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Maize (Zea mays) is the third major cereal crop in the Indian subcontinent, but the crop yields per hectare of Indian maize cultivars are less than half of the global average due to the impurity of seed lots supplied to farmers. In this study, we discovered high-quality Single Nucleotide Polymorphic markers (SNPs) in two widely cultivated maize hybrids and their parental inbreds. Paired-end double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing was used to discover SNPs and a total of 30,764,454 reads with a read length of 151 bp per sample were generated. Genotyping of SNPs for maize hybrids 'MAH 14-5' and 'Hema' revealed a total of 47,812 and 15,815 Genetic Purity Analysis markers, respectively, of which 44,388 and 12,391 were unique with 3,424 being common to both hybrids. Identified SNPs were used to develop primers for Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR genotyping assays to determine the genetic purity of 10 seed lots and the results were found to correlate with Grow-out-Tests. Thus, the SNPs discovered in this study proved reliable to test the genetic purity of commercial seed lots. Advances in plant molecular breeding tools especially ddRADseq for SNP discovery offer new opportunities to genotype existing cultivars and accelerate the production of genetically pure seeds.

Identification of chilli cultivar is prime importance to ensuring seed quality during seed production, certification and quality control. Fifteen cultivars were subjected to different biochemical tests Viz., phenol test, modified phenol test with FeSO4 and CuSO4, analysis of soluble seed proteins by SDS-PAGE. No single varieties were so distinct in case of phenol colour reaction, while it helped to group the cultivars. Based on modified phenol text with ferrous sulphates 1per cent (FeSO4) and 0.5 per cent copper sulphate (CuSO4) helped in further classification of cultivars. The cultivars Gouribidanur Local and Phule Jyothi showed unique bands at 14 (Rm: 0.624) and 2 (0.191) level of band. All the cultivars were distinct among each other showing SDS-PAGE as efficient method in chilli cultivar identification.

Spatial distribution and sequential sampling plan for chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood were analyzed through Taylor’s power law (TPL) and Iwao’s mean crowding regression (IMC) for rainy and summer seasons during 2016–17 on chilli crop. The results revealed that the mean number of thrips in the field was low (1.07 thrips/plant) at early crop growth stages (32 days after transplanting (DAT)) and increased gradually with a peak (21.53 thrips/plant) at 56 DAT. Inconsistency in the mean number of thrips with shifting variance was noticed. The variance of thrips population increased with increase in its density with the best variance (122.41) observed at 56 DAT. Samples of thrips showed variance to mean ratio (S2/X), Lloyd’s patchiness index (X*/X), as well as Morisita Index more than one, revealing clumped distribution. The data on thrips population was best fit to TPL (a = 0.184, b = 1.27, R2 = 0.66) and the IMC (α = 0.93, β = 1.14, R2 = 0.94). Larger variability in sample size vis-a-vis mean population density was also achieved at 10 and 20% precision levels. Considering TPL parameters, the decisive lines of sequential sampling for S. dorsalis was chosen at d = 13n ± 8.07√n. The sequential sampling plan will thus help in reducing the costs for an effective and efficient management of S. dorsalis on chilli.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) incessantly produced as by-products of metabolism play significant roles in seed physiology. ROS (hydroxyl, superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide) and RNS (nitric oxide, nitric dioxide, nitrous acid and dinitrogen tetroxide) content changes in all phases of seed life cycle that influence seed germination, dormancy and longevity. Recent studies illustrate that ROS and RNS are performing oxidative and nitrosative signaling to induce seed germination within oxidative window level. Besides, ROS/RNS-mediated post-translational modifications (PTM) like carbonylation, S-nitrosylation and nitration are gaining interest in promoting seed germination. Understanding the signalling pathways, cross-talk with plant hormones and their role in promoting seed germination and dormancy alleviation could pave way for hormone engineering that help in crop productivity, particularly under climatic changing conditions. In addition, role of antioxidants and glutathione thiols in protecting from oxidative damage indicate that these compounds can be used for seed viability/quality markers that aid in monitoring of crop establishment. In this review, sources of ROS and RNS, their cross-talk with plant hormones (prospects for hormone engineering), signalling functions pertaining to seed germination, dormancy and deterioration have been illustrated. In addition, seed quality markers under climatic changing conditions for effective monitoring of crop stand establishment and diagnostics development have been elucidated. Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade de Vigo/CISUG Saclay Plant Sciences | Ref. ANR-17-EUR-0007

