Deepthi Yakandawala

Use of SSR markers to determine the anther-derived homozygous lines in coconut

Anther culture was used to obtain dihaploid (DH) coconut plants and their ploidy level was determined by flow cytometric analysis. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker analysis was conducted to identify the homozygous diploid individuals. Ploidy analysis showed that 50% of the tested plantlets were haploid and 50% were diploid. Polymorphic fragments of the mother palm and their segregation patterns in anther-derived plantlets were used to determine the origin of the diploid plantlets. Using a diagnostic SSR marker (CNZ43), all the diploid plantlets tested were identified as being derived from microspores (i.e. were homozygous) and were thus candidates for use in coconut breeding programs.

Phylogenetic Relationships of the Chrysobalanaceae Inferred from Chloroplast, Nuclear, and Morphological Data1

Abstract The Chrysobalanaceae, a pantropical family containing about 525 species, has often been nested within the Rosaceae despite evidence for recognizing it as a separate family. In 1963, Prance clearly placed Chrysobalanaceae as a distinct family containing 17 genera. However, the family has been linked with various other families and orders and recently has been placed within the order Malpighiales. Because of these discrepancies, a phylogenetic analysis for the family was launched to examine its monophyly and to investigate the relationships within the Chrysobalanaceae as well as its relationships to other groups. Comparative phylogenetic analyses were performed using morphological, rbcL, and ITS sequences. The data sets were analyzed independently and in combination. After exploration for hard incongruencies among the independent data sets, a simultaneous analysis of all the data was completed. The combined analysis resulted in a resolved, supported topology with several unambiguous morphological synapomorphies. The resulting topology indicated that the family is a well-defined monophyletic group that is sister to Euphronia Mart. & Zucc. (Euphroniaceae). The present tribal groupings, however, are paraphyletic.

Recent Advances in Anther Culture of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L) is one of the most important plantation crops, grown in about 90 countries in the world. It is given different terms, ‘Tree of life’, ‘Tree from Heavens’, ‘Tree of Abundance’ and ‘Natures Super Market’ considering the numerous values to the mankind, especially lives in the tropical region. The coconut palm is an aerially un-branched palm with a tall, slender stem and a massive crown. It is growing to a height of 12–24 m with 50–60 years of a life cycle. Coconut has a diploid chromosome complement of 2n=2x=32. It is a monocotyledon, belongs to the order Arecales (Palmae) and family Arecaceae (Palmaceae) and the sole species of the genus Cocos. Two main ecotypes are exists in this species, the Tall palms, C. nucifera typica (a cross-pollinating crop) and the Dwarf palms, C. nucifera nana (a self-pollinating Email: prasanthi1970@yahoo.com , V. Hocher , J.L. Verdeil , D.M.D Yakandawala ,

Does ingestion of plants from a phenetic group of Monochoria (‘Diyahabarala’) cause hepatotoxicity?

Diyahabarala’ is a freshwater aquatic herb having an inflorescence with bright purplish blue flowers. This plant is an essential ingredient in the well known ‘Neelayadithailaya’ used as a hair-oil in traditional medicine. The plant is used for treating many ailments such as toothache, asthma, cough, cold, fever, stomach and liver problems, general debility, haemorrhage, hepatitis, anaemia, scurvy, dipsia, strangury, gastropathy, hepatopathy, odontalgia and diabetes. It is also used externally as an antidote to snakebite poisoning, and for burns and scalds. According to traditional medicine the ‘diyahabarala’ plant is a food which cools the body. Consumption of the plant leaves either as porridge (‘kola-kenda’) or salad (‘mellun’) is recommended. Studies have endorsed the medicinal potential of M. vaginalis. Based on a study showing a hepato-protective effect, M. vaginalis has been used in the development of phytomedicines against hepatic disorders and oxidative damage. We report hepatotoxicity in a patient who ingested ‘diyahabarala’ porridge (‘kola-kenda’) as a remedy for diabetes. Ceylon Medical Journal 2015; 60 : 28-30 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cmj.v60i1.8087