FORMULATION AND IN-VITRO EVALUATION GASTRORETENTIVE DRUG DELIVERY OF TINIDAZOLE

The aim of the current study was to design oral controlled release gastro-retentive drug delivery of Tinidazole. that are designed to retain in the stomach for a long time and have developed as a Local drug delivery system for better eradication of Helicobacter Pylori in peptic ulcer diseases. Tablets were prepared by direct compression and evaluated for evaluated for various physical parameters, Hardness, friability, drug Content, floating ability, Lag time, Swelling Index studies, and in vitro dissolution parameters as well as kinetics of release were assessed.  Factorial design for 2 factors at 3 levels each was employed to systematically optimize drug release profile and Floating Behaviour. Sodium Alginate and Hydroxy Propyl Metheyl Celluiose (HPMC K15M) were taken as the independent variables. Response surface plots and contour plots were drawn.Compressed tablets exhibited zero order drug release kinetics, resulting in regulated and complete release until 12 hours. Polynomial mathematical models, generated for various response variables using multiple linear regression analysis, were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05).Both the polymers had significant effect on the release profiles of the tablets, Besides unraveling the effect of the 2 factors on the various response variables, the study helped in finding the optimum Formulation ‘F4’ with Floating Lag Time (20 sec.) and having controlled release upto 12 hours (99.47%). Meanwhile, sustained profiles of drug release were also obtained.  In general, these systems can float in the gastric conditions and control the drug release from the tablets

Genome-wide association study uncovers genomic regions associated with grain iron, zinc and protein content in pearl millet

Pearl millet hybrids biofortified with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) promise to be part of a long-term strategy to combat micronutrient malnutrition in the arid and semi-arid tropical (SAT) regions of the world. Biofortification through molecular breeding is the way forward to achieving a rapid trait-based breeding strategy. This genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) for Fe, Zn, and protein content (PC) for enhanced biofortification breeding. A diverse panel of 281 advanced inbred lines was evaluated for Fe, Zn, and PC over two seasons. Phenotypic evaluation revealed high variability (Fe: 32–120 mg kg−1, Zn: 19–87 mg kg−1, PC: 8–16%), heritability (hbs2 ≥ 90%) and significantly positive correlation among Fe, Zn and PC (P = 0.01), implying concurrent improvement. Based on the Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) seq assay, 58,719 highly informative SNPs were filtered for association mapping. Population structure analysis showed six major genetic groups (K = 6). A total of 78 MTAs were identified, of which 18 were associated with Fe, 43 with Zn, and 17 with PC. Four SNPs viz., Pgl04_64673688, Pgl05_135500493, Pgl05_144482656, and Pgl07_101483782 located on chromosomes Pgl04 (1), Pgl05 (2) and Pgl07 (1), respectively were co-segregated for Fe and Zn. Promising genes, ‘Late embryogenesis abundant protein’, ‘Myb domain’, ‘pentatricopeptide repeat’, and ‘iron ion binding’ coded by 8 SNPs were identified. The SNPs/genes identified in the present study presents prospects for genomics assisted biofortification breeding in pearl millet

Comparative transcriptome analysis identified candidate genes for late leaf spot resistance and cause of defoliation in groundnut

Late leaf spot (LLS) caused by fungus Nothopassalora personata in groundnut is responsible for up to 50% yield loss. To dissect the complex nature of LLS resistance, comparative transcriptome analysis was performed using resistant (GPBD 4), susceptible (TAG 24) and a resistant introgression line (ICGV 13208) and identified a total of 12,164 and 9954 DEGs (differentially expressed genes) respectively in A- and B-subgenomes of tetraploid groundnut. There were 135 and 136 unique pathways triggered in A- and B-subgenomes, respectively, upon N. personata infection. Highly upregulated putative disease resistance genes, an RPP-13 like (Aradu.P20JR) and a NBS-LRR (Aradu.Z87JB) were identified on chromosome A02 and A03, respectively, for LLS resistance. Mildew resistance Locus (MLOs)-like proteins, heavy metal transport proteins, and ubiquitin protein ligase showed trend of upregulation in susceptible genotypes, while tetratricopeptide repeats (TPR), pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR), chitinases, glutathione S-transferases, purple acid phosphatases showed upregulation in resistant genotypes. However, the highly expressed ethylene responsive factor (ERF) and ethylene responsive nuclear protein (ERF2), and early responsive dehydration gene (ERD) might be related to the possible causes of defoliation in susceptible genotypes. The identified disease resistance genes can be deployed in genomics-assisted breeding for development of LLS resistant cultivars to reduce the yield loss in groundnut

Challenges and solutions for enhancing agriculture value chain decision-making. A short review

