Genomic diversity among sorghum genotypes with resistance to sorghum shoot fly, Atherigona soccata

Host plant resistance is one of the important components for management of sorghum shoot fly, Atherigona soccata. The levels of resistance in cultivated germplasm are low to moderate, and therefore, it is important to identify sorghum genotypes with diverse mechanisms of resistance based on physico-chemical and or molecular markers. We assessed the genetic diversity of 15 sorghum genotypes with different levels of resistance/susceptibility to shoot fly, A. soccata using 93 sorghum simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs and simultaneously characterized for 15 morpho-biochemical traits associated with shoot fly resistance. Of these 93 SSR primer pairs, amplification products from 79, thought to correspond to single-copy loci distributed across all ten sorghum chromosome pairs, showed good polymorphism across the 15 sorghum genotypes. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values of these 79 SSR markers ranged from 0.06 to 0.86. The Principal Coordinate Analyses (PCoA) and cluster analyses based on dissimilarity matrices derived from SSR based allelic variation (Neighbor-Joining distance) and variation in 15 morpho-biochemical traits (based on Gower??s distance), revealed grouping of most susceptible genotypes in single cluster. The improved breeding lines grouped with resistant or susceptible genotypes, based on shared pedigree. Based on these results, three resistant accessions viz., IS 1054, IS 1057 and IS 4664 were found diverse to IS 18551, which is widely used as shoot fly resistance donor. These diverse sources, after further characterization for resistance mechanisms, can be used in breeding programs for improving shoot fly resistance.     

Ergosterol concentration and variability in genotype-by-pathogen interaction for grain mold resistance in sorghum

A lack of understanding of host-by-pathogen relations can hinder the success of breeding for resistance to a major disease. Fungal strain pathogenicity has to be understood from the virulence it can cause on susceptible genotypes and host resistance indicates which genotypes have resistance genes. Where the two worlds meet lies the place where researchers match the prevalent pathogen in the area of production with resistant varieties. This paper uses ergosterol concentration analysis as a measure of fungal biomass accumulation to assess levels of resistance in host genotypes. 11 sorghum genotypes were inoculated with 5 strains of fungi that are known to be associated with grain mold disease of sorghum. The resulting interaction was analyzed using GGE Biplot analysis and Cluster analysis which showed that none of the genotypes were resistant to Phoma sorghina and Curvularia lunata. Three genotypes were resistant to Fusarium thapsinum. One fungal strain (Alternaria alternata) does not contribute any significant damage in the grain mold disease. Fusarium graminearum causes very little grain mold disease. There was no correlation between the fungal strains. Visual scoring did not correlate with ergosterol accumulation. Resistance to grain mold in sorghum is shown to be due to vertical or specific resistance genes. Sorghum breeders should, therefore, identify predominant fungal strains in their localities and then locate and tag these resistance genes in their germplasm and pyramid them in commercial varieties.     

Biochemical characterisation of grain mould resistant and susceptible genotypes and PGPR-induced resistance in the host to Curvularia lunata and Fusarium proliferatum

Resistance to biotic stresses in plants is either due to the presence of preformed biochemical compounds or induced in response to external stimulus. In this study, 13 grain mould resistant and seven susceptible lines of sorghum were analysed for biochemical defence mechanism. The levels of total phenols and phenylalanine ammonia lyase were almost same in the resistant and susceptible genotypes. However, two additional isoforms of peroxidase were found in the three of the 13 resistant genotypes. The isoform peroxidase corresponding to the R _f value of 0.25 was found in the resistant genotypes IS 13969, ICSB 377 and IS 8219-1, and two genotypes IS 13969 and ICSB 377 had an additional isoform corresponding to the R _f value of 0.32. The results indicated the genotype specific association of peroxidases with grain mould resistance in sorghum. Nine bacterial strains (Bacillus pumilus SB 21, Bacillus megaterium HiB 9, Bacillus subtilis BCB 19, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida SRI 156, Brevibacterium antiquum SRI 158, B. pumilus INR 7, P. fluorescens UOM SAR 80, P. fluorescens UOM SAR 14, B. pumilus SE 34) were tested to induce systemic resistance in sorghum cultivars 296B and Bulk Y against the highly pathogenic grain mould pathogens Curvularia lunata and Fusarium proliferatum, respectively. The bacterial isolates were effective in inducing resistance in sorghum. Among the strains tested, SRI 158 was found highly effective in reducing grain mould severity in both the genotypes.     

