eChapters

The alkaloids represent yet another large group of secondary plant products. Many, but not all, exhibit important pharmacological properties & some of these have been known for hundred of years. For e.g. Cinchona alkaloids, present in bark of Cinchona spp. have quinine as their main constituent, has been known since 1639 as an effective antimalarial agent.

An alkaloid contains nitrogen, frequently as a part of a heterocyclic ring, and most are as the general name implies, basic. Alkaloids are the naturally occurring basic, nitrogenous, organic, heterocyclic ring compounds mostly of plant origin with physiological and pharmacological properties. At present, the definition is much more pragmatic and includes all nitrogen containing natural products which are not otherwise classified as peptides, amines, non-protein amino acids, cyanogenic glycosides, glucosinolates, cofactors, phytohormones or primary metabolites (such as purines and pyrimidines bases). Even a number of antibiotics produced by bacteria or fungi are therefore included as alkaloids. Alkaloids evolved early in evolution and were already present (200 million years ago) when the angiosperms began to radiate. Today, more than 12,000 alkaloids are known to occur from more than 4000 species of Angiosperms. Ladenberg defined alkaloid as :

“Naturally occurring basic, complex, nitrogenous organic, heterocyclic ring compound of plant origin with physiological and pharmacological properties.”

A significant development in the field of agricultural research in India is the formulation of All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs), initially for the improvement of agricultural crops, but later extended to all aspects of crop husbandry.

All India Coordinated Research Projects

1. AICRP on Nematodes, New Delhi

2. AICRP on Maize, New Delhi

3. AICRP Rice, Hyderabad

4. AICRP on Chickpea, Kanpur

Alpinia is an important tropical ornamental crop valued for its attractive flowers and foliage and its potential as a cut flower and cut-green crop. This chapter introduces the botanical characteristics, species and commercially useful types of Alpinia. It discusses climate, soil, propagation, planting, nutrient management, irrigation, cultural operations, pest and disease management, harvesting and postharvest handling. Attention is given to maintaining quality stems and extending vase life for commercial markets. The chapter provides practical information for growers interested in producing Alpinia under suitable tropical and subtropical conditions and highlights its role in diversifying commercial floriculture enterprises. as a high-value ornamental crop.

Alstroemeria, commonly associated with Peruvian lily, is a valuable commercial cut flower appreciated for its attractive colours, long stems and excellent vase life. This chapter discusses its origin, distribution, genetics, botanical characteristics and commercially important cultivars. Production aspects include climate and soil requirements, propagation through rhizomes, planting, irrigation, nutrition, crop management and greenhouse production. The chapter also explains physiological problems such as flower abortion, pest and disease management, harvesting, postharvest treatment, grading and yield. Particular emphasis is placed on commercial-quality stems and management practices required to achieve consistent production under protected conditions.

Introduction

The AFLP amplified fragment polymorphism also known as selective restriction fragment amplification (SRFA) technique is used to visualize hundreds of amplified DNA restriction fragments simultaneously. The AFLP band patterns, or fingerprints, can be used for many purposes, such as monitoring the identity of an isolate or the degree of similarity among isolates. Polymorphisms in band patterns map to specific loci, allowing the individuals to be genotyped or differentiated based on the alleles they carry. produces highly complex DNA profiles by arbitrary amplification of restriction fragments ligated to double-stranded adaptors with hemi-specific primers harboring adaptor-complementary 5' termini.The technique has been widely used in the construction of genetic maps containing high densities of DNA marker loci.

The AFLP protocol amplifies restriction fragments obtained by endonuclease digestion of target DNA using “universal” AFLP primers complementary to the restriction site and adapter sequence. However, not all restriction fragments are amplified because AFLP primers also contain selective nucleotides at the 3' termini that extend into the amplified restriction fragments. These arbitrary terminal sequences result in the amplification of only a small subset of possible restriction fragments. The number of amplified fragments can therefore be “tailored” by extending the number of arbitrary nucleotides added to the primer termini. Alternatively, the use of endonuclease combinations that vary in their restriction frequency can also be used to tune the number of amplicons. Generally, the abundant restriction fragments produced from complex genomes require of AFLP primers with longer selective regions. Conversely, analysis of small genomes require of only few arbitrary nucleotides added at the primer 3' termini. The resulting AFLP fingerprints are usually a rich source of DNA polymorphisms that can be used in mapping and general fingerprinting endeavors.

