Participatory rural appraisal and farmers’ perception about common bean varieties in temperate Kashmir

Present investigation was undertaken during 2012 to 2014 in which 54 genotypes, both pole and bush type of Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were selected among a number of germplasm lines, land races and research material in order to generate information on the farmer’s’ perception about the Common bean varieties. Participatory rural appraisal was conducted in 32 villages of Kashmir through a broad questionnaires comprising of questions pertaining to the socio-economic conditions, farming systems, production constraints and varietal preferences of the common bean. The Participatory Rural Appraisal results revealed that common bean is generally grown as a rainfed crop (70 %) and is intercropped with maize/ potato/vegetable and merely as sole crop (20.66 %). Low yielding varieties and diseases (68.27 %) are considered as major challenges in the success of common bean crop, while as red colour with kidney shaped types (50 %) are highly being preferred as a pulse crop. The exercise of Participatory Rural Appraisal was carried out to generate basic information by assessing the need based constraints and devise the target breeding approach, by taking into consideration all constraints and also devise future breeding programme. A successful PRA provides the information needed to specify the characteristic in a new variety regarding its physical environment and the existing varietal diversity. For a breeding program, well applied Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques or customer profiling results in better client orientation and makes possible efficient goal setting or product design. Successful PRA provides everything that could be included in the full design specification of a new crop variety

Studies on combining ability and hybrid sterility in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

The rationale of taking this programme was to combine the higher yielding ability of japonica varieties on account of their semi-tall stature and therefore less proneness to lodging and responsiveness to higher doses of fertilization with wide adaptability and grain quality characteristics of indicas. The major objectives were to estimate the combining ability effects of parents and crosses, to determine the nature of gene action and to estimate the nature and magnitude of heterosis. The major problem frequently encountered in the inter-subspecific crosses is hybrid sterility. Hence other objectives undertaken were to assess the magnitude of hybrid sterility in terms of pollen and spikelet sterility in indica x japonica crosses and to determine the overcome in sterility by using WCV (Dular) through three-way crosses. In the present study twelve genetically diverse parents were used to generate 60 cross combinations. Thirty intervarietal (15 i x i and 15 j x j) crosses were generated through two 6 x 6 half diallel crosses. Fifteen inter-subspecific (i x j) crosses were obtained through single 5 x 3 line x tester mating design. Fifteen three-way crosses were generated by crossing five indica single crosses carrying WCV (Dular) as one of the parents with three japonica testers. The entire material were generated in Kharif 2008. The experimental material generated alongwith parents were evaluated in RBD with two replications at RR&RS, Khudwani, whileas intervarietal japonica (j x j) crosses were evaluated at High Altitude Rice Research Sub-Station, Larnoo during Kharif 2009. Observations were recorded for various morpho-agronomic and other traits. The analysis of variance revealed significant to highly significant differences for genotypes and crosses for the entire experimental material. The variances due to sca were higher in magnitude than the corresponding gca variances resulting in relatively higher than for most of the characters except for days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity and grain yield plant/plant. Genetic components of variance revealed relatively higher estimates due to dominance deviation ( ) than corresponding estimates of additive genetic variance ( ) for most of the traits except for aforementioned characters. However, deviation from this trend was also observed among experimental crossing blocks for different traits. Average degree of dominance was in the range of overdominance for most of the yield components and other traits, however, maturity traits and grain yield/plant displayed partial dominance. None of the parents could be identified to possess good general combining ability for all the attributes, however, the parents P1, P3, P8, P11 and P12 were found to be the promising combiners for most of the traits. Based on the results of specific combining ability the crosses for early maturity were P4 x P6, P1 x P5, P1 x P2, P11 x P12, P8 x P10, L4 x T2 and L3 x T3. For higher grain yield/plant promising crosses identified were P1 x P5, P1 x P2, P4 x P6, P8 x P11, P11 x P12, P10 x P12 and L3 x T3. The cross combinations P1 x P6, P2 x P5, P4 x P5, P10 x P12 and P11 x P12 were suggested as the most favourable for more fertile spikelet/panicle. Nature and extent of heterotic effects over better parent and standard check(s) were of appreciable magnitude for grain yield, yield component traits, besides for early maturity suggesting the possibility of improvement through exploitation of heterosis. The intervarietal crosses revealing standard heterosis over check(s) for yield and early maturity were P1 x P2 (9.62, -11.06 %), P1 x P4 (9.44, - 10.74 %) and P2 x P3 (10.62, -9.30 %), while as only vegetative heterosis was noticed on inter-subspecific crosses. Owing to apparent limitations in heterosis breeding in rice due to non-availability of suitable CMS system, biparental mating followed by recurrent selection is advocated to realise the maximum genetic gain. Hybridization of parents with good gca effects has an ample scope of throwing promising transgressive segregants in the segregating generations to be used as commercial varieties. Magnitude of hybrid sterility in terms of pollen and spikelet sterility when compared in different crossing blocks were observed in the order of i x j > i x i > j x j. Very high mean value for both of these traits were observed for inter-subspecific (i x j) crosses (58.26 and 76.51%), followed by intervarietal indica (i x i) (30.25 and 27.32%) and intervarietal japonica (j x j) crosses (10.97 and 16.78%). The i x j cross combination revealing highest value of pollen and spikelet sterility were L4 x T2 followed by L4 x T3 and L5 x T2. The mean overcome in hybrid sterility by using WCV (Dular) through three-way crosses was 36.62 and 63.62 per cent respectively for pollen and spikelet sterility. The three-way crosses (L4 x D) x T1 and (L1 x D) x T3 realized maximum overcome for both sterility values thus elucidating the importance of WCV (Dular) in neutralizing the hybrid sterility to an appreciable extent. Differential degrees of expression of hybrid sterility (i x j crosses) and overcome in hybrid sterility using WCV through three-way crosses signify the role played by genetic make up of different materials used for the study viz-a-viz inconclusive nature of WCV to express in all backgrounds. Hence the present study suggests the testing of more and more prospective neutral alleles and their transfer into our indica and japonica varieties, so that a large number of WCVs with the desired agronomic background can be developed

