Alleviation of Salinity Stress in Peanut by Application of Endophytic Bacteria

The development of salinity affects 7% of the world’s land surface, acting as a major constraint to crop productivity. This study attempted to use the co-evolving endophytes of peanut to alleviate salinity stress and enhance the yield of peanut. Diverse and different tissue colonizing endophytes were isolated from peanut and screened in vitro by seed germination bioassay imposing gradients of salinity, with two cultivars TG37A (susceptible) and GG2 (moderately resistant), in potted conditions using saline irrigation water. Finally, nine endophytes capable of producing IAA and ACC-deaminase, promoting root growth and yield in potted conditions were selected for further evaluation in field conditions. They were evaluated with saline water (1.5–2.0 dS/m) in saline soil with susceptible cultivar TG37A. Simultaneously, three endophytes (Bacillus firmus J22N; Bacillus tequilensis SEN15N; and Bacillus sp. REN51N) were evaluated with two cultivars, GG2 and TG37A, during rainy and post-rainy seasons with elevated salinity. The application of endophytes like Bacillus firmus J22N and Bacillus sp. REN51N enhanced the pod and haulm yield of peanuts by 14–19% across cultivars, salinity, and seasons. In addition, there was significant modulation in parameters like relative water content; production of enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), lipid peroxidase (POD), and H₂O₂ content in leaf; and uptake of potassium. The activities of the enzymes involved in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased with salinity, and further increased with endophytes like Bacillus firmus J22N, Bacillus tequilensis SEN15N, and Bacillus sp. REN51N. There was an enhanced accumulation of proline, reduced level of phenol and H₂O₂, and enhanced uptake of potassium with the inoculation of endophytes. This improved scavenging capacity of plants by endophytic modulation of ROS scavengers, uptake of K, production of ACC deaminase and IAA, root and biomass growth, modulation in relative water content, and enhanced accumulation of osmoprotectant might be the reasons of alleviation of salinity stress. Endophytes could have alleviated salinity stress in peanuts, indicating the mechanisms and potential of peanuts at the field level. These endophytes could be applied to bring agricultural sustainability to salinity-affected areas in the future. Furthermore, few genera viz. Kocuria, Brevundimonas, Agrococcus, Dietzia, and Kytococcus were observed in peanut tissue for the first time.

Voice-Based Program Editor for Visually Impaired Persons

A program editor that communicates with its users through synthesized speech is described. It is intended for programming by visually impaired persons in the basic language. Recent growth in personal computers has made it possible for visually impaired individuals to operate a microcomputer. This editor is designed to assist him in the development of programs on his own in an interactive environment.

Development of high oleic peanut lines through marker-assisted introgression of mutant ahFAD2 alleles and its fatty acid profiles under open-field and controlled conditions

Peanut is one of the most important oilseed crops grown worldwide. In this study, the mutant ahFAD2 alleles conferring high oleic (HO) content are introgressed into an elite Indian cultivar GPBD4 which is also resistant to the foliar fungal diseases like rust and late leaf spot (LLS). The allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) and cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) assays were used for the marker-assisted backcross (MABC) approach and 64 HO introgression lines (ILs) were generated. These ILs were tested for the FA compositions under the glasshouse and field conditions. The oleic acid and linoleic acid contents in the ILs were recorded to be between 68.94-82.33% and 1.74-10.87%, respectively, under glasshouse and 67.04-81.71% and 2.00-15.66%, respectively, under field conditions. The increase in the oleic acid content of the ILs over its recurrent parent (RP) was recorded to the tune of 28.78-53.80% and 33.70-62.96% under glasshouse and field conditions, respectively, indicating the stable expression of ahFAD2B gene in two different environments. On the contrary, linoleic acid showed 56.47-93.03% and 40.02-92.34% reduction in the ILs over its RP under glasshouse and field conditions, respectively. These ILs with a healthy FA profile can meet not only the nutritional requirements of a health-conscious society but also the industrial demands for better shelf life of oil and its products.

