Blood pressure reduction through brain delivery of nanoparticles loaded with plasmid DNA encoding angiotensin receptor shRNA.

Elevated brain angiotensin II activity plays a key role in the development of neurogenic hypertension. While blood pressure (BP) control in neurogenic hypertension has been successfully demonstrated by regulating central angiotensin II activity, current techniques involving cerebrovascular injections of potential therapeutic agents are not suitable for clinical translation. To address this gap, we present the synthesis of dual-functionalized liposomes functionalized with targeting ligand and cell-penetrating peptide. Functionalized liposomes were synthesized using the thin film hydration technique and loaded with plasmid DNA encoding short hairpin RNA targeted toward angiotensin II receptors (PEAS), via the post-insertion method. The synthesized liposomes had a cationic surface charge, an average size of 150 nm, and effectively entrapped more than 89% of loaded PEAS. These liposomes loaded with PEAS demonstrated biocompatibility and efficient delivery to brain-derived cell lines, resulting in a remarkable reduction of more than 70% in receptor expression within 7 days. To assess the therapeutic potential, spontaneously hypertensive rats were administered intravenous injections of functionalized liposomes loaded with PEAS, and the changes in mean arterial pressure were monitored for 45 days. Remarkably, this treatment led to a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in BP of more than 30 mm Hg compared with saline-treated rats.

Functionalized nanoparticles to deliver nucleic acids to the brain for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Brain-targeted gene delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a significant challenge in the 21st century for the healthcare sector, particularly in developing an effective treatment strategy against Alzheimer's disease (AD). The Internal architecture of the brain capillary endothelium restricts bio-actives entry into the brain. Additionally, therapy with nucleic acids faces challenges like vulnerability to degradation by nucleases and potential immune responses. Functionalized nanocarrier-based gene delivery approaches have resulted in safe and effective platforms. These nanoparticles (NPs) have demonstrated efficacy in protecting nucleic acids from degradation, enhancing transport across the BBB, increasing bioavailability, prolonging circulation time, and regulating gene expression of key proteins involved in AD pathology. We provided a detailed review of several nanocarriers and targeting ligands such as cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), endogenous proteins, and antibodies. The utilization of functionalized NPs extends beyond a singular system, serving as a versatile platform for customization in related neurodegenerative diseases. Only a few numbers of bioactive regimens can go through the BBB. Thus, exploring functionalized NPs for brain-targeted gene delivery is of utmost necessity. Currently, genes are considered high therapeutic potential molecules for altering any disease-causing gene. Through surface modification, nanoparticulate systems can be tailored to address various diseases by replacing the target-specific molecule on their surface. This review article presents several nanoparticulate delivery systems, such as lipid NPs, polymeric micelles, exosomes, and polymeric NPs, for nucleic acids delivery to the brain and the functionalization strategies explored in AD research.

Spatio-temporal trends in long-term seasonal groundwater level of South-western Punjab using non-parametric statistical tests.

To manage groundwater resources and develop an action plan, it is crucial to understand the long-term behavior of groundwater level (GWL) fluctuations. In this study, Geographic Information System (GIS) and non-parametric statistical tests were applied for detecting long-term (1973 to 2020) spatio-temporal variations and trends in GWL from 137 observation wells evenly distributed across the south-western part of Punjab. This region has experienced significant changes in GWL over the decades. The non-parametric statistical tests included Mann-Kendall (MK), Sens's Slope Estimator (SSE), and Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA). The study observed significant trends in GWL fluctuations before and after monsoon. The MK and SSE tests showed a statistically increasing trend in observation wells with about 65.7% and 67.2% increase before and after monsoon, respectively. The innovative trend analysis (ITA) also revealed a statistically increasing trend in observation wells with an increase of about 63.5% and 65.7% pre and post-monsoon season, respectively. The results indicate lowering of GWL in the northern districts of southwestern Punjab, while the southern districts experience rising GWLs. This discrepancy can be attributed to diverse agricultural activities and reduced over-exploitation of groundwater in the southern district due to soil salinity and the presence of brackish groundwater. These findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of GWL in the studied region, highlighting notable trends associated with seasonal variations.

Silver and Copper Nanoparticle-Loaded Self-Assembled Pseudo-Peptide Thiourea-Based Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Gel with Antibacterial and Superhydrophobic Properties for Antifouling Surfaces.

The escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance has become a global health crisis. Therefore, there is a rising momentum in developing biomaterials with self-sanitizing capabilities and inherent antibacterial properties. Despite their promising antimicrobial properties, metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have several disadvantages, including increased toxicity as the particle size decreases, leading to oxidative stress and DNA damage that need consideration. One solution is surface functionalization with biocompatible organic ligands, which can improve nanoparticle dispersibility, reduce aggregation, and enable targeted delivery to microbial cells. The existing research predominantly concentrates on the advancement of peptide-based hydrogels for coating materials to prevent bacterial infection, with limited exploration of developing surface coatings using organogels. Herein, we have synthesized organogel-based coatings doped with MNPs that can offer superior hydrophobicity, oleophobicity, and high stability that are not easily achievable with hydrogels. The self-assembled gels displayed distinct morphologies, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The cross-linked matrix helps in the controlled and sustained release of MNPs at the site of bacterial infection. The synthesized self-assembled gel@MNPs exhibited excellent antibacterial properties against harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and reduced bacterial viability up to 95% within 4 h. Cytotoxicity testing against metazoan cells demonstrated that the gels doped with MNPs were nontoxic (IC50 > 100 µM) to mammalian cells. Furthermore, in this study, we coated the organogel@MNPs on cotton fabric and tested it against Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria. Additionally, the developed cotton fabric exhibited superhydrophobic properties and developed a barrier that limits the interaction between bacteria and the surface, making it difficult for bacteria to adhere and colonize, which holds potential as a valuable resource for self-cleaning coatings.

α-Amylase inhibitory, antioxidant and emulsification potential of glycoproteinaceous bioactive molecule from Lactobacillus delbrueckii.

The bioactive components of microbial origin have been extensively applied to restrict the enormous enzyme-catalyzed processes. Hence, the present study was executed to explore the α -amylase inhibition (AAI) potential of glycoprotein isolated from Lactobacillus delbrueckii (LGp) to regulate in vitro starch hydrolysis. As a non-competitive inhibitor, the protein exhibited AAI (85%) with, IC50 135 ± 0.55 µg/mL. It was stable over a broad range of pH (3-11) and temperature (25-75 °C). Furthermore, LGp was significantly effective against amylase and starch from different sources. In addition, it also exhibited antioxidant and emulsifying potential. The UV, FT-IR and fluorescence analysis affirm the alterations in amylase molecular conformation after interaction with the LGp inhibitor. These results provide a substantial basis for the future use of LGp for controlled starch hydrolysis in vitro and as an antioxidant and emulsifying agent in the food industry.

Non-Invasive Intranasal Delivery of pApoE2: Effect of Multiple Dosing on the ApoE2 Expression in Mice Brain.

Chitosan-based polymeric micelles are promising non-viral nanocarriers for safe and targeted gene delivery. Multi-functionalized chitosan polymeric micelles were prepared by grafting fatty acid, cell-penetrating peptide, and mannose on the chitosan backbone. The polymeric micelles were subjected to surface morphology and surface topography using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively. The hemotoxic profile of the prepared polymeric micelles was established against erythrocytes and was found to be <5% hemotoxic up to the concentration of 600 µg/mL. In vitro ApoE2 expression in primary astrocytes and neurons was analyzed. Multi-functionalized polymeric micelles produced greater (p < 0.05) transfection in astrocytes and neurons in comparison to mono-functionalized micelles. Intranasal administration of polymeric micelles/pApoE2 polyplex led to significantly higher (p < 0.05) in vivo pApoE2 expression than chitosan and unfunctionalized polymeric micelles-treated mice groups. The outcomes of this study predict that the developed multi-functionalized polymeric micelles could be an effective and safe gene delivery platform to the brain through the intranasal route.

Multifunctionalized Cationic Chitosan Polymeric Micelles Polyplexed with pVGF for Noninvasive Delivery to the Mouse Brain through the Intranasal Route for Developing Therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease.

