Dr.V.N.Yogananda Murthy

Mulberry variety M5 is used for the induction of variation through colchicine treatment. Five different concentrations of aqueous colchicine [C22H25NO5] viz., 0.1% - 0.5% were used to treat the vegetative buds. Sprouting%, rooting% and plant height were decreased with a linear increase in the percentage of colchicine used. Increase in leaf area was observed at 0.4% (166.94 cm2) and 0.5% (165.20 cm2) when compared to control (155.41 cm2) plants. Thick, succulent and dark leaves were found associated with the increased leaf area. In the M2 generation, the variant exhibited decreased number of  stomata/unit area (39.57) and increased number of chloroplast (18 – 22) were observed when compared to control (49.42 and 11 – 14). Yield of the treated plants (0.573kg/plant) were considerably increased. The plants are grown in full maturity in order to test their potential for use in a breeding programme oriented at producing lines with quantitative quality of leaves.

Mulberry variety M5 is an open pollinated hybrid (OPH) selected from the seedling population of Mysore local variety. M5 mulberry variety cuttings were used for irradiation with different doses of gamma rays (1kR to 10kR). During the course of
investigation, various propagation parameters viz., sprouting percentage, rooting percentage, survivability, height of the
plant, internodal distance, leaf area were recorded. Moderate dosages such as 4kR to 7kR were found to be fruitful in the
induction of beneficial variability. Morphological leaf mutants like enlarged leaf (4kR), curvy leaf (8kR), mosaic leaf (8kR) and biforked leaf (9kR) were found in the treated population. In M2 generation, important features like shortened internodal distance and increased leaf area were observed. Increase in rooting % was observed at 4kR (90.03%) when
compared to control (89.20%). LD50 of M5 was found to be good between 6kR and 7kR, while acute doses like 9kR and
10kR proved to be lethal for the taxa studied. Height of the irradiated population significantly reduced with the increase in
the dosages of gamma rays. Slightly increased plant height was recorded in the population irradiated at 5kR. Increased tendency in the number of branches was noticed at 4kR. Higher doses of gamma rays i.e., 8kR to 10kR drastically reduced the number of branches. The treated plants are grown for full maturity in order to test their potentiality in breeding
programme to produce lines.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different doses of gamma radiations(1kR-10kR from co60) on different growth parameters of mulberry variety Kosen.Overall results revealed that a declined trend in all the growth parameters i.e. sprouting (83.66%-18.66%), rooting (77.96% - 19.59%), height of the plant (105.00cm-58.03 cm), number of the branches (7.73-4.23), intermodal distance (3.76cm-3.94cm), petiole length (2.89cm-2.59 cm) and pollen fertility (77.93% - 40.66%) were recorded and showed a deleterious effect. But the response of growth parameters against different doses showed variant behaviour in case of rooting as constant declined trend was not observed. Similarly fluctuating state has been found in other growth parameters also.

Randomly collected waste water, soil and green leafy vegetable samples were from five stations of Bangalore urban district were analysed for the heavy metals namely Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd and Mn using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Present study explains the extent of heavy metal contamination in two leafy vegetables viz., palak (Beta vulgaris) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum). Results showed that, palak leaves contain Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr and Mn in all the sampling points. Cr at S1, S2 and S5 stations crossed safe value limit recommended by FAO/WHO. In coriander leaves Cu, Zn and Mn found in all stations. Pb concentration was exceedingly high in palak (28.43ppm to 149.50ppm) and coriander (54.69ppm to 75.50ppm) in all sampling stations. Cd was detected only at two stations in S2 (0.81ppm) and S4 (1.50ppm). Cr was detected at S1, S2 and S3 stations and at S2 station, Cr content in palak (70.79ppm) and coriander (127.27ppm) was alarmingly exceeding the allowable limit. Cytological studies indicated the formation of anaphase bridge, irregular metaphase, chromosome stickiness, precocious chromosome at anaphase and vagrant chromosomes. Soil samples do not revealed any appreciable increase in the concentration of heavy metals and found within the permissible limits but values were higher than control that shows contamination was mainly due to automobile exhaust, pesticides and industrial exhaust. Pb was detected in all the waste water samples and in S1 (<0.05PPM) and S2 (<0.05ppm) traces of Cd was detected. Physico-chemical parameters of waste water were also determined and factors such as pH, EC, TDS and DO found to exceed the drinking and irrigation water standards.

