Hybrid Programming Research Articles

Studies on Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in Garden Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Genotypes under the Central Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

A field experiment was carried out to determine the genetic variability, heritability and Genetic advance present in twenty-two genotypes of garden pea during Rabi season 2021-22 at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Babbur farm, Hiriyur. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with two replications. Observations were recorded on various yield and yield contributing characters. In general, the magnitude of the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was greater than that of the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and the narrow difference between them indicates less environmental influence on the expression of the trait. High PCVand GCV (>20%) were recorded on plant height, number of branches per plant, pod thickness, number of pods per plant and non-reducing sugars which indicates the presence of high genetic variation and scope for effective improvement. All the characters studied in this experiment showed high heritability (>60%) in a broad sense coupled with high genetic advance as per cent over a mean (>20%) except for days to first flowering, days to 50 per cent flowering and days taken for first picking. This indicates the existence of additive gene action and the need for population improvement through selection. The genotypes that exhibit specific traits can be used in a hybridization programme

Drought Tolerance in Mung Bean is Associated with the Genotypic Divergence, Regulation of Proline, Photosynthetic Pigment and Water Relation

Drought is one of the critical conditions for the growth and productivity of many crops including mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek). Screening of genotypes for variations is one of the suitable strategies for evaluating crop adaptability and global food security. In this context, the study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of four drought tolerant (BARI Mung-8, BMX-08010-2, BMX-010015, BMX-08009-7), and four drought sensitive (BARI Mung-1, BARI Mung-3, BU Mung-4, BMX-05001) mung bean genotypes under wellwatered (WW) and water deficit (WD) conditions. The WW treatment maintained sufficient soil moisture (22% ± 0.5%, i.e., 30% deficit of available water) by regularly supplying water. Whereas, the WD treatment was maintained throughout the growing period, and water was applied when the wilting symptom appeared. The drought tolerant (DT) genotypes BARI Mung-8, BMX-08010-2, BMX-010015, BMX-08009-7 showed a high level of proline accumulation (2.52–5.99 mg g−1 FW), photosynthetic pigment (total chlorophyll 2.96–3.27 mg g−1 FW at flowering stage, and 1.62–2.38 mg g−1 FW at pod developing stage), plant water relation attributes including relative water content (RWC) (82%–84%), water retention capacity (WRC) (12–14) as well as lower water saturation deficit (WSD) (19%–23%), and water uptake capacity (WUC) (2.58–2.89) under WD condition, which provided consequently higher relative seed yield. These indicate that the tolerant genotypes gained better physiobiochemical attributes and adaptability in response to drought conditions. Furthermore, the genotype BMX- 08010-2 showed superiority in terms of those physio-biochemical traits, susceptibility index (SSI) and stress tolerance index (STI) to other genotypes. Based on the physiological and biochemical responses, the BMX-08010-2 was found to be a suitable genotype for sustaining yield under drought stress, and subsequently, it could be recommended for crop improvement through hybridization programs. In addition, the identified traits can be used as markers to identify tolerant genotypes for drought-prone areas.

Abstract B024: Pivot to SPARCC diversity in the clinical cancer research workforce; implementation and evaluation of an academic enrichment pathway before, during, and after the COVID-19 global pandemic

Abstract Academic pipeline programs are designed to mitigate systemic barriers that have historically excluded individuals due to deep-rooted, structural inequities. The Student-centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC) was developed in 2018 to diversify the clinical research health professions workforce and has graduated three cohorts of scholars from 2019-2021. Due to COVID-19 and safety concerns, SPARCC evolved, pivoting to establish effective learning environments virtually and in-person to ensure the original curriculum of academic, research, and professional identity development were upheld. The program aims to a.) immerse students in the clinical cancer research environment, supporting immediate employment as a clinical research professional (CRP) and b.) to provide structured support and guidance for individuals intending to pursue advanced professional degrees. SPARCC programmatic evaluations included a multifactorial strategy utilizing the same three evaluative instruments each year. These included a 17-item knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey specific to clinical cancer research, daily workshop evaluations, and clinical practicum rotation evaluations. The SPARCC KAP was distributed immediately prior to the start of the program, upon graduation from the program, and six months later. After exploratory factor analysis, items were grouped into three factors: knowledge of clinical research practice, knowledge of research practice, and knowledge of culturally responsive cancer care. Mixed ANOVAS were used to assess changes in factors based on time (pre-, post-, and 6-month follow up; within) and cohort (year of participation; between). Over three years 156 students applied, 65% of whom identified belonging to an underrepresented ace or ethnicity. Thirty-six scholars matriculated through the program: 14(39%) White; 13(36%) Black; 3(8%) Asian; 3(8%) Native American; 1 3%) Native American/Black; 1(3%) Black/Asian; 1(3%) Pacific Islander. Forty-four percent (16 scholars) identified as Hispanic/Latino/a. Six scholars (17%) entered the clinical research workforce within six months of graduating from the SPARCC program, all who identified as belonging to underrepresented groups. The KAP evaluations revealed that scholars’ knowledge increased significantly after participation in the program in each of the three factors: knowledge of clinical research practice (p < .007); knowledge of research practice (p < .007); and knowledge of culturally responsive cancer care (p < .007). Within six months of graduation from SPARCC, 17% of scholars entered the clinical research workforce, and nearly 60% were enrolled in graduate-research degree programs or medical school. SPARCC demonstrated curricular flexibility and ingenuity when pivoting from entirely in-person to entirely virtual, and finally to a hybrid program over the first three years of the program. Through didactic, clinical, research, and career professional identity exploration, robust learning experiences engaged scholars despite limitations on in-person contact. Citation Format: Kristina Kaljo, Lindsey McAlarnen, Michael Braun, Emmanuel Ngui, Janet S. Rader. Pivot to SPARCC diversity in the clinical cancer research workforce; implementation and evaluation of an academic enrichment pathway before, during, and after the COVID-19 global pandemic [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B024.

Implementation of Hybrid Programming Approach Using Python for Cross Platforms Mobile and Web Application in Cloud Environment

Implementation of Hybrid Programming Approach Using Python for Cross Platforms Mobile and Web Application in Cloud Environment

Genetic Diversity and Variability in Barnyard Millet [Echinochloa frumentaceae (L.)] Germplasm Based on Morphological Traits

Characterization of germplasm based on the phenotypic traits is essential for the identification of desirable genotypes in any crop improvement programme. In the present study, fifty three barnyard millet genotypes including checks were characterized for morphological traits. The genotypes exhibited considerable variation for the phenotypic traits studied. Single plant yield recorded the highest coefficient of variation of 35.47 per cent, followed by lower raceme length (32.22%), and peduncle length (30.52%). The least coefficient of variation (CV) of 6.18 per cent was observed for plant height. PCA analysis revealed that the first four principal components contributed to a maximum of 70.98 per cent of the total variation among genotypes. Cluster analysis based on quantitative traits categorized the 53 barnyard millet accessions into four distinctive clusters. Cluster I and cluster II included high-yielding genotypes, while cluster III and cluster IV consisted of low-yielding genotypes. The genotypes viz., GECH758, GECH746, GECH27, CO(KV)2, MA1, GECH10 and TNEf192 were found to be superior in terms of yield attributing traits viz., single plant yield and thousand-grain weight. The desirable genotypes can be utilized in hybridization programs for yield improvement in barnyard millet.

Genetic diversity study through K-Means clustering in germplasm accessions of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

To identify potential genotypes for location specific breeding programmes of Andhra Pradesh, genetic diversity among 537 chickpea germplasm accessions was assessed for yield attributing traits during rabi 2020-21 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh. K-means clustering was utilised to ascertain genetic distances among 537 chickpea germplasm accessions which were grouped into 12 different clusters. Cluster I was the biggest and had the most genotypes (73), followed by clusters XII (66), VII (60), XI (58), X (49), V & VII (43), III (40), IV (36), II (27), IX (22) and VI (20). Clusters IV and IX, as well as clusters VI and VII, were the most divergent, with the maximum inter-cluster distances. The germplasm accessions viz., NBeG-169, RVSSG-40, CP 117-5-23 and ICCV 07101 were identified with high per se performance from diverse clusters IV, IX, VI, and VII for inclusion as parents in a hybridization program to achieve desirable transgressive segregants. Keywords: Chickpea, cluster, genetic diversity and K-means clustering &nbsp

