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Abstract The fiber derived from the pseudo-stem of the banana plant is the subject of this investigation. It describes the processes involved in creating pseudo-stem fiber from bananas, such as fiber extraction, retting, and degumming. Banana fiber has been separated using per-acetic acid. To evaluate the efficacy of the process, the fiber's appearance and form have been altered. A homogeneous, spotless surface was observed under Scanning Electron Microscopy. Weight loss is the outcome of the treatment and absorbency increases. 3.66% of the weight loss is attributed to the per-acetic acid treatment. The fiber’s average diameter was reduced 81.9% compared to the raw fiber. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was utilized to assess the chemical changes brought about by the treatment, which verified the presence of cellulose in the fiber. The separated fibers were colored using natural dyes, which were then assessed based on how well they characterized the color. The results demonstrated the use of natural colors derived from extracts of madder and myrobalan. The standard test indicates that ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) exhibits strong resistance to light, washing, and rubbing fastness, making it a viable mordant for achieving brown to black color. Graphical Abstract

The rapidly growing world population, inadequate accessible freshwater resources, and frequent erratic changes in climate have stressed human beings and compelled them to take vital initiatives to prevent water wastage. Water conservation efforts are also intensified in the world's largest water-consuming agriculture sector. The water use efficiency in agronomy has already been enhanced by the adoption of the drip irrigation method, intended to supply water directly to the crop, rather than the land around, thereby minimising water losses up to 70% occurring through evaporation and distribution. Mulching in association with drip irrigation in arid crop agronomy leads to mitigating vigorously water stress in agriculture. Mulch is a layer of natural or synthetic or combination material applied to the surface of the soil as a protective medium between the soil and the atmosphere. Entirely, it is an efficient medium for soil moisture conservation, and soil temperature control, adds nutrients to the soil by preventing leaching and more efficient use of fertilisers, resistor to erosion losses, suppressing the weeding and improving the visual look of landscapes. This review paper covers various aspects of mulch, emerging as a dynamic water and soil management tool without affecting the value of crops in agriculture. HIGHLIGHTS The rapidly growing world population, inadequate accessible freshwater resources, and frequent changes in climate have stressed human beings and compelled them to take vital initiatives to prevent undue wastage of water.; This covers various aspects of mulch, emerging as a dynamic water and soil management tool without affecting the value of crops in agriculture.;

As a result of increasing use of wind energy as a sustainable source of electricity, large Wind Parks with numerous Wind Turbines have been constructed. Wind turbines are extremely tall objects consisting of stationary and moving parts. The presence of wind turbines in the vicinity of weather radar systems can significantly impact their performance, leading to false alarms and errors in radar measurements. Accurate weather forecasting is challenging in this circumstance. Large Radar Cross Section (RCS) of wind turbines results in interference, also known asWind Turbine Clutter (WTC) orWind Turbine Interference (WTI), within and beyond the radar main beam, Multipath Interference (MPI), and phenomena referred to as ”shadowing effects” behind the wind turbines. These effects vary significantly in both time and space as a result of various wind turbine operations and meteorological conditions. It can often be difficult to distinguish wind turbine returns from weather-like signals. For the assessment of WTC or WTI, it is essential to understand the scattering properties of these wind turbines. In this paper, the bistatic scattering characteristics of a wind park turbine using a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-mounted receiver recording C-band weather radar signals were investigated by determining the average received power (PRxAvg (θs)) and RCS of wind turbine as a function of the scattering angle. For this purpose, the measurements and data provided by the German Meteorological Service (DWD, DeutscherWetterdienst) were utilised. The average received power as a function of scattering angle (θs) was calculated by using I-Q (In-phase and Quadrature) signals. Forward, back and side scattering of the calculated average received power were analysed separately. Moreover, Front-to-Back ratio, Front-to-Right side ratio and Front-to-Left side ratio were calculated and compared using forward, back and side scatter values. RCS values were also calculated depending on the scattering angle (θs) of the wind turbine.

