G1 Genotype Research Articles

Evaluation of Rice Genotypes for Tolerance to Imazethapyr Herbicide in Direct-Seeded Rice Systems

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the resistance of different rice genotypes to the herbicide imazethapyr. Study Design: Pot culture experiment. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in pot culture at the Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Kharif 2024. Methodology: Pot culture experiment was conducted with three replications by using fourteen rice genotypes (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8, G9, G10, G11, G12, G13, and G14) to assess the phyto-toxicity tolerance. A herbicide spray was applied at the 2-3 leaf stage of weeds in the pot culture. Imazethapyr 10% SL was used at a concentration of 2.5 ml/L, applied at 23 days after sowing (DAS). The herbicide solution was prepared by adding 5 ml of Imazethapyr to 2 L of water. The spray was applied using a 500 ml capacity hand sprayer. The experiment was carried out under controlled (Field) environmental conditions to assess the response of rice genotypes in terms of phytotoxicity, including any visual damage or growth reduction caused by the herbicide treatment. The data collected were used to identify tolerant and susceptible rice genotypes to imazethapuyr herbicide. Results: The results revealed significant variation in tolerance among the rice genotypes. Genotype G14 exhibited the highest tolerance, displaying minimal phytotoxicity symptoms such as chlorosis and necrosis, and showed no adverse effects on growth. Moderate tolerance was observed in genotypes G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, and G8, which exhibited some injury but were able to recover and maintain growth potential. In contrast, the susceptible genotypes G9, G10, G11, G12, and G13 showed severe phytotoxicity symptoms and completely dried out. Conclusion: The tolerant genotypes G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8 and G14, can be utilized for further rice breeding programme for the development of herbicide tolerant rice varieties.

Integrating univariate and multivariate stability indices for breeding clime-resilient barley cultivars

Studying genetic variability through the phenotypic performance of genotypes is crucial in the breeding program. Therefore, evaluating both yield performance and stability across diverse environments is essential in yield trials to identify high-yield potential and stable cultivars. In this study, we employed 12 univariate and 10 multivariate stability models to analyze how genotype (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E) affect the yield performance of 32 barley genotypes across 10 environments. The environmental main effect explained 81.3% of the total variation, compared to 18.6% for genotypes and G × E interaction effects. Using the GGE biplot ‘which-won-where’ polygon, we categorized environments into five groups and genotypes into six groups, identifying eight genotypes with mean grain yield (GY) superior to the overall mean (4.43 tons ha− 1). Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated significant positive correlations (P < 0.01) between GY and various stability parameters such as linear regression coefficients (bi), Perkins and Jinks’s stability parameters (Bi), environmental variance (Sxi2) and Tai’s environmental effects (αi), among others, as univariate stability measures. Additionally, nonparametric measures such as Nassar and Huhn’s (SI 6 and SI 3) and Thennarasu’s (NP I (3) and NP I (4)), TOP-rank stability and the yield stability index (YSI), showed significant correlations with GY. Both univariate and multivariate stability models highlighted genotypes G32, G1, and G27 as the most stable, exhibiting minimal yield variation across environments. Furthermore, G15, followed by G13, G7, and G9, demonstrated high stability based on multivariate measures. Accordingly, it might be safe to utilize the stability parameters of different groups concerning static and dynamic concepts of stability to avoid the possibility of estimating the same concept of stability. This study emphasizes the importance of utilizing a combination of univariate and multivariate stability models to assess genotype stability comprehensively and select “ideal genotypes” that offer both high yield potential and stability.

Exploring Proso Millet Resilience to Abiotic Stresses: High-Yield Potential in Desert Environments of the Middle East

Scarce water resources, high temperatures, limited rainfall, elevated soil salinity, and poor soil quality (98% sand) challenge crop production in the desert regions of the Middle East. Proso millet’s resilience under these stresses presents a potential solution for enhancing food security in arid environments. This field study evaluated 24 proso millet genotypes under three environments (100% freshwater, 50% freshwater, and 10 dS/m salinity) in the UAE during normal and summer seasons, aiming to identify genotypes resilient to water, heat, and salinity stresses and to assess genotype-by-environment (G × E) interactions and key traits associated with grain yield. ANOVA indicated significant G × E interactions. Genotypes G9 and G24 displayed high yield and stability across environments during the normal season. In the summer, genotypes G7 and G10 exhibited resilience with high yields under high-temperature stress alone, while combined stresses led to yield reductions across all genotypes, with greater susceptibility under cumulative stress. GGE biplot analysis identified G9 as ideal in the normal season, while G15 and G23 demonstrated stability under combined stresses in the summer season. High chaffy grain yield (CGY) observed under summer stress conditions suggests a shift in resource allocation away from productive grain formation. The reproductive phase was highly vulnerable to heat stress, with 88% of this period experiencing daytime temperatures exceeding 40 °C, with a peak reaching up to 49 °C. These extreme conditions, coinciding with the crop’s critical growth stages, triggered a significant increase in chaffy grain production, substantially reducing overall grain yield. Despite these challenges, genotypes G7, G10, and G12 exhibited notable resilience, maintaining yields above 0.75 t ha−1. Correlation analysis suggested that selecting for increased plant height, forage yield, and 1000-grain weight (TGW) could enhance grain yield under the normal and summer conditions. This study highlights the potential of proso millet genotypes as climate-resilient options for arid regions, providing a basis for developing stress-tolerant varieties and promoting sustainable agriculture in desert climates.

Epidemiology of viral gastroenteritis in children and genetic diversity of rotavirus strains in Kolkata, West Bengal after introduction of rotavirus vaccine.

Despite global rotavirus vaccination efforts, rotavirus remains a leading cause of childhood deaths from acute gastroenteritis. Post-vaccination studies in India, particularly in eastern India, have been limited, despite high prevalence of rotavirus in this region prior to vaccine introduction. This study was conducted to assess the impact of rotavirus vaccine on the epidemiology of rotavirus and other enteric viruses, as well as the changes in the diversity of rotavirus strains among children (≤5years) with acute gastroenteritis. A total of 877 stool samples from children hospitalized with acute diarrhea during 2022-2023, were screened for enteric viruses using multiplex PCR. Rotavirus positive samples were genotyped by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of VP4 and VP7 genes were done. Out of 877 diarrheal cases, 47% tested positive for at least one enteropathogenic virus. Rotavirus was most prevalent (25.9%), followed by norovirus (11.4%), adenovirus-F (10.6%), and astrovirus (5.3%). Among mixed infections, rotavirus and norovirus co-infections were the most common. Rotavirus infection was highest in children aged 12-24months, while other enteric viruses were more common in the 6-24month age group. Clinical severity was higher among rotavirus-infected patients compared to those infected with other enteric viruses. The G3P[8] genotype of rotavirus predominated, with notable increase in G2P[4] and the detection of rare strains like G3P[6] and G11P[25]. G3P[6] was identified for the first time in this region showing Wa-like genome constellation. Unlike pre-vaccine period, G9 genotype was not detected. Mutations in antigenic epitope of circulating strains compared to vaccine strains may affect vaccine efficacy. The study highlights the persistent burden of childhood diarrhea despite rotavirus vaccination. Subtle alterations in the proportion of other enteric viruses and diversity of circulating rotavirus genotypes in the post-vaccination period were observed. Continuous long-term surveillance is required to evaluate the impact of vaccine in this region.

Genetic diversity assessment of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) cultivars of Western Ghats

The Western Ghats of Kerala, the centre of origin of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), hold a rich repository of landraces and local cultivars, that farmers have maintained over centuries. A survey conducted in these regions identified 21 genotypes with superior yields and distinct characteristics, reflecting the diverse genetic makeup of black pepper across agroclimatic conditions in the state. Moderate variability was observed among these genotypes in qualitative morphological traits, but it was still significant enough to differentiate them. Using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), the genotypes were grouped into 15 clusters at 73 % genetic similarity, indicating shared characteristics and unique differences. Biochemical evaluation revealed variations in their piperine (3.0–5.6 %), essential oil (3.0–5.6 %) and oleoresin (6.3–13.2 %), which could have implications for flavour, aroma and medicinal properties. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified 9 main and independent components explaining 86.59 % of the total variance, with yield-related and physiological traits contributing significantly to the overall diversity. Genotypes G16, G15, G21, G1, G5 and G4 exhibited considerable genetic divergence and desirable qualities. This highlights the potential for leveraging these genotypes to develop improved black pepper varieties with enhanced traits such as yield, quality and resilience to various environmental conditions. The study provides insights into the genetic and biochemical diversity of black pepper germplasm in the Western Ghats of Kerala, offering a foundation for future breeding efforts to enhance the productivity and sustainability of black pepper cultivation.

Genetic analysis of yield and yield components and powdery mildew resistance in F4 and F5 populations of blackgram

The present investigation aimed to evaluate 96 F4 and F5 genotypes, including two parental lines (VBN11 and LBG17) of blackgram, across two locations for yield, yield components, and resistance to powdery mildew. Pooled analysis, genetic variability assessment, correlation studies, parent-regression coefficient analysis, and the Multi-trait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) were performed. Combined ANOVA revealed significant differences for all the traits studied. In the combined analysis, genotypes G3 and G1 exhibited desirable yields along with powdery mildew resistance. High heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) were observed for the traits such as single plant yield, the number of pods per plant, and percent disease index (PDI). Seed yield per plant recorded significant and positive correlations with the number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, and 100-seed weight in both generations. Among the traits, PDI showed the highest regression coefficient. Principal component analysis exhibited four principal components (PCs) explaining the total variance in the F4 and F5 generations. The MGIDI index analysis revealed a total genetic gain for specific traits, including the number of pods per plant, single plant yield, and the number of capsules per plant in the F5 generation. Genotypes G18, G19, G4, and G38 were identified as valuable genetic resource through MGIDI, contributing significantly to blackgram improvement for high yield and powdery mildew resistance.

Enhancing large-diameter timber production: Evaluating poplars by genotype and spacing

To meet the increased demand for construction timber, selecting large-diameter hybrid poplar genotypes and optimizing spacing are essential for enhancing stand productivity in Northeast China. In the Daling River Plain, a trial with 12 clones (G1∼G12) of Populus × euramericana at four spacings (2 m×5 m, 3 m×8 m, 4 m×8 m, 4 m×10 m) was conducted. Over a 14-year rotation, tree height, diameter at breast height, survival rate, individual tree volume, growing stock, and timber yield were measured and analyzed. Results showed that while tree height was minimally affected, diameter at breast height, survival rate, and growing stock were significantly influenced by genotype and spacing. Higher spacings inhibited growth but increased variability within the stand. Diameter at breast height in the 2 m×5 m spacing reached the large-diameter standard (24 cm) and provided a higher growing stock. The minimum density required for larger-diameter wood (diameter at breast height over 35 cm) was the 4 m×8 m spacing. GGE-Biplots identified the top five genotypes as G2, G4, G11, G1, and G10. Genotypes G4, G10, and G1 were suitable for low-density plantations, with G4 performing best, achieving a 95 % improvement in survival rate and a 105 % increase in growing stock. Genotypes G2 and G11 were ideal for high-density plantations, with G2 showing the best results, increasing survival rate by 36 % and growing stock by 56 %. The optimal period for early selection in P. × euramericana is the 4th to 5th year after afforestation. The best design, D1×G2, yielded 513 m³·ha⁻¹ of timber and 288.52 m³·ha⁻¹ of large-diameter wood. These findings support the establishment of large-diameter poplar plantations, aiding future breeding efforts and increasing stand productivity.

Unusual G9P[4] Rotavirus Emerged After the Dynamic Changes in Rotavirus Genotypes From Equine-Like G3 to Typical Human G1/G3 in Indonesia.

