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Not AvailableAluminium toxicity is a major growth limiting factor for pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] production in acid soils. Thus, screening and selection of pigeonpea genotypes for aluminium tolerance is important. The effects of five aluminium concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 and 50 ppm Al) on 32 genotypes of pigeonpea were studied in hydroponic and sand assays (growth response methods). Ratings of genotypes were similar for the two screening methods, suggesting that either of the two could be used for evaluation of genotypes for aluminium tolerance. Root and shoot aluminium contents were significantly lower in the tolerant (IPA 7-10¢ and T 7) than sensitive genotypes (Bahar and Pusa 9), indicating that aluminium tolerance mechanism per se in the tolerant genotypes involved aluminium exclusion. Genotypes IPA 7-10 and T 7 will be useful in breeding programmes to improve aluminium tolerance in pigeonpea.Not Availabl

Menstrual problems among adolescent schoolgirls in East Delhi, India

Background Many girls experience physical and emotional symptoms during and immediately before their menstrual period. This study surveyed adolescent schoolgirls in East Delhi, India to determine where they receive education regarding menstruation and the menstrual cycle. We recorded who they are most likely to turn to for advice on menstrual issues; documented the most common menstrual problems they face; and what formal education they receive, with the aim of identifying the most common menstrual problems and their associated factors

Integrated physiological and molecular approaches to improvement of abiotic stress tolerance in two pulse crops of the semi-arid tropics

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan L. (Millsp.)] play an important role in mitigating protein malnutrition for millions of poor vegetarians living in regions of the semi-arid tropics. Abiotic stresses such as excess and limited soil moisture (water-logging and drought), heat and chilling (high and low temperature stresses), soil salinity, and acidity are major yield constraints, as these two crops are grown mostly under rainfed conditions in risk-prone marginal and degraded lands with few or no inputs. Losses due to such stresses vary from 30% to 100% depending on their severity. The literature abounds in basic information concerning screening techniques, physiological mechanisms, and genetics of traits associated with resistance/tolerance to abiotic stresses in these two crops. However, the final outcome in terms of resistant/tolerant varieties has been far from satisfactory. This situation calls for improving selection efficiency through precise phenotyping and genotyping under high-throughput controlled conditions using modern tools of genomics. In this review, we suggest that an integrated approach combining advances from genetics, physiology, and biotechnology needs to be used for higher precision and efficiency of breeding programs aimed at improving abiotic stress tolerance in both chickpea and pigeonpea