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Exposing genetic material with physical mutagens can create novel genetic resources capable of combating different stresses. High throughput GBS-DArTseq™ assay was deployed to estimate genetic diversity of 33 newly developed stable wheat mutants as compared to the wild type. The identified 1,57,608 PAVs markers were randomly distributed across wheat chromosomes and sub-genomes with the highest number detected on Chr-7D (2877) and Chr-7B (2711). The B sub-genome contained the most PAVs followed by D and A-sub genome. Among mutant lines, Pb-M-2061 and Pb-M-59 had the highest PAV count, while Pb-M-605 and Pb-M-196 had the lowest. A total of 7,910 PAVs were consistently present over all replicates, with 3,252 specifically present in mutants and absent in wild type. The maximum PAVs (1480) were found in Pb-M-1027 and Pb-M-1323 (656). Functional characterization revealed that out of 3,252, 1,238 were found in wheat transcriptome database that contained 152 characterized and 1,196 uncharacterized genes. COGs and GO-terms analysis linked many PAVs with pathways involving signaling, metabolism and defense. Maximum number of gene-containing PAVs were identified in Pb-M-1027, Pb-M-2302 and Pb-M-1323 which were involved in tolerance to diseases and abiotic stresses, improved photosynthetic efficiency, larger grain size, increased grain yield and harvest index pathways. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity and potential agronomic benefits of PAVs in wheat mutant lines. These findings can help molecular geneticist and breeders for exploiting the induced genetic diversity for unravelling the genetic circuits as well as exploiting in wheat breeding for developing resilient cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental abiotic stresses challenge food security by depressing crop yields often exceeding 50% of their annual production. Different methods, including conventional as well as genomic-assisted breeding, mutagenesis, and genetic engineering have been utilized to enhance stress resilience in several crop species. Plant breeding has been partly successful in developing crop varieties against abiotic stresses owning to the complex genetics of the traits as well as the narrow genetic base in the germplasm. Irrespective of the fact that genetic engineering can transfer gene(s) from any organism(s), transgenic crops have become controversial mainly due to the potential risk of transgene-outcrossing. Consequently, the cultivation of transgenic crops is banned in certain countries, particularly in European countries. In this scenario, the discovery of the CRISPR tool provides a platform for producing transgene-free genetically edited plants—similar to the mutagenized crops that are not extensively regulated such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Thus, the genome-edited plants without a transgene would likely go into the field without any restriction. Here, we focused on the deployment of CRISPR for the successful development of abiotic stress-tolerant crop plants for sustaining crop productivity under changing environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly sensitive paracetamol detection sensor based on the reduced graphene oxide modified with cobalt- and zinc-doped manganese ferrite nanoparticles coated on glassy carbon electrode (Mn1-xZnxFe2-yCoyO4/rGO/GCE) is reported in this work. A range of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Raman spectroscopy, zeta-sizer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry are used to evaluate the morphological, structural, and electroanalytical capabilities of the proposed sensor. Under optimal conditions, the sensor exhibited two linear ranges, 30–200 µmol L−1 and 200–1400 µmol L−1. The cobalt and zinc doped magnetic nanoparticles-based composite-modified GCE exhibits a remarkable limit of quantification as 0.12 µmol L−1 and a limit of detection as 0.04 µmol L−1. An evaluation is conducted on the structurally related drug on the anodic current response of paracetamol. The practical application of the constructed sensor is evaluated through an analysis of the current generation of real pharmaceutical samples. The modified GC electrode shows encouraging results that validate its superior analytical performance for paracetamol sensing with high sensitivity and trace-level detection.Figure shows the graphical representation of the activity of an electrochemical sensor and its fabrication processGraphical Abstract: A highly sensitive paracetamol detection sensor based on the reduced graphene oxide modified with cobalt- and zinc-doped manganese ferrite nanoparticles coated on glassy carbon electrode (Mn1-xZnxFe2-yCoyO4/rGO/GCE) is reported in this work. A range of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Raman spectroscopy, zeta-sizer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry are used to evaluate the morphological, structural, and electroanalytical capabilities