Cluster Dendrogram Research Articles

SSR diversity on rice landraces collected from Yogyakarta Province

In Indonesia, rice is the most common food, and many areas have a lot of rice landraces. Therefore, characterization is very important to be done to identify potential gene sources to be used for the breeding program. The current study aims to learn more about the genetic diversity of rice landrace accessions collected from Yogyakarta province using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 56 accessions of rice landraces originated from Yogyakarta province, and 7 accessions of standard varieties, were used in the study. The DNA sample was extracted from young leaves and isolated for further molecular analysis by using eleven SSR markers. Data analysis was conducted using Power Marker v3.25 for genetic analysis, and DARwin v6.0.021 for cluster analysis and dendrogram visualization. The results of the genetic analysis showed that the average values of major allele frequency, number of alleles, gene diversity, heterozygosity, and polymorphic information content (PIC) were 0.27, 10.1, 0.83, 0.15, and 0.80, respectively. All eleven SSR markers were highly informative (PIC>0.50), as their PIC values ranged from 0.69 to 0.85. These markers have great potential to be used for marker-assisted selection of the germplasm collections. The result of cluster analysis showed that all the rice landrace accessions were separated into three different groups, each consisting of 29, 28, and 6 accessions.

K-MEANS AND AGGLOMERATIVE HIERARCHICAL CLUSTERING ANALYSIS OF ESG SCORES, YEARLY VARIATIONS, AND STOCK RETURNS: INSIGHTS FROM THE ENERGY SECTOR IN EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES

This study employs k-means clustering and agglomerative hierarchical clustering techniques to visually examine the potential relationship between Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) scores, their year-over-year variations, and annual stock returns for a sample of 34 energy sector companies operating in Europe and the United States. While the agglomerative hierarchical clustering dendrogram suggests two clusters, the elbow method of the k-means algorithm suggests 2-4 clusters. The results indicate that neither ESG scores nor their year-on-year variations had an impact on the annual returns of the stocks. The conclusion is further confirmed by the Pearson correlation coefficient. However, the ESG scores of European energy companies show a tighter dispersion and smaller year-over-year change, making them more predictable ESG score-wise and thus, potentially, more attractive to ESG-driven investors.

Random amplified microsatellites (RAMS) analysis ascertains genetic variation of Alternaria alternata causing black spot disease on Carya illinoinensis in South Africa.

Limited information regarding the occurrence of black spot disease of pecan (Carya illinoinensis), caused by A. alternata, in South Africa is known. The pecan industry is growing rapidly, so it is essential to understand the impact of the fungal pathogen to pecan health. In this study, the genetic variation of 364 A. alternata isolates was investigated by two RAMS primers (CCA5 and CGA5). In total, 6,525 alleles were produced, with a minimum of 3,182 alleles on the CGA5 primer and maximum of 3,343 alleles for CCA5 primer. Further analysis of the primers showed relatively low genetic diversity of A. alternata isolate populations, with mean values; (H = 0.12) and Shannon's information index (I = 0.20). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed significant differences between populations, with 88% of the genetic variation was found within populations (Nm = 3.59, PhiPT = 0.12), and were not significantly different (p > 0.001). While 12% variation was observed among populations (Nm = 2.89, PhiPT = 0.08) and the estimates were statistically significant (p < 0.001). STRUCTURE HARVESTER output showed that K value is K = 8, where ΔK cannot find the true number of populations because of less variation. The dendrogram cluster tree generated by Ward's analysis unveiled two main distinct clades and 10 sub-clades, revealing similar findings as those of PCoA analysis clusters. Therefore, it was evident that these analyses depicted no distinct relationship between the A. alternata isolates and their geographic locations or the prevalence of distribution among the populations.

