Showing papers in "Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences in 2018"

Sustainable maize (Zea mays L.) production under drought stress by understanding its adverse effect, survival mechanism and drought tolerance indices.

Abstract: Maize is an essential dietary component in human food and in animal feed formulation. With the rising trend of global climate change, grain yield and quality losses of maize are expected to increase, because of various biotic and abiotic stress in all over the world. Among these, drought is most considerable one; it remarkably influences growth and yield traits of maize. Hence, the improvement of drought tolerant maize genotypes has potential to stabilize and even though increases the grain yield of maize. Therefore, developing cultivars tolerant to drought stress is a challenge for breeders. There are two ways to mitigate drought stress in maize production, either by developing and practicing improved drought * Corresponding author KEYWORDS

Mycoplasmosis in small ruminants in India: a review.

Abstract: Mycoplasmosis, the diseases caused by mycoplasma, are one of the challenging and continuous threats to small ruminant farming. They cause heavy morbidity (upto 100%), mortality (10-100%) and huge economic loss. Common diseases caused by mycoplasma organisms are contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (mostly in goats), contagious agalactia (both sheep and goats), atypical pneumonia (usually sheep), besides arthritis, mastitis, seminal vesiculitis, ampullitis, epididymitis, orchitis, urethritis, conjunctivitis and meningitis either alone or as classical syndromes. The common mycoplasma includes Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides, M. mycoides subsp. capri, M. capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae, M. capricolum subsp. capricolum, M. agalactiae, M. bovis and M. conjunctivae etc. Most of the mycoplasmas produce a conglomerate of clinical signs hampering diagnosis. The other main challenge posed by mycoplasma is the difficulty in isolation due to lack of * Corresponding author KEYWORDS

Soil microbial population and enzyme activities under organic, biodynamic and conventional agriculture in semi-arid tropical conditions of central india

Abstract: Present field experiment was conducted at the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, India in a clayey soil (Typic Haplusterts) under soybean (Glycine max, cv. JS 335) wheat (Triticum durum, cv. HI 8498) cropping system in a randomized block design with seven treatments in four replications to study the changes in soil fungal, bacterial and actinomycetes population; and resultant enzymatic activities in soil under organic, biodynamic and conventional agriculture management. The results of study revealed that, the soil microbial population (bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes), soil enzyme activities and soil microbial biomass carbon were found in the order of organic > conventional ≥ biodynamic agriculture. The organic agriculture registered 27-102% and 28-111% higher enzymatic activities than conventional and biodynamic agriculture, respectively. Similarly, soil microbial biomass carbon was found 30-45% and 33-42% higher under organic agriculture management as compared to conventional and biodynamic agriculture management, respectively. No significant effect of biodynamic agriculture management on soil microbial properties was observed. * Corresponding author

Rabies, a Vaccine Preventable Disease: Current Status, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Prevention and Control with Special Reference to India

Abstract: Rabies is a fatal viral zoonosis caused by lyssavirus. It affects warm blooded animals and humans. It is more prevalent in Asia, Africa and the Latin American countries. Although the exact magnitude of the disease is not reliably known, some studies estimated that 174 lakh persons are bitten by dogs and approximately 20,000 persons succumb to the disease annually. Global Alliance for Rabies Control estimated annual economic losses because of rabies in India is more than 2000 US dollars, mostly due to premature deaths, cost of vaccines, lost income for victims of animal bites and other costs. In spite of policies aimed for elimination of rabies, the same continues its reign as the most feared among the incurable human diseases, having rare declining trend. Being a neurotropic virus with variable incubation period within the host, death becomes inevitable once the pathogenesis has started with discernible clinical symptoms. Prompt diagnosis of the suspected cases is indispensable for effective cure and control of rabies. The diagnostic procedure recommended by OIE and FAO is direct fluorescent antibody test (dFAT). More than 3 million vaccine units are used annually as postexposure prophylaxis in India. Both pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylactic vaccines for humans and animals are available for control and prevention of rabies. A greater impetus aimed for enhanced awareness of the disease, improvements in diagnosis and regular vaccination of target species shall hopefully free the globe from dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. * Corresponding author KEYWORDS

EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CELLULOSE FROM JACKFRUIT (Artocarpus integer) PEEL