Unravelling the G × E interactions using AMMI biplot for phenology and agro-morphological traits in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

In the present study, additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) biplot analysis was used to identify stable genotypes for days to flowering, maturity, plant height and number of branches per plant to dissect GEI in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.). Trials were conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications over three consecutive years, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19. ANOVA analysis revealed genotype and G×E interaction effects contributed significant sum of square for days to flower (97.31% and 0.56%); days to maturity (89.27% and 8.90%); plant height (98.29% and 0.70%) and number of branches per plant (86.40% and 2.41% respectively). The dissection of GE interaction for all the traits was mostly explained by the first and second principal component axis (IPCA1 and IPCA2). The SSI statistic fully sync with the results of the AMMI1 biplot analysis for all the traits of top ranked genotypes across the environments. Results of genotypes stability in AMMI1 and AMMI2 biplot analyses were shown differential response with some exceptions that indicates the different sets of genes were responsible for the cumulative expression of traits under study. In the present study environments imposed variable effects with few exceptions towards the genotype stability in both AMMI1 and AMMI2 analysis models for all the traits studied. Hence, the desirable genotypes identified in linseed for phenology and agro-morphological traits could be utilized in hybridization program and varietal recommendation under semi-arid conditions.

Molecular diversity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes in Malaysia based on SSR markers

Rice crop improvement is determined by the degree of genetic variability and the heritability of favorable genes. A total of twenty-five SSR markers were used to measure the level of polymorphism and genetic variation among the 65 rice genotypes. Twenty-one of the twenty-five SSRs were discovered to be polymorphic, whereas the rest were determined to be monomorphic. A total of 91 alleles were found in 21 SSR markers, with an average of 4.00 alleles which ranged from 3 (RM335, RM551, RM538 RM190, RM242 and RM270) to 7 (RM263). The average PIC value was 0.62 ranging from 0.28 (RM 270) to 0.76 (RM 481). The rice genotypes were divided into nine primary clusters by a dendrogram based on NTSYS software’s UPGMA analysis. The cluster analysis revealed that these genotypes were divided into nine clusters where cluster IB-1a has the most genotypes (31) followed by cluster IB-1b (24).The genotype BR24 and Utri as well as Pukhi and WANGI PUTEH had the highest dissimilarity coefficient values indicating genotype diversity. These accessions have a lot of genetic diversity among the constituents; thus, they could be used directly in a hybridization program to improve yield-related parameters.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity using D2 Statistics among the Medium Maturity Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] Genotypes

The experimentation was carried out for twenty-one diverse genotypes of pigeon pea for eight quantitatively inherited traits. The genotypes were grouped into six clusters following P.C. Mahalanobis D2 statistical techniques. The cluster I consisted highest (16) genotypes and remaining five-clusters are solitary clusters. The maximum intra-cluster distance was observed for cluster I. The greater inter-cluster distance was recorded for cluster II and VI while the lower values were found for the cluster II and III. The maximum contribution towards the genetic diversity were found for seed yield followed by the 100-seed weight, secondary branches/plant and days to maturity. Hence, the genotypes ICPL-15072, WRG-327, AAUVT-13-20, PT-0904-1-1-2 and BAUPP-16-01 were found most genetically distant and superiority in yield and its attributing traits which may be used in hybridization programme to generate genetically divergent progenies to develop high yielding medium maturity Pigeon pea genotype.

