD meter economic condition of general
in accordance with the existing (iii) Pr e c i s i o n n i t r o g e n Indian farmer etc. precision
variability. Therefore, assessing management using optical agriculture in small farms is that
the in-field variability soil and sensors (Green Seeker) individual farms will be treated as
crop is very crucial and first step Misconceptions about if they were management zones
of precision agriculture. Spatial precision farming within a field and that some
variability of all the determinants • PF is sometimes misinterpreted centralized entity will provide
of crop yield (topography, as sustainable agriculture information to the individual
soil properties etc) should be • PF is often confused with farmers on a co-operative basis.
well recognized, adequately yield mapping The problem of high cost of
quantified and properly located. • Machinery guidance and positioning system for small
Construction of condition maps auto steer systems are tools fields can be solved by ‘dead
on the basis of the variability that help with SSCM. By reckoning system’. The dead
is a critical component of themselves they are not PF reckoning system, suitable for
precision farming. Condition In conclusion, precision small regularly shaped fields,
maps can be generated through farming technologies are being relies on infield markers, such
(i) Surveys, (ii) Point sampling researched and implemented as foam to maintain consistent
and interpolation, (iii) Remote under various crops and application.
sensing (high resolution) and (iv) cropping systems. Rice-wheat This approach provided
Modeling. cropping system is most suitable farmers with a robust and credible
Precision planting: for adoption of this concept method for making decisions
Seed is becoming a for higher productivity and about spatial management
costly input and its placement profitability. It is evident that, the of their fields. Nature of crop
at desired place and in required precision farming technologies and weed vary from zone to
amount needs special attention. are successful in their role of zone, country to country. So
Manual sowing / planting is still enhancing crop production, input development of software and
a common practice in India, use efficiency while minimizing hardware for crop and weeds
which has to do away with low the cost of production and of India, site specific tillage
cost precision planters provided environmental impacts. Precision technique, etc. should be started
with précised seed metering land leveling, precision planting, and these packages will be
devices to ensure optimum plant real time N application using used for precision agriculture
population at lesser seed rates. LCC, SSNM, have demonstrated not only suitable for developed
Design and development of new potentialities for improving crop countries but also for developing
generation multi-crop planters yields, water productivity and countries, if applied properly
with precise seed metering nutrient use efficiency and the and has a wider impact in farm
systems are a step forward in other technologies like use of management through more
the precision planting. A handful sensors, remote sensing etc efficient machinery management.
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
APRIL 2020 17Chinthan K N1*
Bavishya2.
Vijayakumar Rathod3.
Narayana Swamy M4
1
M.Sc(Hort),Research scholar, Department
of Vegetable Science,KRC College of
Horticulture,Arabhavi-52112, Karnataka, India.
2
Scientist, Division of Horticulture(PMSAC),
ICAR-CPCRI, Vittal-574243, Karnataka, India
3
Assistant Professor, Department of
Vegetable Science,KRC College of
Horticulture,Arabhavi-52112,
Karnataka, India.
4
Associate professor & Head,
AHRS Shringeri, University of Agriculture
and Horticulture science, Shivamogga,
Karnataka, India.
*Corresponding Author:
kphallichinthan@gmail.com
ADI
A NEW
DISTINCTIVE
INDIGENEOUS
SPECIES OF
BLACK PEPPER
Introduction
Plants are known of their ability to maintain good
health since antiquity. Nowadays, the interest in natural
products as antimicrobial agents has greatly increased
due to the gradual collapse of antibiotics in the front
of the multi-drug-resistant pathogens. Spices are rich in
bioactive chemical compounds and they have been used
by several cultures for many centuries as food seasoning,
preservatives, insecticidal, colorants, and natural
flavours. Many spices are used to extend shelf-life of
food, prevent food spoilage and foodborne diseases,
though some spices are used in food production industry
18 KERALA KARSHAKAN
APRIL 2020
e-journalAdi piper piper nigrum piper galeatum piper hymenophyllum
Four different species of Pepper
Quality characteristics of Piper nigrum L. (black pepper) pepper found in Garwale village
“Adi Pepper” is the most famous species of Kodagu District, identified
of this genus, it is known as and reported by an farmer
Oil(%) 4.8-5.2
the “king of spices” due to its named Poonacha N.N. This
Bulk density (g/L) 626-626.5
pungent principle piperine and species when compared to other
Oleoresin(%) 9.4-10.1
the popularity in use for flavoring prominent variety in the market,
Piperin(%) 3.49-3.57
food throughout the world. which had a better advantage in
*IISR Kozhikode analysis report On the other hand, P. nigrum terms of biochemical as well as
(Piper nigrum) has been used in terms of commercial point of
and also many spices are used for medicinal purposes in many view.