Two vegetables (Potato and Tomato) and one fruit (Grapes) were selected randomly from a farmer’s field in Bangalore rural district. Pesticides were quantified by Gas chromatograph and Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) and the analysis was carried out in Pesticide analysis laboratory, Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore. Insecticides identified and quantified were endosulfan, methyl parathion, malathion, chloropyrifos, cyhalothrin, quinolphos and fenvelerate. Eight potato samples were analysed in duplicate and six samples found to contaminated with endosulfan (75%), four were contaminated with parathion (50%). Greater MRL values were observed in two samples containing endosulfan ranging from 0.057-2.818mg kg-1 and one sample with quinolphos (0.007-0.09mg kg-1), cyhalothrin and fenvalerate were completely absent in the samples. Tomato samples analysed indicated endosulfan and fenvalerate found to contain higher MRL values where percentage accumulation of endosulfan has residue
range 0.05-2.24mg kg-1. A few samples of grapes were contaminated with acephate, cypermethrin, Metaloxyl and monoprotophos. One sample of grape contaminated with Imidocloprid and the values ranged from 0.090mg kg-1 and 0.196mg kg-1.

Mulberry genotypes M5, S54 and Kosen were procured from mulberry germplasm bank, Department of Sericulture, Bangalore University. Juvenile twigs of mulberry genotypes were used for cuttings preparation. Newly prepared juve-nile cuttings were irradiated with different doses of gamma rays (1 kR - 10 kR) from Co60 gamma unit. Propagation parameters like sprouting, rooting, survivability, plant height, number of branches, internodal distance and leaf area were recorded. Results revealed decline in growth parameters with the increase in gamma ray dosage (1 kR - 10 kR). Moderate dosages (4 kR - 7 kR) are the most competent range and height of the irradiated population significantly re-duced with the increase in gamma rays dosage. Higher doses of gamma rays (8 kR - 10 kR) drastically reduced the number of branches. M5 and S54 showed marked improvement in plant height at 4 kR (155.14 cm) and 7 kR (147.86 cms) respectively compared to control. Morphologically, leaf mutants like enlarged (4 kR), curled (8 kR), mosaic (8kR) and biforked (9 kR) leaves were observed in gamma irradiated M5 genotype. Kosen exhibited small, crumpled, biforked and chlorophyll deficient leaves (8 kR - 10 kR). S54 exhibited boat shaped leaves with wrinkled texture (8 kR).

Aims: Plentiful mulberry varieties available in nature, they lack one or the other important economic trait required for silkworm Bombyx mori L. as food. Efforts have been made to
induce phytomorphological variability in mulberry variety S54 using gamma rays.
Experimental Design: RBD Method with three replications/ treatment was followed. Place and Duration of Study: Mulberry garden, Department of Sericulture, JnanaBharathi, Bangalore University and Mist chamber, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore, Karnataka, India between 2006-2011. Methodology: Gamma ray (1kR-10Kr) was used to induce variability in juvenile twigs of mulberry for various agro-botanical characters viz., sprouting, rooting, internodal distance, leaf area, plant height etc. and leaves were subjected to biochemical analysis. Results: Mulberry variety S54 showed linear decrease in growth parameters with the increased gamma ray dosage and plants exhibited variability with increased rooting Research Article American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 4(1): 48-57, 2014 49 (81.33%), plant height (147.86cm) and leaf area (146.22cm2) when compared to control in M1 generation at 7kR. Mutants showing favourable characters were grown for M2 generation which exhibited marked improvement in growth and yield parameters. Biochemical constituents in S54 mutant leaves recorded at 7kR showed increased proteins, carbohydrate, chlorophyll a and b. Conclusion: Mulberry cuttings irradiated with gamma ray (7kR) exhibited favourable traits in rooting, plant height and leaf area over the control in M1 generation and mutants were grown for M2 generation and marked improvement in growth, yield and bio-chemical parameters were observed.

Main aim of this experiment is to study the distribution and ecology of diatoms in four lakes of Tumkur district. Diatoms are the primary producers of aquatic ecosystem, respond quickly to environmental changes in streams and lakes and are
very good indicators of local conditions. Diatom composition of four lakes was related to seasonal factors, year, location and water quality parameters including nutrient and metals concentrations. Water chemistry parameters like air and water
temperature, alkalinity, pH, sulphate, nitrate and silica concentrations were done in order to investigate physicochemical parameters and their relationship with diatom
community behaviour and composition. Water quality of these lakes was evaluated using an index composed of Lange-Bertalot pollution tolerance values. Results revealed that, diatoms showed significant positive correlation coefficient with
physicochemical parameters like temperature of air and water, sulphate, nitrate and silica. A negative correlation was noticed with dissolved oxygen. Total of 48 species of diatoms were recorded. Diatom community results revealed that, when
compared to chemical analyses, proved useful in providing an indication of the quality of waters. Under 17 genera seasonal maxima of diatoms was observed during pre-monsoon months in all the lakes. Present experiment emphasising the need for conservation efforts of lake biota.

