Local Genotypes Research Articles

Determination of some morphological and quality traits of Turkish local tomato genotypes

Determination of some morphological and quality traits of Turkish local tomato genotypes

Study the phnotypic and productive characters of seven selected genotypes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cv. (Kabuli and Desi) under rainfall conditions in Sulaimani Province, Iraq

Seven selected chickpea genotypes, (Kabuli and Desi) varieties, were cultivated in the winter season and spring seasons in experimental fields of Bakrajo Technical Institute-Sulaymani Polytechnic University for growing season 2019/2020. Vegetative, productive, and infection by chickpea pod borer characters for genotypes were studied and compared characters of Kabuli's five genotypes with the two Desi genotypes. There were significant differences between vegetative and productive characters, the Brazilian winter genotype had the highest plant height (45.9 cm), and the number of primary and secondary branches had the highest for the Red Desi genotype (20.0) branches. This genotype was  the highest in number of pods per plant (53.7) pods.plant-1. The maturity period was  the longest for winter genotypes by (190-195) days while was the shortest for spring genotypes by (120-126) days in this area. Brazilian winter and Red Desi genotypes showed a high productivity recorded (1803, 1697) kg.ha-1, respectively. The Brazillian and Bazyan genotypes had the highest weight of hundred seeds (45.34, 42.36 gm), respectively. The local high product genotype had a high amount of hay (3762) kg. ha-1 regarding straw production, the straw and seed production had a positive relationship with dry and wet weight for all genotypes. The chickpea borer infection was about 1.9% in the Bazyan genotype  and at 0.1% for the Philip3 genotype that made seed injury and decreased the products.

Collection, characterization and conservation for sustainability of traditional local pepper genotypes

Collection, characterization and conservation for sustainability of traditional local pepper genotypes

Genotypic diversity assessment of some durum wheat (Triticum durum) genotypes using RAPD analysis

Abstract. Bousba R, Gueraiche S, Kanouni MR, Bounar R, Djekoune A, Khammar H, Nadia Y. 2020. Genotypic diversity assessment of some durum wheat (Triticum durum) genotypes using RAPD analysis. Biodiversitas 21: 2696-2701. Knowledge of genetic variability in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is of major importance in the development of breeding programs and the preservation of local landrace resources. The objective of this study is to highlight the molecular polymorphism among six durum wheat genotypes from different origins and characterized by different sensitivity to drought tolerance (tolerant, semi-tolerant, and non-tolerant). 15 Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess the molecular diversity of these genotypes. Our results show a total of one hundred and sixty-nine amplicons, where one hundred and twenty-four are polymorphic bands. The number of bands per primer ranged from two (OPJ-06) to fifteen bands (primers OPE-13 and OPB-01). The values of the Allelic frequency varied from 1 (OPJ-06) to 0.20 (OPA-17) and 0.19 (OPE-13, OPO-06, B-19 and OPA-20). Also, the values of the coefficient of genetic similarity range from 0.69 to 0.80, these results indicate a large variation between tested genotypes. According to the dendrogram generated by the RAPD approach, we obtained four distinct groups: the first one (G1) contains GTADUR and KORIFFLA x SHAM, the second group (G2) contains the local genotype BIDI-17. However, the genotype WAHA was in the third group (G3), the fourth and fifth groups contained the genotypes CIRTA and TELL, respectively. A complementary analysis was done to estimate genetic differentiation, using CPA Analysis that indicated four groups among the six genotypes, where, the local genotypes BIDI-17 and CIRTA were classified together. For allele’s richness, the local genotypes show in this investigation, the highest values in comparison to the introduced genotypes, which suggested the performance of the RAPD markers (high polymorphism and fast genetic analysis). The molecular markers RAPD-PCR type, despite their non-specific characteristics, has shown a strong aptitude for genetic characterization in durum wheat and a high level of polymorphism, which makes it possible in a preliminary study to make exploitable discrimination. These results may be helpful in the improvement and varietal selection, and useful in accelerating breeding programs of durum wheat.

