Unique Germplasm Research Articles

Genomic insights into the origin and evolution of spelt (Triticum spelta L.) as a valuable gene pool for modern wheat breeding

Spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) is an important wheat subspecies mainly cultivated in Europe before the 20th century that has contributed to modern wheat breeding as a valuable genetic resource. However, relatively little is known about the origins and maintenance of spelt populations. Here, using resequencing data from 416 worldwide wheat accessions, including representative spelt wheat, we demonstrate that European spelt emerged when primitive hexaploid wheat spread to the west and hybridized with pre-settled domesticated emmer, the putative maternal donor. Genomic introgression regions from domesticated emmer confer spelt’s primitive morphological characters used for species taxonomy, such as tenacious glumes and later flowering. We propose a haplotype-based “spelt index” to identify spelt-type wheat varieties and to quantify utilization of the spelt gene pool in modern wheat cultivars. This study reveals the genetic basis for the establishment of the spelt wheat subspecies in a specific ecological niche and the vital role of the spelt gene pool as a unique germplasm resource in modern wheat breeding.

Phenotypic attributes and production performances of Agonda Goan pig

The aim of study was to evaluate morphometric traits, growth and reproduction performance of indigenous Agonda Goan pigs reared under coastal climate which supports livelihood development of resource poor farmers. Population size in breeding tract varied depending on farmers’ preference for breeding and consumers’ demand for pork. Data (n=74) on different parameters were recorded both from farmer’s flock and institute pig unit. Body measurements such as body length, height at withers, chest girth and neck girth of both were measured using measuring tape. The body weights at different ages i.e., birth, weaning and monthly interval up to one year of age were recorded using digital weighing balance. The average body length, chest girth, height at withers and neck girth were 102.68±3.22 cm, 99.86±3.64 cm, 58.32±1.19 cm and 73.09±4.18 cm, respectively. The mean bristle yield (g/cutting), bristle length(cm) and bristle diameter (micron) were 38.08±5.85, 4.45±0.04 and 268.21±9.84 in males, and 88.16±16.95, 5.69±0.07 and 270.93±11.07 in female pigs, respectively. The mean weight at birth was 0.59±0.01 kg and at weaning was 3.76±0.12 kg. The yearling weights of adult male and female were 46.58±4.50 and 47.27±6.46 kg, respectively. The average litter size at birth and at weaning was 7.21±0.41 and 5.93±0.28, respectively. Pre-weaning and postweaning growth rates were 79.25±9.86 and 153.85±13.34 g/day, respectively. This unique germplasm has potential for sustainable production with improved pig breeding programs. However, the breed is under constant threat due to indiscriminate crossbreeding with unbalanced admixture and replacement with exotic breeds for which immediateconservation and improvement programs are essential to save the breed.

Phenotypic attributes and production performances of Agonda Goan pig

The aim of study was to evaluate morphometric traits, growth and reproduction performance of indigenous Agonda Goan pigs reared under coastal climate which supports livelihood development of resource poor farmers. Population size in breeding tract varied depending on farmers’ preference for breeding and consumers’ demand for pork. Data (n=74) on different parameters were recorded both from farmer’s flock and institute pig unit. Body measurements such as body length, height at withers, chest girth and neck girth of both were measured using measuring tape. The body weights at different ages i.e., birth, weaning and monthly interval up to one year of age were recorded using digital weighing balance. The average body length, chest girth, height at withers and neck girth were 102.68±3.22 cm, 99.86±3.64 cm, 58.32±1.19 cm and 73.09±4.18 cm, respectively. The mean bristle yield (g/cutting), bristle length(cm) and bristle diameter (micron) were 38.08±5.85, 4.45±0.04 and 268.21±9.84 in males, and 88.16±16.95, 5.69±0.07 and 270.93±11.07 in female pigs, respectively. The mean weight at birth was 0.59±0.01 kg and at weaning was 3.76±0.12 kg. The yearling weights of adult male and female were 46.58±4.50 and 47.27±6.46 kg, respectively. The average litter size at birth and at weaning was 7.21±0.41 and 5.93±0.28, respectively. Pre-weaning and postweaning growth rates were 79.25±9.86 and 153.85±13.34 g/day, respectively. This unique germplasm has potential for sustainable production with improved pig breeding programs. However, the breed is under constant threat due to indiscriminate crossbreeding with unbalanced admixture and replacement with exotic breeds for which immediateconservation and improvement programs are essential to save the breed.

