Improvement of little millet (Panicum sumatrense) using novel omics platform and genetic resource integration.

MAIN CONCLUSION: This article explores possible future initiatives, such as the development of targeted breeding and integrated omics approach to boost little millet production, nutritional value, and environmental adaptation. Little millet (P. sumatrense) is a staple grain in many parts of Asia and Africa owing to its abundance in vitamins and minerals and its ability to withstand harsh agro-ecological conditions. Enhancing little millet using natural resources and novel crop improvement strategy is an effective way of boosting nutritional and food security. To understand the genetic makeup of the crop and figure out important characteristics linked to nutritional value, biotic and abiotic resistance, and production, researchers in this field are currently resorting on genomic technology. These realizations have expedited the crop's response to shifting environmental conditions by enabling the production of superior cultivars through targeted breeding. Going forward, further improvements in breeding techniques and genetics may boost the resilience, nutritional content, and production of little millet, which would benefit growers and consumers alike. The research and development on little millet improvement using novel omics platform and the integration of genetic resources are summarized in this review paper. Improved cultivars of little millet that satisfy changing farmer and consumer demands have already been developed through the use of these novel breeding strategies. This article also explores possible future initiatives, such as the development of targeted breeding, genomics, and sustainable agriculture methods. The potential for these measures to boost little millet's overall production, nutritional value, and climate adaptation will be extremely helpful in addressing nutritional security.

A comprehensive review on genetic modification of plant cell wall for improved saccharification efficiency.

The focus is now on harnessing energy from green sources through sustainable technology to minimize environmental pollution. Several crop residues including rice and wheat straw are having enormous potential to be used as lignocellulosic source material for bioenergy production. The lignocellulosic feedstock is primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin cell wall polymers. The hemicellulose and lignin polymers induce crosslinks in the cell wall, by firmly associating with cellulose microfibrils, and thereby, denying considerable access of cellulose to cellulase enzymes. This issue has been addressed by various researchers through downregulating several genes associated in monolignol biosynthesis in Arabidopsis, Poplar, Rice and Switchgrass to increase ethanol recovery. Similarly, xylan biosynthetic genes are also targeted to genetically culminate its accumulation in the secondary cell walls. Regulation of cellulose synthases (CesA) proves to be an effective tool in addressing the negative impact of these two factors. Modification in the expression of cellulose synthase aids in reducing cellulose crystallinity as well as polymerisation degree which in turn increases ethanol recovery. The engineered bioenergy crops and various fungal strains with state of art biomass processing techniques presents the most recent integrative biotechnology model for cost effective green fuels generation along with production of key value-added products with minuscule disturbances in the environment. Plant breeding strategies utilizing the existing variability for biomass traits will be key in developing dual purpose varieties. For this purpose, reorientation of conventional breeding techniques for incorporating useful biomass traits will be effective.

Pyramiding resistance genes for bacterial leaf blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae) into the popular rice variety, Pratikshya through marker assisted backcrossing.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) is one of the major biotic stress in rice cultivation. Management techniques, such as the development of BLB-resistant cultivars, are required to lessen the severity of the disease attack and yield losses. Pratikshya was selected in the present investigation as the recipient parent, as it is one of the popular high-yielding rice varieties of Odisha, India, which is having excellent grain as well as cooking quality. However, Pratikshya is highly susceptible to BLB which is prevalent in Eastern Indian region. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three major BLB resistance genes xa5, xa13, and Xa21 from the donor source Swarna MAS (CR Dhan 800) were attempted to introduce into Pratikshya through a marker-assisted backcross breeding program. Those markers closely linked to the target genes were employed for foreground selection in the segregating generations till BC2F3. In each backcross generation, progenies containing all three targeted resistance genes and phenotypically more similar to the recipient parent, Pratikshya were selected and backcrossed. Screening of 1,598 plants of the BC2F2 population was conducted against BLB using Xoo inoculum and 35 resistant plants similar to Pratikshya were carried forward to the next generation. In the BC2F3 generation, 31 plants were found to possess all the three resistance genes. For background selection of plants carrying resistance genes 45 polymorphic SSR markers were employed. Evaluation of the pyramided lines at BC2F4 generation exhibited that, most pyramided lines were similar to Pratikshya in terms of morphological features and yield parameters, and some lines were superior to the recurrent parent in terms of morphological features and yield parameters. CONCLUSION: The three-gene pyramided lines showed a high level of resistance to BLB infection and are anticipated to offer a significant yield advantage over the recipient parent Pratikshya. The pyramided lines can further be used for multi-location trial, so as to be released as a variety or can be used as a potential donor for BLB resistance genes.

