ID: 65013
Title: Difference in synonymous polymorphism related to codon degeneracy between co-transcribed genes in the genome of Escherichia coli
Author: Pratyush Kumar Beura , Piyali Sen , Ruksana Aziz , Chayanika Chetia , Madhusmita Dash , Siddhartha Shankar Satapathy and Suvendra Kumar Ray
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (8) 871-877 (2023)
Subject: Difference in synonymous polymorphism related to codon degeneracy between co-transcribed genes in the genome of Escherichia coli
Keywords: Base substitution, codon degeneracy, co-transcribed genes, replication and transcription, synonymous polymorphism
Abstract: In our study, we compared synonymous polymorphism
in co-transcribed gene pairs within five well-known
Escherichia coli operons (rpoB/C, lacZ/Y, kdpA/B, araB/A
and bcsA/B). Interestingly, the transition to transversion
ratio between gene pairs were different due to their
compositional differences of two-fold and four-fold degenerate codons. The differences in polymorphism spectra were more pronounced in four-fold and six-fold
codons compared to two-fold degenerate codons. Notably,
rpoB and rpoC showed significant distinctions in UCC,
GUA, CCG, GCU, GGC and CGC codons. Similar
trends were observed in other gene pairs, particularly
in higher degenerate codons. Notably, two-fold degenerate codons primarily exhibited synonymous polymorphisms through transitions, while higher degenerate
codons encompassed both transition and transversion
events. This underscores the intriguing role of degenerate
codons in molecular evolution.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Rocha, E. P. C., Touchon, M. and Feil, E. J., Similar compositional
biases are caused by very different mutational effects. Genome
Res., 2006, 16(12), 1537–1547.
Kino, K. and Sugiyama, H., Possible cause of G.C→C.G transversion mutation by guanine oxidation product imidazolone. Chem.
Biol., 2001, 8, 369–378.
Literature cited 2: Lobry, J. R., Asymmetric substitution patterns in the two DNA
strands of bacteria. Mol. Biol. Evol., 1996, 13, 660–665.
Bulte, J. W., Zhang, S., van Gelderen, P., Herynek, V., Jordan, E.
K., Duncan, I. D. and Frank, J. A., Neurotransplantation of magnetically labeled oligodendrocyte progenitors: magnetic resonance
tracking of cell migration and myelination. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
USA, 1999, 96(26), 15256–15261
ID: 65012
Title: Pollination efficiency of stingless bee, Tetragonula iridipennis (Smith) on greenhouse cucumber, Cucumis sativus (Linnaeus)
Author: Sourav Sen, Shimantini Borkataki , Pranjit Sutradhar , Ritu Ranjan Taye , Badal Bhattacharyya , P. S. Saranya , S. P. Nanda and M. Devender Reddy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (8) 865-870 (2023)
Subject: Pollination efficiency of stingless bee, Tetragonula iridipennis (Smith) on greenhouse cucumber, Cucumis sativus (Linnaeus)
Keywords: Cucumber, foraging activity, pollination efficiency, stingless bee, yield.
Abstract: The present study deals with the foraging activities
and pollination efficiency of Tetragonula iridipennis in
cucumber (Cucumis sativus) under protected conditions.
Experiments were conducted during two seasons (summer and winter) with three different treatments: open
pollination (OP), pollinator exclusion (PE) and stingless
bee pollination (SBP) in Assam, North East India. The
foraging activity of T. iridipennis was checked in SBP
treatment at different timings after installing a 15,504 cm3
beehive. The pollination efficiency of T. iridipennis was
also examined among the three selected treatments. The
peak period of visitation on cucumber flowers was recorded during 0800-0900 h of the day during both seasons.
The yield increase of SBP over PE during both seasons
was five times higher. These findings indicate the significance of T. iridipennis as an effective pollinator in
greenhouse cucumbers.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Guerra-Sanz, J. M., Crop pollination in greenhouses. Bee Pollination in Agricultural Ecosystems, Oxford University Press, New York,
2008, vol. 3, pp. 27–47.
