Silicon-mediated genotoxic alterations in Brassica juncea under arsenic stress: A comparative study of biochemical and molecular markers

Arsenic (As), one of the most harmful toxicant at the global level, severely affects plant metabolism when taken up. Interestingly, the presence of silicon (Si) as a fertilizer in As-contaminated soil is an effective strategy to decrease As accumulation in plants. Brassica juncea (var. Varuna) were grown hydroponically to investigate the role of Si at biochemical and molecular levels under arsenite (As³⁺) stress. Seedlings of B. juncea were exposed to As³⁺, Si, and a combination of both elements. Our data demonstrated that seedlings exposed to As³⁺ showed an inhibition in shoot length, chlorophyll, carotenoid, and protein, while co-application of Si improved these growth parameters. Silicon supplementation reduced As accumulation in shoot. Increase/decrease was observed in stress-related parameters (cysteine and proline), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase), and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and H₂O₂), which were improved upon co-application of Si as compared to As³⁺ alone treatment. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is a suitable biomarker assay for plants for assessing the genotoxicity. Seven RAPD primers produced a total of 39 and 48 bands in the leaves of the untreated and treated seedlings, respectively. The RAPD band-profiles and genomic template stability were consistent with other growth and physiological parameters. In conclusion, the genotoxic alterations along with the biochemical parameters indicate that the exposure to Si mitigates As³⁺-induced oxidative stress by improving the stress-related parameters and antioxidant system in B. juncea.     

Hemato-biochemical changes, disease incidence and live weight gain in individual versus group reared calves fed on different levels of milk and skim milk

A 2 × 3 factorial design was used to study the impact of rearing systems, individual (I) versus group (G) and different levels of milk/skim milk feeding (F1, F2 and F3) on hemato‐biochemical profile, disease incidence and average daily gain of crossbred (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) calves. Six calves were taken in each group on the basis of their birth weight and housed in individual (2.20 × 1.16 m²/calf) or in group pens (2.20 × 1.03 m²/calf). After 3 days of colostrum feeding, calves were allocated to one of three different milk feeding schedules: milk fed up to 8 weeks of age (F1), milk up to 4 weeks followed by 50% replacement by skim milk up to 6 weeks and 100% thereafter (F2) and 100% replacement of milk with skim milk after 4 weeks (F3). Calf starter and cereal green fodders were fed ad libitum from the second week of age and continued for 14 weeks. Parameters on health and disease profiles of calves (disease incidence, duration of illness, response to treatment and recovery) and weekly live weight change were recorded. Calf scour predominated (52.8%), followed by joint ill (25.0%) and respiratory infections (19.4%). The disease incidence was greater (P < 0.01) in individually housed calves (94.4 vs. 55.9%). The management of navel ill required longer recovery (7.01 days) followed by joint ill (4.87 days) and respiratory infection (4.86 days). The average daily gain during 0–14 weeks of age was higher (P < 0.01) in group‐housed calves (433 ± 22 vs. 355 ± 31 g), while the effect of feeding was not significant. Blood samples collected at 4, 8 and 14 weeks of age showed some periodic higher concentrations (but within normal range) of plasma urea and total protein in group housed calves on F2 and F3 feeding schedules in response to high protein intake. Other parameters remained non‐significantly different. Thus, group‐housed calves can be reared successfully with comparatively better performance and less illness than individually housed ones under the present health care and housing management system. However, the system should not be used as a substitute for good management, and frequent observations of calves should be an integral part of any successful rearing program.     

Growth and development of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. and its impact on selected crops

