Thidiazuron-induced shoot organogenesis from mature leaf explants of scented Pelargonium capitatum cultivars

Shoot organogenesis from mature leaf tissues of two scented Pelargonium capitatum cultivars, ‘Attar of Roses’ and ‘Atomic Snowflake’, grown in the greenhouse, were optimized in the presence of thidiazuron (TDZ). The protocol involved preculture of leaf sections on basal Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 10 lM TDZ, 4.4 lM of 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 5.4 lM a-naphtaleneacetic acid (NAA) for a period of 2 weeks and followed by subculture of explants to a fresh medium containing 4.4 lM BA and 5.4 lM NAA. Frequency of regeneration reached approximately 93% for both cultivars, with the induction of more than 100 shoots per explant. Regenerated plantlets were rooted on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 4.4 mM sucrose and 8.6 lM of Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). All regenerated shoots from both cultivars developed roots when transferred to organic soil mix, acclimatized, and successfully transferred to greenhouse conditions. When regenerated shoots were transferred to hydroponic conditions, frequency of survival was 76.2 and 61.9% for ‘Attar of Roses’ and ‘Atomic Snowflake’, respectively

Response of Corn and Palmer amaranth to Mesotrione

Mesotrione is a herbicide used for the selective pre- and post-emergence control of a wide range of broadleaf and grass weeds in corn (Zea mays). It inhibits the enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) which leads to stop biosynthesis of plastoquinone, a key factor in the synthesis of carotenoid pigment. The depletion of carotenoids leading to bleaching symptoms followed by necrosis in sensitive plants. Palmer amaranth (Amaranth Palmeri) is one of the major weeds in corn production system. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that mesotrione may be effective to control Palmer amaranth and safe for use in corn. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate response of corn and Palmer amaranth to mesotrione. Corn and Palmer amaranth plants were treated with mesotrione at 105 g ai ha-1,and plant survival data was collected at 3 week after application. There was no injury reported to any of the corn plant, and plant survival rate was reported 100%. However, Palmer amaranth plants showed bleaching symptoms followed by necrosis and plant death. Only 12.5% Palmer amaranth plants survived after mesotrione application. These results demonstrated the tolerance of corn and sensitivity of Palmer amaranth to mesotrione

Declining crafts: looking through a different perspective

Many Indian crafts are facing extinction. Examples include stone sculpting in Odisha, cotton and silk weaving in Maharashtra, and Madhubani in Uttar Pradesh. This paper focuses on Madhubani, an intricate form of art and craft practiced by artisans in Bihar, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, used to mark special occasions, festivals and life events. The paper describes the external drivers threatening this craft, and the ways in which it has evolved to incorporate new tools and materials. It takes a practice-based approach, in which the author reflects on a three-month period of training with one of the last families of artisans in Madhubani, and the product and furniture designs she developed as a result. Convivial conversations with the family are recounted, and practitioners’ concerns are described around the decline and lack of options for the survival of the craft. The paper finishes with recommendations for a collaborative creative action research approach to evolving the specific craft of Madhubani, in such a way that its true heritage is preserved

UPM juara skuasy IPT

BUKIT JALIL - Pasukan Skuasy Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) melakar kejayaan apabila muncul juara Kejohanan Skuasy Berpasukan Institut Pengajian Tinggi (IPT) yang diadakan di Pusat Skuasy Negara, Bukit Jalil baru-baru in