North-western Himalayan Region Of India Research Articles

Retrotransposon based genetic status of North-West Himalayan Zingiber officinale revealed high heterogeneity

Inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism (IRAP) and retrotransposon-microsatellite amplified polymorphism (REMAP) techniques were successfully applied, for the first time, to analyze genetic diversity among 92 ginger landraces collected from north-western Himalayan region of India. Six IRAP primer/combinations generated 75 loci with an average of 12 loci/primer displaying an overall polymorphism of 95.95 %. On the other hand, twenty five REMAP primer combinations produced 414 loci with 96.5 % polymorphism. IRAP showed maximum Rp (5.39) and PIC (0.28) values, while the same in REMAP was observed to be 10.92 and 0.34. Cluster analysis using Jaccard’s similarity coefficient for IRAP and REMAP data ranged between 0.21 to 1.0 and 0.21 to 0.85, respectively distinguishing all the genotypes with diverse genetic makup. The results also confirmed the presence of sukkula retrotransposon (RT6) in the ginger genome which effectively acted as genetic marker revealing high regional genetic diversity in the ginger gene pool. The study will help in giving insight to the genetic constitution of vegetatively grown ginger crop and for its further utilization in improvement, conservation and management programmes.

Genetic diversity analysis of Tinospora cordifolia germplasm collected from northwestern Himalayan region of India

Twenty-seven accessions, collected from different ecologicalregions and altitudes in the northwestern Himalayan regionof India ranging from 400 to 1300 m above mean sea level(table 1), were grown for morphophysiological characteriza-tion. Thirty-seven accessions (including 10 more accessionsof unknown origin) were subjected to molecular diversityanalysis using RAPD and ISSR markers.The field experiment was laid out in a completely ran-domized block design (CRBD) with three replications. Eachreplication comprised of 50 plants per accession. The dataon 15 randomly selected plants were recorded on variousmorphophysiological parameters viz. plant length (cm), stemdiameter (mm), stomatal density (mm

Nutritional composition and antioxidant activities of 18 different wild Cantharellus mushrooms of Northwestern Himalayas

A total of 18 wild edible mushrooms of Cantharellus species were collected from northwestern Himalayan region of India. The basic composition (moisture, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, crude fat, ash, nitrogen and protein) and amino acid contents (by high-performance liquid chromatography) of these wild edible mushrooms were determined. The macronutrient profile in general revealed that the wild mushrooms were rich sources of protein and carbohydrates, and had low amounts of fat. Total phenolics and antioxidant activity from water and methanolic extracts of these mushrooms were also determined. These wild mushrooms also had significant amount of phenol content and antioxidant capacity. Studies also provide the precise antioxidant status of 18 indigenous species of mushrooms, which can serve as a useful database for the selection of mushrooms for the function of preparation of mushroom-based nutraceutics.

Atmospheric ultrafine aerosol number concentration and its correlation with vehicular flow at two sites in the western Himalayan region: Kullu-Manali, India

The concentration of ultrafine aerosol particles of aitken and nucleation mode having size in the range of 1–20 nm was monitored with water-based Condensation Particle Counter. The monitoring was carried out from midnight-to-midnight in every alternate day on a fortnightly basis to represent summer, monsoon and winter (autumn) seasons of 2008 at Mohal (1154 m amsl) and Kothi (2530 m amsl) in Kullu-Manali area of the northwestern Himalayan region of India. The results indicate that diurnal pattern has faint bimodal structure with two peaks, one in morning and the other in evening at both the sites but it is not as distinct as found in plains. There is rather a constant particle density pattern of large magnitude consistent with vehicular movement from morning till evening. The monthly 24 h average particle density gradually picks up from January, increases rapidly in summer months and then decreases in monsoon season at Mohal but at Kothi it keeps on rising from April to October with a slight more increase in September. The particle density is more in summer than in monsoon season at Mohal, a trend opposite to plains. It may be due to the development of warm thermal layer on valley floor while a cold layer develops along snowy hilltops in winter leading to convection of fine particle up the slopes of valley during daytime. At Kothi, the trend is same as it is in continental plains but opposite to Mohal. The relatively more value of particle density in September and October at both the sites may be due to month long International Kullu Dussehra fair in the valley. The vehicular survey conducted agrees well with entire study period averaged diurnal variations and monthly 24 h averaged value of fine particle density. The average value of ultrafine particle density at each hour of a day for entire study period is 20369 ± 1230 Ncm −3 and 14389 ± 1464 Ncm −3 at Mohal and Kothi sites, respectively. The comparison with earlier results shows a significant increase indicating impact of vehicular onslaught on pure air of this hilly region.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity among the Elite Maize (Zea mays L) Genotypes Adapted to North-Western Himalayan Region of India using Microsatellite Markers

