This website is under maintenance Editors-in-Chief Dr. Anamika Pandey Dr. Mohd. Kamran Khan Online ISSN: 2395-6658 Print ISSN: 2395-664X About ELSR Emergent Life Sciences Research (ELSR) is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research in plant stress biology, crop physiology, agricultural biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture. The journal provides a scientific platform for researchers to disseminate original research articles, reviews, and short communications that advance understanding of plant growth, development, and adaptation to environmental challenges. ELSR particularly emphasizes research addressing abiotic stress factors such as drought, salinity, heat, cold, and nutrient imbalances, and their impact on crop productivity and resilience. Read more... Journal Metrics Submission to Final Acceptance Time (Median): 66 Days Acceptance to Online Publication (Median): 5 Days Total Downloads: 62,498 Why publish with ELSR? International Peer Review Process Open Access Publication Model Crossref DOI Assignment Global Visibility & Indexing (Google Scholar, etc.) Rapid and Ethical Editorial Handling Focused Scope in Plant & Agricultural Sciences Worldwide Author Community Article Processing Charges (APC) Current Publication Charges As part of the journal's transition and development strategy, Emergent Life Sciences Research (ELSR) is currently waiving all publication charges. Current APC (Until Further Notice) Indian Authors: INR 0 International Authors: USD 0 No submission, processing, or publication fees are charged during the current waiver period. Editorial Focus (Effective from July 2026) The journal has refined its scientific focus to strengthen coverage of plant stress biology, crop physiology, agricultural biotechnology, and sustainable agricultural systems. While the journal's archival content reflects its broader historical scope, future submissions are primarily encouraged in plant stress biology, crop physiology, agricultural biotechnology, plant genetics, and sustainable agricultural systems.
Copyright © The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are properly credited, and the work is not modified or adapted.
Modification of the properties of wood via combination of treatments: Freeze treatment and silicone oil heat treatment - Part 2
The effects of freeze-silicone oil heat treatment (combination of treatments) on the chemical properties of wood were investigated using fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results obtained showed that the impact of combine treatments on the wood was positive. FTIR results showed apparent changes in the chemical composition of the treated wood, XRD results indicated relative increase in the crystallinity index of the treated wood compared to the untreated and TGA showed reduction in the weight loss of the treated as compared with the untreated wood samples.
crystallinity index, freeze treatment, silicone oil heat treatment, x-ray diffraction, wood
Copyright (c) 2018 Author (s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Recent advances in chemical methods for remediation of heavy metals contaminated soils: A Review
Heavy metal remediation has been an important concern of agriculture sector since decades and development of new and sound remediation techniques has become the need of the hour. These potentially harmful and persistent metals (loids) are posing great threat to environment and human health. Chemical remediation techniques are long been used for the remediation of all hazardous metals and to bring them back to safe and acceptable level in soils, but these conventional methodologies have their own setbacks. These techniques ae not cost-effective, consume a lot of time and mostly generate by-products that are toxic in nature. Hence, to overcome these issues, recently scientists have come up with more refined chemical methods to ameliorate heavy metal contamination in soils. In this review, we have highlighted some of the cost-effective and effective chemical methods, including precipitation, ion exchange, and chemical extraction and leaching, nanoremediation, encapsulation and soil washing. All these methods have shown effective results in the recent literature for the efficient removal of heavy metals from the contaminated soils along with economic feasibility.
advance techniques, chemical remediation, heavy metal (loids)
Allelopathic effect of Niger Plant (Guizotia abyssinica L.) on abundance of selected weeds
Plants release many secondary metabolites to the environment that can be harnessed for important uses. These secondary metabolites are known as allelochemicals. The current worldwide demand for cheaper, more environmentally-friendly weed management technologies have motivated a number of studies on the allelopathic interaction between crops and weeds. Niger plant has been observed to have allelopathic effects on certain weeds. In order to evaluate the influence of Niger plant on selected weeds, an experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Three cultivars of beans (Rosecoco, Mwitemania and Mwezi Mbili) were used. Data collection included the total number of four prominent weeds over a span of four weeks. A 50 x 50 quadrat was laid on the same spot in all the treatments and the weeds enclosed within were counted separately. Data analysis was done by ANOVA in Genstat and results were presented using graphs. Results showed that Niger plant enhanced the bean growth and development, whereas it inhibited the germination and growth of some weeds i.e. field mustard, broom weed, double thorn and couch grass. It was concluded that Niger plant exhibited negative allelopathy on the weeds that were studied and positive allelopathy on all the bean cultivars. From the results, it is recommended that further research needs to be carried out on more crops and more weeds to have an in-depth understanding of this subject.
