Assessment of Cold Tolerance in Boro Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes During Germination for Enhanced Adaptability to Low Temperature Stress

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the cold tolerance ability of ten boro rice genotypes in the laboratory conditions for suitability of growing under low temperature stress. The experiment was laid out in Factorial CRD and the low temperature regimes was provided under controlled environment (Walk-in cold chamber by Saveer Biotech Limited) for germination studies that could maintain the specific low temperature. The experiment was conducted in the Department of Crop Physiology and Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India. The germination tests were conducted under four different temperature regimes where seed germination under ambient (T4=28 ± 0.2oC) was considered as control. Low-temperature treatments were provided by the growth chamber at three different levels of low temperature viz. (T3=10-12°C), (T2=7-9oC) and (T1=5-6°C). Per cent germination, germination index, shoot length, length of longest root and seed vigour index were considered for the study. The germination percent, germination index, shoot length, length of longest root and seed vigour index was recorded highest under ambient condition (T4) irrespective of all the genotypes. Seeds grown under T3 showed considerable germination values only after 28 days of germination studies, whereas T1 and T2 showed no germination. The study revealed that amongst all the ten genotypes, Kanaklata and Sona Mahsuri revealed superior performance in germination percentage, germination index, shoot length, length of the longest root and seed vigour index. In the correlation studies, germination % was significantly correlated with germination index, shoot length, length of the longest and SVI at 5% probability level. GI was also positively and significantly correlated with Shoot length (SL), Length of longest root (LLR) and Seed Vigour Index (SVI). The present study revealed that Sona Mahsuri and Kanaklata was found to be the ideal genotypes for germination under low temperature (10-12oC). Therefore, Farmers growing boro rice under low temperature regimes could take the opportunity of selecting the varieties viz. Kanaklata and Sona Mahsuri for higher yield.

Studies on Genetic Variability and Associations of Fruit and Shoot Borer Infestation for Yield Attributing Traits in Transgressive Segregating Populations of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

In the F2 generation of eggplants, resulting from the crosses between Bilichandubadane and Mullubadane in the F1 generation, a considerable level of variability was observed. These eggplant varieties, cultivated in an augmented design at ZARS Shimogga during the Kharif season of 2017, display numerous significant plant breeding characteristics and hold great potential for further improvement under varying growing conditions. The F2 investigation unveiled substantial diversity in nine quantitative traits. The strong correlation between the Genetic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) and Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) values suggests that environmental factors have a relatively minor influence on the expression of these studied traits. Importantly, characteristics such as the number of fruits per plant, the number of primary branches, and the number of flowers per plant exhibited a substantial genetic contribution, as indicated by their high GCV and PCV values, in addition to significant broad sense heritability and genetic advancement. This implies that these traits are mainly governed by additive genes and can be effectively enhanced through selection without necessitating progeny testing. Furthermore, the high heritability values observed for most traits indicate considerable potential for improving yield and its components through selective breeding. Differences in mean values among the parent plants in various characteristics suggest the involvement of diverse parent plants in the crosses studied. Additionally, the F2 plants displayed superior performance in most traits compared to either of the parent plants, which can be attributed to the phenomenon of transgressive segregation.

Standard Operating Procedure for Micropropagation of Melia dubia Cav.: An Important Fastgrowing Tree

Due to increasing demand to meet out industrial requirement as a raw material , soft wood forest species are under tremendous pressure across the globe. The demand of fast growing Melia dubia is one of them. The usual approach of regeneration for this plant is through seed is unable to produce large scale plants. The present investigation aimed to develop the Standard Operating Procedure through Tissue culture method for mass multiplication of M.dubia using nodal segment . Results showed that the highest shoot initiation response (86.6%) was recorded in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with additives, NAA (0.1 mg l-1) and Kinetin (0.5mg l-1). Maximum response of shoot multiplication with highest shoot length of 5.5 cm was obtained in MS medium supplemented with combinations of Ascorbic acid (50 mg l-1) and Kinetin 1 mgl-1. For rhizogenesis, MS + 3.0 mgl-1 IBA (93.3 %) demonstrated superior in terms of the percentage of cultures with root induction, the average number of roots, and the average length of roots per explant. In conclusion present study ensures the successful mass multiplication of M. dubia, demonstrating the importance of tissue culture in the expansion of this economically significant multipurpose tree.

