Effect of plant geometry on rabi and kharif onion production

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of plant geometry on production of onion bulbs during rabi 2008–09 and kharif–2009. Eight week old seedlings of variety Agrifound Light Red in Rabi and seven week old seedlings of variety Agrifound Dark Red in kharif were transplanted in raised beds during the last week of December in rabi and August in kharif in different geometry i.e. S1- Normal planting 15 cm × 10 cm whole bed, straight row, S2-Zig zag planting 2 rows 30 cm × 10 cm whole bed, S3- Straight strip planting 10 cm × 10 cm (one strip 4 rows between strip 30 cm), S4-Zig zag strip planting 20 cm × 10 cm (one strip 4 rows between strip 30 cm) and S5-Paired row planting 30 cm × 10 cm (2 rows between pair 20 cm. Rabi data revealed that significantly higher equatorial bulb diameter (5.61 cm), polar diameter (3.93 cm), bulb size index (22.07 cm2), and 20 bulb weight (1.38 kg) were noted in S5 and was at par with S4 (5.59 cm), (3.90 cm), (21.87 cm2) and (1.33 kg), respectively. Treatment S5 showed highest total soluble solids (12%) and dry matter content (14%). Significantly highest gross yield (305 q ha-1) and marketable yield (291 q ha-1) were noted in S5 and was at par with S4 (302 q ha-1) and (205 q ha-1), respectively. In kharif, highest plant height (61.00 cm) was observed for S5-Paired row planting 30 cm × 10 cm (2 rows between pair 20 cm) which was, however, at par with S1-Normal planting 15 cm × 10 cm whole bed, straight row, and S4-Zig zag strip planting 20 cm × 10 cm (one strip 4 rows between strip 30 cm). The highest equatorial bulb diameter (5.42 cm), polar diameter (4.12 cm), 20 bulbs weight (1.18 kg) and bulb size index (22.28 cm2) were noted in S5- Paired row planting 30 cm × 10 cm (2 rows between pair 20 cm). The minimum thrips incidence (58 %) and number of thrips per plant (3) were noted in S5- Paired row planting 30 cm × 10 cm (2 rows between pair 20 cm). Highest and significant gross yield (226 q ha-1) and marketable yield (207 q ha-1) were noted in S5. It is concluded from the experiment that S5-Paired row planting 30 cm × 10 cm (2 rows between pair 20 cm) gave better results over other geometry in rabi as well as in kharif. &nbsp

Correlation and path coefficient studies in garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Correlation and path coefficient analysis were studied in 32 promising germplasm lines of garlic (Allium sativum) at Karnal (Haryana). Marketable yield was positively and significantly correlated with leaves plant-1, bulb diameter, bulb size index, weight of 20 bulbs and cloves bulb-1 at genotypic and phenotypic levels and negatively correlated with weight of 50 cloves at both levels. Gross yield was positively and significantly correlated with plant height, neck thickness and negatively correlated with clove diameter and clove size index at genotypic and phenotypic levels, indicating that selection based on these traits will help in increasing the yield. At genotypic level, traits such as leaves plant-1, clove diameter, cloves bulb-1 and weight of 50 cloves showed a positive direct effect on yield. Clove diameter had maximum positive direct effect (0.744) followed by weight of 50 cloves (0.547), cloves bulb-1 (0.313) and leaves plant-1 (0.288). The highest negative direct effect was noted for clove size index (-0.874), followed by neck thickness (-0.341), weight of 20 bulbs (-0.264) and plant height (-0.057). The estimates of direct and indirect effect on yield were more pronounced in genotypic path than phenotypic path coefficient. The study thus indicated that weight of 20 bulbs, bulb size index, weight of 50 cloves and cloves bulb-1 produced higher positive direct effect on yield and should be given emphasis during selection for improvement of garlic. &nbsp

Islet-Like Cell Aggregates Generated from Human Adipose Tissue Derived Stem Cells Ameliorate Experimental Diabetes in Mice

BACKGROUND: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is caused by auto immune destruction of insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. Currently available treatments include transplantation of isolated islets from donor pancreas to the patient. However, this method is limited by inadequate means of immuno-suppression to prevent islet rejection and importantly, limited supply of islets for transplantation. Autologous adult stem cells are now considered for cell replacement therapy in diabetes as it has the potential to generate neo-islets which are genetically part of the treated individual. Adopting methods of islet encapsulation in immuno-isolatory devices would eliminate the need for immuno-suppressants. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In the present study we explore the potential of human adipose tissue derived adult stem cells (h-ASCs) to differentiate into functional islet like cell aggregates (ICAs). Our stage specific differentiation protocol permit the conversion of mesodermic h-ASCs to definitive endoderm (Hnf3β, TCF2 and Sox17) and to PDX1, Ngn3, NeuroD, Pax4 positive pancreatic endoderm which further matures in vitro to secrete insulin. These ICAs are shown to produce human C-peptide in a glucose dependent manner exhibiting in-vitro functionality. Transplantation of mature ICAs, packed in immuno-isolatory biocompatible capsules to STZ induced diabetic mice restored near normoglycemia within 3-4 weeks. The detection of human C-peptide, 1155±165 pM in blood serum of experimental mice demonstrate the efficacy of our differentiation approach. CONCLUSIONS: h-ASC is an ideal population of personal stem cells for cell replacement therapy, given that they are abundant, easily available and autologous in origin. Our findings present evidence that h-ASCs could be induced to differentiate into physiologically competent functional islet like cell aggregates, which may provide as a source of alternative islets for cell replacement therapy in type 1 diabetes

Can yoga therapy stimulate stem cell trafficking from bone marrow?

It has been established that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from bone marrow enter the peripheral circulation intermittently for possible tissue regeneration, repair and to take care of daily wear and tear. This is evident from the detection of MSCs from peripheral blood. The factors governing this migration remain elusive. These MSCs carry out the work of policing and are supposed to repair the injured tissues. Thus, these cells help in maintaining the tissue and organ homeostasis. Yoga and pranayama originated in India and is now being practiced all over the world for positive health. So far, the chemical stimulation of bone marrow has been widely used employing injection of colony stimulating factor. However, the role of physical factors such as mechanical stimulation and stretching has not been substantiated. It is claimed that practicing yoga delays senescence, improves the physiological functions of heart and lung and yoga postures make the body elastic. It remains to be seen whether the yoga therapy promotes trafficking of the stem cells from bone marrow for possible repair and regeneration of worn out and degenerating tissues. We cover in this short review, mainly the role of physical factors especially the yoga therapy on stem cells trafficking from bone marrow