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Alcohol is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. However, the molecular mechanism by which chronic alcohol consumption influences pancreatic cancer development is not well understood. We have recently demonstrated that chronic ethanol exposure of pancreatic normal ductal epithelial cells (HPNE) induces cellular transformation by generating cancer stem cells (CSCs). Here, we examined whether chronic ethanol treatment induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HPNE cells and promotes pancreatic cancer development in KC (Pdx1-Cre, and LSL-KrasG12D ) mice. Our data demonstrate that chronic ethanol exposure of HPNE cells induces SATB2 gene and those cells became highly motile. Ethanol treatment of HPNE cells results in downregulation of E-Cadherin and upregulation of N-Cadherin, Snail, Slug, Zeb1, Nanog and BMI-1. Suppression of SATB2 expression in ethanol-transformed HPNE cells inhibits EMT phenotypes. KC mice fed with an ethanol-containing diet show enhanced pancreatic cancer growth and development than those fed with a control diet. Pancreas isolated from KC mice fed with an ethanol-containing diet show higher expression of stem cell markers (CD133, CD44, CD24), pluripotency-maintaining factors (cMyc, KLF4, SOX-2, and Oct-4), N-Cadherin, EMT-transcription factors (Snail, Slug, and Zeb1), and lower expression of E-cadherin than those isolated from mice fed with a control diet. Furthermore, pancreas isolated from KC mice fed with an ethanol-containing diet show higher expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) and PTGS-2 (COX-2) gene than those isolated from mice fed with a control diet. These data suggest that chronic alcohol consumption may contribute to pancreatic cancer development by generating inflammatory signals and CSCs.

A permineralized wood from the Deccan Intertrappean beds of central India is identified as a member of the family Lythraceae. The fossil wood found is similar to the modern genus Lagerstroemia and is characterized by diffuse porous to semi-ring porous wood, growth rings marked by marginal parenchyma, simple perforations, scanty paratracheal axial parenchyma, exclusively uniseriate homo to heterocellular rays and septate fibres with chambered crystals. This wood, Lagerstroemioxylon sp., is considerably older than the earlier known fossil records of this genus and confirms the presence of Lagerstroemia on the Indian subcontinent∼66 million years ago.

In nature, food availability stimulates hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis while its scarcity induces stress, which further stimulates hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis producing a detrimental effect on the avian reproductive physiology. The present experiment was designed to examine the interaction of stress like food restriction and estradiol on male reproductive physiology with special emphasis on estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) as these play crucial role in reproduction. To achieve this, 60 day old White Leghorn immature cockrels were taken and divided into four groups (n = 8 per group). One group was provided with food and water ad libitum. Second group was food restricted (FR) for 9 h/day after 5 days, third and fourth were administered with estradiol benzoate (EB 0.5 mg/100g/day) for 12 days. Fourth group was FR for 9 h/day after 5 days of EB treatment till last day of experiment (EB + FR). Immunofluorescent localization of ERα was principally in the pre-optic area and paraventricular nuclei of hypothalamus and in anterior pituitary gland. ERα expression was highly reduced (from 40 AU to 20 AU) after FR in testis but it increased (50 AU) after EB administration, EB + FR reflects a diminishing pattern in the increment after EB. FR decreased plasma estradiol while EB increased it. Increased plasma corticosterone, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, and decreased anti-oxidant enzymes in brain and testis of all groups indicate oxidative stress in the HPG axis. The increased ERα after EB and a decrease with FR and EB + FR support their reproductive function. Estrogen and its receptor alpha are responsible for maintaining epithelial morphology but FR along with EB administration modulates the testicular development by significantly decreasing its size (p

Premise of research. Fossil fruits and seeds of Zingiberales provide essential data on the past diversity and distribution of the order, augmenting our understanding of the evolutionary history of ...

Estrogen plays a key role in the regulation of reproductive behavior and control of the neuroendocrine system in both males and females. However, excessive quantity of exogenous estrogen produces a deleterious effect on the male reproductive system. To elucidate the mechanism by which estrogen modulates its receptor alpha (ESR1) in immature chicken during stress the study has been undertaken. The experiment investigated the physiological changes in the abundance of ESR1 in brain, pituitary and testes of immature male chickens after stress like water restriction. Twenty four immature male chickens were randomly assigned into four groups. The control group was provided with food and water ad libitum, second was water restricted 9 h each day for seven days (WR), third was treated with estradiol benzoate (EB) and fourth group was treated with EB followed by water restriction during last seven days of treatment (EB + WR). EB was administered at a dose of 0.5 mg/100 g/day for 12 days. EB administration as well as WR increases both the H2O2 and Malondialdehyde levels indicating oxidative stress in brain as well as in testis. Plasma corticosterone significantly increased in all groups while estradiol significantly decreased after water restriction. ESR1 protein was detected by immuno-fluorescence predominantly in the pre-optic area of the hypothalamus, pituitary and testes after EB administration. EB administration increases ESR1 proteins abundantly in the Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, spermatogonia and spermatids while WR decreases it. The decline in ESR1 proteins after EB administration during stress appears to be mediated by interaction of estrogen with hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Therefore, the findings substantiate the fact that WR and EB treatment increase the stress and alter the anti-oxidant enzymes via its receptor ESR1 in the brain, pituitary and testis of immature chicks. Moreover, these findings highlight the effect of estradiol in male chicks causing stress which is disrupting the normal physiological feedback mechanism in hormone release and the expression of receptor ESR1 along the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.

Food and water are closely associated with reproductive willingness in vertebrates. These are important for animals and their non-availability act as stressors which decrease sex steroid secretion suppressing reproductive behaviour. Oestrogen plays a crucial role in reproduction via its receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ). This study tested the hypothesis that ERα in testes of male Japanese quail is regulated during water and food deprivations. The present study reveals that both water and food deprivations cause oxidative stress and subsequently decrease catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, while these increase malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide. Both deprivations reduce plasma oestradiol whereas elevate corticosterone level. The immunofluorescent localization of ERα in the testes occurs predominantly in the seminiferous tubules of control while reduces after both food and water deprivations. All types of spermatogenic cells were seen in control testis, while after water and food deprivations size of seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic cells population decreased. Scanning electron microscopic study exhibited fully mature sperms in clusters with head and elongated flagellum, whereas after water deprivation maximum sperms were distorted, scattered with highly reduced head. On food deprivation, only few sperms were seen with head and tail. Thus, taking into account the localization of ERα in testis, it is obvious that oestrogens produced locally are involved in regulation of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis during stress.

