Makeup Of Plants Research Articles

Influence of seasonality on the targeted phytoconstituents of Moringa oleifera Lam. bark, a potent source of phytonutrients, collected from upper Gangetic plains, India

Moringa oleifera, drumstick tree, found in tropical and subtropical regions all across the world excepting frigid areas, is native to India. Different environmental conditions and seasons affect the chemical makeup of plants. The present study evaluated the methanol, 50% methanol and aqueous extracts of Moringa bark collected during five Indian calendar-based seasons for gallic acid, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and quercetin using HPTLC. As a reaction to seasonal fluctuations, TPC and TFC were highest in the methanolic extract of winter season (392 ± 5.03 mg GAE/g and 7.15 ± 0.06 mg QE/g respectively), which also exhibited the maximum oxidative quenching activity with IC50 against DPPH, NO and SO radicals being 147.3 ± 1.32, 67.55 ± 0.70 and 85.46 ± 0.76 µg/ml respectively. The highest total antioxidant capacity using phosphomolybdate assay (87.74 ± 0.23 µg AAE/mg) was also exhibited by the same. The content of quercetin (4.68 µg/mg) and ellagic acid (3.66 µg/mg) were highest in August (rainy season) and in November (autumn season) respectively. Overall, the seasonal pattern for polyphenolic concentration was: winter > autumn > rainy > spring > summer. The most advised harvesting seasons for the bark of M. oleifera is, thus, winter followed by autumn.

Detected Genetic Markers for Three Varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Nano- Particles

Despite the enormous advancements in breeding, fresh and accessible methods of plant development are preferred. Many research have been done to determine the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and magnesium nanoparticles (MgONPs) on plant growth. ZnO NPs and MgONPs have been used extensively in agriculture. Few research have looked into the potential impact of ZnO NPs on grain Zn content or cereal yield formation to date. The goal of the study was to demonstrate how varied concentrations of nanoparticles affected root germination in three different rice types (Giza 177, Sakha super 300, and Sakha 108) and the fungus Fusariummoniliforme, which causes foot rot in rice. Here, we performed a pot experiment to assess the effects that ZnO nanoparticles and MgONPs had on the shoot length, root length, and germination of rice. The experiment involved three dosages of Zn and Mg nanoparticle solution at varying concentrations of 10, 20, and 100 ppm. The outcomes showed that, when compared to the control treatment, ZnO NPs and MgONPs increased the length of the shoot, the length of the roots, and the rate of germination. Using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers, the genetic makeup of plants treated with 10, 20, and 100 ppm AgNPs was also examined. In vitro rooted shoots were acclimated in a greenhouse before being tested for biochemical stability and phenotypic stability. In vitro, callogenesis and caulogenesis were both reduced by AgNPs at the greatest dose (100 ppm). In order to maximise genome coverage, three rice cultivars from distinct origins were chosen, and they were tested using three RAPD markers and seven selected ISSR markers. AgNPs-treated plants using ISSR markers produced 87 amplified bands in total, 45 polymorphic allelic variants, and 36 monomorphic allelic variations. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used in the Mantel test to determine whether there was a significant association between the Jaccard's dissimilarity matrices based on ISSR and RAPD markers (r = 0.69; P 0.05). Morphological characteristics, ISSR, and RAPD analysis were used to partition the UPGMA Dendrogram into two groupings. Jaccard's coefficient was used to analyse the genetic similarity matrix. Sakha Super 300 and Giza 177 had the most genetic similarity (95%) while Sakha 108 and Giza 177 had the lowest genetic similarity (90%) according to ISSR and RAPD study. The classification of rice germplasm, breeding initiatives, and conservation efforts all heavily rely on the determination of genetic diversity within the rice species. To find genetic variations, morphological characteristics, ISSR, and RAPD analysis are useful techniques. The findings demonstrated the large ratio of variation in rice. This work successfully established the possibility of using MgONPs and ZnO NPs as high-performing fertilisers to improve rice output and quality.This study could serve as a guide for future research on rice and could support efforts to understand the species and improve breeding stock.

