Showing papers on "Sativum published in 2008"

Responses of the pea (Pisum sativum L.) leaf metabolome to drought stress assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract: While many compounds have been reported to change in laboratory based drought-stress experiments, little is known about how such compounds change, and are significant, under field conditions. The Pisum sativum L. (pea) leaf metabolome has been profiled, using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, to monitor the changes induced by drought-stress, under both glasshouse and simulated field conditions. Significant changes in resonances were attributed to a range of compounds, identified as both primary and secondary metabolites, highlighting metabolic pathways that are stress-responsive. Importantly, these effects were largely consistent among different experiments with highly diverse conditions. The metabolites that were present at significantly higher concentrations in drought-stressed plants under all growth conditions included proline, valine, threonine, homoserine, myoinositol, γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) and trigonelline (nicotinic acid betaine). Metabolites that were altered in relative amounts in different experiments, but not specifically associated with drought-stress, were also identified. These included glutamate, asparagine and malate, with the last being present at up to 5-fold higher concentrations in plants grown in field experiments. Such changes may be expected to impact both on plant performance and crop end-use.

Low levels of ferredoxin, ATP and leghemoglobin contribute to limited N2 fixation of peas (Pisum sativum L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under S deficiency conditions

Abstract: Sulphur (S) has become a major limiting factor for plant production in industrial as well as in remote industrial rural areas. Limitation of S can reduce legume N2 fixation by affecting nodule development and function. In pot experiments with pea (Pisum sativum L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), we investigated the influence of S on growth, ferredoxin, ATP and leghemoglobin concentrations. Addition of 200 mg S pot−1 increased yield of shoots, roots and nodules of both plant species significantly. However, the influence of S on nodule yield formation was most pronounced. Pea and alfalfa roots were found to have higher S concentrations than shoots and being up to 2.9 times the S concentration in the shoots of peas under S-sufficient conditions. Sulphur addition also increased N2 fixation significantly. The ferredoxin concentration in bacteroids of root nodules of pea was increased significantly by S only 10 weeks after planting and in bacteroids of root nodules of alfalfa 10 and 17 weeks after planting, while on per pot base the amounts of ferredoxin were higher throughout the experimental period of time. The ATP concentration of bacteroids of root nodules of both plant species as well as of mitochondria of root nodules of pea were significantly higher with optimum S supply. The effects of S deficiency on N2 fixation are likely to be caused by the shortage of ferredoxin and ATP. The amount of leghemoglobin was reduced in comparison to nodules of the S-sufficient plants.

Mapping of quantitative trait loci for resistance to Mycosphaerella pinodes in Pisum sativum subsp. syriacum

Abstract: Aschochyta blight, caused by Mycosphaerella pinodes, is one of the most economically serious pea pathogens, particularly in winter sowings The wild Pisum sativum subsp syriacum accession P665 shows good levels of resistance to this pathogen Knowledge of the genetic factors controlling resistance to M pinodes in this wild accession would facilitate gene transfer to pea cultivars; however, previous studies mapping resistance to M pinodes in pea have never included this wild species The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling resistance to M pinodes in P sativum subsp syriacum and to compare these with QTLs previously described for the same trait in P sativum A population formed by 111 F6:7 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between accession P665 and a susceptible pea cultivar (Messire) was analysed using morphological, isozyme, RAPD, STS and EST markers The map developed covered 1214 cM and contained 246 markers distributed in nine linkage groups, of which seven could be assigned to pea chromosomes Six QTLs associated with resistance to M pinodes were detected in linkage groups II, III, IV and V, which collectively explained between 31 and 75% of the phenotypic variation depending of the trait While QTLs MpIII1 and MpIII2 were detected both for seedlings and field resistance, MpV1 and MpII1 were specific for growth chamber conditions and MpIII3 and MpIV1 for field resistance Quantitative trait loci MpIII1, MpII1, MpIII2 and MpIII3 may coincide with other QTLs associated with resistance to M pinodes previously described in P sativum Four QTLs associated with earliness of flowering were also identified While dfIII2 and dfVI1, may correspond with other genes and QTLs controlling earliness in P sativum, dfIII1 and dfII1 may be specific to P sativum subsp syriacum Flowering date and growth habit were strongly associated with resistance to M pinodes in the field evaluations The relation observed between earliness, growth habit and resistance to M pinodes is discussed

Relationship of wild and cultivated forms of Pisum L. as inferred from an analysis of three markers, of the plastid, mitochondrial and nuclear genomes