of the proposed sensor. Under optimal conditions, the sensor exhibited two linear ranges, 30–200 µmol L−1 and 200–1400 µmol L−1. The cobalt and zinc doped magnetic nanoparticles-based composite-modified GCE exhibits a remarkable limit of quantification as 0.12 µmol L−1 and a limit of detection as 0.04 µmol L−1. An evaluation is conducted on the structurally related drug on the anodic current response of paracetamol. The practical application of the constructed sensor is evaluated through an analysis of the current generation of real pharmaceutical samples. The modified GC electrode shows encouraging results that validate its superior analytical performance for paracetamol sensing with high sensitivity and trace-level detection.Figure shows the graphical representation of the activity of an electrochemical sensor and its fabrication process [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐based genome editing, derived from prokaryotic immunity system, is rapidly emerging as an alternative platform for introducing targeted alterations in genomes. The CRISPR‐based tools have been deployed for several other applications including gene expression studies, detection of mutation patterns in genomes, epigenetic regulation, chromatin imaging, etc. Unlike the traditional genetic engineering approaches, it is simple, cost‐effective, and highly specific in inducing genetic variations. Despite its popularity, the technology has limitations such as off‐targets, low mutagenesis efficiency, and its dependency on in‐vitro regeneration protocols for the recovery of stable plant lines. Several other issues such as persisted CRISPR activity in subsequent generations, the potential for transferring to its wild type population, the risk of reversion of edited version to its original phenotype particularly in cross‐pollinated plant species when released into the environment and the scarcity of validated targets have been overlooked. This article briefly highlights these undermined aspects, which may challenge the wider applications of this platform for improving crop genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Different kinship and resistance to cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) and heat were found between upland cotton cultivars from China and Pakistan. 175 SNPs and 82 InDels loci related to yield, fiber quality, CLCuD, and heat resistance were identified. Elite alleles found in Pakistani accessions aided local adaptation to climatic condition of two countries. Adaptation of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) beyond its center of origin is expected to be driven by tailoring of the genome and genes to enhance yield and quality in new ecological niches. Here, resequencing of 456 upland cotton accessions revealed two distinct kinships according to the associated country. Fiber quality and lint percentage were consistent across kinships, but resistance to cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) and heat was distinctly exhibited by accessions from Pakistan, illustrating highly local adaption. A total of 175 SNP and 82 InDel loci related to yield, fiber quality, CLCuD and heat resistance were identified; among them, only two overlapped between Pakistani and Chinese accessions underscoring the divergent domestication and improvement targets in each country. Loci associated with resistance alleles to leaf curl disease and high temperature were largely found in Pakistani accessions to counter these stresses prevalent in Pakistan. These results revealed that breeding activities led to the accumulation of unique alleles and helped upland cotton become adapted to the respective climatic conditions, which will contribute to elucidating the genetic mechanisms that underlie resilience traits and help develop climate-resilient cotton cultivars for use worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant productivity is greatly influenced by environmental stresses. Under stressful condition, plants develop a plethora of biochemical and molecular mechanisms to cope with new situations that causes expression of several genes by signal transduction, associated with stress tolerance. Plant osmotic stress responses are associated with changes in gene expression due to environmental stresses like drought, salinity and low temperature. Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide that occurs in a large range of organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes and crustaceans. Plants that produce trehalose are highly tolerant to desiccation stress. Present study was focused on biochemical estimation of trehalose levels in different wheat genotypes viz Local Genotype, Mapping Population, Synthetic and NIBGE varieties, by HPLC method. Drought was induced by the application of polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000). Root/Shoot ratio was enhanced in the drought affected genotypes. Trehalose promoted a positive effect in wheat germplasm under the drought stress that has lead to the conclusion that it might be utilized to enhance the growth of wheat under the stress situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the dawn of new millennium, policy makers and researchers focused on sustainable agricultural growth, aiming for food security and enhanced food quality. Several emerging scientific innovations hold the promise to meet the future challenges. Nanotechnology presents a promising avenue to tackle the diverse challenges in agriculture. By leveraging nanomaterials, including nano fertilizers, pesticides, and sensors, it provides targeted delivery methods, enhancing efficacy in both crop production and protection. This integration of nanotechnology with agriculture introduces innovations like disease diagnostics, improved nutrient uptake in plants, and advanced delivery systems for agrochemicals. These precision-based approaches not only optimize resource utilization but also reduce environmental impact, aligning well with sustainability objectives. Concurrently, genetic innovations, including genome editing and advanced breeding techniques, enable the development of crops with improved yield, resilience, and nutritional content. The emergence of precision gene-editing technologies, exemplified by CRISPR/Cas9, can transform the realm of genetic modification and enabled precise manipulation of plant genomes while avoiding the incorporation of external DNAs. Integration of nanotechnology and genetic innovations in agriculture presents a transformative approach. Leveraging nanoparticles for targeted genetic modifications, nanosensors for early plant health monitoring, and precision nanomaterials for controlled delivery of inputs offers a sustainable pathway towards enhanced crop productivity, resource efficiency, and food safety throughout the agricultural lifecycle. This comprehensive review outlines the pivotal role of nanotechnology in precision agriculture, emphasizing soil health improvement, stress resilience against biotic and abiotic factors, environmental sustainability, and genetic engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal organic frameworks (MOF's) have gained considerable attention in the field of energy storage and supercapacitors applications. Herein, we synthesized copper oxide (CuO) through the precipitation method and concurrently derived from the solvothermal prepared copper-benzene dicarboxylate (Cu-BDC) by calcination. The integration of MOF-derived nanostructures with traditional CuO to form a hybrid electrode material, has not been extensively explored. The synthesized materials were characterized using x-ray Diffractometry, FTIR, XPS, Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller and morphological analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) affirming the composite's nature. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic charge–discharge, and cyclic voltammetry were used to evaluate the electrochemical properties of electrode material. With a specific capacitance of 691 Fg−1 for CuO obtained from Cu-BDC (benzene dicarboxylic acid) and 236 Fg−1 for CuO via the precipitation method, measured at a scan rate of 5 m Vs−1 in 6 M KOH was found to be the optimal performance solution for the electrode material. The mesoporous structures are crucial for their absorption ability and improved ion transport, resulting in optimized electrochemical performance. Finally, we demonstrate significant improvements in specific capacitance and cycling stability compared to pure CuO-based electrodes, highlighting the potential of this composite structure for advanced supercapacitor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Verticillium dahliae, one of the most destructive fungal pathogens of several crops, challenges the sustainability of cotton productivity worldwide because very few widely‐cultivated Upland cotton varieties are resistant to Verticillium wilt (VW). Here, we report that REVEILLE2 (RVE2), the Myb‐like transcription factor, confers the novel function in resistance to VW by regulating the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway in cotton. RVE2 expression was essentially required for the activation of JA‐mediated disease‐resistance response. RVE2 physically interacted with TPL/TPRs and disturbed JAZ proteins to recruit TPL and TPR1 in NINJA‐dependent manner, which regulated JA response by relieving inhibited‐MYC2 activity. The MYC2 then bound to RVE2 promoter for the activation of its transcription, forming feedback loop. Interestingly, a unique truncated RVE2 widely existing in D‐subgenome (GhRVE2D) of natural Upland cotton represses the ability of the MYC2 to activate GhRVE2A promoter but not GausRVE2 or GbRVE2. The result could partially explain why Gossypium barbadense popularly shows higher resistance than Gossypium hirsutum. Furthermore, disturbing the JA‐signalling pathway resulted into the loss of RVE2‐mediated disease‐resistance in various plants (Arabidopsis, tobacco and cotton). RVE2 