Recent advances in molecular marker techniques: Insight into QTL mapping,GWAS and genomic selection in plants

Recent advances in sequencing technology have brought several novel platforms for marker development and subsequent genotyping. The high-throughput and cost effective marker techniques have changed the entire scenario of marker applications. The huge genotypic data obtained with next generation sequencing (NGS) also demands analytical tools, statistical advances, and comprehensive understanding to cope with breeding applications. In the present review, we discussed different available marker techniques, their strengths, and limitations. Emphasis was given on software tools, analytical pipelines, workbenches, and online resources available for marker development. Comparison of SNP genotyping involving complexity reduction techniques like GBS, RRL, RAD, and array-based platforms were presented in a view to describe suitability for specific purposes. We found that genotyping by whole genome re-sequencing has great potential, and could be a routine application in the near future with continuously decreasing cost of sequencing. Microsatellites, still a valuable option for breeders, have also advanced with NGS. Here a catalogue of tools for microsatellite evaluation in short sequence reads was provided. The most common applications of molecular marker like QTL mapping, genome-wide association mapping (GWAS), and genomic selection were highlighted. The present review will be helpful for the effective utilization of available resources and for the planning of crop improvement programs employing molecular marker techniques.     

Status and management of fish populations of Rawal Dam reservoir, Pakistan

Abstract Studies were conducted to determine the composition and relative abundance of commercially desirable and less desirable fish populations of Rawal Dam reservoir. Fifteen fish species belonging to 11 genera were identified. The less desirable species were abundant, constituting 62.3%, 84.8% and 78% of the total number of fish sampled on three occasions. Carnivores were represented by two species with very low percentage composition by number or weight. The ratio of total weight of forage fish to that of carnivorous fish indicated an unbalanced population in the lake. The proportion of the fish population at harvestable size suggests a balanced population, but this index may have been overestimated because of a minimum harvestable size.     

Mineralisation in kidney and stomach of Beagle dogs

Summary

Histological examination of 753 Beagle dogs showed renal foci of calcification in 27.9% of males and 21.5% of females. In contrast, stomach calcification was observed in 6.2% of males and 5.2% of females examined.

It is suggested that the focal calcification seen in both organs was possibly of dietary origin and may have been related to the phosphate content.     

Vegetative propagation of Aesculus indica through stem cuttings treated with plant growth regulators

Cuttage propagation of Aesculus indica was tested by treatments with different concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) @ 2000, 4000 (ppm), indolebutyric acid (IBA) @ 2000, 4000 (ppm) and naphthlcetic acid (NAA) @ 2000, 4000 (ppm) in dry formulation in the Forest Nursery, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K, Shalimar. The cuttings treated with IBA @ 4000 ppm and IBA @ 2000 ppm had a sprouting rate of 75% and 50%, respectively, which was significantly higher than that of control and other treatments. The highest rooting rate (50%) was recorded in the cuttings with the application of IBA @ 4000 ppm. The cuttings treated with IBA @ 2000 ppm had 25% rooting rate. All other treatments along with control (talc powder) failed to induce rooting. It was concluded that IBA @ 4000 ppm was a better-applied concentration for vegetative propagation of A. indica under Kashmir conditions. Biography: Mumtaz Majeed (1980– ), male, post graduate in Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science & Technology, Shalimar, Srinagar - 191 121, J&K, India.     

Livestock feed resources availability,feeding practices,and nutrient balances in high Himalaya (Gurez) valley of Kashmir

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Assessment of the ruminant livestock feed sources availability, existing feeding practices, and nutrient balances was embarked at different zones of Gurez...     

Mineralisation in kidney and stomach of beagle dogs

Histological examination of 753 Beagle dogs showed renal foci of calcification in 27.9% of males and 21.5% of females. In contrast, stomach calcification was observed in 6.2% of males and 5.2% of females examined. It is suggested that the focal calcification seen in both organs was possibly of dietary origin and may have been related to the phosphate content.