Significant Reduction In Population Research Articles

Effect of seed washing either alone or in combination with garlic extract and Knowin 50WP on quality of jute seeds

Efficacy of seed washing, garlic extract, prewashed seeds treated with garlic extract, Knowin 50 WP (Carbendazim) and prewashed seeds treated with Knowin 50WP were evaluated on seed borne fungi of jute seeds. Nine seed borne fungi were detected on both deshi and tossa jute seed samples collected from sadar upazilla of Barisal district viz., Macrophomina phaseolina, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium spp, Colletotrichum corchori, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium spp. and Alternaria spp.. Physical seed washing and garlic extract were found effective against seed borne diseases of jute which significantly decrease the association of seed borne fungi from jute seeds. Prewashed seeds treated with garlic extract showed highest germination and highest reduction of seed borne mycoflora from desi and tossa jute seeds. Knowin 50WP or prewashed seeds treated with Knowin 50WP were found effective to reduce seed borne fungi from jute seeds. Highest vigor index was obtained in jute seedlings raised from prewashed seeds treated with Garlic or Knowin 50WP. Thus, prewashed seeds treated with Garlic or Knowin 50WP resulting significant reduction of seed-borne fungal population and enhancing seeding vigor.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 318-323

Effects of herbicides and tillage practices on weeds and summer mungbean (Vigna radiata) in wheat (Triticum aestivum)-mungbean cropping sequence

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute to study the weed management strategy in zero-tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT) with and without residue during 2014 and 2015 in summer mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] following residual effects of 4 weed control treatments, comprising of readymix and sequential application of herbicides during previous rabi seasons, 2013-14 and 2014-15 in wheat (Triticum aestivum). Previous season weed-control treatment significantly reduced the broad-leaved, narrow-leaved and total weed population and dry weight in both the years over unweeded control. However, herbicidal treatments did not differ significantly adopted during previous rabi season. Results showed that ZT with residue retention (ZT+R) caused a significant reduction in population and dry weight of weeds compared to CT without residue. Mungbean yield attributes were higher in ZT with residue retention (ZT+R) than conventional-tilled treatments. Previous applied of pendimethalin 1 kg/ha followed by sulfosulfuron 25 g/ha combined with ZT with 5 tonnes/ha residue retention (ZT+R) +75% N + rest N based on GreenSeekerTM (GS) resulting in higher mungbean yield, may be recommended for mungbean production in north-western Indo-Gangetic plains of India in wheat-mungbean sequence.

Apoptotic activity of isoespintanol derivatives in human polymorphonuclear cells

Background: Inflammation is a complex physiopathologic response to different stimuli. Recently, some pharmacological strategies have been proposed that could be used for resolution of inflammation by enhancing apoptosis of inflammatory cells. Objectives: To study in vitro apoptotic activity of isoespintanol [ISO] and of two semi-synthetic derivatives, bromide isoespintanol [BrI] and demethylated isoespintanol [DMI], in human polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells. Methods: PMN were exposed to the different concentrations of ISO, BrI and DMI for 30 min in phosphate-buffered saline pH 7.4 containing 1 mg/mL glucose, 0.4 mM Mg2+, and 1.20 mM Ca2+. Viability was assessed by dimethylthiazol diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). To distinguish between the two modes of cell death, apoptosis and necrosis, we examined differences in morphological and biochemical changes of cells stained with annexin V- FITC (An) and/or propidium iodide (PI) using two different assays based on flow cytometry Results: The MTT assay revealed the ability of cells to reduce MTT salt to formazan. In the presence of BrI and DMI a significant concentration-dependent decrease of cell viability was observed. The annexin V- FITC binding assay showed a high proportion of apoptotic cells for those treated with BrI (An+/ PI-: 62.3 ± 8.2% vs. 2.1 ± 0.5% of control, P<0.05). The population of PMN treated with DMI produced the highest percentage (An+/IP+: 43.4 ± 5.2 % vs. 0.4 ± 0.3 % of control, P<0.05) of necrotic cells. Apoptotic nuclei were analyzed by PI staining. The cell population in the sub G0/G1 region represents cells with hypodiploidal DNA, an indicator of apoptosis. When cells were incubated with 50 and 100 μM of BrI, the cell population in the sub G0/G1 region increased, suggesting a dose-dependent increase in the population of apoptotic cells. The presence of the pan-inhibitor of caspases (Z-VAD-fmk) showed a significant reduction in cell population in the sub G0/G1 region, indicating less degradation of DNA. Conclusions: Bromide isoespintanol [BrI] induces an apoptotic process in PMN, mediated –at least in part– by activation of caspases, although this compound may probably act through other caspase-independent mechanisms as well.

REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY AND ENDOCRINE DISRUPTION OF ORAL AND DERMAL EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDE MIXTURE IN MALE RATS

The current study was performed to assess the risk and hazards of oral & dermal exposure to chlorpyrifos & cypermethrin mixture based on some reproductive & endocrine impaired parameters as well as histopathological alterations & histomorphometric study. Eighty-five Wister male rats (weighing 130-150g) were randomly classified into four groups (a, b, c and d). Each of group (a) and (b) were further subdivided into 5 subgroups used for determination of the oral and dermal LD50. While group (c) and (d) were classified into 3 subgroups which were used for oral and dermal treatments respectively. The first subgroups of (c) and (d) were considered as control. Rats of two subgroups (c) treated orally by 2 doses 4.26 mg/kg (1/20 LD50) and 2.84 mg/kg(1/30 LD50). Rats of two subgroups (d) treated by dermal application of 2 doses70.85mg/kg (1/30 LD50) and 42.51 mg/kg (1/50 LD50). The experiment was conducted for 65 consecutive days. The results revealed that, the tested pesticides mixture caused a significant reduction in reproductive organs weights, sperm count, sperm motility percent, alive sperm percent, pseudocholinesterase and serum testosterone levels in all treated groups especially the dermally treated groups (P≤0.05), moreover there was azoospermia in most of the group of rats treated with high dermal dose. The treated groups showed a significant increase in sperm abnormalities and composite score which represent sperm DNA fragmentation. Moderate to severe histopatholoical alterations were detected in testis and epididymis of treated rats in a dose and route dependant manner in the form of germ cell desquamation, multinucleated giant cells formation and leydig cell vacuolization with disturbance in spermatogenesis. Moreover the histomorphometric parameters analysis detected significant (P≤0.05) reduction of diameter, thickness, endothelium height & lumen of seminiferous tubules and also significant reduction of sertoli cell population. There was significant increase of blood vessel wall thickness. These results indicated that the tested formulation had synergistic effects and induced significant harmful effects on male reproductive system which were more pronounced with dermal exposure.

Targeting season and age for optimizing control of invasive rabbits

ABSTRACTThe effectiveness of invasive species control can be influenced by seasonal fluctuations in reproduction in response to environmental conditions. However, it is difficult to determine how demography and environmental conditions affect the efficacy of different control efforts from field trials alone. We incorporated an ontogenetic growth model into a hierarchical Bayesian mark‐recapture model to estimate age‐structured seasonal survival rates for European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Australia, based on a &gt;15‐year data set. We integrated this demographic information into an individual‐based simulation model, which reproduces seasonal birth‐death processes, to test the effectiveness of pest‐management schemes that differed in intensity, specificity to age groups, and seasonal timing. Control measures that were simulated to affect only juveniles had a negligible effect on population size, whereas targeting subadults and adults led to considerable population declines when applied after the breeding season. Management that affected rabbits of all age groups caused significant population reductions. However, even repeated control efforts that caused 95% mortality each year only resulted in predictions of local population extirpation after an average of 119 calendar weeks in the absence of immigration. Our simulation study supports the use of pest rabbit control methods that account for demographic dynamics explicitly, and target those individuals with high reproductive potential. More broadly, we show that local and temporal population extirpation, or recovery, depends largely on the trade‐off between control intensity and frequency for species with recurrent population oscillations. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.

