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Some of the Milestones... [M.Sc]

Despite of many failures, we have answered many basic questions related to rice twin seedlings/apomixis in rice. Apomixis in rice could be realized morphologically by the occurrence of twin seedlings/multiple seedlings in a single seed. A study was conducted to investigate the occurrence and behaviour of twin/multiple seedlings involving four rice varieties viz., CO45, T3–Basmati, ADT36 and TNAU90627. A range of 4 - 10 seed set was observed in completely emaseculated spikelets in most of the varieties. The progenies of emasculated spikelets showed increased seed set on emasculation, which indicates the enhanced expression of asexual mode of reproduction.

Cytoembryological investigations such as paraffin method of sectioning, pistil cleating, Mayer’s haemalum clearing and fluorescent staining in the pistils’ of all four varieieties revealed the presence of twin ovules and other abnormalities. Isozyme analysis for peroxidase, esterase and polyphenol oxidase on progenies of twin seedlings and their parents was also carried out. Among three enzymes studied peroxidase remained the best index for identifying the asexual mode fo reproduction. Biochemical approach were attempted to investigate the allelic relationship between twins and their parents and among the twins..

My M.Sc Project..

I joined for Master Degree in Department of Genetics and Plant breeding during 1994. First time in my life I have started doing independent research. I am thankful to my senior MK. Amarlal and my guide, Dr. P. Vaidyanathan, who brought research sprit inside me. I still remember my guide's word, "Look here my boy, I am happy even if you break a microscope, because it gives me a proof that you are working". I honor him as my real teacher. Thesis Tittle: An investigation on the occurence of twin seedlings in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Period: 1994 to 1996

The Project

The work was on rice-apomixis. One of the challenging area of research even till today. Accationaly (0.01%), we found twin seedlings (two seedlings from a single seed) in rice nursery. We started collecting such rare/abnormal specimens and trying to find out, why is it happening?. Therefore, there was no definite route to approach the problem. This is like questioning the defence machanism or questioning the evolution of rice. We tried to investigate the problem in different directions.
  • Investicating the type of embryo growth in abnormal seedlings through histological procedures
  • Enforcing the plants from facultative apomixis towards obligate by forced emasculation
  • Identifying isozyme markers linked to apomixis
  • Applying diallele crosses in the rare specimens and analysing the projenies for abnormalit