Maize is an important crop in the North-Western Himalayan states of India for food, feed and nutritional security of human population. Hybrid maize constitutes the major part of the maize area. Twenty four maize lines including the indigenous and exotic inbreds were amplified using 68 SSR primers, spread over the whole genome. The number of alleles across the primers ranged from two to eleven. The genotypes were grouped into different clusters using NTSYSpc2.11 programme. The clusters were well correlated with agronomic traits and resistance against turcicum blight. The PIC value was found to be highest for the primer bnlg1267 (0.84) while the lowest value was for the primer dupssr14 (0.09) with the mean value of 0.60. From this study we concluded that inbred V 359 is expected to give better combinations with CM 128, CM 129, V 340, V 357 and CM 212 for the development of hybrids suitable for the sub-tropical hill regions of India and elsewhere.

Expression of Genetic Variability and Character Association in Raspberry (Rubus ellipticus Smith) Growing Wild in North-Western Himalayas

The present investigation was carried out in various districts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu&Kashmir and Uttarakhand States falling under north-western Himalayan region of India. As a result of sustained exploration, 170 wild raspberry genotypes were marked and studied for berry quality attributes. Variation ranged from 0.25 g-0.93 g for berry weight. Berry length varied between 6.31 mm and 14.46 mm, while, berry breadth was 7.02 mm to 15.91 mm. Variation in Total Soluble Solids (TSS) in berry ranged between 9.6oB and 18.6oB whereas, acidity in berries ranged between 1.02 and 1.72%. The range of variation was 2-4.90% for reducing sugars, 4.2° - 11.6° for non-reducing sugars and 2.4- 5.2 mg/100 g for ascorbic acid. Berry weight had significant and positive correlation with its length and its breadth. Berry length exhibited positively significant correlation with berry breadth.

Relationship of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Azotobacter with plant growth, fruit yield, soil and leaf nutrient status of mango orchards in north-western Himalayan region of India

Relationship of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Azotobacter with plant growth, fruit yield, soil and leaf nutrient status of mango orchards in north-western Himalayan region of India

Development and validation of microsatellite markers linked to the rice blast resistance gene Pi-z of Fukunishiki and Zenith

Rice blast resistance gene ‘Pi-z’ present in rice genotypes, Zenith and Fukunishiki, represents a potential source of blast resistance for the north-western Himalayan region of India. We tested the reliability of microsatellite markers linked to Pi-z for assessing blast resistance phenotype in crosses of commercial importance. A new set of microsatellite markers linked to Pi-z was also developed by exploiting the publicly available marker and genomic resources of rice. Of the three previously reported markers for Pi-z, only MRG5836 was suitable for the marker assisted selection of Pi-z. Among the 17 microsatellites selected from the putative region of Pi-z locus, two, RM8225 and RM8226 cosegregated with MRG5836 and were located at distance of 1.2–4.5 cM from the gene. A new microsatellite marker ‘SSR236’ was developed from the (CT)16 repeat of PAC clone P0502B12, which exhibited closer linkage (0.6–1.2 cM) to Pi-z. Survey of the allelic diversity at the loci of the Pi-z linked microsatellite markers revealed that the Fukunishiki and Zenith type alleles were not present in majority of the local indica rice genotypes. As these markers are polymorphic between the Pi-z donors and a great majority of local indica rices tested, they can be used as a selection tool in rice breeding programs aimed at improving the blast resistance of local rices.

Wild Himalayan Cherry (Prunus cerasoides) as a Natural Host of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus in India.

