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)
ID: 65809
Title: Energy budgeting and global warming potential of traditional rice production system in Eastern Ghats region of Odisha
Author: K. Beer , Ch. J. Dash , M. Madhu , P.P. Adhikary , U.K. Maurya , P. Jakhar , G.W. Barla and G.B. Naik
Editor: Dr.Sumati Gaumat
Year: 2024
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Journal of Environmental Biology Vol. 45 (2) 200-209 (2024)
Subject: Energy budgeting and global warming potential of traditional rice production system in Eastern Ghats region of Odisha
Keywords: Budgeting, Energy, Eastern Ghats, Green house gases, Global warming, Rice
Abstract: Global warming is much talked upon topic of this century
throughout the globe. The causes of global warming are mostly
attributed to emission of green house gases like carbon dioxide,
th methane and nitrous oxide (Pathak et al., 2007) as per the 6
IPCC report annual assessment. It was reported that since 2011
(measurements reported in AR5), the concentrations of green
house gases have continued to increase in the atmosphere,
reaching annual average of 410 ppm for carbon dioxide, 1866 ppb
for methane, and 332 ppb for nitrous oxide in 2019, respectively,
(IPCC, 2021). Currently, the emission of green house gases and
consumption of high energy requiring inputs in agriculture
(nitrogen and fossil fuels) are two important issues and will remain
critical in future as there is a great challenge to achieve food and
nutritional security for the ever-growing population. The reports
suggest that the annual emission of green house gases from
agriculture is 5.1-6.1 Pg CO2 eq., contributing nearly 10-20% of the
global green house gas emission (Smith et al., 2007). In future,with
increase in the population, demand for food grain will increase,
thereby the emission of green house gases will increase
proportionately, which is a very challenging task (Gilbert,2011).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Adhikary, P.P., M. Madhu, C.J. Dash, D.C. Sahoo, P. Jakhar, B.S. Naik,
H.C. Hombegowda, G.B. Naik and B. Dash: Prioritization of
traditional tribal field crops based on RWUE in Koraput district of
Odisha. Indian J. Tradit. Knowl., 14, 88-95 (2015).
Bolinder, M.A., H.H. Janzen, E.G. Gregorich, D.A. Angers and B.A.J.
Vanden: An approach for estimating net primary productivity and
annual carbon inputs to soil for common agricultural crops in
Canada. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ., 118, 29-42 (2007).
Literature cited 2: Choudhary V.K., S.P. Kumar and R. Bhagawati: Energy audit of rice
production systems in different land forms in mid hills of Arunachal
Pradesh. Oryza, 50, 140-145 (2013).
Dash, Ch .J., P.P. Adhikary, M. Madhu, U.K. Maurya, P.K. Mishra and S.
Mukhopadhyay: Geospatial assessment and physical
characterization of terraced low land (Jhola land) in Eastern Ghats
Highland of India. Ind. J. Soil Conserv., 47, 30-38 (2019a).
ID: 65808
Title: Hepatoprotective effect of Cassia auriculata extract against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats
Author: B.L. Aarthi and M. Sendhilvadivu
Editor: Dr.Sumati Gaumat
Year: 2024
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Journal of Environmental Biology Vol. 45 (2) 190-199 (2024)
Subject: Hepatoprotective effect of Cassia auriculata extract against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in Wistar albino rats
Keywords: : Albino rats, Cassia auriculata, Ethanol, Oxidative stress
Abstract: Alcoholism in India is indeed a significant concern and
threat with far-reaching consequences. Alcohol is one of the
leading causes of death and disability globally and in India.
According to recent data published by the World Health
Organization (WHO), approximately 3.3 million deaths every year
occurs due to alcohol consumption and 5.1% of the global burden
of disease is attributable to alcohol consumption (Eashwar et al.,
2020). Excessive alcohol consumption for a prolonged time may
lead to variety of sociomedical and public issues (Nowak and
Relja, 2020). Ethanol is a primary constituent present in most of
the alcoholic beverages. It is primarily metabolized in the liver by
the action of cytosolic alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme which has
multiple isoenzymes and genetic polymorphisms. The important
oxidative pathways include inducible CYP2E1 system which
oxidizes alcohol and produces the toxic by product acetaldehyde
(Jiang et al., 2020). Antioxidant defense system involves the
antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione-S-transferase,
glutathione peroxidase, super oxide dismutase and catalase.
