7 research outputs found
Socialising Snake Society
No full text Needless slaughter of snakes continues despite their undeniable contribution to the ecology and human society. The unprecedented unsustainability of the diverse snake species is a loss not only to biological diversity, but also to cultural diversity. Evidence discloses that tribal snake charming communities still safeguard the sustainability of the variety of snake species to safeguard their own survival. Unfortunately, due to the imposition of bans and the crackdown on snake charming by the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972), the tribal snake charming communities are on the verge of extinction. Hence, positive socialisation has become inevitable for the restoration of sustainability of both snake society and tribal snake charming communities through the effective formation of ‘tribal snake charmers’ cooperative societies’ like the Irula Cooperative Society (ICS), established in Tamil Nadu in India in 1978, or similar institutions, which may be an Indian instance for a sustainable way of conserving biological diversity vis-à-vis cultural diversity. </jats:p
CAUDOTYLENCHUS INDICUS N. GEN. N. SP. (NEMATODA: TELOTYLENCHIDAE) ASOCIADO CON PLANTA DE BANANO DE BENGALA OCCIDENTAL, INDIA
No full textCaudotylenchus n. gen. is a newly erected nematode genus under the subfamily Telotylenchinae of the family Telotylenchidae with the type species Caudotylenchus indicus n. gen., n. sp. All the members belonging to this subfamily are plant-parasitic in nature and the current species has been described from West Bengal, India in association with banana (Musa paradisiaca L. cv Chapa). Caudotylenchus indicus n. gen., n. sp. is a small nematode species, measures 0.68-0.85 mm; characterized by inverted club shaped, overlapping oesophageal gland; narrow, rounded-conoid, continuous, feebly sclerotized lip region; long stylet with well-developed basal knob, conus and straight lumen; lateral fields marked with five incisures; didelphic, amphidelphic ovary; transverse slit-like vulva; unannulated female tail terminus; simple bursa; and forwardly directed gubernaculum. A taxonomic key of the new genus and the compendium amongst thirteen genera of the subfamily are provided here.Caudotylenchus n. gen. es un género de nematodo nuevo elegido bajo la subfamilia Telotylenchinae de la familia Telotylenchidae con la especie tipo Caudotylenchus indicus n. gen., n. sp. Todos los miembros pertenecientes a esta subfamilia son parásitos de plantas en la naturaleza y la actual especie se ha descrito en Bengala Occidental, India, en asociación con el banano (Musa paradisiaca L. cv Chapa). Caudotylenchus indicus n. gen., n. sp. es una pequeña especie de nematodo, mide 0,68-0,85 mm; caracterizado por glándula esofágica superpuesta en forma de maza invertida; región labial estrecha, redondeada-conoide, continua, débilmente esclerotizada; estilete largo con protuberancia basal bien desarrollada, cono y lumen recto; campos laterales marcados con cinco incisiones; ovario didelfo, anfidelfo; vulva en forma de hendidura transversal; extremo de la cola de la hembra sin anillado; bursa simple; y gubernaculum dirigido hacia adelante. Aquí se proporciona una clave taxonómica del nuevo género y el compendio entre trece géneros de la subfamilia
CAUDOTYLENCHUS INDICUS N. GEN. N. SP. (NEMATODA: TELOTYLENCHIDAE) ASOCIADO CON PLANTA DE BANANO DE BENGALA OCCIDENTAL, INDIA
No full textCaudotylenchus n. gen. is a newly erected nematode genus under the subfamily Telotylenchinae of the family Telotylenchidae with the type species Caudotylenchus indicus n. gen., n. sp. All the members belonging to this subfamily are plant-parasitic in nature and the current species has been described from West Bengal, India in association with banana (Musa paradisiaca L. cv Chapa). Caudotylenchus indicus n. gen., n. sp. is a small nematode species, measures 0.68-0.85 mm; characterized by inverted club shaped, overlapping oesophageal gland; narrow, rounded-conoid, continuous, feebly sclerotized lip region; long stylet with well-developed basal knob, conus and straight lumen; lateral fields marked with five incisures; didelphic, amphidelphic ovary; transverse slit-like vulva; unannulated female tail terminus; simple bursa; and forwardly directed gubernaculum. A taxonomic key of the new genus and the compendium amongst thirteen genera of the subfamily are provided here.Caudotylenchus n. gen. es un género de nematodo nuevo elegido bajo la subfamilia Telotylenchinae de la familia Telotylenchidae con la especie tipo Caudotylenchus indicus n. gen., n. sp. Todos los miembros pertenecientes a esta subfamilia son parásitos de plantas en la naturaleza y la actual especie se ha descrito en Bengala Occidental, India, en asociación con el banano (Musa paradisiaca L. cv Chapa). Caudotylenchus indicus n. gen., n. sp. es una pequeña especie de nematodo, mide 0,68-0,85 mm; caracterizado por glándula esofágica superpuesta en forma de maza invertida; región labial estrecha, redondeada-conoide, continua, débilmente esclerotizada; estilete largo con protuberancia basal bien desarrollada, cono y lumen recto; campos laterales marcados con cinco incisiones; ovario didelfo, anfidelfo; vulva en forma de hendidura transversal; extremo de la cola de la hembra sin anillado; bursa simple; y gubernaculum dirigido hacia adelante. Aquí se proporciona una clave taxonómica del nuevo género y el compendio entre trece géneros de la subfamilia
A STUDY ON THE GROWTH AND BIOMASS OF CHIRONOMUS LARVAE IN DIFFERENT FOOD MEDIA
No full textChironomid larvae, popularly known as bloodworm, are considered as preferred food for cultured fish due to their high nutritional content. However, due to less availability and high cost of production, such food is not popular so far. Here, an attempt was made to increase the biomass as well as growth of this insect at low cost. Four culture media were prepared for Chironomus striatapennis, using the following, Potato Peel Powder, Bakery Yeast, mixture of Potato peel powder and Bakery yeast, and Commercial Fish Food, as well as along with a Control medium containing natural pond soil and water. The study revealed that production of biomass and growth of bloodworms were higher in the mixed as well as in the medium containing fish food. But, mixed culture medium was considered better than the other three media as well as the control. As potato peel powder, a vegetable waste and bakery yeast are almost of no cost material, giving high yield when biomass of chironomid larvae was concerned
An evidence based efficacy and safety assessment of the ethnobiologicals against poisonous and non-poisonous bites used by the tribals of three westernmost districts of West Bengal, India: Anti-phospholipase A2 and genotoxic effects.
No full textIntroductionTo explore the ethnobiological wisdom of the tribals of three western districts of West Bengal, India against poisonous and non-poisonous bites and stings, a quantitative approach was adopted. These age-old yet unexplored knowledge can be utilized in finding lead-molecules against poisonous and non-poisonous animal-bites. Further, an evidence-based approach is needed to assess the venom-neutralization ability of plants by experimental studies.Materials and methodsDuring 2008-2009 and 2012-2017, 11 ethnomedicinal surveys were carried out to explore the use of medicinal flora and fauna via conducting open semi-structured interviews with 47 traditional healers (THs) or informants. The retrieved dataset was statistically evaluated using seven quantitative-indexes: use-value (UV), informants'-consensus-factor (ICF), fidelity-level (FL), relative-importance (RI), cultural importance-index (CI), index of agreement on remedies (IAR) and cultural agreement-index (CAI). Anti-phospholipaseA2 (PLA2) properties of selected plant extracts were also examined. In addition, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the water extract of the plants showing high FL as well as significant PLA2 inhibitory potential were investigated using Allium cepa root tip assay.ResultsA total of 41 traditional-formulations (TFs) containing 40 plant species (of 39 genera from 28 families) and 3 animal species were prescribed by the THs. Fabaceae exhibited most number of medicinal plants. Piper nigrum (1.78) and Apis cerana indica and Crossopriza lyoni (both 0.21) exhibited the highest UV among the plants and the animals respectively. Stinging of centipede and dog/cat/hyena bite displayed highest ICF (1.00 each). Among the plants, the maximum RI (0.91) and CI (4.98) values were observed for Aristolochia indica. IAR (1.00) was recorded maximum for Achyranthes aspera, Gloriosa superba, Lycopodium cernuum, Smilax zeylanica and Streblus asper. Maximum CAI value was noted for Piper nigrum (5.5096). Among the animals, Apis cerana indica (0.31) and Crossopriza lyoni (1.52) displayed the highest RI and CI values respectively. Crossopriza lyoni (0.99) and Apis cerana indica (1.3871) exhibited maximum IAR and CAI values respectively. Plants showing higher FL exhibited higher anti-PLA2 activity via selective inhibition of human-group PLA2. In addition, Allium cepa root tip assay has indicated the safety and/or toxicity of the plant parts prescribed by the THs. Root water extracts of Aristolochia indica and Gloriosa superba exhibited significant genotoxicity and cytotoxicity.ConclusionsThree western districts of West Bengal is the natural abode for many tribal and non-tribal communities. A noteworthy correlation was established between the plants used against poisonous-bites and their anti-PLA2 activity. A few plant parts used by the THs also exhibited high toxicity. Such alternative medical practices serve as the only option in these underprivileged and backward areas during medical-exigencies
Population Growth and Life Table Study of a Generalist Semilooper, Anomis sabulifera, Guenée 1852 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) on two Brassicaceae and two Malvaceae Plants
No full textThe generalist semilooper pest, Anomis sabulifera, Guenée 1852 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is one of the major pests of different economic crops throughout the world. Basic information on insect pest population growth is necessary before deciding any strategy to combat with the pest. The stage-specific life table and population growth of A. sabulifera on two Brassicaceous plants i.e., Indian mustard (Brassica juncea), Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and two Malvaceous plants i.e., Tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius) and China rose (Hibiscus rosa sinensis) were observed during their growing season in 2023-2025. Phytochemicals guided host preference (Indian mustard> Oilseed rape> Tossa jute> China rose) of the generalist semilooper, A. sabulifera represent a clear picture through population growth and developmental pattern. It also provides information about the vulnerability of developmental stages of A. sabulifera on the selected host plants. This study had suggested the use of multi-trap cropping by using the most preferred crops (Indian mustard> Oilseed rape) in a defined pattern with Tossa jute and or China rose as main crop which will obviously lead to less infestation of A. sabulifera or other such pests in the field than their sole cropping. Such study will also inform about the susceptibility and or severity of host cultivars towards A. sabulifera for their judicious management by using defined trap cropping system with higher production to promote IPM of such crops in near future