To evaluate the proportion of chromosomal abnormalities in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) assisted by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) bright out with higher detection rate, more accuracy, and less sample failure as compared with conventional cytogenetic analysis. In this study, product of conception samples with abnormal ultrasonogram (USG) findings of the fetus and clinical history of RPL were first processed for karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Normal results given by karyotype and FISH samples with major anomalies detected by ultrasound with RPL were divided into six groups and aCGH was performed to detect the gain or loss and copy number variations (CNVs) of a particular gene present in chromosomal segments. Among a total of 300 products of conception samples, 100 abnormal samples were identified either by karyotype (n = 70) or by FISH (n = 30). From the remaining 200 samples, 5 showed the presence of maternal cell contamination excluded. aCGH analysis revealed (n = 195) that 74 (38%) samples with CNVs and 2 samples with variants of unknown clinical significance were clinically associated with the clinical findings and 121(62%) samples showed no change in CNVs. The most frequent CNVs were loss of chromosome regions at 2q33.1, 7q11.21, 15q11.1, 16p11.2, Xp22.33, and Yp11.32. CNVs at arr[GRCh37]7p22.3,p21.2(830852-15124702)×1,7q34q36.3(141464180-158909738)×3, 14.2 Mbp deletion of 7p22.3p21.2 (SUN1 gene) and 17.4 Mbp duplication of 7q34q36.3 (KCNH2, CNTNAP2, and SHH genes) were found in one sample, and CNVs at arr[GRCh37]8p22.2q22.3(86326349-105509986)×1 and 2.48 Mbp deletion of 8p22.2q22.3 (GRHL1 gene) were found in another sample.

In recent years, the fast construction, expansion and repowering of wind parks have been a major source of concern for the weather radar community and meteorological services. Among others because wind turbines are extremely tall, reflective, and moving objects, which make them a source of interference that is hard to distinguish from meteorological echoes and therefore difficult to filter and even more difficult to correct. Polarimetric C-Band Doppler weather radar measurements enable us to analyse and understand the impact of wind turbine interference on meteorological weather radar echoes and to build up knowledge. The main idea is to analyse the raw IQ-data in order to quantify the behaviour of wind turbine interference with meteorological scattering. As a first step in this direction, this paper will focus on the derivation and analysis of radar moments such as Reflectivity (Z), Differential Reflectivity (ZDR), Differential Propagation Phase (PHIDP), Mean Doppler Velocity (V), and Correlation Coefficient (RHOHV). We will consider two cases: (i) events with precipitation, and (ii) events without precipitation, in order to understand and model the impact of wind turbine interference (WTI). For this purpose, weather radar measurements from Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), recorded under the aegis of the project RIWER (Removing the Influence of Wind Park Echoes in Weather Radar Measurements), are presented, analysed and discussed in detail.

The nationally identified variety ‘CFMV 2/ Gira’ which is uniform maturing and developed through selection from local germplasm collected from the Dangs district of Gujarat. A finger millet biofortified variety ‘CFMV 2/ Gira’ was tested as a culture ‘WN 559’ at the State level and ‘FMV 1118’ at the National level. It was tested under different state trials at Waghai, Varanasi and Dahod centers in Gujarat from 2014 to 2020. WN-559 (3551 kg/ha) performed well with 15.02 per cent increase over local check ‘GNN-6’ while, 27.47 and 25.88 per cent grain yield superiority over national check varieties PR-202 and GPU 67, respectively. At the national level, under 28 locations under five states across India under IVT, AVT-I and AVT-II, culture FMV-1118 recorded on an average 2950 kg/ha of grain yield which was 20.7, 32.6, 6.70, 7.70 and 14.4 per cent higher than national checks GPU-45, VL-352, GPU-67, PR-202 and VL-376, respectively in All India Coordinated trials conducted at Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Odisha. Proposed entry ‘FMV-1118’ yielded 8588 kg/ha of fodder yield with 12.3, 38.8, 11.11, 9.10 and 29.6 per cent increased yield over national checks GPU-45, VL-352, GPU-67, PR-202 and VL-376, respectively. It is medium duration, synchronous maturity (115 to 125 days) with profuse productive tillers and non-lodging culture suitable for rainfed cultivation. The proposed culture was found to be good in nutritional properties particularly high calcium, iron, phosphorous and also a good amount of protein and minerals. With respect to pests and diseases, it was found superior to checks and moderately resistant for the same. It is with bold grain size, non shattering habit of panicle with plant type and nonlodging with semi-compact panicle. Considering the need for medium duration cultivars, the Central Finger Millet Variety (CFMV-2/Gira) a high yield potential genotype with desirable grain quality and moderately resistant to foot rot and blast disease was released by the AICRP-Small Millets, IIMR, Hyderabad as a biofortified and high yielding finger millet variety for the states viz., Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Odisha.

