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Introduction: Anxiety disorders have a prevalence rate of 2.57% and significantly impact well-being and productivity. The course of anxiety disorders is characterised by fluctuating symptom severity, a high relapse rate, and chronicity. Patients with anxiety disorders are typically prescribed antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, but these treatments often have limited long-term efficacy. Combining pharmacotherapy with non-pharmacological techniques, such as Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), may enhance the effectiveness of treatment for anxiety disorders. Aim: To assess and compare the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) scores at six-month between Group-E (who received Escitalopram exclusively) and Group-E+PMR (who received Escitalopram in addition to PMR). Additionally, the aim was also to compare the baseline HAM-A scores with those obtained after six months within each group. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical study was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry at Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Amritsar, Punjab, India, from March 2020 to March 2021. The study was carried out following approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC). Participants were individuals aged 18 to 45 years who visited the Psychiatry Department's Outpatient Department (OPD) and met the ICD-10 criteria for Neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders (F40-F48). One hundred and seventeen participants were randomly allocated to the two groups using a simple randomization method. Group-E received a daily dose of 10 mg Escitalopram for six months, while Group-E+PMR received the same dosage of Escitalopram along with Jacobson’s PMR exercises lasting 20 minutes, twice daily, at their place of residence. The HAM-A scale was employed to assess anxiety levels in both groups. Paired t-tests were conducted to compare pre- and post-treatment HAM-A scores within each group, while independent t-tests were used to compare scores between the groups. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 24.0 and a significance level of p

Anthocyanins, considered as prebiotic ingredients for functional foods, were extracted from black soybean (BS), black grape (BG), black carrot (BCPm), and black rice (BR) using conventional solvent extraction (CSE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The study employed a split-plot design with CSE and MAE as main plot factors and anthocyanin extracts (AEs) as subplot factors. Anthocyanins were evaluated for stability (polymeric color, degradation index) and functionality (antioxidant capacity). Prebiotic potential on Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Weissella confusa was assessed in fermented soymilk. MAE showed higher extraction yield than CSE in BG (3-fold), BS (2-fold), BCPm (1.2-fold), and BR (1.6-fold). Black grape (1255.76 mg/L) and black soybean (976.5 mg/L) had highest anthocyanin with better stability, functionality, and prebiotic potential. The SCFA concentration (propionic acid and butyric acid) increased significantly in BG fortified-fermented soymilk. Overall, anthocyanin-enriched soymilk exhibited higher prebiotic potential, with MAE as the superior extraction method for anthocyanin functionality and stability.

Background: Phosphine resistance in Tribolium castaneum challenges grain storage. This study investigates the impact of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and CYP346 family genes on phosphine resistance in Indian Tribolium castaneum populations. Methods: Seven field populations of T. castaneum were compared with Lab- susceptible population for their resistance to phosphine. The levels of cytochrome P450 enzyme and expression of certain CYP346 family genes were tracked in these populations. Results: The highly resistant Patiala population showed significantly increased CYP450 activity (11.26 ± 0.14 nmol/min/mg protein, 7.41-fold higher) compared to the lab-susceptible population (1.52 ± 0.09 nmol/min/mg protein) when assayed using 8 mM p-nitroanisole as the substrate. The mRNA expression was measured relative to the standard gene RPS18 and revealed significant upregulation of CYP346B1 and CYP346B3 in highly resistant populations Moga and Patiala (CYP346B1: 12.09 ± 2.19 to 21.74 ± 3.82; CYP346B3: 59.097 ± 10.265 to 50.148 ± 8.272). Patiala’s CYP346B1 exhibited an impressive 685.76-fold change, and Moga’s CYP346B3 showed a 361.893-fold change compared to lab-susceptible. Linear regression confirmed robust fits for each gene (R2: 0.693 to 0.756). Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated a strong positive correlation between CYP346 genes expression; and cytochrome P450 activity. Patiala, Moga, and Hapur populations showed conformity, associating higher resistance with increased P450 activity and CYP346 gene expression. Cluster analysis highlighted a potential correlation between CYP346B1, CYP346B2, and CYP346B3 and P450 activity, with Patiala and Moga clustering together. Conclusions: Variability in CYP346B1 and CYP346B3 in strong resistance populations may contribute to adaptation and resistance mechanisms. The study provides insights into specific CYP346 family genes associated with phosphine resistance, emphasizing the intricate interaction between CYP450 detoxifying enzymes, CYP346 family genes, and resistance mechanisms. The upregulation of CYP346 genes suggests a survival advantage for T. castaneum against phosphine, diminishing phosphine’s efficacy as a pest control measure.

