G1 Genotype Research Articles

Deciphering Genetic Diversity in Advanced Wheat Lines (Triticum aestivum L.) for Yield and Other Yield Contributing Traits Across the Locations

Twenty advanced wheat genotypes were evaluated for yield and yield-contributing traits in six field trials over two cropping seasons (Rabi 2020-21 and 2021-22) using a completely randomized block design (RBD) at two locations: the N.E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre (NEBCRC), G.B.P.U.A&T, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar district, and the Agriculture Research Center Majhera, Nainital, Uttarakhand. The study aimed to assess genetic diversity among the genotypes via principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, offering insights into genetic variations. Three clusters were formed, with the maximum number of genotypes occurring in the second cluster. A lower p-value indicates that the clusters are statistically significant, suggesting that the observed diversity is not random. High estimates of cophenetic distance (.79) specify a high genetic distance between clusters, indicating that diverse genetic material is under study. The maximum genetic distance observed was 144.9 between genotypes G5 and G11. These findings suggest that these two genotypes are the most genetically diverse among all the studied genotypes and can be used as parents to develop high genetic variation in the studied traits. The PCA results yielded 18 principal components, with the first seven components accounting for approximately 83% of the total variance, indicating significant genetic diversity. The scree plot affirmed the robustness of the study’s results by suggesting that the first eight principal components accounted for a substantial portion of the variance.The findings of current study could be exploited in planning and execution of future breeding programme in wheat.

Genotypic Variation in Agronomic Traits and Molecular Markers among Chinese Luobuma (Apocynum spp.) Germplasm Accessions

Apocynum spp., known as Chinese Luobuma species, are perennial herbaceous plants that not only have good ecological characteristics, such as drought resistance, salt resistance, freezing resistance, high-temperature resistance and wind sand resistance, but also have good medicinal and textile value. However, studies on the genetic variation in Chinese Luobuma are rare. In this study, the genotypic variation in the agronomic traits and molecular markers among eight germplasm accessions (referred to as genotypes) of Apocynum spp. was investigated. The accessions were evaluated at two locations in China, Altay and Yuzhong, during a three-year period. Analysis of the variance in yield-related traits revealed significant genotypic variation (p < 0.05) among the eight genotypes at the early flowering and full flowering stages. There were also significant (p < 0.05) genotype × year and genotype × location × year interactions for all the traits except leaf dry weight. In comparison to those evaluated at Yuzhong, the plant height, number of branches, leaf dry weight and stem dry weight at the early flowering stage were greater in Altay, with averages of 991.0 mm, 5.52, 26.41 g and 25.35 g, respectively. There were significant (p < 0.05) differences among genotypes in terms of the quality traits measured at the early and full flowering stages. The crude protein and crude fat content for each genotype at different locations at the early flowering stage in different years ranged from 8.64 to 10.07%. The average flavone (FLA) content was 2.31 mg/100 g. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the G1 genotype in Altay had a higher neutral detergent fiber content and leaf dry weight, and the G2 genotype had a larger stem thickness, branch number and stem-to-leaf ratio. Five DNA sequences, ITS, matK, psbA-trnH, rbcL and trnL-F, were selected for analysis of the molecular variance in Chinese Luobuma. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) based on the nuclear DNA sequences and chloroplast DNA sequences showed that most of the variation occurred within species. Our study indicated the significant genetic variation in Chinese Luobuma for future cultivar domestication. Genotypes with high leaf dry weights and many branches are beneficial for tea production, while tall plants with long internode lengths are valuable for the production of hemp.

Assessment of Gastroenteric Viruses in Marketed Bivalve Mollusks in the Tourist Cities of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2022.