Animals are frequently exposed to various kinds of environmental stressors and estrogen is known to play important role in stress response besides its crucial role in regulation of cellular proliferation, metabolic activity and reproduction. The study investigates the estrogen antagonist, tamoxifen (TM), mediated estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression, to modulate stress induced parameters in chickens. The study further explores the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and malonaldehyde (MDA) in brain, ovary and shell gland during water deprivation (WD) and tamoxifen administration in sexually mature chicken. WD and TM administration both decrease the plasma estradiol while WD increases corticosterone. WD also elevates MDA concentration in the brain, ovary and shell gland while TM lowers it. WD and TM administration lowers the specific activity of SOD in brain and shell gland. In contrast, WD increases the specific activity of catalase, GPx and GR in the brain and shell gland, while TM decreases it. It appears that endogenous estradiol plays a crucial role in expression of antioxidant enzymes and tamoxifen acts as an antioxidant by reducing the oxidative stress in chicken. Abundant expression of ERα has been observed in the shell gland of egg laying birds while stress like water deprivation and TM down-regulates its expression. Thus, it can be concluded that expression of ERα in shell gland plays a predominant role in mediating estrogen action in response to water deprivation stress and tamoxifen.

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is a promising source of bioactive compounds and known for its medicinal properties for prehistoric times in India. The efficient and cost-effective extraction of bioactive compounds is the foremost step for drug development. The study was performed to evaluate the effect of selected solvents (hexane, chloroform, acetone, methanol, and aqueous) on the extraction yield, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of W. somnifera. Results showed that methanol followed aqueous extract is the most effective solvent with highest extraction yield (5.8%), phenolic content (85.88 mg GAE/g), and flavonoid content (105.09 mg QCE/g).The antioxidant activity was found to be effective in the order methanol > aqueous > acetone > chloroform > hexane extracts at different concentrations of 60240 μg/ml. TPC and TFC positively correlated with antioxidant activity, however, there is a strong correlation (

Plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase can play an important role in abiotic stress tolerance in plants, particularly drought. The objective of this study was to evaluate bacterial strains Variovorax paradoxus RAA3, Pseudomonas palleroniana DPB16, Pseudomonas sp. UW4 for their ability to alleviate drought stress in wheat in field experiments under irrigated and rain-fed conditions in the Uttarkhand region of India. In this study, ACC deaminase producing bacterial strains Pseudomonas palleroniana DPB16, Pseudomonas sp. UW4 and Variovorax paradoxus RAA3 were evaluated for their efficiency in improving growth, nutrient content and yield of wheat varieties, HD2967 (drought sensitive) and PBW660 (drought tolerant) under rainfed (drought) and irrigated conditions. Bacterial inoculants increased grain and straw yields at both sites, however the response to inoculation was considerably higher under rainfed conditions (64 to 90% increase with inoculation) compared to that observed under irrigated conditions (22 to 40% increase with inoculation). Of the three seed-coated inoculants tested, strain RAA3 maximally improved grain yield (28.2%, 47.4%), straw yield (11.2%, 26.0%) and harvest index (10.6%, 15.3%) under irrigated and rainfed conditions, respectively, compared to non-inoculated crops. The relative expression of the drought responsive gene aquaporin (TaTIP1;1), in response to inoculation, was significantly higher (3.34-fold) in the wheat variety PBW 660, as compared to the drought sensitive variety HD 2967 in which the expression level of aquaporin was unaffected. Under rainfed conditions, the relative mRNA level of the helicase gene WDH45 was significantly higher in HD 2967 (1.54-fold) than the PBW 660 (3.69-fold). Bacterial inoculation caused significant positive changes in plant biochemical and antioxidant properties compared to uninoculated plants. Overall, the results show that the selected PGPB containing ACC deaminase activity along with other plant growth promoting characteristics are effective inoculants for improving wheat yields in irrigated and rainfed field experiments.

Application of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is an environmentally sustainable option to reduce the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses on plant growth and productivity. Bacteria isolated from rain-fed agriculture field soils in the Central Himalaya Kumaun region, India, were evaluated for the production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase. Those producing ACC deaminase in high amounts were evaluated for their potential to improve wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plant growth under irrigated and water-stress conditions in two glasshouse experiments. Some of the isolates also showed other plant-growth-promoting (PGP) traits, e.g., N2fixation, siderophore production, and phosphate solubilization; however, strains with higher ACC deaminase activity showed the greatest effects. These were Variovorax paradoxus RAA3; Pseudomonas spp. DPC12, DPB13, DPB15, DPB16; Achromobacter spp. PSA7, PSB8; and Ochrobactrum anthropi DPC9. In both simulated irrigated and water-stress conditions, a single inoculation of RAA3 and a consortium of DPC9 + DPB13 + DPB15 + DPB16 significantly improved wheat plant growth and foliar nutrient concentrations and caused significant positive changes in antioxidant properties compared with noninoculated plants especially under water stress. These findings imply that PGPB having ACC deaminase activity together with other PGP traits could potentially be effective inoculants to improve the growth of wheat plants in water-stressed rain-fed environments.