The growth and development of Cuscuta chinensis Lam., and the effects of the holoparasite on the growth and yield of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum ), chilli ( Capsicum annuum ) and rice ( Oryza sativa ) were investigated in pot experiments under glasshouse conditions. 'Mature' and 'immature' seeds of C. chinensis showed 15 and 47% germination, respectively. The independent life duration of seedlings from 'immature' seeds was 6 days shorter than 'mature' seeds (19 days). Cuscuta chinensis formed haustoria on chilli and tomato, but not on rice seedlings. Infection with three C. chinensis seedlings per host plant reduced leaf area, dry weight, carbon and nitrogen content by 78–84% and 27–44% in tomato and chilli plants, respectively. Dry weight of C. chinensis was 0.63 g per pot in tomato, and 0.24 g per pot in chilli. Carbon and nitrogen content of C. chinensis was 0.189 and 0.028 g per pot, respectively, when grown with tomato. When it was grown with chilli, the carbon and nitrogen content of C. chinensis was 0.001 and 0.007 g per pot, respectively. Cuscuta chinensis reduced the fruit yield of tomato and chilli by 72 and 29%, respectively. The results indicated that tomato is a preferred host of C. chinensis compared with chilli, and rice is not preferred. In the host–parasite associations, C. chinensis suppressed growth and yield of chilli and tomato by diverting the elaborated products of metabolism of the hosts.     

Trade-off expression of melatonin receptor subtypes (Mel1a and Mel1b) and androgen receptor in lung of a tropical bird,Perdicula asiatica

The role of circulatory steroid hormone along with melatonin in lung of any seasonally breeding bird has never been explored so far. This could be interesting because steroid hormones are immunosuppressive while melatonin is immunostimulatory in nature. In our present study, we report the effect of exogenous melatonin and testosterone on expression of melatonin receptor subtypes (Mel_1a and Mel_1b) and androgen receptor in lung of a tropical bird Perdicula asiatica. Birds were collected from vicinity of Varanasi and acclimatized in laboratory with sufficient food and water. The birds were treated with melatonin and testosterone at dose of 25 µg/100 g B.wt./day and 1 mg/100 g B.wt./day, respectively, for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, the birds were sacrificed and lung tissue and blood sample were collected for immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis and hormonal assay. Testosterone treatment increased circulatory testosterone and upregulated expression of androgen receptors whereas downregulated expression of melatonin receptor subtypes Mel_1a and Mel_1b. Melatonin administration increased peripheral melatonin and upregulated expression of melatonin receptor subtypes Mel_1a and Mel_1b while downregulated androgen receptor. Thus, our results suggest that a trade-off relationship between melatonin and testosterone exists in regulation of their receptors in lung of Perdicula asiatica.     

Genetics of growth habit in horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.]

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - Growth habit is a plant architectural trait&nbsp;in grain legumes with no exception of horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.]. Determinacy and...     

Achene germination of Parthenium hysterophorus L.: effects of light, temperature, provenance and achene size

Ray achenes of Parthenium hysterophorus L. from widely separated localities showed a positive relationship between length and weight, and those from northern India (higher latitude) were heavier than those from the south (lower latitude). The achenes germinated well in continuous light and in the dark, but maximum germination was obtained with a 10-h photoperiod. Increasing duration of light pretreatment from 6 to 48 h resulted in greater subsequent germination in the dark. The achenes germinated over a wide range of alternating temperature regimes, but achieved maximum percentage germination at 25–30°C/15–20°C. Despite significant quantitative variation, the overall germination behaviour of achenes of different sizes was similar, although large achenes always gave higher germination than small ones. Germination was significantly influenced by seed source. The north Indian populations showed higher percentage germination than those from south India. The patterns of response of achenes of different provenances to light and alternating diurnal temperatures were slightly different. Germination des akènes de Parthenium hysterophorus L.: effets de lu lumière, température et de la taille et origine des akènes Des akènes de Parthénium hysterophorus L. issus de localités très largement éloignées ont montré une corrélation positive entre la longueur et le poids; ceux du nord de l'Inde (latitude plus élevée) étaient plus lourds que ceux du sud (latitude plus basse). Les akènes ont bien germés tant en lumière continue, qu'à l'obscurité, mais le maximum de germination a été observé sous une photopériode de 10 heures. Une augmentation d'une préexposition à la lumière de 6 h à 48 h aboutit ensuite à une plus grande germination à l'obscurité. Les akènes ont germé sur un très large éventail de régimes de températures alternées mais on a obtenu le maximum de pourcentage de germination à 25–30°C/15–20°C. En dépit de variations quantitatives significatives, le comportement général de germination des akènes de tailles différentes a été comparable, même si les grands akènes germent toujours mieux que les petits. La germination est influencée de façon significative par la provenance de la graine. Les populations du nord de l'Inde expriment un pourcentage de germination plus élevé que celles du sud. Les comportements de réponse des akènes de différentes provenances à la lumière, et aux températures diurnes ont été légèrement différentes. Keimung der Achänen von Parthenium hysterophorus L.: Wirkung von Licht, Temperatur und Herkunft sowie Grösse der Achänen Die Achänen von Parthenium hysterophorus L. von weit voneinander liegenden Orten zeigten ein positives Längen-Gewicht-Verhältnis, wobei sie in Nordindien schwerer waren als im Süden. Die Achänen keimten im Dauerlicht und im Dunkeln gut, aber bei 10stündiger Lichtperiode am besten. Wenn sie zunächst einer von 6 bis auf 48 h gesteigerten Licht-Behandlung unterworfen wurden, keimten sie im Dunkeln besser. Die Achänen keimten über eine weite Spanne wechselnder Temperatur; die maximale Keimrate wurde bei 25–30/15–20°C gefunden. Trotz signifikanter Unterschiede war die Keimung verschieden grosser Achänen im grossen und ganzen ähnlich, wenn auch die grossen immer stärker als die kleinen keimten. Die Keimung war signifikant von der Herkunft beeinflusst: Die Achänen aus Nordindien hatten eine grössere Keimrate als die aus dem Süden. Das Verhalten der Achänen verschiedener Herkunft gegenüber Licht und wechselnder Tagestemperatur war wenig unterschiedlich.     