The little millet variety ‘GV-4’ (Ambika) is a pure line selection from the local germplasm collected from the Dang District. A little millet variety ‘GV-4’ was tested as a genotype name ‘WV-126’. ‘WV 126’ was tested under the various state trials found to be superior for grain yield (2933 kg/ha) by 21.20, 13.78, 44.39 and 31.44 per cent over the existing checks i.e. GV-2 (LC), GNV-3 (LC), CO-2 (NC) and OLM-203 (NC), respectively over thirteen trials and seven years (2014-15 to 2020-21) of study. The genotype matures in 120-125 days includes under medium duration variety. The genotype WV-126 has 9-10 branches per panicle and 35.5 cm average panicle length. It has special attributes of synchronized maturity and non-lodging growth habit. WV-126 is rich in calcium (17.1 mg/100g), protein (12.91 g/100g), fat (3.3 %), crude fiber (7.5 %), carbohydrates (70.40 g/100g) and minerals (2.7 g/100g). It is resistant to blast (leaf, neck and panicle) and moderately resistant to grain smut and sheath blight when compared to local check GV-2 and GV-3 and national check CO-2, OLM-203 and JK-8. A little millet variety ‘GV-4’ (Gujarat Vari-4) was released as a new variety for cultivation during kharif under rainfed conditions of Gujarat state.

A field experiment was conducted during 2006–08 at Sardarkrushinagar to find out suitable method of irrigation and high-yielding hybrids of castor (Ricinus communis L.). The highest growth parameters, viz plant height at 90 and 120 days after sowing as well as at maturity and yield attributes, like length of spike, capsule/spike, effective spikes/plant, seed yield/primary spike and seed yield/plant were recorded in the treatment receiving 60 mm irrigation in all the furrows at 0.8 IW : CPE ratio, followed by alternate to alternate furrows with 45 mm irrigation. The highest seed and stalk yield with maximum net realization of Rs 58 187/ha was recorded with irrigation in all the furrows, followed by alternate to alternate furrow with 45 mm irrigation with net realization of Rs 56 258/ha but alternate to alternate furrow with 45 mm irrigation recorded the maximum benefit : cost ratio of 3.01. The highest growth parameters and yield attributes as well as seed and stalk yield was recorded in castor hybrid ‘GCH 5’ with maximum net realization of Rs 53 287/ha with benefit : cost ratio of 2.92 was also obtained in ‘GCH 5’.

One hundred genotypes of green gram were evaluated at the Pulse Research Station, AAU, Vadodara, Gujarat during summer 2019 for genetic diversity study based on six biometrical traits and to identify the best performing genotype suited to Gujarat. To determine the extent of variability existing among 100 green gram genotypes, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), cluster analysis and the inter-relationship existing between biometrical traits through Pearson’s correlation analysis were carried out. The highest correlation was observed among the seeds per pod and pod length, pods per plant and the number of branches per plant. 100 seed weight had a negative and significant correlation with plant height, the number of branches per plant and pods per plant. According to the principal component analysis, two principal components (PCs) had eigenvalues more than unity and accounted to explain 67.37 per cent of the total variance that exists among six traits. PC1 and PC2 accounted for 39.88 and 27.49 per cent proportion of total variance, respectively. All traits were highly loading on PC1 except pod length and 100 seed weight which were loading on PC2. Three different groups of biometrical traits were observed in the component pattern. A hundred genotypes were classified into eleven clusters through the hierarchical cluster analysis method. Cluster I comprised a maximum number of genotypes followed by cluster VI, cluster II and cluster VII. Based on the cluster analysis, it could be recommended that crosses could be made between the genotypes of Cluster VIII and IX, Cluster VIII and X and Cluster X and XI which are distantly related. Lower plant height was observed in the genotypes under Cluster VIII and clusters X consisted of tall genotypes with a higher number of branches per plant. The highest pod length, pods per plant and seeds per pod were recorded under cluster IX. Cluster IV had a significantly higher 100 seed weight. Intraclass correlation (R2) was the highest for pod length followed by plant height and seeds per pod indicating that these traits played an important role in divergence.

