Search

not availablePlant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 27(1): 77-83, 2017 (June)

Commiphora wightii is an endangered tree valued for its gum guggul-resin that has cholesterol-reducing activity is well documented in alternative systems of medicine. Phytochemical investigations were taken up in six accessions of C. wightii and micropropagation protocol developed for its conservation. The leaves and gum of C. wightii were qualitatively and quantitatively tested for secondary metabolites and an elite accession with very high contents of total sterols and phenols was identified. An efficient HPLC method was utilized in the present study to estimate the valuable and pharmaceutically important steroid compounds present in its gum, viz. E-Guggulsterone and Z-Guggulsterone, which are hypolipidemic agents. The estimation resulted in the values of 2.45 mg/L and 2.17 mg/L for E- and Z -guggulsterone respectively. A highly efficient micropropagation protocol with good rooting and a high plantlet survival was developed from the nodal explants to aid its conservation and 360 plants survived out of 396 plants (transferred to the field) with a high percentage of survival (92.8%). The micropropagation efficiency reported presently in C. wightii far exceeds all the earlier reports and was mainly achieved due to strong rooting and healthier state of plantlets.

Keeping in mind the immense biological potential of chalcones and sulfonamide scaffolds, a library of sulfonamide chalcones has been synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antifilarial assay against human lymphatic filarial parasite Brugia malayi. Experimental evidence showcased for the first time the potential of some sulfonamide chalcones as effective and safe antifilarial lead molecules against human lymphatic filarial parasite B. malayi. Sulfonamide chalcones 4d, 4p, 4q, 4t and 4aa displayed the significantly wide therapeutic window. Particularly chalcones with halogen substitution in aromatic ring proved to be potent antifilarial agents against Brugia malayi. Sulphonamide chalcones with lipophilic methyl moiety (4q and 4aa) at para position of terminal phenyl rings of compounds were found to have remarkable antifilarial activities with therapeutic efficacy. Observed preliminary evidence of apoptosis by effective chalcone derivatives envisaged its fair possibility to inhibit folate pathway with consequent defect in DNA synthesis.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure was developed to test peanut seed for Indian peanut clump virus (IPCV). A double antibody sandwich form of ELISA detected the Hyderabad isolate (IPCV-H) in seed of peanut. Correlation was established between the results from ELISA performed on cotyledons of peanut seed and grow-out tests. Seed transmission in the field-infected peanut plants ranged from 3.5 to 17%, depending on the genotype. The transmission frequency was 48 to 55% in seed collected from plants infected through seed. Because testae of all seed contained viral antigen, their removal was essential for the determination of frequency of seed transmission. Apparently the virus present only in cotyledons and embryo contributed to the seed transmission. For the first time, IPCV-H was shown to be seed transmitted in finger millet (Eleusine coracana), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) at frequencies of 5.2, 9.7, and 0.9%, respectively. Seed transmission was not observed in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Significance of seed transmission in millet crops is discussed.

Surveys of peanut crops in northeastern Brazil since 1995 showed the occurrence of a hitherto unreported virus disease. Characteristic leaf symptoms were ring spots and blotches. The virus was seed transmitted in peanut (1/610) and cowpea (47/796). Local and systemic symptoms were observed in cowpea (cv. TVu 3433) known to be susceptible to most Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) isolates. The virus was transmitted by aphids Toxoptera citricidus and Aphis gossypii. Using degenerate primers, the 3′ terminal region of the viral genome was cloned and sequenced. Sequence analyses of the coat protein and the 3′ untranslated region indicated that the potyvirus was most closely related to CABMV isolates from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the United States. On the basis of genome analysis, the virus was identified as CABMV. The natural occurrence of CABMV on peanut has so far not been reported. The significance of this finding especially for germ plasm exchange is discussed.

In attempts to identify the causal agent of pigeonpea sterility mosaic disease (PSMD), which is transmitted by eriophyid mites, a virus was isolated with great difficulty from some PSMD-affected pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) plants from different locations in India. Once isolated from pigeonpea, the virus was transmitted readily by mechanical inoculation to several herbaceous species, reaching very high concentrations in some species. The virus was transmitted experimentally through soil to herbaceous test plants but not to pigeonpea. When virus particles were purified and inoculated mechanically to healthy pigeonpea, the virus induced necrosis in inoculated leaves only and did not spread systemically. Therefore, the virus is not the causal agent of PSMD. The virus has isometric particles approximately 30 nm in diameter that sediment as a single component and had a buoyant density in CsCl and Cs2SO4 of 1.34 and 1.27 g·cc-1, respectively. Purified virus particle preparations contained a single major protein of approximately 44 kDa and three RNA species of approximately 4,300, 2,700, and 1,500 nucleotides. Only the largest RNA species was infective to plants; the two smaller species were encapsidated subgenomic species of the 3′ end of the larger genomic RNA. The viral genome was sequenced and showed 93% homology to that of Pothos latent virus (PoLV), a recently described virus in the genus Aureusvirus, family Tombusviridae, and was indistinguishable from PoLV in gel double-diffusion serological tests. This virus, therefore, is regarded as a pigeonpea isolate of PoLV (PoLV-PP). In field studies in different locations in India, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction detected PoLV-PP in 10.7% of PSMD-affected and 8.1% of asymptomatic pigeonpea plants. The significance of these findings is discussed.

To assess the prevalence and severity of sorghum diseases in western Kenya, a 2-year survey was conducted (July 1995 and 1996), in 91 and 109 farmers' fields, respectively. Fields were generally 25% in 3% of fields surveyed. Grain yield reduction from smut diseases alone was estimated to be 5%. Out of eight probability distribution functions compared, the double Gaussian model best described the frequency of disease severity levels for most diseases. Based on the best-fitting model, the proportion of fields with disease severity level thought to cause yield loss (severity rating >5 on a 1 to 9 scale, where 1 = no disease) was calculated as 26.6% for oval leaf spot, 15.3% for rust, 14.8% for anthracnose, 4.8% for ladder leaf spot, and 1.5% for leaf blight. The production environment influenced the prevalence of disease severity. Severe anthracnose, leaf blight, and ladder leaf spot were confined to fields in the humid LM1 and LM2 agro-ecological zones, rust was ubiquitous, and severe gray leaf spot was more prevalent in the dryer LM4 zone.

