ABSTRACT. Members of the primary gene pool of the chickpea, including 38 accessions of Cicer arietinum, six of C. reticulatum and four of C. echinospermum grown in India were investigated using 100 SSR markers to analyze their genetic structure, diversity and relationships. We found considerable diversity, with a mean of 4.8 alleles per locus (ranging from 2 to 11); polymorphic information content ranged from 0.040 to 0.803, with a mean of 0.536. Most of the diversity was confined to the wild species, which had higher values of polymorphic information content, gene diversity and heterozygosity than the cultivated species, suggesting a narrow genetic base for cultivated chickpea. An unrooted neighbor-joining tree, principal coordinate analysis and population structure analysis revealed differentiation between the cultivated accessions and the wild species; three cultivated accessions were in an intermediate position, demonstrating introgression within the cultivated group. Better understanding of the structure, diversity and relationships within and among the members of this primary gene pool will contribute to more efficient identification, conservation and utilization of chickpea germplasm for allele mining, association genetics, mapping and cloning gene(s) and applied breeding to widen the genetic base of this cultivated species, for the development of elite lines with superior yield and improved adaptation to diverse environments.

Background Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), an important legume crop is one of the major source of dietary protein. Developing an efficient and reproducible transformation method is imperative to expedite functional genomics studies in this crop. Here, we present an optimized and detailed procedure for Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated root transformation of chickpea.ResultsTransformation positive roots were obtained on selection medium after two weeks of A. rhizogenes inoculation. Expression of green fluorescent protein further confirmed the success of transformation. We demonstrate that our method adequately transforms chickpea roots at early developmental stage with high efficiency. In addition, root transformation was found to be genotype-independent and the efficacy of our protocol was highest in two (Annigiri and JG-62) of the seven tested chickpea genotypes. Next, we present the functional analysis of chickpea hairy roots by expressing Arabidopsis TRANSPARENT TESTA 2 (AtTT2) gene involved in proanthocyanidins biosynthesis. Overexpression of AtTT2 enhanced the level of proanthocyanidins in hairy roots that led to the decreased colonization of fungal pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum. Furthermore, the induction of transgenic roots does not affect functional studies involving infection of roots by fungal pathogen.ConclusionsTransgenic roots expressing genes of interest will be useful in downstream functional characterization using reverse genetics studies. It requires 1 day to perform the root transformation protocol described in this study and the roots expressing transgene can be maintained for 3–4 weeks, providing sufficient time for further functional studies. Overall, the current methodology will greatly facilitate the functional genomics analyses of candidate genes in root-rhizosphere interaction in this recalcitrant but economically important legume crop.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s13007-018-0315-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Ophthalmomyiasis is the infestation of human eye by the larvae of certain flies. Sheep botfly commonly manifests as Ophthalmomyiasis externa when there is conjunctival involvement or rarely as Opthalmomyiasis interna when there is larval penetration into the eyeball. It appears to be more common than what has been indicated by previously published reports. We present a report of seven cases of Ophthalmomyiasis by Oestrus ovis, from central India who presented with features of conjunctivitis varying between mild to severe. The larvae were seen in bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva and also entangled in lashes with discharge. Since the larvae are photophobic, it is prudent to look for them in the fornices and also in discharge. Prompt removal of the larvae from the conjunctiva helps in relieving the symptoms and also prevents serious complications. Taxonomic identification of the species is important to estimate the risk of globe penetration by the larvae.

Modulation of plant immune system by extrinsic/intrinsic factors and host‐specific determinants fine‐tunes cellular components involving multiple organelles, particularly nucleus to mount resistance against pathogen attack. Rice blast, caused by hemibiotrophic fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most devastating diseases that adversely affect rice productivity. However, the role of nuclear proteins and their regulation in response to M. oryzae remains unknown. Here, the nucleus‐associated immune pathways in blast‐resistant rice genotype are elucidated. Temporal analysis of nuclear proteome is carried out using 2‐DE coupled MS/MS analysis. A total of 140 immune responsive proteins are identified associated with nuclear reorganization, cell division, energy production/deprivation, signaling, and gene regulation. The proteome data are interrogated using correlation network analysis that identified significant functional modules pointing toward immune‐related coinciding processes through a common mechanism of remodeling and homeostasis. Novel clues regarding blast resistance include nucleus‐associated redox homeostasis and glycolytic enzyme–mediated chromatin organization which manipulates cell division and immunity. Taken together, the study herein provides evidence that the coordination of nuclear function and reprogramming of host translational machinery regulate resistance mechanism against blast disease.

mately 6.8 million people have been estimated to have vision less than 6/60 in at least one eye due to corneal diseases; of these, about a million have bilateral involvement. [3,4] The burden of corneal disease in our country is reflected by the fact that 90% global cases of ocular trauma and corneal ulceration leading to corneal blindness occur in developing countries. [5] The prevalence of corneal blindness varies from country to country and even from one population to another. Its epidemiology is complicated and encompasses a wide variety of infectious and inflammatory eye diseases. As trachoma and vitamin A deficiency become less common, suppurative keratitis is becoming the major cause of corneal blindness in the developing world. [6] Whereas contact lens use is a major risk factor for corneal ulceration in the developed world, a high prevalence of fungal infections, agriculture-related trauma, and use of traditional eye medicines (TEMs) is unique to the developing world. [7,8] Background: Instillation of traditional eye medicines (TEMs) into the eye is one of the causes associated with poor visual outcome and corneal blindness. Objective: To determine the use of TEM and factors for its use in patients with corneal ulcer. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 189 new patients with corneal ulcer attending cornea clinic of Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh (India). After complete eye examination, information was collected for use of TEM, sociodemographic profile, symptoms necessitating its use, and complication. Necessary treatment was given and final visual outcome was noted. Lab investigations were performed to identify organism. Result: TEM was used by 38% subjects, especially females and subjects residing in rural areas were found to be significantly associated with its use. Majority of TEM users were farmers (51.4%). The most common symptom was poor vision (66.7%) for use of TEM. Breast milk (40%) and plant products (29%) were most commonly applied TEMs. Central and entire corneal involvement was found to be significantly high among TEM users. Scarring and perforation occurred in 70.8% and 31.9% TEM users, respectively. No significant difference was found between organism identified and the use of TEM. Visual acuity up to 6/18 was found to be higher among non-TEM users (23.9%) as compared to TEM users (9.7%). At presentation, 38.9% TEM users had already lost their vision. Significant difference was found between presenting visual acuity and final visual acuity achieved in both groups. Conclusion: Intensive health education is needed for encouraging the uptake of eye care services, particularly in rural areas.