Appraisement of genetic variability and character association of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus)

Twenty five genotypes of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) from different geographic origins were grown at the Central Jute Agricultural Experiment station of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Jagir, Manikganj to study their variability, correlation for nine morphological characters. Significant variation was found for all the characters among the genotypes. PCV was greater than GCV and high GCV values were observed for green weight with leaves, green weight without leaves, stick weight and fibre weight. The high heritability (more than 85%) coupled with high genetic advance in percent of mean were observed for most of the traits. All the characters except green bark thickness and internode length showed significant and positive correlation with fibre weight. Path co-efficient analysis revealed that green weight with leaves, green weight without leaves, green bark thickness and stick weight showed positive direct effect on fibre yield. Considering these agronomic performance genotypes G22 and G25 are suggested for future hybridization program. SAARC J. Agric., 20(2): 31-42 (2022)

Phenotypic diversity, heritability, and association of characters in sugarcane genotypes at Metehara Sugar Estate, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Genetic improvement of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) yield is crucial in the improvement of crop productivity. This study was conducted with the objectives to estimate the degree of phenotypic diversity, heritability, and association of various traits and recommend sugarcane genotypes for commercial production and small-scale farmers. Fifteen sugarcane genotypes and one standard check variety were evaluated in plant, first and second ratoon crops for 14 quantitative traits including stalk and juice quality. Highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) differences among the genotypes for all the traits were observed. Phenotypic diversity of genotypes by principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis indicated genetically diverse genotypes from divergent cluster groups, which can be exploited as desirable parents to use in hybridization programs. All traits had low to high correlations (r = 0.132 to 0.719) with cane yield. High broad-sense heritability (h2) was detected for single cane weight (82.55), number of millable canes (76.85), plant height (76.79), stalk diameter (73.22), and internode length (73.69) indicating that these traits could be selected for easily. Highest expected genetic gains were recorded in single cane weight (30.12) and number of millable canes (28.6). Path coefficient analysis of cane yield revealed that single cane weight and number of millable canes were the major contributors to cane yield. Results showed that millable cane number and single cane weight can be used as reliable selection criteria to improve sugarcane yield. Genotypes FG03104, FG05414, and FG05300 can be considered for commercial production at Metehara Sugar Estate and similar agroecologies.

Evaluation of collective samples of oil flax by economic valuable and marking signs

Aim. Evaluation of promising collection samples of linseed for economically valuable and marker traits to identify the sources of these traits and their further use in the creation of new breeding material. Methods. Field, laboratory, measuring and weighing, mathematical and statistical. The research was conducted in 2019–2021 at the research fields of the Institute of Agriculture, located in the Fastiv district of the Kyiv region. Results. According to the results of the study and evaluation of 17 promising samples of oil flax of different ecological and geographical origin, the best genotypes were selected in the collection nursery for the main economic, valuable and marker characteristics. It was established that the majority of the collection samples belong to early ripening with a duration of the vegetation period of 85 days. The highest weight of 1000 seeds was found in varieties Evrika, Debut (8.74 and 8.44 g) and Vohni Dniprohesu (7.96 g). The maximum seed productivity was characterized by varieties Evrika (237 g/m2) and Legur (231 g/m2), which also had the largest number of seed pods per plant (17.1 pcs.). According to the total length of the stem, the samples were at the level of 41.8–63.3 cm, and according to the technical length of the fiber – 26.2–44.1 cm. The varieties Svitlozir and Aisberh, which have white flower color and pink and white, were characterized by contrasting marker features color of anthers, respectively. The varieties Debut (dark brown) and Svitlozir (yellow) differ in seed color. The average content of oil in the seeds for the entire sample of varieties was 47.7%. The highest oil content was determined for the Rucheek, Nebesny, Zaporizhzhya Bohatyr, and Vodohray samples (48.5–49.1%). According to the results of the analysis of the fatty acid composition of the flax samples, the best genotypes were selected based on the content of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. Conclusions. According to the results of the study, the best collection samples of oil flax were selected, which are sources of economically useful and marker traits: high seed productivity, increased oil content in seeds, early maturity, which will be involved in the hybridization program to create a new source breeding material with a given set of traits. Basic information on the economic and valuable characteristics of oilseed flax was obtained, which can be used in further scientific research.

