Perspectives of folate biofortification of cereal grains

One sixth of the world’s population is suffering from hidden hunger that indicates a gross malnutrition particularly among children and women of third world countries. The deficiency of micro nutrients, especially iron (Fe) causes a number of ailments such as megaloblastic anemia and neural tube defects in poor population. There is a dire need to supplement iron in the diet. Current efforts implicate fortification of wheat flour and other grains with different iron formulations such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), FeSO₄ and elemental iron. However, all such interventions are not sustainable due to logistic and quality assurance problems in resource-limited settings. For a long term solution, development of crop plants with increased micronutrients and iron bioavailability is essential. Therefore, biofortification of cereal grains using translational genomics approaches for enhancement of folate through genome editing in cereals is inevitable to mitigate the folate deficiency in poor remote population in a cost effective manner.     

Genetic dissection of root architectural traits by QTL and genome‐wide association mapping in rapeseed (Brassica napus)

Variation in root architecture is essential for the adaptation of plants to target environments. A non‐destructive gel‐based mini‐rhizotron system was used for root architecture trait phenotyping. This system has facilitated the visualization of root architectural traits in large genotype collection of rapeseed including 94 double haploid (DH) lines from “Express617” x “V8” and 439 inbred lines (ASSYST diversity set). A high‐density Express617‐V8 linkage map was used for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) identification in DH population based on standard composite interval mapping. 6K SNPs were analysed for association mapping of root traits in ASSYST diversity set. A large variation, broad segregation and medium–low heritability of root architectural traits, primary root length and growth rate, lateral root number, lateral root length and lateral root density, were observed. In the double haploid population, 11 QTL regions, and in the diversity set, 38 significant marker–trait associations were detected. Significant marker–trait associations proved that these are quantitatively inherited traits controlled by multiple genes which revealed to proceed for genetic improvement and selection of rapeseed lines with improved root system.     

Histopathology of bullminnows, Fundulus grandis Baird & Girard, infected with a non-haemolytic group B Streptococcus sp.

Abstract. Histopathological changes in bullminnows, Fundulus grandis Baird and Girard, experimentally infected with a non-haemolytic group B Streptococcus sp. were studied. Following experimental exposure to the Streptococcus sp. approximately 40% of the fish developed exophthalmia, dropsy or petechial haemorrhage along the abdomen. The exophthalmic eye showed haemorrhage with neutrophil infiltration. The liver was oedematous and hepatocytes were atrophied, accompanied by a decrease in glycogen and increases in vacuolization, hyaline droplet degeneration and necrosis. The spleen was congested and cells of the sheathed artery were necrotized.     

Regional fisheries management organizations and the new biodiversity agreement: Challenge or opportunity?

In 2018, the international community began formal intergovernmental negotiations over a new legally binding instrument for the protection of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. Protecting marine biodiversity is imperative for a sustainable future, and all the different organizations and agreements will have to work together to achieve this common goal. One of the first key principles to be agreed was to “not undermine” the existing legal instruments or mandates of regional and sectoral marine governance organizations. While fisheries are not being discussed during the negotiations, a marine biodiversity agreement is likely to still impact regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), due to overlapping areas of interest. This article aims to firstly, assess the potential constraints posed by the commitment to “not undermine”; secondly, consider how aspects of the biodiversity agreement, such as area‐based management and environmental impact assessments, might enhance RFMOs; and thirdly, suggest meaningful ways to ensure cooperation between RFMOs and the marine biodiversity agreement.     

China-CIMMYT collaboration enhances wheat improvement in China

China and CIMMYT have collaborated on wheat improvement for over 40 years and significant progress has been achieved in five aspects in China. A standardized protocol for testing Chinese noodle quality has been established with three selection criteria, i.e., gluten quality, starch viscosity and flour color are identified as being responsible for noodle quality. Genomic approaches have been used to develop and validate gene-specific markers, leading to the establishment of a KASP platform, and seven cultivars have been released through application of molecular marker technology. Methodology for breeding adult-plant resistance to yellow rust, leaf rust and powdery mildew, based on the pleiotropic effect of minor genes has been established, resulting in release of six cultivars. More than 330 cultivars derived from CIMMYT germplasm have been released and are now grown over 9% of the Chinese wheat production area. Additionally, physiological approaches have been used to characterize yield potential and develop high-efficiency phenotyping platforms. CIMMYT has also provided valuable training for Chinese scientists. Development of climate-resilient cultivars with application of new technology will be the priority for future collaboration.     

In vitro callogenesis and detection of somaclonal variations in Plantago ovata L.

Planago ovata L. is an economically important species in the monotypic genus Plantago. It is a short-stemmed annual herb. The seed husk of this plant is commonly called psyllium or isabgol which is important in pharmaceutical formulation and food industry. In this study, callus induction was optimized using different explants of Plantago ovata. Callus DNA was utilized to access the somaclonal variations using the Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The maximum callus growth was observed in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 4 mg L^?1 2,4-D concentration for shoots, 0.5 mg L^?1 for seeds and 2 mg L^?1 for roots. Moreover, the effect of culture age was considered in assessing genetic variability. Maximum genetic variability was observed in the DNA samples of callus at the concentration of 2 mg L^?1 2,4-D for all explants (roots, shoots, and seeds). Cluster analysis was performed based on 1) similarity coefficient between samples and 2) molecular data using the Numerical Taxonomy and Multivariate Analysis System (NTSYS) PC version 2.01; similarity index was generated by similarity for Quantitative Data (SIMQUAL). Our study indicated that Random Amplified Polymorphic DNAs can successfully be used to explore polymorphism among callus samples at different hormonal concentrations. This study can be useful for the production of callus from Plantago ovata and estimation of genetic variations due to tissue culture conditions. Evaluation of genetic variations can display novel features and manipulate genetic bottlenecks in Plantago ovata. New genetic variations in somaclones can bring vital insight for plant improvement.