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.

Determinants of Computer Utilization by Extension Personnel: A Structural Equations Approach

Abstract: PurposeInformation technology (IT) has tremendous potential for fostering grassroots development and the Indian government has created various capital-intensive computer networks to promote agricultural development. However, research studies have shown that information technology investments are not always translated into productivity gains due to poor computer use by employees. In this context, a research investigation was conducted to develop a Computer Utilization Model that explains how individual and organizational factors influence computer utilization in extension organizations in India.Design/Methodology/ApproachSurvey research design was used to collect data from 299 extension professionals working in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK—Farm Science Centres) in two Indian states. Various cognitive, affective and organizational factors that influenced computer utilization of extension professionals were modelled through a structural equations approach.FindingsThe measurement model showed that the r...

Morphohistobiochemical characteristics of embryogenic and nonembryogenic callus cultures of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.).

Abstract: Ipomoea batatas callus culture raised in a medium supplemented with 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid) alone or 2,4-D in combination with benzyl adenine, were found to be embryogenic. Supplementation of exogenous chemicals, such as 5 g/l NaCI or 0.7 g/l proline together with a mild dose of 0.2 mg/l 2,4-D, enhanced somatic embryogenesis significantly in all the genotypes tested. Morphological, growth, physiological, histological, and biochemical characteristics of the embryogenic callus were different from the nonembryogenic callus. The former was compact, slow growing, and nodular compared with the fast growing, fragile, nonembryogenic callus. The embryogenic callus tissue had more dry matter, protein and reducing sugar contents compared with the less embryogenic callus. The somatic embryogenic response remained steady in the cultures for up to 96 weeks.

An Antifungal Mechanism of Protolichesterinic Acid from the Lichen Usnea albopunctata Lies in the Accumulation of Intracellular ROS and Mitochondria-Mediated Cell Death Due to Apoptosis in Candida tropicalis.

Abstract: Candida species is a major opportunistic fungal pathogen, producing not only superficial mucosal infections but also cause human life-threatening systemic diseases (candidiasis). Protolichesterinic acid is a well-known lichen compound. Although the antibacterial activity of protolichesterinic acid have been reported earlier, the antifungal property and its mechanism of action are still largely unknown. The goal of this investigation is to explore the anticandidal activity and mechanism of action of protolichesterinic acid, especially against Candida tropicalis. The MIC value was established through microdilution techniques against four Candida species and out of four species tested, C. tropicalis showed a significant effect (MIC: 2 µg/ml). In the morphological interference assay, we observed the enhanced inhibition of hyphae when the cells were treated with protolichesterinic acid. Time-kill assay demonstrated that the maximum rate of killing was recorded between 2 to 6 h. C. tropicalis exposed to protolichesterinic acid exhibited an increased ROS production, which is one of the key factors of fungal death. The rise in ROS was due to the dysfunction of mitochondria caused by protolichesterinic acid. We confirmed that protolichesterinic acid-induced dysfunction of mitochondria in C. tropicalis. The damage of cell membrane due to protolichesterinic acid treatment was confirmed by the influx of propidium iodide and were further confirmed by the release of potassium ions. The treatment of protolichesterinic acid also triggered calcium ion signaling. Moreover, it commenced apoptosis which is clearly evidenced by Annexin V and propidium iodide staining. Interestingly protolichesterinic acid recorded excellent immunomodulatory property when tested against lymphocytes. Finally protolichesterinic acid showed low toxicity towards a normal human cell line Foreskin (FS) normal fibroblast. In in-vivo test, protolichesterinic acid greatly prolonged the survival of C. tropicalis infected Caenorhabditis elegans. This investigation proposes that the protolichesterinic acid induces apoptosis in C. tropicalis via the enhanced accumulation of intracellular ROS and mitochondrial damage, which leads fungal cell death via apoptosis. Our work revealed a new key aspect of mechanisms of action of protolichesterinic acid in Candida species. This article is the first study on the antifungal and mechanism of action of protolichesterinic acid in Candida species.

Collection and Conservation of Genetic Resources of Tropical Root and Tuber Crops for Sustainable Livelihood – A Status Report

Abstract: Roots and tuber crops are important subsidiary or subsistence food and nutritional crops in tropical and sub tropical countries. India is a unique place for the production of diverse horticultural crops. Genetic diversity is needed to develop improved varieties through different breeding programmes. Collection and conservation of genetic resources of tropical roots and tuber crops in India is carried out by National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi with its regional stations located in different agro-ecological regions and Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala with its regional station at Bhubaneswar. The regional station of NBPGR at Thrissur is primarily meant to undertake plant genetic resources activities in the tropical humid region of the country. This station has since 1977 collected considerable genetic variability in these crops and their wild relatives from the southern region. A sizable number of collections of cassava, sweet potato, yams, aroids, Chinese potato, arrowroot and wild relatives of Amorphophallus and Dioscorea , made from different parts of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are being maintained in the Field Gene Bank (FGB). The germplasm of these crops were characterized and evaluated for different useful characters. Four accessions in four different species of Dioscorea (IC 202328, 202370, 202382 and 202383) were registered for diosgenin content, a unique trait. Twelve accessions belonging to Dioscorea are also being maintained under in vitro cultures at this station. A total of 1075 accessions comprising of elephant foot yam (50), Amorphophallus spp. (6 spp., 30), Chinese potato (31), taro (415), lesser yam (64), greater yam (166), Dioscorea spp. (11 spp., 133), cassava (156) and cassava in vitro cultures (30) were transferred to CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram. CTCRI has been identified as the National Active Germplasm Site (NAGS) for FGB maintenance and further proper utilization of these crops. In future, unexplored tribal areas of the region would be surveyed for new germplasm collections. The available germplasm of these crops and their wild relatives would be further exploited and used to develop new varieties with desirable superior traits through different crop improvement programmes for the sustainable livelihood of the farmers, tribal people and local population in this fast changing agro-climate scenario.