This study investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of gastroenteric viruses in mussels and oysters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One hundred and thirty-four marketed bivalve samples were obtained between January and December 2022. The viral analysis was performed according to ISO/TS 15216, and the screening revealed the detection of norovirus GII/GI (40.3%), sapovirus (SaV; 12.7%), human mastadenovirus (7.5%), and rotavirus A (RVA; 5.9%). In total, 44.8% (60) of shellfish samples tested positive for one or more viruses, 46.7% (28/60) of the positive samples tested positive for a single viral agent, 26.7% (16) tested positive for two viral agents, 8.3% (5) for three viral agents, and 13.3% (8) for four viral agents. Additionally, three mussel samples were contaminated with the five investigated viruses (5%, 3/60). Norovirus GII showed the highest mean viral load (3.4 × 105 GC/g), followed by SaV (1.4 × 104 GC/g), RVA (1.1 × 104 GC/g), human mastadenovirus (3.9 × 103 GC/g), and norovirus GI (6.7 × 102 GC/g). Molecular characterization revealed that the recovered norovirus strains belonged to genotypes GII.2, GII.6, GII.9, GII.17, and GII.27; SaV belonged to genotypes GI.1 and GIV.1; RVA to genotypes G6, G8, P[8]-III, and human mastadenovirus to types F40 and F41. The GII.27 norovirus characterized in this study is the only strain of this genotype reported in Brazil. This study highlights the dissemination and diversity of gastroenteric viruses present in commercialized bivalves in a touristic area, indicating the potential risk to human health and the contribution of bivalves in the propagation of emerging pathogens.

Multivariate techniques for analyzing morphological characteristics of cactus pear genotypes in semiarid Brazil

The objective of this study was to identify variables with better discriminatory power between treatments and reduce the dimensions of the original data set. Multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) and dendrogram clustering techniques were used on a data set of morphological characteristics of cactus pear genotypes. The palm genotypes of the genera Nopalea and Opuntia were arranged in a completely randomized design, with 30 treatments and six replications. After 180 days of cultivation, morphological characteristics were evaluated, including plant height (PH) and width (PW), total number of plant cladodes (NCP), length (CL), width (CW), perimeter (CP), cladode thickness (CT), cladode area (CA), active photosynthetic area (APA) and cladode area index (CAI). Varimax rotation with Kaiser normalization was used to prevent variables with greater explanatory capacity from affecting the rotation. Measurements were obtained as part of cluster model generation, using a full set of morphological variables for subsequent analysis of principal component and cluster analyses. The main components obtained were efficient in reducing the total variation accumulated in 30 original variables correlated to two linear combinations, which explained 81.04% of the total variation present in the original variables. Grouping using the Ward hierarchical method formed 3 groups, namely, group I consisted of genotypes F27, F48, G1, G14, G15, G20, G3, PC2, PCD, PM, T72, V07 and V20; group II was composed of the genotypes BA, F16, F34, G4, G5, OEA, OEM, POEA, T35, T80 and V19 and; group III was composed of genotypes F24, PC1, PC3, PC4, PC5 and V17. PCA demonstrated that APA, CAI, CA, NCP, PH, PW and CT are morphological variables that determine the best palm characteristics. The association of cactus morphological variables varied according to the genotypes, within each genus Nopalea and Opuntia. The genotypes with the best morphological characteristics were F27, F48, G1, G14, G15, G20, G3, PC2, PCD, PM, T72, V07 and V20.

Spatiotemporal genotype replacement of H5N8 avian influenza viruses contributed to H5N1 emergence in 2021/2022 panzootic.

