Biocontrol potential of actinomycetes against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae,a causative agent for oily spot disease of pomegranate

India is a largest producer of pomegranate with high export value. The cultivation is affected with the oily spot disease caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae infection. The present study aims to control the disease with newer biocontrol methods. Thirty-six isolates of X. axonopodis were isolated from different varieties of infected pomegranates fruits from Maharashtra. Forty strains of actinomycete were also isolated from natural sources and screened for their antagonistic activity against X. axonopodis isolates. Eight strains of actinomycete were screened out for their high antagonistic activity and were optimized for maximizing antibiotic production. The extracted compound from A5 strain exhibited maximum inhibitory activity against all the pathogenic isolates with a MIC in the range of 0.625 to 1.25 mg mL^?1. It was identified as Streptomyces violaceusnige by 16SrRNA gene sequencing (Accession number KP208943). The extracted compound belonged to aminoglycosides with a molecular formula C₂₂H₂₈N₃O₆ determined by thin layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and carbon hydrogen nitrogen ratio analysis. In vivo biocontrol studies with strain A5 and its extracted compound effectively prevented the growth 36 Xanthomonas isolates inoculated on pomegranate fruits, illustrating its biocontrol potential against the oily spot disease of pomegranate.     

Carnivorous Plants as a Source of Potent Bioactive Compound: Naphthoquinones

Carnivorous plants are among the curiosities of nature being different from the normal plants in their mode of nutrition. These plants have fascinated several researchers for centuries. They are also characterized by synthesis of bioactive compounds which are used as a mechanism for self defense. These compounds possess a broad spectrum of biological activities such as antiparasitic, antibacterial, insecticidal, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiproliferative activities. Although, several antimicrobial drugs have been introduced during the recent decades, the problems of microbial infections resistant to synthetic pesticides still exist which necessitate the introduction of novel antimicrobial agents with additional modes of actions than the currently available therapeutic agents. Naphthoquinones are one of the most studied bioactive compounds which have been reported to inhibit the growth of proliferative cells and microbes. Efforts have been made to induce the biosynthesis of naphthoquinone in different species of carnivorous plants. It has been demonstrated that the accumulation of naphthoquinones in carnivorous plants was increased by injecting chitin into the plant tissues. Also, their biosynthesis could be enhanced by the incorporation of elicitors in in vitro cultures of plants. In the present review, we discuss the applications of naphthoquinones and its biosynthesis in carnivorous plants.     

Nervous system in Olveria indica, a rumen paramphistome (Digenea) of bovines, as revealed by non-specific esterase staining

On the basis of esterase localization the complete nervous system has been visualized in Olveria indica Thapar & Simha, 1945, a paramphistome from the rumen of cattle, recorded for the first time from the north-east region of India. The basic number of posterior longitudinal nerves (i.e., 3 pairs) is the same as in other paramphistomes; four pairs of anterior longitudinal nerves are present, there being an extra pair of pharyngeal nerves. Conspicuous differences in the innervation patterns were observed, mainly in the innervation of the genital atrial region and acetabulum. The presence of prominent longitudinal connections, joining the anterior and posterior dorsal nerves and the anterior and posterior ventral nerves on either side, is a feature not hitherto found in other paramphistome species. The details of the course of all the nerves and their branches are discussed.     

Chelation in metal intoxication. XXIII: Effect of N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine on lead or lead and ethanol intoxicated rats

Efficacy of N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine to reduce the body burden of lead and restore the altered biochemical parameters in lead or lead and ethanol intoxicated rats was investigated. The investigation was aimed to suggest suitable prophylaxis of lead poisoning prevalent among workers in lead industry who may also be exposed to ethanol. The rats were given lead (10 mg/kg, p.o.) or lead and ethanol (10% v/v in drinking water) daily for 8 weeks. Following exposure period a single dose of N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine (0.3 mmole/kg, intraperitoneal) was given daily for 4 days. The chelator was effective in enhancing the urinary and faecal excretion of lead, reducing the concentration of lead in liver and kidney and lowering the excretion of delta-aminolevulinic acid in lead treated rats. However, the protection was more noticeable in animals treated with lead alone than with lead and ethanol.     

Sulphur and phosphorus requirements of three fungi causing diseases in storage

Summary The effect of different sulphur and phosphorus compounds on the growth and reproduction of three fungi causing storage rot, viz.,Fusarium solani, Botryodiplodia ananassae andMacrophomina phaseoli has been studied. Sixteen different sources of sulphur were used and out of them magnesium sulphate was found to be most favourable for the growth and reproduction of all the three fungi. Sodium sulphite and sodium bisulphite were toxic. Potassium metabisulphite prevented growth ofF. solani and M. phaseoli while it supported moderate growth ofB. ananassae. Only magnesium sulphate could induce the sporulation ofB. ananassae while sporulation and sclerotial development ofF. solani andM. phaseoli respectively varied with the type of sulphur sources used. Optimum concentration of magnesium sulphate was also determined and it was found that the growth and sporulation ofF. solani andB. ananassae were best at 0.375 g/l and 0.75 g/l.M. phaseoli tolerated higher doses of this substance as the best growth and excellent sclerotial development were recorded at 3.0 g/l (the maximum concentration used). Phosphorus was found to be essential for the present fungi as none of them could grow in complete absence of this substance. Onthophosphates and nucleic acid, were found to be favourable sources for growth and reproduction of the 3 organisms.