Phenolic acids, lipids, and proteins associated with purified corn fiber arabinoxylans

Corn fiber gum (CFG) is a hemicellulose (arabinoxylan)-enriched fraction obtained by the extraction of corn bran/fiber using a proprietary alkaline hydrogen peroxide process. When purified CFG prepared by this process was hydrolyzed with more concentrated base (1.5 N methanolic KOH at 70 degrees C for 1 hour), considerable amounts of hydroxycinnamic acids (up to 0.015% of mainly ferulic acid) and lipids (up to 0.43%) were released. The released phenolic acids and lipids were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with detection by both UV and evaporative light-scattering detection (ELSD). During the wet milling of corn, two types of corn fiber are produced: coarse fiber, which is primarily from pericarp, and fine fiber, which is from the endosperm. The total phenolic acid content in CFGs purified from coarse corn fiber (pericarp fiber) is comparatively higher than that purified from fine corn fiber (endosperm fiber). It was also determined that the purified CFG samples contained significant amounts of strongly associated proteins, from 2 to 5% by weight. The presence of these phenolic acids, lipids, and proteins strongly associated or bound to CFG may contribute to its excellent ability to emulsify oil-in-water emulsions.     

Measurement of genetic dissimilarity in fieldpea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pisum sativum</Emphasis> L.) genotypes using RAPD markers

The present investigation was carried out on fifteen germplasm lines of Pisum sativum L. were used for characterization using Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. While 12 random primers were taken, out of them 11 primers gave amplification. These primers gave a total of 133 bands out of which 106 were polymorphic. Genetic similarities of the RAPD profiles were estimated by using Jaccard’s coefficient with NTSYSpc 2.0 software. The similarity index values ranged from 0.263 to 0.793 indicating the presence of enormous genetic diversity at molecular level. A dendrogram generated by cluster analysis divided fifteen fieldpea genotypes into two Groups A and B. Major Group A have five genotypes and major Group B have nine genotypes.     

On the occurrence,distribution and taxonomy of Cucumis setosus Cogn., an endemic wild edible vegetable from India

Cucumis setosus Cogn. is a rare, endemic, wild gathered or semi-domesticated vegetable restricted to Maharashtra state and border districts of adjoining states in India. Herbarium and literature survey shows that it is poorly collected and inadequately studied. Morphological characters, basic chromosome number and crossability barriers indicate that Cucumis setosus is a valid species, distinct from C. sativus and endemic to western India. Its morphology, basic cytology, crossability relationship with other Cucumis species, taxonomy, distribution, ecology, conservation, economic importance and viability under cultivation are discussed. Besides, a key to distinguish it from C. sativus var. hardwickii (wild and feral form of C. sativus) and other species having sympatric distribution in the area is also presented. Absence of bitter principle in the fruits makes it a potential germplasm for melon and cucumber improvement as well as direct domestication as a future crop.     

On the occurrence, distribution, taxonomy and genepool relationship of Cucumis callosus (Rottler) Cogn., the wild progenitor of Cucumis melo L. from India

Recent research point to the Indian wild taxa of Cucumis callosus (Rottler) Cogn. as the wild progenitor of melon (C. melo L.). Overlapping distribution with cultivated and weedy and feral forms of melo and normal fertility of F₁ and BC₁ generations of its cross with cultivated melon indicate its progenitor status. A perusal of herbarium data indicate its natural distribution pattern in the region comprising Vindhya Hills and Aravalli mountain ranges extending northwards to Indo-Gangetic plains and southwards to the Deccan plateau touching rain shadow areas of Western Ghats. Characterised by drought tolerance and field resistance to a host of pests and diseases, it is conspicuously absent in the high rainfall areas of Western Ghats and upper Himalayan region. Based on its morphological distinction and F₁ and BC₁ fertility with C. melo, a subspecific rank within C. melo is postulated. First-hand information on its occurrence, distribution and crossability relationship with other Indian taxa of Cucumis are given.     

Enhancing nutrient translocation,yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system through zinc nutrition and residual effect of green manuring

Abstract

Efficient nutrient and water use are two important considerations to obtain good harvests of wheat. This necessitates the development of an effective nutrient management technique that not only increases yield, but simultaneously can save nutrient and water use. In this context, a field experiment was conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India to evaluate the residual effect of sesbania and rice bean (in-situ), subabul (ex-situ) green manuring and Zinc (Zn) fertilization, using chelated Zn-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Zn-EDTA) on nutrient use, yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system. Among residual effects of green manure crops and Zn fertilization, sesbania and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after sowing (DAS) recorded significantly higher nutrient content and uptake and yields than other green manure crops and Zn treatments. Residual effect of sesbania saved about 46.5?×?10³ and 30.5?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne of wheat over subabul and rice bean, respectively. Foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS saved about 55.5?×?10³, 47?×?10³ and 13?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne wheat over residual effect of 5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application, 2.5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application + 1 foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at flowering and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at active tillering?+?flowering?+?grain filling, respectively. Correlation analysis showed positive correlation between Zn uptake and grain yield.     