These enzymes play an important role in eliminating reactive
oxygen species and detoxify free radicals generated under
normal physiological conditions (Ighodaro and Akinloye, 2018).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Barbosa, A., G.D. Silveira, I. de Menezes, J. Neto, J. Bitencurt, C.D.
Estavam, A. de Lima, S.M. Thomazzi, A.G. Guimaraes and L.J.
Quintans: Antidiabetic effect of the Chrysobalanus icaco L.
aqueous extract in rats. J. Med. Food., 16, 538-543 (2013).
Beauchamp, C and I. Fridovich: Superoxide dismutase: improved
assays applicable to acrylamide gels. Anal. Biochem., 44, 276 –
287 (1971).
Literature cited 2: Chen, H.W., C.S. Huang, C.C. Li, A.H. Lin, Y.J. Huang, T.S. Wang, H.T.
Yao and C.K. Lii: Bioavailability of andrographolide and protection
against carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative damage in rats.
Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol., 280, 1-9 (2014).
Chigurupati, H., B. Auddy, M. Biyani and S.J. Stohs: Hepatoprotective
effects of a proprietary Glycyrrhizin product during alcohol
consumption: A randomized, double- blind, placebo- controlled,
crossover study. Phytother. Res., 30, 1943- 1953 (2016).
ID: 65807
Title: Identification of soil properties influencing primary productivity of fish ponds under red and lateritic soil zones
Author: A. Banerjee and G.N. Chattopadhyay
Editor: Dr.Sumati Gaumat
Year: 2024
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Journal of Environmental Biology Vol. 45 (2) 182-189 (2024)
Subject: Identification of soil properties influencing primary productivity of fish ponds under red and lateritic soil zones
Keywords: Fish ponds, Minimum data set, Productivity attributes, Red and lateritic soil zones, Soil factors
Abstract: Role of bottom soils in influencing the environment and
productivity of various pond fish culture systems are well
documented. Not only this phase helps in gradual release of
different nutrients to available forms for the benefit of primary fish
food organisms and, in turn, the growth of fishes but it also helps
to maintain a favorable pond environment through various
biochemical reactions occurring in these aquatic ecosystems
(Adhikari, 2011; Boyd, 2012; Vass et al., 2015). Considering the
importance of bottom soils on productivity of fish ponds, Hickling
(1971) designated this phase as the “Chemical laboratory of a fish
pond”. Basic properties of a soil group being largely different from
the other ones, the fish ponds situated under a particular soil zone
are likely to exhibit some specific characters of soil and water
environment, which may be reflected in their biological
productivity levels also. Considering this fact, Boyd et al. (2002),
while discussing different aspects of aquaculture pond bottom soil
management, suggested that the location specific soil
deficiencies should be identified and treated while undertaking
new fish culture programmes in any fish pond. Similar importance
of soil system based pond management by taking into account
the major productivity attributing soil factors for any particular soil
condition has been discussed by Banerjee et al. (2010) and
Chattopadhyay (2018).
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Adhikari, S.: Soil and water quality management in aquaculture. In:
Handbook of Fisheries and Aquaculture. ICAR, New Delhi, pp.
591-622 (2011).
Banerjee, A.,G.N.Chattopadhyay and C.E. Boyd: Determination of critical
limits of soil nutrients for use in optimizing fertilizer rates for fish
ponds inred,lateritic soil zones. Aqua.Engin.,40,144-148(2009).
Literature cited 2: Banerjee, A. and G.N. Chattopadhyay: Effect of submergence on lime
requirement of acidic fish pond soils. Bangladesh J. Agric.
Environ., 5, 1-9 (2009a)
Banerjee, A., G.N. Chattopadhyay and C.E. Boyd: Soil system-based
approach: a tool for fish pond fertilization. Better Crops Int., 94, 22-
24 (2010).