<div>Background: The research was conducted at the ICAR-CRIDA Hayatnagar Research Farm in Hyderabad, India. The plant material consisting of tamarind trees that were planted in 1998 with a 5 m spacing to improve the morphological and reproductive characteristics of elite genotypes as well as quality among the forty tamarind accessions maintained at the research farm. The experiment was started in 1998 and observations were taken over the fruiting season of 2020-2021 with forty tamarind accessions, the experiments were established in a randomized block design. The trees were identified for their consistent health and development. 
 
Methods: Biometric observations mainly average number of flowers per inflorescence, average number of inflorescence per Branch, average number of branches per tree, average fruit weight (g), average yield per plant (kg), fruit, pulp, seed weights as well as shell, fibre, fruit, number of normal seeds per pod as well as damaged number of seeds per pod were recorded and analyzed statistically. 
 
Result: Significant differences among the tamarind accessions evaluated, NZB(S), Hasanur #5, Salem 132, NTI-14 and SMG-3 recorded the highest values in all the growth, pod and yield characters. NZB(S) recorded the highest number of flowers per inflorescence (14.62) while Hasanur # 5 recorded the highest number of inflorescence per branch (13.87). In yield attributes, NZB(S) recorded the highest average yield per plant (kg) (15.72) followed by Hasanur #5 (15.09), Salem 132 (14.81) and NTI-14 (14.65). The results revealed that NZB(S) showed the highest mean performance in terms of growth, yield and quality characters. The best performing accessions are being multiplied through vegetative propagation methods for planting on large scale in different locations.</div>

Performance of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Accessions under Dryland Conditions

Background: The research was conducted at the ICAR-CRIDA Hayatnagar Research Farm in Hyderabad, India. The plant material consists of tamarind trees planted in 1998 with 5m spacing to improve the morphological and reproductive characteristics of elite genotypes as well as quality and biochemical characters among the twenty tamarind accessions maintained at the research farm. The experiment was started in 1998 and observations were taken over the fruiting season of 2021-2022 with twenty tamarind accessions; the experiments were established in a randomized block design. The trees were identified for their consistent health and development. 
 
Methods: Biometric observations mainly average number of flowers per inflorescence, average number of inflorescence per branch, average number of branches per tree, average fruit weight (g), average yield per plant (kg), fruit, pulp, seed weights as well as shell, fiber, fruit, number of normal seeds per pod as well as damaged number of seeds per pod, Carbohydrates g/ 100 g, Polyphenols g/100 g, Anthocyanin mg/100 g, % Antioxidant activity and % Tartaric acid were recorded and analyzed statistically. 
 
Result: Significant differences among the tamarind accessions evaluated, NZB(S), Hasanur #5, Salem 132, NTI-14 and SMG-3 recorded the highest values in all the growth, pod and yield characters. NZB(S) recorded the highest number of flowers per inflorescence (14.62) while Hasanur # 5 recorded the highest number of inflorescence per branch (13.87). In yield attributes, NZB(S) recorded the highest average yield per plant (kg) (15.72) followed by Hasanur #5 (15.09), Salem 132 (14.81) and NTI-14 (14.65). The results revealed that NZB(S) showed the highest mean performance in terms of growth, yield and quality characters. The best performing accessions are being multiplied through vegetative propagation methods for planting on large scale in different locations.

Morpho-biochemical Characterization of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)

Background: Tamarindus indica L., commonly known as Tamarind, is a unique species in the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family. It is known for its economic and nutritional importance. The genetic diversity of Tamarind is crucial for breeding and conservation purposes. Despite its significance, there is limited research on the phenotypic variations among Tamarind clones, particularly concerning their morphological and biochemical traits. Understanding these variations is essential for improving Tamarind cultivars in terms of yield and quality. This study aims to fill this gap by assessing the phenotypic diversity in Tamarind clones using a range of morphological and biochemical parameters. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted on a 10-year-old clonal assemblage of Tamarind. A total of 60 Tamarind clones were evaluated over two consecutive years (2019-2020 and 2020-2021). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design. The correlation, multiple linear regression, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were analysed in the morphological and biochemical traits to understand the contribution variation and relationship among these clones.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results indicated significant diversity among the 60 Tamarind clones. High coefficient of variation was observed in annual yield per tree. The PCA revealed that the first five principal components accounted for 81.77% of the total variation, with the first two components explaining 65.89% of the variance. A strong positive correlation and relationship were found between fruit weight and annual yield per tree. The hierarchical cluster analysis resulted in the categorization of the genotypes into three distinct clusters, each characterized by unique morphological and physiochemical traits. These findings are crucial for breeders focusing on enhancing Tamarind cultivars for better yield and quality.

