Journal of Environmental Biology
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Item Effects of different salinity levels on larval growth and development of disease vectors of Culex species(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Balasubramanian, R.; Sahina, S.; Nadh, V. Arathy; Sreelekha, K.P.; Nikhil, T.L.Aim: To determine species distribution of mosquitoes in coastal brackish wetlands and in paddy field area of Kerala along with the effect of increased salinity on the development and survival of major Japanese encephalitis vectors. Methodology: Mosquito survey was carried out in different sites of coastal brackish water as well as in paddy fields of Alappuzha district. First instar larvae were reared until adult emergence at different constant saline water. Each individual was monitored daily for mortality. Larvae were placed in a plastic container with 200 ml distilled water, which served as controls. Counts of larvae, pupae and adults were recorded every 24 hr up to adult emergence. Results: The collected mosquitoes were Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Cx. gelidus, Cx. sitiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. bitaeniorhynchus and Anopheles vagus. During summer season, Cx. sitiens (92.85%) was the predominant species followed by Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (2.97%) and Cx. gelidus (2.25%). In saline tolerant study, the maximum adult emergence occurred at 5 parts per thousand. The number of larvae surviving till adult stage decreased progressively with increased salinity. The wing size decreased significantly with increasing salinities, except those reared in 5ppt. Interpretation: The present study demonstrates that these three mosquitoes have the ability to oviposit and breed in brackish water. The study also reveals the health risks associated with vector mosquitoes developing and their frequency of abundance in brackish water, particularly in the context of rising sea levels due to global warming.Item Enhancement of ?-amylase production in pelleted Aspergillus tamarii through optimization for desizing of cotton fabric(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) R., Mohan; R., Subramanian; S., Muthiah; S., NatarajanAim: The present study was carried out to enhance the production of α-amylase by pelleted Aspergillus tamarii through optimization of various media compositions and cultivation conditions using shake flask and bioreactor experiments. Methodology: Shake flask experiments were conducted to study the effect of pH, temperature and starch concentration using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and other parameters, namely, nitrogen source, inoculum size and incubation days using single variable optimization technique for the pelleted growth of microorganism and amylase production. Scale up study was carried out for the assessment of results obtained from shake flask experiments using a laboratory scale bioreactor. In the bioreactor study, parameters, namely, pH control, agitation and aeration were considered. Results: Maximum amylase production using pelleted Aspergillus tamarii was achieved at initial pH 6.7, temperature 30.5 °C, 0.5% w/v starch, 0.1% w/v urea, 1.5% v/v inoculum size and 4 days of fermentation in the shake flask experiments. Filamentous growth was observed when the concentration of starch used was above 2%. The specific enzyme activity increased to 2.77 fold after partial purification. When enzyme was used for desizing cotton fabric, it produced 90% efficiency. The scale-up experiments revealed initial pH 6.7, agitation 300 rpm and aeration 1 vvm as the conditions suitable for pelleted growth, as well as to achieve maximum amylase production. Interpretation: The results indicate pelleted growth of Aspergillus tamarii and in turn achievement of maximum amylase activity depends on media composition and fermentation conditions used at the time of enzyme production. Efficient desizing of cotton fabric by amylase showed its effectiveness towards hydrolysis of starch and converting it to soluble products for easy removal.Item Association of SSR based genetic distances with heterosis in sunflower(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Kaur, K.; Dhillon, S.K.; Gill, B.S.; Kaur, G.Aim: Development of commercial hybrid of sunflower on basis of best inbred combination remains a key challenge to sunflower breeders. In the current investigation, heterosis of F1 