Efficacy of Different Fungicides against Foot and Root Rots caused by Sclerotium rolfsii of Wheat

Abstract

Twelve fungicides used for seed treatment were evaluated against Sclerotium rolfsii under unsterilised soil conditions. Tritisan. Brassicol and thiram were found to promote best seedling vigour and root development and also to reduce pre- and post-emergence rot. Captan and Ceresan wet reduced total mortality of the seeds and seedlings. Harvesan and Tillex were effective only at the pre-emergence mortality phase and allowed increased seed emergence.     

Expression of ADAMTS1 mRNA in bovine endometrium and placenta during gestation

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 (ADAMTS1) is a secreted protease. Through the regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling or developmental processes or both, ADAMTS1 is involved in several biological functions, including ovulation and embryo receptivity. However, the expression and possible role of ADAMTS1 in bovine endometrium is unknown. In this study, we analyzed ADAMTS1 mRNA expression in bovine endometrium during the estrous cycle, peri-implantation period, and at different stages of gestation by using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qPCR) and in situ hybridization. The qPCR results indicated that the expression of ADAMTS1 mRNA was not affected by the day of the estrous cycle and was similar to cyclic levels on day 35 of gestation; however, the expression was more abundant in cotyledonary tissues of the placenta during late gestation. The in situ hybridization study showed that ADAMTS1 mRNA was detected mainly in uterine luminal epithelia and stromal cells during the estrous cycle and peri-implantation period. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 mRNA was also expressed in the peri-implantation conceptus as well as in trophoblast cells, which include binucleate cells, and increased during late gestation. Furthermore, treatment of stromal cell with progesterone (300 nM) stimulated the expression of ADAMTS1 mRNA. This study indicates that ADAMTS1 participates in bovine endometrial remodeling, which is required for implantation and placental development in coordination with ovarian steroids.     

Structural, Transport and Adsorptive Properties of Lantana camara-Reinforced Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Composites

This paper presents for the first time the technological potential of novel Lantana camara-reinforced ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) composites fabricated via the melt-blending technique. The composite and L. camara were characterized using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and deferential scanning calorimeter. L. camara was found to drastically reduce the crystallinity of EVA from 44.3?% to a minimum of 1.16?%. Immersion of the composite specimens in de-ionised water showed that moisture absorption was less significant for composites with L. camara contents less than 15?% (w/w). A maximum sorption capacity of 1.20?mol% was recorded in 42?h which is remarkable considering the hydrophobic nature of EVA with 9?% vinyl acetate. L. camara and the composite removed 96?% and 88?% para-nitrophenol from water, respectively.     

Aerogel based nanoporous fibrous materials for thermal insulation

In this research work, the thermo physiological properties of polyester/polyethylene nonwoven composite wraps of varying thicknesses impregnated with aerogel were studied and compared. The SEM images were also taken to compare the physical configuaration of the aerogel based fibrous composites. Specific thermal properties like thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, thermal diffusivity and thermal absorptivity were measured using alambeta instrument. The air permeability of the thermal wraps was measured in air permeability tester. The relative water vapor permeability and absolute water vapor permeability was measured in Permetest. These tests were conducted to understand thermal properties, air and water vapor permeability of flexible aerogel based composites with nanoporous structure. The results of the experiments were statistically analyzed and found to be within confidence intervals.     

Senescence in detached betel leaves: role of the petiole

Removal of the petiole from detached betel leaves delays onset of leaf senescence; the delay is nearly proportional to the extent of depetiolation. An agar diffusate from intact midrib or excised petioles induces normal senescence in depetiOlated leave.     

Screening potato cultivars for common scab of potato in a naturally infested field

Summary Twenty seven cultivars of potato were screened for common scab grown in a commercial field in two successive years (1996–97 and 1997–98). Eight cultivars were least susceptible and the others ranged from medium susceptible to very highly susceptible. None of the cultivars was resistant. Most showed a stable resistance reaction in both years.     

Influence of thiobencarb and fluchloralin on the soil and rhizosphere microflora of potato

Summary Spray application at locally recommended rates of the herbicides thiobencarb and fluchloralin to potatoes reduced the rhizosphere and general soil microbial populations. Within 30 days the populations had generally recovered although there were some changes in the species composition of the fungal community that persisted until the final sample at harvest time.     

Evaluation of genetic variability and mutation drift equilibrium of Banni buffalo using multi locus microsatellite markers

The present study was conducted to evaluate genetic diversity of Banni buffalo and its relationship/differentiation with Murrah using genotypic data on 24 heterologus bovine specific microsatellite marker loci. A total of 138 alleles were observed with a mean of 5.75 alleles/locus across two populations. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were found to be 0.441 and 0.572 respectively in Banni buffaloes while it was 0.464 and 0.610 respectively in Murrah buffaloes. The average heterozygosity deficit was significantly positive with substantially higher values observed in Banni (22.3%) and Murrah (24%) buffalo populations. Banni buffalo population, when evaluated for mutation drift equilibrium revealed significant heterozygosity excess under IAM while no such excess was observed under SMM and TPM. The qualitative graphical test revealed a normal L-shaped distribution of allele frequencies indicating the absence of genetic bottleneck in Banni buffaloes. The mean estimates of F-statistics over all the loci were 0.376 for F_IT, 0.187 for F_ST and 0.232 for F_IS respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed 18.95% of the total variation being explained by between breed differences while 14.36% of the variation explained differences between individuals within each breed. Genotype assignment test revealed distinct clustering of Banni and Murrah buffaloes. Genetic distance was estimated using three different methods, the results of which revealed considerable genetic differentiation between these two buffalo populations. The divergence time between Banni and Murrah buffaloes was estimated to be around 7286 years. The results of the present study may be helpful in decision making for conservation programs as Banni buffalo population is on decline.