Correlation and Path Analysis for Growth, Yield, Quality and Incidence of Shoot and Fruit Borer in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The study was conducted using sixty brinjal genotypes to evaluate yield quality and incidence of shoot and fruit borer with an objective to study the correlation and path coefficient analysis. The majority of the time, genotypic correlations were higher than phenotypic correlations, indicating that the attribute is highly heritable. At the genotypic level, fruit yield per plant significantly correlated positively with the number of fruits per plant, the weight of infested fruit, the girth of fruit, the height of the plant, the number of primary branches per plant, the proportion of medium-styled flowers, the proportion of long-styled flowers, and the length of fruits. It an exhibited significant negative correlation with SFB fruit infestation as well as SFB shoot infestation both at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path coefficient revealed that fruits per plant showed a high and positive direct effect on yield followed by fruit weight, long -styled flowers, medium -styled flowers, and days to first harvest. Direct selection for these traits would be rewarding for improvement in the fruit yield per plant.

Methodology of Micropropagation of Elite Genotype in Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) Genotype Lakshmi

The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is an aquatic plant grown extensively throughout Asia, mostly for commercial and ornamental purposes. It is mostly propagated via rhizomes. A potent and reproducible plant regeneration system for lotus has been developed in this work employing rhizomes, shoot tips from the mother plant, and mature and immature embryos collected from eighteen and twenty-six-day-old aseptically fertilized seed. Shoot induction, number of shoots, and length of roots were induced on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) basal medium supplemented with various concentrations of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) mgL-1 (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4). The response of the explant varied with different BAP concentrations. The most favorable outcomes were achieved using MS medium treated with 0.5 mgL-1 6-Benzylaminopurine (T2).

Telangana Jonna 1(CSV 41): A High Yielding, Dual Purpose, Potential Sorghum Variety

Aims: The aim of this study was popularize the developed high yielding, dual purpose, potential sorghum variety and its acceptability by the farming community.Study of Design: Randomized Block Design.Place and Duration of Study: The Present study was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Nagarkurnool and evaluated across fifteen AICRP centers at national level from 2010 to 2019.Methodology: A high yielding, dual purpose sorghum variety was derived from a cross between SPV-86 x ICSR-89064 through Pedigree method of breeding and subsequently it was evaluated at station level from 2013 – 2015 and also at AICRP system from fifteen centers during 2016 – 2018 for its grain and fodder yield and resistance to pests and diseases and showed superior performance over the three nation checks.Results: Sorghum culture SPV 2437 recorded highest grain and fodder yield of 3179.8 kg ha-1 and15900.2 kg ha-1and yielded +39.25%, +3.86% and +14.88% higher grain yield and +92.48, +13.59, and +8.46 higher fodder yield superiority than checks CSV 17, CSV 20 and CSV-27 and shown 3.67 mean field grade and 4.37 mean threshed grade showing resistant reaction to grain mold disease.Conclusion: The sorghum variety SPV 2437 with higher grain and fodder yield, resistance to pest and disease and good cooking quality as compared to the check varieties was released through central varietal release committee during 2020 for Zone I (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Gujarat states) on the name of Telangana Jonna 1/CSV 41 and gaining its importance across the states for its high potential yield.

Economic Assessment aganist Shoot and Fruit Borer (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Okra at Uttar Pradesh, India

The field trail was conducted during Kharif 2022 to evaluate the cost benefit ratio by using different insecticidal applications viz., NSKE 10% T1 @ 10gm/L, Beauveria bassiana 1.15% WP (1x108 CFU/gm) T2 @ 5gm/L, Spinosad 45 SC T3 # 0.5ml/L, Metarhizium anisopliae 4% WSP (1x108 CFU/gm) T4 @ 5ml/L, Imidacloprid 17.8 SL T5 @ 0.3 ml/L, Nisco sixer plus T6 @ 1.5ml/L, Neem oil 5% T7 @ 5ml/L and untreated control T8 in three replications against shoot and fruit borer, Earias vittella (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), management on okra. Obsevations were taken on percent infestation of shoot and fruit on day before, 7DAS and 14DAS after two sprays Results revealed that highest yield is recorded in Spinosad 45 SC (101.4 q/ha), followed by nisco sixer plus (82.2 q/ha), Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (72.5 q/ha). Insecticidal treatment with Spinosad 45 SC with 1:5.66 had the highest cost benefit ratio, followed by Nisco sixer plus (1:4.99).