allelopathy, metabolites, Niger plant, weeds
A review on toxicity and environmental implications of heavy metals
Heavy metals are metalloids that have high density and weight, at least 5 times greater as compared to water. In recent years, the industrial, agricultural, medicinal and technological activities have led to a sharp rise in heavy metal exposure in our environment. Even a small concentration of heavy metals is capable of inducing toxic effects on humans and on the overall environment. Toxicity may vary depending on the type of heavy metal, the form in which it is available and the type of individual it is exposed to. Among all the heavy metals, cadmium, arsenic, mercury and lead pose highest degree of toxicity and that is of great concern to plants and human health. This issue leads to challenge of environment conservation and protection from heavy metal exposure. This review provides an analysis about the occurrence of these metals in the environment, their toxicity potential in plants, and the plant defense mechanism against them for their survival.
defense mechanism in plants, heavy metals, environment, toxicity
Immunomodulatory potential of synbiotics and phytochemicals – A Review
In the present time, the cost and side effects of commonly used synthetic medicines raise a need to develop alternative therapeutic agents. Natural/ medicinal plants and their products/ secondary metabolites are most acceptable, cost effective and safer alternatives to synthetic drugs. Various plant extracts and purified compounds have been evaluated for their biological activities like Piperine, Quercetin, Genistein, Ellagic acid and terpenoid for immunomodulatory activity. Experimental and clinical work revealed that probiotics and many medicinal plants are safe immunomodulators. Moreover, immunomodulatory efficacy of probiotics can be enhanced by prebiotics and that of medicinal plants by using their effective bioactive components rather than the whole extract. Phytosynbiotics (Prebiotic+ probiotics+ phytochemical) are a new class of food grade supplements which promote metabolic health and improve living. This review article highlights immunomodulatory activity of synbiotics and phytochemicals and their combinatorial use in the form of Phytosynbiotics, proving it a novel therapeutic agent in treatment of various diseases like diabetes, cholesterol and liver diseases. However, the undesirable side effects of medicines have been observed that have caused concern about their long term therapeutic use. This paper may throw some light to prove the ability of the Phytosynbiotics as a novel alternative or adjuvant to chemical drugs to help fight the diseases.
immunotherapy, phytochemical, phytosynbiotics, synbiotics
Pre- and post- morphological evaluation of the kidneys of male Wistar rats inoculated with Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidade) salivary gland extract
Controlling the population of ticks is a subject of great concern to researchers, due to the parasitic nature of these ectoparasites and their capacity to transmit pathogens to the human being and other vertebrate animals. In this scenario, some authors have studied the salivary glands of Rhipicephalus sanguineus, having demonstrated the morphophysiological importance of these organs. The saliva plays a role in the modulation of the host’s immune-inflammatory and hemostatic systems; in addition, it is considered a potential reservoir of several functions. In this sense, the present study had the objective to establish, analyze and correlate the morpho-physiological behavior of the cells and tissues from the kidneys of male Wistar rats pre/post inoculated with R. sanguineus salivary gland extract, in addition to verify the possible toxic action of this saliva on the kidney. For this, the rats were divided into 5 groups with 4 animals each: CG (control, no exposure); PBS1 (one injection of PBS 1X), PBS2 (two injections of PBS 1X), SGE1 (one injection of salivary gland extract 0.04µg/µL) and SGE2 (two injections of salivary gland extract 0.04µg/µL). After the exposures, the kidneys were subjected to histological/histochemical techniques: HE, toluidine blue and xylidine Ponceau. Each inoculated rat was weighed one day before the first inoculation and after 21 days, the blood count analysis was performed.
