Browsing by Author "Mendu, Lavanya"

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Canopeo app as image-based phenotyping tool in controlled environment utilizing Arabidopsis mutants
(Public Library of Science, 2024-03) Hale, Gabriella; Yuan, Ning; Mendu, Lavanya; Ritchie, Glen; Mendu, Venugopal
Canopeo app was developed as a simple, accurate, rapid, and free tool to analyze ground cover fraction (GCF) from red-green-blue (RGB) images and videos captured in the field. With increasing interest in tools for plant phenotyping in controlled environments, the usefulness of Canopeo to identify differences in growth among Arabidopsis thaliana mutants in a controlled environment were explored. A simple imaging system was used to compare Arabidopsis mutants based on the FLAVIN-BINDING, KELCH REPEAT, F-BOX-1 (FKF1) mutation, which has been identified with increased biomass accumulation. Two FKF1 lines such as null expression (fkf1-t) and overexpression (FKF1-OE) lines were used along with wild type (Col-0). Canopeo was used to phenotype plants, based on biomass estimations. Under long-day photoperiod, fkf1-t had increased cellulose biosynthesis, and therefore biomass. Resource partitioning favored seedling vigor and delayed onset of senescence. In contrast, FKF1-OE illustrated a determinative growth habit where plant resources are primarily allocated for seed production. This study demonstrates the use of Canopeo for model plants and highlights its potential for phenotyping broadleaved crops in controlled environments. The value of adapting Canopeo for lab use is those with limited experience and resources have access to phenotyping methodology that is simple, accessible, accurate, and cost-efficient in a controlled environment setting.
Lignin and cellulose content differences in roots of different cotton cultivars associated with different levels of Fusarium wilt race 4 (FOV4) resistance-response
(Elsevier, 2022-12) Mendu, Lavanya; Ulloa, Mauricio; Payton, Paxton; Monclova-Santana, Cecilia; Chagoya, Jennifer; Mendu, Venugopal
Fusarium wilt disease is caused by fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV) race 4 (FOV4), which enters the plant through the root system for its successful colonization of xylem. Plant cell wall forms the primary barrier against pathogen infection in addition to providing the mechanical support. However, the role of cell walls for developing FOV4 resistance has not been explored. The present study focused on examining the variation in lignin and cellulose contents in root tissue of Pima (Gossypium barbadense L.) and Upland (G. hirsutum L.) cotton with different levels of FOV4 wilt resistance-response. Traditional cultivar-checks susceptible Pima S-7, resistant Pima S-6, susceptible Upland Stoneville 474, and resistant Upland PSSJ-FRU14 (U77B) were used in the present study. Biochemical differences in root cell walls were investigated first by a rapid visual staining method for both lignin (phloroglucinol-HCL) and cellulose (Congo red) contents of root cross sections at three stages of cotton plant development followed by biochemical estimation of root lignin and cellulose contents. These studies revealed differences between susceptible and resistant cultivars at specific stages visually by rapid staining as well as biochemically in their cellulose and lignin contents within Pima and Upland cultivars. This is the first report in lignin and cellulose content estimation of Pima and Upland resistant and susceptible FOV4 cotton cultivars and paves the way for developing cell wall mediated FOV resistance.
Lignin and cellulose content differences in roots of different cotton cultivars associated with different levels of Fusarium wilt race 4 (FOV4) resistance-response
(Elsevier BV, 2022-12) Mendu, Lavanya; Ulloa, Mauricio; Payton, Paxton; Monclova-Santana, Cecilia; Chagoya, Jennifer; Mendu, Venugopal
Fusarium wilt disease is caused by fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV) race 4 (FOV4), which enters the plant through the root system for its successful colonization of xylem. Plant cell wall forms the primary barrier against pathogen infection in addition to providing the mechanical support. However, the role of cell walls for developing FOV4 resistance has not been explored. The present study focused on examining the variation in lignin and cellulose contents in root tissue of Pima (Gossypium barbadense L.) and Upland (G. hirsutum L.) cotton with different levels of FOV4 wilt resistance-response. Traditional cultivar-checks susceptible Pima S-7, resistant Pima S-6, susceptible Upland Stoneville 474, and resistant Upland PSSJ-FRU14 (U77B) were used in the present study. Biochemical differences in root cell walls were investigated first by a rapid visual staining method for both lignin (phloroglucinol-HCL) and cellulose (Congo red) contents of root cross sections at three stages of cotton plant development followed by biochemical estimation of root lignin and cellulose contents. These studies revealed differences between susceptible and resistant cultivars at specific stages visually by rapid staining as well as biochemically in their cellulose and lignin contents within Pima and Upland cultivars. This is the first report in lignin and cellulose content estimation of Pima and Upland resistant and susceptible FOV4 cotton cultivars and paves the way for developing cell wall mediated FOV resistance.