Evaluation of Indian Mustard Genotypes for White Rust Resistance Using BjuWRR1Gene and Their Phenotypic Performance

The present investigation was carried out to identify the potential donors of resistant gene(s)/the source of white rust disease in B. juncea using 30 genotypes, including locally adapted accessions and advanced breeding lines. Out of 30 genotypes, ten lines viz. Bio-YSR, CAULC-1, CAULC-2, CAULC-3, CAULC-4, CAURM-2, CAULR-7, CAURM-4, CAURM 4-1, and CAURM 4-2 exhibited a lower PDI value (lesser than mean 10.83) with a superior agronomic performance related with the disease. The evaluation of these ten genotypes for the presence of the BjuWRR1 gene using a gene-based marker depicted the presence of the functional allele of the BjuWRR1 gene in the five genotypes viz., Bio-YSR, CAULC-1, CAULC-3, CAURM 4-1 and CAURM 4-2. When compared with the sequenced amplicon of these genotypes, it is found to be identical with that of an east European Brassica juncea line, Donskaja-IV, the completely resistant genotype against various isolates of Albugo candida. The findings from the present study suggested that besides Bio-YSR, the local lines of Manipur CAULC-1 (Local Yella of Potshangbam) and CAULC-3 (Local Yella of Kakching Lamjao) can be used as the potential white rust resistance sources/donors in disease resistance breeding programmes for the development of elite B. juncea cultivars in the future. In addition to the local lines, two improved advanced lines, viz. CAURM 4-1 and CAURM 4-2, obtained from a hybridization programme, may be further evaluated for releasing resistant varieties against white rust.

Genotype-by-environment interaction and stability of root mealiness and other organoleptic properties of boiled cassava roots

Genetic enhancement of cassava aimed at improving cooking and eating quality traits is a major goal for cassava breeders to address the demand for varieties that are desirable for the fresh consumption market segment. Adoption of such cassava genotypes by consumers will largely rely not only on their agronomic performance, but also on end-user culinary qualities such as root mealiness. The study aimed to examine genotype × environment interaction (GEI) effects for root mealiness and other culinary qualities in 150 cassava genotypes and detect genotypes combining stable performance with desirable mealiness values across environments using GGE biplot analysis. Experiments were conducted using an alpha-lattice design with three replications for two years in three locations in Nigeria. The analysis of variance revealed a significant influence of genotype, environment, and GEI on the performance of genotypes. Mealiness scores showed no significant relationship with firmness values of boiled roots assessed by a penetration test, implying that large-scale rapid and accurate phenotyping of mealiness of boiled cassava roots remains a major limitation for the effective development of varieties with adequate mealiness, a good quality trait for direct consumption (boil-and-eat) as well as for pounding into ‘fufu’. The moderate broad-sense heritability estimate and relatively high genetic advance observed for root mealiness suggest that significant genetic gains can be achieved in a future hybridization program. The genotype main effects plus genotype × environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis showed that the different test environments discriminated among the genotypes. Genotypes G80 (NR100265) and G120 (NR110512) emerged as the best performers for root mealiness in Umudike, whereas G13 (B1-50) and the check, G128 (TMEB693) performed best in Igbariam and Otobi. Based on the results of this study, five genotypes, G13 (B1-50), G34 (COB6-4), G46 (NR010161), the check, G128 (TMEB693), and G112 (NR110376), which were found to combine stability with desirable mealiness values, were the most suitable candidates to recommend for use as parents to improve existing cassava germplasm for root mealiness.

Genetical and Physiological Analysis for Heat Tolerance in Spring Wheat

The experiment was conducted at Agronomy field laboratory, Dept. of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi during 2019-2020 to identify the diverse genotypes of wheat related to heat tolerance. Twenty wheat genotypes/lines were used as a plant materials in this experiment. The wheat genotypes/lines were evaluated in heat stress environments. Non-hierarchical clustering grouped the wheat genotypes into five clusters. The cluster II indicated the maximum number of genotypes following the cluster V, III and IV. Plant height and spikes m-2 were major traits contributed mostly towards genetic divergence. Selection of parents for these two traits has good scope to get broad spectrum of segregates. The cluster V had the highest grains spike-1, spikelet’s spike-1, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and biomass whereas canopy temperature, heading days and maturity days were lowest. Cluster I had the lowest grain yield, spikes m-2, grains spike-1, biomass and chlorophyll content, plant height, spikelet’s spike-1 and 1000-grain weight. Five pairs of clusters viz. the clusters (I and V, I and II, I and IV, III and V and IV and V) may be considered for getting more heterotic F1. The genotypes G 02 and G 11 of cluster I and genotypes G 6, G 15, G 17, G 18 and G 20 of cluster V may be considered as parents for future hybridization program to obtain diverse genotypes related to heat tolerance. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 3(1): 61-68, 2021