to inhibit infectious diseases and parts of the world since ancient Special features of Adi
eradicate pathogens, particularly times. Medicinal uses of P. nigrum pepper:
in traditional medicine.According include antibacterial, antifungal, 1.Bold size corns with bulk
to recent global interest in natural antiapoptotic, antidepressant, density above 600 g.
products, medicinal plants and antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, 2.Tolerant to anthracnose and
traditional medicine, studies antimutagenic, antioxidative, quick wilt diseases.
on spices should be revived in antipyretic, antispasmodic, 3.3-4 kg dry pepper per
order to innovate new natural antitumor, to improve appetite plant(8-10 years old plant).
drugs. Encouraging this, is the and digestive power, anti- 4.Highly suitable for heavy
fact that up to 80% of the world cold, anti-cough, dyspnea, for rainfall, high altitude and misty
populations are still rely on curing from throat diseases, area.
medicinal plants and natural anti-intermittent fever, anticolic, 5.Fetches Rs. 700 per kg
products in their primary health- anti-dysentery, get rid of worms compare to normal pepper
care needs. and piles. which fetches Rs. 320 per kg.
T h e g e n u s Pi p e r L . There are many species Discussion
(family Piperaceae) consists which are yet to be escavated Adi pepper is exceptionally
of more than one thousand from wild sources and among an emerging species which is
species, distributed mainly in the these Adi pepper is an rich in almost all the parameters
tropical regions of the world. indigeneous species of black required for export. With this
Comparison of Physical and Chemical properties of Adi pepper and Panniyur-1
Particulars Corn size(mm) Dry recovery(g/L) Bulk density(g/L) Moisture % Esential oil % Oleoresin % Piperine %
Adi Pepper 6-7 38-42 673 15.45 3.8 10.39 5.85
Panniyur 1 4-5 33-38 507.25 12.21 3.4 8.92 2.38
*IISR Kozhikode analysis report (Multi Location)
Export Standards of Black pepper
Bulk density Moisture % Non volatile extract % Volatile oil % Piperine content %
Special 490 11 6 2.5 4
Standard 470 12 5.5 2 2
Export grades
Bulk Density Volatile oil Extraneous matter
Grade 1 >550 >2% 500 >2% 450 >1.8%Adi pepper
Essential oil profile of Conclusion 1997;44–45:35–38.
“Adi pepper” Adi pepper is a great Damanhouri Z.A., Ahmad A. A
promising species in terms review on therapeutic potential of
a- Thujene 2.12
of quality and essential oil Piper nigrum L. (Black Pepper):
a-Pinene 4.57
percentage. Which can be The King of Spices. Med.
Campene 0.14
explored and can be promoted Aromat. Plants. 2014;3:161.
Sabinene 11.28
as an commercial source after doi: 10.4172/2167-
B-Pinene 4.97
scientific taxanomical studiesand 0412.1000161.
Myrcene 2.23
standardization of its package De Almeida R.R.P., Souto R.N.P.,
a-Phellandrene 15.70
of practice. From the available Bastos C.N., da Silva M.H.L.,
3- Carene 5.69
data of essential oil and quality, Maia J.G.S. Chemical variation
a- Terpinene 0.57
it has the full potential to meet in Piper aduncum and biological
D-Limonene 21.16
the standards ofexport as a properties of its dillapiole-rich
B-Z-Ocimene 1.17
result helps the draining farmers essential oil. Chem. Biodivers.
y-Terpinene 0.82
with a great relief. Therefore, 2009;6:1427–1434.
