A Guava-Based Hortipasture System for Mitigating Climate Change and Sustaining Fodder & Fruit Supply in Semi-Arid Regions of India

Hortipasture systems have huge potential to mitigate climate change via sequestering carbon along with sustaining fodder and fruit supply especially in semi-arid regions. Therefore to evaluate climate change mitigation, fruit and fodder production potential of 10 year old rainfed based Hortipasture system (Psidium guajava (Guava) + Cenchrus ciliaris + Stylosanthes hamata) established at Central Research Farm of ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (Bundelkhand region, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India), carbon stock of tree and under storey pasture components was quantified along with fruit and forage production. The experimental site is drought prone semi arid region characterized by poor soil quality, harsh climate and erratic rainfall. Two cultivars of Guava (Lalit and Shweta) integrated with C. ciliaris + S. hamata were pruned to enhance fruit yield of 10 year old trees. The Cv. Lalit produced higher (10.40 %) fruit yield compared to Shweta and medium pruned trees produced highest fruit yield (Lalit: 15.46 t ha-1 & Shweta: 14.87 t ha-1) compared to unpruned and highly pruned trees. The under storey pasture production (C. ciliaris+ S. hamata) was 5.6 t DM ha-1. Total tree carbon stock in Guava ranged between 7.92 to 11.34 t ha-1 (Cultivar: Shweta-10.24 t ha-1and Lalit-9.20 t ha-1). Under storey pasture carbon stock ranged from 4.26 t ha-1 to 4.43 t ha-1. Total carbon stock potential of system (in biomass) ranged from 12.23 t ha-1 to 15.77 t ha-1 with 78.90−84.70 % and 15.30−21.10 % contribution of above and below ground biomass respectively to total carbon stock. Therefore in semi arid regions of India, where 90% of people depend on livestock for their livelihood security, establishment of Guava + C. ciliaris+ S. hamata based hortipasture system can enhance economic returns of the farmers and mitigate climate change via carbon sequestration in biomass leading to the offsetting of green house gases emission from livestock sector

Characterization of Degree of Eco-restoration by Tree-Grass Interaction in Degraded Lands of Semi-Arid Tropics

Land degradation majorly declines soil health. Eco-restoration through tree-grass interaction provides a perfect solution to restore degraded lands. The study was carried out at Jhansi district of India during 2010 to 2019 with three fodder trees viz namely, Ficus infectoria, Morus alba, and Acacia nilotica and a shrub Leucaena leucocephala (along with three grasses (Cenchrus ciliaris, Chrysopogon fulvus and Panicum maximum). The main objectives of these study were to a) assess the changes in soil organic carbon pools and responses of soil enzymes as impacted by different eco-restoration strategies involving trees and grasses; and b) develop an index to measure efficiency of eco-restoration strategies to aid the community.Grass and tree biomass yield were the highest for Panicum maximum and Ficus infectoria, respectively.After 9 years, land under Ficus, Morus, and Acacia had ~ 63, 105, and 87% greater total organic carbon and Cenchrus, Panicum, and Chrysopogon increased total organic carbon by 84, 91 and 77% at surface layers, respectively, over fallow land. Microbial biomass C increased by 2-2.5 folds in both soil layers after. There were positive correlation among all the C fractionsand eco-restoration efficiency. Carbon management index (CMI) enhanced by 51, 84, and 70% at surface layers under Ficus, Morus, and Acacia based systems, respectively over fallow land. Similarly, grasses also improved CMI by \u3e60%. Accumulation of soil organic carbon under Ficus, Morus, and Acacia were ~55, 91, and 77 % higher than fallow land at surface layers. By combining CMI and biological activity index, we developed eco-restoration efficiency index and found Morus + Panicum, Acaia + Panicum to be effective restoration strategies for eco-restoration under degraded lands of tropical climates. Our study indicated that implementation of these eco-restoration strategies could be a quantitatively important component of climate change mitigation strategies in India and should be continually paid a great attention

Development of Novel Interspecific Fertile Cytotype (4X) Of \u3cem\u3ePennisetum glaucum\u3c/em\u3e X \u3cem\u3ePennisetum purpureum\u3c/em\u3e Utilizing Modified Ploidy Coupled With Embryo Rescue Technique

