Occurrence and distribution of bacterial indicators and pathogens in coastal waters of Orissa

474-480Bacterial population in the coastal water of Orissa, up to 10 km from shoreline along 6 transects were observed during 2005-06 and 2006-07. Total viable counts (TVC), total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC), faecal streptococci (FS), presumptive E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella, Proteus/Klebsiella, total Vibrio, Vibrio cholera, V. parahaemolyticus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as physico-chemical parameters are determined. Bacterial population was higher in Mahanadi, Paradip and Puri transects compared to other transects. Higher microbial population was recorded in stations close to the shore than the offshore (5 km and 10 km) stations. FC showed positive significant correlation with presumptive E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella and Proteus/Klebsiella, Total Vibrio, V. cholera, V. parahaemolyticus and P. aeruginosa. TC showed the positive significant correlation with presumptive E. coli, total Vibrio, V. cholera and P. aeruginosa. FS showed the positive significant correlation with Salmonella, total Vibrio, V. cholera and V. parahaemolyticus and Shigella. Correlation analysis revealed positive relationships between faecal indicators and pathogenic microorganisms. Bacterial population showed positive relationship with BOD and negative relationship with salinity indicating dominant influence human activities. </b

Regulatory role of miRNAs in Wnt signaling pathway linked with cardiovascular diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are discovered in science about 23 years ago. These are short, a series of non-coding, single-stranded and evolutionary conserved RNA molecules found in eukaryotic cells. It involved post-transcriptional fine-tune protein expression and repressing the target of mRNA in different biological processes. These miRNAs binds with the 3′-UTR region of specific mRNAs to phosphorylate the mRNA degradation and inhibit the translation process in various tissues. Therefore, aberrant expression in miRNAs induces numerous cardiovascular diseases and developmental defects. Subsequently, the miRNAs and Wnt singling pathway are regulating a cellular process in cardiac development and regeneration, maintain the homeostasis and associated heart diseases. In Wnt signaling pathway majority of the signaling components are expressed and regulated by miRNAs, whereas the inhibition or dysfunction of the Wnt signaling pathway induces cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, inadequate studies about the important role of miRNAs in heart development and diseases through Wnt signaling pathway has been exist still now. For this reason in present review we summarize and update the involvement of miRNAs and the role of Wnt signaling in cardiovascular diseases. We have discussed the mechanism of miRNA functions which regulates the Wnt components in cellular signaling pathway. The fundamental understanding of Wnt signaling regulation and mechanisms of miRNAs is quite essential for study of heart development and related diseases. This approach definitely enlighten the future research to provide a new strategy for formulation of novel therapeutic approaches against cardiovascular diseases

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Not AvailableThe inter relationships between the two progenitors is interesting as both wild relatives are known to be the great untapped gene reservoirs. The debate continues on granting a separate species status to Oryza nivara. The present study was conducted on populations of Oryza rufipogon and Oryza nivara from Eastern India employing morphological and molecular characteristics. The cluster analysis of the data on morphological traits could clearly classify the two wild forms into two separate discrete groups without any overlaps i.e. lack of intermediate forms, suggesting the non-sympatric existence of the wild forms. Amplification of hyper variable regions of the genome could reveal 144 alleles suggesting high genetic diversity values (average He = 0.566). Moreover, with 42.37% of uncommon alleles between the two wild relatives, the molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) could detect only 21% of total variation (p < 0.001) among them and rest 59% was within them. The population structure analysis clearly classified these two wild populations into two distinct sub-populations (K = 2) without any overlaps i.e. lack of intermediate forms, suggesting the non-sympatric existence of the wild forms. Clear differentiation into two distinct groups indicates that O. rufipogon and O. nivara could be treated as two different species.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableAssessing genetic variability of micronutrient content in association with qualitative and quantitative traits in germplasm is prerequisite for effective biofortifi cation programme. Odisha, a state of eastern India is considered as one of the most potential hot spot of diver sity of cultivated rice for grain yield and nutritional traits. Significant variability for most of the qualitative and quantitative traits including Fe and Zn content was observed in a set of 293 germplasm with varying kernel colour encompassing 14 districts of Odisha. Mostly these landraces were low yielding with some exception (Haldi gundi: AC 36454, 50.08 g/plant). These landraces were mostly represented by medium Fe (10–20 ppm)—medium Zn group (20–30 ppm). Fe and Zn content had positive association with each other and also with grain size. Lan draces with red kernel colour were observed to have slightly higher average Zn content (26.30 ppm) as com pared to white (25.87 ppm) grains. Diversity analysis of 14 districts revealed that Nayagarh, a south-eastern district was rich in Fe content while Deogarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj, all north-western districts were rich in Zn content. This study identified 10 superior micronutrient dense genotypes with medium to high Fe and Zn content. This set of donors for micronutrient content was validated in another year. Champeisiali (AC 43368) and Gedemalati (AC 34306) with highest Fe (44.1 ppm) and Zn (40.48 ppm) content, respectively were detected over the environments. Identified donors and associated traits could be utilized in biofortificaion programme using appropriate breeding methodologies for enhancing micronutrients in high yielding backgroundNot Availabl

Inventorising the traditional rice germplasm in Cuttack district after five decades of green revolution

