Molecular Identification of Tropical Tasar Silkworm (Antheraea mylitta) Ecoraces with RAPD and SCAR Markers

Abstract

The tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta, has several ecoraces, 10 of which are commercially exploited for the production of tasar silk. These ecoraces are identified by morphological markers that are greatly influenced by photoperiod, humidity, altitude, and host plants. The DNA markers, random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD), and sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) are identified to complement the existing morphological markers. Seven RAPD bands are selected that identify 8 of the 10 ecoraces. These identified RAPD fragments are sequenced and primers are designed for SCAR markers. Of the seven sets of primers, a single primer pair produced polymorphic SCAR bands that diagnose 5 of the 10 ecoraces. All 10 ecoraces are identified by the use of RAPD and SCAR markers together.

A novel method for dissolution and stabilization of non‐mulberry silk gland protein fibroin using anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate

“…1c). The molecular weights were approximately 395 and 197 kDa under non-reducing and reducing conditions respectively, suggesting a homodimeric protein, as reported earlier (Saha and Kundu, 2006). No degradation of protein in the form of trail bands was observed, suggesting retention of the overall primary conformation of the protein.…”

“…Here we look at fibroin from the wild nonmulberry tropical tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta, of the Saturniidae family. Members of Saturniidae are divided into three major groups: tropical tasar (A. mylitta) and temperate tasar (A. pernyi), muga (A. assamensis), and eri (Philosamia ricini) (Mahendran et al, 2006;Saha and Kundu, 2006). Tropical tasar silkworm which produces the commercially important tasar silk is endemic and widely distributed in different geographical regions of India.…”

Identification of RAPD and SCAR markers associated with yield traits in the Indian tropical tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta drury

“…In the present work, genomic DNA from selected individuals of the HCSW and LCSW groups of ecorace Daba and their F2 progeny (HCSW x LCSW) were amplified using random primers. The high level of polymorphism and heterozygosity observed in these samples corroborated the findings of previous studies (Kar et al , 2005; Saha and Kundu, 2006; Saha et al , 2008), and the HCSW group formed a separate cluster in the UPGMA dendogram.…”

“…RAPD and sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers have been used to identify ecoraces and estimate the genetic variability in tasar silkworms (Saha and Kundu, 2006; Saha et al , 2008). The marked diversity and variation in these silkworms (Kar et al , 2005) has made use of bulk segregation analysis to identify markers associated with yield traits a challenging task (Martin et al , 1991; Michaelmore et al , 1991).…”

Non‐bioengineered silk gland fibroin protein: Characterization and evaluation of matrices for potential tissue engineering applications

“…Members of the Bombycidae family are domesticated and exclusively feed on mulberry leaves (Morus sp.). Instead, members of Saturniidae are wild and divided into three major groups of non-mulberry silkworms, that is, tropical tasar (Antheraea mylitta) and temperate oak tasar (Antheraea pernyi), muga (Antheraea assamensis), and eri (Philosamia ricini) (Mahendran et al, 2006a,b,c;Saha and Kundu, 2006). Antheraea mylitta, the Indian tropical tasar silkworm is one of the major non-mulberry silkworms to produce golden colored silk fibers and the largest cocoons.…”