bioactive, control, pathogen, R. sanguineus, salivary gland, ticks
Microbiological quality and biochemical composition of water snail (Pachymelania byronensis) of lower Niger River basin
Pachymelania byronensis is a mollusk that is very abundant in the Niger Delta ecological zone, Nigeria especially the lower region that has the brackish water. The meat of this gastropod serves as good source of protein to the inhabitants. Hence, its nutritional composition was investigated to ascertain its suitability for human consumption. The snail samples were randomly hand-picked from their natural environment during August 2017 to January 2018 from wet and dry seasons. A total of 144 P. byronensis (24 per station) samples were used for this investigation. The total heterotrophic bacteria count was determined using standard pour plates method. Coliform count was determined using MacConkey agar, total Salmonella /Shigella counts was estimated using Salmonella/Shigella agar and total vibrio counts was determined employing Thiosulphate citrate bile salt sucrose agar. The isolates were identified with reference to Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. The foot muscle and viscera were used for the proximate estimation of nutritional composition. The bacteriological load in the P. byronensis revealed that there were variations in the occurrence of different groups. Salmonella /Shigella counts was highest 1.96 ± 3.45 X 103 (cfu/100mL) followed by Total vibrio counts 1.66 ± 3.13 X 103 (cfu/100mL). Total heterotrophic bacteria counts was 1.63± 4.97 X 103 (cfu/m) and least was Coliform counts 1.30 ± 3.70 X 103 (cfu/100mL). The nutritional status showed that the snail is a valuable source of seafood that can meet the nutritional requirements of man.
biochemical characteristics, microbiological load, Pachymelania byronensis, total heterotrophic bacteria
Application of principal component analysis for rice f5 families characterization and evaluation
The type and level of genetic variance in one hundred and fourteen F5 families of rice obtained from six different crosses was estimated along with their seven parents using Mahalanobis D2 – statistics by considering 10 characters. Mahalanobis D2 analysis revealed considerable amount of diversity in the material. The genotypes were grouped into twelve clusters. Cluster IX constituted maximum number of genotypes (26). The genotypes falling in cluster VII had the maximum divergence, which was closely followed by cluster VIII and cluster XI. The maximum inter cluster D2 values was observed between cluster X and XI (931.276) followed by cluster VIII and XI (814.784) suggesting that the genotypes constituted in these clusters may be used as parents for future hybridization programs. Principal component analysis revealed that families MTU 2462-1-5-2, MTU 2462-15-1-1, MTU 2468-30-2-2, MTU 2468-29-3-1, MTU 2462-1-9-2, MTU 2469-23-2-1, MTU 2469-6-2-1, MTU 2469-36-1-1, MTU 2469-32-2-1 were more divergent and hence, can be used in breeding programs. Hence, the results of cluster analysis were supported by principal component analysis.
D2 statistic, genetic divergence, principal component analysis
Efficacy of Acaricides and botanicals against Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae)
Haryana is the leading state in seasonal mushroom production contributing approximately 4000 tonnes per year. Reports are available on the occurrence of mites including Tyrophagus putrescentiae in oyster mushrooms. Mites have been found to damage mushrooms right from spawning to the harvest of the crop. Mite damage on the fruiting bodies often shows up as the small cavities in the stem and cap similar in appearance to bacterial pit disease. Mycelium-eating mites can cause high yield losses. Although pesticides (permetrin, perefosmetil, anometrin, forbecide and dichlorvos) are applied, but due to growing ecological and health concerns, bio-control methods are being developed against pests. There is a need to exploit the use of plant products which have acaricidal properties and are safe for mushroom mycelium. Plant-derived alkalis, alcohols, aldehydes, terpenoids and some monoterpenoids show fumigant properties and thus, the use of plant based pesticides is preferred against pests and diseases in mushroom production.
fruiting bodies, mycelium, monoterpenoids, spawning
Determinants of pregnant women intention to respect the optimal timeframe for intermittent preventive treatment to Sulfadoxine pyrimethamine against malaria
Malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), precisely among children under five years and pregnant women who do not receive necessary preventive or curative care. The aim of this study was to identify the psychosocial factors explaining the intention of pregnant women to respect the optimal timeframe of Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) for malaria. This was an analytical study, of correlational descriptive type. In this study, 108 pregnant women who initiated their antenatal care services in the structures of the Lemba Health Zone to benefit for the TPI to Sulfadoxine Pyrimethamine (SP) were surveyed. The structured interview and the seven-level Likert scale were used for data collection. The findings revealed that the mean age of our respondents was 27.33 ± 4.8 years, 84.3% were married, 50% had a high school education, 74% were unaware of the calendar of IPT for malaria and 70.4% know that a pregnant woman must start the antenatal in her first trimester. Behavioral beliefs (β = 0.236) and control beliefs (β = 0.235) correlate with the intention. On the other hand, the importance attributed to facilitating or detrimental factors (β = 0.131) and normative beliefs (β = 0.038) didn’t correlate with the intention. Malaria constitutes a great danger for pregnant woman and the knowledge of the IPT to SP is very important for the well-being of these women as well as of their future baby.