Interspecific hybrids of genus Pennisetum (P. glaucum x P. purpureum) is the one of the most popular manmade hybrid. It combines the unique features of both P. glaucum (Pearl millet; Bajra) and P. purpureum (Napier; Elephant grass) species, which makes it more resilient to harsh environments with superior fodder quality. Due to ploidy level variation among the parents, these hybrids are sterile and propagated vegetatively only. To overcome this, attempts were made in the present study by exploring the feasibility of novel tetraploid pearl millet (2n=4x=28; Tetra 1; INGR 09047) developed at IGFRI, as a female parent in crossing program involving different Napier genotypes as male parent. Due to limited crossability and hybrid necrosis issues among countless crosses (\u3e 1000), only 1% seed set was initially recorded that too in shriveled state and the developing embryos were aborted after 10-14 days of pollination and fertilization. To save these, embryo rescue technique was standardized and the developing embryos were dissected out aseptically and rescued after 8-10 days of pollination. Continuous crossing programme along with screening of large tissue culture raised nurseries resulted in development of a novel tetraploid seed producing BN hybrid (TBN-20-15) along with 14 novel sterile tetraploid BN hybrids. Presence of univalent chromosomes leads to sterility while proper pairing between parents of TBN-20-15 hybrid have significant effect on fertility. The fertile hybrid is able to produce \u3e15,000-20,000 seeds throughout the year with 80-90% seed germination ability. Their hybridity was confirmed by morphology, molecular and cytogenetic studies. This fertile tetraploid BN hybrid (TBN-20-15) reported for the first time globally will be very helpful in easy and cost-effective dissemination of this highly potential forage crop to the farmer’s field. It has the potential to be the game changer in biofuel production, grassland rejuvenation programs besides bridging the fodder demand supply deficit

On the magnetic ground state of lead-free complex perovskite Sr(Fe1/2_{1/2}Nb1/2_{1/2})O3_{3}

We present here the results of dc magnetization (M) measurements as a function of temperature (T), field (H) and time (t) with different histories and ac susceptibility measurements as a function of temperature and frequency to understand the magnetic ground state of Sr(Fe$_{1/2}$Nb$_{1/2}$)O$_{3}$ (SFN). We show that the zero-field cooled (ZFC) and field cooled (FC) magnetization curves (M(T)) not only bifurcate but also exhibit a short plateau with a dip in the FC M(T) curve suggesting that the observed history dependent irreversibility may be due to cluster spin-glass (CSG) freezing and not superparamagnetic (SPM) blocking. This is confirmed by ac susceptibility χ(ω, T) studies which reveal critical slowing down of the spin dynamics as per Vogel Fulcher and power laws with spin-glass transition temperature T$_{SG}$ ∼(24 ± 1) K. The attempt time obtained by these laws ($τ_0$ ∼10$^{-6}$ s) is found to be consistent with CSG picture. Further, the field dependent shift of T$_f$ follows de Almeida-Thouless line in the T-H plane with a characteristic critical exponent m = 2/3. Further support for the existence of the spin-glass phase is obtained by the observation of non-exponential decay of the thermoremanent magnetization as well as aging, rejuvenation and memory effects below T$_f$. The non-zero value of remanent magnetization Mr without saturation below T$_f$ is shown to vanish exponentially with increasing temperature as T → T$_{SG}$ in agreement with what is observed in spin-glass systems. We also present a critical comparison of the magnetic ground states of SFN with CaCu$_3$Ti$_4$O$_{12}$ (CCTO) and other complex niobate perovskites in terms of the strength of the nearest neighbour exchange interaction parameter J$_1$, the coordination polyhedral, the disorder/dilution level of the magnetic sublattices, the presence or absence of octahedral tilts and the possibility of alternative superexchange pathways in these compounds

Magnetic ground state and crystal structure of the giant dielectric constant material Ba(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3Ba(Fe_{1/2}Nb_{1/2})O_{3}

