ID: 62835
Title: Weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) headspace volatiles deter oviposition in female Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Author: P. D. Kamala Jayanthi, P. Saravan Kumar and Meenal Vyas
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (5) 694-702 (2022)
Subject: Weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) headspace volatiles deter oviposition in female Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Keywords: Fruit fly, headspace volatiles, oviposition deterrent, predator–prey interactions, weaver ant
Abstract: Natural predator–prey interactions in the insect world provide interesting insights into how female herbivores avoid ovipositing in places where a predator’s presence can be perceived. Several insects show such innate behavioral traits that can be harnessed to formulate safe pest management strategies in agriculture. Using customized oviposition assays, we studied the innate oviposition avoidance behaviour of the oriental fruit fly,
Bactrocera dorsalis, a frugivorous pest. Fruit flies preferred to lay eggs in a test region smeared with γ-octalactone (an oviposition stimulant used as a positive control) over one smeared with a mix of γ-octalactone
and headspace volatiles of the weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina, a generalist predator in orchard ecosystems. A combination of the electrophysiologically active odour cues n-undecane and n-tridecane from the
headspace volatiles of weaver ants were found to deter female fruit flies from ovipositing. Using these behaviour-modifying chemicals in a blend as a pre-harvest spray could potentially prevent egg-laying by the oriental fruit flies in ready-to-harvest fruits.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Apfelbach, R., Blanchard, C. D., Blanchard, R. J., Hayes, R. A. and McGregor, I. S., The effects of predator odors in mammalian prey species: a review of field and laboratory studies. Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev., 2005, 29, 1123–1144.
Takahashi, L. K., Nakashima, B. R., Hong, H. and Watanabe, K.,The smell of danger: a behavioral and neural analysis of predator
odor-induced fear. Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev., 2005, 29, 1157–1167
Literature cited 2: Amo, L., Galván, I., Tomás, G. and Sanz, J. J., Predator odour recognition and avoidance in a songbird. Funct. Ecol., 2008, 22, 289–293.
Liu, Z. et al., Predator-secreted sulfolipids induce defensive responses in C. elegans. Nature Commun., 2018, 9, 1–13.
ID: 62834
Title: Risk assessment of drowning incidents at Aksa Beach, Mumbai, India
Author: Deepali Gadkari and Subhankar Das
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (5) 687-693 (2022)
Subject: Risk assessment of drowning incidents at Aksa Beach, Mumbai, India
Keywords: Beaches, drowning hazard, moon phase, prevention policy, risk assessment, tide time
Abstract: The Aksa Beach is one of the most drowning incidentprone beaches in Mumbai, India. From 2006 through
2018, an average of 38 people drowned annually. A total of 445 non-fatal drowning victims have been rescued and 47 have died. No studies about these drowning incidents in Aksa Beach have been published. The incidences are classified according to various parameters such as season, tide time, lunar day, gender and age of victims, and locations on the beach to assess drowning hazards. The result is that both natural and demographic factors are responsible for drowning incidents. This study assesses the natural and social causes of drowning and suggests a prevention policy.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: WHO, The Injury Fact Book, A Graphical Overview of the Global Burden of Injuries, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2012.
Short, A., Handbook of Beach and Shore Face Morphodynamics, John Wiley, Chichester, 1999.
Literature cited 2: Surisetty, A. K. and Prasad, K., Rip current-related fatalities in India: a new predictive risk scale for forecasting rip currents. Int. Soc.Prev. Mitiga. Nat. Hazards, 2014, 70(1), 313–335.
Indo-Asian News Service, World’s most treacherous beach claims. Hindustan Times, 6 May 2013; https://web.archive.org/web/2014-
0228110214/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/World-s-most-treacherous-beach-claims-3/Article1-1055373.aspx(accessed on 28 September 2018).
ID: 62833
Title: Traffic noise pollution assessment along the Ring Road of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Author: Reeta Singh, Dipesh Raj Pant and Resham Baniya
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (5) 677-686 (2022)
Subject: Traffic noise pollution assessment along the Ring Road of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Keywords: Noise pollution, traffic noise index, sound level, Nepal.
