Association mapping reveals novel genes and genomic regions controlling grain size architecture in mini core accessions of Indian National Genebank wheat germplasm collection

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple food crop for the global human population, and thus wheat breeders are consistently working to enhance its yield worldwide. In this study, we utilized a sub-set of Indian wheat mini core germplasm to underpin the genetic architecture for seed shape-associated traits. The wheat mini core subset (125 accessions) was genotyped using 35K SNP array and evaluated for grain shape traits such as grain length (GL), grain width (GW), grain length, width ratio (GLWR), and thousand grain weight (TGW) across the seven different environments (E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E5, E6, and E7). Marker-trait associations were determined using a multi-locus random-SNP-effect Mixed Linear Model (mrMLM) program. A total of 160 non-redundant quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) were identified for four grain shape traits using two or more GWAS models. Among these 160 QTNs, 27, 36, 38, and 35 QTNs were associated for GL, GW, GLWR, and TGW respectively while 24 QTNs were associated with more than one trait. Of these 160 QTNs, 73 were detected in two or more environments and were considered reliable QTLs for the respective traits. A total of 135 associated QTNs were annotated and located within the genes, including ABC transporter, Cytochrome450, Thioredoxin_M-type, and hypothetical proteins. Furthermore, the expression pattern of annotated QTNs demonstrated that only 122 were differentially expressed, suggesting these could potentially be related to seed development. The genomic regions/candidate genes for grain size traits identified in the present study represent valuable genomic resources that can potentially be utilized in the markers-assisted breeding programs to develop high-yielding varieties

Rainwater harvesting in Australia using an Australia-wide model : a preliminary analysis

As the world's population is increasing, so the demand for fresh water is augmenting simultaneously. Groundwater resources are being utilized faster than they can be recharged, and surface water is becoming limited due to higher water use. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is recognised as a sustainable means to overcome water scarcity and cope with the climate change and variability. RWH can be an important supplementary source of water in parts of the world like Australia where water demand is very high compared to many developing countries. Furthermore, Australia is one of driest continents and has the most variable rainfall with long periods of intense droughts and occasional devastating floods. Due to the higher water demand and environmental awareness, RWH systems have become popular in Australia in recent years. This study explores how rainwater can be harvested across Australia. In this study, daily rainfall stations covering three study periods, such as 30 years (1986-2015), 50 years (1966-2015), and 70 years (1946-2015) are used. Spatial analysis is carried out to demonstrate rainfall variability and the potential of rainwater harvesting in Australia. The ongoing study is aimed to develop a model to design an optimum RWH system at any arbitrary location in Australia

Potential of rainwater harvesting in Greater Sydney : a proposed educational tool for Sydney school children

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is recognised as a sustainable means to overcome water scarcity and cope with the climate change and variability. RWH can be an important supplementary source of water in parts of the world like Sydney in Australia where water demand is as high as 300 litres per person per day on average, which is very high compared to many developing countries. Due to higher water demand and environmental awareness, RWH systems have become very popular in Sydney in recent years. This study explores how rainwater can best be harvested across Sydney and how a school education tool can be developed to create water conservation awareness among school students in Sydney. In the data analysis, stations were used covering three study periods, 30 years (1986-2015), 50 years (1966-2015), and 70 years (1946-2015). Spatial and temporal analysis is done to demonstrate rainfall variability and potential of rainwater harvesting in Greater Sydney. This paper proposes an educational tool to be developed that can be used to identify the locations where more water can be saved within Sydney. Further research is continued to develop this tool in near future

Potential of rainwater harvesting in Greater Sydney : a proposed educational tool for Sydney school children

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is recognised as a sustainable means to overcome water scarcity and cope with the climate change and variability. RWH can be an important supplementary source of water in parts of the world like Sydney in Australia where water demand is as high as 300 litres per person per day on average, which is very high compared to many developing countries. Due to higher water demand and environmental awareness, RWH systems have become very popular in Sydney in recent years. This study explores how rainwater can best be harvested across Sydney and how a school education tool can be developed to create water conservation awareness among school students in Sydney. In the data analysis, stations were used covering three study periods, 30 years (1986-2015), 50 years (1966-2015), and 70 years (1946-2015). Spatial and temporal analysis is done to demonstrate rainfall variability and potential of rainwater harvesting in Greater Sydney. This paper proposes an educational tool to be developed that can be used to identify the locations where more water can be saved within Sydney. Further research is continued to develop this tool in near future

Eosinophilic panniculitis in a female child: An unusual presentation

Eosinophilic panniculitis (EP) is characterized by prominent infiltration of subcutaneous fat with eosinophils. The etiology is diverse. This is not a disease but represents a reaction pattern that may occur in a variety of circumstances. The exact pathogenesis of the disease is still unclear. We present the case of a 6-year-old girl child who was diagnosed with EP