The indigenous Bedouin tribes of South Sinai (Egypt) irrigate small gardens for agricultural purposes and this has been shown to boost the biodiversity of plants, birds and insects, including dragonflies (Odonata). The gardens offer water-related resources normally in short supply in arid regions. There is very little information available on the dragonflies and damselflies of the Sinai. We assess the importance of Bedouin gardens to Odonata by recording them in the gardens and in unmanaged habitat in the St Katherine Protectorate. The gardens are widely utilised by Odonata: ten species were recorded in total, all observed in the gardens at least once.
Results of a field study conducted at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India showed that the combined application of soil + foliar (in two sprays at tasseling and initiation of flowering) produced significantly more grain and stover yields than either soil or foliar applications alone. Application of Zn-coated urea was better than soil application of Zn sulphate with regard to grain and stover yields. The combined application also recorded the highest Zn concentration in corn grain as well as in stover, with the treatments falling in the following order: combined ˃ foliar ˃ soil through Zn-coated urea ˃ soil. This is an important finding for the agronomic biofortification of Zn in corn. Keywords: Crude protein; foliar application of zinc, zinc biofortification, zinc-coated urea, zinc sulphate
The relatively new technique of outline-based geometric morphometrics was applied in a study of the variation in the shape of the upper and lower molars among 122 mice, belonging to one species from Iran ( Mus musculus ) and two species from Europe ( Mus macedonicus, Mus spicilegus ). Differentiation of specimens based on molar shape was highly dependent on the details of the shape information. Among molars, the second upper and first lower molars are better at separating the species. This method provides a useful way to distinguish species based on the outline of their molars. Keywords : shape variation; upper and lower molars; mice; Iran; Europe.
The study was carried out to assess the socio-economic determinants of the quantity of Irvingia gabonensis (ogbono) harvested by rural dwellers in Sagbama Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. A total of sixty respondents were randomly selected from twelve rural communities of the study area. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and personal interview. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and a willingness-to-accept compensation model were used in the assessment. The majority of the respondents were female (63%). Household size was a significant predictor in determining the quantity of Irvingia gabonensis harvested from the forest. Injuries from knife cuts while opening or picking the fruits, and attacks by wild animals, were the major problems encountered by harvesters. Policies should allow some access to sustainable harvested non-timber forest products, and harvesters should recognize the importance of controls on the levels of harvesting.Keywords: Non-timber forest product; household size; harvesting constraints; over-exploitation
Trichoderma harzianum is a naturally occurring filamentous fungus which solubilizes mineral nutrients and inorganic fertilizers, increasing availability and uptake of nutrients to the plant. Rhizoctonia solani is a major problem for seedlings, causing damping-off and in mature plants causing foot and root rot in the tomato crop, reducing nutrient uptake. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma harzianum (BHU-51), Trichoderma harzianum (BHU-105) and their consortium Trichoderma harzianum (BHU-51+BHU-105) on management of R. solani and nutrient levels in the plants. The application of Trichoderma as a seed treatment significantly decreased the incidence of damping-off and increased the vigour index of the plants. The maximum reduction in disease incidence was recorded for the consortium (BHU-51+BHU-105) treatments. The mineral content in treated plants was also higher than untreated pathogen-inoculated controls. Field trials also showed that the consortium produced better results in terms of shoot length, chlorophyll content and yield than the control. The application of Trichoderma in consortium form increased mineral nutrient uptake, reduced disease incidence and obtained a greater yield with reduced chemical pesticide loads, benefitting farmers and consumers. Keywords : Trichoderma; Rhizoctonia solani ; nutrient uptake; damping-off; disease management.
