Identification of a novel mutation in the gene in low phytate Basmati rice mutant and development of CAPS marker for marker-assisted breeding.

Low phytate level is a desirable trait because it promotes mineral bioavailability and thus offers a solution to tackle mineral deficiencies. The objectives of the present study were to characterize low phytate (lpa) Basmati rice mutants for the identification of novel mutations in target gene(s) and to develop a PCR-based CAPS (cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence) marker for low phytate Basmati rice. For this purpose, cultivar Super Basmati (Q4) was irradiated with gamma rays (Co source) and three mutants named Q1 (lpa-5-9), Q2 (lpa-9-13), and Q3 (lpa-59-14) were isolated.

Omics-Driven Strategies for Developing Saline-Smart Lentils: A Comprehensive Review.

A number of consequences of climate change, notably salinity, put global food security at risk by impacting the development and production of lentils. Salinity-induced stress alters lentil genetics, resulting in severe developmental issues and eventual phenotypic damage. Lentils have evolved sophisticated signaling networks to combat salinity stress.

Field and biochemical evaluation of glyphosate tolerant chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) mutants developed through induced mutagenesis.

Weed control in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is challenging due to narrow genetic base of available germplasm and limited herbicide options. In this view, present research was focused on induced mutagenesis in chickpea for development of herbicide (glyphosate) tolerant mutants and subsequent screening under field conditions.

Biochemical and morpho-physiological insights revealed low moisture stress adaptation mechanisms in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a multipurpose crop. Abiotic stresses, especially extreme heat and drought, limit crop growth and thus reduce cotton yield by about 50%.

First report of aflatoxin and ochratoxin contamination in ginger collected from different agroclimatic zones from Punjab, Pakistan.

Ginger, a fresh rhizome, an economically important spice with extensive nutraceutical activities finds itself in vegetable and therapeutic market. Aflatoxins (AFB, AFB, AFG and AFG) along with ochratoxin A (OTA) are the most significant and the most toxic form of mycotoxins which are produced by various fungi. This study was initiated to assess the contamination of AFs and OTA in raw and dried ginger products, collected from different agro-climatic zones in Punjab, Pakistan employing the high performance liquid chromatography.

Development of Rice Mutants with Enhanced Resilience to Drought Stress and Their Evaluation by Lab Assay, Field, and Multivariate Analysis.

Drought is one of the foremost devastating abiotic stresses reported for rice crops. To improve the productivity of rice, diversity is being enlarged by induced mutation using a source of gamma rays. But this type of mutation rarely results in fruitful products because the chances of getting the desired mutant are very low.

Unraveling the impact of water deficit stress on nutritional quality and defense response of tomato genotypes.

Water deficit stress triggers various physiological and biochemical changes in plants, substantially affecting both overall plant defense response and thus nutritional quality of tomatoes. The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant defense response and nutritional quality of different tomato genotypes under water deficit stress. In this study, six tomato genotypes were used and subjected to water deficit stress by withholding water for eight days under glass house conditions.

Field screening and identification of biochemical indices of pod borer () resistance in chickpea mutants.

Chickpea pod borer (CPB) () is one of the major pests, causing significant yield losses. The objectives were to screen chickpea mutants for pod borer resistance/tolerance under field conditions and identification of biochemical markers of tolerance. Chickpea mutant CM216-A/15 had highest leaf (25 trichomes/mm) and stem trichome density (17 trichomes/mm) with least pod damage at Kallur Kot and highest pod weight per plant (22.

GWAS in a Collection of Bulgarian Old and Modern Bread Wheat Accessions Uncovers Novel Genomic Loci for Grain Protein Content and Thousand Kernel Weight.

Genetic enhancement of grain production and quality is a priority in wheat breeding projects. In this study, we assessed two key agronomic traits-grain protein content (GPC) and thousand kernel weight (TKW)-across 179 Bulgarian contemporary and historic varieties and landraces across three growing seasons. Significant phenotypic variation existed for both traits among genotypes and seasons, and no discernible difference was evident between the old and modern accessions.

Identification of biochemical indices for brown spot (Bipolaris oryzae) disease resistance in rice mutants and hybrids.

Brown spot caused by Bipolaris oryzae is a major damaging fungal disease of rice which can decrease the yield and value of produce due to grain discoloration. The objectives of the current study were to investigate and understand the biochemical indices of brown spot disease resistance in rice. A total of 108 genotypes (mutant and hybrid) along with Super Basmati and parent RICF-160 were evaluated against brown spot disease.

Grain nutritional and antioxidant profiling of diverse lentil ( Medikus) genetic resources revealed genotypes with high nutritional value.

The lentil ( Medikus ssp. Culinaris) is a self-pollinating, diploid (2n = 2X = 14) crop with a genome size of 4 Gbp. The present study was conducted to provide a database for the evaluation of lentil antioxidant capacity, nutritional quality, and biochemical attributes.

Redox mechanisms of environmental toxicants on male reproductive function.

Humans and wildlife, including domesticated animals, are exposed to a myriad of environmental contaminants that are derived from various human activities, including agricultural, household, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial products. Excessive exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and phthalates consequently causes the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. The equilibrium between reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant system is preserved to maintain cellular redox homeostasis.