The transmission characteristics of Pigeon pea sterility mosaic virus (PPSMV) to pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) by its eriophyid mite vector, Aceria cajani, were studied. Nonviruliferous A. cajani colonies were established on detached healthy leaflets of a PPSMV-immune pigeon pea cultivar floating on water. The transmission efficiency of single A. cajani was up to 53% but was 100% when >5 mites per plant were used. A. cajani acquired PPSMV after a minimum acquisition access period (AAP) of 15 min and inoculated virus after a minimum inoculation access period (IAP) of 90 min. No latent period was observed. Starvation of A. cajani prior to, or following, PPSMV acquisition reduced the minimum AAP and IAP periods to 10 min and 60 min, respectively, and mites retained virus for up to 13 h. None of the mites that developed from eggs taken from PPSMV-infected leaves transmitted the virus, indicating that it is not transmitted transovarially. Taken together, these data suggest a semipersistent mode of transmission of PPSMV by A. cajani.

A variety of bis(azolyl) urea derivatives were prepared by the reaction of methyl benzazoyl carbamates with azolyl amines in the presence of mild base and studied their antimicrobial activity. The presence of electron donating substituents on the aromatic ring enhanced the activity. Methoxy substituted benzothiazolyl thiazolyl urea, benzothiazolyl imidazolyl urea and benzimidazolyl thiazolyl urea displayed prominent antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis. Benzothiazolyl imidazolyl urea and methyl substituted benzimidazolyl imidazolyl urea showed good antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. © 2019 Author(s).

Understanding of biological impact of proteome profile on meat quality is vital for developing different approaches to improve meat quality. Present study was conducted to unravel the differences in biochemical, ultrastructural and proteome profile of longissimus dorsi muscle between buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of different age groups (young v. old). Higher (P

With agreement from the corresponding author, the Editor-in-Chief retracts the article “Role of recombinant SXP/RAL-2 family protein Wuchereria bancrofti L 2 (rWbL 2 ) as vaccine candidate in lymphatic filariasis in mastomys”, Andure D et al. Int J Res Med Sci. 2016 Apr;4(4):1140-1146, DOI: 10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20160798, due to the duplication of figure from other previously published article. Figure 3 was reused from Figure 2 in the article “Immunization with Wuchereria bancrofti Glutathione-S-transferase Elicits a Mixed Th1/Th2 Type of Protective Immune Response Against Filarial Infection in Mastomys”, Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, First online: 09 February 2016, DOI: 10.1007/s12291-016-0556-y. The corresponding author Dr. Dhananjay Andure has published it on his own without informing the co-authors and his guide.

Sapindus saponaria bark powder (SSBP), an agro-waste material was investigated as a biosorbent for the removal and recovery of Cu(II) from aqueous solution. This biosorbent was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. The influence of various parameters such as effect of initial pH, contact time, metal ion concentration and sorbent dose on the removal of Cu(II) was investigated using batch process. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models were applied to describe the adsorption isotherms. The Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium data better than the other isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cu(II) was calculated from the Langmuir isotherm and found to be 37.09 mg g−1 at pH 5.0. The kinetic studies revealed that the biosorption of Cu(II) onto SSBP followed the pseudo-second-order rate model. Evaluated thermodynamic parameters, ∆G°, ∆H° and ∆S°, showed that the biosorption of Cu(II) onto SSBP...

A variety of bis heterocycles-heteroaryl pyrazoles (5) and pyrroles (6) were prepared from heteroaryl chalcones adopting 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction and studied their antimicrobial activity. The compounds 5d and 5f having bromo and nitro substituents on the aromatic ring are the potent antimicrobial agents against Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger.

The total metal concentration and bioaccessible concentration of Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se in Momordica charantia, Asparagus racemosus, Terminalia arjuna and Syzyzium cumini were measured by instrumental neutron activation analysis and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis (ICP-MS). The bioaccessible concentrations were determined in the gastrointestinal digest obtained after treating dried powdered samples sequentially in gastric and intestinal fluid of porcine origin at physiological conditions. The bioaccessible concentration of Fe was in the range of 58–67 mg kg−1, Mn was 10.2–14.6 mg kg−1, Cu was 3.7–4.8 mg kg−1 and Zn was 10.6–18.4 mg kg−1, were within the safety limits set for vegetable food stuff set by Joint FAO/WHO. The bioaccessibility of Zn, an essential element, was high (40–50 %) in M. charantia and in S. cumini. In addition, the total metal contents and bioaccessible concentration of Ni, Se, Cd and Pb in these samples were measured by ICP-MS. The total Cd content in S. cumini (2.6 ± 0.2 mg kg−1) and its bioaccessible concentration (0.6 mg kg−1) were strikingly high as compared to the other samples. Though total Hg contents were determined by ICP-MS, but their bioaccessible concentrations were below the detection limit (0.036 mg kg−1).

A new class of N-azole substituted thiomorpholine derivatives were prepared and their antioxidant and cytotoxic activities were studied. The methyl substituted oxazolyl thiomorpholine dioxide 9b exhibited radical scavenging activity greater than the standard ascorbic acid. On the other hand, the thiazolyl thiomorpholine 10c having a chloro substituent on the aromatic ring was identified as a remarkable lead molecule for cytotoxic activity against A549 and HeLa cells, with IC50 values of 10.1 and 30.0 mu M, respectively.

Human lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease, causing permanent and long-term disability with severe immunopathology. Abundant larval transcript (ALT) plays a crucial role in parasite establishment in the host, due to its multi-faceted ability in host immune regulation. Although ALT protein is a key filarial target, its exact function is yet to be explored. Here, we report epitope mapping and a structural model ofBrugia malayiALT-2, leading to development of a multi-epitope vaccine. Structural analysis revealed that ALT represents unique parasitic defence proteins belonging to a toxin family that carries a ‘knottin’ fold. ALT-2 has been a favourite vaccine antigen and was protective in filarial models. Due to the immunological significance of ALT-2, we mapped B-cell epitopes systematically and identified two epitope clusters, 1–30 and 89–128. To explore the prophylactic potential of epitope clusters, a recombinant multi-epitopic gene comprising the epitopic domains was engineered and the protective efficacy of recombinant ALT epitope protein (AEP) was tested in the permissive model,Mastomys coucha. AEP elicited potent antibody responses with predominant IgG1 isotype and conferred significantly high protection (74.59%) compared to ALT-2 (61.95%). This proved that these epitopic domains are responsible for the protective efficacy of ALT-2 and engineering protective epitopes as a multi-epitope protein may be a novel vaccine strategy for complex parasitic infections.

