Early generation selection for aphid resistance and seed yield in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss)

Single plant selection in F2 progeny was effective when the performance of the selected F2 single plant families werecompared with the respective bulk progenies. The mean first infestation scores for aphids of all the families weresignificantly lower than the respective bulk progenies. Selected single plant progenies also recorded higher mean values forimportant traits related to aphid infestation. Seed yield per plant showed significantly positive genotypic correlation withheight up to first branch, number of siliqua on branches, total number of siliqua per plant and 100 seed weight. Firstinfestation score for aphids showed significantly negative correlations with length of main raceme, number of primary andsecondary branches. Second infestation score showed significantly negative correlation with length of main raceme andnumber of primary branches but showed significantly positive correlation with first aphid infestation score. The resultsuggested that lines with higher aphid resistance and higher seed yield could be selected from the progenies, if selection ispracticed for shorter plant height, more number of primary branches, higher number of seeds per siliqua and 100 seed weightalong with lower infestation scores

Measurements of dose rate for 10-16 keV Synchrotron X-ray photons at BL-16 beam line of Indus-2

259-262<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: " times="" new="" roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"times="" roman";mso-bidi-font-family:="" mangal;mso-ansi-language:en-gb;mso-fareast-language:en-us;mso-bidi-language:="" hi"="" lang="EN-GB">Indus-2 is a 2.5 GeV electron synchrotron radiation source located at Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), India. There is significant radiation exposure in the direct beam of synchrotron radiation due to its intense flux and low energy at synchrotron radiation beam line. In this paper, measurements of absorbed dose rate for mono chromatic synchrotron X-ray photon of energy ranging 10-16 keV is presented using various types of passive dosimeters, like CaSO4(Dy) TLDs, LiF :Mg,Ti (TLD-100), and Gafchromic film EBT-2 at microfocus X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy beam line (BL-16). The measured results are also compared with theoretically calculated values. It is observed that LiF :Mg,Ti (TLD-100), and Gafchromic film EBT-2 show 3-6 times more absorbed dose rates as compared to calculated values whereas CaSO4(Dy) TLD shows 10-20 times more absorbed dose rates.</span

Video1_COVID-19 repellent cloth.MP4

In this research work, for the first time, we have developed and demonstrated a COVID-19 repellent coating on cotton cloth that not only repels the virus but also most of the human body fluids (superhemophobic). The coating was tested in the BSL3 lab. The controlled experiments revealed no significant increase in the log viral particles on coated fabric compared to the uncoated surface, evidence that the coated fabric resisted the SARS-CoV-2 inoculum. Further, the coated cloth exhibited excellent dust-free nature and stain resistance against body fluids (blood, urine, bovine serum, water, and saliva aerosol). It also shows sufficient robustness for repetitive usage. The fabrication process for the developed COVID-19 repellent cloth is simple and affordable and can be easily scaled up for mass production. Such coating could be applied on various surfaces, including daily clothes, masks, medical clothes, curtains, etc. The present finding could be a mammoth step towards controlling infection spread, including COVID-19.</p

Radiation safety during the commissioning trials of synchrotron radiation beamlines of Indus-2

808-810There are 26 synchrotron radiation beamlines planned to be installed in Indus-2 for various applications. 5 are commissioned, 2 are under commissioning trial stage and several are under installation. During operation of these beamlines, radiation levels are monitored within and outside hutches. During initial trial runs streaming of radiation to accessible areas through gaps in the hutch structure and overlaps was observed. Shield augmentation and reducing gap between overlaps are found to be effective in preventing streaming of radiation. The paper describes radiation safety features, surveillance program and radiation levels in and around synchrotron radiation beamlines hutches of Indus-2