Resumo A utilização de técnicas modernas de melhoramento para o desenvolvimento de tipos de plantas uniformes e de alto rendimento, em última análise, estreitando a composição genética da maioria das culturas. A composição genética restrita dessas plantações tornou-as vulneráveis a doenças e epidemias de insetos. Para uma produção agrícola sustentável, a variabilidade genética dessas culturas deve ser ampliada contra vários estresses bióticos e abióticos. Uma das maneiras de ampliar a configuração genética dessas culturas é identificar novas fontes adicionais de resistência durável. A esse respeito, os parentes selvagens das culturas estão fornecendo fontes valiosas de diversidade alélica para vários componentes de qualidade e tolerância ao estresse abiótico e biótico. Para incorporar a nova variabilidade da ampla técnica de hibridização de parente selvagem tornou-se um método de reprodução promissor. Para esse efeito, trigo-Th. As linhas anfiploides, de adição e translocação de bessarabicum foram selecionadas em condições de campo e de casa de tela para obter novas fontes de ferrugem amarela e resistência ao bunt de Karnal. A triagem de ferrugem em faixas em condições de campo revelou as linhas de adição 4JJ e 6JJ como resistentes a moderadamente resistentes, enquanto as linhas de adição 3JJ, 5JJ, 7JJ e as linhas de translocação Tr-3, Tr-6 como estoque genético de trigo-Thinopyrum bessarabicum moderadamente resistente. A triagem Karnal bunt descreveu as linhas de adição 5JJ e 4JJ como estoque genético altamente resistente. Esses estoques genéticos podem ser usados para introgressão da nova ferrugem e resistência ao bunt de Karnal do pool genético terciário em origens de trigo suscetíveis.

Abstract Utilization of modern breeding techniques for developing high yielding and uniform plant types ultimately narrowing the genetic makeup of most crops. Narrowed genetic makeup of these crops has made them vulnerable towards disease and insect epidemics. For sustainable crop production, genetic variability of these crops must be broadened against various biotic and abiotic stresses. One of the ways to widen genetic configuration of these crops is to identify novel additional sources of durable resistance. In this regard crops wild relatives are providing valuable sources of allelic diversity towards various biotic, abiotic stress tolerance and quality components. For incorporating novel variability from wild relative’s wide hybridization technique has become a promising breeding method. For this purpose, wheat-Th. bessarabicum amphiploid, addition and translocation lines have been screened in field and screen house conditions to get novel sources of yellow rust and Karnal bunt resistant. Stripe rust screening under field conditions has revealed addition lines 4JJ and 6JJ as resistant to moderately resistant while addition lines 3JJ, 5JJ, 7JJ and translocation lines Tr-3, Tr-6 as moderately resistant wheat-Thinopyrum-bessarabicum genetic stock. Karnal bunt screening depicted addition lines 5JJ and 4JJ as highly resistant genetic stock. These genetic stocks may be used to introgression novel stripe rust and Karnal bunt resistance from the tertiary gene pool into susceptible wheat backgrounds.

Resumo Fatores de transcrição (FT) são uma ampla classe de genes em plantas e podem regular a expressão de outros genes em resposta a vários estresses ambientais (estresses bióticos e abióticos). No presente estudo, a atividade do fator de transcrição na cana-de-açúcar foi examinada durante o estresse pelo frio. Inicialmente, as leituras de transcrição de RNA de duas cultivares de cana-de-açúcar (ROC22 e GT08-1108) sob estresse frio foram baixadas do banco de dados SRA NCBI. As leituras foram alinhadas em um genoma de referência e as análises de expressão diferencial foram realizadas com o pacote R / Bioconductor edgeR. Com base em nossas análises no cultivar ROC22, 963 genes TF foram significativamente regulados positivamente sob estresse pelo frio entre um total de 5.649 genes regulados positivamente, enquanto 293 genes TF foram regulados negativamente entre um total de 3.289 genes regulados negativamente. No cultivar GT08-1108, 974 genes TF foram identificados entre 5.649 genes regulados positivamente e 283 genes TF foram encontrados entre 3.289 genes regulados negativamente. Os fatores de transcrição, em sua maioria, foram anotados com categorias GO relacionadas à ligação de proteína, ligação de fator de transcrição, ligação específica de sequência de DNA, complexo de fator de transcrição, atividade de fator de transcrição em RNA polimerase II, atividade de fator de transcrição de ligação de ácido nucleico, atividade de corepressor de transcrição, sequência específica da região reguladora, atividade do fator de transcrição da RNA polimerase II, atividade do cofator do fator de transcrição, atividade do fator de transcrição do promotor do plastídio, atividade do fator de transcrição do promotor da RNA polimerase I, polimerase II e RNA polimerase III. As descobertas dos resultados acima ajudarão a identificar fatores de transcrição expressos diferencialmente durante o estresse pelo frio. Ele também fornece uma análise abrangente da regulação da atividade de transcrição de muitos genes. Portanto, este estudo fornece base molecular para melhorar a tolerância ao frio em cana-de-açúcar e outras gramíneas economicamente importantes.

