Synthesis, spectral characterization and antimicrobial activity of some transition metal(II) complexes with acetone p-amino acetophenone benzoylhydrazone

Complexes of the type [M(apabh)Cl] and [M(Hapabh)(H₂O)SO₄], where M = Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II); Hapabh = acetone p-amino acetophenone benzoylhydrazone have been synthesized and characterized. Electronic spectra and μ_eff values suggest a square planar geometry for Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) chloride complexes, whereas, octahedral geometry for the sulfato complexes. ESR data show isotropic spectra for [Cu(apabh)Cl] and axial spectra for [Cu(Hapabh)(H₂O)SO₄] and d_x²_−y² as the ground state for both Cu(II) complexes. The ligand acts as tridentate monobasic in all chloro complexes bonding through two >CN and a deprotonated enolate groups, whereas tridentate neutral in all sulfato complexes coordinating through two >CN and a >CO groups. Thermal analysis (TGA & DTA) of [Ni(apabh)Cl] complex shows a multi-step exothermic decomposition pattern. The complexes show a significant antifungal activity against Rizoctonia sp., Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. and a considerably fair antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas sp. and Clostridium sp. The activity increases at higher concentration of the compound.     

Growth, photosynthetic pigments and photosynthetic activity during seedling stage of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in response to UV-B and dimethoate

UV-B (0.4 W m⁻²) irradiation and dimethoate (100 and 200 ppm) treatments, singly and in combination, declined the growth, photosynthetic pigment contents and photosynthesis (O₂ evolution and CO₂-fixation) of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Contrary to this, low concentration of dimethoate (50 ppm) caused stimulation on these parameters, while together with UV-B it showed inhibitory effects. Carotenoids (Car) showed varied responses. It was found that carbon-fixation (¹⁴CO₂) was more sensitive to both the stresses than photosynthetic oxygen evolution. Photosynthetic electron transport activity was reduced by both the stresses, however, 50 ppm dimethoate besides inhibiting photosystem II (PSII) and whole chain activity, showed slight stimulation in photosystem I (PSI) activity. The individual effect of two stresses on PSII activity was probably due to interruption of electron flow at oxidation side of PSII which extended to its reaction center following simultaneous exposure. A similar trend was also noticed in case of CO₂ liberation (measured as ¹⁴CO₂ release) in light and dark. Results suggest that dimethoate (100 and 200 ppm) and UV-B alone caused heavy damage on pigments and photosynthetic activity of cowpea, leading to the significant inhibition in growth. Further, the interactive effects of both the stresses got intensified. However, low concentration (50 ppm) of dimethoate showed stimulation, but in combination, it slightly recovered from the damaging effect, caused by UV-B.     

Antixenosis and antibiosis mechanisms of resistance to pod borer, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicoverpa armigera</Emphasis> in wild relatives of chickpea, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cicer arietinum</Emphasis>

The noctuid pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most damaging pests of chickpea, Cicer arietinum. The levels of resistance to H. armigera in the cultivated chickpea are low to moderate, but the wild relatives of chickpea have exhibited high levels of resistance to this pest. To develop insect-resistant cultivars with durable resistance, it is important to understand the contribution of different components of resistance, and therefore, we studied antixenosis and antibiosis mechanisms of resistance to H. armigera in a diverse array of wild relatives of chickpea. The genotypes IG 70012, PI 599046, IG 70022, PI 599066, IG 70006, IG 70018 (C. bijugum), ICC 506EB, ICCL 86111 (cultivated chickpea), IG 72933, IG 72953 (C. reticulatum), IG 69979 (C. cuneatum) and IG 599076 (C. chrossanicum) exhibited non preference for oviposition by the females of H. armigera under multi-choice, dual-choice and no-choice cage conditions. Based on detached leaf assay, the genotypes IG 70012, IG 70022, IG 70018, IG 70006, PI 599046, PI 599066 (C. bijugum), IG 69979 (C. cuneatum), PI 568217, PI 599077 (C. judaicum) and ICCW 17148 (C. microphyllum) suffered significantly lower leaf damage, and lower larval weights indicating high levels of antibiosis than on the cultivated chickpea. Glandular and non-glandular trichomes showed negative correlation with oviposition, while the glandular trichomes showed a significant and negative correlation with leaf damage rating. Density of non-glandular trichomes was negatively correlated with larval survival. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints of leaf surface exudates showed a negative correlation of oxalic acid with oviposition, but positive correlation with malic acid. Both oxalic acid and malic acid showed a significant negative correlation with larval survival. The wild relatives exhibiting low preference for oviposition and high levels of antibiosis can be used as sources of resistance to increase the levels and diversify the basis of resistance to H. armigera in cultivated chickpea.     

