Performance of some under‐explored crops under saline irrigation in a semiarid climate in Northwest India

Growing salt‐tolerant under‐explored crops utilizing saline ground water can provide for an economic use of abandoned semiarid lands. Field trials were conducted between 1999 and 2003 on a calcareous soil in a semiarid region of northwest India. Woody perennials were planted at the sill of furrows and irrigated with water of high salinity (EC 10–28 dS m⁻¹), low salinity (EC 5–9 dS m⁻¹) and alternately with these two waters. Woody species included Azadirachta indica, Cordia rothii, Salvadora persica, Jatropha curcas, J. gossipifolia, Ricinus communis, Catharanthus roseus, Adhatoda vasica and Aloe barbadensis. Most of these could be grown successfully but S. persica—a highly salt‐tolerant halophyte—though it produced huge biomass, could not yield mature fruit due to frost injury. The salinity build up in the soil was greater during low‐rainfall years, but a good rainfall year, e.g. 714 mm in 2001, helped to leach out the accumulated salts. The uptake of Na⁺ in plants was greater when irrigated with water of high salinity, while K⁺ accumulation was greater with water of low salinity. Na⁺ accumulation was higher in roots as compared to other parts except in Jatropha and Salvadora, while K⁺ accumulation was greater in leaves. There was a negative correlation between Na⁺ and K⁺ accumulation and a positive correlation between Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. Thus, saline water (ECiw 12 dS m⁻¹) can successfully be used for growing several under‐explored crops of high economic value. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of irrigation and antitranspirants on evapotranspiration,water use efficiency and moisture extraction patterns of barley

Summary Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of irrigation and antitranspirants on evapotranspirations (ET), water use efficiency (WUE) and the soil moisture extraction patterns of a barley crop grown on a sandy loam soil during the 1977 – 78 and 1978 – 79 seasons. An increase in irrigation frequency increased ET and decreased WUE. The moisture use by barley decreased with soil depth irrespective of treatment. The unirrigated barley extracted relatively more, but absolutely less moisture than the irrigated barley from the deeper soil layers. The application of various antitranspirants had no significant effect either on seasonal ET or on the pattern of moisture extraction from the root zone soil. However, daily ET was reduced significantly after the application of stomata closing type chemicals (Phenyl mercuric acetate [PMA] or Atrazine) used in conjunction with reflecting type antitranspirant (Kaolin). The moisture conservation effects of these chemicals lasted about two weeks under clear weather conditions. Such rainless periods occurred during anthesis and grain development of barley in the 1977 – 1978 crop season, explaining the significant increase in WUE following the use of PMA or Atrazine with Kaolin which only occurred in this crop season.     

Biodegradation of Toluene Under Seasonal and Diurnal Fluctuations of Soil-Water Temperature

An increasing interest in bioremediation of hydrocarbon polluted sites raises the question of the influence of seasonal and diurnal changes on soil-water temperature on biodegradation of BTEX, a widespread group of (sub)-surface contaminants. Therefore, we investigated the impact of a wide range of varying soil-water temperature on biodegradation of toluene under aerobic conditions. To see the seasonal impact of temperature, three sets of batch experiments were conducted at three different constant temperatures: 10°C, 21°C, and 30°C. These conditions were considered to represent (1) winter, (2) spring and/or autumn, and (3) summer seasons, respectively, at many polluted sites. Three additional sets of batch experiments were performed under fluctuating soil-water temperature cases (21<>10°C, 30<>21°C, and 10<>30°C) to mimic the day-night temperature patterns expected during the year. The batches were put at two different temperatures alternatively to represent the day (high-temperature) and night (low-temperature) times. The results of constant- and fluctuating-temperature experiments show that toluene degradation is strongly dependent on soil-water temperature level. An almost two-fold increase in toluene degradation time was observed for every 10°C decrease in temperature for constant-temperature cases. Under fluctuating-temperature conditions, toluene degraders were able to overcome the temperature stress and continued thriving during all considered weather scenarios. However, a slightly longer time was taken compared to the corresponding time at daily mean temperature conditions. The findings of this study are directly useful for bioremediation of hydrocarbon-polluted sites having significant diurnal and seasonal variations of soil-water temperature.     