Influence of Weather Factors on Incidence and Infestation of Shoot and Fruit Borer in Brinjal

Aims: To correlate the influence of weather variables on population dynamics, incidence and infestation of Brinjal shoot and fruit Borer (BFSB) in Brinjal. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (RRTTS) at Ranital, Bhadrak Odisha and at Instructional Farm at OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha for period of 1 year. Methodology: The population of Brinjal shoot and fruit Borer were recorded from transplanting to harvest of the crop. Five random plants were selected and tagged for observation recording, except boarder plants. To determine the percentage of affected shoots, brinjal plants showing signs of delicate shoots drooping, withering, and drying were counted. Similarly, the population was correlated with weather conditions and the number of fruits showing signs of bore holes on fruits was tallied to estimate the percent fruit infection. Results: The investigation indicates that quantitatively establish the relationship of weather parameters as varied with the dates of sowing (23 May,20 November2021, 21 January2022) and Brinjal fruit and shoot borer (BFSB).The studies revealed that the peak population of brinjal shoot and fruit borer was observed during 34th SMW (22-28 August), 5th SMW(30 January- 5 February) and 18th SMW(1-7May) with shoot infestation(38.44%), (11.10%) and (57.99%) respectively. The fruit was infested with a peak of 47.55%, 27.07% and 63.84% on 39th SMW (26 September- 2 October), 9th SMW (27February-5March) and 18th SMW (1-8May) respectively. The BSFB shows positive significant correlation with relative humidity. Conclusion: The population of BSFB fluctuates with change in temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity. On first sowing date BSFB population has a less population dynamics comparatively to other two sowing dates. So it is concluded for early sowing results in less pest population.

Phytochemicals Screening and Anti-proliferative Activities of Anacardium occidentale Shoot Extract in Breast Cancer Cells

@#Introduction: Anacardium occidentale or cashew are popular traditional food and have raised research interest for complementary cancer treatment. Cancer has become leading cause of death and treatment involved severe side effects. In present study, we aim to study the anti-proliferative effects of cashew shoots in breast cancer (MDAMB-231), colorectal cancer (HT-29) and liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines. Methods: Cell lines were treated with 70% ethanolic cashew extract for cytotoxicity test with MTT assay. AO/PI dual fluorescent assay and RNase/PI staining were used to determine apoptosis induction effects. Phytochemicals screening was carried out by using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS). Results: The cytotoxicity assay of cashew shoot extract demonstrated IC50 of 81.1 ± 0.11 μg/ml for MDA-MB-231, 307.5 ± 2.31 μg/ml for HT-29 and 272.6 ± 1.91 μg/ml for HepG2 cell lines. The apoptotic bodies include chromatin condensation, cell blebbing and nuclear fragmentation and apoptosis induction were shown by AO/PI staining. There was significant increase of cell count in sub-G0 phase in MDA-MB-231 cell lines treated with cashew shoot extract. It was demonstrated that cashew shoot extract contained 38 compounds from GCMS such as sitosterol, tannin, pyrogallol, phenol and 20 compounds from LCMS such as citric acid, gallic acid, myricetin and hinokiflavone that may give rise to its anti-cancer effect. Conclusion: Cashew shoot extract demonstrated potential anti-cancer properties thus further study is required to investigate its mechanism as anti-cancer agent.

