The present investigation was carried out during two consecutive years (2021-22 and 2022-23) on twelve mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes from an 8–10-year-old orchard to evaluate morphological and quality traits and assess genetic diversity. Fruits were harvested based on maturity indices such as skin color, flesh color and aroma, with undamaged fruits selected for evaluation. A total of 192 fruits representing 48 treatments were analyzed under a Randomized Block Design (RBD). The genotypes studied included Ambika, Pusa Arunima, Dashehari-51, Kesar, Pusa Surya, Mallika, Amrapali, Burma Surakha, Neelum Chausa, Mithua Malda, Rataul and Saurav. Multivariate analysis through Mahalanobis D² statistics and Tocher’s method was employed to classify genotypes into distinct clusters. Pooled data over two years revealed four clusters, with Cluster IV recording the highest mean fruit yield per tree (338.31 fruits), followed by Cluster II (268.15) and Cluster III (234.85). The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between Cluster IV and Cluster II (D=9.789), indicating substantial genetic divergence, while intra-cluster distance ranged from 0.01 (Cluster IV) to 3.114 (Cluster I). Cluster I, comprising six genotypes, exhibited the highest intra-cluster diversity. Based on inter-cluster distances, hybridization between Cluster IV (Amrapali) and Cluster II (Kesar, Burma Surakha and Rataul) is suggested to exploit heterosis and develop superior recombinants. The findings highlight significant genetic diversity among mango genotypes, providing useful information for selecting promising parents in breeding programs aimed at enhancing yield and quality attributes.

The present study was conducted at Horticultural Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, using pooled data from 2021 to 2023, to assess genetic variability, heritability and trait associations among twelve mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes. Significant genetic variation was observed across morphological and biochemical traits. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV) were recorded for total carotenoids, total antioxidants, fruit yield per tree, phenol content, fruit pulp weight, number of fruits per tree, fruit weight and ascorbic acid, suggesting substantial scope for genetic improvement through direct selection. All traits exhibited high heritability, indicating a strong genetic basis with limited environmental influence. Furthermore, high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was recorded for most traits, while moderate values observed for total soluble solids and acidity indicate additive gene action. These findings highlight key traits for targeted selection in breeding programs aimed at enhancing fruit yield and quality in mango.

Carica papaya L., a fruit crop of high nutritional and economic importance, faces significant challenges regarding yield stability, fruit quality and environmental stress tolerance. This study explored genetic variation, heritability and trait correlations to support targeted papaya breeding programs. Through a Line × Tester mating design, 40 F1 hybrids were developed from 14 parental genotypes, revealing considerable genetic diversity. High heritability values (87.25% – 99.65%) for key traits confirmed the strong genetic influence on fruit yield, size and number of fruits per plant. Notable anticipated genetic advances, particularly for fruit yield (93.16%), emphasize the prospects for substantial improvement through selective breeding. Traits such as fruit yield per plant (45.30%), fruit weight (39.06%) and number of fruits per plant (31.46%) showed the highest genotypic and phenotypic variability. The study also highlighted the impact of environmental factors, as phenotypic coefficients of variation exceeded genotypic coefficients across traits, underlining the need for integrating ecological adaptability in breeding strategies. These results emphasize the importance of utilizing genetic diversity to enhance papaya yield and quality, meeting both domestic and global market demands. By leveraging the observed genetic potential, breeders can develop improved genotypes that align with sustainability goals, ensuring higher productivity, better market returns and enhanced food security in papaya-producing regions.

