Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding

**Identification of plus trees through morpho-biochemical characterization in tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)**

2025-04-08T10:50:43+00:00

Morpho-biochemical characterization was conducted to identify superior genotypes (plus trees) of Tamarindus indica L. across diverse agro-climatic zones in Palakkad, Kerala. Thirty seedling-origin trees were evaluated for 28 morphological traits and five biochemical parameters. Significant phenotypic variation was observed across all assessed traits, indicating substantial genetic diversity within the population. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between pod weight, pod length, and seed weight per pod and fibre percentage (p < 0.05), while spread of corolla exhibited significant correlation with fibre percentage and TSS. Hierarchical cluster analysis categorized the genotypes into four distinct groups, with Cluster I demonstrating superior yield and quality attributes. Five elite genotypes (KTJ 166, KTJ 164, KTJ 162, KTJ 174, and KTJ 165) were identified as plus trees based on comprehensive trait evaluation. KTJ 166 exhibited exceptional pod characteristics, including maximum pod weight (42.17 g), pod length (24.08 cm), seed weight per pod (13.82 g), and seeds per pod (10.13). KTJ 162 demonstrated superior pulp percentage (55.8%) and total antioxidant capacity (55.78 mg AAE/g), while KTJ 48 recorded the highest total soluble solids (85.97°Brix) and total sugar content (41%). These identified elite genotypes represent valuable germplasm for breeding programs, offering significant potential for genetic improvement of yield, nutritional quality, and commercial traits in tamarind.

Keywords: Tamarind, correlation, floral characters, hierarchical clustering, morpho-biochemical characters, pod weight

Studies on changes in the cellular pattern of cryopreserved explants of Saccharum spp and sugarcane cultivar

2025-04-08T10:50:43+00:00

Cryopreserved samples in sugarcane generally require a long culturing period and can experience unexpected stress due to ultra-low freezing temperatures. This study aims to investigate the factors that hinder long-term storage by examining the anatomical changes that occur during the cryopreservation of meristem-derived axillary buds in sugarcane. Light microscopy was employed to analyze the microstructure of both cryopreserved and non-cryopreserved samples. The meristem-derived axillary buds from Saccharum spontaneum clones (IND 2019 2045 and IND 2019 2035) and the sugarcane cultivar Co 11015 were cross sectioned at various time intervals: 24 hours, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days after treatment with Liquid Nitrogen (LN) and subsequent rewarming procedures. This analysis aimed to infer the changes in cellular structures due to cryopreservation. The cross-sections of the meristem-derived axillary buds displayed damage to the epidermal and hypodermal regions at different treatment and rewarming durations. Additionally, vascular bundles were found to be highly disorganized and collapsed. The ultra-low temperature freezing likely contributed to ice nucleation within the cells, leading to the destruction of cellular integrity. Among the clones evaluated, Co 11015 demonstrated less damage compared to IND 2019 2045 and IND 2019 2035, suggesting that the commercial cultivar possesses a better capacity to withstand cryoinjury. Furthermore, utilizing analytical tools will enhance our understanding of the harm inflicted on biological tissues by cryopreservation. This knowledge will enable us to refine protocols for the successful regeneration of plantlets, ensuring the long-term conservation of germplasm.

Keywords: Cryopreservation, Light Microscopy, Meristem derived axillary buds, Sugarcane.

**Development of multiple disease resistant pre-breeding lines through interspecific hybridization between greengram (Vigna radiata) and ricebean (Vigna umbellatta)**

2025-04-08T10:50:43+00:00

The present study involves interspecific hybridization between ricebean (RBL 35) and six greengram varieties viz., CO6, CO7, CO8, VBN 2, VBN 3 and VBN 4. Successful interspecific hybrids were obtained from two crosses viz., CO 6 x RBL 35 and CO 8 x RBL 35. A total of 13 contrasting morphological characters among the parents were used for characterization of the interspecific hybrids. The traits viz., germination type, hypocotyl colour, leaf colour, terminal leaflet shape, growth pattern, inflorescence type, pod colour, pod pubescence, seed shape and hilum type were identified as dominant traits and were transmitted from ricebean, served as good indicators for earmarking true greengram x ricebean interspecific hybrids.The hybrids obtained from the cross CO 8 x RBL 35 were found to be completely sterile. However, the partial fertile hybrid with 5.60 per cent pollen fertility was obtained in the cross CO6 x RBL 35 with poor pod set. The seeds obtained from the above cross were advanced and found with an improvement of pollen fertility in F₆ generation (80 %).The progenies were screened for four major diseases in five different seasons and was found to be resistant to yellow mosaic, powdery mildew, leaf crinkle and cercospora leaf spot diseases. Hence, the pre - breeding lines developed in this study could be used as donor for introgression of resistant genes into greengram.