Response of some wheat genotypes to different salinity levels of Irrigated water

Salinity is one of the major constraints for crop production across the world. Saudi Arabia is dominated with desert environment with high salinity in the central region of the country. Therefore, salinity has a limiting factor for cereal crops in this region. The objective of this study was to assess the productivity and quality characters for some wheat (Triticum aestivum L) genotypes under different salinity levels of Irrigated water (control, 4000, 8000 ppm NaCl). The experiment was conducted during 2011 and 2012 seasons. The trial was conducted under greenhouse environmental condition at Qassim University Agricultural Research and Experimental Station during 2011 and 2012 seasons. Twenty wheat genotypes including: 5 genotypes from ICARDA, 7 genotypes from Pakistan, 5 Australian genotypes, one American genotype (Yocora Rojo), one Egyptian genotype (Sakha 93) and one local genotype (Sama) were used in this study. Results from wheat genotype trial showed a significant difference (p<0.05) for all traits due to increased salinity in irrigation water from 4000 to 8000 ppm. There was a significant difference between the varieties for plant height, 1000-kernel weight, number of kernels spike-1 and Na for grain and straw. The interaction effect was significant in number of spikes, 1000-kernel weight and Na for grain and hay and Na / K cereal. The results showed that Auqab 2000, Bhan 2000 and Shaka 93 have the highest yield at high level of salt and Sis 13, P2 and Local were the least in yield. Moreover, the results of principle component analysis (PCA) indicated that the superior wheat genotypes for grain yield under salt stress in the two seasons (Auqab 2000, Bhan 2000, Yocara Rojo and Sakha 93) are clustered in group D. These genotypes can be considered as salinity resistant varieties. The maximum reduction over control under salt stress was recorded in Australian genotypes (P6 and P9) and local genotype 'Sama'.

Genetic variability assessment in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) grown in Algeria using microsatellites SSR markers

Abstract. Kara K, Rached-Kanouni M, Mnasri S, Khammar H, Ben Naceur MB. 2020. Genetic variability assessment in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) grown in Algeria using microsatellites SSR markers. Biodiversitas 21: 2638-2644. The assessment of genetic diversity is a key step in evaluating the adaptation of populations to new environmental conditions, and thus in the selection of new cultivars. The present investigation aimed to assess genetic variability of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes grown in Algeria. The 17 hexaploid genotypes of bread wheat were assessed using 16 molecular microsatellites of SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat). Among the 16 microsatellite markers tested, only 11 markers were the most polymorphic and reproducible. The Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values per locus varied from 0.14 to 0.70 with an average of 0.48 and 0.49. Genetic similarity between genotypes varied from 0.27 and 0.92 with an average of 0.60. The highest genetic distance value of 0.92 has been scored between Kauz/Pastor/Fiscal and Wbll1*2/Brambling. The lowest value of 0.27 has been scored between Cham6 and Pastor/Wbll1. Genetic similarity was calculated by molecular derived data and used to produce a dendrogram. The genotypes were grouped in two clear clusters according to their origin and pedigree. The first cluster included wheat genotypes Ain Abid (local genotypes), Attila/2 Pastor, and 5119 (introduced genotypes). The second group revealed high polymorphism and was subdivided into four sub-groups. This high level of diversity revealed among the accessions of wheat, grown in Algeria could be used in breeding programs.

The initial detection of Toscana virus in phlebotomine sandflies from Turkey.

Toscana virus (TOSV) is a prominent arthropod-borne viral agent of human central nervous system infections occurring in the Mediterranean region. The main transmission route to susceptible individuals involves sandflies as vectors. Despite several reports revealing widespread TOSV activity in Turkey, vectors remained unidentified. A sandfly field survey was carried out in five provinces in Central, Southeast and Mediterranean Anatolia in 2017 to identify TOSV and related sandfly-borne phleboviruses and Leishmania parasites, with evidence for circulation in the region. A total of 7136 sandfly specimens, collected via standard methods, were evaluated in 163 pools. TOSV was detected in 11 pools (6.7%), comprising Phlebotomus major sensu lato, Sergentomyia dentata and Phlebotomus papatasi species. TOSV partial L and S segment sequences were characterized, that phylogenetically clustered with local and global genotype A strains. An amino acid substitution outside the conserved motifs of the viral polymerase, also present in previous TOSV sequences in endemic regions, was observed. Leishmania tropica was detected in a single pool of Ph. sergentii (0.6%). This is the first report of TOSV in sandflies from Turkey, and this study further provides evidence for additional sandfly species with the potential to transmit TOSV.

Incorporating differences between genetic diversity of trees and herbaceous plants in conservation strategies.

Reviews that summarize the genetic diversity of plant species in relation to their life history and ecological traits show that forest trees have more genetic diversity at population and species levels than annuals or herbaceous perennials. In addition, among-population genetic differentiation is significantly lower in trees than in most herbaceous perennials and annuals. Possible reasons for these differences between trees and herbaceous perennials and annuals have not been discussed critically. Several traits, such as high rates of outcrossing, long-distance pollen and seed dispersal, large effective population sizes (Ne ), arborescent stature, low population density, longevity, overlapping generations, and occurrence in late successional communities, may make trees less sensitive to genetic bottlenecks and more resistant to habitat fragmentation or climate change. We recommend that guidelines for genetic conservation strategies be designed differently for tree species versus other types of plant species. Because most tree species fit an LH scenario (low [L] genetic differentiation and high [H] genetic diversity), tree seeds could be sourced from a few populations distributed across the species' range. For the in situ conservation of trees, translocation is a viable option to increase Ne . In contrast, rare herbaceous understory species are frequently HL (high differentiation and low diversity) species. Under the HL scenario, seeds should be taken from many populations with high genetic diversity. In situ conservation efforts for herbaceous plants should focus on protecting habitats because the typically small populations of these species are vulnerable to the loss of genetic diversity. The robust allozyme genetic diversity databases could be used to develop conservation strategies for species lacking genetic information. As acase study of reforestation with several tree species in denuded areas on the Korean Peninsula, we recommend the selection of local genotypes as suitable sources to prevent adverse effects and to insure the successful restoration in the long term.

Agronomic Characteristics and Nodules from Black Soybean Genotypes Due to Application Compost and Biochar as Sustainable Agriculture

Purpose : Black soybean is a legume plant that has economic value on effective seeds and nodules, but out of the number of varieties that have been released until 2013 only 11 varieties are with agronomic height input innovation. The research objective is to obtain superior local genotype, as a source of new black soybean varieties, accompanied by compost and biochar-based agronomy practical innovations for sustainable agriculture.Research Method : The first treatment was compost-based agronomy innovation with biochar (B): b1 (1 t ha-1 +1 t ha-1) and b2:(1.5 t ha-1+ 0.5 t ha-1). The second treatment was 4 genotypes of local black soybean (G): KB1, KA3, CK5, KH4, and as a comparison was a Cikuray variety with each treatment repeated three times. Anova test results of factorial patterns and DRMT Duncan’s test at the 5% level. Findings : Anova test results of factorial patterns and DRMT Duncan’s test at the 5% level indicate that practical innovations based on compost and biochar agronomy accompanied by genotype have no effect. Both agronomy innovations b1 and b2 have the same effect on agronomic characters. Expected Genotypes that were superior to their agronomic character were shown by KH4 and KA3 genotypes with potential productivity of 3.28 t ha-1 and 3.19 t ha-1, and increased by 21% and 17.71%, respectively. The genotypes of KB1, KA3 and KH4 produced the same number of nodules compared to Cikuray varieties.Limitations : This research doesn’t study about soil condition after the experiment.Value : The novelty in this study is the use of low doses and directly applied to planting holes, obtained local genotypes superior agronomic characters for sources of new varieties, and obtained practical innovations based on compos and biochar agronomy for guidance for farmers who later selected regions as centers for varieties new black soybeans.

