Assessment of phytodiversity and phytoremediation potential of plants in the vicinity of a thermal power plant.

A study was carried out to evaluate phytodiversity along with the metal accumulation potential of native plants growing in the vicinity of a thermal power plant (TPP). We documented 26 tree species, six shrubs, and 35 herbs. Importance value index (IVI), which measures the extent to which a species dominates in an area, was found highest for Senna siamea (95.7) followed by Tectona grandis (56.5), and Pithecellobium dulce (19.6). Soil was acidic (pH 5.4) in nature with higher concentrations of Al and Fe. The pH of ground water was found acidic while pH of nearby river was found slightly alkaline. Values of PM2.5 and PM10 were slightly higher than NAAQS standards for industrial areas. The concentration of metals was found higher in aquatic plants than in terrestrial plants. In general, herbs and shrubs showed more metal accumulation potential than trees. Our results suggest that Senna siamea could be used for revegetation purposes in FA landfills. Further, terrestrial and aquatic plants such as Ageratina adenophora and Stuckenia pectinata could be used for reclamation of Mn, Zn, Al, and Fe from contaminated soils. Hydrilla verticillata (Ni and Mn), Nelumbo nucifera, and Ipomoea aquatica (Cr) can be used for metal removal from contaminated water.

The study focuses on the assessment of phytodiversity, soil and water analysis, ambient air quality, and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in plants growing in and around a thermal power plant. The study assumes significance as more than 65% of India's electricity generation is still by coal-fired power plants, having major implications for air, soil, and water pollution. By selecting native plant species adapted to the region, we can enhance biodiversity, restore habitats, and contribute to the overall ecological health of the area surrounding the power plant.

Correlation of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia with patients' sociodemographic & clinical details and caregivers' distress.

Background: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) influence dementia care significantly. BPSD can be affected by factors related to the patient's illness and socio-cultural background. Aim: This study aimed to find a relationship between BPSD with patients' socio-demographic and clinical profiles and their caregivers' distress in a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, the purposive sampling technique was used to select 100 dementia patients. A comprehensive record of socio-demographic and clinical details was made on a self-prepared semi-structured data sheet. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire was the principal tool to find the BPSD and related caregivers' distress. Results: The sample comprised predominantly Hindu (91%) male patients (66%) with Alzheimer's dementia (76%) coming from rural backgrounds (74%) and joint familial systems (96%), with a mean age of 71.77 ± 7.41 years. Patients' main caregivers were their children/children-in-law (65%). The severity of an overall BPSD and its variable individual domains were directly related to the duration of dementia, patients' age, their cognitive decline, and related decline in activities of living, as well as their caregivers' distress. In comparison to Alzheimer's disease patients, those with other dementia types had more impairment in cognitive functions and activities of daily living and they had a higher number and severity of BPSD. Conclusion: The advancing age, increased duration of dementia, and decline in cognition and related activities of daily living of the patients, as well as their caregivers' distress, are important correlates of BPSD. The findings are essential for the better management of dementia patients.

Intricacies of plants' innate immune responses and their dynamic relationship with fungi: A review.

The role of the plant innate immune system in the defense and symbiosis processes becomes integral in a complex network of interactions between plants and fungi. An understanding of the molecular characterization of the plant innate immune system is crucial because it constitutes plants' self-defense shield against harmful fungi, while creating mutualistic relationships with beneficial fungi. Due to the plant-induced awareness and their complexity of interaction with fungi, sufficient assessment of the participation of the plant innate immune system in ecological balance, agriculture, and maintenance of an infinite ecosystem is mandatory. Given the current global challenge, such as the surge of plant-infectious diseases, and pursuit of sustainable forms of agriculture; it is imperative to understand the molecular language of communication between plants and fungi. That knowledge can be practically used in diverse areas, e.g., in agriculture, new tactics may be sought after to try new methods that boost crop receptiveness against fungal pathogens and reduce the dependence on chemical management. Also, it could boost sustainable agricultural practices via enhancing mycorrhizal interactions that promote nutrient absorption and optimum cropping with limited exposure of environmental contamination. Moreover, this review offers insights that go beyond agriculture and can be manipulated to boost plant conservation, environmental restoration, and quality understanding of host-pathogen interactions. Consequently, this specific review paper has offered a comprehensive view of the complex plant innate immune-based responses with fungi and the mechanisms in which they interact.

