Cent Reduction Research Articles

Screening for resistance and susceptibility in some beetroot cultivars to root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica

Aim: The present study was conducted to identify the resistance and susceptibility of beetroot cultivars against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica. Methodology: In this study, seven beetroot cultivars were screened against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, at the inoculum level of 1500 second-stage juveniles (J2s) per pot. Five replications of each cultivar of beetroot were used for screening and kept in a completely randomized design (CRD) at 25 ± 2 °C under greenhouse conditions. The data were subjected to ANOVA using SPSS-17 statistical software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). According to Duncan’s Multiple Range Test, the mean values were statistically compared and separated at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The results revealed that all seven cultivars of beetroot showed varying degrees of resistance and susceptibility to M. javanica. Among all the cultivars, three were moderately resistant, i.e., CG, DDR and Red Ace with the minimum number of galls (4.0, 8.0 and 7.0), and two were moderately susceptible, i.e., Atlas and Red Queen (28 and 22). Red Ruby (84) was found susceptible and Red Express was highly susceptible with the maximum galls (126). None of the cultivars were found to be highly resistant or immune. Interpretation: A positive and significant correlation was found between the number of galls and per cent reduction in plant growth parameters. From the results, it can be recommended that the use of resistant cultivars is an environment-friendly approach that can be used to manage the nematode density below the economic threshold level.

Trichoderma virens mitigates the root-knot disease progression in the chickpea plant

ABSTRACT This study was planned to investigate the efficacy of various concentrations of Trichoderma virens against Meloidogyne incognita in vitro. The five concentrations viz., S, S/2, S/ 10, S/25, S/50 were prepared and planned for in vitro study to test the potential of T. virens against hatching and mortality of second-staged juveniles of M. incognita. It was observed a reduction in second-staged juveniles hatching within all tested aqueous concentrations of T. virens. The second-stage juvenile mortality was also recorded in the above-given concentrations of T. virens. The maximum decrease in second-stage juveniles hatching was found in standard aqueous fungal concentration (S). Moreover, in the same T. virens concentration (S), mortality of juveniles was also recorded as highest, and was followed by S/2, S/10, S/25 and S/50. Additionally, the application of T. virens as an individual, simultaneous, and sequential order with M. incognita was also investigated in pot-grown chickpea plants and found that its use was significantly effective in suppressing root-galling disease and improved the plants' growth and physiological attributes. According to the correlation coefficient analysis, the root-knot index correlated significantly with the per cent reduction of the plants' growth and physiological attributes.

Service evaluation of a dementia training and support package into care homes

Around half a million people are in residential care in the UK, with estimates suggesting 80 per cent have dementia. Behaviours that challenge which commonly occur in people with dementia are difficult for care home staff, many of whom have no direct career paths and limited training opportunities, to understand and manage. We designed a dementia training package which involved four modules and took two and a half hours to deliver. This training package was trialled into six care homes in Kingston-Upon-Hull who had been regular referrers into secondary mental health care. In total, 123 care home staff attended the training and feedback was very positive with 100 per cent of participants agreeing that the training was useful for their development, they learnt new knowledge and could apply their learning. We additionally collected qualitative data from care home staff on the content of the training. There was a 54 per cent reduction in total referrals to the local community mental health team in the 12-months post-training compared to the 12-months preceding. We discuss challenges to implementing the training during the Covid-19 pandemic as well as consider potential future developments.

Effects of Salt Stress on Growth and Accumulation of NA<sup>+</sup>, K<sup>+</sup> And ca<sup>2+</sup> Ions in Different Accessions of Sesbania

Effects of salt stress on seedling growth and ion accumulation in 6 accessions of two Sesbania species viz. S. bispinosa (Jacq.) W. Wight (4 accessions: #1, #5, #7 and #59) and S. cannabina (Retz.) Poir. (2 accessions: #82 and #85), was evaluated in a hydroponic experiment under 0 (control) and 10 dS/m salinity stress. Salt stress significantly affected negatively seedling growth and different ion contents in 6 accessions of Sesbania seedling except for Na+. The relative values, per cent reduction over control, of all morphological and physiological descriptors, were significantly higher indicating superior salt tolerance in accession #59 compared to other accessions studied. The Na+ accumulation was higher in root compared to shoot; however, a reverse scenario was observed for K+ and Ca2+. No distinct difference in salt tolerance was observed between S. bispinosa and S. cannabina. Accession #59 could, therefore, be suggested for cultivation at salineprone areas of Bangladesh. However, it needs further confirmation at the farmer’s saline field condition. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(1): 157-167, 2022 (March)

Nasal nerve ablation, nasal swell body and inferior turbinate reduction for nasal obstruction and congestion relief.

