Marker-trait association in selected Nigerian mini-core pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] accessions using SCoT markers

The pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is a popular leguminous plant in the Fabaceae family. Its low yield is a major challenge in Nigeria with no improved varieties developed. The identification of markers linked to agronomical traits will accelerate agronomic yield improvements in pigeonpea. Hence, the study was conducted to identify SCoT markers associated with important agronomic traits within selected Nigerian pigeonpea lines. A total of 52 Nigerian pigeonpea were phenotyped for vegetative and yield traits. DNA was extracted from sampled accessions and evaluated with SCoT markers. Marker performance and association to agronomic traits were evaluated. The coefficient of variation (CoV) varied with agronomical traits, ranging from leaflet length (CoV = 15.77) to tertiary branches (CoV = 155.23). Broad sense heritability was high for all traits (H2 > 75%) except for the number of seeds per pod (H2 = 9.13%). Genetic advances ranged from 0.65 in leaflet width to 106.65 in pod number. Only seeds per pod showed more environmental variance than the genetic variance. SCoT markers showed 100% polymorphism with average Polymorphic Information Content values > 0.6. The effective marker ratio also ranged between 1.50 in SCoT-3 to 45.38 in SCoT-2. The cumulated phenotypic variance explained by associated markers ranged between 9.11% in 100 seed weight to 44.7% in leaflet width. Some markers were associated with more than one agronomic trait. These markers can be harnessed for their potential application in pigeonpea improvement programmes

Effects of daily intake of beetroot juice on blood glucose and hormones in young healthy subjects

Background: Hyperglycaemia occurs due to alteration in carbohydrate, fat or protein metabolism and hormones may be implicated. Millions of people now use medicinal plants to treat this condition.Objectives: To determine the potential hypoglycaemic properties of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris).Methods: Thirty subjects: (Eighteen males and twelve females) aged 19-29 years, BMI ≤ 25 received 10% Beetroot juice daily. The juice was administered after overnight fast (Phase I), daily for six weeks (Phase II) and two weeks wash out (Phase III). Serum glucose, cortisol, insulin and C-peptide were evaluated.Results: While the plasma glucose was significantly (p<0.05) reduced, serum C-peptide and insulin were down regulated with a concomitant increase in cortisol in the phase II compared to other phases.Conclusion: Daily consumption of 10% Beetroot juice reduced blood glucose which may be beneficial to diabetics and this is supported by the levels of Insulin, cortisol and C-peptide.Keywords: Beetroot , C-peptide, Glycaemic response, Insulin, Cortis