Multifunctionalized Chitosan-based polymeric micelles were used to deliver pVGF to the brain. VGF (non-acronymic) plays significant roles in neurogenesis and learning as well as synaptic and cognitive functions. Therefore, VGF gene therapy could be a better approach in developing effective therapeutics against Alzheimer's disease. Multifunctionalized chitosan polymeric micelles were developed by grafting oleic acid (OA) on the chitosan (CS) skeleton followed by penetratin (PEN) and mannose (MAN) conjugation. The OA-g-CS-PEN-MAN graft polymer formed cationic nanomicelles in an aqueous medium and polyplexed with pVGF. The polymeric micelles were nontoxic and cationic in charge and had an average hydrodynamic diameter of 199.8 ± 15.73 nm. Qualitative in vitro transfection efficiency of OA-g-CS-PEN-MAN/pGFP polyplex was investigated in bEnd.3, primary neurons, and astrocyte cells. In vivo transfection efficiency of OA-g-CS-PEN-MAN/pVGF polyplexes was analyzed in C57BL6/J mice after intranasal administration for 7 days. The VGF expression levels in primary astrocytes and neurons after OA-g-CS-PEN-MAN/pVGF treatment were 2.4 ± 0.24 and 1.49 ± 0.02 pg/µg of protein, respectively. The VGF expression in the OA-g-CS-PEN-MAN/pVGF polyplex-treated animal group was 64.9 ± 12.7 pg/mg of protein, significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of the unmodified polymeric micelles. The in vivo transfection outcomes revealed that the developed multifunctionalized OA-g-CS-PEN-MAN polymeric micelles could effectively deliver pVGF to the brain, transfect brain cells, and express VGF in the brain after noninvasive intranasal administration.

Brain-targeted delivery of losartan through functionalized liposomal nanoparticles for management of neurogenic hypertension.

There is mounting experimental evidence that blocking angiotensin receptor type 1 activity can prevent the occurrence of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Studies have proved this strategy via evasive means, such as intracerebrovascular injections, making clinical translation difficult. This study aimed to develop penetratin and transferrin functionalized liposomes as a delivery tool to safely deliver losartan potassium (an angiotensin receptor blocker) to the brain. Penetratin and transferrin functionalized losartan-loaded liposomes were prepared via the post-insertion technique. Losartan-loaded liposomes were cationic, approximately 150 nm in size, entrapping 66.8 ± 1.5% of losartan. All formulations were well tolerated and internalized by primary and cultured cells in 4 h. Further, the ability to deliver losartan potassium across the blood-brain barrier was evaluated in vivo in Wistar Kyoto rats either in solution or when encapsulated within liposomal nanoparticles. Upon intravenous administration, we did not find a detectable amount of losartan in the brain tissue of rats that received free losartan solution. Contrarily, liposome formulations could deliver losartan to the brain, with a brain AUC and mean resident time of 163.304 ± 13.09 and 8.623 h ± 0.66, respectively. In addition, no toxicity was observed in the animals that received the losartan-loaded liposomes.

Neurogenic Hypertension, the Blood-Brain Barrier, and the Potential Role of Targeted Nanotherapeutics.

Hypertension is a major health concern globally. Elevated blood pressure, initiated and maintained by the brain, is defined as neurogenic hypertension (NH), which accounts for nearly half of all hypertension cases. A significant increase in angiotensin II-mediated sympathetic nervous system activity within the brain is known to be the key driving force behind NH. Blood pressure control in NH has been demonstrated through intracerebrovascular injection of agents that reduce the sympathetic influence on cardiac functions. However, traditional antihypertensive agents lack effective brain permeation, making NH management extremely challenging. Therefore, developing strategies that allow brain-targeted delivery of antihypertensives at the therapeutic level is crucial. Targeting nanotherapeutics have become popular in delivering therapeutics to hard-to-reach regions of the body, including the brain. Despite the frequent use of nanotherapeutics in other pathological conditions such as cancer, their use in hypertension has received very little attention. This review discusses the underlying pathophysiology and current management strategies for NH, as well as the potential role of targeted therapeutics in improving current treatment strategies.

Experimental Models of In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier for CNS Drug Delivery: An Evolutionary Perspective.

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders represent one of the leading causes of global health burden. Nonetheless, new therapies approved against these disorders are among the lowest compared to their counterparts. The absence of reliable and efficient in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) models resembling in vivo barrier properties stands out as a significant roadblock in developing successful therapy for CNS disorders. Therefore, advancement in the creation of robust and sensitive in vitro BBB models for drug screening might allow us to expedite neurological drug development. This review discusses the major in vitro BBB models developed as of now for exploring the barrier properties of the cerebral vasculature. Our main focus is describing existing in vitro models, including the 2D transwell models covering both single-layer and co-culture models, 3D organoid models, and microfluidic models with their construction, permeability measurement, applications, and limitations. Although microfluidic models are better at recapitulating the in vivo properties of BBB than other models, significant gaps still exist for their use in predicting the performance of neurotherapeutics. However, this comprehensive account of in vitro BBB models can be useful for researchers to create improved models in the future.

