DSpace Community: Assistant Professor, Bethlehem Vengthlang, Aizawl

Promoters of AaGL2 and AaMIXTA-Like1 genes of Artemisia annua direct reporter gene expression in glandular and non-glandular trichomes Sunita

2024-06-14T11:01:31Z

Title: Promoters of AaGL2 and AaMIXTA-Like1 genes of Artemisia annua direct reporter gene expression in glandular and non-glandular trichomes Sunita Authors: Longchar, Bendangchuchang Abstract: Herein, we report cloning and analysis of promoters of GLABRA2 (AaGL2) homolog and a MIXTA-Like (AaMIXTA-Like1) gene from Artemisia annua. The upstream regulatory regions of AaGL2 and AaMIXTA-Like1 showed the presence of several crucial cis-acting elements. Arabidopsis and A. annua seedlings were transiently transfected with the promoter- GUS constructs using a robust agro-infiltration method. Both AaGL2 and AaMIXTA-Like1 promoters showed GUS expression preferentially in Arabidopsis single-celled trichomes and glandular as well as T-shaped trichomes of A. annua. Transgenic Arabidopsis harboring constructs in which AaGL2 or AaMIXTA-Like1 promoters would control GFP expression, showed fluorescence emanating specifically from trichome cells. Our study provides a fast and efficient method to study trichome-specific expression, and 2 promoters that have potential for targeted metabolic engineering in plants.

An efficient low-cost xylem sap isolation method for bacterial wilt assays in tomato

2024-06-14T10:58:56Z

Title: An efficient low-cost xylem sap isolation method for bacterial wilt assays in tomato Authors: Longchar, Bendangchuchang Abstract: A portable, simple, yet efficient method was developed for the rapid extraction of xylem sap from the stems and petioles of tomato plants for diagnostic and quantification assays of the xylem-colonizing wilt bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum.

Impact of Soil Moisture Regimes on Wilt Disease in Tomatoes: Current Understanding

2024-06-14T10:55:46Z

Title: Impact of Soil Moisture Regimes on Wilt Disease in Tomatoes: Current Understanding Authors: Longchar, Bendangchuchang Abstract: Ralstonia solanacearum is a causal agent of vascular wilt disease in more than 200 crop species, including the tomato. R. solanacearum is a strict soil-borne pathogen and thrives in moist soils (Van der Wolf et al., 1998). The bacterium can live for years in an infected field, and has been reported to persist for 12 months in potato fields (van Elsas et al., 2000). The sources of inoculum for agricultural fields are irrigation and surface water, weeds, infested soil, latently infected propagative plant material, and contaminated farm tools and equipment. The bacteria exhibit subterranean movement and spread from the infected plants’ roots to the healthy ones (Hayward, 1991). R. solanacearum-caused wilt in tomato amounts to a 35%–90% yield loss under high temperatures and high moisture conditions (Singh et al., 2015). R. solanacearum colonizes the nutrient-poor xylem vessels, which are characterized by dead tracheary elements that have a relatively low osmotic pressure, which makes the pathogen penetration easy (Yadeta and Thomma, 2013). Vasse et al. (1995) observed that in tomatoes, the bacteria are attracted to the root wounds through an unknown mechanism, and stick to the epidermal cells’ surface.

Nanobiotechnology-mediated sustainable agriculture and post-harvest management

2024-06-14T10:52:29Z

Title: Nanobiotechnology-mediated sustainable agriculture and post-harvest management Authors: Longchar, Bendangchuchang Abstract: Humans directly depend on food and agriculture. However, an estimated one‐third of agricultural produce is wasted every year post‐harvest loss. The major reasons for post‐harvest loss include microbial contamination, moisture content, degradation, and adverse effects of the physical and chemical methods used for storage. Conventional post‐harvest methods do not adequately prevent the loss of agricultural produce therefore, new strategies are increasingly needed to address the shortcomings of traditional agricultural post‐harvest practices. In this regard, nanotechnology (the manipulation of materials at <100 nm) has emerged as a promising field to replace traditional practices. The use of engineered nanoagroparticles greatly enhances agricultural productivity and mitigates the environmental issues posed by conventional chemical fertilizers. This review aims to describe applications of nanotechnology in various fields of agriculture including seed storage, seed germination, plant growth, priming, fertigation and crop productivity. In addition, nanomaterials used as intelligent delivery systems for crop productivity, stress tolerance and plant adaptation are discussed. Moreover, nanomaterials used as sensors for precision agriculture and crop protection are described in detail. Importantly, we discuss the use of nanomaterials as fertilizers to replace chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture. Finally, we emphasize the use of nanomaterials for the post‐harvest management of fruits and vegetables.