Plant diseases caused by vector-transmitted viruses like begomovirus inflict serious damage in terms of yield and colossal loss in many crops, predominantly Chilli. Coupled with bleak farm awareness and lack of management options, they could severely hamper remuneration prospects. In this connection, the profitability of the farm level begomovirus management strategies has been analyzed in this study. A sample of 100 chilli farmers were surveyed with focus on their perceptions of begomovirus caused diseases. Findings revealed a majority of farmers (80 per cent) experienced cross loss due to viral diseases. Positive changes in output and production cost were also reported with the adoption of management strategies, which in turn were categorized in to: low, medium and high. Besides, it was also revealed that when compared with no management strategy, the change in the gross margin was 17 per cent, 26 per cent and 80 per cent after the adoption of low, medium and high level of management strategies, respectively.&nbsp;

Profitability of begomovirus management strategies among chilli farmers&nbsp;in Tamil Nadu: A gross margin impact analysis

<div>Background: Seed priming is controlled hydration and dehydration that results in improved seed quality and yield. However, hydration-dehydration of fresh seeds would result in soaking injury especially in legumes. The disadvantage reported in pulses can overcome through pre-conditioning of seeds which allows the seeds to slow hydration and prevent the soaking injury. The conditioning of seeds in large scale is tedious and skill oriented. To overcome this problem, an innovative seed priming technology is essential for pulses to enhance the seed germination, vigour and seed yield. 
 
Methods: Experiment was carried out at National Pulses Research Centre, Vamban during 2016-18. Seed priming technology was developed by using marginal vigour lot of blackgram. The marginal vigour seeds were packed in gunny bag up to 3/4th level and soaked in water for 2 h and 4 h and incubated for 2 h, 4 h and 6 h. After the incubation period, seeds were dried back to original moisture content (9.0%) and seed quality parameters were analyzed. The best performing organic priming concentrations under laboratory were forwarded to field trial and yield parameters were assessed. 
 
Result: Marginal vigour lot of blackgram seeds packed in gunny bag and soaked in seaweed extract @ 0.4% for 2 h and incubated for 4 h significantly increased the seed quality parameters. Among the various organic priming, marginal vigour lot of blackgram seeds packed in gunny bag and soaked in seaweed extract @ 0.4% for 2 h and incubated for 4 h significantly increased the seed quality parameters and yield over hydro priming and control.</div>

​A Novel Seed Priming Technique for Enhancing Seed Vigour and Yield Potential in Marginal Vigour Seeds of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

<div>Background: Bear specialist group recommended that the basic research on the Malayan sun bear is the highest priority need. Without such information, the establishment and implementation of scientifically-sound conservation plans is difficult. Therefore, present study was designed to provide information on gross morphological and light microscopic architecture of the spleen. 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on the spleen of one Malayan sun bear. After doing the gross parameters the tissues were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and were processed for light microscopic studies. Blocks were cut at 6&mu; thickness by Leica Semimotorized Rotary Microtome and stained by Harris&rsquo; haematoxylin and eosin for routine study.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The spleen of Malayan sun bear was located in the left hypogastric region and entirely intrathoracic as the stomach was almost empty. The parietal surface faces the diaphragm and left lateral abdominal wall, whereas the visceral surface was divided into gastric face and intestinal face by the ridge like hilus. The spleen of Malayan Sun Bear was surrounded by a thick connective tissue capsule invested by the peritoneum. The capsule, trabeculae and reticular fibers support the splenic parenchyma composed of a red pulp and a white pulp.</div>

<div>Gross Morphological and Light Microscopic Studies of the Spleen of Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus)</div>

