Assessment of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) sperm DNA fragmentation using a sperm chromatin dispersion test

Chromosomal fragmentations or damage in sperm DNA has considerable value in determination of semen quality. However, rapid and/or simple method to assess sperm DNA integrity in buffalo has apparently not been reported. In the present study, SCD was used for the first time in buffalo bulls for assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation. A modified SCD protocol, under bright field microscope was developed and validated by comparison with other routine tests which can be used for processing of samples. The DNA fragmentation index (DFI) from SCD was correlated with semen quality parameters viz. viability (r=-0.68, p<0.05), membrane integrity (r=-0.74, p<0.05) and capacitation status (r=-0.69, p<0.05). The amount of DNA fragmentation assessed by SCD was highly correlated (R=0.874, p<0.05) with results of acridine orange test (AOT), a traditional method of assessing DNA damage. There were no significant differences between two observers with regards to scoring dispersion patterns. Therefore, the SCD test can be routinely used for detection of DNA fragmentation in buffalo sperm, with potential for replacing conventional time consuming tests.     

Conservation assessment and prioritization of areas in Northeast India: Priorities for amphibians and reptiles

This study combines niche modeling and systematic area prioritization using distribution data for 131 species of amphibians and reptiles from Northeast India and Burma, with two objectives: (i) to evaluate the performance of the current conservation area network in Northeast India with respect to the representation of amphibians and reptiles, and (ii) to identify potential areas for expanding the current conservation area network. In a two-step protocol, maximum entropy niche modeling was used to project species’ potential geographic occurrences, and the resulting probabilistic distribution data were used to prioritize areas with algorithms that maximize the representation of all species in minimal total area. The results provided a critical assessment of conservation priorities in this data-deficient region, and indicate the utility of combining niche modeling with systematic area prioritization in such situations. Many areas that had been overlooked in previous assessments were identified. Although the existing protected areas were found to be inadequate for representation of amphibian and reptile diversity, the prioritization results show that by targeting a minimal representation of 5% of the current total area suitable for each species, the gaps can be filled with a relatively modest (0.41%) increase in the current total area covered by the network. Extended analyses were also performed to assess the effects of putatively rare species on reserve selection, which showed that the inclusion of these taxa can change the prioritization solutions significantly. The prioritization results also highlight areas of Northeast India that warrant attention from future surveys.     

Productivity and Economics of Drip-Irrigated Banana (Musa Spp.) under Different Planting and Fertigation Techniques in Subtropical India

Banana is well known to be extremely demanding for water and nutrients, and supplemental application of these resources are prerequisites for higher yield. The study was undertaken to assess the effects of fertigation through drip on the growth, yield, quality, and economics of banana during 2007–2009. The experiment also aimed to find out a suitable method of planting for banana under drip irrigation system. Twelve treatments comprising two fertilizer sources, three fertilizer levels, and two planting systems were attempted. These treatments were compared with surface method of irrigation using conventional fertilizers applied as farmers practice. The results revealed that among the various treatments, 100% dose of water-soluble RDNPK and planting spacing of 1.5 × 1.5 m with drip fertigation recorded better values for growth characteristics. Banana fruit yield was significantly higher in normal planting (82.86 t/ha) than paired row planting (75.75 t/ha). The fruit yield increased significantly in water-soluble fertilizers (81.01 t/ha) as compared with “nitrogen (N)” fertigation (77.59 t/ha) and it also increased significantly with an increase in fertilizer levels (100% fertigation), but high costs of these fertilizers lowered the B:C ratio and net returns as compared with fertigation using conventional fertilizers. The drip irrigation gave 3–14.5% increase in banana fruit yield and 52% water saving over surface irrigation. The quality of banana fruits was not affected significantly due to any of the treatments.     

Optimization of extraction techniques and quantification of Betulinic Acid (BA) by RP-HPLC method from Ancistrocladus heyneanus Wall. Ex Grah.

Simple, cost effective, quick and sustainable technique was investigated for determining Betulinic acid (BA) from samples of Ancistrocladus heyneanus. The methods comprised of continuous shaking, Soxhlet, ultra sonication and microwave assisted extraction techniques. RP-HPLC technique was used to quantify BA from varied samples and confirmation of the samples was done using TLC, FT-IR and FT-Raman methods. The study also evaluated productivity of operational parameters such as solvent composition and extraction time for three distinctive parts of the plant (green leaves, brown leaves and stem). Brown leaves showed response to continuous shaking extraction and ultrasonic extraction techniques with 95% Aq. MeOH as a good extraction solvent. BA was detected and quantified in continuous shaking method with 15, 30 and 45 min of exposure time. Comparison of 6 min with 12 min of ultra sonication, showed longer sonication diminished extraction efficiencies. Concluding, brown leaves in 95% MeOH and ultrasonic extraction technique to be the fastest, easiest and best method for detection and screening of BA from A. heyneanus.     

