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The Oomycetes fungi, known as water molds are a group of numerous hundred microorganisms that comprise certain of the most disturbing phytopathogens. They can cause damping-off, seedling blights, foliar blights, downy mildew and root rots. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is an economically and nutritionally important species grown worldwide. Late blight and damping off are two major diseases, which are caused by oomycetes. The present study collected infected samples of tomatoes from four geographic locations in Karnataka, India and identified the pathogens through morphological and molecular methods. Ten different fungal species were identified through microscopic study, with dominance of Pythium and Phytophthora species at all locations. Molecular characterization through ITS sequences and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of two oomycetes Pythium aphanidermatum and Phytophthora infestans. ITS sequences of these two fungi were deposited at NCBI with accession numbers OR677915 and OR677916, respectively. Experimental inoculation of Pythium aphanidermatum (20ml Inoculum/litre) in soil having 20-day-old tomato plants resulted in the 100% yellowing, wilting, collapse, and death of plants within 7 days of inoculation. Inoculation of Phytophthora infestans (20ml Inoculum/litre) was sprayed on fruiting tomato plants resulting in black/brown lesions followed by up to 80% wilting of leaves and fruits within 7 days of spray. This research contributes to our understanding of fungal diseases affecting tomato crops in Karnataka, India and provides a foundation for future studies aimed at developing sustainable disease management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The clinical features of sepsis in neonates are subtle and non specific, requiring a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis. Blood culture is the gold standard for diagnosis, but it is time consuming. Therefore, there is a need for a costeffective and reliable screening tool. The Leukocyte Alkaline Phosphatase (LAP) activity of neutrophils is known to increase during bacterial infections in adults. Aim: To determine the activity of LAP in Neonatal Sepsis (NS) and compare the results with blood culture. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cohort study conducted from January 2018 to June 2019 at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Karnataka, India. Total of 200 neonates by their haematological profile were clinically suspected of having sepsis. A peripheral smear was prepared from a drop of blood and stained to assess the LAP activity. In each smear, a total of 100 consecutive segmented neutrophils were examined and were rated from 0 to 4 according to the red granular precipitate intensity within their cytoplasm. The possible range of 0-400. The blood culture report was obtained from the case sheet. The neonates were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of culture-proven sepsis cases, and Group 2 consisted of neonates with clinical suspicion of sepsis but negative blood culture results. Descriptive analysis was performed using mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables, and frequency and proportion for categorical variables. Chi-square test was conducted, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of the 200 cases studied, 64 neonates showed a positive blood culture. The most common causative organism observed was Klebsiella pneumoniae, which was seen in 56 neonates. The age of the neonates ranged from newborn to 28 days old, with 115 being male. Furthermore, 116 neonates were term neonates, and 146 presented with early onset sepsis. The study revealed a wide range of LAP activity in both groups. In the culture-positive sepsis group, the LAP activity ranged from 36 to 350, while in the clinical sepsis group, it ranged from 10 to 354. Due to the broad range of LAP scores observed, it is concluded that LAP activity is not useful as a screening test. Conclusion: Findings of the present study indicate that LAP activity exhibited a wide range in both the culture-proven and clinical sepsis groups. However, due to this variability, LAP activity does not appear to be a reliable screening test for NS. While LAP activity assessment may still hold diagnostic value, further research is needed to refine its utility and explore its clinical relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Thungabhadra river located on Vijayanagara district which having more Riparian vegetation comparatively other regions, the study reveals the majority of vegetation shows that among 83 species the dominant family is Fabaceae which is having 14 species (37%), 11 genus (15.4%) followed by Amaranthaceae 7 species (8.64%), 3 genus (4.22%) along with Asteraceae having 7 species (8.64 %) 7 genus (9.85 %). However, the present study finds that most of the commercially valuable, medicinal, and industrially enriched diverse species can be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current estimates of energy and protein to bridge nutrient gap in the beneficiaries of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) supplementary nutrition program use sub-optimal methodology for deficit calculation. Objective: To estimate the nutrient deficit and the risk of inadequate nutrient intake in beneficiaries of the ICDS, aged 6-36 months, using individual 24-hour diet recalls, from districts of Chitradurga and Davanagere in Karnataka. Study design: Cross-sectional design. Participants: Children (aged 6 to 36 months) registered as beneficiaries of the ICDS in these districts. Methods: Data were collected on socio-demographic factors, child feeding patterns, perception and usage of take home ration (THR), between August to October, 2019. Three non-consecutive days' 24-hour diet recall data of children were obtained