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Background: Garden pea is a cool season vegetable crop cultivated extensively throughout the world. Besides nutritional quality it also boosts soils through the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. The most important task of pea breeding is to develop varieties with high and stable production, different maturity types and resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. To fulfil these objectives, analysis of genetic diversity is the prerequisite to choose genetically diverse parents for a successful hybridization program and to know the source of genes for a particular trait within the available germplasm. Methods: A study was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi during 2015, using principle component analysis, correlation analysis and stepwise regression analysis approaches to assess the genetic diversity present in 160 pea genotypes for the identification of diverse parents for use in crop improvement. Result: Based on the phenotypic data, three superior genotypes VRPD-2, VRPR-15 and VRP-292 were identified on the basis of pod yield, number of pods per plant, ten pod weight, pod length and number of seeds per pod whereas three other genotypes VRPE-45-1, VRPE-55 and VRPE-36 were found early flowering. Principle Component Analysis revealed that first four principle components contributed to 85% of the total variation so these four were given due importance for further explanation. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that number of pods per plant, ten pod weight and number of internode for first pod were the best predictors of pod yield per plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: CLINICAL AND ANGIOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF ACUTE CORONARY SYNROME IN YOUNG PATIENTS during COVID ERA Background: Cardiovascular diseases are becoming more prevalent in younger people in India, which is causing a demographic shift in the disease. In the Indian population, there is a dearth of data comparing the different aspects of acute coronary syndrome in young and old patients. The objective of this study is to assess the clinical and angiographic characteristics in both young and elderly individuals. Methods: This was a prospective cross sectional observational study which enrolled 90 patients <45 years and 34 patients > 45 years. Comparison of clinical presentation, electrocardiography, echocardiographic findings, conventional and non-conventional risk factors with angiographic findings were made. Results: A total of 90 patients under the age of 45 were enrolled in group 1, and 34 senior patients older than 45 were included in group 2. Mean age in Group 1 and 2 was 39.79 ± 5.15 years and 59.74±8.21 years. Male sex, smoking, family history of CAD, raised lipoprotein was more in younger population. Younger patients were more likely to have single vessel disease, while the elderly were more likely to have multi vessel disease. Conclusion: Younger patients with ACS have a good prognosis with a predominance of SVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geochemical signatures of recent stream sediments in the study area revealed an old recycled sedimentary source and weak to moderate chemical weathering. The sediments exhibit a positive correlation of large ion lithophile elements (Ba, Sr, and Rb), transition trace elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Sc, and V), and REE with Al2O3 and associated immobile oxides, indicating affinity with phyllosilicate sedimentary rocks of Semri Group of Vindhyan basin. The La–Th–Sc and Th–Sc–Zr/10 ternary plots show mixed sediment sources of clays, silts, and sands. Positive correlations of LREE with Th, Zr, Al2O3, and TiO2 and negative correlations with Y and P2O5 suggests the cumulative influence of Ti-bearing minerals and clay minerals. The high Zr/Sc ratio (mean 30.8), strong LREE/HREE enrichment (mean 8.1), prominent negative Eu anomalies (mean 0.57) and flat HREE suggest input from the recycled sedimentary source. The mean chemical index of alteration (69.17), plagioclase index of alteration (74.94), chemical index of weathering (93.08), and ACNK indicate weak to moderate weathering with the presence of minor K-feldspar mixed in illite dominated mud. This is also supported by a high Rb/Sr ratio (mean 1.09) and K/Rb ratio (0.018). A higher K/Al than Na/Al ratio points to higher illite content. The presence of illite, minor feldspar, and less SiO2/Al2O3 ratio (mean 4.98) suggests low textural and compositional maturity, attributed to the mixing of sediments by significant physical weathering. The positive correlation between Th/Sc (mean 0.6) and Zr/Sc (30.8) indicates less fractionation, low to moderate hydraulic sorting, and sufficient sediment recycling in Kurheri sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ~1.2 Ga Bijaigarh Shale (BS) is a significant geological formation in the Vindhyan Supergroup of Son Valley and is widely targeted for understanding Mesoproterozoic oceanic redox conditions and crustal evolution. In the present study, we have analysed the major, trace and rare earth elements compositions of the BS and attempted to infer the composition, weathering history, and tectonic setting of the Mesoproterozoic continental crust. The BS is comprised of quartz, smectite, kaolinite and illite, with occasional framboidal pyrites. High chemical index of alteration (CIA) and plagioclase index of alteration (PIA) values, and depletion of Na2O, CaO, Sr and Ba imply that the source region underwent a high degree of chemical weathering under warm and humid climatic conditions. Various immobile element ratios in the BS suggest felsic source rocks and insignificant recycling. Fractionated chondrite normalised REE patterns (La/YbN = 6.7–12.3, avg. 9.5) and negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.50–0.60, avg. 0.53) also indicate felsic provenance. REE mixing modelling implies that the source area was comprised of 40% Mahakoshal Granite, 25% Bundelkhand Granite, 30% Porcellanite and 5% Chhotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex (CGGC). The sedimentation in Kaimur basin is thought to have begun at ~1.2 Ga, accompanied with the crustal extension in the aftermath of Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ) orogeny (1.6–1.5 Ga) and domal uplift of Bundelkhand craton. The positive areas were created by orogenic movements, which exposed the older crustal blocks containing granites and metamorphic rocks in the CITZ (Chhotanagpur Gneisses and Mahakoshal belt) and Bundelkhand granite complex (BGC). The Mahakoshal Group and CGGC located on the southern side, the BGC on the northern side of the basin, and the uplifted Lower Vindhyans were the likely sources of the BS. Such source areas are also indicated by the palaeoflow directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation reveals that the Basal Conglomerate is ∼ 2–3 m thick forming basal part of the Vindhyan Supergroup in the Sonbhadra district, central India. The Basal Conglomerate consists of fragments of different rock types supported by the sandy matrix. It contains pebble-sized clasts of quartzite, jasper, phyllite and slate dominated by the quartzite clasts. The matrix is composed of sandy material that is rich in quartz, chert and iron oxides. The occurrence of quartzite clasts suggests its derivation from the Chhotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex (CGGC) and the phyllite, slate and jasper suggest their derivation from the Mahakoshal Group. The presence of polycrystalline and monocrystalline quartz suggests their derivation from Chhotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex and the presence of chert suggests its derivation from the Mahakoshal Group. The iron oxides were produced as a result of leaching of iron during chemical weathering. The X-ray diffractometry of the matrix suggest ubiquitous presence of quarz, muscovite and kaolinite. The kaolinite has formed due to alteration of feldspars under warm and humid conditions. This is also supported by the presence of ferruginous matter in the matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty six soil samples from twelve well developed soil profiles were collected from Karewa Deposits of South Kashmir and analyzed for heavy metals including As, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cd, Zn and Co to assess the vertical distribution of heavy metals and their effects on environment and human health. The concentration of heavy metals decreases in the order as Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Cd. The enrichment factor (EF) of As ranges from 3.35 to 8.52 with an average of 5.54 indicating moderate to moderately severe pollution of soils. However, the EF of other heavy metals ranged from 0.31 to 3.9, indicating negligible to moderate enrichment. The ecological risk index (ERI) ranged from 69.30 to 198.003 with an average of 124.89 indicating low to moderate ecological risk. Along the