<div>Background: The importance of grain legumes in world food sustainability cannot be overemphasized. Minor legumes on the other hand, contribute to agricultural strengthening, especially in the context of sustainable crop and livestock production systems. In the context of assessing different legume species for crop improvement and identification, twenty (20) accessions of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet collected to determine the degree of trait variability and to identify accessions with potentials, which can contribute to grain and forage production. 
 
Methods: The present study involved the evaluation of twenty (20) accessions of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet from IITA, Ibadan. The accessions were grown in the experimental plot and DNA from young and healthy leaves were isolated for determination of genetic diversity using ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL). The accessions were also categorized into groups based on the performances and the highest discriminating traits that accounted for greater variability using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) respectively.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Cluster analysis grouped all the twenty accessions into three clusters, where cluster I, cluster II and cluster III comprised of eight, seven and five accessions respectively. The PCA revealed hundred seed-weights, number of pod per plant and seed length as the most discriminating trait that accounted for greater variability in the Lablab accessions considered and they should be considered in the hyacinth bean improvement programs. Based on diverse level of phenotypic traits, accessions from each cluster were selected for barcode identification and comparison with other cultivars from other region. Results of the molecular analysis showed two clusters and authenticated the use of universal primers, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) for DNA barcoding for successful amplification, identification and discrimination of Lablab purpureus (L). This revealed diversity of the considered accessions and provided information on relatedness to other accessions from other region of the world.</div>

Phenotypic Evaluation of Traits and Barcode Identification using Plastid-specific Ribulose Bisphosphate Carboxylase (Rbcl) Analysis on Lablab Beans [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet]

Background: Varieties identification is essential for protecting seeds sold to farmers from counterfeiting. Currently, the grow-out test (GOT) is used for varieties identification. This test is constrained by its long assessment, environmental dependency and subjective nature. Alternative test/tests are needed. This study aimed to determine the utility of microsatellite markers as a complement to GOT in varieties identification. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: In this study, six varieties of commercial maize hybrids released in Tanzania, herein coded as H1, H2, H3, H5, H6 and H9, were selected as candidates. For morphological evaluation, a field experiment was laid out in a complete randomized block design, followed by the collection of phenotypic data. The qualitative data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA in SPSS v.20 software, while qualitative data were summarized in a frequency distribution table. On the other hand, by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), seven microsatellite markers were used to fingerprint the varieties. The PCR results were manually scored and transferred to GenAIEX v.6.5 and DARwin v.6. software for genetic distance and clustering analysis, respectively. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Quantitative data showed significant variation in all the tested varieties at p&lt;0.05, whereas 15 qualitative traits out of 21 showed phenotypic variations among the tested varieties. Furthermore, two microsatellite markers, namely phi080 and umc1071, out of the seven markers used in this study, proved useful in the fast and timely identification of two varieties (H1 and H2) out of six varieties. Nei&rsquo;s genetic distance ranged from zero to four; the highest measure of genetic distance was observed in H1, followed by H2 and the least measure was observed in both of the four varieties. Neighbor Joining clustered the varieties into three different populations that distinguished each of H1 and H2 from the rest of the four varieties. This study shows that microsatellite markers are a promising complement to GOT in varietal identification.

Assessment of Microsatellite Markers for Varieties Identification: A Case of Six Varieties of Maize Hybrids Sold in Tanzania

<div style="text-align:justify">In many avian species, especially in monomorphic species and breeds, sex identification creates a serious problem, as they do not show any phenotypic differences. One of such breeds is the Wroclaw Meat Pigeon. In this study, molecular identification of sex with P2 and P8 primers used for the CHD1 (chromo-helicase-DNA-binding-protein) gene amplification was performed. Peripheral blood samples were analyzed from 46 birds, and their DNA was isolated with the phenol-chloroform method. The fragments (370 bp CHD1-Z; 350 bp CHD1-W) obtained from the PCR were cut with the BsuRI. Only the sequence in the Z chromosome was cut into fragments of 305 and 65 bp by the restriction enzyme. The difference between CHD1-Z and CHD1-W was visualized in 3% agarose gel. A single band was identified as male, whereas two bands (plus 1 invisible) were identified as female. Consequently, 23 specimens in each sex were identified.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Molecular identification of sex in the monomorphic breed of pigeons</div>

<div>Background: Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] is an important food legume crop of India. Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) disease is the major problem in blackgram. The disease can reduce seed yield upto 100% or even kill a plant infected at an early vegetative stage. The most effective way to prevent the occurrence of this disease is to develop genetically resistant cultivars of blackgram. However, a major difficulty in breeding MYMV disease resistant in blackgram is field screening for the virus disease.&nbsp;Hence identification of QTL followed by Marker-assisted selection (MAS) is highly useful for genetic improvement of crops. With this background, a study was made for identification as well as validation of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for MYMV disease resistance in blackgram. 
 
