International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology

1-8

Authors: Adedayo I. Inegbenebor, Raphael C. Mordi, Oluwakayode M. Ogunwole

The review is based on the description of zeolite structure, uses, synthesis, and catalytic aldol reaction in aldol condensation. An internal aldolcondensation reaction has been achieved over ZSM-5 zeolite with high silica-alumina ratio at 350oC. It therefore follows that zeolite canfunction as a catalyst in aldol type condensation reactions and that weak acid sites as well as a small number of active sites favor the aldolcondensation reaction of carbonyl compounds. However, the mixed condensation product was found to be favored at temperatures above 300oCand the self-condensation of ethanal to crotonaldehyde was favored at temperatures below 300oC. It has also been suggested that both Brønstedand Lewis acids are involved in aldol reactions with Lewis acid sites the most probable catalytic sites. The zeolite group of minerals has founduse in many chemical and allied industries. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12291 http://nepjol.info/index.php/IJASBT/article/view/12291/9984

16-19

Authors: H. J. Parmar, Mohamed M. Hassan, N. P. Bodar, V. V. Umrania, S.V. Patel, H.N. Lakhani

Six Trichoderma strains (collected from IARI, New Delhi and MTCC, Chandigarh) were tested for their ability to inhibit soil born pathogenof groundnut mainly Sclerotium rolfsii (causing stem rot on groundnut). Morphological observations of Trichoderma strains as well asphytopathogenic fungi S. rolfsii were made from culture grown at 28 0C for about one week on PDA media. The radial growth, fastest growthand coiling of test fungus of various Trichoderma strains on plant pathogenic fungi S. rolfsii were examined under LEICA phase contrastbinocular light microscope. In vitro percent growth inhibition of S.rolfsii by various Trichoderma strain was recorded at 5 days after inoculationat 28 oC in the 90 cm petriplates. Results obtained from the antagonism study indicated that Trichoderma viride (NBAII Tv 23) inhibited 61%growth of phytopathogenic fungi S. rolfsii followed by T. harzianum (NBAII Th1) (55% growth inhibition of pathogen). This suggested thatamong different Trichoderma strains, T. viride was the best bio-control agent to inhibit in vitro growth of phytopathogen S.rolfsii whichotherwise cause stem rot disease in groundnut. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.11845 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 16-19

26-30

Authors: M. R. Islam, M. K. Uddin, M. A. K. Mian, R. Zaman, J. Hossain

The selected garlic varieties/lines viz., BARI Roshun-1, BARI Roshun-2, GC0018, GC0024, GC0027, GC0034 and one local cultivar wereevaluated under zero tillage mulched condition to find out the suitable varieties/lines. There were significant differences among genotypes forall studied characters except number of leaves per plant. The advanced lines GC0018, GC0027 and GC0034 were graded as the highest bulbyield and it was more than 10 t/ha. But numerically the highest bulb yield (10.89 t/ha) was produced in GC0034 line while the local varietyproduced only 6.82 t/ha. GC0027 genotype was produce the longest plant (60.53 cm) and largest bulb diameter (3.94 cm), while local cultivarwas the minimum. Simple correlation analysis showed that there were positive and significant correlation among bulb yields with all theparameters except plant height and leaves per plant. Highest water use efficiency 44.63 kg ha-1 mm-1 was obtained from GC0034 line. In respectof monetary return GC0034 produced the maximum gross return (Tk. 653400/ha), gross margin (Tk. 515125/ha) and benefit cost ratio (4.73).The finding of this study could be useful for improving garlic production after transplant aman rice harvest under zero tillage mulched condition.

38-41

Authors: Y. Ramesh, V. Ramassamy

The present study brings out the effects of Pseudomonas fluorescens in secondary hardening of tissue cultured banana var.Poovan. Two concentrations (1% & 2%) of liquid medium grown Pseudomonas fluorescens (3×109 cells/ml) were used in borewell water and the growth performance of the banana plantlets was assessed. Seven different growth parameters were studiedviz. shoot weight, height and girth, leaf length, leaf width, no. of leaves and chlorophyll content. Best results were obtained in1%Pseudomonas fluorescens (T2) treatment with average of 10.79gm for weight, 10.25cm for height, 5.3 for no. of leaves, 1.3mmfor girth, 14.96cm for leaf length and 36.6 spad units of chlorophyll content per plantlet compared to treatment (T3) with 2%liquid Pseudomonas fluorescens.

50-55

Authors: Amrik Bhattacharya, Anshu Gupta, Amarjeet Kaur, Darshan Malik

In the present study a consortium of four naturally isolated bacterial strains was evaluated as remediation tool for simultaneous removal ofphenol and Cr (VI) from tannery effluent. Application of bacterial consortia to effluent (pH 4.6) resulted in 100 and 78% removal of initial 47mg L-1 phenol and 16 mg L-1 Cr (VI), respectively at 96 h of treatment. The consortium was also active in removal of contaminants with lowerremoval rate in presence of extraneous higher concentrations of both phenol and Cr (VI). Treatment in static mode also resulted in removal ofpollutants, however with increase in agitation speed simultaneous reduction of contaminants becomes faster. Overall it can be inferred fromthe study that the above formulated bacterial consortium could effectively be used for treatment of phenol and Cr (VI) laden tannery and otherindustrial effluents.

61-66

Authors: L. Christilda Louis Mary, R. Sujatha, A. J. Chozhaa, P. Mohideen Askar Navas

The effect of different kinds of organic manures on soil microbial population and mulberry production was assessed. A field experiment wascarried out at Periyar EVR College, Tamil Nadu, India in basic soil to study the influence of organic manures on soil bacterial population andmulberry production. The 4 groups of mulberry plants of MR2 variety were biofertilized with FYM, Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria andVermicompost respectively. The biofertilizers lodged bacteria on the rhizosphere of mulberry plants. When the root microorganism areanalyzed Farm yard manure biofertilized mulberry plant root tips had Gluconacobacter diazotrophicus, Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas putida,Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus sonorensis, Azotobacter chrococcum; Azospirillum biofertilized mulberry plants root tips had Bacillus coaculans,Azotobactor chrococcum, Azotobactor vinelandii, Bacillus subtilis and Azospirillum brasilense. Phosphobacteria biofertilized mulberry plantroot tips had Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Brevibacillus borslelansis and Streptomycies thermonitrificans andvermicompost biofertilized mulberry plant root tips had lodged bacterias like Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Gluconacobacterdiazotrophicus, Pseudomonas putida, Azotobacter chrococcum, Azotobacter vinelandi, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Brevibacillus borslelansisand Bacillus sonorensis. Microbiology work reveals luxuriant growth of bacteria in all the biofertizer treated rhizosphere in the order FYM

73-79

Authors: Golam Sarwar, Md. Sarowar Hossain, Md.Harun -Ur- Rashid, Shahanaz Parveen

The present study was conducted in the experimental farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka during July 2013-December2013. The analysis of variance revealed significant deviation for all the characters studied and indicated the existence of variation among thegenotypes. The PCV values were slightly higher than the respective GCV values for all the characters except unfilled grains per panicleindicating that the characters were less influenced by the environment. Total tillers per plant, effective tillers per plant, filled grains per panicle,unfilled grains per panicle and yield per plant showed high heritability coupled with high genetic advance percentage of mean which indicatedthe preponderance of additive gene action and such characters could be improved through selection. High heritability along with low geneticadvance as percentage of mean was found for plant height, days to 50% flowering, panicle length, days to maturity and thousand grains weightwhich indicated the non additive gene action for expression of these characters. Considering the genetic parameters and other agronomicperformances, the genotypes Special from AL-29, AL-36, PP-4B(i), AL-17(iii)B, AL-17(iii), AL-17(ii)A, Special from-129, Special from17(iv), AL-44(i), AL-17, Special from AL-36(D), PP-48, IR-25B, Special from AL-33, IR-25B (Tall), P-5B (ii) might be considered betterparents for future hybridization programme.

89-95

Authors: Shridha Chaurasia, Amit Kumar Chaurasia, Subha Chaurasia, Sushmita Chaurasia

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of different culture conditions on the production of poly methyl galacturonase enzyme bySclerotium rolfsii and their optimization. Activity of poly methyl galacturonase enzyme was assayed by viscometric method. Culture conditionslike culture media, incubation period, temperature and pH greatly influenced the production of poly methyl galacturonase enzyme. Out of tenculture media, only six media were proved to be producer of poly methyl galacturonase enzyme. Amongst them, Elliot’s medium was foundto be the best for the maximum production of poly methyl galacturonase enzyme. Analyzing the different incubation period, the production ofpoly methyl galacturonase enzyme was found rapid (3 days incubation) in Sclerotium rolfsii. Whereas, production of poly methyl galacturonaseenzyme, gradually increased with increasing the length of incubation period up to 18 days and further increase in length of incubation up to 10days, did not show any effect on the production of poly methyl galacturonase. The nine days incubation has found to be the best incubationperiod for the maximum production of poly methyl galacturonase enzyme. The Sclerotium rolfsii was also able to produce the poly methylgalacturonase enzyme at wide range of temperatures (from 15ºC to 35ºC), but 30ºC temperature was found to be the best suitable for themaximum production of poly methyl galacturonase enzyme. Among the wide range of pH tested (pH 3.0 to 9.0), the pH 5.0 was proved to bethe best for the maximum production of poly methyl galacturonase enzyme in Sclerotium rolfsii when it was cultured in the same medium. Onthe basis of overall experimental results it could be concluded that Sclerotium rolfsii has potential to produce poly methyl galacturonase enzymeconstitutively.

