National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology

Alkaline proteases have several applications in various industries. In this study, alkaline proteases from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TBRC 2902 , B. siamensis TBRC 1180 , B. subtilis TBRC 6663, and B. velezensis TBRC 7773 were characterized. The production of extracellular protease activity was optimal using tapioca starch as the carbon source for TBRC 2902 and TBRC 1180, and soluble starch for TBRC 7773, whereas both carbon sources were optimal for TBRC 6663. Yeast extract was the optimal organic nitrogen source for all the strains. Skim milk was an equally effective alternative organic nitrogen source for TBRC 2902, TBRC 1180, and TBRC 7773, whereas soytone was as effective as yeast extract for TBRC 6663. To enhance the alkaline protease activity by 10-20%, inorganic nitrogen sources are essential for certain strains including TBRC 2902 and TBRC 1180, which require diammonium hydrogen phosphate and potassium nitrate, respectively. The B. siamensis TBRC 1180 alkaline protease exhibited optimal pH and temperature values of 9.0 and 60°C, respectively, whereas the enzymes from the other strains showed lower optimal pH and temperature values of 8.0 and 50°C, respectively. All enzymes exhibited tolerance to non-ionic surfactants, with more than 40% relative activity remaining when exposed to Triton X-100, Tween-20, and Tween-80 for 24 hours, indicating the potential application of these enzymes as detergent additives.

The essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens (rose-scented geranium), an important aromatic plant, comprising mainly mono- and sesqui-terpenes, has applications in food and cosmetic industries. This study reports the characterization of isoprenyl disphosphate synthases (IDSs) involved in P. graveolens terpene biosynthesis. The six identified PgIDSs belonged to different classes of IDSs, comprising homomeric geranyl diphosphate synthases (GPPSs; PgGPPS1 and PgGPPS2), the large subunit of heteromeric GPPS or geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthases (GGPPSs; PgGGPPS), the small subunit of heteromeric GPPS (PgGPPS.SSUI and PgGPPS.SSUII), and farnesyl diphosphate synthases (FPPS; PgFPPS).All IDSs exhibited maximal expression in glandular trichomes (GTs), the site of aroma formation, and their expression except PgGPPS.SSUII was induced upon treatment with MeJA. Functional characterization of recombinant proteins revealed that PgGPPS1, PgGGPPS and PgFPPS were active enzymes producing GPP, GGPP/GPP, and FPP respectively, whereas both PgGPPS.SSUs and PgGPPS2 were inactive. Co-expression of PgGGPPS (that exhibited bifunctional G(G)PPS activity) with PgGPPS.SSUs in bacterial expression system showed lack of interaction between the two proteins, however, PgGGPPS interacted with a phylogenetically distant Antirrhinum majus GPPS.SSU. Further, transient expression of AmGPPS.SSU in P. graveolens leaf led to a significant increase in monoterpene levels. These findings provide insight into the types of IDSs and their role in providing precursors for different terpenoid components of P. graveolens essential oil.

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping is used for the precise localization of genomic regions regulating various traits in plants. Two major QTLs regulating Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) value ( qSPAD-7-1 ) and trichome density ( qTric-7-2 ) in mungbean were identified using recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations (PMR-1×Pusa Baisakhi) on chromosome 7. Functional analysis of QTL region identified 35 candidate genes for SPAD value (16 No) and trichome (19 No) traits. The candidate genes regulating trichome density on the dorsal leaf surface of the mungbean include VRADI07G24840, VRADI07G17780 , and VRADI07G15650, which encodes for ZFP6, TFs bHLH DNA-binding superfamily protein, and MYB102, respectively. Also, candidate genes having vital roles in chlorophyll biosynthesis are VRADIO7G29860, VRADIO7G29450 , and VRADIO7G28520 , which encodes for s-adenosyl-L-methionine, FTSHI1 protein, and CRS2-associated factor, respectively. The findings unfolded the opportunity for the development of customized genotypes having high SPAD value and high trichome density having a possible role in yield and mungbean yellow vein mosaic India virus (MYMIV) resistance in mungbean.

