International Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics

International Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics ISSN 5756-2148 Vol. 5 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2018. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Relationship between growth and ion relation in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) at different growth stages under salt stress

Khalid Hussain*, Muhammad Ashraf and Muhammad Yasin Ashraf

Shakarganj Sugar Research Institute, Jhang, Pakistan.

Accepted 15 July, 2017

Abstract

Seedlings of two pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) lines were exposed to 0 (control) and 100 mol m^–3 NaCl salinity. Treatments were applied fourteen days after germination. Growth of the shoot and root system and ion contents were determined at seedlings (21 days after treatment) and vegetative stage (42 days after treatment). NaCl concentration caused reduction in the plant growth, particularly of the shoot, always with much intensity in the sensitive line. Results obtained indicated that the difference in growth between these two lines might be due to differences in ion transfer rates to the shoot and salt accumulation in the shoot. The sensitive line showed higher Na⁺ plus Cl^- transfer rates to the shoot, especially in the beginning of the stress application and greater accumulation of these ions in the leaves The tolerant line, on the other hand, showed higher K⁺ transfer rates and lower relative reduction in the Ca²⁺ transfer rates to the shoot under salt stress. So, these results suggest that tolerance to salt stress, in pearl millet lines studied may be related to plant ability to prevent accumulation of toxic ions like Na⁺ and Cl^- and to maintain the shoot. Plant ability to make adequate osmotic adjustment, however, should not be ignored.

Keywords: Salinity, growth, ions, pearl millet.

International Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics ISSN 5756-2148 Vol. 4 (9), pp. 001-007, September, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Allozyme diversity in South Western Ghats populations of Terminalia paniculata Roth. (Combretaceae)

Thangaraja A.¹* and Ganesan V.²

¹Department of Biotechnology,Kamaraj College of Engineering and Technology Virudhunagar, Tamilnadu, India. 626 001.

²Center for Research and P.G. Studies in Botany,Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous)Sivakasi, Tamilnadu, India.

Accepted 17 April, 2017

Abstract

Terminalia paniculata Roth. (Combretaceae) is a tropical tree with a large natural distribution in Western Ghats. The tree is extensively utilized in pharmaceutical, timber tannin, leather and silk industries. However, the species has been overexploited and information on its existing gene pool is currently lacking. The present work was therefore carried out using allozyme markers to assess the genetic diversity within and between populations in order to suggest conservation and management strategies. Six enzyme systems generated 15 loci from four populations which were used to estimate allele frequency, percentage of polymorphic loci, observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) and Shannon information index. In the Sasthakovil populations 12 rare alleles, two private alleles (AAT-1C and PGM -2C), and a high level of polymorphism (86.66%) were observed. The levels of heterozygosity observed in all populations were lower than expected from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium values, except Sasthakovil populations. As a priority, the population at Sasthakovil may be targeted for conservation. This would ensure the conservation of a relatively rich proportion of genetic diversity and presence of private allele representative of that existing in other populations.

Key words: Allozyme, genetic variation, allele frequency, heterozygosity, homozygosity.

International Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics ISSN 5756-2148 Vol. 4 (6), pp. 292-299, July, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for cowpea resistance to flower bud thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom)

Gonné Sobda¹*, Ousmane Boukar², Pangirayi Bernard Tongoona³, Jonathan Ayertey³ and Kwame Samuel Offei³

¹Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, P.O.BOX 33 Maroua, Cameroon.

²International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Sabo Bakin Zuwo Road PMB 3112, Kano, Nigeria.

³West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement, University of Ghana, PMB 30, Legon, Accra, Ghana.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]. Tel: +237 699 98 83 11

Accepted 12 July, 2017

Abstract

Cowpea flower bud thrips causes about 80% yield losses in cowpea. Host plant resistance is the most easy and durable solution to the damaging effects caused by this insect. However, resistance to thrips is quantitatively inherited, thus less amenable through conventional breeding. The objective of this study was to identify QTL associated with resistance to cowpea flower bud thrips in a bid to facilitate the improvement of cowpea resistance to thrips. A mapping population consisting of 150 F2 plants derived from cross between the highly resistant SANZI (female) and the highly susceptible VYA (male) was screened under artificial infestation in the screen house. Thrips damage scores were used as the parameter for resistance. A total of 232 polymorphic Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers were used for genotyping of F2 and the parents. Three significant QTLs for thrips resistance Fthp28, Fthp87 and Fthp129were detected on chromosomes 2, 4 and 6 accounting for 24.5, 12.2 and 6.5 % of the total phenotypic variation respectively. Transgressive segregation was observed towards the susceptible phenotype. Both additive and non-additive QTL effects were observed with additive effects being predominant. Further studies to validate these QTL for their useful exploitation in marker-assisted breeding programme are essential. 