A comprehensive review on resistance against cotton leaf curl virus.

Cotton ( L.) is a significant fiber crop. Being a major contributor to the textile industry requires continuous care and attention.

In-silico analysis of heat shock transcription factor (OsHSF) gene family in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Background: One of the most important cash crops worldwide is rice (Oryza sativa L.). Under varying climatic conditions, however, its yield is negatively affected.

A CRISPR way for accelerating cereal crop improvement: Progress and challenges.

Humans rely heavily on cereal grains as a key source of nutrients, hence regular improvement of cereal crops is essential for ensuring food security. The current food crisis at the global level is due to the rising population and harsh climatic conditions which prompts scientists to develop smart resilient cereal crops to attain food security. Cereal crop improvement in the past generally depended on imprecise methods like random mutagenesis and conventional genetic recombination which results in high off targeting risks.

Fruit nutritional composition, antioxidant and biochemical profiling of diverse tomato genetic resource.

Tomato is the second most important vegetable crop consumed globally, by the virtue of its antioxidant-rich phytochemicals and bioactive compounds. Identifying genotypes with high antioxidant capacities and nutritionally rich phytochemicals is imperative for improving human health. The present study aimed to analyze 21 antioxidant and nutritional compounds in 93 geographically diverse, high yielding, better quality, stress tolerant tomato genotypes (hybrids, parental lines, inbred lines, and advanced lines).

A GBS-based genome-wide association study reveals the genetic basis of salinity tolerance at the seedling stage in bread wheat ( L.).

High salinity levels affect 20% of the cultivated area and 9%-34% of the irrigated agricultural land worldwide, ultimately leading to yield losses of crops. The current study evaluated seven salt tolerance-related traits at the seedling stage in a set of 138 pre-breeding lines (PBLs) and identified 63 highly significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) linked to salt tolerance. Different candidate genes were identified in analysis, many of which were involved in various stress conditions in plants, including glycine-rich cell wall structural protein 1-like, metacaspase-1, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase GAPA1, and plastidial GAPA1.

Understanding the Immune System in Fetal Protection and Maternal Infections during Pregnancy.

The fetal-maternal immune system determines the fate of pregnancy. The trophoblast cells not only give an active response against external stimuli but are also involved in secreting most of the cytokines. These cells have an essential function in fetal acceptance or fetal rejection.

Development of an ELISA to distinguish between foot-and-mouth disease virus infected and vaccinated animals utilising the viral non-structural protein 3ABC.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious and economically devastating viral disease of livestock and is endemic in much of Asia, including Pakistan. Vaccination is used to control disease outbreaks and sensitive diagnostic methods which can differentiate infected animals from vaccinated animals (DIVA) are essential for monitoring the effectiveness of disease control programmes. Tests based on the detection of the non-structural protein (NSP) 3ABC are reliable indicators of virus replication in infected and vaccinated populations.

Dietary Alters Periparturient Plasma and Milk Biochemical Indicators and Promotes Productive Performance in Goats.

The purpose of the current study was to explore the supplementing effects of leaf powder (MOLP) on plasma and milk biochemical indices and productive/reproductive performance of goats. A total of 30 healthy pregnant goats were randomly distributed ( = 10) into three experimental groups: control (M) group (basal diet without MOLP), M group (basal diet + 2% MOLP), and M group (basal diet + 3.5% MOLP).

Integrated Analysis of Osmotic Stress and Infrared Thermal Imaging for the Selection of Resilient Rice Under Water Scarcity.

The climate change scenario has increased the severity and frequency of drought stress, which limits the growth and yield of rice worldwide. There is a dire need to select drought-tolerant rice varieties to sustain crop production under water scarcity. Therefore, the present study effectively combined morpho-physiological and biochemical approaches with the technology of infrared thermal imaging (IRTI) for a reliable selection of drought-tolerant genotypes.

Bisphenol A Induces Histopathological, Hematobiochemical Alterations, Oxidative Stress, and Genotoxicity in Common Carp ( L.).

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the environmental endocrine disrupting toxicants and is widely used in the industry involving plastics, polycarbonate, and epoxy resins. This study was designed to investigate the toxicological effects of BPA on hematology, serum biochemistry, and histopathology of different organs of common carp (). A total of 60 fish were procured and haphazardly divided into four groups.

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Balance in Pregnancy.

It has been widely known that oxidative stress disrupts the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant system in the body. During pregnancy, the physiological generation of ROS is involved in a variety of developmental processes ranging from oocyte maturation to luteolysis and embryo implantation. While abnormal overproduction of ROS disrupts these processes resulting in reproductive failure.

The Role of Polyphenols in Regulation of Heat Shock Proteins and Gut Microbiota in Weaning Stress.

Gut microbiota is the natural residents of the intestinal ecosystem which display multiple functions that provide beneficial effects on host physiology. Disturbances in gut microbiota in weaning stress are regulated by the immune system and oxidative stress-related protein pathways. Weaning stress also alters gut microbiota response, limits digestibility, and influences animal productive performance through the production of inflammatory molecules.