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The present study reveals an efficient and cost-effective one-step method for the synthesis of nano-silica from silico-aluminous fly ash-based tiles. The fly ash and their products being rich in silica act as renewable source material for the synthesis of silica. A simple alkali fusion method developed to synthesize white amorphous nano silica directly from the fly ash-tiles by the acidic treatment which was analysed by UV–Vis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field-Emission Scanning electron microscopy-electron diffraction spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS). The XRD revealed a broad hump from 2θ, 10–30° with a peak centered at 2θ = 21.7° confirms the formation of amorphous nanosilica. FTIR also reveals the characteristic bands of silica in the range of 400–1200 cm−1. While particle size analyser (PSA) confirmed the particle size distribution of nanosilica and FEMSEM confirmed the spherical shape and aggregated form of the synthesized nanosilica of size range varies from 10 to 60 nm. The prominent peak for Si and O confirmed the formation and purity of the nanosilica from the fly ash tiles. Around 99–100% of silicates were recovered by this method in the form of an insoluble precipitate. The developed method is an efficient and economical approach for the recovery of major fractions of silicates from the fly ash based tiles.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of different organic and inorganic fertilizers on the functional diversity of soil microbial community under a vegetable production system. The Biolog® Eco-plate technique and indices, such as average well-colour development (AWCD), McIntosh and Shannon diversity were employed to study the diversity of soil microorganisms. The AWCD, i.e. overall utilization of carbon sources, suggested that different organic treatments had a significant impact on the metabolic activity of soil microorganisms. After 120 h, the highest AWCD values were observed in poultry manure (2.5 t·ha−1) + vermicompost (3.5 t·ha−1) (0.63) and farm yard manure (FYM) (10 t·ha−1) + vermicompost (3.5 t·ha−1) (0.61). After 72 h, the highest value of the McIntosh diversity index was recorded in poultry manure (2.5 t·ha−1) + vermicompost (3.5 t·ha−1) (3.87), followed by poultry manure (2.5 t·ha−1) + vermicompost (3.5 t·ha−1) + biofertilizers (Azotobacter 500 g·ha−1 applied as seed treatment) (3.12). In the case of the Shannon diversity index, the highest values were noticed in organic treatments; however, there was no significant differences between organic and inorganic treatments. Biplot analysis showed a clear differentiation of organic treatments from the inorganic control. The amino acids, phenolics and polymer utilizing microorganisms were dominant in organic treatments. Inorganic control recorded the lowest values of the microbial diversity indices. Through this study, we have identified the best combination of organic nutrients, i.e. poultry manure (2.5 t·ha−1) + vermicompost (3.5 t·ha−1) for the stimulation of metabolically active soil microbial communities.

Regulatory genes play vital roles in survival of plants during environmental stress. WRKY transcription factors are major contributors among them. In tomato, WRKY transcription factor family contains 83 members. We have classified all tomato WRKY genes following well established classification of WRKY transcription factors in plant kingdom. Phylogenetic analysis of all these WRKY genes showed perfect correlation with this classification where proteins of each group formed a single clade. qPCR expression analysis of selected 62 WRKY genes was carried out under drought stress. The expression profiles revealed significant up-regulation of nine major WRKY genes in tomato. These nine genes were further investigated for the presence of specific cis-acting elements at the promoter region. Besides W-box and defense related elements, their promoter region was flanked frequently by abiotic stress responsive elements like ABRE, HSE and MBS. 5′UTR Py-rich stretch, known to promote high transcription levels, was also spotted at the promoter region of these genes. Drastic up-regulation was detected in SlWRKY58 (125 folds) and SlWRKY72 (36 folds) which portrays them as ideal targets for genetic manipulation to enhance drought tolerance.

One of the most widely applicable and used markers considered in plant research is simple sequence repeats (SSRs). The Gy14 cucumber genome provided information for the development of SSR marker in this species which might be used in other related species additionally. We, therefore, developed genome-wide SSR markers from cucumber, which were used for genetic diversity analysis in 16 different cucurbits species and comparative mapping with melon and watermelon. A total of 2171 SSR motifs were identified from seven cucumber chromosomes. Out of them, 1749 markers belong to melon while 442 markers to watermelon. We experimentally validated 70 SSR markers to check their cross-species transferability among 16 different cucurbits species belongs to six genera. Maximum% polymorphism has been recorded for Momordica charantia (82%) followed by Momordica cochinchinesis (78.18%) and Luffa harmaphrodita (73.68%) while Benincasa hispida (49.21%) exhibited minimum% polymorphism. The large number of cucumber SSR markers developed in the present study provides a valuable resource for genetic linkage map construction, molecular mapping, and marker-assisted selection (MAS) in cucumber. Furthermore, the cross-species transferable SSR markers could also be useful in various molecular markers related studies in other closely related species in the Cucurbitaceae family in which draft genomes are not yet available.