Development of microsatellite markers targeting (GATA) n motifs in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Microsatellite markers targeting (GATA) _n motifs are known to be highly polymorphic. Genome-wide development of such markers has not been reported in sorghum. The main objective of this study was to identify Class I microsatellites with (GATA) _n motifs in the sorghum genome through in silico analysis and assess their potential as molecular markers. The study identified a total of 128 such motifs, of which 14, 16 and 98 motifs were present in the genic, upstream and non-genic regions, respectively. The majority of the (GATA) _n motifs were found in the non-genic regions of the genome while 23.44 % of them were found within the genes and upstream of genes. About 110 PCR-based markers were developed targeting these microsatellites and 50 of them distributed across the genome were validated in 24 diverse sorghum genotypes representing different racial groups. Thirty-eight markers were polymorphic, with average polymorphism information content value of 0.69, and the sorghum genotypes could be grouped into two major clusters. These markers with robust amplification combined with good allelic diversity represent a new set of microsatellite markers in sorghum reported for the first time that will be highly useful for various genetics and molecular breeding applications.     

Fine mapping of the Pc locus of Sorghum bicolor, a gene controlling the reaction to a fungal pathogen and its host-selective toxin

Milo disease in sorghum is caused by isolates of the soil-borne fungus Periconia circinata that produce PC-toxin. Susceptibility to milo disease is conditioned by a single, semi-dominant gene, termed Pc. The susceptible allele (Pc) converts to a resistant form (pc) spontaneously at a gametic frequency of 10⁻³ to 10⁻⁴. A high-density genetic map was constructed around the Pc locus using DNA markers, allowing the Pc gene to be delimited to a 0.9 cM region on the short arm of sorghum chromosome 9. Physically, the Pc-region was covered by a single BAC clone. Sequence analysis of this BAC revealed twelve gene candidates. Several of the predicted genes in the region are homologous to disease resistance loci, including one NBS-LRR resistance gene analogue that is present in multiple tandem copies. Analysis of pc isolines derived from Pc/Pc sorghum suggests that one or more members of this NBS-LRR gene family are the Pc genes that condition susceptibility.     

Amino acid profiling of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sorghum bicolor</Emphasis> vis-à-vis <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chilo partellus</Emphasis> (Swinhoe) for biochemical interactions and plant resistance

Amount of certain amino acids required by herbivores, and their availability in host plants are of crucial importance for insect growth, development, and life processes. Therefore, we carried out profiling and quantification of 17 amino acids in diverse sorghum genotypes, and on the Chilo partellus larvae reared on them, to understand the association and contribution of different amino acids in plant resistance to insects. Sorghum germplasm lines IS 2205 and IS 2123 had severe detrimental effects on the development and survival of C. partellus followed by varieties ICSV 700 and ICSV 708 in comparison to susceptible check, Swarna. Profiling of sorghum seedlings, seeds, and the C. partellus larvae fed on these genotypes for 17 amino acids revealed that Arginine, Glycine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Proline, and Valine in sorghum seedlings and the C. partellus larvae had significant and positive association, suggesting their role in the development and survival, while negative association of Cystine indicated its contribution in plant defense. Furthermore, C. partellus acquired less of cyclic and aliphatic amino acids per unit amount from the test resistant genotypes, while more from the susceptible check, than their presence in the seedlings. Present studies suggest that Alanine, Cystine, Glycine, and Proline contents in C. partellus larvae; Cystine and Proline contents in sorghum seedlings; and Methionine content in sorghum seeds, have significant and negative association, and contribute to explain?>93% and >96%, respectively, of the variability in antibiosis mechanism and overall resistance to C. partellus. These studies have implications for antibiosis and nutritional mechanism of host plant–insect interactions in sorghum against C. partellus.     

Temperature-dependent water and ion transport properties of barley and sorghum roots : I. Relationship to leaf growth

Root temperature strongly affects shoot growth, possibly via “nonhydraulic messengers” from root to shoot. In short-term studies with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) seedlings, the optimum root temperatures for leaf expansion were 25° and 35°C, respectively. Hydraulic conductance (L_p) of both intact plants and detached exuding roots of barley increased with increasing root temperature to a high value at 25°C, remaining high with further warming. In sorghum, the L_p of intact plants and of detached roots peaked at 35°C. In both species, root temperature did not affect water potentials of the expanded leaf blade or the growing region despite marked changes in L_p. Extreme temperatures greatly decreased ion flux, particularly K⁺ and NO₃⁻, to the xylem of detached roots of both species. Removing external K⁺ did not alter short-term K⁺ flux to the xylem in sorghum but strongly inhibited flux at high temperature in barley, indicating differences in the sites of temperature effects. Leaf growth responses to root temperature, although apparently “uncoupled” from water transport properties, were correlated with ion fluxes. Studies of putative root messengers must take into account the possible role of ions.     

