Background: Muga is an exclusive golden-colored silk produced by the Antheraea Assamensis silkworm species in North-east India. In the silk processing stage, drying of Muga silkworm cocoon is essential to prevent the pupa from emerging from the shell and to preserve the cocoons for a longer period (3-6 months). It is necessary to reduce the potentially harmful high moisture level in the cocoon shell and pupa body to an optimum or safe level of moisture content (6-12%). In India, the natural sun drying method is the most common method to preserve Muga cocoons for a longer period. Considerably losses may occur using the sun-drying method due to various effects such as rodents, insects, rain, microorganisms, excessive temperature, etc. To address this issue the study was conducted to improve the quality of Muga silk yield using a comparative study between Convection and IR heating methods for cocoon drying.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In this study, Muga cocoons were dried properly at optimum temperature (50-100&deg;C) to obtain a safe moisture level for getting quality Muga silk. The drying of the Muga cocoon is processed using convection (1 kw) and Infrared (650 watts) modes of heating for the same duration of time. Muga cocoons were placed in a drying chamber initially at a high temperature (100&plusmn;5&deg;C) using both convection and Infrared heating methods separately to maintain the moisture content to an optimum level. It took approximately 75 minutes to obtain the temperature 100 from room temperature and every 15 minutes temperature measure was recorded for both methods and compared. The parameters studied were temperature, time, cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio and moisture content. These parameters were examined, evaluated and compared for both the Convection and IR heating methods.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The comparative study results indicated that the performance of the studied cocoon parameters namely temperature, cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio and moisture content are approximately similar for both convection and IR heating methods. Moisture content was maintained at the optimum range (6-12%) for both the convection and IR methods. The study provided a better performance using the IR heating method as compared to convection heating concerning energy consumption and safety for the same duration of time. Energy consumed by a 1 kW convection heater is 1.25 kWh, whereas energy consumption in a 650-watt IR heater is 0.8125 kWh.&nbsp;

A Comparative Study of Drying of Muga Cocoons using Convection and Infra-red Heating Method

Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) are group of proteins which are synthesized during heat stress. HSP genes have been reported to be associated with heat tolerance and production performance in cattle. HSP90AA1 gene has been mapped on Bos taurus autosome 21 (BTA 21) and spans nearly 5368 bp comprising 11 exons out of which first exon does not translate. The present study was carried out in Sahiwal cows (n=100) with the objectives to identify SNPs in targeted regions (exon 3, 7, 8 &amp; 11) of HSP90AA1 gene and to analyze their association with heat tolerance traits in Sahiwal cows. Respiration rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) was recorded once during probable extreme hours in winter, spring and summer season. Further, heat tolerance coefficient (HTC) also calculated to see the adaptability of the animals during the period of heat stress. On the basis of comparative sequence analysis, total five SNPs were revealed at position of A1209G, A3292C, T4935C, T5218C and A5224C in the targeted region of HSP90AA1 gene. Out of these, only two SNPs at A1209G and A3292C loci were found significantly associated with heat tolerance traits in Sahiwal cows. Whereas, THI has a highly significant associated with RR, RT and HTC in all the seasons. At A1209G locus in Sahiwal cows for traits RR, genotype AA (18.40&plusmn;0.46a), AG (19.60&plusmn;0.85b) and GG (21.18&plusmn; 0.64ab) and trait HTC AA (1.78&plusmn;0.04a), AG (1.85&plusmn;0.03b) and GG (1.91&plusmn; 0.02c) differ significantly (p&lt;0.01) while trait RT, AG (38.32&plusmn;0.10b) and GG (38.27&plusmn;0.08ab) didn&rsquo;t differ significantly. For a locus A3292C for traits RR, genotype AA (21.55&plusmn;1.01a), AC (19.66&plusmn;1.59b) and CC (18.40&plusmn;1.03c) differ significantly (p&lt;0.05), while traits RT, genotype AA (38.41&plusmn;0.12), AC (38.28&plusmn;0.20) and CC (37.96&plusmn;0.15) didn&rsquo;t differ significantly. For trait HTC, AA (1.93&plusmn;0.04a), AC (1.85&plusmn;0.06b) and CC (1.79&plusmn;0.05c) found significantly (p&lt;0.05) differ with each other. Our study indicated that Sahiwal cows of AA and AC genotype had better thermo-tolerance capacity, which had been useful for genetic improvement of Sahiwal cattle for heat tolerance traits.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in Heat Shock Protein (HSP) 90AA1 gene and their association with heat tolerance traits in Sahiwal cows

