Means and Variances of Early Generation Bulked Populations in Spring Wheat as Predictors of Derived Line Performance

Fifteen crosses involving three high and three low-yielding hard red spring wheats, (Triticum aestivum L.), adapted inbred lines to the production conditions of South Dakota were used to assess early generation means and variances in identifying bulked populations that produced high-yielding derived lines. In addition, different generations were evaluated to determine which would best identify crosses with the greater potential for producing segregates having high-yielding ability. Traits examined in early generation bulked and spaced-planted populations and derived lines were: 1) grain yield; 2) time to heading; and, 3) plant height. Means and variances of early generation bulked populations were moderately successful in detecting those crosses which produced superior derived lines. The variance was somewhat more effective. Most of the high-yielding and early-heading lines were obtained from crosses identified as superior either by mean, variance or both in F3 and F4 in 1985 and 1986, respectively. None of the parameters, however, was successful in predicting shorter derived lines. Populations producing the largest number of high-yielding derived lines were obtained from crosses with both parents high- yielding. Derived lines with the lower mean yield were from crosses involving low-yielding parents. The proportion of high-yielding derived lines from high X low crosses was the same as from the high x high crosses in 1985. The derived lines obtained from crosses involving SD2861 as one of the parents showed high mean yields and headed early. Crosses involving Guard also showed a large number of high-yielding derived lines

Prevalence of active HCV infection among the blood donors of Khyber Pakhtunkwa and FATA region of Pakistan and evaluation of the screening tests for anti-HCV

Hepatitis C is a fatal liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. In this study, blood donors, from various districts of the KPK province and the federally administered tribal area (FATA) of Pakistan were tested for anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA by ICT (Immuno-chromatographic test), ELISA and RT-PCR. Out of the 7148 blood donors, 224 (3.13%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies by ICT, 135 (1.89%) by ELISA while 118 (1.65%) blood donors had active HCV infection as detected by RT-PCR. We suggest that ELISA should be used for anti-HCV screening in public sector hospitals and health care units

Duplex PCR assay for the detection of avian adeno virus and chicken anemia virus prevalent in Pakistan

Avian Adeno viruses and Chicken Anemia Viruses cause serious economic losses to the poultry industry of Pakistan each year. Timely and efficient diagnosis of the viruses is needed in order to practice prevention and control strategies. In the first part of this study, we investigated broilers, breeder and Layer stocks for morbidity and mortality rates due to AAV and CAV infections and any co-infections by examining signs and symptoms typical of their infestation or post mortem examination. In the second part of the study, we developed a duplex PCR assay for the detection of AAV and CAV which is capable to simultaneously detect both the viral types prevalent in Pakistan with high sensitivity and 100% specificity