101-105

Authors: I.P. Mishra, G. Sabat, Bijaya Kumar mohanty

Profenofos 50% EC (curacron 50 EC) is a hazardous pesticide commonly used in agriculture is also an important contaminant of environment.Its presence in biological system has gained importance due to bioaccumulation in food chain. The phyto-toxic effect of profenofos wasassessed based on the biochemical parameters (Shoot and Root) of seedlings (Amino acids, Protein, Sugar, DNA and RNA) of the test species,Vigna radiata,L. The concentrations of pesticide chosen were based on EC50 and are in the range of 0.02, 0.05, 0.08, 0.1 and 0.2 % ofprofenofos. The biochemical parameters like Amino acid, Sugar, DNA and RNA were significantly reduced with increase in pesticideconcentration whereas Protein concentration increased with the profenophos treatment. The increase in amino acid was more pronounced inShoot of the seedlings than root.

111-118

Authors: Anant Gopal Singh

Green leafy vegetable is a major source of vitamins and micronutrients for people using only vegetarian diets rich in carbohydrates. In remoterural settlements where vegetable cultivation is not practiced and market supplies are, not organized, local inhabitants depend on indigenousvegetables, both cultivated in agricultural fields or kitchen gardens and wild for enriching the diversity of food. Knowledge of such food ispart of traditional knowledge, which is largely transmitted through participation of individuals of households. The purpose of this study was todocumentation of plants used as vegetables by the people of Rupandehi district of Lumbini zone of western Nepal. This paper revealed total51 plant species belong to 45 genera under 32 Families of vascular plants. Out of 32families, 24 families belong to dicot, 4 families to monocotand 4 families belong to ferns.

123-126

Authors: Chandra Bahadur Thapa

The present study was carried out to document the indigenous knowledge of local people regarding the use of plant species on socio-religiousactivities during the year of 2012-2013. The indigenous knowledge was documented by using semi-structured interview, focus group discussionand informal discussion with the local people, religious persons and aged people. Altogether 32 plant species belonging to 23 family and 30genera have been documented in Rupandehi district. Among them, 13 species were herbs, 5 species shrubs, 13 species trees and 1 speciesclimber. Use of these plant species in socio-religious activities has helped people to conserve the faith of deities as well as to conservebiodiversity in the area.

134-138

Authors: Minakshi Choudhary, Jayanand Manjhi, Anvesha Sinha

Introduction: Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is an important cereal of traditional farming systems that has the natural ability to withstandvarious abiotic stresses such as drought, which is one of the most important manifestations of abiotic stress in plants. These plants havehowever evolved mechanisms that allow them to adapt and survive prolonged periods of water deficit at some level or form of plant structure,if not at the whole plant level. The hostile conditions augment the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during physiological stresses inplants which are combated by various enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. The present study aims at examining the role of fourimportant enzymes namely Ascorbic peroxidase (APX), Peroxidase (POX), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide Dismutase(SOD) expressed duringdrought stress in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). Method: 12 and 22 days old seedlings of Pennisetum cultivar HHB-68 were subjectedto drought stress by treatment of 30% Polyethylene glycol for different time periods 30min (T1), 2hr (T2), 4hr (T3), 8hr (T4), 16hr (T5), 24hr(T6) and 48hr (T7) respectively, monitored by examining RWC of seedlings. The treatment seedlings were then used for investigating thelevels of enzymes activity in response to prolonged dehydration periods of 22 days. The enzyme activity of POX, APX, CAT and SOD wereassayed. Result: Enzymes expression was assayed for each treatment sets at both time intervals. Drought stress was observed to causeremarkable increase in POX, APX and SOD activity while incidence of CAT enzyme decreased with the increasing period of water deficit.Conclusion: Prolonged periods of water deficiency causes significant variations in expression of various enzymes in Pennisetum glaucum,known to be involved in ROS scavenging and drought stress management. The study provides a sturdy validation of the role of these enzymesas potent mechanisms undertaken by drought resistant plants for successful management of drought stress, which can be used for thedevelopment of more efficient and economic drought resistant cultivars.

566-578

Authors: Aisha E. Faki, E.A.E. Obeid, Hagir I.M. Osman, A.E Amin

Intensification of ostrich farming revealed that egg hatchability was remarkably lower than the wild. This review considers the factors leading to, as pertaining to the ostrich, egg and incubator. Ostrich genotype, age, season and congenital problems affect clutch and egg sizes and egg quality- fertility to lead a successful hatch. Egg treatment prior incubation can later reduce hatchability, affected by storage conditions and duration. Most detrimental factors lie in the incubator and hatcher management. Egg correct positioning and turning in the appropriate incubator humidity and temperature are likely to yield high hatch. Variability in egg size, shell quality, pore sizes and numbers govern the water loss and exchange of gases. The hatcher management is important when chicks need intervention. Dead-in-shell embryos, early or late were likely to be affected by all of the above factors plus egg microbial contamination or be merely nutritional.

584-587

Authors: Arunachalam Paraneeiswaran, Sudhir K Shukla, V.S. Sathyaseelan, Toleti Subba Rao

A precise quantification of Co(II)EDTA complex is required to develop bioremediation approaches for Co(III)EDTA complex that is generated in various industrial processes. It is cumbersome to quantify Co(II)EDTA in a mixture of Co(II)EDTAand Co(III)EDTAby normal UV-visible spectrophotometric methods as both the complexes absorb significantly at 490 nm, which is the λ max of Co(II)EDTA. Whereas other sophisticated techniques such as gas chromatography, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy can measure individual species of Co(II)EDTA or Co(III)EDTA when present alone but are ineffective to measure the Co(II)EDTAprecisely when it is mixed with Co(III)EDTA. Hence, an attempt has been made to develop a spectrophotometric method for its quantification. This paper describes the development of a simple and economic dual wavelength spectrophotometric method for the determination of Co(II)EDTAin a mixture of Co(II)EDTA and Co(III)EDTA complexes. The wavelength pair, 490-580 nm was optimized for the measurement of absorbance for this dual wavelength method of determination of Co(II)EDTA in the presence of Co(III)EDTA.

592-598

Authors: Kashipeta Ravinder

In the present study optimisation of the growth medium for the production of Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) was carried out using response surface methodology. Four important parameters namely starch, yeast extract, K2HPO4 and MgSO4 concentrations were selected as the independent variables and the enzyme activity (CGTase activity U/mL) was the dependent response variable. Each of these independent variables was studied at five different levels as per central composite design (CCD) in four variables with a total of 28 experimental runs. The optimal calculated values of tested variables for maximal production of CGTase were found to be comprised of: starch, 2.16 %; yeast extract, 0.6 %; K2HPO4, 0.62 %; MgSO4, 0.04 % with a predicted CGTase activity of 150 U/ml. These predicted optimal parameters were tested in the laboratory and the final CGTase activity obtained was very close to the predicted value at 148.2 U/ml.

604-608

Authors: S.C. Dhakal, P.P. Regmi, R.B. Thapa, S.K. Sah, D.B. Khatri-Chhetri

The study was conducted to determine the profitability and resource use efficiency of mustard production in Chitwan. The study used 159 mustard growers from 300 farmers adopting different pollinator friendly practices. Descriptive and statistical tools including Cobb-Douglas production function were used to analyze data which were collected from structured interview schedule. The benefit cost ratio (1.43) indicates that mustard production was profitable with productivity of 0.81 ton per ha. The magnitude of regression coefficients of mustard implied that use of human labor, tractor, nutrient and irrigation and pesticides costs had significant positive effect on gross return with estimated increasing return to scale (1.03). According to estimated allocative efficiency indices, it is suggested to increase use of tractor labor, seed, nutrient and irrigation plus pesticides cost by about 47%, 82%, 84% and 94%, respectively. Extension of modern technologies with adjustment on resource use is to be encouraged for increase in productivity and profit from mustard production which indirectly promotes and ensure forage for pollinators.

619-625

Authors: Dev Raj Paudel, Pramila Dhakal, Kailash P. Timsina, Ananta Dahal

A study on azolla as an economical substitute to soybean based poultry feed was conducted. The experiment consisted of four treatments laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five replications. Each experimental unit consisted of three birds. For this purpose, eight-day old, unsexed Hubbard broiler chicks were weighed and randomly assigned to each treatment. Four different levels of azolla meal were incorporated in the starter and finisher ration at a level of 0%, 10%, 15%, and 20% respectively. Body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, and feed efficiency were measured. The average cumulative weekly body weight for all weeks were found to be significantly different (P<0.05) for the various treatments. Maximum cumulative body weight (1360 g) was found in broiler fed T2 ration in 5th week. Similar trend was also observed in 6th week showing highest cumulative weight (1882 g) in control diet (T1) which was at par with T2 (1841 g). Significantly highest (420.3 g) live weight gain was observed in T2 diet during 5th week. Overall mean of weekly feed consumption was recorded highest (784.33 g) in T2 diet. The economic analysis of net income/kg live weight was the highest (Rs 18.86) in T1 which was at par with T2 (Rs 18.35). Likewise, cost of production/bird was highest (Rs 124.5) in T1 and lowest (Rs 112.2) in T4. The results show that azolla meal could be utilized to substitute up to 10% soybean meal from overall production and economic point of view.

635-641

Authors: Tarun Kumar Sachan, Virendra Kumar

In the present article we observed the quantification and morphological, ultrastructural features of biofilms of fast growing clinical isolates M. smegmatis in presence of first line antibacterial drug streptomycin, isoniazid rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide. Biofilm of M. smegmatis was found to be unaffected at concentration of drugs that inhibited growth of planktonic bacilli .Thus, the biofilm growth modus appears to be a strategy for replicating bacilli to evade the trap of antibacterials. Planktonic and biofilm cells had similar intrinsic antibiotic susceptibility. Electron microscopy revealed that control (no drug) biofilms consisted primarily of bacterial clusters and fibrillar elements. The extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) material was less abundant in antibiotic-treated than in control biofilms beacause in the presence of high antibiotic concentrations at MIC level. The study is explored that the effect of drug on biofilm is time dependent means if the drugs were added at initial phase of biofilm, significant inhibitory effect were observed.

651-654

Authors: M.J. Alam, K.S. Ahmed, M.R.A. Mollah, M.Z. Tareq, J. Alam

The experiment was conducted at Shibganj upazila under Bogra district during October, 2014 to January, 2015 to observe the effect of planting dates on the yield of mustard seed. There were five planting dates viz. 25 October, 30 October, 05 November, 10 November and 15 November. Significant variations due to different planting dates were observed in plant height, number of leaves plant-1, number of siliqua plant-1, number of seed siliqua-1, 1000 weight plot-1, yield plot-1and yield ha-1of mustard. Results showed that the highest seed yield was1.50 t ha-1 obtained from 30 October. The lowest seed yield was 1.0 t ha-1 from 15 November. From the results, the best planting date of mustard is on 30 October in the northern parts of Bangladesh.

668-679

Authors: Ravi Gedela, Ranjan Tamuli

We have studied the Ca2+-signaling knockout mutants for their role in mating-type-associated heterokaryon incompatibility in Neurospora crassa. The found results showed on heterokaryons homokaryosis for DNCU05225, DNCU06366, DNCU06650, DNCU07075, and ∆NCU07966 Ca2+-signaling knockout mutants (Neurospora crassa unit number, NCU) displayed heterokaryon het compatibility; however heterokaryons heterokaryosis for DNCU05225, DNCU063665, DNCU06650, DNCU07075, and ∆NCU07966 mutants displayed het incompatibility like the wild-type control. In addition to that Two Ca2+-signaling knockout mutants DNCU02283, and DNCU09655 were tested for mating-type-associated heterokaryon incompatibility; these results showed, heterokaryons homokaryosis and heterokaryons heterokaryosis for DNCU02283, DNCU09655 mutants displayed het incompatibility. Cell death and hyphal compartmentation due to mating type associated incompatibility were confirmed by uptake of vital dye Evan’s blue. Thus, these results of NCU05225, NCU06366, NCU06650, NCU07075, and NCU07966 Ca2+-signaling gene products could play a role in mating-type-associated heterokaryon incompatibility in N. crassa. In this article, we are reporting initially screened Ca2+-signaling gene deletion mutants of these five acts as recessive suppressors of mating type associated vegetative incompatibility in N. crassa.

687-691

Authors: M.J.H. Biswas, M.A.M. Khan, K.S. Ahmed

The laboratory experiment was conducted at the laboratory of the Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University to determine the effectiveness of polythene band, predatory ladybird beetles (available species found in Bangladesh viz. Coccinella transversalis (F.), Micraspis discolor (F.), Menochilus sexmaculatus (F.), Cyclonida sanguinea, Adalia bipunctata, Coccinella novemnotata and Illeis koebelei), four chemical insecticides and three botanical oils in controlling papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink. The chemical insecticides were Sevin 85 SP, Dimethoate 40 EC, Fipronil 50 EC, Deltamethrin 2.5 EC, and the botanical oils were Neem oil, Mahogany oil and Karanja oil. In the laboratory experiment, polythene banding failed to prevent the plant from the infestation of papaya mealybug. Seven commonly available species of ladybird beetles in Bangladesh did not provide any control to papaya mealybug. Among the chemical insecticides, Sevin 85 SP and Dimethoate 40 EC showed significant mortality of papaya mealybug. Deltamethrin 2.5 EC and Neem oil (2%) provided moderate control of the pest. The remaining insecticides and botanical oils were less effective to control papaya mealybug.

699-707

Authors: Mahendraperumal Guruvaiah, Madhuri Narra, Ekta Shah, Jisha James, Anil Kurchania

Two new unicellular microalgal species from milk processing unit situated at Anand, India were screened and tested for their growth rate and nutrient removal capability under dairy wastewater at outdoor conditions in a simple column aeration photobioreactor. Results of 18s rRNA sequence analysis indicated that these strains have a close relationship with Chloromonas playfairii and Desmodesmus opoliensis named as SBC 2 and SBC 3, respectively. Both the strains removed more than 92% of ammonical nitrogen and 99% of total phosphorus, whereas COD and BOD reductions were found to be more than 95%. Maximum biomass production was 1.7 and 1.2 g L-1 and lipid content was 15 and 12%, respectively from SBC 2 and SBC 3 after 15 d cultivation. This study demonstrates the potential of algae based biofuel production by coupling wastewater treatment with microalgae cultivation for high lipid containing biomass production using Chloromonas playfairii and Desmodesmus opoliensis.

714-720

Authors: Ranju Maharjan, Rajendra Regmi, Kapil Poudel

Monitoring of cucurbit fruit fly by using four different types of traps was conducted in Sipadole VDC of Bhaktapur district during 2012 to observe the population dynamics. Three different types of fruit flies were recorded, in which the number of B. cucurbitae dominated to other species. Only B. cucurbitae damaged the cucumber, which was trapped 92.68%, 87.05%, 90.61%, and 69.38% in cue-lure, banana pulp bait, sticky traps and fly catcher, respectively. The highest number of fruit flies (167.5 male fruit flies/3traps) was recorded in cue-lure trap during the first week of September, which coincided with 85.45% RH and 21.67°C and 25.04°C minimum and maximum temperature, respectively. Positive relation of temperature, relative humidity and fruit fly catches was observed. Thus, cue-lure was the most effective traps for monitoring of fruit fly population. In varietal screening, among the six different varieties of cucumber, i.e. Kathmandu local, Kusle, Kamini, Malini, Kasinda and Mahyco Green Long, they were highly significant difference in yield. Kamini gave the highest marketable fruit 26.66 mt/ha yield and the lowest by Kusle (5.05 mt/ha). All the varieties were affected by cucurbit fruit fly. The highest number of unmarketable fruit set was observed in Kamini (22.29 fruits/plant).

727-730

Authors: Ram Prasad Mainali, Ram Babu Peneru, Padma Pokhrel, Yagya Prasad Giri

Eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB), Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a key insect pest of eggplant in all eggplant growing areas of Nepal. A field experiment was carried out in Khumaltar, Lalitpur during summer season of 2014 using eight treatments as, i) Abamectin 1.9 EC @ 1.5 ml/lit; ii) Spinosad 45 SL @ 0.25 ml/lit; iii) Emamectin Benzoate 5 SG @ 0.3 gm/lit; iv) Tozen @ 0.33 ml/lit; v) Karanjin 2 EC @ 2ml/lit; vi) Borer Gourd (Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki 108 CFU/ml + Beauveria bassiana 108 CFU/ml + Verticillium lecanii 108 CFU/ml + Metarhizium anisopliae 108 CFU/ml) @ 2 ml/lit; vii) Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 EC @ 0.25 ml/lit and viii) Untreated check to test efficacy of newer bio-rational insecticides against L. orbonalis. The treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The result showed that the fruit infestation percent on number and weight basis was significantly the lowest in Chlorantraniliprole (6.57 and 6.31) and Spinosad (12.08 and 11.15) treated plots as compared to other treatments. The Chlorantraniliprole treated plot recorded the maximum marketable yield (32.03 mt/ha) followed by Spinosad (30.93 mt/ha) with 34.39 percent and 29.77 percent increase in marketable fruit yield over untreated check, respectively. Hence, the use of Chlorantraniliprole and Spinosad could be one of the better options for effective management of L. orbonalis.