Methods: A total of 112 F2:3 lines were evaluated for MYMV disease resistance along with parents viz., MDU 1 (MYMV disease susceptible) and Mash 1008 (MYMV disease resistant) at the National Pulses Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vamban, Tamil Nadu during July-September 2018 under Augmented Design in the field. Each line was sown in one row of 3 m in length with a spacing of 30 cm as between row and 10 cm as within row. Susceptible genotypes CO 5 and MDU 1 were sown as disease spreader rows after every eight rows and also around the plots. The MYMV disease score was recorded on 60 DAS, by using phenotype rating scale from 1 (resistant) to 9 (highly susceptible), as suggested by Singh et al. (1995). The mean of each progeny was calculated and used as phenotypic data. A total of 525 SSR primers were used to test polymorphism between parents MDU 1 and Mash 1008. Genotyping was carried out for 112 F2:3 RILs of the cross MDU 1 x Mash 1008 with 35 polymorphic SSR markers. Linkage and QTL analyses were performed using QTL IciMapping (version 4.1.0.0) (Wang et al. 2016) and QGene 4.4.0 (Joehanes and Nelson 2008) respectively. Two mapping populations MDU 1 x Mash 114 and CO 5 x VBN 6 in F2:3 and F2 generations respectively were used in this study to validate the identified QTL regions. 
 
Result: QTL study indicated the presence of two major QTLs for MYMV disease score in LG 2 and LG 10 at 60 DAS with 20.90 and 24.90% of phenotypic variation respectively. Validation of these QTLs in two other mapping population indicated that QTL on LG 10 was validated with high phenotypic variation of 45.40-46.00%. Hence it may conclude that qmymv10_60 may be utilized for MAS/MABC with assured improvement on MYMV disease resistance in blackgram.</div>

<div>Identification and Validation of Quantitative Trait Loci of Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus Disease Resistance in Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L). Hepper]</div>

<div>Background: The study was conducted at the various locations in Antalya province, where the Tavşan Y&uuml;reği olive variety is registered as the Tavşan Y&uuml;reği olive variety, which is spreading especially in Kepez and Manavgat districts. 
 
Methods: The objective of this study was to determine a homonym of Olea europaea var. Tavşan Y&uuml;reği by using molecular identification and image analysis. Based on molecular analyses and morphological measurements made on collected leaf and fruit samples collected, the morphological identification method is used based on imaging techniques from high-resolution photos. 
 
Result: The results showed that, according to the molecular definition and image analysis measurements, the source of the difference between all locations, including the BATEM sample, may be genotype or phenotypic diversity within the variety.</div>

A Homonym Determination of Olea europaea L. by using Molecular Identification and Image Analysis

<div>Background:&nbsp;In Pakistan, the naked neck chickens are characterized on the base of plumage colors such as black, white black, light brown and dark brown. There is scanty of information on hatching traits in different phenotypes of naked neck chicken. The current study aimed to investigate and compare the hatching traits in four phenotypes of naked neck chicken (black, white black, light brown and dark brown). 
 
Methods:&nbsp;In total, 300 females (20 weeks old) comprising four plumage colors (black, white black, light brown and dark brown), 75 from each, were randomly assigned to 20 replicates (15/replicate) under a completely randomized design (CRD). Number of settable eggs, fertility, hatch of fertile, hatchability, embryonic mortality and chick quality parameters were evaluated. 
 
Result:&nbsp;The results showed higher settable eggs, fertility and hatchability in black, dark brown and light brown phenotypes than that of the white black whereas better hatch of fertile and reduced embryonic mortality were recorded in black and dark brown phenotypes as compared to white black. Better chick quality was observed in dark brown phenotype followed by light brown, black and then white black. Phenotypes other than white black had better hatching performance, hence could be used to revive backyard poultry farming.</div>

​​Comparative Evaluation of Hatching Traits in Four Phenotypes of Naked Neck Chicken

Background: Dry root rot is an economically important soil borne disease of chickpea in India. The pathogen, Rhizoctonia bataticola, is a soil borne fungus resulting in significant losses in yield. Therefore, the present investigation was aimed to identify the management strategy of disease through identification new sources of resistance and integrated management of disease.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: R. bataticola was isolated and purified by using hyphal tip technique and molecular detection was done by using ITS primers. One hundred chickpea germplasm entries were screened under in both field and advanced phenotyping in glass house. The field trials on integrated management of the disease were conducted with different treatments using randomized block design.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Fourteen resistant and five moderately resistant genotypes were identified under artificial epiphytotic conditions. Advanced screening of these 19 genotypes under phenotyping technique yielded four resistant and five moderately resistant genotypes. Among nine treatments,&nbsp; seed treatment with mancozeb 50% + carbendazim 25% WP @ 3.5 g/kg followed by soil drenching of mancozeb 50% + carbendazim 25% WP @ 3 g/l water to infected and surrounding plants was found highly effective by recording least disease incidence with highest seed yield, test weight and benefit cost ratio.