This study was conducted at Post-Harvest Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.). The objective was to evaluate the effects of various post-harvest treatments on the ripening dynamics and shelf life of mango fruits during storage under ambient conditions. Among the different treatments evaluated, Ethrel at 750 ppm emerged as the most effective across multiple parameters. Physiologically, Ethrel 750 ppm-treated fruits demonstrated the lowest physiological loss in weight with 2.15%, 4.75% and 5.85% on the 5th, 10th and 15th day, respectively and decay percentage of 0%, 1.12% and 4.15%, indicating better storability. Firmness retention was significantly higher in the same treatment at 45.13 N, 24.46 N and 15.89 N on the 5th, 10th and 15th day, respectively, outperforming all other treatments. Fruit skin colour received sensory scores of 8.26, 8.45 and 7.83, while flavour/aroma scored 7.83, 8.26 and 7.95 on the 5th, 10th and 15th day, respectively, signifying superior consumer appeal. In terms of marketability and freshness, Ethrel 750 ppm-treated fruits achieved the highest sensory evaluation scores of 7.26, 8.76, and 7.22 for marketability and 8.45, 8.36 and 7.89 for freshness on the 5th, 10th and 15th day, respectively. Specific gravity decreased during storage, with values of 0.938, 0.928 and 0.812 for Ethrel 750 ppm on the 5th, 10th and 15th day, respectively, correlating with advanced ripening stages. Bio-chemically, Ethrel 750 ppm treatment significantly increased total soluble solids with 18.58°Brix, 20.55°Brix and 20.65°Brix; reducing sugars content with 3.81%, 4.25%, and 4.36% and total sugars content with 14.95%, 15.82% and 15.85% on the 5th, 10th and 15th day, respectively. Furthermore, it maintained lower titratable acidity at 0.24%, 0.22% and 0.17% and favourable pH values of 3.25, 5.12 and 6.78 across the three respective intervals, indicating balanced ripening. Non-reducing sugars in Ethrel 750 ppm was recorded at 11.82%, 11.57% and 11.49% on the 5th, 10th and 15th day, respectively. Overall, Ethrel 750 ppm proved to be the best treatment for enhancing ripening characteristics, improving sensory attributes and prolonging post-harvest shelf life of mango cv. Rataul. Ethrel 500 ppm also performed well, although slightly less effectively. The results strongly support the application of Ethrel at 750 ppm as a promising post-harvest management strategy for improving mango fruit quality during storage

Traditional gladiolus propagation methods are now supplemented with in vitro propagation to meet the demands of modern floriculture in terms of quick production of disease-free, quality planting material. Due to virus infections, vegetative propagation in gladiolus in the field is slow, and is a serious concern in the propagation of gladiolus. In vitro propagation provides an enormous increase in propagation rate and the ability to produce disease-free plant material. Numerous elements, including cultivars, explant type, size of explants, position of explants on medium, plant growth regulators and certain additives, incubation conditions, and sub-culturing time, all have a significant impact on in vitro clonal propagation of gladiolus plants as well as the development of in vitro cormel efficiency. There are certain obstacles and challenges that arise in the in vitro development of plants and the cormels of gladiolus. However, numerous studies and review reports on gladiolus for in vitro propagation have been reported, but very little is known about the factors influencing gladiolus’ in vitro effectiveness. In the present review, we focused on and analyzed research data accumulated over 50 years on diverse strategies for in vitro propagation such as direct, indirect organogenesis, and somatic embryogenesis, as well as various factors such as physical, nutritional, and hormonal influences on in vitro propagation, in vitro cormel formation efficiency, difficulties that arise, and new insights into in vitro development in gladiolus from the available literature worldwide. Future possibilities for further improvement in the in vitro propagation of ornamental gladiolus are also discussed. The current review provides insight into a comprehensive protocol for gladiolus in vitro propagation and emphasizes the importance of continuously advancing tissue culture techniques and factors influencing the in vitro efficiency towards improving in vitro plantlets and cormels in gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.).

