Some new ladybird (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) records collected during the last four years across... more Some new ladybird (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) records collected during the last four years across Sindh are reported. A first preliminary checklist of ladybirds from Sindh is presented, consisting of one subfamily, ten tribes, 21 genera, and 29 species including four new records, namely Bulaealichatschovii (Hummel), Exochomuspubescens Küster, Scymnus (Pullus) latemaculatus Motschulsky, Scymnus (Pullus) syriacus Marseul, and four varieties of the species Cheilomenessexmaculatus (Fabricius).
Safflower is an important industrial oil seed and bioenergy crop in semi-arid subtropical regions... more Safflower is an important industrial oil seed and bioenergy crop in semi-arid subtropical regions due to its potential to grow on marginal land and having good percentage of seed oil contents which is an important parameter for biofuel production. However, it is an ignored crop in Pakistan. In order to improve the crop productivity and reduce the use of agrochemicals for sustainable biodiesel feedstock production, an experiment was conducted for two years to improve the fatty acid composition and oil quality of Carthamus tinctorius L. (safflower) by the inoculation of Azospirillum and Azotobacter alone as well as in combined application with nitrogen and phosphate (NP) fertilizers on cultivars Thori and Saif-32 under field conditions. Separation and quantification of fatty acids were done on precise comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). The results showed that fatty acid profile specifically monounsaturated fatty acids i-e oleic acid (C18:1) was significantly imp...
The aim of present study was to explore the floristic inventory and record the indiginious knowle... more The aim of present study was to explore the floristic inventory and record the indiginious knowledge about medicinal plants of the Haramosh valley, Central karakoram national Park.For this purpose, surveys were carried out during March, 2013 to July, 2014. Haramosh valley is located at the northern side of the river Indus, started from junction of three great mountainous ranges i.e. Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindukush. The detailed information about the flora and the indeginous knowledge was gathered through detail interviews and semi structured questionnares.Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to record coordinates of the 41 different localities and their distribution map is designed using ArcGis 10.2 (Fig. 1). The total 111 plant species are reported , out of these 28 species are endengered, rareand endemicflora of this valley as compare to other valleys of Central Karakoram national park. The 83 medicinally important plant species are reported from this valley belonging to 73...
Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 2014
ABSTRACT Silybum marianum, commonly known as Milk thistle, is a popular herbal supplement used fo... more ABSTRACT Silybum marianum, commonly known as Milk thistle, is a popular herbal supplement used for the treatment of jaundice and liver cirrhosis worldwide. Here we established methods for somatic embryogenesis and comparative metabolite profiling of the different growth phases during embryogenesis in S. marianum. Highest embryogenic potential was observed for calli previously derived from petiole explants on Schenk and Hildebrandt medium containing 2.5 mg l−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 1.5 mg l−1 N6-benzyladenine (BA). Somatic embryos (SE) were induced when embryogenic calli with pre-embryoid masses (PEMs) were subcultured on same media as used for induction of embryogenic callus. Highest number of somatic embryos (46 somatic embryo per callus) was observed at 1.5 mg l−1 2,4-D and 1.5 mg l−1 BA, however ½ strength MS medium showed optimal response for maturation followed by germination of somatic embryos at 1.5 mg l−1 GA3. Metabolite profiles from developmental stages of non-embryogenic callus (NEC), PEMs, SE and embryos germinating into intact plantlets (GSE) were obtained using Electro spray ionization mass spectrometry ESI/MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to identify key metabolites in different growth phases during somatic embryogenesis. The loading scatter plots enabled the detection of several bin masses responsible for separating samples from different growth stages. Based on the values of % total ions count and average intensity of selected bins in all biological samples, putatively known metabolites were obtained from in-house bin program. Amino acids associated with various biosynthetic pathways like arginine, asparagine and serine were abundantly detected in GSE, while they were detected at decreased intensities in NEC. However, tryptophan was measured with increased signals in SE when compared to other growth phases. Glucose, fructose and fructose-6-phosphate were mostly accumulated in NEC; however they were detected with lowest intensities in GSE. Moreover, sucrose and significant secondary metabolites like cinnamic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, linolenic acid, and 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate were found at higher amount in SE when compared to other embryogenic phases.
