Chat (Catha edulis) is an important perennial crop and its leaves are chewed for a stimulating ef... more Chat (Catha edulis) is an important perennial crop and its leaves are chewed for a stimulating effect. It is widely cultivated in the Ethiopian highlands of Oromia region and is figured as Ethiopia's second largest foreign exchange earner. Its cultivation accounts for about 70% of farmer's income in the study area. The common effect of its consumption leads to insomnia, a condition that the users sometimes try to overcome with sedatives or alcohol. The present study is an attempt to survey and assess the impact of crop on the community. It has been observed to implicate health problems, reduces savings and nutritional standards of the family members. The chat yields in the area ranges from 1500-1800 kg/ha through monoculture. During the study, the average monthly income of the family practicing chat cultivation was from Birr 8, 533.00 to 13, 166.00 kg/ha per year in Baate and Genede cultivating areas. When the average cost per/ha was rupees 60/kg. The present study shows that during the recent past, leaf consumption has increased significantly. Chat growers are not only producers but also traders and consumers. Its consumption has become a widespread habit from secondary schools. Highest number of consumers was found to be among drivers followed by students and shopkeepers. The consumption of the plant is not considered a taboo but on contrary a status symbol in the region. It has no legal or moral implications and is considered as a part of custom and habit of local people. High value cash crop like vegetables and orchard fruits needs to be used as a replacement for chat which could be a regular source of income to farmers. Alternative sources of income for farmers needs to be scientifically worked out and proposed keeping in view the proportion of agricultural land reserved under chat cultivation and to increase the production of food grains being produced.
Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology, 2013
ABSTRACT Many Aloe species are exploited as natural products. Generally, the leaves are unsustain... more ABSTRACT Many Aloe species are exploited as natural products. Generally, the leaves are unsustainably picked from wild plants to meet the market demand. Basic scientific information on seed biology and the ways of increasing levels of secondary metabolites in seedlings is still lacking for Aloe species. This study investigated seed germination requirements and evaluated levels of secondary metabolites in seedlings of Aloe arborescens, an important species in traditional medicine. The highest percentage germination (78%) and the fastest germination rate (GR) (10% d− 1) with a mean germination time (MGT) of 9 days were achieved at 20°C under a 16-h photoperiod. At 25°C, maximum percentage germination (67%) (P − 1) and shorter MGT (6 days) were obtained under constant light. These results indicate that temperature and light play a significant role in germination of A. arborescens seeds. Increasing osmotic pressure on seeds decreased percentage germination, whereas buffering the solution to a range of pH values (4–10) did not significantly affect germination. Smoke–water (1:500 v/v), smoke-isolated karrikinolide (10− 8 and 10− 9 M) and potassium nitrate (10− 3 and 10− 4 M) significantly promoted germination compared with the control at 25°C (supra-optimal temperature) under a 16-h photoperiod. These treatments were also effective in increasing secondary metabolite levels (flavonoids and phenolics) in A. arborescens seedlings.
Allium stracheyi Baker (Alliaceae, 2600–3000 m asl), an endangered species of Central Himalaya, I... more Allium stracheyi Baker (Alliaceae, 2600–3000 m asl), an endangered species of Central Himalaya, India, has low seed germination in its natural habitat. This study is an attempt to improve seed germination by determining the seed viability with a low mean germination time (MGT) and germination index (GI) under optimum temperature, light, and pre-soaking treatments. The seeds were pre-soaked in hot water (80°C), cold water (10°C), and gibberellic acid (GA3 at 50 and 100 mg/l) for 24 h and subjected to light (12 h light and 12 h dark) and continuous dark (24 h) conditions with different temperature regimes (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C). The viability varied between 66.0% and 69.67% and declined rapidly after 12 months of storage. Our studies suggest that the 100 mg/l GA3 treatment was beneficial for seed germination and seedling growth. Pre-soaking in a 100 mg/l GA3 solution and incubation at 20°C under light conditions enhanced the germination significantly (p < 0.05) and resulted in the highest (97.3%) germination with the lowest MGT = 5.7 days, with GI = 8.11. The recommendations of this study support the conservation of alpine A. stracheyi via simple and cost-effective techniques for optimal seed germination.