soil profiles, heavy metals, EF and ERI exhibit more or less similar trend, first decreases from soil C to regolith and then increases towards the topsoil of the profiles except for Pb, which decreases from bottom to top. In both children and adult, the sequence of the distinctive exposures for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic doses in soils were in the order as ingestion > dermal > inhalation. The total hazard index (THI) of heavy metals were < 1, indicating negligible non-carcinogenic risks to children and adult. However, the total carcinogenic risks (TCR) of As for adults and As and Cr for children were higher than threshold value of 1.0E-04 indicating chromium and arsenic pose high carcinogenic risks to the inhabitants of South Kashmir, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive account on the evolution of the Tertiary Himalaya coals of India and their various attributes. The coal bearing sequences in Himalaya have formed in two different geotectonic settings, first under foreland basin (Oligocene coals of Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh of northeastern India) and second under Platform basin (Eocene coals of Meghalaya of north-eastern India) conditions. The Jammu coals of northwest India developed in the late Paleocene in the western Himalayan foreland basin. A sea transgression inundated the Jammu area which gave rise to forest swamp and Jammu coals eventually formed under tropical humid climatic conditions in the tropical climatic belt of northern hemisphere. In northeastern India, the Oligocene coals have shown more maturity than the Eocene coals and have relatively high carbon content and they also have developed caking characters in many coalfields. This may be because the Eocene coal developed in the tropical climatic belt when the northern part of the northeast India was still in the southern hemisphere and the Oligocene coal evolved when the northern part of the northeast India was in the northern hemisphere and the collision during the Oligocene in this part improved the maturity of Oligocene coal due to Himalayan orogeny. The Himalayan coals are exceedingly rich in vitrinite with variable quantities of liptinite and inertinite macerals. Dominance of typical Tertiary angiospermic floral assemblage in the Himalayan coals is well indicated by the occurrence of single, double and triple celled telutospores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the leading cause of visual disability in diabetics, is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus. Currently available conventional treatments for DR have certain limitations, considering which Ayurvedic treatment protocol was designed. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the Ayurvedic treatment protocol for DR. Materials and methods: This was a randomized, controlled, black box design clinical study conducted from April 2016 to September 2017 by the department of Shalakya Tantra of a tertiary academic hospital in Western India. A hundred patients of DR in the age group 30–70 years were randomly divided into two groups by simple random sampling using computer‑generated random number tables. In the trial group (n = 70), the preparatory phase included Dipana-Pachana (stomachic and digestant), Koshtha Shodhana (mild therapeutic purgation), and Shiro Virechana (eliminative nasal medication). The treatment phase included Marsha Nasya (nasal medication) and Pratimarsha Nasya (nasal medication of mild dose) with Durvadi Ghrita, Takra Dhara (pouring medicated buttermilk over the scalp) with Siddha Takra, and intake of Rasayana Yoga (treatment duration – 3 months). In the control group (n = 30), patients were kept under conservative treatment and observed during the trial period of 3 months. Patients of both groups continued with their treatment for diabetes and DR if any. Two follow‑ups were done at an interval of 15 days. The primary outcomes were objective signs like best‑corrected visual acuity (BCVA); ophthalmoscopic signs such as superficial hemorrhages, dot‑blot hemorrhages, hard exudates, cotton woolspots, neovascularization disc, neovascularization elsewhere, and fibrovascular proliferation; subjective symptoms such as diminished vision, blurred vision, frequent changes in presbyopia glasses, perception of flashes of light, floaters, and problem for dark adaptation. The secondary outcomes were fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), urine sugar, serum cholesterol, hemoglobin (Hb), glycosylated HbA1C, liver function test, and renal function test outcomes were assessed before and after the treatment. Results: Ninety participants were included in the analysis of the primary outcome (62 in the trial and 28 in the control group). The trial group provided better results which were statistically significant on dot‑blot hemorrhages, superficial hemorrhages, hard exudates, BCVA, FBS, and serum cholesterol. Both the groups provided almost similar effects in PPBS, Hb, HbA1C, and urine sugar which were statistically insignificant. Adverse effects were not reported in any of the patient among either groups. Conclusion: Ayurvedic treatment protocol is safe and effective in DR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the cross-sectional study was to ascertain the oral health status and treatment needs of special health care need children of age group 3–16 years in rural and urban areas of Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Materials and Method: To assess and compare the caries status, oral health status, oral hygiene measures, diet and treatment needs in rural and urban population. The data collected was processed and analyzed using the SPSS statistical software program. Results: Among 1000 subjects in rural and urban population highly significant difference was observed for Oral hygiene aids (P < 0.003) and for DMFT (P < 0.008) and no significant difference for dmft (P > 0.26). OHIs status showed no difference in primary and permanent in both rural and urban population (P > 1). Filled and missed were in DMFT, dmft was very low even though there were carious tooth in study population. Most of the children in rural and urban population required varied treatment needs like oral prophylaxis, restoration, pulp therapy, crowns and extractions. Conclusion: High prevalence of dental caries and the need for restorative care was noted in these children emphasizing the necessity of change of attitude towards oral health and improved oral care by repeated counselling of parents by primary health care physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase crime rates with stress in the day to day life is responsible for vide range of medico legal autopsies in the society. The violent asphyxial deaths are responsible for the large number of medicolegal autopsies out of which hanging is a very common in society. Hanging is the cheapest and painless form of self-destruction. It has been employed as the method of suicide since time immortal. The study under consideration is a cross sectional study which was carried on the dead bodies of either sex. The deceased were brought for medico legal autopsy with the history probably revealing the cause of death due to hanging in the autopsy room at a medical college in Central India from 1st August 2011 to 31st July 2017. The number of hanging cases during the study period were 101,the majority of victims 66 (65.34%) belong to the nuclear family while the 31 (30.69%) cases belong to the joint family. The family status of 4 (3.96%) cases cannot be ascertained as the bodies were unidentified. The majority of victims 70 (69.30%) cases, preferred indoor place for hanging while about 31 (30.69%) cases preferred outdoor place for hanging. Considering their educational status about 24.75% cases had educated upto primary school, 10.89% had upto secondary school, 24.75% upto higher secondary, 22.77% upto graduate or more and 11.88% were uneducated. Also in 4.95% cases, the educational status was unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kufri Thar-1 is a medium maturing, main season, high yielding water-use efficient, table potato variety suitable for cultivation in low water availability areas. It is a clonal selection from the cross between Kufri Bahar, having high water use efficiency and CP 1785, identified with a high transpiration rate and better water mining capacity. Its plants are tall and vigorous with field resistance to late blight. Its tubers are white, ovoid with shallow to medium eyes, creamy flesh and having good keeping quality. It is fertilizer responsive and capable of yielding 30-35 t/ha under low water (= 20%) availability in middle Gangetic plains. Besides, it is also suitable as an early maturing variety (60-75 days) with 16 t/ha under water deficit conditions in the East-coast plains and hills region in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kufri Karan is a 'First' potato variety developed by indigenous potato breeding program possessing resistance to multiple