Organogenesis on apical buds in common fig (Ficus carica) var. Black Jack

BACKGROUND Plant tissue culture involves the use of explants obtained from plants to induce organogenesis with the help of plant growth regulators (PGRs). Micropropagation techniques provide a faster and economical solution to the limitations associated with traditional methods of plant cultivation. The present study focuses on the multiple shoot induction and proliferation of Ficus carica var. Black Jack. Factors that influence the growth of in vitro multiple shoots on the apical buds, which include growth media and PGRs, were investigated in this study. Different concentrations of cytokinins like 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), Thidiazuron (TDZ), and Kinetin (Kin) were used on woody plant medium (WPM) for the optimization of media for multiple shoot induction and proliferation. RESULTS Apical buds of Ficus carica var. Black Jack growing in WPM supplemented with BAP produced the healthiest plantlets, with the highest number of multiple shoots. The most efficient medium composition which produced the highest number of multiple shoots (37.8) per growing explant was WPM supplemented with 20 mM BAP. Proliferated multiple shoots were efficiently rooted using WPM + 20 mM BAP + 8 mM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). This optimized medium composition significantly enhanced the production of multiple, disease-free plantlets using single apical bud explants of Ficus carica var. Black Jack. CONCLUSIONS In the present study the observations indicate that WPM supplemented with 20 mM BAP is the best-suited medium for organogenesis and multiple shoot culture of Ficus carica var. Black Jack, and this technique can be potentially applied for commercialization of the plant

An efficient protocol for in vitro regeneration of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L ) cultivar L14

The present work aims to establish an efficient protocol for in vitro regeneration of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) cultivar L14. The study showed that de-embryonated cotyledon was a suitable explant for shoot multiplication on MS medium containing 4 mg/L BAP. The highest number of shoots per explant obtained after 4 weeks of culture was up to 6.8 shoots. Shoots in vitro were able to produce a large number of approximately 11 roots on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA. These results will be very useful in establishing an in vitro regeneration protocol for peanut cultivar L14 during gene transfer in the next studies to improve their disease resistance.

Plant growth analysis describing the soybean plants response on dryland field to seed co-inoculation / Análise de crescimento de plantas descrevendo a resposta do cultivo de soja no campo à coinoculação de sementes

ABSTRACT: Plant growth analysis can be used for soybean plants evaluation to identify morphologic changes caused by soil microbes after seed inoculation. The objective was to measure changes of inoculated soybean plants grown under regular field Brazilian production conditions. The experiment was carried out to compare 5 inoculation treatments: T1 (Bradyrhizobium japonicum and B. diazoefficiens), T2 (T1 and Azospirillum brasilense), T3 (T1 and Trichoderma asperellum), T4 (T1 and T. virens, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and T5 (T1 and Penicillum bilaiae). Leaf area, shoot and root dry matter were measured at vegetative and reproductive growth stages. Results of this study validate the contribution of plant growth analysis of soybeans plants for identifying their responses promoted by the combined inoculation of their seeds with selected microbes. Also, the microbial effects on plant growth vary not only between microbes but also between parts of the plants and through the plant development stages. The introduction of different microbes in soybean rhizosphere combined with Bradyrhizobium sp. strains can contribute to increase crop dry matter productivity during its growing cycle.

RESUMO: Análise de crescimento de plantas pode ser utilizada para avaliação de plantas e identificação de mudanças causadas por microrganismos de solo, depois de serem inoculados nas sementes. O objetivo deste estudo foi medir as mudanças no crescimento de plantas de soja inoculadas em condição de cultivos extensivos de campo no Brasil. O experimento foi conduzido para comparar cinco tratamentos inoculados: T1 (Bradyrhizobium japonicum e B. diazoefficiens), T2 (T1 e Azospirillum brasilense), T3 (T1 e Trichoderma asperellum), T4 (T1 and T. virens, e Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) e T5 (T1 e Penicillum bilaiae). A área foliar e a massa seca da parte aérea e de raízes foram medidas nos estádios vegetativos e reprodutivos. Os resultados validam a contribuição da análise de crescimento de plantas de soja para identificar as respostas causadas pela inoculação de sementes com combinação de microrganismos selecionados. Os efeitos dos microrganismos no crescimento das plantas não variam apenas entre os microrganismos, mas também entre as partes das plantas e ao longo do seu desenvolvimento. A introdução de diferentes micróbios na rizosfera de soja, combinados com cepas de Bradyrhizobium sp. pode aumentar a produtividade de massa seca das culturas durante o seu ciclo de crescimento.