Light plays important function in the regulation of reproduction in vertebrates including birds. The prolonged long day length exposure causes reproductively inactive state or photorefractoriness in many avian species including Japanese quail. Withania somnifera (WS) is a medicinal plant known to have beneficial effects on stress and infertility. The study investigates the physiological effect of WS on the light-induced stress in quail mediated by estrogen receptor alpha. Quails were exposed to long day length for three months and then transferred into intermediate day length to make them photorefractory (PR) while controls under natural day length. Administration of Withania somnifera root extract (WSRE) in PR quail induces estrogen and decreases corticosterone in male Japanese quail. Immunoreactivity of ERα decreased in testis of PR quail and increased after oral administration of WSRE compared to control. Expression of ir-Caspase-3 and ir-p53 in the testis increased in PR while decreased in PR + WS. Histologically, seminiferous tubules size decreased in PR whereas increased in PR + WS quails. Scanning electron microscopic study reveals sperms in clusters with proper head and tail in control. In PR quails sperms were few and distorted while WSRE improved the sperm morphology. From the study, it is concluded that during photorefractoriness gonadal regression occurs due to testicular apoptosis which causes stress. WSRE helps to overcome stress and improve reproductive performance via increase in expression of ir-ERα during PR condition. Further, the stress ameliorating effect of WSRE in reducing apoptosis mediated by ir-Caspase-3 and ir-p53 in the testes is clearly evident in Japanese quail.

Drought is one of the major constraints limiting agricultural production worldwide. Soil bacteria containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase and indole acetic acid (IAA) producing traits with the potential for the alleviation of drought stress in combination with plant growth promotion would be extremely useful tools in sustainable farming. The present study was undertaken with two drought-tolerant bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens strain DPB15 and P. palleroniana strain DPB16 containing ACC deaminase activity as isolated from rainfed agriculture areas of Kumaun regions of Uttarakhand, India. There were two sets of pot trails, i.e., non-stressed (watered) and drought stressed (non-watered). The growth parameters were recorded after fifty-four days of growth. Bacterial inoculation enhanced the growth of wheat in terms of root and shoot biomass, height and foliar nutrient content in treated as compared to untreated plants. In addition, a significant increase in antioxidant activity (SOD, CAT, GPX and APX) was also observed where bacterial treatment improves the plant fitness by protecting it from the oxidative damage created by drought. A correlation study between non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants demonstrated that a perfect positive significant correlation between SOD and Chl, GPX and Pro, CAT and H2O2, and CAT and TPC; a perfect negative correlation between TPC and H2O2; and for others parameters nonsignificant correlation were observed under water-stressed conditions.

Application of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is an environmentally sustainable option to reduce the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses on plant growth and productivity. Three 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase-producing drought-tolerant bacteria were isolated from a rain-fed agriculture field in the Central Himalaya of Kumaun region, Uttarakhand, India and evaluated for their efficiency in improving finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) plant growth under non-stressed and drought-stressed conditions. These bacteria withstood a substrate metric potential of −1.0 MPa (30% polyethylene glycol 8000) and therefore were considered drought-tolerant. These strains were identified as Pseudomonas spp. by fatty acid methyl ester analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The ACC deaminase activity of these strains was characterized at the biochemical level, and the presence of acdS gene, the structural gene for ACC deaminase, was confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction. Two sets of pot trials in glass house were set up, one for normal (non-stressed) and the other for drought-stressed conditions. After 5 weeks, one set of plants was subjected to drought stress for 5 d, while the other set continued to be watered. The same growth parameters were recorded for both sets of plants after 40 d of plant growth. The results of pot trials showed that treatments inoculated with ACC deaminase-producing bacterial strains significantly improved the growth performance of finger millet plants and foliar nutrient content as compared to uninoculated treatments under both non-stressed and drought-stressed conditions. In addition, a significant increase in antioxidant activity was observed, wherein bacterial stain inoculation improved plant fitness by protecting it from oxidative damage induced by drought.

Heterochromatin in the genome plays a vital role in species differentiation and evolution. To characterize and unravel molecular composition of the heterochromatic regions of the genome in dipteran flies, especially in Sarcophagids, different banding techniques have been used previously which established the banding pattern of constitutive heterochromatin. The present study is an attempt to further explore the base specificity of rather highly condensed C-banded regions of chromosomes using restriction enzyme (RE) digestion along with Giemsa staining, in search of species-specific targets of RE digestion. Different REs such as Apa I, Cla I, Eco RI, Hind III, Hae III and Pvu II have been used to characterize the heterochromatic regions of two Sarcophaga species, i.e., Sarcophaga ruficornis and Sarcophaga argyrostoma. Some of the constitutively heterochromatic regions remain intensely stained indicating no targets for the enzyme cleavage, while some of the heterochromatic areas in both the species show remarkable and distinct digestion sites after the treatment of REs. In S. ruficornis, Hind III digests the entire autosomes including the pericentromeric regions and the sex chromosome; while Hae III and Pvu II selectively digest autosomes and sex chromosome. While in S. argyrostoma, Cla I digests the entire autosomes including the pericentromeric regions; Hind III and Hae III selectively digests autosomes and sex chromosomes. These findings suggest the presence of distinctive enzyme digestion targets on the heterochromatin, which may provide important evidence for the differential base specificity that were previously found to be constitutive in nature.

The seeds of wheat variety UP 2565 were invigorated with static magnetic fields of 100- and 200-mT intensities for 1 h and hydropriming for 16 h. Seedling vigour and enzyme activities of all invigorated seeds along with untreated control were conducted in the laboratory. Seedling vigour parameters were significantly higher in invigorated seeds than that of untreated seeds. Among invigorated seeds, hydroprimed seeds took minimum time to emerge than magnetically treated seeds. Similarly root length, shoot length, seedling vigour index were also significantly higher in hydroprimed seeds than magnetically treated seeds. The magnetic treatments led to a significant increase in shoot length, root length, seedling dry weight, vigour index and enzyme activity in comparison with untreated seeds. Alpha amylase activity was also 2.7, 1.8 and 1.3 times higher in hydroprimed, 100- and 200-mT static magnetic field treatments, respectively, over untreated seeds. Electrical conductivity of seed leachate was significantly reduced by hydropriming and static magnetic field treatments. At higher magnetic field, seedling vigour and enzyme activity were reduced.