diseases, medium maturing and high yielding suitable for cultivation in hills and plateaux of the country. During the developmental stages, marker assisted selections were effected to ascertain the phenotypic resistances at genetic level to ensure the stacking of functional, multiple genes imparting resistance to different biotic stresses. The variety possesses high resistance to late blight, six viruses i.e. ToLCNDV-potato, PVY, PLRV, PVA, PVM and PVS and moderate resistance to Potato Cyst Nematode. The variety produces attractive, white cream, ovoid tubers with shallow eyes and creamy flesh, medium dormancy and good keeping quality. The tubers are easy to cook, has acceptable aroma post cooking with mealy texture. It yields higher than varieties Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Himalini and Kufri Girdhari, with an average yield of the variety is 25-30 t/ha under normal conditions of crop growth in the hills and plateaux, while in subtropical plains the tuber yield is >30 t/ha. This variety being resistant to multiple biotic stresses will be an economical alternative to earlier varieties being cultivated in the areas where late blight, viruses and PCN are major impediments to potato cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Chhattisgarh is an endemic region for rhinosporidiosis infection in Central India. This high prevalence can be explained by suitable hot tropical environment as well as social practice of common bathing of public with animals outdoor, mainly in ponds and river. There are more than 200 ponds in and around Bilaspur district, mainly in Ratanpur region. However, due to limited literature describing rhinosporidiosis from this part of India, it remains neglected and still not recognized as a serious health-care issue and any definite government or private measures/initiatives are not taken to counter this problem. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective demographic study analyzing 113 consecutive biopsies received from different clinical departments in a tertiary care center with a histological diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis over a period of 7 years from January 2011 to December 2017. Results: Most of the patients presented in the otorhinolaryngology (86.7%) department, followed by ophthalmology (10.6%). The mean age of the patients was 23.4 years, with a range of 3–70 years. A male-to-female ratio of about 3:2 was noted. Nasal cavity was the most common site of involvement (90/113), followed by conjunctiva (7/113), nasal cavity with oropharynx (6/113), and eyelid (3/113). Patients' complaints showed a varying range from nasal block, nasal mass, bleeding, bleed on touch, difficulty in breathing, and conjunctival mass. Two of the cases presented as recurrent rhinosporidiosis. Conclusion: Rhinosporidiosis is endemic and possesses a great health-care burden in Chhattisgarh. The socioeconomic status, outdoor bathing, and cultural practice in rural areas are the major factors contributing to newer cases. An urgent government initiative to decontaminate public water bodies and public health education through health-care workers and nongovernment organizations is the need of the hour to curtail the incidence of rhinosporidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes to the development of global sustainable development index (GSDI) as an integration of environmental sustainability development index (ESDI), socio-economic development index (SEDI) and science and technological progress index (STPI) for selected 39 countries during 2000–16. It uses the composite Z-score method, while ESDI, SEDI and STPI are the assimilation of 33, 19 and 9 factors, respectively. Subsequently, it examines the association of sustainable development (SD) with ESD and vice versa using linear, log-linear and non-linear regression models. Descriptive results show that there is a significant variation in SD due to a high diversity in environmental development, socio-economic development and science and technological progress-associated factors in selected countries. Empirical results imply that SD has a positive and significant association with ESD, socio-economic development and science and technological progress-related factors. This study emphasizes that global economies are desired to adopt conducive policies towards environmental, socio-economic and science and technological development to attain SD. Also, it advises that the protection of forest area, use of environmental and green technologies in production activities, creation of more jobs in all sectors and strong IPR regimes would be effective for sustainable, socio-economic, environmental development and science and technological expansion worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kufri Neelkanth is a medium maturing, main season, high yielding speciality table potato variety suitable for cultivation in North Indian plains. It is a clonal selection from the cross between MS/89-1095 x CP3290. Its plants are tall and vigorous with field resistance to late blight. It produces attractive purple coloured ovoid tubers with shallow eyes and light yellow flesh, possess good keeping quality. Kufri Neelkanth possess comparatively higher anti-oxidants as compared to other red skin varieties. It is fertilizer responsive and capable of yielding 35-38 t/ha under optimum agronomical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dolostones form by many processes, and their origins are enigmatic. The present study focuses on the origin of the newly recorded 16.5‐m‐thick late middle Eocene dolostone succession of the Kachchh Basin, western India. To achieve this target, a comprehensive field, petrographic, scanning electron microscopy and geochemical studies have been carried out. This dolostone succession shows a sharp contact with the underlying middle Eocene Fulra Limestone Formation. The petrographic study shows a dominance of unimodal, planar‐euhedral idiotopic mosaics of dolomite rhombs along with replacement texture. The X‐ray diffraction pattern confirms it as non‐stoichiometric type dolomite (average molar% MgCO3 = 47.19). SEM‐EDS study deciphers perfectly developed zoned planar‐e dolomite rhombs (40–100 μm) with minor variation in the concentrations of elemental Mg (47.67% to 43.33%) and Ca (52.33% to 56.67%). Among the major oxides, CaO and MgO are the dominant components, indicating that the major mineral phase is dolomite. The positive correlation of CaO with SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 and a negative correlation of MgO and ∑REE with them suggest that the CaO was mainly contributed from the rivers, while the MgO was contributed from the lagoonal brine/seawater. The low concentration of Sr (144–234 ppm) in the studied dolostone is compatible with the marginal marine mixing origin. The ∑REE content in the dolostones is comparatively lower (18.22 ppm) than the average value of typical marine carbonates (28 ppm), thus suggesting meteoric mixing conditions. The superchondritic Y/Ho values (35.21–100) and Post‐Archaean Australian Shale‐normalized REY patterns of the dolostone facies exhibit typical shallow (bathymetry <50 m) seawater‐like patterns. A strong positive correlation between ΣREE and Y, and low Er/Nd ratios (~0.1) in the dolostone facies indicate incorporation of minor terrigenous influx during dolomitization in a meteoric‐marine mixing condition. The authigenic uranium (0.4–1.7) and slightly negative Ce anomaly suggest that the dolostone succession was precipitated in oxic to dysoxic conditions. The prevalence of planar (euhedral and subhedral) dolomite texture indicates that the dolomitization occurred in a shallow marine environment under low salinity and temperature conditions. Thus, the absence of evaporitic association and physical compaction or deep burial features and the presence of large channelized vugs, mouldic pores along with partially replaced shallow marine fossils, anhydrite cement, and marginal‐marine values of Sr, Na, Ba, Mn, and Fe support the meteoric‐marine mixing model of dolomitization under shallow marine condition of this dolostone succession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is the world's third largest country in terms of higher education system, which includes about 889 universities and more than 39871 colleges. In the context of higher education, Electronic Thesis and Dissertations (ETDs) produced at universities/institutions, constitute important scholarly communication and knowledge source for all research and development activities. By the turn of the 21st century, ETDs repositories have become established components of many universities in India. In the electronic environment, ETDs form one of the most popular and useful open access resources for academicians and researchers at the global level. UGC, therefore, has made submission of ETDs of M.Phil./Ph.D. courses mandatory, in accordance with the Minimum Standards & Procedure for Award of PhD/M.Phil Degree, Regulation, 2009. It was done to facilitate open access to ETDs by researchers in Indian Universities and Institutes of Higher learning. Until December 2018, total numbers of ETDs submitted by 381 Indian universities in the repository is 210548. This paper describes the changing role of library professional with special reference to ETDs management in Indian Universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying unknown individuals is a key part of the forensic anthropology. Anthropologists assist in identifications primarily by constructing a biological profile. The most important applications of anthropology at field level include biological anthropology, epidemiology, clinical application and in metabolic research. [1,2] The stature prediction occupies relatively a central position both in the anthropological research and in the identification necessitated by the medical jurisprudence or by the medico-legal experts. So it is important for medico-legal as well as humanitarian reasons. The present study will be conducted to find out possible correlation between stature of an individual & combined length of forearm & hand and derive regression formula to estimate the stature from anthropometry of combined length of forearm & hand. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 250 deceased Females of age 21 years and above brought for post mortem examination in mortuary of Forensic Medicine Department, M.G.M. Medical College and M.Y. Hospital, Indore (M.P.). The mean combined length of right and left forearm and hand in Females was 42.99 ± 1.70 cm and 42.82 ± 1.70 cm respectively, whereas mean stature was found to be 156.25 ± 5.29 cm in Females.. In this study maximum stature in Females was found to be 167.3 cm, while minimum stature was found to be 145.0 cm. It can be concluded that the present study has provided regression equations for parameters that can be used for stature estimation in the population of Indore. These equations should not be used for other Indian population groups. Definite proportion exists between the stature and combined length of forearm and hand in all individuals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We optimized a SYBR Green-based quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay technique to detect Potato virus A from potato leaf samples. Optimization was achieved by varying the components of PCR reaction mix and also by altering the PCR conditions specifically the annealing temperature of the primers where 60°C showed good amplification without any non-specific peak. To make the assay more feasible and economical for large scale detection of PVA in potato leaf samples, the final volume of the reaction mix was reduced from 50 to 20 µl without compromising its sensitivity. To evaluate the sensitivity and efficiency of the assay, a standard curve was generated by using known concentrations of 10-fold serially diluted pure RTPCR amplified coat protein gene of PVA which showed high efficiency of 93.419 % with high linearity (co-relation coefficient of R2 = 0.996). In our qRT-PCR analysis, the standard deviation of Ct values decreased with increase in DNA concentration and increased as concentration of DNA decreased. To overcome the problem of false results, elongation factor ef 1-a gene from potato was used which confirmed the reliability of the optimized assay. The assay was also validated by running across potato leaf samples from different geographical regions of India to detect PVA and found that it was sensitive and reliable as it showed consistent results. Hence, the optimized assay could be used in rapid screening of germplasm, large scale screening of planting material for virus freedom to ensure healthy seed potato production and in routine diagnostics laboratories as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 8.5 m thick, 1.4 km long and 0.35 km wide, ESE–WNW oriented cliff section (N 23°31′32″ E 68°41′00″) exposed across Harudi–Baranda road is extensively studied for its facies characteristics and based on that depositional environments of the middle Eocene (Lutetian) Harudi Formation are deciphered in the present study. Two cycles of grey mudstone alongwith nodular limestone–coquina limestone-gypsiferous mudstone facies in the lower part of the succession suggest sedimentation in coastal quiet-water lagoonal to tidal flat environments, while glauconitic shale, bioclastic packstone and gypsiferous foraminiferal packstone facies in the upper part suggest sedimentation on middle- to inner-shelf and tidal flat depositional environments. In all, three shallowing upward cycles have been identified in the studied outcrops and based on that lagoonal-middle shelf-inner shelf-tidal flat depositional environments are suggested for the middle Eocene Harudi Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an attempt to investigate the regional topography and drainage dynamics of the Khurar River, central India, along with the textural, mineralogical, and geochemical behaviour of the bedload sediments. The morphometric analysis was carried out using SRTM data with the help of ArcGIS 10 software. The area of the basin is 309.57 km2 with its perimeter 83.24 km and maximum length 32.06 km. Drainage patterns are dendritic to subdendritic with stream orders ranging from first to third order. Drainage density is 0.34 per km2, while the bifurcation ratio is 4.5 for the river. The Khurar River Basin is an elongated basin of small size showing ENE‐WSW trend analogous to the Son lineament. This basin might have originated during the Quaternary Period as a result of major tectonic activities in the region. The textural analysis indicates that the samples are bimodal to polymodal in nature ranging from very coarse to coarse grained and poorly to moderately well sorted in all the geomorphic units. The skewness value suggests coarse to fine‐skewed values, while kurtosis value shows platykurtic to very leptokurtic nature of the sediments. The quartz, microcline, and albite are the chief minerals in the sediment samples with negligible variation from source to confluence of the river. The major oxide geochemistry of the sediments indicate that the dominant oxide is SiO2 followed by Al2O3 and other oxides that suggests felsic‐dominated source for the sediments. The chemical index of alteration (CIA), plagioclase index of alteration (PIA), chemical index of weathering (CIW), weathering index of Parker (WIP), Vogt S. residual index (V), Ruxton ratio (R), and silica‐titania index (STI) reveal moderate weathering conditions and immature nature of the sediments in the basin. These suggest that the sediments experienced a moderate amount of weathering in the river catchment under subhumid climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Small rivers commonly drain in a few lithologies making their sediments as a good candidate for investigating provenance and weathering environments. We investigated spatial variation in compositional changes in the sediments of a modern river (Khurar River) from its source to sink for 35 km in Khajuraho area, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Khurar River in its entire course is surrounded by the Bundelkhand granitic complex that provides uniform source to the sediments. The possible physical and chemical controls on the bed-load sediments i.e. grain-size, mineralogy, geochemistry and their climatic control are investigated in detail here. Bed- load sediments of the Khurar River are very coarse to coarse sand-size ranging from -0.63 to 0.80 phi and they are devoid of fine sediments such as clay. The mineralogy of the sediments suggests that they are arkosic in composition. The spatial variation in the chemical composition of the sediments is negligible in the river basin from source to sink in the very coarse to coarse sand size range. The sediments are rich in SiO2 (≤82.93) and Al2O3 (≤11.03 wt %) and they have lower values of TiO2 (≤0.27), Fe2O3 (≤1.49), CaO (≤1.12), MgO (≤0.77), K2O (≤5.25) and Na2O (≤3.48 wt %). The trace elements such as Cr (≤66), Co (≤8), Cu (≤19) and Ni (≤12 ppm) have lower values than UCC; but the Pb (≤21) and Rb (≤142 ppm) have higher values than UCC. Lower concentrations of transition elements, such as V, Ni and Cr imply enrichment of felsic minerals in these sediments, a feature also confirmed by the mineralogical study. The high Zn content at some stations suggests anthropogenic contamination in the sediments. A-CN-K ternary plot suggests total alteration of plagioclase resulting in more removal of CaO and Na2O due to continuous weathering in the catchment area. Also, in this plot, sediments lie near to the albite concentration above the anorthite-albite line with gradual depletion in anorthite indicating that they are the weathering products of albite-enriched parent material. The A-CNK-FM ternary plot shows that all the samples plot close to the feldspar apex indicating higher abundance of feldspars. Further, the CIA (54 to 57), PIA (58 to 64) and CIW (70 to 78) values of the sediment samples suggest low to intermediate weathering environment. Chondrite-normalized pattern of REE (Rare earth elements) exhibits depletion of HREE with weak positive Eu anomaly suggesting low fractionation of the plagioclase feldspar. Thus, the major, trace and rare earth elements geochemistry of the bed-load sediments from the Khurar River suggest that they are derived from the weathering of felsic rocks and the original signatures of the granitic provenance remain there even after weathering under sub-humid climatic conditions in the river basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Brucellosis is an important animal and human health issue in developing countries. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with occupational Brucella infection in veterinary personnel in India. Blood samples were collected from 279 veterinary personnel working in the public sector. Sera were tested with rose bengal plate test (RBPT), standard tube agglutination test (STAT), and IgG and IgM ELISAs. Information about participant demographics, risk of exposure and infection control practices was collected using a self‐completed questionnaire. The outcome measure of Brucella infection was created based on a positive RBPT or STAT test and a positive IgG ELISA test. Binomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between explanatory variables and the outcome variable. Of the 279 participants, 61 (21.9%), 67 (24.0%), 55 (19.7%) and 150 (53.8%) were positive in RBPT, STAT, IgM and IgG ELISA, respectively. Compared to a trained veterinarian, veterinary pharmacists and animal handlers had greater odds of being test positive, suggesting that they were at greater risk of Brucella infection. Number of years spent working with animals was associated with greater odds of a person being positive for Brucella infection (p = .015). Counter‐intuitively, those using personal protective equipment (PPE) for handling sick animals were found to be at greater risk, suggesting that either the use of PPE is inappropriate—making it ineffective—or that it is reverse association whereby those experiencing brucellosis symptoms start using PPE. Brucellosis is a common occupational zoonosis among veterinary personnel in India with the risk being higher in paraveterinary staff than veterinarians and in those who have been practicing for a longer period of time. Further investigations are required to clarify the effectiveness of PPE to reduce Brucella infection in veterinary personnel in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Previous studies estimate that one‐third of the annual global burden of rabies (~20,000 cases) occurs in India. Elimination of canine rabies is essential to reduce this burden. Surveillance of animal cases can assess both the risk to humans and the efficacy of control strategies. The objective of this study was to describe the spatial and temporal occurrence of reported confirmed cases of rabies in animals in Punjab, India, from 2004 to 2014. We analysed passive surveillance data on 556 samples submitted from 2004 to 2014 to GADVASU, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Regression and time series analyses were conducted to understand seasonal and long‐term variation of cases and identify cross‐correlation of monthly cases between species. Spatio‐temporal analyses assessed spatial autocorrelation of date of reporting, mean geographic centres of disease occurrence and clustering of cases using Kulldorff's space‐time permutation statistic. The annual number of submissions and proportion of confirmed cases were consistent throughout 2004–2014. Most submissions (320; 57.6%) were confirmed rabies cases, including dogs (40.6%), buffalo (29.7%) and cattle (23.1%). Regression analysis of monthly cases in dogs showed seasonal variation with significant increases in cases in March and August. Monthly case numbers in buffalo decreased over time. Long‐term temporal trend was not detected in dog and cattle cases. Time‐series models identified significant cross‐correlation between dog and buffalo cases, suggesting that buffalo cases were spillover events from dogs. Significant spatio‐temporal variation or clusters of cases were not detected. These results indicate that rabies cases in animals—and therefore, the potential for exposure to humans—were temporally and spatially stable during 2004–2014 in Punjab, India. The endemic nature of rabies transmission in this region demands a coordinated, sustained control programme. This study provides baseline information for assessing the efficacy of rabies control measures and developing seasonally targeted dog vaccination and rabies awareness strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field surveys were conducted during 2012–14 to document the occurrence and distribution of viruses infecting cucurbits in all the seven agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu state, south India. Samples collected from various types of cucurbits showing virus-like symptoms were tested for Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) and begomoviruses using serological (Dot Immuno Binding Assay, DIBA) and molecular (RT-PCR for RNA viruses and PCR for DNA viruses) methods. Results indicated higher incidence (98.6%) of begomoviruses, followed by PRSV (32.1%) and CGMMV (22.2%). ZYMV and CMV were detected at a lower frequency of 7.1% and 5%, respectively. Mixed infections with two or three of these viruses were observed in more than 50% of the samples analyzed. Sequencing of begomovirus-specific amplicons indicated the presence of sequences highly similar to Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) and Squash leaf curl China virus (SLCCNV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein present source parameters and focal mechanism of a rare cratonic upper crustal earthquake of M4.0, which occurred at 8 km depth (centroid depth) below a region near Deogarh, Jharkhand. For our study, we used broadband waveform data from a seismic network of 15 three-component seismographs in the eastern Indian craton. The average seismic moment, moment magnitude and source radius are estimated to be 1.1 × 10 N-m, 4.0 and 180.6 m, respectively. The high average stress drop of 14.27 MPa could be attributed to its lower-crustal origin. The mean corner frequency is calculated to be 4.1 Hz. To study the source mechanism, we perform a deviatoric constrained full waveform moment tensor inversion of multiple point sources on the band-passed (0.06 - 0.14 Hz) broadband displacement data of the Deogarh event, using ISOLA software. The best fit is obtained for the source at 8 km centroid depth, with a moment magnitude 3.7, and a right-lateral strike-slip mechanism with strike 162°, dip 72° and rake 169°. The P-axis orients N24°E, which is parallel to the direction of the absolute plate motion direction of Indian plate, while T-axis orients E-W, which is parallel to the strike of the pre-existing Damodar Graben (DG) of Gondwana age. The occurrence of this earthquake is attributed to the neotectonic reactivation of a fault associated with the E-W trending DG shear zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil nutrient management is a key component contributing to the greenhouse gas (GHG) flux and mitigation potential of agricultural production systems. However, the effect of soil nutrient management practices on GHG flux and global warming potential (GWP) is less understood in agricultural soils of India. The present study was conducted to compare three nutrient management systems practiced for nine consecutive years in a soybean-wheat cropping system in the Vertisols of India, in terms of GHG flux and GWP. The treatments were composed of 100% organic (ONM), 100% inorganic (NPK), and integrated nutrient management (INM) with 50% organic + 50% inorganic inputs. The gas samples for GHGs (CO, CH, and NO) were collected by static chamber method at about 15-day interval during 2012-13 growing season. The change in soil organic carbon (SOC) content was estimated in terms of the changes in SOC stock in the 0-15 cm soil over the 9-year period covering 2004 to 2013. There was a net uptake of CH in all the treatments in both soybean and wheat crop seasons. The cumulative NO and CO emissions were in the order of INM > ONM > NPK with significant difference between treatments ( p < 0.05) in both the crop seasons. The annual GWP, expressed in terms of CH and NO emission, also followed the same trend and was estimated to be 1126, 1002, and 896 kg CO eq ha year under INM, ONM, and NPK treatments, respectively. However, the change in SOC stock was significantly higher under ONM (1250 kg ha year) followed by INM (417 kg ha year) and least under NPK (198 kg ha year) treatment. The wheat equivalent yield was similar under ONM and INM treatments and was significantly lower under NPK treatment. Thus, the GWP per unit grain yield was lower under ONM followed by NPK and INM treatments and varied from 250, 261, and 307 kg CO eq Mg grain yield under ONM, NPK, and INM