Research was conducted on Adenium obesum, a popular flowering pot plant with the basic objective for genetic improvement at Advance Technology Centre of soilless system, Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, NAU, Navsari. Initially, hybridization was done involving ten parents (seven females and three males) in 2014 and their crosses were studied during 2015 to 2016. Among the crosses studied, a germplasm viz., MSDSH1 (Mung Siam x Double Sweet Heart) showed novel morphological character for colour and flower form having attractive purplish coloured ten petals. Further evaluation was carried out for stability and other flowering characters along with its parents viz., Mung Siam and Double Sweet Heart (DSH) and the local germplasm, Local Pink for two years 2016-17 and 2017-18. The MSDSH1 was significantly superior in terms of the number of flowers per cluster (10.23) and flower longevity on plant (11.91 days) as compared to parent and Local Pink as inferred from the pooled data of two years. Flower diameter was significantly superior in DSH at par with MSDSH1 (7.06 cm) while that of Mung Siam was minimum (5.89 cm), although the diameter of corolla was maximum (1.62 cm) in Local Pink while the length of corolla tube (4.01 cm) was maximum in Double Sweet Heart. Further, the maximum flower weight was observed in Double Sweet Heart (1.72 g) which was at par with MSDSH1 (1.61 g). Number of petals was ten in MSDSH1 and Double Sweet Heart as compared to Mung Siam and Local Pink with five petals. Since the genotype MSDSH1 was novel in flower colour with reddish purple shade and morphology with ten multipetalous flower form, besides being superior for the other flowering parameters, especially the number of flowers per cluster and flower longevity on plant, it was renamed as G. Ad.2 and released in SVRC, Gujarat.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in smokers worldwide. A chronic smoker remains asymptomatic for a long time with underlying deteriorating lung function which manifests in later life as COPD. Although there is no screening for the disease, a spirometric evaluation of chronic smokers to detect the early asymptomatic disease and counseling for smoking cessation may slow down further progression of disease. India has a large population of smokers including a sizable number in the defense forces who need to be fighting fit at all times. The data with this regard from Indian scenario are scanty. The present study was carried out with an aim to detect early COPD in chronic smokers and further counsel these individuals to abstain from smoking. This cross-sectional study was done in Air Force Hospital Gorakhpur, India, from August 2014, and 2974 individuals were evaluated and followed. Methods: The individuals were standardized on the basis of personal history including age, number of cigarettes smoking per day, and duration of smoking. The diagnosis of COPD in such individuals was based on the spirometric evaluation which included forced expiratory volume in one sec (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC which were measured at rest and postbronchodilators. The individuals were diagnosed as COPD as per GOLD criteria (Gr C) and nonCOPD (Gr N). Both groups were followed up for 1 year with motivational counseling to stop smoking and spirometry repeated in those who quit smoking completely or partially. Results: COPD was observed in 187 (18.7%) asymptomatic smokers and among these 1.8% having severe COPD. 26% of these patients completely abstained from smoking after diagnosis and counseling and these patients had the least drop in FEV1 after 1 year as compared to partial and nonquitters of smoking. Conclusion: Spirometer for early diagnosis of COPD in asymptomatic nonsmoker is an effective tool. The detection of COPD early paves a way for effective counseling in pursuit for smoking cessation in young adults.

Kernel yield is a very complex trait in maize which results from the interaction of various yield contributing characters and it is highly influenced by environmental variation. Therefore, phenotypic selection cannot directly improve the characters in highly cross pollinated crops like maize unless dissected by genetic analysis. The present investigation was carried out for gene action of various quantitative and qualitative traits in a complete set of 10x10half diallel mating designed involving ten elite inbred lines. The results of Variance/Co-variance graphs revealed that preponderance of over dominance type of gene action for days to 50 % tasselling, days to 50 % silking, ear height, kernel rows per ear, 100 kernel weight, kernel yield per plant, shelling percentage and lysine content. Distribution of array points depicted that parents GWQPM 55-2 had the maximum dominant genes while GWQPM 46-2 and GWQPM 26-3 possessed maximum recessive genes for most of the character.

