Hybrid Programming Research Articles

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.

Evaluation of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) Germplasm for Seed Yield and Yield Related Traits through Cluster Analysis

An investigation was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Madhira during the rabi, 2017-18 to study the genetic divergence and clustering pattern among 39 greengram germplasm accessions in Randomized Block Design (RBD) replicated twice for eight quantitative traits. Principal component analysis revealed that the first three principal components-PC I, PC II, and PC III—contributed about 83.95% of the variation for the understudied genotypes. According to a cluster analysis, genotypes can be divided into seven different groups, with cluster I being the largest with a maximum of 27 genotypes. Cluster III is second largest with 5 genotypes, and cluster II is third with 3 genotypes. The mono genotypic cluster indicated by genotypes IC-436634, IC-426458, IC-261272 and WGG-42 indicates the presence of diversity for generating variability through hybridization. The maximum distance inside cluster III was 54.11, while the greatest distance between clusters IV and VII was 507.95. Data on cluster means for various traits revealed that cluster VI had the highest mean value for the number of clusters per plant, the number of pods per plant, and the number of seeds produced per plant. The total genetic diversity was considerably influenced by both plant height and the quantity of pods per plant, Data on cluster means for various features revealed that cluster VI had the highest mean value for the number of clusters per plant, the number of pods per plant, and the number of seeds produced per plant. Plant height made the largest contribution (27.25%) and the number of pods per plant made the smallest contribution (20.23%) to the total genetic diversity. For the purpose of retrieving superior recombinants in segregating generations, the genotypes in the clusters with the greatest inter cluster distance may be included in the hybridization programme.

Genetic Variability and Divergence of Morphological and Seed Quality Traits of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) Genotypes

Forty greengram genotypes were evaluated for their morphological traits and to find the extent of genetic variability. Analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes were highly significant for all the characters studied, indicating the existence of considerable magnitude of variability. High (>20%) phenotypic co-efficient of variation and high genotypic co-efficient of variation for seed yield (kg/4.05 m2) in the present investigation was noticed and indicating the minimal influence of environment and presence of high genetic variability for the trait in the experimental material. Hence, selection based on phenotype in these genotypes can also be effective for improvement of seed yield. High heritability to plant height (cm), days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, pod length, 100 seed weight, protein estimation and medium heritability to seed yield (kg/4.05 m2). High GAM to plant height and seed yield demonstrates the presence of additive gene effect indicating effectiveness of selection for improvement of these traits. Mahalanobis D2 analysis suggested the maximum contribution of seed yield (74.87%) towards genetic diversity followed by Plant height (8.08%), Days to Maturity (7.69%), Pod length (4.36%), Days to 50% flowering (3.59%), Seedling Dry Weight (0.64%), Protein Estimation (0.64%), 100 seed weight (0.13%). All 40 genotypes were grouped into 12 clusters. The clustering pattern revealed that genetic diversity was associated with geographical diversity in the present research. Based on mean performances, the genotypes PUSA-9072, MLGG-21-2, IC-436557, MLGG-21-6, RMP-21-11, Gouri, MLGG-21-3, MGG-512, MGG-519 from these clusters can be directly used as parents in the hybridization programme. The output of this study is characterization of greengram genotypes for DUS characters and other traits. This study helps in identification of genotypes with suitable traits, helps in registration of lines with PPV and FRA and the material can be used in breeding programmes.

Intra and interspecific morphological variations of three species of Capsicum (Solanaceae)

The widely cultivated pepper, Capsicum spp., important as a vegetable and spice crop worldwide, is one of the most diverse crops. Considerable morphological variation, especially in fruit shape, color, and size exist in the genus. The present study analysed the intra and interspecific morphological variations of three species of Capsicum (Solanaceae) using thirty nine morphological characters. Morphological variations with respect to vegetative, floral and fruit characteristics were observed among the members of the same species. Morphological data was used to obtain UPGMA derived dendrogram and the cluster analysis indicated genetic divergence among the three species. Present observations imply a great potential for chilli breeding through a hybridization programme or direct use of the varieties for the successful production of promising cultivars.

Comparative investigation of the genetic components of Withania somnifera L. yield and quality traits using multivariate and associations analysis in the Deccan plateau region

The vital herb ashwagandha was farmed for commercial purposes in India. This study aimed to estimate the nature and amount of genetic variation in the 20 attributes in the 29 genotypes of ashwagandha in order to understand the correlations and character contributions to dry root weight/plant and alkaloid content with the selection of potential parents for ashwagandha crop improvement. Twenty-nine ashwagandha genotypes were assessed using a range of genetic metrics, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), genetic variability components, correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and Mahalanobis D2. The ANOVA confirms a large amount of variability in the genotypes/varieties under study. Out of twenty the four traits, namely fresh leaf weight per plant (X8), dry leaf weight per plant (X9), seed yield per plant (X13), and dry root weight per plant (X16)—indicates the presence of additive gene action in the current study were highly heritable and had a high genetic advance mean value. Starch estimation, main root length, and root diameter were found to be positively and significantly correlated with dry root production per plant and total alkaloid content. The principle component analysis (PCA) results showed that the first four PCA accounted for the bulk (79.56%) of the differences. All genotypes are divided into four clusters based on the distances between and within clusters. Based on the findings mentioned above, it is recommended that genotypes from clusters IV (Poshita, CIMAP-Chetak), cluster II (AKAS-10, AKAS-11, NMITLI-101, and NMITLI-118), and cluster I (AKAS-02, IC-286632, and CIMAP Pratap) be chosen for a different hybridization program. Based on the multidisciplinary investigation, some of the genotypes with desired qualities have been found. They can be employed in upcoming breeding programs to increase alkaloid content and dry root yield.

