Salinity Tolerance of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) with Reference to Endogenous and Exogenous Abscisic Acid

Experiments conducted m a phytotron on three rice varieties of different salinity tolerance revealed an increase in the content of endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) with increasing NaCl salinity in IR20 (semi salt-tolerant), but in Pokkali (salt-tolerant) and IR28 (salt-sensitive) the increase in ABA content was marginal. Under sahnity stress, in general, 5 weekly sprayings of ABA (10^-4 mol L^-1) decreased Na and K concentrations in the shoot to the extent of 29.5 % and 3.3 %, respectively. However, ABA application significantly improved the K/Na ratio as well as the chlorophyll fluorescence decrease ratio (Rfd, indicator for potential photosynthetic activity), the number of green leaves per plant and the shoot dry weight. The response of IR20 and IR28 to ABA application was significantly better than that of Pokkali. Increasing salinity caused marked nutrient imbalances, decreased Rfd values and shoot dry weight. The results are discussed in relation to possible mechanism of salinity tolerance.     

Electromagnetic stabilization of weakly conducting fluids

Classical hydromagnetic theory predicts that the flow of dilute aqueous electrolyte in a slit can be stabilized by application of a strong, transverse magnetic field. However, recent experiments indicate that stabilization can be achieved with the use of a much weaker field in the presence of a small lateral current. A revised theory describes how the magnetic and electric fields interact to eliminate natural convection.     

Response of egg weight to the inclusion of various fats in layer diets

1. Brown egg layers were fed diets differing in oil content, oil source and linoleic acid concentration and the effect on performance from 22 to 69 weeks of age was studied.

2. The birds responded with an increasing mean egg weight up to a linoleic acid intake of 2.75 g/bird d.

3. Increasing the intake of readily absorbable oil without increasing linoleic acid concentration did not increase mean egg weight.     

Infestation in the dog by the paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus 3. Respiratory effects

To assess respiratory function in dogs with tick paralysis, respiratory measurements were recorded on 14 dogs experimentally infested with Ixodes holocyclus. There was a progressive fall in respiratory rate with no change in tidal volume, which resulted in a significant fall in minute respiratory volume in the latter stages of the disease. The fall in respiratory rate was possibly central in origin and was accompanied by an increased alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference, probably caused by pulmonary congestion and oedema. The "grunting" respiration seen in tick paralysis was due to closure of the vocal cords during expiration and could represent an attempt to re-expand collapsed parts of the lung.