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Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most bio-diverse and forested states in India. The state is home to 26 tribal groups and 110 sub-tribes. Traditionally, hunting has been a major part of the tribal communities in Arunachal Pradesh. Hunting is conducted majorly for food, recreation, games, trophies collection and for religious beliefs in the area. In this study, we aimed to collect baseline data on hunting rates and the reasons for hunting through primary surveys conducted in 4 major villages of West Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh. The sampling sites also coincided with the proposed locations for the construction of five future hydroelectric power projects in Arunachal Pradesh. We found a total of 34 trophies/hides in the study area with average hunting rates of 0.68 animal/household/annum and 0.97 animal/active hunter/annum. Sus scrofa cristatus (Wild Boar) was the most hunted species, followed by Naemorhedus sp. (Goral) and Ursus thibetanus (Black Bear). Among the most hunted species, 5 belonged to the 'Vulnerable' category of IUCN. Our findings also revealed that if the proposed Environment Management Plans (EMPs) of the 5 hydroelectric power projects were properly implemented, a total of 2000 jobs could be provided to the 2243 families in this study area. This has the potential to alleviate hunting pressures in the area. Besides, the EMPs of all the major hydroelectric power projects have provisions for community awareness and community education programmes. We propose that together with the state governments and non-governmental organizations, the hydroelectric project developers can play a very constructive role in decreasing hunting pressures and mitigating biodiversity losses in Northeast India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Indian Himalayan forests are remarkable landforms experiencing tremendous climatic variation, constituting complex and diversified ecosystems with prominent vegetation zones. Despite their global significance and substantial research efforts focused on plant diversity in the temperate Himalayan region, only a few studies have explicitly assessed the distribution patterns of understory vegetation in relation to forest compositional types along altitudinal gradients. Methods: To cover a wide range of altitudes and diverse overstory compositions, stands were sampled across four altitudinal ranges from 1500 to 3500 meters above mean sea level with increments of 500 meters in elevation steps. The overstory compositions were classified on the basis of dominant tree species in each stand on the similar sites. Vegetation in the shrub and ground layers was surveyed by visually estimating the percentage coverage within circular plots. Results: A total of 99 understory species including 37 species each in the shrub layer, 62 species in the herb layer vegetation were recorded. The abundance, species diversity and composition of understory vegetation differed significantly along the altitudinal gradient and dominant overstory composition types. Moreover, distinct understory vegetation communities were observed at lower elevations compared to higher elevations, with middle elevations exhibiting intermediate vegetation characteristics. The study also highlighted the importance of dominant overstory composition types in shaping the pattern of understory vegetation abundance, species diversity and composition in the temperate Himalayan region. The higher resource conditions associated with broadleaved stands supported higher understory species abundance at lower elevations, while the heterogeneous conditions induced by the mixedwood stands promoted higher understory species diversity. Conclusion: The hump shaped pattern along the altitudinal gradient appeared to be the most dominant pattern of plant abundance and species diversity and call for more conservation concern towards the middle elevation zones in the temperate Himalayan region. Furthermore, the management interventions should aim at maintaining diverse range of overstory composition types for conserving biodiversity and their ecological functions in the temperate Himalayan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shift from outcrossing to self-fertilization is one of the main evolutionary transitions in plants and has broad effects on evolutionary trajectories. In Brassicaceae, the ability to inhibit self-fertilization is controlled by 2 genes, SCR and SRK , tightly linked within the S -locus. A series of small non-coding RNAs also encoded within the S -locus regulates the transcriptional activity of SCR alleles, resulting in a linear dominance hierarchy between them. In Brassicaceae, natural allopolyploid species are often self-compatible (SC) even when one of the progenitor species is self-incompatible, but the reason why polyploid lineages tend to lose self-incompatibility (SI) and the timing of the loss of SI (immediately after ancestral hybridization between the progenitor species, or at a later stage after the formation of allopolyploid lineages) have generally remained elusive. We used a series of synthetic diploid and tetraploid hybrids obtained between self-fertilizing Capsella orientalis and outcrossing Capsella grandiflora to test whether the breakdown of SI could be observed immediately after hybridization, and whether the occurrence of SC phenotypes could be explained by the dominance interactions between S -haplotypes inherited from the parental lineages. We used RNA-sequencing data from young inflorescences to measure allele-specific expression of the SCR gene and infer dominance interactions in the synthetic hybrids. We then evaluated the seed set from autonomous self-pollination in the synthetic hybrids. Our results demonstrate that self-compatibility of the hybrids depends on the relative dominance between S -alleles inherited from the parental species, confirming that SI can be lost instantaneously upon formation of the ancestral allopolyploid lineage. They also confirm that the epigenetic regulation that controls dominance interactions between S -alleles can function between subgenomes in allopolyploids. Together, our results illustrate how a detailed knowledge of the mechanisms controlling SI can illuminate our understanding of the patterns of co-variation between the mating system and changes in ploidy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fibre-reinforced polymer composite (NFRPC) has been introduced as one of the solutions to overcome the ecological and environmental problems accompanying the widespread usage of polymeric materials in every facet of life. However, the organic nature of both natural fibres (NFs) and polymers increases their flammability behaviour, and this, in turn, limits their application. In this regard, this work concentrates on studying the effect of adding flame retardants (FR) to jute-reinforced epoxy composites (JRECs), either by treating the jute fabric with diammonium phosphate (DAP) or adding DAP powder to the epoxy resin matrix on the flame retardancy performance as well as the mechanical properties. The results showed that the effect of the incorporation method of DAP either to jute fabric or to resin matrix has a significant difference on the flammability test results at low concentrations; however, at higher concentrations, the flame retardancy performance is not affected by the technique of adding FR to the composite system. On the other hand, the mechanical properties are significantly affected by the method of incorporating FR to JRECs at all concentrations. Moreover, the results obtained from JRECs with FR systems were evaluated and compared with the literature by constructing selection charts that relate the flame retardancy level to mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Montane oceanic islands possess unique geographic and ecological attributes, rendering them valuable for assessing patterns and drivers of alpha and beta taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity along elevational gradients. Such comparisons of diversity facets can provide insights into the mechanisms governing community assembly on islands. Herein, we aimed to characterize taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic bryophyte diversity on Madeira Island within and across areas at varying elevations. We also assessed how these diversity facets for the alpha and beta components relate to ecological and anthropogenic factors. We estimated and compared alpha and beta taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity using 80 plots of 0.5 m × 0.5 m across the whole