Biochemical and SSR based molecular characterization of elite rice varieties for straw lignocellulose.

BACKGROUND: Lignocellulosic biomass from rice straw possesses enormous potential in generating bioenergy thereby reducing the dependence of human on non-renewable fuel sources. Developing rice varieties of such calibre necessitates biochemical characterization as well as assessing the presence of genetic diversity among the rice genotypes with respect to cellulose content. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-three elite rice genotypes were selected for biochemical characterization and SSR marker-based genetic fingerprinting. For genotyping, 13 cellulose synthase specific polymorphic markers were used. The diversity analysis was performed using TASSEL 5.0 and GenAlE × 6.51b2, software program. Of the 43 rice varieties, CR-Dhan-601, CR-Dhan-1014, Mahanadi, Jagabandhu, Gouri, Samanta and Chandrama were found to possess desirable lignocellulosic composition with respect to harnessing green fuels. The marker OsCESA-1.3 expressed the highest PIC (0.640), while the marker OsCESA-6.3 of lowest PIC (0.128). A moderate average estimate (0.367) of PIC was observed under current set of genotypes and marker system. The dendrogram analysis grouped the rice genotypes into two principal clusters i.e., cluster I and II. Cluster-II is monogenetic, while cluster-I is having 42 genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The moderate level of both PIC and H average estimates indicate the narrow genetic bases of the germplasms. The varieties falling under different clusters possessing desirable lignocellulosic composition can be used in a hybridization programme to develop bioenergy efficient varieties. The promising varietal combinations that can be used as parents for developing bioenergy efficient genotypes are Kanchan / Gobinda, Mahanadi / Ramachandi, Mahanadi / Rambha, Mahanadi / Manika, Rambha / Manika, Rambha / Indravati and CR-Dhan-601 / Manika as they offer an advantage of higher cellulose accumulation. This study helped in identification of suitable dual purpose rice varieties for biofuel production without compromising food security.

Synergistic cobalt oxide/reduced graphene oxide/biochar nano-composite catalyst: harnessing the power of the catalyst for sustainable remediation of organic dyes and chromium(vi).

The exponential growth of industrial activities has led to a significant rise in the release of organic effluents, containing hazardous heavy metals and dyes, into the environment. These pollutants exhibit resistance to conventional biodegradation processes and are associated with carcinogenic properties, posing a severe threat to living organisms. In this context, the present research endeavours to address this environmental challenge through the development of an affordable and efficient photocatalyst, the Co3O4/reduced graphene oxide/biochar (CBG-10) heterostructure. The structural analysis of CBG-10, conducted through various techniques such as XRD, XPS, SEM, and optical property measurements, demonstrates its potential as a highly effective and easily recoverable catalyst for the mineralization of persistent pollutants like methylene blue, malachite green, and hexavalent Cr(vi). The recyclability of CBG-10 was confirmed through XRD studies, highlighting its stability and practical usability in wastewater purification. The photocatalytic behaviour of the catalyst was attributed to the generation of hydroxyl (˙OH) and superoxide radicals (˙O2-) during visible light illumination, as revealed by quenching experiments. The cost-effectiveness and stability of CBG-10 position it as a promising solution for addressing the challenges associated with the removal of stubborn organic contaminants from wastewater, thereby contributing to environmental protection and public health.

