eChapters

Introduction

Germination is a critical stage for the establishment of plant species, especially those that grow naturally in arid and semi-arid environments (Alouani and Bani Aameur, 2004). Several factors may influence germination percentages in natural environments. Among these factors, seed dormancy contributes in part to germination failure of many species under adverse environmental conditions (Bewley, 1997). There are two categories of dormancy: coat- enhanced dormancy (seed coat dormancy), where the embryos isolated from these seeds are not dormant and embryo dormancy (internal dormancy), where the embryos themselves are dormant (Bewley, 1997;

ABSTRACT

Tamarind, an economically important multipurpose tropical tree, is a species of choice for sustainable development of wasteland due to its hardy nature and adaptability to various agroclimatic conditions. However, there are very few reports on in vitro regeneration of tamarind. In an attempt to induce caulogenic response, effect of different cytokinins on nodal explants from mature trees was tested. The study extended to seedling explants, revealed that 6-Benzylaminopurine (0.08 - 44.39μM) and Zeatin (0.09 - 9.12μM) induced multiple shoots with callusing at the base of explant. Kinetin (0.09 - 9.29μM) and 6-γ,γ- dimethylallylaminopurine (2iP) (0.09-9.84μM) remained ineffective for multiplication of shoots and callusing was noted at the cut end of explant in contact of medium. Thidiazuron (TDZ) (0.09- 9.08μM) failed to induce morphogenic response and triggered dedifferentiation in the basal cut end. This led to profuse callusing in the explant and restricted morphogenesis. To avoid wound in the explant, tamarind seeds were cultured in medium containing TDZ.

Seedlings were germinated in medium with or without Thidiazuron (4.54, 9.08, 13.12, 18.16μM). Differentiation of the apical meristem to shoot was restricted and proliferation of the cotyledonary node meristem was triggered. Large number of meristematic buds appeared in a radial pattern around the node. The meristematic activity subsequently spread towards the cotyledonary bridge and also in the proximal part of the hypocotyl. These buds differentiated to form shoot primordia and subsequently to shoots in medium devoid of growth regulator. Plants developed by micrografting of these shoots on seedling derived rootstocks, survived in soil.

INTRODUCTION

An expanding aquaculture industry that offers high incomes and job opportunities to people worldwide is ornamental fish farming. With over 2 billion live ornamental fish traded globally, the ornamental fish trade has become a very lucrative sector (Das & Biswas, 2016; Katia, 2001) with global net worth of more than 20 billion USD. According to Saxena (1994), the most significant factor influencing an ornamental fish's market value is its vibrant body colouration. Fish are incapable to synthesize carotenoids De novo (Goodwin 1951),and rely on dietary carotenoids for its body pigmentation (Hata and Hata, 1973). So, there is hence a direct correlation between pigmentation and dietary carotenoids(Halten et al., 1995). Aquatic animals' skin, meat, shell, and exoskeleton are coloured red, orange, and yellow due to a class of naturally occurring lipid-soluble organic pigments called carotenoids (Pailanet al., 2012). Fish skin and muscle colour regulation is significantly influenced by dietary carotenoids (Ahilan et al., 2008). The freshwater ornamental fish industry has encountered the issue of fadingfish body colouration, particularly in cases where the fish are reared in captivity for extended periods of time and subjected to rigorous cultivation conditions (Das and Biswas, 2016). According to Das and Biswas (2016), an ornamental fish's food should generally be nutritionally balanced, appetizing, resistant to crumbling, water stable, buoyant, and enhance or retain the fish coloration.

The phenomena of coloration in fish are quite significant and have a direct impact on its aesthetic value. If pigment-enriched feed can be prepared and used to increase coloration, the fish will undoubtedly have better quality and a cheaper price tag. Detailed research on colour enrichment in native ornamental fish using formulated feed is lacking (Das and Biswas, 2016). For the purpose of colour enrichment in fish, native plant sources have been used. Choubert (1979), Boonyaratpalin and Phromkunthong (1986), and Alagappan et al. (2004), utilized spirulina as a source of carotenoid colours for fancy carp and rainbow trout. Enhancement of pigmentation of Cyprinus carpio and Carassius auratus with microalgal biomass supplementation has demonstrated that Chlorella vulgaris is just as effective as synthetic colours (Gouveia et al., 2003). Alagappan et al. (2004) observed increased body pigmentation in Trichogaster trichopterus using Spirulina sp. algae as a source of carotenoid pigment. The body pigmentation of goldfish (Carassius auratus L.), red swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri), and tiger barb (Puntius tetrazona) was enhanced by feeding with marigold petal diet (Boonyarapatin and Lovell, 1977; Ezhil et al., 2008; Alma et al., 2013). Using natural sources of carotenoid pigments to improve the colour of ornamental fish is a cost-effective and ecofriendly solution. Due to the aforementioned information, the current study was carried out to assess how dietary natural carotenoids from source such broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) effects the development and coloration of Blue Gourami, Trichogaster trichopterus, one of the important ornamental fishes with high market value.

Abstract
 
Different sources of phosphorus along with various amendments were applied with an objective to enhance the availability of P. Maximum yield during 2001 and 2002 was obtained in the trees supplied with super phosphate (SSP), whereas in 2003, the highest yield was recorded in rock phosphate (RP) + phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) treated plants. Pooled values for three years showed highest yield per plant (54.17 kg) in SSP which was statistically at par with RP+PSB treated plants. Fruit weight was maximum in RP+PSB treated plants followed by SSP. Annual shoot growth and fruit set were observed to be maximum in plants supplied with SSP in 2002, whereas in 2003, RP+PSB treated plants recorded the highest shoot growth and fruit set. As regards leaf nutrient content, leaf P was found to be maximum in SSP supplied trees in 2002, however in 2003, RP+PSB treated plants recorded the highest leaf P content. Highest cost benefit ratio of 1:2.09 was recorded in plants supplied with SSP which was closely followed by RP+PSB showing cost benefit ratio of 1:200.

ABSTRACT

The Shivalik range of Himalayas, represent the most fragile ecosystem in India. In order to see the impact of land treatment, five hilly micro watersheds typical of the region having catchment area from 0.813 to 4.750 ha were selected for study. All the five watersheds were brought under study during 1966. Temporal changes in water yield from hilly catchments of Shivalik were monitored for twenty eight years (1966-1993). The watersheds were treated with annual burning (LT1), contour trenching +afforestation (LT2), cutting of trees, shrubs and over grazing (LT3) and over grazing alone (LT4). One watershed (LT5) was kept as control without any interference. As a result of burning, cutting and grazing there was significant increase in runoff as well as peak flow in the initial years, however, after increase in vegetation through protection from 1977 onwards resulted in decrease in runoff and soil loss.

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different mulches and herbicides (oxadiazon, metribuzin, alachlor, oxyfluorfen, atrazine, pendimethalin) on growth, yield and quality of strawberry. Black polythene mulch significantly increased plant height (23.39 and 25.53 cm), number of leaves (23.67 and 25.00), leaf area (119.33 and 125.16 cm²), number of runners (17.67 and 19.33) and number of crowns (4.67 and 5.00) followed by bicoloured polythene mulch, grass mulch, pine needles and pendimethalin 2.0 kg ha-1 as compared to hand weeding during both the years of study. Black polythene mulch produced significantly higher yield (62.19 and 77.16 q ha^-1) having large size fruits with lower acidity and higher TSS, sugars, ascorbic acid, soluble proteins, total phenols and anthocyanin content. 

Abstract

The improvement in the productivity of fruits greatly lies with the use of high density orcharding and successfully practiced in various temperate fruits. This study was carried out to increase fruit yield per unit area in apricot Cv. New Castle. Maximum yield per plant was recorded in planting distance of 5 x 5m while lowest being in 3 x2m plantings. However, calculated yield per hectare basis was maximum in 3 x 2m spacing (1666 plants/ha.) followed by3 x3 m. The girth and spread was maximum under 5 x 5m spacing. Regarding quality parameters the size, weight and volume of fruits were significantly higher under 5 x5 m spacing as compared to fruits under other planting distances. Other parameters were not affected by any of the treatment significantly.

Abstract

Increases in atmospheric concentrations of CO₂ are likely to have major physiological consequences for plants, due to the major effects of atmospheric CO₂ on photosynthetic rates and the centrality of photosynthesis to plant metabolism. We review what is known about the effects of growth at elevated levels of CO₂ on the protein and N concentrations of plants in general, and food crops in particular. Growth at elevated CO₂ typically reduces plant tissue N concentrations by 10-15%. The physiological mechanisms behind this decrease in tissue protein and N are likely complex, and include both dilution from increased tissue concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates and decreased root uptake of N.

ABSTRACT

Benthic fishes represent a significant component of riffle communities. Our 10 year study on two benthic fishes, Crossostoma lacustre and Rhinogobius candidianus which are sympatric in Hapen Creek, Northern Taiwan, reveals that these species exhibited mesohabitat overlaps but were segregated at the microhabitat levels. Both species preferred riffles and avoided rocks. Heavy flow (typhoons) had an inhibitory effect on the fish densities. The fishes may not be able to swim against the strong currents and might get carried away downstream. The recovery time (number of days after a peak, when the densities were restored to normalcy) for C. lacustre was = 13 days and for R. candidianus, it was = 16 days. Recovery was faster at the downstream (~13-15 days) as opposed to upstream (~1416 days). Direct estimation of the linkage between the hydrological or geomorphological variables and the well being of fish populations is one of the first steps in formulating an efficient, effective conservation plan or restoration strategy to preserve these species for the future.

Object: Effect of ethylene on regulation of stomata.

Material required: Plant leaves, ethaphon, ACC, double distilled water, measuring cylinder, beaker and electric balance.

Theory: Ethylene is a plant hormone that regulates many aspects of growth and development. Despite the well-known association between ethylene and stress signalling, its effects on stomatal movements are largely unexplored. Here, genetic and physiological data are provided that position ethylene into the Arabidopsis guard cell signalling network, and demonstrate a functional link between ethylene and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). In wild-type leaves, ethylene induces stomatal closure that is dependent on H₂O₂ production in guard cells, generated by the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) oxidase AtrbohF. 

Crop yields and agricultural sustainability are inextricably linked to weather patterns. While optimal weather conditions facilitate robust growth and abundant harvests, extreme weather events pose significant threats, disrupting food systems and impacting livelihoods globally. The chapter, “Effect of Extreme Weather Conditions on Crops,” delves into the multifaceted ways in which deviations from ideal climatic norms compromise agricultural productivity. The Earth’s climate is characterized by increasing variability and the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena. These include, but are not limited to, prolonged droughts, severe floods, heat waves, cold snaps, hailstorms, and unseasonal strong winds .Such events can occur suddenly or develop gradually over extended periods, each presenting unique challenges to different crop types at various stages of their life cycle. For instance, a sudden hailstorm can physically destroy crops, while a long-term drought can stunt growth, reduce yield quality, or lead to

Feedback

Feedback’s influence on learning is indisputable and undeniable and feedback’s varying roles in instruction are heavily researched concepts (Mory, 1992). Understanding how feedback facilitates, and, in some cases, hinders transfer of knowledge is essential to creating effective instruction.

Researchers have focused on the many aspects and roles of feedback in hopes of developing some synthesis that will increase learner performance and improve instruction. Researchers such as Bangert - Drowns, Kulik, Kulik and Morgan (1991), Brinko (1993), Clariana, R.B. and Lee, D. (2001), Clariana, R.B., Wagner, D. and Rohrer-Murphy, L.C. (2000), Kulhavy (1976), Kulhavy and Stock (1989), Kulik and Kulik (1988) and Mory (1992) to name only a very few, have sought to discern the complex role feedback plays in learning. While many studies have been convincingly conducted trying to ascertain how feedback best works in certain circumstances, a consensus has yet to be reached in most, if not all, areas and as Clariana (2000) writes, “There are a number of unanswered questions and perhaps even more unquestioned answers”.

Introduction

Abiotic stresses adversely affect growth, productivity and trigger a series of morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular changes in plants. Cold stress is a major environmental factor that limits the agricultural productivity of plants in hilly areas. Plants respond and adapt to this stress to survive under stress conditions at the molecular and cellular levels as well as at the physiological and biochemical levels. However, expression of a variety of genes is induced by different stresses in diverse plants.

Abstract

Egg is a nutrient dense food, containing high quality proteins and a wide range of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, PUFA, MUFA etc. Whole egg slices were prepared by boiling in water technique for a predetermined time i.e. 15 min. The egg slices were prepared with spice extract at different levels of 2%, 5%, 7% and 10%, out of which 5% was found acceptable by sensory evaluation. The egg slices with 5% spice extract were then subjected to frying in different oils such as mustard oil, rice bran oil, sunflower oil and soya bean oil. Among all of the fried egg slices and control (without any spice extract and frying), on sensory evaluation, fried egg slices with mustard oil was most preferred. Texture analysis results shows that hardness was increased on frying and highest in fried egg slices with rice bran oil. Also the values for other TPA component viz. adhesiveness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness were increased on frying as compared with control. Among the fried egg slices, highest values for adhesiveness, cohesiveness, gumminess was observed in egg slices with rice bran oil. However, chewiness of fried egg slices with sunflower oil was highest. It can be concluded from present study that the egg slices fried in mustard oil was organoleptically acceptable with good textural properties.

ABSTRACT

Attempts were made to induce variability by irradiation of axillary buds of rose cv. Folklore followed by in vitro culture. Axillary bud explants collected at different growth stages were subjected to gamma irradiation at different doses (20, 30 and 40 Gray). The in vitro induced micro shoots were sub cultured on a rooting medium (M.S. basal medium supplemented with IAA 1.00 mg/l + NAA 1.00 mg/l + activated charcoal 500 mg/l). The rooting percentage was the lowest in explants irradiated with 40 Gy. Rooting efficiency was severely affected when buds were collected at vegetative phase. Significant interaction between bud stages and gamma rays was noticed for days to root initiation and number of roots per culture. Gamma irradiation at 30 and 40 Gy significantly delayed root initiation at all stages of buds exposed. Significant reduction in number of roots/ culture, and root length was observed at higher doses of gamma exposure. The reduced rooting efficiency may be due to inhibition of cell division on account of chromosome damage.

Introduction Pulses are a vital source of protein (20-25%) in comparison to cereal proteins (10-12%); which cater to the most vegetarian population (Venkidasamy et al., 2019) and other countries which are scarcity of animal protein availability. In the category of pulse crop, chickpea is considered the second utmost significant crop, which is grown in almost 35 countries globally. Chickpea mainly contains carbohydrates, protein, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, folate, β-carotene and health-promoting fatty acids (Badshah et al., 2003; Tosh & Yada, 2010) and consuming these grains will repeatedly help in lowering the risk of chronic diseases (Jukanti, Gaur, Gowda, & Chibbar, 2012). Ozone is often regarded as a potent oxidant capable of penetrating the grain (Tiwari et al., 2010), and it can control the bio-agents such as insects, molds, and mycotoxins (Wang et al., 2016). Due to the fact that ozone gas is unstable, it convert back into oxygen without leaving any residues in short time (McClurkin, & Maier, 2010), so, it can be used as a fumigant without leaving any residue. The Food and Drug Administration (FAO) has approved it for fumigating grains, fruits, and vegetables.

The action of the gonadial hormone is not confined to the growth and development of the sexual organs alone, but the normal body growth as well as the growth of the skeleton are to a great extent influenced by these hormones. Of the female gonadial hormones, the action of estrogen and progesterone on skeletal growth has not been studied in detail. Some reports implicate estrogen deficiency in post menopausal osteoporosis and shows that estrogen replacement therapy can help to prevent that post menopausal stage of accelerated rate of bone loss. It’s reported that the progesterone treatment play a significant role in regulating cortical bone cell activity and as such, suggest that progesterone may play a part in the prevention and slowing down of cortical bone loss in females following menopause or oophorectomy. The effect of gonadotropic hormone on bone healing has not yet been studied in detail. The chapter is thus, undertaken to investigate the effects of gonadotropic hormone (Gn-rh)) on cortical bone healing in female rabbits.

Clinically healthy adult female New Zealand white rabbits (10) are divided equally into groups A and B each consisting of 5 animals. All animals are kept on standard diet and management throughout the experiment. In all animals midshafts simple transverse fracture is created in both the ulnae under thiopental (2.5%) anesthesia. In test group (group A) 0.1 ml of Gn-rh analogue is injected intramuscularly at 3 days interval up to 30 days post operatively.

Lateral and anterio-posterior radiographs are taken on days 0, 10, 20. 30. and 40-post fracture. These radiographs are observed for progress of fracture healing and complication, if any, at different intervals. The specimens for histopathological study are collected from the healed site of test bone immediately after euthanizing the animals on day 40. Every specimen consists of better healing site and adjacent host bone. The bone sections are preserved in 10% formalin for 9 to 10 days and then are decalcified using Goodling and Stewart’s solution (15% formic acid, 5% formalin and 80% distilled water). Completely decalcified bone sections are then processed routinely for H & E staining. These sections are observed for status of healing at fracture site.

Introduction

Oxygen uptake in fishes is affected not only by the abiotic factors of the environment but is also affected due to various biotic factors. Works on fish aggregation reveal that oxygen uptake of a fish is changed by the number of fishes mutually participating in respiration which has been demonstrated by various workers. The variation in oxygen uptake when fishes of either similar or different genera or species are kept in an association is known as the group effect. The variation in oxygen uptake due to the group effect is an established fact.

The investigation and approaches of Allee (1931); Schtefanesku (1958); Malyukina et al, (1962); Grigor’eva (1966); Umezawa and Watannbe (1979), Wares II and Igram (1979), Umezawa et al, (1981) Imabayshi and Takahashi (1987), etc. are worth mentioning and regarded as milestones in this field. Allee (1931), Shlaifer (1938); Geyer and Mann (1939), Job (1955); Delco (1963); Uematsu (1971); Parker (1973), Itazawa et al, (1978); Smatresk and Herreid (1980); Kanda and Itazawa (1981); Singh and Munshi (1985) and Jha (1995) have observed that grouping lowers down the oxygen uptake of fishes but the reverse relationship was also reported by Bowen (1932); Schuett (1934), Brett and Sutherland (1965), Umezawa and Kanikawa (1980), Ghosh et al, (1994), Krause and Ruxton (2002), Pandit and Ghosh (2007), Ward and Webster (2016). In due course, different aspects of grouping have been studied by various workers and many terms are proposed accordingly to explain the phenomenon.

Fracture healing is a specialized type of wound healing response in which the regeneration of bone leads to restoration of skeletal integrity. Though the process of fracture healing is usually considered to be biologically optimum; the healing of 5-10% is delayed or impaired. For management of these types of fractures, use of biological methods for the enhancement of fracture healing is essential. Furthermore, fracture-healing can be modified by almost any endogenous or exogenous factor that has an influence on the metabolic function of cells. These factors include transforming growth factor-beta, bone morphogenetic proteins, hormones, vitamins, prostaglandin and calcium containing feed supplement medicine.

Keeping in view the above, in this chapter, efficacy of herbal product-Magacal in promoting osteogenesis during fracture healing in experimental animals is discussed. Magacal optimizes absorption, bioavailability and utilization of dietary calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. It is claimed to have advanced chelating agent to form organic complex chelate with dietary Ca, P and Mg, besides containing natural Vitamin D metabolites in highly bioavailability organic form, naturally protected and stable biotin and modern delivery system for optimum translocation of Ca, P and Mg ions to the sites of requirements.

Clinically healthy, adult New Zealand White rabbits of either sex (10) are divided equally into two groups A and B each consisting of 5 animals. All animals are kept on standard diet and management throughout the experiment. In all animals, midshaft simple transverse fracture is created in both the ulnae under thiopental (2.5%) anaesthesia. In test group (Group A), Magacal is given @5ml/animal/ day, orally from day 5-20 post fracture, whereas, in group B, no drug is given which serve as control. Antibiotic dressing of the skin wound is done daily for one week with povidone iodine and himax ointment. All the animals are administered streptopenicillin @ 0.5 gm/animal/day for 5 days postoperatively. Skin sutures are removed on the10th postoperative day.

Clinically all the animals are observed for inflammation, pain and edema at the fracture site, surgical wound healing, appetite, general health, muscular atrophy of the limb, if any, at different intervals postoperatively.

Investigation of the effect of Various Hormones on Fat Synthesis from 14C Labelled Acetate in Chicken Adipose Tissue

(Method of OMea and Leveille, 1968, Folch, Less and Solane Stanley, 1957 and Vaughan, 1961)

Reagents
    1.    Krebs-Ringer calcium-free bicarbonate buffer 7.4
        100 parts 0.154M NaCI (0.9001 g in 100ml)
        4 parts 0.154M KCI (0.0459 g in 4 ml)
        1 part 0.154M  MgSO₄ (0.0380 g in 1 ml)
        (3 parts 0.110M CaCI₂)
        21 parts 0.100M NaHCO3 buffered to 7.41 by bubbling through CO₂