DNA barcoding of United Arab Emirates (UAE) native plants is of high practical and scientific value as the plants adapt to very harsh environmental conditions that challenge their identification. Fifty-one plant species belonged to 22 families, 2 monocots, and 20 eudicots; a maximum number of species being legumes and grasses were collected. To authenticate the morphological identification of the wild plant taxa, rbcL and matK regions were used in the study. The primer universality and discriminatory power of rbcL is 100%, while it is 35% for matK locus for these plant species. The sequences were submitted to GenBank; accession numbers were obtained for all the rbcL sequences and for 6 of matK sequences. We suggest rbcL as a promising barcode locus for the tested group of 51 plants. In the present study, an inexpensive, simple method of identification of rare desert plant taxa through rbcL barcode is being reported.

To know the initial occurrence and subsequent build-up of aphids population on chilli crop in relation to weather parameters, the field experiments were carried out from 2010-2012 at Horticultural Research station, Lam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Seasonal incidence of aphids was recorded from leaves and fruits at weekly intervals during the crop growth period. Based on the two years data, the results revealed that the infestation and severity of aphid population were highly influenced by weather parameters. In 2010-11, aphid incidence was initiated from 42 th STW week (1.51/leaf) and it continued up to the harvest of the crop 9 th STW(1.25) with a peak activity at 50 th STW (46.72). Correlation coefficients worked out between aphids population and weather parameters of preceding one week indicated that among the various weather parameters, significant positive correlation was observed between morning relative humidity (0.08**), evening relative humidity (0.53*) and minimum temperature (0.66**) whereas negative significant correlation was observed with maximum temperature (-0.24**) and rainy fall (-0.55**) with aphids population. Similar trend was observed at preceding two weeks weather parameters and aphids population in same year of study. Significant positive correlation was observed between morning relative humidity (0.01**), evening relative humidity (0.57*) and minimum temperature (0.68**) whereas negative significant correlation was observed with maximum temperature (-0.25**) and rainy fall (-0.56**) with aphids population. About 2011-12, incidence was initiated from 44 th STW (2.79) and it continued up to the harvest of the crop 4 th STW (3.42) with a peak activity during 1 st STW (13.64) Correlation coefficients worked out between aphids population and weather parameters of preceding one week indicated that among the various weather parameters significant positive correlation was observed between weather parameters of morning relative humidity (0.46**), evening relative humidity (0.51*) and minimum temperature (0.36**) whereas negative significant correlation was observed with maximum temperature (-0.63**) and rainy fall (-0.36**) with aphids population. There was a similar trend in preceding two weeks weather data correlations with. Weather parameters of preceding two weeks indicated that among the various weather parameters significant positive correlation was observed between weather parameters of morning relative humidity (0.48**), evening relative humidity (0.47*) and minimum temperature (0.24**) whereas negative significant correlation was observed with maximum temperature (-0.62**) and rainy fall (0.32**) with aphids population. The combined effect of weather parameters on incidence of aphids was worked out; it showed that the variation in the incidence (62 to 74%) was contributed by the weather parameters.

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The occurrence of polyteny in the endosperm of field-grown plants as well as cultured endosperms of variety Vg272 of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) is recorded. There is a pronounced banded structure of these chromosomes similar to the ones observed in Dipteran salivary glands. Polyteny under physiologically controlled conditions also seems feasible in pearl millet.

The aim of the review is to update the current data about Early childhood caries (ECC) and its etiology, prevalence, risk factors, management, and preventive strategies. Dental caries is an international public health challenge, especially amongst young children. Early childhood caries is a serious public health problem in both developing and industrialized countries. ECC can begin early in life, progresses rapidly in those who are at high risk, and often goes untreated. ECC can be a particularly virulent form of caries, beginning soon after dental eruption, developing on smooth surfaces, progressing rapidly, and having a lasting detrimental impact on the dentition. Preventing and controlling the development of ECC among children is important to maintain effective eating, speech development, and formation of a positive self-image.