Review on Sustainable Cryopreservation and Nonfreezing Storage Solutions of European Honeybee Apis Mellifera Drone Semen

The European honeybee Apis mellifera is the main pollinator for most crops used for human consumption. However, a number of diseases, parasites, pesticides and other factors that generally result in the widely described colony collapse disorder weakens honeybee colonies. In order to maintain the existing honeybee germ lines and facilitate the creation of new disease-resistant lines, it is necessary to ensure consistent breeding work, which would also allow the long-term preservation of the unique germplasm lines. One of the most promising solutions for the preservation of honeybee germplasm is the storage of honeybee drone semen. In recent decades, there has been a renewed interest in the preservation of honeybee drone semen using both cryopreservation and non-freezing storage methods. This review looks at the latest developments in novel sperm storage technologies and compares them to well-known preservation solutions. Additionally, the most accessible and widely used solutions will be reviewed, taking into account the cost of the necessary equipment, the complexity of the methods, time consumption and resulting sperm quality.

Microsatellite marker assisted molecular diversity and population structure analysis of Kaempferia galanga Linn. germplasm collected from different parts of India

Kaempferia galanga Linn. is an endangered medicinal and aromatic crop with a wide range of importance in the field of pharmaceutical industries. The current study is sought to examine the molecular variance and population diversity for the first time within the core collection of K. galanga germplasm. For this study, a total of 132 accessions of K. galanga were collected from various states of India and all the germplasm has been maintained ex-situ at the experimental farm of CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat. Initially, 58 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers were tested among them 48 markers that were the most efficient, sensitive, with positive predictive and polymorphism were used in the study. The population structure analysis of K. galanga showed nine clusters based on the Bayesian model. The estimated population heterozygosity ranged from 0.117 to 0.250. According to the Analysis of molecular variance study (AMOVA), the variation within the population (68%) was more than among the population (32%). The genetic diversity among the population (Fst) was in the range of 0.28–0.60. The accessions under study demonstrated a high amount of polymorphism with a 99.4% polymorphism observed in molecular investigation. The outcome of the study would help in the identification of the genetic variance for unique germplasm which would be of great aid in the breeding program of K. galanga.

Genomic characteristics and selection signals of Zhongshan ducks

The Zhongshan duck (ZSP) is a duck breed indigenous to China and is known for its moderate body size, strong disease resistance, tender meat, and little subcutaneous fat. However, the genomic basis of such excellent breeding characteristics remains poorly understood. Therefore, we generated whole-genomes of 58 ZSPs and 180 other indigenous Chinese ducks (60 Jinding ducks, 60 Shan Partridge ducks, and 60 Liancheng white ducks) and identified 10 560 032 single nucleotide polymorphisms and 1 334 893 structural variants. Based on genetic diversity and population structure indices, our results confirm that the ZSP is a unique germplasm resource. In addition, three reproduction-related genes (i.e., OAZ, AMH, and RLF) were located in highly differentiated regions between the ZSP and the other three duck breeds (Jinding duck; Liancheng White duck; Shan Partridge duck), suggesting that these genes may have a strong influence on egg production. Among these genes, AMH may have introgressed from an unknown species of the Anatidae family. We also identified other significant genes in the significantly differentiated window (i.e., 1% cut-off), some of which are responsible for growth and development (SEMA5B and MIB1), metabolism (EDEM3 and Xylb), skeletal system morphogenesis (bglap and MGP), and egg shape (ITPR2). These findings highlight the genetic characteristics of the ZSP that shape an array of its morphological traits. Overall, this study should facilitate a more fine-scale approach towards improving the ZSP and other indigenous ducks in China and even all over the world.

A Review: Growing Rice in the Controlled Environments

ABSTRACT: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important staple crop. Rice is a source of essential vitamins such as vitamin C and B6, carbohydrates and other nutrients such as selenium and phosphorous. About 90% of world’s rice are cultivated in Asia and Africa. China is the leading producer. It fulfills 70% income and nutrition needs of Asian population. Rice can be the potential solution to hunger and malnutrition, especially in poor, developing countries. The methods of rice growth are transplanting and cultivation media, grow in hydroponic condition and grow in soil. The production of rice is impacted by biotic stressors, which are present in a wide range of agro-climatic conditions around the world. Multiple diseases can be brought on by biotic pressures caused by climate change. To mitigate the impact of climate change and enhance rice cultivation unique germplasms are being cultivated. This review presents unique germplasm of rice and their cultivators, methods of rice cultivation, disadvantages of rice cultivation for research purpose and diseases that affect rice.

