Dr Vijay Veer
HNB Garhwal University, Zoology, Alumnus
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Efficient method for discriminating among members of Anopheline species complexes is of extreme significance for epidemiological studies and effective vector control programme. Anopheles culicifacies is a principal malaria vector in... more
Efficient method for discriminating among members of Anopheline species complexes is of extreme significance for epidemiological studies and effective vector control programme. Anopheles culicifacies is a principal malaria vector in rural, periurban and tribal settings and responsible for about 65- 70% malaria cases in India. It is a complex of 5 isomorphic types A, B, C, D and E with varying biological characteristics. Presently, cytogenetic methods involving polytene chromosome and mitotic karyotyping are the only methods that could differentiate all the five sibling species but these techniques are time consuming and labour intensive. DNA based techniques using rDNA and COII such as AS-PCR and gene specific PCR-RFLP seems to be good alternatives but these techniques too have limitations and until now none of the techniques have been able to differentiate all the five sibling species in one step. In the present study we have been able to develop Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (R...
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The current study was carried out for the purpose of comparative evaluation of vegetable market waste degradation potential of three earthworm species (Eisenia fetida, Perionyx excavatus and Eudrilus eugeniae). The vegetable waste used as... more
The current study was carried out for the purpose of comparative evaluation of vegetable market waste degradation potential of three earthworm species (Eisenia fetida, Perionyx excavatus and Eudrilus eugeniae). The vegetable waste used as substrate in this study was collected from Mission Chariali vegetable market in Tezpur, Assam, India. Non-biodegradable materials such as polythenes, plastic etc. were segregated and organic waste was sun-dried. Cow dung was mixed with the substrate in 1:3 proportion and subjected to vermicomposting with three earthworms species separately. The data on physicochemical properties of the compost bed along with earthworm activity were collected every 10 days interval. The experiment was continued until 70 days. Analysis of the data indicated that E. fetida posed maximal nutrient mineralization and reduction in C:N ratio when compared with the data of day 0 with of day 70. Also, the values of vermicomposting coefficient were maximum for E. fetida. Moreover, the mean individual weight of E. fetida was also maximum during the decomposition period. Although Eu. eugeniae increased in total biomass much more rapidly than E. fetida, nevertheless, the cocoon production rate was greatest (78.67) in case of E. fetida, indicating the differential resource allocation with trade-off between sex alloca-tion and growth by Eu. eugeniae in a non-conducive environment during its life cycle. Overall, the results indicate suitability of E. fetida for vegetable waste degradation.
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<b><i>Objective:</i></b> We report the phylogenetic characterization of a unique flavivirus sequence detected in a wild <i>Culex tritaeniorhynchus</i> mosquito pool, collected from the northeast Indian... more
<b><i>Objective:</i></b> We report the phylogenetic characterization of a unique flavivirus sequence detected in a wild <i>Culex tritaeniorhynchus</i> mosquito pool, collected from the northeast Indian state of Assam. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> DNA and RNA were extracted from field-collected mosquito pools. Extracts were subjected to PCR and reverse transcriptase PCR amplification using universal and type-specific primers for direct detection of flavivirus-specific viral nucleic acids. An amplified flavivirus nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) genetic region was sequenced and BLAST searched, and phylogenetic analyses performed with reference sequences retrieved from GenBank. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Phylogenetic analyses revealed the sequence to be related to insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs) of the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae. Despite being related to the Palm Creek virus (PCV; an ISF very recently reported from Northern Australia), the present sequence (provisionally named Assam virus) was found to be highly divergent from PCV and other ISF sequences available in GenBank. The partial NS5 sequence analysis demonstrated low nucleotide sequence identity (66-77%) with known ISFs reported from other parts of the globe. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Findings of this study suggest the presence of a candidate novel ISF - the first to be reported from India.