Cinnamomum tamala leaf (CTL), also known as Indian bay leaf, is used all over the world for seasoning, flavoring, and medicinal purposes. These characteristics could be explained by the presence of several essential bioactive substances and lipid derivatives. In this work, rapid screening and identification of the chemical compounds in supercritical (SC)-CO2 extracts of CTL by use of UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE with a multivariate statistical analysis approach was established in both negative and positive mode. A total of 166 metabolites, including 66 monocarboxylic fatty acids, 52 dicarboxylic fatty acids, 27 fatty acid amides, and 21 cinnamic acid derivatives, were tentatively identified based on accurate mass and the mass spectrometric fragmentation pattern, out of which 142 compounds were common in all SC-CO2 extracts of CTL. Further, PCA and cluster hierarchical analysis clearly discriminated the chemical profile of analyzed extracts and allowed the selection of SC-CO2 extract rich in fatty acids, fatty acid amides, and other bioactive constituents. The result showed that the higher number of compounds was detected in CTL4 (300 bar/55 °C) extract than the other CTL extracts. The mono- and di-carboxylic fatty acids, fatty acid amides, and cinnamic acid derivatives were identified in CTL for the first time. UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE combined with chemometric analysis is a powerful method to rapidly screen the metabolite profiling to justify the quality of CTL as a flavoring agent and in functional foods.

The utilization of Cissus quadrangularis and other medicinal plants in traditional and modern medicine holds promise for the prevention and management of oxidative stress-related maladies. Top of FormThe aim of present work was to assess the free radical scavenging potential of the selected bioactive component of stem extract using different solvent (aqueous, methanol, dichloromethane, acetone and chloroform) of the plant Cissus quadrangularis. Antioxidant activity of the selected phytochemical of stem extract of the plant Cissus quadrangularis were done by Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, DPPH antioxidant power assay and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The analysis of ferric reducing antioxidant power assay indicate that all tested solvent extract have good antioxidant potential as compare to ascorbic acid which was taken as reference. Acetone extract expressed maximum antioxidant potential with EC50 value 0.17 and chloroform extract expressed minimum antioxidant potential with EC50 value 0.35. The order of ferric reducing antioxidant potential among the tested solvent are as s follow: Acetone > Dichloromethane > Methanol > Aqueous > Chloroform. The results of the present study showed that all the extracts exhibited potent antioxidant activity. The analysis of DPPH antioxidant power assay, HRS antioxidant power assay and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay indicate that all tested solvent extracts have good antioxidant potential and among the five extracts methanolic, dichloromethane, and acetone extract respectively exhibited higher potency of free radical scavenging activity.

Some of the challenges to developing greener sample preparation procedures are related to finding solvents and practices with low environmental impacts. Given the importance of CO2, water, and ethanol compared to other green solvents in flavonoid extractions, it is convenient to explore changes in how they are employed. Depending on temperature and pressure, these three solvents may present total or partial miscibility that can be used conveniently in sample preparation. In this work, the Lippia origanoides (Verbenaceae family) vegetal material remnant after essential oil distillation was extracted with either aqueous ethanol (EtOH), ethanol-modified supercritical CO2 (EtOHCO2), or two coexisting CO2 fluid phases [(CO2)2]. The latter was the extractive practice that afforded higher selectivity and yield of pinocembrin (Pn) and galangin (Gn), two important active ingredients for pharmaceutical applications. EtOH extraction was the practice with the highest whole yield, and its extract contained mainly glycosylated compounds, in contrast to those extraction systems that involved CO2. The presence of CO2 allowed selective extraction of nonglycosylated flavonoids, possibly due to π−π intermolecular interactions with them. Flavonoids whose B-ring is a benzene or phenol group were recovered in higher amount. By means of the EtOHCO2 and (CO2)2 techniques, the extraction/isolation of Pn and Gn was achieved with less ethanol consumption and lower environmental impacts. The best setup was extraction with (CO2)2 and isolation by preparative HPLC. These results are promising for increasing selectivity and yield in some specific sample preparations.