Identification of Resistant Genotypes and Integrated Management of Dry Root Rot of Chickpea

<div>Background: Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are famous for their &lsquo;Rewal chal&rsquo; (a unique style of running). These horses dominantly exist in the western-northern border of India adjoining Pakistan. The breeding tract of these horses is Surat, Navsari, Kachchh district of Gujarat and Jaisalmer-Barmer districts of Rajasthan in India. Most familiar colors in the Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are bay and chestnut. Roman nose, ears curved at tips but not touching each other, short back, short pastern length, broader hoof for better grip and docile temperament are major characteristics of these horses. 
 
Methods: The present study is an effort to phenotypically characterize Kachchhi-Sindhi horse breed based on their different biometric indices for selection and conservation of stallions and mares for breeding purposes by private breeders. Fourteen biometric indices were recorded for phenotypic characterization of each breed viz., height at wither (HW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), neck length (NL), face length (FL), face width (FW), pole, ear length (EL), ear width (EW), foreleg length (FLL), canon, pastern, hoof length (HoL) and hoof width (HoW). On average, these horses stand 148 cm height, have a body length of ~140 cm, a heart girth of ~165 cm, an ear length of ~15 cm and a face length of ~61 cm. 
 
Result: Horse keepers sustain horses in intensive as well as an extensive system of rearing. It has also been ascertained from various sources that horse number is declining rapidly, however, breed population statistics are not available. There is, therefore, an urgent need to conserve this breed. Proper managemental practices and conservation efforts will pave the way for the multiplication of this valuable equine genetic resource of India.</div>

<div>Phenotypic Characterization of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses of India</div>

<div>Background: Notable advancements in the selection indices have led to the development of exceptional breeding strategies, which have eventually led to the selection of elite dairy animals. The comparison of trends is facilitated by their estimation which permit the assessment of progress in a particular trait. The purpose of this study was to investigate genetic trends in economic traits of Murrah buffaloes, which is predominantly present as a high milk producer using the regression method. The study was designed to estimate the phenotypic, genetic and environmental trends, which represent the changes accrued over time and hence, determines the efficiency of breeding programme. 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on 659 Murrah buffaloes, sired by 188 bulls, over a period of 27 years (1991-2017). The economic traits studied were first lactation milk yield (FLMY), first lactation length (FLL), age at first calving (AFC), first calving interval (FCI), first service period (FSP) and first dry period (FDP). The phenotypic trends were obtained as regression of population performance on year and the genetic trends were obtained by Smith method I and II. 
 
Result: The results revealed that the phenotypic trends obtained were significant and desirable for all the traits except for first lactation length, which was non-significant. The standard errors obtained by Smith method-I were higher than those obtained from method-II. As the Smith method-II avoids year to year fluctuations in the environment and those of contemporaries, it gives more realistic estimate as compared to the first method with lower standard error.</div>

<div>Estimation of Phenotypic and Genetic Trends in Economic Traits of Murrah Buffaloes</div>

<div>Background: The present study was done to ascertain prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus from various canine affections in Banaskantha district of Gujarat, India. Along with this, use of classical and molecular techniques were compared in identification and virulence characterization of this pathogen. 
 
Methods: A total of 165 samples were collected and bacterial identification was carried out with bacteriological (phenotypic) techniques and confirmed by genus specific 16S rDNA and Staphylococcus aureus specific sa442 gene based PCR. Isolates were characterized for coagulase production, haemolysis activity and presence of spa gene. &nbsp; 
 
Result: Samples yielded, 88 (53.33%) Staphylococcus spp. via bacteriological and PCR methods. Clinically, 19 (21.59%), 28 (31.82%), 12 (13.64%), 15 (17.04%) and 14 (15.91%) isolates were from abscess/wound, pyoderma, respiratory problems, eye infections and Otitis, respectively. A total of 46/88 (52.27%) isolates were confirmed as Staphylococcus aureus in PCR. In tube coagulase test, 51/88 (57.95%) isolates were found positive. A tota of 42 isolates revealed presence of coa gene, including two tube coagulase negative isolates. Haemolytic activity revealed beta (51.14%) gamma (31.82%), alpha (13.64%) and alpha-beta (3.41%) haemolysis, respectively. X-region of Protein A (spa gene) was detected in 26 /46 (56.52%) isolates in PCR.</div>