Field surveys were conducted during 2012–14 to document the occurrence and distribution of viruses infecting cucurbits in all the seven agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu state, south India. Samples collected from various types of cucurbits showing virus-like symptoms were tested for Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) and begomoviruses using serological (Dot Immuno Binding Assay, DIBA) and molecular (RT-PCR for RNA viruses and PCR for DNA viruses) methods. Results indicated higher incidence (98.6%) of begomoviruses, followed by PRSV (32.1%) and CGMMV (22.2%). ZYMV and CMV were detected at a lower frequency of 7.1% and 5%, respectively. Mixed infections with two or three of these viruses were observed in more than 50% of the samples analyzed. Sequencing of begomovirus-specific amplicons indicated the presence of sequences highly similar to Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) and Squash leaf curl China virus (SLCCNV).

In India, sucking pests including leafhoppers (Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida) and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) cause considerable economic damage to okra cultivation. This study reports the results of field experiments evaluating the bioefficacy, phytotoxicity, and residue dynamics of sprays of flonicamid 50 WG in okra (Abelmoschus esculenta (L.) Moench) crops. Of three doses (50, 75, 100 g a.i ha−1) tested, applications at 75 g a.i ha−1 were equally effective in controlling both leafhoppers and whiteflies with a higher marketable fruit yield of okra under open field conditions. Flonicamid also reduced population of the pest by >85% when compared to untreated controls after three rounds of foliar application at an interval of 10 days. Applications of flonicamid 50 WG did not cause any phytotoxic symptoms. It was also safe to the natural enemies (spiders and rove beetles) prevailing in the okra ecosystem. Initial deposits of flonicamid in okra fruits when applied at the rate of 75 and 150 g a.i. ha−1 were dissipated with half-lives of 3.0 and 3.5 days. Recommendable pre-harvest intervals (PHI) are 16 and 20 days, respectively. The dietary exposure of the measured residues was lower than the maximum permissible intake (MPI) of 0.576 mg person−1 day−1 on all the sampling days at both the doses. These findings are useful in deciding the spray schedule of flonicamid for effective management of sucking pests in okra crop assuring food safety.

Phytate and ascorbic acid are the two major compounds present in potatoes that affect mineral absorption process in human body. Potato cultivars having high ascorbic acid to phytate ratio may be considered appropriate for mineral fortification for targeted mineral delivery since phytate inhibit mineral absorption while ascorbic acid promote their absorption. Rapid chemical methods have been standardized for phytate and ascorbic acid estimation in Indian potato cultivars using ELISA plate reader. Pooled analytical data of two years’ harvest of 48 potato cultivars was used for this study. The phytic acid content in potato cultivars ranged from 3.39 mg/100 g (Kufri Giriraj) to 61.34 mg/100 g (Kufri Red); whereas, the ascorbic acid content ranged between 19.40 mg/100 g (Kufri Lauvkar) to 58.39 mg/100 g on fresh wt. basis; (Kufri Chipsona-1). Among the various processing cultivars, Kufri Chipsona-4 showed the highest ascorbic acid to phytate ratio (1.942) followed by Kufri Chipsona-3(1.567), Kufri Frysona (1.549), Kufri Chipsona-1(1.296) and Kufri Chipsona-2 (0.991). Based on the results, the cultivars were classified into three groups of ‘Low (0.43–3.9)’, ‘Medium (4.0−7.4)’, and ‘High (7.5−10.0)’ for ascorbic acid to phytate ratio which comprising 46, 1 and 1 potato cultivars, respectively. Results showed Kufri Chipsona-4 to be highly suitable for fortification of potato chips, while, for French fries’ fortification, Kufri Frysona would be effective. Multivariate non-hierarchical cluster analysis optimized three clusters using average silhouette method and showed that table purpose cultivars are more promising carrier than processing cultivars for fortification.

