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Not AvailableThe present study was carried out to identify low grain phytate containing pearl millet parental lines amongst advanced inbred lines and designated B-line (counterpart of CMS lines) . A total number of 92 lines (46 each of inbreds and designated B line) were grown in a randomized block design with two replications during kharif-2013 and 33 selected (14 inbreds and 19 designated B-lines) from kharif-2013 were grown in kharif-2014 as well. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences between the tested genotypes during both the seasons. the phytate content varied from 4.45 to 6.80 mg/g and 1.31 to 6.19 mg/g during kharif-2013 in advanced inbred lines and designated B-lines respectively. Almost similar results were observed during kharif-2014, except the like with 1.31 mg/g phytate content during kharif-2013 was not stable and in kharif -2014, the phytate content for this line was 6.87 mg/g. Since none of the genotype screened showed low phytate content, therefore a large number of breeding lines are needed to be tested to know their genetic potential for low phytate.Not Availabl

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Exploitation of pearl millet germplasm for identification of low grain phytate containing parental line

The present study was carried out to identify low grain phytate containing pearl millet parental lines amongst advanced inbred lines and designated B-line (counterpart of CMS lines) . A total number of 92 lines (46 each of inbreds and designated B line) were grown in a randomized block design with two replications during kharif-2013 and 33 selected (14 inbreds and 19 designated B-lines) from kharif-2013 were grown in kharif-2014 as well. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences between the tested genotypes during both the seasons. the phytate content varied from 4.45 to 6.80 mg/g and 1.31 to 6.19 mg/g during kharif-2013 in advanced inbred lines and designated B-lines respectively. Almost similar results were observed during kharif-2014, except the like with 1.31 mg/g phytate content during kharif-2013 was not stable and in kharif -2014, the phytate content for this line was 6.87 mg/g. Since none of the genotype screened showed low phytate content, therefore a large number of breeding lines are needed to be tested to know their genetic potential for low phytate

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Not AvailableFlag leaves play an important role in synthesis and translocation of photo-assimilates in the pearl millet plant, affecting grain yield; similarly it was believed to be a major source of remobilizing micronutrients (Fe and Zn) for the seeds. At the same time, the seed’s sink strength plays an important role in dry matter accumulation. To investigate the relative contribution of pearl millet flag leaves to protein, micronutrient (Fe and Zn) and phytate accumulation, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of flag leaf removal on grain test weight (1000 grain weight), protein, micronutrients (Fe and Zn) and Phytate deposition in developing grains of two pearl millet cultivars viz. HC 20 and WHC 901-445. Flag leaf was removed on anthesis. Major effect of flag leaf removal was observed on test weight and protein content. A reduction of 10-12 % in test weight and 4-6 % in protein content was recorded in flag leaf removed plants than that of control plants. No significant reduction was observed in both the micronutrients (Fe and Zn), while phytate content behaved cultivar specific, a significant reduction was observed in HC 20 while it was unaffected in WHC 901-445. Perusal, a significant reduction was observed in all the nutrients in respect of test weight basis. From this investigation it is concluded that flag leaf plays vital role in grain maturation i.e. in supply of carbohydrate and protein fractions while might have limited role in micronutrient remobilization and transportation to developing grains in pearl millet.Not Availabl

Nitrogen metabolism enzymes activity in flag leaf and roots of pearl millet during grain development stage

Nitrate reductase (NR), Glutamine synthatase (GS), Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and Aspartate aminotransaminase (AspAT) were assayed in flag leaves and roots of four pearl millet genotypes, started from ear emergence till grain maturity at four days intervals. All enzymes showed higher activities in flag leaf than that of roots irrespective of growth stage and genotypes. A slight increase in flag leaf NR, GS and AspAT activity till anthesis started decreasing while GDH increased till 12 days after anthesis (DAA) and almost constant till 18 DAA and then started decreasing. While in roots a steep declining trend was observed in NR, GS and AspAT and reached to almost non-detectable level till maturity while GDH increased up to 6 DAA and then decreased sharply irrespective of the genotypes. The almost stable GDH activity and decreasing trend in NR, GS and AspAT suggested that re-assimilation of amino nitrogen takes place in flag leaf instead of direct assimilation from the roots for nitrogen deposition in pearl millet developing grains