Aesculus hippocastanum L., buckeye, micro-morphological character, SEM, stoma
Variation of some micro-morphological characters of leaves of Aesculus hippocastanum based on growing environment
Buckeye (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) is a member of the family Sapindaceae and is an exotic species for Turkey. It is a kind of tree that can grow up to an average of 15-20 m and is deciduous, which we often see in parks, gardens and roadsides. Although it is not in the natural flora of Turkey due to the use of different areas especially in the city centers, it is being used in the areas where many different climate types dominate. In this study, it was aimed to determine the variation of some micromorphological characters of the leaves of Aesculus hippocastanum L. depending on the growing environment. Samples were grown on 6 different cities which are dominated by different climate types. With this purpose, leaf samples were collected from Aesculus hippocastanum L. individuals growing in 6 different cities (Rize, Samsun, İzmir, Antalya, Sivas and Ankara) in the Central and Western Anatolia regions where the Black Sea, Mediterranean and continental climate types predominate. Scale images were obtained with the help of electron microscope (SEM = Scanning Electron Microscope) of the collected leaf samples and stoma length (μm), stoma width (μm), por length (μm), por width and stoma density (per mm2 field) were determined. Variance analysis and Duncan test were applied to the obtained data with the help of SPSS package program and the variation of the indicated characters according to the growing environment was evaluated statistically.
Aesculus hippocastanum L., buckeye, micro-morphological character, SEM, Stoma
Damage potential of Tyrophagus putrescentiae Schrank (Acari: Acaridae) in Oyster (Pluerotus sajor caju) Mushrooms
Mite pests are cosmopolitan and reported from many parts of the world. T. putrescentiae was previously described as saprophagous species that feeds on different fungi including moulds (Eutorium, Penicilium) Fusarium, Alternaria, Geotrichum, Mucor and Trichophyton. Oyster Mushroom is a low investment, low risk, low labour intensive, and moderate profit enterprise. Mites have been found to damage mushrooms right from spawning to harvest of the crop. Moreover, mites themselves pollute the mushrooms by the multitude of faeces that they excrete all over, making the mushrooms uneatable as a food, causes allergies and other diseases. Considering the above facts, efforts have been made to assemble the available literature in this article.
faeces, harvest, Saprophagous, T. putrescentiae
Physicochemical properties of some tetrahydropyrimidine derivatives
Production of tetrahydropyrimidine and their derivatives is of great importance in organic chemistry. Presence of pyrimidine piece in different biological compounds that are used in several medications makes it a crucial component. In this study, some new tetrahydropyrimidine compounds are synthesized and their physicochemical properties such as such as density, refractive index, partition coefficients have been studied in different solvents at 308.15K.
density, partition coefficients, refractive index, tetrahydropyrimidine compounds
Hepatoprotective activity of Centella asiatica linn. against paracetamol induced liver damage in experimental animals
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of Centella asiatica L. against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in experimental rats. Liver toxicity was induced by paracetamol drug at a dose level of 3g/kg each, p.o for 7th and 14th days. About 50% ethanol extract of Centella asiatica L. (100 and 200 mg/kg) was administered orally once everyday up to 14 days. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using different biochemical markers SGPT, SGOT, ALP, bilirubin, total protein and LDH. Meanwhile, in vivo antioxidant activities as SOD, CAT, GSH and, LPO were measured in liver homogenate and histological examinations were carried out to assess the hepato-protective activity. The values were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey multiple compare test. Results were considered statistically significant at the level of P < 0.001. Obtained results demonstrated that the treatment with Centella asiatica L. (C. asiatica) significantly prevented the drug-induced increase in serum levels of hepatic enzymes. Furthermore, C. asiatica significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue and restored the activities of defense antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH towards normal. Histopathology of liver tissue showed that C. asiatica attenuated the hepatocellular necrosis, regeneration and repair of cells towards normal. The results of this study strongly indicate the protective effect of C. asiatica against paracetamol liver injury which may be attributed to its hepatoprotective activity, and there by scientifically support its traditional use.