Nasal obstruction and congestion can occur because of turbinate and septal variations with or without rhinitis. A combined treatment for nasal obstruction and congestion was examined retrospectively in cases where the nasal swell body was addressed with inferior turbinectomy, with or without posterior nasal nerve ablation. A 940 nm laser was utilised for contact (nasal swell body, septum and inferior turbinate) and non-contact (posterior nasal nerve) ablation. Total Nasal Symptoms Score, visual analogue scale pain score, complications and procedure location (office vs operating theatre) were recorded. All 242 patients underwent nasal swell body reduction with inferior turbinate reduction, and 150 had posterior nasal nerve ablation also. No laser complications were observed. An 80 per cent reduction in medication usage was noted. Total Nasal Symptoms Score decreased by 73 per cent; rhinorrhoea and congestion scores decreased by 54 per cent and 81 per cent respectively. Crusting, epistaxis and infections were minimal, and resolved within two weeks. Nasal swell body with inferior turbinate reduction, with or without posterior nasal nerve ablation, is a new method of treating nasal obstruction and congestion. Laser posterior nasal nerve ablation can be utilised as a complementary tool to deliver anatomical obstruction relief.

Determinants of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to guide vaccination strategy in an urban area.

Transmission chains within small urban areas (accommodating ∼30 per cent of the European population) greatly contribute to case burden and economic impact during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and should be a focus for preventive measures to achieve containment. Here, at very high spatio-temporal resolution, we analysed determinants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in a European urban area, Basel-City (Switzerland). We combined detailed epidemiological, intra-city mobility and socio-economic data sets with whole-genome sequencing during the first SARS-CoV-2 wave. For this, we succeeded in sequencing 44 per cent of all reported cases from Basel-City and performed phylogenetic clustering and compartmental modelling based on the dominating viral variant (B.1-C15324T; 60 per cent of cases) to identify drivers and patterns of transmission. Based on these results we simulated vaccination scenarios and corresponding healthcare system burden (intensive care unit (ICU) occupancy). Transmissions were driven by socio-economically weaker and highly mobile population groups with mostly cryptic transmissions which lacked genetic and identifiable epidemiological links. Amongst more senior population transmission was clustered. Simulated vaccination scenarios assuming 60–90 per cent transmission reduction and 70–90 per cent reduction of severe cases showed that prioritising mobile, socio-economically weaker populations for vaccination would effectively reduce case numbers. However, long-term ICU occupation would also be effectively reduced if senior population groups were prioritised, provided there were no changes in testing and prevention strategies. Reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission through vaccination strongly depends on the efficacy of the deployed vaccine. A combined strategy of protecting risk groups by extensive testing coupled with vaccination of the drivers of transmission (i.e. highly mobile groups) would be most effective at reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within an urban area.

Identification of drought tolerant, high yielding rice genotypes for rainfed upland ecosystem of Uttarakhand hills through different drought tolerance indices

