Enter records

ID: 65824
Title: Evaluation of plant defence related biomolecules produced by nematophagous fungi in tomato against root-knot nematode
Author: S. Saranya and S. I. Patel
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (8) 941-950 25 April (2024)
Subject: Evaluation of plant defence related biomolecules produced by nematophagous fungi in tomato against root-knot nematode
Keywords: Defence-related biomolecules, nematophagous fungi, plant defence, tomat
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the plant defencepromoting ability of various nematophagous fungi like Arthrobotrys oligospora, Paecilomyces lilacinus and Pleurotus sp. against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in tomato by determining the plant defencepromoting biomolecules, viz. hydrogen peroxide, superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. It was observed that soil application of A. oligospora along with farmyard manure (FYM) enhanced the activity of defence-related biomolecules from day 30 to day 60 after transplant, thereby showing its immense potential in controlling root-knot nematodes in tomatoes. The highest mean defence-related enzyme activity in plants was recorded in the treatment containing nematode-infested soil + FYM + A. oligospora with 97.65 enzyme unit (EU) mg–1 protein min–1 of hydrogen peroxide, 1.54 EU mg–1 protein min–1 of superoxide dismutase, 4.57 EU mg–1 protein min–1 of catalase, 9.45 EU mg–1 protein min–1 of peroxidase and 5.89 EU mg–1 protein min–1 of polyphenol oxidase. The gall production in nematode-infested soil had also reduced drastically after the application of the nematophagous fungi.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Anon., Annual Report 2018–19, National Horticultural Board, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, 2019. Gowda, M. T., Rai, A. B. and Singh, B., Root knot nematode: a threat to vegetable production and management. IIVR Technical Bulletin No. 76, 2007, pp. 1–42.
Literature cited 2: Anon., Food and Agricultural Organization Statistics Book on National Crop Production, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome, Italy, 2012. Nicola, L., Tosi, S. and Savini, D., In vitro evaluation of nematophagous activity of fungal isolates. J. Basic Microbiol., 2014, 54(1), 1–5.

ID: 65823
Title: Olfaction of leaf volatiles determines the most attractive host plant for Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): potential pest management opportunities
Author: C. Gunalan , S. Jeyarani, M. Murugan , S. Mohankumar , S. Haripriya , P. Saravan Kumar and P. D. Kamala Jayanthi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (8) 932-940 25 April (2024)
Subject: Olfaction of leaf volatiles determines the most attractive host plant for Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): potential pest management opportunities
Keywords: Coconut, olfaction, pest management, principal component analysis, rugose spiralling whitefly, volatile organic compounds
Abstract: The rugose spiralling whitefly (RSW), an invasive polyphagous insect introduced into India in 2016, has threatened coconut and other crops. Natural infestation intensity data indicated, in order, the following most likely RSW hosts: Cocos nucifera L. (75.83%) > Dypsis lutescens H. Wendel (55.83%) > Annona squamosa L. (54.17%) > Musa paradisiaca L. (43.33%). A preference analysis of these four host plants showed that coconut was the most favoured (8.17 spirals per 30 cm2 and 33.04 eggs per spiral). Olfactometry of the headspace leaf volatiles revealed that C. nucifera (3.05 ± 0.27 min) and D. lutescens (1.67 ± 1.67 min) had longer residence durations and attracted more RSW females than the other hosts. According to principal component analysis, those potential hosts shared six volatile compounds, the most peculiar of which was 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. Gas chromatography coupled electroantennographic detection analysis revealed that 2- ethyl-1,3-dioxolane, 1,3-dioxolane, 2-propyl, butanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-methyl ester, m-ethyltoluene, p-dichlorobenzene and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol evoked consistent olfactory responses in RSW. More studies on these chemicals might help develop parakairomones for managing RSW
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Martin, J. H., Whiteflies of Belize (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Part 1 – introduction and account of the subfamily Aleurodicinae Quaintance & Baker. Zootaxa, 2004, 681(1), 1–19. Evans, G. A., The whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) of the world and their host plants and natural enemies. Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington DC, 2007; http://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/v3/whitefly/ PDF_PwP%20ETC/world-whitefly-catalog-Evans.pdf (accessed on 20 March 2023)
Literature cited 2: Stocks, I. C. and Hodges, G., The rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, a new exotic whitefly in South Florida (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Gainesville, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, USA, 2012; http://freshfromflorida.s3.amazonaws.com/aleurodicusrugioperculatus-pest-alert.Pdf (accessed on 3 May 2022). Kumar, V., McKenzie, C. L., Mannion, C., Stocks, I., Smith, T. and Osborne, L. S., Rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, USA, 2013; https:// entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/Aleurodicus_rugioperculatus.html (accessed on 14 July 2022).