Exploring Morpho-biochemical Diversity in Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) for Advanced Breeding Approaches

Background: The present investigation was carried out at the Hoskote Forest Station, Bengaluru Rural District, India. The plant material consisted of Twenty eight accessions which were planted in June, 1998. The observations for the present investigation were recorded during 2018-19 and 2019-20 fruiting seasons. The RCBD design was followed to control variability and improve the accuracy of experimental results. 
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Methods: The accessions were evaluated for different morphological traits viz. bearing habit, fruit characteristics such as shape, pulp colour, length, width, thickness, weight, pulp weight per fruit, seed weight per fruit, number of seeds per fruit, shell weight per fruit, vein weight per fruit and their corresponding percentages (seed, pulp, fibre and shell). It also explores phytochemical traits in tamarind pulp, including titratable acidity (%), TSS (oBrix), pH, ascorbic acid (mg/100 g) and tartaric acid (%). Nutrient content in tamarind pulp, specifically manganese, potassium, calcium and magnesium was also analysed. The correlation co-efficient among all the possible morpho and phytochemical trait combinations were analyzed statistically. 
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Result: Significant differences among the tamarind accessions were noted, STAM-28 and HSTAM-40 recorded the highest values in all the growth, pod and yield characters. Correlation analysis revealed that Fruit weight was highly significant and showed association with fibre weight, thickness of fruit, pulp weight, fruit width, fruit length, shell weight, tartaric acid and titratable acidity content of pulp. This suggests that there is potential to select traits that can help identify superior genotypes/accessions in terms of both quality and yield of tamarind.

Exploring the Morphological and Biochemical Diversity of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) in Karnataka

Background: Manila tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.)&nbsp; Benth) belongs to the family Fabaceae and sub-family Mimosoideae. This tree have multiple uses; fruit, firewood, honey, fodder, soap oil, tannin, hedges and shade. Naturally this plant species can be multiplied by seeds. Apart from genetic variability, the seedling progenies may take long time to first bearing and sometimes irregular bearing also noticed due to its genetic makeup. In order to overcome these drawbacks, vegetative propagation is the only alternate way to get genetically uniform, early bearing and high yielding characters. The age of rootstocks and season of grafting influences the success of the grafts and performance of the grafted plants. With this background, studies on age of rootstocks and season on grafting success in Manila Tamarind was carried out.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of season and age of the rootstocks in Manila Tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with 15 treatment combinations and four replications. In this study, three rootstocks of different age viz., 6, 9 and 12 months old were grafted during June, July, August, September and October.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The main and interaction effects on age of rootstocks and season of grafting had a significant influence on survival percentage, number of days taken to first sprouting, number of leaves per plant and chlorophyll content of manila tamarind under controlled conditions. The softwood grafting performed on nine month old rootstocks during September recorded the highest survival percentage and it was significantly different from all other treatments. The same treatment i.e., nine months old rootstock grafted in September was also recorded the less number of days taken to first sprouting with highest number of leaves per plant and chlorophyll content.

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Studies on the Influence Age of Rootstocks and Season on Grafting Success in Manila Tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce Roxb.)

Background: Maintaining liver health is crucial, particularly through dietary sources that offer hepatoprotective and antioxidative benefits. Manila tamarind (Dipteryx odorata), known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties, shows promise as a functional food ingredient for liver health support. This study aimed to develop an instant soup mix enriched with Manila tamarind, carrot, onion, white pepper and sago, providing a convenient, nutrient-dense option for consumers. 
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Methods: Three soup formulations were created, each with varying concentrations of Manila tamarind powder (10 g, 20 g and 30 g). A 10-member sensory evaluation panel assessed the formulations for taste, color, texture and overall acceptability. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) was performed to confirm significant differences across formulations. Nutritional profiling was conducted to determine the fiber and fat content of the soup mix. The DPPH radical scavenging assay was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the soup mix. Molecular docking analysis was performed to identify key compounds within the soup mix and their binding affinities with liver-regulating receptors, such as PPAR-a. 
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Result: The sensory evaluation panel favored the 20 g variant for its optimal balance of taste, color, texture and overall acceptability. ANOVA confirmed significant differences across formulations. Nutritional profiling revealed that the soup mix is high in fiber and low in fat, aligning with liver-supportive dietary recommendations. The DPPH radical scavenging assay demonstrated moderate, dose-dependent antioxidant activity, suggesting potential to reduce oxidative stress linked to hepatic damage. Molecular docking analysis revealed that key compounds within the soup mix, including glycidol and dihydroxyacetone, have favorable binding affinities with liver-regulating receptors, such as PPAR-a. These findings underscore the potential of the Manila tamarind-based soup mix as a functional food to support liver health and mitigate oxidative stress associated with hepatic disorders. 
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Development of a Manila Tamarind-based Hepatoprotective Instant Soup Mix: GC-MS Characterization for Seperation, Identification and Quantification of Bioactive Compounds&nbsp;