Abstract: In the present study, cellulose was extracted from de-pectinated peel of Jackfruit. The peel was treated with alkali followed by a chemical process treatment. In present study, yield of jackfruit cellulose was 27g / 100g. The average particle size and zeta potential value of extracted cellulose is 0.730nm and 15.7mV respectively. Further, morphological characterization was carried out by using scanning microscopy. FTIR spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of major absorptions indicative of cellulose and hemicellulose. The thermal profiles of the residual waste occurred in a minimum three steps, which representing the degradation profiles of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin * Corresponding author

MAIZE (Zea mays l.) RESPONSE TO MYCORRHIZAL FERTILIZATION ON FERRUGINOUS SOIL OF NORTHERN BENIN

Abstract: The use of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) is considered one of the effective organic ways to increase the crops productivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth promoting effect of three mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus cubense, Rhizophagus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae) on maize crops in a ferruginous soil of Northern Benin. Maize seeds were inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi in combination with or without minerals fertilizer. Study was conducted in a completely randomized block design with nine treatments and four replicates. The endomycorrhizal infection was evaluated on 68th days of sowing while the crop was harvested after 90 days. Results of study revealed that application of AMF have significant effect (p< 0.01) on the growth attributes and performance of maize. Compared to the control, maximum height (increases of 29%) was recorded in the plants treated with a complete dose of NPK, followed by the plant treated by F. mosseae combined with 50% NPK * Corresponding author

Effect of silicon interaction with nutrients in rice

Abstract: Present experiment was conducted by using 22 upland and lowland rice varieties grown in nutrient solution with four different concentrations of silicon (Control, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mM) for 30 days to observe the variable accumulation rate in Indica rice. Significant differences were observed in relative shoot growth than the relative root growth. The maximum relative shoot growth rates were observed in var. Swarna (203.45%), var. Pratikhya (202.70%), var. Ghanteswari (196.04%) and var. Jyortirmayee (154.55%) at 1.0 to 1.5 mM Si concentration after 20 days of treatment, higher concentration showed pessimistic effect. Relative shoot growth showed positive correlation with silicon accretion and highest accumulation in case of var. Swarna (3.96 mg/g) and var. Ghanteswari (3.79 mg/g) at 1.5 and 1.0 mM Si application, respectively. Among the 22 varieties used, six varieties were selected including 3-upland and 3-lowland on considering their differential Si-uptake potentials and analyzed for nutrient mobilization ability in combination with silicon. The EDX maps showed the different level of element deposition on leaf surface under Si influence in var. Ghanteswari. With the increase in external Si supply in each genotype, the amount of silicon deposited varies, influencing the other nutrient mobilization. Both major (P, K, Ca and Mg) and minor nutrients (Mn, Fe and Cu) showed affirmative correlation with increase in Si concentration. Thus, Si supplementation in rice is a cost effective, sustainable and environmental friendly nutrient management system for enhancing rice yield. * Corresponding author KEYWORDS

AEROBIC VERSUS ANAEROBIC GERMINATION PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED RICE (Oryza sativa L.) GENOTYPES WITH OR WITHOUT SUBMERGENCE TOLERANCE

Abstract: Ten selected rice genotypes adapted to rainfed lowland ecosystem of Assam was evaluated for their ability to germinate and grow underwater (anoxic condition) in comparison to the aerobic condition. Anaerobic germination was allowed 10 cm water depth in pots partially filled with soils inside the net house, while Petri dishes lined with filter papers were used for aerobic germination. A general trend in reduction of germination and seedling traits were observed for all the genotypes. Three of the tolerant genotypes namely Badal, Swarna Sub 1 and Solpuna showed germination enhancement under anaerobic condition, the highest significant increase (24.3%) being registered for Badal, a cultivar adapted to semi-deep water (42-75 cm) situation indigenous to Assam followed by Swarna Sub 1 (11.6%) and Solpuna (2.1%). Both Badal and Swarna Sub 1 are tolerant to submergence at vegetative stage. Solpuna, another local cultivar adapted to the lowland ecosystem with no known submergence tolerance recorded the highest shoot length under the anoxic condition which was significantly superior to its aerobic performance. The reduction in root length was the minimum for Solpuna followed by Swarna Sub 1 and Manohar Sali. The landrace Solpuna exhibited statistically at par performance with respect to seedling length and seedling vigour index under both the environments. Seedling vigour index proved to be a reliable character for desirable improvement in rice anaerobic germination and growth. Cluster analysis grouped Solpuna separately which might be due to its unique performance under anaerobic condition. Solpuna proved its superiority over the other nine genotypes in its ability to germinate and grow under anoxic condition. The present study further indicated that AG tolerance might be independent of the submergence tolerance at the vegetative stage conferred by SUB 1A gene or gene (s) with similar effects. * Corresponding author KEYWORDS

Zika virus / zika fever : a comprehensive update

Abstract: Zika virus (ZIKV) has attracted global attention after its first large-scale outbreak in Pacific, Micronesian island of Yap (Year 2007). The virus spreads rapidly and owes increased virulence than the ZIKV which appeared nearly six decades ago, where it was associated with sporadic cases and mild illness. The World Health Organization declared ZIKA as a „Public Health Emergency of International Concern” due to severe illness and associated several complications such as neurological disorders, autoimmune disorder, fetal anomalies, impaired central nervous system (CNS) of the fetus, microcephaly * Corresponding author KEYWORDS

THE USE OF THE DRIVER-KUNIYUKI NUTRIENT MEDIUM FOR MICROPROPAGATION OF ROOTSTOCKS OF LC-52 (Cerasus vulgaris х Cerasus fruticose) AND GIZELA 6 (Peisica vulgaris х Cerasus canescens) STONE FRUIT CROPS

Abstract: The article presents an overview of the use of different nutrient media during in vitro micropropagation of plants. Further, article also provides information regarding the effect of Driver-Kuniyukinutrient medium on the proliferation and micropropagation of the LC-52 and Gisela-6 clonal rootstock of stone fruit. Result of study revealed that use of the Driver-Kuniyuki nutrient medium have significant effect on micropropagation of LC-52 and Gisela-6 clonal rootstocks of stone fruit and increase the size by 1.15 cm for the LC-52 rootstock and 0.5 cm for the Gizela-6 rootstock per passage. * Corresponding author KEYWORDS

Characterization of endophytic bacteria with plant growth promoting activities isolated from six medicinal plants.

Abstract: The present investigation aimed to isolate and characterize endophytic bacteria from six selected medicinal plants (Ocimum sanctum, Aegle marmelos, Cinnamomum cassia, Azadirachta indica, Calotropis procera and Rauwolfia serpentina) with plant growth promoting activities. Total 38 endophytic bacteria were isolated from the studied plant species by following standard microbiological culture methods. All the isolated bacteria were screened for the production of hydrolyzing enzyme and result of study revealed that maximum isolates have positive catalytic activity and this was followed by amylase, lipase and protease activities. While studying the antibacterial activity of the isolates, it was observed that fifteen isolates showed moderate to higher antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa & Staphylococcus aureus. Studies on plant growth promoting activity suggested that 8, 12 & 6 isolates were positive for IAA production, siderophore production and phosphate solubilization activity respectively. Further, eight (21.05%) isolates were found positive for ammonia production. Through this investigation, endophytic bacteria isolated from medicinal plants with plant growth promoting activities were reported, that can be further exploited for sustainable agriculture, with detail scientific investigation. * Corresponding author KEYWORDS

Cumulative effect of sewage sludge and fertilizers application on enhancing soil microbial population under rice - wheat cropping system

Abstract: A field experiment in randomised block design was conducted at Agriculture Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P. (India) to find out the effect of conjoint application of sewage sludge and fertilizers on soil microbial population of rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS). Total ten treatments consisting of sewage sludge and fertilizer was formulated. The study demonstrated that increase in bacterial population (10 -6 cfu g -1 ) in treatment containing 30 t ha -1 SS+100% RDF where, 30 ton ha -1 sewage sludge was applied along with 100% RDF followed by treatments 20 t ha -1 SS+100% RDF where, 20 ton ha -1 sewage sludge was applied along with 100% RDF. The bacterial population subsequently decreased in remaining three crops after taking I st rice. In case of Fungi (10 -4 cfu g -1 ) the maximum population was in 30 t ha -1 Sewage sludge applied with 100% RDF which was followed by 20 ton ha -1 sewage sludge was applied along with 100% RDF where as Actinomycetes was maximum in 30 t ha -1 Sewage sludge applied with 100% RDF. There was depletion of microbial population in subsequent three crops after first rice crop in which sewage sludge was added. The minimum microbial population was found in treatment without fertilizer and sewage sludge in rice wheat cropping system. * Corresponding author KEYWORDS