A Comprehensive Molecular, Biochemical, Histochemical, and Spectroscopic Characterization of Early and Medium Duration Rice Genotypes Investigating Dry Matter Accumulation Efficiencies.

Investigation on accumulation of cell wall components over critical growth stages will surely provide a new insight into dry matter accumulation studies in rice. An elevated biomass production provides an alternative strategy of yield improvement, which in turn maneuvers the species concerned as potential dual-purpose crop. On that note, present study was carried on 33 early and 39 medium duration rice genotypes. The average cellulose accumulation was 6.51% and 8.17% in early and medium duration genotypes, respectively, at flowering stage, which later on dipped to 1.43% and 3.46%, respectively, at physiological maturity. The gene specific marker MDgsp-5.a exhibited highest estimate of polymorphic information content (PIC), i.e., 0.685, closely followed by MDgsp-6.a with polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.683. The control genotypes, i.e., Pratap and Mandakini, are grouped under the same cluster, i.e., Cluster-I.A, indicating their inherent genetic divergence from that of potential accumulators pertaining to cellulose accumulation. Pratap and Mandakini failed to produce peaks of conspicuous form at 3342 cm-1 and 1635 cm-1, bearing out by their low performance pertaining to cellulose and lignin accumulation at the later stages of development, respectively. From histochemistry studies, it was observed that the cell walls of sclerenchyma, peripheral vascular bundles, and parenchyma of the culm transections in control genotypes stained lightly than that of prolific accumulator cell walls, thus corroborating the findings of compositional analysis. The variation in cell wall thickening is primarily accounted due to altered carbohydrate accumulation across the growth stages as explored under scanning electron micrograph.

A comparative thermo-chemical characterization of oilseed, millet and pulse stem biomass for bioethanol production.

Various thermochemical and biochemical processes are resorted to transform agri-wastes into diverse green fuels. Current investigation encompassed three different types of biomass viz., gingelly, kodo millet and horse grams, whose desirability as biofuel feedstock have been largely unexplored till date. The existence of significant amount of cellulose (38.07 %), volatiles (75.19 %), calorific value (avg. 16.98 MJ/kg) in the gingelly biomass, demonstrates the effectiveness of the concerned biomass for utilization as feedstock in diverse industrial applications. The mean estimates of Eα were lower for kodo millet (approx. 150 kJ/mole), followed by gingelly (approx. 178 kJ/mole) and horse gram (approx. 180 kJ/mole). The mean estimates of ΔHα were 174.81 (FWO), 170.22 (KAS), 169.17 (S) and 170.40 (T) kJ/mol for the gingelly biomass. The mean estimates of ΔHα were 147.83 (FWO), 148.81 (KAS), 147.93 (S) and 149.04 (T) kJ/mol for kodo millet biomass, while for horse gram biomass, mean estimates of ΔHα were 178.91 (FWO), 169.61 (KAS), 168.56 (S) and 168.81 (T) kJ/mol. The minor difference of 3-4 kJ/mole between Aα and Hα, signifies the viability of the thermal disintegration process. From master plot, it's evident that the experimental curve intersects multiple theoretical curves, highlighting the intricate characteristics of the thermal disintegration process. The overall ethanol recovery was highest in gingelly as compared to both the biomasses. Gingelly biomass yielded an ethanol titer of 24.8 g/L after 24 h, resulting in a volumetric ethanol productivity of 1.03 g/L/h and an ethanol yield of 0.36 g/g.

Estimating phenotypic stability for relevant yield and quality traits in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) using AMMI analysis.