Keywords: Interspecific hybridization, greengram, ricebean, Vigna radiata, V. umbellata

**Stability analysis for seed yield and its attributing traits in advanced breeding lines of blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]**

2025-04-08T10:50:44+00:00

Blackgram plays a significant role in Indian food as a supplement to cereal based diet. It contains three times higher protein than cereals. In India, unavailability of stable and high yielding varieties is a major issue in blackgram. Yield is a quantitative character and is significantly influenced by environment. A study was carried out with 18 genotypes during kharif season (2021) at four locations (Sehore, Gwalior, Barwani and Jhabua) to determine stable genotypes of blackgram by Eberhart and Russell approach for 12 yield and its attributing traits. The genotypes RVSU 22-6, RVSU 22-8, RVSU 22-12, Indira URD 1 (C) and IU 94-1 were found to be most stable and adapted to the diverse environments and could be included in the hybridization program to converge the stability characteristics of grain yield for the development of stable cultivar adapted to a wide range of environments.

Keywords: Blackgram, Eberhart and Russell, stability

Genetic evaluation of climate resilient sugarcane clones under waterlogged condition

2025-04-08T10:50:44+00:00

Waterlogging, an abiotic stress situation, affects sugarcane yields by 15-20 percent. The present study sought to identify sugarcane clones suitable for waterlogging conditions. Fifteen climate resilient sugarcane clones and three standard check varieties were evaluated under waterlogged as well as normal conditions at Kalyanpur Research farm, RPCAU, in a alpha lattice. Variance analysis revealed that the studied characters differ significantly among resilient sugarcane clones under waterlogging conditions. High variability was found for cane height at maturity. Commercial Cane Sugar(t/ha) had high GCV and the trait, number of nodes with aerial roots had higher PCV under waterlogged conditions. Less variability was observed for all quality traits such as brix, purity, and sucrose percent at 10 and 12 months, CCS%, Pol percent cane and juice extraction percent at harvest. High to moderate heritability along with moderate genetic advance was found for majority of the traits indicating that the choice of these characters will be suitable for successful crop improvement. Commercial cane sugar (t/ha) had high heritability and high genetic advance which suggests that direct selection for this character can be indicator under waterlogged conditions.

Keywords: Sugarcane, Climate Resilience, Waterlogging, Heritability, GCV, PCV, Genetic Advance

Rice kernel morphometrics: Exploring the physical dimensions of indigenous traditional landrace diversity through physio metric studies

2025-04-08T10:50:44+00:00

Development and widespread adoption of modern rice varieties has led bottlenecking of many beneficial alleles and there is a significant decline in the cultivation of traditional landraces, which results in substantial loss of genetic diversity. The varied consumer preference in terms of eating habit and other preparations in rice sustains the diversity in the grains. Hence, present day market trend in rice revolves around the choice of consumers which are mainly based on the physical characteristics of rice. To categorize rice based on kernel characteristics, in this study, a total of 500 rice genotypes were taken for assessing the physical properties of kernel viz., seed length, seed width, length/width ratio, seed thickness, bulk density, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, aspect ratio and hundred seed weight. All the traits exhibited ample amount of significant variations (P<0.05). High GCV was exhibited by bulk density and high heritability was observed by hundred seed weight, seed thickness, bulk density and seed width indicating that these traits were highly influenced by genetic factor and less influence of environment. Among these traits, hundred seed weight, seed thickness, bulk density and seed width exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean indicating the additive gene action and amenable for selection. Principal component analysis observed that the first three principle components explained most of the total variations present in the studied genotypes. Specifically, the first principal component (PC1) contributed the most, representing 35.24% of the variability followed by PC2 and PC3. In view of size and shape, most rice genotypes exhibited kernels that were predominantly short and narrow, succeeded by those that were short and of medium width. To categorise the seed diversity among the kernels of landraces, Mahalanobis D2 statistics analysis was performed. Based on this the 500 rice landraces were grouped into five distinct clusters. Among the clusters, the Cluster II predominantly comprised kernels of medium and short lengths, medium widths. In contrast, Cluster V predominantly featured grains of very short lengths, narrow to very narrow widths. From the five clusters, four genotypes per cluster emphasising high mean value for bold and slender shape were selected for observation of cooking quality traits. During cooking, grain expands in all the dimensions but usually more in length. The gelatinization temperature based on alkali digestion values showed that 16 rice genotypes had low alkali spreading values, leading to stickier rice. Meanwhile, four genotypes exhibited intermediate alkali spreading values, which are preferred for parboiling. Therefore, an understanding on the kernel architecture and grouping them based on the physical dimensions like seed thickness, seed width, and bulk density, as well as kernel colour along with hundred seed weight will be useful in formulating breeding programme for kernel traits or consumer preferences. This selection aimed to align breeding goals with market needs, guaranteeing economic feasibility and sustainability in rice farming.

