Response of Tomato Quality and Yield to Elevated Temperatures under Controlled Environment

The experiment was carried out during 2020-2021 at the Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala Agricultural University. The experiment was carried out with the aim of characterization of contrasting tomato genotypes for high temperature tolerance under high temperature condition and control condition to identify key quality and yield traits controlling high temperature tolerance in tomato. The experiment was designed in completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 treatment levels- control and high temperature conditions (36+/-2oC) wherein 3 tolerant and 3 susceptible genotypes were selected for the study. These genotypes were selected from the summer varietal screening experiment performed during the summer months of 2021 from March to May. The best performing genotypes were selected in terms of pollen viability, leaf membrane thermo-stability, chlorophyll fluorescence, number of fruits, fruit set %. One set of treatment was maintained under ambient condition and the other set with high temperature stress was maintained under polyhouse facility from transplanting stage to the harvesting stage. The quality parameters and yield traits were analysed at the harvesting stage of the crop. From this study it can be understood that many of the quality parameters like lycopene content, total sugars, flavanol content was found decreasing in both tolerant and susceptible genotypes but the extend of this reduction was considerate in tolerant ones. In case of ascorbic acid content and firmness of fruit at the time of ripening these were found to be improved in heat stress (HS) conditions. Yield related qualities like number of fruits, yield per plant, and root-shoot ratio was found decreasing whereas root dry weight, total dry weight and intensity of fruit drop and flower drop was increased under HS. Therefore, this study focused on tomato genotypes reported to be resilient to high-temperature stress, and comparing them to the susceptible cultivars under stress and control settings for analyzing the variations in terms of quality and yield traits in tropical hot climate regions of India. The study performed here highlights the possibility for future breeding programs utilizing the key quality and yield traits enhancing thermo-tolerance in tomato and to develop new genotypes that can combine good yield performances and fruit nutritional quality at high temperatures.

Acceptance and awareness regarding influenza vaccine among healthcare workers in a tertiary care centre, Kerala

Background: The seasonal Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness. The most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccination each year along with everyday preventive actions. The objective of this research was to study the acceptance and awareness of Influenza vaccine among health care workers of a tertiary care centre, Kerala and to explore the preventive practices. Methods: This study was a hospital based cross sectional study conducted among 204 health care workers in a tertiary centre in Kerala. A simple random sampling technique was adopted. Data was collected using self-administered pretested semi structured questionnaires. Results: 165 (80.9%) are aware of the Influenza vaccine while 39 (19.1%) are not aware of the Influenza vaccine. 30 (14.7%) has received at least one dose of Influenza vaccine in last five years while 174 (85.2%) has not received the vaccine. 161(78.9%) says they are willing to get vaccinated against Influenza while 43(21.1%) are not willing to get vaccinated. Conclusions: Even though there is good awareness about Influenza vaccine, the number of vaccine recipients is less than ideal. However, majority are willing to take Influenza vaccine in the future which shows good acceptance.

An analysis of the performance of the Karnataka State Cooperative Agricultural and Rural Development Bank

Rural development was once equated with agriculture, allied sectors, and infrastructure. Rural development has become a strategy to enhance the rural poor's economic and social existence. It concerns rural development. Rural development is the process through which rural society progresses up the economic ladder, improving its social and economic standing. The study tries to analyse the financial performance of the Karnataka State Co-Operative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank. The study relies on secondary data extracted from numerous NABARD Annual Reports, Sahakari Soudha, the Department of Cooperatives, Bangalore, and other publications and periodicals. The research spans a decade, from 2006 to 2021. Several statistical measures, including mean, percentage, and growth rate, are employed to evaluate the study. The study found that between the research periods, the KSCARD bank deposits, reserve money, total loan disbursed, and total share capital have all increased; however, the loan recovery percentage has fallen throughout the same period. In general, the KSCARD is an organisation that makes significant contributions to the growth of rural communities.

Correlation among physiological and histological changes in soybean seeds during storage

Aim: The aim of the study was to correlate the histological changes in cotyledon and embryonic axis in aged seeds of soybean genotypes with the physiological changes and storability. Methodology: Ten genotypes with differing, storability as predicted by accelerated ageing test, were selected and various physiological parameters viz., germination per cent, seedling length and dry weight, seedling vigour, mobilization efficiency were studied over a period of ten months at bi-monthly interval. These were correlated with histological changes like cell arrangement and cell membrane integrity in cotyledon and embryonic axis of seed. The findings were further supported by electrical conductivity test. Results: Good storer/performer (DSB 21) maintained comparatively better cell membrane integrity in both cotyledon and embryonic axis at the end of ten months of storage when compared to poor storer/performer (MAUS 61). Interpretation: Maintenance of cell membrane integrity in good storer genotype, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy, as result of better tolerance mechanism for biochemical degradation, is the main reason for higher physiological performance of all the good storer/performers genotypes during storage.

Acute aortic dissection--De Bakey Type I and Stanford A.

We report a rare case of aortic dissection which fits into De Bakey Type I and Stanford A, presented with severe tearing chest pain, paraplegia, stupor, hypotension, and syncope. Echocardiography showed dissection involving aortic root. MRI showed aortic dissection involving ascending, arch and descending aorta. Patient was managed conservatively and he died within 12 hours after the admission.