Endophytes are non-disease causing microbes (bacteria and fungi) surviving in living tissues of plants. Their intimate association and possible coevolution with their plant partners have resulted in them contributing to an array of plant growth benefits ranging from enhanced growth and biomass accumulation, tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses and in nutrient acquisition. The last couple of decades have witnessed a burgeoning literature on the role of endophytes (Class 3 type) in regulating plant growth and development and their adaptation to abiotic and biotic stresses. Though the underlying mechanisms of plant-endophyte interactions are far from clear, several studies have raised the hope of their potential application in agriculture, especially in mitigating abiotic and biotic stresses. The use of endophytes is envisaged as a route to reduce the production cost and burden on the environment by lessening the dependence on breeding for crop improvement and agrochemicals. Unfortunately, save a few well documented examples of their use, a little of these insights has been translated into actual agricultural applications. Here, we reflect on this paucity and elaborate on some of the important bottlenecks that might stand in way of fully realizing the potential that endophytes hold for crop improvement. We stress the need to study various facets of the endophyte-plant association for their gainful application in agriculture.

Identification of donor parents and markers for traits conferring drought tolerance eventually hastens the breeding for drought tolerance in rice. The extent of variation for water stress indicators, physio-morphological and plant production traits were assessed by evaluating 36 rice genotypes under water stress condition. Significant variation was observed for these traits and thirteen drought tolerant and susceptible genotypes were selected and grouped as tolerant and susceptible bulks based on physio-morphological and biochemical characterization. Genomic DNA was isolated from these rice accessions and pooled, respectively into drought tolerant and susceptible bulks. Bulked line analysis was carried to identify microsatellite markers linked to drought tolerance in rice. Out of 200 SSR primers screened RM 1092; RM 129 and RM157B were polymorphic between the bulks and also co-segregated among the individual genotypes constituting the respective bulks. The genomic regions flanked by these markers have been identified to be associated with various drought tolerance traits in rice and can be useful for marker assisted selection for drought resistance improvement in rice. The genotypes identified as drought tolerant can be used us donars in drought improvement breeding programmes. Key words Rice, drought resistance, microsatellite markers, bulk line analysis

An experiment was designed to find out the best suited seed protein fraction for identifying the genetic contaminants in seeds of two cotton hybrids viz., CSHH 198 and CSHH 238 where its morphological and genetic differences are meager. The electrophoretic comparison of albumin, globulin, and prolamin seed protein fractions revealed that both albumin and globulin fractions are able to differentiate the hybrids from its male and female parents. The analysis of seed proteins of two cotton hybrid revealed that, albumin fraction produced six different fingerprints with highest discrimination ability than globulin fraction (three). Due to this, albumin fraction showed the added advantage in assessment of genetic purity of CSHH 198 hybrid seed lot that are contaminated with its own parental (selfed female) seeds as well as CSHH 238 cotton hybrid. In contrast, globulin fraction can only be used for identification of off type contaminations due to its own parental seeds and prolamin was unable to differen...