Genetic Variability, Diversity, Heterosis and Combining Ability in Sponge Gourd [Luffa cylindrica (Roem.) L.

This experiment was conducted at Mandouri farm, Horticultural Research Station, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyala (BCKV), West Bengal, India during March, 2014 to July, 2018. The objectives of the research were to determine genetic variability, phenotypic performance and diversity for yield and 17 yield attributing traits of the 45 sponge gourd germplasm. To study the heterosis and combining ability of parental lines with half diallel analysis for earliness and yield contributing characters. PCV (phenotypic coefficient of variation) was higher than GCV (genotypic coefficient of variation) for all the traits studied. Higher PCV and GCV were recorded for traits namely number of primary branches plant-1, number of fruiting nodes on main stem, sex ratio (male/female), fruits plant-1 and fruit yield plant-1. Based on Mahalanobis’ D2 statistic, the genotypes of sponge gourd were grouped into 7 different clusters. Fruit yield plant-1, weight of fruit and number of fruiting nodes on main stem had maximum contribution towards genetic divergence. Among the parents, Patna Local, IC-336759 and IC-284795 showed high significant positive GCA effects as well as per se performance for yield and yield related attributes. Additive as well as non-additive gene action regulating the different traits. The traits under non additive gene action. The magnitude of standard heterosis was found in desirable direction for early and yield traits viz., days to first pistillate flower appearance in the cross IC284795×Patna Loca (-23.07%), for 50% flowering in the cross IC-284795×Patna Local (-18.89%), sex ratio in the cross IC-336759×Patna Local (-53.41%), for number of fruit vine-1 in the cross IC-284795×Patna Local (34.56%) and average fruit weight in the cross IC336759×Patna Local (110.09%). Promising germplasm Patna Local may be subjected for regional yield trail along with released variety with a view to develop new variety of sponge gourd. The superior hybrids can be exploited for hybridization programme.

Selection of Lentil (Lens Culinaris (Medik.)) Genotypes Suitable for High-Temperature Conditions Based on Stress Tolerance Indices and Principal Component Analysis.

Legumes, including lentil, are a valuable source of carbohydrates, fiber, protein and vitamins and minerals. Their nutritional characteristics have been associated with a reduction in the incidence of various cancers, HDL cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Among these quality parameters, lectins have been associated with reducing certain forms of cancer, activating innate defense mechanisms and managing obesity. Protease inhibitors such as trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors have been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of certain cancers and demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory properties. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor has been associated with a reduction in hypertension. Therefore, legumes, including lentils, should be part of our daily food intake. However, high temperatures at the terminal stage is a major abiotic constraint leading to a reduction in lentil yield and seed quality. Thus, the selection of heat-tolerant genotypes is essential to identifying the potential for high yields with stable performance. To select lentil genotypes, an experiment was conducted with 60 genotypes including local landraces, advanced breeding lines, commercial varieties and exotic germplasm under stress and non-stress conditions from 2019 to 2020. This study was followed by a subset study involving screening based on a few physicochemical parameters and reproductive traits along with field performances. Different tolerance indices (i.e., stress susceptible index (SSI), relative heat index (RHI), tolerance (TOL), mean productivity (MP), stress tolerance index (STI), geometric mean productivity (GMP), yield index (YI), yield stability index (YSI), heat-resistance index (HRI), modified stress-tolerance index (MSTI), abiotic tolerance index (ATI) and stress susceptibility percentage (SSPI)) were used for the selection of the genotypes along with field performance. Biplot analysis was further performed for choosing the most suitable indices. Based on principal components analysis, the GMP, MP, RRI, STI, YI, YSI, ATI and MSTI indices were identified as the most reliable stress indicators, and these indicators might be used for distinguishing heat-tolerant genotypes. Based on the stress indices, the genotypes BLX 05002-3, BLX 10002-20, LRIL-21-1-1-1-1, LRIL-21-1-1-1-1-6 and BLX 09015 were selected as the most stable and heat-tolerant genotypes. In contrast, the genotypes LG 198, Bagura Local, BLX 0200-08-4, RL-12-178, Maitree, 91517 and BLX 11014-8 were selected as the most heat sensitive. Data also exhibited an average yield reduction of 59% due to heat stress on the lentils. Moreover, eight heat-tolerant (HT) genotypes (BLX 09015, PRECOZ, LRL-21-112-1-1-1-1-6, BLX 05002-3, LR-9-25, BLX 05002-6, BARI Masur-8 and RL-12-181), and two heat-susceptible (HS) genotypes (BLX 12009-6, and LG 198) were selected from the screened genotypes and subjected to further analysis by growing them in the following year under similar conditions to investigate the mechanisms associated with heat tolerance. Comparative studies on reproductive function and physiochemical traits revealed significantly higher pollen viability, proline accumulation, relative water content, chlorophyll concentration and a lower membrane stability index in HT genotypes under heat stress. Therefore, these heat-tolerant genotypes could be used as the parents in the hybridization program for achieving heat-tolerant transgressive segregation.