elevational gradient of the island. We compiled trait databases and supplemented them with our own observations. Phylogenetic information was sourced from the Moss and Liverwort Tree of Life. To assess the impact of ecological and anthropogenic factors on the three facets, we applied linear mixed‐effects models and generalized dissimilarity models to alpha‐ and beta‐diversity matrices, respectively. All facets of diversity exhibited strong correlations within both mosses and liverworts, indicating a substantial congruence when alpha and beta are analyzed separately. The bryophyte groups categorized by the growth form demonstrated contrasting patterns, aligning with their distinctive ecological requirements. While a mid‐elevation peak emerged as a common pattern across the three facets of alpha diversity, beta diversity often displayed the opposite trend. Although the relative influence of environmental factors varied depending on the diversity facet and bryophyte grouping considered, we found that alpha and beta diversity of bryophytes are more influenced by climatic factors and the predominant type of vegetation than by anthropogenic factors. In the current context of global change, these results should be interpreted with caution, but they point to the resilience of bryophytes to survive in relatively well‐preserved natural microhabitats within anthropogenic landscapes. In this study on Madeira Island, we investigated patterns and drivers of alpha and beta taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity along elevational gradients. We found that alpha and beta diversity of bryophytes are more strongly influenced by climatic factors and the predominant type of vegetation than by anthropogenic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a compilation of research articles and reviews on the mechanical behavior and applications of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The articles cover various topics, including the effect of fillers on mechanical properties, the use of natural and industrial wastes as fillers, and the characterization of different types of fiber-reinforced composites. The studies explore the potential of using natural fibers and fillers to improve the mechanical properties of composites and discuss the use of seashell waste and other unconventional fillers in composite materials. The document provides valuable insights into the field of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites and highlights recent developments and challenges in this area. [Extracted from the article]

The subaerial exposure of the modern continental crust through time remains intensely debated, with estimates of the first exposure ranging from the late Archean to the Neoproterozoic. To constrain when and how much of the continental crust was exposed subaerially during Earth's history, we trained a supervised machine learning model on the compositions of modern subaerial and submerged basalts. Then, we applied this well‐trained model to a refined worldwide data set of basaltic compositions and calculated the mean proportions of basalts erupted subaerially since 3.8 billion years ago (Ga). Our results suggest that ∼20% of the basalts were exposed subaerially in the early Archean, which may have driven the synthesis of biopolymers crucial to the origins and evolution of life. The proportion of subaerial basalts increased markedly during two stages between the late Archean and the Paleoproterozoic before reaching the present‐day level no earlier than ∼1.8 Ga. Plain Language Summary: Although land only covers about 30% of Earth's surface, it plays a crucial role in our planet's ecosystem by interacting with the ocean and atmosphere. Scientists are still debating when and how much land was above sea level throughout history. In our study, we used a machine learning technique to analyze the chemical compositions of basalts and classified rocks that formed on land and under water. We then used this program to study rocks from different times in Earth's history and estimate how much land was above the oceans over time. We found that about 15%–30% of the continents were above the oceans about 3.8 to 2.8 billion years ago (Ga). This may have helped life evolve by creating molecules essential for living things. The amount of land above water increased significantly during two periods between 2.8 and 1.8 Ga and reached today's level no earlier than 1.8 Ga. Key Points: Improve the geochemical data quality of global basaltic rocksMachine learning can effectively classify subaerially and subaqueously erupted basaltsThe subaerial proportion of basalts may reach present‐day level at about 1.8 billion years ago to a maximum [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extension tectonics responsible for intracratonic rift basin formation are often the consequences of active or passive tectonic regimes. The present work puts forth a plume-related rifting mechanism for the creation and evolution of two Proterozoic sedimentary basins outlining the Bundelkhand Craton, namely the Bijawar and Vindhyan basins. Using global gravity data, a regional-scale study is performed over the region encompassing the southern boundary of the Bundelkhand Craton consisting of the Bijawar Basin, Vindhyan Basin, and Deccan basalt outcrops. The gravity highs in the central part of the complete Bouguer anomaly and the upward-continued regional anomaly, derived from global gravity grid data, suggest that the Vindhyan sedimentary basin overlies a deeper high-density crustal source. The deepest interface as obtained from the radially averaged power spectrum analysis is observed to occur at a depth of ∼30.3 km, indicating that the sources responsible for the observed gravity signatures occur at larger depths. The 3D inversion of complete Bouguer anomaly data based on Parker–Oldenburg's algorithm revealed the Moho depth of ∼32 km below the Vindhyan Basin, i.e., south of the craton. The 2D crustal models along two selected profiles showcase a thick underplated layer with a maximum thickness of ∼12 km beneath the southern part of the Bundelkhand Craton. The inferred large E–W-trending underplating and deciphered shallower Moho beneath the regions south of the exposed Bundelkhand Craton point to crustal thinning compensated for magmatic emplacement due to a Paleoproterozoic plume activity below the craton margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Aerial Photo Database is a collection of aerial photographs obtained through aerial photography using specific cameras or sensors with manned or unmanned aerial vehicles across the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. These photographs are stored in a computer system for easy access, management, and updating. No national aerial photo database system currently meets the need for accurate and complete aerial photos and other geospatial information to support decision-making. The present study aimed to develop a model for the National Aerial Photo Database from a geospatial intelligence perspective based on statutory regulations. The collection of aerial photo data in a centralized database commenced with scanning negative film based on location and flight paths and copying all digital data. The original negative films were scanned at 20 µm resolution in a Vexcel Ultrascan 5000 photogrammetry scanner. The resulting size of one scanned photo is 140 Mb to 160 Mb. This research adopts a qualitative research method with a case study approach. This research involved the electronic implementation of geospatial data and information by utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) software, image and geospatial information data management, and the Scrum framework. This research concluded that geospatial intelligence efforts can better understand activity patterns, infrastructure development, and potential threats in the national territory. The insights gained from the aerial photo database aid in identifying trends, detecting anomalies, and assessing risks, all of which are critical for better decisionmaking in national security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, land cover change poses a serious threat to biodiversity and climate change. Anthropogenic actions have been the dominant force among all natural and human forces shaping the Land use and Land cover, causing dramatic changes to the global Landuse and Land cover. The Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kashmir Himalayas has undergone substantial changes over the past few decades, but lacks extensive assessment. A multispectral remotely sensed dataset was used to assess changes in land use and land cover of