hybrids, parental genetic diversity and correlation between genetic distance and level of heterosis were estimated. Methodology: Thirty five parental genotypes (3 CMS A lines and 32 R lines) and their hybrids were assessed for physio-morphological, yield and quality traits. Heterosis was measured as mid-parent and better parent heterosis. Among parents, SSR marker based genetic distances were calculated using DARwin software. Correlation between heterosis and genetic distances was carried out by Karl Pearson’s simple correlation method. Results: Range of genetic distances, based on SSR marker analysis, varied from 0.32-0.73. Genetic distance had significant positive correlation with the heterosis for oil content (r = 0.22 p<0.05) and linoleic acid (r = 0.32 p<0.05), but negative correlation was observed for days to maturity, test weight, volume weight, stearic acid and oleic acid. There was no significant correlation between genetic distance and heterosis for seed yield and other agronomic traits. Interpretation: Although, genetic distance is poor predictor of heterosis, dependence of oil content on genetic distance among parental lines may be used for designing an effective breeding program for sunflower.Item Agronomic characters and genomic markers based assessment of genetic divergence and its relation to heterotic performance in maize(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Punya; Sharma, V.K.; Kumar, P.; Kumar, A.Aim: The present study was undertaken to examine the relation between genetic divergence of some tropical inbred lines of maize and extent of heterosis manifestation in their single cross hybrids. Methodology: Fifteen inbred lines and three inbred testers along with 45 single cross hybrids were evaluated by adopting randomized complete block design during two seasons. The observations recorded on eight metric traits of the entries in each of three replications were utilized during statistical analysis across the seasons. Relative importance of classification variables was determined by principal component analysis and the phenogram was generated using average taxonomic distance. Molecular profiling of inbred lines was carried out by employing 28 SSR primer pairs covering all the chromosomes. Principal coordinate analysis was performed and similarity indices based dendrogram was constructed. Relationship between parental genetic divergence and heterosis was statistically tested. Results: Significant differences due to parents, hybrids and parent vs. hybrids were observed for all metric characters. Principal component analysis based diagram and average taxonomic distance based phenogram separated the inbred lines into five clusters. Amplification profiles based principal coordinate analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis differentiated the inbred lines into four major clusters. Statistically non-significant correlation of genomic data based genetic similarity or phenotypic data based genetic dissimilarity of inbreds was revealed with grain yield and heterosis of hybrid combinations. Significantly positive correlation was found between heterosis over mid parent or better parent and grain yield of hybrids. Interpretation: Parental genetic divergence was not linearly or additively related to heterosis manifestation in hybrid. Moderate genetic divergence together with high per se performance of inbreds seemed to be a better criterion than consideration of merely extreme genetic diversity as the basis for the choice of parental inbreds during heterotic single cross hybrid development in maizeItem Tolerance evaluation of Jatropha curcas and Acacia burkei to acidic and copper/nickel-contaminated soil(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Ishimoto, T. Konaka; Y.; Yamada, M.; Moseki, B.; Tsujimoto, H.; Mazereku, C.; Akashi, K.Aim: To evaluate tolerance of two tree species, Jatropha curcas and Acacia burkei, to an acidic and highly Cu/Ni-contaminated soil. Methodology: Above-ground growth of Jatropha and Acacia were monitored for six months in two different soil types; a typical field soil (FS) and acidic and Cu/Ni-rich soil (ACNS), the latter containing 58- and 14-fold higher levels of Cu and Ni, respectively, than FS. Results: Growth of Acacia was markedly inhibited in ACNS, as evidenced by low number of petioles and branches, thinner stem diameter, and low chlorophyll content compared with plants grown in FS. In contrast, tree height, stem diameter and length