Role of arts in women's cancer awareness.

Arts have played a major role in women's cancer education and awareness. Developed countries continuously utilize arts for public health education initiatives and other endeavors. However, the utilization of arts to educate the public about the most prevalent cancer. i.e. cervical cancer and other common cancers in developing countries are sparse.

Investigation of Filtration and Shale Inhibition Characteristics of Chitosan-N-(2-hydroxyl)-propyl trimethylammonium Chloride as Drilling Fluid Additives.

Hydrated shale formations often lead to severe drilling problems and may lead to wellbore instability. These instabilities can result in issues such as bit balling, borehole collapse, formation damage, stuck pipe, and low drilling rates. Keeping these fundamental issues with drilling in shale formation in mind, this study is aimed at designing a water-based drilling fluid system for effective shale inhibition, ensuring enhanced wellbore stability and drilling efficiency. The designed mud system comprises a typical base fluid along with newly synthesized chitosan derivative chitosan-N-(2-hydroxyl)-propyl trimethylammonium chloride (HACC) as an additive. This additive was found to be soluble in water and conducive for shale inhibition. The derived product was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Various drilling fluid tests, including filtration and rheological experiments, were conducted to evaluate its proficiency as a drilling mud additive. The results showed improvement in rheological and filtration properties after hot rolling at 100 °C in comparison to a conventional shale inhibitor, polyethylenimine. As we increase the concentration of synthesized chitosan derivative from 0.3 to 1.5 w/v%, the filtration loss is reduced from 40% to 65% as compared to the base fluids. Shale recovery tests were also conducted using shale samples from an Indian field to assess its viability for field application. The addition of 0.3 to 1.5 w/v% chitosan derivative resulted in high shale recovery above 88% to 96% at 100 °C compared to polyethylenimine, which showed a change in recovery from 62% to 73%. HACC intercalates into clay platelets, reducing the interlayer spacing between particles and preventing clay from hydrating and swelling. This mechanism of inhibition is evaluated by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and zeta potential analysis. This bolsters the hypothesis of using the synthesized chitosan derivative as a shale inhibitor.

Molecular Characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates Through Whole-Genome Sequencing: A Comprehensive Analysis of Serotypes, Sequence Types, and Antimicrobial and Virulence Genes.

Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a menace, spreading among bacterial species globally. AMR is now recognized as a silent pandemic responsible for treatment failures. Therefore, an effective surveillance mechanism is warranted to understand the bacterial species isolated from human clinical specimens. The present study employed next-generation sequencing (NGS) or whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify the resistance and virulence genes, sequence type, and serotypes. Methods This study included 18 multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) isolates obtained from patients suffering from different infections attending the Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, India. All isolates were identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined through conventional microbiological techniques and confirmed by automated systems. All the isolates were investigated using NGS or WGS to identify the genes coding for resistance, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), metallo-beta-lactamases, and virulence genes. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was conducted to identify the sequence types, and Kleborate analysis was performed to confirm the species, genes for AMR, and virulence and evaluate the capsular polysaccharide (KL) and cell wall/lipopolysaccharide (O) serotypes carried by the isolates. Results The mean age of the patients was 46.11±20.35 years. Among the patients included, 12 (66.66%) were males and 6 (33.33%) were females. A high percentage (>50%) of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp) strains that had genes coding for AMR and plasmids having the potential to carry blaNDM and resistance genes were observed. Among the isolates, 16 (88.88%) revealed the presence of multiple antibiotic-resistant genes with evidence of at least one gene coding for beta-lactamase resistance. There was a high prevalence of blaSHV (17/18; 94.44%) and blaCTX-M-15 (16/18; 88.88%) AMR genes. Other AMR genes identified included blaTEM (83.33%; 15/18) and blaOXA (14/18; 77.77%). Two (11.11%) strains each showed the presence of blaNDM-1 and blaNDM-5 genes. The virulence genes identified included gapA, infB, mdh, pgi, phoE, rpoB, tonB, and ybt. The most frequent K. pneumoniae serotypes found were KL51:O1v2 (3/18, 16.66%), KL17:O1v1 (3/18, 16.66%), and KL64:O2v1 (3/18, 16.66%). KL64 (4/18; 22.22%) was the most common capsular serotype identified among the isolates. The most frequent MLST-based sequence type (ST) identified included ST-147 (5/18, 27.77%), followed by ST-231 (3/18, 16.66%) and ST-101 (2/18, 11.11%). Conclusions The molecular analysis of K. pneumoniae isolates revealed multiple AMR, plasmid, and virulence genes. Additionally, many global STs were noticed by MLST. The results noted a high prevalence of hvKp strains. Molecular characterization of bacterial strains using NGS/WGS is important to understand the epidemiology of bacterial strains and the antibiotic resistance and virulence genes they are potentially carrying. The data obtained from this study may be utilized to devise careful antibiotic-prescribing approaches and improve patient management practices.