Abstract: Eighty-nine accessions of wild and cultivated peas (12 Pisum fulvum Sibth. et Smith., 7 P. abyssinicum A. Br., 31 wild and 42 cultivated forms of P. sativum L.) were analysed for presence of the variants of three functionally unrelated polymorphic markers referring to different cellular genomes. The plastid gene rbcL either contains or not the recognition site for restriction endonuclease AspLEI (rbcL+ vs. rbcL−); the mitochondrial gene cox1 either contains or not the recognition site for restriction endonuclease PsiI (cox1+ vs. cox1−); the nuclear encoded seed albumin SCA is represented by slow (SCAS) or fast (SCAF) variant. Most of the accessions possessed either of two marker combinations: 24 had SCAF cox1+ rbcL+ (combination A) and 49 accessions had SCAS cox1− rbcL− (combination B), 16 accessions represented 5 of the rest 6 possible combinations. All accessions of P. fulvum and P. abyssinicum had combination A, the overwhelming majority of cultivated forms of P. sativum had combination B while wild representatives of P. sativum had both combinations A and B, as well as rare combinations. This pattern indicates that combination A is the ancestral state in the genus Pisum L., inherited by P. fulvum and P. abyssinicum, while combination B seems to have arisen in some lineage of wild P. sativum which rapidly fixed mutational transitions of the three markers studied, most probably via a bottleneck effect during the Pleistocene. Then this ‘lineage B’ spread over Mediterranean and also gave rise to cultivated forms of P. sativum. Rare combinations may have resulted from occasional crosses between ‘lineage A’ and ‘lineage B’ in nature or during cultivation, or represent intermediate evolutionary lineages. The latter explanation seems relevant for an Egyptian cultivated form ‘Pisum jomardii Schrank’ (SCAF cox1− rbcL−) which is here given a subspecies rank. Wild representatives of P. sativum could be subdivided in two subspecies corresponding to ‘lineage A’ and ‘lineage B’ but all available subspecies names seem to belong to lineage B only. Presently all wild forms would better be considered within a fuzzy paraphyletic subspecies P. sativum subsp. elatius (Bieb.) Schmalh. s. l.

Genetic analysis of pod and seed resistance to pea weevil in a Pisum sativum x P. fulvum interspecific cross

Abstract: Interspecific populations derived from crossing cultivated field pea, Pisum sativum, with the wild pea relative, Pisum fulvum, were scored for pod and seed injury caused by the pea weevil, Bruchus pisorum. Pod resistance was quantitatively inherited in the F2 population, with evidence of transgressive segregation. Heritability of pod resistance between F2 and F3 generations was very low, suggesting that this trait would be difficult to transfer in a breeding program. Seed resistance was determined for the F2 population by testing F3 seed tissues of individual F2 plants and pooling data from seed reaction for each F2 plant (inferred F2 genotype). Segregation for seed resistance in the F2 population of the cross Pennant/ATC113 showed a trigenic mode of inheritance, with additive effects and dominant epistasis towards susceptibility. Seed resistance was conserved over consecutive generations (F2 to F5) and successfully transferred to a new population by backcross introgression. Seed resistance in the backcross introgressed population segregated in a 63 : 1 ratio, supporting the three-gene inheritance model. It is proposed that complete resistance to pea weevil is controlled by three major recessive alleles assigned pwr1, pwr2, and pwr3, and complete susceptibility by three major dominant alleles assigned PWR1, PWR2, and PWR3. It is recommended that large populations (>300 F2 plants) would be required to effectively transfer these recessive alleles to current field pea cultivars through hybridisation and repeated backcrossing.

Comparative study of antioxidant properties of wild growing and cultivated Allium species

Abstract: Allium species are cultivated for the edible bulb, which is used mainly as flavoring in foods. Besides that, they could prevent tumor promotion and some processes that are associated with free radicals, such as cardiovascular diseases and aging. Therefore, different Allium species, both cultivated (Allium nutans L., A. fistulosum L., A. vineale L., A. pskemense B. Fedtsch, A. schoenoprasum L., A. cepa L. and A. sativum L.) and wild (A. flavum L., A. sphaerocephalum L., A. atroviolaceum Boiss, A. vineale L., A. ursinum L., A. scorodoprasum L., A. roseum L. and A. subhirsutum L.), were investigated in order to evaluate the antioxidant properties of their bulbs. This study reports on the results obtained for the bulb antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase), the quantities of non-enzymatic plant antioxidants (reduced glutathione and total flavonoids), the contents of soluble proteins, vitamin C, carotenoids, chlorophylls a and b, as well as for the quantities of malonyldialdehyde and .OH and O2.- radicals.