Research background. Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) is a nutrient-rich crop with a high protein content and various bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. Nevertheless, it is poorly accepted as a food by consumers due to its off-flavour. Due to the ubiquitous presence of isoflavones in soybeans, their inherent antioxidant potential and inhibitory effect on lipoxygenase activity, their sensory properties are currently being considered to mitigate the off-flavour. Experimental approach. In the present study, the content and composition of isoflavones in 17 soybean cultivars are determined. The correlation between the isoflavone mass fraction and lipid peroxidation was also established, using thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value and carbonyl compound concentration as indices for the development of off-flavour. Cloning, gene expression analysis and in silico analysis of isoflavone synthase isoforms (IFS1 and IFS2) were also performed. Results and conclusions. The total isoflavone mass fraction in soybean genotypes ranged from (153.5±7.2) µg/g for PUSA 40 to (1146±43) µg/g for Bragg. There was a moderately negative correlation between the indices of off-flavour formation and the genistein/daidzein ratio (p

Background: Dementia is characterized by neurocognitive decline which interferes with daily function and independence. Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an evidence-based cognitive psychosocial intervention for people with dementia. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study of single-blind RCT design conducted in the Department of Neurology at ABVIMS and Dr RML Hospital amongst patients with DSM-V major neurocognitive disorder aged more than 50 years. Participants were randomized to CST and control groups using a block-randomized design. The control group participants received treatment as usual while the CST group delivered 45-min virtual group CST sessions for a total of 14 sessions over seven weeks. All participants in both groups were assessed at baseline and eight weeks using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), neuropsychiatric inventory, instrumental activities of daily living, and Zarit Burden Interview for Caregiver Burden (ZBI) by a rater blind to group randomization. Results: Total MoCA scores improved significantly in the CST group, compared to the control group which showed a statistically significant decrease. The mean total ADAS-Cog score in the CST group improved significantly compared to controls. The Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale showed a statistically significant change in the control group compared to the intervention group. From the comparison of the mean total neuropsychiatric inventory scale, it was observed that there was a statistically significant decrease in the severity of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) symptoms in the CST group. The mean total ZBI score decreased significantly in the CST group favoring less caregiver burden. Conclusion: This study proved that CST has a significant impact on cognitive outcomes in dementia and it also proved its effectiveness in controlling the BPSD outcomes and caregiver burden in dementia.

Abstract Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) are known to have important physiological functions in plants. However, the presence of RFOs in legumes causes flatulence, hence are considered antinutrients. To reduce the RFOs content to a desirable limit without compromising normal plant development and functioning, the identification of important regulatory genes associated with the biosynthetic pathway is a prerequisite. In the present study, through comparative RNA sequencing in contrasting genotypes for seed RFOs content at different seed maturity stages, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the pathway were identified. The DEGs exhibited spatio-temporal expression patterns with high RFOs variety showing early induction of RFOs biosynthetic genes and low RFOs variety showing a late expression at seed maturity. Selective and seed-specific differential expression of raffinose synthase genes (AhRS14 and AhRS6) suggested their regulatory role in RFOs accumulation in peanut seeds, thereby serving as promising targets in low RFOs peanut breeding programs. Despite stachyose being the major seed RFOs fraction, differential expression of raffinose synthase genes indicated the complex metabolic regulation of this pathway. The transcriptomic resource and the genes identified in this study could be studied further to develop low RFOs varieties, thus improving the overall nutritional quality of peanuts.