Overexpression of PDR16 Confers Amphotericin B Resistance in a PMP3-Dependent Manner in Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Invasive fungal infections in humans with compromised immune systems are the primary cause of morbidity and mortality, which is becoming more widely acknowledged. Amphotericin B (AmB) is one of the antifungal drugs used to treat such infections. AmB binds with plasma membrane ergosterol, inducing cellular ions to leak and causing cell death. Reduction in ergosterol content and modification of cell walls have been described as AmB resistance mechanisms. In addition, when the sphingolipid level is decreased, the cell becomes more susceptible to AmB. Previously, PDR16, a gene that encodes phosphatidylinositol transfer protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was shown to enhance AmB resistance upon overexpression. However, the mechanism of PDR16-mediated AmB resistance is not clear. Here, in this study, it was discovered that a plasma membrane proteolipid 3 protein encoded by PMP3 is essential for PDR16-mediated AmB resistance. PDR16-mediated AmB resistance does not depend on ergosterol, but a functional sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway is required. Additionally, PMP3-mediated alteration in membrane integrity abolishes PDR16 mediated AmB resistance, confirming the importance of PMP3 in the PDR16 mediated AmB resistance.

Investigation of bisindole-linked pyrimidine moieties: synthesis using strantium-aluminum supported strontium aluminate nanophosphors catalyst, DNA reactivity, and in silico molecular docking studies.

In this communication, an innovative and straightforward protocol for the one-pot catalytic synthesis of bis(indolyl)pyrimidine derivatives and their DNA binding abilities is presented. The synthesis involves the condensation of indole with diverse substituted pyrimidine-5-carbaldehydes, employing cost-effective and reusable Sr-Al supported nanophosphors, specifically strontium aluminate (SrAl2O4), as a catalyst. In particular, this method does not require the use of toxic solvents. The Sr-Al supported nanophosphorus catalyst exhibited sustained activity over multiple cycles and showed no significant decline while maintaining its strictly heterogeneous properties. The bis(indolyl)pyrimidine derivatives were extensively characterized using spectroscopic and analytical techniques. Furthermore, the interaction between these derivatives and CT-DNA was investigated by absorption spectroscopy, viscosity measurement, and in silico molecular docking studies. Photoinduced cleavage studies demonstrated the photonuclease activity of the compound against pUC19 DNA upon exposure to UV-visible radiation.

Ultrasound assisted extraction of phytochemicals from Piper betel L.