Genomic Tools in Groundnut Breeding Program: Status and Perspectives

Groundnut, a nutrient-rich food legume, is cultivated world over. It is valued for its good quality cooking oil, energy and protein rich food, and nutrient-rich fodder. Globally, groundnut improvement programs have developed varieties to meet the preferences of farmers, traders, processors, and consumers. Enhanced yield, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses and quality parameters have been the target traits. Spurt in genetic information of groundnut was facilitated by development of molecular markers, genetic, and physical maps, generation of expressed sequence tags (EST), discovery of genes, and identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for some important biotic and abiotic stresses and quality traits. The first groundnut variety developed using marker assisted breeding (MAB) was registered in 2003. Since then, USA, China, Japan, and India have begun to use genomic tools in routine groundnut improvement programs. Introgression lines that combine foliar fungal disease resistance and early maturity were developed using MAB. Establishment of marker-trait associations (MTA) paved way to integrate genomic tools in groundnut breeding for accelerated genetic gain. Genomic Selection (GS) tools are employed to improve drought tolerance and pod yield, governed by several minor effect QTLs. Draft genome sequence and low cost genotyping tools such as genotyping by sequencing (GBS) are expected to accelerate use of genomic tools to enhance genetic gains for target traits in groundnut.

Molecular breeding for introgression of fatty acid desaturase mutant alleles (ahFAD2A and ahFAD2B) enhances oil quality in high and low oil containing peanut genotypes

High oleate peanuts have two marketable benefits, health benefits to consumers and extended shelf life of peanut products. Two mutant alleles present on linkage group a09 (ahFAD2A) and b09 (ahFAD2B) control composition of three major fatty acids, oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids which together determine peanut oil quality. In conventional breeding, selection for fatty acid composition is delayed to advanced generations. However by using DNA markers, breeders can reject large number of plants in early generations and therefore can optimize time and resources. Here, two approaches of molecular breeding namely marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) and marker-assisted selection (MAS) were employed to transfer two FAD2 mutant alleles from SunOleic 95R into the genetic background of ICGV 06110, ICGV 06142 and ICGV 06420. In summary, 82 MABC and 387 MAS derived introgression lines (ILs) were developed using DNA markers with elevated oleic acid varying from 62 to 83%. Oleic acid increased by 0.5-1.1 folds, with concomitant reduction of linoleic acid by 0.4-1.0 folds and palmitic acid by 0.1-0.6 folds among ILs compared to recurrent parents. Finally, high oleate ILs, 27 with high oil (53-58%), and 28 ILs with low oil content (42-50%) were selected that may be released for cultivation upon further evaluation.

Molecular characterisation of Aspergillus flavus isolates from peanut fields in India using AFLP

Aflatoxin contamination of peanut, due to infection by Aspergillus flavus, is a major problem of rain-fed agriculture in India. In the present study, molecular characterisation of 187 Aspergillus flavus isolates, which were sampled from the peanut fields of Gujarat state in India, was performed using AFLP markers. On a pooled cluster analysis, the markers could successfully discriminate among the 'A', 'B' and 'G' group A. flavus isolates. PCoA analysis also showed equivalent results to the cluster analysis. Most of the isolates from one district could be clustered together, which indicated genetic similarity among the isolates. Further, a lot of genetic variability was observed within a district and within a group. The results of AMOVA test revealed that the variance within a population (84%) was more than that between two populations (16%). The isolates, when tested by indirect competitive ELISA, showed about 68.5% of them to be atoxigenic. Composite analysis between the aflatoxin production and AFLP data was found to be ineffective in separating the isolate types by aflatoxigenicity. Certain unique fragments, with respect to individual isolates, were also identified that may be used for development of SCAR marker to aid in rapid and precise identification of isolates.