Background Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn is a crucial C4 species renowned for its stress robustness and nutritional significance. Because of its adaptability traits, finger millet (ragi) is a storehouse of critical genomic resources for crop improvement. However, more knowledge about this crop’s molecular responses to heat stress needs to be gained. Methods and results In the present study, a comparative RNA sequencing analysis was done in the leaf tissue of the finger millet, between the heat-sensitive (KJNS-46) and heat-tolerant (PES-110) cultivars of Ragi, in response to high temperatures. On average, each sample generated about 24 million reads. Interestingly, a comparison of transcriptomic profiling identified 684 transcripts which were significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) examined between the heat-stressed samples of both genotypes. The heat-induced change in the transcriptome was confirmed by qRT-PCR using a set of randomly selected genes. Pathway analysis and functional annotation analysis revealed the activation of various genes involved in response to stress specifically heat, oxidation-reduction process, water deprivation, and changes in heat shock protein (HSP) and transcription factors, calcium signaling, and kinase signaling. The basal regulatory genes, such as bZIP, were involved in response to heat stress, indicating that heat stress activates genes involved in housekeeping or related to basal regulatory processes. A substantial percentage of the DEGs belonged to proteins of unknown functions (PUFs), i.e., not yet characterized. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of candidate genes, such as HSPs and pathways that can confer tolerance towards heat stress in ragi. These results will provide valuable information to improve the heat tolerance in heat-susceptible agronomically important varieties of ragi and other crops.

Main conclusion The study demonstrated thatArtemisia pallensroots can be a source of terpene-rich essential oil and root-specific ApTPS1 forms germacrene A contributing to major root volatiles. Abstract Davana (Artemisia pallens Bess) is a valuable aromatic herb within the Asteraceae family, highly prized for its essential oil (EO) produced in the aerial parts. However, the root volatile composition, and the genes responsible for root volatiles have remained unexplored until now. Here, we show that A. pallens roots possess distinct oil bodies and yields ~ 0.05% of EO, which is primarily composed of sesquiterpenes β-elemene, neryl isovalerate, β-selinene, and α-selinene, and trace amounts of monoterpenes β-myrcene, D-limonene. This shows that, besides aerial parts, roots of davana can also be a source of unique EO. Moreover, we functionally characterized a terpene synthase (ApTPS1) that exhibited high in silico expression in the root transcriptome. The recombinant ApTPS1 showed the formation of β-elemene and germacrene A with E,E-farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) as a substrate. Detailed analysis of assay products revealed that β-elemene was the thermal rearrangement product of germacrene A. The functional expression of ApTPS1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae confirmed the in vivo germacrene A synthase activity of ApTPS1. At the transcript level, ApTPS1 displayed predominant expression in roots, with significantly lower level of expression in other tissues. This expression pattern of ApTPS1 positively correlated with the tissue-specific accumulation level of germacrene A. Overall, these findings provide fundamental insights into the EO profile of davana roots, and the contribution of ApTPS1 in the formation of a major root volatile.

Yellow mosaic disease (YMD) remains a major constraint in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.)) production; while short-duration genotypes offer multiple crop cycles per year and help in escaping terminal heat stress, especially during summer cultivation. A comprehensive genotyping by sequencing (GBS)-based genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analysis was conducted using 132 diverse mungbean genotypes for traits like flowering time, YMD resistance, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value, trichome density, and leaf area. The frequency distribution revealed a wide range of values for all the traits. GBS studies identified 31,953 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) across all 11 mungbean chromosomes and were used for GWAS. Structure analysis revealed the presence of two genetically distinct populations based on 1K. The linkage disequilibrium (LD) varied throughout the chromosomes and at r2 D 0.2, the mean LD decay was estimated as 39.59 kb. Two statistical models, mixed linear model (MLM) and Bayesian-information and Linkage-disequilibrium Iteratively Nested Keyway (BLINK) identified 44 shared SNPs linked with various candidate genes. Notable candidate genes identified include FPA for flowering time (VRADI10G01470; chr. 10), TIR-NBS-LRR for mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) resistance (VRADI09G06940; chr. 9), E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RIE1 for SPAD value (VRADI07G28100; chr. 11), WRKY family transcription factor for leaf area (VRADI03G06560; chr. 3), and LOB domain-containing protein 21 for trichomes (VRADI06G04290; chr. 6). In-silico validation of candidate genes was done through digital gene expression analysis using Arabidopsis orthologous (compared with Vigna radiata genome). The findings provided valuable insight for marker-assisted breeding aiming for the development of YMD-resistant and early-maturing mungbean varieties.