Host range and mycotoxin production by Fusarium equiseti isolates originating from ginseng fields1

Abstract: Fusarium equiseti is prevalent in soil and straw mulch in ginseng (Panax ginseng) fields in British Columbia and causes a reddish brown discolouration on ginseng roots. The pathogenicity of two isolates of F. equiseti from ginseng fields to other plant species belonging to different families was evaluated. Mycelial plugs and spore suspensions were used to inoculate seeds and roots in laboratory, growth room, and greenhouse experiments. Seed decay and reddish brown to black lesions were observed on hypocotyls and roots of kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), bush bean (Phaseolus lunatus), broad bean (Vicia faba), chickpea (Cicer arietinum), and pea (Pisum sativum). A brownish discolouration and water-soaking symptoms developed on roots of alfalfa (Medicago sativa), canola (Brassica napus), wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and oat (Avena sativa) seedlings. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), pepper (Capsicum annum), carrot (Daucus carota), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants did not exhibit...

Assessment of protein fractions of three cultivars of Pisum sativum L.: effect of germination

Abstract: Protein composition, nitrogen and amino acid content of Osborne fractions in different cultivars of Pisum sativum L. (cv. ucero, cv. ramrod and cv. agra) seeds were investigated and the effect of germination on these parameters was also analysed. Albumins comprised the main protein fraction in raw seeds, globulins were constituted mainly by vicilin, with a smaller proportion of the glutelin and prolamine fractions. Regarding the amino acid profile of pea protein fractions, although differences among pea cultivars were found, in general albumin, glutelin and prolamine fractions presented Asp, Glu and Gly as the major non-essential amino acids (NEAA) and Lys as the main essential amino acid (EAA). The globulin fraction, however, presented Asp, Glu, Gly and Arg as the major NEAA and Leu, Phe, Lys, and Thr as the main EAA. In general, the albumin fraction accounted for more sulphur amino acids and Lys, followed by the glutelin + prolamine fraction. Germination caused an increase in the total protein content of P. sativum cv. ucero and P. sativum cv. ramrod. In the albumin fraction a wide number of proteins underwent degradation and convicilin disappeared from the globulin fraction of pea sprouts whilst vicilin and legumin decreased slightly. In general, all the Osborne fractions of pea sprouts presented higher EAA contents than raw seeds. The estimated essential amino acid indexes of protein fractions for P. sativum cv. ucero (EAAIadult and EAAIegg) improved with the germination process whilst for P. sativum cv. ramrod and P. sativum cv. agra depended on the Osborne fraction.

Seed protein profiling of Pisum sativum L., germplasm using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) for investigation of biodiversity

Abstract: Sixty-seven pea genotypes originating from 5 countries were investigated for genetic divergence based on seed protein profile using Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Based on seed proteins, 25 subunits were observed and among these 20 were polymorphic. The un-weighted paired group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) exhibited 9 clusters which were grouped into 5 distinct clusters when plotted for first two components that contributed 62 % of variability. The genotypes from Romania and India were separated clearly that might be due to their unique genetic make up. Other genotypes were more or less scattered indicating shared protein profile that might be due to common parentage or exchange of pea germplasm by different breeders. In broader spectrum, the genotypes from various sources differed in grouping and it was difficult to establish relationship between origin and cluster pattern. The protein banding data were investigated in relation to agronomic traits evaluated for 2 years that indicated influence of polymorphic bands on quantitative traits. Particular clusters were better for specific traits that are suggested to utilize in crop improvement program.

Characterization of PsMPK2, the first C1 subgroup MAP kinase from pea (Pisum sativum L.).

Abstract: Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play a key role in plant growth and development as well as in biotic and abiotic stress responses. They are classified according to their sequence homology into four major groups (A–D). A large amount of information about MAPKs in groups A and B is available but few data of the C group have been reported. In this study, a C1 subgroup MAP kinase cDNA, PsMPK2, was isolated from Pisum sativum. PsMPK2 is expressed in vegetative (root and leaf) and reproductive (stamen, pistil and fruit) organs. Expression of PsMPK2 in Arabidopsis thaliana shows that mechanical injury and other stress signals as abscisic acid, jasmonic acid and hydrogen peroxide increase its kinase activity, extending previous results indicating that C1 subgroup MAPKs may be involved in the response to stress.

