Gladiolus ( Gladiolus grandiflorus Andrews) is a high-valued bulbous cut flower. However, the shorter postharvest life of the gladiolus, limits its marketing and commercial value. In the present investigation, the effect of lemon grass (LG) essential oil as an antimicrobial agent was studied towards increasing the vase life of gladiolus. The results revealed that as compared to control (distilled water), treatment with a lower concentration of 5 µL L −1 LG essential oil prolonged the vase life of gladiolus up to 11 days (d). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observation indicated that the sample treated with 5 µL L −1 LG essential oil showed intact vasculature, suggesting reduced microbial blockage at the stem end which was further corroborated by microbial count. Biochemical analysis suggested an increased level of total soluble sugars, carotenoid content, lower MDA accumulation, and higher activity of antioxidant enzymes in LG treated flowers. Moreover, transcripts levels of genes associated with senescence viz. , GgCyP1 and GgERS1a were downregulated, while expression of GDAD1 and antioxidant genes such as GgP5C5, GgPOD 1, GgMnSOD, and GgCAT1 were upregulated in LG treated cut spikes as compared to control. Among various treatments we have concluded that, the vase life of the gladiolus cut spike was improved along with the relative fresh flower weight and diameter of flower at the lower dose of 5 µL L −1 LG oil in the vase solution. Thus, LG oil as an eco-friendly agent has the potential to extend the postharvest life of cut flowers.

The acceptance of new crop varieties by consumers is contingent on the presence of consumer-preferred traits, which include sensory attributes, nutritional value, industrial products and bioactive compounds production. Recent developments in genome editing technologies provide novel insight to identify gene functions and improve the various qualitative and quantitative traits of commercial importance in plants. Various conventional as well as advanced gene-mutagenesis techniques such as physical and chemical mutagenesis, CRISPR-Cas9, Cas12 and base editors are used for the trait improvement in crops. To meet consumer demand, breakthrough biotechnologies, especially CRISPR-Cas have received a fair share of scientific and industrial interest, particularly in plant genome editing. CRISPR-Cas is a versatile tool that can be used to knock out, replace and knock-in the desired gene fragments at targeted locations in the genome, resulting in heritable mutations of interest. This review highlights the existing literature and recent developments in CRISPR-Cas technologies (base editing, prime editing, multiplex gene editing, epigenome editing, gene delivery methods) for reliable and precise gene editing in plants. This review also discusses the potential of gene editing exhibited in crops for the improvement of consumer-demanded traits such as higher nutritional value, colour, texture, aroma/flavour, and production of industrial products such as biofuel, fibre, rubber and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the bottlenecks and challenges associated with gene editing system, such as off targeting, ploidy level and the ability to edit organelle genome have also been discussed.

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) is a leading commercial crop in floriculture enterprise. It is an important cut flower excellently used in bedding, pots, borders, edging, rock gardens, bouquets, and decorations. However, this flower crop is adversely affected by several biotic (bacterial wilt, bacterial leaf spot, aphid, thrips) and abiotic (drought, salt) stresses which affects the plant growth leading to poor flower quality and reduced yield. To cope with these stresses, plants develop a variety of defensive mechanisms at the physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels and improve adaptation to adverse environmental conditions. As a result, understanding these stress conditions can aid in the development of new carnation varieties. Previously, various conventional and breeding approaches were used to improve carnation. However, being a vegetatively propagated crop, the gene pool is limited and has less chances of flower breeding. This makes carnation an ideal candidate for genetic engineering that has the potential to speed up the development of novel genotypes and broadening the available gene pool. Genetic engineering is the alternative way for varietal development and improvement of flower fragrance, shape, color, biotic, and abiotic stress resistance by incorporating the desirable novel traits. This chapter provides explicit information on recent advances in carnation through genetic engineering and genome editing tools.

Dutch iris is a commercially important bulbous ornamental crop. Its high demand in global floriculture market necessitates the production of its high-quality planting material. In the present investigation, an efficient in vitro propagation system has been developed for Iris × hollandica Tub. cv. Professor Blaauw (Dutch iris) using meta-Topolin (mT) for the first time. Effect of various concentrations of BAP, Kn, and mT (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2 mg L−1) along with varying photoperiods (16 h light and dark incubation for 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks) on in vitro shoot induction from the twin scale explants was studied. Of the cytokinins tested, different doses of mT has resulted in better shoot induction response from twin scale explants than BAP and Kn. Photoperiod duration has also affected shoot induction response significantly. Along with dark incubation for 1 week, cytokinin mT at 1.0 mg L−1 in MS medium has resulted in maximum shoot induction response (91.63

