Identification of BLB resistant genes in some rice varieties for development of high yielding bacterial leaf blight tolerant types

Aim: To identify bacterial leaf blight resistant genes in some rice varieties so that these resistant varieties can be used as a good source of donor for BLB resistant genes in genetic enhancement program.Methodology: A total of sixty-one rice genotypes including resistant and susceptible checks were screened in field condition by artificial inoculation using IX020 strain of Xoo for two years (Kharif 2016 and 2017). These varieties were also genotyped for seven SSR markers tagged with major BLB resistant genes, i.e., Xa4, xa5, xa13 and Xa7. Results: In artificial screening, significant disease development was recorded and the varieties were categorized using disease scoring scale of IRRI, 1996 where seven cultivars exhibited resistance, while twenty-seven were found to be moderately resistant. In genotyping, there was distinct difference in banding position for resistant and susceptible genotypes. Genotypes having resistant disease reaction, carrying BLB resistant genes were identified. Interpretation: Genotypes IR-64, IR-68144-2b-2-2-3-1-127, Ratna, Surjamukhi, Kalinga-2, Azucena and Zheshan-2 expressed bands of RM markers closely linked to Xa4, xa5, xa13 and Xa7 BLB resistant genes and field testing also confirmed resistant host reaction against pathogens.

Study of parental handling patterns in a primary school of Kolkata.

The intricate pattern of parenting in our socio-cultural context needs evaluation hence this study was done with the objective to reveal the parenting styles of school going children. 141 school children belonging to the age group 6-10 years were included in the study. The Parental Handling Questionnaire a 14-item scale consisting of 10 items of care and 4-items of control was administered to the mothers accompanying the children. Rating was done on a 3-point. The scale showed moderate internal consistency. 5 independent factors with overlapping items of care and control were deduced on factor analysis indicating multidimensional aspects of parenting in our society.

Aerobic capacity & perceived exertion after practice of Hatha yogic exercises.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Reports on the effect of yogic exercises on aerobic capacity are few. There is also no literature available on the effect of yogic exercise on perceived exertion (PE) after maximal exercise. In this study the effect of training in Hatha yogic exercises on aerobic capacity and PE after maximal exercise was observed. METHODS: Forty men from the Indian army (aged 19-23 yr) were administered maximal exercise on a bicycle ergometer in a graded work load protocol. The oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide output, pulmonary ventilation, respiratory rate, heart rate (HR) etc., at maximal exercise and PE score immediately thereafter were recorded. The subjects were divided into two equal groups. Twelve subjects dropped out during the course of study. One group (yoga, n = 17) practiced Hatha yogic exercises for 1 h every morning (6 days in a week) for six months. The other group (PT, n = 11) underwent conventional physical exercise training during the same period. Both groups participated daily in different games for 1 h in the afternoon. In the 7th month, tests for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2Max) and PE were repeated on both groups of subjects. RESULTS: Absolute value of VO2Max increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the yoga group after 6 months of training. The PE score after maximal exercise decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in the yoga group after 6 months but the PT group showed no change. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The practice of Hatha yogic exercises along with games helps to improve aerobic capacity like the practice of conventional exercises (PT) along with games. The yoga group performed better than the PT group in terms of lower PE after exhaustive exercise.

Symptomatic solitary giant congenital cysts of liver.

Three cases of non-parasitic liver cysts are reported. Each of them presented with upper abdominal pain and enlarged liver, and a cyst of enormous size was detected by ultrasound and isotopic scan. Residual cavity following cyst surgery was obliterated by different surgical techniques.