Biology subjects

Kaushal, C.

Publications and source records attributed to Kaushal, C..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Efficient In Vitro Regeneration from Cotyledon Nodes and In Planta Genetic Transformation in Elite Peanut Cultivars

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), a vital oilseed and food legume, is cultivated across the globe. Genetic improvement via conventional breeding faces limitations from narrow diversity and reproductive barriers, underscoring the need for tissue culture-based regeneration and transformation platforms. This study optimizes an efficient, reproducible in vitro regeneration protocol using cotyledonary node explants from three Indian elite cultivars: GG-20, GJG-9, and TAG-37A. Explants from aseptically germinated seedlings were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with varying cytokinins (e.g., BAP 0-4 mg/L) and auxins (e.g., NAA 0.1-0.9mg/L), yielding direct multiple shoot induction without callus, minimizing somaclonal variation. Optimal shoot proliferation occurred on full-strength MS + 2 mg/L BAP for GG-20/GJG-9 (88.9% efficiency) and 4 mg/L BAP for TAG-37A ([~]89-100% efficiency); rooting peaked on half-MS + NAA (up to 88.9% in GG-20). Regenerated plants acclimatized successfully in greenhouse conditions. Additionally, a robust in planta Agrobacterium tumefaciens (EHA105, pGFPGUSPlus) transformation via plumular meristem pricking in GG-20 achieved 7.69% efficiency. Transgene integration was confirmed by GUS assay and PCR (GUS/hptII), with [~]64% soil establishment.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2024

Novel carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) from Catharanthus roseus petals for metal ion sensing and root growth modulation

Nanoparticles are of major interest nowadays due to their distinctive properties. In this study, we present a microwave-assisted green synthesis of carbon nanoparticles from the Catharanthus roseus petals. The nanoparticles exhibited a fluorescence emission in the 300 to 400 nm wavelength region and emitted a characteristic blue fluorescence. The extensive characterization using Bio-AFM showed that the size of nanoparticles was 25.38 nm. M-XRD and Zeta potential analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles were amorphous and exhibited a negative surface charge. The surface functional groups on the nanoparticles were highlighted by FTIR analysis. Metal sensing affinity of the synthesized CNPs and their effect on the plant growth was tested. These CNPs demonstrated the effective sequestration of metallic ions such as copper (Cu2+), iron (Fe2+), and nickel (Ni2+), indicating their potential to be used as biosensors in metal detection. It was found that the effect was proportionate to the Catharanthus roseus petal nanoparticles (CRPNP) concentration, where it exhibits a great affinity for Fe2+. The effect of the nanoparticles analyzed on the root growth of Arabidopsis thaliana showed that CRPNP suppresses the primary root and lateral root numbers. These results demonstrate the use of C. roseus synthesized CNPs in sustainable agriculture by targeting nutrient delivery.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Novel carbon nanoparticles derived from Bougainvillea modulate vegetative growth in Arabidopsis

We present a green synthesis method of producing blue fluorescence emitting carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) through a simple and cost-effective single-step hydrothermal reaction. The synthesis utilized bract extracts and pollen grains from three Bougainvillea species: B. spectabilis, B. alba, and B. buttiana. The CNPs exhibited photoluminescence, with the highest emission observed in the ultraviolet region. Atomic force microscopy analysis revealed that the size of synthesized CNPs ranged from 23 nm to 83 nm. Fourier transform infrared analysis provided a comprehensive understanding of the CNPs surface functional groups, with carbon being the predominant group. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the amorphous nature of the synthesized CNPs. Zeta potential measurements indicated that the particles carried a negative charge, suggesting their colloidal stability. In experiments conducted with Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings, CNPs derived from B. alba pollen grains were found to promote leaf area expansion while simultaneously inhibiting primary root growth. Conversely, other CNPs demonstrated detrimental effects on vegetative growth. These findings underscore the potential application of these novel CNPs in agriculture.

plant biology↗