Super Green Research Articles

GENETIC STUDIES FOR SOME YIELD-RELATED TRAITS IN OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS L.)

Okra is a traditional vegetable famous for its nutritional value. It is a perfect villager's vegetable due to its robust nature, dietary fiber, and seed protein balance of both tryptophan and lysine. The research was carried out in the research area of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Cross combinations among 3 lines (Patel, Selection Super Green, and 19234) and 3 testers (IQRA-III, Perbhani Karanti, and Sabz Pari) were developed by using line × tester design. Crossed seeds along with parents were grown in the field under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data for various morphological traits was collected and analyzed statistically through analysis of variance and used to assess GCA, SCA, and gene action. Genotype 19234 exhibited maximum significant GCA (-11.4) for plant height in the negative direction and genotype Selection super Green proved a good general combiner for fruit weight, fruit diameter, and first flowering node, exhibiting values of 3.21, 1.191, and -0.89. IQRA-III (3.00), Patel (2.00), and Perbhani Karanti (1.11) exhibited significant GCA for number of fruits per plant. Line 19234 observed a good general combiner for crude fat (0.28), ash (5.43), and protein (0.39). Cross combination Patel × Perbhani exhibited the highest SCA for the number of fruits (7.78) followed by Selection Super Green × Sabz Pari (4.78) hence can be exploited for heterosis breeding. Cross combination Selection Super Green × Perbhani Karanti exhibited the highest significant SCA for plant height (-7.60) and Selection Super Green × IQRA-III displayed the maximum significant SCA value (2.26) for crude fat. Line Patel proved a good general combiner for most of the yield-related traits. Based on GCA and SCA, line 19234 can be used to enhance quality traits and cross combination Patel × Perbhani Karanti can be used to increase the number of fruits per plant.

Grafting improves the growth and yield of Cucumis sativus plants grown under salinity stresses by modulating antioxidant enzymes, water status and nutrient uptake

The purpose of this research was to determine if salt-tolerant rootstock could be used to increase cucumber yield and quality in saline environments. Greenhouse experiments were conducted for 2020 and 2021, with five salt stress-tolerant rootstocks (Super Green (squash hybrid, Modesto seeds company, Modesto, California 95357, U.S.A.), Just (squash hybrid, American Takii seeds, California, U.S.A.), bottle gourd 1 (Legenaria siceraria, PI 491352), bottle gourd 2 (Legenaria siceraria, PI 491365), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. Colocynthoides), and Laurens (cucumber cultivar, Enza Zaden, Enkhuizen, Netherlands) and salt-sensitive genotypes of Luerans (scion). Specimens of these genotypes were subjected to distinct salinity levels of 0, 50, 100, and 150 mM (NaCl). The morphophysiological responses of these genotypes to salt stress were evaluated. Under normal and stressful conditions, the plant height, leaf area (LA), leaf water content (LWC), number of leaves, root dry matter, shoot dry matter, rates of leaf appearance and stem elongation, fruit yield, and quality increased significantly in grafted cucumber plants compared with non-grafted individuals (control). Similar findings were noted in the physiological properties of antioxidant enzymes, proline content, and leaf nutrient concentration (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Na). Grafting of Luerans on five rootstocks significantly elevated the antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase) activity level, increased proline accumulation, and reduced leaf sodium (Na) content.

Varietal preference and efficacy of various chemicals against red pumpkin beetle (Aulacophora foveicollis L.) (Coleoptera: chrysomelidae) in different cucumber (Cucumis sativus) cultivars

