A GBS-based genome-wide association study reveals the genetic basis of salinity tolerance at the seedling stage in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

High salinity levels affect 20% of the cultivated area and 9%-34% of the irrigated agricultural land worldwide, ultimately leading to yield losses of crops. The current study evaluated seven salt tolerance-related traits at the seedling stage in a set of 138 pre-breeding lines (PBLs) and identified 63 highly significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) linked to salt tolerance. Different candidate genes were identified in in silico analysis, many of which were involved in various stress conditions in plants, including glycine-rich cell wall structural protein 1-like, metacaspase-1, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase GAPA1, and plastidial GAPA1. Some of these genes coded for structural protein and participated in cell wall structure, some were linked to programmed cell death, and others were reported to show abiotic stress response roles in wheat and other plants. In addition, using the Multi-Trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) protocol, the best-performing lines under salt stress were identified. The SNPs identified in this study and the genotypes with favorable alleles provide an excellent source to impart salt tolerance in wheat.

Genome-Wide Identification of Potential mRNAs in Drought Response in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Plant cell metabolism inevitably forms an important drought-responsive mechanism, which halts crop productivity. Globally, more than 30% of the total harvested area was affected by dehydration. RNA-seq technology has enabled biologists to identify stress-responsive genes in relatively quick times. However, one shortcoming of this technology is the inconsistent data generation compared to other parts of the world. So, we have tried, here, to generate a consensus by analyzing meta-transcriptomic data available in the public microarray database GEO NCBI. In this way, the aim was set, here, to identify stress genes commonly identified as differentially expressed (p < 0.05) then followed by downstream analyses. The search term "Drought in wheat" resulted in 233 microarray experiments from the GEO NCBI database. After discarding empty datasets containing no expression data, the large-scale meta-transcriptome analytics and one sample proportional test were carried out (Bonferroni adjusted p < 0.05) to reveal a set of 11 drought-responsive genes on a global scale. The annotation of these genes revealed that the transcription factor activity of RNA polymerase II and sequence-specific DNA-binding mechanism had a significant role during the drought response in wheat. Similarly, the primary root differentiation zone annotations, controlled by TraesCS5A02G456300 and TraesCS7B02G243600 genes, were found as top-enriched terms (p < 0.05 and Q < 0.05). The resultant standard drought genes, glycosyltransferase; Arabidopsis thaliana KNOTTED-like; bHLH family protein; Probable helicase MAGATAMA 3; SBP family protein; Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2; Trihelix family protein; Mic1 domain-containing protein; ERF family protein; HD-ZIP I protein; and ERF family protein, are important in terms of their worldwide proved link with stress. From a future perspective, this study could be important in a breeding program contributing to increased crop yield. Moreover, the wheat varieties could be identified as drought-resistant/sensitive based on the nature of gene expression levels.

Factors associated with modern contraceptive use among men in Pakistan: Evidence from Pakistan demographic and health survey 2017-18.

OBJECTIVE: The role of men in family planning is critical in patriarchal societies like Pakistan. The objective of this study is to explore the predictors of modern contraceptive use among Pakistani men. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of Pakistan demographic and health survey (PDHS) 2017-18 data. The study sample consists of 3691 ever married men aged 15-49 years. Pearson's chi square test and logistic regression were used to find out the determinants of modern contraceptive use among men. Data analysis was carried out in December, 2020. RESULTS: Findings of logistic regression showed that men who were uneducated (aOR = 0.746; 95% CI = 0.568-0.980), residing in Sindh (aOR = 0.748; 95% CI = 0.568-0.985), Baluchistan (aOR = 0.421; 95% CI = 0.280-0.632) or FATA (aOR 0.313; 95% CI 0.176-0.556) and those who belonged to the poorest wealth quintile (aOR = 0.569; 95% CI = 0.382-0.846) were less likely to use modern contraceptives. Men who did not wish for another child (aOR = 2.821; 95% CI = 2.305-3.451) had a higher likelihood of modern contraceptive use. Finally, men who thought that contraception was women's business (aOR = 0.670; 95% CI = 0.526-0.853) and those who did not discuss family planning with health worker (aOR = 0.715; 95% CI = 0.559-0.914) were also less likely to use modern contraceptives. CONCLUSION: Reproductive health education of males, targeting males, in addition to, females for addressing family planning issues and improvement of family planning facilities in socioeconomically under-privileged regions are suggested to improve contraceptive use among couples.