Since 2020, clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 and H5N1 viruses have swept through continents, posing serious threats to the world. Through comprehensive analyses of epidemiological, genetic, and bird migration data, we found that the dominant genotype replacement of the H5N8 viruses in 2020 contributed to the H5N1 outbreak in the 2021/2022 wave. The 2020 outbreak of the H5N8 G1 genotype instead of the G0 genotype produced reassortment opportunities and led to the emergence of a new H5N1 virus with G1's HA and MP genes. Despite extensive reassortments in the 2021/2022 wave, the H5N1 virus retained the HA and MP genes, causing a significant outbreak in Europe and North America. Furtherly, through the wild bird migration flyways investigation, we found that the temporal-spatial coincidence between the outbreak of the H5N8 G1 virus and the bird autumn migration may have expanded the H5 viral spread, which may be one of the main drivers of the emergence of the 2020-2022 H5 panzootic.IMPORTANCESince 2020, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 subtype variants of clade 2.3.4.4b have spread across continents, posing unprecedented threats globally. However, the factors promoting the genesis and spread of H5 HPAI viruses remain unclear. Here, we found that the spatiotemporal genotype replacement of H5N8 HPAI viruses contributed to the emergence of the H5N1 variant that caused the 2021/2022 panzootic, and the viral evolution in poultry of Egypt and surrounding area and autumn bird migration from the Russia-Kazakhstan region to Europe are important drivers of the emergence of the 2020-2022 H5 panzootic. These findings provide important targets for early warning and could help control the current and future HPAI epidemics.

Systematic assessment of salt tolerance based on morpho-physiological traits and genes related in inbred rice lines at the seedling stage

Abstract. Herawati R, Simarmata M, Masdar, Purwoko BS, Miswati. 2023. Systematic assessment of salt tolerance based on morpho-physiological traits and genes related in inbred rice lines at the seedling stage. Biodiversitas 24: 6256-6267. Salinity stress is an abiotic constraint that limits rice productivity. Salinity-tolerant traits are very complex and involve many genes. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude how rice plants respond to salinity stress. This study aimed to investigate the genetic potential of 19 rice genotypes for salt tolerance as well as the quantitative impacts of varying salinity stress levels on a subset of the genotypes. Salinity tolerance is identified in two stages: assessing salinity stress in nutrient solutions using 0, 5,000 (EC 7.8 dS.m-1), and 10,000 ppm (EC 15.62 dS.m-1). Gene expression analysis detected genes controlling salinity stress tolerance using two pairs of specific primers: DST (Drought Salt Tolerance) and OsAPX (ascorbate peroxidase). The results showed that all lines could survive high salinity stress up to EC 7.8 dS.m-1. Biplot is reflected in K-means grouping the 21 rice genotypes into three major groups, namely salt-sensitive (1 genotype, 4.75%), moderately salt-tolerant (2 genotypes, 9.5%), and salt-tolerant-very tolerant (18 genotypes, 85.7%). The DST and OsAPX1 genes showed both genes were expressed under salinity stress, although some lines showed smears or even did not appear at all, namely in G3 and G7. This result is consistent with the PCA analysis, where genotypes G3 and G7 are categorized as moderately tolerant. This study reveals that screening at the seedling stage combined with marker-assisted selection can identify tolerant genotypes. Furthermore, conducting field trials on soil salinity with EC > 4 dS.m-1 is recommended to obtain salinity-tolerant lines as potential new varieties.

Study on the genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus in yaks and sheep from Langkazi County in Tibet Autonomous Region of China based on mitochondrial cox1 and nad1.

To determine the genotypes of the epidemic strains of Echinococcus granulosus in livestock in Tibet, samples of E. granulosus cysts were collected from 11 yaks and 62 sheep. Genomic DNA was extracted from these samples, and gene fragments of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit I (nad1) were amplified by PCR and sequenced. DNASTAR and MAGA7.0 were employed for homology analysis and phylogenetic tree construction. Echinococcus granulosus cysts were detected in 56.2% (41/73) of the samples screened. Of these, 63.4% (26/41) were identified as E. granulosus G1 genotype (common sheep strain), 24.4% (10 /41) as G3 genotype (buffalo strain), and 12.2% (5/41) were G6 genotype (camel strain). The study concludes that yaks and sheep in Langkazi county, Tibet, carry three E. granulosus genotypes (G1, G3, and G6), with the G1 genotype the predominant genotype in the region. This study clarifies the distribution of E. granulosus genotypes, providing genetic data and insight for the surveillance and prevention of echinococcosis.