Sixty hybrids of Pearl millet were developed by crossing six male sterile lines with ten diverse inbred lines and studied for its combining ability effects. The analysis of variance revealed significant difference between parents for all the characters under study. The estimates of combining ability variances indicated that the importance of both additive and non-additive gene action in the control of most of the characters under study. The mean degree of dominance (σ2D / σ2A)0.5 was found greater than unity for characters days to maturity, grain yield per plant, stover yield per plant and protein content, indicating the over dominance.The CGMS line ICMA-98444 was found as good general combiners for days to maturity, plant height, earhead length and earhead girth. The CGMS line JMSA-9904 were found good general combiner for days to 50 % flowering and earhead length but poor combiners for plant height, earhead girth and stover yield per plant. Three inbreds J-2433, AIB-23 and J-2490 were good general combiner for earhead girth, while J-2526 and AIB-11 was good general combiner for earhead length. Among the sixty hybrids, 12 hybrids showed the best performance with significantly positive sca effect for grain yield. The cross ICMA-04999 x J-2526 had significant and positive sca effects for grain yield per plant and stover yield par plant.

The use of roxithromycin along with ciprofloxacin is having potential to be a promising antimicrobial therapy to treat complicated avian mycoplasmosis in broiler chickens. The present research was undertaken to study the influence of roxithromycin (20 mg/kg body weight) and ciprofloxacin (10 mg/kg body weight) on the oral pharmacokinetics of each other, when both drugs are concomitantly administered in eight healthy male broiler chickens (n=8) and to establish their therapeutic dosage regimens. Their plasma concentrations were assayed by validated ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) methods using UV detector. Oral pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from plasma concentration versus time data based on non-compartmental analysis. Statistically, plasma roxithromycin concentration was significantly higher at one time point only (0.5 h) and plasma ciprofloxacin concentration was significantly lower at the time point of 2 h only when used in combination, in comparison to their respective values obtained after their alone administrations. The pharmacokinetic parameters of roxithromycin and ciprofloxacin showed no significant effect on values of either drug when given in combination and there was a lack of pharmacokinetic interaction between the two antimicrobials. The predicted effective oral dose rate of roxithromycin was 20 mg/kg body weight, every 12 h, and that of ciprofloxacin was 10 mg/kg body weight, every 24 h, to treat complicated avian mycoplasmosis in broiler chickens.

Aim: Tropical theileriosis is fatal hemoprotozoal disease of dairy animals caused by Theileria annulata. The aim of the present study was to detect the T. annulata and comparison of results of molecular and microscopic techniques. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 blood samples were collected from the cattle suspected for theileriosis across the Banaskantha district. All the samples were screened for theileriosis using Giemsa’s staining technique and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Total of 17 (32.69%) and 24 (46.15%) samples were found positive for theileriosis by microscopic examination and PCR test, respectively. It revealed that the study area is endemic for theileriosis, and the microscopic technique has 70.83% sensitivity and 100% specificity with respect to PCR technique. Conclusion: It may be concluded from the present study that the PCR is comparatively sensitive technique than microscopic examination and may be recommended to use in the field for screening of theileriosis in the study area, where a high prevalence of diseases have been reported due to intensive dairy farming.

Aim: The present study has been carried out to detect non-parasitic dermatoses in canines brought at the Nandini Veterinary Hospital, Surat. Materials and Methods: The current investigation was carried out on skin scrapping, skin biopsy specimens, blood, and serum samples of 210 freshly registered cases of dogs with dermatological afflictions. Dogs found healthy on clinical examination were used as control animals (n=15). The incidence of non-parasitic dermatoses has been recorded as per age, breed, and sex of dogs. For bacterial isolation, the pus/exudates samples were collected from 40 cases of pyoderma and streaked onto brain-heart infusion agar while 13 skin scrapping samples were inoculated on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar with chloramphenicol for isolation of fungi. The organisms were identified on the basis of gross and microscopic observation of cultural growth on media. The blood and sera samples were also collected to note alteration in hematology and biochemical parameters, respectively. Tissue samples from lesions were collected and subsequently preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathology. Results: Out of 210 cases of dermatoses, 60 cases were of non-parasitic dermatoses, i.e., 28.57%. Of these, bacterial skin infections (pyoderma) were found to be the predominant at 80.00%, followed by other non-parasitic dermatological disorders, i.e., 11.67% and fungal skin infection, i.e., 8.33%. The dogs belonging to age group 1-3 years showed greater susceptibility to non-parasitic dermatological conditions. Breed wise incidence of pyoderma was found more in the Pomeranian breed (20.83%), whereas fungal skin affections were found to be higher in mongrel breed (60.00% and 42.86%, respectively). Male dogs showed greater involvement in bacterial, fungal, and other non-parasitic dermatoses. Bacteriological culture examination of 40 pus swabs resulted in the growth of 39 bacterial isolates. Mycological culture of skin scrapings from 13 suspected cases of fungal dermatoses resulted in the recovery of five fungal isolates. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters revealed a significant difference in all cases of non-parasitic dermatoses. Histopathological study revealed characteristic changes like infiltration of neutrophils with perifolliculitis, hyperkeratosis, and rafts of acantholytic cells. Histochemical staining revealed purple or magenta color fungal elements. Conclusion: Based on current experiment it has been concluded that among non-parasitic dermatoses bacterial and fungal skin infections are the main ailments, followed by nutritional and other causes in adult and male dogs which can be diagnosed by cultural inoculation, microscopic examination of skin scrapings, and dermatohistopathology along with hematology and biochemistry.