Introduction

The AFLP amplified fragment polymorphism also known as selective restriction fragment amplification (SRFA) technique is used to visualize hundreds of amplified DNA restriction fragments simultaneously. The AFLP band patterns, or fingerprints, can be used for many purposes, such as monitoring the identity of an isolate or the degree of similarity among isolates. Polymorphisms in band patterns map to specific loci, allowing the individuals to be genotyped or differentiated based on the alleles they carry. produces highly complex DNA profiles by arbitrary amplification of restriction fragments ligated to double-stranded adaptors with hemi-specific primers harboring adaptor-complementary 5' termini.The technique has been widely used in the construction of genetic maps containing high densities of DNA marker loci.

The AFLP protocol amplifies restriction fragments obtained by endonuclease digestion of target DNA using “universal” AFLP primers complementary to the restriction site and adapter sequence. However, not all restriction fragments are amplified because AFLP primers also contain selective nucleotides at the 3' termini that extend into the amplified restriction fragments. These arbitrary terminal sequences result in the amplification of only a small subset of possible restriction fragments. The number of amplified fragments can therefore be “tailored” by extending the number of arbitrary nucleotides added to the primer termini. Alternatively, the use of endonuclease combinations that vary in their restriction frequency can also be used to tune the number of amplicons. Generally, the abundant restriction fragments produced from complex genomes require of AFLP primers with longer selective regions. Conversely, analysis of small genomes require of only few arbitrary nucleotides added at the primer 3' termini. The resulting AFLP fingerprints are usually a rich source of DNA polymorphisms that can be used in mapping and general fingerprinting endeavors.

Summary

Human being is dependent on nature and natural resources to combat diseases from time immemorial. Ayurveda describes the use of traditional herbs in medicinal preparations in ancient India. Such types of evidences are there in classical Chinese and Greek records also. Nowadays, modern tools are used to identify and purify the active principle from the herbal composition having the therapeutic effect. Bioinformatics tools are often used to screen the drug efficacy of natural products. Using computational and Bioinformatics tools, the efficacy of lead molecules can be screened. Moreover, drug targets can be identified using Bioinformatics and proteomics approach. QSAR and molecular docking tools are used to study the probable activity and mode of action of drug molecule. This approach has minimized the cost and time involved in the drug discovery process.

Abstract

The pressure due to increase in world population necessitates an increase in agricultural production and this warrants the vital importance of research in plant and soil productivity. Applications of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have resulted in soil pollution, desertification and salinisation which disrupted the agriculture production. A suitable microbial technology to improve the soil health and plant productivity has been invented. Increase in the use of bacterial fertilizers substantially reduced the use of chemical fertilizers. Similarly invention of specific antagonistic microbes which control pathogen and stimulate plant growth resulted in lesser use of agrochemicals. Selection, development and application of such microbial strains to the agronomic crops resulted improving the fertility of such affected soil. The studies on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the growth and nutrient uptake of various plants have been well studied. Presently, it has been found that the use of beneficial microbes can enhance the resistance ability to adverse stresses. Some mechanisms by which the beneficial microorganisms are able to stimulate plant growth and arrest plant pathogens include mobilization of nutrients, production of phytohormones, siderophores, organic acids, nitrogen fixation, lowering of ethylene levels in plants and antagonism. Here the recent developments that have been taken place on the interaction between plants and PGPR and their mechanism of action resulting in enhanced agriculture production and soil fertility are discussed.

ABSTRACT

This paper presents an outline on the patenting system prevailing in India. 

INTRODUCTION

Ideas and knowledge are increasingly important parts of trade. Most of the value of new medicines and other high technology products lies in the amount of invention, innovation, research, design and testing involved. Hence, protection of such values is paramount. This paper details how these values are protected in India.

