Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags for safe storage of groundnuts

Groundnut seeds are prone to quality deterioration and damage due to improper storage. Hermetic storage of pods offers a novel, sustainable and ecologically safe alternative over traditional methods. In this paper, we demonstrate the efficacy of triple-layer “Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS)” bags, (that comprises of two inner high density polyethylene bags and one outer woven polypropylene bag), for protecting pods from quality deterioration, damage by bruchids (Caryedon serratus) and aflatoxin contamination (Aspergillus flavus). Custom made triple-layer bags were used and pods (of cv ICGV 91114) were placed @ 2 kg/bag. Over four months of storage under ambient conditions, triple-layer bags supported retention of seed weight, germinability and oil content significantly better than cloth bags. Further, under both natural and artificial infestations with A. flavus, seed aflatoxins levels were lower in PICS bags compared to cloth bags. Toxin accumulation in PICS bags deliberately infested with bruchids and A. flavus was less compared to cloth bags under similar conditions. Bruchid damage to pods was less in PICS bags versus cloth bags in all cases. Our results suggest the superiority of triple-layer PICS bags over cloth bags in protecting seed viability, seed weight and oil content while safeguarding the groundnuts from bruchids and retarding toxin accumulation

Modeling-Dependent Protein Characterization of the Rice Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) Superfamily Reveals Distinct Functional and Structural Features

The completion of the rice genome sequence has made it possible to identify and characterize new genes and to perform comparative genomics studies across taxa. The aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene superfamily encoding for NAD(P)+-dependent enzymes is found in all major plant and animal taxa. However, the characterization of plant ALDHs has lagged behind their animal- and prokaryotic-ALDH homologs. In plants, ALDHs are involved in abiotic stress tolerance, male sterility restoration, embryo development and seed viability and maturation. However, there is still no structural property-dependent functional characterization of ALDH protein superfamily in plants. In this paper, we identify members of the rice ALDH gene superfamily and use the evolutionary nesting events of retrotransposons and protein-modeling–based structural reconstitution to report the genetic and molecular and structural features of each member of the rice ALDH superfamily in abiotic/biotic stress responses and developmental processes. Our results indicate that rice-ALDHs are the most expanded plant ALDHs ever characterized. This work represents the first report of specific structural features mediating functionality of the whole families of ALDHs in an organism ever characterized

An assessment of the risk of Bt-cowpea to non-target organisms in West Africa

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp.) is the most economically important legume crop in arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Cowpea is grown primarily by subsistence farmers who consume the leaves, pods and grain on farm or sell grain in local markets. Processed cowpea foods such as akara (a deep-fat fried fritter) are popular in the rapidly expanding urban areas. Demand far exceeds production due, in part, to a variety of insect pests including, in particular, the lepidopteran legume pod borer (LPB) Maruca vitrata. Genetically engineered Bt-cowpea, based on cry1Ab (Event 709) and cry2Ab transgenes, is being developed for use in sub-Saharan Africa to address losses from the LBP. Before environmental release of transgenic cowpeas, the Bt Cry proteins they express need to be assessed for potential effects on non-target organisms, particularly arthropods. Presented here is an assessment of the potential effects of those Cry proteins expressed in cowpea for control of LPB. Based on the history of safe use of Bt proteins, as well as the fauna associated with cultivated and wild cowpea in sub-Saharan Africa results indicate negligible effects on non-target organisms

Awareness and Use of DRDO e-Journal Consortium by the Scientists of Bengaluru based DRDO Labs in India

To examine and evaluate the use of e-journals covered under DRDO e-journals consortia by the Bengaluru based DRDO lab scientists. This study is beneficial for the administering/implementing body (DESIDOC) of the DRDO e-journal consortium, improving access to e-journal service based on the results and suggestions. Analyses revealed that the majority of the users are well aware of e-journals and consortia and consult them for research and development, finding relevant information for the projects, and update their subject knowledge. The study findings reveal that the lack of free Wi-Fi connectivity slows downloading were reported the barriers linked to access of e-journals, whereas other deficits like limited access to PCs and lack of training/guidance are also significant impediments for accessing e-journals. This paper will help strengthen the utilization of e-journal services and effectuate the demands and needs of researchers all over DRDO labs in India

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus among the blood donors in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Transfusion of blood and blood products although considered as a life saving treatment modality, but may lead to certain infectious and non-infectious complications in the recipients. Objectives: The purpose of this analysis was to monitor the seroprevalence of anti-HCV antibody in the blood donor population in a hospital based blood bank in Hyderabad. Methods: Relevant information of all the blood donors who donated whole blood at the department of Transfusion Medicine, of tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad from the January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013 was retrieved from the departmental records. The number of donors who were found reactive for anti-HCV antibodies was calculated. Results: Of the total 21,451 blood donors, 20801 were males and 650 were females. The percentage of whole blood donors found seroreactive for anti-HCV antibodies was 0.28 percent. The seroprevalence of anti-HCV in male blood donors was 0.28 per cent and the seroprevalence in female blood donors was 0 percent. Maximum seroprevalence of anti-HCV was observed in the age group of 18 to 30 yr (0.41%) and the minimum in the age group of 51 to 60 yr (0.26%). Conclusion: HCV seroprevalence in our study was 0.28 per cent and a decreasing trend with age was observed. Since, no vaccine is presently available for immunization against HCV infection, transfusion transmitted HCV infection remains a potential threat to the safety of the blood supply

Triple layer hermetic bags for safe storage of dry Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) pods