The effects of insecticide application on foraging and pollination by honeybees in toria (Brassica campestris var. toria) cultivar RSPT-1 were studied at Jammu (India).Under field conditions the application of betacylfluthrin, betacyfluthrin + imidacloprid and carbaryl resulted in 100% bee mortality within one hour of spraying. After 48 hours, 100% mortality was recorded in all the treatments except malathion (94%). The post-spraying effects of the insecticides were much higher during the first hour after treatment, but after 48 hr there was 100% mortality in all treatments except imidacloprid (43%). Residual effects after spraying were high for flowers sprayed with imidacloprid (76% mortality), demeton-o-methyl, carbaryl, and ethiprole, moderate for betacyfluthrin (49%), betacyfluthrin + imidacloprid, and profenophos, and low for malathion (12%). The residual effect decreases with time and after 96 hours of spraying, the residual effect was reduced in almost all the insecticides. The number of foraging bees were greatly reduced in all treatments 24 hr after spraying, compared to levels before spraying, recovering considerably after 3 days, and normal after 7 days. Open pollination resulted in 1.80 times more yield compared to caged condition and crop pollinated by bees alone. This study suggests that both protective application of insecticides and use of honeybees for pollination are essential for maximum crop yields.
A field experiment was conducted in a wet season (Kharif) to study the effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria(PGPR) inoculation on agronomic traits and productivity of Basmati rice (cv. ‘Pusa Basmati 1401’) in a randomized block with twelve treatments. We evaluated one bacterial (Providencia sp. PW5) and one cyanobacterial strain (Anabaena sp. CR3), and also a Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth)-based blue-green algal biofertilizer (a composite culture of Anabaena, Nostoc, Tolypothrix and Aulosira sp.). Plant growth, yield attributes, yield and net return of rice were significantly improved due to the rhizobacterial inoculation. The highest responses were recorded from combined inocula of bacteria and cyanobacteria together with compost.Keywords: Bacterial inoculants; BGA; cyanobacterial inoculants, PGPR; yield attributes.
The study aimed to investigate haematological and biochemical alterations associated with short-term intraperitoneal sublethal (1/10 LD 50 , 2 mg/kg body weight) methomyl administration to male albino rats over two and five days, and also the effects of a two-week recovery period. Methomyl administration over five but not two days decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. A number of blood biochemical parameters increased (serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, uric acid, creatinine) or decreased (globulin); a recovery period returned many entirely or nearly to control levels. Enzyme activities (ALP, ALT, AST) and bilirubin levels increased following methomyl treatment, but again returned to control levels following a recovery period. We conclude that short low doses of methomyl can harm the blood, kidney and liver of rats. Keywords : methomyl insecticide; hematology and biochemical alternations; male rats.
Invasive alien weeds pose a great threat to biodiversity by suppressing the native flora and causing negative impacts on crop yields. Parthenium hysterophorus is an exotic weed that causes nuisance and health hazard to mankind and animals, and is a danger to the environment. Experiments were conducted during summer and winter to understand the impact of different temperature conditions on the growth of Parthenium. Pot studies conducted at 22-300°C temperature conditions were considered as control. During summer at 35-450°C, various growth parameters significantly increased in comparison to the 7-150°C temperature regime in winter. Different biochemical constituents were also higher in the leaves during summer than in winter season. The present investigation clearly indicates that growth and productivity of Parthenium was directly proportional to the increase in atmospheric temperature, indicating the possibility of the influence of rising temperature on its invasiveness.Keywords: Climate change
The antimicrobial efficacy of hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of a rice-field cyanobacterium, Nostoc sp., were evaluated against cyanobacteria and phytopathogenic fungi. The maximum production of biocidal compounds was observed in cultures grown for 20 days under optimized conditions (phosphate =1.4 mg/l; light intensity ≈ 3000-4000 lux). Fractionation of the extracts showed six spots on silica-gel-coated plates. Hexane extract was the most potent biocide, showing marked (35-42%) reduction in the growth of fungi, but no negative influences on seed germination or seedling growth of wheat, rice and mung bean, emphasizing its suitability for use in agriculture. Keywords: Antifungal; extract; inhibition zone; metabolite; Pythium debaryanum; Rhizoctonia solani
Nutrient limitation in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus increased lipid accumulation under depleted growth in Spirulina strains. Nitrogen limitation was found more effective than phosphorus in accumulating lipid. The fatty acid profile was variable: palmitic (48%), linolenic (21%) and linoleic acids (15%) were the most prevalent types. It was interesting that nitrogen limitation was more effective in increasing total lipid content, whereas phosphorus limitation had more effect on the fatty acid profile. Fatty acid ratios were different under the two conditions of nutrient limitation, with γ -linolenic acid being accumulated in higher quantities under nitrogen than phosphorus limitation.