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Three synthetlc pyrethroids, viz., deltamethrin, cypermethrin and permethrin emulsifiable concentrates were evaluated as ovicides against the eggs of poplar defoliator, Pygaera fulgurita Walk. under laboratory conditions. It was observed... more
Three synthetlc pyrethroids, viz., deltamethrin, cypermethrin and permethrin emulsifiable concentrates were evaluated as ovicides against the eggs of poplar defoliator, Pygaera fulgurita Walk. under laboratory conditions. It was observed that the percentage of unhatched eggs increased with the corresponding increase in concentration of each insecticide from 0.00005 to 0.005 per cent. Deltamethrin showed the maximum ovicidal activity, the mortality of eggs being 100.00 per cent with 0.001 and 0.005% concentrations. This was followed by cypermethrim giving 87.69 per cent mortality of eggs with 0.005% concentration. The least effective insecticide was permethrin where only 68.75 per cent mortality was obtained with 0.005% concentration.
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>>Twenty-one insecticides were tested as contact poisons against the 3rd instar larvae of Selepa celtis infesting Morus alba . Monocrotophos, chlordimeform, quinalphos and anthio were more toxic than DDT, while ambithion. Dimetheate... more
>>Twenty-one insecticides were tested as contact poisons against the 3rd instar larvae of Selepa celtis infesting Morus alba . Monocrotophos, chlordimeform, quinalphos and anthio were more toxic than DDT, while ambithion. Dimetheate and endrin were less toxic than DDT. The rest of the 14 insecticides were in the follwing order of effectiveness : carbaryl > endosulfan > pyrethrum > gamma-BHC > dichlorvos > toxaphene > leptophos > malathion > klofos > fenitrothion > dieldrin > aldrin > eythion > DDT.
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Background & objectives: Mosquito gut is a rich source of microorganisms. These microorganisms exhibit close association and contribute various physiological processes taking place in mosquito gut. The present study is aimed to... more
Background & objectives: Mosquito gut is a rich source of microorganisms. These microorganisms exhibit close association and contribute various physiological processes taking place in mosquito gut. The present study is aimed to characterize two bacterial isolates M19 and GB11 recovered from the gut of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito collected from Bhuj and Jamnagar districts of Gujarat, India. Methods: Both the strains were characterized using polyphasic approach including, phenotypic characterization, whole cell protein profiling and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and groESL region. Results: Sequences of 16S rRNA gene of M19 and GB11 were 99% similar to Vagococcus carniphilus and Vagococcus fluvialis. But phenotypic profile, whole cell protein profile and sequence of groESL region of both isolates were found to be similar to V. fluvialis. Conclusion: Based on phenotypic, genotypic and protein profiling, both the strains were identified as V. fluvialis. So far this species was known from domestic animals and human sources only. This is the first report of V. fluvialis inhabiting midgut of Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquito collected from Arabian sea coastal of India.
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Antioxidants are capable of inhibiting oxidative reactions which produces free radicals in the body responsible for various diseases. In current decade, attention is being given on plants having antioxidant property to replace synthetic... more
Antioxidants are capable of inhibiting oxidative reactions which produces free radicals in the body responsible for various diseases. In current decade, attention is being given on plants having antioxidant property to replace synthetic antioxidants. Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link (Lamiaceae), a wild edible vegetable was analyzed to determine antioxidant property of methanolic leaf extract by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and IC50 was calculated by plotting nonlinear regression curve. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu’s method using gallic acid as standard. L. aspera exhibit potent antioxidant property with IC50 value 54.78µg/ml. Total phenolic content was found to be 45.30 ± 0.64 mg GAE/g dry extract. L. aspera which is consumed as common vegetable in Sonitpur district of Assam (India) are potent source of antioxidants and can be recommended as healthy vegetable.