Various plasma membrane compartments in fungal cell wall are involved in a wide range of cellular functions. Eisosome protein Pil1 ( p hosphorylation is i nhibited by l ong chain bases) in yeast cells are known to be involved genetic pathway that controls the cellular responses to heat stress. The PIL gene superfamily is well conserved among different organisms. In this study, a full-length ThPIL1 gene that encodes for a 357 amino acid protein was cloned from Trichoderma harzianum T35 strain. A comparative analysis of ThPIL1 gene sequence with other PIL1 genes of different organisms and Trichoderma spp. shows degree of sequence identity ranging from 78 to 95%. Southern blot analysis showed that there existed only one copy of the ThPIL1 gene of in genome of T. harzianum T35, but alternative splicing of ThPIL1 generates two transcript isoforms, ThPIL1 -α and β. Spliced transcript ThPIL1 -β retains an unspliced first intron that carries a premature termination codon. The expression characteristics of the both isoforms of ThPIL1 gene in the mycelium grown at different temperatures were investigated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results showed that they are differentially expressed in mycelia exposed to different temperatures, the major product being ThPIL1 -α. The transcripts of ThPIL1 -β accumulated markedly when the Trichoderma mycelium was subjected to heat (40 °C and 45 °C). The expression level of the ThPIL1 -α was highest in treatment when mycelium was grown at 45 °C for 2 h, and was approximately 4-fold higher than at 45 °C for 1 h. The highest expression level of ThPIL1 -β was detected at the same temperature, and very negligible expression was found at lower temperature. These results provide new insight into roles in the expression regulation of fungal eisosome genes and suggest that ThPIL1 gene may play a role in growth of T. harzianum T35 under the heat stress response to environmental stresses.

Wood of Connaroxylon dimorphum (Connaraceae, Oxalidales) from the Deccan Intertrappean Beds of India (KPg Boundary 65–67 MY BP) is described. It is characterized by parenchyma-like fiber bands alternating with normal fibers, septate and nonseptate fibers, vessel-ray pits with strongly reduced borders, uniseriate rays of square and upright cells, and radial tubules in the center of ray cells that are arranged in a herringbone pattern. The overall wood anatomy strongly resembles Melastomataceae p. p., Lagerstroemia p. p. (Lythraceae) and Connarus (Connaraceae). However, the shared radial tubules of Connarus and the fossil strongly tilt the evidence of botanical affinities towards this genus. This would represent the second and by far the oldest fossil wood record of the Connaraceae, also considerably older than the earliest fossil records of the family’s other plant parts, and one of the oldest fossils of the order Oxalidales.

The aim of the study was to examine the influence of single and consortia treatments of drought tolerant rhizobacteria producing ACC deaminase together with additional plant growth promoting (PGP) characteristics on finger millet growth, antioxidant and nutrient concentration under water-stressed and irrigated (no stress) conditions. These rhizobacteria belong to the Variovorax sp. Achromobacter spp. Pseudomonas spp. and Ochrobactrum sp. The single inoculant of RAA3 (Variovorax paradoxus) and a consortium inoculant of four bacteria, i.e., DPC9 (Ochrobactrum anthropi), DPB13 (Pseudomonas palleroniana), DPB15 (Pseudomonas fluorescens) and DPB16 (Pseudomonas palleroniana), significantly boosted the overall growth parameters and nutrient concentrations in leaves of finger millet. Moreover, elevated levels of the reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes–superoxide dismutase (17.3%, 11.6%), guaiacol peroxidase (38.7%, 22.2%), catalase (33.7%, 21.3%) and ascorbate peroxidase (18.2%, 10.0%); cellular osmolytes–proline (41.5%, 25.0%), phenol (44.5%, 37.5%); higher leaf chlorophyll (64.4%, 30.8%) and a reduced level of hydrogen peroxide (50.7%, 59.5%) and malondialdehyde (48.4%,72.5%) were noted, respectively, after single inoculation of RAA3 and a consortium treatment by strains DPC9 + DPB13 + DPB15 + DPB16, in contrast with non-treated plants mainly under water-stressed conditions. This finding clearly illustrates that PGPB that express ACC deaminase along with additional PGP traits could be an efficient approach for improving plant health in environments, where agricultural practices are reliant on rain for water.

Oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) are a family of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes known to inhibit viral replication through the enzymatic synthesis of 2'-5' oligoadenylates and activation of Ribonuclease L. However, this canonical mechanism does not explain the antiviral properties of enzymatically inactive OAS proteins. Here we describe an enzyme activity-independent function of OAS1 that restricts West Nile virus (WNV) growth. The human OAS1 P46 isoform, generated by alternative splicing of the G allele of rs10774671 SNP, upregulates translation of specific host mRNA including the DNA-sensor cGAS. Increased cGAS expression by OAS1 P46 augments the type I IFN response and inhibits WNV infection. A mouse Oas1 gene, Oas1b, also inhibits WNV growth through a similar mechanism. Specific residues in the RNA binding domains of P46 and Oas1b that regulate association of cGAS mRNA with OAS1, also control the antiviral activity. Our findings explain how some enzymatically inactive OAS1 proteins function as antiviral molecules.

In order to study the effect of specific phase relation of neural oscillations on reproductive regulation and the response of AVT (the avian homologue of mammalian AVP) the expression of AVT in the shell gland was monitored in sexually immature quail. In this study 3-week-old female Japanese quail were administered with serotonin precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan followed by the dopamine precursor, l-dihydroxyphenylalanine at interval of 8h and 12h daily over a period of 13days. At thirty two days post treatment, a significant decrease in gonadal activity was seen in 8h quail although 12h quail exhibited an increase as compared to controls. A significant decrease in plasma estradiol level was noted in 8h quail while 12h exhibited no significant difference compared to controls. To address the relative roles of estrogen mediated action we also investigated estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) expression and localization in the shell gland by visualizing it through confocal immuno-fluorescence microscopy. Results indicate increased expression of immunoreactive (ir)-AVT (myometrium), ir-ER-α (epithelial cells of endometrial region), along with significant increase in hypothalamic, plasma and shell gland AVT and a rapid increase in egg laying thus maintaining full breeding condition in 12h while low expression of ir-AVT and ir-ER-α was observed in 8h quail along with a significant decrease in hypothalamic, plasma and shell gland AVT with the suppression of gonads thereby stopping the egg-laying behaviour was noted. These findings not only suggest the modulation of gonadal development by changing the specific phase relation of neural oscillations but also demonstrate a parallel relation of AVT and gonadal activity in both conditions. It is concluded that the egg laying performance in response to AVT is regulated by the temporal phase relationship of neurotransmitters, and in part, this effect appears to be estrogen dependent.

