Phosphate solubilization by a wild type strain and UV-induced mutants of Aspergillus tubingensis

Phenotypic mutants of Aspergillus tubingensis were obtained by UV irradiation and phosphate solubilization ability of these mutants were studied and compared with the wild type strain. Low phosphate solubilizing mutant was also selected in this study. Among the different mutants, AtM-5 and AtM-2 showed highest P solubilization when tri-calcium phosphate and rock phosphate were used as P source compared to the wild type strain and other mutants. These mutants also showed maximum acid phosphatase and phytase activity. These results suggest that P solubilization by these isolates is due to lowering of pH of the culture filtrate and also the activity of acid phosphatase and phytase.     

Biochemical markers of environmental stress tolerance in finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] germplasm of Central Himalayan Region

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - Availability of the germplasm of suitable crops for cultivation in environmental stress prone and resource poor terrains is crucial for food security in these...     

SOIL DEGRADATION AND ALTERED FLOOD RISK AS A CONSEQUENCE OF DEFORESTATION

The primary objective of this study was to analyze soil degradation and altered flood risks as a consequence of deforestation. The results showed that the use of fuelwood and competition for agriculture land are the main causes of deforestation, which leads to increased soil erosion and floods. The consequences and the societal risks from floods are quantified. This study indicates that the numbers of fatalities and mortality per river flood event are lower compared with those caused by flash floods. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SALINE SOILS AND AEOLIAN DUST

Field studies were carried out near Lake Muhazi, Rwanda, to investigate the pollutants present and salinity of soils and the physicochemical content of aeolian dust. The data on aeolian dust and saline sediments showed that soil formation and salinization may be related to aeolian processes. The ecological status of the region a major cause of aeolian material in the Lake. The results revealed that dust originating from the dried bottom of the Lake and riversides contribute to the formation of East African dust storms and adversely affects the climate of the region. Apart from copper and zinc that were identified as heavy metals that polluted the Lake, petroleum products, Fe and Mn were also the main pollutants. Chemical properties of the soils are related to sediment composition of aeolian material, some elements like Zn, Fe, Cd and Cu. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.