from mothers, and anthropometric measurements were taken. The proportion of children at risk of inadequate nutrient intakes was estimated using the probability approach. Assuming that 50% of a healthy population will be at risk of nutrient inadequacy such that intake and requirement distributions overlap, the proportion at actual risk of nutrient inadequacy (≥50%) was calculated. Results: A combined district analysis showed a median energy deficit of 109 kcal and 161 kcal in children belonging to the age groups of 6-12 month and 13-36 month, respectively. The actual risk of inadequate intake for both age groups ranged between 12- 47% for fat and other micronutrient (iron, calcium, zinc, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin A), despite breastfeeding, complementary feeding and reported THR use. Conclusion: Children who receive supplementary nutrition as part of the national program fail to meet their nutrient requirements that are essential for growth and development. The study results may help in strengthening the IYCF counselling and in modification of the existing THR, with quality and cost implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bael (Aegle marmelos (L) Correa) is an important underutilized fruit crop of India. A total of 25 bael trees were selected from 356 bael trees of Sakharayapattana in Chikkamagalur district, Karnataka, India based on the fruit morphological traits (fruit weight, pulp weight, skull thickness, seed weight per fruit, No. of seeds per fruit, No. of locules per fruit, No. of seeds per locule, pulp wt. : seed wt.). These 25 trees were evaluated for phenotypic and genotypic variations using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. RAPD and ISSR markers showed significant polymorphism among the trees. Jaccard's genetic similarity value of RAPD and ISSR was found in the range of 0.00--0.95 and 0.06--0.56, respectively suggesting a moderate level of genetic diversity. The present study revealed that molecular markers can be successfully utilized for determining genetic diversity and relationship of bael trees for further varietal improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted during 2017-19 at Forest Research Station (FRS), Govinkovi, Davangere district which is situated in the Southern Transitional Zone of Karnataka with 16 tamarind genotypes (K-9, NTI-52, K-11, S-7, S-8, S-14, S-3, N-6, D-2, C-4, D-9, NTI-89, D-19, S-6, K-10 and K-12). In this study, yield and yield components were analyzed for correlation and path analysis. The results revealed that, the pod yield per tree exhibited significant and positive association with pod weight (0.6417 and 0.6729), pulp weight (0.6324 and 0.6698), shell weight (0.6096 and 0.6520), fibre weight (0.6005 and 0.6458), pod length (0.5712 and 0.6142), seed weight (0.4660 and 0.4755), pod thickness (0.3714 and 0.4162) and pod width (0.3317 and 0.4311). While, the pod length (0.0674), pod thickness (0.0866), pod weight (0.0240), pulp weight (0.2121), shell weight (0.3169), seed weight (0.4787), fibre weight (0.2821) and number of pods per tree (0.3494) exhibited positive direct effect on pod yield per tree. Since the pod length, pod weight and pod thickness are the measures of pod size, the larger the pod, the heavier the pulp weight. Hence, these yield components can be used as criteria in selection programme for developing elite cultivar in tamarind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is to assess heavy metals contamination in vegetables and fruits in Bangalore Rural taluk markets such as Nelamangala, Doddaballapura, Devanahalli and Hosakote. Samples randomly collected from these markets were analyzed for heavy metals, viz. Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury and Copper in vegetables like Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Brinjal (Solanum melongena), Radish (Raphanus sativus), Carrot (Daucus carota), Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea), Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), Spinach (Spinacea oleracea), Banana (Musa paradisiaca), Mango (Mangifera indica) by using standard methods, such as ICP-MS. The Metal pollution index and Hazard quotient were calculated. The results indicate that the presence of heavy metals in vegetables and fruits was beyond the permissible limits of human consumption set by FAO/WHO. Consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables may disturb biochemical and biological activities in human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatophytes are the common etiological agent to cause superficial mycosis, however non-dermatophytes like yeast and non dermatophyte mould (NDM) are emerging as potential agent to cause superficial mycosis. In this study, we evaluated epidemiological, clinical and mycological characters of non-dermatophytes causing superficial infection in the Siddi tribal community. A total of 1004 samples were collected from 937 Siddi community patients with superficial infection. In that 158 samples shown culture positive, Candida species (32, 20.25%) was the predominant agent to cause superficial infection other than dermatophytes followed by Aspergillus species (12, 7.59%), Fusarium species (10, 6.32%) and cladosporium species (2, 1.26%). Further, Cladosporium species isolated from tineacapitis infection was subjected to PCR, sequencing of ITS region and identified as Cladosporium halotolerans. Therefore, this study also revealed non dermatophytic fungi are emerging as important cause of superficial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Issues of menstrual morbidities, menstrual hygiene, and cultural practices are rarely discussed by adolescents. The burden of menstruation and cultural practices which the adolescent girls have to face has been less quantified. This study aims to assess the issues related to menstruation in school girls. Method. A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 1016 school-going adolescent girls in January 2020. A questionnaire in English and in Kannada was distributed to girls of class 8–12 of ages between 10 and 19 years. Results. 