Barriers to hospital-based phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation among patients with coronary heart disease in China: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundCoronary heart disease (CHD) has become a leading cause of morbidity and premature death worldwide. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) was proved to have substantial benefits for patients with CHD. The CR was divided into three phases. Phase 2 is the important part of CR which involves hospital-based structured and closely monitored exercises and activities. However, CR utilization is low worldwide. The barriers to hospital-based phase 2 CR in China have not been well identified.AimsTo investigate barriers to hospital-based phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation among coronary heart disease patients in China and to explore the reasons.MethodsThis study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. The study was conducted in a university hospital in China from July 2021 to December 2021. Quantitative data was collected through the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barrier Scale. Qualitative data was collected through unstructured face-to-face interviews. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and inductive qualitative content analysis.ResultsOne hundred and sixty patients completed the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barrier Scale and 17 patients participated in unstructured face-to-face interviews. The main barriers identified were distance (3.29 ± 1.565), transportation (2.99 ± 1.503), cost (2.76 ± 1.425), doing exercise at home (2.69 ± 1.509) and time constraints (2.48 ± 1.496). Six themes were identified; logistical factors, social support, misunderstanding of cardiac rehabilitation, program and health system-level factors, impression of CR team and psychological distress. The first four themes confirmed the quantitative results and provide a deeper explanation for the quantitative results. The last two themes were new information that emerged in the qualitative phase.ConclusionThis study provides a better understanding of the barriers to hospital-based phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation among coronary heart disease patients in the Chinese context during the Covid-19 pandemic. Innovative programs such as home-based CR, mobile health, and hybrid programs might be considered to overcome some of these barriers. In addition, psychosocial intervention should be included in these programs to mitigate some of the barriers associated with the impression of CR team and psychological distress.

Variation in leaf characters and agronomical traits of Yard-long bean genotypes between Dimocarpus longan and Psidium guajava stand

Abstract. Putra FP, Kusmiyati F, Anwar S, Widaryati, Sas MGA. 2022. Variation in leaf characters and agronomical traits of Yard-long bean genotypes between Dimocarpus longan and Psidium guajava stand. Biodiversitas 23: 5752-5758. Yard-long bean (Vigna unguiculata subs. sesquipedalis) is one of the most familiar horticulture crops. Leaf characteristics such as trichomes, stomata, and chlorophyll content correlated to other traits that influenced tolerance under sub-optimum conditions and component production traits. This study aimed to evaluate the leaf characters and agronomical traits variations of the Yard-long bean genotypes. The study was conducted by Split-plot design, with the primary factor were shading between Psidium guajava and Dimocarpus longan Lour. stand. The sub-plot was seven genotypes of Yard-long beans. Analyses were performed of multiple components, including the density of trichome, density of stomata, chlorophylls, carotenoids, nitrate reductase activity, flowering times, harvesting times, and production components under shading conditions between D. longan and P. guajava stands. The density of trichome, density of stomata, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, and Nitrate reductase activity showed the variability responses for each genotype in different shading conditions. One genotype showed early flowering in shaded conditions between D. longan than in shaded conditions between P. guajava. Two genotypes have the potential to adapt under shade conditions between D. longan. The morpho-agronomic characters that have been characterized may be used as potential donors for future hybridization programs to develop superior yard-long bean varieties.

