Effect of Mesorhizobium, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and phosphorus on plant biometery and growth indices of desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The field experiment was conducted during 2015-16 to study the effect of biofetilizer inoculation [control, Mesorhizobium only, Mesorhizobium + RB-1 (Pseudomonas argentinensis) and Mesorhizobium + RB-2 (Bacillus aryabhattai)] and four levels of phosphorus (0, 15, 20 and 25 kg P2O5 ha-1) on chickpea growth. RB-1 and RB-2 were the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Biofertilizers could play a crucial role in reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers by fixing the atmospheric nitrogen for crop and/or by increasing the availability of phosphorus and phytohormones to the crop. The 16 treatment combinations were laid out in Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. In biofertilizer treatments, Mesorhizobium + RB-1 proved superior over control and sole inoculation of Mesorhizobium and at par with Mesorhizobium + RB-2 with respect to plant height (cm), number of branches (plant-1), shoot and root dry matter (kg ha-1) which were recorded at 30, 60 90, 120 days after sowing (DAS) and at harvest. Application of 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 gave the highest values of all the growth at-tributes viz. plant height (60 cm), number of primary (5.3) and secondary (27.2) branches per plant, shoot dry matter (4000 kg ha-1) and root dry matter (354 kg ha-1) which were significantly higher than that of 0 and 15 kg P2O5 ha-1 and at par with 20 kg P2O5 ha-1. Similar results were observed in case of crop growth rate (CGR) whereas relative growth rate (RGR) was not influenced significantly by various biofertilizer and phosphorus treatments. The dual inoc-ulation with PGPR strains along with phosphorus application have a supplementary effect on the growth of chickpea

Economic analysis of application of phosphorus, single and dual inoculation of Rhizobium and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus)

This study investigates the economic returns of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) by the use of phosphorus and biofertilizers [Rhizobium and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)] in Indian Punjab. The field experiments were conducted during Rabi 2013-14 and 2014-15 with combinations of four levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 30 and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) and two/four biofertilizer treatments [uninoculated control and Rhizobium (LLR 12) + PGPR (RB 2)] in 2013-14, and uninoculated control, Rhizobium, PGPR and Rhizobium + PGPR in 2014-15) by replicating thrice. The use of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided the highest gross returns whereas net returns and B:C were highest at 30 kg P2O5 ha-1. The combination of Rhizobium + PGPR + 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided the highest gross returns (Rs. 45902) whereas Rhizobium + PGPR+ 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided the highest net returns (Rs 20620). Furthermore, the integrated use of Rhizobium + PGPR + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 provided higher net returns (Rs 20620) and B:C (1.88) as compared to sole application of 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 (Rs 18792 and 1.72). Thus, there was a net saving of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 with the use of Rhizobium + PGPR inoculation without sacrificing the economics returns

Effect of sowing methods, nutrients and seed rate on mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) growth, productivity and water-use efficiency

A experiment comprising of 18 treatments i.e. two sowing methods (flat bed - 30 cm spacing, and raisedbed with two mungbean (Vigna radiata) rows bed–1 on 67.5 cm including 30 cm furrow), three seed rates (10, 15 and 20 kg ha–1 ) and three nutrient treatments (6.25 + 20.0, 9.38 + 30.0 and 12.5 + 40.0 kg N+P2O5 ha–1 ) was conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India during kharif 2007 to 2009. The mungbean grain yield recorded in 2008 was similar in 2009 but higher than 2007. The increase of 3.94% in grain yield was recorded in raised-bed than in flat bed. The grain yield recorded with seed rate of 20 kg ha–1 was higher than with 10 kg ha–1 but similar with 15 kg ha-1 in 2006 and 2008. The grain yield recorded with 12.5 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 ha–1 was higher (p<0.05) than other treatments. Raised-bed planting with 33.3% lesser irrigation water used recorded 3.91% lesser water use than flat bed planting and 9.77% higher water use efficiency (WUE) (p<0.05) as compared to flat bed planting. Seed rate of 20 kg ha–1 recorded 35.9 and 8.9% higher (p<0.05) WUE than with 10 and 15 kg ha-1 . The highest WUE was recorded with 12.5 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 ha–1 which was higher (p<0.05) than 6.25 kg N + 20 kg P2O5 ha–1 but at par with 9.38 kg N + 24 kg P2O5 ha–1

Symbiotic characters, thermal requirement, growth, yield and economics of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) genotypes sown at different dates under Punjab conditions

A field experiment was conducted during kharif (rainy season) 2008 and 2009 at research farm of the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to study the effect of four/three sowing dates (1 May, 15 May, 1 June and 15 June in 2008 and 15 May, 1 June and 15 June in 2009) on the symbiotic characters, thermal requirement, growth, productivity and economics of four pigeonpea genotypes (AL 201, AL 1507, AL 1578 and AL 1593). Days taken to 50% flowering, physiological maturity, and various agroclimatic indices i.e. AGDD, AHTU, APTU and HUE decreased with delay in sowing. The crop sown on 15 May recorded the highest nodule dry weight plant -1. The grain yield was significantly higher for the 15 May sowing compared to the 15 June sowing. During the two years, the crop sown on 15 May registered on average 6.7 and 48.0 percent higher grain yield than the1 June and 15 June sowings, respectively. The crop sown on 15 May gave the maximum gross returns, net returns and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio. Among the genotypes, AL 1507 recorded the highest nodule number plant-1 and AL 1578 recorded the maximum nodule dry weight plant-1.Genotypes AL 1507, AL 1578 and AL 1593 registered on average 19.4, 19.2 and 20.0 percent higher grain yield relative to AL 201, respectively. The genotype AL 1507 in 2008 and AL 1593 in 2009 performed better in terms of heat use efficiency for grain yield