RAPID ONE STEP PROTOCOL FOR THE in vitro MICRO PROPAGATION OF Morus multicaulis VAR. GOSHOERAMI, AN ELITE MULBERRY VARIETY OF TEMPERATE REGION

Abstract: Morus multicaulis cv. Goshoerami is the leading mulberry variety for silkworm rearing under temperate climatic conditions of Jammu and Kashmir, India. However, the propagation of this popular mulberry variety has always remained a point of contention due to its poor rooting response through stem cuttings. It normally takes 4 to 5 years for raising the saplings of this variety through conventional root grafting techniques. Therefore, for quick propagation of this poor rooting popular mulberry variety, a one step in vitro protocol was developed by culturing nodal explants from 2 year old plants on Murashige & Skoog (MS) media supplemented with individual as well as combination of phytohormones. The maximum shoot bud proliferation (6.3± 0.71 in cm) and rooting (14.7± 0.53 in cm) was observed when nodal explants were cultured on the combinational media of BAP (1 mg/L) and IBA (1 mg/L) after 14 days of culture. These in vitro raised plantlets were hardened by using the sterile soil and vermiculite in 2:1 ratio. Only 25 days were required for the micro propagation and hardening of raised plantlets of Goshoerami through this single step protocol. The hardened plantlets were successfully established in the field with 83% survival rate. The developed one step protocol can be used efficiently for the mass propagation of this elite mulberry variety throughout the year with in short span of 25 days. * Corresponding author KEYWORDS

Plant- parasitic nematodes: a serious threat to agricultural crops in saudi arabia

Abstract: The plant-parasitic nematodes Meloidogyne spp. were first reported on tomato plants in 1957 in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Since then, many other plant parasitic nematodes have been reported causing serious losses to many economically important agricultural crops. Until now, several efforts have been made to control these nematodes either in the greenhouse or in the open fields. To achieve a successful control of theses nematodes, comprehensive nematological surveys must be carried out to determine the abundance and the economic importance of the plant-parasitic nematodes. Thus, a total of 30 nematode genera have been reported to be associated with different plant species all over the kingdom. We have classified these genera into three major groups according to their economic importance. The first group included the genera of the highest prevalence and economic impact (e.g. Meloidogyne spp., Heterodera avenae and Tylenchulus semipenetrans). The second group included those genera that have a relatively medium importance and prevalence (e.g. Pratylenchus spp., Tylenchorhynchus spp., Helicotylenchus spp., Trichodorus spp., Criconemella spp., Longidorus spp., Xiphenema spp., Hopolaimus spp., Paratylenchus spp., Hemicycliophora spp. and Ditylenchus spp). While the third group included the nematodes of the least prevalence and economic importance. We believe this information would be of great importance to lay out meaningful control strategies. * Corresponding author

WEED DYNAMICS AND YIELD OF RABI MAIZE (Zea mays L.) AS INFLUENCED BY WEED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Regional Research Sub-station, Raghunathpur, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Purulia, West Bengal to evaluate the post emergence herbicides application for effective weed control and influence on crop yield in maize. The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Block Design with four replications. Results of this study revealed that hand weeding recorded superiority over remaining treatments with respect to reduced weed density and increased weed control efficiency. But, it required lot of man force which was not economic to the farmer’s point of view. Among the herbicidal treatments 2, 4 D Ethyl Ester 38% EC @ 1.0 kg ha -1 was proved to be better in controlling weeds, increasing crop yield and microbial population in the rhizosphere. 2,4 D Ethyl Ester 38% EC @ 1.0 kg ha -1 was recommended as a postemergence herbicide in rabi maize for effective and eco-friendlycontrol of weeds and getting higher grain yield. * Corresponding author KEYWORDS

CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME INDIAN SESAME (Sesamum indicum L.) CULTIVARS THROUGH SOLUBLE SEED STORAGE PROTEIN MARKERS