Abstract Transcription factors (TF) are a wide class of genes in plants, and these can regulate the expression of other genes in response to various environmental stresses (biotic and abiotic). In the current study, transcription factor activity in sugarcane was examined during cold stress. Initially, RNA transcript reads of two sugarcane cultivars (ROC22 and GT08-1108) under cold stress were downloaded from SRA NCBI database. The reads were aligned into a reference genome and the differential expression analyses were performed with the R/Bioconductor edgeR package. Based on our analyses in the ROC22 cultivar, 963 TF genes were significantly upregulated under cold stress among a total of 5649 upregulated genes, while 293 TF genes were downregulated among a total of 3,289 downregulated genes. In the GT08-1108 cultivar, 974 TF genes were identified among 5,649 upregulated genes and 283 TF genes were found among 3,289 downregulated genes. Most transcription factors were annotated with GO categories related to protein binding, transcription factor binding, DNA-sequence-specific binding, transcription factor complex, transcription factor activity in RNA polymerase II, the activity of nucleic acid binding transcription factor, transcription corepressor activity, sequence-specific regulatory region, the activity of transcription factor of RNA polymerase II, transcription factor cofactor activity, transcription factor activity from plastid promoter, transcription factor activity from RNA polymerase I promoter, polymerase II and RNA polymerase III. The findings of above results will help to identify differentially expressed transcription factors during cold stress. It also provides a comprehensive analysis of the regulation of the transcription activity of many genes. Therefore, this study provides the molecular basis for improving cold tolerance in sugarcane and other economically important grasses.

RESUMO Agentes infecciosos causam doenças graves em humanos em todo o mundo, e são responsáveis pelo alto índice de morbimortalidade. A prevalência e a epidemiologia das doenças infecciosas no hospital que atendeu pacientes encaminhados pelos médicos por meio dos achados iniciais e seus fatores de risco associados foram estudadas em Peshawar. Os dados de 174 pacientes infectados foram coletados durante o período de 2015 a 2017 oriundos de dois laboratórios clínicos de Tehsil Matta Swat. O formulário de consentimento informado foi obtido antes da coleta de sangue. Após a obtenção do consentimento informado, foram coletadas amostras de sangue e foi realizado o teste ICT e, em seguida, os casos ICT positivos foram confirmados por PCR. Um total de 174 amostras ICT positivas [106 homens e 68 mulheres] foi incluído neste estudo. A idade considerada foi de 10 a 72 anos. Das 174 tiras de ICT positivas, 99 casos [63 homens, 36 mulheres] foram confirmados por PCR. A taxa de prevalência foi de 56,89%. A injeção IV / IM foi registrada em 100% dos indivíduos. A visita à barbearia foi relatada em (58%) dos indivíduos, os números de casados foram (81,0%), e a operação cirúrgica foi relatada em (44,8%), o compartilhamento de escova de dente foi observado em (29,9%), o piercing foi relatado em (39,7%), antecedentes familiares foram relatados em (26,4%), tratamento odontológico em (21,8%), icterícia (13,2%) e tatuagem em (1,7%). Transfusão de sangue, operações cirúrgicas, icterícia, histórico familiar e tratamento odontológico foram fatores de risco significativos para adquirir infecção por Vírus da Hepatite C (VHC). Concluiu-se que a implementação adequada de medidas de precaução deve ser necessária para controlar a propagação do VHC em um futuro próximo.