Efficacy of post-emergence herbicide imazethapyr for weed management in different mungbean (Vigna radiata) cultivars

Three mungbean cultivars, viz. ML 267, ML 818 and PAU 911 showed good degree of tolerance to imazethapyr sprayed at different doses and at different times during 2008 and 2009. Application of imazethapyr at 75 and 100 g/ha at 15 days after sowing (DAS) and imazethapyr 100 g/ ha 25 DAS gave good control of weeds and the weed control efficiency was comparable to that of two hand weedings. Use of imazethapyr at 100 g/ha at 15 DAS gave the highest grain yield of mungbean. Application of imazethapyr at 75 and 100 g/ha at 15 DAS resulted in 144.6 and 146.4% higher grain yield respectively over unweeded control during first year of study, while the corresponding values in second year of study were 79.2 and 85.6%. Application of imazethapyr at 100 g/ha at 15 DAS gave the highest gross and net returns followed by imazethapyr at 75 g/ha sprayed at 15 DAS

Correlation of ovarian adnexal reporting and data system classification with histopathological examination in diagnosis of adnexal masses

Background: Adnexal masses are common and present significant clinical challenges related to diagnostic imaging, surgery and pathology. Ovarian adnexal reporting and data system (O-RADS) serves as both a lexicon and risk stratification tool, which is designed to accurately characterize adnexal lesions and facilitate optimal patient management. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of O-RADS using histopathological examination as the gold standard. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radio-diagnosis, Pathology in collaboration with the department of radio-diagnosis and pathology at Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh from December 2022 to March 2024. A total of 35 women who were diagnosed with adnexal masses were included in the study. Results: The age group of presentation of adnexal masses in our study was 14 to 62 years of age with a mean age of 31.69±11.25 years. O-RADS score 2 was 100% sensitive and 21.4% specific for detecting benign adnexal masses. ORADS score 3 was 100% sensitive and 24% specific for detecting benign masses. O-RADS score 4 was 25% sensitive and 89.47% specific for detecting malignant adnexal masses. Similarly, ORADS score 5 was 100% sensitive and 87.88% specific for detecting malignant masses using histopathology as the gold standard. Conclusions: The ORADS classification system has a high sensitivity in differentiating between benign and malignant lesions when correlated with gold standard histopathology report

Evaluation of the Acute Phase Reactants CRP in Unstable Angina Cases

Unstable angina, a syndrome of symptoms caused by ischemia of the heart muscles, is both frightening and disabling and may herald acute myocardial infarction. The immediate precipitating events of the atherosclerotic plaque responsible for that critical degree of ischemia resulting in the syndrome of unstable angina are progression of atherosclerosis platelet aggregation, thrombosis and vasospasm. Acute phase reactants are proteins in the plasma whose levels increase during acute inflammatory states or secondary to certain types of tissue damage. A cross-sectional descriptive study was done in Safdarjung Hospital on 40 subjects and controls to establish the acute phase reactants CRP in unstable angina cases and their relationships. In our study, we found that CRP levels are increased in cases as compared to controls, thus showing a direct correlation

Unraveling the anatomy of toe extensors: An aid to the clinical implications

Background: The extensor tendons of the foot are crucial for maintaining the intricate movements and stability of the foot and ankle complex. Understanding these variations is essential for health-care professionals involved in foot-related pathologies. Aims and Objective: The study was conducted to identify and document variations in extensor tendons of the foot during routine dissection of human cadavers and to highlight their clinical significance. Materials and Methods: This was an observational study conducted in the Department of Anatomy, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India. Eight embalmed cadavers were examined, and the dorsum of the foot was dissected to explore the proximal and distal attachments of extensor muscles. Results: We observed unilateral variations in extensor tendons of the feet of three limbs during routine dissection. First case showed a bifurcation of extensor hallucis longus, giving tendons to great toe as well as 2nd toe. Second case showed a variation in extensor digitorum longus tendon of the 4th toe giving lateral and medial slips along with its main tendon. The medial slip further gave medial and lateral divisions to merge distally with the long tendons of 3rd and 4th toe, respectively. The third case depicted the bifurcation of extensor hallucis brevis to give tendinous slips to great toe and 2nd toe, respectively. Conclusion: Knowledge of these variations in extensor tendons of foot is crucial for accurate interpretation of diagnostic imaging, surgical planning, and optimizing treatment outcomes

Synthesis and evaluation of 4-substituted semicarbazones of levulinic acid for anticonvulsant activity

Objective: A series of 4-aryl substituted semicarbazones of levulinic acid (4-oxo pentanoic acid) was designed and synthesized to meet the structural requirements essential for anticonvulsant activity. Methods: All the compounds were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. Anticonvulsant activity was determined after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration to mice by maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous metrazol (ScMet) induced seizure methods and minimal motor impairment was determined by rotorod test. Results: A majority of the compounds exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity after intraperitoneal administration. In the present study 4-(4′-fluoro phenyl) levulinic acid semicarbazone emerged as the most active molecule, showing broad spectrum of activity with low neurotoxicity. Unsubstituted levulinic acid semicarbazone was found to be inactive in all the screens. Conclusion: The results obtained validate the hypothesis that presence of an aryl group near the semicarbazone moiety is essential for anticonvulsant activity. The results also indicate that the hydrophilic-hydrophobic site can accommodate hydrophilic groups

Agro-techniques for soybean production.

Abstract Different agricultural practices for soyabean production which include tillage/seedbed preparation, time, method, and depth of sowing, planting density and geometry, straw mulching, seed priming, intercropping/mixed cropping, nutrient, water and weed management are discussed. These practices are employed not only produce high crop yields, but also to reduce the costs of production by utilizing resources and inputs judiciously and taking care of the environment.</p