Background: Hybrid breeding in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is important to improve productivity of this crop. Given that a breeder&rsquo;s primary goal is production, it&rsquo;s critical to understand the connections between the traits that have a direct and indirect impact on yield. 
 
Methods: 45 hybrids generated by crossing 10 diverse parents in structured mating design were evaluated to estimate the magnitude of their genetic variability and heritability in F2s. Mean performance across three replications were calculated for 21 traits and is assessed for their effect on yield. The recorded data were statistically analyzed at 5% level of significance by multivariate analysis using principal component and hierarchical cluster. 
 
Result: For all of the analyzed traits, the analysis of variance revealed a highly significant difference between population. A greater difference between PCV and GCV estimates for days to anthesis, days to 50% flowering and days to first picking indicates a greater degree of environmental control for these traits. Traits such as days to anthesis, days to 50% flowering and days to first picking shows low to moderate heritability. These findings show that there is enough genetic diversity in these parameters to support selection of better accessions. Using cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), crosses were divided into groups based on their performance and the identification of the most discriminating attribute that accounted for the greatest variability. It revealed that yield per plant is highly associated with days to first picking, days to 50% flowering, days to anthesis, plant height and shoot length. Further, principal component shows 1000-seed weight and germination percentage followed by days to 50% flowering as the most discriminating trait. Hence, selection for any trait would favor future hybrids breeding programmes.&nbsp;

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Study of Genotypic and Phenotypic Variation in F2 Segregating Generation of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]&nbsp;

<div style="text-align: justify;">Animal coloration is a powerful model for studying the genetic mechanisms that determine animal phenotypes. But, there has not been comprehensive characterization of the molecular basis of the complex patterns of coat color phenotype variation in wild boars. This study results indicated that the wild-type allele E+ of the MC1R gene was a dominant allele in wild boars and was not responsible for black, brown or other coat color phenotypes. A novel mutation c.695 T &gt; C was identified in the 3&cent;-UTR of the ASIP gene. The association analysis showed that the C mutation allele was highly significantly associated with wild-type coat colors between wild boars and Western pig breeds (P=1.35E-33). A non-synonymous g.2254 G &gt; A substitution was found in exon 2 of the TYRP1 gene (p.143His&gt;Arg). The association analysis demonstrated that the G mutation allele was also significantly associated with wild-type coat colors between wild boars and Western pig breeds (P = 5.09E-10). In short, a few mutation sites in MC1R, ASIP, and TYRP1 genes were identified and surveyed several polymorphisms molecular variations in Chinese wild boars. In our identified mutations have caused the morphological diversity in wild boars, but did not influence coat color phenotype variation in some domesticated pig breeds. The conclusion was obtained that some mutations in color-associated genes were associated with wild-type coat colors in wild boar population, and that similar coat colorations observed in domesticated pig and wild boars can be the product of underlying differences in the genetic basis of color variants.&nbsp;</div>

The mutations within MC1R, TYRP1, ASIP genes and their effects on phenotypes of coat color in wild pigs (Sus scrofa ussuricus )

Vachellia karroo is an important pasture legume which fixes nitrogen through its symbiotic relationship with rhizobia. Thirty two indigenous rhizobia were isolated from four different morphotypes of V. karroo obtained from four agro-ecologically diverse areas of South Africa. Phenotypic characterization of isolates revealed that they have the same colony morphology. Numeric analysis of the isolates&rsquo; phenotypic characteristics produced six clusters at 83% level of relative similarity. High variation of the isolates growth in different temperatures, salt concentration, pH, antibiotic resistance and heavy metal resistance was also noted. Carbon source utilization was generally the same for all isolates. Isolates that tolerated a wide range of test conditions are recommended as potentially highly competitive V. karroo inoculants for use in various climatic and soil conditions.