Aim: To identify drought tolerant rice genotypes for rainfed upland hills at reproductive stage through different drought tolerance indices, PCA Biplot Analysis and Cluster Analysis. Methodology: Forty eight rainfed upland genotypes were evaluated under drought stress at reproductive stage and non-stress (irrigated) conditions. Different drought tolerance indices viz., drought tolerance efficiency (DTE), mean productivity index (MPI), relative efficiency (REI), mean relative performance (MRP), stress tolerance index (STI), drought yield index(DYI), stress tolerance (TOL), stress susceptibility index (SSI) and Schneider’s stress susceptibility index (SSSI)were used for screening genotypes. Results: The reduction in grain yield was observed in all the genotypes grown under drought stress condition and the per cent reduction in grain yield between stress and non-stress trial varied from 23.62% to 67.69%. The highest value of DTE was recorded in VL 20541 (76.38%) whereas VL 20441 showed the highest value for MPI (2656), REI (1.478), MRP (2.44) and STI (0.79). The lowest value of DYI (1.31), TOL (625), SSI (0.51) and SSSI (-0.23) was observed in VL 20541. Highest value for DTE, MPI, REI, MRP, STI and lowest value for DYI, TOL, SSI, SSSI are preferred and desirable as it indicate drought tolerance. A positive and highly significant correlation was exhibited by grain yield under stress (YS) with DTE, MPI, REI, MRP, STI and highly negative significant with DYI, TOL, SSI SSSI indicating that selection of low DYI, TOL, SSI, SSSI value and high DTE, MPI, REI, MRP, STI for screening of rice genotypes under drought stresses condition. Principal component analysis revealed that PC1 and PC2 accounted for 80.05% and 19.40% of the total variations, respectively. Cluster analysis grouped the 48 rice genotypes into two main clusters. Interpretation: On the basis of drought tolerant indices, PCA Biplot analysis and Cluster analysis six genotypes viz., VL 20441, VL 20225, VL 20541, VL 20468, VL 8549, and VL 20316 were identified as drought tolerant.

Evaluation of field efficacy of some selected acaricides against Tetranychus urticae Koch on okra

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the field level efficacy of some selected acaricides against two spotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch at Regional Research Station (Hill Zone), Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalimpong, West Bengal, India during 2020 and 2021. Among the various acaricidal treatments, spiromesifen 22.9 SC@120 g a.i/ha was found to be the best treatment in terms of mean per cent reduction of mite population as well as providing the highest yield during both the years of study. This treatment was followed by hexythiazox 5.45EC @25 g a.i./ha and fenazaquin 10 EC @ 125 g a.i./ha. Propagite 57 EC @ 850 g a.i./ha was found to be the least effective treatment although it was significantly superior to the control.

The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on the head and neck cancer pathway in the West of Scotland.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has greatly disrupted head and neck cancer services in the West of Scotland. This study aimed to assess the impact of the first wave of the pandemic on cancer waiting times. A retrospective review of multidisciplinary team records was undertaken between March and May in 2019 and the same months in 2020. Time-to-diagnosis and time-to-treatment for new cancers treated with curative intent were compared between the study periods, and subclassified by referral pathway. A total of 236 new cancer patients were included. During the pandemic, pathways benefitted from reduced diagnostic and treatment times resulting from the restructuring of service provisions. A 75 per cent reduction in secondary care referrals and a 33 per cent increase in urgent suspicion of cancer referrals were observed in 2020. Head and neck cancer pathway times did not suffer because of the coronavirus pandemic. Innovations introduced to mitigate issues brought about by coronavirus benefitted patients, led to a more streamlined service, and improved diagnostic and treatment target compliance.

Biocatalytic degradation of selected tobacco chemicals from mainstream cigarette smoke using Croton megalocarpus seed husk biochar

BackgroundMainstream cigarette smoke contains a complex array of toxic chemicals which can cause irreparable harm to the lungs and most organs in the biological landscape. Attempts to reduce harmful by-products in mainstream cigarette smoke have received little attention although various researchers have proposed the use of catalysts, zeolites and filter modifications. In this study, the bio-degradation of selected tobacco chemicals in a commercial cigarette (MM-R) and a local cigarette (RR-M) is investigated.MethodologyCroton megalocarpus (C. megalocarpus) seed husk was ground into powder before pyrolysis at 550 °C to form biochar. The cigarette filter was treated with C. megalocarpus seed husk biochar as an adsorbent in order to degrade tobacco chemicals such as benzene and phenol. Specially designed smoking apparatus consistent with standard procedures for cigarette smoking was used to simulate cigarette smoking. Model tobacco chemicals—benzene and phenol—were characterized using low-resolution electron impact mass spectra on a liquid chromatograph hyphenated to a mass spectrometer. The overall concentration of tobacco chemicals with puff time was screened using a UV–visible spectrometer.ResultsThe rate constants for the removal of benzene from treated MM-R and RR-M cigarettes were 0.123,{mathrm{s}}^{-1} and 0.0759,{mathrm{s}}^{-1}, respectively, while the rate constants for the removal of phenol from the model cigarettes were 0.125,{mathrm{s}}^{-1} and 0.163,{mathrm{s}}^{-1}, respectively. For MM-R and RR-M cigarettes, the per cent reduction for benzene was 14.79 and 19.88 while that of phenol was 10.62 and 25.80, respectively. The reduction of benzene at 15,mathrm{s} puff time for MM-R cigarette was 55.91{%} while the reduction of phenol at the same puff time is 37.25{%}. Also, the reduction in the concentration of benzene and phenol for RR-M model cigarettes was 22.89{%} and 66.19{%}, respectively, at the same puff time. The UV–Vis data show overall reduction in tobacco chemicals with increase in residence time.ConclusionThe results reported in this study showed that C. megalocarpus seed husk biochar is a promising biocatalyst that can be incorporated into the cigarette filter in order to degrade tobacco chemicals in mainstream cigarette smoke. This is a very important finding towards harm reduction and tobacco reform policy.