An Updated Review on Taxonomy and Chemotaxonomy

Taxonomy is a discipline of study that deals with the identification, naming, and categorization of plants. The word taxonomy is derived from the Greek words taxis, which means arrangement, and nomos, which means law. The Convention on Biological Diversity's administration and implementation is supported by the taxonomy's identification and enumeration of its constituent parts. Chemotaxonomy, also known as chemosystematics, is the endeavour to categorise and identify organisms (initially plants) based on biochemical compositional differences and similarities. About 10-25% species of the total over 400,000 species present on the planet Earth are used for human welfare. Plants and their habitats are destroyed for human benefit, and thus, valuable diversity is lost without understanding the utility. The classification and identification of organisms based on verifiable differences and similarities in their biochemical compositions are known as chemotaxonomy, sometimes known as chemosystematics. There are several methods for taxonomizing organisms. Chemotaxonomy-based plant selection is a prerequisite for successful natural product research. The rise of chemotaxonomy is mainly due to the advancement in analytical techniques for chemical analysis that can detect even trace amounts of chemical compounds. The current methodology, particularly for plants, is chemotaxonomy. In a nutshell, the biochemical makeup of plants and animals is used to classify them biologically based on similarities and differences. In this brief overview, problems associated with biodiversity and the use of modern tools to resolve these issues are discussed. In this review, the various plant drugs are discussed related to their various morphology, phytogeography, chemotaxonomy and taxonomy.

A Comprehensive Study of the Coleus Forskohlii Plants Morphology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Qualities

Abstract: In traditional Indian medicine, the herb Coleus forskohlii is used a lot. Forskolin, a diterpenoid used to treat a wide range of illnesses in ancient Ayurvedic medicine, was taken from this plant. Forskolin is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, such as eczema, asthma, psoriasis, heart disease, and high blood pressure. It is thought that the loss of cAMP inside of cells is a key factor in the development of a number of diseases. In light of a number of important new findings, this report gives a full description of the plant's shape, location, medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, analytical methods, cultivation considerations, and biotechnological approaches for forskolin production. This paper talks about everything from the chemical makeup of plants to how they work in the body to how they can be used as medicine.

Nutritional evaluation, phytochemical makeup, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of wild plants utilized as food by the Gaddis-a tribal tribe in the Western Himalayas

Nowadays, it is generally accepted that medicinal plants play a crucial role in traditional healthcare operations, providing hints to new research fields and in biodiversity protection. However, there is a lack of information on the medicinal uses of plants in many of the interior Himalayan regions. In light of this, the current investigation was initiated in the tribally dominant western Himalayan hinterland. The current study examined five underutilized wild edible plants, namely, Allium rubellum, Berberis chitria, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Stellaria aquatica, and Rheum emodi, for their nutritional qualities, phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity, which are consumed as food by the Gaddi community of the Bharmour region of the Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh. In this study, the nutritional makeup of these plants was examined in terms of their carbohydrate, protein, sodium, potassium, crude fiber, and fat content. As compared to other investigated species, A. rubellum has the highest nutritional content: carbohydrate (6.93 mg/g), protein (10.18 mg/g), sodium (3.21 mg/g), potassium (16.32 mg/g), and fiber (6.46%). In addition, phenols, amino acids, tannins, terpenoids, carotenoids, and phytate were found to be the least significant phytochemicals in R. emodi, i.e., 4.81 mg/g, 0.594 mg/g, 2.204 mg/g, 1.482 mg/g, 156 µg/g, and 0.680%, respectively. The methanolic extract of these wild edible plants showed significant free radical scavenging activity by using ABTS and DPPH assays. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of studied plants based on the present study suggested that R. emodi exhibits a maximum zone of inhibition of 20.8 mm against Escherichia coli, whereas S. aquatica showed a maximum inhibition zone of 19.2 mm against S. aureus. The findings of this study validated that these wild edible plants are an alternate source of medicine and are an abundant source of various phytochemicals like protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. These compositions offer dietary benefits, food security, health benefits, and therapeutic advantages. Hence, in the current study, it was analyzed that there is an urgent need for documentation, conservation, characterization, and evaluation of these underutilized plants for their therapeutic purpose and nutritional supplements.

Biodiversity and Health

Abstract Biodiversity underpins all life on Earth, and refers to biological variety in all its forms, from the genetic makeup of plants and animals to cultural diversity. Human health depends upon ecosystem products and services (e.g. availability of fresh water, food and fuel sources) which are requisite for human and animal health. Biodiversity loss can have significant direct human health impacts if ecosystem services are degraded and not able to guarantee social needs. The ecosystems also control disease and stabilize the climate. However, biodiversity loss is occurring at unprecedented rates, impacting human health worldwide, according to the report jointly published by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In this report, awareness is provided to the need to promote integrated approaches to biodiversity and health by highlighting that biodiversity contributes to human health and wellbeing, and emphasizing also that biodiversity needs protection for development to be sustainable. Indirectly, changes in ecosystem services affect livelihoods, income, local migration and, on occasion, may even cause or exacerbate political conflict. Some features will be presented and discussed to describe in detail the most relevant impact that biodiversity has in human health and wellbeing and how the loss of biodiversity can imply risk for animal and human health.