biochemical markers, Centella asiatica L., hepatoprotective activity paracetamol
Saissetia coffeae (Walker) (Coccidae: Hemiptera) infestation on Meyna spinosa Roxb. ex Link-a new host plant and sap-sucker (pest) record from Assam, India
The hemispherical scale insect Saissetia coffeae (Walker) is reported for the first time from Assam, India infesting one-year old Meyna spinosa Roxb. ex Link (Rubiaceae) seedlings in nursery conditions. The host plant is attributed with medicinal properties amongst the inhabitants of the region; although occurring mostly as scanty populations in the wild, probably a cause of pest infestations.
medicinal plants pests, new record; polyphagy, sap sucker, scale insect
Effectiveness of ice massage in reduction of labor pain during first stage of labor among primigravida mothers
Labor is a stressful experience that has pain, fatigue, fear and negative moods reaching high levels as labor progresses. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of ice massage in reduction of labor pain between control and experimental group. Quantitative research approach and Quasi experimental after research only design was adopted for this study. Sixty Primigravida mothers at first stage of labor were divided as 30 each in both the experimental and control group. Visual analogue scale was utilized to assess the labor pain. Experimental group participants received ice massage at energy meridian point that is known as Large intestine 4(LI 4) for subsequent 4 uterine contractions or for 20 minutes. This intervention was not followed in control group. The collected data were examined by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results of the study revealed that 23.3% of mothers had moderate pain and 76.67% had severe pain in control group and in experimental group, 3.33% of mothers had mild pain, 83.33% had moderate pain and 13.33% had severe pain. A significant difference at the level of p< 0.05 was found between the experimental and control group on labor pain. This experiment also revealed that there was significant association between the pain score in experimental group and their selected demographic variables such as type of family, residence and occupation. It was concluded that the ice massage at energy meridian point (LI 4) was the effective method to reduce labor pain during the first stage of labor.
energy meridian point, ice massage, labor pain, primigravida mothers
Microscopic features and chromatographic fingerprints of selected congolese medicinal plants: Aframomum alboviolaceum (Ridley) K. Schum, Annona senegalensis Pers. and Mondia whitei (Hook.f.) Skeels
Nearly 80% of people depend on the traditional medicines for their primary health care according to the World Health Organization. In fact, the study of plant chemistry is still a relevant subject despite its antiquity. The main objective of this study was to determine the microscopic features of different Congolese taxa and to determine their chromatographic fingerprints. Three plant species used notably were: Aframomum alboviolaceum (Ridley) K. Schum., Annona senegalensis Pers. and Mondia whitei. The microscopic features of these plants were carried out along with their phytochemical screening by thin layer chromatography and the spectrophotometric determination of various secondary metabolites contained in these plant species. The microscopic study of A. Alboviolaceum, A. senegalensis and M. whitei revealed the presence of paracytic stomata, fibers, fragments of spiral bundles, non-glandular hairs, parenchyma with numerous starch grains, secreting hairs, fragments of punctuated vessels, as well as lignified fibers. Thin layer chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, anthraquinones, anthocyanins, tannins, irridoids, and the absence of alkaloids in all three plants. In the light of these results, it would be desirable to pursue thorough phytochemical studies in order to isolate the bioactive compounds and elucidate their structures.
microscopic features, phytochemical screening, traditional medicine
Comparison of GHG emissions between efficient and inefficient broiler farms in Kaduna state of Nigeria using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA): environmental sustainability
This study applied a non-parametric method in determining the efficiency of farmers, discriminating efficient farmers from inefficient ones, and identifying wasteful uses of energy in order to optimize the energy inputs for broiler production. Furthermore, the effect of energy optimization on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission was investigated and the total amount of GHG emission of efficient units was compared with inefficient units. A total sample size of 55 broiler farmers were selected from Kaduna State viz. multi-stage sampling technique. Total energy used in various operations during broiler production was 77916.14 MJ (500bird)-1. Results revealed that 63% of producers were technically efficient, while 43 producers under PTE were identified efficient (79.6%). Additionally, it was concluded that 1.38 percent [1071.54 MJ (500birds)-1] of overall input energies can be saved if the performance of inefficient farms rose to a high level. Finally, comparative results of GHG emissions revealed that the amount of CO2 emissions in efficient units was less than inefficient farms.
broiler, DEA, efficient vs. inefficient, environment, GHG emission
Copyright (c) 2017 Author (s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Status of macro and micro nutrients in soils of Beed district (Maharashtra), India
This Study was carried out on soil nutrient index and soil fertility of six tehsil of Beed district. The soils were alkaline in reaction and within the safer limits of electrical conductivity. These soils were calcareous in nature, low to medium in organic content and low in available N, P and DTPA-Zn. However, available K and DTPA-Fe, Mn and Cu content was respectively, high and medium to high in the soil.