Dose Optimization, Mutagenic Effectiveness and Efficiency of EMS in Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)

Mutation breeding is an important approach to crop improvement. Identifying beneficial mutagen and its optimum dose are the prerequisites for any successful mutation breeding program. The present study aimed to identify the optimum dose, mutagenic effectiveness, and efficiency of various concentrations of EMS mutagen in proso millet variety ATL 1. Ten treatment concentrations 10 to 100 mM and control were evaluated using germination paper, tray, and field method to estimate the effect of the mutagen on seedling growth and survival in M1 generation. Based on viable mutation frequency in M2 generation, the mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of the mutagen were determined. The mean lethal concentration (LD50) and mean concentration for 50 per cent reduction in growth (GR50) doses were determined to be 41 mM and 45 mM, respectively based on survival per cent and shoot length reduction over control. The mutagenic effectiveness was the highest at 50 mM and mutagenic efficiency was the highest at 40 mM. Broad-spectrum of viable mutants was identified in M2 generation that could be utilized to develop improved cultivars in the crop.

Relative antagonistic efficacy of Trichoderma spp. against Sclerotium rolfsii (Sacc.) causing collar rot of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present study was undertaken in order to find out the relative antagonistic efficacy of four Trichoderma species viz., Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma virens and Trichoderma azospirillum, against Sclerotium rolfsii incited collar rot in chickpea. Under in-vitro condition, four species of Trichoderma were tested against S. rolfsii. Minimum radial growth of the S. rolfsii was recorded in the T. viride (20.40 mm), 4 days after inoculation with maximum growth inhibition of 54.67 per cent, statistically superior among all Trichoderma spp. tested, which was followed by T. harzianum, radial growth (22.20 mm) and inhibition (50.67%), by dual culture technique. After 20 days of incubation, maximum per cent reduction of sclerotia formation was recorded in T. virens (73.56%). Efficacy of best in-vitro bioagents, Trichoderma viride and T. harzianum, were evaluated against collar rot disease of chickpea in pot experiment. Impact of treatment application method viz., soil application, seed treatment and integration of both soil application and seed treatment of bioagents were also studied. All the treatments proved significantly superior when compared with pathogen inoculated control. Maximum per cent reduction in pre-emergence seed rot (90.91%) and post emergence seedling mortality (43.75%) were recorded in Trichoderma viride applied through integration of soil application and seed treatment. T. harzianum recorded 81.82 per cent reduction in pre-emergence seed rot and 37.50 per cent post emergence seedling mortality. Maximum per cent final plant population (66.67%) was observed in T. viride applied through integration of soil application and seed treatment. Trichoderma spp. had synergistic impact on plant vigour and grain yield.