A Quick, Green and Simple Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for the Valorization of Antioxidant Phenolic Acids from Moroccan Almond Cold-Pressed Oil Residues

Almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb) is one of the most important nut crops both in terms of area and production. Over the last few decades, an important part of the beneficial actions for health associated with their consumption was attributed to the phenolic compounds, mainly accumulated in almond skin. Interestingly, after cold-pressed oil extraction, most of these antioxidant phenolic compounds are retained in a skin-enriched by-product, a so-called almond cold-pressed oil residue. In Morocco, the fifth highest ranking producer in the world, this production generates an important part of this valuable byproduct. In the present study, using a multivariate Box–Behnken design, an ultrasound-assisted extraction method of phenolic compounds from Moroccan almond cold-pressed oil residue was developed and validated. Response surface methodology resulted in the optimal extraction conditions: the use of aqueous ethanol 53.0% (v/v) as a green solvent, applying an ultrasound frequency of 27.0 kHz for an extraction duration of 29.4 min. The present ultrasound-assisted extraction allowed substantial gains in terms of extraction efficiency compared to conventional heat reflux extraction. Applied to three different local Beldi genotypes growing at three different experimental sites, the optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction led to a total phenolic content of 13.86 mg/g dry weight. HPLC analysis revealed that the main phenolic compounds from this valuable byproduct were: chlorogenic acid followed by protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and p-coumaric acid. The accumulation of these phenolic compounds appeared to be more dependent on the genetic background than on the environmental impact here represented by the three experimental culture sites. Both in vitro cell free and cellular antioxidant assays were performed, and revealed the great potential of these extracts. In particular, correlation analysis provided evidence of the prominent roles of chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. To summarize, the validated ultrasound-assisted extraction method presented here is a quick, green, simple and efficient for the possible valorization of antioxidant phenolic compounds from Moroccan almond cold-pressed oil residues, making it possible to generate extracts with attractive antioxidant activities for future nutraceutical and/or cosmetic applications.

Small-scale soil heterogeneity affects the distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species in a hot-spot field in a Mediterranean site

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish mutualistic symbioses with the roots of most plant species, playing a key role in crop productivity and ecosystem functioning. The characterization of local AMF genotypes assemblages is a prerequisite for the reproduction, both ex situ and on farm, of efficient native AMF communities, in order to improve soil quality and fertility through agricultural management and to use selected AMF as inoculants in sustainable agriculture. Contrasting evidences have been found by studies addressing the influence of different environmental drivers, among which geographical distance, on the diversity and composition of AMF communities in agricultural soils.In the present study, a Mediterranean “hot-spot” of AMF species richness was studied to assess whether AMF display a spatial structure at a local scale and whether their spore distribution is affected by soil variables. AMF distribution patterns were estimated by spore analysis, in 12 field plots, which were characterized for their chemical and physical variables. Plots were distributed along a transect across the field, and sampling points distances ranged from 4 to 102 m. While most taxa displayed an aggregated distribution, no significant spatial correlation was detected among AMF communities. On the contrary, AMF communities were significantly correlated with the entire set of soil variables, and with distinct soil characteristics, such as pH and total N, but not P. Among the most abundant taxa, Funneliformis geosporus, Septoglomus constrictum, Funneliformis mosseae, Ambispora granatensis and Glomus badium, were positively affected by total N, and Paraglomus occultum negatively affected by pH. Multiple regression analysis revealed that distribution of most AMF species was significantly related to nitrogen, clay, cation exchange capacity and pH. Multivariate (RDA) analysis confirmed results of multiple regression, with the best model selecting three soil variables (N, clay and pH). Variance partitioning analysis also showed that AMF distribution was mostly explained by environmental variables (36.4%) and by environmental variables spatial structure (16.4%). Overall, the results of this work revealed the importance of soil variables in shaping AMF community composition and spatial heterogeneity, within a site characterized by high AMF richness.