Influence of probiotics, included in peanut butter, on the fate of selected Salmonella and Listeria strains under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

This study observed the behaviour of probiotics and selected bacterial pathogens co-inoculated into peanut butter during gastrointestinal simulation. Peanut butter homogenates co-inoculated with Salmonella/Listeria strains (5 log CFU ml(-1) ) and lyophilized or cultured probiotics (9 log CFU ml(-1) ) were exposed to simulated gastrointestinal conditions for 24 h at 37°C. Sample pH, titratable acidity and pathogen populations were determined. Agar diffusion assay was performed to assess the inhibitory effect of probiotic culture supernatants with either natural (3·80 (Lactobacillus), 3·78 (Bifidobacteirum) and 5·17 (Streptococcus/Lactococcus)) or neutralized (6·0) pH. Antibacterial effect of crude bacteriocin extracts were also evaluated against the pathogens. After 24 h, samples with probiotics had lower pH and higher titratable acidity than those without probiotics. The presence of probiotics caused a significant reduction (P < 0·05) in pathogen populations. Supernatants of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus cultures inhibited pathogen growth; however, the elevation of pH diminished their antibacterial activities. Crude bacteriocin extracts had a strain-specific inhibitory effect only towards Listeria monocytogenes. Probiotics in 'peanut butter' survived simulated gastrointestinal conditions and inhibited the growth of Salmonella/Listeria. Peanut butter is a plausible carrier to deliver probiotics to improve the gastrointestinal health of children in developing countries.

Fixed dose aluminum sulfate treatment to eradicate the salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris: effects on benthic macroinvertebrates

Gyrodactylus salaris is an ectoparasite invasive to Norway that is highly virulent to pre-smolt stages of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). To eliminate the parasite without killing the salmon host, aqueous aluminum sulfate and sulfuric acid (AlS treatment) have been applied to infested rivers for short durations. When the River Lærdalselva and its tributaries were treated in the summer of 2012, we studied communities of macroinvertebrates in a small stream that received AlS for 18 days. We monitored pH, inorganic aluminum (Ali) and collected quantitative samples of macroinvertebrates. Concentrations of inorganic aluminum (Ali) were generally in the range of 20–50 µg/L, but episodes up to 95 µg/L were recorded. Six of the fourteen recorded macroinvertebrate taxa were, to some degree, negatively affected by the treatment. The acid sensitive ephemeropterans Baetis subalpinus and Baetis rhodani were almost eliminated from the treated site (p < 0.001 for both compared to the untreated site). Halfway into the treatment, abundances of Baetis were approximately 15 individuals per m2 at the treated site. Densities of Baetis at the untreated site were above 250 individuals per m2 throughout the treatment. The plecopteran Isoperla grammatica, the trichopteran Rhyacophila nubila, and the dipterans Chironomidae and Simuliidae also responded to the treatment, but the effects were not as prominent as for Baetis. For R. nubila and I. grammatica, the decline in population sizes could be a behavioral response related to lower prey densities (Baetis, Simuliidae, and Chironomidae). The reduction of Baetis led to a prominent reduction in the number of grazers and scrapers and gatherers/collectors (p = 0.004 for both groups). No such responses were found for the other feeding groups. Significant reductions in populations of Baetis can affect ecosystem functioning and, thereby, have implications for pre-smolt survival following AlS treatments.

Potent anti-angiogenic and cytotoxic effect of conferone on human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells

BackgroundCancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, both in developed and developing countries. Of note, colorectal adenoma encompasses a high rate of gastrointestinal-associated cancer death in human being. Today, different strategies, including surgery approaches, photodynamic therapy, radiation and particularly natural compounds have been extensively used to manage tumor behavior in human body. MethodsThe objective of the present study was to elucidate the multilateral effects of conferone on HT-29 cell lines. In addition to cell cytotoxicity, the extent of lipid peroxidation, MDA formation, catalase, superoxide dismutase and intracellular ROS levels, as markers of oxidative stress, were also studied. P-glycoprotein-mediated cellular efflux effectiveness, anti-angiogenic and finally anti-migratory capacities of conferone-exposed HT-29 cells were monitored over a course of 72h. ResultsIt was found that, conferone mediated cell proliferation arrest and induced cell death through both apoptosis and necrosis phenomena. HT-29 cells, exposed to 20µM conferone, under gone oxidative stress and total content of reactive oxygen species was increased in a time-dependent manner. Intracellular accumulation of rhodamine 123 and cell's swelling under iso- and hypo-osmotic conditions could be related to P-glycoprotein incorrect performance in the presence of conferone. A significant reduction in CD31 positive cells population and in vitro tubulogenesis of endothelial cells was also observed after incubation with conditioned medium collected from 72h conferone-treated HT-29 cells. Conferone also precluded angiogenesis capability of treated HT-29 cells through an altered secretome profile, including vascular endothelial growth factor, Angiopoietin-1 and -2 factors. In addition to anti-angiogenic properties of conferone, a profound decrease in migration capability of HT-29 cells was also evident.

Efficacy of various insecticidal spray schedules against insect pests of soybean

Two sprays were given in the soybean, of which first spray was given against whiteflies, semilooper and girdle beetle at 35 days after germination (DAG) and second spray was given at 55 DAG against gram pod borer and tobacco caterpillar. The significant maximum reduction in white fly population was recorded in case of thiamethoxam 25 WG at 3 and 5 days after spray (DAS) during the years 2012 and 2013, respectively. It was followed by imidacloprid 200 SL, while the significant highest reduction in the larval population of semilooper and girdle beetle was recorded in case of profenophos 50 EC at 3 and 5 (DAS) during the years 2012 and 2013, respectively. It was followed by triazophos 40 EC and dimethoate 30 EC against semilooper and girdle beetle, respectively. In the second spray, indoxacarb 14.5 EC @ 345 ml/ha caused significantly maximum reduction of gram pod borer and tobacco caterpillar larvae at 3 and 5 DAS during the years 2012 and 2013, respectively. Similar trends were also observed at 7 DAS during both the years. The insecticidal spray schedule comprising first spray of triazophos 40 EC @ 1.25 l/ha at 35 DAG followed by second spray of flubendiamide 480 SC @ 100 ml/ha at 55 DAG provided the highest mean seed yield of 1925 kg/ha. The maximum net profit of Rs. 15, 008/ha was obtained in case of spray schedule comprising first spray of triazophos 40 EC @ 1.25 l/ha at 35 DAG followed by second spray of flubendiamide 480 SC @ 100 g/ha at 55 DAG with the maximum cost: benefit ratio of 1: 8.52. The minimum net profit of Rs. 3, 698/ha was obtained in first spray of monocrotophos 36 SL followed by second spray of triazophos 40 EC with the minimum cost: benefit ratio of 1: 3.32.

Use of sulfuryl fluoride in the management of strongly phosphine-resistant insect pest populations in bulk grain storages in Australia

Sulfuryl fluoride (SF), an effective structural fumigant, is registered recently as Profume™ for controlling insect pests of stored grains and processed commodities. Information on its effectiveness in disinfestation of bulk grain, however, is limited. The ongoing problem with the strong level of resistance to phosphine has been addressed recently through deployment of SF as a ‘resistance breaker’ in bulk storages in Australia. This paper discusses important results on the efficacy of SF against key phosphine- resistant insect pests, lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominca, red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae and the rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus. We have established CT (g-hm3) profiles for SF against these insect pests at two temperature regimes 25 and 30°C, that showed that both temperature and exposure period (t) has significant influence on the effectiveness of SF than the concentration. Over a seven days fumigation period, CTs of 800 and 400 g-hm3 achieved complete control of all the target pests, including the most strongly phosphine - resistant species, C. ferrugineus at 25 and 30°C, respectively. Results from four industry scale field trials involving currently registered rate of SF (1500 g-hm3) over 2–14 d exposure period, confirmed its effectiveness in achieving complete control of the target pest species. The assessment of postfumigation grain samples across all the test storages indicated that the reinfestation occurs after three months. Monitoring resistance to phosphine in C. ferrugineus over a six year period (2009–2015), showed a significant reduction in resistant populations after the introduction of SF into the fumigation strategy at problematic storage sites. Overall our research concludes that SF is a good candidate to be used as a ‘resistance breaker’ where phosphine resistance is prevalent.