Agronomic biofortification of forage crops with zinc and copper for enhancing nutritive potential: a systematic review.

Many developing countries are facing a silent increase in deficiency of micronutrients in forage crops that results in decreased levels of essential nutrients in animals. Micronutrients are essential not only for basic metabolic processes of forage crops but also for sustaining animal health. Forage productivity and quality are severely affected by soil micronutrients deficiencies, especially zinc and copper. This review summarizes the literature highlighting the significance of different methodologies used to increase the biomass and quality of forage so as to enhance the micronutrient content of the forage crops through biofortification. Biofortification is a promising and sustainable agriculture-based strategy to reduce micronutrient deficiency in crops. The experiments and trials conducted at different locations of the world showed that copper and zinc concentrations in animal fodders can be enhanced through the process of foliar application. Additionally, agronomic biofortification showed more promising results, and thus is an outstanding, fast, and cost-effective technique for the immediate enrichment of forage in order to overcome malnutrition in animals. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Volatile Compounds Governed by Single Recessive Gene Impart Aroma in Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L. Roem).

As a vegetable crop, sponge gourd is widely consumed worldwide due to its health promoting and nutraceutical value. This study describes genetics of an aromatic genotype VRSG-7-17 and deciphers the genetic control and volatile compound composition of sponge gourd. To study the inheritance of this trait, a cross was made between aromatic light-green-fruited VRSG-7-17 and non-aromatic dark-green-fruited VRSG-194 genotypes. The F1s were found to be non-aromatic and have a green fruit colour. Chi-square (χ2) analysis of backcross and F2 population segregating for aroma suggested that the inheritance of aroma in VRSG-7-17 is governed by a single recessive gene in a simple Mendelian fashion. The SPME-GC/MS analysis of the volatile compounds suggested that the compounds responsible for Basmati rice-like aroma were mainly hexanal, 1-octen-3-ol, 3-octanone and limonene. The aroma persists in the cooked VRSG-7-17 fruits, that did not lose fragrance traits at high temperatures. The inheritance of fruit colour was found to be controlled by a single gene with incomplete dominance. The segregation analysis showed that the aroma and fruit colour were not linked, and they segregated independently. The findings will lead to understanding the inheritance of the aromatic compounds in the sponge gourd and may be utilised in the breeding programmes for developing improved aromatic varieties.

Investigating NAC Transcription Factor Role in Redox Homeostasis in Solanum lycopersicum L.: Bioinformatics, Physiological and Expression Analysis under Drought Stress.

NAC transcription factors regulate stress-defence pathways and developmental processes in crop plants. However, their detailed functional characterization in tomatoes needs to be investigated comprehensively. In the present study, tomato hybrids subjected to 60 and 80 days of drought stress conditions showed a significant increase in membrane damage and reduced relative water, chlorophyll and proline content. However, hybrids viz., VRTH-16-3 and VRTH-17-68 showed superior growth under drought stress, as they were marked with low electrolytic leakage, enhanced relative water content, proline content and an enhanced activity of enzymatic antioxidants, along with the upregulation of NAC and other stress-defence pathway genes. Candidate gene(s) exhibiting maximum expression in all the hybrids under drought stress were subjected to detailed in silico characterization to provide significant insight into its structural and functional classification. The homology modelling and superimposition analysis of predicted tomato NAC protein showed that similar amino acid residues were involved in forming the conserved WKAT domain. DNA docking discovered that the SlNAC1 protein becomes activated and exerts a stress-defence response after the possible interaction of conserved DNA elements using Pro72, Asn73, Trp81, Lys82, Ala83, Thr84, Gly85, Thr86 and Asp87 residues. A protein-protein interaction analysis identified ten functional partners involved in the induction of stress-defence tolerance.

Integrated use of phosphorus, farmyard manure and biofertilizer improves the yield and phosphorus uptake of black gram in silt loam soil.