Abstract: Sound or noise pollution has become a pressing issue in the major cities of the world. The rapidly growing and
densely populated Kathmandu city in Nepal is no exception. Traffic noise level data were recorded in the field
using sound-level meters. Each observation session was for 3 h (8–11 am) and (3–6 pm) at an interval of 10 sec
on working days. The vehicle flow status was studied by direct observation, while the time series of noise pollution data and vehicles registered were updated from secondary sources. Further, various noise descriptors like traffic noise level, noise pollution level, equivalent continuous sound level (Leq), minimum sound level and maximum sound level were determined to assess noise
pollution. It was found that there was no significant difference in the descriptors between the morning and evening traffic flow periods at a 5% level of significance.
At all the 20 studied road junctions, Leq exceeded 70 dB(A) surpassing the recommended levels of national as well as international noise standards. If the present noise pollution level persists in Kathmandu with the growing population and number of vehicles, it will increase the chances of adverse health effects on the population.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ozer, S., Yilmaz, H., Yesil, M. and Yesil, P., Evaluation of noise pollution caused by vehicles in the city of Tokata, Turkey. Sci. Res. Essays, 2009, 4(11), 1205–1211.
Phan, Y. T. H., Yano, T., Sato, T. and Nishimura, T., Characteristics of road traffic noise in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. Appl. Acoust., 2010, 71(5), 479–485.
Literature cited 2: Ramakrishna, V., Ashwani, D. and Durga, M., Vijayawada: a study
on ambient and traffic noise pollution in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India. Int. J. Curr. Res., 2017, 9(7), 53943–53951.
Bhosale, B., Late, A., Nalawade, P., Chavan, S. and Mule, M., Studies on assessment of traffic noise level in Aurangabad city, India.
Noise Health, 2010, 12, 195.
ID: 62832
Title: Can farm mechanization enhance small farmers’ income? Lessons from Lower Shivalik Hills of the Indian Himalayan Region
Author: Pinaki Roy, B. S. Hansra, R. R. Burman, Sangeeta Bhattacharyya, T. N. Roy and Rouf Ahmed
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (5) 667-676 (2022)
Subject: Can farm mechanization enhance small farmers’ income? Lessons from Lower Shivalik Hills of the Indian Himalayan Region
Keywords: Efficacy measure, farm mechanization, labour cost, socio-agro-economic impact, synchronous bootstrapping
Abstract: Indian agriculture being fraught with fragmented land holdings, the economic viability of farm mechanization has forever remained a debatable issue. Here we determine the socio-agro-economic impact of seed-cumfertilizer drill and zero tillage through different methods with ex-ante and ex-post approaches. Results depict that labour costs had reduced by almost 80% and seed usage by 20%. The seed-cum-fertilizer drill and zero tillage adopter saved Rs 3764.10 and 4047.54 respectively, from 1 ha. The machinery also increased the yield of HD 2967 wheat variety by 13.39 and 6.0 q/ha, and decreased seed rate by 27.71 and 24.20 kg/ha respectively, as evident from the results of the SUR model. The growth of the farm machinery sector is hindered by machine cost, resource-poor farmers and inaccessibility of agricultural technology. A few suggestions on the critical aspects are made here based on the application of technology in different states of India to implement suitable policies for the economic benefit of farmers.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Bhattacharyya, S., Venkatesh, P., Aditya, K. S. and Burman, R. R.,The macro and micro point of view of farmer suicides in India. Natl.Acad. Sci. Lett., 2020, 6(164), 489–495; https://doi.org/10.1007/
s40009-020-00920-4
Prasad, Y. G. et al., Smart practices and technologies for climate resilient agriculture. Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, 2014
Literature cited 2: Mittal, S., Cost–benefit analysis of agriculture interventions in Andhra Pradesh. Working draft on Andhra Pradesh Priorities, An Indian Consensus Prioritization Project, Copenhagen Consensus Center,
Creative Commons Attribution CC BY. 4.0, 2018.
