Central Tuber Crops Research Institute

About: Central Tuber Crops Research Institute is a facility organization based out in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Starch & Fermentation. The organization has 475 authors who have published 587 publications receiving 10285 citations.

Occurrence of hexaploid males in Dioscorea alata L.

Abstract: In the polyploid species Dioscorea alata, earlier studies have shown a prevalence of higher ploidy levels (2n = 60 and 80) restricted among female clones. Cytological screening of a number of rare flowering collections maintained at the CTCRI revealed the occurrence of hexaploids (2n = 60) among male clones for the first time. The hexaploid males were sparse flowering, showing irregular meiosis leading to very high pollen sterility. On the basis of the diploid chromosome number 2n = 20 in the Old World Dioscorea, the trivalent forming 2n = 60 male is considered as an autoallohexaploid.

‘Sree Harsha’: A superior triploid hybrid in cassava

Abstract: In cassava triploids (2n = 54) were produced by crossing the cultivated diploids (2n = 36) with induced tetraploids (2n = 72). The triploids were characterised by vigorous growth, erect plant type, broad leaves and stout stem. Besides they were also found to be significantly higher yielders than the diploids and had higher starch content. For isolating high starch clones for use in industry, a wide range of triploids were produced and evaluated at the CTCRI. One of the triploids viz. 2–14 was proved to be superior in tuber yield, starch content and especially culinary quality. The Kerala State Variety Release Committee officially released the triploid variety under the name ‘Sree Harsha’ in 1996. This is the first triploid variety of cassava developed by polyploidy breeding and released for general cultivation.

A protocol for micropropagation of Aloe vera L. (Indian Aloe) – a miracle plant

Abstract: Emerging axillary shoots of Aloe vera (Indian Aloe) produced new plants and roots simultaneously when cultured in MS medium supplemented with BAP 1.5 mg l -1 . Each explant produced on average 14 shoots and roots simultaneously within 8 weeks. Explant multiplication could be continued even after a year by transferring each divided shoot explant to the same medium. Regenerated plantlets could be successfully transferred to the soil where they grew well within 4-6 weeks with 83% survival.