Seed deterioration during storage is associated with various metabolic and chemical alterations that vary among genotypes in soybean. In the present study, five genotypes with good storability viz., kalitur, MACS 1416, EC 18761, CO1 and DSB21 and five genotypes with poor storability viz., JS 71-05, DS 228, MAUS 61, NRC 93 and DSB 24 were selected and evaluated for biochemical changes to identify the best donors for storability. Among the genotypes, all the poor storer genotypes showed faster accumulation of free amino acids, free fatty acids and malondialdehyde content as a result of oxidative stress. Poor storer genotypes also showed the increased lipoxygenase I and II enzymes activity. All the good storer genotypes showed higher anti-oxidative enzymes activity causing slower lipid peroxidation. Among the good storers, kalitur showed favourable biochemical features for storability while MAUS-61 was identified as poor storer exhibiting less favourable biochemical features.

RNA interference is a sequence-specific gene silencing mechanism mediated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which has been harnessed as a useful tool in devising novel insect pest management strategies for various pests such as melon aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover). In the current study, we cloned and sequenced juvenile hormone-binding protein (JHBP) and vacuolar ATPase subunit H (V-ATPase-H) from A. gossypii. We also showed the effectiveness of diet-mediated delivery of dsRNA for JHBP and V-ATPase-H, which silenced the above genes and resulted in mortality. The extent of silencing and mortality were similar for both genes up until 96 h. Bioassay results revealed that the target genes were silenced variably, 1.0 µg/µl concentration having a more profound effect than 0.5 and 0.25 µg/µl concentration in reducing the cognate mRNA transcript level. Results indicated a 9.56–73.21% down regulation (across time and concentrations for both the genes) that resulted in the mortality of A. gossypii. Mortality was in the range of 10–63% for both these genes. Thus, the current study demonstrated the potentiality of both JHBP and V-ATPase-H as excellent targets for the management of A. gossypii.

Jatropha cultivation is gaining importance as potential source of biofuel. Recently Paracoccus marginatus has been found to cause serious damage on Jatropha. Studies on the biology and management of P. marginatus at GKVK, Bangalore revealed that the females had three nymphal instars without any pupal stage, while the male had three nymphal instars besides, pre-pupal and pupal stages. The total nymphal period for female ranged from 14 to 21 days, (mean- 17.32±1.6 days) while for male the range was 16 to 23 days, (mean- 18.9±1.3 days). Bisexual and parthenogenetic modes of reproduction were observed. The fecundity of the female mealybug ranged from 248 to 967, with an average of 618.9±19 eggs. Evaluation of insecticides revealed that during first spray and second spray, mean per cent reduction of mealy bug population was highest in profenophos 0.05% (68.05 and 79.35) followed by buprofezin 0.025% (63.61 and 72.69). Least per cent reduction of mealy bug was observed in the NSKE 5% (17.94 and 25.77) treatment.

Increased use of genetic resources is necessary to sustain crop improvement. Large numbers of germplasm entries and possible existence of duplicate/redundant accessions are impediments to effective management, evaluation, and utilization. A core collection is a limited set of accessions chosen to represent the maximum genetic spectrum with minimum redundancy of the existing germplasm collection. Six hundred forty-four indigenous and exotic germplasm accessions of Dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] and four check entries were characterized for 21 qualitative traits and evaluated for 20 quantitative traits at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India, during the 2012 rainy season. A core set of size 10% (n = 64 accessions) was developed using software that applies advanced M-strategy with a heuristic search. The core set was examined for its representativeness of the base collection for both qualitative and quantitative traits using univariate and multivariate statistics. The core s...

Various chemical tests are being used to reveal chemical differences among the seeds or seedlings of different cultivars. Study to characterize and identify 24 tomato cultivars based on chemical test chemicals viz., Standard phenol test, Modified phenol test, NaOH test, KOH test and Seedling growth response to added chemicals reveled that, most of the cultivars studied were distinct from other cultivars. No single chemical test could distinguish all the varieties. However, distinguishable chemical characteristics were used to develop the keys for identification of each and every cultivar and all the cultivars were distinguished based on these identification keys.

