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Genetic diversity was assessed among 53 Indian garlic accessions using SSR markers. Initially, 24 SSR primer pairs were used for screening three selected garlic accessions. Out of 24 SSR primer pairs, 10 primer pairs which consistently showed good amplification and polymorphism were selected for DNA profiling. SSR primer pairs showed PIC values ranging from 0.30 to 0.99. Based on AMOVA we found that the greater part of the genetic diversity was expected due to intra population with 84% variation and only 16% of variation was due to among populations suggesting presence of genetic structure. The results of cluster analysis and principal component analysis largely correspond to each other. Population structure analysis revealed genetic differentiation of accessions. The results of present study revealed existence of significant variability in Indian garlic germplasm.

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The quality of groundwater is poorly understood in the arid northwest part of Rajasthan, whereas it is the only source of drinking and irrigation and the residents consume it without any prior treatment. This study illustrates the qualitative analysis of groundwater and its suitability in the bulk samples collected from three different canal catchment areas. Most of the samples were identified for higher values of EC, TDS, TH and fluoride, therefore considered posing restriction to drinking use. The abundance of major ions was found in the order of Na + > Ca +2 > Mg +2 > K + = Cl − > HCO 3 − > SO 4 −2 > NO 3 − > F −. The irrigation quality parameters such as sodium adsorption ratio, %Na, residual sodium carbonate, residual sodium bicarbonate, Kelley's index, potential salinity, magnesium hazard, Mg/Ca ratio and permeability index were calculated and discussed thoroughly in combination with Wilcox, USSL and Doneen diagrams. Most of the samples belong to predominant Cl − and Na + in hydrogeochemical studies. According to USSL diagram, majority of the samples fall under C 4 S 1 class. Furthermore, groundwater chemistry was found mainly influenced by evaporation-crystallization in Gibbs variation diagram. This study suggested that groundwater is unsafe for drinking purpose without purification and quality measures should be considered while cropping in its irrigation use.

Polyblend films were prepared from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) up to 20% PLLA by the melt blending method in an extrusion mixer with post-extrusion blown film attachment. The 80/20 (HDPE/PLLA) blend was compatibilized with maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA) in varying ratios [up to 8 parts per hundred of resin (phr)]. Tensile properties of the films were evaluated to obtain optimized composition for packaging applications of both non-compatibilized and compatibilized blends. The compositions HDPE80 (80% HDPE and 20% PLLA) and HD80C4 (80% HDPE, 20% PLLA and 4 phr compatibilizer) were found to be optimum for packaging applications. However, better tensile strength (at yield) and elongation (at break) of 80/20 (HDPE/PLLA) blend were noticed in the presence of PE-g-MA. Further, thermal properties and morphologies of these blends were evaluated. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study revealed that blending does not much affect the crystalline melting point of HDPE and PLLA, but heat of fusion of 80/20 (HDPE/PLLA) blend was decreased as compared to that of neat HDPE. Spectroscopy studies showed evidence of the introduction of some new groups in the blends and gaining compatibility in the presence of PE-g-MA. The compatibilizer influenced the morphology of the blends, as apparent from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and supported by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR).