Structural and biochemical characterization of cauliflower mosaic virus reverse transcriptase.

Reverse transcriptases (RTs) are enzymes with DNA polymerase and RNase H activities. They convert ssRNA into dsDNA and are key enzymes for the replication of retroviruses and retroelements. Caulimoviridae is a major family of plant-infecting viruses. Caulimoviruses have a circular dsDNA genome that is replicated by reverse transcription, but in contrast to retroviruses, they lack integrase. Caulimoviruses are related to Ty3 retroelements. Ty3 RT has been extensively studied structurally and biochemically, but corresponding information for caulimoviral RTs is unavailable. In the present study, we report the first crystal structure of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) RT in complex with a duplex made of RNA and DNA strands (RNA/DNA hybrid). CaMV RT forms a monomeric complex with the hybrid, unlike Ty3 RT, which does so as a dimer. Results of the RNA-dependent DNA polymerase and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity assays showed that individual CaMV RT molecules are able to perform full polymerase functions. However, our analyses showed that an additional CaMV RT molecule needs to transiently associate with a polymerase-competent RT molecule to execute RNase H cuts of the RNA strand. Collectively, our results provide details into the structure and function of CaMV RT and describe how the enzyme compares to other related RTs.

Exploring the synergistic effects of indole acetic acid (IAA) and compost in the phytostabilization of nickel (Ni) in cauliflower rhizosphere.

Heavy metals (HMs) contamination, owing to their potential links to various chronic diseases, poses a global threat to agriculture, environment, and human health. Nickel (Ni) is an essential element however, at higher concentration, it is highly phytotoxic, and affects major plant functions. Beneficial roles of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and organic amendments in mitigating the adverse impacts of HM on plant growth has gained the attention of scientific community worldwide. Here, we performed a greenhouse study to investigate the effect of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA @ 10- 5 M) and compost (1% w/w) individually and in combination in sustaining cauliflower growth and yield under Ni stress. In our results, combined application proved significantly better than individual applications in alleviating the adverse effects of Ni on cauliflower as it increased various plant attributes such as plant height (49%), root length (76%), curd height and diameter (68 and 134%), leaf area (75%), transpiration rate (36%), stomatal conductance (104%), water use efficiency (143%), flavonoid and phenolic contents (212 and 133%), soluble sugars and protein contents (202 and 199%), SPAD value (78%), chlorophyll 'a and b' (219 and 208%), carotenoid (335%), and NPK uptake (191, 79 and 92%) as compared to the control. Co-application of IAA and compost reduced Ni-induced electrolyte leakage (64%) and improved the antioxidant activities, including APX (55%), CAT (30%), SOD (43%), POD (55%), while reducing MDA and H2O2 contents (77 and 52%) compared to the control. The combined application also reduced Ni uptake in roots, shoots, and curd by 51, 78 and 72% respectively along with an increased relative production index (78%) as compared to the control. Hence, synergistic application of IAA and compost can mitigate Ni induced adverse impacts on cauliflower growth by immobilizing it in the soil.

A new chromosome-scale genome of wild Brassica oleracea provides insights into the domestication of Brassica crops.

The cultivated diploid Brassica oleracea is an important vegetable crop, but the genetic basis of its domestication remains largely unclear in the absence of high-quality reference genomes of wild B. oleracea. Here, we report the first chromosome-level assembly of the wild Brassica oleracea L. W03 genome (total genome size, 630.7 Mb; scaffold N50, 64.6 Mb). Using the newly assembled W03 genome, we constructed a gene-based B. oleracea pangenome and identified 29 744 core genes, 23 306 dispensable genes, and 1896 private genes. We re-sequenced 53 accessions, representing six potential wild B. oleracea progenitor species. The results of the population genomic analysis showed that the wild B. oleracea populations had the highest level of diversity and represents the most closely related population to modern-day horticultural B. oleracea. In addition, the WUSCHEL gene was found to play a decisive role in domestication and to be involved in cauliflower and broccoli curd formation. We also illustrate the loss of disease-resistance genes during selection for domestication. Our results provide new insights into the domestication of B. oleracea and will facilitate the future genetic improvement of Brassica crops.

Risk assessment of broflanilide for human and non-target terrestrial organisms in cauliflower production.