Inter-genogroup reassortment of Rotavirus A (RVA) strains has highlighted the spread of unusual RVA strains worldwide. We previously reported the equine-like G3 RVA as the predominant strain in Indonesia in 2015-2016. However, since July 2017, typical human genotypes G1 and G3 have replaced these strains completely. To understand how dynamic changes in RVA occur in Indonesia, we performed a detailed epidemiological study. A total of 356 stool specimens were collected from hospitalized children in Sidoarjo, Indonesia between 2018 and 2022. Whole-genome sequencing was performed for all 26 RVA-positive samples using next-generation sequencing. Twenty-four samples were determined to be the unusual RVA G9P[4], while two were G9P[6]. Detailed analysis revealed that seven G9P[4] strains had the typical DS-1-like backbone, while the other strains exhibited a double-reassortant profile (G9-N1) on the DS-1-like backbone. The Bayesian evolutionary analyses suggested that the Indonesian G9P[4] strains share a common ancestor with previously reported G9P[4] strains in the VP7 and VP4 genes. G9P[4] DS-1-like strains were identified as the predominant genotype in Indonesia in 2021 for the first time. These results suggest that the G9P[4] strains were generated from the previous G9P[4] strains that had undergone further intra-reassortments with the other circulating strains.

Development and Validation of RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-Based Assay for Detecting Porcine Rotavirus.

Piglet diarrhea poses significant economic losses to the pig industry, posing a worldwide challenge that urgently needs to be addressed in pig breeding practices. Porcine rotavirus (PoRV) is an important viral diarrhea pathogen in piglets, with a high incidence rate and a tendency to cause growth retardation. To enhance the sensitivity and specificity of PoRV detection, we sequenced the NSP3 gene of G5 and G9 genotypes of rotavirus A (RVA), enabling simultaneous detection of the two serotypes. Subsequently, we developed a rapid PoRV detection method using a combination of recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) and CRISPR/Cas12a. In this method, Cas12a binds to RAA amplification products, guided by CRISPR-derived RNA (crRNA), which activates its cleavage activity and releases fluorescence by cutting FAM-BHQ-labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). In the optimized reaction system, the recombinant plasmid PoRV can achieve a highly sensitive reaction within 30 min at 37 °C, with a detection limit as low as 2.43 copies/μL, which is ten times higher in sensitivity compared to the qPCR method. Results from specificity testing indicate that no cross-reactivity was observed between the RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a analysis of PoRV and other viral pathogens, including PoRV G3, PoRV G4, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine epidemic diarrhea (PDCoV), and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). In the clinical sample detection using the RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a method and qPCR, Cohen's Kappa value reached as high as 0.952. Furthermore, this approach eliminates the need for large-scale instrumentation, offering a visual result under an ultraviolet lamp through fluorescence signal output.

Study of rotavirus genotypes G and P in one Egyptian center-cross-sectional study

