<div>Background: The purpose of the present investigation was to compare the microbial load of three traditionally and scientifically dried fish. In traditional drying, sometimes good hygienic practices are compromised. But in case of solar drying or scientifically drying like-drying in a food dryer/can control the drying environment and suitable hygienic condition is alsoensured. 
 
Methods: Present investigation was carried out for a period of 6 months, from October, 2023 to March, 2024. The study focused on three commonly consumed fish species: Bombay duck, Scaly hairfin and Ribbon fish and the microbial populations were assessed using three types of media: Nutrient broth, Thiosulfate citrate bile salts sucrose agar and MacConkey agar. The results from the serial dilution and spread plate methods were used to determine the colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter (ml) at different dilution levels. 
 
Result: The findings of the study revealed that fish dried using traditional methods had higher (p&lt;0.001) microbial loads as compared to those dried using a food dryer machine. The overall decrease of microbial loads with the food dryer machine suggests that it offers improved safety and better colour, texturefor dried fish products which was attributed to the controlled and consistent drying conditions provided to the fish product dried in food dryer machine.</div>

Microbial Assessment of Traditionally and Scientifically Dried Fish Products of East Midnapore, West Bengal, India

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) from dicotyledonous Caryophyllaceae family is one of the important floricultural crop is cultivated all-year-around in temperate areas.&nbsp;In addition, the lengthy vase life of carnations may have great implications for wholesale and retail markets. It is genetically a quantitative long day plant and sensitive to temperature, which is a major factor that influences the growth and flowering, color, grade and the quality of cut flowers. Commonly grown Chaubad and Marquerite carnation are propagated by seed and other different types can be propagated through different ways of propagations like terminal cutting and tissue culture. The soil should be ploughed thoroughly up to 80-100 cm. deep and organic manure is to be mixed with soil properly. Soil sterilization should be done prior to planting. Rooted cuttings of standard carnations are planted on raised beds with a spacing of 20&times;20 cm and spacing of 30&times;30 cm is ideal for spray carnations. However, the lateral shoot development is best at a density of 50 plants/m&sup2;. Apart from major nutrients like N, P and K, Ca, Mg, B and Fe also play a crucial role in carnation nutrition. Spray of 0.1% urea and potassium nitrate (KNO3) and 1 ppm Boron at 10 days interval till flowering produces good quality flowers. The plastic nets having a mesh of 7.5-10cm supported by stakes of metal fixed at the corner of beds is an ideal method. During pinching, the tip of the stem is removed to encourage the growth of the standard or Sim Carnations. Only 4-6 well grown lateral shoots will be allowed to grow. Splitting carnation flower calyces; is one of major limiting factor that affect both pre and post-harvest quality of carnation flowers. The problem of calyx splitting can be controlled by regulating temperature. Higher nitrate to ammoniacal nitrogen ratio during low light periods are recommended to reduce splitting. The optimum stage of standard carnation for distant market is paint brush stage when petals have started to elongate outside the calyx. The spray varieties are harvested with 2 open flowers on each stem. The flowers after harvesting and grading should be pulsed with 10% sucrose+1mm silver thiosulfate (STS) for 8-10hr before transportation to increase storability and vase-life of cut carnations.

Microbial Assessment of Traditionally and Scientifically Dried Fish Products of East Midnapore, West Bengal, India

Cultivation and Cultural Practices Followed in Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) for Better Production: A Review