Experiments were conducted to determine the resistance level of different cultivars and study the efficacy of various synthetic insecticides against red pumpkin beetle (Aulocohphora foveicollis) at the New Developmental Malakandir Farm, the University of Agriculture Peshawar, during 2018. In the first experimental trial, data were collected on the mean population density of red pumpkin beetle on three cultivars (Desi, Super Green and Madam-560) of cucumber crop. While in the second experiment, three insecticides (Carbaryl, Cypermethrin, Malathion) and an Untreated/Control were used to study the effect of these insecticides on Desi (susceptible) and Madam 560 (resistant) cultivars regarding red pumpkin beetle on cucumber cultivar. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used in this experiment. The data on the relevant parameters were recorded at weekly intervals for eleven (1st experiment) and four weeks (2nd experiment) i.e., till termination of the experiments. During first experiment, it was observed that significantly lowest population density of red pumpkin beetle (0.82) per plant and highest yield (8981.3 kg ha-1) was observed from Madam 560, while significantly highest mean population density of red pumpkin beetle (4.06) per plant and lowest yield (7313.7 kg ha-1) was obtained from Desi cultivar. Significantly maximum mean number of red pumpkin beetle plant-1 was recorded in the seventh week (29 May) from Desi, Super Green and Madam 560 cultivars with 6.41, 4.50 and 1.62 beetle plant-1, respectively. During the cropping season, mean population density of red pumpkin beetle plant-1 reached its peak in the seventh week (29 May). After 7th week, a gradual decline was occurred in the mean population density of red pumpkin beetle plant 1. In second experiment, lowest mean population density of red pumpkin beetle adults plant-1 (0.12), area of consumption (3.12 mm2), percentage weight loss (1.60 %) and highest yield (21555 kg ha-1) was recorded from Madam 560 treated with Carbaryl, while highest mean population density of red pumpkin beetle adult plant-1 (7.09), area of consumption (36.11 mm2), percentage weight loss (17.27%) and lowest yield (7247 kg ha-1) was recorded from untreated Desi cultivar. It was followed by untreated Madam 560 cultivar where 5.40, 25.92 mm2, 13.20% and 8766 kg ha 1. Madam 560 is significantly better cultivar than Super Green and Desi, as this cultivar results in lowest population density of red pumpkin beetle and highest yield of cucumber fruit. Carbaryl is significantly better as compared to Malathion and Cypermethrin because it reduces the population of red pumpkin beetle.

Evaluation of cabbage varieties for resistance to clubroot pathogens, Plasmodiophora brassicae woronin in Dhankuta, Nepal

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the varietal resistance of cabbage against club root disease, Plasmodiophora brassicae Woronin, in a naturally infested field in Sindhuwa, Dhankuta. It was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) of three replications and seven treatments, viz., T1: Green Coronet, T2: Nepa Green 777, T3: Big Sun 171, T4: Yr Honam, T5: Big Sun 111, T6: Super Green, and T7: Nepa Star. The plant height was comparatively greater in Green Coronet and Super Green in 60 DAT. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the number of leaves. Big Sun 111 and Yr Honam did not show any signs of galling or clubroot, indicating a significantly higher resistance. Despite not being afflicted by clubroot, Nepa star produced less than satisfying results due to black rot and early head decay. The maximum average head weight and marketable cabbage yield were recorded as being highest in Big Sun 111 (2.56 kg) and Yr Honam (2.24 kg). Furthermore, the yield from Big Sun 171 (1.93 kg) and Nepa Green 777 (1.84 kg) was satisfactory, despite the higher PDI (percentage disease index) (40.33%) and (61.04%), respectively. Disease incidence was zero in Big Sun 111, Yr Honam, and Nepa Star. In terms of productivity and disease resistance, Big Sun 111 (160.13 Mt/ha) and Yr Honam (140.51 Mt/ha) provide the best results, which may be beneficial to farmers who face costly and lengthy disease control practices.

Association mapping for abiotic stress tolerance using heat- and drought-related syntenic markers in okra.