Eggplant has limited shelf-life of only 3 days under ambient storage conditions. The functional quality of carnauba wax (CW) is assessed with various additives for shelf-life related attributes in eggplant during ambient storage (20 ± 1 °C and RH 52–54%) in both unpackaged and packaged in 35μ polypropylene pouches. Minimum decrease (8.56 N-6.92 N and 8.56 N-5.63 N) in firmness was recorded in Poly ethylene glycol (PEG) and 0.5% Sodium alginate (SA) in diluted (1:4) CW emulsion (T 2 ) while maximum decrease (8.56 N-5.54 N and 8.56 N-3.57 N) in control (T 4 ) packaged and unpackaged eggplants after 12 days of storage, respectively. Maximum antioxidant activity (67.63 and 51.52 μmol Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)/100 g FW) was observed in T 2 treatment and minimum antioxidant activity (23.61 and 20.60 μmol TEAC/100 g FW) in control fruits in packaged and unpackaged respectively after 12 days. The minimum decrease (2.64–2.20 and 2.64–2.24) μmol tetraguaiacol (TG)/min/100 g FW) of peroxidase activity was recorded in T 2 treated fruits in packaged and unpackaged eggplant respectively and maximum decrease (2.64–1.37 and 2.64–1.63 μmol TG/min/100 g FW) was obtained in control unpackaged and packaged eggplant respectively after 12 days. Packaged eggplant treated with PEG and SA in CW emulsion remained acceptable upto 12 days.

In the present study genetic diversity among 48 muskmelon accessions was analyzed employing various morphological traits under well-watered and water-deficit condition and SSR markers. Maximum values for horticultural traits were, 44 cm for fruit polar circumference, 33.2 cm for fruit equatorial circumference, 21 for number of fruits, 41.5 for days to first male flowering, 44 for days to 50% male flowering, 44 days to first female flowering, 45 days to 50% female flowering and 5.66 for number of shoot branching under well-watered condition. While under water-deficit condition maximum values of same parameters were 28.8 cm, 26 cm, 18, 37.2, 39, 47, 46.2 and 4.4, respectively. Based on morphological traits genotypes were clustered in three major clusters under well-watered condition, while grouped in five major clusters under water-deficit condition. Out of the 52 SSR markers, 35 produced polymorphic patterns, a total of 125 amplification products were obtained, the mean number of alleles per locus was 3.57, and the size of amplified products ranged from 120 bp to 605 bp. The average PIC value was estimated to be 0.492. Jaccard similarity coefficients calculated from SSR data varied from 0.03 to 0.89 with a mean value of 0.46. The clustering pattern of muskmelon accessions based on SSR markers was random but not in consonance with the groupings based on quantitative traits under well-watered and water-deficit condition. High genetic variability was observed based on various morphological traits, under both well-watered and water-deficit condition and SSR markers, indicating genetically diverse accessions.

New cavity configuration namely the axicon based conical resonator (ABCR) was demonstrated in a XeCl excimer laser for achieving high misalignment tolerance, low beam divergence and high pointing stability. Using this resonator configuration misalignment tolerance of about ~10 mrad was achieved, which was ~20 times higher than ~0.25–0.5 mrad normally achieved with conventional plane–plane cavity in case of excimer lasers, which is significant improvement and the beam divergence was also reduced considerably to ~0.8 mrad simultaneously. Shot to shot pointing stability was established using this novel configuration by recording SEM (scanning electron microscope) images of clean micro-holes without heat affected zone, which otherwise is extremely difficult to achieve in excimer lasers. SEM images show large improvement in focusing properties and pointing stability using conical resonator as compared to standard plane–plane cavity normally used in excimer lasers.

A large number of igneous intrusions related to the Deccan magmatism are exposed in the western and central part of the Indian shield. Gravity and magnetic (G–M) surveys over some of these igneous intrusive bodies depict gravity high and bipolar magnetic anomalies as the most characteristic signatures. The present G–M survey was carried out over the Pavagadh and Phenaimata igneous intrusives. Associated with the Phenaimata complex, Bouguer gravity anomaly shows an elliptical shaped relative gravity high of about 40 mGal and bipolar magnetic anomaly varies from South to North between −800 nT and 1200 nT. The joint G–M modeling reveals the presence of a dense mafic body (2.86 g/cm3). This body is characterized by a remanant magnetization; the related inclination (I) = ∼44° and declination (D) = ∼160° may correspond with the 29R polarity chron of Deccan magnetostratigraphy. Remanant magnetization together with age data suggest that the Phenaimata igneous intrusive emplaced during the end of the main magmatism phase of Deccan. Over the Pavagadh, a circular gravity and magnetic lows of about −15 mGal and −500 nT respectively is reported for the first time which is surrounded by a gravity and magnetic high of about 30 mGal and 350 nT, respectively. The joint G–M modeling over the Pavagadh intrusive reveals the presence of a deep-seated cone shaped high-density (⩾3.0 g/cm3) gabbroic body which might extend up to a great depth. Its top surface reaches up to a depth of about 10.0 km. Overlying this body is a low-density (2.40 g/cm3) rhyolite, which extends up to the surface and is the source for low gravity anomaly. It is surrounded by another high-density (2.89 and 3.02 g/cm3) mafic bodies with reverse remanant magnetization direction (I = ∼38° and D = ∼152°). The modeled direction of remanant magnetization for the rhyolite (I = −32° and D = 336°) and deeper gabbroic (I = −32° and D = 340°) bodies show normal polarity. Measured magnetization direction for the mafic body surrounding the rhyolite relates to the middle reverse polarity (29R) chron. Inferred declination and inclination may then correspond to upper normal (29N), middle reverse (29R) and lower normal (30N) polarity chrons. Therefore, the magma forming the Pavagadh igneous complex was emplaced covering the major span of Deccan eruption. G–M model suggests that the magma chambers developed within the higher crustal levels and rhyolite originated from the underlying mafic magma through assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC).