of emerged branches of Jatropha showed no significant differences between growth in FS and ACNS. In Jatropha, foliar Cu content grown in ACNS was not statistically different from that in FS whereas a small increase in foliar Ni content was observed in ACNS. Interpretation: These observations suggested that Jatropha possess strong resistance to acidic and Cu/Ni-enriched soil. This trait might be advantageous for dual-purpose, utilization of Jatropha for renewable energy production and afforestation of Cu/Ni-polluted wastelands.Item Optimization and immobilization of urease enzyme isolated from Proteus mirabilis on alginate beads(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Tetiker, A.T.; Ertan, F.Urease enzyme was isolated from Proteus mirabilis and immobilized in alginate beads. Various parameters such as optimum pH, optimum temperature, pH stability, thermal stability, reusability, storage stability and substrate concentration were investigated and the findings were compared with free urease enzyme. İmmobilization yield was calculated as 85 %. Optimum temperature was found to be 40°C for free and immobilized urease. Thermal stability of the immobilized urease enzyme was significantly better than the free enzyme. Optimum pH for free and immobilized urease was be 7.0. Immobilized and free urease enzymes protected their stability at pH 7.0 and 8.0 in a similar way. Immobilized enzyme maintained 55% of their initial activity after 12 repeated use of enzyme. It was found that storage stability of immobilized enzyme was better than that of free enzyme. Km and Vmax values from the Lineweaver-Burk plots were calculated.Item Effect of wool waste in combination with farm yard manure and fertilizer on soil properties in aridisol of Bikaner, Rajasthan, India(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Choudhary, A.; Yadav, S.R.; Parewa, H.P.Aim: The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of conjunctive use of wool waste, farm yard manure and chemical fertilizer on soil properties of Aridisol of Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. Methodology: After harvest of cabbage crop, soil samples were collected from the respective experimental plot of crop field by adopting the standard procedure. Bulk density, particle density, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available N, P, K, S, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, microbial count and dehydrogenase activity were estimated following the standard protocol. Results: Application of wool waste @ 7.5 t ha-1 along with FYM @ 7.5 t ha-1 (W1) significantly increased organic carbon and plant available nutrients (N, P, K, S, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) over control and rest of the treatment. but W1 and W2 (Wool waste @ 5 t ha-1 along with FYM @ 10 t ha-1) treatment was found at par with respect to nitrogen. Treatment W1 also gave significant performance of microbial count and dehydrogenase activity during experimental season over rest of the treatment. Application of each increasing level of recommended dose of fertilizer significantly enhanced all chemical and biological properties of soil. Application of wool waste @7.5 t ha-1 along with FYM @7.5 t ha-1 increased available macronutrients and micronutrients over control. Interpretation: It can be concluded that conjunctive use of wool waste, farm yard manure and inorganic fertilizer proved better nutrient management option for improving soil properties.Item Earthworm diversity, density and distribution under shifting (Jhum) cultivation in a tropical hilly terrain of Mizoram, North East India(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Zodinpuii, B.; Lalthanzara, H.; LalnuntluangaAim: To investigate the earthworm community and its interaction with traditional shifting cultivation to find the effect of traditional shifting cultivation on diversity, density and distribution of earthworms. Methodology: Earthworm was sampled from five random sites located at least 20 m apart at monthly intervals by digging and hand sorting method during January 2013 to October 2015 in an experimental plot of one acre of natural forest, demarcated into natural forest (control, CTRL) and traditional shifting (slash and burn) cultivation site (Experimental, EXPTL) at Khawrihnim, Mizoram, North-east India. Results: A total of 11 species of earthworms belonging to five genera under three families were recorded. Family Megascolecidae dominates with five species (Perionyx excavatus, P. macintoshi, Metaphire houlleti, Amynthas alexandri and A. cortices) followed by Octochaetidae with four species (Eutyphoeus gigas, E. assamensis and two unidentified species) and Moniligastridae with two species (Drawida nepalensis and one unidentified Drawida sp.). Diversity and evenness indices of earthworm at CTRL were higher as compared to EXPTL site. Earthworm density in CTRL (1353.6 ind.m-2) was significantly higher than EXPTL (857.6 ind.m-2) site [t = 2.039, df = 66,P= .045]. Thus, negative impact of shifting cultivation on earthworms density was observed [F2, 33= 5.607, P= .008]. Vertical distribution showed significant (P > .05) decrease in earthworm population with an increase in soil depth in both CTRL and EXPTL sites. The endogeic Drawida sp. was the most versatile earthworm in temporal distribution. Interpretation: The study clearly indicates that the land use system in the form of traditional shifting cultivation adversely affects earthworm density and diversity. The destructive effect of shifting cultivation on earthworm is mainly attributed to habitat disturbances, reduced food availability and changes in soil physico – chemical properties. However, the spatial distribution pattern of an earthworm is not significantly affected by shifting cultivation. The temporal distribution followed a general pattern where there is a rapid population increase of earthworm after the onset of the rainy seasonItem Bacterial pretreatment of paddy straw for enhancing biogas production(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) H. Kaur; M. Parmar; Phutela, U.G.Aim: Increasing the digestibility of paddy straw and biogas production by pretreating it with bacterial culture, Delftia sp. PP4_S3. Methodology: The chopped (3-5 cm) and soaked paddy straw in different sets (each with 250 g PS) were pretreated with bacterial culture i.e., Delftia sp. PP4_S3 suspension for different durations and was further utilized for biogas production. Results: Biogas yield was highest (180 l kg-1 PS) in paddy straw treated with Delftia sp. PP4_S3 for 3 days showing an increase of 66.1% from untreated paddy straw. Chemical analysis approximately showed that maximum reduction of lignin (45.7%) and silica (17.7%) occurred in 5 days of pretreatment. Interpretation: Treatment of paddy straw with Delftia sp. PP4_S3 enhance the digestibility of paddy straw by lowering the lignin and silica content. These observations showed that Delftia sp. PP4_S3 is a good lignocellulosic degrader and can be efficiently used for enhancing biogas productionItem Evaluation of micro-irrigation methods in pomegranate under semi-arid tropical climate of India(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Marathe, R.A.; Sharma, Jyotsana; Chaudhari, D.T.Aim: To evaluate different micro-irrigation systems against basin irrigation in terms of growth, yield, fruit quality, disease infestation and water use of pomegranate under semi-arid tropical climate of Central India. Methodology: A field experiment was conducted in newly planted pomegranate cv. Bhagwa orchard with four irrigation treatments, viz., drip (4 lph, 4 plant-1), microjet 180o (2 plant-1), microjet 360o (2 plant-1) and basin (double ring) irrigation replicated five times in a randomised block design (RBD) in heavy textured soil. Results: Basin irrigation is widely practiced method of irrigation which presently facilitate better soil moisture distribution, resulted in better root proliferation and higher leaf nutrient status (K 0.98%, Cu 105.4 ppm and Zn 35.9 ppm) followed by drip (N 2.12% and Mn 40.4 ppm) system of irrigation. Maximum fruit yield was obtained under basin and drip which was 376.7% and 242.8% higher than that obtained under microjet 180o irrigation system, respectively. Water use efficiency was highest in drip (0.526) than basin (0.499) system of irrigation. Disease incidence in the plants was less under drip while it was high under microjet system of irrigation. Interpretation: Experimental findings clearly indicate that the areas which had ample amount of irrigation, basin irrigation was the most efficient system in harnessing maximum yields, while drip irrigation resulted in higher water use efficiency under arid to semiarid tropical climate, micro-sprinkler irrigation system is not beneficial for pomegranate orchards.Item Genetic diversity in henna based on gene targeted SCoT, arbitrarily amplified ISSR and nuclear rDNA