Research background There is considerable diversity in newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids. Most hybrids showed lower peel thickness and high juice yield but there is a lack of information on fruit quality parameters and molecular characterization. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine the content of antioxidants and properties of the fresh juice of 24 new pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids (Citrus maxima [Burm. f.] Osbeck × Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) and the parental genotypes along with molecular characteristics determined using acidity specific markers. Experimental approach The correlation and estimate of inheritance of the fruit juice properties: ascorbic acid, total phenol, total flavonoid, total antioxidant, total soluble solid and sugar contents, pH, titratable acidity, along with sensory evaluation was performed. Molecular characterization of these hybrids was carried out using de novo generated acidity specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Results and conclusions The main constituents of the fruit juice of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids were observed in the range of w(ascorbic acid)=40.00–58.13 mg/100 g, total phenols expressed as gallic acid equivalents w(GAE)=40.67–107.33 mg/100 g, total antioxidants expressed as Trolox equivalents b(Trolox)=2.03–5.49 µmol/g, total flavonoids expressed as quercetin equivalents w(QE)=23.67–59.33 mg/100 g, along with other properties: total soluble solids=7.33–11.33 %, w(total sugar)=2.10–5.76 %, w(reducing sugar)=1.69–2.78 %, w(non-reducing sugar)=0.39–3.17 % and titratable acidity 1.00–2.11 %. The above parameters differed significantly in the fruit juice of the evaluated pummelo × sweet orange hybrids. Considering these parameters, the hybrids SCSH 17-9, SCSH 13-13, SCSH 11-15 and SCSH 3-15 had superior antioxidant properties in terms of these parameters. A higher heritability (≥80 %) was also observed for all juice properties. Molecular characterization of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids showed that >50 % of the hybrids were grouped with medium acidity parents. Both molecular and biochemical parameter-based clustering showed that interspecific hybrids exhibit transgressive segregation with increased antioxidants that help alleviate the health problems. Novelty and scientific contribution These newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids are a valuable source of high-quality antioxidants for a healthy diet. The identification of trait markers that enable selection at the seedling stage is of great benefit to citrus breeders, as the characteristic features of a mature tree are not yet visible at the juvenile stage.

The increasing rate of the global temperature is alarming, and is projected to be increased by up to 4.0 °C by the end of the twenty-first century. Temperature above the threshold causes heat stress which adversely affects most crops resulting in negative impact on world agricultural productivity. Consequently, heat stress has become a major hindrance to sustainable food production globally. Being a cold season crop, wheat crop is adversely influenced by heat stress conditions mostly at the stage of grain filling. This leads to shortening of grain filling stage resulting in reduced yield and poor grain quality. Heat stress affects plants in different ways, including causing changes in plant water relations, production of ROS and reduction in photosynthetic and metabolic activities. Understanding the molecular effects of heat stress on plants, as well as the use of natural genetic diversity to enhance thermo-tolerance should be considered as essential components of enhancing sustainability in crop production. In this chapter, we emphasize the damages of heat stress on crop production, with special focus on wheat, and the molecular and biotechnological interventions to safeguard its sustainable production under changing global climate.

The importance of gut sucrase in maintaining osmotic equilibrium and utilizing phloem contents as a carbon source has been widely investigated and proven in sap-sucking insects. In the present study, silencing of Aphis gossypiisucrase1 (Agsuc1) was carried out by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which would be lethal to it due to disruption of osmotic balance. The dsRNA corresponding to Agsuc1 was synthesized by two methods, i.e., in vitro synthesis using T7/SP6 RNA polymerase and in vivo synthesis by bacterial expression, i.e., Escherichia coli strain HT115 transformed with the L4440 vector system. Oral delivery of double-stranded Agsuc1 synthesized in vitro (dsAgsuc1) and in vivo (HT115Agsuc1) induced around 50% mortality in nymphs of A. gossypii. Moreover, the number of offspring produced by the survived aphids decreased by 39–43%. Parthenogenetic reproduction of the aphids is the critical factor for their fast population build-up, leading to yield losses of economic significance. Thus, the present study demonstrated that the silencing of the Agsuc1 gene reduced the aphid population by killing it and inhibited the population buildup by reducing the number of offspring produced by the survived aphids, likely to result in a significant reduction in crop damage. The production of dsRNA by bacterial expression is a cost-effective method. It has the potential to be used as a biopesticide. The sucrase gene is an excellent putative target gene for RNAi against A. gossypii. It could be used to develop a transgenic plant that produces dsAgsuc1 to keep A. gossypii populations below the economic threshold level.

Fusarium wilt is an important and malignant disease of bananas even in very few countries which are free from this disease. One solution that gives hope is the use of resistant varieties. Currently there are still limited resistance to fusarium. Therefore, it is necessary to do plant breeding in order to produce resistant varieties. Conventional breeding will take a long time. To accelerate the assembly of varieties, a strategy will be adopted to utilize fusarium resistant genetic material combined with mutation induction and in vitro selection . The purpose of this activity is to get the genetic diversity of bananas cv. Grand Naine through mutation induction with gamma irradiation and obtained an in vitro selection method for resistance to fusaric acid. The stages of the research included induction of mutations with gamma rays and in vitro selection with fusaric acid stress. The explants used were in vitro shoots of banana cv. Grand Naine. The gamma ray radiation doses used were 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 Gy. After irradiation, the explants were subcultured into P5 regeneration medium. In vitro selection of mutated banana shoots on culture media containing 30 mg/L fusaric acid. The results showed that banana shoots cv. Grand Naine was able to survive at the highest irradiation dose (25 Gy). The survival percentage of explants irradiated at the highest dose (25 Gy) showed a reduction in viability of up to 70%. Treatment without irradiation produced an average number of fewer normal shoots (7) but produced the most abnormal shoots (72). Irradiation of 25 Gy produced a small number of shoots but produced many perfect shoots (35). In vitro selection with fusaric acid, shoots irradiated with 20 Gy had the best resistance level compared to other irradiation doses.

High temperatures present a formidable challenge to the cultivation of hot pepper, profoundly impacting not only vegetative growth but also leading to flower and fruit abscission, thereby causing a significant reduction in yield. To unravel the intricate genetic mechanisms governing heat tolerance in hot pepper, an F2 population was developed through the crossing of two distinct genotypes exhibiting contrasting heat tolerance characteristics: DLS-161-1 (heat tolerant) and DChBL-240 (heat susceptible). The F2 population, along with the parental lines, was subjected to comprehensive phenotyping encompassing diverse morphological, physiological, and biochemical heat-related traits under high temperature conditions (with maximum temperature ranging from 31 to 46.5°C and minimum temperature from 15.4 to 30.5°C). Leveraging the Illumina Nova Seq-6000 platform, Double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq) was employed to generate 67.215 Gb data, with subsequent alignment of 218.93 million processed reads against the reference genome of Capsicum annuum. Subsequent variant calling and ordering resulted in 5806 polymorphic SNP markers grouped into 12 LGs. Further QTL analysis identified 64 QTLs with LOD values ranging from 2.517 to 11.170 and explained phenotypic variance ranging from 4.05 to 19.39%. Among them, 21 QTLs, explaining more than 10% phenotypic variance, were identified as major QTLs controlling 9 morphological, 3 physiological, and 2 biochemical traits. Interestingly, several QTLs governing distinct parameters were found to be colocalized, suggesting either a profound correlation between the QTLs regulating these traits or their significant genomic proximity. In addition to the QTLs, we also identified 368380 SSR loci within the identified QTL regions, dinucleotides being the most abundant type (211,381). These findings provide valuable insights into the genetics of heat tolerance in hot peppers. The identified QTLs and SSR markers offer opportunities to develop heat-tolerant varieties, ensuring better crop performance under high-temperature conditions.

The present investigation was carried out to decipher inheritance of resistance and to identify linked SSR markers for Phomopsis blight resistance in eggplant. An F 2 population comprising 161 plants was developed from the cross of Pusa Kranti and BR‐40‐7. Genetic analysis was carried out using Chi square test. Artificial inoculation of fruits was carried out using pin prick method, and scoring was done as per the standard scoring scale. The F 2 plants segregated into 92 susceptible (77—highly susceptible, 15—susceptible): 69 resistant (17—highly resistant, 27—resistant, 25—moderately resistant) suggesting complimentary epistasis with ratio of 9:7. To identify the putatively linked markers to resistance gene, parental polymorphic markers were subjected to bulk segregant analysis (BSA), and two markers (emk03O04 and emf11A03) could differentiate resistant and susceptible bulk and co‐segregated with resistance gene. The genetic distance between the identified markers was found to be 18.12 cM using QTL IciMapping V3.2 software depicting two new QTLs on chromosome number 6. The identified QTLs have great significant importance in marker assisted breeding programme.

Chalk, an undesirable grain quality trait in rice, is primarily formed due to high temperatures during the grain-filling process. Owing to the disordered starch granule structure, air spaces and low amylose content, chalky grains are easily breakable during milling thereby lowering head rice recovery and its market price. Availability of multiple QTLs associated with grain chalkiness and associated attributes, provided us an opportunity to perform a meta-analysis and identify candidate genes and their alleles contributing to enhanced grain quality. From the 403 previously reported QTLs, 64 Meta-QTLs encompassing 5262 non-redundant genes were identified. MQTL analysis reduced the genetic and physical intervals and nearly 73% meta-QTLs were narrower than 5cM and 2Mb, revealing the hotspot genomic regions. By investigating expression profiles of 5262 genes in previously published datasets, 49 candidate genes were shortlisted on the basis of their differential regulation in at least two of the datasets. We identified non-synonymous allelic variations and haplotypes in 39 candidate genes across the 3K rice genome panel. Further, we phenotyped a subset panel of 60 rice accessions by exposing them to high temperature stress under natural field conditions over two Rabi cropping seasons. Haplo-pheno analysis uncovered haplotype combinations of two starch synthesis genes, GBSSI and SSIIa, significantly contributing towards the formation of grain chalk in rice. (2023) Meta-QTL and haplo-pheno analysis reveal superior haplotype combinations associated with low grain chalkiness under high temperature in rice.

Genic codominant multiallelic markers are essential to identify the genetic variation, population diversity and evolutionary history of a species. Soybean ( Glycine max ) is a major legume crop having importance in both a protein-rich pulse as well as a high recovery oilseed crop. To date, no genome-wide genic SSR markers have been elucidated in this crop of high importance. This article aims to identify and validate regulatory gene-derived SSR markers in soybean. The coding sequences of Glycine max were downloaded from PlantTFDB and used for the identification, followed by the localization of SSRs by using a Perl 5 script (MISA, MIcroSAtellite identification tool). The flanking primers to SSRs were designed and chromosomal distribution and Gene ontology searches were performed using BLAST2GO. Twenty random SSR markers were validated to check cross-species transferability and genetic diversity study was performed. A set of 1138 simple sequence repeat markers from transcription factor coding genes were designed and designated as TF-derived SSR markers. They were anchored on 20 G. max chromosomes, and the SSR motif frequency was one per 4.64 kb. Trinucleotide repeats were found abundant and tetra, as well as pentanucleotide frequency, was least in soybean. Gene Ontology search revealed the diverse role of SSR-containing TFs in soybean. Eight soybean accessions were analyzed for identified twenty candidates for genic SSR diversification, and a principal co-ordinate analysis, a genic dissimilarity-based unweighted neighbor-joining tree, was constructed. Our findings will serve as a potential functional marker resource for marker-assisted selection and genomic characterization of soybean.