Spectral analysis of the digital data of the Bouguer anomaly of North India including Ganga basin suggest a four layer model with approximate depths of 140, 38, 16 and 7 km. They apparently represent lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary (LAB), Moho, lower crust, and maximum depth to the basement in foredeeps, respectively. The Airy’s root model of Moho from the topographic data and modeling of Bouguer anomaly constrained from the available seismic information suggest changes in the lithospheric and crustal thicknesses from ∼126–134 and ∼32–35 km under the Central Ganga basin to ∼132 and ∼38 km towards the south and 163 and ∼40 km towards the north, respectively. It has clearly brought out the lithospheric flexure and related crustal bulge under the Ganga basin due to the Himalaya. Airy’s root model and modeling along a profile (SE–NW) across the Indus basin and the Western Fold Belt (WFB), (Sibi Syntaxis, Pakistan) also suggest similar crustal bulge related to lithospheric flexure due to the WFB with crustal thickness of 33 km in the central part and 38 and 56 km towards the SE and the NW, respectively. It has also shown the high density lower crust and Bela ophiolite along the Chamman fault. The two flexures interact along the Western Syntaxis and Hazara seismic zone where several large/great earthquakes including 2005 Kashmir earthquake was reported. The residual Bouguer anomaly maps of the Indus and the Ganga basins have delineated several basement ridges whose interaction with the Himalaya and the WFB, respectively have caused seismic activity including some large/great earthquakes. Some significant ridges across the Indus basin are (i) Delhi–Lahore–Sargodha, (ii) Jaisalmer–Sibi Syntaxis which is highly seismogenic. and (iii) Kachchh–Karachi arc–Kirthar thrust leading to Sibi Syntaxis. Most of the basement ridges of the Ganga basin are oriented NE–SW that are as follows (i) Jaisalmer–Ganganagar and Jodhpur–Chandigarh ridges across the Ganga basin intersect Himalaya in the Kangra reentrant where the great Kangra earthquake of 1905 was located. (ii) The Aravalli Delhi Mobile Belt (ADMB) and its margin faults extend to the Western Himalayan front via Delhi where it interacts with the Delhi–Lahore ridge and further north with the Himalayan front causing seismic activity. (iii) The Shahjahanpur and Faizabad ridges strike the Himalayan front in Central Nepal that do not show any enhanced seismicity which may be due to their being parts of the Bundelkhand craton as simple basement highs. (iv) The west and the east Patna faults are parts of transcontinental lineaments, such as Narmada–Son lineament. (v) The Munghyr–Saharsa ridge is fault controlled and interacts with the Himalayan front in the Eastern Nepal where Bihar–Nepal earthquakes of 1934 has been reported. Some of these faults/lineaments of the Indian continent find reflection in seismogenic lineaments of Himalaya like Everest, Arun, Kanchenjunga lineaments. A set of NW–SE oriented gravity highs along the Himalayan front and the Ganga and the Indus basins represents the folding of the basement due to compression as anticlines caused by collision of the Indian and the Asian plates. This study has also delineated several depressions like Saharanpur, Patna, and Purnia depressions.