SUMMARY Heterochromatin is the transcriptionally repressed portion of eukaryotic chromatin that maintains a condensed appearance throughout the cell cycle. At sites of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) heterochromatin, epigenetic states contribute to gene silencing and genome stability, which are required for proper chromosome segregation and a normal life span. Here, we focus on recent advances in the epigenetic regulation of rDNA silencing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in mammals, including regulation by several histone modifications and several protein components associated with the inner nuclear membrane within the nucleolus. Finally, we discuss the perturbations of rDNA epigenetic pathways in regulating cellular aging and in causing various types of diseases.

The present study was carried out to develop a PCR-based molecular marker suitable for screening of disease-suppressive composts against Fusarium wilt of tomato. An effective uncultured bacterial community was screened from our previous study on investigation of microbial communities in composts for their potential for biocontrol of Fusarium wilt. Based on available sequence information (Accession no. HQ388491) of selective community, PCR-based molecular markers were designed and tested for their specificity in different compost sample. To confirm specificity of designed marker, real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed. Selective marker efficacy was further tested for different set of composts and results were cross-verified by conducting bioassay of same composts against Fusarium wilt in tomato crop. Results showed that out of two designed set of primers (i.e., PAC1F/PAC1R and PAC4F/PAC4R), primer set PAC4F/PAC4R resulted in successful amplification of 199 bp in highly disease-suppressive compost (i.e., CPP); however, no/below detection level amplification was observed in non-suppressive compost (JC). qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the specificity of selective marker by representing single peak in melting curve. A clear difference was observed in relative population of selective community in different set of composts. It was observed maximum in the most effective compost, i.e., CPP followed by other disease-suppressive composts. Cross-examination of results with bioassay confirmed that composts with presence of selective bacterial community having no/very less disease incidence of Fusarium. It is clearly evident from the study that such kind of molecular markers can be developed and used in future research focusing on compost-based disease suppression.

Role of estrogen and photoperiod is well-established in avian reproduction. In addition, the distribution and the expression of arginine vasotocin (AVT) and its receptor VT3 to ensure reproductive/breeding conditions in Japanese quail influenced by them has been the main focus of this review. To consider this aspect the mRNA expression of VT3 receptor and its ligand AVT in the shell gland has been emphasized. In birds, AVT performs a dual role as an anti-diuretic hormone and the functions accomplished by oxytocin in mammals. The physiological actions of AVT in birds are mediated through its diverse receptor subtypes VT1, VT2, VT3 and VT4. Dynamic alteration of VT3 expression during different reproductive and photo-sexual conditions of quail can be modulated by estrogen. In addition to the endocrine effect of AVT, the shell gland is complemented by its paracrine action via its receptors. Evidences indicate that the expression of shell gland AVT modulated by estrogen appears to play a priming role by modulating the availability of VT3 receptor for the required action of neurohypophysial AVT during oviposition.

The wood of Oleoxylon deccanense, reported informally in 1981 from the Deccan Intertrappean Beds of central India, is re-examined. We provide a formal diagnosis for the species and a more detailed description. The similarity to wood from species groups of the modern genera Chionanthus and Olea leads us to infer that this fossil taxon probably belongs to the monophyletic drupaceous subtribe Oleinae of the olive family, Oleaceae (Lamiales), although affinities with Rhamnaceae and Rutaceae cannot be wholly excluded. Since the fossil is from a late Maastrichtian-Danian horizon (65–67 MY BP) this would imply that a member of the Oleaceae was part of the flora that inhabited India several million years prior to the tectonic impact of India with Asia. The seemingly modern appearance of this and other Deccan fossil woods is briefly discussed.

Coronin proteins bind with actin filaments and participate in regulation of actin-dependent processes. These proteins contain a coiled-coil domain at their C-terminus, which is responsible for their dimeric or trimeric forms. However, the functional significance of these oligomeric configurations in organizing the actin cytoskeleton is obscure. Here, we report that the Leishmania coronin exists in a higher oligomeric form through its coiled-coil domain, the truncation of which ablates the ability of Leishmania coronin to assist actin-filament formation. F-actin co-sedimentation assay using purified proteins shows that the coiled-coil domain does not interact with actin-filaments and its absence does not abrogate actin-coronin interaction. Furthermore, it was shown that unlike other coronins, Leishmania coronin interacts with actin-filaments through its unique region. These results provided important insights into the role of coronin oligomerization in modulating actin-network.

The present study aimed to investigate microbial communities in seven Indian composts and their potential for biocontrol of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. In addition, identification of bioactive substances in disease suppressive composts was also attempted. Composts were chosen based on disease suppressiveness and subjected to molecular microbial analyses. Total genomic DNA from the composts was extracted and amplified with polymerase chain reaction using primers targeting the 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes of fungi and bacteria, respectively. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprinting and DNA sequencing were used to identify the fungal and bacterial targets. Phylogenetic analysis of the fungal 18S rRNA ITS gene sequences showed that phylum Ascomycota was dominant in all composts, while in the bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences, the phylum Proteobacteria was dominant. Some fungi in disease suppressive composts grouped phylogenetically close to F. oxysporum. Bacterial sequen...

Strangely configured vessels composed of few elements interconnected in a sphere- or ring-like structure are reported from the type specimen of Amooroxylon deccanensis Bande & Prakash, a large fossil trunk from the Deccan Intertrappean Beds of central India (late Cretaceous-early Paleocene, about 66 MY before present). In the recent flora, circular vessels have been found mainly in association with branching nodes, axillary buds, wound callus, and pathogens, and they have been artificially induced by auxin. The presence of circular vessels in this fossil trunk showing no signs of branching or trauma makes this record highly unusual.