BackgroundRotavirus-associated gastroenteritis is a common health problem in children, different variations of rotavirus genotypes differ according to geographic locations and the practice of wide-scale vaccination. Therefore, the present study aimed to detect both the G and P genotypes of rotavirus in children ≤ 5 years old in one center in Egypt as a cross-sectional study, to correlate the genotypes with various demographic and clinical data in infected children and to evaluate the common mixed genotypes G and P in infected children.MethodThe cross-sectional study included children with acute gastroenteritis ≤ 5 years old from January 2023 till March 2024 recruited from Mansoura University Children’s Hospital, Egypt based upon laboratory diagnosis by exclusion of bacterial and protozoa pathogens. The stool samples were obtained from each child and subjected to detection of rotavirus antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) followed by genotypes identification of G and P genotypes by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultA nested PCR study for rotavirus genotypes revealed that G1 was the most common genotype (24.7%) followed by G2 (21.1%), G3 (20%), G9 (20%), and G4 (14.1%). The genotyping of the P genotype revealed that P9 was the commonest genotype (24.7%), followed by P4 (21.2%), P10 (20%), P8 (17.6%) and P6 (16.5%). The commonest combined genotypes of G and P were G1P4 (85.7%), G3P8(88.2%), followed by G2P6 (77.8%) and G9P9(76.5%) and G4P9 (66.7%) followed by G4P10 (33.3%), G9P10(23.5%), G2P10(22.2%), G1P10 (14.3%), G3P10(11.8%). The distribution was significant (P = 0.001). The positive rotavirus antigen was more frequently detected in females (55.3%) than males (44.7%, Odd ratio 0.2, 95% CI 0.22–0.71, P = 0.001). There was a significant association between the summer season and positive rotavirus antigen (P = 0.001) and rural residence of the patients (Odd ratio 6,9 95%CI 3,5-13.5, P = 0.001). The significant associated clinical sign with positive rotavirus antigen was fever (Odd ratio 3,3, 95%CI 1,8-6.05, P = 0.001). The genotypes G and P were significantly associated with positive rotavirus antigen as all cases positive by antigen had been detected by nested PCR with the commonest genotypes G4 (24.7%, P = 0.001) and genotype P9 (24.7%, P = 0.001).ConclusionThe present study highlights the common genotypes of rotavirus at one center in Egypt, G1, G2, and G3 were the commonest G genotypes. As regard genotype P the commonest genotypes were P9, P4, and P10. The commonest combined genotypes were G1P4, G3P8, G2P6. There was no effect of the practice of rotavirus vaccination at limited rates at private health sections as the rotavirus is still a major pathogen of acute gastroenteritis in children. There is a need for the inclusion of rotavirus vaccination in the national program of children vaccination in Egypt.

Evaluation of Drought Tolerance Ability in Wheat Genotypes Through Comprehensive Stress Indices

The objective was to assess a range of stress indices to discern wheat genotypes resilient to drought stress, so forty-nine genotypes underwent scrutiny in both drought stress in rainfed conditions and non-stress settings (with supplementary irrigation), employing a 7 × 7 lattice layout with two replicates across years 2019 and 2020. The evaluation incorporated twenty stress indices anchored in yield under water stress (YS) and potential (YP) circumstances. Primary analysis indicated that eight indices (RDI, YSI, YI, K2STI, MRP, REI, RR and SSPI) did not give any new information, so they were eliminated in further analysis. Genotypes G33 (4234 kg ha-1) and G9 (2227 kg ha-1) were the best genotypes based on YP in 2019 and 2020, respectively. A positive association was observed between ATI and YP and between YS with DI and K1STI in the year 2019, while in the second year, such positive associations were not seen. We found some wheat genotypes G6, G9, G10 and G11 demonstrated high performance in both potential and rainfed conditions across two years, showing yield higher than 1,800 and 2,700 kg ha-1 for YS and YP, respectively, across both years. These genotypes were detected as the most tolerant genotypes by mean-based indices (TOL, HM, GMP, and MP) as well as SSI and ATI indices, so it can be concluded that these indices are more useful than other indices for identifying the most tolerant as well as the high yielding genotypes.

Development of Elite Mother Palms from the Best-Performing Slow-Vertical-Growth Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Genotypes

Harvesting is a serious issue in oil palm plantations after 15–20 years owing to the increased height of the trees (&gt;9 m). The slow vertical growth of the oil palm dura genotypes is desired for increasing the D × P progenies’ productivity and economic life span upto ten years. A reduced height increment has a long-term impact on harvesting costs. The current study assessed 308 genotypes generated from African germplasm. Over a three year period, the biometric properties of eleven D × D crosses were evaluated in order to quantify genetic parameters and phenotypic correlations, and principal component analysis was performed for genetic attributes of the better-performing dwarf progenies in terms of yield. The evaluated genotypes have a highly significant influence (p &lt; 0.01) on the majority of characteristics. The progenies yielded between 165 and 208 kg of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) per palm every year. The height increment (HI) varied between 17% and 19%, with an overall average of 18%. Genotypes G8, G300, and G221 had the lowest yearly height increments, measuring 28.98, 29.19, and 30.87 cm, respectively. The outcome of the present study shows that they are slow-height-increment genotypes with a high FFB yield (&gt;25 T/Ha). The creation of dura parents with a slow height increment in combination with a high bunch weight helps for prolonging the productive life of the palm to more than 35 years, adding value to obtain distinct oil palm varieties. Overall, this targeted breeding effort towards developing dwarf oil palm hybrids reflects a strategic approach to addressing specific challenges in oil palm cultivation, ultimately helping to promote the oil palm sector globally.

