Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Composition variation of essential oil of Cymbopogon spp. growing in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India
Get PDFThe present study was aimed to find out the chemical constituents of essential oils of cymbopogon species,viz. Cymbopogon martinii var motia, Cymbopogon flexuosus Nees., Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt., growing in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillationand subjected to detailed Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis in order to determine the variation in their volatile constituents. Twenty seven compounds are ?-pinene, ?-myrcene, Limonene, Cis-b-Ocimene, pCymene ,Terpinolene,6-Methyl hept-5-en-2-one, Citronellal, Linalool, Linalyl acetate, ?-Elemene, ?-Caryophyllene, Citronellyl acetate, Neral, ?– Terpineol, Borneol,Gerainal, ?-Cadinene,Geranyl acetate, Citronellol,Nerol,Geraniol, Caryophyllene oxide,Germacrene—D-4-ol,Elemol, Epi-?-cadinol, ?-Cadinol representing 92.24 to 95.86% of the oil compositions as identified. While comparing the common constituents of three different species of cymbopogon taxa , the remarkable variation in compositions of essential oil was observed and it was in concentration of nearl (0.40;34.9;1.6), gerainal (nil;47.5;0.96) geraniol (82.5;4.5;20.15) , citronellol (T;0.2;12.39) , citronellal (0.1;0.5;36.19) , and linalool (0.8;1.6;0.96) for C.martini, C.flexuosus, C. winterianus respectivel
Weed flora of aerobic rice and their effect on growth, yield and nutrient uptake by rice Oryza sativa in the coastal region of Karaikal of Puducherry, India
Get PDFA field experiment was conducted at farm lands of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal to know the weed floristic composition and their effect on growth, yield and nutrient uptake by aerobic rice (Oryza sativa). The results revealed that totally 29 species of weeds from 22 genera belonging to 17 families were noticed. Among them, four were grasses, six were sedges, and nineteen were broad leaved weeds. Of this 29 species, four were perennials, and the rest were annuals. During initial stages (30 DAS), sedges dominated (38.3%) whereas at later stages (60 DAS) broad leaved weeds dominated the aerobic rice fields (42.5%). Grasses were found to be comparatively less dominant at both the stages. Echinochloa colona Link. (28.1%) followed by E. cruss-galli (L.) Beauv. (6.1%) among the grasses; Cyperus difformis L. (19.8%) followed by C. iria L (9.9%) among the sedges and Ludwigia abyssinica (28.0%) among the broad leaved weeds, were the predominant weed species in aerobic rice cultivation. Weeds, when left unchecked, competed with rice for all resources like nutrients, space, light and soil moisture. The unweeded control recorded the maximum nutrient depletion by weeds (76.6, 6.4 and 106.8 Kg of N, P andK ha-1 ). Due to severe competition, weeds suppressed the growth of rice which resulted in lower growth and yield attributes leading to lower grain (333 kg ha-1 ) and straw yields (1903 kg ha-1 )
Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Pethia ticto (Hamilton, 1822) from Gomti river in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Get PDFThis study describes the length-weight relation (LWR) of small indigenous fish Pethia ticto from Gomti River, Aamghat, Haliyapur, Sultanpur district 260 29N and 810 44E, 751m (msl) Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 306 specimens were caught by random sampling method using traditional fishing gear as gillnet, cast net and dragnet of various mesh sizes from June 2016 to May 2017, once in a month. Total Length (mm) was measured from anteriormost part of the snout to the posterior-most part of the caudal fin and body weight (g) were taken by digital electronic balance. The analysis of data shows that the allometric coefficient is close to isometric value (3.0). Allometric growth indicates a more rotund population of fish when the values of growth coefficient are higher than 3.0 (b>3). If the value of growth coefficient is less than 3.0, the population of fish is known to be less rotund. Isometric growth indicates that the shape of fish does not change as it grows (b=3). The coefficient of determination (R2 ) was also found significant (=0.97). Fulton’s condition factor further supports the results obtained ranged from 1.041 to 1.660 shows the degree of well being of a fish. This study is helpful in providing relevant information in the assessment of stock and estimation of the fish condition about its environmen
Energetics of pupal-adult metamorphosis in the silkworm, Bombyx mori : An analysis of transdeamination parameters in the fat body and haemolymph
Get PDFTransdeamination seems to be an important alternative energy-intensive gluconeogenesis mechanism that generates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources during pupal-adult metamorphosis in Bombyx mori. Studies on four transdeamination parameters, viz., free amino acids (FAA), aspartate aminotransferase (AAT), alanine aminotransferase (AlAT) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) in the fat body and haemolymph of silkworm have indicated that transdeamination shows stage-specific, region-specific and sex-specific variations during metamorphosis. Region-specific growth trends indicate that the transamination reaction, mediated by AAT and AlAT is faster in the abdominal fat body (AFB) and relatively slower in the thoracic fat body (TFB) with concomitant lower FAA levels in the former and higher levels in the latter. Stage-specific growth trends reflect that the energy mobilization through transdeamination assumes greater significance in the early pupal, late pupal and adult stages rather than the mid-pupal stage. Sex-wise trends in FAA levels indicate that the rate of amino acid utilization is significantly faster in females compared to that in males. Further, the growth trends in the levels of GDH vis-à-vis aminotransferases signify that the energy demands of male sex expressions are met largely through enhanced levels of GDH and that the alpha ketoglutarate generated in transamination reaction is used as a substrate for sperm production, sperm motility and successful mating that stimulates fecundity and productivity of in the mulberry silkworm. The study clearly demonstrates that gluconeogenesis through transdeamination supplements the energy requirements of silkworm metamorphosis and that it is facilitated by disintegrating tissues predominantly from the pupal abdominal segments
Studies of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in balsam (Impatiens balsamina L.)
Get PDFA field experiment was carried out with 34 genotypes of Balsam (Impatiens balsamina L.) to assess the variability, heritability and genetic advance with an objective to identify superior genotypes for further crop improvement programme. The experiment was conducted during rainy season 2014 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. These genotypes show significant variation at 5% level of significance for different characters under study. Highest range of variation was reported with the number of flowers/plant (109-221). The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was maximum for seed yield/plant, i.e. 29.02 and 26.34 while, minimum in case of length of leaf, i.e. 8.35 and 6.48, respectively. High heritability was observed for all the characters except plant height, width of leaves and duration of flowering. Maximum heritability was recorded for duration of flowering (90.68%) and minimum was observed in width of leaf (30.04). High heritability (h2 = 90.64) with high genetic advance (GA= 71.36) as percentage of mean was observed for number of flowers/plant, which indicated that additive gene effects were more important for that trait. High genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for number of flowers/plant (71.36) however, lowest for floral bud diameter (0.11) which indicates the preponderance of additive genes and selection will be effective for improvement of these traits
A study of constitutive heterochromatin and NOR banding in three species of Indian major carps from the State of Haryana, India
Get PDFCytogenetic survey of fishes becomes increasingly important to establish chromosomal relation between the teleosts, to have a glimpse of the relation between chromosomal evolution and differentiation of vertebrate species. In the present study, Chromosome banding studies was done in three species of carps i.e. Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822), Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) and Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton, 1822). Diploid chromosome number 50 was observed in all 3 species of carps. The chromosomes of C. catla, L. rohita and C. mrigala showed constitutive heterochromatin at telomeric and centromeric regions of chromosomes. The Ag-NOR (Argyrophilic-Nucleolus Organizer Region) bands were observed on homologous chromosome pair number 11 in C. catla, 15th chromosome pair in L. rohita. In C. mrigala, the Ag- NOR staining elucidated the presence of darkly stained NORs on the terminal region of the long arms of one of the chromosome. Another homologue of this chromosome pair could not be localized due to scattering of chromosomes. The results depict that variation in ecological conditions with time due to human activities can not only affect the chromosomal number but also chromosomal morphology.
 
Neuroprotective effects of Zingerone against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced brain mitochondrial toxicity in Swiss albino mice
Get PDFThe present study targeted the brain mitochondria dysfunction in Swiss albino mice through carbon tetrachloride intoxication and its treatment with Zingerone. It is proposed that brain mitochondria is the main organelle responsible for oxidative stress by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups; Group-1 was control; Group-2 was carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) toxic (1.5mg kg-1 bm i.p two days in a week.); Group-3 was pretreated with Zingerone (100 mg kg-1 b.m) a day before the administration of CCl4 and Group-4 was only Zingerone (100 mg kg-1 bm) given orally for 15days once in a day. At the end of the experiment mice were sacrificed and mitochondria were isolated from brain. Isolated brain mitochondria were further analyzed for oxidative stress marker. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) content was increased significantly by CCl4 administration in Group-II as compared to the control Group-I, while the antioxidant (GSH) and other antioxidant enzyme GPx , GR, and CAT was depleted significantly in CCl4 treated Group-II as compare to control Group-I. Zingerone protected the toxicity of brain mitochondria by reducing the lipid peroxidation and enhancing the antioxidant enzyme in Group-III and there was no significant changes were noticed in Group-IV as compared to Group-I. Overall results showed the potential effects of Zingerone in protecting the neuronal cell loss by oxidative stress. Thus, the present study indicated that the Zingerone may be used as the potential therapeutic tools for the prevention of CCl4 induced brain mitochondrial toxicity.
 
Irrigation, nitrogen and sulphur fertilization response on productivity, water use efficiency and quality of Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata) in a semi-arid environment
Get PDFWater and nutrient deficiency are two major constraints that drastically affect rapeseed and mustard production under semi-arid regions of North-Western India. To cope with this problem, a study was undertaken to optimize irrigation, nitrogen and sulphur levels for productivity and quality of Ethiopian mustard(Brassica carinata).Field experiments were conducted during winter seasons of 2004-05 and 2005-06 at the Water Technology Centre (WTC), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India. Irrigation, nitrogen and sulphur levels significantly (P<0.05) affected plant height, LAI, siliqua weight, seeds/siliqua, test weight, seed and biomass yield of Ethiopian mustard. Application of three irrigations (seedling, 50% flowering and pod development stage) to Ethiopian mustard increased seed yield by 27-28% compared to one irrigation (seedling stage). Nitrogen @ 90 kg ha-1 produced 49-54 % higher seed yield of Ethiopian mustard compared to no application. Similarly, sulphur application @ 40 kg ha-1 increased seed yield by 33-34 % compared to no application of sulphur. The oil content of Ethiopian mustard was significantly (P<0.05) affected by nitrogen and sulphur levels. Among the three treatments, irrigation treatment only significantly affected evapotranspiration of the studied crop. From the above study, it is suggested that application of 3 irrigations with 90 kg N ha-1 and 40 kg S ha-1 may be practiced for achieving higher seed yield, quality and water use efficiency of Ethiopian mustard in the semi-arid environment of Northern part of India
Adsorption behavior of activated charcoal and used battery cell carbon as composite for removal of cadmium ion from aqueous solution
Get PDFTo investigate the adsorption behavior of blend activated charcoal and used battery cell carbon for removal of cadmium metal ion, batch adsorption study was used. Batch study for the expansion of parameters such as pH, initial metal ion concentration and adsorbent quantity were utilized. The characterization of the adsorbent samples was done by technique Fourier Infra Red Spectrum (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Adsorption data were computed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Kinetic data was well explained by Pseudo second order equation, Intra-particle diffusion and Elovich first order equation. Maximum adsorption efficiency was observed to be 75% at 50:50 ratios of activated charcoal and used battery cell carbon. Purpose of blending activated charcoal and used battery cell carbon reduce the consumption of activated charcoal as it is very costly to use for commercial purposes
Use of different approach in finding catch effort relationship in hook and line fishery in Kombuthurai village of Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu
Get PDFKombuthurai has been described as a fishing village in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu which has gained immense importance by practicing sustainable fishing practices. In Kombuthurai village during 2009-2013, catch per unit effort (CPUE) has varied from 0.20 tonnes to the maximum of 0.25 tonnes during this period. It is interesting to know that despite the range of effort varying from 1598hrs to 1720hrs, the catch remained in the range of 347.4 tonnes to a maximum of 430.8tonnes. The influence of various variables (latitude, longitude, distance, depth, seasons, years and fishing gear type) on CPUE was studied by General Linear Model (GLM) and Generalized Linear Model (GLMs). Normal distribution with identity link function and a gamma distribution with log link function were used in GLMs. The variables that were found to be significant in both of the models and distributions are year and season. GLM model was good fit with R2 ranging from 67.60% to a high of 91.7%.The low and high abundance of CPUE were categorized taking the below and above average CPUE. A binary logistic regression model was used between the CPUE abundance and with above mentioned independent variables. The binary logistic regression model explained 75.4% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance in high CPUE abundance and correctly classified 88% of cases. The independent variable such as latitude, longitude, depth, and distance added significantly to the model, but the year, season and hooks did not add significantly to the model