Considerable production losses are caused by heat and drought stress in okra. Germplasm evaluation at genetic level is essential for the selection of promising genotypes. Lack of genomic information of okra limits the use of genetic markers. However, syntenic markers of some related family could be used for molecular characterization of major economic traits. Herein, 56 okra genotypes were evaluated for drought and heat tolerance. Sixty-one expressed sequence tags (ESTs) identified for heat and drought tolerance in cotton were searched from literature surveys and databases. The identified ESTs were BLAST searched into okra unigene database. Primers of selected okra unigenes were synthesized and amplified in all genotypes using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol. Marker trait association (MTA) of the syntenic unigenes were identified between genotypic and phenotypic data on the basis of linkage disequilibrium Functional syntenic analysis revealed that out of these 61 cotton ESTs 55 had functional homology with okra unigenes. These 55 unigenes were used as markers for further analysis (amplification). Okra genotypes showed significance variations for all the physo-morphological parameters under heat and drought stress. Genotypes Perbhani Karanti, IQRA-III, Selection Super Green, Anmol and Line Bourd performed better under drought stress whereas genotypes Perbhani Karanti, IQRA-III, Green Gold, OK-1501 and Selection Super Green showed heat tolerance. Fifty markers showed amplification in okra. Fifty-six okra genotypes were clustered into three distinct populations. LD analysis has shown most significant linkage between markers Unigene43786 and Unigene3662. MTAs using MLM and GLM models revealed that 23 markers have significant associations (p < 0.05) with different traits under control and stressed conditions. Relative water content is associated with four markers (Unigene10673, Unigene99547, Unigene152901, and Unigene129684) under drought conditions. Whereas, Electrolyte leakage was associated with 3 markers (Unigene109922, Unigene28667 and Unigene146907) under heat stress. These identified unigenes may be helpful in the development of drought and heat tolerant genotypes in okra.

Varietal preference and efficacy of various chemicals against red pumpkin beetle (Aulacophora foveicollis L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in different cucumber (Cucumis sativus) cultivars

Experiments were conducted to determine the resistance level of different cultivars and study the efficacy of various synthetic insecticides against red pumpkin beetle (Aulocohphora foveicollis) at the New Developmental Malakandir Farm, the University of Agriculture Peshawar, during 2018. In the first experimental trial, data were collected on the mean population density of red pumpkin beetle on three cultivars (Desi, Super Green and Madam-560) of cucumber crop. While in the second experiment, three insecticides (Carbaryl, Cypermethrin, and Malathion) and an Untreated/Control were used to study the effect of these insecticides on Desi (susceptible) and Madam 560 (resistant) cultivars regarding red pumpkin beetle on cucumber cultivar. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used in this experiment. The data on the relevant parameters were recorded at weekly intervals for eleven (1st experiment) and four weeks (2nd experiment) i.e. till termination of the experiments. During first experiment, it was observed that significantly lowest population density of red pumpkin beetle (0.82) per plant and highest yield (8981.3 kg ha-1) was observed from Madam 560, while significantly highest mean population density of red pumpkin beetle (4.06) per plant and lowest yield (7313.7 kg ha-1) was obtained from Desi cultivar. Significantly maximum mean number of red pumpkin beetle plant-1 was recorded in the seventh week (29 May) from Desi, Super Green and Madam 560 cultivars with 6.41, 4.50 and 1.62 beetle plant-1, respectively. During the cropping season, mean population density of red pumpkin beetle plant-1 reached its peak in the seventh week (29 May). After 7th week, a gradual decline was occurred in the mean population density of red pumpkin beetle plant-1. In second experiment, lowest mean population density of red pumpkin beetle adults plant-1 (0.12), area of consumption (3.12 mm2), percentage weight loss (1.60%) and highest yield (21555 kg ha-1) was recorded from Madam 560 treated with Carbaryl, while highest mean population density of red pumpkin beetle adult plant-1 (7.09), area of consumption (36.11 mm2), percentage weight loss (17.27%) and lowest yield (7247 kg ha-1) was recorded from untreated Desi cultivar. It was followed by untreated Madam 560 cultivar where 5.40, 25.92 mm2, 13.20% and 8766 kg ha-1. Madam 560 is significantly better cultivar than Super Green and Desi, as this cultivar results in lowest population density of red pumpkin beetle and highest yield of cucumber fruit. Carbaryl is significantly better as compared to Malathion and Cypermethrin because it reduces the population of red pumpkin beetle.