Chemical treatments in maize seeds to improve germination in acidic soils

Objective: To evaluate the effect of different germination promoters on three maize genotypes grown in Dystric Cambisol soils, since germination problems are linked to latency and restrict agronomic management.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: We conducted an experiment at the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Juan Rodríguez Clara using a split-plot design with a factorial treatment arrangement. The large plot contained genotypes (GEN) G1 = MS-405, G2 = Arlequin, and G3 = MS-404; while the small one comprised promoter (PROMO) HS = humic substance, CI = citrulline, and SA = salicylic acid. We evaluated the following variables: germination speed (GS), emergence percentage (EMERG), stem and leaf volume (S&LV), root volume (RV), chlorophyll (CHL), secondary roots (SECR), stem diameter (DMT), number of leaves (NL), foliar area (FA), root length (RL), and plant height (PH). Then, we conducted a variance analysis and Tukey’s tests (α£0.05).
 Results: For each promoter, we observed main effects in EMERG, CHL, and PH for CI; S&LV, NL, FA, and PH for HS; and RL for SA. In genotypes G2 and G3, variables GS, EMERG, NL, and PH were statistically equivalent, DMT varied only in G2, and there were no statistical differences for S&LV, RV, CHL, SECR, FA, and RL. We observed some simple effects in combinations with CI: GS and PH varied in G3, EMERG in G2 and G3, CHL in G1 and G3, DMT in G1 and G2, and S&LV in G2.
 Study limitations/Implications: Soaking corn for one hour in the solution and weighing the correct amount properly are required, since weighing too much may inhibit germination.
 Findings/Conclusions: Promoter CI at a dose of 1,000 ppm accelerates the emergence speed of genotypes G2 and G3 in acidic soils.

Molecular discrimination of G1 and G3 genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto obtained from human, cattle, and sheep using the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 marker

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a common zoonotic disease caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. This study determined the genotype and haplotype differences using the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 gene in hydatid cyst samples. Human (n = 12), cattle (n = 28), and sheep (n = 31) hydatid cyst isolates were included. Seventy-one genomic DNA samples were successfully extracted, and a 759 bp mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 gene fragment was amplified by PCR. Following the sequence analysis, E. granulosus sensu stricto isolates were identified as G1 (n = 61) and G3 (n = 10). A total of 23 haplotypes were obtained from the 71 E. granulosus s.s. G1 and G3 samples. The main haplotype was Hap01 (60.56 %), which consisted of the G1 genotype. The second largest haplotype was Hap04, which consisted entirely of the G3 genotype. Hap14 acted as a bridge between the G1 and G3 genotypes. This study identifies G1 as the dominant genotype in humans and farm animals in Turkey. High haplotype and nucleotide diversity in genotypes were observed. Additionally, this is the first report on the phylogeography and gene flow models of the E. granulosus s.s. population in Turkey using the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 gene, the best marker distinguishing between G1 and G3 genotypes.

The Stability of Sugar Yield in Promising Sugarcane Genotypes (Saccharum officinarum L.)

Stability analysis is one of the most important steps that a breeder should use to release a new variety for a region. To identify and introduce the best sugarcane genotypes, an experiment with 26 promising Sugarcane genotypes along with four commercial varieties was planned and implemented during 2017–2019. This study aimed to determine a promising stable sugarcane genotype for the sugarcane-growing areas of Khuzestan Province in Iran. The effects of genotype × environment interactions on the sugar yield of 26 promising sugarcane genotypes and four standard varieties as controls were investigated for the new plant (P), first ratoon (R1), and second ratoon (R2) at three locations (Amir Kabir, Imam Khomeini, and Mianab) for three cropping seasons. For the final analysis every year, quantitative and qualitative characteristics were measured by sampling 10 stalks of each genotype in each replication and each experiment. A combined analysis was conducted with regard to the fixed effects of the genotype and environment and the random effect of the year. The sugar yield stability of the genotypes was evaluated based on nonparametric, ecovalence, Shukla, simultaneous selection, and AMMI statistical methods. According to the results, g2,g4,g5,g7,g11,g12,g14,g16,g19,g20,g21,g23,g24,g26,g27,g28,g29, and g30 are the most stable genotypes based on statistical analyses. As these genotypes have general stability and can be cultivated in three crops, they are introduced for commercial cultivation. According to an AMMI biplot, genotype g6 was considered to have special adaptation to the first location (Imam Khomeini), genotypes g8 and g15 were specifically adapted to the second location (Amir Kabir), and genotypes g10,g17, and g22 showed special adaptation to the third location (Mianab). Therefore, these genotypes are introduced for commercial cultivation in the mentioned locations.