A historical perspective on diversity in Clinical Laboratory Sciences Programs.

Diversity is integral for an effective learning environment and pedagogy. In this study, we aim to determine the student and faculty diversity in the Clinical Laboratory Sciences programs at Stony Brook University. We retrospectively analyzed data over 20 years for the traditional program and 8 years for the hybrid program. Over 20 years, 502 students graduated from the traditional program, and 96 students graduated from the hybrid program. In the traditional program, an average of 25 students enrolled with 75% female and 25% male and in the hybrid program, an average of 12 students with 8.5 female and 3.5 male enrolled. The traditional program had the highest proportion of Asian students (50%), with White students making up 24.5%, whereas the highest proportions in the hybrid program were 35% White students and 24% Hispanic students. Among the 5 boroughs of New York City, the highest proportion of student representation was from Queens and Manhattan in both traditional (24.1%) and hybrid programs (16.7%). There were 30% male and 70% female faculty served in the traditional program whereas the current representation of fulltime faculty is 100% female. Our data show the diversity of students and faculty in clinical laboratory sciences programs at Stony Brook University institution.

Virtual Suturing Lab: A Practical and Innovative Approach in Nursing Education.

Competency in a variety of skills is necessary for undergraduate and advanced practice nursing students prior to entering the clinical setting. Basic suturing is traditionally taught in skills labs in advanced practice programs globally. However, when in-person teaching is not an option, nurse educators must be innovative in meeting clinical course outcomes. A virtual suturing skills lab proved to be beneficial in meeting the needs of advanced practice nursing students when in-person teaching was not feasible. Students demonstrated competency using an innovative method of teaching a hybrid program through distance learning.

110 DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY OF A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY HYBRID EDUCATION PROGRAM IN SYNCOPE AND RELATED DISORDERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract Background Syncope and related disorders is an important area for training of all health professionals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted the delivery of our annual face-to-face certified program to a 9-month hybrid program. Here, we describe the development, delivery, and evaluation of such new program. Methods A pre-existing curriculum was modified to incorporate online content, online lecture delivery and interactive group learning, in addition to individual practical placements in a syncope management unit, in line with government and hospital infection control guidance at the time. Monthly content included video consultant case presentations, ECG analysis and interpretation, and instructional videos of diagnostic testing and relevant technologies. A comprehensive online week-long lecture program was developed. Results The lecture week included 30 clinical lectures, 10 clinical case presentations and 10 ‘how to’ practical videos for testing/monitoring procedures. Further learning over zoom incorporated learner case presentations in a small group format. At the completion of the course the leaners attended a final online half day of lectures and completed the multi choice question examination. Conclusion “Thank you so much for putting together such a fantastic week of training.” “The quality and expertise of the speakers was outstanding.” “I have taken a huge amount away to incorporate into my practice and local unit.” The above learner feedback is consistent with our aim to deliver a high-quality specialist program for those interested in advancing the management of syncope and related disorders. Over time, this specialist training will aid the development of regional syncope management units across Ireland. The benefits of a hybrid learning model include multiple options to cater for all categories of learners, thus suggesting it is the cornerstone of future learning modalities.

Prediction of regrowth and biomass of perennial sorghum using unoccupied aerial systems

AbstractPerennial grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] has potential to produce grain and forage while improving soil health, ecosystem services, and carbon soil sequestration but requires further genetic improvement. Unoccupied aerial systems (UAS, also known as drones and unmanned aerial systems) provide opportunities to quickly evaluate plant traits on a large scale with precision. Unoccupied aerial system flights were used to evaluate biomass yield and rhizome characteristics of 100 diverse sorghum hybrids, most being from an interspecific hybridization program, in the establishment year and first year of regrowth. Twenty‐one vegetation indices (VIs) with canopy height measurements (CHMs) were processed from seven UAS flights made temporally during each growing season. Regression of the temporal data (VI and CHM) and phenotypic traits, including rhizome characteristics based on plant stand count (PSC), rhizome‐derived shoots (RDS), and fresh and dry biomass yields, showed useful predictions when combining temporal VI with CHM and machine learning. Blue chromatic coordinate index (BCC) best predicted all measured traits. If predictions could be generalized, UAS would reduce field evaluation time for perennial sorghum or breeding perennial grasses in general and allow breeders to evaluate additional genotypes. In this study, we found that optimizing flights to specific dates after planting could minimize resource requirements and costs in prediction of regrowth and biomass yield of perennial sorghum.