Weed management and biofertilizer effects on productivity of transplanted rice

Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of weed management and biofertilizer on productivity of transplanted rice variety ‘MTU-7029 (Swarna)’. Experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with 24 treatments, comprising of twelve weed management practices and two nutrient management practices viz. No biofertilizer and biofertilizer (Azotobacter + PSB), replicated thrice. All the herbicidal treatment resulted in significant reduction in total weed dry weight and weed population than weedy check. The higher grain and straw yield was recorded in the plot where pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha fb bispyribac-sodium 50 g/ha was applied. In case of grain yield, it was statistically at par with application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha fb bispyribac-sodium 25 g/ha and weed free check during both the years. The highest net returns and benefit-cost ratio was realized under the application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha fb bispyribac-sodium 25 g/ha and also in biofertilizer applied plot.

Inhibition of CML Stem Cell Renewal By the Porcupine Inhibitor WNT974

Treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) fails to eradicate the leukemia stem cells (LSCs) from which the disease arises. Others and we have shown that extrinsic signals from the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment play an important role in the resistance of CML LSC to TKI treatment. Our studies indicate that microenvironmental Wnt signaling may play a role for in protecting CML LSC from TKI treatment (Blood. 2013; 121(10):1824-38). Wnt secretion and activity requires their palmitoylation by the Porcupine acyltransferase (PORCN). WNT974 is a potent PORCN inhibitor that inhibits Wnt signaling and demonstrates in vivo efficacy against Wnt-dependent tumors (PNAS. 2013; 110(50):20224-9). We have investigated whether WNT974 could sensitize CML stem/progenitor cells to TKI treatment. We observed that CML CD34+ cells show enhanced increased phospho-LRP6 (ser1490) expression, β-catenin protein levels, and colony-forming cell (CFC) growth following exposure to recombinant Wnt3a (200ng/ml) compared to normal CD34+ cells (isolated from cord blood of healthy donors) indicating an enhanced Wnt signaling response. We observed significant upregulation of FZD4 and FZD5 expression in CML compared to normal CD34+ cells on qPCR analysis, which could potentially contribute to their enhanced Wnt sensitivity. CML CD34+ cells enhanced Wnt signaling following co-culture with human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) as evidenced by increased β-catenin expression and nuclear translocation, and increased expression of the Wnt target genes c-Myc, Cyclin-D1, PPARδ, and Axin2. WNT974 exposure reduced Wnt secretion from MSC and inhibited Wnt signaling in CML CD34+ cells both in the absence and presence of MSC. Treatment with WNT974 (1μM) in combination with nilotinib (Nil, 1μM) resulted in significant inhibition of CML CFC growth, both in the presence and absence of MSC, and to a significantly greater extent than the normal CFC growth. Although, no difference in engraftment of normal CD34+ cells treated with individual drugs or combination in immunodeficient mice after 16 weeks was observed, treatment of CML CD34+ cells with WNT974 + Nil resulted in significantly decreased engraftment of BCR-ABL+ CML LSC. We further investigated the effects of WNT974 and Nil on CML hematopoiesis in vivo using a transgenic BCR-ABL mouse model of CML. BM cells from CML mice were transplanted into congenic wild-type FVB/N mice to generate CML-like disease in recipient mice. Three weeks after transplantation, mice were treated with Vehicle, WNT974 (5mg/kg bid p.o), Nil (50mg/kg qd p.o), or the combination for 2 weeks. Treatment with WNT974 + Nil resulted in significantly greater reduction in WBC levels, %neutrophils and myeloid cells (Gr-1+ CD11b+) in the peripheral blood of CML mice compared with Nil alone. Long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LTHSC) and committed progenitors (MPP, CMP, GMP) were significantly reduced in the BM and spleen of mice treated with combination compared to individual drugs. Next, we evaluated subsequent survival of mice after completion of 3 weeks of drug treatment. Whereas all control mice died by 30 days, mice treated with the combination of WNT974 + Nil showed significantly prolonged survival after discontinuation of treatment when compared to individual drug-treated mice (p=0.0146). To assess the effects on LSC self-renewal potential, BM cells from primary drug-treated mice were transplanted into normal secondary recipient mice. At 12 weeks post-transplantation, there was a significant reduction in LTHSC, MPP, and GMP populations in the BM of mice transplanted with cells from primary mice treated with the combination compared with individual drugs, indicating reduced LSC self-renewal. Finally, we evaluated the effect of in vivo treatment on Wnt/β-catenin signaling in leukemic cells. Significant downregulation of c-Myc, Cyclin D1, and Axin2 was seen on qPCR performed on c-Kit+ BM progenitors from mice treated with WNT974 and Nil+WNT974 compared to vehicle treated mice. Therefore, we conclude that inhibition of Wnt secretion and signaling by treatment with the PORCN inhibitor WNT974 effectively and selectively inhibits the self-renewal capacity of CML LSC. These results support the further evaluation of combinations of PORCN inhibitors with TKI treatment for selective targeting of CML LSC. DisclosuresWang:Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research: Employment. Mclaughlin:Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research: Employment.

