Background. Lingual, labial and buccal weakness (LLBW) is a widespread consequence of several neurological insults. LLBW impact on oral motor functions such as speech production and swallowing is well documented in the literature. Therefore, it is important for the speech-language pathologists to have access to evidence-based approaches for treatment. Thus, it is imperative that the speech-language pathology field search for effective treatment approaches and explore new treatment modalities that can improve therapy outcomes.
Seven cultivars of rapeseed-mustard, viz. IGC-01 and Pusa Gaurav of Brassica carinata, Jagannath, Kranti, Rohini and TERI (0E) M21-Swarna of Brassica juncea and Hyola PAC-401 of Brassica napus, were evaluated in a randomized complete block design field experiment. Shoot length per plant, leaf number per plant, leaf area index, fresh weight per plant, dry weight per plant and net assimilation rate were studied at 45 and 60 days after sowing to assess their growth performance. Carbonic anhydrase activity, nitrate reductase activity and leaf NPK content were estimated at above stages.
The response of mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss cv. Varuna) to presowing seed treatment with sodium chloride (NaCl) was investigated. The plants raised from treated seeds were sprayed with water or 10-6 M GA3 at the 30- day stage. The seeds imbibed in 1 or 10 mM of NaCl resulted in a decrease in dry mass, leaf chlorophyll content, carbonic anhydrase activity (E.C. 4.2.1.1), nitrate reductase activity (E.C. 1.6.6.1) and net photosynthetic rate at the 60-day stage, and pod number and seed yield at harvest.
A pot experiment was conducted during 20042005 on opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) and the influence of 106 M gibberellic acid (GA3) and 106 M triacontanol (TRIA) either alone or together, on the growth, yield, quality and morphine content. Among the treatments, foliar spray of GA3/TRIA significantly promoted the values of most of the physiological and biochemical parameters including the opium yield. The morphine content was also enhanced. The effects of GA3 and TRIA were similar when given individually, in general, while only TRIA induced branching in the plants.
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is a rich source of lycopene and vitamins. Lycopene may help counteract the harmful effects of substances called “free radicals”, which are thought to contribute to age-related processes and a number of types of cancer, including, but not limited to, those of prostate, lung, stomach, pancreas, breast, cervex, colorectum, mouth and oesophagus (1-6). It is, therefore, highly desirable to explore possible ways and means to enhance the productivity of this important crop employing costeffective and easy to use techniques.
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is a rich source of lycopene and vitamins. Lycopene may help counteract the harmful effects of substances called “free radicals”, which are thought to contribute to age-related processes and a number of types of cancer, including, but not limited to, those of prostate, lung, stomach, pancreas, breast, cervex, colorectum, mouth and oesophagus (1-6). It is, therefore, highly desirable to explore possible ways and means to enhance the productivity of this important crop employing costeffective and easy to use techniques.