Broflanilide is a newly-developed meta-diamide insecticide, proposed for the control of a wide variety of chewing pests on many crops. In view of the proposed use of broflanilide and its environmental fate, it may be exposed to consumers and non-target organisms, which adversely affect human and the environment. In this paper, a rapid, sensitive and valid UPLC-MS/MS method was established for simultaneous analysis of broflanilide and its two major metabolites, DM-8007 and S (PFP-OH)-8007, in cauliflower. Then, the dissipation behaviors and final residues of broflanilide and its two major metabolites in cauliflower from eight sites with different climatic conditions in China were studied via the described analytical method. In addition, the acute toxicity test of 9.5 % suspension concentrate of broflanilide, broflanilide standard, DM-8007 and S (PFP-OH)-8007 were conducted to non-target terrestrial organisms. Risk assessment for human and non-target terrestrial organisms in cauliflower production was evaluated based on the maximum annual application rates and intervals. The results showed that the highest residue of broflanilide detected in cauliflower samples was all lower than the corresponding MRLs (2 mg/kg) in Japan. Chronic food dietary risk estimates for broflanilide do not exceed 50 % for all the Chinese population groups. Moreover, broflanilide is of low acute toxicity to birds and earthworm, while broflanilide and its metabolites is classified as highly toxic to adult honeybees. Acute risks of broflanilide to birds and earthworms were deemed to be acceptable in a realistic worst-case scenario, while its risk to adult honeybees and ladybug was unacceptable. A protection statement for honeybees and ladybug is required to recognize the high toxicity of broflanilide on related product labels. The study will be conducive to provide guidance for the rational application of broflanilide in cauliflower production.

Perception of cauliflower ear amongst combat sport athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Cauliflower ear, or "hematoma auris," is a permanent condition that is typically viewed as a deformity. Despite this, it has anecdotally been observed that combat sport athletes view cauliflower ear as a respected aesthetic trait. This study characterizes and quantifies the differences in initial impressions of subjects with cauliflower ear between combat sport athletes and the general population. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey, participants were shown frontal and profile views of four subjects with cauliflower ear and five control subjects. Respondents rated the subjects on a scale of 0-100 in perceived success, attraction, approachability, and affect display. Numeric scores were compared between combat sport athletes and the general population. Additionally, first impressions were categorized into positive, neutral, or negative classes via latent class analysis (LCA). RESULTS: 678 combat sport athletes and 129 general casual observers participated in the survey. Combat sport athletes rated subjects with cauliflower ear significantly more favorably than respondents in the general population in all personal attributes: perceived success (+4.03, 95 % CI:1.8-6.2, p = 0.0003), attractiveness (+4.11, 95 % CI:1.8-6.4, p = 0.0005), approachability (+11.57, 95 % CI: 8.4-14.7, p < 0.0001), and affect display (+4.14, 95 % CI: 1.9-6.3, p = 0.0002). They also had approximately seven times greater odds (95 % CI:4.0-12.6, p < 0.001) of reporting a positive first impression of a person with cauliflower ear than the general population. CONCLUSION: Confirming anecdotal observation, the combat sports group had a more positive perception of cauliflower ear than the general population. Conditions that are typically viewed as deformities can be looked upon favorably in specific subpopulations.

First Report of Sphingobacterium multivorum Causing Bacterial Rot of Cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis latifolia) in China.

Cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis latifolia), is widely distributed in Australia, North America, Europe, and East Asia (Bashir et al., 2020). It is known for its medicinal significance due to the availability of various pharmacological substances and their use in health supplements (Bashir et al., 2017). In recent years, with the development of artificial cultivation technology, S. latifolia has been industrialized in China, with an annual output value 50 million dollars. In March 2023, approximately 15% of S. latifolia showed obvious bacterial rot in mushroom hothouse (about 0.05 ha), located in Shuangliu county, Sichuan province, China (104°7'51"N, 30°25'2"E). The affected parts appear water-soaked, and become sunken and softened as the disease progresses. In the finally, all the fruiting body tissues turn into paste, with colors pale yellow, and have a foul smell. The pathogen was isolated from the margin of the lesions by dilution and streaking techniques onto Nutrient Agar, and incubated at 28℃ in the dark for 2-3 days. A single colony was re-streak for purification. Eight isolates were obtained from five samples collected randomly. The representative three isolates were selected for further characterization. For pathogenicity testing, ten health fruit bodies of S. latifolia were selected (for per isolate). Bacterial suspensions (1 × 107 CFU/ml) of the three isolates were applied to the fruiting body until wet, sterile water was used as controls. All the S. latifolia were maintained at 19±1℃, 85-100% relative humidity, and 18 h of light in the mushroom hothouse. Three days later, the inoculated fruiting bodies developed yellow color, and appear water-soaked, five days later, fruiting body gradually turn to soft and part turn to rot, seven days later, the fruiting body tissues completely turn into paste with a foul smell. The symptoms exhibited were similar to those of the original diseased fruiting bodies, while the control group remained healthy. The same bacterial were re-isolated from the infected fruiting bodies and subsequently identified by morphological characteristics and DNA sequenced. The pathogenicity test was conducted three times, each yielding similar results. The colonies of the pathogen are gram-negative rods, medium sized, convex, smooth, opaque, turning yellow after several days at a temperature 28℃. For molecular identification, the DNA of the representative three isolates was extracted using a Bacterial Genomic DNA Extraction Kit (Solarbio, Beijing). The 16S rRNA genes were amplified and sequenced with the primer 27F/1492R (Lane et al., 1985). Finally, the sequences were identical. The generated representative sequence was deposited in GenBank with accession number OR399122. BLASTn analysis showed 100% identity (1404/1404 bp) with previously deposited sequence (accession number CP068224) of S. multivorum FDAARGOS in GenBank. Based on the maximum likelihood method, phylogenetic analysis revealed 100% bootstrap support values with S. multivorum. Finally, the bacterium was identified as S. multivorum. This is the first report of S. multivorum causing bacterial rot of mushroom. The fruiting body of S. multivorum consists of multiple folded flat lobes, which are thin and have large surface area, may facilitate the infection of S. multivorum. Sphingobacterium sp. are named for their synthesize sphingolipids, which play an important role in bacterial infection (Kunz et al., 2019). These results will contribute to developing control strategies for this disease.

Modified Valente Technique for Cauliflower Ear: Outcomes in Children at Two-Year Follow-Up : New Surgical Technique for Cauliflower Ear.

BACKGROUND: Cauliflower ear deformity, a common sequela of auricular trauma, presents an esthetic and reconstructive challenge. Existing surgical techniques have limitations, including complexity, donor site morbidity, and variable long-term outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case series, we present a novel and minimally invasive surgical approach for the correction of cauliflower ear deformity that adapts the Valente otoplasty technique; it combines cartilage debulking with helical rim release and Mustardé mattress stitches to restore ear contour and reduce the risk of recurrence. The procedural steps include bielliptic post-auricular skin and soft tissue incision, release of the cartilaginous spring, removal of excess fibrocartilaginous tissue, cartilage reshaping with suture to restore contour, and tissue redistribution to promote adherence of skin to the cartilage framework. RESULTS: Outcomes were evaluated in 7 patients (9 ears) with cauliflower ear deformity, assessing surgical duration, complications, patient satisfaction, and esthetic outcomes at two years after surgery. The mean surgical duration per patient was 52 ± 17 minutes, including 2 bilateral procedures. Follow-up at 24 months showed favorable esthetic outcome in all patients with sustained improvements in auricular contour and symmetry with neither loss of the shape nor recurrence of deformity. Patients reported high satisfaction and improved quality of life, with mean Glasgow Children Benefit Questionnaire scores of 99.3 ± 6.3. CONCLUSIONS: This technique thus demonstrated lasting correction of cauliflower ear with favorable cosmetic outcomes, low risk of complications, and high patient satisfaction. Further investigations and longer-term follow-up are warranted to validate the technique's durability and expand its application to older and more diverse patient populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Characterization of the Bax Inhibitor-1 Family in Cauliflower and Functional Analysis of BobBIL4.

