Applied Biology and Biotechnology

 ISSN:  2320 –7825  (Print); eISSN   2320 –7833  (Online)

 Volume No. 2(2)                              June,2014

In vitro propagation of Plumbago rosea L.
 
S. Ghanthi Kumar, L. Henry Joseph, and K.Thangavel

Abstract

In this present study a reproducible in vitro protocol has been standardized for direct micropropagation of a rare medicinal plant: Plumbago rosea L. using nodal explants. Eighty percentage of multiple shoot induction was achieved after 20 days in MS medium supplemented with 1.5mg/l BAP and 0.3mg/l NAA. After 30 days of establishment, the in vitro derived shoots were sub cultured in half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.4mg/l IBA and 0.4mg/l IAA. Seedlings were transformed into greenhouse condition after 45 days and 85 percentage of field survival was achieved. Key words: Plumbago rosea, medicinal plant, direct organogenesis, in vitro propagation.

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Seasonal variation in prevalence of helminthic infection in captive Asian elephant, Elephas maximus

D. Pechimuthu

Abstract

Elephants are the largest land-living animals; face a variety of challenges in both wild and captivity, including the parasitic infestations. This study investigates the effect of season, age-sex class, and management system on the prevalence of helminthic infection in captive elephants managed by temple and private owners. The parasitic prevalence was studied by direct identification of helminth eggs in fecal samples collected in different seasons (post monsoon, summer, pre monsoon and monsoon) of 2009 and 2010 by following sedimentation flotation method. Of the 20 elephants studied, 55% being infected with Strongyloides sp. Seasonal variation study revealed that the parasitic prevalence varied with season; maximum in summer (April-June) and minimum during post monsoon season (Jan-March).The helminthic prevalence in females recorded to be significantly (P< 0.05) higher than that of males. The adult animals were sensitive to infection than other age groups. There was no significant (P>0.05) variation observed in parasitic prevalence between temple and private owned elephants.

Keywords: Elephas maximus, Strongyloides, prevalence, seasonal variation

 

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