A study was conducted to assess the prevalence of helmith parasites of domestic wild and zoo pigeons in Gujarat, India by faecal sampling and postmortem examination. Qualitative examination of 78 faecal samples revealed 71 (91%) with parasitic infections of nematodes (85%), cestodes (31%) and Eimeria sp (77%). There were 200-1600 nematode eggs per gram during the monsoon season, which was high compared to the 200-1000 eggs per gram in winter and summer. In post-mortems 85% had parasitic infections, of nematodes (75%), cestodes (69%) and Eimeria sp (58%). Two species of nematodes ( Ascaridia columbae and Capillaria obsignata ) and five species of three genera of cestodes ( Raillietina echinobothridia, R. tetragona, R. cesticillus, Cotugnia digonophora and Hymenolepis sp ) were identified. Despite their parasitic infections, not a single pigeon revealed any alarming clinical signs.
Este artigo apresenta um estudo do processo de construcao do sentido atraves da referencia. Nosso objetivo e abordar como se da a retomada de elementos introduzidos na memoria, por meio da referenciacao. O corpus da pesquisa e constituido pela musica “Brasil”, lancada em 1988, pelo musico e poeta Cazuza. Na analise, verificou-se que em meio a um rigido sistema de repressao, que exigia o silencio, o locutor transmitia seus pensamentos e suas ideias por meio de metaforas e usava a ironia, muitas vezes, para fazer referencia a algo. Os resultados apontam para a importância do modo de constituicao de expressoes referenciais, tendo em vista a funcao de orientar o discurso.
The patterns of occurrences among aphid colonies of the larvae of two species of highly polyphagous predatory hoverflies, Episyrphus balteatus (de Geer) and Syrphus ribesii (L.) (Diptera: Syrphidae), were assessed in three areas (Nottingham, Cardiff (UK) and the Czech Republic); in the last two sites, larvae of other syrphid species were also identified. The two syrphid species showed considerable diet overlap, their larvae using many of the same aphids as food, but with significant exceptions. Together with information from the literature, even for these very generalist species there was a consistent pattern of preference among aphid species. Most other species showed restricted preferences. Larvae were more frequent on developed aphid colonies than on colonies that were younger or had almost disappeared.Keywords: food specificity; niche breadth; predatory insects; aphids; Syrphidae.
Early studies recognized that the human extracellular glutathione peroxidase may function cysteine peroxidase (cysteine:H2O2 oxidoreductase). The aim of the present study was the hypothesis of cysteine:H2O2 oxidoreductase activity in rat plasma. The rat plasma found to be able to accelerate greatly the H2O2-dependent oxidation of cysteine. The activity was a characteristic of a protein fraction precipitated at 30—44% ammonium sulfate saturation, and the specific activity in protein fraction was significantly higher than in plasma. Cysteine:H2O2 oxidoreductase reaction stoichiometry (2:1 mole ratio) was detected for the catalyzed interaction between cysteine and H2O2. Estimation of cysteine peroxidase activity may be useful in research on the functioning of the antioxidant system.Keywords: aminothiol, stoichiometry; 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid); Ellman's reagent
Myocardial infarction is a major public health concern and the leading cause of death all over the world. A better understanding of the processes involved in myocardial infarction has stimulated the search for biomolecules, which could limit the myocardial injury. We determined the protective activity of L-glutamine on mitochondrial function in isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats, an animal model of myocardial infarction in man. Oral pre-treatment with glutamine significantly inhibited the isoprenaline-induced changes in the levels of troponin T and homocysteine in the plasma. It conserved the activities of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes (isocitrate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase) and respiratory marker enzyme (NADH dehydrogenase) and the level of myocardial ATP content at levels comparable to that of normal controls. It also attenuated isoprenaline-induced oxidative stress in rat mitochondria and preserved the antioxidant defence system at near normal. The results indicate that the cardioprotective effect of glutamine can be correlated directly with its ability to activate the energy status and antioxidant defence system. Keywords: isoprenaline
A survey of the hoverfly fauna of northeastern Algeria was carried out in 1991 and 1992, and seventy-three species recorded. Four species are new for Algeria: Dasysyrphus albostriatus, Chamaesyrphus lusitanicus, Brachypalpus laphriformis and Spilomyia maroccana . The genera Dasysyrphus, Chamaesyrphus and Brachypalpus are new for Algeria. Data on the distribution and the seasonal pattern of each species are provided. Species richness was found highest amongst wetlands (up to 38) and forested hills (up to 29). In contrast, degraded sites held the lowest numbers of hoverflies. Species such as Episyrphus balteatus, Sphaerophoria scripta, Syritta pipiens and Eristalis tenax were widespread and abundant, whereas others were rare (Platycheirus albimanus) or confined to forested hills, such as the North African endemic Volucella liquida. A good knowledge of the Syrphidae will pave the way to a close monitoring of global changes affecting the region and the conservation of an important but much neglected group in one of the foremost biodiversity hotspots of the Maghreb. Keywords : Syrphids, distribution, biodiversity, conservation, Algeria.