Qualitative characterization and clustering in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) germplasm accessions

Most of the tomato genotypes are inbred in nature, indicating the need to assess and characterize germplasm accessions as they are the reserve for genotypes with desired traits. Documentation on morphological traits is quite informative in tomato breeding programs since higher levels of diversity on morphological traits are associated with genotypes with lower genetic diversity when assessed using molecular markers. The present investigation aimed to evaluate morphological diversity in tomato germplasm accessions. Morphological characterization was performed in 104 genotypes acquired from various sources. Thirty-three morphological traits, such as seedling, plant, inflorescence and fruit, were scored based on the tomato descriptors. Out of 33 characters studied, 26 traits exhibited diverse modalities, 4 traits exhibited varied classes in genotypes and 3 traits did not show any variants. Qualitative characterization highlighted greater variability among genotypes, as witnessed by their diverse modalities for each trait. The collected data was subjected to Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering following Ward’s method. Cluster analysis and dendrogram construction displayed genetic diversity's richness in the germplasm accessions. Cluster analysis placed these 104 genotypes in six clusters. The largest cluster comprised 55 genotypes, whereas the smallest cluster had three. Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering helped to find similarities between genotypes. This efficiently assigned genotypes into groups and thus provided guidelines for parental selection in tomato hybridization and breeding programmes.

The Efficacy of Anthropometric Indicators in Predicting Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Using FibroScan® CAP Values among the Taiwanese Population.

The controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) measurement obtained from FibroScan® is a low-risk method of assessing fatty liver. This study investigated the association between the FibroScan® CAP values and nine anthropometric indicators, including the abdominal volume index (AVI), body fat percentage (BFP), body mass index (BMI), conicity index (CI), ponderal index (PI), relative fat mass (RFM), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (fatty liver). We analyzed the medical records of adult patients who had FibroScan® CAP results. CAP values <238 dB/m were coded as 0 (non- fatty liver) and ≥238 dB/m as 1 (fatty liver). An individual is considered to have class 1 obesity when their body mass index (BMI) ranges from 30 kg/m2 to 34.9 kg/m2. Class 2 obesity is defined by a BMI ranging from 35 kg/m2 to 39.9 kg/m2, while class 3 obesity is designated by a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or higher. Out of 1763 subjects, 908 (51.5%) had fatty liver. The BMI, WHtR, and PI were found to be more strongly correlated with the CAP by the cluster dendrogram with correlation coefficients of 0.58, 0.54, and 0.54, respectively (all p < 0.0001). We found that 28.3% of the individuals without obesity had fatty liver, and 28.2% of the individuals with obesity did not have fatty liver. The BMI, CI, and PI were significant predictors of fatty liver. The BMI, PI, and WHtR demonstrated better predictive ability, indicated by AUC values of 0.72, 0.68, and 0.68, respectively, a finding that was echoed in our cluster group analysis that showed interconnected clustering with the CAP. Therefore, of the nine anthropometric indicators we studied, the BMI, CI, PI, and WHtR were found to be more effective in predicting the CAP score, i.e., fatty liver.

Seasonal Incidence of Rusty Thrips &lt;i&gt;Chaetanophothrips signipennis&lt;/i&gt; with Applied ICT-Based Pest Surveillance in Banana

Under the study, pest surveillance with applied ICT in Banana (Musa sp.) was carried out to assess seasonal activity and damage due to rusty thrips Chaetanophothrips signipennis (Bagnall) from 2012-2022. Wide-area pest surveillance was carried out in major banana growing areas of Maharashtra, using ICT tools for the timely and correct observation of pest activity. The ten seasonal year’s data on the rusty thrips monitoring revealed that August and September are the peak months for severe incidence. The results documented that, September is the plausible month for peak incidence with fruit damage ranging from 26-50%. Heatmap, cluster dendrogram and principle component analysis also confirm the severity of thrips during August and September. The initiation of management options before the onset of August and September may greatly help the farming community.

Prevalence of Carbapenem Resistance Genes among Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from a Teaching Hospital in Taiwan.