Evaluation of bioethanol production from rice field weed biomass
Bioethanol has attracted more attention as a clean-burning fuel that can benefit both environment and energy sector. Gooseweed and small-flowered nutsedge are abundant in rice fields in form of weeds and considered as a major agricultural problem. Thus, this paper aims to evaluate the possibility of ethanol production from these two weeds by calculating the theoretical ethanol yield from its reducing sugars and cellulose content. Experiment was conducted in rice fields in Chiang Mai province, Thailand and 207 kg/ha and 201 kg/ha biomass yield was obtained from gooseweed and small-flowered nutsedge plants. The theoretical ethanol yield of gooseweed and small-flowered nutsedge were 160 L/Mg and 223 L/Mg, respectively that suggest utilizing these materials as promising feedstocks for bioethanol production.
gooseweed, small-flowered nutsedge, theoretical ethanol yield
Can sweat glands act as temporary or permanent replacement for the excretory function of kidney?
Uremic frost – the powdery whitish substance, comprising urea and uric acid salts, on the skin of some patients with end stage kidney disease could be an attempt by the sweat glands to take over the function of the failing kidneys. Currently end stage kidney disease is managed mainly by hemodialysis and eventually kidney transplantation. Kidneys are primarily the organs for excretion of metabolic wastes. A normal kidney contains 800,000 to 1.5 million nephrons. This excretory function, which is essential for life, consists of filtration and selective reabsorption / secretion to produce urine. The major nitrogenous waste in urine is urea. The sweat glands are basically organs of thermoregulation. However, they are also involved in excretion of metabolic wastes. The total number of sweat glands lies between 1.6 and 4.5 million. There are anatomical and physiological similarities between the nephron – the functional unit of the kidney and the sweat gland. This article proposes a functional similarity between the two. Anatomically, the sweat gland bears some resemblance to the nephron. A nephron has 2 basic components, the glomerulus and the tubules. Similarly, the sweat gland has a secretory unit consisting of a base rolled into a glomerulus, and a duct that carries the sweat away. Both the kidneys and the sweat glands excrete nitrogenous wastes, water and electrolytes. The hypothesis is that the skin, via the sweat glands, constitutes an alternative excretory organ to the kidneys, though probably minor, and thus could act as temporary or permanent replacement for the kidneys.
Effect of different concentrations of sucrose on Alkaloids and Steroids production in vitro from Withania somnifera (L) Dunal (Ashwagandha)
Present work has been conducted on Withania somnifera commonly known as Ashwagandha to study the influence of different sucrose concentrations on the production of high secondary metabolite compounds. With the addition of different sucrose concentrations 30, 60, 90 g / L to MS medium in in vitro conditions, production of secondary metabolite compounds increased. Ten compounds with different production rates were produced. Production rate of compound 17- hydroxy 27 deoxy withaferin, 27-hydroxy withanolide D and Withanone was maximum and significant under 30 g / L, 60 g / L, and 90 g / L sucrose treatment, respectively. However, MS medium containing 120 g / L sucrose led to burning of shoots and turned it in to brown.
Incidence of chilli mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) on chilli fruit parameters under field conditions
Fourteen chilli hybrids were raised to study the effect of phytophagous chilli mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) on fruit parameters of chilli at Research Farm Area, Department of Vegetable Sciences, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana). Chilli mites are one of the major pests of vegetable, ornamental and fruit crops, causing considerable loss in yield. Correlation coefficient (r = -0.98) calculated between mite incidence and fruit length suggested an increase in mite population led to corresponding significant decrease in fruit length in fourteen chilli hybrids. Maximum average fruit length (6.50 cm) was recorded in hybrid 9/CHIhyb-10 with corresponding lowest mite count (2.53mites/leaf). In contrast, decreased fruit length was recorded in hybrids 10/CHIhyb-7 (2.50 cm) and 10/CHIhyb-6 (2.83 cm) with highest mite count of 6.28 and 5.70 mites/ leaf, respectively. Likewise, negative and highly significant correlation was recorded between mite incidence and fruit number (r = -0.98) and fruit yield/plant (r = -0.96).