A number of mulberry varieties are available in nature, but they lack one or the other economic character required for silkworm Bombyx mori L. as food. Colchicine (C22H25NO6) a known polyploidising agent used to induce morphological variation in plants. Efforts have been made to induce polyploidy in mulberry variety Kajali using colchicine. Mulberry variety Kajali is grown in mulberry germplasm bank and the vegetative buds are treated with aqueous solution (0.1%-0.5%) of colchicine. RBD Method with three replications/ treatment was followed. Agro-botanical traits such as sprouting, rooting and survivability percentages, plant height, leaf area and intermodal distance were encountered. Results revealed that, Kajali mulberry variety recorded decrease in the growth parameters with the increase in colchicine concentration. Plants recovered at C1 (Colchicine treated plants in F1 generation) generation showed beneficial characters only at 0.4% colchicine concentration, leaf area is considerably increased to 196.11cm2 compared to control (178.27cm2). Dwarf, stout, thick, greenish leaves, leaf yield increased to 10.11% and number of chloroplast ranged from 23-27 compared to control (44.00) at 0.4% concentration in C1 generation. Mulberry plants recovered at 0.4% colchicine concentration require further systematic yield trials and evaluation of colchiploids over a period would establish their potentiality as cultivars.

Silkworm Bombyx mori L. is prone to be attacked by pathogen and more notably Beauveria bassiana L. Bed disinfectant Kavach was inoculated in different dosages (0.2%-1.6%) to IV and V instar silkworms of both bivoltine and cross breeds. Potency of disinfectant was assessed for the parameters such as survivability, larval duration, physiological, chemo and bio-assay tests. It was revealed that, bivoltine (NB4D2) silkworms were highly susceptible to diseases compared to cross breeds (PMxNB4D2). In bivoltine silkworms, survivability was found to be
61.15% at 1.6% of Kavach, when dusted twice during IV and V instar and crossbreed silkworms exhibited better resistance of 63.10% with the same treatments. Kavach treated silkworms showed decreased larval duration compared to control worms. Crossbreed silkworms were capable of maintaining high level of soluble proteins in spite of infection on 3rd day (17.40%), 4th day (20.50%) and 5th day (21.55%) whereas in bivoltine silkworms soluble protein level was brought down on 3rd day (19.30%), 4th day (22.40%) and 5th day (23.40%). Total soluble sugars varied from third day till fifth day in both the races. Kavach dusted twice at 1% proved to be very useful in the
improvement of various commercial cocoons characters.

Mulberry is exclusively used for rearing silkworm due to the presence of unique chemo-factors like morin, β-sitosterol in leaves. Plant is a potential source for curing debilitating diseases. Flavonoids, anthocyanin and alkaloids present in the leaves, bark, root and fruits of
mulberry play a pivotal role in containing free radicals and prooxidants generated in the body due to metabolism and phagocytosis. Though oxygen is much imperative for life processes, metabolism imbalance and generation of free radicals are prime reason for causing
different ailments. The review reveals the wide range of important Pharmacological uses of mulberry including phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and medicinal properties. Present paper provides concrete evidence on the role of mulberry for antioxidation therapy and management of human diseases.

Present investigation deal with the study of mutagenic effect of Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) on mulberry variety M5. The results revealed that at 0.4% EMS treatment, height of the plant and leaf area were
considerably increased. Stem dichotomy, fusion of leaves, increase in thickness, change in texture of leaves and
occurrence of albino and xantha were common in 0.3% EMS treated plants in M1 generation.

Nine mulberry varieties along with one check variety M5 were field tested at Bethamangala village of Kolar district, Karnataka. These mulberry varieties were evaluated for the propagation parameters, like sprouting, survival, shoot growth and rooting behaviour. Results showed that, sprouting percentage was above 95% inTR8, TR12 and S1708 mulberry varieties, while survival rate was as high as 93% in S1708. Mulberry variety S1708 recorded highest shoot length of 62.63cm and shorter shoot length was recorded in C6 (35.55cm). Mulberry varieties studied exhibited considerable variations in fresh shoot and dry shoot weight. Among the mulberry varieties studied, Matigara black showed the longest root length (25.99cm) followed by TR12 (23.57cm) and TR8 (21.98cm). Numbers of roots / sapling were recorded more in Matigara black (42) and less in TR8 (14). Root volume was significantly high in Matigara black (16.27ml) and Tr20 (14.21ml) when compared to other varieties. Overall the mulberry variety S1708 showed better results in many propagation characters followed by TR8 and TR20 mulberry varieties.