treatments, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the spatio-temporal variation of chemical compositions (organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and water-soluble inorganic ionic components (WSIC)) of particulate matter (PM) over three locations (Delhi, Varanasi, and Kolkata) of Indo Gangetic Plain (IGP) of India for the year 2011. The observational sites are chosen to represent the characteristics of upper (Delhi), middle (Varanasi), and lower (Kolkata) IGP regions as converse to earlier single-station observation. Average mass concentration of PM was observed higher in the middle IGP (Varanasi 206.2 ± 77.4 μg m) as compared to upper IGP (Delhi 202.3 ± 74.3 μg m) and lower IGP (Kolkata 171.5 ± 38.5 μg m). Large variation in OC values from 23.57 μg m (Delhi) to 12.74 μg m (Kolkata) indicating role of formation of secondary aerosols, whereas EC have not shown much variation with maximum concentration over Delhi (10.07 μg m) and minimum over Varanasi (7.72 μg m). As expected, a strong seasonal variation was observed in the mass concentration of PM as well as in its chemical composition over the three locations. Principal component analysis (PCA) identifies the contribution of secondary aerosol, biomass burning, fossil fuel combustion, vehicular emission, and sea salt to PM mass concentration at the observational sites of IGP, India. Backward trajectory analysis indicated the influence of continental type aerosols being transported from the Bay of Bengal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and surrounding areas to IGP region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The award of compensation against the State is an appropriate and effective remedy for redress of an established infringement of a fundamental right under Article 21 by a public servant. The quantum of compensation will, however, depend upon the facts and circumstances of each case.1 The Court on establishment of violation of fundamental rights, apart from calling upon the State Government to take punitive action and disciplinary proceedings against the officers/officials guilty of flagrant violation of fundamental rights, is also under an obligation to give compensation and relief under public law jurisdiction for the wrong done occasioned by breach of public duty by the State Government in failing to protect the fundamental rights of the citizens.2 Traditional sovereign functions are the making of laws, the administration of justice, the maintenance of order and repression of crime, carrying on of war, making of treaties and peace and other consequential functions.3 The demarcating line between sovereign and non-sovereign powers has largely disappeared. The author focuses on how the compensatory jurisprudence has evolved in India and slowly how the demarcation between the sovereign and non-sovereign functions has been removed in Indian jurisprudence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents several species of enthnobotanically important Indian lichens and their uses. These include the Thallus crustose, used as substitute for Henna to color palms and lips. It notes the Ceterlia collate, a local species known as Buddi and is used for sacrificial fibre. It mentions Cladonia rangiferrina, a species used for treating eczema and other skin diseases.

Trigonella foenum-graecum is an annual flowering species largely cultivated in the Mediterranean basin countries, Central Asia and especially in India. The grain is rarely grown outside its native habitat. A study on trait variation was undertaken on 102 diverse genotypes of fenugreek along with 3 superior varieties as check at the of Department of Horticulture, JNKVV Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh during the Rabi seasons of 2009-2010 and 2011-2012. The results obtained in this investigation revealed presence of considerable amount of genetic variability and mean values for all the characters showed wide range of variability for all the traits studied. Genotype UM-117 recorded the maximum primary branches (8) as well as secondary branches (6) plant-1. Number of seeds per pod-1 in different fenugreek germplasm lines ranged between 7.3 and 22.2 with its average being 15.3 seeds. The maximum (22.2) seeds pod-1 was observed in genotype HM-279 while, the maximum seed yield plot-1 was recorded in genotype UM-116 (439.5 g). With regard to the vegetative yield plant-1, genotypes UM-122 and ACC-006 recorded the maximum (2.44 kg) value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical and isotopic compositions of thermal springs located along the Son-Narmada-Tapti (SONATA) mega lineament in central India have been investigated. The issuing temperatures of the thermal waters vary from 31° to 89°C for the thermal springs and 24° to 25°C for the cold springs. These thermal springs are located on the Archean Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex (CGC) in the eastern part of peninsular India. The thermal springs are mostly alkaline in nature with pH varying from 7.5 to 9.5. Piper diagram suggests that the chemistry of the thermal waters is compatible with the granitic host rocks through which the waters circulate. Mineral saturation index suggests that the thermal waters are saturated with cristobalite and quartz at lower temperatures (less than ∼130 to 150°C), and calcite and forsterite at higher temperatures (∼160° to 250°C). The estimated reservoir temperature based on chemical geothermometers is in the range of 132°-265°C, which favours a medium enthalpy geothermal system. Oxygen isotope fractionation of Bakreswar and Tantloi thermal springs highlights a higher reservoir temperature than estimated by chemical geothermometer. Positive gravity anomalies over Bakreswar and Tantloi areas strongly suggest a basement/mantle upliftment or mafic intrusion which could account for the heat source close to the surface. However, the large negative gravity anomaly depression around the Surajkund and Katkamsandi thermal springs indicates presence of deep seated faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-six strains of Bipolaris oryzae collected from infected seed from different geographical locations in India were used for the analysis of genetic variability by using molecular markers. The molecular characterization using three marker systems, i.e., universal rice primers (URPs), inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was carried out, which revealed differences in strains from different geographical origins as well as by clustering of various B. oryzae strains which otherwise could not be revealed through conventional characterization. Out of 13 URPs, 20 ISSR and 30 RAPD primers screened, seven URPs, eight ISSR and 14 RAPD markers gave very good reproducibility banding patterns. Polymorphic bands ranging between 86.3% and 100% in URP, 81.8% and 100% in ISSR, and 91.6% and 100% were recorded in the case of RAPD markers. The total number of bands recorded was 1791 with an average of 255.86 in URP, 2541 with an average of 317.63 in ISSR, and 3226 with an average of 230.42 in RAPD markers. Maximum heterozygosity ( Hn) was revealed by URP 30F (0.26), ISSR 6 (0.36) and RAPD marker OPB-1 (0.31). The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged between 0.69 and 6.43 in URP, 3.86 and 8.03 in ISS, and 2.58 and 8.55 in RAPD marker profiles. Maximum cophenetic correlation was found in URP ( r = 1.000), followed by ISSR ( r = 0.813) and RAPD ( r = 0.784). The combined analysis of all three marker systems showed high cophenetic correlation ( r = 0.848), which indicated a good fit of the data for genetic diversity analysis. Hence, combined use of three marker systems would be more sensitive and reliable in characterizing genetic variability in B. oryzae strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on the impact of climatic changes on the potato growing regions in India. Topics discussed include impact of climate change on agricultural productivity, challenges in meeting the food security for a growing world population, and understanding the phenology, pests and diseases scenario of the reference location under the climate change scenario with the help of climate analogues.

