Identification and expression analysis of candidate genes associated with stem gall disease in Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) cultivars

Agri-biotechnology of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): an inclusive appraisal

Bountiful expression of bioactivity of phytochemicals obtained from spice crops like coriander gifts them the label of being natural antioxidants. It is well-accepted and time-tested towards contributing to human wellbeing. The accomplishment of coriander production is fundamentally influenced by genetic, agroclimatic, and agronomic factors. Despite the fact that there are very restricted options to manage the first two factors, the third one is apparently imperative to arbitrate as far as the elevated yield and enhanced quality are concerned. On the other hand, an indomitable, object-oriented, controlled agrotechnological and biotechnological intervention can also contribute towards better yield and quality of coriander. There are several accounts of the successful use of such technologies in order to genetically improve the qualitative and quantitative indicators of coriander. However, often these areas are not comprehensively explored and utilized. In that context, the present review highlights the botanical features, origin and distribution, multi-dimensional importance, pre- and post-harvest crop management, phytochemical production, and germplasm conservation, including the in vitro-based regeneration methods along with molecular marker-based biotechnological and omics approaches attempted in coriander until date. In addition, the possibility of the yet-to-be-explored agri-biotechnological methods and their potential for genetic improvement of this crop has also been reviewed in this appraisal. KEY POINTS: • Coriander, used both as an herb and spice, is popular in the pharmaceutical and culinary industries. • The current review provides insight into agrotechnological and biotechnological interventions for better yield and quality. • Provides novel ideas to harness the comprehensive qualitative and quantitative genetic improvement based on the potential use of promising biotechnological tools and techniques.

Impact of Genomic and Transcriptomic Resources on Apiaceae Crop Breeding Strategies

The Apiaceae taxon is one of the most important families of flowering plants and includes thousands of species used for food, flavoring, fragrance, medical and industrial purposes. This study had the specific intent of reviewing the main genomics and transcriptomic data available for this family and their use for the constitution of new varieties. This was achieved starting from the description of the main reproductive systems and barriers, with particular reference to cytoplasmic (CMS) and nuclear (NMS) male sterility. We found that CMS and NMS systems have been discovered and successfully exploited for the development of varieties only in Foeniculum vulgare, Daucus carota, Apium graveolens and Pastinaca sativa; whereas, strategies to limit self-pollination have been poorly considered. Since the constitution of new varieties benefits from the synergistic use of marker-assisted breeding in combination with conventional breeding schemes, we also analyzed and discussed the available SNP and SSR marker datasets (20 species) and genomes (8 species). Furthermore, the RNA-seq studies aimed at elucidating key pathways in stress tolerance or biosynthesis of the metabolites of interest were limited and proportional to the economic weight of each species. Finally, by aligning 53 plastid genomes from as many species as possible, we demonstrated the precision offered by the super barcoding approach to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of Apiaceae species. Overall, despite the impressive size of this family, we documented an evident lack of molecular data, especially because genomic and transcriptomic resources are circumscribed to a small number of species. We believe that our contribution can help future studies aimed at developing molecular tools for boosting breeding programs in crop plants of the Apiaceae family.

Development and characterization of genic SSR-FDM for stem gall disease resistance in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and its cross species transferability

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is well known vegetable and spice crop grown globally for its leaves and seeds. Stem gall (Protomyces macrosporus L.) is a fungal disease affecting its quality and yield. However, no information is available on SSR markers linked to disease resistance in coriander. Hence, development of co-dominant genetic markers is prerequisite for disease investigations in coriander. In-house stem gall resistance and susceptible cultivars transcriptome data were utilized. Totally, 59,933 and 56,861 transcripts were examined, 9141 and 8346 Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) were identified and the most abundant type was the tri, followed by di, tetra, penta and hexa nucleotide repeats. A total of ten selected SSR-Functional Domain Markers (FDM) were developed based on functional annotation terms associated with pathogen response and validated among ten coriander cultivars and their transferability was examined in five fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) cultivars. Nine primer pairs resulted from amplified bands. Marker ACorSGD-1 shown monomorphic bands among coriander genotypes except Acr-1 showed heterologouse and multiple bands in fennel cultivars. Markers ACorSGD-4, 5, 7 and 9 shown presence in resistant cultivars and absence of bands among susceptible cultivars of coriander and thus, considered to be the candidate markers for disease screening. Marker ACorSGD-6 shown monomorphic bands among coriander. Markers ACorSGD-1, 2, 3, and 5 shown transferability among fennel cultivars. A total of 136 alleles in coriander and fennel were produced. Using UPGMA clustering method a dendrogram was generated and cultivars were grouped into two separate clusters with coriander and fennel. Identified and developed SSR-FDM markers are useful for linkage mapping for disease resistant in coriander.