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Northeast India is a treasure trove of floral and faunal diversity and is a mega biodiversity hotspot. Different types of freshwater bodies such as ponds, rivers, lakes and beels can be found in this region which abounds in microalgae of... more
Northeast India is a treasure trove of floral and faunal diversity and is a mega biodiversity hotspot. Different types of freshwater bodies such as ponds, rivers, lakes and beels can be found in this region which abounds in microalgae of varied forms. The climatic condition of this region is favourable to the growth of freshwater microalgae as the rainfall in this region is distributed throughout the year and the waterbodies do not go dry. Few studies have been undertaken to explore the algal wealth of this region which has hitherto remain unexplored and untapped.
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Illustrated morphological descriptions of the adult and larval stages of Evorinea indica (Arrow) are presented. Evorinea hisamatsui Ohbayashi is placed as a junior synonym of E. indica. Brief taxonomic and biological notes are included.... more
Illustrated morphological descriptions of the adult and larval stages of Evorinea indica (Arrow) are presented. Evorinea hisamatsui Ohbayashi is placed as a junior synonym of E. indica. Brief taxonomic and biological notes are included. This species is known so far from India, Japan and Taiwan and is bivoltine in nature, the adults appearing from June to July and again from
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ABSTRACT Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a traditional herbal medicine and known to reduce the risk of many diseases. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of E. hirtaleaves methanol extract (EhME) on RAW246.7... more
ABSTRACT Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a traditional herbal medicine and known to reduce the risk of many diseases. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of E. hirtaleaves methanol extract (EhME) on RAW246.7 macrophage pro-inflammatory cytokines production and correlated with in vivoinflammatory paw oedema model. EhME inhibited the cyclooxygenase (COX) mediated prostagladins E-2 (PGE-2) and nitric oxide synthsae (NOS) catalyzed nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-induced marophages. Anti-inflammatory effect of EhME accompanied by the reduced produc- tion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner. In vivoevaluation in carrageenan-induced wistar rat paw oedema, correlated with in vitroanti-inflammatory findings of EhME, as 500 mg/kg b. w. concentration possess anti-inflammatory effect comparable to reference non-steroidal diclofenac (10 mg/kg b. w.). Our data showed and correlated the in vitro– in vivoanti-inflammatory property of EhME.
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<jats:p>A study was conducted to screen and isolate cellulase producing bacteria of termite gut from North east region of India. A total of 27 culturable bacterial isolates were screened for cellulase production. Out of the 27... more
<jats:p>A study was conducted to screen and isolate cellulase producing bacteria of termite gut from North east region of India. A total of 27 culturable bacterial isolates were screened for cellulase production. Out of the 27 bacterial isolates 11 showed zone of clearance on CMC agar media on staining with 1% Congo red, suggesting potential cellulose degrading activity. The maximum hydrolysis capacities (HC value) on CMC agar plate was found within the range of 3.6 to 40mm. The morphological characterization and gram staining of the positive isolates indicated that 3 isolates were positively stained rods and others were negative cocci. All the cellulase positive isolates were also tested for carbohydrate utilization with maltose, dextrose and fructose, to which all the 11 isolates responded positively. Further, based on the amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA genetic region, isolates were identified as member of the genus Bacillus, Paenibacillus and Staphylococcus. The degrading potential of these bacteria were assessed by developing bacterial consortium and efficient degradation was reported after seven days of incubation with different cellulose source like rice, cotton and rice husk.</jats:p>
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ABSTRACT Development of a suitable genetic transformation system is the backbone of transgenic technology for efficient recovery of Jatropha curcas plants with desirable traits. Although in vitro plant regeneration protocols for shoot... more
ABSTRACT Development of a suitable genetic transformation system is the backbone of transgenic technology for efficient recovery of Jatropha curcas plants with desirable traits. Although in vitro plant regeneration protocols for shoot tip, leaf, and hypocotyl explants of J. curcas have been reported, these protocol have not been translated into efficient genetic transformation systems. The objective of this study was to standardize the parameters influencing transient β-glucuronidase reporter gene expression following Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation using shoot tip, leaf, and hypocotyl explants of Jatropha curcas. Disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105, harboring pCAMBIA2301 carrying neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) as a selectable marker and the β-glucuronidase (GUS) as a reporter gene, were used for transformation. Frequencies of GUS gene expression of 86.7%, 78.3%, and 74.2% were obtained for leaf, hypocotyls, and shoot tip explants, respectively. The transgenic nature of the kanamycin-resistant explants was also confirmed by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Because, to date, there is no report on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of shoot tip, leaf, and hypocotyl explants of Jatropha curcas, our findings/protocol should be useful for recovering stable transgenic Jatropha curcas plants from these explants.