ID: 65822
Title: Movement and home range of golden mahseer (Tor putitora, Hamilton 1822) inhabiting the Himalayan waters in India
Author: Bhawna Dhawan , Kuppusammy Sivakumar, Gopala Areendran and Jeyaraj Antony Johnson
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (8) 923-931 25 April (2024)
Subject: Movement and home range of golden mahseer (Tor putitora, Hamilton 1822) inhabiting the Himalayan waters in India
Keywords: Golden mahseer, habitat preference, kernel density, radio telemetry, spatial ecology.
Abstract: The present study is aimed to document the movement and habitat use of golden mahseers (Tor putitora) inhabiting the Himalayan waters in India. A total of nine adult golden mahseers (two males and seven females) fitted with a VHF radio tag were monitored between pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. The individuals were found dispersed with the maximum recorded distance of 4231.23 and 6119.11 m in the Kosi and Kolhu rivers respectively. Home ranges for males (0.0245 sq. km) and larger individuals (0.0697 sq. km) exhibited released side fidelity, whereas females (0.361 sq. km) and smaller individuals (0.459 sq. km) moved long distances. The results of this study identify the movements and spatial ecology knowledge of golden mahseer to conserve fish habitats
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Cooke, S. J., Martins, E. G., Struthers, D. P., Gutowsky, L. F., Power, M., Doka, S. E. and Krueger, C. C., A moving target – incorporating knowledge of the spatial ecology of fish into the assessment and management of freshwater fish populations. Environ. Monit. Assess., 2016, 188(4), 1–18. Alp, A., Akyuz, A., Ozcan, M. and Yerlі, S. V., Assessment of movements and habitat use of Salmo opimus in Fırnız stream, river Ceyhan of Turkey using radio telemetry techniques. Environ. Biol. Fishes, 2018, 101(11), 1613–1624.
Literature cited 2: Farrae, D. J., Albeke, S. E., Pacifici, K., Nibbelink, N. P. and Peterson, D. L., Assessing the influence of habitat quality on movements of the endangered short nose sturgeon. Environ. Biol. Fishes, 2019, 97(6), 691–699. Habib, B., Shrotriya, S., Sivakumar, K., Sinha, P. R. and Mathur, V. B., Three decades of wildlife radio telemetry in India: a review. Anim. Biotelemetry, 2014, 2(1), 1–10.

ID: 65821
Title: Diatoms from ancient pots: exploring pottery sherds and palaeoenvironmental insights in the lower Kaveri River Basin archaeological landscape, Tamil Nadu, India
Author: Mital Thacker , Atul Dwivedi, C. R. Gayathri and Balasubramanian Karthick
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (8) 916-922 25 April (2024)
Subject: Diatoms from ancient pots: exploring pottery sherds and palaeoenvironmental insights in the lower Kaveri River Basin archaeological landscape, Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords: Archaeological landscape, diatoms, palaeoenvironment, pottery sherds, river basin
Abstract: Diatom analysis, despite its existence in archaeological science for over seven decades, remains an underutilized technique. While diatoms are often employed in site-based palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, their application in pottery sourcing and typology is relatively limited. This study focuses on diatom analysis of pottery sherds collected from six Iron Age sites in the lower Kaveri River Basin, Tamil Nadu, India. Scanning Electron Microscopy was utilized to examine the diatoms in 78 samples from 26 pottery sherds across these sites. The analysis revealed the presence of aquatic diatoms, predominantly from freshwater environments, along with desiccation-tolerant taxa belonging to the genera Nitzschia, Hantzschia, Luticola, Stauroneis and Tryblionella. Notably, the dominant genera were Nitzschia (70.73%), Hantzschia (21.95%) and Luticola (4.87%). These findings confirm the presence of a lacustrine environment with mesotrophic to eutrophic conditions and suggest that the clay used in pottery originated from a freshwater source. Moreover, this study highlights the potential of diatom analysis in reconstructing local environments and shedding light on the palaeoenvironmental conditions underlying archaeological sediment deposition in a tropical context
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Misra, V. N., Prehistoric human colonization of India. J. Biosci., 2001, 26, 491–531. Mohanty, R. K. and Selvakumar, V., The archaeology of the megaliths in India: 1947–1997. In Indian Archaeology in Retrospect (Settar, S. and Korisettar, R.), Manohar Publishers, New Delhi, 2002. vol. 1, pp. 313–481.
Literature cited 2: Babington, J., Description of the Pandoo coolies in Malabar. Trans. Lit. Soc. Bombay, 1823, 3, 324–330. Wheeler, R. E. M., Brahmagiri and Chandravalli 1947: megalithic and other cultures in Chitaldrug district, Mysore State. In Ancient India, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, 1948, vol. 4, pp. 181–310.