Agronomic evaluation of mulching and iron nutrition on productivity,nutrient uptake,iron use efficiency and economics of aerobic rice-wheat cropping system

Field experiments were carried out during rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons (June–April) of 2008–2010 at Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, to study the productivity, nutrients uptake, iron (Fe) use-efficiency and economics of aerobic rice-wheat cropping system as influenced by mulching and Fe nutrition. The highest yield attributes, grain and straw yields (5.41 tonnes ha^?1 and 6.56 tonnes ha^?1, respectively) and nutrient uptake in rice was recorded with transplanted and puddled rice (TPR) followed by aerobic rice with Sesbania aculeata mulch. However, residual effect of aerobic rice with wheat straw mulch was more pronounced on yield attributes, grain and straw yields (4.20 and 6.70 tonnes ha^?1, respectively) and nutrient uptake in succeeding wheat and remained at par with aerobic rice with Sesbania mulch. Application of iron sulfate (FeSO₄) at 50 kg ha^?1 + 2 foliar sprays of 2% FeSO₄ was found to be the best in terms of all the yield attributes, grain and straw yield (5.09 and 6.17 tonnes ha^?1, respectively) and nutrient uptake and remained at par with 3 foliar sprays of 2% FeSO₄. Although residual effect of iron application failed to increase the yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N, P, K) except Fe. The highest system productivity, nutrient uptake, gross returns, net returns, B: C ratio and lowest cost of cultivation were recorded with aerobic rice with wheat straw and Sesbania aculeata mulch. Application of FeSO₄ at 50 kg ha^?1 + two foliar sprays of 2% FeSO₄ was found better in respect of system productivity, nutrient uptake, gross returns, net returns, B:C ratio and cost of cultivation in aerobic rice-wheat cropping system. The Fe use efficiency values viz. partial factor productivity (kg grain kg^?1 Fe), agronomic efficiency (kg grain increased kg^?1 Fe applied), agrophysiological efficiency (kg grain kg^?1 Fe uptake), physiological efficiency (kg biomass kg^?1 Fe uptake), apparent recovery (%) utilization efficiency and harvest index (%) of applied Fe were significantly affected due to methods of rice production and various Fe nutrition treatments in aerobic rice and aerobic rice-wheat cropping system.     

Growth potential and biocide tolerance of non-heterocystous filamentous cyanobacterial isolates from rice fields of Uttar Pradesh, India

Twenty-eight non-heterocystous filamentous cyanobacterial strains were isolated from different locations in the rice fields of Uttar Pradesh. These strains belonged to seven genera, namely Pseudanabaena, Limnothrix, Phormidium, Microcoleus, Plectonema, Lyngbya and Oscillatoria. A wide variation was observed in these strains with respect to dry weight, generation time and tolerance to biocides. Lyngbya palmarum and Oscillatoria acuminata showed maximum biomass (dry weight), while Pseudanabaena frigidum, Phormidium foveolarum, O. acuminata, Lyngbya palmarum and Lyngbya spiralis showed a significantly shorter generation time as compared to other strains studied. An interesting feature observed was that these non-heterocystous filamentous cyanobacteria possessed a remarkable tolerance to the biocides 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, Malathion and Dimecron, at doses much higher than those recommended for rice crops.     

Effect of Benzyladenine on Transpiration, Water Potential and its Components in Genotypes of Wheat Contrasting in Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant and susceptible cultivars of wheat, C-306 and Kalyan sona, growing under non-stressed and water-stressed conditions, were sprayed with benzyladenine (BA) at 70 days after sowing (DAS). Observations recorded at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 days after spraying revealed that BA increased the rate of transpiration (TR) in C-306 under non-stressed conditions. However, under water stress, the increase was significant only after 5 days of BA spraying. In Kalyan sona BA treatment either decreased TR or did not exhibit significant increase under non-stressed conditions, but caused significant increase in TR under water stress. The increase in TR was elicited through enhanced stomatal opening. Water potential, osmotic potential and pressure potential of both genotypes decreased on account of water stress. The effect of BA was not perceptible on restoration of leaf water potential (LWP) or its components. The effect of BA was possibly confined to stomatal behaviour and transpiration.     

Experimental Bubalian Fasciolosis: Kinetics of Antibody Response using 28 kDa Fasciola gigantica Cysteine Proteinase as Antigen

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

Isolation and characterization of an Indian ORF virus from goats

Isolation and characterization of an orf virus has been described here. The virus was isolated from an outbreak of 'scabby mouth' in goats in Northern India. Viral morphology from the scab biopsy revealed typical ovoid-shaped particles characteristic of Parapoxvirus. Virus was isolated from sonicated scab suspension and characterized by restriction enzyme (RE) analysis and sequencing of full-length GM-CSF- and interleukin-2 inhibitory factor (GIF) gene. RE pattern of the virus did not show close resemblance to most of the orf viruses published earlier. However, it showed high sequence identity and closer phylogenetic relationship with previously published ORFV-SA00 strain, as evident from the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence of GIF gene.