Key words: Cowpea, flower bud thrips, Quantitative Trait Loci, polymorphic SNP.

International Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics ISSN 5756-2148 Vol. 4 (5), pp. 271-276, May, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Natural incidence and infectivity level of three nepoviruses in ornamental crops in Iran

T. Ghotbi and N. Shahraeen^*

Department of Plant Virus Research, Iranian Research Institute for Plant Protection (IRIPP), Agricultural Research and Education Organization, Tehran, Iran.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 22 April, 2009

Abstract

Damage to ornamental crops by nepoviruses has occurred sporadically in Iran in the past. However, since 2006, outbreaks of nepoviruses have been recorded every year. The most affected ornamental crops were surveyed in two main cultivation areas in provinces of Markazi (Mahallat) and Tehran in 2006 - 2007. In all, 420 samples (with or without any conspicuous virus symptoms) were collected and analyzed by double- antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) with polyclonal antibody to Tomato ring spot virus (ToRSV), Tobacco ring spot virus (TRSV) and Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV) . These viruses frequently were detected in samples of many different ornamentals (33 species) and often in mixed infections. Where as 8 samples found to be infected by one virus, 3 samples double infection and 6 samples were mix infected by three viruses. ArMV, ToRSV and TRSV were mechanically transmitted to Vigna unguiculata, Nicotiana tabacum, Chenopodium amaranticolor, C. quinoa, Petunia hybrida, Datura stramonium and D. metel indicator host plants and virus recovery was rechecked by ELISA. Of the total of 420 samples tested, 106 samples were reacted with the above virus antiserum. In Tehran, ToRSV was identified in 19 samples (4.52%), TRSV in 7 samples (1.66%), and ArMV in 5 samples (1.19%). In Markazi province, ToRSV was identified in 20 samples (4.76%), TRSV in 20 samples (4.76%), and ArMV in 23 samples (5.47%). In all, TRSV was shown to be prevalent nepovirus infecting ornamentals in these regions.

Key words: Tomato ring spot virus, tobacco ring spot virus, arabis mosaic virus, DAS-ELISA.

In this study, a fungicide namely Aliette WG 800 (80% Fosetyl-Al) was pulverized on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) grown under greenhouse conditions and the likely effects of this fungicide on stomata of tomato were examined. Applications of Fosetyl-Al were carried out at recommended dosage (200 g/100 L water) as given on the label and two fold higher (400 g/100 L water) dosages. The fungicide applications resulted in a decrease in stomatal index compared to untreated plants whereas the numbers of abnormal and closed stomata were increased. It is thought that this condition may indirectly cause a negative effect in physiological events of the plant.

Key words: Fosetyl-Al, stomata, fungicide, tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum mill.

International Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics ISSN 5756-2148 Vol. 4 (6), pp. 281-291, June, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Status of macadamia production in Kenya and the potential of biotechnology in enhancing its genetic improvement

L. N. Gitonga^1,3*, A. W. T. Muigai², E. M. Kahangi³, K. Ngamau³ and S. T. Gichuki⁴

¹Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, National Horticultural Research Center, P. O. Box 01000 - 220, Thika.

²Department of Botany, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P. O. Box 00200-62000, Nairobi.

³Department of Horticulture, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P. O. Box 00200-62000, Nairobi.

⁴Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Biotechnology Center, P. O. Box 00200-57811, Nairobi.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel.: 254-67-24332.

Accepted 11 March, 2009

Abstract

Macadamia (Macadamia spp.) is considered the world’s finest dessert nut because of its delicate taste and numerous health benefits. It is grown in Kenya both as a cash crop and foreign exchange earner with Kenya producing about 10% of the world’s total production. Macadamia has great potential for poverty reduction due to the high value of its products and its low requirement for external inputs. Although the crop has been grown in the country for over 5 decades, the growth of the industry is not commensurate with the demand and market potential that exists. Some of the challenges facing the macadamia industry in Kenya include lack of cultivars adapted to various agro ecological zones, inadequate planting materials of high quality, high cost of the available good quality planting materials and pests and diseases that affect nuts thus lowering post harvest quality. This paper discusses the potential of agricultural biotechnology relevant to genetic improvement of macadamia to compliment other efforts for its improved productivity and value.

Key words: Macadamia, dessert nut, biotechnology, genetic improvement.