Feder, G., Richard, J. and David, S., Adoption of Agricultural Innovations in Developing Countries: A Survey, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, USA, 1985, vol. 2, pp. 255–295; https://www.
journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdfplus/10.1086/451461.
ID: 62831
Title: Physiological, biochemical and molecular manifestations in response to seed priming with elicitors under drought in cotton
Author: Himanshu Kumar, Pooja Verma, Suchit A. John and D. Blaise
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (5) 658-666 (2022)
Subject: Physiological, biochemical and molecular manifestations in response to seed priming with elicitors under drought in cotton
Keywords: Drought responsive gene, Gossypium hirsutism, methyl jasmonate, paclobutrazol, seed priming.
Abstract: Water stress has a detrimental effect on growth and development, which alters physio-biochemical activities. Seed priming with elicitors such as methyl jasmonate
and paclobutrazol can mitigate the impact of drought stress. Therefore, pot-culture studies were conducted with drought-tolerant (DTS-155) and drought-susceptible (IC-357055) cotton genotypes to assess the seed priming effects of elicitors (methyl jasmonate and paclobutrazol) on the physio-biochemical changes and
gene expression. The dose (50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) and time interval (1.5 and 2.5 h) experiments of both the elicitors were performed separately. On the basis
of germination, seedling growth and vigour, a 150 mM elicitor for 1.5 h time interval was found to be the best. Biochemical and physiological parameters confirmed
an increase in relative water content, total antioxidant activities, chlorophyll, superoxide dismutase, catalase and proline under drought stress in both the enotypes, but a decrease in lipid peroxidation. Among the elicitors, methyl jasmonate improved drought tolerance as compared to paclobutrazol. Gene expression studies
with Rub-S, Rub-L and Osmotin confirmed the results. Transcript abundance of Osmotin and Rub-L was upregulated under drought stress in both the genotypes and
was highest in methyl jasmonate primed samples. These findings suggest that priming with methyl jasmonate enhances drought tolerance in cotton.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Baffes, J., Tanzania’s cotton sector: reforms, constraints and challenges. Dev. Policy Rev., 2005, 22(1), 75–96.
Gillham, F. E., Cotton Production Prospects for the Next Decade, World Bank Publications, 1995, vol. 23.
Literature cited 2: Li, X., Cai, J., Liu, F., Dai, T., Cao, W. and Jiang, D., Cold priming drives the sub-cellular antioxidant systems to protect photosynthetic electron transport against subsequent low temperature stress in winter wheat. Plant Physiol. Bilchem., 2014, 82, 34–43.
Muscolo, A., Junker, A., Klukas, C., Weigelt-Fischer, K., Riewe, D. and Altmann, T., Phenotypic and metabolic responses to drought and salinity of four contrasting lentil accessions. J. Exp. Bot., 2015,
66(18), 5467–5480.
ID: 62830
Title: Multifunctional toxin phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in Naja oxiana venom, a promising target for 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives
Author: Rabia Tariq, Ejaz Ul Hassan, Moeen Anjum, Muhammad Nawaz Khan, Zaman Ashraf, Fiaz Alam , Abdul Mannan, Muhammad Imran Amirzada and Muhammad Hassham Hassan Bin Asad
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (5) 650-657 (2022)
Subject: Multifunctional toxin phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in Naja oxiana venom, a promising target for 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives
Keywords: Naja oxiana, phospholipase A2 inhibitors, oxadiazoles, snake bite envenomation
Abstract: The present work is designed to synthesize 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives 5a–5d as snake venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors. The snake venom was isolated from Naja oxiana by pressing their glands below eyes to perform anti-PLA2 activity. The compounds 5a–5d showed good PLA2 inhibitory potential, especially 5d exhibited excellent activity having IC50 value 0.002 mM (0.01 > p > 0.001) followed by 5c having
IC50 value 0.003 mM (0.01 > p > 0.001). Compounds 5a and 5b have IC50 values 0.027 mM (p < 0.001) and 0.014 mM (p < 0.001) respectively. The docking results
showed that all compounds have binding interactions with amino acid residues in active binding site. They have good binding affinities, particularly 5d has binding energy –6.8 kcal/mol compared to other analogues.