The problem of antibiotic-resistant strains has become a global public issue; antibiotic resistance not only limits the choice of treatments but also increases morbidity, mortality and treatment costs. The multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is occurring simultaneously in hospitals and has become a major public health issue worldwide. Although many medical units have begun to control the use of antibiotics and paid attention to the issue of drug resistance, understanding the transmission pathways of clinical drug-resistant bacteria and drug-resistant mechanisms can be effective in real-time control and prevent the outbreak of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. In this study, a total of 154 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii obtained from Chia-Yi Christian Hospital in Taiwan were collected for specific resistance genotyping analysis. Ten genes related to drug resistance, including blaOXA-51-like, blaOXA-23-like, blaOXA-58-like, blaOXA-24-like, blaOXA-143-like, tnpA, ISAba1, blaPER-1, blaNDM and blaADC, and the repetitive element (ERIC2) were selected for genotyping analysis. The results revealed that 135 A. baumannii isolates (87.6%) carried the blaOXA-51-like gene, 4.5% of the isolates harbored the blaOXA-23-like gene, and 3.2% of the isolates carried the blaOXA-58-like gene. However, neither the blaOXA-24-like nor blaOXA-143-like genes were detected in the isolates. Analysis of ESBL-producing strains revealed that blaNDM was not found in the test strains, but 38.3% of the test isolates carried blaPER-1. In addition, blaADC, tnpA and ISAba1genes were found in 64.9%, 74% and 93% of the isolates, respectively. Among the carbapenem-resistant strains of A. baumannii, 68% of the isolates presenting a higher antibiotic resistance carried both tnpA and ISAba1 genes. Analysis of the relationship between their phenotypes (antibiotic resistant and biofilm formation) and genotypes (antibiotic-resistant genes and biofilm-related genes) studied indicated that the bap, ompA, ISAba1and blaOXA-51 genes influenced biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance patterns based on the statistical results of a hierarchical clustering dendrogram. The analysis of the antibiotic-resistant mechanism provides valuable information for the screening, identification, diagnosis, treatment and control of clinical antibiotic-resistant pathogens, and is an important reference pointer to prevent strains from producing resistance.

Genetic diversity evaluation of core collection gene bank using simple sequence repeat marker of Acorus calamus L.: An important aromatic species

Acorus calamus L. is an important medicinal and aromatic plant having economic and medicinal properties. In the present research, molecular diversity analysis was performed using 138 Acorus calamus accessions obtained from the varied regions of Northeast India. All the collected germplasm was maintained at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST) experimental farm, Jorhat, India. A molecular diversity study was conducted by employing 30 primers screened from 55 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers based on their polymorphic nature. An average of 99.58% polymorphism was exhibited with a total of 186 polymorphic alleles shown by the selected SSR primers. To estimate the variations among A. calamus accessions, an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was also performed. The genetic diversity among the population was found to be 28% and genetic variations of 72% were observed within the population. Genetic variations within and among populations were found significant with P value of 0.001. The analysis of population-based genetic diversity parameters revealed an average value of 1.84 for the observed number of alleles (Na), 1.48 for an effective number of alleles (Ne), 0.28 for Nei’s genetic diversity index (h), and 0.42 for Shannon's information index in four grouped populations. All the 138 accessions of A. calamus were subdivided into three clusters of dendrogram based on unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analysis. Principal component analysis (PCoA) was further performed and a biplot was constructed for the validation and confirmation of the clusters. Moreover, three genetically diverse populations were also detected by the use of structure harvester software. Until now, there are no such reports on the analysis of the genetic diversity of this industrially important crop using SSR markers. So, it can be considered as the first report on the molecular diversity of A. calamus which will be helpful for the crop improvement, conservation, and identification of the elite genotypes.

Petiole anatomy of selected species in family Lamiaceae and its systematic relevance