<div style="text-align: justify;">To evaluate the effect of heat stress an experiment was conducted in which one cross (PB-1X Naked neck), two pure lines ( PB-1 and Naked neck) and corresponding control populations were generated simultaneously on the same day.120 chicks in PB-1X Naked neck &nbsp;(Control 120), 91 chicks in Naked neck pure( Control 82) and 81 chicks in PB-1 pure ( Control 80)were generated. Temperatures were raised (up to 40&deg;C) by providing the two halogen lamps in each of the heat stressed genetic groups from 4-6 weeks of age. Body weights were recorded at 0, 2,4, 6 and 7 weeks of age along with conformational traits like breast angle and shank length at 6 weeks of age. 2ml of blood was collected at 6weeks of age from all the 6 genetic groups (10 birds from each) to estimate the heat stress parameters. Feed efficiency was recorded at 6 weeks and 7 weeks of age. Significant differences were found for SOD, CAT, ALP and GPx between heat stressed and control genetic groups. Higher estimates were found in heat stressed genetic groups as compared to corresponding control groups. For juvenile body weights in stressful conditions there is significant difference between genetic groups. Lower juvenile body weights were recorded in heat stressed genetic groups as compared to control groups. Lower feed efficiency was recorded in heat stressed genetic groups as compared to corresponding control groups.</div>

Effect of heat stress for specific period on juvenile traits, feed efficiency and some heat stress parameters in different genetic groups of broilers &nbsp;

Background: Bottle gourd, a popular winter vegetable in Bangladesh, is experiencing a year-round increase in demand. High temperature stress disrupts physiological structure, fruit quality and crop yields, limiting the year-round cultivation of bottle gourd. The research aimed to identify heat stress-tolerant genotypes to extend growing seasons and increase production among varieties and breeding materials. 
 
Methods: The study conducted at Vegetable Research Center, Dinajpur of BRAC Seed and Agro Enterprise, Bangladesh consisting 58 bottle gourd genotypes under normal and heat stress conditions using augmented block design. Meteorological data showed heat stress resulted ~5-7oC higher air temperatures than normal sowing environments. 
 
Result: Heat stress tolerance indices indicated that the genotypes with a combination of greater values of MP, GMP, HM, YI and STI and lower values of SSI and TOL are high performed and productive breeding material. Yield based stress indices SSI and TOL had a negative association with fruit yield under heat stress (Ys), while strong positive correlations with STI, MP, GMP, HM and YI. The cluster analysis classified bottle gourd genotypes as tolerant, medium tolerant and susceptible to heat stress. Heat stress tolerance indices could be effective tools for identifying heat tolerant bottle gourd genotypes in field. The genotypes BG-45, BG-02, BG-57, BG-39 and BG-43 determined as high performing and stable breeding material under both normal and heat stress environments and might potentially be employed in future breeding programs.

Heat Stress Tolerance Indices and Their Contribution in Identifying Heat Tolerant Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.] Genotypes

Background: The effect of vitamin E and Selenium supplementation in diet of broiler chicken on growth performance and Heat shock protein70 (HSP70) level under summer heat stress was studied.

Methods: The current study was conducted on 240 day-old commercial broiler chicks, which were divided randomly into four treatment groups of 60 numbers, with three replicates of 20 in each group. The control (T0) group was allotted with basal diet, group T1 (basal diet + Vitamin E @ 100 mg/kg and Selenium @ 0.2 mg/kg), T2 (basal diet + Vitamin E @ 125 mg/kg and Selenium @ 0.25 mg/kg) and T3 (basal diet + Vitamin E @ 150 mg/kg and Selenium @ 0.3 mg/kg).

