Shelf life of bioagents and longevity of biologically coated pigeonpea seed

Biological seed coating is a new technique of seed treatment through which biological agents are coated over the seed surface for effective control of seed and soil-borne pathogens. In this study, pigeonpea seed was biologically coated with Pseudomonas fluorescens, Rhizobium spp. and Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) using biofriendly polymer and sugar syrup as adjuvants. The shelf life of bioagents and seed quality parameters was studied during six months of storage period. The colony units of Pseudomonas increased with biofriendly polymer either as individual or in consortia with biofertilizers. Six months after treatment, more colony units of Pseudomonas fluorescens were recorded on the surface of biologically coated seed of pigeonpea with biofriendly polymer as an adjuvant compared to sugar syrup. Seeds coated with Pseudomonas and PSB using biofriendly polymer recorded high seed germination and seedling vigour compared to sugar syrup. The observations reveal that there is a possibility of coating seed with biological agents using biofriendly polymer immediately after processing or before packaging without affecting the shelf life of bioagents and seed quality. Thus, the biologically coated pigeonpea seed in advance of cropping season can go a long way in minimizing risk associated with on farm seed treatment.

Neuropharmcological potential of methanolic extract and a triterpene isolated from Madhuca longifolia L leaves in mice.

The methanolic extract of M. longifolia (MLME) and a compound a triterpene, derivative of madhucic acid (dMA) isolated from the leaves of M. longifolia, were investigated for their possible neuropharmacological activities in mice using phenobarbitone induced sleeping time, spontaneous motor activity, marble burying test and Eddy’s hot plate method. LD50 for MLME and dMA were 100 and 10 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. Both MLME and dMA (10 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg oral route respectively) exhibited significant increase in phenobarbitone induced sleeping time, greater reduction in spontaneous motor activity and marble burying activity, confirming their sedative nature. Both MLME and dMA also exhibited considerable antinociceptive activity in experimental animals. The results suggest that both MLME and dMA have CNS depressant activity in mice.