Sunita Sharma

Comparative analysis of RAPD and ISSR markers for characterization of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes.

The determination of genetic differences among crop genotypes has become the primary need to grant patent and the protection of Plant Breeder Rights (PBR). In the present study RAPD and ISSR markers were employed for the characterization of 16 sesame genotypes. Twenty six RAPD and 17 ISSR primers that generated clear and reproducible banding patterns amplified 194 and 163 bands, respectively among 16 sesame genotypes. Both RAPD and ISSR primers showed maximum discrimination power, and produced putative variety specific bands, which could be used for the identification of all the sesame genotypes, individually. However, only AG and CA based ISSR primers were found effective in the discrimination of genotypes. A poor correlation was observed between the matrices produced by RAPD and ISSR primers, which might be due to the array of different sites of the genome. Though, there was greater similarity among sesame genotypes (0.78 for RAPD and 0.71 for ISSR), the observed genetic diversity (0.22 for RAPD and 0.29 for ISSR), was found effective for the characterization of sesame genotypes. It is suggested that putative variety specific RAPD and ISSR markers could be converted to Codominant sequence characterized amplified region/sequence tagged site (SCAR /STS) markers to develop robust variety specific markers.

Toolkit for Monitoring and Evaluation of Indoor Residual Spraying for Visceral Leishmaniasis Control in the Indian Subcontinent: Application and Results

Background. We field tested and validated a newly developed monitoring and evaluation (M&E) toolkit for indoor residual spraying to be used by the supervisors at different levels of the national kala-azar elimination programs in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Methods. Methods included document analysis, in-depth interviews, direct observation of spraying squads, and entomological-chemical assessments (bioassay, susceptibility test, chemical analysis of insecticide residues on sprayed surfaces, vector density measurements at baseline, and three follow-up surveys). Results. We found that the documentation at district offices was fairly complete; important shortcomings included insufficient training of spraying squads and supervisors, deficient spray equipment, poor spraying performance, lack of protective clothing, limited coverage of houses resulting in low bioavailability of the insecticide on sprayed surfaces, and reduced vector susceptibility to DDT in India, which limited the impact on vector densities. Conclusion. The M&E toolkit is a useful instrument for detecting constraints in IRS operations and to trigger timely response.