ITC (India)

Nicotine (NIC) is a primary and characteristic alkaloid in tobacco (Nicotiana sp.). To date, there have been no comprehensive studies conducted to assess the prevalence of epigenetic phenomena related to tobacco NIC levels. Therefore, our present research seeks to investigate the potential prevalence of two significant epigenetic markers, specifically chromatin organization and genomic DNA (gDNA) methylation, in relation to physiological levels of NIC in tobacco. Our agronomical-field studies on the cultivated tobacco (N. tabacum L.) germplasm collection screening revealed a contrast pair of tobacco cv., GP150 and GP98, that exhibit consistent differences in their inherent NIC levels. GP150 harbors inherently high-NIC levels in its green- [~1.27% d.w. (pre-topping) and 2.87% d.w. (post-topping)] and cured-leaves (~3.01% d.w.). On the contrary, GP98 harbors inherently low-NIC levels in its green- [~0.04% d.w. (pre-topping) and 0.07% d.w. (post-topping)] and cured-leaves (~0.09% d.w.). A comparative evaluation of epigenetics phenomenon revealed that GP150 and GP98 differ significantly in terms of: (1) chromatin organization, (2) gDNA methylation status, (3) gDNA 5-methylcytosine (5mC) levels and (4) gDNA methyltransferases activity. An induced physiological alteration in gDNA methylation corroborated with corresponding alterations in NIC level further substantiates an intriguing correlation between aforementioned epigenetics phenomenon(s) and NIC biosynthesis in tobacco. These results reinforce the need of future in-depth epigenetics studies on NIC biosynthesis and/ signalling pathways in tobacco.

ABSTRACT Fusarium wilt and gummosis disease is a major concern in Subabul plantations, resulting in quantitative and qualitative wood losses to the paper and pulp industry. Growers currently rely on agrochemicals, which are not environmentally safe. Therefore, developing a sustainable control strategy employing biocontrol agents is necessary. For this, the investigation was performed to identify native Trichoderma strains from Subabul rhizospheric soil having antagonistic, disease control efficiency, and PGPR attributes. Six antagonistic Trichoderma (TR1 to TR6) strains were isolated and their efficacy was tested against Fusarium in-vitro by dual plate technique and volatile metabolites. Among these, Trichoderma strains TR1 and TR2 were found efficient in counteracting the growth of F. equiseti (70–90% inhibition) compared to control. The effectiveness was primarily attributed to the increased production of volatile metabolites, siderophores, and the ability to solubilise the nutrients (P and K). Further, six potent Trichoderma strains were identified as T. asperellum (TR1, TR2, TR3, TR6), and T. hamatum (TR4, TR5) through rDNA ITS gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. These isolates were mass-multiplied, formulated using Talc powder followed by bio-priming in rooting media. The application of Trichoderma into rooting media reduced the wilt disease caused by artificial inoculation of F. equiseti. Further, TR1 and TR2 were found promising with conferred protection against wilt, enhanced survival rate (10–15%), and improved growth compared to untreated control. Application of adapted TR1 and TR2 antagonists in rooting media during clonal multiplication has the potential wilt control efficiency, enhanced survival rate, and plant growth promotion in Subabul.

Guava juice, with its distinctive flavour and being rich in vitamin C, lycopene, β- carotene and flavonoids, is known for its health-promoting properties, such as its antioxidant capacity and cancer-preventive effects. As retention of nutrient composition is an important criterion in juice processing, especially loss of nutrients post vacuum concentration and reconstitution, a comparative study was conducted on Not From Concentrate (NFC) and Reconstituted From Concentrate (RFC) juice of Bangalore pink guava. Significant loss of antioxidant activity (p ≤ 0.05), vitamin C (18.8 %) and β-carotene (13. 0%) (p ≤ 0.01) was observed in guava RFC as compared to guava NFC, which might be caused by heating of juice under vacuum concentration. The iron bioavailability of guava NFC was significantly (p ≤ 0.01) higher by 38 % in Caco-2 cell studies. The sensory profile of NFC showed a fresher taste, more freshness, a naturally sweet taste and astringency compared to RFC. Minor deviations were observed in physicochemical parameters. Thus, guava NFC ensures better retention of vitamin C, antioxidant activity, β-carotene, iron bioavailability as well as better in sensorial properties compared to RFC.