674-681Farmers of some localities of Cuttack district of Odisha, India still cultivate the traditional rice varieties even after five decades of introduction of semi-dwarf high yielding varieties in late 1960s and their rapid adoption and spread in the entire farming system. In present study, a total of 29 prominent rice landraces along with 2 released rice varieties were collected from 5 blocks of Cuttack district. The traditional rice growing farmers perceive with great conviction that these landraces are more tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses than any of the improved high yielding varieties and can give an assured yield even at the worst weather conditions. Therefore, it becomes imperative to conserve these natural resources for posterity. The DNA markers based diversity analysis was also carried out using 16 STMS markers. The mean number of alleles per locus was 3.13 showing 88.89 % polymorphism and an average polymorphism information content of 3.33. Cluster analysis based on microsatellite allelic diversity clearly demarcated all the 31 genotypes into two different groups which could be very much useful in rice improvement programs

Ethnolinguistic associations and genetic diversity of rice landraces in Nagaland, India

Societal Impact Statement Preserving and conserving crop landraces, tended by indigenous farming communities, is crucial for future food security. This research focused on rice landrace diversity in the north‐eastern Himalayan region of Nagaland, India, where Naga communities cultivate rice according to their dietary and cultural preferences. Rice diversity is closely linked to the region's ethnolinguistic and ecological variety. On‐farm conservation, in collaboration with indigenous communities, is imperative to protect these germplasm resources. Involving these communities actively in conservation efforts will safeguard their traditional knowledge, endorse sustainable farming practices, and enhance the resilience of local agricultural systems. Summary Understanding the genetic diversity and cultural significance of crop landraces is crucial for their conservation and sustainable utilization. This study focused on rice landraces from Nagaland in north‐eastern India to assess their genetic diversity and explore their associations with ethnolinguistic groups. We collected 78 rice landraces from Nagaland and a small part of Manipur and conducted microsatellite genotyping for genetic analysis. We integrated social anthropology and population genetics analyses of rice landraces to glean insights into the genetic diversity, population structure, and ethnolinguistic history of rice cultivation in Nagaland. The study revealed the rich cultural significance of rice landraces among the Nagas. Farmers practiced small‐scale subsistence farming, maintaining diverse rice landraces. Naming conventions were based on factors such as seed source, color, grain type, and ecological suitability. Rice landraces played important roles in ethnic cultures, festivals, and religious ceremonies. Genetic analysis identified significant diversity, with 277 alleles across 69 loci and a moderate gene diversity of 0.57. Two distinct sub‐populations were identified, with one dominated by Chakhesang and Angami Nagas and the other by Sümi and Lotha accessions. Differentiation was observed between lowland and upland cultivars, with one sub‐population comprising exclusively lowland varieties. Cultural factors and cultivation practices influenced population differentiation, with ethnicity and ecotype having a significant impact. The study also highlighted the correlation between ethnolinguistic differentiation and the indica–japonica structuring of rice landraces. Different ethnic groups in Nagaland had distinct cultivation practices, contributing to genetic differentiation. Overall, this research emphasizes the need to preserve rice landraces and associated traditional knowledge for future improvements and cultural heritage conservation. It provides insights into genetic diversity, cultural significance, and the relationship between genetic diversity, cultural practices, and agricultural traditions

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Not AvailableTraditional rice varieties grown by the farmers serve as valuable genetic resources for future rice improvement. These varieties are highly adapted to varied agro-ecological conditions. However, they are rapidly lost because of the adoption of high-yielding varieties. The extent of allelic and genetic diversity present in the germplasm is a prerequisite for the improvement of any crop and conservation strategies under adverse impacts of climate. Farmers' rice varieties are usually poor yielders but are allelic treasurer for different traits, especially biotic and abiotic stresses, grain qualities, early seedling vigor, input use efficiency, etc. Therefore, the present study was aimed for a detailed understanding of allelic and genetic diversity, and population structure of 607 farmers' rice varieties using 36 fluorescently labeled microsatellite markers and 53 morphological traits. A total of 363 alleles was detected with an average of 10.33 alleles per locus and moderately high Nei's allelic/gene diversity (0.502) was detected. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.685 to 0.987 with an average of 0.901. 34 unique, 236 rare, 84 low-frequency and 44 high-frequency alleles were detected. 53 morphological traits harbored a total of 195 variables with an average of 4.217 variables per trait. 50 out of 53 morphological traits showed polymorphism and highly significant differences among varieties. High genetic diversity was observed among 607 farmers' rice varieties both at molecular (0.653) and phenotypic (0.656) levels. The dendrogram based on both microsatellite markers and morphological traits grouped the 607 farmers' rice varieties into three major groups. A moderate population structure was observed with two independent subpopulations SP1 and SP2, which have membership percentages of 82.6 % and 17.4 %, fixation index values of 0.19 and 0.194, respectively. The AMOVA could explain 63 % of the total variation among varieties and 34 % within varieties. Our results showed that the farmers' rice varieties of Odisha harbored higher levels of both allelic and genetic diversity. Hence, these varieties would be useful for the identification of novel and elite alleles, and serve as a source of donors for the development of climate-smart varieties with improved grain yield and qualities, and input use efficiency, which would be sustainable in changing climate scenario conditions and improve farmers' income.Not Availabl