ABSTRACT Infectious agents cause serious diseases in humans worldwide and are responsible for the high rate of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and epidemiology of infectious disease (HCV) in the hospital visited patients referred by the physicians through the initial findings and their associated risk factors were studied in Swat. The data of 174 infected patients were collected during the period of 2015 to 2017 from two clinical laboratories of Tehsil Matta Swat. Inform consent form was taken before blood collection. After taking informed consent blood samples were collected and ICT test was performed and then ICT positive cases were conform through PCR. A total of 174 ICT positive samples [106 male and 68 females] were included in this study. Age was considered from 10 to 72 years. Of the 174 ICT strip positive, 99 [63 males, 36 females] were confirmed through PCR. The prevalence rate was recorded 56.89%. I.V/I.M injection was recorded in 100% of the individuals. Visits to the barber shop was reported in (58%) of the individuals, married individuals were (81.0), surgical operation was reported in (44.8%), sharing toothbrush was observed in (29.9%), piercing was reported in (39.7%), family history was reported in (26.4%), dental treatment was observed in (21.8%), jaundice were (13.2%) and tattooing was (1.7%). Blood transfusion, surgical operations, Jaundice, family history and dental treatment were found significant risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. It was concluded that proper implementation of precautionary measures should be needed to control the spread of HCV in far near future.

Resumo Para o bom crescimento dos peixes, é necessário alimentá-los com uma alimentação adequada e balanceada. Um estudo foi realizado para descobrir o efeito de diferentes dietas à base de proteínas em alevinos de Tor putitora (mahseer). Foi preparado um alimento com níveis de proteína dietética de 35%, 40%, 45% e 50%. O efeito de diferentes alimentos à base de proteína no ganho de peso, taxa de crescimento padrão (SGR), taxa de conversão alimentar (FCR), ganho de peso percentual, eficiência de conversão alimentar (FCE) e taxa de eficiência proteica (PER) foi estudado. Foi observado um aumento na taxa de crescimento com um aumento na concentração de proteína de até 45%. Os alevinos alimentados com dieta de 45% de proteína apresentaram o maior crescimento, seguidos de 50%, 40% e 35%. O valor de SGR foi maior para dieta com 45% de proteína (8,56), seguido de 50% e 40%, enquanto os menores valores foram observados para ração com 35% de proteína (1,57). A mesma tendência foi observada para FCE. Os maiores valores de PER foram observados em peixes alimentados com 45% de ração à base de proteína (0,65), seguido por 50% (0,56), 40% (0,38) e 35% (0,17). A taxa de conversão alimentar foi menor para a dieta com 45% de proteína (3,41), enquanto a maior para a dieta com 35% de proteína (16,85). Concluiu-se que a dieta à base de proteína de 45% foi a melhor formulação alimentar para maior produção de Tor putitora. No entanto, a pesquisa sobre a mesma porcentagem de dieta proteica é recomendada para animais de um ano.

Abstract For the proper growth of fish, it is necessary to feed the fish with a proper and balanced diet. A study was conducted to find out the effect of different protein-based diets on fingerlings of Tor putitora (mahseer). A feed with dietary protein levels of 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% were prepared. The effect of different protein-based feed on weight gain, standard growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), percent weight gain, food conversion efficiency (FCE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) was studied. An increase was observed in the growth rate with an increase in protein concentration up to 45%. The fingerlings fed a 45% protein diet shown the highest growth, followed by 50%, 40%, and 35%. The SGR value was greatest for 45% protein diet (8.56) followed by 50% and 40%, while the least values were observed for 35% protein feed (1.57). The same trend was observed for FCE. The highest PER values was observed in fishes fed 45% protein-based feed (0.65) followed by 50% (0.56), 40% (0.38) and35% (0.17). The food conversion ratio was lowest for 45% protein diet (3.41), while the greatest for 35% protein feed (16.85). It was concluded that a 45% protein-based diet was the best feed formulation for higher production of Tor putitora. However, research on the same percentage of protein diet is recommended for yearlings.

Abstract Chromium substituted copper base spinel ferrites (Ni 0.3 Cu 0.7 )Cr X Fe2− X O4 were prepared by Sol-gel method. Structural, magnetic and electrical properties were studied by utilizing an X-ray diffractometer, vibrating-sample magnetometer, and precision LCR-meter using labtracer software. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of single phase fcc structure of the samples. The lattice constant and crystallite size decreased from 8.37-8.23 Å and 53.09-35.36 nm, respectively with increasing content of Cr3+ ions. From Magnetization Vs Applied field loops it was observed that the saturation magnetization decreased and coercivity increased with increasing content of Cr3+ ions. Dc resistivity increased with increase of Cr3+ concentration and decreased with increase in temperature which shows the semiconducting behavior of ferrites. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and tangent loss decreased with increase of Cr3+ concentration. The dielectric constant follows bilayer Maxwell Wagner model and Koop’s phenomenological theory while ac conductivity increased with increasing frequency following Jonscher’s power law.