Response of baby corn genotypes to soil and foliar nitrogen application schedule

Responsive genotypes, timing and mode of nitrogen application are important for realizing potential yield of winter baby corn. Soil application of nitrogen is a common practice. Foliar application enhances absorption and utilization of nitrogen particularly after anthesis. We investigated combined approach in management of nitrogen for the first time including soil applications followed by foliar urea spray to enhance baby corn yield and profitability. To determine these, 2-year study conducted with three genotypes and six schedules of recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN). Growth characters, productivity traits, harvest period and yields recorded. Nitrogen content and uptake, protein content and harvest were determined. Genotype HM-4 produced 4.6% and 4.1% more cobs and corn weight over HQPM-1. Combined approach resulted higher yield attributes, yields, N uptake, protein harvest and monetary returns. RDN in 4 splits with more basal (B) dose increased cob and corn yield by 4.8% and 5.1% than 3 splits (50% B). Results suggest that HM-4 be grown using RDN 50% as B, 25% at knee height stage, 20% at tassel emergence followed by 5% foliar spray after first picking as urea solution (3%) for achieving higher yield and net returns. More studies needed under diverse conditions.     

Ethnobotanical studies of the dwindling aboriginal Jarawa tribe in Andaman Islands,India

World over the traditional knowledge has always formed the foundation for development of modern medicines as a result of scientific follow up of the traditional knowledge. Andaman archipelago represents one of the greatest emporia of ethno botanical wealth in India where aboriginal native tribes of ancient culture remain in their virginity and possess abundant ethnic knowledge. The Jarawas of Andaman Island are one such primitive and dwindling community. Jarawas inhabit the Jarawa Reserve located along the western parts of the South and Middle Andamans. A brief account of anthropology of the tribe is given. Results of ethnobotanical studies of Jarawa tribe have been enumerated which revealed interesting plants which can be further prioritized for scientific evaluation and Bioprospection for product development. The species like Alpinia manii, Amomum aculeatum, belonging to Zingiberaceae and Pseuduvaria prainii, Orophea katschallica of Annonaceae are shown to have effective insect and bee repellent properties. Such leads should be subjected to further scientific scrutiny for development of global level products having mosquito and other disease causing insect repellent properties. While this achieves the human welfare aspects, at the same time boosts the economy of the region. The Jarawas possess extensive knowledge of the plants of the surrounding forests and use them in their daily life for food, medicine, shelter, fibres, ornaments, bows and arrows and for many other needs. Such plants are enumerated with correct botanical names, family, Jarawa names, plant parts used along with details of use.     

Identification of lactoferrin and glutamate receptor‐interacting protein 1 in bovine cervical mucus: A putative marker for oestrous detection

Accurate detection of oestrus is important for artificial insemination. The aim of this study was to identify oestrous‐specific bovine cervical mucus proteins that could be used to determine the optimal time for artificial insemination. Non‐oestrous and controlled internal drug release (CIDR)‐induced oestrous‐stage mucus proteins were purified and subjected to surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and MALDI‐TOF/TOF. Among differentially expressed proteins, lactoferrin (LF) and glutamate receptor‐interacting protein 1 (GRIP1) showed a twofold increase during the CIDR‐induced oestrous stage compared to the levels in non‐oestrous stage in bovine cervical mucus. The RT‐PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry results showed that LF and GRIP1 expression was significantly increased during the oestrous stage in the uterus. This study demonstrated that bovine LF and GRIP1 exist during the oestrous stage, but not during the non‐oestrous stage, suggesting that cervical mucus LF and GRIP1 are useful oestrous detection markers in cattle.     