Genome editing through the alteration of nucleotide sequence has already revolutionized the field of site-directed mutagenesis for a decade. However, research in terms of precision and efficacy in targeting the loci and reduction in off-target mutation has always been a priority when DNA is involved. Therefore, recent research interest lies in utilizing the same precision technology but results in non-transgenic. In this review article, different technological advancements have been explained, which may provide a holistic concept of and need for transgene-free genome editing. The advantage and lacunas of each technology have been critically discussed to deliver a transparent view to the readers. A systematic analysis and evaluation of published research articles implied that researchers across the globe are putting continuous efforts in this direction to eliminate the hindrance of transgenic regulation. Nevertheless, this approach has severe implications legitimate for mitigating the conflict of acceptance, reliability, and generosity of gene-editing technology and sustainably retorting to the expanding global population feeding challenges.

The seed size and shape in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) are important quality traits as these influences the milled grain yield, cooking time, and market class of the grains. Linkage analysis was done for seed size in a RIL (F5:6) population derived by crossing L830 (20.9 g/1000 seeds) with L4602 (42.13 g/1000 seeds) which consisted of 188 lines (15.0 to 40.5 g/1000 seeds). Parental polymorphism survey using 394 SSRs identified 31 polymorphic primers, which were used for the bulked segregant analysis (BSA). Marker PBALC449 differentiated the parents and small seed size bulk only, whereas large seeded bulk or the individual plants constituting the large-seeded bulk could not be differentiated. Single plant analysis identified only six recombinant and 13 heterozygotes, of 93 small-seeded RILs (<24.0 g/1000 seed). This clearly showed that the small seed size trait is very strongly regulated by the locus near PBLAC449; whereas, large seed size trait seems governed by more than one locus. The PCR amplified products from the PBLAC449 marker (149bp from L4602 and 131bp from L830) were cloned, sequenced and BLAST searched using the lentil reference genome and was found amplified from chromosome 03. Afterward, the nearby region on chromosome 3 was searched, and a few candidate genes like ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase, E3 ubiquitin ligase, TIFY-like protein, and hexosyltransferase having a role in seed size determination were identified. Validation study in another RIL mapping population which is differing for seed size, showed a number of SNPs and InDels among these genes when studied using whole genome resequencing (WGRS) approach. Biochemical parameters like cellulose, lignin, and xylose content showed no significant differences between parents and the extreme RILs, at maturity. Various seed morphological traits like area, length, width, compactness, volume, perimeter, etc., when measured using VideometerLab 4.0 showed significant differences for the parents and RILs. The results have ultimately helped in better understanding the region regulating the seed size trait in genomically less explored crops like lentils.

In the present studies, two experiments were conducted. In first experiment, 43 citrus genotypes, including 36 acid lime and 7 lemons, were screened against natural infection of Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc) during 2018–2020. In the second experiment, the selected genotypes of lime (13), lemon (02) and grapefruit (02) were screened against artificial inoculation of Xcc. Moreover, all the lemon genotypes showed a high level of resistance. However, acid lime cultivars exhibited a variable reaction against Xcc. The range of the average percentage of disease index (PDI) for three years varied from 0.00 to 55.36%. ALC-35 expressed the maximum average PDI (55.36%), closely followed by the genotype ALC-107(51.77%) and ALC-111 (47.22%). Genotype of lemon, Kagzi Kalan showed immune to the canker disease, while LS-5, LS-7 and Konkan Seedless had minimum percentage of disease index under natural infection in the field condition. On the basis of average PDI, ALC-35 and ALC-107 were categorised as highly susceptible, whereas 34 genotypes were classified as susceptible to Xcc. The average of three years area under disease progression curve (AUDPC) ranged from 0.00 to 2653. The genotype ALC-35 proved highly susceptible to Xcc with 2653.00 AUDPC, followed by ALC-107, ALC-111 and ALC-89. The lemon group was found to be highly resistant to Xcc. This study predicates about the effects of various weather parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and wind speed. These variables correlated with PDI and AUDPC during the consecutive three years. A significant positive correlation was observed among different weather parameters and the development of disease through Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Under artificial inoculations also, ALC-35 lime proved highly susceptible (PDI − 60.67%) statistically. ALC-35 and ALC-107 proved similar statistically in respect of AUPDC. Results showed that the values of different weather parameters such as minimum temperature (24 °C), maximum temperature (37 °C), relative humidity (76%), and wind speed (6.4 km/h), conditions were conducive for disease development.