Process of life of an organism is defined, driven and depicted by its genetic constitution, or the genome. A genome is a collection of genetic material present in the cell as nuclear or organelle DNA. To be precise, it is the sum of all single copy genetic materials present in the cellular subcompartments. Thus a diploid organism having two copies of each chromosome contains genetic material constituting two copies of the genome, while a gamete of the same organism contains single copy of the same. Organelle genome is shared by chloroplast and mitochondria. In these two organelle genetic material is present in single copy per organelle, although many copies of organelle ensures that a cell harbours many copies of mitochondrial or plastid genome. Unraveling the structure and function of the genome is, therefore, the central objective of biological science. Technologies that would help to understand the basis of genetic, biochemical and physiological processes are pivotal to execute the knowledge for the betterment of mankind and environment.

Abstract

Plant genetic resources constitute the chief component of agro-biodiversity and comprise of land races, modern cultivars and obsolete varieties, breeding lines, genetic stocks and wild species. They provide the basic materials to the plant breeders to utilize genetic variability for the development of high yielding cultivars with a broad genetic base. The utilization of these genetic resources, however, depends upon their efficient and adequate characterization and evaluation, which in turn entails efficient characterization standards and appropriate strategies.

Introduction

Analysis of trait data generated from characterization and evaluation of the genetic resources is used to understand and use diversity. Currently, a large number of distance measures are available for analyzing similarity/dissimilarity among accessions based on different traits representing different types of variables. The selection of the most appropriate distance measure for each trait is the prerequisite for diversity analysis. One of the approaches is to form clusters where accessions between clusters would be more diverse than the accessions within a cluster. The clustering algorithms require a distance/similarity matrix between the accessions which can be calculated depending upon the nature or type of traits such as morphological and agronomic traits and/or molecular markers.

Summary

Animal tissue culture is a biological technique in which a piece of tissue is taken from an animal specimen and cells from this tissue are grown and maintained in an in vitro or artificial environment (Harrison, 1907). Aim of cell / tissue culture is actually to make cells as happy in the in vitro conditions, as they are in their natural environment. The objective of this chapter is to highlight those principles and procedures that have particular relevance to the use of cell culture in tissue engineering.

A. Anther and Pollen Culture (Production of Haploid Plants)

Haploid plants possess a single set of chromosomes (gametophytic no of chromosomes i.e. n) in the sporophyte in contrast to diploids which contain two sets of chromosomes (2n). The existence of haploid plants was reported by Bergner (1921) in Datura stramonium. Guha and Maheswari (1964) reported the direct development of haploid embryos and plantlets from microspores of Datura inoxia by the cultures of excised anthers. After this, haploid plants have been produced via anther culture in more than 170 species. The anther culture technique is useful in haploid production.

Anthurium is one of the most important tropical cut flowers, valued for its colourful spathes, distinctive inflorescences and long vase life. This chapter presents its origin, distribution, genetics, botanical description and commercially important varieties. It explains greenhouse requirements, shade, temperature, humidity, growing media, propagation and crop establishment. Detailed attention is given to nutrient management, irrigation, cultural practices, pests, diseases, harvesting, grading and postharvest management. Modern breeding developments and commercially important cultivars are also discussed. The chapter provides an applied foundation for producing high-quality Anthurium flowers under protected cultivation and meeting domestic and export market requirements.

Introduction
Using short, single-stranded oligonucleotide strands complementary to the targeted mRNA, as RNA technology can regulate gene expression, leading to changes in phenotype, disease resistance, and other traits associated with protein expression profiles. Since gene function depends on expression, this technology can be used to silence genes and inhibit their expression. Because it can manipulate and regulate protein expression during its translation, it can knock out or down the expression of a gene of interest. As such, functional genomics can benefit from this technology as it allows for the regulation of protein expression.
Gene expression involves two main steps: transcription, in which the DNA sequence serves as a template to create an mRNA molecule, and translation, in which the mRNA is used as a template to synthesize a protein. The genes in DNA provide the instructions for making proteins, which are essential for the functions of the cell.
Polymer chain that transforms into an effective protein. The triplet code, which forms the basis of the genetic code, designates an amino acid for each codon made up of three nucleotides. Several enzymes, including together, enzymes such as polymerase, exonuclease, ligase, etc., unravel the DNA double helix and match RNA base pairs with DNA bases to create an RNA copy of the original DNA.