Advantage of Biodiversity to Human Health: A Descriptive Research

Biodiversity underpins all life on Earth, and refers to biological variety in all its forms, from the genetic make-up of plants and animals to cultural diversity. Along with us, many animals also live on the earth on which we live. From micro-organisms to leeches, from tiny plants to giant banyan trees, from rats, squirrels to elephants and hippopotamuses to small fish to the big blue whale, all live together on Earth. The main objective of the study was to describe and analyze current situations, beliefs, ideologies, and attitudes about the advantages for Human health of bio-diversity. Several studies show that there are many things for which we depend on biodiversity and we need to conserve it. Take for example agriculture is incredibly dependent on invertebrates, they help maintain soil health, while many fruits, nuts, and vegetables are pollinated by insects. Additionally, the biological diversity of microorganisms, flora, and fauna provides extensive benefits for biological, health, and pharmacological sciences. Significant medical and pharmacological discoveries are made through a greater understanding of the earth's biodiversity.

Nanoparticles in Agriculture: Characterization, Uptake and Role in Mitigating Heat Stress

Abiotic stresses like heat, drought, and salinity are among the major threats to sustainable crop production. These stresses induce numerous adverse effects in plants by impairing biochemical, physiological and molecular processes, eventually affecting plant growth, development and productivity. The rising temperature is one of the major causes of heat stress in agriculture. The variation in temperature during crop development has led to devastating agricultural losses in terms of yield. To adapt and mitigate these effects, germplasm scientists and agronomists aim to develop heat-tolerant varieties or cultivars. These efforts generally include the identification of alleles responsible for heat tolerance and their introgression into breeding populations through conventional or biotechnological methods. However, heat tolerance is a very complex physio-biochemical response of plants governed by a number of genes positioned at different loci. The accumulation of various additive gene effects into a single genotype is an extremely tedious and time-consuming process in both plant breeding and biotechnology. Recent advancements in agricultural nanotechnology have raised expectations for sustainable productivity without altering the genetic make-up of plants. In this milieu, the application of biologically active nanoparticles (NPs) could be a novel approach to enhance heat tolerance in crops. Recently, the NPs from silver, silicon, titanium and selenium have been proven valuable for plants to combat heat stress by altering their physiological and biochemical responses. Due to nano-scale size and the high surface area along with their slow and steady release, the NPs exert positive effects in plants through their growth-promoting and antioxidant capabilities. In this review, various technologies used for NPs characterization and their applications in agriculture have been discussed. The review further elaborates the uptake mechanism of NPs and their translocation in different plant parts along with the factors affecting them. This article also describes the role of metal or metal oxide NPs, as well as nano, encapsulated plant growth regulators and signal molecules in heat stress tolerance. The review will provide an insight to the scientists working in the area of agricultural sciences to explore new NPs to encounter different types of biotic and abiotic stresses.

Heat stress reveals a specialized variant of the pachytene checkpoint in meiosis of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Plant growth and fertility strongly depend on environmental conditions such as temperature. Remarkably, temperature also influences meiotic recombination and thus, the current climate change will affect the genetic make-up of plants. To better understand the effects of temperature on meiosis, we followed male meiocytes in Arabidopsis thaliana by live cell imaging under three temperature regimes: at 21°C; at heat shock conditions of 30°C and 34°C; after an acclimatization phase of 1 week at 30°C. This work led to a cytological framework of meiotic progression at elevated temperature. We determined that an increase from 21°C to 30°C speeds up meiosis with specific phases being more amenable to heat than others. An acclimatization phase often moderated this effect. A sudden increase to 34°C promoted a faster progression of early prophase compared to 21°C. However, the phase in which cross-overs mature was prolonged at 34°C. Since mutants involved in the recombination pathway largely did not show the extension of this phase at 34°C, we conclude that the delay is recombination-dependent. Further analysis also revealed the involvement of the ATAXIA TELANGIECTASIA MUTATED kinase in this prolongation, indicating the existence of a pachytene checkpoint in plants, yet in a specialized form.