ABSTRACT Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and diabetes mellitus are major health problems associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The published literature suggests an association of diabetes mellitus with liver disease. However, the role of HBV infection in diabetes aetiology is still controversial. The present study was conducted to explore the veracity of this enigmatic association among Pakistani subjects. Methodology: The blood samples and clinical information were collected from chronic HBV-positive patients Group 1 (n = 120), and their age and gender were matched with those of the healthy control subjects Group 2 (n = 120). Hepatitis B virus-positive patients were also subdivided into two groups; (Group 1a and Group 1b) with and without liver cirrhosis for evaluation of the prevalence of diabetes. Results: The study revealed that there were statistically significant differences in the biochemical parameters in the HBV-positive and control groups. There was no correlation between diabetes and HBV with the prevalence of diabetes mellitus being similar in subjects with and without HBsAg (11.7% in the positive group and 10% in the controls). Since there were a relatively large number (32.5%) of HBV-positive patients with liver cirrhosis, a comparison of biochemical parameters was also carried out to evaluate the extent of the liver damage and its association with diabetes. During the comparison of HBV patients with and without cirrhosis for the prevalence of diabetes, no aetiologic association was found with diabetes. Conclusion: Study revealed that there was no correlation between HBV infection and diaabetes despite the significantly different biochemical parameters in the HBV-infected group and control subjects.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La infección por el virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) y la diabetes mellitus son problemas de salud importantes asociados con morbilidad y mortalidad significativas. La literatura publicada sugiere una asociación de la diabetes mellitus con las enfermedades hepáticas. Sin embargo, el papel de la infección por VHB en la etiología de diabetes sigue siendo contro-versial. El presente estudio fue conducido con el propósito de explorar la veracidad de esta enigmática asociación entre sujetos paquistaníes. Metodología: Se recogieron muestras de sangre e información clínica de pacientes crónicos VHB positivos Grupo 1 (n = 120), y su edad y género fueron comparados con los de los sujetos sanos del control Grupo 2 (n = 120). Los pacientes positivos al virus de la hepatitis B también se subdividieron en dos grupos, a saber, (Grupo 1a y Grupo 1b) con y sin cirrosis hepática en relación con la prevalencia de la diabetes. Resultados: El estudio reveló que hubo diferencias significativas en estos dos grupos en los parámetros bioquímicos entre el grupo de control y el grupo VHB positivo. En estos dos grupos no hubo correlación entre la diabetes y el VHB. Puesto que hubo un número relativamente grande (32.5%) de pacientes VHB positivos con cirrosis hepática, se realizó también una comparación de los parámetros bioquímicos a fin de comprender el grado del daño hepático y su asociación con la diabetes. Durante la comparación de los pacientes con VHB con y sin cirrosis en relación con la prevalencia de diabetes, no se halló asociación etiológica con la diabetes. Conclusión: Este estudio reveló que no hubo correlación entre la infección por VHB y la diabetes, a pesar de los parámetros bioquímicos significativamente diferentes entre el grupo infectado por el VHB y los sujetos del control.

The genes BMPR1B, GDF9 and BMP15 are oocyte-derived members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, which is essential for follicular growth and ovulation. The aim of the current study was to determine the incidence of reported mutations in exon 3 of BMPR1B gene, exon 1 of GDF9 gene, and exon 2 of BMP15 gene and their association with litter size in three parities of Beetal and Teddy goats. Based on the known mutations in these genes, PCR primers were designed to find out the polymorphism through the PCR-RFLP technique in 120 randomly selected animals of the two breeds, which vary in their prolificacy. The current results show that there were significant differences in litter size [1.708 ± 0.060 in Beetal (B) and 2.167 ± 0.056 in Teddy (T) goats] in both breeds. The results of breed x parity interaction showed significant differences in litter size in first [1.158 ± 0.061 (B); 1.861 ± 0.057 (T)], third [2.062 ± 0.078 (B); 2.583 ± 0.073 (T)] and average parity [708 ± 0.060 (B); 2.167 ± 0.056 (T)] in both breeds. All three loci in both breeds were found to be polymorphic and the results of breed x parity x genotype analysis showed that genotypes of all the three genes were significantly associated with litter size in all parities in both breeds. For the BMPR1B gene, heterozygous (CT) animals of Beetal and Teddy goats had the largest litter size in all three parities and the average (parity) litter size, showing the overdominance of the heterozygotes. Similarly, for GDF9 gene, heterozygous animals (AG) had the largest litter size in both breeds. For BMP15 gene homozygous carrier animals (CC) of both breeds had the highest number of kids, followed by the heterozygous (AC) genotypes. The current results show the importance of BMPR1B, GDF9 and BMP15 as the major genes that influence prolificacy in both Beetal and Teddy goats. It is suggested that these polymorphisms can be used as molecular markers to select the prolific animals in these breeds.