Azmi, W. A., Samsuri, N. U., Hatta, M. F., Ghazi, R. O. and Chau,
T. S., Effects of stingless bee (Heterotrigona itama) pollination on
greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Malays. Appl. Biol., 2017,
46(1), 51–55.
Literature cited 2: de Oliveira, C. D. and de Oliveira, C. A., Polinização por abelhas
em cultivos protegidos. Curr. Agric. Sci. Technol., 2009, 15, 1–4.
Hanh, T. T. M., Sharma, S. K. and Rana, M. K., Pollination efficiency of native bee pollinators of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
in India. J. Apicult., 2014, 29(3), 199–205
ID: 65011
Title: Comparative study of pigments used in 16th–17th century CE tempera mural art from Malayadipatti and Adiyamankottai temple, Tamil Nadu, India
Author: Anjali Sharma, Manager Rajdeo Singh, S. Vinodh Kumar and Manoj Pratap Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (8) 853-864 (2023)
Subject: Comparative study of pigments used in 16th–17th century CE tempera mural art from Malayadipatti and Adiyamankottai temple, Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords: Art restoration, binders, mural paintings, pigments.
Abstract: Eight micro-samples from mural paintings of Malayadipatti and Adiyamankottai temples in Tamil Nadu,
India were studied using binocular microscopy, thin
film crystal X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy
to understand the original constituent materials of the
pigments, binders and the methods of painting. Red
paint had a mixture of cinnabar and hematite. The yellow
colour resulted from orpiment. Orange hues were produced a mixture of orpiment and hematite. Grey colour
was produced by a mixture of calcium carbonate and
manganese dioxide. Black tones were prepared primarily using lamp black. The minerals used in both the
temples were nearly identical. The appearance of proteinaceous materials/oils as a binding medium in all
samples indicated the use of a tempera wall painting
technique. These findings help improve our understanding of the methods and materials used in mural arts
and serve as a guide for their future restoration.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: https://www.trawell.in/tamilnadu/tiruchirappalli/malayadipatti-rockcut-temples (accessed on 25 March 2021).
Saxena, S., Malayadipatti – the hill of the holy. Puratattva, 2011;
https://puratattva.in/2011/01/08/maliyadipatti-the-hill-of-the-holy-25
(accessed on 25 March 2021)
Literature cited 2: Sivaramamurti, C., South Indian Paintings, National Museum,
1968. Original from, the University of Michigan, Digitized, 1 July
2011, ISBN: 8123000529, 9788123000527.
Kannan, R. and Balasubramanian, R., Tiruppudaimarudur Murals
and Wood Carvings: Documentation of the Murals and Wood
Carvings in the Narumpoonathaswami Temple, Tiruppudaimarudur. Bulletin of the Madras Government Museum, New series,
general section, 2014.
ID: 65010
Title: Does socio-economic dynamics influence crop yield variability?
Author: Avik Mukherjee, Pinaki Roy, Debankur Sanyal , T. N. Roy and Shih-Yu (Simon) Wang
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (8) 846-852 (2023)
Subject: Does socio-economic dynamics influence crop yield variability?
Keywords: Agricultural technologies, crop production, farmers, policies and subsidies, socio-economic factors
Abstract: The present study examines the current research on how
socio-economic factors affect the decision-making process and adoption of agricultural technologies by farmers
in crop production scheduling. It reviews existing literature to identify gaps in knowledge and determine the
most relevant factors influencing crop production in
Northwest India from 2016 to 2021. The study finds that
socio-economic factors, such as education, age, awareness
and financial limitations, significantly impact farmers’
decision-making when it comes to crop planning. Additionally, societal issues like politics and religion also influence crop output. The study suggests that government
policies and subsidies can help improve farmers’ livelihoods, and effective communication from agricultural
scientists can encourage the adoption of affordable and
environmentally friendly production technologies. However, the study emphasizes the need for more primary
data to address socio-economic constraints in intervention efforts.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Roy, P. and Bhattacharyya, S., Doubling farmers’ income: its necessity
and possibilities in Indian context. Indian J. Agric. Sci., 2020,
90(9), 3–9.
