<div>Background: Duck farming plays a significant role, next to chicken in the socio-economic uplift men of the rural farmers of North-East India. Pati duck is the most common duck breed in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam and the other common variety reared in North-East India is Chara-Chambeli, however it originatein Kerala. Genetic characterization plays a significant role for formulation of breeding strategies for improvement of any breed. Microsatellites are codominant in nature and are highly polymorphic. High level of allelic variation, co-dominant mode of inheritance and potential for automated analysis make them an excellent tool for genotyping, mapping and genetic characterization. Pati duck is the most common duck breed&nbsp; in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam and the other common variety reared in North-East India is Chara-Chambeli however its origin in Kerela. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to characterize these two duck breeds using microsatellite markers to evaluate the genetic diversity in these two duck population. 
 
Methods: For the present study, Blood sample were collected from 50 Patiducks and 50 Chara-Chambeli ducks from different parts of North-East India. Assessment of genetic characterization of duck breeds of north-east region were carried out using 16 microsatellite markers and population genetics analysis were done by POPGENE software. 
 
Result: In the present study, all the studied loci were highly polymorphic. Analysis generated a total of 41 microsatellite alleles. The number of observed alleles (Na) with an overall mean of 1.93&plusmn;0.258. However, the effective number of alleles (Ne) with a mean of 1.6933&plusmn;0.2712. The Shannon&rsquo;s information index was found to a mean value of 0.5685&plusmn;0.1693. The overall means for observed (HO) and expected (He) heterozygosities were 0.2889&plusmn;0.2477 and 0.5289&plusmn;0.0853, respectively. The chi-square (&chi;2) test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium revealed that all the loci are in within Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.</div>

Genetic Characterization of Indigenous Duck of North-East Region using Microsatellite Markers

Diversity analysis and a genetic structure study of 25 lentil landraces (Lens culinaris Medik.) from the northern east part of the Iberian Peninsula were carried out. 8 isozymes: PGI, PRX, LAP, 6PGD, GOT, SKDH, PGM and ME, have been used for this purpose having found 17 loci for them, with 52.94% polymorphic loci and a total amount of 21 alleles. All populations show between 18 and 26 alleles. Genetic distance (D) was 0.123. Diversity parameters show similar or higher levels compared to other autogamous plant populations. They show an heterozygote defect. Coefficient of homozygotes among populations (GST) value 0.414, was similar to Inbreeding coefficient among populations (FST) that was 0.454. Main component analysis showed that the most important isozymes in the characterization process were GOT-3 and PGM-2. Four groups of populations were obtained by cluster analysis. This information reveals new data for improving their use in the germplasm banks for crop programs.

Genetic characterization of Spanish lentil landraces (Lens culinaris Medik.) by biochemical markers 
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<div>Background: Association of several morphological traits such as trichome length and trichome density on the pod surface have been found to influence host plant resistance to insect pests. Genetic diversity analysis is used to identify the divergent genotypes and to utilize these genotypes to exploit heterosis. Further, morphological characters are stable across environments owing to oligogeneic nature, they serve as morphological markers in breeding which can be used in varietal or genotypic identification, varietal purification and even in seed production. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate on host plant resistance using portable paper microscope &lsquo;foldscope&rsquo;, genetic diversity and morphological characters. 
 
Methods: A total of 154 germplasm lines with three checks were evaluated in Augmented Block Design (ABD) at Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), Kalaburagi, during kharif, 2018 to study their genetic diversity. Trichome length and trichome density were recorded using &lsquo;foldscope&rsquo; 75 randomly selected genotypes, then correlated with shrivelled seed yield per plot due to pod fly incidence. Morphological characterization of 14 qualitative traits were recorded. 
 
Result: Grouping of 157 germplasm lines into twelve clusters indicated a wider genetic diversity for the traits studied, of which 7 clusters were solitary with one entry each. The genotypes with more trichome density and length had less damage by the pod fly. Large variations for morphological characters was observed among the genotypes for qualitative traits such as pod colour, stem colour, flower colour, seed morphology and pod trichomes.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Pod Trichome Characterisation Using Foldscope, Morphological Characterization and Genetic Diversity Among Indigenous Collections of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]</div>

Background: Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] is an important pulse crop with wide nutritional and agronomic value. Genetic diversity is essential for its improvement and molecular markers such as RAPD and ISSR provide valuable information for assessing phylogenetic relationships and species distinctiveness. 
 
Methods: In the present investigation, 78 cowpea germplasm lines, including three check varieties, were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Out of these, 48 diverse genotypes were selected for molecular characterization using 22 primers (10 RAPD and 12 ISSR). DNA was extracted from young leaves and subjected to PCR amplification. Nine RAPD primers generated 1180 scoreable bands, while eight ISSR primers amplified 1215 bands across the 48 genotypes. 
 
