DSpace Collection:

Effects of Rhizobium- Based Biofertilizer on Nodulation Efficiency and Growth of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) and Soybean (Glycine max L.)

2026-10-21T03:04:27Z

Title: Effects of Rhizobium- Based Biofertilizer on Nodulation Efficiency and Growth of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) and Soybean (Glycine max L.) Authors: Sathaniga, Y.; Shayanthan, A.; Sritharan, S.; Ekanayake, S.; Seneviratne, G. Abstract: Although inorganic fertilizers enhance crop production, excessive usage reduces soil fertility and causes pollution and health hazards. Biofertilizers could be a sustainable alternative to manage soils without yield reduction. Rhizobium-based biofertilizers have been introduced to Sri Lanka and have been successively applied in some areas where legumes are cultivated. This study was designed to examine the impact of the Rhizobium-based biofertilizers on nodulation and growth of black gram (Vigna Mungo L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) in Kilinochchi. A pot experiment was conducted at the University of Jaffna, Ariviyal Nagar, Kilinochchi, which falls within the DL3 agroecological region (Flat to Slightly Undulating Low Country Dry Zone), with three treatments: T1 (No fertilizer), T2 (Recommended inorganic fertilizers), and T3 (Rhizobium-based biofertilizer) with five replicates. The measurements of plant height, biomass, nodulation and nutrient uptake were taken. The results indicated that Rhizobium inoculants significantly increased the growth and nutrient uptake in both crops. In black gram, T3 (Rhizobium-based biofertilizer) plants showed significant differences in plant height compared to T2 (Recommended inorganic fertilizers) at 15 days after planting (DAP), but no differences at 30 DAP. In contrast, significant differences were observed only at the later stage in soybean plants. Significantly higher numbers of total and active nodules were observed in T3 (Rhizobium-based biofertilizer) compared to T2 (Recommended inorganic fertilizers) in black gram, while no nodules were observed in soybean. In both plants, T3 (Rhizobium-based biofertilizer) recorded significantly higher plant biomass and nutrient uptake (NPK) than T2 (Recommended inorganic fertilizers). In conclusion, the Rhizobium- based biofertilizers are capable of replacing urea application to black gram and soybean in Kilinochchi soils and require detailed studies to validate their effects under field conditions.

Analysis of fat content and fatty acid profile of selected bakery products available in Jaffna district, Sri Lanka

2026-09-25T05:33:15Z

Title: Analysis of fat content and fatty acid profile of selected bakery products available in Jaffna district, Sri Lanka Authors: Thiviya, S.; Premdharshan, M.R.; Sivakathan, S. Abstract: High consumption of trans fatty acids and saturated fatty acids is detrimental to human health. Bakery products are among the main sources of these two types of fatty acids in the diets of many people worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the total fat content and fatty acid profiles of selected bakery products available in Jaffna markets, with a main emphasis on saturated and trans fatty acid contents. Samples such as bread (n=17), bun (n=17), cake (n=16), pastry (n=12), doughnut (n=4), and bakery fats (n=5) were analyzed. The highest fat content was observed in pastries (21.63%-39.83%) and doughnuts (31.66%-37.17%), whereas the lowest fat content was observed in breads (1.00%-3.43%). All bakery products consisted of a considerable amount of elaidic acid. Highest total saturated fatty acid content was detected in pastries (17.25 g/100 g), whereas the lowest was observed in breads (1.36 g/100 g). Highest total trans fatty acid content was detected in pastries (2.47 g/100 g), followed by doughnuts (1.54 g/100 g), cakes (1.03 g/100 g), buns (0.28 g/100 g) and breads (0.08 g/100 g). Significant variations in the fatty acid composition were observed within and between types of products. Therefore, regulations should be imposed to reduce the content of saturated and trans fatty acids in bakery products in Sri Lanka.