70.5% of the girls attained menarche by 12 to 14.9 years, 37.2% of the girls had their periods every 28–34 days, and 12.2% of the girls said they have heavy periods. 61.95% of the girls had dysmenorrheal, and 9.7% of the girls said that they required medications for the pain. 70.7% of the girls were using commercial sanitary napkins, 12.7% were using cloth, and 15.3% were using both. 55.5% of the girls who were using cloth as an absorbent were not drying the cloth in sunlight. 57.1% of the girls were washing their genitals more than 2 times a day. 93.8% were having bath during menses and 87.2% were using soap along with water. 37.7% of the girls disposed their pads by burning them, 50.8% of then disposed them in the dust bin, and 4.9% of them buried them. 8.6% of the girls said that they remained completely absent from school during periods. 17.85% said that they remained absent for a day. 53.4% of the respondents said that they have difficulty in concentrating at school. 76.1% said that they had adequate water and sanitation facilities at school. 22.3% said that there was adequate facility to change their pads at school. 73.2% said that they could get a spare pad at school. 43.3% of the girls said they avoided cultural functions during their periods, and 38.5% said that they avoided religious ceremonies and practices during their periods. 8.7% of the girls were made to sit outside the house during their periods. The girls from rural areas had poorer hygienic habits, in comparison to the urban girls. Cultural restrictions such as sitting outside the house during menstruation and restricting play were more in the rural girls than the urban girls. Conclusion. Menstrual morbidities, menstrual hygiene management, and cultural beliefs all play a role in school absenteeism in adolescent girls. Improvement of facilities at school and conducting awareness programs can help adolescent girls to attend schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present investigation carried out to assess the status of ichthyofaunal diversity of Tunga Reservoir, Karnataka. The data for the present study was collected from three sites i.e. Dam site (Near dam, deeper part of the dam), Sakkarebaylu (intermediate site between reservoir and the river mouth) and Pakshidhama (lotic area where the river joins the reservoir, Tunga river mouth) during July 2014 to February 2016. A total of 48 species belonging to 33 genera, 11 families and 6 orders were recorded during the study period. Family Cyprinidae, contributed 53.19 per cent of total number of species, followed by Channidae (12.77%), Bagridae (10.64%), Siluridae, (6.38%), Ambassidae (4.26%). The order Cypriniformes contributed 53.19 per cent of total number of species, followed by Siluriformes, (23.4%),Perciformes (17.02%), Synbranchiformes, Beloniformes and Osteoglossiformes contributed less than 3 per cent. The result of the study showed that the value of Margalef'srichness index ranged between 5.00 and 7.55. Highest value was recorded in Aug (7.55) that coincided with the occurrence of highest number of individuals at station 1-Dam site. The Margalef species richness also showed clear differences between the seasons. The species diversity and richness, was more in the Post-monsoon season compared to others seasons at station 1-Dam site. The cumulative curve (K-dominance curve) or Abundance Biomass Curve (ABC) expressed the density of fish species station wise was high at station 3 Pakshidhama and proved the number of species (richness) followed by station 1- Dam site and station 2- Sakarebayalu. The result from K-dominance curve was plotted season wise and observed that the density of fish species was high in the Post-monsoon season and proved the number of species (richness) more in the Post-monsoon season compared to Pre-monsoon and monsoon at all the stations. The trend observed in cluster analysis was quiet evident here. The stress values found in MDS configurations were low (<0.1) suggesting good representation of interrelationship between all months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a contagious disease affecting animal health especially in developing countries. Brucella melitensis is a major cause of abortion in small ruminants and a significant public health pathogen. This study was carried out to know the sero prevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in and around Hassan district, Karnataka, India. A total of 192 serum samples were collected from different flock of sheep & goat and subjected to RBPT and iELISA. Overall prevalence rate of brucellosis was found to be 20.83% (CI: 15.08 - 26.57%) and 16.66% (CI: 11.38 - 21.93%) by RBPT & iELISA, respectively. Prevalence rate in sheep was 25.85% (CI: 18.77% - 32.93%) and 20.40% (CI: 13.89% - 26.91%) by RBPT and iELISA respectively whereas in goats it was 04.44% (CI: 0.0% - 10.39%) by both tests. Region wise, significantly higher prevalence was recorded in migratory flocks from Hiriyur (57.77%, 46.66%) and Sira (35.71%, 25.00%) compared to native Hassan flocks (3.36%, 3.36%) both by RBPT and iELISA, tests respectively. Significant difference in prevalence was observed between species but not between tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on an outbreak of Marek's diseases in the mining area of Karnataka, India affecting many vaccinated commercial layer flocks. A study was conducted to record flock details, clinical history and signs, and morbidity as well as mortality, egg production, and details of vaccinations. It concludes that balanced nutrition, with appropriate level of micronutrients, is vital to achieve good health, immunity, and optimum egg production.