An experiment on the use of farmyard manure and biofertilizer along with application of chemical phosphorus was conducted to assess the impact of differential doses of phosphorus, farmyard manure and consortium biofertilizer application on the development, yield and phosphorus uptake during the year 2018 and 2019. The impact of different treatments was recorded on the plant height, dry matter partition, yield and yield attributes, phosphorus uptake and soil phosphorus availability using standard methods. The data revealed significant improvement in yield, yield attributes, phosphorus uptake and soil phosphorus availability. The integration of farmyard manure and biofertilizer with 60 kg ha-1 SSP (single superphosphate) has improved the black gram yield by 7.4% and 3.28% respectively over the use of 60 SSP alone. The phosphorus uptake in black gram with application of Farm yard manure and biofertilizer along with 60 kg ha-1 SSP has improved the uptake by 7.18% and 2.51% respectively over the use of 60 kg ha-1 SSP alone. The results highlight the need of integrated application of farm yard manure, biofertilizer for sustainable production of black gram in the region.

Functionalized nanoparticles for brain targeted BDNF gene therapy to rescue Alzheimer's disease pathology in transgenic mouse model.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is actively produced and utilized in cortical circuits throughout life to sustain neuronal function and synaptic plasticity. In animal models of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), highly invasive BDNF gene therapy using viral vectors has successfully shown enhanced synaptic protein expression, proliferation of neurons and attenuation of amyloidogenic processes. However, to eliminate virus-related safety issues and invasive procedures, our present study has explored brain-targeted lipid-based nanoparticles that can deliver plasmid encoding BDNF to brain in a safe and efficient manner. Efficacy of these nanoparticles was tested in early (6-months) and advanced stage (9-months) transgenic APP/PS1 AD mice. Liposomes were surface-functionalized with brain targeting ligand, mannose, and cell-penetrating peptides (rabies virus-derived peptide or penetratin). These bifunctionalized nanoparticles enhanced BDNF expression by ~2 times and resulted in >40% (p < 0.05) reduction in toxic amyloid-beta peptides in 6- and 9-months old APP/PS1 mice brains compared to their age-matched untreated controls. Plaque load was reduced ~7 and ~3 times (p < 0.05), respectively, whereas synaptic proteins, synaptophysin and PSD-95, were found to be increased >90% (p < 0.05) in both age groups of transgenic mice treated with bifunctionalized nanoparticles. No untoward adverse effects were observed throughout treatment, suggesting a safe and effective strategy to rescue AD pathology.

Synthesis and Characterization of Fatty Acid Grafted Chitosan Polymeric Micelles for Improved Gene Delivery of VGF to the Brain through Intranasal Route.

Multifunctional fatty acid grafted polymeric micelles are an effective and promising approach for drug and gene delivery to the brain. An alternative approach to bypass the blood-brain barrier is administration through intranasal route. Multifunctional fatty acid grafted polymeric micelles were prepared and characterized for pVGF delivery to the brain. In vitro pVGF expression was analyzed in bEnd.3 cells, primary astrocytes, and neurons. Comparative in-vivo pVGF expression was analyzed to evaluate the effective route of administration between intranasal and intravenous. Biocompatible, multifunctional polymeric micelles were prepared, having an average size of 200 nm, and cationic zeta potential. Modified polymers were found to be hemo- and cyto-compatible. When transfected with the different modified chitosan formulations, significantly (p < 0.05) higher VGF expression was observed in primary astrocytes and neurons using the mannose, Tat peptide, and oleic acid grafted chitosan polymer. Compared to intravenous administration, intranasal administration of pVGF in polyplex formulation led to significantly (p < 0.05) higher pVGF expression. Developed multifunctional polymeric micelles were an effective pVGF delivery platform to the brain. Mannose and Tat ligand tagging improved the pVGF delivery to the brain.

A Review of the Common Neurodegenerative Disorders: Current Therapeutic Approaches and the Potential Role of Nanotherapeutics.

Neurodegenerative disorders are primarily characterized by neuron loss. The most common neurodegenerative disorders include Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Although there are several medicines currently approved for managing neurodegenerative disorders, a large majority of them only help with associated symptoms. This lack of pathogenesis-targeting therapies is primarily due to the restrictive effects of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which keeps close to 99% of all "foreign substances" out of the brain. Since their discovery, nanoparticles have been successfully used for targeted delivery into many organs, including the brain. This review briefly describes the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and their current management approaches. We then highlight the major challenges of brain-drug delivery, followed by the role of nanotherapeutics for the diagnosis and treatment of various neurological disorders.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for quicker detection of tomato leaf curl Joydebpur virus infection in chilli.