the Sanctuary over almost 27 years (1993–2021). A maximum likelihood algorithm was used to classify Landsat images for the years 1993, 2006, and 2021 and geometric correction were rectified in Earth Resources Data Analysis System (2014) software. The results of the present study indicate that the study area has undergone major changes between 1993 and 2020. Forest and snow-covered areas have shrunk, while non-forested areas like grassland, barren, scrub, built-up areas, and river beds have shown positive growth in the sanctuary. Within the studied time period, a total loss of 5.9 km2 was recorded for the forest areas and 1.5 km2 for the snow covered areas. The main threats driving the Land use and Land cover change in the Sanctuary were grazing pressure, natural resource exploitation, poaching, and development projects. The results of this study may potentially provide information to planners, and decision-makers for the sustainable management of natural resources and implementing important management decisions in order to preserve the rich biodiversity of the Sanctuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming is one of the primary causes contributing to melting glaciers and shrinking of glaciers moth. Because of the glacier retreat, more lakes increase the risk of flooding in people's homes and lives. Several studies on the surging glaciers have been conducted by researchers using various techniques, as well as with the aid of multiple models like the Normalized Differential Water Index (NDWI). The Number of glacial lakes is increasing in the Himalayan region due to climate change (rise of the temperature). Some glacial lakes are potentially dangerous so monitoring is very necessary. It is necessary to evaluate such vulnerable lakes. Therefore, current work is carried out to identify such glacial lakes present in the Teesta River Basin (Eastern Himalaya). Spatiotemporal Landsat data for the last four decades at intervals of ten years from 1990 to 2020 has been considered which was cloud-free and spatial resolution of 30 meters. The dataset mentioned above was used for lake identification and delineation. The findings indicate the presence of lakes with respective areas of 275 (18.90 km²), 337 (24.92 km²), 295 (22.96 km²), and 419 (31.44 km²). It has also been observed that the growth rate is increasing with approximate water spread from 1990 to 2000 (+129%), 2000 to 2010 (+106%), and 2010 to 2020 (+136%). The present study aimed to identify such glacial lakes based on their water spreading area, which is an essential step followed in the study of GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) as it will be helpful in the identification of hazardous lakes. In that study, we found that eleven glacial lakes are in the potentially dangerous category situated in the upper Teesta Basin due to the presence of glaciers, which gives a clear reason for the time-to-time assessment of such lakes. By the conducted study it has been observed that the number of glacial lakes has increased, due to which water spread has also increased in the area. It can also be demonstrated that GIS (Geographical Information System), along with remote sensing, is one of the best tools for assessing and monitoring such change detection and differentiation of hazardous glacial lakes in the cryosphere, along with the supporting data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A topological index (TI) is a numeric digit that signalizes the whole chemical structure of a molecular network. TIs are helpful in predicting the bioactivity of molecular substances in investigations of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR). TIs correlate various chemical and physical attributes of chemical substances such as melting and freezing point, strain energy, stability, temperature, volume, density, and pressure. There are several distance-based descriptors available in the literature, but connection-based TIs are considered more effective than degree-based TIs in measuring the chemical characteristics of molecular compounds. The present study focuses on computing the connection-based TIs for the most significant type of chemical structures, namely, rhombus silicate and rhombus oxide networks. At the end, we compare these structures on the basis of their computed result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Rhododendron is famous for its high ornamental value. However, the genus is taxonomically difficult and the relationships within Rhododendron remain unresolved. In addition, the origin of key morphological characters with high horticulture value need to be explored. Both problems largely hinder utilization of germplasm resources. Most studies attempted to disentangle the phylogeny of Rhododendron, but only used a few genomic markers and lacked large-scale sampling, resulting in low clade support and contradictory phylogenetic signals. Here, we used restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) data and morphological traits for 144 species of Rhododendron, representing all subgenera and most sections and subsections of this species-rich genus, to decipher its intricate evolutionary history and reconstruct ancestral state. Our results revealed high resolutions at subgenera and section levels of Rhododendron based on RAD-seq data. Both optimal phylogenetic tree and split tree recovered five lineages among Rhododendron. Subg. Therorhodion (clade I) formed the basal lineage. Subg. Tsutsusi and Azaleastrum formed clade II and had sister relationships. Clade III included all scaly rhododendron species. Subg. Pentanthera (clade IV) formed a sister group to Subg. Hymenanthes (clade V). The results of ancestral state reconstruction showed that Rhododendron ancestor was a deciduous woody plant with terminal inflorescence, ten stamens, leaf blade without scales and broadly funnelform corolla with pink or purple color. This study shows significant distinguishability to resolve the evolutionary history of Rhododendron based on high clade support of phylogenetic tree constructed by RAD-seq data. It also provides an example to resolve discordant signals in phylogenetic trees and demonstrates the application feasibility of RAD-seq with large amounts of missing data in deciphering intricate evolutionary relationships. Additionally, the reconstructed ancestral state of six important characters provides insights into the innovation of key characters in Rhododendron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in initial Hf isotopes identified in early Mesoarchean detrital zircon is commonly interpreted as a reflection of the geodynamic transition from stagnant‐lid to mobile‐lid tectonics. However, given the lack of petrogenetic context, interpreting detrital zircon may lead to spurious conclusions. In this contribution, we use zircon U‐Pb‐Hf‐O isotopic and bulk rock compositions of newly identified 3.05–2.9 Ga granitoids from the SW Yangtze Block to posit petrogenesis within an isotopically juvenile magmatic system. A statistical analysis of these data with a global igneous zircon Lu‐Hf isotopic compilation reveals an increase in average initial radiogenic Hf isotopes during the Paleoarchean to Mesoarchean transition. We posit that the Earth's continental crust underwent a global rejuvenation across the Paleo‐Mesoarchean transition. This rejuvenation can be explained by an independently observed increase in mantle temperatures resulting from mantle thermal evolution and does not require a change in tectonic style. Plain Language Summary: In this study, we explore the Earth's continental crust evolution before 3.0 billion years ago, a period characterized by limited preserved ancient rocks. We focus on zircon from igneous rocks, which provides a more reliable petrogenetic record than detrital zircon. Our study challenges the widely observed increase in detrital zircon initial Hf isotopes during the Paleo‐to Mesoarchean transition, often interpreted as a shift in tectonic regimes. We present new data from 3.05 to 2.9 billion‐year‐old granitoids in the Yangtze Block, suggesting isotopically juvenile magmatic activity. Statistical analysis of a global database of igneous zircon Hf isotopes reveals a state‐shift increase in εHf(t) across the Paleo‐to Mesoarchean transition, indicating global crustal rejuvenation at that time. Contrary to prevailing theories, we propose that this rejuvenation can be attributed to elevated mantle temperatures, challenging the notion of a significant geodynamic change during this period. Our findings emphasize the need to consider mantle thermal evolution in understanding continental crust growth on early Earth. Key Points: 