Microanatomical traits are one of the reliable features that are exploited for accurate species identification. The petiole anatomy of selected species Lamiaceous species is well explained in depth and linked to their systematic relevance. This study aimed to provide the taxonomic value of petiole micromorphology of 15 species of Lamiaceae. The petiole was sectioned with Microtome to visualize under a light microscope to measure micromorphological qualitative and quantitative attributes. The qualitative including petiole shape, vascular bundles (VBs), the shape of the epidermis, and collenchymatous and parenchymatous cells showed diversified traits. The quantitative traits such as the number of VBs, vessel elements, outlines, parenchyma, collenchyma, and upper and lower epidermis cells were measured. The highest mean length of VB (7.7 µm) was noticed in Stellaria linearis Benth. The highest VBs nine in number (3 central and 6 subsidiary) was examined in Salvia argentea L. The maximum vessel element (95 in number) were present in Thymus linearis Benth. Winged petiole was observed in nine taxa covered by uniseriate trichome hairs to be a valuable aspect in the taxonomy of Lamiaceae. The petiolar features-based statistical analysis was performed using dendrogram clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) accounting for the delineated of Lamiaceous species. This study describes the morpho-anatomy of petiole in the Lamiaceae can be further elaborated for correct identification using a phylogenetic-based micromorphological taxonomic approach.

Genetic diversity analysis of Indian Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) accessions using morphological and molecular markers

Thirty cassava accessions, including released and pre-release varieties in India were selected for morphological, statistical and molecular analysis to evaluate their genetic divergence. Based on ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), significant differences were observed in thirty genotypes for the fifteen characters used in the study. Most of the characters such as plant height, stem weight plant−1, number of leaves plant−1 and mean weight of tuber exhibited high GCV and PCV along with a positive correlation to tuber yield plant−1. Path analysis showed that stem weight plant−1, number of tubers plant−1, number of leaves plant−1, leaf dry matter content and number of nodes plant−1 directly affected tuber yield plant−1. The genotypes were then grouped into nine clusters following Mahalanobis’ D2 statistics with clusters IV and VIII recording the maximum inter-cluster distance, which gave an idea about the diversity prevailing among them. PCA analysis showed that stem girth, number of nodes and tuber yield plant−1 accounted for greater variability among the genotypes. Molecular analysis using SSR markers showed polymorphism for eighteen markers and molecular dendrogram clustering grouped the genotypes into three principal clusters with different subclusters. Overall, the study highlights the genomic diversity of cassava accessions and provides valuable insights into their characteristics and yield potential.

Approaches to Forest Site Classification as an Indicator of Teak Volume Production

We conducted a study on the dominant height growth of clonal teak (Tectona grandis Linn F.) plantations in the Brazilian Amazon to assess their potential and its agreement with volumetric production. We employed two approaches, ADA (algebraic difference) and GADA (generalized algebraic difference), and analyzed data from 58 permanent plots collected over a 10 year period. To classify the sites, we developed equations and evaluated their accuracy using various criteria, including correlation coefficient, mean square of residual, Akaike’s criterion, distribution of residuals, and validation through equivalence testing (TOST). We also assessed the biological realism of the constructed curves. We used cluster evaluation and dendrogram comparison to assess the agreement between site index and volumetric production for each approach. The Lundqvist–Korf baseline models (M1–ADA and M4–GADA) proved to be accurate and realistic in estimating dominant height in both approaches. Our findings indicate that the approaches utilizing dynamic equations and generating polymorphic curves effectively represent the sites and indicate the volumetric production of the plantations, with 98.3% of agreement rate. Based on our results, we recommend the use of ADA and GADA approaches for estimating the dominant height of clonal teak plantations in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon.

Exploring progressive mental model representation of core physiology concepts in physician assistant students through word frequency and association analyses.

A well-developed mental model is crucial for effectively studying physiology core concepts. However, mental models can be difficult for students to represent and for instructors to evaluate and correct. Systems modeling as a visualization cognitive tool may facilitate mental model development. On the other hand, evidence of mental model development may also be represented verbally, in writing, and therefore, be evaluated. In this study, analysis of writing prompt completions illustrated progress in physician assistant student mental model formation of physiology core concepts, such as homeostasis and cell-cell communication, over time. Two cohorts of physician assistant students were invited to voluntarily submit completions of writing prompts five times over 16 months. Sessions included submissions pre- and post-small group systems modeling participation. Word frequency and word association cluster dendrogram analyses were conducted on submissions using the tm text mining package in R to provide insight into progressive changes in core concepts of word use and associations. Students demonstrated expanded core concepts systems thinking over time. This was apparent through the increased use of systems process terms, such as homeostasis, in submissions immediately following systems modeling activities. Students also increasingly included terms and associations emphasizing cell-cell communication and systems integration. The inclusion of these concepts within student mental models was demonstrably enhanced by participation in systems modeling activities.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study applies text mining, an artificial intelligence form of natural language processing, to evaluate a series of physiology student-written prompt completions. Text mining of student writing in physiology has not yet been reported in the literature. Through the application of this technique, longitudinal trends in student development of mental models of core concepts were identified and visualized through word frequency distributions and cluster dendrograms.

