Enter records

ID: 59707
Title: Impacts of bioclimates, cropping systems, land use and management on the cultural microbial population in black soil regions of India.
Author: K. Velmourougane, M.V. Venugopalan, T. Bhattacharya, D. Sarkar, S.K. Ray, P. Chandran, D.K Pal, D.K. Mandal, J. Prasad, G.S. Sidhu, K.M. Nair, A.K. Sahoo, K.S. Anil Kumar, A. Srivastava, T.H. Das, R.S. Singh, C. Mandal, R. Srivastava, T.K. Sen, S. Ch
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (9) 1452-1463 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Agro-ecological sub-regions, bench spots, black soil regions, principal component analysis, soil microbial population.
Abstract: The present study documents the biological properties of the black soil region (BSR) of India in terms of culturable microbial population. Besides surface microbial population, subsurface population of individual soil horizons is described to improve the soil information system. An effort has been made to study the depth-wise distribution and factors (bioclimates, cropping systems, land use management practices and soil practices) influencing the microbial population in the soils of the selected benchmark spots representing different agro-ecological sub-regions of BSR. The microbial population declined with depth and maximum activity was recorded within 0-30 cm soil de3pth. The average microbial population (log10 cfu g-1) in different bioclimates is in decreasing order of SHm> SHd> Sad>arid. Within cropping systems, legume-based recorded higher microbial population (6.12 log10 cfu g-1) followed by cereal- based system (6.09 log10 cfu g-1 ). The mean microbial population in different cropping systems in decreasing order is legume> cereal> sugarcane> cotton. Significantly higher (P<0.05) microbial population has been recorded in high management (6.20 log10 cfu g-1) and irrigated agrosystems (6.33 log10 cfu g-1) compared to low management (6.12 log10 cfu g-1) and rainfed agrosystems (6.17 log10 cfu g-1). The pooled analysis of data inclusive of bioclimates, cropping systems, land use, management practices, and edaphic factors indicates that microbial population is positively influenced by clay, fine clay, water cont3ntr, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity and base saturation, whereas bulk density, pH, calcium carbonate and exchangeable magnesium percentage have a negative effect on the microbial population.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Sharma, S.K. et al. Microbial community structure and diversity as indicators for evaluating soil quality. In Biodiversity, Biofuels, Agroforestry and Conservation Agriculture Reviews 5 (ed. Liccht-fouse, E), 2011, CRC Press, PP. 317-358. Kennedy, A.C., Microbial diversity in agroecosystem quality. In Biodiversity in Agroecosystems (eds Collins, W.W. and Qualset, C.O), CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA, 1999, pp. 1-17.
Literature cited 2: Kuramae, E.E., Yergeau, E., Wong, L.C., Pij, A.S., van Veen, J.A. and Kowalchuk, G.A., Soil characteristics more strongly influence soil bacterial communities than land-use type. FEMS Microbiol. Ecol., 2012, 79, 12-24. Hansel, C.M., Fendorf, S., Jardine, P.M. and Francis, C.A., Changes in bacterial and archael community structure and functional diversity along a geochemically variable soil profile.Appl.Environ.Microbiol., 2008, 74, 1620-1633.