In a quest for finding potent cytotoxic molecules, we have designed and synthesized a new scaffold by tagging quinazolinones with an acridone moiety. The new acridone-4-carboximide derivatives were evaluated for their cytotoxic potentials against the MCF7 breast cancer cell line and three colon cancer cell lines (LS174T, SW1398, and WiDr). Compound 26 showed relatively potent cytotoxic activity among the derivatives, against all the cell lines tested. Mechanistic studies for the selected derivatives 7, 8, 16, 17, 25, and 26 were conducted through in vitro EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibition studies. The results indicate that compound 26 has a better EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitory profile. The in vitro EGFR inhibition data was correlated with the cytotoxic properties, and molecular docking studies were performed with regard to the receptor autophosphorylation sites of the protein kinase domain of the EGFR.

Development of photoperiod insensitive and determinate type cultivars is one of the major objective of Dolichos bean breeding. For this, an understanding of the genetics of photoperiodic sensitivity to flowering time and growth habit is a prerequisite. Genetics of photoperiod sensitivity and growth habit was investigated in two crosses, HA 4 × GL 103 and HA 4 × GL 37 derived from parents contrasting for photoperiod sensitivity and growth habit. Results revealed monogenic control of photoperiodic response to flowering time; photoperiod sensitivity being dominant to insensitivity. Growth habit is controlled by three genes, GH1, GH2 and GH3 of which, one (GH1) is independent and the other two (GH2 and GH3) are complementary; indeterminacy being dominant to determinant growth habit. The genes controlling growth habit and photoperiodic response to flowering time were linked in coupling phase in these lines. Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) is commonly known as field bean, hyacinth bean, Indian bean, sem, butter bean, Egyptian kidney bean and lubia bean etc., belongs to the family Fabaceae and is one of the most ancient crops among the cultivated plants. In India, dolichos bean is primarily cultivated in Karnataka and adjoining districts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra (Mahadevu and Byregowda 2005) and used as vegetable (immature green soft pods and immature grains) and forage (NRC 2006). It is cultivated either as a pure crop or intercropped with finger millet, groundnut, castor, corn, pearl millet or sorghum. In Karnataka, dolichos bean is grown in an area of 85,000 hectares with a production of 30,000 tones and

During the course of our investigation on the selective isolation and in vitro pathogenicity tests of the nematode egg parasite and endoparasitic Catenaria anguillulae and the nematode-trapping fungus Dactylaria brochopaga against Anguina tritici , and Meloidogyne graminicola, the two biocontrol agents were also examined for their capabilities to colonize wheat seed gall and also to reduce the M. graminicola , and A. tritici in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). Using seed galls as bait was found effective for isolating the soilborne natural colonizers of seed galls of wheat caused by A. tritici . Seed galls were found severely infested with cellulose decomposers as well as nematode trapping fungi i.e., Fusarium spp ., Verticillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. Arthrobotrys oligospora , Arthrobotrys superba , Arthrobotrys dactyloides , Arthrobotrys musiformis , D. brochopaga , Monacrosporium eudermatum, Stylopaga hadra, Paecilomyces spp., and C. anguillulae . Co-inoculation of D. brochopaga DBS-105, and C. anguillulae CAS101 significantly reduced the root knot and seed gall in wheat and increased the plant growth parameters including length, and dry weight of root and shoot as well as yield attributing characters like spike length; number of seed per spike, test weight etc. under greenhouse conditions as compared to pathogen challenged plants without any bioagents/chemical nematicide. These bioagents have the potential to enhance production of quality seeds of wheat being free from hazardous pesticides and thus, can further be developed into marketable formulations in order to promote eco-friendly and sustainable means of crop production.