ABSTRACT Fifty-seven multiparous Awassi ewes in the breeding season were used to compare the effects of controlled internal drug release (CIDR) reuse on hormone profiles, reproductive performance, and economic production. Ewes were randomly allotted to one of three CIDR treatments: new (control), once-used, and twice-used; treatment lasted 12 days. Blood samples were collected from all groups at the time of CIDR insertion, three and six days following insertion, at withdrawal time, and at insemination. Serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations were measured. Timed insemination was performed 48 h post CIDR withdrawal in all groups. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography at day 23 post insemination. No significant differences were detected among groups in pregnancy rate/ewes in heat, twinning rate, fecundity, abortion rate, and prolificacy. However, estrus detection rate was significantly higher in control (100%) than in other groups. The P4 concentration was significantly higher in control than in other groups during treatment period; at insemination, P4 concentration was significantly higher in control than in other groups; at insemination time, E2 concentration was significantly higher in control than in the other groups; and the net profit was higher in once-used than in other groups. One-time reuse of CIDR for the long term (12 days) can synchronize estrus in ewes efficiently with higher net profit than the new or twice-used CIDR.

Abstract: Eco-friendly textile dyeing with natural dye is a global soaring interest for avoiding environment pollution incurred by synthetic dyes. This study attempts to compare the dyeing properties of cotton knitted fabric dyed with banana floral stem (BFS) sap and reactive dye. Natural dye i.e. BFS sap was extracted from the species of Musa sapientum by roller squeezer machine. The recipe of reactive dyeing was selected to match the exact shade with the natural dyed specimens. Conformation of the dye molecule fixation onto fiber surface was assured by FTIR-ATR spectra. Comparative analysis were carried out in response of degree of color levelness, color fastness to water, washing, perspiration, rubbing, light and effluent qualities. The economic viability of natural dyeing was also estimated. The specimens dyed with BFS sap have excellent color levelness and color durability characteristic alike reactive dye except light fastness properties. Moreover, natural dyeing costs were almost half of the reactive dyeing. Finally, this inquiry forecasts a less time, energy and water consuming, economical and ecofriendly dyeing process which could be deployed as replacement of reactive dyes with a few compromises.

Spatial and temporal patterns of aboveground biomass and nutritive value of rangeland species with respect to the influence of grazing and soil moisture were investigated. The research was conducted during two years at the Tomagh Research Station, near Sanjawi, Ziarat District, Balochistan, Pakistan. This area is protected from grazing since 1998; however, some of the area is open for grazing. Tree sites were selected for research purposes: a protected plain, a protected hilly, and an unprotected plain grazed area. Sampling was carried out during the spring, summer and autumn seasons. Results revealed that soil moisture was greater at the protected than unprotected sites. The aboveground plant biomass was 66% to 76% lower at unprotected than protected sites. The biomass of annual plant species was nearly 0 at grazed sites. Species differed in their nutrient concentrations, but these were similar among protected and unprotected grazed areas. Our findings indicate lower nutrient use eficiency at grazed than ungrazed, protected sites. Eleven years of protection from grazing increased significantly plant biomass, enhanced their nutrient use eficiency and allowed growth of annual plant species.

