SCoT

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a well-known spice herb showing anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities due to the occurrence of a diverse range of phytochemicals. Ginger is dominantly cultivated in many districts of South Rajasthan due to favourable climatic and soil conditions but the yield is very low as the crop is highly susceptible to various bacterial and fungal diseases. The unavailability of resistant ginger varieties resulted in a sharp decline in ginger cultivation. Genetic diversity analysis is desirable to develop improved varieties of ginger showing resistance against biotic and abiotic stress. The present paper reports the assessment of genetic diversity among 30 ginger genotypes from South Rajasthan through SCoT and ISSR markers. An overall 62.93% polymorphism was reported by the combined use of SCoT and ISSR markers and SCoT markers performed better in terms of the number of amplification products (168 bands) and a higher degree of polymorphism (74.39%). Cluster analysis confirmed that genotypes which were collected from a similar geographical area are genetically similar and diversity arose due to a slight change in geographical location. Population genetic analysis revealed that members of the DOD population showed the highest genetic diversity while AMI and SAV populations are closely related. The present paper proved the potential of SCoT markers for the evaluation of genetic diversity in other ginger accessions as well as for the identification of positive traits for varietal improvement.

Zizyphus mauritiana is a medicinally important plant species of arid ecosystem. High degree of heterozygosity, over exploitation and low multiplication rate are major constraints in propagation of this plant species. Here we report a cost- effective cloning protocol of Z. mauritiana. Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium with BAP (2.0 mg l−1) + additives found suitable for axillary shoot induction from mature nodal explant. On this medium 2.8 ± 0.67 shoot were produced from each axillary meristem. Shoots were further multiplied by sub-culturing in MMS medium containing various concentrations of plant growth regulators (BAP, Kn, 2iP) in different combinations. The in vitro propagated shoots were treated with IBA or/and NOA for ex vitro rhizogenesis. Ex vitro rooted plantlets were transplanted to the soil with 95% rate of survival. These plantlets were tested for genetic homogeneity using SCoT marker. For the tested primers, non-detectable variation was observed in DNA profiling among the micropropagated plants and the mother plant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on concurrent ex vitro rhizogenesis with acclimatization and SCoT based genetic homogeneity assessment of Z. mauritiana. Optimal multiplication and higher survival rate coupled with clonal stability, ensures the effectiveness of the protocol.