Ten mulberry varieties viz., Tr8, Tr12, Tr20, S1708, MS5, C6, C10, Matigara black, Morus nigra and M5 were analysed for their leaf quality through phytochemical tests. Results revealed that, total proteins, total sugars and amino acids were high in tender followed by medium and coarse leaves. Total proteins, total sugars and amino acids were high in S1708 leaves and total proteins and total sugars were low in M5 leaves and amino acids were low in C6 leaves. Phenols, prolines and chlorophyll contents were high in medium
followed by coarse and tender leaves. Phenols were high in M5 and least in Matigara black leaves. Prolines were high in Matigara black and low in M5 leaves. S1708 leaves recorded highest total chlorophyll, chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b whereas C6 recorded lowest total chlorophyll, chlorophyll-a and Chlorophyll-b. Moisture contents were high in tender followed by medium and coarse leaves. Moisture content and moisture retention capacity were significantly high in S1708 and lowest in C6 leaves.

Present investigation was undertaken to study yield and phytochemical parameters of mulberry variety Vishwa
under different spacing systems (2'x1', 2'x2', 3'x3', 4'x4'). Branching pattern differed markedly depending on the spacing where highest number of shoots/plants and longer shoot length/plant found in 4'x4' followed by 3'x3' spacing. Lowest internodal distance observed in 4'x4' spacing and maximum in plants under 2'x2' spacing. Plants under
different spacing revealed significant difference in 100 fresh leaves weight. Average leaf yield/plant was highest in 4'x4'
spacing whereas leaf yield/unit area was more in 2'x1' spacing followed by 2'x2' and 3'x3' spacing. No change in moisture retention capacity in leaves even after 12hrs under different spacing. Proteins, total sugars and chlorophyll contents were high in plants under 4'x4' spacing. Based on the findings, mulberry variety Vishwa grown under 4'x4' spacing revealed substantial improvement in yield and phytochemical parameters.

A critical assessment study comprising six mulberry germplasm varieties viz., Tr8, Tr12, Tr20, Matigara black, Morus nigra and M5 was conducted at Bethamangala village in Bangarpet taluk, Kolar district for their leaf quality through economic characters of silkworms. Silkworm rearing experiments were performed using crossbreed (PM x NB4D2) silkworms. Taxa studied differ significantly in respect of moulting and bioassay trials. Moulting test results revealed that, silkworm larvae reared on Tr8 mulberry leaves recorded highest values and lowest values were recorded in silkworm larvae reared on Morus nigra leaves both in I and II moult respectively. Silkworm rearing performance revealed that, silkworms reared on Tr8
mulberry leaves proved better and lower values were observed in silkworms reared on Morus nigra leaves in all the bioassay parameters. From the results, it is proved that, mulberry variety Tr8 turns out to be a superior in moulting and bioassay tests compared to other varieties studied under the same agro climatic conditions.

A critical evaluation study comprising five mulberry varieties viz., S1708, MS5, C10, C6 and M5 was conducted for their leaf quality through silkworm moulting and rearing using crossbreed (PMxNB4D2) silkworms. Results revealed that, in moulting tests, silkworm larvae reared on S1708 mulberry leaves recorded highest larval weight (25.03mg) and moulting ratio (84.96%) and lowest larval weight (17.04mg) and moulting ratio (71.06%) recorded in silkworms reared on C6 leaves during II moult. Silkworms reared on S1708 leaves recorded highest larval weight (39.08mg), cocoon weight (1.90g), shell weight (0.41g), shell percentage (21.66%), filament length (957.57mts), reelability (86.88%), renditta (6.06), denier (2.08) and E.R.R (88.31%), whereas lower larval weight (26.20g), cocoon weight (1.30g), shell weight (0.19g), shell percentage (16.18%), filament length (722.60mts), reelability (56.12%), renditta (8.30), denier (2.62) and E.R.R (78.86%) were observed in C6 mulberry leaves. It is clear from the results that, mulberry variety S1708 turns out to be superior in bioassay tests compared to other varieties studied.