737-743

Authors: Md. Kalim Uddin, M. M. Kamal, M. M. Akand, M. M. Hasan, M. N. A. Chowdhury

The experiment was conducted at the Spices Research Centre, Shibgonj, Bogra during rabi season, 2010-11and 2011-12 to identify the suitable pollinator attractant crops for increasing the vigilance of pollinators and higher seed settings and thereby increasing seed yield of onion. In 2010-11, the highest seed setting was recorded in onion + fennel (69.88%) which was statistically identical to Onion + coriander (67.45 %) and Onion + black cumin (64.15 %) while the highest seed setting was recorded in Onion + Fennel (73.70 %) which was identical to Onion + Dill (70.50%) and Onion + Coriander( 72.37%) during 2011-12. In 2010-11, the highest seed yield (865.5 kg/ha) was obtained from Onion + fennel which was identical to Onion + coriander (838.1 kg/ha) but in 2011-12, the highest seed yield (1165.34 kg/ha) was recorded from Onion + fennel which was identical to Onion + coriander (1064.59 kg/ha). In both the years, percent seed setting was lowest in Sole onion (55.93 % in 2010-11and 57.73% in 2011-12). Accordingly, the lowest seed yield was also recorded from Sole onion (623.3 kg/ha in 2010-11 and 685.44 kg/ha in 2011-12). Dill and Fennel was the better attractant crop for pollination while coriander acted as intermediate.

747-749

Authors: Ila Shrestha

The paper is based on the case study of Rasuwa district, is a land of geographical extremes, ranging from 600 m Betrabati river to 7234 m Langtang Lirung, the highest point in the northwest. The study was carried out on the detection of Quercus semecarifolia J.E.Smith using Remote-Sensing and Geographic Information System technique. SPOT Image and ERDAS Software have used for the image processing. The program has detected the different types of ecological parameters in tropical to alpine zone and specified the plant species in the study after ground truthing.

367-372

Authors: Bishnu Prasad Neupane, Jiban Shrestha

This review paper highlights scenario of entomological research in grain legumes in Nepal into headings of the monitoring, survey and surveillance, insect pest management, existing problem and future strategies. A survey study on yield loss assessment of chickpea due to Helicoverpa pod borer under field condition has been recorded up to 75% in the year 1996-1998 at Banke and Bardiya district. While monitored Helicoverpa armigera through pheromone trap, during the 2nd week of March, peak catches of 91 male moths were recorded at Rampur, while it was the maximum (42 male moths) during the 3rd week of March. Synthetic pyrethroids, deltamethrin, fenvalerate and cypermethrin used at 0.01% concentration (a.i.), were effective in controlling the chickpea pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera Hubner. Genotypes NCH-18, NCH -31, NCH-138 and ICC 3075 WR were found resistant. Ripcord 10%@0.05% was found to be superior and effective chemical insecticides to control stem fly and soybean hairy caterpillar. The late sowing date December, 10 showed significantly higher percentage of chickpea pod borer damage with lower grain yield. Inter crops combinations of Chickpea +wheat (2:1) ratio was found effective against Helicoverpa armigera damage (1.2%) followed by chickpea+barley (2.36%) and Chickpea+linseed (2:1) ratio (3.7%). Bakaino (Melia azederach L.) was identified as the best indigenous pesticides to check the normal growth of hairy caterpillar (Spilarctia casigneta kollar) under laboratory condition. Metarhizium anisopliae was found effective for the management of Helicoverpa armigera that caused maximum mortality (94.67%), infection (45.33%) within 7.49 days (LT50). Similarly, Beauveria bassiana caused maximum mortality (98.67%), infection (80.00%) with the least LT50 value (5 days). Crop sprayed with HaNPV had the lowest pod damage (0.3%) and the highest in Racer (2.2%). This review work provided a lot of information to conduct entomological research activity conducted in grain legumes and opens the door for future research and strategy.

381-386

Authors: Jignasha G Patel, J.I. Nirmal Kumar, Shamiyan R Khan

The study was aimed to determine the chronic toxicity of Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon – Anthracene in response to pigments and metabolic study on three different cyanobacterial species such as Synechocystis sp., Anabaena fertilissima, and Nostoc muscorum. Test organisms were treated at different doses and encountered LC50/Mean Lethal Concentration (at which 50% lethality/ growth reduction occur) separately at 7.0 ppm for Synechocystis sp, 5.0 ppm for Anabaena fertilissima and 1.5 ppm for Nostoc muscorum. The influence of anthracene on pigments, metabolites and enzymes was carried out. The test doses caused concentration dependent and decreased pigments like carotenoids and phycobilliproteins. Depletion of carbohydrate by 65 to 80% and proteins by 58 to 78% was encountered with rise in Anthracene concentrations after 16th day exposure in case of Synechocystis sp however, phenols were found to raise by 26 to 37% with increased anthracene concentrations. Similar trend also observed in other two tested blue green algae. Thus the Synechocystis sp.is more tolerant to anthracene treatments as compare to Anabaena fertillissima but Nostoc muscorum showed highest sensitivity to anthracene.

392-397

Authors: Hriush Adhikari, Sangam Ghimire, Binod Khatri, Yuvraj K.C.

Background and Aim: In Nepal not much of study of Thermophilic area and Thermophiles have been done. Thermophilic bacteria are less studied but are important group of microorganisms due to their ability to produce industrially important enzymes. Methods: In this study, thermophilic bacteria were isolated from hot spring of Bhurung, Nepal. Wide range of bacteria that could grow at high temperatures and tolerate extreme temperature were characterized by morphology, biochemistry and sequencing of its 16S rRNA gene sequence. The isolates were screened for production of extracellular enzymes like protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, caseinase, pectinase and xylanase activity. Phylogenetic tree construction and G+C content evaluation of the isolate was also studied. Results: 15 isolates with ability to tolerate high temperatures were identified as Bacillus sp. by morphology, biochemistry and sequencing of its 16S rRNA gene sequence. BLAST search analysis of the sequence was performed and result showed maximum identity (99% similarity) with Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus. Isolated strains exhibited considerable amount of extracellular exozymes activity. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolates revealed the relatedness among the species. The G+C content of each species was also evaluated and was found to be in range of 54.87 to 55.54%. Conclusion: The study of isolates confirmed that the isolated Bacillus sp. to be a true thermophile and could be a source of various thermostable exozymes which can be exploited for pharmaceutical and industrials applications. Much detailed study of the isolates can

402-407

Authors: Dipak Kathayat, Swoyam P. Shrestha, Santosh Dhakal, Laxman Ghimire, Mahesh K.C.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on four major pig raising districts of eastern and mid-western region of Nepal from February to May 2014 to find out the seroprevalence of Trichinella spp. A total of 184 serum samples of pigs were collected and antibodies against trichinella were detected using ID screen trichinella indirect multi- species ELISA kit. The study revealed prevalence rate of 3.8% and difference in prevalence rate according to age, sex, breed, rearing system, ecozone, region & district were statistically insignificant (P>0.05) as analysed by Chi-square test using PHStat version 2.5 and Fisher’s exact test. This study confirms that antibodies of Trichinella spp. are circulating in pigs of Nepal. Further, the knowledge, attitude and practices survey of meat borne helminthic zoonoses was conducted among 50 pig raisers and pork consumers by face to face interview using a semi-structure questionnaire. This survey concludes that although there were significant portion of the respondents aware of meat borne helminthic zoonoses but there were still a noticeable proportion of respondents who didn’t have a proper knowledge that upsurge public health risks. Moreover, present-day situation of their pig raising practices & pork consumption system possess them to a menace of public health zoonoses. be done for enhancing the potential of isolates.