The green algae Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) have the ability to bind high amounts of uranium(VI) in the pH range from 3 to 6. At pH 3 up to 20 % of the uranium is bound by the algal cells whereas the uranium removal by algal cell is almost complete at pH 5 and 6 in the concentration range of 4 × 10−4 to 1.6 × 10−3 M. Sorption capacities are in the range of 300–350 mg g−1 and 250–280 mg g−1 for fresh water and seawater respectively. Concentration of uranium was measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) by using two different emission spectral lines at 409.014 and 424.167 nm. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) complimented with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) is used to characterize the binding sites of uranyl species on algal cell in the selected pH range. The micrographs show a regular distribution of U(VI) on the cell surface. Attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared (ATRFTIR) spectrum of Chlorella indicates that the binding of U(VI) either to phosphodiesters (P–O–aryl/P–O–alkyl), and combination of amine, secondary amine and imine = NH respectively. These sites in Chlorella groups are mainly responsible for the removal and binding of U(VI) by formation of organic and/or inorganic uranyl phosphates.

Eighty three wild Arachis germplasm accessions, belonging to 24 species of five sections and one natural hybrid derivative of a cross between the cultivated and a wild Arachis species, were evaluated along with a susceptible groundnut cultivar for resistance to Peanut bud necrosis virus (PBNV) in a replicated field trial at ICRISAT, Patancheru, India. Thirty days after sowing, the percentage of infected plants were recorded for all the accessions and subsequently young leaflets from all these accessions were tested for the presence of the virus by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). One accession each of A. benensis and A. cardenasii, and two accessions of A. villosa, in the section Arachis, two accessions of A. appressipila in the section Procumbentes, and one accession of A. triseminata under section Triseminatae were not infected by PBNV. These seven field-resistant accessions were tested under glasshouse conditions for virus resistance by mechanical sap inoculations. One accession of A. cardenasii and two accessions of A. villosa did not show systemic infection. Similarly, in another glasshouse test, where 13 A. cardenasii accessions of section Arachis were evaluated, two accessions did not show systemic infection. In all these resistant accessions, the inoculated leaves showed infection, but the systemic leaves did not show the presence of virus in spite of repeated mechanical sap inoculations. So, the resistance in these accessions appears to be due to a block in systemic movement of the virus. To our knowledge this is the first report on the identification of resistance to PBNV in wild Arachis species. Since both A. cardenasii and A. villosa are the progenitors of cultivated groundnut and can be hybridised with the latter, the resistant accessions are being utilised in conventional breeding programmes to transfer PBNV resistance to widely adapted groundnut cultivars.

Three commonly used medicinal plants, e.g., Adhatoda vasica, Cassia fistula, and Withania somnifera grown in two contrasting environmental conditions, namely from copper mining site and from control site corresponding to soil not contaminated with Cu, to understand correlations between high Cu bioaccumulation in medicinal plants on their antioxidant activities. Concentrations of some essential metals, e.g., Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se in the leaves of these plants were measured by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The Cu levels in the samples from mining site were in the range of 32.6 to 57.2 mg/kg, which were 5–7 folds higher than the control samples, while Cr levels were about 2-folds higher in the mining site. Speciation studies of Cr revealed negligible content of toxic hexavalent Cr. Antioxidant assay of these plants from both the sampling sites, measured as total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, free radical scavenging ability, and chelating ability with ferrous ions exhibited maximum activity for A. vasica, while that of W. somnifera was minimum. However, the variations in the antioxidant activities for each medicinal plant species from mining site and control site did not reveal significant differences.

The intake of leafy vegetables in daily diet is very important to meet our nutritional needs. Vegetables provide the essential elements which are necessary and recommended for human growth. However, due to rapid industrialization and urbanization our environment becomes polluted and this affects the normal growth of agricultural products and composition of environmental species. The elemental concentrations present in the environmental samples are good indicators to assess the toxicological levels due to pollution affects. In the present work we have analysed several vegetable plant samples by instrumental neutron activation analysis to determine the elemental concentrations at major, minor and trace levels. The leafy vegetables like spinach, red leafy veagetable, pui, gourd leaf, lettuce and katoua were chosen as these are extensively consumed by local peple in eastern part of India. We have determined 15 elements in the above mentioned vegetable samples and some of these are essential elements and some are toxic elements. It was found that Na and K were present as major elements, Fe and Zn as minor elements and As, Ce, Cr, Co, La, Mo, Rb, Sc, Sm, Sr as trace elements. The concentration level of Cr was found to be higher than that of recommended value certified by WHO and National environment quality control for human consumption. The validation of our analytical results have been performed by the Z-score tests through the determination of concentrations of the elements of interest in certified reference materials.

Equilibrium, thermodynamic, and kinetic studies on the biosorption of Cu(II) using biomass, Trichoderma viride were carried out. The biosorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to describe the biosorption process. The influence of pH, the biomass dosage, the contact time, the initial metal ion concentration, and the temperature of the solution on the biosorption was studied. The maximum Cu(II) biosorption was attained at pH 5. The equilibrium data were better fit by the Langmuir isotherm model than by the Freundlich isotherm. The maximum biosorption capacity of T. viride biomass was found to be 19.6 mg/g for Cu(II). The kinetic studies indicated that the biosorption of Cu(II) followed the pseudo-second-order model. The calculated thermodynamic parameters, Gibbs-free energy (ΔGo), enthalpy (ΔHo), and entropy (ΔSo) showed that the biosorption of Cu(II) onto T. viride biomass was spontaneous...