The Central Indian Shear Zone is a distinct tectonic feature in the central part of India that separates the Central Indian Tectonic Zone from the Bastar Craton. The complete Bouguer anomaly map of the region encompassing Central Indian Shear Zone is characterised by a broad relative gravity high over Central Indian Tectonic Zone as compared to the Bastar Craton. The paired gravity anomaly across the two crustal domains signifies that the Central Indian Shear Zone is a locus of density discontinuity along which the two crustal domains accreted. Horizontal gravity gradient analysis further demonstrates the northward subduction of the Bastar Craton beneath the Bundelkhand Craton. 2½D gravity modelling along Mungwani–Rajnandgaon profile, constrained by Seoni–Kalimati seismic section, delineates a thick crust beneath the Bastar Craton as compared to the Central Indian Tectonic Zone. Northward dipping contact of the two crustal domains when projected on the surface coincides with the Central Indian Shear Zone. With a well defined Moho offset and crustal density discontinuity, Central Indian Shear Zone represents a suture zone that separates the Bastar Craton from the Central Indian Tectonic Zone. A low-velocity (6.4 km/s)/density (2.90 g/cm 3 ) layer at the base of the crust and relatively lower density (3.21 g/cm 3 ) subcrustal mantle may be the imprint of thermal remobilization beneath the Central Indian Tectonic Zone.

The kinematics of the crustal-scale Achankovil Shear Zone in the Southern Granulite Terrane, India is often debated. This shear zone is considered to mark the terrane boundary between Madurai Granulite Block towards the north and Kerala Khondalite Belt towards the south. Closely spaced 4500 new gravity measurements in the region reveal the detail crustal fabric across the Achankovil Shear Zone. A subdued Bouguer gravity anomaly along a N–S profile that trends approximately orthogonal to the Achankovil Shear Zone signifies that this part of the crust is devoid of any crustal-scale density discontinuity. Furthermore, horizontal-gradient, analytical signal and second vertical derivative analyses of the gravity data suggest that the density inhomogeneity across the Achankovil Shear Zone is relatively shallow in origin thereby refuting it as a terrane boundary. A prolonged zone of positive gravity gradient, as much as 125 km wide towards south, is due to the effect of the continental margin. 2 1/2D gravity modelling along the profile, constrained from seismic results, reveals a three layer crustal configuration with the depth to Moho varying from 41 km beneath the Vattalkundu to about 34 km beneath the Kanyakumari and then attaining to about 32 km beneath the continental shelf region. The 22 km thick quasi-continental crust in the adjoining Indian Ocean indicates a transitional crust in the Gulf of Mannar region. Analysis of new gravity data thus supports the idea that the Achankovil Shear Zone is an intracratonic litho-tectonic feature and the two provinces across it are related by a continual progression in single metamorphic terrain rather than an ancient geo-suture.

Southern Indian shield represents a mosaic comprised of several smaller structural domains separated by discrete shear zones. Here we present a horizontal Bouguer gravity gradient map of the Indian shield, south of 14 °N, to define a continental mosaic of gravity trends domains akin to structural domains. The gravity gradient image is based on 7862 newly collected observations merged with 6359 old gravity data. This combined dataset delineates structural boundaries of the five gravity domains related to the Eastern Dharwar Craton, the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, the extended Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, the Southern Granulite Terrain, and the Western Dharwar Craton. Other belts of significant gravity gradients are found associated with the Eastern and the Western coasts. The loci of Closepet granite and Kolar schist belts do not manifest themselves as boundary zones between two distinct gravity domains of the Eastern Dharwar Craton. Lack of a gravity gradient across Karur–Oddanchatram–Kodaikanal and Karur–Kambam–Painavu–Trichur Shear Zones may be attributed to a lack of gravity measurements caused by difficulties in collecting data in topographically difficult terrain. The subdued gravity gradient across the Palghat–Cauvery Shear Zone and a weak gradient across the Achankovil Shear Zone indicates a lithological and/or morphological boundary rather than a terrane boundary. Alternatively, structural domains encompassing Palghat–Cauvery and Achankovil Shear Zones may have been in a neighbouring position during the Gondwana assembly, when Pan-African thermal perturbation reactivated the structures and reworked partly or totally obliterating earlier crustal fabric.