Mutation in the Endo-β-1,4-glucanase (KORRIGAN) Is Responsible for Thick Leaf Phenotype in Sorghum
(MDPI AG, 2023-12) Mendu, Lavanya; Jalathge, Gayani; Kaur Dhillon, Kamalpreet; Pratap Singh, Nagendra; Kumar Balasubramanian, Vimal; Fewou, Rebecca; Gitz, Dennis C.; Chen, Junping; Xin, Zhanguo; Mendu, Venugopal
Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important crop for food, feed, and fuel production. Particularly, sorghum is targeted for cellulosic ethanol production. Extraction of cellulose from cell walls is a key process in cellulosic ethanol production, and understanding the components involved in cellulose synthesis is important for both fundamental and applied research. Despite the significance in the biofuel industry, the genes involved in sorghum cell wall biosynthesis, modification, and degradation have not been characterized. In this study, we have identified and characterized three allelic thick leaf mutants (thl1, thl2, and thl3). Bulked Segregant Analysis sequencing (BSAseq) showed that the causal mutation for the thl phenotype is in endo-1,4-β-glucanase gene (SbKOR1). Consistent with the causal gene function, the thl mutants showed decreased crystalline cellulose content in the stem tissues. The SbKOR1 function was characterized using Arabidopsis endo-1,4-β-glucanase gene mutant (rsw2-1). Complementation of Arabidopsis with SbKOR1 (native Arabidopsis promoter and overexpression by 35S promoter) restored the radial swelling phenotype of rsw2-1 mutant, proving that SbKOR1 functions as endo-1,4-β-glucanase. Overall, the present study has identified and characterized sorghum endo-1,4-β-glucanase gene function, laying the foundation for future research on cell wall biosynthesis and engineering of sorghum for biofuel production.
Seed coat mediated resistance against Aspergillus flavus infection in peanut
(Seed coat mediated resistance against Aspergillus flavus infection in peanut, 2022-12) Mendu, Lavanya; Cobos, Christopher J.; Tengey, Theophilus K.; Commey, Leslie; Balasubramanian, Vimal K.; Williams, Lindsay D.; Dhillon, Kamalpreet K.; Sharma, Dimple; Pandey, Manish K.; Falalou, Hamidou; Varshney, Rajeev K.; Burow, Mark D.; Sudini, Hari Kishan; Mendu, Venugopal
Toxic metabolites known as aflatoxins are produced via certain species of the Aspergillus genus, specifically A. flavus, A. parasiticus, A. nomius, and A. tamarie. Although various pre- and post-harvest strategies have been employed, aflatoxin contamination remains a major problem within peanut crop, especially in subtropical environments. Aflatoxins are the most well-known and researched mycotoxins produced within the Aspergillus genus (namely Aspergillus flavus) and are classified as group 1 carcinogens. Their effects and etiology have been extensively researched and aflatoxins are commonly linked to growth defects and liver diseases in humans and livestock. Despite the known importance of seed coats in plant defense against pathogens, peanut seed coat mediated defenses against Aspergillus flavus resistance, have not received considerable attention. The peanut seed coat (testa) is primarily composed of a complex cell wall matrix consisting of cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, phenolic compounds, and structural proteins. Due to cell wall desiccation during seed coat maturation, postharvest A. flavus infection occurs without the pathogen encountering any active genetic resistance from the live cell(s) and the testa acts as a physical and biochemical barrier only against infection. The structure of peanut seed coat cell walls and the presence of polyphenolic compounds have been reported to inhibit the growth of A. flavus and aflatoxin contamination; however, there is no comprehensive information available on peanut seed coat mediated resistance. We have recently reviewed various plant breeding, genomic, and molecular mechanisms, and management practices for reducing A. flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination. Further, we have also proved that seed coat acts as a physical and biochemical barrier against A. flavus infection. The current review focuses specifically on the peanut seed coat cell wall-mediated disease resistance, which will enable researchers to understand the mechanism and design efficient strategies for seed coat cell wall-mediated resistance against A. flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination.
A “solid” solution for wheat stem sawfly (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) resistance: Genetics, breeding and development of solid stem wheat
(Wiley, 2023-06) Bathini, Akshara; Mendu, Lavanya; Pratap Singh, Nagendra; Cook, Jason; Weaver, David; Sherman, Jamie; Hager, Megan; Mondal, Suchismita; Mendu, Venugopal
Wheat (Triticum spp. L) production needs to be improved to meet the needs of a global population of >9 billion people by 2050. Increasing the productivity of the crop under conditions of abiotic and biotic stress to achieve food security continues to be a challenging proposition. Wheat stem sawfly (WSS) (Cephus cinctus Norton) has been considered as a serious pest of wheat since the late 19th century, causing devastating losses of wheat productivity in the Northern Great Plains of United States and regions of Canada. Developing resistant varieties of wheat that show consistent agronomic performances in varying environments is an effective strategy to manage WSS infestations. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms of WSS infestation, damage, subsequent response of the host plant, and resulting yield losses. The review focuses on genetics, breeding, and development of solid stem (SS)-mediated WSS resistance in wheat since it has been the most effective method of genetic resistance in reducing wheat yield losses. Furthermore, the knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to develop an effective resistant cultivar against WSS are also discussed.