On farm trials on management of pod borer complex in green gram

Pulses productivity in Rajasthan is lesser than the national average due to the poor management of the crop. Green gram, an important pulse crop, is attacked by different pod borer species like gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera, spotted pod borer, Maruca testulalis and M. vitrata, spiny pod borer, Etiella zinckenella, etc. Pod borers directly feed on the pods and seeds causing appreciable deterioration in grain quality and quantity. Pod borer complex is a major constraint to increase production of green gram therefore the on farm trial (OFT) were undertaken by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lunkaransar of Bikaner for two consecutive years 2019 and 2020. The results on the management of pod borer complex in green gram indicated that maximum per cent reduction in larval population of pod borers was observed in 79.25 and 82.69 per cent in kharif 2019 and 2020, respectively, in recommended spray (emamectin benzoate 5 SG 0.5 gm per litre water). The maximum benefit cost ratio of 2.77 and 4.00 were obtained in the recommended practices, while it was minimum 1.66 and 2.63 in farmers practice (quinalphos 25 EC @ 1.25 l ha−1) during kharif 2019 and 2020.

Bioefficacy of conventional and newer insecticides against aphids, M. persicae (Sulzer) of tomato in Varanasi region

Nine insecticidal treatments viz., chlorantraniprole 18.5% SC @ 30 g a.i./ha, flubendiamide 39.35% SC @ 48 g a.i./ha, lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC @ 15 g a.i./ha, Beauveria bassiana @ 1X 1012 spore/ml, NSKE 5% @ 1000 ppm, novaluron (IGR) @ 75 g a.i./ha, imidacloprid 17.8% SL @ 30 g a.i./ha, indoxacarb 14.5% SC @ 70 g a.i./ha and spinosad 45% SC @ 70 g a.i./ha were field evaluated against aphids population. Results revealed that foliar spray of imidacloprid 17.8% SL @ 30 g a.i./ha was found to be the most effective treatment followed by indoxacarb 14.5% SC @ 70 g a.i./ha and spinosad 45% SC @ 70 g a.i./ha taking into account of its better efficacy against aphids with overall per cent reduction over control of 70.69, 62.92 and 56.04 during year I and 75.55, 66.80 and 63.84 during year II. Minimum population of aphids was recorded in NSKE 5% @ 1000 ppm.

Evaluation of different concentrations of bio-pesticide (NANMA) against sucking pests of potato under field condition

A field trial was conducted at ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Gwalior for two consecutive years (2018-19 and 2019-20) to study the effect of different concentrations of ICAR-CTCRI developed bio-pesticide Nanma @ 5, 7.5 and 10 ml L−1 along with neem oil @ 2 ml L−1, mineral oil @ 5 ml L−1, karanj oil @ 2 ml L−1 and untreated control against whitefly, (Bemisia tabaci) and thrips (Thrips palmi) on potato cv. Kufri Jyoti. Pre and post treatment observations of white fly and thrips were recorded from all the plots at 1 day before and 1, 3 and 7 days after spray during both the years. The pooled data of population revealed that 7 days after spray Nanma @ 10 ml L−1 was the best treatment for controlling white fly and thrips as it recorded 72.95 and 74.29 per cent reduction in population over control, followed by Nanma @ 5 ml L−1. Lowest per cent leaf curl disease (0.22) was recorded in Nanma @ 10 ml L−1 treated plats followed by Nanma @ 7.5 ml L−1. Considering incremental cost benefit ratio Nanma @ 10 ml L−1 was found economical over other treatments for management of sucking pests in potato crop.

On farm trials on management of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci in cotton

The on farm trial (OFT) conducted to manage whitefly Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lunkaransar of Bikaner (Rajasthan) for the two consecutive years during Kharif, 2019 and 2020 indicated maximum per cent reduction of 82.70 and 88.75 during Kharif 2019 and 2020, respectively in whitefly population at recommended practices of spray with pyriproxyfen 10 EC (@ 01 litre ha-1). Minimum percent reduction of whitefly population (73.26 and 75.58 per cent) during Kharif 2019 and 2020, respectively was recorded under the farmers practices (T2 spray of acetamiprid 20 SP @0.4 g litre-1). The maximum benefit cost ratio, 3.19 and 4.15, was obtained in the recommended practices while it was minimum in farmer’s practice 2.41 and 3.29 during kharif 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Evaluation of propargite 50% + bifenthrin 5% SE against red spider mite, Tetranychus urticae in okra

In present trial combination of propargite 50% + bifenthrin 5% SE, was evaluated against Tetranychus urticae. The results indicated that propargite 50% + bifenthrin 5% SE @ 1,150 ml/ha recorded the highest per cent reduction of mites over the control (91.31%) followed by lower doses of the same product tested. The combination of two chemicals was more effective than the individual chemicals tested. The effectiveness of this product also gave maximum fruit yield (9.53 t/ha) with C: B ratio as 1: 6.26.