On the basis of dry and wet lab results, it may proposed that 5d may act as a potent inhibitor of PLA2 in N. oxiana venom.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Luiselli, L., Sale, L., Akani, G. C. and Amori, G., Venomous snake abundance within snake species’ assemblages worldwide. Diversity,2020, 12(2), 69.
Asad, M. H. H. B. et al., 5′-Nucleatidases of Naja naja karachiensis snake venom: their determination, toxicities and remedial
approach by natural inhibitors (medicinal plants). Acta Pol. Pharm., 2016, 73(3), 667–673.
Literature cited 2: Alirol, E., Sharma, S. K., Bawaskar, H. S., Kuch, U. and Chappuis, F., Snake bite in South Asia: a review. PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis.,
2010, 4(1), e603.
Masroor, R., Khisroon, M. and Jablonski, D., A case study on illegal
reptile poaching from Balochistan. Pakistan. Herpetozoa, 2020, 33, 67.
ID: 62829
Title: Nanoparticles mitigate arsenic stress in plants by modulating defence mechanisms
Author: Thorny Chanu Thounaojam , Zesmin Khan , Thounaojam Thomas Meetei , Sanjib Kumar Panda and Hrishikesh Upadhyaya
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (5) 642-649 (2022)
Subject: Nanoparticles mitigate arsenic stress in plants by modulating defence mechanisms
Keywords: Nanoparticles, arsenic stress in plants, modulating defence mechanisms
Abstract: Arsenic (As) stress greatly affects plant growth and production, threatening food security and also human health through the food chain. As alters various physiological processes that subsequently affect the normal metabolism in plants. The plants have evolved different mechanisms against stress, where nanoparticles (NPs) improve plant metabolism and the defence system, thereby alleviating as stress in it. This article discusses the effects of as in plants at different levels, and the role of NPs in modulating the plant defence system
against as stress. This article may help encourage future research on plant protective mechanisms against
stress and the significance of NPs in plant science and agriculture.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Abbas, G., Murtaza, B., Bibi, I., Shahid, M., Niazi, N. K., Khan, M.I. and Hussain, M., Arsenic uptake, toxicity, detoxification, and speciation in plants: physiological, biochemical, and molecular aspects.Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2018, 15(1), 59.
Thounaojam, T. C., Khan, Z. and Upadhyaya, H., Molecular physiology of arsenic uptake, transport, and metabolism in rice. In Arsenic
in Drinking Water and Food, Springer, Singapore, 2020, pp. 391–410
Literature cited 2: Pan, W., Wu, C., Xue, S. and Hartley, W., Arsenic dynamics in the rhizosphere and its sequestration on rice roots as affected by root
oxidation. J. Environ. Sci., 2014, 26(4), 892–899.
Sohn, E., Contamination: the toxic side of rice. Nature, 2014,514(7524), S62–S63.
.
ID: 62828
Title: India’s management and governance in protecting the stratospheric ozone layer
Author: Garima
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (5) 635-641 (2022)
Subject: India’s management and governance in protecting the stratospheric ozone layer
Keywords: Chlorofluorocarbons, international treaty, management and governance, ozone, stratosphere
Abstract: India has actively participated in the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Stratospheric Ozone Layer through its noteworthy management and governance. This Protocol is an international treaty with most nations as signatories to safeguard the ozone layer. For the success of the Montreal Protocol, developing (Article-5) and developed (non-Article 5) countries, as well as those with economies in transition, need to adhere to its conditions and provisions fully. Ozone-depleting substances have been phased out from all countries. Since 1 August 2008, India has completely phased out the
production and consumption of chlorofluorocarbons, almost 17 months ahead of the agreed phaseout schedule. The country has also contributed to the ‘save ozone’ efforts by all the world nations.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Weiss, E. B., The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. United Nations Audiovisual Library of International Law, 2009;https://legal.un.org/avl/ha/vcpol/vcpol.html.