chilli hybrids, fruit parameters, Polyphagotarsonemus latus
Mechanical vs Agroinfiltration: Efficient mechanism of plant RNA virus infection
Plant RNA viruses play a pivotal role in understanding the biology of viruses. The first virus to be discovered was a plant RNA virus, Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) [1]. Positive sense RNA viruses have a wide host range [2]. Hence it is imperative to investigate their replication [3-6], packaging [5-10], interaction with host proteins (3, 11), competition with satellite RNAs, if they encapsidate any [11-14], and immune response against virus infection [15-17].
Incidence of Tetranychus urticae Koch on brinjal under field and screen house conditions
The incidence of Tetranychus urticae Koch, a two-spotted spider mite, was studied in brinjal ecosystem (Solanum melongena L.). Brinjal seeds (var. BR112) were raised in the Research Farm area, Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during June 2014 and seedlings were transplanted during mid-July, 2014 in the field. In screen house, the crop was raised during mid-June, 2014. In field and screen house, two-spotted spider mite was recorded to study the population fluctuation on brinjal during the first week of September and continued until the first week of November 2014 at Hisar region. Different stages of T. urticae viz., eggs, larvae, nymphs and adults from ten randomly selected plants were recorded weekly on both ventral and dorsal surface of tender, grown up and older leaves of brinjal. The results revealed that the mite population showed a gradual increase until attainment of the peak in the last week of September 2014. The results clearly showed that 5.19 and 5.85 mites/sq cm leaf T. urticae population peak in the last week of September 2014 on brinjal plant under field and screen house conditions, respectively. Afterwards, a gradual decline in mite population was recorded until November. Mites showed a preference for grown-up leaves of brinjal as compared to tender and older leaves under field and screen house condition.
brinjal, field, incidence, mite population, screen house, Tetranychus urticae
Damage potential of Tyrophagus putrescentiae Schrank (Acari: Acaridae) in mushrooms
Tyrophagus putrescentiae Schrank (Acari: Acaridae), is one of the most serious pests of high protein food including mushrooms. It is known to feed and disperse various pathogenic fungi in stored grain and products. It causes economic losses in stored products in addition to allergic disorder in workers handling stored products. Understanding T. putrescentiae multiplication on Agaricus bisporus compost, fruiting bodies, its role in transmission of disease is of paramount importance for the standardization of control measures. Documentation of the population abundance and selection of best compost for white button mushroom farming would open up new scope for farmers. Considering the above facts, efforts have been made to assemble the available literature in this article.
abiotic factors, diseases, mushrooms, mites, Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Yield and trace metal levels in colocasia (Colocasia esculenta L.)-potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cropping sequence as influence by fly ash and fertilizer application
Experiments were conducted to see the effect of fly ash on growth, yield and quality of two tuber crops cropping sequence Colocasia and potato in red and lateritic soil of Chotanagpur Plateau. Result revealed a positive and significant effect of 4, 8 and 16 percent fly ash (w/w) incorporation in acidic soil (pH 5.9) on crop yield and on all growth attributes of both the tested vegetable crops. Tuber yield of Colocasia was recorded as 4.96, 5.66 and 6.95 t ha-1, respectively due to application of 4, 8 and 16% fly ash alone. Yield of Colocasia drastically increased over control and found higher (11.92 t ha-1) at 16% FA+NPK followed by 10.25 t ha-1 yield of Colocasia with 8% FA+NPK. Potato yield (22.39 t ha-1) was higher in 16% FA+NPK treatment followed by yield 20.63 t ha-1 at 8% FA+NPK applied treatment when grown on residual fly ash application. In control plot Pb, Co and Ni content were found 13.9, 15.2 and 5.0 mg kg-1, while at 16% fly ash application level, Pb, Co and Ni content were found 28.7, 35.6 and 15.7 mg kg-1, respectively in edible part of Colocasia (cormel). Fe (310 mg kg-1), Mn (28 mg kg-1), Zn (46.7 mg kg-1), Cu (35.8 mg kg-1), Pb (22.0 mg kg-1), Ni (20.9 mg kg-1) and Co (27.0 mg kg-1) content were higher in potato tuber, when grown on 16% residual fly ash in Colocasia-potato cropping sequence.
