Mapping of dwarfing QTL of Ari1327, a semi-dwarf mutant of upland cotton

Background Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) has few cotton varieties suitable for mechanical harvesting. The plant height of the cultivar is one of the key features that need to modify. Hence, this study was planned to locate the QTL for plant height in a 60Co γ treated upland cotton semi-dwarf mutant Ari1327. Results Interestingly, bulk segregant analysis (BSA) and genotyping by sequencing (GBS) methods exhibited that candidate QTL was co-located in the region of 5.80–9.66 Mb at D01 chromosome in two F2 populations. Using three InDel markers to genotype a population of 1241 individuals confirmed that the offspring’s phenotype is consistent with the genotype. Comparative analysis of RNA-seq between the mutant and wild variety exhibited that Gh_D01G0592 was identified as the source of dwarfness from 200 genes. In addition, it was also revealed that the appropriate use of partial separation markers in QTL mapping can escalate linkage information. Conclusions Overwhelmingly, the results will provide the basis to reveal the function of candidate genes and the utilization of excellent dwarf genetic resources in the future.

Effect of Scopoletin and Carotenoids on Postharvest Physiological Deterioration (PPD) of Transgenic High Beta Carotene Cassava

Cassava tubers suffer from postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD) which normally sets in within 72 hours of harvest. This study examines the role of scopoletin and carotenoids in the onset or delay in PPD in two transgenic varieties EC20-7 and EC20-8 compared to a wild variety TME-7. Scopoletin and carotenoids were quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The scopoletin content (0.10 – 0.20 nmol/g) in the fresh varieties was not significantly (P>0.05) different from the amount in stored cassava roots (12.58 – 14.90 nmol/g). The carotenoid content values in EC20-7 variety were 6.66 µg/g (α-carotene), 80.45 µg/g (β-carotene) and 5.98 µg/g (lutein). As for EC20-8, α-carotene, β-carotene and lutein values were 6.19 µg/g, 69.11 µg/g and 3.12 µg/g, respectively. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference between the varieties in α-carotene content but in their lutein content. The results indicate that carotenoids are more relevant in the delay of PPD and scopoletin content is not a major factor in PPD vascular streaking or discolouration. Hence scopoletin content of cassava varieties may not be considered as a chemical marker for determining the potential of PPD in cassava tubers.

Comparative analysis of tuberous root metabolites between cultivated and wild varieties of Rehmannia glutinosa by widely targeted metabolomics

Differential metabolites between tuberous roots from cultivated variety (ZP) and wild variety (YS) of Rehmannia glutinosa were analyzed by widely targeted metabolomics, and annotated to KEGG pathways. 228 secondary metabolites (SM) in ZP and YS were detected, of which 58 were differential metabolites (DM), including 41 flavonoids, 10 phenolic acids, 3 terpenoids, 2 alkaloids and 2 others, and 170 were unchanged; Among 58 DMs, 44 (75.9%) were up-regulated in YS, of which 30 were unique to YS, while 14 (24.1%) were down-regulated in YS, of which 10 were unique to ZP; Among flavonoids, 33 (80.5%) were more highly expressed in YS than in ZP; Among phenolic acids, 7 (70%) were more highly expressed in YS than in ZP; 12 of 58 DMs were annotated into 17 types of KEGG pathways. Among them, benzoic acid and p-Coumaryl alcohol were up-regulated in YS, and annotated into 10 pathways (58.8%) and 4 pathways (23.5%), respectively. In addition, much of DMs possess various pharmacological effects. These results indicated better quality of YS than ZP and the necessity of YS domestication. Taken together, this study will provide a reference for the scientific introduction, comprehensive development and utilization of wild Rehmannia glutinosa.

Metabolomics Analyses of Cotyledon and Plumule Showing the Potential Domestic Selection in Lotus Breeding