Pre-sowing Seed Treatments of Magnetic field, Electric field and Chemicals on Seedling Characters of Okra (Abhelomoschus esculentus) variety- Super green

The experiment was conducted in post graduate Seed Testing Laboratory Department of Genetics andPlant Breeding, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P)during Rabi season 2020-2021, in order to standardize the suitable Pre-sowing seed treatment for Okra(VNR-Super Green). Different Pre-sowing seed treatments viz., T0-Control (Untreated), T1- Magnetic Field@ 100mt -15 Minutes, T2- Magnetic Field @200mt- 20 Minutes, T3- Electric Field @250mA-10 minutes, T4-Electricfield@300mA-15 minutes,T5-Nacl@0.2% -12 hours, T6 Nacl @0.3%-14hours, T7- Mgso4@0.3% for 4hours, T8- Mgso4@0.4%-8 hours, T9-zno @0.2%-6 hours, T10 Zno@0.4%-12 hours, T11- Ascorbic acid@0.3%-6hours, T12-Ascorbic acid @0.3%-8 hours. It was found that all the Pre-sowing seed treatments recorded thesignificant difference with that of control. In lab condition highest germination percentage, shoot length,root length, seedling length, fresh weight, dry weight, seed vigour index-I, seed vigour index-II was foundin T3-Electric @250mA-10 minutes. Pre-sowing seed treatment with electric @ 250mA-10 minutes followedby T12@0.3%-8 hours, Nacl@0.2%-12 hours significantly increased the germination percentage, shoot length,root length, seedling length, seed vigour index-I, seed vigour index-II of Okra seeds and found to be lowestin control seeds. Pre-sowing seed treatment leads to a physiological condition that allows the seed togerminate more effectively and no costly equipment and chemical requirements could be used. Hence it isa simple method for overcoming weak germination and seedling establishment and helps to preserveagriculture and economical, non-toxic, eco-friendly sources.

P-OGC78 One year experience of a newly established super green ERAS pathway for performing oesophago-gastric cancer resections during the Covid-19 pandemic

BackgroundSurgical oncology services in the UK have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Various strategies have been employed in an attempt to continue cancer resectional surgery during the pandemic. This study examined our institution’s experience and outcomes with a newly established Super Green ERAS pathway for oesophago-gastric (OG) cancer resections during the pandemic.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who had a resection for OG cancer performed over a 12-month period beginning from the date of the first UK National Lockdown of 23 March 2020. Barring two intervals each lasting 3 weeks, urgent elective cancer surgery continued on our mixed hot and cold site through the establishment of a Super Green ERAS pathway.Patients were confirmed COVID-19 negative within 72 hours pre-admission and retested 72-hourly post-op. 14 days self-isolation pre-admission was mandated. Patients not complying had their surgery postponed. Transhiatal oesophagectomy was the preferred approach for oesophagectomy during the pandemic. Results45 resections (33 oesophagectomies, 10 gastrectomies and 2 trial of dissections) were performed. 37 (82.2%) patients were male with a median age of 64 (IQR 58-71) years. 3 patients were postponed due to non-adherence with self-isolation.No patients tested positive for COVID-19 post-operatively, hence, there was no COVID-19-related morbidity. Nine patients developed pneumonia. Seven patients had an anastomotic leak, all of whom were successfully rescued. One patient required a clamshell thoracotomy due to intra-operative mediastinal bleeding followed by a return to theatre for reconstruction 48hrs later. Median length of stay was 12 (IQR 9-18) days. There was no in-hospital mortality.ConclusionsOG cancer resections can be performed safely despite COVID-19, with favorable clinical outcomes when a Super Green ERAS pathway is strictly adhered to. Implementation of such pathways will enable surgical oncology services, including OG cancer resections, to continue to ensure best possible outcomes for cancer patients despite any future waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Studies on combining ability for yield and contributing traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Fifty-seven lines of okra including ten parents, forty-five hybrids and two standard checks were evaluated in Randomized Block Design with two replications. Combining ability was carried out to study comparisons of lines in combinations for the traits days to 50% flowering, plant height at harvest, the number of branches per plant, the number of nodes per plant, days to first picking, the number of fruits per plant, the mean length of fruit, the mean weight of fruit, yield per plant , yield per plot , yield per hectare and reaction to yellow vein mosaic disease. The result revealed that the variance to general combining ability (gca) is less than specific combining ability (sca), ratio of that is less than unity indicated preponderance of non additive gene action for all the traits. The parent Akola Bahar was good general combiner, whereas, cross combination Shagun x VNR (Super Green) recorded a significant specific combining ability (sca) effects as far as yield is concerned. Key wordsGeneral combining ability, Specific combining ability, Fruit yield, Okra, Combining ability.