Marker-assisted introgression of a QTL region to improve rust resistance in three elite and popular varieties of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Successful introgression of a major QTL for rust resistance, through marker-assisted backcrossing, in three popular Indian peanut cultivars generated several promising introgression lines with enhanced rust resistance and higher yield. Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia arachidis Speg, is one of the major devastating diseases in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). One QTL region on linkage group AhXV explaining upto 82.62 % phenotypic variation for rust resistance was validated and introgressed from cultivar 'GPBD 4' into three rust susceptible varieties ('ICGV 91114', 'JL 24' and 'TAG 24') through marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC). The MABC approach employed a total of four markers including one dominant (IPAHM103) and three co-dominant (GM2079, GM1536, GM2301) markers present in the QTL region. After 2-3 backcrosses and selfing, 200 introgression lines (ILs) were developed from all the three crosses. Field evaluation identified 81 ILs with improved rust resistance. Those ILs had significantly increased pod yields (56-96 %) in infested environments compared to the susceptible parents. Screening of selected 43 promising ILs with 13 markers present on linkage group AhXV showed introgression of the target QTL region from the resistant parent in 11 ILs. Multi-location field evaluation of these ILs should lead to the release of improved varieties. The linked markers may be used in improving rust resistance in peanut breeding programmes.

Quantitative trait locus analysis and construction of consensus genetic map for drought tolerance traits based on three recombinant inbred line populations in cultivated groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important food and cash crop grown mainly in semi-arid tropics (SAT) regions of the world where drought is the major constraint on productivity. With the aim of understanding the genetic basis and identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for drought tolerance, two new recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping populations, namely ICGS 76 × CSMG 84-1 (RIL-2) and ICGS 44 × ICGS 76 (RIL-3), were used. After screening of 3,215 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers on the parental genotypes of these populations, two new genetic maps were developed with 119 (RIL-2) and 82 (RIL-3) SSR loci. Together with these maps and the reference map with 191 SSR loci based on TAG 24 × ICGV 86031 (RIL-1), a consensus map was constructed with 293 SSR loci distributed over 20 linkage groups, spanning 2,840.8 cM. As all these three populations segregate for drought-tolerance-related traits, a comprehensive QTL analysis identified 153 main effect QTL (M-QTL) and 25 epistatic QTL (E-QTL) for drought-tolerance-related traits. Localization of these QTL on the consensus map provided 16 genomic regions that contained 125 QTL. A few key genomic regions were selected on the basis of the QTL identified in each region, and their expected role in drought adaptation is also discussed. Given that no major QTL for drought adaptation were identified, novel breeding approaches such as marker-assisted recurrent selection (MARS) and genomic selection (GS) approaches are likely to be the preferred approaches for introgression of a larger number of QTL in order to breed drought-tolerant groundnut genotypes. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11032-011-9660-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Identification of several small main-effect QTLs and a large number of epistatic QTLs for drought tolerance related traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Cultivated groundnut or peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), an allotetraploid (2n = 4x = 40), is a self pollinated and widely grown crop in the semi-arid regions of the world. Improvement of drought tolerance is an important area of research for groundnut breeding programmes. Therefore, for the identification of candidate QTLs for drought tolerance, a comprehensive and refined genetic map containing 191 SSR loci based on a single mapping population (TAG 24 x ICGV 86031), segregating for drought and surrogate traits was developed. Genotyping data and phenotyping data collected for more than ten drought related traits in 2-3 seasons were analyzed in detail for identification of main effect QTLs (M-QTLs) and epistatic QTLs (E-QTLs) using QTL Cartographer, QTLNetwork and Genotype Matrix Mapping (GMM) programmes. A total of 105 M-QTLs with 3.48-33.36% phenotypic variation explained (PVE) were identified using QTL Cartographer, while only 65 M-QTLs with 1.3-15.01% PVE were identified using QTLNetwork. A total of 53 M-QTLs were such which were identified using both programmes. On the other hand, GMM identified 186 (8.54-44.72% PVE) and 63 (7.11-21.13% PVE), three and two loci interactions, whereas only 8 E-QTL interactions with 1.7-8.34% PVE were identified through QTLNetwork. Interestingly a number of co-localized QTLs controlling 2-9 traits were also identified. The identification of few major, many minor M-QTLs and QTL × QTL interactions during the present study confirmed the complex and quantitative nature of drought tolerance in groundnut. This study suggests deployment of modern approaches like marker-assisted recurrent selection or genomic selection instead of marker-assisted backcrossing approach for breeding for drought tolerance in groundnut.