Clean milk production is one important aspect in enhancing the quality of milk. It is important to know farmers' perception about it. With this view, present study was undertaken with the objective of understanding perception of dairy farmers about clean milk production. The study was conducted in six villages of Gadag district of Karnataka state. Atotal of 180 respondents were interviewed. Perceptions of the farmers regarding family manpower involved in dairy farming, personnel involved in milking, dairy income, intention to produce clean milk, price dependence for following clean milk production, reasons for following cleanliness measures in milk production, sale price received for milk and satisfaction for the price they received for milk were studied. Most of the dairy farmers expressed their willingness to follow clean milk production measures. Further, most of them were ready to follow such measures even if they were not paid more price for milk. Farmers practiced clean milk production measures mainly to follow regulations at the dairy co-operative society followed by to avoid spoilage of milk. Dairy farmers largely neglected impact of cleanliness on animals' udder and health, about milk contamination causing health hazards. Milking was mainly a domain of women. For over 80 % farmers, dairy farming provided a moderate income as portion of their total family income. Majority of the producers were not satisfied with price they were getting for milk. Hence, the study recommends, requisite facilities and guidelines from the agencies concerned are needed to be provided to the dairy farmers to adopt clean milk production practices. Proper education to the farmers regarding importance of clean milk production from health, marketing and animal health point of views needs to be given. There is need to give more importance to women in dairy farmers' trainings. The study also suggests offering satisfactory price for milk to hasten the process of adoption of clean milk production practices by the dairy farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the world's largest rainwater harvesting project in Karnataka, India. Since municipal water supply in most Indian cities is unreliable and most villages do not have potable water supply, Rainwater Harvesting has been proposed as a sustainable solution to the problem. The Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology has taken actions in promoting, implementing and creating awareness on the concepts of sustainable water harvesting and groundwater recharge.

In India, culture of tilapines has been gaining importance over last few decades and it is the second widely farmed fish species in the World. There have been increased large-scale mortalities observed in last few years due to DNA and RNA virus associated with coinfection of bacteria, fungi, parasites etc., were considered as a major global threat to the tilapia and aquaculture industry. In this study, large scale mortality of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) was observed in wild populations located in Krishna Raja Sagara reservoir in Mysuru, Thonnur Lake and Erode Lake in Pandavapura, Mandya. A detailed investigation was performed from these regions which reported mass mortality in these water bodies. Tissues from the fishes (brain, gill, kidney, spleen and liver) were collected for examination of parasites, histology and molecular detection (virus and bacteria). The results of polymerase chain reaction showed that all the samples were found negative for DNA viruses and for one RNA virus namely VNN but all the samples from 3 regions (reservoir and lakes) were positive for TiLV. Syncytial hepatitis lesion along with glial cells were observed in the TiLV-infected tilapia. TiLV isolated from this study (OM1 and OM2) shared 94.30% and 95.52% nucleotide identity with the TiLV isolated from West Bengal, India (MF502419.1) and Israel (KJ605629.1) respectively. NCBI-BLAST search results using gyrB gene revealed that the isolates G 1 & H 2 were identified and confirmed as Aeromonas veronii with 99.52% and 99.42% nucleotide similarity to the A. veronii isolate XX-57 (JX025939.1) from diseased Chub and A. veronii isolate JH-12 (JX025895.1) from diseased gold fish from China respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of concurrent infection TiLV and A. veronii associated with mass mortality in Oreochromis mossambicus in Karnataka, India. In vitro study showed the cytopathic effects on OniL cell lines with initially elongated cells followed by rounding and finally detachment leading to death of the cells. • Syncytial hepatitis lesion was observed in the TiLV-infected Oreochromis mossambicus. • TiLV isolated from this study (OM1 and OM2) shared 94.30% and 95.52% nucleotide identity with West Bengal, India and Israel respectively. • A. veronii was resistant to several antibiotics with MAR index of 0.675. • Aeromonas veronii with 99.52% and 99.42% nucleotide similarity to the isolate XX-57 from diseased Chub and JH-12 goldfish respectively. • This is the first report of concurrent infection TiLV and multidrug-resistant A. veronii associated with mass mortality in O. mossambicus in Karnataka, India [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]