Publications (7) View all
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Article: Utility of a multidisciplinary approach for genome diagnostics of cultivated and wild germplasm resources of medicinal Withania somnifera, and the status of new species, W. ashwagandha, in the cultivated taxon
Arun Kumar, Bilal A. Mir, Deepmala Sehgal, Tanvir H. Dar, Sushma Koul, Maharaj K. Kaul, Soom N. Raina, Ghulam N. Qazi[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Realizing the inconsistencies that exist in the extent and nature of differentiation in the Withania somnifera genetic resources in India, the 21 cultivated and wild accessions, and the two hybrids (cultivated×wild accessions and vice versa) were investigated for morphological, cytogenetical, chemical profiling, and crossability features. Their nuclear and chloroplast genomes were also assayed at the nucleotide sequence level, and by use of DNA markers. Chloroplast DNA diversity and somatic chromosome number (2n=48) were not helpful in identifying the differences. Other approaches, on the other hand, especially restriction endonuclease digests, types and sequence length composition of ITS 1 and ITS 2 of nuclear ribosomal DNA, AFLP fingerprinting, and crossability barriers unambiguously provided startling discrete differences between the cultivated and wild accessions, indicating a clear division of W. somnifera into two distinct lineages. These data, therefore, are indicative of the fact that because of the unique characteristics of its nuclear genome, and strong crossability barriers vis-à-vis wild accessions of W. somnifera, the cultivated accessions should be relegated to the rank of the separate species, W. ashwagandha. KeywordsAFLP markers–Crossability–ITS1 and ITS2 RFLP–Sequence length composition– Withania ashwagandha – Withania somniferaPlant Systematics and Evolution 04/2012; 291(3):141-151. · 1.34 Impact Factor -
SourceAvailable from: Arun Kumar
Article: Assessment and characterization of genetic diversity in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal using RAPD and AFLP markers
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 10/2011; 10(66):14746-14756. · 0.57 Impact Factor -
Article: Protocol for in vitro regeneration and marker glycoside assessment in Swertia chirata Buch-Ham.
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ABSTRACT: We have developed a rapid in vitro propagation system, via axillary shoot formation from nodal explants of Swertia chirata Buch Ham. Culture medium supplemented with 2 mg/L. BAP is best for direct shoot regeneration initially formed adventitious buds from axils of the nodal explants after 30 days. The reduced BAP concentration 0.5 mg/L proliferate shoots effectively. Kept the number of hyperhydrated shoots to minimal and induced on an average 22-38 shoots per flask (4.3 cm average length). The regenerated shoots (5- to 6-m long) formed roots very well in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium devoid of any growth regulator and followed by acclimatization of plants in pre-sterilized sand containing 1% Trichoderma viride and Azatobactor chrococcum as bioinoculants. The regenerated plants don't show any genomic alterations. This protocol also outlines procedure of assessment of marker iridoid glycosides (amarogentin and amaroswerin) from callus, roots, multiple shoots, regenerated plants, and mother plant. High propagation frequency, reproducibility of procedure, molecular, and phenotypic and chemical stability ensures the efficiency of the developed protocol.Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.) 02/2009; 547:139-53. -
SourceAvailable from: Ashok Ahuja
Article: Production dynamics of Withaferin A in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal complex.
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ABSTRACT: Withaferin A (WA) is an important withanolide holding promise in cancer treatment and as a relatively safe radiosensitive/chemotherapeutic agent, which is present in traces in all parts of Withania somnifera except the leaves, where as it is reported to be present in only two non-Indian chemotypes (South African chemotype/Israel chemotype 1). The present studies have marked its presence in all Indian populations (wild/cultivated), as well as two identified Indian chemotypes (AGB002 and AGB025). The quantitative dynamics of WA production in Indian populations and interchemotypic hybrids developed at our institute have been studied, and the results were compared with five previously reported chemotypes from Israel, South Africa and India. An analysis on inheritance characteristics based on presence/absence of WA in hybrid plants and their respective parents is given for future studies on the chemogenetics of this complex species in greater detail. Further, the production potential of WA in vitro propagated plants of elite varieties developed at our institute is discussed, in view of maintaining chemotypic fidelity and stability from a production point of view. Also, evidence-based clues suggesting the leaves as the site of the synthesis of WA is provided.Natural product research 02/2009; 23(14):1304-11. · 1.01 Impact Factor -
SourceAvailable from: Ashok Ahuja
Chapter: Protocol for In Vitro Regeneration and Marker GlycosideAssessment in Swertia chirata Buch-HamSushma Koul , K. A. Suri , P. Dutt , M. Sambyal ,A. Ahuja , and M.K. Kaul), Methods in Molecular Biology, Protocols for In Vitro Cultures and econdary Metabolite
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We have developed a rapid in vitro propagation system, via axillary shoot formation from nodal explants of Swertia chirata Buch Ham. Culture medium supplemented with 2 mg/L. BAP is best for direct shoot regeneration initially formed adventitious buds from axils of the nodal explants after 30 days. The reduced BAP concentration 0.5 mg/L proliferate shoots effectively. Kept the number of hyperhydrated shoots to minimal and induced on an average 22–38 shoots per flask (4.3 cm average length). The regenerated shoots (5- to 6-m long) formed roots very well in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium devoid of any growth regulator and followed by acclimatization of plants in pre-sterilized sand containing 1% Trichoderma viride and Azatobactor chrococcum as bioinoculants. The regenerated plants don’t show any genomic alterations. This protocol also outlines procedure of assessment of marker iridoid glycosides (amarogentin and amaroswerin) from callus, roots, multiple shoots, regenerated plants, and mother plant. High propagation frequency, reproducibility of procedure, molecular, and phenotypic and chemical stability ensures the efficiency of the developed protocol.01/2009: pages 139=159;