Physiological and biochemical responses of Theobroma cacao L. genotypes to flooding

Flooding is common in lowlands and areas with high rainfall or excessive irrigation. A major effect of flooding is the deprivation of O₂ in the root zone, which affects several biochemical and morphophysiological plant processes. The objective of this study was to elucidate biochemical and physiological characteristics associated with tolerance to O₂ deficiency in two clonal cacao genotypes. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with two contrasting clones differing in flood tolerance: TSA-792 (tolerant) and TSH-774 (susceptible). Leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence, chemical composition and oxidative stress were assessed during 40 d for control and flooded plants. Flooding induced a decrease in net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration of both genotypes. In flood conditions, the flood-susceptible clone showed changes in chlorophyll fluorescence, reductions in chlorophyll content and increased activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. Flooding also caused changes in macro- and micronutrients, total soluble sugars and starch concentrations in different plant organs of both genotypes. Response curves for the relationship between photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and net photosynthetic rate (P _N) for flooded plants were similar for both genotypes. In flood conditions, the flood-susceptible clone exhibited (1) nonstomatal limitations to photosynthesis since decreased in maximum potential quantum yield of PSII (F_v/F_m) values indicated possible damage to the PSII light-harvesting complex; (2) oxidative stress; (3) increased leaf chlorosis; and (4) a reduction in root carbohydrate levels. These stresses resulted in death of several plants after 30 d of flooding.     

Carbon isotope discrimination varies genetically in c(4) species

Carbon-isotope discrimination (Δ) is used to distinguish between different photosynthetic pathways. It has also been shown that variation in Δ occurs among varieties of C₃ species, but not as yet, in C₄ species. We now report that Δ also varies among genotypes of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench), a C₄ species. The discrimination in leaves of field-grown plants of 12 diverse genotypes of sorghum was measured and compared with their grain yields. Discrimination varied significantly among genotypes, and there was a significant negative correlation between grain yield and Δ. The variation in Δ may be caused by genetic differences in either leakiness of the bundle-sheath cells or by differences in the ratio of assimilation rate to stomatal conductance. At the leaf level, the former should be related to light-use efficiency of carbon fixation and the latter should be related to transpiration efficiency. Both could relate to the yield of the crop.     

Phenotypic Expression of rkn1-Mediated Meloidogyne incognita Resistance in Gossypium hirsutum Populations

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita is a damaging pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) worldwide. A major gene (rkn1) conferring resistance to M. incognita was previously identified on linkage group A03 in G. hirsutum cv. Acala NemX. To determine the patterns of segregation and phenotypic expression of rkn1, F₁, F₂, F_2:3, BC₁F₁ and F_2:7 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from intraspecific crosses between Acala NemX and a closely related susceptible cultivar Acala SJ-2 were inoculated in greenhouse tests with M. incognita race 3. The resistance phenotype was determined by the extent of nematode-induced root galling and nematode egg production on roots. Suppression of root galling and egg production was highly correlated among individuals in all tests. Root galling and egg production on heterozygous plants did not differ from the susceptible parent phenotype 125 d or more after inoculation, but were slightly suppressed with shorter screening (60 d), indicating that rkn1 behaved as a recessive gene or an incompletely recessive gene, depending on the screening condition. In the RIL, rkn1 segregated in an expected 1 resistant: 1 susceptible ratio for a major resistance gene. However, within the resistant class, 21 out of 34 RIL were more resistant than the resistant parent Acala NemX, indicating transgressive segregation. These results suggest that rkn1-based resistance in G. hirsutum can be enhanced in progenies of crosses with susceptible genotypes. Allelism tests and molecular genetic analysis are needed to determine the relationship of rkn1 to other M. incognita resistance sources in cotton.     