Se investigaron los modelos temporal y espacial de la biomasa aérea y el valor nutritivo de especies vegetales de pastizales naturales con respecto a la influencia del pastoreo y el contenido de agua del suelo. La investigación se condujo durante dos años en la Estación de Investigación Tomagh, cerca de Sanjawi, Distrito de Ziarat, Balochistan, Pakistan. Esta área está protegida del pastoreo desde 1998; sin embargo, parte del area es pastoreada. Se seleccionaron tres sitios con propósitos de investigación: dos sitios protegidos (planicie o zona de colinas), y un sitio no protegido, pastoreado. El muestreo se efectuó durante la primavera, y el verano y otoño. Los resultados revelaron que la humedad del suelo fue mayor en los sitios protegidos que en aquellos no protegidos. La biomasa vegetal aérea fue 66 a 76% más baja en los sitios no protegidos que en aquellos protegidos. La biomasa de las especies anuales fue cercana a cero en los sitios pastoreados. Las especies difirieron en sus concentraciones de nutrientes, pero estas fueron similares entre sitios protegidos y aquellos pastoreados, no protegidos. Nuestros resultados indican una menor eficiencia en el uso de nutrientes en los sitios pastoreados que en aquellos no pastoreados, protegidos. Once años de protección del pastoreo incrementaron signifcativamente la biomasa vegetal, mejoraron su eficiencia de uso de nutrientes y permitieron el crecimiento de especies anuales.

The aim of this investigation is to analyze the effects of hand on planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) electromagnetic (EM) absorption and performances. The EM absorption is evaluated by using two parameters: the specific absorption rate (SAR) in the human head and total absorbed power by the user. The antenna performance parameters comprising return loss, radiation efficiency, and gain are considered in this investigation. The analysis was performed using mobile phone with a human head and hand model in both cheek and tilt positions of talk mode. The results show that the inclusion of hand model leads to decrease the SAR and increase the total absorbed power by user remarkably. The hand phantom leads maximum 27.2% SAR reduction in both cheek and tilt positions of talk mode. Moreover, the hand phantom contributed to increase the total power absorption more than two times in both cheek and tilt positions. The user's hand also leads to degrade antenna performances considerably. Moreover, the presented analysis provides some useful indication to design handset antenna considering hand effects.

Deficiência hídrica com ciclos de 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 e 30 dias de intervalo e irrigação incluindo controle irrigado (CF), controle de saturação (CS)] foram usadas para investigar o impacto do estresse hídrico sobre o crescimento cíclico, fito-respostas fisiológicas e rendimento de variedade de arroz MR220. O estudo também teve como objetivo determinar o cronograma de irrigação ideal para melhorar a produção de arroz. Observou-se que a produção de grãos, biomassa total, spiguetas, 1000-peso de grãos, panículas totais, a mortalidade de perfilhos, altura de planta e número de perfilhos por planta foi reduzida com o aumento da duração do ciclo de estresse hídrico. O rendimento de grãos foi maior tanto na CF e CS condição e foi estatisticamente igual a cinco dias do ciclo de estresse. O experimento mostra que o desempenho do crescimento e atividades fisiológicas de arroz diferem ligeiramente para cinco dias de diferença de irrigação, aumentado esse tempo, reduziria o rendimento significativamente. O estudo também mostrou que o acúmulo de prolina e conteúdo de malondialdeído (MDA) em níveis aumentaram com o increremento da duração do ciclo de estresse hídrico. Pode-se afirmar que a variedade de arroz MR220 não necessita de irrigação e ciclos de irrigação de cinco dias de intervalo é mais apropriado, além de aumentar a utilização de água e assim ter uma maior produção de arroz

A series of water stress cycles [5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days of irrigation intervel including control flooded (CF), control saturated (CS)] were exposed to investigate the impact of cyclic water stress on growth, physiological responses and yield of a famous Malaysian rice variety, MR220. The study also aimed to determine optimum irrigation schedule for better production of rice. It was observed that grain yield, total biomass, filled spikelet, 1000 grain weight, total panicle, tillers mortality, plant height and number of tillers per plant reduces with increased duration of water stress cycles. Grain yield was higher both in CF and CS condition and those are statistically identical to 5 days of stress cycle or irrigation intervel. The present experiment shows that growth performance and physiological activities of rice differ marginally for 5 days of irrigation difference, exceding that time would reduce yield significantly. The study also showed that proline accumulation and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in levels increased with increasing duration of water stress cycle. Depending on the findings of the present, it can be stated that rice variety MR220 do not require flooding irrigation and irrigation cycle of 5 days interval is more apprapriate to increase water use and higher yield of rice