New Genotype G3 P[8] of Rotavirus Identified in a Mexican Gastroenteric Rabbit.

Rotavirus species A (RVA) is a major cause of acute viral gastroenteritis in young humans and diverse animal species. The study of the genetic characteristics of RVAs that infect rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) (lapine strain [LRV]) has been limited, and, to date, the most common and epidemiologically important combinations of G/P genotypes in rabbits have been reported to be G3 P[14] and G3 P[22]. In this study, a rotavirus species A detected from an outbreak of enteritis in a Mexican commercial rabbitry was genotypically characterized. Based on sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 and VP4 genes, the strain identified in this study (C-3/15) demonstrated a G3 P[8] genotype of rotavirus, which had not previously been reported in rabbits. Moreover, both genes were closely related to human, not lapine, rotaviruses. The G3 genotype has been reported in a wide variety of hosts, including humans and rabbits, whereas the P[8] genotype has only been reported in humans. Because this combination of genotypes has never been identified in rabbits, it is proposed that the finding presented here is possibly the result of an interspecies transmission event. This is the first work to study the molecular characteristics of rotaviruses in rabbits in Mexico, as well as the identification of human G3 and P[8] genotypes in a rabbit with enteric disease.

Epidemiology and genetic diversity of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto in the East Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, China.

In Xinjiang, previous reports of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in livestock have focused on West and Middle Tianshan Mountains. In contrast, there is an absence of research on CE in the East Tianshan Mountains. To determine the epidemiology and genetic diversity of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) in domestic animals in the East Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, China, the livers and lungs of 1773 domestic animals were examined, between January 2023 and March 2023, and 40 cysts were collected. Polymerase chain reaction was used for the molecular diagnosis of the cysts. Statistical results showed that the overall prevalence of echinococcosis in sheep was 6.92% (114/1646), which was significantly higher than that in cattle (1.57%, 2/127). A total of 40 cyst isolates were obtained, including 38 from sheep and 2 from cattle. Genomic DNA was extracted, and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene was amplified by PCR to obtain the target 850bp fragment. The results revealed that all the isolates had the G1 genotype, with similarities ranging from 98.88-100%. Haplotype network analysis revealed 32 haplotypes of the cox1 gene, among which Hap_7 was the main haplotype. Furthermore, haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.313 ± 0.093) and nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00173 ± 0.00079) were lower in the East Tianshan Mountains than in other regions, indicating that the populations are genetically less differentiated. Tajima's D and Fu's Fs tests were negative (p ≤ 0.01), indicating an expansion of the population in the East Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang, similar to the results previously reported for Xinjiang. The low fixation index (Fst) ranged from negative values (Gansu Province) to 0.30346 (Mongolia), indicating that the genetic differentiation between the East Tianshan Mountains and Gansu, and Tibet, Xinjiang was relatively low, with frequent gene flow. In this survey, two 'new' haplotypes were identified in the East Tianshan livestock. In addition, two different haplotypes of liver and lung infections were found in one cattle. This survey provides information on the epidemiology and genetic diversity of E. granulosus s.s. in the East Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang, China.