Selenium and zinc concentrations in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes under organic and inorganic fertilization

Selenium (Se) is beneficial element while, zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for both plants and humans. A deficiency of these elements in the human body will result in a series of severe and adverse consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of Se and Zn in seven different genotypes of wheat under organic and inorganic (conventional) fertilization trials. The experiment was a completely randomized block design (RCBD) with four replications. Se and Zn concentrations were measured with ICP-OES. The conventional system exhibited the highest grain yield. However, the concentrations of Zn and Se were higher under organic than conventional fertilization treatments. The main effect of wheat genotypes showed that the IC8 genotype had the highest mean concentration of Se (1440 µg kg−1), while the local genotype had the highest mean concentration of Zn (51.7 mg kg−1). These two genotypes can be considered good sources of nutrition. The interaction effect showed that the ICARDA genotypes (IC8 and IC17) had the greatest Se and Zn concentrations, respectively, under organic fertilization, while the Egyptian genotype (Sids12) had the highest and lowest Se concentrations in conventional and organic fertilization, respectively. The results showed differences in Se and Zn concentrations among different wheat genotypes in response to organic verses conventional fertilization treatments.

Barattiere: An Italian Local Variety of Cucumis melo L. with Quality Traits between Melon and Cucumber.

Barattiere, belonging to the Cucumis melo L. species, is a local variety of Puglia (Southern Italy), which is consumed as a vegetable at the immature stage, like cucumber. In this study, three Barattiere populations (‘Monopoli’, ‘Carovigno’ and ‘Fasano’) were evaluated for the main quality traits. All genotypes showed a very light green-yellow colour of flesh, without any difference regarding chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Carovigno’s Barattiere showed the highest values of dry weight (6.8 g 100 g−1 fresh weight - FW), sugars (45 g kg−1 FW), and sweetness index (7.3), while Monopoli’s Barattiere showed the lowest total phenols content (21 mg kg−1 FW). Fasano’s Barattiere showed the highest content of Zn and Cu (2.3 and 0.3 mg kg−1 FW, respectively), while ‘Monopoli’ showed the highest Ba content (0.3 mg kg−1 FW) and the lowest Mg content (94 mg kg−1 FW). No differences between populations were found concerning the content of Ca, K, Na, B, Mn, and Fe. In conclusion, the quality profile of Barattiere makes this local genotype interesting for its traits, and also suggests its consumption by people with specific dietary requirements.

MLVA fingerprinting of Brucella melitensis circulating among livestock and cases of sporadic human illness in Egypt.

Brucella melitensis is a serious public health threat, with human infection exhibiting acute febrile illness and chronic health problems. The present study investigated the genetic diversity and epidemiological links of the important zoonotic bacterium B.melitensis in Egypt using multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-16) including eight minisatellite (panel 1) and eight microsatellite (panel 2, subdivided into 2A and 2B) markers. A total of 118 isolates were identified as B.melitensis biovar 3 by classical biotyping and Bruce-ladder assay. Although B.melitensis is primarily associated with infection in sheep and goats, most of B.melitensis isolates in this study were obtained from secondary hosts (cattle, buffaloes, humans and a camel) suggesting cross-species adaptation of B.melitensis to large ruminants in Egypt. The MLVA-16 scheme competently discriminated 70 genotypes, with 51 genotypes represented by single isolates, and the remaining 19 genotypes were shared among 67 isolates, suggesting both sporadic and epidemiologically related characteristics of B.melitensis infection. Matching of local genotypes with representatives of global genotypes revealed that the majority of Egyptian isolates analysed had a West Mediterranean descendance. As this study represents the first comprehensive genotyping and genetic analysis of B.melitensis from different sources in Egypt, the information generated from this study will augment knowledge about the main epidemiological links associated with this bacterium and will allow a better understanding of the current epidemiological situation of brucellosis in Egypt. Ultimately, this will help to adopt effective brucellosis intervention strategies in Egypt and other developing nations.