Research Interests: Botany, Regeneration, Transformation, Biology, Gene expression, and 15 moreGenetically Modified Crops, Transgenics, Jatropha curcas, Crops, Genetic transformation, Explant Culture, Genes, Crop Improvement, Agrobacterium, Explants, Hypocotyl, Shoot, Reporter gene, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and selectable marker
Culex quinquefasciatus is the most common mosquito species in urban and rural India, which is primarily responsible for biting nuisance. It is a major vector of lymphatic filariasis in India and is known to be associated with the... more
Culex quinquefasciatus is the most common mosquito species in urban and rural India, which is primarily responsible for biting nuisance. It is a major vector of lymphatic filariasis in India and is known to be associated with the transmission of Japanese encephalitis virus. It is a known vector of arboviral diseases such as West Nile fever and Rift Valley fever. Cx. quinquefasciatus belongs to Cx. pipiens species complex. It breeds on a variety of sites including wastewater drains, ditches, pools, paddy fields and water-filled containers. This species is reportedly resistant to insecticides such as DDT and malathion which makes chemical control of the vector population difficult. The present chapter reviews the taxonomy, distribution, biology, biting activity, vector competence, insecticide resistance and management aspects of this important vector species in India. The efficacy personal protective measures in reducing biting nuisance and disease transmission are discussed, along with the continued need for novel and more effective control strategies.
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ABSTRACT To assess the change in the bacterial profile and pattern of antibiotic resistance of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs, the most prevalent form of nosocomial infections) between 1996 and 2001. Catheter samples... more
ABSTRACT To assess the change in the bacterial profile and pattern of antibiotic resistance of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs, the most prevalent form of nosocomial infections) between 1996 and 2001. Catheter samples of urine (CSUs) submitted in 1996, 1998 and 2001 (2451, 2460 and 3349 specimens, respectively) were analysed. The distribution of different uropathogens in bacterial CAUTIs and their in vitro antimicrobial resistance was evaluated over the study interval. The likelihood ratio test was used to assess whether there was a linear trend according to calendar year. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen in all years, but its frequency declined over time (35.6%, 32.5% and 26.6%, respectively). Enterococcus was the second most frequent overall, with a significant increase in frequency with time (11.8%, 15.3% and 22.0%, respectively). There was also a considerable change in resistance patterns to antibiotics. As a result, in 1996, CAUTIs were least often resistant to ciprofloxacin (8.0%) followed by co-amoxiclav (18.5%) and cephalexin (25.4%). In 2001, CAUTIs were least often resistant to co-amoxiclav (22.5%), followed by ciprofloxacin (27.2%) and nitrofurantoin (28.8%). The types of organisms associated with CAUTI have changed over the last 5 years in a UK institution, as have the patterns of antibiotic resistance. Currently, the most appropriate agents for the empirical management of CAUTIs seem to be co-amoxiclav, ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin.
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The nineteen conventional insecticides were tested as contact poison against third instar larvae of Glyphodes pyloalis in laboratory. The descending order of toxicity of the insecticides was : chlordimeform> formotbion > quinalphos... more
The nineteen conventional insecticides were tested as contact poison against third instar larvae of Glyphodes pyloalis in laboratory. The descending order of toxicity of the insecticides was : chlordimeform> formotbion > quinalphos >monocrotophos> toxaphene> carbaryl> fenitrothion> malathion (premium grade) :> methyl parathion > endosulfan > malathion + fenitrotbion > leptophos :> klofos :>dichlorvos > endosulfan > DDT > dimethoate> pyretbrum>chlordane>gamma-BHC. Monocrotophos, formothion and chlordimeform are 27 to 32 times more toxic than DDT. Relative resistance to these insecticides of Glyphodes pyloalis than Selepa celtis is also discussed.