Typha angustifolia is a metal hypertolerant grass that predominates the wetlands of uranium tailings in Jaduguda, India, contaminated with extreme levels of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn). In the paper investigations were carried out to understand the molecular mechanism of metal tolerance in this tolerant macrophyte. Metal analysis was coupled with fluorescent differential display (FDD) and reverse northern to compare the metal profile and transcriptome between Typha plants growing in the tailings versus a control wetland. The expressions of the validated transcripts in Mn and Fe stress were confirmed using reverse northern and semiquantitaive RT-PCR. Typha selectively accumulated and stored Mn in shoots but excluded/restricted Fe both in the field and in vitro. Differential expressions of 23 ESTs were validated among 118 FDD genes. Although Typha behaved as a Mn accumulator, these transcripts were found to be regulated in a complex fashion not only by Mn accumulated in the shoots but also by Fe excluded from the shoots. Our results provide the first report in the molecular understanding of metal tolerance in Typha angustifolia and indicate a complex regulation of genes in response to metals in a contaminated habitat.

SUMMARYNative plantlets of Allium cepa (onion) were cultivated in selenium (Se)-supplemented soils to observe dose- and time-dependent uptake and associated pro/anti-oxidant activity. Allium plantlets were grown in soils supplemented with Se at 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 mg kg−1 as selenite (Na2SeO3) and selenate (Na2SeO4) for 40–120 days. The effect of different concentrations of Se oxyanions on the growth and accumulation profile in plants in relation to glutathione peroxidase activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was studied. Total Se concentrations in plantlets were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The accumulation of Se in plant was observed to be dose dependent in the case of selenite, but, no definite correlation between accumulation levels and exposed concentration was observed. The changes in pro/anti-oxidant properties were observed to be dependent on the accumulation of Se in plant.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) leaves, known as nervine tonic in Ayurveda, and its aqueous (BA), methanolic (BM) and aqueous–methanolic (BAM) extracts were analyzed for 7 minor (Al, Fe, Na, K, Ca, P, Cl) and 18 trace (As, Au, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cu, Hf, Hg, La, Mn, Rb, Se, Sm, Sr, Th, V, Zn) elements by INAA. BAM extract showed maximum contents of Na, K, Cl and significant amounts of Mn, Co, Zn. It was also found as effective scavenger of DPPH radicals with 33.5% total phenolic content, highest γ-ray radioprotective effect and higher anti lipid peroxidation activity.

Traditional Indian medicinal herbs, used for strengthening the body immune system, are rich source of many essential nutrient elements in bioavailable form. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) employing short (5 minutes) and long (14 hours and 3 days) reactor irradiation followed by high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry has been used for the determination of Al, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Eu, Fe, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Th, V and Zn in 15 medicinal herbs commonly used in Indian household for treatment of various ailments. viz. C. rhombifolia (Amaltas), W. somnifera (Ashwagandha), P. corylifolia (Bakuchi), T. cordifolia (Guduchi), M. fragrans (Jaiphal), N. jatamansi (Jatamansi), A. paniculata (Kalmegh), H. anticlysentrica (Kutaj), T. chebula (Laghu Haritaki), S. racemosa (Lodhra), A. indica (Neem), V. negundo (Nirgundi), H. indicus (Sariva), A. calamus (Vach) and E. ribes (Vidang). Several of herbs are enriched in Ca, Co, Cu, Mg, P, Fe, Mn and Zn, which play a vital role in biochemical and enzymatic processes. Jatamansi, often used as antibacterial, antipyretic and heart tonic is specially enriched in Co, Cr, Cu, Na, Mn, Fe, Rb and Zn. Also Guduchi and Laghu Haritaki are enriched in Ca and Mg, respectively. An attempt has been made to correlate elemental contents with the therapeutic importance of various herbs. Also our results for the participation in an Intercomparison Study of renewal of Pine Needles (SRM-1575a) from NIST, USA are presented.

Eight different brands of Trifala and its three constituents, Amalaki (Embilica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Haritaki (T.chebula) were analyzed for 6 minor (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Cl and P) and 19 trace (Al, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Eu, Hf, Hg, La, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Th, V and Zn) elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Two candidate reference materials Tea Leaves (TL-1) and Mixed Polish Herbs (MPH-2) were also analyzed as a part of Intercomparison Study besides several reference materials (RMs) for quality control. The samples along with RMs were irradiated with thermal neutrons in APSARA/Dhruva reactors at BARC, Mumbai and their activity measured on HPGe detector and 8K MCA system. Also Ni, Cu, Cd and Pb contents were determined by AAS. Bibhitaki is found to be enriched in Fe (0.98 mg/g), P (1.10 mg/g), Co (1.74 mg/g) and Se (240 ng/g) including alkali and alkaline earth metals. Availability of many nutrient elements such as Mg, Ca, K, Fe, and Se in Trifala is attributed to its usefulness in the treatment of liver disorder, heart ailments, hepatic diseases and cancer, as expectorant, powerful eye rejuvenator and an antioxidant.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.), is an important legume cash crop for the tropical farmers and its seeds contain high amounts of edible oil (43–55%) and protein (25–28%). Even though it is a fairly drought-tolerant, production fluctuates considerably as a result of rainfall variability. To develop a water stress response function in groundnut, research works have been done to improve the performance under varying degrees of stress at various physiological stages of crop growth. This review summarizes recent information on drought resistance characteristics of groundnut with a view toward developing appropriate genetic enhancement strategies for water-limited environments. It is suggested that there are considerable gains to be made in increasing yield and stabilizing the yield in environments characterized by terminal drought stress and by shortening crop duration. Many traits conferring dehydration avoidance and dehydration tolerance are available, but integrated traits, expressing at a high level of organization are suggested to be more useful in crop improvement programs. Possible genetic improvement strategies are outlined, ranging from empirical selection for yield in drought environments to a physiological–genetic approach. It was also suggested that in view of recent advances in understanding drought resistance mechanisms, the later strategy is becoming more feasible. It is summarized that application of knowledge into practice in a systematic manner can lead to significant gains in yield and yield stability of the world’s groundnuts production. Research is needed to develop transferable technology to help farmers of arid and semi-arid regions. Increasing soil moisture storage by soil profile management and nutrient management for quick recovery from drought are some of the areas that need to be explored further.

