A new species of Gauthieromyces and range extensions for other Harpellales to India.

One species of each of five genera of Harpellales--Gauthieromyces, Harpella, Legeriomyces, Stachylina and Zygopolaris--are reported for the first time from India. Gauthieromyces indicus is described from the hindguts of Baetis sp. nymphs. The new species is distinguished from the only other species, G. microsporus Lichtw., by having a greater number of and smaller generative cells per fertile branchlet with smaller trichospores that bear fine, entangled appendages. Occurrence of these fungi in India supports the observation that some genera and species of Trichomycetes are widespread but with apparent disjunct distributions.

Storage fungi and seed health of rice: a study in the Philippines.

Fifty seed samples of different rice varieties stored in warehouses for varying periods (1-28 months) were collected and screened for their fungal flora, using standard blotter and agar plate methods, resulting in the isolation of 36 fungal forms. The samples were also studied for moisture content, germinability, and seedling abnormalities. Significant correlations were found among the numbers of fungi, storage period, and germinability. Fourteen samples, seven each of IR64 and IR66 were studied with regard to moisture content, germination test, abnormal seedlings, speed of germination, conductance of leachates, total dehydrogenase activity, total free amino acids, total soluble sugar, fat acidity, gelatinization temperature, gel consistency, amylose content, translucency, and per cent whiteness. Significant relationships were found between the fungi and the parameters studied.

Aflatoxin in betel nut and its control by use of food preservatives.

The occurrence of aflatoxins in market betel nut samples was studied. It was observed that several betel nut samples were infested with aflatoxin-producing fungus, Aspergillus flavus. Out of 32 samples collected from various places, 12 were positive for aflatoxin. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in all the positive samples. Other aflatoxins were also detected in some samples. Boric acid, propionic acid and potassium metabisulphite were used for the control of aflatoxin B1 on betel nuts. Propionic acid was most effective in inhibiting aflatoxin production on betel nut after intervals of 2 (62%) and 4 (85%) weeks. Controlling the occurrence of aflatoxin could safeguard the users from the health hazards of aflatoxins.

Microstructural and peripheral-layer viscosity effects on peristaltic transport of seminal fluid.

Most of the physiological fluids are transported through peristalsis of the walls which is the inherent neuromuscular property of tube smooth muscle structure. The present paper deals with the transport of seminal fluid introducing the microstructural effects and peripheral-layer viscosity effects on the flow rate and the drag for the system. It has been observed that the flow rate increases tremendously with the decrease of the peripheral layer viscosity whereas a reverse trend has been noted for the frictional drag. Further other sub-structural effects i.e. the effects of relative rotational viscosity and viscosity gradients have also been broughtout and discussed.