ABSTRACT
A field study was conducted to determine the effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on growth and yield of bitter gourd. Four PGPR strains (Azospirillum, Phosphorous solubilising bacteria, Pseudomonas flourescens and Bacillus subtilis), one commercial organic product (Aishwarya) and non inoculated control were used. The study revealed that seeds inoculated with Azospirillum (basal @ 5 kg ha-1 + 40 days after sowing (DAS) @ 5 kg ha-1) recorded early germination (6.48 days). The maximum vine length (4.42 m) was recorded in basal @ 2 l/plant application of both Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas flourescens @ 2.5 kg ha-1. Number of primary branches was maximum (4.80) in plants applied with phosphorous solubilising bacteria (PSB) as basal @ 5 kg/ha and 40 DAS @ 5 kg/ha. Tap root length (23.57 cm) and secondary root length (39.88 cm) were highest in the plants supplied with Azospirillum (basal @ 5 kg ha-1 + 40 DAS @ 5 kg ha-1) where as, dry root weight (4.64 g) was more in case of double application of Bacillus subtilis basal @ 2 l plant -1 + 40 DAS @ 2 l plant -1. Two time application of Bacillus subtilis basal + 40 DAS @ 2 l plant -1 produced the maximum yield plant -1 and yield plot -1 (2.72 kg and 16.33 kg respectively).
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Recent clinical and animal experimental studies postulate that the pathogenetic mechanisms of vitiligo could be of systemic origin as vitiligo is associated with ocular and auditory abnormalities as well as other autoimmune disorders.Hence, we studied genetic factors, systemic associations, ocular and auditory abnormalities of vitiligo. METHODS: The study group included 150 new cases of various types of vitiligo. One hundred age- and sex-matched nonvitiligo cases were included as controls in the study. A complete family history was taken for all patients. Examination was carried out taking note of the type of vitiligo and approximate percentage of body surface involved. All relevant laboratory investigations, a thorough audiological examination including pure tone audiometry and a complete ophthalmologic examination were carried out in all patients and controls. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi square test. RESULTS: Fifty-four vitiligo patients (36%) had a family history of vitiligo. Anemia was present in 30 (20%) vitiligo patients but only in five (5%) controls, a difference that was statistically significant (c2 = 15.8, P < 0.001). Diabetes mellitus was present in 24 (16%) vitiligo patients and only 2 (2%) of controls (Chi square, c2 = 12.4, P < 0.001). Hypothyroidism and alopecia areata were present in 18 (12%) and 11 (7.4%) vitiligo patients respectively and none of the controls. Hypoacusis was seen in 30 (20%) vitiligo patients and two (2%) controls (c2 = 8.19, P < 0.005). Twenty-four vitiligo patients (16%) and five controls (5%) had specific ocular abnormalities like uveitis, iris and retinal pigmentary abnormalities (c2 = 7.39, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates statistically significant clinical evidence confirming that vitiligo is a part of systemic autoimmune process.