Plant Genetic Resources: Characterization and Utilization, 2019
The rice-based agriculture of the Indian subcontinent has been interwoven in the rich socio-cultu... more The rice-based agriculture of the Indian subcontinent has been interwoven in the rich socio-cultural fabric of the country. Of which, bio-culturally diverse North-Eastern states nurture thousands of landraces with poorly tapped agronomic traits. In the present study, 27 standard microsatellite data from 171 rice landraces from six states were analysed to understand their genetic diversity and population structure. Further, combining with a global dataset, we determined subpopulation identity using both model-based and multivariate analyses to uncover their history. We found moderate to high genetic diversity and high differentiation [standardized G”ST = 0.57]. The AMOVA partitioned overall variance into within population (75%) and among population (25%). The landraces from six states remained at various degrees of differentiation (pairwise FST = 0.09–0.41). We have detected a preponderance of aus-type in a majority of aromatic landraces. Rests were japonica and admixed with a little...
Spatial distribution of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) and their accumulation in mangrove Avicen... more Spatial distribution of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) and their accumulation in mangrove Avicennia officinalis L. were studied along 8 locations in and around Sundarban mangrove wetland, India. Among 8 locations, S3 (Chemaguri) and S5 (Ghushighata) showed higher concentration of PTMs (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) characterized by higher enrichment factors (3.45-10.03), geo-accumulation indices (0.04-1.22), contamination factors (1.14-3.51) and pollution load indices (1.3-1.45) indicating progressive deterioration of estuarine quality and considerable ecotoxicological risk. Metal concentration in A. officinalis leaves showed significant correlation with sediment metals implying elevated level of bioaccumulation. Significant statistical correlation between photosynthetic pigments (Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b), antioxidant response (free radical scavenging and reducing ability) and stress enzymatic activity (Peroxidase, Catalase, Super-oxide dismutase) of A. officinalis with increasing m...
A Critical Evaluation Revealed the Proto-indica Model Rests on a Weaker Foundation and Has a Minimal Bearing on Rice Domestication, 2020
We have evaluated the proto-indica model that is the proponent of multiple domestication of rice ... more We have evaluated the proto-indica model that is the proponent of multiple domestication of rice but a single origin of the key genes in japonica. Attainment of non-shattering, a marker; appeared least integral to the initial phases of domestication. The other archeological determinants were less discernible in specimens. Existence of the key domestication genes in the wild rice and absence of introgression signature in indica further weakened the hypothesis. Moreover, japonica introduction from China happened in a backdrop of a culture exploiting domesticated rice. Summarizing, we propose that proto-indica model has a little bearing on rice domestication.
Plant Genetic Resources Characterization and Utilization, 2019
The rice-based agriculture of the Indian subcontinent has been interwoven in the rich socio-cultu... more The rice-based agriculture of the Indian subcontinent has been interwoven in the rich socio-cultural fabric of the country. Of which, bio-culturally diverse North-Eastern states nurture thousands of landraces with poorly tapped agronomic traits. In the present study, 27 standard microsatellite data from 171 rice landraces from six states were analysed to understand their genetic diversity and population structure. Further, combining with a global dataset, we determined subpopulation identity using both model-based and multivariate analyses to uncover their history. We found moderate to high genetic diversity and high differentiation [standardized G”ST = 0.57]. The AMOVA partitioned overall variance into within population (75%) and among population (25%). The landraces from six states remained at various degrees of differentiation (pairwise FST = 0.09–0.41). We have detected a preponderance of aus-type in a majority of aromatic landraces. Rests were japonica and admixed with a little representation of indica. The presence of aromatic aus probably implied assimilation into local culture from the primary aus growing region of Bangladesh and India. Likewise, the arrival of japonica may stem from the exchange of goods among neighbouring dynasties via Southern and Southwestern Silk routes. The shared ancestry may reflect a merger of two ancient cultures. Our analyses also uncovered the existence of aus-type short and medium grain aromatic rice predicting an origin of aroma in aus subpopulation. Collectively, it demonstrated the diversity and divergent history of the rice landraces have been shaped by various socio-cultural interactions operative over time and space.