Aqua-{2,2-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilo-methyl-idyne)]diphenolato}(3-nitro-benzoato)manganese(III)

The title compound, [Mn(C₁₆H₁₄N₂O₂)(C₇H₄NO₄)(H₂O)], is a Jahn–Teller-distorted manganese(III) monomer with an octa­hedral geometry. The tetra­dentate Schiff base accommodates the Mn^III ion at the centre of a nearly planar square. The axial positions are occupied by a monodentate carboxyl­ate group and a water mol­ecule. Adjacent monomers inter­act through hydrogen bonding between the noncoordinated C=O group of the carboxyl­ate and the coordinated water mol­ecule to produce chains extending parallel to the b axis.

Bis{μ-2,2′-[1,1′-(ethane-1,2-diyldinitrilo)diethylidyne]diphenolato-κ5O,N,N′,O′:O}bis[chloridomanganese(III)]

The title compound, [Mn₂(C₁₈H₁₈N₂O₂)₂Cl₂], was synthesized by the reaction between manganese(II) o-chloro­benzoate and the Schiff base generated in situ by the condensation of ethane-1,2-diamine and o-hydroxy­acetophenone. The centrosymmetric dimer contains two Jahn–Teller-distorted mangan­ese(III) ions, each in an octa­hedral geometry, connected through two phen­oxy bridges from two ligands.

Bis{μ-2,2'-[1,1'-(ethane-1,2-diyldinitrilo)diethyl-idyne]diphenolato}bis-[(benzoato-κO)manganese(III)] dihydrate

The title compound, [Mn(2)(C(18)H(18)N(2)O(2))(2)(C(7)H(5)O(2))(2)]·2H(2)O, was synthesized by the reaction between manganese(II) benzoate and the Schiff base generated in situ by the condensation of ethane-1,2-diamine and o-hydroxy-aceto-phen-one. The Jahn-Teller-distorted manganese(III) ions of the centrosymmetric dimer are connected through phen-oxy bridges. Hydrogen-bonding inter-actions between the uncoord-in-ated C=O of the benzoate and uncoordinated water mol-ecules link the dimers into a chain running parallel to the c axis.

On designing a usable interactive system to support transplant nursing

Solid organ transplant has been steadily increasing in number both nationally and internationally. Caring for the transplant patients in the hospital setting, right after the patient is moved from the intensive care unit to the ward, is one of the most challenging tasks in nursing. It involves many procedures, rigid protocols, tight monitoring, and intensive data gathering for use by the other coordinating healthcare professionals. The complexity is further increased when a nurse has to take care of several transplant patients in a single shift. Of late, there has been a growth of computer applications in nursing and clinical information systems. Their acceptability and usability determine the ultimate success of computer support for this complex task. In this paper, we present a case study in which we combine two well-known software engineering techniques--namely, agile programming and user centered design--toward the goal of developing an interactive system for supporting the activities of transplant nurses in a hospital setting. This has resulted in a usable end-product and the user centered approach has motivated the nurses to move towards the use of computers in their jobs for better productivity. The product's usability was formally evaluated and is reported herein. The strengths and limitations of this approach are also discussed. The software product developed has been well accepted and is currently being planned to replace the manual methods followed in the transplant ward of a large metropolitan hospital.

Study of Sago starch-CdS nanocomposite films: fabrication, structure, optical and thermal properties

A synthetic procedure for the preparation of nanocomposite films of sago starch and CdS nanoparticles was introduced. The films were characterized using optical, structural, and thermal techniques. The formation of nanostructured CdS in the starch matrix was confirmed by a blue shift in the onset of absorption in the UV-VIS spectra of the nanocomposites. The average size of the nanoparticles varied from 3.6 to 5 nm, depending on the initial concentration of cadmium acetate during the nanocomposite preparation. Fluorescence measurements of the sago-CdS nanocomposite film showed broad emission in the orange-red part of the spectrum. DSC and TGA analyses revealed significant effects of CdS nanoparticles on the thermal properties of the starch matrix.