The Bax inhibitor-1 (BI-1) gene family, which is important for plant growth, development, and stress tolerance, remains largely unexplored in cauliflower. In this study, we identified and characterized cauliflower BI-1 family genes. Based on aligned homologous sequences and collinearity with Arabidopsis genes, we identified nine cauliflower BI-1 genes, which encode proteins that varied in length, molecular weight, isoelectric point, and predicted subcellular localization, including the Golgi apparatus, plasma membrane, and various compartments within the chloroplast. Phylogenetic analyses detected evolutionary conservation and divergence among these genes. Ten structural motifs were identified, with Motif 5 found to be crucial for inhibiting apoptosis. According to the cis-regulatory elements in their promoters, these genes likely influence hormone signaling and stress responses. Expression profiles among tissues highlighted the functional diversity of these genes, with particularly high expression levels observed in the silique and root. Focusing on BobBIL4, we investigated its role in brassinosteroid (BR)-mediated root development and salt stress tolerance. BobBIL4 expression levels increased in response to BR and salt treatments. The functional characterization of this gene in Arabidopsis revealed that it enhances root growth and salinity tolerance. These findings provide insights into BI-1 gene functions in cauliflower while also highlighting the potential utility of BobBIL4 for improving crop stress resistance.

Eco-design influence on the life cycle assessment of frozen cauliflower gnocchi: a comprehensive cradle-to-grave analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, when discussing agri-food products, it is important to talk about sustainable production methods. Environmental sustainability has become a production issue, especially when it comes to the design of a product, service, or process. Using frozen fresh cauliflower gnocchi marketed in different packaging and in different global areas as a case study, we aim to highlight the importance of the impact of product eco-design on the entire life cycle. RESULTS: The environmental impact of cauliflower gnocchi was assessed based on the life cycle assessment methodology. With the cradle-to-gate approach, the most influential factors are the cultivation, distribution, and packaging phases. Considering the cradle-to-grave approach, home storage has proven to be the most influential factor for a quarter of the entire life cycle of cauliflower gnocchi. The eco-design of packaging has demonstrated how, by analysing only the packaging, it is possible to achieve significant reductions in impact (-47%), but when compared with the entire life cycle these actions have no significant responsibility (approximately 10%). If, however, the field of action is broadened and eco-design solutions are sought to reduce the impact deriving from the conservation phase, the consumer has the ability, through their decisions, to reduce the impact relating to conservation as much as possible or to double the impact of the product life cycle. CONCLUSION: Overall, to promote prosperity while protecting the environment, according to Agenda 2030, the agri-food system must analyse the supply chains without neglecting any step involved in the life cycle of the product. The eco-design must go beyond the usual factors analysed and shall include downstream activities to aim for more sustainable products, including consumer behaviours, following the cradle-to-grave approach. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of dried cauliflower leaf meal (Brassica oleracea var botrytis) dietary supplementation on the growth performance, carcass and meat characteristics of rabbits.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of feeding cauliflower leaf meal (CLM) on growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass characteristics, histopathology and economics of rabbit production. A total of eighteen 45-day-old Newzeland White rabbits were randomly divided into three groups and fed with control (0%), 20% and 30% CLM in concentrate mixture and feeding trial continued for 3 months. Growth performance was recorded upto the end of the trial. On completion of the growth study, a digestibility trial was conducted to assess the digestibility of nutrients. Afterwards, all the experimental rabbits were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass and meat quality, and to examine histological changes in the viscera. The cost of production was calculated on the basis of partially replacing wheat bran with CLM. Results showed that the body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and digestibility of nutrients were similar among the groups of rabbits. Further, dressing percentage, wholesome cut yield, chemical composition of meat, sensory evaluation, water holding capacity and shear force value were also comparable among all groups. However, total phenolic content, vitamin A and E, and polyunsaturated fatty acid were significantly (p < 0.05) higher and 2-Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in 30% CLM-fed group. Histopathological study showed no pathological changes in viscera of rabbits fed with CLM. Moreover, the cost of production was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in 30% CLM-fed group of rabbits. The present work shows that the 30% CLM can be incorporated in concentrate mixture in rabbit diet without affecting growth performance or meat quality and successfully used in rabbit nutrition, which will be cheaper with enhanced keeping quality of meat.

Dissipation Kinetics, Decontamination and Safety Evaluation of Quinalphos Residues in Cauliflower Curd.