417-422

Authors: Hari Kumar Prasai, Jiban Shrestha

Coordinated Varietal Trial (CVT) and Advanced Varietal Trial (AVT) of wheat were conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Doti during the year 2012 and 2013. Microplot Yield Trial (MPYT) were conducted during the year 2013. Total 20 genotypes were included in CVT experiment of both years. Although the difference in grain yield due to genotypes was not found significant during the year 2012, NL 1144 recorded the highest grain yield (4309 kg/ha) followed by NL 1140 (4295 kg/ha) and NL 1147 (4165 kg/ha) respectively. But in the year 2013, NL 1097 produced the highest grain yield (4641 kg/ha) followed by NL 1135 (4383 kg/ha) and NL 1164 (4283 kg/ha) respectively. Statistically, the difference in grain yield due to genotypes was not found significant in the year 2013. Combined analysis over years was also carried out. Out of 20, only 10 genotypes were included in the CVT experiment, which were found similar in both years. Genotypes NL 1097 (4079 kg/ha), NL 1140 (3814 kg/ha) and NL 1093 (3773 kg/ha) were found high yielding genotypes for river basin agro-environment of far western hills. Statistically, effect of year in tested characters was found significant whereas treatment effect was observed non-significant. Similarly, 20 genotypes of wheat were included in AVT of wheat during the year 2012 and 2013. Out of the genotypes included in AVT during the year 2012, KISKADEE No.1recorded the highest grain yield (3824 kg/ha) followed by CHEWINK No. 1 (3643 kg/ha) and WK 2120 (3583 kg/ha). Statistically all the tested characters except grain yield were found significantly different due to genotypes. But in the same experiment of the year 2013, WK 2412 genotype recorded the highest grain yield (4407 kg/ha) followed by WK 2411 (4329 kg/ha) and Munal-1 (4054 kg/ha). Statistically the difference in grain yield and other tested characters were found significantly different. Due to dissimilarity in the tested genotypes we could not carry-out the combined analysis over years. Total 30 genotypes were included in the MPYT experiment of the year 2013. Genotype WK 2272 recorded the highest grain yield (6080 kg/ha) followed by the genotypes WK 2274 (5152 kg/ha) and WK 2278 (4480 kg/ha) respectively. Statistically, the difference in grain yield and other tested characters were found significantly different due

427-430

Authors: Moti Lal, Shiv Kumar Verma, Vipin Mishra, Mira Debnath

An amylolytic strain was collected from rotten potato and its activity evaluated. The isolated strain was cultivated for amylase production in shake flasks at 35±2oC and the fermentation pattern was studied. Optimum temperature for maximum enzyme synthesis was observed at 35°C, when initial pH of fermentation medium was adjusted to 5.5. Maximum extracellular amylase activity of 7.9 U/mL and the maximum intracellular activity of 320 U/mL was recorded. Although maximum biomass was present at 12.6 g/L but highest growth rate was observed between 08 to 40h with maximum at 36h. The extracellular amylase present in the broth was partially purified with an overall yield of 44% through purification procedure of ammonium sulphate precipitation. After completed extraction and partial purification and stabilization, the stability of enzyme was observed in a range of temperature and pH between 60°C-90°C and 2-8 pH respectively. Maximum enzyme activity was demonstrated at 90°C, and pH of 5.5 and 6.5. The thermo stability of the amylases of this Bacillus species was comparable to that of amylases from other microbial sources.

434-438

Authors: Mrinalini Damle, Nilam Dalavi

Ellagic and Gallic acid are main phytoconstituents of S.cumini seeds. These are the phenolic compounds. An approach for the stress degradation was successfully applied for the development of stability indicating HPLC method for the determination of Ellagic and Gallic acid. Sample was resolved on a Hypersil C18 (250*4.6 mm particle size 5?) column. The mobile phase consisted of 1% OPA and ACN and in the ratio of 70:30 v/v which was sonicated to degas and delivered at a flow rate of 1ml/min at ambient temperature. The retention time of Ellagic acid and Gallic acid was 3.1±0.05 & 4.1±0.05 minutes. Studies were performed using an HPLC system equipped with a UV detector; the response was monitored at 271nm. The method is specific to Ellagic and Gallic acid; it is able to resolve the peak from ethanolic extract of s.cumini seeds and formulation. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 8-24 ?g/ml (r2=0.997, 0.998 resp). The limit of detection for Ellagic acid and Gallic acid was found to be 0.25?g/ml, 0.15?g/ml resp. and the quantification limit was about 0.75?g/m, 0.49?g/ml. The accuracy of the method was established based on the recovery studies. The markers were subjected to acid, base, neutral hydrolysis, oxidation, thermal degradation and photolysis. The method was successfully validated according to ICH guidelines Q2 (R1).

443-445

Authors: M. Poudel, H.K. Paudel, B.P. Yadav

The research was conducted under RCBD with three replication to study the inter relationships among traits affecting yield and its affecting character at National Maize Research Programme (NMRP), Rampur, Nepal in 2013. The eleven inbreeds line of maize variety at winter season in 2013 were evaluated for estimation yield and its affecting character. For efficient selection of grain yield, it is necessary to know relation of yield of maize and its morphological traits which are influencing on the grain yield. One of the objectives of this paper was to determine interrelationship between traits and the yields. Correlation coefficients among traits showed that yield was positively and highly significantly related with number of kernel rows per ear (0.788), number of kernels per row(0.571), ear girth(0.516), plant height(0.498), hundreds kernels weights(0.444) and significantly related with other character. .Number of Kernels rows per ear, number of kernels per row, plant height could be the important selection criteria in improving open pollinated maize varieties for high grain yield.

452-458

Authors: Attiya Mohamedin, Magdy Michel, Marwa Tolba

Ninety ?Koshari? meals samples were collected from some restaurants and street vendors located in six public quarters in central Cairo, to determine the microbiological quality of them directly after cooking and preparing and after 4 & 8 hrs of storage at room temperature. These samples examined for aerobic bacteria, Esherichia coli and coagulase positive Staphylococci to conduct a preliminary microbial risk assessment for them in” koshari “meals. According to the CDPH (2009) only 53 samples (59%) were of satisfactory microbiological quality for Aerobic plate count (APC) and 81 samples (90%) were positive for E. coli cells and 58% of them (47 samples) are acceptable quality. About coagulase positive S. aureus, 28 samples (31.1 %) were positive and only 60.7% of them (17 samples) of satisfactory microbiological quality.Moreover, the percentage of unacceptable microbiological quality samples tested (potentially hazardous) reached to 36 samples (40%), 29 samples (32.2%), and 17 samples (18.9%) for APC, E. coli and S. aureus respectively, after 8 hrs of storage at room temperature. This study reveals that “Koshari” meals sold on the public areas are unwholesome and could be a potential source of food-borne bacteria pathogens if not properly handled. Option might be to suggest that the product should be consumed within short time of purchase in these places. Improvements in processing and handling are required and the need of food-borne bacteria disease surveillance indicated. In addition, it was evident that the Egyptian Food Code needed new legal revisions.

464-473

Authors: Suresh Kumar Wagle, Neeta Pradhan, Madhav Kumar Shrestha

Asala or snow trout (Schizothorax richardsonii, Cyprinidae), one of highly valued freshwater fish of Transhimalayan regions, is distributed in upper reaches of all major river systems of Nepal. Morphometric diversification between six river populations of S. richardsonii was examined to identify intraspecific unit for enabling better management of the resources. Significant differences were observed in 17 measured morphometric characters of 207 specimens among the six river populations. Multivariate analysis of variance (Wilks' test) indicated a significant difference for mean vectors of mophometric measurements (? =0.012, F85, 731 = 19.999, P<0.0001) among populations. Principal component and discriminant functions (DFs) analysis of morphometric measurements revealed high seperation of the stocks. The analysis showed that most of the shape and size variation among these populations occurs in the head region, body depth and fin length. Apparent morphometric divergence among S. richardsonii samples showed the existence of three differentiated groups viz., the Indrawati and Khudi populations, the Melamchi and Phalaku Rivers, and the Sabha and Tadi River populations of Nepal. The results of this study may be useful in fisheries management and potential exploitation of this species in coldwater aquaculture.

479-482

Authors: Aruna C. Shanmugavadivu, T. Deepika, R. Hemamalini, G. Madhusudhanan, K. Indhu, N.C. Ramesh Babu

The p53 expression on Gliomas are used for subtyping of tumours. The samples were extracted from the paraffin embedded tissue blocks. The Grade IV and Grade II were tested by IHC (ImmunoHistoChemistry) staining procedures. The primary antibody used was p53. It was found that there is a high expression of p53 in Grade IV (82%) was Score 3 and low expression p53 in Grade II (18%) in which the score was 1. This is in contrast to previous studies of subtyping of Gliomas where, classical types have low expression of p53 and proneural type have high expression of p53. This subtyping was based on score 0 - 3. Score 0 has no positive nuclei, Score 1 has 10% positive nuclei, Score 2 has 10 -30% positive nuclei while score 3 has >30% of positive nucleus.