ID: 65820
Title: Ocean heat content variability in the Bay of Bengal: a CMIP6 model analysis with implications on the Indian Ocean Dipole
Author: A. B. Asok, A. P. Joshi and H. V. Warrior
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (8) 903-915 25 April (2024)
Subject: Ocean heat content variability in the Bay of Bengal: a CMIP6 model analysis with implications on the Indian Ocean Dipole
Keywords: Annual trends, climate prediction, ocean heat content, performance indices, seawater potential temperatur
Abstract: The present study evaluates the performance of CMIP6 models in capturing ocean heat content (OHC) variations in the Bay of Bengal. The seawater potential temperature of the six best-performing models up to a depth of 500 m from the sea surface was chosen for the study on a 1° × 1° horizontal resolution and monthly temporal scale, compared with RAMA buoy and North Indian Ocean Atlas data. Performance indices such as root mean square error (RMSE), average error, absolute average error (AAE) and Willmott score were used. The GISS-E2-1-G model performed better with lower RMSE and AAE values, while the IPSL-CM6A-LR model performed poorly. Monthly climatology variations showed increased temperature and OHC during the summer. Annual trends in OHC revealed negative trends for some models, indicating a net loss of heat, while others showed positive trends, indicating heat accumulation. Comparison with RAMA buoy data consistently showed lower heat content than the models, indicating overestimation. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating observational data to improve accuracy. The findings highlight variations in model performance, and the need for understanding uncertainties and biases in climate models for reliable projections. Additionally, the study suggests that the interaction between the North and South Bay of Bengal can affect the Indian Ocean Dipole phenomenon, influencing temperature gradients and hence OHC.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Trenberth, K. E., Fasullo, J. T. and Kiehl, J., Earth’s global energy budget. Bull. Am. Meteorol. Soc., 2009, 90(3), 311–323. Meyssignac, B. et al., Measuring global ocean heat content to estimate the earth energy imbalance. Front. Mar. Sci., 2019, 6, 432.
Literature cited 2: Stocker, M. et al., In Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 2013, p. 1535. Taylor, K., Stouffer, R. and Meehl, G., An overview of CMIP5 and the experiment design. Bull. Am. Meteorol. Soc., 2012, 93(4), 485– 498

ID: 65819
Title: Pesticide scenario and reduction strategies in Indian cardamom farming – present and future perspectives
Author: M. Nafeesa, M. Murugan, J. S. Remya, T. T. Preethy and Jins. K. Abraham
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (8) 894-902 25 April (2024)
Subject: Pesticide scenario and reduction strategies in Indian cardamom farming – present and future perspectives
Keywords: Cardamom hill reserves, intensification, integration, pesticide consumption, strategies.
Abstract: Small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton; Zingiberaceae) is one of India’s most export oriented spices. Insect pests and diseases are major threats to the sustainable cultivation of cardamom in India, and this crop alone consumes 26.21 kg a.i. ha–1 of pesticides per year. Shoot and capsule borers, thrips and root grubs are the major insect pests, and capsule rot, clump rot and leaf blight are the major diseases demanding more pesticides in the cardamom production system. The frequency of pesticide application in the system is nearly three times more than the recommended frequency. Various management strategies are advocated to reduce the load of pesticides and their residues. By considering the unique nature of the agroforestry system, varietal replacement, shade and nutrient management, exploitation of bioagents, organic initiatives, cultural and mechanical methods, biotechnological approaches, judicious application of synthetic chemicals and use of less toxic pesticides are the available employable strategies to minimize the pesticide load in the production system. Proper integration and adoption of these strategies by farmers are imperative.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Ravindran, P. N., Introduction. In Cardamom The genus Elettaria (eds Ravindran, P. N. and Madhusoodanan, K. J.), CRC Press, London, 2002, pp. 1–10. Murugan, M., Shetty, P. K., Ravi. R. and Subbiah, A., The physiological ecology of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum M.) in cardamom agroforest
Literature cited 2: Major spice state wise area and production 2022–23.pdf-Page; http://www.indianspices.com (accessed on 10 November 2023). Murugan, M., Josephrajkumar, A., Sainamolekurian, P., Ambikadevi, D., Vasanth Kumar, K. and Shetty, P. K., Critiques on the critical issues of cardamom cultivation in cardamom hill reserves, Kerala, India. Indian J. Arecanut, Spices Med. Plants, 2006, 8(4), 132−149

