Global Trends in the Use of Insecticides to Control Vector-Borne Diseases

Background: Data on insecticide use for vector control are essential for guiding pesticide management systems on judicious and appropriate use, resistance management, and reduction of risks to human health and the environment

Allelic dimorphism of Plasmodium vivax gam-1 in the Indian subcontinent

BACKGROUND: Genetic polymorphism is an inevitable component of a complex organism especially in multistage infectious organisms such as malaria parasites. Understanding the population genetic structure of the parasites would provide valuable information for effective malaria control strategies. Recently, the development of molecular tools like PCR has made analysis of field samples possible and easier and research on Plasmodium vivax has also been strengthened. Not many reports are available on the genetic polymorphism of P. vivax from the Indian sub-continent. This study evaluates the extent of diversity in field isolates of India with respect to Pvgam-1. METHODS: A study was designed to assess the diversity of Pvgam-1 among field isolates from India, using a nested PCR assay. Field isolates were collected from different regions of the country and the observed variability was confirmed by sequencing data. RESULTS: Both Belem and Chesson type alleles were present either exclusively or in mixed form among isolates of all 10 study sites. The Belem type allele was predominant, occurring in 67% of isolates. The proportion of isolates showing the mixed form (both Belem and Chesson type alleles occurring together in the same isolate) was about 13 overall (up to 38.5% in some isolates). Sequencing of the PCR-amplified Belem and Chesson type alleles confirmed the PCR results. Among the 10 study sequences, 11 polymorphic sites and four singleton variations were observed. All the nucleotide substitutions were non-synonymous. CONCLUSION: Study shows limited diversity of Pvgam-1 marker in Indian isolates with well representation of both Belem and Chesson type alleles

Status of Legislation and Regulatory Control of Public Health Pesticides in Countries Endemic with or at Risk of Major Vector-Borne Diseases

Background: Legislation and regulation of pesticides used in public health are essential for reducing risks to human health and the environment

Influence of Vermicompost and Bio-fertilizers on Growth and Flowering of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Prajwal

The experiment was planned to sustainably improve the growth and yield of tuberose using bio-fertilizers and organic manures. performed in pots in completely randomized design (CRD) with 11 treatments having four replications to study the response of organic manures, chemical fertilizers and bio fertilizers on growth and flower yield of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Prajwal.  The treatment containing sand + vermicompost (4:1) + Bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter&Pseudomonas sp.) was significantly superior in terms of plant height (70.50 cm), length of leaf (36.98 cm), Number of leaf (25.67), spike length (66.58 cm), rachis length (27.23 cm), diameter of stem (1.096 cm), florets number per spike (35), number of opened florets per spike (33.67), spikes number per clump, spike weight (75.33 g), bulb number per clump (21), bulb diameter (1.20 cm), bulb weight (3.98 g). While lowest values of these parameters were observed in the control (sand). Minimum days taken to bulb sprouting (21.75 days), days taken to complete bulb sprouting (24.50 days), days taken to spike emergence (93 days) and days taken to opening of first floret (106.75 days) were observed   in sand + inorganic manures. Treatment having Sand + vermicompost (4:1) + Bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter&Pseudomonas sp. was observed best to promote growth and flowering of tuberose

Global authoritative guidelines on efficacy testing and risk assessment in relation to each vector-control application method or tool [23].

<p>N/a indicates that guidelines are not yet available.</p><p>Global authoritative guidelines on efficacy testing and risk assessment in relation to each vector-control application method or tool [<a href="http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001824#pmed.1001824.ref023" target="_blank">23</a>].</p

Designated tasks in the WHOPES global network of institutions [27].

<p>* WHO Collaborating Centre, designated through ministerial agreement and with fixed workplan. Other partner institutions are contracted on an ad-hoc basis. WHO applies the same quality control standards to all institutions.</p><p>Designated tasks in the WHOPES global network of institutions [<a href="http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001824#pmed.1001824.ref027" target="_blank">27</a>].</p

Number of products per application method that have been evaluated by the WHOPES Working Group in its annual meetings, pooled over three periods [23].

<p>LN = long-lasting insecticidal nets; IRS = indoor residual spraying; CTN = conventionally treated nets; L = larviciding; SS = space spraying; RP = repellent.</p