Keywords: Rice, physical properties,variability, principle components, diversity, cooking traits

**Multivariate analysis and multitrait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) for selection of promising genotypes under drought stress in post rainy sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)**

2025-04-08T10:50:44+00:00

The primary impediment to sorghum productivity in rabi conditions worldwide is drought. This study aimed to identify drought-tolerant lines from a germplasm set of 156 accessions which includes the elite breeding lines from institutes all over India using drought tolerance indices. Study was conducted during the rabi 2022-23 season at AICRP on Sorghum, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. Results indicated a significant reduction in mean yield under moisture stress conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between yield under stress (Y_S) and indices such as the stress tolerance index (STI), geometric mean productivity (GMP), mean productivity (MP), mean relative performance (MRP), harmonic mean (HM), and yield index (YI), validating their effectiveness in selecting drought-tolerant genotypes. Cluster analysis sorted the germplasms into five clusters, differentiating tolerant and susceptible lines. Additionally, MGIDI analysis pinpointed lines G72, G78, G4, G100, and G135 as the most drought-tolerant based on multiple indices and yield under stress, suggesting their potential as valuable pre-breeding material for future breeding programs aimed at improving drought resilience in sorghum.

Keywords: Rabi Sorghum, Drought tolerance indices, Principal component, MGIDI

Asessment of elite Indian wheat genotypes for drought tolerance

2025-04-08T10:50:44+00:00

To understand the plasticity of adaptation to different environmental conditions, eighteen elite wheat genotypes were evaluated for two seasons (2017-18 and 2018-19) under water-stress and controlled environments at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Regional station, Indore, India. Combined analysis of variance for grain yield under both water regimes showed that effects due to the water regimes, environment and genotype all interactions were found to be significant. Genotypes viz., NI 5439, HI 8791and HI 1531 were found to perform stable under both water regimes with high mean yield. Based on PCA biplot and GGE biplot analysis it is evident that genotypes HI 8793, HI 8790 and HI 1619 were the highly adapted, most stable and high yielding genotypes. HI 8791, HI 1531, NI 5439, HI 8793, HI 8790 and HI 1619 were identified to be stable for grain yield and can be utilized further in the breeding program for climate resilient wheat varieties development.

Keywords: Wheat, Drought, GGE biplot, PCA, yield

Selection of high-yielding and stable sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) clones across diverse seasons using WAASB and MGIDI methods

2025-04-08T10:50:45+00:00

Sugarcane is an important crop that significantly contributes to the production of sugar, jaggery, and bioethanol worldwide. One of the major challenges sugarcane breeders face is identifying superior clones that possess a combination of desirable agronomic and quality traits. This study evaluated the performance of 11 sugarcane clones across first plant, second plant and ratoon crops using the Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 growing seasons at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle. Mean yield, phenotypic stability, and the ideotype distance among the clones were assessed by utilizing weighted average absolute scores of the Best Linear Unbiased Predictor stability index and the multi-trait genotype ideotype distance index (MGIDI). The results indicated that two clones, G3 (2017A236), and G2 (2017A65), exhibited stable yield performance across seasons, as evidenced by the WAASB biplot and WAASBY scores. Based on the MGIDI index, clones G3 (2017A236) and G2 (2017A65) were identified as demonstrating consistent performance across eleven yield and quality traits. The strength-weakness design analysis suggested that selected clones are shows weak contribution to all adoptable traits. Hence, these clones are considered to near ideal plant type, indicating their potential as superior elite lines for utilization in breeding programs.

