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Neoschoengastia gallinarum is widely distributed in Asia, preferentially parasitising birds, and heavy infestations have clinical impacts on domestic fowl. In common with other trombiculid mites, the genetic diversity and potential variation in host preferences or pathology induced by N. gallinarum are poorly understood. This study aimed to unravel the geographical variation and population structure of N. gallinarum collected from galliform birds in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand by inference from concatenated mitochondrial-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and nuclear-encoded internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 18S ribosomal DNA gene sequences, including a comparison with previously published data from southeastern China. Our multi-locus sequence analysis revealed three monophyletic clades comprising (A) specimens from Peninsular Malaysia, (B) the samples from Thailand together with a minority of Chinese sequences, and (C) the majority of sequences from China. Similarly, most species delimitation approaches divided the specimens into three operational taxonomic units. Analysis of molecular variance revealed 96.41% genetic divergence between Malaysian and Thai populations, further supported by the absence of gene flow (Nm = 0.01). In conclusion, despite the two countries sharing a land border, populations of N. gallinarum from Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand appear to be genetically segregated and may represent distinct cryptic species.

Maize breeding appears to be a key strategy to ensure global food security. Improving the grain yield and nutritional quality of maize can progress through breeding programs, where hybridization between two genetically contrasting inbreds might lead to producing superior hybrids. This phenomenon occurs as the developed hybrids are 100% heterozygous, and in consequence, expressing heterosis. However, to select parents for the ideal combinations, it is fundamental to understand the genetic status and the ability to combine the different inbreds. This review aimed to highlight the effectiveness of the general combining ability (GCA) and the specific combining ability (SCA) approaches to develop high-yielding and nutritionally enriched maize hybrids adapted to Malaysia's conditions. Maize breeders have applied various breeding methods, including the biofortification technique to augment the grain yield and nutritional quality of the crop. This technique is the most sustainable, feasible, and affordable one, as it offers more nutritious plants with the required micronutrients. Although a considerable amount of research has succeeded in identifying potential inbred combinations for specific traits and sites, the application of combining ability methods toward developing high-yielding and nutritionally enriched maize hybrids adapted to Malaysia's conditions has not been maximized. Therefore, it is important to understand the combining ability approaches to develop maize hybrids that could lead to the maximum output for combating the increasing maize global demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The chigger mite Neoschoengastia gallinarum (Hatori, 1920) is a parasite that feeds on the skin tissue of birds across multiple countries in Southeast and East Asia. In domestic chickens, heavy infestations with this mite can lead to skin irritation and damage to the carcass, reducing economic value. In this study, we collected N. gallinarum samples from wild birds of conservation concern and domestic chickens in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand. Sequence analyses of three genes from the mites were compared across four Malaysian populations, one Thai population, and previously published sequences from southeastern China. A variety of methods were applied to classify these sequences and determine the extent of interbreeding between populations. These methods agreed in identifying three clusters of sequences by country of origin, although there was partial overlap between Thailand and China. The populations from Malaysia and Thailand appear to be reproductively isolated from one another and may represent distinct species with almost identical morphological features, except for leg length. Further studies are required to determine if these genetic dissimilarities are accompanied by distinct ecological, behavioural, or pathological differences in N. gallinarum in different regions of Asia. Neoschoengastia gallinarum is widely distributed in Asia, preferentially parasitising birds, and heavy infestations have clinical impacts on domestic fowl. In common with other trombiculid mites, the genetic diversity and potential variation in host preferences or pathology induced by N. gallinarum are poorly understood. This study aimed to unravel the geographical variation and population structure of N. gallinarum collected from galliform birds in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand by inference from concatenated mitochondrial-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and nuclear-encoded internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 18S ribosomal DNA gene sequences, including a comparison with previously published data from southeastern China. Our multi-locus sequence analysis revealed three monophyletic clades comprising (A) specimens from Peninsular Malaysia, (B) the samples from Thailand together with a minority of Chinese sequences, and (C) the majority of sequences from China. Similarly, most species delimitation approaches divided the specimens into three operational taxonomic units. Analysis of molecular variance revealed 96.41% genetic divergence between Malaysian and Thai populations, further supported by the absence of gene flow (Nm = 0.01). In conclusion, despite the two countries sharing a land border, populations of N. gallinarum from Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand appear to be genetically segregated and may represent distinct cryptic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoschoengastia gallinarum is widely distributed in Asia, preferentially parasitising birds, and heavy infestations have clinical impacts on domestic fowl. In common with other trombiculid mites, the genetic diversity and potential variation in host preferences or pathology induced by N. gallinarum are poorly understood. This study aimed to unravel the geographical variation and population structure of N. gallinarum collected from galliform birds in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand by inference from concatenated mitochondrial-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and nuclear-encoded internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 18S ribosomal DNA gene sequences, including a comparison with previously published data from southeastern China. Our multi-locus sequence analysis revealed three monophyletic clades comprising (A) specimens from Peninsular Malaysia, (B) the samples from Thailand together with a minority of Chinese sequences, and (C) the majority of sequences from China. Similarly, most species delimitation approaches divided the specimens into three operational taxonomic units. Analysis of molecular variance revealed 96.41% genetic divergence between Malaysian and Thai populations, further supported by the absence of gene flow (N m = 0.01). In conclusion, despite the two countries sharing a land border, populations of N. gallinarum from Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand appear to be genetically segregated and may represent distinct cryptic species.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of non-essential heavy metals which is released into environment naturally or anthropogenically. It is highly persistent toxic metals that are exceptionally distressing industrial and agriculture activities by contaminating soil, water and food. Its long-duration endurance in soil and water results in accumulation and uptake into plants, leading to the food chain. This becomes a serious global problem threatening humans and animals as food chain components. Living organisms, especially humans, are exposed to Cd through plants as one of the main vegetative food sources. This review paper is concentrated on the symptoms of the plants affected by Cd toxicity. The absorption of Cd triggers several seen and unseen symptoms by polluted plants such as stunted growth, chlorosis, necrosis and wilting. Apart from that, factors that affect the uptake and translocation of Cd in plants are elaborated to understand the mechanism that contributes to its accumulation. By insight of Cd accumulation, this review also discussed the phytoremediation techniques-phytoextraction, phytostimulation, phytostabilization, phytovolatization and rhizofiltration in bioremediating the Cd.