Antigenicity and genetic properties of an Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza virus in Jiangsu Province, China

Pigs are vital genetic mixing vessels for human and avian influenza viruses because their tracheal epitheliums possess both sialic acid α-2,6-Gal and α-2,3-Gal receptors. Cross-species transmission of influenza A viruses from swine to humans occurs occasionally. The first case of human infection with the Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza virus (EAH1N1 SIVs) genotype G4 was detected in Jiangsu in February 2023, and backtracking epidemiological investigations did not reveal a clear source of the infection. The hemagglutination (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) amino acid variant sites, antiviral drug susceptibility, and antigenic variation of the isolated A/Jiangsu/27271/2023 (JS/27271/23) virus were analyzed, and we evaluated the protective effect of sera collected from occupationally exposed populations in 2024 against the virus. Compared with the vaccine strain, the nucleotide sequence similarities of JS/27271/23 HA and NA were 96.5 % and 95.2 %, respectively. JS/27271/23 was sensitive to polymerase inhibitors (favipiravir and baloxavir), and the antigenicity of its HA protein was 8-fold different from that of the vaccine strain. The percentage of occupationally exposed population with antibody titers of ≥ 40 against A/Hunan/42443/2015 (HN/42443/15) and A/Jiangsu/1/2011 (JS/1/11) were 7.25 % and 2.25 %, respectively, and the geometric mean titers (GMT) were 6.24 and 5.34, respectively. Out of 400 serum samples examined, none had antibody titers of ≥ 40 against JS/27271/23. This suggests that low serum levels of antibodies to EAH1N1 SIVs in occupationally exposed populations may not provide adequate protection because of significant differences in amino acid sites and antigenicity between this virus and the current vaccine strain of EAH1N1 SIVs. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of EAH1N1 SIVs. Therefore, surveillance for EAH1N1 SIVs and the development of new vaccine strains are required.

Identification of Rotavirus Genotypes in Children under Five Years in the United Arab Emirates Using Nanopore Sequencing Technology.

Group A rotaviruses (RVA) remain a principal cause of childhood diarrhea in the UAE, despite universal vaccine use. Monitoring genetic diversity is important for identifying prevalent genotypes and escape mutants. Although real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is widely used for RVA genotyping, it may not detect some new strains. This study evaluates nanopore sequencing and RT-PCR for RVA genotyping. Thirty-three RVA strains from children under 5 years presenting with diarrhea were genotyped using both methods. Thirteen strains were genotyped by RT-PCR and confirmed by nanopore sequencing. Fifteen strains were genotyped by nanopore method alone. Most PCR-genotyped strains (56%) had the VP7 G9 genotype, with G3 in five strains and G12 in two. For VP4, P8 (n = 8) and P4 (n = 7) were dominant. The most frequent combinations were G9P[8] (31%) and G9P[4] (25%). Nanopore sequencing of 28 strains revealed G3P[8] (29%) as the most prevalent, followed by G8P[8] (18%). G9P[8] and G2P[4] were present in 14% of samples with G12P[6] being the rarest (7%). Other combinations were detected in 4% the specimens with one nontypeable. Nanopore sequencing was superior to PCR in identifying diverse and emerging genotypes like G8P[8]. This method may enhance surveillance studies and guide preventive measures for RVA gastroenteritis.

Virus-like Particles vaccine based on co-expression of G5 Porcine rotavirus VP2-VP6-VP7 induces a powerful immune protective response in mice

Porcine rotavirus (PoRV), a member of the Reoviridae family, constitutes a principal etiological agent of acute diarrhea in piglets younger than eight weeks of age, and it is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality within the swine industry. The G5 genotype rotavirus strain currently predominates in circulation. To develop a safe and effective porcine rotavirus vaccine, we generated an insect cell-baculovirus expression system, and successfully expressed these three viral proteins and assembled them into virus-like particles (VLPs) co-displaying VP2, VP6, and VP7. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that the VP2-VP6-VP7 VLPs exhibited a "wheeled" morphology resembling that of native rotavirus particles, with an estimated diameter of approximately 65nm. To evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of these VP2-VP6-VP7 VLPs, we immunized BALB/C mice with four escalating doses of the VLPs, ranging from 5 to 40μg of VLP protein per dose. ELISA-based assessments of PoRV-specific antibodies and T cell cytokines, including IL-4, IL-2, and IFN-γ, demonstrate that immunization with VP2-VP6-VP7 VLPs can effectively elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, resulting in a notable induction of neutralizing antibodies. On days 4, 6, 8, and 10 post-infection (dpi), the VLP-vaccinated group exhibited significantly reduced levels of PoRV RNA copy numbers when compared to the PBS controls. Histological examination of the duodenum, ileum, and kidneys revealed that VP2-VP6-VP7 VLPs provided effective protection against PoRV induced intestinal injury. Collectively, these findings indicate that the VLPs generated in this study possess strong immunogenicity and suggest the considerable promise of the VLP-based vaccine candidate in the prevention and containment of Porcine Rotavirus infections.