The effect of fre on growth and nutritive value of Saccharum griffithii Munro ex Boiss-ravennae (Linn.) Murr. hybrid, a low palatable perennial grass in the semi-arid region of the highlands of Balochistan, Pakistan, was evaluated during 2008 and 2009. Prescribed fire treatments were applied in February 2008 and 2009 at the dormant stage of vegetation. Different growth parameters (tiller height, tiller number/plant), forage production (fresh, dry) and nutritive value (crude protein, ash) were compared with control (unburnt) plots. Fire increased the number of tillers, and the fresh and dry forage production in both years. Fire also improved the crude protein contents. Prescribed fire at the dormant stage of vegetation can be used as a vegetation tool to improve the forage quality and quantity of the less preferred grass species Saccharum grifthii Munro ex Boiss-ravennae (Linn.) Murr. hybrid.

Se evaluó el efecto del fuego sobre el crecimiento y valor nutritivo del híbrido de Saccharum griffithii Munro ex Boissravennae (Linn.) Murr., una gramínea perenne de baja palatabilidad en la región semiárida de las altas montañas de Balochistan, Pakistan, durante 2008 y 2009. Se aplicaron tratamientos de fuego prescripto en Febrero 2008 y 2009 en el estado de reposo de la vegetación. Se compararon diferentes parámetros con parcelas control (no quemadas): parámetros de crecimiento (altura de macollas, número de macollas/planta), producción de forraje (fresco, seco) y valor nutritivo (proteína cruda, cenizas). El fuego incrementó el número de macollas, y la producción de forraje fresco y seco en ambos años. El fuego también aumentó los contenidos de proteína cruda. El fuego prescripto en el estado de reposo de la vegetación se puede usar como una herramienta para mejorar la calidad y cantidad de forraje de la especie de gramínea híbrido menos preferida Saccharum grifthii Munro ex Boiss-ravennae (Linn.) Murr.

Chilli is an important cash crop in Bangladesh but average yield is very low (0.89 t ha-1) and genetic potentiality of Bangladeshi chilli landraces for hybrid variety development has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to find out heterotic behavior following Gardner and Eberhart model (1966) II. Six different homozygous divergent parents CCA 2, CCA 5, BARI Morich 1, CCA 11, CCA 15 and CCA 19 were used to estimate heterosis. A significant amount of heterosis was present in yield and yield contributing traits. Estimate of variety heterosis for yield per plant was significantly positive in CCA 5 and BARI Morich 1. In BARI Morich 1, the significant and positive variety heterosis for yield per plant was associated with significant and positive estimates of heterosis for number of fruits per plant and number of seeds per fruit, suggesting that these yield traits contributed to the final heterosis manifested through yield. Indigenous x exotic crosses showed significant amount of heterosis. It is possible to emphasize indigenous X exotic crosses for good fruit yield, particularly to be used as commercial hybrids. Hybrids of BARI Morich 1 x CCA 19 and CCA 5 x BARI Morich 1 showed better performance.

El chile es un cultivo comercial importante en Bangladesh pero su rendimiento promedio es muy bajo (0.89 t ha ¹) y la potencialidad genética de las variedades nativas de chile de Bangladesh para desarrollar variedades híbridas no se ha evaluado. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer el comportamiento heterótico siguiendo el modelo de Gardner y Eberhart (1966) II. Seis diferentes padres divergentes homocigóticos CCA 2, CCA 5, BARI Morich 1, CCA 11, CCA 15 y CCA 19 se usaron para estimar la heterosis. Hubo una cantidad significativa de heterosis en el rendimiento y las características que contribuyeron al rendimiento. La estimación de la heterosis varietal para rendimiento por planta fue significativamente positiva en CCA 5 y BARI Morich 1. En BARI Morich 1, la heterosis varietal significativa y positiva para el rendimiento por planta se asoció con las estimaciones significativas y positivas de heterosis para el número de frutos por planta y el número de semillas por fruto, sugiriendo que estos rasgos de rendimiento contribuyeron a la heterosis final manifiesta a través del rendimiento. Las cruzas nativas X exóticas mostraron una cantidad significativa de heterosis. Se puede enfatizar las cruzas nativas X exóticas para un buen rendimiento del fruto, particularmente si se usan como híbridos comerciales. Los híbridos de BARI Morich 1XCCA 19 and CCA 5 X BARI Morich 1 mostraron un mejor rendimiento.