Phenotypic characterisation of rhizobia nodulating different&nbsp;morphotypes of Vachellia karroo

Somaclonal variation was revealed among regenerants in four genotypes (Nirmal, P24, Nayagarh local and Dhenkanal local) of grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) following long term in vitro culture of internode explants. Most of the somaclones which survived till maturity had revealed chromosomal abnormalities and variation in one or more morphological and/or agronomic traits. Some of the variant phenotypes especially those relating to developmental variations were not inherited to R2 generation owing to elimination of chromosomal aberrations that preclude normal morphogenesis. Somaclones with variation in flower colour, seed colour, leaflet length and breadth, foliage and pod pigmentation may be used as genetic markers in breeding Lathyrus sativus. Besides, variants with broad leaf, dwarf height, long pod, large seed, short duration and synchronous maturity are agronomically desirable. A large seeded somaclone NGOG 5 having high seed yield and low neurotoxin content (ODAP) recovered in this pursuit, can be a desirable candidate for future breeding programme.

Somaclonal variation for genetic improvement in grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Background: Tupaia belangeri is increasingly recognized as an essential animal model in neuroscience, metabolic disorders and emerging infectious diseases due to its close phylogenetic relationship to primates and its small body size. Phenotypic traits are crucial for studying biological systems. Tree shrews are widely used in environmental adaptation research due to their genetic diversity and phenotypic polymorphism. The measurement of its physical indicators and skull provides a new perspective for exploring the adaptive characteristics of different tree shrew populations. Establishing population-specific morphometric reference values is therefore essential for standardizing veterinary dosing and ensuring translational reliability when tree shrews are used as models for metabolic, neurodegenerative, or emerging infectious diseases. 
 
Methods: To elucidate the phenotypic diversity of the Tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) and its relationship with environmental factors, the present study measured the body shape and skull indicators of 134 individuals across 12 regions. 
 
Result: The results showed that there had significant phenotypic differences between different geographic populations, with inter population variation significantly greater than intra population variation, indicating that differentiation mainly occurs between populations. Especially Daxin population (T. b. tonquinia) and the Hainan population (T. b. modesta) had larger body mass and length, whereas the Kunming population (T. b. chinensis) was relatively smaller. Environmental factor analysis revealed significant correlations between latitude, altitude, annual average temperature, atmospheric pressure and precipitation with the morphological traits of tree shrews, with altitude had the most significant impact on phenotypic differences. The clustering and principal component analysis results also confirmed the geographical differentiation of the tree shrew in morphological studies. The research findings emphasized the role of environmental factors in shaping the phenotypic diversity of the tree shrew and provide important insights into the evolution and ecological adaptation of this species, which was of great significance for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. 
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Phenotypic Diversity of Tree Shrews (Tupaia belangeri) with Implications for Biomedical Animal Research

<div style="text-align: justify;">A total of two hundred and seventy samples of three barbin fish species viz. Puntius chola, Puntius sophore &nbsp;and &nbsp;Pethia manipurensis (Cyprinidae: Barbinae) were investigated for morphometric variations from nine different water areas of Manipur. Twenty reliable morphometric characters were measured in each sample and evaluated with individual species and compared same in each study area by various standard analyses of difference to examine the implication of morphometric variations among populations. The species wise and population wise descriptive statistics viz., mean, standard variation, standard error of mean and the Principle Component Analysis (PCA) were carried out. Among the morphometric characters, Pre dorsal length (LPRD), Orbital length (LO) and Post orbital length (LPO) are insignificant having p value of 0.217, 0.259 and 0.215 respectively. The result of first three components by PCA were 69.62 % (1st), 77.627 % (2nd) and 83.214 % (3rd) which are sufficient to describe the variation among the populations. Discriminant function analysis of the first two functions of various measurements of morphometric characters of three fish species under study reveals that specimens of Puntius chola and P. sophore have high morphological variations whereas specimens of Pethia manipurensis have more or less variations among the populations. The detected phenotypical divergence between specimens revealed the fact of existing of morphologically separated stocks within the samples may imply as a possibility &nbsp;among the extent of phenotypic heterogeneity and the geographic distance &nbsp;among the populations. The present study reveals that the population of two species, Puntius chola and P. sophore are separate stock as their geographical sites whereas the population of P. manipurensis is same stock in spite of different geographical sites.</div>

Studies on morphological variation in three barbin fishes (Cyprinidae:Barbinae) from different water areas of Manipur, India &nbsp;

Background: The study included four genotypes of tomato (EC620378, EC620380, EC620383, EC620534) which were cultivated to find out their similarities and differences based on phenotypic traits when they were grown under different soil zones of Doha (Qatar) and Meerut (India) to find out that which of the genotypes can be cultivated better in Qatar and India. 
 
