Morpho-biochemical characterization and molecular marker based genetic diversity of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.).

Pearl millet is a key food for millions living in semi-arid and arid regions and is a main diet for poorer populations. The genetic diversity existing in the pearl millet germplasm can be used to improve the micronutrient content and grain yield. Effective and organized exploitation of diversity at morphological and DNA levels is the strategy for any crop improvement program. In this study, the genetic diversity of 48 pearl millet genotypes was evaluated for eight morphological traits and eleven biochemical characters. All genotypes were also characterized using twelve SSR and six SRAP markers to evaluate genetic diversity. The significant mean difference between morphological and biochemical traits were detected. The productive tillers per plant varied from 2.65 to 7.60 with a mean of 4.80. The grain yield of genotypes varied more than 3× from 15.85 g (ICMR 07222) to 56.75 g (Nandi 75) with an average of 29.54 g per plant. Higher levels of protein, iron, and zinc contents were found to be present in ICMR 12555 (20.6%), ICMR 08666 (77.38 ppm), and IC 139900 (55.48 ppm), respectively, during the experiment. Substantial variability was observed for grain calcium as it ranged from 100.00 ppm (ICMR 10222) to 256.00 ppm (ICMR 12888). The top eight nutrient-dense genotypes flowered in 34-74 days and had 5.71-9.39 g 1,000 grain weight. Genotype ICMR 08666 was superior for Fe, Zn, K and P. The inter-genotype similarity coefficient at the genetic level, generated using DNA markers, ranged from 0.616 to 0.877 with a mean of 0.743. A combination of morpho-biochemical traits and DNA markers based diversity may help to differentiate the genotypes and diverse genotypes can be used in breeding programs to improve the mineral content in pearl millet.

Assessment of genetic fidelity of micropropagated date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) plants by RAPD and ISSR markers assay.

RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and ISSR (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats) markers assay were employed to validate the genetic stability of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) plants multiplied through somatic embryogenesis with upto forty two in vitro subcultures. Out of the 160 RAPD and 21 ISSR primers screened, 30 RAPD and 12 ISSR primers produced a total of 347 (246 RAPDs + 101 ISSRs) clear, distinct and reproducible amplicons, which were monomorphic across all micropropagated plants (27) studied. Thus, a total 8592 bands (number of plants analysed x number of amplicons with all the primers) were generated which exhibited homogeneous banding patterns with both RAPD and ISSR markers. These results indicate that the micropropagation protocol developed by us for rapid in vitro multiplication is appropriate and suitable for clonal propagation of date palm and corroborated the fact that somatic embryogenesis can also be used as one of the safest modes for production of true-to-type plants.

Extranodal Rosai-Dorfman disease with multiple spinal lesions: a rare presentation.

BACKGROUND: Rosai-Dorfman disease is an idiopathic histiocytic proliferative disorder characterized by sinus histiocytosis and massive lymphadenopathy. Extranodal involvement is rare and central nervous system (CNS) involvement is unusual. We present a case of a multiple-level spinal involvement by Rosai-Dorfman disease without cervical lymphadenopathy, which is distinctly rare. Very few cases have been reported in literature. Its resemblance with meningiomas both clinically and radiologically makes its diagnosis all the more difficult. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 23-year-old woman presented with quadriparesis and incontinence of urine and stool with a history of being operated on twice for dorsal spine tumor. On examination she had hypoesthesia below the C6 vertebra with anesthesia below D3, and absent joint position and vibration sensations. The patient had spasticity in lower limbs with normal tone in upper limbs. Deep tendon reflexes were hyporeflexic in upper limbs and hyperreflexic in lower limbs with bilateral ankle clonus with bilateral Babinski sign. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervicodorsal spine was suggestive of multiple intradural extramedullary space-occupying lesion with probability of meningiomas. Surgical resection of 3 tumors was done and sent for histopathology, which was suggestive of sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (Rosai-Dorfman disease). The patient had good postoperative recovery and was followed up for 5 months with no new complaints. CONCLUSION: Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare entity having clinical and radiological similarity to meningioma. It is similar to lymph node histiocytosis and rarely involves the CNS. It is a benign lymphohistiocytic proliferative condition of unknown etiology. Histopathology showing emperipolesis (lymphophagocytosis) and immunohistochemistry showing S-100 positivity is diagnostic. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice.