Molecular identification of a phytoplasma associated with Ajwain (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trachyspermum ammi</Emphasis>) in India

A new disease of Trachyspermum ammi, commonly known as Ajwain in India, was observed in Lucknow, India. The symptoms included small chlorotic leaves, highly proliferating shoots, witches’ broom appearance, shortened internodes and an overall stunted growth. Poor flower heads and fruit setting caused considerable yield losses for farmers. In transmission electron microscopy, pleomorphic bodies were detected in the phloem cells of diseased plants but not in those of healthy plants. The disease etiology was investigated using direct and nested polymerase chain reaction with phytoplasma-specific primers, DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that this phytoplasma clustered in the 16SrVI group. A 1,249 bp sequence (FJ970035) of the 16S rRNA gene from the phytoplasma showed 99% homology with the 16S rRNA gene, (FJ427295) of Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii strain A6 belonging to the phytoplasma group VI (reported from Iran). This is the first report of phytoplasma infection affecting Ajwain (T. ammi).     

Growth,Nutritional, and Yield Parameters of Wetland Rice as Influenced by Microbial Consortia Under Controlled Conditions

A pot culture experiment was undertaken under controlled conditions in the National Phytotron Facility to investigate the interactive effect of microbial inoculants—blue-green algae (BGA), Azospirillum, phosphate-solubilizing bacterium (PSB) Pseudomonas striata, vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (VAMF), and Azolla, individually and in combination with chemical fertilizers and/rock phosphate on the wetland rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar ‘PNR 381’. The microbial inoculants—BGA, PSB, VAMF, and Azospirillum—positively interacted with one another, resulting in significant improvement in yield and nutritional parameters. Application of biofertilizers also substantially improved soil (peat) fertility status by increasing the nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and organic carbon content. The biofertilizer combination BGA + PSB + VAMF + Azospirillum was best for improved growth and yield traits, nutritional status of rice, and sustained soil (peat) fertility. Azolla, which is a highly competitive organism, suppressed the growth of the other four inoculants. The inclusion of VAMF and PSB was observed to significantly improve the zinc nutrition of the paddy and the P utilization of the applied rock phosphate. A basal dose of nitrogenous fertilizer was essential for deriving maximum benefits from applied inoculants, thereby underlying the supplementary/complementary role of biofertilizers in efficient nutrient management in agriculture.     

IRON STRESS INDUCES PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MICRONUTRIENT STRESSES IN HIGH YIELDING TROPICAL RICE

Two indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars, viz. ‘Swarna’ and ‘Kalinga III’ were compared for their response to iron (Fe) stress. The cultivars were raised with four Fe levels viz. 0.05, 1, 5, 10 mg L^?1 in hydroponic culture. Plant growth, soluble protein, chlorophyll content and phytoferritin of leaves increased significantly with increase in Fe concentration up to 5 mg L^?1, but decreased at 10 mg L^?1. In contrast, lipid peroxidation, decreased up to 5 mg L^?1 then increased at 10 mg L^?1. However, at 10 mg L^?1 of Fe these parameters were more adversely affected in ‘Swarna’ than ‘Kalinga III’. The later also accumulated relatively more Fe, zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) from the growing medium. Zinc concentrations of the tissue, on the other hand, exhibited the opposite trend. Iron stress may, thus lead to secondary metallic ion stresses and under such situations cultivars like ‘Kalinga III’ will perform better than ‘Swarna’.     

Histopathological changes and tissue residue concentrations of monosex Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus,L) fries exposed to oxytetracycline

Aquaculture International - The current study evaluated the biosafety of oxytetracycline (OTC) exposure for 30&nbsp;days in monosex Oreochromis niloticus fries. The fries were exposed to OTC...     

Variation in sucrose esters from the type B glandular trichomes of certain wild potato species

Accessions of four insect resistant wild potato species (i.e., S. berthaultii,S. neocardenasii, S. polyadenium andS. tarijense) were examined for the presence of glandular trichomes and any associated sucrose esters. Of the thirty accessions examined, ten proved positive for the presence of type B glandular trichomes and accompanying sucrose esters. Three distinct complexes of sucrose esters were identified (i.e., 3,4,6-tri-0, 3,3′,4,6-tetra-0-, and 2,3,3′,4-tetra-0-acylated) and the acyl substituents were found to vary significantly within each complex. Possible rationales for the observed distribution of the sucrose esters within the species are discussed and comparative data from some non-tuberousSolanums and other genera of the Solanaceae family are presented.     

Expression and Localization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and its Receptors in the Corpus Luteum During Oestrous Cycle in Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The aim of this study was to document the expression and localization of VEGF system comprising of VEGF isoforms (VEGF 120, VEGF 164 and VEGF 188) and their receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) in buffalo corpus luteum (CL) obtained from different stages of the oestrous cycle. Real‐time RT‐PCR (qPCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry were applied to investigate mRNA expression, protein expression and localization of examined factors. In general, all the components of VEGF system (the VEGF isoforms and their receptors) were found in the water buffalo CL during the oestrous cycle. The mRNA as well as protein expression of VEGF system was highest during the early and mid‐luteal phase, which later steadily decreased (p < 0.05) after day 10 to reach the lowest level in regressed CL. As demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, VEGF protein was localized predominantly in luteal cells; however, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 were localized in luteal cells as well as in endothelial cells. In conclusion, the dynamics of expression and localization of VEGF system in buffalo corpora lutea during the luteal phase were demonstrated in this study, indicating the possible role of VEGF system in the regulation of luteal angiogenesis and proliferation of luteal as well as endothelial cells through their non‐angiogenic function.     