BOTANICALS- AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MAIZE CYST NEMATODE, HETERODERA ZEAE ON MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)

Maize cyst nematode, Heterodera zeae (Koshy et al.) has been reported to cause significant losses in Rajasthan due to monocropping of maize, favorable soil and environmental conditions and ignorance of management practices. In present investigation, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica), aak (Calotropis procera) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) leaf powder for the management of maize cyst nematode, H. zeae on maize variety PEHM-2. Plant leaf powders were applied at 1, 2 and 4 g/plant as soil amendment at the time of sowing. A treated chemical check (Phorate 2 kg/ha) and untreated check were also maintained for interpretation of experimental results. Results indicated maximum increase in shoot length, root length, shoot weight and root weight which were observed when neem leaf powders were applied at 4 g/plant followed by aak and water hyacinth leaf powders at 4 g/plant. Significant reduction in nematode population viz., cyst/plant, cyst/100 cc soil, eggs and larvae/cyst and larvae/100 cc soil was also observed with neem leaf powders at 4 g/plant over control.

Potential application of corn starch edible films with spice essential oils for the shelf life extension of red meat.

To investigate the effect of corn starch (CS) edible films with spice oils on the stability of raw beef during refrigerated storage. The antimicrobial properties of corn starch films containing 0-4·0% (w/v) ratios of clove (CL) and cinnamon (CI) essential oils (EOs) were tested against seven meat spoilage organisms by zone inhibition test. Effects of CS films containing 3% CL or CI or a mixture of CL+CI were also tested in raw beef stored at 4°C. Meat samples were analysed for pH, microbial counts, colour values and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values for a period of 15days. CS films with CL+CI resulted in a significant reduction in microbial populations in the meat samples and also improved meat colour stability at the end of storage period. The incorporation of spice EOs in CS films may provide antimicrobial and antioxidant activities that could improve the stability of raw meat. Results from this study may be applied in meat industries as an additional barrier to control microbial spoilage as well as lipid oxidation in meat products.

Behavior and bioefficacy of tribenuron-methyl in wheat (Triticum astevum L.) under irrigated agro-ecosystem in India.

Possible bioaccumulation of pesticides in crop produce may cause ill effects on animals and humans. Tribenuron-methyl is a new post-emergence herbicide and is highly efficient to control the broad-leaf weeds in cereals, pasture, and plantation crops. There are scarce studies on its bioefficacy, sensitivity to weeds, tolerance to wheat, and persistence in crop produce, which are important information required before recommending an herbicide for use by the farmers. Weed control efficiency of an herbicide is dose-sensitive and site/soil-specific. Tribenuron-methyl (75% DF) was applied at 22.5 and 45.0 g a.i./ha along with the surfactant 300.12 mL/ha as a tank mixes after 30 days of sowing in wheat as post-emergence herbicide. The samples of wheat foliage, soil, and grains at harvest were processed and analyzed for residues by high-performance liquid chromatography using a UV detector at 240 nm. The study revealed that there was a significant reduction in weed population and dry matter accumulation due to tribenuron-methyl application at a higher dose (45.0 g/ha) compared to a lower dose (of 22.5 g/ha). The weed density was found to be from 16.1 to 44.3 no/m(2) for application rate of 22.5 g/ha while at the 45.0 g/ha application, the weed density was 5.3-5.9 as compared to untreated control, where 184.3-120.5 no/m(2) was observed. The yield varied from 4.30 to 4.80 t/ha as compared to 2.25-3.55 t/ha in unweeded control with the LSD value being 21.5-16.3 to 0.27-0.19. Residues were below detectable level (BDL, <0.005 mg/kg) of tribenuron-methyl since they were detected in wheat grains at 22.5 g a.i./ha rates. However, 0.012 μg/g residues were detected in wheat foliage at an application rate of 45.0 g a.i./ha. It can be concluded that it is safe to use tribenuron-methyl at 22.5 g a.i./ha on wheat crop as post-emergence herbicide.

