Canan Türeli1*, Irem Nur Yeşilyurt1, Erhan Akamca1, Unal Erdem2
1Department of Basic Science, Fisheries Faculty, Çukurova University, Adana-Turkey
2 Department of Aquatic Products, Vocational School of Technical Sciences,
Marmara University, Istanbul-Turkey

ABSTRACT
The distribution and population density of the ghost crab, Ocypode cursor were studied in Yumurtalik Beach,Turkey during summer, 2009. Burrow densities of ghost crab were measured at three beach zones in relation to the Reference Datum (RD) with middle heights of 2, 4, and 9 m, which were located at medi-olittoral, supra-littoral, and sub-terrestrial fringe, respectively.Generally, individuals occurred above 1 m in height in relation to RD and peaked between 2 and 4 m. A range from 0 to 4.2 burrows/m2 was obtained, and the total number of crabs on this beach (approximately is 2256 km2) ranging from 18.99 burrows/m2 to 56.41 burrows/m2. Significant differences in the mean burrow density were found among three zones. Low densities were recorded in the sub-terrestrial zone in September and peak density in the supralittoral zone in August. In general crabs followed a clumped dispersion on Yumurtalik beach. In total 986 burrow diameters were measured where diameter ranged from 3 to 97.8 mm. The results provided evidence that Yumurtalik Beach can provide suitable habitats for O. cursor population. Ocypode cursor is not vulnerable to the anthropogenic disturbances and environmental alterations found at Yumurtalık Beach.
Keywords: Ghost crab, Ocypode cursor, Yumurtalık Beach, Turkey, Zonation, Burrows, Density

Atique ur Rehman1*, Muhammad Farooq2, Hakoomat Ali1, Naeem Sarwar1, Rafi Qamar3
1Department of Agronomy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan.
2Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
3Department of Agronomy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha.

ABSTRACT
Poor quality seeds of chickpea have germination problem and issue is serious in chickpea growing areas where quality seed is not available. This study was an attempt to solve the problem. Experiment was done in Seed Technology Laboratory of Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Two chickpea cultivars viz. Kabli type cultivar Noor-91 and desi type cultivar Punjab-91 were treated with different temperatures of 40, 50 and 60 oC at 24, 48 and 72 hrs. Different thermal hardening treatments significantly improved different germination related traits including germination percentage, germination index, germination energy and reduced time taken for 50% germination. Similarly heating of chickpea seeds resulted in more number of secondary roots, and improved fresh and dry weights. Although germination was improved with thermal treatments at 40 and 50 oC for different time durations, however, an increased temperature (60 oC) was better only at 24 hrs and keeping seeds at this temperature for more time resulted in reduced germination and other traits. It is thus concluded that thermal hardening at 40 and 50 oC for up to 72 hrs can be used to improve germination of chickpea.
Keywords: Chickpea, Germination Index, Germination Energy, Dry weight, Temperature.

N.S. Kottearachchi1*, R.K. Peiris1 and S. Rebeira2
1Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of
Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila (NWP), Sri Lanka. 2Department of Grain Quality,
Rice Research and Development Institute, Bathalagoda, Sri Lanka

ABSTRACT
Grain quality improvement of rice is considered as prioritized research area in rice breeding programs in Sri Lanka. Amylose Content (AC) is a key determinant of end quality of rice. Amylose Content is controlled by granule bound starch synthase (GBSS) enzyme which is encoded by waxy gene, located on chromosome 6. Similarly another character associated with grain quality, Gelatinization Temperature (GT), is controlled by the alkali degeneration locus (alk), which encodes for a soluble enzyme called starch synthase IIa (SSIIa). Two SSR markers RM 190 and RM 314 were selected from the previously developed QTL maps that showed association with AC and GT. This study demonstrates the feasibility of RM 190 and RM 314 for the detection of polymorphism associated with AC and GT. In total, 18 different rice varieties were analysed. The relationship between marker genotype and amylose content was detected by comparing the pooled AC under 2 different allele categories using Mann-Whitney Test. The results indicated that RM 190 was able to detect genetic variation among the rice varieties quite efficiently, on the basis of which, the rice varieties could be identified with two categories; with low AC and with intermediate and high AC. Therefore, the SSR marker, RM 190, could be efficiently employed in large-scale screening programmes to predict AC through Marker Assisted Selection (MAS).
Keywords: Amylose content, Gelatinization temperature, Microsatellite Markers, Oryza Sativa L.

