Effect of Planting Density on Growth Parameters and Fruit Yield in Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad Safeda Cultivated under Mild Humid Conditions of Coorg

A study was carried out in 'Allahabad Safeda' guava (Psidium guajava L.) to standardize the effect of planting densities on growth parameters viz., scion girth, plant height, and spread (East - West and North - South), canopy area, canopy volume and fruit yield over a ten years period. The trial was laid out with five planting densities viz., 6x3, 6x4, 6x6, 8x4, 8x3m accommodating 555, 416, 277, 312 and 416 plants/ha respectively with four replications having sixteen plants per treatment in a randomized block design during 1988-89 season. The grafted plants on seedling rootstock were planted and the yield data were recorded from 1992 to 1997. The results indicated that the scion girth was significantly higher in 8x3 or 8x4m configurations. There were no significant differences among treatments for plant height. The plant spread across East-West direction was however significant in 8x3m. The fruit yield in Mrig bahar was significantly higher as compared to that of Hasth bahar in terms of fruit number and weight. Land Use Index (LUI) values exceeding 50% had bearing on the productivity of different configurations. The productivity was nearly double in 6x3m where, the planting density was twice as much in recommended spacing (6x6m) by sixth year of planting after which, yield levels declined. Thus, it was concluded that a spacing of 6x3m having 555 plants/ha, gives the highest productivity in 'Allahabad Safeda' guava by sixth year of planting under North Coorg conditions

Understanding milling induced changes: some results

The effect of mechanical milling on materials has been studied using simple model systems. The results show that milling leads to enhancement in both thermodynamic driving force and transport kinetics. A study of some characteristic physical properties of the milled samples in comparison to the bulk shows how milling affects the properties

Identification of RAPD Marker Linked to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus Resistance in French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) causes yield loss up to 80 % and is becoming problematic in French bean growing areas. Molecular marker linked selection to MYMV resistance is helpful in rapid identification of genotypes carrying resistant genes. Hence, the present study was undertaken to identify the RAPD marker associated with MYMV resistance in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Bulk segregant analysis (BSA) was used to identify RAPD marker linked to MYMV resistance. More than 140 random decamers were surveyed for identification of polymorphic markers between the DNA bulks of resistant and susceptible F2 individuals and their contrasting parents. Ninety eight per cent of these primers amplified DNA in both parents and bulks. Twenty two primers produced specific bands for resistant parent which was absent in the susceptible parent. Out of 22 primers, four primers produced specific fragments viz., OPG 13458, OPX 5670, OPW 17380 and OPP 07730, respectively in resistant parent and bulk, which were absent in susceptible parent and bulk. Amplification of individual DNA samples of segregating F2 resistant individuals using putative marker, OPP 07730, a decamer revealed polymorphism in all four resistant and four susceptible F2 segregants, indicating that the marker OPP 07730 was associated with MYMV resistance in IC-525260, a resistant genotype

Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Biosynthesis and Regulation of Carotenoids in Plants

Carotenoids are coloured compounds beneficial to plants and humans. Some of the major health benefits carotenoids provide include Vitamin A precursors and, antioxidants besides being involved in several physiological functions. Even though several carotenoids are synthesised by plants, only a few like beta/ alpha carotenes and cryptoxanthin serve as Vitamin A precursors. The rest are useful as antioxidants. To draw maximum benefits from carotenoids, we need to incorporate these in crop improvement programmes for enhancing available Vitamin A precursor carotenoids. Therefore, it is essential to study biosynthesis of carotenoids, their genetics and their control. In this review, we focus on factors regulating carotenoid biosynthesis, metabolism and storage in plastids. Transcriptional and genetic control of carotenoid production in plants is discussed in the review using several mutants too. Further, environmental regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis is also highlighted. Carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables have greater economic value owing to their health-promoting effects. Besides,carotenoids have several industrial applications. Therefore, knowledge of regulation mechanism in carotenoid production in plants can help develop crop varieties or technologies, thus generating carotene-rich fruits and vegetables

Analysing ethnobotanical and fishery-related importance of mangroves of the East-Godavari Delta (Andhra Pradesh, India) for conservation and management purposes