Screening of bread wheat genotypes for heat tolerance using artificial and natural environment

Increasing temperature because of climate change is one of the leading constraints to wheat productivity by adversely affecting its growth and development. Global warming would push the wheat cultivation further into heat stressed environment in future which may ultimately cause yield loss. This research directed for determination of heat tolerance level among different wheat genotypes to establish selection criteria under high temperature to select promising wheat genotypes for breeding. Hundred wheat accessions including 97 lines from international Maize and wheat improvement centre’s (CIMMYT) heat nurseries and three local checks were assessed for tolerance against high temperature in glass house and open field. In glass house, at seedling stage data was recorded for fresh shoot weight, dry shoot weight, leaf relative water content and electrolyte leakage. In open field data for heat and yield related traits were recorded and subjected to mean square analysis. Studied traits were pooled through cluster analysis. Results showed that these traits have potential to discriminate heat tolerant and susceptible genotypes. Variances between genotypes were highly significant for all investigated traits under both circumstances. Accessions HTSBWON-15-0002, HTSBWON-15-0029, HTSBWON-15-0040, HTSBWON-15-0079, HTSBWON-15-0087, HTSBWON-15-0089 and Faisalabad-08 performed good for heat and yield related traits particularly electrolyte leakage and leaf relative water content. Hence, based on analysis it could be deduced that these genotypes may be used in hybridization programs for development of heat tolerant wheat genotypes with high yield potential.

Optimization Modeling for Regional Energy System Management Coupled with Energy–Water Nexus and Carbon Emission Reduction: A Case Study

Under global climate change and resource crisis, the correlation and restriction between energy, water, and carbon emission are increasingly prominent, which has posed great challenges for the sustainable development of energy systems. This article develops a dual-interval stage-fuzzy credibility-constrained programming model for regional energy system management problems with energy–water nexus (EWN) and carbon emission reduction, in which uncertainties expressed as discrete intervals, probability distributions, and dual-interval fuzzy numbers can be addressed. It can provide a trade-off among economic cost, system risk, and environmental objective. Then, the hybrid programming method is applied to a case of Guangdong Province, China to verify its applicability, where a series of scenarios with respect to water resources and carbon emission constraints are explored and examined. The robust solutions of optimal strategies for electricity generation, capacity expansion, water supply, and carbon capture are investigated and obtained. Results disclose that different scenarios associated with water resource availability and carbon emissions would deeply affect the EWN system planning: (1) Compared with low carbon emission standard, the proportion of renewable power generation under high carbon emission scenario would increase by [1.39, 1.68] %, [1.69, 2.35] %, and [1.49, 1.94] % in periods 1–3, respectively. (2) Scarce water availability scenario would restrict coal-fired power generation and simulate the development of renewable energy. These findings can be useful for decision makers to gain deep insights into energy system management in a sustainable way considering energy structure adjustment, multiple uncertainties, EWN, and carbon emission reduction.

Assessment of pollen morphology and hybridization in pomegranate (Punica granatum)

Pollen studies act as a prerequisite for choosing a compatible pollen parent and help plant breeders to achieve successful crossing between different cultivars. An experiment was conducted during 2018–19 at Fruit Research Farm of Regional Horticulture Research and Training Station Bajaura, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh to evaluate 8 commercial genetically distant pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars (Chawla, Nabha, P-26, Kandhari Kabuli, G-137, Jodhpur Red, Mridula and Bhagwa) for pollen morphology (shape and size) and viability. Hybridization studies were also carried out to assess the role of cross pollination in fruit set to infuse blood red aril colour and soft seededness in the selected cultivars. The compatibility behaviour was studied by using different cross combinations of cultivars followed by recording their fruit set percentage. It could help breeders understand the performance of cultivars as pollinizers which would ultimately help them in hybridization programs. Pollen viability of the pomegranate germplasm was determined using 2% acetocarmine. Highest pollen viability was recorded in Bhagwa (94.29%) followed by Chawla (91.21%). In hybridization studies, highest fruit set per cent among 16 crosses was observed in Mridula × P-26 (77.80%). The differences in fruit set percentage could be due to varied degree of compatibility between different genotypes, behaviour of pollen with respect to viability percentage, differences in growth rate of pollen tube and might also be due to differences in temperature during bloom period.