Abstract: Seed storage protein markers being less sensitive to environmental fluctuation than phenological traits, has been successfully employed in assessing divergence in many crop plants. The present study was aimed to find out correlation of seed storage protein markers in twenty eight Indian sesame cultivars with their agro-ecological zone of adoption and their seed coat colour. Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) revealed altogether twenty two protein bands of which thirteen were polymorphic with varied molecular weights. Specific bands, relating to specific agro-ecologies were found. Moreover, bands of 93.40 KDa and 68.05 KDa were found associated with production of darker shades of seed coat colour. Clustering pattern based on protein similarity value offered no definite grouping, either to specific agro-ecological zones of adoption or to specific seed coat colour. It is concluded that individual protein banding pattern can be linked to agro-ecological adoption zone and seed coat colour which is helpful in divergence and phylogenetic study in sesame.

LYSOZYME LEVEL DURING ACUTE INFECTION OF BACTERIUM Aeromonas salmonicida SUBSP Salmonicida IN HALIBUT AND ATLANTIC SALMON

Abstract: Lysozme, a humoral defence protein, played an important bactericidal activity in Atlantic salmon and halibut. Turbidometric and bactericidal killing assays were used to determine the lysozyme level and serum killing activity respectively. A challenged experiment in native halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) with different doses (10 3 ,10 5 , 10 9 ) of Aeromonas salmonidae (MT423) has been proved that there is no significant relationship between the lysozyme level and bactericidal killing activity (p>0.005). Lysozyme level in halibut serum was significantly higher than that of Atlantic salmon serum. Lysozyme activity of serum collected from fish during the summer was found to be significantly higher, ranging from 650 to 850 μg. Halibut serum showed varying level of killing activity (KI) during summer (0.266-0.873) and winter (0.255-1.344) whereas Atlantic salmon had very poor killing activity (0.414 -6.867). There was no correlation between the lysozyme activity of the serum and bactericidal activity in the serum of A. salmonicida infected halibut. * Corresponding author KEYWORDS

Significance of stay-green to foster crop production under stress environment - a mini-review

Abstract: An extended foliar greenness even under post-anthesis drought can be simply called as the stay-green phenotype. The maintenance of a balance between nitrogen (N) demand and supply during grain filling stage is the key to stay-green phenotype. Chlorophyll catabolic enzymes (CCEs) are responsible for the degradation of chlorophyll. When a mutant disrupts the activity of these CCEs, it leads to stay-green phenotype. There are five classes of stay-green identified as A, B, C, D and E. The genotype possessing these traits can retain more photosynthetically active leaves under water shortages at the grain filling stage. Maintaining the greenness of leaves for longer time is the fundamental strategy for increasing crop yield and market value. Understanding the physiological and genetic basis of stay-green in relation to drought-resistance mechanisms are fundamental to the development of new strains that are better adapted to dry conditions. * Corresponding author KEYWORDS

Direct lysis glass milk method of genomic dna extraction reveals greater archaeal diversity in anaerobic biodigester slurry as assessed through denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

Abstract: DNA extraction from anaerobic biodigester slurry is a critical step in all phylogenetic and metagenomic approaches to characterize highly diverse biodigester ecosystem, but little is known about the efficiency of different extraction procedures and their impact on subsequent analyses of microbial communities. The assessment of performance differences, therefore, is a concrete step towards the determination of optimal DNA extraction method for biodigester slurry, which can provide a more reliable comparison of the metaanalysis results obtained in different conditions. Here, we report a highly efficient direct lysis genomic DNA extraction method (Glass milk method) from the slurry of an anaerobic biodigester. This method was compared with five commercially available DNA extraction kits and two different manual methods with regard to DNA extraction, purification efficiencies and representation of archaeal diversity through PCRDenaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). Results revealed that commercial kits yielded significantly lower DNA concentrations than manual methods. Moreover, interpretations of bacterial community structure based on analysis of PCR-DGGE banding pattern of 16S rRNA gene, ShannonWiener and Simpson’s indices of diversity and multidimensional scaling suggested that manual methods of DNA isolation revealed far greater archaeal diversity as compared to the commercial kits. Further, in realtime PCR analysis, a methanogens-specific 16S rRNA gene concentration was observed more in manual methods than in commercial kits. The glass milk DNA extraction method proposed here is very useful in pursuing phylogenetic and metagenomic approaches to characterize the highly complex anaerobic biodigester ecosystem with greater reliability and precision.