Deliberate self-harm is a challenging public health issue but there is a paucity of data on non-fatal deliberate self-harm in the literature. We aimed to understand the behaviour of deliberate self-harm, both fatal and nonfatal, in a primary care setting.A year-long prospective study of all admitted patients of deliberate self-harm at 13 block primary health centres of the Sundarban region was done to examine the sociodemographic profile and clinical outcome of suicidal behaviour. Data were collected by using an especially devised deliberate self-harm register. Each subject was administered a 20-item case history sheet by trained medical officers and nursing staff.A total of 1614 deliberate self-harm subjects (619 men, 995 women) were admitted during the year, of whom 143 (62 men, 81 women) died. Although women, especially in the younger age groups, constituted the majority of subjects (61.6%), the fatality trend was higher among men than among women (10% v. 8.1%). Poisoning was the commonest (98.4%) method of self-harm, particularly using pesticide. Easy availability of pesticides was a risk factor. Psychosocial stressors, such as conflict with spouse, guardian or in-laws, failed love affairs and economic distress, were the common underlying reasons. The majority of acts of deliberate self-harm (92.6%) were committed inside the home, especially by women. Only a small proportion of subjects had a past or family history of attempt at deliberate self-harm. The overall incidence of fatal and non-fatal deliberate self-harm was 5.98 and 61.51 per 100 000 population, respectively.Both fatal and non-fatal pesticide-related deliberate self-harm is a major public health issue in the Sundarban region. An intersectoral approach involving primary health, administration and agriculture may help in developing an effective preventive programme to reduce the morbidity and mortality from deliberate self-harm.
Parasitic ability of Trichoderma isolates was tested against Sclerotium rolfsii in two types of soils viz., natural and sterilized soils to assess the ecological adaptability of Trichoderma spp. to a soil. The isolate ATPU 1 (EID50 of 2.1 mycelia/gm of soil) was most effective in parasitization of sclerotia of S. rolfsii when used as live bait, under the natural soil of, when mycelial form of inoculum was used. This isolate was closely followed by KNO 2 and ATPP 6 which had the same EID50 of 2.2 mycelia/gm of soil, the next best isolates were KNP 3 and ATPPE 6 with EID50 of 2.3 mycelia/gm of soil. The isolate KT 6 (EID50 5.7) was rated as poorest competitive colonizer, requiring comparatively highest inoculum level to colonize 50% sclerotia of S. rolfsii . However the conidial form of inoculum from KNK1 (EID50 value of 2.2 conidia/gm of soil) was most aggressive isolate requiring lowest inoculum dose for 50% colonization of sclerotia of S. rolfsii.
Paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella spp.) also called ‘straw mushroom’ is a fungus of the tropics and subtropics and has been cultivated for many years in India. This mushroom has several advantages like requirement of the tropical or sub-tropical climate, fast growth rate, easy cultivation technology and good acceptability at consumers’ level. Paddy straw mushroom contains good amount of protein, crude fibres and ash, all make it a health diet along with superior composition of various elements and essential amino acids. West Bengal has tremendous potential of commercial cultivation of Volvariella volvacea due to the easy availability of paddy straw and good environmental conditions. This mushroom can easily be grown by the rural women which not only generate income for them but also helpful for meeting their daily protein requirements. An investigation was carried out at a mushroom farm of Bolpur, Birbhum, W.B. during the season 2008–2010 to find out the suitability of cultivation of this mushroom under the agro-ecological condition of red and lateritic belt of West Bengal. Varous substrates i.e. paddy straw, paddy straw+Wheat straw 1:1, banana leaf+paddy straw 1:1, water hyacinth+paddy straw 1:1, mustard straw+paddy straw 1:1 and maize straw+paddy straw 1:1 were taken to find out their suitability for cultivation of Volvariella volvacea. Different methods of cultivation i.e. bed method, cage method, spiral method and heap method were further tried to identify a suitable method of cultivation for the locality. Paddy straw was found to be most appropriate substrate in terms of yield and biological efficiency followed by maize straw+paddy straw 1:1 and banana leaf+paddy straw 1:1 which were exhibited 10.20, 9.8 and 8.5% biological efficiency respectively. While, mustard straw+paddy straw 1:1 substrate was found unsuitable for paddy straw mushroom cultivation. Among the various methods of cultivation, bed method of cultivation has showed its supremacy among all the treatments. The information will help the farmers for decision making for diversifying their cultivation as well generating extra income.