3.05 and 2.9 Ga granitoids derived from juvenile crust are identified in the SW Yangtze BlockGlobal crust rejuvenation occurred across the Paleo‐to Mesoarchean transitionThis period of rejuvenation resulted from the effects of peak mantle temperatures [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few fossils demonstrate the presence of the Hemichordata (Enteropneusta, Pterobranchia – excluding benthic and planktic Graptolithina) in the early Palaeozoic. Many of these early records are questionable and are not supported by a reliable fossil record. First definitive fossils are found in the Fortunian (early Cambrian) with the record of Sokoloviina representing fragments of the tubarium of the Pterobranchia. Possible Enteropneusta have been described from the Miaolingian (Wuliuan) and the slightly older Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3, but the record is largely based on poor inconclusive material. However, the Fortunian pterobranchs clearly indicate that a differentiation of the Enteropneusta and Pterobranchia must have happened earlier, even though a definitive fossil record is not available. The evolutionary origin of the Hemichordata (Enteropneusta & Pterobranchia), thus is likely to be found in the latest Ediacaran. Fossil burrows of Gyrolithes spp. at the Ediacaran–Cambrian GSSP may represent the activity of Enteropneusta, but cannot demonstrate without doubt their presence. Difficult is also the interpretation of meandering deep-water feeding traces or faecal traces in the Cambrian (cf. Nereites ichnofacies) that are similar to those produced by extant Enteropneusta (Torquaratoridae). The possible erect housing construction identified as Margaretia is unlikely to be built by an enteropneust and is not comparable in any way with the organic-walled tubarium constructions of the Pterobranchia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a benign swelling of the gingival connective tissue commonly associated with dental biofilm and biofilm-retentive dental appliances. In the present case report, we described three cases of POF with different clinical presentations and treatment approaches. The treatment consisted of the removal of supra- and subgingival calculus, followed by a flap surgery with excision of the entire lesion ensuring the inclusion of the periosteal bed. The first patient developed POF during her pregnancy that remained clinically noticeable postpartum. The second case represented a rare case of POF appearing on the palatal aspect of the anterior maxilla of an African American male. The third case represented POF that developed on the mandible, and contrary to the first two cases, it was excised using a diode laser and not a scalpel blade. All patients showed uneventful healing during follow-up appointments; however, poor patient compliance did not allow for evaluation of long-term healing responses and possible recurrence of the lesion. Within the limitations of this clinical report, it is evident that the periodontal surgical approach was effective in managing POF with stable short-term clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Mesoproterozoic Era, 1600 to 1000 million years ago, global climate was warm with very little evidence of glaciation. Substantial greenhouse warming would have been required to sustain this ice-free state given 5-18% lower solar luminosity. Paleomagnetic data reported here place voluminous ca. 1.2 Ga shallow marine carbonate deposits from India at an unexpectedly high latitude of around 70° from the equator. Previous studies noted high latitudes, but their implication was never considered. Here, we evaluate the temporal-latitudinal distribution of neritic carbonate deposits across the Proterozoic and identify similar deposits from North China that together with those from India are seemingly unique to the late Mesoproterozoic. A uniformitarian interpretation implies that this is cold-water carbonate deposition, but facies similarity with low-latitude neritic deposits rather suggests a hotter climate and elevated polar ocean temperatures of 15-20° or higher. This interpretation represents a climate conundrum that would require much greater greenhouse warming than documented for the Mesoproterozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the surveys conducted from green space in Shiraz City, Iran, in the summer of 2022, leaf chlorosis and mosaic symptoms were observed on the leaves of black-eyed-susans (Rudbeckia hirta), a Dahlia sp., and Mexican Petunia (Ruellia brittoniana) plants. Total genomic RNA was separately extracted from 10 symptomatic and one symptomless (negative control) leaf samples and subjected to Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) using a potyvirus degenerate primer pair (NIb3R, NIb2F). RT-PCR resulted in the amplification of an approximately 350 bp DNA fragment in all symptomatic samples, while no such fragment was amplified from the symptomless plant. The amplified DNA fragment was subjected to Sanger sequencing, and its size was determined to be exactly 350 bp, and confirmed that it belongs to the Nib gene of potato virus Y (PVY). The nucleotide (nt) sequence of the amplicons was compared with the nt sequence of the same region of some other PVY isolates that were available in the GenBank. The sequence analysis revealed that the R. brittoniana isolate exhibited the highest (98.8%) similarity to a PVY isolate from the USA with the Acc. No. of KY_848029.1. Similarly, the R. hirta and the Dahlia isolates showed the highest (98.3%, 98.4 %, respectively ) similarity to a PVY isolate from Kazakhstan with the Acc. No. of ON_583980.1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a quantitative risk assessment of Leucinodes orbonalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), the eggplant fruit and shoot borer, for the EU. The assessment focused on potential pathways for entry, climatic conditions favouring establishment, spread and impact. Options for risk reduction are discussed but effectiveness was not quantified. L. orbonalis is a key pest of eggplant (aubergine/brinjal) in the Indian subcontinent and occurs throughout most of southern Asia with records mostly from India and Bangladesh. The main pathway of entry is fruit of solanaceous plants, primarily exotic varieties of eggplant, Solanum melongena and turkey berry, S. torvum. The trade in both commodities from Asia is small but nevertheless dwarfs the trade in other Solanum fruits from Asia (S. aethiopicum, S. anguivi, S. virginianum, S. aculeatissimum, S. undatum). Other Solanum fruits were therefore not further assessed as potential pathways. The trade in eggplant from Asia consists of special fruit types and caters mostly to niche markets in the EU, while most eggplant consumed in Europe is produced in southern European and northern African countries, where L. orbonalis does not occur. Using expert knowledge elicitation (EKE) and pathway modelling, the Panel estimated that approximately 3–670 infested fruit (90% certainty range, CR) of S. melongena or fruit bunches of S. torvum enter into regions of the EU that are suitable for L. orbonalis establishment each year. Based on CLIMEX modelling, and using two possible thresholds of ecoclimatic index (EI) to indicate uncertainty in establishment potential, climates favouring establishment occur mostly in southern Europe, where, based on human population, approximately 14% of the imported produce is distributed across NUTS2 regions where EI ≥ 30; or 23% of the produce is distributed where EI ≥ 15. Escape of adult moths occurs mostly from consumer waste. By analysing results of different scenarios for the proportion of S. melongena and S. torvum in the trade, and considering uncertainties in the climatic suitability of southern Europe, adult moth emergence in areas suitable for establishment is expected to vary between 84 individuals per year and one individual per 40 years (based on 90% CR in different scenarios). In the baseline scenario, 25% of the solanaceous fruit from Asia is S. torvum, 75% is S. melongena and EI ≥ 30 is required for establishment. After accounting for the chances of mating, host finding and establishment, the probability of a mated female establishing a founder population in the EU is less than 1 in 100,000 to about 1 event per 622 years (90% CR in baseline scenario). The waiting time until the first establishment is then 622 to more than 100,000 years (CR). If such a founder population were established, the moth is estimated to spread at a rate of 0.65–7.0 km per year after a lag phase of 5–92 years. The impact of the insect on the production of eggplant is estimated to be 0.67%–13% (CR) if