Perception of agriculture students about virtual reality in learning: Empirical evidence from students’ exposure to VR module on downy mildew of grapes SGP Chusmitha, P Balasubramaniam, N Anandaraja, L D Keisar, K M SHIVAKUMAR Plant Science Today, 2025 The study examines the perception of agricultural students at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University towards a Virtual Reality (VR) module on Downy Mildew of Grapes. The aim of the study is to assess agriculture students' perception and learning outcomes using a VR module on downy mildew of grapes. The research design was ex post facto. Students who have undertaken the VR module-downy mildew of grapes session were taken purposefully, because large number of students attended this VR module. In this research, 150 students were selected by simple random sampling method. The information was gathered from students by both telephonic and direct interviews using well-organised questionnaire. The research findings showed that students had a favourable and positive opinion towards the VR module. Also, it insists that previous experience among the students in VR and confidence in the students improve their understanding and opinion towards VR module, whereas prior experience in VR and self-confidence had significant positive association with students' perception towards VR module. This result also contains some challenges faced by the students during VR classes, like discomfort, fear, less knowledge and technical issues. It also recommended some suggestions to improve the VR classes. This concluded that the students felt VR module was effective and efficient for their education and VR helped them in order to improve their knowledge, understanding and skills.
Costus igneus N. E. Br. A molecular assessment of its pharmacological characteristics and bioactive compounds P Ragul, Rajagopal Chitra, Lourdusamy D Kesiar, A Thanga Hemavathy, S Vellaikumar, B Rajagopal Plant Science Today, 2025 Costus igneus , commonly referred to as the “Step ladder” or “Insulin plant,” is a perennial herb native to the Western Ghats of India. Renowed for its hypoglycemic properties, the species is considered threatened, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts. Costus igneus is a rich source of valuable industrially bioactive compounds, including stigmasterol, lupeol, quercetin, diosgenin, and bis (2'-ethylhexyl)-1, 2-benzene-dicarboxylate. It is well-recognized for its ethonomedicinal applications in India, Africa, China. This plant exhibits a wide geographic distribution and is characterized by diverse descriptions, taxonomic classifications, and genetic variability. Extensive molecular level research has employed advanced genetic engineering techniques, focusing on identifying relevant markers, conducting protein analyses, and performing isozyme studies. Traditionally, C. igneus has been utilized for its stimulant, carminative, diuretic, digestive, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic properties. This review highlights the urgent need for researchers and stakeholders to leverage advanced biotechnological methods, such as genetic diversity assessment, the implementation of conservation strategies, ecosystem monitoring, and species restoration programs for C. igneus. The comprehensive scope of the study encompasses various facets of C. igneus , including agro cultivation, medicinal chemistry, health applications, molecular and genetic approaches, and biotechnological advancements. In-depth research on this species has the potential to unveil its therapeutic potential, paving the way for the development of innovative plant-based treatments.
Market potential and challenges of water-soluble fertilizer adoption in Theni district Selvam Swathi, Radhakrishnan Balaji, Nanjappan Deepa, Ramalingam Gangaiselvi, Lourdusamy Keisar Plant Science Today, 2024 This study examines the market potential and challenges farmers face when purchasing and using water–soluble fertilizers in Theni district, Tamil Nadu. It focuses on key crops like bananas, coconuts, grapes, and mangoes. Farmers in the Theni district encounter issues with conventional fertilizers, such as low nutrient efficiency, soil degradation, and environmental pollution. Water–soluble fertilizers offer a promising alternative, enhancing nutrient absorption, reducing leaching, and minimizing environmental impact. Despite their benefits, adoption is hindered by higher initial costs, lack of farmer awareness, and the need for precision application techniques. Farms that have adopted these fertilizers report a 20–30 % increase in yield and a 15 % reduction in overall fertilizer use. The study highlights the potential of water–soluble fertilizers to address agricultural challenges in Theni, including nutrient deficiencies, making them a viable option for promoting sustainable farming in the region.
Effectiveness of treated sludge as plant growth modulator on the phytometabolics of African marigold (Tagetes erecta) Keren Praiselin Packiaraj, Swarnapriya R, Keisar Lourdusamy D, Senthil A, Maragatham S, Meenakshi P Plant Science Today, 2024 The current study investigated the effects of treated sludge on the phytochemical composition of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) flowers. African Marigold flowers were cultivated with treated sludge and their phytochemical profiles were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Flowers from plants treated with sludge increased in various bioactive compounds, including ?-Pinene, linalool, ?-Caryophyllene, quercetin and luteolin, recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The study underscores the potential of treated sewage sludge as a sustainable soil amendment to improve plant growth and Marigold flowers' phytochemical profile. This study provides valuable prescience into agricultural practices that ensure sustainability and highlights the potential of sewage sludge as a beneficial resource for enhancing crop quality and bioactive compound content.