Roy, P. and Kaur, M., Status and problems of paddy straw management in West Bengal. I
Literature cited 2: Ramakrishnan, P. S., Shifting agriculture and sustainable development: an inter-disciplinary study from north-eastern India. Parthenon Publishing Group, Paris, France, 1992.
Giller, K. E., Rowe, E. C., De Ridder, N. and Keulen, V. H., Resource use dynamics and interactions in the tropics; scaling up in
space and time. Agric. Syst., 2006, 88, 8–27.
ID: 65009
Title: Rhizosphere–plant–microbial system under polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-induced stress
Author: Kavita Verma , Pooja Gokhale Sinha , Garima Sharma , Surbhi Agarwal , Anita Verma and Vartika Mathur
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The rhizosphere–plant–microbial association is a complex and intricate system susceptible to various organic
pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAH). Since the soil acts as a sink of PAH, their accumulation shifts the delicate rhizosphere–plant–microbe
equilibrium and enters the food chain through plants.
How the presence of PAH in the rhizosphere affects the
rhizosphere–plant–microbial system is still unclear. This
study aims to understand the effects of PAH on rhizosphere–plant–microbial interactions. It also explores
the potential use of microbes to alleviate PAH-induced
stress in the soil for effective and sustainable management.
Subject: Rhizosphere–plant–microbial system under polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-induced stress
Keywords: Bioaccumulation, microbe-mediated remediation, persistent organic pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Abstract: The rhizosphere–plant–microbial association is a complex and intricate system susceptible to various organic
pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAH). Since the soil acts as a sink of PAH, their accumulation shifts the delicate rhizosphere–plant–microbe
equilibrium and enters the food chain through plants.
How the presence of PAH in the rhizosphere affects the
rhizosphere–plant–microbial system is still unclear. This
study aims to understand the effects of PAH on rhizosphere–plant–microbial interactions. It also explores
the potential use of microbes to alleviate PAH-induced
stress in the soil for effective and sustainable management
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Chen, X. et al., Past, present, and future perspectives on the assessment of bioavailability/bioaccessibility of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons: a 20-year systemic review based on scientific econometrics. Sci. Total Environ., 2021, 774, 145585.
Shen, H. et al., Global atmospheric emissions of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons from 1960 to 2008 and future predictions. Environ.
Sci. Technol., 2013, 47, 6415–6424.
Literature cited 2: Zhang, Y. and Tao, S., Global atmospheric emission inventory of
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for 2004. Atmos. Environ.,
2009, 43, 812–819.
Kumar, A., Ambade, B., Sankar, T. K., Sethi, S. S. and Kurwadkar,
S., Source identification and health risk assessment of atmospheric
PM2. 5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Jamshedpur,
India. Sustain. Cit. Soc., 2020, 52, 101801
ID: 65008
Title: National Initiative on Undergraduate Science programme in chemistry
Author: Indrani Das Sen and Savita Ladage
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (8) 831-836 (2023)
Subject: National Initiative on Undergraduate Science programme in chemistry
Keywords: Chemistry, national initiative, nurture programmes, student camps, teacher workshops, undergraduate science education.
Abstract: The article discusses the National Initiative on Undergraduate Science (NIUS) programme in chemistry
conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (TIFR), Mumbai, which was initiated
in 2004. Being located in a science education research and development institution, the programme
has made efforts to interact with chemistry teachers and first-year undergraduate students and, thus,
is different when compared to similar programmes within the country. The article reviews the key
ideas of the programme, its growth and evolution to date and likely directions for its expansion in
the near future.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: https://www.jncasr.ac.in/academic/fandeprogrammes/ (accessed on
January 2023).
