Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of tomato genotypes for resistance to root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

Root-knot nematode is a major constraint to tomato cultivation in open and protected structures. Resistance sources need to be continuously identified for combating pathogens affecting the yield. In the present studies, forty-seven genotypes of tomato were evaluated phenotypically along with their genotypic characterization. On the basis of their phenotypic reaction, the genotypes were grouped into four categories viz.: resistant, moderately resistant, susceptible and highly susceptible. Of these genotypes, only five were found to be resistant while forty-two were rated from moderately resistant to highly susceptible. Multiplication of Meloidogyne incognita was greatly reduced (Rf < 1) in resistant genotypes as compared to susceptible genotypes. Root galling index was also very low in resistant genotypes. Using molecular markers, the presence of the Mi-1.2 resistance gene was also confirmed in five resistant genotypes (L-0272, NR-14, L-097, L-0275 and PNR-7). These resistant sources could become a source of germplasm in breeding programs for the development of resistant cultivars.Le nématode à galles est une contrainte majeure à la culture de la tomate dans des structures ouvertes et protégées. Les sources de résistance doivent être identifiées en permanence pour lutter contre les agents pathogènes affectant le rendement. Jusqu’à présent, quarante-sept génotypes de tomate ont été évalués phénotypiquement, de même que leur caractérisation génotypique. Selon leur réaction phénotypique, les génotypes ont été regroupés en quatre catégories : résistant, modérément résistant, sensible et très sensible. Parmi ces génotypes, seuls cinq se sont révélés résistants tandis que quarante-deux ont été classés de modérément résistants à très sensibles. La multiplication de Meloidogyne incognita était fortement réduite (Rf < 1) dans les génotypes résistants par rapport aux génotypes sensibles. L'indice de galles racinaires était également très faible dans les génotypes résistants. À l'aide de marqueurs moléculaires, la présence du gène de résistance Mi-1.2 a également été confirmée dans cinq génotypes résistants (L-0272, NR-14, L-097, L-0275 et PNR-7). Ces sources résistantes pourraient devenir une source de matériel génétique dans les programmes de sélection pour le dévelop-pement de cultivars résistants

Management of Root-Knot Nematode with Non-Chemical Methods for Sustainable Production of Cucumber under Protected Cultivation

The multi-faceted benefits of growing crops under protected cultivation are gradually establishing it as a promising technology for vegetable cultivation in India. However, the adoption of successive cropping patterns in soil-based closed structures is leading to the buildup of soil-borne pathogens and pests, which are becoming a major hindrance to the sustainable production of these crops, particularly in the northern plains. Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are a critical threat to protected cultivation and farmers are required to contribute a significant amount of time and money for their management. To reduce the overdependence of chemicals, the present study explored the potential of plant-based by-products as amendments for the management of RKN in cucumbers grown under a plastic greenhouse. A pot trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of different plant-based amendments against nematodes in cucumber plants. The pot trial results revealed that the application of mustard cake (MC) and neem cake (NC) at 1 t ha−1 either alone or as a combined application with farmyard manure (FYM) of 2.5 t ha−1 was effective against RKN infestation, reflecting the improved plant growth parameters of cucumber. Based on the results of the pot trials, treatments with plant-based amendments and FYM i.e., T1: MC 1 t ha−1; T2: NC 1 t ha−1; T3: FYM 2.5 t ha−1; T4: MC 1 t ha−1 + NC 1 t ha−1 + FYM 2.5 t ha−1, along with the treated check carbofuran 3 G 2 kg (a.i.) ha−1 (T5) and untreated check (T6), were evaluated in multi-locational field trials. The results revealed that the combined application of MC 1 t ha−1 + NC 1 tha−1 + FYM 2.5 t ha−1 exhibited promising results in decreasing RKN infestation (56–58%) in all of the three RKN-infested polyhouses, with significantly enhanced yields at all of the three locations. Soil organic carbon also increased significantly in the amended plots, indicating improved soil health. The results of the present work hold good promise for the management of RKN in the protected cultivation of cucumber with an environment friendly approach, along with the additional incentives of improved soil health

Molecular Characterization, Evolutionary Analysis, and Expression Profiling of <i>BOR</i> Genes in Important Cereals