Aflatoxin contamination is a major concern in dry chilli pods during storage, which renders chilli flakes, and chilli powder unsafe for consumption and unfit for trade. Traditional method of storage also results in both qualitative as well as quantitative losses. In our study, we evaluated Purdue improved crop storage (PICS) based triple layer hermetic bags (PICS triple bags) for their efficacy in safe storage of dry chilli pods. Four different types of storage bags including untreated jute bag, polythene bag, triple layer hermetic bag, and fungicide treated jute bag were tested for three different storage periods (2, 4, and 6 month). Results suggest that aflatoxin levels resulting from Aspergillus flavus infection were below detectable levels in chilli pods stored in PICS triple bags owing to the modified atmospheric conditions of hypoxia and hypercarbia conditions created inside the bags. Further, dry chilli pods stored in PICS triple bags for 2, 4 and 6 month recorded no loss in test weight (1000 seeds) and no change in moisture content, whereas significantly moisture loss was observed in remaining treatment bags. Germination percentage of the seeds from the PICS triple bags at 2, 4 and 6 month storage was highest (72%) compared to all other treatment bags. Overall, we conclude that the PICS triple bags were effective in safe storage of dry chilli pods by ensuring detrimental environment to Aspergillus flavus growth and preserved both qualitative and quantitative characteristics including test weight, moisture content, and per cent germination compared to other storage bags

IPMomics: from genomics to extension for integrated pest management of cowpea: Proceedings of the 5th World Cowpea Research Conference, held at Palm Beach Hotel, Saly, Senegal. 27 September 1 October

Insect pests often develop resistance to insecticides, and such resistance represents a serious management problem. Devising methods that concurrently delay resistance and minimize injury by insects to field crops and stored grain has long been a goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A centerpiece of IPM has been the combined use of biological control agents and prudent application of chemical insecticides. Unfortunately, successful application of IPM has remained a challenge. This chapter describes the use of emerging genomic technologies that may lead to a “systems” perspective of IPM for the control of pests of cowpea and other crops. This emerging field, which we refer to as “IPM-omics”, builds upon recent advances in genome sequencing technologies and detection of largescale gene polymorphisms, which are becoming economically feasible for pest insect systems. IPM-omics will also need to involve the use of information and communications technologies both to collect critical information on pest populations and to deploy practical IPM solutions. The information obtained on the temporal fluctuations, spatial distribution, and ecological diversification within target, non-target, and natural enemy populations can be overlaid on a geographic information systems (GIS) map to predict pest outbreaks and to decide how to apply control measures. The “systems” perspective of organism communities provided through IPM-omics may also facilitate the effective evaluation, modification, and optimization of IPM strategies. However, any resultant IPM program for crop pests will also require that extension agents, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have the ability to easily access and deploy the IPM research findings through information and communications technologies. Thus, we also outline the need for an online system that facilitates the sharing and peer review of practical IPM outputs. Many of these tools are currently being developed to help farmers manage insect pests of cowpea in West Africa

IPM-omics: from genomics to extension for integrated pest management of cowpea

Insect pests often develop resistance to insecticides, and such resistance represents a serious management problem. Devising methods that concurrently delay resistance and minimize injury by insects to field crops and stored grain has long been a goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A centerpiece of IPM has been the combined use of biological control agents and prudent application of chemical insecticides. Unfortunately, successful application of IPM has remained a challenge. This chapter describes the use of emerging genomic technologies that may lead to a “systems” perspective of IPM for the control of pests of cowpea and other crops. This emerging field, which we refer to as “IPM-omics”, builds upon recent advances in genome sequencing technologies and detection of largescale gene polymorphisms, which are becoming economically feasible for pest insect systems. IPM-omics will also need to involve the use of information and communications technologies both to collect critical information on pest populations and to deploy practical IPM solutions. The information obtained on the temporal fluctuations, spatial distribution, and ecological diversification within target, non-target, and natural enemy populations can be overlaid on a geographic information systems (GIS) map to predict pest outbreaks and to decide how to apply control measures. The “systems” perspective of organism communities provided through IPM-omics may also facilitate the effective evaluation, modification, and optimization of IPM strategies. However, any resultant IPM program for crop pests will also require that extension agents, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have the ability to easily access and deploy the IPM research findings through information and communications technologies. Thus, we also outline the need for an online system that facilitates the sharing and peer review of practical IPM outputs. Many of these tools are currently being developed to help farmers manage insect pests of cowpea in West Africa

IPM-omics: from genomics to extension for integrated pest management of cowpea

Insect pests often develop resistance to insecticides, and such resistance represents a serious management problem. Devising methods that concurrently delay resistance and minimize injury by insects to field crops and stored grain has long been a goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A centerpiece of IPM has been the combined use of biological control agents and prudent application of chemical insecticides. Unfortunately, successful application of IPM has remained a challenge. This chapter describes the use of emerging genomic technologies that may lead to a “systems” perspective of IPM for the control of pests of cowpea and other crops. This emerging field, which we refer to as “IPM-omics”, builds upon recent advances in genome sequencing technologies and detection of largescale gene polymorphisms, which are becoming economically feasible for pest insect systems. IPM-omics will also need to involve the use of information and communications technologies both to collect critical information on pest populations and to deploy practical IPM solutions. The information obtained on the temporal fluctuations, spatial distribution, and ecological diversification within target, non-target, and natural enemy populations can be overlaid on a geographic information systems (GIS) map to predict pest outbreaks and to decide how to apply control measures. The “systems” perspective of organism communities provided through IPM-omics may also facilitate the effective evaluation, modification, and optimization of IPM strategies. However, any resultant IPM program for crop pests will also require that extension agents, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have the ability to easily access and deploy the IPM research findings through information and communications technologies. Thus, we also outline the need for an online system that facilitates the sharing and peer review of practical IPM outputs. Many of these tools are currently being developed to help farmers manage insect pests of cowpea in West Africa