Position paper on retention of talent; http://www.psa.gov.in/sites/
default/files/file6.pdf (accessed in October 2014), but not accessible
now
Literature cited 2: https://nius.hbcse.tifr.res.in/nius-proposal-2004/ (accessed on January
2023).
https://nius.hbcse.tifr.res.in/subjects/chemistry/ (accessed on January
2023).
ID: 65007
Title: Defining the ‘urban critical zone’ for global sustainable development
Author: Arkaprabha Sarkar, Vicky Shankar, Vimal Singh*, Iain Stewart, Shashank Shekhar and Vinayak Sinha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (8) 824-830 (2023)
Subject: Defining the ‘urban critical zone’ for global sustainable development
Keywords: Ecosystem services, natural environments, planetary boundary layer, sustainable development, urban critical zone
Abstract: With urbanization, cities are becoming new landscapes, significantly altering the properties, processes
and pathways of previous natural environments. The natural critical zones that have existed for millennia are rapidly getting modified by the superimposition of the urban components to give rise to a
new critical zone system, viz. the urban critical zone. The clogging and bypassing of the natural process pathways and the increasing demands of urban populations for ecosystem services put the native
critical zone and the adjoining zones under stress. To elucidate this point, we present a case study
on Delhi, the capital city of India, to demonstrate how the urban critical zone is unsustainable. We
exemplify the increasing demand and supply gap of basic ecosystem services, such as clean air and
water, that are essential to sustain life. In doing so, we redefine the limits of the critical zone in urban
areas, recognizing that significant parts of cities are beyond the presently defined critical zone.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: McPhearson, T. et al., A vision for resilient urban futures. Resilient
Urban Futures, Springer Nature, Switzerland, 2021, p. 173.
Steffen, W. et al., Global Change and the Earth System: A Planet
under Pressure, Springer Science & Business Media, Berlin, 2006.
Literature cited 2: National Research Council, Basic research opportunities in earth
science. National Academies Press, Washington, 2011.
White, T., Special focus: the US Critical Zone Observatories. International Innovation August, 2012, pp. 108–127.
ID: 65006
Title: Need to declare the Higher Himalaya an eco-sensitive zone
Author: Shubhra Sharma and Anil D. Shukla
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (8) 822-823 (2023)
Subject: Need to declare the Higher Himalaya an eco-sensitive zone
Keywords: Need to declare, Higher Himalaya, eco-sensitive zone
Abstract: The recent disasters in Uttarakhand, India
(e.g. 2013 Kedarnath, 2021 Rishi Ganga
and 2023 Joshimath) and Himachal Pradesh
(e.g. 2000 and 2013 Satluj–Kinnaur floods
and 2023 Beas floods) have reignited the
debate of anthropogenic impact on Higher
Himalayan valleys and potentially increased
impact of disasters in the region1
. It is feared
that under the impending climate change
scenario, the sustainability of the geologically fragile Higher Himalayan ecosystem
would be threatened, endangering the safety of infrastructure such as habitation sites,
roads and hydropower projects. The climate sensitive Higher Himalaya is not only the
abode of endemic and endangered flora and
fauna but also contains a large number of
glaciers which sustain millions of people
inhabiting the Indo-Gangetic Plains. Therefore, it is now being increasingly considered
that similar to the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive
Zone, the river stretches between the headwaters till the southern flank of the Main
Central Thrust (MCT) covering a stretch of
~125 km should be declared as eco-sensitive
zones
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Cohen, J. et al., Nature Geosci., 2014, 7(9),
627–637.
Blöthe, J. H. and Korup, O., Earth Planet.
Sci. Lett., 2013, 382, 38–46
Literature cited 2: Sundriyal, Y. P. et al., Episode, 2015, 38,
179–188.
Sharma, S., Shukla, A. D., Bartarya, S. K.,
Marh, B. S. and Juyal, N., Geomorphology,
2017, 290, 317–334.