Pattern of methane emission and water productivity under different methods of rice crop establishment

Methane (CH₄) emission and water productivity were estimated in an experiment conducted during wet (rainy) season of 2010 at the research farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. Treatments comprising three methods of crop establishment viz., conventional transplanting (CT), system of rice intensification (SRI) and double transplanting (DT) were laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Scented rice (Oryza sativa L) variety ‘Pusa Basmati 1401’ was transplanted in puddle field. In CT and SRI 21 and 12-day-old seedlings, respectively, were transplanted while in DT overall 45-day-old seedlings were transplanted. In CT and DT flooded conditions while in SRI saturated conditions were maintained. Results indicated that among the methods of crop establishment, CT had maximum cumulative CH₄ emission (32.33 kg ha^?1) followed by DT (29.30 kg ha^?1) and SRI (19.93 kg ha^?1). Temporal CH₄ flux fluctuated between 79.7 and 482.0 mg m^?2 day^?1 under CT; 46.0 and 315.0 mg m^?2 day^?1 in SRI and 86.7 and 467.3 mg m^?2 day^?1 in DT. Considerable temporal variations in the individual CH₄ fluxes were observed. Flux of CH₄ was generally higher in early stage of crop and peaked about 21 days after transplanting coinciding with tillering stage of crop. CH₄ flux declined gradually from 75 days after transplanting and stabilized at the harvest stage of rice in all the three methods of transplanting. Global warming potential was highest in CT (807.4 kg CO₂ ha^?1) and lowest in SRI (498.25 kg CO₂ ha^?1). However, a reverse trend was observed with carbon efficiency ratio. The water savings to the extent of six irrigations was recorded in SRI over CT. A saving of 27.4 % irrigation water and 18.5 % total water was recorded in SRI over CT while the corresponding values of DT over CT were 14.5 and 9.8 %. Water productivity of SRI (3.56 kg/ha mm) was significantly higher as compared to DT (2.87 kg/ha mm) and CT (2.61 kg/ha mm).     

Ethno-medico-biology of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India

We carried out an ethno-medico-biological investigation in the interior of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India to explore the therapeutic use of traditional plants/animals by local inhabitants. The villagers and rural people used plant and animal species as medicine. We recorded therapeutic use of 18 plant species of 13 families and 12 animal species of seven taxonomic categories. Different plant/animal parts like bark, leaf, flower, seed, stem, root, whole plant, oil, blood, milk, urine and flesh were reported as used in raw or cooked form against 17 specific diseases. Prominent diseases treated by plant/animal remedies were asthma, cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, epilepsy, jaundice, malaria, skin disorder and rheumatism. This study provides a better database for future studies.     

Root textural quality in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) as influenced by crop growth periods and morphotypes

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a commercially important medicinal crop and roots are the main portion of the plant used therapeutically. The root textural quality determined by high starch-fiber ratio fetches premium price for the produce. Influence of morphological variants and crop growth intervals on accumulation of starch and crude fiber in roots was studied to assess morphotypical differences and to determine the right harvest stage for high root yield with better physical quality. The morphotypes showed similar trend for dry root yield, whereas differences were observed for starch and crude fiber accumulation. The pattern of starch and fiber accumulation varied with different crop growth periods. In general, crude fiber content increased with the crop duration, whereas starch content and starch-fiber ratio followed a trend of decrease-increase-decrease as influenced by different phenophases. Discussions on suitable harvest stage based on dry root yield and starch-fiber ratio are made.     

Water budgeting in a carp‐prawn polyculture system: impacts on production performance,water productivity and sediment stack

This study was designed to quantify the total water requirement and consumptive water use in carp‐prawn polyculture system under different water management protocols, using water balance model. Under different water management protocols, treatment‐wise estimated total water use, TWU (×10⁴, m³) was 3.7, 4.6 and 3.9, while the computed consumptive water use index, CWUI (m³ kg^?1 biomass) was 6.62, 9.31 and 7.08, in T₁ (no water exchange), T₂ (periodic water exchange) and T₃ (regulated water exchange) respectively. Significantly higher yield (P < 0.05) in both T₂ and T₃ over T₁, was probably due to water exchange that improved the rearing environment. Although intensity of water exchange was more in T₂, significant variation (P < 0.05) in overall growth and yield was not recorded between T₂ and T₃. Treatment‐wise sediment load ranged between 54.6 and 71.3 m³ t^?1 biomasses. Higher sediment load was recorded at lower intensity of water exchange as well as with higher apparent feed conversion ratio. Higher net total water productivity, net consumptive water productivity and OV‐CC ratio in T₃ infers that regulated water exchange has a distinct edge over the no water exchange protocol. Restricted water use instead of regular/excess water exchange not only improves the production performance and water productivity, but also helps in lessening the operational pumping cost.