An experiment was conducted at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 2020 and 2021 to study the genotypic differences in root architecture and physiological characteristics in mango (Mangifera indica L.) under drought. One-year-old polyembryonic 7 mango rootstock genotypes were exposed to normal irrigation and drought conditions for 24 days. The drought-induced increased total plant weight and dry weight in Kurukkan. The shoot dry weight decreased in all genotypes ranging from 5.13% in OLP-Z-6/1 to 81.82% in Kurukkan. There was a lesser reduction in membrane stability index in Kurukkan and K-5, stomata count in Kurukkan, Olour and OPK-3-7/12 at the end of the drought period. Root surface area increased under drought in Kurukkan, while it decreased more in K-5. Correlation studies confirmed a strong positive relationship between relative water content (RWC) and membrane stability index (MSI), number of stomata (SC), number of leaves (NL), root tips (RT) and root forks (NRF); MSI and number of root tips (NRT); dry weight of the whole plant and root surface area (RSA); the dry weight of roots and root volume (RV), RSA, and plant height (Ph); root length (RL) and RSA, RT, and NRF. Kurukkan was identified as drought-tolerant based on a higher SC, RWC, RV, RSA, dry mass, NRT and NRF. Results indicated that the root indices offer a promising strategy for the screening of drought-tolerant mango genotypes.

The rising interest in plant-based formulations and ethical concerns associated with animal-based products has led to an increased consumption of soymilk. This review explores research trends in soymilk and its fermentation to enhance our understanding and encourage further investigation. Various strategies for transforming conventional soymilk into functional soymilk are discussed, including fermentation, germination, probiotic immobilization, ultrasound, metabolic engineering, and nanotechnology. Functional soymilk, enriched with bioactives like peptides, aglycone isoflavones, γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), carotenoids, and vitamins (B2, B6, B9, and B12), demonstrates improved nutritional value. The review also examines medicinal potential of fermented soymilk-based products, including their ability to treat diabetes, combat cancer, improve gut health, prevent osteoporosis, and reduce obesity. Probiotic bacteria play a vital role in enhancing the functionality and health benefits of fermented soymilk. Innovative probiotics offer the opportunity to produce functional soymilk that caters to consumer needs and provides positive health properties.

Introduction: Anxiety disorders have a prevalence rate of 2.57% and significantly impact well-being and productivity. The course of anxiety disorders is characterised by fluctuating symptom severity, a high relapse rate, and chronicity. Patients with anxiety disorders are typically prescribed antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, but these treatments often have limited long-term efficacy. Combining pharmacotherapy with non-pharmacological techniques, such as Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), may enhance the effectiveness of treatment for anxiety disorders. Aim: To assess and compare the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) scores at six-month between Group-E (who received Escitalopram exclusively) and Group-E+PMR (who received Escitalopram in addition to PMR). Additionally, the aim was also to compare the baseline HAM-A scores with those obtained after six months within each group. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical study was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry at Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Amritsar, Punjab, India, from March 2020 to March 2021. The study was carried out following approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC). Participants were individuals aged 18 to 45 years who visited the Psychiatry Department's Outpatient Department (OPD) and met the ICD-10 criteria for Neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders (F40-F48). One hundred and seventeen participants were randomly allocated to the two groups using a simple randomization method. Group-E received a daily dose of 10 mg Escitalopram for six months, while Group-E+PMR received the same dosage of Escitalopram along with Jacobson's PMR exercises lasting 20 minutes, twice daily, at their place of residence. The HAM-A scale was employed to assess anxiety levels in both groups. Paired t-tests were conducted to compare pre- and post-treatment HAM-A scores within each group, while independent t-tests were used to compare scores between the groups. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 24.0 and a significance level of p<0.05 was adopted for the statistical assessments. Results: Both groups were comparable in terms of sociodemographic variables, mean age, and baseline HAM-A scores. The majority of participants, 70 (70%), were females. Significant improvements were noted in the HAM-A scores at six-month mark compared to baseline for both, Group-E and Group-E+PMR (p<0.001). Furthermore, Group-E+PMR exhibited a significant decrease in the HAM-A score at six months compared to Group-E (p<0.001), indicating more substantial improvements. Conclusion: Escitalopram and Escitalopram combined with PMR treatment effectively lowered anxiety. However, the incorporation of PMR Exercises alongside Escitalopram demonstrated more favourable outcomes in individuals with anxiety disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The outcome of schizophrenia (SZ) is impaired psychosocial functioning and poor quality of life (QOL) which is associated with burdens and societal expenditure to the caregivers. Aims: This study was aimed to access the difference in social occupational functioning, QOL, and social support between male and female patients with SZ. Settings and Design: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted on persons with SZ visiting the psychiatry outpatient department in a tertiary care teaching institute. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of N = 200 persons with SZ (International Classification of Diseases-10) aged 21–45 years of both genders. The assessment of socio-occupational functioning, QOL, and social support with administering the Social Occupational Functioning Scale (SOFS), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Scale, and PGI Social Support questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: A Chi-square test was applied for discrete variables and a t-test for continuous variables. An independent sample t-test was used to assess differences between the males and females. Results: Overall, males were more educated than females. Occupationally, there was a significant difference between males and females (P = 0.000). A significant difference (P = 0.000) was found between males and females on total socio-occupational functioning and social support (P = 0.000). The difference between males and females on QOL was observed on perceived physical health (P = 0.000) and psychological health (P = 0.039). Conclusions: This study confirms that there is a definite gender difference in SZ on psychosocial and QOL. Males were physically, psychologically healthier and had better socio-occupational functions as well as strong social support compared to females.