The discussion was facilitated by Patrick Bahal'okwibale from FAO, Ethiopia and Jean-Marc Mwenge ... more The discussion was facilitated by Patrick Bahal'okwibale from FAO, Ethiopia and Jean-Marc Mwenge Kahinda from CSIR, South Africa and aimed at exploring the role that indigenous and traditional practices can play to support climate change adaptation efforts and reduce water scarcity in agriculture. Over the three weeks of discussion, participants from 29 countries shared 45 contributions. The topic introduction and the questions proposed, as well as the contributions received, are available on the discussion page: www.fao.org/fsnforum/activities/discussions/water-scarcity
The loss of shattering of rice has long been acknowledged as a crucial step sweeping the path of ... more The loss of shattering of rice has long been acknowledged as a crucial step sweeping the path of domestication. Here, we collated evidence from genetics, and anthropology to challenge this long-held view. Our discussion dwelt on arguments that (1) undermined the effect of a mutation in the key locus (sh4) which does not always confer non-shattering, (2) identified the involvement of other loci, (3) uncovered natural variation in shatterability still existing in domesticated landraces, and (4) relatively recent fixation of the mutation. Similarly, cultural attributes asserted a long tradition of naturally shattering wild rice cultivation and adaptive strategies of gathering which is still widely exercised in many parts of South and SouthEast Asia, Africa, and Australia. Altogether, it strongly suggests that primitive agriculture thrived largely relying on wild rice or semi-domesticated shattering phenotype but non-shattering emerged into conspicuity much later in the history.
The candidature of 8-bp deletion in badh2 gene as the predominant cause for aroma development in ... more The candidature of 8-bp deletion in badh2 gene as the predominant cause for aroma development in rice was investigated in 84 subsp. indica rice landraces. Presence of this functional mutation was detected in 80 % of aromatic samples and in three non-aromatic landraces which were found to be heterozygous at this locus. However, 11 landraces did not show its presence despite being aromatic during qualitative assessment. None of the wild ancestors possessed this deletion. Finally, we have discussed implications of our findings in the broader context of aroma evolution.
A Study of the Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Copper Adsorption Using Chemically Modified Rice Husk, 2009
The use of rice husk as a low cost adsorbent for the removal of copper from wastewater has been e... more The use of rice husk as a low cost adsorbent for the removal of copper from wastewater has been explored in a laboratory scale experiment. The rice husk used for the study was treated with alkali to increase the sorption properties. The influence of metal ion concentration, weight of biosorbent, stirring rates, temperature and pH were also evaluated, and the results are fitted using adsorption isotherm models. From the experimental results it was observed that almost 90–98% of the copper could be removed using treated rice husk. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm, Freundlich isotherm and Tempkin isotherm models were used to describe the distribution of copper between the liquid and solid phases in batch studies, and it was observed that the Langmuir isotherm better represented the adsorption phenomenon. The experimental rate constant, activation energy, Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of the reaction were calculated in order to determine the mechanism of the sorption process.
The main goal of this study was to exploit low-cost and efficient sorbents for the removal of cop... more The main goal of this study was to exploit low-cost and efficient sorbents for the removal of copper from wastewater. The low cost adsorbents used for the laboratory scale work are mainly agricultural waste like rice husk, tamarind seed, wheat bran, Tamarind fruit shell, orange peel etc. Batch kinetic and equilibrium experiments were conducted to determine the adsorption kinetic rate constants and maximum adsorption capacities. Acid and alkali treatment of the agricultural waste material has been done to increase the adsorption capacity of the biosorbent. It is observed from the experimental results that almost 80 – 90% copper can be removed from the solution by using this agricultural waste. Langmuir adsorption isotherm and Freundlich isotherm model has been used to describe the distribution of copper between the liquid and solid phases in batch studies.