The room temperature crystal structure as well as the magnetic ground state of Ba(Fe$_{1/2}$Nb$_{1/2}$)O$_3$ (BFN) are controversial. The results of Rietveld refinements using high-resolution synchrotron x-ray powder diffraction (SXRPD) data are presented to show that BFN belongs to cubic perovskite structure in the Pm$\bar{3}$m space group and not in the cubic Fm$\bar{3}$m or monoclinic symmetries, proposed by some earlier workers based on the analysis of the laboratory source XRD data. The temperature dependent specific heat measurements in the 1.8 to 300 K range on well characterized BFN samples are presented to show the absence of any long-range ordered (LRO) antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition, proposed by some earlier workers based on the observation of a peak in the temperature dependence of zero-field cooled (ZFC) DC magnetization around 25 to 32 K. Results of temperature dependent magnetization measurements during warming cycle on ZFC and field cooled (FC) BFN samples reveal history dependent bifurcation with a peak in the ZFC M (T) curve at T$_f$ ~ 29 K, in agreement with some previous results where it was attributed to a spin-glass transition even though such an irreversibility can result from superparamagnetic (SPM) blocking as well. The appearance of a short plateau in our FC M (T) curve below T$_f$ suggests a cluster spin-glass phase of BFN below T$_f$. This was confirmed by us through the ac susceptibility χ' (T, ω) studies which reveal divergence of spin dynamics at the spin-glass transition temperature T$_{SG}$ ~ (28 ± 1) K with a large characteristic spin relaxation time $τ_0$ ~ 10$^{−6}$ s following Vogel-Fulcher as well as power-law type critical dynamics. The existence of the magnetic glassy state in BFN is further supported by the observation of (1) magnetic field dependent shift of Tf with increasing magnetic field along the de Almeida-Thouless line in the T-H plane with a characteristic exponent of m = 2/3, (2) weak remanent magnetization Mr below T$_f$ with exponentially decreasing M$_r$ on approaching T$_f$, (3) extremely slow decay of the thermoremanent magnetization below Tf with time as per a stretched exponential function, and (4) characteristic aging, rejuvenation and memory effects below T$_f$. These results provide the first unambiguous confirmation of the cluster spin-glass state of BFN and settle the existing controversies related to its magnetic ground state

Effects of Altered Maternal Folic Acid, Vitamin B 12 and Docosahexaenoic Acid on Placental Global DNA Methylation Patterns in Wistar Rats

Potential adverse effects of excess maternal folic acid supplementation on a vegetarian population deficient in vitamin B 12 are poorly understood. We have previously shown in a rat model that maternal folic acid supplementation at marginal protein levels reduces brain omega-3 fatty acid levels in the adult offspring. We have also reported that reduced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels may result in diversion of methyl groups towards DNA in the one carbon metabolic pathway ultimately resulting in DNA methylation. This study was designed to examine the effect of normal and excess folic acid in the absence and presence of vitamin B12 deficiency on global methylation patterns in the placenta. Further, the effect of maternal omega 3 fatty acid supplementation on the above vitamin B12 deficient diets was also examined. Our results suggest maternal folic acid supplementation in the absence of vitamin B 12 lowers plasma and placental DHA levels (p,0.05) and reduces global DNA methylation levels (p,0.05). When this group was supplemented with omega 3 fatty acids there was an increase in placental DHA levels and subsequently DNA methylation levels revert back to the levels of the control group. Our results suggest for the first time that DHA plays an important role in one carbon metabolism thereb