Improving micropropagation of some grape cultivars via boron, calcium and phosphate

BACKGROUND: An efficient regeneration protocol is a priority for the successful application of plant biotechnology. Grape nodal explants were used to develop a micropropagation protocol for Thompson Seedless and Taify cvs. Explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with Kinetin or benzylaminopurine (BA) and indolebutyric acid (IBA). RESULTS: For both cultivars, axillary buds were grown, only, on a medium enriched with kinetin, moreover, shoot tip necrosis and callus formation were observed on Thompson Seedless cv. cultures grown on a medium with BA. Supplementing the growth medium with 100 mM (boron) B and 2.5 mM (calcium) Ca successfully help overcome these phenomena. The highest regenerated shoot numbers (14 and 6.2 explant 1 ) for Taify and Thompson Seedless cvs., respectively, were on media supplemented with 13.2 mM BA + 4.9 mM IBA and BA 13.2 mM + 5.8 mM IBA, respectively. Moreover, these media supported the developing shoots to have the heaviest dry weights (1.46 and 0.72 mg explant 1 ) for Taify and Thompson Seedless cvs., respectively. Thompson Seedless cv. regenerated shoot numbers and their dry weights were significantly increased by increasing the MS medium PO4 concentration. However, these two parameters were significantly decreased for Taify cv. Developing shoots were elongated and rooted on MS medium enriched with 4.9 mM, IBA 100 mM B and 2.5 mM Ca. Plantlets were acclimatized and successfully transferred to the greenhouse conditions. CONCLUSIONS: A novel promising protocol for Thomson Seedless and Taify cvs. micropropagation using single nodes has been developed.

Genes involved in the deformations of the shoot apical meristem in somatic embryos of Capsicum chinense Jacq.

Somatic embryos (SE) of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) represent persistent deformations in the shoot apical meristem (SAM), which inhibits their capacity to form organs and subsequently plants. In dicotyledonous plants, SAM is formed in the apex, between cotyledons and it plays a central role in postembryonic shoot organ formation. Based on the previous knowledge on the role of some families of gene in the formation, organization and maintenance of the SAM, the expression patterns of WUS, WOX2, NAM, STM, PIN1 and PIN7 genes were analysed, which would allow us to elucidate the possible implication of these genes in SAM deformations in the SE of C. chinense. The results show that the expression patterns of STM and PIN1 in the SE were completely opposite to the respective expression pattern obtained in zygotic embryos (ZE). Moreover, NAM and PIN7 showed an over accumulation of transcripts in SE, compared with ZE. This is the first time in the genus Capsicum that alterations in the expression pattern of key genes of the SE development are reported, as well as its possible implication in the persistent deformations of the SAM.

Elicitation effect on the production of asiaticoside and asiatic acid in shoot, callus, and cell suspension culture of Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica is an important medicinal plant which contains various phytocompounds. Asiatic acid and asiaticosideare two major compounds which are responsible for its various pharmaceutical activities. The present study analyzesthe effect of elicitor, i.e., methyl jasmonate on the synthesis of asiaticoside and asiatic acid (ATA) in shoot, callus, andcell suspension cultures of C. asiatica. A high-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that the elicitationwith 100 µM concentration of methyl jasmonate enhanced asiaticoside content by 69-fold in callus culture, 39-fold inshoot cultures, and ATA by 1.9-fold in cell suspension culture. Thus, elicitation with methyl jasmonate is an effectivemethod of increasing the rate of biosynthesis of asiaticoside and ATA in plant cell cultures of C. asiatica

Genetic parameters of growth, and resistance to the shoot borer, in young clones of the tree Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae)