Keywords: Sugarcane, BLUP, WAASB, WAASBY and MGIDI

AMMI analysis of G × E interaction and identification of fodder cowpea genotypes for phosphorus deficient condition

2025-04-08T10:50:45+00:00

Phosphorus (P) deficiency affects the productivity of fodder legumes and smallholder farmers do not have the resources to purchase Phosphate fertilizers. An alternative solution to the problem of P deficiency is the development of genotypes with the ability to perform well in P-deficient soils. In the present investigation, genotype ´ environment interaction (GEI) was assessed in 45 fodder cowpea genotypes for green fodder yield over two seasons under four phosphorus levels to identify stable high-yielding genotypes. Combined analysis of variance revealed that environmental factors (76.20 %) were the primary source of variation, followed by genotype (14.89 %) and G ´ E effects (8.47 %). The AMMI model for G ´ E interaction showed that the first two interaction principal components (IPCA1 and IPCA2) were highly significant. IPCA1 and IPCA2 contributed 51.00 % and 15.50 % of total G ´ E interaction variability. AMMI biplot showed differential interaction of the genotypes in different environmental conditions. Based on these two significant IPCAs, AMMI stability value (ASV) was calculated, that ranged from 0.21 to 7.24. In rabi season, genotypes MFC-18-4, MFC-09-1, IFC-9304, UPC-804, MFC-18-8, F-6R-211-184-2 were found to be stable for green fodder yield in phosphorus deficient condition. Genotypes UPC-2001, EC-402154 and UPC-618 were suitable for phosphorus deficient condition during kharif season and recorded stable green fodder yield. Based on ASV parameter, UPC-2001, UPC-805, UPC-804, UPC-4200, FD-739 were identified as the most stable and high-yielding genotypes. Identifying such phosphorus-efficient genotypes can ensure improved yields despite lower phosphorus inputs, reducing the cost for farmers and making agriculture more economically sustainable in resource-limited environments.

Keywords: Fodder cowpea, G ´ E interaction, Phosphorus deficiency, AMMI, ASV

Assessment of genetic variability for intraspecific hybrid derived from muskmelon and Mangalore melon (Arka Siri × SS-17)

2025-04-08T10:50:43+00:00

Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is a globally valued crop, particularly under hot and dry weather. Its nutritional richness and culinary versatility make it a significant horticultural commodity. However, challenges in shelf life motivate genetic enhancements, including cross-breeding with Mangalore melon (culinary melons) known for their extended shelf life. Understanding genetic variability, heritability, and gene action is pivotal for targeted breeding. The F₃ generation of the intraspecific cross Arka Siri x SS-17 was studied for quantitative traits like vine length, fruit attributes, yield parameters, and shelf life. The significant variation observed in fruit yield, average fruit weight, and shelf life within the F₃ families provides a diverse genetic pool from which superior lines can be selected and bred for improved Muskmelon varieties. Traits like vine length, fruit length, and average fruit weight showed strong genetic basis with high heritability and genetic advance and hence could be improved by direct selection. Fruit width and flesh thickness were observed to have a positive correlation with yield. Average fruit weight emerged as a key trait directly impacting yield, guiding breeding strategies. Although shelf life showed negative correlations with some traits, its indirect effect on yield through average fruit weight suggests opportunities for improvement while maintaining or enhancing yield. The study highlights significant genetic variability in the hybrid population, particularly in traits influencing yield and shelf life. This information guides targeted breeding efforts to develop improved muskmelon varieties meeting market demands effectively.

Keywords: Muskmelon, GCV, PCV, correlation

Genetic variability studies in selected genotypes of khirni (Manilkara hexandra)

2025-04-08T10:50:43+00:00

Khirni is one of the minor fruit crop of tropics. It is a well–known for medicinal and commercial importance. Totally, twenty six khirni genotypes were evaluated for yield, yield contributing characters and bio-chemical features during 2022-2023 at Department of Fruit Science, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, to estimate the extent of genotypic and phenotypic variability among them. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all studied traits. The magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was greater than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the character. High PCV and GCV (>20%) were recorded for average yield per tree, number of flowers per fascicle, seed weight, number of leaves per seedling and seedling vigour. Low expression of phenotypic coefficient of variation (<10%) were observed for acidity followed by total sugars, vitamin C, reducing sugars and non reducing sugars. High heritability (>90%) estimates were obtained for average yield per tree, vitamin C, seedling vigour, length of seedling, total sugars, reducing sugars, germination percent, seed weight, non reducing sugars and fruit weight. The highest genetic advance was also observed for the average yield per tree, seed weight and seedling vigour. Based on yield and yield-contributing traits, as well as germination studies, the genotypes MGK-31 and MGK-60were identified as promising for future khirni breeding improvement programs.