响应面分析法优化葡萄糖和酵母膏对巴西蘑菇菌丝体及胞外多糖生产的影响

通过响应面分析方法,就葡萄糖和酵母膏对巴西蘑菇菌丝体及胞外多糖生产的影响开展研究. 结果表明,葡萄糖浓度20～40 g/L有利于菌丝体的合成, 而酵母膏的浓度2～4 g/L对菌丝体的合成有负影响; 葡萄糖的变化对胞外多糖产生的影响不明显, 而酵母膏的浓度2～4 g/L有正面影响.表明碳氮源对巴西蘑菇菌丝体和胞外多糖合成的影响不一致. 因此,菌丝体和胞外多糖合成有各自最佳的碳氮源浓度,可为下一步实验的目标产物是多糖还是菌丝体调整各因子值的大小.     

Population dynamics of buried weed seeds as influenced by shifting and terrace cultivation in the humid subtropics of India

Change in the viable seed populations of three weed species, Galinsoga ciliata (Rafin) Blake, Polygonum alatum Buch. Ham. and Spergula arvensis L. in soil was studied in potato, radish, cabbage and cabbage+radish (mixed to gether) fields under shifting agriculture (locally called jhum) and terrace cultivation in northeast India from October 1988 to September 1989. The effect of weeding frequency on the viable weed seed populations of these weeds was also investigated. In most fields seed populations were smaller during the rainy season than during other seasons. Initially, the viable seed populations of all three weed species showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease with increasing soil depth in all crop fields under jhum cultivation. However, there was no clear trend in the terraced fields. At the end of the study period the trend was not clear in all crop fields under either jhum or terrace cultivations. In the ‘normally weeded plots’ the viable seed populations of S. arvensis and P. alatum recorded about a 2% increase in jhum fields, while in the terraced fields they showed a loss of 4% over the 1-year period. The ‘frequently weeded plots’ however, showed a sharp decline in viable seed populations in all crop fields. Dynamique des populations des graines de mauvaises herbes enfouies: influence de l'agriculture itinérante et de la culture en terrasses dans les zones humides sub-tropicales de l'Inde Les changements dans les populations de graines viables de trois espèces de mauvaises herbes, Galinsoga ciliata (Rafin) Blake, Polygonum alatum Buch. Ham. et Spergula arvensis L., ont étéétudiés dans des champs de pomme de terre, de radis, de chou et de chou et radis (en mélange) dans des conditions d'agriculture itinérante (appelée localement jhum) et d'agriculture en terrasses dans le nord-est de l'Inde, d'octobre 1988 à septembre 1989. L'effet de la fréquence de désherbage sur les populations de graines viables de ces mauvaises herbes a aussi étéétudié. Dans la plupart des champs, les populations de graines étaient plus réduites pendant la saison des pluies que pendant les autres saisons. Au début de l'étude, les populations de graines viables des trois espèces de mauvaises herbes montraient dans toutes les cultures jhum une décroissance significative (P<0.05) avec la profondeur dans le sol. Par contre, il n'y avait pas de relation claire dans les champs en terrasses. À la fin de l'étude, la tendance n'était claire dans aucun des champs, qu'il soient en culture jhum ou en terrasses. Sur la période d'un an qu'a duré l'étude, et dans les parcelles ‘normalement désherbées’, les populations de graines viables de S. arvensis et de P. alatum ont augmenté de 2% dans les champs jhum, alors que dans les champs en terrasses, elles ont chuté de 4%. Cependant, dans les parcelles fréquemment désherbées, les populations de graines viables