ID: 65818
Title: Bootstrapping quantum field theory: past, present and future
Author: B. Ananthanarayan and Aninda Sinha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (8) 887-893 25 April (2024)
Subject: Bootstrapping quantum field theory: past, present and future
Keywords: Bootstrap, causality, quantum field theory, S-matrix, unitarity.
Abstract: Quantum field theory was established about a hundred years ago and is the result of combining the principles of quantum mechanics and the special theory of relativity. Historically, some of the founding fathers were at high unease as intermediate calculations led to infinities. A different approach, sometimes called the analytic S-matrix or the bootstrap, relying on basic principles such as causality and unitarity, was put forward. A resurgence of these fields has taken place now since their power has not been tapped to the fullest, and are the most active fields of research in theoretical physics and spurring developments in computer algebra. In this article, after recalling the history of this field, we highlight some of the past and recent contributions from India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Flexner, A., The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge, Harpers Magazine Issue 179, June/November 1939, pp. 544–552. Wilson, K. G., The renormalization group and critical phenomena. Rev. Mod. Phys., 1983, 55, 583–600; doi:10.1103/RevModPhys. 55.583.
Literature cited 2: Weinzierl, S., Feynman Integrals, Springer Nature, Switzerland AG, 2022; ISBN 978-3-030-99557-7; https://www.springer.com/ series/13351 Eden, R. J., Landshoff, P. V., Olive, D. I. and Polkinghorne, J. C., The Analytic S-Matrix, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 1966; ISBN 978-0-521-04869-9

ID: 65817
Title: A unique drinking behaviour of capped langur
Author: SSamrat Sengupta, Narayan Sharma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (8) 882-883 25 April (2024)
Subject: A unique drinking behaviour of capped langur
Keywords: None
Abstract: Tree-living comes with its own perils, and arboreal animals exhibit unique adaptations to deal with them. These adaptations have, in turn, enabled such animals to survive and persist in a challenging environment with reduced exposure to ground predation. Having evolved to an arboreal existence where access to standing water sources is usually limited1 , tree-living mammals depend on various behavioural strategies to fulfil their water needs. This includes actively ingesting water either in the free form (e.g. from rivers, streams, pools, tree holes or other anthropogenic sources2 ) or as pre-formed water through the consumption of water-containing plant parts (e.g., tender or succulent leaves, petioles and fruits; see Kempf 3 and reference therein). Only a few records exist of arboreal primates drinking water from tree holes under field conditions (Supplementary Material S1; available at https://figshare.com/s/c2c05d4533b5df09efb7).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ferrari, S. F., Biotropica, 1991, 23, 307– 308. Hillyer, A. P., Armstrong, R. and Korstjens, A. H., Primate Biol., 2015, 2, 21–24.
Literature cited 2: Kempf, E., Folia Primatol., 2009, 80, 275– 294. Milton, K., Am. Nat., 1979, 114, 362–378.

ID: 65816
Title: Could the microbial to host cell numbers in healthy multicellular organisms be following the golden ratio?
Author: Mayank Murali, Alka Gupta and Murali Gopal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (8) 878-881 25 April (2024)
Subject: Could the microbial to host cell numbers in healthy multicellular organisms be following the golden ratio?
Keywords: None
Abstract: The co-evolution of microorganisms with multi cellular mega-organisms and the influence of the microbiome on the health of larger partners is a trending area in current research. The ratio of bacterial cells to human cells is an ongoing study in the field of human health. From 10 : 1, bacteria to human cell ratio, to 1 : 1 is the current information. However, after carefully perusing the emerging data of human and bacterial cells, we propose an out-of-box hypothesis of the golden ratio, 1.618, to be in the evolutionary cellular arrangements between the bacteria and human cells. If proved, it could pave way for better preparedness in managing human health using the microbiome, with the possibility of its spillover into plant health management too
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bordenstein, S. R. and Theis, K. R., PLoS Biol., 2015, 13(8), e1002226. Simon, J. C. et al., Microbiome, 2019, 7, 5; https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-019-0619-4
Literature cited 2: Sorbara, M. T. and Pamer, E. G., Nat. Rev. Microbiol., 2022, 20, 365–380; https://doi. org/10.1038/s41579-021-00667-9 Qin, J. et al., Nature, 2010, 464, 59–67; PMID: 20203603.