Medicinal plants are the plants or their parts used for the health care. They probably constitute... more Medicinal plants are the plants or their parts used for the health care. They probably constitute a single larger functional group of the plants globally. According to an estimate, 120 or so plant based drugs prescribed for use through the world come from just 95 plant ...
Macro and microelements play fundamental role in the metabolic reactions required for growth and ... more Macro and microelements play fundamental role in the metabolic reactions required for growth and development. Buckwheat being used for medicinal purpose may be an important source of essential minerals and nutrients for rural communities of Pakistan. The present study was aimed to investigate elemental composition in flour samples of twelve indigenous genotypes grown in Pakistan (Baltistan) by using multivariate approach. After acid digestion, samples were subjected to atomic absorption spectrophotometry and data were analyzed statistically for basic statistics and principal component analysis (PCA). Local genotype BWB-4 showed highest P and Ca level (430±4.07 and 33.91±0.31 mg/100g respectively). On the other hand genotype BWA-7 recorded highest levels of Fe and Zn (2.9±0.03 and 4.5±0.08 mg/100 g respectively). PCA extraction exhibited nine main principal components, where maximum variation was shown by the first two components (50.63%). Maximum contribution was made by genotypes with larger seed size viz. BWSN-5 followed by BWA-7 and BWZ-8. For major and trace elements the 1st component revealed a major group among all local genotypes for P and Co whereas 2nd component showed Mn as main element with greater factor loadings. Variations in the elemental composition by using multivariate analysis like PCA proved to be a suitable tool for identification of potential genotypes for future breeding programs.
Rangelands of Central Karakorum National Park (CKNP) in Gilgit-Baltistan, is regarded as vital ec... more Rangelands of Central Karakorum National Park (CKNP) in Gilgit-Baltistan, is regarded as vital ecological resources of Pakistan. The present study was conducted in Hushe Valley of Baltistan during July-August of 2012 to investigate the surface features, distribution of vegetation cover, along altitudinal gradients (~500 m intervals) using quadrate methods (20 quadrates each per line transects) on three range sites named as Brumbrama (3955 masl), Jongfong (3488 masl) and Gambabramachan (3051 masl) of CKNP area Hushe. The average surface feature of the area was consisting of vegetation cover 32%, litter 4%, rock 22 % and barren cover was 41 %. Out of the 32% vegetation cover the average grass cover was maximum (24.20±3.34%) at the highest altitude Brumbrama followed by mid altitude Jongfong. The average cover of shrub (22.75±4.13 %) was much dominated at mid altitude Jongfong, whereas, forbs were much higher (20.75± 3.44%) at the lowest altitude.
The preventive effect of quercetin on arsenic stimulated reproductive ailments in male Sprague Da... more The preventive effect of quercetin on arsenic stimulated reproductive ailments in male Sprague Dawely (SD) rats was investigated. Twenty rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as a control and was provided tap water. The second group of rats was treated with sodium arsenite at the dose of 50 ppm in drinking water. The third group served as a positive control and received an oral dose of quercetin (50 mg/kg). In the fourth group, quercetin (50 mg/kg) was co-administered orally with arsenic (50 ppm in drinking water). All the treatments were carried out for 49 days. Arsenic treatment resulted in adverse morphological and histopathological changes in testis of rats including reduced epithelial height and tubular diameter, and increased luminal diameter. In contrast, these adverse effects of arsenic were eliminated by co-administration of quercetin. Additionally arsenic treatment significantly increased testicular thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels while catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and glutathione reductase (GSR) activities, and plasma and intra-testicular testosterone concentrations, were decreased significantly. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) was significantly suppressed and depleted antioxidant defense mechanism was restored by the quercetin co-treatment. Also quercetin treatment resulted in a marked increase in plasma and testicular testosterone concentrations. On the basis of these findings, it was concluded that quercetin may be used as a potential therapeutic drug against arsenic induced reproductive toxicity.