Result: The polymorphic information content (PIC) values for RAPD primers ranged from 0.27 (RAPD-1) to 0.41 (RAPD-4), with a mean of 0.35. ISSR primers showed PIC values between 0.23 (UBC 815) and 0.42 (UBC 835), with a mean of 0.35. Similarity coefficients among genotypes based on RAPD markers ranged from 0.58 to 1.00, while ISSR-based similarity values ranged from 0.55 to 0.97 with a mean of 0.729. Dendrogram analysis grouped the genotypes into two major clusters. Combined RAPD and ISSR data produced similarity coefficients between 0.58 and 0.94 and the integrated dendrogram revealed 78&ndash;83% similarity with individual marker systems. The results indicate a high degree of genetic variation among the cowpea accessions, which can be effectively utilized in pre-breeding programs to broaden the genetic base and facilitate selection of superior lines. 
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Molecular Characterization of Cowpea Genotypes for Genetic Diversity using RAPD and ISSR Techniques

A total of one hundred Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were utilized to detect the DNA polymorphisms in a total of 48 full sib mated, half sib mated and non-in bred groups of Dahlem Red birds. Twenty one per cent of the primers tested yielded distinct polymorphic RAPD profiles. Out of 341 amplified bands 204 bands (59.82 %) were found to be polymorphic. The genetic similarity ranged from 83.94 to 87.90 % and, 81.14 to 85.25 % with in group based on band sharing and frequency respectively. Full sib group showed higher genetic similarity then non-in bred group. The genetic similarity based on band frequency ranged from 88.07 to 90.18 %, based on band frequency varied from 72.78 to 79.53 percent. The full sib and half sib groups showed maximum genetic similarity. The genetic distance between full sib and non-inbred groups was found to be the maximum (0.3176), while it was minimum between full sib and half sib groups. 
&nbsp;

Genetic characterization of dahlem red layers by PCR-RAPD

Background: The porcine teschovirus (PTV) is common swine pathogen which causes a wide range of illnesses ranging from asymptomatic infection to acute fatal encephalomyelitis, diarrhoea and pneumonia. Despite of its economical importance very limited studies are available on the pathology of PTV. The present study was conducted with the objective to investigate the PTV infection and associated pathology in piglets. 
 
Methods: A total of 78 piglets below 3 months of age were necropsied and representative tissue samples along with intestinal content were collected for histopathological examination and molecular investigation during April 2019 to November 2020. The 5&#39;&nbsp; UTR region of PTV was amplified via RT-PCR and further confirmed by sequencing. Thereafter, genetic characterization of the Indian PTV isolate was done on the basis of 5&#39; UTR gene.&nbsp; 
 
Result: A total of seven out of 78 cases were found positive for the PTV. On necropsy the intestinal wall was thinned and distended with yellowish coloured diarrhoeic content. Congestion of serosal and mucosal vessels along with severe meningeal congestion was observed. Microscopic lesions included congestion of mucosal vessels and destruction of villous structure of jejunum along with perivascular cuffing, focal gliosis, neuronophagia, congestion of meningeal and cerebral vessels and interstitial pneumonia. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate PTV/India/IVRI-381/2020 (MW022462) and PTV/India/IVRI-1093/2020 (MW022463) were clustered with PTV-13 strain wild boar/WB2C-TV/2011/HUN (JQ429405) and PTV-2 strain Vir 6711-12/83 (AF296107) of Hungary and Germany respectively. This study reported the genotypic and pathological investigation of PTV from Indian piglets. Further explorative surveillance along with studies in suitable cell lines and animal model will pave the way for better understanding of PTV among Indian pigs.

Genetic Characterization and Pathology of Porcine Teschovirus (PTV) in India

Background: Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (2n=22)] is the second most important pulse crop in India after chickpea. In the present study, two-hundred early maturing (less than 140 days) pigeonpea germplasm accessions were evaluated for their genetic parameters based on morphological characters and were subsequently characterized as per the DUS descriptors for pigeonpea. Genetic variability of the population was assessed through genetic parameters and character association analysis.

Methods: The plant material comprised of 193 pigeonpea genotypes along with seven checks and the experiment was conducted during kharif 2020-21 and 2021-22 in augmented design.

Result: The twenty-one DUS characters were recorded at different crop growth stages. Out of those, the characters for plant height, branching pattern, time to 50% flowering, colour of base of petal, pattern of streaks on petal, pod colour, pod number of seeds, seed colour, seed colour pattern, seed shape and seed size exhibited variation across the accessions. The analysis of variance was executed for the eight different biometrical characters. The highest GCV and PCV value was obtained for the character seed yield per plant (19.91 and 21.4 respectively). Almost all the yield attributing characters except plant height showed high heritability indicating that selection for the characters for crop improvement would be highly effective. Highest genetic advance was observed for the trait pods per plant (42.34) and highest genetic advance as percent of mean was obtained for seed yield per plant (38.24). Correlation analysis among the characters for yield revealed that high positive correlation existed between seed yield per plant with pods per plant (0.580). The character for PH also showed high correlation with seed yield (0.185) which is indicative that high pods per plant and tall plant character contribute significantly towards yield enhancement.

Morphological Characterization and Genetic Variability Study on Early Maturing Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] Lines

Background: Wheat is the prime and staple food in the world as well as India and it is grown in peninsular zone of India. The production of wheat was suffered due to biotic and abiotic factors in the country. Therefore, the present study was focused on assessing the genetic variability and morphological characterization among the cultivar under south eastern plain of Rajasthan. 
 