ID: 65005
Title: Rural electrification using hybrid solar-wind energy systems
Author: S. K. Satheesh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (8) 811-812 (2023)
Subject: Rural electrification using hybrid solar-wind energy systems
Keywords: Rural electrification,hybrid solar-wind energy systems
Abstract: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
assessment reports have warned us about the impact of
climate change. This is highlighted by the rise in greenhouse gas concentrations over the past 50 years, which has
led to an observed increase in global mean temperature.
Warming of the atmosphere and oceans, diminishing
amounts of snow and ice, increase in sea level, and increase
in the concentrations of greenhouse gases have been observed. Observed temperature during each of the last three
decades has been successively higher than previous decades.
IPCC reports indicate that surface temperature change by
the end of the 21st century will likely exceed 1.5 to 2°C
relative to pre-industrial times. If the emissions of greenhouse gases continue, it can lead to further increase in
temperature with consequent changes in most of the components of the climate system. Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change has predicted many consequences. Increasingly rapid sea level rise, melting of glaciers, increase in
the number of extreme weather events, adverse impacts on
biodiversity are some examples. Reducing the consequences of climate change demand significant reductions
of greenhouse gas emissions. For India, climate change is
not just a science issue but involves several other factors
such as economics, water-energy-food security, health, insurance, law, international policy and so on.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 65004
Title: Annual Review of Plant Biology 2021.
Author: Sabeeha S. Merchant, Wilhelm Gruissem and Donald R. Reviewed by Sudhir K Sopory
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 790-792 (2023)
Subject: Annual Review of Plant Biology 2021.
Keywords: Annual Review, Plant Biology, 2021.
Abstract: This volume contains 131 well-compiled
reviews contributed by experts mainly
from USA, Europe, Canada and a few from
Japan, Vietnam, etc. The prefatory chapter is by Maarten Koornneef (Max Planck Institute (MPI), Germany and Wageningen
University (WU), The Netherlands).
Broadly, the volume has two chapters
on light perception – one on phytochrome
and the other on UV receptors. Following
different environmental clues, plants produce various signals. There is a chapter on
histidine kinases and two-component signaling. The role of ions as regulated by
ion channels and salicylic acid as a signal
in defence and other responses is covered
in two elaborate reviews. A major portion
of the book is devoted to new work that
has been reported to explain various developmental responses. Accordingly, there is
a chapter each on cell cycle, tuberous and
tuber root development, regulation of leaf
shape and epidermis, and development of
male gametophyte. In addition, there is a
review on pollen–pistil interactions and
embryogenesis
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 65003
Title: Nutraceutical studies of Solanum torvum Swartz.
Author: Acharya Balkrishna, Rama Shankar, Rashmi A. Joshi, Monali Joshi, Uday Bhan Prajapati , Anupam Srivastava and Vedpriya Arya
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 784-788 (2023)
Subject: Nutraceutical studies of Solanum torvum Swartz.
Keywords: Biochemical composition, geographical distribution, nutritional value, Solanum torvum, taxonomic study
Abstract: The present study deals with the taxonomic details, geographical distribution and nutritional aspects of Solanum torvum Swartz. used as a vegetable in the states of
Northeast India as well as in several South Indian
states. It is also widely distributed in Uttarakhand,
though its edible uses have not been reported from this
small state in North India. We conducted a study on the
nutritional potential of S. torvum berries by evaluating
fat, carbohydrates, proteins, energy, total ash and water
content using standard methods. HPLC profiling, as well
as HPTLC were performed using an in-house protocol
developed at Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar,
Uttarakhand. The presence of triterpenoids, glycosides,
alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins and tannins indicates the nutritional and medicinal importance of S. torvum. Biochemical compounds like carbohydrates (15.5%
w/w), proteins (0.31%), fats (1.09% w/w), total ash (1.03%
w/w) and water content (82.41%) represent its appreciable nutritional value, especially as a low-fat diet and
also its contribution to fighting against nutrient deficiencies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ilodibia, C. V., Akachukwu, E. E., Chukwuma, M. U., Igboabuchi,
N. A., Adimonyemma, R. N. and Okeke, N. F., Proximate, phytochemical and antimicrobial studies on Solanumm acrocarpon L. J.
