Browsing by Author "Umakant Banjare"

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Aromatherapy in combating human pathogens and diseases: Impact and prospects
(Har Krishan Bhalla and Sons, 2025) Monisha Soni; Manish Kumar Jha; Umakant Banjare; Arati Yadav; Prem Shankar Upadhyay; Deepak Kumar Gautam; N. K. Dubey; A. K. Dwivedy
The article deals with a comprehensive understanding of the origin, application, status quo, and therapeutic significance of aromatherapy and provides a better and more systematic understanding of the potential therapeutic effects of essential oils (EOs) as aromatherapeutants against human pathogens. EOs used in aromatherapy have significant therapeutic effects over physical, psychological, and behavioural problems in addition to having antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties. Looking into a large number of cases of antimicrobial resistance caused due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics, aromatherapy holds a promising future and vapours of different EOs can be used to treat human diseases. However, the lack of standardized formulations is the major obstacle in broad-scale application of aromatherapy. Hence, future research should focus on optimizing the best concentrations and delivery systems for EOs to ensure its efficacy and safety before using it as an aromatherapeutant. Through nanotechnology, more efficacious and cost effective nanoformulations of traditional aromatherapeutants may be prepared. The integration of aromatherapy with modern medicine will contribute greatly towards reshaping the existing health care system by increasing the collaboration between modern allopathy and certified aromatherapists. This may result in increased public interest and accessibility of aromatherapy around the globe. © 2025 Har Krishan Bhalla & Sons.
BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF NATIVE Bradyrhizobium STRAINS ISOLATED FROM PIGEON PEA ROOT NODULES OF EASTERN INDIA
(ACS Publisher, 2025) S. Dasaratha Kumar; Shiv Charan Kumar; Preeti Lata Singh; Umakant Banjare; Ashwani Kumar Upadhyay; Nootan Singh; Arun Kumar Patel; Shikha Yadav; Nitish Ranjan Prakash; Vishal K. Tyagi; Mona Nagargade; Ram Kumar Singh
Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a major legume in Eastern India, contributing to the nutritional security and soil fertility through symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium spp. However, the efficiency of native strains under local conditions remains poorly understood. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify native isolates from pigeon pea root nodules, and to evaluate their symbiotic efficiency and plant growth-promoting traits. Fourteen bacterial isolates were obtained, of which 12 belonged to Bradyrhizobium spp., while isolates S5 and S15 were identified as Pseudomonas azotoformans and Paenibacillus amylolyticus, respectively. All Bradyrhizobium isolates tested positive for catalase, oxidase, nitrate reductase, and nitrogenase activity. Isolates S9, S3, S6, S13, and S1 showed significantly higher nitrogenase activity as compared to the other isolates. Plant growth-promoting assays revealed phosphate solubilisation, zinc solubilization, and potassium solubilization in ten, eight and five isolates, respectively. Eleven isolates produced siderophores and all of these synthesized indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Notably, isolate S6 (Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense) exhibited all PGPR traits and high nitrogenase activity, identifying it as the most promising isolate. Isolates S3, S1, and S9 also demonstrated strong potential. These results demonstrated the value of efficient native isolates as region-specific bioinoculants for pigeon pea, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture. © 2025, ACS Publisher. All rights reserved.
Biochemical and Molecular Evaluation of Rhizobium spp. and its Growth Promotion Studies with Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik. L.)
(Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, 2023) Umakant Banjare; Arun Kumar Patel; Ashish Kumar Pandey; Santosh Kumar; Ramesh Kumar Singh; Prahlad Masurkar; Rakesh Kumar Singh; Sandeep Kumar Gupta
Growth promoting Rhizobium spp are frequently used as biofertilizers for agricultural cropping system. Furthermore, Isolation, screening and biochemical characterization of Rhizobium for a specific plant is necessary to examine ability of isolated bacteria to affect the growth and development of host plant in various ways. The current study was aimed to isolate plant specific rhizobacterial strains which are compatible with lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.L.) plant. 20 bacterial isolates have been isolated from root nodules of lentil from various agro ecological area and their biochemical characterization was performed by different plant growth promotion activities. The result showed that, among 20 isolates, four isolates have vigorous plant growth promoting activities. Four bacterial strains were able to solubilise phosphorous along with hormone production. Moreover, among four bacterial strains, two strongly produced HCN and siderophore in vitro. Subsequently, all selected bacterial isolates were inoculated in lentil seeds of variety HUL57 to study germination percentage and vigour index of the crop. Out of four isolates 26N isolate performed best growth promotion activities on lentil seedlings. Finally, on the basis of performance of bacteria on plant, four isolates were characterized using molecular approach of species identification such as 16S rRNA sequencing. © The Author(s) 2023.