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) seeds are widely consumed as functional food or herbal medicine, of which cotyledon (CL) is the main edible part, and lotus plumule (LP) is commonly utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate the chemical components of CL and LP in dry lotus seeds, not to mention the comparison between wild and domesticated varieties. In this study, a widely targeted metabolomics approach based on Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-electrospray ionization-Tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) was utilized to analyze the metabolites in CL and LP of China Antique (“CA”, a wild variety) and Jianxuan-17 (“JX”, a popular cultivar). A total of 402 metabolites were identified, which included flavonoids (23.08% to 27.84%), amino acids and derivatives (14.18–16.57%), phenolic acids (11.49–12.63%), and lipids (9.14–10.95%). These metabolites were classified into ten clusters based on their organ or cultivar-specific characters. Most of these metabolites were more abundant in LP than in CL for both varieties, except for metabolites belonging to organic acids and lipids. The analysis of differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) demonstrated that more than 25% of metabolites detected in our study were DAMs in CL and LP comparing “JX” with “CA”, most of which were less abundant in “JX”, including 35 flavonoids in LP, 23 amino acids and derivatives in CL, 7 alkaloids in CL, and 10 nucleotides and derivatives in LP, whereas all of 11 differentially accumulated lipids in LP were more abundant in “JX”. Together with the fact that the seed yield of “JX” is much higher than that of “CA”, these results indicated that abundant metabolites, especially the functional secondary metabolites (mainly flavonoids and alkaloids), were lost during the process of breeding selection.

BACTERICIDAL ACTIVITY OF WILD AND HYBRID VARIETIES OF SYZIGIUM CUMINI L. AGAINST A FEW PLANT PATHOGENS

Objective: The objective of the present study was to analyze the antibacterial activity of seeds of wild and hybrid varieties of Syzygium cumini against plant pathogens such as Erwinia herbicola, Pseudomonas syringae, and Xanthomonas campestris. Methods: The phytochemicals from the wild and hybrid varieties of S. cumini seeds collected from the Tirunelveli region (Tamil Nadu) were extracted by cold methanol method. Antibacterial activity of the methanol extract of seeds has been tested against E. herbicola, P. syringae, and X. campestris by disc diffusion assay. Results: The seed extract of wild variety revealed more effective antimicrobial activity than a hybrid variety with minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 8 μg/ml to 128 μg/ml. The highest inhibition zone was exhibited by wild seed extract against X. campestris (16.3 mm). Conclusions: This result showed that the wild variety of S. cumini seeds may be the best antibacterial agent against plant pathogens.

Pharmacological Study on Wild Variety of Coccinia indica

The current investigation dealt with pharmacological study of Coccinia indica (wild). For past several years, various medicinal plants were increasingly studied for the treatment of different ailments. The normal variety of C. indica was extensively used for home remedies and household purposes. But the wild variety of C. indica tastes bitter and showed good pharmacological activity. The current study revealed that ABTS assay was shown more scavenging activity than DPPH assay. The methanol extract of C. indica showed effective antioxidant activity than aqueous extract, but the property of anti inflammatory, aqueous extract of showed C. indica showed better anti inflammatory activity.

A Comparative Pharmacognostical Study of Wild and Cultivate Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.)

Background: Amalaki is traditionally used drug in Ayurveda. Fruits of Amalaki is useful for cure of many disorders. On the basis of Desha Bheda (Habitat) two types of Amalaki are available viz., Gramya Phala (Cultivated) and Vanya Phala (Wild). cultivated variety is more often used as it offers gain to the manufacturers in terms of the amount of pulp available. To differentiate wild and cultivated variety through macroscopic, microscopic and powder microscopy this study was carried out. Objective: Present study was aimed to record comparative macroscopic, microscopic and powder microscopy of wild and cultivated varieties of Indian gooseberry. Methods: Authenticated matured fruits of both varieties were collected and macroscopic and microscopic characters were documented. Result: Fruit of wild variety is smaller and strong astringent than cultivated. In transverse section wild variety shows thick cuticle, lesser engaged area of mesocarp, compactly arranged cells and more concentration of fibres, sclereids and silica crystals than cultivated. Conclusion: Fruit of both varieties differ in size, colour and taste. In transverse section both varieties have same cells with some differentiating characters.

COMPARISON OF ANTI-DIABETIC AND ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITY OF WILD AND CULTIVATED VARIETY OF RAUWOLFIA SERPENTINA

Objectives: About 80% of world populations are still dependent on herbal plants. Rauwolfia is also one of the wonder drugs of India, which is used since ancient time. It contains a variety of compounds with antioxidant activity and other health benefits. A wild variety of rauwolfia is became endangered due to indiscriminate use. Hence, its cultivation and collection have been started to complete the demand of rauwolfia. Therefore, the study was designed to evaluate and compare the in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of the wild and cultivated plant of rauwolfia. Methods: The methanolic extract of wild and cultivated plant was subjected to the DPPH and alpha-amylase inhibition activity for antioxidant and antidiabetic activity, respectively. Result: The study revealed that the wild and cultivated variety of Rauwolfia serpentina does not have a significant difference in their antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. Conclusion: On the basis of the in-vitro studies, it can be concluded that cultivated variety of the plant can be used as a substitute for a wild variety of R. serpentina.