An experiment was undertaken using open-top chambers to study the effect of CO 2 enrichment on crop growth and to assess the variation related to the time of CO 2 exposure. In general, enriched CO 2 conditions (600 ± 50 p.p.m.) in the chamber positively affected the growth and development of mungbean (Vigna radiata), a short-duration (60-65 days) summer pulse crop. However, there was significant variability in the effect of the crop stage/time of CO 2 exposure. It was observed that high CO 2 exposure at an early growth stage [0-20 days after germination (DAG)] had a larger effect than that at a later growth stage (21-40 DAG). The experiment also provided a means of assessing the shortand long-term effects of elevated CO 2 on the carbon exchange rate at both stages of exposure. The study revealed that the sensitivity of plants to high CO 2 was more pronounced with respect to net photosynthetic rate. The overall photosynthetic activity gave greater growth and development of plants under high CO 2 .
Applications of nano-scaled energetic materials in diesel and diesel-biodiesel blends as catalytic agents have emerged contemporarily in pace to develop an efficient and eco-friendly alternative fuel for compression ignition (CI) engines. Inclusion of nanoparticles as additives for CI engine fuels promises as overall improver of engine performance and emission characteristics. However, simultaneous control on engine performance parameters and emission characteristics is usually difficult. Dispersion of nano-additives improves combustion efficiency by altering specific fuel properties of diesel. Average particle size of 40-50 nm facilitate greater surface-to-volume ratio, hence ensure more complete combustion through further chain reactions during combustion. Nanoparticles as catalytic agents in diesel and its proportionate blends have recently emerged as game changer but their potential is in-fact not fully explored for market acceptability. The following are the major challenges that are to be considered in future researches: (a) There is a need of onroad testing in real ambient conditions, (b) Effects of exhaust emission fuelled with nanocatalysts on human breathing, (c) Overall effects on diesel engines of agricultural tractors and other heavy earth moving machines which are designed for high load factors, and (d) Effects of such modified fuels on driving habits of consumers.
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