A field experiment was conducted to study the persistence and reduction of quinalphos residues in cauliflower curd by applying quinalphos 25 EC twice at 250 g a.i./ha at 10 days intervals. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.05 µg/g, recovery ranged from 97 to 113%, and the relative standard deviation was less than 7%. The initial deposition of quinalphos residues in cauliflower curd was 1.72 µg/g and reached below LOQ level after 15 days of application. Dissipation of the residue followed first-order kinetics with a half-life of 2.32 days. The reduction of quinalphos residue was evaluated using various household processes. The greatest reduction (82%) was observed when washing was followed by cooking or boiling, while the smallest reduction (55.8%) was found when washing alone was performed. A waiting period of 9 days is recommended for safe consumption of cauliflower based on the FSSAI MRL value of 0.1 µg/g.

Cauliflower mosaic virus disease spectrum uncovers novel susceptibility factor NCED9 in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Viruses are intimately linked with their hosts and especially dependent on gene-for-gene interactions to establish successful infections. On the host side, defence mechanisms such as tolerance and resistance can occur within the same species, leading to differing virus accumulation in relation to symptomology and plant fitness. The identification of novel resistance genes against viruses and susceptibility factors is an important part of understanding viral patho-genesis and securing food production. The model plant Arabidopsis thaliana displays a wide symptom spectrum in response to RNA virus infections, and unbiased genome-wide association studies have proven a powerful tool to identify novel disease-genes. In this study we infected natural accessions of A. thaliana with the pararetrovirus cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) to study the phenotypic variations between accessions and their correlation with virus accumulation. Through genome-wide association mapping of viral accumulation differences, we identified several susceptibility factors for CaMV, the strongest of which was the abscisic acid synthesis gene NCED9. Further experiments confirmed the importance of abscisic acid homeostasis and its disruption for CaMV disease.

Byproducts of Globe Artichoke and Cauliflower Production as a New Source of Bioactive Compounds in the Green Economy Perspective: An NMR Study.

The recovery of bioactive compounds from crop byproducts leads to a new perspective way of waste reutilization as a part of the circular economy. The present study aimed at an exhaustive metabolite profile characterization of globe artichoke and cauliflower byproducts (leaves, stalks, and florets for cauliflower only) as a prerequisite for their valorization and future implementations. The metabolite profile of aqueous and organic extracts of byproducts was analyzed using the NMR-based metabolomics approach. Free amino acids, organic acids, sugars, polyols, polyphenols, amines, glucosinolates, fatty acids, phospho- and galactolipids, sterols, and sesquiterpene lactones were identified and quantified. In particular, globe artichoke byproducts are a source of health-beneficial compounds including chiro-inositol (up to 10.1 mg/g), scyllo-inositol (up to 1.8 mg/g), sesquiterpene lactones (cynaropicrin, grosheimin, dehydrocynaropicrin, up to 45.5 mg/g in total), inulins, and chlorogenic acid (up to 7.5 mg/g), whereas cauliflower byproducts enclose bioactive sulfur-containing compounds S-methyl-L-cysteine S-oxide (methiin, up to 20.7 mg/g) and glucosinolates. A variable content of all metabolites was observed depending on the crop type (globe artichoke vs. cauliflower) and the plant part (leaves vs. stalks). The results here reported can be potentially used in different ways, including the formulation of new plant biostimulants and food supplements.

Construction of an SNP fingerprinting database and population genetic analysis of 329 cauliflower cultivars.

Cauliflower is one of the most important vegetable crops grown worldwide. However, the lack of genetic diversity information and efficient molecular markers hinders efforts to improve cauliflower. This study aims to construct DNA fingerprints for 329 cauliflower cultivars based on SNP markers and the KASP system. After rigorous filtering, a total of 1662 candidate SNPs were obtained from nearly 17.9 million SNP loci. The mean values of PIC, MAF, heterozygosity and gene diversity of these SNPs were 0.389, 0.419, 0.075, and 0.506, respectively. We developed a program for in silico simulations on 153 core germplasm samples to generate ideal SNP marker sets from the candidates. Finally, 41 highly polymorphic KASP markers were selected and applied to identify 329 cauliflower cultivars, mainly collected from the public market. Furthermore, based on the KASP genotyping data, we performed phylogenetic analysis and population structure analysis of the 329 cultivars. As a result, these cultivars could be classified into three major clusters, and the classification patterns were significantly related to their curd solidity and geographical origin. Finally, fingerprints of the 329 cultivars and 2D barcodes with the genetic information of each sample were generated. The fingerprinting database developed in this study provides a practical tool for identifying the authenticity and purity of cauliflower seeds and valuable genetic information about the current cauliflower cultivars.