Performance of a kinetically enhanced copper vapor laser (KE-CVL) with various stable/unstable “alignment free” CAT-EYE resonator configurations are presented here in this paper. The laser used in the experiment was a 45 mm bore (∼2 l discharge volume) kinetically enhanced copper vapor laser developed in our laboratory and capable of generating maximum power of ∼80 W (at ∼9.8 kHz). The efficiency of the laser was ∼1.4% and beam divergence of ∼3.5 mrad in a plane–plane standard multimode cavity. For the first time performance of unstable CAT-EYE resonator is demonstrated with a CVL/KE-CVL. On using unstable CAT-EYE resonator the divergence of the laser beam reduced to ∼0.22 mrad (∼20-fold reduction as compared to conventional plane–plane cavity), ∼40 W output power and with excellent misalignment tolerance. The laser output power was found to be within ∼5% drift/decline with misalignment angle of about 4 mrad between the mirrors. This is a significant improvement in comparison to standard conventional unstable resonator ( M ∼ 50) CVL where ∼0.5 mrad divergence is achieved with power drift/decline of about 45% at ∼4 mrad misalignment angle. Off-axis unstable CAT-EYE unstable resonator was also demonstrated for the first time with further reduction in beam divergence to ∼0.13 mrad and with output power of ∼28 W. The misalignment tolerance was found to be highest in case of off-axis unstable CAT-EYE resonator with decline/drift in laser power of only ∼10% for misalignment angle as high as ∼8 mrad. Performance with intra-cavity apertures in plane–plane type CAT-EYE resonator for transverse mode control is also presented for the first time in CVLs. It is observed that the laser beam divergence reduces significantly to 1.25 mrad (a factor of 2) on using an aperture of ∼3.5 mm at the CAT-EYE reflector as compared to its normal ( R = F = d ) configuration without aperture. In case of stable CAT-EYE resonator the average beam divergence reduces from 8 mrad to 4 mrad (factor of 2) on using intra-cavity aperture of about 3 mm. It was also observed that high misalignment tolerance was retained on using intra-cavity apertures in almost all the CAT-EYE resonators. Use of intra-cavity mesh was also demonstrated for the first time with stable CAT-EYE resonator for improving the beam focus-ability. Average beam divergence was reduced by a factor of 2.5 (from 8 mrad to 3 mrad) on using intra-cavity mesh. These new configurations in CAT-EYE resonators in KE-CVLs are found to be effective in improving and controlling the laser beam divergence significantly with additional characteristic of high misalignment tolerance.

We estimate the effective elastic thickness (Te) along the Deccan–Reunion hotspot track using admittance analysis of seafloor topography and the free-air gravity field, both corrected for the thermal effects of a cooling lithosphere. Our results reveal that the volcanic edifices (Saya de Malha Bank, Chagos–Maldives–Laccadives Ridge) formed in the first 30 Myr after the Deccan volcanism [not, vert, similar 65 Myr], on lithosphere with Te values of 4 ± 2 km, while the younger volcanic edifices on the African plate (Reunion, Mauritius, Nazareth Bank) were emplaced on lithosphere with Te values of 17 ± 9 km. These estimates suggest that the hotspot volcanism occurred on juvenile lithosphere in the first 30 Myr, implying that the mid-ocean ridge remained near the hotspot for not, vert, similar 30 Myr. In contrast, in the last 30 Myr volcanism occurred on aged lithosphere in an intraplate setting, which might indicate that the mid-ocean ridge migrated rapidly to the north after the African plate moved over the hotspot. This conclusion of a rapid shift from plume-influenced mid-ocean ridge (MOR) volcanism to intraplate plume volcanism is supported by geochemical (major and trace element) interpretations of data from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 115. An estimate of the melt-production rate shows a striking increase in the small Te region relative to the large Te region of the hotspot track, which suggest a strong interrelation between Te and melt production. However, there is also variation of melt emplacement rates within the region of low Te that may be due to unknown changes in the rates of plate motions or somewhat episodic melt production.

Closely spaced 3000 gravity measurements around Kuppam–Palani geotransect indicate the presence of an ancient continental collision along the Moyar–Bhavani–Mettur shear zone and crustal delamination beneath the Palghat gap. Paired gravity anomaly along with the faulted contact, dip reversal in seismic reflectivity pattern, northward vergence of the southern domain and high pressure–temperature granulites exposed on the Shevaroy hills are characteristic features of crustal thrusting through a late Archaean continental collision along the Moyar–Bhavani–Mettur shear zone. A unified 2 1/2-D gravity model along the seismic line is consistent with a tectonic history in which the Eastern Dharwar craton has been transported beneath the Southern Granulite Terrain. The gravity modeling further defines a 10 km thick high-density (2.89 g/cm3) crustal body at 10–15 km depth and a Moho warped up to a depth of about 38 km beneath the Palghat gap. The high-density intrusive body together with the upwarped Moho signifies the crust–mantle interaction in the Palghat gap region. Late Archaean continental collision and subsequent delamination are suggested as the twin cause mechanism for the present day crustal configuration along the geotransect.