Research Interests: Toxicology, Biology, Bioassay, Endosulfan, Malathion, and 3 morePyralidae, Dimethoate, and Fenitrothion
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Twenty two conventional insecticides were tested as direct spray against adult beetles of Calopepla leayana . This is a serious pest of Gmelina arborea plantations and occurs all along the tract of its host plant. The relative... more
Twenty two conventional insecticides were tested as direct spray against adult beetles of Calopepla leayana . This is a serious pest of Gmelina arborea plantations and occurs all along the tract of its host plant. The relative effectiveness of these insecticides was in order of Formothion> Monocrotophos> Quinalphos> Chlordimeform> gamma-BHC> Malathion + Fenitrothion > Toxaphene> Malathion> Dichlorvos (Nuvan) > Pyrethrum> Klofos > Endosulfan > Bromophos-ethyl > Fenitrothion > Dieldrin> D.D.T. > Aldrin> Chlordane> Dichlorvos (DDVP)> Methyl parathion.
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Research Interests: Biology, Medicine, Bioassay, Aedes albopictus, Larva, and 3 moreVector borne diseases, Aedes, and Larvicide
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Currently, India is considered as one of the fastest developing countries with impressive macroeconomic statistics. Waste generation and its con-sequences is invariably linked with the develop-mental activities, health related issues and... more
Currently, India is considered as one of the fastest developing countries with impressive macroeconomic statistics. Waste generation and its con-sequences is invariably linked with the develop-mental activities, health related issues and industrial progress. According to UNICEF, almost half the population of India (around 595 million people), defecate in the open. India accounts for 90 per cent of the people in South Asia and 59 per cent of the 1.1 billion people in the world who practise open defecation and thereby contributing nearly 65,000 tonnes of faeces into the environment each day (http://unicef.in/Whatwedo/11/Eliminate-Open-Defecation). Open defecation in India, poses a very serious threat to the health and hygiene issues, especially to the children.Keeping in view the need for looking into the scientific and technical advancements in the field of biodegrada-tion and sanitation, in 16-17 December 2014, DRL organized a national conference on “Recent Advances in Biodegradation of Human Wastes”. Sub-sequently, it was decided to bring some of the high quality technical papers presented during the conference, into a form of proceedings as a journal special issue. This issue contains a total of twelve articles.The editors take this opportunity to convey their sincere thanks to all the contributors for submitting their exciting research or review work for bringing the conference proceedings as special journal is-sue. The financial support provided by the DRDO and the DBT, Govt of India is also gratefully acknowledged. We sincerely believe that this syn-thesis of scientific information on biodegradation, sanitation and bioremediation shall be useful for the researchers and policy makers associated with solid waste management.
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A new insect pest, Aristobia horridula Hope, of Dalbergia sissoo is recorded from West Bengal. About 80 to 90 per cent of trees of Dalbergia sissoo plantation was affected at the time of observation.
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Energy consumption has increased steadily due to industrialization and rise in population of the world. Fossil fuel, especially crude oil, is the predominant energy source around the globe. However, the reserves of fossil fuel are limited... more
Energy consumption has increased steadily due to industrialization and rise in population of the world. Fossil fuel, especially crude oil, is the predominant energy source around the globe. However, the reserves of fossil fuel are limited and will be depleted in near future. Therefore, there is a great interest in exploring alternative renewable energy. Biogas, a renewable fuel, can be used in internal combustion engines for power generation. The utilization of biogas in diesel engines in dual fuel mode has colossal prospective if explored to the fullest. The current investigation unravels the influence of load level on the performance and emission characteristics of a biogas powered dual fuel diesel engine at different compression ratios. Results revealed that the performance and emission of a biogas powered dual fuel diesel engine improves at high load level. However, CO, CO2, HC, NOX emission and cylinder pressure increases at high load level.