The flesh-flies of the genus Sarcophaga (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) are prevalent world-wide, have great medical and veterinary importance forming an important group of myiasis producers. The diploid chromosome complements of the genus Sarcophaga comprise of five homologous pairs of autosomes and a pair of sex chromosomes (XX in females and XY in males). Heterochromatin of Sarcophaga species has been studied and characterized. The modification of permanently condensed patterns of chromosomes of the two Sarcophaga species, Sarcophaga argyrostoma and Sarcophaga ruficornis, by means of a GC specific DNA ligand Mithramycin (0.05μg/ml) proved to be useful for the analysis of heterochromatic regions of the chromosomes after DAPI staining. The pericentric regions of all the autosomes revealed fluorescent bands in both the species while both the X- and Y- chromosomes revealed differential staining due to differences in base sequence organization in these areas. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out in...

Transcription is not only essential for the synthesis of coding and non-coding RNA, but also extremely significant in regulating gene expression with the coordination of several protein complexes in development, differentiation, phenotype, metabolism, exposure to different challenging environmental conditions, and many other cellular pathways. Further extensions of these studies in plant biology will be very helpful in dealing and maintaining a balance between challenging environmental stress, plant resistance, plant productivity, and yield. Different plant secondary metabolites are induced by various developmental, hormonal, and environmental cues and facilitate the plant to fight and cope up with stress conditions. Interestingly, recent advances suggest that the biosynthesis pathway of secondary metabolites is tightly regulated at the transcriptional stages. Keeping in view studying both the molecular mechanisms at a single platform, the aim of this chapter is to understand plant secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways at the transcriptional level under unfavorable or stressful environmental conditions.

A new species of fossil palm rhizome having root-mat under the organ genus Rhizopalamoxylon (Rhizopalmoxylon nypoides sp. nov.) is reported. The specimen shows the closest resemblance with the modern monotypic genus Nypa Wurmb of the Arecaceae. The specimen was collected from the late Maastrichtian–early Danian sediments of Deccan Intertrappean beds, Mothi, Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Nypa is a mangrove palm naturally found in estuaries and swamps of the tropical region and represents one of the oldest records of the genus from the Deccan Intertrappean beds of central India. The abundance of palms, including Nypa and previously recorded coastal and mangrove elements such as Acrostichum, Barringtonia, Cocos, Sonneratia and marine algae (Distichoplax and Peyssonellia) from the Deccan Intertrappean beds indicate marine influence and existence of tropical rainforest ecosystem in the vicinity of fossil locality in contrast to the deciduous forests occurring there at present.

A fossilised palm fruit of Cocos L. (C. binoriensis sp. nov.) is reported from the Binori Reserve Forest, Ghansor, Seoni District, Madhya Pradesh, India. The fruit is a 3-dimensionally preserved drupe, ovoid with clearly visible longitudinal ridges. The husk is made up of a thin smooth exocarp and fibrous mesocarp, with vertical and horizontal fibres present on the inner surface of the endocarp. The fruit is Maastrichtian-Danian in age and is the world’s oldest fossil record of Cocos. The genus Cocos is now distributed in coastal areas of pantropical regions. The occurrence of Cocos along with coastal and mangrove remains such as Acrostichum, Barringtonia, Nypa, Sonneratia and marine algae Distichoplax and Peyssonellia previously recorded from Deccan Intertrappean beds further confirms the proximity of sea in the area in central India and indicates warm and humid conditions. The presence of Cocos and previously recorded palaeoflora supports the existence of tropical wet evergreen to semi-evergreen forests at the time of deposition in the area, in contrast to the dry to moist deciduous forests existing today in central India. The probable reasons for the change in climatic conditions are withdrawal of an arm of the sea from central India, the change in latitude, and a significant uplift of the Western Ghats during post-trappean times.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the genotoxicity and mutagenicity of sublethal concentrations of hexavalent chromium (potassium dichromate) in the Indian major carp, Labeo rohita. The 96 h LC50 value of potassium dichromate estimated was 118 mg L(-1) by probit analysis using SPSS (version 16.0) software. Based on 96 h LC50 value, three sublethal test concentrations of potassium dichromate (29.5, 59.0 and 88.5 mg L(-)(1)) were selected and specimens were exposed in vivo to these test concentrations for 96 h. The mutagenic and genotoxic effects of potassium dichromate were evaluated in gill and blood cells using micronucleus (MN) test and comet assay. In general, significant (p 0.05) effects due to the concentrations and the exposure durations were observed in exposed specimens. The MN induction was highest at 96 h at all the test concentrations in the peripheral blood. A similar trend was observed for the DNA damage, measured in terms of percentage of tail DNA, in erythrocyte and gill cells. The study indicated hazardous effect of the hexavalent chromium to fish and other aquatic organisms and indirectly to human beings.

The present study is aimed to assess the oxidative stress biomarker in kidney and liver of Labeo rohita exposed to the sub-lethal concentrations of cadmium chloride. The fishes were exposed to 33.6, 67.1 and 100.6 mg L−1 concentrations of cadmium chloride up to 96 h duration and the oxidative stress was monitored through the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione and activities of antioxidant enzymes, viz. glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). The malondialdehyde content, level of reduced glutathione and activities of antioxidant enzymes were significantly (p

Collection of soil and plant samples from nine different geographical locations in Uttar Pradesh state of India was made. Composite soil was analyzed for its nutrient status. A total of sixty isolates of Fusarium species were recovered from the soil and plant samples. Among these, thirty nine isolates were identified as Fusarium oxysporum on the basis of their morphological and molecular identification. The pathogenicity test was conducted on tomato variety Pant T-3, disease incidence ranged from zero to 78.74%. Among F. oxysporum isolates, five were non pathogenic and three were found strongly pathogenic.Non-pathogenic isolates were tested for their antagonistic effect against most pathogenic isolates of F. oxysporum. The results showed that the Isolate no. 40 showed the highest antagonistic activity in inhibiting radial growth of pathogenic isolates.