Acid soil damage in sorghum genotypes: Role of magnesium deficiency and root impairment

The effects of liming and Mg fertilization on growth, specific root length (root length per unit of root dry weight; SRL) and nutrient uptake of twelve sorghum genotypes (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) were studied in two pot experiments. Liming increased the pH of the sandy loam from pH 4.3 (unlimed) to 4.7 (with 0.5 g Ca(OH)₂ kg^-1 soil) and to 6.1 (with 2.5 g Ca(OH)₂ kg^-1 soil). Liming increased the dry matter yield of the genotypes by factors of 1.2 to 6.0 (between pH 4.3 and 4.7) and by 1.1 to 2.4 (between pH 4.7 and 6.1). In absence of Mg at soil pH of 4.3 and 4.7, all genotypes suffered from Mg deficiency, as indicated by low Mg concentrations in the shoots (26–94 mmol Mg kg^-1 DM) and visible Mg deficiency symptoms. At pH 4.7 several of the genotypes responded to Mg application and produced significantly more dry matter. At pH 4.3, however, none of the genotypes responded to Mg, even though the internal Mg concentrations were increased by applied Mg. The relative increase in dry matter yield between pH 4.3 and 4.7 was closely correlated to the relative change in specific root length in the same soil pH interval, especially when the soil was fertilized with Mg (r²=0.91^**). The group of genotypes where SRL and dry matter yield were reduced by soil acidity was not the same as the group that responded positively to Mg application at pH 4.7.It is concluded that the growth of sorghum genotypes on acid soils is determined by two independent characteristics: the sensitivity of root development to soil acidity and the efficiency of the uptake and utilization of Mg. The first characteristic is predminant at high soil acidity whilst the latter is dominant at moderate soil acidity.     

Physiological Effects of Meloidogyne incognita Infection on Cotton Genotypes with Differing Levels of Resistance in the Greenhouse

Greenhouse tests were conducted to evaluate (i) the effect of Meloidogyne incognita infection in cotton on plant growth and physiology including the height-to-node ratio, chlorophyll content, dark-adapted quantum yield of photosystem II, and leaf area; and (ii) the extent to which moderate or high levels of resistance to M. incognita influenced these effects. Cultivars FiberMax 960 BR (susceptible to M. incognita) and Stoneville 5599 BR (moderately resistant) were tested together in three trials, and PD94042 (germplasm, susceptible) and 120R1B1 (breeding line genetically similar to PD94042, but highly resistant) were paired in two additional trials. Inoculation with M. incognita generally resulted in increases in root gall ratings and egg counts per gram of root compared with the noninoculated control, as well as reductions in plant dry weight, root weight, leaf area, boll number, and boll dry weight, thereby confirming that growth of our greenhouse-grown plants was reduced in the same ways that would be expected in field-grown plants. In all trials, M. incognita caused reductions in height-to-node ratios. Nematode infection consistently reduced the area under the height-to-node ratio curves for all genotypes, and these reductions were similar for resistant and susceptible genotypes (no significant genotype × inoculation interaction). Our study is the first to show that infection by M. incognita is associated with reduced chlorophyll content in cotton leaves, and the reduction in the resistant genotypes was similar to that in the susceptible genotypes (no interaction). The susceptible PD94042 tended to have increased leaf temperature compared with the genetically similar but highly resistant 120R1B1 (P < 0.08), likely attributable to increased water stress associated with M. incognita infection.     

Early-stage iron deficiency alters physiological processes and iron transporter expression,along with photosynthetic and oxidative damage to sorghum

Iron (Fe) starvation in Strategy II plants is a major nutritional problem causing severe visual symptoms and yield reductions. This prompted us to investigate the physiological and molecular consequences of Fe deficiency responses at an early stage in sorghum plants. The Fe-starved sorghum did not show shoot biomass reduction, but the root length, biomass, and chlorophyll synthesis were severely affected. The chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis showed that the quantum yield efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and photosynthesis performance index (Pi_ABS) in young leaves significantly reduced in response to low Fe. Besides, Fe concentration in root and shoot significantly declined in Fe-starved plants relative to Fe-sufficient plants. Accordingly, this Fe reduction in tissues was accompanied by a marked decrease in PS-release in roots. The qPCR experiment showed the downregulation of SbDMAS2 (deoxymugineic acid synthase 2), SbNAS3 (nicotianamine synthase 3), and SbYSL1 (Fe-phytosiderophore transporter yellow stripe 1) in Fe-deprived roots, suggesting that decreased rhizosphere mobilization of Fe(III)-PS contributes to reduced uptake and long-distance transport of Fe. The cis-acting elements of these gene promoters are commonly responsive to abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate, while SbYSL1 additionally responsive to salicylic acid. Further, antioxidant defense either through metabolites or antioxidant enzymes is not efficient in counteracting oxidative damage in Fe-deprived sorghum. These findings may be beneficial for the improvement of sorghum genotypes sensitive to Fe-deficiency through breeding or transgenic approaches.     