Kumar, P. L., Jones, A. T., and Reddy, D. V. R. 2003. A novel mitetransmitted virus with a divided RNA genome closely associated with pigeonpea sterility mosaic disease. Phytopathology 93:71-81. The agent of sterility mosaic, a disease that is a major constraint on pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) production in the Indian subcontinent, is transmitted by the eriophyid mite, Aceria cajani. This agent has remained elusive for decades despite intensive efforts but we report the isolation of highly flexuous filamentous virus-like particles (VLPs) of 3 to 10 nm in width and of undefined lengths from sterility mosaic disease (SMD)affected pigeonpea plants. Purified VLP preparations from virus-infected pigeonpea and Nicotiana benthamiana had a buoyant density in cesium chloride of 1.22 to 1.23 g cm –3 and contained a major virus-specific protein species of 32 kDa and 5 to 7 RNA species of 6.8 to 1.1 kb. The sequence of some complementary DNA clones to RNA from purified VLP preparations had no significant matches in database searches. Two oligonucleotide primers derived from one such sequence, when used in reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction assays, amplified a product of 321 bp specifically from SMD-affected pigeonpea plants. Purified VLP preparations were used to produce polyclonal antibodies that, in infected plants, detected the virus using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the virus-specific 32-kDa protein in western immunoblotting (WIB). In such assays, the virus was detected consistently in all SMD-affected pigeonpea plant samples from several different locations in India, but not in samples from symptom-free pigeonpea plants from the same locations. In experimental studies, all pigeonpea plants inoculated with viruliferous A. cajani and those plants graftinoculated with SMD-affected tissue were infected with the virus as assessed by ELISA and WIB, but not any uninfected pigeonpea plants. This virus, tentatively named Pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus (PPSMV), has some properties similar to virus species in the genera Tospovirus and Tenuivirus and with the eriophyid mite-transmitted High plains virus (HPV) but is distinct from these and from all other characterized viruses. The combination of novel properties shown by PPSMV and HPV suggest that they may constitute species in a new genus of plant viruses.

The progress of Indian peanut clump virus (Hyderabad isolate; IPCV-H) and its vector Polymyxa graminis in various monocotyledonous crops and groundnut was studied during the 1994, 1995 and 1996 rainy seasons in a naturally infested field in India. The roles of rainfall and temperature in the dynamics of infection by both the virus and its vector were analysed by exposing young seedlings for short periods in the field. Of the host crops studied, wheat, followed by barley, showed the highest virus incidence, although P. graminis was rarely observed in roots of wheat and was not detected in those of barley. The roots of maize, pearl millet and sorghum plants infected by P. graminis showed intense colonization by sporosori. IPCV accumulated in systemically infected maize plants; the sorghum and pearl millet cultivars studied showed a transient presence of IPCV-H. Rice was seldom infected by the virus and P. graminis was not detected in its roots. Groundnut was a systemic host for the virus, although during these experiments no P. graminis was found in its roots. Groundnut appeared to be susceptible to infection, mostly in the early stages of crop development, and the rate of IPCV-H transmission in groundnut seeds was highest (13%) for plants infected when young. The seed-transmission rate quickly decreased in plants showing symptoms 1 month after sowing. Time of infection had little influence on groundnut pod yield, which was always reduced by >60% in infected plants. There was some evidence that the quantity and distribution of rainfall influenced the incidences of IPCV-H and P. graminis: high rainfall resulted in high incidences of the virus and P. graminis, and a weekly rainfall of 14 mm was sufficient for P. graminis to initiate infection. Temperatures prevailing during the rainy season ranged from 23 to 30degreesC and were found to be conducive to natural virus transmission. These results suggest measures to be explored for controlling peanut clump disease.

Pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus (PPSMV) is transmitted by the eriophyid mite, Aceria cajani, and is very closely associated with sterility mosaic disease (SMD) of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajah) in the Indian subcontinent. Antiserum produced to purified PPSMV preparations detected a virus-specific 32 kDa protein in sap of SMD-affected pigeonpea plants by ELISA and Western blotting. PPSMV was transmitted mechanically in sap of SMD-affected pigeonpea leaves to Nicotiana benthamiana. Ultrastructural studies of symptom-bearing leaves of two pigeonpea cultivars, (ICP8863 and ICP2376) and N. benthamiana infected with PPSMV, detected quasi-spherical, membrane bound bodies (MBBs) of c. 100–150 nm and amorphous electron-dense material (EDM). These structures were distributed singly or in groups, in the cytoplasm of all cells, except those in conductive tissues. Fibrous inclusions (FIs), composed of randomly dispersed fibrils with electron lucent areas, were present in the cytoplasm of palisade cells and rarely in mesophyll cells of the two pigeonpea cultivars but were not detected in infected TV. benthamiana plants. In the PPSMV-infected pigeonpea cultivars and TV. benthamiana, immuno-gold labelling, using antiserum to PPSMV, specifically labelled the MBBs and associated EDM, but not the FIs. The MBBs and associated inclusions are similar in appearance to those reported for plants infected with the eriophyid mite-transmitted High Plains virus and the agents of unidentified aetiology associated with rose rosette, fig mosaic, thistle mosaic, wheat spot chlorosis and yellow ringspot of budwood. The nature of these different inclusions is discussed

Aceria cajani on pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is the vector of the agent of pigeonpea sterility mosaic disease (PSMD), a very damaging virus-like disease in the Indian subcontinent. PCR was used to amplify A. cajani nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and associated rDNA genes. They were assessed for variation in this genome region by nucleotide sequencing and RFLP. A. cajani-specific rDNA primers are described. Several A. cajani populations were collected from pigeonpea plants from various PSMD endemic locations in India, Nepal and Myanmar. No significant variation was identified in rDNA regions, or in morphological features. These results suggest strongly that A. cajani on pigeonpea across the Indian subcontinent constitutes one species and that no other Aceria species and probably no A. cajani biotypes that differ in vectoring ability are involved in the transmission of the agent of PSMD. The implications of these findings for the variability observed in PSMD-resistant pigeonpea genotypes across various locations in India are discussed