Byline: Soumya. Bhowmik, Mina. Chandra, Kuljeet. Anand, Shrishti. Dahuja Background: Dementia is characterized by neurocognitive decline which interferes with daily function and independence. Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an evidence-based [...]

Plant bioregulators (PBRs) regulate developmental and physiological processes in plants. In this study, biochemical and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to evaluate the influence of PBRs [abscisic acid (ABA), benzothiadiazole (BTH), ethephon, and prohexadione-calcium (Pro-Ca)] on the grapevine cv. Flame Seedless under semi-arid subtropics. This study aims to see the effect of exogenous application of PBRs on overall berry quality, including uniformity of berry color. Uniform colored berries, the maximum total soluble solids (TSS) and total antioxidant activity (TAoA), and the highest total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) contents were obtained with the treatments, namely, 400 mg L-1 ethephon and 400 mg L-1 ABA. Further, RNA-Seq analysis has also identified some key DEGs like UFGT (VIT_16s0039g02230), GST (VIT_04s0079g00690), and chalcone synthase (CHS) (VIT_05s0136g00260) which were part of the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway controlling grape berries color. Thus, ethephon (400 mg L-1) and ABA (400 mg L-1) were found promising for attaining greater uniformity in berry color development because of increased total anthocyanins content. In addition, they were also found associated with enhanced TAoA, TPC, and TFC. Hence, ethephon and ABA can be recommended for improving the berry quality.

Background Despite higher incidence of patellofemoral pain (PFP) and consequently morbidity, the understanding about PF factors leading to PF arthritis is way lacking. Material and Methods A prospective study of first 80 patients who were diagnosed with chondromalacia patella (CMP) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) divided into early and late CMP groups were evaluated clinically, radiologically, and in terms of functional outcome. Results : Quadriceps angle, Clark’s test, and Insall–Salvati ratio results were nonsignificant despite greater values were observed in late CMP group, whereas trochlear morphology results (sulcus angle: 153:138 degrees and sulcus depth 3.9:5.4 mm) and clinical scores were significant in late CMP group (Kujala’s score: 61:78, whereas PF pain score: 43:25). Type-C patellar morphology was found in greater number in late CMP cohort. Conclusion Trochlear and patellar morphologies along with clinical scores play a key role in understanding of the CMP.