490-503

Authors: Ravi Gedela, Naga Sai Babu Makke, Dinesh Karra

We have studied insilico on evolutionary uniqueness of phytoene synthase, which is one of the regulatory enzymes of ?-carotene synthesis in Neurospora crassa. This study reveals multiple sequence alignments showed high sequences with similarity within a species of bacteria, fungi and higher plants. This results designate interestingly between species of bacteria-fungi, fungi-plant, and among the species of bacteria-fungi-plant, showed tremendously less sequence with similarity, except bacteria-plant (high sequence with similarity) respectively. In Phylogenetics tree analysis showed within species of bacteria, fungi and plant 91%, 92% and 99% homology. Whereas in between species of bacteria-fungi, bacteria-plant, fungi-plant, and among the species bacteria-fungi-plant showed 99%, 96%, 100%, and 91%-99% homology respectively. N. crassa phytoene synthase enzyme encode (Isoprenoid Biosynthesis enzymes, Class 1) protein size 610aa, Cyanobacteria phytoene encode (Isoprenoid Biosynthesis enzymes, Class 1) protein size 310aa, and Oryza sativa Indica phytoene synthase 1 (chloroplast), (Isoprenoid Biosynthesis enzymes, Class 1) encode protein size 421aa (e- value 0.0, 0.0 and 0.0; identity 100%, 100% and 100%; Max.score:1238, 644 and 870) respectively. We studied insilico on basis of an evolutionary Endosymbiotic theory; a bacterium is the ancestors to eukaryotes.

513-519

Authors: Binod Prasad Luitel, Bhim Bahadur Khatri, Duryodhan Choudhary, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Sung Jung-Sook, On- Sook Hur, Hyung Jin Baek, Ko Ho Cheol, Ryu Kyoung Yul

This experiment was conducted to assess the genotypic variation for the growth, yield and yield components of potato grown under drought and irrigated conditions at Hattiban Research Farm, Khumaltar during the summer cropping season (Feb.-May) of the two consecutive years (2013 and 2014). The results revealed that canopy cover, stem height and number of leavers were more sensitive to drought and the effect was more pronounced in early cultivar Desiree. Stem height and leaf number of plant were more (36% and 45%, respectively) reduced in Desiree than other genotypes. Mean tuber number decreased by 55% under drought condition. Drought stress reduced marketable tuber number by 79% as compared to irrigated treatment. Drought stress reduced the marketable tuber yield from 70% to 87%. The clones CIP 392242.25 and LBr-40 had relatively lower yield loss, and less drought susceptibility index under drought indicating their tolerance to drought in field condition. Further experiment is recommended to study the physiological parameters of these genotypes under different water and soil conditions.

528-536

Authors: Yehia A. Osman, Waled M. El-Senousy, Adel A. El-Morsi, Mohammed K. Rashed

The fecal bacteria have been taken as the gold standard for water industry. However, the spread of viral gastroenteritis due to drinking water have given a momentum to a recent push by microbiologists to consider viruses as important pollution indicator as fecal bacteria. Therefore, we designed a study to evaluate the efficiency of two types of water purification systems: the traditional water treatment plant and two types compact units. Both systems produced drinking waters free of bacteria, chemical contaminants and mostly viruses free. However, recent advances in molecular biology techniques, such as RT-PCR have detected Rotaviruses in chlorinated drinking waters resulted from all systems. The frequency of Rotaviruses since October 2010 till September 2012 in Shark El-Mansoura WTP in drinking water samples was 12.5% similar to raw water. While the compact unit at Depo Awam (American design) the frequency of Rotavirus was 16.6% in both raw and drinking water samples. On the other hand the virus frequency in the raw and drinking water sample in El-Danabik unit (Egyptian design) were 12.5% and 4.16% respectively. Signifying failure of the chlorination process in removing viruses completely. However, detection of Rotavirus genome in the drinking water samples does not means the presence of its infectivity. The infectious ability of the rotaviruses was confirmed by CC-RT-PCR in all positive samples, where viral RNA was not detected in the collected drinking water samples. In conclusion RT-PCR and CC-RT-PCR techniques high lightened the need to include viruses as mandatory pollution indicator in water treatment plants.

541-544

Authors: A. Khanal

Plant nutrient is one of the limiting factors affecting crop production. Nitrogen and boron are major nutrients in case of broccoli. So, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of nitrogen and boron in seed yield and yield attributing characters of broccoli in Rampur, Chitwan during winter season. The experiment was laid out in factorial RCBD design with four levels of nitrogen and two levels of boron. Each plot consists of 25 plants which were separated by 60 * 60 cm spacing. There are altogether eight treatments replicates thrice. Local variety Calabrese was used. Significant effect of different dose of nitrogen and boron on yield attributing characters was found. Also interactive effect of nitrogen and boron in number of pods, pod length, seed yield and number of seeds per pod was found significantly different.

552-560

Authors: Mohamed A.M. El-Awady, Mohamed M. Hassan, Yassin M. Al-Sodany

This study was designed to isolate and characterize endophytic and rhizospheric bacteria associated with the halophyte plant Sesuvium verrucosum, grown under extreme salinity soil in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The plant growth promotion activities of isolated bacterial were evaluated in vitro. A total of 19 salt tolerant endophytic and rhizospheric bacterial isolates were obtained and grouped into six according to genetic similarity based on RAPD data. These six isolates were identified by amplification and partial sequences of 16S rDNA as Enterobacter cancerogenus,Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and two Enterobacter sp. Isolates were then grown until exponential growth phase to evaluate the atmospheric nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and production of phytohormones such as indole-3-acetic acid, as well as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity. While, All of the six strains were negative for ACC deaminaseactivity, two isolates showed Nitrogen fixation activity, three isolates produce the plant hormone (Indole acetic acid) and two isolates have the activity of solubiliztion of organic phosphate. Among the six isolates, the isolate (R3) from the soil around the roots is able to perform the three previous growth promoting possibilities together and it is ideal for use in promoting the growth of plants under the high salinity conditions. This isolate is candidate to prepare a friendly biofertelizer that can be used for the improvement of the crops performance under salinity conditions.

139-142

Authors: Chandani T. Desai, Gaurav S. Shah

Inter individual genetic variation contributes to both disease susceptibility and response to drugs. The genetic makeup of every individual isdistinctive, henceforth there are variations in the gene products. It is also responsible for the phenotypic diversity, which results in the differentcapacity of each individual to respond to exogenous substances, such as drugs and xenobiotics, and in the different propensity to induceundesirable health effects. So, the aim of personalised medicine is to increase the possibility of therapeutic efficiency and to decrease the drugtoxicity risk for an individual patient.

151-161

Authors: A.N.Z. Alshehri

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are increasingly attracting attention as a sustainable technology as they convert chemical energy in organic pollutants to renewable electricity. Anthracene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) that presents a high pollution and health risk. In this study, anthracene degradation with electricity production in Single – chamber air cathode MFC was investigated with respect to values of its biodegradation and MFC performance using different inocula combinations (Anaerobic sludge (AS), Pseudomonas putida (PP), Geobacter sulfurreducens (GS), Shewanella putrefaciens(SP), mixed cultures, and combinations thereof). All the inocula showed high potentials for anthracene degradation efficiency and power density, ranged 41 – 98 % within 120 – 216h and 110.08 – 156.06 mW/m2, respectively. The best overall performing inoculum was anaerobic sludge supplemented with P. putida (AS+PP), having a degradation rate, degradation efficiency, COD removal, maximum power density and coulombic efficiency of 38 μM/d, 98 %, 83 %, 156.06 mW/m2 and 21, respectively. Effect of initial anthracene concentration was also investigated. Results indicated that increasing of initial anthracene concentration to 40 mg/L has a positive effect on both the anthracene degradation rate and the power density by 79 and 83.93 %, respectively, which attained by the best inoculum AS+PP (degradation rate of 41 μM/d and a maximum power density of 287.04 mW/m2).This study highlights the possibility of using MFCs technology to generate renewable electricity and achieve high degradation rates of anthracene simultaneously, through co-metabolism.

167-169

Authors: Solomon A. Mamuru, Abubakar S. Bello, Saminu B. Hamman

Biosynthesis is one of the rapid, reliable, and eco-friendly routes for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles in areas of nanotechnology research. The synthesis of chromium and nickel nanoparticles using Annona squamosa leaf extracts at neutral pH was studied. The formed metal nanoparticles were confirmed by colour changes from colourless to dark brown and it was characterized using UV-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. UV-visible spectrums of the aqueous medium containing the metal nanoparticles show a surface Plasmon resonance at 285 nm. FT-IR analysis reveals that phytochemical groups of aromatic amine character might be responsible for the reduction to metal nanoparticles.