<div>Background: Agricultural chemicals, metals, industrial effluents, plastics, excessive dumping of unused and expired pharmaceutical chemicals etc. contaminate terrestrial, aquatic and aerial environment. The excessive usage of the unwanted chemicals elicits undesirable effects in the non target organism inhabited in the various environments. The soil biota like earthworm faces threats of the environmental contaminants. A number of research works has been carried out to study the impact of certain environmental pollutants on the terrestrial inhabitant like earthworms which are widely utilized in the waste disposal management. Tamarind shell waste is considered one of the unwanted materials dumped in the road side and being discharged from industry and from the houses. The bio waste is now a day&rsquo;s utilized for various purposes. The environmental contaminants such as diclofenac and bisphenol-A are discharged into the environment and finally reach the terrestrial environment where the inhabitants are adversely affected. Hence the study has been focused to analyze the efficiency of earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae in the conversion of tamarind shell waste mixed separately with Diclofenac and bisphenol-A.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Vermibed was prepared for the present work. The vermibed contains cow dung and garden soil which are common in all the pots. One pot was considered as control. The second pot was mixed with tamarind shell waste. The third pot was mixed with diclofenac and finally in the last pot bisphenol-A was taken. Healthy earworms were selected and released to the four pots. The experimental set up was maintained for 30 days. Correlation matrix and t-test was performed to understand the significance of the results. 
 
Result: The study revealed the impact of pollutants on the bioconversion of tamarind shell waste. The contaminants like diclofenac and bisphenol-A significantly decreased the micro and macro nutrient levels. The phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium level showed a decrease when compared to control on 30th day in the diclofenac treatment. The nitrogen value was also decreased in the bisphenol-A treated compost on 30th day and the value was statistically significant. The other nutrients, phosphorous and iron were also decreased significantly (P&lt;0.05) in the treatment and correlation matrix showed positive and negative correlation with micro and macro nutrients. The physico-chemical characters such as pH and electrical conductivity are also altered in the experimental conditions.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Studies on the Efficiency of Eudrilus eugeniae in the Bioconversion of Tamarind Fruit Shell Waste Mixed with Diclofenac and Bisphenol-A</div>

Background: Manila Tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce) fruit pulp powder is used as a therapeutic agent to treat a range of ailments due to its extraordinary capabilities. The bark and pulp are known for their hemostatic and astringent properties, making them effective remedies for toothaches, bleeding gums and gum problems. This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Pithecellobium dulce fruit pulp in laboratory animals. 
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Methods: To induce liver injury, experimental animals were administered approximately 1 ml of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intraperitoneal (i.p) injection in olive oil. The animals were then given 50 mg, 300 mg and 2000 mg/kg body weight (bw) of aqueous extract of Manila tamarind fruit solution via oral gavage tube. Control animals received distilled water as a vehicle. The study measured serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride and bilirubin levels to assess the hepatoprotective effect. 
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Result: The aqueous extract of the fruit pulp of Manila tamarind significantly reduced serum SGOT, SGPT, ALP, triglyceride and bilirubin levels in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity. Mannose exhibited the strongest binding affinity (-6.2 kcal/mol), followed by Hexyl (-5.1 kcal/mol) and Pyran-4-one (-4.9 kcal/mol), highlighting their potential for therapeutic applications. These findings provide a foundation for further pharmacological research on Manila Tamarind phytochemicals. The results prove that the aqueous extract of the fruit pulp of Pithecellobium dulce possesses a hepatoprotective effect against liver injury.

Hepato-protective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Manila Tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce) Fruit Pulp against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Mice

A laboratory experiment was carried out at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Seed Research and Technology Centre, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to study the influence of seasonal variations on the life stages of Caryedon serratus under ambient storage conditions both on the pods as well as kernels of groundnut for the efficient management of this pest throughout the year. The variations in the duration of each stage was correlated with the environmental factors like temperature and relative humidity. The January-February months, with 26.760C maximum and 24.630C minimum temperatures and 76.00% relative humidity recorded maximum durations for egg (14.60 days), larva (49.00 days), pupa (15.00 days) and adult longevity (21.60 days). Higher per cent of egg viability (58.80), larval survival (56.80) and adult emergence (86.60) were recorded during September-October during which lowest relative humidities (73.11% and 71.40%, at 7 am and 2 pm, respectively) were recorded. November-December recorded higher fecundity (29.20 eggs female-1) when the minimum temperature was lowest (22.660C). The period from September to February with 30.73-26.760C and 22.66-25.750C, maximum and minimum temperatures, respectively and 71.40-76.00% relative humidity was found to be most  optimum and congenial for the bruchid growth and development. These findings revealed that proper control strategies could be planned for the management of Caryedon serratus from September to February to avoid post harvest losses in stored groundnut. 