Reaction of o-phenylenediamine with diacetyl monoxime: characterisation of the product by solid-state 13C and 15N MAS NMR

2,3-dimethylquinoxaline (DMQ) and dimethylglyoxime (DMGH2) form a 1:1 hydrogen-bonded complex in the solid state, which is completely dissociated in methanol solution. There are small differences in solid-state 13C shifts between the separated components DMQ and DMGH2 and the complex. The changes in 15N solid-state chemical shifts are more significant: the hydrogen bond imparting a low frequency shift of ca 19 ppm. The effect of direct protonation on the DMQ solid-state 15N shifts was measured, and the experimental 15N data correlated with those from GIAO molecular orbital (MO) calculations.

Preparation and properties of nano-sized Ag and Ag2S particles in biopolymer matrix

Silver (Ag) and silver sulfide (Ag(2)S) nanoparticles were synthesized in a sago starch matrix. The resulting nanocomposites were investigated using structural, optical and thermal methods. XRD spectra of the nanocomposites confirmed the presence of nanostructured silver (cubic phase) and silver sulfide (monoclinic phase) in the matrix. TEM micrographs showed that the nanoparticles are mostly spherical in shape. Analyzes of the optical properties of the silver nanocomposite aqueous dispersions/solutions of various concentrations were carried out. The results and the theoretical considerations suggested that at high concentrations there is a release of silver nanoparticles from the composite in the water environment. Further dilution produces homogeneous solution in which silver nanoparticles are capped with starch macromolecules. TGA analysis revealed reduced thermal stability of the nanocomposites with respect to pure starch matrix.

Smears from rat liver suspension as modified substrate for antinuclear antibody test

Immunofluorescence still remains a standard method for documenting antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Cryostat cut sections of rodent liver or Hep2 cell nuclei have been used as substrate in the test but are often difficult to arrange in laboratories in developing countries. Hence, a modification was developed using smears from rat liver suspensions. The smears were compared with the cryostat cut sections over 338 sera samples of suspected cases of collagen diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, hepatitis B, enteric fever, tuberculosis and normal subjects. The sera from suspected collagen diseases cases were also compared with ANA test using Hep2 cells. The modified smear technique was well comparable and the clarity of the immunofluorescence was even better than for cryostat cut sections. Using the modified smear technique 272 sera out of 2,851 sera gave positive test for ANA. The homogenous, speckled and peripheral patterns were seen for 203, 66 and 3 samples respectively. To conclude: The smears prepared from homogenised rat liver suspension and fixed like bacterial smears offer a very convenient and reliable tissue substrate for ANA test.

A Mathematical Model for Split Point Drill Flanks

For consistent and accurate production of a split (crankshaft) point drill, proper mathematical models are derived. Modification of the existing, basic conical flank model yields the model for the major (primary) flank surface. An independent, planar model for splitting the point (secondary flank) is also derived. The models yield grinding parameters to set the relative positions of the drill and the grinding wheel for precise production of the split point geometry.

On-Line Hole Quality Evaluation for Drilling Composite Material Using Dynamic Data

Aircraft manufacturing involves the drilling of a large number of holes for structural joints. The life and proper functioning of the joint can be critically affected by the quality of the hole which generally deteriorates with drill wear. In the use of composite material for the aircraft structure, the “lamination frequency,” associated with the laminated fiber of the material, can be considered to represent the waviness of the hole surface (an aspect of hole quality). The variance associated with this frequency, present in the dynamic nature of the drilling thrust and the hole surface profile, was found to change with the use of the drill. This study presents the possibility of using this change in the lamination frequency content of the drilling thrust for on-line monitoring of the drill condition, through analysis by the Dynamic Data System (DDS) technique.