Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are important resource for gene discovery, gene expression and its regulation, molecular marker development, and comparative genomics. We procured 10000 ESTs and analyzed 267 EST-SSRs markers through computational approach. The average density was one SSR/10.45 kb or 6.4% frequency, wherein trinucleotide repeats (66.74%) were the most abundant followed by di- (26.10%), tetra- (4.67%), penta- (1.5%), and hexanucleotide (1.2%) repeats. Functional annotations were done and after-effect newly developed 63 EST-SSRs were used for cross transferability, genetic diversity, and bulk segregation analysis (BSA). Out of 63 EST-SSRs, 42 markers were identified owing to their expansion genetics across 20 different plants which amplified 519 alleles at 180 loci with an average of 2.88 alleles/locus and the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.51 to 0.93 with an average of 0.83. The cross transferability ranged from 25% for wheat to 97.22% for Schlerostachya, with an average of 55.86%, and genetic relationships were established based on diversification among them. Moreover, 10 EST-SSRs were recognized as important markers between bulks of pooled DNA of sugarcane cultivars through BSA. This study highlights the employability of the markers in transferability, genetic diversity in grass species, and distinguished sugarcane bulks.

An efficient and reproducible protocol for Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated genetic transformation was developed for kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) by optimizing various parameters. Agrobacterium strains EHA 105 and LBA 4404 harboring plasmids pCNL 56 and pCAMBIA 2300, respectively, provided the highest transformation efficiency. Addition of acetosyringone (AS) in infection medium (200 µM EHA 105, 250 µM–LBA 4404) and co-cultivation medium (50 µM) increased the transformation efficiency. Transient and stable expression of gus gene was confirmed with histochemical assay of infected embryos and leaves of transformed plants, respectively. The best GUS response was obtained by pretreatment of callus with an antinecrotic mixture (10 mg/L Cys + 5 mg/L Ag + 2.5 mg/L As) at infection time of 20 min followed by co-cultivation for 3 days (EHA 105) and 5 days (LBA 4404) in dark. Regenerated transgenic plants were obtained after 8 to 10 weeks of selection on callus induction medium (NAA 0.5 mg/L, BAP 1 mg/L) containing 50 mg/L Kan + 250 mg/L Cef and were rooted for 2 weeks on MS medium containing PAA (1 mg/L) and phytagel. The plantlets established in greenhouse showed normal growth. Therefore, the protocol developed in the present study can be used for development of improved varieties of kodo millet.

Metal load is an abiotic stress that becomes stronger by continual industrial production, wastage, and long-range transport of contaminants. It deteriorates the conditions of agricultural soil that leads to lower growth of cereals as well as decreasing nutritional value of harvested grains. Cadmium (Cd) entry by food chain also affects the health of population. The present study is focused on finding out the superior cereal variety under increasing Cd regime. The plants were grown in increasing Cd levels (0-1000 µM) in the medium and were investigated on 15th day of the exposure. Various parameters like antioxidative enzymes and osmoprotectant levels were studied in both roots and shoots. Cd accumulation in plant organs was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Analysis of stress tolerance mechanisms through reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and better partitioning of Cd in roots indicated kodo millet to be more stress tolerant than wheat.

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