Effects of soil temperature on root and shoot growth traits and iron deficiency chlorosis in sorghum genotypes grown on a low iron calcareous soil

Iron deficiency chlorosis (FeDC) is a common disorder for sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown on alkaline calcareous soils. Four sorghum genotypes were grown in growth chambers on a low Fe (1.3 g/g DTPA-extractable), alkaline (pH 8.0), calcareous (3.87% CaCO₃ equivalent) Aridic Haplustoll to determine effects of different soil temperatures (12, 17, 22 and 27°C at a constant 27°C air temperature) on various root and shoot growth traits and development of FeDC. As soil temperature increased, leaf chlorosis became more severe, and shoot and root dry weights, root lengths, and leaf areas increased markedly. Shoot/root ratios, shoot weight/root length, leaf area/shoot weight and leaf area/root weight and root length also increased while root length/root weight decreased as soil temperature increased. Severe FeDC developed in all genotypes even though genotypes had previously shown different degrees of resistance to FeDC. Genotypes differed in most growth traits, especially dry matter yields, root lengths, and leaf areas, but most traits did not appear to be related to genotype resistance to FeDC. The most FeDC resistant genotype had the slowest growth rate and this may be a mechanism for its greater resistance to FeDC.     

Morphophysiological and biochemical attributes influence intra-genotypic preference of shoot fly [Atherigona soccata (Rondani)] among sorghum genotypes

Shoot fly [Atherigona soccata (Rondani)] is a destructive pest of sorghum at the seedling stage and causes huge losses to grain yield and green fodder. The host-plant resistance mechanism is the best approach to reduce the attack of insects in plants. The damage parameters, morphophysiological traits, and biochemical metabolites had been investigated in the leaves and stem of contrasting sorghum genotypes, viz., resistant (IS18551, ICSV705, ICSV700), moderately resistant (PSC-4), and susceptible (SWARNA and SL-44) at 15 and 21 days after emergence (DAE) against shoot fly infestation. The resistant genotypes recorded lowest shoot fly oviposition and incidence (0.3–0.7 eggs plant⁻¹ and 10–15%) than the susceptible genotypes (2.4–3.0 eggs plant⁻¹ and 70–80%), respectively. The susceptible genotype SWARNA recorded 50% and 80% higher deadheart formation than the resistant genotype IS18551 at 15 and 21 DAE, respectively. Resistant genotypes exhibited higher trichome density at adaxial and abaxial part of leaf (118–145 and 106–131) with pink colored leaf sheath (scale 1.50–3.25), glossy leaves (scale1.00–1.25), and lower leaf surface wetness (scale1.25–2.00) compared with susceptible genotype with 49.3–73.3 and 25.3–64.0, scale 2.50–4.00, scale 2.75–3.50, and scale 3.25–4.25 for the respective parameters. Another defense response of sorghum toward the insect attack was modulation of plant metabolism. The infested genotypes responded to insect attack by upregulation of total soluble sugar, total phenol, prussic acid, and chlorophyll content by 1.2–2.1-fold, 1.5–2.0-fold, 1.2–1.3-fold, and 1.2–3.9-fold with more induction in susceptible genotypes at 21 DAE. On the whole, the present study indicates that morphophysiological and biochemical attributes contribute toward the resistance mechanism in sorghum against shoot fly infestation.

     

Water uptake efficiency and above- and belowground biomass development of sweet sorghum and maize under different water regimes

Background and aims

Lately sweet sorghum (S) has attracted great interest as an alternative feedstock for biofuel production due to its high yielding potential and better adaptation to drought than maize (M). However, little is known about the response of newly developed sweet sorghum genotypes to water deficits, especially at the root level and its water uptake patterns. The objective of this study was to compare the water uptake capacity, growth and developmental characteristics at the root and canopy levels of a sweet sorghum hybrid (Sorghum bicolor cv. Sucro 506) with those of maize (Zea mays cv. PR32F73) at two water regimes.

Methods

The trial was setup in a total of 20 rhizotrons (1?m³), where calibrated soil moisture probes were installed for monitoring and adjusting the soil moisture content to 25% (well-watered, W) and 12% (drought stress, D).