Circulating Serotypes of Group A Rotavirus Identified in the Faeces of Children Aged 0-56 Months with Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a public health problem in developing countries such as Burkina Faso. The introduction of the RotaShield rotavirus vaccine in the early 1980s had the side-effect of causing acute intestinal invaginations, which led to the introduction of surveillance. The aim of this study is to review the serotypes of rotavirus identified. This retrospective study consisted in collecting data on group A rotavirus serotypes identified from stool samples using a rapid diagnostic test, confirmed by an ELISA test and then serotyped by real-time multiplex RT-PCR. A total of 840 suspect stools were collected between December 2013 and December 2017. Confirmed cases represented an average of 37.7%. Genotyping identified the P6(59.6%) and P8(40.4%) types of the P genotype in the VP4 genotype and G12 which predominates with 66% in the VP7 genotype followed by G3 23.4%. The genotypes most involved in gastroenteritis are serotypes P6 and P8 of the P genotype and serotypes G1, G2, G3, G9 and G12 of the G genotype in this study showed that.

Molecular and Immunological Characterization and Incidence Rate of Hydatid Cyst Isolated from Liver and Lungs for Human in Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Objective: This study aimed to identify characteristics, location, cyst stage, and species/genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. complex in humans from the Kurdistan region, Iraq. Surgical removal of 25 echinococcal cysts from 22 patients in Dohuk and Zakho cities (January 2020 to December 2022) was analyzed. Methods: Characteristics of 22 surgically confirmed cystic echinococcosis (CE) cases, including anatomical site, cyst fertility, and patientdemographics, were examined. Molecular analysis using mitochondrial NAD5 gene confirmed genotypes G1 or G3 of E. granulosus s.s.,indicating sheep–dog–human transmission. Results: Liver (78.6% fertile, 21.4% sterile) and lungs (81.8% fertile, 18.2% sterile) were the most common anatomical sites for CE in females (59.1%) compared to males (40.9%). All analyzed samples belonged to genotypes G1 or G3. No statistically significant correlation was found between genotypes and variables such as fertility, location, and cyst stage. Conclusion: The study underscores the prevalence of genotypes G1 or G3 in the E. granulosus s.l. complex, confirming sheep–dog–human transmission in Kurdistan, Iraq. Recommendations include monitoring and control programs in sheep and dog populations and public health education campaigns to reduce the risk of acquiring CE in humans.

Evaluation of resistance and susceptibility level of single and double gene Bt cotton against Armyworm and American bollworm