Result: In the present study, it has been found that, vitamin E and selenium supplementation in the diet of heat stressed broilers influenced the body weight (P=0.002), Body weight gain (P=0.001), Feed Intake (P=0.311) and BPEI (P=0.013) but not the Feed conversion ratio. Dietary vitamin E and Selenium supplementation increased the dressing percentage (P&lt;0.001), Breast meat yield percentage (P=0.004), Thigh yield percentage (P=0.018), Drum stick yield percentage (P=0.013) and decreased abdominal fat percentage (P=0.004) under heat stress. The Heat shock protein level was improved (P&lt;0.001) by dietary supplementation of vitamin E and Selenium under heat stress. The study indicated that growth performance, carcass characteristics and HSP70 level could be improved by dietary vitamin E and Selenium supplementation under heat stress.

Effect of Vitamin E and Selenium Supplementation on Growth Performance and Heat Shock Protein 70 Levels in Broiler Chickens Exposed to Summer Heat Stress

<div>Background:&nbsp;Cotton is globally important crop valued for its single cell trichome called fibre. Cotton fibre is popularly called as white gold or king of fibre crops. Cotton fibre or seed cotton yield per plant is the economically important traits which is dependent other yield attributing traits and also influenced by the fibre quality traits. So present study was focused on the association of yield and yield attributing and fibre quality traits. 
 
Methods:&nbsp;An experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vijayapur campus during late kharif season during 2020-21 to evaluate 145 advanced breeding lines of desi cotton along with checks using augmented design in 7 blocks for yield and yield attributing traits. The material used in the study was developed by College of agriculture, Dharwad at Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding. Correlation and path coefficient analysis was conducted for twelve yield and fibre quality traits. 
 
Result:&nbsp;Significant positive correlation of seed cotton yield per plant with boll weight, number of bolls per plant, ginning outturn and fibre fineness was reported, whereas negative significant correlation was reported by days to 50% flowering with seed cotton yield per plant. Path analysis revealed that highest positive direct effect on seed cotton yield per plant was shown by number of bolls per plant followed by boll weight and highest negative direct effect was shown by fibre fineness. Highest indirect effect on seed cotton yield per plant was contributed by. ginning outturn. The traits that are significantly positively correlated and having positive effect on seed cotton yield play a major role in the selection of high yielding seed cotton genotypes.</div>

Correlation Coefficients and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Desi Cotton (Gossypium herbaceum)

Background: Perilla [Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton] commonly known as Bhangjeera, belongs to family Lamiaceae, is an annual plant contains significant phyto-constituents. This is traditionally used as an herbal medicine to treat various disorders. Despite the Perilla&rsquo;s huge potential, no concerted attempts have been undertaken to diversify for selection of parents in genetic improvement programme both globally and in our country. 
 
Methods: The experiment was arranged in a Latin square design with three replications on the experimental farm. Data were collected from five randomly selected plants in each plot, excluding border plants. The mean values were analyzed statistically to determine the analysis of variance for all the traits to decipher the nature and magnitude of genetic variability and other genetic parameters in Perilla. 
 
Result: The studies shows significant variation among the studied genotypes for all characters. Among the studied germplasm, PF 7 was found to be superior for most of oil yielding related traits followed by PF4 and PF2. All characters showed high heritability accompanied by low to high genetic advance as percent of mean. These characters showed medium to high GCV and PCV. Genotypic correlation co-efficient were found to be higher than their corresponding phenotypic ones. Path coefficient analysis revealed positive direct effect of plant height, length of petiole, leaf breath, stem girth, length of inflorescence and total phenolic content on seed oil yield. The direct selection for these traits will be beneficial in yield improvement program. Therefore, it was suggested that tall and bushy plants with thick stem with long inflorescence are likely to produce high seed oil yield with unsaturated fatty acids, beneficial for human health. 
&nbsp;

Genetic Variability, Correlation Coefficient and Path Coefficient Analysis among Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton Germplasm for Seed Oil Yield Related Traits in Uttarakhand, India