179-187

Authors: Prakash Parajuli, Jagat Prasad Panday, Rajendra Prasad Koirala, Buddha Ram Shah

With the increase in the use of the mobile phone, widely used wireless technology, people are highly conscious regarding the deleterious effects of the RF signals. To account this consciousness, this research work deals with the assessment of the radiation level near mobile Base Station Towers (BSTs) of Kathmandu valley with the analysis of the observed values in reference to the National and International guidelines and radiation norms adopted in different countries. “Tenmars, TM-196” and GPS map60Csx were employed for the measurement. It is found that the maximum value of the Power density in Kathmandu valley is 0.003602 W/m2 at Maximum Peak Point (MPP) near BST of New Baneshwor area, characterized by high traffic (Vicinity population) and all services across the BSTs and the minimum average radiation level far away from the BSTs (Off tower region) with access of the cellular network has 0.00000206 W/m2 Power density near Lele area, Lalitpur, which is far less than the Power density near the BSTs. It is found that all observed sites are within the standards of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) in terms of the amount of EMFs that the base station is radiating. Power density highly depends on vicinity population and moderately depends on services across the BSTs. Also the BSTs are constructed haphazardly near School and Colleges, Hospitals etc.

193-196

Authors: Jayanta Mistry, Ambika Prasad Mukhopadhyay, Gopi Nath Baur

Vermicomposting is a bio-technique and vermicompost are good superlatives for organic farming. During vermicomposting the nutrients are released and converted into soluble and available forms that’s providing nutrients such as available N (nitrogen), soluble K (potassium), exchangeable Ca (calcium), Mg (magnesium), P (phosphorus) and microelements such as Fe (iron), Mo (molybdenum), Zn (zinc), and Cu (cupper) which can easily taken up by plants. Vermicompost contains plant growth regulators, soil treated with vermicompost showed better plant growth than treated with inorganic and other organic fertilizers. Adding of vermicompost to soil improves the soil structure, increasing the water holding capacity and porosity. Vermicomposts have also been shown to suppress attacks by soil and foliar transmitted plant diseases.This article reviews various attribute as NPK values of Parthenium hysterophorus, Azadirachta indica, Argemone mexicana, and Vitex negundo vermicompost. pH of each compost are in range of 7.5 – 8.1. Nitrogen (N) content (%) is low in cow dung compost (1.7%) and higher in other plant compost except Azadirachta indica and Vitex negundo, maximum in Parthenium vermicompost (1.8%). Phosphorus (P %) ranges 1.3% to 1.6% and maximum in Azadirachta indica vermicompost. Potassium (K %) ranges 0.8% to 15.8% and all four vermicompost has significantly higher K contents than the cow dung compost. Organic carbon - nitrogen ratios (C/N) were also higher in vermicomposts produced with plant except in Argemone mexicana.

202-209

Authors: R. Shashi Kumar, V. Krishna, . Venkatesh

High frequency plant regeneration protocol has been standardized from banana cultivar Musa paradisiaca cv. Karibale Monthan, an endemic cultivar of Malnad region of Karnataka. The fruits are used as glomerular protective to solve kidney problems. To minimize the microbial contamination and to promote healthy growth, explants were treated with 70 % absolute alcohol for 6 min, 0.1 % Mercuric chloride for 10 min and 0.2 % for 10 min, 1 % Sodium hypochlorite for 15 min, 0.1 % Cefotaxime for 5 min and 0.05 % Gentamicin for 5 min. The high frequency shoot initiation (93.33 %) was recorded at 5 mg/l BAP. The synergetic effect of BAP (4 to 6 mg/l), TDZ (0.1 to 1.2 mg/l) and coconut water (0.1 to 0.9 ml/l) induced multiple shoot buds and it was optimized at the concentration of 5 mg/l BAP, 0.5 mg/l TDZ and 0.5 ml/l coconut water with 15.90 ± 1.66 frequency of shoots per propagule. Supplementation of 1.0 mg/l IBA induced 5.33 ± 1.21 numbers of roots with a mean root length of 7.50 ± 1.87 roots. The 99% of plantlets with distinct roots and shoots were successfully acclimatized in the green house and transferred to the field to evaluate the agro-morphological variations. The weight of the bunch (kg), number of hands in a bunch, number of fingers in a hand, length of the finger (cm), girth of the finger (cm) and girth of the pseudostem (cm) exhibited by in vitro plants were higher than the in vivo plants.

218-222

Authors: Mahesh K.C., Bhoj Raj Joshi, Swoyam Prakash Shrestha, Meera Prajapati, Dipak Kathayat, Santosh Dhakal

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a highly infectious viral disease of swine. This disease is becoming threat to pig industry of every corner of the world. As the status of this disease in Nepal is not properly understood so far, a cross-sectional sero-prevalence study was carried out in four development regions. A total of 200 blood samples were collected from major pig producing areas of eight districts of four development regions of Nepal and the serum samples were tested for antibodies against PRRS virus by rapid antibody detection kit (Immunochromatographic test using colloidal gold immunoassay: Schenzhen Lvshiyuan biotechnology Co. Ltd, China). Among the tested serum samples, 37 were found to be positive for PRRS indicating 18.5% prevalence of the disease. Statistically the prevalence difference was significant between different development regions and between topographical regions (P<0.05) of the country, but no significant difference was observed in age, sex and housing systems of pigs. Presence of antibodies in serum against PRRSV in the unvaccinated pig population of the country clearly indicates that pigs of the surveyed regions of Nepal have already been exposed to PRRS virus and the disease should be given adequate attention during differential diagnosis of porcine respiratory diseases in Nepal. Further studies are needed for molecular characterization of the virus and to develop control strategies against this disease in the country.

227-231

Authors: Prakash Ghimire, Khem Raj Dahal, Santosh Marahatta, Krishna Devkota, Buddhi Raj Ghimire

On-farm experiment was conducted in eight farmers’ field, of Khasyoli village development committee (952 to 1415 masl), Nepal, from April to September, 2011 to address the major constraint (nutrient management) to maize production through site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) as this approach is popular among scientists. The experiment comprised three nutrient omission plots (0N, 0P, and 0K), an ample NPK plot, and a farmers’ fertilization practice (FFP) plot, arranged in randomized complete block design. Farmers planted open pollinated variety (Manakamana-3) and managed in their way. Field-specific NPK application rates were calculated by considering nutrient demand, indigenous NPK supply and recovery efficiency of fertilizers. Grain yield in FFP (2.32 Mg/ha) and 0N (1.79 Mg/ha) plots differed significantly from each other and rest of the treatments, but was statistically similar among 0P (3.18 Mg/ha), 0K (3.40 Mg/ha) and ample NPK (3.38 Mg/ha) plots. Post-harvest grain and stover analysis revealed that indigenous NPK supply (20-71 kg N, 19-68 kg P2O5 and 51-164 kg K2O/ha) of soil vary among the farmers’ field. Moreover, soil was poor in indigenous N supply (42 kg/ha), but rich in indigenous P2O5 (35 kg/ha) and K2O (90 kg/ha) supply, on an average. As per the principles of SSNM, the initial fertilizer recommendation made can vary from 40-222 kg N, 0- 93 kg P2O5, and 0-50 kg K2O/ha. On an average, farmers may apply no or lower dose of P2O5 (18 kg/ha) and K2O (3 kg/ha) but need to significantly increase dose of N (143 kg/ha) fertilizer for enhancing soil and maize productivity.

236-242

Authors: Ravindar Gundeti, N. Swetha sudha, Geeta Rajalingam, P. Nagaraja Rao

The insect immune system exists to protect the host from pathogenic invaders and from other harmful insults. Upon bacterial infection insect haemolymph may lead to fatal consequences and it plays a most important role in transport and storage of nutrients, amino acids and free amino acids concentrations are marked changes for substrates by the immune system, these substrates are provide energy and precursors for the synthesis of new cells, effecter molecules, and protective molecule. We have been studied the certain biochemical changes in bacterial challenged Eri silkworm haemolymph at various time intervals. Results shows that the proteins and amino acids levels were significantly elevated and 18 individual free amino acids were found and that are quantitatively variation in the haemolymph after challenge with gram –ve and gram +ve bacteria when compared and control and sterile haemolymph. We may conclude that these were directly involved in the antimicrobial immune response of Eri silkworm innate immunity

248-255

Authors: Shivangi Bhatt, Neepa Pandhi

The potential threats of bacterial resistance, especially widespread multi-drug resistance, are of major concern. The scenario of a patient dying from an infection caused by a multi-drug resistant organism is now a reality. Infections caused by resistant strains of bacteria are related to higher morbidity and mortality. β-Lactam antibiotics are a broad class of antibiotics, consisting of penicillin, cephalosporin, Monobactam, and carbapenems. β-lactam antibiotics are used to treat various infections. β-lactamases are enzymes responsible to provide resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. Among Gram-negative bacteria, the emergence of resistance to expanded-spectrum cephalosporin has been a major concern. Initially a limited number of bacterial species that could mutate to hyper produce their chromosomal class C β-lactamase were found but now, resistance appeared in large number of bacterial species due to the production of TEM- or SHV-type ESBLs. In our study non clinical samples were selected to study the prevalence of drug resistance. After placing the various generations of β-lactam drugs we found that they were also resistant up to 4th generation of β-lactam drugs. This study confirms the growing incidences of β-lactam resistant strains in bacterial species of community origin.

