Modulation of plant growth and antioxidative defense system through endophyte biopriming in cotton (Gossypium spp.) and non-host crops.

Seed biopriming is very promising in improving seed health by mitigating various biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, the effect of biopriming with cotton endophytes on seed germination and other growth parameters in host and non-host crops like wheat, sorghum, cowpea and chick pea was examined. The endophytes were antagonistic to cotton pathogens Corynespora cassiicola and Fusarium solani under in vitro. Among the eight endophytes, CFR-1 and CEL-48 were highly efficient with inhibition rates of 66.16% and 64.24% respectively against C. cassiicola, whereas CFL-34 was efficient against F. solani with more than 50% inhibition. Seed biopriming enhanced seed germination in cotton and non-host crops whereas seed vigor index was highest in bio-primed cotton. Moreover, growth promotion parameters were also enhanced upon endophyte biopriming. Total sugar content ranged from 5.46 to 7.54 mg/g F.W in cotton and highest was found in CFL-34 treated wheat (8.64 mg/g FW). There was an increase of 10-30% soluble protein in bioprimed cotton over control. Interestingly, the antioxidant potential in all the bio-primed crops was improved with increased catalase and peroxidase activity. Specific activity of catalase ranged from 0.42 to 1.90 µmol/min/mg protein in cotton, while highest activity was reported in CEL-48 primed wheat. The findings of this investigation emphasizes seed biopriming with endophytes for sustainable plant health management.

Rapid detection of Tobacco streak virus (TSV) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) based on Reverse Transcription Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP).

Tobacco Streak Virus (TSV) belongs to the genus Ilarvirus of the family Bromoviridae an emerging pathogen posing threat to the crop species worldwide. Identification of symptoms due to TSV infection by visual observation of plants often results in misdiagnosis as symptoms produced by this virus can match with those reflecting physiological and nutritional disorders affecting cotton. Development of diagnostic tools with rapidity will have immense role to play in detection and management of the emerging virus. The protocol for rapid diagnosis of TSV infected samples by using Reverse Transcription-Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) was optimised and this is the first report of its use for diagnosis of TSV on cotton and Soybean. The colorimetric detection for diagnostic simplicity of amplified RT-LAMP product by using different dyes lead to enhanced applicability of this technique. The RT-LAMP diagnostic tool can be utilized not only for laboratory research but also for quarantine and field diagnosis of this important emerging pathogen affecting cotton.

Cellular cannibalism in giant cells of central giant cell granuloma of jaw bones and giant cell tumors of long bones.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship of central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) and giant cell tumor of long bones (GCT) with respect to cannibalistic giant cells (GCs). METHOD: Sixteen cases each of CGCG and GCT were histopathologically analyzed for cannibalistic GCs. One hundred GCs were examined in each section, and the number of cannibalistic GCs was expressed in percentage. RESULTS: Cannibalistic GCs were seen in all cases of CGCG and GCT (100%). GCT showed significantly higher mean cannibalistic GC frequency (44.81 ± 1.013) than CGCG (32.06 ± 1.398), aggressive CGCG (38.17 ± 1.579), non-aggressive CGCG (28.40 ± 0.6360), non-recurrent CGCG (30.42 ± 1.417), and recurrent CGCG (37.00 ± 2.483). In aggressive CGCG, the mean cannibalistic GC frequency was significantly higher (38.17 ± 1.579) than the non-aggressive variant (28.40 ± 0.6360). Recurrent CGCG cases showed significantly higher mean cannibalistic GC frequency (37.00 ± 2.483) than non-recurrent cases (30.42 ± 1.417). Similarly, recurrent GCT showed significantly higher mean cannibalistic GC frequency (47.4 ± 4.97) than non-recurrent GCT (43.63 ± 3.1). CONCLUSION: The distinctness of CGCG and GCT was observed in terms of mean cannibalistic GC count. The assessment of cannibalistic GC in CGCG and GCT could help in predicting the biological behavior and grading of the tumor.