The study assessed the variations in morphologically, physiologically and anatomically distinct traits of wild rice species in Sri Lanka; O. nivara, O. rufipogon, O. eichingeri, O. rhizomatis and O. granulata, which could be useful in rice breeding. The wild rice species were grown in a common garden, and the morphological traits were measured soon after heading. The results showed qualitative parameters such as the panicle type, awning, stigma colour, lemma and palea pubescence, seed coat colour, blade pubescence and ligule shape, are distinctive among the five species and are promising characters in their field identification. ANOVA revealed that the quantitative traits, such as flag leaf length, flag leaf width, culm length, culm diameter, panicle length, 100 grain weight and plant height are useful for further confirmation of species. The highest net photosynthetic rate (5.86 µmol m -2 s -1 ), high cluster width of the base (61.4 µm), and trichome density (184.33 per 25 mm 2 area) were observed in O. rufipogon compared to the rest, and such desirable traits are effective in rice breeding. Moreover, transpiration rates, stomatal conductance and substomatal CO 2 concentration are ideal physiological traits to be considered in super rice breeding. Significant correlations were observed between transpiration and photosynthesis processes. Thus, our study provides a clear picture on habitat preferences, life cycle, distinctive morphologies and diverse functional traits to be effectively used in field identification and future utilisation of wild relatives of rice in the plant breeding programmes.

Statistical process control (SPC) monitors specified quality characteristics of a product or service to detect whether the process has changed in a way that would affect product quality and to measure the current quality of products or services. This study introduces several applications on multivariate process control in the rubber industry employing the factory data in the Dartonfield estate of the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka (RRI). Multivariate process control was applied to consider two or more variables simultaneously. In this study multivariate techniques were done for the application of bleaching agents, sodium bisulphate and acids in the process of crepe rubber production.

Introduction Dietary intake plays an important role in determining body mass index (BMI) and glycemic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our aim was to describe habitual dietary intake and its associations with BMI and glycemic profile in a cohort of patients with newly diagnosed T2DM in Sri Lanka. Methods A cross‐sectional study was carried out among 158 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM in Galle, Sri Lanka. Data on demographic, lifestyle, and family history of diabetes mellitus, and clinical measures were collected. The dietary information was collected using a 24‐h dietary recall. Results Among the total number of study subjects, only 12.0%, 5.7% and 1.3% met the recommended daily consumption value of protein, fat, and fiber, respectively, whereas 99.4% of subjects had taken carbohydrates that exceeded the recommended consumption. There was a positive association between carbohydrate intake and BMI (0.004, [0.002], p = .048) and carbohydrate intake and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (0.001, [0.000], p = .049). Fat intake showed positive associations with BMI (0.029, [0.011], p = .006) and HbA1C (0.005, [0.002], p = .050). Protein intake showed a positive association with HbA1C (0.006, [0.003], p = .023). The aforementioned associations were observed after adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and history of diabetes among the first‐degree family members. The carbohydrate intake was positively associated with BMI (0.010, [0.003], p = .003) and HbA1C (0.001, [0.000], p = .050) with further adjustment in nutrient intake (except when used as an independent variable). Furthermore, the fat intake was associated with BMI (0.031, [0.011], p = .004) and HbA1C (0.005 [0.002], p = .050) with additional adjustments. Conclusions The diet of the majority of newly diagnosed T2DM patients in this cohort consisted of a higher carbohydrate intake than the recommended level. However, they did not meet the recommended daily intake of protein, fat, and fiber. Both carbohydrate and fat intake were significantly and positively associated with BMI and HbA1C in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM.