No abstract

A system for in vitro selection of drought tolerant callus lines in sugarcane was developed. High molecular weight PEG was used as selective agent. Selected callus line grew better than non-selected callus when grown on different concentrations of PEG. The activity of antioxidant enzymes like CAT, POX, APX and SOD were high in selected callus than in non-selected callus. Osmolytes like proline and ascorbic acid were at higher levels in selected callus than in nonselected callus, however at higher concentrations (20-30 %) of PEG, levels of proline and ascorbic acid decreased. The frequency of organogenesis and number of plantlets decreased in selected callus than in non-selected callus. The results can be used for in vitro screening and manipulations of sugarcane for improvement of drought tolerance

Bacterial wilt is a serious soilborne disease of Solanaceae crops which is caused byRalstonia solanacearum. The important role of biochar in enhancing disease resistance in plants has been verified; however, the underlying mechanism remains not fully understood. In this study, two different biochars, made from peanut shell (BC1) and wheat straw (BC2), were added toRalstonia solanacearum-infected soil to explore the interrelation among biochar, tomato bacterial wilt, and soil microbial properties. The results showed that both BC1 and BC2 treatments significantly reduced the disease index of bacterial wilt by 28.6% and 65.7%, respectively. The populations ofR. solanacearumin soil were also significantly decreased by biochar application.Ralstonia solanacearuminfection significantly reduced the densities of soil bacteria and actinomycetes and increased the ratio of soil fungi/bacteria in the soil. By contrast, BC1 and BC2 addition to pathogen-infected soil significantly increased the densities of soil bacteria and actinomycetes but decreased the density of fungi and the ratios of soil fungi/bacteria and fungi/actinomycetes. Biochar treatments also increased soil neutral phosphatase and urease activity. Furthermore, higher metabolic capabilities of microorganisms by biochar application were found at 96 and 144 h in Biolog EcoPlates. These results suggest that both peanut and wheat biochar amendments were effective in inhibiting tomato bacterial wilt caused byR. solanacearum. The results suggest a relationship between the disease resistance of the plants and the changes in soil microbial population densities and activity.

No abstract

ABSTRACT. An ethno-botanical survey of Vijayapur district comprising five tehsils was conducted during February 2014 to December 2015. The main purpose of this survey was to document the traditional use of medicinal plants for primary infertility in women in vijayapur district. 13 species belonging to 13 genera and 12 families were found to be used to treat primary infertility. The scientific name, family, local name, habit along with part used and mode of their administration are provided.