Bt cotton was developed against lepidopteran insects and got a significant attraction by the Pakistani farmers to control target pests. The experiment was conducted to determine the resistance and susceptibility level of lepidopteran insects against double gene (Cry1Ac + Cry2A) and single genes Cry1Ac and Cry2A. Six Bt cotton genotypes G1 and G2 with Cry1Ac, G5 and G6 with Cry2A, and G3 and G4 with double gene (Cry1Ac + Cry2A) were studied. G7 was non-Bt which was used as a control. A qualitative test of Bt genes was done with immune-blot strips, and quantification was done by the ELISA technique. In the Armyworm bioassay, G1 and G2 showed 1.187 mg g-1 and 0.927 mg g-1 concentrations of Cry1Ac and 41.66% and 33.33% larval mortality, respectively. The Cry2A genotypes, G5 and G6, showed 7.60 mg g-1 and 7.79 mg g-1 concentrations of Cry2A, respectively, and larval mortality as 83.33% on both genotypes. The double gene genotypes, G3 and G4, showed Cry1Ac concentrations as 0.803 mg g-1 and 0.730 mg g-1, those of Cry2A 7.459 mg g-1 and 7.407 mg g-1, whereas the larval mortality of the two genotypes had been 91.67% and 100%, respectively. In the American bollworm bioassay, G1 and G2 showed concentration of Cry1Ac as 1.049 mg g-1 and 1.052 mg g-1 and larval mortality 33.33% and 41.66%, respectively. G5 and G6 showed Cry2A concentrations as 6.520 mg g-1 and 6.464 mg g-1 and the larval mortality levels as 66.67% and 58.33%, respectively. G3 and G4 showed concentrations of Cry1Ac and Cry2A as 1.460 mg g-1 and 0.968 mg g-1, and 6.025 mg g-1 and 6.651 mg g-1 and the larval mortality as 100% and 91.66%, respectively. Low weight gain was observed on those genotypes which contained double gene rather than any of the single genes. Strong positive correlations existed between insect’s mortality and double gene concentration. A lethal concentration (LC) of the double gene of Armyworm and American bollworm was 7.513 mg g-1 and 7.684 mg g-1, respectively, required to kill 99% of the insect’s population. Double gene Bt cotton genotypes had resistance against target pests, while single-gene Bt cotton genotypes lost their efficacy against the target pests.

GGE biplot analysis of genotype × environment interaction and forage yield stability in grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) genotypes

In crop breeding programs, biplot analysis is a well-known statistical method. This study aimed to survey the genotype ? environment interaction (GEI) on grass pea genotypes in Iran. The experiment was conducted in twelve environments (four separate sites: Gachsaran, Kuhdasht, Mehran, and Shirvanchardavol) over three sequential years (2017, 2018, and 2019) with sixteen grass pea genotypes. The purpose of this research was to utilize the GGE biplot as a tool to identify the superior genotypes of grass peas. The results for the combined analysis of variance, genotypes, and the GEI revealed a significant impact (p < 0.001) on forage yield. Moreover, genotype ? environment interaction responded differently under various climatic conditions. The interaction components evaluated by the biplots revealed the genotypes' predominant effect and the significant genotype ? environment interactions (GEI). The first two principal components (PCs) interpreted up to 93.11% of the total variation in the GGE model (PC1 = 53.30%, PC2 = 37.80%). GGE biplot analysis categorized the studied environments into two mega-groups for forage yield. Genotype G11 (Russia) was superior in terms of mean forage yield (5.362 t/ha). The genotypes that performed best in each environment, were genotypes G11 (Russia) and G8 (Bangladesh-I). Among these genotypes, G11 (Russia) was the highest-yielding genotype in the field. The Kohdasht site was the most discerning and representative test environment for crop yield. The selected genotypes are recommended for breeding programs aimed to improve forage yield in the tested sites or similar agroecological areas.

Genetic characterization of group A rotavirus in children with acute gastroenteritis in Kericho County Referral Hospital, Kenya.

approximately over 80% of mortalities due to rotavirus occur in countries that have limited resources, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The study was intended to determine the genetic characteristics of rotavirus A in children exhibiting gastroenteritis at Kericho County Referral Hospital. the study design was cross-sectional. Consecutive sampling was engaged obtaining a sample size of 200 stool samples. Genetic characterization of group A rotavirus strains was done using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Positive samples underwent Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Afterwards viewing of the RNA double strands of the rotavirus genome in gels was done using Silver Nitrate. The positive samples underwent RT-PCR amplification followed by sequencing on the pieces of the VP7 or VP4 gene obtained. one hundred and six (53%) samples from males and 94 (47%) from females. Twenty-three samples were positive hence a prevalence of 11.5%. The most affected demographics were children of guardians with secondary school education (51%). The most affected social economic status was housewives (46.5%). The most affected age was 21-30 months at 26.5%. Long electropherotypes were in 22 samples (96%). The G3 genotype of rotavirus A was prevalent 16/23 (69.57%). rotavirus prevalence was 11.5%. The G3 genotype was the most prevalent in circulation. The occurrence of non-typable strains indicated that the strains may be diversified emphasizing the need to include emerging strains within the vaccines in use. Hence the need to continuously monitor the effects in older children.