décroissaient rapidement dans tous les champs. Populationsdynamik des Unkrautsamenvorrats im Boden unter dem Einfluß von Rodungs- und Terrassen-Kulturen in humid subtropischen Gebieten Indiens Veränderungen der Samenpopulation der 3 Unkrautarten Galinsoga ciliata (Rafin) Blake, Polygonum alatum Buch. Ham. und Spergula arvensis L. im Boden wurden in Kartoffeln, Rettich, Kohl und Mischbeständen von Kohl und Rettich bei wandernden Rodungskulturen (Jhum genannt) und Terrassenkulturen in Nordostindien zwischen Oktober 1988 und September 1989 untersucht. Die Wirkung der Häufigkeit des Jätens auf die Populationen lebensfähiger Unkrautsamen wurde auch untersucht. Auf den meisten Feldern waren die Samenpopulationen während der Regenzeit kleiner als in der übrigen Jahreszeit. Anfänglich nahm die Samendichte aller 3 Unkrautarten mit zunehmender Bodentiefe in allen Jhum-Kulturen signifikant ab (P<0.05). In den Terrassenkulturen jedoch waren die Verhältnisse nicht klar. Zum Ende der Untersuchungsperiode war sowohl bei der Jhum- als auch der Terrassenkultur die Verteilung der Samen im Boden gleich. Auf den Jhum-Feldern nahmen die Samenpopulationen von S. arvensis und P. alatum bei normalem Jäten um 2% zu. während sie bei der Terrassenkultur um 4% abnahmen. Bei häufigem Jäten jedoch nahmen die Samenpopulationen in allen Kulturen sehr deutlich ab.     

Inheritance of growth habit under photoperiod insensitive genetic background in dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet]

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - Development of high yielding cultivars with determinate growth habit in photoperiod insensitive (PIS) background is one of the major objectives of breeding...     

Leaf-Litter Decomposition in an Oak-Conifer Forest in Himalaya: The Effects of Climate and Chemical Composition

The decomposition rates of certain dominant litter species inan undisturbed oak-conifer forest in the Kumaun Himalaya wereinvestigated by enclosing pre-weighed, newly senesced leavesin litter bags, placing these bags on the forest floor and determiningthe weight loss by recovering the bags at monthly intervals.Among the species examined, Daphne cannabina decomposed fastestand Cupressus torulosa decomposed most slowly. The former took6 months for complete decomposition, while Cupressus torulosadecomposed to about 72 per cent in 18 months. A linear combinationof rainfall and temperature explained 80 per cent of the variabilityin monthly weight loss. The rate of decomposition was also relatedto the initial chemical composition of the litter. Initially,several constituents showed a significant relation with decomposition;these are nitrogen, calcium, water soluble compounds, totalnonstructural carbohydrates, lignin, acid detergent cell wallcomponents and fibre. Of these, lignin and fibre contents showeda negative relation with weight loss while the others were positivelyrelated. As decomposition progressed, only nitrogen, lignin,ADCW and fibre content remained important. With further lapseof time only two constituents, nitrogen and lignin, remainedimportant. Among these the effect of nitrogen declined withtime while that of lignin increased. A linear combination ofnitrogen and lignin explained 59 per cent variability in theannual weight loss.