Understanding the influence of genotype and temperature on proteolytic activity in distinct barley genotypes.

This study aimed at investigating the effects of genotype and temperatures on the proteolytic activity in green malt of 48 barley genotypes, including 19 mutants, 15 hulled, 4 hulless, and 10 wild using enzyme assays based on casein, as substrate. During malting, insoluble barley protein must be hydrolyzed into soluble peptides and free amino acids to supply the brewing yeast with sufficient nutrients to grow rapidly and metabolize glucose and other sugars into alcohol through fermentation. However, the relatively hot temperatures employed during kilning usually denature the proteolytic enzymes due to their thermolabile nature. Even though the hydrolytic activity of most of the proteases is destroyed during the kilning process, the malt includes a small fraction of thermostable proteases that can further degrade protein in the subsequent mashing process. Considering the higher temperature range employed in industrial kilning and mashing, three temperatures (37, 50, and 70°C) were selected to identify the genotypes possessing high activity at the higher range of temperatures as well as thermostable variant of the enzyme. The proteolytic activity in all the genotypes declined after 50°C depicting its optimum temperature. Overall proteolytic activity was observed to be positively correlated with the amino acids and negatively correlated with protein content. Three mutant (BL2086, BL2091, and BL2079) and one wild (WS 237) genotypes possessing proteolytic activity in a higher range at all the studied temperatures have the potential to be exploited in the breeding programs for incorporating trait of thermostable proteolytic activity into low malting efficiency cultivars. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The optimal hydrolytic activities of carbohydrases and proteases during mashing are essential for producing high-quality wort from malted barley to ensure that hydrolyzed molecules are available to brewers' yeast to support fermentative metabolism. In this study, several barley cultivars were grown under identical environmental conditions but assayed at different temperatures. As result, four genotypes had been obtained that possessed optimal proteolytic activities at a higher temperature range and can be of great interest to breeders and maltsters for altering wort amino acid profiles and better exposure of starch to mashing enzymes, thereby increasing the fermentable sugar yield from the malt.

New species of the genus Dolophilodes Ulmer 1909 (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae) from Singalila National Park, West Bengal, India.

This paper is another contribution to knowledge of the caddisfly fauna of India. Here we describe and illustrate three new species of Dolophilodes Ulmer 1909: D. dhritiae sp. nov., D. similis sp. nov., and D. laminata sp. nov. all from Singalila National Park, West Bengal. With these additions, genus Dolophilodes is now represented by 9 species from India.

Subfamily Mantispinae Enderlein, 1910 (Insecta: Neuroptera) in India.

The present paper adds to the knowledge of the family Mantispidae from India. Herein we describe two new Euclimacia species: E. similis sp. nov. from Madhya Pradesh and E. nicobarica sp. nov. from Andaman Nicobar Islands. A new combination is also proposed: Mantispilla coorgensis (Ohl, 2004a) comb. nov. With these additions, the family is now represented in India by 22 species in eight genera.

Genus Diplectrona Westwood 1840 (Insecta: Trichoptera) in India.

This paper is another contribution to knowledge of the caddisfly fauna of India. We redescribe and illustrate Diplectrona marginata Betten 1909 based on previously collected material as well as from fresh collections. The status of D. marginata is validated after Betten (1909) and Martynov (1935) and a neotype is designated for D. marginata because the remaining syntype has been damaged and is not identifiable. Furthermore, D. kinulta Olh et al. 2020 is considered a synonym of D. marginata based on the similarity of male genitalia. Diplectrona aurovittata (Ulmer 1906) is reported for the first time from India, bringing the number of Indian species of Diplectrona to 10.

Drought stress-induced changes in redox metabolism of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

In the present investigation, influence of water stress on redox metabolism was evaluated in the flag leaf and grains of four barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes viz DWRB 101, 432 ICARDA, Jyoti and 430 ICARDA at 10th, 20th and 30th days after anthesis (DAA). Relative water content, electrolyte leakage, antioxidative enzymes and their related metabolites were studied during drought stress. Relative water content was well maintained in both the tissues of DWRB 101 and 432 ICARDA. The upregulation of catalase at 20th DAA while ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase and dehydro reductase at 30th DAA in the flag leaf and grains of DWRB 101 and 432 ICARDA may be responsible for lesser increase in H2O2 content as compared to other genotypes. Moreover, the downregulation of superoxide dismutase was comparatively higher in Jyoti and 430 ICARDA. The redox homeostasis was well established during the stress in DWRB 101 and 432 ICARDA by maintaining comparatively higher ratios of ascorbate/dehydroascorbate and reduced/oxidized glutathione. Therefore, scrutiny of data indicated that DWRB 101 and 432 ICARDA may perform better under drought stress in comparison with Jyoti and 430 ICARDA.

New species and new records of Hydropsychinae (Insecta: Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) from India.

Two new species of genus Hydromanicus Brauer 1865 are described and illustrated: Hydromanicus religiosus sp. nov. and Hydromanicus sikkimensis sp. nov. (both from Sikkim). Potamyia phaidra Malicky Chantaramongkol 1997 (from Meghalaya) and Cheumatopsyche chrysothemis Malicky Chantaramongkol 1997 and Hydromanicus inferior Chantaramongkol Malicky 1995 (both from West Bengal) are also reported for the first time from India. Further, the species Potamyia trenhona Oláh Barnard 2006 (in Oláh et al. 2006) is considered a synonym of P. phaidra based on the similarity in wing venation, male genitalic appendages, and phallic structure.

New records of Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from India.

Four species of Trichoptera are recorded for the first time from the geographical limits of India: Oecetis jacobsoni Ulmer 1930 and Marilia ceylanica Martynov 1936 (both from the Andaman Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India), Polyplectropus amphion Malicky 1997a from West Bengal, and Polyplectropus phrixos Malicky Changthong 2006 (in Malicky et al. 2006) from Mizoram, respectively. Line drawings of all the newly recorded species and Hydropsyche saranganica Ulmer 1951 are given based on material collected from the geographical limits of India.

New Species and New Records of Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from India.

In the publication by Kaur et al. (2020), the depository for the holotype of Chimarra gangtokensis new species was given as "(NPC)", but no corresponding explanation for this acronym was provided in that publication. Therefore, the name of the species is unavailable (International Code of Zoological Nomenclature 1999, Art. 16.4.2). We clarify here that the holotype is a male deposited in the National Pusa Collection, Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi (NPC). The purpose of this note is to validate the name of the new species from the publication date of this erratum by a reference to the original description and diagnosis as an indication (International Code of Zoological Nomenclature 1999, Art. 13.1.2).

New species, a new name, and new synonyms for Chimarra spp. (Insecta: Trichoptera: Philopotamidae) of India.

Chimarra oliveri sp. nov. is added as a new species from Arunachal Pradesh (India). Additionally, a new name Chimarra subpositio nomen novum is proposed for junior secondary homonym Chimarra bicolor Navás 1932 and the following synonyms are proposed: Chimarra larmol Malicky 2017 is considered a synonym of C. bidenta Pandher et al. 2014 and C. saddiel Malicky 2014 is considered a synonym of C. lakhwinderae Pandher Saini 2012b, based on the similarity of the male genitalic appendages. With these changes, the genus is represented by 55 species from India.

Review of the genus Kisaura Ross 1956 (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae) from India.

This paper synthesizes knowledge of caddisflies belonging to the genus Kisaura Ross 1956 from India. The study is based on collection expeditions undertaken since 2008 in streams of the Indian Himalayan region and some of its contiguous states. The species newly described here include Kisaura sangtam sp. nov. (Nagaland); K. acuta sp. nov., (Uttarakhand); and K. rotunda sp. nov. and K. teestaensis sp. nov. (both from Sikkim). Species reported for the first time from India include Kisaura longispina (Kimmins 1955) (from Uttarakhand); K. laban Malicky Chantaramongkol 2009 (in Malicky 2009, Arunachal Pradesh); K. rossi (Kimmins 1955) (from Sikkim, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh); K. surasa Malicky Chantaramongkol 1993 (Uttarakhand); K. filiformis Mey 1996 (from Himachal Pradesh); K. pectinata (Ross 1956) (from West Bengal); and K. intermedia (Kimmins 1955) and K. cina Malicky Chantaramongkol 1993 (both from Arunachal Pradesh). With these additions the genus Kisaura is represented by 39 species, 35 of which have been described previously (27 described originally from India and 8 new records for India) and 4 are new species.

New Species and New Records of Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from India.

Chimarra gangtokensis sp. nov. is added as a new species from Sikkim. With this addition of a new species, the genus is represented in India by 53 species. Furthermore, Polyplectropus admin Malicky Chantaramongkol 1993, Hydropsyche briareus Malicky Chantaramongkol 2000, Cheumatopsyche globosa (Ulmer 1910), and Cheumatopsyche chryseis Malicky Chantaramongkol 1997 are reported for the first time from India. Also, Chimarra kailishchandrai Malicky 1997a, Cheumatopsyche bhatrapura Malicky 1979, and Oecetis asmada Malicky 1979 are reported for the first time from North Andaman Island, India.

New species of genus Hydromanicus Brauer 1865 (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) from India.

