Maternal inheritance of chloroplast DNA in Coffea arabica hybrids

Intergenic spacers of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) are very useful in phylogenetic and population genetic studies of plant species. Their integration in phylogenetic analysis leads to a deep understanding of species relationships. Mode of chloroplast DNA inheritance was investigated in the genus Coffea arabica (Rubiaceae) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of cpDNA fragments using universal primer pair rrn23 – trnR (ACG) region of chloroplast genome. A total of 30 F1 plants from five different C. arabica parent varieties were examined. Two crosses involving C. arabica var. Sln.10 and C. arabica var. Devamachy, and C. arabica var.S.881 and another cross involving C. arabica var. Agaro with C. arabica var. Tafarikela were analyzed. Length polymorphism was observed in all three hybrids at rrn23 – trnR (ACG) region of cpDNA. In each case, it was the maternal cpDNA marker that appeared in the F1 individuals. Further it was observed that the length polymorphism  observed within parental plants led to the identification of five different banding patterns at rrn23 – trnR (ACG) region of coffee cpDNA. The possible reasons for the observed differences are discussed

Nutritional requirement at high-altitude with special emphasises to behaviour of gastro-intestinal tract and hormonal changes

When people are exposed to the extreme environmental conditions, such as high altitude (HA) where there is decrease in temperature and partial pressure of oxygen induces fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite and increased cardiac output. Hence there is need to improve the appetite through the diet and digestion clout of the individual. In the present review paper we have discussed the efficiency of digestion is compromised at HA. Also about, Hypoxia, resulting by decreased partial pressure of oxygen can be classified into acute hypoxia and chronic hypoxia based on the exposure time. There is increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to less oxygen available in the air at HA which leads to oxidative stress. Lipid peroxidation caused by oxidative stress. Hypoxia is mediated through hypoxia inducible factors which maintain oxygen haemostasis in the body. At HA diet rich in carbohydrates have been found to be beneficial as it increases glucose metabolism. Requirement of nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C as well as micronutrients such as zinc, iron, selenium, copper and manganese will be required at HA. Hypoxia effect on the intestine leads to malabsorption and the lipid storage is stimulated and lipid catabolism is inhibited through β-oxidation

Vegetative vigour, yield and field tolerance to leaf rust in four F1 hybrids of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in India

Four F1 hybrids of arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) developed with the primary objective of pyramiding the SH3 gene for leaf rust resistance in a commercial variety ‘Chandragiri’ for achieving the long-lasting resistance to leaf rust, have been evaluated in field. Two hybrids (S.5083 and S.5084) were derived from a donor heterozygous to SH3, while the other two hybrids (S.5085 and S.5086) were developed from donor homozygous to SH3. Among the hybrids, S.5086 recorded superior yield performance during individual years with a maximum yield of 1611 kg/ha during 2020-21 and the four year mean yield of 1313 kg/ha. The hybrid exhibited maximum heterosis over mid parent (29.10%) and better parent (17.12%) and S.5086 progeny also manifested high field tolerance to leaf rust pathogen as the entire plant population was free from the disease incidence throughout the study period. The findings of the present study established the efficiency of F1 breeding strategy with simultaneous pyramiding of rust resistance genes for development of vigorous, high yielding and durable rust resistant F1 hybrids in arabica. The F1 hybrid, S.5086 with promising performance in terms of crop yield and high field tolerance to leaf rust has potential implications for commercial exploitation

Effect of Glycerol on the Functional Properties of Chitosan/PEO Films

Polymer blending is a productive technique for granting attractive properties in polymeric materials which are advantageous for the packaging industry. In the present investigation, blended films of chitosan/poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) were synthesized in different proportions of weight in the presence and absence of glycerol. Presence of distinctive peaks of chitosan and PEO at 1656 cm−1 and 843 cm−1 separately confirms the blending of chitosan/PEO. Simultaneously widening of peaks at 3380 cm−1 and 1656 cm−1 can be credited to the inter-molecular hydrogen bonding between chitosan/PEO films which thereby support blending. The physico-mechanical, barrier, optical, thermal, surface morphology and biodegradation properties of chitosan and PEO blended films with and without glycerol were estimated. It was seen that the tensile strength of the blended films diminished. Haze values of chitosan/PEO blended films with glycerol (20%) diminished from 17.7% for C100 to 3.7% for pure PEO bringing about an increase in transparency of the films that could be due to the plasticized effect. The outcomes indicate that in the presence of glycerol (20%), there is an increment of the elongation at break by more than 150%, inferring that these chitosan/PEO films could be suitably used in elastic and stretchable packaging. These films with high WVTR values can be utilized for fresh produce to control moisture evaporation and upgrades their shelf life. These films biodegrade or disintegrate within five weeks