Colocasia-potato cropping sequence, fly ash, lateritic soil, trace metal
Effects of Optimum Vitamin E with Different levels of Vitamin C on Growth, Reproduction and Immune Response in Blue Gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus)
The effect of optimum level of vitamin E (300 mg kg⁻¹ diet) and various levels vitamin C (50, 100, 200 and 300 mg kg⁻¹ diet) on growth, reproduction and leucocytes count were studied in blue gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) for 120 days. Test fish fed with the optimum vitamin E + 200 mg vitamin C kg⁻¹ diet enhanced the chosen feeding and growth parameters, reproduction and disease resisting leucocytes count (lymphocyte and monocyte) than those fed with other diets. The control fish spawned only once with less number of eggs spawn⁻¹, while other groups spawned two times with more number of eggs spawn⁻¹ during the experiment. The female blue gourami fed with the optimum vitamin E laid 450 eggs in two spawning and it significantly (P < 0.01) enhanced to 570 eggs in two spawning fish fed with the optimum vitamin E and 200 mg vitamin C kg⁻¹ diet respectively. However, the fish treated with other combinations laid less number of eggs than the above combinations. Lymphocyte and monocyte counts revealed that the fish fed with combination of optimum vitamin E and vitamin C diet produced more or less equal effects. The experiment revealed that vitamin C and vitamin E are the growth and reproduction promoting factors respectively and they interact with one another when these two nutrients are available simultaneously.
growth, leucocytes count, reproduction, Trichogaster trichopterus
Role of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria in Accumulation of Heavy Metal in Metal Contaminated Soil
Heavy metal pollution by industrial, agricultural and municipal wastewater is a frequent phenomenon. Bioremediation is a biological process for cleaning up of pollutants from the environment. In the present study, B. megaterium and P. aeruginosa isolated from a weed Suaeda nudiflora at chemical polluted site from Ankleshwar, Gujarat was used for bioremediation. These isolates were characterized for their ability of metal assimilation like phosphorus and iron, and on the basis of their best assimilation ability, the isolates were selected for heavy metal tolerance like zinc and lead. B. megaterium and P. aeruginosa with highest heavy metal tolerance up to 200 mgl-1 were inoculated in maize plants by test tube inoculation method and analyzed for the growth promotion efficacy in heavy metal polluted soil. The plant inoculated with isolates showed 20% higher plant height, 20% longer root length and 5% greater dry weight as compared to non-inoculated control. Further analyses of leaves were carried out for the accumulation of heavy metal in maize. Results of the study showed positive growth response of maize on heavy metal polluted soil in green house condition and also accumulate a significant amount of zinc (587 mg kg−1) and lead (227 mg kg−1) in plants. The study concluded that the metal mobilizing PGPR could be used as an effective inoculant for improving the phytoremediation in multi-metal polluted soil, as well as for the reclamation of heavy metal polluted soil.
bioremediation, heavy metal, maize, metal mobilizing rhizobacteria
Formulation Development and In Vitro Evaluation of Propranolol Hydrochloride Extended Release Matrix Tablets
The purpose of this investigation is to develop extended release matrix tablets of propranolol hydrochloride (PPH), which were designed to improve the patient compliance and prolong the drug release after oral administration. Different viscosity grades of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) polymers such as HPMC K4 M, HPMC K15 M and HPMC K100 M were used. The prepared formulations were characterized and all formulations exhibited satisfactory physical parameters such as thickness (mm), weight variation (mg), friability (%) and hardness (kg/cm2). After evaluation of physical properties, the in vitro release study was performed in 0.1 N Hydrochloric Acid (HCl), pH 1.2 for 2 hours followed by release in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 up to 12 hours. The effects of polymer concentration and polymer blend concentration were studied. Among all the formulations, formulation F3 which contains 40% HPMC K4M followed zero order kinetics via, swelling, diffusion and erosion. This study gives the preliminary idea about the development of extended release drug delivery systems of PPH. The in-vitro drug release exponent of the peppas equation suggests the drug release mechanism was super case II transport mechanism. Based on compatibility studies such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR), there was no interaction between the drug and excipients.
differential scanning calorimetry, extended release tablets, fourier transforms infrared spectrophotometry, Propranolol, in vitro drug release