Microorganisms as a Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Biofortification of Iron and Zinc: Status and Prospect to Combat Hidden Hunger

Despite the fact that the world has achieved adequate food grain production to fight the battle against caloric hunger, still, a significant fraction of population is suffering with deficiency of micronutrients like Fe and Zn. However, the dietary intake of these micronutrients could be sufficient to meet the nutritional demand if the bioavailability was not low due to the strong inhibition by phytic acid and phenolics. Another cause behind inadequate intake is the scarcity of plant-available micronutrients in soil and genetic makeup of plants impeding high accumulation. Postharvest fortification is the major strategy to enrich staple food crops with micronutrients, but biofortification of food crops using breeding and agronomic strategies is also gaining popularity. However, one important issue remained unaddressed as none of them could really increase the plant-available micronutrients like Fe or Zn which otherwise remain insoluble in soil. Microorganisms due to their enormous metabolic diversity are known to be key players in biogeochemical cycling. Their roles in improving the uptake of major nutrients by plants are well-known and understood. Enrichment of edible crops with Fe and Zn can be achieved through microorganisms by any of the three following strategies—(a) increased availability of micronutrients due to microbial activity such as production of acids, chelators, and phytohormones; (b) microbe-mediated modulation of micronutrient transporters; and (c) de-complexation of micronutrients from compounds like phytate through microbial activity during postharvest processing. Microbe-mediated biofortification can potentially complement the agronomic and genetic biofortification of staple crops.

Manganese Supply Improves Bread Wheat Productivity, Economic Returns and Grain Biofortification under Conventional and No Tillage Systems

Manganese is an important essential micronutrient, and its deficiency causes latent health issues in humans. Agronomic biofortification can promisingly improve the plant nutrient concentration without changing the genetic makeup of plants. This study was designed to assess the best method of Mn application to enhance productivity and grain Mn contents under conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT) systems. Manganese was delivered through seed coating (250-mg kg−1 seed), osmopriming (0.1-M Mn solution), soil application (1 kg ha−1), and foliar application (0.25-M Mn solution). A general control with no seed Mn application was included, whereas hydropriming and water spray were used as positive control treatments for Mn seed priming and Mn foliar spray, respectively. No tillage had a higher total soil porosity (9%), soil organic carbon (16%), soil microbial biomass carbon (4%), nitrogen (2%), and soil nutrients in the CT system. Manganese nutrition through various methods significantly enhanced the yield, grain biofortification, and net benefits for CT and NT systems. Averaged across two years, the maximum improvement in grain productivity was recorded with osmopriming (28%) followed by foliar application (26%). The highest grain Mn concentration (29% over no application) was recorded with Mn foliar applications under both tillage systems. Moreover, the highest economic returns and marginal net benefits were recorded with osmopriming. To improve the wheat production, profitability, and grain Mn concentration, Mn application through priming and foliar application may be opted.

Specifying DHW heat demand profiles according to operational data: enhancing quality of a DH system model

For a DH network a meticulous analysis is required to detect a correlation of a reduction in energy demand from one year to another. The factors, which lead to such inconsistency, force an energy company (1) to modernize equipment at a consumer side and (2) to lower network operating temperatures. It results into so called fourth generation district heating (4GDH). The current research focuses on large-scale DH systems and DHW as second largest share of heat demand. The heat delays, thermal inertia and DHW consumption patterns are specified further since they might represent a natural heating accumulator. In this case, daily flow changes are considered, as they influence a DH system performance and desirable TES capacity. However, more precise profiles can be achieved by detecting the actual flow curve, and measuring the temperature difference between substation supply and return line. The dimensioning of DH systems requires comprehensive understanding of simultaneity factors. Thus, we consider substations with DHW preparation to choose the optimal size of the heat distribution network according to the new method. Case study is a DH system in Omsk, which includes residential houses (both SH and DHW coverage), and university buildings (more demand results from process heat). The operation of the system was studied for the period from the 1st of January to 31st of December 2020. We suggest a TES with a capacity of 0.04 MWh; based on the traditional temperature range, the volume is about 0.5 m3. Daily compensation time is 2-3 hours, when there is a reduction in the supply flow rate of 1500 t/h with minimum DH plant make-up. The entire DH system requires about 400 t of hot water make-up to reach the quasi-steady state conditions after the night DHW shutdown. Using the threshold of the traditional model, it hardly fits an operational value - it is better set according to novel method (0.1 MW). For similar relations between circulation and DHW flow rates, the systems with a HE result in higher circulating flows than the substations with no one. The consumer benefit from consuming DHW and heat according to more accurate profiles accounts 1.72 billion USD. It is quantified by considering avoiding using a back-up electricity source to ensure DHW service when a DH plant supplies enough heat. Moreover, if a TES is controlled according to the method detailed, it alleviates the stress for intermittent operation by compensating the transients of SH and DHW loads. 4GDH concept should be considered according to: (1) the operational data, (2) new DHW demand assessments, and (3) using TES to buffer peaks.