Damage by Hypsipyla grandella Zeller restricts the success of plantations of Cedrela odorata. The most critical and vulnerable infection period by H. grandella is during the first three years. The aim was to estimate the expected genetic gain for the selection of clones of fast growth and resistant to the attack by this insect. A trial with 40 clones produced by grafting was planted in Veracruz, Mexico. Heritability, genetic correlations and genetic gain of clones were estimated with data at two years-old. The survival rate of the trial was of 97 % (466 living ramets in total), 2.84 m in total high and 2.32 cm of average normal diameter. Aditionally, 9.9 % of the ramets did not present attacks, indication of evasion, and 0.6 percent without response to attack. With response to attack 89.5 % of the ramets (several degrees of tolerance): 29 % with a single shoot, 14.2 % with several shoots and 46.3 % with a dominant shoot of several shoots formed. The clonal heritability of normal diameter, height, volume, stem taper index, number of attacks and response to the attack was H2c = 0.81, 0.80, 0.81, 0.61, 0.34, and 0.26. The genetic correlations between height, diameter and volume were ≥ 0.95, and the correlation of the volume with the incidence and the response to the attack was rg = -0.31 and rg = 0.62, that is a decrease in number of attacks and moderate increase in tolerance. With a selection intensity of 10 %, selecting the four clones with higher volume will produce a genetic gain of 82 % for volume, a decrease of 10.9 % of number of attacks and 6.3 % of better recovery from damage; this is more tolerance to the insect attack. The genetic gain justifies the use of the best clones in commercial plantations in Veracruz, Mexico.

El daño por Hypsipyla grandella limita el éxito de las plantaciones de Cedrela odorata. El periodo más crítico y vulnerable es durante los primeros tres años. El objetivo del estudio fue estimar la ganancia genética esperada en la selección de clones de mayor crecimiento y resistentes al ataque del insecto. Un ensayo de 40 clones producidos por injertos fue plantado en Veracruz, México. Con datos a la edad de dos años se estimaron: la heredabilidad, correlaciones genéticas y ganancia genética de los clones. El ensayo presentó una supervivencia del 97 % (466 rametos vivos en total), con 2.84 m de altura y 2.32 cm de diámetro normal promedio. El 9.9 % de los rametos no presentaron ataques, indicando evasión, y se estimó un 0.6 % sin respuesta al ataque. Con respuesta al ataque 89.5 % de los rametos (diferentes niveles de tolerancia): 29 % con un solo brote, 14.2 % con varios brotes, y 46.3 % con un brote dominante de varios brotes formados. La heredabilidad clonal del diámetro normal, altura, volumen, índice de conicidad, número de ataques y respuesta al ataque fue de H2 c = 0.81, 0.80, 0.81, 0.61, 0.34 y 0.26, respectivamente. Las correlaciones genéticas entre la altura, diámetro y volumen fueron ≥ 0.95, y del volumen con la incidencia y la respuesta al ataque de rg = -0.31 y rg = 0.62, es decir se presentó una disminución en el número de ataques y el aumento moderado en la tolerancia. Con una intensidad de selección del 10 %, seleccionando los cuatro clones de mayor volumen se obtuvo una ganancia genética de 82 % para el volumen, una disminución de 10.9 % de ataques y 6.3 % mejor recuperación del daño, esto es más tolerancia al ataque del insecto. La ganancia genética justifica la utilización de los mejores clones en plantaciones comerciales para Veracruz.

Anti-proliferative and Apoptosis-Inducing Effects of Morinda citrifolia L. Shoot on Breast, Liver, and Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines

@#Introduction: Morinda citrifolia or also known as noni is commonly consumed raw or blanched as side dishes or ‘ulam’. As cancer is one of the most leading causes of death in the world, we aimed to evaluate the anti-proliferative potential of noni shoot against various types of cancer cell lines. Methods: The breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), liver cancer (HepG2), and colorectal cancer (HT-29) cell lines were treated with 70% ethanol extract of noni shoot for cytotoxicity testing using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis induction effects were examined using AO/PI dual fluorescent assay and cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) was also carried out to characterize the active compounds in noni shoot. Results: The cytotoxicity assay demonstrated noni shoot had IC50 of 49.72 µg/mL, 307.5 µg/mL and 65.43 µg/ mL against MDA-MB-231, HepG2, and HT-29 cell lines, respectively. The AO/PI staining showed apoptotic bodies such as cell blebbing, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation was markedly induced in the selected cancer cell lines-treated with noni shoot extract. Apoptosis induction by noni shoot was showed by a significant increase in sub G0/G1 phase in MDA-MB-231 and HT-29 cell lines of cell cycle analysis. It was found that noni shoot extract contained mostly acetic acid and ethriol that may contribute to its anti-cancer properties. Conclusion: These findings showed the potential anticancer properties of noni shoot extract thereby, further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of noni as anti-cancer agent and possibility to be developed as a nutraceutical or functional food products.