Abstract In eggplant, two kinds of fruit‐bearing habits can be observed, that is, cluster and solitary. The fruits grown in cluster are small in size but contribute towards yield and productivity. In this investigation, we have studied the genetics of fruit‐bearing habit and identified the SSR markers linked to this trait. Pusa Safed Baingan 1 (cluster bearer) and Pusa Hara Baingan 1 (solitary bearer) having contrasting traits were crossed to generate F1(20 plants), F2(215 plants), B1(73 plants) and B2(64 plants). Genetic analysis of the trait was carried out using Chi‐square test. The segregation of plants in F2suggested recessive epistasis with ratio of 9:3:4 (solitary: mixed: cluster) indicating involvement of two genes for controlling the fruit‐bearing habit. The parental polymorphic 6 SSR markers were used for genotyping F2plants and co‐segregated with the fruit‐bearing habit (Bh1) locus in 1:2:1. A linkage map covering 63.86 cm distance was developed, the SSR marker emf11A03 was closest with a distance of 4.37 cm,emk03O04at 12.5 cm distance, andemf21O06at 14.5 cm. The physical positions of the SSR markersemb01J19andemf11A03flankingBh1gene were located at 4.77 mb position of contig Sme2.5_05721.1 and 5.18 Mb position of contig Sme2.5_00994.1, respectively. The findings in the present study will be helpful in marker‐assisted breeding to enhance yield in eggplant.

Two interspecific Corymbia hybrid clones, ITC 2081 & CH440 (Corymbia torelliana × C. citriodora subsp. variegata), were evaluated for growth, pulp, fibre and paper properties at four years in comparison to an E. camaldulensis (Ec) clone. Wood basic density and fibre traits were estimated from increment core samples and logs were chipped for evaluating pulp and paper traits. The Corymbia clones had comparable growth, but wood basic density was 12% higher than the Ec clone. The fibre traits were superior, with 24% larger fibre in the Corymbia hybrid clones, and 2% higher pulp yield (Kappa number 17) than the Ec clone. The Corymbia hybrid clones had comparable unbleached hand sheet brightness of the Ec clone but were superior in parameters like sheet stiffness, thickness, burst and tear factor. While Ec clones have attained the threshold of pulp wood traits improvement, the new Corymbia hybrids have demonstrated potential for improving the profitability of pulp industries in India.

Abstract Though awareness of fertilizer application has increased over time, low nutrient use efficiency is still a major limiting factor for eucalyptus plantations in India. A study was carried out to understand the nutrient dynamics under different soil fertility conditions which was created by omission of macro nutrients (alone or in combination) and its comparison with balanced nutrient application (NPK). This study reveals two phases of nutrient accumulation. First, juvenile phase which was characterised by an increase in nutrient uptake till canopy closure followed by a phase when the nutrient demand declined. The nutrient partitioning in different tree components changed with age. The rate of accumulation of N and K decreased in order of Leaves > Bark >Branches > Wood > Underground parts. For P, Ca & Mg the rate of accumulation decreased in the order - Bark > Leaves >Branch>Underground parts > Wood. Balanced application of nutrients produced 44 per cent higher wood yield than trees grown on indigenous soil nutrient (-NPK) supply. This study conceptually and quantitatively compares the wide range of soil fertility regimes and explore the limitation of nutrients on plant and plant-soil-level. It explains the importance of efficient nutrient management for sustainability of plantations and ways to maximizing yield and improving soil nutrient balances at harvest.