Storage bags that reduce post-harvest seed losses
[ad_1]
Researchers on the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) have developed a neem oil encapsulated electrospun polyurethane nanofibrous bags for seed storage. The actual time storage experiment carried out for 75 days confirmed that 90 % seeds saved in these bags had been uninfected whereas 70 % seeds in business bags had been discovered to be contaminated with storage fungi.
The analysis, partially funded by DST-INSPIRE school grant, was led by Chandra Shekhar Sharma, Associate Professor in Department of Chemical Engineering on the IIT Hyderabad. This is a primary ever try to fabricate nanofibrous bags with the purpose to reduce the post-harvest seed storage losses.
The researchers encapsulated neem oil (NO) into the polyurethane (PU) nanofibers and carried out actual time testing of the PUNO bags by storing three completely different sorts of seeds for whole 75 days at regular room temperature situations. The saved seeds had been then examined for any microbial invasion.
The analysis was printed within the worldwide peer-reviewed scientific journal The Journal of Applied Polymer Science. The analysis paper was co-authored along with his PhD pupil Mrunalini {K}. Gaydhane, and Sampada P. Pudkea from Creative & Advanced Research Based on Nanomaterials (CARBON) Laboratory of the Department of Chemical Engineering.
“The fabricated PUNO-10% mat possesses excellent load capacity, and maximum tensile strain values superior than the commercial polypropylene patterned sample. The real time applicability of PUNO-10% pouches infers that any type of seeds can be stored for longer duration at normal room temperature conditions. The stored seeds in nanofibrous pouches for 75 days have successfully inhibited the growth of storage borne fungi. Large scale production of nanofibers however, is still a challenge in which there is promising development in recent years and that gives a hope for commercialization of such storage bags in near future,” stated Mr. Sharma.
Post-harvesting, correct storage of seeds is critical to protect the energetic germplasm of crops for longer interval with out compromising their viability and germination skill. There are quite a few components wanted to be thought of whereas storing the seeds both as a meals supply or as seeds for subsequent season, the lead researcher defined.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your assist for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a assist for reality and equity in journalism. It has helped us preserve apace with occasions and happenings.
The Hindu has at all times stood for journalism that is within the public curiosity. At this tough time, it turns into much more essential that now we have entry to data that has a bearing on our well being and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you aren’t solely a beneficiary of our work but additionally its enabler.
We additionally reiterate right here the promise that our group of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will ship high quality journalism that stays away from vested curiosity and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath
[ad_2]