Description of new high yielding forage Avena Sativa L. cultivar ‘Super Green Oats’

Oat [Avena sativa (L.)] cultivar “Super Green Oats” was developed through conventional breeding methods by the Fodder Research Institute, Sargodha, and released as general cultivar in 2020. Commercial cultivar is an advanced line of “FRI-03” which is derived from cross of parental accessions (No. 668 × No. 632) and subsequent selections in various segregating populations (F2 - F6), through pedigree methods having uniformity &gt; 99%. Cultivar had 9% and 15% forage yield advantage over commercial check “Sargodha-Oat 2011” during 2014 and 2015 station trials while it gave 9% higher fodder yield during 2016-17 during zonal trials over commercial check.. It is green, tall, multi-tillering, with slight later in maturing cultivar and produce light brown seed. It has many desirable forage quality traits, including high palatability (82%), protein content (10%) and had resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. It flower about 10 days later than standard check variety. Moreover, it has higher stability (coefficient of regression bi = 1.06) calculated over 3 environments for 2 years. Its robust yield combine with high palatability and high protein contents than standard check and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress show that Super Green Oat will be highly useful cultivars in both irrigated and arid region of Punjab Province. Moreover, the cultivar will be potential parent for the development of new pedigrees for the genetic improvement of oat germplasm.

167 The Experience and Outcomes of Elective Urgent and Cancer Surgery in A District General Hospital in The United Kingdom During Covid-19 Pandemic

BackgroundMany urgent and elective surgeries were postponed to cope with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, with latest data found a substantial postoperative mortality risk (25·6%, 18.9%) after emergency and elective surgery, respectively.Our institution was one of the first trust to offer essential elective surgery using a “COVID-free” designated site during the start of the pandemic.The aim of this study is to analyse the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent essential elective procedures during the virus outbreak in the UK.MethodRetrospective analysis of outcomes all patients who had undergone urgent elective and cancer surgery, from 30th March 2020 to 21st May 2020, using an implemented “Super Green Pathway”.The primary endpoints were 30 days mortality and COVID related morbidities, and the secondary endpoints were surgical related complications and oncological outcomes.Results92 patients (Male:45%; Female:55%) across 5 surgical specialties were identified. There was no record of mortality in our cohort. Only 1 patient was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 18 days after the initial operation without any pulmonary complications.ConclusionsIt is possible to mitigate the high mortality risk of postoperative complications associated with COVID-19, with no delay to essential surgeries for cancer patients, thus delivering safe practice during the pandemic.

The ‘’Super Green Pathway’’; What have we learned so far? The experience and outcomes of elective urgent and cancer surgery in a District General Hospital in the United Kingdom during Covid-19 Pandemic

Background: The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had so far claimed more than 600 000 lives worldwide. Many urgent and elective surgeries were postponed to cope with the pandemic, with latest data found a substantial postoperative mortality risk (18.9%) after emergency and elective surgery, respectively [1]. Our institution was one of the first few in the country to offer essential elective surgery using a “COVID-free” designated site during the start of the pandemic.

The “Super Green Pathway”; What Have We Learned So Far?

Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had so far claimed more than 600 000 lives worldwide. Many urgent and elective surgeries were postponed to cope with the pandemic, with the latest data found a substantial postoperative mortality risk (25.6%, 18.9%) after an emergency and elective surgery, respectively. Our institution was one of the first few in the country to offer essential elective surgery using a “COVID-free” designated site during the start of the pandemic. This study aims to analyze the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent essential elective procedures during the virus outbreak in the UK. Methods Retrospective analysis of outcomes of all patients who had undergone urgent elective and cancer surgery, from 30th March 2020 to 21st May 2020, using an implemented “Super Green Pathway.” The primary endpoints were 30 days mortality and COVID-related morbidities, and the secondary end-points were surgically related complications and oncological outcomes. Results A total of 92 patients (Male: 45%; Female: 55%) across 5 surgical specialties were identified. There was no record of mortality in our cohort. Only 1 patient was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 18 days after the initial operation without any pulmonary complications. There were 7 postoperative surgical complications managed at the acute hospital site. The waiting time for surgery ranges from 6 to 191 days, mean of 30 days, and a median of 23 days. Conclusion It is possible to mitigate the high mortality risk of post-operative complications associated with COVID-19, with no delay to essential surgeries for cancer patients, thus delivering safe practice during the pandemic.

Wound healing is promoted by Musa paradisiaca (banana) extract in diabetic rats.

Impairments in wound healing commonly occur among patients with diabetes. Herbal medicines have a long history of usage in wound care management. Super green (SG) is a newly discovered natural product obtained from Musa paradisiaca. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the topical application of SG in healing surgical wounds in diabetic rats. Wistar rats received a one-time intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to induce type 1 diabetes. Full-thickness excisional skin wounds were created on the backs of the rats. The relevant groups were topically treated with the indicated concentrations of SG or vehicle dressing throughout the study duration. Histological analysis was performed and the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines were measured to evaluate the improvement of wound closure. The wound area ratio of the SG (1/6000 dilution)-treated group was greatly reduced compared to that of the vehicle-treated group. The histological analysis showed fewer inflammatory cells, accelerated re-epithelialization, and increased collagen deposition in SG 1/6000-treated wounds. The gene expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 were decreased and the levels of type I and type III collagen were increased after SG treatment. These results show that the most therapeutically efficacious concentration of SG (1/6000 dilution) can enhance wound repair in diabetic rats. SG has the potential to be a new treatment strategy for diabetic wounds.

The choice of new private and benefit cars vs. climate and transportation policy in Sweden

Dedicated to show climate leadership, Sweden has committed to cut 70% of greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions in the domestic transportation sector by 2030 compared to 2010 levels (except flights). This study evaluated the environmental impacts of three recent new car policies. Based on questionnaires and market supply data, multinomial logit discrete choice models were developed for private buyers and individuals with company cars for private use, denoted benefit cars. Estimates indicated that preferences among individuals with benefit cars were generally in favor of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) as compared to gasoline cars, in contrast with private consumers (ceteris paribus). Thus, the company car market seemed to be the main gateway for AFVs into the fleet; however, average GHG emissions per car sold were similar in both buyer segments, which was likely related to stronger preferences for larger and more expensive benefit cars. The results indicated that subsidies to private buyers would be influential only if they decreased the costs of AFVs as compared to conventional vehicles, and that none of the investigated policies had been very effective in shifting choices in favor of AFVs. Reduced fringe benefits tax for AFVs, annually worth up to €1100, resulted in only 0.7% lower average carbon emissions. A ‘Super Green Car’ premium, worth approximately €2000–€4000 at the time of purchase, decreased emissions by 0.4% among private consumers, twice the impact of a five-year tax-exemption for ‘Green Cars’. It appears that more stringent policies are needed to more substantially reduce GHG emissions from new cars.

Varietal Screening of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentusl. Moench ) Against Okra Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus Under Different Management Practices at Paklihawa, Rupandehi, Nepal