Immobilization of Carbonic Anhydrase on Chitosan Stabilized Iron Nanoparticles for the Carbonation Reaction

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) has been immobilized on chitosan stabilized iron nanoparticles (CSIN) for the biomimetic carbonation reaction. CSIN was characterized using scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The effect of various parameters such as pH, temperature and storage stability, on immobilized CA was investigated using a p-NPA assay. Kinetic parameters of immobilized and free CA (K _m and V _max values) were also evaluated. The K _m and V _max for immobilized CA was 1.727?mM and 1.189???mol?min^?1?ml^?1, respectively, whereas for free enzyme the K _m and V _max was 1.594?mM and 1.307???mol?min^?1?ml^?1, respectively. It was observed that the immobilized enzyme had longer storage stability and retained 50?% of its initial activity upto 30?days at room temperature. CA immobilized on CSIN has been used for hydration of CO₂, and the results were validated by using a gas chromatographic method. Proof of concept has been established for the biomimetic carbonation reaction. Immobilized CA show reasonably good CO₂ sequestration capacity of 21.55?mg of CaCO₃/mg of CA as compared to CO₂ sequestration capacity of 34.92?mg of CaCO₃/mg of CA for free CA respectively, under a limiting concentration of CO₂ (14.5?mg of CO₂/10?ml).     

Comparative proteomic analysis of high‐ and low‐fertile buffalo bull spermatozoa for identification of fertility‐associated proteins

The present study identified few potential proteins in the spermatozoa of buffalo bulls that can be used as an aid in fertility determination through comparative proteomics. The sperm proteome of high‐fertile buffalo bulls was compared with that of low‐fertile buffalo bulls using two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE), and the differentially expressed proteins were identified through mass spectrometric method. The protein interaction network and the functional bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed proteins were also carried out. In the spermatozoa of high‐fertile bulls, 10 proteins were found overexpressed and 15 proteins were underexpressed at the level of twofold or more (p ≤ 0.05). The proteins overexpressed in high‐fertile spermatozoa were PDZD8, GTF2F2, ZNF397, KIZ, LOH12CR1, ACRBP, PRSS37, CYP11B2, F13A1 and SPO11, whereas those overexpressed in low‐fertile spermatozoa were MT1A, ATP5F1, CS, TCRB, PRODH2, HARS, IDH3A, SRPK3, Uncharacterized protein C9orf9 homolog isoform X4, TUBB2B, GPR4, PMP2, CTSL1, TPPP2 and EGFL6. The differential expression ranged from 2.0‐ to 6.1‐fold between the two groups, where CYP11B2 was high abundant in high‐fertile spermatozoa and MT1A was highly abundant in low‐fertile spermatozoa. Most of the proteins overexpressed in low‐fertile spermatozoa were related to energy metabolism and capacitation factors, pointing out the possible role of pre‐mature capacitation and cryo‐damages in reducing the fertility of cryopreserved buffalo spermatozoa.     

Serogroups, atypical biochemical characters, colicinogeny and antibiotic resistance pattern of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from diarrhoeic calves in Gujarat, India

This study was designed to investigate the antibiotic resistance, colicinogeny, serotyping and atypical biochemical characteristics of 41 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains detected using polymerase chain reaction from 90 E. coli strains isolated from 46 diarrhoeic calves. The STEC strains belonged to 14 different serogroups. Seventeen per cent of the STEC strains carried the eaeA gene while 14.28% of the 49 non-STEC strains were eaeA positive. Twenty eight (68.29%) of the 41 STEC strains were rhamnose non-fermentors. All the STEC strains revealed resistance to at least three of the antibiotics tested. 100% resistance was found against kanamycin and cephalexin followed by cephaloridine, enrofloxacin, amikacin, ampicillin, tetracycline, ceftiofur, ciprofloxacin, colistin and co-trimoxazole. Eighteen (44%) of the STEC strains produced colicin and all these colicinogenic strains were resistant to three or more antibiotics. Eleven STEC strains (26.82%) showed urease activity. The results of this study suggest that diarrhoeic calves are an important reservoir of STEC strains that are potentially pathogenic for farm animals and humans. Moreover, rhamnose fermentation, colicinogeny and atypical biochemical behaviour, such as urease activity, may serve as important markers or diagnostic tools for epidemiological surveys to trace the source of infection in disease outbreaks.     

