Exploring the Genetic Diversity among Weedy Rice Accessions Differing in Herbicide Tolerance and Allelopathic Potential

Increasing agricultural productivity is indispensable to meet future food demand. Crop improvement programs rely heavily on genetic diversity. The success of weeds in the ecosystem can be attributed to genetic diversity and plasticity. Weedy rice, a major weed of rice, has diverse morphology and phenology, implying wide genetic diversity. Study was conducted to genotype weedy rice accessions (n = 54) previously phenotyped for herbicide tolerance and allelopathic potential using 30 SSR markers. Cultivated rice (CL163, REX) and allelopathic rice (RONDO, PI312777, PI338047) were also included in the study. Nei’s genetic diversity among weedy rice (0.45) was found to be higher than cultivated rice (0.24) but less than allelopathic rice (0.56). The genetic relationship and population structure based on herbicide tolerance and allelopathic potential were evaluated. Herbicide-tolerant and susceptible accessions formed distinct clusters in the dendrogram, indicating their genetic variation, whereas no distinction was observed between allelopathic and non-allelopathic weedy rice accessions. Weedy rice accession B2, which was previously reported to have high allelopathy and herbicide tolerance, was genetically distinct from other weedy rice. Results from the study will help leverage weedy rice for rice improvement programs as both rice and weedy rice are closely related, thus having a low breeding barrier.

How Personality Relates to Attitudes Toward Diversity and Workplace Diversity Initiatives

The present research examined how the Big Five traits Openness to Experience and Agreeableness predicted general attitudes toward diversity (Study 1) and receptivity to concrete diversity initiatives in the workplace (Study 2). Study 1 found that Openness to Experience positively predicted universal diverse orientation, but not pro-diversity belief or sensitivity to diversity. Agreeableness positively predicted universal diverse orientation and pro-diversity belief. In Study 2, Openness to Experience positively predicted universal diverse orientation, but not support for workplace diversity initiatives. Agreeableness positively predicted universal diverse orientation and support for both existing and potential workplace diversity initiatives. We also showed that universal diverse orientation mediated the links between personality and support for workplace diversity initiatives. We discuss how these findings can shed more light on the types of individuals who are more likely to endorse diversity and inclusion, which can subsequently inform more effective implementation and communication of diversity initiatives.

Exploring the Genetic Diversity Among Weedy Rice Accessions Differing in Herbicide Tolerance and Allelopathic Potential

Increasing agricultural productivity is indispensable to meet future food demand. Crop im-provement programs rely heavily on genetic diversity. The success of weeds in the ecosystem can be attributed to genetic diversity and plasticity. Weedy rice, a major weed of rice, has diverse morphology and phenology, implying wide genetic diversity. Study was conducted to genotype weedy rice accessions (n =54) previously phenotyped for herbicide tolerance and allelopathic potential using 30 SSR markers. Cultivated rice (CL163, REX) and allelopathic rice (RONDO, PI312777, PI338047) were also included in the study. Nei’s genetic diversity among weedy rice (0.45) was found to be higher than cultivated rice (0.24) but less than allelopathic rice (0.56). The genetic relationship and population structure based on herbicide tolerance and allelopathic po-tential were evaluated. Herbicide-tolerant and susceptible accessions formed distinct clusters in the dendrogram, indicating their genetic variation, whereas no distinction was observed between allelopathic and non-allelopathic weedy rice accessions. Weedy rice accession B2, which was previously reported to have high allelopathy and herbicide tolerance, was genetically distinct from other weedy rice. Results from the study will help leverage weedy rice for rice improvement programs as both rice and weedy rice are closely related, thus having a low breeding barrier.

Variability and genetic diversity study based on agro-morphological traits in a diverse set of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.] germplasm

Aim: The present investigation was designed to evaluate 150 diverse germplasm of Indian mustard along with five checks for seed yield and attributing traits. Methodology: A total of 150 genotypes of Indian mustard were evaluated in Augmented Block Design along with five check cultivars (Kranti, Maya, Pusa Bold, NPJ-112, RGN 73) in five blocks. Data were collected for 16 different quantitative traits on each genotype. Results: ANOVA revealed significant differences between genotypes for all traits studied. Seed yield plant-1 had significant and positive correlation with most of the yield contributing traits. For seed yield/plant, 15 accessions (DRMR-1722, BDJ-I-538, DRMR-4, JMG-113, DRMR-681, DRMR-1849, DRMR-1697, DRMR-1610, DRMR-1996, DRMR-107, DRMR-1588, DRMR-1379, DRMR-1995, IB-26, DRMR-2116) were significantly superior over best check. Interpretation: The present study was found useful for identification of diverse genotypes of Indian mustard for different yield attributing traits. The promising lines will be utilized in Indian mustard breeding for improving seed yield and oil content.

Presence and Power: Teams with Hierarchical Representation of Underrepresented Minorities are More Attractive

Across four studies (N = 1,555) we find that individuals perceive teams with hierarchical representation (i.e., minority employees represented throughout their hierarchy) as more attractive than equally diverse teams that lack hierarchical representation. Teams with hierarchical representation are perceived as more diverse and as having superior team functioning (Study 1). Furthermore, the effect of hierarchical representation on team attractiveness did not differ between racial minority and majority participants (Studies 2-3), suggesting that attitudes about race among racial majority members might have evolved since a previous study found only racial minorities to be concerned with hierarchical representation. Additionally, diverse teams without hierarchical representation are perceived as no more attractive than hierarchical teams with objectively lower diversity (Study 3) and non-hierarchical teams without diversity (Study 4). These studies highlight the importance of minority representation across every echelon of a hierarchy rather than only at lower levels.