Potato is a temperate crop consumed globally as a staple food. High temperature negatively impacts the tuberization process, eventually affecting crop yield. DNA methylation plays an important role in various developmental and physiological processes in plants. It is a conserved epigenetic mark determined by the dynamic concurrent action of cytosine-5 DNA methyltransferases (C5-MTases) and demethylases (DeMets). However, C5-MTases and DeMets remain unidentified in potato, and their expression patterns are unknown under high temperatures. Here, we performed genome-wide analysis and identified 10 C5-MTases and 8 DeMets in potatoes. Analysis of their conserved motifs, gene structures, and phylogenetic analysis grouped C5-MTases into four subfamilies (StMET, StCMT3, StDRM, and StDNMT2) and DeMets into three subfamilies (StROS, StDML, and StDME). Promoter analysis showed the presence of multiple cis-regulatory elements involved in plant development, hormone, and stress response. Furthermore, expression dynamics of C5-MTases and DeMets were determined in the different tissues (leaf, flower, and stolon) of heat-sensitive (HS) and heat-tolerant (HT) genotypes under high temperature. qPCR results revealed that high temperature resulted in pronounced upregulation of CMT and DRM genes in the HT genotype. Likewise, demethylases showed strong upregulation in HT genotype as compared to HS genotype. Several positive (StSP6A and StBEL5) and negative (StSP5G, StSUT4, and StRAP1) regulators are involved in the potato tuberization. Expression analysis of these genes revealed that high temperature induces the expression of positive regulators in the leaf and stolon samples of HT genotype, possibly through active DNA demethylation and RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway components. Our findings lay a framework for understanding how epigenetic pathways synergistically or antagonistically regulate the tuberization process under high-temperature stress in potatoes. Uncovering such mechanisms will contribute to potato breeding for developing thermotolerant potato varieties.

Orchids are one of the most fascinating plant families amongst the flowering plants. Amongst the various orchid genus Cymbidiums figure out prominently. The present study focuses on the development of an efficient in vitro regeneration protocol for Cymbidium aloifolium, an epiphytic orchid with high commercial value. It also aims at analysing the important phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of in vitro and in vivo plants. The effects of MS basal media (half or full strength) and MS medium supplemented with BAP were studied for in vitro seed germination. Among different media, 1/2 MS medium resulted in in vitro seed germination, protocorm development and plantlets formation in the shortest duration. However, 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) played an important role during proliferation of protocorms or in vitro multiplication, thus resulted in maximum number of shoots (39), root length (6.10 cm) on MS medium with 1.0 mg/L BAP. Largest shoot length was observed on solid BM-2 medium. 90% of the plantlets survived in the potting mixture consisting of cocopeat, perlite and wood saw dust in a ratio of 1:1:1. Comparative phytochemical analysis revealed that in vitro regenerated plants showed a higher yield of secondary metabolites. This work will facilitate the utilization of orchid phyto-constituents for various pharmaceutical applications in the industries.

A technique for in vitro rooting and hardening of Gisela 5 (Prunus cerasus x Prunus canescens) cherry rootstock has been developed. In vitro shoot cultures maintained by routine subculturing were used as source of microshoots for rooting experiments. In single step rooting procedure, maximum rooting (100%) was achieved on full strength MS medium fortified with 0.5 mg/l IBA with thin, long roots devoid of callus. In two step procedure of rooting, maximum rooting (60.00%) was observed after 24 hours dark incubation in half strength MS broth fortified with 0.1 and 0.4 mg/l IBA, followed by transfer to semisolid half strength MS basal medium. Addition of activated charcoal (0.4%) in half strength MS medium fortified with 0.5 mg/l IBA showed 40.06% rooting without callus, whereas in phloroglucinol (0.1%) supplemented medium only callus was observed at the bases of the shoots which did not lead to root formation. The in vitro rooted plantlets were successfully hardened in sand: soil: FYM (1:1:1) with 100 per cent survival in the month of August. After two months these plants were transferred to bigger pots containing sand: soil: FYM (1:1:1) and are showing normal growth without any morphological variations.

Calla lily belonging to the Araceae family is used as a cut flower and in the landscaping of gardens. Plant parts such as leaves, rhizomes, roots, stems, and the whole plant are used as herbal medicine. Conventional methods used for propagation of calla lily do not produce adequate planting material as there is various fungal, bacterial and virus attack on the plant during plant propagation which leads to poor yield in flower and rhizome or some time it causes the death of the plant. Therefore, plant tissue culture is the only technique that allows fast clonal propagation also provides healthy and uniforms plants. In most cases, growth regulators like BAP, IBA, and NAA were found to be essential for growth, multiplication of shoot and root formation. Some species of the calla lily are also used as herbal medicine having activity such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antihistaminic, antialgal, antithrombotic, and anticoagulant activities. Therefore results show that there is a need for improvement in further research and development that need to be carried out to improve this crop, to developing improved varieties with commercially significant yield. In the present review, micropropagation methods and protocols are combined and gather the information to researchers for further investigation and to produce quality as well as quantity planting material.