ID: 65815
Title: Enhancing nutritional security and sustainable health through millets
Author: Suman Ray, Manish Mohan Gore, Ravi Roshan Kumar, Ayaan Husain and Rupali Sharma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (8) 874-875 25 April (2024)
Subject: Enhancing nutritional security and sustainable health through millets
Keywords: None
Abstract: Millets, a group of small-seeded grains belonging to the Poaceae family, gained global recognition with the declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM, 2023) by the United Nations General Assembly. With their exceptional nutritional composition and adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions, millets offer promising solutions to address malnutrition and enhance climate resilience in the agricultural sector. Several initiatives have been taken to increase millet consumption. Consequently, the market for millet-based products has seen a surge in entrepreneurship interest. To discuss and explore the key challenges of millet value and supply chain, an expert review meeting was held at CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIRNIScPR, New Delhi) as part of the ongoing other laboratory Project (NIScPR/OLP/0044) ‘Enhancing nutritional security and sustainable health through millets in India: a policy perspective.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 65814
Title: Development-led transition to net zero
Author: R. B. Grover
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (8) 867-868 25 April (2024)
Subject: Development-led transition to net zero
Keywords: None
Abstract: Having declared its intention to achieve an economy-wide net zero by 2070, India has to consider several perspectives. The first and foremost is the development perspective. India’s focus must be on a development-led transition rather than a transition-led development. This needs elaboration. In energy studies, researchers use several approaches to forecast energy demand. A simple top–down approach uses the correlation between the human development index (HDI) and per capita energy consumption. To become a developed country, India has to aspire to achieve an HDI of 0.9, as achieved by several countries comprising the G20. Looking at the correlation between HDI and per capita energy consumption, considering likely improvement in energy efficiency, electrification of end uses, and substitution of fossil fuels in several industries by electrified products, for example, hydrogen or its derivatives, one can build scenarios to forecast energy requirements in India. Based on such an exercise, we estimated that India will need about 15,600 TWh per annum of electricity for direct use, and the rest of the energy services must be provided by hydrogen or hydrogen derivatives. If all the needed hydrogen is produced by electrolysis, India will need another about 8400 TWh per annum. This number will come down to the extent that hydrogen or its derivatives are produced by other sources such as biomass, urban waste, high temperature nuclear reactors (when developed), etc. India would need about 24,000 TWh of electricity (Curr. Sci., 2022, 122(5), 517–527) to become a developed country and transition to net zero.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 65813
Title: Entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae as a chemical substitute for termite pest management in sugarcane
Author: D. Sudha Rani , K. Krishnamma and J. S. Rani
Editor: Dr.Sumati Gaumat
Year: 2024
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Journal of Environmental Biology Vol. 45 (2) 235-242 (2024)
Subject: Entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae as a chemical substitute for termite pest management in sugarcane
Keywords: Chemical control, Entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium, Sugarcane, Termites
Abstract: Sugarcane is the most important cash crop with vast global market for sugar besides, by products and derivatives. The crop has occupied premeditated position in the world because of its massive uses in the day-to-day life and also for industrial uses intended at nutritional and economic sustenance. It endows raw material to major agro-based industries of our country, i.e., the sugar industry supports rural cottage industries to some extent (Sudha and Krishnamma, 2020). The average annual production of sugarcane is around 35.5 crore tonnes which is used to produce around 3 crore tonnes of sugar. In India sugarcane contributes about five per cent to the total value of agriculture output accounting 2.6 per cent of gross cropped area ( Rama Rao, 2020). Sugarcane accounted for about 639 billion Indian rupees in the Indian economy during the financial year 2020 (Keelery, 2023). Sugarcane accounted for about 648 billion Indian rupees in the Indian economy during the financial year 2019-20 (Singh et al., 2022). In India sugarcane contributes 1.1 per cent to the national GDP, which is significant considering that the crop is grown only in 2.57 percent of the gross cropped area (Solomon, 2016). Andhra Pradesh state accounts nearly 8.4 per cent of total sugarcane production in our country, being cultivable in 85,994 ha with an out turn of 8,35,520 tonnes during the year 2020 (Sudha, 2022).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Abbas, M.S.T.: Genetically engineered (modified) crops (Bacillus thuringiensis crops) and the world controversy on their safety. Egypt J. Biol. Pest Control., 28, 52 (2018). Andrew, C. Rath.: The use of entomopathogenic fungi for control of termites. Biocon. Sci. Technol., 10, 563-581 (2000).
Literature cited 2: Bhagawati, S., B. Badal, M. Himangshu and G. Dhanalakhi: Chemical management of termites (Odontotermes obesus) in preserved setts of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum). J. Entomol. Zool. Stud., 5, 856-859 (2017). Bhattacharya, B., H. Mishra, D. Gogoi and S. Bhagawati: Management of termite in preserved setts of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) with microbes. Curr. Adv. Agric. Res. J., 6, 176-179 (2014).