<div>Background: The agro-climatic condition of Assam is suitable for duck rearing. Duck rearing contributes a major part to uplift the socio-economic condition of the rural poor people of Assam as well as others states located in the coastal regions of India. The Pati duck (Anasplatyrhynchos domesticus) population constitutes a major indigenous non-descript economically important duck variety in the state of Assam. The Harderian gland acts as a part of the Head Associated Lymphoid Tissue (HALT) <a href="#olah_1992">Olah et al. (1992)</a> and provides local innate immunity to the upper respiratory system, to the eye and oral cavity. Since literature on the postnatal development of Harderian gland of Pati duck is scant, hence the present study was designed to establish the basic anatomical details on Harderian gland at different stages of postnatal development of Pati duck of Assam.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on total forty five (45) numbers Pati duck of Assam at different stages of postnatal development. The experimental birds were brought to the Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-22 and was sacrificed according to the method of <a href="#gracy_1986">Gracy (1986)</a>. After slaughter, the birds were placed on a clean dissecting table and skin and fascia were reflected carefully without disturbing the other organs of the head region. The Harderian gland was collected by opening the orbital cavity. Thereafter, length, breadth and thickness of the Harderian gland of all age group were recorded with the help of the Vernier Callipers <a href="#mcCance_1974">(McCance, 1974)</a> and topographical location of the gland was observed. The weight of the Harderian gland of all age group was also recorded with the help of electronic balance.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The Harderian gland of Pati duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) was located &nbsp;within the orbit. The gland was flat, oval and coma shaped with irregular border. The gland had two surfaces i.e. the parietal and visceral surfaces, two borders and two blunt poles. The parietal surface was found convex and attached to fascia covered by the nasal bones and interorbital septa. The visceral surface was concave and it was attached loosely to the eye ball with fascia. The lobes of the Harderian gland became more prominent with the advancement of the age. The gland was light pink in colour. The arterial blood and the venus drainage was by provided by the ophthalmic artery and vein, respectively. The slender branch of oculomotor nerve innervated the Harderian gland. The result reflected an ascending trend from 0 week age group to 42 week age group in regard to all the gross parameters. There were slight difference between left and right glands for all the gross parameters but such variations were not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05). Each lobe of the Harderian Gland of Pati duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) had a single short duct which opened into the conjunctival sac at the base of the 3rd eyelid.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Post Natal Gross Anatomical Studies on the Harderian Gland of Pati Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) of Assam</div>

<div>Background: The nutrients released from volcanic ash and manures can enhance soil fertility and plant growth. Weathering of minerals in volcanic ash depends on water, temperature and acids. This study aims to examine the influence of heated and acidified volcanic ash and their combination with manures on pH and nutrient levels of marginal soil and soybean growth.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The study was designed using a factorial Randomized Block Design, consisted of two factors with three replications. The first factor was heated and acidified volcanic ash (VA) and the second factor was cow manures (CM) which consist of three levels. 
 
Result: The results showed that various of VA treatment, as well as&nbsp;its combination with CM on marginal soils exhibited acidic soil pH, Total-N, exchangeable-K, -Ca were low, while available P and exchangeable-Mg were classified moderate. Various treatments of VA and their combination with CM did not significantly interact on all parameters, except some parameters of soybean. Application of VA and CM on marginal soil interacted significantly on plant height and weight of 100 grains only.</div>

<div>Impact of Heated, Acidified Volcanic Ash and Manures on Properties of Marginal Soil and Growth of Soybean</div>

Background: Marginal land is dry land which has limited nutrient content so it has relatively low productivity. The development of marginal land use can be optimized with an ecosystem approach strategy through improving soil fertility. Planting leguminous plant species that can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere can increase soil fertility.

Methods: This research was conducted to determine the ability of plants (A = Corn; B = Peanuts; C = Green Beans; D = Soybeans) to increase soil fertility and plant productivity. The experiment was designed in a randomized block design consisting of four treatments, each treatment was repeated four times. Soil fertility analysis was carried out before planting (pH, Carbon (%), Nitogen (%) and C/N ) and after planting (pH, Carbon (%), Nitogen (%) and C/N). Productivity (straw (kg/ha), seeds (kg/ha) and effective nodules.

Results: The experimental results showed that the planting of legumes had a significant effect on increasing soil fertility and forage productivity, nodulation but lower legume seed production compared to maize

Increasing the Fertility and Productivity of Marginal Land by Planting Leguminous Plants

<div>Background: The thyroid gland is vital endocrine gland which secretes three hormones i.e. thyroxin (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and Calcitonin hormones. The thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones are biologically active and are required for maintenance of normal levels of metabolic activity. The thyroid also produces calcitonin from the parafollicular cells which act directly on osteoclast to decrease the bone resorption which lower the blood calcium level. Deficient or excessive production of thyroid hormones may lead to serious pathological states with outward symptoms.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The gross anatomical and biometrical studies were conducted on thyroid gland of buffalo, sheep and goat (n=12) collected immediately after slaughtering from slaughter house and local meat shop. The weight of thyroid gland was measured by weighing balance, volume by water displacement method, length and width of lateral lobes and isthmus by calibrated scale and inelastic thread and thickness of lateral lobes and isthmus was measured by digital vernier calliper. The data was analysed statistically. 
 
