Performance of Turmeric and Soil Moisture Depletion Pattern Under Different Water Regimes and Nutrient Sources at New Alluvial Zone of Indo-Gangetic Plains,India

In India, the production of turmeric is not even half compared to its potential. To analyze the possibilities for higher production in turmeric, this study was conducted at the BCKV, Gayeshpur, West Bengal, during 2011 and 2012, to evaluate the effect of irrigation scheduling (0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 irrigation water (IW)/cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) and rainfed) in main plots and nutrient management [100% inorganic, 75% inorganic + 25% FYM (Farm yard manure), and 50% inorganic + 25% FYM + 25% vermicompost] in subplots on soil moisture depletion and productivity of turmeric. The highest value of fresh rhizome yield (23.90 kg ha^?1) and qualitative indices were obtained with irrigation schedule at 0.9 IW/CPE ratio water regimes and 50% inorganic + 25% FYM + 25% vermicompost. The correlation coefficients of water use and yield of turmeric were found at 0.943. The combination of 0.9 IW/CPE and 50% inorganic + 25% FYM + 25% vermicompost improved the overall performance of turmeric crop.     

Human–Livestock Interactions – The Stockperson and the Productivity and Welfare of Intensively Farmed Animals. P.H. Hemsworth and G.J. Coleman

Veterinary Research Communications -     

Interaction between acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase: an hypothesis to explain unusual toxicological responses

Organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides are thought to have only one target site, acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7). When this enzyme is inhibited, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is not metabolized and polarization of the post-synaptic membrane does not take place. But, what happens when the cholinesterase becomes resistant or when neurotransmitter levels are diminished? Here, we report results suggesting that choline acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.6), the enzyme responsible for the acetylcholine production, may be involved either as an alternative pesticide target site or as a factor enhancing survival during insecticide exposure. This underlines the concept that the pivotal step for insecticide toxicology is not the acetylcholinesterase activity but the amount of acetylcholine present. This latter can only fluctuate between an upper and a lower threshold, and crossing one of these two thresholds leads to the death of the insect. The interaction between acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase activities would explain the astonishing toxicological phenomenon that, in some conditions, mortality decreases when insecticide concentration increases. ©1997 SCI     

Activity of Soil Insecticides on Eggs of Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi: Effects on Embryological Development and Influence of Egg Age

The activity of tefluthrin, carbofuran, terbufos and dieldrin in soil against eggs of different ages of the southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi (Barber) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was determined. Embryological development following treatment with these insecticides was also investigated to determine the stage of developmental arrest. Generally, younger eggs were found to be more susceptible, dieldrin being the least and tefluthrin the most potent ovicide of combined egg age mortalities. Terbufos and carbofuran were relatively inactive against older eggs compared with tefluthrin. Terbufos stopped embryonic development at the time when acetylcholine esterase activity has been shown to commence. Carbofuran, dieldrin and tefluthrin slowed but did not arrest embryonic development, although the two former compounds prevented eclosion to a greater degree than tefluthrin, suggesting death during absorption of serosal fluids at eclosion. Neonate emergence following treatment of eggs with tefluthrin resulted in death within a few hours. The results are discussed in relation to insecticidal action and permeability changes of egg membrane structure with age. © 1997 SCI.     

Multifunktioneller Charakter von Streuobstbeständen – Modell zur Analyse und Bewertung

High-stem orchards, traditionally grown on grassland, represent an important source of raw material for the processing industry and for traditional fruit processing on family-run farms such as cider, brandy, dried fruit, vinegar and apple sauce. As well as these production aspects, high-stem orchards preserve the traditional landscape and indirectly maintain the viability of rural areas. A method for the evaluation of high-stem orchards in Slovenia is presented, where, besides production functions, other aspects (e.?g. environmental) are also emphasized. This methodology enables empirical evaluation of high-stem orchards, including ecological and socio-cultural features and has been applied in the North-Eastern part of Slovenia, where the majority of these land-use systems are found.