Retrieval of rice crop growth variables using multi-temporal RISAT-1 remotely sensed data

Microwave remote sensing sensors have great potential due to their capability to operate in any weather condition for the wide range of agricultural applications. The rice crop variables such as leaf area index (LAI) and plant height (PH) were retrieved for the monitoring of crop growth to improve crop production. The interaction of rice crop variables with medium spatial resolution (25 m) Radar Imaging Satellite-1 (RISAT-1) data for Varanasi district, India, was examined. The multi-temporal dual polarization (HH- and HV-) images having frequency 5.35 GHz at C-band were investigated. Crop growth profile derived from the analysis of temporal backscattering (July–October, 2013) showed 3–4 dB difference throughout its growth cycle. The rice crop variables were retrieved by the inversion of polynomial models and showed higher values of coefficient of determination (R²) for HH-polarization in comparison to HV-polarization.     

Influence of growth hormones on adventitious root formation in semi-hardwood cuttings of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Celasturs paniculatus</Emphasis> Willd.: a contribution for rapid multiplication and conservation management

Celastrus paniculatus Willd. (Celastraceae) is an important medicinal tree valued for its seeds. Indiscriminate collection of this plant from the habitat zones has posed a serious threat to its existence in the wild, results in globally a threatened plant species. Ex situ conservation is a prioritized agenda of research for redlisted plant species. Semi-hardwood stem cuttings collected from 10 to 15 year old trees were treated with different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 g l⁻¹) of growth hormones; indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) for positive effect on root induction. After 90 days of treatment, results were analyzed for percentage of rooting, root number and average root length per rooted cuttings. The highest rooting (57%) response with highest number of roots (~77.2) was obtained in indole-3-acetic acid at 3.0 g l⁻¹. Overall, high significant (P ≤ 0.05) rooting response was noticed in IAA treatment comparative to hormones IBA and NAA. Rooted cuttings exhibited 100% survival in the experimental field. This study reveals the propagation of semi-hardwood cuttings derived from partially matured branches is possible and it provides a basis for conservation of this threatened plant species by reducing pressure on its natural populations.     

Factors Affecting the Readiness and Preparation of Replacement Heifers in Tropical Breeding Environments

The future of beef cattle production in tropical regions is uncertain because of land tenure concerns, threatening the survival of extensive management programmes in these areas of the world. The need to intensify production systems will inevitably lead to changes in the management of replacement animals in existing herds. The present review underlines the main constraints, which in the past could be resolved by the sheer numbers of animals present in beef cattle operations, with replacements reliant only on finding enough heifers to substitute the adult females destined for culling. This scenario is rapidly changing as beef cattle units in tropical regions subdivide to share out the land between as many farmers as possible. Consequently, issues such as the efforts needed to manage the pregnant cow, particularly her nutritional status and its effect on the new‐born calf, the future replacement heifer growing in the presence of the dam, weaning management and procedures required before a heifer can be introduced into a breeding programme, need to be adequately and efficiently addressed by farmers in tropical regions.     

Influence of Cysteamine on In Vitro Maturation, In Vitro and In Vivo Fertilization of Equine Oocytes

The effect of cysteamine on in vitro nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of equine oocytes collected by transvaginal ultrasound guided follicular aspiration was assessed. Oocytes were matured in vitro with (cysteamine group) or without (control group) cysteamine. The nuclear stage after DNA Hoechst staining, penetration rates after two different in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques (IVF media with ionophore and Hepes buffer with heparin) and the embryo yield following oocyte intra-oviductal transfer were used as a criterion for assessing nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, respectively. Contrary to the data described in other domestic species, there was no effect of cysteamine on in vitro nuclear maturation, IVF or in vivo embryonic development under our conditions. Ovum pick up yields (52%) and maturation rates (control group: 47% and cysteamine group: 55%) were similar to those previously reported. From 57 oocytes transferred to the oviduct in each group, the number of embryos collected was 10 (17%) in the control group and five in the cysteamine group (9%). Those two percentages were not statistically different (p > 0.05). No effect of IVF technique was seen on the success rate (6%) in each group.