Assessment of Flood-Emanated Impediments to Kaziranga National Park Grassland Ecosystem—A Binocular Vision with Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System, 2018
Kaziranga National Park (KNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, harbors one of the last unmodified n... more Kaziranga National Park (KNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, harbors one of the last unmodified natural grasslands of Northeast India. The park has proudly been the humble abode of two remarkable megaherbivores, the great Indian rhino and the elephant, and also provides a prime habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger. It is a haven to various economically important graminoids. Each year, KNP’s grassland ecosystem encounters a battle with flood affecting its plant and animal components. Remote sensing and geographic information systems can offer a binocular viewpoint for regular assessment of the park’s flood-prone areas, which will contribute to long-term conservation practices and better natural resource management of its grassland ecosystem. Natural disasters are the leading causes of natural and private property damage. They also lead to long-term adverse effects on biodiversity of the damaged area. Water-related hazards are responsible for about 90 % of all natural hazards. Flood is a frequent event in the lower catchment of the Brahmaputra where KNP is situated. The park’s land cover has ~74 % of grasslands (excluding river and other water bodies), making it a unique habitat for great Indian one-horned rhino. Flood has adversely affected the park’s alluvial grassland, which emerged as one of the leading causes of the inundation of the vast grasslands causing habitat degradation and fragmentation. Habitat loss is one of the significant threats to the biodiversity. As flood always disrupts the natural habitat, it unfailingly impacts the rhino feeding habitat, which consequently takes a considerable time for recovering its pre-flood biodiversity status. According to the red list category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the rhino comes under the vulnerable B1ab (iii) category and, hence, the annual impact of the flood on its prime feeding habitat (grasslands) is a matter of grave concern. In the research reported in this chapter, different remotely sensed data sets such as SARAL/AltiKa, Landsat 8, and Sentinel 1A were used to assess the flood situation of the park during August 2017. SARAL/ AltiKa was used to obtain the water level of that Brahmaputra River, Landsat 8 OLI data were used for making the park’s land use and land cover (LULC), and Sentinel 1A was employed to detect the study area’s flood situation. The advantages of integrating real-time assessment data for better management of the park’s grassland ecosystem are thoroughly discussed.
Plant Genetic Resources: Characterization and Utilization, 2019
The rice-based agriculture of the Indian subcontinent has been interwoven in the rich socio-cultu... more The rice-based agriculture of the Indian subcontinent has been interwoven in the rich socio-cultural fabric of the country. Of which, bio-culturally diverse North-Eastern states nurture thousands of landraces with poorly tapped agronomic traits. In the present study, 27 standard microsatellite data from 171 rice landraces from six states were analysed to understand their genetic diversity and population structure. Further, combining with a global dataset, we determined subpopulation identity using both model-based and multivariate analyses to uncover their history. We found moderate to high genetic diversity and high differentiation [standardized G”ST = 0.57]. The AMOVA partitioned overall variance into within population (75%) and among population (25%). The landraces from six states remained at various degrees of differentiation (pairwise FST = 0.09–0.41). We have detected a preponderance of aus-type in a majority of aromatic landraces. Rests were japonica and admixed with a little...
Spatial distribution of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) and their accumulation in mangrove Avicen... more Spatial distribution of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) and their accumulation in mangrove Avicennia officinalis L. were studied along 8 locations in and around Sundarban mangrove wetland, India. Among 8 locations, S3 (Chemaguri) and S5 (Ghushighata) showed higher concentration of PTMs (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) characterized by higher enrichment factors (3.45-10.03), geo-accumulation indices (0.04-1.22), contamination factors (1.14-3.51) and pollution load indices (1.3-1.45) indicating progressive deterioration of estuarine quality and considerable ecotoxicological risk. Metal concentration in A. officinalis leaves showed significant correlation with sediment metals implying elevated level of bioaccumulation. Significant statistical correlation between photosynthetic pigments (Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b), antioxidant response (free radical scavenging and reducing ability) and stress enzymatic activity (Peroxidase, Catalase, Super-oxide dismutase) of A. officinalis with increasing m...
