Cholinergic interneurons control local circuit activity and cocaine conditioning

Cholinergic neurons are widespread, and pharmacological modulation of acetylcholine receptors affects numerous brain processes, but such modulation entails side effects due to limitations in specificity for receptor type and target cell. As a result, causal roles of cholinergic neurons in circuits have been unclear. We integrated optogenetics, freely moving mammalian behavior, in vivo electrophysiology, and slice physiology to probe the cholinergic interneurons of the nucleus accumbens by direct excitation or inhibition. Despite representing less than 1% of local neurons, these cholinergic cells have dominant control roles, exerting powerful modulation of circuit activity. Furthermore, these neurons could be activated by cocaine, and silencing this drug-induced activity during cocaine exposure (despite the fact that the manipulation of the cholinergic interneurons was not aversive by itself) blocked cocaine conditioning in freely moving mammals.     

Analysis of molecular variance and population structure in southern Indian finger millet genotypes using three different molecular markers

The genetic relationship among 42 genotypes of finger millet collected from different geographical regions of southern India was investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR), and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Ten RAPD primers produced 111 polymorphic bands. Five ISSR primers produced a total of 61 bands. Of these, 23 bands were polymorphic. The RAPD and ISSR fingerprints revealed 71.3 and 37.4% polymorphic banding patterns, respectively. Thirty-six SSR primers yielded 83 scorable alleles in which 62 were found to be polymorphic. Out of 36 SSR primers used, 14 primers (46.6%) produced polymorphic bands. The SSR primer UGEP7 produced a maximum number of six alleles. Mean polymorphic information content (PIC) of RAPD, ISSR and SSR were 0.44, 0.28, and 0.14, respectively. Molecular variances among the population were 2, 11, and 1% for RAPD, ISSR, and SSR markers, respectively. SSR produced 99% molecular variance within individuals. RAPD and ISSR markers produced a low level of molecular variance within individuals. The STRUCTURE (model-based program) analysis revealed that the 42 finger millet genotypes could be divided into a maximum of four subpopulations. Based on the Bayesian statistics, each RAPD and SSR marker produced three subpopulations (K=3), while ISSR marker showed four subpopulations (K=4). This study revealed that RAPD and SSR markers could narrow down the analysis of population structure and it may form the basis for finger millet breeding and improvement programs in the future.     

Evaluation of non-invasive genetic sampling methods for estimating tiger population size

There is often a conservation need to estimate population abundances of elusive, low-density, wide-ranging carnivore species. Because of logistical constraints, investigators often employ non-invasive ‘captures’ that may involve ‘genetic’ or ‘photographic’ sampling in such cases. Established capture–recapture (CR) methods offer a powerful analytical tool for such data. In this paper, we developed a rigorous combination of captive, laboratory and field-based protocols for identifying individual tigers (Panthera tigris) from fecal DNA. We explored trade-offs between numbers of microsatellite loci used for reliable individual identifications and the need for higher capture rates for robust analyses. Our field surveys of scats were also specifically designed for CR analyses, enabling us to test for population closure, estimate capture probabilities and tiger abundance. Consequently, we could compare genetic capture estimates to results of a ‘photographic capture’ study of tigers at the same site. The estimates using the heterogeneity model (M_h-Jackknife) for fecal DNA survey were [M_t+1 = 26; and ()=66 (12.98)] in close agreement with those from the photographic survey [(M_t+1 = 29; and () = 66 (13.8)]. Our results revealed that designing field surveys of scats explicitly for CR data analyses generate reliable estimates of capture probability and abundance for elusive, low density species such as tigers. The study also highlights the importance of rigorous field survey and laboratory protocols for reliable abundance estimation in contexts where other approaches such as camera-trapping or physical tagging of animals may not be practical options.     

Utilization of molecular markers for improving the phosphorus efficiency in crop plants

Phosphorus (P) is the second most growth limiting macronutrient after nitrogen and plays several important roles in all organisms including plants. In soil, P is available in both organic and inorganic forms. P deficiency reduces the growth and yield of several crop plants. Plants respond to P deficiency by the phenotypic changes especially by the modification of root architecture. Molecular marker‐assisted breeding (MAB) has been proposed as an important tool to identify and develop improved varieties of crop plants with efficient P‐use efficiency (PUE). Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for traits related to PUE has been considered as the first step in marker‐assisted selection (MAS) and improvement of crop yield programmes. In this review, we describe in detail on architectural changes of roots under P deficiency that are reported in various crops and discuss the efforts made to improve PUE using molecular marker tools. Details on QTLs identified for low P‐stress tolerance in various crop plants are presented. These QTLs can be used to improve PUE in crop plants through MAS and breeding, which may be beneficial to improve the yields under P‐deficient soil. Development of new and improved varieties using MAB will limit the use of non‐renewable fertilizers and improve PUE of key crop plants in low input agriculture.     

Microbial inoculation of seeds characteristically shapes the rhizosphere microbiome in <Emphasis Type="Italic">desi</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">kabuli</Emphasis> chickpea types

Purpose

Chickpea is generally cultivated after seed treatment with host-specific Mesorhizobium ciceri, the nitrogen-fixing bacterium forming root nodules. Some species of free-living cyanobacteria are capable of nitrogen fixation. We examined the rhizosphere microbiota changes and the potential for plant growth promotion by applying a free-living, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium and the biofilm formulation of cyanobacterium with M. ciceri, relative to M. ciceri applied singly, to two each of desi and kabuli varieties of chickpea.