Aim: The present study was undertaken to understand the zoonotic importance of canine scabies and dermatophytosis with special reference to the knowledge level of dog owners in urban areas of Gujarat. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in randomly selected 120 dog owners of 3 urban cities (viz., Ahmedabad, Anand and Vadodara) of Gujarat state, India. Dog owners (i.e., respondents) were subjected to a detailed interview regarding the zoonotic importance of canine scabies and dermatophytosis in dogs. Ex-post-facto research design was selected because of the independent variables of the selected respondent population for the study. The crucial method used in collecting data was a field survey to generate null hypothesis (Ho1). Available data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The three independent variables, viz., extension contact (r=0.522**), mass-media exposure (r=0.205*) and management orientation (r=0.264**) had significant relationship with knowledge of dog owners about zoonotic diseases. Other independent variables, viz., education, experience in dog keeping and housing space were observed to have negative and non-significant relationship with knowledge of dog owners about zoonotic diseases. Conclusion: Extension contact, exposure to extension mass-media, management orientation and innovation proneness among dog owners of 3 urban cities of Gujarat state had significant relationship with knowledge of dog owners on zoonotic aspects of canine scabies and dermatophytosis. Data provided new insights on the present status of zoonotic diseaseawareness, which would be an aid to plan preventive measures.

Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis were studied for green fruit yield and its components in 40 diverse genotypes of chilli. The analysis of variance revealed the significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied which indicating that presence of great deal of genetic variability for different traits. The high estimates of GCV and PCV were obtained for number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, average fruit length (cm), average fruit girth (cm), fruit shape index, average fruit weight (g), green fruit yield per plant (g), chlorophyll content (mg/100g), ascorbic acid content (mg/100g) and capsaicin content (mg/g), while it was low for moisture content (%). The characters like days to flowering (days), plant height (cm), number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, average fruit length (cm), average fruit girth (cm), fruit-shape index, average fruit weight (g), green fruit yield per plant (g), chlorophyll content (mg/100g), ascorbic acid content (mg/100g) and capsaicin content (mg/g) exhibited high genetic advance coupled with high heritability, indicating better scope for improvement of these traits by an effective selection programme. The results of correlation studies indicated that genotypic correlation coefficients were higher in magnitude than their corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficients for all the traits. Green fruit yield per plant had high, significant and positive association with number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, moisture content and chlorophyll content at both genotypic and phenotypic levels which indicating that these traits were main yield attributing traits. Path analysis revealed that characters like number of secondary branches per plant, number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight had high and positive direct effects on green fruit yield. For maximizing the green fruit yield per plant weightage should be given to early flowering, more number of fruits per plant, high average fruit weight, more number of secondary branches per plant and high moisture content.

Forty five inter specific hybrids between tetraploid species, G. hirsutum x G. barbadense derived involving nine diverse female parents of G.hirsutum and five pollen parents of G.barbadense were evaluated to study heterosis and combining ability for seed cotton yield and other characters viz., days to 50% flowering, number of monopodia/plant, number of sympodia/plant, seed index, lint index and oil content. The hybrid G. 67 x GSB 19 exhibited positively significant standard heterosis for seed cotton yield/plant, seed and lint index. Combining ability analysis suggested preponderance of non-additive gene action for all the characters under study except for days to 50% flowering. The female parent,G. 67 and male parent GSB 19 depicted positive significant gca effects for seed cotton yield/plant, seed and lint index; while, hybrid G. 247 x Suvin had significant positive sca effects for seed cotton yield/plant, number of monopodia/plant, number of sympodia/plant and oil content.