ID: 59706
Title: Soil physical quality of the Indo-Gangetic Plains and black soil region.
Author: Mausumi Raychaudhuri, D.K. Kundu, Ashwani kumar, K.G. Mandal, S. Raychaudhari, G. Kar, T. Bhattacharya, D. Sarkar, D.K Pal, D.K. Mandal, J. Prasad, G.S. Sidhu, K.M. Nair, A.K. Sahoo, T.H. Das, R.S. Singh, C. Mandal, R. Srivastava, T.K. Sen, S. Chatte
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (9) 1440-1451 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Index, management, saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil physical quality.
Abstract: Understanding the physical quality of soil that influences its hydraulic behaviour helps in formulating appropriate water management strategies for sustainable crop production. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (KS) is a key factor governing the hydraulic properties of soils. KS can be estimated through various techniques. In the present article we have developed and validated the regression models to predict KS of the BSR soils, organic carbon was found useful for the IGP soils. Moreover, the models for KS of both soils were strengthened by putting in CaCO3 and exchangeable sodium percentage content. It seems there is ample scope to study the interaction process for revising KS to desired levels through management practices in these two important food-growing zones. An index of soil physical quality, derived from the inflection points of the soil moisture characteristic curves could well explain the impact of management practices on soil physical quality.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Ammozegar, A. AND Warrick, A. W., Hydraulic conductivity of saturated soils: field methods, In Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 1. Physical and Mineralogical Methods (e.d. Klute, A.) SSSA Book Series: 5 (formerly Agronomy Monograph 9), Madison, Wisconsin, USA, 1986, pp. 735-768. Klute, A. and Darksen, C., Hydraulic conductivity and diffusivity: laboratory methods. In Methods of Soil Analysis, Part 1: Physical and Mineralogical Methods (ed. Klute, A.), Agronomy Monograph No.9.American Society of Agronomy, Madison, WI, 1986, 2nd edn, pp. 687-734.
Literature cited 2: Mualem, Y. and Degan, G., Hydraulic conductivity of soils: unified approach to the statistical models. Soil Sci. Soc. Am .J., 1978, 42, 392-339. Goncalves, M.C., Pereira, L.S. and Leij, F.J., Pedo-transfer functions for estimating unsaturated hydraulic properties of Portuguese soils. Eur. J. Soil Sci., 1997, 48, 387-400.

ID: 59705
Title: Pedotransfer functions: a tool estimating hydraulic properties of two major soil types of India.
Author: P. Tiwary, N.G. Patil, T. Bhattacharya, P. Chandran, S.K. Ray, K. Karthikeyan, D. Sarkar, D.K Pal, J. Prasad, C. Mandal, D.K. Mandal, G.S. Sidhu, K.M. Nair, A.K. Sahoo, T.H. Das, R.S. Singh, R. Srivastava, T.K. Sen, S. Chatterji, G.P. Obireddy, S.K.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (9) 1431-1439 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Model efficiency, pedotransfer functions, regression analysis, saturated hydraulic conductivity, water retention.
Abstract: In recent years, georeferenced soil information system has gained significance in agricultural land-use planning and monitoring the changes in soil properties/ soil quality induced by land-use changes. The spatio-temporal information on saturated hydraulic conductivity (sHC) and soil water retention-release behavior is essential for proper crop and land-use planning. The sHC greatly influences the drainage process and soil water retention-release behaviour, ultimately affecting the crop growth and yield. However, sHC and water retention are not measured in a routine soil survey and are generally estimated from easily measurable soil parameters through pedotransfer functions (PTFs). In the present study, PTFs for sHC and water retention were developed separately for the soils of two food-growing zones of India (the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) and the black soil region (BSR). For the IGP soils, sHC is affected by the increased subsoil bulk density due to intensive cultivation. In BSR, presence of Na+ and Mg++ ions affects the drainage and water retention of the soils. Therefore, these soil parameters were considered while developing the PTFs using stepwise regression technique in SPSS. The validation of PTFs was found to be satisfactory with low RMSE values and high model efficiency.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Pal, D.K., Bhattacharya, T., Ray, S.K. and Bhuse, S.R., Developing a model on the formation and resilience of naturally degraded black soils of the peninsular India as a decision support system for better land use planning. NRDMS, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, Project Report, NBSSL-UP (ICAR), Nagpur, 2003, p. 144. Kadu, P.R., Pal, D.K. and Deshpande, S.B., Effect of low exchangeable sodium on hydraulic conductivity and drainage in shrink-swell soils of Purna valley, Maharashtra. Clay Res., 1993, 12, 65-70.
Literature cited 2: Balpande, S.S, Deshpande, S.B. and Pal, D.K., Factors and processes of soil degradation in Vertisols of the Purna valley, Maharashtra,India.Land Degrad.Dev., 1996, 7, 313-324. Kadu, P.R., Vaidya, P.H., Balpande, S.S., Satyavathi, P.L.A. and Pal, D.K., Use of hydraulic conductivity to evaluate the suitability of Vertisols for deep-rooted crops in semi-arid parts of central India. Soil Use Manag., 2003, 19, 208-216.

ID: 59704
Title: Development of soil and terrain digital database for major food-growing regions of India for resource planning.
Author: P. Chandran, P. Tiwary, T. Bhattacharya, C. Mandal, J. Prasad, S.K. Ray, D. Sarkar, D.K Pal, D.K. Mandal, G.S. Sidhu, K.M. Nair, A.K. Sahoo, T.H. Das, R.S. Singh, R. Srivastava, T.K. Sen, S. Chatterji, N.G. Patil, G.P. Obireddy, S.K. Mahapatra, K.S.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (9) 1420-1430 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Black soil region, database, Indo-Gangetic Plains, SOTER.
Abstract: Soil information system in SOTER (soil and terrain digital database) framework is developed for the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) and black soil regions (BSR) of India with the help of information from 842 georeferenced soil profiles including morphological, physical and chemical properties of soils in addition to the site characteristics and climatic information. The database has information from 82 climatic stations that can be linked with the other datasets. The information from this organized database can be easily retrieved for use and is compatible with the global database. The data-base can be updated with recent and relevant data as and when they are available. The database has many applications such as inputs for refinement of agro-ecological regions and sub-regions, studies on carbon sequestration, land evaluation and land (crop) planning, soil erosion, soil quality, carbon and crop modeling and other climate change related research. This warehouse of information in a structured framework can be used as a data bank for posterity.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Nachtergaele, F. and van Ranst, E., Qualitative and quantitative aspects of soil databases in tropical countries. In Evolution of Tropical Soil Science: Past and Future (ed. Stoops, G.) Koninkli-jke Academie voor oversee Wetenschappen, Brussel, 2002, pp. 107-126. Lagacherie, P. and McBratney, A.B., Spatial soil information system and spatial soil inference systems: perspectives for digital soil mapping. Digital Soil Mapping 2004 Montpellier, 13-17 September 2004, Elsevier, 2005.
Literature cited 2: Purnell, M.F., Soil survey information supply and demand: international policies and stimulation programmes. ITC J., 1993, 1, 30-35. Zinck, A. J., Introduction. Special Issue on Soil Survey Workshop, ITC J., 1993, 1, 2-7.

ID: 59703
Title: Georeferenced soil information system: assessment of database.
Author: T. Bhattacharya, D. Sarkar, S.K. Ray, P. Chandran, D.K. Pal, D.K. Mandal, J. Prasad, G.S. Sidhu, K.M. Nair, A.K. Sahoo, T.H. Das, R.S. Singh, C. Mandal, R. Srivastava, T.K. Sen, S. Chatterji, N.G. Patil, G.P. Obireddy, S.K. Mahapatra, K.S. Anil Kumar
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (9) 1400-1419 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Agriculture, Georeferenced soil information system, land-use planning, spatial database.
Abstract: Land-use planning is a decision-making process that facilitates the allocation of land to different uses that provide optimal and sustainable benefit. As land-use is shaped by society-nature interaction, in land-use planning different components/facets play a significant role involving soil, water, climate, animal (ruminant/non-ruminant) and others, including forestry and the environment needed for survival of mankind. At times these components are moderated by human interference. Thus land-use planning being a dynamic phenomenon is not guided by a single factor, but by a complex system working simultaneously, which largely affects the sustainability. To address such issues a National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) on Georeferenced soil information system for land-use planning and monitoring soil and land quality for agriculture ' was undertaken to develop threshold values of land quality parameters for land-use planning through quantitative land evaluation and crop modeling for dominant cropping systems in major agro-ecological sub-regions (AESRs) repr3esenting rice-wheat cropping system in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) and deep-rooted crops in the black soil regions (BSR). To assess the impact of land-use change, threshold land quality indicator values are used. A modified AESR map for agricultural land-use planning is generated for effective land-use planning.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Bhattacharya, T. and Mandal, B., Soils information system of the Indo-gangetic Plains for resource management. ISSS special session on land use planning. J. Indian. Soc. Soil Sci., Platinum Jubilee Symposium-Proceedings, 2009, pp.1-19. www.naipgeosis.org.
Literature cited 2: Bhattacharya, T. et al., Estimation of carbon stocks in red and black soils of selected benchmark spots in semi-arid tropics of India. Global theme on agroecosystems report no. 28, ICRISAT, Patancheru and NBSS &LUP, Nagpur, 2006,p. 86. Bhattacharya, T. et al., Carbon sequestration in red and black soils.I. Influence of morphological properties. Agropedology, 2007, 17, 1-15

ID: 59702
Title: Integrated crop disease management in arid Rajasthan: a synthesis of indigenous knowledge with biocontrol.
Author: Arun Kumar
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (9) 1393-1399 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Arid zone crops, biocontrol, disease management, indigenous knowledge, Trichoderma spp.
Abstract: In a view of awareness toward nature-friendly management of plant diseases, the need of integration and use of indigenous knowledge (IK) with modern biological control measures has been emphasized. In view of new insights being generated it is accentuated to reassess the system of sustainable plant disease management. One farmer-inspirred indigenous practice of using raw cow milk as seed treatment has been experimentally validated integrating with Trichoderma spp. (the farmer-friendly fungus and biocontrol agent) at farmers ' fields and at C.R Farm of the Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur. The present article, besides documenting the success stories of validating biocontrol agents to manage plant diseases in arid Rajasthan, attempts to revive interest in IK and biocontrol emphasizing research needs to reassess the system of sustainable plant disease management.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Walters, D., Walsh, D., Newton, A. and Lyon, G., Induced resistance for plant disease control: maximizing the efficacy of resistance elicitors, Phytopathology, 2005, 95, 1368-1373. Arun-Kumar, Bhansali, R.R and Mali, P.C., Raw cow ' s milk and Gliocladium virens induced protection against downy mildew of pearl millet. Int. Sorghum Millet Newsl., 2004, 45, 64-65.
Literature cited 2: Sudisha, J., Arun-Kumar, Amruthesh, K.N., Niranjana, S.R. and Shetty, H.S., Elicitation of resistance and defense related enzymes by raw cow milk and amino acids in pearl millet against downy mildew disease caused by Sclerospora graminicola. Crop Prot., 2011, 30, 794-801. Arun-Kumar, Mali, P.C. and Manga, V.K., Changes of some phenolic compounds and enzyme activities on infected pearl millet caused by Sclerospora graminicola. Int. J. Plant Physiol. Bio-chem., 2010, 2, 6-10.

ID: 59701
Title: Assessing leopard occurrence in the plantation landscape of Valparai, Anamalai Hills.
Author: R.Navya, Vidya Athreya, Divya Mudappa, T.R. Shankar Raman.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (9) 1381-1385 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Assessing leopard occurrence, plantation landscape of Valparai, Anamalai Hills,
Abstract: Interaction between humans and large carnivorous mammals have a long history in Africa and Asia. Some adaptable carnivores with wide ranges occur in landscapes with humans and their increasing interface with people sometimes results in conflicts. Encounters between carnivores and people that lead to economic losses due to livestock depradation or injuries/deaths of humans and wildlife may result in negative attitude towards wild carnivores and hinder management and conservation efforts.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Treves, A. and Naughton-Treves, L., J. Hum. Evol., 1999, 36, 275-282. Mathpal, Y., Prehistoric Rock Paintings of Bhimbetka, Central India, Abhinav Publications, New Delhi, 1984.
Literature cited 2: Madhusudan, M.D., and Mishra, C., In Battles over Nature: Science and the Politics of Conservation (eds Saberwal, V. and Rangarajan, M.), Permanent Black, New Delhi, 2003, pp.31-55. Treves, A. and Karanth, K.U., Conserv. Biol., 2003, 17, 1489-1490.

ID: 59700
Title: Imprint of cyclone Phailin on water quality of Chilika lagoon.
Author: Subhashree Sahoo, S.K. Balliarsingh, Aneesh A. Lotliker, K.C.Sahu.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (9) 1380-1381 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Imprint of cyclone, Phailin, water quality, Chilika lagoon.
Abstract: The very severe cyclonic storm Phailin, a category-5 hurricane, was developed over the north of Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 9 October 2013. Subsequently, it propagated towards north-northwest and made landfall at the Gopalpur coast, Odisha on 12 October. Chilika lagoon, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, is in close proximity to Gopalpur. This lagoon on the east coast of India lies between 19 ? 28`- 19 ? 54` N and long. 85 ?05`-85 ?38` E. The lagoon spreads over three districts of Odisha, namely Puri, Khordha and Ganjam. It is well recognized for its wide array of flora and fauna. The water spread area varies between 1020 and 704 sq.km during monsoon and summer respectively. Large areas of these coastal districts were inundated due to storm surge up to 3.5 m during Phailin.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Lotliker, A.A., Srinivasakumar, T., Reddem, V.S. and Nayak, S., Curr. Sci., 2014, 106 (3), 360-361. Gupta, G.V.M., Sarma, V.V.S.S., Robin, R.S., Raman A.V., Kumar, M.J., Rakesh, M. and Subramanian, B.R., Biogeochemistry, 2008, 87, 265-285.
Literature cited 2: Officer, C.B. and Ryther, J.H., Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser., 1980, 3, 83-91 Ketchum, B.H., Rapp. P.V. Reun. Cons: Int. Explor. Mer., 1962, 153, 142-147.

ID: 59699
Title: A case of polymer photovoltaics in India
Author: R.P. Singh.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (9) 1377-1379 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Polymer, photovoltaics, India
Abstract: Polymer solar cells are light weight, flexible and inexpensive. There has been great progress in three important aspects of polymer solar cells in the last decade, i.e. efficiency, stability and processing. The efficiencies of single-junction solar cells have been improved by stacking two or more complementary single cells in the form of tandem cells. There has been tremendous progress in roll-to-roll processing of single and tandem cells resulting in the setting up 1 GW solar power parks in Denmark and south of Spain. India has an ambitious programme of setting up solar energy power houses up to 300 GW by 2030. However, subcritical research and development is taking place in the field of polymer solar cells in India. It is high time we decide to pursue intensive polymer photovoltaics in the country.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Bose, D.N., Curr. Sci., 2014, 107 (1), 20-21. Dou, L., You, J., Hong, Z., Xu, Z., Li, G., Street, R.A. and Yang, Y., Adv. Mater., 2013, 25, 6642-6671.
Literature cited 2: Darling, S.B. and You, F., RSC Adv., 2013, 3, 17633-17648. Tang, C.W., Appl. Phys. Lett., 1986, 48, 183-185.

ID: 59698
Title: Impact of rainfall variability on groundwater resources and opportunities of artificial recharge structure to reduce its exploitation in fresh groundwater zones of Haryana.
Author: Bhaskar Narjary, Satyendra Kumar, S.K.Kamra, D.S. Bundela and D.K. Sharma.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (8) 1305-1320 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Artificial groundwater recharge, Karnal, Mann-Kendall, rainfall.
Abstract: Climate change likely to impact rainfall patterns leading to higher uncertainty and difficulties in management of both water scarcity and flood events. Temporal trends of rainfall and its variability of Karnal district, representing fresh groundwater zones of Haryana, were analysed by non-parametric Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen ' s slope approaches. Analysis of long-term rainfall data (1972-2010) indicated that Karnal receives a mean annual rainfall of 757.6 mm with a high degree of variation (CV=34.3%). Categorization of monsoon rainfall based on long-period average (LPA) and its CV indicates that during the last decade (2001-2010) Karnal received deficit rainfall in 6 years (18-57 % lower than LPA), normal rainfall in 2 years and excess rainfall (9-70 % higher than LPA) also for 2 years. The rainfall and rainy days during the last decade (2000-2010) decreased by 13 % and 20 % respectively, over long term (1972-2010) averages. The MK and Sen ' s slope approach applied to pre-and post-monsoon ground-water levels indicated significant declining trend emphasizing the need to augment groundwater by artificial groundwater recharge (AGR) system. AGR through recharge wells installed by CSSRI at village Nabiabad in Karnal districts resulted in 2.32 m and 3.16 m rise in water table during 2009 and 2010 respectively. Installation of artificial groundwater recharge in low lying areas has proven highly effective in enhancing groundwater and improve its quality.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Christensen, J.H., Regional climate predictions. Climate Change 2007. The physical science basis. Contribution of Working Group 1 to the 4th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Solomon, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2007. Cruz, R.V., Asia. Climate Change 2007. Impacts, adaptation and Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2007.
Literature cited 2: Bhadwal, S., Coping with global change: vulnerability and adaptation in Indian agriculture. TERI Report. Venema, IG Printers, New Delhi, 2003. Mooley, D.A. and Parthasarathy, B., Fluctuations in All-India summer monsoon rainfall during 1871-1978. Clim.Change, 1984, 6, 287-301.

ID: 59697
Title: Carbon sequestration in agroforestry and pasture systems in arid northwestern India.
Author: Shamsudheen Mangalassery, Devi Dayal, S.L. Meena and Bhagirath Ram.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (8) 1290-1293 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Arid soils, carbon sequestration, grasses, Kachchh, silvipasture.
Abstract: Carbon sequestration has been suggested as a means to help mitigate the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. Silvipastrol systems can better sequester carbon in soil and biomass and help to improve soil conditions. In the present study, carbon sequestration was quantified both in biomass and soil in two pasture systems (Cenchrus ciliaris and Cenchrus setegerus), two tree systems (Acacia tortilis and Azadirachta indica) and four silvipastoral system (combination of one tree and on grass) in arid north-western India. The silvipastoral system sequestered 36.3% to 60.0 % more total soil organic stock compared to the tree system and 27.1-70.8% more in comparison to the pasture system. The soil organic carbon and net carbon sequestered were greater in the silvipastoral system. Thus, silvipastoral system involving trees and grasses can help in better sequestration of atmospheric system compared with systems containing only trees or pasture.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Ugalde, D., Brungs, A., Kaebernick, M., McGregor, A. and Slattey, B., Implications of climate change for tillage practice in Australia. Soil Till. Res., 2007, 97, 318-330. IPCC, Summary for policy makers. In climate Change 2007: The physical Science Basis Contribution of Working Group 1 to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (eds Solomon, S. et al ), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, N Y, USA, 2007, p. 996.
Literature cited 2: Smith, K.A., Ball, T., Conen, F., Dobbie, K.E., Massheder, J. and Rey, A., Exchange of greenhouse gases between soil and atmosphere: Interactions of soil physical factors and biological processes. Eur.J.Soil.Sci., 2003, 54, 779-791. Kimble, J.M., Lal, R. and Follet, R.F., Methods of assessing soil carbon pools. In Assessment Methods for Soil Carbon (eds Lal, R. et al.), Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, FL, pp. 3-12.

ID: 59696
Title: Classification of cereal proteins related to abiotic stress based on their physicochemical properties using support vector machine.
Author: Manju Mary Paul, Anil Rai and Sanjeev Kumar.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (8) 1283-1289 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Abiotic stress, cross-validation, physico-chemical properties, proteins, support vector machine.
Abstract: Abiotic stress factors severely limit plant growth and development as well as crop yield. There is a great need to develop understanding of plant physiological responses to abiotic stresses in order to improve crop productivity through crop improvement programmes. Proteins play a central role in plant adaptations under stress and hence their identification is important to the biologist. Identification of such proteins by wet lab experimentation is sometimes expensive and time-consuming. In such a situation, in silico approaches can be used to narrow down this search. In this study, classification of cereal proteins subjected to four different stresses, namely extreme temperature, drought, salt and abscisic acid (ABA) was undertaken. Classification models were built using support vector machine (SVM) to predict the function o proteins under these abiotic stresses on the basis of 34 physico-chemical features extracted from the protein sequence. Specific features of the protein sequence that are highly correlated with certain protein sequence that are highly correlated with certain protein functions were selected by stepwise logistic regression, a feature selection method. SVM was trained using different kernel functions and cross-validated using 10-fold cross-validatation technique. Prediction precision was assessed through different measures such as sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. The accuracy of protein function prediction using SVM with different kernel functions ranges from 60% to 100 %.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Mahajan, S. and Tuteja, N., Cold, salinity and drought stresses: an overview. Arch.Biochem.Biophys., 2005, 444 (2), 139-158. Skriver, K. and Mundy, J., The gene expression in response to abscisic acid and osmotic stress. Plant Cell, 1990, 2, 503-512.
Literature cited 2: Stone, P., The effects of heat stress on cereal yield and quality. In Crop Responses and Adaptations to Temperature Stress (ed. Basra, A.S.) Food Products Press, Binghamton, NY, 2001, pp. 243-291. Kosova, K., Vitamvas, P., Prasil, I.T. and Renaut, J., Plant proteome changes under abiotic stress-contribution of proteomics studies to understanding plant stress response. J. Preteomics, 2011, 74 (8), 1302-1322.