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss) is an important source of edible oil and meal in India. However, traditional Indian mustard varieties accumulate high amount of erucic acid and glucosinolate in their seeds. These quantitatively inherited anti-nutritional factors drastically reduce the utility of mustard derived seed oil and meal for consumption purposes. The present study aimed at development and evaluation of double low quality lines (seed oil with < 2% erucic acid and glucosinolate content < 30 µmoles/gram defatted seed meal) in Indian mustard. A total of 11 double low lines were selected from among a pool of 1200 lines in F7 generation. Amongst the selected lines, 2 lines BPRQ-2-1-5 and BPRQ-2-2-11 were found to be highly promising in terms of oil quality and yield performance. Analysis of variance for selected lines indicated significant differences for plant height, shoot length, number of branches, number of siliquae, number of seeds/siliqua, seed yield/plant, 1000 seed weight, oil content, fatty acid composition and glucosinolate content, indicating sufficient variability for effective selection. High heritability estimates (broad sense) were observed for oleic acid (93.0%), oil (92.9%), linoleic acid (91.4%) content and 1000-seed weight (91.3%). Genetic advance ranged from 1.0% (seed yield/plant) to 46.0% (oleic acid content). Oleic acid content showed high heritability (93.0%). A negative and significant correlation was obtained between oleic and erucic acid, indicating the possibility of reducing the erucic acid content by enhancing the level of oleic acid by an increased breeding intensity utilizing potential donors. Sequence-tagged microsatellite site (STMS) analysis of selected double low lines along with canola quality genotype 'Heera' as well as a high yielding popular variety 'Kranti' clearly distinguished quality and non-quality lines. In conclusion, present study reports the development of 2 highly promising double low lines of Indian mustard which may be released as a variety after multi-location testing or used as potential donors for transferring double low quality traits in high yielding varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okra yellow vein mosaic (OYVMD) and enation leaf curl diseases (OELCuD) caused by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) transmitted begomoviruses are important constraint for improvement and production okra in India. Okra germplasms consists of 178 cultivated/advanced lines (147 Advances okra lines + 31 popular varieties) and 146 accessions from 14 wild species originally collected from different national institutes located at different agro-climatic zones of India were evaluated for their response against OYVMD and OELCuD. The resistance levels both cultivated and wild species were assessed by visual scoring of symptoms in the field under natural conditions for two consecutive years in 2015 and 2016. None of the cultivated genotypes and wild species tested was found to be disease free except Abelmoschus enbeepeegeearnse , however, considerable variation in responses against OYVMD and OELCuD was observed among the genotypes. Of the 178 cultivated/advanced lines screened against OYVMD and OELCuD, seven genotypes showed highly resistant, one resistant, 2 moderately resistant and 146 accessions from 14 wild species, 17 accessions were showed highly resistant reaction, one accession resistant, 5 accessions moderately resistant for OYVMD. Similarly, for OELCuD, fifty-two okra genotypes showed highly resistant, three moderately resistant in cultivated/advanced lines and 125 accessions were found to be highly resistant, two resistant and three moderately resistant in wild accessions. The resistance cultivated/advanced lines could be used directly as varieties to manage OYVMD and OELCuD after adaption to various agro-climatic regions. The resistance in wild accessions could be used in future breeding programmes to develop okra cultivars resistant against both OYVMD and OELCuD. • Cultivated and wild okra germplasms screened for begomoviruses diseases resistance. • Okra germplasms showed varied resistance to yellow mosaic and enation leaf curl disease. • Okra genotypes resistant to both yellow mosaic and enation leaf curl identified. • Resistant to yellow mosaic and enation leaf curl identified in wild okra species. • Identified okra resistance can be utilized in the resistant breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented study, held at the Research cum Instructional Farm of the College of Horticulture and Research Station, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, India, ran during the Rabi season of 2021, to investigate superior radish cultivars for selection having high yield potential and better quality root for Bastar plateau. The experiment, laid out in randomized block design (RBD), had 15 treatments and three replications. Observing high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was for the following traits: dry and fresh weights of roots, plants, and leaves; root and leaf yields; days to 50% germination; the diameter and length of the root, North-South and East-West spread of the plant; plant height, and the number of leaf plant-1, having recorded significant heritability and high genetic advance. Similarly, high heritability showed for root yield and fresh and dry weights of roots. Moderate heritability levels appeared for the traits, viz., the plant's dry weight and the root diameter. The genetic gain resulted high for characters, viz., root yield and fresh and dry weights of roots. High heritability followed by high genetic advance indicates that selection may be effective for improving such characteristics. Root yield (t ha-1) exhibited a highly significant positive correlation with the fresh weight of the plant at the phenotypic and genotypic levels, followed by dry weight of roots, dry weight of the plant, East-West spread of the plant, the diameter of the root, and leaf yield plot-1. The fresh weight of roots had the maximum positive direct effect on root yield in the genotypic path, followed by the dry weight of roots and the plant, the East-West spread of the plant, the diameter of the root, and leaf yield in radish. The selection of these characters can benefit in improving the yield of radishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major challenge facing those involved in the testing of new plant varieties for DUS is the need to compare new varieties against all those 'of common knowledge' and corresponding increase in size of reference variety collections (and hence work-load) and this could entail one possible approach to group new (candidate) varieties and references using descriptions stored in databases, prior to more formal testing. Keeping this in view, a total of 35 released varieties of vegetable pea were grouped for various agro-morphological descriptors. Among the genotypes, 11 showed extra early flower opening (< 40 days), seven showed early flower opening (40-50 days), 16 showed mid-flower opening (51-70 days) and the only genotype NDVP-250 showed late flower opening i.e. more than 70 days after sowing. Out of 35 genotypes, eight showed short, 21 medium and six genotypes showed longer plant height. Low 1000-seed weight (< 150g) was found in two genotypes viz. PSM-3 and NDVP-250, medium (150-200g) in 19 genotypes and higher (> 200g) in 14 genotypes. None of the attribute showed intra-varietal variation. On the basis of 19 descriptors, varieties were grouped into different categories for each character and may be used as reference varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A crop growth simulation model WOFOST was calibrated for four Indian potato cultivars, falling under different maturity classes i.e. late maturing (Kufri Badshah), medium maturing (Kufri Bahar and Kufri Jyoti) and early maturing (Kufri Pukhraj). The important model parameters used for calibration of WOFOST models were; thermal time from sowing to emergence, emergence to initiation of tuber growth and initiation of tuber growth to maturity, maximum leaf CO2 assimilation rate, initial light-use efficiency of CO2 assimilation of single leaf and dry matter partitioning. The model was calibrated for Indian potato cultivars with reasonable accuracy. Simulated values for emergence, initiation of tuber growth and physiological maturity varied between 0 to 2, 1 to 8 and 5 to 12 days, respectively, from the measured values, for different cultivars. Variation in final dry matter yield ranged from 5.6 to 7.5%, which was within the acceptable limits. The indicators of model performance also showed that the model performance was satisfactory. The results demonstrated that the WOFOST model can be used for potato crop under Indian situation. However model needs to be validated for various conditions before it is widely used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provenance of the late Paleocene sandstone of the Jaisalmer basin has been determined by petrographic and heavy minerals analysis supported by paleocurrent study. Petrography of the quartzose-arenite sandstone reveals an abundance of sub-angular to sub-rounded monocrystalline non-undulatory quartz and some amount of feldspar and rock fragments. The rock fragments are dominated by argillites (slate, phyllite) and limestone. The heavy minerals suite of these sandstones comprises of angular to sub-angular grains of magnetite, zircon, tourmaline, kyanite and staurolite. The paleocurrent analysis indicates bipolar paleocurrent pattern with the dominance of NW flow suggesting that the provenance was in the SE direction of the depositional basin. Q-F-L and Qm-F-Lt diagrams suggest for a provenance at the margin of the craton interior and transitional continental. It is envisaged that the basic igneous rocks of the Deccan basalt, low- to medium-grade metamorphic rocks of the Aravalli belt and Jurassic limestones present in the vicinity are the source rocks for the late Paleocene sandstones of the Jaisalmer basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the efficacy of rolling circle amplification (RCA)-polymerase chain reaction (RCA-PCR) assay in detecting tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) in mother stocks and nucleus seed stocks. It discusses an experiment that aimed to determine the sensitivity of RCA-PCR assay. It also mentions why many laboratories employ a RCA technique.