Prunus cerasoides, also known as wild Himalayan cherry, grows naturally in the Himalayas. A member of the Rosaceae family, the tree has medicinal (astringent) and other (beads, dye, wood) uses. During surveys in the northwestern Himalayan Region of India, necrotic spots were observed on leaves of P. cerasoides. Since the symptoms were typical of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), preliminary detection was done by double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA (Agdia, Elkhart, IN). Positive results were obtained three times more than the negative control which is provided in the kit. To further confirm its presence, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis was performed using a primer pair (upstream 5'-AACTGCAGATGGTTTGCCGAATTTGCAA-3'; downstream 5'-GCTCTAGACTAGATCTCAAGCAGGTC-3') specific for the coat protein gene (GenBank Accession Nos. AJ619984 and AJ619983). Amplification of the expected 675-bp fragment was obtained. The sequence of a cloned copy of the amplified product showed 99% similarity to the PNRSV coat protein gene (GenBank Accession No. AF170165), confirming the presence of PNRSV in P. cerasoides (sequence submitted as Accession No. AM493717). The cloned DNA has the potential for utilization as an additional tool, and an early PNRSV screening (both pollen and seed transmitted) will be highly useful to ensure healthy rootstocks are used for grafting purposes (1). PNRSV mainly infects members of the Rosaceae family, including stone fruits and ornamental plants such as peach, plum, cherry, apricot, nectarines, and roses, and was first reported in P. persica (1). Proper management of PNRSV at this level can prevent its transmission and disease development in grafted scions of commercial Prunus spp. Reference: (1) A. A. Brunt et al. Page 1047 in: Viruses of Plants. CAB International, Wallingford, UK. 1996.

Virulence structure of theMagnaporthe grisea rice population from the northwestern Himalayas

The virulence structure of theMagnaporthe grisea rice population from the northwestern Himalayan region of India was deciphered on 24 rice genotypes harboring different blast resistance genes. Matching virulences appropriate to all the rice genotypes, except Fukunishiki (Pi-z, Pi-sh) and Zenith (Pi-z, Pi-a, Pi-i), were present in the pathogen population. Moreover, a very low percentage of isolates were virulent on Tetep (Pi-ta, Pi-k h, Pi-4b) and Tadukan (Pi-ta/Pi-ta 2). Although virulence was recorded on most of the lines tested, none was susceptible to all of the isolates. Three pairs of genotypes, namely, C101LAC:C101A51; K-1: Dular; and Dular: HPU-741, exhibited complementary resistance spectra as no isolate combined virulence to both the members of each of the three pairs of genotypes despite the fact that individual members were susceptible to a major portion of the pathogen population. The blast resistance genesPi-z, Pi-k h, Pi-l andPi-2 and their various combinations were construed to provide broad spectrum and durable blast resistance in Himachal Pradesh. Pathotype analysis revealed the existence of extremely high pathotypic diversity in the pathogen population. Based on the observed population structure forM. grisea, it was not possible to designate a minimum set of pathogen isolates that could be used in blast resistance screens to identify effective sources of blast resistance. The overall results suggested that the pathotype analysis alone is insufficient to describe the existing pathogenic variability, especially when this information has to be used for guiding the breeding programs aimed at developing durable blast resistance. However, population genetics approach of studying pathogenic specialization by monitoring the frequency of individual virulence genes and analyzing virulence gene combinations for their association or dissociation might generate useful information for developing durable blast resistance.

High-resolution mapping, cloning and molecular characterization of the Pi-k h gene of rice, which confers resistance to Magnaporthe grisea

In order to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the gene-for-gene type of pathogen resistance, high-resolution genetic and physical mapping of resistance loci is required to facilitate map-based cloning of resistance genes. Here, we report the molecular mapping and cloning of a dominant gene (Pi-k) present in the rice line Tetep, which is associated with resistance to rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe grisea. This gene is effective against M. grisea populations prevalent in the Northwestern Himalayan region of India. Using 178 sequence tagged microsatellite, sequence-tagged site, expressed sequence tag and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to genotype a population of 208 F2 individuals, we mapped the Pi-k h gene between two SSR markers (TRS26 and TRS33) which are 0.7 and 0.5 cM away, respectively, and can be used in markerassisted-selection for blast-resistant rice cultivars. We used the markers to identify the homologous region in the genomic sequence of Oryza sativa cv. Nipponbare, and a physical map consisting of two overlapping bacterial artificial chromosome and P1 artificial chromosome clones was assembled, spanning a region of 143,537 bp on the long arm of chromosome 11. Using bioinformatic analyses, we then identified a candidate blast-resistance gene in the region, and cloned the homologous sequence from Tetep. The putative Pi-k gene cloned from Tetep is 1.5 kbp long with a single ORF, and belongs to the nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat class of disease resistance genes. Structural and expression analysis of the Pi-k gene revealed that its expression is pathogen inducible.