Methods: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RBCD) with two replications. Statistical analysis for variation in quantitative characteristics among genotypes was done by collecting data in 15 qualitative and quantitative traits. Data showed great variation for almost all the traits. The principal component analysis involved plant height and days to marketable maturity as the most discriminating trait that accounted for greater variability in genotypes in both zones, and they should be considered in tomato improvement programs. The correlation analysis showed that fruit yield per plant was positively and significantly correlated with number of fruits per plant and fruit width. Present findings suggest that the identified superior genotypes may be utilized by different farms to further improve their breeding and cultivation strategies.&nbsp; 
 
Result: In Indian soil zone, genotype EC620534 performed extremely well in terms of maximum yield per plant. Similarly, in Qatar soil zone, EC620534 and EC620380 performed well. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than its corresponding genotypic counterpart (GCV) for all characters studied showing environmental influence. High broad-sense heritability were recorded for days to marketable maturity, fruit shape index and fruit weight in both agro-climatic zones, they were associated with low genetic advance indicating non-additive gene action and environmental influence, hence, heterosis breeding is recommended.

Phenotypic Trait Analysis of Tomato (Solanum lysopersicum) Genotypes in Qatar and Indian Agro-climatic Conditions

<div>Background: Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is an important cultivated fruit crop in Vietnam due to its commercial value for fresh consumption and especially for fruit processing industry. A large number of diverse guava accessions, both indigenous and exotic, are available in Vietnam but their characterization, which is needed to identify targeted guava accessions for breeding programs, is still limited. 
 
Methods: The phenotypic variation and relationship among 40 guava accessions collected across Vietnam were assessed employing leaf and fruit morphological and physiological characterizations. 
 
Result: Range of variation for different leaf and fruit parameters were recorded. Significant correlations between leaf and fruit traits relating to yield and fruit quality were also observed implying a possibility of their simultaneous or interchangeable use in selection. Furthermore, the dendrogram generated from agglomeration hierarchical clustering grouped the 40 guava accessions into four major clusters which are highly associated with their origins. The result indicated that existing guava accessions are an important source of genetic diversity and can be used in the guava improvement program in Vietnam.</div>

<div>Phenotypic Diversity Assessment of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Collection in Vietnam</div>

A cytological study of root tips, primary calli, sub-culture calli and regenerants of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L) cv. &nbsp;Nayagarh local was carried out for elucidation of the origin of tissue culture instability and somaclonal variation. Wide range of euploids, aneuploids and structural variations of chromosomes including stickiness, multipolar spindle, asymmetric chromatid separation, binucleate cells with micronuclei and chromosome bridges and fragments could be the cause for tissue culture instability. Frequency of chromosomal anomalies in calli increased with the age of subculrure and the increase was more in B5 medium supplemented with 2, 4-D than NAA. Majority of the abnormalities happens to be sieved off owing to morphogenetic selectivity. While, a few of these were carried on to regenerants as evidenced from mitotic (euploid, aneuploid and structural variation) and meiotic (interchanges and/or loss of chromosome segments following breakage events, lack of pairing resulting univalents, precocious and late separation of bivalents, anaphase laggards, conspicuous anaphase bridges with or without acentric fragments, chromosome rings, tetrad with multinucleoli) abnormalities in regenerants. Such carry-over events have been &nbsp; substantiated as the origin of somaclonal variation in regenerants. 
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Cytological elucidation of somaclonal variation in grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

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.

Study of Genotypic and Phenotypic Variation in F₂ Segregating Generation of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

The mutations within MC1R, TYRP1, ASIP genes and their effects on phenotypes of coat color in wild pigs (Sus scrofa ussuricus )

Phenotypic characterisation of rhizobia nodulating different morphotypes of Vachellia karroo

Somaclonal variation for genetic improvement in grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Phenotypic Diversity of Tree Shrews (Tupaia belangeri) with Implications for Biomedical Animal Research

Studies on morphological variation in three barbin fishes (Cyprinidae:Barbinae) from different water areas of Manipur, India

Phenotypic Trait Analysis of Tomato (Solanum lysopersicum) Genotypes in Qatar and Indian Agro-climatic Conditions

Phenotypic Diversity Assessment of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Collection in Vietnam

Cytological elucidation of somaclonal variation in grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

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