Review of Sustainable Cryopreservation and Above-Freezing Storage Solutions of European Honey Bee Apis mellifera Drone Semen

Abstract The European honey bee Apis mellifera is the main pollinator for most crops used for human consumption. However, a number of diseases, parasites, pesticides and other factors that generally result in the widely described colony collapse disorder weakens honey bee colonies. In order to maintain the existing honey bee germ lines and facilitate the creation of new disease-resistant lines, it is necessary to ensure consistent breeding work, which would also allow the long-term preservation of the unique germplasm lines. One of the most promising solutions for the preservation of honey bee germplasm is the storage of honey bee drone semen. In recent decades, there has been a renewed interest in the preservation of honey bee drone semen using both cryopreservation and above-freezing storage methods. This review summarizes the latest developments in novel sperm storage technologies and their assessment by sperm quality and queen fertility indicators. Additionally, this article analyses the advantages and disadvantages of the reviewed solutions and outlines directions in which additional research would be needed to develop effective, available and affordable drone semen storage solutions. To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first review of cryopreservation and above-freezing storage solutions of European honey bee Apis mellifera drone semen in the scientific literature.

Molecular characterization and diversity analysis of some local potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) genotypes of Bangladesh by RAPD markers

Genetic identification of cultivars and varieties is useful in preserving endangered potato germplasm and planning for new breeding programs. Molecular characterization and genetic diversity of 10 local potato genotypes of Bangladesh were investigated with five RAPD primers, namely OPA-18, OPB-06, OPC-01, OPD-02 and OPW. Genomic DNA was extracted from young leaves and PCR reactions were performed with selected primers. The selected primers generated 33 distinct and differential amplified bands (size ranged from 131-1188 bp), out of which 28 were polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic loci was valued from 33.33% to 100%. Gene frequency was ranged from 0.300 to 1 and gene diversity was from 0 to 0.70. The inter-varietal similarity indices was ranged from 42.45% to 92.67%. Pair-wise comparisons of Nei's genetic identity value was from 0.4848 to 0.9394. The highest Nei's genetic identity (0.9394) was observed in Sheel Bilati and SAU Promising Genotype-5 genotype pair. Nei's (1972) genetic distance was from 0.0625 to 0.7239. Dendrogram based on Nei's genetic distance using Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Means (UPGMA) indicated the segregation of studied potato genotypes into two main clusters. It was found that RAPD markers are sensitive enough to identify genetic variation in a variety of germplasm, which will be helpful for choosing genetically unique germplasm in potato breeding programs. SAARC J. Agric., 20(2): 43-55 (2022)

Nutritional Component Analyses in Different Varieties of Actinidia eriantha Kiwifruit by Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Approaches.

Actinidia eriantha is a unique germplasm resource for kiwifruit breeding. Genetic diversity and nutrient content need to be evaluated prior to breeding. In this study, we looked at the metabolites of three elite A. eriantha varieties (MM-11, MM-13 and MM-16) selected from natural individuals by using a UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics approach and transcriptome, with a total of 417 metabolites identified. The biosynthesis and metabolism of phenolic acid, flavonoids, sugars, organic acid and AsA in A. eriantha fruit were further analyzed. The phenolic compounds accounted for 32.37% of the total metabolites, including 48 phenolic acids, 60 flavonoids, 7 tannins and 20 lignans and coumarins. Correlation analysis of metabolites and transcripts showed PAL (DTZ79_15g06470), 4CL (DTZ79_26g05660 and DTZ79_29g0271), CAD (DTZ79_06g11810), COMT (DTZ79_14g02670) and FLS (DTZ79_23g14660) correlated with polyphenols. There are twenty-three metabolites belonging to sugars, the majority being sucrose, glucose arabinose and melibiose. The starch biosynthesis-related genes (AeglgC, AeglgA and AeGEB1) were expressed at lower levels compared with metabolism-related genes (AeamyA and AeamyB) in three mature fruits of three varieties, indicating that starch was converted to soluble sugar during fruit maturation, and the expression level of SUS (DTZ79_23g00730) and TPS (DTZ79_18g05470) was correlated with trehalose 6-phosphate. The main organic acids in A. eriantha fruit are citric acid, quinic acid, succinic acid and D-xylonic acid. Correlation analysis of metabolites and transcripts showed ACO (DTZ79_17g07470) was highly correlated with citric acid, CS (DTZ79_17g00890) with oxaloacetic acid, and MDH1 (DTZ79_23g14440) with malic acid. Based on the gene expression, the metabolism of AsA acid was primarily through the L-galactose pathway, and the expression level of GMP (DTZ79_24g08440) and MDHAR (DTZ79_27g01630) highly correlated with L-Ascorbic acid. Our study provides additional evidence for the correlation between the genes and metabolites involved in phenolic acid, flavonoids, sugars, organic acid and AsA synthesis and will help to accelerate the kiwifruit molecular breeding approaches.

