Chapters authored
Exploring Plant Genetic Variations with Morphometric and Molecular Markers
For centuries, crop improvement has served as the basis of food security of ever increasing human population. Though vast germplasm collections are available; their exploitation for crop improvement still depends upon efficient assessment of genetic diversity. Genetic variability is the key element in adaptation of plants to varying climates. While crops with narrow genetic diversity are vulnerable to stresses. The estimation of extent and pattern of genetic variability is a prerequisite for generating superior varieties. Genetic diversity analysis generates key information to dissect genetic variations in crop germplasm with the help of morphometrical, biochemical and molecular tools. Among these, DNA markers provide a reliable and detailed insight into the similarities and differences among crops. In this chapter, we discuss the applications of phenotypic and molecular markers to probe genetic divergence in crops and present case studies that describe the significance of these tools to characterize sorghum germplasm. Furthermore, we spotlight sorghum biodiversity exploration efforts worldwide and propose future directions.
Part of the book: Genetic Variation
Genetic Variability through Induced Mutation
The success of plant breeding is based on the accessibility of genetic variation, information about desired traits with well-organized approach that make it likely to develop existing genetic resources. Food security demands to break the yield barrier through increasing new cultivars which can adapt to wide range of environment. It is especially important to observe the character association for yield along with its components before recognizing novel technique to break the yield barrier. There are numerous methods for improved exploiting of the inherent genetic makeup of crops with heritable variations. It is recommended that recognized parental resources can also be induced to mutate for unmasking novel alleles of genes that organize the traits suitable for the crop varieties of the 21st century world. Chemical mutagens have extensively been applied to make genetic changes in crop plants for breeding investigation as well as genetic studies. Ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) is the most frequently applied as chemical agents in plants. EMS normally induces GC → AT transitions in the genome causing mutated protein that performed different functions rather than normal. It is exposed that the utilization of EMS is an efficient approach for developing novel gene pool.
Part of the book: Genetic Variation