Results

DS was able to sustain its physiological activity close to that of WS plants, while maize was not. The biomass production potential of DS was reduced about 38%, while in maize the reduction was 47%. The water use efficiency (WUE), however, was increased by 20% in sweet sorghum and reduced in 5% in maize. Moreover, in contrast to maize the root length density and water uptake capacity of DS was enhanced. Root water uptake efficiency in DM was sustained close to its potential, but not in sweet sorghum.

Conclusions

In summary, the better adaptation to drought of sweet sorghum is explained by increased WUE, sustained physiological activity and enlarged root system. It is also associated with a reduced water uptake efficiency compared to its control but maintained compared to maize.     

水分亏缺下紫花苜蓿和高粱根系水力学导度 与水分利用效率的关系

利用聚乙二醇(PEG-6000)模拟水分亏缺条件(胁迫水势-0.2MPa,胁迫48h),研究了变水条件下紫花苜蓿(品种:阿尔冈金和陇东)和高粱(品种:抗四)根系水力学导度(Lp_r)、根系活力、根叶相对含水量、水分利用效率等参数的动态变化,以期进一步明确植物水分吸收及散失过程调控的生理生态学基础。结果表明:水分亏缺限制了紫花苜蓿和高粱根系吸水,表现在Lp_r的下降和根系活力的降低;继而调控了其地上部反应,引起气孔导度、光合速率、叶片相对含水量和蒸腾速率等的下降,但限制性的提高了其水分利用效率,尤其在胁迫初期。恢复到正常供水条件后,Lp_r、根系活性、气孔导度等水分利用参数逐渐部分或完全恢复到了胁迫前水平,但恢复程度存在种间和品种间差异,并且根系吸水能力的恢复对于是植株地上部生长状态的恢复至关重要,尤其是水分恢复初期。紫花苜蓿根系中检测到水通道蛋白(AQPs)的存在,水分亏缺对紫花苜蓿Lp_r的影响认为主要是通过影响AQPs的活性实现的。比较紫花苜蓿和高粱水分吸收与利用状况在变水条件下的动态变化,认为紫花苜蓿幼苗对干旱逆境的适应能力相对弱于高粱,品种间陇东适应能力更强。     

Salicylic acid and salicylic acid sensitive and insensitive catalases in different genotypes of chickpea against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri

Differential expression of catalase isozymes in different genotypes of chickpea resistant genotypes- A1, JG-315, JG-11, WR-315, R₁-315, Vijaya, ICCV-15017, GBS-964, GBM-10, and susceptible genotypes- JG-62, MNK, ICCV-08321, ICCV-08311, KW-104, ICCV-08123, ICC-4951, ICC-11322, ICC-08116 for wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum. f. sp. ciceri (Foc) was analyzed. Salicylic acid (SA) and H₂O₂ concentrations were determined in control as well as in plants infected with F. ciceri and found that the high and low levels of salicylic acid and H₂O₂ in resistant and susceptible genotypes of chickpea respectively. Catalase isozyme activities were detected in the gel and found that no induction of new catalases was observed in all the resistant genotypes and their some of the native catalase isozymes were inhibited; whereas, induction of multiple catalase isozymes was observed in all the screened susceptible genotypes and their activities were not inhibited upon Foc or SA treatments. The above results support the possible role of these isozymes as a marker to identify which genotype of chickpea is expressing systemic acquired resistance.     

Effects of Genotype and Growth Temperature on the Contents of Tannin,Phytate and In Vitro Iron Availability of Sorghum Grains

Background

It has been predicted that the global temperature will rise in the future, which means crops including sorghum will likely be grown under higher temperatures, and consequently may affect the nutritional properties.

Methods

The effects of two growth temperatures (OT, day/night 32/21°C; HT 38/21°C) on tannin, phytate, mineral, and in vitro iron availability of raw and cooked grains (as porridge) of six sorghum genotypes were investigated.

Results

Tannin content significantly decreased across all sorghum genotypes under high growth temperature (P ≤0.05), while the phytate and mineral contents maintained the same level, increased or decreased significantly, depending on the genotype. The in vitro iron availability in most sorghum genotypes was also significantly reduced under high temperature, except for Ai4, which showed a pronounced increase (P ≤0.05). The cooking process significantly reduced tannin content in all sorghum genotypes (P ≤0.05), while the phytate content and in vitro iron availability were not significantly affected.

Conclusions

This research provides some new information on sorghum grain nutritional properties when grown under predicted future higher temperatures, which could be important for humans where sorghum grains are consumed as staple food.