The presence of strong G x E (genotype by environment interaction) is a major hurdle for selecting superior genotypes when genotypes are placed into new and unfamiliar production systems. Genotype or cultivar (s) with high yield potential and having less adaptability and stability to particular environment is never a suitable choice for a breeder and farmer particularly. Purposefully, four successive seasons were chosen to enumerate the phenotypic stability of 27 French bean genotypes for yield and quality traits by involving modern statistical tools like AMMI (Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction), GGE [G + (G x E)] and cluster analysis. AMMI analysis of variance witnessed magnitude of G, E and G x E was 81.94%, 11.58% and 6.48% of the total variation respectively. The IPCA I (Interaction Principal Component Axes) was contributed with 55.44%, 73.60%, 71.81%, 81.69% and 72.16% G x E variations of days to 50% flowering, pod length, number of pods per plant, average pod weight and pod yield respectively. For qualitative traits i.e., protein content (mg/100g FW), total soluble solids (%) and total phenol content (mg GAE/g FW) the involvement of IPCA I to total genotype by environment interaction variations were 89.55%, 96.07% and 66.52% respectively. The AMMI biplot revealed French bean genotypes viz., IC632961, Arka Sukomal, IIHR-PV-29, IIHR-PV-30 having low AMMI stability value and higher mean value for relevant yield and quality traits in both late kharif and rabi as two mega-environments. Multivariate analysis demonstrated significant higher contribution of pod yield associated traits towards total variations and positive correlation between them. The 27 French bean genotypes formed five groups as per Euclidean distance and the clustering revealed the nature of diversity of French bean genotypes viz., IC 632961, IIHR-B-PV-24, Arka Sukomal, Arka Arjun, Ayoka and Phalguni in response to changing environments and can be utilized in future breeding programme. The study revealed pole type French bean genotypes viz., IC 632961, Arka Sukomal and bush type French bean genotypes viz., IIHR-B-PV-29, IIHR-B-PV-30 could be promising for utilization in future breeding programmes for the concerned traits.

A comparative study on pyrolysis kinetics and thermodynamic parameters of little millet and sunflower stems biomass using thermogravimetric analysis.

Several biochemical and thermochemical routes including pyrolysis, liquefaction, combustion and gasification are used to convert biomass to several bioproducts and green fuels. The current investigation included two important biomass namely, little millet stem (LMS) and sunflower stem (SS), whose potentiality as useful feedstocks is largely unexplored. The presence of considerable level of cellulose accumulation (approx. 30 %), volatiles (approx. 67 %) and high heating value (approx. 14 MJ/kg) in both the biomass, inferred their potentiality to be used as feedstocks in the pyrolysis process. The estimate of activation energy for LMS was reported as 191.14 kJ/mol (FWO), 191.46 kJ/mol (KAS) whereas for SS, the activation energy was estimated as 166.52 kJ/mol (FWO) and 162.68 kJ/mol (KAS). The difference between change in enthalpy and activation energy was small (5 to 6 kJ/mol) for both the biomasses, indicating the feasibility of combustion process. From Z(α) analyses, the experimental curve was seen passing through different theoretical curves, indicating complex nature of pyrolysis process for both the biomass.

Temperature Effect on Morphobiochemical Characters in Some Black Gram (Vigna mungo) Genotypes.

Lack of suitable varieties and genotypes of black gram with adaptation to local conditions is among the factors affecting its production. Efforts to genetically improve the crop mostly involve identifying important morphological descriptors followed by development of advanced breeding lines for locale-specific cultivars. The present day available black gram varieties have not been properly characterized for their thermo sensitiveness with respect to morphological and biochemical characters. Hence efforts were taken in the present research to study the effect of the temperature on these characters in seven black gram varieties over different development stages. We aimed at studying the effect of 3 temperature regimes for identifying suitable stress tolerant genotypes. High percent germination (87.2%), root length (3.68 cm), carbohydrate content (3.72 mg g(-1) fresh tissue) among the genotypes was highest at 10°C-20°C temperature. High shoot length (13.39 cm), free amino acid content (3.73 mg g(-1) fresh tissue), and protein content (9.54 mg g(-1) fresh tissue) was found to be present when the genotypes were exposed to 20°C-30°C temperature. The black gram varieties J.L and PDU-1 performed best in all the temperature regimes over characters. Thus suitable varieties for all temperature regimes were identified using biochemical analysis.