The rate of spread of PVX, PVY and PLRV diseases to different potato varieties viz. Kufri Chandramukhi, Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Badshah and Kufri Sindhuri in the plains of West Bengal showed that all these virus diseases spread slowly in Kufri Jyoti variety. Rate of spread of PVX was found higher in Kufri Chandramukhi and spread of PVY and PLRV were observed higher in Kufri Sindhuri.
Biochar, derived through pyrolysis, presents a promising solution to the challenges faced in sustainable agriculture. This review delves into the diverse advantages of employing biochar to enhance crop yields while promoting environmental responsibility. Its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly nature not only enrich soil fertility but also contribute to carbon capture, aiding in the fight against climate change. Additionally, while its effectiveness in disease control may vary, biochar shows potential in bolstering crops against environmental pressures. By altering soil characteristics, it encourages the growth of beneficial microbes and improves nutrient availability, ultimately supporting plant vitality. Moreover, integrating biochar into agricultural systems may prompt biochemical and physiological changes that activate plant defences against pathogens. This study thoroughly assesses biochar's impacts on soil health, crop output, and disease prevention, emphasizing its crucial role in advancing sustainable farming practices. Embracing biochar as a strategic resource offers great potential for cultivating resilient and environmentally friendly farming methods, marking a significant step towards sustainable crop disease management.
Mushroom production started in 1960s and expended rapidly in the 1990s but mushroom as a vegetable is yet to find regular place in the Indian agri-food landscape. Among various cultivated species of mushrooms, shiitake mushroom has a good demand among consumers particularly in northern India due to its numerous beneficial properties like its taste and medicinal value. Presently, the China and Japan are the bulk producers of this prized mushroom. The current study attempted to generate improved strains of L. edodes by using intraspecific hybridization. Each of the five parent monokaryotic mycelia (LE-1501, LE-1502, LE-1503, LE1504 and LE-1505) were mated with the remaining four monokaryons resulting in a total 10 mating. Out of 10, only 5 compatible mating strains (Hybrid Spore Pair 1-2, 1-4, 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5) were generated in which clamp connections were confirmed. The significant variations among the newly generated hybrids were identified by morphological visualization. Among five, only three hybrids are totally different from the parents. The strain HSP 1-2 expressed co-dominance by producing distorted, creamy white and honey brown pileus having white scars observed on some of the fruits with stumpy stipe. While hemispherical, light brown cap with flat, thin and irregular margin was the characteristics of HSP 2-3 and the strain HSP 4-5 produced distorted spherical, dull white cap with white scars uniformly distributed from outside. This research involved a successful initial attempt to use a broad range of analyses and breeding to generate superior hybrids of L. edodes.
'%3e%3ccircle r='20' fill='%23008'/%3e%3ccircle r='17.5' fill='%23fff'/%3e%3ccircle r='3.5' fill='%23008'/%3e%3cg id='d'%3e%3cg id='c'%3e%3cg id='b'%3e%3cg id='a' fill='%23008'%3e%3ccircle r='.875' transform='rotate(7.5 -8.75 133.5)'/%3e%3cpath d='M0 17.5.6 7 0 2l-.6 5L0 17.5z'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' transform='rotate(15)'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23b' transform='rotate(30)'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23c' transform='rotate(60)'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23d' transform='rotate(120)'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23d' transform='rotate(-120)'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