The world solved the ozone problem. It can solve climate change. The New York Times, 2019; ttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/07/
opinion/sunday/ozone-climate-change.html
Literature cited 2: Liverpool, L., The ozone layer is healing and redirecting wind flows around the globe. New Sci., Magazine issue 3276, 2020; https://www.newscientist.com/article/2238542-the-ozone-layer-ishealing-and-redirecting-wind-flows-around-the-globe/
UN News, Healing of ozone layer gives hope for climate action. UN Report, 2018; https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/11/1024842
ID: 62827
Title: Coloured bivalves from the Middle Eocene of Kutch, India
Author: Rosina Syed Sampa Sarkar S. Sengupta
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (5) 633-634 (2022)
Subject: Coloured bivalves from the Middle Eocene of Kutch, India
Keywords: Coloured bivalves, Middle Eocene of Kutch
Abstract: Fossiliferous, shallow marine Palaeogene
rocks are well exposed in Kutch, Gujarat,
India. Among diverse Paleogene fossils of
Kutch, the Middle Eocene bivalves have
been studied by several workers in the context of systematics, ontogeny and biostratinomy. In the present study, we report pigment-bearing Middle Eocene ostreid bivalve Flamingostrea sp. Vredenburg from western Kutch. The previously reported coloured mollusc from Kutch was from the Jurassic age
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Biswas, S. K., J. Palaeontol. Soc. India,
1992, 37, 1–29.
Chattopadhyaya, D., Indian Miner., 2004,
58, 169–182.
Literature cited 2: Kachhara, R. P., Jodhawat, R. L. and
Bigyapati Devi, K., J. Palaeontol. Soc. India,
2011, 56, 17–28.
Halder, K. and Bano, S., Arab. J. Geosci.,
2014, 8, 2019–2034.
ID: 62826
Title: Current need for identifying and preserving pigments in the prehistoric cave paintings of India
Author: Chandra Shekhar Mohanty, Rojalin Pattanayak
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (5) 632-633 (2022)
Subject: Current need for identifying and preserving pigments in the prehistoric cave paintings of India
Keywords: Identifying and preserving pigments, prehistoric cave, paintings of India
Abstract: The history of cave paintings in Indian ranges from the upper Paleolithic to the early historic period. There are more than 10,000 locations in the country where these cave paintings can be found. The remnants of rock shelter arts are found on sandstone or sedimentary rocks of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. In North India, many rock engravings are in the upper reaches of the Kara-koram Hills and Zanskar Valley. Several rock paintings are reported in Varanasi, Prayag Raj and Agra, Uttar Pradesh. In Eastern India, Odisha has the richest repository of rock arts. The Bhimbetka group of rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh is one of the most famous rock arts of the country and is a World Heritage Site.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Chakravarthy, K.K.and Bedmarik, R.G., Indian Rock Art and its Global Context, Motilal Banarsidas Publ., Bhopal, India,1997.
Blinkhorn, J., Rock Art Studies: News of the World VI, rachaeo Press, Oxford, 2021, p.137.
Literature cited 2: Kumar, V., Indian, J., Archaeol., 2021, 7(1), 1203-1878.
Mathpal, Y., Prehistoric Painting of Bhimbetka, Abhinav Publications, 1984.