We describe three new species of genus Hydromanicus. The newly described species are Hydromanicus digitatus sp. nov., Hy. clavatus sp. nov. (both from Uttarakhand), and Hy. betteni sp. nov. (from Sikkim). With these additions the updated number of Indian species in this genus is 11.

Metabolic adjustments during compatible interaction between barley genotypes and stripe rust pathogen.

Stripe rust is a fungal disease that has devastated the barley production for a long time. The present study focused on the role of ß-glucan, PR proteins, diamine oxidase (DAO), polyamine oxidase (PAO), key enzymes and metabolites of phenol and proline metabolism in the stripe rust resistance of barley. RD2901 with resistant behavior against stripe rust showed increased levels of PR proteins, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), tyrosine ammonia lyase (TAL) along with the accumulation of ß-glucan and lignin which strengthen the plant cell wall during plant-pathogen interaction. It also depicted the enhanced activities of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) coupled with the increased amounts of proline, glycine betaine and choline after infection with M-race of P. striiformis f. sp. hordei. On the contrary, the sensitive genotype Jyoti was unable to enhance the activities of most of these enzymes except PAL and OAT so that it showed an increase in lignin and choline contents only. Secondly, the increase in lignin content was less as compared to the tolerant genotype. Hence, it can be inferred that these key metabolites and enzymes of various metabolic pathways may contribute to the resistance of barley against stripe rust pathogen. This study suggested that these key enzymes and their metabolites could serve as markers for the characterization of plant defensive state that is essential for crop protection.

Stripe rust induced defence mechanisms in the leaves of contrasting barley genotypes (Hordeum vulgare L.) at the seedling stage.

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei, the causal organism of stripe rust in barley poses serious threats to its production. The present study examined the seedling response and changes in antioxidant defence system along with NADPH oxidase, hydrogen peroxide, and lipid peroxidation marker-malondialdehyde (MDA) in the four barley genotypes namely Jyoti, RD2900, RD2901, and RD2552 in response to M and G-races of stripe rust pathogen. Disease reaction showed Jyoti as susceptible genotype, RD2901 and RD2552 as resistant, whereas RD2900 behaved differentially to both the races. M-race which is predominant was found to be more virulent than G-race of barley stripe rust pathogen. RD2901 showed an increase in activities of NADPH oxidase, catalase, peroxidase, and enzymes of ascorbate-glutathione pathway along with ascorbate and glutathione pool on inoculation with M-race, which was accompanied by the decrease in hydrogen peroxide and MDA contents. Jyoti, on the other hand, showed an increase in peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase activities only which were unable to maintain redox homeostasis. The scrutiny of data indicated an increase in ASA/DHA ratio on infection in all the genotypes irrespective of their behaviour towards the races. However, GSH/GSSG ratio significantly declined in Jyoti and increased or remained unaffected in the resistant genotypes which suggested that GSH/GSSG might be playing a vital role in imparting tolerance against stripe rust. Further, correlation studies also revealed that leaf damage was positively correlated with H2O2 and MDA contents.

Description of the male of Distoleon sambalpurensis Ghosh, 1984 (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) from India.

This is a contribution to the knowledge of the neuropteran fauna of India. The male genitalia of Distoleon sambalpurensis Ghosh, 1984 is described and illustrated for the first time from India. Further, the female is redescribed and re-illustrated based on the recently collected material. Taxonomic change is also proposed by considering Distoleon subtentus Yang 1986 as synonym of Distoleon sambalpurensis Ghosh, 1984 based on the morphological similarity.

First description of male of the type species Parosmylus prominens Needham, 1909 (Neuroptera: Osmylidae) from India.

The male of the type species Parosmylus prominens Needham, 1909 is described for the first time from the material collected from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, India. The female genitalia are also redescribed based on recently collected material.

Antioxidant potential of barley genotypes inoculated with five different pathotypes of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei.

The stripe rust caused by the fungal pathogen, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a global problem that threatens the production of barley. The present study examined the disease reaction, free radical scavenging potential, non-enzymatic antioxidants like total phenols, o-dihydroxy phenols, flavonoids along with total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total carotenoids of the four barley genotypes viz. Jyoti (susceptible), RD2900, RD2901 and RD2552 (resistant) infected with five different pathotypes (M, G, 57, Q and 24) of P. striiformis f. sp. hordei. The disease reaction showing RD2901 in the category of immune to very resistant genotype followed by RD2552 in immune to resistant and RD2900 as moderately resistant and Jyoti as susceptible, which was well correlated with biochemical studies. RD2901 possessed higher antioxidant potential in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH·) scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, reducing power and nitric oxide scavenging activity under control conditions and were maintained sufficiently high on inoculation with different pathotypes (M, G, 57, Q and 24) of P. striiformis f. sp. hordei. Further, these free radical scavenging activities showed the positive correlation with total phenols, o-dihydroxy phenols, flavonoids which in turn might be contributing in tolerance behaviour of this genotype. However, Jyoti with sensitive behaviour towards M, G, and 24 pathotypes depicted minimum DPPH activity and reducing power under control conditions.