Management practices can influence NO 3 -N content and movement in the soil. We examined the influence of 3 yr of tillage [no-till (NT), chisel (CH), and moldboard (MB)], cover crop [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) (HV), and no hairy vetch (NHV)], and N fertilization (0, 90, and 180 kg N ha -1 ) on residual NO 3 -N content and movement on a Norfolk sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Kandiudults) under tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) in central Georgia. Because of low N recovery by tomato, NO 3 -N content in the soil increased with depth, regardless of treatments, and ranged from 127 to 316 kg ha -1 at 0- to 120-cm depth in the fall (September 1997). The content increased with increasing rate of N addition from cover crop residue and N fertilizer. From fall to spring (March 1998), 22 to 58% (37 to 129 kg NO 3 -N ha -1 ) of this content was lost, mostly due to leaching. Greater loss occurred in NT than in CH or MB, with HV than with NHV, and with 180 or 90 than with 0 kg N ha -1 . Similarly, greater loss at 0- to 60-cm than at 60- to 120-cm depth and significant correlation between soil NO 3 -N and clay concentration with depth indicates that NO 3 -N moved from the surface layer to the underlying day layer, where it moved slowly. Nitrate-N content and movement in the soil from cover crop residue and N fertilizer were similar. Minimum tillage reduced NO 3 -N movement compared with NT, yet avoided the negative effects on soil and water quality associated with MB. Although HV increased tomato N uptake and recovery, it was not effective in reducing NO 3 -N content and movement compared with N fertilizer.

Wheat and barley crops were shown to be susceptible to Indian peanut clump virus (IPCV) under field conditions. In wheat, the Hyderabad isolate of IPCV (IPCV-H) induced symptoms resembling the rosette caused by soil-borne wheat mosaic virus, and these were apparent only three weeks after emergence. Early-infected plants were severely stunted and dark green, with chlorotic streaks on the youngest leaves, which turned necrotic as the plants aged; most of these plants died. Late-infected plants were also stunted and were conspicuous in the field because of their dark green appearance as a result of delayed maturity. The virus was detected by ELISA and nucleic acid hybridization in all plants with symptoms. These plants usually produced fewer tillers than healthy ones. Spikes were malformed, often did not emerge from the flag leaf, and they contained few shrivelled seeds. Grain yield was decreased, on average, by 58%. In barley, IPCV-H caused severe stunting and general leaf chlorosis. As the plants aged, the leaves became necrotic and the few infected plants that reached maturity produced small spikes. IPCV-H antigens were detected by ELISA in every wheat seed from infected plants and the virus was transmitted through wheat seed at a frequency of 0.5-1.3%. Storage at 4 degrees C for more than a year did not affect seed transmission frequency. The virus was detected in leaves and roots of seed-transmitted plants. Seed transmission was not detected in barley. The Durgapura isolate (IPCV-D) was detected in wheat crops (cv. RR-21) at 3 different locations in Rajasthan State, India. Infected plants showed reduced growth without any overt symptoms.

Summary The nucleocapsids purified from peanut plants systemically infected with peanut bud necrosis virus (PBNV), a member of the genus Tospovirus, contained both viral(v) and viral complementary(vc) sense L RNAs. Defective forms of L RNA containing ‘core polymerase region’ were observed. The full length L RNA of PBNV was sequenced using overlapping cDNA clones. The 8911 nucleotide L RNA contains a single open reading frame (ORF) in the vc strand, and encodes a protein of 330 kDa. At the 5′ and 3′ termini of the v sense RNA there were 247 and 32 nt untranslated regions, respectively, containing an 18 nt complementary sequence with one mismatch. Comparisons of the predicted amino acid sequence of the L protein of PBNV with other members of Bunyaviridae suggest that the L protein of PBNV is a viral polymerase. The L protein had highest identity in the ‘core-polymerase domain’ with the corresponding regions of other tospoviruses, tomato spotted wilt virus and impatiens necrotic spot virus.

A mycobacterial excretory-secretory protein fraction ESAS-7 purified by 50% ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by SDS-PAGE fractionation was evaluated by penicillinase enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) for its sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. At a "cut off" serum dilution of 600, 38 (90%) of 42 sera from bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis cases, 15 (100%) of 15 sera from bacteriogically negative but anti tubercular therapy (ATT) responded cases, 3 (7%) of 43 sera from normal healthy subjects and 4 (8%) of 48 sera from non tuberculous disease control cases gave positive reaction for tubercular antibody to ESAS-7 antigen fraction containing predominantly 33-kDa protein with a sensitivity of 90% in bacteriologically confirmed cases and specificity of 92%. Further, this diagnostic assay using the ESAS-7 antigen is more sensitive requiring as little as one nanogram antigen per test compared to use of 100 nanogram EST-6 antigen reported earlier. Thus use of ESAS-7 antigen for antibody detection has good diagnostic potential with improved specificity in pulmonary tuberculosis.