Phylogenetic Analysis and Genetic Diversity of Colletotrichum falcatum Isolates Causing Sugarcane Red Rot Disease in Bangladesh

Colletotrichum falcatum Went causes red rot disease in sugarcane farming in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. This disease causes significant economic loss to the sugarcane production industry. Successful disease management strategies depend on understanding the evolutionary relationship between pathogens, genetic diversity, and population structure, particularly at the intra-specific level. Forty-one isolates of C. falcatum were collected from different sugarcane farms across Bangladesh for molecular identification, phylogeny and genetic diversity study. The four genes namely, ITS-rDNA, β-tubulin, Actin and GAPDH sequences were conducted. All the 41 C. falcatum isolates showed a 99–100% similarity index to the conserved gene sequences in the GenBank database. The phylogram of the four genes revealed that C. falcatum isolates of Bangladesh clustered in the same clade and no distinct geographical structuring were evident within the clade. The four gene sequences revealed that C. falcatum isolates from Bangladesh differed from other countries´ isolates because of nucleotides substitution at different loci. The genetic structure of C. falcatum isolates were determined using ISSR marker generated 404 polymorphic loci from 10 selected markers. The percentage of polymorphic loci was 99.01. The genetic variability at species level was slightly higher than at population level. Total mean gene diversity at the species level was 0.1732 whereas at population level it was 0.1521. The cluster analysis divided 41 isolates into four main genetic groups and the principal component analysis was consistent with cluster analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first finding on characterizing C. falcatum isolates infesting sugarcane in Bangladesh. The results of this present study provide important baseline information vis a vis C. falcatum phylogeny analysis and genetic diversity study.

Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism Fingerprint Method for Dictyostelids

Dictyostelid social amoebae are a highly diverse group of eukaryotic soil microbes that are valuable resources for biological research. Genetic diversity study of these organisms solely relies on molecular phylogenetics of the SSU rDNA gene, which is not ideal for large-scale genetic diversity study. Here, we designed a set of PCR–single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) primers and optimized the SSCP fingerprint method for the screening of dictyostelids. The optimized SSCP condition required gel purification of the SSCP amplicons followed by electrophoresis using a 9% polyacrylamide gel under 4°C. We also tested the optimized SSCP procedure with 73 Thai isolates of dictyostelid that had the SSU rDNA gene sequences published. The SSCP fingerprint patterns were related to the genus-level taxonomy of dictyostelids, but the fingerprint dendrogram did not reflect the deep phylogeny. This method is rapid, cost-effective, and suitable for large-scale sample screening as compared with the phylogenetic analysis of the SSU rDNA gene sequences.

“White” Self-Identification: A Source of Uniqueness Threat

The present research introduces the possibility that Whiteness can threaten majority group members’ sense of uniqueness and reduce their support for multiculturalism, an ideology that emphasizes recognition of distinctive cultural identities and is seen as primarily relevant to racial/ethnic minorities. Across three studies, being induced to self-identify as “White” (vs. “European American”) led majority group members high, but not low, in need for uniqueness (measured in Study 1, manipulated in Studies 2 and 3) to express less positivity toward multiculturalism. Further, the effect of uniqueness motives on reduced support for multiculturalism among participants self-identifying as “White” was mediated by reduced personal feelings of diversity (Study 3). Implications for optimal distinctiveness theory and the functions of White identity are discussed.

​Diversity of Non-heterocystous Cyanobacteria in Paddy Field Soil

Paddy field soil is a natural habitat for many Cyanobacteria. Generally Heterocystous form dominate the nitrogen deficient soil. Non-heterocystous forms are also known to fix nitrogen. The diversity and the distribution of these forms vary. 20 Soil samples were serial diluted in BG-11 devoid of nitrogen supplement. Later the colonies were streaked to obtain axenic culture. The soil pH was also determined to study the effect on the diversity. The relative abundance of the BGA species was determined .Diversity of non-heterocystous form in the paddy field was found to be dominated by filamentous BGA, Lynbgya by 21%, Oscillatoria and Phormidium by 17% and colonial form Chrococcus sp by 12.5% Followed by Myxosarcina sp., 8%, while Aphanocapsa sp., Chlorogloea sp., Crinaluim sp., Gleocapsa sp, Plectonema sp. and Schizothrix sp., were 4%. A majority of the non-heterocystous BGA were found in the soil which had a pH ranging between 8.2-8.6. Diversity study of non-heterocystous BGA can help in understanding the distribution and further aid in the study of nitrogen fixation in these forms.

On the Varieties of Diversity: Ideological Variations in Attitudes Toward, and Understandings of Diversity

Three studies explore the possibility that attitudes toward “diversity” are multidimensional rather than unidimensional and that ideological differences in diversity attitudes vary as a function of diversity subtype. Study 1 ( n = 1,001) revealed that the factor structure of attitudes toward 23 diverse community features was bidimensional. Factors involving demographic and viewpoint diversity emerged. Conservatives reported more positive attitudes toward viewpoint diversity, and liberals more positive attitudes toward demographic diversity. Study 2 ( n = 1,012) replicated Study 1 findings, and extended Study 1 results by showing attitudes toward the general concept of diversity predicted attitudes toward demographic diversity but not viewpoint diversity. In Study 3, 386 participants rated how relevant a set of features was to their prototypical understanding of diversity. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed people discriminate between viewpoint, demographic, and consumer diversity. Conservatives perceived viewpoint features as more relevant to “diversity,” whereas liberals perceived demographic features as more relevant.