Effect of soil matric potential,method of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on yield,quality, nutrient uptake and water use of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Summary Field experiments carried out at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore during 1983 and 1984 on radish indicated that frequent irrigations when soil matric potential reached –20 kPa at 18 cm depth resulted in maximum root yield, lower NO₃-N content in roots, higher N, P, K, Ca and WUE of radish.Contribution No. 63/86 from Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, India     

A fluoroquinolone resistance protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis that mimics DNA

Fluoroquinolones are gaining increasing importance in the treatment of tuberculosis. The expression of MfpA, a member of the pentapeptide repeat family of proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, causes resistance to ciprofloxacin and sparfloxacin. This protein binds to DNA gyrase and inhibits its activity. Its three-dimensional structure reveals a fold, which we have named the right-handed quadrilateral beta helix, that exhibits size, shape, and electrostatic similarity to B-form DNA. This represents a form of DNA mimicry and explains both its inhibitory effect on DNA gyrase and fluoroquinolone resistance resulting from the protein's expression in vivo.     

Formation of a Reservoir of Sperm in the Oviduct

A reservoir of sperm in the initial segment of the oviduct has been found in several species of domestic and laboratory mammals. Evidently, the reservoir serves to ensure successful fertilization by providing the appropriate number of sperm in the appropriate physiological state for fertilizing oocytes soon after they enter the oviduct. Recent evidence indicates that sperm are trapped in the reservoir by binding to specific carbohydrate moieties on the surface of the mucosal epithelium of the oviduct. A bovine seminal plasma protein has been identified that associates with sperm and confers on them the capacity to bind to the carbohydrate moiety.     

A Study of Krebs Citric Acid Cycle Enzymes in Rice Larvae (Corcyrace phalonica St) During Mycotoxicosis

Krebs citric acid cycle enzymes have been studied in rice moth larvae (Corcyra cephalonica St) reared in groundnut meal control and contaminated with A. flavus, wheat bran control and wheat bran contaminated with A. flavus and also wheat bran containing aflatoxin. It was observed that the activity of enzymes other than succinic oxidase, succinic dehydrogenase and isocitric dehydrogenase were reduced significantly in larvae reared in contaminated groundnut meal when compared with the control. In the case of larvae reared in contaminated wheat bran all the enzymes except succinic oxidase were inhibited when compared to the control larvae. It was also observed that the inhibition of these enzymes is greater in the case of larvae reared in contaminated wheat bran than in contaminated groundnut meal. The higher toxicity of wheat bran has been discussed.     

Discovery of a sooty mould scavenging beetle, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leiochrinus nilgirianus</Emphasis> Kaszab (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on coconut palms infested by the invasive rugose spiralling whitefly, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aleurodicus rugioperculatus</Emphasis> Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Scavenging action of Leiochrinus nilgirianus Kaszab (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on sooty mould deposition on coconut palms due to heavy honeydew production by the invasive rugose spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is reported for the first time from Kerala, India. Adult beetles, averaging 2.07?±?0.9 / leaflet, with a maximum of five beetles per leaflet, and immature stages were generally confined to the abaxial of the palm leaves during daytime, but were found feeding on sooty mould during morning hours in damp conditions. The specially aided adaptive leg features of L. nilgirianus with bristle-like hairs on the undersurface of tarsomeres probably aid in proper adhesion on sooty mould laden plant surface and well developed tarsal claws that perhaps assist swift movement on fungus-laden leaflets. On an average one adult beetle could clear 1–2 mm² sooty mould laden area in a period of one minute. In situ habitat conservation of L. nilgirianus would help to reduce the sooty mould at no cost in the most natural and eco-friendly manner avoiding chemical management options and other expensive methods.     

Vaginal Neurofibroma in a Hysterectomized Poodle Dog

A 15‐year‐old, spayed, female poodle dog was presented for evaluation of a mass of tissue prolapsed from the vulva. The dog had been hysterectomized when it was 5 years old. A vaginal mass had been removed approximately 10 months before presentation. Haematological and serum biochemistry analyses demonstrated mild leucocytosis and glycaemia. A vaginal smear was predominantly made up of parabasal cells and intermediate cells with no neoplastic cells. Thoracal and abdominal radiographic findings were unremarkable. The ovaries could not be identified using abdominal ultrasonography. A midline exploratory laparotomy identified both ovaries that were surgically excised. The vaginal mass was also removed following an episiotomy procedure. Histopathological examination of the mass demonstrated that it was a neurofibroma. Both ovaries had cystic changes. Four months after the surgery, the owner reported that the dog was clinically normal. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a vaginal neurofibroma after an incomplete ovariohysterectomy in the dog.