Vegetative Propagation of Ratibida columnifera (Nutt.) Wooton & Standl.

Variation in floral characteristics and growth habits within the native range of the North American wildflower Ratibida columnifera (Nutt.) Wooton & Standl. suggest potential for breeding and selection efforts to develop improved cultivars for commercial and residential landscapes. Toward that end, experiments in vegetative propagation were performed to enable perpetuation of unique germplasm. Stem development stage, applications of auxin, genotypic variation, and the effects of bottom heat applications were assessed to determine impacts on rooting percentages and adventitious root system quality measures. Younger apical stem sections rooted more readily and produced better quality root systems than more lignified basal stem cuttings. Optimal rooting percentages and rooted cutting quality ranged from 0.10% to 0.30% IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) quick dips, with 0.30% being optimal for most genotypes. Application of 26 °C bottom heat improved rooting ability in both cool and warm seasons compared with ambient and bottom heat of 32 °C. Bottom heat of 32 °C improved most rooting measures over ambient during the cool season, but not during the warm season. The degree of improvement in adventitious rooting associated with various developmental stage, auxin quick dips, and bottom heating varied among accessions of R. columnifera, suggesting that adventitious rooting characteristics should be evaluated as a selection criterion for cultivar development within this species.

An attempt to valorize the only black meat chicken breed of India by delineating superior functional attributes of its meat

Kadaknath, the only black chicken indigenous to India, faces the threat of extinction due to declining numbers. Its meat is used in tribal medicine for invigorating and health-promoting properties. Expectations of immune-boosting and therapeutic properties in its meat are creating a buzz these days. Thus, Kadaknath meat was explored and further compared with the commercial Cobb 400 broiler (Cobb) for the functional traits that might be contributing towards proclaimed pharmacological benefits. Birds (n = 20/ group) were raised under similar management conditions and the two primal chicken meat cuts (breast and thigh) were collected at the marketing age. Kadaknath meat was found to be an enriched source of functional biomolecules (carnosine, anserine, creatine). Its breast meat carnosine content was more than double of the Cobb broiler, 6.10 ± 0.13 and 2.73 ± 0.1 mg/ g of wet tissue, respectively. Similarly, the thigh meat of Kadaknath was a significantly (P < 0.05) richer source of carnosine. The genetic background was a key determinant for muscle carnosine content as a significant abundance of CARNS1 and SLC36A1 expression was identified in the Kadaknath breast. The superior functional property of Kadaknath meat was established by the antioxidant capacity established by the Oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay and a stronger ability to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The identification of fairly unknown nutritional and functional advantages of Kadaknath meat could potentially change the paradigm with its meat consumption. It will help in developing a brand name for Kadaknath products that will propel an increase in its market share and ultimately conservation of this unique but endangered poultry germplasm.

Induction of Semi-Dwarf Trait to a Three Pistil Tall Mutant Through Breeding With Increased Grain Numbers in Wheat.