The soil community is an often ignored part of research which links plant biodiversity and ecosystem functioning despite their influence on numerous functions such as decomposition and nutrient cycling. Few consistent patterns have been detected that link plant and soil community composition; however, it has not been studied in details. Arthrobotrys oligospora, a model predacious fungus for nematode trapping, beside biocontrol potential may modulate plant health and increase natural antioxidants in tomato fruit directly or indirectly. In the present study we have investigated the effects of nematode trapping fungus A. oligospora on induction and bioaccumulation of natural antioxidant and defence related biomolecules in tomato plants when challenged with Meloidogyne incognita causing root knot. Endophytic and rhizospheric isolates of A. oligospora were isolated from different parts of India and characterized under controlled laboratory conditions. The study describes the multifarious effects of endophytic and rhizospheric isolates of A. oligospora in green house and field conditions in tomato plants when inoculated individually or in combination. It was found that A. oligospora EAO-147 and RST-101 when applied individually or in combination significantly increased various attributes in plants. Among both the isolates, endophytic A. oligospora EAO-147 was found to be more potential in enhancing the defence related biomolecules, enzymes and exhibited biocontrol potentials against M. incognita. With application of A. oligospora, increase in nutritional quality of ripe tomato fruits (mineral nutrients and natural antioxidant properties) was also demonstrated first time. Results suggest that application of A. oligospora, particularly endophytic, not only helps in control of nematodes but also increase plant growth as well as enhances the nutritional value of tomato fruits. Thus, it proves to be an excellent biocontrol as well as plant growth promoting agent.

A series of 2-fluoro N(10)-substituted acridone derivatives with varying alkyl side chain length with propyl, butyl substitution, and a tertiary amine group at the terminal end of the alkyl side chain were synthesized and screened against cancer cell lines SW 1573, SW 1573 2R 160 (P-gp substrate) which are non-small lung cancer cell lines, MCF-7, MCF-7/MR (BCRP substrate) are breast cancer cell lines, 2008 WT, 2008MRP1, 2008MRP2, 2008MRP3 are ovarian cancer cell lines, and human embryo kidney cell lines like HEK293, HEK293 MRP4, and HEK293 MRP5i. The propyl-series compounds showed lipophilicity in the range of 1.93 to 4.40 and the butyl series in the range of 2.37 to 4.78. The compounds 4, 7, and 8 showed good cytotoxicity against the 60 human cancer cell line panel of the National Cancer Institute, USA. The compounds 14 and 15 showed a better cytotoxicity in most of the cancer cell lines compared to other compounds tested. The DNA-binding properties of the compounds were evaluated based on their affinity or intercalation with CT-DNA measured with absorption titration. The compound 11 bearing planar tricyclic ring linked with a butyl methylpiperazino side chain showed the highest binding affinity with a binding constant (K(i)) of 10.38 x 10 M(-1). Evaluation of the compounds in cell lines with an overexpression of various multidrug resistance-related protein (MRP), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), or Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) showed that all compounds are not substrates for any of these transporters.

Over the past two decades, a number of chemical entities have been investigated in the continuing quest to reverse P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells and some have undergone clinical trials, but currently none are in clinical use. Unfortunately, most of these agents suffer clinically from their intrinsic toxicity or from undesired effects on the pharmacokinetics of the accompanying anti-cancer drugs. An acridonecarboxamide (GF120918), Imidazo acridone (C(1311)) and timethylene acridone derivative 1,3-bis(9-oxoacridin-10-yl)-propane (PBA) have already been shown to be among the group of compounds known to modify P-gp mediated MDR in cancer. In the recent past it has been identified that various N(10)-substituted acridones can reverse the multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer by selectively inhibiting the multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP) and calmodulin dependent cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase. This article envisages the various drugs being developed for treating MDR in cancer cells and especially the acridone derivatives which are being developed by the author.

Ricefields hold high arthropod diversity, which at present unfortunately is threatened. Traditional systems of ricefields along with other rural elements like canals and ponds formed a composite unit in a rural, countryside setup. These systems played a pivotal role in the productivity of a nation. Massive landscape changes and development of aquatic lands with anthropogenic factors have incurred damage to biodiversity in paddy fields. This has resulted in unstable and uniform arthropod communities. The impinging factors on the ecology of rice-cultivated ecosystems are abundant in several countries but but more so in tropical Asia. Fertilizers and pesticides considerably reduced beneficial arthropods in rice fields so also the modern rice cultivation practices. Deploying biological indicators in rice fields is suitable for arthropod preservation. Multispecies mixed planting, less use of pesticides and balanced application of fertilizers, public awareness and the use of bioagents will help in restoring arthropod diversity in rice fields and assist in mitigating emissions of greenhouse gases. The most successful example of rice integrated pest management (IPM) is in Indonesia where trained farmers use non-chemical methods and sustain arthropod communities.