The present study was carried out to investigate the impact of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the growth of three different crop species, wheat (Triticum aestivum, var. UP2338), cowpea (Vigna sinensis, var. Pusa Komal), and Brassica (Brassica juncea, var. Pusa Jai Kisan), along with their impact on the rhizospheric bacterial diversity. Three different concentrations (0, 50 and 75 ppm) of AgNPs were applied through foliar spray. After harvesting, shoot and root parameters were compared, and it was observed that wheat was relatively unaffected by all AgNP treatments. The optimum growth promotion and increased root nodulation were observed at 50 ppm treatment in cowpea, while improved shoot parameters were recorded at 75 ppm in Brassica. To observe the impact of AgNPs on soil bacterial community, sampling was carried out from the rhizosphere of these crops at 20 and 40 days after the spraying of AgNPS. The bacterial diversity of these samples was analyzed by both cultural and molecular techniques (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis). It is clearly evident from the results that application of AgNPs changes the soil bacterial diversity and this is further influenced by the plant species grown in that soil. Also, the functional bacterial diversity differed with different concentrations of AgNPs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13205-016-0567-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objective: The present study deals with the in vitro study of antioxidant activity of essential oil from Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) of family gramineae. Methods: The in vitro study of antioxidant activity of Palmarosa essential oil has been done by using DPPH assay,Nitrogen Oxide assay , reducing power assay, 毬 -carotene bleaching assay and FRAP method. Results: IC 50 values observed for DPPH and NO assay are 0.125 mg/ml and 12.5 毺 g/ml respectively.In beta carotene bleaching method the oil showed 93.15% bleaching for the first hour and it increased to 51.1% in second hour. There was a constant increase in the reducing activities with the increase in concentrations in both reducing activity and FRAP mehods. In all the methods BHT and Gallic acid were kept as standards. Conclusions: The results clearly indicate that Palmarosa essential oil is effective in scavanging free radical and has the potential to be powerful antioxidant An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (more frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark or roots or other elements of the plant [1]. These are also known as volatile or ethereal oils. Medicinal applications of essential oils range from skin treatment to remedies for cancer.

Leishmania , like other eukaryotes, contains large amounts of actin and a number of actin-related and actin binding proteins. Our earlier studies have shown that deletion of the gene corresponding to Leishmania actin-depolymerizing protein (ADF/cofilin) adversely affects flagellum assembly, intracellular trafficking, and cell division. To further analyze this, we have now created ADF/cofilin site-specific point mutants and then examined (i) the actin-depolymerizing, G-actin binding, and actin-bound nucleotide exchange activities of the mutant proteins and (ii) the effect of overexpression of these proteins in wild-type cells. Here we show that S4D mutant protein failed to depolymerize F-actin but weakly bound G-actin and inhibited the exchange of G-actin-bound nucleotide. We further observed that overexpression of this protein impaired flagellum assembly and consequently cell motility by severely impairing the assembly of the paraflagellar rod, without significantly affecting vesicular trafficking or cell growth. Taken together, these results indicate that dynamic actin is essentially required in assembly of the eukaryotic flagellum.

Present work was undertaken to describe (i) age dependent (prepuberal-3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks old, puberal and actively laying 8 and 12 weeks old and aged 78 weeks old) (ii) photoperiodic response dependent (photosensitive and photorefractory) and sex steroid dependent (estradiol benzoate and its antagonist tamoxifen treated) variation in the ovary and shell gland activity of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Further, in view of the role of neurohypophysial peptide arginine vasotocin (AVT) in many physiological processes including age/reproduction related oviposition, expression of ir-AVT was also monitored in the ovary of quail. All the parameters associated with histodifferentiation increased rapidly during the developing stages followed by a decrease in old age, which also increased in reproductively quiescent photorefractory birds following estradiol treatment and decreased in reproductively active photosensitive quail following tamoxifen treatment. Using AVT-specific antibody, expression of immunoreactive AVT (ir-AVT) observed in the ovary of photosensitive quail was not detected in the photorefractory quail. However, administration of estrogen in the photorefractory quail stimulated the growth and activity of ovary and shell gland also resulted in the expression of ovarian ir-AVT. On the other hand, tamoxifen eliminated the localization of ir-AVT in the ovary of photosensitive quail in addition to a decrease in the shell gland protein and alkaline phosphatase activity. It is concluded that estrogen not only affects the growth and differentiation of ovary and oviduct including shell gland but also regulates the expression of ovarian AVT. It is also suggested that in addition to reported paracrine effect of AVT in the shell gland of Japanese quail for oviposition, ovarian AVT may also affect ovarian function (ovulation), and in part, this regulation is estrogen dependent.

In India, potential sources of angiosperm macrofossils are the intertrappean cherts of Rajmahal Hills, palynologically and radiometrically dated as Barremian–Aptian. However, our revision of the previously reported flower-like and fruit-like fossils from the Rajmahal Formation does not confirm their angiosperm affinities. Instead they are related to bennettitalean and pentoxylean gymnosperms. At the same time, the underground storage organs and supposed feeding marks on Carnoconites seeds revealed in the course of this study suggest angiosperm-like habits in the Indian Pentoxylon plant.

Pterospermumocarpon (Type: P. kalviwadiensis), a new morphogenus of fossil fruits showing resemblance with fruits of extant Pterospermum Schreb. (Malvaceae s.l.), is described from the Sindhudurg Formation (Miocene) at the Kalviwadi Village, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India. Diagnostic feature of the fossil taxon is the dehiscent pentalocular capsule with five distinct sutures and imprints of winged seed-like structures in the locules. Recent modifications in the systematics of the Malvales, their fossil record, and the distribution and migration of Pterospermum and other malvalean taxa in the context of the Indian subcontinent are discussed.

Determination of sex from fragmentary crania is a critical problem in forensic anthropology. Osteometric analysis of mastoid can serve forensic anthropologists better in sex identification by virtue of the noticeable dimorphic characteristics. The present study aims to develop population-specific, sex-differentiating anthropometric standards for the mastoid process of North Indian skulls. Eight parameters of the mastoid region were measured on 138 adult crania (M/F 104:34, 22-65 years) and analyzed using SPSS 16.0. All parameters showed significant sexual dimorphism (p < 0.000). In stepwise analysis, asterion-mastoidale and mastoid breadth have provided an accuracy of 87%. Receiver operating characteristic curves were obtained for each variable to observe their overall performance in sex determination. Posterior end of incisura mastoidea-depression of suprameatal triangle was found to be the best variable with maximum area under curve and highest predictive accuracy (82.6%).