Growth, anatomy and chlorophyll fluorescence of coriander plants [Coriandrum sativum L.] treated with prohexadione-calcium and daminozide

Abstract: This study evaluates the effects of the two gibberellin inhibitors (daminozide, prohexadione-calcium) on certain growth and anatomical characteristics of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). Both growth retardants were found effective in reducing stem elongation; that response varied with the concentration used. Prohexadione-Ca at 200 mg l -1 reduced height by 38%. Coriander fruits were heavier after the application of prohexadione-Ca, but this did not translate to increased fruit yield or fruit essential oil yield. Prohexadione-Ca induced precocious anthesis (3–5 days earlier). Both prohexadione-Ca and daminozide apparently affected leaf and stem anatomy. Generally, retardant-treated plants possessed thicker leaves, wider stems with more collenchyma tissue, and more vessels in the vascular bundles. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements disclosed a decrease in the photochemical efficiency of PSII in retardant-treated plants as compared to the controls. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo can provide a tool for early diagnosis of the use of growth retardant even before any signs of growth retardation are visible in the plants.

Drying kinetics of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) leaf and stem

Abstract: Resumen en: The drying kinetics of coriander leaves and stems, with or without blanching, was studied at several temperatures (50, 60, 70, and 80 °C) at constant air...

The Impact of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Biochemical Constituents of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Abstract: Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is primarily grown for seed and seed oil. The fresh green herb, called cilantro or Chinese parsley, is also very popular all over the world for the usefulness in soups, salads, dressing of vegetables, seasoning, and chutney. Besides, green herbs are rich in vitamin C, A, and B2. In view of the usefulness of green herbs in a number of kitchen preparations and human nutrition, an experiment was carried out for 2 consecutive years (from November to April, 2000–2001, and 2001–2002) at a horticulture farm, Department of Horticulture, Rajasthan College of Horticulture, Udaipur, India to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators (IAA, NAA and GA3 each at 10, 20, and 50 ppm concentration) and the method of their application (pre-plant soaking, spraying 20 days after sowing (DAS) and pre-plant soaking + spraying 20 DAS) on herb growth, yield, and biochemical constituents (carotenoid and chlorophyll content) of coriander. The results (average of 2 years' data on poole...

In Vitro Antiamoebic Activity of Iranian Allium sativum in Comparison With Metronidazole against Entamoeba histolytica

Abstract: Background: Amoebiasis is due to infection with the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. The patients infected with E. histolytica must be treated right after definite diagnosis and no need to treat infected individuals with E. dispar isolates. Metronidazole is used as a drug of choice against amoebiasis. However, like a lot of other chemical agents, this drug has its own side effects. This prompted us to carry out, an in vitro research into antiamoebic effect of Iranian Allium sativum (garlic), which has been used for centuries, as an herbal medicine, without harmful side effects. Methods: Hydro-alcoholic, hexanic extracts and essential oil of 100 gram of crushed A. sativum was isolated and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts and essential oil in comparison with metronidazole were obtained on trophozoite of E. histolytica, HM-1: IMSS strain in TYI-S-33 medium. Results: The MIC for A. sativum hydroalcoholic, hexanic extracts and essential oil after 24 hours was 60mg mL -1 , 4mg mL 1 and 0.4mg mL -1 , respectively. After 48 hours the MIC for A. sativum hexanic extract and essential oil was 3mg mL -1 and 0.3mg mL -1 , respectively. MIC for metronidazole was obtained 2µg mL -1 and 1.5µg mL -1 after 24 hours and 48 hours, in that order. Conclusion: Iranian A. sativum is effective on the trophozoites of E. histolytica species and the essential oil exhibited the greatest antiamoebic activity, at the lowest MIC.

Reaction of wheat to Helminthosporium sativum in Bangladesh

Abstract: The severity of leaf blight of wheat of local and exotic origin was studied in 1989–1990 under field conditions in Bangladesh. None of the 333 wheat materials were highly resistant to this disease, 76 were graded to be resistant and 89 materials were moderately resistant. The remaining 90, 99 and 179 materials were moderately susceptible, susceptible and highly susceptible, respectively. Diseased leaves of wheat plants from different locations were collected and isolation of Helminthosporium sativum was carried out. In the following year the wheat materials that showed resistance under field conditions, were screened by artificial inoculation against nine H. sativum isolates at the seedling and the flag leaf stage. Seedling inoculation revealed that some materials were resistant to some isolates but were susceptible to others. In case of flag leaf inoculation six materials were recorded resistant to all isolates. Moreover, 16 and 31 materials were graded to be moderately resistant at the seedling stage and at the flag leaf stage, respectively.