De novo in vitro shoot morphogenesis from shoot tip-induced callus cultures of Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Sm

BACKGROUND: Gymnema sylvestre is a medicinal woody perennial vine known for its sweetening properties and antidiabetic therapeutic uses in the modern and traditional medicines. Its over-exploitation for the therapeutic uses and to meet the demand of pharmaceutical industry in raw materials supply for the production of anti-diabetic drugs has led to considerable decline in its natural population. RESULTS: An efficient system of shoot bud sprouting from nodal segment explants and indirect plant regeneration from apical meristem-induced callus cultures of G. sylvestre have been developed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium amended with concentrations of cytokinins. Of the three growth regulators tested, N6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) was the most efficient and 2.0 mg L-1 gave the best shoot formation efficiency. This was followed by thidiazuron (TDZ) and kinetin (Kin) but, most of the TDZ-induced micro shoots showed stunted growth. Multiple shoot formation was observed on medium amended with BAP or TDZ at higher concentrations. The produced micro shoots were rooted on half strength MS medium amended with auxins and rooted plantlets acclimatized with 87% survival of the regenerates. CONCLUSIONS: The developed regeneration system can be exploited for genetic transformation studies, particularly when aimed at producing its high yielding cell lines for the anti-diabetic phytochemicals. It also offers opportunities for exploring the expression of totipotency in the anti-diabetic perennial vine.

In Vitro Organogenesis from Root Explants of Passiflora miniata Mast, an Amazonian Species with Ornamental Potential

ABSTRACT The present study reports a shoot organogenesis-based system for in vitro regeneration of Passiflora miniata, an Amazonia passion fruit species. Root segments were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations (range 2-9 µM) of 6-benzyladenine (BA); thidiazuron (TDZ) or kinetin (KIN). Plant growth regulators were not added to the control treatment. Root explants have showed a high regenerative potential. After 30 days of in vitro culture, the root explants showed several shoots formed direct and indirectly. TDZ provided the best response in the differentiation adventitious shoots, mainly in the presence of 6.8 µM. The cytokinins BA and KIN responded producing a reduced number of shoots. After 120 days, rooted regenerated plants were transferred to a greenhouse for acclimatization. This regeneration system opens new perspectives for micropropagation and conservation of this wild Amazonic passion fruit species.

Organogenesis of Abelmoschus moschatus Medik. Using Aseptic Seedling Explants

Aim: Abelmoschus moschatus have been extensively used in traditional medicine as well as in perfume industries. The primary goal of the present research was to develop an efficient plant regeneration protocol of Abelmoschus moschatus from aseptic seedling explants such as cotyledon, internode, leaf and root. Methodology: The seeds of Abelmoschus moschatus were surface sterilized with 0.1% mercuric chloride and 70% ethanol were cultured on ½ MS basal media for developing aseptic seedlings Aseptic seedling explants were cultured on different concentrations of auxins for callus induction. Later callus was transferred on to different concentrations of cytokinins for shoot regeneration and for in vitro, rooting different concentrations of auxins were used. Finally, such in vitro developed plantlets were acclimatized. Results: Half strength MS medium with 1% sucrose was used for raising aseptic seedlings. Maximum of 92% response of callus induction was obtained from leaf explants on MS medium + 2 mg/L 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. An average of 2.4 shoots per callus were observed on MS + 2 mg/L benzyl-6-aminopurine from leaf explant. The regenerated shoots were best rooted on 1/2 MS + 0.5 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid. The regenerated plantlets were established with 70% survival. Conclusion: An efficient plant regeneration protocol of Abelmoschus moschatus was developed.