High-resolution mapping, cloning and molecular characterization of the Pi-k h gene of rice, which confers resistance to Magnaporthe grisea

In order to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the gene-for-gene type of pathogen resistance, high-resolution genetic and physical mapping of resistance loci is required to facilitate map-based cloning of resistance genes. Here, we report the molecular mapping and cloning of a dominant gene (Pi-k ( h )) present in the rice line Tetep, which is associated with resistance to rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe grisea. This gene is effective against M. grisea populations prevalent in the Northwestern Himalayan region of India. Using 178 sequence tagged microsatellite, sequence-tagged site, expressed sequence tag and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to genotype a population of 208 F(2) individuals, we mapped the Pi-k ( h ) gene between two SSR markers (TRS26 and TRS33) which are 0.7 and 0.5 cM away, respectively, and can be used in marker-assisted-selection for blast-resistant rice cultivars. We used the markers to identify the homologous region in the genomic sequence of Oryza sativa cv. Nipponbare, and a physical map consisting of two overlapping bacterial artificial chromosome and P1 artificial chromosome clones was assembled, spanning a region of 143,537 bp on the long arm of chromosome 11. Using bioinformatic analyses, we then identified a candidate blast-resistance gene in the region, and cloned the homologous sequence from Tetep. The putative Pi-k ( h ) gene cloned from Tetep is 1.5 kbp long with a single ORF, and belongs to the nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat class of disease resistance genes. Structural and expression analysis of the Pi-k ( h ) gene revealed that its expression is pathogen inducible.

P-293 Primary lung cancer among women in north-western Himalayan region of India with special reference to Bidi smoking

P-293 Primary lung cancer among women in north-western Himalayan region of India with special reference to Bidi smoking

P-83 Pattern of primary lung cancer among Bidi smokers in North-Western Himalayan region of India

P-83 Pattern of primary lung cancer among Bidi smokers in North-Western Himalayan region of India

BIOECOLOGY OF DIORYCTRIA ABIETELLA DENIS AND SCHIFF. A PEST OF CONIFERS IN THE NORTH-WESTERN HIMALAYA

Cones and seeds of conifers, such as Pinus roxburghii, P. wallichiana, P. gerardiana, Cedrus deodara, Abies pindrow and Picea smithiana are seriously damaged by Dioryctria abietella Denis and Schiff. (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae) in the North-Western Himalayan region of India. Bioecological studies carried out during 1991 - '92 revealed that the females laid whitish, elliptical eggs singly on the depressed surface of the young cones. The average egg size was 1.00 ± 0.11 x 0.60 ±0.08 mm and this stage lasted for 3 - 5 days. The larval stage passed through five instars. All the instars differed in appearance, size and duration and larvae became full-fed in an average of 24.8 ± 1.9 days. The full-fed larva spun a cocoon around itself, sealed it with white papery membrane and pupated inside the cone or any other outside protected place. The prepupal and pupal periods lasted for 7-8 and 10-14 days, respectively. The pupa was dark brown, 13.8 ± 0.07 mm in length. Total period from egg to adult varied from 46 to 59 days (52.7 ±4.8 days). Adults were dirty brown in appearance and were 13.59±0.115 mm long with an average wing expanse of 29.0 ± 1.00 mm. They lived for 4 to 5 days. Under laboratory conditions, the pest completed two generations per year and full-fed larvae of 3rd generation overwintered during September - October. Two larval parasites belonging to order Hymenoptera and Diptera, and a fungal pathogen (Fusarium sp.) were found associated with this pest. The detailed biology, nature and extent of damage, along with its distribution have been discussed and methods of control suggested. Key Words: Insect biology, Insect ecology, Dioryctria abietella, Coniferae, North-Western Himalaya, Forest pests

Chromosomes of Aphid Fauna from North-western Himalayas, India.

The diploid chromosome number and karyotypes of fifty-two species in 34 genera belonging to 7 sub-families are reported. All the aphid species are collected from the North-western Himalayan region of India. In this study, chromosome records for 21 species are reported for the first time.

VL Dhan 221, a New Upland Rice Variety for the Northwestern Himalayan Region of India

VL Dhan 221, a New Upland Rice Variety for the Northwestern Himalayan Region of India