4-thujanol 0.14
further efforts should be made Rali T., Wossa S., Leach D.,
Terpinolene 0.11
to investigate standardized this Waterman P. Volatile chemical
Linalool 0.41
species using well-designed constituents of Piper aduncum
L-4-terpineol 1.73
studies owing their widespread L and Piper gibbilimbum
a- Terpineol 0.13
use. In addition, a wide range C. DC (Piperaceae) from Papua
Trans-piperitol 0.02
of possibilities are open for the New Guinea. M ol ec u l es .
Piperitone 0.13
development of functional foods 2007;12:389–394.
S-elemene 0.56
based on this species. Salleh W., Rajudin E., Ahmad
Copaene 0.60
Acknowledgement F., Sir at H.M., Ar b a i n D.
B-elemene 0.58
We thank Poonacha N.N Essential oil composition of
B-Caryophyllene 9.80
resident of Garwale village of Piper majusculum Ridl. from
S-cadinene 0.28
Kodagu District for his great Indonesia. J. Mater. Environ. Sci.
T-Nerolidol 0.09
contribution to the field of spice 2016;7:1921–1924.
a-Humulene 0.93
research and we also thank for Srinivasan K. Molecular Targets
*IISR Kozhikode analysis report sharing the related information and Therapeutic Uses of Spices:
on adi pepper with various Modern Uses for Ancient
there would be a greater regards. Medicine. World Scientific;
contribution to the field of Reference Singapore: 2009. Black pepper
spices in terms of economy and Anonymous, 2018, (Piper nigrum) and its
nutritional security. This species ICAR-IISR biochemical analysis bioactive compound, piperine;
not only holds a very good report to farmer from samples pp. 25–64.
quality parameters but also is of Adi pepper. Thomas., Naik., Survey on
resistant to quick wilt which is an C i c c i o J . F. E s s e n t i a l o i l incidence of quick wilt in pepper:
severe divarstating problem to component in leaves and 2017. Black pepper (Piper
the commercial pepper cultivars stems of Piperbisasperatum nigrum). Int J. pure App
today. (Piperaceae) Rev. Biol. Trop. biosci; pp. 5(1):293-298.
20 KERALA KARSHAKAN
APRIL 2020
e-journalKarishmaSebastian
Gritta Elizabeth Jolly
Nihala Jabin P.P.
College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala
Agricutural University, Thiruvananthapuram
MONKEY
JACK
A Treasure Of Nature
M
onkey jack botanically Hayes (1970) more precisely heterophyllus (jack fruit), A.
known as Artocarpus mentioned the nativity of monkey hirsutus (anjili), A. altilis (bread
lakoocha Roxb, belongs jack to West Bengal. It is also fruit) and A. integer (cempedek).
to the family Moraceae, is a known by the names Barhal, Monkey jack is found growing
large growing tropical fruit Dahu, Dahua, Lakoocha etc. throughout the tropical and
plant. Monkey jack is native of The important fruit crops in subtropical part of Indian
India (Singh, 1969), whereas the genus Artocarpus are A. subcontinent. It is growing in
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
APRIL 2020 21wild form in abundance in West There are a number buds from shoot tips collected
Bengal, Northern plains, Eastern of important problems from six week old seedlings.
states, Assam and coastal areas associated with regeneration The plants grow upto 15-20
of Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil and propagation of lakoocha: m height with wide spreading
Nadu and other states of south (1) tree population of lakoocha compact canopy. They are
India. The trees also thrive is gradually decreasing due to deciduous in nature and shed
well in sub-Himalayan area poor seed viability and extensive their leaves before spring.
where humidity is high. The exploitation for food, timber, The new flush in monkey jack
plants of monkey jack are also and other uses; (2) seeds, once commence during February –
found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, extracted from the fruit, quickly March followed by flowering and
Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaya and loose viability within a week, or fruiting.
