Preservation of fresh coconut gratings by hurdle technique

Hurdle technology employs the intelligent combination of different preservation factors to achieve mild but reliable preservation effects. Fresh coconut gratings treated with different combinations of hurdles such as acidulants, humectants, preservatives, antioxidants, a mild heat treatment and packaging were evaluated for changes in physicochemical and sensory properties. It is possible to preserve the grating for four weeks in laminated polythene packages at 5 degrees C in combination with 3% sodium chloride, 0.3% citric acid, 0.009% sodium citrate, 0.02% butylated hydroxyanisole.

Transcriptomics-based analysis using RNA-Seq of the coconut (Cocos nucifera) leaf in response to yellow decline phytoplasma infection

Invasive phytoplasmas wreak havoc on coconut palms worldwide, leading to high loss of income, food insecurity and extreme poverty of farmers in producing countries. Phytoplasmas as strictly biotrophic insect-transmitted bacterial pathogens instigate distinct changes in developmental processes and defence responses of the infected plants and manipulate plants to their own advantage; however, little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying host–phytoplasma interactions. Further, phytoplasma-mediated transcriptional alterations in coconut palm genes have not yet been identified. This study evaluated the whole transcriptome profiles of naturally infected leaves of Cocos nucifera ecotype Malayan Red Dwarf in response to yellow decline phytoplasma from group 16SrXIV, using RNA-Seq technique. Transcriptomics-based analysis reported here identified genes involved in coconut innate immunity. The number of down-regulated genes in response to phytoplasma infection exceeded the number of genes up-regulated. Of the 39,873 differentially expressed unigenes, 21,860 unigenes were suppressed and 18,013 were induced following infection. Comparative analysis revealed that genes associated with defence signalling against biotic stimuli were significantly overexpressed in phytoplasma-infected leaves versus healthy coconut leaves. Genes involving cell rescue and defence, cellular transport, oxidative stress, hormone stimulus and metabolism, photosynthesis reduction, transcription and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were differentially represented. Our transcriptome analysis unveiled a core set of genes associated with defence of coconut in response to phytoplasma attack, although several novel defence response candidate genes with unknown function have also been identified. This study constitutes valuable sequence resource for uncovering the resistance genes and/or susceptibility genes which can be used as genetic tools in disease resistance breeding.

The effect of vitamin : a deficiency on glucose uptake in the rat

This thesis describes an investigation of the effects of vitamin A deficiency on gut function, The central hypothesis to be tested was that acute vitamin A deficiency affects glucose uptake from the small intestine- The hypothesis was tested using a system involving perfusion of isolated segments of the small intestine in the anaesthetized rat. The system was used to study effects on glucose uptake under steady-state conditions. In the initial part of the study, experiments were diverted towards setting up the system for measuring steady-state uptake, and determining the relative contributions of active uptake and diffusion. Phenol red was found to be a reliable non-absorbable marker for determining net water movement. Phlorizin, generally at 1 mmol/L, was used as a competitive (reversible) inhibitor of active uptake. It is difficult however to confirm complete inhibition of active uptake by phlorizin because of the limited solubility of the inhibitor. The kinetics of glucose uptake f ram intra-luminal maltose were found to be, in general, not significantly different from those applying to the uptake of glucose from an equivalent glucose solution. Maltase activity in the perfused gut segment was found to be sufficient to hydrolyse most of the maltose (80 per cent or more) in the solution being perfused, a much greater proportion than was absorbed. Glucose absorptive capacity, measured on an intestinal dry weight basis, was greatest in the duodenum and progressively less in the jejunum and ileum. The rate of water uptake f ran the gut was increased by the presence of glucose in the lumen, and was linked to glucose uptake as shown by the inhibition of water uptake by phlorizin. Uptake of glucose by solvent drag was demonstrated by showing an increased rate of glucose uptake when the rate of water uptake was increased by perfusing a solution of reduced osmotic pressure. In the experiment a low intra-luminal glucose concentration was used to preclude net uptake by diffusion and active uptake was blocked with phlorizin. This process was further investigated using streptozotocin-diabetic rats in which the diabetes establishes a hyperosomotic blood with hyperglycaemia. Uptake by solvent drag was more obvious in diabetic animals. A back-diffusion (exsorption) of glucose from the tissues to the lumen was also shown; the rate being proportional to plasma glucose concentration. Vitamin A deficiency was established in weanling rats after 6-7 weeks feeding on a diet based on wheat starch, coconut oil, and casein washed with hot ethanol, together with vitamins and minerals. The vitamin A deficiency led to classic eye signs and was reversed by the addition to the diet of retinoic acid (5 g/g diet). Vitamin A deficiency decreased intestinal mucus production (dry weight) but had no detectable effect on the histology of the villous epithelium as shown under the light microscope. Using perfusion experiments it was shown that vitamin A deficiency had no significant effect on the rate of active uptake of glucose, but that deficiency increased the rate of passive uptake.

Ecology / economy

This work speaks to ideas of nurturing and embodiment. In one half of the screen we see a father massaging his child with coconut oil, a common practice in Fijian families, and an early investment in the health and spiritual wellbeing of the child. In the next frame we see the other end of the life cycle and an imagined re-enactment of the folding of the Fijian flag, as in the American military tradition for fallen service people. Here Bolatagici refers to the number of Fijians fighting for foreign armies, including the United States.

Effect of different potting media combinations on growth and vase life of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.)

The present study was carried out in the agro-metrological conditions of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Different potting media were used in different combinations to check their effect on the morphological parameters as well as on the vase life of the tuberose. The different treatments included the combinations of FYM, poultry manure, sand, leaf compost and coconut coir in equivalent ratio. The data was analyzed statistically which showed significant effect of media combinations over control values. Maximum plant spread, number of leaves and vase life was recorded in sand+FYM. Coconut coir + FYM contributed to the maximum values of plant height, leaf area and spike length. Maximum plantlets were counted for sand+poultry manure. The highest values of floral diameter, number of flowers per spike and shelf life were observed in sand+leaf compost. These findings lead toward better quality cut flower production with maximum vase life.