Genetically engineered crops in developing countries

405p.; Cover & table of content attachedAlleviation of poverty in developing countries continues to be the main target for scientists as well as administrators. Genetically engineered (GE) crops initially were developed to benefit large scale commercial outfits. They are currently grown on 175 million ha and more than 50% of this is contributed by developing countries. Private sector continues to be the major player in bringing out the GE products with pest resistance, high yield and improved quality. It was shown in the paper that the commercialized GE crops go beyond just the four crops (soybean, maize, cotton and canola) and pest resistance and that several small private players as well as the pubic sector are taking bigger role in technology development. The impact generated by engineered insect and herbicide resistant crops on the agronomic, environmental and socio economic aspects was given, citing appropriate examples, in various developing countries. In addition to the substantial yield gains, growing them also helped to protect the environment through reduced pesticide application. Public sector is also catching up in generating the technologies that are more suitable for adoption by marginal farmers. Controversies underlying the cultivation ofGE crops especially Bt cotton in India were discussed. The potential the technology offers for poverty alleviation was highlighted. After critically examining the policy frameworks in several developing countries, the paper highlights the desirable changes in the domestic regulatory frameworks and international laws for effective harnessing of the technology for optimum social welfare

Le virus de la striure de l'arachide

Le virus de la striure de l'arachide (peanut stripe virus ou PStV) appartient au groupe des potyvirus. Il se transmet mécaniquement, par les pucerons (de manière non persistante) et par les graines de l'arachide (Arachis hypogaea). Le PStV infecte l'arachide naturellement en Chine, en Inde, en Indonésie, en Malaisie, au Myanmar, aux Philippines, en Thaïlande, aux Etats-Unis et au Vietnam. Les symptômes induits chez l'arachide varient selon les isolats différents du PStv. Des antisérums ont été produits pour plusieurs isolats du PStV et des tests sérologiques sont disponibles pour la détection du virus au niveau des feuilles et des graines. D'après la sérologie et le profil peptidique de la protéine de capside, le PStV est apparenté à la mosaïque du niébé (blackeye cowpea mosaic virus). Des études sur l'organisation génomique du PStV au niveau moléculaire ont été initiées. Les données disponibles jusqu'à maintenant laissent croire que ce virus est étroitement lié au virus de la mosaïque du soja, au virus de la mosaïque de la pastèque (watermelon mosaic virus) et au virus de la mosaïque jaune de la courgette d'Italie (zucchini yellow mosaic virus). Les mesures de lutte contre la maladie sont examinées sur la base des informations épidémiologiques disponible

Le virus de la striure de l'arachide

Background: Further research on effective interventions for patients with peristent Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS) in general practice is needed. Prevalence estimates of such patients are conflicting, and other descriptive knowledge is needed for development and evaluation of effective future interventions. In this study, we aimed to estimate the consultation prevalence of patients with persistent MUPS in general practice, including patients’ characteristics and symptom pattern, employment status and use of social benefits, and the general practitioners’ (GPs) management strategy. Method: During a four-week period the participating Norwegian GPs (n = 84) registered all consultations with patients who met a strict definition of MUPS (>3 months duration and function loss), using a questionnaire with simple tick-off questions. Analyses were performed with descriptive statistics for all variables and split analysis on gender and age. Results: The GPs registered 526 patients among their total of 17 688 consultations, giving a consultation prevalence of persistent MUPS of 3%. The mean age of patients was 46 years, and 399 (76%) were women. The most frequent group of symptoms was musculoskeletal problems, followed by asthenia/fatigue. There was no significant gender difference in symptom pattern. Almost half of the patients were currently working (45%), significantly more men. The major GP management strategy was supportive counseling. Conclusion: A consultation prevalence rate of 3% implies that patients with persistent MUPS are common in general practice. Our study disclosed heterogeneity among the patients such as differences in employment status, which emphasizes the importance of personalized focus rather than unsubstantiated stereotyping of “MUPS patients” as a group.publishedVersio

Aplicação em pré-colheita de cloreto de cálcio no controle do despencamento natural dos frutos de bananeira 'FHIA-18'

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação de CaCl2 em pré-colheita, em diferentes doses e épocas no controle do despencamento natural de frutos da bananeira 'FHIA-18'. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 3x3+1 testemunha, sendo testadas as doses de 2, 4 e 6% de CaCl2 aos 60, 90 e 120 dias após a emissão do cacho, com cinco repetições e uma planta por parcela. Observou-se redução linear da resistência ao despencamento e do tempo de maturação do fruto com o acréscimo das doses de CaCl2. Os frutos apresentaram maior firmeza com três aplicações de CaCl2. Os teores de cálcio da casca e da polpa não foram alterados significativamente com as doses e épocas de aplicações do CaCl2, indicando que o cálcio não é absorvido efetivamente pelo fruto. A aplicação de CaCl2 na pré-colheita não reduz o despencamento dos frutos da bananeira 'FHIA-18'