Effect of phenolics on the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum [Harris] population on Pisum sativum L. [Fabaceae]

Abstract: Extensive studies have been carried out to identify plant phenolics with insecticidal properties towards insects. The subject of the study were comparison of control and infested by Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) vegetative parts of pea plants. In the pea plants six flavonol aglycones were identified: quercetin, kaempferol+RCO-, kaempferol, tricin, apigenin+RCO-, and apigenin. In infested plants relatively high concentration of total phenols, o-dihydroxyphenols and total flavonoids in comparison with control were observed. It suggests that phenolics have negative effect on insects and they are good for control of the insect pests.

Effect of Rhizobium inoculation to different varieties of gardenpea (Pisum sativum L.).

Abstract: Ali M.E., Khanam D., Bhuiyan M.A.H., Khatun M.R.and Talukder M.R. 2008. Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation to Different Varieties of Gardenpea (Pisum sativum L.). J .Soil .Nature. 2(1): 30-33 A pot experiment was carried out at the net house of Soil Science Division, BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur during rabi season of 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 to find out the response of inoculation with different plant genotypes of gardenpea. Three varieties of gardenpea viz. BARI Motorshuti-1, BARI Motorshuti-2, BARI Motorshuti-3 and rhizobial inoculum (BARI RPs-502) were used in this experiment. Each variety was tested with and without inoculation. Inoculated plants gave significantly higher nodule number, nodule weight, root weight, shoot weight, stover yield and seed yield compared to non-inoculated plants. Among the three varieties, BARI Motorshuti-1 produced the highest yield in both the years. The seed yield of variety BARI Motorshuti-1 were 35% and 31% higher for inoculated plants compared to uninoculated ones for the years 2005-06 and 2006-07,

Micronucleus frequency and lipid peroxidation in Allium sativum root tip cells treated with gibberellic acid and cadmium

Abstract: Gibberellic acid (GA3) is a very potent hormone whose natural occurrence in plants controls their development. Cadmium is a particularly dangerous pollutant due to its high toxicity and great solubility in water. In this study, the effect of GA3 on Allium sativum root tip cells was investigated in the presence of cadmium. A. sativum root tip cells were exposed to CdNO3 (50, 100, 200 μM), GA3 (10-3 M), both CdNO3 and GA3. Cytogenetic analyses were performed as micronucleus (MN) assay and mitotic index (MI). Lipid peroxidation analysis was also performed in A. sativum root tip cells for determination of membrane damage. MN exhibited a dose-dependent increase in Cd treatments in A. sativum. GA3 significantly reduced the effect of Cd on the MN frequency. MN was observed in GA3 and GA3 + 50 μm Cd treatments at very low frequency. MI slightly decreased in GA3 and GA3 + Cd treatments. MI decreased more in high concentrations of Cd than combined GA3 + Cd treatments. The high concentrations of cadmium induce MN, lipid peroxidation and lead to genotoxicity in A. sativum. Current work reveals that the effect of Cd on genotoxicity can be partially restored with GA3 application.

Allelopathic Effects of Helianthus Tuberosus L. on Germination and Seedling Growth of Several Crops and Weeds

Abstract: Helianthus tuberosus L. (Jerusalem artichoke) is a perennial herbaceous species which is cultivated for human and animal consumption and sometimes reported as a dangerous weed in several summer crops. Few reports indicate that this species shows allelopathic behaviour. This study, carried out in laboratory and greenhouse conditions, investigated the effects of aqueous extracts from leaf tissues and powdered dried leaves on total seed germination, speed of germination and shoot and radicle elongation of several annual population species. Aqueous extracts were applied at 2.5, 5, 10 and 20%, to seeds in Petri dishes, and powdered dried leaves were applied at 2 t ha−1 to seeds planted in pots. The crops included in the experiments were maize (Zea mays L.), green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.). Weed species were Amaranthus retloflexus L., Chenopod...