A new fossil leaf impression is described from the Early Miocene sediments of Kasauli–Kalka road section, Himachal Pradesh. The characteristic leaf venation pattern suggests that it has a close affinity with Ficus L., particularly with F. racemosa L. (= F. glomerata Roxb.). Its presence indicates a warm and humid climate in the region during the deposition of sediments, in contrast to the present day cooler and less humid climate.

The scarcity of non-renewable resources such as soils and fertilizers and the consequences of climate change can dramatically influence the food security of future generations. Mutualistic root microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve plant fitness. We tested the growth response of wheat (Triticum aestivum [L.]), rice (Oriza sativa [L.]) and black gram (Vigna mungo [L.], Hepper) to an inoculation of AMF and PGPR alone or in combination over two years at seven locations in a region extending from the Himalayan foothills to the Indo-Gangetic plain. The AMF applied consisted of a consortium of different strains, the PGPR of two fluorescent Pseudomonas strains (Pseudomonas jessenii, R62; Pseudomonas synxantha, R81), derived from wheat rhizosphere from one test region. We found that dual inoculation of wheat with PGPR and AMF increased grain yield by 41% as compared to un-inoculated controls. Yield responses to the inoculants were highest at locations with previously low yields. AMF or PGPR alone augmented wheat grain yield by 29% and 31%, respectively. The bio-inoculants were effective both at Zero and at farmers’ practice fertilization level (70 kg N ha−1, 11 kg P ha−1 in mineral form to wheat crop). Also raw protein (nitrogen × 5.7) and mineral nutrient concentration of wheat grains (phosphorus, potassium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese) were higher after inoculation (+6% to +53%). Phosphorus use efficiency of wheat grains [kg P grain kg−1 P fertilizer] was increased by 95%. AMF and PGPR application also improved soil quality as indicated by increased soil enzyme activities of alkaline and acid phosphatase, urease and dehydrogenase. Effects on rice and black gram yields were far less pronounced over two cropping seasons, suggesting that AMF and PGPR isolated from the target crop were more efficient. We conclude that mutualistic root microorganisms have a high potential for contributing to food security and for improving nutrition status in southern countries, while safeguarding natural resources such as P stocks. (c) Elsevier

Sex identification is an initial crucial objective in the revelation of the complete identity of the human skeleton as it also renders significantly clearer guidance towards age and stature estimation. Population specific standards are of great practical relevance in the present era of increasing population intermixing. Size differences and robusticity are the two well-elaborated pillars holding most of the dimorphic burdens of the skull. This study is designed to explore dimorphic characteristics of the craniofacial region to establish anthropometric standards for contemporary North Indian populations, which have not been available so far. One hundred and twelve adult crania of known age (23-65 years) and sex (M:F; 82:30) were collected in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. Ten standard metric parameters of craniofacial region were measured and subjected to stepwise and direct discriminant function analysis employing SPSS 16.00. Bizygomatic breadth emerged as the single best parameter in stepwise analysis, providing an average accuracy of 85.5%.

Mandible is the hardest and most durable bone of the skull exhibiting a high degree of sexual dimorphism. Especially ramus of mandible is subjected to greater stress than any other bone of the skull because of the process of mastication. This study has been performed to establish the osteometric standards for practical use in forensic context over Indian population using mandibular ramus. The sample consists of 116 mandibles of Northern Indian population (M:F; 92:24, mean age 37.4 years), collected from the Department of Forensic Medicine, IMS, BHU, Varanasi. Osteometric informations about five metric parameters (coronoid height, projective height, condylar height, and maximum breadth and minimum breadth of ramus) were taken with sliding calipers. These parameters were subjected to different discriminant function analysis using SPSS 16.0. All parameters showed significant sexual dimorphism (p < 0.001 in all cases) with an overall accuracy of 80.2%, and coronoid height was the single best parameter providing an accuracy of 74.1%.

Talc and aluminum silicate powders were used to develop inorganic carrier-based formulations of fluorescent pseudomonad strains R62 and R81. The aerobically cultivated cell-free broth of both the strains contained a hydroxamate-type siderophore and an antibiotic 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG). The formulations of these bioinoculants were able to bring the natural contaminants in the non-sterile carriers to acceptable limits in the presence of 54.6 μg g −1 of siderophore and 10 μg g −1 of DAPG. The shelf life of talc powder-based formulation was about 1 year in comparison to about 100 days for aluminum silicate-based formulation. Both sterile and non-sterile carrier formulations worked significantly well in comparison to their controls for growth of Vigna mungo and Triticum aestivum crops. Sterile talc powder-based formulation of strain R81 showed maximum increase in dry root weight, dry shoot weight, and root volume of Vigna mungo over that with aluminum silicate-based formulation. On Triticum aestivum , the growth response was better in the case of R62-treated seeds in comparison to treatment with R81. However, a consortium of talc powder formulation of R62 and R81 gave the best increase of 46% for sterile and non-sterile carriers in grain yield of Triticum aestivum over respective controls.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) suffers from floral and vegetative malformation and crop production is seriously affected. The anti-fungal activity of ethanolic extract of malformed mango inflorescence was observed at different concentrations (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 μl/ml) against 10 fungi, viz., Ustilago cynodontis, Cercospora cajani, Sphaerotheca sp., Cercospora sp., Alternaria solani, Bipolaris sp., Helminthosporium sp., Curvularia sp., Fusarium udum and Alternaria cajani. Spore germination of most of the fungi was inhibited at 5000 μg/ml. Some of them were also susceptible at 3000 or 4000 μg/ml concentration. Analysis of phenolic acids by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed 18 peaks in the extract, but only four could be identified, viz., capachin, gallic, benzoic and cinnamic acids. Because of the high efficacy of ethanolic extract of malformed mango inflorescence, its use under field conditions to control some plant diseases has been suggested.