Effect of salt stress (NaCl) on some morpho-physiologicalproperties of maize (Zeamaysl.)
(Plant Archives, 2019) Norang Pal Singh; Arun Kumar Patel; Umakant Banjare; Ramesh Kumar Singh
The lower crop productivity in most of the cases is attributed to various abiotic stresses. Salt stress is one of the abiotic stresses in worldwide that inhibit the crop’s growth and productivity which is going to increasing day by day. To keep this problem in mind the present study was carried out to see the impact of salt stress on some morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics in 4 maize inbred lines (2012-13R # 838 HUZM-88, 2012-13R # 839 HUZM-147, 2012-13R 841 # HUZM-242 and 2012-13R # HUZM-386). The maize seedlings were transplanted to plastic pots contained sterilized sandy soil that continuously aerated full-strength Hoagland nutrient solution. Salt stress was applied to the plants at four levels (0, 4, 8 and 12 dS m-1) from source sodium chloride (NaCl). The plants were harvested for experimental analysis after 30 days of treatment. Results indicated that salt stress significantly decreased shoot, root length, fresh and dry weight, leaf area, anthocyanin and chlorophyll content and relative water content (RWC) of maize plants. © 2019 Plant Archives. All rights reserved.
Effect of spraying zinc element fertilizer on the growth and yield of green pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds
(Plant Archives, 2020) Ajjo Kumari; Arun Kumar Patel; Umakant Banjare; Kapil Deo Pandey
Medicinal plant-endophytic bacteria interactions modulated production of secondary metabolites finds wide range of application in agriculture in growth promotion and stress tolerance, medicines and industries. Endophytic bacteria were isolated from Costus igneus (insulin plant; (IP) from roots and leaves (L) explants, using King’s B (K) and NMS (N) media. Based on the biochemical characteristics determined by Biolog GEN III and its extensive species library isolates were identified as Terrimonas ferruginea (IPNR), Massilia lutea (IPKR), Klebsiella variicola (IPNL) and Raoultella terrigena (IPKL). All the four isolates showed the production of indole acetic acid (IAA) which was high in root endophytic isolates. The siderophore production was strain specific characteristics. The strains were positive to catalase activity. All the endophytic bacteria isolate solubilized tricalcium phosphate and chitin. Solubilization of insoluble potash (mica) and zinc (ZnO2) and was more in root isolates. The isolates were sensitive to streptomycine, kanamycine, tetracycline and resistant to ampicillin and nalidixic acid. Among the isolates IPKR exhibited maximum production of IAA and siderophore and P, K, Zn and chitin solubilization. © 2020 Plant Archives. All rights reserved.
Efficacy of Cymbopogon khasianus essential oil infused chitosan nanoemulsion for mitigation of Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1 contamination in stored Syzygium cumini seeds
(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Jitendra Prasad; Monisha Soni; Arati Yadav; Kishor Kumar Paul; Manish Kumar Jha; Umakant Banjare; Somenath Das; Nawal Kishore Dubey; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy
This research developed a novel chitosan nanoemulsion infused with Cymbopogon khasianus essential oil (CKEO-ChNe) and characterized through Dynamic light scattering, Atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray diffractometry analyses followed by its efficacy testing against fungi and aflatoxin B1 contamination in Syzygium cumini seeds. The CKEO-ChNe inhibited Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production at 0.32 and 0.28 µL/mL with enhanced antioxidant activity and controlled delivery strategies. The inhibition of methylglyoxal and ergosterol biosynthesis, leakage of ions and molecular interaction of geraniol with Ver-1 (Versicolorin A dehydrogenase) and Omt-A (O-methyl transferase) proteins suggested the antifungal and anti-AFB1 mechanism of action. Further, the in situ protection of Syzygium cumini seeds against fungi, AFB1 contamination and lipid peroxidation (p<0.05) without altering the sensory characteristics, and favorable safety profile in mammalian model recommend the potentiality of encapsulated CKEO nanoemulsion as smart nano-fungitoxic preservative in agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. © 2024 The Authors
Food packaging testing, safety, and quality control: Standards, protocols, and best practices
(Elsevier, 2025) Monisha Soni; Arati Yadav; Umakant Banjare; Somenath K. Das; Kishor Kumar Paul; Manish Kumar Jha; A. K. Dwivedy
Food packaging plays a vital role in protecting products from environmental and microbial contamination while maintaining their sensory attributes and extending shelf life. As consumer lifestyles and dietary preferences continue to evolve, the food packaging industry is undergoing rapid technological advancements. The aim of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview of food packaging with a specific focus on testing methods, safety protocols, and quality control practices. Key topics include types of packaging materials, regulatory standards (ASTM, ISO, FDA, EFSA), and analytical techniques used to evaluate physical, mechanical, chemical, and biodegradable properties of packaging systems. Special attention is given to smart, active, and intelligent packaging technologies that enhance product quality and shelf life. The chapter also highlights current challenges such as nanomaterial migration and the need for sustainable packaging solutions. Emphasis is placed on aligning innovations with safety regulations to meet consumer expectations and promote environmental responsibility. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Nanoencapsulated Essential Oils for Post-Harvest Preservation of Stored Cereals: A Review