ID: 62825
Title: Modal data-based simple statistical analysis as an effective petrogenetic indicator: a study from Kadavur gabbro-anorthosite complex, Tamil Nadu, southern India
Author: Debaleena Sarkar, Jyotisankar Ray, Papiya Banerjee and Suranjana Kayal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (4) 601-605 (2022)
Subject: Modal data-based simple statistical analysis as an effective petrogenetic indicator: a study from Kadavur gabbro-anorthosite complex, Tamil Nadu, southern India
Keywords: Gabbro-anorthosite, isopleths map, mineralogical parameters, modal data, statistical anal
Abstract: Field and petrographic studies on the Neoproterozoic Kadavur intrusive complex (10°35′N, 78°11′E) (located in the Southern Granulite Terrane of the Indian shield)
reveal three distinct types: (i) earliest phase of deformed schistose gabbro-anorthosite; (ii) most dominant layered gabbro-anorthosite, and (iii) locally developed
pegmatoidal gabbro-anorthosite. A simple modal databased statistical analysis of layered gabbro-anorthosite type yields highly significant or significant correlation
coefficients for different mineralogical parameters and strongly supports differentiation from a common magma.
Typical dispositions of the mineralogical parameters (as depicted by isopleths patterns) suggest maintenance of a magmatic lineage in varying hydration ambience that developed several petrographic variants within the layered type.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ashwal, L. D., Mineralogy of mafic and Fe–Ti oxide rich differentiates of the Marcy Anorthosite massif, Adirondacks, New York.
Am. Mineral., 1982, 67, 14–27.
Singhinolfi, G. P. and Gorgoni, C., Genesis of massif-type anorthosites – the role of high-grade metamorphism. Contrib. Mineral. Petrol., 1975, 51, 119–126.
Literature cited 2: Crosby, P., Petrogenetic and statistical implications of modal studies
in Adirondack anorthosite. In Origin of Anorthosite and Related Rocks (ed. Isachsen, Y. W.), New York State Museum and Science Service Memoir, 1969, vol. 18, pp. 289–303.
Taylor, G. J., The composition of the lunar highlands: evidence from modal and normative plagioclase contents in anorthositic lithic fragments and glasses. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 1972, 16, 263–268.
ID: 62824
Title: Growth performance, biomass, carbon storage and carbon dioxide release abatement of bamboo plantation in Chhattisgarh plains of India
Author: Jiwan Lal, M. N. Naugraiya , Nalish Kumar Anchal, Jaimangal Tirkey and Digvesh Kumar Patel
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (4) 596-600 (2022)
Subject: Growth performance, biomass, carbon storage and carbon dioxide release abatement of bamboo plantation in Chhattisgarh plains of India
Keywords: Bamboo plantation, biomass, carbon stock, emission
Abstract: This study was carried out in a bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) plantation (8 × 6 m spacing) at the forestry research farm of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya,
Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, during 2018–19. The average population of bamboo was 33.38 culms per clumps during July 2018 after 8 months bamboo population was
45.0 culms per clumps during March 2019. The girth of clump was measured 5.66 m during March 2019. The average bamboo height was 8.35 ± 0.54 m and diameter
3.56 ± 0.77 cm at the third internode. The emerging number of new culms per clump was recorded highest in August (5.25 ± 1.91) and lowest in October (0.25 ±
0.45) with no emerging new culms per clumps during November to March. The total biomass, carbon storage and carbon dioxide release abatement were estimated as 3.85 Mg ha–1, 30.01 Mg ha–1 and 110.13 Mg CO2 eq ha–1 respectively
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: CFI, In Proceedings of Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) Workshop and Seminar, Community Forest International, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 7–8 December 2006.
Dietz, J. and Kuyah, S., Guidelines for establishing regional allometric equations for biomass estimation through destructive sampling. World Agroforestry Centre, International Center for Research
in Agroforestry, Nairobi, Kenya, 2011.
Literature cited 2: Kaushal, R., Subbulakshmi, V., Tomar, J. M. S., Alam, N. M., Jayaparkash, J., Mehta, H. and Chaturvedi, O. P., Predictive models
for biomass and carbon stock estimation in male bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus L.) in Doon valley, India. Acta Ecol. Sin., 2016,
36, 469–476.
