Spices Board India

Microbial Volatile Compounds (MVCs) are low molecular weight and low boiling point, high vapour pressure biochemical compounds, produced by a wide array of microorganisms ranging from bacteria to fungi. MVC are forms an interface for below and above soil interaction between microorganisms and plants. Global agricultural systems are under increasing pressure to deliver sufficient, healthy food for a growing population. MVCs can be of great benefit to plants and their use in agriculture thanks to their ability to inhibit the growth and development of plant pathogens, induce the activation of plant defense, or promote plant growth and development. Owing to their natural origin, MVCs have potential as possible alternatives to synthetic pesticides, fungicides, and bactericides as well as genetic modification. Recent studies have yielded mixed results regarding the application of MVCs. Hence, there is an urgent need to explore MVCs in more detail, including dose standardization, compatibility, method of application, and cost-effectiveness to integrate them into mainstream agriculture.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) plays a vital economic and cultural role in many tropical and subtropical regions. A comprehensive review of the existing literature underscores that advanced biotechnologies are pivotal in unlocking the full potential of coconut germplasm exchange, which is crucial for the future sustainability of this crop. While traditional exchange methods are hampered by phytosanitary risks and logistical burdens, biotechnological interventions such as in vitro conservation and cryopreservation present targeted solutions to overcome these bottlenecks. The exchange, facilitated by these technologies, allows for the efficient introduction of desirable traits. We indicate that diversification and germplasm exchange hold the key to improving coconut quality and yield, developing varieties resistant to pests and diseases, and ensuring long-term conservation of coconut genetic diversity. This review highlights the potential to overcome the challenges faced by regional breeding programs often hindered by restricted genetic resources. Furthermore, by examining past successes and challenges in coconut germplasm identification and exchange, we offer perspectives on optimizing strategies to conserve diversity. This work emphasizes that germplasm exchange paves the way for coconut varieties that can thrive under changing environmental conditions, securing the future of this highly valuable crop.

Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton originated in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats of South India. In order to compare the percentage of essential oil and its components of selected small cardamom landraces, the study was conducted at the Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Myladumpara, Idukki Dt. of Kerala. Essential oil components of nine farmer's varieties such as Njallani Green Gold, Thiruthali, Panikulangara Green Bold No.1, Wonder Cardamom, Elarajan, Arjun, Pappalu, PNS Vaigai, Pachaikkai; and ICRI-5 as control were compared to evaluate the quality of genotypes. Essential oil content was significantly higher in Najllani Green Gold (9.18%), followed by Wonder Cardamom (8.36%). GC-MS profiling identified twenty-five compounds contributing to 90-93% of essential oil. The higher percentage of 1,8-cineole was observed in PNS Vaigai (38.04%) and the control ICRI-5 (38.99%), while Panikulangara Green Bold No.1 had the lowest percentage (24.30%). α- terpinyl acetate was higher (43.39%) in Panikulangara Green Bold No.1 followed by Thiruthali (39.21%), and was lowest in ICRI-5 (35.97%). Panikulangara Green Bold 1 had a higher percentage of α-terpineol, Geranyl acetate, Geraniol and Linalyl acetate than other genotypes. The percentage of sabinene was higher in Njallani Green Gold (7.56%), and in the genotype, Elarajan (5.46%) was lowest. Due to the medicinal and flavour-contributing properties, the essential oil components can be used in medicinal and food industries.

Abstract This research investigates the utilization of a hybrid nanofiller comprising graphene oxide (GO) and amine‐modified nano silica in natural rubber matrix via the latex stage coagulation method. The resulting novel composite materials were characterized comprehensively for their static and dynamic mechanical properties. The hybrid nanofiller exhibited excellent dispersion within the rubber latex, facilitating the formation of a well‐interconnected network structure. The formed network resulted in remarkable improvements in tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus of the composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the hybrid filler (GO/nano‐silica hybrid (GO/NS)) could effectively reinforce the rubber matrix by constraining the mobility of rubber chains, leading to increased stiffness and mechanical strength. In fact, the confinement effect of the nanofillers has been carefully evaluated from dynamic mechanical spectroscopy. The increased glass transition temperature of the rubber nanocomposites specifies the restricted segmental mobility of the rubber chains. Moreover, the hybrid composites displayed significantly low rolling resistance, particularly GO/NS 2 (31% reduction), indicating their potential application as tire treads for fuel‐efficient and green tire manufacturing. The mechanical and rolling resistance properties achieved in these composites can be attributed to the efficient dispersion of the GO/nano‐silica hybrid(GO/NS) nanofiller and the resulting network formation within the rubber matrix. Findings emphasized the composites' viability as sustainable and eco‐friendly tire materials, potential for enhanced fuel efficiency, and reduced environmental footprint in tire manufacturing technology.Highlights The hybrid nanofiller (GO/nano silica hybrid) exhibited excellent dispersion within the rubber latex, leading to the formation of a well‐interconnected network structure. The resulting network structure significantly improved the tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus of the composite materials. Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated that the hybrid filler effectively reinforced the rubber matrix, increasing stiffness and mechanical strength by constraining the mobility of rubber chains. Our hybrid composites displayed a remarkable reduction in rolling resistance, particularly GO/NS2, with a 31% reduction, indicating their potential application as tire treads for fuel‐efficient and green tire manufacturing. The study emphasized the composites viability as sustainable and eco‐friendly tire materials, offering potential benefits for enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced environmental footprint in tire manufacturing technology.

