Evaluation of hyperimmune sera against goat pox viral antigens

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

Application of ozone in grain processing

Ozone is an effective fumigant for insect killing, mycotoxin destruction and microbial inactivation which has a minimal or no effect on grain quality. Studies have demonstrated that ozone which is a natural agent, may offer unique advantages for grain processing along with addressing growing concerns over the use of harmful pesticides. This paper focuses on the efficacy of ozone for preservation of food grains and discusses the possible effects on product quality. Inactivation mechanisms for micro-organisms and mycotoxins are detailed. Critical intrinsic and extrinsic factors governing inactivation are discussed along with potential grain applications.     

Molecular genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci associated with loaf volume in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Major efforts in wheat research are being made to improve the yield and quality of wheat. Loaf volume (Lv) is the main quality parameter deciding the bread making potential of wheat. To genetically dissect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for Lv, a Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) population (F₈) was developed from a cross between two Indian wheat varieties “HI 977” and “HD 2329”. A total of 914 SSR and 100 ISSR primers were used for molecular analysis and the genetic map comprising 19 chromosomes was constructed with 202 SSR markers and 2 HMW glutenin subunit loci: Glu-B1 and Glu-D1. The phenotypic data were collected from six environments including three different agro-climatic zones for 2 consecutive years. Dissection of Lv through AMMI model revealed significant G×E variance for the trait. QTL analysis was performed using composite interval mapping. A total of 30 QTLs for Lv were detected and significant QTLs were identified on 6B and 6D chromosomes; 1B, 1D, 2A, 3A, 5B and 5D also contributed genetically to Lv. Association between 6B and 6D QTLs and variable expression of gliadins on group 6 chromosomes were discussed. QTLs detected in this study were compared with other QTL analysis in wheat.     

Identification of a diverse mini‐core panel of Indian rice germplasm based on genotyping using microsatellite markers

Identification of a small core germplasm set representing the available genetic diversity is essential for its proper evaluation and subsequent utilization in rice improvement programmes. For constituting a small diverse mini‐core panel of Indian rice germplasm, a representative set of 6912 accessions drawn based on their geographic origin from the whole rice germplasm collection available in the National Gene Bank was genotyped using 36 microsatellite markers. Automated fragment analysis of amplicons yielded a total of 435 alleles, with an average 12.4 and range of 3–29 alleles per locus. Polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.08 (RGNMS190) to 0.86 (RM552) with an average of 0.528. Based on genotyping data, a mini‐core consisting of 98 genotypes was identified. Ninety‐four per cent of the alleles present in the core set were present in the mini‐core. The identified small but diverse panel will be useful for further intensive trait‐specific evaluation and utilization in allele mining.     

Variation of enzyme activities, CO2 evolution and redox potential in an Eutric Histosol irrigated with wastewater and tap water

An Eutric Histosol soil was irrigated for 4 years with municipal wastewater to compare its characteristics with a soil under natural rainfall that had never received wastewater and a soil that was irrigated with normal tap water. Four years irrigation of the soil with wastewater caused significant (P<0.001) increase in dehydrogenase, urease, acid and alkaline phosphate activities and CO₂ evolution, and reduced the redox potential (P<0.05). The influence of treatments and plant cover on soil properties were significant (P<0.05) under both salix and grasses, except for few properties (redox potential and urease and alkaline phosphatase activities). It is suggested that, although different toxicants, e.g. heavy metals, may accumulate in wastewater-treated soils, enrichment of soil with organic substances and nutrients stimulated CO₂ evolution and enzyme activities in the irrigated soil.