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India, with its enormous topographic and climatic diversity, is home to a large number of herbs with medicinal properties. The great herbal healers of India were pioneers in the use of herbs as medicine, and the modern medical research is... more
India, with its enormous topographic and climatic diversity, is home to a large number of herbs with medicinal properties. The great herbal healers of India were pioneers in the use of herbs as medicine, and the modern medical research is greatly benefitted by their findings. After post-Vedic era the traditional medicine system of India was renamed as Ayurveda. The modern Ayurvedic system is more scientific in all respects including safety, toxicity, dose accuracy, clinical evidences, efficacy, etc. Botanicals are also explored as food supplements and nutraceuticals, and now the concept of value-added specialized foods has arisen. Food supplements from plants, algae, fungi, or lichens have become widely available in the Indian market. Many countries including India regulate the use of botanicals as dietary supplements, foods, and medicines, and these should fulfill the specific requirements for consideration and regulatory clearance. Botanical insecticides are now widely accepted as attractive alternatives as compared to the synthetic chemical insecticides as they are less toxic and safer to health and environment. The chapter elaborates the regulatory process for botanical products including herbal drugs, food, and insecticides in India.
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Production of recombinant proteins such as edible vaccines, recombinant subunit vaccines, antibodies and other medical proteins in plants is referred to as molecular farming. Plants, as expression platform, have several advantages over... more
Production of recombinant proteins such as edible vaccines, recombinant subunit vaccines, antibodies and other medical proteins in plants is referred to as molecular farming. Plants, as expression platform, have several advantages over mammalian or microbial systems such as low cost of production, fast scalability, absence of pathogenic microbes and their capability to synthesise complex proteins. This involves identification and isolation of the gene of a pathogen encoding antigenic protein and preparation of a suitable construct followed by its introduction to a suitable plant host system either through Agrobacterium-mediated or direct gene transfer technique for expression of the protein of interest. The plant parts of the transgenic plant containing the antigen are fed raw or the protein is extracted and administered. The cultivation of these plants needs to be done in a greenhouse or under in vitro condition in order to negate environmental and biosafety issues. Biofarming offers great opportunity to the pharmaceutical industry for production and supply of medicines at an affordable cost, particularly to the developing countries.
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Go to AGRIS search. Annals of Entomology (Jul-Dec 1990). New species of genera Azaleothrips Ananthakrishnan and Gigatothrips Zimmerman (Thysonoptera : Tubelifera : Phlaeothripidae) from India. ...
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In India and other developing countries, management of the urban solid waste is one of the most neglected areas of urban development. In addition, the continuous and indiscriminate use of easily soluble chemical fertilizers in high doses... more
In India and other developing countries, management of the urban solid waste is one of the most neglected areas of urban development. In addition, the continuous and indiscriminate use of easily soluble chemical fertilizers in high doses in agriculture has been found to be one of the major factors con-tributing to soil deterioration. Incidentally, earthworms have remarkable capability of effectively degrading waste biomass into vermicompost as their excreta. A major proportion of municipal solid waste generated is organic, which can be used as substrate for vermicomposting thereby minimizing pressure on the landfill sites. As the vermicompost application can significantly improve the soil fertility and in-turn plant health, the potential of earthworms in agriculture was realized soon and they became farmers’ friend. The modern researchers identified the environmental conditions optimal for earthworm activity for their effective utilization in organic waste degradation. Despite the worthwhile significance of vermibiotechnology in mu-nicipal solid waste management and in sustainable agriculture, it has not yet reached effectively to the stakeholders. This review attempts to elaborate the relevance of vermibiotechnology in Indian context for solid waste man-agement and in agriculture. Further, various challenges with respect to using this technology are highlighted. After detailed and critical analysis of the existing scientific literature, we also discuss future prospects of vermibi-otechnology in Indian context.