Red pepper is a spice vulnerable to fungal growth and mycotoxin contamination while in the field and post-harvest during storage. Storage fungi are omnipresent and colonize fast when moisture levels go up, ultimately leading to mycotoxin production. Stored samples of the whole, crushed and ground red pepper in the Southern Indian States and Maharashtra, India were examined to isolate and characterize the prevalent contaminant fungal species. The average moisture content was below 10% for all the red pepper samples and the average total fungal load was less than 1×104 CFU/g. Crushed red pepper showed higher fungal counts than ground and whole red pepper. The identified contaminant mycoflora belonged to the group; Aspergillus, Eurotium sp., Cladosporium sp., Eupenicillium sp., Penicillium sp., Miscellaneous fungi, Neosartorya sp., Curvularia sp., and Hyphopichia sp. Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus was present only in 8.3% of the crushed and 2.54% of whole red pepper samples stored for more than two months.

Mycotoxins are important food contaminants posing a significant threat to food and feed safety and public health. Among the mycotoxins, aflatoxins are deemed to be a more significant contaminant due to their potent carcinogenic, and hepatotoxic effects, and their levels are highly regulated in the international food trade. Phytochemicals are considered a major source of natural antifungal agents. The volatile nature of essential oil of plants makes them ideal candidates for antifungal agents due to their ability to distribute in free air spaces in closed containers and penetrate through heterogeneous food materials. In these, essential oils in spices attain special attention due to their commercial availability and low toxicity. This article reviews the antiaflatoxigenic capacity of spice essential oils and the effect of essential oil composition on the activity and mechanism of antifungal action and is expected to be useful for the planning of further research in the subject area.

A field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during the year 2014-2016 with ten germplasm of banana viz. Gobin Tulchi (AAB), Bogimonohar (ABB), Manohar (AAB), Agnisagar (AAA). Barjahaji (AAA), Kachkal (ABB), Assamese Malbhog (AAB), Chenichampa (AAB), Bharatmoni (AAB) and Jahaji (AAA) to assess the physiological performance of this banana (Musa spp.) germplasm with special reference to moisture stress. The various parameters were recorded at 5th, 7th and 9th months after planting. The soil of the experimental field was acidic, well drained and sandy loam in texture with low available N and K and medium available P content. The statistical design was Randomized block design. All the data pertaining to the present investigation were statistically analysed as per the method of analysis of variance (ANOVA) given by Panse and Sukhatme (1967). The critical difference (CD) values were calculated at 5 per cent probability level. For analysis software SPSS 7.5, Costat 6.3 and MS-excel were used. Moisture stress progressively reduced the values of leaf area, root biomass, specific leaf weight, fruit length, fruit circumference, duration of fruit filling, number of hands per bunch, number of finger per bunch, pulp-peel ratio and bunch weight. The germplasm Barjahaji was found to be higher yielder followed by Bogimonohar and Agnisagar whereas the cultivar Kachkal and Assamese Malbhog were found to be the lowest performer in this regard. From the above, it can be concluded that the cultivars Barjahaji, Bogimonohar and Agnisagar are physiologically more tolerant.

Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton (Small cardamom) is a widely used high value spice with various medicinal properties. Differences in the availability of solar radiation can cause modifications in the structure and function of small cardamom plants through altered source and sink capacities. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of varying levels of light intensity on growth, physiological characteristics, yield, chemical quality and pest incidence of small cardamom (variety Appangala-1) under full sunlight and two shading conditions (75 % shade, 50 % shade). The experiment was performed during 2016-2018 at the Regional Station, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Appangala, Karnataka. The experimental data revealed that the plant samples under 50 % shade produced more physiologically active tillers and higher capsule setting as well as yield per plant than those of other plant samples kept under 75 % shade and full sunlight condition. The highest photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, chlorophyll fluorescence and lowest canopy temperature were observed on plants exposed to 75 % shade. Oleoresin content was higher in plant samples under full sunlight as compared with those under shade condition. But no significant difference was observed in essential oil concentrate ion in capsules. The percentage contribution of 1,8-cineole and α-terpinyl acetate that are considered the major constituents of essential oil are different under different illumination conditions. The concentration of α-terpinyl acetate and 1,8-cineol was highest respectively under full sunlight and 75 % shaded levels. Increased borer damage on shoots (Conogethes punctiferalis Guen.) was noticed for 75 % shade level. Significant difference was not noticed on the incidence of thrips and borers irrespective of shade levels. Plants under 50 % shade registered higher capsule yield besides having physiologically more active tillers and essential oil constituents and would be hence optimum for increased yield and growth of small cardamom.