Potential prey and conservation implications of the Algerian Nuthatch Sitta ledanti (Vielliard 1976)

The Algerian Nuthatch ( Sitta ledanti), which is mentioned on the Red List of threatened species, is one of the first protected birds in Algeria. The species’ populations are distributed with low numbers in Babors’ Kabyliain northeastern Algeria. The diet composition of the species has been studied on a large scale in five large forests. The diet analysis method is based on the identification of the different prey items found in the fecal sacs of the nestlings. We divided the 89 identified prey into 81 insects, 7 arachnids and 1 gastropod, giving 88 arthropods and 1 mollusc. According to both the Cluster Dendrogram and the Costello graph, the Algerian Nuthatch becomes a specialist species while searching for prey to feed its nestlings. This supply of specific prey for nestlings has been observed in both evergreen (Atlas cedar or Algerian fir) and deciduous (Algerian or African oaks) forests. Only the relative abundances (RA) of each prey consumed, prey number per fecal sac, and prey diversity by forest type showed differences. The low proportion of gastropods found in the fecal sacs of Algerian Nuthatch nestlings may explain the low nutritional value of this prey or may also be due to its low abundance. The species’ nestlings consumed a lot of European Earwig ( Forficula auricularia) and White spotted rose beetle ( Oxythyrea funesta) which could be due to their high energy intake and abundance in the area near the nests. Repeated fires and other anthropogenic activity constitute direct threats to the species’ habitat, and its specialised diet on certain prey weakens the survival of this species with endangered conservation status.

Susceptibility of pro-Vitamin A biofortified maize genotypes to Sitophilus zeamais (Mots) in Ghana

Pro-Vitamin A Biofortified maize is one of the crops with the cheapest and most sustainable option for preventing Vitamin A deficiency in humans in Ghana. It is also a key energy component of feed for layer chicken, forming about 60-70% of the total feed. Sitophilus zeamais is one of the most serious primary internal feeding pests of maize and other grains in sub-Saharan Africa. It causes both quantitative and qualitative grain losses. Two no - choice laboratory experiments in 112 days cumulative feeding of S. zeamais and 60 days susceptibility of six pro-Vitamin A Biofortified Maize (PVABM) genotypes to the insect were conducted. The experimental designs were Completely Randomized Design in four replications. Percentage grain damage and weight loss were significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) in Aburokokoo than the other genotypes. Significantly more S. zeamais emerged from Accession GH2354 which also had significant (P&lt;0.05) higher percentage grain damage than other genotypes. In the 60-day susceptibility experiment, grain hardness had significant (P&lt;0.05) negative correlation with F1 progeny, index of susceptibility and protein content but positive significant correlation with median development period. Large number of S. zeamais F1 progeny, high susceptibility index, high protein, low total carbohydrate content, short median development time with low grain hardness value were observed on accession GH2354. Aburokokoo had significantly (P&lt;0.05) small number of F1 progeny, low index of susceptibility, low protein and high total carbohydrate, long development period and intermediate value of grain hardness. The ascending order of grain hardness among the maize genotypes was GH2354&lt;Obatanpa &lt;Aburokokoo&lt;Abontem&lt;Honampa&lt;Ahoodzin. There was no relationship between grain length, width and thickness and grain susceptibility. A cluster dendrogram obtained from the maize genotypes with regard to resistance parameters to S. zeamais showed that accession GH2354 and Obatanpa-QPM were susceptible, Ahoodzin, Honampa and Abontem were moderately resistant, with Aburokokoo resistant to the maize weevil infestation. Key words: Biofortified maize, stored produce, insect pest, Vitamin A deficiency, grain damage