growers take no specific action against the insect and 0.13%–1.9% if they do take targeted actions. Tomato (S. lycopersicum) and potato (S. tuberosum) are hosts of L. orbonalis, but the insect does not develop to maturity in tomato fruit, and it does not feed on potato tubers under field conditions; hence, damage to potato can only occur due to feeding on shoots. Tomato and potato are not preferred hosts; nevertheless, impact can occur if populations of L. orbonalis are high and preferred hosts are not available. The Panel did not assess this damage due to insufficient information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seismological data recorded at our four semi-permanent broadband seismographs installed by the CSIR-NGRI, Hyderabad, Telangana in the Aravalli mobile belt (AMB) and Rajasthan craton in the northwest Indian shield during the period 2014–2016 are used in the study. The 16 selected regional Indian earthquakes of Mw 5.5–7.8 that occurred in the North India region recorded at the four seismic stations are used to compute the surface wave (both Rayleigh and Love waves) group velocity dispersion characteristics and average 1-D regional shear wave velocity (Vs) structure beneath the North India which covers the northern part of India between the whole Himalayan region and Rajasthan craton including AMB. First, we compute Rayleigh waves (at 7–87 s) dispersion curves and Love waves (at 7–82 s) group velocity dispersion curves by utilizing the standard frequency time analysis (FTAN) of 3-component broadband data recorded at these four 3-component broadband seismic stations. After that, using the logarithmic stacking technique, we compute the final average stacked fundamental mode dispersion curves of surface waves (both Love and Rayleigh waves) for our study area. Then, we finally invert the final average dispersion curves of surface waves (both Love and Rayleigh waves) to compute the average one-dimensional regional shear velocity structure beneath North India. Our modelling result in North India suggests a two-layered crustal structure with a crustal thickness of 39 km. The thickness of the first crustal layer (upper crust) is 20 km with a shear wave velocity (Vs) of 3.30 km/s. On the other hand, the second crustal layer (lower crust) marks a 19-km thickness with a Vs of 3.70 km/s. Our modelling result suggests that the Vs of the upper mantle is found to be 4.35 km/s below the study region. Research highlights: Modelled average one-dimensional regional Vs structure below northern part of India. A 2-layered crustal velocity model below North India. Upper crust at 20 km thick with Vs of 3.30 km/s. And, lower crust at 19 km thick with Vs of 3.70 km/s. The Moho depth is 39 km and Vs below the Moho depth is found to be 4.35 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of mobile Internet has promoted the rapid rise of cloud computing technology. Mobile terminal devices have greatly expanded the service capacity of mobile terminals by migrating complex computing tasks to run in the cloud. However, in the process of data exchange between mobile terminals and cloud computing centers, on the one hand, it consumes the limited power of mobile terminals, and on the other hand, it results in longer communication time, which negatively affects user QoE. Mobile cloud can effectively improve user QoE by shortening the data transmission distance, reducing the power consumption, and shortening the communication time at the same time. In this paper, we utilize the property that genetic algorithm can perform global search seeking the global optimal solution and construct a dynamic task scheduling model by combining the device-cloud link. The task scheduling model based on genetic algorithm and random scheduling algorithm is compared through comparison experiments, which show that the assignment time of the task scheduling model based on genetic algorithm is shortened by 11.82% to 48.51% and the energy consumption is reduced by 22.28% to 47.52% under different load conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petrological and major-trace element mineral chemistry studies have been carried out on pyroxenites from the Pakkanadu alkaline-ultramafic complex from the southern India to understand their origin and nature of magma responsible for ultramafic magmatism in the area. Pyroxenites display cumulus texture and consist of clinopyroxenes (cpx) and amphiboles (amp) as dominant phases with a subordinate amount of apatite, biotite, ilmenite, magnetite, pyrite, sphene, and calcite. Mineral chemistry classifies cpx as augite and diopside, whereas amp falls under tremolite-actinolite and hornblende- actinolite fields. Cpx are alkaline to sub-alkaline in composition and Mg# -- Al2O3 compositions suggest their crystallization under high-pressure conditions. A negative correlation between Mg# and TiO2 in cpx suggests early crystallization of magnetite and pyrite; high Mg# (76-92) suggests its link with the Alaskan- type intrusions, which may be crystallized through fractionation-accumulation Processes. Tectonic discrimination diagrams for cpx argue for the magmatic emplacements underan arc-tholeiitic environment in a subduction zone setting. Amp mineral chemistry (high SiO2 and low TiO2) indicate as the products of hydrothermal alteration of clinopyroxenes. A Low Al/Si ratio in the cpx suggests their derivation from silica-oversaturated magma, whereas low-Ti contents reflect slow cooling rate of the magma. Positive Rb, Ba and U anomalies in the multi-element patterns of the cpx probably signifying varying degrees of hydrothermal alteration in the studied samples. However, consistent Nb-Ta depletion can also be attributed to an enriched mantle source of the magma from which pyroxenites were crystallized. Moreover, single-cpx geothermobarometry yielded a crystallization temperature of 905 to 911°C under moderate to high pressure of 3-9 kbar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Himalayan Musk deer, Moschus chrysogaster is widely distributed but one of the least studied species in Nepal. In this study, we compiled a total of 429 current presence points of direct observation of the species, pellets droppings, and hoofmarks based on field‐based surveys during 2018–2021 and periodic data held by the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation. We developed the species distribution model using an ensemble modeling approach. We used a combination of bioclimatic, anthropogenic, topographic, and vegetation‐related variables to predict the current suitable habitat for Himalayan Musk deer in Nepal. A total of 16 predictor variables were used for habitat suitability modeling after the multicollinearity test. The study shows that the 6973.76 km2 (5%) area of Nepal is highly suitable and 8387.11 km2 (6%) is moderately suitable for HMD. The distribution of HMD shows mainly by precipitation seasonality, precipitation of the warmest quarter, temperature ranges, distance to water bodies, anthropogenic variables, and land use and land cover change (LULC). The probability of occurrence is less in habitats with low forest cover. The response curves indicate that the probability of occurrence of HMD decreases with an increase in precipitation seasonality and remains constant with an increase in precipitation of the warmest quarter. Thus, the fortune of the species distribution will be limited by anthropogenic factors like poaching, hunting, habitat fragmentation and habitat degradation, and long‐term forces of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in the number of alien plant species in different locations may reflect climatic and other controls that similarly affect native species and/or propagule pressure accompanied with delayed spread from the point of introduction. We set out to examine these alternatives for Himalayan plants, in a phylogenetic framework. We build a database of alien plant distributions for the Himalaya. Focusing on the well‐documented regions of Jammu & Kashmir (west) and Bhutan (east) we compare alien and native species for (1) richness patterns, (2) degree of phylogenetic clustering, (3) the extent to which species‐poor regions are subsets of species‐rich regions and (4) continental and climatic affinities/source. We document 1470 alien species (at least 600 naturalised), which comprise ~14% of the vascular plants known from the Himalaya. Alien plant species with tropical affinities decline in richness with elevation and species at high elevations form a subset of those at lower elevations, supporting location of introduction as an important driver of alien plant richness patterns. Separately, elevations which are especially rich in native plant species are also rich in alien plant species, suggesting an important role for climate (high productivity) in determining both native and alien richness. We find no support for the proposition that variance in human disturbance or numbers of native species correlate with alien distributions. Results imply an ongoing expansion of alien species from low elevation sources, some of which are highly invasive. Several reasons have been proposed for why alien species richness patterns vary across the globe, but they are rarely compared in a comprehensive test. Here we build a complete database of Himalayan alien plant species and show that both location of introduction and climate per se are likely important in explaining elevational and geographical patterns of species diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a global concern of the current century. Its rapid escalation and ever-increasing intensity have been felt worldwide, leading to dramatic impacts globally. The aftermath of climate change in India has brought about a profound transformation in India's environmental, socio-economic, and urban landscapes. In 2019, India ranked seventh, among the most affected countries by extreme weather events caused due to changing climate. This impact was evident in terms of both, the human toll with 2,267 lives lost, and the economic damage, which accounted for 66,182 million US$ Purchasing power parities (PPPs). Over the recent years, India has experienced a significant increase in the number and frequency of extreme weather events, causing vulnerable communities. The country experienced severe air pollution problems in several metropolitan cities and was highlighted in the list of the world's most polluted cities. Additionally, India has become the most populous nation globally, boasting a population of 1.4 billion people, equating to ~18% of the global population, and experiencing an increased rate of consumption of natural resources. Owing to the country's current scenario, various climate mitigation strategies, including nature-based solutions, must be implemented to reduce such impacts and support India's target of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review tries to have a holistic understanding of the effects of climate change on different sectors to identify India's challenges in achieving SDG 13 and SDG 11. Finally, it also highlighted the future recommendations for climate change-related research from an Indian perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions represent one of the major threats to the world's biodiversity. National and international efforts are taken to address the complexity and dynamic of invasions in legislation. However, based on the Polish experience of implementing the European Union's regulation on invasive alien species (IAS), we suggest that an unclear and disorganized process of law implementation results in the regulations being counterproductive. We describe how a well‐planned policy can become a burden impeding effective research and, consequently, scientific feedback to improve the policy. The results of our study suggest that there is a large scale of scientists' noncompliance with new legal requirements. For many researchers, the implementation of the new IAS regulation was changing the rules in the middle of the game. Researchers strictly following the new regulations must wait for the relevant permits and may risk the successful completion of their projects. Conversely, researchers who prioritize project completion may be forced to continue their research violating the law. We argue that this example of implementing the new IAS regulation illustrates the need to include some intermediate solutions providing more flexibility and time for researchers to adjust to policy change, thus minimizing the negative impacts of the new legislature on scientific progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tailing land reclamation aims to improve the environment so that the tailing areas become productive for crop cultivation. The research was carried out in the tailings area of Mile 21.5 Timika from March to September 2022. The research aimed to study the dosage levels of Pistia stratiotes composts as an ameliorant to support the growth and yield of chili cultivated in the fresh tailings area. This study was laid out in a randomized block design with the Pistia stratiotes compost as a treatment, which consisted of PS1 = 1 kg/plant, PS2 = 2 kg/plant, PS3 = 3 kg/plant, and PS4 = 4 kg/plant in 6 replications. Based on the results, there was a significant effect of Pistia stratiotes compost on the growth and yields of chili. PS4 treatment produced the highest growth (plant height and leaf number) and highest yields (fruit number/plant, fruit weight/plant, fruit weight/plot, fruit weight/ha), while PS1 produced the lowest growth and yields. Chili produced 4.19 t/ha by PS4, indicating a high yield potential when tailings turned into a more stable growth media over time. There was a significant correlation between plant height and leaf number with the fruit weight. This shows that the vegetative growth component is closely related to increased chili yields. The high heritability value indicates the genetic factor influenced the growth and yields of chili more than the environmental factors. The metal contents in the chili fruit tissue are below the threshold level. The findings of this study emphasized the appropriate reclamation approaches using Pistia stratiotes compost as an ameliorant, which effectively improves the quality of tailing as growing media to maximize chili yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants demonstrate exceptional variation in genome size across species, and their genome sizes can also vary dramatically across individuals and populations within species. This aspect of genetic variation can have consequences for traits and fitness, but few studies attributed genome size differentiation to ecological and evolutionary processes. Biological invasions present particularly useful natural laboratories to infer selective agents that might drive genome size shifts across environments and population histories. Here, we test hypotheses for the evolutionary causes of genome size variation across 14 invading populations of yellow starthistle, Centaurea solstitialis, in California, United States. We use a survey of genome sizes and trait variation to ask: (1) Is variation in genome size associated with developmental trait variation? (2) Are genome sizes smaller toward the leading edge of the expansion, consistent with selection for "colonizer" traits? Or alternatively, does genome size increase toward the leading edge of the expansion, consistent with predicted consequences of founder effects and drift? (3) Finally, are genome sizes smaller at higher elevations, consistent with selection for shorter development times? We found that 2C DNA content varied 1.21‐fold among all samples, and was associated with flowering time variation, such that plants with larger genomes reproduced later, with lower lifetime capitula production. Genome sizes increased toward the leading edge of the invasion, but tended to decrease at higher elevations, consistent with genetic drift during range expansion but potentially strong selection for smaller genomes and faster development time at higher elevations. These results demonstrate how genome size variation can contribute to traits directly tied to reproductive success, and how selection and drift can shape that variation. We highlight the influence of genome size on dynamics underlying a rapid range expansion in a highly problematic invasive plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eggplants are economically important vegetable crops in many parts of the world especially Asia and Africa, where their fruits and leaves play a vital role in many diets. An experiment was conducted to study the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for 24 quantitative characters in eggplant. Thirty three accessions were planted in pots on the research field of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi using Completely Randomized Design. The analysis of variance showed significant genetic variation among the accessions for the characters studied indicating the presence of adequate amount of variability. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation (PCV and GCV) were observed for plant height, days to first flower opening, days to 50% flower opening, fruit calyx prickles, number of fruits/ plant, fruit weight/plant, fruit yield/plant and number of seeds/fruit. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for fruit length, fruit breadth, fruit length and breadth ratio, fruit pedicel thickness, fruit pedicel prickles, fruit calyx prickles and number of locus/fruit. Thus, these characters could be included in the selection criteria for eggplant improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven organic products and an insecticide- emamectin benzoate 5SG (0.002%) were evaluated against the brinjal shoot and fruit borer Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) at the research farm, Palampur. The results among the organic products, Agniastra (5%), Brahmastra (5%) and cow urine (10%) were effective. Emamectin benzoate was superior to the organic products giving maximum yield of fruits and marketable fruits (43.97 and 42.57 q/ ha, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of alien species represents a major cause of habitat degradation and biodiversity loss worldwide, constituting a critical environmental challenge of our time. Despite sometimes experiencing reduced propagule pressure, leading to a reduced genetic diversity and an increased chance of inbreeding depression, alien invaders are often able to thrive in the habitats of introduction, giving rise to the so-called "genetic paradox" of biological invasions. The adaptation of alien species to the new habitats is therefore a complex aspect of biological invasions, encompassing genetic, epigenetic, and ecological processes. Albeit numerous studies and reviews investigated the mechanistic foundation of the invaders' success, and aimed to solve the genetic paradox, still remains a crucial oversight regarding the temporal context in which adaptation takes place. Given the profound knowledge and management implications, this neglected aspect of invasion biology should receive more attention when examining invaders' ability to thrive in the habitats of introduction. Here, we discuss the adaptation mechanisms exhibited by alien species with the purpose of highlighting the timing of their occurrence during the invasion process. We analyze each stage of the invasion separately, providing evidence that adaptation mechanisms play a role in all of them. However, these mechanisms vary across the different stages of invasion, and are also influenced by other factors, such as the transport speed, the reproduction type of the invader, and the presence of human interventions. Finally, we provide insights into the implications for management, and identify knowledge gaps, suggesting avenues for future research that can shed light on species adaptability. This, in turn, will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of biological invasions., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Mountain ranges contain high concentrations of endemic species and are indispensable refugia for lowland species that are facing anthropogenic climate change 1,2 . Forecasting biodiversity redistribution hinges on assessing whether species can track shifting isotherms as the climate warms 3,4 . However, a global analysis of the velocities of isotherm shifts along elevation gradients is hindered by the scarcity of weather stations in mountainous regions 5 . Here we address this issue by mapping the lapse rate of temperature (LRT) across mountain regions globally, both by using satellite data (SLRT) and by using the laws of thermodynamics to account for water vapour 6 (that is, the moist adiabatic lapse rate (MALRT)). By dividing the rate of surface warming from 1971 to 2020 by either the SLRT or the MALRT, we provide maps of vertical isotherm shift velocities. We identify 17 mountain regions with exceptionally high vertical isotherm shift velocities (greater than 11.67 m per year for the SLRT; greater than 8.25 m per year for the MALRT), predominantly in dry areas but also in wet regions with shallow lapse rates; for example, northern Sumatra, the Brazilian highlands and southern Africa. By linking these velocities to the velocities of species range shifts, we report instances of close tracking in mountains with lower climate velocities. However, many species lag behind, suggesting that range shift dynamics would persist even if we managed to curb climate-change trajectories. Our findings are key for devising global conservation strategies, particularly in the 17 high-velocity mountain regions that we have identified., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Given the current environmental crisis, biodiversity protection is one of the most urgent socio-environmental priorities. However, the effectiveness of protected areas (PAs), the primary strategy for safeguarding ecosystems, is challenged by global climate change (GCC), with evidence showing that species are shifting their distributions into new areas, causing novel species assemblages. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate PAs' present and future effectiveness for biodiversity under the GCC. Here, we analyzed changes in the spatiotemporal patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity (PD) of plants associated with the Neotropical seasonally dry forest (NSDF) under GCC scenarios. We modeled the climatic niche of over 1000 plant species in five representative families (in terms of abundance, dominance, and endemism) of the NSDF. We predicted their potential distributions in the present and future years (2040, 2060, and 2080) based on an intermediate scenario of shared socio-economic pathways (SSP 3.70), allowing species to disperse to new sites or constrained to the current distribution. Then, we tested if the current PAs network represents the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities. Our results suggest that GCC could promote novel species assemblages with local responses (communities' modifications) across the biome. In general, models predicted losses in the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities of all the five plant families analyzed across the distribution of the NSDF. However, in the northern floristic groups (i.e., Antilles and Mesoamerica) of the NSDF, taxonomic and PD will be stable in GCC projections. In contrast, across the NSDF in South America, some cores will lose diversity while others will gain diversity under GCC scenarios. PAs in some NSDF regions appeared insufficient to protect the NSDF diversity. Thus, there is an urgent need to assess how the PA system could be better reconfigured to warrant the protection of the NSDF., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Human factors and plant characteristics are important drivers of plant invasions, which threaten ecosystem integrity, biodiversity and human well-being. However, while previous studies often examined a limited number of factors or focused on a specific invasion stage (e.g., naturalization) for specific regions, a multi-factor and multi-stage analysis at the global scale is lacking. Here, we employ a multi-level framework to investigate the interplay between plant characteristics (genome size, Grime's adaptive CSR-strategies and native range size) and economic use and how these factors collectively affect plant naturalization and invasion success worldwide. While our findings derived from structural equation models highlight the substantial contribution of human assistance in both the naturalization and spread of invasive plants, we also uncovered the pivotal role of species' adaptive strategies among the factors studied, and the significantly varying influence of these factors across invasion stages. We further revealed that the effects of genome size on plant invasions were partially mediated by species adaptive strategies and native range size. Our study provides insights into the complex and dynamic process of plant invasions and identifies its key drivers worldwide., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Interpretation of a fossil pollen data for the vegetation and climate reconstruction of any region needs a modern pollen-vegetation analogue for its calibration. We analyzed the surface sediments and moss polsters for the pollen and microcharcoal records to understand the modern pollen-vegetation relationship and human activities in the Baspa Valley, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. Presently, valley is occupied by the arboreal and non-arboreal vegetation of temperate to subalpine habitats and land use activities. The recovered pollen assemblages showed variability in the dispersal behavior of pollen of taxa growing along the valley transect and also captured the signals of human activities over land use. The overall dominance of arboreal pollen in the recovered pollen assemblage corresponds with the dominant growth of conifers and broadleaf tree taxa and represents the valley vegetation at a regional scale. However, the profuse pollen production of a few arboreal taxa and long distance pollen transport from one vegetation zone to other by the strong upthermic valley winds could bias the pollen representation of in-situ vegetation. The high pollen frequency of non-arboreal taxa in the open meadows represents the near vicinity to their plant source. Human activities like fire burning and cultivation by the local population are evident by the recovery of microcharcoal particles and pollen of plants belonging to Cerealia Poaceae, Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, Polygonaceae, Rosaceae, Juglandaceae, etc. The dataset taken as modern pollen-vegetation analogue is useful to assess past changes in the vegetation and land cover in relation to climate and human factors for future sustenance., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