INBAR, Bamboo and climate change mitigation: a comparative analysis of carbon sequestration, Beijing, China. International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, Technical Report No. 32, 2010, p. 47.
ID: 62823
Title: Nutrient cycling in the major ecosystems of the cold desert of Himachal Pradesh, India
Author: Poonam, Rajan Bawa and Avanish Sharma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (3) 488-492 (2022)
Subject: Nutrient cycling in the major ecosystems of the cold desert of Himachal Pradesh, India
Keywords: Agroecosystem, alpine pasture ecosystem, forest ecosystem, nutrient flow, plant biomass
Abstract: Nutrient cycling study was carried out in three major ecosystems, viz. forest ecosystem, alpine pasture ecosystem and agroecosystem of Goshal village, Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh, India to assess the flow of nutrients from one ecosystem to another. Soil nutrients, plant biomass and nutrient content of grasses, herbs and woody species present in the study area were
estimated. It was observed that in forest and alpine pasture ecosystems, nutrients from the woody species return to the system. In the alpine pasture ecosystem, of the total nutrients present in grasses and herbs, 30% returned to the system after decomposition and the remaining 70% was transferred to agricultural fields
through grazing. In the agroecosystem, 90% of aboveground biomass of grasses and herbs was harvested as fodder for winter stall feeding, which returned to the agricultural fields as farmyard manure. Thus, 100% of belowground and 10% of aboveground nutrients in the agroecosystem remained in the field, got decomposed and returned to the system.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Jain, S., Nutrient cycles: basics of ecology and life support systems.
In Ecosystems Processes, Centre for Environment Education, Ahmedabad, 2005, p. 47.
Wood, S., Sebastian, K. and Scherr, S. J., Pilot analysis of global ecosystems: agroecosystems. Food and Agriculture Organization Report, International Food Policy Research Institute and World Resources Institute, Washington DC, USA, 2000.
Literature cited 2: Khosla, P. K., Chadha, T. R., Bawa, R. and Rana, K. K., Action plan on cold deserts. An integrated approach for sustainable development. Regional Centre, National Afforestation and Eco-development
Board, YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, 1993, p. 65.
Samant, S. S., Dhar, U. and Palni, L. M. S., Medicinal Plants of Indian Himalayas: Diversity Distribution and Potential Values, Gyanodaya Prakashan, Nanital, 1998, pp. 111–114
ID: 62822
Title: Genotypic variation in auxin-induced rooting response of detached tomato leaves: an innovative approach for indirect evaluation of yielding ability in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Author: S. Das, P. Satpathy , S. K. Dash, A. Mohanty, S. Sarkar, B. Pradhan, G. S. Sahu and P. K. Tripathy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (4) 568-573 (2022)
Subject: Genotypic variation in auxin-induced rooting response of detached tomato leaves: an innovative approach for indirect evaluation of yielding ability in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Keywords: Genotypic variation, auxin-induced rooting response of detached tomato leaves,innovative approach, indirect evaluation, yielding ability,tomato,Solanum Lycopersicon
Abstract: In this study, the extent of genetic variation in auxin induced rooting response of detached tomato leaves has been assessed and correlated with yielding ability. Fully
expanded, healthy and disease-free compound leaves were excised and treated with 500 ppm aqueous indole butyric acid solution for 45 sec, then washed thoroughly
with tap water and kept in beakers filled with distilled water. The leaves were examined randomly for the number of roots induced, length of the longest root, fresh
root weight and frequency of rooted leaves to determine variation in auxin response of the genotypes. Auxin treated detached leaves of 22 tomato genotypes showed
wide variation in their root traits. The genotypic coefficient of variation for the number of roots, root length, fresh root weight and frequency of rooted leaf cuttings was 45.43, 11.72, 38.45 and 31.66 respectively. Auxin sensitivity index (ASI) of the genotypes ranged from 0.0
to 3.0. A significant positive correlation (0.647) was observed between ASI and fruit yield. This study reveals that genetic variation in the auxin-induced rooting response of detached tomato leaves could be used as an indicator for screening high-yielding tomato genotypes. This innovative approach is simple, rapid and inexpensive.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Yarwood, C. E., Detached leaf culture. Bot. Rev., 1946, 12, 1–56.