Piper betel contains phytochemicals with diverse pharmacological effects. The objective of this study was to enhance the extraction efficiency of phytochemicals and the chlorophyll content using ultrasonication. The Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize the time (10, 20, 30 min), temperature (20, 30, and 40 °C), and solid-solvent ratio (1:10, 1:20, 1:30) by utilizing response surface methods with three independent variables. Multiple parameters, including extract yield, total phenol, total flavonoid, antioxidant activity, and chlorophyll content were used to optimize the conditions. The linear relationship between power intensity and responses was determined to be statistically significant, with a p-value less than 0.01. The interaction effect of temperature, time, and ratio of solid solvent was shown to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) for all the obtained results. The optimal parameters for achieving the highest extract yield were as follows: a temperature of 40 °C, a sonication time of 30 min, and a solid solvent ratio of 1:10. These conditions result in an extract yield of 21.99 %, a total flavonoid content of 44.97 mg/GAE, a total phenolic content of 185.05 mg/GAE, a DPPH scavenging activity of 99.1 %, and a chlorophyll content of 49.95 mg/ml. This study highlights the significance of customized extraction methodologies for optimizing the bioactive capacity of phytochemicals derived from betel leaves. The elucidation of extraction parameters and the resultant phytochemical profiles serves as a fundamental framework for the advancement of innovative pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, capitalizing on the therapeutic attributes of this traditional medicinal botanical.

Assessment of prevalence and distribution of congenital missing teeth among patients visiting tertiary care hospital: A radiographic study.

Introduction: Dental Agenesis is the usual developmental dental anomaly involving both primary and permanent dentition but most commonly it affects the permanent teeth. Genetic mutations in genes like MSX, PAX9,TGFA and AXIN2 are the likely primary contributors to tooth agenesis. Identifying the prevalence and distribution of congenital missing teeth allows for early detection and intervention which is crucial for preventing or mitigating potential dental issues that may arise due to missing teeth. Aim & objectives: To assess the prevalence and distribution of congenitally missing teeth across different quadrants of the jaw among patients visiting to the Dental out patient department at Tertiary Care Centre of Lucknow city. Material & method: A Questionnaire and orthopantomogram based cross-sectional study was conducted on both male and female patients aged between 15 and 30 years, coming for evaluation of their dental health problems to the hospital. Written informed consent was obtained. Results: The overall prevalence of CMT was found to be 33.3 %. The significant difference was observed in proportion of CMT between Maxilla and Mandible sites (p = 0.008). Higher prevalence was in females compared to males for both maxillary and mandibular congenital missing teeth. (p = 0.020). Conclusion: The most common CMT were third molars followed by lateral incisors. The insights derived from the study would aid dental professional in gaining a deeper comprehension of tooth agenesis.

Exploring the Ecological Implications, Gastronomic Applications, and Nutritional and Therapeutic Potential of Juglans regia L. (Green Walnut): A Comprehensive Review.

The green walnut, which is frequently overlooked in favor of its more mature sibling, is becoming a topic of great significance because of its unique ecological role, culinary flexibility, and therapeutic richness. The investigation of the bioactive substances found in green walnuts and their possible effects on human health has therapeutic potential. Juglans regia L. is an important ecological component that affects soil health, biodiversity, and the overall ecological dynamic in habitats. Comprehending and recording these consequences are essential for environmental management and sustainable land-use strategies. Regarding cuisine, while black walnuts are frequently the main attraction, green walnuts have distinct tastes and textures that are used in a variety of dishes. Culinary innovation and the preservation of cultural food heritage depend on the understanding and exploration of these gastronomic characteristics. Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are abundant in green walnuts, which have a comprehensive nutritional profile. Walnuts possess a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-function-enhancing properties. Consuming green walnuts as part of one's diet helps with antioxidant defense, cardiovascular health, and general well-being. Juglans regia L., with its distinctive flavor and texture combination, is not only a delicious food but also supports sustainable nutrition practices. This review explores the nutritional and pharmacological properties of green walnuts, which can be further used for studies in various food and pharmaceutical applications.