Introduction: fixation of unstable intertrochanteric fractures presents a significant challenge, especially in the context of osteoporosis. Intramedullary implants have been established as superior to plate constructs. Our aim is to compare the complications and clinical outcomes of the Proximal Femur Nail (PFN) and Proximal Femur Nail Antirotation-2 (PFNA2) in managing unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Material and methods: a total of 212 patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent fixation of trochanteric fractures using either a standard PFN (n = 110) or PFNA2 (n = 102). Their intraoperative and postoperative clinical and radiographic data were evaluated along with the quality of fixation. Data analysis was performed using the student's t-test, χ² test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: PFNA2 demonstrated more favorable outcomes compared to PFN in terms of a better intraoperative profile, functional outcomes (PFNA2: PFN = 82:75), and fewer implant-related complications. Significant issues in the PFN group included screw backout, guidewire breakage, and proximal protrusion of the nail tip. In contrast, locking mechanism failure and lateral screw prominence were significant problems in the PFNA2 group. Conclusion: PFNA2 is the preferred implant for managing osteoporotic unstable intertrochanteric fractures, given the bone's weak inherent tendency to secure the implant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: surgical pain is managed with multi-modal anesthesia in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It is dubious whether including local infiltrative anaesthesia (LIA) before wound closure provides adequate pain control and decreases morbidity. Material and methods: this was a retrospective conducted to assess postoperative pain control, morbidity index, and opioid consumption in 116 patients who underwent TKA and were divided into two groups based on LIA (Modified Ranawat Regimen) or normal saline infiltration in the wound. Results: the mean NRS score was significantly lower in LIA group (3.2) as compared to the control group (3.9) in the first 24 hours. Functional milestones were relatively achieved earlier in LIA group but the values were not significant. Tramadol consumption was remarkably higher in the control group as compared to LIA group on day 1 and 2. As per the morbidity index the mean score on day one was 16.18 and 23.40 which decreased to 6.37 and 9.21 by day three in LIA and control group respectively indicating morbidity has decreased but more so in LIA group. Conclusion: our study concludes that use of modified cocktail regimen in the knee effectively decreased morbidity with excellent to good results, declining NRS score, minimal rescue analgesia requirement, early ambulation with better safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis indica, is a popular biocontrol agent of high commercial significance. It possesses tremendous genetic architecture to survive desiccation stress by undergoing anhydrobiosis to increase its lifespan-an attribute exploited in the formulation technology. The comparative transcriptome of unstressed and anhydrobiotic H. indica revealed several previously concealed metabolic events crucial for adapting towards the moisture stress. During the induction of anhydrobiosis in the infective juveniles (IJ), 1584 transcripts were upregulated and 340 downregulated. As a strategy towards anhydrobiotic survival, the IJ showed activation of several genes critical to antioxidant defense, detoxification pathways, signal transduction, unfolded protein response and molecular chaperones and ubiquitin-proteasome system. Differential expression of several genes involved in gluconeogenesis - β-oxidation of fatty acids, glyoxylate pathway; glyceroneogenesis; fatty acid biosynthesis; amino-acid metabolism - shikimate pathway, sachharopine pathway, kyneurine pathway, lysine biosynthesis; one-carbon metabolism-polyamine pathway, transsulfuration pathway, folate cycle, methionine cycle, nucleotide biosynthesis; mevalonate pathway; and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase were also observed. We report the role of shikimate pathway, sachharopine pathway and glyceroneogenesis in anhydrobiotes, and seven classes of repeat proteins, specifically in H. indica for the first time. These results provide insights into anhydrobiotic survival strategies which can be utilized to strengthen the development of novel formulations with enhanced and sustained shelf-life.

India is one of the leading citrus−producing countries, next to China and Brazil. Despite the sizeable production, especially of lemons and limes, India contributes meagerly to the world’s citrus market. Of the various factors responsible for the restricted quantum of citrus export, citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri pv. citri) is one of the leading serious causes and directly impacts the appearance of the fruits. Considering the extent of damage, the present study aimed to understand the impact of Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc) on the physio−biochemical responses in contrasting Citrus spp. Two genotypes, each of three citrus species, namely Citrus aurantifolia (Pusa Udit and ALC−35), C. limon (Kagzi Kalan and Konkan Seedless), and C. paradisi (Redblush and Marsh Seedless), were artificially inoculated with Xcc (108 to 109 cfu/ mL) by the pinprick method. The physio−biochemical changes in the host were evaluated after 48 h post inoculation (hpi). The chlorophyll content (total, a, and b) degradation and reduction in leaf gas exchange parameters, such as photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), and intrinsic water−use efficiency (iWUE), were measured to a greater extent in susceptible than resistant genotypes. The microscopic observations also evidenced higher stomatal density with larger stomatal areas in susceptible genotypes, favoring the easier penetration of Xcc in host tissues than resistant species or genotypes. The higher activities of various antioxidant enzymes, viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and glutathione reductase (GR), the contents of soluble protein, and phenolics were measured in resistant genotypes in contrast to susceptible genotypes. The activities of phenyl ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were also higher in resistant genotypes, whilst the levels of ROS (superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide) production were enhanced in susceptible genotypes. Based on the host–pathogen interaction, the order of resistance in a descending manner was found as Kagzi Kalan, Marsh Seedless, Redblush, Konkan Seedless, Pusa Udit, and ALC−35. Further, the results will enhance the understanding of the pathogen mechanism during pathogenesis in resistant and susceptible Citrus species.

