Assessment of the genetic diversity among oily spot (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae) pathogen of pomegranate by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important fruit crop of India and other subtropical countries. Bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Punicae is becoming a major threat in Maharashtra as well as other states of India. It causes yield losses up to the extent of 80 – 90 %. This study aims to the collection of 7 strains (X. axonopodis) and utilized for assessment of genetic diversity by using RAPD markers. Whereas 7 strains of X. axonopodis were differentiated and distinguished into seven major region representing Malegaon, Nampur, Satana, Khakurdi, Ramnagar, Rahuri and Nashik region. However the genetic similarity within 7strains of X. axonopodis was ranged between 72.72-100 %. Similarly the genetic relationship of strains X. axonopodis was also established and showed 72.72 %, 72.72 %, 72.72 % 92.30%, 94.11% and 100 % similarity with region of Malegaon, Nampur, Satana, Khakurdi, Ramnagar, Rahuri and Nashik region. Average polymorphism in strains of X. axanopodis based on RAPD analysis was 84.095 %. The combine data analysis by using UPGMA method also revealed the two distinct groups representing seven strains of X. axonopodis and in first group M1 and second group R4 and subgroup RH6, N2, NS7, S3, K5, these genotypes were present respectively. Considering predominance and economic loss caused by X. axonopodis pv. punicae in pomegranate, it is an essential to undertake preliminary work on characterization of this pathogen at the molecular level

UTILIZATION OF UNSERVICEABLE STRAWBERRIES FOR PRODUCTION OF ELLAGIC ACID AND ITS ENHANCEMENT BY ASPERGILLUS NIGER

Objective: Use of Aspergillus Niger (616) for the fabrication of ellagic acid from unserviceable strawberry as a substrate which is readily and chiefly available from Agro-industries and farm waste.Methods: The ellagic acid content was determined by HPLC method which shows a higher concentration of ellagic acid (143.085+1.669 ppm) after fermentation of 96 h at 35 °C. DPPH assay was carried out for antioxidant activity of ellagic acid.Results: Results designated that ellagic acid has higher antioxidant activity as compared with ascorbic acid.Conclusion: Existing study exposes that this agro waste and farm waste can be used at commercially for the production of ellagic acid which has enormous medicinal properties.Keywords: Ellagic acid, Raw strawberry, DPPH assay, Aspergillus Niger, Fermentation, and HPL