Integrating climate change into agroforestry conservation: A case study on native plant species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Abstract Designing multispecies systems with suitable climatic affinity and identifying species' vulnerability under human‐driven climate change are current challenges to achieve successful adaptation of natural systems. To address this problem, we need to (1) identify groups of species with climatic similarity under climate scenarios and (2) identify areas with high conservation value under predicted climate change. To recognize species with similar climatic niche requirements that can be grouped for mixed cropping in Brazil, we employed ecological niche models (ENMs) and Spearman's ρ for overlap. We also used prioritization algorithms to map areas of high conservation value using two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5) to assess mid‐term (2041–2060) and long‐term (2061–2080) climate change impacts. We identified 15 species groups with finer climatic affinities at different times depicted on hierarchical clustering dendrograms, which can be combined into agroecological agroforestry systems. Furthermore, we highlight the climatically suitable areas for these groups of species, thus providing an outlook of where different species will need to be planted over time to be conserved. In addition, we observed that climate change is predicted to modify the spatial association of these groups under different future climate scenarios, causing a mean negative change in species climatic similarity of 9.5% to 13.7% under SSP2‐4.5 scenario and 9.5% to 10.5% under SSP5‐8.5, for 2041–2060 and 2061–2080, respectively. Synthesis and applications. Our findings provide a framework for agroforestry conservation. The groups of species with finer climatic affinities identified and the climatically suitable areas can be combined into agroecological productive systems, and provide an outlook of where different species may be planted over time. In addition, the conservation priority zones displaying high climate stability for each species individually and all at once can be incorporated into Brazil's conservation plans by policymakers to prioritize specific sites. Lastly, we urge policymakers, conservation organizations and donors to promote interventions involving farmers and local communities, since the species' evaluated have proven to maintain landscapes with productive forest fragments and can be conserved in different Brazilian ecosystems.

Variability and Cluster Analysis in Sand Pear (Pyrus Pyrifolia (Burm) Nakai.) Genotypes

To assess the nature and magnitude of variability in sand pear genotypes of existing plantations a survey was carried out at Solan and Sirmour districts of Himachal Pradesh, India. On the basis of pre selection survey, a total of 92 healthy and bearing sand pear trees were marked during 2018-2021. Wide variation in qualitative and quantitative characters were observed for fruit (physical and biochemical) as well as yield parameters. Range for TSS, titratable acidity, total sugars, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, sugar acid ratio, and phenol content was observed as 10.08-18.55°B, 0.12-0.48, 4.95-12.61, 2.95-8.98, 1.01-5.40%, 14.66-68.49 and 1.66-6.40 mg/g, respectively. The cluster dendrogram to elucidate the genetic relationship was performed on the basis of studied parameters to assess pattern of diversity and variability among the accessions. The selected genotypes from existing population excelling in one or more horticultural desirable traits will not only adds to biological diversity but can also be utilized in different breeding programs for development of superior varieties based upon their utility. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 261-266, 2023 (June)

Leaf epidermal characteristics of Annonaceae Juss. and its taxonomic evidence in Nigeria and the Cameroons

AbstractThis study describes the comprehensive micromorphology and taxonomic evidence of 28 species of Annonaceae from Nigeria and the Cameroons using light microscopy to provide additional anatomical and morphological diagnostic characters to complement the systematics boundaries of the infrafamilial and tribal clades. The epidermal cell shape varies from polygonal to irregular on both or either surface except Annona reticulata with isodiametric on the adaxial surface. The anticlinal wall patterns are either undulated, straight, or curved in the family. The constant generic feature encountered includes hypostomata which are mostly paracytic except in Cananga odorata, Isolona zenkeri, Uvaria angolensis and Letestudoxa bella possessing pericytic, 1 + 2 laterocytic and stephanocytic, respectively. Hemiparacytics, brachyamphiparacytic and brachyparacytic stomata, which are variables of paracytic are also present. These stomata complexes proved useful in species delimitation and diagnostic of the family Annonaceae. Other foliar epidermal features were crystals of different shapes and sizes mainly of druses and styloid, unicellular trichome type, and anticlinal wall pattern. The pattern of affinity among the species suggested evidence of similarity and differences in the micromorphological characters, which cumulated to the distinct identification of each species. Based on the most reliable characters within the family, the k‐means cluster, distance matrix, correlation coefficient, and UPGMA dendrogram tree were constructed.