Genotype × environment interaction and stability analysis of advanced field pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes in Southeastern Ethiopia

Field pea is a leguminous crops that have a significant economic contributions to sustainable Ethiopian agriculture. The experiment was conducted at four location in 2015/16 to 2016/17 main cropping seasons with the objectives of to determine the magnitude of genotype by environment interactions and its stability of thirteen field pea genotypes using randomized complete block design with four replications. The AMMI analysis revealed that significant (p<0.01) differences between genotypes, environments and genotype by environment interactions for grain yield. This indicates the genotypes responded differently across environments. The highest mean grain yield was recorded from genotype G12 which records (2992 kg ha−1) followed by genotype G4 2974 kg ha−1 across environments. The AMMI analysis showed that genotypes, environments and there interaction accounted about 72.9 %, 1.2 % and 5.7 % of the total sum of squares respectively. The GGE biplot first two principal components explained about 57.42 % of the total sum square of GEI. The GGE biplot revealed that G4 and G12 were the most stable and high yielding genotypes, while G10 and G9 were the lowest yielder and stable genotypes. The results indicated that genotypes responded differently to environmental conditions and the environments influenced genotype performances.

Selection of rice genotypes based on agronomic traits and commercial grain quality

The study aimed to select rice genotypes based on agronomic traits and commercial grain quality. The study was carried out in the 2014/15 and 2015/16 harvests in eight growing environments, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Fourteen rice genotypes were sown in each environment. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications. The following agronomic traits were evaluated: number of days to flowering and grain yield as well as commercial grain quality traits: percentage of whole grains and percentage of chalky area in the grains. AMMI, GGE and MGIDI methodologies were used to select the best performing genotypes. Using the AMMI, GGE and MGDI methods, genotypes G9 and G1 performed close to the ideal ideotype for the number of days to grain flowering, yield and quality.

Continuing evolution of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of clade 2.3.2.1a G2 genotype in domestic poultry of Bangladesh during 2018–2021

ABSTRACT We characterized 15 H5N1 HPAI viruses from different small- and medium-scale poultry flocks across Bangladesh during 2018–2021 based on their complete genome sequences. The antigenic relatedness of H5N1 HPAI viruses from different timepoints was analysed. During 2020–2021, 42.11% of the flocks tested positive for at least one of the respiratory infections, with 15.79% showing influenza A virus, of which 8.77% tested positive for HPAIV H5N1. Co-infections with two to four pathogens were detected in 15.8% of flocks. Phylogeny and gene constellation analyses based on complete genome sequences of 15 HPAI viruses revealed the continuing circulation of H5 clade 2.3.2.1a genotype G2 viruses. In the HA protein of the study isolates, functionally meaningful mutations caused the loss of an N-linked glycosylation site (T156A), a modified antigenic site A (S141P), and a mutation in the receptor binding pocket (E193R/K). Consequently, antigenic analysis revealed a significant loss of cross-reactivity between viruses from different host species and periods. Most viruses displayed oseltamivir resistance markers at positions V96, I97, S227, and N275 (N1 numbering) of the NA protein. In addition, for the PB2, M1, and NS1 proteins, significant mutations were noticed that have been associated with polymerase activity and increased virulence for mammals in all study isolates. These results highlight the need for intensified genomic surveillance of HPAI circulating in poultry in Bangladesh and for establishing appropriate control measures to decrease the circulation of these viruses in poultry in the country.