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient of plants. Plants grapple with a narrow range of B between its toxicity and deficiency. B homeostasis mechanism is required to rescue plants from such a quagmire. B transporters are specialized proteins involved in the homeostasis of B. In the present study, a total of 29 BOR genes were identified in five major cereals, including three BORs in each Brachypodium distachyon and Sorghum bicolor, four in Oryza sativa, six in Zea mays, and 13 in Triticum aestivum. Multiple sequence alignments, domain structure analyses, and phylogenetic analysis indicated the conserved nature of the BOR protein family. Duplication events and Ka/Ks analysis of TaBORs showed the role of segmental duplication events and purifying selection in the expansion of the BOR family in T. aestivum. Furthermore, in silico expression and co-expression analyses under biotic and abiotic stress conditions depicted their involvement in combating such conditions. Moreover, qRT-PCR of TaBORs in B treatment suggested the roles of BOR genes in B stress management. The present study hints at the conserved nature of BOR proteins and their different aspects. The study will lay down a way for several crop improvement programs

Wild melon diversity in India (Punjab State)

We present here the first comprehensive genetic characterization of wild melon accessions from northern India. The genetic diversity among 43 wild melon accessions collected from the six agro-ecological regions of the Punjab State of India was assessed by measuring variation at 16 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) loci, morphological traits of plant habit and fruit morphological traits, two yield-associated traits, root nematode resistance and biochemical composition (ascorbic acid, carotenoids, titrable acidity). Variation among accessions was observed in plant habit and fruit traits and wild melon germplasm with high acidity and elevated carotenoid content and possessing resistance to was identified in the collection. A high level of genetic variability in wild melon germplasm was suggested by SSR analysis. Comparative analysis using SSRs of the genetic variability between wild melons from the north and other melons from the south and east regions of India and also reference accessions of cultivated melon from Spain, Japan, Korea, Maldives, Iraq and Israel, showed regional differentiation among Indian melon accessions and that Indian germplasm was not closely related to melon accessions from other parts of the world. A highly drought tolerant accession belonging to var. Naud. was also identified.Anamika Roy was supported by a Fellowship from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). N.P.S. Dhillon was supported by a fellowship for sabbatical stays from the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion, which also funded the research under grants AGL2006-12780-C02-01 and AGL2009-12698-C02-02. We are thankful to numerous students of Punjab Agricultural University for providing help during germplasm collection work and Fuensanta Garcia for technical support. We are grateful to Dr. James D. McCreight and Dr. G.J. Jellis for helpful comments.Roy, A.; Bal, SS.; Fergany, M.; Kaur, S.; Singh, H.; Malik, AA.; Singh, J.... (2012). Wild melon diversity in India (Punjab State). Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 59(5):755-767. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-011-9716-3S755767595Bajaj LK, Kaur G (1981) Spectrophotometric determination of l-ascorbic acid in vegetables and fruits. Analyst 106:17–120Dhillon NPS, Ranjana R, Singh K, Eduardo I, Monforte AJ, Pitrat M, Dhillon NK, Singh PP (2007) Diversity among landraces of Indian snapmelon (Cucumis melo var. momordica). Genet Resour Crop Evol 54:1267–1283Dhillon NPS, Singh J, Fergany M, Monforte AJ, Sureja AK (2009) Phenotypic and molecular diversity among landraces of snapmelon (Cucumis melo var. momordica) adapted to the hot and humid tropics of eastern India. Plant Genet Resour Charact Util 7:291–300Doyle JJ, Doyle JL (1990) Isolation of DNA from fresh tissue. Focus 12:13–15Fergany M, Kaur B, Monforte AJ, Pitrat M, Rys C, Lecoq H, Dhillon NPS, Dhaliwal SS (2011) Variation in melon (Cucumis melo) landraces adapted to the humid tropics of southeren India. Genet Resour Crop Evol 58:225–243Fernandez-Silva I, Eduardo I, Blanca J, Esteras C, Picó B, Nuez F, Arús P, Garcia-Mas