English

Salt stress is a major problem at global level and it is very important to utilize salt-affected soils using appropriate techniques. Growing of halophytes on saline-sodic soil is a win-win strategy getting economic crop production and conserving soil resources. An experiment was conducted to characterize the salt-resistance sugar beet cultivar at seedling based on growth physiological and biochemical parameters under different levels of salt stress. A hydroponic experiment was conducted using eight sugar beet cultivars and two salt stress levels (60 and 120 mM NaCl) along with a control. The plants were harvested ten days after giving salt stress. Cluster dendrogram and principal component analysis were the most appropriate methods for screening the suitable cultivar. Most of the sugar beet cultivars responded resistance against salt stress however VEDA cultivar performed better against salt stress. Thus VEDA cultivar acquired highest position at 60 mM NaCl showing the highest growth attributes antioxidant activity with higher K+/Na+ ratio hydrogen peroxide phenolic and melandialdehyde content indicating strong defense mechanism against salt induced oxidative and osmotic stress mainly owing to the best K+ and Na+ balance. Therefore VEDA cultivar is considered as the best salt-resistant cultivar with great potential to be grown on salt-affected soils and further characterizing of this cultivar can lead to develop further salt-resistant cultivars as well.

Assessing the Nutritional and Antinutritional Components of Promising Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes

The present investigation on “Assessing the Nutritional and antinutritional componants of promising kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes” was carried out with an objective to analyze different 20 promising genotypes of kabuli chickpea for various nutritional and anti-nutritional components. The highest protein content (25.37%) and phytic acid (12.29 mg g-1) were recorded in kabuli chickpea genotype GJGK-1828. The highest value of total sugar content was observed in ICCV-191310 (4.73%) and maximum ash content was found in ICCV-191302 (3.47%). The minimum phytic acid was recorded in genotype ICCV-191301(10.43 mg g-1) which found distant genotypes in dendrogram prepared using biochemical data. The higher trypsin inhibitor was recorded in kabuli chickpea genotype GJGK-1826 (10.33TIU/mg) and lowest trypsin inhibitor content noticed in genotype ICCV-191302 (14.33TIU/mg) and both were fall in different cluster of dendrogram. Minimum value of total phenol was found in ICCV-181314(87.87 mg 100 g-1) and maximum value was observed in kabuli chickpea genotype GKGK-1826 (93.98 mg 100 g-1). Thus, the wide variability of nutritional and antinutritional parameters was observed among the genotype studied.

Principal Component Analysis and Clustering of Cassava Germplasm based on N and K Efficiency

The present study was undertaken at ICAR-CTCRI, Sreekaryam to identify and group N and K efficient genotypes from a pool of released varieties, pre-breeding lines and elite landraces of cassava during 2021-2022. Thirty genotypes of cassava were evaluated for their diversity based on N and K efficiency along with some of its contributing plant characters using statistical tools like principal component analysis, and dendrogram clustering. The variation existing among the selected genotypes was observed through PCA, where the first six principal components accounted for nearly 81% of the total variability. Characters like tuber yield, plant height, stem girth, tuber length and tuber girth contributed to the greater variability among the genotypes. The dendrogram analysis classified the genotypes into six clusters based on the 18 parameters contributing to nutrient use efficiency. The proportion of the variance accounted by these clusters came up to the extent of 50% displaying the association of the genotypes with similar characters in these clusters. These analyses helped to realize the wide range of variability existing among the selected genotypes for the 18 characters studied. A simple correlation was also worked out between N and K use efficiency with root traits, which revealed that characters such as weight of storage roots, number of storage roots, and number of basal roots showed a positive correlation with both N and K use efficiency in cassava.