Development of new cytoplasmic source of male sterile lines in rice for shallow lowland

Two shallow lowland male sterile lines, MotiA and PadminiAwith Miz.4 cytoplasmic source were developed throughintervarietal hybridization and recurrent backcrossing withtheir respective parents. In all probability, MotiA and PadminiA of Miz.4 source may be genetically different from the Wild abortive CMS source (V.20A). These two CMS lines are semitall in stature, photosensitive, of late duration in flowering with easy fertility restoration ability, and thus could be useful for developing hybrid rice suitable for shallow lowland areas.     

Algal Phlorotannins as Novel Antibacterial Agents with Reference to the Antioxidant Modulation: Current Advances and Future Directions

The increasing drug resistance of infectious microorganisms is considered a primary concern of global health care. The screening and identification of natural compounds with antibacterial properties have gained immense popularity in recent times. It has previously been shown that several bioactive compounds derived from marine algae exhibit antibacterial activity. Similarly, polyphenolic compounds are generally known to possess promising antibacterial capacity, among other capacities. Phlorotannins (PTs), an important group of algae-derived polyphenolic compounds, have been considered potent antibacterial agents both as single drug entities and in combination with commercially available antibacterial drugs. In this context, this article reviews the antibacterial properties of polyphenols in brown algae, with particular reference to PTs. Cell death through various molecular modes of action and the specific inhibition of biofilm formation by PTs were the key discussion of this review. The synergy between drugs was also discussed in light of the potential use of PTs as adjuvants in the pharmacological antibacterial treatment.     

Marek's disease in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica): a study of natural cases

Marek's disease was observed in quails. Gross lesions were confined mostly to the spleen and liver. Microscopic lesions were commonly seen in spleen, proventriculus, liver, and duodenum. Skin, peripheral nerves, and other visceral organs were also involved. Of 123 quails examined, 39 had serum antibodies against Marek's disease. These antibodies were detected from 11 to 17 weeks of age; the highest incidence was recorded at 15 weeks. Feather follicular antigen detected in 30 of the 95 quails was comparable to that of chicken. The disease was experimentally reproduced in susceptible quails. Marek's-disease-tumor-associated surface antigens (MATSA) were demonstrated in the peripheral leukocytes and spleen cells of affected quails. The possible source of infection and its epidemiological importance are discussed.     

Effect of Different Feeding Levels of Plant‐ingredient‐based Feed on Fillet Fatty Acid Profile,Carcass Trait,and Sensory Characteristics of Indian Major Carps in Earthen Pond Polyculture

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of plant‐ingredient‐based feeds on fillet fatty acid profiles, proximate composition, carcass traits, and sensory characteristics of three Indian major carps (IMCs), Catla catla, Labeo rohita, and Cirrhinus mrigala, when fed at different levels of their body weight. An experimental feed was prepared with only plant ingredients. The IMCs were fed twice daily at 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5% of their body weight for 150 d in 0.06‐ha earthen pond polyculture systems. The maximum growth and best feed utilization was achieved with feeding at 2% of fish biomass in the ponds. Fillet yield and lipid recovery increased significantly (P < 0.05), with increasing feeding level up to 2% of body weight and plateaued thereafter. In fillets, eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3) concentration increased with increasing feeding levels. Carcass traits, sensory characteristics, and consumer acceptance of IMC fillets were not influenced by feeding plant‐ingredient‐based feeds at different feeding rates.     

Use of human urine fertilizer in cultivation of cabbage (Brassica oleracea)--impacts on chemical, microbial, and flavor quality

Human urine was used as a fertilizer in cabbage cultivation and compared with industrial fertilizer and nonfertilizer treatments. Urine achieved equal fertilizer value to industrial fertilizer when both were used at a dose of 180 kg N/ha. Growth, biomass, and levels of chloride were slightly higher in urine-fertilized cabbage than with industrial-fertilized cabbage but clearly differed from nonfertilized. Insect damage was lower in urine-fertilized than in industrial-fertilized plots but more extensive than in nonfertilized plots. Microbiological quality of urine-fertilized cabbage and sauerkraut made from the cabbage was similar to that in the other fertilized cabbages. Furthermore, the level of glucosinolates and the taste of sauerkrauts were similar in cabbages from all three fertilization treatments. Our results show that human urine could be used as a fertilizer for cabbage and does not pose any significant hygienic threats or leave any distinctive flavor in food products.     