In the vicinity of the coast, predominantly groundwater is the sole reliable resource for potable purposes as the surface water sources are highly saline and unfit for human consumption. However, the groundwater in Sagar Island is highly vulnerable to saltwater intrusion. The majority of drinking water comes from government-owned hand pump-equipped tube wells. But during the summer season, many of these tube wells yield significantly less water. Hence, in the current scenario, water quality assessment has become important to the quantity available. Total of 31 samples of deep tube wells (groundwater) are collected at variegated locations during pre-monsoon season throughout Sagar, and then, the physical and chemical quality parameters of these water samples are analysed. Furthermore, a multivariate statistical technique is executed with the aid of the SPSS program. The hydro-chemical parameters that are taken into account for the quality analysis are pH, salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, aluminium, arsenic, bi-carbonate, cadmium, iron, chloride, copper, chromium, cobalt, lead, magnesium, manganese, nickel, potassium, sulphate, zinc, and sodium. Then, the analysed data evaluates the water quality index (WQI). Five components are identified through the principal component analysis (PCA) technique, and 82.642% total variance is found. The outcomes of the quality assessment study illustrate that about 54.84% of collected samples come in the "excellent" water quality class when calculated by the "weighted arithmetic WQI method," and 90.32% of collected groundwater samples come in the "good" water quality class when computed using the "modified weighted arithmetic WQI method." This study helps for the interpretation of WQI to assess groundwater quality., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Even though many varieties have been recommended across agro-climate zones of Himachal Pradesh, yet the information on stability is lacking in this State. Hence, the present investigation was carried out to identify high yielding stable genotypes among various pre-adapted landraces. The material consists of 20 chilli landraces including check i.e. DKC-8. The experiment was laid out in a RCBD. The data were recorded and analyzed to work out mean performances and the inferences were drawn for parameters of variability, correlation coefficients, path coefficients and stability analysis. As per mean performances, CS7 and CS9 were earliest in flowering, CS13 is earliest in days to ripe maturity, CS10 had highest plant height and CS9 had highest average fruit weight and ripe fruit yield plant -1 . High PCV and GCV were recorded for ripe fruit yield plant -1 . Heritability and genetic advance were recorded maximum for plant height in summer seasons and were recorded maximum for number of ripe fruits plant -1 in winter season. Correlation coefficients showed that number of ripe fruits plant -1 and average ripe fruit weight were positively and significantly correlated with ripe fruit yield plant -1 . Path coefficient analysis in summer and winter seasons showed that average ripe fruit weight had the highest positive direct effect on ripe fruit yield plant -1 . The pooled data over environments were analyzed to estimate the interaction effects between genotypes × environment. The mean sum of squares due to genotypes, environments and genotypes × environment interaction were significant for all the characteristics. CS1, CS3, CS6, CS10, CS13, CS15 were adapted to all environments, CS7 and CS9 were specifically adapted to favourable environment and CS2 was specifically adapted to unfavorable environment for 50% flowering, landraces CS1, CS2 and CS3were well adapted to all environments for ripe maturity whereas landraces CS6, CS10 and CS19 were well adapted to all environment for number of ripe fruit and ripe fruit yield., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Autopolyploidy is quite common in most clades of eukaryotes. The emergence of sequence-based genotyping methods with individual and marker tags now enables confident allele dosage, overcoming the main obstacle to the democratization of the population genetic approaches when studying ecology and evolution of autopolyploid populations and species. Reproductive modes, including clonality, selfing and allogamy, have deep consequences on the ecology and evolution of population and species. Analysing genetic diversity and its dynamics over generations is one efficient way to infer the relative importance of clonality, selfing and allogamy in populations. GenAPoPop is a user-friendly solution to compute the specific corpus of population genetic indices, including indices about genotypic diversity, needed to analyse partially clonal, selfed and allogamous polysomic populations genotyped with confident allele dosage. It also easily provides the posterior probabilities of quantitative reproductive modes in autopolyploid populations genotyped at two-time steps and a graphical representation of the minimum spanning trees of the genetic distances between polyploid individuals, facilitating the interpretation of the genetic coancestry between individuals in hierarchically structured populations. GenAPoPop complements the previously existing solutions, including SPAGEDI and POLYGENE, to use genotypings to study the ecology and evolution of autopolyploid populations. It was specially developed with a simple graphical interface and workflow, and comes with a simulator to facilitate practical courses and teaching of population genetics for autopolyploid populations., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Clonality and ploidy levels are positively associated with plant invasiveness. However, there is still no consensus on whether polyploidization can promote the invasion of alien plants by enhancing clonality. Our recent long-term community succession study found that the more vigorous clone of introduced polyploid Solidago canadensis succeeded into mono-dominant community, which seems to be a positive correlationship between polyploidization and clonal reproduction. However, the formation process of clonal ramet and how polyploidization improves the clonal reproduction of S. canadensis remains unknown. Here, we compared clonal growth ability among diploids and polyploids of S. canadensis from native and introduced ranges in a common garden. Results showed that the rhizomes of S. canadensis originated from axillary buds of dense nodes at the basal stem of seedling and then produced into clonal ramets from the rhizomes. Diploids had denser nodes and more buds, developed more rhizomes per unit mass and produced more clonal propagules at the early growth stage compared with polyploids. However, the number of juvenile and secondary rhizomes, as well as the diameter and length of rhizomes in polyploid populations was significantly higher or greater than those of diploids, and those clonal traits in introduced polyploids were significantly higher than in native polyploids. Moreover, a phalanx growth form was observed in native and introduced diploid populations, which allocated about 3% and 5% of the total biomass to rhizomes, respectively, resulting in short and weak rhizomes. However, native and introduced polyploids allocated about 35% and 40%, respectively, of the total biomass to rhizomes, resulting in long and strong rhizomes, which were guerrilla growth forms. This study firstly shows that polyploidization enhanced the effective clonal reproduction of S. canadensis through pre-adaptation and rapid post-adaptation evolution, and consequently contributed to its successful invasion., (© 2023 The Ecological Society of America.)