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Not AvailableIn order to survive, plants must adapt to abiotic stress like drought, temperature, high- salinity etc. The study of plant responses to abiotic stress is one of the most active research thrust in plant biology, not only due to its indisputable academic interest, but also because of its practical implications in agriculture, since abiotic stress (mainly drought, high & low temperature and soil salinity) is the major cause for the reduction in crop yields worldwide. Studies on abiotic stress response in model systems, like in Arabidopsis, have only allowed to describe basic molecular mechanisms of stress responses viz. osmotic balance regulation, ion homeostasis, activation of antioxidant systems and protective metabolites synthesis, etc. However, in majority of cases, these responses, could not lead to abiotic stress tolerance. Indeed, like Arabidopsis, almost all the important crop plants are somewhat susceptible to abiotic stresses, while some specialized plants groups like halophytes, gypsophytes, xerophytes etc. are tolerant to drastic abiotic stress conditions in their natural habitats. Although, both tolerant and susceptible may share the same molecular response, Therefore, the mechanisms of response operating in stress tolerant taxa can be expected to be more effective than those of non-tolerant species. Consequently, comparative studies of genetically related, stress tolerant and stress sensitive naturally occurring species under natural habitat are gaining increasing attention because of their potential for understanding stress tolerance mechanisms. These quantitative differences might be dependent on, and modulated by the edafo-climatic properties and their spatial and temporal changes of the habitat, where plants develop. Therefore, the abiotic stress response studies on non-tolerant model under in-vitro conditions allows a stricter experimental control but do not reflect the natural atmosphere of the plants. Therefore, the studies on abiotic stress response of tolerant plants under their natural habitat may contribute to our understanding on abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms, providing complementary information to that obtained from more common studies with non-tolerant model species and laboratory or greenhouse artificial conditions.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableSuperoxide dismutases (SODs) are ubiquitous metallo-enzymes that constitute the first line of defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS). They constitute one of the major enzymatic components of detoxi?cation of superoxide radicals generated in biological system by catalyzing its dismutation to H2O2 and finally to H2O and O2. Most plant species contain numerous SOD isoforms differing in their active site metal ions. In the present investigation, we have attempted to identify variability in superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) isoform pattern of 13 coconut genotypes comprising six talls, five dwarfs along with two reciprocal hybrids of WCT (Tall) with COD (Dwarf). Among the genotypes studied, a significant variation was observed in SOD enzyme activity as well as in SOD isoforms pattern. A total of eight to fourteen SOD isoforms were detected in different coconut cultivars. The variation was observed only in Mn-SOD isoforms while Fe-SOD (two) and Cu/Zn-SOD (five) isoforms were similar in all the analyzed cultivars. Mn-SOD isoforms varied from one to five in numbers. Among the tall cultivars, WCT, FMST and WCT X COD showed highest number (five) of Mn-SOD isoforms as well as highest enzymatic activity followed by LCT while TPT, PHOT and ADOT showed only single isoform for Mn-SOD. All dwarfs studied were found to have similar SOD isozyme profile for all SODs i.e. one Mn-SOD, five Cu/Zn-SOD and two Fe-SOD isoforms. It was also observed that Mn-SOD does not follow the Mendelian pattern of inheritance i.e. reciprocal crosses showed MnSOD isoform pattern similar to their mother palm. SOD activity and isoform pattern can be utilized as a biochemical marker for varietal identification and for abiotic stress/drought tolerance breeding.Not Availabl

GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF NEAR-SURFACE SOIL MOISTURE TIME SERIES DATA OVER INDIAN REGION

The present study has developed the time series database surface soil moisture over India, for June, July and August months for the period of 20 years from 1991 to 2010, using data products generated under Climate Change Initiative Programme of European Space Agency. These three months represent the crop sowing period in the prime cropping season in the country and the soil moisture data during this period is highly useful to detect the drought conditions and assess the drought impact. The time series soil moisture data which is in 0.25 degree spatial resolution was analyzed to generate different indicators. Rainfall data of same spatial resolution for the same period, generated by India Meteorological Department was also procured and analyzed. Geospatial analysis of soil moisture and rainfall derived indicators was carried out to study (1) inter annual variability of soil moisture and rainfall, (2) soil moisture deviations from normal during prominent drought years, (3) soil moisture and rainfall correlations and (4) drought exposure based on soil moisture and rainfall variability. The study has successfully demonstrated the potential of these soil moisture time series data sets for generating regional drought surveillance information products, drought hazard mapping, drought exposure analysis and detection of drought sensitive areas in the crop planting period

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Not AvailableThe bioactive compounds, total antioxidant activity and minerals in white, pink and red flesh guava varieties were assessed and quantified at three different stages of maturity in arid conditions. Changes in pectin content followed similar trend as fruit firmness and it gradually decreased till ripe stage. Total soluble solids and total sugars increased till full ripe stage but reverse was case for acidity. Ascorbic acid in white flesh guava varieties increased till colour turning stage and then after it decreased, while in coloured varieties it showed decreasing trend till ripe stage. White flesh varieties contains negligible quantity of anthocyanin, lycopene and total carotenoid while pink flesh (Lalit) had highest concentration of these compound followed by red flesh (Red flesh). Total phenols and total antioxidant activities of guava fruits were comparatively low during green mature stage and it increased progressively in later stages. Flesh colour did not show any definite pattern on phenolic content and total antioxidant activities. Phenols was recorded highest in Allahabad Safeda, while total antioxidant activities in Lalit. Stage of maturation showed variable changes in mineral contents in guava varieties. It can be inferred from the present study that the remarkable metabolic changes occur between mature green to colour turning stage.Not Availabl

Water hyacinth biomass valorization: fostering biodiversity and sustainable development in the bioeconomy

A shift towards using sustainable energy resources in the form of bioenergy, generated using biomass, has been currently the main focus of developing economies around the globe. Biomass is the main resource of the bioeconomy, yet the current biomass supply chain for different green initiatives is frequently unsustainable, not economically viable in the long run, or simply unavailable and non-diverse. An ideal component of bioeconomy should be present all across the globe all year round to facilitate a viable supply-demand cycle with high biodiversity and availability. One such resource is a unique floating invasive aquatic weed, Water Hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes). It is one of the most invasive aquatic weeds having a global presence due to its high proliferation rate and high adaptability to different environmental conditions across the globe. Water hyacinth biomass is nutrient-rich and can be a great source of lignocellulosic biomass to be used as feed material for biofuel and/or bioenergy production, as a major component of bioeconomy, among other applications. The problem, at present, is there is a lack of sustainable use options for the water hyacinth biomass, and it is often seen as an infestation more than a potential solution, frequently dumped near the infested water bodies after extraction or controlled using chemical methods. The rapid release of ammonia and other foul-smelling substances from this rotting biomass causes local nuisance. This rich source of biomass is thus presently highly under-utilized and under-managed. Biochemical, thermochemical, and physio-chemical conversion of water hyacinth biomass could solve multi-dimensional problems of current bioeconomic challenges. Encompassing the biodiversity and availability of such a resource is critically important through successful collection, treatment, and sustainable utilization. Water hyacinths can provide answers to the growing biomass demand for bioenergy production. Such waste-to-wealth initiatives foster a green bioeconomy and substantially contribute to sustainable development goals