Thailand. sometimes even in few days; Shukla (2008) mentioned
It is a valuable tree species and (3) vegetative propagation that roundish, ill shaped, yellow,
of Indian subcontinent which is methods such as rooting of orange or dirty yellow fruit of
used for fruits, furnitures, timber hardwood or softwood stem monkey jack are 5-10 cm in
and fodder. It can contribute cuttings have not been successful diameter and sweet or sour in
to the sustainable livelihood of (Napier and Robbins, 1989). taste. Male flower spikes which
native communities as an agent Micropropagation in barhal has are spongy and yellow in colour
of supplementary nutrient diet also been attempted by Joshee has acidic taste and can be
and income generation through et al. (2002) and protocols have used as chutney. The physico-
plant products. been developed to initiate shoot chemical characters of monkey
22 KERALA KARSHAKAN
APRIL 2020
e-journaljack was reported by Singh et al. essential nutrients and bioactive plant.
(1999). The average fruit weight phytochemicals (Hari et al., References
of monkey jack ranges from 2014). Hari, A. Revikumar, K. G.
135.2 to 208.0g which contains The consumed A. and Divya, D. 2014. Artocarpus:
49.8 to 72.0% pulp, 12.4 to Lakoocha fruit pulp act as A review of its phytochemistry
21.2% seed. The fruit is having refresher of liver as well as and pharmacology. J. Pharma
a TSS of 17.2 to 21.2°Brix, 0.7 seeds and milky latex can be Search 9(1): 7-11.
to 1.1% acidity and 0.6 to 1.0% used as purgative. It is also Hayes, W. B. 1970. Fruit growing
pectin. The ripe fruits contain 6.2 used to treat skin ailments. The in India. Kitabistan, Allahabad,
to 18.3 mg/100g Vitamin C and wood and plant root yield a 512p.
104 to 150 IU /100g Vitamin A. lavish colour dye. Seeds contain Joshee, N., Bastola, D. R.,
Its fruits, as a dietary supplement, artocarpins which exhibits high Agrawal, V. P. and Yadav, A. K.
can alleviate the hidden hunger haemagglutination activity 2002. Lakoocha: A Multipurpose
present in the form of nutrient (Wongkham et al., 1995). The Tree of Warm Climate. Trends in
deficiencies and can increase life edible fruit pulp is believed to act new crops and new uses. Janick,
expectancy as well as quality. as tonic for the liver. J. and Whipkey, A. (eds.). ASHS
Barhal is a climacteric fruit, Leathery leaves of monkey Press, Alexandria. 405-406.
however fruits are allowed to ripe jack is used as an important Kessler, C. D. J. 1981. Int. Tree
on tree to develop better sugar: fodder in Nepal particularly Crops J. 1(40): 245-272.
acid blend. Fully matured or ripe during the lean winter season Krishnamurthy, S. R. and Sarala,
fruits are picked up individually (Kessler, 1981). It is an important P. 2013. Phytochemical studies of
and sold in the local market or feed for lactating animals, which Artocarpus gomezianus Wall. Ex
used for various purposes. have effect to produce more milk. Trecul. Var. lakoocha Roxb. fruits
Ripe fruits of barhal is Pandey and Nosberger (1985) collected from various altitudes
used for fresh consumption reported that the crude protein of central western Ghats. Indian
at limited scale. Some value in leaf fodder of Artocarpus J. Natural Products Resources
added products like jam, jelly, lakoocha varied from 122 to 4(4): 398-411.
squash, ready to serve etc can 131 g per kg dry matter and the Napier, I. and Robbins, M.
be prepared at home scale crude fibre content ranges from 1989. Forest seeds and nursery
level. Barhal fruit pulp can be a 171 to 202 g per kg dry matter. practice in Nepal. 94-95.
very good material for making Hardwood of monkey jack Pandey, K. K. and Nosberger, J.
mixed fruit jam because of is very much comparable to 1985. Nutrient content of leaves
its high carotene value. The teak wood and its straight or of the fodder tree Artocarpus
unripe mature fruits are used for interlocked grained with coarse lakoocha Roxb. Agroforestry Sys.
mixed pickle or preservation into and even textured wood can be 3(3): 297-303.
vinegar. used for construction, furniture Shukla, S. K. 2008. Barhal.
