Shweta Sharma ¹, Subhasini Sharma ¹, Arvind Pareek ², Pushpa Srivastava ², Ruby Grover ², K. P. Sharma ²

Affiliations
1 Departments of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur - 302 004, IN
2 Departments of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur - 302 004, IN

Abstract

Spirulina has the highest protein content among plants on earth. Therefore, it is favoured as a good diet supplement for growth and weight gains of malnourished children and adults, ruminants, weaning piglets, silkworm, fish Tilapia and Broiler chicks. Along with maximum protein content, Spirulina also contains lipids, vitamins, minerals and β carotene. The antioxidant property of β carotene is known to have anti-tumour effects in most animals and human beings. Spirulina feeding therefore prevented oral cancer in rats, whereas its blue pigment (phycocyanin) increased survival rate of mice injected with liver tumour cells, hence improved their immune system. Therapeutic properties such as lowering of cholesterol level in humans as well as alleviating premenstrual syndrome have been documented on Spirulina platensis. Spirulina has also been found effective against deadly viruses such as Herpes simplex virus type-1 and AIDS virus.

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V. S. Kavadia ¹, B. L. Pareek ², K. P. Sharma ³, K. N. Chandrasekharan ⁴, Nanda Sharma ³

Affiliations
1 Agriculture Research Station, Durgapura-Jaipur (Rajasthan), IN
2 Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Jobner - 303 329, IN
3 Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Sukhadia University, Udaipur - 313 001, IN
4 College of Home Science, Rajendra Agriculture University, Pusa (Bihar), IN

Abstract

Aluminium phosphide (phosphine) being easy in handling, safe and effective, has been recommended for all types of fumigation in India. Earlier studies showed that this fumigant has left toxic residues in the grain, and as such the absorbed residues may affect the acceptability and other qualities of cereals and their products, hence these studies were undertaken.

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A. K. Goswami ¹, K. L. Sehgal ¹, K. P. Sharma ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Plant Breeding, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, IN

Abstract

Bajra or Pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoidium) is among the important millets of tropical and sub tropical regions of Asia and Africa. It is a staple food for a large number of people of India. The present shortage of food has focused attention of various workers on this millet and a break through in the production has been achieved with the introduction of hybrids.

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A. K. Goswami ¹, K. P. Sharma ¹, B. K. Gupta ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Plant Breeding, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, IN

Abstract

Present shortage of food has drawn the attention of scientists on the improvements of millets. Among the millets Bajra or pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoideum) is one of the most important one and with the introduction of high yielding hybrids the yields of hybrid grains has been considerably increased.

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K. P. Sharma ¹, A. K. Goswami ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Plant Breeding, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, IN

Abstract

With the exploitation of male sterile lines and introduction of high yielding hybrids, a breakthrough in the production of bajra has been achieved. The lipid content of bajra flour is very close to that of maize and is considerably higher than other cereals. It is a staple food of the poor people and therefore, covers a considerable portion of the limited lipid they consume.

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A. K. Goswami ¹, K. P. Sharma ¹, K . L. Sehgal ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Plant Breeding, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, IN

Abstract

Pennisetum typhoideum (Pearl millet) locally known as bajra is widely grown as food grain for human consumption and also as green fodder for the cattle in tropical and sub-lropical regions of Asia and Africa.

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