A Critical Evaluation Revealed the Proto-indica Model Rests on a Weaker Foundation and Has a Minimal Bearing on Rice Domestication, 2020
We have evaluated the proto-indica model that is the proponent of multiple domestication of rice ... more We have evaluated the proto-indica model that is the proponent of multiple domestication of rice but a single origin of the key genes in japonica. Attainment of non-shattering, a marker; appeared least integral to the initial phases of domestication. The other archeological determinants were less discernible in specimens. Existence of the key domestication genes in the wild rice and absence of introgression signature in indica further weakened the hypothesis. Moreover, japonica introduction from China happened in a backdrop of a culture exploiting domesticated rice. Summarizing, we propose that proto-indica model has a little bearing on rice domestication.
Plant Genetic Resources Characterization and Utilization, 2019
The rice-based agriculture of the Indian subcontinent has been interwoven in the rich socio-cultu... more The rice-based agriculture of the Indian subcontinent has been interwoven in the rich socio-cultural fabric of the country. Of which, bio-culturally diverse North-Eastern states nurture thousands of landraces with poorly tapped agronomic traits. In the present study, 27 standard microsatellite data from 171 rice landraces from six states were analysed to understand their genetic diversity and population structure. Further, combining with a global dataset, we determined subpopulation identity using both model-based and multivariate analyses to uncover their history. We found moderate to high genetic diversity and high differentiation [standardized G”ST = 0.57]. The AMOVA partitioned overall variance into within population (75%) and among population (25%). The landraces from six states remained at various degrees of differentiation (pairwise FST = 0.09–0.41). We have detected a preponderance of aus-type in a majority of aromatic landraces. Rests were japonica and admixed with a little representation of indica. The presence of aromatic aus probably implied assimilation into local culture from the primary aus growing region of Bangladesh and India. Likewise, the arrival of japonica may stem from the exchange of goods among neighbouring dynasties via Southern and Southwestern Silk routes. The shared ancestry may reflect a merger of two ancient cultures. Our analyses also uncovered the existence of aus-type short and medium grain aromatic rice predicting an origin of aroma in aus subpopulation. Collectively, it demonstrated the diversity and divergent history of the rice landraces have been shaped by various socio-cultural interactions operative over time and space.
The discussion was facilitated by Patrick Bahal'okwibale from FAO, Ethiopia and Jean-Marc Mwenge ... more The discussion was facilitated by Patrick Bahal'okwibale from FAO, Ethiopia and Jean-Marc Mwenge Kahinda from CSIR, South Africa and aimed at exploring the role that indigenous and traditional practices can play to support climate change adaptation efforts and reduce water scarcity in agriculture. Over the three weeks of discussion, participants from 29 countries shared 45 contributions. The topic introduction and the questions proposed, as well as the contributions received, are available on the discussion page: www.fao.org/fsnforum/activities/discussions/water-scarcity
The loss of shattering of rice has long been acknowledged as a crucial step sweeping the path of ... more The loss of shattering of rice has long been acknowledged as a crucial step sweeping the path of domestication. Here, we collated evidence from genetics, and anthropology to challenge this long-held view. Our discussion dwelt on arguments that (1) undermined the effect of a mutation in the key locus (sh4) which does not always confer non-shattering, (2) identified the involvement of other loci, (3) uncovered natural variation in shatterability still existing in domesticated landraces, and (4) relatively recent fixation of the mutation. Similarly, cultural attributes asserted a long tradition of naturally shattering wild rice cultivation and adaptive strategies of gathering which is still widely exercised in many parts of South and SouthEast Asia, Africa, and Australia. Altogether, it strongly suggests that primitive agriculture thrived largely relying on wild rice or semi-domesticated shattering phenotype but non-shattering emerged into conspicuity much later in the history.
The candidature of 8-bp deletion in badh2 gene as the predominant cause for aroma development in ... more The candidature of 8-bp deletion in badh2 gene as the predominant cause for aroma development in rice was investigated in 84 subsp. indica rice landraces. Presence of this functional mutation was detected in 80 % of aromatic samples and in three non-aromatic landraces which were found to be heterozygous at this locus. However, 11 landraces did not show its presence despite being aromatic during qualitative assessment. None of the wild ancestors possessed this deletion. Finally, we have discussed implications of our findings in the broader context of aroma evolution.
