Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research

About: Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research is a facility organization based out in Lucknow, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Sugar. The organization has 334 authors who have published 425 publications receiving 4818 citations.

Impact of excess zinc on growth parameters, cell division, nutrient accumulation, photosynthetic pigments and oxidative stress of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.)

Abstract: The present study employed a sand culture experiment with three levels of zinc viz., 0.065 (control), 65.0 and 130 mg l−1 Zn (excess) as zinc sulfate, respectively, in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), cultivar CoLk 8102. The results indicated growth depression, dark green leaves, decreased root number and length and sharp depression in mitotic activity of roots due to high doses of Zn (65 and 130 mg l−1); effects were significant at 130 mg l−1 Zn supply. The endogenous ion contents measurements revealed roots to be the major sink for excess Zn with lower amounts in leaves of sugarcane plants. High level of Zn decreased total phosphorus in leaves and increased it in roots. Fe and Cu content decreased, while, Mn increased in sugarcane plants due to high Zn in the growing medium. Plants experienced oxidative stress when exposed to higher levels of zinc. Biochemical investigations indicated high level of hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde contents with high chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids contents and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase enzymes under high Zn conditions. These findings confirm suggest that excess Zn adversely affects root growth and mitotic efficiency, enhances chromosomal aberrations and increases growth and nutrient accumulation abnormalities, as well as oxidative stress.

Biological pretreatment of sugarcane trash for its conversion to fermentable sugars.

Abstract: Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomasses, the first step in their conversion to utilizable molecules requires very high energy (steam and electricity), corrosion resistant high-pressure reactors and high temperatures. These severe conditions not only add to the cost component of the entire process but also lead to the loss of sugars to the side reactions. Microbial pretreatments have been reported to be associated with reducing the cost factors as well as the severities of the reactions. Eight bioagents, including fungi and bacteria, were screened for their pretreatment effects on sugarcane trash. They narrowed down the C:N ratio of trash from 108:1 to a varying range of approximately 42:1 to 60:1.The maximum drop in C:N ratio of 61% was observed using Aspergillus terreus followed by Cellulomonas uda (52%) and Trichoderma reesei and Zymomonas mobilis (49%). The bioagents helped in degradation of sugarcane trash by production of cellulases, the maximum being produced by A. terreus, (12 fold) followed by C. uda (10 fold), Cellulomonas cartae (9 fold) and Bacillus macerans (8 fold). The microbial pretreatment of trash rendered the easy accessibility of sugars for enzymatic hydrolysis, which can be directed for production of alcohol.

Physiological and Molecular Effects of 24-Epibrassinolide, a Brassinosteroid on Thermotolerance of Tomato

Abstract: Brassinosteroids are naturally occurring plant growth regulators, which exhibit structural similarities to animal steroid hormones. Recent studies have indicated that besides an essential role in plant growth and development, brassinosteroids also exert anti-stress effects on plants. We show here that tomato plants treated with 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) are more tolerant to high temperature than untreated plants. An analysis of mitochondrial small heat shock proteins (MT-sHSP) in tomato leaves by western blotting revealed that the MT-sHSP did not preferentially accumulate in EBR treated plants at 25 °C. However, treatment of plants at 38 °C induced much more accumulation of MT-sHSP in EBR treated than in untreated plants. Results of this study provide the first direct evidence for EBR induced expression of MT-sHSP, which possibly induced thermotolerance in tomato plants. EBR treated tomato plants had better photosynthetic efficiency. We also observed significantly higher in vitro pollen germination, enhanced pollen tube growth and low pollen bursting in the presence of EBR at 35 °C, a temperature high enough to induce heat-stress symptoms in tomato, indicating a possible role of EBR during plant reproduction.

Fluoride in Groundwater: Toxicological Exposure and Remedies

Abstract: Fluoride is a chemical element that is found most frequently in groundwater and has become one of the most important toxicological environmental hazards globally. The occurrence of fluoride in groundwater is due to weathering and leaching of fluoride-bearing minerals from rocks and sediments. Fluoride when ingested in small quantities ( 1.5 mg/L) may cause fluorosis. It is estimated that about 200 million people, from among 25 nations the world over, may suffer from fluorosis and the causes have been ascribed to fluoride contamination in groundwater including India. High fluoride occurrence in groundwaters is expected from sodium bicarbonate-type water, which is calcium deficient. The alkalinity of water also helps in mobilizing fluoride from fluorite (CaF2). Fluoride exposure in humans is related to (1) fluoride concentration in drinking water, (2) duration of consumption, and (3) climate of the area. In hotter climates where water consumption is greater, exposure doses of fluoride need to be modified based on mean fluoride intake. Various cost-effective and simple procedures for water defluoridation techniques are already known, but the benefits of such techniques have not reached the rural affected population due to limitations. Therefore, there is a need to develop workable strategies to provide fluoride-safe drinking water to rural communities. The study investigated the geochemistry and occurrence of fluoride and its contamination in groundwater, human exposure, various adverse health effects, and possible remedial measures from fluoride toxicity effects.