GBS-Based SNP Map Pinpoints the QTL Associated With Sorghum Downy Mildew Resistance in Maize ( L.).

Sorghum downy mildew (SDM), caused by the biotrophic fungi threatens maize production worldwide, including India. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to SDM, we used a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between resistant inbred line UMI936 (w) and susceptible inbred line UMI79. The RIL population was phenotyped for SDM resistance in three environments [E1-field (Coimbatore), E2-greenhouse (Coimbatore), and E3-field (Mandya)] and also utilized to construct the genetic linkage map by genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approach.

Targeting essential genes of Nosema for the diagnosis of pebrine disease in silkworms.

Pebrine is one of the devastating diseases mostly caused by notorious Nosema - a microsporidian infecting silkworms. Identification of novel genes associated with the pathogen plays a key role in developing a reliable diagnostic tool for the detection of disease. Targeting potential biomarkers will help in developing strategies for fast and efficient control measures, which can prevent the spread of infection.

Molecular characterization of DnaJ 5 homologs in silkworm Bombyx mori and its expression during egg diapause.

A comparison of the cDNA sequences (1 056 bp) of Bombyx mori DnaJ 5 homolog with B. mori genome revealed that unlike in other Hsps, it has an intron of 234 bp. The DnaJ 5 homolog contains 351 amino acids, of which 70 contain the conserved DnaJ domain at the N-terminal end.