Modelling selection response in plant-breeding programs using crop models as mechanistic gene-to-phenotype (CGM-G2P) multi-trait link functions

AbstractPlant-breeding programs are designed and operated over multiple cycles to systematically change the genetic makeup of plants to achieve improved trait performance for a Target Population of Environments (TPE). Within each cycle, selection applied to the standing genetic variation within a structured reference population of genotypes (RPG) is the primary mechanism by which breeding programs make the desired genetic changes. Selection operates to change the frequencies of the alleles of the genes controlling trait variation within the RPG. The structure of the RPG and the TPE has important implications for the design of optimal breeding strategies. The breeder’s equation, together with the quantitative genetic theory behind the equation, informs many of the principles for design of breeding programs. The breeder’s equation can take many forms depending on the details of the breeding strategy. Through the genetic changes achieved by selection, the cultivated varieties of crops (cultivars) are improved for use in agriculture. From a breeding perspective, selection for specific trait combinations requires a quantitative link between the effects of the alleles of the genes impacted by selection and the trait phenotypes of plants and their breeding value. This gene-to-phenotype link function provides the G2P map for one to many traits. For complex traits controlled by many genes, the infinitesimal model for trait genetic variation is the dominant G2P model of quantitative genetics. Here we consider motivations and potential benefits of using the hierarchical structure of crop models as CGM-G2P trait link functions in combination with the infinitesimal model for the design and optimization of selection in breeding programs.

CRISPR: Challenges to South African biotechnology law

Genome editing using newly discovered tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 offers the potential to modify the genetic make-up of plants, non-human animals and humans in exact ways. Such genetic modification can serve the purpose of correcting gene defects, and can enhance certain characteristics. Apart from reigniting old ethical debates, genome editing also poses a particular challenge to legal practitioners, as this new technology does not always fit into existing definitional moulds, and it lacks clear legal precedent. In this article, we identify the most salient areas of concern in the South African legal context.

CRISPR: Challenges to South African biotechnology law

Genome editing using newly discovered tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 offers the potential to modify the genetic make-up of plants, non-human animals and humans in exact ways. Such genetic modification can serve the purpose of correcting gene defects, and can enhance certain characteristics. Apart from reigniting old ethical debates, genome editing also poses a particular challenge to legal practitioners, as this new technology does not always fit into existing definitional moulds, and it lacks clear legal precedent. In this article, we identify the most salient areas of concern in the South African legal context.

Harnessing the Potential of Forage Legumes, Alfalfa, Soybean, and Cowpea for Sustainable Agriculture and Global Food Security.

Substantial improvements in access to food and increased purchasing power are driving many people toward consuming nutrition-rich foods causing an unprecedented demand for protein food worldwide, which is expected to rise further. Forage legumes form an important source of feed for livestock and have potential to provide a sustainable solution for food and protein security. Currently, alfalfa is a commercially grown source of forage and feed in many countries. However, soybean and cowpea also have the potential to provide quality forage and fodder for animal use. The cultivation of forage legumes is under threat from changing climatic conditions, indicating the need for breeding cultivars that can sustain and acclimatize to the negative effects of climate change. Recent progress in genetic and genomic tools have facilitated the identification of quantitative trait loci and genes/alleles that can aid in developing forage cultivars through genomics-assisted breeding. Furthermore, transgenic technology can be utilized to manipulate the genetic makeup of plants to improve forage digestibility for better animal performance. In this article, we assess the genetic potential of three important legume crops, alfalfa, soybean, and cowpea in supplying quality fodder and feed for livestock. In addition, we examine the impact of climate change on forage quality and discuss efforts made in enhancing the adaptation of the plant to the abiotic stress conditions. Subsequently, we suggest the application of integrative approaches to achieve adequate forage production amid the unpredictable climatic conditions.

