RESUMO
Aflatoxin contamination is a major concern in dry chilli pods during storage, which renders chilli flakes, and chilli powder unsafe for consumption and unfit for trade. Traditional method of storage also results in both qualitative as well as quantitative losses. In our study, we evaluated Purdue improved crop storage (PICS) based triple layer hermetic bags (PICS triple bags) for their efficacy in safe storage of dry chilli pods. Four different types of storage bags including untreated jute bag, polythene bag, triple layer hermetic bag, and fungicide treated jute bag were tested for three different storage periods (2, 4, and 6 month). Results suggest that aflatoxin levels resulting from Aspergillus flavus infection were below detectable levels in chilli pods stored in PICS triple bags owing to the modified atmospheric conditions of hypoxia and hypercarbia conditions created inside the bags. Further, dry chilli pods stored in PICS triple bags for 2, 4 and 6 month recorded no loss in test weight (1000 seeds) and no change in moisture content, whereas significantly moisture loss was observed in remaining treatment bags. Germination percentage of the seeds from the PICS triple bags at 2, 4 and 6 month storage was highest (72%) compared to all other treatment bags. Overall, we conclude that the PICS triple bags were effective in safe storage of dry chilli pods by ensuring detrimental environment to Aspergillus flavus growth and preserved both qualitative and quantitative characteristics including test weight, moisture content, and per cent germination compared to other storage bags.
RESUMO
Tomato is the world's second largest cultivated vegetable crop. Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and fusarium wilt (FW) are the two major biotic stresses in India limiting tomato production. Identification and utilization of resistant lines to realize the full genetic potential of varieties for yield gain is an eco-friendly approach. The present research work involved genetic diversity study of 48 genotypes, augmented from different exotic, and indigenous sources belonging to three species using SSR markers. A total of 195 alleles were generated by employing 84 polymorphic markers. The PIC value was ranged from 0.12 to 0.93. Two sub-populations (K = 2) were revealed by model based structure analysis. The cluster analysis using the UPGMA method classified the genotypes into 6 clusters. Pusa Ruby, EC-310310 and EC-620452 were found to be highly diverse. Molecular characterization of 48 genotypes with SSR markers divulged seven genotypes with Sw-5 gene and nine genotypes with I-2 gene showing resistance to TSWV and FW, respectively and further, on artificial screening, they were found to be phenotypically resistant. Out of 195 alleles generated from 84 polymorphic SSR markers, 43 alleles from 26 SSR markers were identified with positive average allele effect distributed across nine chromosomes and positive average allele effect was identified for the average weight of the fruit, the number of fruits formed per plant, and fusarium wilt PDI score. Fruit weight and fruit yield per plant registered a significant and positive correlations. The identified genotypes with varied backgrounds and performances will be very useful as diversified sources in resistant breeding programs of tomato. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-01037-8.