Callogenesis and plant regeneration of sweet orange cv. Washington Navel from floral organ cultures

Washington Navel orange (Citrus sinensis L.) can be infected with virus and virus like diseases that affect not only the production but also fruit quality and the plant’s longevity. For viral sanitation, Washington Navel regeneration was investigated in vitro via floral organ culture. Flowers were collected before opening from healthy Washington Navel trees kept under greenhouse. Floral organs (style/stigma and ovary) were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing various plant growth regulators combinations of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The highest rate of callogenesis (95%) was obtained from style/stigma explant cultures on MS medium enriched with 3 mgL-1 BAP, which also resulted in 100% rooted plantlets. Ovary cultures did not show any success on the culture medium with various plant growth regulators combinations. The acclimatization success of rooted plantlets by grafting on Citrus volkameriana rootstocks was about 83%. Thus, these results can be used for mass production of disease-free citrus plants and improve sanitation program of the local citrus genotypes in Tunisia.

Proximate and micronutrient analysis of orange fleshed sweet potato leaves grown in Sylhet regions of Bangladesh

Sweet potato leaves are the traditional indigenous vegetables and most economically efficient source of micronutrients in terms of both land required and production costs per unit. This study aimed to compare and identify one variety rich with proximate, microelements and anti-oxidants from three high yielding sweet potato varieties viz. BARI SP-04, BARI SP -11 and BARI SP-12 including one local genotype leaves that helps provide leafy vegetables as well as micronutrients to poor community in lean vegetables production period of Sylhet regions. The tested varieties and genotype showed significant variation in different nutrient contents. In case of proximate composition the highest ether extract was found in BARI SP-11 (7.33% ±0.64 DW) and the lowest in BARI SP-04 variety (3.80% ± 0.42 DW). And the ash contents range was (12.05% ± 0.89 to 16.43% ± 1.02 DW), but the highest was recorded in BARI SP-12 and the lowest in BARI SP-04. In case of crude fiber the highest (19.99% ± 1.06 DW) was found in BARI SP-11 and the lowest (16.73% ± 0.62 DW) in local genotype. The microelements composition result revealed that BARI SP-04 reserved the highest (32.82 ± 4.5 mg 100 g-1) Iron & (2.1± 0.5 mg 100 g-1) Zinc and the lowest (19.40 ± 2.5 mg 100 g-1) Iron and (1.27 ± 0.2 mg 100 g-1) Zn in BARI SP-11 & local genotype respectively. However in case of phenolic compound, the highest 257.00 ± 10.3 mg TAE 100 g-1 DW was found in local genotype followed BARI SP-11 and BARI SP-12 but the lowest amount 218.75 ± 7.8 mg TAE 100g-1 DW was recorded in BARI SP-04. These results revealed that BARI SP-12 leaves reserved average standard proximate, microelements and antioxidant among the studied varieties and genotype. But all varieties leaves except local genotype contained essential nutrients which may favorably well to meet micronutrient deficiency especially lean vegetable production period for poor community in Sylhet region of Bangladesh.
 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.7(1): 43-50, April 2020

Genetic diversity detection of seed-propagated walnut (Juglans regia L.) germplasm from Eastern Anatolia using SSR markers

Abstract Continuous seed propagation in Turkey has given rise to a great number of seedling walnut trees which represents valuable walnut genetic resources. The number of native walnut trees is estimated to be over 5 million in Turkey and they possess large phenotypic variability in yield, nut and kernel characteristics, late bud breaking, late flowering, winter hardiness and tolerance to diseases. Progress in walnut breeding requires the exploitation of genetic variation among cultivars and landraces. In this study, we used 32 local diverse walnut genotypes obtained from seeds and 2 standard cultivars (‘Sebin’ and ‘Bilecik’). This study implemented 21 previously used simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers to determine genetic diversity. The analysis revealed 135 alleles with an average of 6.43 alleles per locus. Genetic similarity ranged from 0.23 (for samples KW22 and KW29) to 0.87 (for samples KW27 and KW28). The highest number of alleles per locus was obtained from WGA276 locus (11 alleles), followed by WGA054 (9 alleles), WGA202 and WGA321 (8 alleles) while the lowest number was detected in WGA027. According to the morphological and molecular data, the genotypes differed from each other and the cvs. Sebin and Bilecik. The majority of the genotypes had higher fruit weight and some of the genotypes had higher kernel ratio than cvs. Sebin and Bilecik implying the importance of registering genotypes as cultivars. This research provides information on the genetic relationship of walnut genotypes and cultivars and emphasises the importance of protection and utilisation of seed-propagated walnut genetic resources.

Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis of exotic and local hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes

The genetic parameters, characters association and path coefficient analysis between yield and yield components of 32 exotic and local hybrid maize genotypes were studied at Plant Breeding division, Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Rahmatpur, Barisahl during rabi 2015 to 2016, following Alpha Lattice Design with three replications. All the characters showed significant differences among the genotypes except cob length indicating their wide genetic variation. The highest genotypic co-efficient of variation (11.48) observed in yield and lowest (1.72) was found in days to maturity. All of the characters exhibited moderate to high heritability in broad sense (h2b) coupled with a wide range of genetic advance and genetic advance in percentage of mean. Heritability ranged from 19.21 to 86.79 for cob length and thousand seed weight, respectively. Yield had a significant positive correlation with cob length, cob diameter, number of seeds per cob and number of rows per cob. Days to tasseling and number of seeds per cob make highest positive contribution toward yield. While, days to silking and ear height had highest negative direct effect on yield. The results indicated that ear height, number of rows per cob, thousand seeds weight and number of seeds per cob could be considered as selection criteria in maize breeding program.
 Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2020, 6(1): 8-15

Genetic variation of Brucella isolates at strain level in Egypt.

In this study, Multiple Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA‐16) was performed on 18 Brucella isolates identified bacteriologically and molecularly (AMOS‐PCR) as Brucella abortus (n = 6) and Brucella melitensis (n = 12). This was aimed to study the genetic association among some Egyptian Brucella genotypes isolated during the period from 2002 to 2013 along with the global genotypes database. MLVA‐16 analysis for B. melitensis and B. abortus strains illustrates a total of 11, and 3 genotypes with 10 and 1 singleton genotypes, respectively. B. melitensis strains displayed greater markers diversity by VNTRs analysis of the 16 loci than B. abortus and this was attributed mainly to the diverging in panel 2B markers. B. melitensis genotype M4_Fayoum_Giza (3,5,3,13,1,1,3,3,8,21,8,7,5,9,5,3) was the only predominated genotype circulating between two different governorates. The most common B. abortus genotype, GT A3_Dakahlia (4,5,4,12,2,2,3,3,6,21,8,4,4,3,4,4), was present in three identical isolates. In phylogeny, Egyptian B. abortus bv1 genotypes were closely related to East Asian strain (for the first time), Western Mediterranean and Americas clonal lineages. B. melitensis local genotypes exhibit a genetic relatedness mostly to Western Mediterranean clonal lineage and one strain of Eastern Mediterranean clonal lineage. In conclusion, the geographic location is not the only factor stands behind the high genetic similarity of the Egyptian Brucella genotypes. These low variations may be a result of a stepwise mutational event of the most variable loci from a very limited number of ancestors especially during the transmission through non‐preference hosts. The authors encourage the authorities in charge to establish pre‐movement testing to reduce the risk of brucellosis spread.

Growth and production of South Sulawesi local waxy corn genotypes (Zea mays ceratina L.)

The study was conducted in the Experimental Farm of the Indonesian Cereals Research Institute (ICERI) located in the Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Province from September to December 2017. The research aimed to study the quantitative and qualitative characters of some local waxy corn genotypes in South Sulawesi. This experiment was arranged in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The treatment included 9 local waxy corn genotypes from Barru, Bone, Bulukumba, Gowa, Jeneponto, Maros, Soppeng, Takalar, Wajo regencies and URI variety as a control. Local waxy corn genotypes of Bone and Bulukumba has the best phenotype characteristics with the highest grain yield (4.13 t/ha and 4.15 t/ha). Qualitative characters that are easily observed among different local waxy corn genotypes are panicle type, silk color (pistils), and kernel type. All the characteristics have high heritability (>0.50). Silking, weight of dry cob without husk, and cob diameter are the characteristics that give direct effect on the production positively (1.05; 0.001; 0.49, respectively).