ID: 65812
Title: Investigation on disease incidence, distribution and diversity of Begomoviruses infecting cucurbitaceous crops in North Bengal, India
Author: S. Tamang , S. Saha , D. Saha and A. Saha
Editor: Dr.Sumati Gaumat
Year: 2024
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Journal of Environmental Biology Vol. 45 (2) 226-234 (2024)
Subject: Investigation on disease incidence, distribution and diversity of Begomoviruses infecting cucurbitaceous crops in North Bengal, India
Keywords: Begomovirus,Cucurbitaceous crops, Disease incidence, North Bengal
Abstract: India is a vast country with a diverse agro climate, which makes it possible to grow a wide variety of crops and it is the second largest in the world in terms of crop production (Gulati et al., 2022). Indian agriculture sector contributes about 16.5% of total GDP and generates employment for 42.3% of the population in India. India is also rich in biodiversity of vegetables and is the primary/secondary center of origin of many vegetables (Gulati and Juneja, 2022). Vegetables are a key source of nutritional security in India, primarily due to high yield in a short time. Cucurbitaceous crops are rich source of nutrition and have several medicinal values. Different types of cucurbits are cultivated in India which account for 5.6 % of the total vegetable production (Rolnik and Olas, 2020). According to FAO, India produces 10.52 ton per ha of cucurbits which are grown on 4,290,000 ha of cropped area (Sharma, 2023). According to 2021-2022 census, West Bengal produces 344.674 metric tons of cucumber in 25.298 ha area and 356.213 metric tons of pumpkin in 21.772 ha area.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bandaranayake, W., W. Wickramarachchi, H. Wickramasinghe, R. Rajapakshe and D. Dissanayake: Molecular detection and characterization of begomoviruses associated with cucurbitaceae vegetables in Sri Lanka. J. Natn. Sci. Found. Sri Lanka., 42, 265- 271 (2014). Bragard, C., P. Caciagli, O. Lemaire, J.J. Lopezmoya, S. Macfarlane, D. Peters, P. Susi and L. Torrance: Status and prospects of plant virus control through interference with vector transmission. Annu. Rev. Phytol 51, 177-201 (2013)
Literature cited 2: Haible, D., S. Kober and H. Jeske: Rolling circle amplification revolutionizes diagnosis and genomics of geminiviruses. J. Virol. Methods., 135, 9-16 (2006). Inoue-Nagata, A.K., M.F. Lima and R.L. Gilbertson: A review of geminivirus diseases in vegetables and other crops in Brazil: current status and approaches for management. Hortic. Bras., 34, 8-18 (2016).