The new gravity and magnetic data recorded along a profile in the Sikkim, NE Himalaya are combined with the existing data from Tibet, Bangladesh and India, to delineate the crustal structure in this part of Himalaya. Modelling of gravity data, constrained from seismic results suggests that long wavelength gravity anomalies arise due to variations in the depth of Moho (36 to 74 km), which are caused by flexed lithosphere of effective elastic thickness of ∼ 50 ± 10 km. Simultaneous modelling of magnetic anomalies and short wave-length gravity anomalies reveals that (a) the magnetic anomalies observed over the Lesser Himalaya and the Higher Himalaya Crystalline rocks might be caused by remnant magnetisation with inclination I = − 18° ± 8° and declination D = 147° ± 10°, which is in conformity with the palaeomagnetic results. These magnetic parameters correspond to ~ 35 ± 10 Ma age of magnetic direction and suggest that the rocks might have acquired magnetisation during cooling period of metamorphism, (b) low grade meta-sediments of the Lesser Himalaya extend up to 12 km depth and thins on either sides forming a bowl shaped geometry and (c) relative gravity high in the Bengal basin might be caused by intrusion of the Rajmahal volcanics. Modelling has also provided constraint on the geometry of the north dipping thrusts.

Eighteen different cabbage cultivars were assayed for variability between the cultivars for the antioxidant phytonutrients. The Vitamin C content ranged from 5.66 to 23.50 mg/100 g fresh weight. The maximum Vitamin C content was recorded in cultivar Sprint Ball (23.50 mg/100 g), followed by cv. Gungaless (12.86 mg/100 g). The β-carotene content in cabbage ranged from 0.009 to 0.124 mg/100 g fresh weight. The maximum β-carotene content was recorded in cv. Quisto (0.124 mg/100 g), followed by Green Challenger (0.115 mg/100 g) and Rare Ball (0.114 mg/100 g). The minimum values for β-carotene was noted in cv. Pusa Mukta (0.009 mg/100 g). Lutein content was also recorded in the cabbage cultivars, which ranged from 0.021 to 0.258 mg/100 g fresh weight. Maximum lutein content was recorded in Quisto (0.258 mg/100 g) and minimum in Pusa Mukta (0.021 mg/100 g). Vitamin E ( dl -α-tocopherol) was estimated only in 14 cabbage cultivars, which ranged from 0.030 to 0.509 mg/100 g fresh weight. Maximum α-tocopherol content was recorded in Rare Ball (0.509 mg/100 g) and minimum in Green Cornell (0.030 mg/100 g). Total phenol content was also estimated only in 14 cultivars and the values ranged from 12.58 to 34.41 mg/100 g fresh weight. Amongst the three different cultivated forms of cabbage, red cabbage had higher Vitamin C (24.38 mg/100 g), dl -α-tocopherol (0.261 mg/100 g) and phenolic content (101.30 mg/100 g) as compared to the white cabbage and savoy cabbage.

Gravity and magnetic data of the Kachchh basin and surrounding regions have delineated major E–W and NW–SE oriented lineaments and faults, which are even extending up to plate boundaries in the north Arabian Sea and western boundary of the Indian plate, respectively. The epicentral zone of Bhuj earthquake and its aftershocks is located over the junction of Rann of Kachchh and median uplifts viz. Kachchh mainland and Wagad uplifts, which are separated by thrust faults. Gravity data with constraints from the results of the seismic studies along a profile suggest that the basement is uplifted towards the north along thrust faults dipping 40–60° south. Similarly gravity and magnetic modeling along a profile across Wagad uplift suggest south dipping (50–60°) basement contacts separating rocks of high susceptibility and density towards the north. One of these contacts coincides with the fault plane of the Bhuj earthquake as inferred from seismological studies and its projection on the surface coincides with the E–W oriented north Wagad thrust fault. A circular gravity high in contact with the fault in northern part of the Wagad uplift along with high amplitude magnetic anomaly suggests plug type mafic intrusive in this region. Several such gravity anomalies are observed over the island belt in the Rann of Kachchh indicating their association with mafic intrusions. The contact of these intrusives with the country rock demarcates shallow crustal inhomogeneities, which provides excellent sites for the accumulation of regional stress. A regional gravity anomaly map based on the concept of isostasy presents two centers of gravity lows of −11 to −13 mGal (10−5 m/s2) representing mass deficiency in the epicentral region. Their best-fit model constrained from the receiver function analysis and seismic refraction studies suggest crustal root of 7–8 km (deep crustal inhomogeneity) under them for a standard density contrast of −400 kg/m3. It is, therefore, suggested that significant amount of stress get concentrated in this region due to (a) buoyant crustal root, (b) regional stress due to plate tectonic forces, and (c) mafic intrusives as stress concentrators and the same might be responsible for the frequent and large magnitude earthquakes in this region including the Bhuj earthquake of January 26, 2001.

This paper contains a fixed point theorem for six self maps in Menger space. Our result generalizes and extends many known results in Menger spaces and metric spaces.

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of compatibility in fuzzy metric space and prove two common fixed point theorems illustrating with an example.