Functional analysis of a viral promoter from a strawberry vein banding virus isolate from China.

BACKGROUND: Promoters are important factors affecting gene expression in cells. The driven activities of viral promoters were generally assessed to screen available promoters for transgenic and research and biotech industries. In this study, we cloned a full-length promoter from a Chinese isolate of strawberry vein banding virus (SVBV) and produced several deletion mutants for evaluation of applications in production of reporter proteins in stable transgenic plants. METHODS: The full-length promoter of SVBV (SP1) and its three deletion mutants (SP2, SP3, and SP4) were amplified using polymerase chain reaction. The effects of SVBV SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 on gene expression were evaluated using ß-glucuronidase (GUS) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter genes. RESULTS: Transient expression assays showed that the SVBV SP1 promoter and its three deletion mutants all expressed the reporter genes, albeit at very different levels. Interestingly, transcriptional activity driven by the SP1 promoter was much higher than that of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. After stable transformation of the GUS gene into Nicotiana tabacum plants, SVBV SP1-driven transgene expression was approximately 2.6-fold higher than CaMV 35S promoter-driven transgene expression. In addition, GUS gene expression levels were enhanced by co-inoculation of the plants with the SP1 promoter-driven vector carrying the GUS gene and the vector expressing SVBV open reading frame (ORF) V or ORF VI. CONCLUSIONS: The SVBV SP1 promoter from the Chinese isolate evaluated in this study could successfully drive transient and stable expression in plants, it was a stronger promoter than the CaMV 35S and FLt-US promoters and may be more useful for the production of stable transgenic plants.

Response of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) to nitric oxide application under cadmium stress.

Soil contamination with cadmium (Cd) is a persistent threat to crop production worldwide. The present study examined the putative roles of nitric oxide (NO) in improving Cd-tolerance in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.). The present study was conducted using four different genotypes of B. oleracea named as FD-3, FD-4, FD-2 and Ceilo Blanco which were subjected to the Cd stress at various concentrations i.e., 0, 5, 10 and 20 µM with or without the application of NO i.e., 0.10 mM in the sand containing nutrient Hoagland's solution. Our results illustrated that the increasing levels of Cd in the sand, significantly (P < 0.05) decreased shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, time to 50% germination, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in all genotypes of B. oleracea. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and Cd accumulation (roots and shoots) increased significantly (P < 0.05) under the increasing levels of Cd in all genotypes of B. oleracea while antioxidant (enzymatic or non-enzymatic) capacity and nutritional status of the plants was decreased with varying levels of Cd in the sand. From all studied genotypes of B. oleracea, Ceilo Blanco and FD-4 was found to be most sensitive species to the Cd stress under the same levels of the Cd in the medium while FD-2 and FD-3 showed more tolerance to the Cd stress compared to all other genotypes of B. oleracea. Although, toxic effect of Cd in the sand can overcome by the application of NO which not only increased plant growth and nutrients accumulation but also decreased the oxidative damage to the membranous bounded organelles and also Cd accumulation in various parts of the plants in all genotypes of B. oleracea. Hence, it was concluded that application of NO can overcome Cd toxicity in B. oleracea by maintaining the growth regulation and nutritional status of the plant and overcome oxidative damage induced by Cd toxicity in all genotypes of B. oleracea.

Effects of insecticides on malacostraca when managing diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) in combination planting-rearing fields.

The combination of crop planting and animal rearing in the same area is popular. However, if the methods of planting and rearing are not appropriate, it will result in losses and the disruption of pest management. The toxicities of 17 insecticides to Plutella xylostella, Eriocheir sinensis, and Procambarus clarkii were tested. The recommended maximum field doses were used in 2 d and 4 d bioassays, and the levels of resistance of P. xylostella to insecticides were determined. Of five insecticides that had relatively low toxicity to E. sinensis and P. clarkii, spinetoram and MbNPV showed the best control efficacy of P. xylostella, followed by tetrachlorantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole, and avermectin. P. xylostella had relatively little resistance to spinetoram, MbNPV, chlorantraniliprole, and avermectin. Therefore, we concluded that the best insecticides suitable for combination planting and rearing fields (cauliflower-crab or cauliflower-crayfish) were spinetoram and MbNPV, followed by chlorantraniliprole and avermectin. Other insecticides, such as emamectin benzoate, indoxacarb, and chlorfenapyr were effective at controlling P. xylostella, but they were not suitable for use in combination planting and rearing fields because of their high toxicity to crabs and crayfish.

