Some pH responsive polymeric matrix of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum), L. hydrogel (LSH) was prepared by free radical polymerization using potassium persulfate (KPS) as an initiator, N,N-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker, acrylic acid (AA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) as monomers; while ketoprofen was used as a model drug. Different formulations of LSH-co-AA and LSH-co-MAA were formulated by varying the concentration of crosslinker and monomers. Structures obtained were thoroughly characterized using Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, XRD analysis and Scanning electron microscopy. Sol-gel fractions, porosity of the materials and ketoprofen loading capacity were also measured. Swelling and in vitro drug release studies were conducted at simulated gastric fluids, i.e., pH 1.2 and 7.4. FTIR evaluation confirmed successful grafting of AA and MAA to LSH backbone. XRD studies showed retention of crystalline structure of ketoprofen in LSH-co-AA and its amorphous dispersion in LSH-co-MAA. Gel content was increased by increasing MBA and monomer content; whereas porosity of hydrogel was increased by increasing monomer concentration and decreased by increasing MBA content. Swelling of copolymer hydrogels was high at pH 7.4 and low at pH 1.2. Ketoprofen release showed an increasing trend by increasing monomer content; however it was decreased with increasing MBA content. Sustained release of ketoprofen was noted from copolymers and release followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model.
This study was conducted at the Horticultural Farm to determine the effects of mulches and phosphorus on the growth and yield of squash (Cucurbita pepo). The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor A: different mulches and Factor B: phosphorus (3 levels). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Mulches and phosphorus showed significant effects on most of the parameters. In case of mulches, highest individual fruit weight (328.0 g) and fruit yield (37.0 tha -1 ) was recorded from black polythene, whereas the lowest fruit weight (280.8 g) and fruit yield (21.5 tha -1 ) was recorded from control. In case of phosphorus, highest individual fruit weight (300.4 g) and fruit yield (31.3 tha -1 ) was recorded from 90 kg P 2 O 5 /ha , whereas the lowest fruit weight (290.4 g) and fruit yield (26.2 tha -1 ) was recorded from control. For combination, highest individual fruit weight (338.2 g) and fruit yield (39.9 t ha -1 ) were recorded from black polythene with 90 kg P 2 O 5 /ha while the lowest individual fruit weight (272.2 g) and fruit yield (19.7 t ha -1 ) were recorded from control treatment. Black polythene mulch with 90 kg P 2 O 5 /ha was found suitable for squash cultivation under the condition of the study.
The concept of integrated management was first conceptualized in the 1950s by entomologists to describe the selection of specific pesticides with adjusted dosages and application timings to control harmful insects and mites while preserving beneficial insects. However, the management of disease conveys the idea of a continuous process that is more preventative in which the loss from disease is kept below some economic level. Over the decades, the concept was eventually expanded to include all relevant biological, cultural, and chemical tactics to manage insect, pathogen and weed pests of crops; a multi-tactic approach to pest management. Notably, the concept of plant health management was taken up by the American Phytopathological Society in the early ’90s, which resulted in series of Plant Health Management publications such as “Wheat health Management” and “Potato Health Management”. In this review article, we will discuss the closely associated pathogens included Cercospora, Alternaria, and Web blotch, which cause peanut foliar disease, and its management strategies.
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