Chat (Catha edulis) is an important perennial crop and its leaves are chewed for a stimulating ef... more Chat (Catha edulis) is an important perennial crop and its leaves are chewed for a stimulating effect. It is widely cultivated in the Ethiopian highlands of Oromia region and is figured as Ethiopia&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s second largest foreign exchange earner. Its cultivation accounts for about 70% of farmer&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s income in the study area. The common effect of its consumption leads to insomnia, a condition that the users sometimes try to overcome with sedatives or alcohol. The present study is an attempt to survey and assess the impact of crop on the community. It has been observed to implicate health problems, reduces savings and nutritional standards of the family members. The chat yields in the area ranges from 1500-1800 kg/ha through monoculture. During the study, the average monthly income of the family practicing chat cultivation was from Birr 8, 533.00 to 13, 166.00 kg/ha per year in Baate and Genede cultivating areas. When the average cost per/ha was rupees 60/kg. The present study shows that during the recent past, leaf consumption has increased significantly. Chat growers are not only producers but also traders and consumers. Its consumption has become a widespread habit from secondary schools. Highest number of consumers was found to be among drivers followed by students and shopkeepers. The consumption of the plant is not considered a taboo but on contrary a status symbol in the region. It has no legal or moral implications and is considered as a part of custom and habit of local people. High value cash crop like vegetables and orchard fruits needs to be used as a replacement for chat which could be a regular source of income to farmers. Alternative sources of income for farmers needs to be scientifically worked out and proposed keeping in view the proportion of agricultural land reserved under chat cultivation and to increase the production of food grains being produced.
Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn (Polygonaceae) is a plant of Garhwal Himalaya reported to be endanger... more Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn (Polygonaceae) is a plant of Garhwal Himalaya reported to be endangered due to over-exploitation for medicinal use and poor seed germination and seedling survival in nature. To determine the optimum germination conditions for this Himalayan medicinal herb, seeds were hot-water pre-treated (80°Cthen cooling overnight), cold-water pre-treated (10°C left overnight) or placed in a range of gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 μM) for 24 h. Control seeds were untreated. The seeds were subjected to two light regimes (16:8 h alternate light:dark and continuous dark) at three temperatures (15, 20, 25°C). The highest germination (83.3%) occurred following hot-water pre-treatment and incubation under 16:8 h alternate light:dark conditions at 15°C, with a reduced mean germination time (MGT) of 8 d. The second highest germination (80%) was recorded under dark conditions at 15°C with cold-water pre-treatment with MGT of 11.3 d. The present study indicates a low germination temperature (≥15°C), which is the normal temperature in the study area, and light for improved seed germination of R. emodi. Farmers can also use hot-water pre-treatment prior to sowingthe seeds.
Chat (Catha edulis) is an important perennial crop and its leaves are chewed for a stimulating ef... more Chat (Catha edulis) is an important perennial crop and its leaves are chewed for a stimulating effect. It is widely cultivated in the Ethiopian highlands of Oromia region and is figured as Ethiopia&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s second largest foreign exchange earner. Its cultivation accounts for about 70% of farmer&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s income in the study area. The common effect of its consumption leads to insomnia, a condition that the users sometimes try to overcome with sedatives or alcohol. The present study is an attempt to survey and assess the impact of crop on the community. It has been observed to implicate health problems, reduces savings and nutritional standards of the family members. The chat yields in the area ranges from 1500-1800 kg/ha through monoculture. During the study, the average monthly income of the family practicing chat cultivation was from Birr 8, 533.00 to 13, 166.00 kg/ha per year in Baate and Genede cultivating areas. When the average cost per/ha was rupees 60/kg. The present study shows that during the recent past, leaf consumption has increased significantly. Chat growers are not only producers but also traders and consumers. Its consumption has become a widespread habit from secondary schools. Highest number of consumers was found to be among drivers followed by students and shopkeepers. The consumption of the plant is not considered a taboo but on contrary a status symbol in the region. It has no legal or moral implications and is considered as a part of custom and habit of local people. High value cash crop like vegetables and orchard fruits needs to be used as a replacement for chat which could be a regular source of income to farmers. Alternative sources of income for farmers needs to be scientifically worked out and proposed keeping in view the proportion of agricultural land reserved under chat cultivation and to increase the production of food grains being produced.
Plant Biosystems - An International Journal Dealing with all Aspects of Plant Biology, 2013
ABSTRACT Many Aloe species are exploited as natural products. Generally, the leaves are unsustain... more ABSTRACT Many Aloe species are exploited as natural products. Generally, the leaves are unsustainably picked from wild plants to meet the market demand. Basic scientific information on seed biology and the ways of increasing levels of secondary metabolites in seedlings is still lacking for Aloe species. This study investigated seed germination requirements and evaluated levels of secondary metabolites in seedlings of Aloe arborescens, an important species in traditional medicine. The highest percentage germination (78%) and the fastest germination rate (GR) (10% d− 1) with a mean germination time (MGT) of 9 days were achieved at 20°C under a 16-h photoperiod. At 25°C, maximum percentage germination (67%) (P − 1) and shorter MGT (6 days) were obtained under constant light. These results indicate that temperature and light play a significant role in germination of A. arborescens seeds. Increasing osmotic pressure on seeds decreased percentage germination, whereas buffering the solution to a range of pH values (4–10) did not significantly affect germination. Smoke–water (1:500 v/v), smoke-isolated karrikinolide (10− 8 and 10− 9 M) and potassium nitrate (10− 3 and 10− 4 M) significantly promoted germination compared with the control at 25°C (supra-optimal temperature) under a 16-h photoperiod. These treatments were also effective in increasing secondary metabolite levels (flavonoids and phenolics) in A. arborescens seedlings.
