Qtls Controlling Seed Weight and Days to Flowering in Mungbean [Vigna Radiata (L.) Wilczek], Their Conservation in Azuki Bean [V. Angularis (Ohwi) Ohwi & Ohashi] and Rice Bean [V. Umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi & Ohashi]

Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) is a socio-economically important legume crop of Asia. Varieties with large seed size and early maturity are preferred in commercial production. In this study, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling seed weight and days to flowering in mungbean. The mapping population comprises 155 F2-derived lines from a cross between Kamphaeng Saen 1 (large-seeded and early flowering) and V4718 (small-seeded and late flowering). The F2 population was analyzed with 67 simple sequence repeat markers. The F2:3 families were evaluated for 100-seed weigh and days to flowering in two years, 2008 (one season) and 2011 (two seasons). Composite interval mapping identified six QTLs for 100-seed weight and 5 QTLs for days to flowering. Three genomic regions harbored QTLs for both seed weight and days to flowering, revealing association between the two traits. Comparison of QTLs for both traits found in this study with those reported in azuki bean (Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & Ohashi) and rice bean (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi & Ohashi) revealed that several QTLs are conserved among the three Vigna species

Stability of Four New Sources of Bacterial Leaf Blight Resistance in Thailand Obtained From Indigenous Rice Varieties

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) disease caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is one of the most serious diseases in rice production. Breeding varieties specifically for their resistance to BLB disease is therefore an efficient and cost-effective strategy. However, the resistance gene for BLB can be race and non-race specific, meaning it is often overcome by the pathogen. The identification of new sources of resistance genes for Xoo is crucial in rice breeding programmes. In this study, six rice varieties were assessed using six Xoo isolates in multiple screening conditions. The GGE biplot analysis considers both genotype (G) and genotype environment (GE) interaction effects and demonstrates GE interaction. The first two principal components (PCs) accounted for 95.46% of the total GE variation in the data. Based on lesion length and stability performance, Phaladum was the most ideal genotype against all Xoo isolates in the four screening conditions. The results relayed that Phaladum indigenous rice varieties could be considered as new sources of bacterial leaf blight resistance in Thailand. In the future, the BLB resistance gene in this variety will be identified in regard to mode of inheritance and used as parental line in rice breeding programmes for resistance to BLB

The role of forensic anthropology in disaster victim identification (DVI):recent developments and future prospects

Forensic anthropological knowledge has been used in disaster victim identification (DVI) for over a century, but over the past decades, there have been a number of disaster events which have seen an increasing role for the forensic anthropologist. The experiences gained from some of the latest DVI operations have provided valuable lessons that have had an effect on the role and perceived value of the forensic anthropologist as part of the team managing the DVI process. This paper provides an overview of the ways in which forensic anthropologists may contribute to DVI with emphasis on how recent experiences and developments in forensic anthropology have augmented these contributions. Consequently, this paper reviews the value of forensic anthropological expertise at the disaster scene and in the mortuary, and discusses the way in which forensic anthropologists may use imaging in DVI efforts. Tissue-sampling strategies for DNA analysis, especially in the case of disasters with a large amount of fragmented remains, are also discussed. Additionally, consideration is given to the identification of survivors; the statistical basis of identification; the challenges related to some specific disaster scenarios; and education and training. Although forensic anthropologists can play a valuable role in different phases of a DVI operation, they never practice in isolation. The DVI process requires a multidisciplinary approach and, therefore, has a close collaboration with a range of forensic specialists