The mushrooms were screened for their antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity, six strains of bacteria vi... more The mushrooms were screened for their antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity, six strains of bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC6633), Vibrio cholerae (ATCC6643), Escherichia coli (ATCC15224), Klebsiellapneumoniae (MTCC618) and Enterobactoraerogenes (ATCC13048) were utilized as test organisms for determination of antibacterial activity. Maximum antibacterial activity was observed at 30 mg/ml concentration of extracts. Greater inhibitory activity against S. aureus was possessed by methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Calvatiagigantean. Themethanolic extract of Morchella esculenta exhibited maximum inhibitory activity against V. cholerae and also the ethanolic extract showed higher bactericidal activity against E. coli. But the selected mushrooms exhibited no significant antifungal activity against Aspergillusfumigatus and Aspergillusniger.
Seed proteins are important in grain quality and distinguishing genetic diversity for breeding po... more Seed proteins are important in grain quality and distinguishing genetic diversity for breeding populations. The present study was performed to evaluate genotypic diversity in protein bands in common buckwheat based on SDS-PAGE from Skardu and Ganche Districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Seed protein profiles among indigenous genotypes (12) were assessed for genetic diversity and cluster analysis. Buckwheat protein extracts were resolved on 12.25% acrylamide in discontinuous buffer system. Protein bands produced were produced were analyzed for cluster analysis by UPGMA revealed two lineages at linkage distance of 0.39 dividing the local genotypes into 5 sub cluster groups at 0.19 (50%) linkage distances. Protein bands on SDS-PAGE were scored from 15 kDa to 72 kDa producing 37.27% (HMW) and 62.72% LMW protein bands. The ratio of HMW protein bands to total bands produced were low (0.214) as compared to LMW protein bands (0.359). The protein profiling produced revealed moderate genetic diversity between studied genotypes and could be helpful for utilization in cultivar development and conserve buckwheat germplasm.
Silybum marianum, commonly known as Milk thistle, is a popular herbal supplement used for the tre... more Silybum marianum, commonly known as Milk thistle, is a popular herbal supplement used for the treatment of jaundice and liver cirrhosis worldwide. Here we established methods for somatic embryogenesis and comparative metabolite profiling of the different growth phases during embryogenesis in S. marianum. Highest embryogenic potential was observed for calli previously derived from petiole explants on Schenk and Hildebrandt medium containing 2.5 mg l-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 1.5 mg l-1 N6-benzyladenine (BA). Somatic embryos (SE) were induced when embryogenic calli with pre-embryoid masses (PEMs) were subcultured on same media as used for induction of embryogenic callus. Highest number of somatic embryos (46 somatic embryo per callus) was observed at 1.5 mg l-1 2,4-D and 1.5 mg l-1 BA, however strength MS medium showed optimal response for mat-uration followed by germination of somatic embryos at 1.5 mg l-1 GA 3. Metabolite profiles from developmental stages of non-embryogenic callus (NEC), PEMs, SE and embryos germinating into intact plantlets (GSE) were obtained using Electro spray ionization mass spectrometry ESI/MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to identify key metabolites in different growth phases during somatic embryogenesis. The loading scatter plots enabled the detection of several bin masses responsible for separating samples from different growth stages. Based on the values of % total ions count and average intensity of selected bins in all biological samples, putatively known metabolites were obtained from in-house bin program. Amino acids associated with various biosynthetic pathways like arginine, asparagine and serine were abundantly detected in GSE, while they were detected at decreased intensities in NEC. However, tryptophan was measured with increased signals in SE when compared to other growth phases. Glucose, fructose and fructose-6-phosphate were mostly accumulated in NEC; however they were detected with lowest intensities in GSE. Moreover, sucrose and significant secondary metabolites like cinnamic acid, kaempf-erol, quercetin, myricetin, linolenic acid, and 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate were found at higher amount in SE when compared to other embryogenic phases.