Allium stracheyi Baker (Alliaceae, 2600–3000 m asl), an endangered species of Central Himalaya, I... more Allium stracheyi Baker (Alliaceae, 2600–3000 m asl), an endangered species of Central Himalaya, India, has low seed germination in its natural habitat. This study is an attempt to improve seed germination by determining the seed viability with a low mean germination time (MGT) and germination index (GI) under optimum temperature, light, and pre-soaking treatments. The seeds were pre-soaked in hot water (80°C), cold water (10°C), and gibberellic acid (GA3 at 50 and 100 mg/l) for 24 h and subjected to light (12 h light and 12 h dark) and continuous dark (24 h) conditions with different temperature regimes (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C). The viability varied between 66.0% and 69.67% and declined rapidly after 12 months of storage. Our studies suggest that the 100 mg/l GA3 treatment was beneficial for seed germination and seedling growth. Pre-soaking in a 100 mg/l GA3 solution and incubation at 20°C under light conditions enhanced the germination significantly (p < 0.05) and resulted in the highest (97.3%) germination with the lowest MGT = 5.7 days, with GI = 8.11. The recommendations of this study support the conservation of alpine A. stracheyi via simple and cost-effective techniques for optimal seed germination.
Chat (Catha edulis) is an important perennial crop and its leaves are chewed for a stimulating ef... more Chat (Catha edulis) is an important perennial crop and its leaves are chewed for a stimulating effect. It is widely cultivated in the Ethiopian highlands of Oromia region and is figured as Ethiopia&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s second largest foreign exchange earner. Its cultivation accounts for about 70% of farmer&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s income in the study area. The common effect of its consumption leads to insomnia, a condition that the users sometimes try to overcome with sedatives or alcohol. The present study is an attempt to survey and assess the impact of crop on the community. It has been observed to implicate health problems, reduces savings and nutritional standards of the family members. The chat yields in the area ranges from 1500-1800 kg/ha through monoculture. During the study, the average monthly income of the family practicing chat cultivation was from Birr 8, 533.00 to 13, 166.00 kg/ha per year in Baate and Genede cultivating areas. When the average cost per/ha was rupees 60/kg. The present study shows that during the recent past, leaf consumption has increased significantly. Chat growers are not only producers but also traders and consumers. Its consumption has become a widespread habit from secondary schools. Highest number of consumers was found to be among drivers followed by students and shopkeepers. The consumption of the plant is not considered a taboo but on contrary a status symbol in the region. It has no legal or moral implications and is considered as a part of custom and habit of local people. High value cash crop like vegetables and orchard fruits needs to be used as a replacement for chat which could be a regular source of income to farmers. Alternative sources of income for farmers needs to be scientifically worked out and proposed keeping in view the proportion of agricultural land reserved under chat cultivation and to increase the production of food grains being produced.
Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn (Polygonaceae) is a plant of Garhwal Himalaya reported to be endanger... more Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn (Polygonaceae) is a plant of Garhwal Himalaya reported to be endangered due to over-exploitation for medicinal use and poor seed germination and seedling survival in nature. To determine the optimum germination conditions for this Himalayan medicinal herb, seeds were hot-water pre-treated (80°Cthen cooling overnight), cold-water pre-treated (10°C left overnight) or placed in a range of gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 μM) for 24 h. Control seeds were untreated. The seeds were subjected to two light regimes (16:8 h alternate light:dark and continuous dark) at three temperatures (15, 20, 25°C). The highest germination (83.3%) occurred following hot-water pre-treatment and incubation under 16:8 h alternate light:dark conditions at 15°C, with a reduced mean germination time (MGT) of 8 d. The second highest germination (80%) was recorded under dark conditions at 15°C with cold-water pre-treatment with MGT of 11.3 d. The present study indicates a low germination temperature (≥15°C), which is the normal temperature in the study area, and light for improved seed germination of R. emodi. Farmers can also use hot-water pre-treatment prior to sowingthe seeds.
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Papers by Laxman Singh Kandari