Multi-ovary wheat (three pistil) is a unique germplasm for the seed production of hybrid wheat. The purpose of the present study was to transfer the multi-ovary trait to semi-dwarf plants to increase the production of grains in wheat crops. Therefore, tall, semi-dwarf, and dwarf plants were crossed with plants with the three-pistil trait. A three-pistil tall plant was used as the female parent, while tall (Synthetic hexaploid), semi-dwarf, and dwarf plants were used as male parents. F1 and F2 progenies with parents were planted in 2015-16 using RCBD. The outcome of the crosses showed that multi-ovary tall plants gave significant difference for all five traits (days to maturity, plant height, number of seeds per spike, grain weight per spike, and grain yield per unit area) in both generations. The greatest number of grains per spike and grain yield per unit area were obtained from the cross of three-pistil tall and dwarf parent (P1/P6) in the F1 and F2 generations. The cross also resulted in a significant reduction in height (96 cm). Further heterosis studies conducted with crosses between three-pistil tall and dwarf parent (P1/P6) showed the greatest heterosis and heterobeltiosis for the number of grains per spike (60.0 and 26.19%, respectively) and grain yield per m2 (27.68 and 2.85%, respectively). In the case of grain weight per spike, the heterosis value was also positive and significant (17.7). Meanwhile, for other traits, their values were negative for heterosis and heterobeltiosis. High numbers of grains and grain weight were found to be associated with positive heterobeltiosis and in turn the grain yield per m2, but plant height and maturity had negative affirmation with heterobeltiosis. Heterosis studies also indicated the dominant gene action for the three-pistil trait. Thus, the study clearly signified that grain yield can be increased by using the multi-ovary genotype with the semi-dwarf height. This new germplasm will be helpful for breeders to increase the production of wheat crops in the southern climate of Pakistan.

Performance appraisal and conservation need of Doom pig of Assam

Doom pig is unique indigenous germplasm of Assam which is adaptable to local climatic conditions and thrives with very low to negligible nutritional input and is capable of surviving in a migratory scavenging system, which makes it very popular among local communities of the state for rearing. Looking at the uniqueness and importance of the breed, it has been registered with the National Database of ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (INDIA_PIG_0200_DOOM_09006). The present study was undertaken to study the breeding tract, rearing practice in the field, evaluate the performance in the organized farm as well as its conservation needs. Formation of breed society, recognition of farmers, educating the stakeholders to use improved packages of practices and provision of incentives to the farmers to rear the animals will be helpful for the improvement of this unique germplasm.

The genetic diversity of wild grapes in Mexico

This is the first report evaluating the genetic diversity of Mexican grape species utilizing DNA-based markers to understand the distribution of grape species, and patterns of hybridization. The study utilized accessions maintained in three collections in Mexico, one in the USA and recently collected germplasm. Fifteen SSR markers were used to develop a fingerprint database to identify unique germplasm. Two different clustering analyses without prior population assignment, were used to identify groups that were verified by a Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components and a Principal Coordinate Analysis. Genetic diversity estimates were made across and within groups to validate the results obtained from the clustering analyses. Multiple clustering analyses and diversity parameters supported six genetic groups representing different geographic regions. The Northeastern group was the most diverse with a geographic range extending to Eastern and Central Mexico, while the Coahuila group was the least diverse. Vitis arizonica Engelm. and Vitis cinerea Engelm. ex Millardet were the most abundant species with many hybrid forms. We provide evidence that wild grape species in Mexico follow the physical barriers of mountain ranges like the Sierra Madre Oriental with an east–west divide and the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt as a corridor for gene flow among different grape species. Additional collections are required to fully understand the extent of hybridization and to clarify hybrid zones.

Evapotranspiration Components Dynamic of Highland Barley Using PML ET Product in Tibet

Highland barley is the unique germplasm resource and dominant crop in Tibet with low-level precipitation and a severe shortage of available water resources. Understanding the characteristics and dynamics of evapotranspiration (ET) components (vegetation transpiration (Ec), soil evaporation (Es), and canopy interception evaporation (Ei)) of highland barley can help better optimize water management practices. The seasonal and interannual variations in ET components of highland barley were investigated using the PML-V2 ET product during 2001–2020. The results suggested that Es was the most important ET component and accounted for 77% of total ET for highland barley in Tibet. ET components varied obviously over the altitude, Es, and Es/ET ratio; a decreasing trend was observed with the increase in altitude from 3500 m to 3800 m and then this changed to an increasing trend until reaching the altitude of 4100 m, while Ec, Ei, and their ratios presented an opposite changing pattern to that of Es. Seasonal variation in daily ET components of highland barley displayed a parabolic pattern, peaked in August, while the temporal distributions differed considerably among different ET component ratios. The seasonal variations in ET components were correlated significantly with air temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation, while ET components ratios were more influenced by the environment, irrigation practice, and management rather than meteorological variables. Es and its ratio in highland barley decreased significantly during 2001–2020, while the Ec/ET ratio generally showed an opposite trend to the Es/ET ratio, and Ei and its ratio presented an insignificantly decreasing trend. The interannual variations in ET components were not correlated significantly with meteorological variables, while Ei was more influenced by meteorological variables, especially the precipitation characteristics.