J, Monforte AJ (2008) Bin mapping of genomic and EST-derived SSRs in melon (Cucumis melo L.). Theor Appl Genet 118:139–150Garcia-Mas J, Oliver M, Gomez-Paniagua H, DeVicente MC (2000) Comparing AFLP, RAPD and RFLP markers for measuring genetic diversity in melon. Theor Appl Genet 101:860–864Granberry DM, Norton JD (1980) Response of progeny from interspecific cross of Cucumis melo × C. metuliferus to Meloidogyne incognita acrita. J Am Soc Hortic Sci 105:180–183Jeffrey C (1980) A review of the Cucurbitaceae. Bot J Linn Soc 81:233–247Jeffrey C (2001) Cucurbitaceae. In: Hanelt P, Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (eds) Mansfeld’s encyclopedia of agricultural and horticultural crops. Springer, Heidelberg-New York, pp 1510–1557Kirkbride JH (1993) Biosystemetic monograph of the genus Cucumis (Cucurbitaceae): botanical identification of cucumbers and melons. Parkway, Boone, NCLiu K, Muse SV (2005) Powermaker: integrated analysis environment for genetic marker data. Bioinformatics 21:2128–2129Luan F, Delannay I, Staub JE (2008) Chinese melon (Cucumis melo L.) diversity analyses provide strategies for germplasm curation, genetic improvement, and evidentiary support of domestication patterns. Euphytica 164:445–461Monforte AJ, Garcia-Mas J, Arus P (2003) Genetic variability in melon based on microsatellite variation. Plant Breed 122:153–157Monforte AJ, Eduardo I, Abad S, Arus P (2005) Inheritance mode of fruit traits in melon-heterosis for fruit shape and its correlation with genetic distance. Euphytica 144:31–38Morri S, Fujishita N, Momodani Y (1980) Phylogenetic analysis in C. melo based on isozyme polymorphism, with special reference to the relationship between weed melon and cultivated melon. J Jpn Soc Hortic Sci 49:188–189Munger HM, Robinson RW (1991) Nomenclature of Cucumis melo L. Cucurbit Genet Coop 14:43–44Nallathambi P, Umamaheswari C, Samadia DK (2002) Arid cucrbit germplasm as potential source of disease resistance. In: Proceedings international conference on vegetables, November 11–14, 2002, Bangaloree, India, p 20Nei M, Tajima F, Tateno Y (1983) Accuracy of estimated phylogenetic trees from molecular data. II. Gene frequency data. J Mol Evol 19:153–170Pandey A, Tomer AK, Bhandari DC, Pareek SK (2008) Towards collection of wild relatives of crop plants in India. Genet Resour Crop Evol 55:187–202Pareek OP, Samadia DK (2002) Promising indigenous cucurbit varieties. Indian Hortic 47:15–18Pitrat M, Hanelt P, Hammer K (2000) Some comments on infraspecific classification of cultivars of melon. Acta Hortic 510:29–36Sebastian P, Schaefer H, Telford IRH, Renner SS (2010) Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and melon (C. melo) have numerous wild relatives in Asia and Australia, and the sister species of melon is from Australia. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 107:14269–14273Sehgal JL, Mandal DK, Mandal C, Vadivelu S (1992) Agroecological regions of India. National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land use Planning (ICAR), Nagpur, IndiaStepansky A, Kovalski I, Perl-Treves R (1999) Intraspecific classification of melons (Cucumis melo L.) in view of their phenotypic and molecular variation. Plant Syst Evol 217:313–332Tamura K, Dudley J, Nei M, Kumar S (2007) MEGA4: molecular evolutionary genetics analysis (MEGA) software version 4.0. Mol Biol Evol 24:1596–1599Taylor AL, Droplan VH, Martin GC (1955) Perineal pattern of root knot nematodes. Phytopathology 45:26–34Thomas P, Joshi MR (1977) Total carotenoids. Potato Res 20:7

Validation of a Short Questionnaire in English and French for Use in Patients with Persistent Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms Despite Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy: The Pass (Proton Pump Inhibitor Acid Suppression Symptom) Test

BACKGROUND: The management of persistent symptoms during acid suppression therapy in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease or dyspepsia might be improved if patient-physician communication regarding the presence and character of these persistent symptoms were facilitated

Analysis of Outcomes in Ischemic vs Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation A Report From the GARFIELD-AF Registry

IMPORTANCE Congestive heart failure (CHF) is commonly associated with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF), and their combination may affect treatment strategies and outcomes