Journal of Environment and Sociobiology

Anindita Mitra ¹

Affiliations
1 Dept of Zoology, Bankura Christian College, Bankura-722 101, West Bengal, IN

Abstract

Biodiversity means the variety of genes, species, population and ecosystems. Genetic diversity fuels the engine of evolution and is essential for survival of species. In conservation genetics, DNA markers are being increasingly used for gathering information on species diversity. Conservation biology and population analysis of different animals thus ensure to preserve species as dynamic entities capable of coping with environmental change. Species and population genetic assessment demands easy, fast, less expensive and reliable DNA extraction methodologies. Among different procedure of obtaining DNA samples, non-invasive analysis is now widely accepted method for retrieving the genetic data from many endangered species.

Non-invasive sampling of hair, faeces, feathers or sloughs is currently used for molecular genetic studies of endangered species. Such genetic sampling is less stressful for animals and sampling of large population can be possible without visual/physical contact. Characterization of non-invasive material using molecular markers like Major Histocompatibity Complex (MHC), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) and microsatellites, minisatellites and mitochondrial DNA allows biologists to identify and count individuals in wild population, to identify the sex of those individuals and determine their movement pattern, to infer parentage, kinship and relatedness and to assess pathogen and diet. The non-invasive methods are less expensive than the most reliable traditional field method and preferable from an ethical point of view. This study is an attempt to discuss the issues and wide ranging application of non-invasive genetic analysis in light of modern research.

Keywords

Genetic Diversity, Non-Invasive Genetic Analysis, Molecular Markers.

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Avijit Mukherjee ¹, Anupam Ghosh ¹, Chandranath Chatterjee ¹, Anindita Mitra ¹, Fatik Baran Mandal ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Bankura Christian College, Bankura-722 101, West Bengal, IN

Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes present a formidable pest problem for different crops. Role of such nematodes in agricultural production has remained underestimated. Nematodes like ischolar_main-knot cause heavy damage to world's food crops, causing an estimated $125 billion loss in food and fiber crops annually. In India, the amount of damage due to these plant-parasitic nematodes accounts for 10-40% of total crop losses annually. The present communication aims to provide an account of diversity of nematodes infesting some major crop plants in India, viz., Potato, Sorghum, Aroids, Arecanut, Ginger, Sugarcane and Rice. It also discusses various biocontrol methods for agriculturally important nematodes that would have relevance to sustainable agricultural practices.

Keywords

Root-Knot Nematodes, Biocontrol, Fluorescent Pseudomonads.

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F. B. Mandal ¹, Anindita Mitra ¹, S. K. Maitra ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Bankura Christian College, P.O. & Dist : Bankura, West Bengal, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Visva Bharati, Santiniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, IN

Abstract

A number of toxic and persistent chemicals are used as essential materials for agricultural development and protection against insect-borne human diseases. An International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemical of UNEP has recorded a total of four million chemicals, both anthropogenic and natural, including those produced through biological processes. In addition, 30,000 new chemical compounds each year are also documented. Among these, 60,000-70,000 commonly used chemicals are present in air, water and food. Some chemicals are potentially toxic. On entering living organisms, toxins even in very dilute concentration cause malfunctioning of vital activities and eventually lead to impaired health and even unwanted death of the organisms. Toxins exert their effects at subcellular-, cellular-, system-, individual-, species-, population-, community- and ecosystem levels. Toxic and persistent chemicals undoubtedly require management for protecting the life support system on earth.

The Stockholm Convention (2004) on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) sets out control measures for 12 chemicals, the so called "dirty dozen". Since the Stockholm Conference, the global chemical industry has grown almost nine folds and an annual growth rate of about 3 percent is expected to continue over the next three decades, with a considerable increase in trade as reported by OECD. Assuming the future of current trends of development, the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987 launched the concept of sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

Thanks to biotechnologist for their innovations, solutions to some toxicological problems through genetically improved crops are currently available. But the goal of making our environment free from the man-made chemical hazards is yet to reach. The present communication attempts to examine all the relevant information including policy level actions to identify the future works for combating the pesticide POPs . (viz., DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, chlordane, heptachlor, mirex and toxaphane) imposed problems considering both holistic and reductionism approaches for ensuring sustainable development.

Keywords

Persidtent Organic Pollutant, Pesticide, Toxins.

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