Papaya, renowned for its delectable fruit, conceals hidden treasures within its plant. The papaya's fruit, with its high vitamin C content and nutritional richness, supports overall health, while its often-overlooked seeds harbor antimicrobial and digestive benefits. Papaya leaves, steeped in traditional medicine, offer antioxidants and potential remedies for various health issues. Surprisingly, papaya skin contains enzymes with skin-rejuvenating properties. The less-studied papaya roots hint at digestive health and anti-inflammatory potential. Papaya flowers bring unique flavors to culinary delights and offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory possibilities. Lastly, papaya enzymes, particularly papain, facilitate digestion, find use in dietary supplements, and serve as natural meat tenderizers or skincare agents. These diverse facets of the papaya plant highlight its holistic significance, transcending its famed fruit's sweetness, encouraging a deeper appreciation of this tropical treasure's multifaceted contributions to health and well-being.

This study aimed to see how fly ash (FA) and vermicompost (VC) proportions affected lemongrass growth characteristics, essential oil yield, and quality. The application of 10% Fly ash with 90% vermicompost produced considerably greater biomass yield (69.7t/ha) and essential oil yield (429.3 kg/ha) than the rest of the cultivar, followed by 20% FA + 80% VC (68.5 t/ha and 401.2 kg/ha), respectively and 100% VC (68.3 t/ha and 371.0 kg/ha), respectively. Citral content, a combination of isomeric aldehydes such as neral and geranial, was used to determine lemongrass oil's quality. Geranial and neral concentrations of more than 75% are considered high-grade essential oils. Geranial and neral were our research's most important essential oil components. All treatments except zero fertilizer, i.e., control, had higher geranial and neral content (%). However, the concentration of geranial and geranyl acetate in lemongrass is unaffected by treatment among these many treatments. 10% FA + 90% VC had greater gross return, the net return, and B: C ratios than the remainder of the treatment, followed by 20% FA + 80% VC and 100% VC). In the meantime, there was no discernible variation in bulk density (mg m(-3)) or infiltration rate (cm hr(-1)). However, a considerable difference was seen concerning porosity, with 100% VC recorded significantly higher porosity (52.8%) than the rest of the treatment.

In vitro propagation greatly boosts the propagation rate and allows for the development of disease-free plants. In the near future, new in vitro propagation methods could make it easier to produce plants true to type on a wide scale and to use genetic engineering to improve genotypes. Various factors, such as genotype, explant type, size of explants, position of explants on the medium, plant growth regulators and certain additives, incubation conditions, and sub-culturing time, all have a significant impact on the in vitro generation of plantlets and bulblets. However, numerous studies on in vitro propagation have been published, but there is very little information on the parameters that affect the in vitro efficiency of tuberose. The efficiency of bulblet production in ornamental tuberose as well as different physical, nutritional, and hormonal aspects are discussed in this manuscript along with several in vitro propagation strategies (direct, indirect, and somatic embryogenesis). Future research opportunities and the use of creative ways to improve ornamental tuberose are also highlighted. As a whole, this review provides an insight toward a complete protocol for in vitro propagation in tuberose, highlighting the factors influencing the in vitro efficiency and future strategies for improving in vitro plantlets and bulblets in ornamental tuberose.

The genus Aloe (family: Xanthorrhoeaceae) encompasses 490 shrubby-succulent-perennial species which are native to Africa. Among these, Aloe vera has grabbed the limelight in the arena of herbal medicine due to the presence of unique phytochemicals such as Aloin A and B, Homonataloin, Aloe emodin, acemannan etc. in its latex. Moreover, its leaf extract contains 99% water, and 75 active compounds including vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C, and E), minerals (Zn, Se, Na, Mn, Mg, K, Cu, Cr, Ca), amino acids, and enzymes (peroxidase, lipase, cellulase, catalase, carboxypeptidase, bradykinase, amylase, alkaline phosphatase). Thus, Aloe vera is revered as a ‘wonder plant’ as it possesses multiple pharmaceutical properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, anti-hypertensive and its juice helps to cure gastrointestinal disorders, and dermal diseases, it also strengthens the immune system. Being a xerophyte, Aloe vera is commercially cultivated in many countries which include South Africa, America, Australia, India etc. The Aloe gel, is meticulously extracted, processed and stabilized before using it in preparation of various health care products. This review focuses on the explicit information on origin, botanical description, phytochemistry, nutritional and medicinal benefits, with special emphasis on value-added products of Aloe vera. The review revealed 46 value-added Aloe-products that are being manufactured by different companies worldwide. Thus, sustainable Aloe-cultivation must be ensured to meet the rising global demands for Aloe vera gel and allied products.