Materials and methods

Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles of archaeal, bacterial and cyanobacterial communities and those of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) were obtained to evaluate the changes of the microbial communities in the chickpea rhizosphere. Plant growth attributes, including the pod yields and the availabilities of soil macronutrients and micronutrients, were monitored.

Results and discussion

The DGGE profiles showed distinct and characteristic changes due to the microbial inoculation; varietal differences exerted a marked influence on the archaeal and cyanobacterial communities. However, bacterial communities were modulated more by the type of microbial inoculants. Abundance of Gram-negative bacteria (in terms of notional PLFAs) differed between the desi and the kabuli varieties inoculated with M. ciceri alone, and the principal component analysis of PLFA profiles confirmed the characteristic effect of microbial inoculants tested. Microbial inoculation led to increases in the 100-seed weight and differential effects on the concentrations of available nitrogen and phosphorus, and those of iron, zinc and copper, suggesting their increased cycling in the rhizosphere.

Conclusions

Microbial inoculation of chickpea brought out the characteristic changes in rhizosphere microbiota. Consequently, the growth promotion of chickpea and nutrient cycling in its rhizosphere distinctively differed. Further studies are needed to analyse the association and dynamic changes in the microbial communities to define the subset of microorganisms selected by chickpea in its rhizosphere and the influence of microbial inoculation.

     

Litter and fine root dynamics of a relict sacred grove forest at Cherrapunji in north-eastern India

In a sacred grove climax forest (protected by the local Khasi tribe for religious reasons) at Cherrapunji in north-eastern India (mean annual rainfall, 10 372 mm), litter dynamics and related fine root dynamics were studied. Litterfall and its decomposition were very pronounced during the monsoon season, unlike in other rain forests in the region. High levels of nitrogen (2.13–3.58%) phosphorus (0.62–0.91%) and potassium (1.45–1.98%) in the leaf litter of four dominant tree species—Englehardtia spicata Bl., Echinocarpus dasycarpus Benth, Sysygium cuminii (L.) Skeels and Drimycarpus racemosus Hk.f.—suggest that these species help in conserving nutrient elements, thus ensuring their rapid recycling. Different species have different nutrient release patterns which are related to litter quality and seasonal environmental factors.

The highly developed fine root system (14 000 kg ha⁻¹) of which about 48% is located in the 0–10 cm soil depth, is important for nutrient storage and rapid recycling of nutrients. With a productivity of 3200 kg ha⁻¹ per year, the fine root component of the climax sacred grove ecosystem has a key role to play in tight nutrient cycling. It is concluded that these results are important in understanding the fragility of rainforest ecosystems and their management.     

Influence of the insecticide carbofuran on the production and oxidation of methane in a flooded rice soil

Applications of a commercial formulation of carbofuran, a carbamate insecticide, at rates of 2kg and 12kg active ingredient ha^–1 to flooded fields planted to rice led to significant inhibition of methane emission. Likewise, laboratory incubation studies showed that carbofuran applied at low rates (5 and 10μgg^–1soil) inhibited the net methane production relative to that of the control, but stimulated it when applied at a rate of 100μgg^–1soil. Interestingly, carbofuran increased the oxidation of methane when applied at low rates and inhibited it when applied at a rate of 100μgg^–1soil. Received: 5 May 1997     

Detection of quantitative trait loci for mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) resistance in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) in India and Pakistan

Yellow mosaic disease (YMD) is one of the major diseases affecting mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek). In this study, we report the mapping of the quantitative trait locus (QTL) for mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) resistance in mungbean. An F₈ recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population was generated in Thailand from a cross between NM10-12-1 (MYMIV resistance) and KPS2 (MYMIV susceptible). One hundred and twenty-two RILs and their parents were evaluated for MYMIV resistance in infested fields in India and Pakistan. A genetic linkage map was developed for the RIL population using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Composite interval mapping identified five QTLs for MYMIV resistance: three QTLs for India (qYMIV1, qYMIV2 and qYMIV3) and two QTLs for Pakistan (qYMIV4 and qYMIV5). qYMIV1, qYMIV2, qYMIV3, qYMIV4 and qYMIV5 explained 9.33%, 10.61%, 12.55%, 21.93% and 6.24% of variation in disease responses, respectively. qYMIV1 and qYMIV4 appeared to be the same locus and were common to a major QTL for MYMIV resistance in India identified previously using a different resistant mungbean.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.): I. Direct somatic embryogenesis from tissues of germinating seeds and ontogeny of somatic embryos

Summary

A protocol was developed for induction, maturation and germination of somatic embryos from the tissues of germinating seeds of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). Explants were cultured on growth regulator – free solid SH medium maintained in the dark. The first somatic embryos developing directly from the explant tissue were noticed after 60 d of culture. Somatic embryos originated from a ring-like tissue on the micropylar region of the seeds. Sucrose concentration of the medium was found to be crucial for the induction of somatic embryos, and 30 g l^–1 was found to be the optimum. Maturation and germination of somatic embryos were achieved on the same medium. Suspension culture enhanced the process of maturation and germination. Regenerated plants were established in soil. Histology confirmed the ontogeny and each stage of development. Growth regulators were found to inhibit the induction of somatic embryogenesis. Cytological analysis of the regenerated plants revealed the normal chromosome number of 2n=52.