Keywords: Khirni, Manilkara hexandra, genotypes, variability, yield

**Harnessing heterosis in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)**

2025-04-08T10:50:43+00:00

A study was undertaken to examine the extent of heterosis and to identify promising parents and superior crosses in eggplant for yield and its component traits. The experiment consisted of 36 hybrids generated by half diallel mating, nine parents and a standard check. The trial was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications at the research farm, School of Agriculture, LPU, Punjab, during the kharif season of 2022-2023. Analysis of mean squares for 10 traits revealed significant variations among the entries. Heterotic effects, including heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis, exhibited a broad range indicating extensive heterosis for various traits. The hybrid JBR-3 x JBR-5 proved to be the top performer, displaying the highest heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for total fruit yield per plant, followed by JBL-1 x JBR-5, JBR-4 x JBR-5, JBR-1 x JBR-5, and JBR-5 x JBR-6. The combination JBR-3 x JBR-5 showcased the highest positive and significant standard heterosis for total yield per plant (154.49%) and also exhibited notable negative heterosis for days to 50% flowering (-20.37%), days to first picking (-8.61%), and fruit borer infestation (-40.08%). These factors are vital for leveraging heterosis to improve earliness and resistance in brinjal cultivation. The F₁ hybrid JBR-3 x JBR-5, demonstrating a notable capacity for high yield, holds promise for potential commercial cultivation after further assessment

Keywords: Brinjal, Half-diallel, heterosis, fruit borer

**Assessment of combining ability for seed yield and component traits in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.)**

2025-04-08T10:50:44+00:00

A study involving hybrids developed by crossing eight Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) lines in diallel fashion, excluding reciprocals, was taken up during Rabi 2022-23, to investigate their combining ability for yield and contributing traits. It was observed that the mean squares attributed to genotypes, encompassing parents, crosses and parents vs. crosses, were statistically significant for all examined attributes. Furthermore, both GCA and SCA components of variance were identified as statistically significant across all the examined attributes. Notably, the genotypes BPR-540-6, BRIJRAJ and DRMR-1165-40 were observed to be good general combiners for seed yield and other yield-attributing traits, indicating their potential utility in breeding programs. The estimates of SCA revealed that specific combining ability effects were both significant and positive for seed yield/plant in the cross combinations of DRMR-150-35 × KRANTI, BRIJRAJ × RH-725 and DRMR-2059 × KRANTI. Based on the per se performance and the noteworthy specific combining ability effect for seed yield/plant, it is recommended that the hybrids DRMR-150-35 × KRANTI and BRIJRAJ × RH-725 be leveraged in heterosis breeding or recombination breeding endeavors to attain higher seed yields.

Keywords: Mustard, diallel mating, GCA, SCA

**Multivariate insights into selection Indices of farmers’ pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense L.) varieties from Vindhyan zone, Uttar Pradesh**

2025-04-08T10:50:44+00:00

Variability is the prerequisite for selection of superior traits and parents. Multivariate analysis acts as an aid to the process of selection indices. Therefore, twenty-two farmers’ varieties of pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense L.) of Vindhyan zone, Uttar Pradesh were studied at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.). The varieties were grown in randomized block design (RBD) during Rabi, 2019-20 and Rabi, 2020-21. The data obtained on 11 traits for the two consecutive years were pooled for principal component (PC) analyses. The result revealed that the four principal components (PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4) had eigen value greater than unity. They contributed a total of 78.68% of variance. Days to maturity, pod length, pod width, number of effective nodes and yield per plant exhibited maximum variability for the characters, which can be exploited to a greater extent. Days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and harvest index had positive correlation with yield per plant. Number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant and pod length exhibited negative association with yield per plant. Hence, selection of these traits could be useful to increase the productivity in farmers’ pea varieties. To the farmers’ varieties viz., PMKK-232 and PKKK-227 could be selected in PC1 for future breeding programme.

Keywords: Pea, PCA, Farmers’ varieties, Multivariate analysis

**Assessment of combining ability and genetic parameters for yield and fiber traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) using Line × Tester analysis**

2025-04-08T10:50:44+00:00

Seed cotton yield and fiber quality are two critical parameters that fundamentally define the economic and industrial value of cotton. The present work focused on improving cotton genotypes both for yield and quality parameters through intraspecific crosses. Estimation of combining ability parameters for forty-five Gossypium hirsutum genotypes employed the Line × Tester mating design. Significant (p≤0.01) differences in mean squares values were observed across all studied traits for the genotypes. Regarding parental lines, P2-103 and P1-190 demonstrated the highest positive general combining ability (gca) effects for seed cotton yield per plant, boll weight, and number of bolls per plant, thereby being identified as exceptional combiners. From the comprehensive set of forty-five crosses, P1-62×Suraksha and P2-36×Subiksha emerged with notable positive specific combining ability (sca) effects across multiple traits. Non-additive genetic variance (σ²D) predominantly exceeded additive genetic variance (σ²A) for most traits, suggesting potential exploitation of superior cross combinations through heterosis breeding strategies.

Keywords: Cotton, Line x Tester, combining ability, GCA, SCA