Comparative toxicity study of various dosage forms of <i style="">Sammul far </i>(Arsenic trioxide) in mice

721-726Sammul far (Arsenic trioxide) is a poison but its use in Unani medicine as a therapeutic agent is common, of course, after subjecting it to various processes of detoxification. Two forms of processed Arsenic, i.e. simply processed by grinding it along with certain other drugs (Mudabbar/detoxified form), and by burning it at a very high temperature and getting its oxide (Kushta/calcined form) are widely used by Unani physicians. However, these two forms have not been studied scientifically for their toxic potential or pharmacological and therapeutic profile. Therefore, a study was designed to evaluate acute and sub acute toxicity of Sammul far processed by different methods in albino mice with an aim to prepare their toxicity/safety profile and find the safest dosage form through their inter comparison. The data obtained from the study were analyzed by using Kruskal Wallis with Dunn’s multiple pair comparison test, and ANOVA non- repeated measure. A thermogram was also prepared by recording the heat pattern during the course of preparation of Kushta by conventional method (as described in Unani literature) and was standardized for preparation of Kushta by a furnace. The study revealed Mudabbar form to be more toxic than the calcined form. Further, Kushta prepared by furnace was safer than that prepared by classical method

Secondary parkinsonism due to osmotic demyelination syndrome: a case report

Hyponatremia is a common medical problem often found in the elderly and is due to poor intake, medical comorbidities, and medications. Central to the management of this condition is the use of normal and hypertonic saline, besides the use of supplementary salt in diet and limited water intake. However, correction has to be slow; this depends upon whether the patient has acute or chronic hyponatremia. Rapid correction produces a myriad of clinical manifestations, commonly called as osmotic demyelination syndrome. The demyelination is pyramidal in most instances; the basis pontis is usually the frequent location. Extrapyramidal demyelination occurs in 10% of cases. Here, we present a form of extrapyramidal demyelination (i.e. secondary parkinsonism) secondary to osmotic demyelination syndrome, which has rarely been reported in the literature

Improved protocol for efficacious in vitro androgenesis and development of doubled haploids in temperate japonica rice.