Social Media Impact on Self-Perceived Oral Health Practices Among Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Hospital in Lucknow: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Social media is widely used in the medical field, and people often utilize it to learn about their symptoms prior to consulting with a healthcare professional. Hence, the study aims to investigate the influence of social media on self-perceived oral health practices among patients. Methodology A cross-sectional study design was adopted, with a questionnaire comprising 15 closed-ended questions. The sample size was estimated to be 451 participants based on the findings from the pilot study. The face validity of the questionnaire was assessed by a subject matter expert (0.83%), and the reliability was measured using Kappa statistics (0.86). The percentile was determined to assess the overall self-perceived oral health practices of the participants. The data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, chi-square test, and multivariate regression analysis at statistical significance (p ≤ 0.05). Results The majority of participants belonged to urban areas (66.5%), with an average age of 38.19 ± 6.70. The participants in urban 184 (61.3%) and rural 102 (67.5%) believed that social media provided better knowledge regarding oral health, which was statistically significant (p = 0.046). The majority of the participants, 267 (59.2%), spent more than 30 minutes to three hours per day on social media. It was found that participants who possessed professional occupations had increased odds of having good oral health practices on social media (p = 0.043). Conclusion The participants believed that social media provided better knowledge regarding oral health, and self-perceived practices among the participants were found to be poor. Social media platforms provide new educational possibilities in the dentistry sector, but their potential is neglected and unappreciated.

Spatiotemporal atmospheric in-situ carbon dioxide data over the Indian sites-data perspective.

In the current study, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) data covering multiple locations in the Indian subcontinent are reported. This data was collected using a dedicated ground-based in-situ network established as part of the Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (CAP-IGBP) of the Climate and Atmospheric Processes of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Data are collected over Ponmudi, Ooty, Sriharikota, Gadanki, Shadnagar, Nagpur, and Dehradun during 2014-2015, 2017-2020, 2012, 2011-2015, 2014-2017, 2017 and 2008-2011, respectively. The atmospheric CO2 generated as part of the CAP-IGBP network would enhance the understanding of CO2 variability in different time scales ranging from diurnal, seasonal, and annual over the Indian region. Data available under this network may be interesting to other research communities for modeling studies and spatiotemporal variability of atmospheric CO2 across the study locations. The work also evaluated the CO2 observations against the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate version 4 atmospheric chemistry-transport model (MIROC4-ACTM) concentrations.

Experimental validation and clinical feasibility of 3D reconstruction of coronary artery bifurcation stents using intravascular ultrasound.

The structural morphology of coronary stents and the local hemodynamic environment following stent deployment in coronary arteries are crucial determinants of procedural success and subsequent clinical outcomes. High-resolution intracoronary imaging has the potential to facilitate geometrically accurate three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of coronary stents. This work presents an innovative algorithm for the 3D reconstruction of coronary artery stents, leveraging intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and angiography. The accuracy and reproducibility of our method were tested in stented patient-specific silicone models, with micro-computed tomography serving as a reference standard. We also evaluated the clinical feasibility and ability to perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies in a clinically stented coronary bifurcation. Our experimental and clinical studies demonstrated that our proposed algorithm could reproduce the complex 3D stent configuration with a high degree of precision and reproducibility. Moreover, the algorithm was proved clinically feasible in cases with stents deployed in a diseased coronary artery bifurcation, enabling CFD studies to assess the hemodynamic environment. In combination with patient-specific CFD studies, our method can be applied to stenting optimization, training in stenting techniques, and advancements in stent research and development.

Restoration of Complicated Crown-Root Fracture in a Primary Incisor with Fragment Reattachment.

In traumatic dental injuries in children, due to a lack of maturity to cope with the situation, pain intolerance, amount of treatment procedure, and parental anxiety, simplified and non-invasive treatment procedures, such as biologic restorations, are useful. Using advanced adhesive material for fragment reattachment provides excellent esthetic results and a positive attitude from the patient and family. The purpose of this case report is to describe the biological restoration of a complicated crown-root fracture of a primary maxillary central incisor with the fragment reattachment technique.

LiDAR-based reference aboveground biomass maps for tropical forests of South Asia and Central Africa.

