Identification of Serk Gene from Bract Derived Embryogenic and Non - Embryogenic Calli of Four Diploid Banana Cultivars from South India

Somatic embryogenesis receptor kinase (SERK) gene is known to be a marker of somatic embryogenesis in several plant species. The present study reported the presence of SERK gene from bract derived embryogenic calli bearing somatic embryos. The analysis of the expression pattern of the SERK gene during embryogenic cell formation and somatic embryogenesis revealed that SERK expression continued during pro embryogenic mass formation. In the present study the amplified product of cDNA from the somatic embryos has molecular size 1459 bp. The non- embryogenic callus also showed the presence of faint bands. In all the samples the amplified product from β - actin primer showed bands of 650 bp with similar intensity in both the embryogenic and non- embryogenic samples.

Host plant resistance to Radopholus similis in a diploid banana hybrid population

The objective of the research was to study the genetics of host plant resistance to Radopholus similis in a diploid banana population. Screening of a hybrid population and determination of the segregation ratios can provide information on the inheritance and number of alleles controlling this trait in banana. The diploid banana hybrid population used was derived by crossing the diploid hybrids TMB2x 6142-1 and TMB2x 8075-7. The diploid banana hybrid population was evaluated with the individual root inoculation method using an R. similis population from Namulonge, Uganda. Of the 81 hybrids evaluated, 37 hybrids were resistant, 13 hybrids were partially resistant and 31 hybrids were susceptible to R. similis. After chi-square analysis, the results indicated that resistance to R. similis is controlled by two dominant genes, A and B, both with additive and interactive effects, whereby recessive bb suppresses dominant A.