A globule-like structure in leaf epidermis and its relation to stomatal regulation inCassia auriculata L.

The role of a globule-like structure in the leaf epidermal cells ofC. auriculata has been studied in relation to stomatal regulation. Water stress and direct sunlight promote the appearance of globules at the same time as the stomata close. Ample water supply and shade inhibit the appearance of globules and the stomata open. The number of stomata is the same on either leaf surface, but their behaviour is different because of different exposure to light.     

Optimum concentration and pH of phosphate buffer for assay of cytochrome c oxidase in intact plant mitochondria

For measurement of cytochrome c oxidase activity in intact plant mitochondria the optimum concentration of K-Pi buffer and pH in the reaction was found to be 75 mM and 7.4 respectively. The suitable concentration of K-Pi buffer for suspending and storing mitochondria, however, was found to be 20 mM or lower. These requirements applied equally well for mitochondria from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), maize (Zea mays L.), and snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).     

Net above-ground biomass and production in the monsoonal vegetation at Jodhpur,Rajasthan, India

The observations on net above-ground biomass and production in a large protected area of monsoonal vegetation at Jodhpur (India) are presented in this paper. With the start of the monsoon (July–August) a distinct increase in biomass was noted and by winter (November–December), the biomass, decreased as there was hardly any moisture in the soil. The ephemerals, especially some of the grasses form the bulk of biomass in the total make-up. The biomass and production appeared to be closely related in the monsoonal vegetation of this area. The maximum biomass value (360.5 g/m²) was observed in the month of September, decreasing thereafter.     

Newer applications of the histological stain prepared from Pterocarpus santalinus

A histological stain prepared from the heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus Linn. has been found to be an excellent nuclear stain for various cells of animal and plant origin. As an elastic tissue stain, the results are comparable to standard elastic tissue stains. The striations of voluntary muscle fibers are well shown. The Nissl granules and fibers of cranial nerves in the pons are visualized. When counterstained with light green, it differentially stains muscle and fibrous tissue. The stain can be used as counterstain with certain histochemical procedures with satisfactory results. The preparation and use of this versatile stain are described.     

3,5-dibromo-2'-chloro-4'-isothiocyanato salicylanilide in the control of Hymenolepis nana in rats--a pilot study

The efficiency of a new anticestode compound, 3,5-dibromo-2'-chloro-4'-isothiocyanato salicylanilide (GUPTA et al. 1980) for mass eradication of hymenolepiasis from rat colonies was assessed in a pilot study. The drug was administered with milk or food. For effective eradication, depending on the size of animals, single or multiple doses of 100 to 500 mg of the drug/kg body-weight, mixed in milk, or 50 mg/kg in feed were necessary. Better results were obtained when the compound was given in feed as it ensured effective consumption irrespective of the seasonal variations. The efficacy of the compound was also assessed on cysticercoids in intermediate hosts (Tribolium confusum) by feeding them on flour medicated at 5%, 1% and 0.1% levels. None of the concentrations killed the larvae or arrested their development.     

The relationship between glucose consumption byRhizobium spp. from some common cultivated legumes and their efficiencies

Summary A study of glucose consumption and efficiency of forty strains each of (1) a Rhizobium sp. of the pea group,Rhizobium leguminosarum from pea (Pisum sativum var. Bonneville), (2) of one of the alfalfa groupRhizobium meliloti from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum var. Pusa Early Bunching) and (3) and (4) ofRhizobium sp. of the cow pea group each from black gram (Phaseolus mungo var. N.P.4) and Egyptian bean (Dolichos lablab var. Pusa Green Bunch) showed that there was a good deal of variation between the amounts of glucose consumed by the strains from a single legume and that a positive correlation existed between the amount of glucose consumed by a strain from a legume and its efficiency. In the case of strains from fenugreek and black gram the rate of increase in efficiency per unit consumption of glucose was found to be about seven times that in the case of strains from bean and over three times that in the case of strains from pea. These factors were somewhat negatively correlated with the size of the seeds of the legumes, those of bean being the largest and of fenugreek the smallest.