Remote sensing models of structure-related biochemicals and pigments for classification of trees

Abstract Global vegetation distribution is the result of environmental conditions and the genetic make-up of plants. In view of the intensive discussions on climate change and its effect on living organisms on earth, it has become necessary to develop new methods and strategies to monitor and follow the changes in global plant distribution. In this research, we focused on a vegetation analysis using spectral reflectance profiles linked to biochemical concentrations. We performed the spectroscopic measurements of Pistacia species at canopy and leaf levels. Concomitant chemical analyses of leaf and bark materials enabled the development of remote sensing (RS) indices of structure-related biochemicals and pigments. We developed RS indices for cellulose, lignin, chlorophyll, carotenoid, anthocyanin and wax. Since the wax was the least studied in this context and due to the fact that it is the first layer of the plant surface that interacts with the incident light, it deserved special attention and was assumed to affect the spectral reflectance and, in combination with the other biochemicals, to contribute to better species identification. In the modeling process, we showed that apart from the major energy absorption spectral bands related to a given biochemical, there were supplementary bands that had a significant effect on the accuracy of the biochemical content estimation. Another factor affecting the accuracy of the biochemical estimation was the season. Thus, we divided the biochemical content estimation models into seasonal groups of spring, summer and fall. The RS indices developed in this work, together with literature-reported RS indices, were used for Pistacia classification. The accuracy (69%) of species classification was significantly higher in spring at an early vegetation stage than in summer (50%), and fall (37%). As a proof of concept, the same sets of RS indices were also used for classifying the genera and families of various plants in the Mediterranean forest using EO1 Hyperion images. The accuracy of the classification maps was 79%, when the full set of RS indices developed in this work was used.

Removal of total organic carbon (TOC) residues from power plant make-up water by activated carbon

Organic compounds decomposing in high temperature and pressure of a steam boiler plant water–steam cycle result in low molecular weight (LMW) organic acids and carbon dioxide. Subsequently a drop of pH value is observed in condensate which ultimately can cause corrosion. Organics may also contain for example chloride and release it to condensate. Thirdly decomposition products mask online cation conductivity measurements. This paper evaluates the use of activated carbon (AC) filtration as an option to remove the residues of organic compounds present in deionized make-up water. The experimental part was done using continuous flow bench scale AC filters (AC dry volume 3.75l, flow rate 25l/h, water temperature approximately 20°C) at a steam boiler desalination plant. Four commercial ACs were tested and all proved equally efficient removing approximately 42–45% of total and 58–68% of dissolved organic carbon after 30 days of operation. The most efficiently removed organic fractions were LMW neutral compounds, decomposition products of humic substances and hydrophobic compounds. Biopolymers were not effectively removed. Coconut shell based ACs leached more Ca, Mg and Na ions compared to coal based while for silica there were no differences. Pre-acid washing of ACs was efficient in reducing the initial leaching of impurities. However, the differences between acid washed and non-acid washed AC diminished with time. A mixed bed (MB) ion exchanger as a polishing treatment after AC filters is required to control the leaching of impurities.

Exchange rate fluctuations, plant turnover and productivity

In a small open economy, fluctuations in the real exchange rate can affect plant turnover, and thus aggregate productivity, by altering the makeup of plants that populate the market. This paper develops a structural model that captures the effect of plant-level productivity and real exchange rate fluctuations on plant entry and exit decisions, and how this, in turn, affects average industry productivity. Using plant-level data for a single industry, the model's dynamic parameters are estimated in two-stages using the Nested-Pseudo Likelihood algorithm and the Method of Simulated Moments. Simulations of the model are used to investigate the effects of shocks to the exchange rate process on productivity. The results suggest that, given the mechanisms highlighted in the model, transitory and permanent depreciations have similar long-term effects on average industry productivity.

From genomics to functional markers in the era of next-generation sequencing

The availability of complete genome sequences, along with other genomic resources for Arabidopsis, rice, pigeon pea, soybean and other crops, has revolutionized our understanding of the genetic make-up of plants. Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) has facilitated single nucleotide polymorphism discovery in plants. Functionally-characterized sequences can be identified and functional markers (FMs) for important traits can be developed at an ever-increasing ease. FMs are derived from sequence polymorphisms found in allelic variants of a functional gene. Linkage disequilibrium-based association mapping and homologous recombinants have been developed for identification of "perfect" markers for their use in crop improvement practices. Compared with many other molecular markers, FMs derived from the functionally characterized sequence genes using NGS techniques and their use provide opportunities to develop high-yielding plant genotypes resistant to various stresses at a fast pace.