Detection of Follicular Apoptosis in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Ovary by Histology and Nick End Labelling Technique

The objective of this experiment was to assess the features and extent of follicular apoptosis in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) ovary using classical histology and nick end labelling technique. Ovaries (n = 40) procured from the slaughterhouse were used for the study. The sections (5 μm) were used for detection of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL) and classical histology (H&E). Those follicles showing ≥ 5% TUNEL positivity (TUNEL assay) and pyknotic nuclei (histology) in granulosa cells were classified as atretic. Based on histology, the atretic primary and secondary follicles (%) were 93.82 and 95.62 respectively. The histology study reveals that the rates (%) of atresia in <1, 1–3, 3–5 mm and >5 mm were 36.90, 40.50, 62.84 and 74.5 respectively. Further the atretic tertiary follicles (%) were significantly lower than the primary and secondary classes of follicles. TUNEL assay reveals that the atretic rate (%) of tertiary follicles in <1, 1–3, 3–5 and ≥ 5 mm class follicles were 50.88, 53.84, 81.81 and 36.36 respectively. The percentage of atresia in >5 mm diameter follicles were significantly lower in TUNEL than histology. Percentages of granulosa and thecal cells positive for atresia by TUNEL were 30.7 ± 0.53 and 13.82 ± 0.18 respectively per follicle. The initial structural changes in atretic follicles were seen primarily in the granulosa cells. In severely atretic follicles TUNEL positive granulosa cells along with theca cells have to be considered in assessing the rate and extent of atresia.     

Influence of leaf blight on yields in geranium Pelargonium graveolens

Summary

Experiments were conducted during 1993 and 1994 at Bangalore, India, to estimate the reductions in yield of essential oil caused by leaf blight (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc.) on three geranium (Pelargonium graveolens (L.) Herit) clones. Leaf blight resulted in smaller reductions in oil yield in an Algerian-type (Kd) clone than a Reunion-type (Lo) and an Egyptian-type (Eg) clone. The results indicate that even expensive disease management practices can be recommended for management of leaf blight on the Lo and Eg clones in regions where leaf blight is prevalent, because increases in severity of leaf blight may cause considerable economic loss. Such measures, however, may not be economically viable for the Kd clone.     

Development and Identification of Novel Rice Blast Resistant Sources and Their Characterization Using Molecular Markers

To develop and characterize introgression lines for leaf and neck blast resistance, 326 introgression lines were developed using various accessions of six different AA genome wild species in the genetic background of elite Indian varieties like PR114 and Pusa 44 and were screened for blast resistance. Stringent phenotyping coupled with genotyping using gene based markers led to the identification of four resistant introgression lines, which showed promising resistance and do not possess any of the tested genes. Furthermore, multi-location screening confirmed the field resistance of the four introgression lines to both leaf and neck blast. Molecular characterization of these introgression lines using genome-wide simple sequence repeat markers revealed the presence of small percentage of wild Oryza genome introgrssion. So these lines can be used for mapping and identification of novel leaf and neck blast resistance genes. Thus, these four introgression lines can be considered as new genetic resources for blast resistance.     

Candidatus Actinochlamydia pangasiae sp. nov. (Chlamydiales,Actinochlamydiaceae), a bacterium associated with epitheliocystis in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Chlamydial infections are recognised as causative agent of epitheliocystis, reported from over 90 fish species. In the present study, the farmed striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (14–15 cm, 70–90 g) with a history of cumulative mortality of about 23% during June and July 2015, were brought to the laboratory. The histopathological examination of gills from the affected fish revealed presence of granular basophilic intracellular inclusions, mostly at the base of the interlamellar region and in gill filaments. A concurrent infection with Trichodina spp., Ichthyobodo spp. and Dactylogyrus spp. was observed in the gills. The presence of chlamydial DNA in the gills of affected fish was confirmed by amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. BLAST‐n analysis of these amplicons revealed maximum similarity (96%) with Candidatus Actinochlamydia clariae. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, it was inferred that the epitheliocystis agents from striped catfish were novel and belonged to the taxon Ca. Actinochlamydia. It is proposed that epitheliocystis agents from striped catfish will be named as Ca. Actinochlamydia pangasiae. The 16S rRNA gene amplicons from novel chlamydiae were labelled and linked to inclusions by in situ hybridisation. This is the first report of epitheliocystis from India in a new fish host P. hypophthalmus.     

Crystal structure of the GpIbalpha-thrombin complex essential for platelet aggregation

Direct interaction between platelet receptor glycoprotein Ibalpha (GpIbalpha) and thrombin is required for platelet aggregation and activation at sites of vascular injury. Abnormal GpIbalpha-thrombin binding is associated with many pathological conditions,including occlusive arterial thrombosis and bleeding disorders. The crystal structure of the GpIbalpha-thrombin complex at 2.6 angstrom resolution reveals simultaneous interactions of GpIbalpha with exosite I of one thrombin molecule,and with exosite II of a second thrombin molecule. In the crystal lattice,the periodic arrangement of GpIbalpha-thrombin complexes mirrors a scaffold that could serve as a driving force for tight platelet adhesion. The details of these interactions reconcile GpIbalpha-thrombin binding modes that are presently controversial,highlighting two distinct interfaces that are potential targets for development of novel antithrombotic drugs.     

Association of Meloidogyne incognita and Fusarium chlamydosporum causing with wilt complex in Northern Karnataka on Coleusforskohlii

A pot culture experiment was carried out to study the interaction of Melodogyne incognita and Fusarium chlamydosporurn on Coleus forskohlii. The nematode multiplication was adversely affected when fungus was inoculated prior to nematode. Simultaneous inoculation of nematode and fungus as well as nematode followed by fungus seven days later, caused 85.5 per cent root rot disease and significant reduction in plant growth as well as nematode multiplication when compared to the inoculation fungus alone or fungus inoculation prior to nematode.     

Screening of genotypes for their resistance againstMeloidogyne incognita and Fusarium chlamydosporum causing wilt complex on Coleusforskohlii Briq.

A pot culture experiment was carried out for the Screening of 11 popular genotypes against to Meloidogyne incognita and Fusarium chlamydosporum wilt complex on Coleus forskohlii. Genotype viz., yellow tubers and Rabakavi local showed resistant reaction, Orange tuber and Nimbanur local showed moderately resistant reaction. Rest of the seven genotvDes showed suscentible reactions.     

Assessment of soil quality monitoring indicators under long term rice cultivation in hot arid Ghaggar-flood plains of India

ABSTRACT

The evaluation of soil quality is essential in monitoring the long term effects of rice cultivation. Present study investigated the effects of long term rice cultivation on soil properties and organic C pools and identified indicators for monitoring soil quality in Ghaggar-flood plains of hot arid India. Soil samples were collected from fields with 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 years of rice cultivation. The study revealed that electrical conductivity (EC) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) increased after 30–40 years of rice cultivation. Available nutrients increased with increasing years of rice cultivation. The organic carbon pools namely, total organic carbon (TOC), Walkley Black carbon (WBC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) were increased above 50% in 20 and above years of rice cultivation. The TOC and POC were increased by 40.6 to 132.4% and 31.7% to 104.8% in 10 to 40 years of rice cultivation. Cation exchange capacity, WBC, ESP and CaCO₃ could serve as soil monitoring indicators of long term rice cultivation in arid region. The findings clearly indicated that long term rice cultivation could aggravate soil salinity and have negative impact on soil quality in arid environment.