Functional characterization of stress-responsive genes through the analysis of transgenic plants is a standard approach to comprehend their role in climate resilience and subsequently exploit them for sustainable crop improvement. In this study, we investigated the function of LOC_Os04g59420, a gene of DUF740 family (OsSRDP- Oryza sativa Stress Responsive DUF740 Protein) from rice, which showed upregulation in response to abiotic stress in the available global expression data, but is yet to be functionally characterized. Transgenic plants of the rice OsSRDP gene, driven by a stress-inducible promoter AtRd29A, were developed in the background of cv. Pusa Sugandh 2 (PS2) and their transgene integration and copy number were confirmed by molecular analysis. The three independent homozygous transgenic plants (AtRd29A::OsSRDP rice transformants) showed better resilience to drought, salinity, and cold stresses, but not heat stress, as compared to the non-transformed PS2, which corresponded with their respective relative transcript abundance for OsSRDP. Transgenic plants maintained higher RWC, photosynthetic pigments, and proline accumulation under drought and salinity stresses. Furthermore, they exhibited less accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) than PS2 under drought stress, as seen from the transcript abundance studies of the ROS genes. Under cold stress, OsSRDP transgenic lines illustrated minimal cell membrane injury compared to PS2. Additionally, the transgenic plants showed resistance to a virulent strain of rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae). The promoter analysis of the gene in N22 and PS2 revealed the presence of multiple abiotic and biotic stress-specific motif elements supporting our observation on multiple stress tolerance. Based on bioinformatics studies, we identified four potential candidate interaction partners for LOC_Os04g59420, of which two genes (LOC_Os05g09640 and LOC_Os06g50370) showed co-expression under biotic and drought stress along with OsSRDP. Altogether, our findings established that stress-inducible expression of OsSRDP can significantly enhance tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses and a biotic stress.

Piper nigrum, also known as black pepper, is an economically and ecologically important crop of the genus Piper. It has been titled as the king of spices due to its wide consumption throughout the world. In the present investigation, the chloroplast genome of P. nigrum has been assembled from a whole genome sequence by integrating the short and long reads generated through Illumina and PacBio platforms, respectively. The chloroplast genome was observed to be 161,522 bp in size, having a quadripartite structure with a large single copy (LSC) region of 89,153 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,255 bp separated by a copy of inverted repeats (IRs), each 27,057 bp in length. Taking into consideration all the duplicated genes, a total of 131 genes were observed, which included 81 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, 4 rRNAs, and 1 pseudogene. Individually, the LSC region consisted of 83 genes, the SSC region had 13 genes, and 18 genes were present in each IR region. Additionally, 216 SSRs were detected and 11 of these were validated through amplification in 12 species of Piper. The features of the chloroplast genome have been compared with those of the genus Piper. Our results provide useful insights into evolutionary and molecular studies of black pepper which will contribute to its further genetic improvement and breeding.

Sorghum is a staple food for millions of people in semiarid parts of Africa and Asia. Wetland landscape extends across a broad region. There are crops cultivated on poor soil that feed the world's population. There are also feed, fodder, and biofuels in addition to food. As a consequence, something like this happens. This plant is well suited to climate change because it can survive in hot, dry agroecosystems. There are a total of 10 essential events as well as 10 interspersed events. New taxa have been created using spikelet kinds. In the United States, sorghum is an important crop. Species that cross-breed and often interbreed depending on the genetics and development style of the plant, and a percentage of 2%–6% is attainable. Crops have taken a lot of time and work to grow. As a result of the improvements, there are now a range of high-yielding varieties. There was a huge rise in output compared to the previous year. The production and application procedure using the male sterility approach, heterosis, may be used to make money. The reduced agricultural yields are caused by a variety of microbial and non-microbial factor effects and changes in consumer behavior. Prices have been continuously reducing over time because of supply and demand. Time passes in a cultivated area. Sorghum has achieved significant advances in biotechnology, including genomics. People have been more receptive to new ideas since then. Thanks to breakthroughs in genomics and molecular breeding, sorghum cultivars may be genetically and molecularly changed. Despite the fact that there have been numerous limits throughout time, the required features to enhance production have been incorporated.