© IFIP International Federation for Information Processing 2017. Increasingly challenging global and environmental requirements have resulted in agricultural systems coming under increasing pressure to enhance their resilience capabilities. This in special to respond to the abrupt changes in resource quality, quantity and availability, especially during unexpected environmental circumstances, such as uncertain weather, pests and diseases, volatile market conditions and commodity prices. Therefore, integrated solutions are necessary to support the knowledge-management, collaborative ICT solution, risk management and regulation management across agriculture stakeholders. Therefore, and based on the on-going work under the H2020 RUC-APS project research network, this book chapter is oriented to contribute to agriculture value chain decision-making field to cover the current need on gathering a common understanding and appreciation of new trends in agriculture value chain, in special the multi-disciplinary challenges. For this, a short a literature review is conducted to summarise the main findings on real application and current research trends. This within the objective to propose an integrated framework based on better use of communication ways, standardised structures, development of training and awareness, regulation based initiatives and vertical Integration

Genetic mapping for grain quality and yield-attributed traits in Basmati rice using SSR-based genetic map

Rice grain shape and nutritional quality traits have high economic value for commercial production of rice and largely determine the market price, besides influencing the global food demand for high-quality rice. Detection, mapping and exploitation of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with kernel elongation and grain quality in Basmati rice is considered as an efficient strategy for improving the kernel elongation and grain quality trait in rice varieties. Genetic information in rice for most of these traits is scanty and needed interventions through the use of molecular markers. A recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population consisting of 130 lines generated from the cross involving Basmati 370, a superior quality Basmati variety and Pusa Basmati 1121, a Basmati derived variety were used to map the QTLs for 9 important grain quality and yield related traits. Correlation studies showed that various components of yield show a significant positive relationship with grain yield. A genetic map was constructed using 70 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers spanning a genetic distance of 689.3 cM distributed over 12 rice chromosomes. Significant variation was observed and showed transgressive segregation for grain quality traits in RIL population. A total of 20 QTLs were identified associated with nine yield and quality traits. Epistatic interactions were also identified for grain quality related traits indicating complex genetic nature inheritance. Therefore, the identified QTLs and flanking marker information could be utilized in the marker-assisted selection to improve kernel elongation and nutritional grain quality traits in rice varieties

Nested‐association mapping (NAM)‐based genetic dissection uncovers candidate genes for seed and pod weights in peanut ( Arachis hypogaea )

Multiparental genetic mapping populations such as nested-association mapping (NAM) havegreat potential for investigating quantitative traits and associated genomic regions leading torapid discovery of candidate genes and markers. To demonstrate the utility and power of thisapproach, two NAM populations, NAM_Tifrunner and NAM_Florida-07, were used for dissectinggenetic control of 100-pod weight (PW) and 100-seed weight (SW) in peanut. Two high-densitySNP-based genetic maps were constructed with 3341 loci and 2668 loci for NAM_Tifrunner andNAM_Florida-07, respectively. The quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis identified 12 and 8major effect QTLs for PW and SW, respectively, in NAM_Tifrunner, and 13 and 11 major effectQTLs for PW and SW, respectively, in NAM_Florida-07. Most of the QTLs associated with PW andSW were mapped on the chromosomes A05, A06, B05 and B06. A genomewide associationstudy (GWAS) analysis identified 19 and 28 highly significant SNP–trait associations (STAs) inNAM_Tifrunner and 11 and 17 STAs in NAM_Florida-07 for PW and SW, respectively. Thesesignificant STAs were co-localized, suggesting that PW and SW are co-regulated by severalcandidate genes identified on chromosomes A05, A06, B05, and B06. This study demonstratesthe utility of NAM population for genetic dissection of complex traits and performing high-resolution trait mapping in peanut

Whole‐genome resequencing‐based QTL ‐seq identified candidate genes and molecular markers for fresh seed dormancy in groundnut

The subspecies fastigiata of cultivated groundnut lost fresh seed dormancy (FSD) during domestication and human‐made selection. Groundnut varieties lacking FSD experience precocious seed germination during harvest imposing severe losses. Development of easy‐to‐use genetic markers enables early‐generation selection in different molecular breeding approaches. In this context, one recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population (ICGV 00350 × ICGV 97045) segregating for FSD was used for deploying QTL‐seq approach for identification of key genomic regions and candidate genes. Whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) data (87.93 Gbp) were generated and analysed for the dormant parent (ICGV 97045) and two DNA pools (dormant and nondormant). After analysis of resequenced data from the pooled samples with dormant parent (reference genome), we calculated delta‐SNP index and identified a total of 10,759 genomewide high‐confidence SNPs. Two candidate genomic regions spanning 2.4 Mb and 0.74 Mb on the B05 and A09 pseudomolecules, respectively, were identified controlling FSD. Two candidate genes—RING‐H2 finger protein and zeaxanthin epoxidase—were identified in these two regions, which significantly express during seed development and control abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation. QTL‐seq study presented here laid out development of a marker, GMFSD1, which was validated on a diverse panel and could be used in molecular breeding to improve dormancy in groundnut

Functional Biology and Molecular Mechanisms of Host-Pathogen Interactions for Aflatoxin Contamination in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and Maize (Zea mays L.)