A variety of secondary and cabinet works. Tree bark In: Under utilized tropical and
metabolites like alkaloids, contains 8.5% tannin and can subtropical fruits, CISH, Lucknow.
phenols, flavonoids, tannins chew like betel nut. Singh, I. S., Srivastava, A. K. and
and steroids have been reported Moreover, tree also is an Singh, V. 1999. Improvement
by Krishnamurthy and Sarala important source of firewood of under utilised fruits through
(2013) from lakoocha fruits. and its sticky latex is present selection. J. Appl. Hortic. 1(1):
The presence of secondary everywhere of the tree and 34-37.
metabolites is indicative of its has many uses. The canopy Singh, R. 1969. Fruits. National
high medicinal value and use in shaped tree provides huge shade Book Trust, India, New Delhi.
the ethno medicinal formulations and create the environment 213p.
by native communities. cooler for humans, plants and Wongkham, S. 1995. Isolectins
They have also been animals. The tree can be used from seeds of Artocarpus
characterized as biofunctional for protection and occasionally it lakoocha. Phytochemistry. 40:
food due to presence of grown as an ornamental bonsai 1331-1334.
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
APRIL 2020 23Jeetendra C S1*
Laxman Kukanoor2
Chinthan K N3
Navya D V4
1 M.Sc(Hort) Scholar, Department of Post-
Harvest Technology, KRC College of Horticulture
Arabhavi-5912182 Professor and Head,
HEEU,RHREC, Kumbapur farm, Dharwad-5800053
M.Sc(Hort) Scholar,Department of Vegetable
Science, KRC College of Horticulture
Arabhavi-591218
4 M.Sc(Hort) Scholar, Department of Post-
Harvest Technology, KRC College of Horticulture
Arabhavi-591218*Corresponding
author: cs.jithu121kadur@gmail.com
MIRACLE
FRUIT
will wonder never cease!
24 KERALA KARSHAKAN
APRIL 2020
e-journalM
iracle fruit (Synsepalum Proximate composition in the literature and it was called
dulcificum), a native of miracle fruit the “miraculous berry”. Although
to West Africa, has the Contents Amount (%) it originated in West Africa, the
unique ability to sweeten the Moisture 59.5 flavor-altering Miracle Fruit berry
most acidic and sour of foods. Carbohydrates 18.5 is now internationally available.
The berries themselves are fairly Protein 7.75 Health benefits of Miracle fruit
bland, but just one chewed Fibre 6.14 1. Miracle fruit contains active
liberally will coat the taste buds Ash 4.36 polyphenols which improve
with enough miraculin, an active Fat 3.26 insulin sensitivity amongst
glycoprotein molecule found Vitamin A 0.04 diabetic patients. So it act as an
in the fruit, to make all acidic Vitamin C 22.6 antidiabetic.
and sour foods you put in your Vitamin D 0.01 2. Miracle fruit acts as a taste
mouth taste like the sweetest fruit Vitamin K 0.02 transformer in medicine and has
imaginable.
The effect lasts for thirty red, ovular, a little over an inch
minutes to two hours, and during long and filled with a seed.
that time you can chew a lemon History
and experience it as sweet The Miracle Fruit plant
ambrosia instead of the normal was discovered in the 1700s by
mouth-puckering sour taste European explorers traveling to
you’re used to. The miraculin West Africa. The first European
distorts the shape of the tongue’s to come across the miracle fruit
sweetness receptors “so that they -also called the magic berry or
become responsive to acids, flavor berry was Chevalier des
instead of sugar and other sweet Marchais, a French cartographer
things”, though no one’s quite who spent much of his life
sure how it does this. exploring the world. He noticed
Miracle fruit grows on that the natives of West Africa
evergreen bushes that can reach would pop the berries into their
20 feet in height in their native mouths before meals, which
West Africa, though less than half frequently consisted of guddoe,
of this in cultivation elsewhere. It or stale bread gruel, kankies, or
is not a particularly prolific plant, acidulated grain bread, beer,
and generally produces two and fermented palm wine, all of
small crops per year after the which were sour. In 1852, the first
rainy season. The berries are description of the fruit appeared
Freeze Dried Miracle Berry
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
APRIL 2020 25averse to eating; consuming model is proposed to explain
miracle fruit can mask this, the power of miraculin to modify
thereby encouraging food taste perception from sour to