Susceptibility to phosphine was compared in 15 populations of lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica) collected from grain storage godowns across India. A high level of resistance to phosphine was noticed in R. dominica collected from northern India compared to those collected from northeastern regions of India. The median lethal concentration values varied from 0.024 mg/L to 1.991 mg/L, with 1.63 to 82.96-fold resistance compared to laboratory susceptible checks. Antioxidant enzymes have been reported to negate the reactive oxygen species generated upon encountering the fumigant phosphine. Distinct differences in the activity of antioxidant enzymes were noticed in the field populations exposed to phosphine. Peroxidase activity varied between 1.28 and 336.8 nmol H2O2 reduced/min/mg protein. The superoxide dismutase inhibition rate was between 81.29 and 99.66%, and catalase activity varied between 6.28 and 320.13 nmol H2O2 reduced/min/mg protein. The findings of our investigation show that the activities of peroxidase and superoxide dismutase are positively linked (p < 0.01) with an increase in resistance ratios, whereas catalase was found to have a negative association with resistance to phosphine. The reported results elucidate the differential activities of principal antioxidant enzymes in scavenging the oxyradicals (O2•−, H2O2,•OH) associated with tolerance to phosphine in R. dominica.

Five-year-old grapevines of Beauty Seedless spaced at 3 m × 3 m distance and trained on the 'Bower' system were sprayed with different plant bioregulators, namely, abscisic acid (ABA: 200 and 400 ppm), ethephon (200 and 400 ppm), benzothiadiazole (BTH: 0.3 and 0.6 mM), prohexadione-calcium (Pro-Ca: 200 and 400 ppm) and control (water spray) at the veraison stage during 2019-20 with the aim of studying their influence on berry physical and biochemical characteristics. The experiment was conducted in the randomised block design with three replications for each treatment. Different berry physical characteristics like weight, length, diameter and firmness were positively influenced with the different treatments except for ethephon (400 ppm) and ABA (400 ppm) treatments, which reduced the berry firmness significantly. Berry biochemical parameters were positively improved by almost all the plant bioregulators, they were most pronounced with ethephon (400 ppm) and ABA (400 ppm). The most prominent effects of ABA and ethephon treatments were noted on the total anthocyanins biosynthesis in the berries, which is major bottleneck under the warm subtropical conditions in different coloured grape genotypes. Hence, application of new generation plant bioregulators such as BTH, Pro-Ca, ABA and ethephon resulted in improvement in berry quality parameters of cv. Beauty Seedless.

An experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (2017-18) to study the possible reason for reduced seed vigour in Indian quality mustard genotypes during storage for the first time. Freshly harvested seeds, one year, two year aged seeds and controlled deteriorated seeds of freshly harvested seeds of conventional and quality Indian mustard were used for the study. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), i.e. hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide radical (O2 .-) were estimated along with enzymatic antioxidants such as catalase and peroxidase and redox couples ratio (ASC/DHA and GSH/GSSG) in all the nine genotypes of different age group and correlated with germination percentage, mean germination time and seed vigour indices. The experiment revealed that during storage, the amount of ROS accumulation goes on increasing and both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants goes on decreasing. In comparison to conventional genotypes, quality genotypes were found to contain significantly lower level of antioxidants and significantly higher level of ROS content during the storage period. Germination percentage as well as seed vigour indices were negatively correlated with ROS and positively correlated with enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. This experiment revealed that reduced vigour in quality genotypes could be due to faster deterioration during the storage due to increased production of ROS.