Muga is an exclusive naturally golden coloured wild silk obtained by the Antherea assamensis silkworm species grown in the north-eastern region of India. Although many research studies on Bombyx mori silk can be found, but studies that involve muga silk is uncommon. This article attempts to characterise the muga cocoon of two commercially available crops (Kotia and Jethua) in three prominent muga rearing regions. Reeling studies on these have also been conducted to assess the regional and seasonal influences on silk reelability performance. Kotia cocoons are found to possess better cocoon quality and reeling performance in comparison to Jethua muga cocoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved heap storage technology with the use of sprout inhibitor CIPC (isopropyl N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate) has been recommended for short-term storage of table and processing potatoes. Trials were conducted in Eastern plains to study the storage environment in the heap and evaluate storability and processing quality of potatoes up to 90 days. Inside the heap, maximum temperatures were lower (by 1-4°C) and mean relative humidity was higher (by 1-10%) as compared to the ambient. Sprouting in tubers was inhibited and losses in potatoes were reduced by 45-47% at two out of three locations in CIPC treated heaps. Reducing sugar content remained low (<128 mg/100 g fresh weight), chip colour improved during storage and was highly acceptable in CIPC treated potatoes. Results suggest a great potential for heap storage of potatoes in Eastern plains to get remunerative prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is one of the most dreaded diseases of potato worldwide and cause significant loss in production. The pathogen is highly variable and adapt to the newly bred varieties and fungicides. Population of P. infestans in most of the countries has changed dramatically and original A1 has almost been displaced by more virulent A2 strain. In India, A2 mating type was recorded in 1990s and now it has displaced the A1 in temperate highlands while in sub-tropical plains still A1 is dominating. Virulence to all major resistance genes has been recorded and in India the racial complexity has reached to its zenith resulting in breakdown of many disease resistant varieties. Indiscriminate use of metalaxyl based fungicides has led to the development of metalaxyl resistance world over including India, which has necessitated the use of additional systemic molecules for the management of this disease. The population of P. infestans characterized using molecular markers has led to better understanding of pathogen at molecular level. Mitochondrial DNA haplotyping of P. infestans has revealed that mt Ia is displacing the other haplotypes globally at a faster rate including India. Relationship between P. infestans and the weather is well understood and has been utilized for developing disease forecasting models and decision support systems across the globe including India. An increasing severity of late blight in many potato growing areas, a shift in pathogen population toward increased specific virulence and an increasing tolerance to the most effective late blight specific fungicides suggests a need to develop an appropriate disease management strategy based on information technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karnataka produces 1.4% of potato from 4.1% national potato area. Hassan is the largest potato producing district in the State accounting for 20% production and 56% crop area in Karnataka. Potato productivity ACGRs in Hassan (-12%) and Karnataka (-7%) over 1999-00 to 2009-10 and triennium ending 2009-10 average of 2.8 and 6.1 t/ha, respectively, depict a pathetic and precarious situation of financial health of potato farmers in the area. However, Karnataka in general and Hassan in particular, produce off-season potato suitable for processing industry. Keeping sustainability of crop husbandry in the area and growth of Indian potato processing industry into mind, a joint survey by CIP- SWCA, New Delhi, and CPRI, Shimla, was carried out in Hassan to find out reasons responsible for such situation. Acute resource paucity and unavailability of quality seed potato at affordable prices were identified as one of the important reasons. This study analyses seed potato utilization pattern and its impact on farmers' profitability in Hassan and Karnataka. The research paper provides detailed information on seed potato source, variety wise seed use rate, seed replacement rate, seed size, variety wise potato yield and adoption and impact of seed potato quality on farmers' profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Site-specific transfer coefficient from feed to cow's milk, for 137Cs in the villages around Narora, a nuclear power station site in India, determined over a period of 17 y, is presented in this paper. In the transport model for the prediction of the concentration of 137Cs in milk, the transfer coefficient from feed to milk, Fm, is an important parameter. The transfer coefficient value is determined from 137Cs concentration in milk and grass samples of the Narora region, and the result ranged from 4.28E−03 to 3.30E−02 d l−1 with a geometric mean value of 1.15E−03 d l−1. The highest and the lowest values were only below one order of magnitude different from the mean, regardless of the type of diet, milk yield and age of the cow. The result is compared with that for 40K, determined concurrently at the same region and ranged from 6.92E−03 to 8.01E−03 d l−1 with a geometric mean value of 7.45E−03 d l−1. This parameter is quite useful in decision-making for implementing countermeasures during a large-area contamination with 137Cs in tropical areas like Narora. The ingestion dose from fallout 137Cs through milk intake for adult and child is also estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Human hydatidosis is an important public health issue in India and many other developing countries. There is lack of data related to occurrence of this disease in certain risk groups. The present study was therefore designed to assess the seroprevalence of human hydatidosis among occupational risk groups in Punjab (India). One hundred and forty nine human serum samples from dog handlers, veterinarians/para veterinarians, dairy farmers, patients with liver disorders, HIV positives and control group (visiting hospital for other problems) were collected and analyzed using a commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results revealed that 23 (15.43 %) subjects were seropositive for human hydatidosis. High seropositivity were recorded in dog handlers (30 %), followed by the other risk group populations. Relative risk of being infected was found to be 4.80 times high in dog handlers when compared to control group population. Future studies must be planned to determine the significance of these findings and the status of human hydatidosis in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.)Wilczek] also known as mungbean in South Asia, is an important pulse crop of the Vigna group. Among the major production constraints, terminal heat stress during summer season and pre-harvest sprouting during rainy season considerably reduce its productivity. If the crop duration of greengram is shortened by 10-15 days without significant yield penalty, the losses caused by these stresses can be avoided in its major production base. Two extra short duration genotypes of greengram were developed at Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur which matured significantly early (45-48 days) during summer as well as rainy seasons as compared to 60-65 days of the earliest maturing check varieties (PDM139 and Sona Yellow). The genotype IPM 205-7 was developed from the cross 'IPM 2-1 x EC 398889' and IPM 4094 from 'PDM 288 x IPM 3-1' following the pedigree method of selection. Both the genotypes showed resistance to mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) and have been registered with NBPGR as INGR11043 and INGR11044, respectively. The major morphological characteristics of these genotypes are short and erect plants, dark green ovate leaves, light yellow flowers, small black pods on maturity, and shining green seeds. These genotypes can be directly released as cultivars after their adaptation test and can also be useful donors for earliness and MYMIV resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]