Not Available

Not AvailableThe present study was aimed to optimize productivity of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) based agroforestry system by evaluating some above- and below-ground interactions and their effects on growth and yield of intercropped barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Sixteen treatment combinations comprising of four distances (D1- 1 m, D2- 2 m, D3- 3 m and D4- 4 m) away from tree base and four directions (East, West, North and South) were evaluated using Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Data on light interception (Hz), plant height (cm), chlorophyll content (SPAD value), soil moisture (%) and grain yield (g m-2) were collected and analysed. Light interception reached at its peak at 12.00 noon and lowest at 5.00 pm. At its peak, highest light interception (1193.8 Hz) was recorded in East direction at D4 and lowest (949.0 Hz) in the West at D1. Light interception in West and North directions was statistically lower than other directions. Light interception increased with increase in distance from the tree-stem. At 30 days after sowing (DAS), tallest plants were observed in West direction (23.08 cm) and shortest in the East (20.85 cm). The plant height at D1, D2 and D4 were statistically at par. At 30 DAS, lowest chlorophyll content (25.9) was observed in East direction at D4, whereas highest at 30 DAS in the West at D1 (31.5). At 90 DAS, significantly higher chlorophyll content was recorded in West direction and lowest in the South. Plants nearer to tree-stem showed high chlorophyll content. At 90 DAS, West and North directions recorded comparatively higher soil moisture, and among distances, it was recorded highest at D1. Among directions, highest grain yield was observed in East direction (210.1 g m-2) and lowest in the South (206.1 g m-2). The grain yield increased with distance from the tree trunk and significantly higher grain yield (4.68%) was recorded at D4 as compared to D1. From the findings, it can be concluded that the teak-barley agroforestry system, despite some significant above- and below-ground interactions affecting intercrop yield, may be a potential land-use system for adoption in the semi-arid region.Not Availabl

Origin of the high Seebeck coefficient of the misfit [Ca2CoO3]0.62[CoO2][Ca_{2}CoO_{3}]_{0.62} [CoO_{2}] cobaltate from site-specific valency and spin-state determinations

Layered misfit cobaltate [Ca2CoO3]0.62[CoO2], which emerged as an important thermoelectric material [A. C. Masset et al. Phys. Rev. B 62, 166 (2000)], has been explored extensively in the last decade for the exact mechanism behind its high Seebeck coefficient. Its complex crystal and electronic structures have inhibited consensus among such investigations. This situation has arisen mainly due to difficulties in accurate identification of the chemical state, spin state, and site symmetries in its two subsystems (rocksalt [Ca2CoO3] and triangular [CoO2]). By employing resonant photoemission spectroscopy and x-ray absorption spectroscopy along with charge transfer multiplet simulations (at the Co ions), we have successfully identified the site symmetries, valencies, and spin states of the Co in both layers. Our site-symmetry observations explain the experimental value of the high Seebeck coefficient and also confirm that the carriers hop within the rocksalt layer, which is in contrast to earlier reports where hopping within triangular CoO2 layer has been held responsible for the large Seebeck coefficient

Insulator-metal transitions in the T\it{T} phase Cr doped and M1\it{M1} phase undoped VO2VO_2 thin films

$VO_2$ exhibits several insulating phases (monoclinic $\it{M1}$, $\it{M2}$ and triclinic $\it{T}$) and study of these phases are important for understanding true nature of the insulator to metal transition (IMT) in $VO_2$. These insulating phases have small but discernible crystallographic differences in the vanadium chains forming the dimers. Peculiarities of the electron localizations in the dimerized chains, for many of the probes such as NMR, makes it difficult to characterize the true character of these phases . Here we present the structural, electrical, ultrafast reflectivity, and electronic structure studies on the $\it{T}$ phase Cr doped $VO_2$ and the $\it{M1}$ phase pure $VO_2$ thin films, both grown by pulsed laser deposition in identical conditions. An intermediate $\it{M2}$ structure is observed in the Cr doped $VO_2$, while the pure $VO_2$ directly goes from the insulating monoclinic $\it{M1}$ structure to a metallic rutile $\it{R}$ structure, manifested from temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy. Temperature dependent electronic structure studies utilizing x-ray near edge absorption spectroscopy (XANES) reveal that all these insulating phases (monoclinic $\it{M1}$, $\it{M2}$ and triclinic $\it{T}$) have alike electronic structure which place these insulating phases into the list of the Mott-Hubbard insulators. This is a first combined experimental report on the electronic structure of all the three insulating phases, monoclinic $\it{M1}$, $\it{M2}$ and triclinic $\it{T}$

Percent global DNA methylation in Wistar rat placenta.

<p>*p<0.05 when compared to control (Normal folate, normal B₁₂); ^† p<0.05 when compared to NFBD (Normal folate, B₁₂ deficient); ^‡p<0.05 when compared to EFBD (Excess folate, B₁₂ deficient), NFBDO: normal folate, B₁₂ deficient, omega 3 supplemented, EFB: Excess folate, normal B₁₂ ; EFBDO: Excess folate, B₁₂ deficient, omega 3 supplemented.</p