<div>Background: The exposure of field pea crop to high-temperature stress during the anthesis and pod development stage led to poor pollination, development of shriveled pods and poor performance that results in reduced seed yield. The study aims to screen and identify heat-tolerant genotypes based on stress tolerance indices. One hundred forty-three field pea genotypes, including three checks evaluated in augmented block design for seed yield per plant under normal and late sown conditions to identify terminal heat-tolerant genotypes of field pea.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Stress indices were computed based on seed yield per plant under normal (Yp) and late (Ys) sown conditions. The stress indices for seed yield are calculated as per the suggested method i.e. tolerance index (Hossain et al., 1990), heat susceptibility index (<a href="#fischer_1978">Fischer and Maurer, 1978</a>), yield stability index (<a href="#bouslama_1984">Bouslama and Schapaugh, 1984</a>), mean productivity (Hossain et al., 1990), geometric mean productivity (Fernandez, 1992), stress tolerance index (<a href="#fernandez_1992">Fernandez, 1992</a>). Correlation coefficient and principal component analysis were done by using R (version 4.1.1) statistical software.&nbsp; 
 
Result:&nbsp;Correlation coefficient analysis reveals that seed yield under stress conditions was positively correlated with the indices viz., MP, GMP, STI and YSI whereas, it was negatively correlated with HSI, signifying that higher estimates of MP, GMP, STI and YSI and lower of HSI correspond to heat tolerance. The seed yield under both environments had a positive and significant association with MP, GMP and STI. Genotypes viz., EC-341743, P-1679, P-1384-3, P-179 and P-781 were found with high indices scores and showing their suitability for the breeding program for heat tolerance. The first two principal components (PCs) accounted for 97.46% of the total variation present in the genotype.</div>

Application of Stress Indices to Identify Terminal Heat Tolerance Genotype in Field Pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense)

In this research, convective and microwave drying characteristics, energy requirement and color changes of nettle leaves (Urtica diocia L.) were reported. Samples of freshly harvested nettle leaves were dehydrated under three air temperatures of 50 &deg;C, 60 &deg;C and 70 &deg;C and at three microwave power levels of PL-1, PL-2 and PL-3. Selected drying air velocity was 0.30 m/s for all temperatures. This is coming from the fact that it was understood from the preliminary studies that the temperature less than 50 &deg;C and the air speed more than 0.30 ms-1 increase the drying time and energy requirement, extremely for these products. Nettle leaves were dehydrated from the initial moisture content of 320 (percentage dry basis) to a final moisture content of 7 % to 9 %. During convective drying experiments, product were weighted automatically by the balance per (5 to10) min. Data were transferred to the computer and processed by a software. During microwave drying, the product were weighted and data recorded manually per (15 to 60) min. The influence of drying method, drying air temperature and microwave power level have also been studied. Hunter L, a, b values system was also used to evaluate changes in total color difference (DE) on dried products. The results showed that convective drying air temperature and microwave oven power levels influenced the total drying time, total energy requirement, specific energy requirement and color difference for nettle leaves. The minimum specific energy requirement were determined as 6.95 kWhkg-1 and 23.63 kWhkg-1 for 70 &deg;C and PL-2 respectively. 70 &deg;C drying air temperature and PL-3 was found to yield better quality product in terms of color retention of Hunter L, a, b and &nbsp;DE. As a result, to reduce drying energy consumption and to keep better color retention, convective drying can be recommended for this application.

Convective and microwave drying characteristics, energy requirement&nbsp;and color retention of dehydrated nettle leaves (Urtica diocia L.)&nbsp;

We investigated differences between goat and cow milk by exploring the factors influencing milk stability by testing the heat coagulation time. Heat-stable milk samples were characterized by a higher pH, a lower heating temperature, a lower calcium concentration, a higher concentrations of EDTA-2Na, phosphate and citrate. However the sucrose concentration caused different patterns of heat stability. The heat stability of milk increased as the sucrose concentration increased from 10% to 30%, then decreased as it rose above 30%. Compared with cow milk, goat milk is less stable to heat treatments being affected by pH, heating temperature, and the addition of calcium chloride, disodium EDTA, disodium hydrogen phosphate, and sucrose. After adding sodium citrate, the heat stability of goat milk was better than that of cow milk, with ANOVA results indicating a statistically significant difference.