Summary Identification of rice genotypes is of prime importance to ensure quality seed, which is required for achieving global food demand. Three rice hybrids and their parental lines were identified on the basis of seed colour, seed size and 1000 seed weight, response to different chemicals (Phenol, Modified phenol with Copper sulphate or Ferrous sulphate, NaOH, GA3 and 2,4-D) and electrophoresis of soluble seed proteins (SDS-PAGE). All the genotypes were identified by using key based on seed colour, 1000 seed weight and seed size except for the female lines and their maintainers. No individual chemical test was able to distinguish all the genotypes. However, the combinations of different rapid chemical tests were useful in identification of individual genotypes. While all the cultivars were identified successfully by using electrophoresis of seed protein (SDS-PAGE) and hence it could be used as a powerful tool to identify every genotype in a short period of time.

Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered to be detrimental to seed viability. However, recent studies have demonstrated that ROS have key roles in seed germination particularly in the release of seed dormancy and embryogenesis, as well as in protection from pathogens. Scope This review considers the functions of ROS in seed physiology. ROS are present in all cells and at all phases of the seed life cycle. ROS accumulation is important in breaking seed dormancy, and stimulating seed germination and protection from pathogens. However, excessive ROS accumulation can be detrimental. Therefore, knowledge of the mechanisms by which ROS influence seed physiology will provide insights that may not only allow the development of seed quality markers but also help us understand how dormancy can be broken in several recalcitrant species. Conclusions Reactive oxygen species have a dual role in seed physiology. Understanding the relative importance of beneficial and detrimental effects of ROS provides great scope for the improvement and maintenance of seed vigour and quality, factors that may ultimately increase crop yields.

Nine popular rice (Oryza sativa L.) hybrids were evaluated over three years during kharif season 2008- 2010 to assess stability for grain yield and its contributing traits. Analysis of variance of stability revealed highly significant variance due to environment for all seven traits. The variance for genotypic effect was significant for all traits indicating differential response of hybrids over the environments. Estimates of environmental index showed that performance of hybrids over three environments varied and environment E2 exhibited highest favourable impact on grain yield. Only two hybrids, KRH-2 and PRH-10 revealed stability for grain yield. Hybrid ‘KRH-2’ showed stable performance for all seven characters whereas, PRH-10 exhibited stability for six traits viz.; days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, panicle length, number of filled grains per panicle and seed yield/m2. Based on stability parameters these two hybrids can be considered as stable performers and may be exploited for yield enhancement of rice under varying environmental conditions while their parental lines could be used in breeding programme to develop new cultivars with combination of stable characters.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate different botanicals for the management of pod borers in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] for two years (2012-2014) at the Zonal Research Station of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. Pod damage by Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in the experimental area ranged from 10.64% to 23.07%. The first spray of neem soap followed by (fb) two sprays of the insecticide indoxacarb, and indoxacarb alone sprayed thrice were effective in reducing pod damage caused by H. armigera. Incidence of Maruca vitrata (Geyer), Melanagromzya obtusa (Malloch) and Callosobruchus spp. was comparatively low during the two-year study period. Botanicals alone did not perform well in controlling the pod borers. However, one spray of these botanicals fb spraying indoxacarb twice resulted in effective control of the pests. The higher yields were recorded in indoxacarb-treated plots (1,290 kg/ha), neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) sprayed thrice (1,258 kg/ha) and one spray of NSKE fb with two sprays of indoxacarb (1,257 kg/ha).