Walnut is one of the most important nutritive nut crops and widely grown in Gilgit-Baltistan regi... more Walnut is one of the most important nutritive nut crops and widely grown in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. In the present study 19 local landraces were analyzed for morphological traits to investigate genetic diversity and identify promising landraces for cultivar development. Multivariate analyses showed high variation for morphological traits and nut and kernel characteristics. Cluster analyses depicted diversity among the local land races which separated them into 2 major clusters groups, showing more association to morphological differences. PCA revealed that the 1 st four principal components (PC's) possessed Eigen value >1.0, where PC1 and PC2 contributed total variance of 41.65% and 23.42% respectively with total variance (65.05%) showing maximum factor loadings by kernel ratio, shell%, kernel yield and nut width by the first two PC's. Pearson correlation coefficient among walnut landraces revealed positively significant correlation between shell yield and nut weight(r=0.96), kernel yield and nut width(r=0.85), whereas negative correlation were observed (r =-0.89 and r =-0.76) between kernel ratio with shell yield and nut weight respectively. A wide range of diversity was observed among the local landraces from Karakoram regions and the landrace HKK and GNAG were reported as promising one with highest kernel ratio. These landraces are potential for future breeding of nut crops with distinct morphological traits.
... REFERENCES Ali Y, Hanna MA, Cuppett SL (1995). Fuel properties of tallow and soybean oil este... more ... REFERENCES Ali Y, Hanna MA, Cuppett SL (1995). Fuel properties of tallow and soybean oil esters. J. Amer. Oil Chem. Soc. 72: 1557, 1995. ... Trans. ASAE. 45(3): 525-529. Fazlin ASM, Ahmad Z, Lim HH (2002). Compedium of Medicinal Plants Used in Malaysia. ...
Some new ladybird (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) records collected during the last four years across... more Some new ladybird (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) records collected during the last four years across Sindh are reported. A first preliminary checklist of ladybirds from Sindh is presented, consisting of one subfamily, ten tribes, 21 genera, and 29 species including four new records, namely Bulaealichatschovii (Hummel), Exochomuspubescens Küster, Scymnus (Pullus) latemaculatus Motschulsky, Scymnus (Pullus) syriacus Marseul, and four varieties of the species Cheilomenessexmaculatus (Fabricius).
Safflower is an important industrial oil seed and bioenergy crop in semi-arid subtropical regions... more Safflower is an important industrial oil seed and bioenergy crop in semi-arid subtropical regions due to its potential to grow on marginal land and having good percentage of seed oil contents which is an important parameter for biofuel production. However, it is an ignored crop in Pakistan. In order to improve the crop productivity and reduce the use of agrochemicals for sustainable biodiesel feedstock production, an experiment was conducted for two years to improve the fatty acid composition and oil quality of Carthamus tinctorius L. (safflower) by the inoculation of Azospirillum and Azotobacter alone as well as in combined application with nitrogen and phosphate (NP) fertilizers on cultivars Thori and Saif-32 under field conditions. Separation and quantification of fatty acids were done on precise comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). The results showed that fatty acid profile specifically monounsaturated fatty acids i-e oleic acid (C18:1) was significantly imp...
The aim of present study was to explore the floristic inventory and record the indiginious knowle... more The aim of present study was to explore the floristic inventory and record the indiginious knowledge about medicinal plants of the Haramosh valley, Central karakoram national Park.For this purpose, surveys were carried out during March, 2013 to July, 2014. Haramosh valley is located at the northern side of the river Indus, started from junction of three great mountainous ranges i.e. Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindukush. The detailed information about the flora and the indeginous knowledge was gathered through detail interviews and semi structured questionnares.Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to record coordinates of the 41 different localities and their distribution map is designed using ArcGis 10.2 (Fig. 1). The total 111 plant species are reported , out of these 28 species are endengered, rareand endemicflora of this valley as compare to other valleys of Central Karakoram national park. The 83 medicinally important plant species are reported from this valley belonging to 73...
Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 2014
ABSTRACT Silybum marianum, commonly known as Milk thistle, is a popular herbal supplement used fo... more ABSTRACT Silybum marianum, commonly known as Milk thistle, is a popular herbal supplement used for the treatment of jaundice and liver cirrhosis worldwide. Here we established methods for somatic embryogenesis and comparative metabolite profiling of the different growth phases during embryogenesis in S. marianum. Highest embryogenic potential was observed for calli previously derived from petiole explants on Schenk and Hildebrandt medium containing 2.5 mg l−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 1.5 mg l−1 N6-benzyladenine (BA). Somatic embryos (SE) were induced when embryogenic calli with pre-embryoid masses (PEMs) were subcultured on same media as used for induction of embryogenic callus. Highest number of somatic embryos (46 somatic embryo per callus) was observed at 1.5 mg l−1 2,4-D and 1.5 mg l−1 BA, however ½ strength MS medium showed optimal response for maturation followed by germination of somatic embryos at 1.5 mg l−1 GA3. Metabolite profiles from developmental stages of non-embryogenic callus (NEC), PEMs, SE and embryos germinating into intact plantlets (GSE) were obtained using Electro spray ionization mass spectrometry ESI/MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to identify key metabolites in different growth phases during somatic embryogenesis. The loading scatter plots enabled the detection of several bin masses responsible for separating samples from different growth stages. Based on the values of % total ions count and average intensity of selected bins in all biological samples, putatively known metabolites were obtained from in-house bin program. Amino acids associated with various biosynthetic pathways like arginine, asparagine and serine were abundantly detected in GSE, while they were detected at decreased intensities in NEC. However, tryptophan was measured with increased signals in SE when compared to other growth phases. Glucose, fructose and fructose-6-phosphate were mostly accumulated in NEC; however they were detected with lowest intensities in GSE. Moreover, sucrose and significant secondary metabolites like cinnamic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, linolenic acid, and 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate were found at higher amount in SE when compared to other embryogenic phases.
Medicinal plants are the plants or their parts used for the health care. They probably constitute... more Medicinal plants are the plants or their parts used for the health care. They probably constitute a single larger functional group of the plants globally. According to an estimate, 120 or so plant based drugs prescribed for use through the world come from just 95 plant ...
Macro and microelements play fundamental role in the metabolic reactions required for growth and ... more Macro and microelements play fundamental role in the metabolic reactions required for growth and development. Buckwheat being used for medicinal purpose may be an important source of essential minerals and nutrients for rural communities of Pakistan. The present study was aimed to investigate elemental composition in flour samples of twelve indigenous genotypes grown in Pakistan (Baltistan) by using multivariate approach. After acid digestion, samples were subjected to atomic absorption spectrophotometry and data were analyzed statistically for basic statistics and principal component analysis (PCA). Local genotype BWB-4 showed highest P and Ca level (430±4.07 and 33.91±0.31 mg/100g respectively). On the other hand genotype BWA-7 recorded highest levels of Fe and Zn (2.9±0.03 and 4.5±0.08 mg/100 g respectively). PCA extraction exhibited nine main principal components, where maximum variation was shown by the first two components (50.63%). Maximum contribution was made by genotypes with larger seed size viz. BWSN-5 followed by BWA-7 and BWZ-8. For major and trace elements the 1st component revealed a major group among all local genotypes for P and Co whereas 2nd component showed Mn as main element with greater factor loadings. Variations in the elemental composition by using multivariate analysis like PCA proved to be a suitable tool for identification of potential genotypes for future breeding programs.