Adv. Biol. Biotechnol., 2016, 9(2), 1–7.
Famuwagun, A. A., Taiwo, K. A., Gbadamosi, S. O., Oyedele, D.
J., Aluko, R. E. and Adebooye, O. C., Extraction optimization and
antioxidant properties of African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon)
leaf polyphenols. J. Food Qual., 2017, 1–14; http://doi.org/10.
1155/2017/2159183
Literature cited 2: Namani, S., Paripelli, S., Chinni, S. V., Kasi, M., Subramaniam, S.
and Rathinam, X., In vitro anti-oxidant assay, HPLC profiling of
polyphenolic compounds, AAS and FTIR spectrum of Malaysian
origin Solanum torvum fruit. Indian J. Pharm. Educ. Res., 2016,
50(2), S11–S20.
Eletta, O. A. A., Orimolade, B. O., Oluwaniyi, O. O. and Dosumu,
O. O., Evaluation of proximate and antioxidant activities of Ethiopian eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.) and Gboma eggplant (Solanumm acrocarpon L.). J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage., 2017, 21(5),
967–972.
ID: 65002
Title: Genetic analysis of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) based on microsatellite markers
Author: Soumya Bharati Babu , Govindharaj Guru-Pirasanna-Pandi, C. Parameswaran , Jayaraj Padhi , G. Basana-Gowda , M. Annamalai, Naveenkumar Patil , Chanchala Meher , S. Sabarinathan and Prakash Chandra Rath
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 777-783 (2023)
Subject: Genetic analysis of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) based on microsatellite markers
Keywords: Brown planthopper, genetic diversity, microsatellite markers, monsoon, rice
Abstract: Brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) is one of
the most destructive pests of rice in Southeast Asia. It
expresses a differential reaction to resistant rice cultivars and various insecticide groups in different geographic locations. Therefore, genetic diversity among
N. lugens populations must be understood for their effective management. Hence, in the present study, the genetic
structure and diversity of 22 N. lugens populations collected from 22 hotspot regions of India were analysed
using with genomic simple sequence repeat (SSR)
markers. Results revealed that the mean genetic diversity
was 0.399 and polymorphic information content was
0.337 in the 30 selected SSR markers. Further, molecular
variance revealed only a 2% variation among the populations and 98% within a population. In cluster and
population structure analysis, all 22 populations were
sub-grouped into three groups. Interestingly, the North
and West Indian populations showed high genetic similarity and assembled into one cluster in cluster analysis.
The East and South Indian populations were evenly
segregated into the remaining two clusters. Similarly,
the North and West Indian populations shared the
same compartment in principal coordinate analysis.
This variation might be associated with the N. lugens
migration due to wind movement of the southwest
monsoon in two branches, viz. Arabian Sea branch and
Bay of Bengal branch. The present study provides molecular evidence for genetic variation among different
populations of N. lugens in India. The information
could be helpful to devise an efficient management
strategy against this pest in different rice ecosystems.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Pathak, H., Tripathi, R., Jambhulkar, N. N., Bisen, J. P. and Panda,
B. B., Eco-regional rice farming for enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability, NRRI Research Bulletin No. 22, ICAR National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, 2020, p. 28.
Hunter, M. C., Smith, R. G., Schipanski, M. E., Atwood, L. W. and
Mortensen, D. A., Agriculture in 2050: recalibrating targets for sustainable intensification. BioScience, 2017, 67(4), 386–391; https://
doi.org/10.1093/biosci/bix010
Literature cited 2: Mondal, D. et al., Yield loss assessment of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
due to different biotic stresses under system of rice intensification
(SRI). J. Entomol. Zool. Stud., 2017, 5(4), 1974–1980.