Auricular haematoma an avoidable cosmetic deformity: A chance or negligence.

PURPOSE: This study highlights the importance of immediate intervention needed in cases of auricular trauma cases so as to prevents complications leading to cauliflower ear, loss of cartilage, necrosis. MATERIALS & METHODS: Total 10 cases of primary haematoma & recurrent cases were included in the study. A detailed history was entered in proforma. Procedure was done under local anaesthesia with all aseptic precautions. A cruciate incision was given over the most dependent part of the swelling and flaps were raised. The collection was drained and the under surface of the flap was scraped using Rosen''s knife followed by insertion of small drain tube and pressure dressing was done. Patients were followed up for three months. RESULTS: Out of the 10 cases 6 were primary cases and 4 were recurrent cases out of which males were 80% and females 20%. None of them showed recurrence. Overall cosmetic deformity was negligible with most of the patients. 1 patient developed perichondrial reaction with pain and inflammation which required long course of analgesics and antibiotics. In 3 cases a thickening of the auricle at the site of incision was noticed. CONCLUSION: Auricular haematoma most commonly is seen in male players of contact sports. These patients may land up in emergency department. Thus, by developing collaborative relationships with ENT specialists, emergency department can help ensure that patients experience possible treatment. This will help reduce the cosmetic deformities of pinna which are seen as complication of auricular haematoma.

Genome sequencing sheds light on the contribution of structural variants to Brassica oleracea diversification.

BACKGROUND: Brassica oleracea includes several morphologically diverse, economically important vegetable crops, such as the cauliflower and cabbage. However, genetic variants, especially large structural variants (SVs), that underlie the extreme morphological diversity of B. oleracea remain largely unexplored. RESULTS: Here we present high-quality chromosome-scale genome assemblies for two B. oleracea morphotypes, cauliflower and cabbage. Direct comparison of these two assemblies identifies ~ 120 K high-confidence SVs. Population analysis of 271 B. oleracea accessions using these SVs clearly separates different morphotypes, suggesting the association of SVs with B. oleracea intraspecific divergence. Genes affected by SVs selected between cauliflower and cabbage are enriched with functions related to response to stress and stimulus and meristem and flower development. Furthermore, genes affected by selected SVs and involved in the switch from vegetative to generative growth that defines curd initiation, inflorescence meristem proliferation for curd formation, maintenance and enlargement, are identified, providing insights into the regulatory network of curd development. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the important roles of SVs in diversification of different morphotypes of B. oleracea, and the newly assembled genomes and the SVs provide rich resources for future research and breeding.

Studies on production and evaluation of biopigment and synthetic dye decolorization capacity of laccase produced by A. oryzae cultivated on agro-waste.

The present study investigated the screening of mono and co-culture fungal cultivations for laccase production using extracted lignin as the substrate obtained from cauliflower wastes by two different pretreatment methods. Amongst mono and mixed culture fungal cultivations, monoculture of Aspergillus oryzae exhibited the highest enzymatic activity of 29.7 ± 0.6 U mL-1 under submerged conditions and using alkali extracted lignin as substrate. Under the optimal conditions (pH 4.5, 30 °C, 12 days, 1% (w/v) lignin and 0.5 mM Cu2+ concentration) the maximum laccase activity was estimated to be 41.3 ± 2.8 U mL-1 and production yield of 153.3 ± 2.4 mg L-1. Maximum decolorization of pigment extracted from Aspergillus heteromorphus CBS 117.55 cultivated culture media was achieved by administration of 40 U g-1 of crude enzyme concentration. Thermal and pH stability of crude laccase was observed over wide ranges. The dye decolorization efficiency of crude A. oryzae laccase was studied and Congo Red exhibited maximum decolorization percentage (64 ± 1.3%) at 15 µM, 50 °C and pH 4.5. The kinetic study of different dye (Congo Red) concentrations obtained Vmax and Km values of 0.123 × 10-3 M and 0.724 mol L-1 min-1, respectively.