A line x tester analysis was undertaken to estimates the magnitude of heterosis and dominance deviation in Gossypium hirsutum L. for yield, its components and other matricate characters in 60 test entries including (44 F1s along with 15 parents and 1 standard check hybrid). Analysis of variance indicated the significant difference among the parents and hybrids for all 12 characters studied which revealed existence of variability among the genotypes. Studies revealed that out of 44 cross combinations, only 3 hybrids viz., BC-68-2 x MCU 11, BC-68-2 x AC 738 and BN 1 x Reba-B-50 depicted significant and positive heterosis over standard check hybrid G. Cot. Hy. 12. The hybrid BC-68-2 x MCU 11 exhibited significant positive standard heterosis for seed cotton yield per plant and other attributing characters i.e. total number of bolls per plant, average boll weight, lint yield per plant and lint index. The mean values of potence ratio in all twelve characters suggested that degree of dominance was governed by over dominance genes for the expression of all the characters under study.

The present study was carried out to study pathology and virulence of Pasteurella multocida B:2 isolated from natural outbreak of Pasteurella infection in rabbits. Healthy Pasteurella multocida B:2 free rabbits (12) were divided in control and challenged group. The challenged group rabbits were inoculated intra-nasally by spraying of 0.5 ml of inoculum in each nares, containing 1 × 105 CFU of Pasteurella multocida B:2 in BHI. The control group of rabbits was inoculated with 0.5 ml uncultured BHI broth in each nares in the same manner. Live animals were observed for atleast 14 days. The main clinical signs observed in infected rabbits comprised of conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, pyrexia, sneezing, dyspnoea and abdominal breathing. The pathomorphological changes in lungs comprised of acute fibrinous and/or fibrino suppurative bronchopneumonia/pleuropneumonia. Trachea showed acute inflammatory changes with multifocal erosion/ulcer and necrosis. Nasal cavity showed acute inflammation with accumulation of cellular debris in nasal meatus. Three infected rabbits showed meningitis characterized by congestion, infiltration of heterophils and minimal oedema. Pasteurella multocida B:2 was successfully detected in blood and tissues of infected rabbits by PCR. The organisms were also demonstrated in blood/impression smear from different organs.

Aim: To identify the anti-mutagenic effect of Nigella sativa on the experimentally induced chronic diabetes (type – II) in Wistar rats.Materials and Methods: The anti-mutagenic effect was evaluated in Nigella sativa treated diabetic rats against the streptozotocin - nicotinamide (STZ-NA) (at a dose rate of 45-110 i.p mg/kg b.wt for 90 days) induced type-II diabetes mellitus using bone marrow micronucleus tests. The antioxidant status was tested by estimating the serum levels of lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase.Results: Our results indicated that diabetic rats treated with Nigella sativa decreased the frequency of micronuclei in the erythrocytes of bone marrow (P < 0.05) and enhanced the antioxidant status (P < 0.05) in the treated diabetic rats as compared to controls.Conclusion: The observations indicated that the diabetic patients are more prone to cell mutations which are related to the level of cellular oxidative status and it could be reduced by Nigella sativa.

Aim: The study was conducted to find out the possible toxic effect of mercuric chloride (HgCl2 ) at the histological, biochemical, and haematological levels in the wistar rats for 28 days. Materials and Methods: The biochemical and hematological alteration were estimated in four groups of rat (each group contain ten animals), which were treated with 0 (control), 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg body weight of HgCl2 through oral gavage. At the end of study all rats were sacrificed and subjected for histopathology. Result: A significantly (P < 0.05) higher level of serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), gamma Glutamyle Transferase, and creatinine were recorded in treatment groups, while the level of alkaline phosphtase (ALP) was significantly decreased as compared to the control group. The toxic effect on hematoclogical parameter was characterized by significant decrease in hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocytes count, and total leukocyte count. Gross morphological changes include congestion, severe haemorrhage, necrosis, degenerative changes in kidneys, depletion of lymphocyte in spleen, decrease in concentration of mature spermatocyte, and edema in testis. It was notable that kidney was the most affected organ. Conclusion: Mercuric chloride (HgCl ) caused dose-dependent toxic effects on blood parameters and kidney. [Vet World 2013; 6(8.000): 563-567]