Rangelands of Central Karakorum National Park (CKNP) in Gilgit-Baltistan, is regarded as vital ec... more Rangelands of Central Karakorum National Park (CKNP) in Gilgit-Baltistan, is regarded as vital ecological resources of Pakistan. The present study was conducted in Hushe Valley of Baltistan during July-August of 2012 to investigate the surface features, distribution of vegetation cover, along altitudinal gradients (~500 m intervals) using quadrate methods (20 quadrates each per line transects) on three range sites named as Brumbrama (3955 masl), Jongfong (3488 masl) and Gambabramachan (3051 masl) of CKNP area Hushe. The average surface feature of the area was consisting of vegetation cover 32%, litter 4%, rock 22 % and barren cover was 41 %. Out of the 32% vegetation cover the average grass cover was maximum (24.20±3.34%) at the highest altitude Brumbrama followed by mid altitude Jongfong. The average cover of shrub (22.75±4.13 %) was much dominated at mid altitude Jongfong, whereas, forbs were much higher (20.75± 3.44%) at the lowest altitude.
The preventive effect of quercetin on arsenic stimulated reproductive ailments in male Sprague Da... more The preventive effect of quercetin on arsenic stimulated reproductive ailments in male Sprague Dawely (SD) rats was investigated. Twenty rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as a control and was provided tap water. The second group of rats was treated with sodium arsenite at the dose of 50 ppm in drinking water. The third group served as a positive control and received an oral dose of quercetin (50 mg/kg). In the fourth group, quercetin (50 mg/kg) was co-administered orally with arsenic (50 ppm in drinking water). All the treatments were carried out for 49 days. Arsenic treatment resulted in adverse morphological and histopathological changes in testis of rats including reduced epithelial height and tubular diameter, and increased luminal diameter. In contrast, these adverse effects of arsenic were eliminated by co-administration of quercetin. Additionally arsenic treatment significantly increased testicular thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels while catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and glutathione reductase (GSR) activities, and plasma and intra-testicular testosterone concentrations, were decreased significantly. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) was significantly suppressed and depleted antioxidant defense mechanism was restored by the quercetin co-treatment. Also quercetin treatment resulted in a marked increase in plasma and testicular testosterone concentrations. On the basis of these findings, it was concluded that quercetin may be used as a potential therapeutic drug against arsenic induced reproductive toxicity.
The mushrooms were screened for their antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity, six strains of bacteria vi... more The mushrooms were screened for their antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity, six strains of bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC6633), Vibrio cholerae (ATCC6643), Escherichia coli (ATCC15224), Klebsiellapneumoniae (MTCC618) and Enterobactoraerogenes (ATCC13048) were utilized as test organisms for determination of antibacterial activity. Maximum antibacterial activity was observed at 30 mg/ml concentration of extracts. Greater inhibitory activity against S. aureus was possessed by methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Calvatiagigantean. Themethanolic extract of Morchella esculenta exhibited maximum inhibitory activity against V. cholerae and also the ethanolic extract showed higher bactericidal activity against E. coli. But the selected mushrooms exhibited no significant antifungal activity against Aspergillusfumigatus and Aspergillusniger.
Seed proteins are important in grain quality and distinguishing genetic diversity for breeding po... more Seed proteins are important in grain quality and distinguishing genetic diversity for breeding populations. The present study was performed to evaluate genotypic diversity in protein bands in common buckwheat based on SDS-PAGE from Skardu and Ganche Districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Seed protein profiles among indigenous genotypes (12) were assessed for genetic diversity and cluster analysis. Buckwheat protein extracts were resolved on 12.25% acrylamide in discontinuous buffer system. Protein bands produced were produced were analyzed for cluster analysis by UPGMA revealed two lineages at linkage distance of 0.39 dividing the local genotypes into 5 sub cluster groups at 0.19 (50%) linkage distances. Protein bands on SDS-PAGE were scored from 15 kDa to 72 kDa producing 37.27% (HMW) and 62.72% LMW protein bands. The ratio of HMW protein bands to total bands produced were low (0.214) as compared to LMW protein bands (0.359). The protein profiling produced revealed moderate genetic diversity between studied genotypes and could be helpful for utilization in cultivar development and conserve buckwheat germplasm.