261-266

Authors: Govind Kumar, Rajesh Kumar, Anita Sharma

Contamination of soil / water resources by petroleum products poses severe threats to underground water and soil quality. In the present study biosurfactant producing bacterial cultures were used to degrade petrol engine oil under in situ conditions in the plant rhizosphere system. Two bacterial isolates used in this study were recovered from Haldia oil refinery sites and identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (JX100389) and P. moraviensis (JX149542). Application of consortium C2, (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. moraviensis) degraded 79.02 % petrol engine oil @ 2% in the soil planted with mustard (Brassica juncea var. Kranti) crop after 120 days. GC-MS of biodegraded fuel showed the presence of new product like hexadecanoic acid 2, oxo-methyl ester.

272-284

Authors: Mohammad Badrud Duza, S.A. Mastan

The present study was carried out to demonstrate the optimization of growth conditions of bacteria with high cellulase activity. Cellulose degrading bacteria were isolated from soil samples collected from different areas of Guntur district, A.P. The bacteria were isolated using serial dilution and pour plate methods. The isolated bacteria were identified by morphological, biochemical and molecular procedures. The isolated bacterial species were screened for cellulase production in sub-merged fermentation process. The two tested bacterial species showed maximum yield for cellulase production. These two bacteria were identified as Bacillus anthracis and Ochrobactrum anthropi (YZ1). Supplementation of glucose, peptone, tyrosine and EDTA to the fermentation medium is favoured enzyme secretion. The optimum pH and temperature for the activity of crude enzyme was 8 and 45°C, respectively for Ochrobactrum anthropi (YZ1) while for Bacillus anthracis, it was 8 and 4°C, respectively.14% of inoculum level and 96 h of incubation period showed the maximum yield by both the species bacteria for cellulase production. The results of present study indicated that favorable fermentation conditions and the selection of a suitable growth medium played a key role in the production of cellulase from newly isolated Bacillus anthracis and Ochrobactrum anthropi (YZ1).

291-300

Authors: Prasenjit Talukdar, Subrata Borgohain Gogoi

The drilling of the wells from surface to target location with conventional drilling fluids may impair production and ultimate recovery by failing to adequately connect the reservoir with the wellbore by damaging the producing interval. One of the most common ways of damaging a formation is the filtration loss. Non Damaging Drilling Fluid (NDDF) is a clay and barite free environmental friendly polymer mud system mostly used in pay zone sections of development wells and specifically in horizontal drilling to avoid formation damage. Starches [(C6H10O5) n] are an environment-friendly drilling mud additive for water-base drilling fluids used to control the filtration loss. This paper reports the effect and optimum composition of Pre-Gelatinized Starch (PGS) as a filtration control component in the NDDF. PGS is a high-quality nonionic polysaccharide having the Chemical Formula: C27H48O20 and Molecular Weight: 692.658020 [g/mol] which controls the filtration loss by sealing the walls of the borehole due to its long chains of monosaccharide. Some clay specifically the montmorillonite a member of the smectite group that generally also found in the payzones of Geleki Oilfield of Upper Assam Basin absorb hydrogen ions into their structure when comes in contact with fresh water and causing swelling of the clay resulting in a reduction of the pore volume and possibly plug in the pore throats. Therefore the filtration loss should be as low as possible by forming high quality low permeable mud cake of as thin as possible. In this work, an attempt has been made to study the effect of varying composition of PGS on the different mud properties of laboratory formulated NDDF and to choose its optimum composition based on the required mud parameters of the study area.

308-313

Authors: H.M. Shantaveera Swamy, - Ramalingappa

In this paper, ligninase enzymes produced by selected mushrooms have been reported. We collected mushrooms from Western Ghats, most of them were edible food. Thirty samples isolated were tested using a plate assay through direct agar plate assay by using ABTS, decolourisation containing the fifteen isolates were able to decolourise the dye, indicating a lignin-degrading ability. Spectrophotometric enzyme assays from all selected isolates were carried out to examine the production of Ligninolytic enzymes (Laccase, lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase). Ten selected isolates produced all three kinds of enzymes tested. Lignolytic enzymes are groups of enzymes these are actively involved in bioremediation.

322-329

Authors: Gbenga Olorunshola Alege

This study was carried out to investigate the genetic diversity among 23 sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) accessions obtained from different agro-ecological localities from 10 different states across 4 geopolitical zones in Nigeria using evidence from Sodium Dodecyl Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Total seed protein of the studied plants resolved on 12% SDS-PAGE showed variations in numbers and intensity of bands among the different sesame accessions. Thirteen (13) major bands were recorded in this study. Lack of unique band and presence of common band (band 7) among the 23 studied sesame accessions indicate some levels of genetic affinity and evidence of common evolutionary origin of the sesame genotypes. This band can therefore be tagged as species specific band for discriminating Sesamum indicum. Cluster analysis grouped the 23 sesame genotypes into two clusters with similarity coefficient ranging from 0.42 to 0.96 which indicates existence of genetic diversity; therefore there is ample opportunity for improving the 23 sesame genotypes. Variations in protein bands observed among the 23 studied plants could be attributed to genomic changes taken place during species diversification. It can be concluded that genetic diversity existed among Nigerian sesame for the improvement of characters of interest. Accessions 9 (YOL), 15(OTT), 22 (OFF) and 23 (JAL) are therefore recommended for used in future breeding programs for the development of improved sesame varieties.

337-341

Authors: A.K. Tiwari, R. Sonkar, P.K. Tiwari

Co-mixed cellulose acetate butyrate and permutit in a definite composition was prepared and coded as MRS-2. The membrane potential was measured with uni-uni valent electrolyte, NaCl solutions using saturated calomel electrodes (SCEs).The effective fixed charge density of the membrane was determined by TMS method and it showed dependence on the porosity, charge on the membrane matrix, charge and size of permeating ions. Other important electrochemical parameters were calculated. Conductance-time data were generated for the kinetic study of the permeating ions in terms of membrane permeability, flow and flux parameters. Donnan membrane equilibrium condition was examined. Membrane adsorbability showed concave dependence with external electrolyte solution and convex type dependence was showed by swelling and conductance parameters. This membrane had no characteristic of anomalous osmosis, indicates that there is no water flooding will take place during membrane operation.

347-351

Authors: Rajnish Prakash Singh, Prabhat Nath Jha

Halophilic microorganisms are recognized as potential source of secondary metabolites including enzymes and drugs with wide agricultural and industrial applications. In the present study protease producing halotolerant bacterium Bacillus licheniformis HSW-16 was isolated from hypersaline Sambhar lake, Rajasthan India. Protease production was performed by using azocasein as substrate. Confirmation of protease production was also done by amplification of alkaline protease gene and sequencing. The various nutritional factors such as carbon and nitrogen source and other physiological parameters like pH, temperature, incubation time and agitation speed were optimized for optimum protease production. The enzyme was active in pH range 7-10, temperature 25 °C-40 °C and salt concentration of 1.5M. The characteristics demonstrated by this isolate showed that it could be used as a potential source of enzyme.

359-366

Authors: Ayman M. Sabry, Mohamed M. Hassan, Alaa A. Mohamed

The present work aims to molecularly characterize some popular Saudi fish species. Seven popular Saudi fish species namely, Morgan (Nemipteru sjaponicus), Mousa (Solea solea), Hamor (Greasy grouper), Shour (Lethrinus lentjan), Dennis (Caranxsex fasciatus), Harid (Scarus arabicus) and Black surgeon (Acanthurus gahhm) were characterized using six RAPD and three ISSR as well as Rep-PCR markers. These markers produced 187 distinct bands 89.4% were considered as polymorphic bands and 10.6% were considered as monomorphic bands. The RAPD OPA-06 primer revealed 100% polymorphism for 19 produced bands where band width ranged from 190 to 2100 bp. Likewise Rep- PCR ERIC1R primer exhibited 100% polymorphism for 18 bands produced bands where band width ranged from 50 to 1400bp. Data of the three types of genetic markers were combined for phylogenetic analysis. The resulted dendergram produced two large linages with around 59% genetic similarity. One linage only included Morgan (Nemipteru sjaponicus), and the other linage comprised the other six species. This result suggested that this six species were descended from Morgan fish. The second linage comprised two clades; the first clade contained four species (Mousa, Hamor, Shour, and Dennis), where the next clade included only Harid and Black surgeon. Generally genetic distance among native fishes was relatively low. The smallest genetic distance (0.512) was estimated between Shour fish and Black surgeon fish. To the best of our knowledge this work is breaking new ground in two directions, first, molecular characterization of Saudi fish, second employment Rep- PCR genetic marker for molecular characterization of fish species. This work could be considered as preliminary work towards an establishment of Saudi genetic conservation program.