overexpression significantly enhanced the resistance to VW. Collectively, we conclude that RVE2, a new regulatory factor, plays a pivotal role in fine‐tuning JA‐signalling, which would improve our understanding the mechanisms underlying the resistance to VW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To the extent of our knowledge, applications of DNA markers in marker-assisted breeding of cotton are handicapped due to low genetic diversity in cotton germplasm. Cotton leaf curl disease, a disease of viral origin, has substantially depressed cotton production in Pakistan, and this disease is also an emerging threat to the neighboring cotton-growing countries like China and India. The present study was designed to identify DNA markers, predominately simple sequence repeats (SSRs), associated with tolerance and/or resistance to the disease. Based upon 2 years of disease-screening field experiments, a total of 10 cotton genotypes (five highly tolerant, four highly susceptible, and one immune) of diverse origin were selected from the available cotton germplasm (~1200 accessions) of the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, Pakistan. In total, 322 SSRs derived from bacterial artificial chromosome end sequences of Gossypium raimondii (one of the progenitor species of cultivated tetraploid cotton) were screened. Out of these, 65 primer pairs were found polymorphic, and the extent of genetic similarity was in the range of 81.7% to 98.7%. A similarity matrix was used for studying their phylogenetic relationship using unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA) analysis. The dendrogram showed the grouping of the genotypes into two distinct clusters comprising tolerant and susceptible genotypes, respectively. Out of the polymorphic markers, two SSR markers, PR-91 and CM-43, that were amplified only in tolerant genotypes showed significant association with resistance to the disease. These preliminary results set the stage for initiating in-depth marker-trait association studies, which will be instrumental for initiating marker-assisted breeding in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explains the construction of an intraspecific genetic linkage map of the A-genome diploid cotton with simple sequence repeat (SSR) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, using 180 F2 plants derived from the cross of 2 Gossypium arboreum cotton cultivars (Ravi x Entry-17). Polymorphisms between the 2 parents were detected using 1089 pairs of SSR primers and 520 RAPD primers. In total, 34 pairs of SSR primer-amplified and 18 RAPD primer-amplified polymorphic loci were selected to survey the F2 population. In total, 52 polymorphic DNA fragments were generated and used to construct a linkage map with JoinMap 3.0. A total of 45 loci and 5 phenotypic traits were mapped at a logarithm of odds ratio of ≥3.0 on 10 linkage groups. The total length of the map was 346 cM, and the average distance between adjacent markers was 7.7 cM. Chromosome assignments were made according to previous studies. In total, 7 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), including 5 for productivity traits and 2 for fibre traits, were mapped. Identification of these QTLs will set the stage for initiating marker-assisted selection and map-based cloning in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is a staple food crop of many countries. Improving resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses remain key breeding targets. Among these, rust diseases are the most detrimental in terms of depressing wheat production. In the present study, chemical mutagenesis was used to induce mutations in the wheat variety NN-Gandum-1. This cultivar is moderately resistant to leaf and yellow rust. The aim of mutagenesis was to improve resistance to the disease as well as to study function of genes conferring resistance to the disease. In the present investigation, a 0.8% EMS dose was found optimum for supporting 45–55% germination of NN-Gandum-1. A total of 3,634 M2 fertile plants were produced from each of the M1 plant. Out of these, 33 (0.91%) and 20 plants (0.55%) showed absolute resistance to leaf and yellow rust, respectively. While 126 (3.46%) and 127 plants (3.49%) exhibited high susceptibility to the leaf and yellow rust, respectively. In the M4 generation, a total of 11 M4 lines (nine absolute resistant and two highly susceptible) and one wild type were selected for NGS-based exome capture assay. A total of 104,779 SNPs were identified that were randomly distributed throughout the wheat sub genomes (A, B and D). Induced mutations in intronic sequences predominated. The highest total number of SNPs detected in this assay were mapped to chr.2B (14,273 SNPs), which contains the highest number of targeted base pairs in the assay. The average mutation density across all regions interrogated was estimated to be one mutation per 20.91 Mb. The highest mutation frequency was found in chr.2D (1/11.7 kb) and the lowest