The Aravalli Delhi Mobile Belt (ADMB) in NW India includes the Proterozoic Aravalli and Delhi rifts and fold belts. A seismic profile and gravity modelling across the ADMB shows several dipping reflections and suggests a thick crust (45–46 km) and a high density (3.04 g cm−3) dome-shaped body in the lower crust. This high density body in the lower crust may represent underplated lower crust caused by extension during evolution of the Proterozoic rifts. Part of the gravity high observed over the ADMB is attributed to the upthrust blocks of high density lower crustal granulite rocks. The gravity low along the eastern margin of the ADMB is modelled as being due to a westerly dipping (45°) low density body in the crust, in accordance with seismic reflectors which may represent remanents of the subducted crustal rocks. The Hindoli group of rocks above this body is characterized by high conductivity, indicating a high fluid content and a fractured nature which may be related to the collisional tectonism of this region. A sharp gravity high along the western margin of the ADMB is attributed to the basic rocks of an ophiolite melange. The gravity low and high west of the ADMB are attributed to plutonic activity and bimodal calc-alkaline volcanics in linear basins and are related to arc and back-arc rift magmatism, respectively. The ADMB, therefore, represents a Proterozoic collision zone between the Bundelkhand craton towards the east and the Rajasthan craton towards the west with a plausible subduction towards the west along the eastern margin of the ADMB. The thrusting is mainly confined to the obducted block towards the west, although some thrusting is inferred even in the subducted block. The central Indian Suture (CIS) is located at the southern margin of the Satpura Mobile Belt (SMB) in central India and separates high grade metasediments and granulite towards the north from low grade Proterozoic volcanogenic successions towards the south. A seismic profile and gravity modelling across the CIS show a thick crust with a thicker crust north of the CIS compared to the south and a contact in the lower crust whose projection on the surface coincides with the CIS. The CIS at the surface coincides with a low density (2.65 g cm−3) and conductive body that is interpreted to be fluid-filled and fractured in nature. The high density (2.81 g cm−3) body modelled in the upper crust north of the CIS coinciding approximately with a highly conductive body and dome-shaped seismic reflectors may represent an upthrust block from the lower crust as high density granulite rocks are exposed in this region. Short wavelength gravity highs and lows south of the CIS represent exposed metavolcanics and granite intrusions which represent tholeiitic series rocks to calc-alkaline series rocks associated with island arcs and back arc magmatism. Therefore, the large wavelength gravity low south of the CIS is modelled as a low density body below the Moho, which conforms with seismic reflectors and may represent crustal rocks subducted towards the south. Thrusting in this case is indicated in the subducted block towards the north of the CIS. The bipolar gravity anomaly across the CIS, therefore, indicates a collision zone between the Bundelkhand craton towards the north and Bhandara–Deccan cratons towards the south.

In this paper we prove some results for associated multimaps of fuzzy maps taking a new inequality initiated by Ray (1988).

One of the most important objectives of the goals of Millennium Development Goals is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. Sufficient nourishment for the whole population of the world is one of the challenges of the present era. According to an estimate plant parasitic nematodes are causing much more damage annually compared to insect pests. A crop yield loss due to these tiny unseen pests in various countries is enormous. They caused projected yield loss of 12.3% ($157 billion dollars) worldwide. Out of which $40.3 million is reported from India. Farmers/growers identified insect pests, and other constraints as production problems but overlooked plant parasitic nematodes. Nematode diseases are difficult to control because of their hidden nature and hence, more often overlooked. Plant parasitic nematodes not only cause damage individually but form disease-complexes with other micro-organism and increased the crop loss. Also the symptoms of nematode damage are not specific, resemble with the symptoms of other pathogens and abiotic stresses such as water and mineral deficiency. Future agricultural growth must come from productivity growth to address the persistent problems of poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition. Recommended measures against nematode diseases include use of clean nematode free planting material, resistant varieties, and crop rotations to suppress nematode infestation. Integrated nematode management can be promoted through farmers-nematologists interactions, local production of bio-control agents and strict chemical pesticide regulations. Farmer's/grower's awareness and skills are equally important in minimizing nematode infestation and yield losses, to sustain the agriculture production.

Commentaire et reponse concernant l'article de R. K. FROHLICH (1989) - Tectonophysics, 163, 1-12.

Palynological observations on peaty and sandy clay beds of some sedimentary sequences from the Kurunegala district of Sri Lanka reveal the occurrence of plant microfossils of probable Permo-Triassic age. The microfossils are found in sediments considered to be of glacial origin deposited on the Sri Lankan fragment of the Gondwanaland.