ID: 65811
Title: Effect of drought stress on grain quality of wheat and its mitigation through arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi
Author: B. Rani , M. Jatttan , Pooja, N. Kumari , J. Prashad , A. Kumari , K.D. Sharma and S. Madan
Editor: Dr.Sumati Gaumat
Year: 2024
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Journal of Environmental Biology Vol. 45 (2) 218-225 (2024)
Subject: Effect of drought stress on grain quality of wheat and its mitigation through arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi
Keywords: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Drought, Grain quality, Wheat
Abstract: Among the abiotic stresses, drought is most severe and frequent stress that hinders morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular processes and limits crop productivity as well as alters quality traits in many arid and semi-arid areas (Pooja et al., 2019, 2021). Such aberrations arising due to changing climate are likely to reduce the quality of grains and yield production. Wheat is a major global crop, cultivated on more than 200million ha land with more than 772 million tons of annual production in 2020- 2021. Wheat grains are enriched with various nutritional and health beneficial compounds like iron, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin and, more recently, folic acid and calcium (Slavin et al., 2000. In addition to yield production, wheat quality is central to the well-being. Historically, wheat breeding programs have focused on improving yield production, disease resistance, earlier maturity and wide adaptability (Zhang et al., 2005), but due to increasing market demand and food diversity, nowadays more priority is given to improve the grain quality (Wang et al., 2005c; Zhang et al., 2004b). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are mycorrhizal symbionts that have potential to improve plant performance, change the plant–water relationship, and increase plant productivity under drought stress (Augé, 2001; Amer et al., 2023). Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have many roles in various developmental processes in plants, especially in cereals. AM fungi have an effect on nutrient availability and uptake, increase the photosynthetic rate, improve antioxidant activities, and increase tolerance against environmental stress (Khan et al., 2022., Rani et al., 2018a). AMF, being a natural root symbiont, provides essential plant inorganic nutrients to host plants, thereby improving growth and yield under unstressed and stressed regimes (Li et al., 2019). The role of AMF as a bio-fertilizer can potentially strengthen plants' adaptability to changing environment.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Amer, S.O., T. Aliat, D.E. Kucher, O.A., Bensaci and N.Y. Rebouh:: Investigating the potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in mitigating water deficit effects on Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). Agriculture, 13, 552 (2023). the AOAC: Official Method of Analysis. 17 Edn., Inc., Maryland, USA (2000).
Literature cited 2: Auge, R.M.: Water relations, drought and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Mycorrhiza, 11, 3-42 (2001). Axford, D.W.E., E.E. Mc-Dermott and D.G. Redman: Note on SDS sedimentation test and bread making quality: Comparison with pelshenke and zeleny-tests. Cereal Chem., 56, 582-584 (1979).

ID: 65810
Title: Description of a new species of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema ramanai sp. n. from Kerala, India
Author: R. Pervez , S.J. Eapen and S. Devasahayam
Editor: Dr.Sumati Gaumat
Year: 2024
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Journal of Environmental Biology Vol. 45 (2) 210-217 (2024)
Subject: Description of a new species of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema ramanai sp. n. from Kerala, India
Keywords: Biocontrol, Morphology, Molecular characterization, Steinernema, Taxonomy
Abstract: Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are effective biological control agents against a wide range of insect pests due to their wide host range, ease to handle, short life cycle and environmental safety (Ali et al., 2005a; Pervez et al., 2007; Pervez and Rao, 2021). These are symbiotically associated with bacteria Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus (Akhurst, 1982; Boemare, 2002; Pervez et al., 2020). Third stage infective juveniles penetrate into host’s body through natural openings and release the symbiotic bacteria that cause septicaemia and death of the insect (Shapiro and Mc Coy, 2000). They are being employed as biopesticides to combat a number of major insect pests around the world. As a result, the efficient application of entomopathogenic nematodes as biopesticides is dependent on the isolation of native species, which are adapted to local environment and climatic conditions, as well as accurate identification of these species (Ali et al., 2005b; Pervez et al., 2013; Pervez and Rao, 2018).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Akhurst, R.J.: Antibiotic activity of Xenorhabdus spp. bacteria symbiotically associated with insect pathogenic nematodes of the families Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae. J. Gen. Microbiol., 128, 3061-3065 (1982). Ali, S.S., A. Shaheen, R. Pervez and M.A. Hussain: Steinernema masoodi sp. n. and Steinernema seemae sp. n. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) from Uttar Pradesh, India. Int. J. Nematol., 15, 89 - 99 (2005b).
Literature cited 2: Ali, S.S., R. Ahmad, M.A. Hussain and R. Pervez: Pest management through entomopathogenic nematodes. Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, India, Amity Press Lucknow (UP), 59 pages (2005a). Banu, G.J., K. B. Nguyen and G. Rajendran: Occurrence and distribution of entomopathogenic nematodes in Kerala, India. Int. J. Nematol., 15, 9-16 (2005)