Apomixis is an asexual method of reproduction through the seed. Apomictic reproduction is widespread and found in over 300 species of plants in 30 families. Interest in apomixis as a reproductive mechanism has increased as its potential and role are being recognized in genome preservation, polyploid build up, propagation of derivatives of wide crosses, permanent fixation of hybrid vigour, evolution, speciation and plant breeding .

Winkler (1906) defined apomixis as “the substitution for sexual reproduction of another asexual reproductive process that does not involve nuclear or cellular fusion.” One of the chief barriers to an understanding of the apomictic phenomenon has been the highly complex terminology as well as the differences of opinion among specialists as to the correct usage of these terms, probably because the phenomenon by itself is complex and in many ways quite different from that of amphimixis. Convincing evidence for the presence of apomixis can be obtained by tracing the steps that are involved in embryonic development. It should be amply clear that as the prerequisite for apomixis, fertilization does not take place at all in any form. Thus there is no normal development of embryo from the egg cell. However, the embryo may develop from an unfertilized egg cell other than the egg cell within the embryo sac.

Apomixis is widely distributed among higher plants. More than 300 species belonging to 35 families are apomictic. It is most common in Gramineae, Compositae, Rosaceae and Rutaceae. Among the major cereals like maize, wheat and pearl millet have apomictic relatives.

Abstract

The phosphorus deficiency in soil is a major problem for agricultural production as phosphorus is one of the major constituents in energy metabolism and biosynthesis of nucleic acids and cell membranes. The phosphorous present in soil is an important macronutrient for the growth and development of the plants. The phosphorus occurs in two forms in soil, organic and inorganic. The phytates (salts of phytic acid) constitute the major form of organic phosphorus other than nucleic acids, phospholipids and other compounds in soil. Phytate-phosphorus is not readily available to plants due to its chelation with metal ions forming insoluble complexes or adsorbed to soil particles. Phosphate solubilizing and phytate hydrolyzing microorganisms, bacteria and fungi, are ubiquitous in cultivated, wetland, grassland and forest soils, which play an important role in supplying soluble phosphorus to plants. Microbes hydrolyze organic forms of phosphorus by secreting phytases and acidic/alkaline phosphatases. By genetic engineering, several attempts have been made to develop transgenic plants which are able to utilize phytates as sole source of phosphorus for their growth and development. This review focuses on the applicability of microbial phytases in promoting the growth and development of various crop plants.

Abstract

The study of palm genomics can aid to understand the genetic and molecular knowhow of all biological processes in palms that are vital tothe palm species. This knowledge will allow the path for the fruitful exploitation of palms as biological resources in the development of new cultivars of improved quality and with shortened economic and environmental costs. This knowledge is also vital for the development of new diagnostic tools. Traits considered of primary interest are resistance to pathogens and abiotic stress, fruit quality and yield. Genomics and bioinformatics approaches helped in unraveling the genomes of economicpalsm like coconut, oilpalm and datepalm. The genome characteristics and tools for genome analysis are provided in the chapter. Due to the economic importance of cocoa, many scientific research studies (genome, EST, transcriptome) have been carried out in the past years in this crop also.

Introduction

Plantation crops constitute a large group of crops. The major plantation crops include coconut, arecanut, oil palm, cashew, tea, coffee and rubber; and the minor plantation crops include cocoa (Prapulla and Indira, 2014). India is the third largest producer of coconut and goes in front of the ninety coconut-producing countries of the world (Richard 2013). India is the largest producer and consumer of cashew nuts (Mohod et al., 2011.). India also occupies number one position in arecanut production (Dwivedi et al.,2008) besides being the largest tea producers in the world. While Coffee is the second largest traded commodity in the world, it has, in recent times become an extremely important foreign exchange (Prapulla and Indira, 2014).

Abstract

Biosurfactants (BS) are amphiphilic compounds produced by microorganisms mainly bacteria and are known to contain hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties that play a major role in reducing surface tension (ST) and interfacial tensions between individual molecules. Chemically, BS is a complex molecules consisting of lipopeptides, glycolipids, polysaccharide protein complex, fatty acids and phospholipids. They are known for their biodegradability, low toxicity, and renewable nature.