A survey and assessment of grasshoppers’ population in various sugarcane growing areas of Harion municipality in Sarlahi district, Nepal

A small-scale study of grasshopper populations was undertaken in Harion municipality of Sarlahi district to ascertain whether grasshopper population in sugarcane growing areas is changing in consecutive years 2014 and 2015. The regular sugarcane growing areas were randomly selected and the survey was conducted to estimate the population in those consecutive years in 14 different locations where outbreak of Hieroglyphus banian (Fabricius) has occurred. The per square meter population was estimated using a ‘T’ shape which was made by tying 1m long two sticks to estimate one square meter area. The population of two consecutive years was compared to study the relationship between two years populations. The grasshopper infestation by risk category indicated that infestation warranted rating of severe in ward seven, eight and nine for 2015 from the population of 2014 AD. For 2016 AD, the risk was found low as most of the areas was categorized as moderate to light category as the population was found low in 2015 AD. Grasshopper population densities were found higher in some areas of Sarlahi district in the first year as compared to the second year. The population level in the first year was not found to induce population in next year as the population decreased in the second year. The trend of grasshopper population was not so threatening as the population was not found increasing in these years so was risk for next year. This might be due to the management of grasshoppers in nymphal stage in previous year, weather parameters, location, inter-cultural operations, decreasing of the rationing crops or presence of natural enemies. These findings provide guidance for the farmers in relation to grasshopper management and for future survey programs in relation to targeting regions of the district at risk from grasshoppers

Screening of sugarcane genotypes against Top Borer (Scirpophaga exerptalis Walker) infestation

Fourty sugarcane genotypes with different period of maturity were evaluated against top borer (Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker) infestation under natural field condition during 2018 and 2019 at National Sugarcane Research Program, Jeetpur, Nepal. The experiment was conducted in alpha-lattice design under natural condition of infestation using Co 0238 as susceptible check. Based on the incidence, 26 genotypes were categorized as less susceptible, eleven genotypes were found moderately susceptible to S. excerptalis. However, among less susceptible genotypes lowest incidence of 3.11 percent was recorded in genotype CoS 8432. Whereas, highest incidence of 25.24 percent was recorded in highly susceptible genotype, CoSe 98255BD 24. Most of the cane genotypes were found low to moderately susceptible, having 5 to 20% incidence of the pest. Whereas, some of the varieties, namely CoH 160 (21.22%), CoSe 95255 BD 24 (25.24%) and BO 150 (22.02%) were found highly susceptible. The mechanism responsible for host plant resistance against top borer is not studied in this experimentation. The study in these aspects is to be conducted to explore the mechanisms of host plant resistance for using these resistant genotypes for breeding purpose

Hyperglycaemia-linked diabetic foot complications and their management using conventional and alternative therapies

Diabetes mellitus, a major cause of mortality around the globe, can result in several secondary complications, including diabetic foot syndrome, which is brought on by diabetic neuropathy and ischemia. Approximately 15% of diabetic patients suffer from diabetic foot complications, and among them 25% are at risk of lower limb amputations. Diabetic foot ulcers are characterized as skin lesions, gangrene, or necrosis, and may develop due to several reasons, including hyperglycemia and slower wound healing in diabetic patients. A management protocol involving wound cleaning, oral antibiotics, skin ointments, and removing dead tissue is currently followed to treat diabetic foot ulcers. In severe cases, amputation is performed to prevent the infection from spreading further. The existing therapy can be costly and present adverse side effects. Combined with a lack of vascular surgeons, this ultimately results in disability, especially in developing nations. There is a growing interest in the use of alternative therapies, such as medicinal plants, to discover more efficient and affordable treatments for diabetic foot syndrome. It has been observed that treatment with numerous plants, including Carica papaya, Annona squamosa, Catharanthus roseus, and Centella asiatica, promotes wound healing, reduces inflammation, and may decrease the number of amputations. However, little information is currently available on the prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcers, and additional research is necessary to completely understand the role of alternative therapies in the treatment of diabetic foot complications

Screening of sugarcane genotypes against Top Borer (Scirpophaga exerptalis Walker) infestation