A supplement which ameliorates temperature-humidity menace in food producing livestock is a prerequisite to develop climate smart agricultural packages. A study was conducted to investigate the heat stress ameliorative efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) in male Murrah water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Eighteen animals (293.61 ± 4.66Kg Bwt) were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 6); NHSC (non-heat-stressed control), HS (heat-stressed) and HSLA (heat-stressed-supplemented with ALA@32 mg/kg Bwt orally) based on the temperature humidity index (THI) and ALA supplementation. HS and HSLA were exposed to simulated heat challenge in a climatically controlled chamber (40 °C) for 21 consecutive days, 6 h daily. Physiological responses viz. Respiration rate (RR), Pulse rate (PR) and Rectal temperature (RT) were recorded daily before and after heat exposure. Blood samples were collected at the end of heat exposure on days 1, 6, 11, 16, and 21 and on day 28 (7th day post exposure which is considered as recovery) for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) separation, followed by RNA and Protein extraction for Real time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis respectively, of heat shock proteins (HSPs). Two-way repeated measure ANOVA was performed between groups at different experimental periods. RR (post exposure) in HS and HSLA was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than NHSC from day 1 onwards but HSLA varied significantly from the HS 8th day onwards. Post exposure RT and PR in both HS and HSLA varied (P < 0.05) from NHSC throughout the study; but between HS and HSLA, RT significantly varied on initial 2 days and last 6 days (from days 16 to 21). HSP70 mRNA expression significantly up regulated in high THI groups with respect to the low THI group throughout the experimental period. During chronic stress (days 16 and 21) HSP70 significantly (P < 0.05) increased in HS but not in HSLA (P > 0.05) with respect to NHSC. ALA supplementation up-regulates and sustains (P < 0.05) the expression of HSP90 in HSLA in comparison to the HS and NHSC. HSP105 expression was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) in HS on days 16 and 21 (during long-term exposure) but only on day 21 (P < 0.05) in HSLA. HSP70, HSP90, and HSP105 protein expression dynamics were akin to the mRNA transcript data between the study groups. In conclusion, supplementing ALA ameliorates the deleterious effect of heat stress as reflected by improved physiological and cellular responses. ALA supplementation improved cellular antioxidant status and sustained otherwise easily decaying heat shock responses which concertedly hasten the baton change from a limited window of thermo tolerance to long run acclimatization.

Plants are the natural source of development of new products which has medicinal value for drug discovery. Plants secondary metabolites are unique sources for pharmaceuticals food additives, flavors and others industrial values. A metabolic intermediates or product found as a differentiation product in restricted taxonomic group not essential to growth and life of the producing organisms and biosynthesis from one or more general metabolites by wider variety of pathways, which can be altered and can be use to produce beneficial products. They had created strategies of defense against pathogens and herbivores attacks. The commercial importance of these secondary metabolites has resulted in its production and exploring possibilities of enhancing its production by using tissue culture technology. The present review shows the brief introduction, classification, improvements of production and importance of secondary metabolites.

The number of total hip arthroplasties is ever increasing. Literature about glove perforation rates in arthroplasties in India is very scarce. The purpose of our study was to determine the incidence of glove perforation and increasing the awareness of possible glove perforations to decrease the risk of infection. We performed a prospective study in which we tested gloves worn by all scrubbed personnel. A total of 1408 gloves were collected from 42 primary total hip and 13 revision total hip arthroplasties. Incidence of glove perforation was found to be more in revision total hip arthroplasty. We found a greater outer glove perforation rate of about 38.33% as compared to 25 % inner glove perforation rate. Outer glove perforation was recognized 100% of time intraoperatively but inner glove perforation was noted only 17% of time. First assistant recorded highest rate of glove perforation.

Proceedings of National Conference on Harmony with Nature in Context of environmental Issues and Challenges of the 21st Century (HARMONY 2014) November 28 30, 2014, Udaipur, Rajasthan organized by Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Earth Sciences, M. L. Sukhadia University, Udaipur 313 001 (Rajasthan) in association with National Environmentalists Association, India www.neaindia.org R. K. Patel et al. EFFECT OF LEAF AND FRUIT THINNING ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF PEACH CV. FLORDASUN

A combined wavelet transform (WT) and multiple linear regression (MLR) based technique to forecast price profile in a single settlement real time electricity market has been presented. The historical price and load data has been decomposed into better-behaved wavelet domain constitutive subseries using WT and then combined with other time domain variables to form the set of input variables for the MLR based forecasting model, which models each day using 24 separate equations for 24 hours of the day. Forecasting performance of the proposed model for a period of three years has been compared with the three other models.