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith): incidence, host range and its management

The invasive fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) was reported for the first time on maize causing severe damage in Karnataka, India during May 2018. Thereafter, the pest has spread to most states of India and now reported from many south Asian countries. The biology under laboratory condition showed that the fecundity was 1064 eggs. Incubation, total larval and pupal period were observed from 2-3, 14-19 and 9- 12 days, respectively. The larval population varied during different growth stages of the crop on maize in Shivamogga and Davanagere districts during Kharif and Rabi seasons. Heavy population buildup of S. frugiperda in Karnataka on sorghum was recorded in Kalaburgi, Raichur, Koppal and Shivamogga districts in November and December months. The damage on maize during July 2018 to February 2019 varied between 20.0 to 80.0 per cent. The management practices like installation of pheromone traps, removal of eggs and use of two rounds of insecticides (Chlorantraniliprole, spinetoram and emamectin benzoate) were found to be effective in reducing the larval population and recorded higher yield. Efficacy of various aspects on S. frugiperda is discussed in this paper

Influence of Particle Size of Enogen Feed High Amylase and Conventional Yellow Dent Corn on Finishing Pig Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Stomach Ulceration

A total of 323 pigs (DNA 241 × 600; initially 109.8 lb) were used in an 83-d growth trial to evaluate the influence of particle size of Enogen Feed corn (Enogen, Syngenta Seeds, LLC, Downers Grove, IL) and conventional yellow dent corn on finishing pig performance. Pigs were randomly assigned to pens (9 pigs per pen) and pens were allotted by weight to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 6 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent) and 3 ground corn particle sizes (300, 600, or 900 microns). Overall, from d 0 to 83, there were no differences among corn sources observed for average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (F/G). As particle size of the diet decreased from 900 to 300 microns, ADG increased (linear, P = 0.018). Overall F/G improved (linear, P = 0.021) as corn particle size was decreased. In summary, reducing the particle size of the diet improves feed efficiency with no major differences between corn sources for overall pig performance

Corneal Alternations Induced by Topical Application of Benzalkonium Chloride in Rabbit

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is the most common preservative in ophthalmic preparations. Here, we investigated the corneal alternations in rabbits following exposure to BAC. Twenty-four adult male New Zealand albino rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. BAC at 0.01%, 0.05%, or 0.1% was applied twice daily to one eye each of rabbits for 4 days. The contralateral untreated eyes were used as control. Aqueous tear production and fluorescein staining scores of BAC-treated eyes were compared with those of controls. The structure of the central cornea was examined by in vivo confocal microscopy. Expression of mucin-5 subtype AC (MUC5AC) in conjunctiva was detected by immunostainig on cryosections. Corneal barrier function was assessed in terms of permeability to carboxy fluorescein (CF). The distribution and expression of ZO-1, a known marker of tight junction, and reorganization of the perijunctional actomyosin ring (PAMR) were examined by immunofluorescence analysis. Although there were no significant differences between control and BAC-treated eyes in Schirmer scores, corneal fluorescein scores and the number of conjunctival MUC5AC staining cells, in vivo confocal microscopy revealed significant epithelial and stromal defects in all BAC-treated corneas. Moreover, BAC at 0.1% resulted in significant increases in central corneal thickness and endothelial CF permeability, compared with those in control eyes, and endothelial cell damage with dislocation of ZO-1 and disruption of PAMR. Topical application of BAC can quickly impair the whole cornea without occurrence of dry eye. A high concentration of BAC breaks down the barrier integrity of corneal endothelium, concomitant with the disruption of PAMR and remodeling of apical junctional complex in vivo