in chr.7D (1/353.4 kb). Out of the detected mutations, 101 SNPs were filtered using analysis criteria aimed to enrich for mutations that may affect gene function. Out of these, one putative SNP detected in Lr21 were selected for further analysis. The SNP identified in chimeric allele (Lr21) of a resistant mutant (N1-252) was located in a NBS domain of chr.1BS at 3.4 Mb position. Through computational analysis, it was demonstrated that this identified SNP causes a substitution of glutamic acid with alanine, resulting in a predicted altered protein structure. This mutation, therefore, is a candidate for contributing to the resistance phenotype in the mutant line. Based on this work, we conclude that the wheat mutant resource developed is useful as a source of novel genetic variation for forward-genetic screens and also as a useful tool for gaining insights into the important biological circuits of different traits of complex genomes like wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsatellite regions in DNA fragments of Gossypium arboreum were explored and PCR products 500-800 bp long were analyzed for genomic simple sequence repeats (gSSRs). From 39 segments, 23 short gSSRs were identified; on average they occurred every 1.6 kb. Primers were used to amplify fragments from 18 diploid species representing 6 diploid genomes and 1 tetraploid species, G. hirsutum (AD). The phylogeny of diploid genomes was subsequently determined. No primer amplified the DNA from all genotypes; however, amplification occurred in 59% of 437 PCR events. All genomes were grouped into 2 clusters (a and b). The obtained phylogeny of the species parallels previous reports. The strategy adopted here is an efficient method of identifying new gSSRs from species not extensively explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploiting new genetic resources is an effective way to achieve sustainable wheat production. To this end, we exposed wheat seeds of the "Punjab-11" cultivar to gamma rays. A total of 32 stable mutants (M7) were developed, followed by characterization by conducting multilocation trials over two seasons. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first six components accounted for 90.28% of the total variation among the plant height, tillers per plant, 1000-kernel weight, grain yield, and quality traits. All mutants were grouped into three clusters based on high yield index values. The genotype by trait (GT) bi-plot revealed significant associations between yield and its components among the mutants. Positive correlations were estimated for tillers per plant, plant height, 1000-kernel weight, and grain yield; however, yield components showed negative associations with protein, moisture, and gluten contents. The mutant lines Pb-M-59 waxy, Pb-M-1272 waxy, Pb-M-2260, Pb-M-1027 waxy, Pb-M-1323 waxy, and Pb-M-1854 exhibited maximum grain yield, 1000-grain weight, and tillers per plant values. Likewise, Pb-M-2725, Pb-M-2550, and Pb-M-2728 were found to be the best mutant lines in terms of grain quality; thus, the use of gamma radiation is effective in improving the desirable traits, including yield and grain quality. It is suggested that these traits can be improved beyond the performance of corresponding traits in their parent genotypes. The newly produced mutants can also be used to explore the genetic mechanisms of complex traits in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Steroids are common drugs that can lead to induction of glaucoma or ocular hypertension in humans. The aim of this study was to check whether steroids can be used to induce experimental glaucoma / ocular hypertension in an animal model. Material & Methods: Betamethasone was used in an injectable dosage form. Injectable steroids took very short time to establish an animal model with raised intraocular pressure. Twenty-four healthy rabbits of a local strain weighing 1500 to 2000 grams were obtained and were kept at the animal house of the Department of Pharmacology Khyber Medical College Peshawar. The study was conducted on both eyes of 24 conscious rabbits. Two groups of animals were constituted i.e. Group A and B. Group A animals were made ocular hypertensive/glaucomatous by injecting weekly sub-conjunctival betamethasone suspension. Group B served as the normal controls. It received no treatment during the entire research period. Results: Steroid injection was found to raise the intraocular pressure very effectively and briskly. The difference between the intraocular pressures of the two groups was statistically significant. Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that injectable suspension of betamethasone alone can induce ocular hypertension very effectively. It just took one week to raise the intraocular pressure. This animal model can confidently be used for research in pharmacology and ophthalmology to study the effects of newer drugs being tested for their anti-glaucoma effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]