Kachru, S., Kumar, P., Sharma, P., Rana, U. and Upadhyay, S. K., Effect of indole butyric acid (IBA), cow urine and growing media
on root formation in tomato stem cuttings. Himachal. J. Agric. Res., 2017, 43, 40–43.
Literature cited 2: Pramanik, K. and Mohapatra, P. P., Role of auxin on growth, yield and quality of tomato – a review. Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. Appl. Sci.,2017, 6, 1624–1636.
Ashraf, M. I., Sajad, S. and Iqbal, R., Effect of plant growth regulators (IBA and 2,4-D) on the morphology and biochemical characteristics of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Int. J. Appl. Sci. – Res. Rev.,2018, 5, 6–10.
ID: 62821
Title: Efficacious piezoelectric energy harvesting, including storage from low-frequency non-periodic bridge vibration
Author: Sumit Balguvhar , Suresh Bhalla, and Chee-Kiong Soh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2022
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 123 (4) 544-567 (2022)
Subject: Efficacious piezoelectric energy harvesting, including storage from low-frequency non-periodic bridge vibration
Keywords: Efficacious piezoelectric energy harvesting,storage from low-frequency non-periodic bridge vibrations
Abstract: Although piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH) from structural vibrations is well-recognized as a viable paradigm for renewable power generation in the micro- to milliwatt range, most real-life structures, such as bridges, are characterized by low-frequency erratic vibrations, which tend to diminish their practical utility for PEH. This is because the interface circuits involved in rectification and storage tend to lose their efficiency on account of low frequencies and the erratic nature of real-life structural vibrations. This study proposes a fine-tuned D1000 bridge rectifier circuit to circumvent the above problem, culminating in a successful proof-of-concept demonstration of PEH and subsequent storage in Ni–MH rechargeable batteries from real-life bridge vibrations. The unique feature of
this experimental study entails successfully utilizing simple-type piezo elements directly bonded to the host structure and operating in the d31 mode. Additionally, piezo elements bonded to a secondary cantilever structure (acting as a parasite to the main structure) are studied for comparison. Here we present a laboratory based experimental study of a bridge rectifier circuit
for charging a battery from the energy harvested using piezoelectric elements. Results show that it is feasible to charge a battery under a low-frequency and
low-voltage scenario (Voc = 1 V at 5 Hz) employing the proposed D1000 rectifier circuit. We also present a field evaluation of the fine-tuned circuit on vibrations of a real-life flyover. Storage of energy in the capacitors as well as battery has been successfully realized in a realistic environment, achieving a power of 0.27 mW. This study represents successfully increasing the technology readiness level of PEH from 4 to 7 from structural vibrations.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Aabid, A. et al., A systematic review of piezoelectric materials
and energy harvesters for industrial applications. Sensors, 2021,
21, 4145; ttps://doi.org/10.3390/s21124145.
Jiao, P., Egbe, K. J., Xie, Y., Nazar, A. M. and Alavi, A. H., Piezoelectric sensing techniques in structural health monitoring: a state-of-the-art review. Sensors, 2020, 20, 3730; doi:10.3390/
s20133730.
Literature cited 2: Kaur, N. and Bhalla, S., Combined energy harvesting and structural health monitoring potential of embedded piezo-concrete vibration sensors. J. Energ. Eng., 2015, 141(4), D4014001; 10.1061/(ASCE)EY.1943-7897.0000224.
Khaligh, A., Zeng, P. and Zheng, C., Kinetic energy harvesting using piezoelectric and electromagnetic technologies – state-of-theart. IEEE Trans. Ind. Electron., 2015, 57(3), 850–860; 10.1109/
TIE.2009.2024652.