DH (Doubled haploid) is the immortal mapping population and an outcome of single meiotic cycle, contributed from male partner. An improved procedure was developed for high frequency androgenesis in japonica genotypes, K-332 and GS-88 and their F1s. A total of 207 fertile, green, di-haploid plants were generated from K-332 × GS-88 hybrids using the improved anther culture protocol. The investigation was carried out to evaluate callus induction potential and regeneration response for the genotypes and the derived F1s on N6 media and modified N6 media (N6M). Whereas, N6 failed to induce callusing, agarose solidified N6M media supplemented with 4% maltose, growth regulators; NAA (2 mg/l), 2, 4-D (0.5 mg/l), Kinetin (0.5 mg/l), and silver nitrate induced high calli percentage of 27.6% in F1s, 9.5% and 6.7% in GS-88 and K-332 respectively. Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with 3% sucrose, and the hormonal combination BAP (2 mg/l), Kinetin (1 mg/l) and NAA (1 mg/l) induced high green shoot regeneration rates (0-60.0%). The effect of cold pre-treatment at 4°C and the stage of anther collection and their interaction was studied. The effect of cold pre-treatment (CP) of collected boots at 4°C (for CP2: 2, CP4: 4, CP6: 6 and CP8: 8 days) at different stages of panicle emergence (BES4-6: 4-6, BES7-10: 7-10, BES11-13: 11-13, BES>13: more than 13 inches was worked out in relation to the effect on response of calli induction, albino regeneration, green plant regeneration and number of shoots/green calli. CP referred to the number of days for which the collected boots were incubated before they were inoculated. BES was the length (inches) between flag leaf and penultimate leaf at the time of boot collection. We concluded that CP6 and BES7-10 showed better response to callus proliferation and regeneration of plantlets across genotypes. The appropriate pre-treatment, stage of anther collection and favourable media composition resulted in high calli induction and green plant regeneration rates in recalcitrant japonica genotypes. The modified N6 media resulted into efficient callus induction and is expected to be useful for studies which aim at rapid generation of mapping populations for genetic studies

Screening Technique Based on Seed and Early Seedling Parameters for Cold Tolerance of Selected F2-Derived F3 Rice Genotypes under Controlled Conditions

The cold tolerance studies were carried out in a bi-parental F2 population of a cross between tolerant and susceptible parents (SKUA-529 and HEERA, respectively). The purpose was to screen the individuals of a population for primary cold-tolerance-related attributes. The information generated has a direct application and use in identifying cold tolerance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and further can be used for genotyping with an appropriate marker system. The screening was carried out on F2-derived F3 seeds and F3 plants for seedling and agronomic traits, respectively. Two tests measuring cold tolerance were conducted. In experiment I, seeds were germinated for 28 days at 13 &deg;C and 7 days at 28 &deg;C, and in experiment II, the seeds were germinated for 72 h at 28 &deg;C, 96 h at 13 &deg;C, and once more for 72 h at 28 &deg;C. Coleoptile length, germination percentage, and radical reduction percentages were all measured in experiment I. The radicle and coleoptile regeneration in experiment II were measured after the cold period. The improvement in cold tolerance was achieved through radicle regrowth, as evidenced by the difference between the second and first measurements. The individual lines from the F2:3 population that recorded high germination (%) were #21, #13, #14, and #15. The percentage of coleoptile length (PERCOL %) was observed to be between the ranges of 23.33% to 53.00%. The reduction in coleoptile length (REDCOL %) was also obtained, and there was less reduction in #15, #16, and #14 and it had a range between 38.46% and 75%. Radicle regrowth (REDRAG) was high at 13 &deg;C in #7, #11, #30, #35, and #36. Survival of the seedling range was between 33.33% and up to 100%, and the highest survival rate was observed in #16. The main objective of this rotation in temperature was to emulate field conditions where there has been a drop in temperature. The evaluations were done for primary cold stress tolerance traits, and it was found that most of these traits exhibited high variability. The mapping population developed may be utilized to generate a linkage map and locate QTLs for tolerance to cold stress in rice. Further, the identified donors for cold tolerance may be utilized for breeding programs aimed at the transfer of low-temperature stress tolerance into susceptible backgrounds. In general, a genotype with improved seedling germination rates, growth rates, and leaf yellowing scores; high seedling survival; lesser reduction in coleoptile length and in radicle development; and recovery following a cold shock at the seedling stage demonstrated its cold resistance. Genotypes with a low germination percentage, a greater number of days to germination, slow growth rate and higher leaf yellowing score, high reduction in coleoptile and radicle growth, and reduced seedling survival indicated cold susceptibility

Etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of lower gastrointestinal bleed in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India: A retro-prospective study

Introduction: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is one of the leading causes for hospital admissions in gastroenterology wards all over the world. Patients usually present with hematochezia or bloody diarrhea. Colonoscopy is usually the initial diagnostic intervention followed by other more sophisticated tests. Bleeding may stop spontaneously, but evaluation is important because patients may harbor a sinister lesion like cancer. Aim of the Study: To determine the various etiologies, clinical presentations, a diagnostic test used and treatments received by LGIB patients admitted in our department. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 cases were studied which included 180 retrospective cases and 120 prospective cases. For retrospective cases, all the information was obtained by analyzing their case records while as prospective patients were managed as per a predefined protocol and details of various investigations and treatments documented. Results: Most commonly affected was elderly population (>60 years), constituting 40% (120/300) of studied population. Males constituted 59% (177/300) and females 41% (123/300). The most common clinical presentation of LGIB in our patients was hematochezia (63.6%, 191/300). Growth/polyp was the most common finding on colonoscopic examination seen in 29.3% (n = 88) patients. Inflammatory lesions were seen in 77 out of 239 (25.7%) patients. Wireless capsule endoscopy was positive in 13 out of 24 patients (54%). Computed tomography (CT) enterography showed positive results in 6 out of 25 (24%) cases. Red blood cell scan was done in seven patients while as CT angiography in in four patients. Therapeutic endoscopy was successful in 115 out of 239 patients with positive colonoscopy, polypectomy was the commonest procedure performed. Medical management was carried out in 34.6% patients. Surgical treatment was offered to 21% patients. Conclusion: Colonoscopy is the initial and most common investigation used in the evaluation of GI bleed. A polyp is the most common diagnosis while as polypectomy the most common therapeutic procedure

Screening Technique Based on Seed and Early Seedling Parameters for Cold Tolerance of Selected F₂-Derived F₃ Rice Genotypes under Controlled Conditions

The cold tolerance studies were carried out in a bi-parental F2 population of a cross between tolerant and susceptible parents (SKUA-529 and HEERA, respectively). The purpose was to screen the individuals of a population for primary cold-tolerance-related attributes. The information generated has a direct application and use in identifying cold tolerance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and further can be used for genotyping with an appropriate marker system. The screening was carried out on F2-derived F3 seeds and F3 plants for seedling and agronomic traits, respectively. Two tests measuring cold tolerance were conducted. In experiment I, seeds were germinated for 28 days at 13 °C and 7 days at 28 °C, and in experiment II, the seeds were germinated for 72 h at 28 °C, 96 h at 13 °C, and once more for 72 h at 28 °C. Coleoptile length, germination percentage, and radical reduction percentages were all measured in experiment I. The radicle and coleoptile regeneration in experiment II were measured after the cold period. The improvement in cold tolerance was achieved through radicle regrowth, as evidenced by the difference between the second and first measurements. The individual lines from the F2:3 population that recorded high germination (%) were #21, #13, #14, and #15. The percentage of coleoptile length (PERCOL %) was observed to be between the ranges of 23.33% to 53.00%. The reduction in coleoptile length (REDCOL %) was also obtained, and there was less reduction in #15, #16, and #14 and it had a range between 38.46% and 75%. Radicle regrowth (REDRAG) was high at 13 °C in #7, #11, #30, #35, and #36. Survival of the seedling range was between 33.33% and up to 100%, and the highest survival rate was observed in #16. The main objective of this rotation in temperature was to emulate field conditions where there has been a drop in temperature. The evaluations were done for primary cold stress tolerance traits, and it was found that most of these traits exhibited high variability. The mapping population developed may be utilized to generate a linkage map and locate QTLs for tolerance to cold stress in rice. Further, the identified donors for cold tolerance may be utilized for breeding programs aimed at the transfer of low-temperature stress tolerance into susceptible backgrounds. In general, a genotype with improved seedling germination rates, growth rates, and leaf yellowing scores; high seedling survival; lesser reduction in coleoptile length and in radicle development; and recovery following a cold shock at the seedling stage demonstrated its cold resistance. Genotypes with a low germination percentage, a greater number of days to germination, slow growth rate and higher leaf yellowing score, high reduction in coleoptile and radicle growth, and reduced seedling survival indicated cold susceptibility