Methods: Thirty-two cultivars of wheat were evaluated in RBD with four replications during rabi season 2022-23 at AICRP on Seed (Crops), Agriculture University, Kota, Rajasthan.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Significant differences were observed among the cultivars for all traits studied. A wide range of variation was noted for most of these traits. The phenotypic variance for most traits closely matched the corresponding genotypic variance, indicating minimal environmental influence on their expression. High broad-sense heritability (%) combined with substantial genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was observed for traits such as biological yield per plant (g), number of grains per spike, harvest index (%) and grain yield per plant (g), suggesting these traits would respond well to selection. Grain yield per plant (g) showed a significant positive correlation at both phenotypic and genotypic levels with biological yield per plant (g) (0.744; 0.709), test weight (g) (0.436; 0.402) and days to maturity (0.249; 0.230). Biological yield per plant (g) had the strongest direct positive effect on grain yield per plant (g) at both levels (1.478; 1.282), followed by harvest index (%) (0.880; 0.904). These traits are recommended as key selection criteria for improving yield and ensuring stable performance in wheat cultivars.

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Assessment of Genetic Variability and Morphological Characterization of Wheat Cultivar under South Eastern Plain of Rajasthan

Background: The current study aims to assess the management techniques, phenotypic variability, morphometric characteristics and performance traits of the Zokel indigenous goat of Mizoram. This documentation is crucial for breed registration and the conservation of the breed via suitable breeding programs.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Methods: A comprehensive investigation was conducted, involving a sample of 300 indigenous goats gathered from 64 villages. Goat rearing farmers often rely on natural grazing and locally available forages as the primary nutrition source for their herds. Various physical and biometric traits were recorded at different ages for the phenotypic characterization of the goats. These traits included body weight, body length, chest girth, height at withers, horn length, ear length and tail length, which were measured to assess the overall physical development and variations within the herd. The data were collected following the prescribed format recommended by the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetics Resources, Karnal, for breed characterization. The collected data were then analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Zokel goats were found to have a small to medium body size (90-95%) and a short stature with a cylindrical body shape. The body colour of Zokel varied in different colors, which included white (45-58%), black (27-33%), brown (6-12%) and a mixed color (7-11%). Foreheads were narrower, straight and somewhat depressed in the middle (92-96%), whereas 2-5 percent had flattened and straight foreheads. Female goats have small horns with black and brown (90-93%), grey (2-6%) and mixed color (1-5%) and a little curve and slight bend at the ends upwards and backwards. Ears were small to moderate in size and oriented horizontally or drooping in a few cases. The average body length, chest girth, height at wither, horn length, ear length and tail length were 57.34&plusmn;0.75 cm, 72.12&plusmn;0.32 cm, 50.80&plusmn;0.51 cm, 8.89&plusmn;1.03 cm, 13.97&plusmn;0.21 cm and 17.78&plusmn;0.11 cm, respectively. The measurements of all morphometric traits were higher than the Assam Hill goats. The reproductive data indicates age at first mating, viz., 225.2&plusmn;8.04 days and higher kidding intervals, i.e., 232.5&plusmn;8.09 days. The results indicated that the Zokel goats showed comparable physical and morphometric traits but significant variations in proportions of these attributes compared to the other goat breeds.

Phenotypic Characterization of Zokel Goat: A Lesser Known Caprine Genetic Resource of Mizoram, India

<div>Background: Cryptosporidiosis is an emerging zoonotic protozoan disease caused by Cryptosporidium spp. The infection was reported worldwide from domestic animals and humans, including wild animals. From India, no such reports were published on Cryptosporidium infection in captive wildlife. Hence, a pilot study was conducted to report the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in captive wildlife of India.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Faecal samples (n=788) were collected from 127 captive wildlife species of three zoological parks viz., Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park (SVZP), Tirupati (n=242); Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP), Visakhapatnam (n=218); Nehru Zoological Park (NZP), Hyderabad (n=328) and screened for Cryptosporidium infection. Preliminary screening of faecal samples was done for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts by modified Ziehl-Neelsen (mZN) staining method and the test positives were confirmed by nested PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene. Nested PCR amplicons were sequenced for determining the Cryptosporidium species. The resultant data were statistically analyzed by Fisher/Chi square, Fisher Exact test using SPSS software v 17.0. 
 
Result: In mZN staining method, 7.23 percent of isolates were found to be positive for Cryptosporidium and the highest rate of infection was detected in wildlife at NZP, Hyderabad (8.23%), followed by SVZP, Tirupati (7.44%) and IGZP, Visakhapatnam (5.50%). Cryptosporidium positive faecal samples by mZN staining were further confirmed by nested PCR and positive amplicons were sequenced for determination of Cryptosporidium species. Genetic characterization revealed five species viz., Cryptosporidium parvum; C. ryanae, C. suis, C. muris and Cryptosporidium avian genotype III. The study conclude that, Cryptosporidium infection was prevalent in the captive wildlife from the zoological parks of India and species variation was marked among the wildlife. Based on the available literature, the current study is the first of its kind on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in captive wildlife from India.</div>