multiplicity(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Kalia, R.K.; Singh, S.K.; Chhajer, S.; Pathak, R.; Bhatt, R.K.Aim: The present study was undertaken to analyze the extent of genetic variability existing among twenty accessions of Lawsonia inermis, collected from Rajasthan and Gujarat states of India, using gene targeted SCoT, arbitrarily amplified ISSR and nuclear rDNA markers. Methodology: Twenty henna accessions, vegetatively established at the Institute were collected from Rajasthan (7) and Gujarat (13). Twenty-six SCoT and twenty ISSR markers generating distinct, unambiguous and scorable fragments were selected, after preliminary screening for assessment of genetic diversity. Data analysis was performed using NTSYS-pc, GenAlEx 6 and POPGENE version 1.31 programs, and dendrograms were generated using unweighted pair group method for arithmetic mean (UPGMA). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA was amplified using universal primers followed by sequencing and dendrogram generation. Results: SCoT markers revealed lower values of similarity coefficients ranging from 0.87 - 0.93 compared to 0.93 - 0.98 for ISSR. SCoT markers delineated the L. inermis cultivars into three distinct clusters while ISSR markers demarcated them into five clusters. Interpretation: The Gujarat population of L. inermis was richer in genetic diversity than that of Rajasthan. SCoT markers proved better than the ISSR markers for genetic diversity analysis. Substantial variation in ITS-1 region due to SNPs, INDELS and ITS length polymorphism the nucleotide sequences signified its phylogenetic utility in assessing genetic diversity in of L. inermis.Item Biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using root extract of Saussurea lappa (Decne.) Clarke and their antibacterial activity(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Groach, R.; Yadav, K.; Sharma, J; Singh, N.Aim: To synthesize and characterize stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the root extract of Saussurea lappa, a medicinally important plant. The AgNPs was further evaluated for their antibacterial activity. Methodology: The biosynthesised AgNPs were characterised by change in colour pattern and confirmed by UV–Visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: UV-Vis spectroscopy study showed characteristic surface plasmon band (SPR) of synthesized AgNPs at 418 nm. FTIR studies revealed presence of some biomolecules responsible for reduction, stabilization and capping agents towards these synthesized AgNPs. TEM analysis revealed that the size of AgNPs ranged between 7.13 – 24.0 nm and had spherical shape. XRD data showed face-centered cubic (fcc) nature of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs showed significant antibacterial activity against one Gram positive (Bacillus cereus) and one Gram negative (Escherichia coli) bacterial strain. Interpretation: The biologically synthesized nanoparticles from the root extract of S. lappa were stable and showed enhanced antibacterial activity against both type of bacterial strains and could be utilized for industrial and remedial purposes.Item Investigations on remedial role of Rauwolfia serpentina root extract against carbofuran formulation induced genotoxicity in Channa punctatus(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Tiwari, V.; Trivedi, S.P.Aim: To investigate the remedial potential of Rauwolfia serpentina root extract against genotoxic alterations induced by exposure of carbofuran formulation in freshwater teleost, Channa punctatus. Methodology: Ten days acclimatized fish were categorized in three groups, Group 1 (control), Group 2 (0.09 mg l-1 carbofuran formulation) and group 3 (0.09 mg l-1 carbofuran formulation +10 ppm ethanolic extract of Rauwolfia serpentina). Genotoxic alterations were recorded in terms of single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) and micronucleus (MN) assay in blood cells. The variation in comet tail length and micronuclei frequencies were compared among Group 1, 2 and 3 after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr. Results: A significant (p<0.05) increase was observed in comet tail length and micronuclei induction in carbofuran formulation exposed group. The longest comet length and peak of micronuclei frequencies were observed after 96 hr of carbofuran formulation exposure. However, an appreciable and gradual decline in both frequencies of micronuclei and comet tail length were observed in group 3 (combined Carbofuran formulation and Rauwolfia serpentina root extract) in comparison to group 2 (Carbofuran formulation). Interpretation: The study, thus, demonstrates ameliorative potential of Rauwolfia serpentina root extract against carbofuran formulation induced genotoxicity in fish.Item Screening of three phenol-degrading bacteria for copper bioremoval of copper(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) arani, S.A.W. Sha; Shukor, M.Y.; Basirun, A.A.; Ahmad, S.A.Aim: Potential microbial isolates for bioremoval of copper were collected from phenolic and heavy metal-contaminated soils and screened in copper-containing medium for determining the maximum tolerance level for copper. Methodology: Bioremoval of copper was assessed using sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate assay. Physical and cultural conditions influencing copper bioremoval such as initial concentration, biomass dosage (inoculum volume), temperature and pH were optimised via one-factor-at-a-time. Results: The highest maximum tolerance level was displayed by Serratia sp. AQ5-03 at 600 mg l-1, while for Alcaligenes sp. AQ5-02 and Pseudomonas sp. AQ5-04 it was 500 mg l-1. The highest bioremoval for Alcaligenes sp. AQ5-02, Serratia sp. AQ5-03 and Pseudomonas sp. AQ5-04 was achieved at 20, 50 and 75 mg l-1, respectively. The optimum biomass dosage (inoculum volume) for both Serratia sp. AQ5-03 and Pseudomonas sp. AQ5-04 were 15%, whereas it was 10% for Alcaligenes sp. AQ5-02. The results also revealed that maximum bioremoval was achieved at pH 6 at an optimum temperature of 20°C for both Alcaligenes sp. AQ5-02 and Pseudomonas sp. AQ5-04, while Serratia sp. AQ5-03 showed optimum removal at pH 7 and at 30°C temperature. The maximum bioremoval efficiency for Alcaligenes sp. AQ5-02, Serratia sp. AQ5-03 and Pseudomonas sp were found to be 62, 57 and 70%, respectively. Interpretation: The results indicate that Alcaligenes sp. AQ5-02, Serratia sp. AQ5-03, Pseudomonas sp. AQ5-04 can be utilised as bioremoval agent since it possessed the highest bioremoval efficiency for copper remediation.Item Spermine induced protection of onion seed vigour and viability during accelerated ageing(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Yalamalle, V.R.; Tomar, B.S.; Jain, S.K.; Arora, A.; Kumar, A.; Munshi, A.D.Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of spermine, a polyamine as a protective agent on accelerated ageing of onion seeds. Methodology: Onion seeds variety Pusa Riddhi was primed with six concentrations of spermine (0.10 mM to 1.25 mM) and also with hydration and halopriming (2% K2HPO4). Hydrated, haloprimed and un-primed seeds were used as control. The primed and control seeds were accelerated aged at 45 oC and 100 % RH for 72 hr. Seed quality was assessed in control, freshly primed seeds, and in primed seeds subjected to accelerate ageing. Results: All priming treatments enhanced the seed quality, there was 2.34–20.33 % increase in germination. Seed priming with 2% K2HPO4 had highest seed quality improvement which was at par with 1.25 mM spermine primed seeds. Enhanced seed vigour and the activity of antioxidant enzymes over un-primed seeds was observed in both 2% K2HPO4 and spermine primed seeds over unprimed seds. Seeds primed with 1.25 mM spermine recorded 66.66 % and 650 % increase in the activity of ROS scavenging enzymes SOD and POD respectively, but they were at par with halopriming. After accelerated ageing, deterioration in seed quality was minimal in seeds primed with spermine. Seeds primed with 1.25 mM spermine recorded 21.33% higher germination, 62.10 % higher speed of germination, 26.56 % longer seedlings, 13.68 % heavier seedlings and 175 % and 200 % higher SOD and POD activity as comparised to un-primed seeds. Seeds primed with 1.25 mM spermine also performed better over halopriming and hydropriming treatments. Interpretation: Onion seed priming with 1.25 mM spermine was most effective treatment in enhancing the seed germination and vigour under accelerated ageing conditions.Item Delineation of groundwater potential zones utilising geospatial techniques in Kadiri watershed of Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-01) Pasupuleti, S.; Sandilya, D.K.; Singha, S.; Singha, S.S.; Saha, S.Aim: The objective of the study was to analyse and to identify the groundwater prospect zones (GWPZ) by developing groundwater potential zone map for Kadiri watershed of Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh, India. Methodology: Nine thematic layers were generated, i.e., geology, geomorphology, soil texture, soil depth, drainage density, slope, rainfall, lineament density and land use land cover of the study area, and based on multi criteria analysis (MCA) method revised ratings and weights were computed from interrelationship among the influencing layers. Integration of all thematic layers was done through weighted overlay technique (WOT) for developing groundwater potential zone map of the study area using GIS software. Results: Five groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) were identified in the study area ranging from very poor to very good. According to the classification of GWPZ, 7.14% (36.95 sq.km) and 39.88 % (206.31 sq.km) of the study area falls under 'very good' and 'good' groundwater potential zone whereas 30.81 % of study area, i.e., 159.35 sq.km accounts for moderate groundwater prospect. It was also observed that 17.77% (91.9 sq.km) and 4.40% (22.77 sq.km) accounts for 'poor' and 'very poor' groundwater potential zone in the study area, respectively. The major portion of good groundwater potential zone was found in the eastern part of the study area. Interpretation: The research outcome of the present study on status of groundwater availability will be helpful to the stake holders, local administration and policy makers in framing the guidelines for better planning, utilization and rejuvenation of depleting groundwater resources for sustainable development in the study area.Item Physiological and molecular traits conferring salt tolerance in halophytic grasses(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Lata, C.; Kumar, A.; Rani, S.; Soni, S.; Kaur, G.; Kumar, N.; Mann, A.; Rani, B.; Pooja; Kumari, N.; Singh, A.Aim: This study was conducted to identify the physiological and molecular traits underpinning salt stress adaptation in halophytic grasses Urochondra setulosa and Leptachloa fusca. Methodology: To assess the salt tolerance potential of Urochondra setulosa and Leptachloa fusca, the rooted cuttings and seeds were collected from Rann of Kutch, Bhuj, Gujarat and ICAR-CSSRI Regional Research Station, Lucknow, India, respectively using physiological, biochemical and molecular traits. Results: Salt stress decreased the biomass production in both the species to varying extents. Leaf chlorophyll declined marginally (5-12%) in Urochondra and moderately (~28%) in Leptachloa under various salt treatments compared to controls. The values of ψw and ψs, i.e., – 3.98 MPa and 760.5 mmol kg-1 were obtained under salinity stress of ECe ~ 50 dS m-1 in Urochondra whereas the values of ψw and ψs were – 3.63 MPa and 556 mmol kg-1 in Leptachloa. Osmoprotectant (proline, glycine betaine, total soluble sugar) and epi-cuticular wax content increased with increasing sodicity/salinity stresses in both grasss. The results showed that both halophytic grasses maintained lower Na+/K+ in their roots and which excludes the salt through the shoots portion. Expression of NHX1 gene increased with an increase of not only sodic, but also saline stress in both the grasses. Interpretation: The results demonstrate that Urochondra has a better adaption towards salinity and Leptochloa towards sodicity stressItem Contrast effect of biochars and attapulgite clay on the adsorption and removal of cadmium ions from metal contaminated aqueous solution(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Rehmat, I.; Meng, X.; Wang, J.; Mu, Z.Aim: To study the contrasting effect of adsorption and removal of cadmium ions using wheat straw biochar, rice straw biochar and attapulgite clay in contaminated aqueous solution. Methodology: Batch sorption experiment was carried out to investigate the parameters influencing the adsorption capacity such as pH, initial cadmium concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time. The physical and chemical characteristics of biochars and clay were studied and adsorption mechanism was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and X-ray diffraction, which indicated high adsorption and removal of Cd+2ions by wheat straw biochar was mainly due to the presence of surface carboxyl functional groups –OH, C-O, COOH that reacted Cd2+ions. Results: The adsorption effect of wheat straw biochar (WSB), rice straw biochar (RSB) and attapulgite (ATP) clay were compared. The results showed that adsorption isotherms were best fit to Langmui isotherm model. The adsorption kinetics study well matched with pseudo second order model and the maximum adsorption equilibrium of WSB, RSB and ATP reached to 100, 160, and 120 min, respectively. The results showed that adsorption rate was maximum at pH 6 with 0.1 g dose of adsorbent, 40 mg l-1 metal concentration, and contact time of 100 min at 30°C for WSB. The maximum percent removal of cadmium ions from aqueous solution was in the order WSB>ATP>RSB, 95%, 91% and 88%, respectively. Interpretation: The results explored that wheat straw biochar has high Cd2+adsorption rate and removal efficiency in contaminated water than others. Hence, the results explored that WSB is a potential, low-cost adsorbent and can be used as cadmium decontaminant in polluted water with no secondary pollution.Item Optimization of lovastatin production by Fusarium nectrioides (MH173849) using response surface methodology and fuzzy logic system(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-09) Senthamarai, M.; Kannan, K.P.Aim: To enhance the productivity of lovastatin from Fusarium nectrioides isolate with liquid cheese whey as a major carbon source and to optimize the media components using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Fuzzy Logic System (FLS). Methodology: Euphorbia hirta was collected, surface sterilized and incubated on potato dextrose agar medium amended with ampicillin and streptomycin sulphate. F. nectrioides was isolated from E. hirta and identified using morphological and molecular methods. Primarily, media components were screened by Plackett Burman design (PBD). Further, the effect of significant nutrients was predicted using RSM and FLS and compared with experimental yield. Results: Molecular identification by gene sequencing confirmed the isolate to be F. nectrioides, given an accession number (MH173849) the sequence was submitted in the gene bank. PBD revealed that peptonized milk (which is an enzymic digest of high grade skimmed milk powder), corn steep liquor, liquid cheese whey and histidine were significant variables. The optimum levels of these significant variables in different combinations were studied by RSM in which the predicted yield of lovastatin was 1.2 gl-1. Further, it was analyzed by FLS with 14 set of fuzzy rules and the maximum production obtained was 1.8 g100 ml-1 which was closer to the experimental yield of 1.75 g100 ml-1. Therefore, compared to RSM, FLS was more suitable technique to determine the optimum levels of significant nutrients for enhanced lovastatin production. Interpretation: This study suggests that F. nectrioides (MH173849) can be used as a potent producer of lovastatin and the production highly influenced by glucose, corn steep liquor, liquid cheese whey and histidine.Item Combined effect of zinc oxide nano particle incorporated chitosan for better antimicrobial activity towards wound healing(Triveni Enterprises, 2019-07) Visnuvinayagam, S.; Murthy, L.N.; Jeyakumari, A.; Parvathy, U.; Anandan, R.; Sivaraman, G.K.; Ravishankar, C.N.Aim: The aim of the present study was to characterize the zinc oxide nano particle incorporated Chitosan (ZnO-NP-CS) and its antimicrobial activity. Methodology: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) were prepared by sol-gel method and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and agar well diffusion method was used for the assessment of antibacterial activity of ZnO-NP and ZnO-NP-CS as well. Results: In UV–spectroscopy, blue shift in wavelength (~365 nm) corresponding to bulk ZnO particles (~385 nm) indicates the nano size. In SEM image, ZnO-NP appeared as nano flake shape and ZnO-NP treated Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) bacteria illustrates leakage of intracellular content, fusion and shrinkage of bacteria, respectively. The MIC of ZnO-NP for most of food pathogens were between 0.01 to 0.1mg. Lower MIC was observed for Vibrio cholerae and Listeria monocytogenes; higher MIC was observed for Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In antibiogram assay, the zone of inhibition of ZnO-NP-CS was equal to commercial antibiotics against Multiple Drug Resistant bacteria. Interpretation: The combined effect of ZnO-NP and chitosan is better than the individual component, i.e., around 5–15 mm wider zone of inhibition than chitosan. ZnO-NP-CS can be a suitable alternative for the treatment of wound infected by multiple drug resistant bacteria