Fourty sugarcane genotypes with different period of maturity were evaluated against top borer (Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker) infestation under natural field condition during 2018 and 2019 at National Sugarcane Research Program, Jeetpur, Nepal. The experiment was conducted in alpha-lattice design under natural condition of infestation using Co 0238 as susceptible check. Based on the incidence, 26 genotypes were categorized as less susceptible, eleven genotypes were found moderately susceptible to S. excerptalis. However, among less susceptible genotypes lowest incidence of 3.11 percent was recorded in genotype CoS 8432. Whereas, highest incidence of 25.24 percent was recorded in highly susceptible genotype, CoSe 98255BD 24. Most of the cane genotypes were found low to moderately susceptible, having 5 to 20% incidence of the pest. Whereas, some of the varieties, namely CoH 160 (21.22%), CoSe 95255 BD 24 (25.24%) and BO 150 (22.02%) were found highly susceptible. The mechanism responsible for host plant resistance against top borer is not studied in this experimentation. The study in these aspects is to be conducted to explore the mechanisms of host plant resistance for using these resistant genotypes for breeding purpose.</jats:p

A survey and assessment of grasshoppers’ population in various sugarcane growing areas of Harion municipality in Sarlahi district, Nepal

A small-scale study of grasshopper populations was undertaken in Harion municipality of Sarlahi district to ascertain whether grasshopper population in sugarcane growing areas is changing in consecutive years 2014 and 2015. The regular sugarcane growing areas were randomly selected and the survey was conducted to estimate the population in those consecutive years in 14 different locations where outbreak of Hieroglyphus banian (Fabricius) has occurred. The per square meter population was estimated using a ‘T’ shape which was made by tying 1m long two sticks to estimate one square meter area. The population of two consecutive years was compared to study the relationship between two years populations. The grasshopper infestation by risk category indicated that infestation warranted rating of severe in ward seven, eight and nine for 2015 from the population of 2014 AD. For 2016 AD, the risk was found low as most of the areas was categorized as moderate to light category as the population was found low in 2015 AD. Grasshopper population densities were found higher in some areas of Sarlahi district in the first year as compared to the second year. The population level in the first year was not found to induce population in next year as the population decreased in the second year. The trend of grasshopper population was not so threatening as the population was not found increasing in these years so was risk for next year. This might be due to the management of grasshoppers in nymphal stage in previous year, weather parameters, location, inter-cultural operations, decreasing of the rationing crops or presence of natural enemies. These findings provide guidance for the farmers in relation to grasshopper management and for future survey programs in relation to targeting regions of the district at risk from grasshoppers.</jats:p

MANAGEMENT OF SHAQEEQA (MIGRAINE) BY HIJAMA BISH SHART (WET CUPPING) AND NUTOOL THERAPY – A CASE STUDY

Unani system of medicine or Greeko-Arab medicine, founded by Hippocrates is based on the concept of balance and equilibrium of natural body humors (Akhlat) i.e. (Blood, Phlegm, Bile and Black bile). Any imbalance in quality and quantity of these humors leads to various diseases where as restoration of this equilirium maintains health. In present era man is subjected to various challenges and stressful situations every day in there life as a result of which pain in the head or headache is very common. Among various types of headache, Shaqeeqa (migraine) is the most important one. In Unani system of medicine Shaqeeqa (migraine) is treated by a number of single or compound drugs and through various regimens of Ilaj bit tadbeer like Hijama bish shart (wet cupping), Fasd (venesection), Dalk (massage), Nutool therapy etc. In this case study Hijama bish shart (wet cupping), applied on the Al-kahil region, total 3 sittings of wet cupping were done on every 5 day after that 5 sittings of nutool therapy were done on every 3 day. Considerable improvement both in disease process and in quality of life was achieved.</jats:p

Metabolomic profiling and antidiabetic potential of Rumex vesicarius seed extract in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabeticrat

Abstract Rumex vesicarius hasbeen extensively used for the management of diabetes in the traditional system of medicine. The current study was designed to investigate antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of R.vesicarius and also to explore metabolomic profiling using UPLC-QTOF-MS. The effect of extracts was observed by checking the biochemical and histopathological parameters in diabetic rats. The results had shown a significant dose- dependent inhibition potential of aqueous extract of R. vesicarius seed against α-amylase and α-glucosidase along with significant inhibition in DPPH free-radical scavenging activity. Oral administration of R. vesicarius to diabetic rats significantly ( p< 0.05) ameliorated blood glucose level. It also improved the function of the liver and kidney as well as ameliorated dyslipidemia in diabetic rats. Histopathological examination of the treatment groups reversed the damage of the pancreas, liver, and kidney tissues confirming the antidiabetic efficacy of R. vesicarius. UPLC- QTOF-MS analysis of the extract revealed a total of 42 bioactive compounds, which might contribute to the antidiabetic activity. Based on our findings, we can conclude that R. vesicarius might be a promising candidate for the management of diabetes