Muzaffar Ahmad Ganie1*, Amit Kumar Pal1 and Nazeer Ahmed2
1Institute of Environment and Development Studies, B. U. Jhansi, U.P. India
2Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar, J&K, India

ABSTRACT
A study was made to assess the insect pollinator diversity and abundance in the apple orchards of Kashmir Himalaya. The selection of sites was in important focus so that an average data representative of the whole native insect pollinator diversity and distribution in apple orchards of Kashmir valley can be obtained. The findings of the study revealed that insect pollinators in the apple orchards were in general represented by three orders Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera. At all the locations, the order Hymenoptera was found to represent three families Helictidae, Apidae and Tenthredinidae. A total of 21 species of insect pollinators belonging to 12 families and three orders Hymenoptera, Diptera and Lepidoptera registered their occurrence in different apple orchards of Kashmir valley. Overall, maximum abundance of 479 individuals, i.e. Lasioglossoma himalayense (412) and Lasioglossoma nursie (67) corresponding to a percent family contribution of 49.40% at all the studied apple orchards was registered by family Halictidae and least abundance was documented by the family Nymphalidae (4 individuals) contributed by a single species, Vanessa cashmirensis corresponding to a percent family contribution of 0.41%. Diptera was the most dominant order composing 11 species and as such accounting for 52.81% of total species found followed by Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera each of which registered 5 species corresponding to 23.81% of total species reported. The findings suggest to maintain a natural habitat that is suitable for Lasioglossum and other such dominant native insect pollinators to ensure successful survival of these important native insects in apple orchards which contribute significantly to fruit set especially to apple crop.
Keywords: Insect pollinator, Apple orchards, Kashmir, Himalaya

Muhammad Asif Rasheed*, Sara Afzal, Fatima Tariq, Shazia Mannan
COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Sahiwal

ABSTRACT
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCa, also called malignant hepatoma) is a primary malignancy of the liver. Most cases of HCCa are secondary to either a viral hepatitide infection (hepatitis B or C) or cirrhosis (alcoholism) being the most common cause of hepatic cirrhosis. HCCa is the fifth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Many different proteins are involved in HCCa including insulin growth factor (IGF) II , signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 3, STAT4, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD 4), fragile histidine triad (FHIT), SIRT etc. The present study includes the bioinformatics analysis of SMAD 4 protein in order to understand the proteomic aspect and improvement of the diagnosis of the disease. Different information related to proteins were gathered from different databases e.g. official Symbol and chromosome location were taken from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene database. Structural weight (mass of the protein) was taken from Uniprot database. Length of amino acids chain was taken from NCBI Protein database. Different domains of protein were taken from InterProScan. The proteins details related to diseases were checked from Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database. The multiple sequence alignments of top eight closest sequences to these proteins were performed by Claustalw2. Structure of the protein and evaluation of the quality of the structures were included from Easy modeller and Pymol programs. This analysis not only helped to gather the information related to the protein at one place but also analyzed the structure and quality of the protein. Moreover, the present study also included the phylogenetic analysis among different species based on the protein.  Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, NCBI, Uniprot, InterProScan, OMIM, Pymol

Adetunji Charles Oluwaseun1*, Williams Jospeh1, Olayemi Folorunsho1, Omojowo Funsho Samuel3
1Nigerian Stored Product Research Institute, Km 3 Asa dam road, P.M.B. 1489, Ilorin, Nigeria
2National Institute of Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR), P.M.B. 6006, New-Bussa, Nigeria

ABSTRACT
Two different coatings were developed from the mucilage of Cactus and their effects were investigated on the microbial qualities of mango fruits. The two experimental coatings were: Pure mucilage extracts (ME) and Mucilage extract mixed with 5ml glycerol (MEG) which served as plasticizer. Samples of the mangoes were immersed into these coatings and they were stored for seven weeks at an average temperature of 27±2°C and relative humidity55-60% under Evaporative Coolant System(ECS) . The Cactus mucilage treatment of mangoes significantly attenuated the microbial growth on fruits compared to control. Concentration of yeast and mold was found to be decreased from 10.23log CFU g-1 to 0.34 log CFU g-1 (MEG) and 2.11log CFU g-1 (ME),also the concentration of aerobic Psychrotrophic bacteria was decreased from 23.56log CFU g-1 in control to 1.23 log CFU g-1 (MEG) and 5.30 log CFU g-1 (ME) mucilage treated fruits while the concentration of aerobic mesophilic bacteria was decreased from 20.84log CFU g-1 in control to 1.07 log CFU g-1 (MEG) and 3.12 log CFU g-1 (ME) mucilage treated fruits. The overall result showed that Cactus mucilage coating hindered the growth of microorganisms significantly (P<0.05) and extended the shelf-life of mango fruits when compared to untreated in the order, MEG>ME>Control.
Keywords: Antimicrobial coatings, Evaporative Coolant System, Cactus mucilage, microbial qualities.