A perspective of the prevalent H9N2 virus with a special focus on molecular and pathological aspects in commercial broiler chicken in Punjab, Pakistan.

Frequent outbreaks of avian influenza H9N2 virus in Pakistan revealed that this subtype has become endemic in the poultry industry and, besides economic losses, poses a threat to public health. The present study describes the molecular characterization and pathological alterations in naturally infected broiler chickens with the current H9N2 field strain and their phylogenomic dynamics. In this study, tissue samples (trachea, lung, kidney and intestine) from 100 commercial chicken flocks were collected from July 2018 to August 2019. Samples were subjected to molecular detection, phylogeny and subsequent pathological examination. The complete length of the HA gene was successfully amplified in five samples. Nucleotide sequencing revealed positive samples placed in a clade belonging to the B2 sub-lineage of the G1 genotype and categorized as LPAIV based on the amino acid sequence of the HA gene at the cleavage site (PAKSSR/G). Genetic analysis of the haemagglutinin (HA) gene revealed nt: 80.5%-99.5%; aa: 83.8%-98.9% homology to H9N2 strains reported previously from Pakistan, neighbouring countries, and (A/Quail/Hong Kong/G1/97). Gross lesions include a slight airsacculitis, mild hemorrhages, diffuse congestion and purulent exudate in tracheal mucosa, fibrinonecrotic cast in the trachea lumen and mild pulmonary congestion. Histopathological alterations include sloughing of epithelial cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the trachea, mononuclear cells (MNCs) infiltration, pulmonary congestion and exudate in the lumen of parabronchi, peritubular congestion in the kidneys with degeneration of tubular epithelial cells and degenerative changes in the intestinal villi epithelial cells and goblet cell hyperplasia. Immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed the presence of AIVH9N2 antigen in the trachea, lungs, kidney and intestine. Electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural changes in the trachea, including degenerated cilia, mitochondrial swelling and enlarged endoplasmic reticulum. Based on all essential analysis, the present study revealed the distribution of the H9N2 virus of G1 genotype in Punjab, Pakistan, with mild to moderate pathogenicity.

High Incidence of G1 Genotype Found in the Levant Revealed by Sequence-based Association Analysis of Echinococcus granulosus (sensu stricto)

High Incidence of G1 Genotype Found in the Levant Revealed by Sequence-based Association Analysis of Echinococcus granulosus (sensu stricto)

Performance of Genotype by Environmental Interaction and Stability of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Genotypes in Vertisol Areas of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Faba beans are leguminous plants that have gained recognition for their significant contributions to sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. The experiment was conducted to assess the effect of genotype × environment interaction (GEI) on seed weight stability of faba bean genotypes using 12 genotypes in randomized complete block design with three replications tested at Enewari, Bichena, and Jamma in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The objective of the study is to determine the performance and stability of faba bean genotypes for large seed sizes and comparable seed yield under vertisol areas. The AMMI analyses revealed significant (p < 0.01) differences between genotype and environmental effects as well as genotype‐by‐environment interaction concerning seed yield and seed weight. This indicates the genotypes differently responded to the changes in the test environment or the test environment differentially discriminated the genotypes or both. The analysis of variance for AMMI showed that environment, genotype, and GEI contributed 37%, 26.7%, and 30.4% for seed weight, respectively. The principal components (IPCA 1) and (IPCA 2) explained 54.46% and 20.5% of the interaction, respectively. G4 was identified for their best seed weight with an advantage of 19.9% and 28.1% over the best standard check Hachalu and Dide’a with comparable seed yield. Based on AMMI and ASV stability parameters among the evaluated faba bean genotypes, G4 (EH01078‐4‐3) was the most stable and widely adapted over the studied environments in terms of seed weight and relatively stable and comparable seed yield. Therefore, the identified genotypes G4 (Shewa) were released as new varieties for vertisol areas of the Amhara region and areas with similar agroecology in the country.