Decolorization of Synthetic Dyes and Textile Effluents by Basidiomycetous Fungi

Decolorization of six synthetic dyes and two raw textile effluents (A and B) by eight basidiomycetous fungi was investigated. Among eight basidiomycetous fungi, fungal isolate RCK-1 decolorized textile effluent A maximally (42%), while fungal isolate RCK-3 was found to decolorize more of Congo Red (69%), Xylidine Ponceau 2R (100%), Poly R-478 (96%), Indigo Carmine (99%), Lissamine Green B (90%), Toluidine Blue (57%) and textile effluent B (54%), than the rest of fungi. Percentage decolorization of all synthetic dyes and textile effluents by the new fungal isolates RCK-1 and RCK-3 was higher compared to the most widely studied simultaneous lignin degrader, Phanerochaete chrysosporium and selective lignin degrader, Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, when tested in liquid cultures. A statistically significant positive correlation between laccase production and decolorization of dyes and effluents was obtained as compared to other ligninolytic enzymes (lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase) production. This showed the importance of the differential contribution of the different ligninolytic enzymes towards the decolorization of the synthetic dyes and textile effluents. The substantially higher ligninolytic enzyme production by the fungal isolates RCK-1 and RCK-3 also suggested their potential use for textile effluent treatment and other possible biotechnological applications.     

Genetic typing of bovine viral diarrhoea virus isolates from India

Thirteen BVDV isolates collected in four geographic regions of India between 2000 and 2002 were typed in 5'-UTR. To confirm results of genetic typing, selected viruses were also analysed in the N(pro) region. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all Indian BVDV isolates belong to BVDV-1b (Osloss-like group). Despite a long distance between the farms from which the viruses were isolated there was no correlation between the origin of viral isolates and their position in a phylogenetic tree. Higher genetic similarity of Indian BVDV isolates was observed most probably due to the uncontrolled movement of cattle as well as the uncontrolled use of semen from bulls for breeding of local and farm cattle in different states of India.     

Development of new cytoplasmic genetic male sterile lines through Indica × Japonica hybridization in rice

Summary From 28 Indica-Japonica crosses, two Indica cultivars, V.20B and Sattari were identified to possess male sterile cytoplasm with fertility restoring genes. It was possible to develop a new Japonica cytoplasmic genetic male sterile line (Zhunghua-1) on Indica male sterile cytoplasm (V 20B) by repeated backcrossing the complete pollen sterile plants of V 20B x Zhunghua-1 to the recurring male parent, Zhunghua-1. The study indicated that it would be possible to develop male sterile lines rom indica-japonica crosses only when there is sufficient amount of reciprocal differences with respect to pollen sterility. Further, it was inferred that it would be easier to develop Japonica male sterile lines on Indica cytoplasm than developing Indica male sterile line with japonica cytoplasm.     

Cytoplasmically controlled cold tolerance in a cytoplasmic-genetic male sterile line of rice

Summary The cytoplasmic-genetic male sterile line, Krishna-A with Kalinga-I cytoplasm was developed in rice through repeated backcrossing the completely pollen sterile F₁ of the cross Kalinga-I/Krishna with the recurrent male parent cv. Krishna. The germination percentage and root-shoot length in Krishna-A at 12°C and 9°C indicated a higher degree of tolerance to low temperature than the cold tolerant female parent Kalinga-I. The high yielding cold tolerant variety Kalinga-I was developed from a cross involving the cold tolerant variety Dunghansali and the high yielding variety IR 8. It is inferred that tolerance to low temperature during germination in Krishna-A was inherited from the cytoplasm of cv. Dunghansali through Kalinga-I besides male sterility. The cytoplasmic control of cold tolerance is reported here for the first time in rice literature. The male sterile line Krishna-A because of its tolerance to low temperature would be suitable for the development of hybrid rice especially for areas where low temperature is a problem during germination.