Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Effects of Paraquat on Genetic Diversity and Protein Profiles of Six Varieties of Celosia in South-Western Nigeria
by Akinloye, O.A., Oyelakin, O.O., Adediran, M.O., Pereira, C., and Adekunle, O.O

Abstract:
The effects of paraquat on the genetic diversity and protein profiles of six Celosia varieties in South Western Nigeria was investigated using Rapid Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoreisis (SDS-PAGE) techniques. The seedlings were divided into two groups. Seedlings in Group A serve as control and were planted directly while seedlings in group B serve as paraquat-treated group and were planted on the planting area previously pre-treated/sprayed with 2.0 L/hectre of paraquat prior to planting. At the end of the fourth week, genomic DNA and soluble protein extracted from the leaf materials and seeds were subjected to PCR and PAGE respectively. The results showed a decrease in the growth of plants, altered DNA configuration, decreased relative mobilities, modified gene sequence as well as broad band similarities in group B when compared to group A. The data scoring sheet also revealed that there was a level of significance and a common trait at CC3, CC4 and CC6 but at CC12 there was no observable relationship between the various species. The SDS-PAGE revealed maximum and minimum number of protein bands to be in the range of 14.7-35KDa and 50-150KDa respectively thus, indicating existence of variation among these varieties. The groupings of the accessions also showed three phylogenetic groups among the Celosia varieties. These data generated will be helpful not only in identifying efficient strategies for the sustainable management of the genetic resources of Celosia but also in designing breeding strategies for Celosia improvement in South-western part of Nigeria. This study therefore suggests that paraquat did not only possesses lethal effect on plants but also pointed to the fact that RAPD-PCR is a useful technique for providing information on the degree of polymorphism, diversity of Celosia and other possible effects of paraquat on Celosia varieties.

Keywords: celosia, varieties, paraquat, genetic diversity, protein profiles.

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