Result: The lateral lobes were roughly triangular in buffalo and elongated in sheep and oval in goat. The surfaces were granular and rough in buffalo but smooth in sheep and goat. It extended from thyroid cartilage to 2nd tracheal ring in buffalo, 1st to 6th tracheal ring in sheep and 1st to 7th tracheal ring in goat. The left lobe was larger than the right lobe in all the three species studied. The thyroid gland was biggest in buffalo followed by goat and smallest in sheep. The density of isthmus was more than the lobes in sheep and goat but not in buffalo.</div>

​Comparative Gross Anatomical and Biometrical Studies on Thyroid Gland of Buffalo, Sheep and Goat

Background: Islet transplantation is a potential treatment option for selected patients with type 1 diabetes. The limited supply of human islet from cadavers and poor islet yield remains a significant barrier to progress in the field. So, the use of porcine islets holds great promise for large scale application for the transplantation of the islet. The primary aim of this study was to describe the gross and morphological studies of the porcine pancreas to rule out its similarity to human pancreas. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Pancreas was collected from eight apparently healthy Large White Yorkshire pig (6-7 months of age). The gross and morphological studies were analyzed by using different staining techniques. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The pancreas appeared as pale pink triangular lobulated gland located along the dorsal aspect of the abdominal cavity behind the stomach having exocrine and endocrine part. Histologically, two types of acinar cell were identified i.e. active and resting acinar cells. The islets were richly vascularized and were separated from the exocrine acini by a thin layer of collagen, elastic and reticular fibers which were seen extending into the interior of the islets. Mainly three types of cells were observed in islets i.e. alpha (A), beta (B) and delta (D) cells. Epithelial duct and secretory cells showed strong positive reaction for both Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Alcian Blue (pH-2.5) whereas islets of Langerhans showed moderate activity for both.

Observation on the Gross and Histology of the Exocrine and Endocrine Pancreas in Large White Yorkshire Pig

<div>Background: Bovine anaplasmosis is a haemolytic disease of cattle caused by an obligate intra-erythrocytic bacterium Anaplasma marginale and is characterized by high fever, dyspnoea, anaemia, icterus, decreased milk production and death. The present study was undertaken to study the gross and histopathological changes caused by naturally occurring A. marginale infection in cattle.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: History and clinical examination of animals revealed inappetance/anorexia, presence of tick infestation, high fever, pale or icteric mucous membranes, tachycardia, dyspnoea and lymphadenomegaly. The diagnosis of A. marginale infection was done by blood smear examination and further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analysis. During the present study, two animals did not respond to treatment and were succumbed to A. marginale infection. A systematic post-mortem examination was performed on the animals and gross lesions were recorded. The tissue samples from various vital organs such as heart, lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys were collected in 10% neutral buffered formalin and processed for histopathological examination.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The post-mortem examination revealed emaciated carcass with yellowish discoloration of serosal surfaces of the abdominal organs, haemorrhagic heart, congestion of lungs, hepatomegaly, distension of the gallbladder and splenomegaly. The major histopathological changes noticed included myocardial degeneration and necrosis, interstitial pneumonic changes, degenerative changes in hepatocytes and renal tubular epithelial cells, enlargement of red pulp area of spleen with histiocytic proliferation and hemosiderosis. Histopathology also revealed inflammatory process characterized by infiltration of mononuclear cells in various organs. Very few reports are available on the pathological aspects of A. marginale infection and thus the outcome of the present study can yield valuable information to aid in the diagnosis of bovine anaplasmosis under field conditions.</div>

<div>Gross and Histopathological Findings of Naturally Occurring Anaplasma marginale Infection in Cattle</div>

Background: Madhya Pradesh is rich in biodiversity having diversified flora and fauna. But now a days, apart from various threat like loss of habitat poisoning, accident, disease facing wildlife today and poaching remain one of the important causes for fauna declination. poaching remains one of important cause for fauna declination. Poaching of wild animals particularly chital and sambar deer is more for the meat, ornamental and trophy purposes. In forensic laboratory where there is lack of molecular facilities, comparative gross morphological study plays an important role in solving wildlife crime cases. skull is a best material to compare the closely relative species. hence, the study was conducted on comparative gross morphology of 4 male chital and sambar deer skull.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The study was conducted 4 male adult skulls each of chital and sambar deer. The skulls were de-skinned and kept under maceration for a period of one month. The gross morphological differentiating features of dorsal surface, lateral surface, basal surface and nuchal surface were observed and recorded with the help of digital camera. 
 
Result: In this study, unique differentiating features were sufficient to distinguish among the skull of male chital and sambar. The facial tuberosity was present caudal to infraorbital foramen, dorsal to the superior third premolar tooth in chital deer, whereas; it was present dorsally the superior first molar tooth in sambar deer. Rostral extremities of nasal bones in skull of male chital deer were notched; however, these were blunt and without notch in the skull of male sambar deer. Incisive (Premaxilla) bone was directed upward in chital deer; whereas, it was directed caudally in case of sambar deer. The present comparative study will provide reliable information for identification of these closely related species specially needed for wildlife forensic cases.

Comparative Gross Architectural Studies on the Skull of Male Chital Deer (Axis axis) and Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor) as an Aid in Wildlife Forensics