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024) Akash Maurya; Arati Yadav; Monisha Soni; Kishor Kumar Paul; Umakant Banjare; Manish Kumar Jha; Abhishek Kumar Dwivedy; Nawal Kishore Dubey
Cereal grains are frequently attacked by microorganisms and insects during storage and processing, which negatively affects their quality, safety, and market value. Therefore, protecting stored grains from microbial contamination is crucial for food industries, farmers, public health associations, and environmental agencies. Due to the negative impact of synthetic gray chemicals, antimicrobial plant-based essential oils (EOs) can serve as alternative, safer, environmentally friendly preservatives that can prolong the shelf life of cereals. However, high volatility, low solubility, hydrophobicity, and quick oxidation limit their practical applicability. Using nanotechnology for the nanoencapsulation of EOs into polymeric matrices allows sustained release and ensures targeted delivery without significantly altering the organoleptic attributes of cereals, making EOs a new-generation green preservative. This ultimately overcomes the challenges of practical applications. The application of nanoencapsulated EOs in grain storage provides an effective and novel defense against microbes, insects, and other contaminants. Hence, the current review thoroughly examines the preservative potential of nanoencapsulated EOs in terms of antimicrobial and insecticidal efficacy for protecting stored cereal grains. It also highlights the challenges encountered during application and the safety concerns of using nanoencapsulated EOs in protecting cereal grains during post-harvest storage. © 2024 by the authors.
Rhizobium radiobacter : A unique maize endophyte with high level of stress tolerance and multiple plant growth promoting properties
(Plant Archives, 2020) Narang P. Singh; Arun Kumar Patel; Umakant Banjare; Ashish K. Pandey
A unique naturally occurring bacterial endophyte BHU-4 was isolated from surface sterilized roots of the maize (Zea mays L.) plants north eastern part of India that exhibit a number of plant growth promoting properties. This isolate was identified as Rhizobium radiobacter (deposited in NCBI with accession number JN033549) showing 99.7% similarity when the phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence of 16S rRNA was done. It forms white mucilaginous colonies on yeast extract mannitol plates and the cells were rod shape with gram negative reaction. It grows in wide range of pH (4-10), temperature (4-45°C) and salt concentration (0.1-10%) that provide an opportunity to survive in highly adverse conditions. High level of tolerance to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin, the inhibitors of DNA gyrase provides an addition attribute to this strain for survival under extreme temperature stress. Capability of producing high amount of phytohormone IAA (8.04μg ml-1) and solubilising zinc (0.3mm h-1) helps this strain to support the plant growth as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. It was tested as bioinoculant for its effect on the growth of three cultivars of maize both under laboratory and glass house conditions. Plants grown under laboratory conditions exhibited significant increase in plant height (23.02 to 44.09%) and plant dry weight (15 to 25.73%) of inoculated plants over uninoculated (control) plants. Variability within the cultivars of maize in response to bacterial inoculation of BHU-4 was more visible when the same experiment was conducted in glass house. It was therefore concluded that due to presence of multiple plant growth promoting properties and high level of a number of abiotic stresses tolerance, this strain will be highly useful as bioinoculant sustainable cultivation of maize (Zea mays L.). © 2020 Plant Archives. All rights reserved.
temperature tolerant rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strains with plant growth promotion traits
(Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, 2020) Arun Kumar Patel; Umakant Banjare; Ajjo Kumari; Ramesh Kumar Singh; Kapil Deo Pandey
Rhizobacteria (PGPR) that promote the plant growth are essential component of sustainable agriculture. Pea (Pisum sativum l.) root nodule Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae ten strains were cultured at two different temperatures (28°C and 45°C). Out of eight strains screened the three N25, N30 and N40 were temperature tolerant while only one strain (N40) showed tolerance to pH11. The growth of Rhizobium strain N40 at 45 °C was 96.8 percent as compared to the growth of the at 28°C. The temperature tolerant strain N40 produced maximum IAA and solubilized insoluble tri calcium phosphate compared to other strains and thus can be used microbial inoculant in biofertilizer technology. © The Author(s) 2020.