Silybum marianum, commonly known as Milk thistle, is a popular herbal supplement used for the tre... more Silybum marianum, commonly known as Milk thistle, is a popular herbal supplement used for the treatment of jaundice and liver cirrhosis worldwide. Here we established methods for somatic embryogenesis and comparative metabolite profiling of the different growth phases during embryogenesis in S. marianum. Highest embryogenic potential was observed for calli previously derived from petiole explants on Schenk and Hildebrandt medium containing 2.5 mg l-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 1.5 mg l-1 N6-benzyladenine (BA). Somatic embryos (SE) were induced when embryogenic calli with pre-embryoid masses (PEMs) were subcultured on same media as used for induction of embryogenic callus. Highest number of somatic embryos (46 somatic embryo per callus) was observed at 1.5 mg l-1 2,4-D and 1.5 mg l-1 BA, however strength MS medium showed optimal response for mat-uration followed by germination of somatic embryos at 1.5 mg l-1 GA 3. Metabolite profiles from developmental stages of non-embryogenic callus (NEC), PEMs, SE and embryos germinating into intact plantlets (GSE) were obtained using Electro spray ionization mass spectrometry ESI/MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to identify key metabolites in different growth phases during somatic embryogenesis. The loading scatter plots enabled the detection of several bin masses responsible for separating samples from different growth stages. Based on the values of % total ions count and average intensity of selected bins in all biological samples, putatively known metabolites were obtained from in-house bin program. Amino acids associated with various biosynthetic pathways like arginine, asparagine and serine were abundantly detected in GSE, while they were detected at decreased intensities in NEC. However, tryptophan was measured with increased signals in SE when compared to other growth phases. Glucose, fructose and fructose-6-phosphate were mostly accumulated in NEC; however they were detected with lowest intensities in GSE. Moreover, sucrose and significant secondary metabolites like cinnamic acid, kaempf-erol, quercetin, myricetin, linolenic acid, and 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate were found at higher amount in SE when compared to other embryogenic phases.
Walnut is one of the most important nutritive nut crops and widely grown in Gilgit-Baltistan regi... more Walnut is one of the most important nutritive nut crops and widely grown in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. In the present study 19 local landraces were analyzed for morphological traits to investigate genetic diversity and identify promising landraces for cultivar development. Multivariate analyses showed high variation for morphological traits and nut and kernel characteristics. Cluster analyses depicted diversity among the local land races which separated them into 2 major clusters groups, showing more association to morphological differences. PCA revealed that the 1 st four principal components (PC's) possessed Eigen value >1.0, where PC1 and PC2 contributed total variance of 41.65% and 23.42% respectively with total variance (65.05%) showing maximum factor loadings by kernel ratio, shell%, kernel yield and nut width by the first two PC's. Pearson correlation coefficient among walnut landraces revealed positively significant correlation between shell yield and nut weight(r=0.96), kernel yield and nut width(r=0.85), whereas negative correlation were observed (r =-0.89 and r =-0.76) between kernel ratio with shell yield and nut weight respectively. A wide range of diversity was observed among the local landraces from Karakoram regions and the landrace HKK and GNAG were reported as promising one with highest kernel ratio. These landraces are potential for future breeding of nut crops with distinct morphological traits.
... REFERENCES Ali Y, Hanna MA, Cuppett SL (1995). Fuel properties of tallow and soybean oil este... more ... REFERENCES Ali Y, Hanna MA, Cuppett SL (1995). Fuel properties of tallow and soybean oil esters. J. Amer. Oil Chem. Soc. 72: 1557, 1995. ... Trans. ASAE. 45(3): 525-529. Fazlin ASM, Ahmad Z, Lim HH (2002). Compedium of Medicinal Plants Used in Malaysia. ...
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