Quantifying the Unvoiced Carbon Pools of the Nilgiri Hill Region in the Western Ghats Global Biodiversity Hotspot—First Report M. Jagadesh, Cherukumalli Srinivasarao, Duraisamy Selvi, Subramanium Thiyageshwari, Thangavel Kalaiselvi, Aradhna Kumari, Santhosh Kumar Singh, Keisar Lourdusamy, Ramalingam Kumaraperumal, Victor Allan, Munmun Dash, P. Raja, U. Surendran, Biswajit Pramanick Sustainability Switzerland, 2023 Accelerating land-use change (LUC) in the Nilgiri Hill Region (NHR) has caused its land to mortify. Although this deterioration has been documented, the destruction of buried gem soil has not been reported. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the impact of LUC on soil-carbon dynamics in the six major ecosystems in the NHR: croplands (CLs), deciduous forests (DFs), evergreen forests (EFs), forest plantations (FPs), scrublands (SLs), and tea plantations (TPs). Sampling was conducted at selected sites of each ecosystem at three depth classes (0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm) to quantify the carbon pools (water-soluble carbon, water-soluble carbohydrates, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen, dehydrogenase, and different fractions of particulate organic carbon). We found that the LUC significantly decreased the concentration of carbon in the altered ecosystems (49.44–78.38%), with the highest being recorded at EF (10.25%) and DF (7.15%). In addition, the effects of the LUC on the aggregate size of the organic carbon were dissimilar across all the aggregate sizes. The relatively high inputs of the aboveground plant residues and the richer fine-root biomass were accountable for the higher concentration of carbon pools in the untouched EFs and DFs compared to the SLs, FPs, TPs, and CLs. The results of the land-degradation Index (LDI) depicted the higher vulnerability of TP (−72.67) and CL (−79.00). Thus, our findings highlight the global importance of LUC to soil quality. Henceforth, the conservation of carbon pools in fragile ecosystems, such as the NHR, is crucial to keep soils alive and achieve land-degradation neutrality.
Carbon management Index under different land uses of Conoor region of Western ghats in Tamil Nadu Jagadesh Muthumani, Selvi Duraisamy, Thiyageshwari Subramanium, Kalaiselvi Thangavel, Keisar Lourdusamy, Kumaraperumal Ramalingam Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 2022 The increased land-use change (LUC) from native lands to other land use at the Conoor region of western ghats in Tamil Nadu has severely declined soil carbon concentration. Therefore to quantify this decline, Carbon Management Index (CMI) was worked out under major land uses {(Forest (FOR), cropland (CRP), tea plantation (TEA)} using total organic carbon (TOC) and carbon pools under varying degrees of lability {a) NLC (non-labile carbon) b) VLC (very labile carbon) c) LC (labile carbon) d) LLC (less labile carbon)}. Results portray that the carbon pools were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in FOR than in TEA and CRP. The contribution of active pools {(very labile carbon (VLC) and labile carbon (LC)} towards TOC was higher in TEA and CRP, whereas in FOR, the passive pool {(less labile carbon (LLC) and non-labile carbon (NLC)} was higher. TOC (0-45 cm) was concentrated on the surface soils of FOR (32.88 g kg-1), CRP (11.87 g kg-1) and TEA (18.84 g kg-1) and it gradually declined with the increase in depth. The decline in TOC was maximum between 0 – 15 and 15 – 30 cm depth in CRP (30.62%) and FOR (22.17%), whereas it was maximum (37.16%) between 15 -30 and 30 -45 cm depth in TEA. Therefore, LUC spotlights the degradation of carbon pools and its extent was quantified using the carbon management index (CMI). The CMI (0 – 45 cm) recorded at CRP (12.93) and TEA (32.62) signals the need for an implementation of carbon management strategies at Conoor to keep the soils alive and protect biodiversity.
Unravelling the carbon pools and carbon stocks under different land uses of Conoor region in Western Ghats of India Muthumani Jagadesh, Duraisamy Selvi, Subramanium Thiyageshwari, Thangavel Kalaiselvi, Keisar Lourdusamy, Ramalingam Kumaraperumal Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 2022 Land uses are pivotal in global carbon cycles. The native forest lands possess a greater potential to sequester higher carbon, which can directly address soil quality and climate change problems. Unfortunately, the rapid conversion of forests to other land use over the past few decades has significantly declined the concentration of carbon in the soils. Therefore, in order to estimate the impact of land-use change (LUC) on soil carbon status, this present study was attempted under major ecosystems (Forest (FOR), cropland (CRP), tea plantation (TEA)) of Conoor. Results from findings revealed that total organic carbon (TOC) concentration and carbon pools were significantly (p<0.05) higher in FOR than in CRP and TEA. TOC (0-45 cm) recorded in FOR, CRP and TEA was 32.88, 11.87 and 18.84 g kg-1 and it decreased along the depth increment. Carbon stock (t ha-1) in FOR, CRP and TEA (0-45cm) was 68.10, 26.04, 42.42. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was higher in FOR (283.08 mg kg-1) followed by TEA (94.64 mg kg-1) and CRP (76.22 mg kg-1). The microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) followed; FOR > TEA > CRP. These results clearly indicate that the LUC has inflicted a greater impact on soil carbon status and its extent was quantified using the land degradation index (LDI). The LDI (0-45 cm) recorded in CRP (-38.65) and TEA (-61.75) signals the need for immediate implementation of carbon management strategies in the CRP and TEA ecosystem to keep the soils of Conoor alive and prevent land degradation.