ID: 59695
Title: On non-monotonic variation of hydrodynamically focused width in a rectangular
Author: Siddhartha Tripathi, Pritish Chakravarty and Amit Agrawal
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (8) 1260-1274 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Aspect ratio, focused width, flow rate rattio, microfluidics, oil-water experiments, viscosity ratio
Abstract: This article presents a comprehensive theoretical model and limited experimental results for describing two-dimensional hydrodynamic focusing in micro-channels involving immiscible fluids. It is shown that the normalized focused sample width depends on three non-dimensional parameters-the flow rate ratio, viscosity ratio and aspect ratio. A theory encompassing the effects of all these parameters is developed. Whereas the effects of flow rate ratio and viscosity ratio on the focused sample width are monotonic in nature, those of aspect ratio can be non-monotonic. We report existence of a viscosity ratio beyond which the normalized width decreases with an increase in the aspect ratio, and for viscosity ratio less than a critical value the normalized width increases with increase in the aspect ratio. This parameter range where the minimum sample width is obtained is further analysed. The effect of aspect ratio and flow rate ratio have been validated experimentally using oil and water based systems. A physical explanation of the variation of sample width with aspect ratio along with microchannel-design guidelines are also provided in this study .We demonstrate that the derived results are more general than the available theoretical models. This comprehensive theory can eventually be employed for predicting hydrodynamically focused width in microdevices and for employing optimal aspect ratio microchannels, without incurring the cost of experiments and human effort.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Crosland-Taylor, P.J., A device for counting small particles suspended in fluid through a tube. Nature, 1953, 17, 37-38. Huh, D., Gu, W., Kamotani, Y., Grotberg, J.B. and Takayama, S., Microfluidics for flow cytometric analysis of cells and particles. Physiol. Meas., 2005, 26, R73-R-98
Literature cited 2: Lee, G.B., Lin, C.H. and Chang, S.C., Micromachine-based multi-channel flow cytometers for cell/particle counting and sorting. J. Micromech. Microeng., 2005, 15, 447-454. de Mello, A.J. and Edel, J.B., Hydrodynamic focusing in microstructures, improved detection efficiencies in subfemtoliter probe volumes. J. Appl. Phys., 2007, 101, 084903.

ID: 59694
Title: Preservation and protection of traditional knowledge-diverse documentation initiatives across the globe.
Author: R. Lakshmi Poorna, M. Mymoon and A. Hariharan.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (8) 1240-1246 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Documenting TK, IP protection, Preserving traditional knowledge, Protecting traditional knowledge, traditional knowledge.
Abstract: Traditional knowledge (TK) is the knowledge that an indigenous community accumulates over generations of living. A part of this knowledge is recorded in local languages and a major portion is still not recorded and remains confined to local communities. In the light of the prevalent loss and threatened future of TK, it is important to preserve it in a contemporary format that would be familiar to the future generation. Preservation also empowers the community/country to protect its knowledge from misuse and utilize it for better development. This study highlights some major documentation initiatives across the globe at the community and country levels that aim at preserving and safeguarding TK.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Correa, C.M., A discussion paper on traditional knowledge and intellectual property: issues and options surrounding the protection of traditional knowledge. QUNO, Geneva, 2001. World Health Organisation (WHO), The WHO Congress on Traditional Medicine, http:// www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/congress/congress_background_info/en/index.html.
Literature cited 2: Commission on Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR), Report on Integrating Intellectual Property Rights and Development Policy, London, 2002. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations (UN), Report on the Status of the World ' s Indigenous People, New York, 2009.

ID: 59693
Title: Earliest record of slime moulds (Myxomycetes) from the Deccan Intertrappean beds (Maastrichtian), Padwar, India.
Author: Ratan Kar, R.S. Singh
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 107 (8) 1237-1239 (2014)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Slime moulds (Myxomycetes), Deccan Intertrappean beds (Maastrichtian), Padwar, India.
Abstract: Myxomycetaceous fossil spores are reported from the Deccan Intertrappeans beds near the village Padwar in Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh, India. These remains are found in association with index spore-pollen taxa of Maastrichtian age (~70 to 65 million years) and are the oldest records of fossil Myxomycetes.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Lister, G., J. Bot., 1925, 62, 16-20. Evensen, A.E., Mycologia, 1962, 53, 135-144.
Literature cited 2: Brooks, T.E., Keller, H.W. and Chasian, M., Mycologia, 1977, 69, 179-184. Blackwell, M., Gilbertson, R.L., Mycotaxon, 1980, 11, 239-249