Chilli leaf curl disease caused by whitefly transmitted begomoviruses is an important constraint to chilli (Capsicum anuum L.) cultivation in India. Tomato leaf curl Joydebpur virus (ToLCJoV) was characterized and identified as incitant of leaf curl disease through rolling circle amplification (RCA) and PCR assay from the symptomatic samples collected from Uttar Pradesh, India. Although PCR assay provides the gold standard in diagnostics, this method consumes more time and requires convenient portable instruments. Therefore, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for the detection of ToLCJoV by targeting the AC1 and AC2 region. Detection has been achieved through a laddered pattern of amplification in agarose gel electrophoresis. The assay has detected ToLCJoV in a total DNA concentration of 1 × 10-1 ng indicating 200-fold higher sensitivity than that of the PCR. Further, the replacement of total DNA with leaf extracts using the grinding buffer and GES buffer coupled with LAMP assay also detected the presence of ToLCJoV in the infected chilli samples. With this assay, ToLCJoV can be detected in less than 2 h without DNA extraction. Besides, this assay will be highly useful in discriminating the leaf curl disease etiology by ToLCJoV from other begomoviruses and insects (thrips and mites). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a LAMP assay for the detection of ToLCJoV.

Morphological characterization and distribution of antennal sensilla of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using scanning electron microscopy.

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a serious polyphagous pest of various field and horticultural crops. A complete knowledge on the morphological features of antennal sensory structures is essential for efficient semiochemical-based control methods. The external structure and distribution of antennal sensilla in male and female adults of H. armigera were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Eight distinct morphological types of sensilla were identified in both sexes: sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica, sensilla auricillica, sensilla coeloconica (multiporous), sensilla chaetica (uniporous), sensilla styloconica, sensilla squamiformia, and Böhm sensilla (aporous) in varying numbers and distribution along the length of the antennae. Of these sensilla, the most widespread are sensilla trichodea and sensilla basiconica on the antennae of both sexes. Female antennae have comparatively greater number of sensilla trichodea than male antennae. Among eight types of sensilla, sensilla basiconica, auricillica, styloconica type II, squamiformia, and Böhm sensilla were identified and reported for the first time in H. armigera. Sexual dimorphism in H. armigera was mainly detected as the variations in sensilla shape, numbers, and distribution of each type of sensilla. The sexual difference was observed in the numbers of sensilla coeloconica, chaetica, styloconica, and squamiformia per flagellomere. The possible functions of these sensilla were discussed in view of previously reported lepidopteran insects. The findings provide fundamental information on the morphology and distribution of antennal sensory structures in H. armigera. It would be useful for further detailed studies on physiological and behavioral function of each sensillum type and helpful for formulating related pest control methods.

Effect of cadmium and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid supplementation on cadmium accumulation by roots of Brassica species in Cd spiked soil.

Cadmium (Cd) metal extraction through efficient plant roots has attracted much attention as this methodology is environment-friendly and cost-effective. Brassica species are well known for their tolerance towards high Cd concentration in contaminated soils. The tolerance ability may vary among species; hence the assessment of this variability is mandatory for selecting Brassica species. For this purpose, a greenhouse pot experiment was carried out using three Brassica species (Brassica juncea L., Brassica campestris L., and Brassica napus L.). To evaluate the effect of chelating agent ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) on Cd uptake, EDTA (0, 1, and 2 g kg-1 soil) was supplemented along with Cd (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg kg-1 soil). Among different species, B. juncea possessed the highest root dry biomass and lowest root Cd concentration in untreated soil. Overall root dry biomass of all tested Brassica species reduced on increasing Cd and EDTA levels. The trend was appeared to be related to an increase in root Cd concentration on the supplementation of EDTA that formed a complex with the target metal contaminate and resulted in vacuolar sequestration. Roots of B. juncea showed maximum Cd accumulation and highest values at Cd and EDTA levels up to 20 mg kg-1 and 1 g kg-1 soil due to the combined effect of root biomass and Cd concentration in roots. Thus, present findings inferred that Cd and EDTA supplementation might prove as a feasible strategy to improve remediation of Cd-polluted soil using B. juncea as an efficient Cd accumulator.