Population structure and genetic diversity of invasive Phyla canescens: implications for the evolutionary potential

Population bottlenecks during founder events tend to constrict the genetic diversity in introduced populations, thereby limiting their evolutionary potential and subsequent ability to adapt to their new environment. Paradoxically, rapid evolutionary changes have been recently found to be widespread in invasive species and have been proposed as a precursor to successful invasions. Information about population structure, introduction history and genetic diversity is essential for addressing this paradox and testing evolutionary hypotheses for any specific invasive species. In this study, we used microsatellite markers to investigate the genetic properties that may underpin the evolutionary potential of the invasive herb Phyla canescens, for which rapid, selection‐driven evolution has already been demonstrated. Population structure and genetic diversity were compared between the native (South America) and two introduced ranges (eastern Australia and southern France). South American populations included all the 64 alleles found in the study and most individuals belonged to two distinct genetic clusters originating from northwest Argentina and central Argentina respectively. Invasive populations in eastern Australia and southern France were most closely linked to the central Argentine cluster. Microsatellite results also showed both a reduced genetic diversity at the population level, and the occurrence of a significant genetic bottleneck in many introduced populations. Our results suggest that P. canescens can undergo rapid, selection‐driven evolution despite significant population bottlenecks and reductions in diversity. The question about the ‘genetic paradox' for P. canescens therefore is how much genetic diversity is enough to underpin rapid evolution, or whether it is the type of diversity rather than the amount that is important.

Are Biofuels an Effective and Viable Energy Strategy for Industrialized Societies? A Reasoned Overview of Potentials and Limits

In this paper, I analyze the constraints that limit biomass from becoming an alternative, sustainable and efficient energy source, at least in relation to the current metabolism of developed countries. In order to be termed sustainable, the use of an energy source should be technically feasible, economically affordable and environmentally and socially viable, considering society as a whole. Above all, it should meet society’s “metabolic needs,” a fundamental issue that is overlooked in the mainstream biofuels narrative. The EROI (Energy Return on Investment) of biofuels reaches a few units, while the EROI of fossil fuels is 20–30 or higher and has a power density (W/m2) thousands of times higher than the best biofuels, such as sugarcane in Brazil. When metabolic approaches are used it becomes clear that biomass cannot represent an energy carrier able to meet the metabolism of industrialized societies. For our industrial society to rely on “sustainable biofuels” for an important fraction of its energy, most of the agricultural and non-agricultural land would need to be used for crops, and at the same time a radical cut to our pattern of energy consumption would need to be implemented, whilst also achieving a significant population reduction.

Comparative efficacy of neem oil and lambdacyhalothrin against whitefly (Bemesia tabaci) and jassid (Amrasca Devastans Dist.) in okra field

The present study was conducted to investigate the comparative efficacy of neem leaf extracts and lambdacyhalothrin against whitefly and jassid in okra field. Four okra cultivars (SABZ PARI, SADA BAHAR, PUS A SAWANI, ARKA and ANAMIKA) were grown in field with four replication. Five neem oil concentrations (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 percent) and a synthetic insecticide (Lambdacyhalothrin 2.5EC) @ 330 mL acre−1 were applied to evaluate efficacy effects on targeted insects population. Distilled water was used as control. The plots treated with synthetic insecticide and the leaf extracts against targeted pests had significantly (P > 0.05) suppressed insect population as compared to control. After 1st spray, no significant (P > 0.05) reduction in pest populations were observed after 24 hours. However, significant (P 0.05) impact on yield parameter (yield). We conclude that Lambdacyhalothrin and neem oil @ 4 and 5% concentration are equally effective in controlling jassid and have same impact on yield of okra plant.