Pandi, G. G. P., Chandar, S., Pal, M. and Soumia, P. S., Impact of
elevated CO2 on Oryza sativa phenology and brown planthopper,
Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) population. Curr.
Sci., 2018, 114(8), 1767–1777.
ID: 65001
Title: Thermal regimes, age and sex modulate feeding attributes of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Author: Uzma Afaq, Gyanendra Kumar and Omkar Omkar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 771-776 (2023)
Subject: Thermal regimes, age and sex modulate feeding attributes of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Keywords: Age, biocontrol, food, sex, temperature, Zygogramma bicolorata.
Abstract: Feeding attributes of phytophagous insects are greatly
influenced by abiotic and biotic factors. Therefore, we
assessed the combined effect of temperature, age and
sex on food consumption and utilization efficiencies of
Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister. This Mexican beetle
is known as one of the most promising candidates for
the biocontrol of Parthenium hysterophorus Linnaeus,
a noxious weed of barren, grazing and farming lands.
Temperature, age and sex influenced food consumption,
its utilization and ecological efficiencies of the beetle.
Temperature between 27°C and 30°C was found optimal for 20-day-old adults of Z. bicolorata to convert and
utilize the food biomass to body mass. Above and below
the optimal temperature and age, the feeding attributes
declined. Young females kept at 27°C consumed more
food and laid more number of eggs compared to other
females at different temperatures. This study reveals
that females are more voracious feeders than the males
regardless of temperature regimes. The present findings
can be helpful to mass-multiply Z. bicolorata in the laboratory for the biocontrol of Parthenium weed in fields
and agricultural farms. The results also suggest that
global climate change may affect the biocontrol potential of the insect, but field investigations are needed to
support the present findings.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Barros-Bellanda, H. C. H. and Zucoloto, F. S., Effects of intraspecific competition and food deprivation on the immature phase of
Ascia monuste orseis (Lepidoptera, Pieridae). Iheringia – Ser. Zool.,
2002, 92, 93–98.
Karsai, I. and Hunt, J. H., Food quantity affects traits of offspring
in a paper wasp, Polistes metricus. Environ. Entomol., 2002, 31,
99–106.
Literature cited 2: Moreau, J., Berney, B. and Thiery, D., Assessing larval food quality
for phytophagous insects: are the facts as simple as they appear?
Funct. Ecol., 2006, 20, 592–600.
Kiggundu, A., Host–plant interactions and resistance mechanism to
banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) in Ugandan Musa
germplasm. M.Sc. thesis, University of the Orange Free State,
Bloemfontain, South Africa, 2000.
ID: 65000
Title: Incubation study of kinetics and mineralization rate of nitrogen in organic sources of Ultisol
Author: Lumbini Kalita, N. J. Singh, Lala I. P. Ray and A. K. Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 765-770 (2023)
Subject: Incubation study of kinetics and mineralization rate of nitrogen in organic sources of Ultisol
Keywords: Incubation study, kinetics, nitrogen mineralization, organic sources, traditional farming practice.
Abstract: Age-old traditional farming practices are generally followed by tribal inhabitants using locally available organic
sources of plant nutrients. The aim of the present study
was to determine the kinetics and rate of mineralization
of different local organic sources of North East region
of India. An incubation study of 100 days was carried
out using locally available organic sources, i.e. farmyard
manure (FYM; T1), poultry manure (T2), pig manure
(T3) and vermicompost (T4) at the rate of 120 kg N/ha
(considering recommended dose of fertilizer of rice as
120 kg N/ha). Bulk soil sample of Typic kandihumultis
at 0–15 cm was collected from the College of Post
Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Umiam,
Meghalaya research farm and treated with organic
sources and kept in an incubator at field capacity soil
moisture and 25°C temperature. Observations were
taken at 10 days interval up to 100 days of incubation
(DOI). A control treatment (T0) of no organic source
was used for comparison. The results showed that the
average nitrogen mineralization rate (Nmin) of T3 was
highest (64.88%), followed by T2 (57.77%), T4 (42.98%)
and T1 (35.24%). The highest Nmin rate of T3 and T2
was noted at 60 DOI as 79.37% and 76.10% respectively.