In vitro Compatibility and Efficacy Studies of Entomopathogenic Fungi Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsh.) with Commonly used Biorational and Chemical Pesticides against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)

In vitro compatibility of selected entomopathogenic fungi with botanicals and chemical insecticides at field recommended concentrations Indoxacarb 14.5 SC, Spinosad 45 SC, neem oil and NSKE were non-toxic to the test strain M.anisopliae (Ma-L-1) as they did not show significant reduction in radial growth. The insecticide dichlorvos 76 EC (DDVP) recorded 100 per cent reduction in radial growth of test strains at field recommended concentration. The joint action of microbial agents (bacteria, viruses and fungi) revealed that the combination of pathogens did not prove superior to individual effect. All the combination of entomopathogenic fungi M. anisopliae (Ma-L-1) strain with microbial agents were within the critical limits of additive effect and combination with insecticides viz., Spinosad 45 SC @0.009%, neem oil 5% and NSKE 5%, which produced the synergism reaction.

The United States civil engineer transformation initiative : A case study of successfully leading CRE organisational change management

Corporate real estate (CRE) constitutes a large percentage of fixed assets of an organisation. Changing economic, regulatory and financial situations causes organisations to undertaken corporate reorganisation and restructuring. The Air Force Director of Civil Engineers — the CRE director for the United States Air Force — is responsible for providing facilities, infrastructure and installation support functions at a total of over 180 US Air Force (AF) bases worldwide with an annual budget over US$11bn. This paper provides a case study of three successive AF Civil Engineer directors who, faced with a 30 per cent annual operating budget reduction and a 20 per cent reduction in workforce, led the effort to conduct a whole organisational change management intervention which successfully transformed the systematic manner in which 60,000 personnel provided installation facility and infrastructure technical services across large, geographically separated real estate portfolios located in the US, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The paper provides a review of the literature on the organisation leadership theories delineating the behavioural actions of each director, which give information on their ability to lead and manage change as the chief executive decision maker of a mechanistic organisation, bound by a common cultural connection. Through the supplemental use of a retrospective interview, coupled with a literary review and an experiential perspective, the study examines the organisation leadership behaviour actions and the practical application of organisational change management theoretical concepts by each director in turn, resulting in the successful execution of the Air Force civil engineer transformation initiative during one of the most fiscally uncertain periods in modern Air Force history.

Industry levy versus banning promotion on soft drinks in Scotland: A distributional analysis

In 2018, Public Health England and the UK House of Parliament introduced a soft drinks industry levy to reduce the amount of sugar in sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). In addition to the positive results coming from the levy, in January 2019 the UK Government opened a consultation to consider regulating the use of price promotions on foods high in fat, sugar, and salt content. The levy and the banning of promotions could have similar effects (i.e., to potentially increase the product price); however, there is no study comparing their ex-ante effectiveness in reducing sugar consumption and even less their distributional impact. The purpose of the present study is to compare the effect and distributional impact of the measures. To achieve this, we estimated an EASI demand model using scanner panel data for Scotland for the period 2013 to 2017 (i.e., before the introduction of the levy). The results from the present study show that banning promotions on soft drinks would be more effective in reducing energy and sugar purchases than the soft drinks levy. The effectiveness of either policy varies by income, life stage, location, and degree of deprivation in Scotland. This argues for targeted policies instead of the usual ‘one-size-fits-all’ government policy. Specifically, banning promotions could reduce the annual quantity of beverage purchases by 35.8 per cent whereas the soft drinks levy results in only a 1.36 per cent reduction in annual beverage purchases Also, banning promotions reduces annual sugar purchases by 9 per cent compared to 3.9 per cent for the soft drinks levy. Translating this into changes in intake show that the average person will lose 0.85 kg and 0.36 kg per annum for the ban on promotions or soft drinks levy, respectively. The marginal changes in body weight suggest that other avenues such as a tax on and/or restricting promotions on dietary fat should be explored to achieve a larger impact.