consumption and improving sweet. This model suggests that
body weight. miraculin binds directly to the
4. Miracle fruit act as an sweet taste receptor T1R2-T1R3
Anti- hyperuricemia agent extracellularly within the taste
and prevents accumulation of buds of the tongue epithelium’s
excess of uric acid in the blood plasma membrane. While it
and thereby reduces the risk of can bind to the receptors under
kidney disorders and acute gouty neutral pH conditions, miraculin
arthritis in humans. only activates the receptor in
5. Miracle fruit act as an Anti - the presence of an acid, thus
Miracle fruit seed oil haemorrhoid agent and used in rendering sour foods to be
the treatment of haemorrhoid, perceived as sweet. The receptor
a low sugar content and a mildly also called piles in South-Western undergoes a structural change in
sweet tang. Nigeria. the presence of protons (H+),
3. Miracle fruit is a therapy for Mechanism of Action: causing the carbohydrate portion
cancer patients undergoing The exact mechanism of of the miraculin molecule to bind
chemotherapy. Such patients miraculin action is not entirely to the sweet receptor site, leading
often experience a metallic taste clear. However, based on the to a pH-dependent (between
in the mouth that makes them known information a theoretical pH 4.8 and 6.5) activation of
Miracle fruit tablets
26 KERALA KARSHAKAN
APRIL 2020
e-journalhuman sweet taste receptor cells. growing about 3–4 years, and Conclusion:
The most interesting aspect of produce two crops per year, after Synsepalum dulcificum
this mechanism is that unlike the end of the rainy season. This is an exceptional plant. Miracle
sugary substances, Miracle Fruit evergreen plant produces small, fruit is rich in sanative values and
alone does not evoke a sweet red berries, while white flowers helps to reduce diabetics, cancer,
taste, but alters the perception are produced for many months hyperuricemia, dysguesia and
of sweet in the presence of H+ of the year. haemorrhoids. Miracle fruit
ions. In other words, when a The seeds are about the and its products have a huge
person eats a Miracle Fruit and size of coffee beans. potential in the nearby future,
then consumes a sour substance In Africa, leaves are as it aids in reducing lifestyle
(e.g., a lemon wedge) his/ attacked by lepidopterous diseases by the decreased use
her sour taste receptors are larvae, and fruits are infested of calorie adding substances.
activated, yet the individual with larvae of fruit flies. The Since it is a tropical shrub, it has
does not perceive the expected fungus Rigidoporus microporus ample scope for domestication
sourness and instead perceives has been found on this plant. in the homesteads and also for
the sour substance as sweet. This Products from Miracle fruit commercial cultivation for use in
phenomenon demonstrates the Miracle fruit seed oil, pharmaceutical industry
psychophysical nature of human Miracle fruit tablets, Miracle fruit References:
senses by highlighting how powder, Freeze Dried Miracle Daniell WF (1852). On
sensation can be altered without Berry, herbal tea from miracle the Synsepalum dulcificum or
modifying the normal function of fruit and many more products miraculous berry of Western
sour taste receptors. are available and are under Africa. Pharm. J 11: 445-448.
Cultivation aspects: research to develop. Powders Inglett G, Dowling B, Albrecht J,
The plant grows best in are added to drinks or mixed Hoglan F. Taste modifiers, taste-
soils with a pH as low as 4.5 with foods. In addition, Miracle modifying properties of miracle
to 5.8, in an environment free fruit also available in the form fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum)
from frost and in partial shade of tablets and pills. In recent J of Agricult Food Chem.
with high humidity. It is tolerant years, Miracle fruit is being used 1965;13:284–287.
of drought, full sunshine, and as a whole by preserving it by T h e M i r a c l e Fr u i t : A n
slopes freezedrying Undergraduate Laboratory
The seeds need 14 to 21 1.Miracle fruit seed oil: Exercise in Taste Sensation
days to germinate. A spacing of 2.Miracle fruit tablets: and Perception. J Undergrad
4 m between plants is suggested. 3.Miracle fruit powder: Neurosci Educ 2016; 15(1):
The plants first bear fruit after 4. Freeze Dried Miracle Berry A56–A60.
KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal
APRIL 2020 27You can also read