A Study of the Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Copper Adsorption Using Chemically Modified Rice Husk, 2009
The use of rice husk as a low cost adsorbent for the removal of copper from wastewater has been e... more The use of rice husk as a low cost adsorbent for the removal of copper from wastewater has been explored in a laboratory scale experiment. The rice husk used for the study was treated with alkali to increase the sorption properties. The influence of metal ion concentration, weight of biosorbent, stirring rates, temperature and pH were also evaluated, and the results are fitted using adsorption isotherm models. From the experimental results it was observed that almost 90–98% of the copper could be removed using treated rice husk. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm, Freundlich isotherm and Tempkin isotherm models were used to describe the distribution of copper between the liquid and solid phases in batch studies, and it was observed that the Langmuir isotherm better represented the adsorption phenomenon. The experimental rate constant, activation energy, Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of the reaction were calculated in order to determine the mechanism of the sorption process.
The main goal of this study was to exploit low-cost and efficient sorbents for the removal of cop... more The main goal of this study was to exploit low-cost and efficient sorbents for the removal of copper from wastewater. The low cost adsorbents used for the laboratory scale work are mainly agricultural waste like rice husk, tamarind seed, wheat bran, Tamarind fruit shell, orange peel etc. Batch kinetic and equilibrium experiments were conducted to determine the adsorption kinetic rate constants and maximum adsorption capacities. Acid and alkali treatment of the agricultural waste material has been done to increase the adsorption capacity of the biosorbent. It is observed from the experimental results that almost 80 – 90% copper can be removed from the solution by using this agricultural waste. Langmuir adsorption isotherm and Freundlich isotherm model has been used to describe the distribution of copper between the liquid and solid phases in batch studies.
Assessment of Flood-Emanated Impediments to Kaziranga National Park Grassland Ecosystem—A Binocular Vision with Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System, 2018
Kaziranga National Park (KNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, harbors one of the last unmodified n... more Kaziranga National Park (KNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, harbors one of the last unmodified natural grasslands of Northeast India. The park has proudly been the humble abode of two remarkable megaherbivores, the great Indian rhino and the elephant, and also provides a prime habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger. It is a haven to various economically important graminoids. Each year, KNP’s grassland ecosystem encounters a battle with flood affecting its plant and animal components. Remote sensing and geographic information systems can offer a binocular viewpoint for regular assessment of the park’s flood-prone areas, which will contribute to long-term conservation practices and better natural resource management of its grassland ecosystem. Natural disasters are the leading causes of natural and private property damage. They also lead to long-term adverse effects on biodiversity of the damaged area. Water-related hazards are responsible for about 90 % of all natural hazards. Flood is a frequent event in the lower catchment of the Brahmaputra where KNP is situated. The park’s land cover has ~74 % of grasslands (excluding river and other water bodies), making it a unique habitat for great Indian one-horned rhino. Flood has adversely affected the park’s alluvial grassland, which emerged as one of the leading causes of the inundation of the vast grasslands causing habitat degradation and fragmentation. Habitat loss is one of the significant threats to the biodiversity. As flood always disrupts the natural habitat, it unfailingly impacts the rhino feeding habitat, which consequently takes a considerable time for recovering its pre-flood biodiversity status. According to the red list category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the rhino comes under the vulnerable B1ab (iii) category and, hence, the annual impact of the flood on its prime feeding habitat (grasslands) is a matter of grave concern. In the research reported in this chapter, different remotely sensed data sets such as SARAL/AltiKa, Landsat 8, and Sentinel 1A were used to assess the flood situation of the park during August 2017. SARAL/ AltiKa was used to obtain the water level of that Brahmaputra River, Landsat 8 OLI data were used for making the park’s land use and land cover (LULC), and Sentinel 1A was employed to detect the study area’s flood situation. The advantages of integrating real-time assessment data for better management of the park’s grassland ecosystem are thoroughly discussed.
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