Evaluation of regional variations in the quality characteristics of bottled palmyrah toddy in Sri Lanka

2026-09-23T08:32:07Z

Title: Evaluation of regional variations in the quality characteristics of bottled palmyrah toddy in Sri Lanka Authors: Jeyakumar, R.B.V.; Kirushanthi, T.; Vasantharuba, S.; Mahilrajan, S. Abstract: Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.) toddy is a traditional fermented beverage made from sap collected from male or female inflorescences. The demand for toddy is increasing locally and internationally due to its organic nature and unique sensory properties. However, limited information is available on the regional variations in the physicochemical and microbial characteristics of bottled palmyrah toddy produces in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study evaluated the physicochemical and microbial properties of bottled palmyrah toddy collected from seventeen production centres of the palmyrah Development Cooperative Societies across different regions of Sri Lanka to assess product quality and consistency. Physicochemical parameters, including total soluble solids, total solids turbidity, alcohol content, acidity, original extract, total ash, sulphated ash, sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), mineral composition (Na, K, Ca, Mg and P) and total phenolic content, and microbial properties including Total Plate Count (TPC) and Yeast and Mold count (YMC), were analysed according to Sri Lankan Standard methods. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA to determine significant regional differences (Inland, Coastal). Results revealed significant regional differences (p<0.05) in total solids, total soluble solids, and total phenolic content, while other parameters showed no significant regional differences. Inland toddy samples showed higher sugar content (2.67±0.93 g/100mL), and a milky appearance, whereas coastal toddy samples exhibited higher alcohol content (4.20±0.55%v/v) and acidity (0.54±0.08 g/100 mL), indicating stronger fermentation. Samples obtained from coastal near-inland regions exhibited moderate characteristics, sharing features of both inland and coastal toddy. Sulphated ash values ranged from 0.23 to 0.53%, suggesting the absence of adulteration in all bottled toddy samples. Microbial analysis revealed TPC values of <1CFU/mL and YMC values ranging from <10 to 90 CFU/mL, indicating acceptable microbial quality. The findings demonstrate distinct regional profiles of bottled Palmyrah toddy, highlighting the influence of geographical conditions and processing practises on product quality. Future research should focus on characterizing sensory attributes, establishing standardized quality parameters, and developing Standard Operating Procedures to ensure consistent product quality.

Evaluation of the antioxidant properties of lime waste

2026-09-23T08:26:28Z

Title: Evaluation of the antioxidant properties of lime waste Authors: Sivasamalai, V.; Vasantharuba, S. Abstract: Lime is a widely produced, economical fruit that is nutritious and healthy. Processing lime produces large amounts of waste, including peel, pulp, pomace, and seeds, and improper disposal can lead to environmental pollution. This study aims to investigate the antioxidant properties of different portions of lime waste as a functional ingredient, helping to valorize by- products and mitigate environmental pollution. Lime waste was obtained and separated into peel (P1), pulp (P2), and a mixture of both (P3). The samples were dried at 60 °C for 12 hours and ground into flour (particle size 150 μm). Methanolic extracts were prepared using 5 g of each waste and 50 mL of methanol, and the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays of the lime waste extracts were analyzed in duplicate. Overall, peels had significantly higher polyphenols (27.35 ± 0.06 mg GAE g-1), while pulp (17.526 ± 0.28 mg GAE g-1) and the mixture of peel and pulp (19.256 ± 0.08 mg GAE g-1) had significantly lower polyphenol contents (P<0.05). A similar pattern of high results was observed for the antioxidant potential of lime peel among the waste portions in TFC (0.068 ± 0.01 mg QE g-1) and in the IC50 values of DPPH (0.200 mg mL-1), ABTS (0.069 mg mL-1), and FRAP (0.154 mg mL-1) assays. In conclusion, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other antioxidants are present in lime waste, with levels significantly higher in lime peel, intermediate in the mixture of both, and lowest in pulp. Hence, lime waste contains beneficial compounds, making it a functional raw material that helps valorize by-products and mitigate environmental pollution.