Carica papaya L. (family: Caricaceae), also known as ‘papaya,’ is a tropical American fruit tree. Due to the bioactive components (carpaines, BITC, benzyl glucosinolates, latex, papain, zeaxanthin, choline, etc.) in its seeds, leaves, and fruits, it is revered for its excellent antioxidant, digestive, and nutraceutical benefits. Papayas are high in vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, folate, pantothenic acid, zeaxanthin, lycopene, lutein, magnesium, copper, calcium, and potassium. Being rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, it lowers the cholesterol in the arteries; prevents arthritis; reduces aging, cancer, macular degradation, risk of cardiovascular diseases, and stress; increases platelet count; controls dengue fever; facilitates digestion, and lowers body weight. Papaya leaf extract, with many in vitro and case studies in combination therapies with modern medicine, especially for cancers and many other viral diseases, has been found to be an efficient cure. Humans have cultivated papaya cultivars for millions of years because of their significant commercial, medicinal, and agronomic value. Several reports have been published on the genetic modification of papaya for resistance to abiotic (herbicide, Al toxicity, etc.) and biotic stressors (PRSV, mites, Phytophthora, etc.), delaying ripening, and improving shelf life. However, most of these traits have not been introduced globally to all commercial papaya varieties. Unraveling the genetics of papaya has shed light on various domestication impacts, evolutionary patterns, and sex determination in fruit tree crops. It also serves as a potential step toward developing new cultivars to fight climate-oriented stress. Furthermore, extensive research on the stability of the ‘transgene’ across generations, and the ‘yield-penalty’ caused by the transgene, is required. Thus, meticulous crop improvement research on commercial papaya cultivars is necessary for long-term food and health security. This review article encompasses information on the traditional and modern medicinal uses, nutritional properties, phytochemistry, diseases and etiology, post-harvest measures, genomics, biotechnological strategies (for papaya improvement), and value-added products of papaya for food and health security.

A series of new thiazole based hydrazones have been synthesized and their antimicrobial and α-amylase (type-II diabetes) inhibitory activities have been evaluated. The structures of synthesized derivatives were elucidated by various spectral techniques including FTIR, NMR and mass spectrometry. Antibacterial activity tests were performed against two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacterial strains. Two fungal strains (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) were taken for testing antifungal activity. Among the tested derivatives, compound 3d was found to be the most potent against all tetsed bacterial and fungal strains. The α-amylase inhibitory activity of all compounds was also assayed using the starch iodine method. Derivatives 3j and 3k exhibited the best inhibitory activity against α-amylase enzyme with IC50 values of 0.26 ± 0.06 and 0.32 ± 0.02 μM, respectively, in comparison to acarbose (IC50 = 0.11 ± 0.00 μM) as standard reference. The results of the biological activity evaluation were confirmed by docking studies.

Abstract The camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora Linn. J. Presl) belongs to the family Lauraceae collected from Doon Valley, Garhwal region of Uttarakhand was studied. Essential oil (EO) from the leaves of C. camphora was isolated (yield 1.57%, w/w) using the hydro-distillation method and analyzed for its chemical composition by capillary GC and GC/MS. The EO showed the presence of 23 compounds representing 95.19% area of total chromatogram. EO was dominated by monoterpenes amounting to 88.06% represented by 11 hydrocarbons (36.79%) and 04 oxygenated derivatives (51.27%) with D-camphor (46.06%), limonene (9.74%), α-pinene (9.71%), β-myrcene (4.91%) and camphene (4.37%) as major constituents. Therefore, the characteristic odor and chemical composition of camphor rich C. camphora essential oil can become a significant source of natural fragrances in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.