At 50–60 DOI, total nitrogen, available nitrogen and
nitrogen fractions (ammonical nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen) released were the highest irrespective of the organic
sources. R2 (coefficient of determinate) of first-order
kinetics of all organic sources was found to be: 0.91
(T3) > 0.90 (T2) > 0.89 (T4) > 0.88 (T1), while R2 of second-order kinetics was: 0.66 (T3) > 0.65 (T2) > 0.64 (T1
and T4). It has been concluded that T3 is the best organic
nutrient source among the treatments considered for
this study.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Murugan, A. V. and Swarnam, T. P., Nitrogen release pattern from
organic manures applied to an acid soil. J. Agric. Sci., 2013, 5(6),
174–184; ISSN 1916-9752, E-ISSN 1916-9760.
Grzyb, A., Wolna-Maruwka, A. and Niewiadomska, A., Environmental factors affecting the mineralization of crop residues. Agronomy,
2020, 10(12), 1951.
Literature cited 2: Risch, A. C. et al., Global impacts of fertilization and herbivore
removal on soil net nitrogen mineralization are modulated by local
climate and soil properties. Global Change Biol., 2020, 26(12),
7173–7185.
Braos, L. B., Ruiz, J. G. C. L., Lopes, I. G., Ferreira, M. E. and da
Cruz, M. C. P., Mineralization of nitrogen in soils with application
of acid whey at different pH. J. Soil Sci. Plant Nutr., 2020, 20(3),
1102–1109.
ID: 64999
Title: Data envelopment anaylsis in estimating economic efficiency of farm credit for adopting good agricultural practices in mango cultivation in Tamil Nadu, India
Author: B. Kavitha , M. Uma Gowri and K. Muthulakshmi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 125 (7) 758-764 (2023)
Subject: Data envelopment anaylsis in estimating economic efficiency of farm credit for adopting good agricultural practices in mango cultivation in Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords: Data envelopment analysis, economic efficiency, farm credit, good agricultural practices, mango cultivation
Abstract: Good agricultural practices (GAPs) in mango production
are essential to enable farm produce to be internationally
competitive with sufficient institutional credit. Economic
efficiency of 0.45 and 0.68 respectively for conventional
and GAP farms in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu,
India implies that there is scope to increase mango
output by 55% and 32% respectively, by optimum allocation of resources. The highest return invested by GAP
borrowers might be due to efficient use of resource and
GAPs. The extension workers should develop strategies
to increase income through adoption of GAPs, efficient
use of resources and strengthening the loan delivery
mechanism to enhance mango production.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: GoI, Horticulture sector can play an important role in doubling
farmers’ income. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare,
Government of India, 10 May 2021; https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1717447.
Tiwari, A., Afroz, S. B. and Kumar, V., Market vulnerabilities and
potential of horticulture crops in India: with special reference to top
crops. Indian J. Agric. Mark., 2021. 35(3), 1–20.
Literature cited 2: Kumar, A., Singh, D. and Kumar, P., Performance of rural credit
and factors affecting the choice of credit sources. Indian J. Agric.
Econ., 2010, 62(3), 297–313.
Satyasai, K. J. S. and Tiwari, A., Rural credit: can we make it more
inclusive? In 23rd Annual Conference of SSCA, ICAR National
Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, Telangana, Special Proceedings: ISBN: 978-81-950383-0-5, 2021, pp.
143–160; https://www.nabard.org/auth/writereaddata/tender/2609-
223632can-we-make-rural-credit-inclusive.pdf