Three silkworm races of Bombyx mori L viz., Pure Mysore (PM), Bivoltine (CSR2) and Crossbreed (PMxCSR2) were analyzed for their biochemical compositions. Quantitative assay of proteins, reducing sugars and nucleic acids were carried out in different body tissues of silkworm. Data obtained are statistically analyzed with oneway ANOVA at p<0.05 significance level and presented in the results. Significantly higher (at p<0.05) proteins were recorded in bivoltine silkworms compared to
crossbreeds and multivoltine silkworms. Higher reducing sugar was recorded in
midgut and silk glands of bivoltines followed by crossbreed and pure Mysore silkworms. DNA and RNA concentrations were recorded comparatively higher in haemolymph and midgut of bivoltine silkworms. Results revealed that, bivoltine
silkworms are comparatively superior in all the biochemical parameters examined and these studies can be expediently adopt for screening and characterization of different silkworm breeds.

Present work is a prospective study on UTI infected diabetic patients from Bangalore region, molecular character and antimicrobial susceptibility of Pseudomonas sp. infections. Among seventy seven samples, 10 % were identified as Pseudomonas sp. are isolated on C-TAB agar media and confirmed by morphological and biochemical tests. On testing antimicrobial activity by well diffusion methods, all organisms showed highest resistance to Ampicillin (77%) followed by amplified fragment length polymorphism. Dendrogram analysis of ten variables of Pseudomonas sp. by using different primer (E+CTT)(M+AAT) and (E+AAG) (M+GGC) gives total diversity among 10 accession showed within 5.4 units of genetic distance.
Key words: Diabetic, infection, antimicrobial, polymorphism, accession.

Three silkworm races viz., pure Mysore (PM), bivoltine (CSR2) and crossbreed (PMxCSR2) were analyzed for their protein concentrations. Quantitative protein estimation was carried out in different body tissues of silkworms. Data obtained are statistically analyzed with one way ANOVA at p<0.05 significance level and presented in the result section. Results revealed that, significantly higher (at p<0.05) proteins were recorded in bivoltines compared to crossbreeds and multivoltine silkworms. Bivoltine silkworms were comparatively superior in protein concentrations tested in different body tissues and the experiment can be adopted for screening and characterization of different silkworm breeds.

An investigation on quantitative distribution, seasonal dynamics, phytoplankton species composition and physico-chemical characteristics of water was carried out in Gulur wetland from June 2011 to June 2013. It is found that, there is considerable variation in phytoplankton species and distinct seasonal variation. Present study recorded a total of 66 species under 37 genera belonging to five different classes. Algal composition was dominated by Diatoms (41.67%) followed by blue-greens(27.78%), chlorococcales(13.89%), euglenoids(8.33%) and desmids(8.33%). Physico-chemical factors like air and water temperature, pH, potassium, sulphate, silica, nitrate and nitrogen have direct bearing on density, diversity and periodicity of different groups of phytoplanktons and showed significant positive correlation with these groups at 5% level. All the phytoplankton groups recorded their seasonal maxima during pre-monsoon except Chlorococcales as their maximum density is recorded during post-monsoon. Inter-relationship of different physico-chemical parameters and their role with seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton is discussed.

Two edible green leafy vegetables viz., Amaranthus (Amaranthus sp.) and Dill (Anethum graveolens) leaves
collected randomly from three locations in Kolar district like Bethamangala, Bangarpet and K.G.F. are critically
examined for heavy metal pollutants like Lead, Copper, Cadmium, Chromium and Zinc using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results revealed that, Amaranthus and Dill leaves contain lead, copper, cadmium, chromium and zinc in all the sampling stations. Amaranthus leaves recorded significantly high lead concentration (41.57 ppm to 48.89 ppm) crossed permissible limits in all the stations. Copper concentration varied considerably in Bethamangala (4.26 ppm), Bangarpet (12.22 ppm) and KGF (21.59 ppm). Cadmium
concentration at Bethamangala (2.06 ppm), Bangarpet (2.78 ppm) and KGF (2.96 ppm) recorded above permissible level. Chromium was detected in all the stations and values are not exceeding the permissible limit. Zinc concentration is higher in K.G.F (62.01 ppm) and in other two stations it is below the safe limit. Dill leaves showed high lead content (22.51 ppm-32.20 ppm) in three stations crossed safe value limit recommended by FAO/WHO. Copper concentration in Bethamangala (3.29 ppm), Bangarpet (12.22 ppm) and KGF (18.52 ppm) are in permissible limit. Cadmium content in Bethamangala (0.92 ppm) and Bangarpet (1.44 ppm) are below detection level and in KGF (2.32 ppm) exceeding the permissible limit. Chromium was detected in all three stations and values are below detection level. Zinc concentration is high in K.G.F (63.04 ppm) and in remaining two stations it is below the safe limit.