A Survey of Anthelmintic Resistance by Nematodes on Three Sheep and Two Goat Farms in Hisar (India)

Singh, S. and Yadav, C.L., 1997. A survey of anthelmintic resistance by nematodes on three sheep and two goat farms in Hisar (India). Veterinary Research Communications, 21 (6), 447-451     

Expression and Localization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and its Receptors in the Corpus Luteum During Oestrous Cycle in Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The aim of this study was to document the expression and localization of VEGF system comprising of VEGF isoforms (VEGF 120, VEGF 164 and VEGF 188) and their receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) in buffalo corpus luteum (CL) obtained from different stages of the oestrous cycle. Real‐time RT‐PCR (qPCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry were applied to investigate mRNA expression, protein expression and localization of examined factors. In general, all the components of VEGF system (the VEGF isoforms and their receptors) were found in the water buffalo CL during the oestrous cycle. The mRNA as well as protein expression of VEGF system was highest during the early and mid‐luteal phase, which later steadily decreased (p < 0.05) after day 10 to reach the lowest level in regressed CL. As demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, VEGF protein was localized predominantly in luteal cells; however, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 were localized in luteal cells as well as in endothelial cells. In conclusion, the dynamics of expression and localization of VEGF system in buffalo corpora lutea during the luteal phase were demonstrated in this study, indicating the possible role of VEGF system in the regulation of luteal angiogenesis and proliferation of luteal as well as endothelial cells through their non‐angiogenic function.     

Effect of different dietary energy levels on physio-biochemical,endocrine changes and mRNA expression profile of leptin in goat (Capra hircus)

This study aims to assess the effect of different energy levels of restriction on physiological and genetic level adaptability. Eighteen adult nonpregnant does (average BW 33.56 kg) were used in the present study. The ewes were divided into three groups, viz., GI (n=6; control), GII (n=6; 30% feed intake of control), GIII (n=6; 40% feed intake of control). The study was conducted for 40 days covering a period of two estrous cycles. Blood samples were collected every ten days interval. The parameters studied were allometric parameters (viz., body weight, and body condition) scoring and physiological responses (viz., respiration rate, pulse rate, and rectal temperature) biochemical parameters (glucose, albumin, creatinine, cholesterol), hormones (T3, T4, cortisol, leptin) and mRNA expression profile of leptin in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The nutritional stress significantly (P<0.05) affected most of the parameters. There was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in Body weight, Body condition score and. The physiological responses were significantly (P<0.05) affected. Among the biochemical parameters mean serum glucose first increased significantly (P<0.05) and then stabilized in GII whereas as there was no change in serum glucose levels in GIII. Serum albumin significantly (P<0.05) affected in late stages of study. There was no significant (P<0.05) changes in serum creatinine. Among hormonal parameters there was significant decrease in T3 in both the groups; T4 increased significantly in GII on 10th day and then stabilized whereas no changes was observed in GIII. Cortisol levels increased significantly (P<0.05) in both GII and GIII. There was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in serum leptin levels in GII but in GIII significant reduction was observed only 10th and 30th day of study. The mRNA expression was significantly (P<0.05) upregulated in GII on 30th day followed by a significant downregulation whereas in GIII significant (P<0.05) downregulation was only seen on 30th and 40th days. It can be concluded from our study that animals can maintain near physiological homeostasis even at 40% energy intake levels. The animals have innate physiological ability to survive periods of nutritional stress by adjusting leptin levels which are required for maintaining the physiological normalcy.     

Screening of pea germplasm for resistance to powdery mildew

Powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe pisi DC results heavy losses in the yield and quality of pods and seeds of pea crop. Germplasm comprising 701 accessions of garden and field pea originating from 60 countries were screened for powdery mildew resistance under natural epiphytotic conditions and 64 accessions found resistant in field screening for 2?years at one location were further screened both in field at two locations and artificially in laboratory to four isolates. The information was also obtained on the amount of genetic diversity and agronomic superiority in resistant accessions. Fifty-seven accessions showed resistant reaction for 3 consecutive years in field screening but only 14 accessions originating from 10 countries showed resistant reaction in laboratory screening against the four most prevalent isolates of E. pisi collected from different places in the area of experiment. Germplasm lines showed both complete and incomplete levels of resistance and variable reactions to different isolates. There was sufficient genetic diversity and agronomic superiority in the resistant accessions e.g. EC598655, EC598878, EC598704, IC278261, and IC218988, which may serve as useful genetic material to plant breeders for breeding pea varieties for powdery mildew resistance and high yield.