PTH-095 Oral carbon therapy is associated with a selective modulation of the microbiome in cirrhotic rats which is associated with a significant reduction in inflammatory activation

<h3>Introduction</h3> The host-microbiome interaction is pathological in cirrhosis promoting a dysregulated inflammatory response resulting in organ injury and diminished survival. Yaq-001 is an oral non-absorpable carbon shown to result in improvement in hepatic haemodynamics and markers of liver injury but the mechanism of how this is achieved in unknown. The aims of this study were to determine whether the beneficial effects of Yaq-001 was related to the composition and associated functional state of the microbiome in bile-duct ligated cirrhotic animals. <h3>Method</h3> BDL (n = 12) or sham (n = 12) rats were randomised to treatment with Yaq-001 (Yaqrit Ltd. UK) from weeks 2–4. Analysis of urine samples was performed using ¹NMRs. Bacterial DNA from stool was extracted, amplified and sequenced. Arterial plasma was co-incubated with HEK-Blue hTLR4 and IL-1β/IL-18 reporter cell lines. Constitutive ROS and LPS-induced ROS production from circulating monocyte populations was determined using flow cytometry. <h3>Results</h3> BDL was associated with a significant reduction in Peptidostreptococcaceae and Clostridium XI (p &lt; 0.05) in stool compared to sham controls. Carbon therapy was associated with significant increases in firmicutes, in particular clostridia populations in stool with significant reductions in bacteroides populations (p &lt; 0.05). Functionally, BDL rats were found to have significantly higher urinary bile acids, Trimethylamine N-oxide, benzoate, glycine, acetate and lactate than sham controls (p &lt; 0.05). Significantly lower levels of citrate, dimethylamine (DMA) and creatinine were observed in BDL compared to sham animals (p &lt; 0.05). Carbon treatment results in a significant increase in urinary creatinineand bile acids and reduction in urinary glycine (p &lt; 0.05). A significant increase in IL18/IL1B expression was observed in untreated BDL rats compared to sham which was significantly attenuated with carbon treatment (p &lt; 0.05). Monocyte LPS-induced ROS production was significantly higher in BDL rats but attenuated with carbon treatment (p &lt; 0.05). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The results of this study show that Yaq-001, which is a non-specific adsorbent has substantial effects on the composition and function of the microbiome in cirrhotic rats and positively modulates the function of monocytes regarding ROS production and inflammasome activation. These data provide compelling evidence that the gut bacterial products are important in mediating immune dysfunction in cirrhosis and is a target of therapy. <h3>Disclosure of interest</h3> None Declared.

Insecticidal Potential of Clove Essential Oil and Its Constituents on Cacopsylla chinensis (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in Laboratory and Field.

Cacopsylla chinensis (Yang and Li) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is an important pest of pear in China. As an alternative to conventional chemical pesticides, botanicals including essential oils and their constituents could provide an eco-friendly and nonhazardous control method. In this study, the essential oil of clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum) was obtained by hydrodistillation. Five constituents, accounting for 99.89% of the oil, were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the major constituents were eugenol (88.61%) and eugenol acetate (8.89%), followed by β-caryophyllene (1.89%). In a laboratory bioassay, clove essential oil, commercial eugenol (99.00%) and β-caryophyllene (98.00%) exhibited strong contact toxicity against the summerform adults of C. chinensis with LD50 values of 0.730, 0.673, and 0.708 µg/adult, and against the nymphs with LD50 values of 1.795, 1.668, and 1.770 µg/nymph, respectively. In contrast, commercial eugenol acetate (98%) had LD50 values of 9.266 µg/adult and 9.942 µg/nymph. In a field trial, clove essential oil caused significant population reductions of 73.01% (4.80 mg/ml), 66.18% (2.40 mg/ml) and 46.56% (1.20 mg/ml), respectively. Our results demonstrated that clove essential oil and its constituents have potential as a source of natural insecticides.