With a view to diagnosing tuberculosis in populations in endemic areas, excretory-secretory antigen fraction(Mtb EST-6) of purifiedMycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra and affinity purified polyclonal antibodies againstMtb EST were used to detect both antibodies and circulating antigen in the sera of patients and disease-free individuals. Indirect stick penicillinase ELISA system usingMtb EST-6 detected antigen-specific IgG antibody in 84% of sputum positive, 77% of sputum negative pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 7% of healthy and 11% of subjects with nontub~rculosis diseases. Similarly, a sandwich penicillinase ELISA system using affinity purified antiMtb EST antibodies detected circulating antigen in 83% and 61% of sputum positive and negative pulmonary tuberculosis subjects. In contrast only 24% of healthy and 18% of disease controls showed seropositivity. Antibody assay showed higher sensitivity and specificity (83% and 91% respectively) compared to antigen detection (sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 79%). However, by concomitant use of both assays it was possible to enhance the specificity of detection to 98%, though sensitivity was reduced marginally to 70%. The present study confirms the presence of both antigen and specific antibodies in the circulation during clinical disease and draws attention to the utility ofMtb EST-6 as a diagnostic marker of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Studies on tritrophic interactions involving sorghum genotypes, midge ( Stenodiplosis sorghicola ) and the predominant parasitoids ( Aprostocetus spp.) at ICRISAT Asia Center were conducted using three midge resistant (ICSV 745, ICSV 89058 and IS 10712) and three susceptible (Swarna, CSH 9 and ICSV 112) genotypes during the post-rainy (1992/93) and rainy (1993) seasons. A. coimhatorensis , the predominant parasitoid during post-rainy season, preferred mid-late midge larvae for parasitization, while A. gala, which was predominant during the rainy season, preferred early-mid larval stages. Variations in the preference of A. coimbatorensis and A. gala for the developmental stage of their host larvae indicate good prospects for the biological control of sorghum midge populations. There were significant differences in parasitization level of midge by Aprostocetus spp. between resistant and susceptible sorghum genotypes, and season. Higher parasitization was observed on susceptible genotypes than on resistant ones during both post-rainy and rainy seasons. However, the level of parasitization was greater in post-rainy than in rainy seasons. There was also evidence of higher midge infestation in rainy than in post-rainy seasons. Susceptible genotypes attracted more parasitoids because of high levels of midge infestations. Low parasitoid density in midge resistant sorghum under glasshouse and field conditions was associated with low midge infestations in these genotypes. However, parasitoids were always associated with their host in spite of low midge densities in resistant genotypes. The present study revealed that the interaction between host plant resistance and parasitoids of sorghum midge would thus be synergistic and complementary and could result in successful integration of these two important pest management tactics.

The effects of Atherigona soccata-resistant (IS 18551) and -susceptible (CSH 5) sorghum seedling volatiles on oviposition by the pest were investigated by exposing mated females to various treatments under greenhouse conditions. It is hypothesized that susceptible-genotype and younger (5-10 days after emergence, (DAE)) seedlings emit different quantities and/or blends of volatiles than resistant or older (14-21 DAE) ones. A. soccata response was greater to host plant odour alone than to host plant plus fishmeal. A transparent trap with 10-day-old susceptible seedlings was found to be more effective and efficient for adult attraction than the other two types of traps (live fly trap and black trap). The present study indicated that females of A. soccata are attracted both to the volatiles emitted by the susceptible seedlings, and to phototactic (optical) stimuli that may facilitate orientation to its host for oviposition, but volatile blends associated with adult attraction will be reported in due course to confirm these results.

Diverse array of food legume crops (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae) have been adopted worldwide for their protein-rich seed. Choice of legumes and their importance vary in different parts of the world. The economically important legumes are severely affected by a range of virus diseases causing significant economic losses due to reduction in grain production, poor quality seed, and costs incurred in phytosanitation and disease control. The majority of the viruses infecting legumes are vectored by insects, and several of them are also seed transmitted, thus assuming importance in the quarantine and in the epidemiology. This review is focused on the economically important viruses of soybean, groundnut, common bean, cowpea, pigeonpea, mungbean, urdbean, chickpea, pea, faba bean, and lentil and begomovirus diseases of three minor tropical food legumes (hyacinth bean, horse gram, and lima bean). Aspects included are geographic distribution, impact on crop growth and yields, virus characteristics, diagnosis of causal viruses, disease epidemiology, and options for control. Effectiveness of selection and planting with virus-free seed, phytosanitation, manipulation of crop cultural and agronomic practices, control of virus vectors and host plant resistance, and potential of transgenic resistance for legume virus disease control are discussed.

(1997). Anatomy of sporosori of Polymyxa graminis, the vector of Indian peanut clump virus, in roots of Sorghum bicolor. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology: Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 281-288.

Studies were conducted on the species composition of parasitoids of sorghum midge, Stenodiplosis sorghicola Coquillett (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), emergence pattern and level of parasitism. They took place at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics Asia Centre using three midge-resistant (ICSV 745, ICSV 89058 and IS 10712) and three susceptible (Swarna, CSH 9 and ICSV 112) genotypes during the 1992-93 post-rainy and 1993 rainy seasons. The species of parasitoids collected were Aprostocetus gala Walker, A. coimbatorensis Rohwer (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Eupelmus spp. (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae). The species composition varied with the season, but was unaffected by varietal resistance and susceptibility to the midge. Although both species of Aprostocetus were present in rainy and post-rainy seasons, A. gala was predominant during the rainy season whereas A. coimbatorensis was predominant in the post-rainy season. There was no significant difference in the pattern of parasitoid e...

Bancroftian filariasis is a major public health problem affecting about 120 million people all over the world. Immunoprophylaxis may serve as an additional adjunct along with chemotherapy and anti larval measures for successful filaria control. Circulating filarial antigen fraction (CFA2-6) containing 43 kDa antigen and adultBrugia malayi sodium dodecyl sulphate (S DS) soluble antigen fraction BmA-2 with a 120 kDa molecule were earlier shown to be reactive with endemic normal sera by immunoblotting and indirect ELISA techniques. BmA-2 was found to be highly cross reactive with CFA2-6. Sera raised against both the antigen fractions showed about 90 % cytotoxicity to the parasites in the presence of jird peritoneal cells inin vitro as well as byin situ micropore chamber implantation technique. Further inin vivo studies using animal model, jirds CFA2-6 and BmA-2 could induce about 90% protection to infection in immunized animals. In passive transfer studies of immunity it has been observed that BmA-2 induced protection is mainly antibody mediated.

A head cage technique for monitoring sorghum midge populations was developed at the ICRISAT Asia Centre, India. This technique is a variant of the type previously described for screening sorghum genotypes for midge resistance. The technique was effective and efficient in collecting adult midges from flowering sorghum panicles under field conditions. Adult midge flies emerged over 2- 3 weeks during the 1992/93 post-rainy and 1- 2 weeks during the 1993 rainy seasons. Sorghum midge activity (density) was higher during the rainy than during the post-rainy season.