Mangrove forests, though essentially common and wide-spread, are highly threatened. Local societies along with their knowledge about the mangrove also are endangered, while they are still underrepresented as scientific research topics. With the present study we document local utilization patterns, and perception of ecosystem change. We illustrate how information generated by ethnobiological research can be used to strengthen the management of the ecosystem. This study was conducted in the Godavari mangrove forest located in the East-Godavari District of the state Andhra Pradesh in India, where mangroves have been degrading due to over-exploitation, extensive development of aquaculture, and pollution from rural and urbanized areas (Kakinada). One hundred interviews were carried out among the fisherfolk population present in two mangrove zones in the study area, a wildlife sanctuary with strong conservation status and an adjacent zone. Results from the interviews indicated that Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh., a dominant species in the Godavari mangroves, is used most frequently as firewood and for construction. Multiple products of the mangrove included the bark of Ceriops decandra (Griff.) Ding Hou to dye the fishing nets and improve their durability, the bark of Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco to poison and catch fish, and the leaves of Avicennia spp. and Excoecaria agallocha L. as fodder for cattle. No medicinal uses of true mangrove species were reported, but there were a few traditional uses for mangrove associates. Utilization patterns varied in the two zones that we investigated, most likely due to differences in their ecology and legal status. The findings are discussed in relation with the demographic and socio-economic traits of the fisherfolk communities of the Godavari mangroves and indicate a clear dependency of their livelihood on the mangrove forest. Reported changes in the Godavari mangrove cover also differed in the two zones, with significantly less perceptions of a decrease in the protected area, as compared to the adjacent non-protected area. A posteriori comparisons between sequential satellite imagery (retrospective till 1977) and respondents that were at least 15 years back then, revealed a mangrove decrease which was however perceived to different extents depending on the area with which the fishermen were familiar. While local needs had not been incorporated in the existing policy, we created a framework on how data on ethnobotanical traditions, fishery-related activities and local people's perceptions of change can be incorporated into management strategies

Financing Maternal and Child Health—What Are the Limitations in Estimating Donor Flows and Resource Needs?

Marco Schäferhoff and colleagues critique funding estimates for the maternal and child health Millennium Development Goals, and make recommendations for improving the tracking of financing flows and estimating the costs of scaling up interventions for mothers and children

Response of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to Rhizobium inoculation

In field trials near Hyderabad in 1977-81 and in Karnataka in 1981, 4 Spanish-type, 1 Valencia and 5 Virginia type groundnut cv. were inoculated with 1 or 10 strains of Rhizobium sp. at sowing in soil previously sown to groundnuts. Pod yields of cv. Robut 33-1 were consistently increased by inoculation with strain NC 92, the increases ranging from 18 to 34% in Hyderabad and reaching 40% of the yield of non-inoculated plants in Karnataka. Inoculation with the pure strain NC 92 gave higher yields than a mixture of NC 92 with other strains of Rhizobium sp.ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT:A total of 9 varieties were tested in 1977-1981 with ten strains at two localities. Robut 33-1 inoculated with strain NC92 had significantly higher pod yields (up to 40% higher) than it had without inoculation. Other variety X strain interactions were not observe

Response Of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea) To Inoculation

'I'hough groundnut is nodulated by a number of rhizobia belonging to the cowpea miscellany, the nodulation and nitrogen (Nz) I'ixulion acliicvcd unclcr I'itrmcrs' conditions is ol'tcn inadequate. Studies at IC'K ISA I have attempted to overcome this by examining a large number of inoculant strains and various methods of' inoculation. Large variability between groundnut rhizobia in ability to fix N2 exists, but poor correlations between nodule mass and plant dry weight gains can occur. lnoculum size is important with nodule number and distribution and N2 fixation enhanced by heavier inoculation rates. Liquid inoculants have provided greater increases in yield than either granular or seed slurry inoculation, the latter method reducing germination and stand establishment. Several field trials at ICKISA'I', both in the rainy and irrigated, post-rainy seasons, have given significant responses to inoculation, even though the soil already contains lo4 rhizobialg. lhe cultivar Rohut 33-1 with strain NC 92 has eiven most consistent results