The experiment was conducted in the Horticulture farm of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Paklihawa, Rupandehi, Nepal from March, 2017 to June, 2017 to screen the varieties of okra against Okra yellow vein mosaic virus under different management practices. The experiment was laid out in two factorial Split plot design and replicated three times. Five varieties of okra viz. Parvati, Arka Anamika, NOH-15, Super Green and Julie were used and five treatments viz. Jholmol (1:5), Azadiracthin (5ml/L), Imidacloprid (2ml/L), cow milk (100ml/L) and control (distilled water) were used as foliar spray on plants. The chlorophyll content of the leaves was higher in Julie followed by Arka Anamika. The white fly count was found to be reduced after the application of treatments in the succeeding date in almost all varieties. The efficiency of the management practices was found to be significant with Super Green and Julie varieties with least Percent Disease Incidence(PDI) value and in par with each other. Imidacloprid and Azadiractin had the leastPDI value and the combination of Super Green variety with Imidacloprid, Super Green with Jholmol, Super Green with cow milk, Julie with Imidacloprid, NOH-15 with Imidacloprid were found resistant. Similarly, the highest yield was obtained in Julie with Imidaclropid combination. However, due to the maximum waiting period of this chemical as well as its negative impact on human and plant health, Julie with Azadirachtin combination can be suggested to farmers to have eco-friendly management of Okra yellow vein mosaic virus.

A Model to Study the Phenotypic Changes of Insect Cell Transfection by Copepod Super Green Fluorescent Protein (cop-GFP) in Baculovirus Expression System.

Background:Baculovirus expression system is one of the most attractive and powerful eukaryotic expression systems for the production of recombinant proteins. The presence of a biomarker is required to monitor transfection efficiency or protein expression levels in insect cells. Methods:The aim of this study was to construct a baculovirus expression vector encoding a copepod super green fluorescent protein (copGFP). In this light, the resultant vector was constructed and used for transfection of Spodoptera frugiperda cells. Results:Expression of the copGFP protein in insect cells was confirmed by fluorescent microscopy and Western-blot analysis. Conclusion:The application of copGFP control bacmid can be considered as an appropriate control for insect cell transfection.

Different shades of green on small islands

Many small islands exist as tourism destinations worldwide. In the 1990s, the growth of environmental consciousness led some small islands to question their mass tourism offers and to refocus on more sustainable propositions. However, it remains unclear whether hospitality firms see these sustainability related efforts as drivers of success and whether tourists value this dimension when choosing or recommending a destination. This study chose a small island destination to address these questions using data covering firm and tourism perceptions of green products. The results show that tourists tend to value green efforts with different intensities, corresponding to three segments: Light Green, Green, and Super Green. These findings should help hotels adjust their communication strategies and develop new services. Further, destination marketing organizations can devise a consistent destination strategy, integrating all stakeholders by including their most valued concepts.

超環境オフィスビルの外観を形成する高強度コンクリート躯体─清水建設（株）新本社の概要─

2012年5月に竣工した清水建設（株）新本社は，省エネと快適性の両立，非常時の事業継続性（BCP）に注力した「超環境オフィス」である。本建物の外観を形成するのは，アルミキャストで覆われたPCフレームと本実（ほんざね）型枠を用いた打放し仕様の門形柱であり，いずれも新たなものづくりを追求した高強度コンクリート躯体である。これらの独創的な躯体は，意匠，構造から施工までの設計・技術者の有機的な連携と様々な性能検証によって実現した。

The interactive effect of heavy metals and UV-B radiation on two cucumber cultivars

The effects of supplemental UV-B (sUV-B) irradiance, and Cd and Ni treatment alone and in combination were evaluated on heavy metal accumulation, and growth, biomass, and yield responses in 2 cucumber cultivars (Cucumis sativus L. cultivars Local Super Green and Tripti-19). Responses to the combined application of Cd and Ni in both cultivars were antagonistic. Cultivar Tripti-19 showed more sensitivity in terms of yield response towards sUV-B and heavy metals than did Local Super Green. sUV-B exposure increased the concentration of Cd/Ni in the roots, shoots, and fruits of cucumber plants, as compared to the unexposed plants. Bioaccumulation of Cd, vis-a-vis its translocation to different parts of the plants, was higher than that of Ni under sUV-B exposure conditions. The present results clearly suggest that heavy metals and sUV-B in combination had more of a detrimental effect on the test cucumber cultivars than when they were administered separately. As such, cultivation of cucumber cultivars is recommended under greenhouse or other controlled environmental conditions in order to avoid accumulation of heavy metals.