Pisum sativum-rhizobium interactions under different environmental stresses

Abstract: Effect of low temperature, salinity, nutrient level and photoperiod has been studied on 3 varieties of Pisum sativum var., P-48, meteor and AM-1inoculated with Rhizobium strain PS-1. The plants were grown at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 o C. The number of viable rhizobial cells was counted at each temperature by most probable number technique. The number of viable cells were constant at 5 and 10 o C but increased between 15-30 o C. Nodule formation was not observed at 5, 10 and 25 o C at 15 o C the nodules were less in number, whereas at 20 o C best nodulation was observed. The pea plants were also subjected to different salinity levels i.e., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 15dsm -1 . High number of nodules was formed at 0 and 1dsm -1 whereas at 2 and 3dsm -1 the nodule number was reduced and yet at higher salinity levels no nodules were formed. Pea plants nodulated best at 12 hours photoperiod and 1/6 th concentration of Hoagland’s nutrient solutions. The mature nodules developed at different temperatures and salinity levels were assayed for nitrogenase activity and processed for light and electron microscopy which supported our study.

Effectiveness of garlic lectin on red spider mite of tea

Abstract: Red spider mite (Oligonychus coffeae) is one of the major pests of tea and damages 5–15% of the total crop every year. Mannose binding 25kDa lectins (ASAI, Allium sativum bulb agglutinin I and ASAII, A. sativum bulb agglutinin II), purified from bulbs of A. sativum (Garlic), was analyzed through SDS-PAGE and studied for its agglutination property using rabbit erythrocytes. Cross reactivity of the purified lectin was verified through western blot using anti-ASA antibody. ASAI was found to be a dimer built up of two heteromeric subunits whereas the ASAII is a homodimer. The insecticidal activity of the mixture of ASA lectins was tested against red spider mite in an artificial diet. The LC50 values for red spider mite was determined to be 12.4±1.918µg/ml. This finding opens up a possibility of using the ASA genes against red spider mite through tea transgenic approach.

Effect of Coriandrum sativum, a common herbal medicine, on endocrine and reproductive organ structure and function

Abstract: We investigated the effects of Coriandrum sativum seeds, used to treat hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, on endocrine functions and structures. Healthy adult male rabbits (n = 20) were randomly divided into two groups: control group and treatment group (250 mg/kg Coriandrum sativum seed aqueous extract). Fasting blood samples were taken in the morning on day 0 (baseline) and day 4 of the 7-day treatment, and day 1 and day 8 post-treatment. Significant changes in cortisol levels occurred during the treatment period, but they could not be attributed to Coriandrum sativum treatment. Testosterone, glucose, and cholesterol were not significantly altered after treatment compared to control or baseline levels. No histopathological changes were observed in the epididymis, pancreas, testis interstitial tissue, or seminiferous tubules. The traditional herbal medicine, Coriandrum sativum, does not appear to exert negative effects on testosterone or cholesterol levels, nor on the reproductive or endocrine functions. The interrelationship between metabolism and gonad functions is an important concern when medicinal plants are used; therefore, use of Coriander sativum requires further study before it can be recommended for use as a medicinal plant.

Eco-friendly Management of Alternaria Blight in Brassica juncea

Abstract: Application of 1 per cent (wlv) aqueous bulb extract of Allium sativum at 45 and 75 days after sowing (DAS) resulted in lowest blight severity on leaves and pods and highest seed yield. Though disease severity in the treatment was at par with that in mancozeb, application of plant extract resulted in significantly higher seed yield compared to mancozeb in 2002-03 and 2003-04. However, application of treatments only once at 75 DAS, GR isolate of Trichoderma harzianum at 45 and 75 DAS, A. sativum 45 DAS + T. harzianum 75 DAS and T. harzianum 45 DAS + A. sativum 75 DAS during 2002-03 resulted in seed yield at par with application of mancozeb at 45 and 75 DAS. Bulb extract of A. sativum at 45 and 75 DAS was found significantly superior over all the treatments in increasing seed yield while being at par with mancozeb at 45 and 75 DAS. Foliar spray by A. sativum was also economical as it provided better incremental benefit cost ratio.

In vitro fungicidal activity of spices against root infecting fungi

Abstract: Fungicidal activity of 16 spices were tested In vitro against root rot fungi viz., Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina using paper disc and well methods. R. solani was inhibited by Curcuma longa and Myristica fragrans (flower) whereas M. phaseolina and Fusarium solani were inhibited by Piper nigrum, Capsicum annum, Cuminum cyminum, Carum carvi, Secale cereale, C. longa, Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale and Coriandrum sativum. Ethanol extract of spices was more effective in the control of root rot pathogens as compared to aqueous extract whereas 100% w/v aqueous extracts were more effective than 50% w/v aqueous extract. Paper disc and well methods were equally effective in the inhibition of test fungi.