Three new species of the genus Kisaura Ross (1956) (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India.

In this paper three new species of the genus Kisaura from Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India, are described and illustrated. The newly described species are K. sainii sp. n. (from Lumla), K. dirangensis sp. n. and K. vikrami sp. n. (both from Dirang). With these additions the total number of species in the genus from India now stands at 27.

Review of genus Hydropsyche Pictet 1834 (Insecta: Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) from India.

The genus Hydropsyche is reviewed from India. Three new species are described and illustrated belonging to genus Hydropsyche. The newly described species are Hydropsyche curvata sp. nov., H. hajinensis sp. nov., both from Jammu Kashmir, and H. golitarensis sp. nov. from Sikkim. Hydropsyche quadrata Malicky Chantaramongkol 2000 (from Sikkim), H. augeias Malicky Chantaramongkol 2000 (from Uttarakhand) and H. camillus Malicky Chantaramongkol 2000 (from Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh) are reported for the first time from India. Hydropsyche athamas Malicky Chantaramongkol 2000, H. homunculus Schmid 1965, and H. harpagofalcata Mey 1995 are also redescribed and reported for the first time from India. Hydropsyche nuristanica Schmid 1963 (from Jammu and Kashmir) and H. rakshakaha Oláh 1994 (from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal) are reported from these states for the first time. Hydropsyche charon Malicky Chantaramongkol 2000, from Uttarakhand, H. appendicularis Martynov 1931, and H. pallipenne Banks 1938 are also redescribed and reported from Himachal Pradesh. Hydropsyche claviformis Mey 1996 is also redescribed based on a specimen from Sikkim. Furthermore, the male is redescribed and a neotype is designated for Hydropsyche asiatica Ulmer 1905. Hydropsyche chotanagpurensis is a nomen novum, replacing junior homonym Hydropsyche ulmeri (Martynov 1935). With these additions, the total number of Indian species for genus Hydropsyche is now 54. A catalogue of known Indian species is also given.

Mapping of adult plant stripe rust resistance genes in diploid A genome wheat species and their transfer to bread wheat.

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis West. f.sp. tritici, is one of the most damaging diseases of wheat worldwide. Forty genes for stripe rust resistance have been catalogued so far, but the majority of them are not effective against emerging pathotypes. Triticum monococcum and T. boeoticum have excellent levels of resistance to rusts, but so far, no stripe rust resistance gene has been identified or transferred from these species. A set of 121 RILs generated from a cross involving T. monococcum (acc. pau14087) and T. boeoticum (acc. pau5088) was screened for 3 years against a mixture of pathotypes under field conditions. The parental accessions were susceptible to all the prevalent pathotypes at the seedling stage, but resistant at the adult plant stage. Genetic analysis of the RIL population revealed the presence of two genes for stripe rust resistance, with one gene each being contributed by each of the parental lines. A linkage map with 169 SSR and RFLP loci generated from a set of 93 RILs was used for mapping these resistance genes. Based on phenotypic data for 3 years and the pooled data, two QTLs, one each in T. monococcum acc. pau14087 and T. boeoticum acc. pau5088, were detected for resistance in the RIL population. The QTL in T. monococcum mapped on chromosome 2A in a 3.6 cM interval between Xwmc407 and Xwmc170, whereas the QTL from T. boeoticum mapped on 5A in 8.9 cM interval between Xbarc151 and Xcfd12 and these were designated as QYrtm.pau-2A and QYrtb.pau-5A, respectively. Based on field data for 3 years, their R2 values were 14 and 24%, respectively. T. monococcum acc. pau14087 and three resistant RILs were crossed to hexaploid wheat cvs WL711 and PBW343, using T. durum as a bridging species with the objective of transferring these genes into hexaploid wheat. The B genome of T. durum suppressed resistance in the F1 plants, but with subsequent backcrossing one resistance gene could be transferred from one of the RILs to the hexaploid wheat background. This gene was derived from T. boeoticum acc. pau5088 as indicated by co-introgression of T. boeoticum sequences linked to stripe rust resistance QTL, QYrtb.pau-5A. Homozygous resistant progenies with 40-42 chromosomes have been identified.