The study was carried out to assess the collection and marketing of bitter cola in Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State Nigeria, with a general objective of determining the profitability and the constraints of bitter cola trade in the area. A total of one hundred and ten respondents were randomly selected from five rural communities. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and personal interview. Most of the collectors were males. Net profit of N200,157.00k (about 930K euros) was recorded from sales of bitter cola by the respondents. The amount of cola collected per year was positively related to marital status, age, distance and cost of bitter cola; age and labour costs were also significant predictors. Constraints encountered by collectors and marketers include rot and decay during storage (99%), poor storage facilities (97%), pest and diseases (88.2%) and labour costs (68.2%). Recommendations based on the findings include providing financial resources in form of loans, grants or incentives in order to boost bitter cola production, increase income and reduce poverty. Research in the area of domestication, plantation establishment, preservation and storage of the seeds need to be encouraged. Keywords : Net profit, production constraints, household income
A year round study (October to September) was conducted in the districts of North Gujarat (India) to identify the gastro-intestinal helminths of donkeys (Equus acinus), determine prevalence and correlate haematological parameters with parasite burdens. A total of 1794 faecal samples of donkeys contained the following helminths (prevalence % in brackets): Strongyloides westeri (17.2), Parascaris equorum (23.8), Strongylus sp. (55.3), an amphistome digenean (1.5), Anoplocephala sp. (1.0), Balantidium coli (13.1) and Eimeria leuckarti (7.0). Overall prevalence was 75.9 with a mean of 627 (50-1650) eggs per gram faeces. Seasonally the maximum prevalence (85.3) occurred in March and minimum (65.2) in July. 14% of donkeys were considered to be severely infected, 38% heavily, 36% moderately and 12% mildly infected. Larval cultures revealed the presence of (prevalence%): Cyathostomum sp. (48), Gyalocephalus sp. (8), Oesophagodontus sp. (6), Triodontophorus sp. (10), Strongyloides westeri (10), Strongylus vulgaris (30), Strongylus equines (40) and S. edentatus (30). Hematological indices were inversely proportional to epg counts.Keywords: donkeys, gastro-intestinal parasites, haematology, prevalence.
We describe a peculiar and often harmful budding disorder in soybean, leading to huge yield loss in India. To determine the prevalence of floral distortion in soybean, an extensive random roving survey was undertaken in the soybean-growing regions of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and the adjoining part of Karnataka states during two successive seasons of kharif (monsoon-planted) crops – Oct 2010 and Sept 2011. The average rate of the disorder ranged from 8.0% to 14.6% and severity from 2.0 to 90.0% during 2010 and 2011, respectively. Affected plants were found to have either no or deformed pods and distorted flowers, and they remained green after maturity. All the soybean varieties grown in the surveyed region (i.e. JS 335, JS 93-05, JS 73-23, JS 95-60, AMS-MB-5-19, CO-2, Bragg, JS 10-44, Samrat) were affected by the disorder. The PCR-based diagnosis revealed the absence of phytoplasma in symptomatic soybean samples. Keywords: Glycine max, chlorosis, green stem, thickening and twisting stem, yield loss.
