Assessment of genetic diversity in quality protein maize (QPM) lines using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers

Maize is a primary source of energy supplement and can contribute up to 30% protein, 60% energy and 90% starch in an animal’s diet. In the present investigation, 48 microsatellite markers, spread across the maize genome were used for analyzing genetic diversity among the sixty three quality protein maize (QPM) lines, including lines developed in India and CIMMYT, Mexico. Polymorphic profiles for 37 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci aided in differentiating the QPM inbred lines. Using SSR procedures, the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to six, giving a total of 151 alleles for the 37 SSR loci. The genotypes were grouped into different clusters using NTSYSpc2.11 programme. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value was found to be highest for the primers bnlg1401, bnlg2136, bnlg1633 and umc 1357 (0.96) while the lowest value was for the primer umc 1656 (0.75) with the mean value of 0.48. From this study, the inbred line CML 142(w) is to give better combinations with CML 172, CM 161, CML 163, CLQRCYQ 281, CML 121, HQPM 5, HQPM 7, CML165 and CML 161 × CML 165 for the development of hybrids suitable for India.Key words: QPM, SSR, cluster analysis

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from leaf explants of Rumex vesicarius L.

An attempt was made to study the somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from the in vitro leaf explants of Rumex vesicarius L. a renowned medicinal plant, which belongs to polygonaceae family. Effective in vitro regeneration of R. vesicarius was achieved via young leaf derived somatic embryo cultures. Embryogenic callus was induced from leaf explants on Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) medium supplemented with various concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) (0.5 to 3.0 mg/l) along with Kinetin (Kn) (0.5 mg/l). High frequency of somatic embryogenesis was effective on SH medium with 2, 4-D (2.5 mg/l) + Kn (0.5 mg/l) from leaf explants. Secondary somatic embryogenesis was also observed when primary somatic embryos were subculture on the same somatic embryo induction medium. Well developed cotyledonary shaped embryos regenerate 80% of shoots on media containing 2,4-D 0.5 mg/l + 2.0 mg/l BA. The regenerated shoots transferred to rooting media containing Indole- 3- butyric acid (IBA). Efficient rooting of 90% was noted on SH media with 1.0 mg/l IBA. Finally, these in vitro regenerated plantlets were hardened, acclimatized and successfully transferred to the field. The post transplantation survival rate of these regenerated plants was 65 to 70%. The in vitro regenerated plants and flowers were similar to mother plants. This protocol will be useful for genetic transformation experiments in R. vesicarius L.Keywords: Rumex vesicarius L, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), kinetin (Kn), Benzyl adenine (BA),  Indole- 3- butyric acid (IBA).African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(45) 4268-427

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