Nutrient Management Strategies for Groundnut-blackgram Cropping Sequences

Aims: To refine nutrient management practices for the groundnut-blackgram cropping sequence, focusing on enhancing both yield and quality.Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with three replications.Place and Duration of Study: Regional Research Station in Vridhachalam during the Kharif and rabi season of 2016-17.Methodology: The experimental encompassed various nutrient levels applied to groundnut in the main plots: M1-Control, M2-100% RDF, M3-125% RDF, and M4-150% RDF. Additionally, different nutrient levels were applied to the blackgram subplot: S1-Control, S2-50% RDF, S3-75% RDF, and S4-100% RDF.Results: Analysis of the results indicated that use of 125% RDF in groundnut significantly provide higher pod yield (2657 kg/ha). However, the control group recorded a significantly lower pod yield. Subsequent blackgram seed yield was notably influenced by inorganic fertilizers applied to the preceding groundnut crop. In blackgram, the application of 75% RDF resulted in a higher number of pods per plant (34.6), No. of branches/plant (7.8) and seed yield (823 kg/ha). This performance was comparable to the application of 100% RDFConclusion: These findings underscore the importance of optimizing nutrient management practices, particularly the combination of 125% RDF for groundnut, to enhance pod yield, while the application of 75% RDF demonstrated positive effects on subsequent blackgram seed yield.

Enhancing Rainfed Castor Growth, Seed, and Oil Yield Via Nano Urea Application

Aims: Conventional urea fertilizer has been critical in enhancing castor yields. However, nano urea, a game-changing technology in modern agriculture, provides a significant advancement in terms of sustainable and efficient crop production.Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a Randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications.Place and Duration of Study: Tapioca and Castor Research Station in Yethapur during the Kharif season of 2022.Methodology: The major objective is to increase hybrid castor growth and production under rainfed circumstances by foliar application of nano urea. The castor hybrid YRCH 1 with an RDF of 60:30:30 NPK kg ha-1 was chosen for the study. The experimental details viz; T1 - 100% N through Urea –RDF, T2 - 50 % of recommended basal N + Nano urea foliar spray @ 2 ml/l at 30 and 60 DAS, T3 - 50 % of recommended basal N + 2 % Urea foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS, T4 - 75 % of recommended basal N + Nano urea foliar spray @ 2 ml/l at 30 and 60 DAS, T5 - 75 % of recommended basal N+ 2 % Urea foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS, T6 - 100 % of recommended basal N + Nano urea foliar spray @ 2 ml/l at 30 and 60 DAS, T7 - 100 % of recommended basal N + 2 % Urea foliar spray at 30 and 60 DAS.Results: According to the findings of the study, applying 100% of the recommended basal N + Nano urea foliar spray @ 2 ml/l at 30 and 60 DAS is advantageous to the crop and improves the growth and yield characteristics of hybrid castor under rainfed conditions. However, when compared to other treatments, foliar application of nano urea with 50% indicated basal N resulted in significantly lower growth and yield.Conclusion: The major objective is to increase hybrid castor growth and production under rainfed circumstances by foliar application of nano urea

A 4-compartment model based validation of air displacement plethysmography, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, skinfold technique & bio-electrical impedance for measuring body fat in Indian adults.

Background & objectives: Many methods are available for measuring body fat of an individual, each having its own advantages and limitations. The primary objective of the present study was to validate body fat estimates from individual methods using the 4-compartment (4C) model as reference. The second objective was to obtain estimates of hydration of fat free mass (FFM) using the 4C model. Methods: The body fat of 39 adults (19 men and 20 women) aged 20-40 yr was estimated using air displacement plethysmography (ADP), dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), 4-skinfold technique and bio-electrical impedance (BIA). Total body water was estimated using isotope dilution method. Results: All the methods underestimated body fat when compared to 4C model, except for DEXA and the mean difference from the reference was lowest for DEXA and ADP. The precision of the fat mass estimated from 4C model using the propagation of error was 0.25 kg, while the mean hydration factor obtained by the 4C model was found to be 0.74 ± 0.02 in the whole group of men and women. Interpretations & conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that DEXA and ADP methods can provide reasonably accurate estimates of body fat, while skinfold and bio-electrical impedance methods require the use of population specific equations.

Primary tuberculosis of the thyroid gland.

Tuberculosis of the thyroid is rare even where tuberculosis per se is common. We report a case of primary tuberculous goitre in a young man from mid-western Nepal.

Intermediate syndrome in organophosphorous poisoning--a case report.

A case of organophosphorous poisoning in a 29 year old male who developed intermediate syndrome manifested by features of respiratory depression as evidenced by marked weakness of the respiratory muscles, tachypnoea, and drop in oxygen saturation despite reversal of nicotinic and muscarinic effects of organophosphorous poisoning. The case highlights its early recognition and prompt institution of mechanical ventilation with continuation of anticholinergic drugs. The mechanical ventilation had to be continued for 9 days with successful outcome.

Light and electron microscopic appearances of peripheral nerves from two lepromatous leprosy patients after 12 months of multidrug therapy and their significance.

Biopsies from radial cutaneous nerves of a lepromatous patient and one borderline lepromatous patient treated with 12 doses of multidrug regimen were studied using light and electronmicroscopes. Histopathologically both showed typical lepromatous neuritis. Electronmicroscopic examination showed demyelination, atrophy and degeneration of myelinated axons and nonmyelinated axons and a marked increase in collagen fibrils. Perineurial cells, Schwann cells and endoneurial macrophages contained numerous persisting M. leprae. Almost all the organisms in macrophages were fragmented and could be considered non-viable. A few M. leprae found in Schwann cells showed structure of viable bacilli. It is possible a few dead or dormant organisms may persist for many years in Schwann cells or in fibrous tissue without producing any ill effects, and may cause relapse only in rare instances. Since 12 months of MDT resulted in the clearance of M. leprae in course of time and the reported relapse rates after years were insignificant, implementation of MDT for a year for all MB patients is justified provided surveillance of these patients is ensured. Administration of uniform MDT for 6 months is worth a trial.

Delayed resolution versus treatment failure in paucibacillary leprosy patients under six months fixed duration multidrug therapy.

Thirty paucibacillary (PB) patients were given multidrug therapy (MDT) PB regimen for six months and were examined clinically and histopathologically before therapy, at six months and 12 months after therapy; and in four patients, at 18 to 23 months after MDT. Histopathological activity was present in 50% and 25% of patients after six months and 12 months respectively after MDT. At 18 to 23 months, the four patients continued to have active lesions both clinically and histopathologically. On the basis of this study it is found that fixed duration of MDT is effective in a large majority of patients especially those with indeterminate leprosy. However, there is "delayed resolution" in a significant number of patients which in a few instances may turn out to be "treatment failures". Therefore, a regular follow up of high risk patients for at least two years and if possible, five years, with freedom to intervene with additional anti-inflammatory or antileprosy therapy as desired, is recommended.