Muhammad Atif Majeed1, Rashid Ahmad2, Muhammad Tahir1, Asif Tanveer1 and Muhammad Ahmad*3
1Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
2Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
3Agriculture Adaptive Research Complex, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

ABSTRACT
A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of two phosphorus fertilizer sources (diamonium phosphate and nitrophos) and four phosphorus rates (0, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1) on growth and yield of wheat cultivar Bhakar-2002 at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, during Rabi 2006-2007. Significant differences in plant height (cm), number of fertile tillers per unit area, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, 1000- grain weight (g), straw yield (t ha-1), grain yield (t ha-1) and fertilizer use efficiency (kg kg-1) were observed by the application of different rates of phosphorus fertilizers. However, only straw yield (t ha-1) and fertilizer use efficiency (kg kg-1) were significantly affected by different sources of phosphorus fertilizers. It is concluded that phosphorus application in the form of DAP at the rate of 90 kg ha-1 is more conducive for recommendation for the farmers, because it gave maximum benefit cost ratio (5.27) and value cost ratio (5.29). So, from this research, it is suggested that phosphorus source in the form of DAP at the rate of 90 kg ha-1 should be applied to get maximum benefit from wheat crop. It is, therefore, suggested that phosphorus source in the form of DAP at the rate of 90 kg ha-1 should be applied to get maximum benefit from wheat crop.
Keywords: Wheat, Phosphorus sources, rate of application, yield

Adetunji C.O1*, Ogundare M.O1, Ogunkunle A.T.J2, Kolawole O.M3, Adetunji J.B4
1Nigerian Stored Product Research Institute, Km 3 Asa dam road, P.M.B. 1489, Ilorin, Nigeria
2Department of pure and applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B 4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Nigeria. 3University of Ilorin, Department of Microbiology, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. 4University of Ilorin, Department of Biochemistry, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State. Nigeria

ABSTRACT
Xanthan gum is an extracellular hetero polysaccharide produced by Xanthomonas campestris Pammel, 1895, a bacteria species that causes a variety of plant diseases. Due to its unique rheological behavior, xanthan gum is one of the major microbial polysaccharides employed in many industrial processes. The increase in Carica papaya L. fruit production requires new strategies to extend their storage life. Edible coatings when applied on the surface of fruits act as physical barriers which effectively change their internal atmosphere and delay the ripening process. In this study, effect of edible coatings from xanthan gum was investigated on the quality and storability of papaya fruits. A local isolate of the bacterium X. campestris was obtained from infected cabbage leaves and its identity was confirmed by standard microbiological and biochemical tests. Test fruits were surface sterilized with 100mg/-1 sodium hypochlorite solution, coated with the gum and stored along with the control fruits for seven weeks at an average temperature of 27 ± 2 °C and relative humidity of 55-60 %. The parameters investigated in the fruits were, weight loss, ascorbic acid content, pH, firmness and total soluble solid. The results showed that xanthum gum was effective in extending the shelf-life of papaya fruits when compared to the control.
Keywords: Xanthum gum; Carica papaya L; edible coatings; storage period; Xanthomonas campestris

A. M. Shrestha Malla*
Botany Department, Tri-Chandra College, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

ABSTRACT
Plants contain cyanogenetic glucoside and also the appropriate enzyme which hydrolyses this glucoside and produces HCN. There are different types of plants which contain: the glucoside but not the enzyme; the enzyme but not the glucoside; and neither the glucoside nor the appropriate enzyme. Trifolium repens L. (White clover) is polymorphic for cyanogenesis, with both cyanogenic and acyanogenic plants occurring in nature. The study was done in eight different varieties of Trifolium repens L. collected from different altitudinal zones such as subtropical representing Kirtipur (1245-1300 masl), subtropical to temperate representing Dhunche (1962 -2012masl) and temperate to sub-alpine representing Chandanbari (3400-3500masl). Plants collected from these areas were tested for HCN contents by “Feigl spot test” method. The results showed that highest quantity of HCN was present in WNML, medium in WPML and minimum in LPML variety growing at Kirtipur. Medium quantity of HCN was present in WNML, WPML, WPNML and PNML varieties growing at Dhunche. PML and LPNML varieties have no HCN and were suggested as the best fodder plants for livestock. HCN contents in plants growing in Chandanbari were very low or absent. Similarly, the transplant from Chandanbari to Kirtipur also did not show HCN except a medium amount in PNML variety. The study showed a marked variation in HCN content among the varieties of white clover. It also revealed that the higher amount of HCN was present in white coloured flower than pink coloured flower; HCN content of plant is lesser in colder and higher altitudinal zone and is higher in plant with larger size of the leaves as well as in plants growing in lower moisture and higher phosphorous containing soil.
Keywords: HCN, White clover, Flower colour, Altitude, Moisture, Phosphorous