Mechanical and thermo-mechanical analysis based numerical simulation of granite powder filled polymer composites for wind turbine blade

In present article fabrication and characterization of unfilled and granite powder filled carbon epoxy composites are reported. Addition of carbon fiber shows positive effect on mechanical performance of the composites. However, incorporation of granite powder has negative hybridizing effect on the properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength and inter-laminar shear strength. The storage modulus evaluated at 30 °C is in close agreement with flexural modulus of composites. Further, successful attempt is made for numerical simulation of actual geometry of wind turbine blade. The results obtained from numerical analysis are comparable with experimental results.     

Influence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">E. coli</Emphasis> lipopolysaccharide induced fever on the plasma kinetics of cefepime in cross-bred calves

The pharmacokinetic behavior of cefepime was studied in healthy and febrile cross-bred calves after single intravenous administration (10 mg/kg). The fever was induced with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (1 μg/kg, IV). The drug concentration in plasma was detected by microbiological assay method using E. coli (MTCC 739) test organism. Pharmacokinetic analysis of disposition data indicated that intravenous administration data were best described by 2 compartment open model. At 1 min the concentration of cefepime in healthy and febrile animals were 55.3 ± 0.54 μg/ml and 50.0 ± 0.48 μg/ml, respectively and drug was detected up to 12 h. The elimination half-life of cefepime was increased from 1.26 ± 0.01 h in healthy animals to 1.62 ± 0.09 h in febrile animals. Drug distribution was altered by fever as febrile animals showed volume of distribution (0.27 ± 0.02 L/kg) higher than normal animal (0.19 ± 0.01 L/kg). Total body clearances in healthy and febrile animals were 104.4 ± 2.70 and 114.2 ± 1.20 ml/kg/h, respectively. To maintain minimum therapeutic concentration of 1 μg/ml, a satisfactory dosage regimen of cefepime in healthy and febrile cross-bred calves would be 15.5 mg/kg and 8.2 mg/kg body weight, respectively, to be repeated at 8 h intervals. The T>MIC values (8 h) of cefepime suggested that this agent is clinically effective in the treatment of various infections.     

Identification of sorghum genotypes with resistance to the sugarcane aphid Melanaphis sacchari under natural and artificial infestation

Sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari is an endemic pest of sorghum during postrainy season, and there is a need to develop cultivars with resistance to this pest. Evaluation of a diverse array of sorghum genotypes under natural and artificial infestation resulted in identification of seven lines (ICSB 215, ICSB 323, ICSB 724, ICSR 165, ICSV 12001, ICSV 12004 and IS 40615) with moderate levels of resistance to aphid damage. Under artificial infestation, 10 lines suffered <20% loss in grain yield as compared to 72.4% grain loss in the susceptible check, Swarna. The genotypes ICSR 165, ICSB 724, IS 40615, DSV 5 and ICSB 323 exhibited moderate levels of resistance to aphid damage (damage rating, DR <5.0) and also had high grain yield potential (>30 q/ha). In another experiment, ICSB 215, ICSB 695, ICSR 161, Line 61510, ICSV 12004, Parbhani Moti and IS 40618 exhibited high grain yield potential (>25 q/ha) and exhibited <50% variation in grain yield as compared to more than 80% in the susceptible check, in CK 60 B. The genotypes RSV 1211, RS 29, RSV 1338, EC 8‐2, PU 10‐1, IS 40617 and ICSB 695 though showed a susceptible reaction to aphid damage, but suffered relatively low loss in grain yield, suggesting that these lines have tolerance to aphid damage. Principal coordinate analysis suggested that the genotypes with aphid resistance are quite diverse and can be used to breed for aphid resistance and high grain yield potential and also in breeding for aphid resistance in sorghum with adaptation to the postrainy season.     

Onion seed productivity,nutrient use,and quality response to drip fertigation in semi-arid India

Crop productivity and nutrient use are mainly water restricted in semi-arid regions. This study was conducted to find out whether the onion seed crop productivity could be elevated through drip fertigation. The effects of irrigation and fertigation levels on yield, yield components, quality, and nutrient use of onion seed crop (Allium cepa L.) were investigated at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, western India on a sandy clay loam soil. Irrigation water applied at evapotranspiration (ETc) levels at 80% (I₁), 90% (I₂), and 100% (I₃), whereas drip fertigation levels at 60%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of recommended dose [120:60:60 nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK) kg/ha] were investigated. Three-year experiment results showed no significant differences in number of seed per umbel, seed yield per umbel per plant, seed and straw yield per hectare from the comparison between 100% ETc and 90% ETc. In fertigation, 120% and 100% levels gave significantly higher values of yield components and seed yield than the 80% and 60% levels. The quality parameters decreased with decrease in ETc, but increased with increase in fertigation levels. Fertilizer-use efficiency (FUE) was highest in 60% fertigation and then declined with the increase in fertigation levels. Irrigation at 100% ETc and fertigation at 120% resulted in higher nutrient use, but the difference with 90% ETc and 100% fertigation was non-significant. The 90% ETc and 100% fertigation dose (120:60:60 NPK kg/ha) appears a useful practice to increase onion seed productivity under the semi-arid climate of western India.