SUMMARYIn view of the mandate from the World Health Organization (WHO) for developing novel drug candidates against human lymphatic filariasis, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitors are explored as potential antifilarial agents. The in vitro biological evaluation of an in-house library of 12 diverse antifolate compounds with 2,4-diaminopyrimidine and 2,4-diamino-s-triazine structural features against Brugia malayi is reported. To confirm the DHFR inhibitory potential of these compounds, reversal studies using folic acid and folinic acid were undertaken. Inhibition of DHFR can induce apoptosis; in this light, preliminary evidence of apoptosis by test compounds was detected using ethidium bromide–acridine orange staining and the poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition assay. Among the evaluated compounds, 3 showed significant activity against both microfilariae and adult worms. The effects of 2 of these compounds were mostly reversed by folic acid, validating DHFR inhibitory activity. Partial reversal of the effect of 2 compounds by folinic acid and non-reversal of the effect of the third compound both by folic and folinic acids are discussed. This study opens new avenues for the discovery of lead molecules by exploiting the folate pathway against one of the major neglected tropical diseases, filariasis.

The nucleotide sequence of RNA-1 of an isolate of the H serotype of Indian peanut clump virus (IPCV-H) was shown to comprise 5,841 nucleotides. The RNA contains three open reading frames (ORF) which are between nucleotides 133 and 3,522, nucleotides 3,526 and 5,103 (assuming expression by suppression of the ORF 1 termination codon) and nucleotides 5,168 and 5,539. The encoded polypeptides have M(r), of 129,687 (p130), 60,188 (p60) and 14,281 (p14). ORF 2 is thought to be expressed by suppression of the termination codon of ORF 1 to produce a M(r) 189,975 product (p190). p130 contains sequences characteristic of proteins with methyl transferase and NTP-binding properties and p190 contains these and sequences characteristic of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. The nucleotide sequence of IPCV RNA-1 is similar to that of peanut clump virus (PCV) and corresponding encoded polypeptides are 88% (p130), 95% p60 and 75% (p14) identical. The sequences of the translation products are also similar to those of soil-borne wheat mosaic virus and barley stripe mosaic virus. Oligonucleotide primers, designed on the basis of the sequences of RNA-1 of IPCV and PCV, were effective in reverse transcription-PCR amplification of these RNAs and that of IPCV isolates of the serologically distinct L and T serotypes.

Soil moisture was manipulated to control incidence of Atherigona soccata in irrigated post-rainy season sorghum grown under a rainout shelter and in field conditions in Andhra Pradesh,India, during 1989-90 and 1991-92. After uniform irrigation at sowing, the plants were subjected to water stress at the young seedling stage (7-28 days after emergence) for different lengths of time. Soil water had profound effects on the production of water droplets on the surface of the central whorl leaf of seedlings of sorghum genotypes. Leaf surface wetness, which facilitates movement of the larvae, was more affected in susceptible (CSH 5) than in moderately resistant (IS 1054) genotypes. Oviposition and deadhearts were higher in treatments with full irrigation than in treatments to which less water was applied during the first 3 weeks after seedling emergence. This resulted in higher plant biomass and overall grain yield in the latter treatments. Using insecticides to control the infestation, it was shown that inducing plant stress by reduced soil moisture content during early plant growth gave the same or better control of A. soccata damage and the same or higher grain yield as in insecticide-protected plots with full irrigation.

The M RNA of peanut bud necrosis virus (PBNV; synonym groundnut bud necrosis virus) is 4801 nucleotides in length. It comprised two ORFs in an ambisense organization and terminal inverted repeats. The 3′ large ORF (3363 nucleotides in the virus-complementary strand) encoded a protein with a predicted size of 127·2 kDa which was identified as the glycoprotein precursor (GP) of the G1 and G2 glycoproteins. A comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of GP revealed 37% identity and 58–59% similarity with that of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV, serogroup I) and impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV, serogroup III), and 21–23% identity and 44–47% similarity with those of other members of the genus Bunyavirus. The 5′ small ORF (924 nucleotides in the virus-sense strand) encoded a 34·2 kDa protein which was identified as the non-structural (NSm) protein based on 41–43% identity and 60–63% similarity with that of TSWV and INSV. Defective RNA molecules derived from the genomic M RNA were detected during continuous passage of the virus by sap inoculations.

he occurrence of peanut bud necrosis (PBN) disease in India was first reported in 1968. The high incidence of PBN disease during the 1960s coincided with large-scale imports of the peanut cultivars Asiria Mwitundae and Spanish Improved, both of which are highly susceptible to PBN. Since then, a number of reports have been published in India describing bud necrosis under at least seven different names (Reddy 1988). Crop losses due to PBN have been estimated at USD89 million per year in India during 1976–1986. The disease is also currently recognized as economically important in Nepal (Sharma 1996), in Sri Lanka, and in Thailand (Wongkaew 1995). The causal agent of PBN was originally reported as tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) (Ghanekar et al. 1979). Since then, methods to purify the causal virus of PBN have been developed, which facilitated the production of good quality antisera. On the basis of serological relationships, some physicochemical properties, and thrips transmission, it was shown that the causal virus of PBN in India was a distinct tospovirus that was named peanut bud necrosis virus (PBNV, Reddy et al. 1992). These results were subsequently confirmed by Adam et al. (1993). Later, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) have been produced against the nucleocapsid (N) protein of PBNV (Poul et al. 1992). Antibodies from nine clones failed to react with a TSWV-lettuce (TSWV-L) isolate and with an impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) by triple-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TAS-ELISA) (coating of PBNV polyclonal antiserum, addition of antigen followed by addition of MAbs and antimouse IgGs conjugated to alkaline phosphatase). Of 16 MAbs produced against TSWV-L (Hsu et al. 1990), 12 H5 Al (f), 12 H5 H5 (1

The double-stranded DNA of the chlorotic vein banding isolate of peanut chlorotic streak caulimovirus (PC1SV-CVB), isolated from purified virus, resolved into circular and linear molecules similar to those of other caulimoviruses. A physical map of viral DNA was constructed, which showed the PCLSV-CVB DNA to be circular and composed of approximately 8.2 kbp. A number of restriction sites were found to be shared with a similar caulimovirus, PCLSV. Nevertheless, several differences between physical maps of the 2 viruses suggested that PCLSV-CVB should be considered as a distinct strain of PCLSV. Bam HI-cleaved PCLSV-CVB DNA was cloned into pUC 118 and was infectious when cleaved from the cloning vector and inoculated onto Vigna unguiculata [cowpeas].