Assessment of Durum Wheat Cultivars’ Adaptability to Mediterranean Environments Using G × E Interaction Analysis

Aside from plant breeding and agricultural inputs, understanding and interpreting the Genotype × Environment (G × E) interaction has contributed significantly to the increase in wheat yield. In Central Macedonia, Greece, fifteen commercially important durum wheat cultivars and one landrace were tested in six cultivation environments classified into high- and low- productivity environments. This study aimed to identify the most productive and stable durum wheat genotypes across Mediterranean farming systems through a comparative examination of genotype plus genotype by environment (GGE) biplot alongside fifteen parametric and non-parametric stability models. In the organic (low productivity) environment, cultivar Zoi and the landrace Lemnos showed remarkable results, indicating a potential solution for biological agriculture. For the late-sowing (low productivity) environment, some widespread varieties such as Mexicali-81, Meridiano, and Maestrale had excellent performance, showing potential to overcome more adverse conditions during critical grain filling periods such as higher air temperature and deficient soil moisture, i.e., conditions that correlate with climate change. Evaluation of genotypes in all environments for a combination of high yield and stable production, showed that the best genotypes were G8 (Simeto), G2 (Canavaro), and G12 (Elpida). In the subgroup with the three high-productivity environments, G12 (Elpida), G8 (Simeto), and G6 (Mexicali-81) were the best genotypes, followed by G2 (Canavaro), while in the low-productivity subgroup, the G2 (Canavaro), G13 (Zoi) and G8 (Simeto) genotypes were the best.

Role of Pre-Farrow Natural Planned Exposure of Gilts in Shaping the Passive Antibody Response to Rotavirus A in Piglets.

Natural planned exposure (NPE) remains one of the most common methods in swine herds to boost lactogenic immunity against rotaviruses. However, the efficacy of NPE protocols in generating lactogenic immunity has not been investigated before. A longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the dynamics of genotype-specific antibody responses to different doses (3, 2 and 1) of Rotavirus A (RVA) NPE (genotypes G4, G5, P[7] and P[23]) in gilts and the transfer of lactogenic immunity to their piglets. Group 1 gilts received three doses of NPE at 5, 4 and 3 weeks pre-farrow (WPF), group 2 received two doses at 5 and 3 WPF, group 3 received one dose at 5 WPF, and group 4 received no NPE (control group). VP7 (G4 and G5) and truncated VP4* (P[7] and P[23]) antigens of RVA were expressed in mammalian and bacterial expression systems, respectively, and used to optimize indirect ELISAs to determine antibody levels against RVA in gilts and piglets. In day-0 colostrum samples, group 1 had significantly higher IgG titers compared to the control group for all four antigens, and either significantly or numerically higher IgG titers than groups 2 and 3. Group 1 also had significantly higher colostrum IgA levels than the control group for all antigens (except G4), and either significantly or numerically higher IgA levels compared to groups 2 and 3. In piglet serum, group 1 piglets had higher IgG titers for all four antigens at day 0 than the other groups. Importantly, RVA NPE stimulated antibodies in all groups regardless of the treatment doses and prevented G4, G5, P[7] and P[23] RVA fecal shedding prior to weaning in piglets in the absence of viral challenge. The G11 and P[34] RVA genotypes detected from pre-weaning piglets differed at multiple amino acid positions with parent NPE strains. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the group 1 NPE regimen (three doses of NPE) resulted in the highest anti-RVA antibody (IgG and IgA) levels in the colostrum/milk, and the highest IgG levels in piglet serum.