Accurate mapping and monitoring of tropical forests aboveground biomass (AGB) is crucial to design effective carbon emission reduction strategies and improving our understanding of Earth's carbon cycle. However, existing large-scale maps of tropical forest AGB generated through combinations of Earth Observation (EO) and forest inventory data show markedly divergent estimates, even after accounting for reported uncertainties. To address this, a network of high-quality reference data is needed to calibrate and validate mapping algorithms. This study aims to generate reference AGB datasets using field inventory plots and airborne LiDAR data for eight sites in Central Africa and five sites in South Asia, two regions largely underrepresented in global reference AGB datasets. The study provides access to these reference AGB maps, including uncertainty maps, at 100 m and 40 m spatial resolutions covering a total LiDAR footprint of 1,11,650 ha [ranging from 150 to 40,000 ha at site level]. These maps serve as calibration/validation datasets to improve the accuracy and reliability of AGB mapping for current and upcoming EO missions (viz., GEDI, BIOMASS, and NISAR).

Genomic Insights into Dementia: Precision Medicine and the Impact of Gene-Environment Interaction.

The diagnosis, treatment, and management of dementia provide significant challenges due to its chronic cognitive impairment. The complexity of this condition is further highlighted by the impact of gene-environment interactions. A recent strategy combines advanced genomics and precision medicine methods to explore the complex genetic foundations of dementia. Utilizing the most recent research in the field of neurogenetics, the importance of precise genetic data in explaining the variation seen in dementia patients can be investigated. Gene-environment interactions are important because they influence genetic susceptibilities and aid in the development and progression of dementia. Modified to each patient's genetic profile, precision medicine has the potential to detect groups at risk and make previously unheard-of predictions about the course of diseases. Precision medicine techniques have the potential to completely transform treatment and diagnosis methods. Targeted medications that target genetic abnormalities will probably appear, providing the possibility for more efficient and customized medical interventions. Investigating the relationship between genes and the environment may lead to preventive measures that would enable people to change their surroundings and minimize the risk of dementia, leading to the improved lifestyle of affected people. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the genomic insights into dementia, emphasizing the pivotal role of precision medicine, and gene-environment interactions.

Ecology, genetic diversity, and population structure among commercial varieties and local landraces of Capsicum spp. grown in northeastern states of India.

Northeastern states of India are known for unique landraces of Capsicum spp. with geographical indications. However, little information is available about these valuable landraces of chillies. Surveys and collections were carried out in niche areas to find out their ecology and diversity through morphological traits and molecular analysis using microsatellite markers. Our result characterized the ecology of niche areas as cool (11.0°C-20.7°C) and humid (>60% relative humidity) climates for dalle-chilli (Capsicum annuum L.); mild-warm (12.2°C-28.6°C) and humid for king-chilli (C. chinense Jacq.); and cool to warm (11.3°C-33.1°C) and humid for bird's eye chilli (C. frutescens L.) during the crop period. The canonical correspondence analysis has shown the significant impact of temperature on the agro-morphological traits and distribution of the landraces in their niche areas. A wide variability was observed for different quantitative traits and yield attributing characters (fruit length, diameter, weight, and yield), showing high heritability (97.0%-99.0%), and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (119.8%-434.0%). A total of 47 SSR markers used for the molecular analysis generated 230 alleles, ranging from 2 (HPMSE-7) to 10 (HPMSE-5), with an average of 4.89 alleles per locus. The average polymorphism information content was also high (0.61) and ranged from 0.20 (HPMSE-7) to 0.85 (CAMS-91). The observed average heterozygosity was lower than the expected value. Analysis of molecular variance has shown significant variation within (69%) and between (31%) of the populations of Capsicum spp. Based on Nei's genetic distance, bird's eye chilli and king-chilli were found to be closer to each other, whereas dalle-chilli, a tretraploid species, was closer to hot pepper (C. annuum). However, the flower size of dalle-chilli was large and found closer to king-chilli in color and differs from C. chinense due to the presence of calyx teeth. For quality traits, landraces king-chilli, dalle-chilli, and bird's eye chilli have shown 2.8, 2.0, and 1.4 times higher average capsaicin and 0.46, 0.25, and 0.22 times higher average oleoresin content over the hot pepper, respectively. The knowledge of ecology and diversity can be used in identifying new areas for production, selection of elite lines, conservation, and crop improvement.