Collection Age and Seed Mass Influence Germination and Seedling Growth in Midwestern White Spruce Accessions

Abstract Stored tree seed collections are essential resources for seedling production and conserving unique germplasm. As stored seeds age, however, seed viability and seedling vigor can decline. This study tests how age and seed mass correspond to germination dynamics and seedling vigor in four white spruce collections from the upper midwestern United States. Using two seedling growth experiments, this study demonstrates that white spruce seeds stored for &amp;gt;30 years have low seed viability and slower seedling growth rates compared with seeds from more recent (≤10 years) white spruce collections. Seed mass also predicted seedling growth rate regardless of collection age, suggesting larger seeds from older collections generate faster growing seedlings.

Genetic Diversity of Shanlan Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Association Analysis of SSR Markers Linked to Agronomic Traits.

Shanlan upland rice, a kind of unique rice germplasm in Hainan Island, was used to evaluate genetic diversity and association between SSR markers and agronomic traits. A total of 239 alleles were detected in 57 Hainan upland rice varieties using 35 SSR markers, and the number of alleles per locus was 2-19. The observed heterozygosity was 0.0655-0.3115. The Shannon diversity index was 0.1352-0.4827. The genetic similarity coefficient was 0.6736-0.9707, and 46 varieties were clustered into one group, indicating that the genetic base of the Shanlan upland rice germplasm was narrow. A total of 25 SSR markers significantly related to plant height, effective panicle number per plant, panicle length, total grain number, filled grain number, seed rating rate, and 1000-grain weight were obtained (P < 0.01), with the percentage of the total variations explained ranging from 0.12% to 42.62%. RM208 explained 42.62% of the total variations in plant height of Shanlan upland rice. RM493 was significantly associated with 6 agronomic traits. We can speculate that RM208 may flank QTLs responsible for plant height and RM493 may flank QTLs playing a fundamental role in the intertwined regulatory network of agronomic traits of Shanlan upland rice.

Identification and revealing the potential traits of the unique germplasm with extended funiculus in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Identification and revealing the potential traits of the unique germplasm with extended funiculus in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Morphometric and microsatellite-based comparative genetic diversity analysis in Bubalus bubalis from North India.

To understand the similarities and dissimilarities of a breed structure among different buffalo breeds of North India, it is essential to capture their morphometric variation, genetic diversity, and effective population size. In the present study, diversity among three important breeds, namely, Murrah, Nili-Ravi and Gojri were studied using a parallel approach of morphometric characterization and molecular diversity. Morphology was characterized using 13 biometric traits, and molecular diversity through a panel of 22 microsatellite DNA markers recommended by FAO, Advisory Group on Animal Genetic Diversity, for diversity studies in buffaloes. Canonical discriminate analysis of biometric traits revealed different clusters suggesting distinct genetic entities among the three studied populations. Analysis of molecular variance revealed 81.8% of genetic variance was found within breeds, while 18.2% of the genetic variation was found between breeds. Effective population sizes estimated based on linkage disequilibrium were 142, 75 and 556 in Gojri, Nili-Ravi and Murrah populations, respectively, indicated the presence of sufficient genetic variation and absence of intense selection among three breeds. The Bayesian approach of STRUCTURE analysis (at K = 3) assigned all populations into three clusters with a degree of genetic admixture in the Murrah and Nili-Ravi buffalo populations. Admixture analysis reveals introgression among Murrah and Nili-Ravi breeds while identified the Gojri as unique buffalo germplasm, indicating that there might be a common origin of Murrah and Nili-Ravi buffaloes. The study provides important insights on buffalo breeds of North India that could be utilized in designing an effective breeding strategy, with an appropriate choice of breeds for upgrading local non-descript buffaloes along with conservation of unique germplasm.