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by soilborne saprophytic fungus Aspergillus flavus and closely related species that infect several agricultural commodities including groundnut and maize. The consumption of contaminated commodities adversely affects the health of humans and livestock. Aflatoxin contamination also causes significant economic and financial losses to producers. Research efforts and significant progress have been made in the past three decades to understand the genetic behavior, molecular mechanisms, as well as the detailed biology of host-pathogen interactions. A range of omics approaches have facilitated better understanding of the resistance mechanisms and identified pathways involved during host-pathogen interactions. Most of such studies were however undertaken in groundnut and maize. Current efforts are geared toward harnessing knowledge on hostpathogen interactions and crop resistant factors that control aflatoxin contamination. This study provides a summary of the recent progress made in enhancing the understanding of the functional biology and molecular mechanisms associated with host-pathogen interactions during aflatoxin contamination in groundnut and maize

Improved Genetic Map Identified Major QTLs for Drought Tolerance- and Iron Deficiency Tolerance-Related Traits in Groundnut

A deep understanding of the genetic control of drought tolerance and iron deficiency tolerance is essential to hasten the process of developing improved varieties with higher tolerance through genomics-assisted breeding. In this context, an improved genetic map with 1205 loci was developed spanning 2598.3cM with an average 2.2cM distance between loci in the recombinant inbred line (TAG 24 � ICGV 86031) population using high-density 58K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) “Axiom_Arachis” array. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was performed using extensive phenotyping data generated for 20 drought tolerance- and two iron deficiency tolerance-related traits from eight seasons (2004–2015) at two locations in India, one in Niger, and one in Senegal. The genome-wide QTL discovery analysis identified 19 major main-effect QTLs with 10.0–33.9% phenotypic variation explained (PVE) for drought tolerance- and iron deficiency tolerance- related traits. Major main-effect QTLs were detected for haulm weight (20.1% PVE), SCMR (soil plant analytical development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter reading, 22.4% PVE), and visual chlorosis rate (33.9% PVE). Several important candidate genes encoding glycosyl hydrolases; malate dehydrogenases; microtubule-associated proteins; and transcription factors such as MADS-box, basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), NAM, ATAF, and CUC (NAC), and myeloblastosis (MYB) were identified underlying these QTL regions. The putative function of these genes indicated their possible involvement in plant growth, development of seed and pod, and photosynthesis under drought or iron deficiency conditions in groundnut. These genomic regions and candidate genes, after validation, may be useful to develop molecular markers for deploying genomics-assisted breeding for enhancing groundnut yield under drought stress and iron-deficient soil conditions

Genotyping-by-sequencing based genetic mapping reveals large number of epistatic interactions for stem rot resistance in groundnut

Key message Genetic mapping identified large number of epistatic interactions indicating the complex genetic architecture for stem rot disease resistance. Abstract Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is an important global crop commodity and serves as a major source of cooking oil, diverse confectionery preparations and livestock feed. Stem rot disease caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is the most devastating disease of groundnut and can cause up to 100% yield loss. Genomic-assisted breeding (GAB) has potential for accelerated development of stem rot resistance varieties in short period with more precision. In this context, linkage analysis and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping for resistance to stem rot disease was performed in a bi-parental recombinant inbred line population developed from TG37A (susceptible) × NRCG-CS85 (resistant) comprising of 270 individuals. Genotyping-by-sequencing approach was deployed to generate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping data leading to development of a genetic map with 585 SNP loci spanning map distance of 2430 cM. QTL analysis using multi-season phenotyping and genotyping data could not detect any major main-effect QTL but identified 44 major epistatic QTLs with phenotypic variation explained ranging from 14.32 to 67.95%. Large number interactions indicate the complexity of genetic architecture of resistance to stem rot disease. A QTL of physical map length 5.2 Mb identified on B04 comprising 170 different genes especially leucine reach repeats, zinc finger motifs and ethyleneresponsive factors, etc., was identified. The identified genomic regions and candidate genes will further validate and facilitate marker development to deploy GAB for developing stem rot disease resistance groundnut varieties